Hearts Unmasked And Unbound

Chapter 19

I was straight.

At least that's what I've always believe I was. I find some men attractive before but obviously, not romantically.

Though, I knew it wasn't impossible for me to like guys. I've always believe that we love someone regardless of their gender identity. Love goes beyond gender.

We build a strong connection with someone, we care for them, we'll take a significant risk for them. Isn't that how we love?

Of course, I know attraction is part of it but it isn't the main thing for me.

That's why I think 'love at first sight' is a bulshit. Attraction at first sight kamo?

Love is a strong word. It is not something that can be felt solely based on their physical appearance. You cannot just love them without knowing their true self and loving their own flaws.

And I was right.

It wasn't impossible.

I am not dense to deny what I feel for him. I'll be denial if I'll say that all those butterflies I felt whenever he's near was all because of 'hatred'.

Tangina, I've never even taken that rivalry thing seriously. Of course I feel threatened at some point but it wasn't to the point that I'll despise him for it.

I don't know about him though, he said he considered me as his kaibigan. And the fuck? When did we became friends? Can't remember. He should have said we're acquaintance instead. Mas hindi masakit 'yun, tangina.

Yes, I admit, there's something I feel for him that's goes beyond casuality, but, I'm not entirely sure if I really like him, or if these emotions I'm feeling are just a reaction to what he did for me. After all, It's the first time someone has done something like that for me, and perhaps I just like the idea of him being willing to risk something for... me?

And it sucks.

I don't want to like him.

But there's a part of me that don't like the idea of not liking him.

"Leo, how do I know if I like someone?" I absentmindedly asked at my seatmate.

I saw how his eyes widened as he dramatically covered his mouth. "Tangina? May naagugustohan ka?!"

His voice was so loud that it got my classmates' attention.

"Yie...."

"Pumapag-ibig ang Artist, parang madaming ma bo-broken ngayon ah!"

"Guys, how much nga isang kahong red horse? For project purpose."

"Guys look at me!" Aquire suddenly exclaimed as he walked towards the center of the room. He then faced me. "Kala ko i se-sekreto lang muna natin 'to, Art?"

Instead of laughing, my classmates started to boo at him and threw crumpled paper in his direction.

"Walang ka taposang ka-cornyhan! Boo!"

"Bading! Bading! Bading!"

"Buang! Buang! Buang!"

"Shut up, everyone! I do not like someone!" I scolded them.

"'wag mo na i-deny, mahal ka pa rin namin!"

"Artist, you liking someone doesn't make you less of a human...."

"Alam kong ako 'yan... deny pa more."

"Si Kyan 'yan, sigurado ako."

Napa balikwas ako nang tayo when I heard the name that has been messing with my mind recently.