Three Days to Change Our Future

DAY 3 - 25

"There's something different about you today, Viona."

I was so stunned that only a question came out from my mouth, "Is it that bad?"

"Ah... No... No..." Philip panicked, "I don't mean the change was bad. It just caught me off guard, and... You're more generous than usual, Viona."

"Oh, you're talking about what happened before."

"Yeah... Unusually, you lend me some money," He stroked his neck, "is there something on your mind?"

I replied bluntly, "Yes. It's a secret you won't know."

"Eh?! Tell me, Viona. You made me more curious. We're best friends, don't we?"

"Nope," I put on a teasing grin and denied, "give it up. You're not supposed to know this."

"You made me become more curious, why you don't want to tell me?"

"I'm sorry, but I will bring this to my grave alone."

"Is this how you treat your friend who has known you for a long time?" He wailed while grabbing my shoulders.

I sighed deeply, trying to ignore him, and kept walking. We were in the same position until arriving at Velia's flower shop, Philip's home. Yet, he's still clinging to me.

I can understand Trix's feelings a little bit now.

"Then... How about exchanging each other's secrets?" He suggested it with a confident grin.

I gave up and said, "I suppose... We can do that."

"Great! Then, please wait for me here. I need to get you something," Philip said as he dashed to his house, leaving me alone in the middle of the street.

Meanwhile, I rested my eyes on the beautiful flowers in his shop while waiting for him. Suddenly, there's something that tingled my sense from behind.

Someone has been watching me.

I turned around to catch them, but no avail. Giving up on searching for the culprit, my eyes went back to the flowers.

I should ignore them for the time being.

Fifteen minutes later, he still hadn't come out of his house. I was getting so impatient that I wanted to leave.

Should I go home right now? It would be rude if I did that. I guess... I will wait for him a little bit longer.

Instantly, I heard some footsteps hurrying from inside the shop. Philip appeared, bringing a bouquet full of red roses.

He held it out to me and kneeled, "Happy birthday! Would you become my girlfriend?!"

There's silence between us.

My friend, whom I knew from outside the orphanage, was still kneeling while holding the roses. Afraid of being awkward, I accepted his roses and told him to stand up. In my head, it's full of many scenarios after I accept or reject him. Then, I made the decision.

It's quite hard for me but I understand him when he saw me more than just as a friend, just like I did to Trix.

"I have to reject him..." I mumbled quietly.

Please forgive me, Philip.

"Thank you for your gift," I held the bouquet carefully while taking in some of the rose's scent, "It made me guilty for not accepting your confession, Philip Velia."

"So... Do you accept it?" Philip asked cheerfully.

His hopeful eyes made me stutter.

"No, Philip. No. I-It meant to be a rejection."

"Oh," his face sank immediately, "I got it. Thank you for being honest, Viona."

"You're welcome... I'm sorry that I can't accept your feelings," I apologized with a little smile.

"It's alright. I know you will dump me anyway."

Abruptly, everything became muffled in my ears. I looked at him suspiciously.

"You told me that we would share our secret to each other. Was that your secret, Philip?" I asked while staring at his purple eyes.

"Yeah... I'm sorry for the burden," he replied with a low voice, "you didn't have to remember it if you wanted."

I was astonished to hear that from my best friend. It's quite a mess, but I respected him for conveying his feelings. Unlike me who still couldn't do that-until it's too late.

"Wait, I didn't tell you my secret yet. Shall I confess it now?"

Philip smiled gently and said, "It's alright. I was kidding about sharing secrets. You have one or two secrets you can't tell anyone, right? I will respect it in peace."

I felt relieved when I heard that and beamed it back, "You are a gentleman, Philip. May God bless you with the same piece of heart as yours."

"Thank you, I hope the same as yours..." he reacted shyly, "it's almost dark. Should I escort you to your home, Lady Viona?"

Because my brain couldn't handle the throbs in my chest anymore, I agreed. "Yes... Please escort me back, Philip."

We continued our walk to the orphanage, my home. Luckily for me, the stares vanished, so I didn't feel them again.

I'm glad that I decided to go back home with Philip.