ASTRID

Lately, I’ve been looking really gloomy because Art couldn’t take the hint that I wanted a kiss from him. As someone whose love language is physical touch, I’m really having a hard time. But as a cutesy, demure girl, of course, I wouldn’t straightforwardly complain about it. It was a good thing I drank wine last night; I was able to slowly open up about it. I actually thought he was going to kiss me when I asked about it, but I was wrong. Penelope and Eli were definitely right—the root cause of my struggle is the lack of a label with him.

I remember asking him if I owned his lips, and he said yes, but lately, his lips have only been landing on my forehead. He really is serious about taking it slow. I don’t know why I’ve been craving his touch lately—maybe it’s because I was on my period last time? My libido was really high, and having Art back in my life wasn’t helping. It felt like my demure self had suddenly vanished.

“Good afternoon, ma’am! Do you have a design in mind?” the lady asked, so I greeted her back and showed her a simple design inspo from my phone. I don’t usually get my nails done, but Art insisted, maybe because I was throwing a fit lately? He was doing his best to cheer me up without knowing that all I wanted was a simple kiss from him.

I smiled at the thought of him being both smart and clueless at times. It’s frustrating, but he’s cute enough to make up for the headache.

The nail technician told me it would take a few hours to finish the design, and I was already hungry. Luckily, Art had already gone out to buy me food—maybe he anticipated the long wait. It’s so thoughtful of him.

As I focused on what the lady was doing, I heard someone discreetly trying to get my attention.

“Psst!” I looked around the nail salon, only to see Mr. Cheesecake guy slightly open the door. I smiled at him, my hands still placed on the table.

I forgot his name.

What’s his name again?

Luke? Harry? Robin? Oh my God, I don’t remember.

I wanted to ask his name, but I didn’t want to sound rude. I’ll just call him Luke in my mind and ask Eli about it later.

“Hi, Astrid! It’s nice seeing you around. How are you doing?”

“Hi!” I responded joyfully. “I’m doing just fine! What brought you here?”

“I was running some errands and bought groceries along the way,” he said, showing me the bags he was carrying.

“Are you alone?” he asked, still standing in front of me.

“I’m with someone,” I said simply, not wanting to share more details. Remember what Eli told you, Astrid. Not everyone in the office can be trusted. “He’s just buying something.”

A frown suddenly washed over his face. “He?”

“You have a boyfriend?” he asked.

Well, technically, he’s not my boyfriend. He hasn’t asked me yet!

“Uhm… no,” I said, my eyes drifting to the glass door of the nail salon. Art entered, carrying the food he bought for me.

I swallowed hard, realizing the situation I was in. I hadn’t told him about the cheesecake guy yet. When Art’s gaze met mine, he smiled, but it immediately faded when he saw the man standing in front of me.

He raised his eyebrows as I continued to nod at what Luke was saying, never really understanding what he was trying to imply.

Art went straight to the couch on the side, his eyes never leaving us.

Refocusing my attention on Luke, he asked, “Are you really okay with me picking you up at your house tomorrow?” His face was now burning red.

What the hell?

I didn’t know we were having that kind of conversation already.

“Oh no, I’m sorry for the misunderstanding,” I cut him off before he could say anything more. I took a quick glance at Art; he was still staring at us with dark eyes.

“My mind drifted a while ago. I’m not free tomorrow or in the next few days. I’m sorry,” I said, giving him a weak smile.

“It’s okay; don’t worry about it, Astrid. I totally understand. I’m sorry for being too pushy.”

“I’m also sorry for not paying attention,” I said before he bid his goodbye.

As I heard the dangling bells from the recently closed door, I suddenly felt guilty. I had almost led him on. I hadn’t been paying attention because I was too distracted by Art’s presence. I looked at my nails and contemplated what I had done wrong.

Just as I was about to forget everything that had happened, I felt someone sit beside me. From my peripheral view, I noticed Art staring intently at me. I bit my lip, unable to find the right words to explain who that was.

I wasn’t doing anything bad, but I felt guilty because I hadn’t opened up about how he baked a cheesecake for me. It was obvious he had a crush on me, and I had no idea how Art would react to that revelation.

“Who’s your… friend?” he asked.

“He’s an officemate,” I said nervously, and he just nodded.

“What did you talk about?” he asked as he started opening the food he bought for me.

“Uhm… I wasn’t really paying attention to what he was saying,” I replied. It was the truth!

“Ma’am, sabi niya po kung pwede ba raw kayo mag-date bukas, tapos sabi mo po ‘Oo.’ Susunduin niya pa nga kayo, eh. Para siyang nabuhayan nung nalaman niyang wala kang boyfriend,” my nail tech said. My eyes widened with horror.

Miss, why would you say that in front of Art?

I was startled when a loud noise broke my silence. I looked at Art; he was just putting the straw in the boba tea. “Sorry!” I said to the nail tech, feeling like I almost ruined her work.

“Really, miss?” he asked the nail technician. “Are they going on a date tomorrow?”

I looked at him, and his face was obviously jealous as he uttered those questions.

Before the nail tech could respond, I butted in. “Of course not! We’re going on a vacation tomorrow, right?” I said, laughing nervously. “I was preoccupied when he talked to me a while ago. I didn’t realize he was asking me on a date.”

“Are you close with him?” Art asked in a serious tone.

“Of course not!” I said, trying to laugh it off to ease the tension.

“He just baked me a cheesecake last time, that’s all,” I added.

“You’re not close, but he baked for you? And he knew it was your favorite?”

“But it’s not that delicious; the cheesecake you bought me was far better than his,” I said, nodding, my hands still on the table.

“So you have an office suitor, huh?” he said, leaning back in his seat.

“Akala ko po mag-boyfriend-girlfriend na po kayo, ma’am, sir,” the nail tech said as she continued her work.

“No po. I mean, not yet,” I said. He raised an eyebrow at me and flashed a teasing smile. “We should cancel the trip, especially since I’m not your boyfriend.”

Huh?

“You haven’t asked me to be your girlfriend yet,” I whispered softly, pouting and frowning because I really wanted to go on the trip with him.

“Hmm? What did you just say?” he asked, placing a chicken nugget in front of my mouth. I hesitated, still feeling sad about the trip.

“I’ll feed you while your hands are occupied,” he said. I took a bite, still frowning. Was he serious about canceling the trip?

He had already asked me to go on vacation with him in Bali, Indonesia a few days ago, and I had picked out outfits and packed my bags.

He touched my chin. “Why are you sad all of a sudden?”

“You’re canceling the trip,” I said, my voice almost a whisper.

He laughed softly. “I was just joking. I’ve already got it planned out, so smile. Okay?”

“I’m sorry, Estelle. Please smile,” he said, wiping the side of my lips.

I stared at him a little longer, still sulking. He laughed again as he placed the boba in front of me. I took a sip and rolled my eyes, realizing he wasn’t serious about canceling.

“Don’t worry; next time I’ll make sure that when he asks you about having a boyfriend, your answer will be the other way around.”

With those words, I began to smile. I could no longer hide it, especially when thoughts of us being officially a couple popped into my mind. Why not ask me already? I’d say ‘yes’ to you on the spot!

“Were you jealous a while ago?”

“No,” he said firmly, but his face said otherwise.

“Really? Then why did you suddenly think about canceling the trip?” I teased.

“Tsk. I don’t get jealous,” he said, rolling his eyes at me. I laughed softly at his reaction. I would pay a thousand dollars to see him genuinely get jealous. He’s so adorable!

The nail session lasted for about two hours, but Art still waited for me. He made me feel like a Disney princess as he continued to feed me while I got my nails done. From time to time, he would massage my shoulders, chat with the nail technicians, and flip through the pages of ELLE magazine, especially when I pointed out that I had worked on that particular issue.

He also went out to buy the staff some drinks. I shook my head; he was already befriending everyone here.

“Miss, sino mas pogi? Yung lalaki kanina or ako?” he asked as he handed out the drinks to everyone. I thought he wasn’t the jealous type. Why was he suddenly showing off?

“May suhol ka pa!” I exclaimed while laughing. He was so cute.

“Of course, sir, ikaw! Lamang ka ng sampung paligo don,” the staff replied, which made him smile even more.

I rolled my eyes at him. I can’t with this man.

He gave me a sweet smile after I showed my nails to him. “It’s beautiful. Just like you. Do you like it?” he asked while examining the details on each finger.

I nodded with delight. “Thank you for this,” I said, placing a soft kiss on his cheek, causing everyone to tease us. I got flustered. Every time I was with Art, I suddenly forgot about the people around us. Astrid, you can initiate a kiss on the cheek, but not on the lips? Weak girl behavior!

When we proceeded to the counter, just as I was about to pull out my wallet, Art handed his card to the cashier. I hid my smile as I stared at him.

“Sir, next na balik niyo dito dapat kayo na ni ma’am, ah?” the nail technician joked, making him smile.

“Of course,” he said before winking at me, making me blush.

Ask me now! Or should I just answer right away?

“Thanks for the incredible service,” he added, wrapping his arms around my shoulders as we walked out of the nail salon.

Realizing it was already getting dark, I stopped midway. “Should we go home now? Our flight’s early.”

“We can, but we need to buy you some essentials, right?” he said, guiding me toward the Watsons store. He carried my shoulder bag and the shopping basket, following me as I picked out what I needed for the trip.

He was so boyfriend-coded.

I smiled along the way as I continued gathering my essentials. Looking around, I noticed the ladies whispering to each other while glancing at Art. Some were even giddy about him, making me look at him. He wasn’t even doing anything extraordinary! He was just testing the store's perfumes. Why were they staring so much?

He gave me a smile before holding my hand. “Are you all set?”

I nodded, scanning the room. The ladies had turned away. That’s right, he’s mine. Well, not officially. But they could stare all they want; they wouldn’t have a chance.

We proceeded to the counter, but he stepped away for a moment to grab a water bottle. While waiting, I stared at the rack on the counter. It was full of vitamins and branded condoms. Is a condom essential? Is that something I should consider for our trip?

Should I get one?

Why do they have so many flavors?

And what’s his size?

I haven’t even seen it yet.

And we’re not even official yet!

We haven’t kissed in days, and now I’m thinking that something might happen between us. I gulped, then looked at the wall full of medicine. How about birth control pills? Should I buy some? Just to be safe? That’s essential for the trip, right?

“Is there anything else?” the cashier asked as she finished ringing up the items.

“Uhm… yes, could I get one box of—” I started, but I stopped talking when Art placed the water bottle in front of me and handed his card to the cashier.

“What was that again, ma’am?” the cashier asked, but I just shook my head. “Never mind. That’s all.”

“Let’s get you home so you can rest before our flight,” he said, wrapping his hands around my waist.

I looked at him and smiled sweetly to mask my nervousness.

What was I even thinking?