Wicked Games (An Epistolary Novel)

111

Rachel was giving me the eye.

"Is Julian your boyfriend already?" nakataas ang kilay na tanong niya sa akin.

I don't know if I should laugh at her statement.

"Is that a joke?"

"Parang close na kasi kayo."

I laughed. "Friends na kasi kami."

"Friends na kasi kami," she imitated me with her annoying face and equally irritating voice.

I laughed harder. "Bitter!"

I mean. . . I'd like to think there was an improvement in our relationship. He doesn't avoid me anymore like a plague whenever I'd run to him on clubs and especially when we're at work. We're really and actually friends now. It was nice.

The next morning, I was yawning as I made my way to Starbucks counter. It was only 7:30, and I did not want to be late in case the traffic was bad since today is a Monday.

"One iced white chocolate mocha, no whip, grande. And one bagel, please. Thank you," I told the barista before I handed him my card. I side-stepped to the claiming area after to wait for my order.

Hindi naman ako puyat dahil sa trabaho. I just finished a K-drama that I started last Saturday. I haven't watched any series since Project Maroon started kaya nag-revenge watch ako this weekend. Pakiramdam ko ay mabubulag na ako kung hindi lang ako nakasalamin habang nanonood.

Gosh.

Is this how I will start my week? Sleepy?

I was dozing off even when awake, that I know for sure. I was just standing on one side, arms crossed in my chest while being tulala looking outside the shop.

I walked absentmindedly to the counter when I heard my name being called.

Nakakadalawang hakbang pa lang ako palayo nang marinig ko ang sunod na pangalan na tinawag ng barista.

"Iced Americano for Julian!"

Napatigil ako sa paghakbang.

No. . . it can't be. Hindi siya iyon. Marami namang may pangalang 'Julian'.

But what if siya?, my frontal lobe said.

Should I take a peek to test my theory?

Dahil hindi ako makatiis at baka hindi ako maka-focus kaka-overthink kung siya nga iyon, nilingon ko ang likuran ko.

"Oh, my god!" I muttered in shock. I almost bumped into him because he was walking towards my direction when I turned around.

It was really him!

Why didn't I see him? Was he just at my back?

His forehead was creased like he was confused with my reaction. "Hi?"

I felt my cheeks burn. "Hi," I said, biting my lips. "Didn't see you."

"Yeah. You weren't here on earth."

I bit my lips to keep myself from grinning. Did he see me like that? Also, nagjo-joke ba siya? Kasi natatawa at kinikilig ako.

Shet.

"I know. I'm a walking zombie on a Monday morning." I groaned.

I saw his eyebrow shot up. "I wasn't out partying, noh! I finished a K-drama!" I quickly defended myself. "It was just so good, so I finished it agad. Who knows if I'd still have time this week."

He chuckled, almost amused with my reaction. "You didn't have to explain, though."

We moved to the side since we're at the walkway.

I pouted. "Pakiramdam ko hinusgahan mo ako, eh."

"I'm not," he said, casually putting his hand on his pocket. It was only then when I noticed what he's wearing. I mean, default Julian na ang pagiging guwapo. I already accepted that he'd always look fresh in the morning, so I just look at his outfits everytime because hot damn, the man sure knows how to style himself. Or maybe I was just a goner for him na kahit yata baduy ang suotin niya, maga-guwapuhan pa rin ako sa kaniya!

And right now, he's sporting a baby-blue polo tucked in his denim pants and with sleeves folded on his arms. There was also a navy-blue pullover draped on his shoulders. His hair was cleaned up nice, and he wasn't wearing his glasses so I could perfectly see his eyes.

I raised my brow after I gave him a once over—I'd like to think we're really friends now kaya nagagawa ko na ito nang hindi nahihiya.

"Naks. You're not wearing your glasses today," I commented. You looked hotter without glasses on, I wanted to add but only in my mind.

"Nakikita mo pa ba ako?" tukso ko.

I laughed when he rolled his eyes.

"You did not just roll your eyes at me!" I shrieked, amused.

"Who are you to speak? I'm pretty sure your eyes are not perfect either. Ako, nakikita mo ba?"

I was too stunned to speak at his rebuttal.

Damn.

That's it. I like this version of Julian.

"I'm not blind!" I gasped, feigning overreaction.

We started walking outside because it's almost eight now.

Ugh. Now I don't want to go to work!

"Yeah, sure."

I rolled my eyes at him, an annoying grin not leaving my face because he's actually teasing me.

Man, this day is one for the books.

"Ingat!" I said when we got to the parking and parted ways.

He nodded at me and timidly smiled. "Ingat din. Good morning, Noah."

I pressed my lips more to stop from grinning too widely. I didn't need to be more obvious that I'm enjoying this brief and sweet encounter with him.

Gosh.

Good morning, indeed.