I can't help but smile a little.

So he's concerned about me now?

Naghanap siya ng parking lot. Bababa na sana ako nang hawakan niya ang braso ko.

"Wait." May kinuha siya sa back seat. A black cap. Sinuot niya iyon sa akin.

"Let's go," sambit niya bago kami bumaba sa sasakyan.

A cold breeze greeted me. I was surprised when Jhon Rey put a jacket on me too. We were still in our university uniforms, so it felt a bit cold here.

"How about you? Aren't you feeling cold?" I was just as concerned about him too.

"I'm fine; it's you that I'm concerned about."

I can't help but feel weird because I am so used to him being so harsh. I'm curious about what's on his mind now. I'm bothered by his sudden thoughtfulness.

I was amazed when I saw how many people were at the fair. Their laughter makes me smile too. Ngayon lang ako nakapunta sa ganitong lugar. I wonder how people can be happy because of this.

I walked over to the kids, who were now playing with pellet guns. The rule was to knock at least three cans out of five tries. It seems fun to watch over it.

"You want to play?" tanong ni Jhon Rey. Nilingon ko siya sa pag-aakalang malayo pa siya sa akin pero narito pala siya sa likod ko, napakalapit. Shit. My heart is crazy again.

Umiling ako. "Hindi ako marunong," pag-amin ko.

"Tsk. Have you forgotten I already taught you how to use a gun? It's the same."

My eyebrows knitted. Did Jhon Rey teach me to use a gun?

Memories flashed the day I went to the arcade, where I played Time Crisis. Right, that moment that I never thought would happen. He was there too and played the game with me. He even teased me about how noob I was playing.

"Bakit hindi mo subukan?" Nagbayad siya sa lalaki para makapaglaro ako.

Bullets of sweat are streaming down my face. I was holding a gun with five pellets, and I did not understand why I felt so nervous. I was trying to play, but I was bothered by the thought that many people, including Jhon Rey, were watching.

Tsk. I'm not good with this one, but I should at least try not to look stupid.

I started shooting the can. I hit some of them, but I can't knock them down. There must be some water in that! Tsk! How can I win this?

I frowned. It was a waste of money. Too bad I didn't get the stuffed toy dog that seems to be looking at me and begging me to get him. Sorry, doggy, I have no power to fight for you.

"You want to try again?" he asked. I shook my head. That will only annoy me more if I play again. "Feeling ko, may tubig kaya hindi natutumba. Nangdadaya si manong," I whispered.

"Really?" He wasn't convinced. "Can I try?"

Nagulat ako nang humingi siya ng permiso sa akin. Bakit? Masisira ba ang dignidad ko kapag naglaro siya?

"Of course. Why are you even asking me?"

"I'm just worried that you might find me cool."

My jaw dropped. Did I hear it right?

Is he trying to hit on me?

Come on. It was not a date. We were just here because I wanted to ride the Ferris wheel. Why does he keep on acting like a cliched gentleman in dramas?

I am not going to fall for it! Tsk. Who am I fooling?

I knew already that I liked him and was trying to deny it.

But the more I denied it, the more it became true.

"So brace yourself, Sheen May."

I locked my eyes on him.

Nagbayad siya doon at nagsimula nang maglaro. Nagulat naman ako nang sa unang subok niya ay may mapatumba siyang lata.He was right, and I should brace myself for seeing how cool he is when he's having fun. I can't help but smile.

I was amazed at how quickly he knocked down the five cans out of five tries. Nagpalakpakan naman 'yong mga batang nanonood at nilapitan siya kaya ako natulak sa likod.

He deserves the recognition.

I was surprised when some girls took pictures of him. Some people also made videos when he played. What the eff? Is he now becoming a celebrity?

Hoy! Asawa ko 'yang nilalapitan niyo! Get off!

I want to shout that out, but I am not his wife yet. I should stop myself from being so assuming and delusional. Iniwan ko na lamang siya roon at hinanap ko ang pila ng mga taong gustong sumakay sa ferris wheel. That was the main reason we went to this.

May mga nadaanan pa akong mga ibang laro katulad ng maraming bote at may mga parang bilog na loop na kailangan mong mapa-shoot doon sa mga bote. Maganda rin 'yong mga stuff toy na mapapanalunan katulad ng flamingo at malaking teddy bear, pero mas gusto ko talaga 'yong aso kanina. Magkano kaya 'yon? Bumili na lang kaya ako?

My thoughts were thrown away when I saw the line to the Ferris wheel. Fortunately, there wasn't much waiting, so I am sure I can ride it now.

"Hey, why did you leave me?" I heard Jhon Rey shout when he caught up with me. I saw he was holding a stuffed toy, the dog I wanted!

My attention immediately went to it, and I grabbed it.

"Can I have this?" I asked before looking at him.

"Ayoko nga, pagkatapos mo 'kong iwanan do'n."

"Tsk. Eh di 'wag."

I rolled my eyes and just went back to the queue. I am not trying to be immature, but alright, I just let Jhon Rey do what he wants. I'll definitely buy it instead of arguing with him.

I was happy when it was my turn. The man told me to get in the cab.

"Sorry, sir. Last na po si Ma'am for this ride. Wait na lang po kayo," sambit ng lalaki kaya napatingin ako sa tinutukoy niya. It was Jhon Rey. Napalingon ako kay Jhon Rey. Natawa ako nang makitang nanglalaki ang mga mata niya na nagmamakaawa at para bang hinihintay na akuin ko siya. Eh kung iwan kaya kita rito? Tsk. Whatever.

I stared at him and said, "I'm with him. He's my bodyguard." I saw him bit his lower lip.

Napakamot naman si kuya at humingi ng pasensya dahil akala niya raw ay hindi kami magkakilala.

Umupo na ako sa cabin at sumunod naman sa akin si Jhon Rey na parang bata dahil may dala siyang stuff toy. Hindi ko maiwasang tawanan siya sa tuwing naaalala 'yong nakakaawa niyang itsura kanina na parang natatakot abandonahin. Natakot siguro siyang magsalita dahil baka itanggi ko rin siya. Eh kung binigay mo kasi sa 'kin 'yang stuff toy, eh di sana bati tayo!

I felt the cabin was slowly moving up now. It felt amazing.

I looked out the window. I gasped. So this is what the place looks like from a bird's-eye view. It's visually pleasing to see people laughing together.

So this is how God feels when He sees us happy. I should've realized this sooner. I shouldn't have risked my life.

Nakahinga ako nang maluwag. Lalo na nang tumingin ako sa langit. Walang fireworks pero maraming bituin at maliwanag ang buwan. Pakiramdam ko hindi ako nag-iisa dahil dinadamayan nila ako. Nakatingin sila sa akin.

I closed my eyes. I wish my life could be this peaceful.

"Do you like it that much?"

Napamulat ako at napatingin sa kaniya. Muntikan ko nang makalimutan na nandito pala siya. He was looking at me with eyes that I couldn't describe. How it looks to me is different now and could easily take my breath away. We were just a meter apart but became closer a little because of this. I see a bit of his good side, and it overwhelms me.

"Uh-huh," I nodded.

"I see. I'm glad you like it."

"How about you? Have you experienced riding this one before?"

"I did." Ah, right, he's got a girlfriend. Hindi naman siguro nila palalagpasin ang pagkakataong makapag-date sa ganitong lugar or sa mas maganda pang amusement park. "But I don't actually like this place, and it's been a while since I rode this again."

"Why?" I became curious. This is the first time he has opened up such a thing to me.

"I don't like being close to the stars."

"Why?" I became worried.

"Because when I became this close, I realized how far it really is."

He's right. And he was like the stars to me. I can be with him this close and gets to know him, to realize that he's really too distant to reach.

"Why? Do you want to reach that star?"

He nods.

"You see, you should still be thankful. You are fortunate to watch them shine this close. Some people don't get the chance that you have. I know we're different in how we see things, but for me, I am content seeing that star shines, even if it shines for somebody else. At least I get to see it shine even if it's not for me," I explained as I looked up at the stars again.

"Yeah, how comforting your words are."

Nakita ko siyang ngumiti. He looked up, too, to see the stars. I hope we're looking at the same star, but I know that is impossible.

"Sheen May," pagtawag niya sa paraang hindi ko inaasahan. Sinulyapan ko siya at nagtagpo ang mga mata namin nang ilang sandali. Ramdam ko ang mabilis na tibok ng aking puso dahil sa mga tinging iyon.

"Yes?"

"Nothing."

"O-okay."

lang minuto pa ang nakalipas nang matapos na ang ikot namin sa ferris wheel. So far, it has been super relaxing. It was my first time riding that one, and it was delightful. Pakiramdam ko na-check-an ko na 'yung isa sa mga nasa bucket list ko.

"Do you want to eat after this? I know a Japanese restaurant near here."

I glanced at him. Is he asking me to have dinner with him? Is it a date? Oh, right, here we go again with becoming assuming human being.

Wait, iyon 'yong cuisine na pinili ko dati noong magpunta ako sa bahay niya. Japanese food is what we shared at that time. Naaalala niya pa?

"Are you sure? It's getting late now," I answered.

"Why? Aren't you hungry?"

"Hmmm..."

"Come on. Your bodyguard is hungry. You should take care of me too."

I can't help but laugh because of what he said. Hindi ko inakalang seseryosohin niya ang biro ko tungkol sa pagiging bodyguard kuno niya.

"Alright, alright. As you wish."

After all, dinala niya naman ako sa lugar na ito. Hindi naman siguro masama kung pagbibigyan ko siyang kumain kasama ko.