Shadows of Serendipity - Hambebe AU

Chapter 3

"Nahihibang ka ba?"

Serena's statement from earlier seemed to have broke Gaille's usual stoic and unbothered self. The latter's looking at her with a confused expression, finally giving her full attention to the girl in front of her.

"Wow full tagalog."

"Eh kasi naman. Why would you suggest such a ridiculous idea? Like... where the hell did that even came from?"

"Wait, okay- I know it was kind of an impulsive thought. Pero I just figured that one out kasi I'm kind of curious kung ano feeling na, you know, maka-in a relationship ka."

"...you're very blunt when it comes to words, 'no?"

Serena shrugged. "Better than beating around the bush, diba?"

"But my answer remains the same, Serena. No."

"Bakit naman? Ako na 'to oh!"

"Exactly."

"Offensive ha."

"And like I said, it's ridiculous. I don't date people I don't like."

"Ang sakit mo na talaga, Gaille."

"Romantically."

This put a stupid smile on Serena's face. "So you do like me?"

"No."

"Okay fine. Let's get back on track na. Just think about it, Gaille. Maybe you can show the public how well you really treat your partner in a relationship?"

"I'm not a show off, Serena. I prefer to keep relationships lowkey, private even."

"I don't mean it that way! Malay mo lang mapansin ni Claire na "oh, this girl is so sweet and is treating her partner right" and baka mag-sana ol siya or whatever."

Despite disliking the idea, seeing that Serena's still persistent about it, Gaille decided to find out her purpose.

"And what do YOU get from it? I doubt you're just trying to help me for my sake."

"Naisip ko lang din kasi... What if you're like the guys that I dated?"

"Me?"

Serena gave her a nod. "You're a woman of few words but your actions says a lot. Sobrang effort mo when it comes to the person you like and you don't just that to be liked back. As you said, diba? You make efforts kasi you care for them mismo and not just for the sake of being romantically engaged with them."

"You have the traits that the guys I've dated should've had if gusto nilang magustuhan ko sila pabalik. Maybe they could have a realization of what they lack."

Gaille let out a sigh. "I appreciate that you acknowledged that part of me. Pero I don't really think your idea will work, Serena. Besides, everyone knows you're straight. How will you be able to convince others that we're really together?"

"We just have to make it believable, Gaille. I'll make sure of it if you'll cooperate with me. Please?"

"Gusto kitang tulungan pero I don't like pretending for the sake of being noticed by the person I like."

Gaille's phone buzzed from her pocket. She took it out and saw the notification on her screen.

"Mom texted me. I better go home na, Serena. It was... nice talking to you. Have a good night."

"Think about what I said, please, Gaille?"

"I'll try but more likely, my answer would still be a no."

Gaille turned around and started walking on the opposite direction. But not before pausing for a while para sabihin ang gusto niyang pahabol kay Serena.