One With You

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 21

"Scandinavian interiors focus on minimalism and fuctionality. You have to stick with white and pastel color palette that is reminiscent of nature. And choose furniture that is simple with clean lines," I discussed as I wrote the keypoints on the board. "Wie benutzt man es?" (How to use it?)

An Australian student at the back raised her hand. "Start by de-cluttering and creating a neutral backdrop for space. Bring in natural textures, tones, patterns and colors inspired by nature."

"What about the furnitures?"

German guy raised his hand and answered, "Es muss in einfachen formen und weichen kurven sein." (It needs to be in simple forms and soft curves.)

"Gut." (Good) I smiled. "Class dismissed."

"Auf Wiedersehen, Professor Mendez," they all said in chorus and stormed out of the classroom. (Goodbye)

I glanced at my wrist watch. Sakto ang tapos ko. Masusundo ko siya.

Niligpit ko na ang mga gamit saka sinara ang ilaw at aircon bago lumabas. Gano'n na lamang ang gulat ko nang makita si Sean na nakasandal sa railings, tila hinihintay ako.

"Kanina ka pa?" tanong ko nang makalapit.

"Not really." He smiled and gave me a stem of red rose. "For you."

Natawa ako. "Is this a bribe?"

"Tsh."

"Are you okay with this?" tukoy ko sa suot niyang white plain shirt, tattered pants, face mask at blue cap bilang disguise niya. "Hindi ka naman nasundan ng media? What about your bodyguards?"

"I sent them away." He held my hand. "Come on. He's waiting."

Napabuntong-hininga na lamang ako at sumunod sa kaniya.

Hindi ko na alam kung ilang beses ko na siyang pinagsabihan na hindi na niya ako kailangang ihatid at sundo sa pinapasukan kong university dito sa Denmark. Na matanda na ko at kayang-kaya ko na ang sarili ko. But he always insists.

"Professor Mendez!" a familiar student from Class A shouted. "He's the guy you're seeing for five years, right? Have you tied the knot?" And that's the reason why other students who were passing by and staying at the hallway teased us.

"Yes and no," I answered. "Go to your classes."

But instead of obeying me, they continued to eyed and teased us.

Sean chuckled. "I told you, bagay tayo."

Limang taon.

Limang taon na ang nakalilipas ngunit ganyan pa rin ang sinasabi niya sa akin. Panay din ang bigay ng bulaklak. Akala mo naman nanliligaw.

"Payagan mo na kasi akong manligaw," dagdag pa niya. "Look, boto sila sa atin."

Natawa ako at kinurot ang tagiliran niya. "Shut up."

"Are you kinikilig?"

"Of course not!" Umirap ako at nagpatiunang maglakad. "Umuwi ka na nga."

"In our house?" Umakbay siya sa akin. "Sure."

Akma ko na siyang kukurutin muli sa tagiliran nang makasalubong ko ang university president.

"Guten tag," (Good afternoon) I greeted as I slightly bowed my head. "I'm sorry if I didn't answer your call a while ago. I was in the middle of discussion."

"Es ist gut." (It's fine) She smiled. "I just want to ask you again about the offer of Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich."

Limang taon na rin ang nakalipas ngunit hindi pa rin ako makalimutan ng prestihiyosong unibersidad na iyon. Nakakatuwa. Sana lahat gano'n.