Saturday.

It's Saturday already. Two days have already passed and my nerves are still present as I stand in front of my professor's house with a bouquet of pink tulips, a new medicine book and dessert. Not wanting to come here without bringing any gifts.

Mama always told me that it's rude to come to someone's house empty handed if you were invited.

I don't have any particular reason as to why I'm acting like this aside from the fact that I finally realized my feelings. Feelings I shouldn't be having in the first place.

I've been in this house countless of times, but it's all because I'm hanging out with Aaron, not for Professor Peterson. This time, I'm here for her. Or the food she's cooking for me. Because that's what she texted me about.

"You got this, Aiden. You'll just eat with her, not the first time."

I tried to calm my nerves and with a final deep intake of breathe, my hand moved to press the bell. Only a few seconds later when Mrs. Pat, their maid, came into the view after opening the gate.

"Good evening, Mrs. Pat," I said with a slight bow before I was guided inside the house. Almost immediately, the smell of something being cooked enveloped my nose. I then heard Aaron's voice rambling as another voice replied to his every question.

I made my presence known with a clear of my throat. Both turned around at the sound. Raising my free hand, I gave a little wave and a smile.

"Good evening, Miss. Evening, Aaron."

Aaron wasted no time running towards me, we did our handshake after I placed the stuff I'm holding down for a few seconds.

I handed him the book that he requested from me days ago. Professor Peterson shook her head upon seeing it but says nothing when she saw Aaron's smile. I know she told me to not buy gifts for Aaron, but technically, he made me buy this. I didn't do it voluntarily.

"Thank you, Aide! You're the best."

"Welcome, bud," I messed his hair playfully.

"Mom's cooking food for us, Aiden," he grinned and pulled me closer to his mother.

"Good evening, Aiden. Are those for me?" She gestured to the flowers and dessert.

Shyly, I nodded. "I didn't want to come empty-handed."

Smelling the pink tulips which I knew were her favorite thanks to Aaron, Professor Peterson gave me a wide and beautiful smile. "Thank you, darling. They're lovely."

"What's this purple thing, Aiden?" Aaron asked curiously.

"That's the one I told you about, one of my favorite Filipino desserts, ube halaya." I placed the food down. "Wanted you guys to try it, I promise it won't disappoint."

"Did you make this?" She asked, examining the food. I nodded. "Smells good."

"It's pretty easy to make, I could teach you," I said without any thought. "Only if you want, of course," I rushed out after, blushing.

"Can't wait," a smile was given to me before the beauty turned back to cooking. "You two sit down and wait for me to finish."

We obliged, deciding on telling Aaron more about Filipino cuisine who listened attentively, also telling me about some of his favorites from different countries.

After a few minutes have passed, Professor Peterson finished and served us, but only after successfully making me sit down when I insisted on helping her. With pursed lips, I let her out food in my plate.

"Oh wow, this is so good," I complimented. "What is this?" It's genuinely delicious, specially with the rice.

"That's beef machaca," she answered. "Like it?"

I nodded enthusiastically. "Yes. It's wonderful. I love rice by the way so this one is a bonus," I pointed at the rice. "You cooked this one perfectly."

"Are you sure you're not just saying that?" She chuckled. "That's too much compliment for a simple food."

"No, I swear. Right, Aaron?" The boy nodded happily, showing a thumbs up.

"'is good, mom."

"Fine, I believe you." She rolled her eyes playfully. "Well, enjoy then. I cooked that for you."

For me?

Her words brought redness to my cheeks. I looked down, blushing. "Thank you, Miss."

"You're welcome, darling."

I think 'darling' has become my favorite word.

————— - ————— - ——————

"How are things going?" I asked as she took a sit on the chair next to mine after retrieving red wine for herself and coffee for me. I noticed she's not wearing her wedding ring again when she handed me the cup.

Professor Peterson always do this, sometimes she wears it, but most of the time her finger's bare.

"Still holding on," was her reply. "I don't want to focus much on it, I have work to do and a son to look up for."

"Is there anything I can do for you?" I know there isn't, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

"I'd like to take your offering of a hug," she joked, but I took it seriously.

Without second thought, I stood and pulled her up with me, I guided her arms around my waist before I wrapped mine around her upper body, letting my hands rest on her slim back.

I'm not sure if this hug is for her benefit or mine. Was it just my selfishness acting right now?

Is it wrong for me to want her close? To want to be someone she can rely on? Someone to trust?

My eyes closed involuntarily when her embrace tightened a bit, I returned the same ferocity. I noticed my shirt getting wet and without much thought, I pulled away slightly to hold her face.

Crying, my favorite pair of eyes are crying once again. But it wasn't the same cry of pain I witnessed the first time. Her tears weren't of sorrow, but gratitude.

She's crying because she's been bottling it up, she's crying because she let some of her burdens out.

We held eye contact. Captivating eyes stared up at mine as I caressed her tear-strained cheeks with my thumbs. I let my eyes wander her face, landing on her red lips.

Is it wrong to have the sudden urge to kiss her?

My heartbeat picked up when soft hands wrapped themselves around my neck this time, dark brown eyes glancing down to where my lips are.

The warmth of her body spreads across mine. Our bodies pressed so close I could feel her chest and the fast beating of her heart.

Is it wrong for me to wish she wants the same?

I pushed some of her hair back behind her ear, my thumb then moved to caress her bottom lip. It was soft and inviting. I wondered how it taste, if she taste as sweet as she looks.

Her mouth moved as if to say something, but no words came out. Was she trying to make me move away from her?

Why isn't she pushing me away?

I wanted to lean down and be selfish. But before I even could, the sound of a car engine startled us both and broke us apart. Her hands dropped to her side as we moved away from each other. Stepping away, I grabbed my bag almost immediately.

"I...uh, I'll go now, Miss. Thank you for dinner, it was delicious," I rushed out.

"Of course," she breathe out, eyes not looking at me. "Take care on the way home."

Without saying anything and looking back, I took long strides outside the house where I saw Sir Tristan getting out of the car. The man smiled at me. I halted my steps, heart beating fast and loud against my chest.

"Hey, Aiden, I didn't know you were babysitting today," Sir Tristan says, my other boss, my professor's husband, the husband of the person I like.

The person I like who's married. Professor Peterson has a husband. She's married and has a kid. How could I forget that?

How could I try to even think of ruining a relationship for my selfishness?

Why am I acting this way? Am I out of my mind?

Maybe I am. No, I am actually out of my mind. I almost tried to kiss not only my professor, but my married professor.

"N-No, I just wanted to hangout with Aaron." Such a liar. My answer earned a smile and a pat on the shoulder.

"Knew I picked the right one. Well, go now, you look like you're in a hurry."

Not bothering to give a verbal reply, I nodded and went out the place.

I almost kissed her. I'm screwed, I'm so screwed.

What the fuck was I thinking?