ALEX'S POV

"Dear, Ms. Cromello. Ever since you stood up for that student in front of the decarchy, I can't help thinking of your bravery every day. I'm not really someone as popular as the other boys that are trying to pursue you, but I wish my sincerity is..."

"Shut up, Renneisme! Seriously. Pang-ilan na 'yang binabasa mo?" iritable kong tanong sa kanya. Sinarado ko na ang tinitingnan kong magazine at prenteng minata siya. Simula nang matapos ang klase at bumalik dito sa Queen Anne's, salitan nilang binabasa nina Dereen at Fiacre ang mga love letter at card na kasukbit ng mga bulaklak at regalong natanggap ko at nasa locker ko. Mas nakadagdag pa sa umay ko ang ma-drama nilang pagbigkas dito at pag-akto nila na para bang isang lousy play ng Romeo and Juliet. 

Ew. Hindi ba sila kinikilabutan sa pinaggagagawa nila? 

I didn't even notice that they took it! I even tried my best not to pass by the lockers so that I couldn't be humiliated further! Every time I go out of the room, the students were all gossiping about the spilling number of letters and cards in my locker! I mean, no offense for the sincere people who sent me these but I would've accepted them properly if they approach me head-on. Sneaking their way to my locker or to our dorm is not really a definition of head-on, don't you think? 

It makes me look like an ungrateful bitch, yes. But I never said I'm not grateful for them liking me. I'm even surprised they do! After everything that happened with those Heads, it almost has taken me aback to know that someone would actually be courageous to tell me what they feel. If there's one thing that is greater than any opponent, it's the emotion that your heart beats with. 

Napahilot na lang ako ng sentido at dinampot ang baso ko ng kape upang humigop dito para ako na lang ang kabahan sa kabaliwan ng mga 'to. "You know what? Just give them away or donate them, please. Wala akong paglalagyan ng mga 'yan at hindi ko rin mapapakinabangan ang mga 'yan." Halos makiusap na ako sa kanila ngunit nananatili pa rin ang mga malisyosong ngiti nila at mas naging determinado pa sa pagkalkal ng mga regalong kung iisipin ay sa akin in-address. 

I can feel a headache kicking out of this Valentine's craze and no massage could ease it. Knowing I won't stand a chance against the schemes of these three, I put down my mug. I threw my hands off and rolled my eyes over from them. Ipinatong ko na lang sa lamesa ang babasahin at akmang tatayo na nang harangin ako ni Fiacre na kagat-kagat pa ang tsokolateng nakuha niya sa ilang karton. 

"Hapon na, Alex. Are you actually sleeping at this time right now? Masisira ang body clock mo! Insufficient sleep and rest can cause you wrinkles! Warts!" natatarantang aniya na akala mo'y isang malaking paglabag sa batas ang pagsiyesta sa hapon. Ang mga matatanda nga iyon ang madalas ginagawa, ako pa kayang estudyante na araw-araw may klase at nag-aaral sa isang eskwelahan ng mga gangster sa liblib na lugar? Kahit na ba may Escape ako, hindi naman ibig sabihin n'on 'e ligtas na ako sa antok at pagod. 

Natatawa namang sumali sa usapan si Rennei na may bagong bukas na sobre sa mga kamay niya. "Ano bang masama sa mga binigay ng admirers mo?" 

"Kaya nga. Don't you think it's only polite enough for you to at least recognize their efforts by reading them?" gatong pa nitong isang humaharap sa daan ko. Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako at tamad na pumaikot upang bumalik sa couch. Imbes na abutin ang isa sa mga liham, inilapat ko ang katawan ko sa at ipinahinga ang ulo ko sa arm rest. Bahala sila diyan. Hindi ko gagalawin ang kahit na ano diyan. 

"Alexandria! Come on, once a year lang ang Valentine's!

Sa isip-isip ko, kung once a year ang Valentine's, puwes all year 'round naman kaming hina-hunting ng kamatayan. There are more pressing matters to tackle than growing roses at the backyard and hanging heart decorations in the hallway. 

Papaluin na sana ako ni Fiacre upang umalis sa pagkakahiga nang dumapo ang mga mata ko isang bouquet na naaninag ko mula sa bukas niyang kwarto. With an idea in mind, I looked at her with squinting eyes. "And yet, Sky never failed to send you a package. Don't you think it's only polite enough for you to at least recognize his efforts by going out with him?" Nanlaki naman ang mga mata niyang na ibalik ko sa kanya ang sariling pang-uusisa niya sa'kin kanina. 

Hindi magkamayaw sa pagtawa ang dalawa sa kikay naming kaibigan na umuusok ang ilong nang tumakbo papasok sa kwarto niya. Perhaps, to hide the package I saw and her embarrassment. Somehow, I feel sympathetic to my cousin. He likes a stubborn woman who can't even admit her own feelings. It will definitely take some time before they meet each other in the middle. 

"Oh my!" 

Napabalikwas ako sa bulalas ni Dereen. Parang agad na lumipad papalayo ang sakit ng ulo ko at nag-aalala na lang akong lumapit sa kinatatayuan niya. "What happened?" She immediately shook her head, insisting that it was just a mere scare. Ayon sa kanya, namalik-mata lang daw siya. Napatango ako, tutal ang mahalaga'y ayos lang siya at wala namang masamang nangyari. 

I was about to turn my back and spend the rest of the afternoon in my chambers when she called me again, still holding a phone on her hand and a card from the pile on the other. Mabilis naman akong lumingon upang tanungin kung bakit. Sumilay ang kung anong pag-aalinlangan sa mukha niya subalit parang ilang segundo lang ay umangat ang magkabilang sulok ng mga labi niya. Hindi nga lang sa pormang nagpapahiwatig sa'kin na masaya siya. 

"Spill it, Maria. Anong nangyari?" tukoy ko sa nagdadalawang-isip niyang mga mata. Bakas din ang parehang katanungan sa bunso sa'min na pawang hinihintay din ang kasagutan. Is it about what's on the phone? Did she receive a particular message for her to react this way?

Showing her complete set of white teeth, she then revealed what's wrong. "Err... Kiara called," Dereen said. I can see that she's quite distressed about something. Hindi nakalagpas sa tingin ko ang maagap niyang pagtago sa mga kamay niyang nanginginig sa kanyang likuran. In a blink, Rennei and I shared a knowing look at each other, having an idea of what it could be about. 

"N-Naiwan ko kasi 'yung art box ko sa ballroom." 

Sabay kaming napalayo ng tingin at napasipol na lang sa hangin ni Rennei, kapwa kabado kung sino ang matatapunan ng pabor at karangalang lumabas para kunin ang naiwang gamit ng babaeng 'to. Sa tagal-tagal na naming kasama si Santos, lagi na lang siyang may naiiwan isa o dalawang beses sa isang buwan. Ayos lang sana kung nasa labas pa kami pero nandito na kami sa dorm. I can already feel my laziness creeping in. I would rather wrap myself in my blanket and isolate myself from the whole world for the whole day!

Handa na akong humakbang papalayo nang magkaroon ng solidong palusot ang isa para tulungan ang makakalimutin naming tropa. "Oops. Kailangan ko na puntahan si Marc. Alam niyo namang pagtapos namin ma-detention dalawa, kinailangan ko na siyang laging obserbahan sa pagiging isda sa pool," pasimpleng ani nito at iniwan ang mga kinalat nilang sobre't karton sa carpet at mesa. Walang bahid ng pagmamadali ang pagkilos niya nang sa gayo'y hindi gaanong halata ang pagtakas niya. Dinala niya ang jacket niya at makahulugang kumindat sa'kin papalabas. 

Minsan napapaisip ako kung mas nakabuti na lagi na silang magkasama matapos nilang ma-detention. Parang dati lang, gustong-gusto nilang magpatayan mapa-sa silid-aralan, sa mga kompetisyon, sa field, at sa maraming pang ibang kategorya't lugar. Hays. 

Heto naman ako at parang magiging alay na naman. Ano pa nga bang magagawa ko? The things I do for this Maria. She should be called Mariang Ulyanin and be brought to Mount Limutin. 

Ibinalik ko ang atensyon ko sa nangangailangan ng tulong, batid na mas lalong hindi rin lalabas si Fiacre anytime soon para iligtas ako. She would save her heels first before me. "Can't you just ask a guard or Kia to bring it over?" Sinubukan kong magpa-cute. I pulled my shoulder blades up, blinked my eyes a bit more, and flashed a sheepish smile to her. If this is what it takes to be saved from going out and face the heat while walking a long distance to the ballroom, fine! 

Tamad na kung tamad, at least, hindi pagod! 

"May klase pa siya ngayon 'e." This time, this girl counterattacked, using a pitiful girl facade against me. Raising both her hands now, she even played with it and acted to be mumbling with herself due to panic. Talagang kinokonsensya pa ako sa lagay na 'to 'e alam ko namang wala na rin akong mapagpipilian. 

Bearing a heavy heart but a soft spot for this fluffy black belter, I agreed to get her stuff for her. In exchange, I told her to arrange my laundry for me and it has to be done before I come back. The moment I opened the doors of the dorm, the sun's warmth reigned over and I almost curse when I remembered not taking my umbrella with me. As I start to walk towards the ballroom, all I keep doing is asking myself how is this day a bad one. I can't help emitting a loud sigh once in a while. 

Paunti na rin nang paunti ang mga estudyante rito sa labas, gawa na rin siguro sa kaunting minuto na lang at papalubog na ang araw. Kahit anong gara ng Mhorfell Academy, walang makakapagtanggi na ang gumala-gala sa bawat sulok nito sa pagsapit ng gabi ay delikado't puno ng misteryo. Idagdag pa na pati ang mga guwardiya at dyanitor na rumoronda rito tuwing gabi ay nakapanghihinala at kung minsan, hindi mo na lang mapapansin na wala na o nakalapit na pala sa'yo. N'ong nagsabog yata ng ka-creepyhan ang Diyos, sinalo ng eskwelahan na 'to. 

I don't hold it against it, though. That's what makes it interesting. That's what makes my blood alive. 

The Hoary Hall building's guard didn't fathom to even ask me more details when I showed my ID and told him my reason why I came. It's quite strange since the security's stingy when the light's almost out. I've greeted a few employees, leaving their offices as I walk towards the elevator. Humingi pa ng pasensya ang operator nito dahil papaalis na siya at hindi niya raw inaakalang may gagamit pang estudyante ng elevator. Pagkasigura ko sa kanya na magiging maayos lang ako ay agad ko nang pinindot ang button para sa third floor. 

I'm aware that the lift would be quick. However, it didn't save me from continuing to contemplate the box my brother gave me before he left with uncle. What could that box really preserve inside? If it's another jewelry, why does he have to give it to me without its key? I wish I could just break it and see for myself what's in it, but it's made of a good quality of wood. I don't want Xander to assume that I impatiently opened it out of my childish curiosity. 

Pagkabukas ng mga pinto ng elevator, dal-dala ko na sana ang isang malalim ng paghinga nang mabilis na umurong yata ang mga baga't lalamunan ko nang maabutan si Spade sa bukana nito na medyo madungis ang mukha at parang napaliguan ng glue ang nakataas na mga kamay na animo'y doktor na papasimula palang na mag-opera. 

"Cromello?" 

"King?"

May isang nakabibinging katahimikan ang bumalot sa aming dalawa. Lalo na't napansin kong siya lang ang laman ng ballroom at wala ng iba pa. Hindi ba siya nakitang nandito pa ng operator? At bakit mag-isa siyang nag-aayos dito? I took a wild guess due to the fresh wincing smell of glue, the soaked towel resting around his neck, and the pencil on his ear that is sitting prettily in a sliding position. 

Don't you think that if he'd be a carpenter or a painter, he'd be the hottest among them? 

Realizing how ridiculous the other part of my mind is suggesting, I dared to take the initiative to pop the bubble. "Dereen left some of her stuff in here. She asked me to get it. You?" It would be rude not to ask, isn't it, Alexandria Kirsten Dela Vega-Cromello?

His mouth opened slightly but no word or phrase came out. It was followed by a few hand gestures as if he's trying to chase after the words that are leaving out of his mouth. Seeing my focus can only be put in him at this point, he finally managed to nod and speak some words. "Uhm... I was waiting for the other HEADs to come back. Kanina pa kasi sila nawawala, so I figured I should check them out... Yeah, that's it." 

"Oh, cool," I commented, still nodding along with him while both of us can't find the timing to take the stirring wheel of this conversation. We were simply there, looking at each other with an unknown level of confusion on our eyes. 

Nang mapagtanto kong kanina pa ako nakasakay sa elevator at nakakahinala nang tingnan, walang pasabi akong lumabas na bahagyang ikinagulat din niya. Sakto naman siyang pumagilid para hindi magkatamaan ang mga braso namin. Nang makalagpas na 'ko, d'on ko lang yata nailuwa ang paghingang kanina ko pa dala-dala. Gayunpaman, habang papalayo, hindi maiwan ng utak ko ang ilang segundong magkatapat ang mga katawan at mukha namin sa biglaang paglabas ko. Ramdam at dinig ko ang saglit na hiningang galing sa aming dalawa. 'Di man nagkabungguan ang mga braso naming dalawa, tiyak kong nagtagpo ang mga mata naming dalawa. 

Meanwhile. my logical self begins to slap my senses. It was barely a tension. Yes. We didn't even touch. Yes. That's it. Yes. There's no reason to be uncomfortable about a young adult wearing a white shirt that is already drenched with his sweat, making it stick to his body shape, fucking displaying a six-packed abs. Yes. That's right. It dried my throat, yes. 

"What are you looking for, by the way?" 

Jesus Christ. Can't he just leave?! I'm already as distracted as it is! 

Forcing and pushing myself to find the damn items, I answered. "Art box." Iyon ang hinahanap ko, hindi ikaw. Kaya please lang, umalis ka na at humayo para hanapin ang mga kaibigan mo. Why would they even leave you here alone in the first place?! Shouldn't you ordered one or two of them to stay with you?! 

"Ano bang kulay at ano ang itsura? Tulungan na kita para makabalik ka na rin." 

"Well, no need for help. I'll get out of your hair soon, don't worry. You just do your business." His objective to let me return as soon as possible didn't sound so nice to me at all. It was sensitive of me, but it was too late when I already let my stubbornness get the better of me. 

Hindi ko naman na siya narinig pang sumagot matapos n'on. Marahil ay napikon ko o napagdesisyunan niyang mas mabuti nang lumabas siya para makapagpahangin sa labas kaysa sa manatili rito kasama ang isang babaeng malapit na yata sapitin ng dalaw niya. Siguro dala lang 'to ng stress. Ni hindi pa naman gaanong katagal matapos akong mailigtas mula sa mga Domzelle. Kauna-unawa naman itong nangyayari sa'kin. Hindi 'to tungkol kay Spade o kahit kanino. 

You are so dead, Maria Dereena Santos. I won't help you next time you forgot things. 

When I was inspecting the unarranged tables on the side, I decided to kneel down and flip the cloths covering them carefully. That art box could be anywhere. My diligent friend didn't even provide the information where she last put it down. I couldn't sigh louder more than this moment on.

Nang sa wakas ay nahagilap ko na ito, akmang aabutin ko sana ito nang masira ang balanse ko sa katawan ko. Aligagang humagilap ng mahahawakan ang isang kamay ko at nahanap nito ang telang bumabalot sa lamesa sa kabilang panig. Naging mabilis ang pangyayari. Ni hindi ko nga namalayan na naging mabigat at mapwersa ang paghatak ko na siyang nagresulta para sumabay ang iba't ibang gamit na nakapatong sa lamesa papahulog. Samantala, kumabog ang dibdib ko nang umabot sa pandinig ko ang tila pagkabali ng isang gawa sa kahoy. 

Oh, shit. 

Panicking and still on the dusty floor after losing my balance, my arms automatically raised to shield my head for the upcoming hit of the table's weight and structure.

Until... it never came. 

Instead, the table has been flipped to the other side, finally showering me light which hurt my eyes for a second after being stuck under. When my eyes finally adjusted, I found a hand extended toward me. "You're such a klutz. Buti na lang hindi kita iniwan." As much as I want to argue because of his smug look and usual authoritative voice, there's no denying in his expression when I discovered relief all over it. 

Labag man sa loob dulot ng tinawag niya sa'kin, iniabot ko pa rin ang kamay ko at walang kahirap-hirap niya akong hinatak patayo na para lang akong lubid na nahulog sa sahig. "Thank—" My piece of verbal gratitude was cut off as soon he stepped close and his hands went to work by dusting off my sweatshirt. 

"Naalikabukan ka na. Sabi na kasing tutulungan kita 'e. Ang tigas talaga ng ulo mo, Alex. Ba't ba 'di ka marunong humingi ng tulong?" sermon niya nang nakasalubong ang mga kilay at nakaigting ang panga. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero sa pagkakataon na 'yon, natameme na lang ako. Pinanood ko siyang pagpapagan ang suot ko at suriin kung may naging gasgas ba ang tuhod ko dulot ng pagluhod-luhod ko kanina at sa pagkawala ng balanse ko.

"I'm fine, Dad,"  I sarcastically answered. 

Eventually, he halted from being like a security guard checking every part of my body for any dangerous or forbidden item. Spade straightened his stance, both of his hands on his waist. May nanghahamong tingin siya sa'kin na 'di ko lubos maintindihan na siyang nakapagpakunot sa noo ko. "Oh yeah? Will you call me daddy from now on then?" tanong niya at sumilay ang isang ngisi sa mukha niya.

Para akong nabuhusan ng malamig na tubig sa tinanong niya. Amuse is evident on his face when it's just sinking it to me. I can even feel my eyes slowly widening and my cheeks reddening. "Gago ka ba?" I exclaimed and I stormed off out of embarrassment. On the other hand, the king laughed as I hurry myself to leave this building.

Siraulo talaga 'yon! Ba't hindi na lang siya maghanap kaagad ng mapapangasawa, buntisin niya para magkaanak siya nang tatawag ng daddy sa kanya?! Letse! 

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Author's Note: Hindi ko alam pero parang maling-mali ang title ng chapter na 'to. At the same time, it's also the most fitting. Weird hahaha! This is just another regular day of sexual tension between the in denial Alexandria and a bully Spade. You might want to re-read Mhorfell Academy of Gangsters' Chapter 27: Aftermath to connect this chapter on what you remember. This is not yet the exact Valentine's Day, mind you! If may nakita kayong loppholes kung paano sila nagkita sa ballroom, alalahanin ang mga kaibigang mahilig mang-setup. :) Dereen asked Alex herself on Chapter 27. 

Thank you and I hope you enjoy reading the future chapters! XOXO