"Nakwento ni Jake yung nangyari," he said. "Ayos lang ba sa'yo, gusto kita?" he nervously asked.

I suddenly felt my cheeks turn into crimson. "Uh, to be honest, I was shocked to hear that," I said. "I just really can't believe it." I touched my cheeks. They're as hot as coffee right now.

"Riselle, may isa pa pala akong gustong sabihin sa'yo," he continued, so I tried to focus. "Naaalala mo pa ba noong araw na tinanong mo ako kung anong ginagawa ko?"

I nodded. Of course, I wouldn't forget that. It was the day we met.

"Sa totoo lang, dinalaw ko ang girlfriend ko."

"G-girlfriend? But you say you like me?" I can't help but to ask. I don't understand.

"Nawala na siya nine years ago. Isa na siya sa mga ulap na makikita mo sa kalangitan. Isa na rin siya sa maririnig mong umiiyak kagaya ng alon ng tubig sa may ilog." My eyes darted to his lip when he bit it. "Gusto ko lang malaman mo 'yung parte na 'yon sa'kin. Gusto kong makilala mo pa 'ko."

"I don't know..." I said. "I can't understand. Hindi mo pa rin ba siya nakakalimutan?"

"Pwede bang hindi ko sagutin 'yan?"

The song suddenly changes to "Stay This Way." The vibe of the song is different from the atmosphere we are in right now.

"Why did you want me to hear it right now? It was nine years ago, but you still can't forget her. I feel like I am just a replacement in her place, and you like me because you want me to fill the gaps—to fill those parts na nawala sa'yo," sabi ko sa kanya.

"Hindi gano'n 'yun, Riselle."

It was torturing for me to see those eyes of his. I feel the sincerity, I feel the pain.

"Just give me time... a minute or two to think."

He nodded. "Sorry."

"Can I excuse myself? CR lang ako." I stood up and walked towards the restroom.

Dang—I hate this feeling! Why do I regret what I said to him?