Chapter 12: Cheap

"Ang bango mo, what brand of a perfume you're using?" I asked as I continue smelling his shirt.

"Ano ba, tumigil ka nga sa kakaamoy riyan. Wala akong ginamit na pabango galing na talaga iyan sa nature ko."

I scoffed. "You're so full of yourself."

We're already on a trip. Si Kent ang nag-drive, sa tabi niya ay si Archie. Sa unang likuran naman ay nakaupo sina Sam at Trisha, sumunod ay si Chesca at Ariane, habang kami naman sa likod ni Zian.

I mentally laughed earlier about what happened. Nag-away pa kami ni Zian dahil ayaw niya raw akong katabi nang pinaalala ko sa kaniya ang sinabi niya kagabi.

"You said last night you'll make it up to me? Oh, e, bakit ayaw mo akong katabi ngayon?"

"Oo na, huwag ka na maingay."

"Oh! 'Di na ako tatabi sa 'yo, Kuya. Chesca tabi tayo!"

"Bakit kasi hindi sinama si Jace?" Zian asked.

"Kuya!"

"Busy si Jace kaya hindi makakasama, atsaka kahit naman hindi busy 'di pa rin iyon sasama, nandito si ex, e," sambit ni Kent sa unahan.

They laughed.

"What's the matter between her and the guy Jace?" I've ended up being curious.

Zian looked at me. "Hindi ko alam na tsismosa ka na pala ngayon?"

I glared at him. "Nagtanong lang ako, tsismosa agad? Bakit ang sungit mo na sa 'kin ngayon?"

"Kailan ba ako naging mabait sa 'yo?"

"Oh, may bangayan na naman diyan sa likod! Baka mamaya iyong isa diyan magkapasa, ha!" Archie interfered.

"Ha! Buti nga't natanong mo kasi alam mo? Hindi ka naman naging mabait sa 'kin! You jerk."

"Ito joke nga lang, galit ka na naman agad."

"Shut up." I just took my phone out and plugged my earphones in my ears to listen some music.

While listening the song 'If I Let You Go by Westlife', Zian repeatedly poked me.

I glared at him. "What?"

He shook his head. "You look sleepy," he mouthed.

Hindi ko siya pinansin at kinuha nalang ang menthol candy sa bag ko para hindi ako antukin dahil may nginunguyang maanghang. Tinanggal ko naman ang earphones sa aking tainga nang kinalabit niya na naman ako.

"Ano 'yan?" he asked.

"Candy."

"Penge," hingi niya at inilahad ang kamay.

I arched a brow and smirked. Instead of giving him a candy, I stuck my tongue out, showing the candy.

"Yuck, what are you doing?" His brows furrowed and he gave me a disgusting look.

I smirked and crossed my arm. "Let's just share one, ito nalang natira, e," palusot ko at ambang ilalapit ang mukha sa kaniya.

"You're so gross." He slightly pushed me. Iniilag niya ang sarili sa 'kin habang hawak ang magkabilang balikat ko.

Ariane and Chesca looked over their shoulders to look what we're  doing.

I ignored them and faced Zian. "Why's it gross?" I asked, going back to my proper posture.

"Isn't it gross sharing one's saliva?"

The group laughed when they heard what Zian said.

I shook my head, disappointed. "It's not, gosh. Have you try kissing someone before?" I almost whispered. But honestly speaking, it's gross if you're kissing strangers. Pero kung siya, ayos lang naman.

His forehead creased before he shook his head. "Never."

"Oh, that explained."

He sat properly and looked at me, curiousity filled his eyes. "I am curious. What does it feel like?" he whispered back.

Oh my. Don't tell me he's a freaking innocent?

I went closer to him and whisper on his ear, he crouched. "Do you want me to kill your curiosity?"

Nanliliit ang mata niyang bumaling sa 'kin at lumayo nang akmang ilalapit ko ang mukha sa kaniya.

"Teka! Nagtatanong lang ako, hindi ko naman sinabing idemonstrate mo."

I heard giggles in front of us.

"Huh? It's way more easy if I demonstrate it. So that way, you can understand it more clearly," I explained.

"I understand things easily, I'm not a slow-witted, so stop it."

"No, I want you to understand things with experience."

"Assuming the authority of logic, I was able to grasp what you are implying, but... no."

I snorted. "Sus, andaming sinabi p'wede namang sabihing 'I understand you'."

"In that way, you can learn sensible things from me."

"Whatever," makulit na sabi ko at lalapit na sana ulit nang nilagay niya ang hintuturo sa noo ko at itinulak ako.

"I said stop it."

"You know, you should experience things so you won't look like untrained when the time comes... I can teach you, though. It's like a teacher-student relationship."

"Hibang ka na ba? Tumigil ka nga at baka marinig ka nila. At anong pinagsasabi mo? Teacher-student relationship?" He shook his head. "Hibang ka na nga."

"Yes, I am your teacher and you're my only student. I can teach you different lessons everyday including weekends. For sure, you'll learn much from me. You wanna know what's gonna be our first lesson?" I paused and held his chin to make him faced me. "French subject. The topic will be... french kiss. How's that?"

Pinalo niya ang kamay ko at lumayo nang bahagya. "Kababae mong tao andami mong alam..."

"Why? Lalaki lang ba dapat ang maalam?"

He ignored me. Lumapit pa ako sa kaniya dahil lumayo siya sa 'kin.

"Palibhasa kasi 'di mo pa natitikman baka nga 'pag natikman mo maadik ka."

His lips parted. "Addict, at bakit?Droga ba iyang labi mo?"

"Hmm, some sort of drug. Something na... once matikman mo, hahanap-hanapin mo."

He gave me a sarcastic smile. "How full of yourself. Paano ka naman nakasisigurado?" he asked, raising a brow.

"I-try ko nga sa 'yo, 'di ba para malaman mo," I answered.

"Never. Mas okay nang mamatay ako sa curiosity kaysa naman mahalikan mo."

I scoffed. "Ang arte mo, maganda naman ako."

"Ano naman kung maganda ka? E, lagi ka namang nakakabasag sa kusina."

I glared at him. "You're so mean," I said and went back to my seat, far from him and plugged my earphones in my ears again.

Pumikat na ako, pero hindi pa man tumatagal ay naramdaman ko na ang pagtanggal ng isang earphone sa kanang tainga ko.

"You love old songs, huh? Hindi halata." I heard him whisper, napabaling kaagad ako. I was listening to the song 'Destiny by Jim Brickman'.

He's now resting his head while closing his eyes. I was about to complain, but seeing how serene he is, I just chose to stare at his face while hearing the song that made the moment more surreal.

"How did this come to be
I don't know how you found me
But from the moment I saw you
Deep inside my heart I knew

Baby you're my destiny
You and I were meant to be
With all my heart and soul
I give my love to have and hold
And as far as I can see
You were always meant to be my destiny..."

I didn't notice that his eyes were already open, we just did stare at each other's eyes while listening to the song... As if deeply drowned in each other's soul.

He flicked his finger against my forehead. "Intense ng titig mo, natatakot ako."

I groaned and hit him on his chest. "Jerk," I said as I pulled back and rubbed my forehead.

Naalala ko iyong titigan namin habang pinakikinggan iyong kanta. Ha. What was that? I thought, now looking outside the car's window.

I yawned after a while as I felt sleepy just looking outside and listening to the amazing old songs.

I glanced at Zian. He's already asleep with my another earphone on his ear. Medyo nakatingala siya kaya mas lalong nadedepina ang panga at ang Adam's apple.

I sighed. It feels illegal to stare at him for too long. Dahil tulog naman siya ay inihilig ko ang ulo sa kaniyang balikat at pumikit na.

Nagising nalang ako nang may naramdaman akong kamay sa aking mukha.

"Brat, wake up..." He repeatedly gently pat my cheek.

"Hmm, what?" I asked, looking around.

He groaned. "We're here, kanina pa sila naghihintay. You sleepy head, ginawa mo pa akong unan. Let's go." He let go of his hand on my face and waited for me with an impatient look on his face.

My lips parted when I realized I slept on his shoulder earlier.

"Kinikilig ako, naiihi tuloy ako! Ano ba!" I heard the girls' giggles when we got outside.

I wandered my eyes and I saw that we're in a high-end hotel. The place looks nice and peaceful, I can smell province. Dagdagan mo pa na nasa isang malapit na beach pala kami.

"Go with them, sasama ako kay Kent para magpacheck-in," Zian said and pointed at the girls beside who were busy peeking at their phones.

I nodded. "Okay..."

"Uy, Audrey! Halika, may ichichika kami!" Trisha called.

Archie joined them also, and they were looking something on the phone. What's with them?

"What's the matter?" I asked.

Archie grinned and took the phone to show me. "Couple goals, aesthetic pa pagka-picture, 'di ba?" He winked.

It was me and Zian. We were both sleeping. My head on his shoulder, and his head on top of mine. We're both sharing earphones. Darn, we just looked like a lovebirds at the picture.

I blushed, but immediately acted cool. "Who took the photo?"

They all pointed at Archie.

"Ang ganda kasi tingnan, e. P'wede siyang i-post sa Instagram o 'di kaya i-wallpaper mo," pangangatuwiran niya pa.

"Send it on my email," utos ko.

"Sa Facebook messenger ko nalang isi-send para mabilis, may pa-email-email ka pang nalalaman."

"I don't use Facebook, idiot."

"Edi, Instagram? DM ko sa 'yo."

"Why can't you send it through email?"

"Wala lang, trip ko lang."

"Tss, whatever."

Pumasok na kami sa hotel, dala-dala ang mga gamit. Presidential suite ang pinili nila. Magsasama lahat ng babae sa isang suite, ganoon din sa mga lalaki. I don't have the right to complain, though. Wala naman akong iniambag, at isa pa wala naman din akong irereklamo. It's good naman since we're not staying long at a hotel. It was already afternoon when we arrived, so we all rest for a bit before we went at the hotel's restaurant.

"Ganda rito! Sino'ng sponsor?" Chesca asked when we're already in a private room of the restaurant.

"Secret," Kent answered.

"Kumain na lang tayo," Zian said beside Kent.

We're eating our dinner with some small chitchats. I noticed Zian was pretty strict when it comes to table manners.

"Enough with the chitchat, kumain muna kayo."

I smiled as I looked down on my plate. We're sitting across the table, so I can still see him on my peripheral vision. I lifted my gaze when I caught his, we both looked away and just ate.

"May event do'n sa labas mamaya nakita ko sa bulletin board kanina, nood tayo! Tapos may nakita rin akong ferris wheel kanina sa balcony ng suite! May amusement park malapit dito, punta tayo mamaya, please!" Trisha giggled.

They all nodded in agreement, so we're now heading outside. The fresh cold air of the night sent shivers to my bare skin. The place was really indeed relaxing, even I would choose to stay long. An excitement visibled in my eyes when I saw a stage near us. And it was an event for a music band! I can literally feel my heart beating fast. I really love music. The place was full of people singing along.

Nakataas ang kamay at isinasabay sa ritmo ng kanta. The sound of waves made it more dreamy.

Kahit ang mga kasamahan ko ay hindi ko na masyadong pinapansin dahil nakatutok ang paningin ko sa banda nang nakarating kami sa puwestong iyon. Nagsimulang kantahin ng vocalist nila ang mga kanta ng Silent Sanctuary.

I can't help, but to feel in ecstasy. I felt so happy right now. As I glanced beside me, I caught Zian staring at me... again. His eyes filled with admiration and he has this small but sweet smile on his lips. Napaisip ako tuwing balak kong tumingin sa kaniya, lagi ko siyang nahuhuli na nakatitig na sa 'kin.

I smiled on him, too. Now, the smile just came out of my lips. I did not do it intentionally, it just did.

"Are you that happy? A penny for your thoughts?" he asked out of the blue.

I shook my head and became serious. "I just feel relaxed, that's all..."

He smiled. "Good for you, then."

I bit my lowerlip to stifle a smile. What's happening? After that event happened, we went to an amusement park. Different colors were seen in the entire park.

"Oh my! Sakay tayo sa ferris wheel,  dali!" Ariane exclaimed.

"Tayo tabi, Ari! Wala akong partner!" Kent grabbed him by the arm.

They laughed.

"Oh, where are you going?" I raised my brow when I saw Zian walked first in the line.

"Sasakay mag-isa, bakit?" he joked.

I glared at him. "Ako ang kasama mo," I said and clung my arm on his.

"Darn it!" I cursed and closed my eyes tightly. Mahigpit din na nakahawak ang kamay ko sa braso niya. Bigla na lang akong natakot nang sumakay na kami. Pakiramdam ko ay naiiwan ang kaluluwa ko sa baba kapag ang sinasakyan namin ay nasa itaas na.

Zian laughed. "Akala mo naman ang tapang, e, takot ka naman pala sa mataas! You should've disagreed earlier if you're this scared."

"I didn't know that it feels like this, okay?!" I yelled, still hiding on his arm.

"What do you mean? You haven't in this ride ever since?" he asked.

"Yes! Hindi pa ako nakakasakay sa ganito, and you're the first person I'm with riding this shit — fuck shit! Stop this goddamn ride! I'll sue all of you, I swear!"I screamed on top of my lungs when I felt the ride went faster.

All I can hear is my heart beating and minutes from now it can literally jump out. On the other hand, Zian was just laughing and was no help.

I felt his arms wrapped on my shoulder... tightly. "It'll stop soon, just enjoy the ride and stop cursing. Just scream on top of your pretty lungs, brat. Relax," he whispered smoothly.

"Fuck it! Zian, I'm gonna puke!" I was now covering my mouth as I felt my organs were about to come out.

"What?! Hoy, huwag ka nga magbiro! Lunukin mo 'yan, 'wag na 'wag mong isusuka, I'm telling you! Baka makasuhan ka pa kapag may nasukahan ka sa baba!" he warned. This ride is an open space, so you can definitely see the entire place and citylights.

"Zian! I felt so dizzy and I really want to puke!" I mumbled.

"Ano ba, malapit na 'to! Pigilan mo muna 'yan! At hangga't maaari lunukin mo kung gusto nang lumabas!"

I hit him hard on his arm repeatedly. "You're so disgusting! Gross, jerk!"

I felt tortured after that deadly ride. Sobrang nanghina talaga ako at sobrang hilo pagkababa, buti nga at naalalayan ako ni Zian kun' 'di ay baka natumba na ako. Pero galit ko pa rin siyang sininghalan dahil pinagtatawanan niya lang ako.

"Nakakainis ka!"

"Nag-away na naman kayo? Buti naman walang nilaglag sa inyo?" si Archie.

"Shut your mouth!"

Dahil sa sobrang inis at pagkahilo ko ay naupo ako sa upuan sa gilid, gusto pa nilang sumakay ng ibang rides kaya sinabihan kong mauna na sila at magpapahinga lang ako. Si Zian naman ay nanatili sa gilid ko, nakatayo at nakahalukipkip akong lihim na pinagtatawanan.

"Ayos ka na ba? Halika, lilibre kita para mawala iyang hilo mo," yaya niya at nilahad ang kamay sa 'kin.

I raised a brow, biglang nawala ang pagkahilo. "Where are we going?" I asked while we're walking. Iniangkla ko na naman ang kamay sa braso niya at hinayaan niya nalang iyon.

"Ouch." Natapilok ako sa sariling heels na suot kaya naman napatigil din siya.

"It hurts," I murmured as I peeked at my foot.

I heard him sigh. "What a burden. Bakit ka ba kasi nagsusuot ng heels?"

My lips parted at what he said. "Excuse me? Wala kang pake kung ano ang suotin ko, it's my body not yours."

"Hindi naman ako nangingialam, ah? I was just asking! I respect you, so p'wede ba?" irap niya at lumuhod para tanggalin ang strap ng heels na suot.

I felt my cheeks blushed, but when I realized my feet were bare, I glared at him. "What? Papalakarin mo ako nang nakapaa? Seriously?"

He crossed his arms while holding the pair of my heels on his other hand. "Can you just calm down, brat? I'll buy you shoes, tara."

"No way! Isasama mo ako, e wala nga akong suot sa paa!"

Yumuko siya para ilapag ulit ang heels ko sa lupa. "Edi, suotin mo ulit."

I frowned. "Zian... why are you making me mad?!"

"E, ano ba gusto mong gawin ko? Fine! You'll stay here, and I'll buy, okay na?" iritadong aniya.

"No, iiwan mo 'ko? Just no way! Sasama na ako, let's go!" I said. Nagmamadali kong isuot pabalik ang heels at kumapit sa kaniya nang paika-ika.

"Zian, I'm cold," I whispered as I rubbed my hand on my skin.

"Kasalanan ko? Hindi ka kasi dapat nagsusuot ng tube kapag nasa ganitong oras, ang tigas ng ulo mo." He walked and dragged me somewhere.

"What's this place?" I asked, confused.

"Hays, it's tiangge, brat. Tiangge, rito ka makakabili ng mga murang mga damit pero maganda ang kalidad," he sarcastically explained, pinagdidiinan ang sariling mura.

"O-okay?" I stuttered.

"Magkano po 'yang jacket, 'nay?" he asked the old woman. Nakatingin siya sa taas kung saan naka-hanger ang mga cheap clothes.

I groaned. Is he... serious?

"350 lang, sir. Pili lang kayo."

"Anong gusto mo?" He glanced at me when he noticed my disgusted look. "Huwag ka nang maarte, alangan namang pumunta pa tayo ng mall, e, may mas malapit naman."

Labag man sa loob ay pumili nalang ako ng jacket at binayaran niya iyon. Sumunod naman kami sa tindahan ng mga sapatos. Some people have their looks on us, it creeps me out.

"Oh, pili ka ng sapatos. Ano ba'ng size mo?" He glanced at my feet and narrowed his eyes. "Size 9? Ang haba ng paa mo."

"Jerk!"

"Are you seriously buying me these cheap things, Zian?" I asked as we've done buying.

He crossed his arms. "Napaka-arte mo talaga. Instead of thanking me, nagrereklamo ka pa? Kapag talaga naputol ang litid ng pasensya ko, titirisin talaga kita."

My lips parted. "Are you mad at me?!"

"Hindi... hindi pa, kaunti na lang," he calmly said.

I glared at him. "I won't use these cheap things then!" I showed him the cellophanes I was holding.

Now, anger was already evident on his eyes. He clenched his jaw and looked at me. "Bahala ka. Kung ayaw mo itapon mo na lang. Ngayon pa lang ako nakakilala ng kagaya mo. Siya na nga tinutulungan, siya pa ang galit at nagrereklamo." He shook his head and turned his back at me.