Ito ang pang-isang linggong kasama ko si Gon. Halos walang mga sandali na hindi kami nagsinghalan, nagsigawan at nagpalitan nang mga masasakit na salita sa mga nakalipas na araw!

Magpahanggang ngayon kasi ay ayaw niya akong hayaang makausap si Sie. Paniguradong nag-aalala na ito sa akin, maging ang mga magulang ko. At hindi na din ako magtataka kung malalaman kong pinaghahanap na nila kami ni Gon, bagay na sana ay mapadali.

Hindi ko na alam kung ano na bang balita kay Sie kasi! Si Gon naman kasi ay ayaw ibigay ang phone ko upang ipaalam kay Sie kung na saan ako dinala ng gago niyang pinsan dahil wala daw kinidnap na nagsasabi ng hide-out!

Kung ibang sitwasyon? Baka mamangha at matuwa ako dahil ang sosyal ng hide-out ng kidnapper ko---sa Quebec, Canada! At take note, in the midst of winter pa! Ang galing tumayming ng gago.

Goodness!

Naglakad ito palapit sa ref. Binuksan niya iyon at kinuha ang glass pitcher bago nagsalin nang malamig na tubig sa baso niya. At akmang iinom na siya nang lapitan ko siya at inagaw ang baso niyang may lamang tubig at diniretsong inom!

"The fuck, Alli?!" he snarled in a way of cussing.

Matapos kong ubusin ang laman ng baso, inilagay ko iyon sa ibabaw ng table na katabi naming dalawa at inis siyang tiningnan. "Give me back my phone, Gon. I need to call Siegfried," seryosong wika ko dito.

He stared at ne deeply but I can sense that, after saying those word, he was hurt. And I was amazed because I saw how he managed to defeat the jealousy. Kinda, good.

He shook his head. "No," he replied and get back the glass I have stolen, minutes had passed. "...not now." he added then shoved me slightly so he can re-open the refrigerator to get another pour of water.

I heaved a deep sigh to control my irritation and temper. "Gon, please!" I shrieked. "J-Just let me go!"

Ibinaba niya ang baso matapos maubos ang laman niyon at tinitigan ako nang malalim. Hindi rin nakaligtas sa aking mga mata kung paano humigpit ang pagkakahawak niya sa baso dala nang pagpipigil ng galit at inis matapos marinig ang aking tinuran. "I. Pleased, Alli. Ako naman. Sa akin mo naman ituon ang atensyon mo, pakiusap. Gustong-gusto kitang makasama. Masolo. Alli, lahat na may kinalaman saʼyo---gusto ko. Even cutting a mince of goddamn meat means a lot to me 'cause you are with me. P-Please, donʼt ruin my h-happiness." he said in the most painful way and he suddenly looked down. "...please, Alli...pretend that you love or like me. Look at me without grudges. Stay with me without hesitations. Spend your vacation with me...here."he added, and this time, I can feel how hurt he is.

Napalunok naman ako matapos niyang sambitin ang mga iyon. May kung ano sa aking sinasabing pagbigyan na lamang siya at pansamantalang kalimutan ang mga bagay-bagay na ginawa niya sa akin.

Pero, habang tumatagal kasi na magkasama kami at hindi nakakausap ni nakikita si Siegfried, mas nagbabahala ako sa maaaring maramdaman ni Siegfried at kung anong iniisip nito, given the fact that magkasama kami ni Gon sa iisang bahay at lugar at isang linggo na ang nakakalipas!

Goodness...ano bang buhay 'to!

I sighed, a forced one. "F-Fine! Pumapayag na ako sa gusto mong mangyari! Sige, gawin mo lahat ng gusto mo at sige din dahil hindi ako aangal! Para matapos na ang lahat ng ito, Gon! Ano, happy ka na?!" I agreed but did not bother to think that I have just raised my voice at him.

He then lifted his gaze at me with namumungay na eyes. "R-Really?" he asked, confirming.

I rolled my eyes at him and crossed my arms. "...even though, I donʼt want to---, may natitira pa naman akong kakarampot na kabutihan from within me, kaya sige---pagbibigyan na kita. Halatang-halata nga na ako ang kasiyahan mo, e." nakangiwing sagot ko dito.

Ganoon na lamang ang pagkamangha ko nang makita ang unti-unting pagliliwanag ng mukha niya dahil sa sinabi ko. Mas nagulat ako nang sumilip ang maganda nitong mga ngiti sa akin. At mas ikinagulat ko nang bigla niyang sakupin ang natitirang espasyo sa pagitan namin at walang alinlangan aking n-niyakap nang m-mahigpit!

"Thank you, Alli. T-Thank you," sinserong aniya.

I was unable to make a movement due to his tight hug. All I can do is to hold my breath and feel the fastest beats of my heart.

And at this point, I have realized something with accordance to his actions...

Goodness...

Nobodyʼs right 'till somebodyʼs wrong. He is that nobody. And he is weak, so he needs somebody who is strong. But because he doesnʼt has. He didnʼt feel lucky as well. Not until I came along. He might be lonely, because I am not hisʼ. And anytime, I could be vanished and he canʼt do anything but to accept the fact and just...vanquish. Whether he likes it or not.

Yes, mali ang ginawa niyanang pagdukot sa akin pero, kung titingnan ang kabilang panig, mukhang nais niya lamang talagang maging masaya at ito lang ang nakikita niyang paraan upang mapasaya ang sarili dahil kahit hindi niya aminin?

...he was hiding something---something that is irrevocable by whoever 'cause he is somewhat isolated to the secular world...where everyone is struggling and striving. Physical. Mental and Social life.

Typically, Gon has something that he doesnʼt want any one to be known nor recognized.

What a pretentious bastard. Goodness.

Nang kumalas sa yakap si Gon, nakangiti pa rin itong tumitig sa akin. "Damn, Alli. Y-You donʼt know how much that matter to me," he sincerely said.

I winced.

He then cradled my hair. "Get dressed young lady. Weʼll stravage the bounds of Quebec. Its cobblestone streets, colorful building, shops. In addition, their elaborately carved wooden signs and yeah, you will surely feel the European feels in there, even though that Quebec isnʼt far over the border and into Canada, young lady." he described with a smile.

Gusto ko tuloy manibago kaniyang kilos ngayon. Hindi naman kasi siya palangiti noon, hindi ba? Palagi siyang nakangisi!

But I need to accept the fact that he looks cute in my vission now, uh. He is so gwapo dahil nakukuha na niyang ngumiti sa ngayon sa akin. Dati pa naman ay pinipilit ko pa siyang ngumiti, goodness.

What a handsome kidnapper, tsk.

I sighed softly and nodded at him lightly. "Winter travel, it is, Gon. Okay...mas gusto kong lumabas-labas nga tayo kaysa dito lamnag sa loob ng apartment natin. Para naman hindi ako todo feel na kidnap victim," saad ko.

He then chuckled. "Alright, alright. But can you promise me that---"

I cut him off. "Hindi ako tatakas, Gon." seryosong sagot ko dito. "...you have my word. And please...marked yours, too. Bihis lang ako." dagdag ko at nagpaalam na muna dito.

Tinalikuran ko na muna si Gon at naglakad sa direksyon ng aking kwarto. Ngunit, hindi pa man ako tuluyang nakakalapit sa pinto ng aking silid, nagsalita ito.

....bagay na naging dahilan upang bumilis ang tibok ng aking puso!

"Alli...I-I love you." he said, heartfelt. "...go on. Get dressed. Iʼll wait you here," he added and smiled a bit.

Tuliro, "S-S-Sure---sige." sagot ko at ipinikit ang aking mga mata upang subukang pakalmahin ang aking dibdib dahil ang bilis ng tibok nito.

Goodness! Good thing, nakatalikod ako sa kaniya!

Nang magawa kong kumalma kahit papaano, bumalik ako sa paglalakad papasok ng aking silid at mabilis na isinara ang pinto bago nanghihilakbot na hinawakan ang aking dibdib, umaasang kakalma na ngayon ang aking puso!

"Why do he needs to say that, huh? Argh, asshole! Kahit ano pang mangyari---kay Siegfried lang ako maga-I love you too, 'no. So not me," ngiwing kausap ko sa aking sarili.

...pero bakit parang ang sarap sa pandinig ng sinabi niya? Argh! Hindi pwede! No, it canʼt be! Kay Sie lamang tayo, self! Huwag tanga, huh? Bobo pa!

"Iz she yo' girlfriend, sir?" tanong ng lalaking Canadian na kasabay namin sa elevator na talagang ngumiti pa sa akin.

Gon held my hand and intertwined it to hisʼ. "What do you think?" he coldly answered in a way of a question.

The Canada guy smiled sweetly. "Kinda," he assumed. "...good choice, dude. Sheʼs gorgeous." he commented.

Bakit ba chinichika mo pa kami? FC naman, oh. At bakit ba naman ang tagal yata masiyadong bumaba niyong elevator?!

Gon then pulled my waist closer to his body and kissed my hair. "I know." he said.

I glared at him. "Ano bang ginagawa mo, huh?" pigil ang inis kong tanong dito. "...we are not a couple, stop it." sabi ko dito na may ipit na boses.

Kung makikita lamang ito ng boyfriend ko, siguradong maghahalo ang balat sa tinalupan! Cousin versus cousin ang labanan!

Medyo maganda kasi ako sa part na iyon, e, kainis! Imagine? Dalawang La Galliene---ang isa boyfriend ko na tapos ang isa bodyguard ko pero kinidnap ako dahil mahal daw ako!

Shameless kidnapper!

He then smiled at me. "Hindi baʼt sabi mo ay pwede ko nang gawin ang lahat ng gusto ko, Alli? So, here. Gusto kong gawin ang mga gawain ng boyfriend sa girlfriend nila." he explained, and I winced upon the realization. "...and you cannot do anything, young lady." he added, as if menacing me.

I rolled my eyes at him. "...dumbass." I mumbled, causing him,
to chuckled manly and handsomely. "Kahit anong gawin mo, kindnapper ka pa rin, goodness."

"You guys are sweet. I-I just wished I am with my girl this winter season too. Haha," pilit ang tawang puna ng lalaking Canadian.

Sweet?! Kami?! What if I told him that---this man kidnapped me, huh? And I am from Philippines but this dumbass brought me here as to hid from my boyfriend because he is just jealous!

I stared at him. At noon ko lamang napagtanto na gwapo ito. Mala-model ng Bench ang pangangatawan kung ilalarawan. Matangkad din at goodness, gwapo pa ulit!

"You know, winter travel with your love ones creates the best moments and memories, right?" he said, and bitterness in his baritone yet cold voice was felt.

Wala sa sariling napatingala ako kay Gon at laking gulat ko nang makitang---nakatingin na siya sa akin. "Ang ganda mo, Alli." aniya at h-hinalikan ako sa noo.

Kita ko ang pagpait ng ngiti ng lalaki matapos makita ang ginawa ni Gon na paghalik sa aking noo.

"You look good together, guys. Stay strong." Canadian guy said.

Gon then smirked. "...thanks, dude."

Ilang sandali pa ay muling nagbukas ang elevator. Kami na lang dalawa ni Gon ang lumabas dahil iyong guy kanina ay nauna nang lumabas.

Akmang hihilahin ko na ang glass door sa exit nitong apartment nang biglang hawakan ni Gon ang aking kamay kaya kunit-noo ko siyang tiningnan. "Why?" tanong ko.

He sighed and then grabbed my hand. "Itʼs cold outside, let me put this to your hand," aniya ay ipinakita sa akin ang hand warmer.

Tinanggal niya muna ang suot kong thickened gloves bago ipasok sa loob ang mga pouch ng hand warmer. "Why do I have to put that in my hands as well? I already have globes, Gon?" I asked curiously.

While putting back the gloves on both of my hands with hanf warmer, "Yes, there are gloves you were wearing already, Alli. But gloves with hand warmers are perfect combination. Because it was handy. Moreover, the heat inside the pouch activates upon the touch of your hands and give warmth. Cool, yeah?" he explained then asked afterwards.

Pinakiramdaman ko muna ang sinasabi niyang nagbibigay daw ng warmth sa mga kamay ko ang inilagay niyang pouch of hand warmers at tama nga siya. Nakakaramdam nga ng init ang kamay ko mula doon.

Ang sarap sa pakiramdam nito dahil kung ako nag tatanungin, sobrang lamig dito sa Quebec, e. Pero, heto kami---sa halip na mag-stay at home, magi-stravage kami sa bounds nitong Quebec!

Goodness, nakaramdam tuloy ako ng excitement!

I smiled scarcely. "...thank you. These helps nga," sang-ayon ko.

He smiled. "Come closer, Alli." he ordered.

"And why na naman, huh? We are not close, duh." naghihinala kong tanong dito, kahit ang totoo, may parte sa akin na natutuwa dahil medyo okay naman na kami.

He chuckled then do the honor to moved instead of me. "I will just fix your toques. This thing protects you from cold," he said seriously while busy fixing this kind of warm cap on my head.

I chuckled. "Dapat yata ay palagi akong magsuot nitong toques para ma-protektahan ako sa cold---like you, tsk tsk." I teased.

Matapos niyang ayusin ang toques ko, bahagya niyang ibinaba ang ulo upang silipin ang mukha ko. "...young lady, for your additional information about me---kahit walang toques, po-protektahan ka ng cold na ako sa lahat ng aspeto at paraan. Itaga mo sa damo." aniya at pinisil ang aking ilong. "Letʼs go now,"

I winced as he held my hand storming out of this L'Aristocrate apartment until we reached his car that was parked, meters away from where we at.

Kalagitnaan namin ng biyahe, inabala ko ang aking sarili sa panonood sa labas ng binatana ng sasakyan habang umaandar ito. Hindi ko maiwasang mapabungisngis nang bahagya sa tuwing makikita ko ang mga yelo sa paligid. Halos lahat kasi ng madaanan namin, animoʼy inilagay sa ref at naka-number four pa, sanhi kaya naging yelo ito.

"Ang cute ng mga ice, Gon!" I suddenly called him and the moment I realized that, I bit my lip. "...sorry,"

He chuckled. "Itʼs okay....I like...you---I mean, how you called my name, young lady." he said.

I diverted my gaze. "...j-just drive." I shyly replied. "Where ba tayo mag-start maggala, Gon?" tanong ko, iniiwas makaramdam ng awkwardness.

"To those places where we can enjoy." he answered without glancing at me, just directly to the road.

"Why? Why do you always want to be with me, huh?" I asked suddenly. "Hindi ko naman hawak ang buhay mo,"

He sighed. "With you, I know I can make my life more colorful." he said sincerely.

I smirked. "Why am I the reason if you wanted a colorful life, huh?" I asked, mockingly.

He then stopped the car and looked at my eyes deeply. "I want to have a colorful life and you---only you, can fulfill that. Can do that, Alli." he seriously answered.

I shrugged my shoulders a bit then smirked teasingly. "If you want to have colorful life, then...eat crayons." I said. "...huwag mo akong idamay, goodness."

"Damn it," he cussed and heaved a sigh. "Letʼs go," aniya bigla at bumaba ng sasakyan.

Ops, my bad.

Hindi ko na siya hinayaan pang pagbuksan ako ng pinto ng sasakyan. Bumaba na lang ako nang sarili ko at lumapit kay Gon na animoʼy problemadong-problemado sa akin. "What? I am just telling fact earlier, ah. Donʼt damdamin it," natatawang paglilinaw ko dito.

Muli nitong hinawakan ang aking kamay at sinimulang maglakad sa malamig at medyo mataong lugar. "Where are we, Gon? Goodness, the sidewalks are slick, huh. A-And yeah---icy, too." puna ko at muntik nang madulas. "G-Goodness!" I exclaimed and held tight on Gonʼs arm.

Mabuti na lamang at nakasuot ako ng winter boots at coat!

"Careful," he said then held my hand tightly. "Dahan-dahan lang, Baka mahulog ka bigla....saʼkin." he fired, and it was as if I was suddenly choked. "...kidding, pft." bawi agad niya.

I glared at him.

We stopped walking the moment he laughed. "Hahaha! You know what? I can ask Taylor Swift to come over if you wanted, young lady."

My brows furrowed. "And why?" I asked in a slurly manner. "What will she do in here?"

He then moved closer to my body and pinched my nose. "'Cause I want her to witness something," he meaningfully said.

With curious eyes, "...what?" I asked. "Sosyal ng eye-witness mo, ah. International singer," I mocked.

He smirked. "'Cause I will start creating your love story 'cause I know, you belong with me." he remarked.

Kailan pa siya natutong bumanat nang ganito? Saan niya nalaman ang ganito? Goodness! Goodness talaga! Katapusan na nga yata ng mundo!

Ginagawa at ipinapakita na niya nang malaya sa akin ngayon ang mga bagay na hindi noon at sobrang naninibago ako.

Pinakauna, of course, iyong nagpanggap siyang bodyguard ko para lang kidnappin after!

Effort, brr.

I winced at him. "If thatʼs what you wanted, okay, but then, maybe I could ask Dua Lipa to come over as well?" I said mockingly.

His brows furrowed. "...and why?" he asked, interested.

I smirked. "Well boy, I donʼt give a fuck." sagot ko din at nauna na muling naglakad sa kaniya, leaving him with disbelief in his eyes.

Akala mo, huh. Pft.

"Damn, Alli...you know how to spoiled the moment, huh?" biglang sabi ni Gon, at hinabol ako.

"New Rules, pft."

"Damn," mura na naman nito kaya medyo natawa ako.

"Letʼs go na kaya!" yaya ko dito.

Kalagitnaan namin ng paglalakad, nilingon ko ang dinaraanan namin. May mga taong kagaya namin ay nagliliwaliw din kahit winter. May mga bahay na tinapalan ng puting-puting crushed ice sa palibot, lalo na ang kalsada nito.

Ngunit ang nakakuha ng aking atensyon ay ang isang mahabang rail na naka-arko pataas. Kung ihahambing sa Pilipinas, daanan ng train, ganoʼn. Gaya ng kapaligiran, natatapalan din ito ng yelo.

Nilingon ko si Gon. "What is that rail for, Gon? Donʼt tell me---weʼll ride that thing!" agap ko na at itinuro pa ang bagay na sasakyan, iyon ay may pagkakahawig kapag sasakay sa ferris-wheel ng Mall of Asia Arena!

He chuckled then looked at the rail. "That is Funicular. The old Quebec Funicular, young lady. And yes, we will ride that thing. Little did you know, riding that is a fun way to take a view on Petit-Champlain and on the St. Lawrence River. And yeah, riding that is safer. Since it is winter, as much as I want us to climb and took steps on the way to Dufferin Terrace, the town square beside the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, we wonʼt do it. The steps in there are slippery." mahabang paliwanag niya.

I was amazed on what he had told me. Para tuloy gusto kong puntahan ang Dufferin Terrace kaya lang ika nga niya, madulas daw!

Infairness, kabisado. Sino pa kaya, bukod sa akin, ang kinidnap niya at dinala rito?

I sighed. "Okay...but, Gon---I want to try Skiing, too. Can we?" I asked hesitantly.

He squinted his eyes at me. "...before skiing, I want us to ride in Toboggan, Alli. It was exhilarating, specially if you are sped down the ramp and shouting ariba, ariba! " pagbibida niya at ngumiti. "Deal?" he negotiated.

I pouted. "As if I can stopped you?" I said.

He smirked. "Pwede naman, in one condition."

I scowled. "What again?!" I hissed.

"Kada reklamo mo, may halik ako saʼyo." he said, tempting.

My eyes widen. "M-Manyak mo! L-Letʼs ride the Funicular na nga!" pag-iiwas ko sa usapan sa pamamagitan ng pagtataas ng tinig. "...taking advantage, dumbass!"

"Ahahahahahaha! Kinda, cute. Alright, letʼs go now."

Hindi ko na lamang siya sinagot. Imbes, hinayaan ko na lamang siya na hawakan ang aking kamay palakad at patungo doon sa Funicular na sasakyan namin.

The moment we step inside the Funicular and sat down, wala sa sariling napakapit ako kay Gon, dahilan upang matawa siya. "Takot ka?" he asked.

I gulped. "N-No, of course not...baka lang m-mauntog ako, I need holder! Feeling mo," bwelta ko at nag-iwas ng tingin.

Sa isip-isip ko, pakiramdam ko ay nangangatog na agad ang aking tuhod at nangangatal naman ang aking labi dahil---goodness! Iʼve never been tried to rode a ride something like this!

"Takot ka..." pilit pa ni Gon.

Humigpit kasi ang pagkakahawak ko sa braso nito nang maramdaman na unti-unti nang gumagalaw ang funicular. Mabagal pa lang naman ngunit nagpapabilis ng tibok ng aking puso!

"H-Hindi nga kasi! Ang kulit!" I hissed.

"Takot ka," pilit na naman niya.

I glared at him. "I am not!" I declaimed.

He then smirked cooly. "Takot ka...na mawala ako." he suddenly shot, causing my eyes to widen and my cheeks to reddened. "...see? Pft. Your expression says the confirmation, so cute." he teased.

Akmang babarahin ko na ito at tangkang hahampasin sa braso ngunit biglaang umandar nang mabilis ang funicular papa-slide sa may rail!

"WAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHA---AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH---MOMMYYYYYYYYYYY! HUHUHUHU----AHHHH----I HATE YOU GOOOOOOOON----WAAAAAAAAH!"

"WOOOOOOHHHHHH! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

G-Goodness! Parang mas nakakakaba pa ito sa roller slide sa EK, ah! Badtrip na La Galliene! Pero, chika lang. Takot lang talaga ako sa ride gaya nito.

Pagkababang-pagkababa namin ni Gon, agad ko siyang pinaulanan ng hampas!

"Youʼre so a-annoying, huhuhu! Argh! Badtrip ka!" I retorted and gave him lashes again. "How dare you! How dare you! I hate you!" maluha-luhang sambit ko dito.

He chuckled then nabbed my hands. "What? You hate me?" he asked, but I found the way he asked in a mockery.

Binawi ko ang kamay ko sa hawak niya at sinamaan lalo siya nang tingin. "Yes! I hate you---"

He smirked as he cut me off. "You hate me 'cause you love me. And you because you love me, you hate me. Cool,"

"Asa ka!" asik ko dito at inambahan siya.

"Ahahaha! Cute,"

Umalis na kami sa lintek na funicular na iyon at bumalik sa sasakyan dahil ang susunod naming pupuntahan ay,

"We will ride in the Gondola, Alli. For us to take a view at the stretched from the mountain all the way to St. Lawrence River. Trust you, that would be fascinating. Maarte ka lang talaga kanina nang sumakay tayo sa Funicular, young lady. Hindi naman gaano mabilis ang pag-andar noon, e. Tsk, tsk. Hindi mo tuloy malayang nakita ang aking ganda ng Dufferin Terrace, pft." pang-aasar niya.

So, ano? OA ako? Edi ako na nga ang oa! Medyo lang naman tsaka anong hindi ko nakita ang ganda ng Dufferin, huh? I saw it! Namangha at nainlove ako sa ganda niyon! Hindi ko lang talaga na-enjoy nang bongga dahil nakasakay kami sa Funicular kanina at umaandar pa iyon! Hindi kaya ako fond ng mga rides, not until Gon invited me to have an experience on the EK last time! Brr.

Mas ma-appreciate ko ang ganda niyon kung imbes na sumakay kaming funicular ay pinili na lang naming maglakad kahit slippery ang steps patungo doon, 'no.

"Come on, Alli. Letʼs enjoy."aniya habang nagmamaneho.

"Parang may magagawa ako?" sarcastically, I replied.

Ilang sandali pa, muli kaming bumaba sa sasakyan upang masubukan naman itong Gondola na sinasabi niya. Inalalayan nito ako pababa sa sasakyan at muling hinawakan sa kamay, para siguro ma-sure niyang hindi ako bigla-biglang tatakbo palayo dito! Napakasegurista---hindi ko naman kabisado ang Canada! Badtrip.

Habang naglalakad, kunot-noi kos siyang tiningnan. "I thought you wanted to try the Toboggan, huh? Why suddenly changed your mind?" I asked.

"I want to have a dire moments while holding your hand, in they way, Alli. When we ride the Toboggan, I will not be able to do that because we are speeding down the ramp." he seriously remarked.

I looked at him with equal intensity. "Mahal na mahal mo 'ko, e ano? Gon...please. Donʼt expect too much in me, okay? I might hurt and disappoint you," I said, trying to make him understand the logic.

Dahil doon, natigil kami sa paglalakad. Kung saan, nakaharap kami mismo sa mountain at napapalibutan ng yelo ang paligid.

He sighed and looked away. "Fuck, Alli. I am just doing these shits because of too much love for you. Love that I know, I canʼt have as the day ends. And if fucking hurts, really." he said, pained.

Nakaramdam ako ng guilt. "Did I get o-overboard?" I asked hesitantly.

He then returned his gaze at me and the moment our eyes met, I feel like, I have drown on it. Drown to his pains and misconceptions, because of what I said and implied to him, minutes had passed.

"Alli..." he called.

I gulped carefully. "...yeah?" I answered.

He moved closer to my personal space. Locked his eyes on me. Wearing a serious expression.

Thatʼs when I found out that he...he is carefully and was heartfelt, embraced me...

I feel safe, goodness. He is my kidnapper but why it feels so damn uncanny, that I feel damn safe? So not me.

His breath touches my skin on my nape. "Alli, would be I selfish if I tell you...can you be mine? Mine alone?" he asked in the most promising way.

Iyong tipong once na nadinig ng kung sino, agad lalambot ang mga puso at madaling bibigay sa nais nito.

Hindi ako nakasagot. Hinayaan ko lang siyang magsalita at yakapin ako sa papahigpit nang paraan.

"Alli, gusto kong mahalin mo din ako. Kahit panglawa lang. Kahit hindi sobra. Kahit may kahati." aniya pa, at nasisiguro kong pinipigilan niya na lamang ang sariling mabasag ang tinig.

My chest tightened upon hearing those breaking lines of him. "Ano bang sinasabi mo, Gon...."wala sa sariling tanong ko at sa mabilis na sandali, nangilid ang aking luha. "S-Stop," I said.

Goodness, Gon. Ayokong makita kang ganiyan...

Humigpit ang yakap nito sa akin. "Iʼm sorry," he whispered in my ear then distanced himself.

I looked at him with welled-up eyes. He smiled bitterly.

"Want go to Toronto?" he suddenly asked me.

"H-Huh? I-I mean---what will we do in there?" litong tanong ko.

He then kissed my forehead and I wasnʼt aware of that, huh!

"Letʼs buy there a cake and softdrinks."

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