Trials End

Chapter 96

I'm inside our room right now, hindi kumikibo. The revelations and explanations of Miss Corpuz shock me. Matagal ko nang alam na siya yung face of modeling, sinabi sakin ni Ivo. Though, I haven't seen her real face kahit pag nag iiwan ng regalo si Ivo.

It's a relief that there's no ruckus this time. I remembered our first months, full of fights and staring contests.

"Iris, pwede ka ba ngayon? May nahanap ako na bagong milk tea shop eh. Nag cracrave ako." Ivo whispered. Nasa tabi ko siya ngayon, though lagi siyang nakatambay dito.

One of his habits that I've noticed is that he's always scrolling Instagram to search for new food shops. He'll also crave if he's sad or down.

I giggled. "Pwede ako, tara na ba?" I asked him. I saw that my classmates are also starting to leave. Sila Aiby at Keith nga ay nasa pinto at nag uusap, I hear Blanca, Aiby and Brice will go to Cardioid.

I'm now inside Ivo's car. Hindi na kami nagpalit kasi e-eat lang naman daw kami eh. It's just a waste of time and clothes. He started the engine of his car then drove.

"Sorry ah? Nagcrave kasi ako eh tapos nakita ko na may feathers feathers sa decoration. You like cute things, right?" He glanced at me.

"Yup!" I smiled, please let my smile brighten up his day. "I like cute things a lot, as in a lot."

And I also like you.

I just smiled when I heard my inner voice, calm down Iris hindi pa pwede. Let's just enjoy this whole day okay?

Ivo opened the door for me dahil nasa tapat na kami ng milk tea shops na nahanap niya. And it's so freaking cute!! I'll send this shop to my girls, they'll love it for sure.

Nilabas ko ang phone ko habang nag oorder si Ivo sa counter. He already knew my usual order, kung wala yon basta, something bubble gum or tootie fruity.

Picture here, picture there. I smiled nang maisip pumunta dito kasama mga girls. I'm sure Rave and Twilla will ask Blanca and Asra to take them a picture. Ella and Aiby will order for us and watch us. Ely and Deborah will talk to the other customers or staff.

"Iris, picture!" I looked at Ivo and saw his camera already facing me.

I smiled then peace sign. After the shot, sabay kaming tumawa at dinala na niya ang order namin. Yey! There's also fries and nuggets here?

"Hinay hinay ah." Inabot niya sakin ang fries and nuggets.

Urgh, just this and I'm all smiles again. Goal ko pa naman pasayahin siya today pero ako ang naspospoil. Hays, mission failed.

"Akin to ah! Baka ubusin mo eh." Tinabi niya yung barbecue fries.

"Hmp, hati tayooo. I'll give you my half cheese and penge ako barbecue mo." I pouted. Pouting always works on Ivo.

He narrowed his eyes. "Hati tayo sa milk tea."

My eyes widened. "What? Yuck ew!" Nilayo ko sa kanya yung milk tea ko. Tumawa lang naman siya at nilayo ang fries niya.

Hmp, I also want to try those.

"Are you sure hindi kita babayaran?" I asked him before I sip my milk tea. He just won't let me everytime na lalabas kami. Nahuhuli niya ako pag nauuna ako magbayad sa counter.

He shook his head. "Hindi na. Ubusin mo na yang fries mo tapos sa kotse na tayo tumambay."

I nodded then stuffed my cheeks with fries.

We're on the road papuntang bahay, ihahatid na niya ako. While he's talking about their funny moments, I can't help but laugh awkwardly. My heart is beating fast, I'm so nervous!

"Iris, sa ilang taon ganto pa rin tayo ah? Napaka one call away mo grabe. Cute pang kasama." Tumawa siya habang nag mamaneho.

I tried to giggle. "Sige ba! Just text me Ivo."

"Yup! My craving buddy." He's smiling while his eyes are still on the road.

I'm part of his future plans, I should smile. Come on Iris, smile! Smile! Kasama ka, naisip ka kaya ngumiti ka. But it doesn't change the fact na may gusto siyang iba.

"Ivo, I like you" I told him the hidden thorn to our flowery relationship.

I want to let him go, these temporary fleeting emotions. Bitaw na Iris, aasa ka lng ng aasa sa mga kinikilos niya. It's not his fault but I'm just weak to separate the friends acts and not. I'm just weak, iniisip ko na it's more than hanging out ang paglabas namin.

Ivo parked the car in front of the convenience store. His silence made me even more nervous! Mamatay ako sa kaba hmp.

He took a deep breath. "Iris, I'm sorry."

No Ivo, It's my fault. Please reject me.

"I-I don't know what to say. You were with me and I-I didn't even notice it, you're always smiling. I'm sorry." He's nervous.

I looked at him and still smiled. "Alam ko naman na irereject mo ko."

"So Ivo, please reject me 'cause I don't think I can give up on you without confessing."

He tried to chuckle but ended up with a sad smile. "Sa lahat ng umamin sakin, ikaw lang yung ang sakit bastedin. Hirap mong tanggihan eh."

I laughed. "Aminadong madaming girls! Yabang talaga." I rolled my eyes.

And then that's it, tumawa na siya.

"Totoo naman ah? Sa gwapo kong to?" He held his chin at pinapakita pa lalo ang mukha niya. The nervousness I'm feeling died down kakatawa sa kanya.

I crossed my arms."No, no hindi ka gwapo. Feeler Ivo!" I teased him.

I saw him raised his hands at nilagay sa bewang ko para kilitiin ako. Urghh not this again!

"Hahaha Stop!" Pumipiglas ako sa kanya habang tumatawa.

"No, sabihin mo muna gwapo Ivo." Kinikiliti pa rin niya ako and I couldn't hold it anymore.

"Gwapo! Ivo!" I shouted. Huhu, ang sakit ng tyan ko kakatawa.

He sat properly then smiled widely. "Thank you for liking me, Iris." Thank you Ivo, for rejecting me.