Pursuing from the Shore (Sun Rays #2)

Chapter 12

Love Is by The Ridleys

Entry: Redler's Archive

It would be nice to have a crush again.

Not that it's my first time, obviously. I've had one before. A long time ago, practically ancient history.

So why am I suddenly bothered by that question from that siren-eyed guy?

"Pero may crush ka ngayon?"

Of all the things he could've asked!

To be honest, I don't even know what to answer especially when he's the one asking. The audacity. How dare you put me on the spot like that?

Siren-eyed guy, you're already invading my archive. Hindi pa ba sapat 'yon? You had to occupy my thoughts too? Epal ka na nga dito, pati ba naman sa utak ko?

And the worst part... I can't even tell if he's serious or just playing around... or if I'm the one taking it too seriously.

This is exactly why I don't do this. Feelings are inconvenient and distracting and unnecessary. And yet—why does it feel like something is quietly starting all over again?

Please. Enough with the embarrassment.

— aredgate

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Chapter 12

I was utterly taken aback as I finished reading the letter Davin had given me. But before I could even gather my thoughts to respond and look at him again, his clubmate barged into the Art Club.

That moment was my cue to leave the Art Club right away, overwhelmed by feelings I couldn't even understand. Confusion, doubt, and a flood of questions filled my mind, and all I could do was walk away from him. I didn't expect that. What was that?

As I was rushing through the pathways, a sudden realization struck through my head na hawak ko pa rin iyong letter na ibinigay niya sa akin dahilan para maalala ulit iyon. Kaya mas lalo akong nagmadaling pumunta sa classroom para itago ang letter sa bag ko.

But despite my muddled thoughts, one thing was crystal clear: he had confessed that... he likes me.

"Red, sa'n ka ba nagpunta?"

Bumungad ang boses ni Edorina na kakapasok sa classroom kasama si Asther. They were both eating snacks.

"S-Sa music room, Edo."

Lumapit ang dalawa sa akin, umupo pa sila sa tig-isang desk.

"Woah! Bakit ka namumula, 'te?" Asther pointed at my face so I quickly looked away.

"M-Mainit kasi sa labas," I reasoned out and pretended to use my phone. Pero dahil hindi ko alam ang ginagawa ko, kunwari na lang akong nag-i-scroll sa phone.

Kaunting oras na lang naman na at malapit nang mag-uwian. I suppose I should get some sleep so that I could rest my mind for a bit. Good thing that Asther and Edo know how to read the atmosphere so they didn't attempt to bother me anymore.

Pero kahit sa pag-idlip, hindi kumakalma ang puso ko. All I could see from my mind was Davin with his gleaming eyes that seemed to be full of admiration and hope while looking at me. Every moment and bond we have spent with each other are repeatedly going back in my mind.

So... he likes me after all?

But I don't know what should I feel. Hindi ko rin naman masasabi na may gusto ako sa kanya. It's quite... complicated.