Hypothetically, What If it Was?

You asked me,

Hypothetically, had it been a real "date", what would be different?

I was caught off guard with the question. As much as I think I have a talent in knowing what's about to come, this question was an exemption. I didn't know what to answer aside from, It would probably still be the same. Because it would be. I was just good at compartmentalizing, and I have prepped myself prior that I know the boundaries.

But now, I think I can articulate a better and more real answer. I think.

What would be different is not the actual day but the day before. It would still stay true that I'll answer, "More or less it would be the same like letting you go or walk first, assisting you in vehicles (like putting my hand inches above your head as you alight the trike or offer my arm when you alight the coaster), and prolly hold your hand if you allow. Or even getting your coffee ready before we meet but I realized it might turn cold or the ice would already melt if you'll take longer to arrive so it's better to let you just buy it when you're ready."

But days before that, I would learn where you want to go. Had I known you like interactive places better, I could've elbowed your thoughts and suggested to bring you somewhere else. Somewhere you can be as whack as you can be and want to. Or perhaps check if an indie cinema is showing Filipino independent films and we'll just watch that (even if, chances are, I've already seen it).

You were sorta like Cinderella that day. I know you have a curfew by 3 pm so I would plan ahead to make sure I can bring you back to where you should be by that time. Well, I sorta did — like already knowing the seats would take longer to complete, and it wouldn't help with your schedule. 

Would we talk about your past "real dates"? This A? This B? And this C? Will you tell me how all of this is like a training to you? Am I part of the lesson plan then? Will I be the this D?

Will I tell you I was a bit upset when we didn't see each other last year when we kinda had plans? No.

Will I secretly take photos of you? Yes.

Will we talk about or will you ask if everything I told you is true? I wonder what your reaction will be and how will it feel if we discussed it face to face rather than being separated by faceless screens and texts. Can I form and say my sentences properly if we do?

I told you I would move mountains for you (to see you), in jest, because my leaves should be plotted at least two weeks before. I would still do that. (I even thought of watching Taylor Swift and using her as a smoke screen if you were able to get tickets so I can see you.)

If it was, I'd definitely tell you before we part ways, as you meet your friends after we roam around the store and finish my fries, Text me when you get home. Or maybe, I'll wait for you to finish, see you after your mini get-together, then make sure you'll be home safely. Yeah. Despite my 6 am the next day. Would be worth it. Everybody believes Thea doesn't sleep anyway; including you. 

See. Normal. Usual. Looking platonic. But for me, it's in the details. This ain't "send to all".

Do you have a bucket list you wanna check off? Things to do? Food to taste? Knick-knacks to buy? I would've taken note of those and researched where we can grab them or where can I get them so they're already available (you could've experienced the famous Angel's Creamy Spinach Pizza already) — like what I did when you said you've been wanting to eat inihaw na liempo again because everything around is Korean barbeque when you wanted the original Pinoy barbeque. I was quite persistent that time to the point that I was willing to leave the place or maybe just order a glass of drink and go so we can have your liempo. 

But it wasn't a date.

So enjoy your pizza, miss.