Episode 41: Hermès

                 • • • QUEEN • • •

SNOW AND I are at the coffee shop near UP. The Chinese nuno said she's on her way to us. Hahabol daw para sa foods.

We're wearing our type A uniforms. Snow just let her natural curls down. Tutti, as I've seen awhile ago, tied her hair on a ponytail using a velvet mustard ribbon.

I looked at my compact mirror while I applied some tint on my cheeks, lids, and lips. I also fixed my velvet burgundy ruched or scrunchy headband and fingercombed my hair.

"Snow..."

I looked up at the tall man who called my friend. I scanned my gaze through him. My economic mind was busy calculating his socioeconomic algorithm to find out his place in my social universe.

"Have you done the Chapter 5?"

Storage out of space.

"Hindi pa pero sisimulan ko na ma-"

"We should do it now."

I forcibly closed my compact mirror, making a loud thud. They both looked at me. I arched one delicate brow at the man.

Masusuntok ni Dean 'to.

I like bullying Snow but it should either me or Dean and no one else.

Napatikhim si Snow nang mapansin ang tensyon. Kinuha niya ang tote niyang kulay champagne at isinukbit sa balikat.

"Nga pala, Queen, si Russell. Russell, si Queen," she introduced.

"Let's go." Atat ka, boy?

"Queen, sorry talaga ha. Gagawin na lang namin ngayon ang thesis para ayos na," mahinang sabi niya.

"You're leaving me here?"

"Malapit na daw si Tutti dine. Pasensya na talaga."

"If Dean knows this, he will surely punch that man on his goddamn face and kick his impatient ass."

She bit her lip and looked me then him repeatedly.

"I'm so sorry talaga, Queen. Gusto ko na din kasing matapos 'to, e."

I just rolled my eyes in retort. She bid goodbye again but I didn't mind them until they really left.

I put my compact mirror inside my burgundy Hermès Birkin handbag. It has a silk bandana on its handle.

I stood up and advanced to the counter when I got tired waiting of the nuno.

"Hey, there."

It's fucking Lex Chiongban lining up to the counter adjacent to mine.

"Mukhang nag-iisa ka? Want me to keep you company?" he smirked. I turned to him annoyed with his presence.

"Can you move away? You're invading my personal space."

He chuckled. My head heated more.

"Honey, we're meters away."

"I can smell your cheap perfume from here. You reeked of stench and shits and it's really annoying the hell out of me," I told him.

Nalukot ang mukha niya sa sinabi ko. He has no comeback for me up his sleeves. I smirked more at my triumph.

"Sir, here's your iced coffee," the female cashier told him.

He sharply drifted his eyes to the cashier and forcefully grabbed his order off the counter.

Natawa na lang ako. Such a loser.

Lumapit na ako sa counter ko kung saan nakabantay iyong lalaking cashier na sinabihang pogi ni Tutti noon.

"Ma'am, binasted niyo po si sir? Ang gwapo pa naman n'on."

I sharply looked at him.

"Are we close?"

He chuckled.

"Naaawa lang po ako kay sir, ma'am."

At nagpatuloy pa talaga.

"Gaano ka close?"

He chuckled again. Nainis ako lalo.

"Ang pihikan niyo naman po pagdating sa lalaki."

I flipped my hair and said, "Of course, if you're this pretty, you have all the right to be picky."

He chuckled once more.

"Ano pong order niyo, ma'am?" he asked as he clicked something on the touch screen of his cash register.

"I'll have two blueberry cheesecakes and two milk teas. One will be caramel butterscotch then the other is cookies and cream," I stated mine and Tutti's favorite.

He looked at my behind like as if searching for someone.

"Kakainin niyo po 'to lahat, ma'am?"

I rolled my eyes heavenwards.

"My patay-gutom friend is on her way here. I'm just preparing."

"'Yong Instik po ba? Crush ko po 'yon," he confessed and it's my turn to laugh now.

"Ew, you should reexamine your standards. It's so cheap like she's so pandak and she already has a boyfriend that's why you're so lugi."

He smirked. Napatitig ako sa kanya. He has this innocent face yet his smirk seems mischievous.

"Crush lang naman po, ma'am."

"You know what? You're pogi naman. You just have to eat more rice nga lang so that you can have all the abs in their places."

He chuckled at that. He looked at me again with that same smirk. I don't understand why he can look so innocent yet dangerous and mischievous all at the same time.

"Kayo po ba? May jowa na kayo?"

"Wala pa pero malayo ka sa mga type niya. She likes someone mature and a one-woman man. She doesn't like those that add women every now and then like as if they're vintage or race car collectibles."

Napalingon ako sa kadarating lang na si Tutti. She was standing beside me with a playful smile on her lips.

I rolled my eyes heavenwards.

Daming alam nito. Ikaw na lang kaya mag-ako?

The cashier turned to me and smiled.

"Ma'am, ihahatid ko na lang po sa table niyo kapag ready na."

"Let's go," I told Tutti.

Nakikipagtitigan parin siya sa lalaki.

"Mauna ka na, Queen. Na-jejebs kasi ako."

Napairap na lang ako at nagmartsa na pabalik sa pwesto ko.

                 • • • TUTTI • • •

HE SMIRKED AND gestured his head for me to follow him at the backdoor.

Nauna siyang lumabas saka naman ako sumunod. From his innocent cashier boy visage, he returned to his real appearance.

It's not shapeshifting. He just has this pair of powerful eyes that can deceive anyone with how he looks. He can appear whoever and whatever he wants to.

He was still as tall as I remember before. His dragon tattoo is still on the side of his neck, peeking. Nandyan din ang dangling niyang crescent moon na hikaw at hiwa sa isang kilay along with his iconic mighty gray eyes. The only difference was that his hair was just in undercut style now at medyo moreno na rin siya.

I stood in front of him, facing him. He crouched and kissed me on the cheek. I jabbed him on his stomach so he moved away laughingly.

"Alamak! Bakit mo ginawa 'yon, bro?! Yuuck," sabi ko sabay punas ng pisngi ko gamit ang palad ko. Humalakhak lang siya.

"I missed you!"

He hugged me again and tapped my back eagerly. Alas Swarovski was like my brother before and the closest friend I have even before the Charmings.

"Teka nga lang," saad ko sabay buwag sa yakap niya.

I narrowed my eyes into slits at him.

"Bakit nandito ka? What are you up to these days?"

He chuckled.

"I'm just a normal boy working as a cashier here."

"Then, why do you have that disguise?"

"It serves the same purpose as you dyeing your hair blond," he pointed out. Natigilan ako.

"Hinahanap ba nila tayo?"

He shrugged his shoulders and said, "But who knows."

My phone vibrated inside my uni blouse's pocket. It must be Queen. Hinahanap na niya ata ako at naghihintay na rin siguro sa akin ang foods.

"Lagi kang mag-iingat, bro. Aalis na ako," I told him before going inside the cafe.

"Tutti."

"Bakit?" baling ko ulit sa kanya nang matigil.

"Masaya ka ba ngayon sa kanya?"

Natigilan ulit ako roon. He was referring to Rum. Kilala niya ito at ang Charmings. He has been my sibling and confidante in... I shook that memory off my head.

"Sobra, bro. Sobra," I smiled at him.

I was about to enter again when he called me. I hissed silently.

"Ano na naman? Nagugutom na ako," I snapped and he chuckled.

"Maganda pala talaga 'yong Queen, no?"

"Siyempre naman," I chuckled.

"Do you have her digits? Maybe, I will ask her out for dinner some other time."

"Dinner your face! Ako pa talaga niloko mo, Alas! Hay nako. Hanggang hindi ka nagtitino, off-limits ang mahal na reyna."

He laughed again. Mahilig siya sa mga babae. Dean and him are bad boys alike. Iyon nga lang, si Dean kahit may toyo ay loyal kay Snow. This guy is a skirt chaser. Mahilig sa babae and all the kinky adjectives you can think of that a man will do to a woman.

I narrowed my eyes into slits.

"Sinasabi ko sa'yo huwag kang gagawa ng kahit na ano sa kaibigan ko. Ako talaga ang makakalaban mo," I warned him.

Natawa lang siya. Alam at saksi ako sa kung gaano kalakas ang isang 'to.

Nauna na akong pumasok sa loob. Ang busangot agad na mukha ni Queen ang bumungad sa akin.

"What's taking you so long?"

"Pasensya na po," I teased as I pulled the chair in front of her to sit.

Maya-maya pa ay nahuli ko nang pumasok si Alas. He was on his cashier disguise again.

Napabaling din agad ang atensyon ko at naglaway sa blueberry cheesecake sa tapat ko. I took the fork and smilingly slice for a piece. Alam talaga ni Queen ang gusto ko at libre niya pa. Yum! Yum! Yum!

TODAY, I HAVE proven that I can really do multitasking.

Nagtatanggal ako ng hasang ng mga isdang tamban habang hinihikayat si Rum na payagan kaming mga babae na sumama sa annual retreat ng college department namin at habang kumakain ng pretzels. I shoved them on the side of my mouth before arguing once again.

"Nay, promise magpapakabait kami roon."

Queen darted me a glare. Natawa naman ako pero kaagad ding nabilaukan. Snow was so good that she gently patted my back to help me stop it. I was cleaning the fishes and she'll be the one frying it for dinner.

"Ako lang pala. Magpapakabait ako, promise."

The annual retreat of our department has been a tradition. It will be happening for two days and one night in someplace private, peaceful, and away from the city. Ang kaibahan lang ay magkahiwalay na nangyayari ang sa mga babae at mga lalaki. Rum just had his last week but he didn't join because the Overlook was his priority.

"Rum, doesn't mean you didn't attend yours last week, we should do the same too," Queen backed me up.

Habang tinitingnan kami ni Rum isa-isa ay mabilis akong naghugas ng mga kamay at nilinisan ang lababo saka ako mabilis na lumapit sa pwesto ni Queen hila-hila si Snow.

"You'll behave there?" he asked then stared at me intently.

I rolled my eyes dramatically

Hay nako.

Ako na naman.

"Promise, Rum. Babantayan ko sila. Hindi kami magkakagulong tatlo," mahinang saad ni Snow.

Tumango-tango ako saka inakbayan ang dalawa. I have to slightly tiptoe because Queen's too tall for me.

"Tama, tama. Behstfriends kami forevs," I smiled toothily, assuring him I'll take care of the two.

Queen tried to shove my arms pero binalik ko lang ulit iyon kaya napahalukipkip na lamang siya sa inis.

"Mangako muna kayong hindi mag-aaway, magtutulakan, o magtatalakan at laging magsasama para makahinga ako nang maluwag," kondisyon ni Rum.

"Pangako!"

"Promise!"

We retorted in unison.

"Ako na din bahala kay Tutti. Sasamahan ko siya kapag hindi pa siya makatulog."

Napabaling ako kay Snow. She smiled at me thoughtfully, it touched my heart.

"Thank you, beh," sabi ko sabay yakap sa kanya.

Inabot ko rin si Queen para mayakap. Umirap lang siya pero hindi naman umangal. Natawa ako. Mahal na mahal ko ang mga babaitang ito.

We heard Rum sighed, a cue that he already agreed.

"Ingatan niyo ang isa't isa roon, girls."

Tumango kaming tatlo. Napabaling naman ang atensyon namin kay Dean na pasipol-sipol pa habang iniikot sa kamay ang susi na sa hula ko ay sa isang kotse, hawak niya ito sa hintuturo.

"Bakit dala mo ang Ferrari mo?" Rum interrogated, tunog nanay na naghihinala.

Umakbay naman agad si Dean sa kanya sabay ngisi.

"Tol, ngayong gabi 'yong pinaghahandaan kong drag racing."

"Dean, di ba nangako kang hindi ka na magda-drag race? Delikado ang buhay mo r'on."

"Mommy Rum, I promise this will be the last time I will do it. Isang taon ko 'tong pinaghandaan, oh. Please."

Rum pursed his lips, halatang ayaw pumayag.

"Can we join?" Queen butted in so Dean glared instantly at her.

"Tangina, sumasabat pa, e. Lalo akong hindi papayagan nito."

"Hindi pwede," sabat ni Rum sa kanila.

"Tol, please naman, oh. Huli na talaga 'to. Hindi na ako uulit."

"Talagang hindi ka na makakaulit kung huling araw mo na 'to," hirit ko pa.

Tinapunan naman niya ako agad nang matalim na tingin kaya natuptop ko ang bibig. Baka masuntok na kasi ako.

"Handang-handa ako, tol. Walang mangyayari sa akin."

Rum shook his head.

"Accidents happen, Dean. Kahit anong handa mo, may maaaring mangyari na hindi mo inaasahan," pangaral ni inang.

Nagulat sila nang lumuhod si Dean. Napa-awra na lang. He might have been practicing this dramatics long before he came home.

"Tol, please. Last na talaga 'to. Pangako ko kapag nanalo ako ngayong gabi, magpapaalam na ako sa parents ko na magsi-shift na ako ng course."

Rum softened and with that theatrical promise, he agreed.

WE FINALLY CONVINCED Rum to let us come with Dean to witness his drag race.

Noong una ay umayaw siya kasi hindi siya makakasama at walang magbabantay sa amin dahil tatapusin niya pa ang thesis niya para sa BA Philo dahil sa lunes na ang schedule ng defense niya. Ito na lang ang kulang at makaka-graduate na siya ngayong May sa kursong 'yon. He will then be graduating in BS Forensic Science the following academic year together with us.

Nagbihis agad kaming mga babae. Queen was so beautiful in her leather cami jumpsuit na pinatungan naman niya ng white crop navy military jacket then a pair of white chunky heels. She parted her hair at the center then she put two pearl clips on the sides. Si Snow naman ay tumitingkad lalo ang ganda sa gitna ng kasimplehan niya  suot ang black camisole na nakatuck in sa floral black midi skirt niya na pinaresan niya rin ng pulang knit cardigan at white sneakers. May suot din siyang manipis na pulang headband sa ulo.

I feel like radiating some Gryffindor vibes so I opted for a v-neck oversized sweater na maroon ang gitna while the sleeves are of mustard colour pati na rin ang hemline at ang printed letter G sa gitna. I matched it with a suspender shorts na khaki then white sneakers.

Queen was still doing her makeup kaya lumabas muna ako ng kwarto namin para hanapin si Snow. Dala-dala ko ang dalawang maliliit na ribbon hair ties ko at brush. Gusto ko kasing i-pigtail braid ang buhok ko.

Naabutan ko si Snow na isinusuot ang itim na gloves sa kamay ng naka-racing suit na na si Dean. Seems like they're having a serious conversation. I'm happy that it looks like they're rekindling their relationship already.

Hindi na lang ako nagpakita para hindi ko sila maistorbo. I went to Rum's office. Kumatok muna ako ng tatlong beses saka ko pinihit pabukas ang seradula ng pinto. He lifted his eyes on me from his book. I stepped inside then closed the door behind. I smiled at him, iyong tipong may kailangan at pabor sana.

"Pwede mo bang itirintas ang buhok ko?" I asked him.

He smiled then took off his glasses. He stood up and gestured me to come to the sofa with him. Lumapit ako sa kanya saka ibinigay na ang mga dala ko bago naupo. He also sat behind me then he began brushing my hair first.

Natutuwa talaga ako kapag laging ganito si Rum. Ang sarap kasi sa feeling na may boyfriend akong nanay na parlorista pa. Natawa na lang ako sa naiisip.

He parted my hair into two equal parts. He tied the right side first then he started braiding the left one.

"Umuwi kayo agad pagkatapos ng laro ni Dean. Kapag wala pa kayo rito ng alas-onse ay susugod na ako roon," paalala niya.

"Opo, Mommy Rum," I teased and he chuckled.

Pagkatapos niyang itirintas ang buhok ko ay tumayo agad ako at humarap sa full-length mirror na nakadikit sa pader na malapit sa may pintuan.

I smiled toothily at the result. Ang galing niya talaga. He stood smilingly behind me.

"Thank you, mum," I chuckled before facing him.

"Mag-iingat kayo r'on," he reminded me again.

"Ako na ang bahala sa kanila, boss," sagot ko sabay thumbs up.

He smiled gently at me before he crouched. Hinawi niya ang bangs ko pataas gamit ang palad niya at hinalikan ang noo ko. Napapikit ako sa lambot n'on.

I opened my eyes when he cupped my both cheeks with his palms before shaking it, nanggigigil.

"You're so small," he chuckled.

Inabot saka sinapo ko rin ang mga pisngi niya at mas inipit iyon. I smiled at him sweetly. It was so sweet, I know he would easily get it was sarcastic.

"Akala mo nakakatuwa 'yon?" I mocked but he just chuckled heartily.

Lalo lang akong nagngitngit.

Hindi nga ako maliit!

Slight lang...

                 • • • QUEEN • • •

THE CHINESE NUNO was so happy as she sat on the Jeepney Wrangler's driver seat. Siya ang magda-drive nito dahil nakasakay ng sariling Ferrari si Dean na Formula One ang style.

"Parang nagdadalawang-isip na akong payagan kayo," bulong ni Rum pagkakita kay Tutti.

Kinakabahan din naman ako. Who knows what kind of driver she is.

I looked at Tutti.

"Broom! Broom!" she smilingly exclaimed while holding the steering wheel and looking ahead of her with eyes sparkling excitement.

Napapikit ako sa inis.

Mukhang mababangga kami.

"Queen, may lisensya ka naman di ba?" mahinang tanong ni Snow sa akin mula sa backseat sabay ngiti nang tipid.

She's nervous too.

"Queen, dito ka. Bawal ang bata sa driver seat," said Dean who's dressed in his racing suit now.

"Wala namang height requirement sa pagda-drive, ah," Tutti insisted.

"Move," I ordered.

Niyakap ng gaga ang manibela sabay iling.

"Doll, it's either you move o hindi kayo tutuloy," banta ni Rum sa kanya.

Mabilis na tumalon palabas ng driver seat si Tutti at umikot sa harap papunta sa shotgun seat. Papasok na sana siya nang pigilan ko siya.

"Stop right there. You sit at the back," I told her while gesturing my head at the backseat.

"Why? Are you saving that seat for your attitude?" she argued and I narrowed my eyes at her.

"I'll just tell Rum we're not going anymore," I threatened her.

Padabog naman na nagmartsa ang pandak papunta sa backseat.

"Snow, sit here," I ordered my other friend while tapping the shotgun seat.

"Hoy, bakit gan'on?"

"Toddlers are not allowed here. Cops will surely get us if they see you."

Napahagikhik si Snow sa sinabi ko. Busangot ang mukhang napasandal sabay halukipkip at Indian sit na lang sa likuran ang nuno.

The engine roared to life and we convoyed Dean going to the venue. Malawak 'yong lugar, like legit wide. May marami at malalaking lamp posts at mga ilaw na ang nakahanda sa buong paligid. The drag racers are also there na. The event will be separated into two parts as Dean explained awhile ago. The first one will be the motocross and the next one will then be the automobile drag racing in which Dean will be participating.

Naupo kaming tatlo sa may bench kung saan kami iginiya ni Dean. Napapagitnaan ako ng dalawang babae. May metal screen pa sa tapat n'on for safety measures. Pagkatapos kausapin ni Dean ang isang organizer ay naupo siya sa tabi ni Snow.

"Tangina, kinakabahan ako. Pahawak ha," aniya sabay hawak sa kamay ni Snow.

Snow bit her lip as her cheeks crimsoned. I smirked teasingly when she looked my way. Natawa rin si Tutti. Nagbaba tuloy ng tingin si Snow sa hiya.

"Smooth," Tutti whistled.

Kumindat pa ang tuwang-tuwa na si Dean sa amin like as if he had won a jackpot. Natawa na lang ako. Ang gago talaga.

"Kuya Dean..."

I drifted my eyes on the man who called my friend. It was Dan. Naka-racing suit na rin siya at gloves. He's joining this?

Nang mahagip niya ang tingin ko ay mabilis siyang nag-iwas ng tingin. Kababasted ko lang sa kanya two weeks ago. I don't know why. He's good naman and I've already moved on. It's just that I'm looking for something else. Something I couldn't even name. At hindi ko 'yon mahanap sa kanya.

"Man, you're ready?" tanong ni Dean sabay tayo at shoulder bumped kay Dan.

"Opo, kuya."

"Kasali ka dine, Dan?"

"Oo, Ate Snow," he smiled.

"Mag-iingat ka ha."

Napatikhim naman si Dean. Natawa ulit si Tutti.

"Anong sasalihan mo? Motocross ba?"

"Opo," he replied courteously at the nuno.

"Oh, bakit hindi kayo nagpapansinan ni Queen? May LQ ba kayo..." she trailed off and moved a bit when I pinched her side secretly.

Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mga mata. Natawa lang ang gaga at tinuro pa ako nang may mapang-asar na ngiti.

"Uy, defensive."

The speakers installed around sounded, calling the attention of all the motocross participants. They greeted Dan good luck and reminded him to be careful then he went off to the track.

Sinundan ko siya ng tingin nang sumakay na siya sa motorbike niya at isinuot ang helmet. May seksing babaeng pumwesto sa may gilid dala-dala ang black and white check na flaglet. She raised the flaglet and the countdown began in which the crowd eagerly joined.

"Three, two, one... Go!"

She lowered the flaglet and the race began. Nangunguna si Dan sa lahat. At first, the track was smooth. Pero pagliko nila ay puro bumps na. May mga nahihinto dahil namamatayan ng makina at may nahuhulog na rin. Nagpatuloy lang si Dan. His race went fine until the last two biggest bumps.

"Teka, teka, nasa pinakahuli lang 'yong isang 'yon kanina ha. Nalagpasan niya lahat. Wow, grabee," Tutti commented.

She already stood up from sitting dahil hindi niya masyadong makita. Pandak kasi.

Napabaling naman ako sa sinasabi niya. A participant wearing white, black, and mustard combo racing suit was tailing Dan. Tuluyan na silang nagkasabay sa huling pinakamalaking bump. Pag-angat nila mula roon ay inangat pa ng lalaki ang ulo ng motorbike niya. His back tire landed perfectly first on the track then he sped up again, leaving Dan behind him.

Isang metro paglagpas niya sa finish line ay lumiko siya at walang kahirap-hirap na brinake ang motorbike niya sabay pigil nito gamit ang isang paa.

"Wowerz," manghang sambit ni Tutti.

I turned to her annoyed and confused.

"What's the meaning of that?"

"Wow tsaka power. Add s in the form of z and you'll have a unique portmanteau," the language nerd explained.

"Second si Dan," Snow announced while clapping her hands.

Napapalakpak na rin si Tutti. Napako naman ang tingin ko sa nanalo. He took off his helmet and I felt like I have seen a Greek aristocrat ala bad boy. He has this dragon tattoo on his neck, a cut on his brow, a dangling crescent moon earring and a pair of gorgeous gray eyes. The women cheered for him so he smirked playfully. The kind of smirk I saw being worn by the cashier boy this morning.

Natigil si Tutti sa pagpalakpak nang tila magulat siya sa nasaksihan. Namilog ang singkit niyang mga mata.

"Hala! Si Alas 'yon, ah!"

"Who?" I asked.

"Si Alas!"

"Don't tell me he's your relative because I won't believe you. He's tall and you're not," I mocked so she turned to me frowning.

"Kilala mo siya, tiyanak? Siya rin 'yong champion sa auto drag race last year. Kaya ngayon nagmotocross naman siya. Tangina, panalo parin!"

Sumeryoso naman si Tutti habang nakasunod parin ang tingin sa lalaki.

"He used to be my friend but everything changed when the fire nation attacked," madramang sagot niya saka tatawa-tawang tumakbo at nagtago sa likuran ni Snow nang abutin siya nang naiinis na si Dean.

"Napaka-tangina mo talaga! Bakit ba kita kinakausap?!"

Panay naman ang saway ni Snow sa kanila. They were chasing and messing around when the speaker sounded again for the next competition.

"Dean, good luck. Mag-ingat ka ha."

Napakurap si Dean sa mga sinabi ni Snow sa kanya. Lumapit siya rito at hinalikan ito sa pisngi na ikinagulat naman ng huli.

"For fucking good luck," he smirked.

"Wowerz! Ang smooth mo, boy!" kantyaw naman ni Tutti na tinawanan lang ni Dean bago tinungo ang track at sakay Ferrari sa niya.

Pangdalawahan ang laro at nasa panglimang pares pa si Dean. I stood up when I felt my gallbladder got full. I was about to drag Tutti with me but she was so engrossed in watching the show. Ayoko rin namang hilahin si Snow because she's inspiring Dean to go on.

I remember the restroom for women so I made my way to the exit and going there.

Paglabas ko ng cubicle ay nagretouch ulit ako. I put on my favorite shade of MAC lipstick in front of the mirror. I puckered my lips then I placed it back inside my glittered purse.

Napatigil ako kaagad paglabas ko ng banyo dahil nakatayo sa tapat ng vending machine si Dan na nasa gilid lang ng banyo. Nagkatinginan kami. Napatikhim ako kaya nag-iwas siya ng tingin. Lalagpasan ko na sana siya nang bigla siyang magsalita.

"Kaya ba ayaw mo sa akin dahil mahirap lang ako?"

Shocked, I looked at him.

"Why would you think of that?"

He didn't answer. I clicked my tongue and crossed my arms.

"You think that lowly of me? Gan'on ba, Dan?"

He turned to me this time. Siya naman ang nagulat.

"H-Hindi sa gan'on. Wala lang akong ibang maisip na paraan kung bakit ayaw mo sa akin," he said weakly with his head lowered.

Kung gan'on lang sana kadali ang lahat ay sana siya na lang agad ang pinili ko. Pero hindi, e. Hindi gan'on 'yon.

"I don't want to fool you and myself if I will accept you and what you can offer. Loving is winning. But just like the game theory, I don't want to love just because I do not want to lose. When I love, who he is, what he does, and where he came from doesn't really matter."

Kapag nagmahal ka, panalo ka na. Pero ayokong magmahal dahil lang sa ayokong matalo. Love will find me, I know that.

He smiled and nodded. Napangiti na rin ako.

"Love will find us in the right time," I told him.

Tumunog ang cellphone niya kaya nagpaalam siyang mauuna. Tumango ako at nginitian siya. I was tailing him with my eyes when he exited. It only stopped when I heard someone clapped. Napabaling naman agad ako sa lalaking nakasandal sa bukana ng hall na papasok sa restroom ng mga lalaki.

I narrowed my eyes into slits when he stepped forward, his hand was inside the pocket of his racing suit.

"Love will find us in the right time, how melodramatic," he remarked.

"Excuse me, are we close?" I mocked and he chuckled.

"You broke the poor boy's heart."

"Gaano ka-close?" I mocked again when he didn't stop talking.

He smirked and quickly closed our distance until we're only inches apart.

"How about this close?" he asked while staring down at me.

I was about to protest and asked what the actual fuck he was up to but he immediately crouched and kissed me on the lips. My eyes widened in surprise at that pero mabilis din akong natauhan. I kneed him on his crotch so he stepped aback, iniinda ang sakit.

"Fuck..."

"That's what you get for being a perv!" I hissed but he smirked and stood up like as if he wasn't really hurting.

"Really? Do it again then."

Goddammit, this stronzo! I slapped him real hard when he advanced near me again. Napasapo niya ang namumulang pisngi dahil sa sampal ko.

"Slapping me after kissing? Really, babe? Well, that's new," he shrugged.

Ang arogante, bastos at barumbado ni Lex Chiongban pero nababara ko.

But this one's into a whole new level. Hindi ko kinakaya!

"Idiota!" I took one of my heels and threw him towards him.

He caught it laughingly then raised his hands in surrender.

"Fine, fine. I give up."

Tumalikod na siya at nagsimulang maglakad palayo nang gan'on na lang.

"Hey, stronzo!" I called him again as I stood in akimbo.

He stopped and looked at me over his shoulder.

"Give me back me my Louboutins," I told him while gesturing for my heels.

"Oh, this?" he said, finally realizing he still has it.

"I will keep this for now, Cinderella. So that you'll have the reason to see me again," Alas winked smirkingly before turning his back on me and walking away.

illinoisdewriter

Sa next update na ako mananakot. 💀

Give this chapter a star and share your thoughts too! Sayonara, sweetcheeks! 💚