The End of Daylight

Touch of Love

—

"Joshua! Wait!"

He paused walking midway but he didn't looked back to meet my gaze. It was too late for me to stop so I bumped into his back, making him glance at me to check my condition.

"Sorry, sorry, ayos ka lang?" He worriedly asked.

I massaged my forehead but stopped when he held my hand. Napatingala ako at nang magtama ang paningin namin ay ngumiti ako. He still cares for me. He still looked back knowing that what he witnessed earlier just made his heart clenched in so much pain.

"I'm fine." I mumbled.

Upon hearing my answer, he looked away and cleared his throat. "Alis na ako, sorry sa istorbo." His dark aura embraced his whole system again. My heart tightened in my chest when I heard how flat and emotionless his voice was.

"Let me explain first before you go." I said but he shook his head and forced a smile.

"You don't have to explain." That voice again. It makes me anxious, Joshua wasn't like this. I really brought him so much pain. I could see it in his eyes, they were welcoming me with great agony.

"Joshua sorry." Alam na alam ko kung ano ang dahilan kung bakit ako humihingi ng tawad sa kanya. I lied. I made him believe that I will never love someone romantically. Alam kong walang magagawa ang sorry ko but I'm hoping that I might somewhat ease the throbbing pain in his chest.

"Bakit, Tammy? You told me you don't do romantic relationships. I respect you, I respect your decision, I respect your word that was why I did not court you in the first place but why? Why did you lie to me?" Nabasag ang boses niya. He was trying to speak as calm as possible. I understand where he was coming from so I somehow feel guilty about it.

"It was my fault. I'm sorry. I don't intend to hide this from you, naghahanap lang ako ng tamang oras para maamin ko. I hope you understand."

"Walang pagkakataon na hindi kita inintindi, Tammy." He replied. I looked up and stared at the depth of his eyes, they were flickering in discomfort and sadness.

"I'm sorry for not considering your feelings, Joshua. I sincerely apologize.." Bulong ko. I clenched my fist and hid it behind me when they trembled in fear while waiting for his answer. I'm afraid he will hate and curse me after this. Joshua is very much important to me, he's not just a friend of mine. He's.. more than that.

This is what I'm scared of, this is my weakness. I don't want someone to suffer because of my selfishness. What should I do? Ngayon ko lang pipiliin ang sarili ko pero hindi pa rin ba pwede?

He puffed a breath then looked away and squeezed his eyes shut. He massaged it for about five seconds before meeting my gaze again. I bit my bottom lip when my eyes landed on his face. Lumambot ang ekspresyon niya nang magtama ang paningin namin. I couldn't talk, I think one more word from me will be his breakdown so I restrain myself from talking.

"Okay lang ako, huwag ka ng mag-alala." He tapped my shoulder twice before walking out. He was walking normally but later on he ran like a kid trying to get away from his fumming mad mom.

Joshua ran away, he walked away as if he was trying to save himself from the things that made his heart throb in sorrow.

A tear escaped from my eyes when I can no longer see his back. He's gone. He's obviously gone. I then looked up and wipe the tear on my face before composing myself. I'm not crying because it hurts, I'm crying because I brought pain to someone.

It's okay, Tammy. You're still friends. He just need time to sort out things. Just give him time. It's okay. I cheered myself up but the feeling was still the same, the situation never changed. I still hurt someone.

"Hey, it's okay." I suddenly heard a sexy baritone voice behind me but before I could even looked back, he already put his arms on my shoulder. Jieven smiled as if he was trying to comfort me.

I stood up and walked towards the kitchen to get myself some doughnuts. Today is Sunday, so Tamara and I are having our movie marathon but honestly, I'm not enjoying. Sinong mag-eenjoy kung paulit-ulit nalang naming pinapanood si Sofia the First?

"I was a girl in the village doing all right then I became a princess overnight. Now I gotta figure out how to do it right, so much to learn and see." I sang the introduction song of Sofia the first when it played on the TV while I was busy choosing what doughnut should I take, is it the double dutch or the strawberry one?

"Up in the castle with my new family. In a school that's just for royalty. A whole enchanted world is waiting for me, I'm so excited to be." I sang as ended up picking the two doughnuts. One for me and for Tamara.

"I'm finding out what being royal's all about. Making my way, it's an adventure eyeryday." I closed the fridge and walked back towards the living room with a plate on my hand.

"It's gonna be my time, to show them all that I am Sofia the First." I mimicked Sofia. I placed the plate on the table and sat beside my sister.

Tamara then glared at me furiously after hearing my voice. I arched a brow when she crossed her arms over her chest. Ano na naman ba ang ginawa ko?

"Ate stop mimicking Sofia!" She hissed in frustration.

"What?" I laughed innocently. "I've already memorized the theme song even the dialogues, what do you want me to do? I can't stop myself from talking." I explained and let out a teasing smile.

She grimaced in annoyance. "Ate Tammy!"

"Fine, fine!" I answered and reached for the doughnut in the table. "I'll stop okay? You happy now?" I tsked before taking a bite.

After a few moments of sufferance, Tamara was now peacefully sleeping in the couch. I glanced at her to make sure that she's really in a deep sleep and when I confirmed it, I slowly reached for the remote control in the table and clicked the movie selection. I giggled while searching for a great movie to watch. Mabuti naman at tulog na siya, ako naman ang manonood ngayon.

I clicked the Money Heist but before I could play the button, Tamara shouted with full of exasperation.

"Ate!" She hissed in disapproval. The remote control slipped away from my grip because of her sudden action. I dramatically held my chest and glared at my sister furiously when she jumped off from the couch to pick the remote control on the floor. Binalik niya ang pinapanood niyang Sofia the First kaya napanguso ako.

I just pulled my hair in frustration. "Fine! Fine! Watch it for the rest of your life!" I marched towards the kitchen to get myself some cold drinks. Geez, Tamara is an addict! How could she do this to her older sister? Kung marami lang akong pera hindi ako magdadalawang isip bumili ng sandamakmak na tv.

But while I was busy staring at nowhere, the memories flashed on my mind again like a thunderbolt. Simula noong nalaman ni Joshua ang tungkol sa amin ni Jieven ay hindi na ulit kami nagkita. I want to talk to him, I want to apologize over and over again until he forgives me but I restrain myself from doing that. He don't need my apology, what he need is time to reflect. I just can't help myself to think about him. I don't even know if not having a council meeting was a good thing or not. Doon na nga lang kami nagkikita pero wala rin namang meeting.

Days and weeks passed like a wind. I didn't even notice that it's almost February and soon, we'll have our finals. And regarding my love life, Jieven and I stayed together through thick and thin. We'll study together if one of us will have to take a quiz, we'll go out together after class but not very often since I need to go home early, Jieven wasn't even able to drive me home because Daddy will figure out that I'm not calling Manong Adrian to fetch me so he had to adjust for me. Good thing, he understand our situation.

"Oh my golly! I'm so happy for you!" Claudine hugged me when I informed them about my relationship with Jieven. Maegan tapped my shoulder with a smile on her face while Kendra's eyes glistened in happiness.

"Pag sinaktan ka, sabihan mo 'ko ah." Maegan said. I knew it was a joke but I just nodded my head.

"Nakakainggit! Your boyfie is super duper gwapo like omg! He's so famous in social media kaya!" Kendra pulled my hair but then hugged me tight.

"I know right." I answered confidently. I am well aware about Jieven's status in life and I'm okay with that.

We have a quiz tomorrow so Jueven told me that he will help me to review. We're staying in his condo right now, we went here right after our class. It was my second time coming here but I feel like it was my first time. His unit was huge enough to have two rooms, kitchen with island counter, dining area and a balcony. The walls as well as the curtains were both in gray color.

"What is the face of Mass Communication?" Seryosong tanong niya sa akin. He was also wearing his specs while sitting on the floor, holding my notebook.

"Broadcasting." I answered confidently. I shrugged my shoulders and smirked when he playfully chuckled before looking at my notes again. Alam kong tama ako kaya wala siyang pwedeng ireklamo.

He was on the floor while I was seated on the couch and one throw pillow was placed on my lap.

Tumikhim siya bago nagsalita. "This is about the history of media. In Pre Industrial period, they stored informations using?" He asked then eyes me afterwards.

I looked up and bit my lip as I think of my answer. I snapped my fingers in the air then looked at him to meet his gaze. "Cave Paintings, Stone Tablets and uh, Clay Tablets!"

"Okay, you're good." Jieven nodded and fixed his specs.

"Okay! Your turn!" I reached for his reviewer in the coffee table and scanned his notes. I put some of my falling hair strand on the back of my ear when they touched my face. "Here." I said when I found something to ask. I looked at Jieven and he was just sitting pretty while waiting for my question.

"What are the things you should consider in the process of your market positioning?" I asked.

"First, it should be distinct to others. Second, evaluate the benefits or the advantages of your business and lastly, decide the market position thoroughly." He answered, looking so conceited.

My lips parted after hearing his answer. I scanned his notes and my eyes widened in surprise. He got them all right! Geez. Napairap nalang ako at muling naghanap ng pwedeng itanong.

"What? Is that it?" Pagmamayabang niya sa akin.

When I looked at him, his arms were now crossed over his chest with a wide grin plastered on his face.

"Yabang mo!" I sneered then flicked his forehead.

He groaned in pain but smirked afterwards. He then grabbed both of my arms and pulled me down until we fell on the floor, me on top of him. My eyes widened upon realizing our position but before I could even speak, he crashed his lips on mine.

I wanted to push him but my body did the otherwise. He started moving his lips against mine so I did the same. My heart beat quickened as he held my nape and deepen the kiss.

I was panting when he let me go. "Let's continue reviewing, baka kung saan pa mapunta 'to." He mumbled and helped me get up with a grin on his face.

I was right when I said that he was a gentleman. I must say that Jieven never failed to make me smile everyday. He was so caring, so sweet and sometimes blunt but it's fine with me. He was looking so dignified whenever he was with someone else but actually, he was so clingy inside. I didn't expect that though.

Sa mga nagdaang araw na nakasama ko siya ay marami akong nalaman tungkol sa kanya. He loves color gray, japanese foods especially the tempura dipped in a hot sauce, and he likes to watch horror and paranormal films. He even asked me to watch a Horror movie with him but I refused without even thinking twice. No way! I hate that kind of genre, there's no way I'm going to watch that. Kahit kasama ko pa siya, no way.

One night, I couldn't stop thinking about random things until Natasja popped in my mind like a mushroom searching for a home. I suddenly remembered her reason on why she had to end up her relationship with Jieven. She fell out of love? How could that even possible? Jieven is not the kind of person who will let his girl sleep at night without even saying how much he loves her. How did Natasja ended in breaking up with him?

Sabado ngayon kaya as usual ay magpupunta kami sa gym ni Jieven. I told him not to fetch me since Daddy is home, I even arrived late for about fifteen minutes from our said time because Daddy keep on bragging me about my grades. I lost count on how many times I puffed a breath just to calm myself while I'm explaining to him.

"You okay?" Jieven worriedly asked me when I was busy searching for my phone inside my duffel bag.

"Yeah." I smiled to assure him. I didn't bother informing him about what happened, I don't want to add up to his problems.

I told him not to bring his car anymore because I wish to walk with him under the sunlight but what happened was the otherwise. Umulan ng pagkalakas lakas, the clouds looks heavy and dark earlier but I just shrugged it off, hoping that it'll disappear soon but to my dismay, it didn't.

"Don't be upset, we can still hang out." Pang-aalo ni Jieven sa akin dahil kanina pa ako nakasimangot. You know the feeling na kung kailan bihis ka na saka nila sasabihin na hindi tuloy 'yung lakad? Geez, that's annoying. 'Yun ang nararamdaman ko ngayon at sobrang nakakainis.

We're still in the platinum fitness, sitting in the waiting area while waiting for the last drop of the rain. Pareho kaming walang dalang payong kaya hindi kami makaalis.

"Let's just go to our condo. We'll hang out there since it's not convenient to go lurk in the mall."

I looked at him with a confusing look. "Our condo?"

He smiled sweetly. "I already told you that what's mine is automatically yours, baby." He playfully touched the tip of my nose.

I can't help but to smile. He's starting to include me in his life and I think it was more than a good thing. Gosh, what did I do to deserve a man like him?

We stayed there for another hour but when the rain didn't stop we gave up. We couldn't book in grab because some of the roads were already flooded and we'll be also stuck in the heavy traffic. So we came up with the least option, tatakbo nalang kami hanggang sa maabot ang condo niya. Malapit lang naman iyon dito kaya hindi kami masyadong mababasa.

"Wait, cover your head." Jieven placed his denim jacket above my head before we could even step outside. I instantly whisked his hands away from me so he glanced at me with confusion written all over his gorgeous face. "Why? What's the matter?" He asked.

I extended his denim jacket hanggang sa matakpan ang ulo naming dalawa. "There." I mumbled. "Cover yourself too. I don't want you to be sick, baby." I teasingly winked at him.

"You're surprising me." He chuckled and his eyes glistened in amusement. He leaned forward to kiss me but I pushed his face away. He frowned afterwards.

I thought the denim jacket was enough for us but it wasn't! Nabasa pa rin kami lalong lalo na si Jieven dahil hindi niya hinayaang maalis sa ulo ko ang jacket niya. Upon reaching his condo, we immediately took a half bath to clean ourselves. Good thing, I brought two pairs of clothes.

I was just leaning on the headrest of his bed while playing wordscapes on my phone when the bathroom door suddenly opened, revealing Jieven in his black shirt, gray sweatpants and gray slippers, still looking dashing with his regular clothes. He was holding a towel and wiping the excess water on his hair while walking towards my direction. When our gaze met, his face softened and smiled. He looked so fresh and.. fierce. Geez.

I swallowed hard when he sat down beside me. "Bakit ang gwapo mo?" I unknowingly asked. It was too late for me to realized what I've said.

He put down his towel and stared intently at my face. I randomly remembered what happened on this bed last last last month ago and it made me blush a bit, I could even feel my cheeks burning. His glamorous eyes were glistening in admiration while welcoming my gaze.

"What did you just say?" He asked, acting innocently.

I pushed his face away from me when he leaned forward. Mabilis akong umalis sa kama at lumabas ng kwarto niya. My heart was beating so fast that I think it will come out any minute from now. I unconsciously went to his kitchen and opened his fridge.

"I'll try to cook. What do you want to eat?" I asked when I heard his footsteps. I closed my eyes as I calm myself before looking at him.

He was no longer holding his towel. His brown hair wasn't fixed like his usual hairstyle, it was messy and it nearly covers his eyebrows but still, it looks good on him. Gosh.

"Is there something wrong with me? Bakit ayaw mong magpa-kiss?" He asked instead of answering my question. Kung may kinakain siguro ako ay nabilaukan na ako dahil sa tanong niya.

He was leaning on the island counter with arms crossed over his chest. "Why baby?" He asked then started walking towards my direction. "Don't you like my kiss?" He bluntly asked.

Geez. Anong pinagsasabi niya? Nasaniban ba siya?

I stiffined when he held my chin up to meet my eyes. I arched a brow when he smirked meaningfully. Bumaba ang tingin niya sa labi ko at mabagal na hinaplos ito. He was about to kiss me but I moved my face sidewards, sa pisngi ko tuloy lumanding ang labi niya.

I laughed when I heard him cussed. "No kiss for now." I teased and kissed the side of his lips before leaving him dumbfounded.

"Why?" He scowlded.

When I looked at him, he looked like a roaring beast and his eyes were glistening in exasperation.

"Next week ulit. One kiss every one week. Huwag kang timawa, baby." I teased.

He groaned in frustration. "How about two kiss in one week?"

"Nice try but no." I shook my head while roaming around his kitchen. His untensils looked expensive huh.

"Why is that? Kiss is normal—"

"Kiss is normal but don't do it everyday, Jieven. You think I didn't noticed? For the passed few days you keep on kissing me. Nah ah, minimize it baby." I playfully winked at him. I just want to tease him. Let's see if he'll be upset or what.

"Fine!" He snorted out before walking away from the kitchen, still arms crossed over his chest. Parang siyang bata na inagawan ng candy.

I just laughed and opened his fridge. "What do you want to eat? I'll cook."

"You know how to cook?" He asked from the dining, his voice held amusement.

"Ahm," I bit my lower lip. "Magprito lang." I smiled awkwardly when he didn't respond, baka ayaw niya ng prito. "Okay, mag-order na lang tayo—"

"No." Mabilis niyang sagot. "I want you to cook for us. It doesn't matter what kind of food you can cook, as long as it can be eaten and tangible then we're good." He answered. At some point, what he said made me flutter.

I decided to cook pork chop. It was just a simple method of cooking so when I had to pee, I asked Jieven to keep an eye on the pork chop, kasalukuyan ko pa lang kasing piniprito.

When I came back, I saw him leaning on the island counter with his hands inside his pocket. My forehead creased when I saw his outfit. He was wearing a jacket. Even though I couldn't see his face, I know that he looked pissed.

"What are you doing?" I asked, confused. When I looked at the frying pan, the pork chops are missing. I furiously glared at Jieven and shouted. "Where the freak—" he cut me off immediately when he pointed out the table.

The pork chops were placed in a clean plate. My forehead creased when I realized that it wasn't even cooked properly. Hilaw pa pero inalis na niya kaagad.

"Bakit mo inalis? Hilaw pa 'yan!" I hissed before reaching for the plate and for the tongs. I put it back in the frying pan. Mabilis na tumalsik ang mga mantika doon kaya napaatras ako.

"Hilaw pa ba? Aish." Jieven scoffed and crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't care if it was still raw, it's okay, I can eat raw foods, I can take it but I can't take that damn oil, it's pissing me off."

I glanced at him when he removed his jacket. "Why? Natalsikan ka ng mantika?" I couldn't help but to laugh when I saw his dark furious face. His eyes were glistening in annoyance and disapproval.

"Yes. This is why I hate cooking." He said, looking enraged before walking back to the dining area. I burst out laughing when I realized how pissed he was about the oil. Gosh, kalalaking tao, takot sa mantika.

"I feel bad about Joshua. What should I do?" I suddenly opened the topic about Joshua while we're in the middle of eating.

Good thing, he really understood my situation. Jieven didn't stop me when I followed Joshua just to explain my side. He even told me that I should follow him. He was well aware of Joshua's feelings for me even before I could say it.

"Give him time, baby." He simply answered without looking at me, he was busy chewing while his eyes were pierced on the meat on his plate. It seems like he was adoring and praising the meat so bad that he couldn't even look at me in the eye now. Wow, parang hindi niya tinakbuhan kanina 'yan ah?

I arched a brow. "Do you think one week is already enough?"

"It depends. Was he ignoring you?" He asked without looking at me again.

I narrowed my eyes on him and then furiously glared at the meat as if it was the most vile creature on earth. "Why can't you look at me, Jieven? I swear, I'm going to throw that out." I said in a flat tone, making him glance at me with a surprise look.

"You sounded so jealous, baby. It was just a meat, calm yourself up." He chortled, a bit amused of my sudden actions.

"I'm talking to you so you should look at me in my eyes okay?" I seriously eyed him. It was just a simple thing but if freaks me out! Geez! Why am I being like this? Why am I being snickle?

Pati karne pinagselosan ko, gosh ako ata ang sinasaniban.

"Alright. Calm down, baby." He smirked mysteriously. It feels like I just heard the most soothing music in the world every time he calls me baby.

He volunteered to wash the dishes so I just let him. I have nothing to do so I was the one placing the plates and the utensils on their respective areas but one plate suddenly slipped out of my grip, it made a irritable sound when it fell of the floor. Mabilis na nabasag ang plato.

I cursed silently and was about to pick the broken pieces on the floor but Jieven stopped me immediately. He held my hand and pulled me away.

"Sorry! Sorry!" I exclaimed.

He looked calm when his eyes settled on mine. "It's okay." He assured me before he simply picked up the broken pieces on the floor as if he was just picking a flower. It was so smooth, hindi ko namalayan na tapos na pala niyang linisin iyon.

He tsked and licked his lips while looking at me, a hint of perturb held his eyes. "You should be punished, baby. You're a bit careless, I won't tolerate things like that." He mumbled.

I bit my bottom lip and nodded. I deserve it so I won't counter attack him. "Okay. What punishment?"

"Hmm." He held his chin and looked up, like he was trying to think of something. He then looked at me with a meaningful grin on his face. "Close your eyes." He commanded.

"What kind of punishment will you do?" I asked, curious and confusion held my voice.

"Close it now, baby." He repeated instead of answering me so I just closed my eyes and wait for his punishment.

I stiffined when I felt a sudden flash of sting on my forehead. When I opened my eyes, Jieven welcomed me with his playful smirk. Pinitik niya lang naman ako at ang sakit 'non. Geez!

Wala sa sarili akong napahawak sa noo ko at hinimas 'yon. "Epal ka." I scoffed, my voice was full of sarcasm.

"Does it hurt?" He asked, acting innocent.

I then flicked his forehead. He looked shock but he didn't react like what I did.

"Is that it? Can't you do more?" He asked, looking so conceited.

"Napakayabang mo talaga!" I hissed and punched his chest but he just laughed and pulled me closer, he then kissed my forehead, the same spot he flicked.

The butterflies in my stomach danced aggresively. "There, it will heal now." He mumbled.

After that session in the kitchen, nagpaalam muna akong matutulog sa kwarto niya. He said okay and he'll stay in the living room because he need to read something. Alas kwatro na ng hapon ng magising ako pero umuulan pa rin. I went outside and I saw him sitting in the couch, He looked so serious while reading a book with his specs on.

"Hey." I greeted and sat beside him.

He looked up and smiled when he felt my presence. He then pulled me closer until our body touches one another. He put his left arm around my waist while the other one was busy holding his book.

"How was your sleep?" He asked without looking at me.

"It was good. What are you reading?"

"A book about business ethics." He simply answered before he closed the book and placed it on the coffee table. He dazzlingly smiled at me before he pulled me for a tight hug.

"I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you, baby.." he mumbled at the back of my ear. I felt his hot breath on my nape, making me gasped secretly. Geez, it sends shiver down to my spine.

"You're really in love with me huh?" I teased and wrapped my arms around his waist in return. His body shouts so much warmth, it was so overwhelming. I don't want to let go of him anymore.

"I do.." he whispered and planted a soft kiss on my cheek. "Please don't leave me, never break up with me, Tammy.."

I caressed his back and let out a laugh. "Hindi ko gagawin 'yon, baka ikaw."

"Oh, curse me in the depths of hell but I will never do that." He replied.

It made me smile and let go of the hug. He reached for the remote control before he turned on the tv.

"What do you want to watch?" He asked without looking at me. His eyes were settled on the tv screen.

"Jieven.." I swallowed hard when he turned his face to looked at me.

"Hmm?" He asked, still smiling.

"You do know that I'll be leaving after our graduation, right?"

His smile faded away instantly upon hearing what I've said. He pursed his lips before forcing himself to smile and gestured me to come closer to him. He then put his left arm on my shoulder as we leaned on the couch.

"Do you really wish to become a singer?" He asked without looking at me. His eyes were fixed on the tv. Something was playing there but I couldn't understand the movie. My attention was all focus on Jieven.

Ever since I was a kid, being a professional singer was already my greatest dream. I want to showcase my talent and I wish to inspire others using my music that was why I made a deal with my father. He really don't want me to be a singer, he said that I don't have a future in singing but I fought for it so I ended up making a deal to him.

My plans went well until Jieven came. Malinaw sa akin na aalis ako kaagad pero nagbago ang lahat nang dumating siya sa buhay ko. I don't want to leave him behind.

"Of course. I clearly said that to you." I answered, still looking at his alluring face. I was so smitten with this man. Geez.

He licked his bottom lip before nodding unconciously. "Alright." He said before meeting my gaze. "If that's what my baby wants then I'll support her in every way." He smiled sweetly afterwards.

I puffed a breath. I know this will be hard for the both of us but I believe that we could do this when we're together.

One time, while I was busy reviewing for my incoming quiz in the student lounge with my friends, I suddenly saw Joshua walking alone in the covered walk nearby. Mabilis akong tumayo kaya napunta sa akin ang atensyon ng mga kaibigan ko.

"Oh saan ka pupunta? Para kang makikipag-away ah." Claudine asked.

"I'll be back." I replied eyes still settled on Joshua and then run towards his direction.

"Hey! Josh!" I grabbed his arm, making him look back at me. His eyes widened in surprise but he compose himself instantly. I let go of his arm when he faced me.

"Can we talk?" I reluctantly asked. I hope he'd say yes, I badly want to talk to him. I want to explain my side. I want to enlighten him.

He smiled genuinely. "Kung tungkol 'yan sa nangyari noon, huwag kang mag-alala, ayos lang ako."

I was expecting him to be mad at me because I lied to him but he didn't. Joshua was too pure hearted, it was so rude of me because I caused him so much pain.

"Joshua, forgive—"

"Stop saying you're sorry, Tammy." He puffed a breath. "Hindi mo kasalanan na nahulog ka sa kanya, hindi kasalanan ang magmahal. If you're worried about me then drop it off. Ayos lang ako, huwag kang mag-alala." He assured me with a faint smile plastered on his face.

I suddenly had the urge to hug him because of what he said. He understood me, he was too good to be true. "Magkaibigan pa rin naman tayo di'ba?"

He nodded. "Oo naman. May.. isang hiling lang ako." He shyly scratched the back of his head.

"Ano 'yon? Anything, Joshua." My eyes flickered in excitement while waiting for his answer.

"Huwag kang iiyak nang dahil sa kan'ya pero kung sakaling umiyak ka man," he intentionally cut his own sentence and forced himself to smile before continuing. "Tawagan mo lang ako." After saying that, he left me there dumbfounded.

Today is our examination for our finals and while I was on my way to our classroom, someone grabbed my arm and dragged me somewhere. I just found myself at the back of the Med Building, pinned on the wall with Jieven in front of my face.

"What the—"

"Don't curse, baby." He playfully chuckled.

My forehead creased. "Why did you dragged me here? And why are you even here? You should be in your classroom now."

He grinned and leaned forward. Our face was just inches apart when he talked. "I need some motivation." He mumbled.

My brows furrowed a bit. "Motivation?"

Before I could even pushed his face away from me, I immediately claimed my lips. It was just a quick kiss. I punched his chest afterwards when I realized what he had done.

"Jieven! For heaven's sake, we're in the school's premises!"

"Don't shout, baby." He said with a playful smirk on his face. He stood straight after fixing his hair.

"Thank you for the motivation." Kinindatan niya ako. "That will serve as our kiss for this week." Dugtong niya pa.

Doon ko lang napagtanto na kiss ang tinutukoy niyang motivation. Geez.

I crossed my arms over my chest and furiously glared at him. "I wonder, ilang babae na ang nahalikan mo."

He grimaced. "Are you saying that I'm a fuck boy?"

"Ahuh? I never said that." I smirked when he frowned.

"I don't count them." He conceitedly said then put his hands inside his pockets.

Biglang kumulo ang dugo ko sa kaisipan na marami na siyang nahalikan. Fudge, that was gross.

"So marami na nga?" I arched a brow.

"Konti lang. Mga ganito." He gestured a little bit while using his thumb and index finger. He then laughed out loud when he glanced to see my reaction.

I grimaced in annoyance before I forcefully flicked his forehead, making him whimpered in pain.

"Aw!" He scowled and held his forehead.

"Ano? Aw aw aw ka d'yan. Aso ka?" Pagsusungit ko.

He narrowed his eyes on me. "Let's break up." He said with full of indignation. He was about to walk away but I blocked his way.

"Hey! I'm just kidding!"

"No, let's break up." He seriously said and whisked my arms when I held him. When I realized his actions, I let him walked away. Okay, let's play baby.

"Fine! Let's break up!" I yelled, making him stop from walking.

Before February 14, we already decided that we'd go to amusement park but I suddenly had the change of heart when I saw Jieven's situation. He was wearing a surgical mask when I entered his car.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

He coughed twice before nodding. He looked pale and weak. "I'm fine. Let's go?" His voice was a little bit trembling. He then started the engine after I put on my seatbelt.

"Let's just go to the pharmacy and stay in your condo. You're obviously not okay, Jieven." I said while observing his moves. He was wearing a gray sweater under the hot weather. Who in their right mind will believe that he's okay?

"Hey, I'm fine." He insisted. "It was just a sinple cough." His words were a little bit muffled because he was wearing a mask but I do understand him.

"Let's buy some medicine." I glared at him.

"No need. It's already here." He then reached for my hand and intertwined our fingers. I looked away to stifle a smile. I don't want him to see that it actually made me smile, he should only see my frowning face so he'll follow me but I failed to do it.

Huwag kang bibigay, Tammy.

"Kinilig ka?" He teased then coughed again when I didn't respond.

My smile faded away in a snap. I puffed a breath. "Huwag na tayong umalis."

"Aalis tayo." He said with finality, eyes still pierced on the road.

So because he was ill, we decided not to ride, we just played in the booths around and he agreed with me. Honestly, I had fun playing with him in the arcade. I just randomly thought that it was not about the things you did that makes you happy, it was about the person you are with whom you shared your happiness.

He turned his back and coughed consecutively while when we're on our way to buy ourselves some foods to eat. I made a sad smile when he glanced back at me.

"You'll be fine. Here, drink some." I handed him my bottled water. Tinanggap niya iyon at uminom. I unconsciously pushed his hair up while he was busy drinking dahil medyo nagulo iyon.

"Thank you, baby." Inabot niya sa akin ang bote pagkatapos. His eyes smiled at me even though I couldn't see his lips because of the mask.

"Always welcome. You hungry? You want me to feed you? Hmm?" I asked softly as I caressed his cheek covered with his mask.

He nodded before grabbing my hand and intertwined his fingers on mine. "Let's go find some food." He said and puffed a breath. "You don't have any idea how hard I'm trying to hold back myself." He mumbled and started walking again.

"Huh? Why are you holding back?" I asked inmocently.

I frowned when I saw how many girls were staring at Jieven while we're walking. Geez. Kasalanan din naman ni Jieven, he still loked dazzlingly charming even if he's sick! The girls were giggling while snatching glances of him. Jieven don't give any glimpse of attention to them though but I know that he could sense their malicious stares.

"I want to kiss you right now but I'm damn sick. Ayokong mahawa ka." He mumbled but I was able to hear it. "I want to claim my weekly kiss right now." He added.

My cheeks turned red as he squeezed my hand. Natatawa nalang ako kapag sinasabi niya 'yung weekly kiss, talagang sineryoso niya.

"Willing akong mahawa." I joked and shrugged off my shoulders.

"Really?" He asked, looking amused. His eyes darkened and held excitement.

"Yeah, come on, give me your best shot." I menacingly said and was about to remove his surgical mask when he stopped my hand mid air and shook his head in disapproval.

"Stop being bluntly, Tammy."

"Wow! Coming from you? Parang sinabi mo lang kanina na gusto mo akong halikan ah—" he instantly covered my mouth using his hands.

"They might hear you, baby." He playfully chuckled before dragging me. "I'll just claim it when I'm done with this damn cough so apparently, it'll be two kiss for next week." He said with a mysterious smile on his face.

"You want more?" Jieven asked and showed me his waffle. We're sitting pretty in one of the benches around the amusement park.

Nangunot ang noo ko nang mapansin na hindi man lang siya kumagat sa waffle niya. "Ayaw mo kumain? Don't you like waffles? "Should we buy another food?" I asked, brows a bit furrowed. Mukhang wala siyang ganang kumain.

"No, I'm already full." He replied. He already removed his mask so I was able to see his alluring face.

"You didn't even eat anything! How can you say you're full?"

"I was enjoying watching you while you eat yours, I'm already contented with that." He casually answered.

"Just say that you don't want waffles." I snorted and snatched the waffle away from his grip. I rolled my eyes when he tried to smile at me. I'm not upset because he didn't eat his waffle, geez, I was upset because he didn't eat anything! Paano siya gagaling niyan? Paano siya lalakas?

"Who said I don't like waffles? I love them." He grabbed his waffles from me and took a bite on it. He even closed his eyes while chewing it. After a few seconds, his eyes met mine. "Oh God, this is the best." He said.

I unconsciously smiled.

We were welcomed by a heavy rainfall when Monday came. Right after our lunch time, I went to the library to return the books I borrowed last week but when I was about to step outside, the library door opened, revealing Natasja, looking so conceited.

She arched a brow when our gaze met. Mabilis akong umiwas ng tingin at lumabas pero kaagad niyang nahawakan ang braso ko, making me stop from moving.

"How dare you do that?" She asked, furiously.

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