"How are you?"

He was silent that's why I had to open a conversation. He was just staring at me the whole time which made me conscious. Mukha namang natauhan siya nang tumikhim ito.

"I am doing fine, thankfully. The work's not that stressing unlike those I have on the past years. Owning a real state was an advantage for me." He smiled shyly. "I can say that I'm more free, than before."

"Great." I fucking hate myself for being poor conversation person. Natahimik lang ulit kami hanggang sa makita kong napatingin siya sa braso kong nakapatong sa lamesa. I looked at it too, and see that he was staring at the bracelet.

I can feel myself being red after hiding it under the table. I didn't know that I'm going to meet him today so I had the courage to wear this. From my peripheral vision, I saw him trying hard to stop himself from smiling. Sumimangot lang tuloy ako at tumingin sa labas.

"I thought you lost that years ago. You kept it with you." He said out of the blue.

"How could I loose this?" I said in a small voice. This was the most special gift I've ever receive on my life, so why is he thinking that I will just loose it?

I tried hard to maintain the letter D in this bracelet! Last year, it almost faded because I haven't wear it for years. Buti na lang naayos ko pa din kahit papaano.

"I heard you're opening an extension here?" I looked at him again with what he said.

Why did he know that? I squinted my eyes on him which made him raised his brow. I rolled my eyes when he chuckled.

"Usap-usapan kasi dito ang bagong company. I just guess that it was yours since you mentioned earlier that you came here for business." He even explained his self which made me scoff.

"Yeah, I guess the next day." I answered shortly.

Mayamaya lang ay nilapag na ang mga in-order namin kaya natahimik ulit kami. Ang dami ng in-order niya at hindi ko naman alam na karamihan pala ay para sa'kin. Paano ko uubusin 'tong ganitong karami na pagkain? I may be hungry, but not this hungry! What am I? Monster?

"You know I can't eat all of these." I glared at him but the freak just laughed at me.

"You should eat these. I will pay for it, don't worry." I rolled my eyes before started eating.

We became silent again after that. The dishes served is still delicious, like what I expected. The beef steak is not hard to slice so it was smooth for me to eat them. Nararamdaman ko pa minsan na tinitingnan niya ako pero hindi ko na lang pinansin.

"Do you have plan on having family here?" I opened a topic again. I am not used of doing the talk but I just can't resist the silence. Nasaan na ang kaingayan niya dati?

"Hmmm..." He get the tissue and wiped his face. He looked up, thinking of what to answer. "Those previous years, I focused on my career so I don't know."

I smirked. So, 'yung bata kanina ay hindi niya anak? I released a sigh with the thought. Nang tumingin siya sa'kin, tinanggal ko ang ngisi sa mukha at pinagmukhang seryoso pa din.

"But I realized that I'm not getting any younger so, the thought of having a family always came in my mind." I nodded my head, not wanting to hear more.

We stayed there for more minutes. He helped me with my food since I can't really eat them all. I was full when I went back to my unit. Ang dalawa ay nando'n na, nakikigamit ng Netflix ko. They are watching horror that's why their scream is everywhere in the room.

I just shook my head before leaving them both on the sala. I just replied to some e-mails and phone calls before I dozed to sleep. Kyla knocked me to eat but I refused since I already ate much today. Hindi niya na rin naman ako pinilit kaya payapa akong nakatulog.

The next day, I prepared for the opening of the extension. I feel nothing but excitement and thrill. Kyla and Carleen dressed up too, because they want to come. I smiled at them because they look excited for me. I know that somehow, they are proud of what I've reach.

"Wow, beh, itago mo 'ko, baka makalimutan kong kaibigan natin 'to." I chuckled with what Kyla said.

I was just wearing a white polo tucked inside my black slacks while the dark blue coat is hanging on my left arm. Kasalukuyan kong sinusuot ang digital watch ko nang salubungin nila akong dalawa. I waxed my hair too, to maintain its neatness.

"Looking good, Callan." I smiled at Carleen's compliment. Kyla's wearing a white dress and she let her hair fall. Carleen is just wearing a beige pair of top and pencil skirt and her hair was bun. They looked good too.

"Let's go?" Nang tumango sila, umalis na kami. We used my own car for us to get there earlier.

"Shocks, shuta beh, ang ganda naman ng building niyo. Bakit ba hindi 'to nage-exist no'ng interns pa lang tayo? Sana nag-enjoy man lang ako."

Of course, Kyla had a comment for everything. She just can't stop her mouth even for a moment. Hindi ko na siya sinaway at lumapit na lang sa mga tao ko. They are talking casually, but stopped when they saw me. They all greeted me and the least I can do is to nod.

"Is everything okay here? Is there anyone missing?" I asked them. One of staff looked at everyone and her brows knotted when she noticed something.

"The head engineer wasn't here ye---,"

"Hey, I'm here. Sorry I'm late."

I turned to the one who spoke. I heard their sighs of relief before continue talking, but my eyes remained on the man standing in front of me. He was wearing a dark blue button down polo, and black pants.

"Hey, hehe, did I surprise you?"

My forehead knotted on Dillion's face. What is he doing here? At saka, siya ba ang sinasabi nila na Head Engineer? Why don't I know that?

Kinuha ko ang phone ko at tiningnan ko ang documents ng project na 'to. Those people who're involved, and to my shock, his name was there! How the hell I didn't see that?

Head Engineer
Engr. Nash Dillion Lincoln
TNL Corporation

"You didn't mention that yesterday." Kaya pala alam niya na may opening ngayon kasi isa siya sa mga nagtrabaho dito! I feel like I'm a stupid leader for not knowing those who worked here. Paano pala kapag may masamang mangyari? 'E di wala akong alam kung sinong mga sangkot.

"Oh, I thought you already knew, that's why. There are records, you...you didn't read?"

Thanks for making me realize how dumb I am, Dillion.

"Whatever." I turned off my phone and composed myself, trying to get away with embarrassment. I heard him chuckled making me look at him with frowning face.

"Damn, never knew that you looked hot with corporate attire." I had to look away because of what he said. I can feel my face heating up.

I didn't answer him and tried to focus with the program. I heard him chuckled again before standing beside me. Don't tell me he's not yet done teasing me? I stepped away but he just took the space again. Shaking my head, I glared at him secretly.

Hindi nagtagal ay nagsimula na din ang program. I was just silently listening to those who're speaking until it's already my turn. I was actually nervous because he was around but he still gave me a thumbs up which made me calm.

I thanked everyone who participated with the opening. Those who helped us for this day to be successful. After that, we successfully opened the new extension in Singapore. I smiled to everyone and lead my way out of their sight.

"Naks, pang-malakasan na talaga ang kaibigan namin. I'm proud of you, baby Callan!" I laughed when Kyla approached me and gave me a tight hug.

Everyone is now roaming around the building. Ground floor nga lang ang puwede nilang puntahan pero mukha namang okay lang sa kanila. Hinahanap siya ng mata ko sa dagat ng tao pero mukhang may kausap pa siya kaya binalik ko na rin ang atensiyon sa mga kaibigan ko.

"Taray ng english mo kanina, gurl. Buti na lang may interpreter ako dito," she said, pointing at Carleen who just gave me hug and smile. "Para akong proud na nanay. Picture-an mo nga kami, Carlutay. Gandahan mo, ha. Ipo-post ko 'yan sa Facebook. Ganda ko pa naman today."

"Support." Carleen get her phone and told us to smile at the camera. Kailangan ko pang yumuko dahil nahihila ako ni Kyla. She's short, so I really have to adjust. Kyla also took photo of Carleen and I, and after that, they told me that they are going to wander around too.

I tried to communicate with others too, and just rested when I felt tired. I was inside my office when I heard a knock. I just told him to come in.

"Hey."

It was Dillion. He easily found my office, huh. I raised a brow and gestured him to sit on the sofa designated for visitors. Ipapaayos ko na lang siguro itong office ko sa mga susunod na linggo. I don't like the decorations.

"What do you need?" I glanced back at my paper before looking at him who's now sitting comfortably on the sofa.

"Nothing. I just want to see you, you know." He said that casually like it wasn't a big deal for him. I mean, there's nothing to make it a big deal but it still made my heartbeat crazy. "What do you think of lunch? My treat?"

Lunch na naman.

"Lunch date?" I smirked, trying to tease him.

"You can think anything you want," I rolled my eyes because of what he said. I really can't tease him. It will clapback to me.

From: Kendric
hey congrats to ur successful operation!

I looked at my phone when someone messaged me. I smiled and typed my reply to Kendric.

To: Kendric
Thanks. And for the gift, too.

He sent me gifts because he told me he can't go since he has work today. I understand it. Colby wasn't able to attend too, but he sent me also a gift. Those two really are something.

"Who are you texting?"

Napabalik ang tingin ko kay Dillion nang magsalita ito. I was busy reading Kendric's message when he talked. Natawa pa ako dahil sa sinabi niya pero natigil nang makita ang nakakunot na noo ni Dillion.

Why is he looking at me like I committed a crime?

"A friend?" I asked him, before typing my reply again. I heard him scoffed but I don't care. Pupunta-punta siya dito tapos gaganiyanan niya ako? Sira ba ang ulo niya?

Niyaya ko na rin siyang umalis nang makitang magtatanghali na. He didn't talk and just nod his head. Kumunot ang noo ko bago siya sinundan. What's with being sulky? Geez, this man and his mood swing.

"Where do you want to eat?" I asked him through phone. Magkahiwalay kami ng sasakyan, at sinusundan niya lang ang sasakyan ko. I had hard time picking where to eat since I don't know if he's going to like there.

"I don't know. You can decide." I gritted my teeth out of annoyance. "Or I can just cook for you. What do you think of that, hmm?"

I think of what he said. Matagal-tagal na rin nang huli kong matikman ang luto niya. It was years ago, when we used to live together. I bit my lower lip to hide a smile even though I know he wouldn't see me. "Sure."

We ended up buying his grocery. This man had the audacity to tell me he's going to cook for our lunch yet he don't have a fucking stock in his house! Mukha pa kaming tanga dahil pormal pa rin ang suot namin. I already removed my coat since it's hot, leaving me with my white polo tucked inside my black slacks.

"Do you want tinola, instead? What do you want?" Nakasunod lang ako sa likod niya at hinahayaan siyang mamili ng kung ano man ang gusto niyang bilhin.

"I don't know. I just want to eat." Nilingon niya naman ako at bahagyang tumawa. Ako ang may hawak ng cart para kahit papaano naman ay may maitulong ako. He patted my head before nodding.

"Okay, let me take care of it." Pinalobo ko pa ang pisngi ko at hinintay siyang matapos.

I also got myself a cans of beer. Tinago ko ito sa pinakailalim para hindi niya makita. Baka ibalik niya pa mamaya kapag nakita niyang may kinuha ako. Knowing him.

"Here. I already have all we need." He smiled at me and put the meats and vegetables on the cart. He stopped when he noticed something. I rolled my eyes. Damn, he saw it. "I don't remember buying these."

"I'll pay for it, don't worry." I tried to push the cart but he stopped me! Kinuha niya ang ibang beer at binalik sa dati nitong lalagyanan kaya napasimangot ako. "You literally left nothing."

"There's four." He looked at me with his serious eyes so I had to look away. Hindi ko siya pinansin at tinulak na ang cart para maka-alis.

Bahala siya sa buhay niya.

"Still not going to talk to me?" We were on our way to his house when he asked that. I rolled my eyes and didn't speak. I was busy texting my friend for me to entertain him. Ako na ngayon ang nakasunod sa kaniya. "Callan?"

"What? I'm texting my friend. You're loud." I snap him.

"On the middle of the road? Do you want to be imprisoned?" I chuckled before bringing my phone down. He was right. Baka makulong pa ako kapag may nakakita na nagt-text ako sa gitna ng pagda-drive.

To: Carleen
Hey, I think I can't go with you this lunch. Eat your lunch, you can cook if you want.

Nang makarating sa bahay ni Dillion, tinext ko na si Carleen para naman hindi na nila ako hintayin. Dillion made his way to the gate so I followed him.

From: Carleen
Okay. Where are you?

To: Carleen
I'm with Dillion.

I don't know if it was right to tell her that but I don't want to worry her too, so I just told her. At least she knew who I am with.

Ilang minuto siyang hindi nakapagreply kaya pumasok na lang ako sa loob. He gestured me to sit on the couch so I silently did while roaming my eyes around. It wasn't big, but wasn't small either. Just enough for three people.

I wonder if he's still living with his parents. I don't see traces of any other person here. Humiwalay na ba siya sa mga magulang niya? He'd been through a lot.

After my father died, I learned how to forgive my parents for what they did back then. It was not late, though, because I saw how my father smiled at me the last time. His smile is a proud smile. At least, I made him proud once.

"Are you alone here? Where's your parents?" Sinundan ko siya sa kusina dahil na-bored ako sa sala. He's cooking but he turned to me when I asked. I saw the shock in his eyes with what I said.

"Oh, no. They...uhm..." I saw the hesitation in his face which made me frown. "They're gone already."

I was left dumbfounded with what he revealed. His voice was stern but there was a hint of pain there which somehow made my heart throbbed.

"I'm sorry..." I didn't know that. I thought they were still together.

"My father died the day after your graduation," he smiled at me. "And my mother died just weeks after you flew back in the Philippines. But I'm okay now. At least, I knew that they loved me before they left."

"I'm sorry I wasn't with you those times."

All throughout those years, I only focused on my own feelings. I thought he's unfair for leaving me, but now, I am guilty that he had to endure those hard days alone. Siya 'yung tipo ng anak na masyadong mahal ang magulang kaya alam kong mahirap para sa kaniya'ng mawala sila.

"It's okay. You were my reason to stay alive, so it is always okay." He smiled again, a genuine one.

"You've been through a lot, Dillion. I am proud of you for surviving those days."

I have to flew back on the Philippines again days after that. Sumabay na sa'kin ang dalawa pauwi dahil wala na din naman daw silang gagawin do'n. Hinatid lang kami ni Dillion sa airport. Kyla is still cold with him, maybe because of what happened before. This girl can't even move on.

"Babalik ako. I'll just have to fix something there."

I smiled at Dillion when we were at the airport. His hands are inside his pocket while staring at me. He then patted my head and leaned for him to whisper something.

"Okay, I will wait again. Have a safe trip!"

He didn't missed sending me messages everyday after that. Minsan, late ko na nakikita dahil nasa meeting ako kapag nagte-text siya. We were like that for more days. Buti nga at hindi siya napapagod. Wala ba siyang ginagawa sa buhay?

I was listening to the presenter the whole time. Panay din ang tingin ko sa orasan dahil naiinip na. I was playing with my pen and let them discussed the things. My secretary is taking notes for me, but I still have to listen for me to evaluate if there are problems.

"For now, everything is still going fine, Mr. Addison. Though we were still waiting for the reports of other office from SEA." I nodded my head. I asked everyone if they have queries for us to be clear but when they didn't answer, I dismissed them already.

Nang bumalik ako sa Singapore, Kendric invited me to come to their house. I said yes since I haven't seen him the last time I've been here. Ilang taon din kaming walang balita sa isa't isa.

Dillion had no idea that I am already here, and I'm planning to just tell it to him tomorrow. Or maybe later. Or maybe never. Kidding.

"Hey! Welcome home!" Kendric was the one who fetched me on the airport. Gabi na at sa kanila kaagad ako dederetso katulad ng request niya.

He looked more mature now, compared to last time we met. His pushed back long hair made him more intimidating. He's wearing a gray hoodie and ripped jeans paired with ripped jeans. He looks taller too.

I am just wearing a beige long sleeve turtle neck on my top and a black slacks paired with black shoes. He tapped my back and motioned me to sit at the backseat.

"How are you?" I asked him as soon as he entered the driver's seat. Napalingon naman siya sa'kin saka ngumiti.

"I am fine, and happy." I nodded my head. Well, I can see that. As he should.

He keeps on talking while we were on our way to his house. I would often answer him, but sometimes, it's just a nod or I'll just shook my head. Maybe that's his way for me to keep awake.

I was actually surprised to see Dillion there with Shane! He was playing with the kid again but stood up when he saw me. His expression is priceless, like he can't believe that I was standing in front of him, for real.

"You didn't text me." He glared at me which made me chuckle. Lumingon naman siya kay Kendric at tinaasan ito ng kilay. Tumawa si Kendric nang hilahin ako ni Dillion palayo sa kaniya.

I learned that Kendric and Shane ended up together! Shane was the one who told me that. That's why Kendric's now more hard working, and happy. Because he finally had his own family.

We celebrated that. I was late but they said they understand. Kakakasal lang naman daw nila last year. Three of us drank the night away. Shane wants to join but her husband was too strict so she had no choice but to watch us have fun.

"Don't you still have a plan on getting in a relationship, Callan?" Nakatayo ako sa veranda nang lumapit si Shane. I looked at her and chuckled.

"I don't know. Should I?" She elegantly chuckled too before sighing. "It was least of my plan, as of the moment."

"Okay, dude. Whatever." We both chuckled before she left me there.

It was cold night. From here, I can see the awake city. From the lights and everything. It never failed to mesmerize me. It was really a perfect time for me to cool down and sobber up.

Shane's question played again in my mind. Honestly, I never see anyone after my so-called first love with Dillion. When he broke up with me, there's a trauma that he left. That maybe my next relationship will failed again. So, I don't know if I can still be with someone.

Siya kaya? He's not saying anything about his relationship status. Is he seeing someone now? Did he move on? Because me, I know I tried but I know I can't. He really took a lot space in my heart for me to take him away that easily.

I sighed my thoughts away and played with my cup. How can I forget him easily if he was my first with everything?

"Wise men says, only fool rush in..."

I looked back at Dillion when he started singing. He was walking slowly towards me and I was just there, looking at him with both confusion and nervousness.

"But I can't help, falling in love with you..." I saw how he smiled at me as he sang those lines.

"What the hell?" I felt my heart sank with what he's doing. My body started to tremble.

"Or shall I stay? Would it be a sin? If I can't help falling in love with you?" I bit my lower lip as I tried to stop myself from shedding tears.

"What are you doing, stupid?"

"Callan, we both been through everything. We survived worst days. We parted ways two times." He gulped as he look at me. "I don't want to pressure you, but I also don't want you to leave me again."

And I fucking teared up when he went to hugged me. I can feel my heart beating so loud and I don't care if he'll hear it. I feel him smiled as he caressed my back. It was the happiest night of my life. After many years, he was here again, with a promise that no matter what happen, he'll never leave me.

"I want to be part of your life again. Please, let me be part of your life again, baby."