bapa: from here to eternity

chapter 34: breathless

Chapa POV:

Today, Bose and I were supposed to go shopping. At 3 p.m., I took a break from the academy and waited for him in the lobby. After ten minutes, he finally appeared, practically running toward me.

"I'm so sorry, my meeting got delayed," he explained, looking genuinely apologetic.

"You should never let a woman wait, nor annoy her by telling her all the women you've kissed," I replied, half-joking but with a hint of seriousness.

"Are you still mad at me?" Bose asked, concerned.

"Maybe," I answered, not wanting to fully admit how much his teasing had bothered me. It wasn't that I was mad—I just couldn't stop wondering if he really thought I was the best kisser or if he was just saying it to keep me happy.

"What can I do to make it up to you?" he asked, his tone softening.

"Hmm... let me drive," I said, my mood perking up at the thought.

"Only if you drive legally and carefully," he warned, trying to sound serious but with a smile tugging at his lips.

"Okay..." I sighed, pretending to be disappointed, but I couldn't hide my excitement as he handed me the keys and we headed to his car.

As we drove towards the city center, Bose said, "With your new salary and the 60k from your painting... can't you get your driver's license and buy a car?"

"Yeah, that's what I want to do. But I'd rather buy a motorbike!" I said, picturing myself riding through town on something fast and sleek.

"Then you should take extra motor lessons," Bose suggested.

"Yeah, I'm looking for some," I replied.

"I know a friend who was a professional motorbike rider. He also teaches people to ride. I can ask him if he can give you lessons?" Bose offered.

"Really? That'd be great!" I said, feeling a surge of excitement.

"Alright, I'll text him later," Bose said, keeping his eyes on the road.

We arrived at the city center, and I immediately started eyeing the shops. I was thinking about getting something extra for Sage. I'd already ordered the cellphone she wanted, but I wanted to find something special to go with it. Bose and I went into several stores. He bought a few things for work and a necklace for his mother. In almost every store, someone recognized him. It was a little annoying, but I was used to it by now.

As I was admiring some beautiful jewelry in an expensive store, Bose called me over. "Here, put this on," he said, standing behind me to put a necklace around my neck.

"It's so beautiful on you," he said, his gaze fixed on my reflection in the mirror.

The necklace was stunning—a gold chain with diamonds embedded in it. In the middle was a small gold key and a heart, both sparkling with more diamonds.

"This one is so pretty," I said, my fingers lightly touching the pendant. But then I noticed the price tag—$880. "That's just too much," I told Bose, feeling a bit disappointed.

"You can buy it for me though, to prove I'm the best kisser," I teased, trying to lighten the mood.

"Chapa..." Bose said, trailing off.

"That says a lot," I replied, still teasing but also half-serious. The necklace really was perfect, but I couldn't justify spending that much on myself.

I continued looking through the jewelry until I found a bracelet that was perfect for Sage—gold with an 'S' and her birth flower. It was $178, and I bought it without hesitation.