Definitely Out of his League | published under Ukiyoto Publishing

38th League: Intentions

38th League: Intentions

TRAVIS WAS up early in the morning. He was staring at the rock formations from afar. Nasa terrace lang siya ng kuwarto niya. No one was up yet aside from him. Marahil ay napagod sa kalalangoy ang mga kasama niya kahapon.

Suddenly, the door from the next room's terrace opened. It was Iris yawning like a five-year old kid on its pyjamas. Hindi yata siya napansin ng dalaga. Nanatili lang siyang nakatitig dito.

Iris stared at the stunning sunrise. A smile formed on her lips. It had been a while since she saw how beautiful the sun could get.

"So beautiful," she commented.

"Tama, ang ganda nga," Travis said, still staring at Iris.

Nakuha naman ng binata ang atensyon ng dalaga. From a moment of surprise, Iris smiled again. She thought Travis's eyes were still the most beautiful thing she had ever witnessed.

"Gising ka na pala," anang dalaga.

"Kanina pa," nakangiting tugon ng binata.

"Coffee?"

Tumango ang binata at sabay silang bumaba ng hagdan. They went outside the rest house with their cup of coffee. Malamig ang simoy ng hangin na tamang binabalanse naman ng init ng araw.

While sitting on a bench made of rock, Iris couldn't help but notice Travis's several hair strands blocking his face. She took off her hairtie and began fixing her boyfriend's long and curly hair into a messy bun.

"Lagi mo ngang itatali ang buhok mo. Ang haba-haba and they are always on your face," Iris said.

"Gusto ko kasing ikaw ang nagtatali niyan. Sinasadya ko talagang hindi ayusin," ani Travis.

"Palusot ka pa," nakairap pero nakangiti ring wika ni Iris.

The lady leaned her head on her boyfriend's shoulder. She just loved him so much. At ramdam naman ng binata iyon.

Never had he imagined that he would fell for somebody like Iris. The arrogant, foul-mouthed lady he used to know was completely a different person now. He just treasured the fact that he had witnessed the transformation right before his eyes.

"Iris... may gusto sana akong sabihin sa 'yo," anang hinata.

He felt it was the perfect time to tell her the news. He needed her opinion. Kailangan niyang malaman ang komento ni Iris bago siya magdesiyon. He would be running out of time if he would let it take much longer.

"What's up?" Iris asked.

Travis bit his lower lip and heaved a heavy sigh. But what if she would let him? Paano kung pumayag si Iris? He knew it was the most perfect opportunity for him but could he possibly endure it? Reality check, he would be damn too far away from his beloved.

He was about to speak when Iris's friend came into the picture. It was the noisiest morning greetings Travis had heard his entire life.

"Good morning, love birds!" the three ladies said.

Pasalamat na lang din ni Travis na tulog pa ang kapatid niya dahil mas maingay panigurado kung gising ito. He was cut off though. Hindi na rin narinig ni Iris ang gusto niyang sabihin. He thought it was some sort of a sign that it wasn't the time yet to spill the beans.

ANG BUONG akala ni Travis ay mare-relax siya sa nasabing out of town. He was pressured the whole time. Pinipilit niyang ngumiti sa harap ni Iris pero sa tuwing maiiwan na siyang mag-isa, muli na naman siyang kakainin ng labis na pag-aalala.

Even though he was feeling that way, he never did anything to kill the good vibes that the rest of the people around him were having.

It was that cold evening when he decided to walk all by himself near the shore. Iris was a bit busy with her squad kaya naman nakahanap siya ng pagkakataon upang mapag-isa.