The Red Flag Enjoyer (BL)

🚩Epilogue

WIN

The coldness of California, USA, greeted me the moment I stepped off the plane. After a long and tiring flight, I was finally here.

I took my luggages and left the place. Binigay naman sa akin ni Pablo ang exact location ni Wren kaya hindi ako mahihirapang puntahan siya. I just need to show the location to the cab driver I booked.

Nang makita ang sasakyan ay pumasok na rin ako.

"Hi, sir! Good morning!" bati nito sa akin. Ang guwapo, foreigner kasi. Pero mas guwapo pa rin ang best friend kong si Wren, siyempre.

I showed him my phone. He responded with a gentle nod and started driving.

"Which country do you come from, sir?" he asked, starting a conversation.

I smiled. "The Philippines," I replied.

"Oh, I see. You're so handsome, sir! The American girls will surely like you!" pagbibiro pa nito sa akin.

"Thank you, sir, but actually, I'm here to see my boyfriend," I confessed.

Nakita ko ang gulat sa mga mata niya mula sa rear view mirror.

"I didn't expect it, sir! I hope you have fun visiting our country with your boyfriend. We have good beaches here too!" mabuti na lang at hindi homophobic si Kuya dahil sa pagiging magiliw nito. Sa daldal niya ay hindi ko na namalayan pa ang oras ng biyahe. He stopped in front of a modern house. The exterior design wowed me. Sleek lines, large windows, and a minimalist style gave the house a sophisticated and welcoming feel. I couldn't help but admire the attention to detail in every corner. It looked like something out of a magazine. Ito na ba ang bahay ni Wren dito? Grabe sa ganda!

I thanked the driver and handed him the payment. Nang makalabas ako ay pinagmasdan ko muna ang buong lugar. Tabi-tabi ang mga bahay rito. They were separated by wooden fences, with maple trees scattered everywhere. The hues of reddish-orange leaves made me admire the entire place. It felt peaceful, like a perfect blend of nature and design. Mas lumitaw ang ganda ng mga bahay sa ganda ng mga punong nakapaligid. I like here.

Naglalaro ang kaba sa dibdib ko nang makumbisi ang sarili na magdoorbell. I composed myself. I straightened my polo shirt and then combed my hair with my hand. I smelled my breath by cupping my mouth while breathing heavily. Good thing it smelled fresh.

Tumayo ako nang maayos sa harap ng doorbell bago ito pinindot ng dalawang beses.

I waited for some time, expecting Wren to appear at the front door but no one showed up. Nag-doorbell pa ako ngunit wala talaga.

"Are you looking for Mr. Prado?"

Napalingon ako sa nagsalita. It was an old woman who seemed to be on her daily morning walk. I nodded at her.

"He probably went to his business. It's located in Central Coupland. The shop's name is Win's Artmats. He sells art materials for artists, and he also does actual sketching there! He's a good artist!" she said.

I was taken aback by the shop name she mentioned. Business ito ni Wren pero nakapangalan sa akin. I wondered if he was regretting naming his shop after me because I rejected his proposal.

"Thank you, Madam," I said and looked for a cab.

Mabuti na lang at nandiyan siya para magbigay sa akin ng direksiyon. This old woman was a heaven-sent!

Nang makasakay sa cab ay binanggit ko agad ang lokasiyon na pupuntahan ko. It's just a fifteen-minute drive to where Wren's house is located. Malapit lang ito rito.