Rj sent word that his meeting ran a bit longer than expected and he would be late to dinner. Maine didn't mind. It gave her time to calm her nerves.
Seated at the table, she smoothed the imaginary wrinkles in the yellow dress she chose to wear with minima jewelry. The slim straps and deep v showed off her arms and clavicle, while its length was flattering for her legs.
She can't help but recall to one of the few times she and Rj went out on a fancy date.
It was past their anniversary and not yet Valentine's, but Rj insisted that they go. "Binigyan ako ng coupon ng Tita ko, yung nasa States? Mageexpire this week yun eh. Sorry ha? Hindi aabot sa pang-Valentines."
"I don't mind that. Ang iniisip ko lang if we can afford it? Rj, I don't want you splurging on this tapos titipidin mo yung food allowance mo ha?" She reminded. One of the things she liked about Rj was how he refused to ask for extra money from his parents, eventhough the family could afford. He saved up his allowance or he ran odd jobs for their company if he wanted to get her a gift or take her out on dates.
The extra money his parents give him always went straight to his trust fund, which he planned to use for putting up his future businesses.
"I have enough, Menggay, and I promise hindi ako nagpapagutom, okay?" He assured.
The restaurant served Filipino dishes, and it was then that she found out one of Rj's quirks. When they served the kare-kare, he immediately started digging in the dish as if looking for something. Then, he groaned. "Ugh. May tuwalya."
Maine frowned, "Malamang. Kare-kare yan eh."
"I don't like tuwalya," he pouted.
"Kasi?"
"Hirap akong ngumuya."
"Ano?!"
He explained, "Kasi parang bubblegum na ewan? Tapos parang hindi natatapos yung pagchew tapos pagod na ako bago pa ako mabusog."
Maine laughed at his dilemma, but said, "Ang weird! Pero sige, when I cook this for you, puro meat nalang ilalagay ko and veggies."
She learned about his other food quirks that night and they spent most of the time laughing or talking about adjusting to college life.
The best part was, when he brought her home that night.
"Rj?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for tonight! I had so much fun," she said.
"Welcome! Sige na pasok ka na," he said, motioning for her to enter their gate.
She asked that they go in and sit at the lanai to chat some more. "Ilang weeks na din tayong walang braces."
"Oo nga eh! Nakakapanibago pero thankful ako. Nakakasawa na."
"You look even more guapo," she said, loyally.
"Naks! Iba talaga pag busog ka 'no?"
"Uy hindi ah. Gwapo ka na naman before pa. Pero since we went to college, iba na. Ang dami kayang may crush sayo sa block ko?"
"Tama na. Besides, dapat lang maglevel up ako. Ang dami kayang may balak umagaw sayo? Kailangan pogi ako para wag mo ako ipagpalit," he told her.
"Hindi kita ipagpapalit. Promise."
"Promise?"
"Yes! Let's seal it with a kiss."
