I looked at the man sitting inside the car, his eyes unwavering, his jaw tight. "Hop in," he had said. Like it was that simple.
My brows lifted slightly, trying to read him, trying to piece together the fragments of our day and make sense of it all.
What does he mean by that? Why is he talking to me as if we were close? Technically speaking, I only met him last night, we were drunk and we did the... deed. Then we officially got to know each other just hours before this.
Grrr. Was he seriously expecting me to just... get in? As if we were close? As if he didn't just send my brain—and heart—into chaos a few hours ago?
"I'm sorry," I said, my voice sharp, defensive. "But in case you missed the memo, I'm going home." My guard was up, towering.
I hadn't even booked a taxi yet, but the words came out like a shield. The tension, the embarrassment... it was all too much. I needed space. Clarity. Air.
"Yep," he replied smoothly. "Shang mentioned. That's why I'm here. I'll drive you."
I blinked.
Wait. What?
Did I hear him right?
"You'll... what?"
Hello? Pangasinan is four hours away from here. That's not just a quick ride—it's a commitment. Was he being serious, or was this some twisted way of teasing me?
His lips curled into a smirk. The same one that had haunted me since the restaurant. Since the restroom. Since him.
"Drive you home. Pangasinan, right?"
He knew. Of course, he did. Ate Shang must've told him.
And I hated how a part of me—despite all logic—felt relief. Like being near him, even just for a few more hours, would help me sort through the mess he left in my chest. Closure. Maybe that's what I needed.
"You're not serious," I said, folding my arms tightly across my chest, trying to hide the way my heart was hammering against my ribs like a wild animal.
He leaned a bit closer to the window, resting his arm on the edge like he had all the time in the world. His stare was amused, but there was heat behind it too. "Kate, just get in the car. I don't bite... unless provoked."
I rolled my eyes, but my lips twitched, traitorously.
I hated that he could still make me smile—even after everything.
Before I could say anything more, a voice interrupted behind me.
"Excuse me, ma'am. Is this man bothering you?"
I turned to find a security guard watching us intently, already taking a cautious step closer. He looked ready to intervene.
I glanced at Frooze, who gave the guard a look of pure annoyance, and then back at the guard.
"Hindi po, kuya. Thank you po. He's… umm, my driver," I said, voice hesitant but clear.
The guard raised an eyebrow, then gave a small nod before walking away. Frooze scoffed.
"Yeah, her driver. Right," he muttered under his breath.
I shot him a side-eye glare. "You looked like a suspicious guy lurking in the parking lot. What do you expect?"
He didn't answer, just shook his head with a smirk.
I took a deep breath and looked at the guy in front of me.
"Fine," I muttered under my breath. Defeated. Curious. Confused.
I walked to the other side of the car, opened the passenger door, and slid in, hugging my bag to my chest like it could protect me from the storm that was this man.
The air inside the car was cool. Crisp. The faint scent of leather mixed with something distinctly him—clean, sharp, intoxicating. Dangerous in a way I couldn't explain.
He didn't speak at first. Just drove.
I stared out the window, unsure of what to say. Unsure if I should say anything. The engine's hum and the occasional whoosh of passing cars filled the silence between us like a wall.
Then he spoke.
"So..."
I turned slightly, cautiously.
"...about earlier."
My spine straightened. My fingers clenched around the strap of my bag.
"That?" I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "That was nothing."
He chuckled. Low and knowing.
"Is that what we're calling it now? Nothing? What about what happened last night? Not to mention you left without saying a word."
I bit my lip.
"Ito naman parang first time mo mag one-night stand ah. Natapakan ko ba ang ego mo, city boy?" I shot back, sarcasm laced in my voice.
"It's not like that," he replied, eyes still on the road.
I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Frooze, please."
Seriously. Ate Shang said he was quiet, reserved. Was she talking about the same guy who was now acting like he lived to annoy me?
"I've had girls before, Kate. But that? That was something else. After mo ako gamitin, iiwanan mo ako? Grabe ka."
My eyes flew to his face. "Oh my God, will you shut up?"
He laughed. The bastard was enjoying this.
"I mean, not that I blame you," he added with a casual shrug. "You did look like you enjoyed it... pero iniwan mo nga ako."
I groaned and slumped deeper into the seat. "You're unbelievable."
"And you," he said, stealing a glance at me, "are irresistible."
I stared at him, slack-jawed.
Grabe. This guy is something else. Chickboy alert.
He smirked again—his signature. That smirk should be illegal.
"Relax," he said, tone dipping lower. "I'm just messing with you. Mostly."
"You're so full of yourself."
"Only around you."
I scoffed. "Walang maniniwala sayo."
But despite myself, I was smiling again. And it annoyed me. Deeply.
I turned back to the window, hiding the blush on my cheeks. I wasn't angry—not really.
Flustered? Absolutely. Because despite my better judgment, my heart was betraying me with every beat.
He drove like he belonged behind the wheel—steady, confident, the kind of control that made me feel both secure and on edge.
As the city lights faded into the distance and the road stretched out ahead of us, a quiet fell over the car.
It wasn't awkward. Just... heavy. Charged.
He tapped his fingers rhythmically on the steering wheel.
"So... which part of Pangasinan are you from exactly?"
I hesitated.
But I told him. The town. The general area. It was practical—he needed to know. How else would I get home?
"Noted," he said with a nod. "Just in case I want to randomly show up."
I blinked at him. That wasn't a joke. Not really.
"Don't you dare," I warned, trying to sound serious, but my voice betrayed me. It was soft.
Teasing.
And I hated that I was smiling.
He looked at me briefly, and there it was again—that unreadable expression. Something deeper. Something curious. Something real.
And I realized then—he wasn't just teasing.
He was curious.
He was interested.
And maybe, just maybe...
So was I.
---
I was always been a sleeper whenever I'm traveling. I don't know how and when I closed my eyes and drifted to dreamland. But I was woken up by Frooze. He was shaking me lightly. With sleepiness still drawing me, I opened my eyes, and I was met with his pretty pair of eyes. They were staring deep into mine.
Then I realized that his face was just an inch away from mine. His breath caressing my cheeks as he breathed in and out, steady and unbothered.
In an instant, I jolted awake. My whole body tensed as I made a distance between us, brushing hair out of my face and trying to regain composure. I adjusted in my seat, straightened my back, and looked for my bag, desperate for something familiar to hold.
"We're here. Is this your place?" he asked, gesturing toward the view outside my window.
I turned to look.
The car was parked outside a red gate. Inside it stood a simple white house, dimly lit by a porch bulb. It was quiet, no lights from neighboring houses, no barking dogs. Just a soft breeze passing by.
"Yep… ummm, thanks? For giving me a ride home," I said softly, still disoriented from sleep. I checked my wristwatch and was shocked to see that it was already close to midnight.
I turned to Frooze again, this time with guilt in my eyes.
He had driven all the way. Without complaining. Without asking for anything in return.
I know how exhausting it is to drive nonstop. The long stretches of road, the concentration needed to stay alert… it's not easy.
Should I… invite him in?
"No problem," he said, smiling lightly. Then he unbuckled his seatbelt, opened the door, and stepped out into the cool night. A moment later, he rounded the car and opened the door on my side, extending his hand toward me.
Ever the gentleman.
Is he like this to all the girls that he's bedded?
I stared at his hand for a moment, hesitant. Ilang taon na nga ba siya? I'm guessing early twenties. He had a job, his own car... independence. And here I was—a nursing student, palamunin sa bahay nila Mommy and Daddy.
I took his hand, my fingers curling into his. It was warm, grounding. Together with my bag, I stepped out of the car.
"Thanks," I said again, this time more sincerely.
I walked to the gate and opened it slowly. Thankfully, none of my neighbors were awake at this hour. Otherwise, I'd be tomorrow's hot topic in the local gossip chain. Someone might even report to my mom that I brought a guy home.
I stepped inside the property and glanced over my shoulder at him.
"Ummm… do you wanna… perhaps… stay the night here?"
My voice was small, unsure, tinged with nervous energy. My heart pounded in my chest as I waited.
He didn't respond immediately. He just stared, his expression unreadable, as if weighing my words. As if trying to figure out if I really meant it.
We stood there under the pale light, searching each other's eyes.
Then he sighed.
"If you insist?" he replied, one brow raised.
I nodded and stepped aside to widen the gate for him.
He entered quietly, and I led him toward the main door. I heard the soft click of the gate as he closed it behind him.
I reached into my pocket, pulled out the key, and with a small twist, the door unlocked with a familiar click.
As I entered, I felt his presence behind me, following silently. I closed the door gently and flicked on the light.
The house lit up, and there it was—my small world. My pink sanctuary.
Frooze looked around, taking everything in. His eyes moved from the pale rose curtains to the fluffy throw pillows, to the tiny shelf of plushies on the corner.
"Welcome to my humble yet peaceful abode," I said shyly, scratching the back of my head.
The interior was mostly pink. Yes, very girly. I knew it, and I didn't care. I liked it this way. It calmed my otherwise chaotic mind.
"Cute," I heard him say, a hint of amusement in his voice.
I walked toward my room, calling out, "Halika na dito, you must be exhausted."
He followed, that familiar smirk already forming on his lips.
"Ay yang utak mo ah! Mabuti ang intensyon ko ah!" I scolded, pointing a playful finger at him.
He raised an eyebrow, still smirking, and said, "What? I haven't said a thing. You're the one with the dirty mind there, baby. Not me."
He casually walked into the room, bypassed me, and flopped down onto my bed without hesitation.
"Mmmmm, strawberries. Sweet. Just like you."
Though my eyes were already tired, I still managed to roll them at him.
I walked over to the wall and turned on the air conditioner. It was always hot in my room if I didn't.
"Ganito ka ba sa lahat ng nakaka-one night stand mo?" I asked, folding my arms. "Akala ko ba ang concept ng one-night stand is no strings attached? Bakit parang dikit ka ng dikit?"
Natapakan ko ata talaga ang ego niya when I left him that morning without a word.
"I dunno…" he mumbled lazily.
I walked to my cabinet to get a set of pajamas. Just as I turned around, I felt a hand grab mine, pulling me suddenly to the bed.
I yelped in shock and stumbled, landing beside him.
His eyes were already closed, but his arm had found its way around my waist. Firm. Possessive. Holding me close, like a pillow he didn't want to let go.
My face was now inches from his again, our breaths mingling.
"Oi! Magshashower pa talaga ako," I protested.
"Maligo ka nalang tomorrow," he mumbled, barely awake. "Let us sleep."
I stared at his exhausted face. His chest rising and falling steadily, the faintest trace of a smile on his lips.
I sighed. He did drive me all the way home. Four hours. Maybe he deserved this rest.
If this is what he wants, then so be it.
Aalis naman na siya bukas. And I probably wouldn't see him again. He's from Manila. I'm from the north.
"Fine… tulog na tayo," I whispered softly.
I don't even know this guy personally. Yet here I am—I bedded him, made out with him, let him drive me home, gave him my address, and now, let him sleep in my bed.
Ganun na ba ako kabobo? Am I really this trusting?
I grimaced at the thought. My head started to ache from overthinking everything.
But before I could spiral further, I heard it—the soft sound of his snore.
I glanced at him one last time.
Maybe I should let it slide for now.
I allowed myself to close my eyes. Seconds later, maybe because I was exhausted too, I drifted off to sleep beside him.