Once Our Hearts Reciprocate

Chapter 3

Fireworks

"Technically speaking, a muffin isn't classified as a pastry; it's an individual-sized quick bread. In fact, a sweet dessert isn't typically considered a "pastry." Pastry specifically refers to a dough that has a high fat content and includes flour and water, or another liquid. When baked, it results in a flaky and crumbly texture. Examples of pastry include pie crusts, éclairs, croissants, and baklava." I explained to Niccos.

Niccos nodded beside me and I noticed how he listens to me attentively.

"Gustong-gusto ko talaga kapag binabanggit ni Paige ang kwasants, tunog French at ang sexy." Nakaupo lamang si Casey sa stool habang pinapanood kami. Aniya'y pagod daw siya at hindi makakasali sa amin. I knew she was lying.

I demonstrated how to make the muffins step by step, and once he understood the process, I had him take charge and make them entirely on his own. I stayed beside him to guide and watch him and just in case he had some questions.

"You're really good at this." I said, impressed by the freshly baked muffins he had just made. "They smell amazing! I bet they taste just as good." I gave Niccos a thumbs up. "Great job! Your sister usually burns some when we bake together."

"Ang sama!" Umirap si Casey. "Ako unang titikim at ako ang unang huhusga." Kinuha nito ang isang muffin at kumagat. Pinagmasdan namin siya ni Niccos habang ngumunguya.

"How was it?" Niccos asked Casey.

"Hindi masarap."

Niccos looked at me. "You shouldn't try the muffin. Just throw it."

"I'm not gonna throw it. I would like to try some."

"Casey said it doesn't taste good."

Nakangisi si Casey. Hindi ako nakinig kay Niccos. I grabbed a muffin and took a bite. It wasn't bad at all, in fact, it was quite delicious!

Muffins.

Suddenly, I recalled the first time I met him. He had turned down the muffins I offered him back then. It's amusing to think about it now that I'm trying the muffins he made.

"How does it taste?" Niccos asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice. Bakit kaya mukha siyang kabado?

"It's not bad at all. Masarap naman." I smiled to reassure him I was being honest. "I-try mo rin at maging proud ka sa ginawa mo." Kinuha ko ang isa pang muffin at inalok ito sa kanya.

He glanced from the muffin to me. For some reason, this moment transported me back nine years ago. Even though he rarely spoke to me and often ignored me, there was something special about him that drew me in. He was the only guy who made me feel this way, the only guy who made my world stopped the moment I first I laid my eyes on him.

Niccos took the muffin and took a bite, nodding as he munched.

"See? Masarap naman, 'di ba? Casey lied." Sinamaan ko ng tingin si Casey.

"Gusto ko lang mang-asar, bakit ba?"

"Lakas ng trip mo." Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ni Niccos.

I chuckled and took another bite of the muffin.

"May sayawan mamayang gabi sa bayan, kuya. Sa field na malapit sa perya. Gusto mong sumama? Pupunta kami roon ni Paige dahil maghahanap kami ng boyfriend." Humagikhik si Casey. "Paige, 'pag may nakita akong pogi ipakikila agad kita."

"His father is very strict. I doubt she's allowed to have a boyfriend yet. Don't push her, Cas." Niccos said with a serious tone.

"Oh, no, my dad isn't that strict. He's just a little protective when it comes to boys. And my mom wouldn't mind." I replied, wanting to clarify that I wasn't forbidden from having a boyfriend. Paano kung bigla pala siyang manligaw sa akin? I laughed at the back of my mind. Assumera ka, Paige.