The One Who Stares Behind

PAGBABALIK II

"Iniiwasan mo ba ako, Lexus?" she asked, her voice quieter than usual.

"What made you think that?" I responded, trying to sound indifferent.

"It's been months, and you're still acting cold towards me," she said, her eyes searching mine for an answer.

"And?" I didn't care enough to soften my tone.

"It bothers me. I feel like something's wrong between us."

I let out a short breath, trying to suppress the frustration building up inside me. "Anong gusto mo, dapat ba maging sweet ako sayo? Hindi ako ang boyfriend mo. Just go, Kasianna."

I saw the shock in her eyes when I called her that.

No one calls her that. Not like I do. I was a little too pleased with myself.

"Zi, Lewis has been looking for you. Lexus, nandiyan ka rin pala? Tara na?"

"You can go, I'll stay here," I said, my voice flat.

She hesitated for a moment, then turned to leave with Khairo, glancing back at me once before walking away.

I couldn't help but run my fingers through my hair, frustration bubbling up inside me. Damn it. What the hell am I doing?

I've been avoiding her for months, yet why does it feel like my feelings for her are only getting stronger? As much as I like her, I don't want to fight with my brother. He's family. But damn, it's hard when I see them together every day—Lewis and her, always side by side. I hate to admit it, but they do look good together.

"Gusto mo siya, no?" Rachel asked, her eyes knowing.

"Yes. I like her for my brother," I replied, trying to sound convincing, though I could tell by the look on her face that she wasn't buying it. She let out a small laugh, shaking her head.

"You can say that. You can continue fooling yourself," she said, her gaze shifting to where Kasianna and Lewis were sitting together.

"I know where I stand. Unlike you, still waiting for my brother. He won't see you that way, Rachel." The words felt bitter as I said them, but it was the truth.

Rachel shot me a scornful look before walking away, leaving me standing there, alone with my thoughts.

It's fine. Once they break up, I'll steal her away. What the hell am I even thinking?
—
I was about to leave our room when something hit my chest. A folder. Damn, did they fight? Is she taking her anger out on me now?

"Partners tayo sa report na 'yan, sobrang busy mo kasi makipagharutan kay Therese!" she snapped, her voice laced with something I couldn't quite place.

Damn. She sounds jealous. Is she?

I stared at her, watching the way her lips pouted. I tried not to notice, but it was impossible. I was so damn tempted to kiss her right then and there.

"Okay, I'll do my part," I said, trying to keep my composure.

"So you're not denying that you're flirting with her?" she asked, her tone teasing, but there was something more beneath it.

I arched an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. "I'm not denying it. I am single, though. Are you jealous?"

She didn't respond right away, but the look in her eyes—she was so close to saying yes. And the moment she does... I'll kiss her without hesitation.

"Ako?" she said, pointing at herself in mock disbelief. "Nagseselos? In your dreams, no. Concern lang ako sa'yo."

Concern? She's concerned now? She's really messing with my head. She sounds jealous but won't admit it, and now she's acting like she cares. Oh, Kasianna, you're playing a dangerous game.