One Last Time (R18)

Kabanata LXXIII: COFFEE

Coffee.
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Sometimes honesty still hurts people, but lying would hurt them more.

"KEIRA..."

Dahan-dahan kong nilingon si Jaei, slightly confused. Did he forget something? Naibalik ko naman na ang coat niya.

"Yes?" I asked softly as he stopped in front of me.

Jaei didn't answer. His eyes slowly traced my face-from my eyes, to my mole, to my cheek, then my lips-while his jaw tightened like he was fighting something inside himself.

And maybe he was already tired of fighting it. Because slowly, he leaned closer. And the moment he did that... I already knew.

Bago pa tuluyang lumapat ang labi niya sa labi ko, I turned my face to the side, making his kiss land only on the corner of my cheek.

Kasabay noon ang mahigpit kong pagkuyom ng kamay. Because at that exact moment, Levi's face flashed in my mind so vividly that guilt crashed into me all at once.

Jaei immediately pulled back. "I'm sorry..." he muttered hoarsely. "Nadala lang ako."

When I returned my eyes to him, regret was already written across his face.

I gave an understanding smile. I didn't expect him to do that, pero naiintindihan ko siya. Jaei was only human. Kahit gaano mo pa piliting kontrolin ang sarili mo, there are moments when emotions slip past restraint, especially when you've been holding them in too long.

"No... it's okay... I'm sorry too," wika ko.

A quiet silence passed between us before he asked in a low voice. "Siya ang naisip mo?" A question not accusing, only genuine curiosity.

I lowered my eyes. "Yes."

A faint chuckle escaped him, making me look up at him and see his gentle, understanding gaze.

"You really didn't notice earlier?" he asked.

I frowned slightly. "Notice what?"

"He was there."

My brows knitted tighter. "Who?"

"Engr. Deogracias."

Hearing it, everything inside me stopped-my breathing, my thoughts, and even the little noise around us seemed to disappear.

Ilang segundo ang lumipas bago ako nakahuma, before I finally found my voice.

"What?" halos pabulong kong tanong.

Umiling si Jaei, na parang natutuwa sa reaksyon. "Akala ko nga lalapitan niya tayo kanina. Honestly, I was expecting it... so I was surprised when he didn't."

My thoughts immediately spiraled. Was it just a coincidence? Or did he follow me again?

Pero kahit alin pa man doon, hindi ko magawang magalit. If anything, I felt relieved... even a little proud. He didn't interfere. He didn't cause a scene. For once, he respected the boundary I asked of him.