Lost in Yesterday

Chapter 6

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It's the day I took Leo to a nearby coffee shop here in Loyola— Equatorial Coffee. I would always hang out here all by myself if I want to, without the presence of my other friends in college.

I took her here because, well, this is my go to coffee shop after all. And I want her to take a sip of the coffee that has been brewing here ever since.

"Oh.. mahilig ka talaga sa matatapang na kape, ano? So that's why matapang ka.." 

Hot Espresso was all she ordered, while mine is just plain simple Vanilla Iced Coffee. Damn, I couldn't even take a sip of Espresso without all those creams and stuff.

She let out a soft laugh as soon as I said that, "Well.. ganyan talaga kapag Law Student na nga, Aktibista pa. Lalagariin ka talaga lalo na't pinagsasabay ko nga yung dalawa. Pero kaya naman."

But, I am concerned about your health though.

"Are you taking care of yourself? Drinking water enough? I hope you do. Kasi ang hirap niyan," I asked. "I want you to take care of yourself as well, Leo." 

All she ever gave to me was her soft, unblemished chuckle and grin. God, I can look at her like that all day if I want to. Happiness suits her a lot.

Not that it makes her even more beautiful, it also makes me happy. 

"Oo naman. Priority pa rin naman ang health. Pero sa UP Diliman admin? Mukhang hindi. Charot." 

I let out a small laugh as she said that, taking a sip on my Vanilla Iced Coffee again. Ah, I can listen to her ranting all day because I know she has a lot to talk about, especially politics.

"Haha, cute.." I whispered to myself, without even thinking that she would hear it anyway.

"Ha? Anong cute?"  she repeated the word I said.

Fuck, she did hear it and even pointed it out. Ano na gagawin ko?

I looked at her with perception, trying to keep myself calm and steady, "Wala yun. I just said that the aesthetics here inside of the coffee shop is still really cute."  with a giggle afterwards.

Welp, ayun nalang palusot ko.

"Ahh, akala ko ako. Sabihin ko sana na alam ko naman yun." she jested with a slightly louder laugh than before.

I swear to God, I might go insane any moment. I don't even know how I am still keeping myself sane as possible right now, wherein fact my insides are wailing right now. 

If she continues to tease like that— I might combust.

"Ay.. Is that what you wanted ba?" I uttered.

"I mean.. 'di naman ako magrereklamo. Pwede naman." her quick response with that playful smirk of hers visible on her face. 

Alam mo, hahalikan na talaga kita dyan.

"Okay.. you're," I cleared my throat before continuing what I am supposed to say, "Cute." 

Her eyes suddenly pierced through mine— like our souls connected for a brief moment in that scenario, "Alam ko." her answer with a deeper voice.

I swear to the father, the son, and the holy spirit. I think I am dreaming right now.

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After that small coffee date, a platonic coffee date, we went back to UP Diliman to stroll around as we don't have classes at the moment. While her schedules of lecturing new activists are vacant this day.

But, we stopped by over some bushes filled with Santan flowers— Leo was the one who stopped, I was just waiting for her. 

I was just looking at how the trees sway with the wind's rhythm for a while as she do her thing back there, she told me not to turn around. But, I think I might have some clue on what she's doing at the moment.

After a few minutes, she tapped my back softly with a call, "Harap ka na, Reese." 

And so I did. At the first sight, I saw her holding a flower crown that is made with santan flowers. 

She did that, for me?

"Suotin mo, bagay sa'yo." her words.

The flowers were lighter than red, it's the shade of fuchsia pink. It's a pretty color, being held by the prettiest woman.

"You made that for me while I was looking behind, Leo?" I asked with a slightly higher pitch in voice.

She nodded, "Oo. Ako na magsusuot sa'yo, ako may gawa eh." 

I giggled as I let her put the handmade santan flower crown above my head— careful not to snap it in half. 

After that, she stood a few inches away from me to look at me— she smiled. 

"Oh diba? Ganda. Suits you naman." 

I palmed it softly, still careful about it, as I looked up to appreciate her small gift for me. It's just a simple gift, but I will treasure this forever.

"Thank you, Leonor." 

"Walang anuman, Reese. Maganda ka palagi, kahit minsan mukha kang sabog."

Nang asar ka pa talaga ha.

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