ETB #1: Lost in Blank Stares

Chapter 34

Chapter 34

That night, I was sure-I would risk everything for him. Sigurado na akong hahawakan ko ang kamay niya, at hinding-hindi na ako bibitaw.

When I woke up, he had already left a note-as usual-and had cooked breakfast.

Good morning, baby.
I made you breakfast. No salads for today-eat rice muna. You need a proper meal to keep your energy up. Your meals should be balanced, okay? Take care and have a good day. Call me if something comes up, tatakas ako.

There was also a heart and smiley drawing. I smiled and shook my head. Talaga, may pa-note na naman siya. I got up and ate the breakfast he had prepared.

"Dumating na ba? I asked Annie to have it delivered," Mom asked over the phone. I had told her earlier that I needed a suit for Stefano's graduation party.

"Yes, kakarating lang. Thank you, Mom." One of the perks of having a mom who owns a clothing line-laging may nakahandang outfit.

Since it was a formal event, we would be wearing suits.

I took the outfit out of its garment bag, running my fingers over the smooth fabric. A deep midnight blue, almost black under dim light, with a subtle sheen that caught just the right amount of glow. The blazer had a tailored fit, emphasizing the shoulders and tapering at the waist, while the inner lining was a rich satin with a faint pattern.

Inside was a crisp white dress shirt, neatly folded, paired with a sleek black tie. The trousers matched the blazer perfectly-sharp, refined, but not overly extravagant.

I nodded in approval. Perfect.

I tried it on quickly before changing into something more casual, since I was going grocery shopping. Just as I was about to head out, Jo messaged in the group chat, asking if anyone wanted to come along. I decided to ask him to pick me up and also updated Stefano about it.

"Sa tingin mo, anong magandang pang-regalo?" Jomar asked as soon as we were on the road.

I raised a brow and smiled teasingly. "Uyyy, sinong pagbibigyan mo?"

"Gaga, wala. Kaibigan lang," he replied too quickly.

"Kaibigan? Hindi ka ganyan sa'min, Jo. Umamin ka na nga, who's the chic?"

He furrowed his brows. "Wag na nga lang."

I laughed. "Fine, I won't ask who she is. I-describe mo na lang-how she looks or what she likes."

He focused on the road for a moment before a small smile tugged at his lips. I fought the urge to tease him more-he was obviously picturing her. Iba 'yung liwanag ng mukha niya ngayon na pinag-uusapan na e.

"Mahilig siyang mag-drawing ng mga design ng damit," he finally said, still smiling. "Lagi ko siyang nakikitang may dalang sketchbook, tapos parang laging may iniisip. Minsan, nahuhuli ko siyang nakatitig sa kawalan, tapos biglang magdo-drawing sa notebook niya."

"Sounds like she's really passionate about fashion," I commented. "Baka future designer 'yan."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Gano'n na nga. Ang dami niyang alam tungkol sa fabric, patterns, at kung paano tinatahi 'yung mga damit. Minsan nga, kahit simpleng suot mo lang, may masasabi siya-kung bagay ba o hindi."