Dear Future Boyfriend

Chapter 26

"I didn't realize it was already too late for the both of you, Rana. All I want is for you to be happy"

I smiled. "It was not an easy decision to make, Penelope. I considered everything. Ayoko na may masaktan ako, you know that"

She knew everything that happened between Asher and I in Paris. I can't hide it anymore besides she's my best friend. 

"I'm sorry if he kept bothering you. I'll try to talk to him"

I convulse my head. "You don't need to do that, whatever you say magiging sarado lang ang ang isipan ni Asher. Let's just give him some time"

"Do you really not like him?"

I didn't get to answer. I felt like something was stuck in my throat. 

I don't even understand what I feel right now.

I'm starting to get swayed. 

For the past few days that I didn't see Asher, hindi siya nawala sa isipan ko.

"Are you happy? That's all I want to know, Rana"

I took a deep breath and stared at the blue sky. "I'll be lying if I said yes. I don't really know what to do, Penelope"

I knew I love Kiyo but I can't help but to think about Asher all of a sudden. I don't really wanna see him getting hurt. 

I've caused him too much pain already.

"Do you love Kiyo?" She asked again.

"I do."

"How about Asher?"

I was silent for a moment, trying to figure out what I really felt about him.

"I know you're having a second thought right now, Rana. You're afraid to hurt Kiyo so you're willing to give up your happiness."

Ngumiti ako ng pilit. "It was too late, Penelope. Kahit sabihin ko pa ngayon na gusto ko si Asher, it wouldn't change the fact that I'm already in a relationship. I can't bear to hurt Kiyo. He's been so good to me and I have no guts to have my back on him" 

This is clearly cheating. I feel so bad.

She tapped my shoulder gently. "Just choose what makes you happy, Rana"

It's hard. I'm tired and at this point I can't even recall when was the last time I smiled genuinely.

"Can we meet today baby?"

I bit my lower lips.

"I can't. I promise mommy that we'll eat dinner together, today"

"It's okay."

I take a deep breath. I'm sorry Kiyo, I lied.

"Are you okay? Is there something wrong, Rana?"

"I love you, Kiyo"

"I love you too, baby. Whatever is bothering you, tell me okay? I'm always here for you"

How can I hurt someone like him?

"Hey, can you prepare some food? I'm hungry."

I rolled my eyes. "Can you please prepare your own food? You're grown up na, Kuya"

He raised his eyebrow. "Ang sungit mo ngayon. Anong problema mo?"

Ang kulit niya kapag nandito sa bahay, kapag nasa labas naman ay para itong tigre. 

"Whatever. I'll cook something for you"

"Good" pahabol pa nito bago pumasok sa loob ng room niya. 

After almost 20 minutes, natapos akong magluto ng dinner niya. Puro prito na lang ang niluto ko at chicken soup na paborito niya. 

Lahat ng desserts na ginawa ko last time ay inubos na niya. Buti nga ay hindi ito tumataba.

"Kuya! Dinner is ready" I scream and he hurriedly comes over.

"Thank you little sis!"

"Samahan mo na ako kumain" dagdag pa nito at hinatak ako paupo.

"You're so annoying," I said.

"There's something wrong isn't there?"

I didn't answer. I just ate silently.

"I know there's something wrong. Galing din si Asher dito kanina and he's really sad."

"Stop butting into my business, Liam Sebastian."

"Rana Kamila" warning tone nito. He's annoyed by the way I called his name.

"Just eat your food okay? Stop bothering me"

"If you like Asher, then tell him before he flies out of the country."

My eyes widened. "What?"

"He's moving out after the graduation"