The Elixir Project [Gen L Society #4]

Chapter 13

André

When I woke up the next day, a text message from someone brightened up my day. We were still doing the community service. Normally, I hated doing these things, but this time, I just wanted to spend more time with her.

From Charles:

Who you?

My lips formed into a smile as I thought for a witty response.

"Commander, may bagong babae ka na naman?" Siniko ako ni Rance habang nakaupo kami sa living room area.

"Wala, gago!" Tinulak ko siya palayo sa akin.

"Kaya pala hindi ka natulog kagabi eh kasi may katext ka. Sino ba yan?"

Umiling lang ako habang nagta-type pa rin ng reply.

"Oh, ayan na pala sila," Rance announced beside me kaya napatingin ako sa harap.

I almost choked on my spit when I saw Charles walking with her hands tucked inside the pocket of her denim overalls. Nakasuot siya ng oversized na white tshirt sa likod ng kanyang overalls.

From a guy's point of view, hindi naman seductive ang suot niya. Her skin was mostly covered from the neck down to her feet.

Her face was as dull as a rock. No hint of blush on or lipstick. Her forehead was wide, but strands of her short, pixie hair covered its sides.

She was definitely not my type. Far from it.

But, for some reason, my eyes kept on following her every move... I couldn't look away.

Jesus, bakit ang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko? Mamamatay na ba ako?

"Commander, tara na daw," Rance tapped my back, catching my attention.

"W-What? Where?" I stuttered.

"Bakit, Commander? May slowmo na ba?" Rance teased.

"Gago, tara na nga!" Umiling lang ako. I immediately stood up, hiding my phone inside my pocket. I decided to dress casually today for the community immersion.

Once we got inside the bus, I smiled at the sight of Charles already sitting at the far end.

"Good morning, Charles!" I greeted, taking a seat next to her.

She just lifted her chin at me with hands folded over her chest.

Good. Hide your chest from me.

"Nahihilo ka ba ulit?" she suddenly asked, turning to me.

I burst into laughter. "Why? Concerned ka na ba sa akin?"

She squinted her eyes at me. "Hindi tayo magkaibigan. Huwag kang feeling."

"Kailan mo ba ako mapapatawad? Kapag na-expel na rin ako?" I asked this time.

"Kapag gumuho na ang mundo," she answered.

I tightened my jaw. "Why are you punishing me, Charles?"

"Punishing?" she repeated, shaking her head. "Hindi kita pina-punish ah. Wala lang point na maging magkaibigan tayo."

My brows shot up in confusion. "What does that even mean? Kailangan ba may point para maging magkaibigan tayo?"