Ocean's Captured Memories (Isla Series #4)

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"Mukhang masarap ang alfredo. Koa, gusto mo?"

Luca was hungry and just randomly invited us to eat out. Hindi ako busy kaya sumama ako. Nandio rin si Sasy. Kami lang apat.

"He doesn't eat that," I unconsciously replied, making the three of them look at me. I pinched my fingers when I realized that I answered for Koa. Why did I do that?!

"Yeah, I don't eat alfredo. Hindi mo alam? Fake friend." Koa's words were for Luca but his eyes were on me, making me feel conscious.

"Salamat sa lahat na ba ang sunod?" Luca joked. "So ano ngang order mo? Cali, baka gusto mong sumagot. Feel free, ah." Oh my gosh! Why was he teasing me?!

"Why would I do that? He can order alone." Pilit kong iniiwas ang tingin ko kay Koa. Nasalubong ko naman ang tingin ni Sasy na mapang-asar, nagpipigil ng tawa.

Oh my gosh! Nakakahiya dahil pakiramdam ko alam nila ang kasinungalingan ko na sinabi tungkol kay Koa noong baby shower ni Raya! Kaya ako naiilang kay Koa kasi mukhang natunugan din niya!

Another rush of nervousness flood inside me when I looked back at them and met Koa's eyes. He was smirking boyishly at me that I have to avert my gaze elsewhere.

Tahimik tuloy ako habang kumakain. When Sasy left, sumunod na si Luca dahil may shoot, leaving me and Koa alone. We went to a coffee shop to do some work. Wala akong imik at siya naman, sobrang nagpipigil ng tawa.

Awkward!

"May nabalitaan ako," Koa said when he came back after ordering our his second drink. He leaned both his arms on the table, his shadow blocking the reflecting light on my screen.

Tiningnan ko siya, ginagawang sobrang kuryoso ng ekspresyon. "What is it, Koa?" I had a hint already on what he was about to say. Sana hindi niya i-open iyong topic!

"'What is it' ka diyan." Inismiran niya ako bago tumawa. "Kailan pa kita naging jowa, Cali?"

I covered my face, immediately feeling embarrassed. "I'm sorry! I didn't know why I said that! Promise, babawiin ko iyon!" nagmamadaling sabi ko bago pinagdikit ang palad ko, humihingi ng tawad sa kaniya.

"Tapos magtatanong ka kung bakit wala akong girlfriend? Pinagkakalat mo pala na tayo!" He held his chest, shaking his head as if he was disappointed.

"It just came out my mouth! I didn't mean to say that. I just got annoyed because he kept on asking!"

"Annoyed? Selos ka kamo kasi may babae siyang kasama," he fired, pulling a chair to sit down.

Tinuro ko siya. "I am not jealous! Why would I be? Seriously, it just slipped out my mouth. No definite reason. Babawiin ko rin iyon. I promise," I assured him, smiling a little. He shrugged, still smirking. He really is handsome.

I was replying to some work collaboration e-mails, as well as some clients. This is how my life goes. I love it. I got my phone when it notified. My heart sank in an instant from the text of Sasy. My tears uncontrollably fell one by one. I couldn't handle the news.

"Hey, ano'ng nangyari?" Koa looked alarmed.

I gave him my phone, my hands shaking a bit. Nakita kong natigilan siya at nagulat. He helped me arranged my things and pulled me to his car. Sabay lang kaming nakarating ni Esme.

"Oh my god, tell me it's not true." Iyon ang bungad ko kay Sasy pagkapasok namin sa hospital.

"Is she awake?" Esme silently asked, looking shocked too.

Sasy shook her head. Her eyes were red as if she was stopping her tears from falling kanina pa. Naupo ako sa tabi niya sa sahig. Esme did the same.

"Oh, God," I whispered, massaging my chest a bit. "This is going to ruin her. How... She... Paano na..." I cannot find my words.