24 Never Assume Unless Stated

I stiffened from his words but remained my eyes closed. Words would not come out, and I was struggling to keep myself calm after that confession. What am I supposed to say? Should I reply right away?

There was silence for a moment. What happened next was out of anything I expected. My mouth opened, and without showing any hesitation, answered Dominic.

"I think I like you too, Dominic. "

I know. I surprised myself as well that I did not doubt anything before saying it. I did panic for a second there, but I was able to utter the words I was trying to deny for a couple of days now. I do like Nic. Not sure where we may stand now, but my heart had always been honest with me. I kept hiding the obvious fact that he makes me feel butterflies in my stomach. The smell of him makes my head spin, and the mere sight sends shivers to the tips of fingers.

We were both sitting there quietly for five minutes, unmoving. My heart was beating out of my chest, but I felt calm. My lips formed a smile as I could hear Dominic whispered, "Yes!"

His arms moved and gave me an embrace, which filled me with warmth. The chilly winds never bothered me anymore.

I have been to many relationships, but none of them ever made me feel the way this moment did. It was warm, peaceful, and alive. As my head pressed to his chest, I could hear his heart beating. Slow, but loud. I wonder what's on his mind right now.

As I moved away from the embrace, our eyes met. Dominic took my left hand and warmed it. He then gave me a soft smile.

The wind right now must be freezing, but my skin could not feel it. My cheeks were hot with the mere touch of Dominic's hands.

It felt surreal, and we were both quiet for a moment. Dominic was looking ahead at the airport, watching the planes leave and arrive one by one. He was still holding my hand.

A phone ring suddenly disrupted the silence. His mom was calling, asking where he was. I let him answer his phone and slowly went down the hood. He tries to stop me, signaling that he'll help me climb down. I snorted and smiled at him with an assurance that I'll just be fine.

I went ahead and got in the car. The chills are finally getting into me. Dominic was still outside talking to the phone.

I surveyed my reflection in the rearview mirror, wondering what will happen next. I mean, you know confessing to each other doesn't imply that you two are dating right away, right? I always make sure to never assume things. Nothing will come out great of it, especially when it comes to relationships.

I always try to confirm things. It has always been like that. You will never truly understand someone's thoughts.

I pursed my lips. Dominic got in the car, and it startled me a little. He chuckled at my reaction, and without a word, started the car engine.

We went out of the airport, and the bright lights from the posts illuminated the road. The night was silent and cold. It was already 12 midnight. We were not even aware that the time passed by that fast.

My gaze was fixed outside the window to avoid meeting Dominic's eyes. He was concentrating on his driving, but his smile won't leave his face.

"What's wrong, dear?" His words rang in my ears, and I immediately turned to face him. What did he just call me? Dear? Who? Me?

He looked at me briefly and chuckled. He might be wondering already why I was acting that way. Who wouldn't? Are we in the exchanging endearments already?

I shook my head to remove all the thoughts from my head. I'm putting too much thought into it. Can't I just relax and enjoy whatever there is right now?

Without any hesitation, I brought my left hand to touch Dominic's hand that was resting on the gear shift. He was slightly startled by my actions, which made me pull my hand away. I'm scared that I might have over crossed the line.

Dominic bit his lower lip, and without looking at me, he grabbed my hand and clutched it. Good thing he's driving an automatic car. My heart rate is slowly getting faster, and I couldn't help but smile at the simple gesture.

"Andi?"

"Hmm." I'm still avoiding his gaze.

"Are you happy?" Am I? My stomach has been doing some gymnastic routine, and I am feeling like I'm about to puke from hiding the grin I was holding since the moment he said he likes me. Now, am I happy? Hell yes! But of course, I don't have the energy nor the confidence to tell him like this.

I simply nodded as a response, still without looking at him. I could feel him glanced towards me for a brief moment. He took my hand, and a warm pair of lips touched the back of my hand.

Sweet baby, the mother of batman! I could feel tingles all the way through my toes. Good thing I'm wearing shoes because man, my toes were curling from the sensation of the kiss.

He tightened the clutch and drew my hand closer to his cheeks. He's grinning now. It's the kind of grin I want to take a picture of and laminate it so I can see it always. It made me ecstatic seeing him like this and knowing we both share the same feelings.

We arrived at my apartment complex, and none of us were talking. I took a deep breath and braved myself to bid goodbye. I still don't want to go home and end the moment, but I had to. Nic's mom is probably looking for him already.

"Thanks, Nic. For tonight."

"Good night Andi."

"Nic? Before I go. What are we?"

"You know what we are."

"I don't want to assume things."

"If you want confirmation, then yes. We are officially dating."