Rewriting Fate (Good Girls Series #5)

Chapter 36: Inside The Velvet Box

"Therefore, our investigation leads us into a realization that small things are all essential, because these will lead us to the huge knowledge that one has to know." I stared at Blaze while he's talking but when he looked back at me, I avoided.

We are on the mini platform and we are being asked by the panel. Ilan sa mga kilala kong panelist ay sina Professor Han, Tito Brent at Tita Tanya. They were all strict kaya kinakabahan ako. I did my best to give my 100% focus on them and our topic.

"And the investigation says that what happened to Felexys is a tragic fate. In spite of the young age, she died because of the arson in Veronimo's building." I said. I am looking straight at Professor Han who's seriously looking at us.

"Good job," she smiled afterwards and clapped her hands. The other panelists clapped their hands as well. I smiled a bit and bowed my head, gano'n din naman ang ginawa ni Blaze. Nagpasalamat pa kami bago lumabas ng auditorium. I heaved a sigh and held my coat.

"We're now done." Blaze whispered, watching another pair of Justice Class students entering the auditorium. "Does it mean we have no reason to see each other often?" he asked, napahawak ako sa dibdib at kinabahan nang maalala ko ang nangyari kanina.

Why am I so reckless? Bakit ba kailangan ko magpadalos-dalos?!

And about his question earlier... I felt my cheeks burning kaya tumalikod ako sa kanya at nag-pretend na hinahanap si Kia.

"We still have Justice Class. 'Tsaka, p-project lang naman 'to, 'd-di ba?" Sheez, why am I stuttering?!

Luminga ako sa paligid but I stopped when he held my hand. I looked at him, I saw how serious he is right now. Napaiwas ako ng tingin at tumungo but he held my chin and lifted it to see my face clearly. His gray eyes were looking at me intensely, his eyes were searching for something in me.

"About my question earlier, Shanice." He whispered. Napakagat naman ako sa ibabang labi at umiwas ulit ng tingin. This time, hindi na niya ako pinilit tumingin sa kanya. "There's no pressure in it, I can guarantee you that. I am so sorry, I was just carried away. I promise I will be extra careful next time and would not say something that can bother you any---"

"Sshh," I whispered softly and shook my head. "It's fine, stop apologizing."

"Sor---" he stopped, na-realize niya sigurong mali siya kaya napangiti ako.

"But... can we stay this way, Blaze?" I asked. Kumunot naman ang noo niya ng bahagya, nagulat sa sinabi ko. "I think I am still not ready to commit, parang ayaw ko pang pumasok sa relasyon. I have so many issues with myself and I don't want to share my burden to you."

"That's not what relationship means, Shanice." He replied, looking so serious. "Relationship isn't necessarily about sharing burdens. And you aren't a burden, you will never be." He caressed my hand and smiled. "However, I understand. Just like what I told you, there is no pressure. Gusto kita, mahal kita, and that's what is important right now." my lips slowly formed a smile. I nodded my head and looked down. Nako-conscious ako sa mga taong dumadaan sa harap namin but he tightened his grip on my hand. "Lift your head, babe." He whispered. nagulat ako roon, nanlalaki ang mga mata ko.

What did he call me?

Ramdam ko ang pag-init ng pisngi ko. He just smirked and tilted his head on the left side while staring at me.

"You look so cute." he pinched my right cheek. "Don't be ashamed, sila ang dapat mahiya sa 'yo kasi hinusgahan ka nila agad. And don't worry about the boys who catcalled you yesterday, they were all suspended." Tumango ako. "We cleared your name, lalo na ang Kuya mo. He did his best to find the real video and to trace the edit history."