My badboy boyfriend [PabStell]

04

The afternoon sun cast long shadows as I wandered through the vicinity, my gaze constantly scanning the familiar faces. 

Three days. Three days since I last saw him, and the absence felt like a gaping hole in my chest.  My friends, Mikha, Justin, and Jaz, had noticed my restless searching.

"Are you waiting for someone?" Mikha teased, her voice laced with amusement. "You've been looking around like your neck is going to snap."

I shook my head, a weak "Nothing," escaping my lips as I forced myself to eat.

"Why don't you call him?" Justin asked, his tone gentler than Mikha's.

I sighed, the weight of my carelessness settling heavily on my shoulders. "I thought about that, but I realized… I don't have his number."

"Idiot,"Jaz's voice cut through the air, sharp and unforgiving. "You turned him down, and now you're searching for him? I can't believe you!"

I recounted the events of that day, the hurried goodbye, the missed opportunity to exchange numbers. I explained how I hadn't meant to reject him; it was all a misunderstanding fueled by nerves and a clumsy escape.

"Ouch!" She exclaimed, rubbing her head. I'd playfully swatted her for her harsh words.

"Don't call me an idiot!" I corrected, my voice rising slightly.  But Jaz's words lingered. "But you left," he pointed out, "Of course, he'd think you rejected him."  Mikha and Justin nodded in agreement.

"Are you really my friends?" I demanded, my voice rising with frustration."Why are you ganging up on me? Don't forget you still owe me after you practically threw me at him that day!"

I stormed off, anger simmering within me. I hadn't gone far when I heard their voices calling my name. A triumphant smile touched my lips; they couldn't bear to leave me alone.  But that smile faltered as I heard their next words.

"You forgot your phone!"

My eyebrows shot up in surprise as I approached them and retrieved my phone.  They waved goodbye, leaving me standing there, my phone clutched tightly in my hand, a mixture of relief and a renewed sense of frustration washing over me.

Heads turned as I stood before his department, a silent audience to my internal turmoil. My impulsive walkout had led me here, but now fear held me captive.  I'd been standing for a while, a spectacle to passersby, their curious glances burning into me. 

Should I approach him? The thought sent a shiver down my spine. What if he was angry? What if he ignored me?  A cascade of "what ifs" threatened to overwhelm me, and I almost turned to flee.

"Stell?" When a voice called my name, snapping me from my internal debate.  Turning, I saw my cousin Gwen approaching, a wide smile on her face.  "Gwen…?"

"Hi Stell, what are you doing here?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

I hesitated, unsure how to answer.  Her next words, however, left me speechless. "Oh! It looks like you just realized something. My bad, of course you're here for Pablo."

My jaw dropped. "How did you know?"

Gwen chuckled. "Duh! You two were the talk of the whole university the other day! Everyone saw how sweet Pablo was to you. I was there with my boyfriend, too."

I gave Gwen a meaningful look, and she instantly understood.  "My lips are sealed," she said, a playful zip of her fingers across her mouth. We both laughed.

"So, let's go," she urged, pulling me forward before I could respond. We stopped before a door. "We're here. Are you sure you'll be okay alone? I can stay with you," she offered, concern etched on her face.

I recounted my encounter with Pablo, shaking my head. "I'm really fine. You should go; your boyfriend's probably looking for you."

She studied my face carefully before finally relenting. "Fine, but text me if he bothers you. We'll retaliate!" she declared, playfully flexing her fist.  We both laughed at her antics.

"I'm leaving. Don't forget to text me, okay?"

I nodded, thanking her. "Bye, Cuz," she called, waving as she turned to leave. I waved back, watching her go.

I lay in my room, unable to sleep. Worry gnawed at me, fueled by my concern for Pablo. After Gwen left, I'd questioned one of Pablo's classmates; he hadn't been to school for days.  His friends, Ken and Josh, were also absent.  Desperation clawed at me; I had no idea where to look for him.  Lost in thought, staring at the ceiling, my phone rang.  It was Mikha.  "Hello?"

"Stell, it's about Pablo," she said, her voice laced with worry.  I sat bolt upright.  "Why? What about him?"

"My brother texted… he saw Pablo near the school… he said Pablo had wounds on his face—"

I cut her off, ending the call.  Panic surged through me.  Slippers on, I grabbed a bag, stuffing in essentials and my phone.

I rushed downstairs, encountering Manang. "Anak, saan ang punta mo gabi na ah?"

"It's an emergency, Manang," I explained, my voice tight with urgency.  She looked flustered. "Saglit lang tatawagin ko yung driver."

I stopped her. "No, please. I'll just take a cab. I won't be long."

"Ganun ba Oh, siya basta magiingat ka ha," she cautioned. I nodded and hurried out.

Minutes stretched into an eternity at the taxi stand.  My phone showed it was already ten o'clock.  Finally, a taxi appeared. I gave the driver the address. By the time we arrived near the university, it was 10:40 PM. I paid, quickly exiting the cab as the driver called after me; I ignored him. searching every alley, but there was no sign of Pablo.  Frustrated, I ran a hand through my hair, then i remembered their headquarters.

I approached the gate cautiously, checking if the guard was present. He was patrolling the rooms. I slipped through the gate quietly, then hid in a corner as he entered a building.  Seizing my chance, I ran towards their headquarters, hoping against hope that he was there.

After a breathless sprint, I arrived, my heart hammering against my ribs. I took a moment to catch his breath, composing himself. I inhaled deeply before raising my hand to knock, only to find the door already ajar. 

Peeking inside, I saw no one.  Entering quietly, I closed the door behind me and walked towards his room; the door was open. I peered inside and saw him lying on his side, his back to me.  As I pushed the door open, it creaked.

I stood there, frozen, when he suddenly shouted, "Josh, I said leave me alone!"

I jumped, startled.  "S-sorry," I stammered, my head bowed in apology.  I started to close the door, but a hand stopped me. 

I looked up, and saw the gashes on his face, his eyes wide with surprise. Without thinking, I reached out and gently touched one. "Does it hurt?" I asked, my voice laced with concern.

Instead of an answer, Pablo pulled me into a hug, his face nuzzling into my neck. As I wrapped my arms around him, holding him close.