ANNOYING

HANNAH

"Freya, am I ugly?" I asked my friend while looking into the void. Since it was the weekend, I asked my friend to go out to get Apollo off my mind.

"You have a clean heart. You are kind. Helpful." She answered as she sipped her drink.

I glared at her. "I'm a simple citizen, I'm not a Miss-Universe candidate."

"I know."

I put my arm on the table. "Why doesn't Apollo like me, I'm beautiful, right?"

I was insulted by Freya's laughter. "It's a good thing I'm a true friend, Hannah. I’m not afraid to hurt your feelings."

"I'm the Miss Campus Sweetheart of our high school!"

"Yes. You are beautiful, but sometimes you’re extremely annoying. Men don’t want that,” she didn't feel like answering.

“But this is the real me. He’s really my soulmate.”

She snorted. “You believe in that? Oh, sweetheart, you’re so pure.”

“Yes! My veins are shouting his name. My heart’s beating fast the moment I think of him.”

“Maybe you’re sick. Have you consulted your doctor about this?”

"I asked us to meet so you can lighten my heart, you skinny b-tch." I said and raised my hand to order. After I said what we wanted to eat, we continued the conversation.

"You know, stop chasing him. You're only hurting yourself."

"I have hope in Apollo, I can feel it," I insisted.

She raised her brow. "Hannah, he's not interested in having a relationship with you. As you said, he is in love with someone else. You won’t gain anything even if you chase him."

"He may be rude with words, but he never hurt me physically."

Freya washed her hand over her face after hearing what I said. "Oh my god! You sound like an idiot!"

"Hey, hey, don't be too loud."

"Hannah, I hope this month's deal ends soon. Because honestly, you're making yourself a fool of that man."

I winced. "Is that really bad?"

"In my perspective, yes. I know that we are a modern generation and even women can flirt. But, Hannah, don't go to this level. It’s really not worth it. Come on, sweetie."

I was sad but I still couldn't let go of my feelings for Apollo. "Thank you for the advice, Freya. Can we change the topic?"

"Sure. Ah, wait, do you know Adonis' ex-girlfriend back in college?"

"Oh, uhm…" I thought for a moment because I couldn't quite remember that girl's name. "Was her name Polliandra?"

"Elizabeth," she corrected. "I heard that their pharmaceutical company has gone bankrupt. And he is borrowing a large sum of money from my parents to save it."

"I talked to Adonis yesterday, he didn't mention Eliza."

"I don't know, maybe she's shy. The breakup between the two of them isn't good either."

"Adonis really wasted that time. He almost couldn't keep up with us in graduating."

"That's the truth," Freya said.

The waiter came and put down our food. I thanked him before he left. I turned my head to Freya and continued our discussion.

"But come to think of it, Eliza wasn't that bad. She also didn't have the attitude like the other girls that Adonis dated. She was the best of them." I said before sipping my juice. "It's just that, she was seduced by Damon."

"I can't blame her, Damon was the hottest guy on campus." She said while twirling the end of her hair. "Wait, didn't Damon date you before?!"

"I rejected him because I don't feel his sincerity. And one more thing that I dislike is his being a fucking boy," I commented.

It was almost afternoon when Freya and I parted ways. We need to wait for her busy season to finish just to bond. I was walking in front of the restaurant bar when I noticed a familiar figure. I stopped and reflected on it.

Those broad shoulders and firm ass. That's Apollo's!

I smiled sweetly and shouted his name. "Apples!"

He turned and I ran towards him. I clung to his arm. "Apples, we meet again!"

"Your endearment sucks."

I giggled. "Everywhere I go, I see you. I am so blessed."

He frowned when he looked down at me. "Your cheeks are flushed. Did you drink?"

"No. I always blush when I see you. You should get used to it."

"I need a serious answer, woman."

"Just one glass or two? I don’t remember. But I'm fine, I have a high tolerance for alcohol." My heart sank because of the tinge of concern in his voice. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm going to meet some friends," he answered.

I let it go and walked away. "Oh, I'm sorry I stopped you. Alright, go in. I'll just wait for a cab."

I was about to turn away from him but he grabbed my hand. It made my heart even more lost. "No, I'll drive you home. You're close to here, right?"

"Don't stop, maybe your friends are waiting inside."

"It's fine. They can wait. Come." He still wouldn't let go of my hand even as we walked through the parking lot. I can't stop smiling at his gestures.

He is worried. Ah, what's happening? Has God heard my prayers?

"Uhm, Apollo, are you going to give me an answer now?"

He stopped and let go of my hand when he came back to reality. He looked at me and his expression changed. There is no worry in his eyes.

"What makes you think that I will?"

I snorted. "When are you going to answer me? AlDub's right time has come, when is our right time— wait. My line is corny. I’m sorry, it’s alcohol talking."

I was surprised when Apollo suddenly laughed. I don't know how long I stared at him. This is the first time I saw him laugh freely. I was so dumbfounded.

"Damn. You're right, that's terrible."

"You can laugh, huh?" I whispered.

He frowned. "I'm not a robot."

"I like your laugh. You're more handsome when you laugh."

He stopped and sighed. His face returned to normal, lifeless and expressionless.

We got into his Land Cruiser and he drove it. The whole trip, I was just looking at him. I can't believe I made him laugh like that. He didn't complain that I almost melted him in his seat because of my staring at him.

"Apollo." I calmly promise.

"Hmm?"

"Let's have a date tomorrow."

"I'll think about it."

"Is that a 'yes'?"

"It's a 'maybe'."

"So, it's not a 'no'?"

He sighed. "Fine. It seems like you won't stop annoying me, so I’ll say ‘okay’."

"Why are you being nice to me now? Are you really Apollo?"

"If only I could trade with someone else just so I wouldn't see you anymore."

I ignored what he said and kept looking at him. "Apollo."

"What?"

"If a star fell every time I thought of you, the sky would be empty."

He didn't say a word until I felt his car stop. He sighed. "We've reached your home. Get down now."

I closed my eyes to hide the pain of not answering. When I opened my eyes, I gave it a sweet smile.

"Thank you, Apples. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Let's meet at my condo."

I blushed and giggled. He ran his hand through his hair. He looks so hot when frustrated. I almost peed a little— no joke.

"Good night, Hannah."

"Good night, Apples."

"Still, your endearment sucks."

I got down and closed the door of the Land Cruiser. My hand formed a heart shape as I mouthed 'I love you'.

He shook his head before starting the car. Before entering, I waited for his car to get away.

"I hope you don't remember that I only have five days to love you, Apollo," I whispered sadly.