.w.a.n.d.e.r.l.u.s.t.

my office crush finally talked to me!!!

a few minutes to lunch, i was still listening to my mp3s and trying to re-read a CBT on Fundamentals of Database Design.
and as i saw at the corner of my eyes, Jo** approaching me, i took off my left earphone and hoped Jo would come to say something to me.

and Jo did.

Jo first smiled at me and asked, "May nakaupo na ba dito?" pointing to the reclining chair in the vacated cubicle next to me.
i answered back smilingly, "Wala pa."

Jo then proceeded to put the lunch box on the table and then went to the room's pantry (perhaps to get some juice).
i went back staring blankly at my monitor -- i still couldn't believe it. Jo just spoke to me.
as i was about to burst to giggles and smiles, my teammate shoulder-tapped me -- signal for lunchtime.
good thing, my teammates and i are going to eat at the cafeteria of the building. or else, i would have not contained my animated spirit and possibly make a fool out of myself then.

*****

actually, it all began with an officemate taking notice of how peculiarly Jo’s polo sleeves are folded way up the elbow.
We even codenamed Jo as “Siko”.
Later on, with everyday obseravtions, we realized that’s just the way Jo does it. But it was so atypical. So weird.
And so cute.

Since then, Jo’s been an eye-ing habit.
Well, embarrasing as this may seem, I even get stolen shots of Jo with my phone cam.
(Hey, I’m still in that excited experimental phase with my phone! -- Yeah, what an alibi.)
at times, sending Jo a bluetooth message seems to be so tempting. You know, trying to finally land a connection with cutie-pie.
Jo’s bluetooth is always on even at the office, but still I’m not gutsy enough to send a bluetooth hello.
i'm too scared he'd think of me as a dsperate stalker, and i wouldn't want to endure being gossiped around as such.

*****

for one thing, today was the first time Jo smiled at me. ever.
since i occupied a cubicle in the same room as Jo is, Jo has never thrown a smile at me.
honestly, i initally found Jo quite snobbish. for the few times we'd accidentally lock glances, either one of us would simply turn and look away.
maybe it was all because we're not friends.
hell, we're not even acquaintances yet.

but when i see Jo talking to our other floormates and teammates (who obviously have known Jo for quite some time now), i see Jo as this warm, caring friend.
and since we're not formally introduced to each other yet, Jo has to display this i-don'tknow-you-and-i-don't-have-to-smile-at-you-freak-so-better-be-content-with-my-cold-stare look whenever we'd be in the same place.
it's Jo's strangers decorum 101 probably. besides, the mysterious facade is even more curiousity-rousing and inviting.

nonetheless, the ice has been broken.
now, we've established ourselves as "talking strangers".
fine, maybe i should be more appropriately labeled as the "friendly information center."
still, Jo can always come to me and inquire about anything.
i'd be receptive to Jo's inquiries, that's for sure.

*****

bad news though: Jo's friendster status reads "In a Relationship."
darn it. it was "Single" the first time i checked Jo's profile (and that was about a month ago).
maybe Jo met someone special recently. tough luck.
sigh.

or maybe, it was just an act. a press release.
maybe it's a non-existent affair!
i, for one thing, have been parading my status as "In a Relationship" for quite some time now. (and i've been single since birth. sad.)
but maybe Jo's not as pathetic as i am.
Jo's a good catch actually-- cute, confident, fashionista, charming, refined, sophisticated.
And my greatest weakness: fabulous hair.
definitely, it wouldn't be hard for Jo to find someone to be with.
sigh.

another bad news: in a few weeks from now, their project team is transfering to a newly renovated room on our floor .
sheesh. i guess i'll just have to enjoy the remaining days of Jo within my sight.
maybe, i better get more of Jo's stolen shots.
tsk. tsk. tsk. pathetic.
sigh.

well, i know all this fascination will stop eventually.
but for now, let me savor the temporary madness.

** name changed to protect the identity of the individual