I Met A Stranger Online

Part 8: Missed Calls

Josh processed the word throughout the game. He couldn't focus. He is trying to forget the word. Trying so hard that he didn't notice he has been feeding the entire game. The game slipped on his mind, he just keep on touching buttons. Go in here, farm in there, attack the enemy, and die in a clash. He just can't focus. However, by some miracle they won the game.

"G na ba?", Justin asked.

"Wait lang po.", Josh responded feeling the butterflies in his stomach a little tingly. He then rushed through the sink and brush his teeth and clean his face. Then, did a little combing of his hair. He placed his tumbler by his bedside lamp in case he needed a water.

Jumping through his bed ne snatched his phone and saw that it is already 12 midnight. He didn't think it is already late and he was away for almost 30 minutes. Unlocking his phone, he saw series of messages and missed calls from Justin.

"G na ba talaga?"

"Andyan ka pa ba?"

"Oi. Tinulugan mo na ba ako?"

"Sige. Goodnight na nga. Daya mo tinulugan mo ako."

"Ay. Natulog nga talaga siya. Sweet dreams."

"Sige matulog ka na. Pahinga na din ako. Pero ang daya talaga. I love you."

Those messages made Josh smile and blush. He got used to teasing with I love you. Staring at the ceiling he imagined Justin saying I love you, the way he would say those words. The way his lips would move. And the way Josh would instantly say I love you, too and smile. No, I mean, it is the usual response. Slowly, he closed his eyes and fall asleep.

                                                                                  X X X

Josh is standing in front of an unknown house. In a moment, a man came out of the door, spreading his arms, walking towards Josh. To his surprise, the man is, Justin, smiling and excited to envelope his arms to Josh's body. He felt shy hugging in a street, spinning his head looking for there might be someone around. Suddenly, Justin lift his head towards him and slowly Justin lower his head for a kiss. In shock of the moment Josh pushed Justin, Justin stopped and asked, why. "Nothing, I am just worried that someone might be around, and it is our first time seeing each other face to face." "You are kidding me, we have been together for 2 years.", Justin responded with a proud face. Still processing the news, Josh tiptoed and hang his arms to Justin's neck teasing. Slowly, Justin lift Josh's head and kissed him again. Justin slid his arms on Josh hips, to move him closer. There he can hear his heartbeat racing. Moving Justin lips in rhythm with Josh's lips. Justin kissed Josh as if tomorrow is never promised and it keeps Josh catch his breath taking all the kisses. Little by little, Justin stopped kissing Josh, as their heads apart Justin smiled and said I love you. The butterflies in his stomach started to grow and lift Josh up to the sky and made him blush while saying I love you, too.

We both know, there is no end for us.

                                                                                      X X X

Josh opened his eyes living in euphoria feeling that this day will be great. With all smiles, he immediately fix himself for work. Along the way, he apologizes to Justin and explained and embarrassed of what he did last night. Luckily, Justin was not mad and let that missed videocall go.

Josh had his breakfast alone by the window side, seeing the nearby building and passerby go. Rushing to be on time for work and school. He placed his laptop and by the time he opened it there will be no turning back to all reality but only to working papers and to dos for the day.

He set his phone on the side, to show text messages and to his surprise he saw a message from Justin, saying Good morning. Smile.

It will be a great day, assuring and claiming it.

Night fall, yet love, stays still.

It is already past 8 o'clock yet Josh is still in the office, footing and cross-referencing, Ugh, why? losing hope that he will finish at 9:00 PM. Comments, tick marks, add an explanation, explain further, can not refer losing every ounce of hope he had. He will not definitely finish it on time and to think that the client is adopting full PFRS for the first time. This is hopeless.

Caught on messaging Justin or to continue his work, Josh take a break by taking a walk through the pantry and find something to eat.

Missing his friends for they are on a fieldwork, he ate by himself with a cap of noodles and a toast. His will give up in any minute but he is trying not to. Seeing passerby come and go running home, he misses home and Justin. He immediately grabs his phone and types, next time na lang tayo maglaro. Busy pa sa work. ☹ About to press send, the screen turned to say Justin Vasquez is calling.

Frozen, in disbelief of what he is reading he answered the call.

"Hi." with an awkward smile. "Let me just get my earphones. Wait. And why is my camera on?" Josh rushed for his bag and snatched his earphones while murmuring words of annoyance.

"Hello, you are back." Justin teased Josh.

"Sorry, about that and sorry for my face. For you just called, ano ba."

"Nah, my bad as well. I called without asking. Well, I just miss you..." feeling shy.

"Ngek, araw-araw kaya tayong nag-lalaro."

"Pero hindi naman kita nakikita."

Josh laughed at the remark, this is the first time that he got to see Justin, not counting the times he stalks his Facebook and Instagram account. With his unruly wet hair, it feels like he just got out of the restroom after taking a bath for he is just wearing a white sando. Smirking and acting cute while staring at Josh then he just suddenly asked "Pwede ba akong manligaw?"