✓ Forbidden Sweetness of Eden [COMPLETED]

Chapter 19

Space. That's what she asked from him a few weeks ago. He did not ask nor demand any explanation why she wanted to be alone, but he still distanced himself. And distancing himself, meaning no more dates after school, no more picking her up from school, and even cooking and baking for her was banned per the woman's request.

Ang pagtupad sa pangako ay isa sa lamang sa maraming pinanghahawakan ni Teodomero, and breaking his promises was not in his vocabulary. Pero malapit na siyang mawala sa sariling ulirat. He was ransacking his own brain if he did something that could offend or make Kristel mad at him. He even took some random personality test just so he could be qualified for Kristel. Desperately, he even did that matching game on paper Fidelity, his childhood friend in their province, taught him. It was called "Flames" where his and Kristel's name would be written and just like some amateur fortune-teller their names would tell him their destiny and it turned out great—so far from what's happening in reality.

Teodomero was grimacing profusely, waiting for the other line to answer. He was video calling his friend to complain.

"You! Liar! Akala ko ba effective 'yong Flames na itinuro mo? Kabaliktaran naman yata ang epekto sa'kin!"

The woman named Fidelity literally gave him a look of disdain as if he's the dumbest person she has met.

'You still play 'that'?' She chuckled at him teasingly. 'Bakit? Anong bang lumabas sa pangalan ninyo?'

Tumikhim si Teodomero bago kinuha ang isang pilas ng papel kung saan niya ginawa ang laro. Inilapag niya ito ng maayos sa kama niya pagkatapos ay ipinakita sa kaibigan. He was thankful that the camera was not facing him or else the woman will tease him to no end for blushing over a kid's play. I'm being ridiculous. Teo thought to himself when his blood gushed up to his face after seeing the result again.

'Oh! 'Love' naman pala ang resulta ng pangalan niyo. Anong problema mo?' Natatawang tanong ng kaibigan niya sa telepono.

His mouth remained shut. Nakayukyok siya habang yakap ang unan na nakatabing sa kaniyang mukha. Humugot muna siya ng malalim na hininga bago muling hinarap ang kaibigan.

"If a woman asked for some space, just how many weeks do guys have to wait before you speak with us again?" He sighed heavily. "It's been two fucking weeks and she's still not talking to me. I'm going crazy, Fidelity." He grumbled in dejection.

Fidelity carefully scanned her friend's expression. She just can't open her mouth and speak carelessly knowing that her friend, despite his uniquely big physique, was actually a softhearted and fragile baby. Fidelity wanted to say that if a woman asked for space, it actually meant fuck off—but not for all women.

She heaved a deep sigh. 'Do you like her—'

"Yes." Mabilis na sagot ng binata.

'Does she like you?'

Teodomero stilled for a moment. He always wanted to express his feelings towards Kristel without asking her to reciprocate or accept his feelings because to express his liking for her was already enough for him.

'Are you two dating? I don't want to be insensitive but most women who asked for space from men that they don't like, literally meant 'fuck off', but it's not the same for all women. Some women just really wanted a me-time. Nakaka-suffocate naman kasi kung palagi kayong magdikit.'

"Do you think she's getting s-suffocated by me?"

'Why not ask her?'

"I told you she'd been deliberately avoiding me. Mababaliw na 'ko, Fidelity." Teodomero answered in low spirit.