E T H A N

My phone vibrated for another message but I ignored it.

Right now, Vanessa was still sending me texts on how she was disappointed in me for "cheating" on her when all I said back then was that I'll be with her always — which was not even a confession of love. She assumed that since we were friends for a really long time, hugging her and giving her words of assurance was a confession and that we were a couple.

Well, we aren't.

I never really liked her as the girlfriend type. She was more like a baby sister to me.

Tapping my fingers on the steering wheel, my eyes wandered over outside — only to see Claire in a burgundy Forever 21 cocktail dress and black closed-toe pumps. Her hair was curled and her smile was radiant in the distance. I couldn't help but feel my heartbeat pounding fast when I saw her.

Why am I feeling this way?

My eyes focused on her and she quickly waved, finally approaching the car door as I opened it for her. Her eyes shined as she sat right next to me. I avoided her gaze, face heating all of a sudden. Don't be nervous. You've been with her already for quite a while. Why are you getting nervous to talk to her now?

"Stop making me feel this way," I mumbled under my breath, covering my face with my hand. Claire only looked at me with a worried glance. Great, you made her uncomfortable. Though I couldn't really help but try to put more space between us.

In this case, I don't think my heart could handle being too close.

"Make you feel...what?" she hesitated in asking and I couldn't help but show my red face right in front of her. Instead of laughing at how red I was, her hand quickly went to my head and raised an eyebrow at me.

"You don't seem to have a fever. Why are your cheeks so red?" The only thing I could manage was a huff and something finally clicked on her. Her mouth went agape and I kept on trying to avoid meeting her eyes. After a few seconds, she pulled her hand away and smiled.

She sat upright and made sure to keep her distance. "I didn't know that I had this effect on you."

I kept silent and started the car, no words were exchanged between us. If I strike up a conversation while looking at her, I might not be able to survive longer. Claire probably noticed how tense I was since she tried to put some music on and make the ride much more comfortable.

My hand slowly made its way to hers, intertwining it. Her eyes widened at me and I only smiled while my other hand grasped the steering wheel.

If I want to control this feeling I'm having, I need to stop being too awkward with her. Even if I'm a bit nervous talking to her, I need to make sure that she would enjoy this ride and avoid the pure silence.

That's what a boyfriend is for, right? Even if you're almost going to have a heart attack from seeing your girlfriend smile at you with admiration, you need to suffer more to make a lot of memories with her.

So, even if you're a blushing mess, be a red tomato if you have to. The most important thing right now is to make sure you see that smile on her face every time she's with you.

You love her, she loves you.

Stick with it. Every moment counts while she's with you. Cherish it.

"Even if you're making me a nervous wreck, I'll still hold your hands like this." I can't help but tell her as she was caught in surprise. This time, she was the one who was a blushing mess for what I said. Though, I could feel her return the gesture by squeezing my hand and looking at my eyes in adoration.

I didn't really expect an answer. Her smile was enough for me. Though, she was persistent to make me fall in love with her more.

"I'm yours," she replied and I quickly made sure to regain back my composure. I don't want to be like this when we arrive at the place.

A few minutes later, we finally arrived at our destination. We had to park the car near the monument so we could get in. As we got out of the car, I noticed how radiant the place was. This was probably the perfect spot for another date — since the first one wasn't that great with Vanessa around.

Though I want this date to be romantic so I'll make sure she'll see this place at night. The lights around us would surely make her more stunning. Even the thought of it makes me smile.

"Where are we?" She turned to me, her eyes widened in excitement. It was almost as if there were stars shining on them. My lips curled into a smile once she finally walks and looks around the beautiful spot before sitting down on one of the seats.

"We're in the Sacred Heart Gardens. This place is beautiful at night." I couldn't help but take out my phone from my pocket. She noticed and immediately stared.

"I thought that you might like this place." There was a hint of glee in her expression as she nods, taking in nature all around her. The trees were almost glowing as the sun began to hit. It wasn't that hot since the place had trees planted all around and there was a bit of shade so walking won't be much of a trouble.

But, I did want to take a picture of us here. A memorable spot for the two of us.

She noticed that I had gone silent so she immediately tapped me on the shoulder. As if on cue, she knew what was in my mind. "Do you want to take a picture?"

I simply nodded before raising the phone. I then felt her shift right next to me so when I had finally clicked the capture button on my phone, my cheeks were evidently red. She was holding up a peace sign, smiling. I only smiled a little but you could tell that I was blushing too much.

I guess that's how you feel when you had someone you love standing right next to you.

Nervous. 

Speechless.

Frozen.