"Congrats, Mr. Addison."

I was walking towards my cubicle with a smile on my face. I thanked the one who greeted me. Umupo ako sa upuan ko, hindi pa rin makapaniwala sa nangyari.

"Wow, 'te, congrats. 'Wag mo 'kong kakalimutan, ah." I chuckled because of what Cybelle said. "Kidding. Pero congrats talaga. Naunahan mo pa 'kong ma-promote. Sign na siguro 'to para itigil ang kaka-KDrama at magtrabaho nang maigi."

"Hardwork lang," sagot ko, medyo natatawa.

Mabilis lang na lumipas ang oras at tanghalian na kaagad. Napatingin ako sa relo ko at sa cellphone ko. Dillion was right when he told me that sooner or later, they will finished the project beside our building. He once told me that for this week, his schedule was free, because he needs to rest.

Pero kahit na wala na siyang trabaho dito, madalas ko pa rin siyang nakikita sa baba kung saan ako kumakain. Hindi nga ako nagkamali na ako ang hinihintay niya do'n. I shook my head and tried hard not to smile.

From: Lincoln
do u have time? we can go lunch together. i know a place

I was about to enter the cafe but he texted me. A smirk flashed on my face, closing the glass door again and decided to wait for him down.

To: Lincoln
Sure.

He replied immediately, telling me to wait for a minute. It didn't take too long before I saw his Golden Volkswagen Golf car. Agad siyang bumaba ng sasakyan at tiningnan ako.

He's just wearing a simple maroon shirt and a dark blue pants, paired with his Adidas white shoes. He took off his shades and put it in his collar, giving me a smile.

"'Sup!" He waved. Tumango na lang ako at lumapit sa kaniya. I really looked short beside him, making me frown.

"Come on. Mabilis lang," I chuckled before taking the space beside the driver's seat. He followed me, afterwards. Agad kong sinukbit ang seatbelt ko.

I rested myself on the backrest when he started the engine of the car. Inabala ko ang sarili ko sa cellphone dahil wala naman akong gagawin. I even took pictures again, I just can't stop it. Meron pang isa na hagip ang mukha niya kaya napangisi ako.

I intentionally took photos of him, but stopped when he faced me. Ibaba ko na sana ang cellphone nang gumawa siya ng poise. He made a cute smile while his left hand is in wacky style, and the right hand is gripping the steering wheel.

Tumawa ako at kinunan siya ng larawan. He even borrowed it and took a picture of me too, but I stopped him. We're basically on the middle of the road, it's dangerous. Hindi niya na rin naman pinilit kaya natahimik ulit kami sa loob.

I decided to post it in my Instagram. Nagmukha na ngang promotion ng Singapore ang account ko dahil 'yun lang naman ang pino-post ko do'n. Kyla would often teased me about that. She will tell me that the Department of Tourism in Singapore will hire me as their worker.

It's not my fault that I fall in love with this place. Singapore is breathe, like what I said.

kylaxxx replied to your story
haluh may kasama ka noh? ikaw ha. work daw pero may guy. kabog, sabaok

I chuckled with Kyla's message. Nakita ko pang napatingin saglit sa'kin si Dillion at sa phone ko pero binalik din ang atensiyon sa daan.

calladisson: Lunchtime.

kylaxxx: iba namn ata ila-lunch mo ih

I frowned while smiling with her reply. Kyla really is a dirty talker. I won't be shock if I just heard a news that she's pregnant. Kidding.

calladisson: Whatever. You don't have work?

"Malapit na ba?" I asked Dillion while waiting for Kyla's reply.

"Gutom ka na? Saglit na lang." I just nod my head and continue talking with my friend.

kendric_m: wow u didn't tell me ur going to eat outside so that i can accompany u

calladisson: That's fine. Maybe some other time.

"Nandito na tayo." Napaangat ang tingin ko sa labas at nakitang nasa isang Chinese restaurant kami. Tumango na lang ulit ako at tinago ang cellphone ko.

"Really? Chinese restaurant?" Bumaba ako ng sasakyan. Narinig ko naman ang pagtawa niya.

"I don't have any choice. Don't worry, they served better food than your company's."

Naiiling na sumunod na lang ako sa kaniya papasok. I let him took care of everything, even the foods. Ako naman ay nakasunod lang sa kaniya habang inaasikaso niya 'yun, nililibot ang paningin sa paligid. The red ambiance is giving me a cool vibes. The details of sculpted woods sends an amusement within me. Wala naman itong pinagkaiba sa mga napasukan ko ng Chinese restaurant kaya hindi ko na din masyadong nilikot ang mata ko.

When the food is served, we silently ate them. Hindi ko naman kailangang magmadali dahil marami pang oras. Mamayang alas dos pa ang susunod na meeting na pupuntahan ko, at wala naman akong papel na kailangang ayusin sa cubicle ko. Natapos ko na kasi kanina bago mag-tanghalian.

"You looks different today." I looked at him with what he said. Mahina lang akong tumawa dahil makikita sa mukha niya ang labis na pagtataka. He even tilted his head. "What's with you?"

"Well...I was...I was..." I don't know if I should say that to him. I mean, for what? He's the one who asked, anyways.

"You were, what?"

"I was promoted as the new head of the department." I smiled proudly. It's a big thing for me. It's an achievement for me to have that opportunity. "That's why."

"Really? Wow, congrats!" I saw his smile widen. Yumuko lang ako habang nakangiti pa din. "I'm so...proud of you..."

I stopped for a while. Nakayuko pa din ako kaya hindi ko makita ang hitsura niya. Hindi ko alam pero naramdaman ko ang pag-alon ng dibdib ko. I can't believe that I feel joy and pain at the same time.

Baka nadala lang siya sa emosyon kaya niya nasabi? I looked at him, straight in his eyes. He's still smiling.

I waited for that words...for too long.

Pinigilan ko ang emosyon ko at binigyan na lang siya ng tango. We both became silent after that. Hindi na ako nag-abalang tingnan siya at inabala na lang ang sarili sa pagkain. I can still feel my heart beating so loud.

We silently finished our food. Hindi niya na rin sinubukan pang magbukas ng usapan. It was just the awkward silence between us. Kahit nang sumakay kami sa kotse pabalik sa building na tinatrabahuhan ko, gan'on pa din.

"See you when I see you. Thanks for accompanying me."

I sighed as I nod at him. Pinanood kong tumalikod siya at bumalik sa sasakyan niya. Nang umandar, tumalikod na din ako at pumasok na sa trabaho ko.

Nothing really happened that afternoon. I was out early so I got a chance to grab a ride to my unit. I cooked my dinner, and doze to sleep. That day passed normally.

The next day, Dillion and I had to meet because he told me that it was about the car. I didn't hesitate, and told him to give me the meeting place where we're going to talk about it, and the payment.

Down payment is still considerable, right? I can't pay it full! I will go poor, if ever.

"Did you order already?" He was earlier than me. He still has no work, I guess, because he had a lot of time in the world.

"No. I'm not hungry, but if you want, you can order." I nod my head. I raised my hand, calling a waiter. Agad naman itong lumapit, kaya sinabi ko lang ang gusto ko. Dillion was just eyeing me while I'm talking. "Include cheesecake. Thanks."

Cheesecake sucks. Who wants cheesecake?

I pursed my lips and refused to voice that out. I checked my phone to see if there are messages from my co-workers. Nang walang makita, muli ko itong tinago.

"Anything you wanted to say?" My bored eyes dropped on him when I noticed that he's looking at me for too long.

"About the car," he cleared his throat. "You can get that later on my place. Hindi ko madala since, may dala din akong kotse." He even scratched his ear, looking away. I squinted my eyes, but refused to say a word.

"Bakit mo pa ako pinapunta dito, kung hindi mo naman pala dala? You could've just said it via message." Napangalumbaba ako at tumingin sa labas. It wasn't really a big deal for me. I just wanted to talk.

"Sorry. I just...nevermind." I smirked but hides it when I saw his awkward face. Hindi ko na lang pinilit pa, baka layasan ako. "I just wanted to see you..."

"Can I pay monthly? Weekly?"

"Whenever you want." He normally sipped on his water. Napakunot naman ang noo ko dahil sa sagot niya. Mukha namang napansin niya 'yun kaya tumaas ang kilay niya. "I mean, you can pay it anytime. No pressure."

"Really?" I was interrupted when the waiter served our orders. I just thanked him. "H'wag ko na kaya bayaran?"

"Sure." I rolled my eyes, getting frustrated. I consumed my dessert so that I could cool down. I even saw him smirk but he hides it under the glass. "You're easily pissed. Guess something's never changed."

"Give me your address. I'll be there on..." I glance on my schedule for today and glance back at him. "7 on the evening."

"Puwede naman kitang sunduin para hindi ka na mahirapan." He leaned on the chair, not taking his eyes off on me.

"I can manage, Engineer Lincoln." I sarcastically said. I even heard him chuckled lowly.

"Okay then, Mr. Addison. So, see you on my place? Have a great day." He even saluted at me and winked. I just shook my head and leave the place.

"Damn! Your office is on fire! I wish I could stay here forever."

Tinawanan ko si Cybelle dahil sa pinagsasabi nito. She even had the guts to lay on the couch like she's a visitor. She's murmuring some words I couldn't understand.

"What do you need?" I asked lowly.

"May papapirmahan lang," she told me. Inabot ko ang papel habang siya naman ay patuloy na iniikot ang mata sa paligid.

"Come on. As if this is your first time here." I frowned at her reactions.

"Bitch, ngayon ko lang 'to nalibot kasi ang sungit ng head before. Bigay mo na sa'kin, 'to." Umiling na lang ako at binasa ang mga pinapapirmahan niya. "Sana pala nagsipag na talaga ako." Sinisipa niya pa ang hangin. Nakapatong ang paa niya sa armrest habang nakahilata siya sa couch. That's unprofessional so I stopped her.

"Here. It's done." Muli kong inabot sa kaniya ang mga papel at pinatong ang braso sa lamesa.

She scanned it and give me a thumbs up. "Thank you! O siya, dito na ako. Naks naman talaga." She laughed before going out of my office.

I sighed and leaned on my chair. I massaged the bridge of my nose and closed my eyes. Napamulat lang ako nang may pumasok. Si Fragid. He's giving me a smile, as he closes the door.

"How's the first day of being a head?" Basta niya na lang binagsak ang sarili niya sa couch. Tumayo naman ako para kumuha ng tubig.

"Good? I don't know." Honestly, parang pareho lang naman ang trabaho ko ngayon at dati. Mas pinataas lang ang posisyon, at ang sahod pero halos gan'on din ang routine. May nadagdag nga lang na gawain pero kaya ko naman. "How about you? I heard that you left the Financial Department?"

"Yeah, something happened. And my uncle transfer me on higher position." Tumango na lang ako. I actually expected that thing so I wasn't shock at all. Fragid likes messing around on the company, and because of his connection, he can be whatever he want. "Anyways, I just came here to, you know, say hello and congratulate you."

I thanked him and he left my office too. I just finished some paperwork. Hindi ko talaga gusto kapag natatambakan ng trabaho. Nawawalan ako ng ganang tapusin. I even attended an emergency meeting. It was just a mini meeting, since the CEO wasn't there. We were just asked about our performances. Well, it's obviously my first day being a head so I don't talk too much.

Umuwi muna ako sa unit ko para maglinis ng sarili pagkatapos ay dumeretso na ako sa condo ni Dillion. Pinanalangin ko na lang na sana walang traffic.

Napatingin ako sa cellphone ko nang tumunog ito. My forehead knotted when Dillion messaged me to bring food. I hit the steering wheel before pulling over. Nakalampas na ako sa fast food kung kailan siya nag-message!

Nakasimangot tuloy ako hanggang sa makarating sa condo niya. I hit the doorbell many times to annoy him too, but he's smiling when he opened it. Padabog kong inabot ang pagkain sa kaniya at pumasok kahit na wala pa siyang sinasabi.

"Bakit ka nakasimangot?" Tumawa pa siya habang tinatanong 'yun.

"Tinanong mo pa talaga?" I rested myself on the sofa and closed my eyes.

"Sorry. Tinatamad akong lumabas, 'e." Naramdaman ko namang umupo siya sa tabi ko. I can smell the chicken because our distance wasn't that far. "You want?"

I rolled my eyes before getting one. Hindi pa naman ako kumain at hindi naman ako nagugutom kaya kaunti lang ang kakainin ko. "You should cook, instead."

It wasn't really my plan to stay there for too long but he didn't let me leave. He even offered a drink!

"I can't drink. I'll drive a car," I told him.

"Come on. One can and you're cool!" Umiling na lang ako. How can I even say no to him? "Thanks."

I rolled my eyes again and didn't talk. Nagpaalam pa ako na sa lalabas muna. Since his place is higher, I can see here the whole city. The cold air welcomed me as I stepped my feet outside.

I was thankful that I wore jacket before going here. Napansin ko namang sinundan niya ako. Pinatong ko ang mga braso ko sa railings at tumingin sa baba. Mula sa aking peripheral vision, nakita kong isandal ni Dillion ang siko niya sa railings at tingnan ako.

Tahimik lang kami, at tanging marahang ihip lang ng hangin ang maririnig. It was a peaceful night. Para akong nagbalik sa dati. Napangiti na lang ako na parang tanga.

We used to do this before. We're going to watch the city lights from his unit. He will looked at me like I was the only one he will love, and held my hands. It was nostalgic, and painful.

Remembering those old good days sent loneliness in my heart.

"I'm sorry..."

My heart skipped when he broke the silence. I looked at him and with nothing but confusion. Nakatingala lang siya sa langit habang nakapikit ang mata.

"Are you drunk?" I asked him. Nakita ko naman ang pag-iling nito.

"I'm really sorry, Callan..." His voice broke, and that's when I realized what he is talking about.

My eyes immediately watered, remembering the last time we encountered. When I kneeled in front of him, begging him to stay. When I begged him not to leave me.

I looked up, trying to hold back my tears. "Why..." I couldn't utter a word. Something was on my throat that's stopping me to.

I watched how his tears glistened while it's streaming down on his face. He keeps saying sorry and I just wanted to leave. I don't want to remember those again. I don't want to think of those again.

"I'm sorry for not staying, baby..."

~* xxx *~

A/N: ilang chapter na laaaaang! wutt do u think of this part?