You're Blooming the Wrong Way

Chapter Thirty-Three

Things have been quiet for a while. At first, it was suffocating to be in the same class with Haru, much more to be seated beside him. But eventually, both of us learned to get used to it. Well, barely.

"Does it bother you?"

I blinked twice when Haru casually started a conversation with me. Looks like he noticed in the corner of his eye that I was staring at his hand covered in bandages. "I was just curious. Sorry."

A small smile dawned to his face. "I got it burned while baking."

We dated for months, but I don't even know that he bakes.

I simply nodded in response. Days turned into weeks, and we slowly became civil to each other. I'm thankful that Haru handled our breakup professionally. Hindi siya nagtanim ng sama ng loob sa akin. He still acknowledged my presence despite everything.

Anyway, it was Monday. The classroom was unusually quiet due to the reason that we have exams in most of our subjects today. Abala sa pag-aaral ang mga kaklase ko at hindi sila makausap. Haru is an exception, though. I've always known that he's smart, but in times like this when all of us are cramming and he's just chilling, I still get amazed.

I was in the middle of reviewing when Haru poked me in the arm.

"Huh? W-What is it?"

"Can you possibly meet me in the rooftop after class?" He placidly requested, to which I gaped. "I have something to tell you."

What could it be? This is making me nervous.

"Alright." nag-aalinlangan kong sabi.

"Cool." He grinned. "See you later!"

Buong araw akong tuliro sa klase. I have no idea what he wants. We are already in talking terms, but what's with the sudden invitation?

Pagsapit ng uwian, hindi na ako pinansin ni Haru at nagmamadali na siyang lumabas ng klase. I hope he didn't forget that he actually asked me to meet him after class. Baka mamaya nakalimutan na pala niyang may usapan kami. I made my way to our meeting place.

"Nakalimutan ba niya?" bulong ko sa aking sarili nang wala akong madatnang tao sa rooftop. Tumingin ako sa orasan ko. If Haru doesn't come in five minutes, forget it. I'm done here.

For the meantime, I leaned against the railings to patiently wait for him. Pinagmasdan ko ang mga estudyante sa baba na mistulang mga langgam na pauwi pa lamang sa kanilang mga lungga. When I lifted my gaze to the skies, I couldn't help but admire the horizon dominated by the orange light emitted by the sunset.

"Happy birthday to you~"

My eyes widened in shock. I heard the door creaking, and my heart raced wildly when Haru entered the rooftop with a small cake in his hands. May nakasindi pang kandila sa ibabaw nito. He laughingly covered the candle with his palm to protect it from the wind.

I stared at him with bated breath. "W-What is this, Haru?"

Instead of answering me, he only responded with a sheepish grin. He continued singing me a happy birthday as he slowly walked towards me. I stood rooted to my position, speechless.

"Happy birthday to you~"

His voice was shaking as he sang nervously in front of me, but it sounded so serene to my ears. When he was done singing, Haru stretched his arms and happily offered me the cake.

"Happy birthday, Lucy!" He giggled. "Back then, you said that you don't like sweets, but you love creamy stuff in particular. I don't know how to bake, but I tried my best to make this cake for you."