Sunsets and August

11

He started courting me, and we agreed to take things slow between us.

After dinner that night, he asked me to dance. There was live music in the dining hall, and he led me out onto the balcony. It was just the two of us that night.

He kept flirting with me, using cheesy pickup lines he claimed he got from his friends. It was both funny and endearing, especially since he had orchestrated this evening just for us. He even requested an old romantic piece of music to dance to.

"Seriously? Ito talaga ang napili mo na music?" I asked while we were slowly dancing.

"Any objections, attorney?"

"None, naalala ko lang na sinayaw rin ito ni Captain America and Peggy."

"Marvel fan?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, how about you?"

"I'm a big fan." I smiled. "So, who's your favorite hero in the Marvel universe?" he asked.

"Natasha," I replied without hesitation.

Caleb chuckled softly. "Black Widow, huh? She's amazing. But if I had to pick, Captain America has always been my favorite."

"Why Captain America?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"He embodies everything I admire in a hero-integrity, courage, and selflessness," Caleb explained. "Who wouldn't want to be like him?"

"True. He's a great role model."

"But if I had to choose between Peggy and Natasha..." I raised an eyebrow, waiting for his next words.

"...I'd pick Natasha," he said with a wink, "But I always thought of you as my Peggy Carter."

"Corny mo naman, Captain America." He pulled me closer, and I couldn't help but laugh when he rolled his eyes when I called him corny.

We swayed to the music, the stars twinkling above us. Everything felt perfect. His arms around me, the soft melody, and the gentle breeze all made the moment feel surreal. For the first time in a long while, I felt genuinely happy.

Pagkatapos namin sumayaw ay bumalik na kami sa loob ng dining hall dahil lumalamig na rin sa balcony. Nang makaupo ako ay lumuhod siya sa harapan ko at inilabas ang isang box galing sa pocket niya.

"I have something for you," my eyes widened in surprise as I took the box from him, my heart racing with anticipation. I opened it slowly, revealing a delicate gold bracelet with a small charm shaped like a sun.

"A sun?" I asked, my voice betraying my surprise.

"Naisip kita nung nakita ko 'yan." Caleb explained gently, his eyes locked on mine. "Your name, Xan, reminds me of 'sun.' To me, you bring warmth and brightness into my life."

I felt a lump form in my throat at his heartfelt words. It was clear he had put thought into this gift, and I was deeply touched by the sentiment behind it.

"You're like the sun," Caleb said with a smile, his voice tender. "Radiant, warm, and always there to light up my days."

His words resonated deeply with me, and I found myself nodding slowly. "Thank you, Caleb. It's beautiful," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

He took my hand gently, placing the bracelet around my wrist and fastening it with care. His touch was gentle yet deliberate, sending a shiver down my spine.