The End of Daylight

Sweet Mistake

—

"Why are you here?"

The side of his lips rose upon hearing my question. He tsked and shook his head in disbelief before answering me.

"That was supposed to be my line." He replied. He took one step closer and now, we're two meters away from each other. Ang magkabilang kamay niya ay nasa loob ng kanyang bulsa. I couldn't deny that my heart was pounding so hard right now that he caught me in the act. Did he heard what I've said earlier?

Napairap ako. "I'm here to refresh my mind." I still can't forget what happened earlier, that I can't even help but to feel anxious by his presence.

"Why are you being so grumpy?" He asked, confusion was written all over his gorgeous face.

"Pake mo?" I rolled my eyes for the second time. I suddenly had the urge to take back what I've said because he looked so surprised but I refused to do so. Bahala siya d'yan. Natasja pala ha.

"Natasja and I just talked." Pagpapaliwanag niya.

"I'm not asking." I was about to walked out but he held my arm to stop me from moving. I glared at him and without saying a word, I removed his grip on me, making his brows furrowed.

"What's wrong with you? Did I do something wrong? Come on, tell me. I'll fix it." He softly mumbled, looking worried now because of my actions towards him.

I bit my tongue to refrain myself from talking. I wanted to slap myself for being like this. Geez, what is happening to you, Tammy? Why are you being so rude to him? This is not you. This is really not you.

I looked away when I felt a sudden urge to say sorry. I'm feeling guilty, my words was so harsh earlier.

"I'm sorry.." I whispered.

I was shookt when he held my chin and moved my face so that he could see me. Nagtama ang paningin namin at binigyan niya ako ng matipid na ngiti. "What's wrong? Tell me." He asked before letting me go.

I shook my head before I could even say anything. "Nothing. I'm going now." I took a step away but as expected he blocked my way using his body, we bumped into each other but he doesn't seem to care at all. Tinignan niya ako nang may mapanuring mata. Puzzlement was visible on his face.

He puffed a breath. "You're acting strange. You suddenly walked out and you even lied to us. What's the matter?" He asked in a deep and firm tone. "You're not going anywhere unless you tell me what's wrong." He said, more serious now. I could even feel the tension between us and it made me shiver at some point. Mukha ngang wala siyang balak pakawalan ako kung hindi pa ako magsasalita.

I closed my eyes and looked down for a while to think. Freak, if he will not stop being like this, I might end up saying something I will surely regret. I'm trying my best not to utter anything because as of this moment, I greatly understand why I'm acting strange. Geez, I'm freaking jealous of Natasja. I freaking like the man in front of me.

Paano ko siya nagustuhan? Paanong nahulog ako sa kanya? Paano? Hindi ko alam kung paano at kailan. I just woke up one day and then boom, my heart started beating so fast whenever he's around. Hindi ko alam kung kailan nagsimula. Hindi ko alam ang dahilan and I think he was right when he told me that you never really know why you like a certain person. Basta magigising ka nalang isang araw, gusto mo na siya at sa tingin ko iyon ang pinakanakakatakot na mararanasan ng isang tao.

"I don't mind staying here until the sun comes out." He shrugged. I don't know if he was teasing me or he was actually saying the truth.

I let out a sigh before moving sidewards so I could walk again but unfortunately, he blocked me again using his arm. I thought he would remove it instantly but I was surprised when he wrapped that arm around me and pulled me closer to his body. I stiffened upon realizing our position but instead of pushing him away, I remained the same. Mabilis na tumibok ang puso ko sa kaalamang nakayakap siya sa akin. The tingling sensation ran all over my body.

He leaned forward and whispered something. "Stop running away, I won't let you go.." He softly mumbled before letting me go and that was when I thought that I've been holding my breath for too long.

"Jieven, move aside. I need to go back, mom must be looking for me." Pagpupumilit ko pero paulit-ulit siyang umiling. Huminga ako ng malalim bago tumakbo para makaalis pero mabilis niya akong nahuli. He encircled his arms around my waist. Parang kaming tanga na naghabulan. When I glared at him, he was smirking.

"One more wrong move and you'll end up sleeping in my bed for the second time." He said in monotone, sounding more serious right now. You couldn't see any hint of emotion on his mesmerizing face.

"Fine!" I yelled and removed his arms around me. Nagulat siya sa ginawa ko. "Fine! I like you and I'm freaking jealous! Was that enough? Are you going to let me go now? Geez!" I bit my bottom lip before walking away but he caught me in my arms again for the fifth time.

Ano? Maghihilaan nalang kami dito?

My heart was beating rapidly when I saw his face, lips parted a little while staring at me.

"Tell me you're serious." That was more likely a whisper from him. Mukhang gulat na gulat pa rin siya dahil sa inamin ko.

"That was a joke." I answered and frustratedly rolled my eyes.

"No, you're serious. You just confessed. We feel the same, right? You just admitted it." He kept on convincing himself.

"So what? I don't do romantic relationship, Jieven and you greatly know why." I removed his grip on me even though that was against my will.

I couldn't stop myself anymore, I'll be insane if I'm going to hide this forever. There's no point of hiding, he'll eventually sense it sooner or later. I'm very transparent when it comes to my feelings and people can easily read me just by looking at my expressions. Sabi nga nila, habang mas pinipigilan mo, mas lalong lumalalim at sa tingin ko ay tama nga sila.

"You once told me that I should not deprive myself from the things that makes me happy. Why can't you apply that to yourself?"

Shoot! His words hits me like it was a dagger that stabbed my chest so bad. I didn't expect that from him, I thought he never entertained my words of wisdom but what happened was the otherwise. Naaalala niya lahat ng sinabi ko sa kanya noon at ngayon ay pinapanglaban niya iyon sa akin.

"Are you going to take it back now? Are you gonna regret confessing?" He asked after my long silence, looking a bit worried.

I was just looking intently at his face, thinking of what should I say next.

"I don't regret it." I replied after a moment.

That was true, I don't feel any regret, it was more likely a relief. My chest went so well after confessing to him.

"But I told you, my Dad won't allow me. I won't sacrifice my dream, Jieven. Alam mong matagal ko ng pangarap 'yon." Paalis na sana ako pero mabilis akong napahinto dahil sa sinabi niya.

"There's no need to sacrifice." He simply replied, I could even see a small smile on his face. "I'll be by your side while you reach for that dream of yours." His voice was full of emotion.

"What?" My forehead creased. I understand what he said, I just want him to elaborate his answer to satisfy my curiosity. Gusto ko pang marinig ang sasabihin niya. Gusto kong pilitin niya ako. Wow pabebe lang, Tammy?

"Let's date." Diretsahang sabi niya na parang nagsabi lang siya ng thank you.

"What the?" My lips parted. As much as I wanted to say something I just don't have any in mind, it went black instantly. At sa kanya ko lang iyon nararanasan. Sa kanya lang.

"Tammy, let yourself feel free." He said, crossing his arms over his chest while intently looking directly to my eyes.

I understand him, I certainly know that he was pertaining to my Dad. The point that Dad was actually suffocating me with his freaking rules, that was why I couldn't decide on my own. My Daddy controls me, everything about me, because for him, I am a perfect daughter and that I should always be.

"Jieven, I thought you understand my situation?" I asked him, looking confused.

He licked his lower lip. "I do." Then he slightly massaged the bridge of his nose before talking again. "But I want you.. so bad. Let me be selfish this time."

My jaw literally dropped upon hearing his answer. Geez, I think my heart is going to explode now.

"Do you even hear yourself?" I fired back, still amused of his answer.

I looked away, lowkey trying to sort out things before meeting his gaze again. We are both confused, we are both bothered by our surroundings, by our situation.

"Let me ask you." He stepped forward, eyes still pierced to mine. "Do you really like me?"

"Jieven, don't let me repeat what I've said, it's awkward." I looked away again, ignoring his gaze.

"Take the risk with me." He mumbled in a deep tone then held my chin so I could see his face. "Are you going to walk away or run away with me?" He let out a small smile and I know, by this moment, he just broke the barriers I'm trying to build. "Let's make this work, Tammy." He added, sounding pleading.

I swallowed hard. That's it. I cannot take this anymore. I wanted to feel free. Kahit ngayon lang gusto kong sundin kung ano ang gusto ko. I want to be considerate but I can't be selfless all the time. All my life, I've been following my Daddy's rule, everything he wants me to do and everything he wish for my betterment even though it was against my will.

Kahit ngayon lang, I will follow what I really wanted for myself.

"Okay. Let's make this work." I answered and with that, he pulled me for a tight hug.

"Arch! Oh my gosh! You came!" I jumped in my position when I saw my cousin in the center, talking to my Dad and to Tito Alfred. Mukhang seryoso silang nag-uusap pero walang pakielam si Arch.

Arch glanced at me and open his arms, while smiling and waiting for me to hug him. I threw myself to him and wrapped my arms around his waist. Gosh! I haven't seen him for a while! I miss him so much!

We let go of each other after a moment. "Happy Birthday!" He greeted and playfully pinched my nose but instead of pushing him away, I giggled. "Akala mo hindi ako pupunta no? Akala mo lang 'yon!" He laughed and that made me stare at him.

My heart is full of love right now. "Gosh, is this really you? Ang gwapo mo, Arch!" I looked at him from head to toe and I was really right. His body became firm and fit as well as his face, he's indeed beyond good looking. Mas gumwapo ang pinsan ko!

"What's new, Tammy? I'm a Rustia after all." He shrugged his shoulders and we both laughed upon realizing that were both Rustia's.

Arch is my only cousin in my Father's side, Tito Alfred, my Dad's older brother is his Father. I must say, Tito Alfred is more than serious than my Dad. Geez.

The party ended at exactly 12 am. I guided and entertained my guests until they went home to rest. I wasn't able to say a proper goodbye to Jieven since he was nowhere, hindi ko siya mahanap kaya malamang ay umuwi na 'yon. Matapos naming mag-usap ay bumalik na kami sa function room pero mabilis kaming naghiwalay nang may kumausap sa kanya.

The next day is Sunday and I have no plans of going out.

"Anak, nasa kwarto mo na 'yung mga regalo. Pinalipat ko iyon kila Manang Mildred, you can open them now." Mom informed me while I was busy washing my hands in the kitchen.

"Okay, Mom. Thank you!" I immediately went upstairs after cleaning my hands. I smiled when I saw bunches of gifts on the floor of my room. I didn't open them though, I just looked at those and search for a particular gift from someone.

After a moment, I found Jieven's gift to me. It was a small square flat blue box, unang tingin palang ay may ideya na ako kaya hindi na ako nagulat nang buksan ko iyon. It was a silver bracelet with a small sun in the middle. I don't know why but I found it cute.

Last time I checked, I never mentioned to him that I love sunset, how did he came up with this gift?

Kinabukasan ay maaga akong pumasok sa school. I woke up as early as 5am and I don't know why but I really feel wonderful. Pakiramdam ko ay nakajackpot ako at nanalo sa lotto. I was so refreshing.

"Good Morning." I greeted Jieven upon reaching his position. He was patiently waiting for me in the Gate. He texted me earlier and told me that he will wait for me, I said no but he insisted. Mapilit siya kaya hinayaan ko nalang. Gusto ko rin naman siyang makita kaya hindi na ako nagpabebe.

He smiled. "Morning."

My eyes settled on him. He looked so fresh everyday. I could even smell his manly perfume and geez, nakaramdam ako ng kaunting kilig.

We started walking inside. Some of the students are looking at us no— looking at Jieven beside me, especially the ladies. After staring at him, they will unconsciously smile and giggle. I don't know why but I found it somewhat funny.

"Why are you laughing?" He asked out of the blue. Tinaasan niya ako nang kilay nang mas lalo akong natawa.

"They are staring at you. I found it cute." I truthfully answered.

His forehead creased. Pinasok niya ang isang kamay sa bulsa ng slacks niya habang ang isa ay hawak ang strap ng bag pack niya. Isang strap lang ang nakasabit sa balikat niya. I don't know why he does that, if I were on his shoe, I would probably hang it on both of my shoulders. Bakit ba nila ginagawa 'yon? Kaya sila nangangawit eh.

"Cute?" He scoffed.

"Yeah."

"Aren't you mad that they were actually staring at your man?" He asked casually.

"My man?" I sneered but at some point it made me blush. "I'm not that kind of girl, Jieven."

"Really? I hope so." He teasingly shrugged.

I glared at him when he winked at me so I nudged him a bit. We talked about random stuffs while walking towards my building but I paused upon reaching mine. Nagtataka niya akong tinignan at tinaasan ng kilay.

"Hahatid kita sa mismong classroom niyo." Seryosong saad niya bago pa ako makapagsalita.

"You should go, you'll be late. I can manage myself." I said and without further ado he nodded. Mabilis naman palang kausap eh, ganyan ang gusto ko.

He waved his hand before turning his back at me so I did the same and went upstairs but I almost had an heart attack when I saw him beside me again. "What the?"

He let out a small smile. "Do you expect me to leave like that?" Umiling iling siya. "You can't just push me away. Come on, let's go." I was surprised when he reached for my hand and intertwined my fingers with his. We walked upstairs while holding each other's hand. Napapatingin pa sa amin ang nakakasalubong naming estudyante kaya nailang ako.

"Don't mind them." He mumbled when he saw me bothered by their stares.

"What if Natasja—"

"I don't give a damn." He cut me off and held my hand tight when I was about to let go. "Don't you dare." he warned before looking away and continued walking like nothing happened. Napangiwi ako nang mas humigpit ang hawak niya sa akin.

Geez, this man always makes me flutter.

I removed my grip when I saw my classmates outside our classroom. They waved at me before continuing their own businesses. Nakasimangot na tinignan ako ni Jieven bago niya ako inirapan.

"I'm sorry, I'm not used to it." I mumbled to him and stopped walking so he did the same.

He let out a faint smile. "I understand. Go inside now, I'll leave afterwards."

"Okay. See you." I waved my hand before turning my back but I paused midway when I heard him cleared his throat. I looked back and shot up a brow. Akala ko aalis na siya?

He plastered an awkward smile on his face. "What? I did not say anything." He sounded so defensive.

I just laughed and nodded, convincing him that he got me. "I'll go now." I said before entering. He was really waiting for something huh? Nice moves.

Pagdating ng lunch break ay sabay sabay kaming kumain nila Maegan. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero nilibre ko sila.

"Hoy ate kong cute. Why are you blooming ha? Naging twenty ka lang gumanda ka na?" Claudine pulled my hair since she was just beside me.

My forehead creased and slapped her hand. "Masakit gaga ka."

Binitawan niya rin naman ang buhok ko pero ang mga mapanuri niyang mata ay nanatili sa akin. "Tell us the truth. What happened after you left ha? 'Kala mo nakalimutan na namin? Sumunod kaya si Jieven. What? Masarap ba?"

"What? Anong masarap?" My brows furrowed. Maegan laughed while Kendra was busy fixing her hairclip.

"Masarap ba sa pakiramdam na nagkausap kayo? 'Eto matalino pero madalas boba." She shook her head in disbelief. Mas lalong natawa si Maegan, hindi ko sila maintindihan so I just shrugged it off.

"Gulo mo." I rolled my eyes.

"Hoy! Ano na nga!" She slapped my hand, making me withdraw my grip on my spoon so it fell on the floor, making a irritating sound.

"We're dating okay?" Pilit kong sagot dahil alam kong hindi niya ako titigilan.

"What the fuck!" She cursed. The people nearby glared at us upon hearing Claudine's cuss, including me. I closed my eyes and sighed in frustration because of embarassment. Geez! Pati ibang tayo ay naabala namin sa kagagahan niya.

"Hoy nakakahiya ka!" Maegan said sorry to the people around us so they came back doing their own businesses. She glared at Claudine afterwards.

"Teka, dating? As in dating? Oh my gosh! You really bingwit Jieven!" Kendra hissed and clapped her hands. "Oh my gosh! I'm so proud of you! So, dahil d'yan I will give you two of my recent hairclips collection. I bought them in Tala Jewelry! Promise, those hairclips will be so bagay to you!" She giggled.

I smiled awkwardly. I have no plans on hiding this to my friends though, I'm just surprised by their unexpected reaction. I thought they would hate me for dating Jieven. Ganoon kasi ang akala ko dahil alam nang lahat na kakabreak lang nila ni Natasja.

"Gaga! Kinikilig ako teka!" Claudine pulled my hair again. "Chaka, ang haba ng hair mo 'te!"

Inawat siya ni Maegan kaya binitawan niya ako. "Para kang tanga, bitawan mo nga siya."

"Aren't you mad at me?" I consciously asked them after a moment.

"Bakit kami magagalit sa'yo?" Maegan asked while chewing her carbonara. "Wala naman kayong ginagawang masama."

"She's right." Claudine nodded twice. "If you're worried about Natasja then don't. Ex nalang siya okay? Wala na siyang magagawa. Basta magfocus ka." She put her arms on my shoulder and leaned forward. "Focus ka sa panlalandi, kung gusto mo ng tip lapit ka sa'kin." She giggled.

He will wait for me at the gate every morning, he will eat lunch or spend the break with me, he will wait until my meeting with the council ends, and sometimes he will hang out with me after class. On the following days, we did nothing serious. Naipasa ko na lahat ng kailangan kong habulin pero dumating naman ang sandamakmak na requirements. We'll start the training for regionals next week so I need to pass my school works before the training starts.

"Sir 'yung letter po ba for fun run na approve na ni Sir Pasardan?" Chabe asked while we are in the middle of cleaning the whole office.

Sir Darwin tsked before shaking his head. "Oo nga pala, bukas na deadline 'non." Tumingin siya sa paligid hanggang sa pwesto ko tumigil ang mga mata niya. "Tammy, I'll give you the responsibility for that. Is it okay with you?"

I nodded twice. "Of course sir."

Minsan ay ihahatid ako ni Jieven pauwi pero madalas ay nagpapasundo ako. I've already talked to Manong Adrian last week. I asked him not to inform my Dad that sometimes, I'm not calling him to fetch me. I don't want Dad to suspect me, it would be the end of everything.

"The bracelet looks good on you." Jieven once said while he was busy driving. He insisted on driving me home tonight so I just let him. Katatapos lang ng meeting ko with the council at hinintay niya ako para daw maihatid niya ako sa bahay.

"Of course it came from you." I simply answered while looking at the window, intentionally watching outside.

"That's my girl." He reached for my left hand and held it with his right while he drives. I just smiled at him as a response.

The next day, I was busy spending my time in the library after class when someone called my name. I was rushing doing my article because tomorrow will be the deadline and I wasn't able to do this earlier since Coach Jimson called out for an urgent meeting for the Athletes. Meeting after meeting, nakakapagod pero hindi ako susuko.

"Tammy! Ano naapprove na ba 'yung letter?" Chabe suddenly popped up in front of me.

Shoot! I forgot about the letter! I was too pre occupied. Sunod sunod ang ginagawa ko at hindi ko na alam ang uunahin. Geez! Nawala sa isip kong ipapirma 'yung letter! Freak! How could I forgot about that?

I stood up immediately and fixed my things. "I'm sorry, Chabe! Wait, I'll try to talk to Sir Pasardan. I think he's still here—"

"What? Hindi mo napapirma?" Her smile faded away instantly. Bakas ang pinaghalong gulat at inis sa mukha niya.

My hand is trembling when I slowly nodded, lowkey looking nervous of her next reaction. She let out a heavy sigh before putting her hands on her waist, looking frustrated. "Sana sinabi mo ng maaga para napapirma ko. Tayo ang malilintikan kay Alyza eh."

"Sorry talaga. Wait, I'll take the responsibility—"

"Okay lang Tammy. Ako nalang kakausap kay Sir Pasardan. Sana sinabi mo na lang na hindi mo kaya para ako na gumawa." She left before I could even finish my sentence. I puffed a breath when she went out of the library. I suddenly felt the hot liquid starting to build in my eyes. Pinaypayan ko ang sarili ko ang tumingala upang hindi maiyak. I smiled and fixed my things before walking out to meet Jieven in the Student's Lounge.

I was wrong, I know. It was my responsibility but I forgot about it so I greatly understand Chabe. She was obviously mad at me right now. Naiintindihan ko kung bakit siya naiinis dahil kasalanan ko. I deserve that. I deserve her anger. Geez, it makes my heart ache knowing that I just ruined someone's day.

I'm in the verge of crying when I saw Jieven, patiently waiting for me in the Student's Lounge. The sun went down already but he was still here, waiting for me to come outside because he doesn't want to bother me while I'm doing my report.

Tumayo siya ng may matamis na ngiti sa labi nang makita akong papalapit pero mabilis na nawala ang ngiti niya nang mapansin ang lungkot sa mukha ko. I forced a smile but I failed. He then slowly opened his arms and when I reached his position he wrapped those arms around me while I encircled mine on his waist in return.

"What's wrong?" He asked instantly. Nahalata niya kaagad kahit wala pa akong sinasabi.

"Nothing." I bit my tounge.

His hug tightened. "I won't let you go unless you say what's wrong." Pagbabanta niya. I let out a small laugh upon realizing that he was doing his tricks on me again.

"I am ashamed of myself." I mumbled. I sniffed his manly scent and smiled afterwards. Ang bango bango niya talaga. Ang sarap yakapin.

"Why? What happened?" He asked, sounding worried and confused of my statement.

"Sir Darwin gave me the responsibility of giving the Council's letter to Sir Pasardan so he could approve our next project but I forgot about it. I was too occupied in finishing my article. I feel so dumb.." I closed my eyes when Chabe's words lingered on my mind again. Hindi ko naman sinadyang makalimutan, nawala lang talaga sa isip ko pero tanggap kong may kasalanan ako.

"Hey, it's okay." He caressed my hair slowly. "It was not your fault. You don't intend to do that right? Just say sorry to them tomorrow so don't look down on yourself.." He let go of the hug but he held my shoulders and looked down so he could face me. He let out a small smile. "Don't be sad. What do you want to eat? Let me feed my girl."

The next day, I said sorry to Sir Darwin and to Chabe not because Jieven asked me to but because that what should I do. Chabe also apologized and we decided to forget about what happened yesterday. Naging maayos kamu at bumalik sa dati pagkatapos nang pangyayaring iyon. Ayoko nang maulit. Masakit sa dibdib kapag alam mong galit sa'yo ang isang tao.

The training for the regionals also began and we took the whole day to practice. We still have two weeks before the competition and this time, we did so much effort. Training kung training. Wala ng pahinga.

"Sana all may bebe talaga." Czoren teased one time when Jieven asked me to take a break together with his friends. Alam na nila ang tungkol sa amin ni Jieven at natuwa ako dahil tanggap nila ako.

"Kaingay mong ugok ka." Asik ni Kalen bago inakbayan si Czoren at pasimpleng sinakal. The latter coughed consecutively.

The training went good although it was a bit tiring. Jieven was always there to remind me to drink a lot of water and sometimes he will bring me some foods to eat, he will hid it beside my duffel bag while I am in game. And freak, I found it cute. May nalalaman pa siyang sweet gestures. Akala ko puro lang siya kaseeyosohan sa buhay.

"Wait, tell me no lies. Are you and Hero dating?"

Maegan choked upon hearing my question. She furiously glared at me after composing herself. I just saw her with Hero earlier, they were like talking about something serious and it wasn't the first time.

"Ano? Gaga ka ba? Malamang hindi." She sounded so defensive. Gusto ko pa sanang magtanong pero pinabayaan ko nalang siya. Binato ko nalang siya nang mapang-asar na tingin at talagang naasar nga siya. She slapped my face lightly.

After a moment of waiting, I stood up when I noticed that the volleyball boys raised for a break. I was waiting for him for about an hour so I immediately went to Jieven after the long minutes of sitting down. I made sure that he won't notice me while walking towards his direction.

"Hey." I sat in the bleachers, beside his duffel bag. Nagulat siya sa biglaang pagsulpot ko sa harapan niya pero mabilis din siyang nakabawi. He let out a genuine smile.

"Yiiiieeee, tol may lovelife na si Cap shet!"

I laughed at his teamates before looking at Jieven, I smiled unconsciously when I saw him blushing. As much as I wanted to teased him, I just shrugged it off.

"Blush pa more." I mumbled but I was shookt that he was able to hear it.

"It was your fault." He tsked before holding my hand and dragged me nowhere.

I just found myself playing with his ball while he was peacefully sitting in the bleachers and intently watching me. The sky was already dark and the training just ended.

"Wait, aren't you mad that I'm holding your ball?" I asked when I suddenly remembered Maegan. Ayaw na ayaw niyang ipahawak sa amin ang bola niya pero si Jieven ay hinayaan akong hawakan at paglaruan ang sa kanya. I want to learn how to play volleyball, sana maturuan niya ako kapag may oras siya.

His forehead creased. "Why do you sounded so different?"

"What?" I asked with brows a bit furrowed. I can't understand him, I just asked if he don't mind me playing with his ball— oh fudge!

He shook his head and laughed secretly. When I glance at him, he was already bitting his bottom lip while looking directly to my eyes. My lips parted after realizing how dirty I sounded earlier. Geez! Hindi ko naman inakalang iba pala ang iisipin niya! Ball naman kasi ang english ng bola! Freak! How should I construct it then without sounding maliciously?

"Hey! You got a filthy mind!" I hissed at him but he just laughed. 'Yung tawa niya ay nang-aasar.

"Why are you blaming me? I did not say anything." He licked his lower lip, lowkey trying to supress a smile.

Geez. I looked away. Getting annoyed because he had a point. I closed my eyes and shrugged it off before continued talking. "Well," I put the ball on my waist and looked at him. "Maegan always freak out whenever we get in touch with her ball. She's very possessive, aren't you like her?"

He let out a small laugh, making my heart flutter. "What's mine is automatically yours so I won't mind."

When saturday strikes, we went to gym and exercised for three long hours. Gusto naming kumain sa labas pero kailangan kong umuwi agad dahil may pupuntahan kami nila Daddy na Birthday Party. I couldn't say no but I promised Jieven that I will make it up to him tomorrow.

The next day, after the mass, we went out of the church to search for some candles. Nagulat ako nang sabihin niya sa akin na magsisimba daw kami, wala namang problema sa akin kaya pumayag ako. I was actually amazed and I think I just admired him more for doing that.

He bought two candles before we walked towards the candle lightning corner at the left side of the church. I searched for a vacant position and when I saw one, I dragged him there.

"Here, let's put it here." Anas ko habang tinuturo ang parteng bakante. It was like a stairs made up of steel. I really love lightning a candle whenever I go to church. Ang ibig sabihin kasi nang pagsindi ng kandila ay parang nagbibigay ka ng liwanag sa iba, na para bang pinagdadasal mo sila.

"Okay, let's put it here." He softly answered. He looked so good with his black sweater, gray short and white shoes, he even put on his specs. Hindi rin nakaligtas sa akin ang pasimpleng tinginan ng mga tao kay Jieven. I just shrugged it off, I don't mind it anyway. I'm not very possessive when it comes to him. I know my limitations.

"Let's start." Bulong ko at tumango lang siya. We lit up the candle before placing it in a certain holder. I did the sign of the cross before closing my eyes and uttured my prayer in my mind.

I wished for my family's good health and for my grades to be high. I asked for the Lord's guidance and thanked him for his endless blessings. I apologized for all of my wrong doings and of course I also prayed for Jieven.

Bigla akong napangiti habang nakapikit nang maramdaman ko ang paghawak ni Jieven sa kamay ko. Just like the usual, he intertwined his finger on mine and hold me tight while we are busy praying.

Lord, I wish for a lifetime with this man.

We ate in a fastfood restaurant for our lunch and we spent our time playing in the game zone, window shopping and roaming around the mall to look for random stuffs. I also bought a dress for Tamara when I saw a cute one earlier in the department store.

It was already 6pm but instead of going home, we walked for a bit while watching the sunset. Bumili siya kanina ng ice cream at kinain namin 'yon habang naglalakad. Nagcracrave daw siya sa ice cream kaya binilihan na rin niya ako. Ayoko sana dahil malamig iyon pero hindi naman ako makatanggi. I can't resist him.

"I forgot to ask. Why did you gave me a bracelet with a sun as it's pendant?" I raised my right hand to show him his gift to me. I always wear this one wherever I go. Feeling ko lucky charm ko na 'yon kaya lagi kong suot.

"I bet you like sunsets. I saw you in Coron while capturing the sky." He simply answered then licked his ice cream.

"Oh, okay." I nodded. He had a point.

We saw a park nearby and no one is there so we decided to come over. I sat on the swing and Jieven was on my back, slowly pushing me and then suddenly, I remembered something.

"Do you still remember your dream you once told me?"

He paused midway upon hearing my question. Kumunot ang makinis niyang noo at sandaling nag-isip bago nagbaba ng tingin sa akin na may ngiti sa mga labi. "This is exactly what happened." Bulong niya.

I smiled unknowingly. "I told you it was you."

He bit his bottom lip and shook his head in disbelief. "Akala ko hindi ako 'yon." He fired back habang mahinang tinutulak ang swing.

"I knew from the start that it was you." Bulong ko at sinandya kong hindi iparinig sa kanya. When I looked up to him, I was shookt to know that he was actually staring at me with his eyes flickering in so much fondness.

Maya maya pa ay bumaba na ang araw at tuluyan ng nagdilim ang paligid kaya pakiramdam ko ay kailangan ko ng umuwi. I looked up to the man behind me and Jieven smiled when he saw me looking at him.

"Let's go home." I said and he nodded. I stood up and reached for his hand. I intertwined my finger with his. This was my first time doing that so it was very unusual for me but he didn't protest though. Nakita ko pa ang pamumula ng pisngi niya kaya natawa ako.

"Nagblush pa nga." Pang-aasar ko.

Pinaningkitan niya ako ng mata. "Parang hindi naman siya." He fired back.

Nagtawanan kaming dalawa dahil sa sinabi niya. Maya maya pa ay nagsimula na kaming maglakad pabalik sa mall na pinuntahan namin kanina. It was just nearby so it won't be a hassle for us.

"Tammy." He called me while we were walking in the sidewalk.

"Hmm?" I asked without looking at him, I was busy watching the cars passing by.

"I think I'm falling.." he whispered, making me stopped from moving.

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