Trapped
"What's yours, Liz? Frappe? Milk tea?" he asked with a boyish grin.
Napailing nalang ako, at binangit na ang akin. I could almost see a glimmer in his eyes when I agreed that he'd pay.
"I'll have some hot choco, please. Thank you"
He nodded and walked over to the counter.
It's four in the afternoon, and we're here at the café finishing up our project. He offered to buy me a drink as compensation for yesterday.
He didn't arrive until nearly two and a half hours after our scheduled time. We worked for few minutes before deciding to wrap it up since it was getting late.
He kept apologizing since yesterday, he even offered to buy me dinner and go shopping sa kabilang bayan bukas, which I flatly refused. I got no plans in mind since it's weekend, but it's too much.
I worked on our project while waiting for him. So, the time was not squandered, contrary to what he claims. Besides, it's not a big deal. Grado ko rin naman ito, so I don't mind putting in an effort. But he insisted on repaying me for all the trouble. It doesn't seem like he'll give up anytime soon, so I caved and let him buy me a cup to end the discussion.
While waiting for Dylan, my eyes roam around the place. Ngayon ko lang tuluyang napagtuunan ng pansin ang pagkakadisenyo nito. The color scheme is very warm and cozy- the Stonington gray and deep brown complemented with the warm lights and hanging macrame. The café exudes tropical vibes, different from the casual contemporary-styled cafés on our campus.
I was busy admiring the details of this new café when my eyes landed on a group of people, and a familiar figure was among them.
It seems like they are having their afternoon break. There are about six to seven people at their table, and I can recognize most of them from legal management and business administration departments.
Isang lamesa lang ang pagitan namin so I have a clear view of him. He's sipping his americano while his full attention was on the girl beside him. They are busy chatting with each other that they don't seem to mind their friends around them.
I saw him leaning towards Paisley to hear her clearly. Sabay silang napapailing at natatawa sa kanilang pinag-uusapan. This fuels my suspicion.
So they're really dating, huh?
She blushed after Argus whispered something to her. They are way too close to each other that it appears they are afraid that someone will learn their little secret.
Ano ba ang pinag-uusapan nila na hindi pwedeng marinig ng iba? The public places they want to explore?
Napailing nalang ako sa sarili. I know it's rude to stare at people, but I can't help myself. Marahil dahil na rin sa kuryosidad kaya hindi ko maalis ang paningin ko sa kanila. But if they didn't corrupt my mind in the first place, I wouldn't be this nosy.
I tried to divert my attention and look for Dylan. But I saw her giggling at the corner of my eyes. So I instinctively rolled my eyes at them. This is ridiculous. I can't even understand why I'm allowing their presence to affect me.
I reminded myself not to cast another glance in their direction. Pero tila may sariling pag-iisip ang mga mata ko kaya muli akong napasulyap sa kanila. And to my horror, a pair of deep dark eyes met my gaze.
I was stunned by his stare that I suddenly felt numb. His brows began to furrow, and his grins faded away. Even his girlfriend noticed his sudden change of mood kaya napatingin na rin ito sa direksyon ko.
She slightly tugs his sleeves to get his attention back, but his eyes remain fixed on me. I caught a flicker of amusement, but it was quickly replaced by irritation.
Why does he look so pissed? Was it because of the incident yesterday? Well, he's barking up the wrong tree. I have nothing to do with his dating rumors spreading around the campus. And I have no intention of investing my time and energy on telling people what I saw.
You can keep your honorable reputation, Argus. Rest assured, I won't tell a soul how wild you are.
I want to tell him that to stop him from throwing glares in my direction. I tried to act unbothered and equal the intensity his giving me pero habang tumatagal ang kanyang matatalim na mata sa'kin ay para akong nalulusaw. He is too much to handle.
I recognize this kind of dark eyes- they are vicious. I knew it, the moment our eyes met, but I also couldn't deny that his eyes are alluring. I don't like how it makes me feel threatened and thrilled at the same time. They're too addictive, and I think I finally understand why it's easy for her to get lost in reality whenever she's with him.
I know I should avoid those eyes.
I should have pulled away while I could.
Now I can't seem to find the courage to withdraw my gaze. There is something in those eyes that prevents me from drifting away.
I was so consumed by Argus that I was taken aback when Dylan appeared in front of me. Nagtataka ito sa inasal ko, so he tried to trace my gaze. But before he could figure it out, I blurted a stupid question in an attempt to draw his attention.
"I didn't know you were interested in basketball. We'll be having our last practice game this Saturday...Uh, you can come if you want."
Sweat beads slowly trickled down my forehead. I could sense someone's piercing stares across the room, and it's making me uncomfortable.
I've always been calm and composed, but right now, I can't even formulate a decent response.
"You can invite Cheryl and Cleo to join us. Eldon will play too kaya siguradong may makakasama ka. Are you down?"
His smiles faded when he noticed my hesitation. He knows I would decline his invitation.
"I can pick you up so it won't be too much hassle." he said with a reassuring smile.
I kinda feel bad for turning him down almost every time, but I just don't like accepting favors.
I understand how this world works. Everything comes with a price, and I don't want to arrive into a situation where I'll have to pay for something that holds no value.
"I'll try to come next time." I said as I took a sip from my choco.
My eyes instinctively wandered to their table, and I almost spit my choco out when I confirmed my intuition-he is still watching me like a hawk.
Shit this is too hot. I couldn't even drink properly, kanina pa napapaso dila ko.
I straightened my back as I try to regain my composure.
"Oh.. Pero manonood ka naman sa intrams, right? I'll reserve you a seat near our bench para hindi na kayo mahirapan maghanap once the game started"
He rested his face on his palm as he watched me closely.
He is waiting for me to agree.
I sighed in defeat. I've already asked the date of their game for next week's intramurals; it would be odd if I wouldn't show up.
I've laid a trap, but I was the one who got lured in.
I always figure a way out for every difficult situation, but this time I can't seem to escape the hunter's eye.
