At Last, Him

Chapter 31: Invisible Strings

The moment we stepped into my condo, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. The weight of the day, heavy meetings, and the emotional strain of hearing CL's heartfelt exchanges with his patients seemed to melt away as the door clicked shut behind us.

"I'll cook us something," CL offered, his voice warm and reassuring. He ran a hand through his dark, wavy hair, still slightly mussed from his earlier presentation. The exhaustion etched in his olive-toned features didn't go unnoticed. His dark, expressive eyes had a tired but loving gleam as he glanced my way.

"You've already done enough today," I said, a playful smile curving my lips. I brushed a hand over his arm, feeling the slight tension in his lean, athletic build. "Mag-order na lang tayo sa Shakey's. Wala na rin talaga akong energy para magluto."

CL chuckled softly, the sound rich and familiar. "Alright, alright. You win this time."

We pulled up the app on my phone and placed an order for a feast that would make anyone's eyes widen: a party-sized pizza, mojos, fried chicken, pasta, and even some garlic bread on the side. As the confirmation chimed, CL stretched, letting out a sigh. The way his muscles subtly shifted beneath his white shirt didn't escape my notice.

"Ligo muna ako," sabi ko, kinuha ang aking bathrobe at bagong set ng damit. "Alam mo na kung nasaan nakalagay lahat."

"Oo, alam ko na," he said, his full lips quirking into a half-smile. "Take your time."

The warm water cascading over me felt like an embrace, washing away the day's weariness. The scent of my favorite citrus body wash filled the bathroom, and for a few minutes, the world outside faded. By the time I emerged, refreshed and wrapped in my robe, CL had already rummaged through his bag and was waiting for his turn with a towel slung over one shoulder.

"Ikaw na," sabi ko, habang tumitingin sa kanyang mga mata. A shiver ran down my spine as his gaze softened.

"Be right back," he said, planting a light kiss on my forehead before disappearing into the bathroom. The sound of the shower running mixed with the low hum of the city below as I tidied up a bit, setting out plates and utensils on the coffee table.

Minutes later, CL emerged, damp curls framing his face, a fresh scent of soap and aftershave lingering in the air. He wore a simple black shirt and gray lounge pants that only accentuated his fit frame. Binigyan niya ako ng maliit, nakakaakit na ngiti habang umupo siya sa tabi ko sa sofa.

"So, what are we watching?" he asked, settling in and draping an arm over the back of the sofa.

"Gilmore Girls," sabi ko, kumikislap ang mga mata. "You know, Luke's still my favorite character."

"Ah, Luke," CL echoed with mock seriousness, raising an eyebrow. "I better watch out."

I laughed, nudging his side. "Oh, you'll love it. Trust me. He's the kind of guy who really cares—about Lorelai, about Rory. Palagi siyang nandiyan para sa kanila, kahit na hindi naman niya kailangang gawin. I mean, he was always Lorelai's true love, right from the start."

"Ah, I see," CL said with a knowing grin. "The guy who's been pining quietly, waiting for the perfect moment."

"Exactly!" sabi ko, nararamdaman ang aking kasabikan na umaapaw. "Makikita mo talaga—yung paraan ng pag-aalaga niya sa kanila, kahit hindi nila ito napapansin. He's rough around the edges, but you know he's got the biggest heart. And with Lorelai, it's like... it's obvious they're meant to be. She just needed to wake up and see it."

"Sounds like true love," CL mused, giving me a teasing sideways glance. "I guess I'm going to have to step up my game."

I laughed, nudging him again. "Oh, you're doing just fine."