During her toughest times, Seraphina Ramiro found herself falling harder for Kasper Lacsamana, as every time they were together filled her with hope and a renewed sense of purpose, pulling her back to life.
Kasper, however, was afraid of getting too...
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"You're worried." Binalik ni Kasper ang hawak na insect repellent sa shelf at tiningnan si Sebastian sa likod niya nang ilang sandali, nakita niyang abala rin ito kakatingin sa mga naka-display sa shelving unit.
There are two possible reasons if he didn't hear what he said—either he's too focused on looking for items, or he's just really anxious. It's already the start of the Holy Week break, isang linggo na ang lumipas after umalis ni Lucy sa bahay nina Sebastian at hindi na ito nagpakita ulit.
It's so obvious kung saan lumilipad ang isip ng kaibigan.
"Sobrang worried," sagot nito bigla sabay kuha ng sunscreen at nilagpasan siya, nauna itong lumapit sa counter. Napailing nalang si Kasper at sumunod.
"I think she's fine... she's capable."
"Hindi magtatagal palalayasin ako ni mama." May kalakasan ang paglapag ni Sebastian ng huling item sa counter, saka niya sinulyapan si Kasper sa gilid niya.
"Ayoko na siyang bumalik, pero kapag hindi siya bumalik malalagot ako."
"Why do you despise her so much?"
Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin ng babaeng nagbabantay sa counter sa kanilang dalawa habang nag-uusap.
Wala gaanong tao sa loob ng corner shop kung nasaan sila, kaya hindi na nila masyadong inisip kung may makakarinig. They were unaware that the young lady felt like she was eavesdropping on their conversation.
The stillness within the four corners of the room deepened as Sebastian deliberately chose not to respond, hinintay niyang mabayaran ang mga pinamili saka siya tumingin kay Kasper.
"Just wait until someone you considered a friend confesses to you, and then you'll understand," Sebastian said before turning on his heel and walking out of the shop first, leaving Kasper bewildered by the sudden move.
Tahimik na binalik ni Kasper ang tingin sa counter at ngumiti ng tipid sa babae, it was only then that he realized just how thick-skinned they were. Hindi niya gaanong inisip ang sinabi ni Sebastian, it was nothing more than a threat, and he knew it was highly unlikely to ever happen.
Matapos niyang mabayaran ang items niya ay kaagad siyang lumabas. Kasper squinted as the light from the sun greeted him.
As his eyes adjusted, he noticed the three waiting for him outside—Sebastian with the same serious look he'd grown used to since the start of the week, Icarus looking playful as he enjoyed his ice cream, and Nana wearing the sundress he had chosen for her on her second day in Tesoro.
Her smile caught his eye. She might not have been the happiest among them—that was clearly Icarus—but she had a soft glow that made her stand out in her own quiet way.
"Nabili mo na 'yung books na gusto mo?" tanong niya rito saka lumapit sa pinag-iwanan nila ng bisikleta kanina. Kaagad itong tumango sabay bukas ng hawak na paper bag para ipakita sa kanya.
