#CHP18

1 0 0
                                    

* * *

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

* * *

We were okay, but suddenly she stopped seeing me. Maybe it's because it's all done? She doesn't need me anymore for her designs. The following days were kind—no, very lonely.

It was very quiet. I've been feeling... I missed her.

I was drinking water when Juno came into our quarter area. He noisily opened his locker, as if trying to announce his presence, though I could see that.

"Do you want me to leave?"

"Wala naman akong sinabi."

I sighed. "Your face says it all."

Then he looked at me for nearly twenty seconds. I didn't know what to do. "Ano'ng ginawa mo kay Elery?" he asked, more like a threat.

"We're done—" His eyes widened; he went near me.

"Naging kayo?!"

My lips parted. "No—I mean I was her model, and the Fashion Ramp was done last May, so we don't see each other anymore. Why am I even explaining to you?"

He sat next to me and drank the water bottle from the tray beside us, only to spit it out. "Tangina, alak ba 'to?!"

"That's Declan's." Those guys sometimes bring alcohol to school and put it in their tumbler without the Coach's knowledge. They're a headache, especially to Orin.

"Ba't hindi mo agad sinabi?!"

"You didn't ask, and you instantly drank it." He sighed.

"Mabuti na rin, iinom din naman ako mamaya." He looked at me. "Elery rejected me, for real this time."

"The continuous rejection wasn't real?"

He chuckled. "Tangina mo! For real this time, I'll stop now. Ayoko na rin naman na istorbohin yung tao. Pero naiinis pa rin ako sa'yo! Gustong-gusto ka niya, pero hinahayaan mo lang habulin ka?!" He's moody, I'll just try to understand him.

My gaze remained on him, emotionless.

"Bakit kasi gusto no'n robot?" He murmured to himself but enough for me to hear. I don't know if I'd be offended, but I just let him talk. I can't even defend myself because I know I am an asshole. "Miel, gusto mo ba si Elery?"

"I like her."

"'Yun naman pala, bakit wala kang ginagawa?!"

"It's not that easy, Juno."

"Dahil duwag ka."

Maybe I am. I'm afraid to see it with my own eyes that her feelings for me are shallow. Because that would hurt me badly—when I'm falling deeper and deeper.

I really am.

What a way to prove that when Dad replaced Mom—far worse, if I may add.

"What are your plans after graduating?" he asked. I was unlucky to have breakfast with him. Way to greet me a good morning.

Chasing Home PlateWhere stories live. Discover now