A JAR OF STARS (ON-GOING)

Chapter 26

ZYRONE'S POV:

"What if I invite Vunny over?" I ask in my thought. Yeah, that would be a great idea. I mean, I can cook him foods so he would be impressed at his future husband. Right?

I'm at home today. Alone. Mom and Dad's at work, and so, I kind of feel good today. No fights, no noises, nothing from them. My mind’s definitely going to be at ease today.

I then take my phone from my pocket and texts him on messenger.

"Ayoko nga," he replies.

"Sige na, please, Vunny?" that's with a puppy-eyes emoji.

"Ayoko nga, unggoy. Kulit naman nito."

"Please, Vunny? Ngayon lang naman ako humihingi ng favour eh. Diba sabi mo, I'll show how real I love you? Ito na nga oh. Tinatanggihan mo lang eh."

It takes him some time before he replies. Maybe he really won't come. That's a happy mood ruined then. And then I sigh in defeat.

"Oh sige sige. Pupunta na 'ko. Send mo na lang sa'kin yung address mo."

Then I cheer as I read the message. I feel extremely elated as if I could fly at this very moment. I'm thrilled; energized; genuinely happy that he could come. He can't really resist my cuteness now, can he?

I have already prepared the things I will need in the kitchen to cook a carbonara for him. I didn't wear any shirt but a thin apron because the temperature in the kitchen's hot. I'd probably be drenched in sweat if I'm still clothed.

Also, this is to make Vunny droll over me. When he sees my perfectly-toned body, comparable to that of a machete, then he'd be crawling for me. It's a dream come true again for me then.

I can’t help but to smile slyly at these thoughts.

For not a moment longer, our doorbell rings notifying me that someone's outside our gate. It's probably Vunny now. . .

Thrilled with his arrival, I did not forget to turn the range off first but still did not wear my shirt. I'm still in my apron.

I then go out to the gate and open it. Only to be surprised that it's not Vunny I’m facing. It's Kitty. While he's still beside the tricycle. Probably waiting for their change.

"Hello, Zaiii. . ." Kitty greets me. "I'm sorry, andito ako. Eto kasing si Yvan pinipilit na sumama ako, eh ayoko nga dapat. Kaso sinabi niya na 'di na lang siya pupunta dito kung 'di ako sasama kaya ayun. I'm here. Thirdwheel. Huhuhu," she whispers.

I was honestly annoyed at first but not on her. On the situation. Yet, I took a deep breath and I should just go with the flow. With a smile that is. "Ayos lang, Kitty. . . Para unti-unti eh masasanay si Vunny na kasama ako, even at home," I respond with a smile.

Vunny finally turns to us and freezes on his place. I can see his eyes are focused on me. On my body, that he almost bit his bottom lip.

"Yvan? Natutulala talaga? Sa loob mo na 'yan ipagpatuloy. . . Pasok na tayo," says Kitty, and walks inside first.

I then turn to Vunny again and smile. Warmly. "Tara na, Vunny. . . Welcome sa bahay natin."

His eyes widen in surprise and I smirk. But he seems to be upset now. "Bahala ka diyan," he replies harshly without looking at me, and then he enters first before I do.

I am now preparing the carbonara into three plates while Vunny and Kitty sit in the living room.

"Here. It. Is," I give them each a plate of carbonara and a fork.

"Wow!" Kitty exclaims. "Effort na effort naman talaga pati sa presentation." She's talking about how I twirled the pastas into presentable form and the green leaves— of which I don't know the name—designed on top.

Pinapanood ko lang sila habang kinakain nila ang niluto ko. Lalo si Vunny. Who, before taking pasta into his mouth seems to be elated. His eyes say all the happiness he must feel inside. This certainly gives me pride to invite him more and cook for him.

"So. . . how is it?" I ask pretty proud of myself.

"Mmmm," Kitty sounds as she savours the pasta. "Pwede ka nang mag-restaurant, Zaiii."

It definitely does earn a smirk from me. "Pwede na din akong mag-asawa diba?" I say as I wink at Vunny.

"Tagahugas ka ng pinggan," Kitty continues.

"Okay. . . That was savage," I say in my thoughts.