Visual of Elysian (Abstract Series #2)

Chapter 7

"Joke lang."

Mabilis niyang binitawan ang kamay ko. I cleared my throat, trying to take myself back from the intense tension earlier.

"Ang lamig pala talaga sa Baguio 'no?" he asked after the long awkward silence.

Hindi agad ako nakasagot dahil nasa isip ko ay 'yong puso niya na sobrang bilis at lakas ng tibok kanina.

"Are you uncomfortable? I am sorry. I was just joking." He smiled gently to show he really wanted to apologize.

Tumango lang ako. Following that, we became silent and simply soaked up the tranquility.

"Galit ka ba?"

"Hindi," tipid at mabilis kong sagot.

"You looked… mad." He even pointed to my face to prove his point.

"I am not," medyo iritado kong depensa.

That's the truth. Naiinis lang talaga ako kasi parang ang dali lang sa kanyang paglaruan ang damdamin ng tao. That's so frustrating.

"Sige nga. Kung hindi ka talaga galit, pwede ba akong sumama sa photo shoot mo next week?"

Kunot ang noo ko siyang nilingon. Seryoso ang mukha niya na parang desido talaga sa sinabi.

"Of course, no!"

He pouted. "Wala naman kasi akong gagawin. I will behave, promise!" Tinaas niya ang isang kamay na parang nanunumpa.

"No," I said with finality in my voice to show him how serious I am with my decision.

"How can I convince you?" he asked, pleading.

Napairap ako. He is so persistent.

"Nothing can convince me."

"How about a coffee?"

I smiled sarcastically. "Thanks, but I can afford to buy one."

"I'm not a big supporter of exploiting people's weaknesses, but how about a book?" He wiggled his brows.

"Bakit ba ang kulit mo?" tanong ko bago tumayo at naglakad paalis doon.

I can feel him following me. Mas naging mabilis ang lakad niya hanggang sa nasabayan na niya ako.

"A book, Miss Ledesma. It's now or never."

I sighed. "Thank you, but no."

"Pero, bakit? Gusto ko lang naman magbakasyon! I need to freshen up from everything!" he hissed, frustrated now.

"You may freshen up wherever you like, but I will not take you to my photo shoot." I stopped walking and faced the city lights below.

Nasa tuktok kasi ng bangin ang hotel kaya talagang makikita mo ang ibaba kung dudungaw ka. The ideal setting for expressing our innermost feelings and unheard voices.

Hindi na siya sumagot kaya nilingon ko siya. Tahimik lang siya habang nakatingin din sa ibaba. I pursed my lips. He looked so calm and satisfied.

"Sayang. Hindi ako nakapagdala ng beer." He softly chuckled, not leaving his eyes on the view.

"Puro ka talaga alak. I won't be surprised if you end up in the hospital due to alcohol poisoning."

He barked a laugh. "Grabe ka naman! But yeah, I won't be surprised too."

"Ano bang nakita ng mga babae mo sa 'yo? Wala namang special sa 'yo," I asked, roaming my gaze on him.

His lips parted until it rose into a smirk, receiving a hearty laugh from him. Taas lang ang kilay ko habang nakatingin sa kanya.