I NEVER thought that there were other people in Zandy's life besides his family and his friend Ton. I also don't know anything else about his life. All I know is that Zandy Saavedra became an introvert because Beverly left him.
I learned a lot about Zandy because of Chef Jr's stories about him, and how hardworking and good Zandy is at what he wants to do. I also learned that he met Chef Jr in a cooking class he attended where he was invited to teach a local dish found in Quezon and that's where Zandy and Chef Jr's friendship began.
"I didn't expect that there are other people around you besides the people I know in your life," I broke into silence as we walked along a road near the sea where we could see the setting sun. Orange color spread in the sky and it was nice to watch the sun setting.
We ate at the restaurant and after that, we said goodbye to Chef Jr and Zandy took me to this place.
"There are only a few people I trust, Miles and everyone who stayed by my side, they are my true friends and care about me," Zandy answered casually. He looked at me for a moment and simply smiled, then turned back to the sun. He gasped as he walked slowly.
"I remember when Aunt Mandy told me that you've been an introvert ever since...ever since Beverly left you," I said. I mustered up the courage to say it.
I was nervous when Zandy stopped and slowly faced me. My heart seemed to stop beating because of his emotionless face. He looked at me for a few moments, before looking away from me. I thought he would be angry with me for mentioning his ex.
"You're right, I chose to be an introvert during those times. I was disappointed, down, unloved because I did everything so that the woman I loved wouldn't leave me, but it didn't seem like that was enough for her to not leave me," full of pain he said. I even heard his weak laugh. He faced me again. "She left me and I asked myself where did I go wrong and what was my fault for leaving me."
I felt sad for him. I also remembered my past where I was abandoned and hurt.
"I'm sorry, Zandy for asking you a personal question," I apologized.
"No, it's ok, Miles, I also want to open myself, my life for you. I want you to get to know me even more with my past," he replied seriously.
I couldn't speak immediately while just looking at his handsome face. I still felt the cold wind blowing on my skin but I ignored it.
"And I want to know you more, Zandy," I said too late to take it back. I was just surprised when I saw Zandy looking into my eyes.
"Thank you, Miles."
I was just surprised when Zandy pulled my waist closer to him. I felt like I was burned when our bodies touched. I fainted at the same time as my chest pounded hard.
"Z-Zandy."
"I want you to always be close to me, Miles," Zandy whispered as our faces were only a few inches away from each other. His baritone voice stung my ears. "I always want you beside me and I will always choose you," he added.
I was stunned and couldn't move. I do not know what to do. I had no resistance because I knew my heart was screaming with excitement.
I clung to his shoulder because I felt my knees go weak because of the strange way Zandy was making me feel. I'm losing energy.
"I-I want to always be by your side, Zandy, but I'm not sure how long I'll stay because all of us are uncertain," I said sadly as my eyes spoke.
Our eyes stayed talking while I could feel my heart beating with happiness and sadness in it.
"Don't think about what could happen tomorrow, let's think about what we have now," Zandy gently returned.
I bowed slightly. I don't know what to think but I know that there is fear in me that what will happen tomorrow will cause a new pain in my heart.
Even though I knew I liked what he was doing, I forced myself to separate from him. I hugged myself and faced the sea where I saw the setting sun.
"Why does everything seem so easy for you, Zandy? It seems like the only simple thing you want to do is for me to stay by your side and after that, it's over. It's like you're sure of what can happen while you know you are not sure of your feelings for me. Is it because you found support, motivation, and acceptance from me?" I seriously said that sadness is there. "Because for me, everything is not easy, especially because my heart is at stake. Until when? How long are we like this?"
I felt him approach me. I wasn't surprised by what he did and I didn't move. He hugged me from behind and rested his chin on my shoulder. I closed my eyes. I don't know but I suddenly feel sad because I know it has a limit.
"I'm sorry, Miles, if you think I'm selfish. I don't know what can happen but I know at this moment that I want to be with you. That I choose you. I don't even know how long...if how long we are like this but I wanna spend time with you and treasure every moment. I'm sorry," he said softly. His beautiful voice gnaws at my ears, giving me a strange feeling.
"I'm just afraid, Zandy, that maybe if I choose to stay, you'll be the one to stay away," I promised.
Zandy tightened his hug a little more. There is comfort in his hug and I like that. I want to always feel that from him.
Zandy let go of hugging me. He held my shoulder and gently faced him. "Look at me, Miles," he said. I slowly looked into his eyes and there were traces of various emotions. "Can you trust me? Can you trust me with your heart?" he asked directly, his eyes speaking.
"Z-Zandy."
"I want you to trust me, Miles."