Unexpected (ON HOLD)

Chapter 25

"Make me fall in love with you everyday?"

*cue background music* lol

I froze, my eyes widening in shock as I removed my hand from her cheek.

Did I really hear her right? I-Is she even serious?

I blinked, searching her eyes for any sign that she's just fooling around like we always do. But I saw none, making my heart beat faster in my chest. "Y-Yoyon, w-wha--"

She chuckles. "How do you make my name sound so damn special, Cha? It's insane."

Is this really happening?

"When I'm with you, i-it's like nothing else in the world matters.. like nothing could go wrong because you're there to brighten up my day. A-all my life, I've been confident about the things I do, because I've never really cared about what other people thought. But when you're around, I don't know how to act normal anymore, like every single move I make is crucial. When you laugh, I can't think straight. My heart instantly melts whenever I hear you laugh. And your smile.." She chuckles. "God, I can't get enough of it.. Of you, more."

I was speechless, left dumbfounded once again by Rhian Ramos. My mouth was agape, the things she said still processing in my mind. And the massive headache I gained from the shrimp was definitely not helping.

"I'm not saying this because I'm expecting that you'll say you feel the same way. Believe me, I know that'll never happen.. but even though you only see me as a friend, please.. allow me to love you. I'm not asking for anything in return.. W-wag mo lang sana 'kong iwasan." she breathed, steadying her voice. "You'll break my heart if you do."

Rhian looked down and closed her eyes. "I'm sorry. I know you're probably freaked out right now, pe--" I cupped her face, making her look straight at me. Her doe eyes glistening in the light.

"Paano kung sabihin ko sa'yo na mahal din kita?" I whispered as I stared into her eyes.

This is it. No turning back now.

I sigh deeply. "Yoyon, mahal kita. Hindi ko lang masabi sa'yo kasi ayokong mailang ka sa'kin at iwasan mo 'ko. Natakot ako na mawala yung closeness natin. Natakot akong masira lahat.." I leaned closer and rested my forehead on hers. Our breathing becoming one by the second. "Natakot akong mawala ka kahit hindi ka naman akin."

"I hung onto every flirtatious joke you threw my way, wishing that someday you'd actually mean them. Don't get me wrong, di naman ako masyadong umasa." I chuckle. "It's just nice to go on with your stressful day knowing that someone special spared you their attention."

She lets out a shaky chuckle. The ones you hear when you finally graduate, when you see a friend you haven't seen for a long time, the ones on happy endings in the movies. Laughters of relief, joy, and gratitude. "Please.. please tell me I'm not just imagining this." she says.

I nod, brushing our noses together as I smile. "You're not."

She chuckles softly and kisses my nose. "I love you." she kisses my nose again. "I love you." And again. "I love you." And again, and again, aaaaand again.