Dying Embers

Chapter Five

Chapter Five: Pwede Ba?

"Pwede ba akong pumasok sa loob?"

My heart pounded relentlessly as I replayed his words from earlier. The anxiety was overwhelming, making my skin tingle. It felt like my heart was about to burst out of my chest. Ugh! Why does he make me feel this way?

"Hey, Nieve." A voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"H-Huh?" I turned to look at him, confused. His pitch-black eyes sparkled with amusement. We were already in front of JV's apartment, and his car was parked.

"I asked if I can come inside your apartment?" His eyebrow arched slightly.

Seeing Chance this close stirred a flurry of emotions. I didn't know what to focus on or what to feel. My mind was racing, and my heart wouldn't calm down. He wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary, but I couldn't understand why I felt this way. Every time he was near, my heart pounded uncontrollably — it was no longer funny. I felt like I was losing control.

"Nieve, okay ka lang?" Mahihimigan ang pag-aalala ng kaniyang boses.

Napakurap-kurap ako.

"I'm fine. Sure, if you want." I unbuckled my seatbelt, opened the door, and stepped out of the car. The heavy rain had subsided, leaving only a gentle drizzle.

"I should've opened the door for you." I hadn't noticed he was already outside. He smiled as he walked over and gently took my hand, leading me forward. Since when did I give him permission to pull me like this? The nerve!

"Which way?" Tanong niya kaagad.

I stared at his hand still holding my arm. My cheeks warmed. "Third door, second floor."

Pumasok kami sa ikatlong pinto habang hila-hila pa rin ako. Sunod na inakyat namin ang hagdanan patungo sa second floor. Doon niya lang binitiwan ang braso ko. Umirap ako sa kawalan bago ko kinuha sa lalagayan ng halaman ang susi ng pinto ko at binuksan 'yon.

"Come in—" My words were cut off as he strode in and sat on the couch as if he owned the place.

Napangiwi ako. "I envy such thick face."

Pero tumawa lang ito at tumayo ulit. Akala ko kung saan na siya pupunta, sa harap lang pala ng TV, isinaksak niya ang saksakan non at kinuha kaagad ang remote. Umupo ulit siya sa sofa at agad siyang nagpindot-pindot doon para maghanap ng mga channels na pwede niyang panoorin.

I crossed my arms and stared at him. His messy hazelnut hair suited him, and his black eyes were focused intently on the TV. He even pouted his soft, wet lips in concentration.

After a moment, he glanced over and flashed me a wide grin, all seriousness gone. His smile turned into a soft chuckle. There was something about his smile — warm, sweet, friendly, calming. "Mind if I watch?"

I raised an eyebrow at him. "Why would I even protest? You've already turned it on. Make yourself at home, why don't you?" I said sarcastically, turning away.

In the kitchen, I could still hear his laughter. "You're being so harsh to your very handsome guest," he teased. The kitchen was close to the living room, separated only by a large cabinet that held the TV, books, souvenirs, and vases.

I didn't respond, letting him watch as I prepared rice in the cooker and sat at the small table for two. I snuck a glance at Chance, who was now completely engrossed in his show. Curious, I listened closely and widened my eyes.

"Hey, Miraculous Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir ba ang pinapanood mo?" Medyo nilakasan ko pa ang boses ko para marinig niya. Pigil ang tawa ko habang tinatanong 'yon sa kaniya.