"You surely are okay Gin?"

"I'm fine. Ikaw ang dapat na tinatanong ko niyan. You quit your studies because of my mess."

Kasalukuyang nasa likod bahay sina Gin at Miyuki at magkatabing nanonood ng lawa. Right now the lake looks enticing that ever for Miyuki. This past few days dito naman siya laging napapatambay pero bakit ngayon mas nagiging maganda sa paningin niya ang paligid?

However, she felt guilty whenever she saw Gin's unexpressive face just looking deeply in to the lake. It's been four days since Gin started seeing her too often. Too often to the point that she haven't seen him being out of the house this past few days.

"Gin. Gin. Gin. Gin Hoshia—"

"What?!" naiiritang sagot ni Gin. "Not my second name Shantal."

Napatigil si Miyuki sa pagtapik-tapik nito sa braso ni Gin at agad na napa-iling. They both somehow hated their second name. But for some reason, the way he called her name made her heart beats faster than ever before. Kung kaya't bumalik siya sa pagkakasandal sa puno para ikalma ang puso niya.

"Bakit hindi ka na umaalis ng bahay?" halos na pabulong na usal ni Miyuki. Hindi na niya magawang tumingin kay Gin habang pinakakalma ang tibok ng puso nito.

"I'm tired."

"You should sleep then. Palagi kang nakabuntot sa'kin simula noong nanatili ka rito." Natatawang bahagyang siniko ni Miy si Gin sa tagiliran. "Ikaw ha, may gusto ka sa'kin noh? Don't worry I'll be 18 soon hindi na iyon matatawag na child abuse."

"What if I say I am?"

Napatigil si Miyuki sa pangungulit sa tagiliran ni Gin. Anong ibig nitong sabihin? Na may gusto talaga siya kay Miyuki?

"I've been always and trying so hard to keep you safe Miyuki." Lumingon na sa kanya si Gin at agad na nagtagpo ang kanilang mga mata.

Their hearts seems to be syncronizing with one another. Parehong malakas ang tibok ng puso nila. Miyuki was speechless while Gin has so many words to say but decided not to. He knew it won't make that much sense any longer.

He choose to save Miyuki and the others.

Wala ng silbi kung umamin pa siya rito. All this time he thought he only see her as a curious young lady he was obliged to took in. He remembered how Miyuki ended being an orphan and became his responsibilty.

Her father was his father's butler.

Naging magkakilala ang mga ama nila Miyuki at Gin ng dahil sa ERI. Ang institusyong pinagmulan ng pagkakaibigan ng dalawang ama. Sa ERI nagtatrabaho bilang isang researcher si Henry—ang ama ni Gin habang si Aslan naman na ama ni Miyuki ay kapatid ni Thana—isang normal na babaeng napaibig si Henry.

Madalas napapabisita si Aslan sa kapatid niyang si Thana na nakakulong sa ilalim ng mga taga ERI. Henry would help him see her kung kaya't naging malapit ang dalawa.

No one and if there is—only a few would be brave enough to have a fight with the Bathory's. Henry was a brain and a brawn. Alam ito ng lahat kung kaya't noong napagdesisyonan niyang iwanan ang institusyon ay wala ng nangahas na pigilin siya. Maraming alam at nalalaman si Henry kung kaya't para sa ERI isa siyang malaking kawalan.

After Thana's death, pinaghahanap si Aslan ng mga taga ERI kung kaya't napagdesisyonan ni Henry na itago ito sa pangagalaga niya bilang isang butler. They have no choice, noble vampires aren't that easily be defeated kung kaya't sa isang taong katulad ni Aslan na pinaghahanap ng isang malaking institusyon ng mga bampira—being with Henry would be the safest place. After all when ERI once found them, his wife was killed. No human, anyone would believe that it wasn't him who brutally killed his wife in front of their five year old daughter.

So he decided to accept Henry's offer and be his butler in order to protect himself—in order to protect his daughter.

That's how Miyuki and Gin met.

Miyuki was five years old while Gin's ten. At such young age Gin already thinks maturely almost equally to her older sister. Kung kaya't sa araw-araw na lagi siyang iniinis ni Miyuki ay nasasanay na siya rito. So he found himself guiding and watching her silently.

Not until both of their parents die for unknown reason which Gin knew has something to do with the ERI. Since then he promised to their father's grave that he will took care of Miyuki. Untill everything would be fine. Until both of their existence as vampires and humans would be totally accepted from both societies. Untill he could prove that vampires doesn't need be act all high and mighty and threatened humans.

"Gin?"

Hindi napansin ni Gin na kanina pa pala siya nakatitig kay Miyuki. He just dozed off for a second. Para bang unti-unti ng nagkaka-countdown sa kanya ang mga naging pagsasama nilang dalawa.

"Gin naman kanina ka pa titig ng titig gandang ganda ka talaga sa'kin no?" ani Miyuki at hinawakan ang sariling buhok. "My hair really attracts people..." Napatigil si Miyuki at tumingala kay Gin na nakaiwas na ng tingin. "As well as vampires."

"Stop looking at me like that." Lumingon si Gin kay Miyuki. Bahagyang nagpula ang kanyang mga mata bago bumalik sa dati.

"Patingin ako ulit Gin!"

"Huh?"

"Mata mo. Your red eyes were beautiful." Pilit na inaabot ni Miyuki ang mukha ni Gin para tanggalin ang salamin nito habang si Gin naman ay pilit iniwawaksi ang kanyang kamay gamit ang mga braso nito. "I haven't seen you without your glasses."

"Ayokong tanggalin manigas ka."

"Gin naman eh! Ka artehan mo talaga." Tumigil nalang si Miyuki kakaabot sa mukha ni Gin at bumalik sa pagsandal sa puno. "Hindi ko na ipipilit na tanggalin ang salamin mo."

"Good." Pumikit si Gin habang nakasandal parin sa puno. Ilang saglit lang na tumahimik ang paligid bago ilang saglit lang na nakaramdam siya ng bigat sa ibabaw ng mga hita niya. "Miyu!"

Bahagyang tumawa si Miyuki bago sinubukang hilahin ulit ang salamin ni Gin na mabilis namang iniiwasan nito. Miyuki had never seen Gin's bare face.

Was she not?

Sa kakailag ni Gin hindi sinasadyang matabig ni Miyuki ang salamin nito at tuluyang nahulog. Sa gulat niya at pagkataranta ay namula ng ilang segundo ang mga mata nito na siyang nagpatigil kay Miyuki.

For some reason, flashed on Miyuki's mind was a familiar scene she always thought as a dream. Ang panaginip na nakalimutan niya kung sino ang kasama. That dream where she thought she had her first kiss...was real.

"Natulala ka yata? I know I'm good looking so move," pagbabanta sa kaniya ni Gin na agad rin niyang sinunod. Umalis ito sa pagkakaupo sa hita nito at bumalik sa pagsandal sa puno. Her brows meets as she glanced back and forth to Gin's bare face.

"Where the heck those glasses go?" Gumalaw si Gin sa kinauupuan at hinanap sa paligid nito ang salamin na nasa kamay lang pala ni Miyuki. "Ibigay mo sa'kin 'yan Miyu," aniya habang nakalahad ang kamay sa nakatitig sa kaniya na si Miyuki.

"Gin. Did I kiss you before?" Nang dahil sa tanong ni Miyuki napatigil si Gin at ibinaba ang kamay nito. Agad naman na nilapit ni Miyuki ang mukha nito kay Gin na siyang gumulat rito. "Bakit parang totoo iyon Gin?"

"Anong totoo? Umatras ka nga. Tigil-tigilan mo ako Miyuki."

"Noong tinanong mo ko dati kung may naaalala ba ako sa gabing iyon? Yung tanong mo dati yung sinabi kong—wait! May kiss marks daw ako nun sabi ni Erin!" ani Miyuki at tuluyan na ngang lumayo ng bahagya kay Gin. "Hindi nga Gin? May nangyari sa'tin?"

"Miyuki! Why do you always make it sound so nasty?!" natatarantang saad ni Gin at agad na tumayo. "Tatawagan ko muna si Chiron. Malapit na birthday mo hindi ba? What do you want for your debut?" aniya at agad na kinuha ang phone nito.

"Simple lang. I want you with me as always tapos sina Chiron at Mary—wait let's invite Ate Alina, Haunley, Erin and Zepar. Pero gusto ko sanang sa mansyon mo ako mag birthday Gin. Hindi pa ba tayo uuwi?" ani Miyuki habang nakatingala kay Gin na hindi naman nakatingin sa kaniya.

"Sa debut mo uuwi na tayo."

"Bakit ang tagal?"

"It's 11 days from now Miyuki," seryosong saad ni Gin habang nagta-type sa phone nito.

"Iyon nga Gin 11 days nalang bakit hindi pa tayo pwedeng bumalik? Wala na akong sugat so does Mary."

"Makinig ka nalang." Tumingin sa kaniya si Gin kung kaya't nagtama ang kanilang mga tingin. "Anyway anong gusto mong mangyari sa debut mo? We can make it grand whatever you want just name it."

"As if I have visitors," malungkot na saad ni Miyuki na siyang nagpalambot kay Gin. "But it's fine I have you!" masiglang usal naman niya.

Tumayo rin agad si Miyuki at agad na inangkla ang braso nito sa braso ni Gin. Gin didn't even complain. Gusto niya ang ginagawa nito sa kaniya. It's much more securing and comfortable that Naamah's.

"Ganitong-ganito iyon noong nakita kong naka angkla si Ate Naamah sa'yo. Makaasta parang girlfriend mo."

Bahagyang napangisi si Gin sa narinig bago sila tuluyang naglakad papasok sa bahay. "You jealous?"

"Yep," diretsong saad nito na nagpatigil ulit kay Gin. "Iwan mo pa kaya ako dahil sa kaniya. No way. Akin ka lang noh!"

"You sounded like a girlfriend Miyu."

"You're much worst Gin. You treated me like I'm your wife."

Paminsan-minsan lang umaalis si Gin sa bahay ni Chiron. They were busy setting off a foolproof plan to do the inside job where Gin will risk himself to. Chiron, Cessair and Haunley helped him to set everything, the plan, the date, the communications they would do in case ERI would forbid him for communicating them.

Saturday, november 14 has come. Miyuki's debut her legality.

"Papayagan mo akong magsuot ng kahit ano simula ngayon?" tanong ni Miyuki kay Gin. Kasalukuyan silang nasa kwarto niya at pumipili ng damit na kanyang susuotin. Nakalatag sa kama niya ang mga paper bag na kinuha ni Gin mula sa kwarto niya sa mansyon. Ang mga damit sa paper bag ay ang mga damit na binigay sa kaniya ni Alina na hindi pa niya nasusuot dahil kay Gin.

"Yeah, whatever."

"Kahit mag two piece pa ako?" pabirong usal ni Miyuki. That was strange? Gin had finally agreed wearing those revealing clothes he always hated.

Gin's eyes twitched before he made a nervous gulp, "Go."

"Wala ka ngang pake." Isa isang pinagbubukas ni Miyuki ang mga paper bag. "Lumabas ka na and I'll ask Mary what I should wear."

Miyuki ended up wearing a purple mini skirt, off-shoulder laced cocktail dress. Her long red curly hair just flows right behind her back. She stares herself in the mirror as Mary helped her do something about her face.

"Sigurado ka bang hindi sa bar ang punta mo? Young lady?"

"Hayaan mo na. Ikaw rin naman maghahatid sa kaniya sa mansyon malamang hindi sa bar na 'yan ang tungo niya," sagot ni Mary kay Chiron na nakatayo lamang sa gilid nila. "Done. You can go now."

"Talagang hindi kayo pupunta?" tanong ni Miyuki sa dalawa.

Kamakailan lang sinabi ni Gin na tanging silang dalawa lamang ang magkasama ngayong gabi. Those she wanted to invite? Bukas nalang daw. She argued about it but Gin won. Gin wanted her all by herself tonight. Gin told her he had a special present to her.

"We'll just have another party tomorrow. If ever you'd like," sagot ni Mary sa kaniya. She hadn't heard what was Mary's last words kung kaya't tumango nalang siya at agad na inanyayahan si Chiron na agad ng umalis.

Halos mag-gagabi na nang nasa byahe na sina Chiron at Miyuki. Mary was left in the house, agad rin naman kasing babalik si Chiron matapos siyang ihatid.

The trip was quite and eerie. Sumilip siya sa labas at nakitang madilim na at halos natatakpan ng makapal na ulap ang kalangitan. Sa halip na maging excited mas lalong kinakabahan si Miyuki sa ginawang sorpresa kuno sa kaniya ni Gin.

Pinagbuksan siya ni Chiron ng pinto nang makarating sila sa harap ng mansyon ni Gin. The grand doors opened and as Miyuki was escorted elegantly by Chiron towards the opened door she can't help but to feel amazed.

"Sigurado ka bang nasa tamang mansyon tayo? Chiron?"

"I assure you this is the same mansion young lady pero tamang tao? I don't think so." Binitawan ni Chiron ang kamay nito at agad na humakbang paatras. "You're man is here young lady. Please enjoy and remember the night."

Napansin ni Miyuki ang pagkunot ng noo ni Gin habang nakatitig sa kaniya. Ngumiti lamang siya at dali-daling lumapit sa kinatatayuan nj Gin sa ibaba ng grand staircase. Hindi na niya inalintana ang suot na heels at agad na niyakap si Gin.

Gin wears a black suit paired with a purple tie as requested by Miyuki. He looked so formal and mature especially with his glasses. As he stared at Miyuki he can't help but to feel proud and happy that he saw Miyuki grown up to a brave young lady she is now.

Miyuki lost many people in her life because of their kind but she's still here, smiling at him. Assuring him everything's fine that he doesn't need to worry.

"You did a major make over of the mansion Gin. Parang mas naging modern dito?" Itinuro nito isa-isa ang mga statues na nasa ibaba ng hagdanan, chandelier at mga dekorasyon. "These were so clean and shiny. May ganito ka ba dati? Tapos ang liwanag na masyado Gin. Mukhang na discover mo na rin ang kuryente."

Gin just curved a smile before he insist to cling Miyuki's hand to his. They walked side by side as they ascended upstairs. Tahimik lamang si Gin habang si Miyuki ay inililbot ang tingin sa kanilang madadaanan. Everything was much more cleaner, illuminated and elegant. The old maroon walled hallways are now painted with a creamy white color stil with a touch of maroon and black borders.

Pumasok sila Miyuki sa pamilyar na pinto na siyang nagpakunot ng noo niya.

"Music room?" ani Miyuki nang bumitaw siya ng tuluyan kay Gin at inilibot ang paningin sa kabuonan ng silid. The room was lighted with soft lights making a sombre mood.

"I placed our dinner here."

"Bakit dito?"

"You'll see."

Ilang saglit lamang ay may mga katulong na pumasok at naghatid ng mga pagkaing agad na inilagay sa mesa na nakahanda malapit sa balkonahe. The foods were Miyuki's favorite and for some reasons there are many desserts. There were wine glasses instead of just regular glasses. As if she could use those glasses for real wine Gin would never.

Miyuki sat down on th chair overlooking the nearby forest from the balcony. The wind was quite cold making her shiver but silently Gin placed a coat in her shoulders.

"Suot ng suot ka ng ganyan ang bilis mong lamigin."

"As if alam kong dito tayo tatambay hmp." Tinitigan niya ang pagkaing nasa harapan niya. "Let's eat?"

Tumango naman si Gin at sinabayan itong kumain. For the next minutes they found themselves laughing as they recall their memories.

"Gin tanda mo? Yung nahulog ako sa puno? Sinalo mo ko pero hindi mo kinaya ang bigat ko?" natatawang sambit ni Miyuki. "I'm maybe around seven that time and you're around what was it?"

"Thirteen. By the way wanna drink?"

"Tubig?"

"No." Tumayo si Gin at nagtungo sa isang cabinet na nasa sulok ng silid at may kinuha at agad na bumalik sa pwesto nila. "This." Marahan na inilagay nito ang bote sa ibabaw ng mesa at agad na binuksan.

Tawny port? It seems to ring a bell for Miyuki.

Bumalik nang mas malinaw sa alala niya ang nangyari sa wine cellar nang makita niya ito.

"Familar?"

"Oh no Gin. Gusto kong uminom pero mukhang malalasing na naman ako dahil diyan."

"Don't worry I'm here," ani Gin at binuksan ang wine at inilagay sa mga wine glasses nila bago umupo ulit sa kaharap niyang upuan. "Cheers to your legality."

Hindi na napansin ni Miyuki na nakakailang wine glass na pala siya at nakaramdam na ng pagkahilo.

"Don't you wish to hear me play the piano?"

"Would you play?"

"Sure."

Umupo si Gin sa harap ng grand piano na nasa gitna ng silid at nagsimulang tumugtug. He pressed the keys softly, he closed his eyes and move rhytmically with the tune. Every press that he made seems like he's pouring all her emotions in it. The melody was soft and sad like it was bidding a goodbye. It was soothing while at the same time too painful too hear.

Miyuki noticed that and even though she feels her sight was getting blurry it didn't stop her to move closer to Gin. Unti-unti na ring pumapatak ang ulan sa labas.

Inilagay niya ang kamay sa likod ng balikat ni Gin na nagpapatuloy pa rin sa pagtugtog. Patagal ng patagal mas lalong nagiging mabigat ang pakiramdam ni Miyuki sa tinutugtog ni Gin.

"Stop."

Nagpatuloy pa rin sa pagtugtog si Gin. He's pouring all his unsaid words in the piano keys.

"I said stop Gin! Stop!" naiiyak na saad ni Miyuki na siyang nagpatigil kay Gin. Biglang umulan kung kaya't naitago ng ingay nito ang mahihinang paghikbi ni Miyuki. "Hindi mo naman iniisip na iwan ako hindi ba?"

"Come here." Tumayo si Gin sa kinauupuan niya at niyakap si Miyuki. "I'll miss you."

So he will really leave?

"Iiwan mo ako Gin? Bakit? Dahil naiiba ka sakin? I don't care! Kung kailan— kung kailan ko napagtantong ayaw kitang mawala. Hindi ko kayang mawala ka Gin."

"I'm no good for you Miyuki. I need to let you go."

"No! Ako lang ang may karapatang magsabi na hindi ka mabuti sa'kin. Ako lang Gin! Ako lang! If I want you mine. You are mine!" ani Miyuki habang mahihinang sinusuntok ang dibdib ni Gin.

"I'll make you say it." Tinanggal ni Gin ang salamin na suot at marahas na tinulak si Miyuki. "Kapag sinabi kong hindi ako karapatdapat, hindi talaga ako karapatdapat Miyuki."

His eyes went red, in a second his hands turns to sharp claws and his fangs were exposed.

Napatigil si Miyuki, that was her first time seeing him transformed. It was quite frightening seeing how Gin looks like ready to pounce and kill someone. But for some reason she just found herself slowly walking towards him. Was it because she's drunk that's why she's brave? She didn't knew.

"Gugustuhin mo pa ba akong manatili? I could kill you right here, right now."

"Matagal na sana iyon nangyari kung ginusto mo," Miyuki said seriously before she's about to hug Gin again.

Agad na iniwaksi ni Gin si Miyuki na agad ring tumama sa glass windows na naging dahilan ng pagkabasag nito. Miyuki stumbled on the floor and saw her hands bleeding. Kinuha ulit siya ni Gin at marahas na isinandal sa pader at itinutok ang mahaba nitong kuko sa kaniya.

"I could stab you by this. I'm giving you a chance to let me go so please Miyuki let me go."

"I won't leave neither you Gin." Miyuki's eyes watered as she looked at Gin's glowing red eyes. His eyes opposes to what he says. "Bakit kailangan mo akong iwan?"

"It's for the best," walang emosyong usal ni Gin bago tuluyang tumalikod at humakbang papaalis at iniwan si Miyuki na agad napaupo't napasandal sa pader.

"I'm sorry I ruined your birthday," mahinang usal ni Gin nang malapit na siya sa pintuan.

"Welcome to legality. See you again in the future. Don't wait for me."