My Cafe Lover

Chapter 7

December 7, 2019

The Taal volcano offers an astounding graphic view from afar. Very overwhelmed with the green color of the island. It looked a lot better as it was surrounded by water. Clear blue skies made it more like the finishing touches for a perfect scenery.

I couldn't take my eyes off from looking outside the windows of the restaurant. It had big windows with a spring weather view. Spending time with my family at Bag of Beans for lunch was alright. It was quite peaceful. It's ideal for getting some fresh air. The welcoming atmosphere made us feel compensated.

We took some selfies as a family. Because my teeth are not yet aligned, I smiled with my mouth closed. It's very awkward to show it. Mind tells me that if I did, the world would be against my will.

While my parents were talking about the other restaurants they visited in Tagaytay last time, I went outside to see the view from the garden.

As I walked through the garden, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and tranquility wash over me. The sun was shining down on the vibrant flowers and plants, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees. I took a deep breath and let out a contented sigh.

I followed a winding path that led me to another beautiful restaurant with a large outdoor patio. I could see tables and chairs arranged in a way that offered a stunning view of the surrounding gardens. I couldn't wait to sit down and enjoy a meal with such a wonderful view.

As I approached the patio, I noticed that it was empty except for one lone figure sitting at a table near the edge. I walked over and saw that it was an elderly man, who was lost in thought as he gazed out at the gardens.

I hesitated for a moment, not wanting to disturb him, but then he turned and looked at me with a warm smile. "Please, join me," he said, gesturing to the empty chair across from him.

I thanked him and sat down, grateful for the opportunity to sit and enjoy the view with such a kind and interesting person. We spent the next hour chatting and enjoying each other's company as we watched the sun set over the gardens.

"Sir, may I ask something?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Sure, what is it?"

"What would you do if you liked someone but realized it was only a passing fancy?"

"You know kid, when it comes to relationships, people can be really unpredictable. Love is powerful and complicated at the same time. You don't know whether they stayed for your happiness or because they truly love you as their own."

"What do you mean po?"

"I used to have feelings for someone. But I was too afraid to admit that I adore them. I strongly advise you not to do the same. Fear and lack of confidence sometimes ruins the opportunities given to you. Especially now in your generation, courtship is not as romantic as before. But I do hope more people like you would like to make a change."

"Take the risk or it will be a waste."

As the evening drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the chance encounter in that beautiful garden. It made me realize a lot of things.

I honestly couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation wash over me as I arrived at Nuvali by quarter to 6pm. The place was bustling with people, all eager to see the much-anticipated colorful water show fountain. I scanned the crowd, trying to spot Taron amongst the sea of faces.

I made my way through the throngs of people, trying to navigate through the crowds as quickly as possible. I was determined to find Taron before the show started, but it was easier said than done.

I weaved my way through the crowd, scanning every face I saw. I even called out Taron's name a few times, hoping he would hear me and come find me. But as the minutes ticked by, I started to worry that I might not find him in time.

Just as I was about to give up hope, I saw a flash of bright red hair in the distance. I made a beeline for it, pushing through the crowds with renewed determination. As I got closer, I saw that it was indeed Taron, standing on the edge of the crowd with a look of excitement on his face.

I ran up to him and gave him a hug, relieved to finally have found him. "I was starting to worry I wouldn't find you in time!" I exclaimed.

"I was starting to worry about the same thing," Taron replied with a laugh. "But we made it just in time. Look, the show's about to start!" We started recording it using our phones to post for Instagram stories later.

Sure enough, the lights around the fountain began to twinkle and dance, signaling the start of the show. We watched in awe as the water shot up into the air, forming a rainbow of colors that shimmered and sparkled in the late afternoon sun.

I love how they showed parols and played local Filipino songs as backgrounds such as "Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit" and "Christmas In Our Hearts''. There were also Japanese horses walking on the vibrant wavy water. It reminded me of The Great Wave off Kanagawa painting.

The large fountains served as the board for everyone to see what was projected from the screen. Since the team behind it is a virtual art company from Japan. I love the way they gave such beautiful and creative art expressions and the details behind it.

After the watershow, Taron and I decided to take a leisurely walk around the lake. The night falls, casting a delightful reflection of the fountain lights over the water. We walked right beside one another, enjoying the peaceful silence between us.

As we walked, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment with Taron. It had been a long time since we had just spent time together, without any distractions or obligations. It felt like we were the only two people in the world, just enjoying each other's company.

We went to a food stall outside the Seda Hotel to have a cup of coffee. Later, we sat on a bench near the lake. As the water crossed under the bridge, a swarm of Koi fish swam around, making it visible because of the fountain lights' reach.

"This is such a beautiful spot," Taron said, leaning beside me.

"It really is," I agreed and sipped my coffee.

I turned to him and said, "I'm so glad you invited me here today. I thought you were
busy preparing for your finals in a few weeks from now."

"No worries. I can manage. Speaking of school, are you free by tomorrow night?"

I asked, "Yes, why?"

"Meet me at the cafe before midnight," he said, giving a little smile.

"Mhm... sure!" I nervously answered.

We sat in silence for a few more moments, drinking coffee, just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. It was moments like these that I cherished the most, when it was just Taron and me, enjoying each other's company and the beauty of the world around us.