I Could Fall

Chapter Thirteen

That's it. He just liked my photo. Umasa ako na mag-cha-chat siya para itanong kung pumunta ako sa bahay nila pero matapos ng like niyang 'yon ay hindi na siya nagparamdam.

I was tempted to chat him but I didn't want to be annoying. Hindi pa nga rin siya sumasagot sa nakaraang chat ko.

It's okay though. We still had an interaction. Hindi man kami nag-usap, pero nakita niya pa rin ang post ko. Dumaan pa rin ako sa isip niya kahit saglit lang. That's enough to keep me happy for a few days.

"Tuloy tayo mamaya?" Dashiel asked as soon as he reached our place.

Wala pa ang teacher kaya malayang nakaalis ng upuan niya at dumayo sa pwesto namin ni Atticus.

"Yes," Atticus immediately answered and then looked at me. "Right, Hyon?"

"Of course." I nodded with a wide smile.

Atticus invited us to hang out in his house and play video game. As soon as Dashiel heard video game, he was in. He even convinced me to go. Siya pa raw ang magpapaalam sa akin. As if he needs to.

My parents aren't that strict so asking for their permission to go somewhere during weekdays isn't a problem. Plus... I secretly wanted to go to Atticus' house anyway. Baka makita ko ulit si Ali.

"What coop games do you have?" Dashiel asked.

That's another term for multiplayer or couch games that you can play with other players. I know about it because my brothers liked playing video games too.

"Street Fighter V, Tekken 7, Beyond Two Souls, Overcooked 2, COD and a lot more," Atticus answered.

"Hyon likes Overcooked," Dashiel said.

"You play?" Atticus asked, a little amazed.

I laughed and nodded. "Sometimes. I'm not good at it though."

He indulgently nodded and tapped his chest. "I'll teach you."

I caught Dashiel grimace. "We'll head straight there? Sa inyong sasakyan na lang, Atticus."

"Alright." Atticus nodded and brought his eyes on me. "May gusto ba kayong pagkain?"

"Fish and chips!" Dashiel requested.

Napatingin ako sa kanya at parang biglang naglaway sa binaggit niyang pagkain. "Gusto ko rin."

"I'll inform our cook. Meron pa bang iba?"

"Do you have a menu?" Dashiel dryly said. I laughed, well-versed with Dashiel's humor.

The next hour passed by quickly. I had to pretend that I'm calm the whole time but deep inside, I was very excited.

Umasa ulit ako na makakasalubong namin si Ali pero nakapasok na kami sa gaming room nila ay wala man lang kahit anino ni Ali. I pouted at that. I still didn't lose hope though.

Their gaming room is slightly similar to our entertainment room except the interior is different. This has more a retro feel because of the blue neon lights. Kaya parang arcade talaga.

We played Overcooked 2 first and Dashiel was not that happy about it. Wala naman siyang choice dahil si Atticus ang host and Atticus wants Overcooked 2. He said he likes it too.

"This game is stressing me out," angal ni Dashiel kahit na wala pa rin siyang tigil sa paglaro.

"Let's play a different game?" I asked.