Something about

We went back to his car, and this time I opened the door without waiting for him. Dominic just shook his head in resignation as he climbs on the driver's seat. He pointed at the seat belts, and I obediently put them on.

"So? Where to, captain?" I cocked my head sideways, curious as to where he's going to take me next. I'm hoping not in another restaurant because I had my fill already from that big-ass burger earlier.

He paused for a couple of moments, thinking of where to go for our next destination. I observed him closely. He tends to purse his lips when in deep thought.

After a while, he started the engine and started reversing. His right arm was holding the top of my seat as he looks at the back of the car, making sure he's not hitting something or someone.

I scoffed a little and gave a lopsided smile. Is he showing off?

"So? Where are we going this time?"

"It's a secret." He looked at me and flashed a mischievous smile. Feeling intrigued, I gave him the benefit of the doubt and switched my attention to the player.

It was a 30 minutes ride with me switching from one song to another. Good thing he was not bothered by it. He mostly just laughed and sang along with me.

Fun fact, Dominic has a great singing voice. I mean, he can sing well. He belted out This Love by Maroon 5 without a hitch. It was surprising how he can sing so high, given that he has a low register in his voice.

"I didn't know you sing that well." I rested my head as I turned to face him. His gaze is still fixed on the road, but I could tell that he was smiling.

"You surprised me as well."

"What do you mean?" This time I was looking at the road ahead.

"Your voice. It's soothing and calming. And I think you don't even realize it." I bit my lower lip to stop myself from smiling at his comment.

I consider my voice anything but soothing and calming. I even feel like it's annoying and raspy. I would sometimes record myself talking for assignments and project purposes, and I always get the urge to delete the file right away.

But for once, this time, I want to believe he was right. I want to think that someone might appreciate my voice, regardless of how I feel about it.

I clenched my hands on the seatbelts, holding it near my chest. I hope Dominic could not hear it because I do. My heart is hammering hard on my chest, and my breath is getting shorter and shorter.

What is this? I know what this is, but I refuse to admit it. Maybe not now. It's too early to even consider it.

I heaved a sigh to release the pent up stress on my chest. "What was that for?" He asked, bewildered by the sudden action I made.

"Oh nothing, I just feel like breathing."

"Breathing? Feel like breathing? Haha! You are really amusing, Andi." he chortled.

I was wondering where we were headed to, but a gate suddenly popped into view. I looked at the gate and then back at him, questioning where he was taking me. He then pointed at the sign near the entrance, which I missed earlier.

"Volare International Airport."

What are we doing at the airport? Don't tell me we're flying somewhere?

I lowkey panicked inside. But when I looked at Dominic, he was just laughing. "Relax. We're just staying in this country. Don't worry. Just wait till we get there, okay?"

We passed by some guards who were at the checkpoint, and they gave us a parking ticket. Dominic then maneuvered the car towards the highest spot at the parking space where you can see all these vehicles below, as well as the airport itself.

My mouth gaped at the view. The lights from the airport and the airplanes were twinkling like stars from afar. It was breathtaking.

"How is it?" he asked as he turned off the engine and opened the windows on both sides. The cold breeze kissed my skin again, and I felt a slight sting from where the air touched me.

"It's amazing!" I can't help but be in awe of this sight. I know I look stupid now with my mouth open, but it was worth the reaction. I looked at him and then on the view, still not believing he brought me here.

"I remember we both like night lights. It's the closest place I can think of." He lowered his head, seemingly embarrassed.

"Thank you! This is amazing!" Damn, if I could just hug him right now, I would. But we were seated separately, so I opted to just give him a smile.

I don't know what time it was, but we were just sitting there as a song after another song plays in the background. We were just talking about things we like. Things I don't even mention every day. Life. Our lives.

I removed my shoes and hugged my knees while talking to him. He was laughing when I did it, saying I looked like a small puffball. I don't even know what he meant, but I just went along with it.

The song ended, and the cold wind blew inside. We were both quiet. He was facing front with his eyes fixed on the planes leaving and arriving. I was looking at him, with both of my feet tucked in an Indian seat position.

Out of the blue, I felt a strong urge to lift my hand. It landed on Dominic's head. His hair just looked so soft, and I can't resist running my fingers through it. I could feel Dominic froze from the action I made, but he did not resist. He sat their quiet and closed his eyes before looking at me.

I pulled out my hand as soon as he faced me. Afraid that he would reprimand me for touching his hair without permission, I turned my gaze towards the airport. You know boys and hair. Touch everything, just not their hair.

"Andi?" he called my name in a mumble, almost out of air.

"Hmm."

"I don't really like people touching my hair." I knew it! Dang, I messed that up.

"But, with you? I can't explain it. It felt good and relaxing. I don't mind you doing it for how many times. There's really something about you."

Did I just hear him correctly? Or was I imagining things? I shifted my body to face him and gave him a questioning look.

"What do you mean?"

His lips rose into a soft smile and then repeated, " There's just something about you. I just can't say it yet."

"You're not helping." I humored him. Despite getting confused with his statement, I dropped the subject as it is. Because if I continue asking about it, my heart won't take it any longer.

I bit my lip to calm myself. Avoiding each other's gaze, we ended looking at the leaving airplane as it roared towards the sky.

The clock on the player beeped, signaling us the midnight.

"We stayed here for a long time." Dominic was still looking outside.

"Yeah, should we head home? We still have classes tomorrow." I replied.

We drove home silent, except for my loud heartbeat. I did my best to hush it, but Dominic's words were still ringing through my ears.

When we arrived at my apartment complex, I was ready to get off the car. Freeing myself from the seatbelt, Dominic held my arms before I could open the door. I turned to face him and saw that his ears were red.

"Can I see you again?"

My heart squeezed, and I was out of air. I pursed my lips and just smiled, then nodded my head as a yes to his request.

"Goodnight, Nic."

"Goodnight, Andi."