BADA LEE as Your Deranged Stalker

t h i r t y

With a deep sigh, I crossed my legs. The warm ceramic cup cradled between my hands and honestly, this is my third cup of the day.

My gaze wandered around the cafe, observing the hustle and bustle of people engrossed in their own worlds. Some lost in conversations, others typing away on their laptops, all sharing this communal space yet so absorbed in their individual narratives.

I've chosen this cafe, since people here don't really care if a celebrity or any popular person dines in.

I couldn't help but sneak a glance at my wristwatch, its hands ticking away with an unforgiving pace. It's already well past five. One hour and thirty-six minutes late, Samuel's tardiness gnawed at my patience.

I've been unable to shake off the memory of Kathreen's puzzling reaction at the last party; it keeps playing on my mind, leaving me restless and unable to find peace. It's been gnawing at me for days now.

"Hey!" A sudden tap on my shoulder jolted me from my thoughts, and as I turned around, I was met with the sight of the arrogant Samuel.

Within moments, he took a seat in front of me, placing an order for pasta and iced coffee. "It's your treat, right?"

I just ignored him and lift my cup of coffee instead, taking in the bittersweet flavor that matched the turmoil of thoughts swirling in my head.

The seconds stretched out as his food order arrived, and he dug into his plate with an unabashed enthusiasm that seemed to consume him, as if he had momentarily forgotten my presence.

"So, what's the reason for reaching out to me out of the blue? Don't tell me, may gusto ka na sa'kin?" he playfully quipped between bites, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

I lean forward, feeling determined. I asked a question in a straightforward way that showed I was getting impatient. "What's your relationship with Kathreen Jewels?" The words slipped from my lips.

Natigilan si Samuel sa pagkain at tinignan ako, "Ah, kay Kathreen? Mukhang ang lakas ng tama mo sa babaeng 'yon, ah? Girlfriend mo ba talaga 'yon?"

"Just, answer my question." Nagtitimpi na sabi ko.

He shrugs his shoulders, "anong kapalit?"

"What?" I frowned.
"Sasagutin ko ang tanong mo pero hindi ako papayag na wala akong makuhang kapalit."

I nodded twice and said with a smile, "Sure, anything."

"Anything? Really?" and then, he extended his hand toward me, and I willingly followed his lead as his hand gently moved along my thigh. Despite wearing loose-fitting pants, I couldn't deny that I understood the message he was trying to convey. He w4nts me in his 🛏 .

A soft chuckle escaped my lips as I responded, "Certainly, I'm on board with that."

Samuel's response took him by complete surprise, evident on his face as he registered a mix of shock and disbelief.

With a nonchalant air, he leaned back in his chair, and after a brief pause, he reached into his pocket, retrieving his cellphone.

He scrolls on the screen for a few seconds, keeping me in suspense for what felt like an eternity before he eventually handed me the phone.

My curiosity arouse as I arch an eyebrow, puzzled by his sudden willingness to share his device.