Her Hero

Zoo

We had a sumptuous lunch. I forgot about my diet. We had mixed served lunch: Indian, Thai and Chinese cuisine. Throughout the lunch, both the Ramirez brothers were attending me well. And oh boy, it made my heart more confused. It has been my ling dream to have a fine lunch with Xymon and I never thought that this could be that complicated. But I enjoyed our very short lunch together.

We freshen up and got ready for the tour. Magandang abutan namin ang Gardens by the Bay ng sunset. Meera really knows that I won't miss this day for my vlog. She packed my things. She's really like a sister to me.

Before we went down, Xavier handed them with an exclusive attraction pass. He said we could use it until tomorrow to the Universal Studio. Unfortunately for me, I'm tied to him because we're going to share a pass. He could really be so annoying sometimes.

We had a service and some staff from the hotel to help us in the tour. Although we all had been in there for couple of times, there are still some changes so, having a tour guide would still be helpful, especially in having the photos taken.

"So, I'm stuck with you..." I sound nonchalant as we get in. We don't have to wait in line because of the pass.

"Don't make it sound like it's a bad thing. C'mon... let me have your camera. You could start your vlog here." He took the camera from me. He even motioned me where the perfect lighting is. At first, I was shy, but he was really good at making me comfortable. He didn't attempt on annoying me. He was really a good companion. We took some photos together while running around from one spot to another while vlogging. So, it was kinda really fun.

"I just noticed and I hope you don't mind. You always make metaphors out of the things you shoot. Why is that?" he hand me the bottled water as we sit.

"Well, it is easier for me to explain the idea or the situation when I compare it to things that are familiar and concrete." I smiled at him.

"Well, you are so wise you could be a teacher. You give wonderful advices. Teacher na lang, wag na madre so I could marry you." He said that while looking straight to my eyes. At first it sounded like a joke but he look so serious. It caused me to choke.

"Hey, hey. Be careful. I don't want you choking to death." he caressed my back.

"Ikaw naman kasi, kung ano-ano sinasabi mo." I took the hanky that he handed to me. Pinunasan ko ang baba ko at ang blouse ko dahil sa nabuga kong tubig.

"Oh no. I'm sorry. Nabasa ka tuloy. Let's go to the closest comfort room and have you changed." He grab my hand and we walk to the nearest comfort room. But the line is a bit long. He pull me somewhere and made few turns and we get in a restaurant. He walked me through the comfort room. Nasa tapat na kami ng pintuan ng himinto ako at humarap sa kanya.

"I don't have an extra shirt." I sound a little pitchy.

"Yeah. I know. Just wait for me here. Ok?"
I don't know what he has in mind but I need to trust him. He has the pass so he's all I got.
I rolled my eyes on him before answering, "Fine, but at least leave something so I know you'd come back."

He just smiled at me mischievously, " But you already have my heart. Isn't that enough?" he was grinning so widely.

Kumabog dibdib ko sa sinabi nya. Hinampas ko sya sa braso. "Ikaw! Puro ka kalokohan. Umalis ka na nga. Just come back really quick."

"Ouch?" he looked at me pero na parang nasaktan sa hampas ko. Inirapan ko lang sya at saka ngumiti ulit. "Fine, my lady. I won't be long." At mabilis na nga sya na umalis.

Pumasok na ako s loob ng banyo at I looked myself at the mirror. Buti hindi nabasa yung camera ko. Nasa kanya pa rin pala yung bag ko. Hay, anong gagawin ko dito. I took my phone from my pocket my check my Instagram. I saw Meera posted some photos with my brother. Nasa taas na pala sila. Few minutes passed, may mga lumabas at pumasok na sa banyo pero andito pa rin ako. Feeling ko tuyo naman na yung shirt ko. Mejo manipis nga lang kaya hindi magandang tignan kung lilibot ako lalo na kung sa vlog. I received a message from him.

Herodes:
I'm outside.

Binuksan ko ang pinto ng banyo and he handed me a paperbag.

"Go change." Kahit kelan talaga parang lagi nagmamando tong herodes na 'to.

Inirapan ko lang sya. I took the shirt from the paperbag. Isang V-neck shirt na navy blue fading to white pababa ng laylayan yunh nakalagay. I went in one of the cubicles and changed. I looked at may self at the mirror. Sakto sa katawan ko. In fairness cute yung design. Lumabas ako ng banyo pero wala si Xavier.

I texted him:
wru?

May kumalabit sa balikat ko at nilingon. He is wearing the brightest smile at tumaas at tumaas taas pa ang kilay. Galing sya sa men's room. Hindi na ko nagtaka kung bakit.
Napangiti na lanf din ako. I don't know why I smiled.

"You're wearing the same shirt." Para kong tanga na naka ngiti pa rin. It's just a simple gesture but believe me. I can feel butterflies in my stomach.

"Couple shirt..." he voiced out with the biggest smile. He didn't wait for me to answer. He took my hand and that's just it. I bit my lips to control
myself from smiling. Forget about the butterflies because right now, with my fingers tightly intertwined to his, I feel like the wild in the Zoo is having a rally in my stomach to my heart.