Daybreak

I leaned back on my chair as I stared at the rays of the sun slowly painting the sky from the tops of the buildings.

Gently placing my cup of coffee on the glass table, I took a deep breath of the fresh morning air. Slowly yet steadily, the world was waking.

I wondered when I started looking at the world this way. The view from this spot outside the coffee shop, under the awning, from the same chair every morning did not change. But somehow, everything was in full color, vibrant and alive.

I glanced at my watch.

6:47, huh?

It's almost time.

I instinctively grabbed my necktie and straightened it. It's been 5 years since we've been together and yet I still get a bit nervous at the thought of seeing him.

Snap out of it.

What's a 24-year-old man doing acting like a middle school kid? And with a laugh I almost let escape from my lips, the tension I've been feeling on my shoulders eased up and I took a sip of coffee once more.

A group of female office workers sat down two tables from me. They were buzzing and chatting away like there's no tomorrow. It's Saturday, so they're probably planning something tonight.

Tonight.

I haven't asked his shift for tonight. I hope he's free. These past few weeks have been quite busy for the both of us so we barely had time to see each other. I work the usual hours. Lately, he was on the night shift. And the only time we get to see each other is this one hour between the time he gets off work and the time I need to clock in on mine.

I noticed that the chatter from the group died down and had turned into excited whispers.

Wonder what they are up to now.

I took off my glasses and watched as the foggy thing slowly cleared. I held the cup to my face for too long and now my glasses fogged up.

And as I put it back on, the world seemed even brighter than before. Or rather, it was you who was bright. Now I know why the girls were all excited. I can barely contain mine. I watched as you casually strolled down the alleyway leading to this shop which was located exactly between our workplaces.

A few more strides, then I can finally touch you.

As you passed by the girl's table, an unmistakable sound of a pen dropping was heard. The pen rolled and landed at your feet.

That was obviously on purpose.

And he surely knows that. He must have experienced this a thousand times already, being the beautiful person that he is.

He picked it up and casually strode to the table and returned the pen. It doesn't take a genius to guess what's going happen next.

"Can I get your number?"

The girl was blushing furiously. It must have taken a lot of courage to speak up like that. She had her hair tied up in a pony tail with her bangs almost up to her eyes. She was cute. And for a moment, I was consumed by insecurity. Obviously, I got nothing against a cute girl like that. She'll probably be able to give you everything I can and much more.

But then you laughed. A kind laugh, not the mocking or proud kind. And what you said made the world even brighter in my eyes.

"I'm sorry, but I can't do that. See, I'm already with someone and giving you my number would absolutely make that person upset. He's a bit possessive, you see."

He placed the pen on the table and waved farewell then he strode to where I was.

I was blushing up to my ears.

I can almost here one of the girls whisper, "did he just say he?"

Stupid idiot. Saying all that weird shit.

"Miss me?"

"Well, someone's full of himself. And who told you, you can just sit down at my table?"

"Oh, weren't you waiting for me?"

He sat down casually across from me, his back to the way he came from.

"In your dreams."

He smiled and grabbed the menu then he leaned forward across the table and whispered,

"Then right now must be a dream."

Then he kissed me. With the menu blocking the view from the street.

He slipped back into his seat and called the waiter like nothing happened.

That bastard. Doing whatever he wants.

I sighed. It's no use. I can't even get mad at him for doing it in public.

"I got to go. My boss asked to come earlier to get the materials ready for his meeting."

"What, so soon? I just got here!"

"I wonder who was taking their time flirting over a pen."

"That wasn't--"

I grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him across the table, placing his lips on mine. Then as quickly as it happened, I let him go and he plunked back into his seat.

"Wha--?!"

What's up with that idiotic face showing disbelief. So cute. No one else can see that expression. It's mine.

"You. You better wipe that stupid look on your face and not allow anyone else to see it."

"Wh-why's that?"

I walked a few steps away then turned back, his face still showing surprise. I smiled.

"I am a bit possessive, right?"

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07/29/2016 12:38 am || 07/29/2016 1:32 am

Photograph by Athena Marcelo.