13 : Interrupted
JULIAN
The weekend sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over everything it touched. Sunday mornings were usually slow and quiet at our house, the kind of day where everyone kept to themselves. It wasn't unusual for me to spend my time sketching in my room or reading, but today felt different.
"Julian, maglaba ka mamaya, ha?" my mom called out from the kitchen.
"Opo!" sagot ko, already half-distracted by the buzzing in my pocket.
I pulled my phone out and glanced at the message from Damien.
Damien:
Meet me sa park near your place. 3 PM.
I stared at the screen, my heart skipping a beat. I quickly typed back.
Me:
Sige, pero sandali lang, baka magalit sila dito.
His response was instant.
Damien:
Alright.
***
By the time the afternoon rolled around, I found myself walking toward the park, my palms clammy despite the cool breeze. The place wasn't far from home, just a small neighborhood park with swings and benches. Damien was already there, sitting on one of the swings, his back turned to me.
"Julian," Damien called out, waving as he approached me. His grin was as bright as ever, the kind of smile that had a way of making everything else in the world seem less significant.
"Early mo ah," I called out as I approached.
He turned, his grin lighting up his face. "Well, I didn't want to miss seeing your cute face."
I raised an eyebrow, trying to keep my expression neutral despite the way my stomach flipped at the sight of him.
"Baliw ka talaga. Ano na namang meron at parang masaya ka na naman?"
"Why wouldn't I be?" he replied, stopping in front of me and slinging his bag over his shoulder. "I get to see you again, don't I?"
My cheeks burned, and I quickly looked away, muttering, "Ang corny mo."
He laughed, the sound light and genuine, and before I knew it, I was smiling too.
***
Naglibot-libot muna kami sa park dahil wala rin naman kaming balak na gawin talaga roon. Napansin ko nga na halos maging tambayan na lang namin ang mga parke dahil palagi kaming dito pumupunta.
We ended up walking aimlessly around the place, the quiet rhythm of our footsteps filling the spaces between our conversations. Damien had a way of making even the most mundane topics feel important.
"So," he started, glancing at me with a mischievous glint in his eye, "what's something I don't know about you yet?"
I shot him a look.
"Madami."
"Okay, let's start with one. Gusto ko 'yung juicy."
I rolled my eyes, but the corners of my lips twitched upward. "Juicy? Wala akong maiisip na interesting."
"Come on, Julian," he nudged my shoulder lightly. "There's gotta be something. Secret hobby? Weird habit? Crush--"
"Damien," I interrupted, my tone sharp but laced with amusement. His eyes widened.
