Sorry for all the errors! Thank you so much for reading. Hope you leave some comments! 🙏🏻 Comments will make me more motivated to update. 😄

Enjoy reading and have a great day! ♥️

#TCS31: What Is Happening?

I stopped in my track when I heard that name. My head pounded and my heartbeat doubled. It felt like my world stopped yet everything's spinning. My breathing slowly became loud, it felt like I could hear it inside my ears.

"Hey?"

"Silhouette?"

"Okay ka lang?"

I don't know what's going on. It's like I'm trapped inside a massive glass. I couldn't hear anything aside from my own system, I couldn't recognize people, everything was blurry. There's an inaudible sound... however, it is distinct.

"Silhouette?"

"Silhoue?"

Inside the bright glass cage, there was one shadow. I slowly walked towards it. I saw his hand—I could see his palm... wanting to reach me. I grabbed it without thinking, and suddenly he was inside the white blinding glass cage I was trapped in.

"Let's go?" His opaque face suddenly became clear and vivid.

"Akakios?" Mahinang bulong ko sa pangalan n'ya. Napatitig ako sa kulay itim n'yang mga mata. Nanliit ang mga iyon dahil sa isang malawak na ngiti. Naramdaman ko 'yung mahigpit na hawak n'ya sa mga kamay ko.

I looked at it and shifted my gaze back at him.

"Silhoue?" And with that name, with that word, I was back to reality.

Ang daming tao sa paligid namin. May ilan na tinitingnan kami, at 'yung iba naman ay dinadaanan lang kami. The world was moving again, and I... I felt... okay.

Napangiti ako kay Akakios. "Pasensya na..." I murmured, instead of questioning why I suddenly became like that, he offered me a smile and slowly pulled me inside the store. Hinayaan ko s'ya na madala ako sa loob.

Dumiretso kami sa kuhaan ng cart. He gave me one cart and he got one himself. I didn't even notice how he did it so fast but he did not let go of my hand because I was holding his hand so tight.

He entered the blinding lights. He entered my cage. He pulled me out without breaking it. He... just did effortlessly.

"May bayad din ba rito?" Tanong n'ya sa 'kin habang tinititigan ko lang s'ya. He looked like he was shy because he's naïve with these things, instead of being creeped out or judging him by his naivety, I smiled at him and nodded.

"Anong ginagawa rito?" He asked curiously observing the people around us.

"Hindi mo alam?" He nodded fast like a small kid. I chuckled, this man... such a cute being.

"Pero alam mo na kukuha kaagad ng cart?" I added jokingly looking suspicious at him.

He pointed people who are entering the store. "Nakuha rin kasi sila. Kailangan yata nito para makapasok do'n?" Sabi n'ya naman sabay turo sa may mismong entrance na may mga bakal sa grocery.

I laughed at him lightly. "Pwede namang kailangan mo, pero pwede namang hindi." I explained at him, and pushed my cart to return it. Sinundan ni Akakios ang ginawa ko na para bang minemomorya n'ya bawat kilos ko.

I seriously want to hide him from the world. He's just... so cute.

"Now, let's go!" I stated looking at him with a beam, he gave me his kid like nod. Tinulak ko gamit ang isang kamay 'yung cart at gano'n din ang ginawa n'ya. I could let go of his hand... I could... but I don't want to...

Pumasok kami sa loob ng supermarket and he was so amused about the huge shelves containing different kinds of products, foods and more. He was so curious about many things and I answered while having fun.

When we got to the seafood section his eyes suddenly sparkle, he unknowingly dragged me to the place and looked at the fishes, crabs, shrimps, squids, octopus, and other available resources.

He examined it carefully before grabbing one. I let go of our hands that was clasped together and helped him in putting the seafood he chose in the plastic. He's a fast learner. At sobrang nakakatuwa na nagtatanong s'ya para malaman ang mga bagay bagay.

"You know how to cook?" I inquired when we were placing tons of seafood inside the cart.

"Oo, marunong ako."

"Oh."

"I want to..." I could see hesitation in his eyes. And the way he avoided my gaze, so to catch his attention, I grabbed his hands again. Goodness, why does his hand felt so comfortable? I could hold this forever.

"You want to?" I urged him to continue.

"Cook... for you." Mahinang sambit n'ya at saka nag-iwas ng tingin. My lips automatically smiled widely. My eyes did too.

"Talaga?" Masayang tanong ko.

"Okay lang?"

I nodded eargerly. "Of course!" I exclaimed.

"Thank you... Gusto talaga kita pasalamatan, dahil sa nangyari sa restaurant." He scratched the back of his neck with his free hand.

I couldn't help but grin brightly. He could pay me cash, but I'd prefer this way of payment. Full of sincerity and full of gratitude. How come he could do this? Make me so comfortable around him? Make me want to keep him badly?

"Wala 'yon." I answered as we went to the meat, chicken and vegetable section. He was meticulously choosing the products. Hinayaan ko lang s'ya. May katulong tuloy ako pamimili ng mga pagkain.

When we were almost done and now looking for some juice and snacks, we passed by the free tasting area.

"Miss Ganda, gusto mo mag-try?" Masayang sabi 'nung isang middle aged lady. I pulled Akakios with me because I was so giddy when I saw how she nodded when I pointed to myself. She saw me!

I tried her product and it was good. "Hmm!" I exclaimed. Napalingon ako kay Akakios 'nung makita ko na parang nasa alapaap na 'yung tumawag sa 'kin. She's looking at Akakios so dreamily. I chuckled softly.

"Gusto mo?" Tanong ko kay Akakios. Mukha kasing imbis na alukin din s'ya, tititigan na lang s'ya 'nung babae. I mean... I couldn't blame her. This man is... just simply astonishing.

I used the toothpick to take another and, "Ahhhh..." I instructed and Akakios followed like a child, I gave it to him and he also liked the taste.

In the end, we took a pack of the product. Tinawag kami ng kung sino sinong nasa free taste stall at tuwang tuwa lang kami ni Akakios na tumitikim sa mga nando'n. It was just so refreshing.

This feeling that you exist without trying so hard...

This feeling of being light and happy around him...

It felt like I have nothing to worry about, no burden to carry at all.

After our grocery shopping, we proceeded to the counter. Ipinaglalagay namin 'yung mga pinamili, at 'yung cashier nakatitig sa 'min na para bang manghang mangha s'ya. Halos 'di n'ya na tinitingnan 'yung ini-iscan n'ya.

I looked at other people around us, who were also in the line for their groceries, and noticed how at awe they were looking at us. I gulped secretly. That' why I felt so many eyes staring at me—at us!

I'm not used to it, but I am happy, and thankful. To be normal... to feel like normal.

Nang magbabayad na kami kaagad kong binitiwan ang kamay ni Akakios at saka kinuha ang wallet ko sa sling bag ko. Pero bago ko pa maibigay ang card ko, napansin ko na inabot na ni Akakios 'yung kan'ya.

I looked at him in surprise and he smiled looking so proud at me. I gazed at the cashier lady and I could see hearts in her eyes while slowly reaching for Akakios' card. I saw her blushed when her hands brushed against his.

"You have a card now?" I mentioned while my eyes are still on the girl's. I could feel Akakios eyes on me.

"'Yun kasi ginagamit ng mga tao... Kaya sabi ko kailangan ko rin." He clarified gently.

When the cashier finished with the card, I immediately reached out my hand. I saw her hesitating to give it to me, but in the end, she had no choice, when she saw how Akakios' hand intertwined our hands together.

I grabbed the card using my free hand and gave it back to Akakios.

Inilagay ni Akakios ang mga pinamili namin sa loob ng cart. Palabas na kami 'nung maalala ko. He bought things too for himself and now, it's all mixed up! Oh, my gosh! How do we split the groceries?

"Wait..." Mahina kong sabi.

"Hmm?"

"Pa'no 'yung groceries mo? Mix na 'yung mga nandyan sa plastic bags."

"Huh? But I'll cook for you?"

"Eh?"

Nagkatinginan kami parehas naguguluhan.

"Ngayon?" Tanong ko.

"Oo." Diretsong sagot n'ya at saka ngumiti.  "Bawal?" Bigla s'yang sumimangot. Hala! How could I say no to this?

"Pwede!" I assured him with a beam, he automatically shined because of his innocent smile.

"Ihahatid kita sa inyo." Sabi n'ya sa 'kin.

"May dala akong kotse."

"Meron din ako."

Bigla kaming natahimik. So, whose car are we using? Akakios is practically a stranger to be honest, but this stranger felt like I've known him for years. I met and encounter different people in my life, but I've never met someone... so angelic and innocent as him.

Funny how he made me trust him so much, in a span of few hours. Funny how we clicked. And funny how he entered and pulled me out into my isolation. Making me feel normal.

"Okay lang ba na kotse ko ang gagamitin? Tapos 'yung kotse mo... pwede pa ipadrive sa iba?" He suggested carefully.

"Okay." I replied. Kung kanina mukha s'yang problemado, ngayon mukhang tuwang tuwa na s'ya. Goodness, his expressions are to die for.

"Kukunin ko lang ah? Okay lang na rito ka muna?"

"Oo naman!"

And there, he went off to get his car. I waited patiently for him and a splendid expensive looking car suddenly stopped to where I was standing. I knew it was him. I mean who could see me, like it was so normal?

Maliban kay Dada at Law? S'ya lang. Si Akakios lang.

"Silhoue!" He called and waved as he got off the car. People turned their heads to look at him. Whether it was intentional that he steals every gaze when he is around or not, I couldn't really care. As long as... he could see me.

I smiled at him. And people threw their eyes on me.

We loaded all the bags inside his car and after that he opened the door of the passenger seat for me and I went in. I saw him returning the cart first before going inside for the driver's seat.

"Sa'n tayo?" Tanong n'ya.

Sinabihan ko s'ya sa name ng building at biglang lumawak ang ngiti sa mukha n'ya. Hindi ko na lang muna pinansin at binuksan ang cellphone ko.

I saw that Dada just sent me a message.

Ate, I'm sorry. But I think we need to reschedule meeting your Lolo and Lola today.

Napakunot noo ako sa message. May nangyari ba?

Are they alright, Dada?

Ramdam ko 'yung kabog ng puso ko habang hinihintay 'yung reply ni Dada. Nanlalamig ang mga kamay ko. Ayaw na ayaw ko kasi 'yung hindi ko alam kung okay ba o hindi sina Lola. I'd always worry for them.

There was a beep and I immediately opened Dada's reply.

Everything's fine. Just stay in your condo for tonight and don't go to any underground cities.

Kahit papano nakahinga ako ng maluwag. Hindi naman kasi si Dada 'yung tipo na magsasabi ng kasinungalingan para lang gumaan pakiramdam namin. Rule na rin kasi sa pamilya namin na as much as possible when it comes to safety concerns, we'll be honest to each other. Si Momo na rin nagpatupad n'yan. That's why we are really open to each other.

Okay. Take care, Dada. I love you.

I glanced at Akakios who's busy driving. Napansin n'ya yata na nakatingin ako sa kan'ya kaya humarap s'ya saglit sa 'kin at ngumiti. Tapos bigla n'yang ibinababa 'yung isang kamay n'ya sa manibela.

"Need this?" He asked coolly yet simply. So childlike.

I felt my cheeks reddened. Gano'n ko na lang ba talaga hawak-hawakan 'yung kamay n'ya? Na parang sobrang normal lang? Na parang sobrang matagal na kaming magkakilala? Goodness, if yes, then I am so... so... embarrassed for myself.

It made me feel like I was taking advantage of a child like him.

I shook my head quickly, so ashamed and shy for what I've been doing earlier. I heard him chuckled.

"But I need yours, Silhoue."

My eyes widened by what he retorted, I slowly met his gaze and I saw a glint that... he was trying to make me feel comfortable and not awkward. He understood instantaneously that I felt like I was taking advantage of him so he wanted to make it the opposite. That it was him... not me.

Nanlambot ang puso ko at walang alinlangan na hinawakan ang kamay n'ya.

I checked my phone and saw Dada's message that made me smile.

I love you more, Ate. Always, always take care.

Hindi rin nagtagal nakarating kami sa building. Nagparada muna s'ya tapos saka ako pinagbuksan ng pinto ng kotse. Pinagtulungan namin buhatin 'yung mga pinamili kasi sobrang dami no'n, hindi n'ya kakayanin na s'ya lang.

We walked together to the entrance and went to the elevator.

Mabuti na lang kakaunti 'yung tao ngayon. The lobby greeted us, and again, I could see stars in their eyes especially for him. They also noticed me.

I told him the floor number and he pressed the button. It was quite long because I live in almost the highest floor. And when we arrived he just followed me closely. I pressed my passcode and opened my home.

"Pasok ka..." I told him as I removed my shoes, and carried the plastic bags that I have in the kitchen.

Nang maibaba ko 'yon mabilis kong binalikan si Akakios. He also removed his shoe and asked where he needs to put down the groceries.

"Welcome." I spoke. He looked at the kitchen, dining and the living room. He was quietly admiring the interior. The unit was massive for someone who lives alone. It also has a huge window, which I really love because I could admire the city and the sky endlessly. It calms me down, although, I must admit nothing beats looking at the clean blue ocean with my siblings at the island.

"Wow..." Natawa ako sa reaksyon n'ya.

Habang tinitingnan n'ya 'yung buong paligid, pumunta muna ako sa wall cabinet sa gilid ng entrance door para kumuha ng pangbahay na tsinelas. I grabbed my fluffy panda slipped on and Law's chicken slipped on.

Mukha namang magkasukat sila ni Akakios ng paa, at saka hindi naman ginagamit 'to ni Law kasi bakit daw manok. Hindi ko rin alam, si Fate naman bumili nito.

"Akakios." I called him while he was looking at the city on the huge window.

Lumingon s'ya sa 'kin at saka ko inabot sa kan'ya 'yung tsinelas.

"Salamat." Sagot niya at saka sinuot 'yun. I find him so cute while he was looking at the slip on and he suddenly started doing simple steps that looked like a feet shuffle. I chuckled because of that and I copied his feet steps.

Nagkatawanan kami dahil sa ginawa. Tapos ay dumiretso sa kitchen para ayusin ang mga pinamili.

"Bubukod ko 'yung sa 'yo." I told him while I was putting condiments at the upper cabinet—struggling. Why am I so short? Ako kaliitan sa 'min. Mas matangkad pa si Fate sa 'kin.

Habang nahihirapan bigla na lang sumulpot si Akakios sa tabi ko at kinuha sa kamay ko 'yung mga condiments. He arranged it neatly and helped in putting other things in the cabinet. While doing that, he spoke.

"Hindi na. Binili ko lang 'yun kasi gusto kita ipagluto para sa pagtulong mo sa 'kin no'n. At saka mukhang walang laman kitchen mo." He said calmly while helping me in putting everything on its place.

I just smiled at him. I don't know why, pero parang gusto ko lang sumang-ayon sa mga gusto at sinasabi n'ya.

Nang matapos mag-ayos bigla n'ya inayos 'yung sleeves 'nung polo n'ya at saka kumuha ng apron para isuot 'yon. Pretty sure, he learned it too. I mean it looks so step by step. Nakakatuwa na lang s'yang panuorin.

"Need help?"

He smiled and shook his head. I shrugged my shoulders at hinayaan s'ya sa gagawin niya. He familiarized himself first in the kitchen then proceeded in gathering ingredients. Ako naman ay tahimik lang s'ya pinagmasdan.

"Isn't weird? We just met, and we are acting like we've known each other for years." Natatawang sabi ko sa kanya at saka sumandal sa ref.

"Kaya nga." I heard him chuckle. "Hindi ka ba natatakot sa 'kin? Marami kasing takot sa 'kin."

"Huh?"

He glanced at me for like three seconds, but broke contact when he started to wash the shrimps. "Laging nalayo ang mga tao sa 'kin, tapos lagi pang nanginginig." Mahinang sabi n'ya.

Is he serious? He is so innocent! Why would people be so afraid and terrified of him? I saw how he made people awestruck earlier. They admire him so much! Kulang na nga lang bigla s'yang lapitan ng mga babae para magtanong ng pangalan o higit pa ro'n.

"Ikaw? Sigurado ka bang nakikita mo talaga ako? Multo kaya ako." I told him in a serious manner.

He stopped washing the shrimps and turned around with his jaw dropped. "H-Huh?" Napaatras s'ya sa kinatatayuan habang nanlalaki ang mga mata.

"Joke lang." I retorted laughingly because he really looked so shock with what I said. Hala! Ang cute.

"I-I really... thought..."

"Pa'no ka natutong magluto?" Tanong ko na lang kasi baka mamaya hindi pa maniwala 'to na hindi nga ako multo, mahirap na usap usapan pa naman dito na multo nga ako, kahit hindi naman.

"Kailangan lang." He answered while marinating the shrimps. Then he prepared for a skillet. "You?" He asked back.

"Knew how, but not that good." Sabi ko habang pinapanuod s'ya. "Hey, you know?" I started.

"Hmm?"

"Why don't we play 20 questions? You know, to know each other better? We are like strangers but we act like we are not." He chuckled softly with what I stated.

"Pa'no ba 'yon?"

"Magtatanong tapos sasagutin, kaso halinhinan tayo. Magtatanong ako, sasagot ka, tapos magtatanong ka, sasagot ako. Gano'n."

"Ahh, game."

I clapped my hands when he agreed with my request. He started cutting garlics and melting butter. Looked like he's gonna cook buttered shrimp! Yum! I love shrimps!

"Ikaw muna magtanong." He said, so I obeyed delightfully.

"Age?"

"Twenty-three."

I gasped with his answer! I am five years younger than him! Oh, my gosh! I thought he was just my age or maybe one or two years older! Ni hindi ko man lang napansin! And I acted like that?! You fool, Miracle!

"Halaaa! Seryoso?"

"It's my turn to ask." He said while laughing.

"How about your age?" Tanong n'ya.

"Twenty!"

"Liar." Napakamot ako ng ulo dahil do'n. He saw through me! Aish!

"Fine, eighteen."

"A baby."

"What?!"

Natawa s'ya lalo sa reaksyon ko. "Will that be your question?"

"No!" Mabilis na sagot ko. He laughed at me.

"Where are you from?"

"An island."

"Sa'ng island?" Napatingin s'ya sa 'kin at nagtaas ng kilay na para bang tinatanong kung 'yun na 'yung next question, kaagad akong umiling. "Your turn."

"You?"

"An island."

Nagkatinginan kami at nagkatawanan. What? We are from an island? Parehas kaya?

"My turn!" I told him energetically. "Name of the island? Specific place please." I clarified. Nauubos mga tanong ko sa kan'ya eh.

"Don't really know the exact place, pero ang tawag ni Lolo sa island na 'yun ay Quiesla. I grew up with him, only him. I just got out of that island a few days ago. Kaya sobrang dami kong hindi alam sa lugar na 'to."

I nodded silently with what he shared. He looked so sincere and at peace while sharing that to me.

"How about you, what island?"

"Tinagong Island. Hindi ako ro'n nagkaisip pero do'n na lumaki. Nagtatago kami sa lugar na 'yon dahil sa panganib... Ngayon lang din ako ulit nakabalik sa syudad."

"Parehas tayo, gan'yan din ang sitwasyon ko. Sabi ng Lolo kailangan kong itago dahil sa panganib."

Nakatinginan kami ni Akakios sa isa't isa. Nangungusap ang mga mata n'ya at gano'n din sa akin. Maybe that's why... why I felt so comfortable and so close to him, because we have similar circumstances. We have a similar story.

"Is it okay that you shared that to me?"

"Okay lang na sinasabi mo 'yan sa 'kin?"

Sabay na tanong ko at tanong n'ya. We also nodded in unison. Wow, we are really in synch with each other.

"Hindi kasali sa question 'yon!" I told him.

"Okay." Natatawang sabi n'ya.

"It's my turn now." Sabi ko sa kan'ya tumango naman s'ya sa 'kin at nagsimulang magluto. Nababanguhan ako kaya naman nilanghap ko muna bago magtanong.

"Hmm... nagschool ka?"

He shook his head. "Hindi, lahat ng alam ko si Lolo nagturo."

"Wow, sobrang bilis mong matuto kung gano'n. And one thing! Ang yaman mo kaya? May kotse kang gano'n kaganda? Ibig sabihin ba mayaman kayo ng Lolo mo?"

"It's my turn."

"Oh..." Masyado naman akong natutuwa magtanong ano ba 'yan.

"Favorite colour?"

"Eh?" Tinaasan n'ya ako ng kilay sa reaksyon ko.

"Okay..." Sukong sabi ko. "Ocean green... or white."

"Answer my question earlier." I told him quickly after I answered his question.

"Hindi ko alam, si Lolo nagbigay sa 'kin ng mga gamit na 'yun. Hindi ko alam na pangmayaman 'yun. He provided everything for me when I moved here in the city." Kwento n'ya habang nagluluto at nagsimula na naman ng panibagong lulutuin.

"Hmm. Okay!"

"Still in school?" He questioned not looking at me.

"Yeah. Pero bakasyon ngayon."

"Wala kang balak magschool?"

"Sabi ni Lolo hindi na raw kailangan, pero sa mga nakikita ko sa mga tao rito, malaking bahagi ang school para may maayos na trabaho ka."

He's really smart, I could feel and see that he's really new to this environment yet he's coping and adapting so fast. Although, he is soooo open to me right now, it felt like he's still so mysterious.

"Favorite food?" Tanong n'ya.

"Shrimp!" Mabilis na sagot ko.

"Looks like I cooked the right dish today." He said while smiling. I clapped my hands. Ang galing lang, sobrang galing lang ng tadhana. Ang saya ko lang na nakilala ko s'ya. I don't even know why... but I'm forever thankful for him.

"Ikaw? Favorites?"

"Brown for colour. Ginataang pusit sa pagkain."

We talked about a lot of things, we had things in common, but we also have opposing ideas and things. And seriously? I felt so at ease with him.

Hindi ko akalain na ganito kaagad ang mangyayari. Life really works in mysterious ways.

Ang dami n'yang niluto at sobrang dami rin naming napag-usapan. 20 questions were not enough! We talked random things. He told me how he was so confused the moment he arrived here. Iba sa turo ng Lolo n'ya.

I also told him about how I'm invisible in other's eye. He believed me. Akala ko talaga 'di s'ya maniniwala kasi nga para naman akong normal sa kan'ya. Ang sagot n'ya? Because I believed in him, too.

Kasi takot nga raw ang mga tao sa kan'ya tapos ako hindi.

We laughed and talked about serious things and we decided that we are now friends. We just laughed at each other with that...

Nang matapos s'yang magluto ay inilagay n'ya lahat sa lamesa 'yon at naupo naman ako habang inaantay s'ya.

I helped too! I cooked rice. Rice lang kasi lahat ng ulam s'ya talaga nagluto.

I'm so giddy and excited to taste his cooking, and when he sat across me, and gave me a go signal, I joyfully started tasting each dish.

"Wow!"

"Woah!"

"Hala! Ang sarap!"

He was chuckling while I was tasting all of it. Halos mawalan na ng mga mata habang nakangiti sa 'kin. Ramdam na ramdam ko 'yung saya n'ya 'nung nagustuhan ko 'yung niluto n'ya. Mas masarap pa kasi 'to kaysa do'n sa nilibre ko sa kan'ya no'n sa restaurant!

Kahit pabalikin mo ako sa oras na 'yun? I'd repeat what I did. If it means meeting him.

"Dandahan." He spoke while looking at me almost inhaling his dishes.

"It's soooo good!"

"Salamat."

He also joined me in eating but I swear, I was the one who almost finished all the food. I was so full when I released the utensils from my hand.

"Thank you!" I sincerely thanked him.

"Wala 'yon."

He helped me in washing the dishes after eating and when we were done, that was when I noticed how the city became stars with its lights. Gabi na pala.

"Gabi na..." Sabi ko kay Akakios habang nakatingin sa window.

"Magpahinga ka na. Aalis na ako." Sabi n'ya.

"Ihahatid na kita sa lobby."

"Hindi na."

"Hayaan mo na ako. Sobrang thankful ko sa 'yo."

"No need."

"Why?" I queried sadly, he chuckled and tousled my hair gently.

"Sige na, hatid mo na ako, pero hindi sa lobby." He voiced out gently.

"Sa'n?"

"Tara."

He went to the door, tapos sinuot 'yung sapatos n'ya nagsuot naman ako ng sandals, tapos sabay kaming lumabas ng pinto. Tapos bigla na lang s'yang lumiko at...

"Good night, Silhoue." He said while waving his hands.

"You live there?" Hindi makapaniwalang sabi ko.

He nodded while smiling. "Yeah, we're neighbours."

Mas lalo akong napanganga sa nalaman. Oh, my gosh! Is kismet playing some kind of sorcery with us? But, in the end, I couldn't hide my smile.

"Akakios..." I called before he could enter his unit.

"Silhoue?"

"I had a great day."

"Ako rin. Salamat."

And we just smiled at each other before both entering our own units. I was so thankful that I met him. Because... I felt so safe and secured with him around.

Akakios Laurentius...

***

Amythee Hope's POV

Nakatulala ako ngayon. Nakatulala kami ngayon ni Harper. Nasa klase kami. Sabay ring napabuntong hininga at perahas malalim ang iniisip.

Wait, teka nga!?

Bakit mukhang problemado rin 'tong si Harper?

"Naiisip mo ba ang naiisip ko Harper?" Tanong ko.

"Problems, problems, problems everywhere, Ate." Nanlulumong sabi n'ya.

"HUHUHU!" I acted to her. "Ang hirap ng sitwasyon natin."

"I know, Ate. Why ba kasi it's so hard?"

"Kaya nga eh, bakit gano'n na lang lagi? Kailan ba dadali ang lahat? Ang hirap naman 'nung ganito lagi, nakakastress."

"Truth! Why is that he's always so against my ideas? Now, misunderstanding everywhere!"

"Huh?" Napakunot-noo ako kay Harper. Against her ideas? Misunderstandings? Wait... hindi kami parehas ng nasa isip?

Ang naiisip ko lang naman is, 'yung abot kamay na naman si Justice bigla na lang nawala! May dumaan lang na isang tao, tapos poof! Magic! To lo and behold, he vanished in to thin air! And Luna, too!

And when we met in her house, she's denying what we saw! I mean, although I know that it's been years since we last saw Justice we were sure it's him! Pero, nganga. Wala kaming nakuha kay Luna na kahit ano.

Pero ano ba 'tong sinasabi ni Harper?

"Sinong tinutukoy mo? May contact ka kay Justice?" I asked her curiously, she laughed nervously.

"A-h, A-Ate kasi ano... ahm—" Bago pa makapagdahilan si Harper bigla na lang nagkaro'n ng malakas na malakas na bell na akala mo may sunog, at nagulat kaming dalawa—since kami lang sa barkada ang magkaklase ngayon—nung tumayo ang lahat ng mga kaklase namin.

Halos mag-unahan pa sila para lang makalabas. Hala! Ano bang nangyayari?

"What's happening?" Harper inquired looking at our classmates.

Nanatili kaming nakaupo at nalilito ni Harper, at may natanggap kaming text kay Luna nang sabay.

"She said we need to go the field." Harper informed me with forehead creased looking at Luna's message.

"Kaya nga. Baka papunta silang lahat do'n?"

Inintay muna namin makalabas lahat ng kaklase namin at saka lang kami sumunod. Even the hallways are filled and in rush. Some are even jumping off the building! Woah, what the hell?

Nagpadala na lang kami ni Harper (habang nakacling sa braso ng isa't isa) sa mga estudyante. Grabe naman sila. Nagmamadali? May rally ba? May aksidente ba? May sunog ba? Ano ba naman kasi 'to?

Sobrang siksikan na kaya naman nagdecide kami ni Harper na tumalon na lang din pababa sa building, tutal second floor na naman kami. Sobrang hirap na kasi dahil nagmamadali talaga mga tao ngayon.

We landed safely and no one even payed attention to us.

We just walked to the field and when we got there, we were jaw dropped by the number of students.

Woah! It gave me chills!

It felt like something big is commencing today!

While we were staring at the huge crowd and the massive stage with like hundreds of screens around and one really really really big on the stage, we met our barkada.

"What's happening?" Tanong ni Theon.

"Hindi ko rin alam." Sagot ko naman.

We just all proceeded at the back of the crowd. Makikita pa rin naman namin 'yung stage dahil sa screens. Ano bang meron? Medyo nakakakilabot din ha? Kasi kahit sobrang daming tao, ang tahimik.

Tapos may kakaibang awra ka talaga na mararamdaman. Goosebumps every minute, gano'n. Medyo nakakatakot na nakakaexcite.

Tapos nagulat kami 'nung biglang may umilaw sa stage at sa mga screen. White. Brown. Green. Blue. And in a snap, everyone quietly move like an army forming lines on the respective colours on the screen.

Woah? What is this?

"Anong gagawin natin?" Biblee questioned while looking at how organized the lines were, kami lang wala sa linya. At mamangha ka talaga sa bilis ng mga pangyayari. Like, woah!

"Ano bang mga kulay 'yan?" Thorn inquired looking at the screen. Then suddenly a line divided them by colour! Wow! Where on earth did, the line came from?

"Wait..." Mahinang sabi ni Akira.

"Is it by state?" Biglang tingin ni Biblee kay Akira.

"I think so..." Sagot ni Akira kay Biblee.

"Kaya nga..." Art traced.

"Commoners sa white. Ang dami nila—este natin." Cleon stated while pointing at them. Halos half ng field puro sila.

"Then the brown for Middle Class?" Theon declared, asking Cleon. Tumango ang kakambal nito. Marami rin ang Middle Class pero hindi kasing dami ng Commoners.

"Then... the small portion? Elites?" Napatingin naman kami kay Pierce at sa tinitingnan nito na halos wala pa yatang fifty na tao ang nakapila sa green.

"Looks like it." Sagot ko naman.

"And the last one..." Harper almost whispered. We could not even see the last line. Kasi biglang mo talaga kung ilan sila.

"Royals." Akira announced looking at them.

I felt a gush of blood in my system being so pumped up about this thing!

At halos malaglag ang mga panga namin sa lupa 'nung bigla na lang lumabas si Katniss sa malaking screen! Hindi na namin s'ya makita sa stage kasi sobrang layo talaga namin!

Woah! And she's freaking wearing a Gold Crown! Oh, my gosh!

"Good morning, Empire." She stated and all the hairs in my arms and the back of my neck stood up because of her presence! Like. OH. MY. GOODNESS. This is insane! I could feel so much intensity!

Parang bamagsak 'yung langit sa lupa! Grabe!

"Hail to the Seventh Crown!" Sabay sabay na sabi ng lahat ng estudyante maliban sa min. Talagang nakanganga at hindi kami makakilos sa kinatatayuan namin dahil sa sobrang pagkabigla at pagkamangha.

'Yung puso ko parang luluwa na sa lupa at nanginginig ang buong katawan ko sa nasasaksihan.

The authority! The power! The freaking presence and aura! This is the Crown! The youngest yet the accomplished Katniss Emeraude Servilla Cordonnier! The seventh!

"Next week will be the start of the Empire Foundation Week!" She announced and everyone was so attentive to her and I swear, my hands were so cold because of it!

"Oh, nandito na kayo." Halos mapatalon kaming lahat 'nung sumulpot na lang bigla si Luna.

"'Wag mo kami tinatakot ng ganyan, Luna!" Sigaw ni Biblee dito.

"Shh, pay respect, the Seventh is speaking." Luna stated while looking intensely in front. Natahimik kami at nakinig sa mga sinasabi ni Katniss. May mga inexplain s'ya na parang nalabas sa kabilang tainga ko pagkatapos makapasok sa kabila kasi hindi ko talaga maintindihan.

It took some minutes up until she finished.

"What' happening Luna?" Bulong ko.

"Ah, Foundation Week, or more or less, Diablo's Week."

"Anong pinagsasabi mo?" Extra naman ni Biblee.

"Basta explain ko sa inyo, mamaya pero more on games 'yan at saka matches. Opportunity to become highest of the highest." Luna explained shortly.

"You mean? You can become like Katniss?" Tanong ko, Luna nodded.

"Pero may rules." She added.

"Ano?"

"Shh, listen."

"So here are the list for the official challenges to change your state!" Katniss declared immensely, everyone focused their attention on her, the crowd anticipated the next words she will say.

Puro mga pangalan at rank ang naririnig ko.

"Ano 'yon?" Biblee questioned.

"Challenges at matches para maiba 'yung State kung san ka kabilang. Halimbawa, Commoner ka at gusto mo maging Middle Class, kahit kulang ka sa skills at aurous pwede ka maghamon. Kapag nanalo ka, magiging Middle Class ka, tapos Empire na sasagot sa kulang mong aurous at sa skills naman magkakaro'n ka ng special class or training para ma-maintain mo 'yung rank mo."

Woah! Hindi 'to katulad 'nung sinabi ni Luna dati ah! This is like a cheat and fast way to go up in the rankings!

So, this is the Diablo's Week huh?

"Pero!" Bigla kaming napatingin sabay ni Biblee kay Luna 'nung sinabi n'ya 'yon.

"May kondisyon para makapaghamon ka. Dapat one level ka lang below sa hahamunin mo."

"Huh?" I spoke in confusion.

"Commoners are only allowed to challenge Middle Class," She explained.

"Tapos Middle Class sa Elites lang gano'n?" Biblee clarified. Luna nodded.

Ah, so you need, to be Elites to challenge the Royals? So wala rin? Commoners kami ibig sabihin, hindi rin namin machachallenge ang Crowns? Akala ko pa naman... psh, nevermind.

"Tsaka kailangan n'yo rin magregister. At syempre kailangan i-approve ng mga Crowns 'yun, kaya nag-a-announce sila ngayon kung sino 'yung mga natanggap 'yung application para sa challenges. Exciting 'to promise." Then Lune smiled creepily at us.

Woosh! Parang pinagpawisan yata ako ng malamig gawa ni Luna.

Habang kabado at medyo confused pa rin ako sa nangyayari habang nagtatawag ng pangalan si Katniss bigla na lang kaming nagulat sa kasunod na narinig!

"Theon Williams."

"Cleon Williams."

"Art Williams."

"Amythee Valle."

"Snow Valle."

"Honoka Robets."

"Akira Roberts."

"Pierce Fortaleza."

"Thorn Fortaleza."

"Harper Wolf."

"Are challenging to become Royals."

Huh?

HUH?

HHUUUHHH?!

WHAT THE HELL?!

Pa'nong narinig namin ang mga pangalan namin?!

Pa'nong narinig namin na naghahamon kami sa Royals?!

Kailan?!

KAILAN KAMI NAGHAMON?!

"WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING?!" Halos sabay sabay na tanong namin kay Luna syempre maliban kay Thorn at Pierce na ang sinabi What is happening lang.

Ano ba 'yan, walang instense magtanong 'yong dalawang 'yon.

"At saka ROYALS?!" Malakas na tanong ni Cleon kaya halos pagtulungan s'yang takpan ang bibig ng mga lalaki.

Kasi naman! Biglang tumingin ang lahat sa amin at nagkaro'n ng napakaraming bulungan! Aba! Sino ba naman kasing hindi magtatakha? Kung kami ngang barkada shook na shook sa sinabi ni Katniss 'yung iba pa kaya?

LIKE WHAT THE HECK!?

"Hahahahaha!" Luna laughed like a maniac. Halos mapahawak na s'ya sa tyan n'ya katatawa. Kaloka 'tong si Luna!

"Luna!!!" Sabay sabay na saway namin.

"What?" Inosenteng tanong n'ya.

"Bakit kami kasama do'n? 'Di naman kami nag-apply o nag-register." Halos nagmamakaawang tanong ko.

"Ah... Si Justice. Siya nag-register sa inyo."

"ANO?!"

"JUSTICEEEE!" Halos sigaw namin kasi naman, bakit Justice?! BAKIT?!

"Wait..." Harper suddenly interrupted.

"Why are they challenging Royals?! They are just Commoners!" Nagulat at napanganga kaming lahat dahil sa sumigaw no'n sa crowd ng mga estudyante. Kasunod ng sunod sunod na bash sa 'min.

Wow, nahiya naman kami. Lagi na lang kaming famous sa mga bashers na 'to! Kaloka! Malay ba kasi namin kay Justice at naisip n'ya 'yon 'di ba? 'DI BA?!

Biglang nagkaro'n ng matinis na tunog dahil sa mic. Mukhang sinadya 'yon ni Katniss para matigil ang mga halo halong tanong at ingay sa mga estudyante.

"Oh, wait..." Katniss started laughingly.

"Looks like we forgot to inform the students yet..." She continued making an intense yet so giddy atmosphere. We were anticipating her next words so much! It's like we were hanging on a thin line.

"Those ten students?" Pabitin mo Katniss! Sabihin mo na! Pati ako kinakabahan! Dumadagundong na 'yung puso ko!

"The Improbus Ille Imperium?"

MY GOSH! Galing magpakaba nitong si Katniss!

"...they are now Elites."

Eh?

Ehhhhlites?

EHHHHLITES?!

OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH!

"They are the new Elites."

"So you better watch out, because they are..."

"The new Improbus Ille Imperium."

***