𝐊𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐀 𝟐𝟕 | 𝐌𝐈𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐃

𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐑𝐀

''Where should I put this?'' For the fifth time, Zander delivered a huge crate to the room given to me. Hinawi ko ang kamay ko sa tapat niya't tinuro ang pinakamalapit na mesa para naman hindi siya mahirapan. Real talk lang. Ako ang nakakapagod sa pabalik-balik niya rito.

Dumako ang paningin ko sa panibagong damit na sa suot ko. It's a top made of thin silk filled with laces. The sleeves are long and end with a circular flounce. At the same time, my bottom is a simple plain cream long skirt. I tied my hair in a side braid adorned with ribbon and golden butterfly hair clips from Arthur.

Isang malalim na buntong hininga ang pinakawalan ko habang nakatitig sa magarbo't mataas na kisame ng silid. Maaliwalas ang silid dahil kulay puti ito na may halong pilak. The bed where I'm laying is also huge, has majestic headboard, and hanging curtains above. Tumagilid ako upang makita ang ginagawa ni Zander dahil kanina pa kasi siya pabalik-balik dito sa loob.

My attention shifted to the crates that he was delivering back to back here in the room. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali ay ito ang mga hawak nila Ryder kanina. Palihim akong sumilip kanina dahil curious ako kung ano'ng laman pero hindi ko masyadong makita ang loob. All I know is that all of those are given to me as their token of gratitude.

''Magpahinga ka nga muna. Please lang. Ako ang napapagod sa'yo.'' He wiped his forehead using his palm. He leans on the wall and catches his breath. Imbes na makinig sa sinabi ko ay muli niyang binitbit ang dala niyang crate at inayos.

''The High Priest cried because of joy. It lifted his mood because Uno said they argued because of you.'' I can feel the tension in Zander's voice. I held my chest without breaking eye contact with him.

''Ba't parang kasalanan ko?'' My response reminded of that meme of Bobbie from Four Sisters and a Wedding. Ako lang ang natawa sa sinabi ko't pumalakpak pa ako na parang timang. Zander scans my face as if he's thinking of taking me to mental institution tomorrow. Tinikom ko na lamang ang mga labi ko at pinanood ang mga binubuhat niya.

''By the way, Jaxon heard that you were tired so he gave you this.'' Zander went out and when he came back he was holding a huge bouquet of crystalized roses. Tinitigan ko siya at hinintay ang susunod niyang gagawin. I didn't know if I heard it right. Tama ba ang pangalan na narinig ko? Ang dami kong lalaki rito, nalilito na ako sa mga mukha't pangalan nilang lahat.

''Ryger and Sayge want to give you something too. They told me to give you these separately.'' My jaw dropped when he went outside and came back holding another two buquotes of tulips and roses. Hindi ko rin alam kung saan ko na ipapatong ang lahat ng mga binibigay nila sa akin.

''Jaxon? The mute scholar from the Academy?'' I ask. Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Zander at inabot niya sa akin ang hawak niyang dedication card. May nakasulat doon ngunit katulad ng inaasahan ay hindi ko mabasa. I looked up to Zander's face, demanding him to read it for me.

''You are as beautiful as a sunset yet your distance is like a moon's, near but hard to reach. Love, Jaxon.'' Saglitan na tinitigan ni Zander ang hawak niyang dedication card. It was made of golden paper filled with glitter. ''How did you meet Jaxon by the way? So you knew that he was mute. You do sign language?''

Hindi ko sinagot ang tanong ni Zander habang sapo-sapo ko ang aking noo. Sa halip ay tumayo ako ng kama para titigan ang mga crates, sweets at bouquet na pinagtabi tabi niya't pinatong sa maliit na mesa sa gilid ng aking kama. Muli siyang lumabas at sigurado akong pagbalik niya ay may panibagong bagay uli siyang ipapasok dito sa loob.

Even Jaxon gave me a bouquet! Ryger and Sayge have the same idea of giving me gifts behind each other's backs! Ang dami ko ng mga lalaki, mhie! 'Wag na kayo dumagdag please!

''If you don't feel good, you can sleep again.'' Right as I thought, Zander came back carrying new crates. I found it amusing that he could carry stacks of crates, those looked heavy.

''I'll sleep again later,'' I told him. Tumayo ako upang makita ang bawat bagay na dinadala niya rito. ''What are you doing? You should take a rest.''

Umiling ako sa kaniya bilang tugon. ''I said I'll sleep again later. Besides, I don't want them to get offended. Giving me gifts yet I didn't open single of them.'' Ngumuso ako sa kaniya para buksan ang isa sa mga crate.

''The men of the waves love to spoil,'' he said. Naiwang nakalukot ang noo ko dahil hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit gano'n ang tawag nila sa mga kalalakihan na 'yon. I mean, they have their own names, Ryder, Sayge, and Kelvis.

Zander chuckles, probably because he noticed my facial expression. Hindi kasi talaga ako magaling magtago ng mukha, mhie. Example na lang na kapag hindi ko feel ang tao, makikita talaga sa mukha ko. Hindi kasi ako plastik.

''Why are you laughing?'' I squinted my eyes at him. Alam ko naman na kung ba't niya ako tinatawanan, gusto ko lang na sa kaniya mismo manggaling. He carefully opened the thin wrapper that covers each crate. Even the way Zander's hands move and open things has some sort of pattern. Naiwan akong nakatitig sa maugat niyang kamay dahil siguro sa kakatrabaho niya. I heard he is Uno's right hand, that's why I often see him working and doing paperworks.

''Oh, it's snacks and sweets from Vrenniomar. Have you tried these?'' Bumunot siya ng isa at tinaas upang ipakita sa akin. Magsalubong ang mga kilay kong nakatitig sa bagay na hawak niya. From first look, it resembles a popsicle stick. Binaliktad ito ni Zander para naman makita ko ang likod. It's in dark color, big, long, and the back part of is full of labels that I can't obviously read.

''Lutang ka ba? Hindi ka aware na sa lugar niyo ako lumitaw?'' I say. Napakamot siya sa batok at napailing na lang sa akin. Sunod niyang kinalkal ang unang crate. Hindi ko alam kung kanino 'yon galing pero ang alam ko ay isa sa lalaki galing sa Vrenniomar. Bouquet at chocolates ang binigay ni Jaxon at walang crate.

''Sorry, I forgot about that. I'm already tired,'' he sighed. Binaba niya ang huling crate sa mesa at nag-unat sa harap. I saw how the muscles of his arms flexed with each stretch he made. He groans and I can't help but calm myself because lewd stuff keeps on flashing inside my mind.

Zander keeps on groaning with every stretch he makes. I was left wondering what his moans would sound like.

Palihim kong kinurot ang sarili dahil kung ano-ano na ang pumapasok sa isip ko. My attention suddenly diverted to his neck. Iilan na lang sa kanila ang wala pang marka. It was Flame, Zander, and Travis.

I'm still thinking if I could give the kiddo, Ehmyr. No way that I will kiss a minor. Maghintay siya hanggang tumanda na lang siya. Hindi ako gaga para humalik ng minor. Tinuon ko ang atensyon ko sa mga bagay sa loob ng crate. Bumunot ako ng isa't nang buksan ko'y napagtanto kong puno ng tsokolate ang loob.

''You've seen only two places here in Shakrila. Orkhalen, our hometown is only a small village, and this town, Tibbanus, looks more modern. When you step into Vrenniomar, you'll get mesmerized by the sea, waves, and air.'' He glances back at me to see my reaction only to catch me chewing already. Nag-peace sign ako sa kaniya at tinuro niya naman ang panibagong tsokolate na hawak ko. ''That one is dark chocolate. I heard men from Vrenniomar prefer darker ones because it's cold there.''

''Waves?'' That's the only thing that I noticed. Ang dami niyang sinabi pero iisa lang ang napansin ko dahil busy akong lumamon. Nananakit kasi ang buong katawan ko dahil sa pagod kanina. Buti pa nga ay nagagalaw ko pa ang mga hita ko.

''You heard it right. Waves.''

''You mean to say it's a place surrounded by the sea?'' Hindi makapaniwala kong sabi dahil hindi naman ako boba para hindi makuha kung ano'ng pinapahiwatig niya.

''It's up to you how you will interpret what I just said. Excuse me for now.''

''May kukunin ka pa? Kanino nanaman galing?'' Stress na ako sa dami ng mga nagpapadala sa akin ng kung ano-ano. Zander chuckles because of my reaction. I guess my facial expressions are that easy to read. He stretches once again and flexes his biceps. Kinurot ko siya dahil napansin niya sigurong napapatingin ako sa mga muscle niya.

''This big one is from Arthur,'' he paused. ''I heard these are women's clothes that you can choose. With letters, chocolates, and your emergency snacks.''

Ayan na nga ba ang sinasabi ko. Syempre number one ang bebe boy nating si Arthur sa pag-spoil sa akin ng kung ano-ano. Basta gawa sa gold ang crate galing kay Arthur. 'Pag hindi, aba ewan ko na kung kanino galing. Sa dami ba naman ng lalaki ko rito.

''Pakisabi thanks.'' Humikab ako at napansin 'yon ni Zander. May kinuha siya mula sa crate at tinapat sa akin. Nagtataka ko siyang tinitigan dahil inaabot niya ang bagay na 'yon sa akin.

''What's that for? I didn't ask for you to choose something for me,'' I blurted.

''This flavor will give you a good sleep.'' Binaliktad niya ang tsokolate't tinuro ang label na hindi ko naman mabasa. I wonder if he remembers that I can't read here, but he doesn't. ''Consume this for 15 minutes before laying on that bed. I will continue my work and the moment you wake up, it will be lunchtime.''

''Kailangang 15 minutes talaga?'' Nagpagewang-gewang kong tinanggap ang inaabot niya pero napataas na lang ang kilay ko nang bawiin niya ito mula sa kamay ko. My judgement was wrong because he opened it for me.

''Should I hold the popsicle for you?'' He asks genuinely. Hindi ko mapigilang magulantang sa naging tanong niya sa akin. I stared at him to scan his face and looked like he wasn't joking when he asked that.

''Para saan? May mga kamay ako para gamitin.''

''You didn't know what it means when the High Priest bowed at you?''

''Hindi.'' I opened another chocolate. Napasinghap ako nang nakita ko kung gaano kalaki ang mga tsokolate nito rito. It's three times the size of Cadburry dairy milk. Walang sabi akong kumagat sa isa't napahawak sa aking pisngi. This tastes like Ferrero Rocher. Heaven!

''The moment a High Priest bowed at you, it means he recognizes you as someone who has the same status as him. Didn't you notice that?'' Pinagpag niya ang mga palad niya. ''Aren't you also aware that there's a lot of crate from different men here in Tibbanus for you? They are asking your hand for marriage.''

Halos maibalukan ako sa kinakain kong chocolate at namali pa yata ako ng lunok. Nanlalaki ang mga mata kong tinitigan si Zander. I thought that I heard it wrong. ''Marriage?! I don't even know them!''

He nods. ''Yeah. I apologize to say this but those men are proposing because they know that they will have a good future when they marry you. They are after the benefit and recognition when you accepted their marriage.''

''No way.'' I raises my palm while shaking my head. ''Sa madaling salita ay gold digger sila. They don't even know me. Hindi nga nila alam ang pangalan ko't ang totoong pinanggalingan ko tapos kasal agad? Mga adik 'tong mga 'to.''

''I agree.'' Nanatili ang tingin ni Zander sa akin.

''Proposal rejected silang lahat sabihin mo!''

''Right away, Madam.'' He winks and chuckles because of my reaction. Napanguso naman akong tinitigan siya dahil hindi ko alam kung ako ba ang tinatawanan niya. My mouth formed an O when he lifted his sleeves and exposed his biceps. He glances at me and laughed because of my reaction. Pinalo ko siya dahil hindi ko alam kung bakit trip niya ako ngayon.

Tingnan ko lang kung makatawa ka pa kapag minarkahan kita.

''Take a rest, miss madam. Watch out. Don't drool at me, I'm a busy man.'' He teased me more. I rolled my eyes at him. Kumuha na lang ako ng mga chocolate para kainin sa kama. I was busy thinking a lot of things when I saw Arthur's gold crate.

''Where's Arthur?'' I ask.

''He will come back this afternoon.'' Lumipat ang tingin niya sa inaayos niyang mga crate.

''I heard Anthonus is looking for me. Ano kailangan niya? Sabihin mo 500 pesos per word ang reply ko sa kaniya,'' inis kong sabi. He laughs once again. Napailing na lang siya dahil sa akin. Tinabi ko muna ang mga napili kong chocolates sa side table at sinilip ang mga inaayos ni Zander.

''I don't know.'' That's all that he said. While he's fixing the crate, my eyes are fixated on one item inside Arthur's crate. Zander told me that Arthur delivered chocolates, letters, and women's clothes, but I didn't know that it also had a necklace. It's a gold one and has a heart-shaped ruby. Simple but appealing to the eyes. I loved how the color of the ruby resembles a running blood.

''Angas naman, mhie.'' When I held the necklace, vivid images flashed into my eyes. I saw how it was made, and crafted, and even the previous owner of the necklace. It's a man in his mid-forties with faded blonde hair. He's sitting on a throne and from the way he stares, I can tell that he holds a high position as high as the crown on top of his head. I blinked once again, and I saw the man giving this necklace to Arthur.

''What the fuck.'' Sa gulat ko ay binato ko ang kuwintas pabalik sa crate. Zander glances at me with concern in his eyes. Napasapo ako ng noo dahil sa aking nakita. What the hell was that?

''What's wrong? What's wrong?'' He panics beside me. Bumuga ako ng hangin at iniisip kung ano ba ang nakita ko. Lately, a lot of things are happening to me.

''I saw something.'' That's the only thing that I said. Nanatiling magsalubong ang mga kilay ni Zander at sinilip ang crate ni Arthur. Takot na takot siyang binuksan ang crate ni Arthur at nagmamadaling sinara.

''Where?'' Bumuga rin siya ng hangin na parang kabang-kaba sa kung ano man ang nakita ko.

''I just saw a man in his mid-forties, blonde air, fierce eyes, has a crown. He gave the necklace in that crate to Arthur. And Arthur. . . he looks younger on what I saw. Mukha siyang ten years old. Shala, mhie. Ano ba 'tong mga nakikita ko? Stressing naman masyado.'' Nalilito kong sambit habang napahilamos ng mukha.

''You mean the King? You are describing the King of Shakrila.''

''King of Shakrila?'' I repeated. ''That's why the old man looks like Arthur.'' Napahilamos ako ng mukha. Nang buksan ko ang crate ay pinigilan pa ako ni Zander na akala mo may bomba sa loob. Umiling ako sa kaniya't sinenyasan na hayaan niya ako.

Nilusot ko ang kamay ko sa crate dahil bakit naman ako matatakot? Nilulusot ko nga ang kamay ko sa zipper ng mga lalaki rito. Ito pa kaya? Pak, ganern!

''Wala na,'' I whispered. Kinapa-kapa ko pa ang necklace pero wala na akong nakita muli. Inisip ko na baka namamalik-mata lang ako o pagod. Napabuga na lang ako ng hangin at naiwang nakatitig sa akin si Zander sa gilid.

''I think you're just tired. You should take a rest,'' he whispered. Tumango ako sa kaniya dahil baka naman ay tama siya na pagod lang ako. However, I can't help but to get bothered because of what I saw. Hindi ko ba alam kung bakit may nagsasabi sa loob-looban ko pa hindi lang basta dahil sa pagod ang mga nakita ko.

''Hand me the necklace, I'll wear it on my sleep.'' Ngumuso ako at tinuro ang crate. Agad namang sinunod ni Zander ang sinabi ko at inabot sa akin ang chocolate na pilit niyang pinapakain. Masarap daw kasi ang tulog ko kapag naubos ko ito kaya naman pinagbigyan ko sya at binuksan ang inabot niyang chocolate. I wore the necklace before heading to sleep just because. Nilugay ko uli ang buhok ko dahil madali lang naman sa akin ang mag-braid ng buhok.

Useless ang pag-aayos ko ang buhok dahil hihilain lang din naman. Eme lang, mhie! Wild 'yarn?

Humiga ako sa kama ng suot ang kuwintas. Hinawakan ko ito habang nakatingala sa taas. When I glances back at Zander, he's already gone. Muli akong tumayo sa kama para buksan ang mga chocolates na inabot ni Zander sa akin. Hindi ko na rin alam kung kanino galing ang mga ito dahil sa dami ba naman ng nagbigay sa akin.

''Ang pait, shet!'' Napangiwi ako habang pilit na ningunguya ang chocolate. Mas mapait pa sa kapeng kaya kang ipaglaban.

Isang buga ng hangin ang ginawa ko at humiga ng kama. I'm looking forward on sleeping peacefully too and so I thought. However when I woke up, I found myself in an odd room. I squinted my eyes because I have a bad feeling about this and I was right. Isang pamilyar na mukha ang bumangad sa akin pagkabangon ko ng kama.

''Why are you here again, rat? Thinking about me before you go to sleep?''

My eyes instantly rolled when I heard that familiar voice. Kahit nga hindi ko siya titigan ay alam ko nga kung sino siya. I know who owned that deep voice with a seemingly irritating tone. Muli akong humiga ng kama at tumagilid upang titigan siya. Nakita kong nakatitig siya sa suot kong kuwintas.

''I can see that you are wearing the King's necklace. I didn't know that you're a talented thief.'' Sumandal siya sa kaniyang upuan habang nasa gilid.

''Lumaki akong nasa matinong pag-iisip. Kapag may gusto ako, pag-iipunan ko. Hindi ako magnanakaw, Your Highness.'' I said the last words sarcastically. He scoffed. Rumoylo muli ang aking mga mata at ginala ang aking paningin sa paligid. I wonder where I am whenever I see him in my dreams. I first saw him in my room but now, this isn't my room. It's a simple cream room with a high ceiling, crystal chandelier, king-sized bed with red bedsheet and pillows, and a red sofa. Nothing else in this room, only those I mentioned.

Anyways, why do I always see Anthonus in my dream? And. . . why does he look different?

Naiwan akong nakatitig sa kaniya't tinapunan niya rin ako ng tingin. ''What are you thinking? Giving me a mark? In your dreams.''

''Me? Giving you a mark? In your dreams.'' I raised my middle finger at him and copied his tone.

Nanatili ang ngisi sa mga labi niya habang ako ay nakahiga. Nakipagtigasan ako ng tingin sa kaniya at kulang na lang ay tusukin ko ang mga mata niya. This is a dream so it doesn't really matter if I killed him here. Kahit isang beses lang ay gusto ko siyang saksakin, please lang.

But how? How did this happen? How come I saw those images? There's one conclusion that I can think. . . I can see the history of an object when I touch it. How did this happen? I don't have this ability. I don't own this ability.

''Hoy.'' Anthonus looked up the moment I called him. Tumaas ang isang kilay niya habang nakatungo at feel na feel akong titigan habang nakatagilid ako't nakahiga. I felt like he's enjoying looking down at me so I sat on the bed.

''You even dare to address me like that?'' Napailing siya habang nakangisi sa akin. He tilted his head while scanning my whole face. Sumimangot ako sa kaniya dahil ang pangit niya. He rested his head on his left hand while staring at my face. ''How come that necklace went to your hands...'' he whispered. His voice hinted me something so I stared at him for a long time.

''Is this necklace important to you?'' I asks. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang magdalawang isip kung si Arthur ba ang nakita ko o siya.

''It seems like you're asking me personal questions.'' Napahawak siya sa dibdib niya na para bang na-touch sa sinabi ko. I rolled my eyes again in his face this time. ''How sweet of you. I didn't know that you were that interested in my life. If you want, you can apply as the palace's maid so you can clean my shit and stuff. I needed a new maid.''

''Mas mabuti pang maging unemployed ako buong buhay ko kung ikaw lang din naman ang pagsisilbihan ko.'' I blurted. Hindi nawala ang ngisi sa mga labi niya pero hindi ko siya pinansin.

''How come you know that necklace is from the King? Are you, my stalker-''

''In you dreams.'' I cut him off. Ginaya ko uli ang tono niya kanina. Ako pa talaga ang naisip niyang pagtripan ha? Sorry siya dahil mas magaling ako mang-asar ng kapwa. He stare at me with a wide grin.

I stare at the shimmering crystal ceiling while thinking about how to narrate. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin ako sigurado kung may nakita ba talaga ako o dala lang ng pagod. But it came from Anthonus that this is the King's necklace. So what I saw when I touched this necklace is real. And I can't believe that I need to converse with Anthonus to confirm this. Talk about a bad dream.

I glance at him for the second time. He's still leaning his head on his left hand. ''Come on, you can admit it. How come you know about that necklace? Arthur gave it to you?'' He chuckles. ''I thought you're just an odd woman with an insane mind but I never thought that you're a power sorceress-''

''Shut up, Anthonus.'' I cut him for the third time. I hate how his deep and raspy voice sounds like. It sends irritation all over my whole system. Imbes na mainis sa sinabi ko'y tinitigan niya lang ako nang matagal.

''Make me.'' His pinkish lips made a wide grin.

''Pota-'' Nanggigigil akong napahilamos ng mukha. ''P'wde bang lubayan mo ako sa panaginip?''

He chuckles while shaking his head. He pointed his chest as if he found what I said amusing. ''Me? Jumping to your dream? In your dreams, rat.'' He imitated my tone this time. Napaisip ako sa sinabi niya. Ibig sabihin ay ako ang nasa loob ng panaginip niya ngayon?

''Ako uli ang pumasok sa loob ng panaginip mo?'' My attention shifted from the crystal chandelier. Right. I don't remember this chandelier. Sigurado akong hindi rin ito ang bed room ko. I glanced back at Anthonus and caught him staring at me. I make a face. He scoffed.

''Ano'ng tinitingin-tingin mo?'' Inis kong sabi.

''How would someone like you see this necklace's history? Didn't you know that this is a symbol of ownership in Royals?'' He noticed my reaction and shook his head in response.

''Malay ko? Wala naman akong pake sa iyo? Hinawakan ko lang naman 'tong necklace sa crate galing kay Arthur tapos may mga nakita na ako. Nakita ko nga kung paano ginawa 'tong necklace. It was by an old man inside a mountain. It was snowing when he made this. Oh, 'di ba? Perperk ang pagkasabi ko?'' I rolled my eyes at him. His jaw dropped and shook his head. Binawi niya ang reaksyon niya't pilit na pinipigilan ang tawa.

''What an insane woman... She really lose her mind. I pity her,'' Anthonus mumbles. Napasapo siya ng noo habang nakangisi sa akin.

Hindi ko siya pinansin dahil hindi worth it sa oras. Pilt kong sinasaksak sa kokote ko kung ano'ng sinabi niya. Arthur gave me this necklace to tell the public that I'm her woman. I've realized two things. I can now see the object's history when I touch it.

The reason why I acquired Solomon's 360-degree vision is because I shared my saliva with him through kissing and that is how I mirrored his power. Now, I have the power to see or hear associated events when I touch an object. I squinted my eyes while thinking. Hindi ko nga lang maisip kung kanino ko naman nakuha ang kapangyarihan na ito.

Whose power is this? I can't remember who was the last man I kissed. I fucking kissed seven men.

Hindi ko na namalayan na nakatitig na pala ako kay Anthonus habang nag-iisip. Sumimangot ako dahil nakangisi lang siya sa akin. He leans on his sofa chair. Umiwas ako ng tingin sa kaniya. Natigilan na lang ako sa pag-iisip dahil may napagtanto akong bagay pero mas nauna na siyang magsalita sa akin.

''This is what you got from kissing a lot of men.It looks like you're receiving their powers now.'' Tila may panglalait niyang sabi dahil basta siya talaga ang nagsalita ay pakiramdam ko'y wala siyang kwenta kausap. May sense naman ang sinabi niya pero sadyang ayaw ko lang marinig ang nakakarindi niyang boses.

''How can I jump to someone's dream? Did I kiss you? Hindi naman, 'di ba?'' Naiinis kong sambit sa kaniya. He scoffs and looks away while his hands are intertwined and placed on top of his stomach while he's sitting carefree.

''Oh, no. Thank heavens, I'd rather get my head off my neck.'' His eyes slightly narrowed while giving me a sarcastic look.

''Our feelings are mutual, Your Highness. I feel delighted,'' I sarcastically said. I never thought of the time that I needed to mark Anthonus to save him. Para sa akin ay isa siyang kalabaw na nagsasalita.

When the silence covered us I thought of another thing. I've kissed a lot of men, but why did I start acquiring their power right now? Hindi ko pa rin malubos na maisip kung ano. I need to wake up and confirm and this is true. There's only one person that I can discuss these kind of things.

''Go back,'' he told me. ''I'm wasting my time here. I advise you to stop thinking about me, honey.''

''Kadiri ka! Dugyot!'' I raised my middle finger at him. He leans his face closer to mine.

''I didn't know how you mirrored my power to jump in someone's dream. But this is the second time that I will tell you this, stop thinking about me before you go to bed. What have you been thinking anyway? You're a naughty one.'' He whispers at me. My cheeks heat up because of irritation.

I know what he meant. Hindi ako inosente, mhie.

''Aren't you the same? I heard you were looking for me, Anthonus.'' I kept my forehead up. Ako pa talaga ang hinamon niya ng ganitong arasan. Nakatitig lang ako sa mga mata niya kaya nama'y lumakbay ang paningin ko sa kabuoan ng mukha niya.

I stare at him for so long and this is the only time that I've noticed his golden brown eyes. It's different from Arthur. His messy blonde hair turns dark golden brown on top of the chandelier's light. I swear. . .  Anthonus looks different inside my dream. I can't just tell how.

''Yeah?'' His voice turned husky. ''What were you doing when you're thinking about me before you go to sleep? What does a royal look like when you think of him? Come on, don't be shy...''

I pushed his chest. ''Tigilan mo ako gago!'' Malutong kong sabi sa kaniya. He chuckles like a madman.

''Look at your face, rat.'' He grins. I rolled my eyes at him.

Humiga ako ng kama't sa pagdilat ko ay nagising na ako. I blinked twice and pinched myself to confirm if I really woke up in reality. Umupo ako at pinagmasdan ang paligid. I finally woke up. I'm back, but first things first. I needed to confirm something.

Tumayo ako sa kama't sinuklay ang buhok. While sprinting outside, I was doing a rushed side pony tail to my hair. Alam kong nandito lang ang mga lalaki galing sa Vrenniomar. I got lost because Solomon's house is large. While walking, I saw a familiar figure. Nakatungo lamang siya't magulo ang buhok. May hawak siya sa kaliwa niyang kamay. Lumapit siya't naamoy ko ang kape na hawak niya. Magsalubong ang mga kilay ko nang magkatinginan kaming dalawa.

''Stop showing to my dreams, Anthonus. Kausapin mo ako ng personal kung gusto mo,'' I told him. Natigilan siya sa paghipan ng hawak niyang kape't nakangising nagsalubong ang kilay sa akin.

''Who talked? I can't hear anything.'' Nilagpasan niya ako. He chuckles when I look back at him.

''Hirap talaga kausapin ng isang 'to. Para akong nakikipagusap sa may saltik.'' Napailing na lang ako sa sarili. When I glances back at Anthonus, I caught him staring at me. Pinaglukutan ko siya ng noo at umiwas ng tingin sa akin.

I entered a new room and I finally saw Ryder's group. Kasama niya sila ni Kelvis at Sayge. The three of them are with two guys that I didn't know the names yet. Kulang sila ng isa at kung nasa'n ay wala na akong pake pa. I needed to confirm something but it looks like they were busy. Nanatili na lang ako sa tapat ng pinto dahil naririnig ko naman ang pinaguusapan nila.

''Come on, Sayge. Tell us who wrote this paper. Touch it.'' Ryder almost begged.

''Nope. Pay me 400 gold first.'' Sayge's arms are folded. Napakamot naman sa batok si Kelvis pati na rin ang dalawa niyang kasama.

''What the fuck.'' I suddenly blurted. Napalingon tuloy sila sa akin habang ako ay napasapo ng noo. Naiwan akong nakatitig kay Sayge dahil confirmed nga ang sinabi ni Anthonupanget sa akin.

I got this psychometry ability from Sayge. Iba't-ibang lalaki rin ang kailangan kong halikan pagtungtong namin sa Vrenniomar. It looks like the men won't be the only ones who will benefit when we do french kisses. I will benefit from it too and I will mirror their power in return.

Yet I still need to be careful because I can't just kiss a random stranger. Who should I kiss next?

𝘛𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦𝘥...

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F.F: I'm taking note of your bias, hun! Comment down kung sino'ng manok niyo! Hihi:>