- Erizza's POV -
Our feet have a mind of their own. Just a couple of minutes ago, we were just walking on the busy streets of Manila after Cassian stopped right in front of me under the stoplight. Now, our feet brought us walking on the city's pedestrian footbridge.
I found out that Cassian was on his way to go back to his friend's condo unit, but then he saw me. He decided that maybe he could just go to his friend's place another day and walk with me instead.
Cassian didn't expect me to see me standing under the stoplight. He didn't expect that he will see me in a big city where anyone could get lost.
And I feel the same way too.
Honestly, I never forgot him. I never forgot how he looks like. I never forgot the sound of his voice. And all the things that we shared about ourselves in Venice? I can still memorize every single word that came out from our mouths.
That night when I left him standing outside the hotel, it feels like there's no possibility at all that our paths will ever cross again. I felt like one of the best times in my life has been taken away from me and that I will never get to feel that anymore.
But I always believe that everything is possible. Only if it is meant to happen.
"It's crazy isn't it?" I spoke while looking at the sky.
"That we met again?" He asked.
"Yeah"
"I know it will happen"
I dropped my gaze to look at him. Just like how he said those words positively, he has a confident expression like he really knows what's going to happen.
"So you were looking forward to meeting me again?" I smirked.
"Is that too much to ask for?" He said smiling.
When he said that, I stopped walking. Cassian also halted and turned his body to look at me.
"But we are just strangers" I added.
The smile on his face slowly fades. He looked away for a moment then set his eyes back on me again.
"Yes, we still don't know each other completely." He paused to breathe. "But I want to know you, Erizza. If that's okay with you." He explained gently.
I became silent for a second. I don't know what to say because of how straightforward he is. The only thing I can hear right now is the vehicles speeding away. The only thing that my skin can feel is the wind that candidly blows my hair.
And the only thing that I can see is his eyes that is hitting by the sun.
"But why?" my voice is low and soft but I'm pretty sure he can still hear me.
I don't want to sound like it's a big deal for me. I don't have doubts to let Cassian know everything about me. In fact, I also want to know him even more.
It's just that...it's overwhelming.
"I can't also figure it out why. But if you don't want me to know you then it's fine with me." He said firmly. There is a hint of sadness that I can see right through his eyes except that his voice maintained a little laid-back.
Before I speak, I breathe in and sighed so that
a lump will not form in my throat.
"I'll let you know me Cassian" I said earnestly. "Let's know each other."
Allowing him to know me doesn't have to have a good reason. I am aware that my mind is in its right disposition and I am not going to neglect his intentions to know me.
"Erizza--"
"I don't want us to be just strangers." I gently cut him off.
"You have my permission now." I enunciated.
I realized that I sounded a bit serious, but I like him to know that I meant what I said.
I saw his eyes lit up and the corner of his lips lift slowly like the morning sun. The reaction he showed me made me smiled too.
Suddenly, a thought came up on my mind, I quickly grab the camera inside my handbag and without hint, I captured a photo of him.
"You didn't ask for my permission, Erizza" he stated.
I chuckled and just ignored what he said.
Cassian looks surprised but he smiles again and I captured a photo of him for the second time.
"You must know now that I love taking pictures" I beamed.
"My pictures," he emphasizes giving me a teasing smile. I lowered my camera.
"We're just starting Cassian and now you're becoming windy" I rolled my eyes at him and he just chuckled.
"You look good when the sun hits your face" he stated all of a sudden.
"Is that a compliment?" I asked raising my eyebrows.
"Yes, no lies" he answered.
"Give me your camera" he said. I handed him the camera and he took it.
He suddenly points the camera at my direction and I heard its clicking sound.
"I wasn't ready for that!"
I'm sure my face looks strange on the photo but either way it's my camera, I can just get over with it.
"Told you," he stared at the camera and before he captures a photo of me again, I take advantage of the wind when it blows my hair and posed.
I smiled uncontrived at the camera and played with my arms while he takes pictures of me.
We are in the middle of the bridge creating candid moments together. Cassian becomes silly again when it is my turn to take pictures of him. Every ridiculous expression he shows me makes me laugh so hard.
We don't care if the cars passing by sees us here like it's just only the two of us crossing the bridge. We don't care if the people walking here looks at us like silly kids having a good time.
Right now, I feel no worries and restraints. I feel like I don't have to fear whatever tomorrow may bring.
I feel the fresh air around me. I feel the cool sun pricking my skin. I can see the smiles on our faces and I can hear our laughter and giggles.
And Cassian is the one who's making me feeling free today.