Be the First

26 : Switch It Off

DANI's POV

Nang matapos ang interview kay Stella, nagmamadali akong pumasok sa loob ng classroom para ayusin lahat ng gamit ko. Bag na lang kasi namin ni Izrajel ang natitira, kaya kailangan ko nang makalabas kaagad.

I need to leave. Now.

"Can you send me the drafts later? Pwede kitang tulungang mag-edit ng sinulat mo." Shit. Ito na nga ba ang sinasabi ko. "Dani."

"No need. I can do it."

"But surely you need someone to proofread it for you." Hinarangan niya ang dadaanan ko nang buhatin ko na ang bag ko. "Dani, look at me."

Just stare at his shoes. Don't look up, Dani!

"Excuse me, I have to go." I stepped forward, but he keeps blocking my way. "Meran. Seryoso ako."

"Ayaw mo bang tulungan kita?" Tanong niya nang tingalain ko na siya. "I want to help. Let me."

"Before you came here, I write five articles a week all by myself. I can definitely write this on my own." Sabi ko. "Now, Meran, if you'll excuse me--"

"Why can't you look at me?" Tanong niya nang humakbang siya papalapit. "You've been too distant and too wary of me. May ginawa ba akong kasalanan sa'yo?"

This is what I definitely didn't want to happen. Darn it.

I've calmed myself down and looked up at him, straight into his eyes. Sobrang bigat ng tingin niya, katulad ng tingin ni Airen sa akin noong...

"There." Sabi niya, habang nakikipaghamunan rin ng tingin. "Not too hard, is it?"

"Are you done?" Tanong ko saka ako naglakad ulit. And for the last time, hinarangan na naman niya ako. "Meran."

"Samaniego." He replied as a tease.

"Kung wala kang balak na pumunta sa clubs mo, ako meron. Please, cut it out. Leave me alone."

"I can't and I won't."

"Meran."

"This is the only time we get to be alone, and you're giving me such a cold shoulder." Sabi niya. "How can I win you over, then?"

What did he say?

"Meran. Tumabi ka." I said that with a warning.

"Since Airen beat me to it, I've decided to confess what I've been feeling about you too."

"Please." Sabi ko habang umiiling. "Don't do this."

"I've started to like you, Dani." Sabi niya na parang nagre-recite lang siya. He said it with so much confidence and ease. "I'm beginning to want to spend more time with you. You never go to our spot anymore. I miss it. I miss your company. I'm... drawn to you, and I don't even know why, but I want to explore this."