CHAPTER 12

EVA felt her brain malfunctioned for a few hours that she couldn't enjoy their sumptuous dinner—the reason why they stayed for the night. At kahit oras na ang lumipas, hindi pa rin matanggap ng utak niya ang mga sinabi ni Terron at patuloy na gumagawa ng rason ang utak niya para kontrahin 'yon.

Pero kahit anong kontra niya sa sinabi ni Terron, may parte sa isip niya na sumasangayon dito.

Maybe the reason why her bottom line didn't exist when it comes to Terron was because she liked him as more than a friend. But Eva was not the kind of woman who easily believed something without proof.

How could she get a proof that she liked Terron like that? That Terron's feeling for her was not unrequited?

Sitting alone on the sundeck, she called the only guy she had a close relationship with.

"What is it?" The person on the other side immediately asked after the call got connected.

"May tanong ako, Eth." Mabilis na sagot ni Eva.

"I'm in the middle of class. Make it quick."

Eva pursed her lips before asking. "Paano mo masasabi na may gusto ka sa isang tao? The romantic kind of like."

Natahimik ang nasa kabilang linya at lumipas ang ilang segundo bago narinig ulit ni Eva ang boses ng kausap.

"Answer the problem on the board with the formula I provided. I will give you ten minutes." Then Ethan turned his complete attention to Eva, "as for you Ev, I will give you ten minutes to explain."

Napakagat-labi si Eva. "Bakit parang kasalanan ko?"

"Explain!"

Napaigtad si Eva saka humaba ang nguso nito. "Huwag mo akong sigawan. Mas matanda ako sa'yo."

Ethan let out an exasperated sigh. "I don't care. Explain yourself, Ev."

Nakasimangot na ikinuwento ni Eva kay Ethan ang lahat ng naaalala niya mula ng makilala niya si Terron hanggang sa mga sinabi ng binata kanina.

Wala siyang itinago.

Pagkatapos niyang magkuwento, halos buong minuto ang dumaan bago narinig ni Eva ang paghinga ng malalim ni Ethan.

"Ev?"

"Yes, Eth?" Eva expectantly listened to Ethan's next words.

"Are you an idiot?"

Sumama ang mukha ni Eva. "Hey! That's foul. How dare you!"

"No! How dare you!" Ethan snapped. "How can you not know if you like someone or not?! What are you? A child?!" Ethan couldn't help raising his voice in irritation. "And not only that, but you're also asking for a proof?! After letting him kiss you on the forehead, nose, cheeks and neck. You're an idiot indeed! You want proof? You are the proof! You even let him lick your fingers! You are your own witness, you hear me?!" Ethan huffed after shouting in annoyance. "God. I'm so angry. Bye!"

The call ended. Just like that. Leaving Eva speechless and in disbelief that her little Ethan had shouted at her as if he was not a little baby.

Meanwhile, on the other line, Ethan wanted to push Eva to date Terron Dashwood. Maybe, just maybe, Terron could stop Eva from doing anything reckless or anything that would lead to death. But Ethan knew Eva. She was a stubborn one. It would take a world to stop Eva's reckless and stubborn behavior.

Ethan sighed and uttered a quick prayer for Terron Dashwood. Eva may be academically smart, but emotionally, she was stupid as it gets. Her life only revolved around school, books, and puzzles, after all.

How would Eva fare in front of romance, Ethan had no idea nor expectation. He just prayed that Eva would be happy and wouldn't drown in despair from their past.

Back on the yacht, Eva was still gaping at her phone. Hindi na lang ngayon ang mga salita ni Terron ang gumugulo sa utak niya, pati na rin ang mga salita ni Ethan.

I'm my own witness? I'm the proof? Napabuntong-hininga si Eva saka napatingin sa kalangitan na puno ng bituin. This needs a thorough investigation. Thus, Eva searched on the net about liking someone and ended up reading an article written by a one of the famous online publication.

First—you can't stop thinking about them. Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Eva. Parang hindi naman siya ganun kay Terron. Maraming laman ang isip niya, hindi lang ito.

Second—you know them better than anyone else. Nasisiguro ni Eva na marami siyang hindi alam tungkol kay Terron.

Third—you often think about a future with the person. To be honest, not really. Eva knew that Terron had to leave, so any future plans with him would be a waste of time.

Fourth—you prioritized spending time with them. When Eva read this one, she stilled because the answer was yes. Iniwan niya ang mga panindad niya na nagkalat sa sahig para lang mag-kape kasama si Terron dahil inaya siya nito.

Fifth—you feel safe. Eva stilled again. Indeed, she felt safe with Terron. She could sleep deeply in his presence. She liked it.

Sixth—you're more affectionate. Nang mabasa iyon ni Eva, napabuntong-hininga na lang siya. This was a yes as well. It felt nice to be kissed by Terron. Although she was uncertain if she would feel the same way if he kissed her on the lips. But based on her reaction earlier, it seemed she was not against it.

Malakas na bumuntong-hininga ulit si Eva. Parang nag-uumpisa na siyang matakot sa listahan na 'to.

Lastly—you feel you're on top of the world. Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Eva. No! I feel confused!

Sa pitong nasa listahan, tatlo lang ang may-check kay Eva. Did that mean she didn't really like Terron? That Ethan was mistaken?

Thus, Eva ended up reading a few more articles about liking someone after that. When her head started to hurt afterwards because of all these confusing information in her mind, she rolled her eyes and shouted in frustration, "whatever! May gusto o wala, wala akong paki!"

"Ev?"

Napaigtad si Eva ng marinig ang boses ni Terron sa likuran niya.

Narinig ba siya nito? Pero wala naman siyang pinangalanan kaya safe siya.

Dahan-dahang humarap si Eva sa binata. "Your Grace... may kailangan ka?"

Dinig na dinig ni Terron ang sigaw ni Eva. Is she still out of it? Kanina pa niya napansin na wala sa sarili si Eva kaya naman dumistansiya muna siya rito pagkabalik nila sa yate. Pero may kailangan siya sa dalaga kaya pinuntahan niya ito rito sa sundeck.

"Magtatanong lang ako kung puwede kung kunin 'yong isang unan sa kuwarto?" Ani Terron.

"Huh? Bakit?" Naguguluhang tanong ni Eva.

"You told me to sleep on the sofa, remember?"

Nagpanggap si Eva na nagka-amnesia siya. "Huh? I did?"

Terron's eyes glistened with something mischievousness as he asked back. "So... you want to sleep with me now?"

Napakurap-kurap si Eva dahil iba ang pagkakaintindi niya sa tanong na 'yon ni Terron. "Your Grace, masyado namang intense ang tanong mo. It's sharing a bed, Your Grace, not sleeping together." I need my sleeping pill!

Terron hid his smile. "Isn't that the same thing?"

"Hindi, ah. Mahalay pakinggan ang sinabi mo."

Terron was amused. "So... let's share a bed?"

Kumunot ang nuo ni Eva. "Bakit mahalay pa rin pakinggan?"

"Maybe it's not me but you, Ev." Tukso ni Terron sa dalaga.

Natigilan si Eva at bahagyang nanlaki ang mga mata. Hala... nagiging green minded na ba ako?

Tumikhim si Eva saka umaktong hindi nito narinig ang sinabi ni Terron. "Malapad naman 'yong kama. Share na lang tayo. May tiwala ako sayo, Your Grace."

Terron couldn't help smiling at Eva's last words. "Alright. Let's share a bed." Then he went to sit beside Eva on the sofa. "Tapos ka na bang mag-isip?"

Napatitig si Eva kay Terron. "Mag-isip sa ano?"

"About what I said earlier. You were out of it the whole dinner, so I thought you were thinking about it."

"Ah." Huminga ng malalim si Eva saka tiningala ang kalangitan. "Yeah. I'd been thinking about it. Ang totoo niyan, hindi ko alam kung may gusto ako sayo o wala, Your Grace. Sumasakit ang ulo ko sa kakaisip kaya nagdesisyon akong huwag na lang mag-isip."

"That's okay. At least it's not a straight 'no'."

Ibinalik ni Eva ang tingin kay Terron. "Aren't we optimistic?"

Terron shrugged before resting his head on Eva's shoulder. "I like you, Ev. I won't lie and say that I wouldn't be happy if you liked me too, because I'll be thrilled for sure. But I don't want you to be so out of it or lose sleep over it. It's okay if you don't like me. Okay na sakin 'to."

Nakahinga ng maluwang si Eva sa mga sinabi ni Terron, pero gusto pa rin niyang malaman kung talagang mag gusto siya sa binata. Kaya naman kailangan niyang mag-imbestiga. At isa lang ang klase ng imbestigasyon na nasa isip niya—halik.

That's right. A kiss.

After reading a few articles about liking someone, Eva came out with a plausible hypothesis. If she enjoyed the kiss, then that means she's attracted to Terron. And if she wanted to do more than kissing, that means she liked him. But if she found the kiss distasteful, then that means she only thinks of Terron as a friend.

Simple, right?

"Your Grace?"

"Hmm?"

"Umayos ka ng upo at humarap ka sa'kin."

Without thinking too much of Eva's sudden request, Terron obliged and faced Eva.

Underneath the stars and the moon, surrounded by the tranquil sound of the sea, Eva suddenly cupped Terron's face, surprising Terron.

Huh?

And without warning, Eva just brought her face close to Terron's—so close that they could feel each other's breath. Terron only had to move a little and his lips would taste Eva's, but he was frozen in place. Too stunned to move.

"Your Grace?"

"H-hmm?" He could feel Eva's breathing brushing against his lips. His throat went dry, and he gulped.

"Puwede ba kitang halikan?"

At that moment, Terron felt their role had been reversed. But unlike Eva, who got scared of the same question he asked earlier, he wholeheartedly nodded and responded in a low voice, "all yours."

Bumaba ang tingin ni Eva sa mga labi ni Terron na isang dangkal lang ang layo sa labi niya. Bago pa siya mawalan ng lakas ng loob na ipagpatuloy ang imbestigasyong naisip, mabilis na inilapat ni Eva ang labi sa mga labi ni Terron.

It was a quick kiss. A peck on the lips.

When Eva immediately pulled away, Terron had to muster all his strength not to chase after Eva's lips.

Reluctance was visible on Terron's face as he stared at Eva's lips longingly. He thought everything would end there until Eva's thumb that was cupping his face touched his lower lips as if she was feeling them.

And without warning, Eva kissed him again.

This time, it was not a peck. Eva moved her lips against his. But before Terron could respond, Eva pulled away again and just stared at his lips.

"What?" Terron asked in a whisper. He was going crazy. He wanted more of Eva's lips!

"Your Grace?"

"Yes? What is it?" Terron applauded himself for still being able to control himself.

"Hindi ako marunong humalik." Ngayon lang iton naisip ni Eva.

"That's okay." Terron whispered before cupping Eva's nape and pulling her close. "I'll teach you." Terron then claimed Eva's lips. Unlike Eva's kisses, he instantly slid his tongue inside and teased the roof of her mouth.

"Uhmm..." hindi napigilan ni Eva ang ungol na bigla nalang lumabas sa bibig niya kapagkuwan ay wala sa sariling nahawak siya sa balikat ng binata habang mas lalong lumalalim ang halik ni Terron.

Eva didn't know how to kiss. She didn't have any experience. However, she learns fast.

She mimicked how Terron's lips moved against hers and soon after; she was kissing Terron back with the same intensity, while soft groans and moans escaped both hers and Terron's mouth.

Kissing so fervently as if there was no tomorrow, Terron and Eva soon had to catch their breath.

As they both pulled away from each, their eyes that were full of desire met.

Seeing the desire in Eva's eyes, something inside Terron snapped, and he claimed Eva's lips once again. He kissed her deeply and ravaged her lips mercilessly.

Eva was kissed until her head spun.

Bahagyang tinulak ni Eva si Terron kapagkuwan para maging malaya ang labi niya. "W-wait... Your Grace... h-hindi ako makahinga."

Tumigil nga si Terron sa paghalik sa labi ni Eva, pero dumapo naman ang mga labi nito sa gilid ng labi niya, sa pisngi niya, tungki ng ilong niya, sa pagitan ng kilay niya at sa nuo niya.

And after kissing her face all over, Terron's lips moved to kiss her jaw, then those same lips traveled down to her neck, and it elicited a soft moan from Eva.

"Uhmm..."

A part of Eva was throbbing. And it was affecting her thought process. That throbbing sensation was fueling her desire to do more with Terron. She found herself wrapping her arms around Terron's neck and letting Terron kissed and licked her neck down to her collarbone.

"Your Grace..." she softly moaned when Terron lightly sucked the skin on her neck.

Eva had called Terron 'Your Grace' countless times now, but this was the first time that Terron find it so alluring. In his ear, Eva sounded like she was enticing him... tempting to do some bad things to her.

Terron had to curve his desire and bury his face in the hallow of Eva's neck to take control of himself. He didn't want to take Eva's innocence, knowing he was going to leave.

Terron squeezed his eyes shut when he felt his lower region still throbbing and rearing its head, desperate for attention. "Fuck..."

Eva's lips felt swollen and sore after being kissed until her head spun, but her attention turned to Terron when she heard him cussed. "Ayos ka lang ba, Your Grace?"

"Yeah. I'm fine." Pabulong na sagot ni Terron.

"Masakit din ba ang labi mo tulad ng sa akin?"

Mahinang natawa si Terron saka nag-angat ng tingin kay Eva at sinapo ang pisngi ng dalaga. "Let me see."

Eva puckered her lips to show it to Terron.

Terron chuckled at Eva's appearance. As if she was asking for a kiss. "Yeah. It's indeed swollen."

"Sore, too, Your Grace."

"I shouldn't have kissed you senseless. Forgive me?"

"Okay."

Eva's head was in turmoil. Base sa imbestigasyon niya, mukha ngang may gusto siya kay Terron. Their kisses were the proof of that. Ni wala siyang pagtutol na naramdaman sa paghalik sa kaniya ng binata. She wholeheartedly welcomed it, forgetting her bottom line with it came to men.

Naputol ang pag-iisip ni Eva ng maramdamang may humaplos sa pisngi at pang-ibabang labi niya. Ibinalik niya ang atensiyon sa binata at natigilan ng makita ang masuyong ekspresyon sa mukha nito habang titig na titig sa kaniya.

"What is it, Your Grace?"

Umiling lang si Terron saka hinalikan siya sa nuo bago siya masuyong niyakap.

Nang maramdaman ni Eva ang init ng katawan ni Terron, bigla siyang dinalaw ng antok. Naghikab siya. "Your Grace?"

"Hmm?"

"Inaantok na ako pero ayoko pang bumaba."

"Then sleep here. Buhatin na lang kita patungo sa kuwarto mamaya." Binigyang distansiya ni Terron ang katawan nila ng dalaga saka ibinuka niya ang mga braso. "Come here. I'll be your pillow."

Walang pag-aalinlangan na gumalaw si Eva para mahiga sa mahabang sofa at ginawa niyang unan ang mga braso at dibdib ng binata.

With her back comfortably resting against Terron's upper body, she stared at the sky full of stars. Soon after, her eyes closed, and she fell asleep. Before she fully lost her consciousness, she heard Terron whispered "goodnight" over her ear and kissing her temple.

Napatitig si Terron sa dalagang mahimbing nang natutulog sa braso niya. Ramdam ni Terron ang tiwala sa kaniya ni Eva. If she didn't trust him that much, she would never sleep defenselessly in front of him.

Napabuntong-hininga nalang siya saka humigpit ang yakap sa dalaga. Halos kalahating oras din ang lumipas bago niya binuhat si Eva at dinala sa kuwarto saka maingat na ihiniga ang dalaga sa kama.

After making sure that Eva was comfortable, he went back to the sundeck to pick up Eva's phone that fell on to the sofa when he picked her up earlier.

Naka-lock ang cellphone ni Eva pero nakita pa rin ni Terron sa notification nito na may natanggap itong chat galing kay 'Eth❤️', pero nakatago ang mensahe nito.

Hindi maalis ni Terron ang tingin sa heart emoji. With a dark expression on his face, he wondered if Eth was a man or a woman. Nevertheless, the heart emoji was bothering him.

Leaving the sundeck with Eva's phone, he decided to ask Eva tomorrow if he had a heart beside his name on her contacts. And if he had none, then he would be shameless, and asked her to put three or more hearts beside his name.

CECELIB | C.C.