who am i to you?

14.2

I woke up early the next day for school. Mom cooked breakfast for me before getting herself ready for work.

"I'll pick you up later," she told me right after she came back upstairs, joining me to eat.

I picked on my food, not meeting her eyes again. "Why?"

"I'll drive you to your tutor," she answered. "I'll show you the way so you can go by yourself tomorrow. I'll have my flight early so I won't be here by then."

"Okay," I replied in a monotonous voice.

Shi and I went together again to school with tita Naomi driving us. I didn't even feel the drive until we got to school. As we walked in the hallways, Shi moved closer to me. He nudged my shoulder making me look at him.

"Did something happen yesterday?"

I furrowed my brows in confusion. "Why are you asking?"

I saw him hesitate a bit, taking his eyes away from me. "Sorry... but last night, I saw you crying, running out of your house..."

"Ah... that."

Shi saw me. He saw me. He. Saw. Me.

"What happened?" he asked, getting me to blink.

I smiled, giving him a glance. "Mom and I just had an argument. But don't worry, we're fine now."

He stared at me after my answer. "You can tell me again when you need help."

I felt my throat squeezing. "Thanks, Shi. I'm fine."

"Okay," he sighed. "You're welcome."

I smiled to assure him, ignoring the voice in my head telling me to tell him. I can't even really do it. I held my voice back without realizing.

We parted ways after that and headed to our respective buildings. I did not wait for too long in my seat until Saint came, brightening my morning with his smile.

If my life was not this difficult, would I have confessed a long time ago? Would feeling happy to be with him be something I don't have to hide?

"Saint."

Napatingin siya sa akin as he puts his bag down on his desk. "Yeah?"

"Yesterday..." I trailed off, feeling the same nausea in my throat.

With Kath. Was it a date?

He raised both of his brows. "Yesterday?"