Nights Like This

Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Dating

It takes a lot to make me at a loss for words and the only few people who can do that are my family. Kaya ngayon, nagulat ako para sa sarili na hindi ko nagawang magsalita o kumontra man lang nang sabihin ni Rex Niccolo na gusto niyang humingi ng chance sa akin. He said he wants to date me!

Ano ba ang isasagot ko sa kanya?

Personally, I'm not up for any games. Mataas ang standard ko pagdating sa relationships. Maybe a bit traditional too because I don't see myself committing short-term. My mind is programmed to see relationships as something that'll go for the long haul. Not the we'll see where things go kind of thing. Hindi ako ganoon. I want serious commitments. 

Kaya hindi ako makasagot kay Rex Niccolo, e. I'm not sure if we're on the same page. If we are, then there's the question of me wanting to date him, too.

Gusto ko ba? May panahon ba ako para rito? At... gusto ko ba siya para pumayag ako?

"Define how dating is for you," hamon ko nang matauhan.

He smiled, as if not challenged with what I said.

"We're exclusive. I'll always want to be with you, talk to you, see you. Pero kung ayaw mo, it's fine. I'll respect the boundaries that you will set. It's just that I want to know you more because... I consider you as a potential girlfriend."

"Nag-uusap at nagkikita naman tayo, ah?" I pointed out. Nandito nga kami sa parehong lugar, e.

"Yeah but... as friends."

My eyes widened a bit. Hindi pala one-sided ang friendship namin! He sees me as a friend, too. Napangiti ako sa kaisipang iyon. Pero agad ko ring winala iyon sa isip dahil iba naman ang pinag-uusapan namin ngayon.

"You really see me as a potential girlfriend? What happened to your types? And do you even date with that thought in mind? I thought you're all about the no strings type of thing."

That's what I heard from a lot of people. Kay Ethan, kina Kaila, at kay Ali – sa kapatid niya pa mismo.

"Yes, I want to date you with that thought in mind," he replied, ignoring half of what I said. Ayaw yata nito na pag-usapan ang mga gawain niya, e.

"Did you think that through? Do you seriously want to date me?"

"Yes. If you'll give me a chance."

"Hmm. Have you ever dated someone who eventually became your girlfriend?"

Rex Niccolo shook his head. Napansin ko pa na parang ayaw niyang sagutin iyon pero ginawa rin naman.

"I've never done that..."

Gusto kong magulat pero naisip ko na oo nga pala. Si Rex Niccolo Uvero siya. He can pull girls effortlessly. No need to date if they're both just after the fun... or sex for that matter.

"So, you never had a girlfriend?"

"Hopefully, you."

Hindi ko mapigilang tumawa. He's a natural flirt.

"I'm serious, Bobbi."

Mula sa pagkakasandal sa lounger ay bumangon ako at nag-indian sit. Rex Niccolo was quick to adjust his jacket covering my legs. Nang muling iangat ang tingin sa akin ay hindi ako bumitaw doon.

Lumapit pa ako at tinitigan ko siya sa mga mata. Sinisiguro ko lang na walang bahid ng kahit anong panloloko o pagsisinungaling sa kanya.

He doesn't seem bothered with my stares. If anything, parang gusto niya pa na titig na titig ako sa kanya. He's smiling!