Chapter 24: Jealousy

"No, Zian. Wait." I stepped towards to grab him when he was about to turn his back on us.

"Audrey, nababasa ka," si Kurt.

I ignored him and stared at Zian's serene eyes.

I sighed. "I was really waiting for you..." My eyes filled with nervousness.

He gave me a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Yeah, I know. Nababasa ka, sumilong ka muna baka magkasakit ka."

"Audrey, halika na, nababasa ka na, oh."

I gritted my teeth and looked at Kurt, annoyed. "Shut up and I don't care. I didn't tell you to come here, okay?"

"Persian." I heard Zian's warning voice.

"Come on, Kurt. Just go, may magsusundo na sa 'kin, okay?"

"But you have to go home, saan ka pa pupunta?" Bakas sa boses niya ang pagkainis nang sulyapan si Zian sa gilid ko.

I clenched my jaw. I am now already drenched, but I care less. "You don't care, it's none of your business!"

"You are my business, Audrey," matigas na aniya. He glanced at me before glaring at Zian.

My clenched jaw. What the fvck is wrong with him?

"Let's go, Zian!" iritadong sambit ko at hinila siya.

But he stayed still and looked down on me. His hair's now wet, pumasada pababa ang tubig-ulan sa noo, ilong hanggang sa mga pulang labi niya.

I shivered not because I felt cold, but because on how I felt when my gaze landed on his kissable and wet lips.

I swallowed hard. "Zian..." I called, almost begging. He's not the Zian I am seeing now.

"Audrey, just... go with him. Basang-basa ka na, just go home, okay? Let's talk tomorrow instead—"

"No! I won't go with him! I said I was waiting for you! What's wrong?"

"Audrey." Kaagad na humakbang si Kurt papalapit sa 'kin atsaka ako pinayungan.

I glared at him. "I said, sa kaniya ako sasama. At p'wede ba? Basa na ako kaya huwag mo na akong payungan!"

"You heard him, Audrey. Just go with me and I'll take you home. Sino ba kasi siya?"

"You don't have to know."

"Please, take her home safely. I'll go now," Zian said to Kurt and continued walking.

I heaved a violent sigh and irritatingly hit Kurt's chest. "You asshole, huwag ka nga mangialam!" galit na untag ko sa kaniya at tumakbo patungo sa sasakyan ni Zian.

"Audrey!" I heard Kurt call, but I ignored him and hopped in Zian's car.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" bulyaw ko kaagad sa kaniya pagkapasok. I don't care if I made his car wet, basa rin naman siya, e.

He looked at me in shock when he saw me hopped in his car. He brushed his wet hair using his fingers before licking his lips and stared at me intently. "I didn't do anything... I just feel like I have to let you go with him..." he said in monotone voice, sadness was evident.

I shook my head and glared at him. "For Pete's sake, Zian! He's just a childhood friend! Didn't I tell you I was waiting! Nagkataon lang ding nandoon siya kanina, hindi ko naman siya sinabihan—"

"Hindi ko tinatanong, Persian," he cut me off with an annoying tone.

I bit my lowerlip to stop myself from bursting out. "Are you fvcking jealous, Zian?!" I gathered all my strength to speak it out. I know he is. Come on, Zian, there's nothing to be in-denial of. Halata ka na.

"Hindi," he calmly said and looked away, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel.

My face lit up when I realized he's really jealous! Wala namang rason kung bakit ganito siya.

"You're jealous, Zian," I said with a confidence in my voice.

He clicked his tongue and rested his back. "No, I am not. Stop insisting."

"Then look at me," I obeyed as I licked my lowerlip and raised my brow.

He glanced at me with no emotions. "Gusto mo bang igiit ko pa ang obvious na, ha, Zian?"

"Sabi nang hindi ako nagseselos. Ba't naman ako magseselos? Walang tayo, wala akong karapatan."

I chuckled after he said that. "Oh, you're funny, love. It doesn't matter if the two persons are not in relationship, you can feel jealousy every time you want. There's no need to ask permission before you get jealous. It's an unstoppable feeling."

He bit his lowerlip and clenched his jaw before rolling his eyes at me.

I slightly shook my head. How could he be hot and cute at the same time?

"Bakit, Zian? Nakakaramdam ka lang ba ng selos kapag sa relasyon? Hindi porke't walang kayo, wala kang karapatan? Tell me, Zian."

"I said I am not jealous! You're just assuming things, stop it!"

I shook my head. Hindi ako titigil hangga't hindi kita nagigisa.

I brushed my wet hair with my fingers before twirling its ends and playfully smirked at him. "I wasn't assuming things, Zian. Obvious, halatang-halata. Bakit itatanggi pa, right?"

Mukhang naputol yata ang litid ng pasensya niya at galit niya akong hinarap, nagtatagis ang kaniyang bagang. "Halata naman na pala, bakit tanong ka pa nang tanong?!" Pagkatapos niyang pasigaw na sabihin iyon ay ipinaandar niya ang makina ng sasakyan.

It felt like butterflies were now celebrating inside my stomach in victory.

My Zian is jealous.

"I kept on asking because you're not telling me the truth. P'wede mo namang sabihin nang diretso, bakit kailangan pa kitang gisahin bago—"

"Fine! Nagseselos ako! Are you now happy?!" pag-amin niya at itinigil ang sasakyan dahil sa red light.

Hindi kaagad ako natauhan sa sinabi niya. My lips were parted, as if... I just couldn't grasp what he just said!

When a menacing smile slowly crept on my lips. "Oh, inamin mo na." I giggled and poked him. "Tell me, Zian. What should I do to ease that jealousy of yours? Should I apologize or... kiss you instead?"

He ignored me, ni hindi niya ako masulyapan pagkatapos niyang umamin.

I poked his arm again. "Don't worry, love... Mas guwapo ka kaysa roon, 'no! And besides, I don't like him, doon pa lang panalo ka na," panunuya ko.

I don't know if I was just hallucinating, but I saw his small smile.

"Zian! I said tell me! Ano ba gusto mong gawin ko para mawala iyang selos mo, ha?" Inaasar ko pa rin siya hanggang sa nakarating kami sa loob ng bahay nila.

Hindi alintana ang lamig at basang katawan ay sinundan ko siya papasok at paakyat sa hagdanan. He's still ignoring me.

I glared at his back. "This jerk's so stagy!"

He has now finally faced me outside his room. He crossed his arms over his chest and gave me a puzzled look. "Get changed now, mauna ako sa loob. I'll prepare your clothes..." He turned his back at me to open his door. "Kung bakit pa kasi nakikipagharutan, e," he added.

"What did you say?" I asked, following him from behind.

"Wala. Kapag ikaw lalagnatin, huwag mo akong sisihin. Hindi ko naman kasalanan kung bakit hindi ka sumilong sa payong ng childhood friend mo na 'yon..." Tumalikod ulit siya para mangalkal sa cabinet. "Ang daming alam, may papunas-punas pa sa labi tapos titikman, kadiri pvta."

"Are you saying something? You keep murmurring things!" I said on his back.

He threw me a pair of shirt and pajama. "Bihis doon, dali!" He slightly pushed me towards the bathroom.

I didn't answer him and just entered the bathroom to get changed. After I finished, I wandered my eyes to find him

Holy shit.

Nasa gilid siya at nakatalikod sa 'kin. I know he's unbuttoning his polo uniform based on his moves. He then undressed making my eyes nearly went out in its sockets. His bare well-toned body, iyong muscles niya sa likod na nagflex. I already saw him topless, naninibago lang ako ngayon.

He abruptly faced me. He didn't even bother that I was almost mouth-watering. Fvck.

"Hintayin mo 'ko, I'll just do a quick shower." Bahagya niya pa akong binangga para makapasok sa bathroom.

Dumiretso na lang ako sa vanity mirror at nagsuklay ng buhok. I saw Zian going out from the bathroom through the mirror, so I called him. "Zian, iblower mo nga iyong hair ko."

"Wala ka bang kamay at inuutusan mo 'ko?" He's now busy wiping his wet hair with a towel before walking near me.

I stood up. "Ikaw na nga lang, sit here." I tapped the stool in front of the vanity mirror.

Nagtataka man ay sumunod siya sa utos ko at umupo roon. He's now wearing a shirt and sweatpants. I removed the towel encircled on his neck. "I'll dry your hair," I said and started drying his hair using the blower.

He's just watching my moves in the mirror. I arched a brow and looked at his reflection. "What?"

"You're not wearing something underneath that shirt." Itinuro niya ako sa salamin at sinamaan ng tingin.

I rolled my eyes ang glanced down at my body. Yeah, I am not wearing a bra since it's wet! Sinampay ko lang doon sa loob ng bathroom. I am not even embarrased, masasanay rin ako dahil alam kong magiging asawa ko 'tong si Zian. Sure ako sa bet namin. "Basa kasi, 'no? Okay sana kung nag-offer ka ng bra, 'no?"

"Don't tell me..." he trailed off and widened his eyes. "Y-You're not wearing, uhm..."

I laughed as I blushed. Mahina kong hinampas sa ulo niya ang blower. "You pervert, may suot akong underwear, sira ulo. Iyong upper ko lang naman ang nabasa."

He let out a relief sigh. "Hindi ka ba nahihiya?"

"Bakit? Hindi ka naman na iba sa 'kin, e. Hindi mo rin naman siguro ako gagalawin, 'no? Baka nga ikaw pa ang galawin ko." I then winked at him.

From behind, I abruptly lifted his chin to look up at me. He pouted and glared at me. "What?"

I smiled. "I'll apologize for making you jealous. This is how I say sorry." I then lowered my head to reach his lips.

At first, I was a bit stunned, so was he. But I started moving my lips, he didn't respond on my kisses, but he let me. Gusto niya ba o talagang wala lang?

A seconds later, I heard him groan and removed my hands on his chin. He sighed and sighed before looked up at me. "Let's go downstairs, iuuwi kita agad after we eat." He stood up and left me with no words.

I hissed. "Fvck that jerk."

"Drink this." He offered me a glass of water that I gladly accepted and drank straightly.

"Chicken soup? It's cold right now... then, I'll cook something after you finished."

I nodded.

I didn't glance at him while eating the bowl of hot chicken soup. I need to finish it baka magalit siya. Pagkatapos kung kumain ay lumabas muna siya at pagkabalik ay may inilapag na siyang plato na may kanin, atsaka mangkok na may sabaw at isda.

"Did you cook this that fast?"

He shook his head. "I ordered para mabilis." He then sat across me.

"How 'bout you?"

He nodded and prepared himself a food. We're just eating silently when minutes later, he broke the silence.

"Are you free tomorrow?" he asked.

I looked up to think. Tomorrow's weekend, so I definitely am. "Yes."

"Let's eat lunch outside, is it okay?"

My face lightened up. "Is it a date, Zian. You're inviting me for a date?"

He shook his head, amused. "Hilig mo talagang mag-assume, just a friendly lunch. Aren't we friends?" he asked while playing the spoon.

I rolled my eyes and shrugged. "Yeah, whatever. We're friends."

He chuckled. "Aren't you tired rolling your eyes? Baka tumirik na lang iyan lagi."

I raised my middle finger. "Fvck off, Zian, I'm pissed."

Friends, really? Yeah, fine. At least he considered me as one of his friends. At least I got to kiss him earlier. We're still friends.

"Ba't naman? Hindi naman kita inaaway."

I ignored him and finished my food. I caressed my stomach. "I'm full, thank you."

"Brat, mukhang tumataba ka. Lapit ka kaunti."

I glared at him, but still obeyed him. He cupped my cheeks and caressed it. "Ang lusog na ng pisngi mo." He chuckled and pinched my nose before letting go.

"Pahinga ka muna saglit tapos iuuwi na kita."

"Dito na ako matutulog para sa date natin bukas!"

"Hindi ka halatang atat. Shut up, Persian, hinding-hindi kita papatulugin dito. Baka ano pa'ng sabihin ng ibang tao."

"Tss, you said I should ignore people's judgements. Why do you care for their comments?"

"Fine, baka maabutan ka nila mama rito. Wala pa silang alam, okay?"

I put my lips into thin line and nodded. "Sure."

A train of thoughts filled my mind. Zian doesn't like me, ako ang pumupunta sa kaniya rito hanggang sa kabilang bahay niya lang ako pinapapunta, ni hindi niya man lang ako niyaya ni isang beses sa isa pang bahay nila kung saan ang pamilya nila.

I actually am not bothered of it before, pero ngayon parang gusto ko ipakilala niya ako kahit kaibigan lang. Am I in love? But I just like him. Nothing more, nothing less.

"SABI ko lunch lang. Next time, ipapaalam na kita sa parents mo. Baka kasi pagalitan nila ako at ninanakaw ko ang anak nila."

I sadly smiled at him. "No, hindi sila magagalit, Zian. They're always busy ni hindi nga nila ako napapansin. Ayos lang, at least I have your company! Don't worry about it, kaya ko ang sarili ko at hindi mo na ako kailangang ipagpaalam pa sa parents ko. Last night, you sent me home pero wala sila, 'di ba?"

He nodded and grabbed me by the arm. "Let's eat, nagutom ako kakaikot doon sa Watsons."

"Well, then. I'll pay for our lunch! It's all on me, nahihiya na ako sa 'yo," pang-aasar ko.

"'Sus, ngayon ka pa nahiya."

"Arte mo, ililibre na nga kita, e!"

He chuckled. "Fine, galit ka na, e."

As we entered a restaurant, a girl on her simple dress approached us—no, si Zian lang.

"Zian, right? What a coincidence I saw you here, is this a some kind of miracle?" The girl sweetly smiled at her, didn't know I was here.

"Yeah? Wait... Ms. Lorraine, right? Lorraine of Famorca Hotel and Restaurant?" Zian as he recognized the girl.

I bit my lowerlip getting irritated.

"Yes! Salamat naman at naalala mo pa ako! Thank you talaga! Kumusta ka na? Hindi ka na sumasama kay Mr. Owen Clarkson tuwing may meeting sila ni Dad!"

Zian gave him a soft laugh. "Busy sa study, miss. Siguro, next time ko na aaralin iyong iba. Anyway, this is Audrey." Zian introduced me.

Buti naman at naalala niyang katabi niya pa ako.

"Oh my bad. I am sorry, hindi ko talaga napansin. Hi, I am Lorraine Famorca." She extended her hand.

"How did you know Zian?" I asked her.

Her lips parted before hiding her hand behind instead. "Our families are business partners. Lalo na ang Lolo niya at Daddy ko." After that, bumaling ulit siya kay Zian. "Girlfriend mo?"

Zia shook his head. "Kaibigan."

She nodded and wandered her eyes around. "Zian, p'wede makahingi ng favor? Ano kasi, e... umalis iyong kasama ko, nagmamadali kaya naiwan ako galing kasi akong powder room... Wala kasi akong alam sa lugar na ito."

"Wala ka pa lang alam, ba't ka nandito?" sabat ko.

"Ah... ano kasi, business matter, miss. Dito iyong meet up, ang kaso nga lang may emergency ata siya kaya naiwan ako, hinatid lang ako ng driver namin, e tapos ayon."

"Why don't you call your driver, then? Zian's not open for favors right now—"

"Audrey, stop it..." Zian warned.

I rolled my eyes.

"Kumain ka na?"

Bumaling ako kay Zian at akmang sasagot sana, pero wala sa akin ang tingin niya at hindi rin pala ako ang tinatanong niya.

I bit my lowerlip and I felt my nose reddened.

"H-Ha? Paano mo nalaman, Zian?" the girl stuttered.

"Narinig ko iyong tiyan mo," Zian playfully answered.

I sighed and looked away, his hold is still on my arm.

"You're such an observer naman, Zian! Nahiya kaagad ako. Uhm, yeah... hindi pa ako kumakain."

Zian nodded. "You don't have a companion, 'di ba?"

"Zian—"

I was cut off when the annoying girl butt in. "Uhm, p'wede sumama muna sa inyo? Kakain ba kayo?"

"Yeah, p'wede naman," si Zian.

This jerk. He didn't even ask for my opinion!

Nang nauna ang babae sa paglalakad para pumunta sa table ay siniko ko si Zian. "Seriously, Zian? Lagi na lang tayong walang maayos na date, kailangang may intruder. You didn't even ask me if I want to share a lunch with her."

As if he realized I was there, his mouth went open. "S-Sorry... I mean, kawawa naman siya, Persian kung wala siyang kasama... wala rin siyang alam sa lugar na ito. Just this one, please?"

I shook my head. "Wala na, nainvite mo na, e, may magagawa pa ba ako?"

He smiled. "I am sorry, brat."

I ignored his apology. "Let's just go."

We ordered a nutty beef caldereta, and a spicy pork spareribs for our lunch.

Magkatabi kami ni Zian at kaharap naman niya ang babae na wala akong pakialam kung ano ang pangalan.

Zian served me a food on my plate. Medyo nawala ang pagkairita ko sa kaniya.

"Thank you, Zian and uhm... Audrey."

"No problem," si Zian ang sumagot.

We started eating and I am really losing my appetite. They were talking about business matters that I couldn't relate of.

The girl coughed. "Hala, maanghang pala 'to!" She started coughing that Zian has to offer her a drink.

"Thank you!" She wiped her mouth and smiled at Zian. "Hindi kasi ako kumakain ng maanghang, e."

"Gano'n ba? I'll just order you something then. Mahilig kasi si Audrey sa maanghang kaya iyon ang inorder ko." He didn't glance at me when he called the waiter.

"Naalala ko na allergic ka pala sa maanghang! Naalala ko iyong sa office!"

She laughed. "Naalala mo! Oo, e. Pero ayos lang."

"Sorry, Lorraine. This wouldn't happen again."

I stood up when I felt jealousy's eating me up. "Bathroom break," I excused and walked towards the hallway to comfort room.

I have this odd feeling. I won't let anyone steal his attention. Ako iyong kadate niya pero iyong babae ang kausap niya? Ni hindi man lang ako magawang isingit sa conversation.

I wiped my tears that I didn't realize were formed. "I hate this feeling..."