He blinked, surprised for a moment, then arched a brow. "What made you say that?" His voice was low, cautious but curious.
I let my eyes roam over him from head to toe, trying not to laugh at the way he looked-sharp suit, perfectly styled hair, a look that screamed 'business' but also something more. "I mean, look at you."
His expression shifted; there was a flicker of self-consciousness behind his usual cool mask. "Look like what?" he asked, sounding more concerned than I expected.
I grinned mischievously. "Like you want to lay someone at the bar and then invite them for a roleplay." I chuckled softly, enjoying how his eyes darkened with mild annoyance.
Noticing his displeasure, I quickly cleared my throat, raising both hands in mock surrender. "I'm joking," I said, trying to ease the tension. "But seriously, are you here for some business meeting? Meeting a partner, maybe?"
He scoffed softly, shaking his head as if my guesses couldn't be farther from the truth. "Nothing you just said has anything to do with why I'm dressed like this."
I raised an eyebrow, curiosity getting the better of me. I leaned forward again, waiting for him to say more.
That piqued my curiosity, so I held his gaze a little longer, silently urging him to go on. His jaw clenched slightly, and after a moment, he finally spoke.
"I just finished a meeting there," he said, nodding toward the glass building in the distance, "and then I flew here right after."
I blinked, processing the information, then gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. There wasn't much more to say, really - it was straightforward, but somehow the weight in his voice made it feel like there was more beneath the surface.
A heavy silence settled between us, thick and uncomfortable. My mind started drifting, and suddenly I remembered the dare Imelda had thrown at me earlier that day. I rubbed the back of my neck, my heart pounding a little faster.
How the hell do I even ask him out? I thought, trying to push down the lump forming in my throat. Without sounding desperate. Or ridiculous. Or like I'm begging.
I cleared my throat, stealing a quick glance at him. His profile was calm, almost unreadable in the dim streetlights outside, but I knew I had to take the chance before the moment slipped away.
Swallowing hard, I shifted in my seat, readying myself. "So... Trevor," I started, voice barely above a whisper, "would you... maybe want to hang out sometime? Like, just the two of us?"
He turned his eyes toward me, surprise flickering there, but before he could answer, my words tumbled out faster, "No pressure, of course. Just thought-well, maybe we could grab coffee or something. If you want."
I immediately felt my cheeks heat up. God, why was this so hard? I forced a laugh to cover the awkwardness, waiting anxiously for his response.
"What are you up to?" he asked suspiciously, his eyes narrowing as if trying to read every hidden motive behind my words.
Shit. How was I supposed to ask him out after I confessed that I was dared to kiss him. My throat tightened, and my heart hammered against my ribs.
"Uhmm..." I stammered, biting my lip, searching for the right words. "You-" I stopped abruptly, my mind freezing. No way I could say it out loud.
His gaze sharpened, impatient now. "What the hell. Tell me now, Yuri Damian. I can't play mind games with you."
I snapped, more out of nervous frustration than intent. "Tangina, ang pressure naman nito. Teka lang, nag-iisip pa yung tao kung ano ang sasabihin eh!" The words slipped out before I could stop myself.
The silence that followed was deafening. Our eyes met, and for a moment, both of us were caught off guard - surprise mingled with awkwardness. We shifted uncomfortably in our seats, both clearing our throats as if to shake off the tension.
"Okay, take your time," he finally said, resting his head on the steering wheel, hands folded beneath it. But even then, his eyes never left me. That steady, intense stare made my skin prickle with discomfort.
I swallowed hard, feeling exposed under his gaze. My fingers nervously fidgeted with the hem of my shirt as I tried to steady my racing thoughts.
The car felt suddenly too small, the air thick with unsaid words and hesitant hearts.
"You know I was dared to kiss you, right?" I finally broke the long silence, my voice barely above a whisper.
He didn't move at first. His head still rested on the steering wheel. Then, without looking up, he said, "Okay. Go on."
I took a deep breath, fingers nervously twisting together in my lap. The subtle movement caught his attention, and his eyes flicked up to mine. I stopped immediately, feeling exposed under his gaze.
"How am I supposed to say this..." I muttered under my breath, unsure if I wanted to admit the truth or take it back.
"Just say it. I can handle it," he replied quietly, voice steady but carrying an edge of challenge.
His insistence gave me a strange surge of courage. If he could take it, then I wouldn't hold back.
"You're aware that I kissed you because of a dare, right?" I said softly, avoiding his eyes.
He simply nodded, expression unreadable.
"That's not the only thing they dared me to do," I added, still not meeting his gaze.
His head snapped up, eyes narrowing with a mix of suspicion and something else I couldn't quite place.
"Don't tell me they dared you to... be fucked by me," he said, voice low but laced with a hint of disbelief.
I blinked, stunned by the bluntness of his words.