I watch as Ian prepares the food. You can’t tell just by looking at him, but he’s actually a pretty good cook. Since he has been living alone with his sister, he learned to be the parent that she needed. Ian spoils Ysa to compensate for the shortcomings of their parents. Ian is a very sweet and caring brother, that’s for sure. It’s one of the things that I love about him. Loved – I reminded myself.

“Baka naman matunaw ako,” says Ian.

I realize that I’m staring at him like a fool. I’ve been embarrassing myself in front of Ian since earlier. I have to gather myself and stop acting like some stupid teenager.

“Hindi. May iniisip lang,” I make an excuse.

“Come here. The food is ready.”

I sit on the other side of the table, as far away from him as possible – which isn’t that far since the table is enough for just six persons. It’s not that I don’t want to be near him. I just don’t trust myself around him. He notices the distance that I put between us, but he just ignores it.

He starts putting food on my plate, realizing midway what he’s doing. He put the food on his own plate and passes me the platter instead. Ian watches me take my first bite of the food that he cooked. It’s good, of course. I can barely stop myself from gulping the food down because of my hunger.

“How’s the food?” asks Ian.

“Okay naman. Masarap,” I tell him nonchalantly. Nevertheless, I saw a hint of smile forms on his lips.

“Ano nga pala nangyari sa’yo? Gen told me just bits of what happened,” he inquires.

I tell him about Gian and the events leading to my eviction from my apartment starting from the party yesterday. Normally, I’m not that talkative with other people except with Gen and some of our org mates. I don’t know what’s gotten into me, but I tell him every single detail, even the insignificant ones. Maybe it’s the familiar sensation I’m feeling when I’m talking with him, or maybe I just miss being listened to. Gen listens to me, but she has the attention span of a goldfish.

Ian pays attention to every word I say. It’s like he’s memorizing everything that I’m saying. I feel a little bit self-conscious. I’m not used to being the center of attention. Even when we’re having a meeting in our organization, I usually let Gen do the talking.

“Tapos ayun nga. Hindi ko alam na tatawagan ka pala ni Gen to ask for help,” I finish.

“Actually, Gen didn’t ask for my help. I volunteered,” he confesses.

“Ha? Paano mo nalaman?” I ask.

“Nag-message kasi si Gen doon sa isa naming group chat ng online selling,” he explains. “She’s asking if someone knows a place daw kasi her friend is looking for an apartment. I’m not even sure if she knows that I’m a member of that group chat. So, I messaged her.”

“Alam mo bang ako ‘yung tinutukoy niya na friend,” I’m amazed by the coincidence.

“No, not at first. But I suspected.” He smiles and winks at me.

My heart skips a little. He’s so cute when he does that. I slap myself mentally.

We finish eating our food, talking about random things from time to time. I try to help him clear the table, but he stops me.

“Ako na. Kaya ko na ‘to,” he tells me. “Just sort your things out. You can sleep in Ysa’s room. I’ll talk to her later. I’m sure she won’t mind.”

“Okay sige,” I concede. “By the way, pwede ba ako maki-shower? Ang lagkit na ng pakiramdam ko. Dumikit na yata sa balat ko lahat ng usok kanina sa kalsada.”

“Of course. You can use my toiletries in the bathroom,” he says. “Just like old times,” he added jokingly.

“May dala akong sarili kong sabon, no,” I snap at him, blushing at his jest.

I carry my luggage and bags across the room to Ysa’s. I don’t intend to stay here so I take only the clothes that I will change into out of the bag. As I make my way to the bathroom, I hear him singing the same song that he’s humming earlier in the elevator. It's "Home" by Reese Lansangan.

But nobody knows

How we go

Oh when we're alone

It's like we're home

My bones are safe

And my heart can rest

Knowing it belongs to you

My world is changed

And it's cradled by

The comfort that is you...

Inside the shower, I can faintly hear the sound of his voice. As much as I don’t want to admit it to myself, I miss eating and talking with him. I allowed myself to enjoy this short reunion with him. Just for tonight, I think to myself. Tomorrow, this will be just another memory.