DATE THY ENEMY | ES:1

24

Hello, here's another update! I'm so invested in this story now. I will be able to update once in a while. Don't hesitate to tell me your thoughts about the story or this chapter.

Happy reading, enjoy!

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Chapter 24
''Call''

It's still so early when we got out of the university. I don't want to go home yet. And I feel like Javier freed his schedule the entire afternoon so I asked him if we can roam around the city. Hindi siya tumanggi kaya naman ikinagulat at ikinatuwa ko iyon. Lagi pa rin akong nagugulat sa mga pagbabago, but it isn't even something to complain about!

Dumaan kami sa mall at pumasok sa isang bookstore. Naisip kong bumili na ng mga gagamitin pero naisip ko rin na sa susunod na lamang. I'd get another chance to be with him if I ask him to come with me again to buy school supplies.

Kaya ngayon ay tumitingin-tingin na lamang ako ng ballpen. Javier looks like a sales clerk because he follows me around the store. Medyo natawa nga ako kaya sinilip ko siya saglit sa aking tabi.

''What is it?''

I shook my head, and smiled.

''What type of pen do you usually use?'' pagiiba ko.

''Why?''

''I want the same thing.''

With furrowed eyebrows and a confused look, Javier led me to the area where he showed me the type of pen he uses. The pen he uses for school, for work, and for signing papers.

He asked me again why do I want the same thing.

''Is it because you really don't know or you just want to hear the confirmation coming from my mouth?'' tanong ko hahang nakangisi.

He sighed, looking away. Mas lalo lamang akong napangisi.

''I'll get two of this please.'' I told the lady who accommodated me. ''I'll have it engraved with initials as well. This branch cater that service right?''

''Yes, ma'am.''

Nilingon ko si Javier na nasa may malayo dahil may tumawag sa kanya. He told me he'd take the call. I just nodded at him. He answered his phone near me before walking away. I heard some technical words. Kaya sa tingin ko ay tungkol iyon sa trabaho.

He just graduated and is currently preparing for the board exam. And at the same time, he is also working for his family. Madalas ko siyang nakikita tuwing nagbabakasyon ako dito noon. But whenever I'm back in Manila, sympre wala na akong balita. I don't know what takes his time or what he does aside from attending his classes. Ang sabi lamang noon ni Solenn ay bukod sa pag-aaral abala ito sa kanilang negosyo o kaya naman sa mga inuutos ng kanilang lolo.

He's not the first born among the grandchildren, but it feels like he carries most of the responsibilities of a De Leon.

''Cute.'' I said as I took pictures of the latte with an amazing artwork.

After taking three pictures, I put my phone down to finally face Javier. He's sitting prettily, sipping on his black coffee while watching me do my thing.

''I want to take a picture of you as a memento. But I'd rather remember this day with your handsome face watching me intently.'' I winked at him. ''That way, it'll be etched on my mind for the rest of my life.''

Tumawa ako nang aburido siyang umiwas ng tingin. He always look away whenever I say something like this. I feel like he's embarrassed everytime. And I like him more on those times.