Leaving it to chance [ Serendipity Series #01 ]

VII: humalig

Humalig - (n.) Extreme fondness

* Should there be any Bisaya words used throughout the chapter, a Bisaya glossary will be placed at the end of the chapter for your reference.

***

"Hi! Sorry, kanina ka pa ba? I had to meet with someone at the art gallery," I explained as I approached Mikie. He was wearing a crisp white shirt, cream shorts, and sneakers. He leaned on the front of his black SUV, an arm crossed on his chest as he scrolled through his phone. I couldn't help but smile as he turned his gaze towards me, hand raised to wave.

"Oh no, I just arrived nga lang," he explained. This was the second time this week that we've seen each other—not that I was complaining, though. I really didn't mind. After visiting him in the UST, he offered to drive to Katipunan to see me naman which was kilig, mind you. He really didn't have to, but he insisted. "Ganda ng building." Mikie whistled as he looked up at the infrastructure behind me. Lumingon ako, looking up at the ARETÉ as well. It was true, ARETÉ was gorgeous. It was even prettier inside. It was sad to think that in a few months, I would be leaving my stomping ground.

"'Yung building lang maganda?"

"Pati 'yung garden. Maganda rin." A lopsided smile on his lips as he glanced back at me.

"Ah—actually pati 'yung mga estudyante, mga magaganda rin," I said nonchalantly as if it totally was nothing.

Mikie just looked at me, pursing his lips as he held in a laugh. "Ganoon ba?" He nodded slowly. Sabihin mo na nga kasi na pati ako maganda para matapos na 'to. I looked back and just shrugged. We just stared at each other for a good few seconds before bursting into laughter. Remember when I said everything seemed much simpler with Mikie? This was what I meant.

We talked a little bit and decided to get some food. We couldn't pick out where we should eat—I think it was becoming a thing now, this not knowing where to eat—so we opted for McDo right across Ateneo. Wow, classy. I kind of also low-key wanted nuggets so it was a win, I guess.

"You know, I don't think I've ever gone around Ateneo," Mikie said as he pulled out of the parking lot.

"Puwede tayong umikot nang kaunti if you want. We can go the long way out." And that we did. Parang nag-joyride lang ako sa sasakyan niya. I showed him some of the few places I liked to hang out in, throwing small facts here and there. My eyes lit up when I saw the church of Gesu. It was by far, my most favorite place on campus.

"Super ganda niyan sa loob," I said, pointing at the church. "I remember coming here for the first time as a freshman and I got so blown away by it. Sinabi ko nga sa sarili ko na if I will ever get married, I'd like to get married here kaso 'di puwede, e."

"'Yung alin? Ang ikasal sa Gesu or you getting married in general?" Mikie asked as he glanced at me briefly before keeping his eyes on the road.

"Ang ikasal sa Gesu. Don't worry, I am more than free to get married if that's what you're wondering. Baka kinabahan ka na diyan. Kung gusto mo pa nga, puwede tayong magpakasal ngayon din."

Mikie only chuckled as he continued driving. Just making it clear for him. I hope he kept that in mind, too. Chos!

We exited Ateneo and a few minutes later, we were at the McDonald's parking lot. Just as he was about to park, biglang bumuhos ang ulan. Well, that was unexpected. Natahimik kaming dalawa.

"Do you want to eat inside the car instead? We can drive thru and then just eat here," he suggested, tapping on the steering wheel.

"Lakas din ng tripping mo, 'no?" I said, chuckling. "Sige. Game ako diyan. Mukhang mahihirapan din naman tayong lumabas, e. Shit, ang lakas ng ulan."