Confrontation

ANGELLE

It was already four o'clock in the afternoon when Papa and Link finished their drinking session. The drinking session ended with Papa passing out and falling asleep on the sofa. Mama couldn't help but laugh because Link managed to outdrink Papa. Imagine, it was Link's first time drinking, yet Papa ended up getting drunk and falling asleep before him.

I glanced at Link, who had his eyes closed while leaning back on the couch's backrest.

"Sistah, let's take Kuya Link home," Lica said, standing beside me.

"Sheesh, it's your fault here. If you didn't tell Papa, he wouldn't have talked to him, and Link wouldn't have gotten drunk." I said in annoyance.

"Duh, why don't you ask Kuya Link? He texted me and asked if Papa was here, so I told him the truth. What did you guys talk about outside?"

Link asked out if Papa was here? Does that mean he was the one who made an excuse to come here and talk to Papa himself? There's only one meaning to that, he personally brought the food.

I sighed and approached Link. I covered my nose when I smelled the alcohol on his breath. I tapped him and woke him up, and he slowly opened his eyes and looked at me.

"Angelle," he called my name.

"Get yourself together and let me take you home," I said with an annoyed tone.

He slowly straightened up and looked at Papa.

"Is Uncle asleep?"

"Isn't it obvious? You guys took so long with your drinking session, as if there won't be a next time." I rolled my eyes.

"I was just happy talking to Uncle, it reminded me of my own Papa," he replied sadly, making me look at him.

Err-Angelle, you're being mean to Link while he's just enjoying himself because he missed his own Papa.

"Come on, let me take you home," I said and helped him stand up.

Once he was on his feet, I said goodbye to Mama and escorted Link, supporting him as we walked. As we stepped out of the house, we bumped into Cacai, who was carrying a plastic bag. She was surprised to see Link drunk.

"What happened to Kuya Link?" Cacai asked.

"He had a drinking session with Papa, and they both ended up passed out," I replied, making Cacai burst into laughter.

"Kuya Link is actually courting your parents, you know?" I sighed before nodding in response. "Has he asked for their permission?" Cacai added.

"Yes, he has," I replied with a smile.

"Oh, what did they say? Did Tito agree?" I smiled and nodded. "Ayiee! Angelle is being courted!" Cacai teased.

"Stop it, Cai. You know I don't like Link, right?" Cacai smirked at me.

"Oh, come on! Your words may say that, but your heart is screaming 'I LIKE LINK!' I know you too well, be." Cacai said.

"Whatever!" I said.

I don't want to, but deep down, I know I do. I'm such a lame person!

"Oh, what if you end up chasing after Kuya Link? So don't speak too soon."

"Nah, I don't want to. Besides, who is he? Just a Hype Beast." Cacai laughed.

"Yes, be. Just a Hype Beast, but he's the Hype Beast who will love you forever." I couldn't rolled my eyes at Cacai's words.

"Ah, whatever, Cai. Okay, I'll take this guy home." I bid her goodbye.

"Okay, be."

I started walking, and luckily, my companion wasn't being a burden, or else I would have kicked him to the side of the road to sleep.

Why did this guy even agree to drink? He's not used to it.

"Gelle," I looked at him as he spoke with his eyes closed.

"Hmmm."

"Do you love me?" I furrowed my brows at his question.

"Why are you asking?"

"Just curious." He let out a sigh.

"I don't know," I answered and looked at the road.

"If I court you, will you say yes?"

I didn't respond to his question. Isiah suddenly came to mind. Isiah is my best friend, and he has been pursuing me for a longer time. I used to love him more than just a friend, but now, because of Link, I'm confused about my feelings. Actually, it's not confusing anymore, it's clear to me that I don't love Isiah anymore. I know I have feelings for Link, but I don't want to confirm it, especially since I might get hurt and fall even more in love with him.

I don't want to hurt my best friend.

"It's okay if you don't answer right now, but I'll wait for your response," he said when I didn't reply.

"Link, you're just drunk. There are plenty of other girls out there, just forget about me."

"But it's you that I want."

We stopped in front of his house, and he straightened up, looking into my eyes.

"You're not sure about that, Link. Go inside and rest," I said.

I was about to walk away when he spoke again. "Are you numb? Can't you feel the emotions of others?" he continued.

I closed my eyes and let out a sigh before facing him.

"Link, you shouldn't have feelings for me. I already have someone courting me," I said, and he smirked.

"I'll court you too," he said.

"But I didn't agree to be courted by you," I replied.

"I like you, Angelle. Can't you get what I want?"

"I-I don't like you, Link. Just stop it, there are plenty of other girls-" I didn't finish my sentence as he angrily kicked a pail by the side of their gate, causing it to break.

"Bullshit!" I was taken aback by his sudden outburst.

"Link, watch your language," I scolded him.

"Angelle, I'm not the type of guy who introduces himself to the parents of the girl I'm courting... but because of you, because I like you, I did it." He said, swallowing hard. "I don't even know why my mood changes every time I see you, I want to be with you all the time." He continued.

"I hope you understand that I'm doing everything just to get your approval to court you. Is there something wrong with me?" he asked. "Don't you like me? I can see that you have feelings for me too."

"Link, you're just drunk." I tried to stop him and pushed him inside the gate, successfully closing it.

I was about to open their front door when he grabbed me and pushed me against the wall, blocking my way with his hands.

"I left Gipsy for you," he said, which surprised me.

Gipsy was right, they broke up because of me.

"I don't like her because I like you," he added.

I could still smell the alcohol on him, but I ignored it because I couldn't escape from him.

He closed his eyes, and I saw tears streaming down his face, which shocked me. Is Link... crying because of me?

I was even more surprised when he knelt down and bowed his head.

"I'm sorry, but I'm desperate, Angelle."

"Link?" I called out to him.

"T-try me, even if you don't love me."

•~•~•~•~•~•

I forcefully buried my face in the pillow and let out a muffled scream. Urgh. What should I do? Link's words have only made my thoughts more chaotic, everything has become even more complicated. Is he losing his mind? Why is he begging me to love him even if I don't?

"I thought I wouldn't develop feelings for you, but I was wrong..." he paused for a while. "In a short period of time, I fell in love with you."

I let out a sigh as I remembered what happened earlier. Is he being genuine about his feelings for me? Or was it just because of the influence of alcohol? I wanted to ask him the questions that were swirling in my mind earlier, but I remained silent.

I admit that I have feelings for Link, the kind of feelings that make me feel a different kind of happiness whenever I see him, and when he's near me, I can't deny that I feel a flutter in my heart, just like in the romance novels I read. I know what those signs mean, but I don't know if it's because I love him or if I'm just simply fond of him.

"Angelle," I quickly sat up on my bed upon hearing my mother's voice.

"Yes?"

She entered my room and sat at the edge of my bed. "Can we talk?" she asked.

"Yes, what is it about?"

My mother smiled before speaking. "It's about you and Link. Your father has agreed to let Link court you, are you okay with that?" I swallowed hard at my mother's question.

"Mom, I can't agree to that."

"Why? Link is a good guy, in fact, your father likes him for you."

"Mom, my best friend is already courting me. It wouldn't be fair to Isiah if I let someone else court me, right?"

"I understand, Angelle. But are you sure about Isiah? I mean, he's okay with us, but I feel like you have a different kind of love for him." I lowered my head and played with my fingers.

"You're right, Mom. I'm at a point in my life where I want to love Isiah because I don't want to ruin our friendship." I said. "I don't want to hurt Isiah, he's serious about me." I added.

My mother took both of my hands and gently squeezed them, lifting my head to meet her gaze.

"Angelle, don't love Isiah just because you don't want to ruin your friendship. Do you think Isiah would be happy if he found out that you only love him because of your friendship?" I couldn't help but lower my head in response. "See? He wouldn't be happy about that, but here's my question. Who do you really prefer?" I looked down, unsure of the answer. I don't know.

"It's okay if you don't answer, but let me remind you. Choose the person who you know will make you happy and whom you love. If you really don't like Isiah, tell him so he won't have false hope... Isiah is a good guy, and I know he will understand your decision." Mom's right.

"Yes."

"Alright, don't think about your problems. Go out with your cousin if you're bored at home." Mom said before saying goodbye and going back to Dad in their room.

Tomorrow. I'll talk to Link and clarify everything with him. I also want to confirm my feelings for him, I want to know if I truly love him and it's not just admiration.

I'm getting confused, I don't know how to handle this situation. It's a situation I've never experienced before with any of my suitors. It's all because of Link, he's the only one to blame for making me feel this way. He's the only person I can point fingers at.

THE NEXT DAY...

I woke up early and got ready to go out, yeah right. My boyfriend and girlfriend cousin made plans to go out. Ate Jove couldn't leave Andre alone, so she brought me along. I even looked like a third wheel, but it's okay because they always treat me to food. I haven't spent any of my own money yet. It feels good to have a full tummy when you're with a couple and they're the ones treating you because they're too busy being lovey-dovey.

"Yam, let's go to MOA." I heard Andre invite Ate Jove while we were strolling around Ayala Mall.

I looked at the two of them talking, Andre was planning to go to MOA. I wonder what we'll do there?

"Now?" Ate Jove asked.

"Yes, it's getting boring going to the same places all the time." Andre said.

"Wait, let's ask Couz." Ate Jove turned to me and smiled. "Couz, to MOA-" before she could finish her sentence, I spoke up.

"Okay, okay. I heard your conversation!" I said, Ate Jove smiled and pulled Andre out of the mall.

I just shook my head and followed them. As soon as we stepped outside, we immediately hopped on a jeepney, where the two of them started smiling and teasing each other. You know that feeling when other passengers get jealous of the couple? It's tempting to pinch them both to make them stop.

"You two, that's PDA you're doing." I whispered to them, and they furrowed their brows.

"Is that so?" Andre asked.

"Does it look like it?"

"No," I winced and gave him an annoyed look.

I just ignored them and enjoyed looking at the things around us.

"I'll try-"

I abruptly shook my head as I remembered the scenario from yesterday. Why do I keep replaying that scene in my mind?!

It's just infatuation, it will pass soon.

When we arrived at MOA, I decided to separate from them and explore on my own. I got tired of looking like a third wheel, so I'll just find something for myself. I believe in the saying "love can wait," am I right? Oh well.

With MOA being so huge, I didn't know where to start. I mean, where should I go first? I'm not familiar with this place either. This is only the second time I've been here, and when we do go out, we usually just stick to the nearby places. So sometimes, you get tired because it's just the same places over and over again, and you already know the area.

When I spotted a coffee shop, I decided to stay there and ordered a Caramel Macchiato. I looked at the people around me who were together, and I felt like I was the only single person here.

I let out a sigh and looked at my reflection in the transparent glass, taking a sip of my order.

"Dancing with your silhouette in the places that we met Ooh, tryna find you in the moon..."

I smiled when I heard the song "Only You" by Little Mix playing in the coffee shop.

"And I'll follow right down the river Where the ocean meets the sky To you, to you."

I glanced at the glass door of the coffee shop when it opened, and my eyes widened when I saw Link and Prof entering the coffee shop. I quickly turned around and panicked, trying to think of a place to hide. W-wait... why am I panicking and hiding when they're here?

I calmed myself down and took a deep breath, pretending as if I didn't see them. What are they doing here in MOA?

"The baby earlier was so cute, right?"

I heard Prof say. Baby?

I glanced at them, where they were seated beside me. They were dressed up as usual. Did they go to a get together?

"Do you want to have a baby, Par?" Link asked, chuckling.

"Not yet, I'm still waiting for the opportunity." They both laughed at Prof's remark. "How about you, Link? Do you want to have a baby?"

Why are they talking about babies?

"I haven't thought about that yet," I heard Link's response.

I averted my gaze from them and looked at the cup in my hand.

I then heard Prof ask Link to order, and in a short while, he came back with their orders.

"Par, is that Angelle?"

I froze in my seat upon hearing Prof ask Link, who had just arrived. What should I do?

"Yes, it's her,"

Oh no.

"Angelle,"

I looked at them, pretending as if I hadn't seen them, and gave them a sweet smile, which Prof returned while Link just looked at me. Link stood up from his seat, holding his coffee, and Prof followed suit, sitting on the vacant chair at my table.

"What are you doing here, Angelle? Why are you alone?" Prof asked as they sat down.

I smiled. "I'm with Andre and Ate Jove, they invited me to go out so they brought me along. I didn't want to look like a third wheel, so I stayed here for a while," I replied, taking a sip of my coffee and discreetly glancing at Link, who was looking at me.

"So, those two are really together. You should have called us so we could have accompanied you."

"It's okay, anyway. What are you two doing here?"

"Uh, Link just invited me to come here. He had some things to buy," I glanced at the things they were carrying.

"I see. Do you want me to call Ate Jove and Andre to let them know you're here?"

"No need, let's not bother them." Prof nodded.

"Should the three of us go on a date then?"

We looked at Prof when he said that, seriously?

Prof must have noticed our reactions because he spoke again.

"Guys, just because I said 'date' doesn't mean you should think of it as a romantic date. It's just a friend date."

"Ah..."

"So, let's go?"

I couldn't do anything but agree, and Link didn't refuse either, so we just went along with it.

As we left the coffee shop, we went wherever Prof and Link wanted to go. And at every place we visited, we couldn't miss taking selfies, with Prof being the one to take the photos.

"Guys, let's take a picture here. Then, let's make it our cover photo." Prof suggested.

"Okay,"

Prof smiled and approached a group of girls, politely asking them to take our photo. They agreed and took the picture for us.

Afterwards, Prof thanked them and we left.

"Wow! You look cute in this one, Angelle." Prof said with a smile, and I smiled back, thanking him for the compliment. "You and Link look good together,"

The whole place seemed to suddenly go quiet when Prof said that. Should I give him a playful punch?

"Hehe, you both look cute." Prof quickly added.

Because of the awkward silence, Prof started telling me about their Hype Beast persona. I learned that they became "hype beasts" just for photoshoots or for capturing good pictures. And I also noticed that in their posts during GTs. They just wanted the hype beasts to come together like a family, without showing off their outfits or styles.

"I hope people see us hype beasts that way, too. But no, all they notice is how we're a nuisance for reasons I can't understand." I sighed and tapped Prof's shoulder.

"There are still many people who support you, Prof. You're still the hype beasts we know, even cooler than cool." He laughed and messed up my hair.

As we walked in silence towards th

e Buko Shake stall, I glanced at Link, who was walking quietly beside me.

Is this the time to confirm my feelings for him? But how? I wasn't prepared for this, I didn't know we would meet here.

"Li-" before I could even start speaking, someone suddenly called his name, and we both turned to look.

"Bebe Link!"