The End of Daylight

Blessing or a curse?

—

"Tito Jieven? Ano pong ginagawa niyo?"

Mas mabilis pa sa alas kwatro kong tinulak papalayo si Jieven nang marinig ang boses ni Aldrich. That sudden question from him even made my heart beat rapidly than the usual. The thought of Aldrich caught us embracing one another made me somewhat blush. Jieven groaned in frustration though pero hindi ko siya pinansin.

I looked away and cleared my throat before glancing at him. I could feel my cheeks still burning. Aldrich face held confusion then his eyes landed on his Tito Jieven then flew to meet my gaze. He does that for a second before smiling meaningfully.

"Yie, sorry po sa istorbo." He shyly covered his face using his small hands before he leaned on his seat and pretend to be asleep. I laughed with that cute gesture of his. Ang cute cute niya, ang sarap iuwi.

Jieven cleared his throat as he worked on the car engine. When I looked at him, he was smiling from ear to ear while softly bitting his bottom lip. I wanted to answer him but I don't know what to say. His sudden confession made me lose my only sanity left with me. Jieven was really capable of doing this to me, huh. Sa kanya ko lang naramdaman 'to. Sa kanya lang.

I pursed my lips and leaned on my seat to calm myself. Silence lingered while we're on our way home. I could feel his little glances on me even if I was busy looking outside the window and when I got the chance to meet his eyes, he looked away first. Natawa ako sa ginagawa niyang pag-iwas ng tingin sa akin.

"Why is that? Are you shy?" I asked without looking at him.

"No." He simply answered.

"Then why can't you look directly to my eyes?" This time, I looked at him.

He was still busy driving while eyes locked on the road but the smile on his face never faded. "I'm refraining myself from ravishing your lips." He said in a deep and firm tone without looking at me.

That made me parted my lips slightly. Natigilan ako at nahigit ang paghinga. I don't know what to say nor to react without him thinking that it actually made me blush. Geez, he was being bluntly nowadays. What's up with him?

Bigla kong hinampas sa kanya ang water bottle na nasa dash board nang makita ko ito dahil sa inis. "Watch your words, may kasama tayong bata." Pagbabanta ko habang pinipigilan ang sariling mapangiti.

He dazzlingly winked at me before looking at the road again. "He's asleep. What do you want to do?" He teasingly asked.

"Shut up, Finlay." I rolled my eyes and leaned on my seat to relax my pounding heart. He then let out a laugh when he saw my reaction.

The next day, I was busy reading my notes for our upcoming quiz when my phone suddenly beeped.

From: Jieven

Hey, come out. I'm outside.

I immediately stood up upon reading his text message to me. Claudine looked surprised but she then ignored me when someone chitchat with her.  Mabilis akong naglakad papalabas ng classroom at nanlaki ang mata nang makita siya sa corridor namin.

"Hey." He greeted me when I reached his position. I looked around and when I saw no one glancing at us, I sighed in relief. "Stop being terrified, Tammy. They won't harm you, as long as you're with me." There's a hint of assurance in his voice.

"I'm just bothered." I mumbled. "Anyway why are you here? It's almost time, you should be in your class right now and reviewing your notes." I shot up a brow when he sweetly smiled at me. Parang siraulo, ngiti ng ngiti. Is he aware that his simple smile could melt any women's knees? Geez. Dapat tigilan niya 'yan.

"I came because I missed you.." That was more likely a whisper.

As much as I wanted not to react, my body betrayed me. I looked away when I felt some butterflies in my stomach while trying to supress a smile.

"Kinilig ka?" Jieven with a teasing smile on his face asked. When I looked at him, his eyes were glistening in both excitement and amusement.

"Hindi." I lied and softly pushed his face away from me when he leaned forward. I am more than comfortable with him but I couldn't just admit the truth. I don't know, I feel embarassed. "So why are you here?" Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay habang pinipigilan ang sarili sa pagngiti.

Huwag kang bibigay, Tammy. I instructed my mind.

"Goodluck." I was shookt when he dipped a soft quick kiss on my forehead. When he looked at my eyes with his alluring gaze, that was when I thought that I've been holding my breath for too long. "I came here to say that."

Geez, that made me smile. "You should have just texted me!" I hissed. Oh gosh, this man is driving me nuts!

Mabilis siyang umiling iling. "Nah, I want to say it personally." He then let out a genuine smile before looking at his silver watch. "I should go. See you." He said before leaving me dumbfounded.

He came here just to say goodluck? Oh gosh. He never failed to make my heart leaped. I just pursed my lips before turning my back and walked out. Nagulat ako dahil paglingon ko ay nakatingin na sa akin ang iba kong mga kaklase habang may naglalarong ngisi sa mga mukha nila.

After the two days examination, Jieven asked me to meet him in a cafe nearby. It was saturday at mamayang gabi na ang flight nila. Gustuhin ko mang hindi malungkot ay hindi ko magawa. I will definitely miss him.

"Do you want something? I'll buy you anything you want in Canada." He suggested and sipped on his coffee.

"None." I simply answered and leaned on my chair. "Just come home safely."

A quick sadness flashed on his eyes after hearing what I've said. "Stop making me feel that I'll be out for a year, Tammy." He let out a laugh to compose himself.

"What?" The side of my lips rose. "I'm not saying anything. It was you who interpreted it wrong." Napailing iling nalang ako bago sumubo sa doughnut na binili ko.

"Wala ka talagang gusto?" He asked for the fifth time again.

"Ikaw, gusto ko." I simply replied and looked up to meet his gaze. Natulala siya sa sagot ko kaya mahina akong natawa. Maya maya pa ay narinig ko ang mahina niyang mura bago tumikhim. Kinilig siya, alam ko 'yon.

He cursed before sipping on his coffee again. "Just make sure you'll come back okay?" I softly asked to lessen his embarrassment.

"What if I don't?" He seriously asked in monotone. I am expecting him to say that he was just kidding me but a minute had passed and he didn't!

Nawala ang ngiti sa labi ko. "Try me Finlay. I swear to all God and Goddesses above that you will never got to see me again."

"Hey! I'm just kidding!" He tried to reach for my hand placed above the table but I instantly removed it. "Of course I will come back. What the hell, Tammy?" He cussed again when I whisked his hand away from me.

On the following days, honestly, I actually feel incomplete though I tried to act normal in front of them. Every night, Jieven will always text or call me just to inform me about the things he had done for the whole day and that made me feel wanted. He never forget to call and update me from time to time. And I am always listening to him whenever he was fumming mad about his family's situation, sometimes, I'd comfort him and as much as I wanted to give him a hug, I will just send a virtual hug to ease his anger.

"Gusto mo ng tubig?" Joshua suddenly spoke beside me while we're in the middle of Sir Darwin's discussion. Pinatawag kami ni Alyza kaya pagkatapos ng lunch ay duniretso na kami sa office.

"Do you mind?" I fired back. Mabilis siyang umiling at tumayo para kuhanan ako ng tubig sa water dispenser. He used the plastic cups there since we're out of bottled mineral water.

He came back after a minute and lend me the cup. "Thank you, Josh." I called him using his nickname.

He just let out a small smile before taking his seat beside me. The meeting continued, we just had a little break time after half an hour so we could brainstorm for our next project. Wala ako sa wistong mag-isip dahil si Jieven lang ang inaalala ko.

It has been a week but Jieven is nowhere to be found. Isang linggo na ang nakalipas simula nang umalis siya pero hindi pa siya umuuwi hanggang ngayon. I tried reaching him out last night but he was cannot be reach so I'm starting to get bothered.

I went out to breathe some fresh air. I leaned on the corridor parallel to our office while trying to dial Jieven's roaming number.

I groaned in frustration when the call ended after a second. I tried calling him again, silently hoping that he'll answer this time but just like the usual, there is no progress. What the freak is happening to that man?

"Tammy? Anong ginagawa mo d'yan?"

My phone almost slid in my grip when I heard Joshua's voice behind me. I looked back to meet his gaze and smiled a little while trying to hide my phone.

"Nothing, nagpapahangin lang." I bit my lower lip to refrain myself from talking to much.

His eyes glistened in happiness. "Tara na sa loob? Magsisimula na ulit tayo."

"Uh, yeah sure." I started walking and he let me in first before he followed. We sat and the meeting continued after a moment. I couldn't help myself glancing at Joshua every minute passing by, I suddenly had the urge to say sorry to him. It was like I stabbed him hard from the back. Wala siyang kaalam alam sa nangyayari sa amin ni Jieven. Geez, as much as I wanted him to know, at some point I don't want to hurt his ego.

He then looked back at me so our gaze met. His eyes flickered. "Okay ka lang? May kailangan ka?" He worriedly asked, that even made me bit my bottom lip as a shook my head. Gosh.

I'm sorry, Joshua.

Another two days had passed but to my dismay, wala pa rin si Jieven. I tried asking Kalen and Czoren but just like me, they couldn't contact their friend too. I'm getting annoyed but I won't deny that I'm feeling terrified. What's his deal? Why can't he answer my calls? May nangyari ba sa kanila sa Canada? Ha! Ang dami dami ko na ngang iniisip dumagdag pa siya!

Isang araw bago magtapos ang klase para sa Christmas Break ay niregaluhan kami ng Professors namin. They ended the class around 3 pm so we could go home early but Claudine decided to spend the rest of day hanging out. I excused myself first to pee while they are still busy arguing in the Students Lounge on where we should go. I was about to enter the restroom when someone grabbed my arm and snaked his arms around me.

My eyes widened in surprise and was about to whisked his arms but when I got to sniff his scent, I suddenly had the urge to cry. Isa lang ang taong nag mamay-ari nang ganoong pabango.

"I missed you.." he whispered and caressed my hair as he tightened the hug.

I unknowingly wrapped my arms around his waist in return and leaned on his chest but when I realized what he did to me, I immediately pushed him away.

He was shocked by my sudden action towards him. "Why is that—"

"Freak you!" I hissed. I defiantly glared at him as if I am ready to stab his chest over and over again until he breathe out his last oxygen. "You jerk! Where the freak have you been? You're not freaking answering my calls for almost four days! Why? What happened to you?"

"Hey." He took a step forward but I glared at him furiously, making him stop from moving. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry." He raised both of his hands in the air as a surrender. "It was my fault. I'm sorry." His facial expression softened as he says that to me.

"What happened?" I calmly asked.

He let out a heavy sigh. "Mom suddenly extended our stay there. We went to a certain province in Canada. I don't know where the hell and I don't give a damn. The area is not capable of having a good strength for signals so I was out of coverage for the passed four days.." he explained while looking directly to my eyes. "Walang signal doon, believe me." He insisted.

I shot up a brow while debating with myself whether I should believe him or not. I unconsciously eyed him for too long until he smiled awkwardly.

"You're not lying?"

"I am not lying, Tammy." His face grimaced with what I've said. "Okay, I'm sorry. Babawi nalang ako." He said that using his soft and low voice.

"Okay." I shrugged. Alam ko namang hindi siya magsisinungaling sa akin kaya hindi ko na siya inusisa pa. I believe him, I trust him a lot.

"Can I hug you now?" He asked with a little teasing smile plastered on his face.

"What—" before I could even finish my sentence, he pulled my arm and embraced me like we haven't seen each other for a decade. I unknowingly sniffed his manly menthol scent and encircled my arms around his waist in return. He then started walking and my eyes widened when he open a certain door nearby and closed it upon entering, he did that while hugging me.

"What the?" Gulat kong tugon at tiningala siya dahil mas matangkad siya sa akin.

His eyes glistened in happiness when our gaze met. He welcomed my eyes with his alluring look. "I missed you. Let me do this for just five minutes.." He whispered as he embraced me like a kid hugging his big size teddy bear.

My heart beat quickened, I lost count how many times he made my heart flutter, leaped, jumped and such with his simple moves and words towards me. I never thought that I am capable of feeling this way. Geez, I'm already falling for this man.

They say 'Love is the biggest psychological disorder, it will drive you crazy once you let yourself get drown by it' and now, I must say that I definitely agree on that. I will bet my life if that is not true.

We'll be celebrating our Christmas and New Year in London. Doon nakatira ang mga magulang ni Daddy at gusto nila kaming makasama kaya hindi sila nagdalawang isip na pumayag.

"Tammy, get ready, we're about to take off."

Mommy tapped my shoulder twice and it brought me back to my senses. I turned off my earpods before putting my phone inside my hand bag.

After the take off, we immediately went out the plane and did the important stuffs like checking of luggages and such. We are accompanied by my grandparents helpers, drivers and bodyguards. I frowned upon realizing that we looked like a celebrity with them behind us. Pinagtitinginan tuloy kami ng mga tao kaya nakaramdam ako ng hiya.

"Ate, who are they?" Tamara asked then pointed out the people behind us. I was holding her hand while we're on our way out. As usual ako ulit ang babysitter niya.

"Tauhan ni grandpa, just don't mind them Tamara." I answered.

She just nodded but confusion was still written on her small cute face. She looked so innocent but this wasn't the first time she'll meet our grandparents though this was her first time coming here in London.

Our grandparents in my father's side were sophisticated, protective, and cultivated. I am not really close to them since I was born in the Philippines and they are living in London but I got the chance to meet them when I was five years old and I could say that they really possessed a dignified personality. And that was when I also thought that Daddy and Tito Alfred was like that because they were raised by people who has a high standards of living.

"Tammy, Tamara. My beautiful grand daughters." Mamang Adora stood up when she saw us entering their precious huge modern double door. She was wearing a purple shift dress and the tons of diamonds embroidered on her necklace, earrings, bracelets, and rings were sparkling in glorious. Naramdaman ko ang pamilyar na kaba na lagi kong nararamdaman kapag nandyan siya o si Daddy.

"Mamang." I mumbled and forced a smile.

She kissed me in the cheek and it goes the same way to Tamara. Her eyes glistened with full of amusement and adoration while looking at us. Mamang Adora looked so happy but I couldn't help to feel anxious. Pakiramdam ko isang maling galaw ko lang ay pagagalitan na niya ako kaya lahat ng gagawin ko ay maiigi kong pinag-iisipan. I don't want to disappoint her.

"Mom." Dad suddenly spoke behind me and I thank God silently when Mamang turned her gaze to my Dad. She instantly embraced him and my Mom.

"Where's Papang, Mamang?" Mommy asked afterwards. Tamara and I were just looking at them, a little bit stiffened.

"He's still in the company, Tracie." Mamang answered with full of confidence. She then looked at my father afterwards. "What took your flight too long, Ximson?"

The next day, Tito Alfred and Arch came together with his Mom. Tomorrow is Christmas day and they arrived at the most unexpected time. I thought they won't be able to make it but they came. Mabuti nalang at dumating sila atleast may makakausap ako dahil nandito ang pinsan ko.

"Arch!" I gave my cousin a high five but he laughed when my hands landed on his hair and I ruined his hairstyle by whipping them off.

"Err, what was that, Tammy?" He whisked my hand away from him, still laughing.

We spent the Christmas with them and surely, even New Year. Pagkatapos ng noche buena ay umalis muna ako sa dining area at nagpunta sa swimming pool sa likod ng mansion nila Mamang para huminga ng malalim. Geez, I can't stand to be with them for such a long time, I feels like I am trapped inside a cage. I can't move freely and I can't even breathe properly knowing that my grandparents are around as well as my Dad. They were all shouting in authority and madness.

I want to talk to Jieven, I want to nag, I want to call him dahil umaga palang naman sa pilipinas pero mamaya nalang siguro dahil baka tulog pa siya. Ayoko namang siyang gisingin lang para magreklamo ng magreklamo.

I removed my sandals and placed them on the side before walking towards the pool. Good thing, I was wearing a simple dress so I can freely put my legs on the pool.

"Hey." I suddenly heard Arch's voice behind me so I looked back. He raised a brow when he saw my position and then chuckled playfully. I immediately stood up and went on the garden table so I could talk to him properly. He couldn't do the same thing in the pool since he was wearing black slacks so I had to adjust for him. Hindi naman pwedeng tanggalin niya ng buo 'yung slacks niya di'ba? That would be awkward.

He sat parallel to me and placed the champagne glass on the table. Inaya niya akong uminom pero mabilis akong umiling. Wala ako sa mood.

"Where do you study now?" I started the conversation. We're not that close but we're comfortable with each other's presence.

"La Salette University." He simply answered with a smirk on his face. I must say that he had the good genes, he really looked like Tito Alfred— but the playful one. "You're still a Cecilian?" He asked.

I frowned. "I don't know if I'll take that as a good one or something offensive, Arch." I tsked and shook my head but he just laughed at me.

"Nagtatanong lang ako, chill!" He exclaimed. "So, Cecilian nga?" Pangungulit niya ulit.

Tumango ako. "Yeah since high school."

Arch and I went into the same primary school but he transferred right after we graduated in elementary. He even met Claudine first before me but when Arch transferred, Claudine stayed with me and that was when our friendship started. Arch and I lost our contact but we often see one another during reunion and holidays like this.

"Where do you live?" I asked. I haven't asked this ever since then, ngayon lang.

"Makati." He simply answered. Ang layo ng bahay nila sa school na pinapasukan niya! I was about to ask but he spoke. "May condo ako malapit sa school kaya hindi ako madalas umuwi sa bahay."

"Oh, that explains how." I unconsciously nodded.

We talked until the clock reached 12 am. We just ended the conversation when my phone rang and a smile formed on my lips when I saw the caller ID. It was none other than, Jieven.

We spent the remaining days before the New Year hanging out. Shopping everywhere, going somewhere and such. As much as I wanted to just rest I couldn't protest. Mamaya ay sabihin pa akong maarte ni Mamang kaya mas pinili ko nalang na sumama. And I think Arch and I suffers in the same situation.

"I'm bored." Arch whispered beside me. We're busy roaming around the mall, shopping and searching for random stuffs.

"Me too." Anas ko at sabay kaming natawa. Kami ang nasa pinakahulian ni Arch. Nasa likuran naman ang dalawang bodyguard nila Mamang.

"Humiwalay muna kaya tayo sa kanila?" Pang-dedemonyo niya sa akin.

My forehead creased upon hearing his suggestion but later on, I said yes. I was really planning to buy some gifts for Jieven but I couldn't find one because I don't really know what to buy and what he is fond of. Good thing, Arch popped up, I suddenly had a brilliant idea. Alam kong matutulungan niya ako sa pagpili ng regalo.

"Kanino mo ibibigay ha? May boyfriend ka?" He teased and nudged me a bit.

I frowned when he even poked my shoulder. "A gift for a friend."

"Friend mo mukha mo!" He hissed. "Alam ko na mga ganyang galawan. Friend, friend ka d'yan." He crossed his arms over his chest and threw me teasing looks. "Pero dahil mabait ako, sige secret lang. Just buy me a waffle afterwards."

"What?" I asked, brows a bit furrowed.

"Waffle lang 'to naman!"

I just laughed at him. He did not insisted asking who is the unknown guy though so I shrugged it off. We roamed around, searching for the best gift. I don't mind the price because as long as it holds significance and relevance to Jieven's taste then I will gladly pay for it.

"Ito, relo, pampagwapo." Arch suggested but I immediately shook my head. He have plenty of those, he don't need another one.

"Ikaw may gusto niyan eh." Pang-aasar ko at napanguso siya.

"Would you buy it for me?" He teasingly smiled. 'Yung ngiting pabebe para mapabigyan ko siya. Ahuh? I doubt if that will work on me.

"Kanina waffle lang tapos naging relo? Put that down, Arch. If you want it, buy it with your own money or go ask for Tito Alfred's card." I teased and he frowned. Honestly, I don't mind buying that watch for my cousin but then I realized that I should behave and I should not spend money with luxurious things like that. Dad will freak out if he'll check my account.

After the long discussion, we ended up buying a Michael Kors black large sweater and two books for Jieven. I suddenly remembered that he loves to read so I bought some for him.

"Ate!" Narinig ko ang sigaw ni Tamara mula sa labas at pagkatok niya sa pinto ko. I immediately closed my laptop when I heard her endless knocks. I frowned when I realized that I just accidentally ended Jieven's video call. Geez, sorry! Nabigla lang ako!

I stood up and opened the door. Tamara glared at me furiously while both of her arms are placed on her waist. "Ate, we're going to eat and wait for new year. Let's go down na daw." Mataray niyang sabi bago umalis sa harapan ng kwarto ko.

I gritted my teeth and refrain myself from shouting in frustration. Maybe I will just call him again before our new year here.

Wala akong choice kaya bumaba nalang ako at sinaluhan sila. I was just silent while eating, sometimes I will answer if they will ask me something and then I will shut my mouth afterwards. My everyday routine was just like that so nothing's new.

"4! 3! 2! 1! Happy New Year!"

I immediately run upstairs while they are still busy celebrating in the garden area. I looked like a thief who just snatched tons of money from the bank. Bakit ba? Gusto ko ngang tawagan si Jieven dahil gusto kong malaman niya na New Year na dito sa amin.

Upon reaching my room, I opened my laptop and dialed Jieven, he answered it instantly after the second ring. His gorgeous face popped in the screen. Ang hula ko ay tanghali palang sa kanila at nasa loob siya ng kwarto niya. He was wearing a simple black hoodie. His hair was messy but he still look good on it.

"Hey, happy new year!" I greeted him with a strong voice.

He alluringly smiled in the camera. "Happy New Year!"

"Anong oras na d'yan?" I curiously asked. I put my laptop on my lap as I patiently wait for his answer.

He looked sidewards and fixed his hair before answering. "2:37 in the afternoon." He simply said.

"How are you? Is everything okay?" He softly asked.

"Yeah, they are having fun downstairs." I answered.

"That's good to hear." He nodded and looked away then glanced at the camera again. "Uh, Tammy.." I shot up a brow when he bit his bottom lip. It was like he has something to tell me but he's stopping himself from doing so.

"What is it, Jieven?" I asked and put my right hand on my chin while smiling in the camera. I put some strands of my hair behind my ear.

"Uh.." he looked away. It took him five seconds before looking at the camera again. "I want to ask you something." He reluctantly said. His eyes were glistening in adoration while looking at the monitor. Geez, how could he do that?

"Hmm?" I smiled when he massaged the bridge of his nose, obviously looking shy. Ano bang problema niya? Ano bang sasabihin niya?

At some point it makes me curious but nervousness embraced my whole system as I patiently wait for his question. I hope it'll be easy to answer.

"Tammy, can you be mine.. officially?"

My smile faded away instantly. I stiffined in my position, lips slightly parted and eyes locked on my laptop. It felt like a bomb suddenly exploded and my heart beat quickened in surprise. I couldn't deny the fact that I never had a second thought after hearing his question. I was so sure of my answer.

"I—" before I could even talk, the screen went black.

I panicked. I searched for my charger and arranged them so I could open my laptop again. Geez! What a wrong timing! I was about to say yes but my freaking laptop just ruined my precious moment! Panira naman! Kainis!

I immediately called Jieven and he answered after the first ring.

Without a second thought, I shouted. "Yes!" He looked shocked at first but a wide dazzling smile replaced that expression on his face instantly.

I'm so sorry that I need to disobey my father. I just can't let go of this man. I don't want to lose him. I'm so sorry for lying. I'm sorry for not considering other people's feelings. I'm so sorry for being selfish. I sincerely apologize.

"Ate!"

I unconsciously closed my laptop again when Tamara suddenly opened my door. Shoot! I forgot to close it earlier and geez, pinatayan ko na naman si Jieven. Naiinis na ako sa sarili ko ah!

"What now?" My face darkened. Sobra ang pagpipigil ko na huwag sigawan ang kapatid ko.

"Grandma is searching for you." She rolled her eyes and walked out after saying it to me as if she was forced to do that.

After our long vacation in London, we flew back to the Philippines and when the classes continued, my friends keep on buzzing me about the things I've done in London. I chose to refrain myself from saying that Jieven and I are now together, maybe next time I'll inform them but not now. Binigay ko nalang din ang mga pasalubong nila at sobrang saya nila nang matanggap iyon.

Jieven pulled me for a hug when we got the chance to meet in the garden of life after our class. I smiled genuinely before wrapping my arms around his waist in return. I sniffed his manly scent and it sens shiver down to my spine when he caressed my hair.

"I missed you.." he mumbled in my ears and tightened the hug. Good thing, there's no one around. It would be so much embarassing if they will caught us in the kind of situation.

"I missed you too." I softly said as I let go of the hug.

He smiled when our gaze met, his eyes were locked on me and glistening in adoration. "How's your vacation?"

I suddenly remebered that we had a small fight regarding our annivesarry date. I said it should be January first but he said that December 31 is better but then after the long discussion, I won.

"Okay lang." I shrugged. "Anyway, here's my simple gift." I handed him the brown large paper bag.

"Here's mine." He gave me a white one too. "And give this to Tamara." He handed me another white paper bag. Napangiti ako nang pati kapatid ko ay binigyan niya kahit wala naman akong sinabi na bigyan niya si Tamara.

We exchanged gifts but it wasn't planned so we laugh with that thought. I didn't open his gift yet but before I could speak again, he pulled my arm and dipped me in between his arms.

"I want to hug you so bad. I really missed you. I missed your scent, your face, your presence, shit, I missed everything about you.." He sweetly mumbled to my ear and I can't help but to let out a smile. I leaned on his chest so that I could hear his heartbeat. "You hear that?" He asked.

"Yeah." I nodded, still smiling.

"It's always like that whenever you're around." He truthfully answered while gently caressing my hair. "I love you, Tammy."

I bit my lower lip upon hearing that three words again. It was like I just heard the most sweetest music in the world and it feels so good, so soothing. It made me flutter like no one can even explain how happy I am right now. If this is a dream, I don't wish to wake up anymore.

"I love you too." I mumbled.

But when I thought that everything is already fine, a sudden furious voice echoed.

"You really don't do romantic relationship, Tammy." With full of sarcasm Joshua said that right in front of us with a dark aura on his face.

—