Careless Whisper

I leaned back against the headboard, still feeling a little weak but definitely better than earlier. Mon entered the room, holding a bowl of champorado, its warm, sweet aroma filling the air.

"Pinagluto talaga kita. You better eat this, or else, sasakalin kita." she said, sitting on the edge of the bed and handing me the bowl with a small smile.

I couldn't help but chuckle, kahit nanghihina pa ako. "Thank you, chef Mon."

She rolled her eyes playfully but stayed seated beside me. "Kain na. I made it with love, so you better appreciate it."

I took a spoonful and hummed in approval. "Wow, this is so good! Pwede ka na magtayo ng sariling restaurant."

"Ngayon mo pa sasabihin 'yan? Dapat ginawa ko na lang itong business." she quipped, laughing softly.

As I continued eating, she kept glancing at me, obviously making sure I was okay. When I finished, she leaned over to take the empty bowl from my hands but froze mid-movement.

"What?" I asked, seeing her eyes fixate on my face.

"May-uhm, chocolate sa gilid ng bibig mo." she said, not moving her gaze.

"Ha? Where?" I asked, wiping at the wrong side of my mouth.

She sighed in slight frustration. "Dito-"

Before I could react further, Mon leaned closer, her face suddenly inches away from mine. My heart skipped a beat, unsure of what she was about to do. But instead of wiping it with her hand or telling me where it was, her lips brushed softly against the corner of my mouth as she gently took the chocolate stain away.

I froze, my breath catching as her warmth lingered on my skin for a second longer than necessary.

When she pulled back, her cheeks were flushed, but she didn't break eye contact. "There," she said softly, almost in a whisper.

I didn't know what to say. My heart was racing, my mind blank. It felt like the world had stopped in that moment, and all I could focus on was her-the softness in her eyes, the pink tint on her cheeks, and the way her lips had just touched mine, even if only briefly.