Dancing with the Devil

Chapter 13

"I'm sorry? Nandyan ka na ba sa baba?"

Hinalukay ko ang loob ng bag na dadalhin, sinisiguradong dala ko ang lahat ng kailangan. May ginagawa ako nang tumawag si Keaton, kaya naman minabuti kong ipitin ang phone sa pagitan ng aking balikat at tenga upang masagot ang tawag niya.

"Yes, but you can take your time," kalmado ang kanyang tinig.

"No, no," I said, holding my phone as I made my way out of my pad. "Palabas na rin ako. See you." I ended the call and locked my place.

Napabuntong-hininga ako habang nasa loob ng elevator. I could see my own reflection in the mirror. Anxiety was creeping its way into my heart—hindi ko alam, pero parang may mali. I just couldn't figure it out.

I shrugged it off and focused instead on my look. Puti ang polo na suot ko, na tiniklop ko ang manggas hanggang braso at ipinasok sa black leather skirt na suot ko.

I'm good. I look fabulous. I shouldn't worry—I'm just going out on a date.

I kept repeating the thought until I reached the ground floor.

Sinabihan ko si Keaton na sa harap na lang siya maghintay. Since he's not from the area, parking might cost him a fee. One of the things I love about the building I live in is how much they value their residents' privacy and security.

As soon as I stepped outside, I instantly saw him standing beside his Accord. I waved and smiled at him when our eyes met. He looked effortlessly casual in his gray polo shirt, the fabric hugging his arms just right. His muscles, though not overly large, sat exactly where they should—balanced and defined.

"Matagal ka bang naghintay?" tanong ko nang makalapit.

Marahan siyang umiling at inalalayan ako papasok sa kanyang sasakyan. He opened the door for me and shielded my head from the car roof.

I've been in his car enough times for it to feel like our unofficial ride. The citrus-lemon scent has grown on me—it's his signature air freshener. A bit too fruity for his personality, but hey, it suits him in its own way. Besides, it smells nice.

Malinis ang kabuuan ng kanyang sasakyan. Masasabi kong malinis siyang tao—halos laging mukhang bago ang kotse niya, at maayos na naka-organize ang mga gamit sa loob. Halata naman ito sa kanyang istilo.

He slid into the driver's seat and buckled his seatbelt, which hugged his body perfectly. Nilingon niya ako. Nangungusap ang kanyang mga mata. I swallowed and looked away before securing my own seatbelt.

"Where are we going today?" I asked casually. I scrolled through my phone and threw him a quick glance, catching sight of his arms flexing as he maneuvered the wheel. I was taken aback.

"BGC. I already reserved a table. We'll eat first, then figure it out next."

Nagising ako mula sa pagkamangha at tumungo sa kanya, nakatutok ang kanyang mga mata sa daan.

"Mas gusto mo 'yung hindi nagpaplano kapag lumalabas, 'di ba?"

"How'd you know that?" My lips fell open in surprise.

"I guess?" Nagkibit-balikat siya.

Kapag lumalabas kami ng mga kaibigan ko, spontaneous lang kami—whatever catches our eye, we do. Mas masaya 'pag walang plano.

Spontaneous. We like to keep it that way—enjoying the moment without worrying. We're a bit indecisive too, so I guess that plays a part. Plotting activities around the mall has never been our thing. And him noticing it... he's a keen observer.

I appreciate it when people remember things about me without having to ask. It shows they truly pay attention, noticing the little details that make me who I am. It's a small yet intimate gesture—one I deeply admire.