Chapter 80: Chapter 80
"Done?" Agustine asked when I came out of the restroom and then scanned me from head to toe.
I could only answer with a simple nod and look away—feeling a little lonely. I am now dressed in the clothes he lent me. It was a little big on me so I tucked the first hem inside the skirt and left the back part hanging down. We are a bit far from my former classmates who have continued to drink a while ago, so my attention is focused only on him.
"Are you mad?" he asked hoarsely and caught my eyes.
I swallowed slowly and shook my head for an answer.
How could I be angry with him when he was able to defend me in front of all of them?
"Why did you turn off your phone?" he asked softly.
I tried to clear my throat. "H-how did you know my whereabouts?" I asked—stuttering—instead of answering.
My heart was beating rapidly because of his presence. I didn't expect that we would meet this soon. I haven't even spent twenty-four hours away from him and this, he immediately followed me!
"I called your dad," he said simply.
My eyes automatically widened.
"Are you nuts‽" I hissed.
He just raised an eyebrow at me.
"Omg, Agustine! I can't believe that you really called my father." I fell on my head and shook it gently.
What will Daddy think now? That I had a relationship with his business partner?
"You look stressed," he commented.
I quickly shut him up. He pouted his lips slightly and averted his eyes. Waiting for ny reaction.
"What did you tell him? 'Where is your girlfriend?' Like that?" I can't believe what I am saying.
Gradually the edge of his lips rose. Later on, he licked his lower lip and went closer to me. I held my breath because I was caught off guard by his move.
"Sweetie..." he called softly and lifted his hand to my face.
He gently put my stray hairs to the side of my ear and then smiled. "Don't worry. I didn't ask your father like that. I called him and asked if he knows your whereabouts because I need to talk to you regarding the hotel," he stated. "At first, he's confused because he thought you went to the company. Then later on, he called your hometown. Luckily, the maid knows your plan for today."
I didn't say anything anymore because what he said was enough to calm my overthinking mind. We stayed in our positions for a while until a small scream caught our attention. It seems that the old drinking spirit of my old classmates has returned.
"Are you planning to keep our relationship a secret?" he asked softly, just enough for me to hear.
Although he tried to keep the bitterness and disappointment out of his tone, he was unsuccessful. I swallowed slowly and bit my bottom lip. Slowly, guilt crept inside my chest.
I opened my mouth to speak but in the end I closed it too. I couldn't think of the right word to explain what was running through my mind. I feel like no matter what I say, eventually I will still disappoint him.
And I hate it.
"Did you regret your decision? Don't you like me anymore?" he desperately asked for an answer.
The same moment, my throat was blocked and my chest felt heavy. "Agustine," I called his name softly. "It's not like that," I added.
He flashed an empty smile. "Make me understand, Khrystal. Because that's the way I see it by your actions," he said.
"I-I was just shocked," I admitted.
Disappointment automatically flickered in his eyes. My heart seemed to be pounding while seeing his emotion. For a moment I felt like I wanted to lie rather than admit what I really felt.
"You don't like me, do you?" he said.
I quickly shook my head. "I like you," I said.
He scoffed. "What is this, Khrystal? A pull and push game?" he said sarcastically.
I bit my lower lip and puffed and took a breath. "I'm sorry," I said sweetly and looked at him with a smile. "I'm sorry because I confused you, I'm sorry because I disappointed you. It's just... I was just shocked by the decision I made," I added.
He was about to speak, but I shook my head to stop him. I want him to hear me first. I want him to know how my mind worked the moment I woke up beside him.
"Or should I say, I got scared," I cleared out, and his brows automatically furrowed.
"I-I... admitted to myself last night that you're my home. I-it's just not enough to say..." I swallowed the lump in my throat and stared at him. "I love you," I whispered.
Gradually, his eyes widened at my revelation.
"I was afraid. I was afraid that I might have made a mistake because I was so happy at that time. I was afraid that I had misjudged myself because of my emotions. I was afraid that I would... fail you." A lone tear escaped from my eyes.
He was about to quickly come over to wipe it but I raised my hand to stop him.
I cleared my throat to fix my shaky voice. "I'm sorry I doubted my decision, I'm sorry I doubted my own feelings. It's just... things happened too fast," I said sincerely. "I can't believe that in the short time we've been together, our relationship has grown so deep."
I felt like everything heavy on my chest was gone after that. I took a deep breath first and then stared at him bravely. He was just staring back at me; it was as if he's thinking deeply after what I've said.
"Do you regret making me your boyfriend?" he asked straight.
I slowly shook my head. After what happened earlier. I realized a lot of things. I was cleared of the things that were troubling my mind.
He slowly licked his lip and nodded his head twice. "Right at this moment. Do you have a plan to break up with me?" he asked with his baritone voice. (in Tagalog)
Once again, I shook my head for an answer.
He stared at me for a moment and let out a deep breath. "That's enough for me," he said and went closer.
He held me gently on my waist and kissed me on my forehead. I closed my eyes at that moment because of the peace I felt. In a snap, my fear and doubts disappeared. "Let's go. I'll take you home," he murmured hoarsely beside me. I nodded my head. "I'll just take my bag and tell them goodbye," I said. "I'll just wait for you in the car," he stated.
I just nodded again before leaving. I stared at him for a moment and hesitantly turned away when he gave me a small smile. I know I disappointed him, but I'm happy somehow that I confessed everything to him. Even if we don't get along very well, at least I won't avoid him or anything.
My forehead knotted when I saw Drea sitting beside Nexus. They were laughing as they continued talking with each other. I know my friends are already drunk because they have all the energy to chat even if their eyes are already bloodshot while talking. I just shook my head and laughed a little.
"Khrystal is back!" Jared said.
I saw Nexus and Drea turning in my direction at the same time. My friend gave me a smile, while the girl on his side became stern. I just smiled back at Nexus and continued walking until I reached his back.
Maybe he is thinking that I will steal my friend's attention. Tss!
"I'm sorry. I have to go, I have work tomorrow," I apologized and then looked around to find my bag.
I found it in between my friend and Drea's seat. I immediately took it without taking my eyes off Drea even though I could feel her eyes following me. I slung the bag over my shoulder.
"You have a lot to tell me," Nexus uttered.
"Yes. You, ah. You just went far away, and you don’t share stories ‘bout you anymore," Jared said.
I laughed briefly. "Don't worry, I'll tell you next time. So, I'll go first."
They both nodded and bid a goodbye for me. Next, I faced the rest of my classmates and bid farewell to them too even though there were many of them that I was not close to. After saying goodbye, I finally got out of the venue.
Agustine was leaning beside his car when I reached the parking lot. He looked directly at me as if he didn't intend to waste a single second on anything else. I held my breath for a moment as the distance between the two of us narrowed.
He silently opened the passenger's seat for me when I was finally in front of him. I said thank you then went inside. I thought he was about to close it but I was surprised when he bent down and put my seatbelt on.
"Turn on your phone. Your dad is waiting for your call," he said while staring at me.
I bit my lip and nodded. "Thank you," I murmured—heart beating wildly inside my ribcage.
He stared at my lips for a moment then slowly walked away. After that, he carefully closed the car door and turned to the driver's seat.
He started to start the car while I started searching through my bag. I frowned when there was no cellphone to be seen inside.
Did I leave it at home?
"Problem?" Agustine asked simply.
I shifted from my seat and looked at him. "Can I borrow your phone?" I asked and bit my lower lip. "I left mine at home."
He glanced at me briefly. "You didn't bring it with you?"
I snorted and tried to remember if I had brought my cellphone earlier.
"Get it inside my pocket," Agustine pointed at her phone.
My cheeks immediately became hot with embarrassment. "You can do it yourself," I said.
"I'm driving, Khrystal. Besides, it's just my pocket not my d-ck," he stated.
"Brhyll!" I called; eyes dilated in shock.
He let out a sexy chuckle and slowed down his speed. After that, he took his phone out and gave it to me.
"You are fond of leaving things out, huh? First, me, after our first night as a couple—on my birthday," he emphasized. "Second, your phone," he continued mockingly.
I rolled my eyes and then pressed the home button of his iPhone. I just thought that it does not have a passcode since he didn't say it, and I am right when it opened. I blinked twice when his wallpaper appeared in front of my eyes. That's not his picture, not even my picture, but a screenshot of the note.
'What to say to someone to make them feel worthy...'
But wait. Come again?
My eyes widened as I faced Agustine. "Birthday? Today is your birthday?!"