𝐊𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐀 𝟐𝟗 | 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄'𝐒 𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐂, 𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐀𝐍

𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐑𝐀

''You were telling me that you were both in the room with us one hour ago. Yet we can't see you because of Travis' power?'' Uno's voice has a mixture of disappointment and authority. Natameme kami't nakayuko lang dalawa ni Travis habang magkatabing nakaupo sa mahaba na sofa.

"We won't deny that." I can tell that Travis kept his composure for so long yet he lose it when we stare at each other. Humagalpak na rin ako nang makita ko ang mukha niya.

"Quite!" Pag-suway niya sa aming dalawa na para bang mga batang matitigas na ulo. I closed my eyes and bowed my head for a second. Alam ko kasi na kapag nakita ko uli ang mukha ni Travis ay matatawa lang ako.

Napahilot ng sentido si Uno. He let out a heavy sigh and leaned on the sofa chair, and when our eyes met I felt like he was pulling me closer to his gaze. Kusang dumako ang paningin ko sa palad ko. I was gripping my shirt tightly. Napalunok ako dahil hindi ko kayang titigan si Uno.

"I heard the chaos about the town... Is that also caused by you two?" Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Travis. Napahilamos na lang si Uno sa mukha dahil sa reaksyon naming dalawa. Travis leans closer and I pinched the back of his hand placed on his thigh.

"Panay drawing ka kasi ng puwet at tite. Gago ka!" I whispered to him. He bit his lower lip, trying to suppress his laughter. That's when I noticed his strawberry breath.

"You enjoyed sketching a crotch to Anthonus' face, don't you?" He says. Ako naman ang napakagat labi at pinalo siya. Travis leans closer and whispers to my ear again.

"Next time, let's use a visible pen and draw a big dick to Anthonus' forehead." Halata ko ang pagpipigil tawa ni Travis sa sunod niyang sinabi. I leaned closer too to whisper to his ear.

"Aba, dapat lang nakikita ang ink. Next time, dapat hindi niya alam na na-drawingan na pala siya sa noo! Deserved!" I said. Humagikgik si Travis. Uno folded his arms and tap his fingers to his arm as if he's counting his patience.

Lumapit sa akin si Travis at excited akong hinintay ang ibubulong niya. "Let's see a permanent marker and draw a big dick—"

"Could you please shut your mouths?" Kapwa kaming napakagat labi ni Travis dahil tumaas ang boses ni Uno. His rusty voice echoed throughout the room. He wore his spectacles and combed his hair as if he were thinking something deep. Binuksan niya ang drawer sa harap at kumuha ng isang papel bago ipatong sa tapat namin.

''Read this, Travis. Could you read it? Everyone is looking for you. What would happen to Gold Academy's reputation? I understand that you wanted to unwind, but there are many things you can do aside from making chaos with your invisible power and spell book.'' Uno explained however Travis' eyes were only fixated on his neck. Hindi ko tuloy alam kung paano ipapaliwanag sa kaniya ang tungkol sa marka nila sa leeg.

''He's turning into a beast. Kasalanan mo kapag siningil ako sa utang ko.'' Natatawang sabi ni Travis. I bit my lip and just pinched him. Tumalon-talon pa siya habang nakaupo kami sa sofa para lang iwasan ang kurot ko sa tagiliran niya. I thought he already knew about the woman's mark? Mukhang pro-problemahin ko uli ang pagpapaliwanag ko sa kaniya kung paano ako nagbibigay ng marka sa mga kalalakihan.

''Didn't you hear what I said?'' Uno did a defeating sigh. Agad kaming napa-ayos ng upo ni Travis at yumuko. We synchronously sit straight, put ours hands on top of our thighs, and stare at the marble floor. Kahit sino namang makarinig ng tono't pananalita at tindig ni Uno sa harap namin ay magiging maamong tupa agad.

I glances at Uno while he's reading the paper. Feel ko puno 'yon ng reklamo ng mga tao dahil sa kagaguhan namin ni Travis kanina. I forgot that the townspeople will write their complaints asap and will send it to Uno. Kumbaga kung sa Facebook ay punong-puno na ng mga reklamo ang wall ni Uno tungkol sa akin.

He looked stressed yet cool. His blue eyes which resemble the ocean will make someone weak to their knees. Siya 'yong tipo na lalaki na kahit titigan ka nang masama ay kikiligin ka. Panay ang hugot niya ng hininga at hilot ng sentido. Nagpalipat-lipat din ang tingin ni Uno sa mukha ko, mukha ni Travis at sa binabasa niyang papel. I know he's lowkey mad but anyone in my position will still find him hot.

Mapapa-choke me, daddy ka malala sa kaniya.

''I'll let this slide for the sake of the woman.'' Uno glanced at me and cleared his throat. ''For now, I'll let you join here, okay? Where's Ehmyr?'' Magkasalubong ang mga kilay niyang busy.

''Busy.'' Naging tipid ang tugon ni Travis. ''I was busy too but. . . Cassandra told me to cut class.''

''Cassandra?'' Uno's forehead creased while he glances at me. Alam kong hindi niya rin alam kung ano'ng meaning na mag-cut ng class pero mas napansin niya ang pangalang sinabi ni Travis. I chuckled nervously because I don't know how to respond.

''Hala! Ano 'yon? Kisame?'' Humagalpak ng tawa si Travis dahil ako naman ngayon ang gumagawa ng technique niya para makatakas sa sitwasyon ko ngayon. Napailing na lang ng ulo si Uno at muling kumuha ng isang papel na puno ng mga reklamo ng mga tao.

''You need to talk to Solomon later.'' Uno glances at me.

Sunod namang tinuro ni Travis ang sarili niya. ''How about me?''

''Oh, he doesn't care about you. You should head out and go to Anthonus' group.'' Tila may bahid na pang-aasar na tugon ni Uno. I just saw him smirk. I glanced back at Travis and saw him make a face. I scoff because I can't laugh right now.

In the end, Uno has no choice but to let us slip. Nagtatawanan tuloy kaming lumabas ni Travis nang silid. I can sense that Solomon's men kept glancing at him, probably because he looked new and it was their first time to see him. Everyone keeps eyeing Travis however his eyes are only fixated on me like I am the only person he can see in the world.

''Can you believe that? Sa unang pagkakataon ay hindi nagalit sa akin si Uno.'' Travis folded his arms. Pinalo ko ang braso niya dahil hindi ko akalain na ganito pala siya kakulit.

''Buti na lang kamo at hindi natin sinulatan 'yong mukha no'ng Damian,'' I commented. Napansin ko ang paglukot ng noo niya habang naglalakad kami palabas ng silid ni Uno.

''It looks like you don't know anything here, Miss Madam,'' his voice became lower and I couldn't help but bite my lips and lean closer to hear his voice more. His lips parted a little when he noticed my innocent expression.

''Why?'' I nervously chuckle. Pinatong niya ang kaniyang kamay sa tuktok ng ulo ko't ginulo ang aking buhok.

He leaned closer to my ear with the lowest and huskiest version of his voice feeding my thirst. ''Isn't the man named Damian looked familiar? He's the high priest's younger brother.'' I felt his strawberry breath. Napapikit na lang ako dahil ayaw kumalma ni kiffy.

''Ay, puke ka!'' I covered my mouth because I couldn't help but react. Tinampal ko pa ang mga labi ko't humagalpak sa tabi ko si Travis. He let out a deep raspy and sexy chuckle while shaking his head.

''Hindi ako puke at wala akong puke,'' he whispers. Pinagkukurot ko ang braso niya kaya nagtatalon uli siya habang naglalakad kami. Nasapo ko na lang ang noo habang naglalakad kaming dalawa. That's way that Damian looked familiar! Kaya pala siya rin ang bukambibig nila Solomon at Uno!

''So?'' He leans closer. ''Carry pa ang plot twist?'' I scoff and slap his arm again. Humagalpak ako ng tawa.

''You can talk like me yet you don't know what an Instax Camera is,'' I teased him sarcastically.

He eyes me and whispers in my ear. ''Is that how you tease? 'Yan na 'yon? Try me, you won't forget when I tease you.''

''Gago!'' Maanghang kong mura sa kaniya't pinalo uli ang kaniyang braso. For now, the last thing I touched is the Instax camera, I haven't touch anything. I can say that Sayge's power is useful when you are studying in this world. Ang tanong, nag-aaral ba ako rito? Ang role ko lang ay lumaplap ng mga lalaki. Awit.

While we are walking inside the hallway of Solomon's place, we saw Zex and Zander carrying crates. Their foreheads creased when they eyed Travis as if they aren't expecting him to see him. They glances each other before glancing back at me. Sila tuloy ang napagtaasan ko ng kilay dahil mukhang may iniisip silang hindi maganda o baka feel ko lang?

''Hey.'' Zex eyed Travis from head to toe. ''You got kicked out to Gold's?'' Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ko nang titigan ko si Travis para hintayin ang sagot niya. Gold? I didn't expect the way they shortcut different Acadamies. Paano na lang 'yong dalawa? So Silver? Copper?

''Nope.'' Travis let out a heavy sigh and glanced at me for five seconds before looking back at Zex. ''I am just taking a break. I need some fresh air before midterms.''

''The woman is your fresh air?'' Zex eyed me.

Napansin ko naman ang pagsiko sa kaniya ni Zander. When I glances at Travis I saw him licking his bottom lips. Pinagsingkitan ko ng mga mata si Zex. Hindi ba p'wede friends friends lang kami ni Travis.

Friends friends muna bago mukbangin. Char!

''The high priest's sibling is looking for you,'' Zander glances at me.

''He thought that we're also insane like him when we mentioned that the woman is a real story and not a myth. Coming from him who claims to be the Kazva's Prince. Sa itsura niya pa lang ay para siyang nasiraan ng bait at—'' Zander cut Zex's sentence by clearing his throat. Napaawang na lang ang mga labi ko.

Iba rin 'tong bunganga ni Zex dahil parang wala siyang takot sa mga sinasabi niya. What if isali ko siya sa Anti-Anthonus club namin ni Travis? Eh 'di everyday may prangkahan kay Anthonus? Everyday happy!

''You need to present yourself to Damian. Just... ignore whenever he says that he's from Kazva. And don't mention that Travis is a scholar, he hates scholars.'' Zander warned us. Napansin ko na panay naman ang dako ng mga mata ni Travis sa leeg ni Zex. He probably noticed that Zex has a woman's mark too.

''Oh, ba't parang kasalanan niya na scholar siya? Sabog talaga 'yang Damian na 'yan.'' I knew I was blunt when Zex narrowed his eyes on me. I just shrugged my shoulders because I was just asking.

"See? I'm not the only one! No wonder why there's a rumor that Damian and Anthonus were childhood friends? They are both insane!" Zex said firmly. Balak niya pa nga sanang makipag-apir sa akim kung hindi lang siya pinandilatan ng mga mata ni Zander. Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Travis at napangisi na lang ako.

Tama behavior 'yan, Zex! Welcome to the club!

''Watch your mouth,'' sikmat ni Zander. Kulang na lang ay ibato niya ang bitbit niyang kahon sa pagmumukha ni Zex. Tinawanan ko na lang ang bangayan nilang dalawa hanggang sa manahimik na si Zex.

''Anyways, you can talk to him if you want, or we suggest better now. Sasakit lamang ang ulo mo kapag kinausap mo siya. He only talks about Kazva.'' Iiling-iling na saad ni Zex. Natigilan naman siya nang kurutin na siya ni Zex.

''Let's go. Uno will be mad,'' Zander told him.

''Sa atin lang naman nagagalit pero kapag kay ano parang maamong tupa.'' Zex glances at me. I raised a brow and they bid their goodbye. Pinagmasdan ko na lang ang mga likod nila habang naglalakad sila palayo sa akin.

''Wait lang, parang hindi ko nakikita si Lolong,'' I told Travis.

''You didn't know?'' Travis eyed me. Mukhang madami pa nga akong hindi nalalaman. ''He's studying in Silver Academy. He's busy. Why? Did you miss him?'' Pagtutukso niya sa akin kaya nama'y ngumuso ako sa kaniya.

''Hindi ah, medyo hindi kami close pero namarkahan ko na siya sa gubat.'' I found it awkward telling Travis. Mukhang interesado naman siya sa sinabi ko dahil bakas sa mga mata niya ang kuryosidad.

''It's nice to know that you mark men? How do you mark men anyways? Why in a forest?'' He sounded curious. Hindi ko maiwasang mapamura. Ayan na nga ba ang sinasabi ko. Ano na lang ang iisipin sa akin ni Travis? Sa forest pa talaga? Public place para may thrill?

''I kiss using my tongue.'' I tried to sound formal but his eyes widened. ''Hindi ko pa ba nasasabi sa iyo? Feel ko nabanggit ko na.'' I chuckled nervously. I noticed how his adam's apple bobbed up and down. Huminto ang tingin ko sa leeg niyang maputi't makinis na para bang minu-minuto siyang naliligo.

And that's when the thought of marking Travis entered my mind. Shit. Act fool. Act fool. Act fool.

''Are you telling the truth?'' He cleared his throat. ''That's. . . amazing and odd.''

''Oo nga!'' I chuckled nervously. Hinampas ko pa siya sa braso. ''Parang tanga, ano?''

''So did you already mark Anthonus?'' He said while raising his eyebrow. Umasim agad ang mukha ko dahil sa tanong niya kaya naman ay humagalpak siya ng tawa. Lalo kaming pinagtinginan ng mga tauhan ni Solomon at Callen. Ah, right. The men of the waves are still here with us.

''Never! Kahit umiyak siya ng dugo!'' Napangiwi ako at dalawa kaming nagtawanan ni Travis.

''Slay, mhie!'' He sounded like my savage gay friend.

Medyo awkward nga lang dahil sobrang lalim ng boses niya. Sinundot ko siya sa tagiliran at nagtatatalon naman siya na parang palaka. Saglit kaming nagkulitan hanggang sa makarating na kami sa tapat ng pinto ni Uno.

''Hey.'' He called me so I glanced at him. ''You're good at directions. How come you can remember the way to this room? Solomon's place is huge like a mansion yet you can recall how to come here?''

Tinawanan ko siya. ''Can't you? Basic lang 'yan sa akin, mhie.'' I did a duck face. Humagalpak uli siya habang pumapalakpak. He was grinning while leaning closer to I looked up to see his face.

''Well, I'm good at other things, my fingers are good, woman.'' He made his voice deeper. It was huskier than his usual voice. Kinurot ko siya kaya lalo siyang humagalpak.

''I'm talking about playing guitar. What are you thinking?'' He eyed me. Pinagsingkitan ko siya ng mga mata dahil alam kong inaasar niya na ako.

''Guitariin ko leeg mo nang matanggal. 'Wag ako!'' sikmat ko sa kaniya. He chuckles and stares at me while smiling.

''I noticed an odd collar on their necks. Did you do that?'' I can tell that Travis is just asking a question but for me, it's just too much to answer. I gave him a nervous chuckle. Medyo kabaddo si acla baka kasi bigla siyang magpalagay ng mark, gg ako nito.

''Yes,'' I said blunty. Lumunok ako para kumuha ng buwelo sa mga magiging tanong niya. I glance at him. ''Why?'' I added.

''Oh. . .'' Napakamot siya sa kanyang batok na para bang malalim ang iniisip. ''Akala ko trend lang 'yong mga nasa leeg nila.'' Humagalpak ako ng tawa at pinalo siya sa braso kaya nama'y kahit siya ay natawa na rin sa sinabi niya. Sa isang iglap ay nawala ang tila pader at ilang naming sa dalawa. I mean, it's given, Travis is a man so the time will come that I need to mark him will come naturally, right?

''Let's go? Sino raw ba ang nandito? Did they leave already?'' He asked and I shrugged my shoulders.

''Baka si idol Anthonus.'' I mocked him with a wide grin on my lips. Napangiwi siya at napailing dahil sa sinabi ko kaya mas lalo akong natawa.

''Oh, this room is really big, right? It's bigger inside.'' Travis looked up. Pati ako'y tumingala upang titigan uli ang pinto ng room ni Solomon.

Solomon's room is protected by a tall silver double entry door. I looked up because I noticed his name on top of the door engraved with gold lettering too. Hindi naman na nakapagtataka. This is a known city compared to Uno's village. Pinihit ni Travis ang doorknob at pinauna akong maglakad ngunit agad na dumako ang mga paningin ko kay Anthonus na abalang sumisimsim sa tea at may hawak na kulay putting tea cup.

Travis glances at me and we have the same facial expression when we enter the room. I heard him scoff and so I did. I leaned closer to Travis and he whispered something into my ear. Everyone inside the room eyed us. Humiwalay na ako kay Travis habang kita ko sa mga mukha niya na todo ang effort niyang magpigil ng tawa.

''Sayang hindi nakikita ng iba 'yong drawing mong tite,'' I whispered at Travis' left ear. He scoffs and leans closer to me while grinning.

''Next time, I'll bring a permanent marker,'' he said. Humagikgik ako sa tenga niya at hindi inalis ang pagkasiksik ko sa kaniya habang nasa gilid kami ng room.

''G! Tapos sa noo naman tayo mag-drawing ng puwet at tite,'' I whispered back. Humawak sa tiyan si Travis. He laughed beside me without a sound and I did the same. Humawak na rin ako sa may bandang tiyan dahil humahapdi na ang sikmura ko kakatawa naming dalawa. I glances at Anthonus and caught him eyeing us and that's when I laugh harder.

''The woman is here.'' Solomon's low voice filled the room. Napaayos kami ng tayo ni Travis at sabay pa kaming yumuko. Binawi ko ang pagkayuko ko't tinaas ang aking noong tinitigan si Solomon. Lumakbay ang paningin ko sa loob ng silid dahil pare-parehong tao ang nakita ko.

Damian is standing beside Solomon. Flame and Zander is standing behind Solomon's back. And Anthonus is busy chilling in the sofa while drinking his cup of tea. Siguro'y wala si Uno dahil abala siya sa pag-aayos ng gulo naming dalawa ni Travis. Umasim ang mukha ko nang magkatinginan kaming dalawa.

''The woman, you say?'' Damian eyed me. While Solomon gestures me to come forward. Tinitigan ko rin si Travis para naman may backup ako kung sakali at sumunod nga siya sa likod ko. When I stand in front of Damian, I can't help but to stare at his eyes. He has those hazel eyes that could pull anyone. Umiwas ako ng tingin at yumuko.

''Looks ordinary. Are you sure that she's a woman?'' Tila may bahid na panlalait na komento niya. I scoffs. Binawi ko ang pagyuko dahil mukhang kailangan kong ratratin ito. However, Travis pokes my waist. Tinitigan ko siya't nakita ko ang kaniyang iling. I kept my mouth shut.

I stare at Anthonus who stood in his sofa. Naglakad siya palapit sa amin habang hindi inaalis ang tingin sa akin. He was eyeing me for the whole time. Damian reminded me of the first time I met Anthonus. I forced my smile but it just became an sarcastic grin. Sabi ko nga ay hindi matatago ng mukha ko kung hindi ko gusto ang isang tao. Talk about déjà vu?

''Is it true that you're a demi god?'' Damian asks. Yumuko na lang ako bilang tugon pero binawi ko rin 'yon at tinasaan siya ng kilay.

''Songs naman sa'yo. Napaka-tsismoso mo.'' I know that I was blunt. Everyone stares at me with widened eyes. Wala akong paki kahit i-kick out nila ako rito. Kanino niya ba nalaman 'yon? Hindi pa naman confirmed. Issue maker ka, mhie?

''Ohhh.'' He says while covering his mouth. I can see that Anthonus is eyeing Damian. ''I am just asking because the Kazva isn't a believer of gods too. If your god is so great then why he doesn't destroy all the evil in the world?'' I gave him a wide sarcastic smile.

''If he did that, won't you be scared if he starts with you?'' I fired back. Napalunok siya dahil napahiya siya sa sagot ko. It was true though. If God destroyed all evilness then we would be vaporized into nothingness.

''So this is how a woman talks like? Don't you know me?'' Taas noo niyang sabi. I rolled my eyes.

''You don't know me too,'' I mumbled. Kung ano'ng bait ng high priest ay kabaliktaran naman ng kapatid niya. Hindi lang siya baliw dahil mukha siyang sugo ng demonyo. These are the kind of men that I will heal in Vrenniomar?

''What does this woman want? Maybe a pile of gold will shut her up.'' He laughed sarcastically. Akmang sasagot na sana si Solomon sa kaniya ngunit nauna na nang halakhak ko. I laughed classy while standing. I covered my mouth and grinned at him.

''Oh, darling go buy a brain first, you need it.'' I cut them off. He better shut his mouth before I put poison on it. Tandaan nilang ako ang kailangan nila't hindi ko sila kailangan. I could go fly to another place here in Shakrila and I can even go to Kazva if my patience as thin as a strand of hair broke. Don't they dare try me.

What to do when society fucks you? Moan like a bitch.

''Oh my, oh my!'' Solomon chuckles nervously. ''I heard a shop owner delivered as packages, you could take a rest and go check it with... your friend.'' Dumako ang tingin niya kay Travis.
Anthonus eyed Damian the whole time. Nasa tabi na siya nito't silang dalawa ay nagkatinginan. He leans closer at him.

''Hey kid, watch your mouth. I'm the one you should worry about, watch your head too.'' I noticed that Anthonus whispered something to Damian that I wasn't able to hear anymore. He gave him an icy stare.

Pinisil ni Solomon ang kamay ko habang inalalayan ako palabas ng kaniyang silid. ''I apologized in his behalf. Damian is a lunatic. Just ignore everything he says.'' I scoffs.

''Ni isa sa inyo hindi man lang nagsalita? Takot kayo dahil mataas ang posisyon ng kaniyang kapatid?'' I was bitching and I'm aware. Napahawak naman sa dibdib si Travis sa gilid ko.

''Bakit parang kasalanan ko?'' Travis mouthed. That's when my bitching was broke and I laughed. Napailing ako at pinalo na lang siya.

''Just ignore Damian. Okay? Ako na ang bahala. When you walk straight, you will see Zander fixing our things. Just show yourself, he knows what he will do.'' Solomon instructed me. He squeezes my hand and leans closer. I bit the cheek inside my cheek. Mukhang may dagdag sakit nanaman sa ulo ko nito. Nakaka-high blood pa kay Anthonus.

''If your head is hot, we can make our bodies hotter too. Want me to cheer you up? Just drop by to the library's temple bedroom.'' My eyes widened because of what he whispered. I felt my cheeks flustered. He gave me a flirty laugh. Hinabol ko pa talaga siya't pinalo-palo habang tinatawanan niya lang ako. When he entered the room and was closing the door, Solomon waved at me.

Naiwang nakatitig sa aming dalawa si Travis at hindi makapaniwalang tinitigan ako. I eyed him too. ''Isn't that the leader of Tibbanus, Solomon Vanlizo? Aren't you aware that no one except you can pinch and slap him like that? What are you?''

''I'm a woman, not just a woman. Sa tagalog ay baabe ako't hindi babae lang.'' I gave him a wide grin. He mirrored my grin and he clapped.

''That's my girl! Slay, mhie!'' Travis claps louder. Humagalpak ako at ang braso naman niya ang pinagpapalo ko. As what Solomon instructed, we saw Zander fixing crates. Mula umaga hanggang ngayong hapon ay wala na yata siya ginawa kun'di magbuhat at mag-ayos.

''Zander!'' I said. Natigilan siya at tinitigan ako. ''Meron ka raw ibibigay?'' When I said that, Zander looked around. Akala ko naman ay isang pirasong bagay o damit lang ang iaabot niya pero si acla, nag-abot ba naman sa akin ng isang crate. Travis carried it for my sake.

''Ba't isang kahon? Adik ka ba?'' I said.

''Dash said that the boxes in pink are only for the woman. Gold is for Arthur, Silver is for Anthonus, and the Copper ones are for Solomon and his brothers, and Uno. When you got what for you, just deliver the crate inside Solomon's room.'' Napanganga na lang ako dahil sa pangalang narinig ko.

''Dash? 'Yong pussy cat?'' I asked. Humagalpak si Travis dahil sa sinabi ko.

''Yeah. . . Dash the cat,'' Zander answered. Napasapo na lang ako ng noo't tumango bago siya talikuran.

Nanahimik ako habang naglalakad kami pabalik kila Solomon. From my peripheral vision, I can see Travis eyeing me. Naningkit ang mga mata kong tumingin sa kaniya at isang ngiti lang ang ginanti niya sa akin. Among all men in this world, I can tell that Travis is one of the purest. Minsan nga lang ay na-aalala ko sa niya si Keir.

''Is something wrong?'' I glances back at him. Napahilamos ako ng mukha.

''Last time na nakatanggap ako ng regalo kuno kay Dash, puro katarantaduhan, eh.'' Napaawang ang labi niya dahil sa tabil ng dila ko. Napaisip din ako kung ano kaya ang laman ng kahon na para sa akin lalo na't galing ito kay Dash.

Yeah, he heard it right. Remember the last time Dash gave me a box? When I opened it, dick candies and toys started popping everywhere.

''Patingin nga ako niyang pink na box na sinasabi ni Solomon.'' I instructed him. Pinatong niya ang crate sa isang mesa't binuksan. Tumingkayad naman ako para sumilip at kitang-kita ko ang bukod tanging pink na kahon. Kinuha ko ito't walang sabing binuksan. Yet my gut is right when a pink 12 inches dildo popped out of nowhere. Sinasabi ko na nga bang hindi dapat pagkatiwalaan ang pusa na 'yon!

''Pota!'' I shrieked. Kinuha ko ang dildo at binato papunta kay Travis. Nandidiri niya itong hinawakan at binato pabalik sa akin. Nagtatatalon na kami at pinagpasahan ang kulay pink na dildo na parang naglalaro lang kami ng volley ball.

''Get that thing away from me!'' Nandidiring sabi ni Travis. Humagalpak ako dahil mas mukhang diring-diri pa siya sa akin. See? I told him so. Wala talaga akong tiwala kay Dash simula nang regaluhan niya ako ng box na puro dildo at candy dicks lang naman ang laman. Sabog na pusa.

''Why are you two noisy?'' We saw Uno standing. Hindi ko alam na tapos na pala siya sa mga ginagawa niya. Mabilis pa sa alas kuwatro kaming umayos ng tayo. Pilit kong tinago ang dildo ko't tinusok tusok sa braso ni Travis. Abot langit naman ang pipigil niya ng pandidiri.

Uno glances at the crate on top of the table. ''You need to wear the clothes that the shop owner prepared for you. We will do the same. Your room is there, while the room in front is for men.'' Parang bata kaming nakayuko lang at tatango-tango. Feel ko si Uno lang 'di ko masagot-sagot dito. Sorry na po, daddy don't be mad daddy. I'm a good girl, Daddy.  I deserved a prize. Yieee.

''Come with me, Travis.'' Uno glances at him. Sabay kaming napasimangot dalawa ni Travis. Siya na nga lang ang ka-jamming ko kukunin pa ni Daddy Uno. You're a bad boy, Daddy. I will punish you tonight. Yieee.

''Give the woman her things.'' He instructed Travis. I looked up and I bit my bottom lips. Natatawa kasi ako sa mukha ni Travis. I'm sure he's suppressing his laughter too. Mukha kasi siyang matatae kapag titingin siya sa akin.

''Yes po, Daddy. Ay gaga!'' Tinampal ko ang bibig ko at napakunot noo naman si Uno. Minsan talaga may habit akong sabihin lahat ng mga naiisip ko. Intrusive thoughts won. Sa hiya ko'y humalakhak na lang ako't walang sabing tinalikuran sila.

''Sensya na, godbless.'' I said. Kumaway ako pa ako sa kanila. Napabuga ako ng hangin nang pumasok sa silid. It's just a simple room enough for one person, a body-length mirror in front filled designed with gemstones. The room is made of cream painted walls and marble floor. Walang laman ang silid kun'di mga telang nakatupi sa gilid, isang malaking salamin sa tapat ko't isang crate sa gilid. The room looks like a simple dressing room.

''Ano naman kayang lilitaw dito?'' I whispers to myself when I held the pink box from Dash. Huminga ako nang malalim bago ko ito buksan. Akala ko may lalabas nanamang tite pero isang puting tela lang ang nakita ko. Nandidiri kong pinatong sa box ang hawak kong dildo. Lakas trip ng pusa na 'yon. Sabog na sabog.

''Ah, damit.'' Tinaas ko ang damit at tinapat sa salamin para tingnan kung bagay ko ba. I saw something inside the box too. It looks like a collar with flower-designed laces. The dress looks like an expensive cream lingerie. The top is a cream convertible bra with detachable straps that can be worn in multiple ways. I chose to wear it with a cross-back. While my bottom part is a slip shorts, and has stockings and everything is connected with a garter belt.

Naiilang kong tinitigan ang sarili ko sa salamin dahil sobrang nipis na nga ng tela ay lingerie pa. Akala ko ay ganito na ako lalabas pero mabuti na lang ay may robe. I wore the silk robe that has a green paisley pattern. Hindi ako kumportable kaya naman ay binatones ko na lang para maging shirt. Sinuot ko na rin ang floweret collar na kasama ng damit. Inayos ko ang box at paglabas ko ng pinto ay isang tao ang nakita kong lumabas din sa katapat kong silid.

I instantly made a face when I realized that it was Anthonus. Yet my eyes widened when saw the pattern of the robe that he was wearing. It was the same as my robe. I caught him glancing at my robe as well and scoffs. Nag-init ang mga pisngi ko dahil sa inis at gusto kong tampalin si Dash. I heard that the silver box is exclusively for Anthonus only.

I glances back at my robe and noticed the english letters engrave in gold on the chest part of my robe. It says His. I glances back at Anthonus' robe and it has the same design as mine. There's a Hers on the chest part of his robe but I bet he can't read english.

My cheek flustered because of irritation. Gusto kong manapak ng todo-todo ngayon dahil sa inis. What is that cat thinking and he gave Anthonus and I a matching couple robes?!

𝘛𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦𝘥...