#TCS67: Hoping It Would Never End

Luminous Erina's POV

"What do you usually do in this kind of volunteering, Luna?" Napalingon ako sa back seat no'ng biglang magtanong si Thorn. Magkatabi sila ni Katniss, at nasa passenger seat ako, 'tapos driver si Kael.

"I usually play with the cats and dogs, clean cages, walk them, talk to the visitors for adoption, feeding, watering, grooming, those sorts of things." Nakangiting sagot ko sa kanya, at napansin ko na mas lumiwag ang mukha nito.

"May team din sila na nagre-rescue ng mga inaabusong hayop, basta may tawag or report, minsan iniimbestigahan, minsan naman pumupunta sila, lalo na kapag in act talaga," dugtong ko at napansin kong tumatango-tango si Katniss sa mga sinabi ko. She looked more excited.

"Do you always do this?" Katniss popped in curiously.

"Most of the time, she also goes to orphanages, and some barangay to feed people." Kael was the one who answered with a smile on his face, as we turn in a corner on the road. I nodded and chuckled.

"Why?" sabay na tanong ni Thorn at Katniss.

"Ain't it fulfilling to do something like that once in a while?" tanong ko sa kanila habang malaki ang ngiti sa labi.

"I think there's more than that." Pinaningkitan ako ng mata ni Katniss, kaya naman natawa ako sa kanya. I couldn't say she was entirely wrong.

"You know, the world you—we belong into, isn't ordinary. We kill, for us not to be killed. We lie, for us to save others, we chase, for us to be not chased." Kael sighed when I told them that, Katniss nodded in agreement, and Thorn looked uncomfortable with it.

"I'm selfish," natatawang pag-amin ko. "I'm also kind of doing it for myself. Ang hirap din sa konsensya minsan eh." I saw how Kael looked so sorry, and guilty with what I stated. I laughed at him.

Hindi n'ya naman kasalanan, hindi naman n'ya ako pinilit. Matagal nang ganito ang kapalaran. Kahit ano'ng takas mo, hahabulin at hahabulin ka pa rin kung 'yun talaga ang nakatakda. You should just make the best out of it.

"Thorn, your hands are still clean." I saw how Thorn gulped when I mentioned that. "No matter how much, I would like wish, it would stay the same, it won't, but I hope you'll stay as Thorn. Do not ever lose your identity." Nakangiting sambit ko, he smiled at me sincerely.

"I've killed countless people at a young age..." mahinang pagsasabi ng totoo ni Katniss.

"Doesn't matter, Katniss." Thorn shrugged. "Sooner or later we will also be like that." Napabuntonghininga 'to. Probably still in the dilemma of what they had been used to, to the reality that they would soon face.

Masyado pa naman mabait, at banal si Pierce at si Thorn. Baka sa kanila maging pinakamahirap ang lahat.

"I'm sorry, you've been dragged in to this mess." Malungkot na sambit ni Kael sa kanila.

"Justice, we weren't drag, we were part of it since the beginning, just hidden." Napakabait talaga nitong si Thorn, kaya naman mas gumaan ang pakiramdam namin.

"The training will start next week..." Kael trailed, and looked at the rear-view mirror to see Thorn and Katniss' reactions. I also looked at them from the back. Katniss looked calm, but Thorn looked a little worried.

"Will it be hard?" tanong nito kay Kael. "Harder than Rebel's?"

"Surely it will, but ain't it more exciting with that?" Ngisi ni Katniss. Natawa naman ako habang napapapalakpak. Iba rin talaga 'to si Katniss. So freaking worthy of becoming part of the Crowns. Wala rin 'tong kinakatakutan eh.

"Exciting? You are all crazy." Iiling-iling na sabi ni Thorn sa katabi.

"Well..." Katniss shrugged, and we all chuckled.

"Ang hirap maging loka-loka kapag kasama kayo ni Thorn. Feeling ko kasalanan maging baliw." Bigla humagalpak ng tawa sina Kael, Thorn at Katniss sa sinabi ko. Paano kasi sobrang seryoso namin, hindi ako sanay.

Paano puro kalokohan kaya ang mga pasaway. Nakalimutan kong si Thorn pala 'yung miyembro ng taga-saway kasama 'yung kapatid n'yang banal. Kumusta naman kaya pagbe-babysit no'n kay Elly? Malakas pa naman trip sa buhay no'n.

Idagdag mo pa si Biblee. My gosh! Kung ando'n kami ngayon, baka nagkaro'n na ng pekeng sunog sa amusement park, para lumabas lahat ng tao, at mawalan na ng tao, para kami-kami na lang ang sasakay sa rides.

Hindi imposible 'yun, malakas pa naman topak ni Elly at Biblee, kaya masarap tropa 'yung dalawa eh, kahit baliw ako feeling ko normal ako kapag kasama sila, kasi mas lakas trip nila kaysa sa akin.

"Is Ate Miracle scary?" Thorn suddenly asked. I gulped, and Kael looked at me, then shifted to looking at Thorn using the mirror.

"Depende." Nakita kong napangisi si Katniss.

Hay nako, ewan ko kung makangisi pa s'ya kapag nalaman n'ya 'yung scary side ni Mira. May pagkadimunyo 'yun nang bongga eh. 'Yung hindi mo rin aasahan ang takbo ng utak. Ewan ko ba sa'n pinaglihi 'yung magkakapatid na 'yun.

Si Kael... nako, 'yan na yata 'yung pinakamatino sa kanila. Pero binudburan lang ng asukal. Minsan sarap sakalin, sobrang PDA, hindi ba s'ya aware na maraming naiinggit sa amin. Ang haba talaga ng buhok ko, char!

"Depende?" sabay na tanong ni Katniss at Thorn.

"Oo, imagine n'yo combo ni Paeng at Elly! My gosh, guys! Run for your life!" exaggerated na imik ko sa kanila.

Imbis na matawa, nakita kong napalunok sila. Kael glared at me, and I winked at him. What? I was stating the truth! That would be the best description on how the next week would look like. It won't be a joke.

If Rebel was a monster. Then Mira... would be beyond that. Pakiramdam ko tataas lang ang balahibo ko sa pinag-iisip. Nakakakilabot! Sana hindi ako kasama sa training. Potek na 'yan! Pakiramdam ko kasi isasama rin ako!

"Alas... Alas is so mysterious, and something I can't pinpoint." I smirked when Katniss stated that, nagkatinginan kami ni Kael, kasi tunay naman. Alam kong ganyan din ang naiisip n'ya kay Alas. Paano selos kasi crush ko Prince Charming ni Mira.

Grabe 'yun, kapag pini-picture-an, laki ng kita ko kay Mira! Kahit ano'ng angle, napakagwapo! Royal na royal ang datingan! Angas! Sarap ipagpalit ni Kael, syempre joke lang 'yun. Nako, ilalaban ko si Kael nang pagwapuhan, panalo s'ya sa puso ni Luna.

Asa naman sasabihin ko 'yun sa kanya. Lalaki ang ulo, h'wag na 'no! Makulit pa naman 'to minsan.

"He's five years older than Ate," bale-walang sambit ni Kael.

"What?" Thorn voice out, surprised.

"What the hell?!" Namilog pa ang mga mata ni Katniss. "He looks younger than Kuya Theon!" dagdag pa ni Katniss.

"Hoy, grabe s'ya kay Theon! Mukha na bang matanda 'yon?!" tawang-tawang sabi ko kay Katniss.

"H'wag mo akong isusumbong Luna!" Katniss pouted. Thorn laughed, and Kael was chuckling. Siraulo rin 'to si Katniss, eh!

"Dapat talaga pagsamahin si Kuya Kellon ko at si Kuya Theon eh, patagalan sila sa pagkunot ng noo!" laughed Katniss, pumalakpak pa ang bata at in-imagine ang hitsura no'ng dalawa.

Thorn was also cackling thinking of it. Grabe isa pa 'tong si Thorn eh, napakagwapo kagaya no'ng Kuya n'ya! My gosh! Sobrang ganda rin naman ni Tita Alyx at gwapo ni Tito Thon, kahit hindi nila kaugali 'yung dalawa.

Feeling ko talaga, nawawalang anak ako ni Tita Alyx eh. Sa ganda kong 'to! Tingnan mo 'yan, nakabingwit ako ng Evans! Pinakamabait pa! Oh 'di ba? Pak na pak!

"Baliw ka Katniss, baka magbugbugan 'yung dalawa, 'tas tamang referee si Amythee!" Kael laughed, and we cackled.

"Kay Kuya Kellon ako! For sure, kapag duma-moves 'yun, hindi makakalimutan ni Ate Amythee!" Katniss cheered.

"Kuya Theon." Thorn smirked. Pinalo s'ya ni Katniss sa braso, natawa si Thorn.

"Bakit?!" tanong ni Katniss. "Dapat kampihan mo ako!"

"Kawawa na si Kuya Theon, ang bagal na nga, aagawan n'yo pa," kibit-balikat na sagot ni Thorn.

"Where's the lie?" Kael guffawed while going straight the road.

"Walangya ka Thorn! Hindi ka talaga mabait eh!" sigaw ko sa kanya. Tawang-tawa naman kaming lahat at mukhang nag-e-enjoy rin si Thorn at Katniss.

"Baka nabilaukan na si Theon sa pinagsasabi n'yo," dagdag ko sa kanila, pero mas tumawa lang sila. Lakas din pala mang-asar no'ng si Thorn!

"I'll bet that if Kuya Theon ever comes up with some surprise or plan, it'll be an epic fail, but Ate Amythee will save it."

"And if Ate Mira and Alas will come with them, Alas would probably in the middle or somewhat caught," laughed Katniss.

Nag-apir pa sila ni Thorn! Mga bwisit pala 'to! Lakas magpustahan.

"Hoy, magdilang anghel kayo dyan eh!" saway ko sa kanila, pero tumawa lang sila. Si Kael nakikisakay rin sa tawanan.

"Ano'ng pusta n'yo kayna Art at Caerus?" Kael asked while smiling widely.

"Taga-awat!" sabay na sagot namin ni Katniss. Nag-apir kaagad kami kasi parehas kami ng sagot. Tawang-tawa naman si Thorn sa napakagwapong paraan. Sana all, kahit natawa, gwapo pa rin!

"You are so bad at Kuya Cleon." Thorn cackled.

"May toyo sa utak 'yun si Cleon, 'tapos lakas ng personality ni Sloane, baka mag-away 'yun ang ending sa police station." I clapped my hands while imagining the scenario that was stated by Kael. Loko-loko!

"Hoy, lilipad ako sa police station, ako na bahala sa mug shot!" I laughed so hard.

"Oh my!" Katniss guffawed, and Thorn was giggling throwing the back of his head in laughter.

"Why do you like selling those pictures?" Katniss chuckled.

"May sikreto akong malupit Katniss. Gusto mo malaman?" Napansin kong biglang pag-upo si Thorn nang maayos at 'yung simpleng nagbabantang tingin n'ya sa akin. Katniss eyes widened and smiled at me.

"What is it, tell me!" excited na imik nito.

"Aurous?" I smirked, and Katniss looked so annoyed with me. I laughed at her, and Kael chuckled with me.

"Parang hindi sapat kinikita ko, para sa 'yo, Luna ah?" He smirked.

It was Katniss and Thorn's turn to laugh.

"Wow, Kael! Wow! Parang ang ibinibigay mo sa akin puro landi at sama ng loob." Irap ko sa kanya, sabay cross arms.

"Hey, when did I give you sama ng loob?" Kunot-noong tingin n'ya sa akin. I stuck my tongue out at him. Joke lang syempre, 'yan pa ba? Hindi nagbibigay ng sama ng loob 'yan, puro langgam binibigay nyan.

"Pero what is it? I'll give you aurous, just tell me your account!" Kitang-kita ko kung paano napa-face palm 'yung isa sa mga suki ko. Mas lalo akong natawa sa kanya at napalingon si Katniss sa tinatawanan ko.

"You are buying pictures of me?!" gulat na gulat na sigaw ni Katniss kay Thorn. Thorn's ear reddened so much, and his adam's apple went up and down!

"Why did you buy? What if it's not pretty! You should ask me instead!" Mabilis at sunod-sunod na sabi ni Katniss at hinampas si Thorn. Thorn's jaw dropped.

"Hoy, Katniss! Malulugi ako! Saka expert 'to! Maganda mga pictures mo, ano!" I laughed.

"Ako na lang kasi picture-an mo, Luna babes," singit naman ni Kael sa usapan.

"Walang bibili no'ng sa 'yo." Irap ko kay Kael.

"Sa gwapo kong 'to?!" asar na sagot n'ya sa akin, halos lumuwa ang mga mata, pero napatingin din agad sa daan. Babatukan ko s'ya kapag may gasgas 'yung kotse bago kami makarating sa patutunguhan!

"Ikaw dapat bibili no'ng akin!" dugtong pa n'ya, nakanguso na.

"Hello? Business is business!" I declared loudly, and the two at the back seat laughed.

"You are crazy." Iiling-iling na sabi ni Thorn.

"Nahiya naman ako, hindi ka pa crazy kay Katniss, nyan?" I wiggled my brows at Thorn when I turned back. He looked so shock with my come back. But then he laughed, when he saw how red Katniss was.

"Crush mo si Thorn, Kat, 'no?" I teased.

"That should be a secret!" Katniss hissed.

"Boom buking! Malandi kayo!" Kael laughed.

"Nahiya naman kayong dalawa?" asar ni Katniss sa amin, pero tinawanan lang namin s'ya. Aminado naman kami ro'n. Charing!

Nagkatinginan 'yung dalawa sa likod na parehas pulang-pula. Nag-apir naman kami ni Kael sa nakita namin sa kanila. They were so cute. Mas mabait lang si Thorn, at mas palaban si Katniss. Hay, binata na 'yung mga santo namin.

Ilang sandali pa nakarating din kami sa may shelter. I prepared my bag before going out. Kaso naunahan na akong pagbuksan ni Kael. He even kissed my cheeks when I went out, kaya nahampas ko kaagad s'ya nang hard sa dibdib.

"Landi!" I told him, and he winked at me.

"Sa 'yo lang lalandi," he laughed. Sinamaan ko s'ya ng tingin. Aba't proud na proud pa!

Thorn also opened the door for Katniss, and even shaded her from the blazing sun. Nakangiti naman si Katniss sa kanya. They looked so cute together. Naalis lang ang tingin ko sa kanila no'ng naramdaman ko 'yung hawak ni Kael sa kamay ko.

"Let's go!" he said, and smiled so genuinely at me.

Pumasok kami sa loob ng shelter, at kaagad kaming sinalubong nang may-ari no'n. I'd been here many times, so they knew me. I also told them about Katniss and Thorn. Kaya naman pinakilala ko kaagad sila.

Katniss looked excited looking at the animals on the play area, and Thorn was mesmirized at the place. I donated here, too. Mas naging maganda, maaliwalas, at mukhang bago na 'yung lugar, hindi katulad dati.

The owner told us what we could do. Kael and I were going to clean the cages first, and Thorn with Katniss will play with the cats and dogs in the play area first. Then after that we'll walk the dogs together, and we'll go to some rescue later. Nasaktuhan na mayroon daw, kaya naman tuwang-tuwa ako sa sinabi nito.

I went to the play area of the cats and dogs, the ones who looked malnourished before looked so healthy now. Sobrang sarap ng pakiramdam, at nakakataba ng puso.

"Kael, look! Si Meowy!" I told him, and he immediately went to me from saying hi to the dogs.

"This is her now?" tanong nito sa akin. I nodded, as I petted her, and she looked so comfortable on the top of the table. Pinakita ko kay Kael 'yung name sa may pendant sa necklace nito.

"Woah!" he exclaimed and petted the cat with me.

This was the cat we rescued in a neighbourhood from before. It was almost skin and bones, I couldn't help but feel so happy on how it became fluffier. Kinakausap ni Kael ang pusa, at natatawa ako kasi parang iniirapan lang s'ya nito.

I glanced, and Katniss was running around because she was being chased by a small dog. Thorn was laughing at her, and even petting another dog. Binuhat pa 'yun at tinakot kay Katniss. Katniss jumped on the flat chair.

"Stop it, Isaac!" Katniss pouted.

"I thought you love pets, Emeraude?" The chuckling Thorn teased, and bent down to pet another dog who came to him.

"I love them, but they kind of hate me?" Mas lalong natawa si Thorn sa hindi siguradong sagot ni Katniss.

Naramdaman kong niyakap ako ni Kael mula sa likod, pero hindi ko s'ya pinansin kasi natutuwa akong picture-an si Katniss at Thorn, pati panuorin sila. Ang cute kasi, parang ngayon lang talaga sila nagka-moment nang sila lang talaga.

"Don't be afraid, they are so cute," Thorn spoke at the cute and scared Katniss who was still standing on the chair.

Inabot ni Thorn ang kamay kay Katniss habang nakangisi. Tumatahol naman 'yung maliliit na tuta sa baba no'ng upuan kung nasaan si Katniss. I chuckled. Ang cute!

"Just pet them, they'll like you..." Thorn tried to convince her more, still offering his hand, on the hesitant Katniss.

"What if they bite me?" Katniss asked, and reached out to hold Thorn's hand.

"Ang cute, ang sweet! My heart is so soft!" I whispered, and Kael laughed at me.

"Ba't gano'n kapag ako nanlalambing sa 'yo, naiinis ka, pero kapag iba naglalandian sa harap mo, tuwang-tuwa ka pa?" Pouted Kael, and I laughed and collapsed inside his arms. Napaupo tuloy kami ng tuluyan sa sahig.

Lumapit ang isang pusa sa akin, at nagpahinga sa lap ko. I petted it, and the Meowy went near Kael's leg.

"Hoy, hindi lahat. Kapag pasaway lang ako natutuwa, kapag ibang tao, iniirapan ko," I told him and he chuckled, resting his chin on my shoulder, letting me take photographs of their cute moments.

"Bite them back," Thorn joke teasingly.

"You!" Pinanliitan s'ya ng mata ni Katniss, aalisin pa sana ang nakahawak nitong kamay, pero hindi hinayaan 'yun ni Thorn, at hinila si Katniss papalapit sa kanya.

Katniss eyes widened, nawalan s'ya ng balanse. "Isaac!" she yelled threateningly, when the cute puppies, and other dogs gathered more near them, barking at them—or must be really cheering at them? Who knows.

Thorn just chuckled, and caught her before she fell on the floor. Nakayakap ngayon si Katniss kay Thorn habang nakangiti si Thorn. Katniss's eyes closed in fear, when Thorn slowly lowered his body to make her closer at the dogs.

Lumapit ang mga tuta. They licked Katniss's legs, and she finally opened her eyes. Realizing they were just excited to see her, and wouldn't harm her. She slowly looked at Thorn. Nakayakap pa naman 'yung braso n'ya sa may leeg nito.

Thorn flicked one of his brow. "See? They were just excited to see you, Emeraude."

Katniss reddened when she realized that she was still hugging Thorn. She faked a cough, and slowly removed her hands around him, and sat on the floor, to pet the heads of the cute dogs in front of her.

Thorn smiled looking at her. Mukhang hindi volunteering ang pinunta ni Thorn dito, ah.

"Let's go?" I heard Kael whispered, when he saw that Katniss and Thorn looked more comfortable playing with the dogs. May mga pusa rin na lumapit sa kanila. There were also some hamsters, and fishes around, they'd probably feed them later.

"Kat, Thorn! We'll go inside, ah?" Kael told them, and they both nodded while talking to the animals. Cute.

Kaagad tumayo si Kael, at inalalayan ako patayo. I turned off my camera, and put it inside my bag. Inilagay ko sa locker 'yun, at saka kumuha ng ipit sa buhok.

Kael was starting to put on some apron. Nilapitan n'ya ako at ikinuha rin ako ng apron. I was tying my hair, but Kael took the pony from me, and he did the tying delicately. Hinayaan ko s'ya kasi sanay akong ginagawa n'ya 'yun, ang bait kasi eh.

Buti na lang medyo demonyita ako, kaya balance kami.

After tying my hair in a bun, s'ya rin mismo ang naglagay ng apron sa akin. He made me turn around, and he tied the apron at the back. "Done!" he said cutely.

Hinarap ko s'ya, I pinched his cheek. "Salamat!"

"Date muna?" He wiggled his brow.

"Mukha mo date." Irap ko sa kanya. I went at his back, and helped him on the apron.

"Ba't ayaw mo ako i-date?" Humarap s'ya sa akin at nginusuan ako. Itinulak ko ang ulo n'ya papalayo sa akin, at pumunta sa mga cages na kailangan nilisin. I heard his footsteps following me. Tinabihan n'ya na ako.

"Hindi pa ba date 'yung araw-araw na panglalandi mo sa akin?" I spoke.

"Hindi! Iba pa 'yung date!" alma n'ya sa akin. I shook my head, and started to do the task. I wore the gloves, and he also did the same. He helped me immediately.

"Ako na sa malalaking cages, ikaw na ro'n sa maliit lang." He smiled at me, and I nodded. He gave me a quick peck on the lips, before turning around to focus on his work.

Napalunok ako at naramdaman ko 'yung pag-init ng pisngi ko. No matter how much I'd complain at him, I'd only end up smiling at myself whenever he wasn't looking at me. Sino ba naman kasing aangal?

Sweet na nga, mabait pa, gwapo pa? Aba! Tiba-tiba ka dyan 'no! Kahit minsan maloko 'yan! Masaya at masarap kasama. You wouldn't feel insecure with him, he'd make you feel you are the best and he wouldn't push you, he'd wait on your pace.

Sinong hindi mai-inlove sa kanya? He's freaking Justice freaking Mikhael freaking Evans.

Napailing-iling na lang ako, at nag-focus sa paglilinis ng cages. Hindi mahirap 'yun, kaya naman nakakapag-usap din kami ni Kael kahit papaano.

"So... in the next weeks, Miracle and Amythee will deal with the trauma." I saw how Kael stiffened. The mere words of Miracle and trauma made him pale. Like thousands of bad memories came rushing in his mind.

Dinanggil ko ang balikat n'ya para mawala s'ya sa iniisip na 'yun. It wasn't just Amythee and Miracle who suffered, even the triplets also carried their own scars, and I saw it when we were young. That's why I was so close to all of them.

"Are you and the triplets going to be fine?" I asked sincerely. I heard him sigh.

"We'll probably become weak. Those memories were painful..." he whispered. I wanted to hug him, but I couldn't that's why I playfully bumped his arms again.

He chuckled at me. At least, nakangiti na.

"Kung wala ka siguro no'n... hindi kami ganito nina Law at Rebel ngayon." Napaiwas ako ng tingin, pero ngumiti lang s'ya at nagpatuloy sa ginagawa habang hawak ang hose.

"Syempre triplets protection squad ako no'n eh." I made my tone cheerful although, it almost cracked remembering how hard it was for the three of them, too. Sobrang damay-damay kasi talaga lahat no'n.

"Yeah, thank you for looking at our pain, when you could have only looked at Ate's and our parent's pain." Napalunok ako. Ano ba 'yan! Papaiyak pa ako nito! Hindi ako iyakin, pero kapag talaga 'yun ang topic, may kakaiba lagi sa puso ko.

It wasn't always sunshine and flowers. Storms, and withered days... I was there with them.

"I love you, Erina... so much." I looked at him, and his eyes screamed realness, and his lips curled to form a honest smile.

"Mahal na mahal na mahal ko rin... sarili ko!" His smiling face immediately pouted when I stated that. I laughed at him, and he nudged at me. Tinawanan ko lang s'ya lalo. Ang seryoso kasi bigla no'ng usapin namin.

Ang bigat no'ng atmosphere, ang hirap buhatin! Kaloka!

"I think... Ate's planning in including us, the triplets, Pateh, and you at the training," he mentioned. Yeah, I also saw traces when we were checking. It wasn't surprising. There was a different air in Mira.

It was like she was... a completely different person. She was invisible, but her aura right now... could even be more powerful than Eon and Kael.

"Tatakas ako," biro ko. If I could, I would. Nakakatakot din kasi mag-isip 'yun eh.

"Asa kang makakatakas ka kay Ate," he jested while laughing victoriously. Kaagad ko s'yang hinipan no'ng bulang naipon sa kamay ko.

Napuwing s'ya pero tatawa-tawa pa rin. Ginantihan n'ya ako at winisikan no'ng hose.

"Kael!" saway ko sa kanya.

"You started it!" he shot back, and we laughed together.

We played a little, but continued to work. Nag-usap lang kami ng random at ibang bagay para hindi na gano'n kaseryoso, hanggang sa matapos kami. He was also helping me when I was getting a little sweaty.

When we finished drying everything, and done with our task, he helped me with the gloves, and apron. "Thank you." I smiled at him.

"I love you." He smirked, and winked at me. I snorted at him, and went to his back to help him. Habang natatawa s'ya ro'n, I tip-toed. Ang tangkad n'ya kasi eh.

"I love you, too, Kael." Naramdaman ko ang gulat at pagkatigil n'ya kaya naman kaagad akong tumakbo paalis do'n. I went to the locker to get my sling bag, and hung my camera on my neck.

Nakita ko si Katniss at Thorn sa may open area. Thorn was feeding all of the animals, while Katniss was talking to someone. Probably for adoption or curious about volunteering.

"Luna babes!" Naabutan ako ni Kael, at inirapan ko s'ya. He was chuckling happily, and I captured his smiling face. Nag-pose pa ang loko kaya naman natawa ako.

I went to the owner, and Katniss just finished talking. She was giddily clapping her hands, while walking to Thorn. Nagsabi kami ni Kael na ilalakad namin 'yung ibang aso sa park na malapit dito.

'Tapos kinausap no'ng owner 'yung kausap ni Katniss kanina. I heard a little, but it looked like Katniss was successful in talking about adoption, and the person was going to adopt a cat. Kaya naman pala tuwang-tuwa.

I went to the two. Nag-uusap sila at tuwang-tuwa si Katniss. Thorn tousled her hair, and Katniss looked like a cute munchkin with her full bangs.

"Hey, let's walk the dogs around," sabi ni Kael sa kanila. Their eyes sparkled in joy.

"Let's go!" excited na sambit nila parehas.

We were given two dogs each, the cute dogs and puppies were hyper. Mukhang nag-e-enjoy rin si Katniss at Thorn. Lumabas na kami at naglakad papuntang park.

Katniss and Thorn were walking in front of Kael and I. They were laughing and talking at each other. Mukhang nag-aasaran din. Katniss could bring out the savage and teasing side of Thorn effortlessly, they were comfortable to each other, it's so cute.

I took pictures of them using my one hand. They looked so beautiful and charming.

"Tayo namang dalawa." Naka-pout na si Kael kaya naman natawa ako sa kanya. I went to closer to him, and snapped a camera-selfie. He looked so happy with that simple picture. Kaya naman pinicture-an ko rin s'ya habang naglalakad at nagpapadala sa mga asong hawak n'ya.

When we arrived at the park, Katniss was running with the dogs on the grass, and Thorn was playing with the dogs with a ball.

Kaagad ko naman nilakad ang mga asong nasa akin. I took pictures of the dogs, and Kael took the camera from hanging on my neck. He was the one who took photos of me, and the other two.

We played so well with the dogs, and we walked them calmly in separate places at the park. Ang cute ni Thorn at Katniss, kasi para din silang mga bata na naglalaro kasama 'yung mga aso.

Nang matapos sa ginawang 'yun, bumalik kami sa shelter. Then I talked to the owner. Mag-lunch muna kaming apat, 'tapos sasama kami sa rescue nila. Kapag maaga pa pwede kaming pumunta sa ibang lugar.

Nilakad lang namin 'yung café sa kabilang block. Kael was holding my hand while walking, and Katniss and Thorn were cutely talking at each other. They were doing the twenty questions. It was so nice hearing them.

"Favourite colour?" Katniss asked.

"Dark red!" Thorn answered. "You?" tanong n'ya pabalik.

"Orange!" masayang sagot ni Kat. "Favourite food?" nakangiting dagdag nito.

"Why? You are gonna cook it?" Thorn smiled mischievously.

Nahampas ko si Kael sa tabi ko. "Sinong nagpauso na Santo 'yan? Pakiramdam ko malakas impluwensya ni Biblee at Cleon dyan!" Tawang-tawa si Kael sa akin.

"Ang hilig kasi magritwal ng magkapatid na 'yan. Kaya Santo raw." I shook my head at the reasoning. They were crazy! Yes, they were kind, I never even heard them curse, and there's always Kuya, Ate, po and opo when you are talking to them, but still!

"You might be the one who'll cook my favourite." Katniss stuck out her tongue at Thorn. Natawa naman si Thorn pero hindi binawi ang akusa ni Katniss. Honest masyado, eh. Sila na! Sila na talaga! Bata bata pa eh!

"So, what is it?" Naka-cross arms na imik ni Katniss habang naglalakad sila.

"Hmm... I like Creamy Shirmp Alfredo, and Kaldereta." Nakangiting sagot ni Thorn. "You?"

"I like Alfredo, too! And I love Bulalo!" Pumapalakpak na sabi ni Katniss.

They continued asking for favourites, and basic things about each other. They were just so lovely to watch. Nakakagaan sa pakiramdam. You'd also see that they clicked immediately. There were no awkward moments in between them.

Dahil sa usapan nila, imbis na sa café kami dumiretso, sa may pasta house na lang pumunta. They ordered the alfredo. 'Tapos kami ni Kael, pesto at parmesan pasta. Nakaupo na kami at nag-iintay sa orders namin.

"May tanong ako Thorn." Napalingon 'yung dalawa kay Kael nang sabihin n'ya 'yun. Thorn looked at him politely, and Katniss glanced curiously. Her round eyes, and full bangs really looked so perfect in her.

"Kailan mo nagustuhan si Katniss?" Muntik ng mabulunan si Thorn sa sariling laway, at si Katniss muntik nang malaglag sa kinauupuan. I laughed, and punched Kael jokingly. Baliw talaga 'to eh! Lakas ng trip!

"That's for her to find out." Nakangising sambit ni Thorn.

"Woah! May pagano'n!" I teased him, and he scratched the back of his nape. Ang gwapo talaga, eh!

"Eh, ikaw Kat? Kailan mo naging crush?" I asked jokingly.

"The bet." Nanlaki ang mga mata namin sa diretsong sagot nito! Hala s'ya! Mas malakas talaga loob nito! "The card game with Fred. He was so cool that time," she elaborated with a shrug. Pigil ngisi naman si Thorn.

"Ayieee! Kilig s'ya!" loko ko sa kanya.

"Alam mo Thorn, dapat nagpapaturo ka sa akin ng mga banat kay crush." Kael wiggled his brows playfully.

"H'wag na korni mga banat nito!" I cackled while waving my hands, and saying at the two that it won't be a good idea. But Thorn looked invested, and Katniss was even listening. My gosh! Parang teacher si Kael sa mga batang hindi marunong bumanat!

"Kaya na 'yan ni Thorn. Malakas 'yan kay Lord, dasal lang nyan na sana lumaki na kaagad si Katniss, ay nako!" pang-aasar ko sa kanila. Thorn looked embarrassed while laughing.

"Hindi ko man lang matuturuan si Thorn at Katniss, eh," reklamo ni Kael.

"Kay Biblee, expert 'yun!" natatawang sabi ko. Napailing-iling naman si Thorn at si Katniss. Hoy! Panalo kaya bumanat 'yun, tipong mapapatayo ka at mapapapalakpak! H'wag ka nagtagumpay nga 'yun baliwin si Akira eh!

"Mas korni kaya si Biblee." Nguso ni Kael.

"Inggit ka lang kasi malakas 'yon!" asar ko sa kanya.

"I won't argue with that," Katniss spoke. "The nonchalant and savage Akira couldn't help but smile and reddened because of her." She clapped, and I high fived her.

Natawa naman si Thorn at Kael. We talked randomly, mostly about the Empire, their childhood, and Katniss being a Crown. Dumating din ang order namin, kaya natahimik kami para kumain. Tamang intindi lang ni Thorn kay Katniss habang kumakain.

Si Kael naman s'ya pa naggayat ng in-order naming karne, at patuloy rin ang pag-aasikaso sa akin na para bang wala akong kamay. Ang kulit talaga nito!

Nang matapos kami bumalik na rin kami sa shelter, at sumama sa rescue. Thorn looked so sad, and almost cried when he saw how cruel it was for the animals. Katniss looked mad and determined to punish the people behind it.

Kami ni Kael, we helped and tended the animals with the veterinarian, and the other staff with us.

Tulong-tulong lang kami at sobrang sarap sa puso na makapagligtas ka ng mga hayop, lalong-lalo na 'yung inaabuso. Our cute and playful atmosphere were gone the moment we started helping. We were just all serious with our volunteering.

When we finished, we went back to the shelter. Mas naging busy at magulo, pero hindi no'n maalis 'yung pakiramdam ng matinding saya at panatag ng puso ko kasi nandito na sila sa ligtas na lugar. No one will harm them anymore.

I was carrying one dog that was malnourished and battered.

"Why are people so cruel?" Thorn asked sadly, while looking at them. His eyes looked heavy, and he looked so ready to do whatever it takes to help more. He'd probably start donating or more than that for the animals.

"Matagal ko nang tanong 'yan..." bulong ko sa kanya. We smiled sadly at each other.

Katniss and Kael also helped more, and when it was done. We cleaned ourselves, and the owner was so happy that we came by, sobrang pasasalamat nito sa tulong namin, kaya naman umalis na rin kami pagkatapos no'n.

We went to a bowling place after and played there for a while. Hapon pa lang naman kasi, kaya naman mas na-enjoy namin kasama ang isa't isa. Si Kael nanalo na naman sa pustahan laban sa akin.

Mukhang date naman 'yan, kaya date na naman ang hiningi. Hindi ba s'ya nagsasawa? Linggo-linggo puro na lang s'ya date! Alam ko namang maganda ako, my gosh!

"Should we bring something for them?" tanong ni Thorn.

"Ano?" sabay na tanong namin ni Katniss. For sure kasi may dala sina Honoka, Rebel, Harper at Law ng mga cakes at pastries.

"Drinks?" Napatango-tango naman ako sa sinabi n'ya, kaya dumaan muna kami sa isang store, para bumili ng mga drinks, milktea, shakes at iba pa. Nang mabili namin 'yun, gabi na rin kaya dumiretso na rin kami sa subdivision.

"Today was really enjoyable! Helping animals were heartwarming and fulfilling!" Katniss told us, and I nodded at her.

"I'm planning to donate, too," Thorn spoke softly.

"Me too!" Katniss raised her hand.

Nag-usap 'yung dalawa tungkol do'n, hanggang makarating kami sa subdivision. It looked like some were already at the Sy's mansion.

Maingay na kaagad eh. Dito napag-usapan na magdi-dinner. Pumasok na si Katniss at Thorn sa loob dala 'yung mga binili namin. I waited for Kael to park.

"Naks, inaantay mo na ako, babe?" asar ni Kael, sinikmuraan ko s'ya.

He hugged me and gave a quick kiss on the lips. I pouted, and he gave me another one. Natawa ako ro'n. Baliw talaga 'to kahit kailan. Pumasok na ako sa loob bago pa madagdagan ang kalandian n'ya.

We went to the garden and saw that Art, Caerus, Sloane, and Cleon were there with the pasaways' parents. Kumpleto ang mga older generation.

"Oh, panalo sa pusta!" Cleon danced, and held his hand out, because it was the four of us who came in the garden. Natatawa naman ang mga parent nila sa nasasaksihan.

"Ano'ng pusta?" tanong ko naman.

"Sino unang dadating!" tawa ni Cleon. Mukang disappointed naman si Sloane at kulang na lang ibalibag si Cleon, imbis na ibigay 'yung panalo nito. Sira talaga 'yung dalawang 'yun!

"Nakakain na po kayo?" tanong ni Thorn sa parents n'ya. They looked like they had a barbeque. Tita Alyx and Tito Gwapo nodded.

"Oo, magdinner na rin kayo," sagot ni Tita Shana kay Thorn.

"We'll wait until they all arrive!" Nakangiting sabi ni Art.

"Sure," imik ni Tita Annicka.

Ang sweet lang nila ni Tito Skyler. Nakayakap kasi si Tito Skyler kay Tita Annicka. Actually, lahat sila. Either nakayakap or nakaakbay. They looked happy watching all of us sit on the huge table in the garden.

Tumayo si Tito Kurt at Tita Tiara. "We'll go inside."

"Witwew! Mukhang masusundan si Aristle!" Nabato kaagad ni Tito Kurt si Tito Thon ng baso na nahablot nito. We all laughed at them. Mabuti nasalo ni Tito Thon 'yun.

Nag-asaran ang mga matatanda, pero sa huli, lahat naman sila pumasok na. Kaya naiwan kaming walo sa garden.

Caerus stood up and started to grill the meat. Art also followed to help Caerus. Kung hindi dahil kay Sloane, sobrang bakod na naman si Art. Kawawang Caerus. I couldn't help but laugh at the situation.

"Wala pa sila?" tanong ni Katniss.

"Mga malalandi sila!" Cleon declared.

"Basted ka lang, Kuya!" asar ni Art dito. Kaya mas nagkatawanan kami.

"Sana all, official! 'Yung iba kasi pretend ang nais!" Sloane announced while laughing, and looking at me and Kael.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Kael, inakbayan n'ya ako at tinaas baba ang kilay kay Slo. Umasim ang mukha ni Slo.

"Ano'ng nangyari sa mga date n'yo?" tanong ko habang natatawa.

"Walang date na naganap!" Art answered crossing her arms. "Referee moments, marami!" dagdag pa nito, kaya mas lalo kaming natawa.

"Hoy date 'yun ah!" Cleon protested.

"Imagination mo!" Sloane answered, rolling her eyes. Nagkatawanan kami sa kanila ni Cleon. Ang kulit.

"Kayong mababait, kumusta ang date?" tanong ni Sloane.

"Soft and fluffy!" Katniss clapped her hands.

"So it was really a double date?" Caerus chuckled.

"Hoy! Bawal! Bata pa 'yan si Katniss!" sigaw ni Cleon.

"H'wag mo bantayan hindi mo kapatid," natatawang sabi ni Kael kay Cleon. "Hanap ka love life mo, Cley."

"Nahanap ko na!" Cleon winked at Sloane. And Sloane looked so disgusted, but laughed when Cleon's face turned bitter and sour.

"So, who's gonna arrive next?" Thorn asked with a smirk.

"'Yung mga babysitter!" I raised my hand and giggled.

"Sina Ate Amythee!" sabay na imik ni Art at Katniss.

Then these people even placed bets. They literally bet for aurous, and cars! These rich people! Grabe! Sana all, mapera! Sana all, hindi na kailangan dumiskarte.

"Hoy, pusta ka dali! Pakyawin mo lahat 'yan!" tulak ko kay Kael na tatawa-tawa sa tabi ko habang nakaakbay sa akin. He shook his head. "Thorn's betting. He'll take it all," he whispered on me.

"I'm betting it would be Gabby followed by Pierce, then Biblee with her announcement and Akira shaking his head," Thorn mentioned and placed a bet on his car! My gosh! Sobrang detailed pa no'n!

"Ay potek, manghuhula ka, dude?" Cleon spoke while laughing.

"Seriously? That was hot!" Sloane mentioned looking at Thorn.

"Hoy, bata 'yan!" sabat ni Cleon.

"So, what?! Bata rin kaya ako?! Tingin mo sa akin?! Ka-age ko lang sina Art! Eighteen! Ikaw 'tong gurang na! Cradle snatcher!" sigaw ni Sloane kay Cleon.

"So maingay!" Art complained cutely.

"Sus, simpleng pa-cute ka pa kay Caerus!" Cleon teased Art. Muntik na tuloy s'yang tusukin ni Art ng tongs sa mata.

"Kaya 'di ka sinasagot ni Slo, eh!" loko naman ni Kael sa kanya. 'Tapos nang-inggit pa at itinaas ang kamay ko para asarin si Cleon.

"Sana all!" Cleon laughed. And Caerus placed some cooked meat on the table. Kumuha kami ng utensils, para mamapak no'n. It was so good and juicy!

Napalingon naman ako kay Katniss at Thorn na magkatabi. Binigyan ni Katniss si Thorn ng pagkain, at talagang pinakita kay Sloane ang ginagawa n'ya. I almost choked laughing because of that simple threat! Wala, iba na talaga mga bata ngayon! Lakas ng loob!

"You want some water?" tanong ni Caerus kay Art na pinaghila pa n'ya ng upuan para umupo.

"Sana all, gentleman!" Sloane clapped her hands. Napapailing naman si Caerus na natatawa, kasi walang amount ng pagiging gentleman kay Cleon, kaya mukha na naman s'yang nakabusangot ngayon.

Lakas mag-asaran! Hindi na ako magtatakha kung isang iglap eh, sila rin naman magkakatuluyan. Nako! Morbelque pa naman si Cleon, malakas din ang hatak n'yan, maloko lang. Matibay lang talaga si Sloane.

Ilang saglit pa may narinig kaming ingay sa labas, at nanlaki ang mga mata namin at naghintay sino ang unang dadating.

"Hellloooo!" A cute girl burst out running to the garden.

"Gabby, wait!" 'Tapos kaagad 'tong sinundan ni Pierce na may mga dalang stuff toys! Napanganga kami at sabay-sabay na napatingin kay Thorn!

Oh, my gosh! Nakangisi pa si Thorn sa amin na gulat sa nakikita.

"Hi, I'm Biblee!" At pumasok na nga si Biblee na may yakap-yakap na bunny na malaking stuff toy.

"May sasabihin akong napakagandang balita. I'm getting married, guys!"

Akira followed while shaking his head, and he hit Biblee's head lightly. "Asa!" Akira stated with a scoff.

Halos malaglag ang panga namin kay Thorn! He shrugged his shoulders confidently.

Umupo si Elly sa harap namin ni Kael. Tumayo si Kael sa tabi ko, at nilapitan ang kapatid para yakapin kahit nakaupo 'to. Kael kissed her forehead. "Did you enjoy, today?" Masayang tumango at ngumiti si Elly sa kanya.

Ginulo ni Kael ang buhok ng kapatid bago tuluyang bumalik sa akin.

Pierce entered their house through the garden door to place the stuff toys he was holding inside. Inagaw ni Akira ang stuff toy na hawak ni Biblee, at inilagay rin 'yun sa loob.

Umupo si Pierce sa tabi ni Elly, 'tapos si Biblee at Akira umupo rin na katabi ang isa't isa. I couldn't help but grin because they looked closer then before! Iba yata ang magic ng amusement park!

"Hoy, Biblee, ano'ng I'm getting married ha?" tanong ni Cleon sa kanya.

"Huh! Mahina ka Cleon! Ako, I got proposed!" Proud na proud na announce nito at nanlaki ang mga mata namin.

"Oh my angels?!" Art reacted, and we laughed when Akira knocked on Biblee's forehead.

"Fake news," Akira stated shaking his head.

"Guys, kapag eighteen na ako, sa simabahan ang debut ko!" Pumalakpak pa talaga ang baliw na si Biblee. Akira was clicking his tongue and scoffing at her.

"Ayiee, baka masunog ka ro'n, Biblee!" I told her, and she glared at me. I laughed. Nagkatawanan din ang lahat sa sinabi ko.

"Patay ka kay Tita Lian, Biblee," tawa naman ni Kael sa kanya.

"Simbahan? Bakit sa simabahan?" Inosenteng tanong ni Caerus.

"Para diretso kasal! Boom!" Halos mabulunan si Akira sa sinabi ni Biblee nang sobrang confident.

"Thug life!" Cleon exclaimed, and we all laughed again.

Ang ingay tuloy bigla. Ang lakas din maka-react ni Sloane at ni Cleon eh. Idagdag mo na rin ako at si Kael.

"Me, too! I want to have a debut at the church!" Elly raised her hand, and nodded cheerfully. Muntik nang mawalan ng hininga si Kael sa narinig.

Pierce looked like a red tomato. Parang gusto na lumubog sa kinauupuan n'ya. I was laughing so hard that I couldn't react.

"Wala ka nang takas Pierce," teased Kael.

"Wala naman akong balak tumakas." Pierce smirked.

"Wooohooo! Ganyan ang mga banat!" sigaw ko at pumalakpak habang nakatayo. Elly also high fived with me. Pierce cackled, on how much we teased him with Elly.

"Mga flash talaga kayo!" halakhak ni Cleon.

"Kesa mga pagong!" Sloane countered.

"Burn!" sabay na sigaw ni Art at Kael. Mas nagpalakpakan kami at nagkatawanan.

"Hey, give all your bets to Thorn, he won!" Katniss excitedly demanded, and Thorn chuckled. Napakunot-noo naman si Akira at Pierce.

"We decided to have a bet, about who's going to arrive first," Thorn explained with a smirk.

"You betted on a losing game?" Hindi makapaniwalang sabi ni Akira. Napataas naman ako ng kilay ro'n. Akira chuckled, but Pierce answered.

"If you have Rebel as someone who doesn't lose bet, we also have Thorn," Proud na sabi ni Pierce tungkol sa kapatid.

"Yeah!" Art exclaimed while clapping.

"And he betted how you'll even arrive! Like Gabby running, Kuya Pierce chasing, Biblee announcing, and Kuya Akira shaking his head!" Katniss remarked looking so elevated at Thorn. Nahiya naman 'yung ang lakas mang-asar kanina.

Mas nagkanchawan ang lahat dahil do'n.

Caerus and Art stood up from their seats to grill meat again. Nauubos eh. Tumayo na rin ako para tumulong, syempre hindi papayag si Kael na hindi s'ya kasama.

Ilang saglit pa dumating na rin sina Harper. They were all carrying boxes, mukhang 'yung mga cakes, kaya naman tumulong sina Katniss, Thorn, Akira, at Pierce sa kanila. Naiwan sa table sina Elly, Biblee, Cleon at Slo na naglolokohan.

"Hey, how are your day, guys?" tanong ni Honoka, no'ng makaupo sa tulong ni Rebel.

Rebel sat down beside Honoka. Automatically draping his arms around her shoulder.

"Ehem!" Then Biblee showed off her necklace. Nagkatilian naman ang mga babae dahil do'n. Akira looked smug and nonchalant while sitting beside Biblee.

"Oooh, h'wag kayo!" Biblee exclaimed, and laughed.

"Woah, Aki! That's so nice to give your bata a necklace!" Baliw talaga 'tong mang-asar si Harper. Nagkatawanan tuloy kami.

"Grabe talaga 'yang bata mo, Law!" balik sabi ni Biblee.

"Hey, she's legal." Kibit-balikat ni Paeng, at tinulugan si Harper na umupo. He also sat beside her, and smirked looking at us.

"So, ano? Ako lang ba may pa-necklace?" tuwang-tuwa si Biblee.

"Si Luna, apelyido ko na lang!" Muntik ko nang batuhin ng karne si Kael sa pinagsasabi nito.

Nagkatilian ang lahat bigla dahil do'n, pero walang pakialam si Kael at talagang sumenyas pa na laksan ang tilian kaya lalong umingay.

"Ikaw, Honoka? Kumusta mga kalokohan ni Rebel?" asar pa ni Kael.

"Nako, wala naman kalokohan 'yan si Rebel kay Honoka, puro chansing!" natatawang sabat ko naman, kaya muntik na akong batuhin ni Eon ng tinidor!

Honoka giggled. Then she raised her hand. We all gasped at her. "Woooah!" Nahihiyang natawa si Honoka. Proud na proud naman na nakangisi si Eon.

"May pa-bangle! Yaman!" Cleon exclaimed.

"Oo, Kuya, rich na magaling pa sila. Ikaw, claw-machine na nga lang, fail pa. What are you gonna do without Caerus, huh?" Art told Cleon, and we clapped our hands at the savage Art!

Mukhang binuwisit talaga ni Cleon si Art kaya ganyan na lang!

"Wawa ka naman, Kuya Cley!" pang-aasar pa ni Elly.

"Aping-api!" Sloane teased when Cleon acted so hurt exaggeratedly.

Caerus put some of the cooked meat on the table again. The hyenas ate it in a flash! Grabe 'tong mga 'to! Kaya pasimple rin si Caerus na binibigyan si Art habang nag-iihaw eh. Isa pa 'tong si Kael!

Kain lang din nang kain no'ng naiihaw na imbis na ilagay sa pinggan! "Hoy! H'wag mo ubusin!" saway ko sa kanya, no'ng kakainin n'ya 'yung niluluto ko!

"Hayaan mo sila, babe!" tawa nito sa akin, kaya sinikmuraan ko, bago ako kumuha ng tubig para uminom.

"Kumusta naman ang pinakamabagal na Evans?" Muntik ko nang maibuga 'yung tubig sa bibig ko nang pumaibabaw ang nang-aasar na boses ni Elly.

We automatically looked at Paeng who looked so shock! "What the hell, Pateh?" asar na imik nito sa kapatid.

Elly chuckled. "I have this!" Then Elly pointed out her hairclip. She's so cute! 'Yung dimples n'ya at 'yung eye-smile n'ya! Mukhang whipped si Pierce na halos hindi na alisin ang tingin kay Elly! He looked so at peace and happy because of her.

"Really suited for a kid, eh?" Harper grinned on Pierce.

"Taking things slow is good, too." Nakangiting sabi ni Pierce, tumango naman si Akira at Thorn.

"Oh, tamang tango 'yung mga may inaalangaan na bata!" tawang-tawang sabi ko sa kanila. I heard Caerus and Art cackled, too.

"Masamang espiritu ka talaga, Luna." Iiling-iling na sabi ni Akira.

"Suki rin naman kita!" I laughed at him. Sus, 'yung akala kong hindi bebentang natutulog na picture ni Biblee, aba! Pinatos ni Akira! Nakakaloka! Iba talaga si Biblee. Panalo!

"Pero balik kay Batas!" sabat ni Kael, at nakita kong nagtaas ng kilay si Paeng. Harper also smirked proudly.

"What happened ba, Harper?" singit ni Art at tumingin sa kaibigan.

"Nothing... just this." Harper slowly put her hand on her cheeks, smirking playfully. Looking so expensive, and regal!

"Homaygash! Ito yata ang didiretso sa simbahan!" biglang tili ni Biblee, habang nakaturo sa daliri ni Harper at nanlalaki ang mga mata.

"Wala na! Finish line na! May nanalo na!" sigaw ni Cleon habang humahalakhak.

"Woah! Law!" Katniss exclaimed looking so surprised.

"Sino pa 'yung huling kumilos, s'ya pang mauuna?" Thorn cackled, and high fived with Katniss.

"Tita Tiara must be jumping in happiness now." Pirece shook his head while giggling softly. Natawa kaming lahat sa sinabi nito.

"Hoy, alam ba 'yan ng parents ni Harper, at ni Momo at Dada?" tanong ni Kael.

"Hindi ako kagaya ni Rebel!" Paeng laughed so loudly.

"Mga bwisit kayo! Alam ni Tita Shana at Tito Jacob, ano!" sabat ni Eon sa pang-aasar ni Paeng sa kanya. Kaya naman mas lalo kaming nagkatawanan.

"Weh? Buti hindi ka hinarap ng kutsilyo ni Tita Shana?" pangloloko ni Biblee.

"Inggit ka na naman, Solstice." Akira laughed.

"Hoy! Hindi ah? Kilig na kilig ka na nga sa akin eh." Hinarap kaagad ni Biblee si Akira at hinamon ng titigan, hindi s'ya pinansin ni Akira at tiningnan lang nito si Eon at Honoka.

"Rebel, kapag 'yan umiyak dahil sa 'yo, asahan mo, hindi mo na makikita 'yan." Nakangisi pero halatang seryosong banta ni Akira kay Eon.

"Woooo!" we cheered.

"Of course, she's my Reign." Eon shrugged confidently.

"Kuya!" saway ni Honoka kay Akira.

We laughed. Oh, magaling 'tong triplets! Legal kung legal! Talagang kinakausap ang mga magulang, hindi nagpapatalo sa isa't isa.

"Ikaw Slo, ano'ng natanggap mo kay Cleon?" tanong naman ni Katniss.

"Sama ng loob!" Nagkatawanan kaming lahat sa sagot ni Sloane nang diretso sa kanila.

"Hoy! Binigay ko na sa 'yo ang puso ko ah!" sigaw ni Cleon, umarte namang parang nasusuka si Sloane, kaya halos pumalakpak at sumipol ang lahat sa nangyari.

"Weak!" sabay na asar ko at ni Biblee kay Cleon.

"Sus, wala ka rin naman natanggap kay Justice, Luna! At saka ikaw Katniss!" Turo ni Cleon sa amin. I scoffed at him and I showed him my ankle.

"Woah, anklet!" Art pointed out. Matagal na sa akin 'to. Bago pa lang kami ni Kael no'n. I even have necklace, bracelet, and earrings from him. Ako 'yung pinakamaraming natanggap! Huh! Pati camera s'ya ang sponsor!

Sawing-sawi si Cleon, at bumaling kay Katniss. "What? I have this!" Inilabas ni Katniss ang bag na dala n'ya kanina! Nanlaki ang mga mata ko! Oh my gosh! Kay Thorn pala galing 'yun?! Grabe, may mga pabigay pala talaga sila!

"Kawawang Sloane!" Elly exclaimed.

"Hoy, sarili ko na nga binigay ko eh!" sabat ni Cleon.

"Uwian na!" sigaw ni Biblee at nagpalakpakan kaming lahat.

"You, Art? What did you get?" Harper asked Art who was beside me, laughing while grilling the meat with Caerus.

"This, and a date." Art smirked proudly, showing off a crown pin on her dress. Napanganga naman kami ro'n! Oh my gosh?! Nakada-moves si Caerus?! May kasama pang date? Wala na! Grabe iba talaga sila!

"Wala na! Ginawa nang lady ng Crown! Uwi na Cleon! Kahit ano'ng harang nakausad na!" Sloane guffawed, and pointed at Cleon.

Masamang tiningnan ni Cleon si Caerus pero sinamaan din s'ya ng tingin ni Art, kaya parang tutang napa-nguso-nguso na lang! Kawawang Cleon, taob na nga kay Slo, pati kay Art! Mas nagkatawanan tuloy kami.

Caerus placed another round of barbecue on the table. Paeng took a plate to get Harper some of it. He also opened a cake they made so they could start eating.

"Luna, Art, Caerus, Justice," napalingon kami no'ng tumayo si Pierce at lumapit sa amin. "You should eat, I'll do it." Nakangiti nitong sabi.

"I'll help, too." Lumapit na rin si Thorn para tumulong. Tumango kami kasi amoy usok na rin kaming apat. Gusto ko rin matikman 'yung cake na ginawa nila Honoka at Harper.

"Me, too! I will not burn it, promise!" Ngiti nito kay Pierce. Pierce chuckled, and tousled Elly's hair, before giving her the tongs.

"I'll make sure to help, too!" Nakalapit na rin pala si Katniss, at kaagad na kinausap at tinulungan si Thorn. Nako, may sariling mundo na naman 'yung dalawang 'yun mamaya. Pinaka-soft talaga sila.

"Is Miracle not here yet?" Paeng asked when I sat in front of him, and Harper.

"Let Ate Miracle enjoy her time with Alas," Harper told Paeng.

"Two years nga magkasama, enjoy her time pa?" Eon scoffed, and we laughed.

Sinubuan naman s'ya ni Honoka ng karne, para manahimik. Talo naman si Eon kay Honoka! Nako, alam ko na talaga gagawin kapag nang-aasar 'yan si Eon. Honoka lang, wala na, hindi na papalag!

"Also Ate Amythee, not yet here pa," Art informed us, while Caerus was preparing a plate for her.

"Oh, they must be together," Harper stated before sipping on her drink.

"Pusta, sila na ni Theon kapag dumating 'yun mga 'yun!" Biblee announced.

"Not impossible! It's been long over due!" Honoka popped in cutely.

"Guys!" Napalingon kami kasi saktong-sakto! Nando'n na nga sina Amythee, Theon, Alas, at Mira! They all waved at us, and went to sit on the empty chairs at the end of the table.

"How are your dates?" Mira teased.

Hindi ko naintindihan lahat kasi sabay-sabay ba namang sumagot! My gosh! Nakakaloka talaga kapag sama-sama kaming lahat. Grabe sa ingay at saya!

Natawa silang apat, at mukhang pagod din. Sila yata pinakahuli at pinakamalayo ng pinuntahan eh. They looked good together. Especially, Alas and Miracle. They both give off that royal vibes in them.

"So... wala ka bang sasabihin Ate?" Biblee chimed in teasingly. Amythee was caught off guard, blushing. Theon was smirking. Alas and Miracle were laughing at the question. Medyo awkward lang tawa ni Alas... hmm?

"Ano'ng nangyari?" tanong ko.

"Nag-propose si Theon kay Akakios!" Miracle laughed, and clapped.

"Boom!" sabay-sabay na sigaw namin nina Biblee, Cleon, at Sloane. Halos mamatay katatawa ang lahat sa narinig.

"Pagong na nga, epic fail pa?!" Bwisit talaga mang-asar 'tong si Elly! Walang preno rin talaga!

"Right, Gabby!" Isa pa 'tong si Miracle, talagang kukunsintihin ang kapatid. Pero ang sarap nga namang gatungan ng pang-aasar no'n.

"Sinagot mo, Alas?" I popped in laughingly.

"Luna!" Amythee exclaimed, but then bursted out laughing.

Napapakamot-ulo na si Alas sa naririnig, tapos si Theon mukhang hiyang-hiya na. Pero patuloy kami sa pang-aasar at tawanan.

"Sana all, official!" Cleon yelled, and we all laughed at him, because Sloane hit his head.

The fun night went on with teases, hilarious stories, and nonstop talks with what happened in our days. It was so good. It was so refreshing, and it was a night full of laughter and smiles.

Hindi rin sila makapaniwala sa edad ni Alas no'ng sabihin 'yun ni Paeng. Harper even stood up in shock. The trio thought Paeng was joking, but Alas confirmed it. And Biblee couldn't believe what she heard. Baby face kasi talaga si Alas.

"Hoy, guys! May itatanong ako, no harm ha!" Nakaupo na kaming lahat at kumakain na no'ng cake na ginawa nina Honoka. It was so good! Iba talaga kapag gawa ni Honoka! Walang tatalo! Grabe!

"Ano, Luna?" tanong ni Eon sa akin, matapos kong sabihin 'yun.

"Crush n'yo. Sino mga naging crush n'yo?" I smirked.

"Hoy, Luna!" saway ni Eon. I laughed at him. The triplets were looking at me. I shrugged at them. Wala namang masama eh.

"Crush lang naman, eh! Mga duwag!" sambit ko sa kanila. "Dali! 'Yung bago n'yo magustuhan 'yung mga partner n'yo ngayon ha! Ako, ako muna aamin, game?!" hamon ko sa kanila.

"Gora!" Biblee announced.

"Okay, si Paeng talaga crush ko dati. Harper, walang personalan ah! Suplado 'yan, pero sobrang caring!" natatawang sabi ko, kasi mukhang shocked si Harper.

"Ako mahal, h'wag malaki ang ulo, Batas!" sabat ni Kael, at niyakap ako.

We all guffawed loudly. Tumango si Paeng sa kapatid, at inakbayan ako ni Kael. Crush ko man si Paeng dati, mahal na mahal ko naman si Kael dati at hanggang ngayon.

"You? Who was your crush besides, Luna?" balik tanong ni Paeng kay Kael.

He kissed my cheeks, whispering, "H'wag ka magseselos ah?" Tumango ako kay Kael, ang bait ayaw pa akong magselos para 'yun lang!

"Maliban kay Luna, si Art."

"What the heck?!" Malakas na sigaw namin, hindi inaasahan! Grabe nakakaloka! Hindi ko rin alam 'yun!

I looked at Art who was jaw dropped.

Natawa ako sa nasaksihan, at natawa na rin si Kael. "That was just an innocent crush! I love Luna! Don't get jealous of me!" Tinaas pa ni Kael ang kamay sa ere habang nagkatawanan ang lahat. Natawa na rin si Caerus, habang umiiling.

"You, Theon, maliban kay Amythee? Second crush?" tanong ko kay Theon.

He sighed and whispered something at Amythee before answering. Matapos no'n tumingin sa amin, at sinagot ang tanong.

"Si Biblee."

Holy sheez!?

"Ay tirador ng magkapatid!" sigaw ni Cleon at halos malaglag ang mga panga namin! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! This was getting so interesting!

"Natutuwa lang, ang kulit kasi! But not romatically, it has been Amythee from the start!" he told us hurriedly, and Amythee was chuckling at him.

"Hoooy! Ang haba ng hair ko! Akira, pwede ka magselos!" Mas lalo kaming nagkatawanan sa sinabi ni Biblee. Halos sumakit na tyan namin sa katatawa.

"Amythee! Ikaw naman! Gantihan mo sabihin mo si Cleon, dali!" I teased, and everyone were clapping their hands while laughing.

Namula si Amythee at napalunok. She leaned on Theon just to make sure the turtle won't get jealous.

"Si... Pierce." Amythee avoided the gaze from the surprised Pierce.

"Ate!" sigaw ni Elly, at halos magkatawanan kaming lahat.

"Potek na 'yan, revelations, everybody!" Cleon stood up and danced like a bulate! Mas lalo kaming nagkatawanan sa nakita.

"Ikaw ba, Cleon, sino?" tanong ni Amythee.

"Si Miracle!" Proud na proud na sagot ni Cleon. Miracle was chukling and Alas was also laughing. They didn't even know the word surprise, when half of us were shocked!

Sina Elly, Akira, Pierce, Thorn at iba mukhang hindi shock. Mukhang alam din nila! Nakakaloka ha!

"Ikaw, Sloane?" baling namin kay Sloane na tawang-tawa.

Cleon took a sit and cleared his throat. Anticipating Sloane's answer. Sloane licked her lips, and looked at Miracle's direction.

"Si Alas. Lahat ng ibang crush ko nawala no'ng makita ko si Alas!" she answered confidently.

"Woah!" Halos pamalakpak lahat sa napakatapang na sagot nito.

"Sawi!" We all sang at Cleon. And he stood up, and danced again and were laughing at how he looked! Ang kulit talaga!

"Kay Pierce naman tayo!" Biblee teased and we all faced Pierce who was looking so shy. He cleared his throat and we all anticipated his answer.

"Honoka..." he trailed, and covered his face.

Oh, my gosh!?

"Bro!" Eon reacted immediately, and Honoka was jaw dropped, red as an apple looking at Pierce.

Oh my gosh! Grabe! Grabe! Buti sinimulan ko 'to! Sobrang hindi ko inaasahan ang mga sagot! Shookt kaming lahat sa nalalaman! Mga hindi sila halata! My gulay! This night is one of the most memorable ever!

"Bakit hindi ako?!" Biblee asked emotionally. Natawa si Pierce, at ngumuso si Elly.

Pierce looked at Elly in the eyes! Potek! Nakakatunaw ang tingin ni Pierce! Si Elly talaga pinaka-nagwagi sa mga pasaway!

"Honoka's kind and she has all the qualities that I look for a girl. My ideal. But, that was just that. I'd rather wait for someone, because waiting for her, would be the greatest gift I'd receive..." Pierce mentioned gently.

"Wala na! May nanalo na guys!" sigaw ni Sloane. Halos magpalakpakan kaming lahat.

"And the winner for Mr. Universe is Pierce Isaiah Fortaleza-Sy!" Nakatayong announce ni Biblee. Nagkatawanan kaming lahat.

"It's time para gumanti, Pateh!" imik ni Miracle sa bunso. "Sino crush mo, ah?"

"Caerus 'yan!" Halakhak ni Eon, kaya naman nabato s'ya ni Elly ng tinidor. Nagkatawanan tuloy lahat kami at napatingin kay Caerus. Elly agreed with a pout. Nagkatawanan kami kasi alam namin 'yun.

Caerus looked so embarrassed because he had been ignoring Elly since then. Bata kasi si Elly eh, hindi naman sa ayaw ni Caerus, pero alam n'ya rin na hindi pwede basta-basta.

"Ikaw, Caerus?" ngisi ni Kael kay Caerus.

Napalunok tuloy 'yung isa at napaiwas ng tingin. He inhaled a huge amount of air, and looked at Art. Art was quietly waiting for his answer.

"Harper." Then he smiled shyly.

"Oh my gosh!" sigaw ko. Akala ko si Elly rin eh! Iba!

"No worries, I appreciate, but I have Law." Harper gave her eye-smile at Caerus. And we were all jaw dropped.

"Hoy, Harper, pahingi ng confidence!" sambit ko sa kanya, kaya lalo kaming nagkatawanan.

"Art, it's your turn!" sabi ni Elly sa kanya.

"Ah..." Napatingin sa kanya 'yung kambal.

"Don't epal!" saway agad ni Harper do'n sa kambal, kaya nagkatawanan kami. Ang arte kasi ng kambal na 'yun eh! Porke ang bagal nila, idadamay pa nila si Art.

"It's... Justice," Art answered coolly. Potek! Kung wala pala ako, sana sila?! Oh, my gosh! Buti na lang I'm here!

"Woah!" we all exclaimed. Napanganga ako at napatingin kay Kael. He was also jaw dropped! Grabe! Nakakaloka sila! Mga unexpected ang sagot!

I hugged Kael's waist, and he laughed at me. Kinindatan pa ng loko-loko si Art. "Sorry, taken na," he joked. Nagkatawanan tuloy kami lahat.

"Rebelde, ikaw sino?!" tanong ni Cleon kay Rebel.

He cleared his throat. "Maliban kay Luna?" he asked. We all nodded. Sus, alam na alam ng mga pasaway na 'yung triplets tinamaan sa akin dati.

"Si... Sloane." Napatayo si Sloane sa sinagot ni Eon. Oh, my gosh!

"Grabe!" Sloane reacted, and we all laughed when Cleon looked at Eon threateningly. Niyakap ni Eon si Honoka, kaya mas naging magulo ang lahat.

"Honoka, Honoka, Honoka!" we cheered for Honoka. She was covering her face a little looking so cute.

"Alas..." she whispered with a cute smile.

"Woooo! Nagseselos na yata si Miracle! Nakakadalawa na!" sigaw ni Cleon.

"Wooo! Selos si Cleon kasi wala pang nagkaka-crush sa kanya!" I retorted laughing loudly. Hagalpak na si Biblee sa narinig sa akin, at sumabay pang mang-asar.

Mukhang hiyang-hiya naman ang napaka-cute na si Alas.

"Next!" Katniss clapped her hands.

"Ikaw na, Kat!" loko ni Biblee sa kanya.

"Si Alas din eh, pero si Thorn talaga crush ko no'n pa." She chuckled confidently. Pinamulahan naman si Thorn.

"Ako rin... si Katniss crush ko noon pa." Thorn raised his hand shyly, and confessed.

"Sana all nagka-crush back!" Cleon declared, and we were all laughing.

"Akira, ikaw sino?" tanong ni Miracle sa tahimik at nanatawang si Akira.

He clicked his tongue. "Amythee?" he said with a smirk.

"Hoy!" sigaw ni Biblee. "Tirador ka rin?!" Nagkatawanan tuloy kami sa pinagsasabi no'n, baliw talaga kahit kailan! Nakakaloka!

"Bakit si Ate?! Bakit hindi ako?! Pinagtaksilan mo ako?!" Hindi na ako makahinga kay Biblee.

Nag-exchange pala si Theon at si Akira?! Nakakaloka ang mga nalalaman namin! Shookt moments!

"Tss. That's in the past. Why would I go back there, when I have you?" Akira hissed at Biblee.

Silence. Silence. Silence.

Halos bumagsak ang panga namin sa sinabi n'ya! Grabe! Kabog! Pati si Biblee, hindi nakaangal.

"Ako wala akong ibang crush! Ikaw lang talaga! Si Alas pala. 'Yun lang!" Nakangusong sambit ni Biblee.

Mas nagkatawanan kami kasi mas yumakap si Miracle kay Alas, samantalang mukhang naiilang lang si Alas, pero nakangiti sa amin. We chuckled at his reaction. Napaka-cute at napakainosente talaga no'n.

"Paeng, maliban sa akin, sino sa 'yo?" I asked Law.

"Wala. Ikaw lang, Luna." He smiled at me.

Crush namin isa't isa! Muntik na rin Char!

Napanganga kaming lahat sa direktang sagot ni Paeng. Nagkatawanan din kami no'ng sinamaan ng tingin ni Harper si Paeng.

"Eh, ikaw, Harper?" tanong ni Cleon sa kanya.

Harper cleared her throat, and looked at...

"Akira."

Freaking gosh!?

"What the heck?!" halos sabay-sabay na reaksyon namin. Natigilan din si Paeng at napatingin nang hindi makapaniwala kay Harper.

"Oh, my gosh!" Biblee reacted at Harper. The latter, just shrugged laughingly.

"It's just a crush!" depensa ni Harper.

"Grabe kayo! Revelation everywhere!" natatawang sambit ko sa kanila.

Mas nagkatawanan pa kami. Lalo na no'ng lingunin namin si Miracle at Alas. They were looking at us with a smile on their faces.

"Kayo?" I asked.

"Silhoue's my only crush," Alas told us honestly. He looks so ethereal!

"And Akakios is my only crush," Miracle mentioned nonchalantly. And we all laughed together.

The night deepened with our talks, and there was only one thing that I could wish while looking at everyone...

I hope this never ends. I hope those smiles will last... I hope the next days... we would survive.

Why? Because the smiles Miracle and Alas gave us... slowly turned into cold stares of ruthlessness.

Because all of the pasaways hand became tainted with real blood, the moment they started the game they prepared.

***