CHAPTER 5

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A night to remember

“Someone’s excited,” Bree teased as we prepped for the lunch rush. “Got any plans for tonight?”

I smiled, unable to hide my excitement. “Meron, actually. I have a dinner date.”

Her eyes widened with curiosity. “With who? Teka, don’t tell me it’s with that handsome guy who’s been helping out lately.”

I nodded slowly, and she let out a delighted squeal. “Oh my gosh, Saoirse! Sabi ko na eh! May something talaga sainyo”

I laughed at her reaction. “Ano? Walang something sa amin, ’wag kang maingay bree, mamaya ma-issue kami rito.”

As the workday drew to a close, i could feel my nerves starting to bubble up. I changed into a simple yet elegant dress, hoping it would be suitable for wherever Leon was taking me. The anticipation was almost too much to bear as i waited outside the café, glancing down the street every few seconds.

Finally, i saw him approaching, looking effortlessly stylish in a casual blazer and jeans. He smiled warmly when he saw me, and i felt my anxiety start to melt away.

He looked at me for a few minutes, “Ready to go?” he asked, offering his arm.

“Ready,” i replied, taking his arm as we walked together.

We made our way to a quaint little bistro nestled in a quiet corner of the city. The ambiance was intimate and inviting, with soft lighting and a gentle hum of conversation. Leon had clearly put thought into choosing the perfect spot.

“Wow, ang ganda rito,” i said as we were seated.

“I’m glad you like it,” he replied, his eyes twinkling. “I thought it would be a nice change from the café.”

As we perused th menu, our conversation flowed effortlessly. We talked about everything from our favorite books and movies to our dreams and aspirations. It eas easy to forget that Leon came from a world so different from my own.

“So, tell me more about your family,” i said, taking a sip of my beer. “What’s it like being part of such a big corporation?”

Leon sighed, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “It’s... complicated. There’s a lot of pressure, a lot if expectations. Sometimes it feels like my life is already planned out for me.”

“Hindi ba mahirap ’yun?” i asked. “Living with so many expectations?”

He nodded. “Oo, mahirap talaga. That’s why i wanted to come here, to experience life outside of that bubble.”

I felt a warmth spread through me at his words. “I’m glad you did.”

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll through the nearby park. The night air was cool and refreshing, and the stars twinkled above us like a thousand tiny diamonds.

“Do you ever think about going back?” i asked, looking up at the sky.

“I don’t know, ang dami ko pang gustong ma-experience” he said, his eyes full of thoughts.

“Well, i hope you find what you’re looking for.” i said softly.

He looked at me, his eyes filled with sincerity. “I think i’m starting to.”

As we reached the entrance of my apartment building, Leon paused. “Saoirse, i’ve really enjoyed getting to know you. I hope we can do this again sometime.”

“I’d like that,” i said, smiling.

He leaned in, and for a moment, i thought he might kiss me. But instead, he gentle took my hand and gave me a chocolate. “Goodnight, Saoirse.”

“Goodnight, Leon,” i replied, feeling a mixture of bliss and sadness as he walked away.

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