Last Shot at Love

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

MJ ROSS

"Julian, I swear! Bakit kasi kailangan pa ng blind fold?! Papatayin mo ba ako? Aatakihin na ako sa puso sa sobrang kaba!" Reklamo ni Maki as I guide her to our destination.

"Katrina, I also swear that I'll put something in your mouth to shut you up! We're almost there. Ano ba naman iyong konting oras na wala kang makita? Do I look like someone who'll kill? And don't you trust me?!" I retorted back. She sighed defeated. Hindi na ito sumagot at patuloy na lang naglakad with my assistance.

We walked for another ten minutes hanggang makarating na kami sa private room ng isang restaurant where our friends were retouching some design na parte ng surprise. I saw Kean at the entrance with a wide grin and a thumb up. They silently exited the room as we make our way inside.

"Okay, I'll remove the blind fold but close your eyes still, okay?" I said as I untie the cloth covering her beautiful eyes. "Okay, open."

Maki was dumbfounded. Her jaw dropped and seemed to be really surprised. She turned around and look at the room. The floor was almost covered in red rose petals. There was a two-seater candle-lit round table. White balloons were floating, covering almost the whole ceiling. On the end of each string were pictures. Some shots consist the two of us and some are my candid and planned shots of her. Soft music began to play as I guide her to seat.

"Oh my! Julian! I don't know what to say." She asked still looking around the whole place.

"Then don't. Let's just enjoy the dinner." On que, Sarah and Alex walked in with plate each. They lay it down on the table. Pia followed and filled the flute glasses with champagne. We began to eat comfortably and had small talks in between. After our dinner, Bea collected our plates and Kean followed with the covered dessert holder in tow.

"So, you up for dessert?" I asked.

"Ako pa ba? Alam mo naming ito ang favorite part of the meal ko." She said amused and I nodded. My hands were shaking as I touch the cover. Maki frowned, confused as she saw me so nervous about opening the dessert. I finally lift it and she gasped as she saw what was under the cover. it was her favorite strawberry cake with word written;

Will you be my girlfriend?

Maki leap from her seat, she pulled my face with both of her hands and kissed me repeatedly on my lips as she said a million YES.

"Mj, I think you need to step up your game." Seryosong sabi ni Kean as I snapped out of my little trip from memory lane. She lifted her eyes to throw me a glance and immediately brought her eyes back to her phone where she's busy playing something. We're in my home office and currently waiting for the other girls to come. Sabay silang dumating ni Pia pero nasa kitchen ito and preparing some snacks habang naghihintay kami.

When it comes to love, lahat ata ng tao ay natatakot. We all have our own game changer. No matter how brave you seem to be, makakahanap at makakahanap ka pa rin ng taong magpapatiklop sa iyo. I used to be someone who seemed to be unapproachable. I was the ice queen. My eyes used to be emotionless. I do not speak most of the time and when the time comes, my words spits venom that could kill anybody. But, that was before Maki came. When she came, it was not only the group's dynamics that she changed, she changed mine as well. Everyone noticed how I came out of my own shell but they also witnessed how I crumble inside it when we part ways. Maki was my game changer and my whole game as well. She was and still is my world.

"Yeah, I think so, too. I just need to top my little surprise way back. And I honestly have no idea kung paano." I huffed. Where's my creativity when I need it?

"Well, think fast, my friend. I think it's only appropriate na ikaw ang mag initiate para maging official na kayo." Sagot naman nito.

"Kean is right, M." Sagot naman ni Pia as she entered the office with snacks in tow. She placed the tray in my desk and handed me a sandwich. I thank her and eat it but something caught my eye. Pia guided the sandwich to Kean's mouth who blindly took a bite. Her thumb immediately cleaned Kean's chin and the side of the mouth. Kean looked at Pia for a second and gave her a thankful smile then Pia took a bite on the same sandwich.

"Why?" I said, to continue the conversation but I continue to observe both. They took turns in biting the sandwich.

"Because you're the man in the relationship. Maks' too girly to do such thing. Besides, I think she proved enough how much she loves you." Pia answered, still unaware that I'm observing them. "Kean, drink your water first. I swear, you spend too much playing your damn phone!" She scolded, and to my surprise, Kean huffed and paused her game. The took the glass handed by Pia and drink the content.

You might think that their actions are just friendly. But, kung kaibigan mo sila all your life, alam mong hindi ito friendly. The thing is, Pia never share her food. She thinks its unhygienic. I remember when we were high school and I took a bite on her banana. The girl almost blew up and keep on scolding me on how unhygienic sharing food is. On the other hand, Kean never listened to anybody. Kung anong trip niyang gawin, gagawin niya no matter what everyone say. So, I think something is going on at ayaw lang nilang sabihin. But since kami pa lang naman ang andito, might as well tease them a little.

"Huh. At least, hiindi lang pala ako ang under sa barkada." Both of their eyes went wide as if they realized something. I laughed loudly as Kean choked on her water and Pia immediately patted her back. Both of their faces are burning which only made me laugh harder. Kean was about to say something when my unofficial girlfriend entered the room. She was followed by Sarah, Bea and Alex who's chatting animatedly about something I cannot relate.

"Hi Baby! I missed you so much!" I smiled wildly because of her statement. It's not like we haven't saw each other last night but I do feel the same. I pushed my chair backwards but before I stand up, she already situated herself on my lap. to my surprise, she leaned in and pecked my lips. Before I even return the kiss, she pulled away and took a bite on my sandwich.

"Maks, di ko alam kung gutom ka food-wise, or you're hungry Mj-wise." Pia teased but Maki just shrugged her shoulders and continually ate my sandwich.

"I missed you too, Babe! I was already feeling like a third wheel a few minutes ago. Buti na lang dumating ka na." I said, throwing a smug grin to Kean and Pia. My love was confused of my statement but chose to ignore it. I looked at Kean who gave me a silent plea to stay quiet and a gave her a raised eyebrow which meant that we need to talk.

A/N

Hi! Sorry for the late update. Hope you enjoy :)