WHEN LOVE FAILS

CHAPTER 7 - Infatuated Love

After spending years healing from my breakups with Manuel and Karl, I met Jomarie "Jomi" Palacios—a cheerful soul with an infectious smile.

I had just turned 25, and he was an 18-year-old guy. Our age gap was seven years. Jomi came into my life unexpectedly, just when I wasn’t looking for love after five long years of healing.

"You're into Kdramas too?" I asked him.

"Yes! Actually, I'm watching Marry My Husband right now. How about you? What Kdrama are you watching?" he replied warmly.

"Oh, same! I'm already on episode 4," I replied.

"What else have you watched?" he asked.

"Pyramid Game," I answered.

"Seriously, Jeng, we need to have a movie marathon together."

"Should we stay overnight at Abigail’s place?"

That night, he excitedly asked me while we were chatting on Messenger.

"Umm, I can't," I replied.

"Aww, why not? I just want to hug you, baby," he teased.

"‘Baby’ huh? You're moving too fast! And besides, I'm basically your older sister," I replied playfully, a smile dancing on my lips.

"Come on, baby, please…"

"Please?"

"Whatever happens, you’re my baby even if you're older than me."

"Yieee."

His persistent replies made me blush.

"Ay nako, bahala ka diyan…" I said as I hung up after sending him a message.

My days were always filled with joy whenever I talked to him, and I started to think he might be the one I had been waiting for after all those years of heartbreak.

One night, when our overnight at Abigail’s house—a mutual friend—finally happened.

"Hey, you came!" he greeted with joy in his eyes.

"I had no choice. You were so persistent," I said with a pout.

Our movie marathon ended, and I didn’t even realize I had fallen asleep next to Jomi. When I woke up early in the morning, he was already hugging me.

How am I supposed to stand up like this? I really need to pee, I whispered to myself.

As I was about to pull away from his tight embrace, I suddenly got captivated by his beautiful eyes. I slowly leaned closer to his face, and my heart began to race.

"Mwuah," he suddenly kissed me.

"Y-you’re awake?" I asked in surprise.

"Yeah, you're so cute when you snore," he teased.

"Whattt--??!!" I exclaimed.

"But wait—why did you kiss me?" I said irritably, though deep down, I knew I liked it.

"I told you, you're my baby."

He flirted while gazing at my lips.

"I like you, Jeng. I've liked you for a long time—since Foundation Day. Didn't you notice?"

"You mean that day I got hired as a book secretary?" I asked, confused.

"Yeah. So, does an intern like me have a chance with someone like you?" he asked, kissing me again.

"Wait, aren't you moving a bit fast? And I'm scared to enter another relationship again. I spent five years rebuilding myself."

"And you're still so young for me."