Shut Up, I Love You (ILY Series #1)

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A month after graduation, Kelsey's phone suddenly rang while she was browsing the bookstore. Dali-dali niyang tingnan 'yun at kumunot ang noo niya nang nakita na hindi naka-register ang phone number na tumatawag sa kanya. Ngunit sinagot niya pa rin 'yun dahil malay ba niya at baka 'yun na ang ospital ng tita niya kung saan siya nag-apply ng trabaho.

"Hello," bungad niya.

"Turn around," a voice spoke, it was somehow familiar but a shiver went down her spine before she could realize who she was speaking with.

She turned around immediately and her face collided with something...hard. She couldn't look up because she knew who it was. Naghuhurumentado ang puso niya at hindi niya alam kung saan siya titingin. Until he wrapped his hand around her arm and took a step closer to her, causing the tip of Kelsey's nose to hit the bottom of his chin.

"Wh-what are you doing here?" She couldn't even recognize her own voice as she asked him the question.

The corner of his lips rose as he smirked down at Kelsey. "Couldn't you just say 'it's nice to see you again, Franco'. I think that's a more appropriate greeting, don't you think?"

"F-Franco...I—" Kelsey couldn't even form the words. She felt her eyes starting to water so she looked up and tried to blink it away but Franco was fast enough to cup Kelsey's cheeks and wipe away her tears with his thumb.

"Based sa kwento mo, dito tayo lagi nagda-date diba?" Franco asked slowly.

"Paano mo nalaman 'yun?" Gulantang na tanong Kelsey.

"It doesn't matter now." Umiling si Franco bago ito ngumiti ulit.

"Franco, hindi tayo—"

Nilapit ni Franco ang kanyang mukha kay Kelsey, onti nalang ay mahahalikan na niya ito ngunit hindi niya pa magawa.

"Pwede na," Franco told her gently.

Nanlaki ang mata ni Kelsey, hindi niya malaman kung ano ang sasabihin niya. "Pero sila mom—"

Naputol ang sinabi ni Kelsey when she felt Franco's lips on her. It took her a second before she kissed him back, wrapping her hand on the back of his head as she tugged on his hair softly.

When Franco pulled back, his eyes were closed as he rubbed his nose against Kelsey's. "Shut up, I love you," he told her. Kelsey gasped softly and that caused Franco to open his eyes and looked at her. "And please marry me?" His hand immediately went to his back pocket and revealed a small black box. He kneeled before he opened it and showed a marquise cut diamond ring to Kelsey.

"W-what?" Kelsey asked again, her hand covering her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Marry me." Franco's eyes mirrored her as it shone with tears as well. He tilted his head to the side as he stared at Kelsey. "Please?"

Nagpakawala ng isang hikbi si Kelsey bago niya sinagot si Franco ng isang tango. "Yes," she told him as she took a step closer to him. "I'll marry you."

Bago pa mayakap ni Kelsey si Franco ay tumayo na ito galing sa pagluhod. He scooped her up wrapping one arm around her waist as he spun her around. But careful enough because of the ring he was still holding. He smiled when he heard her squeal softly, her arms wrapped around his neck.

Binaba niya Kelsey at agad niyang isinuot ang singsing sa left ring finger niya. A lone tear fell down his cheek as he looked up at her. Kelsey immediately reached out and wiped his lone tear, he nuzzled his nose against her palm as he gazed at her.

"You're so beautiful," he told her.

Kelsey hit his chest softly before she sniffled. "Shut up, I love you."

"Oh, you do now?" he teased, grinning at her.

"Yes, I do," she frowned, but was quickly replaced with a shy smile. "Matagal na."

Franco cupped her cheeks again and planted a kiss on her lips.