Find me, Detective

CHAPTER 5 - VISC

As the vibrant ambiance of the bar enveloped me, I found myself slowly letting go of the weight of my case, if only for the evening. The laughter and chatter seemed to create a barrier against the looming pressures outside. I sipped my drink, the mild alcohol warming my senses and loosening the tight grip of stress that had accompanied me throughout the day.

Mady, always the life of the party, was exchanging banter with Thomas and Raleigh, their laughter echoing amidst the upbeat music. I watched as Joaquin and Cris maintained a semblance of peace, though the tension between them and Kaira lingered like a low hum in the background. Mag dadalawang oras palang ng mag kakilala ang mga 'to pero close na close na agad.

Glancing over, I caught Aviel's gaze fixed on me again. Problema nito sa akin? bet siguro ako nito. This time, I didn't look away. Her serious demeanor recaptured my attention. There was something undeniably magnetic about her; beneath that seemingly impenetrable exterior, I was curious to discover the layers that made up Aviel.

Just then, she locked eyes with me, and an unexpected warmth washed over me, mingling absurdly with the cozy energy of the bar. Dahil sa nararamdaman kong tensyon ay ako na ang unang umiwas ng tingin, grabe din pala ang babaeng 'yon. Feel ko nilalait na ako non sa isipan niya.

"Hey, you okay?" Raleigh's voice broke through my reverie, and I nodded, shaking off the thought that had settled in my mind.

"Yeah, just... taking it all in," I replied, trying to sound casual while feeling the weight of Aviel's gaze still lingering.

Mady nudged me playfully. "You're looking a little too serious for a night out. Relax! natamaan ka na siguro ng alak 'no? aba 'te pang lima mo palang 'yan." ani nito, baka nga, may konting kirot na rin kasi akong nararamdaman.

The night was just getting started, and I was determined to embrace it fully.

In the midst of the dance floor, we joined the others and let the music pulse through us. I lost track of time as I swayed with the beat, laughing at Raleigh's exaggerated dance moves and feeling comforted by the camaraderie around me. Feel ko natamaan na nga talaga ako, I can feel it. Habang nakikisaya sakanila ay napansin kong naka tayo si Aviel sa hindi kalayuan.

She's leaning against the wall, observing the lively scene rather than participating. Wala ba 'tong balak sumali? introvert ata si yelo. There was a certain intensity in her gaze, one that made me wonder what thoughts spun through her mind while she held that cool exterior.

Wanting to bridge the gap, pumunta ako sa kanyang pwesto na kamuntikan pa akong matumba. Tangina, sumasakit ulo ko. When I reached her place nakita kong tumaas ang kanyang isang kilay, that cause my heart racing. Kung maka taas ng kilay wagas. "Are you not gonna join them?"

She raised an eyebrow, "Not really my scene. I prefer to watch. You? why are you drinking? para kang uod na nag lalakad kanina."

I looked away dahil sa sinabi nito, kasalanan ko ba na madali akong tamaan ng alak.

I cleared my throat "I have a low alcohol tolerance that's why." I scratch my nape. "What are you watching for? A secret to the dance or a great escape?"

"Maybe just the dynamics," Aviel replied, her eyes flickering back to the crowd. "Like how people interact when they're in a setting like this. There's something raw about it."

I nodded, intrigued by her thoughtfulness. "It's refreshing to see people unwind and connect. Sometimes it's easier to read their intentions when they're not guarded."

She just nodded to what I said and she watched the people who were dancing.

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Mabilis akong napa bangon ng maramdaman ko ang mainit na bagay na gustong lumubas sa aking bibig. Kulang nalang isuka ko pati ang malaki kong bituka.