Always I'll care - Jeremy Zucker
"Hey.." The first word left my mouth.
Kanina pa kami walang kibuan ni Xian. Mula nung sinundo niya ako. It felt awkward because he talks a lot.
"Why do you want to meet?" I asked because he's just staring at the view.
"I'm leaving.." He said. I looked at him who's just smiling quietly. "I'm leaving for Amsterdam." He looked at me this time.
I nodded quietly. He's been a dear friend to me eversince. He was the only one want to be friends with me back then.
"Also--" He stopped. "I love you, Veronica." Napatingin agad ako sakanya sa sinabi niya.
"What?" It's like air left my mouth.
"I love you. Eversince. We've been bestfriends for years and It's lying if i say that I did not love you romantically." He chuckled. "But it's okay you don't have to reciprocate my feelings." He bowed.
"Xian.." I called silently. Bowing my head because of his sudden confession.
"It's fine, Augustine." He chuckled lightly like he really expect me to reject him.
"I'm sorry, I just didn't expect this." I whispered. "We've been friends for so long. And I'm sorry if I didn't know." I added.
"It's fine. I know naman na Bestfriend lang talaga ako sayo. And it's more than fine!" He laughed. "I just want to let this out. Since I have no plans on coming back here."
"Hmm.. so you're going to study college on Amsterdam na? That's good. More opportunities.."
"Yes. I plan to pursue law again since Mommy want me to." He answered. He looked at me and this time I had the courage to look back at him.
"Thankyou for loving me Xian. I'm sorry if I can't love you the same." I silently said.
"Like I said it's fine. I'm not expecting anything. I just want to tell you this so I could have my peace and I can live my own life without you anymore. But you can always reach out to me. But don't do it if it's not necessary because I don't think I can move on if you'll keep on chatting me." He chuckled.
"Yes.." I laughed softly.
"Astrei right?" My eyes widened when he said that.
"W-what do you mean?" Iniwas ko ang tingin ko sakanya.
"You know Veronica Augustine, you can hide your feelings from everyone but not from me. I know you too well. I actually saw him sa club. And I don't think he remembers it. Because he's clearly drunk and murmuring things about you." Umakbay siya sa'kin. "Give that guy a chance." He smiled.
"He has a girlfriend." Iwas ko.
"His ex girlfriend cheated." My eyes widened again. But I didn't answer. " I know it's not my story to tell. Pero sumugal ka din. Wala namang masama sumagal. Talo ka man o panalo atleast nasubukan mo. Lalo na sa taong mahal mo." He kissed my forehead.
We fell into silence again while he's wrapping his arms on my shoulder.
"Always, I'll care for you Veronica." He suddenly said.
"I'll always care for you too Xian." I smiled.
That night ended with smiles on our faces. I know in my heart that Xian and I were not for each other. And he deserves more than I can give. Someday he will have that unconditional love..
