Last Letter of Summer

XIII

"Ziel this is... No, that's not good to start a conversation. Hello, good morning I would like... No, too formal."

Kanina pa ako bulong nang bulong dito dahil hindi ko alam kung ano ang dapat at tama kong sabihin upang maging panimula kapag nakita niya ako. I was standing in front of his door, holding a Tupperware container filled with the Tinola that I had cooked.

This is the container of molo soup that he gave me before. Today is the only day I had the chance to return it. For me, it would be a shame if I returned it empty, so I cooked one of the common Philippine viand and put it here to give it to him as a sign of my gratitude. I also thought of returning it because I was about to get my printed notes from him. Ngayon ko lang makukuha iyon dahil gusto ko siyang hayaan na magpalamig muna mula sa away nila ni Mayor Castillano. I don't want to be in a scene, and I also assume that he needs space.

"Kanina ko pa naririnig na binabanggit mo 'yung pangalan ko," his voice made my heart pause beating for a second. "Bakit? Miss mo 'ko 'no?" He teased while I can't utter any word.

I blinked three times, unable to believe that he was right in front of me. I couldn't even utter a word because I was so shocked; I was left speechless. I was left with no choice but to stare at his form as my mind sought to make sense of the unexpected encounter.

He's topless. My heart quickened its pace as my gaze traversed his bare chest, tracing the contours and undulating curves that sculpted his muscular frame. The veins coursing through his arms were distinctly visible, weaving a delicate network that hinted at the vitality within. The well-sculpted triceps and biceps stood as testament to the strength he's having, while his abdominal muscles, boldly showcased, drew my attention with their finely etched definition.

Alam kong normal lang sa mga lalaki ang ganito kung saan minsan ay hindi talaga sila nagsusuot ng damit pang-itaas. Ngunit para sa akin, hindi ako komportable dahil hindi ko nakasanayan ang ganitong sitwasyon.

Sa pag-iwas ko ng tingin ay nahagip na lamang ng aking mga mata ang pagtingin niya sa kaniyang katawan.

"Oo nga pala... Sorry Lei. Saglit lang ha?" He didn't wait for my answer and simply walked into his unit, leaving the door open as he went in. Within a short while, he returned, now wearing an oversized t-shirt.

Muli ko nang ibinalik ang tingin ko sa kaniya kasabay ng pagsilip ng ngiti mula sa aking mga labi. Inabot ko sa kaniya ang tupperware, 'Here, this is for you."

I see that his face light up, "Salamat," saglit siyang napatigil matapos ay kumunot ang kaniyang noo. "Maiba 'ko, bakit ka napapunta rito?"

"Kukuhain ko sana 'yung pinaprint ko." I smiled.

He nodded, as if a light bulb had gone lit above his head. "Oo nga pala, hindi ka dumaan noong nakaraang dalawang linggo rito. Hindi rin kita gaanong mahanap sa campus kaya tinabi ko muna." Pagdadahilan niya. "Tara sa loob, pasok ka muna,"

I responded with a nod, a silent affirmation echoing my resonance with his words. Upon entering his unit, my senses were immediately greeted by an array of vibrant hues, his colorful paintings adorning walls that seemed to radiate a humble elegance. The timid white walls had been transformed into a canvas for his artistic expressions, each stroke of color an invitation into a world of creativity. My eyes drank in the captivating beauty that adorned the room, reminiscent of an enchanting gallery where each piece held its own narrative, as if I had stepped into a living, breathing museum.