Sweetheart

Chapter 3: Promises

The sun was barely peeking over the hills as Ralph and Dustin revved their expensive motorbikes, the smooth purr of their engines slicing through the crisp morning air. Cebu's coastal road stretched out before them, lined with palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze. Ralph took the lead, feeling the cool wind against his face as they sped through the less-crowded streets on this early weekend morning.

For Ralph, the ride was more than just a thrill—it was an escape. He needed these moments of adrenaline to push out the thoughts that plagued him, thoughts of his confusing relationship with Dave. Dustin, on the other hand, rode beside him in easy silence, his bike roaring in harmony with Ralph's, like two friends in perfect sync.

As they approached a scenic cliffside, Ralph pointed ahead, signaling for a break. They pulled off to the side of the road, where a small wooden bridge overlooked the glittering ocean below. Ralph turned off his engine and pulled off his helmet, shaking out his tousled hair. Dustin followed suit, a knowing smirk already on his face.

"Nindot kaayo ni nga lugar," Dustin said, admiring the panoramic view. "Good call."

Ralph shrugged, though a smirk tugged at his lips. "Yeah, figured we needed somewhere peaceful before my head explodes."

Dustin leaned his motorbike on its kickstand and plopped down on the edge of the bridge, letting his legs dangle over the side. "Still can't stop thinking about Dave, can you?"

Ralph groaned loudly, joining Dustin at the edge of the bridge. He sat down, stretching his legs out, staring at the endless blue horizon. "Of course I can't. He's like... this big, beautiful, emotionless wall. It's ridiculous. Murag robot. How can someone be that good-looking and that cold?"

Dustin chuckled, clearly amused by Ralph's ongoing frustrations. "Ayaw na'g reklamo, oy," he teased. "You're obsessed with him, admit it. It's like he's living rent-free in your own head, thinking about Dave all day."

Ralph shot him a playful glare. "I'm serious. He doesn't show anything. He's like a blank slate."

Dustin raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying Ralph's misery. "You sure about that? I've seen the way he looks at you sometimes. It's like he's trying to solve a puzzle. Maybe he's just complicated, karon pa ka?"

Ralph scoffed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Complicated? Wa ko kakita ana. He's more interested in signing contracts than people. What kind of guy can't even show a little affection? And here I am, gwapo pa jud, getting marriage proposals left and right from people online, thanks to Prince."

Dustin gave him a side-eye. "You're still bragging about your secret life, huh? Gwapo gyud ka, no question, but what about Dave? You ever think he's just... trying not to scare you off? Maybe he's being cautious."

Ralph's face twisted in confusion. "Scare me off? Unsa man na imong pasabot? He doesn't do anything. The guy can't even smile properly. He's this emotionless workaholic. If he actually cared about me, why not show it?"

Dustin shifted, leaning back on his palms. "You know, not everyone's good at showing they care. Some people suck at emotions. Look at you—Prince on the outside, but still scared of people seeing the real you."

Ralph frowned, Dustin's words hitting a little too close to home. "That's different. Prince is... he's my escape. Dave's... just frustrating."

"Is he really?" Dustin asked, his voice softer now. "Or is he just different? Basig gusto lang siya'g space. I've seen you two together. He's always watching out for you, even if you don't notice. You think it's just a coincidence he always seems to know what you need?"