WHEN LOVE FAILS

CHAPTER 20 - Could This Be True Love?!

Almost a year had passed since Wonnie's death. It's been five months since moving to a new city had felt like a fresh start for me, but I hadn't expected to meet someone like Ralphael Nacario – Ralph.

He also mentioned that he is a model. I'm not surprised by his handsome physique body. His beautiful smile and vibrant personality drew me in. 

In the five months since Ralph and I got to know each other, we've also built a friendship.

It's 5:00 PM this Saturday, I just got back home from the gym.  Ralph shouted from the fence, then said, 

"Jeng, let's go! Let's have a drink at my place later, yeah?"

Ralph's voice was filled with excitement. The sudden invitation caught me off guard, but I felt my heart flutter at the thought of spending more time with him.

Trying to keep my composure, I smiled and replied, "Ah, okay, sure... What time?"

His eyes lit up as he grinned. "Around 7:00 PM? So we can start early. By the way... I just turned 24 today. It's my birthday!"

My eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously? It's your birthday and you didn't tell me earlier?" I asked, pretending to be annoyed, though deep inside, I was genuinely thrilled to be celebrating with him.

Ralph chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "I don't really have any other guests besides you, so... I just wanted to keep it simple. But it'd mean a lot more if you're there, Jeng."

His words made my heart race even faster, and I felt a faint blush creeping onto my cheeks.

"Well then, I should've brought you a gift." I teased, trying to hide how flustered I was feeling.

"A gift?" he grinned. "Nah, just being there is enough—besides, you can be my gift."

He joked, and we both laughed, the air between us light and easy. Yet, beneath it all, there was a growing excitement I couldn't ignore.

As we settled into the evening, I found myself captivated by Ralph. We shared stories, laughed, and I felt lighter than I had in ages.

We both started drinking. We sat on the couch, a few bottles of beer between us, the mood light and easy. Ralph was in a relaxed state, leaning back with a wide grin on his face, while I tried to keep my composure, though the flutter in my chest wouldn't subside.

"So, how's work?" he asked, taking a sip from his drink, his eyes glancing at me with interest.

I chuckled. "I'm doing okay—just a bit busy, but nothing I can't handle. You?" I asked.

He gave a small shrug. "Nothing new, really. Same old stuff. I'm just happy I get to celebrate my birthday with you."

His tone was casual, almost nonchalant, but there was something in the way he smiled at me that made me feel... special.

I blushed slightly. "Cheers to your birthday! Happy Birthday Ralph."

We clinked our bottles together, the sound echoing in the cozy room. It felt surreal being here, alone with him, sharing this moment. The night was still young, and I had no idea where it was going, but I knew that I was enjoying every second of it.