Catching Dreams, Chasing You

CHAPTER 3

The other day, I still did my usual routine and this day will of course end by spending a night in Safe Place Cafe. I wandered around the Cafe looking for Sebastien. I talked to him last night about a deal, I don't know if he already thought about it.

I paid for my order then sat down in my favourite spot. I later found out that Sir Wen purposely asked customers to not sit in this spot starting around 6 because of me. How sweet- I will always be loyal here.

Sebastien put my order on my table "Have you considered it?" I asked.

"Say yes please, it's a win-win" I added, pleasing him to agree but he didn't even utter a word or even take a glance at me. He was busy wiping the table.

This cold blooded guy...

Here's the thing. Last night, I waited for him in front of my door since my house is just next to him. I acted well to not make it look like I really waited for him. I pretend that I'm just about to take out my trash.

"Eh, so you do live here, we're neighbours." I said awkwardly, he didn't reply. He opened his door and got in without even entertaining me.

Now I know why God put him in the Philippines. To balance the temperature. It's too hot and he's too cold.

I shrugged my shoulders trying to forget what happened. In irritation, I didn't put my trash down. I got into my apartment but I am not sleepy as of the moment so I grabbed ice cream from the refrigerator- walked straight to the balcony.

Eating ice cream plus the cold weather in the middle of the night was the best thing ever. It was nice doing self reflection at the end of the day.

I am peacefully enjoying every spoon of ice cream when I sense that someone was also there. On the other side of the balcony, I saw Sebastien holding a cup of coffee. I just looked at him until our eyes met. He wasn't even surprised, he's much colder than this ice cream.

"Can't sleep?" I asked, he just responded with a nod. I therefore conclude that he doesn't like verbal communication.

"Want some?" I asked again, pertaining to my ice cream. It's my first time asking someone to share my ice cream with me but he shook his head- what a relief. I'm not used to sharing my favourite comfort food.

A moment of silence had passed. We are both outside- aware of our presence but no one was talking. I mean we don't have to but I want to get out of this sudden awkwardness. I can just ignore him like what he's doing but that's more awkward. I felt so embarrassed.

"I'm Asteria Vega Suarez. You can call me-"

"Aster. You've already introduced yourself." He said. I bit my lower lips- so embarrassing. Why did I forget about that?

"Let's... get to know each other?" I initiated.

"Is it.. necessary?" He asked, which made me pause for a second.

"No, but I think it's nice... if we'll be friends."

"I don't need a friend." I was shocked by his response, that made me laugh. I think this guy hasn't even graduated kindergarten. Did someone separate him from the common world?

"Why?" I asked but he didn't answer.

"How old are you again?"

"20." he said before sipping another coffee, I let out a giggle again. Seriously?

"Hey, big brother. You don't need to need a friend in order to be friends with someone. Friendships were built because people involved wanted it. It's pure.. and genuine... and-."

"So?" he asked, I let out a sigh. I said a lot and he just said so? This guy is something but interesting.

"So... Can we be friends?" I smiled, though he couldn't see it because his eyes were looking in the stars. I'm also a star, a prettier one.