Love Operation: Don't Become The Villainess

CHAPTER 21: ...

Hindi ko na napansin kung gaano na ako katagal nakatayo at nakatulala roon hanggang sa may tumawag sa cellphone ko.

When I came back to my senses, Keith is already gone.

Did I... just really meet the third male lead? Bago lang nagsink in sa akin. Now, I have met three out of four.

Although the last one, the original Catherine has already met back in California. Habang ako'y hindi pa.

When I looked down on my phone, I saw an unknown number calling.

My forehead creased before I answered the call, "Hello?"

"Catherine Graciela Cordova," napanguso ako nang marinig ang isang pamilyar na boses pero galit, the first time I've heard this tone of his, "Where are you?"

"Oh, Leo, hello," I greeted, "Why do you ask?"

"Why do I ask?" he asked, lol, "WHY DO I ASK?"

Muli akong napakunot ng noo, "Why are you mad?"

"I'm here at your taekwondo class and you're not here!?"

I looked around my surroundings before I began to walk. Wala na rin yung mga nanonood sa amin kanina, "Yeah, I skipped class. Wala akong ganang pumasok ngayon."

"Then where are you? Something could happen to you!"

I gaped. Yeah, something did happen to me. Although it was just a coincidence.

"Calm down, I'm fine," I had no idea he's prone to overreacting, "The thing is, I'm actually lost--"

"See! Something did happen to you!" nailayo ko ang cellphone sa aking tainga. If he's like this after knowing I'm lost, what more if he knew about the thievery incident earlier?

"But I'm fine, Leo," I assured him. Hindi sinasadyang napatingin ako sa bagong bracelet na suot, "Things happen in life and it's fine. Anyways, I brought something for you."

Might as well use this to calm him down.

He remained quiet for a while, "Where are you? I'll come get you," nang kumalma na ang boses niya'y hindi ko napigilang mapangisi. Seems like it worked.

"At a public market. A fifteen-minute walk from the gymnasium."

"A public market?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong niya, "What the hell are you doing at a public market?"

Napasimangot ako dahil sa pagtataka, "Para magliwaliw? Mamasyal? Have some fun?"

"Have some fun at a public market?"

"Yeah," I said, "I mean, there are a lot of foods here too."

"Wha--" in disbelief, he wasn't able to finish what he was saying before letting out a sigh, "Fine, fine. I know that place has a complex structure. No wonder you're lost. Where are you exactly?"

I stopped walking at a sidewalk and looked at the signage of the store in front of me, "I'm in front of the 777 Sale Shop."

"Okay, stay right there. I'm coming."

"Okay, ingat ka. See you."

Ilang sandali pa siyang natahimik bago nagpaalam, "Okay. T-thank you. See you too."

The call ended.

Ilang sandali na lang din ang hinintay ko bago siya dumating kasama ang kaniyang driver para i-guide siya dahil maski siya rin pala ay wala ring alam sa buong lugar na'to.

He looked so out of place while wearing a light blue-colored suit and a fresh appearance dahilan para pagtinginan siya ng mga tao rito. His shoulder-length hair is tied to a clean man bun.

Paglapit nila sa akin ay malalim na lang akong napabuntunghininga.

Kunot-noo niya akong binati, "What are you doing in a place like this?"

I frowned at him, "What's wrong with a place like this?"

Napapailing na lang niyang inilapat ang kamay sa likod ko't bahagya akong itinulak para gabayan palabas, "Let's go."

"Why did you come see me?" nagtataka kong tanong sa kaniya.

"To eat lunch together."

But I'm kind of full though. Kanina ay marami akong nakain na snacks and street foods.

Well, maybe I can eat a light lunch.

"Okay," I said, "Where should we eat? Ako na pumili nakaraan, ikaw naman ngayon."

I noticed his expression brightened up, "There's this new Filipino-Spanish restaurant--"

"If that's fine dining, I think I'm going to need a new change of clothes," I looked down on my simple clothes of a white shirt and black jogging pants then to him.

He smiled, "Sige, daan muna tayo sa mall."

"I-I mean," I cleared my throat, "How about hatid mo muna ako pauwi para doon na ako magbihis?"

"Nah, we won't have enough time," mas lalong lumawak ang ngiti niya, "The mall is nearer. Let's just go shopping."

Ilang sandali ko siyang pinagmasdan bago malalim na napabuntunghininga, "Fine."

"Hehe."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes but while smiling. Fine, pagbibigyan ko na lang siya ngayon.

Nang makasakay kami sa sasakyan ay nagsimula na si Kuya Driver na magmaneho patungo sa isang shopping mall.

"By the way..."

Napalingon ako sa kaniya. His expression seeming bright and expectant.

He started fiddling with his fingers, "Earlier, you said you have something for me..."

"Oh."

I pressed my lips to a thin line. I glanced at the bracelet I'm wearing before swiftly looking away.

I did say that earlier to calm him down but on second thought... I'm not sure if he would want this.

"N-nasa bahay pa pala yun," pagrarason ko, "I'll just give it to you next time."

I'll just buy something else for him later then give it to him instead of this bracelet. I'll just keep this to myself. I'd feel more comfortable with that. Besides, sigurado talaga akong hindi siya magsusuot ng ganitong mumurahing gamit. Akin na lang 'to.

Nagtataka niya akong tinignan, "What you brought for me wasn't just recently? From the market?"

"N-no," tanggi ko, "It's not like you'd wear something cheap from the market, haha..."

"Catherine," my full attention was on him when he reached out for my hand. Sinalubong ko ang mga titig niya, "I'd use and cherish anything you give me. Even if it's a trash bag for clothes."

My mouth gaped, "I'd never give you a trash bag to wear though."

"I know," he smiled, "But I'd still do it if you wanted to. So, are you sure you don't have it with you right now?"

"Yeah..." I forced a smile, the kind that doesn't look forced but is forced, "It's at home."

"Alright," he patted my head, "I can't wait to have it then."

Yeah, no. I'm not risking it.