A Miserable Romance

Chapter 5 - Fragments

"...perfectly crafted, soft editing. This book has something to go." The editor said to Chase.

"Will it even have sales?" Chase asked, he has been writing novels online and it was his first book to be published as Paperback.

The editor smiled, "It will Chase, trust me."

Chase just forced a smile.

After their short meeting, Chase went back home. They met in another place since his editor still had an important meeting to attend so they decided to just meet at the nearest store to talk. He wanted to go back to Kaye's café but he remembered that it was already crowded when he left so he just texted Kaye and went straight back home.

When he got home, Kyle has not yet arrived so he went to rest in the living room. Just by sitting on the couch, he realized that life hits him well when he's alone, basking in the sunset rays through the window, the silence and shadow of the setting sun make the room cozy and homely.

Chase's eyes closed and gradually he was drawn into his dreamland.

'...Chase!'

'Chase, parang gusto ko na ata kita, pwede ba?'

'Bakit ka mahihiya? In relationship rin tayo pareho nila.'

'Happy first month hehe'

'I love you!'

'Happy 5 years!'

'I love you too.'

'Malalate ako makauwi, mauna ka ng magdinner.'

'Ikaw nalang lagi ang inintindi ko, paano naman ako?'

'Sabi ko naman na 'wag ka pumunta sa office!'

'Pa ulit-ulit nalang Chase! Ganito ka ba kadesperado?!'

'She's just an affair I needed! Mahirap bang intindihin 'yun?! Lalaki rin ako Chase!'

Chase opened his eyes and found himself panting. He saw the ceiling of their apartment and the lights were already on, he sat up then noticed that a thin blanket was placed on him, it was already evening and there are also movement from the kitchen.

He tried to shake off his head from the heavy sleep and was about to go to his room when a person popped out from the kitchen, "Gising kana?"

His eyes widened, "Ikaw? S'an si Kyle?" he asked seeing Ofius popped out, he thought that Kyle has arrived and didn't minded it but never thought he will see this guy again. He may also be the person who placed the blanket on him.

Ofius made an awkward smile and his eyes wandered, afraid to look him straight in the eyes, "Sabi ni Kyle i-inom raw sila sa bagong bar sa boulevard, mauna nalang raw ako mauwi."

Chase frowned at how the young man moved restlessly on his position but didn't missed the main thought, "Dito ba ang inuuwian mo?"

Ofius stopped moving and even hang his head lower, truly afraid to look at him, "Kasi...nandito yung susi...kaya...."

Chase sighed, youngsters these days can be so unpredictable, "Okay lang, may ginagawa ka sa kusina?"

Hearing his words, Ofius's energy returned and finally lifted his head, "Napre-prepare ng pagkain. Gusto mong sumabay?"

And just like that, Chase was once again invited to a free treat and this time was worst, the young man bought several dishes, and also desserts! He couldn't help but stare at the expensive worth of food in front of him.

"Uh, usually I can eat all of these," Ofius reasoned out realizing that he went overboard again this time.

Chase looked at him, "Alone?"

Ofius smiled coquettishly, "Yes."

Chase just nodded, "I admire your appetite."

Ofius just giggled and they both dug in. Chase who took time to taste the food wondered where this man get all of his delicious food, since this morning he wondered about it and wanted to try the shop this guy went in.

"Do you like it?"

Chase heard him say and raised his head.

Ofius was curving a smile, "The food is delicious right?"

Chase slowly nodded. He never broke an emotion though.

"I got it from the shop near the boulevard." Ofius said, "Maraming nakarayang mga food shop dun na masasarap."

Chase knew what he was saying, the Boulevard is a few walks away from this street and it has a bustling street full of stalls and shops on the side, he also eats there sometimes when he had enough income from his monthly salary through his books kasi medyo may presyo rin 'dun compare mo sa mga karenderya lang.

"Meron 'ring night market if you don't like to move on daylight. We plan to go on a night out tomorrow." he said as he took another lumpia.

"Tapos mo na ba 'yung ginagawa mo?" Chase suddenly asked that made Ofius stop munching.

Chase saw his stiffened expression and smiled, he was amused, "Bilib talaga ako sa mga taong nagmu-multi task."

Ofius scratched his head, "Kailangan lang talaga ng break for our mental health. Importante 'yun!"

Chase smiled in amusement and Ofius can't help but be surprised, did he just smile?

He always believed that everyone can smile and is able to smile to everyone but seeing this man made him realize how rare a genuine smile can be. He was even surprised by this thought, why was he being sentimental?!

They both had a few talks before finishing, Chase volunteered to wash the dishes since Ofius offered first pero hindi na nito gusto dumagdag ng utang na loob.

Pumwesto si Ofius sa dining table dahil gumagawa na ito ng elevation sa kanyang laptop. He was silent as Chase do his job. Pero dahil malapit lang ang hugasan sa dining, Ofius couldn't help but had the urge to talk.

"Um pasensya pala nung isang gabi." Ofius started.

"Hm?" Chase turned to him.

"Nung...gabe na nalasing ako...nung birthday ni Kyle.Sorry..." He said shyly.

Chase thought about it and then remembered, he remained expressionless as he nodded, "It's understandable, marami talagang nagagawa ang mga tao pag lasing."

Ofius felt like an arrow pierced his heart. Chase just said that with a plain tone and that's what hurts him the most.

"Tama ka nga naman," he forced a laugh, "'Di na talaga mauulit. Pero hindi ba sakit ng ulo si Kyle bilang roommate? I know Kyle since childhood, medyo matino pero majority na sakit sa ulo. Naga-alinlangan pa nga si Tita nung nagdesisyon siyang magboard."

"Si Kyle? Maayos rin siya, kung titingnan medyo may pagkatulad kayo." Chase stated that made Ofius bleed in the heart again.

"But you're both greatly different." He added.

Ofius let go of his sight to his screen and turned to his direction, "Talaga?" he asked with enthusiasm.

Chase knew that the young man got hyped up again, "Nanlilibre."

Ofius laughed, "That's my trademark."

They both had small talk and Ofius asked him some random question in a passive way at iniiwasang maging hindi komportable si Chase. He's bubbly person so he can talk with anyone with no exception!

"Okay ka lang ba dito?" Chase asked as he wiped his hands since he's done washing the dishes.

Ofius nodded, "Hihintayin ko lang si Kyle makauwi."

It's already 8pm, hindi nito alam kung anong oras pang dadating si Kyle pero hindi na nito gustong umusisa at tumango nalang.

When he got in his room, Chase lay on the bed for a while before working. He stared at the white ceiling of his room because for the first time in a while, he was able to talk normally with a stranger for a long period of time, his words went out of his mouth smoothly and he was strangely happy. There was sincerity and, kindness.

His hand flinched as he just stared on the empty space. And before he realize it, tears were already rolling out from his eyes, flowing down the side of his cheeks. He breathed out and placed his arm on his eyes. It was truly a while since he had someone who he could talk normally.

He was happy. He sat up and was ready to do something when his phone rang. Having the good mood with him, he took it but stopped when he saw who was calling on the screen.

It was Harold.