TILALUHA

CHAPTER TWO

When I thought I could never be more impressed with Sejun, he came early for our meeting that Friday evening. Kahit galing trabaho he looked fresh pa rin and well put together in his khaki pants and stripes long-sleeve polo. Kaya hindi ako magtataka na in no time ay magugustuhan din siya ng ideal girl niya.

"How are you, Sejun?"

"Medyo tired, nakaka-drain ang work today." But despite that nakuha pa rin niyang ngumiti. Sumilip na naman ang braces niya. I could swear ang ganda ng ngiti niya, sa sobrang wide nag-bulge ang kanyang mga cheeks. Umaatake na naman ang kanyang boyish charm, magagamit namin ito sa panliligaw niya kay Jenny.

"That's life I guess, but at least nakukuha mo pang ngumiti. I like your attitude."

"Thank you. I believe good attitude is a good foundation for a better life."

"Couldn't agree more. But before we start, do you have the contract," I asked.

"Yes, signed." Iniabot niya ang document sa akin.

"So I am assuming you do not have any questions, since you already signed it."

"It's pretty clear naman. I have no question per se, but I am curious what would lead you to terminate this contract?"

Nagulat ako sa tanong niya. Not because he's the only one who asked me about this, but it just shows that Sejun is a critical thinker.

"To be honest I included it as per my lawyer's suggestion just so we can cover every aspect of running a business. However, I want to assure you I've never terminated any contract from any of my clients. My main goal talaga is to help. So, I am here to help you."

Matipid na ngiti ang pinakawalang niya, "I'm not questioning that. It's really just out of curiousity. I hope I did not offend you."

"Oh, not at all. It's a valid question." I then asked my assistant to witness my signing of the contract.

"Now that all the dots have been signed, ako naman ang may tanong sa iyo. Did you try asking Jenny out?"

Na-sense ko ang pagtataka sa mukha ni Sejun. "Could not even get a chance since sinabi na niya na ayaw niya muna mag-boyfriend."

"But why would that stop you?"

Napakunot siya ng noo sa tanong ko. "Sorry, I don't understand."

"Do you at least consider her a friend at work? I'm sure you have some co-workers na ka-close mo? Hindi ba kayo nagkakayayaan after work na lumabas? Kahit minsan lang?"

"We've never really had a chance to, sa sobrang pagod we just want to go home. Alam mo naman pati ang traffic dito sa Pilipinas."

Sumangayon naman ako sa kanya tungkol sa traffic sa Pilipinas, kailangan ng mahabang pasensya at extra hours on the road. However, I explained to Sejun the importance of going out after work to unwind. How a simple dining out can elevate any type of stress from work. At mas may chance na makilala ng husto ang mga co-workers niya.

I encouraged him to initiate a gathering outside work. He suggested a karaoke night since Filipinos love to sing karaoke. Staple na ata ng each household ang karaoke machine, aside from the rice cooker.

But I have a better idea. "You know my friend runs a restaurant in Makati. Every Friday and Saturday he has an open mic. You can play the guitar and sing too diba? It's on your profile and I know hindi mo ilalagay iyon if hindi ka confident about it."

Kahit mukhang nagulat, tumango si Sejun so I continued, "you said you have the same taste in music and I'm sure once she hears you sing, she'll see you in a different light. Magiging incomparable ka na sa ibang lalaki na officemates nyo. Then afterwards, you can offer to accompany her going home. I am sure hindi siya tatanggi unless she drives."

"She doesn't drive. But I don't have a car.

"Not a problem. Take a taxi or Grab. Either way I am sure she won't refuse."

Sejun sat up straight and rubbed both his arms, "nakaka-goosebumps naman yan. I now know why you're good at your job. Pero hindi ba masyadong mabilis? Liligawan ko na ba siya?

"Hold your horses. You bait her first but do not give in yet. Do not verbalize your feelings for now."

"Why?" He did his usual gesture sa buhok niya, medyo mas mahaba na ang bangs niya than the last time we saw each other.

"So every time you invite her out for a group outing, sasama siya because she'll be curious about your feelings for her. Kaibigan lang ba or more than that? And then you can slowly ease into asking her out na kayong dalawa lang. Maybe for a coffee and snacks."

"Kinakabahan ako sa mga sinasabi mo. But in a good way, don't get me wrong."

"It's just a natural progression of courtship," I assured him.

"Pero ibang-iba sa mga naririnig ko from my friends."

When he confirmed na most advices were from his male friends, "Of course, iba talaga if you hear a perspective na galing sa babae since our point of view is different. Gusto namin ng kilig. A teaser if you will before the main attraction. Mas exciting, diba?"

"Ako ang nae-excite. If you can only hear my heartbeat." Hinawakan niya ang kanyang dibdib to emphasize his point.

"Good. Remember that feeling every time you're with her. That should motivate you in pursuing her the right way."

Pero hindi ko akalain na ako pala dapat ang mag-alala.