The End of Daylight

Walk with me

—

"Why are you here, Joshua?"

Kunot noo ko siyang tinignan. He just suddenly popped up behind me, who wouldn't be surprised right?

"I'm just checking on you." He answered and his eyes landed on Jieven beside me. "Bro," he acknowledged his presence by slowly nodding his head. Jieven did the same.

So, magkakilala pala sila? Good for them.

"Kailangan ba ako sa backstage? Sa booth? Tawag ba ako ni Aly?" Sunod sunod na tanong ko. I'm starting to get paranoid. Baka kanina pa pala nila ako hinahanap. It would be such a disappointment, I'm part of the council but I'm not acting as one.

"Hindi, hindi," he shook his head. "Kalma, hinanap lang talaga kita."

"Okay." I sighed in relief. Akala ko hinahanap na nila ako. Ang init kasi sa backstage kaya ayokong tumambay doon and I also want to watch the concert so no one can stop me.

"So ano, tara na balik?" Joshua held my arm and was about to dragged me but Jieven immediately grabbed my other arm to stop us. I swallowed hard and glared at them, looking a bit confused.

"We're still talking, Joshua." Jieven glared at him seriously while brows furrowed. He did talked using his deep and firm tone.

"Really?" Balik na tanong ng isa.

"Yes." His eyes were flickering in fierce.

"Pero mukhang kailangan na siya sa backstage eh." Nang-aasar ang boses ni Joshua.

Bigla akong napatingin sa kanya. Ha? Kailangan ako sa backstage? I thought—

"She will follow. We still need to talk." Pagpupumilit naman ni Jieven. My eyes settled on him and I was confused to see his dark aura.

"Kailangan na kailangan na talaga siya eh." Joshua insisted. My eyes went back to him with my forehead creased. Hindi ko mawari kung nagsisinungaling ba siya o nagsasabi ng totoo dahil may pang-aasar ang boses niya. Really? What is he up to?

"Wait!" I exclamied when I lost my control. I slowly removed both of their grip on me. I pulled out my wallet and took some cash.

Duh, I can't get my popcorn if they are holding both of my hands.

"Thank you po, Ate." Nginitian ko ang babaeng nagtinda sa akin. Inabot ko ang bayad ko at inabot niya naman sa akin ang isang bucket nang nakasupot na popcorn.

I let out a deep sigh before looking at Jieven and Joshua. I glared at them defiantly before gesturing to follow me and to surprise me, they did.

"Oh, gusto niyo?" I offered them the popcorn but they both declined so I just shrugged. Baka busog pa sila.

"Joshua," I called his attention after a moment.

He smiled at me, waiting for my next words. I leaned closer to him so I could whisper near his ear. "Do you really need me in the backstage?"

He laughed a bit before shaking his head. "Hindi. Gusto lang kitang makausap. Bakit kasama mo si Jieven?" Bulong niya pabalik. His voice held so much confusion.

"He's my friend." I whispered.

I winced a bit when Jieven cleared his throat. Mukha atang naririnig niya kami kaya umayos na ako ng tayo and acted like nothing really happened.

"Joshua, just call me if you need me at the booth or in the backstage okay? I'm just gonna give this to Claudine then I will follow afterwards." I simply said without looking at him. When I glanced at Jieven, I gave him a sweet cute smile. He just shot up a brow on me and tsked.

"Okay, copy boss." Joshua playfully answered.

Bigla namang tumunog ang cellphone na nasa bulsa niya. I think someone texted him. Maya maya pa ay alanganin siyang ngumiti sa akin.

"What is it?" I worriedly asked.

"May pinapakuha si Sir Darwin sa akin sa office, alis muna ako saglit."

Tumango ako. "Go, take care." I tapped his shoulders. He smiled at me before looking at Jieven, he nods at him as a sign of goodbye. Mabilis na nawala sa paningin namin si Joshua.

"Sorry about that, na-op ka ba?" Tanong ko kay Jieven nang makaalis si Joshua.

He shot up a brow. "Why would I?"

"Well, I just thought." I shrugged my shoulders. Sungit na naman. Sometimes, I don't get him. One minute, he was serious then after a second he was being playful then after that he was grumpy. What a bipolar person. Geez.

Pagbalik namin sa dati naming pwesto ay masaya ng nagkakantahan sila Czoren kasama ang mga kaibigan ko. I bet they introduced themselves while we were away from them.

"Oh," I gave the popcorn to Claudine. She giggled and hugged me in return. I made a disgusted face but I still hugged her back. Mas matangkad ako sa kanya ng kaunti kaya tumama sa mukha ko ang buhok niya.

"Sarap ng buhok mo ah." I teased.

The concert went smoothly well. Magkakasama na kami habang nanonood dahil hindi naman umalis sila Jieven. He was just standing beside me, nasa harapan namin sila Czoren, Kalen, Claudine, Kendra at Maegan na nagkakantahan habang nakaakbay pa sa isa't isa.

"Aren't you going to join them?" Jieven asked me all of a sudden. When I looked at him, his eyes were glistening in amusement while looking at the band in front. My heart beat suddenly went wild upon seeing his drop dead gorgeous face. He was emotionless but those hazelnut eyes held so much emotion.

Binalik ko nalang ang tingin sa harapan at pinakalma ang sarili ko. This emotion is strange and I don't want to entertain any of it. Pinagtuonan ko nalang ng pansin ang banda, babae naman ngayon ang vocalist.

"No, masyadong mainit tapos makikipagsiksikan pa ako so it's a no. How 'bout you?" I answered after a moment.

"Nah, I prefer like this."

"Like what?" I asked without looking at him. We were just casually talking while watching the band.

"Me beside you. I prefer like that." He swiftly answered.

My throat suddenly went dry. Mas lalong nagwala ang halimaw sa dibdib ko. My goodness gracious.

"Ano bang sinasabi mo?" I asked using my normal voice. Sa pagkakataong ito ay tinignan ko na siya.

"Don't mind me." He smiled.

My eyes narrowed on him until I suddenly realized one thing. "Wait, did you join the parade? Hindi kita nakita! Tumakas ka 'no?"

He let out a small laugh while looking at me with disbelief. "You easily accused me from the things I have never done."

"Then where are you?" I shot up a brow.

"There were a lot a students in the parade, how can you see me if you're busy wandering around like a police captain?"

I gasped. "Really? I looked like a police captain?" Bigla akong nakaramdam ng hiya, ganun na ba ang itsura ko kanina?

"More than that, actually." He replied.

Hinampas ko ang sikmura niya kaya natawa siya. "Kapal ng mukha mo."

He just laughed. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero napangiti ako habang nakikita ko siyang tumatawa.

Moments passed like a wind. I was just looking at the band while they are performing in front. They looked so professional well in fact, we are just all college students in the same university.

A faint smile formed on my lips when I heard the first beat of the song that they will sing. Walk with me from Midnight Sun. I really like that song.

I'm smiling like an idiot while humming. I can feel my heart, it was beating so fast. The feeling of excitement and happiness are spreading all over my system, music really makes me feel alive.

I tried to refrain myself from singing but I failed. I was just looking at the band while singing, mumbling the lyrics secretly but then I paused midway when I felt something strange. I glanced at Jieven beside me and our gaze met. He was staring at me unconciously with his arms crossed over his chest. I was so surprised when I caught him. He then looked away and licked his bottom lip to contain himself back.

"You're a great singer." He mumbled without looking at me.

In the darkest sky, I feel so alive.

"Thanks." I whispered, enough for him to hear it.

"Hi guys! So, live tayo ngayon dito sa open field ng school namin at tignan niyo! May liveband sa harap!"

Sabay kaming napatingin ni Jieven kila Czoren na nasa harapan namin. Nasa likuran niya ang apat na itlog at kumakaway sa cellphone nito. He's holding a monopad with his cellphone on it. I don't know where the freak he got that.

"Kasalukuyan nilang kinakanta ang theme song ng the midnight sun at talaga namang sobrang ganda! As in!" Czoren exclaimed. He looked so adorable. He's too attractive yet playful.

"Sandali nga!" Maegan stopped. "Vlogger ka ba o reporter? Para kang nagbabalita sa tv ah!"

"Maegan don't be so killjoy nga!" Kendra grabbed Maegan's arm so she could join them in the frame. "Just say hi to the camera!" Kendra smiled and waved her hand.

"Hi Camera!" Megan looked so pissed. She smiled then frowned afterwards.

"Wait, ilan na ba viewers mo ha?" Claudine asked.

"Ah teka," inilapit ni Czoren ang cellphone sa kanya.

"Yey! Zero Viewers!"

"Tanga!" Binatukan siya ni Kalen. Naiinis na umalis sa frame ang apat at sinamaan ng tingin si Czoren.

"Luh, ang aarte, parang kanina lang pakaway kaway pa." Czoren pouted as if someone betrayed him. He closed his phone while the others were laughing at him. I shook my head and nudged Czoren a bit. He looked at me and I playfully winked at him.

"Buksan mo ulit, tara maglive." I smiled to cheer him up. Alam ko namang nagbibiro lang siya. He's too cute, it's impossible for him not to get any attention from the social media.

The next day, I got up early because it was Saturday. Nakaramdam kaagad ako ng uhaw kaya mabilis akong bumaba. Nagulat nalang ako dahil pagbukas ko ng ilaw sa kitchen ay nakatayo si Tamara malapit sa refrigerator. I almost had an heart attack! Geez!

"Hoy! Bakit gising ka na?" I exclaimed. I looked at the wall clock and it's 4:30 in the morning. Ang aga pa. Bakit gising na ang batang ito?

"Ate, I'm hungry!" She pouted while her other hand was caressing her small tummy. Hawak niya sa isang kamay ang stuff toy niyang si Sofia, from Sofia the First in Disney Channel.

"Gutom ka?" I slowly walked towards her, opened the fridge and reached for the tasty bread.

"Ate no! Raisins! I don't like it!" She hissed and shook his head countless of times.

I looked at her in disbelief. "Ang arte arte mo Tamara ah!" Binalik ko ang tasty bread with raisin. White bread nalang ang kinuha ko at isang palaman.

"Yey!" She jumped in excitement. Nilapag ko ang tinapay at palaman sa lamesa. Saglit akong naghugas ng kamay bago ito binalikan. Umupo siya sa upuan at pinanood ako habang hinahandaan ko siya ng pagkain.

"Tamara." I called her attention.

"Yes?" She answered without looking at me. Napako ang tingin niya sa ginagawa ko.

"Why are you so fussy? I'm not like that when I was a kid."

Nawala ang ngiti sa labi niya at napanguso nalang pero hindi na siya sumagot pa. Her eyes were glistening in astonishment while watching my moves.

"Oh kainin mo. You want milk?" Inabot ko sa kanya ang tinapay pagkatapos. She instantly took a bite on it and giggled.

"Ayaw po." She answered while chewing.

"Okay." I shrugged my shoulders. Kumuha ako ng baso at uminom ng tubig habang pinapanood ko ang kapatid kong kumakain.

Nang matapos siyang kumain ay pinainom ko siya ng tubig bago ko siya hinatid sa kwarto niya. Pinahiga ko siya sa kama niya at kinumutan. I was about to leave but I remembered something.

Mabilis akong lumingon. "Hoy! You better sleep, don't watch sofia yet! Do you understand me?" Mahirap na. Tamara is so hard headed, mamaya imbes na matulog ay manood nalang siya. Not getting enough sleep is bad for our health.

She nodded twice and waved her small hand. "Goodnight ate!"

I smiled and shook my head. She doesn't have any idea that it's already morning.

Pagkabalik sa kwarto ay mabilis na akong nagtoothbrush at nagbihis. Alas singko na nang makalabas ako ng bahay. Simpleng white fitted shirt, black leggings and black rubber shoes lang ang suot ko. I put my hair in a ponytail, I also brought some clothes. I don't have plans on jogging today, pupunta ako sa gym.

Pumasok ako sa kotse dahil ihahatid ako ni Manong Adrian. I was just looking outside the window when suddenly my phone beeped. I pulled it out from my bag and checked my ig.

acostajieven: Jogging?

I smiled unconciously.

TammyXR: Nah, I'm on my way to gym now.

Mabilis niyang naseen iyon at nagtipa ng sagot. Wala pang isang minuto ay natanggap ko na.

acostajieven: Where?

TammyXR: Platinum Fitness

Naseen niya kaagad pero hindi siya nagreply. Typing pa rin siya. Isang minuto na ang nakalipas pero lulubog lilitaw ang typing niya. Seriously? Binubura niya ba ang tinatype niya?

My phone almost fell on my grip when I read his message.

acostajieven: I'll see you there.

"Thank you, Manong." Anas ko bago bumaba ng kotse. "Itetext ko po kayo kapag magpapasundo na ako." Pahabol ko pa at tuluyan ng lumabas.

Pagpasok sa loob ay wala pang gaanong tao but there are some. Most of them are boys and they turned their gaze on me when I entered. I smiled awkwardly before walking inside. Nilapag ko ang bag ko sa gilid at nagsimulang mag-exercise sa treadmill. Hindi na ako bago dito, kapag tinatamad akong magjogging ay dito ako pumupunta.

"You're an early bird."

I instantly looked back only to see Jieven watching me with a wide grin plastered on his lips. I almost stumbled when I saw him behind me. He laughed at me before pressing the start button of the treadmill beside mine.

"Why did you come here anyway?" I asked without looking at him. Mayroong mirror wall sa harapan namin kaya doon ako nakatingin sa reflection niya. He was wearing a simple white shirt, black sweatpants and white rubber shoes. He still looks good with it, how could he do that?

"Because you said you'd be here." He simply answered.

I bit the insides of my cheek to stufle a smile. "So what if I'm here?"

"Ang dami mong tanong." Reklamo niya. I shot up a brow, lowkey looking at him in disbelief but I didn't respond, he did not bother talking to me anymore so I did the same.

Nagpatuloy ako sa treadmill hanggang sa magsawa ako. Saglit akong nag-unat ng katawan saka lumipat sa stationary bike. I glanced at Jieven and he was busy carrying the dumbbells. We have our own worlds, walang nag-abala sa aming kausapin ang isa't isa.

I can't help but to praise his body while watching hin secretly. He really had broad shoulders and his biceps were well sculpted. Even the veins on his hands were visible everytime he carry the dumbbells. And I greatly knew that behind that shirt of his, doon nagtatago ang abs niya. I saw it in the picture, alam kong may tinatago siya.

I blinked thrice upon realizing what I've done. Bigla atang uminit dahil mas lalo akong pinagpawisan. Handa na akong mag-iwas ng tingin nang biglang lumingon si Jieven. Our gaze met and it was too late for me to look away, he gave me a playful smirk.

Nang magsawa ulit ako ay umupo muna ako sa gilid. Sa tabi ng shoulder bag ko ay nandoon ang black duffel bag niya. After a minute of refreshing, I decided to take a bath. I feel sticky so I stood up and walked towards him while holding my bag.

"Ligo na 'ko." I mumbled and turned my back at him. I don't know why I'm telling him that, I just felt the urge that I should tell it to him.

"Sabay na tayo."

Mabilis akong napalingon. "What the?"

Sabay kaming maliligo? He raised a brow. Amusement manifested on his face while looking at me, he then smirked afterwards.

"You got a dirty mind, Tammy." Kinuha niya ang bag niya sa sulok at iniwan akong tulala. Nauna siyang pumasok sa shower room.

Oh my goodness. I got it the wrong way. Sasabay lang pala siya sa pagpunta. Oh my goodness. This is so embarrassing.

Tumakbo na ako papasok sa restroom dahil sa hiya. Mabilis lang naman akong naligo at nagpalit. I went out wearing a red plain designer crop top paired with white high waisted shorts and white sandals. I looked around only to see Jieven sitting in the waiting area. He was wearing a simple black michael kors shirt, he tucked it in his black trousers and paired it with his white shoes.

"Why are you still here?" I asked when I reached him.

"I'm waiting for Christmas."

"What?" My forehead creased.

"Obviously, I'm waiting for you, Tammy." Masungit na sagot niya sa akin. He stood up and eyed me from head to toe, then his brows furrowed a bit afterwards.

"You're showing too much skin." He bluntly said.

"Do you expect me to wear long sleeves, pants and shoes?" I laughed. "You must be kidding me, Jieven."

The side of his lips rose, amused by me. "Are you going home?" He changed the topic after a moment of silence.

"Nah. Maggrogrocery ako for myself and for my little sister."

"Let's go."

"Ano? Sasama ka na naman?"

Parang gusto kong sampalin ang sarili ko dahil sa sinabi ko. Ilang beses kong minura ang bunganga ko dahil sa ginawa ko. Damn. I'm not even thinking! I think I offended him a little bit.

"Uh I mean, yeah, okay, let's go." Ako na mismo ang humawak sa braso niya at hinila siya palabas ng gym.

"You don't want me here. It would be better if I leave—"

"It would be better if you'd come with me, right? I knew it! Yeah, so let's go together! We will go and shop together, okay?"

I felt so guilty! I feel like I hurt him a bit, words could really kill. Oh my goodness. How could I act this way towards him? He did nothing to harm me for heaven's sake! Ayoko pa namang nakakaramdam ng ganito. It feels like I killed someone emotionally and mentally.

Tumaas ang isang sulok ng labi niya. "You're too transparent, Tammy."

I gulped. "What do you mean?"

Umiling iling lang siya at hindi sumagot kaya ako na ang nagtanong para matapos na ito.

"Where's your car? We should go to the mall!" I closed my eyes in embarrassment, I looked so playful. This is really not me but need to boost up the mood between us.

"There, relax, breathe." He pointed a certain direction, I followed his finger and I saw a Red Mercedes Benz. Mabilis akong nagpunta doon. Umilaw ang kotse kaya mabilis akong nakapasok sa loob.

I'm trying to catch my breath while I was there waiting for him to come. He smirked when he saw me inside while panting, he played with his cheek using his tongue. He then started the engine and glanced at me.

"Anong problema mo?" He asked with brows furrowed.

Right, what's my problem anyway?

"Wala," I smiled awkwardly. "Gutom lang ako. Ikaw? Aren't you hungry?"

"I am and I want some pasta."

"I want fries, sa fast food nalang tayo kumain." I suggested and he simply nodded.

Nagsimula siyang magmaneho. Sa pinakamalapit na mall na kami nagpunta dahil iyon ang sabi ko. Nagpark lang siya at sabay na kaming pumasok sa loob. Nagdesisyon kaming kumain muna dahil pareho kaming gutom.

Mamaya siya ang kainin ko eh.

We decided to eat at the first fast food restaurant we saw upon entering the mall. I just ordered a cheeseburger, regular fries and pineapple juice. Pasta at coke naman ang sa kanya. I feel so tired so I need some foods like this.

"I'm just wondering," he started the topic while waiting for our order. He fixed his hair using his fingers before talking again. "Do you have a boyfriend?"

"A boyfriend?" I repeated, unsure if I heard it right.

"Yeah. You're a perfect ideal woman—"

I giggled secretly. "Am I?"

Hindi ko napigilan ang pamumula ng pisngi ko. He was the first man who told me that thing.

"Nevermind, just answer my question. Things might turn the table, so what's your answer? Do you have a boyfriend?" He curiously asked while playing with the tissue on the table.

Kahit hindi ko maintindihan ang sinabi niya ay umiling nalang ako. "I don't have. Bawal eh, magagalit si Daddy. Manganganib pangarap ko. Manganganib din buhay nung boyfriend ko."

His forehead creased, eyes were questioning me. He pursed his lips, I think he wanted to say something but he chose not to talk so I made the first move.

"Okay, this is the truth." I sighed. "I value my voice very much, it's my angel in disguise. I don't want to blabber this around but I do know that I have a future in singing that's why right after I graduated I'll be going to London and apply as a trainee in a famous music industry there but I can only do that if I will follow my Daddy's rules."

"What are the rules?"

"Simple." I smirked. He was just merely listening to me. "I just need to be a dean's lister until I graduated and strictly no boyfriend."

"Anong klaseng rules 'yan? That's absurd." He looked irritated.

"Well, it's just simple. I can do it." I sipped my pineapple juice and shrugged. "That's why I don't entertain boys, bawal din at iiwan ko rin sila sa huli kasi aalis ako."

He was about to speak but his phone rang. Nakapatong iyon sa lamesa namin kaya sabay kaming napatingin doon.

Natasja Calling...

He looked back at me and our gaze met. I shot up a brow when he stared at me for such a long time, as if asking for my permission if he is allowed to answer the call.

"Hindi mo sasagutin?" I asked and took a glimpse of his phone. It kept on ringing, making me massage the side of my head because the noise coming from it makes my head hurt a bit.

He let out a small smile before dropping the call. My eyes widened in surprise. I was about to scold him but he immediately cut me off.

"I'm talking to you. I don't want someone to interrupt us."

Kumunot ang noo ko. Someone huh? Parang hindi niya ex 'yung tumawag kung tawagin niyang someone. Well, if he perceived her that way then I have nothing to do with that.

Pagkatapos kumain ay naglakad na kami papunta sa supermarket. People, especially ladies keep on looking and glancing at us. It makes me feel uncomfortable at some point.

"Why are they keep looking at us? Pangit ba ako o gwapo ka lang?" I mumbled at Jieven, a bit annoyed of what is happening. He really looked dazzlingly handsome with his simple clothes. It was eye catching so surely, these ladies are already drooling over him.

He laughed. "Just don't mind them."

"Usog ka nga doon konti," I pushed him softly. We are too close to one another that I could even smell his scent.

He looked at me, confused. "What are you doing?"

"People keep on staring. Naiilang ako." I confessed the truth.

He laughed but instead of following me he teased me by pulling my arm and our bodies hit one another. I glared at him with disbelief, he just shrugged and licked his lower lip to tease me more. I just rolled my eyes and let him do what he wants.

He's being playful again.

Napadaan kami sa Game Kingdom at dahan dahang bumagal ang lakad niya. I looked at him and he was staring at it unconciously. Ah, siguro may naalala.

Binalikan ko siya at biglang inakbayan. "Happy memories could make someone sad too, right? Do you agree with me?"

He chuckled. "Let's just go." Nauna na siyang maglakad kaya naiwan akong tulala. Mabilis naman akong sumunod sa kanya.

Si Jieven ang nagtutulak ng cart. Good thing we left our bag at the baggage area so I was just holding my cellphone and wallet, it made me more convenient while shopping. Napadaan kami sa mga candies and chocolates. Kinuhanan ko ng chocolates si Tamara pero 'yung sakto lang.

"Are you going to eat all of that?" He curiously asked.

"Jieven," I sighed and looked at him. "Are you even serious?" I asked dramatically. How could he come up with that conclusion? Sa tingin niya kaya kung ubusin 'yon eh kasasabi ko lang na inaalagaan ko ang boses ko?

The side of his lips rose. "I'm serious. How about you?" He smirked, obviously teasing me.

"It's for my little sister okay?" I sighed in disbelief. Talagang inakala niyang para sa akin 'yon? Oh my gosh.

"Okay." he shrugged.

Kumuha din ako ng isang supot ng chocolate candies for my classmates and friends. They keep on bugging me and asking for candies. Nakita kasi nila noon na marami akong chocolate at candy sa bag, they did not know they came from my suitors. I don't want to brag about it so I pretend that it was from me. And to prevent them from getting disappointed, I always buy chocolate candies.

I smirked when I saw one pack of fres candy. I glanced at Jieven and he was busy looking at the chocolate bars, I took that chance to put the candy on the cart. Nilagay ko iyon sa ilalim at pinatungan para hindi makita.

"You know what," he started a topic. I almost jumped when I saw him looking at me. Nahuli niya kaya ako?

"What?" I asked nervously. Pinakalma ko ang sarili ko para hindi niya ako mahalata.

He smirked playfully. "I just realized that when you smile, your tounge goes backwards."

Nacurious ako sa sinabi niya kaya sinubukan kong gawin. I smiled but my tounge remained the same.

"Beautiful.." he whispered.

What the?

Nawala ang ngiti ko nang marealized kong pinagtritripan niya lang ako. Mabilis ko siyang sinuntok sa balikat kaya napaaray siya pero tinawanan lang niya ako.

I also bought some white bread and cheese spread for Tamara. And when I saw some strawberries, apples and banana's, I started getting some and put them on the cart. I don't know. I feel like a mother who cares for her family so much that I'm willing to buy anything for them.

"Hey calm down," Jieven panicked a little while arranging the fruits in the cart, malapit ng mapuno 'yon.

"Wait, I think I should buy some milk for Tamara. What do you think?" I looked at him intently in the eye.

His brows furrowed a bit. "Does she want milk?"

Shoot! Ayaw nga pala ni Tamara ng gatas, I remembered how she refuse to drink when I asked her if she wanted some.

"Oh see? Bili ka ng bili wala namang kakain." He said then looked at the cart. "This? Are you sure about this? This is too much." He bragged and frowned.

"It's okay, don't worry." I assured him. He just shrugged. Nagpatuloy ako sa paghahanap ng maaring mabili at nakasunod lang naman siya. I smiled when I realized that he was being practical a while ago. He even panicked a little. Akala ko siya 'yung tipong palagastos, hindi pala.

"Hey." My eyes widened in surprise when he pulled me closer to him. Our bodies touched one another and I could smell his manly perfume because of our narrowed distance. Nakalapat sa likuran ko ang dibdib niya na nagbigay ng dahilan para magwala ang puso ko.

Mabilis na may dumaan sa gilid namin na lalaki at may tulak tulak na cart. Kung hindi niya ako nahila kaagad ay siguradong natamaan ako 'non.

"What the fuck is wrong with that man?" He mumbled, his voice held so much rage.

"Hey, chill." Mabilis akong humakbang paatras sa kanya. My heart beat quickened with the thought of our position earlier. Geez. That was awkward.

Jieven nodded before letting out a heavy sigh. "Are you okay?" He asked instead.

"Yeah, thanks to you." I smiled.

I tried so bad to compose and to calm myself while he's beside me. Pinagsawalang bahala ko ang nararamdaman. We continued shopping while talking about random things.

"How did we end up like this?" I suddenly asked Jieven while looking at the beverages, searching for del monte juice drink in can.

"Like what?"

"Like this. Yesterday, we don't know each other but today, we're going out like a couple."

My eyes widened.

"Like bestfriends, I mean! Bestfriends!" I sounded so defensive. My goodness.

Natawa naman siya. "Because you gave me your ice cream."

I looked at him intently in the eye. "What if I didn't gave you my ice cream? Would things go differently?"

"Probably," he shurgged.

Umiwas ako ng tingin dahil naging tahimik siya. Maybe if I didn't saw them breaking up in the garden that time, things would surely go differently between us.

"But I'm glad you that gave me your ice cream.." he mumbled but I was able to hear it.

I was left dumbfounded after that. Nakatulala nalang ako habang naglalakad na kami ni Jieven palabas ng mall. He volunteered to carry the plastic bags so I let him. Paglabas namin ng mall ay natanaw ko hindi sa kalayuan ang isang matandang lalaki na namamalimos. He's dirty and old. I felt a sudden ache while looking at him.

"Wait," I mumbled. Jieven stopped walking and looked at me with his face held confusion. Tinignan niya ang tinitignan ko kaya natigilan din siya.

"Let's go back inside." He mumbled all of a sudden.

I let him lead the way, I was just following him until we reached a certain cafe. "Let's give him some foods, he's definitely starving." He suggested before putting down the plastic bags on the table.

"Yeah." I nodded.

I smiled unconciously. Pinaupo niya muna ako sa isang gilid at sinabing hintayin ko siya. I am just watching him while he was busy waiting in the counter. Jieven is too good. Hindi mo mapapansin na may soft side siya and his soft side is really the best. It makes me feel weak. It could be the weakness of anyone.

Bumalik kami kay lolo at pinanood ko lang kung paano niya ibigay ang pagkain dito. After that, we left, it was almost sunset when he decided to drive me home and I agreed. Daddy is not home anyway, he is in Pampanga because of a certain case he's still working on so Jieven is safe.

Tahimik lang kami sa byahe hanggang sa huminto siya sa harap ng bahay. He still couldn't see our house since our gate is too high. 14 feet ata 'yon kung hindi ako nagkakamali.

"Thanks for the ride. Ako na magbaba ng mga pinamili. Don't go out, baka mahagip ka sa cctv." I warned him and he just nodded like a kid.

Palabas na ako nang bigla akong may maalala. I turned my gaze on him. He looked at me and smiled but his eyes were questioning me.

"Can you do me a favor next time?"

His forehead creased. "What favor?"

Binuksan ko ang shoulder bag ko at kinuha ko ang fres candy.

"Here," I handed him the candy.

He accepted it and flipped the candy to read the message.

"Smile for me?" He looked up with amusement in his eyes. Hindi ko mawari kung natatawa siya o naasar. "You're really unbelievable, Tammy." He licked his lower lip and looked away while laughing. Hindi ko alam pero parang hinaplos ang puso ko nang marinig ko ang tawa niya.

I let out a small smile and tapped his shoulders. "Okay? That's our deal okay? Smile for me next time okay?"

I didn't wait for his answer anymore, I went our of his car. I opened the compartment and closed it after getting the plastic bags. I knocked on his shotgun window to signal him that I'm already done.

I just waved my hand while looking at his car driving away from our home. Bigla namang tumunog ang cellphone kong nasa bulsa ko kaya tinignan ko iyon.

acostajieven: :)

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