24H

23H

Hour Twenty-Three

"Bakit mo 'ko gusto?"

I finally had the courage to ask the question that's been bugging me since he told me he liked me, more than a year back.

Justin let his feet hang from where we sat. He hummed before answering. "Alam mo... matagal ko na ring tinatanong sa sarili ko 'yan. But eventually, I realized na I didn't have a reason. I just did."

I looked at him sideways, keeping silent while analyzing his response.

"Baliw 'no? I just genuinely like you. I tried to stop every time ni-rereject mo'ko... Pero mukhang matigas nga talaga ang ulo ko. I end up liking you more, each time," he further explained, looking down as he did.

We both kept silent for a moment, not minding the heat being brought by the high noon sun. We basked in its warmth, embracing the last few moments of what's left of our 24 hours.