Love Above It All

Chapter 21

"Thank you, Solanna! Until next time!"

I waved at Mary, the photographer of today's shoot. Third year is hectic, but fun. Catriona and Astrid kind of recommended me to their photographer friends and I started modelling for local brands. It's fun actually, and I get paid as well.

Connor.. well, he calls. Sometimes.

"Oh, anong nangyari sa inyong dalawa?" Tanong ko nang maabutan si Astrid at Kaleel na nagtititigan dito sa cafeteria. Astrid wanted to eat here today.

"Paunahan kumurap manlilibre," sabi ni Kaleel habang hindi pa rin kumukurap. I looked at them weirdly.

"Ako na oorder, anong gusto niyo?" pagpresinta ko dahil wala kaming makakain dito kung walang magpapatalo sa kanila. I placed my bag beside the chair adjacent to theirs. Magkatabi kasi sila.

"Kaleel," a low voice behind me said. When I turned, I saw a man who's wearing a plain black shirt, tight jeans and his expensive sneakers. I know it's expensive, Connor has that model.

"Uy!" Kaleel lost when he looked up to see the man behind me. He looks... familiar. Kumunot ang noo ko. Nang maglakad siya palapit kay Kaleel ay natigilan ako.

"You lost!" Astrid teased. Binelatan lang siya ni Kaleel at sinalubong ang lalaki.

"Girls, this is Rocco. My best friend and roommate. Dumaan lang siya to give me my plates, naiwan ko sa pagmamadali, e. This is Astrid and Solanna."

Nagkatinginan kami ni Astrid. Parehong pinoproseso sa utak ko ang nangyayari ngayon. Where did I meet him again? Tangina, ang pamilyar!

"I need to get back at the hospital as soon as possible-"

"Join us for lunch! It's my treat." Tumayo si Kaleel at hinila si Rocco patungo sa counter. Nagkatinginan kami muli ni Astrid.

"He's the tall, dark, and handsome man from the cafe last time. Makakalimutin ka na talaga," she whispered and chuckled. Like she knows how forgetful I am when it comes to names of people.

Pero holy shit, siya 'yon?! The rude man!

"Baka destiny kayo?" Tawa niya at inirapan ko siya. No way.

"Ito naman, masyadong sineseryoso si Connor. Tell me, do you have feelings for him?" Nang-iintrigang tanong niya. Pinaningkitan ko siya ng mata at nanatiling tahimik. Hindi ako sumagot.

"Holy cow! Don't tell me, yes?! Di'ba nagpapanggap lang kayo ni Connor?!" medyo napalakas ang pagkasabi niya kaya nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

She pressed her lips together as she looked behind me. Then she awkwardly smiled. Dahan-dahan akong lumingon sa likod ko at nakita ang walang emosyon na mukha ni Rocco.

Shit, narinig ba niya?

I saw Kaleel just walking towards us. I shut my eyes tightly when he started talking right after he sat beside Astrid.

Umuusok pa ang pagkain nang ilagay ni Rocco sa harap ko. There was no vacant seat so he doesn't have a choice but to sit beside me.

Nagdikit ang mga siko namin kaya medyo lumayo ako.

"So Rocco, what do you do? Are you a graduate na or still studying?" Astrid tried to strike a conversation. Parang wala siyang kasalanan kanina ah?!

"Graduate na from college. But I'm in med school right now." Walang gana siyang sumagot. I tried not to look at him but I stole a glance. He looked really tired.

Pero narinig ba niya? Hindi naman siguro di'ba? At kung oo? Hindi naman siya mukhang tsismoso.

He started eating fast. Parang Connor lang, ngunit talagang minamadali niya. Si Connor natural na mabilis kumain. Is he that busy? Future doctor. Nice.