Naughty
"It's weekend tomorrow, what are your plans for the project?" I asked skeptically, crossing my arms as I leaned against the doorframe.
Arden crossed his arms, trying to keep his irritation in check. "Anong ko? Natin kamo," he echoed, the sarcasm evident in his voice. "You really think we can just ignore the project? It's due next week!"
I shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Bakit hindi? A little break could help us reset. We've been at this for too long."
I think he just felt a mix of frustration and temptation. "You say that, but it sounds like you just want an excuse to goof off."
I stepped closer, his expression earnest. "Seryoso kaya ako. Sometimes stepping back can spark new ideas. You might even find it refreshing."
"Refreshing?" he shot back, disbelief creeping into his tone. "Anong refreshing 'dun? Iiwan natin yung project ng hindi tapos?"
Arden felt his resolve waver as he studied my hopeful expression. There was something about the way I always pushed him, challenging his rigidity, that both annoyed and intrigued him. "You really think a few hours at the arcade will change anything?"
I leaned in, a teasing smile playing on my lips. "What do 'you have to lose? Worst case, you end up back here working anyway."
He let out a frustrated sigh, torn between wanting to stay on track and the undeniable allure of my invitation. "I can't just abandon this."
"Not abandoning. Just a quick detour," I insisted. "You can always come back. I promise I'll even let you win at air hockey."
He smiled foolishly.
Arden shook his head, a mix of frustration and amusement on his face. "You really think I'm going to fall for that? Letting me win? I know your tricks,"
I feigned innocence, placing a hand over his heart. "Tricks? Ako? Never!"
"Right," he replied, rolling his eyes. "But even if you did let me win, I can't risk losing time. Kailangan natin mag focus sa project. There's too much at stake."
"Come on, Arden," I pressed, stepping a little closer. "A short break won't ruin everything. You're too wound up. It's like you're allergic to fun."
"Alam mo, para kang hindi president ng klase" he shouted that echoed through the room.
He left out a heavy sigh. "Maybe I am," he shot back, but the corner of his mouth twitched, betraying a hint of a smile. "I just don't want to be unprepared when Monday comes."
My expression shifted slightly, dropping the playful facade. "I get it. You're responsible, and that's good. But you also need to let loose sometimes. It's not going to kill you to take a break."
He sighed, feeling the weight of my gaze. "Look, I appreciate the offer, pero hindi talaga pwede. I need to stay focused. If I take my mind off this project, I might not get it back."
I can't really force you, can I?
I studied him for a moment, the warmth in his eyes fading a bit. "Alright, if that's how you feel, I won't push you."
"But it's what I need to do right now." he replied, feeling a pang of regret.
Before I completely left the room, he spoke again but with a little higher tone "Hoy scimmia, siguraduhin mong pupunta ka bukas ha,"
As I walked away, a knot twisted in my stomach. Arden's refusal felt like a missed opportunity, and I couldn't help but wish he'd let himself relax for once. It frustrated me that he was so focused on the project, so serious all the time. I just wanted to show him that fun could spark creativity. Maybe one day, he'd realize that balance was essential—before it was too late.
