Author's Note:

Finally! After two days I had finally finished writing this chapter. I mean I didn't type for two days straight but it took me two days to complete this. I don't want to publish halfhearted updates that it takes me a while to upload another. Sana po ay may nagbabasa pa rin sa kwento ni Vitto. I will update Tres Dioses Caidos next. Thanks for being here!

...🌻 ...

🐰30th Charm🐇

I crinkled my nose as I watched Ricci exaggeratedly blew his nose on a tissue and cried harder. Peewee was doing the same expression as mine and if we were only together, we would’ve smacked Ricci’s head at the same time.

“Why? Why is this happening to me?” Ricci dramatically sobbed  then checked his face on the screen like doing so would make him prettier while doing the theatrics.

“Itigil mo ‘yan, Ricardo, kung ayaw mong i- block kita.” Inis na sabi ni Peewee mula sa kabilang linya. He’s usually free this time of the day so we grabbed it to facetime.

“I won’t enroll na next sem kung ganyan naman pala. Nasasaktan ako ng sobra mga, beks! A little sympathy for my broken heart, please!” Maarte pang sabi ni Ricci.

“You won’t enroll just because of my dumb cheating cousin? You want me to kill you?” I snapped incredulously at him. Hindi ko pa rin mapatawad si Heaven sa ginawa nitong pang-iiwan kay Cielo sa mall kahapon upang makipagkita kay Shey. Poor Cielo.

“Hey! Watch your words, girl. Heaven is cheating, yes, because he just cheated on me. But dumb? It suits you better!” Ricci threw back feeling insulted for my cousin. I just rolled my eyes at him. I should know better that he’ll more probably play lawyer to Heaven who doesn’t even know of his existence than me who is his bestfriend. But right now, I am in my best mood because I passed my unit exam in Asian Art History meaning I an go to the salon with Vitto on the weekends! I smiled despite the blabbering of my bestfriend.

“Ricci, pa’no naman siya magchi- cheat sa’yo e ni hindi ka nga niya kilala. I think you left your brain in your horses’ stable.” Peewee shook his head in frustration.

“Basta! I can’t believe that he’s already married. Akala ko ‘yong ballerina na ‘yon na ang pinakamatinding karibal ko, pero may umeksena na namang legal wife.” He sobbed again and blew his nose on another tissue which kind of freaked me out. He was so me after Giro and I broke up. The exact me who had met my carrots because of tissue papers. Gosh, I really love them right now to the point that I will fight for them except to those I threw at Heaven yesterday.

“Ricci, it’s time you get up and get yourself a handkerchief. And stop being gross!” I screeched.

He narrowed his eyes on me, “Bakit? Nahawaan ka na rin ng boyfriend mong environmentalist?”

My sour mood lighten upon hearing the “boyfriend” word. Just thinking about Vitto makes me giddy.

“Ay, kinilig ang bruha.” May halong inis na puna ni Ricci. “Unfair!”

I smiled even more just to annoy him, “Inggit ka lang, wala kang boyfriend.”

Bago pa man nakaganti si Ricci ay gumitna na si Peewee, “Itigil mo na nga ‘yang kadramahan mo Ricci, ibibili kita ng bag dito para magtigil ka na.”

“Bakit siya lang?” Agad na pagrereklamo ko. Ricci stucked his tongue out at me like a child.

“Doon ka magpabili sa boyfriend mong environmentalist!” Buska ni Ricci, “I bet ni hindi ka niya niregaluhan noong monthsary niyo.”

“Excuse me!” I blurted not to be intentionally excused.

“You’re excused so go!” Pangaasar pa ng magaling kong kaibigan na sinabayan pa ng halakhak. He was supposed to buy me one yesterday though, but the incident with Cielo and my annoying cousin happened.

“He braided my hair!” I told him proudly, my head up high. It was a random thing for him to do for sure, but for me it was a gift. A very special one.

“Proud ka na n’on?” Pinanlakihan pa ako ng mata ng magaling kong kaibigan.

“Actually, that’s kind of sweet considering it’s not in his character to do that.” Peewee mused and it’s my time to stuck my tongue out to Ricci who just rolled his eyes on me.

“Yeah!” I beamed proudly, “and then he sang for me while playing his guitar.” Thinking about it made me giddier. Okay, I know that it was just another random thing he did that day, not exactly a surprise or anything but it was everything any woman can ask for. And when I thought about what he said after that, I felt my whole face warmed  like I caught some fire. I giddily covered my flushed cheeks with my palm as I tried not to squeal.

“Hala siya o, natuluyan na.” Even Ricci’s snide comment didn’t erase the stupid grin on my face.

“Peewee, my friend, hanapan mo na lang ako ng papa diyan para makapag move- on ako agad.” May halong iyak na wika nito sa kaibigan naming kasalukuyan ang pagiimpake. Weeks from now ay babalik na siya sa Pilipinas and I can’t be even more excited because of that.

“Hayaan mo at iuuwian kita ng maraming French.” Anito na itinigil ang ginagawa upang tumingin sa camera, “French bread.” Nakakaloko pa itong ngumisi. Kung ‘di lang kalat sa buong Helix U ang preferences ni Peewee ay isa rin siya sa listahan ng mga tinitilian ng women population sa campus. Still, I still love him the way he is. Same as this annoying Ricci.

“Ewan ko sa inyong dalawa. Mga bruha kayo.” Inis na bulong nito ngunit sa lakas na maririnig pa rin namin.

“Let’s have a meal with my carrots pagbalik niyo dito.” Excited na sabi ko.

“Tutal carrots naman pala ‘yong jowa mo, pwede bang siya na lang kainin namin?” Ricci suggested and I threw the nearest thing to me on my phone screen wishing it would go fly towards my annoying bestfriend when Vitto’s name popped up. It’s a message from him. I hurriedly said my goodbye to my bestfriends and ended the open it. Bihira lang magsend sa akin ng messages si Vitto kaya naman this rare moment excites me very much.

✉Carrots ♥
Are you free today? I thought we can go grab some sweets in your favorite café.

I smiled so wide I don’t care if I’ll end up with an injured jaw. I immediately clicked the call button to dial his number. Three rings and he picked up so much to my excitement.

“Carrots!” I called giddily like he can see me smiling widely on voice call.

“I was trying to ring you. It won’t go through.” His voice was low and hoarse like he’s sick. The paranoid me immediately kicked in.

“Are you okay?” I asked worriedly without answering his question.

“I'm alive.” He replied in his signature smart tone that sometimes makes me annoyed.

“Obviously you are. I’m asking if you’re okay.” I pressed.

“Not something water therapy and lemon juice won’t solve.”

“Are you at home?”

“In my unit, yes.”

“Hang in there. Ako na ang pupunta diyan with your lemon juice.” Agad akong bumangon sa kama at nagmamadaling isinuot ang sapin sa paa. The bunny slippers he bought me was in his unit because I mostly stayed there now than in my own house or even Heaven’s.

“Nah,” he groaned in protest, “Meet me at Café Uno. I’ll be there in 15.” Then he cut the call and I have no choice but to head to my favorite café.

˚ᴥ˚ᴥ˚ᴥ˚ᴥ˚ᴥ˚ᴥ˚

I was already ten minutes late! I gripped on my shoulder bag tighter as I made my way inside Café Uno. I managed to give a small smile to the guard by the entrance as he greeted me. Sa pagmamadali ay isinuot ko na lang kung anong unang nahablot ko sa closet. I was just thankful that my denim shorts was convenient for running. I wore a white top tucked in my shorts and a denim jacket. My bag was somehow full of medicines I bought in a nearby pharmacy. I had no choice but to call my stupid cheating cousin Heaven so he could direct me to his friend Rumi who was taking a course in Medicine so I could ask him what pills to buy for someone who doesn’t feel well. It happened that he was with Rumi that time and I was able to talk to him through my cousin’s phone and I wasn’t informed that this friend of him is such an arrogant human specie because it’s clear how he scowled at me when he asked me specifics about Vitto’s health and I couldn’t give him one aside from “he’s not feeling well”. In the end, Heaven just texted me every medicine that could be bought over the counter for colds, fever and such.

I stopped on my track and tiptoed as I craned my neck to look around for Vitto. It’s Friday afternoon and the place was packed but it still looked cozy and peaceful despite the crowd. Perhaps it’s because of the interior design and the theme of the café itself. Whoever thought and designed the café is a genius.

I finally spotted Vitto on a corner beside the large shelf of book on the wall that stood as a design at the same time convenient for anyone who prefers reading while sipping their coffees. Even when he’s wearing a disposable surgical mask and a black cap, I was able to tell that it was him based from his physique and his smallest movement. He really doesn’t feel well. He won’t be wearing a mask if he doesn’t. His stance looked tense looking something from under the table. He seemed to feel that someone was watching him because he lifted his gaze to me and I smiled. I walked to our table.

“I’m sorry, I’m late!” Pagsalubong ko sa kanya at akma na sanang uupo sa tabi niya nang pigilan niya ako.

“You should sit across me.” His voice was hoarser in person but damn if it doesn’t sound hot. I pouted with the obvious rejection. “I have colds. Baka mahawa ka.” He sighed.

Sa halip na makinig ay inilapag ko ang bag sa mesa saka mabilis na umupo sa tabi niya. Uusog na sana siya palayo sa akin nang dumukwang ako upang halikan ang nakatakip niyang labi. He froze and I smiled as I caught his arm and hugged it. He cleared his throat as if easing his awkwardness and lowered his cap. I was only stubborn to fix it for him so I can see his eyes. I just smiled at him when he frowned at me.

I felt happy to wear this white top. He’s wearing a black long- sleeved shirt and we perfectly match! I suddenly felt hot from running all the way so I decided to remove my denim jacket which he snatched from me to cover my legs. I was giddy. I felt like I’ve never been happier than now. I planted a chaste kiss on his covered lips once again and I laughed as my lipstick left a kiss mark on his mask. He tsked seeming to know what happened and just before he could remove his mask I had stopped him.

“Mahahawa ako.” I told him trying to sound serious and he flicked one perfect eyebrow able to comprehend my scheme. I ignored it and digged on the medicine in my bag and put everything on the table.

“Is it your hobby to hoard medicine now?” He asked amused and I just huffed with his exaggeration.

“I bought them for you. I don’t know which one you should take though.”

“It’s just a common cold. I told you, water and lemons are enough.” He said dismissively but I wasn’t there to be dismissed.

“That’s why we’re going to have lemon juice. And here’s your medicine.” I picked the pills for colds and hand it to him. The server arrived as I picked the menu on the table. One thing I like best about this café, aside from it’s coziness and good food is that it isn’t self service. After getting our order, the server left and I scoot closer to Vitto, making sure there wasn’t any space in between us.

“Tsk, I have colds.” He muttered, his hoarse voice edgy.

I didn’t listen but hugged his arm and leaned on his shoulder, “I don’t care.”

“Ang kulit mo talaga.” Muling pagpalatak niya ngunit wala nang inis doon. Iniangat ko ang tingin sa kanya.

“Sabi ko kasi let’s stay na lang sa unit mo e.” I murmured noticing the swollen rims of his eyes despite his glasses. Umayos ako ng upo saka maingat na hinilot ang sentido niya. “Does it hurt?”

“I’m fine.” He caught my hand and entwined him with his as he out them on his lap. “You did good on your unit test so I know that you’ll want to celebrate it.”

I stared at him in awe, my heart melting like wax underneath his heated gaze. Vitto is so sweet in a lot of different ways. And it excites me, it excites me when he’ll do something that would make me helplessly swoon again because he’s unpredictable. I love it how he do it in unexpected moments, using words and gestures one might not consider romantic yet he does it his way and you just won’t help but be awed and swoon and feel giddy.

I bit my lower lip to suppress my stupid grin. I leaned my head on his shoulder. “I love you, Vitto.” I sighed and I felt his covered lips touching the top of my head. I closed my eyes, loving this moment, basking in the peace of his warmth and fragrance.

“Here’s your order, sir.” The server’s voice daze me out from my trances and she was starting to put our orders on the table while Vitto was helping her using one hand since I am embracing the other. I noticed how the server bit her lip as if suppressing a smile while obviouslychecking out my boyfriend underneath her lashes. I am a woman, I certainly know that style! And couldn’t she see the lipstick stain on his mask?

I huffed inwardly as hesitantly let go of Vitto’s arms and halfheartedly helped to put on the orders on the table. It’s not much,why was she taking so much time putting them on? I will definitely write this on the suggestion box later!

“Thank you.” Vitto muttered politely after all the orders were settled on the table and the server already let her giant smile slip.

“You’re welcome, sir.” She replied sweetly and my irritated huff slipped my lips.

“Any additional order, po?” Pahabol pa nito na tila ayaw pang umalis at talaga namang napaawang na lang ang labi ko sa inis.

“It’s okay na, miss.” I cut in, “We’re going to eat na. My boyfriend has colds, baka mahawa ka. We wouldn’t want that to happen, would we?” I smiled at her but my eyebrow was twitching silently screaming at her to skedaddle. She smiled nervously at me as she noticed my hidden threat.

“Toodles!” I waved her off and she walked away without looking back making me satisfied.

“What was that?” My smile strained when Vitto started interrogating, looking at me suspiciously.

I waved off the question by handing him his lemon water.

“Eat something and take your medicine, okay?” I smiled sweetly at him.

“Scoot back a little then.” Utos niya na ikinakunot ng noo ko.

“Why?” Pagmamaktol ko.

Vitto sighed like he’s trying to contain his slipping patience, “Aalisin ko ‘tong mask ko. Mahahawaan kita.”

I did otherwise and stubbornly sccoted closer yanking his mask off and tilted my head so I can lean to kiss his lips. It was soft and cold and sweet and my chest was drumming so loudly as I leaned back. Vitto’s eyes were wide as he stared at me. It’s when everything started to sink in and a deep sense of shame rushed my body. I nervously smiled as I slowly scooted back  but she snaked his arm around my waist to stop me and pulled me against him. Pumulot siya ng cookie upang ilagay iyon sa nakaawang na bibig ko. I blinked several times trying to process what’s happening.

“Are we going to eat or just stare with each other?” He teased and I hold the cookie after taking a bite on it.

“Both?”I smiled awkwardly at him and he rewarded me with a breathtaking smile I almost choked.

“You should eat, and probably take some colds medicine, too.” He turned his attention to the food in front us yet his arm was still around me. My whole body felt hot and beats me I was probably as red as tomato but I don’t care. I love this feeling. I will give anything to have Vitto’s warmth around me like this.

Vitto removed his cap when we started eating and stopped fretting about me catching his colds. I was on the middle of Café Uno’s famous carrot cake when a commotion from the other side of the café caught my attention. And my jaw dropped seeing Giro and Rosenda as they fuss over a spilled liquid on their table. A server quickly assisted them and lead them to the vacant table just beside us. What the heck!

Giro stopped on his track upon seeing me and I averted my gaze.

“Should we leave?” Vitto asked beside me and I tensed as I looked at him. I don’t want him to misinterpret my reaction with Giro. I was just not comfortable seeing Rosenda because I was reminded of the stupid measures I was willing to do before just to get Giro back. Surely, that was really so childish and moronic of me. Now I just want to be eaten by the ground as it dawned on me how pathetic and funny I was before. No wonder Giro took me as a joke.

Fear washed over me and I looked at Vitto worriedly, “Carrots, you won’t cheat with me, right?” I was trying to get assurance. I was afraid. If I can bear losing Giro before, with Vitto, I doubt if I could.

“What are you saying?”He frowned.

“Did you see the server a while ago, she was trying to hit on you.” I hugged his arm.

“Tsk, lahat na lang pinagseselosan mo.”

“Pero hindi mo naman gagawin ‘di ba?” Pangungulit ko, “’Di ba?”

For a moment, Vitto stared passed at me and I know that he was looking at the couples beside our table. Those two don’t remind me of my broken heart anymore, but they remind me of the fear to lose someone and I hate it. I don’t ever want to lose Vitto. Ever.

When he looked at me, his eyes were unreadable, so deep that I could drown in it.

“Stop being paranoid.” Saway niya.

“You didn’t answer my question!” I pouted in frustration I almost stomped my foot. "I don't want you to have kabit. I swear I will really pull her hair out! "

Vitto froze for a moment as if I said something that hit him. But he later on sighed as if defeated as he looked away, “I won’t cheat.”

“Ever?” I asked again, asking for confirmation.

“Yeah.” Matipid na sagot niya ngunit sapat na iyon para mawala ang takot na nararamdaman ko. He gave me a small smile and I rewarded him with a huge grin.

We continued eating our food and I hate it that I can see Giro and Rosenda on my peripheral vision even though I hated it. I almost huffed as I saw Giro acting so sweetly at Rosenda making her giggle. Gosh, why am I irritated? Why are they even here of all places? Ni hindi nga mahilig sa sweets si Giro!

I tried to ignore them and just focused on my food and Vitto. He was quietly eating which was just usual to him so I did all the talking which he sometimes reply with single word statements, a nod or a smile. I just hope that he’ss come to love me, too. and I will be patiently waiting for that.

🌻