The End of Daylight

Growling or Growing?

—

"Dad! What are you doing here?"

I thought he would answer me but his eyes landed on Jieven. Confusion was written all over his face and then slowly, his brows furrowed while eyeing him from head to toe, obviously checking him. Ako na ang kinakabahan sa titig na binibigay ni Daddy sa lalaking katabi ko.

"Dad, hey." I tried to catch his attention to ease the tension between them. Daddy glared at me seriously, ignoring Jieven's presence. Napalunok ako sa paraan ng pagtingin niya sa akin. It looks like I did something horrible and he just witnessed it. His eyes were telling me that I need to explain and so I did.

"Dad, this is Jieven, my friend." I introduced. Lumipat tuloy ang tingin ni Daddy kay Jieven mula sa akin.

"Good Day, Sir." Bahagyang yumuko si Jieven upang magbigay galang sa ama ko. He looked calm and he even managed to let out a small smile in front of my Dad. Parang wala lang sa kanya ang maiinit na tingin na ibinabato ni Daddy sa kanya and I certainly know why was my Dad acting this way.

Instead of answering Jieven, he just slowly nodded before his gaze met mine. "One of my client is working here, Tammy." Sagot niya sa tanong ko kanina. He was wearing his usual clothes— a suit, dark blue necktie, black slacks, black shoes and his right hand was carrying his brief case, containing various documents regarding his job.

"Oh," I unconsciously played with my fingers out of nervousness. I could still feel my pounding heart and it's freaking bothering me. The tension between the two are getting stronger and stronger every second passing by.

"I should go, see you at home, Tammy." Dad broke the silence between us, making me sigh in relief. Napatingin siya bigla kay Jieven at tipid na ngumiti, hindi man lang umabot sa kanyang mga mata. "See you around, Mister?"

"Acosta sir." Jieven camly replied, not even showing any glimpse of being bothered by my father's presence.

Dad nodded. "Mr. Acosta, nice to meet you then."

I expect them to share a handshake but it never happened.

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Rustia." Jieven smiled softly.

Tinignan ako ni Daddy saglit bago niya kami nilagpasan at pumasok sa isang pintuan na kung hindi ako nagkakamali ay office ng admin namin. And that was when I thought that I was holding my breath too much. I puffed a heavy sighed when Dad disappeared from our sight.

"Geez, that was close." I mumbled. Bigla akong napalingon kay Jieven nang mapansin ko ang pagngisi niya.

"Why do you looked so tensed? He's your father, he won't do anything to harm you." He scoffed.

I glared at him furiously. "I'm not worried about myself, I'm worried about you." I answered. He didn't get me right? Paano nalang kung may ibang isipin si Daddy dahil nakita niyang magkasama kaming dalawa? Then that would be the end of me and therefore, Jieven will no longer be able to hang out with me anymore.

"He did not suspected me so you better calm yourself, Tammy." He said confidently. Napakunot naman ang noo ko pero mas pinili ko nalang ang manahimik. "He's shouting in authority though." He added after a moment.

"I told you." I grinned. Nagpatuloy kami sa paglalakad papunta sa cafeteria habang mahinang nag-uusap.

"That was the main reason why you feel like you need to obey him, right?" He asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Drop the 'I feel' because as his daughter, I really need to obey whatever he wants me to do whether I like it or not." I simply answered as if I am only answering a test paper full of addition and subtraction. Lumaki akong laging sinusunod ang gusto ni Daddy dahil pinalaki niya akong may takot sa kanya. I don't know why but my father's side has something to do with the word 'authority', pati ang nag-iisa niyang kapatid na si Tito Alfred ay ganito rin sa anak niya. Mahigpit. Mas mahigpit pa nga.

"Let us say," He paused. I glanced at him only to see that his biting his lower lip while looking at the floor, thinking. "You failed to obey his rules. And you failed because you followed what you really want. Are you going to fight for that happiness of yours or will you just kill it for the sake of your dream?"

Natigilan ako sa tanong niya pero mabilis akong nakabawi. "Ano bang klaseng tanong 'yan?" I scoffed and shook my head. "It will never happen, Jieven." Paulit ulit akong umiling pero hindi siya natinag.

"Kunwari nga," pagsusungit niya.

"Okay, fine." I sighed in frustration. "It depends upon the situation. I will fight for that certain happiness your talking about if that's worth fighting for. Or maybe I could just.." I stopped midway when I have nothing to say in mind. Bigla akong natauhan matapos ang ilang segundo at mahinang hinampas ang braso ni Jieven kaya napaatras siya.

"What was that?" He asked, confusion was visible on his gorgeous face.

"Stop reminding me about that freaking rules okay? Let's forget about it, naiistress ako sa'yo."

His brows furrowed a bit but then he nodded afterwards. "Okay."

I don't want to talk about it. At certain point it makes me feel sad and I don't freaking know why.

Nakalipas pa ang tatlong araw hanggang sa kinabukasan ay division level na. I am busy staring at the ceiling of my room while playing with my fingers placed above my tummy, lowkey thinking about random things. It's already midnight but I cannot seem to fall asleep. Ang daming tumatakbo sa isipan ko pero hindi ko mawari kung ano ang uunahin dahil halo-halo na sila until Jieven's face suddenly flashed like a thunder in my mind.

"Geez." Napailing ako at mabilis na sinampal ang sarili ko. Bakit ba bigla nalang siyang lumitaw? I was thinking about what will happen tomorrow, about the things that will occur in the future and such random things so why the freak did he suddenly popped up? Nasira tuloy ang pagmomoment ko kaya naiinis kong pinatong ang puti kong throw pillow sa mukha ko.

I almost freak out when my phone beeped and the sound invaded my whole room. Naiinis kong dinampot ang cellphone sa tabi ko at tinignan ang nagmessage.

From: Joshua

Goodluck tomorrow. Gusto sana kitang panoorin pero kailangan ako sa school kaya hanggang goodluck muna ako. Galingan mo ah!

I smiled unconsciously when I read his text message. Nagtipa ako ng salamat bago muling pinatay ang cellphone ko at akmang matutulog na nang bigla na naman itong magbeep. Joshua replied too fast huh.

acostajieven: You're still online, sleep and take a rest.

Muntik ko nang malaglag ang cellphone sa mukha ko nang mabasa ko ang chat ni Jieven sa akin sa ig. Nagtaka ako sa sinabi niya hanggang sa mapatingin ako sa itaas ng cellphone ko. Shoot! I forgot to turn off the wifi connection, kaya naman pala online ako.

TammyXR: I was about to but you messaged me.

Mabilis niya naseen iyon at mabilis ko ring narecieved ang reply niya.

acostajieven: Why are you still online? It's already 12:36 am. Are you talking to someone?

My eyes widened in surprised when I read his last question. Iniisip niyang may kausap ako? What the? Busy nga ako sa pag-iisip paanong 'yun ang nasa isip niya? I unknowingly shot up a brow before typing my reply.

TammyXR: You're still online so it means you're talking to someone too?

Tuluyan na ngang nalaglag ang cellphone sa mukha ko ng mabasa ko ang message niya.

acostajieven: I am not. I am just waiting for that green damn dot of yours to disappear before I sleep.

Geez, I suddenly felt butterflies. Hinihintay niyang mag-offline ako bago siya matulog? What the freak? Bakit niya naman gagawin 'yon?

Mas pinili ko nalang na huwag ng magreply dahil hindi ko naman alam ang isasagot ko. I closed my phone and I even made sure that I turned off the wifi connection. Mamaya bigla na naman siyang magchat at tanungin kung bakit gising pa 'ko. Geez, this is really bad. Mahina kong sinampal ang sarili ko para matauhan bago natulog.

"Bro, ako na d'yan, 'don ka na sa likod para fresh air." Kiko, my teammate, tapped my shoulders before opening the frontseat. Wala tuloy akong nagawa kundi ang pumasok sa loob at tumabi kay Fierce sa pinakalikod ng SUV Van na nilaan para sa Lawn Tennis Team.

Today is the great day. Sa Northwest College gaganapin ang one day division competition kaya naman naghahanda na kami ngayon papunta doon.

Nothing really serious happened while we were on our way there, tahimik lang akong nakatanaw sa labas ng bintana. It's already 7:15 am when we arrived at Northwest College and there were a few athletes roaming around the campus from different schools. We went out of the Van and then our coach handed us our official athlete ID.

"Isuot niyo lagi 'yan para hindi kayo pagkamalang outsiders, maliwanag?" He instructed us and we nodded.

This is my first time entering Northwest College and I am a bit surprised too see how big it is. Mas malaki lang ng kaunti ang school namin pero kahit papaano ay may ibubuga rin naman ang NC.

"Hala ang pangit ko naman sa ID, nakakaloka, hindi man lang nila in-edit." I heard Fierce's furious voice beside me and when I glanced at her, she was busy looking and ranting about her face placed in her ID.

Magkakasama ang buong athletic team ng Saint Cecilia University at naglalakad na kami ngayon papunta sa gymnasium nila. Nang marinig ko ang reklamo ni Fierce ay napatingin din tuloy ako sa ID ko.

My brows furrowed a bit while looking at my face. It was shot two days before the competition and the picture was okay for me. I am not that ugly but I am not pretty either. I just shrugged and let it pass, it won't have any changes kahit na magreklamo ako. Ganyan na talaga mukha ko, anong magagawa ko?

"Kapag lumingon ka, akin ka.."

I suddenly felt the urge to look back when I heard that familiar statement coming from a familiar voice behind me and so I did. My forehead creased when I saw Jieven reading something while holding a phone and then my eyes went to Hero, busy giggling beside him secretly while looking at me. Hero raised his index finger and placed it to his mouth, ordering me to keep quiet.

Naramdaman ata ni Jieven na may nakatingin sa kanya kaya nag-angat siya ng tingin and our gaze met. Nagulat siya ng magtama ang paningin naming dalawa pero siya ang unang nag-iwas. Mabilis niyang binalik ang cellphone na hawak niya kay Hero at palihim na minura ito.

Oh, pinagtripan na naman ni Hero si Jieven, siraulo talaga.

"Ang boring naman, lagi nalang ganito." Daryl murmured something while rolling his eyes beside me.

Nasa gymnasium na nila kami at nakaupo kami sa cemented bleachers nila. The orientation is still on going and it freaks the hell out of us. Kitang kita ko ang boredom sa mukha ng mga kasama ko at aaminin kong kahit ako ay naboboring na rin pero nilalabanan ko.

I nudged him a bit. "Just act like you're listening."

"Dude, I've been acting for almost an hour, hindi ko na kaya pa dude, makakatulog na ako dito. Ang tagal naman kasing magsimula." Daryl keep on bragging and ranting about his laziness and I just listened. Hinayaan ko siyang magreklamo ng magreklamo sa akin para kahit papaano ay magising din ang diwa ko. Maya maya pa ay nagsimula na siyang sulat sulatan ang kamay ko. Kung saan niya kinuha ang ballpen niya ay hindi ko alam.

Nasa itaas na bahagi kami ng bleachers kaya kitang kita ko kung ano ang nangyayari sa ibaba. I unconsciously shot up a brow when my eyes landed on him, he was talking to a random lady sitting beside him while laughing a bit. The lady is obviously an athlete from a different school since she's not familiar to me. She's not even wearing our athletic shirt provided by our school so definitely she's not one of us.

Mas napataas pa ang kilay ko ng makita ang pasimpleng paghawak niya sa braso ni Jieven. I certainly know that Jieven wasn't that dumb not to notice that simple flirty action from her but instead of ceasing it off he just let her!

"Dude, masakit."

Bigla akong napatingin kay Daryl at doon ko lang napansin na mahigpit pala akong nakahawak sa braso niya.

"Oh, sorry, sorry talaga." I apologized. I didn't mean to do that, hindi ko lang alam kung bakit nakaramdam ako ng inis dahil sa nakita ko. Geez, what is happening to me? Really Tammy? Are you freaking jealous? Oh my gosh. This is not real.

"Ganado ka masyado ah. Nagising diwa ko 'don, salamat." Daryl scoffed while massaging his arm.

Lawn tennis is the last game before lunch break and I think this will be my best lunch this year since I won in 3 consecutive rounds. Natalo ako ng Patricia Sable College sa first round pero nakabawi ako sa mga sumunod na rounds hanggang sa natapos.

"Congrats, Tammy!" My coach gave me a high five after my game. It will continue later after lunch break. Sabay sabay ginanap ang mga laro pero sa iba't ibang lugar. Meron sa gymnasium, sa open field, sa amphitheater, sa training room and such.

Maegan congratulated me earlier when we bumped into each other while we were on our way to a restaurant nearby. Mamaya pa ang laro ng volleyball team at gusto kong mapanood siya dahil tapos naman na ang laro ko.

Sabay sabay na naglunch ang athletic team ng school para mas convenient at para na rin makapag-usap. We occupied half of the empty tables in a restaurant we chose to dine in, buong team ba naman kaming dumating, syempre mapupuno talaga 'yon.

Pagkatapos kumain ay tinanggal ko muna ang ID ko at nilagay iyon sa bulsa sa likod ng jogging pants na suot ko. I feel anxious and I am not really comfortable wearing it while we are roaming around the campus. We still have an hour before the game resume so Daryl, I and some of my teammates decided to roam around just to waste the remaining time.

Nang mapagod ako kakalakad ay nauna na akong nagpaalam sa kanila at nagpunta sa designated room na ibinigay para sa university namin. Dalawang kwarto iyon, isa para sa babae at isa para sa lalake.

There is no one inside the room when I arrived. I just shrugged and looked for my duffel bag so I could change my clothes. I reached for my ID in my back but I found nothing. Nagsimula akong kabahan. Chineck ko ulit ang bulsa ko sa likod pero wala talaga.

Shoot! I think I dropped it somewhere but fudge, we jumped from different place to another, where the freak I could find it? I started panicking. I marched back and forth while trying to remember where I dropped my ID when the door suddenly opened slowly that made me stop from moving.

Dahan dahang bumukas ang pinto hanggang sa tuluyan kong makita si Jieven. Our gaze met and ha wide grin was visible on his dazzling face. He started walking towards my direction and my eyes widened when I saw his right hand holding something. I think it was my ID, I'm not sure.

I eyed him from head to toe, he was already wearing their royal blue jersey uniform with his white athletic shoes and white socks. He looked so fresh yet appealing. Bagay na bagay sa kanya ang jersey nila at mukhang handang handa na siyang maglaro.

Jieven stopped three meters away from me, eyes still pierced to mine. He fixed his hair using his hands but then some strands fell from it, touching his flawless forehead. Maya maya pa ay nakakaloko siyang ngumiti sa akin at tinaas ang kamay na may hawak na ID.

"Tammy Xyryl E. Rustia. Saint Cecilia University. Lawn Tennis Player." He seriously read the informations written in my ID.

Mabilis kong inagaw iyon sa kanya pero mabilis niyang nailayo sa akin. He grinned and crossed his arms over his chest while looking at me.

"Jieven, you're being playful again." I glared at him. "Come on, give it to me." I tried to snatch it from his grip but he didn't let me.

He tilted his head a little on the side and narrowed his eyes on me. "Are you enjoying, Tammy?" He suddenly asked.

"What do you mean? Do you think I'm enjoying while trying to get that freaking ID from you? No, obviously not." I crossed my arms over my chest just like him. Nakipagtagisan ako ng tingin sa kanya.

The side of his lips rose, he murmured something but I couldn't understand it. He then looked down and massaged the bridge of nose, lowkey thinking before looking at me again. "I'm not referring to that." He simply answered.

I shot up a brow. "Then what? The game? You're talking about my game? You're referring to that, right?" Bigla ko nalang naalala ang pakikipagharutan niya kanina sa isang babae kaya sa hindi malamang dahilan ay nainis ako sa kanya pero sinusubukan kong huwag ipakita.

"What else?" He played with his tongue on the inside of his cheeks. "Do you think I'm referring to that guy you're always with before, during and after your game? You're also enjoying his company, right?" He sneered, obviously looking annoyed.

Wala sa sarili akong napahilamos sa mukha ko gamit ang isang kamay. What the? Why did he sounded like I did something wrong again?

"Daryl?" Tanong ko nang mapagtantong siya ang tinutukoy niya. "Was that sarcastic or not?" I shot up a brow.

He looked so annoyed and he even frowned when I mentioned his name. What the freak is his problem with Daryl? He's a good friend of mine. Geez. Kung saan saan na napupunta ang usapan namin. Hindi na maganda 'to.

"Depends on how you will interpret it." He replied.

Naningkit ang mga mata ko dahil sa inaasta niya. I put both of my hands on my waist and took a step forward, closer to him. "Why are you so grumpy, Jieven? You're also enjoying earlier."

Shoot, I got him. His eyes were full of uncertainty while looking at me. "What are you saying?" He asked in disbelief.

I rolled my eyes before snatching my ID away from his grip, I took advantage of the time while he's distracted. Tinignan ko siya diretso sa mata niya at ngumisi. "Why? It seems like you're enjoying her touches." I tried so hard to refrain myself from talking too much. Mamaya may masabi akong masama at maoffend ko siya bigla.

His lips parted when he heard my answer. I snorted before walking away. Iniwan ko siya sa loob ng kwarto habang tulala dahil hindi ko kayang magbihis habang nandoon siya. And the moment I stepped outside that was when I though that I've been holding my breath. I sighed heavily before wearing my ID.

This is bad. This is really bad. I sounded like a jealous girlfriend earlier but geez, siya ang nagsimula, tinapos ko lang so basically— geez, I still looked like a jealous girlfriend. Nakakahiya. Why am I even acting this way? He was weird but I am weirder.

The game ended, nanalo ang men's and women's volleyball team. Nanalo rin kami sa ibang game kaya sobrang saya nila because basically, we are going to the regionals next next month after halloween.

Nagshuffle na ang magkakasama sa van dahil uwian naman na at wala ng kailangan pag-usapan. I came late because I need to pee first so when I arrived at the parking lot, puno na ang van namin. I cursed inside my mind before looking for another van with vacant seats.

"Yow, Tammy! Dito ka na sa van namin, madaming bakante!" Hero put his left arm around my shoulders and dragged me somewhere when we bumped into each other. Papunta na sana ako kila Meagan pero nakasalubong ko siya. I wanted to say no but that would be so rude of me kaya hinayaan ko nalang siya.

Akala ko nagbibiro lang siya pero marami nga talagang bakante sa van nila dahil wala pang nakupo.

"Where's you team?" I asked him.

He shrugged playfully. "Naghiwa-hiwalay na kami, hahaan mo sila. Oh, upo ka na. Dito ako sa harap." He tapped my shoulders before opening the front seat.

Nagkibit balikat nalang ako bago umupo sa pinakalikod. I put my earpods on and played a random music while waiting for the other athletes. I am busy playing wordscapes when someone suddenly occupied the seat beside me. I smiled with that thought.

"Hey— what?" Nanlaki ang mata ko nang makita ang mukha ni Jieven. He winked at my playfully without saying anything. I felt butterflies in my stomach so I instantly looked away. Geez, ano ba 'to? Para akong tanga.

Mabilis kong inalis ang earpods at umayos ng upo. "Congrats." I mumbled and glanced at him to give him a small smile.

He looked surprised by my sudden action but he congratulated me too. Hinintay lang namin mapuno ang van hanggang sa nagsimula na ang byahe. The athletes are resting, some are sleeping and obviously quiet except for Hero. Kanina niya pa dinadaldalan ang school driver namin at boses niya lang ang naririnig sa buong van.

I almost jumped in my seat when I felt a sudden touch in my right shoulder. I frowned and ready to scold the man beside me but I paused midway when I saw him leaning on my shoulder while sleeping, arms crossed over his chest.

I sighed heavily before fixing my position so he could lean on me comfortably. Hindi naman ako ganun kasama para gisingin siya at awayin dahil sumandal siya sa akin. It's not a big deal though.

Hinayaan kong matulog siya sa balikat ko. I could even smell a menthol fragrance in his hair sometimes when I am glancing at him. Sinubukan kong kumalma pero nagwawala ang sistema ko. And for the fifth time, I took a glance and stared at his face. My gaze landed on his eyes. I am so much envious by his thick, long eyelashes. Bakit ang unfair ng mundo?

"Inom pa! Ang hina niyo naman!" Claudine hissed and raised her glass of whiskey in the air while slowly dancing, following the beat of the song.

"Wow, coming from you!" Maegan laughed beside me. "Ikaw nga 'tong knock out lagi pagkatapos ng inuman tapos gaganyan ganyan ka." She added.

Hindi ako sumabat pero nakikinig lang ako sa usapan nila. I feel dizzy, naparami ata ang inom ko. Si Claudine at Kendra kasi ay nag-aya na lumabas daw para icelebrate ang pagkapanalo namin. Tomorrow, we will celebrate as a team so obviously, hindi makakasama sila Kendra kaya ngayon sila nag-aya.

I massaged the side of my face while leaning on the sofa, feeling anxious. Claudine invited us to dance but I declined kaya ako lang ang naiwan sa table namin habang nasa dancefloor sila. I reached for the glass of water, I sipped on it before standing up because I need to pee.

"Hey–"

"I need to pee." I instantly removed his hand on my wrist. I don't even know him, he just grabbed me while I'm walking towards the restroom. Lasing na ata 'yon, buti nalang nagiging sober na ako kahit medyo masakit ang ulo ko. I am still tired from the game and yet I took three consecutive shots of margarita. Yeah, I'm so dumb, I know.

Umihi lang ako at naghugas ng kamay bago lumabas ng restroom. I almost had an heart attack when I saw Jieven leaning on the wall, arms crossed over his chest while glaring at me furiously. Nang makita niya akong lumabas ay tumayo siya ng tuwid. Pakiramdam ko na naman ay may nagawa akong malaking kasalanan sa paraan ng pagtitig niya sa akin.

"Oh, you're here again." I mumbled but instead of answering me, he sighed in disbelief and shook his head a little while checking me from head to toe. I was wearing a silver silk tank top, showing my cleavage, I tucked it on my black high waisted ripped jeans, and I wore a pair of silver heels to complete my get up.

I looked at him and smiled when I saw his outfit. He was wearing a white short sleeve button down polo and a pair of black ripped pants. He was also wearing his silver watch and his precious ear piercing is back. Siguro katulad namin ay nag inuman din sila ngayong gabi.

"Let's talk, Jieven." I said, more like a command.

His forehead creased but then it faded and the side of his lips rose. "You always surprise me whenever you're drunk." He answered.

"Come on." I insisted. Hindi ko rin maintindihan ang sarili ko kung bakit gusto ko siyang makausap, wala naman kasi kaming dapat pag-usapan.

"Bumalik ka na sa table niyo." He commanded before leaving me dumbfounded.

Naiinis tuloy akong bumalik sa table namin dahil sa ginawa niya. Nandoon na ulit sila Maegan at umiinom. Inagaw ko ang dapat iinumin niyang Black Label at ako ang tumungga 'non.

"Wild, rawr!" Kendra teased.

"Kanta ka nga, Tammy. Pampatulog lang." Claudine said while leaning on the sofa, looking devastated. I bet she's already drunk.

"Don't mind Claudine girl, here, drink ka pa." Kendra offered me the glass of Martini and I don't know what happened but I took it and drink all at once. She cheered afterwards.

Hindi ko na alam kung anong nangyari pero natagpuan ko nalang ang sarili ko na sumasayaw sa dancefloor. I feel so alive and I want to dance like a whore. The loud beating of the song is like a music in my ears.

I giggled when I suddenly felt an arm encircled around my waist. I looked back and my eyes met a random guy, grinning while looking at me in the eye. Lumipat siya sa harapan ko para mas makita ang mukha ko. He the pulled me closer to him and our bodies bumped into each other.

"Hey, you're good.." he whispered in my ear while massaging my waist a little. Sumabay kami sa beat ng kanta habang sumasayaw. I sniffed the familiar scent of alcoholic drink on him when he leaned closer to kiss my cheek. My mind wanted to protest but my body says the otherwise.

"Yeah, you're good too." I mumbled.

I was shookt when he kissed my cheek before his lips went on my neck, kissing me slowly. Doon na ako nagising sa katangahan ko at mabilis siyang tinulak. I don't even know him but I just let him kissed me.

"Oh gosh, I'm sorry!" I hissed and turned my back. Pinunasan ko ang leeg ko habang naglalakad pabalik sa table namin. What the hell happened? I just let him kissed me! Kahit sino ay hindi ko pinayagang makahalik sa akin and then that man came! Geez, I don't even know his name!

Walang tao sa table namin kaya umupo nalang ako doon at uminom ng tubig para kumalma, I reached for the whiskey afterwards while trying to forget what happened earlier. Uminom ako ng uminom hanggang sa hindi ko na alam kung anong nangyayari.

"Stop drinking." Jieven grabbed the glass away from my hand. I glared at him furiously but I didn't protest. I leaned on the sofa and puffed a breath.

Umupo siya sa tabi ko at nilapag ang hawak niyang baso sa table namin bago ako binalingan ng tingin. His eyes looked so fierce earlier but his expression softened while looking at me. He pursed his lips and looked away.

Aabutin ko sana ulit ang bote ng black label pero mabilis niya itong nailayo sa akin. "Ano ba!" I hissed. I closed my eyes when my head ache a little. Mabilis akong napasandal sa sofa, umiikot na ang paningin ko.

"Hey, are you okay?" He asked softly.

Tumango ako habang nakapikit. "Why are you here? Are you flirting with me?" I don't know what got into me but the question suddenly came out from my mouth. I opened my eyes only to see his gorgeous face and lips parted a little. Oh, how I love to kiss those kissable lips.

The side of his lips rose. "A bit. Maybe." He shrugged and then his eyes landed on my lips.

Umikot ulit ang paningin ko kaya napapikit ako sa inis. Geez, I need to go home but I can't go home like this. My Daddy will freak out!

"Stop it. Let's go." Jieven held my arm and forced me to stand up.

"Oy hala, lasing na." Narinig ko ang boses ni Maegan. I am too dizzy to open my eyes so I just shut them while trying to remain conscious. Jieven put his arms around my waist to support me.

"I will drive her home." I heard Jieven's voice.

"Hindi mo pwedeng iuwi 'yan ng ganyan! Magwawala si Tito! Baka idemanda niya si Kendra!"

One moment I was standing on the ground and then after a second, I cannot feel the ground anymore. Someone lifted me and carried me in a bridal style. Saglit kong binuksan ang mata ko at nakita ko ang seryosong mukha ni Jieven habang nakatingin kay Maegan.

"I will bring her to my condo then." He answered calmly.

—