Sorry for all the errors! Enjoy reading! ♥️ Please drop your comments about this chapter. Thank you so much.

Have a great one! ✨

* * *

#TCS40: Between Staying and Running Away

Nakanganga kaming lahat at napatulala sa screen dahil sa nakita. I wasn't prepared for the revelation! Holy molly! Who would have thought? The great Law freaking Evans. Calling. And asking. About Harper!

Halos hindi pa nagproproseso sa utak namin 'yung nangyayari pero nagulat kaming nang biglang mag-connect 'yung tawag ng kusa. I immediately scanned the whole place, but no one dared to move even a tiny bit.

"That impatient bastard." I heard Justice murmured. That explained why the call connected. Law, the powerful of them all, did not need Justice's permission in answering his call. S'ya na mismo ang gumawa ng paraan para kumunekta ng kan'ya ang tawag.

There we saw... an astonishing godly being.

We were all frozen. Stupefied. Flabbergasted.

Wide eyes open. Jaw dropped. Unable to speak nor to move. Even standing in front of him, felt like a sin. I don't know... I felt like I should have bowed down, greeted him with outmost respect, and even kneel down to his presence.

He's just out of this world.

Damn, glowing with pride and power. Even in a crowded place, he looked so... expensive.

I could see and feel a dangerous aura. Hindi s'ya nakatingin sa kamera, naka-side view lang s'ya dahil parang may binabasa sa kabilang dako. Nagsalita s'ya ng gano'n ang histsura. I swear, even the movement of his jaw was mind blowing!

"Is Luna there? Justice, you fucking moron. Answer me first, before flirting with Luna—"

"Wow, great timing, Batas." Justice moved from standing beside Luna to move forward near the massive screen.

Si Justice lang talaga yata ang may kakayahang maka-get over sa nasasaksihan. I mean, we were still looking like statues. Hindi alam kung kailan gagalaw, o kung kailan magkakaroon ng permisong bumati.

It's like walking on a thin line, and we don't even know why we are walking on a thin line! All we knew was one wrong move... bye, earth. Bye, parents. Bye, everyone.

With Justice's response, Law moved his head to look at the camera.

Pigil hininga ako nang pagkakataong 'yun. If disappearing now, would be a better choice, I'd choose that. Grabe 'yung epekto ni Law! Kahit gustong gusto na namin s'yang makita, hindi ko alam—parang kailangan ko pa mag-paalam sa kan'ya para lang maging okay na makita s'ya.

Like... what the fudge is that? How could someone make you feel that way?

I'm losing my mind!

"Oh!" Law exclaimed when he finally saw us. I thought we'd jump of joy or even shout our cries in finally seeing him—although it's just from a screen. However, all I heard was a deafening silence.

Oh, my goodness.

"There you fucking are, Aurora." He mentioned nonchalantly.

That made me almost... drop to the floor!

I used my peripheral vision to look at Harper, and there you go... the ever-confident duchess of our gang, crossed her arms and smirked.

"Miss me?" She teased with that playful smile and prideful aura. Like you could never go wrong with Harper in this situation. She's... I mean, she's the only one who could ever match Law when it comes to this. She's shameless, in a really really really good way.

I thought Law would be mad or something. I closed my eyes waiting for cold remarks. For being here with Harper. You know... they don't plan on seeing us, right? In showing in front of us? I was preparing myself for another round of maddening and hurtful words...

But... instead...

I slowly opened my eyes. Napahawak ako sa puso ko. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang mabilis na tibok nito dahil sa kaba at matinding pagkamangha.

Law... he's... chuckling.

Oh, my God.

Oh, my soul.

Oh, my breath!

He freaking took it away!

He's so freaking eternal!

With eyes like the crescent moon with his smile... he made everyone in the room breathless. He glows. He sparkles. He shines. And it's in a powerful masculine way. Grabe, parang hari. He's a literal King.

"Bakit parang hindi kayo nahinga?" Natatawang tanong pa nito. Pakiramdam ko bumigay 'yung tuhod ko 'nung sa wakas, parang naging permiso 'yun para huminga kami. Muntik na akong matumba sa kinatatayuan ko.

"What's with the gathering? Reunion?" He even asked with that light and playful aura.

Never in my wildest dreams, I thought I'd witness that kind of reaction. It's too good to be true. Parang nasa panaginip... parang isang kathang isip...

"Aw, you are all awfully quiet, except for the ever-nagging Aurora." He even teased waving at the screen. Parang sobrang normal lang sa kan'ya na nakita namin s'ya. Parang nangibang bansa lang.

What the hell?

Seryoso ba 'to?

Totoo ba 'to?

Nangyayari ba 'to?

Hindi ba 'to joke time?

"Oh, shut up, Law!" Inis na sabi ni Harper at saka ko napansin 'yung ngiti ni Law. Kitang kita 'yung dimples n'ya. Pakiramdam ko matutunaw ako. Jusko, sobrang nakakaproud isipin na pinsan mo 'yun.

May pinsan kang... gano'n ang hitsura... as in... para kang tumapak sa langit.

"I thought you don't want to show yourself?" Tanong ni Harper dito. Kahit nakakahinga na kami, hindi pa rin kami makapagsalita. Grabe. Nakaka-speechless. Mas gulat kami sa nangyari kaysa kay Law.

Hindi ba dapat si Law ang gulat kasi nandito kami sa hide out ni Justice? Eh, bakit parang hindi?

Minsan naiisip ko... ayaw magpakita ng magkakapatid na Evans sa 'min hindi dahil sa panganib... baka ayaw lang nila... kasi busy sila.

Busy sa mga lovelife nila!

Letse!

"I changed my mind, after seeing them so surprised with me. I think I'd want to show myself. I'm too godly to be hiding from them." He laughed in his own joke.

Napanganga na naman kami. Grabe, naging jaw dropping galore ang eksena namin dito. Si Harper at Justice saka si Luna at Caerus lang ang nagagawang makisabay ng tawa kay Law.

"Hey, wala talaga kayong balak na batiin ako? Pwede naman ah." He told us with that serious yet playful expression. He's teasing us, and with his permission, I finally got a hold of myself. I smiled as I waved my hand slowly at him.

"LAW!" Biblee screamed and the rest greeted him with smiles.

"Finally got to see you smile!" Law mentioned with that dimple smile of his. So, fudging chick.

"Bakit ka tumawag? Napaka-wrong timing mo talaga." Justice finally had the chance to speak up after our greetings. Law became serious, and it felt like the world fell upon us. Ang bigat sa puso at pakiramdam grabe.

"Akala ko may nangyari rin kay Aurora. I heard about Art." Simpleng sagot nito. Kaya pala naging seryoso bigla.

"Whipped." Justice mocked Law.

"Look who's talking." Law smiled evilly. "Right, Luna?" Natatawang dagdag pa nito.

"Naku, tigil-tigilan n'yo 'kong magkakapatid. Nasa'n ka ba ha, Paeng?" Luna went in front, beside Justice and looked at Law funnily.

"Airport." Law answered.

"Ah, that's why you can't track her, immediately, huh?" Justice asked smoothly.

"Not really. I could track her, but she's inside your place. So, no use, eh?"

"Right." Justice replied nonchalantly. "Any news?"

"Will update you and Rebel once I'm out of here."

"Shoot."

"Hey, guys, my flight's been called. I guess, see you around?" He saluted and winked at us, then smiled boyishly.

"And, check your phone, Aurora." And with that Law ended the call.

Halos sabay sabay kaming napabuga ng hangin at napa-upo sa sofa nang matapos ang tawag. Para kaming tinanggalan ng kaluluwa. Grabe, si Law. I couldn't explain it... but he's far more than a playful and bubbly guy.

He's literally the Law. He's aware of his power. Yet he's so nonchalant about it.

"Grabe, ba't parang napagod kayo?" Natatawang tanong ni Luna. "Epekto ni Paeng?"

We just nodded, not even in the mood to say anything back. Si Harper lang yata hindi naapektuhan. She's just checking her phone right now, simply hiding a smile, but couldn't really hide it.

"So... I guess, all of you should rest." Justice told us.

"Yeah... badly need one." I uttered and plopped my back on the sofa. I looked at the ceiling. Nakakapagod pala. Hindi pa nga tapos ang araw ganito na nararamdaman ko. It's too much to take in.

I felt like my mind exploded.

Nagsimulang tumayo sina Pierce para lumabas ng lugar 'nung magsalita si Justice.

"Tara?" He suggested which made us, looked at him in surprise.

"Sasama ka?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Biblee.

"Yeah? Bawal ba?" Natatawang tanong nito.

"Sa bahay ni Luna?" Segundo naman ni Thorn.

"Hindi, rito na kayo magpahinga. Sa taas. Stay here for a while, it's safer." He answered with a smile and we all went out to go up in these confusing, wide, and amazing building.

NANG makarating sa floor kung saan kami pwede manatili ay napanganga kami sa sobrang ganda nito. It's like you are on a vacation mansion. There's a massive terrace with glass walls and glass railings. You could see the beauty of the nature that perfectly combines with all the old like structures in the area.

Tanaw mo rin sa lugar na ito 'yung halos tuktok na bahagi ng Hierarchy Tower. Tapos may mga pinto rin sa hallway. Grabe! Sobrang ganda. Parang isang vacation spot na living room. Ang payapa sa pakiramdam.

"Anything you wanna eat?" Justice asked while walking to sit on the hammock near the terrace. He held Luna's hand to bring her with him. Nagpadala lang si Luna sa kan'ya at hindi nagreklamo.

Naligo muna kanina sina Theon, Cleon at Justice dahil basa sila. Ngayon, nandito na ulit sila kaya naman medyo umingay na.

We requested different kinds of foods which we were craving. Habang hinihintay ang pagkain ay umupo ako sa isang sofa at tahimik na pinagmasdan ang paligid. It brings peace in my mind. I rested my back on the sofa and sighed.

May araw pa, pero pakiramdam ko hindi ko na matatapos ang araw na ito ng hindi nagpapahinga.

May umupo sa tabi ko kaya napalingon ako. Si Biblee. I sighed, didn't bother to talk to her. However, I feel comfortable beside her. Alam ko naman na kahit pa nag-away kami kanina, hindi pa rin no'n mapapalitan ang matatag na samahan namin.

We were silent, but I knew in the middle of being quiet our hearts were communicating in solace.

Napalingon ako kay Justice at Luna. Tahimik na nakapikit si Luna habang nakahiga ang ulo nito sa dibdib ni Justice. Samantalang si Justice ay nilalaro ng tahimik ang buhok nito. It felt so heartwarming seeing the two of them...

At least, even though they were separated from us for a long long time... they were happy. At least, I know, although it was tough and tiring for them... Luna's there... to make them smile and to share their burdens.

Thank you, Luna...

Akala ko aalis na si Caerus matapos ang pagliligtas n'ya kay Art pero nandito pa rin s'ya at tahimik na pinagmamasdan si Art na kasama sina Honoka at Harper. The trio are cozy talking to each other while on the round sofa.

I smiled as I saw them giggle and I guess... they are teasing each other. Halata naman kasi namumula si Harper at Honoka. Tapos mamaya maya si Art naman ang namula lalo na 'nung sabay tingnan ni Harper at Honoka si Caerus.

Caerus smiled at them, then Honoka and Harper looked at Art suspiciously before they burst into soft laughter.

"Looks like the trio have a good love...life." Napalingon ako 'nung marinig ko ang bitter kong kapatid. I suppressed my laugh, but failed horribly. A gentle giggle escaped and she looked at me in shock.

"Wow, Ate, kung makatawa ka sa 'kin parang ang ganda ng love life mo ah." She stated sarcastically which made my eyes flew wide open. I nudged at her and threw a pillow on her face.

"Baka may makarinig." Bulong ko sa kan'ya kaya naman tumawa ng parang loka-loka.

"Sus, marinig, eh busy sa pang-bla-block sa lovelife ni Artemis." Biblee remarked looking at Theon and Cleon who were obviously throwing deadly glares at the Second Crown. However, the latter was not really affected by the twins.

"Puntahan mo si Akira." Natatawang suwestiyon ko naman kaya nakatanggap ako ng pabirong masamang ngiti kay Biblee.

"Ayoko, baka ma-fall sa 'kin." Napahalakhak ako sa sagot nito.

"Kausapin ko na ba si Honoka para ilakad ka?" Pang-aasar ko pa.

"Ay wow, Ate. Hindi mo nga maka-usap si Art para ilakad ka kay Theon eh." Napatigil ako sa sinabi nito sa akin.

"Aray ko! Grabe, nahahawa ka na talaga kay Akira."

"I know!"

Nagkatawanan kaming dalawa ni Biblee dahil sa pinag-uusapan. Ilang saglit pa napansin namin na ang tahimik na si Pierce ay biglang lumingon sa isang banda. "Hey." He was the first to react when we saw who entered.

"Rebel!" Malakas na sigaw ni Art at Harper, kaya naman kaagad silang hinila ni Honoka para takpan ang bibig.

Oh... interesting.

Caerus and Art? Harper and Law? Now... Honoka and Rebel?

Wow. I mean... wow. The trio... freaking powerful.

Hindi ko alam kung si Caerus, Law at Rebel ba talaga ang powerful o sina Art, Harper at Honoka?

"Gabby!" Masayang bati ko naman sa kasunod ni Rebel.

"Hellooooo!" Gabby delightfully and excitedly run to us. She greeted us one by one which made us laugh. Grabe, parang mangangampanya 'tong isang 'to.

Akala ko sila lang pero hindi rin nagtagal dumating ang magkapatid na si Katniss at Kalix. Naglakad sila patungo sa amin at may sumunod sa kanila na may mga dala-dalang pagkain. Napatulala ako dahil sa nasasaksihan.

Oh...my... gosh. Sobrang... sobrang malapit na kaming makumpleto. Hindi ko alam pero nanubig ang mga mata ko at saka napangiti nang sobrang lawak.

"Tss, crybaby." Muntik na akong mapatalon sa kinauupuan ko 'nung tumabi sa akin si Kalix, kaagad kong hinananap ang magaling kong kapatid pero ayon nando'n na kasi inuna ang pagkain. Hindi man lang ako tinawag.

"Hindi ah." Tanggi ko kahit alam kong nagbabadya na talaga luha ko kanina, umtras lang gawa ni Kalix.

"That happy that we are here?" Napasimangot ako ng pabiro. Kapal naman ng mukha nito?

"Hindi ka kasali ro'n." I rolled my eyes jokingly at him.

"You bet."

I chuckled softly because of him. "Is this the Crowns' place?" I mean, nandito ang tatlong mga Crowns.

"Why? Would you get out of here if I say yes?" I pouted slightly because of his answer as I watched the whole place and our people. They are having fun. Mostly talking and joking, seeing them like that is more than enough.

"No..." I answered while looking at Gabby annoying Pierce and Thorn. And there goes Rebel getting some food for Honoka.

"Tss."

"Bakit ayaw mo ba kami rito?" I asked while facing him and I was taken aback when I saw him looking at me. With those bored yet strong eyes. With his languid personality. And with his attracting presence.

Ang yabang ng dating n'ya sa totoo lang. Pero hindi ko alam, iba ang aura n'ya ngayon... he seemed so... calming.

"As if I could do anything about that." He traced while smirking at me. I broke the eye contact because he's too much to handle.

"You're a Crown. 'Course you could do that." I retorted while slowly resting my back again on the sofa. I sighed slowly then smiled at Cleon who's looking at us. Nang-alok s'ya ng pagkain pero sumenyas ako na mamaya na.

"Not with Luna, Justice, Rebel and Gabby around." I felt a different kind of goosebumps when he mentioned that. I knew that he's somehow conceited even with the said names, but now, I discovered that he respects them.

"Salvatore!" Bati ni Katniss sa bagong dating. Sven knotted his forehead and almost went out of the room the moment he saw the crowd. But Gabby was fast enough to drag him inside. Natawa si Biblee at Pierce sa reaksyon ni Sven.

He looked intimidating but annoyed. He looked so lost at this place.

"Grabe, reunion?" Natatawang sabi ko at saka kumaway kay Sven na saktong napatingin sa 'kin 'nung pasadahan ng tingin ang buong lugar.

He sighed and went to us. He sat near Kalix. "Why the hell did you call me here?" Asar na bungad nito kay Kalix. Masama ang tingin at aura. I chuckled. Kahit sino man matatakot kay Sven, pero parang nakakasanay na rin mga ganitong personality.

I'm more intimidated by Law than him. Kahit pa wala namang ipinapakitang nakakaintimidate na ugali ang isang 'yun, maliban na lang kapag ibang bagay ang usapan.

"Suffer with me." Kalix retorted with a soft laugh, which made me violently face him. Grabe! Ibang klase! Hindi ako makapaniwala na tumawa ang masamang ugaling si Kalix!

"Fuck you." Sven retorted and put up his middle finger at Kalix.

"Pleasure is mine." Pang-aasar pa nito.

Tahimik kaming tatlo habang pinagmamasdan ang katuwaan sa buong lugar. Pati na rin ang sweet moments ni Justice at Luna. Jusko, sila lang ang bulgaran maging sweet. Paano walang bantay. 'Di tulad ni Honoka at Art.

"Here." Napatingala ako 'nung may mag-abot sa akin ng pinggan na puno ng pagkain. Hindi lang ako ang napatingin, pati si Kalix at Sven.

"Mind if you get one for both of us?" Sira-ulo talaga 'tong si Kalix! Kaagad kong hinampas ang kamay n'ya dahil sa pang-aasar nito kay Theon, isa pa 'tong si Sven iba ang ngisi kay Theon. My god!

"I'm kidding." Kibit balikat na imik ni Kalix at saka tiningnan ng pangutya si Theon.

"'Wag mo pansinin." Sambit ko na lang kay Theon at saka kinuha ang pagkain na dala niya para sa akin.

He sighed and went to Art again. While, my stare lingered at his back. I was only able to get my myself back when I heard Kalix smirk. "Such a poor taste, Amythee." He commented. Sinamaan ko s'ya ng tingin pero isang pag-iling lang ang natanggap ko.

"A piece of advice, Amythee." Nagulat ako nang magsalita si Sven.

"Don't give him a chance now. Only give him a chance once he accepted his full identity of being a Morbelque." Napanganga ako dahil sa sinabi nito. Bukod sa mahaba, malaman. Grabe ang observation skills!

Gano'n na ba ako ka-obvious? Eh, ba't hindi pa rin napapansin 'nung isa? My god!

"Ewan ko sa inyo!" 'Yun na lang nasabi ko at saka ako nagsimulang kumain. Mabuti na lang at hindi na rin naman nila ako ginulo o pinansin. Nang matapos ay masaya ko na lang pinagmasdan ang masayang barkada namin.

I hope this happiness and peace would last...

* * *

"This one or this one?" Tanong ni Art kay Harper habang inaayos ko ang buhok nito. Nakakaproud naman na nagpapaayos ng buhok si Harper sa 'kin, eh, daig pa nito mga artista at models dahil ayaw na ayaw ipapahawak ang buhok at mukha kahit kanino.

Pakiramdam ko tuloy may future akong maging hairstylist.

"Choose the sexy dazzling red, darling, Caerus would be so thankful for me."

"HAHAHAHA! Letse ka talaga Harper, bugbog abot mo kay Cleon at Theon." Singit naman ni Biblee.

"Patay kay Law 'yung kambal 'pag nagkataon." Pang-aasar naman ni Honoka. Kaya halos napahawak na sa tyan niya si Biblee katatawa sa usapan namin ngayon.

"Sus, andon si Rebel mamaya ano? Grabe, patay na patay pa rin sa 'yo 'yun? Hindi man lang nagka-change of heart? Nakakaloka, pagka-loyal ng lolo mo!" Biblee stated while clapping her hands in laughing so hard.

"Biblee, masisira make up at damit mo!" Saway ko. Ang kulit kasi ng kapatid kong 'yun hindi matigil sa pang-aasar at pagtawa aba.

"Girls, ready?" Biglang pumasok si Luna sa kwarto kung nasaan kami. Looking so stunning in her icy white with hints of the slightest light blue deep v-neck dress. Her curves showed perfectly! Grabe, sobrang ganda ni Luna! Napapaluwa na lang ang mata at bibig mo!

"Gosh, Justice would fall in love again!" Hirit ni Biblee habang manghang-mangha na tinitingnan si Luna.

"You... are you sure you are Biblee?" Hindi makapaniwalang sambit ni Luna.

"Gano'n ba talaga ako kaganda?" Biblee giggled.

"I mean... wow, you look so sexy and mature yet with that cute innocent vibe. Hindi ko ma-explain. As in... wow." Nayakap ni Biblee si Luna dahil sa sinabi nito. Kaya naman napangiti ako para sa kapatid.

Biblee's wearing a bead embellished tube dress. With black and a little hint of pink. Sobrang fitted kay Biblee ng dress na 'yun kaya naman lumabas ang kasexy-han. Idagdag mo pa na medyo kinulot ang buhok nito at naka-puyod ng maatas ang buhok.

Natapos kong ayusin ang buhok ni Harper kaya naman tumayo na ito sa kinauupuan. Si Art naman ay dumiretso sa closet room para magbihis.

Honoka's wearing a beige sleeveless dress. Looking regal at the same time not showing too much skin. It fits her perfectly.

While Harper's wearing that black backless long dress that fits her perfectly, with a high slit. With her hair, up in a braid and only some strands of curls near her face, she's absolutely breathtaking.

We also put on our necklace or other accessories which were given by the Evans.

Nang makalabas si Art mula sa pagpapalit ay dumiretso na kaming mga babae sa baba. Naiilang ako habang pababa dahil naririnig ko na ang mga tawanan mula sa mga lalaki.

The kids were out. Kasama sila ng parents namin 'nung umalis ang mga ito mula sa pagbisita namin. Mas mabuti raw na kasama muna nila ang mga bata dahil sa mga events na ginawa ng Empire.

"Be confident, Amythee." Bulong sa 'kin ni Luna. Napatikhim ako.

"You look gorgeous in that off-shoulder yellow floor length dress of yours. Tinalo mo si Belle ng Beauty and The Beast, promise." Natatawang dagdag pa nito. Kahit papano nagkaroon ako ng lakas ng loob sa sinabi nito at ngumiti.

Nang nasa hagdan na kami ay napatitig ang mga lalaki sa amin at natigilan.

"Woah." Halos sabay sabay nilang sabi. Napatulala sa amin.

They showered us with compliments and of course, teases. Hindi kami matitigil sa pag-iingay at pang-aalaska kung hindi lang sinabi ni Luna na nasa labas na ang sundo namin.

Sabay sabay kaming lumabas at tumambad sa amin ang dalawang limousine. Oh my gosh? Kasya naman kami sa isa pero dalawa talaga?

"Okay, hiwalay ang boys sa girls." Luna instructed and we separated ways.

May ball na gaganapin ngayon. It's a celebration. 8 pm ang simula ng program. Kaya naman kailangan na namin makarating do'n dahil halos mag-8 na ngayon. Ang mga Evans din ang nagpadala sa amin ng mga gowns at pati na accessories. Hindi lang isang gown pinadala nila sa bawat isa sa amin. Tatlo at higit pa. Para raw makakapili kami.

At saka natutuwa rin ako—kami na may ball ngayon dahil sobrang nakakapagod ang nangyari nang mga nakaraang araw. Ni hindi ko nga alam pa'no kami nakasurvive sa grabeng mga pinagdaanan namin nang mga nakaraang linggo para lang tumaas ang state namin.

Exhibit One.

We played one on one in a boxing ring with some high-ranking Elites. Syempre mahirap. Pero nagawa naming manalong lahat.

Exhibit Two.

We were in a game called hide and seek where we need to hide in a given time without being outed by the seeker. Muntik na kaming matalo sa larong 'yun buti na lang at nag-time na kaya kami pa rin ang nanalo. Pakiramdam ko ngayon, may seeker pa rin na nagmamasid sa amin dahil sa matinding takot na hatid ng larong 'yun.

Exhibit Three.

We demonstrated our knowledge and intelligence by a freaking death defying game! This game stuck in my mind the most! Nakakapit kami no'n sa isang lubid habang nasa pinakamataas na palapag ng Heirarchy Tower at nakasabit.

May itatanong sa amin na questions at kapag mali ang sagot namin, gugupitin ng kauntihan ang lubid. Pakiramdam ko hanggang ngayon ramdam na ramdam ko pa rin 'yung bilis ng tibok ng puso ko habang naalala ko kung gaano kataas ang lugar kung saan kami nakakapit sa lubid.

Bukod pa 'yung matinding pagod at ngalay ng mga kamay at braso ko no'n at laking pasasalamat ko na hindi ako nalaglag at nakasagot ng tama.

Sino bang naka-isip ng larong 'yun?!

It terrified the hell out of me, when I saw some of the players letting go of the rope because of exhaustion and sometimes giving the wrong answers. Their shout and cries still lingers in my head sometimes.

Exhibit Four.

We had to survive another nightmare. Ito naman kailangan namin maasinta ang isang apple. Napakadali hindi ba? Oh, well. Saang banda madali kapag may tao at nasa tuktok ng ulo nito ang apple? Hindi lang 'yun... nakatali ito sa isang roleta, at iikot ang roleta na 'yun at saka lang namin pwede asintahin ang mansanas.

More challenge? The one on the freaking roulette were our gang!

Si Honoka ang nakatali no'n 'nung sumabak ako! And I effing swear that I was sweating not just because it's Honoka but also because Rebel was watching me with that ticking time bomb aura! I couldn't concentrate with the pressure he was giving me that time, okay?!

I almost shot Honoka's eyes! And I was almost killed with Rebel's glare! Like, what the heck did I do wrong to experience that nightmare?!

Exhibit Five.

A kidnapping! I was enjoying my rest, when goons kidnapped me! Guess what? Another game by the Empire! I needed to survive the kidnapping all alone with freaking twenty goons, all muscular, all strong, all trained and all deadly!

It still makes me wonder how the heck I survived that day. I went out of that abandoned place, full of blood, scratch, and almost out of breath! Nagising na lang ako dala dala na ako ni Kalix papuntang bahay ni Luna.

Goodness! Tapos lahat pala kami na-experience 'yun, hindi lang ako? This school leave me out of my wits every time!

The games didn't end there, meron pang mga sports at tila mga quiz bees na kailangan naming salihan. Pati mga bets at gambling meron din. Kaya naman grabe na lang 'yung luwag sa loob namin na sa wakas, nakahinga rin kami sa mga panganib na araw araw naming kinaharap.

Finally! Time to celebrate and relax! And it is through this ball!

"What will happen in the ball, Luna?" Mahinang tanong ni Honoka.

"Just the normal things."

"Walang normal sa school na 'to, Luna 'no!" Natatawang sabi ni Biblee kaya nagkatawanan din kami.

"Eating. Dancing. Singing. Some awards. Ganun lang." Luna explained.

"At least, mukha namang pwede tayong magpahinga ro'n, the last days had been hell." I told them and they all agreed.

Hindi rin nagtagal ay nakarating kami sa lugar kung saan gaganapin ang Empire Ball. Isa isa kaming bumababa nang pagbuksan kami ng driver. Nagtungo kami sa saradong double doors. At pinapila kami isa-isa ng mga guwardyang nakabantay ro'n.

Kahulihan ako sa linya namin.

Nauna si Luna. Pagkabukas ng pinto ay napansin kong hindi pa iyon ang mismong entrance ng event. Parang entrance room lang iyon.

"Ayieee!" Napasilip ako sa una 'nung marinig ang mga pang-aasar ng mga babae. Oh! It's Justice.

Nagsara na kaagad 'yung pinto nang makuha ni Justice ang kamay ni Luna at makapasok ito. Ilang sandali pa bumukas ang pinto para kay Honoka. And of course! Si Rebel ang sumundo rito. With that manly smirked on his face, he guided Honoka inside.

Next was Art! Syempre si Caerus ang bumungad dito kaya naman nagkatilian kami. Who wouldn't? Caerus is a greek god na naging mortal! Napansin namin ang pamumula ni Art 'nung hawakan nito ang kamay niya.

Kasunod na bumukas ang pinto para kay Biblee. Pakiramdam ko kinabahan din ako 'nung nag-aabang kami kung sino man ang susundo kay Biblee. Paniguradong pinapangarap 'nung kapatid kong 'yun si Akira.

Pero syempre, hindi aayon sa'yo ang lahat.

I chuckled when I saw how Biblee almost threw a hand at Sven. "Ba't ikaw?!" Narinig ko pang alma nito bago sila makapasok na dalawa.

Natawa kami ni Harper sa dalawa.

"Hey, nandito si Law?" Pang-aasar ko.

Hindi sumagot si Harper at nabuksan na ang pinto kaya sabay kaming napatingin do'n.

"What the?!" Sabay na sigaw 'nung dalawa 'nung makita ang isa't isa.

"Grabe sawang sawa na ako sa pagmumukha mo." Cleon commented jokingly kaya naman nakatanggap s'ya ng bigwas kay Harper. "Aray! Grabe ka talaga. Nakakainis na ha! Kung 'di ka lang maganda eh!" Natawa ako dahil parang gusto nang makipagsuntukan ni Harper kay Cleon.

Hanggang sa magsara ang pinto at naiwan akong nakatayong magsolo. Napalunok ako at saka umayos ng pagkakatayo. Napahawak ako sa kwintas na nataggap ko. An anchor pendant. And I know, it's mine. Anchor means hope. And it's my name. Amythee Hope.

I held my breath as the door opened.

And a man with a manly black suit and a golden badge with a Crown stood tall with a smirk on his face.

"Well, hello, there, mademoiselle." He greeted with authority. I gulped twice, intimidated by his strong aura. Although, his hair looked like he just freaking woke up, still made me gasped, because he looked so hot.

He offered his arms, and I hesitantly took it. Pakiramdam ko napatalon ako nang kaunti 'nung marahan n'yang ayusin ang kamay ko sa pagkakaangla sa kan'ya. Damn! How did Kalix became this hot looking?

Napatitig ako sa kan'ya. Those bored eyes were burning!

Hanggang sa nakarinig ako ng isang engrade at classical na tunog. Muntik na akong matumba kung hindi ako inalalayan ni Kalix. The whole place was golden! It's like a party from the old times! Elegance, honour, and richness. Iyon ang nagsusumigaw sa lugar.

Parang party sa Beauty and the Beast pero mas engrande. Hindi ako makapaniwala sa nasasaksihan habang papasok kami sa loob ni Kalix. Hanggang sa dumapo ang mga mata ko sa paligid.

Doon ko nakita na nakatingin lahat ng tao sa amin at marahang itinutungo ang mga ulo. Hudyat ng pagbibigay galang sa Crown na kasama ko.

It's like a fairytale. Hindi ko alam paano isasalarawan ang napakagandang lugar.

Kumakabog ang puso ko at dumiretso kami ni Kalix sa isang table sa gitna ng lugar. Doon ko nakita ang buong barkada na naka-upo na. Bago pa man kami makarating sa kinauupuan at inilapit ko kay Kalix ang mukha ko ng bahagya para bumulong.

"Kumpleto kayong Crowns ngayon?" I whispered.

I saw how Kalix smirked. "No, but they might show interest here, because it's interesting how the powerful people are here." He answered as he glanced at the Evans.

Gabby's here too sitting properly and looking intimidating with her maroon dress. With Pierce, beside her. Damn, visual explosion. They both looked godly!

"Really? Pakilala mo kami?" Masayang sambit ko pa.

"Tss."

"Please?" Medyo hinila ko pa 'yung braso n'ya na pinag-aalklahan ko.

"You sure know when to make someone pay attention to you, right, lady?" He looked at my face and went near mine! The tip of his nose almost brushed with mine. Napatigil ako. Pakiradam ko umakyat lahat ng dugo sa mukha ko.

He smirked at me playfully. "Soft red lips..." He whispered damn sexily. "Not mine to play with, but shall I make it mine?"

Napaatras ako dahil sa sinabi n'ya at kumabog ng husto ang puso. Halos hindi makahingang tumingin sa mga kasama at do'n ko napansin na naglalakad na si Theon papunta sa amin.

"See, attention you want, now you get." Kalix whispered near my ear which made me gasped when Theon placed his palm on the small of my back to pull me away from Kalix.

"Have a stunning night, beautiful lady." He told me, as he turned his back to go to his sister. Hindi ko maialis ang tingin ko kay Kalix 'nung pagkakataong 'yun. Hindi ko alam pero sobrang tindi ng epekto n'ya ngayon.

Beautiful lady.

Damn! That sounded so raw and honest yet hot and somewhat like a tease! That ass!

"Enjoying his company, huh?" I heard Theon mocked, kaya naman napabalik ako sa reyalidad.

Masama ko s'yang tiningnan. "Ano ngayon?" I answered codly as I removed his hand on my back and marched to where the gang was. Tumabi ako kay Thorn at sa kabila ko naman ay si Akira.

"Ba't mo iniwan si Kuya Theon, Ate?" Tanong ni Thorn.

"LQ." Natatawang sagot ni Akira.

Pinandilatan ko s'ya at saka pabirong sinuntok sa braso. Natawa ang ito sa akin.

Ilang sandali pa ay may pumunta sa stage na mga teacher dito. Nandon din si Mrs. Kiseki at pati na rin 'yung mga teachers namin sa ibang subject. Pati na rin ang tatlong Crowns na nandito sa lugar ay inimbitahan papunta sa stage. Paunang pagbati ang naganap. At saka ilang paalala hanggang sa opisyal na simulan ang ball.

May nagtanghal na orchestra at mamangha kang talaga sa naging tugtog.

Mayroon ding mga nagsayaw ng ballet at tila cotillion. Sobrang saya dahil sa mga nagtatangghal.

Marami pang nangyayari sa lugar, hanggang sa oras na para kumain. May mga nag-serve ng pagkain sa mga table at nagkwekwentuhan kami habang kumakain. Hanggang sa nagkaroon ng tugtog ng violin, at piano. Kung saan pwedeng sumayaw ang kahit na sino sa malaking bahagi ng lugar na walang upuan at lamesa. May wine at ibang alchohol din ang i-sinerve. Napansin kong ang kambal, si Justice, at si Akira lang ang uminom ng beverage na gano'n.

Luna and Justice went to the dance floor together. Darn, they are in love. So in love.

Grabe, ang tingin ni Justice kay Luna. Hindi man ako ang tinitingnan ni Justice parang ako ang natutunaw. Iba talaga kapag Evans ang pinana. They'd offer their lives for the ones that they love!

Isa isang nagtayuan ang lahat sa lamesa namin para magsayaw hanggang sa ako at si Theon na lang ang natira. He's looking at me intently. Parang pinipilit n'yang basahin pero hindi n'ya magawa gawa. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin. Gustong tumakas mula sa mga mata niya. Pero hindi ko nagawa ng magsalita s'ya.

"Aayain sumayaw si Kalix?" He mocked. I could smell something in his scent. I don't know how to describe it.

"Bakit hindi?" Matapang na sagot ko.

I stood up, he did too. He walked towards me and looked at me with those soft and patient eyes. Making my heart beat fast, and my system calm. Napahawak ako sa kwintas dahil sa kaba.

"You... you look... perfect tonight, Amythee." He told me almost out of breath. May gusto mang idugtong hindi mahanap ang mga salitang maaring kasunod na sabihin. Napaka-ikli no'n pero wala na akong mahihiling pa.

It made my whole night. Made my tomorrow.

Him looking shy, in that suit with a yellow colored necktie that matches my gown.

"C-can I have this dance?" He asked hesitantly, scratching the back of his head. I sighed. Defeated. Talo na naman ako. Bakit ganun?

On a scale of one to ten, gaano karupok si Amythee? Anong sagot? Ten? Hindi. Ano? Fucking eleven.

We went to the middle. Danced like no one's watching. Hinayaan tangayin ng tunog at saliw ng musika. Payapa ngunit punong puno ng emosyon ang puso habang kasaway siya.

"Amythee Hope." He called my name, hawak hawak ng mahigpit ang kamay at baiwang ko.

"Hmm?" Hindi ako makatingin sa kan'ya. Nakatingin lang ako sa necktie n'ya.

"Nevermind..." He trailed, and I was relieved.

Just tonight... let me hold you like this... I thought as I clasped our hands together and smiled at him with teary eyes.

* * *

Honoka Reign's POV

"Stop staring." Mahinang bulong ko kay Rebel na kanina pa hindi maalis alis ang mga mata sa akin. Naiilang na ako. Isa pa 'tong si Kuya na kanina pa tinitingnan ng masama si Rebel.

Sinagi ako ni Biblee na katabi ko sa kabilang banda ko at saka ako binulungan. "Alam mo, may love triangle talaga na nagaganap."

My forehead creased with her statement. "Who? Ate Amythee, Kuya They, and Kuya Kellon?"

Tumawa sa akin si Biblee. "Baliw."

"Huh?"

"Sino pa ba? E 'di ikaw, si Rebel at si Akira! Hahahaha!" Napatingin si Kuya kay Biblee dahil sa biglang pagtawa nito habang kumakain. Muntik na akong mabilaukan kaya naman kaagad akong inabutan ng tubig ni Rebel.

"Crazy." I chuckled with Biblee.

"'Wag ka maingay ah."

"Biblee, kung ano anong kalokohan na naman pinagbubulong mo sa kapatid ko ha." Banta ni Akira.

"Alam mo, 'wag kang KJ. Tara nga, dali! Sayaw muna tayo, h'wag kang OA d'yan sa kapatid mo, parang 'di mo pinagkakatiwalaan 'yang si Rebelyon." Dire-diretsong sabi ni Biblee at saka uminom ng tubig at tumayo para higitin si Kuya sa kinauupuan nito sa tabi ni Ate Amythee.

Natawa ako dahil sa galing at bilis ni Biblee.

"Gotta thank, Biblee for that." Rebel commented amusingly while looking at Biblee and my Kuya slowly dancing.

"Smoothly handling the situation." He added while shaking his head lightly with a grin on his face.

"Let's go?" He offered me his hand, and received it with a smile. Nag-paalam kami sa barkada at tumayo. Akala ko sa dancefloor ang punta namin pero hindi pala. We went upstairs on the second floor.

Hindi ganoon kaingay do'n pero maliwanag pa rin. I looked at the whole place and it was majestic. I was in awe glancing down the massive place, when Rebel slightly pulled me with him. We went in front of a huge curtain.

He went at my back, and placed his hands on my shoulders to make me turn to the curtain. After that, he slowly opened the huge red fabric curtain.

And... I was speechless when I saw the moon outside of that huge glass window.

"Wow..." It was all I could utter after a moment of silence.

Rebel then went to my back again, and now he slowly placed a necklace on my bare neck. I only had bracelets when I got the accessories. Now, I knew why...

Napahawak ako sa necklace. At saka ko tiningnan 'yun. A diamond tear necklace. Halo halong emosyon ang naramdaman ko nang pagkakataong 'yun. Hindi ko alam pero naiiyak ako sa sobrang tuwa.

I slowly faced Rebel when he finished putting the necklace on me.

"You've always been beautiful in my eyes, but tonight... you made me speechless." He told me sincerely. Napatago ako sa dibdib n'ya. I couldn't explain it. My heart hurted so much. It felt like exploding.

Instead of questioning why I'm acting weirdly, he wrapped his protective arms around me.

"Be mine, Reign..." He whispered near my ear which made my heart pound and my time stopped.

"What did you say?" Humiwalay ako sa yakap n'ya.

His gray obs looked so intense yet so soft. It's sparkling thousands of hopes.

"Would you?" I don't know why but he looked so confident but his voice sounded like it was a plea. He placed his both hands on my face. Slowly and gently caressing my cheeks. I smiled laughingly at him.

"You find this funny, baby?" He asked momentously, shutting his eyes, and gritting his teeth. I got to see in depth details how good looking he is. Sharp jaws, pointed nose, long and thick black lashes, deep double eye-lid, and his soft lips...

"Yeah..." I answered with a chuckle.

He pulled me closer using his hand on my waist and opened his eyes with a dangerous dark stare. I slowly traced the side of his face with the back of my forefinger.

As I tiptoed, the tip of my nose touched with his, and I slowly placed my lips against his... I shut my eyes as soon as I felt his lips on mine. Damn, you brave, Honoka. I scolded myself being this upfront with him.

Lahat ng tapang at lakas ko biglang nawala 'nung maramdaman ko ang ngisi ni Rebel.

Umakyat lahat ng hiya at dugo ko sa mukha at gusto ko na lang lumubog sa lupa. I must have been drunk when I did that! Oh my angel! Oh my pickles! Oh my goodness!

Aalis sana ako mula sa pagkakahalik ni Rebel 'nung bigla n'ya akong mas yakapin kaya't hindi ako nakawala sa kan'ya. Humiwalay s'ya ng marahan. "Give me an answer, please?" Nagmamakaawa na s'ya sa akin.

"Ano ba dapat?" I asked shyly, couldn't even look at his eyes straight. Honokaaa! You need to get out of his trap! You are madly falling for him!

He gave a me sweet smile. "Say, yes, baby." He instructed, and when I stared at his eyes, I was hypnotized.

"Y-yes..."

And with that word, he closed the gap between our lips and slowly claimed mine. I lost my mind; I was lost because of his kisses, that I mustered the courage to respond nervously. Ramdam ko na naman pagngiti n'ya dahil sa ginawa ko.

Hiyang hiya na ako at gusto ko nang tumakas pero pinirmi n'ya ako nang husto dahil sa pagkakahawak n'ya sa akin at sa mas paglalim pa na halik na ibinibigay n'ya.

I was running out of breath when he let go of me. He smirked at me. Napapikit ako sa matinding kahihiyan. Natawa s'ya sa reaksyon ko. At saka ako mahigpit na niyakap. "This heart will only be yours, Reign. Only going to be yours."

And... I'd stay forever yours.

He whispered sincerely as he softly placed a kiss on my forehead. Before dragging me down at the dancefloor on the ground floor of this mansion.

Nakalagay lang ang mukha ko sa dibdib ni Rebel habang nagsasayaw kami dahil pakiramdam ko hindi ko s'ya kayang harapin. Grabe! Sobrang nakakahiya. Hindi pa rin kumakalma 'yung puso ko. Mabuti na lang at alam ni Rebel na 'wag muna akong guluhin sa ganitong pagkakataon.

Ahh! Honokaaa! You just made Rebel, yours!

How do you calm down from that?

Oh... my... angels...

Nakayakap lang ako kay Rebel nang mapansin si Harper na lumabas ng lugar. Napa-alis ako sa pagkakapahinga ng ulo sa dibdib ni Rebel na s'yang pinagtakha nito.

"Calm, now?" He asked with worry. My eyes remained at Harper going out of this place.

"Si Harper..." Kunot-noong sabi ko.

"What's with her?"

"Palabas." Sagot ko at saka tiningnan si Rebel.

"Hayaan mo." I creased my forehead at him. No, baka kung anong panginib na naman ang mangyari. Nabasa yata ni Rebel ang iniisip ko kaya naman mahina s'yang tumawa. At saka ako binalik sa pagkakasandal sa kan'ya.

"Believe me, Law would flip this whole school for her. So, don't worry about her." At least with that, I had my peace of mind.

Hanggang sa nagulat kami 'nung biglang may tumunog na parang nabasag. Sabay kaming napalingon ni Rebel sa pinaggalingan no'n at nagulat nang makita si Ate Amythee na mukhang naiiyak.

Kaagad itong tumakbo at nang dumaan sa amin ay napansin ang luhang tumutulo sa mga mata.

Napahiwalay ako kay Rebel at gustong habulin si Ate Amythee nang bigla akong hawakan ng isang kamay. Doon ko nakita si Biblee na halos paiyak na rin habang umiiling. Kinabahan ako sa nangyari.

"B-Bakit?" Mahinang tanong ko.

Biblee sighed like she was exhausted. Hinarap n'ya si Kuya Theon na nakatulala. "Gago ka!" Nanggagalaiting sumbat nito. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa nasaksihan.

"Biblee!" Saway ni Kuya Akira at saka hinila si Biblee papalapit sa kan'ya.

"Anong nangyari..." Naguguluhang tanong ko kay Art na nasa tabi ko na rin.

"Kuya fucked up big time." Sagot ni Art habang nakatitig kay Kuya Theon natulala at nakahawak sa ulo n'ya.

"Huh?"

"He kissed Ate Amythee, thinking she's Ate Miracle."

"The fuck?" Hindi makapaniwalang sambit ni Rebel.

Samantalang ako ay hindi alam ang magiging reaksyon dahil sa narinig.

That's why... Ate Amythee run away.

* * *