One Last Time (R18)

Kabanata III: PURSUING HIM

Pursuing Him.
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"HELLO handsome."

Nakangising bungad ko matapos akong tumigil sa harapan ng table kung saan siya nakaupo. Mag-isa lang siya, something that delighted me.

"What do you want from me, Yturralde?" Mababa at matigas ang boses niya nang sa wakas ay iangat niya ang tingin. The icy glare he gave me could have frozen anyone in place, except me.

"Nothing..." I shook my head lightly. Itinukod ko ang mga kamay ko sa ibabaw ng table sa harapan niya habang iniikot ko ang tingin ko sa loob ng library. I didn't come here to research, I came here to follow him.

And because I'm the only student standing inside, agad akong napansin ng librarian na nag-iikot.

"Yes, Ms.Yturralde?" Nakaarko ang isa sa manipis nitong kilay na lumapit sa'kin habang ibinababa nito ang suot nitong salamin sa mata.

"Mukhang tapos ka na sa research mo, Ms. Yturralde. Maaari ka nang bumalik sa susunod mong klase..." Bumaba ang tingin nito kay Levi na busy sa ginagawa.

"Kaysa manggulo ka ng ibang estudyante rito."

"Actually, Mrs. Ciriaco… kararating ko lang." I straightened and gave her a polite smile. "I'm here to work on a research project with Deogracias. Isn't that right?" I glanced at Levi, but he didn't glance back at me.

Umingos ako bago muling hinarap ang librarian. "It looks like my partner is already doing some research. We'll appreciate it if you could please excuse us, Mrs. Ciriaco."

Narinig ko ang pagsinghap ng librarian bago ito nagsalita. "I'm watching you, Ms. Yturralde. I hope you will behave while you are inside this library."

I flashed my sweetest fake smile. "Wala pong problema. I won't be making any noise that will bother anyone."

Nag-iwan ng nagbabantang tingin ang librarian bago ito tumalikod at bumalik sa pwesto nito kanina.

I shifted my gaze back to Levi and sat down beside him. "Congratulations," I said cheerfully. "I heard you got a perfect score in the final—"

"Kailan ka ba talaga titigil? I don't like the idea na lapit ka nang lapit sa'kin," malamig niyang putol sa'kin habang patuloy na nagsusulat sa binder niya.

"Well... I really like the thought that I'm with you all the time though." I chuckled, ignoring his words.

Levi's brows knitted together, and I couldn't help but admire that expression. Gwapo na siya, pero kung ngingiti siya sa'kin ngayon... lalo pa siyang ga-gwapo.

"Huwag kang magulo." Levi moved slightly away from me after I squeezed myself to his side. Mariing nakapinid ang mga labi niya, halatang pinipigilan ang sarili na sigawan ako.

I do this everyday, at araw-araw din naman siyang napipikon sa kakasunod ko sa kanya. Kulang na lang maging anino niya ako.

Despite his cold treatment towards me, I persisted. I don't care. I like being near him.

"Quit staring," he reprimanded seriously before returning his attention to the book in front of him reading.

Umingos ako kahit hindi naman niya 'yon nakikita. Umayos ako ng upo saka pinasadahan ng daliri ang dulo ng buhok ko.

"Malapit na ang Foundation Day ng university," I said casually. "Do you have a date for the ball yet?" I tried to capture his eyes, but he expertly avoided my gaze.

"Hindi ko alam. Busy kami sa thesis," aniya.

"But all the students are required to attend. Kasali nga lahat ng department," I persuaded.