His Ceaseless Passion (Perpetually Series #4)

03

Chapter 03

"Wanna eat somewhere?" I asked Derek.. who's practically staying here for almost 5 days since my vacation started. Tinatanong ko siya kung bakit lagi siyang nandito... pero hindi siya sumasagot. Probably he has so family issues na matagal ko nang hindi nababalitaan but since he's my friend.. he's welcome to stay here naman. Wala nga lang kami grocery ngayon.

"I have no money" he said

Kumunot noo ko. They literally own a school. How could he have no money?

I shrugged it off "My treat. Kailangan ko magbubuhat ng grocery ko"

I don't really want to ask since it's very awkward for us to be vulnerable around each other. As much as possible, I want to stay out of it emotionally.

All I know is that.. he dropped out school, he's staying here for a while and he have no money. Looks like he and his father fought.

We had the same course.. Business Administration but different university. I never got to talk to him about our program. I bet it's because he really like art. He's really passionate about his art

Him dropping out must've mean his Daddy Issues is at it again.

I want to know but I don't really want to listen to him

Not because it's tiring or whatever. I just don't have a mental capacity to handle my fubu's shit right now. Besides.. again, I don't want to be involved with him emotionally.

"I'll pay you back" he said

Tumango ako "Sige ililista ko"

I'm building walls and burning my vulnerable bridges. It's to protect my heart. This is what's right.

I don't have to feel guilty for being selfish.

In order to care for myself, I need to not care about others. Self love entails disregarding what others would feel. For my definition, at least.

I don't want to open up to Derek and I don't want Derek to open up to me. That's how I keep my distance.

My phone beeped. There you go, Liam DMed me again. How the hell did he find my instagram? Gino must've tipped him off.

I understand he's thrilled with me but I'm not really interested with romantic relationships that he's obviously longing for. Fubu only... No crossing beyond that.

We ate at a Japanese Restaurant na medyo malayo sa lugar namin para walang makakita. Alam kong wala namang magmamalisya pag may makakakita samin pero Derek sometimes tend to be unconsciously clingy. I let him naman. Still with consent.

My phone beeped again

"Who's that?" Derek asked

Tinignan ko ang phone ko "Ah" I put it down "Liam.. he's kind of hitting on me since I kissed him last Saturday"

Natigilan si Derek "You know him?"

I shrugged "Not really that much"

Tumango sya at kumagat sa sushi "So it's okay for us to kiss other people?"

I bit my lips "You don't kiss other people ba? Sorry I thought it was given"

Nag iwas ako ng tingin. After all, I still care a little about our situation. Ayoko naman magkagulo kami. I still want peace even our terms and conditions are still blurry.

"No I'm not kissing other people since I thought you won't" he replied

I sighed "What do you think of me ba?"