Way Back Into Love (Back Again Series #2)

03

"Let's exchange socials. I think we're friends now since I got you some food?"

Benjamin placed a plate in front of me. We were sitting at a table with just the two of us. While he was getting our food, nilayo ko 'yung upuan niya para di kami magkatabi. Mas ayos na 'yung magkatapat, kesa naman magkatabi kami, 'no!

"Gutom ako, wag mong pairalin ang kalandian mo." I rolled my eyes at him. I looked down at my plate. Some of the food he put on it ay ayaw ko. I looked back at him. "Give me your plate."

"Huh? Why?"

Sabi ko plato lang, pero pati siya lumapit sa 'kin. Nakaka-irita talaga. Inilayo ko na nga ang upuan niya, eh!

Inilipat ko 'yung isang dish sa plate niya na may red sauce. I didn't know what it was called, but it looked spicy. I'm not fond of spicy foods. I left the dish that looked like it had pesto sauce since it seemed okay, at least.

"Sorry, I didn't know you didn't like spicy food," he said immediately after I handed his plate back. "I just assumed you'd like it because it matches your personality."

"You know what? Ang assumera mo kahit kailan," I said as I started eating.

"Well, I have to assume things because... I don't even know you," he mimicked what I had said earlier. "Who knows, we might have a date after this. By then, I'll know you... So, don't you want to introduce yourself? Ako lang 'to."

I stared at him for a moment.

Hmm... Wala namang mawawala sa 'kin. Sige na nga.

"Maicah Crisandy Rivas," I told him. "That's my name. Graduating. Grade 12. STEM. Will take architecture in college... Ano, okay na ba?"

"I'm assuming you're 18?" he asked. "Don't get me wrong... I'm sorry if I'm flirting with you without knowing your age. If you're a minor, you can slap me whenever you want."

Sa haba ng sinabi niya, may isang linya ang tumatak sa isipan ko.

He's flirting with me, huh.

"Hindi ka lang assuming, OA ka rin," I said.

I couldn't help but hide a smile. What a jerk... No, he's not really a jerk after all. I guess he's at least a gentleman. He knows the age limits for flirting, and I'm glad he's aware of these things.

"So... ano nga? God, I couldn't forgive myself if you were a minor. Damn, that's disgusting."

"Hmm... Are you disgusted with me now?" tanong ko sa kaniya, nang-aasar. "You said if I were a minor, I could slap you. Can I slap you now?"

His jaw dropped.

Naniwala talaga siyang minor ako! Binalak ko pa siyang asarin, pero nang mapatayo siya ay doon ako natawa nang malakas. Ang gagong 'to, nagagago rin naman kahit papaano! I held my stomach from laughing so hard.

"I'm already nineteen, Benjamin, if that clears your mind."

Napainom naman siya ng tubig dahil doon. Sumama pa ang loob niya sa 'kin dahil sa biro kong 'yon. And to make up, he insisted we exchange social media accounts. Nauto niya naman ako.

"Wait, you're nineteen?" tanong niya matapos niya akong i-follow sa IG. Ang tingin niya ay nasa phone niya, nag-i-scroll pa rin sa feed ko. "Don't get me wrong for asking... I'm just curious."