Chasing Endless Sunsets

Chapter 02

"Thanks," I said as I got the paper bag from him and a small smile escaped my lips. "It's so nice that the weather's great today for the tour," I casually said to avoid dead air because it could get freaking awkward.

"Oo nga eh. Nice weather," he said then his jaw dropped. "Sorry, my bad. Slip of the tongue," he explained. "I meant yes, the weather is nice today," he corrected himself.

"No worries. Naintindihan ko naman 'yun sinabi mo."

I wouldn't have guessed that he's Filipino because he's mestizo and has quite an accent when speaking in English.

"Ohhh. So you're Filipino too," he commented while looking at me and still flashing that smile.

This guy looked like he's so used to always smiling at people. Parang kanina pa siya nakangiti. I wondered if he doesn't get tired of smiling.

I was about to confirm his observation when I heard a grumbling stomach. I had a half chocolate croissant in my hand so I looked at him.

He gave me an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, haven't had anything yet 'cause I almost missed the call time for this tour. Do you know how long before we get to the first stop and if there's a café or something there where I could grab something?"

Poor guy. Pareho pala kami na halos nalate. But I got to drop by a café to grab something on the way while he didn't have the time.

"Here." I handed him the paper bag. "I hope you're fine with chocolate croissants 'cause those are the only ones I have. There's also bottled water there."

"Thanks. You're a life savior. I won't even pretend that I won't accept your offer because I'm really hungry. Besides, chocolate croissant is always a good idea."

He opened the paper bag and got himself some and bottled water too. Buti nalang I always get extra when I order so I had something to offer him.

I quietly enjoyed my coffee and looked out the window hardly able to contain my anticipation for this tour. I remembered how this had been part of my bucket list for so long and I was finally ticking it off. It refreshed my soul and made me feel alive. My eyes were fixated outside to savor the moment and take it all in.

"So, what brings you here?" I heard him ask.

I turned my head and saw him still eating. Pangalawa or pangatlong chocolate croissant na ata niya iyon. He must have an appetite. But in fairness, he still looked fit. Basing on his physique, especially those broad shoulders, I would bet that he exercises... I had a feeling too that he might be a swimmer.

He probably noticed I was staring at him eating.

"Sorry, I'm just so hungry and this croissant is really good. Where did you get it?" he asked while wiping his lips. "I promise, I'll replace it. Or I'll pay you nalang for it?" He looked at me. "Yeah, I should pay you for these," he murmured like he was confirming it to himself.

I shook my head. "No need. I'm just actually amazed at how many you can eat."

"It's my favorite." He grinned while still eating.

There's that smile again. How many versions of that smile does he have?

"I'm just here for a short vacation. How about you?" I asked.

"Oh, so you're heading back to the Philippines after? Just a quick vacation too. Been meaning to do the Great Ocean Road tour for so long but only got to do it now."

I shook my head. "Not really. I'm going back to Sydney after this trip." I didn't know why I was telling him all these details but he looked really nice and harmless so I guess it was fine.