WARNING: Mature Content 🔞

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Ipinalibot ni Atlas ang tingin sa paligid habang hawak ang mainit na kapeng ibinigay sa kaniya ni Job, ang best friend at personal assistant niya. Nasa loob na sila ng conference room at hinihintay ang executives ng network para sa meeting nila.

Sinabi sa kaniya ng manager niya ang tungkol sa posibleng pag-uusapan. He was already aware of it. Kahit wala pang formal na pag-uusap, aware na si Atlas na posibleng mangyari ito.

"Ready ka na ba?" tanong ni Job. "Mukhang minamadali na nila, e."

"What's new?" Atlas gazed at Job and chuckled lowly. "Lalo pa ngayon na mas nag-ingay 'yung fan base namin."

Ngumiti si Job at umiling. "Imagine, it was just one commercial, pero ang ingay ng pangalan ninyo ngayon. Halos pictures and clips ng commercial ninyo 'yung nasa social media and I think, the network wanted to take advantage of it."

Ibinalik ni Atlas ang tingin sa kawalan at sumimsim mula sa coffee cup na hawak niya. It was dark and sweet and Job already knew what he needed.

Two shots of Americano with hazelnut syrup, for sure.

Sabay na nilingon nina Job at Atlas si Grace, ang manager niya, na pumasok sa loob ng conference room. Dumiretso ito at tumabi sa kaniya. Umalis din naman si Job at naupo sa isang bakanteng swivel chair.

"Atlas," Grace breathed. "Hindi ko alam kung magugustuhan mo 'yung pag-uusapan today, but at least consider it. Malaking tulong 'yun sa career mo and I heard, kapag natuloy, they'll prepare a huge movie and other projects for you."

Sandaling nanahimik si Atlas at hinayaan ang sariling iproseso ang mga sinasabi ni Grace.

Of course, the network would take advantage of it. Ganoon naman palagi. Kapag nasa itaas ang isa, gagamitin hanggang sa makakaya. It was business and they were the product. Hangga't kaya silang pagkakitaan, gagawan at gagawan ng paraan.

"Pag-isipan mo na lang mabuti, matagal naman na kayong magkakilala ni Amira," sabi ni Grace bago siya iniwang mag-isa sa harapan ng glass wall.

Sandaling pumikit si Atlas at huminga nang malalim. Humigpit ang hawak niya sa coffee cup bago iyon muling pinagtuunan ng pansin nang maalala ang babaeng nakausap niya sa Tinder.

Inilabas niya ang phone para tingnan kung nag-message ba ulit ito, pero wala. Hindi siya sigurado kung tuloy ba sila dahil kung tutuusin, wala na siyang pakialam. Gusto niyang matuloy sila. Kailangan niyang matuloy sila.

Atlas needed to release the stress, and he wanted to get laid.

It was almost ten in the morning and he was hoping that the meeting wouldn't last. Ayaw niyang magtagal at sana, kung ano ang sasabihin ng executives, direct to the point na lang lalo na at alam niyang wala naman siyang choice.

But Atlas was so wrong.

Nagsimula sila ng alas-diyes, nag-lunch na sila sa mismong conference room, at hindi pa rin sila tapos. Maraming nakalatag na topic, maraming pinag-uusapan tungkol sa future projects para sa network, at pinag-uusapan pa ang renewal ng contract niya.

Tiningnan ni Atlas ang relong suot. It was four in the afternoon. Paulit-ulit na rin niyang iniisip na sana hindi sila umabot hanggang 6 p.m. dahil mayroon siyang kausap.

Atlas was looking forward to it. Hindi na siya mapakali at napansin na iyon ni Job. Kinalabit pa siya nito nang mapansing panay ang tingin niya sa orasan ng phone.

"So, recap lang." Kinuha ng isa sa executives ang atensyon nilang lahat. "Amira?"

Humarap si Atlas at tiningnan ang TV screen na nasa harapan nila dahil naka-video calll ang si Amira. Nasa ibang bansa ito para sa isang shooting.

"Yes po, Sir Manny?" Ngumiti si Amira sa kanila. "Nakikinig po ako."

"Okay, good. Recap lang natin 'yung napag-usapan. Maganda ang naging response ng mga tao sa commercial ninyo ni Atlas para sa telecommunications na ine-endorse ninyo and the network decided na take advantage natin ang ingay ngayon. We'll plan a movie or series para sa inyong dalawa. We'll work this out and do your jobs, too." Tumingin si Manny kay Atlas. "If you can make this love team work, sooner baka kailangang from reel to real. Mas maingay 'yan, mas maganda sa career ninyong dalawa."

Hindi sumagot si Atlas at nanatiling nakikinig, ganoon din si Amira na nakatingin lang sa camera. Matagal na sila sa industriya at hindi na bago ito.

From reel to real . . . for a show, for publicity, and money. Complete bullshit, but it was working.

Mas lalong nadagdagan ang pressure na naramdaman ni Atlas at mas lalo niyang ginustong makipagkita sa babaeng nakausap dahil kung hindi, he would definitely book a flight to nowhere to breathe after the news they received.

"Atlas." Lumapit si Grace sa kaniya. "Pag-isipan mo lang naman. Hindi naman kayo minamadali ni Amira kasi desisyon n'yo pa rin naman 'yun."

Mahinang natawa si Atlas. "Sure ka bang desisyon pa rin namin 'yun, Ate? Parang hindi naman. Anyway, aalis na ako. Gusto kong magpahinga."

"Go ahead." Grace tapped Atlas' cheek. "Sige na, ako na ang bahala sa ibang kailangan dito. Tatawagan na lang kita kapag may importante."

Atlas nodded without saying anything. Naghihintay si Job sa kaniya sa lobby at sabay na silang pupunta sa parking. Namayani pa ang katahimikan sa loob ng elevator hanggang sa makarating sila sa basement.

"Job, I wanna tell you something," sabi ni Atlas. "Pumasok ka muna sa kotse ko sandali."

They quietly walked towards Atlas' Jeep Wrangler parked on the farthest corner of the basement. Ramdam din ni Job ang katahimikan ni Atlas at alam niyang hindi nito nagustuhan ang pinag-usapan sa meeting.

"Ano'ng meron?" tanong ni Job.

"I'm meeting someone today." Tumingin si Atlas sa rearview mirror at inaayos ang manggas ng long-sleeved polo niya para itupi iyon hanggang sa siko. "Met her through Tinder."

Pabagsak na sumandal si Job sa upuan ng sasakyan ni Atlas at huminga nang malalim. "Atlas naman."

"I'll be careful," Atlas assured.

"Atlas, you're not just a simple personality. Paano kung ipagkalat niya kung sino ka? Kung ano'ng ginawa ninyo? Paano kung i-blackmail ka niya? Think about this, please?" Job begged. "Sasabihin ko na ba 'to kay Pat?"

Atlas nodded slowly and gripped the stirring wheel. "I need to destress."

"Using sex? Atlas, maraming way," pabalang na sagot ni Job at sandaling natahimik. "Whatever. Ikaw pa rin ang magdedesisyon. If things fucked up, tawagan mo na lang kami ni Patrick."

"Thanks." It was the only word Atlas could utter.

Hanggang sa makaalis na si Job dahil makikipagkita pa ito kay Patrick na lawyer naman niya, sandaling nanatili si Atlas sa loob ng sasakyan, sa madilim na parte ng basement parking para muling pag-isipan kung tutuloy ba siya.

Tama si Job sa parteng maraming paraan para sa destress na gusto niya, pero iba ang pangangailan niya sa pagkakataong iyon. It was something physical. It was risky, but he would try.

Bago magmaneho, nag-message si Atlas sa babaeng kausap kung tuloy pa ba sila. Ilang beses, pero walang reply kaya minabuti niyang magmaneho para umikot na lang muna sa kung saan.

It was almost six when the woman replied. Sinabi nitong tuloy sila at kung saan. May kalayuan ang lugar, aabutin siya nang thirty minutes to one hour sa daan. He replied okay as he couldn't type while driving.

The entire time Atlas drove, he was thinking about the possible contract he had to deal with. Seryoso ang network sa pagpapalawak sa career nila ni Amira at aware siyang hindi mapipigilan ang mga ito.

Madilim na at halos lahat ng shortcut na puwedeng daanan, hinanap ni Atlas para lang makarating sa mall. It was already past six and he was already late . . . late and still far from where she was.

Naisip ni Atlas na hindi niya masisisi ang babaeng kausap kung sakali mang maisipan nitong hindi na tumuloy o umalis. Kapag nangyari iyon, didiretso na lang siya sa Tagaytay para doon mag-stay nang ilang araw.

It took him another hour. Medyo traffic at rushed hour at nahihiya na siya sa babaeng kausap. Nang makita niya ang mall, kaagad niyang binagalan ang patakbo para mag-message rito.

Hi, nakikita ko na 'yung mall. Puwede ka bang lumabas na lang sa entrance?

Matagal bago ito nag-reply kaya umikot muna siya sa isang U-Turn habang naghihintay sa sagot nito. Kung sakali mang hindi pumayag, nag-set naman na siya ng ibang plano.

Bakit sa entrance? Akala ko ba sa mall tayo? reply nito.

Nakagat ni Atlas ang ibabang labi at nag-isip ng ire-reply. Hindi niya nasabi rito na hindi sila puwede sa public. Impulsive ang desisyon niyang makipagkita kaya hindi niya nalinaw. He was used to casual conversation between him and a woman . . . outside the country.

Sorry for being late and unclear. What's your number? I will call you, please? reply niya.

Atlas tapped the steering wheel while listening to music and waiting for a reply. He had to take another U-turn to buy some time until she replied okay, with her number on it.

There was a sigh of relief and just to be sure, he called the woman.

"Hello?"

Atlas' eyes widened in shock upon hearing the woman's voice. It was far from what he expected. A simple hello actually shook him because it was calming and a little raspy.

"Hi." Atlas breathed and cleared his throat. "I hope hindi ka uncomfortable sa nire-request ko. I'm sorry for not being clear, pero hindi kasi ako puwede sa crowded places," he explained. "Don't worry, I won't do anything wrong. Hindi kita dadalhin sa kung saan. I-I j-just can't be in crowded places. I'll explain once we're together. Please?"

Narinig ni Atlas ang paghinga nito at ang maingay na paligid. He even had to confirm if she was still on the line because there wasn't a response.

Muli siyang umikot sa U-turn. Nakakaapat na siya habang naghihintay sa reply.

"Malapit na ako sa mall. Again, I'm sorry for not being clear. Just let me know if okay lang sa 'yo na sasakay ka sa sasakyan ko." Napapikit si Atlas sa sariling sinabi. "If you're uncomfortable, it's okay. Let's just call it a day. What do you think?"

Narinig ni Atlas ang pagbuga nito ng hangin bago muling nagsalita, "Kapag sinubukan mo akong rape-in, may pepper spray ako. Sasaksakin din kita ng ballpen sa leeg, deal?"

Atlas bit his lower lip and chuckled. It was funny that the woman was threatening him yet it sounded as if she was just telling a good story.

"Okay, do whatever you want. Malapit na ako sa entrance ng mall," he responded.

"Sige, nandito ako sa may entrance, nakatayo ako sa may hagdan. Naka-red ako na T-shirt and beige na skirt. Bilisan mo, please? Nagugutom na kasi ako, ang tagal mo," she said in a slightly annoyed voice.

Atlas smiled while talking to the woman. Halata ang uncertainty sa boses nito, pero mukhang pinagkakatiwalaan naman siya. Wala rin naman siyang balak na iba rito. Gusto lang niyang makipagkita, makipaglinawan, at kung ayaw naman nito, okay lang din sa kaniya.

He immediately drove towards the mall entrance. Mahigit isang oras na siyang late sa usapan nila. Bumibigat na rin lalo ang traffic at medyo maraming taong naghihintay ng sakayan sa area.

"Red T-shirt, beige skirt," bulong ni Atlas sa sarili habang nagmamaneho dahil nakapasok na siya sa premises ng mall. Sinabi nitong nasa entrance area na at nasa call pa rin silang dalawa.

"Oo, red T-shirt and beige skirt," sagot nito. "May hawak din akong ice cream, kasi nagugutom na talaga ako."

Atlas pressed his lips together to contain his smile. "No worries."

Nang tuluyang makapasok na sa mall area, nagdahan-dahan siya ng pagmamaneho para makita ang mga tao sa labas. Marami na ang pauwi at rush hour na. It was almost 7:30 p.m. at sobrang late na nga siya.

Dumako ang tingin ni Atlas sa entrance kung saan may babaeng naka-red T-shirt at beige skirt na lagpas tuhod pa. For some reason, medyo malayo iyon sa in-expect niya. He was being judgmental, but he actually expected someone wearing a mini skirt, and he was so wrong.

Bukod pa roon, naka-mini backpack ito, bagsak lang ang mahabang buhok, at naka-sandals na parang manipis ang strap. Suot din nito ang airpods dahil hindi na nila pinatay ang call.

Atlas observed her while driving slow dahil hindi siya makapaniwala na ito ang kausap niya. He was expecting someone different. Isa pa, the woman looked like she was enjoying her ice cream.

"I'm here, nakikita na kita," pagkuha ni Atlas sa atensyon ng babae.

Kumunot ang noo nito at nasa bibig pa rin ang pulang kutsara ng ice cream na kinakain na parang may hinahanap. "Ha? Saan banda? Buksan mo window mo para makita kita. Ano'ng car mo?"

"I can't open my window," sagot ni Atlas. "Jeep Wrangler."

Nakita ni Atlas na nagsimula itong maghanap sa mga sasakyang dumadaan. Sakto naman na paparating siya nang tumama ang tingin nito sa sasakyan niya. Parang kahit may salamin at heavily tinted iyon, pakiramdam niya, nagkatinginan silang dalawa.

"Nakita na kita. Ba't parang pansundalo sasakyan mo? Sigurado ka bang wala kang gagawing masama sa 'kin?" tanong nito habang nakatingin sa sasakyan niya. "Bigla naman akong kinabahan."

"Don't," Atlas assured. Nakangiti siya habang nakatingin sa babaeng kausap. Salubong na salubong ang kilay nito. "We're just gonna talk. Kapag hindi ka comfortable, maiintindihan ko."

"Sure?" Her voice quavered.

Atlas smiled. "Sure."

"Okay, sige," sabi nito at narinig pa niyang huminga nang malalim bago naglakad palapit sa sasakyan niyang naka-hazard sa harapan ng entrance mall.

Maraming tao, kaya kailangang mag-ingat ni Atlas. Hindi puwedeng may makakita sa kaniya, hindi puwedeng may makaalam na may kikitain siya dahil hindi lang ang sarili ang mapapahamak. Pati na ang babaeng naglalakad palapit sa sasakyan niya.

"Drop the call and my door is open," ani Atlas. "Pumasok ka na lang kaagad."

Kaagad naman nitong pinatay ang tawag. A part of him was nervous. Natatakot siya na baka hindi ito mapagkakatiwalaan, but he would risk it. He wanted to. No, he needed to.

Pagbukas ng pinto, kaagad itong pumasok nang hindi tumitingin sa kaniya. Kaagad rin niyang pinaandar ang sasakyan dahil pinaaalis na siya ng guard.

Atlas couldn't risk being seen so he had to drive as fast as he could.

"Fasten your seatbelt, ma'am," he murmured.

Hindi sumagot ang babae kaya nilingon niya ito at nakitang nakayuko na parang may inaayos.

"Napigtas sapatos ko! Ang taas naman kasi nitong sasakya—" Nag-angat ito ng tingin at nagtama ang mata nila. Mabuti na lang at medyo traffic. "Hala, seryoso ba 'to?"

Atlas frowned. "Ang alin?"

"Ikaw, totoo ka ba or kamukha mo lang siya?" she asked and shock was written on her face. "Kamukha mo lang ba si Atlas o ikaw si Atlas Legaspi? Teka, joke time ba 'to? Baka may camera dito? Baka prank 'to?" gulat na tanong ng babaeng nakatitig sa kaniya. Nanlalaki ang mga mata nito.

Napansin ni Atlas na bahagya pang ipinalibot ng babae ang tingin sa sasakyan niya na para bang may hinahanap.

"Hey, it's me," seryosong sabi ni Atlas. "Sorry, kaya hindi ako makapunta ng mall, kasi . . . I can't risk being seen. Hindi ako puwedeng pumasok sa mall, kasi—" Nakatitig lang ito sa kaniya at parang sinisigurado kung totoo ba siya. "Are you okay?"

The woman stared at him without saying anything, but she really did look shocked.

"Hey, are you okay?" Atlas started to worry. "Kung hindi ka comfortable, ihahatid na lang kita sa hotel mo. Sabi mo, your hotel is just around here, right?"

Tumango si Laurel and Atlas saw how shocked she was. But unlike the other girls who were simping over him and shouting whenever they were seeing him, itong babae, nakatingin lang sa kaniya.

"Totoo ka nga? Hindi ka scam?" tanong nito. Kita pa rin ang gulat sa mukha ng babaeng kaharap which was understandable. Artista siya, hindi alam ng ibang tao na ginagawa niya iyon.

Malakas na napahalakhak si Atlas sa tanong nito. "Totoo ako."

"Nagti-Tinder ka talaga?" Sumubo ito ng ice cream at mukhang kahit papaano, kumalma na. "Bakit? Saka gawain mo talaga 'to? Nakikipagkita ka talaga sa mga nakaka-match mo? Seryoso talaga, kahit artista ka?"

Bahagyang nilingon ni Atlas ang babaeng kasama at tipid na nginitian. "Sa ibang bansa, oo," sagot niya. "Here in the Philippines, pangalawa ka pa lang. Ikaw, palagi mo ba 'tong ginagawa? I mean, I don't mean to offend you with my question. I'm sorry."

Nakatingin ito sa kaniya. "Okay lang. Hindi naman palagi, pero nakikipagkita talaga ako minsan sa mga nakaka-match ko. Madalas sa mall, para alam mo 'yun, getting to know muna and all sa safe place."

Atlas apologized. "Kung hindi ka comfortable, naiintindihan ko. Ihahatid na lang kita sa hotel mo."

Ngumiti ito at mahinang natawa. "Okay lang. Naintindihan ko kung bakit, pagkakaguluhan ka nga naman doon. Pero bakit ka nagti-Tinder? Bored ka na ba sa buhay mo para mag-Tinder?"

Nakatuon ang pansin ni Atlas sa daan, pero nilingon niya ang babaeng nakatingin sa kaniya. Nakasubo pa ang kutsara ng ice cream sa bibig nito habang malamlam ang mga matang nakatingin sa kaniya.

"Actually, yes. Wait, I wanna know, bakit ka sumama at sumakay sa sasakyan ko knowing na hindi tayo sa safe place?" Atlas asked.

"Huwag kang matatawa. I think kasi na-turn on ako sa your and you're mo," diretsong sagot nito na ikinangiti niya. Parang hindi man lang pinag-isipan ang sagot. "Natutuwa kasi ako sa mga lalaking correct lagi ang spelling, alam kung ano ang word, at hindi jeje mag-reply. Ang babaw, 'no?"

Hindi nakasagot si Atlas dahil ang babaw nga.

"Hindi ka naman rapist, 'no? Scandal 'yun kung ma-rape mo ako. I mean, puwede mo namang i-sex ang kahit sinong gusto mong babae dahil sikat ka. Kaya siguro naman, hindi ka rapist?" diretsong tanong nito. "Sorry kung diretso akong magtanong."

"Okay lang." Atlas smiled. "Saan mo pala gustong kumain? I'm sorry, hindi puwede sa sobrang public. We can go somewhere na medyo ta—" Tumigil siya sa pagsasalita at sinalubong ang tingin ng babae.

Nakatitig ito sa kaniya at naningkit pa ang mga mata. "Atlas, diretsong tanong, ano'ng kailangan mo, bakit ka nag-Tinder?" tanong nito. "No need to say things, mas gusto ko na diretso. You need sex?"

Humigpit ang hawak ni Atlas sa manibela at sandaling napatitig sa babaeng kasama bago ibinalik ang tingin sa daan. Ayaw niyang maging judgmental, pero wala sa itsura nito na ganoon ka-vocal.

"Bakit ganiyan ka makatingin sa akin?" seryosong tanong nito. "May mali ba sa tanong ko? May mali ba sa akin? Or you are thinking na hindi mo ine-expect na ganito ako magsalita?"

"The latter," Atlas admitted.

The woman smiled. "I knew it. Ang masasabi ko lang, medyo judgmental talaga mga tao. Kapag may babae na comfortable mag-show ng skin, iisipin ng iba, wild na sila kahit hindi naman. They're just comfortable. Kapag naman decent manamit, iisipin, mabait."

Hindi nakapagsalita si Atlas dahil totoo naman. Iyon din ang nasa isip niya.

"Hindi ako comfortable na manamit nang sexy, but I am sexually active and I do hookups. Aaminin ko na 'yan. Base kasi sa tingin mo sa akin, you're thinking something. It's like you are judging me," anito na ikinagulat niya dahil oo, a part of him judged her. "Now, ano'ng agenda mo? Kasi ako naman, dyina-judge kita ngayon dahil artista ka, hindi ko in-expect na ikaw makikita ko sa Tinder. I'm not a fan, hindi kasi ako mahilig manood ng TV, pero nagulat ako na ikaw naka-match ko."

The woman was honest. Iyan ang nasa isip ni Atlas habang nakatingin at pinakikinggan ito. Hindi kaagad siya nakasagot. It was almost 9 p.m., idiniretso niya ang sasakyan sa isang malaking mall na may malawak na open parking. Tahimik lang din ang babaeng kasama na naghihintay ng sagot niya.

Pinag-isipang mabuti ni Atlas ang sasabihin. Hindi na siya magpapaligoy pa at kung sakali mang hindi ito pumayag, iintindihin niya. He observed the way she talked. Mukhang madali naman itong kausap. Nang huminto, kaagad na humarap si Atlas sa babaeng kasama.

"Look, I wanna be honest." Atlas breathed. "I am an actor, may pangalan akong inaalagaan, I don't have a girlfriend, and I just can't ask someone to have sex with me. But I have needs."

Tahimik lang na nakatingin ang babae sa kaniya at doon niya napansin ang features nito. The woman looked . . . soft and innocent.

"I need someone to satisfy my sexual needs without telling people we're fucking. I need someone, kaso sa lagay ko, dahil may mga contract ako, hindi puwede. I can't just satisfy myself. Ayaw ko rin ng issue kaya umiiwas ako sa iba. But I need it."

The woman stared at him without saying anything. Seryoso ang mukha nito at naghihintay ng sasabihin niya. Atlas then stared back. Her eyes were nice.

"Ikaw ang pangalawang babaeng na-meet ko rito sa Pilipinas. Usually, nakakagawa ako ng ganito sa ibang bansa na hindi ako masyadong kilala," pagpapatuloy ni Atlas. "'Yung unang babaeng nakasama ko sa ganito, we stopped. She's a needy and I don't like it."

Tumango ang babae at ipinatong ang baba sa sariling palad habang nakatitig sa kaniya. She was intently listening to him and making an eye to eye contact.

Huminga nang malalim si Atlas at isinandal ang sarili sa upuan. "So here I am, honestly asking if you want to be my fuck buddy. If you're comfortable, hindi ako namimilit. Ihahatid na kita sa hotel mo kung ayaw mo, maiintindihan ko," diretsong sabi niya. "But if you agree, I will support you. This will not be free. I will buy anything you need, anything you want. Kung ano ang needs mo, ibibigay ko."

"In short, whore mo ako?" the woman asked.

Nanlamig si Atlas sa sagot ng babaeng nasa harapan. Seryoso ang mukha nito. Hindi niya alam ang isasagot. Hindi naman iyon ang nasa isip niya, ayaw lang niya na walang kapalit ang lahat. It was not fair.

"No, hindi 'yun ang ibig kong sabihin. I don't mean to offend you," Atlas shook his head and apologized.

Ngumiti ito at umiling. "Okay lang, naiintindihan ko sinasabi mo. Hindi mababaw ang isip ko. I like the honesty. Gusto ko rin na diretsahan na lang. Aaminin ko na I also have sexual needs at sa totoo lang, ayaw ko ng relationship kaya nakukuha ko lang 'yun sa mga hookup. Pero minsan, nasusuka na rin ako sa sarili ko knowing I engage sex with different men. But are you okay with me na hindi lang isa ang naka-sex?"

Atlas frowned and shook his head. "I won't judge. It's your body, it's your choice. Ako rin naman, hindi lang isa ang babaeng naka-sex ko. I'm open minded. Pero if you will agree, hindi ka puwedeng maki-engage sa ibang lalaki. It will just be me. Ganoon din ako sa 'yo. It's a typical fuck buddy relationship, but I don't like sharing."

Nawala ang ngiti sa labi ng babae at seryoso itong nakatingin sa kaniya. Ibinaling nito ang tingin sa malaking Ferris wheel na kaharap nila bago muling tumingin sa kaniya.

"I can't say yes yet," she said.

"Of course, you can think about it. Hindi naman kita pipilitin," Atlas responded without breaking the stare. "It'll be your decision, ma'am."

Sandaling katahimikan ang namayani sa loob ng sasakyan. Hindi alam ni Atlas kung ano ang kahihinatnan ng gabi niya, pero hindi siya nag-e-expect.

"We need to know first if we have chemistry," she broke the silence and gazed at him. "We can't engage in a fuck buddy relationship if we're not comfortable with each other."

"I agree." Atlas nodded.

"So, are you comfortable with me? Do you trust me?" she asked. "I know you're a little uneasy about this, too, lalo na at hindi mo sigurado kung ipagkakalat ko ba 'to."

"Ipagkakalat mo ba?" Atlas brows furrowed.

The woman snorted and smiled warmly. "Of course, not. Why would I even do that? Again, are you comfortable with me?"

"I am. You are honest," Atlas stated.

"Ako rin, comfortable ako not because you are an actor, but you say sorry, please, and you're respectful knowing your boundaries," seryosong sabi nito. "So, may condom ka?"

Kaagad na nagsalubong ang kilay ni Atlas. He wasn't expecting that the conversation would be like this. He was stunned for a few seconds and his brows furrowed in response. The stunned reaction was immediately replaced by a heated ambiance.

"Do you wanna do it now?" Atlas asked. "I mean, okay lang naman sa akin, my car's shockproof naman. Hindi 'to aalog." There was a naughty grin.

"One way to know if we have chemistry. Kung wala, magpapaiwan na ako rito sa mall. Isa pala, I don't do blow jobs and anal. Wala lang, at least, umpisa pa lang, alam mo na," she said without even stuttering.

Wow.

"No worries," sagot ni Atlas at inilabas ang wallet. "About condoms, yes, I have one. Backseat?"

"Ay, ready siya?" biro ni Laurel.

Atlas chuckled. "Protection is a must. I always have one just in case. Kahit nasa ibang bansa ako."

Tumango ang babaeng kasama niya at nilingon ang likuran ng sasakyan. Atlas then thought that he brought the right car for the night. The backseat was spacious and they could just move freely.

No words from the woman and with one swift move, she was on the backseat waiting for him. Atlas followed and sat beside her. A safe space between them was there and she was staring at him.

"What's your full name, ma'am?" Atlas asked. He wasn't sure if the name on Tinder was the same. "I'm Julian Atlas Legaspi, I'm twenty-three."

"Laurel Alyssa Alcaraz, twenty-three," she responded.

Atlas smiled. Kung ano ang pangalan sa Tinder, iyon ang pangalan sa personal. Nice. Not a catfish. Hindi nga lang kita ang mukha sa picture so it was actually a risk. He had no idea what he was up to.

May kaunting katahimikan na namayani sa kanila sa likuran ng sasakyan. For some reason, nakaramdam sila ng awkwardness dahil nasa backseat sila, sa open parking ng malaking mall, may ilang taong dumadaan, at kahit tinted ang sasakyan, kita nila ang labas.

"Hindi naman siguro tayo makikita sa labas, 'no?" tanong ni Laurel.

Umiling si Atlas at sinalubong ang tingin ni Laurel. "No, ma'am. You are safe with me."

Without thinking twice, he leaned forward to kiss Laurel. Pareho silang nagpapakiramdaman at alam iyon ni Atlas.

The moment their lips met, Atlas closed her eyes. He kissed her lips softly making sure both would be comfortable. Hindi naman sila nagmamadali at hindi pa niya ito hinahawakan.

When Laurel kissed Atlas back, their lips locked and started playing. From soft kisses to French kissing with faster and harder movements.

Atlas wrapped her right arm around Laurel's waist and pulled her towards him without breaking the kiss. He could smell and even taste the chocolate on her tongue as they battled in sync and she was a good kisser.

"You smell like chocolate, ma'am," he whispered and bit her lower lip.

Laurel chuckled and gasped a little. "I'm sorry. I was just super hungry," she murmured in between kisses.

Atlas whispered, "No worries." And kissed the side of Laurel's lips to her cheek down to her jaw, and neck.

Naamoy ni Atlas ang leeg ni Laurel. She was wearing expensive perfume, that was for sure. She smelled fresh and crisp. She smelled like flowers and it was not overpowering. It was smooth and refreshing. Her hair smelled nice, too. Aside from her lips that really tasted like chocolate, her skin smelled relaxing.

Atlas' hands were on Laurel's back and traveled to cup her right breast and slightly massaged it. He heard a soft moan from her and when he looked at her face, their eyes met.

Nakahawak ang mga kamay ni Laurel sa balikat ni Atlas. She leaned forward to kiss his lips and he took it slow. Kahit pa sabihing nasa kotse sila, hindi siya nagmamadali.

"I don't wanna ruin your clothes, ma'am," Atlas whispered and slightly bit Laurel's earlobe. "But I badly wanna fuck you now."

Tipid na ngumiti si Laurel at bahagyang umangat. "Good thing I wore a skirt," anito at itinaas ang palda.

Kasabay niyon ay ang pagtanggal ni Atlas sa sariling belt habang nasa harapan niya si Laurel. Nakatingin ito sa kaniya at parang naghihintay. Ni hindi nito inaalis ang titig sa kaniya, ganoon din siya.

Atlas put his condom on and without breaking the stare, he touched her intimately and slightly opened her folds and felt how wet she was.

"Your panty, ma'am," Atlas whispered and even helped Laurel remove her panty while kissing her neck. He heard a soft moan from her and it was turning him on even more.

Hindi sila nakahubad, nakatakip pa ng skirt nito ang kaselanan nila, and it actually felt intimate and clean. Atlas guided his member into hers and they moaned in sync. Laurel was on top of him and was in control.

Atlas' hands were inside Laurel's skirt, gripping her butt. Dahan-dahan niyang iginalaw ang sarili kasabay nito. She was panting, he was groaning.

He looked at Laurel and they were doing something forbidden. They were making eye contact. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were glistening. He was turned on, especially when she closed her eyes. They were both moving up and down, not minding those people outside.

Nakatitig lang siya kay Laurel habang pareho silang gumagalaw. Nakatingala na ito at bahagyang nakabuka ang bibig tulad niya.

Atlas knew that Laurel came the moment she bit her lower lip and shut her eyes. Humigpit din ang pagkakahawak nito sa balikat niya kaya naman nagpatuloy lang siya sa paggalaw pati na sa paghalik sa leeg nito.

"You okay?" Atlas panted.

Laurel nodded without looking at him.

"Support your weight, Laurel," he whispered. "I'm almost done."

Nagpatuloy si Atlas sa paggalaw habang nakahawak sa magkabilang baywang ni Laurel. She was on top, be he was in control. He was the one moving carefully. Ramdam niya ang paghawak ni Laurel sa kaniya na basta na lang isinubsob ang mukha sa leeg niya.

Atlas smiled and moved until he came. Unti-unti siyang huminto sa paggagalaw at huminga nang malalim.

"You okay, ma'am?" he asked again.

Laurel nodded. Aalis na sana ito sa pagkakandong sa kaniya, pero si Atlas na mismo ang gumawa niyon. Siya mismo ang nag-upo sa dalaga sa gilid ng upuan bago siya tumagilid para tanggalin ang suot na condom, punasan ang sarili gamit ang wet tissue, at ibalot ang ginamit bago itapon sa basurahang nasa likod ng sasakyan.

Kumuha ulit ng wet tissue si Atlas para kay Laurel. Siya na rin mismo ang nagpunas sa dalaga bago kinuha ang underwear nitong nasa upuan at siya na mismo ang nagsuot niyon kay Laurel.

Atlas met Laurel's eyes. "There, ma'am. You hungry?" he asked. "Let's grab some food."

T H E X W H Y S