The Boundaries of Abyss

Kabanata 11

Second

It was the longest elevator ride I had experienced. Bago pa kasi makarating sa lobby ay naka-ilang hinto pa ito sa bawat floor. Dahil it was a bit crowded, it made me feel less awkward. Late ko nang na-realize na sa basement parking pala ang punta ko!

I looked at the buttons pero nakita kong pupunta rin ng basement parking and elevator. And before I can even notice, kami nalang dalawa ni Hedeon ang naiwan.

"You're up early."

I wasn't really expecting to have a conversation with him. I did not even throw a glance at him.

"I have work, e" tipid kong sagot at tumingin sa harapan ko. I was facing the mirrored elevator. He's wearing dress shirt and jeans. He looked casual. I can even smell his morning shower. Dito natulog?

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to call you again. Something came up that night..."

"You don't have to feel sorry. Tungkol saan ba ang sasabihin mo?" I asked him. I think it's better to ask him personally instead of waiting for his nonexistent call.

He eyed me through the mirror and hesitation was evident in his dark eyes.

"I guess it's not important, then." Sakto namang bumukas ang elevator kaya't tuluyan ko na siyang nilingon. "Have a good day, Hedeon."

I stepped out of the elevator and did not wait for him to say anything. Kaya lang narinig ko ang mga yabag niya sa likod ko.

"Astrelle," I faced him when he called my name.

"May nakalimutan ka bang sabihin?" I arched my brow.

"Can I ask you out on a date?"

I was startled. No! Startled is an understatement. Hindi ako agad nakasagot dahil ano ba dapat ang sagot doon!? Yes? It felt weird but I am suddenly irritated and kilig at the same time. Puwede ba 'yon?

"Ha?"

I want him to repeat what he just said! Just to be sure. He only smiled and raised his brow. Mukhang walang balak ulitin ang tanong.

"I'm sure you heard me," he amusingly said.

"I just want to be sure if I heard it right," pambawi ko dahil kanina pa yata nanlalaki ang mga mata ko.

"I am asking you out on a date." He said and put both his hands on his pockets.

Hearing it again only confirmed that I wasn't making up things. But the butterflies in my stomach were eaten by the scenario we had last night. He was on a date last night! Tapos ngayon, tatanungin niya ako kung gusto ko makipagdate sa kanya? Did it not go well kaya ako ang next option niya?

"I'm flattered. But no, thank you."

As much as I want to level things up with him, ayoko namang mag-settle for less. Parang kagabi lang iba ang kasama tapos ngayon iba ulit?

"Why not?" He bit the inside of his cheeks and suddenly looked as if he was interrogating me.

"Bakit hindi?" balik kong tanong sa kanya.

It took him a while to answer. 

"I feel like I owe you something, Astrelle. It's my way of apology for not contacting you again that night."

Napaawang ang labi ko. This is what I'm saying! When I am hopeful, I can draw conclusions! Hindi naman pala romantic date ang tinatanong niya. It's an apology date.

"You definitely don't owe me a date. If you want a date to clear things up, hindi na kailangan."

He turned serious and look somehow bothered. Or maybe it's just me being hopeful again.