Say You Won't Let Go (Donny Pangilinan)

Chapter 20

Donny

It's Thursday, and Josh wants me to meet him at The Perfect Pint in Taguig. What else do we need to talk about ba? Then go to him and find out, Donny. Don't be stupid. I took a deep breath and checked the time, 5:30 pm. I texted Mom and Dad that Josh and I are gonna meet, it didn't take a while for them to reply since they treat Josh like he's a part of our family too. I went to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth, then changed to my casual attire everyday. You know it, all black. I drove myself there nalang since I don't want to bother kuya Manny, I mean he's tired too, so yeah.

Time check: 6:29 pm. Traffic. Always nalang, hay kaurat. I still haven't started on planning about the fair. Sigh. I'll let it pass muna, three weeks pa naman. After 40 minutes, I arrived in Taguig, still searching for a parking space. The place wasn't that crowded since it's a school day, but still there are adults here to stroll around. After doing so, I strolled around din to look for the place Josh sent to Chris.

7:34 pm

I entered the venue, feeling aroused with the smell of place. Uhm, gastro pub pala 'to kaya nahilo agad ako but I can still manage. Looking around, my hands were on the pockets of my hoodie. I searched for Josh in a sea of people, then I heard a familiar voice calling me, "Right here, Donny.", I looked to my left and saw him seating alone, with two shot glasses and a beer in front of him. I took another deep breath before walking towards him. "Well, thank God sinipot mo 'ko tol.", Josh greeted as I went near him. "Take a seat, will you?", then I did. "Uhm, what's with all of this? The sudden meet up thingy?", I asked, I was curious, really. "Nothing, man. Don't you miss the old times when we still hang around?", he said while taking a sip from the drink he's holding. "I do, man. But you know naman na 'di ako umiinom so..", I was honest, I really do miss having him around. "I know you don't but I do.", he took another sip. "So, is there anything we need to talk about?", I interrogated again. "You tell me, Donny. Meron nga ba?", I just looked at him, wala naman siguro so I can leave na din. "I heard na madalas mo na makasama si Sophie.", with what Josh said, my heart started beating so fast. Should I tell him na I feel something towards her? Wait, does he know kaya? "C'mon dude, don't freak. I don't bite, you know that.", he patted my back. He took a shot, then he stared at me. "I'm glad na she's happy na without me.", woah, really? I sat up straight while listening to him. "I don't deserve her, she doesn't deserve me.", he took another shot. "Just because I don't go to Brent anymore, it doesn't mean that I'm outdated na.", what is he talking about? Is he drunk? "Dude, you had two shots already. Alam mo pa ba mga pinagsasabi mo?", I tried to stop him from grabbing the beer, but inunahan niya ako. "I'm still aware of what I'm saying, Dons.", every second passing, it feels like I'm talking to a judge like I'm at the court. "I still don't get why you became so possessive, Josh. I hope you got over that.", I said. "I got over it, I know that's such a dick move.", he sighed. I just stayed silent for a while, then Josh began to speak again. "Chris told me something. So, you and Sophie, huh.", I looked away when he started looking at me again. "There's nothing going on between us.", I said, looking down. "It's okay, man. I'm fine with that.", he said. Seriously, I think I'm just wasting my time here. "I-I have to go. Don't drink too much, J. Have a safe drive.", I said as I stood up. Gahd, why did I stutter? Is it obvious na iniiwasan ko yung topic about Sophie? Before I left, he grabbed me by the arm. He's already drunk, I swear. "Wait, before you leave, keep this in mind, okay?", he paused for a while, "Take care of her, Donny. I know that you can treat her better than I did.", he gave me a smile like I did, then we hugged each other as if matagal na kaming hindi nagkita. "I will, bro.", I whispered in between our hugs, then he gave me a pat on the back as I did the same. "Don't screw her up like I did before.", then I gave him a salute before I left him. "Make her smile again.", to be honest, I thought he was gonna beat me up till I could hardly breathe but I thought wrong. I was about two steps away from him but then I turned around to say something, "Why me, though?", I asked. He chuckled and gave me a smile then said, "'Cause I know she'll do the same for you.", I was speechless. Should I start making a move?

9:19 PM

I just got home from Taguig then I went straight to my room, and saw Benj reading his notes. "Sup, kuy. Where have you been?", Benj asked as I started removing my shoes. "Taguig, bro. Josh wanted to talk about some things.", I smirked. "Oh, I see. What did you guys talk about?", he asked while scanning his notes. "Nothing much, really. He just wanted to make sure that.. I'll be the one to take care of Sophie.", I replied, shyly. I can't lie to my only brother, plus I never lied to him or to anyone. "Go for it, kuya! I'm sure there'll be no more harm done if you guys you know, like go together.", I laughed at him. "I'm not kidding, kuy! I ship you guys for real. Kailan ba mags-sail?", "Let's not talk about the ship thingy first 'cos you know, maybe she likes someone else..  Who is not me.", I started to overthink. "No, kuy. Don't think that way. She likes you din, hindi lang siya nagsasabi.", I really don't know kung saan nakuha ni Benj mga pinagsasabi niya. "How could you be so sure?", I was really confused. "Trust me, kuya. You'll know naman din soon.", oh well, I'll just sleep this off.

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Hey guys! I actually wrote first few parts of this chapter last Friday, 2-3 hours before #YTFF started. I was motivated to write because I met Hannah, Frankie, kuya Josh & ate Thea + Janina's squad!! Hihi just wanna share hihi. :-) Hope ya guys liked this one! Don't forget to vote + comment. :) Thank you for reading, I love ya'll! Sending huuuugs. <3

Love,

Cee