This was the time when Andrea and Dalino left to get food from Jollibee. Therefore, Camille was left alone with Manzano at the park.
Despite it being Sunday, the park was almost empty. There were so few people that you could count them on your fingers. Even saying 'few' didn't feel right because there was barely anyone there at all.
"…"
Camille suspected this was another setup from Dalino. Truthfully, she felt bad that his efforts were being wasted because of her own incompetence. Even now, despite being given another chance, she still couldn't bring herself to hand the present to Manzano.
The reason she had failed in her previous attempts was simple: whenever she was alone with Manzano, her heart raced, and her growing nervousness left her body frozen, preventing her from acting. Moreover, doubt and fear from her previous experience still lingered. She worried that Manzano wouldn't accept the chocolate, and that fear made her hesitate even more.
So, at this moment, Camille sat quietly on the bench, staring at the unchanging scenery of the park. She ignored the presence next to her just to calm her racing heart. She listened to the chirping of birds in the trees, almost forgetting what had made her anxious in the first place. Well, almost.
Breaking the silence was Manzano.
He spoke softly, yet it was enough to break through her wall.
"Hey, I wanna say thank you."
"?"
"Your idea last night… at first, I was reluctant. I wasn't sure if it was the best way to spend my birthday. But here I am, enjoying it. So I'm grateful for that."
Camille felt a flutter of happiness at being appreciated, yet deep down, she knew she didn't deserve it.
Because last night, following Dalino's advice, she had suggested a way to celebrate Manzano's birthday, something related to his interests, so she proposed going to the arcade.
Once again, she realized just how helpful Dalino had been. Without him, she wouldn't have come this far. Without his advice and encouragement, her feelings might have stayed boxed up indefinitely or maybe until graduation.
Camille glanced at her bag and took a deep breath.
"Hey, Manzano… there's something I want to give you."
......
...
...
"And that's when Camille gave the present?"
"That's right."
It was after school when Ponce dragged me into a café. After ordering and taking our seats, she demanded to know what had happened with Escuro and Manzano. And she wanted to know the result from yesterday.
Since she had helped so much, she at least had the right to know. So I told her what Escuro said during break earlier. Of course, I didn't mention that Escuro had given me chocolate. I couldn't because I don't want her speculating about that.
"Is that why they've been distant from each other today?"
"That's what she said."
Escuro was embarrassed after giving the present and couldn't talk to Manzano at the moment. How long would it last? That depended on when Escuro stopped feeling embarrassed in front of him. It shouldn't take more than a day, right?
"Dalino… you've been helping Camille all this time, right?"
Why is she asking me that now? Isn't it obvious from the story I just told her?
It was unexpected that Escuro would notice my efforts. I thought she didn't care as long as she was using me, but now she seemed grateful and had even offered a small token of appreciation.
Back to the Ponce question, I nodded and said, "Yeah."
"Why? Why are you helping her? Out of kindness, or are you expecting something in return?"
She asked directly this time.
Ponce was still suspicious of me. Even with evidence that I was simply helping Escuro, she seemed convinced there was some hidden motive.
"If I said I was just dragged into this, would you believe me?"
"It depends on whether that's true. Even if it is, there's still no reason why you'd help her."
"Like I said… I was forced."
"That may be so, but you could've declined. Yet after observing you for a few days, it seems like you're going along with it."
How long is she going to suspect me? I don't want her watching me like this. It's like having a stalker.
"Nevertheless… the fact that you helped her remains true, and I appreciate that."
"...thanks, I guess?"
That was unexpected. But after saying that, she went silent.
Here she goes again, pretending I'm not here. Just like last time, she gave off a 'don't talk to me' aura, fidgeting with her phone and sipping her drink.
Seeing that she didn't want to converse, I did the same—took out my phone and sipped my drink.
Then, after a long silence, Ponce suddenly spoke.
"Hey… are you perhaps…"
She paused—a long, heavy pause. It seemed like she wasn't going to finish the sentence.
Growing impatient, I asked, "Perhaps what?"
"Never mind… just forget it."
What was that? Saying it and leaving it unfinished… it seemed like it must be important. But I could be wrong, so I followed her suggestion and didn't dwell on it.