This is the last chapter of Seen Like This. See you in Epilogue!

Seen

"What's with the sudden dinner? And why is Olivia here, Luke?" Boses 'yon ni Tita Ariana.

"Mommy..." Parang nananaway ang boses ni Cyan!

He's here!

Namilog ang mata ko nang marinig ang boses niya, humawak pa ako ng mahigpit sa hagdan habang bumababa.

"Shut up, Ariana. You're clearly in my house," mariing sagot ni Mommy.

"You, shut up, bitch. Baka 'di kita matantya, ikaw na nga lang nakikisali sa family dinner," pang-uuyam ni Tita Ariana.

Hala! Suminghap ako.

Naalala kong may bouquet pala akong ginawa para kay Cyan kaya napabalik ako sa kwarto ko. I walked out of the room after that. I was wearing a pair of pink silk pajamas and gray socks with bunny ears.

"Tama na 'yan, kakainin pa tayo. Mamaya na kayo magbatuhan ng plato," natatawang saway ni Tito.

I peeked through the doorway while hugging the bouquet I made. Nakaupo si Tita Ariana, nagtataray kay Mommy na nanggigil sa tapat niya. Meanwhile, Tito and Dad were beside their wives.

Ang pinakamaganda naman ay nasa tabi ni Tita Ariana at tumitingin-tingin sa ulam na nakahain. I smiled while staring at his face before I decided to make my presence known.

"Good evening po..." bati ko, yakap ang bouquet at nakatingin sa kanila.

"Ciel! How are you, hijo?" ngiti ni Tita Ariana na nagbaba ng tingin sa hawak ko. "Wow, ang cute naman ng gawa mong bouquet."

"Ang effort, ah?" dinig kong saad ni Tito.

"Palagi namang ma-effort 'yan," tawa ni Dad.

Walang imik si Mommy at nanonood lang sa akin.

Inuna ko munang mag-beso kay Tita Ariana, sunod kay Tito Ian, bago ako walang alinlangang tumungo kay Cyan na namumula. I kissed his forehead, my heart banging loudly because of their stares but that didn't stop me.

"Good evening, ganda." I took a seat beside him, laying the bouquet on his receiving arms.

He looked flushed and when he smiled— he was almost preventing it. "Thank you..." Bumaba ang namimilog niyang mga mata sa bouquet at umukit ang maliit na ngiti.

"So what Cyan told us was really true? Kayo na talaga?" tawa ni Tito Ian.

"What?" Halos pabulong iyong boses ni Mommy.

Tita Ariana raised a brow. "Are you saying something?"

Napangiwi si Cyan at tumunghay sa 'kin.

"Opo," sagot ko at sumulyap kay Mommy.

"Hindi naman toxic ang anak ko, ano?"

Tita Ariana slapped Tito Ian's arm. Dad shook his head with a small smile.

"Dad!" saway ng namumulang si Cyan. "Kaya ayokong ipakilala boyfriend ko sa 'yo, eh."

Nangingiti siyang tinukso-tukso ng Dad niya. I could not help but watch the interaction closely. It melted me knowing how much he is loved by his parents.

"Let's eat," tikhim ni Mommy at nilagyan ng kanin ang plato namin ni Dad.

We started eating but the focus were on us. Hindi ko maiwasang mahiya, lalo na at nanunudyo ang tingin nila Dad at Tito Ian. Especially if I kept on slicing the meat on Cyan's plate for him.

Kung inalagaan na lang kaya nila asawa nila? Kasi inaalagaan ko rin naman ang akin.

"So, dito pa rin uuwi si Ciel, Luke? Aren't you afraid what will she do?" Tinuro ni Tita Ariana si Mommy na napatiim ang bagang.

Dad glanced at me. "Nagpupumilit si Ciel. Let's just hope for the better, right?" Malamig ang mga mata siyang lumingon kay Mommy na tumango nang dahan-dahan.

Hindi ko na lang sila pinansin at binulungan si Cyan. "Did you like it, baby? Kagabi ko lang ginawa 'yan, hehe." Ngiting-ngiti ako.

He smiled and pinched my leg. Nangingiti kong pinikit ang isang mata. "You didn't tell me that it's today! Sabi mo, uuwi ka!" bulong niya at mukha pang inis sa akin.

"Uuwi nga, ngayon..." tawa ko na hindi ko napigilang kumawala dahil matinis at halatang-halata na tuwang-tuwa.

Kasi sino ba ang 'di magiging ganito kasaya kapag siya na ang kausap. His pissed expression meant the world to me. Dagdagan mo pa na ang ganda kahit napipikon at nakasimangot minsan.

"So the dinner is about them?" ani Mommy na sinulyapan kami.

Cyan scoffed. Nangingiti kong tinusok ang kaniyang bewang.

"This is worth celebrating for. At nakauwi na rin si Ciel," ngiti ni Tita Ariana. "Wala namang mawawala, Olivia. You should start not making it a big deal because there's nothing wrong with that."

Mom didn't replied and continued eating.

"Kailan kayo nag-start na may something?" tanong ni Tito.

Ngumuso ako. "Promise po, Tito, nagagandahan lang talaga ako sa kaniya noong una." I side-eyed Cyan because I feel like he's gonna tell them that I have a crush on him!

Wala naman!

Humagalpak si Cyan. "What? Wala pa akong sinasabi, pinangunahan mo na ako!"

"Wala, ah?" Ngumisi ako dahil tagumpay!

Tita Ariana laughed. "Si Cyan kasi crush ka na niya noong nakita ka niya! Ang pogi mo raw kahit ang layo sa tipo niya." She even have the guts to chuckle as if her words didn't took an offense on me.

"Ouch," halakhak ni Dad na mukhang nang-aasar.

"Mommy!" tili ni Cyan at hinampas pa ang braso ni Tita Ariana.

"Mga gymrat po ba type niya, Tita?" I smiled calmly.

"Fudge," Cyan murmured as he tried to peek at me.

But my side-eye killed his courage. Umiwas siya ng tingin habang tumatawa ang mga parents namin. Pero ako ay naba-badtrip kahit na hindi ko naman dapat i-bigdeal!

"But wala naman iyan sa type, Ciel, 'di ba?" Tito Ian chuckled as he sipped on his wine. "Mas maganda kasi kapag malayo sa tipo mo. Ilang beses lang kinukwento sa amin ni Cyan."

"Kasi ang poganda niya!" dagdag ni Cyan na mukhang mabait dahil guilty.

I almost smiled. He does worry a lot.

"So who made the first move?" ngisi ni Dad habang si Mommy ay nakikinig lang sa pang-aasar sa amin.

"Me, I'm trying so hard to be friends with him. Umakyat pa ako sa treehouse niya! Para akong umaakyat ng ligaw sa anak niyo po, Tito!" kwento ni Cyan. "But he was so sungit..."

"Talaga? Kaya pala may lubid do'n!" tawa ni Tito Ian.

"Of course, ma-effort ako. Nagsikap din naman si Ciel kaya nandito kami ngayon." Bumungisngis si Cyan.

Natawa tuloy ako habang umiinom sa juice niya. Strawberry kasi ang nakahain sa kaniya samantalang akin ay grapes. Gusto ko kasi talaga ay hati kami sa mga bagay-bagay.

"Lover boy naman si Ciel, 'di ba?" ani Dad na ikinasimangot ko.

"Why do you have to ask that, Dad? It's private!" diin ko.

"And you kissed your boyfriend's forehead... gave him flowers... and tell me it's private?" pang-aasar pa niya.

Humalakhak silang lahat. Namula kami ni Cyan.

"Oo, Dad, kasi 'yun nga... I just like making him happy. Kaya kung napapansin niyo, okay lang. Pero sobra na 'yung chismis, Daddy! You don't have to repeat it!" naiinis kong pahayag.

"Iiyak na 'yan mamaya, Tito. Stop teasing my boyfriend, please," tawa ni Cyan at nikagyan ng steak ang plato ko. "Here, Ciel, 'di ko na siya maubos..."

I ate it eventually despite their teasing. Napipikon lang ako samantalang tawa nang tawa si Cyan sa kanila. Hindi ko rin siya ma-gets, eh, nakikipagsabayan tapos didipensahan niya naman ako kapag napikon na naman.

Tss, bad but pretty.

"Baby, may request ako." Ngiting-ngiti siya, kaya alam kong may binabalak.

"Hmm?" I looked up to him, slowly tracing the line art I am currently at.

"Busy ka?" tanong niya, bitbit ang make-up kit niya at nakiusyo pa sa ginagawa ko.

"Hindi naman..." I held his waist and pulled him on my lap. "Ano 'yon? Nagsi-sketch lang ako ng portrait mo. Ginawa kong reference 'yung recent post mo sa Instagram."

"Excited na akong makita 'yung result. Kinikilig ako." He embraced my nape softly. "May sketchbook kang puno ng mukha ko. May chibi rin ako roon! I hate you!" He pointed his forefinger at me.

I chuckled. "Ang ganda mo, eh. Ano 'yung request mo, ganda?"

Hindi napawi ang ngisi sa kaniyang labi. "Promise me first that you'll say yes..." aniya pa.

"Sabihin mo muna." Ngumiti ako at tinaasan siya ng kilay.

"Mag-oo ka kasi!"

"Hindi mo pa sinasabi. Baka break-up pala 'yang hinihingi mo," may hinanakit kong sinabi at nangilid agad ang luha.

"Hindi kasi 'yan!" Humalakhak siya. "I'm actually watching another type of make-up and I haven't tried it pa. Pero tinatamad ako sa face ko ngayon."

"Hmm..."

"Kaya ikaw ang maswerte tonight! Ikaw ang napili kong mimi-make-up-an ko!" He clasped his hand together, and while he was there— he looked really beautiful.

He's like a living painting. His skin looks soft enough to melt into my hands. He's glowing. I could spend forever just staring at him and still not get enough. How does someone look this perfect, this gentle, and yet this untouchable all at once?

"Tss, paano kung ayoko?" irap ko ay sinundot siya sa bewang.

How is he mine tonight? How did I get this lucky? And the worst part or best part? I wanted him to see just how much I noticed, how much I adored him. He has no idea how fast my heart is beating right now. How bright the world feels when he's near. How insanely, ridiculously happy he makes me.

"You have to!" He moved his thigh and pressed my legs closed to each other while he was on top of me— his legs spreading.

"Kiss muna, please, ganda?" ngiti ko at ngumuso.

Kaya ko naman siyang pagbigyan, pero kanina ko pa gustong halikan ang labi niya, kaya kinuha ko na 'yong tsansa.

Natatawa siyang umirap, hinawakan ang magkabilang pisngi ko bago pumatak ng halik sa labi ko. Before he could pull out, I held his waist and kissed him fervently. Napaliyad siya at nang sumulyap ako sa salamin ay arkong-arko ang likod niya.

My hand slipped under the sweater he's wearing. Naka-cycling lang pala siya kaya napaiwas ako ng tingin habang hinahalikan ang kaniyang labi. He moaned softly when my tongue tried to flick inside his mouth.

"Asan na 'yung make-up mo?" I asked in a raspy voice, my eyes trying to flip down as if sleepy.

Pero hindi ko maipagkakaila. Gustong-gusto ko talagang halikan siya. Pero ayoko ring patayin yung excitement niya ngayon. Mas importante 'yon. Ngingiti ba naman ng napakaganda.

"It's here!" aniya at kinuha ang bag na nasa kama.

He was still on my lap while he was placing a primer on my face. "Saya, ah?" ngiti ko dahil panay ang tawa niya.

He laughed softly. "Excited lang ako. First client kita." He dabbed a little more primer onto my nose. "Close your eyes properly kapag may ilalagay ako sa eyes mo, ah."

"I will," I protested, though one eye cracked open just to peek at him.

I liked watching Cyan like this— focused, careful, tongue peeking out just a bit when he was concentrating too hard. That tiny detail, just the way he furrows his brow... I could memorize every little thing about him and still want more. I could stare forever and still feel like I'm discovering something new.

"You trust me, right?" aniya na natatawa na naman habang may nilalagay sa mukha ko.

"Oo naman. I trust you with everything, Cy."

"Make-up artist ka na ngayon?"

"Syempre," sagot niya, proud pa. "'Pag ikaw ang canvas, mas ganado. Boyfriend ko ba naman..."

Humalakhak ako at hinawakan siya ng mahigpit sa bewang dahil baka mahulog.

"Tapos after nito, kukunan kita ng pictures. We won't post it, though. Magkaka-crush sila sa 'yo, grr..." aniya.

"Tapos ikaw ang crush ko..." ngiti ko at pumatak ng halik sa baba niya.

Halos kumawala ang puso ko sa dibdib ko. Mahal na mahal ko siya. Palagi kong mamahalin. Palagi kong iintindihin. Mas lalo kong palalalimin.

He dabbed foundation over my face, blending it carefully with soft strokes. "This will even out your skin tone," he explained. His hands were so gentle, careful not to smudge nor to hurt.

Ang gaan ng kamay. Para akong pinapatulog. I'm so lucky that I got to be touched by him. Feels like a goddess touching a lake water and feel weightless, like I could sink into this moment forever, letting the current of him carry me.

"Foundation done," he said, moving on to concealer under my eyes and over little spots. "Because I want you to look alive, even if you sound like a sleepy kitten."

"Ganyan na ba ako kamukhang pusa?" Ngumuso ako.

"Pogandang pusa..."

He laughed and brushed some translucent powder over my face to set everything with a soft pat-pat motion. The blush came next— soft pink, just enough to make me look like I'd been smiling in the sun. I could feel his fingers graze my cheekbones lightly, lingering a second too long.

"Highlighter," he murmured, using a tiny brush to put shimmer along my cheekbones, nose, and brow bone. "You glow naturally, but I want to see more of it."

He picked up my eyeshadow palette next. A sweep of soft brown over my eyelids, a touch of shimmer in the inner corners. He lined my eyes with a gentle flick at the corners and applied mascara, careful not to poke me.

"Mukhang pusa talaga... Pipikit-pikit pa 'yan," he teased in a soft, endearing voice.

Ngumuso ako. "Pikunin mo 'ko, sige ka diyan. Buburahin ko 'to."

Humalakhak siya. "Biro lang, baby. Lipstick naman." He applied it on my parted lips. "Bagay sa 'yo kapag may mascara ka. Mas lalong nadi-define yung eyes mo, baby. Huhu, ang ganda..."

When we both finished the session. Kinunan pa niya ako ng ilang pictures. Mayroon ding nakahawak siya sa pisngi ko, gano'n din ako sa kaniya at pareho kaming nakanguso sa camera. Halos hindi rin makita ang kabuuan naming mukha dahil nagsiksikan doon.

"So cute," bulong niya.

Hinapit ko siya sa bewang at tinitigan ang sarili sa salamin niya. "Galing mag-makeup, ah?" anas ko.

It looked natural except for the mascara that made my eyes hooded. I rolled us on the bed as we laughed. Panay ang pindot niya sa phone at tinitignan ang pictures ko. Humalik ako sa kaniyang leeg at doon huminga.

"Bango mo," bulong ko at kinagat-kagat ang leeg niya.

He chuckled. "Nakikiliti ako! Hindi ako maka-focus sa phone ko. Ini-edit ko pa yung picture natin! Ciel!"

"Bakit ie-edit?" I murmured and gripped his waist tightly, biting his nape as he moaned a bit.

"Wala lang, trip ko lang," aniya.

Tumunghay ako at kinuha sa kaniya ang phone. I went to his TikTok app for filters but I accidentally hit the live. Nagpa-panic ako kaya kung ano-ano na ang napipindot. While Cyan was prettily laughing beside me.

"Baby, marami nang viewers tapos noo mo lang nakikita nila," tawa niya sabay kinuha sa 'kin ang phone ko.

I swallowed hard while looking at the comments. Therw were even hearts at the side popping up like bubbles, and some stickers.

"N-Nahihiya ako. Ang dami nila," saad ko at nilayo pa ang camera sa akin.

"Just look at the comments. Breathe in and out lang, baby. I'm here. You want me to handle this? You can leave this live. Ako na sasagot sa mga tanong nila," ngiti niya at tinagilid pa ang ulo.

Ngumuso ako. "Gusto ko, kasama mo..."

He shuffled on the bed and hugged my pillow. "Okay..." Tumikhim siya sabay sulyap sa 'kin. "Say hi muna..."

"Hi..." Parang napaos ang boses ko at antok dahil nakadapa kaming dalawa at naiipit ang boses ko.

Mas lalong dumami ang comments. Cyan chuckled and laid his head on my shoulder. "Dami na agad ng fans mo. Boses pa lang 'yan, ah? Ano pa kaya sa personality mong pusa ka?" he teased.

"Nahihiya ako, ganda. I'm so conscious sa face ko," bulong ko, pilit hinahila yung unan sa harap ko para taguan ng mukha ko.

"Pogi mo nga. Later, laplapin kita," bulong niya na ikinamilog ng mata ko. He chuckled and tapped my back.

Talaga?

"Ano na ginagawa niyo? Cute niyo naman," tanong ng isa sa comments.

Cyan smiled. "Sige, sagutin ko na. We're just doing some makeup. Simple, natural lang. Siya 'yung pinagpraktisan ko." Tiningnan niya ako. "You know what type of makeup is that, baby?"

"Hmm, pang-everyday lang. Light foundation, blush, highlight, neutral eyeshadow, mascara, soft lipstick... hindi heavy," sagot ko. "I learned that from Cyan!"

'Cute ng boses.'

'Bagay sila, huhu.'

"Sino mas clingy?" tanong ng isa pa na sumakto dahil inamoy ko ang balikat ni Cy.

"Obviously... me," sabi ko at niyakap na lang ang unan.

Cyan giggled as he scrolled. "How do you react, Ciel, if maraming nagkaka-crush kay Cyan? It doesn't even matter to me." Humalakhak siya.

Tumawa ako ng mahina. "Hindi na po 'yon nakakapagtaka. Ang ganda kasi niya tapos ang bait pa..."

Cyan's laugh died down and turned into a beaming smile. Nangingiti niyang pinanood ang comments.

"Tapos sa 'kin pa napunta. I'm not usually threatened or jealous sa ganyan. Unless someone touches him." I tilted my head and smiled.

Kumunot pa ang noo ko sa isang comment na sa kaniya na lang daw si Cyan! Bakit ko siya ibibigay?! He wants a fight?!

I shook my head. "Wala kayong chance. He's mine. All mine." Ngumuso ako at muling natawa. "Huwag niyo siya kunin sa 'kin, inaalagaan ko siya ng maayos..."

Nag-eenjoy ako kakasagot habang nangingiti lang na tumitingin sa akin si Cyan.

"May possibility ba na masasama ka sa vlog ni queen?" tanong ng isa.

I glanced at Cyan who was nodding. "Oo raw, pwede. Siya lang naman ang hinihintay ko, gusto ko kasi muna marinig ang permission niya. Hindi ko pwedeng basta na lang i-insert sarili ko sa video po..."

"Gosh, ang bait niya, 'no?" tawa ni Cyan habang nakatingin sa camera.

"Sa bashers mo, hindi ako mabait," I stated clearly. "Mabait ako sa mabait kay Cyan." I looked at the camera with a glare. "Huwag niyo siyang awayin, iba-bash ko rin kayo."

Humagalpak siya at hinampas-hampas ang braso ko. "Baby, ano ba!"

"Let's spread kindness na lang. Tsaka huwag kayo mag-demand ng vlogs sa kaniya kasi busy siya always," mahinahong sabi ko. "Thank you po."

Hindi mawala ang titig niya sa akin habang ako ay nag-eenjoy naman kakabasa ng comments. Lalo na 'yung nagsasabi na maganda siya. He's so loved, but I'll love him more than anyone could.

"Ganda," tawag ko sa kaniya habang binabasa ang tanong. "May chance ba raw na lagi akong mag-a-appear sa vlogs mo?"

Cyan tilted his head. "Minsan lang ako magva-vlog, guys. But I won't really show what Ciel and I have in social media. Kaunting updates lang gano'n but I don't have any plans na ubusin 'yung about sa amin online. Actually, napindot nga lang namin 'tong live, eh."

I nodded and smiled at the camera. "Oo..."

Cyan leaned a little closer to me, his shoulder brushing mine. "Hindi namin kailangan ipakita lahat. Some things are just for us. Marami pa namang evil eye, example si Arden. Hi Arden, just kidding!" He smirked.

I felt my cheeks heat up, and I glanced at him, trying not to smile too widely.

"And don't worry," Cyan added, flashing that small, mischievous grin at the camera. "We'll still give you guys little updates. But Ciel... he's still a little shy."

I laughed softly, covering my face with one hand. "Hindi ako sanay... Huwag na pala tayo mag-live..." bulong ko.

He chuckled, leaning closer so his cheek almost touched mine. "It's okay, baby. That's why it's cute. At 'yun nga, just a little peek for everyone... the rest is ours."

I looked back at the camera, my heart still fluttering. "Oo... a little peek," I seconded with multiple nods.

"You can post anything since it's your feed naman," basa niya sa isang comment. "Yes, of course I can post whatever I want. But some moments are meant to stay private. Not everything needs to be online."

"But it's your life," sabi ng isa. "Huwag mong i-mind ang mga sinasabi ng tao sa kung anong pinagpo-post mo."

Umangat ang dalawang kilay ko dahil parang makikipag-debate pa ata. Mas lalo ko tuloy nilapit ang mukha ko sa camera.

"Yes, it's my life, and I get to choose what I share," Cyan answered while I clapped for him. "Draining kaya, guys. Hindi naman pinapakinggan ng mga tao ang music sa notes ko! Walang nagla-like, si Ciel lang!"

I won't miss those small parts!

"Pero ipo-post niya 'yung foods! Hindi mawawala ang foods sa story niya!" I said with urgency.

He could live the life he wants and no one will force him to do otherwise. I feel honored that someone like him allows me in, even as he walks a path only he can define. He doesn't need anyone's permission to exist fully, and yet he chooses to share pieces of himself with me.

And that is the most profound, beautiful, and deeply moving thing I will ever know.

"M-Matagal pa po ba 'yan?" tanong ko sa babaeng gumagawa ng bouquet sa pinuntahan kong flower shop.

She looked at me, her eyes throwing daggers but smiling. "Medyo po, Sir..."

May pumasok na lalaki na kasing tangkad ko lang din at iyon ang inasikaso niya. Kumunot ang noo ko at marahas na bumaling sa lalaki na sumulyap lang sa akin.

"What?"

"Tss..." Inirapan ko siya sabay baba ng tingin sa phone ko nang tumunog.

Arcyan Isidore: Where are you, Ciel? Kanina pa 'ko rito. You told that you're on the way. On the water ba ang mini-mean mo? :3

Nakagat ko ang labi at napalunok, panay ang sulyap ko sa ginagawang bouquet ng babae. Pwede bang pakibilisan? Pero baka mabali 'yung stem nila? Pero naghihintay din si Cyan sa akin! Bakit kasi ngayon pa nagka-aberya?

"Bakit ka nauna?" tanong ko sa lalaking katabi ko.

"Mabilis lang ako," he bummed with a smirk lingering on his lips. "For your girlfriend?" tanong niya at nakatingin sa bulaklak na hindi pa matapos-tapos.

Inangatan ko lang siya ng kilay at hindi pinansin. I stared at the bouquet that is made of soft pink lilies and pink roses, with a small white baby's breath flowers added around.

"She's receiving your bouquet, then?" aniya na nakangisi.

"Boyfriend, tss," irap ko at tumingin sa tindera. "Ano po... pwede ako na lang mag-wrap nito?"

Sumulyap ang tindera sa lalaki. "Sir Hale, pwede po bang sa kaniya muna unahin ko?"

Very important person ba 'yan para unahin?

I glanced at the guy who shrugged. "Sure. My bouquets are just gonna end up in the backseat, anyway." Natatawa pa siyang sumulyap sa akin, nakapatong ang kamay sa counter. "It's always like this, don't worry."

Ngumiwi ako. Pinagsasabi nito?

Tahimik lang ako habang patuloy sa pagdaldal ang lalaki na hindi ko naman maintindihan kung ano ang pinaghuhugutan. Para siyang baliw na kinakausap ang sarili tapos tatawa habang nakatingin sa akin.

"Ito po, Sir. Pasensya na po at medyo naantala," nahihiyang sabi ng tindera.

I could not say that it was okay. However, I nodded with a smile on my face when I noticed how the bouquet turned out. Magandang-maganda. Bagay na bagay sa tatanggap.

"Thank you po." I slightly bowed my head after paying for it.

The guy smirked at me. Inirapan ko siya at nagmartsa paalis ng shop. Papansin ba 'yon?

Halos hikain ako para lang makarating sa lugar kung saan kami magkikita nila Cyan. Nandoon na sila at naghihintay sa 'kin. I almost cursed when I noticed Cyan was not in the mood.

"Hala..."

Nagtatawanan silang lahat sa 'kin. Inangatan lang ako ng kilay ni Cyan.

"Ay, bongga!" ani Rica na nakatingin sa bouquet na yakap ko. "Si Ciel, 'di nakikinig! Sabi ko, wala munang couple for today's video kasi nakakaumay!"

"P-Pero Valentine's ngayon," I retaliated.

Tumawa si Rica. "Ang cute cute mo, titirisin na kita."

Ngumuso ako at lumakad sa pwesto ni Cy. He was really sulking. Ang ganda niya na naman.

"Kaya naman pala natagalan. Tatampo ka pa niyan, Cyan?" hagikhik ni Feli at binangga pa ang kaniyang braso.

Annika wrapped her arms around my shoulder. "Eh, ako? Wala ako?" Humagalpak siya.

"Tama ka na," tawa ni Arden.

"Sorry, na-late..." Hinaplos ko ang buhok. I even moticed the sweat on my forehead when my palm brushed against it slightly. "Ganda, sorry..."

Sumimangot siya sa akin. Natatawa akong binitawan ni Annika at pumasok sa driver's seat dahil siya ang magmamaneho.

"Tara na, tara na," aya ni Nile at pumasok sa sasakyan— sumunod din ang iba sa kaniya.

"Happy Valentine's Day," bulong ko at niyuko siya sabay bigay ng bouquet.

He bit his lower lip and rolled his eyes. "Thank you for this. Happy Valentine's Day din..."

Pumasok ako sa sasakyan at agad na tumabi si Cyan sa 'kin. He wrapped the flowers on his arms and I scooted closer. Umiirap pa rin sa akin kaya alam kong badtrip pa rin. Hinayaan ko siyang magmaldita.

"Sorry, medyo naantala kasi talaga," bulong ko, nanunuyo ang boses at hinahaplos ang kaniyang palapulsuhan. "Hindi ko sadya..."

"Pero gusto kong sumama kanina, tapos ayaw mo..." he stated.

"Kasi gusto kong i-surprise ka," I replied and pouted. "Sorry na..."

"Asan na 'yung 'di mauulit?" Tumaas ang kaniyang kilay.

"Hindi mapipigilan 'yung gano'n. Burnt toast theory, ganda..."

"Marunong ka nang lumusot!" puna niya at nainis na naman.

Ngumuso ako. "Kasi totoo naman. Sorry na, oh... Pansinin mo na 'ko. Wala rin akong kiss na natanggap mula sa 'yo. Galit ka talaga, ganda?"

"Ganyan kasi manuyo, pre! 'Yan tuloy, hanggang tingin ka na lang!"

"Kung manahimik ka kaya? Nanggagago pa, amputa!"

"Shut me up, then."

Mas lalo ko tuloy hininaan ang boses ko, yumuyuko pa rin kay Cyan na nakasimangot pa rin. Ang ganda ganda naman...

"Natagalan kasi, ganda. Tapos'yung tindera, inuna pa 'yung huli na customer!" sumbong ko at hinawakan siya sa bewang. "Sabi ko pa nga, ako na lang magra-wrap kasi ang tagal niya."

"Napopogian siguro siya sa 'yo kaya pinapatagalan niya," he grumbled, his lips pouting.

"Hindi, ah? Pero muntik ko na siyang agawan ng trabaho, ganda. Ayokong maging harsh pero..." Sumimangot ako. "Ang tagal niya! Nainis ka pa tuloy."

Seryoso niya akong nilingon at mabilis ang pag-ukit ng pagpipigil niya ng ngiti. Natatawa siyang umirap sa akin. Nahawa tuloy ako habang siya ay sinasandal ang ulo sa balikat ko.

"Pero naiinis talaga ako..."

"Okay lang naman mainis sa 'kin," ngiti ko. "May point ka rin naman. Sabi ko sa 'yo, mauuna lang ako pero nauna ka pa sa 'kin. Ang tagal mo rin kasing naghintay."

Ngumuso siya at bumaba ang tingin sa bouquet. "Ang ganda nito, ah? Mahal pa, ilang flowers din 'to. Thank you..."

"Kasing ganda mo 'yan."

It took us a while to the beach. Nakatulog na nga si Cyan sa balikat ko. Kaya ang ginawa ko ay pinahiga ko na lang siya sa seat at pinaunan sa hita ko. Mamamanhid lang ang leeg niya kung gano'n ang pwesto niya.

"Baby, here. I made it for you..." aniya nang pababa kami, nilalahad sa akin ang hawak na pulang paper bag habang hawak ko siya bewang.

I opened it immediately and was greeted with a pink crocheted sweater with a daisy embroidery on the left side of the chest!

Ngumuso ako at pakiramdam ko'y lumamlam ang mga mata dahil sa natanggap. Agad ko siyang niyakap at nagtago sa kaniyang leeg. My heart was clenching just for this sweater!

Ang sakit nito sa kamay niya!

"Thank you," bulong ko. "Ang ganda..."

He laughed and tapped my back. "You're welcome. Happy Valentine's Day, baby. I love you..."

"Happy hearts, ganda. Love na love kita," I whispered and distanced myself.

Ang mahaba at puno ng disenyo niyang kuko ay dumaan sa tingin ko. Tumatawa niyang pinunasan ang gilid ng mata ko. Ngumuso ako at pumatak ng halik sa kaniyang noo.

"I already have a hunch that you have something to give to me, even if Rica told us not to kasi nainggit daw siya," biro niya. "I thought of these far days ahead."

"Hindi pwedeng wala kang bouquet. Bakit din kasi ngayon pa ang trip nila, eh, date sana natin 'to?" I grumbled under my breath.

He chuckled. "Takot kasi silang malamangan, baby."

Humalakhak ako at hinalikan siya sa pisngi— nilalakumos iyon ng mararahan ngunit matatagal na halik. He kept laughing and waiting for me to take out my giddiness before he asked me. It took a while.

"Let's go?"

I nodded while placing the sweater inside the paper bag again. Naghihintay na ang mga kasama namin sa reception area na may nanunudyong ngiti. Even Annika was taking a video or a photo of me and Cyan!

"My gosh, I'm so tired!" reklamo ni Cyan at kumapit sa braso ko. "Gusto ko na agad matulog! Huwag na muna akong maligo!"

"Ay, wow, may pagrereklamuhan ka na kasi, bakla. Kaya ka ganyan!" reklamo ni Rica. "Bilis mo nang manghina ngayon, ah?"

Cyan looked back at him with a smirk. "'Di ba? Ikaw ba? Meron? Ah, wala?"

"Sis, sasampalin kita!"

I chuckled and eyed Cyan's pink hobo bag. "Akin na bag mo..."

He gave it to me with a disappearing-eye smile. Natawa ako at nilagay iyon sa balikat ko.

"Akin din 'yang backpack mo. Exchange tayo!"

"Pero pagod ka..." I stated, holding the strap of my bag.

"Picture lang? It's cute kaya! Like naka-all black ka tapos bag mo pink! Ako coquette, tapos bag ko black! Likod lang natin, baby! Picture-an mo nga kami, bakla!" Binigay agad ni Cyan kay Feli ang phone niya.

Natatawa kong inalis ang bag ko at siya ang sumuot. Umukit agad ang ngiwi sa mukha niya dahil mabigat.

"Ang bigat," inda niya at pinalibot ang braso sa braso ko.

"Nandiyan halos lahat ng essentials mo, ganda." Ngumiwi ako sa kaniya, tumatawa.

Mga outfits at makeup niya andyan. Pati ang skincare niya nasa loob din. 'Yung akin ay isang shirt, pants at flannel dress shirt lang. Pati brief ko, hehe.

"Bakla, pangit ng camera mo."

I snatched my phone inside my pants' left pocket. "Try mo 'to, Feli..." I initiated and handed it to Feli. "Salamat."

"Huwag ako, alam kong gusto mo lang ang phone ni Ciel!" irap ni Cyan at naglakad.

I pressed my palm on his head and we walked. I heard shutters and Cyan was smiling. Nahahawa rin tuloy ako. But I was worried so I gripped my bag up while he was wearing it. Nangingiti niya akong nilingon.

"Okay na, 'te. Nainggit na kami," tawa ni Rica.

"Cute niyo, ah?" pang-aasar nila Annika.

"Sinayang lang," hagalpak ni Arden na mabilis na nakatanggap ng pabirong suntok sa tiyan mula kay Nile.

Nakatingin lang ako kay Cyan na sumasayaw sa gilid ng bonfire na gawa namin. He was smiling— strands of his hair fell down on his forehead, his pink tube top and white asymmetrical maxi skirt reached the bottom of his feet as he danced.

Clearly— he's drunk and pretty.

"Come on, ang ganda ng music!" he hyped us up.

Nangingiti ako habang pinapanood siyang tumawa habang sumasayaw kasama sina Rica. Arden was saying something to Nile that made the latter looked on him as he squinted his eyes. Umiwas ako ng tingin nang sumandal ang noo ni Arden sa kaniya.

The music was romantic. Tumungo ako kay Cyan dahil panay ang paypay sa akin papunta sa kaniya. I awkwardly stood there. Hala, anong gagawin ko rito? Nakakahiya— mukha akong tuod!

"Come on, baby, pakita naman ng dance moves!" halakhak niya sa tenga at humawak sa aking balikat.

"H-Hindi ako marunong, ganda..."

But despite of it, he smiled and held his skirt like he's a princess in a ballroom. I held his waist, a small smile touching my lips as I swayed our bodies. Naningkit tuloy ang mata niya sa kakangiti.

"Ang ganda mo. Ang ganda-ganda mo..." bulong ko at napangiti, saglit na nangilid ang luha. "Love na love ko kita..."

"Love na love rin kita..." He smiled. "Ganda ko, 'no?"

I chuckled and raised his arm to twirl him around. Mabilis ko siyang hinalikan sa noo at sa ilalim ng kahel na liwanag ng apoy— na kahit ang dilim ng paligid, dito ko lang makikita kung ano 'yung pinakamahalaga. Kung ano ang dapat mahalin at makita.

"Lagi't-lagi kang maganda," I assured.

My life had been slow dimming, a life lived in low light. And when he came, the color startled me. He didn't pull me into the light. Naghintay siya. The colors didn't erase where I came from... he layered over it gently. He didn't demand that I forget who I was in the dark. He honored it.

Mamahalin ko ang kulay ko... ang kulay niya... ang kulay sa gitna naming dalawa.

Because I know, it takes one person willing to see you clearly for the colors to finally appear. And I'm standing beside someone so undeniably pretty that it makes the world feel colorful just by existing. And I will stand, unflinching, letting every tender shade be seen like this if it meant being seen with him.