Fan Arts

Hello, everyone! I will be posting fan arts I’ll receive in this part. Take a look at these amazing illustrations for Game On Characters 💛

•••

Wrath

Fillotimo

(by Erlyn

Mae

Casimiro )

(Love this one so much, huhuhu.

Napaka

-angas

.

Kuhang-

kuha

ang

kasungitan

ni Wrath na parang bigla na lang

mananapak 😩 )

Finithee Suarez

(by Erlyn Mae Casimiro)

(I’m OBSESSED with Finithee’s hair, just look at it. I want her hair to be her trademark and this is so awesome, my baby looks so pretty 😭 )

Wallpaper

(If gusto n’yo makuha mga copies

nitooo

, chat n’yo lang ako sa Facebook account ko: Alleona Johnelisa Nieva)

Finithee Suarez

(by Koreen

David)

(Just look at this girl, ang pretty omgggg. Love the art style as weeeell, the details omg. So freaking beautifuuul 😩💛)

Introduction

INTRODUCTION

ONLINE game— Arena of Survival , has been the most-talked multiplayer game in the esports community.

With 12 teams competing for the Arena of Survival Philippine Professional League (APPL), multiple fandoms were made to support their desired team.

Adding flavor to its popularity, a mysterious player outside the league became well-known after dominating professional players during ranked games

Finithee

Suarez was constantly mistaken as a man because of her capabilities in game. No one will ever question her real gender as long as they address her as “him”.

She was well-known for upsetting professional players during their live streams under her player identity, Rage .

After all the discussions, hatreds, issues, conversations, and even fans club associated to her in the esports field, she suddenly received an offer from the most popular APPL team in the whole Philippines.

Finithee knew damn well that accepting the offer could lead to chaos and anarchy. It even sound impossible for her.

But the only truth she has to face right now is the reality in front her. Because Ark of Arsenal is inviting her to play as their new exp-laner.

And without even foreseeing it— accepting their offer leads her path to Ark of Arsenal’s jungler, Wrath , who happened to be a cold-hearted player with great skills.

•••

DISCLAIMER

THIS is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Any technical errors and obvious wrong information must be addressed to the author, especially information stated in accordance to the gaming terms and professional league matters.

However, if the author fails to recognize and change these concerns without reasonable explanation, the author should be held accountable for writing disinformation.

Terms, Heroes, Ranks, and Roles

Hello! In able to understand the whole story better, please read the terms below and their definitions. It will avoid confusion for the next chapters. Thank you!

•••

•

Esports’ Terms

•

Arena of Survival   Top 1 grossing multiplayer online battle arena game.

Arena of Survival Philippine Professional League (APPL)

Competition or league within the Philippines where professional players on their respective teams compete for the championship every season.

APL World Series

Area of Survival Professional League World Series- wherein two best teams from their own countries compete for the APL World’s Championship.

Season

Two seasons happen within one year (the gap between each season is when international competitions happen). One season is approximately three months.

Regular Season

Two-month period of the battles between the teams where elimination will happen. Nine out of 12 teams will proceed to the playoffs base on their rankings during the regular season.

Playoffs

Series of the contest after the regular season to determine the final winner of the competition.

Bracket

(Upper and lower bracket)

The tree of matches used in the playoffs of the competition. Upper bracket usually gets the most advantage, three consecutive wins will immediately send the team to the grand finals. Lower bracket is considered as the elimination bracket. One lose against the opponent and the team will immediately end their journey within that season.

MVP

Most Valuable Player who brought their team to victory. Usually the player with the highest KDA.

KDA

(Kill, Death, Assist)

The recorded score or tally of the player after the match. Kill , pertains to the number of kills the player executed against enemies. Death , pertains to the number of times the player died during the game. Assist , pertains to the semi-kill a player executed after helping their teammate to kill an enemy.

Analysts

Game experts who analyzes the whole match to understand the winning and losing point of the teams.

Casters

or hyper commentators , are one of the most essential flavor to the esports community. They narrate every actions the players did and make the narration as creative as it can be.

Player head-to-head

Comparison of players, between each team’s selected role, with their statistics.

Match

Also known as a single bout of competitive play. A match is consist of set of games.

Best-of-X

The number of games played by the teams to win the match. Best of 3 means that one team should score 2-0 or 2-1 against their opponent to win. Regular matches are usually Best of 3, Bracket matches are played by Best of 5, and grand finals are Best of 7.

Boot camp

/Base camp

Training camp for players that serves as their second home.

•

Rank

•

Diamonds

Points gained from ranked games to reach another level. Amount of diamonds gained is based on the player’s rank and the enemy team’s rank.

Novice

Beginner rank for players with 0-20 diamonds.

Apprentice

Beginner rank for players with 21-40 diamonds.

Oracle

Lower rank for players with 41-60 diamonds.

Imperial

Lower rank for players with 61-80 diamonds.

Aristocrat

Expert rank for players with 81-100 diamonds.

Magnific

Expert rank for players with 100-150 diamonds.

Grandiose

High rank for players with 150-200 diamonds.

Sovereign

High rank for players with 200-400 diamonds.

Sovereign Novice

Higher rank for players with 400-600 diamonds.

Sovereign God

Higher rank for players with 600-2000 diamonds.

Sovereign Lord

Highest and most difficult rank to reach for players with 2000+ diamonds.

•

Roles in the Game

•

Roamer (Tank or Support)

Roamers, or tank/support, are the front liners of every team fights. Heroes under this role possess special abilities to tank the damage of the opponents. These heroes are capable of surviving longer than other roles because of their defense built. Roamers’ main job is to protect the rest of their team mates to win the game.

Gold-laner

(Marksman)

Gold-laner, or marksman, is the damage dealer who contribute big impact to the team. Unlike roamers, they are not capable of surviving alone in team fights unless their life steal is dominant. Since their build pattern focuses on damage and attack speed which features physical damage, heroes under this role are easier to kill. They need extra protection from the roamers to survive team fights.

Mid-laner

( Mage)

Mid-laner, or mage, is one of the most essential needs when it comes to team fights. Their burst damage using their magic powers gives a lot of space for the jungler and gold-laner. Mid-laners usually excel when it comes to poking their enemies in the battlefield, by doing this strategy, they are capable of showing dominance against the opposing mage.

Exp-laner (Fighter)

Exp-laner, or fighter, is known to be the fastest role to reach level 4 (reaching this level unlocks the hero’s ultimate skill). Ideal heroes for exp-lane are fighters, they have the ability to sustain damage and inflict damage as well. Exp-laners are one of the game-changers in the battlefield, with optimization of skills and targeting the squishy heroes from the enemies, fighters can turn things around. They are also responsible for assisting the jungler when it comes to buffs and objectives. Exp-laner is said to be the most exhausting role among the rest.

Jungler/Core (Assassin)

Jungler, or assassin, has the most tiring task in the entire game. They carry the spell “retribution”. Their main job is to farm and kill buffs around jungle area to level up. Aside from securing all the objectives (red buff, blue buff, turtle, and lord), they are required to gank the three lanes to support the entire team. The rotation of Junglers might vary base on the strategy, but their main task is to carry their team mates to victory. Heroes under this role are those with blink, dash, and burst physical damage. They are called the Assassins or “flashy” heroes who are capable of using unlimited movements or dash using their skills.

•

In-game Terms

•

First Blood

This term means getting the first kill in the game. It will be amnounced when you or the enemy team gets the first kill of the match.

Quadra

Kill

The act of killing four enemies consecutively within 20 seconds.

Penta Kill

The act of killing all (five) enemies consecutively within 30 seconds.

Godlike

The act of killing four enemies consecutively, without death, within one minute.

Unstoppable

The act of killing five enemies consecutively, without death, within one minute.

Wiped Out

Wiped Out notification appears when all enemies are dead or respawning.

Objectives

Pertains to the important matters in the game such as getting the buffs and securing Turtle and Lord for the team’s advantage.

Red Buff

Killing this jungle monster gives the hero an additional burst damage to enemies.

Purple Buff

Killing this jungle monster gives the hero an additional mana (used for the hero’s skills)

Turtle

Respawns after two minutes of the game. Carries a 10k gold and gives shield to the team who will take it down.

Lord

Respawns after nine minutes of the game. Carries 20k gold and additional damage to the team who will take it down. After getting killed, it will respawn and helps the team to push towers and clear creep waves.

Creeps

Little minions which respawn every 12 seconds of the game. They carry either gold or exp that enables heroes to level-up and gain golds.

Tower

Turrets which protect the main base. They inflict damage on hero when creeps are not around. Requires attack speed for it to be taken down.

Bush

Bushes are capable of making heroes invisible when they step on it. It helps the heroes to attack their enemies without a warning.

Ambush

Ambush pertains to the strategy use by the whole team by hiding in the bush and attacking their enemies in surprise.

Gank

Gank refers to the strategy used by junglers and roamers when they visit a specific lane and kills the opposing hero by teaming up.

Conceal

Roamers’ special item that allows them to enable invisibility and movement speed for five seconds.

Ultimate Skill

The most important skill of heroes which holds the most power, damage, burst, and crowd control.

Crowd Control

Refers to the abilities/skills of an hero that stun or slow enemies.

Set

Term used for roamers when they use their crowd control skills, or ultimate, to gather 2-5 enemies in one place or direction.

Recall

Button that sends heroes back to their base to regen life. Lasts for five seconds.

•

Build Terms

•

Build

It pertains to the arrangement of items for a specific role.

Physical Damage

Physical damage falls under the hands of Assassins, Fighters, Marksmen, and sometimes Tanks.

Magic Damage

Magic damage falls under the hands of Mage, Supports, and sometimes Marksmen.

Physical Item

Physical item pertains to the items needed to enhance the physical damage of the hero. These items have their own purpose of increasing the damage, attack speed, and penetration of the hero.

Magic Item

Magic items pertains to the items needed to enhance the magic damage of the hero. These items also have their own purpose of increasing the damage, burst, and penetration of the hero.

Counter Item

Counter items refers to the items that can counter the damage of the opposing hero. It is use to reduce the harm of aggressive enemies.

Defense Item

Defense items are usually used by Roamers in order to prolong their durability. These items can decrease the opponent’s damage upon the hero and helps them to sustain either physical or magic damage.

Penetration Item

Penetration items can easily counter defense items. It is an attribute that increases the effectiveness of physical/magic damage, by ignoring the physical/magic defense of the target by a fixed value or a percentage.

Life Steal

refers to an offensive stat that applies to auto-attacks and grants healing equally with a percentage of the dealt damage. Dealing damage to enemies grants life steal.

True Damage

Physical or magic damage that rejects defense items.

•

Battle Spells

•

Blink

Blink refers to a spell that enables the hero to teleport quickly in a predetermined direction.

Retribution

Spell that only Junglers can hold. Deals True Damage to creeps, buffs, Turtle, and Lord. It greatly helps Junglers with the farming process in the game.

Stun

This spell freezes enemies around within one second and stuns them.

Honor

A battle spell that ignores crowd control (stuns, knock up, etc.) It is usually used by Marksman and Mage or any damage dealer if the enemy team has a lot of crowd control set ups.

Enhanced

Battle Spell that allows the hero to appear invisible in the middle of recall. It is used to avoid getting killed by enemies chasing you down.

Sprint

Within three seconds, using this skills enables the hero to have an additional 80% movement speed and removes all slowing effects.

Divine Shield

This battle spell provides shield for the hero within three seconds, ignoring true and burst damage.

Burn

Invisible effect that can be applied to one opponent secretly. Enemy, affected by this spell, reveals their teammates location when they get closer to each other. It lasts for six seconds.

Priest

Spell for Support heroes with healing abilities. This spell reveals a magic circle that regens life to team mates standing inside it.

Supra

Battle spell for Marksmen to speed up their basic attack and life steal by 60%.

Massive

Battle spell that allows damage taken from enemies become reflective. Bouncing 60% of the opponents’ damage back to them within three seconds.

HEROES

(Roamers)

Ikaru

(

Psycho’s main hero)

Tank whose ultimate “Vision of the God” gives his ally team mates vision of the whole map for three seconds. Using this ultimate skill slows down enemies within the two meter range.

Remed

(Psycho’s main hero)

Tank whose ultimate “Sound of Atlanta” releases sound waves within a wide area, stunning enemies around that range and revealing their position

(other roam heroes)

Hestia

Tomandor

Pilantro

Fred

Simoun

Unison

Helyana

Yama

Diana

Morpel

Mirabel

Jada

Cannon

Baste

Moston

Crepoon

HEROES

(

Gold-

laners

)

Kraken

(Mad Dog’s main hero)

Shooter with a burst physical damage during the late game. His ultimate skill “Vanish and Destroy” allows him to enter camouflage state and for three seconds, basic attack is enhanced.

Genesis

(Mad Dog’s main hero)

Archer whose arrows contain poisonous drugs. Skills are mainly focused on crowd control, slow, and true damage. His ultimate “Cursed Arrows” releases multiple arrows, base on his stocks, causing slow and burning damage. Early game advantage hero.

(other gold-lane heroes)

Neptune

Gene

Sacro

Delta

Minaro

Pestia

Dumagon

Junior

Glove

Xanti

Ayana

Rosie

Deen

Mocinah

Trevor

Gaiah

Quid

Black

Noise

HEROES

(

Mid-

laners

)

Kaisac

(Scar’s main hero)

Mage with burst magic damage whose skills are based on water. His ultimate “Wave of the Ocean” produces tsunami that travels 2 meters, affected enemies will be stun within two seconds.

Freedom

(Scar’s main hero)

Mage with an angel form. His wand releases light that enhanced his magic damage. His ultimate “Form Me to Light” allows him to activate his wings, fly across the walls, and produce blinding light with 80% damage.

(other mid-lane heroes)

Collasah

Wind

Autumn

Summer

Winter

Juris

Hermophosis

Gabriel

Yueh

Riota

Reed

Trinna

Don

Miah

Belinda

Eliyia

HEROES

(

Junglers

)

War

(Wrath’s main hero)

Assassin with multiple dash skills. His ultimate “The Demon Inside” allows his form to turn into demon, producing enhanced skills and sped up basic attacks.

Zero

(Wrath’s main hero

)

Assassin whose ultimate “Zero Sight” brings him and the target enemy to another dimension, causing other allies and enemies to have zero vision on their location. Entering the other dimension allows Zero to have a 1v1 battle against the enemy.

Liberty

(Wrath’s main hero)

Liberty’s ultimate “Dashing Sword” gives his allies a 4 meter vision using his sword. He, then, throws his sword on a designated location— dealing 80% damage every hit.

Dos

(Wrath’s main hero)

Dos activates his ultimate “Daggers from Hell” when four of his daggers hit an enemy. Those four daggers comes back to him in enhanced form. The enhanced draggers will be thrown out again and deals 80% true damage to the target.

Havoc

(Wrath’s main hero)

Havoc’s ultimate skill “Total Destruction” releases earthquake to a designated location, slowing enemies with 60% damage inflicted to them.

(other jungle heroes)

Alandrus

Jace

Unique

Dashielle

Nowana

Pan

Zeus

Kamia

Hallios

Queensie

Benedict

Victor

Pocari

Dein

HEROES

(

Exp-

laners

)

All exp-laners are Finithee’s main heroes. I will only highlight the most used ones.

Apocalypse

Fighter whose ultimate “Eye of the Dead” allows Apocalypse to open his blind eye, copies the opposing enemy’s damage and converting it to specific skill.

Physical damage - Transforms his ultimate to darkness and converts enemies’ vision to total darkness within 1.3 seconds.

Magic damage - Transforms his ultimate to light and gives him an angel form and enhanced his damage to 30%.

Greek

Fighter whose skills are mostly dash and burst physical damage. His ultimate “Anger of Sky” causes a cloud to appear on top of en enemy, produces rain, and stun them for two seconds.

Medusa

Fighter whose skills are all in snake’s form. Her ultimate “Eyes of the Victim” stuns enemies for 1.2 seconds and causes their damages to be reflective.

Acid

Fighter whose ultimate “Invisible Wrath” creates acidic air and travels to a designated location, causing 90% damage to nearby enemies.

(other exp-lane heroes)

Flask

Hammeton

Beethoven

Gustavo

Wade

Vennix

Patrian

Crebl

e

Zillow

Collazone

Demeter

Persephone

Vredina

Lario

Yunankai

Suno

Tiger

I

CHAPTER 1

“REALLY, my dear friend? You have no plans of spending your weekends with me? Nakakatampo na talaga, ha.” A frown flashed across Finithee’s face when she heard that voice behind her.

“Vee naman, eh! I’m playing right now. Can we talk later?” she said while almost smashing the keyboard of her computer.

“Kinakalimutan mo na ba ang bonding session natin dahil sa laro na ’yan?” Veenus exclaimed before sitting on the bed. Bakas sa mukha nito ang iritasyon at pagtatampo. “Daig mo pa ang mga professional players sa APPL sa pagka-adik mo.”

Finithee faced her. “Johnmar Villaluna, shut up or I’ll end up dead in the game.”

“Hoy! Sinong nagsabing banggitin mo ang pangalan ko? Kaloka ka! Dapat talaga baby pa lang ako nag-warning na ako kay mudra na pangbabae dapat ang name ko, eh. Hays! Dapat kasi mga fetus pa lang kami, binibigyan na ng karapatan ang mge beki na palitan ang name nila paglaki.”

“Hindi ka papayagan kasi maingay ka raw!”

“Heh! Maglaro ka na lang diyang basher ka!”

“Ikaw naman kasi, eh! Tatapusin ko lang ’yung game tapos sasama na ako sa ’yo, promise!” she replied as she focused her attention on the game once again.

Veenus stood up from her seat to get closer to her. Pumwesto ito sa likod ng kaibigan at pinanood ang laro nito. “Wow, you have no deaths with 15 kills? Alam mo bang kapag naglalaro ako kasama si Wise lagi akong namamatay?”

“See? You’re even playing with your boyfriend and you’re telling me that I’m a game addict?” Finithee murmured before killing the enemy’s marksman.

“Syempre boyfriend ko ’yon, eh. Magagawa mo talaga ang mga bagay na hindi mo ginagawa dati kapag may lovelife ka na. Wise used to be a professional player, you know? Kaya nga naiintindihan kita ng slight kapag nagiging zombie ka na kakalaro niyan, eh,” Veenus responded.

“Why are you still calling him with his former player name? His name is Danerie James, Vee.”

“Gusto niya, eh! Para may remembrance raw siya sa APPL. Maglaro ka na lang diyan, shuta ka. You’re getting into my nerves, ha.”

“Ikaw naman ang nanggugulo, eh! I’ve been focusing since the game started. I think my opponents are really great. I can’t even kill their jungler,” reklamo ni Finithee habang nakabusangot pa rin ang mukha.

Veenus turned her gaze to the players’ ign before gasping out loud. “What the fuck, bitch?! Don’t you see their squad’s name?!”

“Ah!” Finithee gasped when the opposing exp-laner almost killed her. “Bakit bigla kang sumisigaw? Muntik na ako mapatay ng bobo nilang exp-laner!”

“You’re playing against Ark of Arsenal! At ’yang tinatawag mong bobo, si Hash ’yan!”

“Ha? Sino sila?” she asked curiously.

Isang malutong na batok ang natanggap niya mula sa kaibigan na agad niyang ikinangawa. “Gusto mong maging professional player pero hindi ka naman nanonood ng APPL, hindi mo pa kilala ’yung ibang players. Girl!”

She clapped her hands happily when they finally shut down the enemy’s base. “I won! Look! MVP!”

“Shuta ka, mhie! Makinig ka muna! Oo na, nanalo ka na. Award!” Veenus pulled her bestfriend as they both sat down on her bed. “You just defeated Ark of Arsenal, at hindi lang ’yon. Sinampal mo pa ng malutong na 1/10/3 ang exp-laner nila.”

“He’s the only one who have that score. The rest of her team mates are actually great,” mabilis niyang sagot.

“Girl, talaga bang hindi mo sila kilala?”

Finithee shook her head aggressively. “Are they professional players as well?”

“Oo! At hindi lang basta professional players sa APPL. Psycho, Mad Dog, Scar, Hash, and Wrath. They are all members of Ark of Arsenal, the most popular team in the whole esports field. With a 3-peat APPL championship! Dapat nga 4-time champions sila kung hindi lang sila natalo ng Ulysses Wagon ngayong season. They even competed for SEA Games and won! Kaloka ka, neng.” Veenus frustratedly explained.

She faked a gasped before nodding her head. “Okay.”

“Anong okay?”

“Veenus, you don’t understand.” She took her best friend’s hand before caging it inside both of her small hands. “Outside the league, whether they are professional players or not, they still look normal players for me. Kung sikat man sila o hindi, pare-parehas lang kaming naglalaro ng Arena of Survival. Why should I make it as a big deal?”

“Ayan, kaya ka pinag-uusapan lagi sa social media. O baka naman hindi ka pa aware sa mga usapan tungkol sa ’yo sa social–”

“Alam ko kasi whenever I’m doing my off-cam livestream, they’re talking about that. Dahil nga sa mga nanonood sa live streams ko, nalalaman ko na nakakalaban ko pala ’yung mga professional players sa ranked games,” she immediately cut Veenus off.

“Precisely my point! You are popular with your player identity, Rage, because you defeated professional players during their live streams. Everyone is curious about you. The only good thing is they think you are a man.”

“Why is it a good thing?”

“Because they will never shame you for your gender.” Veenus let out a sigh before smiling to her bestfriend. “You better stay away from their eyes, Finithee. Haters are not good for you. Kaya nga sabi ni Wise sa ’yo pag-isipan mong mabuti incase na may mag-offer sa ’yo sa APPL ’diba? Kasi alam niya ang buhay ng professional player, at babae ka pa. Kung sakali man na makakapasok ka sa APPL, you’ll be the first woman to play alongside those men. Paniguradong mainit ang mga mata ng tao sa ’yo.”

“It’s not my fault if people constantly think that girls have no place in esports. They are all absurd, Vee. Bakit ko hahayaan na maapektuhan nila ako? I can defeat all of them in ranked games, then they will never say anything. Easy!” She giggled cutely that made Veenus laugh.

“Sige, kapag nakapasok ka sa APPL panigurado ikaw ang muse. Ganda-ganda mo, oh! Tapos cutie cutie ka lang doon habang nandudurog ng mga lalaki. Bet! Imagine my beauty being flashed on the television when I sit at the audience area to watch your games. My gosh! Kabog!” tili nito.

Finithee happily flashed a smile before taking out her cellphone. May pinindot siya roon bago ipakita sa harap ng kaibigan. “Mainit nga talaga ang mata nila sa akin. See.”

“Oh my gosh. Hash was doing a live stream a while ago? People are now talking about your game against them!”

Veenus took her cellphone with widen eyes. “Anong ‘Rage upsets Ark of Arsenal after defeating them in a ranked game’? Kaloka naman mga caption nito! Si Hash lang naman binugbog mo, eh!”

“I told you, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t even know that I fought against them. Who’s Hash by the way? Parang natutuwa pa ’yung ibang tao na ganiyan ’yung score niya. I thought they’re the most popular team?” she curiously asked.

“Mhie, si Hash ang most hated player sa APPL as of now. Ang dami niyang issues. Sana nga matanggal na sa Ark of Arsenal para hindi na pag-usapan pa. Stress na naman ang bebe Wrath ko, ang sungit-sungit pa naman no’n. Baka sa base nila pinagsasapak niya na si Hash–”

“Who’s Wrath? I thought your boyfriend is Wise? Bakit mo siya tinatawag na bebe?”

“Hay nako, bruha ka! Minsan hindi masama ang magka-crush lalo na kapag alam mong wala kang pag-asa. The jungler who you can’t kill a while ago is Wrath, the most handsome player in everyone’s eyes.” Veenus’ eyes twinkled while describing that guy.

Walang ibang naging ekspresyon si Finithee kung di ang ngumiwi. “Vee. Can we go have our bonding session now? You’re starting to act like a flirt!”

“Bitch ka! Like legit!”

“Mas bitch ka! Johnmar Villaluna!”

“Don’t mention my name! Bruhang mima!”

II

CHAPTER 2

“RAGE should join the APPL so we could see him playing live. I’ll always watch his games if that happens!”

Finithee tilted her head to see a couple of girls talking behind Veenus. They are all scrolling through their cellphones while talking to each other.

“Dagdag asawa na naman aside from Wrath, gosh! I wonder if Rage is already planning to enter the pro-scene?” the cute girl with a bunny headband said.

Mabilis siyang umiwas ng tingin sa mga ito nang mapansin ang matalim na tingin sa kaniya ng kaibigan.

“Asus, nakarinig na naman ng fans. Kumain ka na nga diyan, bruha ka. Tapos punta tayo kila Wise mamaya,” she said.

Finithee played with her milk shake’s straw with her lips. “Should I join the league, Vee?”

“Kung ’yan ang gusto mo, go lang! Gusto mo ako pa maging all-around manager mo. You want a make-up artist? Pak! Ako na ’yan. Hair stylist? Like legit, ako na ’yan!” masaya nitong sagot sa kaniya.

“Maybe we should really ask your boyfriend about that!” she suggested before taking a sip on her shake.

Mabilis niyang inubos ’yon at nagligpit ng mga gamit para sumama sa kaibigan na kanina pa atat makita ang nobyo.

“Rich girl, eyy! Show me your love and show me your car!” kumakantang tukso niya sa kaibigan nang pumarada ang sasakyan nito sa harapan nila.

“Eme ka na naman diyan, Finithee. Let’s go na! Kanina pa ako hinihintay ni Wais, oh.”

“YOU’RE planning to join APPL, Finithee?” Wise asked her with unbelievable tone. Agad naman nanlaki ang mga mata niya bago harapin ang kaibigan na pekeng nakangiti sa kaniya.

“Ikaw talaga, Vee! Sinabi mo agad? Diba sabi ko pagdating na lang natin!” she complained before pinching Veenus’ waist.

“Si Wais lang naman makakaalam, bruha ka! ’Saka humingi ka kaya ng advice sa kaniya if you’re really planning to become a professional player? Matutulungan ka niyan since four years din siya sa league,” sambit nito bago pabebeng ngumiti sa nobyo na sinuklian naman nito ng flying kiss.

She rolled her eyes and frowned when she saw that scene. Kapag magkasama talaga ang dalawa, lagi siyang napapabusangot sa pagiging sweet nila.

Wise sat beside her as he gave her a bottle of juice that she gladly accepted. “If that’s what you wanted to do, we will always support you. But you should consider many factors before deciding, Finithee.”

“What factors? Like the haters? I don’t care about them, Wise.”

“I know. Pero lahat sa professional league, lalaki. Katulad ko. I have my Veenus already but some of them doesn’t have anyone. Their nature will surely give you a hard time. You’re not just a great player, Finithee. You are beautiful also, and they will grab the opportunity to hit on you.” He let out a sigh. “If you really want to pursue professional league, you should choose a team that will never take advantage of you. The only team that I trust when it comes to management is Ark of Arsenal.”

“Huh? ’Yung pinakasikat na team?” Nagtataka niyang nilingon si Vee na tumango lang sa kaniya.

“If they kick out Hash from the team, then they are perfect already!” Veenus said.

“Exactly. Why do you think those four original members of the team stay? Especially Wrath, maraming team ang gustong kuhanin siya pero hindi niya ginagawa–”

“Gosh, Wais! Wrath is the main owner of Ark of Arsenal. What do you expect?”

“Baby! I’m trying to convince Finithee, okay?” Pinanlakihan ng mata ng lalaki ang nobya na mapagpasensya lang na ngumiti sa tabi.

“Even if they’re the only team you trust, it’s still impossible to happen, Wise.” Finithee flashed a faint smile. “They’re not crazy to hire a girl player like me. Baka naman kaya pang patinuin ’yung Hash na ’yon. What did he do so bad for people to hate him? He’s still one of them who brought victory and championship to Ark of Arsenal.”

“He might be, but he’s also the reason why Arsenal failed to compete for international scene lately. Only the APPL Champion has the chance to join the competition and win a gold medal. Hash brought lots of issues to the whole company. Even if he did great for the past season, he’s still a problematic player,” paliwanag ni Wise sa kaniya na maagap naman niyang iniintindi.

“And one more thing, my dear missy.” Veenus sat beside her. “Every player is required to stay inside the boot camp. You think you can do that?”

“I can!” matapang niyang sabi. 

“Ha! Kung papayagan ka ng mga kuya mo! Baka jombagin ka nila nang tuluyan kapag nalaman nila ’yang gusto mong gawin sa buhay.”

“Don’t mind them! They don’t have to decide for me, I’m already 20, Vee! Wala silang magagawa kapag nagsumbong ako kay daddy!” she quickly replied in annoyance.

Just thinking about her brothers’ violent reaction makes her irritated already. Ano pa kapag nagsimula na ang mga ito na magwala sa bahay at gawin ang lahat para hindi siya umalis? Kahit simpleng field trip nga lang sa school niya ay gusto pang sumunod ng mga damuhong ’yon.

“Boom, bading! Halimaw sa laro pero spoiled brat sa daddy!”

She gasped when Veenus lightly tapped her head. “Vee!”

“Tingin mo papayag din si tito Fin kapag sinabi mo ’yung about sa boot camp? Haler! Kahit pinagtatanggol ka no’n sa lahat ng bagay na gusto mo, he’s still your dad. At matutulog ka sa iisang lugar kasama lahat ng mga lalaking hindi naman nila kilala. Kaya wala kang choice kung ’di maging princess at magpakasipsip para payagan ka. Gamitin mo na ang pagiging spoiled brat mo!” mahaba nitong litanya. Lahat ng mga sinabi ng kaibigan niya ay pinoproseso niya para lang malaman na tama naman ito.

Her father might give her anything she wants but he’s very protective also. Mas overacting lang ang mga kuya niya.

“Why are we going this far? I haven’t even received any offer from any of the teams!” Pabalang siyang tumayo sa kinauupuan at hinarap ang dalawa. “What if they find out that I’m a girl? Baka ayawan nila ako!”

It’s just impossible for a woman like her to be a professional player.

Girls have no place in esports and compete in the league, it has always been men who have the chance to do that.

Being the first female professional in the league? That’s basically just a dream.

“And? Kahit babae ka, pinagbubugbog mo pa rin ’yung mga players nila sa ranked games. I still think that me and my Veenus are too lucky that we know Rage personally. No one will even expect that you are a girl. Kung sakaling masali ka sa mga teams, they’re going to become very popular for hiring a girl. That’s new!” Wise said. 

“Basta! Uwi na nga ako. Maglambingan lang kayo diyan.” Tumango naman ang kaibigan niya na nagsimula nang maging pabebe sa jowa.

“Just tell manong Jules to take you home safely.”

“Okay, bye!”

Inirapan lang siya nito. “Ingat, bitch!”

“Bitch ka talaga!” She threw a small pillow towards Veenus’ face before running outside Wise’s house. Tumatawa pa siya nang marinig ang matinis na boses ng kaibigan mula sa loob.

She smiled sweetly to Veenus’ personal driver who immediately opened the passenger’s seat for her. Sumakay siya sa kotse at pinahinga ang katawan.

Maging professional player nga parang imposible na. Maging myembro pa kaya ng pinakasikat na team?

“Me, joining Ark of Arsenal? Sounds like impossible to me,” she murmured silently.

III

CHAPTER 3

FINITHEE darted her eyes on the comment section of her off-cam livestream when she noticed the commotion there.

“Hash?” Maigi siyang nag-isip para matandaan kung sino ang taong ’yon. “Ark of Arsenal? Why are they talking about him in my livestream?” she murmured curiously.

She moved her hero and hide inside the bush to avoid death while she’s busy typing on the keyboard. Then she entered her question to everyone.

“Why are you all dragging his name here?”

Binalik niya ang paningin sa laro para i-clear ang creep waves sa lane niya. The opposing exp-laner is a coward, he doesn’t even want to attack her after typing the words “Mercy, Rage.”

What’s so scary about her ign? Dapat nga pinagtutulungan siya ng lahat para mapahiya naman siya kahit isang beses lang. Mas nangunguna lang talaga ang pagiging epal ng mga ’to kaya pakiramdam nila ay hindi siya kayang matalo sa lane.

Even if she knows how to excel during the game, she’s still a freaking human. Natatalo at natatalo rin siya lalo na kapag hindi marunong sa rotation ang random jungler na kakampi niya. Minsan din ay nakaka-encounter siya ng mga exp-laner na halos kayang makipagsabayan sa kaniya.

Siguro mas mag-e-enjoy siya sa paglalaro kung na-cha-challenge siya sa kalaban. Kaya siguro gusto niya ring pasukin ang pagiging professional player. Base pa lang sa mga sinabi ni Wise sa kaniya, mas nakaka-tense maglaro sa harap ng maraming tao. Gusto niyang maramdaman ’yon.

Muli niyang binalik sa base ang hero at binasa ang mga comments.

“Ark of Arsenal just announced that Hash is out from the team.”

“Maybe because you upset him a big time yesterday.”

“

Palitan

mo na, Rage! Excited kaming makita ka sa APPL.“

“Hash talked shits about you during his livestream!

Bugbugin

mo ulit sa lane!“

“Wow. They really kicked him out,” hindi makapaniwalang sabi niya. “Why would I take his position? I haven’t even received offers from any of the teams.”

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya nang maka-penta kill matapos sugurin ang mga kalaban sa base nila. Ayaw lumabas, pinasok niya. Malamya niyang tinapos ang laban bago sumandal sa upuan. Punong-puno pa rin ang comment section niya ng mga usapan tungkol sa lalaki.

Agad niyang in-end ang livestream para matigil na ang mga tao sa kakausisa. She, then, clicked Hash’s yesterday livestream and played it on repeat.

“Rage is just a typical player who randomly win. Why are you hyping him up?” mayabang na saad nito. “I’m not in my best state today because Wrath and I just had a fight. If ever that I cross path with this Rage again, I’ll never let him kill me even once. Baka nga kahit sa personal hindi ako kayaning harapin niyan. What does he even look like? Is he capable of looking better than me?”

She clicked the fast forward.

“You’re all here to hype a player who can’t even step his foot in the professional league. And you’re dragging a player like me who literally brought my team to victory for three times? Sounds like shit to me! Wala kayong utang na loob sa akin?”

After a 30-minute video of him, talking shits about her and his former team, she finally understood the reason why majority of the people hate him. He’s really a jerk, that’s why.

“Ang kapal ng mukha mo, si Wrath ang

nagdadala

sa inyo sa victory.“

“Remember during season 14 and 15? You always get shut down by Ulysses’ exp-laner.

Nananalo

lang kayo dahil

nakaka-rotate

nang maayos si

Pyscho

at Wrath. Ngayong season 16 naging bobo ka na nang sobra kaya

natalo

na talaga kayo ng Ulysses.“

“Pagod na

kakabuhat

sa ’yo jungler. Umalis ka na sa Arsenal.“

All of these scenes are happening without her knowing. Siguro dapat na talaga siyang manood ng APPL kung gusto niyang tumapak sa arena. Kahit imposible para sa kaniya na maging professional player, gusto niyang maging aware sa lahat ng nangyayari rito.

Hash doesn’t know how to be decent human being and the only thing he can do to satisfy his narcissistic personality is to act like a bastard.

“Ihh,” reklamo niya nang tumunog biglaan ang notification ng cellphone.

She put down her headphone before opening an email she received. Saglit niya lang tininingnan ’yon bago pabalang na bitawan ang cellphone sa lamesa at akma na sanang isusuot muli ang headphone.

“From the management of Ark of Arsenal?” she repeat the words she read on the email’s subject.

“Ahh!” she screamed loudly as she got up from her seat with her cellphone. Padapa niyang binagsak ang katawan sa kama para basahin nang buo ang natanggap na email.

Good day, Rage.

We came across your social media and found your email account from your profile. I am Migo Gonzales, the head coach of Ark of Arsenal. 

During our training yesterday, our team fought against you in Arena of Survival, and realized that you have the capabilities of an exp-laner that we need. 

We are all aware that you are a popular anonymous player and it might be a shocking news to you to receive this offer.

But we are interested with your skills and the things you can offer to our team for the upcoming APPL Season 17 and the upcoming World Series. We are in need for another exp-laner who can dominate alongside our players; Wrath, Mad Dog, Psycho, and Scar.

The management of Ark of Arsenal is hoping to hear your response. We will gladly welcome you in our team as our official new exp-laner once we meet an agreement.

We also prefer to meet you in person for the contract and further discussion.

I will reply to you as soon as possible if you have any concerns.

Best regards,

Migo Gonzales

“This is not real,” she murmured. Binagsak niya ang cellphone sa kama at marahang sinampal ang sarili. “This is just a dream!”

Mabilis siyang tumayo sa pagkakahiga at hinarap ang sarili sa salamin. “Ark of Arsenal is offering me to play professionally?”

Kinagat niya nang mariin ang ibabang labi bago tumili nang malakas sa sobrang saya. Tumatalbog ang puso niya, para bang gustong lumabas mula sa dibdib niya. She can even hear her own heartbeat!

Nang mahismasan ay muli niyang inabot ang cellphone para magtipa ng mensahe pabalik.

Good day, coach Migo.

This is Rage, and I have read your email. I prefer talking to you in my social media account to further discuss the offer. You can message me at my official page and I will reply to you.

Thank you!

Wala pang ilang minuto ng paghihintay ay agad na tumunog ang messenger niya nang maka-receive ng message request mula sa isang tao.

A verified Facebook user named “Migo Arsenal” appeared and she immediately confirmed that everything is real. That everything is not a scam.

“Ahh!” Kinagat niya ang unan at tumili nang tumili. “It’s really happening!”

IV

CHAPTER 4

“VEENUS! They want to meet me in person. What should I do?” kinakabahan niyang tanong sa kaibigan habang nakatitig sa screen ng cellphone.

“Let me see!”

Migo Arsenal:

We can talk casually, Rage. Mas gusto ka sana naming

makausap

sa personal para

makilala

ka rin namin.

“Then tell him that you’re willing to do that. Alangan naman tumanggi ka? Paano ka makakapaglaro?” sarkastikong sagot ng kaibigan na ikinairap niya.

“What if they find out that I am a girl? Baka umatras sila!” she replied.

“Edi umatras sila! At least binugbog mo Ark of Arsenal sa–”

“I didn’t do that!”

“Okay, chill, bitch!” Veenus flipped her invisible hair as she focused on her again. “You need to meet them personally. At the end of the day, it will happen no matter what. If you’re scared about your gender, then it’s their loss. Haler! Ikaw na ’yon, oh!”

Maagap siyang tumango bago mag-reply rito.

I am willing to do that. But coach Migo, I’m a girl.

Her eyes narrowed when coach Migo reacted “haha” on her reply. Naniniwala ba ito sa kaniya?

Migo Arsenal:

Great! I will fetch you tomorrow so you can meet the members in our boot camp. You can bring your friend or anyone who can accompany you, don’t worry about that!

He didn’t even say anything about the “I’m a girl” part. He just talked about the meeting. Baka naman wala talaga silang pake kahit babae o lalaki siya? That’s possible! They’re eager to hire her and maybe they will accept everything that she says. Tama. ’Yon nga!

Pagkatapos niyang makipag-usap nang masinsinan dito ay muli niyang hinarap ang kaibigan na malapad ang ngiti.

“Yie! Matutupad na ang pangarap ng bebe girl ko na ’yan. Kabog! Slay!” Veenus excitedly said while teasing her.

“But I still have to undergo try-outs, right? Paano kapag biglang umurong ’yung tapang ko tapos magkamali ako nang maraming beses? Nakakahiya!”

“Talaga, Finithee?” her bestfriend gave her a bored look. “Ikaw? Mahihiya? Uurong ang tapang? Anong sabi mo kahapon kay Hash? Bobo sa exp-lane. Tapos tingin mo dahil lang makakalaro mo ang Ark of Arsenal sa personal uurong ang tapang mo bilang Rage? Ikaw?!”

“Bakit? Nahihiya rin ako!”

“Nahihiyang magiging bobo sa game, pwede pa! Kahit nga 1v1 natin hindi mo ako pinapatawad. Hindi uso ang hiya sa ’yo sa larong ’yan. Galingan mo sa try-out dahil makakalaro mo si Wrath my bebe. I can’t imagine myself playing with him, kaya siguro binigay ka ng may likha sa akin para i-take over ang dream ko.” Umirit ito gamit ang matinis na boses na ikinadaing niya.

“Exactly. You said that Wrath is the greatest player of all time. Syempre mahihiya ako roon, mape-pressure,” she said as a matter of fact.

“Tumingin ka sa yummy niyang face, mawawala ang worries mo. O my gosh, I love him!”

“Isusumbong kita kay Danerie!”

“Panira ka, bitch, ha! Okay. Let’s settle this one!” Veenus stood up from her seat as she faced her. “You will meet them personally and agree with the terms you like. You will slay during the try-out and become an official professional player. Pagkatapos, jowain mo si Wrath!”

“What?!” she hysterically screamed. “Hindi ba talaga maaalis ang kaharutan sa utak mo, Johnmar Villaluna?”

“Bakit? Malay mo maging bet ka niya. Ang alam ko pa naman, majority of game addicts are attracted to girls who can play with them. Ikaw hindi ka lang basta kemeng player. Babae ka na nga, magaling ka pa. Kaya mo pang makipasabayan. Nako, baka ikaw na ang kakandong sa bebe ko!” Malandi itong naglulundag.

“Veenus! Can we talk about this seriously? I’m about to meet them tomorrow!”

“Ito na! You’re so patientless.”

Nagkatinginan sila bago sabay magsalita sa mapang-asar na tono. “Patientless? Huuuy!”

They burst out laughing after that.

FINITHEE patiently sat on the bench while waiting for the guy she had conversation with yesterday. Coach Migo said that he’ll meet her at the park. Veenus wanted to come with her but she decided to go alone.

Alam kaya ng coach ng Arsenal na babae siya? Sinabi niya naman kahapon sa chat nila ang tungkol doon. Naniwala naman ba ito?

Bumaba ang mga mata niya sa cellphone nang mag-message ang lalaki sa kaniya.

Good morning, Rage!

I’m standing in front of children’s playground right now, I’m wearing gray pants and red t-shirt. I’ll wait for you, just approach me anytime!

Nilibot niya ang mga mata at agad na napansin ang isang lalaki na halos kararating lang. Matangkad ito at maputi. He is also wearing the same outfit that coach Migo said on the chat, maybe this is him already.  

She stood up from her seat and walked towards his direction. Dahil nakatalikod ito ay dahan-dahan lang siyang humakbang papalapit.

“Coach Migo?” she uttered.

He faced her with a warm smile across his face. “Hi! I’m sorry I’m not with any members right now. Hindi rin maganda ang autograph ko,” pabiro nitong sabi.

Laglag ang balikat niya nang marinig ang sinabi nito.

He thought she was a fan.

She knew it. He didn’t believe her when she said that she’s a girl yesterday.

She awkwardly laughed. “Hindi po ako magpapa-autograph.”

“Oh, sorry! How can I help you instead?”

Tinaas niya nang bahagya ang cellphone at pinakita ang conversation nilang dalawa. “I’m Rage.”

He went silent for a couple of seconds. Paulit-ulit pa nitong binaling ang paningin sa kaniya at sa cellphone niya para kumpirmahin ang sinabi niya. He even blinked many times as if he’s facing a ghost.

“You’re Rage?” he confirmed and she nodded. “Wow.”

Tipid siyang ngumiti rito.

“Wow. Just wow.” He covered his face with both of his palm, laughing. “I’m sorry. I’m really sorry about my reaction, I just didn’t expect any of this. You are actually a girl?”

“I admitted about it yesterday,” she replied politely.

“Right. And I thought you were joking around.” Mapagpasensya itong tumingin sa kaniya. “I’m really sorry, my reaction is a bit too much. Namamangha lang ako na babae ka talaga. You were dominating professional players during their livestreams, you defeated majority of APPL players. We never knew that the anonymous Rage is a girl.”

“I understand, coach Migo. I’ll also take considerations if you ever want to pull out the offer–”

“What? No!” Buong respeto nitong nilahad ang kamay. “We don’t care about your gender or anything. Wala kaming karapatan na talikuran ka pagkatapos mong bigyan ng pagkakataon ang Ark of Arsenal na kuhanin ka bilang player. Did you even realize how powerful your skills are? We will be very blessed to welcome you as our player!”

She happily accepted his hand while giggling. “Nice to meet you too, coach.”

“Nice to meet you, Rage. It’s really really nice to meet you. Everything is still a shocker to me and I’m sure that everyone will have the same reaction if they meet you. So, are you ready to see the team?”

Tumango siya rito nang buong galang.

“Surprise them, Rage.”

V

CHAPTER 5

ROAMING her eyes around the place where coach Migo left her, Finithee finally understood why Wise believed that Ark of Arsenal has the best management.

When coach Migo brought her to the base camp, she was expecting to see a studio type of house filled with computers.

Pero ibang base camp pala ang bubulaga sa kaniya.

It looks like a headquarter slash a house already. Habang nililibot niya ang paningin kanina sa labas ay tansya niya na hanggang tatlong palapag ito. The front view has the words “Ark of Arsenal” sculptured on the wall as well.

May sarili pang parking lot ang gusali at ilang kotse rin ang nakaparada roon. The overall area of the base camp is huge as hell, halatang ilang daang milyones ang nagastos sa pagpapagawa.

Winning the APPL championship allows the whole team to win 20 million cash prize. And Ark of Arsenal won for three times already. Kahit 60 million hindi kayang mapatayo ang ganito kagandang base camp.

Maybe the owner of this team is a billionaire.

Even the set-up of the computers inside is incredible. Kahit siya ay sisipaging manalo sa tournament kung ganito ka kagarbo ang tinutulugan at pinagte-training-an niya.

Since Coach Migo left to call the four members who happened to be attending an important meeting, she just silently sat on the sofa to wait for them patiently.

“Really?! You hired Rage to play with us?!”

“I’m always watching his live streams!”

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya nang marinig ang mga boses na ’yon mula sa malapit.

The glass door opened and three unfamiliar guys entered the room with Migo. Lahat ng mga ito ay may itsura at bakas sa mga mukha nito ang excitement.

They all look nice and approachable. She’s silently hoping to be friends with them.

“Where’s Rage?” a guy who’s wearing a bunny hat asked.

Coach Migo flashed a warm smile before walking towards her direction that made her heart went abnormal. “Team? I want you all to meet your new exp-laner, Rage. You can call her by her real name, Finithee.”

Humakbang ito paalis sa harapan niya dahilan para makita niya ang reaksyon ng tatlo.

All of the things inside their hands fell on the ground when they realized that their new team mate is a girl.

“Hi?” she awkwardly greeted them.

Unang nakabawi ang pinakamatangkad na lalaki. Kahit nakaawang ang labi ay nagmamadali pa rin itong humakbang papalapit para makipagkamay sa kaniya.

“You’re a she,” he uttered. “I’m Hugene, and my player name is Psycho. I’m the team’s roamer!”

Proud na proud pa itong ngumiti nang tanggapin niya ang kamay nito.

Sunod na naglahad ng kamay ang may pinakabatang itsura. “Hi, missy, I’m your biggest fan! My real name and my player id is the same, I’m Scar! The team’s mid-laner!”

Lumabas ang magkabilang dimples nito sa pisngi nang makipagkamay siya rito nang buong ingat.

“I’m Kiel, or Mad Dog.” The guy who looks like a troublemaker stepped forward to shake hands with her. “Paiyakin natin lahat ng kalaban sa darating na tournament!”

After all of their warm and cute greetings, she shyly raised her hand to wave at them. Nakangiti pa siyang kinawayan pabalik ni Scar.

“Hi, I’m Finithee Suarez, everyone calls me Rage. But you can just call me by my real name!”

“Cute mo!” Scar exclaimed hysterically. Mahina naman itong binatukan ni coach Migo na ikinabigla niya.

“Landi ng minor na ’to, oh!” Kiel teased the latter.

Tama nga ang hinala niya, pinakabata sa grupo si Scar dahil na rin sa height at mukha nito.

“Are you really going to play with us?” Hugene confirmed.

Nilingon niya nang bahagya si coach Migo bago dahan-dahang tumango. “I’ll do my best, and I hope we all get along.”

“Of course we will! Kami dadabay sa ’yo sa laro!”

Kumunot ang noo niya nang mapansin ang pagiging bulol ni Scar sa Tagalog.

Inakbayan ito ng katabing si Kiel. “It’s gagabay, Scar.”

“Galamay.”

“Gagabay!”

“Gagabay.”

She can’t help but to giggle because of Scar’s cuteness. Para itong bata na pinapagalitan ng nakatatandang kapatid.

“Where’s Wrath? Have you seen him left the meeting room?” Migo suddenly asked when he realized that there is someone missing.

Shoot.

She almost forgot that she needs to meet that man too. Hindi niya nga alam kung bakit siya kinakabahan sa presensya nito. Veenus’ description of Wrath made her like this!

“I’ll find him!” Hugene was about to leave but someone stopped him.

Finithee’s eyes immediately focused on the guy who just entered the room. Magkasalubong ang mga kilay nito at parang iritado ang ekspresyon.

Inisang lagok nito ang basong may laman na tubig bago lumapat ang tingin sa kaniya.

His cold and sharp eyes never left her eyes. Even his handsome face made her uneasy.

“She needs to undergo couple of games with us before we welcome her,” supladong sabi nito matapos ilapag ang baso sa lamesa.

“Wrath, can you at least greet her first?”

Muli siya nitong tiningnan habang nakabukol ang dila sa loob ng pisngi. “Wrath Fillotimo.”

Hindi niya magawang makapagsalita kaya isang tango lang ang binigay niya rito.

“We don’t have plenty of time for introduction, Migo. I’ll decide if she’s fit for that role. I’ll tell Von to prepare three games with Freed,” he demanded with full of authority.

“Right now?” Kiel murmured.

“Hindi, bukas,” sarkastikong sagot ni Wrath. “Malamang ngayon.”

“Okay! I’ll beat Killua’s ass!” Scar exclaimed excitedly.

The three guys gave high-fives to each other.

“Mauna na kami! Good luck, Finithee!” Sabay-sabay na lumabas ang apat at tanging silang dalawa lamang ni Migo ang natira sa loob.

He approached her apologetically. “I’m sorry about Wrath’s approach to you. Biglaan din kasi namin tinanggal si Hash, kaya kailangan na kailangan namin agad ng papalit sa kaniya. APPL Season 17 will happen next month and he just wanted everything to be organized. Bitin din talaga ang oras para makapag-training ka nang mas mahaba.”

“I understand, coach. I won’t fail you! I think I’ll perfectly adapt to them during the game. That’s one of my expertise,” she honestly said.

“I’m rooting for you. I’m not expecting you to be the highlight of the game today against Freed, but don’t make Wrath upset. He has the final say whether you’ll sign the contract or not. Pero kahit tumanggi siya, pipilitin naman namin hanggang siya na mismong ang sumuko,” pilyo nitong sagot.

Natawa siya dahil sa sinabi nito. “I’ll try to play safe, coach Migo. Don’t worry!”

VI

CHAPTER 6

“THIS is where that bastard Hash used to sit, Finithee. You can sit there for a while. But once you become our official exp-laner, I’ll tell the management to buy a new one!” pilyong sabi ni Scar habang ginagabayan pa siya sa pag-upo.

She awkwardly smiled at him as she slowly sat down in front a computer. On her right side is Wrath and Psycho’s on her left side, their expression are both serious.

“Naka-game mode na ’yung dalawa,” Kiel murmured when he passed through her. Umupo ito sa tabi ni Psycho habang patakbong umupo si Scar sa kanan ni Wrath.

“Missy! Don’t feel pressured and just enjoy the game with me!” Scar cheered her up.

Sinuot niya ang bagong headphone na may ngiti sa labi. Natatawa niya pang tinanguan si Scar na kinikilig namang sumandal sa kinauupuan.

“Finithee.” She felt coach Migo stood behind her. “You’re playing against Freed, they are known for their aggressive play style.”

“I think I’ve played with them before,” she uttered.

“Really, missy? Did you bully them?” Psycho asked her through their connected head phones.

She just awkwardly laughed. “I don’t know. The game was finished within six minutes.”

“Woah!” Ang tumatawang si Mad Dog ang narinig niya. “You made them surrender?”

“I didn’t do that,” depensa niya.

“You’re incredibly great, Finithee! Can’t believe I’m playing alongside Rage. You played against us last time and I can’t even leave my tower because of you,” reklamo ni Scar sa tonong nagtatampo.

“Duwag ka raw kasi, bata, kaya—”

“Ban all of their sub heroes, let them use their main,” Wrath cut them off with his strict voice. Bahagya siyang nilingon nito nang tumapat sa kaniya ang unang ban. “Ban Delta for Gav’s side.”

She politely did what he said. Halata namang nirerespeto ng lahat ang lalaki kaya tuwing may sinasabi ito tungkol sa game ay sinusunod nila.

“What do you want to pick, Scar?” Psycho asked after banning one more hero from the side of Freed

“Can I use Winter, captain?” Bumaling ito sa katabi na seryoso pa rin ang mukha.

“They’ll pick Autumn for Killua. Can your Winter stand that hero’s poke?” Wrath returned the question. Nang tumango naman ang huli ay ’saka siya sumagot. “Then pick him.”

“Who’s your main hero, Finithee? You always use random exp heroes, I wonder who’s your favorite,” it was Mad Dog who spoke.

“Just tell me who to pick, I’ll do that.”

“Apocalypse.”

Gulat na nilingon ng tatlong lalaki si Wrath nang banggitin nito ang hero na ’yon.

“Are you insane, captain? That hero is difficult to control. Let my Rage breathe for the first game!” reklamo ni Scar.

Finithee chose Apocalypse just like what Wrath told her to do. She’s aware that he’s trying to test her by picking difficult heroes for her.

But luck is not on his side today.

She’s been playing as an exp-laner for one year and she never had a main hero. Why? Because she can use all exp heroes in the game.

Apocalypse is the most complicated hero for everyone but certainly not for her.

The game started already and she’s now marching towards her lane against Aspect, Freed’s exp-laner.

As soon as she saw his hero arriving, she stood in front of her first creep wave.

If Freed is known to be aggressive, it’s no doubt that their exp-laner will attack her recklessly.

Ilang beses nga nitong pinindot ang recall button bago siya atakehin.

She positioned Apocalypse between Aspect’s creeps to level up while exchanging attacks with him. Nang mag-level 2 siya ay mabilis niyang ginamit ang “stun” na battle spell at walang hirap na pinatay ang hero nito.

First blood went to her hands.

“You’re incredible, missy!” Scar giggled.

She successfully reached level 4 and rotates around the bush to clear the third creep wave. Pagkatapos ay dire-diretsyo siyang bumaba sa mid-lane.

She used the long bush to hide her arrival from Killua’s sight, Freed’s mid-laner.

Nang maglakad ito papalapit sa kinaroroonan niya ay agad niyang binuhos ang ultimate skill para mapatay ito.

“Nice one, missy!” Scar exclaimed once again, enjoying his assist. “Let’s beat his ass!”

She bit her lower lip as she quickly clear all the creeps marching towards her lane. Then she began walking towards the Turtle that is being attacked by Zico, Freed’s jungler.

The enemy’s roamer is also there to assist their jungler.

Napansin niyang galing pa sa bot lane si Wrath at Psycho para patayin ang gold-laner sa kalaban kaya malabong ma-contest nila ang Turtle.

Tinuon niya ang pansin sa life bar ng Turtle bago mabilis na nag-dash papalapit dito. She stun Zico in a split of second using her battle spell, it allows Apocalypse to convert Zico’s hero to his dark skills. She started activating her ultimate towards the Turtle, stealing it without any retribution.

She escaped successfully using her dash skill and proceed on killing Aspect after.

“Wow, Finithee!” Bakas ang mangha sa boses ni Mad Dog nang mapansin ang ginawa niya. “Angas mo!”

“Swap lanes with her, Kiel,” Wrath commanded. “Attack their first to second tower, new kid.”

Kunot noo niyang binalingan ng tingin ang lalaki nang marinig ang tinawag nito sa kaniya. “I’m not a kid. I’m 20!”

“Your appearance tells me that you’re underage,” he replied.

Inis na iniwas niya ang tingin sa lalaki at magkasalubong ang mga kilay na pinatumba ang dalawang outer turrets ng kalaban sa gold-lane.

She proceeded killing Gav and Killua after assisting Scar.

“Missy! Are you mad? Why are you stealing my kills?” nagtatampo at pabirong sabi ng huli.

She glanced at him. “Sorry.”

Lumaki ang mga mata nito at ngumiti nang malapad. “It’s okay! I’ll give you all my kills!”

Finithee can’t help but to giggle with Scar’s cuteness. Kanina pa siya nito pinapatawa at pinapangiti, hindi tuloy niya alam kung uunahin niya ba ang inis niya kay Wrath o ang pagngiti sa isa.

“What the, Killua just left a chat,” Psycho murmured.

Bumaba rin ang mga mata niya sa chat box at binasa ang nakasulat doon.

Killua: Rage, you’re incredible. You bullied me one week ago and you’re still doing it here? Excited to see you in the arena!

“This bastard!” Inis na hinampas ni Scar ang lamesa niya. “He’s hitting on you!”

“You think Killua is gay?” Kiel chuckled naughtily. “There’s only five of us who knows that she’s a girl, Scar.”

“And so?! Ginaganit niya ako!”

“Ginagalit, Scar,” Psycho uttered.

“Sorry! He’s just irritating the shit out of me. Rage, can you tell him to back off?”

Scar gave her puppy eyes that she couldn’t stand. After killing Aspect for the tenth time, she typed on her keyboard.

Rage: Thanks :)

“Missy!” She smiled when Scar complained. “That’s not the right way to make him back off!”

VII

CHAPTER 7

“NICE!” the three guys exclaimed happily when they won game 3 against Freed, completing their scrim against them.

“You did great, Finithee!” Psycho gave her s high-five that she quickly accepted. “Never expected you to be that awesome in the battle field.”

“Thank you. You were incredible too,” she responded.

Nilingon niya ang masungit na katabi na agad siyang binalingan. “You need to learn how to properly cooperate in team work. That’s the only thing you need to improve.”

“Okay,” she replied softly.

“Don’t consider the upcoming league as normal ranked games you used to play, kid. Your performance a while ago focused on how aggressive your play style is, it won’t work when you’re already a professional player,” he explained.

“I get it.”

“Are you even willing to live inside the base camp?”

Mabilis siyang tumango sa lalaki. “Yes.”

He stared at her for a couple of seconds before someone broke the tension between them.

Scar jumped to Wrath who gave him an annoyed look. “What do you say, captain? She’s going to be our exp-laner, right?”

Migo appeared as well. “You have the final word for it, Wrath.”

Magkasalubong ang mga kilay na minasahe ng lalaki ang sentido. “Talk to her family about your plans. We’ll start training with her next week.”

“We will do that. I’ll go with coach Migo to talk to her family!” Scar said.

“Tone down your voice, Scar.”

Pinagmasdan niya ang masungit na jungler na ngayon ay naglalakad na paalis sa gaming area. Wala man lang itong sinabing kahit ano sa kaniya.

Totoo nga ang chismis, suplado at masungit talaga ang lalaki.

“Missy!”

“Hmm?”

Nakangiti niyang hinarap si Scar na masayang umupo sa tabi niya. “Can we play duo sometimes? I promise I’ll do great in the middle lane. I won’t be a nuisance to you!”

Finithee gazed at Kiel and Hugene behind her. “Is Scar an imported player?”

They nodded continuously. “From North America.”

“And Wrath?”

Napansin niya kasi ang madalas na paggamit sa wikang Ingles ng mga ito. They even sound so fluent and their accents are great.

“May lahi si captain, he got his surname from his crazy rich dad,” Kiel answered her. “But he still grew up here in the Philippines, then he studied in Canada for 12 years? Bumalik lang siya sa Pilipinas para maging pro-player at patakbuhin ’tong Ark of Arsenal.”

“He’s the owner of this team?” she hysterically asked.

“You don’t know?” Hugene gasped. “Yes, he is! His family is crazy crazy rich!”

“Wow,” she said in amusement. “I should be friends with him!”

Tumatawang ginulo ng dalawa ang buhok niya. “He’s great cook as well, we have plenty of advantages from him!”

“Missy, why are you ignoring me? I asked you if you can play duo with me sometimes.”

Hinarap niya ang nakanguso at nagtatampong si Scar bago niya ito ngitian. “Okay, I’ll play duo with you whenever we have free time.”

“Yes! My idol!” tuwang-tuwa nitong sigaw at dinambahan pa ng yakap si coach Migo sa tabi. “She’s our exp-laner, right? Right? What Wrath said is an indication of him agreeing!”

“Yes, Scar. So, don’t scare her with your naughtiness if you want her to play in APPL with you,” coach Migo joked around.

“I won’t scare her. I’m good!”

“You’re over acting with your attraction towards her!” Hugene exclaimed.

“What?! That’s not true!” Scar defended himself. “Missy, am I scaring you? I’m just idolizing you!”

“You’re not scaring me. You’re cute,” she replied with a smile.

“Really? She said I’m cute!”

KINAKABAHANG nilingon ni Finithee ang daddy niya nang mapansin ang pagiging tahimik nito matapos magsalita ng coach niya.

“We’ll ensure her safety inside the boot camp, sir. We promise you as well that nothing bad will happen to Finithee,” coach Migo added.

“Daddy, I’m a big girl already, right? I think I can decide for my own—”

“Your brothers will surely kill me for this once I agree with what you wanted to do, my daughter,” Fin cut her off.

She frowned as she sat beside him. “Daddy, I will never do something that will harm me. Veenus will always visit me in the boot camp, you know that we’re best friends since high school, right?”

“Anak, I’ll allow you to do everything that will make you happy but you’re going to live under the same roof with multiple men that I don’t know,” her father replied.

“You think I’m going to let anyone harm me?” She let out a sigh. “Trust me. Please?”

“How about your brothers—”

“They’re not here, dad. Nasa ibang bansa sila kaya wala silang magagawa para pigilan ako. Besides, I’m going to handle them once they got back from America,” she promised.

Umiiling na bumuntong hininga ang ama niya bago mapahilot sa sentido. “Uuwi ka sa bahay natin sa oras na may mangyaring masama sa ’yo, kahit gaano pa kaliit ’yan.”

“The management will constantly give you updates, Mr. Suarez. We will never let something bad happen to Finithee,” coach Migo said.

“I’m putting all my trust on you, Migo. Do everything to make sure that your players will never hurt my Finithee. She has three older brothers that will certainly kill anyone who harms her. Are we clear?” Fin Suarez demanded with authority.

Buong galang na yumuko ang kaharap. “Loud and clear, sir!”

“Thank you, daddy!” She giggled in happiness.

“Finithee, you’ll still bond with me and your brothers whenever you have free time right?” pagkumpirma nito.

“I will, dad. I promised kuya Dy that I’ll watch movies with them every weekends.”

“Have you met those men? Are they good? How about their names? Give me—”

“The management will handle that, dad. Tulungan mo na lang po ako mag-impake,” she complained.

“I’m sorry for over acting.” He faced coach Migo again. “You can leave now, Migo. I’ll send my daughter to the base camp with her things.”

“I won’t bother the two of you anymore, sir. Finithee, you know the route already, right?” he politely asked.

Nakangiti naman siyang tumango sa lalaki. “Ingat, coach!”

“Thank you. I’ll go ahead first, sir. Thank you so much for allowing Finithee to join the team. Be careful on your way.”

Her father faced her when Migo left already. “He sounds like a good guy. How about the rest of your team mates, are they gentlemen like him?”

“Yes, they’re all kind to me!”

“I’ll still ask your brothers once they get home to visit you everyday!”

“Everyday is so overacting, dad!”

VIII

CHAPTER 8

“MISSY! You’re back!” Finithee flashed a sweet smile towards Scar who approached her.

Sa likod nito ay si Hugene and Kiel na kumaway rin kaagad sa kaniya.

“Hi, sir! I’m Scar, I’ll be Finithee’s team mate!” Scar said in his usual hyper voice. Masaya pa nitong nilahad ang kamay sa daddy niya na katatapos lang ilabas ang mga maleta niya mula sa sasakyan.

Fin accepted his hand and shook it firmly. “It’s nice to meet you, young man. Take good care of my daughter over here, okay? She’s precious to me.”

“She’s precious to me also, sir! She’s my idol. I will take care of her and will make sure that she eats well!”

“Ang daming energy.” Kiel approached Scar before messing with his hair. “Good afternoon, sir. I’m Kiel, I’m also Finithee’s team mate. Don’t worry about her, we are all good guys!”

“I trust your words, Kiel.” Her father faced Hugene who also extended his arm.

“Hugene, sir. Nice to meet you! Kami na po bahala sa mga gamit ni Finithee.”

“Thank you. Hindi na kaya ng likod ko, nirarayuma na yata ako,” Fin joked around.

“Daddy, you can leave now. I think I still have a meeting to attend after this,” she said.

“Okay, I won’t bother you anymore, Thee. Just take care always and remember what I said. Uuwi ka agad kapag may nangyaring hindi maganda,” he warned her.

Mabilis naman siyang tumango sa ama. “Opo. Bye, dad. Thank you!”

“Mr. Suarez, I will escort you out. The boys will carry Finithee’s luggage inside, don’t worry.” Coach Migo approached them.

“Alright, mauuna na ako, Finithee. Mag-ingat, ha? I’ll watch your first match, just tell me the venue and the time.”

She giggled before waving goodbye to her father as he entered the car again. Sumakay naman sa passenger seat si coach Migo para ihatid ang ama niya sa main gate ng base camp.

Finithee glanced at the three guys who gently grabbed her things to bring it inside.

Akma niya na sanang bubuhatin ang isang maleta na naiwan nang may isang kamay na pumigil sa kaniya para gawin ’yon.

Agad niyang napansin ang maugat na braso ng lalaki nang buhatin nito nang walang hirap ang gamit niya.

“Did your father left already? I didn’t see him. I was upstairs,” he coldly asked.

Maliliit ang mga hakbang na sinundan niya ang lalaki papasok ng boot camp. “Yes, he just left. Thank you!”

“Head straight to the dining room before attending the meeting. The helpers will handle your things, don’t mind it.”

Maingat nitong binaba ang maleta niya sa sala at walang paalam siyang iniwan.

Siguro ang hirap kausapin ng lalaki sa interview. Baka maburyo lang ang interviewer kapag siya na ang tatanungin.

Hindi pa naman siya nagugutom kaya nagpasya na lang siyang umupo at ipahinga ang katawan sa sofa. ’Saka niya nilabas ang cellphone para buksan ang social media.

A message from Veenus popped up.

Veenus

Trap:

My love, kumusta naman ang bebe Wrath ko?

Napakaswerte

mo namang gaga ka, nakikita mo siya lagi.

Sumimangot ang mukha niya at nagtipa ng sagot dito.

Sungit. Parang ayaw

makipag

-socialize

.

She giggled when Veenus sent a crying emoji. Napaka-dramatic talaga ng kaibigan niya sa lahat ng bagay.

Veenus Trap:

Malay mo nahihiya lang sa ’yo,

yieeee

.

Jowain

mo na ’yan! Kung hindi siya

mapupunta

sa akin, sa ’yo na lang.

Finithee:

Tigil

sa

kalandian

, huuy! Screenshot ko ’to kay

Danerie

.

Veenus Trap:

Sabay pa nga kami

minsang

nagpapantasya

kay Wrath tapos

gaganyan

. Send mo pa!

Hindi na siya nag-reply sa kaibigan at nag-send na lang ng sleeping emoji.

Kung alam lang ng kaibigan niya kung gaano kasuplado ang pinapantasya nito, baka pati kaharutan nito ay sumuko mismo.

The three guys are all easy to approach, they are all friendly. And to form a chemistry between the team, they need to be friends with each other.

Pero paano siya makikipagkaibigan kay Wrath? Ni hindi nga siya nito binati kanina nang maayos. Parang inis na inis pa ito na nabuhay siya sa mundo.

If only he’s not that cold, maybe she can befriend him as well!

“Finithee.” She turned her head to glance at Psycho. “Have you eaten yet? Our analyst and social media manager needs to talk to you. Kumain ka na raw muna. They’ll wait for you.”

“It’s okay, I’m not hungry. Saan ko pala sila pupuntahan?” tanong niya.

“They’re upstairs. They just finished talking to Wrath about the training and your personal training.”

“Personal training?” She stood up to walk towards him. “Is that what Wrath’s pertaining to? He said that I lack response to team work. Maybe they’ll train me for that?”

“Kung oo, si captain ang magte-train sa ’yo sa bagay na ’yon. All of us undergo that as well. You think you can handle his evil side?” pananakot nito na agad niyang sinimangutan.

“I think I can do that. Hanggang ilang oras ba ’yon?”

“Oras? Finithee, it’s going to be days!” he muttered. “And those days with the terrifying and cold-hearted Wrath are unbearable. I feel sorry for you!”

“Where’s the meeting room?” pag-iiba niya sa usapan dahilan para matawa ang lalaki.

“Come, I’ll accompany you.”

“ALRIGHT, Finithee. The management will respect your decision if you’re not yet ready to show your face to everyone,” Von, the team’s analyst, said.

“But is it okay with you if we post an official welcome message to you in our Facebook page? We won’t reveal your identity, promise!” The social media manager, Peri, excitedly said.

Nakangiting tumango siya sa mga ito para ipahiwatig na pumapayag siya. “Thank you so much for respecting my decision as of now. I promise to reveal my identity during my first live stream.”

“It’s alright!” Peri flashed a sweet smile towards her. “Whatever that makes you comfortable is all that matters to us. At ’saka we have to take a good care of you. You’re the only girl in the team.”

Peri is a trans woman just like her best friend, Veenus. Both of them treats her like she is someone to treasure and she couldn’t be more thankful because of that.

Trans women are really warm and sweet. The love and care they give you are priceless.

Napasandal siya sa upuan at tahimik na hiniling na maging ayos lang ang lahat. Her dream is already in front her, she just needs to do a good job.

And she’ll make sure to do that.

IX

CHAPTER 9

“FINITHEE! The welcome message for was posted an hour ago!” She almost fell from her seat when Scar screamed out of nowhere.

Kababalik niya lang mula sa meeting nang bigla itong sumigaw mula sa gaming area. She quickly stood up from her seat before approaching Scar.

“Huh?”

“Your poster! People are now getting wild in social media! I didn’t even realize that it was posted already if I didn’t get messages!” he added with his hyper tone.

Nakakunot noo naman niyang binuksan ang Facebook account sa cellphone at pinuntahan ang official page ng Ark of Arsenal. Her eyes automatically widened when she saw the latest post. one hour ago It was indeed a welcome message for her with a poster!

Ark of Arsenal

1h ago

The long wait is finally over.

The most anticipated player outside the league has finally joined us. And the revelation drops as we reveal her true identity. The most awaited “King” of exp-lane is a Queen!

As our official exp-laner for the upcoming APPL Season 17, we are excited for your performance.

Welcome to Ark of Arsenal, Rage!

With 3.5M reactions, 785,261 comments, and 97k shares.

Even though it was only a figure of a woman to replace her, it still emphasized the truth that she is a woman, and people in the comment section are displaying their surprise.

She can’t believe that everything is really happening right now! It’s all too fast and overwhelming.

Inabala niya ang sarili sa pagbabasa sa comment section para malaman kung ano ang sinasabi ng mga tao. They’re too many but she won’t get tired reading all of them.

Isaah

Dose

Fan from Canada. I’ve been curious about Rage and now she’s in APPL! So awesome!

Ped

mas magaling pa maglaro ’to sa akin tapos babae pa,

iloveu

mahal na kita agad miss

George

aasawahin

ko to

Melissa

Guarnez

(Top Fan)

may babae na sa APPL!

Ann Brio

GRABEE

,

napaka-angas

Rage!

Some of the hate comments are just the typical misogynist comments from men who won’t even have the capability to defeat her in the game. Comments such as;

“Matic talo every match,

gg

.“

“Baka

tumili

lang ’yan sa arena,

tanggalin

n’yo na.“

“Babae ampota. Nag-jo-joke ba kayo Ark of Arsenal? Paano na kayo

mananalo

sa Season 17 niyan?

Patawa

!“

They’re just like the hate comments she received from her past live streams. Kahit murahin at duraan pa siya, hindi naman siya maaapektuhan at masasaktan sa mga sinasabi nito.

For how many times she proved everyone who used to hate her that she’s capable of playing as great as men, kusa na lang napapagod ang mga bobong tao sa pagbitaw ng masasamang salita sa kaniya.

If only she’s a little softer than her usual self, maybe she’ll cry for weeks because of their comments.

Is talking trash to professional players even normal? Why do people consider it as “part of the game”? It’s just pure stupidity, bullshit, and childish for her. Mga taong hindi lang nag-iisip nang tama ang naniniwala sa bagay na ’yon.

People who lose their sanity will do everything to justify their wrongdoings and proceed finding reasons to prove that they deserve to be understood. How about the professional players who always get affected by harsh comments? Do they have the chance to recover?

“Missy! You’re now trending in every social media platforms!” Kiel happily told her, jumping from excitement.

Masaya siyang nakikita ang suporta mula sa mga ito, it’s a signal for her not to disappoint them in the upcoming league.

“Thank you,” she uttered.

“Even in Twitter, people are talking about you! Look, you’re number one in Trending. Ikaw lang ang kauna-unahang babae na maglalaro sa league,” Hugene proudly said.

Wow, after seeing people’s post, tweets, and comments about her, everything lingers inside her mind. It’s almost as if they’re embracing her tightly through the screen.

Tumaas ang tingin niya nang mapansin ang pigura ng lalaki mula sa kusina, nilagpasan sila nito at dire-diretsyong umupo sa gaming area. Inside his hand is a soft drinks in can. Nakapaskil pa rin sa guwapong mukha nito ang supladong ekspresyon habang nakaharap sa computer.

Is he going to play Arena of Survival? She noticed him playing for several hours. Bago pa nga siya bumalik sa bahay para kuhanin ang mga gamit niya ay naglalaro na ito.

Hindi naman halatang umiikot ang mundo nito sa laro.

“Captain, the welcome message for Finithee was posted one hour ago!”

“And?”

Apat silang napasinghap sa naging sagot nito.

“You won’t say anything to missy?” Scar complained loudly. “Congrats her!”

Wrath gazed at her and his sharp eyes made her tremble. “Congrats.”

“Thank y-you,” nauutal niyang sagot pabalik sa lalaki.

Suplado lang nitong iniwas ang tingin at muling humarap sa computer. Parang ayaw talaga nito sa kaniya, hindi niya alam kung siya lang ba ang nakakaramdam non. If he’s really cold and a man of few words, then maybe he’s just acting like his usual self.

Pero paano kung sinusungitan talaga siya nito? Paano kung ayaw siya nito sa team?

Whatever . She murmured inside her mind.

Is it even her job to hear his validation? Yes. Because he is the captain of the team.

But is it her personal goal to be friends with him? No . She’s not stupid to push herself and become friends with a guy who lacks social skills. Oo, maaapektuhan siya kung patuloy siya nitong susungitan pero hindi niya ’yon didibdibin.

“New kid, come here.”

She returned her eyes on him when he called her with that shitty “nickname” he made for her. Wala siyang ibang nagawa kung hindi tumayo sa kinauupuan at lumapit sa pinakamasungit na lalaki sa buong mundo.

“Why?” she asked softly.

“Who’s your main hero?”

“I don’t have one,” she replied.

Sabay-sabay na niilingon siya ng apat. Tanging si Wrath lang ang walang overacting na reaksyon at ekspresyon.

“You don’t have one?” he confirmed.

“I can use all of them. But I have favorites, like Apocalypse and Medusa.”

Binaba nito ang tingin pabalik sa computer at pinili ang hero na si Medusa. He also picked the retribution battle spell that confused her. “Are you going to use Medusa as a jungler? Her passive is not–”

“I’m not going to use her. You’re going to play.”

“What? As a jungler?” gulat niyang tanong dito.

“Play ten games, five each for Apocalypse and Medusa. Use both of them in five roles and show me the result after.” He stood up from his gaming chair, slowly pushing it towards her. “Sit.”

“I can u-use my account.”

“And let people predict your surprise pick for the first match in the league? Wow, you’re smart,” he sarcastically said.

She almost rolled her eyes when she figured out that he’s right. Umupo siya sa upuan nito at nakasimangot na hinawakan ang mouse.

“Wow, captain. You never let me sit and use your computer! I envy you, missy!” sigaw ni Scar.

“Manahimik ka,” Wrath told him in a warning tone. Muli siya nitong binalingan ng tingin. “If you fail winning at least nine games, expect the rest of your weeks to be filled with trainings. Are we clear?”

“Yes, captain,” she replied.

Nahagip ng mga mata niya ang pag-angat ng sulok ng labi nito bago siya layasan.

Win nine games in different roles? That’s impossible!

X

CHAPTER 10

WITH her fingers spamming on Wrath’s keyboard, Finithee killed the opposing mid-lane using Apocalypse.

“Gosh, finally,” she uttered.

Using Apocalypse and Medusa in the middle is a struggle. She already won seven games and she lost a while ago when she used Medusa in the middle lane.

She’s tilted whenever she’s in the mid-lane. Specifically because Apocalypse and Medusa are not meant to be played as mage!

Isang game na lang ang kailangan niyang maipanalo para walang masabi ang supladong lalaki na hindi niya alam kung nasaan ngayon.

“Ah!” she uttered loudly when the enemy jungler suddenly appeared from the bush before taking her down.

“You’ve been killed for eight times already?”

Mas lalong tumaas ang tensyon sa katawan niya nang maramdaman ang lalaki mula sa likuran. His arm rested on the chair, almost touching her head.

“I’m s-still trying to find space for Apocalypse,” she explained.

Wrath placed his palm on the corner of the table as he leaned forward. Nanigas siya sa kinauupuan nang maramdaman kung gaano ito kalapit.

“Space for what? For your stupidity? If I were your jungler, I won’t even help you in the lane,” he said before looking at her.

Sinamaan niya ito ng tingin. “Apocalypse requires exp to gain more damage. You think mid-lane will work for him? I even lost a match earlier when I used Medusa in the middle lane!”

“Defensive?” He smirked. “How many games have you won?”

“E-Eight.”

“I hope you lose this one.”

She turned her gaze to the computer before holding the mouse again. “I’m alive again, don’t bother me!”

Nanatiling nakatayo ang lalaki sa likod niya kaya mas lalong nabubuo ang tensyon at kaba sa kaniya.

“Are you playing on brawl? Gank the gold-lane.”

“I’m not capable of doing that, I’m behind on level!” she explained.

“Then I’ll add more days for your training. Should I train you also every weekends?” he teased her.

Asar niya itong tiningala. “Can you please let me play peacefully?”

“Did you just glare at me?”

“I didn’t!”

Natataranta niyang binalingan ng tingin ang computer nang mapansin na sinugod na naman siya ng jungler ng kalaban.

She was forced to use her blink battle spell to escape death, but since the jungler’s using an assassin hero, he still chased her.

Dahil sa pagkamatay niya ay sunod-sunod nang pumasok ang mga kalaban sa base nila. Their roamer did everything to defend the base but they still got defeated.

Napasapo siya sa noo dahil sa nangyari.

“Get up.”

Tumayo siya mula sa kinauupuan ng lalaki at nilipat ang tingin dito. “Fine, I can’t function well in the middle lane.”

“Open your account and listen to me,” he demanded.

“PROVIDING vision and update for your team mates are necessary as an exp-laner. Your aggressiveness is making me worry,” Wrath said.

His voice is not cold anymore, he sounded strict and professional.

“I’ll take note of that. But can you stop mentioning my aggressiveness all the time? It’s one of the things I get used to,” she complained.

“And I don’t like it.”

“Okay.”

He stared at her unbelievably. “You can play like that when I told you so. But most of the time, you have to properly adapt to the enemy’s composition.”

“Bakit hindi puwedeng gamitin ’yung play style ko sa pro-scene? How different is playing in the league with playing ranked games?” she asked curiously.

“That’s common sense.” Ngumiwi ito. “New kid, are you even aware of some mechanics in the game when we are on the lead?”

Masaya siyang tumango. “Like freezing lane, flow, and objective wise, and four-protect-one?”

Tumango ang lalaki. “Define the first one.”

“Freezing lane.”

“What?”

Napalunok siya sa kaba nang maging suplado na naman ang boses nito. Nate-tense siya sa matatalas nitong mata kaya hindi siya makapagsalita.

“Freezing lane means not clearing all three lanes to prevent enemies from continuously gaining exp and gold,” she said.

“That’s what I’m trying to point out regarding your aggressiveness during the game. You tend to over extend and let enemies predict the moves you’re going to execute,” sabi nito.

She scratched her nape because she’s guilty of what he said.

“But I still think that we can change our strategy for the upcoming season,” pagpupimilit niya.

“You think our strategy is ineffective?” He stared at her intently, wanting to hear her reply.

“I’m not saying that it’s ineffective, I’m trying to say that it’s already out of the meta.”

Mas lumalim ang pagtitig nito sa kaniya. “What?”

“I’ve watched your match against Ulysses Wagon during the Grand Finals. They defeated you with a 4-2 score and I can tell that they prepared a strategy against Ark of Arsenal.” She flashed a sweet smile. “Hash was not as aggressive as the opposing exp-laner, and he lacks that specific skill. Hindi niya kayang makipagsabayan sa lane niya, it affects Mad Dog and Scar because he can’t leave his own lane.”

She played a video on her computer. “During game 3, you successfully stole the Turtle from Ulysses’ jungler but Hash died two times after that. And Scar was behind in level as well. Instead of matching with your rhythm, they failed doing that. And you lose against them.”

“You want us to become more aggressive than usual?”

“Yes. And play as if we’re playing in ranked games.”

Kumunot ang noo nito. “The fuck?”

“Captain,” she frustratedly called him. “Ranked games allow every players to have their own highlight and I never noticed that in league matches. If we continue using the strategy, the usual attack and defense, it might be impossible for us to step on the World Series.”

Natahimik ito nang ilang segundo.

“I’m not telling you to change the whole strategy, I’m telling you to add more. Since the teams observed that Ulysses Wagon defeated you, then they’ll repeat the same thing that Ulysses did. We need to come up with a new idea to counter them, and that’s aggressiveness. Let’s play like we’re trying to gain diamonds to rank up. That’s how we play ranked games, right?”

Hindi siya nito sinagot at pinihit lang ang upuan paharap sa upuan nito. Bago pa ’yon ay nakita niya ang bahagyang pagngiti nito.

Hindi niya alam kung natatawa ba ito sa sinasabi niya, o iniisip nitong gawin nga ang strategy na pilit niyang tinutulak.

But those are the things that she observed, and she made a plan to counter other teams.

If Ark of Arsenal will consider the aggressive play style she’s proposing, then they will be unstoppable in the arena.

XI

CHAPTER 11

“MISSY, good morning! You’re here too early!”

Nakangiting humarap si Finithee kay Scar na kapapasok lang ng meeting room. She raised her hand a little to wave at him.

“Good morning!”

“Wow, kami hindi man lang binati ng menor de edad na ’to!” Kiel complained as Hugene just laughed at him.

Scar irritatedly rolled his eyes to Kiel before turning his head towards her once again.

Masaya itong umupo sa tabi niya habang hindi maalis ang ngiti sa labi. “Did you wake up earlier than us? Have you eaten breakfast already? How’s your sleep? How’s your room? I decorated that!”

Natatawa niyang ginulo ang buhok ng lalaki nang maging hyper na naman ulit ito.

Actually, hindi naman nawawala.

Mas nadadagdagan pa nga.

“I’m not early, you’re just late. And my room is great, I like white so much! Coach Migo and our captain just left because they made a phone call to the staffs of APPL,” paliwanag niya sa lalaki.

“Why did they to that?” he asked curiously, facing the two other guys.

Nagkibit balikat kasi siya sa tanong ng binata kaya siguro nakuha agad nito na hindi niya rin alam kung bakit.

Tiningala sila ni Kiel mula sa pag-ce-cellphone. “Every teams will attend a small gathering tomorrow. We’re required to attend.”

Finithee and Scar both looked at each other with shocked expression and widened eyes.

“Gathering?” taka niyang tanong.

“Yes, it always happen every three seasons. You attended that back then, Scar. You already forgot about it?” Hugene asked.

Defensive na tumayo ang katabi niya at umiling. “I remember it already! Killua even slapped my forehead when I greeted him. That’s why I hate him so fucking much!”

“Woah!” Kiel and Hugene both stood up from their seats. Kinuha ng mga ito ang papel sa glass table at nirolyo ’yon.

“Language, Scar!”

“I’m sorry!”

Finithee almost burst out in laughter when she saw Scar’s expression. Akala mo may nakatutok na kutsilyo dito kung maka-react.

“Scar, you’re here! That’s great so we can start our discussion.” Muling umupo ang tatlo nang dumating ang coach at captain nila.

Wrath sat beside her and he kept himself busy massaging his forehead.

“Are you sick?” she asked him, almost whispering.

Pumantay ang mga mata nito sa kaniya. “What are you? A nurse? I’m just pissed off.”

“Why?”

Tumalim ang tingin sa kaniya ng lalaki na halos ikapaso ng balat niya. Simpleng “why” lang nagsusuplado na agad.

Ang aga-aga parang pasan agad ang mundo.

Kaya siguro Wrath ang pangalan ng captain nila dahil pinaglihi sa sama ng loob.

“I hate gatherings so fucking much. Why do we even have to do that?” he whispered.

“Then let’s not attend that gathering!” she suggested happily. Gusto niya ring takasan ’yon dahil baka manginig siya sa isipin na nandoon lahat ng mga professional players.

Mga professional players na binugbog niya. Hehe .

“I suddenly wanted to attend after hearing your proposal. Don’t dirty your pants when you see all of them,” he teased her.

Muntik niya na itong masapak sa mukha kung hindi lang tumikhim si coach Migo sa harapan.

“Let’s first discuss the 12 teams who will be competing for APPL Season 17, everyone.” He pushed a button on the remote to open the next slide.

Twelve teams with their own logos were flashed in front her eyes, including their logo.

“Wow, that’s a lot,” she murmured.

“Yes it is, Finithee. But since the typical regular season of APPL only happens for two months, apat na team lang ang makakalaban ninyo ngayong regular season.” Coach Migo pressed a button again.

“Ulysses Wagon defeated Ark of Arsenal last season, they were considered Season 16 Champion and we’ll do everything to take back what’s ours.”

“Let’s do that! I’ll defeat their mid-lane every time I have the power to do so!” Scar proudly announced.

Natatawa niya itong hinila paupo muli.

“We have plenty of advantages against them, so it’s less worry for us. Other teams surely prepared some strategies against them but we can’t be too certain that they actually let us off the hook.” Napatango-tango siya sa sinabi ng coach nila bago balingan ng tingin si Wrath.

He glanced at her as well. “What? You’re bragging because your prediction clicked?”

She rolled her eyes at him.

Halos mapanganga siya nang biglang higitin ng lalaki ang swivel chair na kinauupuan niya palapit. ’Saka nito itinutok ang ulo niya sa malaking TV. Bumaba pa ang bibig nito sa t’enga niya.

“Stop glaring at me and listen to your elders, kid.”

Nakabusangot niyang tiningnan si coach Migo, umano’y nagsusumbong dito.

Ngumiwi lang ito sa kaniya, walang choice, parang sinasabi na sumunod na lang siya sa gusto ni Wrath kung ayaw niyang mapadala sa impyerno.

“Ihh!” she complained before pushing his arm gently. “Ikaw ang makinig!”

“I’ve been hearing Migo’s speech for the past years, I even memorized it,” sarkastiko nitong sagot.

Inis niyang inayos ang buhok at nagpasya na lang na maging Maria Clara. Mamaya masapak niya pa talaga ang lalaki, edi kawawa naman siya.

Bago pa muling magsalita ang coach nila ay napansin niya na agad ang mapang-asar na titig ni Kiel sa kanilang dalawa.

Trip nito? She murmured inside her mind.

“Going back to what I said a while ago, I think we need to start from the bottom. And when I mean bottom, I mean back to the strategies we used to do. We need to formulate ideas and strategies to counter possible threats to us in the league,” coach Migo continued.

“I’m going to give you guys one week to think about that. While discussing your ideas, train and play multiple games using that strategy and I’ll decide whether it’s effective or not.”

“Why are we dropping our usual strategy? The attack defense mode that we’ve been executing for four seasons are effective. Natalo lang tayo ng Ulysses Wagon dahil nagkaproblema tayo kay Hash. Why the sudden change of plans, coach?” Kiel genuinely asked.

“Because we have a new member to form another chemistry with.” Tumingin ito sa kaniya.

A picture flashed on the television once again, revealing their official line up poster.

She’s right there in the middle.

“Hash is out from this team not because he performed bad, but because he turned to someone we never wanted to hire. And Finithee, right here, is the only female professional in the league. I want you all to adjust for her and try to create a strategy that she can do,” Migo added.

“We will do that! Of course!” masayang sabi ni Kiel.

“Yes! Dadalawan ko pa siya lagi sa exp-lane!” Hugene added.

Tumayo rin si Scar sa kinauupuan. “And I will protect her from the virus of other guys! She’s too beautiful for them!”

She awkwardly laugh upon hearing them. Hindi sinasadyang napalingon siya sa katabi na ngayo’y kunot-noong nakatingin sa tatlo.

“The fuck is with the three of you,” he whispered irritatedly.

•••

Hello to everyone who’s here, especially readers from TikTok. Thank you so much for reading this! I promise to post 10 chapters every week.

I love you all!

XII

CHAPTER 12

“GOOD game, my Finithee! I didn’t die the entire game because of you!”

Scar put down his headphone before aiming an high-five to her. Masaya niya namang tinanggap ’yon at ginulo pa ang buhok ng lalaki.

“Let’s play duo again next time, or maybe we can play with Kiel,” she suggested.

Humaba ang nguso ng binata nang marinig ’yon. “No. He’s a bad guy. You’re always letting me get the kills but Kiel never did that for me!”

Isang maliit na unan ang tumama sa mukha ni Scar nang batuhin siya nang malakas ng isa.

Nakapameywang na naglakad si Kiel sa direksyon nila, nakakunot ang noo, at halos umusok ang ilong. “I deserve all the kills because I’m the one who’s bringing you to victory!”

“What do you mean?!” Padabog na tumayo ang binata dahilan para mapailing na lang si Finithee.

“Are you trying to say that I’m pabuhat? I’m not pabuhat! I am the best mid-laner in Arena of Survival!”

“You’re not!”

“Missy!” Humarap sa kaniya si Scar para magsumbong. “Tell him that I’m the best mid-laner in the word! Please!”

She faced both of them with a smile on her face. Parehas niya pang tinapik ang mga balikat nito kahit alam niyang pabiro lang ang away nila.

“You’re both great, stop fighting about that anymore. Idol ko kayo parehas!”

Parehas itong ngumiti sa kaniya pero nang muling magkatinginan ay pabirong nag-irapan.

Kiel pointed his finger on the other one. “Respect your elders!”

Scar frowned. “No!”

“Hoy.” Hugene came out from the dining room. “Tama na ’yan mga topak, kain na raw. Wrath cooked dinner for us.”

“Captain cooked?!” Lumulundag na tumakbo ang pinakabata sa grupo paalis. Sumunod din kaagad si Kiel na bakas ang excitement sa mukha.

What the…

They looked irritated earlier but they suddenly changed their moods after hearing what Hugene said.

Wrath cooked dinner?

“Finithee? Let’s eat first!”

She came to her senses when she heard Hugene’s voice once again. She flashed a sweet smile before gesturing her hand.

“I’ll just watch the latest animation of Acid, susunod agad ako!”

“Okay! Bilisan mo, baka mag-evolve na naman si Wrath sa kusina,” pabirong sagot ng lalaki bago bumalik sa loob.

She quickly sat on her gaming chair before playing the recent animation of Acid’s story.

Acid is one of her favorite hero but not as much as Apocalypse and Medusa. She’s interested with her story, maybe that’s why she felt a strong connection with her.

“I have the power to control everything, but why am I not capable of saving my brother?”

Lumungkot ang mukha ni Finithee nang makarating sa gitna ng video. Acid’s brother died during a war she started, and she witnessed his death with her own eyes.

“No one can stop what I’ve been seeking to do! That was the only reason I—”

Gulat siyang napatingala nang may mag-pause ng video na pinapanood niya.

Wrath stared at her intently. “Stand up and eat dinner first.”

Ito pa mismo ang nagtanggal ng headphone mula sa t’enga niya at marahan siyang hinila patayo.

“I was about to finish the video, susunod din naman agad ako,” she reasoned out.

“Did I ask?”

Nakangusong nagpahila na lang siya sa lalaki nang magtungo sila papunta sa dining room. Narinig niya agad ang mga boses nila Hugene mula sa loob.

They’re happily eating while savoring the food. May mga plastic gloves sa kamay nila at may mga sauce pa sa gilid ng labi.

The food looks delicious. Umiral ang pagiging matakaw niya nang makita ang pagkain sa lamesa.

Seafood!

“Sit down.”

Maagap siyang tumabi kay Wrath at parang tuta na nagningning ang mga mata. Ayaw niyang ipakita sa mga ito kung gaano siya kalakas kumain kaya kailangan niyang magtiis.

“Migo said you didn’t eat lunch.” Natunugan niya ang striktong tono sa boses ng katabi nang magsalita ito.

“I ate bread a while ago. I was busy fixing my profile in AOS.”

He glared at her. “Your profile matters more than your stomach?”

“Yes.”

Nagsalubong lang ang kilay nito bago iusod ang plato papalapit sa kaniya. She was about to get rice but he took the serving spoon and placed rice on her plate.

“Hay, ang konti,” she murmured.

Pati siya ay nagulat sa lumabas sa bibig niya nang mapansin ang pagsulyap sa kaniya ng lalaki. Agad naman nitong kinuha pabalik ang serving spoon at dinagdagan pa ang kanin sa plato niya.

“Thank you,” she happily said and received no words from him.

“Missy! Wrath makes the best food! You need to eat a lot because he cooks once in a blue moon,” Scar told her.

“I’m a big eater, Scar. You will regret telling me that because I might even steal your food,” she joked around.

Nanlaki ang mga mata nito at halos yakapin na ang plato. “Bully Rage!”

Sinuot niya ang plastic gloves sa magkabilang kamay bago simulang lumamon.

Nawalan na siya ng pake sa mga ito nang pumalibot sa dila niya ang masarap na pagkain na niluto ng suplado nilang captain.

Finithee savored the food happily while making the monsters inside her tummy satisfied. Paniguradong pagod na pagod na agad ang katawan niya sa pag-digest.

She took the soft drinks in can using both of her wrist to overwhelm her throat.

Nang ilapat niya ’yon ay ’saka lang niya napansin ang mga nakatulala niyang miyembro sa kaniya. Three of them are hanging their mouth while Wrath is the first one to remove his eyes on her.

“Wow, Finithee. You eat so well. How come you’re that slim?” Kiel asked her curiously.

“I digest fast,” she answered.

“Missy, you’re making me fall deeper to you,” Scar uttered in daze. “I should post this! Big news. Our new exp-laner is adorable when she’s eating!”

Maiksi niya itong tinawanan at ’saka muling bumalik sa pagkain.

Narinig niya pa ang tawa ng tatlo.

“Captain, we’re going to attend the gathering tomorrow with Finithee, right? Shouldn’t we hide her face?” Hugene suddenly brought up that topic.

Kahit abala siya sa pagkain ay nakikinig siya sa mga ito.

“Is that what you want?”

Umiling siya kay Wrath bago isubo ang crab meat.

“Then it’s not necessary. Only the inclusive staffs of APPL and professional players will attend the gathering. They won’t expose her identity,” he added.

Ngumunguyang tumango siya sa mga sinasabi ng lalaki.

“What if—”

“I’ll take down whoever dares to take a picture of her, Hugene. Stop worrying about it and leave the rest to me,” Wrath cut him off.

Maagap na naman siyang tumango kay Hugene at nag-thumbs up pa dito habang kumakain pa rin.

“Stop trying to speak when you’re constantly placing food in your mouth.” Napatingin siya sa katabi nang ilagay nito sa plato niya ang binalatang hipon.

Hindi pa siya nakakaimik nang balatan na naman nito ang isa pang hipon at binigay na naman sa kaniya.

A small smile flashed on her lips after that.

XIII

CHAPTER 13

KUNOT noong inalis ni Finithee ang paningin sa computer nang marinig ang sigawan nila Scar mula sa meeting room.

Hindi niya alam kung excited ba ito sa gaganapan nilang event mamayang gabi o may ibang dahilan sa paghiyaw ng mga ito.

They were constantly talking about the gathering this morning and she was just silent the whole time. It’s her first time meeting several people and those people were once her opponent in the game.

Nagsisisi na tuloy siya kagabi na umiral ang katakawan niya, tango lang siya nang tango sa mga pinagsasabi ni Wrath kay Hugene.

She sighed and was about to enter a lobby to play ranked game when she heard footsteps on the stairs. Agad niyang nakita ang nagmamadaling bumaba na si Kiel.

“Finithee! Come, you need to see our new jersey! We’ll wear it later on the event,” he happily announced.

Her forehead furrowed after hearing that. “But I just joined two days ago, I already have a jersey?” she excitedly asked.

Lumapit ito para hilahin siya nang marahan. “Yes, so come with me! I know it will look good on you!”

Tumatalbog ang puso niya sa saya habang tahimik na nakasunod sa lalaki paakyat ng second floor. Naririnig niya pa rin ang masayang hiyawan nila Scar sa taas.

“Missy!” Scar happily screamed when he saw her. “Your jersey is here!”

It was Hugene who carried a small box from the side and placed it in front her. “Take a look.”

Pinalibot niya ang tingin at nakita ang mga naghihintay na mata ng tatlo. She flashed a small smile before opening the box excitedly.

She took out a black jacket-jersey and was automatically amazed by it. The black jersey has blended white color on it, it highlights their logo in the middle and some other parts of the jacket. Sa likod non ay nandoon ang pangalan niya at may nakalagay sa itaas na “exp”.

“I’m sure you’ll look so beautiful with that jersey, my Finithee! Let’s wear it on the gathering later so we can proudly brag that the amazing Rage is Ark of Arsenal’s member!” mahabang litanya ni Scar habang pinagtatabi pa ang jersey nilang dalawa.

Natatawa niyang kinurot ang pisngi ng binata. “Okay, Scar.”

“Ang iingay n’yo.”

Sabay-sabay nilang nilingon ang captain nilang magkasalubong na naman ang makakapal na kilay, nakasandal sa hamba ng pintuan at iritado na naman sa mundo. Mukhang kagigising lang nito dahil sa ingay nila.

“What the hell is the commotion all about?” he irritatedly asked.

Agad na nagbago ang ekspresyon nito nang masaya niya itong lapitan. “Our jersey arrived already. Let me see yours!”

“I haven’t even seen it,” he replied coldly. Kinuha nito mula sa kamay niya ang jersey niya at nilibot ang tingin doon. “Your size is just emphasizing that you’re not actually 20.”

“Bully!” She glared at him. Umangat lang ang sulok ng labi nito para mas lalo siyang asarin.

“Captain! Our management is really amazing. They gave us our new jersey and even made one for Rage even if she just joined the team. You’re an amazing owner!” Lumapit si Scar kay Wrath para yakapin ito nang mahigpit.

The latter raised his hand to mess Scar’s hair. “Get off, little kid. Are you that excited?”

“Yes! Because we’re going to wear these when we attend the gathering. Right? Right?” pangungulit ng isa.

“Pagbigyan mo na ’yung bata,” sulsol niya at siniko pa nang mahina ang tiyan ng lalaki.

Their captain rolled his eyes in a manly way, accepting his defeat. “Whatever you want.”

“THERE’S so much people here!” Scar looked outside through their service vehicle’s tinted window. “Last time, it was only eight teams who arrived. But it seems like all of the teams are here!”

“Maybe they wanted to see our royalty,” Kiel pointed his finger on her. Pabiro niya namang sinampal ’yon. “You should really cover you beautiful face, missy! Some of these guys are playboys. They will surely hit on you.”

“I have face mask!” Hugene said. “Hindi namin kayang makipagsuntukan sa dami nila, FInithee.”

Wrath, with his furrowed forehead as always, tsked at them. “Labas.”

“Wait!” coach Migo said.

“What?”

“I’ll talk to Sarah first. You can enter the place with me once I get back,” he explained as he waved his hand at them before getting off the vehicle. Coach Migo’s smile is unusual, he looks in love and excited.

“Sus, kakausapin na naman crush niya,” panunukso ni Kiel sa tabi.

“Missy, do you want some candy? You look so tense.” Scar tilted his head to gaze at their captain. “Captain, can you hand her some sweets from the jar? It’s inside the small compartment.”

Lumapat ang mga mata niya kay Wrath na binuksan ang maliit na compartment sa gilid ng pintuan bago kumuha ng isang pirasong candy roon. He unwrapped it and placed the candy in front her mouth. “Stop worrying about what’s going to happen inside. They’re not going to bite you.”

She accepted the candy using her lips and placed it inside her mouth. “They won’t look at me, right?”

Kunot-noo siya nitong nilingon. “They will. They’re obviously here for you.”

“No!” She gasped before placing both of her palms on her cheeks. “Let’s go home. Or you can go inside and I will stay here.”

Hindi ito sumagot sa kaniya sa loob ng ilang minuto. Kumuha ulit ito ng candy, binalatan ’yon, at sinubo ulit sa kaniya. “You’re already here. Ang tapang-tapang mong makipagharapan sa laro tapos kinakabahan ka ngayon.”

His straight tagalog sounds so good. It almost relieved her stress.

“Well, the game is different from reality!”

“What are you panicking about?” Wrath’s stare deepened. “You’re Rage, Finithee. Everyone is obviously here for you, they wanted to see you. Are they the highlight of tonight’s event? They’re not. It’s going to be you.”

He tucked pieces of hair strands behind her ear. “Face them all with the usual attitude you have in the game. You confidently dominated them and you’re scared of the players you pissed off?”

Sumandal siya sa kinauupuan at sumimangot. “Are you praising me because you’re trying to calm me down, captain?”

“Asa ka.”

Her nose scrunched when his cold tone came back. “See. You’re a bully!”

Napadaan ang tingin niya kay Kiel at Hugene na parehas nakatingin sa kanilang dalawa. May mga nang-aasar na ngiti sa labi nila.

“Wow, captain. You never praised me before and now you’re cheering my missy! Mang-gagagaw!” nagtatampong saad ng pinakabata nilang myembro.

“Mang-aagaw, Scar,” Hugene corrected him.

“Yes. Mang-aagaw itong captain. Missy is mine!”

“Shut up, kid. You’re making me want to go home,” Wrath replied.

“Go home! I’ll take care of my Finithee and will fight all the guys who will look at her tonight. I prepared for it already!”

“You’re not even capable of killing an ant. Do better acting, Scar.”

Napatawa siya sa sinabi ni Wrath at mapang-asar na kinurot sa pisngi ang isa. “He’s a bully, don’t mind him.”

“Missy.” He frowned. “I feel like you’re siding with him.”

Nagkibit balikat siya para mas asarin pa ito lalo.

Gladly, she temporarily eased the tension she’s feeling because of them. But once she stepped outside, she knew damn well that her heart will beat abnormally.

XIV

CHAPTER 14

AS SOON as Scar stepped out from their vehicle, Kiel and Hugene followed him causing everyone outside to glance at them.

Tanaw lahat ni Finithee mula sa loob ng sasakyan nang sumilip siya.

“Wait!” She panicked when Wrath was about to leave. Hinawakan niya ang braso nito at nagmamakaawa itong tiningnan.

“What?”

“Wait please,” she begged before pouting her lips.

“Tsk.” He gently grabbed her arm and pulled her to stand up. “Just stay behind me.”

Kinagat niya ang ibabang labi bago dire-diretsyong sumunod sa lalaki palabas ng sasakyan.

She kept her head down and focused her eyes on the ground, following wherever her team mates go.

She can feel the stares of people and it’s making her heart beat abnormally.

Nang pumasok sila sa loob ay dumoble pa ang dami ng tao. She immediately noticed several groups of men who quickly turned their heads toward them.

Iniwas niya ang tingin sa mga ito at mas lumapit pa sa likod ni Wrath.

A man in his 40’s stood in front them. “Ark of Arsenal! It’s so nice to see you here!”

“Miss you, Ribo!” Hugene said as he did a fist bump with the man.

The man named Ribo tilted his head and locked eyes with her. Mabilis naman niyang itinago ang sarili sa likod ng captain nila dahil sa hiya. Bukod pa roon ay lahat ng tao sa loob ay nakatingin sa kanila.

“Is this Rage?” Ribo asked in amusement. He stepped forward towards her and she has no choice but to greet him back.

Namumula ang mga pisnging yumuko siya sa lalaki.

“Wow! I can’t believe that you’re this beautiful. Are you an actress?” he said. “Nice to meet you, Rage. Everyone’s eyes are on you and I can’t blame them.”

Tinanggap niya ang nakalahad na kamay ng lalaki at maagap na nakipagkamay rito. “Nice to meet you po.”

Nang bumitaw siya sa lalaki ay muli siyang nagtago sa likod ni Wrath.

“My missy is still shy, Ribo. Don’t pressure her! Kawawa na siya,” reklamo ni Scar sa tabi.

“Okay, okay. I won’t bother you guys anymore, please enjoy the event. The staffs prepared your table inside, Lian will accompany you.”

“Are you going to keep hiding behind me?”

Tiningala niya si Wrath nang magsalita ito at nagsimulang maglakad. “Shh!”

“Hi, Rage!”

Finithee panicked even more when a guy called her. Napalingon tuloy siya sa napakaraming grupo ng lalaki na ngayon ay kinakawayan siya.

She flashed a little but sweet smile towards them before waving her hand.

Nakita niya pa ang mga mukha nitong umano’y kinikilig bago siya tuluyang makapasok sa loob ng magarbong restaurant.

“Woah!” Pinaypayan niya ang sarili nang makaupo. Inabutan siya ng tubig ni Kiel na mabilis niya namang tinanggap.

“Don’t worry, my Finithee. You did great earlier! And I will never let anyone come near you!” Scar promised with his raised right hand.

Sasagot na sana siya para magpasalamat nang may lumapit na babae sa kanila kasama ang coach Migo nila.

“Guys! I told you to wait for me,” he complained as he sat down. Kumaway lang sa kanila ang babaeng kasama nito bago umalis.

“Ang tagal mo kasi, coach. Sayang, ’di mo nakita kung paano tumiklop ang tapang ni princess Finithee,” Kiel teased her.

Sinimangutan niya ito at nilingon ang katabi niya. “Captain.”

“Ano?”

“Kiel’s bullying me.”

Wrath turned his eyes on their gold-laner. “You want her to dirty her skirt from too much tension?”

Natatawang umiling ang isa.

Nilingon siya pabalik ng lalaki. “Are you back to your normal self?”

“Is being nervous not my normal self?” pikon niyang tanong. “Isa ka pa!”

“There. That’s your normal state. Not the coward kid who stood behind me the entire time, refusing to socialize with people.”

“I’ll do better next time. Gusto mo makipagkamay pa ako sa kanilang lahat, eh!” paghahamon niya rito.

“Can you really do that, missy?” Hugene joined them.

Si Scar na lang natitira niyang kakampi kaya binalingan niya ito ng tingin. Agad naman nitong nakuha ang gusto niyang sabihin kaya tinaas nito ang tingin.

“Stop bullying my Rage! You’re all bad!” Pinagtatapon nito ang tissue sa mukha ni Hugene at Kiel. “Coach! Punish them!”

Migo shrugged. “You can punish them yourself. How about beating their asses?”

Bumusangot ang makulit na mukha ng pinakabata nilang myembro. “I’m sorry, my missy. They’re older than me. I promise to fight them for you when I turn 18!”

Natatawa niyang ginulo ang buhok ng binata. “I’ll keep that promise!”

AFTER washing her hands on the sink, Finithee stepped outside the female’s comfort room only to be surprised when two men approached her.

“Hi!”

“Hello, Rage! I’m Killua, from Freed. You fought us during the scrim last time!” The guy with blonde hair happily greeted her.

He even extended his arm to shake hands with her which she gladly accepted. “Hi, I’m Finithee.”

“Even your name is beautiful.” Another guy stepped forward and offered his hand that she accepted also. “I’m Vince, Shade’s mid-laner.”

“Hi,” nahihiyang sambit dahilan para mapangiti ang mga ito.

“I was really shocked when I found out that you’re a girl. Remember during our scrim? You bullied me in the mid-lane. I never thought you were a girl,” Killua complained.

“I envy you.” Vince glanced at her. “Can we schedule scrim against Arsenal next week? I just want to see you playing!”

“We’ll meet during the league, don’t worry!” she replied.

Lumungkot ang mukha nito. “I’m afraid that we might not be able to play against you. Each teams will only fight four teams during the regular season.”

Napatango siya nang marinig ’yon. “Okay, I’ll convince Wrath about our scrim.”

“Thank you!” Vince happily said.

“Rage, can we play duo match sometimes? Whenever you’re free. I’m a very obedient mid-laner,” Killua asked.

“Ah—”

“Are you done showering her with questions?”

Tatlo silang sabay-sabay na napalingon sa harapan nang marinig ang malamig na boses na ’yon.

Wrath is leaning on the wall with his deadly expression. Nakapamulsa pa ang dalawang kamay nito, senyales na pinipigilan lang nitong manapak.

“Wrath.” Fear was evident in Killua’s voice when he said that.

“We just want to i-introduce ourselves to Finithee,” sagot naman ni Vince at napakamot pa sa batok.

Finithee’s eyes widened when their captain threw death glares over her. “They already know your first name?”

“I… I just introduced myself as well!” depensa niya sa sarili.

Wrath walked towards her without any response. He held her wrist before facing Killua and Vincent.

“You’ll meet her during the league, is it necessary to corner her here?” malamig nitong tanong, may bahid ng inis sa boses. “Stop annoying me and stop bothering her. There’s no reason for you to be friends with her.”

Mapagpasensya niyang nilingon pabalik ang dalawa nang marahan na siyang hilahin ng lalaki paalis.

Kumaway lang sila, parang sanay na sa ipinakitang ugali ni Wrath.

Sabagay, alam naman ng lahat na masungit talaga ito at walang balak makipagkaibigan sa ibang tao.

Bumaba ang tingin ni Finithee sa pulso niyang hawak-hawak ng lalaki. “You don’t have to be so cold to them. They seem nice.”

“And I don’t fucking care about them.”

“Sungit.”

•••

I love you all! Stay safe and keep yourself busy with happiness! 💛

XV

CHAPTER 15

“CLEAR the creep waves and push their inner tower, Kiel. I’ll freeze side lanes.”

“I have immortality already. Can I bait them?” Hugene added.

“Ultimate cool down, Scar?” Wrath asked.

“Three seconds, captain. Yard used his blink earlier when he cleared the enhanced creeps. I can poke them.”

“I’ll enter their base. Hugene, tank the damage for me,” Finithee demanded as her hero marched towards Shade’s base.

She used her first skill of Greek to dash towards their gold-laner and inflicted damage to him. “His life is low, chase him, captain.”

Wrath quickly used his second skill and used the creeps to dash for three times in order to secure a kill.

Sunod-sunod na nilang napatay ang mga kalaban at walang atubling pinatumba ang base nila.

“Nice one!”

She happily accepted Hugene’s high-five.

Coach Migo smiled at them. “Seems like Finithee’s strategy is working. Let’s polish it more.”

“Their jungler has a specific pattern and rotation, we can take note of that if ever that we have to face them in the arena,” Wrath suggested while resting his back on the gaming chair.

“You did great, guys. Good job. Enough training already and visit APPL’s page. Two weeks from now, the league will start. They already posted Week 1 and Week 2’s matches.”

Agad naman nilang sinunod ang sinabi ng coach nila at tiningnan nga ang official page ng APPL. Their latest post is about the first six matches to be played during the regular season.

“We’re the first one to compete?” she hysterically asked after seeing their team on the first match.

“Yes, missy! Two teams who competed in the grand finals are always the first one to start the next regular season.” It was Scar who answered her.

“We need to prepare for Ulysses Wagon since they defeated us last season because of their aggressiveness.” Coach Migo tapped her shoulder. “We’re returning the favor to them by using the strategy you proposed.”

Tiningala niya ang lalaki at nakangiting tumango rito. “We can win against them.”

“They might also target you the entire game, missy,” sabi ni Kiel.

“Sounds exciting for me,” she replied that caused laughter among them.

“Come on, get up and rest! Tomorrow’s going to be hell, everyone.”

“Yes, coach!”

SERYOSONG nakatutok ang mga mata ni Finithee sa cellphone habang busy sa pag-i-scroll sa cellphone.

She’s browsing through a food delivery app because she’s been craving for carbonara.

Sa tagal nilang nag-training kanina, idamay pa ang scrim nila laban sa Shade, inabutan na siya ng gutom.

“Ihh!” reklamo niya sa ikalimang pagkakataon nang makakita na naman ng store na out of delivery ang gusto niyang kainin. “Magsara na kayo, kainis!”

Kahit halos umusok na ang ilong niya sa galit ay matiyaga pa rin siyang naghanap.

“Why are you scrolling through your phone like a mad man?”

She raised her head and immediately saw Wrath with a bottled water in his hand.

Napansin niya ang noo nitong pinagpapawisan pababa sa maputi nitong leeg. He’s also wearing a black shirt and black cargo pants which emphasized his muscles and his white skin. It seems like he worked out in the gym upstairs.

“I was h-hoping to order some food, I’m hungry,” she said.

He drank from the battle before glaring at her. “There’s food in the kitchen.”

“No.” Hinubad niya ang tsinelas at tumayo sa sofa. “I’m craving for carbonara.”

Kumunot ang noo ng lalaki at saka lumapit sa kaniya. “Tsk. Mahulog ka. Baba.”

He held her arm as he gently pulled her to get down. “It’s just carbonara. Why are you upset? Just order for delivery.”

“I’m upset because I can’t find stores na open for delivery. I’ve been trying for 15 minutes,” reklamo niya.

Hindi sumagot ang lalaki sa kaniya at sa halip ay nilingon ang isang helper na kalalabas lang galing sa pantry. “Do we have pasta inside?”

“Yes, sir!”

Wrath faced her again. “I’ll cook. Wait me here.”

“Pero pagod ka, huwag na lang,” pagtanggi niya.

“I’ll just change my clothes. Just stay here and calm your stomach down. Ang liit-liit mo pero ang takaw mo.”

“Ano naman.” She rolled her eyes on him.

“Behave, Finithee.”

Pinagmasdan niya ang papalayong pigura ng lalaki at namumulang umupo sa sofa.

Binanggit lang nito ang pangalan niya pero parang may mga kabayong nagtatakbuhan agad sa puso niya.

One more thing, he just came out from the gym but he’s willing to cook for her?

Hindi niya alam na may tinatagong kabaitan pala ang lalaking ’yon bukod sa pagiging suplado at masungit. Akala niya kasi ayaw talaga nito sa kaniya noong una pa lang nilang pagkikita.

She came back to reality when she saw Wrath heading towards the kitchen. Tumayo siya sa kinauupuan at mabilis itong sinundan.

“It will take 30 minutes, just wait.”

“I’m going to watch you cook. I can also help!” she offered.

Binuksan ng lalaki ang napakalaki nilang refrigerator at kumuha ng ilang ingredients doon.

“Just zip your mouth, that’s a big help already,” pang-iinis nito sa kaniya.

“I’ll help you. I can prepare the mushrooms and chicken!” she insisted.

“Sit down, Finithee.” He walked towards the stove and she has no choice but to sit on the high chair.

Nilapag niya ang mga braso sa island counter at nagtatampong ngumuso. “Tutulong lang, ih.”

Wrath looked at her. Mariin nitong pinikit ang mga mata bago ilapag ang gatas sa harapan niya. “Stir them and mix the milk with the cream.”

She happily accepted those and smiled. “Okay!”

“Ang kulit mo,” he murmured while opening three cans of milk for her.

“Gusto ko lang malibang para makalimutan ko ’yung gutom.”

“Kailan ka ba nabusog?”

She rolled her eyes. “Masamang tao.”

Saglit siya nitong sinulyapan at muling naglakad papunta sa pantry. Inabala niya naman ang sarili sa pinapagawa nito sa kaniya.

Then he came back with few more things in his hand. He placed the bread on top of a small plate before filling it with sweet jam. Pagkatapos non ay inusod nito ang plato papalapit sa kaniya.

“Eat that while waiting. And stop being a nuisance anymore if you want your carbonara done within 30 minutes.”

She flashed a smile and nodded her head. “You’re the best, captain!”

“You’re the worst.”

“That’s a compliment right?” she joked around.

“Behave.”

•••

I can’t thank you guys enough for appreciating the effort I put in this story.

Thank you for leaving feedbacks and cute comments, those are the reason why I’m constantly writing an update. I will never get tired of reading them. I might not be replying to everyone but please know that I’m reading all of your comments. I adore youuu, guys, so much!

Please continue loving this story til the very end. I hope everyone’s safe and everyone’s wellbeing are okay. I love you all!

XVI

CHAPTER 16

NANLALAMIG na pinagsiklop ni Finithee ang mga kamay habang nakaupo sa harap ng computer.

Her first on-cam livestream will start within 10 minutes and there are already 200k viewers waiting for her. Buti sana kung sampu lang ang nag-aabang, pero bakit gano’n karami? Mga chismoso!

She nervously faced her team mates who were standing behind her.

“I think I should j-just back out, sa league na lang ako magpapakita—”

“Hep!” Kiel cut her off. “Focus, missy. Don’t feel pressured, everything’s going to be okay. People are waiting for you!”

“But I…”

“Missy, I’m here to cheer you up. One more thing, you’re so beautiful and charming, don’t be afraid of what will people say to you,” Scar said as tapped her shoulder lightly.

Hinarap niya ulit ang computer at paulit-ulit na inayos ang web cam. Ilang beses na rin siyang tumingin sa comment section.

“Asawaaaa ko.”

“Love you, Rage!”

“Kaka-excite naman ’to

gagu

.“

“Ah,” she uttered out of nervousness. Bahagya niyang inatras ang upuan. “Ayoko na. Bukas n-na lang!”

She was about to stand up when Wrath arrived and threw death glares over her. Nanghina agad ang mga tuhod niya sa tingin ng lalaki at nanlalantang napaupo.

He walked towards her before lightly pushing her chair back to its original position.

“Your live’s starting in three minutes, stop sulking around.”

“Captain.”

He let out a sigh before sitting on his own gaming chair. ’Saka ito umurong papalapit sa kaniya. “They won’t bite you.”

Her hand immediately grabbed his arm. Kumapit siya roon nang mahigpit at doon kumuha ng lakas ng loob nang magsimula nang mag-countdown ang live niya sa sampung segundo.

“It’s alright, I’m not nervous,” pang-ga-gaslight niya sa sarili bago isuot ang headphone.

🔴

Live Starting

She smiled sweetly in front of the camera before letting go of Wrath’s arm to wave at everyone. “Hello, everyone. It’s me, Rage.”

Her eyes went to the comment section when it almost exploded due to numerous people spamming.

“Ahhh, ang ganda moooo.”

“My wifeeee.”

“

GANDAA

TANGINA

LABYU

MWUAH

.“

“I loveeee you prettyyyy.”

Hinugot niya ang hininga at muling ngumiti. “I’ll be playing in the league as Ark of Arsenal’s new exp-laner. Please support me and my team mates in June 12.”

“Wow. She talks like she’s already expert in this field.” Scar.

“What an actress.” That was Kiel.

“I’ll start playing now, guys!” she announced before entering a ranked game.

The game started and her hero marched towards the exp-lane. Pinigilan niya lang na mangatal ang kamay habang naglalaro dahil nakikita pa rin niya ang pagdagsa ng mga tao sa comment section.

“Wow! Finithee, you have 357k viewers already. It’s continuously getting high,” Hugene informed her.

After killing the opponent’s exp-laner, she read one comment.

“Finithee is your real name? Sounds so prettyyyy, my baby.”

She gulped. “Yes, Finithee Suarez is my real name.”

“She’s a minor.”

Sinamaan niya ng tingin si Wrath nang magsalita ito sa tabi niya.

“Is thaaaat my Wrath?!”

“Hahahaha, are you really a minor, Rage?”

Her forehead furrowed in annoyance. “I’m not a minor. I’m already 20! Huwag kayong maniwala sa idol n’yo.”

“Captain!” inis niyang sabi nang bigla na lang kumilos ang mga daliri ng lalaki para magpipindot sa keyboard niya. “I died!”

“Oh.”

Nakabusangot niyang iniwas ang tingin dito at muling nag-focus sa paglalaro. Dahil na rin sa inis niya sa lalaking katabi niya ay ilang beses siyang naka-penta kill sa kalaban.

“Angaaaas.”

“Still can’t believe that you’re a girl, Rage. You’re even playing as an exp-

laner

. Excited to see you in the arena!“

Finithee finally let out a sigh of relief after finishing the game, getting the MVP as well.

Coach Migo leaned forward before waving on the camera. “Ask questions to our dear Rage. She’ll answer many of them!”

Magrereklamo na sana siya pero pinili na lang niyang manahimik at ngumiti nang napakalambing.

“Did you apply for Ark of Arsenal or they really hired you?”

“Coach Migo sent me an email and offered me to be Ark of Arsenal’s exp-laner. Then, I undergo scrim and that’s it!” she happily answered.

“Are you confident about your play style against other professional players? The first match will start next week. Rooting for you!”

Kung tipikal na Finithee lang ang sasagot ay baka napatalsik na siya agad sa team sa pagsagot ng makatotohanan. Pero kailangan niyang maging mabait at role model.

“I’m excited to play against them and I’ll try to do my best to win with my team mates. Hindi pa natin masasabi sa ngayon kung anong mangyayari,” napakabait niyang sagot.

She saw from her peripheral vision that Wrath moved his chair closer to her. Nakita na rin ito sa camera at mas lalong lumala pa ang pagbuhos ng mga comments.

“You actually believe that her answer’s genuine?” he asked.

“Captain,” saway niya rito.

“If this is an off-cam livestream, she would’ve answered in her usual proud voice saying ‘I defeated those professional players, how hard could it be to defeat them during the league?’. There. That’s her real answer,” mahaba nitong litanya para lang bwisitin siya.

She almost pinched him in so much irritation, gladly that she was able to stop herself from doing so.

“Cutieeee Rage.”

“What’s wrong with bragging, my baby! You really defeat them multiple times. It’s something to brag about!”

“How’s it living with the most handsome player?”

She faked a laugh. “Thank you, guys. And about this question.” Sinamaan niya ng tingin si Wrath at binalik ang tingin sa camera. “How’s it living with Wrath? Hell! He’s cold and he doesn’t even want to talk to me. He’s— hmp!”

Agad siyang nagpumiglas nang takpan nito nang mariin ang bibig niya.

Then he leaned forward and locked eyes with her. “I told you to behave, little kid.”

Tinanggal niya ang kamay nito mula sa bibig niya. “Masungit ka naman talaga!”

“What’s the matter with that? It helps keeping girls away from you.”

“What?” Hindi makapaniwalang tinuro niya ang comment section. “You think you’re successful when it comes to shooing girls away from you? You have a big fan base even when you’re a snub!”

Wrath stared at her intently. “Are they even capable of approaching me in public without my consent? No.”

“But they’re still—”

“Isn’t it nice to date a player like that?” Kinurot nito ang pisngi niya. “Have you ever seen a professional player who doesn’t play with girls’ heart? I’m the only one who’s like that.”

“Eh, ano naman—”

“Just focus on your live and behave.”

Isang matalim na tingin ang pinakawalan niya sa lalaki bago muling ibalik ang tingin sa comment section.

“BAGAY KAYO,

FINIWRATH

. #

PINIRATCOUPLE

.“

“Just date already.”

“Nandito pa po kami #

Wrage

.“

Napasampal siya nang mahina sa noo nang ma-realize na nagbardagulan na naman sila ng captain nila at sa harap pa ng maraming tao.

Walang araw na hindi siya binubwisit ng lalaki.

•••

XVII

CHAPTER

17

FINITHEE kept herself busy scrolling through her cellphone. Abala rin ang mga mata niya sa pagbabasa.

Since yesterday, she’s still trending in Twitter, Tiktok, Facebook, and other social media outlets.

Her picture while doing a live stream yesterday is also spread around the internet. People are constantly talking about her real face.

“Isa yata sa requirements sa Ark of Arsenal, dapat pogi or maganda ka.”

She giggled when she read that, naalala niya rin bigla ang captain niya na saglit umalis para kuhanin ang sasakyan sa parking lot.

Coach Migo told them to buy hand warmers and few small blankets. Para raw sa darating na league dahil malamig doon.

She raised her head as soon as she heard a sound of car. She wore her furry slippers before stepping outside the base camp.

Napanganga pa siya nang makita kung gaano kaangas ang sasakyan na pumarada sa harapan niya.

The window from the passenger side rolled down and Wrath stared at her. Nakakunot na naman ang noo nito. “Sakay.”

Ilang beses pa siyang napalunok bago sumakay sa loob. Even the interior looks so classy and luxurious.

“Captain, is this your car?” she asked when he started driving.

“Yeah.”

“How rich are you? Let’s be friends!” she joked around before letting out a cute giggle.

“I won’t give you my money even if we’re friends,” he said.

“Edi ’wag!”

His other hand went on top of her head as he messed up her hair. “Zip your mouth if you don’t want us to get into an accident.”

“PEOPLE are still talking about me! I want to have many fans like you, captain!” pangungulit niya sa lalaki nang makababa sila sa sasakyan.

“Your fans will get tired of how noisy you are.”

They both entered the elevator, gladly they were the only ones who’s in there. Akmang pipindutin na ng lalaki ang 3rd floor kung saan sila makakabili ng mga kailangan nang mabilis niya itong pigilan.

“Wait, wait, wait!” She pushed the button of 2nd floor and pushed the 3rd floor after. “I’ll buy some personal stuff I need.”

“Personal stuff like what? Better buy something to keep your mouth from speaking,” pambabara nito sa kaniya.

She rolled eyes in annoyance. “I forgot buying plenty of pajamas with me. Pupuntahan na lang kita sa third floor. Promise!”

“That’s where you should pay. Obviously, you’ll meet me there.”

“Whatever.” Nang bumukas ang elevator sa 2nd floor ay kumaway kaagad siya sa lalaki. “See you.”

“Malamang. Wala kang sasakyan pauwi.”

Nakabusangot niya itong nilayasan at agad na dumiretsyo sa women’s station. Her eyes found the pajamas isle and quickly approached it.

She picked nine pairs with different colors and made sure that it’s her size.

“Omg!”

Taka niyang nilingon ang gilid niya nang makarinig ng pagtili roon. She noticed two cute girls staring at her.

“Omg, are you Rage? The professional player from Ark of Arsenal?” nangangatog nitong tanong.

“Ah, eh.” Finithee scratched her nape before nodding her head. “Hi.”

“Gosh! Can we take a picture with you? Please?”

“Sure, sure!”

Mabilis na lumapit ang dalawa sa kaniya at ngumiti naman siya sa camera katabi ng mga ito.

“We didn’t expect to see you here! You’re prettier in person.” The girl with a pink headband held her hand tightly while almost crying.

“We’ve been watching your streams ever since you started defeating professional gamers in your live. Akala nga namin talaga lalaki ka. But even after knowing that you’re a girl, mas namangha pa po kami! We’ll buy a ticket to watch every matches you play!”

She wanted to tear up from too much happiness because they’re too cute and sweet.

“Thank you. Approach me in the arena and I’ll take a picture with you again!” she promised.

Masayang nagsitalon ang mga ito at muling kumaway sa kaniya. “We won’t bother you anymore po. Hope you have a great day and thank you po ulit! Goodluck sa June 12!”

Naluluhang napalabi siya nang makaalis na ang mga ito. Dapat pala hiningi niya ang copy ng picture nila para may remembrance naman siya.

It’s her first time encountering fans who actually wanted to take a picture with her. And they’re full of sweetness as well!

Masaya niyang nilagay lahat sa basket ang mga napili niyang terno ng pajama at nagpasyang sumakay sa elevator para puntahan ang captain.

The moment the elevator’s door opened, she immediately stepped out and tried to look for Wrath.

Hindi na siya nahirapang gawin ’yon dahil bukod sa napakatangkad nito ay pinagkakaguluhan na agad ito ng mga tao.

Many people are taking pictures with him and she felt so happy for him. He’s really great at playing and people really admire his skill.

Tumayo lang siya sa gilid at hinintay ang lalaki. Pero nakita pa rin siya nito at agad siyang kinunutan ng noo.

“What are you doing there? Come here.”

Him, talking to her in front of those people, caught attention. Now everyone glanced at her and shock was written on their faces.

Bwisit talaga ’tong lalaki na ’to. Dalawa pa lang ang kaya niyang harapin, nangangatog pa siya kanina.

“Rage!”

Then quickly ran to her and she showed them a sweet smile.

“Can we take a picture with you? You’re so pretty!”

Ilang pose rin ang ginawa niya at halos mabanat na ang mga labi niya sa kakangiti.

“Why are you guys together? Are you dating?!” the teenager asked them happily.

Namula ang mga pisngi niya nang marinig ’yon. Agad niyang binaling ang tingin kay Wrath para humingi ng tulong pero kinuha lang nito ang braso niya at hinarap ang lahat.

“Take care and go home safely.”

He gently pulled her away from them.

“Rage! Are you a couple?!” pahabol na tanong ng isa.

Nilingon niya ito at akma nang iiling kung hindi lang siya pinigilan ng lalaki. “Enough.”

“I’m just trying to deny—”

“You bought that much pajamas? What are you planning to do in the base camp? Sleep?” he cut her off.

Bumusangot siya. “I love pajamas.”

He took the basket from her hand as they walked towards the counter. Kumilos naman siya para ilabas ang wallet sa pouch nang mapansin iyon ng lalaki.

“Did you steal something?”

Inirapan niya ito bago iabot ang wallet. “Here!”

Hindi siya nito pinansin at balewalang nilapag ang mga pinamili nila sa ibabaw. The cashier started doing her thing and Finithee furrowed her forehead.

“Wrath, I’ll pay for my things. Here—”

“Buy more food with that money, kid.” He took a black card from his wallet and gave it to the cashier.

She bit her lower lip and immediately felt how her cheeks reddened. He really paid for her?

XVIII

CHAPTER 18

“ULYSSES Wagon’s gold-lane knows how to put pressure on his opponent. Make sure to be aggressive wisely, Kiel.”

“Yes, coach. I’ve been practicing Genesis also. I think I can use him in the battle field,” Kiel answered seriously.

“Their roamer is lacking defense. Mas angat siya sa paggamit ng support heroes. We can use 4-protect-1 against them tomorrow.”

Finithee tapped her fingers on the table. “Shouldn’t we try the 1-protect-4, coach?”

The rest of her team mates looked at her. “Why?”

“If their roamer excels using support hero, they will rely on heal.” She pointed out Ulysses Wagon’s roamer. “And to counter that, we need Psycho to choose a hard tank to protect all of us. In short, one front liner and all of our four heroes will rely on damage.”

“Isn’t that risky? You’re an exp-laner, you need to utilize your skills and protect Scar as well,” Wrath asked.

Umiling siya. “I can utilize my skills and protect Scar through life steal. If we constantly pick hard heroes for the exp-lane, continuous lang ang magiging life heal nila. You think their heal can stand four heroes with explosive damage? They won’t.”

“You want to pick Apocalypse or Medusa in the first match?” Hugene.

“Yes. And I trust you, Hugene. I know you’re going to protect us.”

“We can do that.”

Nilingon nila ang captain nila na nakabantay ang mata sa nagpe-play na match ng Ulysses noong nakaraang season.

“Finithee’s right. Ulysses loves to pick magic damage heroes and Apocalypse can counter that line up. Kiel and I will focus on our core items and take down whoever’s in the back line,” he added.

Their analyst, Von, nodded. “Do you want to use War if they won’t ban it?”

“They won’t ban it,” Scar said. “They defeated us on the grand finals without banning War because they’re bragging. They believe that Wrath won’t be able to execute him properly when Hash is tilted.”

Saglit silang napatingin sa cellphone ni Wrath nang tumunog ’yon. Kinuha ’yon ng lalaki at tumingin sa kanila. “Continue talking, I’ll meet someone outside.”

Their eyes focused once again on the computer when he left.

“1-protect-4 was never used in the past seasons, Finithee. How did you come up with that? Everyone’s afraid to risk it,” Von mentioned.

Nagkibit balikat siya. “We can only do that against support-base roamers. Imagine if we all use tanky heroes and they’re just continuously receiving heal? That’s tiring.”

“You’re so smart, missy!” Scar grunted happily and smiled at her.

Nginitian niya ito pabalik bago mapatingin sa main door ng base camp. Wrath’s taking so long. Who did he meet outside?

“Tangina, hindi ka ba talaga nadadala?!”

They were all surprised when they heard Wrath’s scream outside. Mabilis silang nagsitakbuhan palabas.

“Oo! Hanggang hindi ko kayo nababawian!”

Finithee gulped when she saw who’s standing in front their captain. It’s Hash, Ark of Arsenal’s former exp-laner.

His stares went to her and she was immediately frozen because of the anger in his eyes.

“Is she the one who replaced me? A fucking bitch?! Really?!”

Gulat na napalingon sa kaniya si Wrath, sa kanila. Pagkatapos ay mariin itong pumikit. “Pumasok ka sa loob, Finithee.”

Coach Migo stepped forward. “Wrath—”

“I said take her back inside! What the fuck are you thinking bringing her here?!”

She has no choice but to let the guys pulled her gently. Pero bago pa sila tuluyang makapasok ay nakarinig na siya ng mabibigat na yapak papalapit sa kanila.

“I’ll fucking kill you!”

“Hash!”

She was shocked when Wrath aggressively grabbed Hash who was about to push her. Tumama pa rin ang braso nito sa kaniya kaya natumba siya sa lupa.

Agad naman siyang dinaluhan ng mga lalaki at nag-aalala siyang tiningnan. They weren’t able to catch her because they were off-guard. Wala sa kanila ang nag-e-expect na susugod si Hash.

“Wrath! Stop that!”

She panicked when Von ran to their captain who threw Hash on the ground.

“Tangina! Bobo ka ba?! Hindi ka ba talaga nag-iisip?!” Wrath shouted in anger.

It was her first time seeing him like this and it scares her.

“We fucking kicked you out from the group because your mind belongs to a fucking criminal. You’re fucking violent, toxic, and plain stupid! Now you have the guts to come back here and hurt a woman?!” Kinwelyuhan nito ang lalaking nakasalampak sa sahig. “You’ve been hurting people ever since we hired you. And I no longer want to give a fuck about you. It’s my fucking decision to kick you out because I’m the owner of this team. You’re fucking nothing inside my base camp!”

“And those three are worth it?! I brought our team to victory as well! You owe me! You should fucking thank me—”

“Bullshit! The three of them were sane and actually act like a human being. Pero ikaw? Tangina wala kang utak! You’ve almost hurt your fan before and you expect me to keep you?! I’m not a fucking enabler, jerk!”

“Wrath, enough!” Their team mates exclaimed.

She stood up before running towards him. Agad niyang hinablot ang lalaki. “Wrath, pumasok na tayo sa loob. Please.”

Hash with bleeding lips smirked at her. “I will take you down.”

Her eyes were filled with anger.

Mabilis siyang lumapit sa lalaki at sinipa ang mukha nito.

“Finithee!”

“Tangina mo! Wala kang bayag!” She felt Wrath’s arms around her waist, trying to stop her. “Ano ba! Bitawan mo ako! Bubugbugin ko lang ’tong putanginang ’to! May laban pa kami bukas gago ka! Imbis na mag-training kami ginugulo mo pa kami! Bwisit ka! Letse! Sana hindi ka makakain bukas! Pakyu!”

“Finithee. Enough!” Wrath successfully took her away from that jerk.

Inayos niya ang nagulong buhok. “Bakit?! Ikaw nga ang dami mong sinabi sa kaniya, eh! Ako sipa lang nagawa ko!”

Dumilim ang ekspresyon nito. “I said enough.”

“Bwisit!”

He let out a sigh as he held her arm. Lumuhod ito at agad na umigting ang panga nang makita ang sugat sa binti niya.

“He hurt you.”

“I hurt him also! Dapat nga nagkasa na ako ng baril tapos—”

He stood up and laughed. “Ang ingay mo.”

She just glared at him angrily.

“Let’s go back inside and treat your wound.” Wrath enveloped his hand on her and pulled her with full of gentle inside the base camp.

Hindi pa rin naaalis ang inis niya kay Hash. He ruined their night that’s supposed to be exciting and fulfilling because their first match will happen tomorrow.

She finally understood why everyone dislikes him.

He’s a complete idiot and trash!

XIX

(Ark of Arsenal’s Intro Song: Back From the Edge by James Arthur)

CHAPTER 19

PINIKIT nang mariin ni Finithee ang mga mata habang magkasiklop ang mga kamay sa ibabaw ng hita niya. Kumakabog ang puso niya sa kaba at hindi niya alam kung paano pakakalmahin ’yon.

Kanina pa lang na pagparada ng service car nila ay dinumog na sila ng napakaraming tao.

Now, their first match will start and she can’t even feel her hands anymore out of nervousness.

“Rage, they will call us in two minutes. Let’s go.”

Inangat niya ang ulo nang marinig ang boses ng coach nila.

The rest of her team mates smiled at her as they gestured her to come.

Nagpakawala muna siya ng buntong hininga bago tumayo sa kinauupuan at sumunod sa mga ito palabas ng waiting room. Agad na bumungad sa paningin niya ang napakaraming bilang ng tao sa audience area.

They’re standing behind a black glass wall that prevents other people from seeing them

Hindi na siya nagtaka, it’s Ark of Arsenal’s match and majority of the people are here to watch them. Parang biglang umatras ang tapang niya.

Isa-isang pinakilala ang mga myembro ng Ulysses Wagon na kakalabanin nila.

Pagkatapos ay sabay-sabay na yumuko ang mga ito at kumaway. Halatang sanay na sanay na silang harapin ang napakaraming tao.

(Ark of Arsenal’s intro song:

B

ack From the Edge

playing on the background)

“With an outstanding performance in their past matches, this team successfully got a 3-peat-championship in APPL,” the host, Yanah, started speaking in front. “Your Season 13, Season 14, and Season 15 APPL Champions. Everyone! Ark of Arsenal!”

She gasped when she heard people’s cheer. It became louder and louder. Parang yunayanig ang buong arena sa lakas ng sigawan ng mga tao.

Mas lalong nanlamig ang mga kamay niya at pilit itinago ’yon sa bulsa ng jersey.

“Completely knocking up the enemies in a five-man set, he excels in the field of roaming and prove that he belongs to this group. Everyone, Ark of Arsenal’s Roamer, Psycho!”

With a warm smile flashed on his face, Hugene walked towards the stage while waving his hands toward the audiences who kept on screaming.

“Psychoooo!”

“We love you!”

“Sweeping off the opposing mage on their knees, he is surely one of the most terrifying mid-laners in the current season. With his surprise burst damage, incredible pokes, and priceless position during team fights. Everyone, Ark of Arsenal’s Mid-laner, Scar!”

The youngest in their group walked towards the stage while flashing a sweet and refreshing smile to everyone.

Napangiti siya nang makita kung gaano ka-cute ang mukha nito. Ang lakas humatak ng mga babae.

“Love you, Scar!”

“Cute mooo!”

“Just like his name, he dominates the gold-lane by showing his opponents that he is not afraid to fight. His damage during the late game is mad that even roamers from the other side can’t stand it. Ark of Arsenal’s Gold-laner, Mad Dog!”

Agad na pumuslit ang pasaway na ekspresyon sa mukha ni Kiel nang patakbong nagtungo sa stage. Kumakaway pa ito habang nakangiti nang malapad sa mga audience.

“

Wasakin

mo buhay ko, Kiel!“

“I love you my bebe!”

Finithee’s eyes focused on the last man when she noticed his irritated face. Wrath hates the long introduction every match, that’s what coach Migo said.

At hindi naman na siya nagulat doon. Base pa lang sa ekspresyon nito ay hindi na nito nagugustuhan ang mga nangyayari.

Siguro bad trip din ito dahil sa nangyaring gulo kagabi sa base camp.

“No matter how behind they are in the early game, this player never fails to steal objectives from the opposing junglers to bring his team to victory. He displayed outstanding performance that his name never leaves the highlight plays. Displaying fear to enemies with his skills and forcing them to back down, everyone! Ark of Arsenal’s Jungler, Wrath!”

Ramdam niya ang bahagyang pagyanig ng kinatatayuan nang magsimulang maglakad ang lalaki papunta sa stage. Lahat ng mga tao sa arena ay nagsisitalunan habang sinisigaw ang pangalan nito.

She can’t hear the sound of her own breathe anymore.

She finally realized how powerful his fan base is. Patunay na roon ang hindi matigil-tigil na sigawan at hiyawan kahit nasa stage na ang lalaki.

“Wow,” she murmured.

“And to officially welcome our newest professional player in the league,” the host said.

Her eyes widened when everyone joined the loud noise. Mas lamang ang malalaking boses ng mga lalaki habang sumisigaw.

“This player was known for upsetting professional players outside the league, completely dominating them in front of everyone’s eyes. I know that all of us wished to see this person in the league, and guess what? This player granted our wish!”

“Ah,” she uttered and tried to stand straight when people’s cheer became louder and louder.

“Being the only female professional player in APPL, she finally proved everyone that girls have place in esports. And not only she’s here to play, but she’s here to show you that women can excel in game as well. Everyone, let us all welcome the new exp-laner of Ark of Arsenal… Rage!”

Agad na nadagdagan ang kaba sa dibdib niya nang marinig ang nakakabinging sigawan mula sa audience area nang humakbang siya papalapit sa stage.

It was even louder when Wrath showed up!

What the hell!

Lihim niyang hinihiling na sana ay kuhanin na siya ng lupa.

She faced everyone quickly, surprised with their sudden support, before she raised her arm and wave it. Tipid at masayang ngiti ang binigay niya sa mga ito bago siya tuloy-tuloy na naglakad pataas.

“Tangina ang ganda mo!”

“Mahal ko!”

“

Magpakasal

na tayo parang awa mo na, Rage!“

It was only ten minutes and here she is, almost trembling! Hindi pa nagsisimula ang laro pero halos matutumba na siya sa kinatatayuan niya. Dagdag pa ang nakakabinging sigawan ng mga tao sa loob ng arena.

She’s beyond thankful for people who support her even if she’s new in this field. Wala na siya ibang mahihiling pa kung ’di magkaroon ng mga totoong tao na susuportahan siya.

“Wow, missy! If this arena breaks into two, you’ll surely be the reason!” Kiel said in amusement.

Scar even giggled cutely. “My Finithee is super famous!”

Matamis siyang ngumiti sa mga kasamahan. Napansin din niya ang tipid na ngiti sa labi ni Wrath. This is her first time to see him so happy like that.

Sumunod siya sa mga kasama nang magsimula na itong maglakad. Makakasalubong nila ang Ulysses Wagon para makipagkamay sa mga ito.

“Hi, Rage!”

“You’re so pretty.”

Ilan lang ’yan sa mga narinig niya mula sa mga myembro ng Ulysses Wagon nang makipagkamay siya sa mga ito.

Pagkatapos ay nagtungo sila sa blue set-up kung saan sila uupo.

Beside her is Wrath and Scar, sa magkabilang dulo naman si Psycho at Mad Dog.

“Missy, don’t be nervous. We can do this!”

Ngumiwi lang siya sa sinabi ni Scar dahil nang makita niyang umakyat sa stage ang coach at analyst nila ay mas tumalbog pa ang puso niya.

Seeing them means that the match will start.

She let out a sigh.

Hindi siya dapat kabahan, she trusts her team mates so much and she trusts her skills as well.

She’ll make sure to defeat the team who took the championship from Ark of Arsenal. She’ll make sure to do that.

XX

CHAPTER 20

(Bold dialogues are from the casters since all players won’t be able to hear them during the match . I’ll be using their player name during every matches)

“ALRIGHT, let’s ban Delta, Cannon, and Helyana,” coach Migo said.

Mad Dog, Scar, and Psycho immediately ban those three heroes. “What to pick coach?”

“Can we execute Genesis and Ikaru, Wrath?” Von asked their captain.

Inayos ni Wrath ang headphone sa te’nga at tumango. “They’ll pick Pestia to counter Genesis. Just rotate around him, Psycho.”

“Yes, captain!” Psycho said as himh and Mad Dog chose their main heroes.

“Wow! After taking Delta and Helyana from

Mio

and

Yuno

, Mad Dog and Psycho picked Genesis and Ikaru which are both aggressive heroes.“

“I think Ark of Arsenal knows that

Mio

will pick

Pestia

to counter Genesis during the early game, pero

sinundan

agad nila ng pick kay Ikaru to possibly prevent

Mio

from dominating the gold-lane before mid-game.“

Ulysses Wagon banned Riota, Dos, and Liberty. Like what Scar indicated yesterday, they didn’t ban War.

Even though majority of people know that Wrath is the best player who can execute that hero, they still didn’t ban him.

After banning three heroes, they picked Pestia, Diana, and Autumn. Like what they have discussed yesterday, their roamer chose a support hero.

“Makikita natin dito, Sarah, na hindi pa rin talaga bina-ban ng Ulysses Wagon ang main hero ni Wrath. They already did this during the grand finals. We all know that they’re not afraid of Wrath’s War because Arsenal’s former exp-

laner

failed to perform good last time.“

“I agree with that, Ribo. They’re just basically indicating that Arsenal’s new exp-

laner

is not a threat to them.“

“Ban Alandrus and Acid for Don and Tree,” coach Migo said behind them.

Kumilos naman agad sila ni Wrath para gawin ’yon.

Their analyst leaned forward. “I’m pretty sure that Don will either choose Kamia or Unique, can we pick War for you, and Freedom for Scar, Wrath?”

“Do you want to pick Apocalypse later, Finithee?” Bumaling sa kaniya ang captain at tinanong ’yon.

She nodded her head.

Wrath took his eyes off her and proceed picking War after Scar chose Freedom.

Finithee almost gasped when she felt the stage shaking. Nang iangat niya ang paningin sa audience side ay nakita niya agad ang mga nagsisitalunan na tao. They can’t hear the audience but their actions are indicating that they’re hyped up.

“Wrath finally decided to choose War! Wow! This will be very intense and exciting to watch. I haven’t seen him play this hero for a long time.”

Ulysses Wagon on the other hand banned two heroes for exp-lane— Yunankai and Suno. Those are the heroes she recently used during her live streams before getting an offer from Ark of Arsenal.

“Wow, they really took time to watch my live streams. I hope they sent some gifts,” she joked around.

Scar laughed. “You’re amazing, missy!”

Pinili ng jungler at exp-laner nila ang makukunat na assassin at fighter. Kamia and Flask.

They’re really planning to execute a line-up wherein three of them can fight on the front line.

The last pick goes to her.

“Apocalypse, Rage?”

Tiningala niya si coach Migo at tumango rito.

Nang ngumiti ito sa kaniya ay walang alinlangan niyang pinili ang hero na ’yon.

“What?! Rage chose Apocalypse? Alam natin lahat dito na hindi pa

nagagamit

ang hero na ’to during the last season because he was difficult to control! How come that the first female professional player will also be the first one to pick this?“

“Rage is really incredible. It feels like picking this hero means she’s here to show Ulysses Wagon that she is a big threat. Look how the audience is getting wild! She’s sending a message to all of these men professional player that they’re too afraid to choose a difficult hero, and here she is, confidently picking it!”

She put on a sweet smile after choosing Apocalypse.

“Let’s do this, team! I trust you.” Ramdam niya ang pagtapik ni coach Migo at Von sa mga balikat nila.

“Slap them with how terrifying you are, missy!” Mad Dog told her.

Kinindatan niya naman ang lalaki na ikinatawa nito.

“Let’s look at the line-up of both teams. Pestia, Diana, Autumn,

Kamia

, and Flask for the side of Ulysses. All of these heroes are hard to poke. Especially that Diana provides heal. For the side of Arsenal, they all chose four damage heroes with only one hard tank to protect them.“

“This is my first time seeing Ark of Arsenal goes for this kind of draft. What do you think they’re planning to do?”

“Hindi ko rin

masabi

, eh. Mahirap. Lalo na at itong dalawang team na ’to ang

nagharap

sa grand finals, parehas may gigil!“

The game began and Finithee focused her eyes on the computer. Her hero hid inside the bush and waited for Tree, the opposing exp-laner.

Kumunot ang noo niya nang makitang kasama nito ang roamer.

“What the! They’re not guarding their gold-lane?” Psycho uttered.

“Pinagtutulungan ka, missy!” Mad Dog teased her.

She bit her lower lip and just waited for those two to clear the creep wave. Nang tumapat ang mga creeps niya sa loob ng tore ay doon niya ’yon pinatay.

“Wrath, I’ll zone the turtle zone first.”

Psycho left Mad Dog and marched towards the mid-lane.

She patiently cleared all the creep waves on her lane until she finally reached level 4, activating her ultimate. “I’ll follow you.”

Scar, Wrath, and Psycho arrived at the turtle. They’re already trying to compete it against the four members of Ulysses.

“Missy, come here!”

Mabilis na nag-iba ang daloy ng laro nang sumugod ang apat na myembro ng kalaban papunta sa mga kakampi niya.

She quickly ran towards the turtle and noticed her team mates low life because they were outnumbered.

“Ulysses began attacking the three members of Arsenal! Don used his ultimate and inflicted damage to Scar!”

She positioned herself on the back-line and surprised Ulysses Wagon’s mid-laner by stealing her magic damage. It allows her ultimate to convert to lightness.

“Rage came out from the back and surprised Khalid! She activated Apocalypse’s lightness!”

“Scar, use your ultimate,” Wrath demanded.

Walang atubling pinatay niya ang mid-laner ng kalaban at sinugod ang exp-laner na si Tree. He exchanged attacks with her and she dodged every skills he poured.

“Wrath, steal the turtle,” she said.

Don failed to get the turtle when Wrath used his retribution.

“Just like that, Wrath shows Don who’s the best when it comes to retribution!”

“I slowed Yuno! Let’s kill him!” Psycho said.

She used Apocalypse’s first skill to enhance his speed and ran towards the opposing roamer.

They successfully took down Yuno.

Hindi pa siya nakuntento at hinabol niya pa ang jungler ng kalaban. Ilang beses niya itong inatake ng basic attacks bago gamitin ang second skill para ma-secure ang kill dito.

“Double kill! Rage already got the first blood and taking down Don brought her double kill. She’s amazing!”

“Grabe,

napaka

-intense

ng team fight kahit unang turtle pa lang. As we can see here, Mad Dog also got a kill off-cam against Mio!“

Because of the kills she got, her items against Ulysses Wagon is more dominant. Ilang beses niya pang pinatay ang exp-laner ng kalaban bago magtungo sa jungle area ni Don.

“Missy, are you trying to sneak?” Psycho asked her.

“I’ll kill Don, Wrath. You can steal his buff after,” she said.

“How sure are you that you can kill him? Yuno might be with him,” her captain said.

Nilingon niya ito. “Just trust me!”

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi nito at muling lumingon sa computer.

Nang makita niya ang jungler ng kalaban ay mabilis niyang in-activate and dark ultimate at sinugod ito.

“What?! Rage killed Don in just one burst damage?! Everything happened so fast!”

“Mad Dog, let’s exchange lanes. Push the first and second tower.”

“Alright, missy!”

Pagkatapos niyang mag-clear ng creep waves sa gold-lane ay ilang beses niyang hinanap ang jungler ng kalaban at ilang ulit din itong pinatay mag-isa.

“Rage seems to be

targetting

Don. What kind of grudge does she have against him?“

“Hahaha. I think she’s sticking to the team’s plan of being aggressive. Ark of Arsenal is executing a strategy that we have never seen from them before. And Rage is a perfect choice for them because she’s performing so good. How many times she killed Don? I can’t even remember!”

The game ended and they got the victory for the first game.

“Nice one, Finithee!”

She gave three of her team mates a happy high-five. “You guys are amazing!”

“No, you’re the one who’s amazing!”

Susundutin niya na sana ang baywang ni Scar nang maramdaman niya ang pagpatong ng kamay ni Wrath sa ibabaw ng ulo niya.

He patted her head gently. “You did great, kid.”

Finithee stared at his figure when he walked towards the back stage.

Getting the MVP is a big achievement already, but hearing from Wrath’s lips that she did great is the best thing.

•••

I might not be able to post an update tomorrow because I have to shoot a short film for school.

Starting next week, I’ll post updates during weekdays every 6PM. And 2PM every weekends. Basta po total to 10 chapters or more lagiiii every week.

Stay safe guys! Maulan na at laging mag-iingat 💛

XXI

Surprise update dahil maaga kaming natapos sa shoot. ’Di ba sabi ko kahapon “I might”, buti pala hindi ko sinigurado na walang update ngayon. Char.

Hope you enjoyeeed this chapter. Continue leaving cute comments, I enjoy reading them so much 💛

•••

CHAPTER 21

GAME two is currently happening and they’re at the banning phase. Unlike in game 1, it’s Ulysses Wagon’s turn to proceed with the first ban.

Kumunot ang noo niya nang una nitong i-ban ang hero niyang si Apocalypse, pagkatapos ay sinunod si Yunankai at Suno.

“What the,” Scar uttered.

“Oh! What do we have here, Sarah? Nakikita mo ba ang nakikita ko? Ulysses Wagon banned three heroes for exp-lane!”

“Is it possible that they really see Rage as the biggest threat? Because I don’t see any reason for them to do this if they’re not trying to out-pick Rage.”

“They’re underestimating you a while ago and now they’re scared of you?” Mad Dog’s forehead furrowed. “Cowards! They’re afraid of you, Rage!”

“Kahit sampung ban pa ’yan,” she uttered.

Dahil sa sinabi niya ay nagtawanan ang tatlo.

Ulysses Wagon chose Glove and Baste for their mid-laner and roamer. Mad Dog and Scar banned Helyana and Cannon and proceed picking Genesis and Riota.

Lubos na lumukot na talaga ang mukha niya nang i-ban na naman ng kabila ang dalawang exp-lane heroes na ginagamit niya rin sa live streams niya dati— Greek and Tiger.

“What?! Ulysses Wagon banned five exp-lane heroes against Rage!”

She chuckled unbelievably.

“They should have banned you instead, missy,” coach Migo said while tapping her shoulder.

Psycho, Wrath, and her chose to pick Remed, Liberty, and Medusa— respectively.

Finithee’s face lit up when she saw Veenus from the audience area, sitting in the VIP seat with her boyfriend Wise.

Her best friend quickly noticed her and raised her hand. She chuckled and wave her hand as well.

Tinotoo nga nito ang sinabi na manonood ng laro niya. She felt so happy after seeing her presence, Veenus’ even sitting in the VIP seat!

The game started and the first thing she noticed is Ulysses Wagon’s obvious change. They all seem tilted during game 2.

Ilang ulit silang naka-penta kill ni Wrath laban sa mga ito pero parang naging tagilid talaga ang play style nila.

Maybe she was right when she concluded last night that they’re going to be taken aback when the opposing team acts more aggressive than them.

“LET’S all congratulate Ark of Arsenal for winning the match!”

“Nice!” They all took their headphones off and were finally able to hear the audience, nakakabinging hiyawan at sigawan ang bumungad sa kanila.

Nakipag-high five siya sa mga kasama at akma na ring makikipag-apir sa captain nila nang ma-realize niya na suplado nga pala ito.

He just stared at her hand and tapped it a little. Then he followed the trio towards the side of Ulysses Wagon.

Mabilis naman siyang tumakbo pasunod sa mga lalaki at masayang nakipagkamay sa mga myembro ng kabilang team.

“Congrats!”

“Thank you!”

Don tightened his hand around her. “You did great. We already banned five exp-lane heroes and you still defeated us.”

Tumaas ang magkabilang sulok ng mga labi niya at ngumiti sa lalaki. “See you next match!”

Pagkatapos makipagkamay sa mga ito ay agad silang nagtungo sa waiting room nila. Coach Migo and their analyst Von approached them happily and gave them high-fives.

“You guys are incredible!”

“Coach! We deserve to eat yummy food before going back to the base camp!” she suggested and even tip-toed to show her cute charm.

Nilingon siya ni Wrath. “Is that the reason why you wanted to end the game immediately? You’re hungry again?”

Lumapit siya dito at ngumiti nang malapad. “Sige na, captain! Kain tayo sa labas! Why? Are you bankrupt already?”

Umangat ang kamay nito para pisilin ang pisngi niya na mabilis niyang ikinangiwi. “I might really lose all my money if you continue asking for food.”

Inis niyang inalis ang kamay nito sa pisngi niya at hinarap ang iba. “Kuripot ang captain nati—”

“Book a reservation in CRU Steakhouse for 10 people, Migo.”

“Yes, sir!” The guys shouted happily and went to coach Migo.

Siya naman ay kunot noong nilapitan si Wrath na abala sa pagsuot ng relo. “Captain? Why did you book a reservation for 10 people? We’re only eight!”

His cold eyes stared at her intently. “Can you count properly?”

She raised her fingers. “Coach Migo, kuya Von, our service driver, Scar, Kiel, Hugene, me, and you! Eight!” Pinakita niya pa ang kamay rito.

“Your stomach is equivalent to three people, Finithee.”

Sumama agad ang timpla ng mukha niya nang marinig ang dahilan nito. “Ang sama ng ugali mo! Hindi naman… Hindi naman tatlo ang tiyan ko, ah!”

He chuckled at her reaction.

“I invited Wise and his partner to joi—”

“You know Wise?!” she exclaimed. “Wise as in Danerie James Del Rosario?”

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ng lalaki, nagtataka sa naging reaksyon niya. “He used to be professional player, of course I know him. Why?”

“I know him as well!”

Sumama ang timpla ng mukha nito. “He has a girlfriend already. You can’t flirt with him. I forbid you to do that.”

“Ano? Why would I flirt with him? His partner is my best friend Veenus. I’ve known her since high school and I met Wise because of her. Kaya pala sabi ni Wise sa akin may tiwala siya sa Ark of Arsenal, kaibigan mo pala siya!”

“And?”

“And really? They’re going to come with us? I’m so excited!” masaya niyang sabi at humagikhik pa.

Tumagal ang tingin sa kaniya ng lalaki bago nito ipatong ang kamay sa ulo niya at tapikin siya roon.

“Save your energy for later, kid.”

“Aye aye, captain!” makulit niyang sagot.

Pinisil nito nang marahan ang te’nga niya. “Ang kulit mo.”

“I’m just happy. I miss Veenus because the last time I’ve seen her was when coach Migo first met me. It’s been a month! Na-busy kasi siya sa ibang bansa,” pagkukwento niya.

“You know her since high school? She must be aware of your identity as Rage then? And Wise?” he asked.

“Yes! She even motivated me when I told her that I want to be a professional player. She kept on pushing me to apply under Ark of Arsenal,” sabi niya. “Wise is also aware that I am Rage. They’re too nice to keep it as a secret.”

“Should we thank both of them for insisting that you should join us?” Umupo ito at tiningala siya.

“Huh?” tanong niya.

“They did the most at the hiring part when they brainwashed you into thinking that you should join us,” he joked around.

Inirapan niya ang lalaki. “Kahit hindi nila ako pilitin, tatanggapin ko pa rin ang offer ninyo, ’no! Sikat na sikat kaya kayo noong nakilala ko kayo tapos—”

“Ang daldal mo talaga,” natatawang sabi nito sa malalim na boses.

Finithee immediately shut her mouth because of what he said. Dagdag pa ang pilyong tawa sa gwapo nitong mukha.

“Hindi n-na,” she murmured.

Inangat ng lalaki ang tingin at kinurot na naman ang pisngi niya.

“Let’s go. Mamaya pati ako sipain mo kapag ginutom kita.”

Talagang hindi pa rin nito nakakalimutan ang pagsipa niya sa mukha ni Hash kagabi?!

Kainis!

XXII

CHAPTER 22

“VEENUS, I’m so happy that you’re here with Wise!” Agad na niyakap ni Finithee ang kaibigan nang pumasok sila sa wash room.

“Girl! Naloloka rin ako sa pagka-miss sa ’yo!” Lumulundag nitong sagot at bahagya pa siyang sinabunutan.

“Vee naman, eh!” She frowned and fixed her hair. “Bad mo!”

“Na-excite lang! Kaloka ang bebe girl ko! Alam mo bang nakakabingi kanina sa arena noong naglakad ka papunta sa stage? Tapos tuwing nakakapatay ka ng kalaban jusko parang nababasag eardrums ko! You’re so famous!” masaya nitong sabi sa kaniya.

Finithee giggled in so much happiness. “Best friend mo ako, yie!”

“Oo! Gusto mo i-post ko pa sa social media at ipaglandakan na bebe girl kita. Sino mang aagaw sa ’yo ay mawawalan ng buhok kasama anit!” Veenus replied as she faced the mirror and put out her phone.

“I won’t find another bestfriend. You’re my only one!”

“Dapat lang!” Umirap pa ito at nag-flip hair. “Omygosh! How’s it living with the almighty Wrath? Hindi ako makapaniwala na nakikita ko siya nang ganito kalapit. Ikaw pa kaya?!”

“He’s nice sometimes, but he’s bad sometimes too,” sumbong niya.

“Why?”

“Masama siya kapag suplado siya at sinusungitan ako. Lagi niya pa akong inaasar ng kung anu-ano.”

“Ay hindi siya masama sa lagay na ’yan! It’s called character. Chariz!” Tumawa ito. “Normal na sa kaniya ’yan, Finithee. Masungit talaga si Wrath. Oh, mabait naman siya kapag ano?”

“When he’s cooking for us!” she proudly said. “One time when I was craving for carbonara, he cooked for me! He’s also taking care of the team very well!”

Veenus’ stared at her in a different way. Parang nanunukso o ano. “Hoy, pinagluto ka?”

“Yes! Kasi marunong siy-”

“Marunong din naman ako magluto, bebe girl. Pero kahit lumuhod ka pa sa santo hindi kita ipagluluto. Pero ’yung masungit mong captain? Wow, pinagluto ang prinsesa!” she teased her.

“Ano naman?” she asked.

“May something!” irit nito habang kinikilig.

She just rolled her eyes. “Nilalagyan mo agad ng malisya!”

Ngumiti lang ito na parang nang-aasar pa rin. ’Saka nito inangat ang cellphone at may ipinakita sa kaniya. “By the way. Look, Don from Ulysses Wagon shared Ark of Arsenal’s post a while ago indicating that you’re the MVP, he also mentioned you!”

Don Tiago

Good game, Ark of Arsenal. Hirap kalaban ni Rage, kahit ilang ban yata gawin namin ’di namin matatalo. Nice g, Rage , angas mo talaga.

Napangiti siya kaagad nang mabasa ’yon. She quickly took out her phone from her pouch when Veenus pulled her out of the wash room.

Hinila siya nito paupo muli sa table nila. Everyone’s sitting there and just waiting for whatever Wrath has ordered.

Tumabi ang kaibigan niya kay Wise kaya wala siyang choice kung ’di umupo sa upuan katabi ni Scar at ng captain nila.

Nakita niya ang pagsulyap nito sa cellphone niya, inaalam kung bakit nagpapaka-busy siya roon.

She visited Don Tiago’s facebook page and immediately saw the post that Veenus showed her.

Nag-react siya ng heart doon at agad na nagtipa ng kumento.

Rage

Good game, Don!

She saw from her peripheral vision how Wrath rested his back on his seat. Hinarap niya ito at agad na nagtaka nang makitang mukha na namang mainit ang ulo ng lalaki.

“Why?”

“Is it your responsibility to comment on every shits they say about you?” he asked.

“I’m just being decent. Besides, they’re so nice!” nakangiti niyang sabi.

He just rolled his eyes in a manly way before taking his eyes off her. Iritable na naman.

The waiters have arrived already with their orders and the smell of the steak immediately covered her nostrils.

Ibinaba niya ang hawak-hawak at napangiti. Narinig niya namang tumawa ang katabi niya dahilan kaya siya napabusangot.

“Missy! Everyone’s praising you in different social platforms. They said that you didn’t disappoint them,” Scar announced.

Ginulo niya ang buhok ng binata at ngumiti rito. “You did great as well, Scar.”

“I did great because you’re our exp-laner!” he proudly said.

“By the way, Finithee. You personally know Wise right here?” coach Migo said and pointed out her friend.

Tumango siya. “His girlfriend, Veenus, is my best friend since high school.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you again, Wise. And nice to meet you too, Veenus. You guys look so good together!” coach Migo offered his hand to Veenus which the latter gladly accepted.

“Nice to meet you!” her team mates said in unison.

“Nice to meet you all, as well. I’m Ark of Arsenal’s biggest fan, and I’m very happy that I could eat with you in a place like this!” her best friend said while flashing a warm smile.

“You’re our Finithee’s best friend. You can always visit the base camp to see us, we will always welcome you!” Kiel.

“Thank you.” Pabebeng yumuko ang kaibigan niya na agad niyang ikinairap.

Kumekerengkeng sa harap ng jowa na busy naman sa paglamon.

“So, Finithee. Does it mean that Wise knows since then that you’re Rage?” Hugene asked.

Danerie nodded and everyone glanced at her, waiting for her answer. “Yes! He’s been-”

“You kept asking questions to this kid, she’ll talk non-stop again,” Wrath uttered while slicing his steak.

Pinalo niya ang balikat nito at humarap muli sa mga kasama. “Wise and Veenus were the only ones who knows my identity as Rage. They’re good at hiding secrets, right?”

Von laughed. “They are! Kung sinabi lang nila agad sa amin baka matagal ka nang kinuha ng Ark of Arsenal.”

She tapped the table in excitement. “I was really surprised when I received coach Migo’s offer. Alam mo ba coach na katatapos ko lang panoorin ’yung live ni Hash during that time tapos biglang may notification sa cellphone ko. Then I saw your name and I was really happy! My heart almost exploded in too much excitement that time!”

She shut her mouth when Wrath exchanged plates with her. Ibinigay nito sa kaniya ang hiniwa nitong steak. “Eat and stop talking, kid.”

Her cheeks reddened with the gesture he did.

Napansin din niya ang pagtanggal nito ng mga mushroom sa carbonara niya. She doesn’t like mushroom that much and she removed it when Wrath cooked for her back then. Did he remember that?

Hindi na siya nito kailangang sawayin dahil literal na napatahimik na lang siya at masayang kumain.

The things he’s doing for her is something different, it’s making her heart beats rapidly. Parang gustong lumabas ng puso niya sa tuwing malapit siya sa lalaki o tuwing kinakausap siya nito.

Now, he sliced steak and removed mushrooms on carbonara for her. That might be a small thing. Pero mas lalong nagwala ang mga tumatakbong kabayo sa puso niya.

•••

Update ulit ako ng 6PM mamaya pag-uwi ko galing school. Hindi na consistent ang mga binibigay kong schedule, basis lang ’yan. Chariz, nyahahaha. Take care always, my oxygens! ☺️

XXIII

CHAPTER 23

“CAPTAIN, who’s going to be our opponent in week 3?” Finithee asked and broke the silence inside their service car.

Tulog lahat ng mga kasamahan nila maliban sa driver nila at kay Wrath. Bored na bored na siya kaya kailangan niyang may makausap.

Bumaling ang tingin sa kaniya ng lalaki. “I’m not sure about that. Why did you ask?”

“I just want to know, I also want to prepare against them.” Hinimas niya ang tiyan nang maramdaman ang pagkulo no’n.

Ngi, kakakain lang niya kanina pero gutom na naman siya.

Wrath silently pulled out the plastic bag from Scar’s side. It’s from the restaurant who gave them free food because their bill went over 100k, which is just her income for one month!

Oo, ang captain nila ang nagbayad ng lahat ng ’yon. Wala ngang kunot noo man lang habang nagbabayad ito ng bill, parang normal na lang ito sa lalaki. Siguro ilang beses na itong binuraot ng mga kasamahan niya.

Tapos dumagdag pa siya. Hehe. She giggled inside her mind.

Wrath took out the food with utensils from the plastic bag and opened it. He used the spoon to scoop out rice and meat and placed it in front her mouth. “Open up.”

Sinubo niya ang kutsarang nakaamang sa bibig niya at tumitig sa lalaki. “Captain, I want to have many supporters like you.”

Sinubuan ulit siya nito. “You might have more than me.”

She munched the food inside her mouth with furrowed forehead. “How’s that possible? No one can defeat your fan base!”

“You’re the first female professional player in the league. Everyone’s hyped up with your presence, especially that you got MVP in game 1 and defeated the team who defeated us last season,” he explained.

“Why are you guys talking as if I’m the only one who’s playing earlier? You guys did great too.” Natigil siya sa pagsasalita nang subuan na naman siya ng lalaki. “You got penta kill many times and I only got two. You’re the MVP in game 2 as well! Scar, Kiel, and Hugene’s rotation was incomparable!”

“Are you just plain dumb or stupid?”

Nagkibit-balikat siya.

“Majority of men hates me because of their ego, almost all of my fans were girls. And it’s obvious that men will do everything to see you,” he explained.

“Huh-” He cut her off when he placed food inside her mouth again.

“Just feed the monsters in your stomach and stop talking. You’ll get hungrier.”

Nakanguso niyang sinamaan ng tingin ang lalaki nang sawayin na naman siya nito.

Hindi talaga niya maiwasan ang pagiging madaldal kapag gusto niya ang topic na pinag-uusapan. Lalo pa’t tipid magsalita ang kausap niya.

FINITHEE can’t remove the smile across her face while heading outside the gate of their base camp.

She just received a message from Lee, her brother who’s one year ahead, saying that he came back from America.

Galit pa ito noong una dahil nabalitaan pala ng tatlo niyang kapatid na sumasabak na siya sa esports.

Dee and Sy, her other brothers, were still in the states to finish what business they have in there. Si Lee lang ang pinauwi nila para siguro kotongan at pagalitan siya.

She stopped walking when she saw Wrath’s car entering the gate. Then it stopped beside her. Bumungad sa kaniya ang nagtataka nitong mukha nang bumaba ang bintana.

“Saan ka pupunta? Ang init-init,” pagalit nitong sabi.

“I’ll meet someone at the mall!” she answered.

“Anong sasakyan mo?” tanong pa ng lalaki.

“I’ll book a taxi-”

She was cut off when the door from the passenger seat opened. “Sakay.”

“Ihahatid mo ako?”

He just nodded and she immediately walked towards the other side. Maingat siyang sumakay sa tabi ng lalaki at ngumiti. “Thank you, captain.”

“Who are you going to meet? Your best friend?” tanong nito at nagsimulang magmaneho.

Umiling siya. “I’m going to meet Lee!”

“Who the fuck is that?”

She was about to open her mouth and introduce her brother when her phone rang. Lee’s name flashed on the screen and immediately answered it.

“Why?” masaya niyang tanong.

“Where are you? Kanina pa kita hinihintay! Kokotongan talaga kita,” reklamo nito sa kabilang linya.

“I’m on my way! Nasaan ka pala? Can you please wait me on the usual coffee shop?” she said.

“I’m already here, idiot! Bilisan mo o isusumbong pa kita kay Dee at Sy na nakikipag-date ka na!”

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya at sinulyapan si Wrath na ngayon ay tahimik na nagda-drive. Halos magkasalubong na ang mga kilay nito at parang galit.

He opened the window on his side and rested his one arm on it while massaging his forehead.

“What do you mean? Hindi naman… Hindi naman, ah! Maghintay ka na lang diyan!” depensa niya sa sarili.

“Okay. Just text me again when you’re near. Love love you!” Lee suddenly changed his tone and became sweet.

Lumambing din ang boses niya. “Love you!”

She was the one who ended the call and put down her phone above her lap. Hindi pa rin siya nagsasalita dahil ayaw niyang makisabay sa init ng ulo ng captain niya.

Nanahimik siya buong byahe hanggang sa tuluyan nang pumarada ang sasakyan ng lalaki sa tapat ng mall.

She gazed at him. “Thank you, captain.”

Hindi ito sumagot at nanatili ang tingin sa ibang direksyon.

Finithee pouted her lips. “Don’t you want to come with me for a while to meet Lee?”

“I don’t even know who the hell that is.”

Mahina niyang tinapik ang labi nito na ikinagulat ng lalaki. Gulat siya nitong nilingon.

“He’s my brother! He’s one year ahead of me. Hindi ko ba nabanggit sa inyo na may tatlo akong kuya?” she said.

Kitang-kita niya ang bahagyang panlalaki ng mga mata ng lalaki nang marinig ang sinabi niya.

She crossed her arm and strictly stared at him. “Sama ka?”

Anger faded across Wrath’s face. Kinurot nito ang pisngi niya. “I’ll meet him someday. Go and have a bond with him.”

Napangiti siya at kumaway sa lalaki. “Oki, bye! Thank you ulit!”

He enveloped his hand on her and put it down. Pinisil pa nito nang marahan ang kamay niya. “Take care and enjoy.”

Masayang bumaba siya sa kotse nang marinig ang sinabi ng lalaki. Buti na lang ay nawala ang pagka-badtrip ng lalaki, muntik na siyang kabahan!

•••

Omg, nakatulog ako, huhu. Mapapatawad n’yo naman ako ’di ba. Sabi ko kasi 6PM, tapos mag-te-10 na. Pasensya na mga laloves ko. Good evening 😭💛

Sa mga gusto pala akong makausap. Here’s my real Facebook account: Alleona Johnelisa Nieva

Just chat me and don’t be shy. Chariz. Usap usap tayoooo kapag gusto n’yo.

XXIV

CHAPTER 24

“ARE you sure about meeting them, Lee? Baka naman mamaya siraan mo ako sa kanila, sinungaling ka pa naman!”

Finithee complained and pouted her lips while sitting on the passenger seat. Yakap-yakap niya ang teddy bear na regalo sa kaniya ng kapatid na ngayon ay nakangising nagmamaneho.

“Wow, you predicted what I’m planning to do? Ang galing mo naman, mahal na prinsesa!” pang-aasar nito.

Inis niyang kinurot ang braso ni Lee. “Subukan mo, isusumbong kita kay daddy!”

“Sumbong mo! Sasabihin ko kay Dee at Sy na nakita kitang nakikipaghalikan sa—”

“Bwisit ka talagang lalaki ka! Hindi ko naman ginagawa ’yan! What if Dee actually believes you? He’ll send me to another country!” she hysterically exclaimed.

“I won’t lie unless you call me kuya in front of your team mates,” he said. May ngiti pa sa labi nito na kinainis niya.

She hates addressing him as “kuya” because he’s only one year ahead of her. Unlike her brothers Sy and Dee who’s 4 and 6 years older than her.

“I won’t call you kuya! You’re childish! Si Dee at Sy lang ang kuya ko!” she replied.

Kinurot ng kapatid ang ilong niya. “Pero nagpapasubo ka pa sa akin minsan kapag kakain ka kakalaro! Tapos hindi mo ako tinatawag na kuya? Sana talaga sumama ka na lang kila kuya sa states!”

“Ikaw ang dapat bumalik doon!”

“Susumbong kita kay Dee, sinasagot mo ako.” Lee even raised his index finger and moved it as if he’s leaving her a warning.

“Sumbungero! Para kang ewan!” She crossed her arms and looked away. “Hindi na kita bati, sige ka.”

Nanahimik ang kapatid niya at maya-maya ay sinundot ang kaniyang tagiliran.

“Love you, Thee.”

She flashed a sweet smile and looked at him. “Love you too! Now drive and introduce yourself to my team mates!”

Umupo siya nang tahimik at tumingin na lang sa daan hanggang sa tuluyan silang makarating sa base camp.

“Go ahead first, Thee. I’ll just park the car.”

Tumango siya sa kapatid at binuksan ang pinto. “You’ll see a huge wooden door when you step outside the parking lot. Just come inside and I’ll introduce you to them!”

Mabilis siyang bumaba sa sasakyan at patakbong pumasok sa loob ng base camp.

“Finithee! Where have you been? I was looking for you since morning!” bungad sa kaniya ni Scar na may halong pagtatampo ang boses.

Nilingon niya ang ibang kasamahan na nasa gaming area at nakatingin din sa kaniya. Hugene and Kiel waved their hands.

“I met my brother outside. He’s also here to meet you all!”

Gulat na napakibot siya nang biglang magsitakbuhan ang tatlo pataas. Are they heading towards their rooms? Or specifically where?

Kunot noo niyang hinigpitan ang yakap sa teddy bear at lumapit sa captain nila na abala sa paglalaro.

Kinulbit niya ang braso ng lalaki na agad namang tinanggal ang headphone at tiningala siya. “What?”

“Lee will enter the base camp soon, he just parked the car. Why did the trio ran upstairs?” taka niyang tanong.

Mabilis na pinatay ni Wrath ang monitor at tumayo sa kinauupuan.

“Fuck.” Nilingon siya nito. “I’ll call Migo. Those three will come back here soon, they’re just overacting.”

Nang tumango siya sa lalaki ay agad itong umalis sa harap niya para hanapin ang coach nila.

Ilang minuto pa ay narinig niya ang sunod-sunod na yapak ng tatlo sa hagdan. Nagulat pa siya nang makitang iba na ang mga suot nitong damit at nag-ayos pa talaga!

“What…” she uttered. “Why did you run away from me? Sabi ko gusto kayong makilala ni Lee—”

“Where’s your brother, missy? By the way, do I look good?” Kiel asked.

“Do I look presentable?” Hugene.

She gasped.

“Do I look trustworthy, my Rage?” Scar.

Laglag ang panga na pinagmasdan niya ang mga ito habang nagpapapogi sa harapan niya.

Hindi na siya nakaimik pa nang marinig ang pagbukas ng pintuan sa likuran.

“FINITHEE is incredibly great at the battlefield, bro!” Kiel proudly bragged while they’re all sitting on the dining area.

Lee looked at her and laughed. “Paanong hindi gagaling ’yan eh halos hindi na matulog kakalaro.”

“Lee!” mahina niyang saway sa kapatid.

Her team mates let out a laugh.

“No wonder why! She’s dominating all men in the league, brother Lee. What’s her secret?” hyper na tanong ni Scar at talagang tumigil pa sa pagkain para lang matanong ’yon.

Kanina pa nito dinadaldal ang kapatid niya at gustong-gusto naman ng isa, palibhasa isip bata rin.

“Her secret?” Naramdaman niya agad ang sunod na sasabihin ng kapatid nang nakangisi itong lumingon sa kaniya. “Every lunch and dinner time, she’ll never bother eating food as long as she’s playing games. And us, her brothers, have to constantly feed her because she might die from too much addiction.”

“Sinungaling ka!” Binatukan niya ang kapatid at sinamaan ito ng tingin. “Ilang beses mo lang ako pinakain! Dee and Sy were the ones who feed me when I can’t control my game addiction back then. ’Saka kumakain na akong mag-isa ngayon ’no! Your story was three years ago, when I was literally 17! And I wasn’t even playing Arena of Survival during those times!”

Nakangangang tiningala siya ng mga kasamahan niya maliban kay Wrath na naiiling na ngumingisi sa tabi. As if he’s teasing her as well.

“Defensive naman ng prinsesa na ’yan,” Lee added to annoy her even more.

She sat down again and focused her attention on the food. Nagpatuloy sa pag-uusap ang mga kagrupo niya at ang kapatid niyang walang ginawa kung hindi bwisitin siya.

Umangat ang tingin niya sa captain nila nang mapansing tumingin ito sa kaniya. The corner of his lips curved.

“People around you likes to feed you, Finithee,” he said.

Hindi naman sila naririnig ng iba kaya malaya niya itong sinagot pabalik.

“I didn’t ask them to do that! They’re doing that on their own will!” she said.

“I know.” His tone changed. “I’m also feeding you without anyone demanding me to do so.”

•••

Babawi ako bukas ng dalawang update, promise! Masyado kasing late schedule sa school kaya wala rin ako time magsulat pauwi. Sa Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, promise triple updates lahat ’yan.

Malapit na ako gumraduate sa senior high kaya sa bakasyon sure na everyday ang update ko. Possibly matapos ko na rin agaaad ’to before ako mag-college.

By the way, sobrang lakas ng ulan lagi. Always mag-ingat at magdala ng payong, lalo na sa mga napasok sa school or work. Have a safe week, my oxygens 💛

XXV

CHAPTER 25

FINITHEE’s smile turned into a frown when Veenus sat on her bed. Her dear best friend finally decided to visit her at the base camp.

But here’s here best friend right now, looking at her like she’s about to annoy her again.

Hinarap niya ang salamin at sinuklay ang mahabang buhok. Hanggang baywang na ang mahaba at kulot niyang buhok na nakalimutan niya nang pagupitan.

Nang matapos ay humarap siya sa kaibigan at agad na napasimangot.

“Ano na naman ’yang tingin mo, Vee?” naiirita niyang tanong at binagsak ang katawan sa kama.

Veenus grinned naughtily. “May something na ba sa inyo ni Wrath?”

Her eyes widened when she heard that question from her friend’s lips. Kung makatanong pa ito ay parang naghihintay na lang ng kunpirmasyon.

“What are you talking about, Veenus?! Walang something sa amin. Alam mo, noong nakaraang linggo ka pa tungkol diyan, ha!” saway niya rito bago tusukin ang tagalirin nito.

“Oh bakit defensive ka? Nagtatanong lang!” She laughed loudly that annoyed her even more. “Bebe girl, wala talaga kayong relasyon, ha? Or kahit crush crush sa isa’t isa gano’n?”

“Wala, Vee!”

“Eh bakit gano’n siya sa ’yo?!” Veenus stood up from her seat and faced her. “Kung ikaw baka walang something sa kaniya, baka ’yung captain mo mayroong pagtingin sa ’yo!”

“Alam mo, Johnmar Villaluna? Napaka-random mo! ’Saka what are you trying to point out? We’re just team mates. If you see me caring for him, that’s just me being respectful-”

“Girl! You just told me last week that when you craved carbonara, he’s willing to cook for you without any hesitations. And when we’re at the steakhouse? He sliced your steak and removed mushroom in your carbonara. Sino lang ba ang gumagawa ng mga gano’ng bagay? Is that even his job as a captain? It’s already outside the league, my dear girl. He remembers the details about you, and you still think that it’s him taking care of you?” Veenus said as a-matter-of-factly.

“Yes, he’s always been caring about his team mates. Even if he’s secretive or unexpressive, we genuinely feel that. Hindi lang siya sa akin mabait, minsan kila Scar din!” depensa niya.

“Finithee, Wrath will never showcase his caring side in front of a stranger. I’m the only stranger there, yes, but I am your best friend. Before I realized that I am destined to be a woman, I was a young boy as well. I still know how men think, and Wrath wasn’t afraid to treat you like a princess in front of me because he knows you’ll be comfortable.” Veenus sat beside her once again and held her hand. “I genuinely feel that he likes you, Finithee.”

“Veenus, malabo ’yan! Ang sungit-sungit ng lalaking ’yon-”

“Eh ano naman? Ano naman kung suplado siya sa lahat? I didn’t see him once displaying that kind of attitude on you last week. Are you underestimating yourself that’s why you can’t accept the possibility that he likes you?” tanong nito.

“Yes.” Tumango siya at bumuntong hininga. “A man like him who has everything, looks, body, popularity, money, and good image? He will only give attention to woman who’s almost at his level!”

“And you think you’re not that woman? Kung ibibigay ko lang sa ’yo ang mga mata ko, mare-realize mo na ikaw mismo ang tinutukoy mo. You’re fucking gorgeous! Why do you think those professional players kept messaging you on your socials?!”

“You knew about them messaging my socials?!”

“Yes, bitch! Ako pa ba? At hindi ’yon ang usapan. Ang ganda-ganda mo tapos tingin mo hindi ka bagay kay Wrath? Everyone wants to have you but they can’t! Just like how everyone wanted to have him? You also have the body, the money, hindi man gano’n kalaki sa m’eron siya pero mayaman ka pa rin! And popularity? Goddamn it, Finithee! You’re literally Rage! The most anticipated player and the one who gained millions of followers within one week only,” Veenus said as if she’s promoting her on national tv.

Kinurot nito ang pisngi niya. “You didn’t even mention about games. I know for sure that Wrath will only like a girl who knows how to play games. At hindi ka lang basta marunong, naglalaro ka pa sa pinakamalaking esports liga sa PIlipinas. If you want to underestimate yourself, go on, but I won’t shut up about it. You guys are compatible. So, why are you hesitating?”

“I’m afraid that I might actually like him, Veenus.” She bowed her head a little.

“You’re afraid that you might or you’re already starting to like him?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I’m starting to? Pero naguguluhan ako. I feel torn about my feelings because I don’t want him to be my first heartbreak. He’s literally my captain,” she honestly said.

“Hindi ka maguguluhan kung sasabihin mo sa kaniya agad. Paano kung mutual feelings pala kayo pero-”

Veenus was cut off when someone knocked on her door. Muntik pa siyang kabahan dahil baka narinig ng tao sa labas ang pinag-uusapan nila magkaibigan, pero naalala niyang soundproof pala ang kwarto niya.

Her best friend opened the door.

Muntik niya nang mahigit ang hininga nang makita ang lalaking pinag-uusapan nila. He immediately dropped his eyes on her.

“I’m planning to grab some stuff in the mall. Do you want me to buy you anything?” he asked.

Tumayo siya mula sa kama at naglakad papalapit sa lalaki. “Ahm… Can you buy me some snacks? I’ll pay you when you come back-”

“I’ll be back later, head straight to the meeting room when Migo calls you.” Kinurot pa nito ang pisngi niya bago humarap sa kaibigan niyang si Veenus. “Good afternoon.”

“Pota ka!” Nagulat siya nang biglang tumili si Veenus pagkaalis na pagkaalis ng lalaki. Halos mabatukan pa siya nito. “Anong sinasabi mong caring, gaga ka. May caring bang pupuntahan ka mismo sa kwarto para tanungin ka kung anong ipapabili mo?”

She rolled her eyes irritatedly. “Napaka-issue mo! I’m sure he asked Scar and other as well! Mga matatakaw rin ’yon-”

“Finithee!” Nilingon niya ang tatlong miyembro nang tumakbo ito papalapit sa kaniya. “Have you seen Wrath? We heard he’s going to the mall to buy something!”

“Y-Yes. He just left,” she answered.

“Daya! Magpapalibre sana kami!” reklamo ni Kiel.

“Captain always forgot to buy me food when he’s leaving!” Scar.

Dahan-dahan niyang nilingon ang kaibigan na ngayon ay abot langit ang pagkakangisi. “May sinasabi ka, Finithee?”

Iniwas niya na lang ang tingin at bumuntong hininga.

XXVI

CHAPTER 26

“WE WILL be fighting against Ink for Week 3 since week one and two ended already. I’ll show you the rankings and tally of the matches played.” Coach Migo pressed a button on the remote.

The APPL Season 17 Week and 2 Rankings flashed in front their eyes.

“We were listed in the first part because we’re also the first team to win. Kasama natin sa rank 1 ang Libertad at Shade. They both showcase a good fight during their matches, but we need to watch out for Ink since we’re going to fight them next Sunday,” he added.

“I’ve watched the livestream of their match against Loud, they put a pretty good fight but their mid-laner is lacking. I can definitely dominate him since he’s easy to poke,” Scar suggested.

“You can do that, Scar. We can always pick an early-game hero for you as long as Rage will rotate consistently.” Lumapat ang tingin sa kaniya ng coach nila. “Their exp-laner is quite a good one, he’s known as Ink’s carry.”

“No one is good against me,” she joked around.

Tumawa lahat ng mga kasama niya. “Definitely, missy! You’re the best exp-laner this season.”

Pabiro pa siyang nag-flip hair kay Hugene na nakangiting ginulo ang buhok niya. 

“Their jungler, Lorde, has a specific rotation like Don. After two minutes, before the turtle spawn, he’ll surely rotate around the mid-lane to gank the opposing mage. Rage, I want you to clear your creep waves a fast as possible and hide somewhere near the mid-lane. Rely this to Wrath as well.” Magalang siyang tumango sa lalaki.

“I can do that as long Hugene stays with Kiel before everything else.” NIlingon niya ang katabi at ngumiti rito. “We should never let them know that you’ll zone the turtle area. Poke their gold-laners and stay visible. I’ll help Scar with Wrath.”

“You started already?”

Sabay-sabay silang napalingon sa pintuan nang marinig ang boses ng lalaki. Wrath entered the meeting room and placed a plastic bag on her lap as he sat down beside her.

“I’ve bought almost every snacks in the supermarket, pick anything you like,” he said.

“Wow.” She gasped before opening the plastic bag full of chips. She happily took her favorite brand of snacks and hugged it. ’Saka niya binigay sa tatlo ang iba pang chichirya. “Thank you, captain. You’re the best!”

“You forced me to buy you those things,” he teased her.

Ngumuso siya habang binubuksan ang chips. “Ayan ka na naman.”

“Wrath, we just started our meeting. You already know a lot of things about Ink so you don’t have to hear about this anymore.”

“I’ll stay. And let me guess, Finithee suggested another strategy?”

Natatawang tumango ang mga kasama nila habang siya ay kumakaing bumusangot.

“My strategies are always effective, captain!” depensa niya sa sarili. “Right?”

“I didn’t say anything about your strategy. What? You want me to praise your smart mind?” he asked.

She giggled and nodded her head. “Praise me. So, I’ll steal the MVP title next week from you!”

“How about me, missy? Please give me some MVP.” Ngumuso si Scar sa kaniya at nagmamakaawa pang pinagsiklop ang mga palad.

“No, you’re still a minor. If you get the MVP title, everyone will kiss the screen. They should be 16 too before they have a crush on you,” strikta niyang pagbibiro.

“Missy!” He stood up from his seat. “I will never let them have a crush on me! You’re already my crush and I’m loyal to you! Tatampo nga ako captain because he’s always stealing you from me!”

Finithee smiled at their youngest member. “Scar, I’ll give you the MVP title if you stop throwing tantrums right now.”

KUNOT noong nilapitan ni Finithee ang captain nila nang mapansin niyang nakasandal lang ito sa sofa. Kiel called all of them to form a five-man in a ranked game, but Wrath didn’t answer so she tried finding him.

Then she found him in the living room with his eyebrows almost meeting. But it’s not his usual expression.

“Wrath?” she uttered.

He groaned. “Hmm?”

Nag-aalalang umupo siya sa tabi ng lalaki at hinawakan ang noo nito. “Nilalagnat ka!” she gasped.

He just raised his hand and enveloped it with her’s. Mahigpit nitong hinawakan ang kamay niya at ibinaba ’yon. “I’m fine, Finithee. Play ranked games with them first. I’ll just take a quick sleep.”

“Hindi ka puwedeng maglaro kung nilalagnat ka. Baka lumala pa ’yan tapos hindi ka makapaglaro sa Linggo,” she said.

Nagmulat ang mga mata nito at mariin siyang pinakatitigan. “Are you even worried about me or the match?”

Napakurap siya nang ilang beses. “Nag-aalala a-ako sa ’yo syempre!” She stood up from her seat and tried pulling him to stand up. “Halika! Magpahinga ka muna sa kwarto mo. Huwag ka nang makipaglaro sa amin, maiintindihan naman nila, eh.”

“I can walk, kid.” Tumayo rin ito mula sa sofa at agad siyang nilagpasan. Tahimik naman niyang sinundan ang lalaki paakyat sa kwarto nito.

“Maybe you’re always working out in the gym without any rest, you’re using your body to death,” bulong niya sa likod nito.

“Para kang demonyo diyan,” sagot ng lalaki.

Inirapan niya ang likod nito at mahina itong tinulak papasok sa kwarto ng lalaki. Unlike her room that is filled with white, his room is bigger and filled with black colors. Gusto niya pang abalahin ang sarili sa pagkamangha kung hindi niya lang naalala na may sakit ang lalaki.

“Lay down, captain. I’ll get some medicine for you!”

“I haven’t eat yet.”

“Then I’ll feed you first and you need to take medicine after. Okay?” pagalit niyang sabi habang kinukumutan ito.

A mischievous smile appeared on his lips. “Why do you sound so mad that I’m sick, Finithee? Are you that worried?”

She rolled her eyes once again. “Hindi ba masamang maging mabuting myembro? Paano kapag namatay ka sa lagnat tapos mawalan kami ng jungler? Kawawa kami! The most handsome player, and richest too, will just vanish from everyone’s eyes. Baka sabihin nilang malas ako dahil namatay ka noong dumating ako sa grupo!”

He held her hand and pulled her to sit on the edge of the bed. Hinigpitan nito ang hawak sa kamay niya. “Can you just get some food, feed me, and make me take some pills before talking non-stop? Hindi ako gagaling sa madaldal mong bibig.”

“Okay! Kukuha na ako pagkain mo,” nakangiti niyang sabi. Wrath smiled as he leaned forward. 

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya nang marahan nitong hawakan ang pisngi niya para ilapit siya sa bibig nito. Then he placed a small peck of kiss on her left cheek. “Thank you, little kid.”

Her cheeks reddened. “Okay, babalik a-agad ako!”

Mabilis pa sa alas kwatro na tinalikuran niya ang lalaki para hindi nito makita ang nangangamatis niyang pisngi.

Fudge! He just kissed her!

He kissed her cheek!

“Gosh!” she murmured silently while running downstairs.

XXVII

CHAPTER 27

“COACH Migo cooked porridge for you when I told them that you’re sick,” Finithee said as soon as she entered Wrath’s room.

Bitbit niya ang tray na may nakapatong na mangkok ng lugaw.

She sat beside Wrath who rested his back on the headboard. Namumutla ito at bahagya pang umuubo.

“Bakit ka ba nagkasakit, captain? Hindi naman maulan, eh,” she asked.

“I don’t know. Insomnia, maybe? I overworked myself as well,” nanghihina nitong sagot.

She used the spoon to scoop some porridge. Hinipan niya na rin ’yon para hindi naman mapaso ang lalaki, pagkatapos ay sinubuan niya ito nang buong pag-iingat.

“Tapos nagwo-work out ka pa sa gym nang sobra. Ayan, nagkasakit ka!” saway niya rito.

He chuckled weakly. “Stop being a nagger, Finithee. It’s not going to help me.”

“Pinagsasabihan ka lang.”

“Okay.”

Ngumuso siya at pinagpatuloy ang pagsubo ng pagkain sa lalaki. He just kept on accepting the food until he finally finished it.

“Done! Inom ka na gamot.” Nilapag niya ang mangkok sa side table at inabot ang gamot sa lalaki. “Here.”

She patiently watched him til he’s finally done. “Captain, please recover soon. I’m not used to seeing you like this,” she whispered.

He looked at her curiously. “I’ll recover tomorrow. Stop being dramatic, kid.”

“I’m not being dramatic! I’m just worried. I think all of our team mates wanted to check on you as well. Siguro masama na ang pakiramdam mo kanina tapos umalis ka pa.” Pinagkrus niya ang mga braso. “Why did you go to the mall earlier?”

“I didn’t. I went to the mall to buy the stuff you want, dumaan lang ako pagkatapos kong daanan ang restaurant ko.”

Her eyes widened after hearing that. “You have you own restaurant?”

Tumango ang lalaki. “Want me to bring you there someday? I will.”

“Sige!”

“I’ve changed my mind, I’m afraid you might order everything from the menu,” he teased her.

Nakabusangot niya itong inirapan. “Sige na, punta ako doon kapag magaling ka na.”

“Okay. I’ll cook for you,” he softly answered.

Tumaas ang kamay ng lalaki at dumapo sa buhok niya.

She looked at him silently when he started combing her hair using his fingers. He’s doing it so gently.

“Is your curly hair natural?” he asked.

Finithee proudly smiled. “Yes! Nagmana kami nila kuya ng kulot naming buhok kay daddy.”

He smiled and continue combing her hair. “It looks so good on you.”

“Thank you,”

Tumawa ang lalaki at kinurot ang pisngi niya. “It’s long enough, you don’t have any plans of cutting it? Hindi ka ba nahihirapang mag-ayos?”

Muling bumalik ang mga daliri nito sa kulot niyang buhok na ikinapula ng pisngi niya. She felt so relax with what he’s doing, it feels like he really likes her curly hair.

“I love it the way it is. Saka na ako magpapagupit kapag sinabi na nila kuya sa akin,” she answered.

“Your brothers seem nice, I want to meet them. I’ve been thinking how well they treated you and you grew up to be a spoiled brat.”

“Ano?” Kumunot ang noo niya. “Hindi ako spoiled brat! They’re just spoiling me, but I am not a brat. Ang bait-bait ko nga sa kanila eh.”

“You’re not a spoiled brat even if they have to constantly feed you while you’re busy playing games?” nang-aasar nitong tanong.

“Well, I was still their baby when I was 17. I’m still their baby until now but I’m independent already. Kumakain na ako mag-isa at hindi na ako sumbungera sa kanila ’no!” pagmamalaki niya.

“It feels like everyone in your house treated you like a princess.”

“Hmm. Maybe because I’m a miracle child? Mommy died when she gave birth to me, that’s why I never had the chance to meet her. Daddy never got mad at me even if I’m the reason why mommy left this world, sabi niya sa akin hindi ko naman daw kasalanan na may sakit si mommy ko. She also chose to save me instead of getting rid of me,” mahaba niyang pagkukwento.

She saw how his eyes were filled with shock. “You were almost aborted?”

“Yes.” Tumango siya nang ilang ulit. “Pero niligtas pa rin ako nila ni daddy. Our family doctor said that even if mommy gets rid of me, she still don’t have enough time to survive cancer.”

Ramdam niya ang paghaplos ng lalaki sa buhok niya, napakarahan at napakagaan no’n. “I’m sorry about that. Your mother is surely amazing.”

“Siguro nga nagmana ako kay mommy, eh! Kasi pasaway raw siya. Daddy is more on a serious type, like my brothers. Baka talagang kapag may nawala ay may pumapalit,” masigla niyang sabi.

Wrath flashed a sweet smile on her. Lumapit na naman ito at matagal na hinalikan ang pisngi niya. Humaplos pa ang kamay nito sa kabila niyang pisngi.

Punong-puno ng pag-iingat ang bawat dampi ng palad nito sa kaniya.

“I’m proud of you, Finithee. Your mother is surely happy of all your achievements right now. You’re beyond amazing,” sabi nito.

Naluluha ang mga matang yumakap siya sa lalaki na mahigpit din siyang niyakap. “Thank you, captain. Thank you for appreciating my mother too.”

Lumayo siya nang tumawa ang lalaki. “Baka mahawa ka sa akin.”

“Ikaw nga ’tong nanghahalik sa pisngi, eh!” nakanguso niyang sabat. “Kapag nahawa ako sa ’yo dapat alagaan mo rin ako!”

“Yeah, gusto mo minu-minuto pa kitang pakainin, eh,” nang-aasar nitong untag.

She lightly pinched his arm. “Hindi naman ako gano’n katakaw para hindi mabusog!”

He combed her hair and enveloped his hand on her’s. “I love feeding you. You seem so happy with all the food you’re eating.”

“Eating is life, captain, you don’t know that?”

“You’re the only one who believes that,” he teplied.

Padabog siyang tumayo at kinumutan ang lalaki. “Take a rest, I’ll buy plenty of medicine you need. Naubusan kasi sa baba, eh. I’ll come back after your sleep,” saad niya.

Akma na siyang aalis sa kinatatayuan nang hilahin ng lalaki ang braso niya. Kinuha nito ang wallet mula sa side table at nilabas ang black card doon.

She knew that people who have those type of cards are billionaires.

“Use this, buy anything you want along your way.”

“Sa pharmacy lang naman ako pupunta, eh,” sabi niya at dahan-dahang kinuha ang card ng lalaki.

Ngumiti ang lalaki. “Buy some food and things you’ll like, Finithee. Spend my money all you want.”

“Ay, saka na kita iba-bankrupt kapag dinala mo ako sa restaurant mo!” Tinago niya ang card ng lalaki sa bulsa. “I’ll go ahead! Babalik ako pagkatapos kitang bilihan ng gamot, promise!”

Nakangiti siyang lumabas sa kwarto ng lalaki at agad na binunot ang card nito. Baka mawala niya pa ’yon, nakakatakot na!

Kahit hindi niya naman gagamitin ang card ng lalaki ay minabuti niya pa ring nasa loob ’yon ng wallet niya.

“He said my curly hair suits me so much,” she murmured after seeing her reflection.

Lahat naman ay sinasabi na bagay na bagay sa kaniya ang kulot na buhok. Pero bakit mas masarap pakinggan ang papuri na ’yon mula sa suplado niyang captain?

•••

Sorry, supeeeer busy talaga ako ngayon. Bukas ay triple update naman kaya huwag kayo mag-alala, promise! Love you all 💛

XXVIII

CHAPTER 28

NAKANGITING nakipag-high five si Finithee sa tatlo nang matapos nila ang laro. Natatawa pa niyang pinanood si Kiel at Scar na nagkukulitan.

“Did you see how I got a penta kill there?” Kiel said proudly. “I’m freaking ready to take down Ink tomorrow!”

“I helped you when you got penta kill!” Scar.

“I’m independent, you minor!”

Napapailing na hinarap niya ang computer nang magsimula nang mag-away ang dalawa, habang umaawat naman si Hugene sa mga ito. She just kept herself busy through scrolling on her social media accounts.

Everyone is excited for their match against Ink tomorrow. Kahit siya rin naman ay hindi na siya makapaghintay na tumapak ulit sa arena.

Being a professional player really requires a lot of patience and discipline.

Nang mapatagal sa pagbababad sa computer ay kunot-noo niyang nilibot ang paningin at humarap sa tatlo. “Where’s captain? Kagagaling lang niya sa sakit, ah?”

Hugene’s the one who answered her. “He went to get Caius, I heard he’s going to stay here temporarily.”

Mas lumalim ang pagkakakunot ng noo niya. “Who’s Caius?”

Scar smiled sweetly. “Captain’s little brother! He’s 4.”

Her eyes widened as soon as she heard that. Alam niyang bakas na bakas sa mukha niya ang pagkagulat at hindi naman niya masisi ang sarili. It’s her first time hearing that Wrath has a little brother, who will live with them temporarily!

Sabay-sabay silang mabilis na nagtungo sa harapan ng main door nang bumukas ’yon. Her eyes twinkled when Wrath entered the base camp carrying a cute kid. May bote pa ng gatas sa bibig ng bata nang lumapat ang tingin nito sa kanila.

“Caius! We miss you, bro!” Kiel said out of excitement.

The kid released the bottle from his mouth and smiled at the guy. Then he placed the bottle inside his mouth again that cause laughter among them.

“Why are you standing there? Mamaya n’yo na laruin ’to,” their captain muttered.

Caius’ eyes met her eyes, and she was stunned when the kid gave his bottle to Wrath to get off from his grip. Mabilis itong tumakbo palapit sa kaniya at niyakap ang tuhod niya. “Hawo, atih. Carry, mis.”

Her mouth hanged open because of the kid’s cuteness. ’Saka niya tiningala ang lalaki na may kakaibang emosyon sa mata nang tumingin sa kaniya. “What did h-he say, captain?”

“He said hello, ate. He’s pleading you to carry him as well.”

Mis means please to the kid? What a cute creature!

Masaya niyang binuhat si Caius at nginitian ito nang matamis. “Hi, baby. I’m ate Finithee!”

“Hi, atih. You pretty.”

Malambing na sinapo ng bata ang magkabila niyang pisngi at niyakap siya nang mahigpit. She giggled and happily hugged him back. “Let’s go, sit tayo sa sofa. Gusto mo mag-play?”

“Didi pa ako. Kuwa, wer is my didi.” He extended his arm to Wrath who quickly handed the bottle of milk. “Atih, lay down ako lap mo.”

“Okay!” Glad that she understood him quickly that’s why she walked towards the sofa. Umupo siya roon at pinahiga ang bata sa kandungan niya.

“Etchu, atih.”

“Cute,” she murmured happily.

She felt Wrath’s presence beside her when he appeared. Pinunasan nito ang pawis ng kapatid sa noo. “Caius, your ate Finithee is busy. I’ll carry you instead.”

The kid released the bottle from his mouth again and pouted. “No, kuwa. Only atih.” Muli na naman nitong sinubo ang tsupon ng bote dahilan para matawa siya.

“Hayaan mo na, Wrath. Ang cute-cute nga ng kapatid mo, eh. Hihiramin ko muna, ha? Sige na, alis ka na,” pagtataboy niya sa lalaki at pinalo pa nang mahina ang braso nito.

He stopped her hand and held it tightly. “Mamaya ibenta mo pa ’yan.”

“Hmp!” she grunted. “Is he going to stay here for a while?”

“Yes, I brought his clothes and some stuff.” Sumandal ang lalaki sa sofa at pinagmasdan siya. “Why?”

“Where’s your mother and your father?” she asked.

“They left to take care of some important matters outside the country. They’ll return after two months.” Hinigpitan nito ang hawak sa kamay niya kaya napatingin siya roon.

“Two months lang? Dapat hindi na siya umalis!”

“He’s hard-headed, Finithee. You think you can handle him longer?”

“Yes!” nagmamalaki niyang sagot. “I love kids. I think Caius likes me too. Dapat kami na lang ang magkapatid!”

“Asa ka.” Tinulak ng lalaki ang noo niya nang mahina gamit ang libre nitong kamay. “I’ll hire a babysitter for him. We’ll be busy sometimes for the matches.”

“Okay. But I’ll surely take care of him when I have a lot of time!” Binaba niya ang tingin sa bata na ngumiti sa kaniya habang umiinom pa rin ng gatas na paubos na. Masaya niya itong nginitian pabalik. “Are you full? Do you want to bond with ate Finithee?”

Caius let go of the bottle when it’s already out of milk. ’Saka ito umupo sa kandungan niya at niyakap siya nang mahigpit. “Atih, you so pretty. Why you hair like dis?!”

Natawa siya nang haplusin nito ang kulot niyang buhok habang kunot ang noo. “It’s because I’m curly, baby. You and your kuya have a straight hair.”

Wrath let go of her hand to caress her hair. “Her hair is nice, Caius, right?”

“Yes, kuwa! Caius loves atih’s hair.”

Her captain chuckled with the kid’s answer. ’Saka nito ginulo ang buhok ng bata at hinalikan ito sa noo. 

Umangat ang tingin ng lalaki sa kaniya saglit. “Stay here, baby.” Bumaba ulit ang mga mata nito sa kapatid na ngumiti lang.

Tulala niyang pinanood ang lalaki nang maglakad ito papalayo sa kanila.

“Atih, kuwa never calls Caius baby. Is kuwa talking to you?”

Nanlalaki ang mga mata niyang nilingon ang bata nang magsalita ito. “Huh? No, Caius. I think he’s t-talking to you.”

“No, atih. Kuwa calls you baby. You a big girl already,” nakanguso nitong sabi, ang tono nito ay parang nagtatampo at nagtataka.

“It’s okay, Caius.” Ngumiti siya sa bata at kinurot nang mahina ang pisngi nito. “Play na lang ikaw with ate Finithee and your other kuyas. You want that?”

The kid happily nodded. “Les go, atih!”

“Okay, baby!” She carried him gently and stood up from her seat. ’Saka niya dinala ang bata kila Scar na abala sa computer. Nang makita siya ng tatlo kasama si Caius ay agad silang napatayo sa kinauupuan.

“Give him to us, missy! We’ll bully him again!” Kiel said.

“Bawal! Kawawa naman siya,” reklamo at angal niya.

“Yes! Bawal. You’re such a bad guy, Kiel,” Scar added.

She giggled when Hugene took Caius from her arms and ran away. “Caius is mine!”

Kiel and Scar angrily groaned. “You traitor!”

Naghabulan ang tatlo sa loob ng base camp habang rinig na rinig ang humahagikhik na si Caius.

•••

I’ll update two chapters later, mga bandang 6PM. Tatapusin ko lang school works, I’ll be baaaack! Hope you enjoyed this chapter 💛

XXIX

CHAPTER 29

“CAPTAIN! You really bought us a new service bus? Our old bus was fine!” Finithee hysterically asked Wrath as soon as she stepped outside the base camp.

They’re on their way to PHIL-SPORTS Arena for their match against Ink

But then she saw a black esports bus outside their base camp. It has the logo of Ark of Arsenal infront and a big “Ark of Arsenal Esports” on the side.

“Wow! Captain, you’re the best!” masayang sigaw ni Scar.

Nagsitakbuhan ang tatlo papasok doon kasama si coach Migo at ang analyst nila. They’re even jumping from too much excitement and happiness.

“Yes. I’ve been planning to tell everyone about this. It’s a surprise then?” he answered.

“It’s so cool!” puri niya habang nakangiti. “Parang mananalo tayo ngayon dahil sa surprise mo. Ginanahan akong mambugbog—”

Natigil siya nang ipatong ng lalaki ang kamay nito sa kaniyang ulo para guluhin ang buhok niya. “Nawala na nga ’yang kahambugan mo, bumalik na naman?”

She pouted her pink lips. “Hindi na.”

Wrath chuckled and it sounds so freaking nice on her ears. Kinurot ng lalaki ang pisngi niya. “Go ahead first, I’ll get Caius insi—”

“Atih, kuwa!”

Natatawa niyang sinalubong ang bata nang kumawala ito mula sa babysitter at tinakbo ang pagitan nila.

Caius hugged her tightly and she carries him while smiling. “Wow! Gwapo baby boy.”

“Etchu, atih. You pretty, much!”

He kissed her cheeks repeatedly that made her giggle. “Let’s go na, baby? Behave ikaw habang nagpe-play kami sa stage, ha?”

Caius nodded obediently. “Opo, atih. Behave Caius.”

“Come here, Caius.” Wrath took the kid from her arms. “Did you bring your toy?”

“I did, kuwa. Smayderman in my bag.” Nakangusong tinuro ng bata ang bag na bitbit ng babysitter nito.

Kunot-noo siyang sumunod sa magkapatid nang maglakad ang captain niya papalapit sa bus. “Who’s Smayderman, captain? Is he a superhero?”

Natatawa siyang nilingon ng lalaki. “He meant Spiderman.”

She chuckled and followed both of them inside the bus. There are four vacant seats at the back of the bus, since the rest occupied the first seats.

Tahimik siyang umupo sa tabi ng lalaki nang pumwesto ito sa tabi ng bintana. Sa kabilang side naman ay doon umupo ang babysitter ni Caius na matamis niyang nginitian.

“Captain, our bus will surely catch a lot of attention!” She heard Kiel in front.

“And?” Wrath replied using his cold voice.

“Aren’t you afraid that everyone will jump towards us?” pahabol na tanong ng binata.

“The hell I care, as if our fans will stoop that low,” sagot ng huli.

“You’ll bring Caius again in the arena, I’m sure everyone missed him. He was three last time, right?” Natutuwang hinarap sila ni coach Migo na katabi si Von sa upuan.

“Caius already stepped inside the arena?” Gulat niyang tanong.

“Atih, why?”

She faced the kid who’s sitting on Wrath’s lap and shook her head gently. “I’m asking something to tito Migo, baby. Sorry. Nood na ulit ikaw cartoons.”

Hinarap niya ulit si coach Migo at kunot noo itong tinitigan.

“Yes. When he was three. Everyone went crazy because he looks exactly like Wrath, sabi nga nila mini version daw. I don’t know how they were able to tell that they’re brothers,” he said in a laughing tone.

Napatango-tango siya nang marinig ’yon.

“You haven’t met Wrath’s bratty sister, missy,” Hugene added.

Muling nanlaki ang mga mata niya. “What? Captain has a sister?”

Nilingon niya ang lalaki na hindi siya kinibo. Binalik niya ang mga mata kay Hugene na agad namang tumango.

“Yes. She’s 16, like Scar! Her name’s Euphoria.”

Napasandal siya sa upuan nang dumako ang tingin sa magkapatid na nasa tabi niya. Another person who looks like Wrath? And she’s a girl!

Sana kapag nakilala niya ito ay hindi siya sungitan.

“Stop frowning. You’ll meet her later. She’ll visit Caius in the base camp.”

“Ha?” hysterical niyang tanong.

Dumagundong ang dibdib niya sa kaba kahit wala namang dahilan para mangyari ’yon. Natatakot lang siya na baka hindi maging maganda ang interaksyon niya at ng kapatid ng lalaki dahil ayon kay Hugene ay may ugali ito.

Finithee’s face turned into a frown.

“WRATH swiftly stole the Lord from Lorde after Ink attempted to burst it!”

“Let’s chase Lorde and Hint, missy! Kiel, pushed the towers on your lane,” Scar.

Sinunod niya ang binata at agad na nag-dash papalapit sa jungler at mid-laner ng kalaban. She stunned both of them using Acid and activated her ultimate without hesitation.

Scar followed using Freedom and transformed his hero to its form. His damage burst Hint and killed him. Meanwhile, Lorde died in her hands.

“Nice!”

Finithee was shocked when Wrath attacked Ink’s gold and exp-laner inside their base. His fingers were so fast that he was able to get a double kill and escape from the tower’s attack.

“Let us all congratulate Ark of Arsenal for winning Game 1! Special acknowledgement to Wrath as our MVP!”

“Nice, team!”

Masaya siyang nakipag-apir sa trio na tuwang-tuwa rin ang mga mukha. Then she faced Wrath and offered a high-five.

Natatawang bumaba ang tingin ng lalaki sa kamay niya. Ilang segundo lang ay tinanggap niya ’yon at ginulo pa ang buhok niyang nananahimik.

“Great job, kid.”

“Talaga!” She followed him all the way to the backstage. “I killed their exp-laner for several times! He’s not even aware that I’m no longer on my lane, he still doesn’t want to clear the creep waves.”

Wrath pinched her left cheek. “Oo na, nakita ko.”

“I did great, right? Because—”

“Finithee!”

“Huh?” Nagtataka siyang pumihit patalikod nang may tumawag sa kaniya. She saw Lorde, Ink’s jungler, who’s walking hurriedly towards her.

“Hi, Rage,” he greeted her with a smile.

Nginitian niya ito pabalik. “Hi, Lorde. What’s the matter?”

Hinihingal pa ang lalaki nang ilabas nito mula sa bulsa ang maliit na box. Then he extended his arm and gave it to her. “Just call me Iran outside the match, it’s my real name. And here, I forgot to give you this during the introduction, but it’s a gift for me.”

Her eyes twinkled. “Really, Iran? What’s this?”

“They’re earrings, which I customized myself. I love customizing some stuff I bought and I remembered yesterday that I’ll be fighting against you in today’s match. You did great earlier, you’re awesome!”

She giggled in too much happiness. “Thank you! I appreciate this a lot. Ang galing mo rin kanina!”

Lorde blushed. “I’ll go a-ahead, thank you for accepting it! I’ve been watching your live streams and you’re so pretty. Thank y-you, again!”

Bago pa siya makapagpasalamat ulit sa lalaki ay mabilis na itong tumakbo paalis.

Masaya niyang hinarap ang captain niya na ngayon ay magkasalubong ang mga kilay habang masamang nakatitig sa box na hawak niya.

“Look, captain. Someone just gave me—”

Tinalikuran siya nito at dire-diretsyong naglakad paalis.

Naiwan siyang nagtataka dahil sa ginawa ng lalaki.

XXX

CHAPTER 30

“WRATH just killed Lorde again in his own jungling area! This is a madman playing!”

Finithee’s eyes dropped on their captain who has a very serious and dark expression on his face.

Magkasalubong ang makakapal nitong kilay, hindi nagsasalita at halos sirain na ang keyboard mapatay lang ang jungler ng kalaban.

“Captain, kill Jin as well! Did Lorde pissed you off?” Kiel laughed. “He’s going to cry later!”

“Lorde just respawn from death! And now, Wrath is already marching towards him to possibly kill him again?”

“Pang-ilang beses na ba ’to, Ribo?”

“Lorde’s 15 deaths were all caused by Wrath, Sarah. What do you think is going on here?”

She felt guilty a little when Wrath successfully took Lorde down again.

Nakanguso niyang nilingon ang katabi na hindi pa rin nagbabago ang ekspresyon. Hindi pa rin sumasagot ang lalaki sa mga shot calls nila.

It seems like he’s really mad over something. But why Lorde? He’s a nice person!

Napangiwi siya nang patayin niya ang exp ng kalaban.

Ano bang karapatan niyang kwestyunin ang captain nila kung pang-sampung beses na rin niyang pinapatay ang kaharap sa lane?

Nagtataka lang naman siya dahil ibang klaseng gigil talaga ang pinapakita ng supladong si Wrath, hindi na simpleng laro.

“We can see here that Ink’s roamer, Tommy, is accompanying Lorde towards his jungle area. May

posibilidad

na

maproteksyunan

niya si Lorde at si Wrath naman ang

mapabagsak

nila!“

“I agree, Ribo. Hint is now hiding inside the bush as well to

gank

Arsenal’s jungler incase of his sudden attack.“

“Woah, Wrath is really unstoppable,” Scar mentioned when their captain marched towards Ink’s side again.

She was able to see Hint and Tommy tanking Wrath’s damage for Lorde who quickly ran off when his life dropped to half because of Wrath.

“Hint and Tommy is now attempting to take down Wrath using all of their skills!”

Her mouth hanged open when their jungler got a double kill.

“What?! Wrath’s burst damage killed Ink’s mid-

laner

and roamer!“

“Where is Arsenal’s jungler heading? Is he planning to chase down Lorde all through out Ink’s base?”

Natigil na siya sa paglalaro nang habulin ng lalaki si Lorde hanggang sa base nito. Then he quickly used his dash, used his retribution to slow him down, and killed him. He, once again, escaped successfully.

Siya ang hinihingal sa ginagawa ni Wrath. Hindi ito tumitigil sa pagpatay kay Lorde na ngayon ay 17 deaths na. His standing 3/17/5 is not good.

“Captain, stop attacking Lorde already. Let’s just finish the game,” she murmured.

“It’s his fault that he’s that stupid.” His voice is full of anger and coldness.

“You’re just playing like a deity, he’s not stupid,” mahina niyang bulong.

“He is. His whole team is a comedy, he’s the biggest joke there.”

She pouted her lips when he started spitting nonsense. Hindi naman ito gano’n magsalita sa ibang mga tao. Galit na galit nga siguro ito dahil iba na ang lumalabas sa bibig.

Parang bumabalik ang Wrath na nakita niya noong sumugod si Hash sa base camp nila. Ang kaibahan lang ay hindi ito sumisigaw, mas nakakatakot, dahil tahimik lang ang galit nito.

“Congratulations to Ark of Arsenal for winning the match!”

Apat silang nag-high five sa isa’t isa. Their captain silently walked towards the side of Ink. Sumunod naman agad sila sa takot na baka manapak ito bigla.

She let out a sigh of relief when he quickly shook hands with all five members of Ink. Tumagal pa ang malamig nitong tingin kay Lorde bago bumitaw at dumiretsyo sa back stage.

“Congrats!”

“Rage, you’re awesome!”

She have no courage to say anything in return. Ngumingiti lang siya sa lahat hanggang sa makarating sila sa waiting room.

Her eyes roamed around when she didn’t see Wrath inside. Inside the room is the babysitter with Caius who’s sleeping soundly.

“I’ll look for our captain!” she insisted.

“Please, missy. I’m afraid he might do something harmful. He looks so mad at the stage earlier.” Coach Migo’s worried voice answered her.

Finithee hurriedly ran outside the arena. Nililibot niya ang paningin kahit saan siya tumakbo para lang mahanap ang lalaki.

Tumigil ang mga paa niya nang makita ang hinahanap sa madilim na parte sa likod ng arena. Maingat siyang lumapit dito.

His eyes are tightly closed while resting his back on the tree, his fists are clenched as well.

“Captain,” nauutal niyang tawag dito.

Wrath’s cold and dark eyes met her’s. Nanlamig siya nang mapansin ang galit na nakapaloob sa mga ’yon.

“I tried l-looking for you everywhere. What are y-you doing here? At saka, bakit p-parang galit ka?” kinakabahan niyang tanong.

He stared at her intently, without saying a thing.

“How can I help y-you calm down? Is something bothering you? I’m here,” she added in a low volume.

“I am… fucking mad.”

“Why?” Nag-aalala niya itong pinagmasdan. “I’m here, captain. I’ll help you when you need—”

“You really want to help me?” he asked coldly.

“Yes.”

He nodded. “Hug me and hold my hand.”

Baka nga may dinaramdam ang lalaki at kailangan nito ng kasama para kumalma.

She obediently hold his hand and hugged him carefully. Mabilis naman siyang tinanggap ng lalaki.

His one free hand caressed her hair gently. He’s stroking it in a passionate way.

“I’m sorry, Finithee.”

“Captain?”

“I’m sorry because I acted like that earlier. I can’t control myself when I’m mad, I have no capabilities to handle my anger. I fucking want to hurt someone,” he added.

She felt Wrath’s lips above her hair. “You’re the only one who can calm me down. I need you here.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Wrath.”

“I know. And I’m not going to let anyone take you away from the place where I belong.” His embrace tightened, as if someone might interrupt them. “Please stop smiling at them.”

“Huh?”

“They’re not good for you. You won’t benefit from them, they are all assholes. Stop smiling at them. Stop making me feel like you genuinely see them as a man, they’re not. I’m the only one who will keep you safe.” The tone of his voice started begging.

Hinigpitan niya ang yakap sa lalaki at hinaplos ang likod nito. “Captain.”

“I’m sorry… I couldn’t express myself yet, I’m fucking afraid. Just please… don’t smile at them that way again.”

He let out a deep sigh.

“Tangina.”

“Wrath, I don’t understand.”

“Just give me more time to prove to you that I’m worthy. Just give me more time…”

She closed her eyes when Wrath hugged her with so much gentle, as if he’s afraid to hurt any part of her body.

Hindi niya maintindihan ang sinasabi ng lalaki. Gusto niyang tanungin ito pero walang lumalabas na kahit anong salita sa bibig niya.

His voice… He sounded so hurt and mad. He kept on talking as if he needs more time to do something.

Pero hindi na mahalaga ang sinasabi ng lalaki, ang mahalaga sa kaniya ay kumalma na ito kahit kaonti.

Seeing Wrath in trouble will break her heart. She’s deeply attached to him already, and she will never wish to see him in a difficult position.

•••

Hello! Sorry sa late warning pero ngayon na ako magwa-warning nang todo.

Wrath’s love will be very dangerous and suffocating at first. He’s not any other usual male characters who easily understand his feelings. Both of them, him and Finithee, is each other’s first love. Please take some time to understand his anger. But that anger will never ever hurt Finithee, that will never happen.

I don’t know if it’s red flag to consider but he’s very different and scary when he’s jealous. This is just a small part of that madness. Just let me write him better for the next chapters. He will be better. Both of them will. All of them will.

Thank you and I love you a lot, my oxygens! 💛

XXXI

CHAPTER 31

“EUPHORIA! Hey, brat, we missed you!”

Finithee immediately focused her attention towards the girl who approached Kiel as soon as they entered their base camp. Masigla itong lumundag at niyakap ang tatlong lalaki.

She’s beautiful with her tan skin and short black hair. Kamukhang-kamukha nito si Wrath kung hindi lang mas soft ang features ng dalaga.

Looking at the girl’s overall appearance tells her that she is very sophisticated.

“Miss you too, guys! And Kiel, I’m not a brat! Hindi na nga ako sakit ng ulo nila mommy,” Wrath’s sister said.

Hugene chuckled. “Parehas lang kayo ni Scar na pasaway.”

“What?!” Agad na reklamo ng isa. “I’m not pasaway! I’m a good boy!”

Euphoria let out a giggle and looked at Wrath who’s carrying Caius. “He’s still sleeping? Akala ko pa naman makikipaglaro sa akin pag-uwi.”

“Don’t wake him up.” Wrath handed the kid to the babysitter. “It’s late already, Euphoria. Go home. Ihahatid na kita.”

His sister shook her head aggressively. “I’m planning to stay here. You have many vacant rooms here, I can occupy one just for tonight. Tinatamad akong umuwi, kuya.”

“And you’re telling everyone that you’re not hardheaded?”

The girl rolled her eyes irritatedly before looking at her. Nanlaki ang mga mata nito nang mapansin siya.

With eyes widened, Euphoria ran to her and embraced her tightly. Kumikinang ang mga mata nito at masaya pang hinaplos ang buhok niya. “Are you ate Rage? The newest member of Arsenal?”

Hindi makapagsalita na tumango siya.

“You’re a freaking goddess! I didn’t expect you to be this pretty up close. And I freaking love you hair!” Niyakap ulit siya ng dalaga. “I’m Euphoria, ate! I’m kuya Wrath’s little sister!”

“Nice to meet you.” Maagap niyang tinanggap ang kamay ng babae.

“Omygosh! Ang ganda-ganda mo talaga! Anong karapatan ng mga damuho na ’to.” Dinuro nito ang mga lalaki. “Na makita at makasama ka sa iisang bahay? Wala!”

She giggled. “You’re so pretty too. You look exactly like our captain!”

Euphoria flipped her hair. “Of course, ate! Dapat friends na tayo kasi parehas tayong maganda. And even if I look like my brother, I’m not masungit like him!”

Wrath rolled his eyes towards his sister before looking at her. “Eat dinner first, Finithee.”

“Kuya, ano ba! Magbo-bonding muna kami ni ate, you’re so epal!”

Walang nagawa si Finithee nang buong ingat siyang hilahin ng dalaga papunta sa sala. Inalalayan pa siya nitong umupo at malapad na ngumiti.

“Ate, do you have may suitors?” she asked.

Kunot noo siyang umiling nang marinig ang tanong ng babae.

“Nice! Huwag! Don’t ever let anyone court you, no men deserve you!” Euphoria caressed her hair again. “What if they’ll just break your heart?”

Isang matamis na ngiti ang pumuslit sa mga labi niya. Wrath’s sister is so sweet and charming.

Kinakabahan pa siya na baka sungitan siya nito pero napakagaan naman pala nitong kasama.

Finithee held the teen’s hand and squeezed it. “Okay, I won’t let anyone court me because you said so. Ikaw rin, hindi ka puwedeng magpaligaw kasi baby girl ka pa. Your kuya will punch any guy who will attempt to hit on you.”

Euphoria was about to answer when Wrath arrived and approached her. “Finithee, eat dinner first. Mamaya na kayo mag-usap.”

“Kuya! I’m still talking to ate!”

Rinig na rinig niya ang nagrereklamong dalaga habang hinihila siya ng lalaki papunta sa dining room. He made her sit down while he walked towards the kitchen to grab her food.

Nang bumalik ang lalaki ay marahan nitong nilapag ang plato na may lamang pagkain sa tapat niya.

“Captain, how about the others? Aren’t they going to eat?” she asked.

He poured apple juice to a glass and gave it to her. “Let them, they’re already grown up. Kakain ’yon kapag nagutom.”

“Eh—”

“Ate! Eat your dinner while talking to me!” Euphoria arrived and even sat in front her.

Natatawa niyang pinagmasdan ang dalaga at buong lambing itong nginitian. “Kumain ka na ba? Kain ka muna!”

She shook her head. “No, ate ganda. I’m on a diet right now. Bukas na lang ako ng breakfast ulit kakain. Go on, eat. I have many questions to ask, my ate pretty.”

“Ang kulit mo talagang bata ka,” her captain muttered as he sat down beside her.

Euphoria just sticked out her tongue in response.

Wrath held the utensils and used it to fill the spoon with rice and meat. Then he raised his hand and placed it in front her mouth. She opened up and accepted it.

“Ate, I heard that you’re so popular right now since you’re the only female professional player in APPL. Omg! How’s it?” Wrath’s sister asked.

She munched the food and faced her. “It’s nice. I’m able to beat those men’s asses.”

Euphoria screamed in so much happiness. “Slay, ate! Alam mo magkakasundo po talaga tayo kasi parehas tayong maganda. And one more thing, those men in the league should never get close to you! They’ll just hit on you repeatedly and will spit nonsense about their fake love.”

“Some of them are nice,” she said.

“Hmm. Maybe. But it’s still a no, ate. Don’t get into a relationship with professional players. All of them will just spend their time in front of their computers and spamming their keyboard. They will never have enough time to go shopping and to bond with you!” apila ng dalaga na ngumuso pa.

“Why are you generalizing professional players that way? I’m not like that,” Wrath murmured while still feeding her.

“Talaga?” She raised her eyebrow. “Then find a girlfriend already and prove us that you’re not like any other pro.”

“You’re living with me and you still see me as a professional gamer who spends all his time using computers? I’m leaving the base camp daily when I have to handle outside businesses,” he defended himself.

“But it’s still—”

“Do you like ate Finithee, kuya?”

Finithee faced Euphoria in surprised. Nakita niyang nakabalandra sa mukha nito ang nagtataka at nagsususpetsyang ekspresyon.

“What?” he uttered.

“I think you like her. Why are you constantly feeding her? Why are you staring at her with those eyes? I never saw you talking to other women like that! You’re always cold and unresponsive. But with ate pretty, you kept on answering and replying back,” the girl added.

Finithee grabbed her apple juice to relax her throat. Para siyang nasasakal sa mga tanong ng dalaga, at hindi niya rin alam kung bakit nasasabi ni Euphoria ang mga gano’ng bagay.

“Umuwi ka na,” Wrath replied.

“You like her!”

“There is a vacant room upstairs. Umuwi ka na bukas o ihahatid kita sa ibang bansa.” He stood up from his seat with his usual dark expression and left them.

Euphoria’s eyes dropped at her. “Come to think of it, I’ll be in extreme happiness just like my name once you become my sister-in-law, ate. Omg!”

Lumipat ito sa side niya at excited siyang niyakap. “The only man that I will approve for you is my kuya, ate. Tell me if you like him and I will be a cupid to match you two!”

Finithee failed to utter any words. Nanatiling tikom ang bibig niya at pilit pinoproseso ang lahat.

XXXII

CHAPTER 32

“PRETTY sure that the newest release jacket of Keville will fit me!” Kiel exclaimed in front of their service bus.

“Bibilhin ko lahat ng bagong labas na sapatos sa Green Zone, dude. I heard their newest endorser is a game developer,” Hugene added.

Scar gasped. “What?! I’ll buy too!”

Finithee’s lips formed into a smile when she heard her team mates’ excitement. They’re currently on their way to the super mall to spend some time and money.

They all just received their income from Ark of Arsenal and the first thing that coach Migo wanted to do is to let them have fun.

Sa isang linggo pa naman ang laban nila ulit kaya pwede pa silang gumala nang hayahay.

Caius is not with them because Euphoria decided that they’ll have their sister and brother bonding at the park. Sa susunod na lang niya siguro isasama ang baby na ’yon kapag gagala siya.

“Missy!” Hugene looked at her. “What are you planning to do?”

“Hmm.” She pouted her lips. “Ang plano ko ay iwan kayo sa mga pupuntahan ninyong male’s store at mag-shopping mag-isa!”

Her reply caused laughter inside the bus.

“They said that women takes a lot of time when they shop, are you like that as well, my Rage?” Scar.

Nagkibit-balikat siya sa binata. “Hindi naman ako mahilig mag-shopping, eh. Pero siguro?”

They all faced infront when the bus parked at the supermarket’s parking lot. Excited na lumabas ang mga lalaki sa unahan habang tahimik silang sumunod ni Wrath sa mga ito.

She kept on wondering what a billionaire man like Wrath would buy in this kind of place. They usually buy their stuff in expensive and luxurious stores. Siguro wala lang itong magawa sa buhay kaya sumama sa kanila.

They first went to Keville Clothing Line which is Kiel’s favorite store.

Sumunod siya kay Wrath nang umupo ito sa mahabang sofa habang abala naman sa pagtingin ang iba pa.

She rested her back against the wall and observed her team mates who kept on suggesting clothes to each other.

“You’re not going to buy anything?”

Nilingon niya ang katabi nang magsalita ito. Umiling siya at sumagot. “Mamaya na, kapag may nadaanan akong pambabae na shop.”

He returned his gaze towards the other guys, then he stood up and walked towards them. “I’ll come with Finithee for a while. Just pick any restaurant you want and text me the name.”

Hugene nodded his head obediently. “Be patient with missy. Baka abutin kayo ng gabi—”

“Hindi ako gano’n katagal mag-shopping ’no!” angal niya.

“Sorry, Your Highness!”

Nakangusong sumandal ulit siya at hinintay na bumalik ang lalaki. He said few things to coach Migo before he walked towards her again.

Wrath bent and held her hand to make her stand up. “Let’s go. You won’t find anything you’ll like if you won’t roam around.”

Kumaway siya sa mga lalaki gamit ang libreng kamay at nagpahila sa masungit nilang captain palabas ng Keville.

His hand is still wrapped around her’s and she’s not even complaining about it. She wanted to but it actually feels nice… having to touch Wrath skin to skin.

Nagsimula silang maglakad palibot ng mall habang abala ang mga mata niya sa paghahanap ng women’s shop. She found several but all of those are crowded with people already.

Nakarating na sila ng second floor pero wala pa ring sinasabi ang lalaki, hindi man lang ito nagrereklamo.

All through out their long walk, she’s struggling to let go from his hand when some fans are approaching them for a picture. Pagkatapos umalis ng mga ito ay hahawakan ulit ng lalaki ang kamay niya na para bang maliligaw siya.

“Still haven’t found anything you like?” Wrath asked gently.

Finithee pouted her lips and shook her head. “I think I’ll just buy some stuff tomorrow. Weekend kasi ngayon kaya ang daming tao.”

He looked at his wrist watch. “There’s still a lot of time. I’m sure those morons are still roaming around.”

He intertwined his fingers with her fingers. “I’ll bring you somewhere quiet.”

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Finithee nang makita kung saan sila tumigil. It’s freaking Sanctuary and Haven.

She’s rich and she has money aside from her income, but she never tried buying stuff here. All of her SH bags came from her brothers.

She knew for sure that jewelries in this store is ranging from million dollars.

Dahil hawak-hawak ng lalaki ang kamay niya ay wala siyang nagawa kung hindi sumama rito papasok.

“Good morning, sir and ma’am. How may I help you?”

A beautiful woman approached them at the entrance.

Wrath’s eyes dropped on her small name tag. “Miss Yannah, you customize jewelries here, right?”

“Absolutely, sir. We have variety of jewelries as well. Is it for your beautiful girlfriend?” Nilingon siya ng babae na may ngiti sa labi.

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya at aangal na sana nang magsalita ang lalaki.

“Can I see some of your diamond necklaces?”

“This way, sir.”

She silently let Wrath pulled her again to follow the woman in uniform. Pumasok ito sa malaking glass door at agad na bumungad sa kanila ang napakalaking kwarto na punong-puno ng mga kwintas.

There is a big glass counter as well at the center, filled with diamond necklaces which are obviously expensive.

“I’m pretty sure that all of these style will fit your stunning girlfriend, sir. Do not hesitate to tell me what you pick and we’ll customize it immediately within 15 minutes!” Miss Yannah said.

Buong ingat siyang hinila ng lalaki papalapit sa mga naka-display na kwintas at nginitian siya. “Pick anything you want. And if you want to customize it, or put your name in it, we can tell them.”

“Captain,” she uttered.

He smiled again and encircled his arm around her waist. Mahigpit nitong hinawakan ang maliit niyang baywang at hinarap siya sa mga kwintas.

“Just pick whatever you like, Finithee. I’ll pay for it.”

“But I can pay—”

Natikom niya ang bibig nang samaan siya nito ng tingin. Wala na siyang nagawa kung hindi ituon ang atensyon sa harapan.

Her eyes roamed around the beautiful diamond necklaces. All of them looks so ethereal and amazing. But one necklace caught her attention.

It’s a solitaire pendant…

XXXIII

CHAPTER 33

“CAPTAIN, look.” She pointed the necklace against the glass cover. “The one with a solitaire pendant. It looks so nice!”

Wrath leaned forward. “You want to get it? You’re not interested with other designs?”

Umiling siya dahilan para mapangiti ang lalaki. Kinurot nito ang pisngi niya bago harapin ang babae. “We’ll take it.”

She bowed her head respectfully. “What do you want us to write on the necklace, ma’am?”

Inabot nito ang malinis na papel at ballpen sa kaniya.

“Hmm.” Ngumuso siya at nag-isip bago magsulat sa papel. “AOA? All capital.”

“Ark of Arsenal?” her captain confirmed which she nodded to.

Binigay niya ang papel sa babae na agad binasa ’yon.

“AOA, all in capital letters. I get it, ma’am. The customization will take 15 minutes. I advised you to sit on our sofa first and we’ll bring the necklace to you as soon as it is done.” Miss Yannah carefully took out the necklace inside and accompanied them outside.

Wrath pulled her towards the waiting area and made her sit on the sofa. Tumabi ito sa kaniya bago ilabas ang cellphone sa bulsa.

“Are they at the restaurant already?” she asked.

Bumaba ang isang kamay ng lalaki at hinawakan nang mahigpit ang kamay niya. He’s still reading a text message he received from Hugene.

“They’re looking for a good one, it will take them 20 minutes to do that. Don’t worry,” he replied.

Tumango siya sa lalaki at tahimik na sumandal sa sofa. Habang inabala naman ng lalaki ang sarili sa paglalaro sa kamay niya.

“What if the necklace costs a hundred million? Oh no, I’ll go bankrupt,” she murmured silently in a joking tone.

Natatawa siya nitong tiningnan. “I said I’m going to pay for it. Stop thinking about the prize. It will look good on you. Everything looks good on you.”

“Why would you pay for it?”

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ng lalaki sa tanong niya.

“Because I brought you here, brat.”

“I know. But we came here so I can shop and spend my money, right? So, why are you insisting that you should pay?” she asked.

“Why? I can’t buy you a gift and Lorde can?”

Her mouth almost dropped when he mentioned that name. “Si Lorde na naman? Wala namang ginagawang masama ’yung tao, eh. The earrings he gave me is nice also!”

“Fuck.” Umiwas ito ng tingin. “Why did I have to mention that fucking bastard.”

Nilingon ulit siya ng lalaki at pilit na kinalma ang ekspresyon. “Stop mentioning him anymore.”

“Okay.”

Parehas silang nanahimik nang dumating ang babae mula kanina. She’s smiling widely while gently holding a small white box.

They both stood up from their seat.

“Here’s the necklace, sir and ma’am. Feel free to try it here before anything else.”

Maingat siyang hinawakan ng babae paupo sa harap ng malaking salamin. Then she gave the necklace to Wrath who stood behind her.

Namula ang mga pisngi niya nang isuot sa kaniya ng lalaki ang binili nilang kwintas. He even gathered her curly hair inside his hand to put the necklace around her neck completely.

Pagkatapos ay tinitigan siya nito mula sa salamin at inayos ang buhok niya. “See? You look so beautiful wearing it.”

She smiled and held the diamond solitaire pendant. Four corners of the diamond are the symbols heart, diamond, clover, and spade. Behind the pendant is the word AOA.

“It looks so cool, captain. I like it!” masaya niyang sabi at matamis itong nginitian sa salamin.

He returned the sweet smile before leaning forward on her side. He tucked pieces of hair behind her ear and placed a soft and long kiss against her left cheek. “I know. It suits you so much. Maybe it’s really made for you?”

Ngumuso siya. “Baka n-naghihintay na sila Kiel.”

“Alright.” Inalalayan siya nito patayo bago humarap sa babaeng staff. “I’ll pay at the counter.”

“Alright, sir. This way, please.”

Bumaba na naman ang kamay ni Wrath sa kamay niya at mahigpit ulit ’yon na hinawakan. Pati tuloy siya ay nasasanay na sa magkahawak nilang kamay.

On their way to the counter, she realized that Wrath is so different when they’re alone. Kapag kaharap nito ang marami ay masungit at mainitin ang ulo nito. Pero kapag silang dalawa ang magkasama ay nakikita niya ang malambot at malambing nitong side.

Konti na lang talaga… baka mabulgar na niya sa kapatid ng lalaki na si Euphoria na ibang pakiramdam na ang nararamdaman niya kapag kasama niya ang lalaki.

“Total payment for 30,599 dollars, sir. We accept cash, card, and online payment.”

Finithee’s eyes widened when she finally heard the prize of the necklace she’s wearing.

Habang nag-o-overthink na siya ay nanatili namang kalmado ang lalaki at muling nilabas ang black card nito mula sa wallet.

Nakita niya pa ang gulat na ekspresyon ng babae sa counter nang makita ang card ng lalaki.

She remained silent all the time until the payment process is finally done.

“Thank you, sir and ma’am! Please come back again to Sanctuary and Haven!”

Nang makalabas sa shop ay mabilis niyang nilabas ang cellphone at pumunta sa calculator.

“What the… Captain! This necklace is 1,529,000 in pesos!” mahina niyang bulong kahit walang tao sa paligid.

“And?”

“I can buy my own house with this money! I’ll pay you back!”

“Just accept it as my gift or I’ll really get mad, Finithee,” sabi ng lalaki.

She pouted her lips. “Thank you, captain. I’ll pay you back with my skills! I’ll make sure that we will win all our matches!”

Hinarap siya ng lalaki at natatawang umiling. “Do that, please.”

Kinikilig niyang iniwas ang tingin sa lalaki at binaling ang mga mata sa nilalakaran.

All of his gestures towards her are nice. He’s gentle, caring, sweet, and treats her like a fragile girl.

Saying thank you isn’t enough to show him that she appreciates everything he has done for her.

She wanted to admit that she liked him a lot… Ever since she found his soft spot, she liked him a lot.

But what if he doesn’t feel the same way? What if Wrath will only reject and break her heart?

That will be the death of her. She never wanted him to be her first heart break, she wanted him to stay in her life as someone important to her.

XXXIV

CHAPTER 34

MASAYANG pinapanood ni Finithee ang mga sasakyan sa daan habang binabaybay nila ang daan papunta sa restaurant ng captain niya.

He finally decided to bring her to the restaurant he owns. Excited na excited tuloy siya nang sabihin ’yon ng lalaki sa kaniya.

The rest of her team mates have visited it already and she’s the only one clueless about its ambiance, how it looks like, and how the food tastes!

Kaya naman pagkatapos magsawa ng mga ito sa kaka-shopping ay dumiretsyo na sila ng uwi dahil gabi na rin sila inabutan. Pero kinuha lang ni Wrath ang sasakyan sa base camp at ’saka siya sinama.

“Are you that excited?” Wrath chuckled when he glanced at her.

Hinigpitan niya ang yakap sa teddy bear na bigay ng kapatid niyang si Lee at tumango sa lalaki. “Yes! Especially that you’re going to cook for me, of course I’m excited!”

“You should be. The restaurant looks nice when it’s not crowded, it’s already 10PM. I told them to close it earlier than usual,” he said.

“Why? What time does it usually close?”

“It opens every 9AM and closes at 1AM. But it usually closes during 3AM every weekend,” sagot ng lalaki.

“I’m sure you get a lot of customers every day. Your fans knew about your restaurant right?” she asked again.

“Surprisingly, yes. They found out about it.”

“Wow, your fans are really amazing.”

Natahimik siya nang bumaba ang kamay ng lalaki para hanapin ang isa niya kamay. When he found it, he quickly intertwined his fingers around her’s. Gamit nito ang isang kamay sa pagmamaneho.

She can’t help but to appreciate how good looking he is.

Wrath’s jet black hair emphasized his overall face features. May ilang strand din sa noo nito na nakalaglag kaya mas lalo itong gumagwapo sa paningin niya. His thick eyebrows are almost meeting whenever he’s irritated or mad.

His eyes are cold and deep. Kapag tumitingin ito sa kaniya ay natutulala na lang siya.

Halos malabampira na rin ito sa puti kaya bakat na bakat ang mga ugat nito sa braso.

She came back to sanity when the car parked. Agad niyang nilingon ang labas ng kotse at mabilis na napanganga nang dumapo ang paningin sa tapat.

In front them is a three-storey restaurant. Its exterior design is filled with black and wood, it looks so freaking elegant.

Naramdaman niya ang pagbukas ng pintuan ng kotse sa side niya. Wrath offered his hand which she gladly accepted as she stepped out of the car.

Walang imik na nagpatianod siya sa lalaki habang hila-hila siya nito papasok.

The moment he opened the glass door, the interior design of the restaurant welcomed her. It immediately made her feel the overall ambiance, elegance and luxury.

“Come here.”

Wrath’s arm encircled around her waist as he accompanied her gently towards the kitchen.

Maingat siyang inangat ng lalaki paupo sa high chair at sa wakas ay binitawan na rin siya.

“I’ll cook several dishes for a monster like you, so sit here and wait patiently, okay?” Pinatong ng lalaki ang kamay sa buhok niya at ginulo ’yon. “I have a private bedroom at the 3rd floor, you can rest there if you’re bored.”

Masunurin siyang tumango. “Yes, captain!”

Inabala niya ang sarili sa panonood dito habang malaya itong gumagalaw sa kusina. Bumabakat ang mga ugat sa braso nito tuwing may ginagawa dahil nakatupi hanggag siko ang itim nitong long-sleeve polo.

He expertly prepared many ingredients while boiling pasta and taking care of other stuff too.

His future wife is so lucky.

Wrath is almost perfect… Lahat na yata ng bagay ay kaya nitong gawin.

That’s why he’s too difficult to reach, he’s too difficult to like.

“HOW is it?” She quickly faced Wrath when she finally tasted the first dish he prepared.

“I love it!” she uttered and happily filled her mouth with delicious foods. “I’m sure people kept on coming back here not just because you’re the owner, they kept on coming back here because the food here is great!”

He chuckled when she said that. Habang abala siya sa pagkain ay abala rin ang lalaki sa pag-aayos ng buhok niya para hindi ito makaabala.

“You can always come here and I’ll cook everything for you.”

She nodded her head while munching the meat inside her mouth.

Tumawa na naman ang lalaki at naaaliw siyang tinitigan. He looks so happy while watching her devour all the food he cooked.

“Captain, you’re awesome. I’m sure your future wife will never ever dare argue with you. Ipakilala mo siya sa amin kapag nakahanap ka na!”

Kahit mabigat sa dibdib na sabihin ’yon ay nagawa niya pa ring bigkasin na walang kahit anong ekspresyon sa mukha.

Wrath’s face that was filled with happiness turned cold. “You want to meet her?”

Parang may bumarang kung ano sa lalamunan niya na hindi niya pinansin. “Mero’n na ba? Oo, gusto k-ko siyang makilala!”

He nodded his head and stepped away. Pumunta ito sa lababo at hinugasan ang kamay.

Nagtataka niya naman itong tinitigan. “Aren’t you going to eat? Join me, captain.”

She saw how his eyes darkened. Pinunasan nito ang kamay at naglakad muli papalapit sa kaniya.

She gasped in surprise when he held both of her waist and carried her to sit on the counter. Pumagitna ang lalaki sa mga hita niya habang malalim pa rin ang pagkakatitig sa kaniya.

“Wrath,” she uttered out of nervousness.

“I fucking tried, Finithee… I tried.” He frustratedly pulled her to get closer. “I don’t think I can control myself any longer.”

She was about to open her mouth to ask him but what he did next stunned her.

Mabilis na sinakop ng lalaki ang mga labi niyang tikom at mahigpit siyang hinagkan sa baywang.

His one hand went to her nape and pushed her head closer to deepened the kiss.

Nakapikit ang mga mata ng lalaki habang sabik na inaangkin ang mga labi niya. Habang siya naman ay nakamulat pa rin dahil sa pagkabigla.

She shut her eyes closed when he bit her lower lip aggressively. Mariing pinisil ni Wrath ang batok niya at pilit pa siyang hinihila papalapit.

Both of his hands covered her cheeks before letting her lips go.

“Fuck, that was awesome,” he whispered. “I want to fucking kiss you ever since I laid eyes on you, Finithee. I want to own that sweet lips every time you’re near.”

Sabik na naman nitong hinalikan ang mga labi niya, she even felt his tongue sliding on her lower lip.

“I like you so much, Finithee… I like you so fucking much. I will do everything for you, I will spend all my free time with you… I’ll do everything you want me to do.”

•••

Huy ba’t kayo nakangiti diyan. Ikalma ang mga puso.

XXXV

CHAPTER 35

FINITHEE’S mouth remained silent after the kiss, even after Wrath’s confession.

Hindi siya makahanap ng tapang para sumagot sa lalaki. Hindi niya magawang umamin pabalik. Hindi niya kayang umamin na gusto niya rin ito.

“Please, give me a try, Finithee.” Hinawakan nito nang mariin ang kamay niya at hinalikan ’yon. “I will do my best to be a perfect boyfriend for you.”

Her heart almost fell because of that.

“Baby, speak up, please.”

Her eyes met his. Punong-puno ng emosyon ang mga mata ng lalaki, hinihintay siyang magsalita.

“I…” She bit her lower lip. “Wrath, I don’t k-know.”

“What do you mean you don’t know, baby? What’s bothering you?” napakalambing na tanong ng lalaki. “Finithee, please answer me.”

Tumulo ang mga luha sa pisngi niya na ikinataranta ng lalaki. Mabilis nitong sinapo ang magkabila niyang pisngi at pinunasan ang mga luha niya.

“Baby, why are you crying?” He worriedly kissed her cheeks. “Did I make you cry? I’m sorry.”

Umiling siya nang ilang ulit pero hindi niya pa rin magawang magbanggit ng kahit anong salita.

“Are you crying because you don’t like me?” kinakabahan nitong tanong.

Mas lalong lumakas ang iyak niya at umiling pa rin sa lalaki. Walang sawa naman siya nitong pinapatahan at pinupunasan ang mga luha niya.

“I like you a lot,” she uttered while gathering all the power to speak up. “I like you a lot, Wrath. I’m h-happy whenever you’re near. I don’t want to s-see you in trouble. Gusto kita… Gustong-gusto kita pero.”

“Shh. You like me, baby. Why do you have to say that last word? We don’t have to think about the bad sides if we ever try to enter a relationship.” Wrath kissed her lips again. “Baby, please.”

“Wrath hindi mo a-ako naiintindihan,” angal niya.

“Then make me understand, baby. I hate seeing you like this. Why are you crying while we’re declaring our feelings for each other? You’re making me tremble.”

Totoo ang sinasabi ng lalaki dahil nararamdaman niya ang mahinang panginginig ng mga kamay nito.

“Because I’m afraid,” she replied. “Gustong-gusto kita, Wrath. At pinalaki ako ng mga k-kuya ko na huwag intindihin ang sinasabi ng iba tungkol sa akin. I lived all my life not minding all t-the people who possibly hates me. But because I like you so much… I started thinking about the people who will hate me once they find out that we have a relationship.”

Humihikbi siyang nagpatuloy. “Ayokong marinig mula sa ibang tao, Wrath… Ayokong marinig mula sa ibang tao na hindi ako bagay sa ’yo. I like you so much that it will break my heart once people try to break us apart. I don’t want them to hate us, I want to be happy with you with no one telling us that we should go on separate ways. You’re too high, I can’t reach you. It’s impossible for you to step on the same level as mine. You’re Wrath, the player who everyone admires. Do you even have any haters? I don’t think so. Ang taas-taas mo at hindi ko kayang abutin ’yon.”

Buong ingat na hinaplos ni Wrath ang magkabila niyang pisngi. Bawat dikit ng balata nito sa kaniya ay parang pinapatahan siya.

“They will never be relevant, Finithee. I don’t care if they won’t like us being in a relationship. I don’t fucking care if they talked behind our back, that’s where they should belong, behind us. And I’m not hard to reach, baby. Kapag sinubukan mo akong abutin, tangina… Gagawin ko ang lahat para lang hilahin ka pataas. Ako pa ang bababa sa kinalalagyan mo at dadalhin kita sa kahit saan ako pumunta. You don’t know how much I praise you inside my mind.”

Muling inangkin ng lalaki ang mga labi niya, sa napakalambing na paraan.

“I worship every single thing you do. I worship everything about you. I worship the way you play, the way everyone gets obsessed with you, the way you eat, the way you smile at me, the way you sound so proud about bragging, the way you make me feel genuinely happy. You’re my sanctuary. I worship your path, Finithee.”

“Wrath,” she uttered his name softly.

“You see me as someone hard to reach yet I see you that way as well. Everytime you’re talking, I always wonder what’s going on inside your pretty mind. Everytime you’re near, I always wonder when would I be able to kiss you. And now I’m doing it. It feels ethereal, baby. Do I even deserve any part of you? Do I even deserve to be this close to you? Because you feel like heaven to me.”

Her tears poured again after hearing all the words he said. Wrath’s confession is so genuine that it allows her to know how much he likes her.

It feels like he’s describing his feelings in his own way.

She feels heaven to him… She never knew how nice it would sound.

“But I don’t want y-you to be my first heartbreak, Wrath. I want you to stay in my life as a very important person that I cherish. Paano k-kung… Paano kung—”

“Your what ifs will never happen if you trusts me, baby. I will never ever break your heart and make you feel worthless. Seeing you in pain because of me will be my downfall,” he cut her off.

She hugged him tightly cried on his shoulder. Ramdam niya naman ang kamay ng lalaki sa likod niya na humahaplos, pinapatahan siya.

“I like you so much, Finithee.” He kissed her hair. “Whatever you’re feeling right now is valid. I understand if you still don’t want to answer me. I will wait.”

Maingat siyang binuhat ng lalaki kaya malaya niyang binaon ang mukha sa dibdib nito. Patuloy pa rin siya sa pagluha. Ngayon ay hindi na dahil sa pagkalito.

The tears she’s pouring right now is out of happiness. She genuinely felt happy after hearing everything he said.

“I’m sorry for making you cry, baby.” Wrath placed her on the bed and kissed her cheeks gently.

Hinawakan niya nang mahigpit ang kamay nito at pumikit.

Maybe everything will be better tomorrow… Maybe she can provide him an answer.

“Good night, baby.”

•••

Bukas limang update ulit? Sigi, kung kaya! Kapag hindi, tatlo lang. Hahahaha. Sana nag-enjoy kayoooo, love you all 💛

XXXVI

Nagtataka pa kayo kung bakit ang sipag ko laging mag-updates eh ang sipag n’yo rin mag-comments. I swear, your comments are the cutest thing and I love reading them.

It always makes me want to write more. I love you all! 💛

CHAPTER 36

FINITHEE woke up when a ray of sun met her eyes. Kinusot niya ang mga mata at dahan-dahang bumangon mula sa higaan.

She didn’t realize that she already slept on Wrath’s bed. Kakaiyak niya kagabi ay tuluyan na siyang hinila ng antok.

Bumaling ang mga mata niya sa side table nang makita ang isang paper bag na nakapatong sa ibabaw nito. Inabot ng kamay niya ang note na nakadikit sa paper bag at binasa ’yon.

I bought new clothes for you, baby. Come out for breakfast once you’re done.

Namula ang mga pisngi niya nang mapagtantong si Wrath ang nagsulat ng note. His penmanship looks so good.

Mabilis siyang tumayo mula sa higaan at kinuha ang paper bag. Tumakbo siya papasok sa banyo at sinarado ’yon. Hinarap niya ang salamin at sinuspetsya ang mukha.

“Woah.” She let out a sigh of relief after checking her face.

Wrath entered the room while she’s asleep. Buti na lang at wala siyang mga muta at panis laway!

Paano kung ninakawan siya nito ng halik? Char. She giggled.

“Hay, ang ganda ko talaga,” she whispered while washing her bare face. “Kahit umaga para pa rin akong nasa commercial.”

She chuckled after hearing her own arrogance.

Pagkatapos niyang maligo at magsipilyo ay ’saka niya sinuot ang mga binili nitong damit. Her face even blushed when there’s underwear inside, kasama nito ang itim na t-shirt at puting palda.

Nang makapagbihis ay sinuklay at inayos niya ang mahabang buhok. Her curls are easy to handle since she has a soft hair. Gladly, they’re not having war everytime she’s sleeping peacefully.

Nang matapos mag-ayos ay ’saka siya lumabas sa kwarto ng lalaki. Nasa ikatlong palapag siya dinala ng lalaki kagabi kaya baka nasa ibaba ito.

The first thing she noticed as soon as she stepped outside was the small library beside the big window.

Lumapit siya sa mga libro at binasa ang mga pamagat nito. Every single book is written in english, most of them are about law, food, and mystery novels.

Her feet walked towards the big window and rested both of her arms there. Tanaw na tanaw niya ang garden sa likod ng restaurant ng lalaki.

She gasped when she heard the engine of his car below. Mabilis siyang tumakbo pababa ng hagdan hanggang makarating sa first floor.

The glass window helped her to see Wrath coming out from his white sports car.

Galing ba ito sa base camp para magpalit ng kotse?

She hid herself behind the wall, still stepping on the stairs, and took a peak of his arrival.

The main door opened and Wrath who’s now wearing a fitted black shirt and black cargo pants entered.

He really looks good wearing black. It suits him so much. Mas gumagwapo ito sa paningin niya.

Halos mapatalon siya sa kinalalagyan nang tumingin sa kaniya ang lalaki. Mabilis siyang nagtago sa likod ng pader at umupo sa hagdan.

Narinig niya ang mahinang tawa ng lalaki nang tumigil ito sa harap niya. Buong ingat siya nitong tinayo at hinalikan siya sa pisngi. “Good morning, baby.”

She gulped. “Morning.”

A hint of happiness is evident in his eyes when she replied.

Malambing siyang kinulong ng lalaki sa mga braso nito at paulit-ulit siyang hinalikan sa sentido. “How’s your sleep?”

“Fine, thank you,” sagot niya.

He chuckled above her ears as his one hand squeezed her waist. “Come here. I cooked breakfast for you.”

Pinakawalan siya ng lalaki pero pinagsiklop pa rin nito ang mga kamay nila. Nagpadala na lang siya nang akayin siya nito papunta sa kusina.

He gently lifted her to place her above the high chair.

“Saan ka galing?” tanong niya habang hinahanda nito ang pagkain sa harap niya.

“I went to the base camp to send Euphoria home, I switched cars as well.”

Marahan nitong kinuha ang isa niyang kamay at hinalikan ’yon nang maraming beses. ’Saka nito kinuha ang kutsara para subuan siya.

Tahimik lang siyang nakaupo sa tabi ng lalaki at tinatanggap ang pagkain. Hinahayaan niya na lang din ito tuwing hinahalikan nito ang likod ng palad niya.

She finished the food and he quickly prepared milk for her. Habang iniinom niya ’yon ay abala ang lalaki sa paghaplos sa buhok niya. He’s touching her so gently and taking care of her like she’s a gem.

Hindi niya tuloy alam kung paano patatahimikin ang mga nagtatakbuhang kabayo sa loob ng dibdib niya.

Tahimik lang siyang umupo at nakapalumbaba sa counter top habang nililigpit ng lalaki ang mga pinagkainan niya. She kept on insisting to do it instead but he’s too persistent.

“You want to go back to the base camp already?” Wrath asked her when he’s finally done.

She smiled sweetly and nodded. “Buti hindi nila ako hinanap?”

“I lied and told them that you went home last night,” sagot ng lalaki.

“They believed you?” She giggled.

His eyes darkened when he stepped forward to hold both of her waist. Pumagitna ang lalaki sa mga hita niya at ’saka malambing siyang hinaplos sa baywang.

“I’ll give you enough time to think, baby.” He leaned forward to kiss her forehead.

“Wrath,” she murmured.

“I won’t pressure you. You can give me your answer anytime you want, I’ll patiently wait while admiring you continuously. I’ll wait, but don’t expect me to be gentle. Because I’ll kiss you everytime you’re near, Finithee.”

He pulled her closer and attacked her lips aggressively. Both of her hands immediately held his broad shoulder to gather some strength.

Pinikit niya ang mga mata at nagpadala sa halik ng lalaki.

His hand kept on squeezing her waist, while his other hand went down to caress her exposed thigh.

Bawat galaw ng mga labi nito sa labi niya ay mapang-angkin.

Wrath deepened the kiss and bit her lower lip gently. He sucked it and licked it repeatedly. She just sat there and accepted him wholeheartedly. Wala na rin naman siyang palag dahil napakahigpit ng pagkakakapit sa kaniya ng lalaki.

“I like you so much, baby.” Saglit itong humiwalay bago siya muling halikan. “I will do everything to have you. I will definitely have you.”

She let out a soft groan when his lips went down to her neck. Gigil siyang hinalikan ng lalaki doon at marahang kinagat ang balat niya.

She covered her mouth when his head went down to kiss her thigh. Malambing nitong tinataniman ng halik ang mga hita niya at paulit-ulit siyang hinaplos doon.

“Kaya ka pala bumili ng palda bwisit ka talaga— Hmp!”

Natikom ang bibig niya nang sunggaban na naman ng lalaki ang mga labi niya.

“Sabi mo…” He kissed her again. “Sabi mo kiss lang—”

“Kiss lang naman, ah,” he said huskily. “Hindi pa naman kita inaano.”

“Anong inaano!” Hinampas niya ang balikat ng lalaki na agad namang tumawa.

“I’m kidding, baby.” He sweetly embraced her. “Gagawin ko lang ’yon sa ’yo kapag kasal na tayo.”

“Eh, baka nga bastedin kita tapos kasal agad.”

“That won’t happen.”

She rolled her eyes as he kissed her hair again. Sumusobra na sa kaka-chansing. Hindi naman siya pumapalag kasi gusto niya rin.

Ihh. She giggled inside her mind.

XXXVII

CHAPTER 37

“REALLY? They also invited me for an interview?” Finithee exclaimed out of excitement.

Masaya siyang tinanguan ng mga kasama pero si coach Migo ang sumagot sa kaniya. “Yes, missy. They invited two most popular players for each team, and you’re going with our captain.”

She gazed at Wrath who glanced at her quickly. Nginitian siya nito kaya matamis din siyang ngumiti pabalik.

“Our match against Freed will happen at 7PM, so you two will arrive at 1PM to the arena for the interview. That’s fine with you, right?”

Hindi maipinta ang kasiyahan sa mukha niya nang tumango siya. “I’m so excited! What kind of questions they usually ask?”

“Hmm.” Nilingon niya si Kiel. “They asked private matters back then. About your family, your real name, your life before esports, the game you’re playing before Arena of Survival, and relationship?”

Namula ang mga pisngi niya nang marinig ang sinabi ng binata.

“But don’t worry, missy! I’m sure you won’t hesitate answering them that you’re already reserved for me!” Scar giggled. “Tell them that you’ll wait me to turn 18!”

She approach Scar and held his shoulder gently. “Scar, I’m already 20 and you’re 16. Do you think it’s appropriate for me to like you?”

He pouted. “But missy…”

“How about if you’re the one who’s 20 and I’m 16, you still think it’s appropriate for you to wait until I turn 18?” Umiling ang binata. “See? It looks really alarming when it’s the other way around, right? That’s the same thing with our age gap. Maybe you should try finding another crush who’s at your age?”

Mas humaba ang nguso ni Scar. “Then what about you? Who will you end up with?”

“Someone who’s at my age or someone older than me,” she answered.

“If you won’t end up with me missy.” Lumibot ang paningin ng binata at huminto sa isang tao. “Then I want you to end up with our captain!”

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya sa narinig. “H-Huh?”

“He’s the only player that I know who won’t play with your heart. Hugene and Kiel are both assholes—”

“Hey!” apila ng dalawa sa gilid na inirapan lang ni Scar.

“Missy, captain is a nice guy. He always makes sure that we’re comfortable, and he never flirted with other women before. If you want to date a professional player, please give our captain a try!” Scar insisted.

“Scar—”

“Missy, please don’t date other players. They’re not good for you. The only one who’s good for you, aside from me, is Wrath. He’s always spending his time on important matters aside from playing, right? That means he will never hurt you and he will always stay by your side!”

Taranta siyang lumayo sa binata at bumalik sa pwesto niya. Hindi niya magawang tingnan ang katabi dahil alam niyang nagdidiwang na ang loob-looban nito.

Paniguradong kung silang dalawa lang ang magkasama ay pauulanan na naman siya nito ng “I told you” at “See? Everyone wants you to date me.”

Gosh, everyone’s telling her to date Wrath! Hindi nga siya pine-pressure ng lalaki sa pagbibigay ng pinal na sagot, pero ibang tao naman ang gumagawa non.

“GISING na ang baby namin!” Finithee giggled and hugged Caius who just woke up.

Agad itong lumambitin sa kaniya at malambing siyang hinalikan sa pisngi. “Hawo, atih. Wer kuwa. Wer didi.”

Inayos niya ang pagkakabuhat sa bata at naglakad papasok sa kusina. “Your kuya is taking a phone call. Ako na lang timpla ng didi mo, ha?”

Caius smiled and nodded his head causing her to giggle.

Maingat niyang inupo ang bata sa ibabaw ng lamesa matapos makuha ang bote at gatas nito. She filled the bottle with water while still holding Caius. ’Saka niya nilagyan ng gatas ang tubig at kinuha ang chopstick mula sa utensils.

She carefully stirred the milk with water.

“Atih, why not shake my didi?”

She covered the bottle as soon as the powdered milk melted. Binigay niya ang bote ng gatas sa bata at ngumiti rito. “May okay kapag hinalo lang gently, baby, sabi ni kuya mo. When we shake your milk kasi, may mga bubbles ’diba. Baka sumakit tiyan mo.”

Caius placed the bottle inside his mouth and hugged her. “Lay down atih. Didi na ako.”

“Okay, baby.”

She carried the kid again and went upstairs, heading towards her room. Nang makapasok ay agad niyang sinarado ang pintuan gamit ang paa.

“Ah!” she gasped in surprised when she saw who’s inside her room, sitting on her bed freely.

“Atih, why!” Caius panicked and looked in front. “Oh, hawo, kuwa!”

“Wrath, anong ginagawa mo rito?”

He stood up and took Caius from her arms. Then he carefully placed him inside the stroller. “Just drink your milk, okay?”

The kid smiled happily. “Didi lang Caius, kuwa.”

Wrath smiled and kissed his brother’s cheek. Pagkatapos ay agad itong lumapit sa kaniya at hinila siya paupo sa kama.

Sinapo nito ang magkabila niyang pisngi at sabik siyang hinalikan sa mga labi. “Hi, baby.”

“Hi,” she uttered.

Inangat nito ang baba niya at hinalikan siya sa leeg, pagkatapos ay hinalikan na naman siya sa mga labi.

Nakakarami

na ’to, ah.

“You’re ready for later?” he asked with his soft tone.

She excitedly nod her head. “Yes!”

He leaned forward again to kiss her quickly. “That’s nice. I’ll be—”

“Hey, kuwa!” Galit na bumangon si Caius mula sa stroller at magkasalubong ang mga kilay na tiningnan ang kuya niya.

Kumawala ang bote mula sa bibig nito at dinuro ang kapatid. “Wa are you doing? No kiss atih! Atih mine!”

Wrath raised his eyebrow. “She’s mine.”

“No! Atih mine. Bad kuwa!”

“No, she’s mine,” pang-aasar pa lalo ng kapatid.

“Atih!” Caius burst out in tears that made her panic. Agad naman niya itong nilapitan.

“Shh, baby. Hindi na.” She glared at Wrath. “Ikaw! Pimapaiyak mo ’yung kapatid mo!”

Caius cried louder. “Atih, mine. Kuwa, bad. No kiss atih!”

She pouted. “Hindi na baby, hindi na ako iki-kiss ni kuya, ha? Shh. Huwag na cry.”

Inis niyang sinamaan ng tingin si Wrath na naaaliw lang siyang tinitigan habang pinapakalma niya ang bata.

Napakapilyo talaga.

XXXVIII

CHAPTER 38

“WRATH, what if I suddenly stutter during the interview?” Finithee asked nervously while both of them are heading towards the waiting room.

Hinigpitan ng lalaki ang hawak sa kamay niya. “I’m here. I’ll take the lead if you’re starting to panic.”

Pumasok silang dalawa na room 06 at silang dalawa lang ang nandoon. Mamayang 6PM pa darating ang iba nilang kasama dahil may interview pa silang dadaluhan ni Wrath.

Finithee gazed at her captain when he locked the door and walked towards her.

She gasped when he lifted her above the table and kissed her lips. “Kanina pa kita gustong halikan, tangina. Ang daming sagabal.”

Sumimangot siya at pilit na kumawala rito. Nagagalit na naman dahil ang daming players na pilit siyang kinakausap kanina sa entrance.

Akala naman ng lalaki may kikidnap sa kaniya palayo.

“You were asked before, right? Hindi naman siguro sila magtatanong ng mga sobrang private diba?”

“Why are you panicking about the questions, baby?” he asked.

She blushed as the volume of her voice lessen. “Because when I was playing games before Arena of Survival, I was very toxic. I had a bad reputation at Republic War back then. I was famous because I always trashtalk other players!”

Ngumiwi siya nang maalala ang mga tagpong ’yon. She was 14 to 16 during those times.

Isa sa mga kinaaayawan niya ngayon ay ang trashtalk, dahil ginagawa niya ito dati at nagsisisi na siya!

Wrath chuckled unbelievably when he heard that. “My baby used to be a toxic player? I didn’t know that.”

She placed her pointy finger against her lips, trying to hush him. Para tuloy siyang bata na binabantaan ang kalaro na huwag magsumbong.

“Secret lang natin, Wrath, ah. Baka kasi mamaya nahalughog nila ang past ko at may magbulgar na bad player ako dati. Omg!”

Gigil siyang hinalikan ng lalaki sa pisngi.

“Are you even aware of how cute you are right now?” He bit his lower lip and caress her hair.

“Wrath,” reklamo niya. “I’m nervous! Rage rin ang username ko noon. Grabe kaya ako man-trashtalk noon, dinadamay ko pa nga mga pamilya nila. ’Diba dark secret! Omg. Paano kung…”

“Baby, it’s fine. You were a minor during those times.” Malambing siya nitong tinitigan. “You were just a baby and a little girl when you did that. You changed right? You even hate it when I talked shits about Lorde.”

“Si Lorde na naman. Wala namang ginawa—”

“I know. I appreciate his gift for you, I was just really jealous when you smiled at him. But I appreciate everyone who genuinely admires you.” Hinaplos ni Wrath nang buong pag-iingat ang pisngi niya. “Sino ba namang hindi mababaliw sa ’yo?”

“Ako! Hindi ako nababaliw sa sarili ko.” She pouted and he immediately kissed her lips. Inirapan naman niya ito.

“Just tell them that you don’t want to answer any of the question once they start asking about your past, baby. I’ll be sitting beside you, just grab my hand once you start trembling.”

“And what? Let people conclude that we’re dating? Ayoko nga!” angal niya.

“Let them conclude, baby, yes.” A smirk appeared on his lips. “I want them to think that the only female professional player in the league…”

He held her hand and kissed it gently. “Is taken by me.”

Her cheeks reddened with what he did and what he said. “Basted ka na!”

“Na-uh.” He shook his head. “I’ll only accept your response if you give me an answer with a kiss. Reject me again with a kiss, can you do that?”

Sumimangot siya sa lalaki. “Ang pilyo mo talaga.”

He pulled her closer in able to hug her tightly. “Sa ’yo lang. I only have my eyes on you, my pretty baby.”

“EVERYONE is excited to see the two of you here, Wrath and Rage. Both of you are officially the most popular players in APPL!” the host, Luna, greeted them.

Kahit wala sila sa harapan ng audience ay rinig na rinig pa rin niya ang sigawan ng mga ito. Maybe they were being live stream and flashed on the big screen too.

“How is it being the first and only female professional player in the league, Rage? I’m sure everyone’s still in shock about you.”

Ngumiti siya sa host at nagsalita sa mic. “Okay lang po. Masaya, hehe.”

The audience’s screams became louder after she answered.

Luna chuckled. “Our dear Rage is a monster in the battlefield, but look at her right now. She’s just too cute and adorable!”

Namula ang mga pisngi niya at nilingon si Wrath na pilit tinatago ang ngiti sa labi.

“Wrath, I heard from coach Migo that you’re the last member to agree about Rage being Ark of Arsenal’s new exp-laner. This happened before and I’m pretty sure you’re now trusting her. But during the time that Rage was newly recruited to the team, what was your thoughts?” she asked.

“I was the last one to agree because I’m hesitating about her, not because of her gender but because we don’t have any background information about Rage.” Sinulyapan siya ng lalaki habang tahimik niya itong pinapakinggan.

“But the best decision we made is to recruit her. You don’t have to ask me about it, she already proved everyone that she can play as great as everyone in the league.”

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa laylayan ng suot na t-shirt nang marinig ang sagot ng lalaki.

“What a nice thing to hear from Wrath. And everyone will surely agree with what he said because Rage proved us through the two matches they played, that she is incredible!” The host faced her again.

“Rage, a picture was taken by a fan when she saw you in the mall with a man.” Nanlaki ang mga mata niya nang i-flash sa harap ang picture nila ni Lee na magkasama. “Who is this man in your life?”

Tumikhim siya. “He’s my brother, Calee, or Lee. He just arrived from America when this picture was taken.”

“You have a brother?”

“Brothers, actually. I have two more! But they’re out of the town as well! They’re kuya Calidee and Calisy,” she answered full of joy.

“I’m sure that they’re proud of you right now, Finithee!”

Her eyes focused at Wrath who smiled at her. He looks so happy and his smiles felt warm.

“Wrath, your birthday is near! July 7, this coming Tuesday. If I’m not mistaken? Are you preparing for a celebration?”

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya nang marinig ang sinabi ng host.

Wrath’s birthday is July 7? And she didn’t even know about it?!

XXXIX

CHAPTER 39

“LET’S push their second tower, Mad Dog. Scar, can you switch lanes with me?”

“Copy, missy!” sagot ng binata.

Her hero, Medusa, marched towards the mid-lane and cleared the creep waves. Then she quickly traveled to gold-lane to assist Mad Dog.

“Check their jungle area, Psycho. I’ll take down the turtle,” Wrath demanded.

She helped their gold-lane pushed the second tower before they both walked towards the mid-lane.

“Missy, my ultimate’s ready. Can we burst Killua?” Scar asked.

“Get down here. Let’s kill him.”

“Alright!”

“Mad Dog and Rage are now hiding inside the bush to

gank

Killua. Now, if Killua ever stepped outside his tower. There’s a high possibility that he’ll get killed.“

“Scar is also traveling to mid-lane after switching with Rage. I guess they’re really planning to upset the opposing mid-

laner

.“

“Kill him, I’ll find their jungler.” Wrath said the last straw.

Finithee quickly used her ultimate to slow down and stun Killua inside his tower. Mad Dog and Scar immediately stepped forward and used their skills.

Freed’s roamer tried saving his team mate but was killed as well by her.

“Nice!”

“Rage got double kill after killing Freed’s mid-

laner

and roamer! They successfully took them down inside their tower!“

“Wrath went to Freed’s blue buff and killed their jungler swiftly as well!”

“Push their base. Let’s end this!”

“I’ll bait them using my ultimate, captain,” Psycho said.

“Scar, use your ultimate to the creep waves.”

“Congratulations Ark of Arsenal for winning Game 2! Mad Dog is incredible during this game and he got the MVP!”

“Wow, Ark of Arsenal is still placed in rank 1. This is the third time that they scored 2-0 against their opponent.”

“Nice!”

Kalmado nilang inalis ang mga headphone sa t’enga at binigyan ng high-five ang isa’t isa. She happily smiled at Kiel.

“Eyy! Mvp,” sabi niya.

Kiel chuckled and messed her hair. “You helped me to get that, missy! You’re awesome!”

Pagkatapos nilang makipagkamay sa mga myembro ng Freed ay mabilis na tumakbo si Finithee para lagpasan ang mga kasama niya.

She ran towards coach Migo and pulled him backstage.

“Coach!” hinihingal niyang sabi.

“What happened?” tanong nito sa gulat.

“I heard from the host earlier that Wrath’s birthday is in Tuesday! What is he planning to do?” she asked excitedly.

“Hmm. He always celebrates his birthday inside the base camp already. He hates parties and gatherings, you know that. Kaya sa base camp lang kami nagce-celebrate.”

She nodded her head repeatedly with his answer. Hindi niya pala pwedeng ipilit na bonggahan ang birthday ng lalaki dahil nirerespeto niya ang mga ayaw nito.

“What about gifts? Ano bang mga wala pa si captain?”

Migo chuckled loudly. “He can buy everything he wants. We just kept on giving him figures of heroes from Arena of Survival and he’s already happy about it. Our main gift is our presence!”

Natutuwa niyang pinakinggan ang lalaki dahil halata sa boses nito ang kagalakan. They must really treasure Wrath a lot, of course, who wouldn’t?

Napaisip na lang tuloy siya kung anong puwede niyang iregalo sa lalaki kung kaya naman nitong bilihin lahat ng bagay sa mundo?

Is her presence during his birthday enough?

Wouldn’t it be better if she could give something new to him?

“He can buy everything he wants, Finithee. So, if you kept on thinking what to give him. Maybe you should think about giving him your answer?”

She nodded her head repeatedly. Would it really make him feel happy if she finally accept him wholeheartedly?

Gusto niya na rin namang sabihin sa lalaki ang sagot niya. Pinapangunahan lang siya ng kaba at takot.

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya at gulat na hinarap ang coach nila. “What… Coach, you k-knew?”

He chuckled. “What do you think of me? Blind? I’m pretty sure the rest of your team mates have a hint already.”

Pinatong nito ang kamay sa balikat niya. “Finithee, I know Wrath very well and he was never this happy until you arrived. I know he likes you a lot.”

“How did you know about that? We’ve been trying to hide it.”

“I noticed that he started caring for you in a different way. I know how much he cares for Kiel, Scar, Hugene, and for all staffs of Ark of Arsenal. But he never showed us his soft spot, which he easily did to you. You might not know about it but you’re always the first person he looks at when our group is filled with laughter.”

Her eyes watered when she heard that. Mas lumakas ang tibok ng puso niya at halos marinig niya na ’yon.

“You’re the first person who made him genuinely happy, Finithee. I know he likes you more than anyone can imagine.”

Naramdaman niya ang bahagyang panlalambot ng mga tuhod niya. “But he s-said you believed him when that night—”

“You actually think we believed him that night when he said that you went home? Sabay kayong umalis noong gabi, mag-isa siyang bumalik nang umaga, tapos sabay ulit kayong bumalik noong tanghali. You expect me to believe that you guys were not together during that time?” Migo chuckled unbelievably.

Ngumuso siya para pigilan ang mga luha sa pagtulo. Ayaw niyang umiyak sa harap nito dahil baka asarin pa siya.

“I’m just scared about what will people say about is, coach. Believe me, I like Wrath too. I like him so much,” sagot niya.

“People who genuinely support the two of you will never ever dare say anything that could hurt you, Finithee. Ang mga taong ipipilit lang na paghiwalayin kayo ay ang mga taong ayaw sa inyo. Are they relevant? Do they matter to your life? They’re not important unlike those people who loves you. They might say anything they want against your relationship but the fact remains the same. Wrath is insane with you, he likes you, he is a better person when he’s with you. At lahat ng mga taong susubukan kang pagsabihan ng masama, they will just remain as people who will never have the chance to be touched by Wrath.”

What coach Migo said finally became an eye-opener to her. It finally made her mind better, it gave her the strength she’s seeking for.

She will give a birthday present to Wrath, a gift that a billionaire like him can’t buy.

XL

CHAPTER 40

“HAPPY 25th birthday, Wrath!”

They said in unison after raising their champagne glass for a toast.

Their captain flashed a small smile and chuckled. “Thank you. But you don’t have to do all of this.”

They all sat down on the round table and smiled happily.

“It’s your birthday, captain. We should always celebrate it no matter what!” angal ni Kiel na abala sa paglamon.

“Yes!” Scar stood up and clapped his hand. “Our gift for you is inside you room, captain. Have you seen it?!”

He nodded his head while drinking wine. “Liberty’s figure? Yeah. It looks awesome. Thank you.”

Finithee remained silent on her seat, hindi niya rin ginagalaw ang mga pagkain sa harap niya dahil abala siya sa pag-iisip.

She bought a physical gift for him. A wrist watch from Sanctuary and Haven with the same design, solitaire, as her necklace. It costs 39,899 dollars, and she didn’t even bother about the price.

The moment she figured out that it looks exactly like the pendant on the necklace he bought for her, she quickly paid for it and its customization.

Pinalagyan niya ng AOA ang likod no’n katulad ng kaniya.

“Missy! I heard you bought a gift for our captain. Give it to him!” Hugene said that shook her.

Lumingon siya kay Wrath na sumandal sa upuan habang malalim ang titig sa kaniya.

She sat straight and shook her head. “I’ll give it to him now. But I need to borrow him from you, you already greeted him.”

Coach Migo let out a laugh. “Go on. We’ll continue celebrating here and we will surely have fun. Give your gift to the birthday boy.”

She fixed her skirt and stood up from her seat, then she quickly walked towards Wrath and pulled him to stand up.

“Take care our dearest missy and captain!” Von teased them more.

Inirapan niya ang mga ito at marahang hinila paalis si Wrath sa garden area. They entered the base camp again and she pulled him towards the stairs.

“What’s your gift for me, baby? Why are we heading upstairs?” pilyong tanong ng lalaki.

Sinamaan niya ito ng tingin. “Hmp! Just come with me upstairs. My gift’s inside my room.”

He chuckled behind her and obediently followed her steps. Hawak-hawak pa rin niya ang kamay ng lalaki nang pumasok silang dalawa sa kwarto niya.

“Sit down!” she sweetly demanded him which the latter did.

Habang nakaupo ito sa sofa ay mabilis niyang kinuha mula sa loob ng closet ang regalo.

Then she happily walked towards Wrath and handed it to him.

“What’s this?” His eyes twinkled in so much happiness when he opened the box. Tumagal ang titig nito doon bago siya tingalain. “A same design with your necklace?”

Masaya siyang tumango.

“Baby.” He chuckled and lowered his head. “Thank you so fucking much. You don’t know how much this means to me.”

Hinawakan nito ang isa niyang kamay at buong lambing na hinalikan ’yon.

“I bought you a wrist watch because I want you to spend all your free time with me,” she whispered.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ng lalaki nang umangat ang tingin nito sa kaniya. Humigpit din ang kapit nito sa kamay niya, parang hindi makapaniwala sa binitawan niyang salita.

“Baby…”

“Wrath, I’m not afraid anymore.”

“Fuck, baby…” Maingat siya nitong hinila at pinaupo siya sa kandungan nito. “What does it mean?”

A sweet smile flashed on her lips as she nodded her head with his question. “I’m not afraid to go out in public with you. I’m not afraid of liking you back. I want you to take care of me always and I want to spend my days with you.”

His eyes watered. Bumaba ang mga kamay nito sa baywang niya at nanghihina siyang hinawakan doon. He burried his face on her neck and kissed her there repeatedly.

“Really? You’re finally allowing me to be your boyfriend?”

Tumango kaagad siya.

“Fuck.” He chuckled beneath his deep voice. “Best gift ever, baby. Fuck. You just made me the happiest man, Finithee.”

Her arms encircled around his nape, hugging him gently. “Happy birthday, my captain.”

Her heart almost fell when she felt hot liquid dropping against her skin. Gusto niyang kumpirmahin kung umiiyak ba ang lalaki pero hindi na kailangan dahil humikbi na ito.

“Thank you so much, my baby.” His grip around her waist tightened. “I’ve never felt so much love like this before. Thank you. Thank you for coming into my life, thank you for liking me back.”

“Wrath.” She pouted and faced him. Sinapo niya ang magkabila nitong pisngi at agad na napasimangot nang makita ang umiiyak nitong mukha.

Buong ingat niyang pinunasan ang mga luha nito at hinalikan ang gwapo nitong mukha. She stopped in front his lips. “Ang cute naman ng birthday boy na ’yan.” She chuckled and kissed him quickly.

“Stop teasing me.”

Gigil siyang hinila ng lalaki papalapit. Nanlaki pa ang mga mata niya nang bigla siya nitong hiniga sa kama bago siya daganan.

He stared at her intently while biting his lower lip. “Paganda ka nang paganda sa paningin ko, tangina.”

She naughtily slide her hand inside his shirt and squeezed his abs. “Dapat lang.”

He groaned. “The fuck, baby? You’re becoming naughty.”

Humahagikhik niyang hinila ang batok ng nobyo at hinalikan ang mga labi nito.

He didn’t hesitate kissing her back, his lips welcomed her’s and he’s doing it aggressively.

Wrath is kissing her like there’s no tomorrow, she didn’t have the chance to kiss back and she just let him.

His naughty hands went down and it found her exposed thigh. Pinaghiwalay ng lalaki ang mga hita niya at pumagitna roon. Both of his hands remained on her thighs, squeezing it with so much intimacy.

“Ah,” she moaned when he bit her lower lip.

“Fuck, don’t moan,” he whispered huskily. Lumipat ang mga labi nito sa pisngi niya, gigil siyang hinalikan doon bago unti-unting bumaba ang ulo nito.

“Wrath!” halos mapatili siya nang iangat nito ang blouse niya hanggang sa tiyan niya. She covered her mouth when he gently kissed her flat stomach.

His lips wandered around her tummy, pouring kisses to her skin.

Patuloy pa rin ang pagpisil nito sa mga hita niya at nanatili lang siyang nakahiga habang pinapaliguan siya ng halik ng lalaki.

Gosh! She never knew that he’s like this once she put a label on their relationship. No one warned her that he’s this addicted to kisses.

•••

Hoy mga bata walang spg dito, ha. Hindi ako nagsusulat ng super spg, mwahahaha. Hanggang kiss lang ’yan si Wrath, hindi n’yo kailangang takpan ang mga mata ninyo.

XLI

CHAPTER 41

NAKASIMANGOT ang mukha na tinuon ni Finithee ang mga mata sa laro habang walang awang pinapatay ang mga kalaban.

She already turned off her camera during her livestream to hide her upset expression from viewers.

Pero nahalata pa rin yata ng mga ito ang pagkabwisit niya dahil sa paraan niya ng paglalaro.

My Rage is mad

Omg. Baka may

dalaw

ang baby ko.

After taking down the enemy’s base, she quickly removed the headphone from her head and spoke to the mic. “I’ll end my live here, thank you guys.”

Ngumiwi ang mukha niya at napahawak sa puson nang maramdaman na naman ang pagsakit no’n.

Nanghihina ang mga kamay na pinatay niya ang computer at sumandal sa gaming chair na may iniinda.

She can clearly feel her team mates’ stares but she has no strength to look back. Ayaw niyang makakita ng mukha ng tao, kaya mismong mukha niya ay ayaw niyang makita.

She’s the worst whenever she has menstruation. Lahat ng masamang ugali ay nasa kaniya na tuwing may dalaw siya.

Dahil malala ang pagsakit ng puson niya at sumasakit na rin ang ulo niya. Pagkatapos ay maba-badtrip siya at magsisimulang maghanap ng mga pagkain.

Her brothers are always having a hard time when she kept on requesting things. Idamay pa ang pagkakaroon niya ng mood swings at pagiging maldita niya.

“Missy, are you okay?”

Tumango lang siya kay Scar at hindi pa rin lumilingon. Tumayo siya sa kinauupuan at dahan-dahang naglakad papalapit sa hagdan. Para na siyang sinasaksak sa puson niya at ang gusto niya na lang ay humilata.

“Atih!”

May ngiwi sa labi na nginitian niya si Caius nang salubungin siya nito sa daan. He held her hand and followed her obediently.

“Hi, baby. ’Di ka pa nag-i-sleep?” tanong niya.

“I’ll sleep, atih. Hug mo Caius ha!”

Kahit may iniinda ay hindi niya maiwasang mapangiti sa sinabi ng bata. Hawak-hawak niya pa rin ang kamay nito nang pumasok sila sa kwarto niya.

Caius happily climbed to her bed and she immediately followed the kid. Kinumutan niya ang sarili at ang batang lalaki bago ito yakapin.

“Sleep na ang Caius ni ate, ha?”

“Yes, atih. Caius loved atih.” He pouted his lips with sleepy eyes. “Caius loves kuwa.”

Halos umusok ang ilong niya sa inis. Ayaw niya ring makita ang mukha ng nobyo niya, lahat! Lahat ng tao ayaw niyang makita. Maliban na lang sa baby boy na katabi niya dahil exception ang cute nitong mukha.

“Thank you, my baby! Ate loves you too! Sleep na ikaw.” Hinalikan niya ito sa noo at buong lambing itong hinele.

Few minutes passed and he started creating cute noises. Mahimbing na ang tulog nito habang may mga binubulong na laruan.

Natatawa niya itong hinalikan sa pisngi bago ito buhatin. She carefully placed him inside the stroller and caressed his cheeks.

As much as possible, she wanted Caius to sleep somewhere clean. Ayaw niyang may nakapaligid na kumot o unan sa tabi nito dahil na rin sa mga bilin ni Wrath.

And speaking of that man, her boyfriend. Kasabay ng pag-ayos niya sa pagkakahiga ng bata ay ang pagpasok ng nobyo niya sa kwarto.

She faced him and frowned.

“Baby?”

Bakas sa boses ng lalaki ang pagtataka nang iripan niya ito.

Tumayo siya at hindi pa rin ito binabalingan ng tingin. Umupo siya sa kama at akmang bubunutin ang cellphone sa bulsa nang tumabi ang lalaki sa kaniya.

“Hi, baby,” he sweetly uttered. “I just talked to dad over the phone. It took a while. How’s your livestream?”

Tinuloy niya ang pagkuha sa cellphone at binuksan ’yon para abalahin ang sarili.

“Baby?”

She tsked.

“Baby, what happened?” Wrath took her phone out of her hand and worriedly looked at her. “Did I do something wrong? Why do you look so upset?”

Agresibo niyang kinuha pabalik ang cellphone. “Ano ba! Ginagamit ko pa.”

“No.” He kissed her forehead suddenly. “I won’t step outside this room without fixing whatever our problem is.”

“Wala tayong problema,” sagot niya at napangiwi nang biglang kumirot ang puson niya.

“We might not have a problem but you clearly don’t like to see me.” Malambing nitong hinawakan ang kamay niya at hinalikan ’yon. “What do you want me to do to ease your anger?”

Her eyes twinkled. “I want ice cream! The strawberry one. I also want carbonara!”

Kumunot ang noo ng lalaki pero lumapit pa rin ito para halikan ang mga labi niya. “That’s all, baby? Anything else?”

“Gusto ko pala ng buko shake at halo-halo rin!”

Mas lalo pang kumunot ang noo ng lalaki at nagsalubong ang mga kilay. “Are you upset because you’re hungry? You should have just told me, my baby.”

Sumama ang timpla ng mukha niya. “Sinasabi mo bang mababaw ang galit ko? Na matakaw ako?”

His eyes widened, dumaan ang kaba sa mukha nito nang muli na namang sumama ang mukha niya.

“No, b-baby. I didn’t mean it that way.”

“No.” Her eyes watered. Hinaplos niya ang puson at naiiyak na umiling. “Siguro, siguro w-wala ka na talagang pake sa akin agad. Kakasagot ko l-lang sa ’yo pero ganiyan ka na. Masakit na nga ang puson ko tapos h-hindi mo pa—”

“Baby!” He embraced her with so much gentle. “I’m sorry. I will buy all those things you asked for, baby. Don’t cry.”

Bumaba ang tingin ng lalaki sa puson niya at hinaplos din ’yon. “I’m not even aware that you have your menstruation already. I’m sorry. You must be in excruciating pain right now.”

Mas lalong lumakas ang iyak niya nang marinig ’yon.

Ito siya at nagmamaldita sa lalaki habang wala itong kaalam-alam sa dahilan. He’s even willing to buy those foods she asked for.

“I’m sorry, Wrath.” Yumakap siya sa nobyo at suminghot. “I’m a bad girl whenever I have menstruation. I’m sorry! My puson just hurts so much, I can’t bear the pain sometimes.”

Lumuluhang tinitigan niya ang lalaki sa mukha at sumisinghot itong hinalikan sa labi. “I’m sorry, baby. Thank you.”

He chuckled huskily. “Fuck, you’re so fucking adorable.”

Humihikbi siyang suminghot at muling hinalikan ang lalaki sa labi. “Sorry, baby.”

“Okay.” Masaya siya nitong hinalikan sa pisngi. “I’ll come back immediately with all the things you want. Okay?”

She nodded her head obediently.

•••

Alam kong sanay kayo na marami akong updates every week pero baka this week and next week, maging konti lang everyday. Exam week na kasi and graduating na akooo kaya need magpaka-busy. Pero everyday pa rin ako mag-u-update, swear! Siguro every Monday and Thursday lang talaga ako mahihirapan. I love you all! 💛

XLII

CHAPTER 42

“YOU’RE dating Wrath already and you’re just informing me about it right now?!”

Lumukot ang mukha ni Finithee sa pagkairita nang tumili sa tainga niya ang kaibigan.

Veenus held both of her shoulders and shook her. “Since when?!”

“Noong birthday niya…”

“Just three days ago?!” Veenus hysterically screamed. “Na-predict ko ang magiging future mo, gaga ka! Jusko, ang bebe girl ko. Ganda-ganda mo talaga!”

“Vee naman, eh,” she said.

“Oh ano ngayon ang sinasabi mo na hindi ka magugustuhan ni Wrath? Baka mamaya nag-ano na kayo, ha!”

Her eyes widened defensively. “Ang bastos mo! He said we will never do it unless we’re married! My boyfriend is a great guy!”

“Ay pota ka!” Kinikilig itong lumundag-lundag. “Tangina kinikilig ako sa inyo! Sinong mas patay na patay sa inyo? Malamang ikaw—”

“Kahit kailan ka talaga! Anong akala mo sa akin baliw na baliw sa lalaking ’yon? Hindi ’no!” Namula ang mukha niya. “Mas patay na patay siya sa akin!”

Vee was about to argue when her door opened. Impit na tumili ang kaibigan niya nang pumasok si Wrath.

Naglakad ito papalapit sa kaniya at malambing siyang hinalikan sa labi. “Are you ready for tonight?”

She nodded lightly. “Should I dress nice?”

Nginitian siya ng lalaki at muli na namang dinampian ng halik ang mga labi niya. “Baby, it’s our first date. Pero kahit ano namang suot mo maganda ka pa rin sa paningin ko.”

Finithee blushed and gazed at Veenus whose face is almost violet. Parang hindi na ito humihinga sa kinauupuan.

“Sige n-na, Wrath. I’ll just meet you outside. Can you wear maroon for me?” malambing niyang tanong.

His eyes twinkled before nodding his head obediently. “Anything for my baby. I’ll go ahead, okay?” Lumingon ito sa kaibigan niya at ngumiti. “Good evening.”

Wrath placed a kiss on her forehead before leaving the room.

“Veenus!” taranta niyang sigaw nang biglang matumba sa sahig ang kaibigan niya.

Naglulupasay ito roon at impit pa rin na tumitili. She’s acting as if someone’s tickling her!

“Veenus! Tumayo ka diyan!”

“Shuta ka, mhie!” Naiiyak siya nitong binalingan at umakto na parang bata. “Sa harap ko pa talaga kayo naglaplapan, mga pasaway kayo! Bakit gano’n ang paningin si fafa Wrath? Para kang lalapain!”

She rolled her eyes and pulled her bestfriend back to the bed. “Just help me pick whatever dress I need to wear for later.”

Maarte itong nag-flip hair at kumindat. “Leave it to me, my baby girl!”

Hinayaan niyang halukayin ng kaibigan ang closet niya at pinag-iitsa pa ang mga dress na napili nito.

She just stood there and waited for her to finish.

After exchanging fights with her bestfriend, Finithee silently closed the main door behind her when she was finally able to get out from the base camp.

Buti na lang at abala sa pag-la-live stream ang tatlo kaya walang nakahalata sa kaniya.

Alam niyang magtataka agad ang mga ito dahil sa suot niya. She’s currently wearing a maroon body con backless dress. It perfectly hugged her curves. Isang maroon 2 inch heels lang ang sinuot niya sa paa para hindi siya mahirapan.

Her body trembled when someone grabbed her waist and kisses her passionately.

Napakapit siya sa dibdib ng nobyo at natatawa itong tinulak. “Let’s leave before anyone sees us!”

He stared at her with full of admiration. “You look so fucking beautiful, baby.”

Kinakabahan niyang nilingon ang base camp at tinulak ulit nang marahan ang lalaki. “Tara na, Wrath. Mamaya ka na kaya mambola.”

Her boyfriend chuckled as he hugged her softly. Buong ingat siya nitong inalalayan pasakay sa kotse bago ito umikot pasakay sa driver seat.

As soon as he started driving, his free hand immediately went down. Ipinatong ng lalaki ang kamay nito sa hita niya at marahang humaplos doon.

“You promised me that we’ll only date inside your restaurant, right?” she confirmed.

His grip on her thigh tightened. He moved it closer and she was immediately taken aback.

He nodded and smiled. “Yes, baby. I’ll respect your decision. But we can start dating in public once we announce our relationship, right?”

She glanced at his hand and removed it from her thigh. He’s just too hardheaded that he quickly ignored her and placed his hand on her lap again.

“Depende. Kapag good boy ka, sige, mag-date tayo in public!” makulit niyang sabi.

Bumusangot ang lalaki. “I am a good boy, baby.”

“PLEASE, Wrath! Let’s just try that movie,” pangungulit niya habang nakasandal sa dibdib ng nobyo.

He caressed her stomach gently and shook his head. “No.”

“What the! Everyone says that Fifty Shades of Gray is a great movie! Is it a fantasy? Or romance? I want to watch it!”

Magkasalubong na ang mga kilay niya habang nagpupumilit sa movie na panonoorin nila. They’re now sitting on his bed inside his private room in the restaurant. After eating delicious foods, she decided to have movie marathon with him.

Ilang beses na niyang naririnig kay Veenus ang movie na Fifty Shades of Gray pero bakit ayaw itong ipanood ni Wrath sa kaniya?

“It’s a no, baby.”

Inis niya itong hinarap. “Why?”

“It’s not for babies like you.” Malambing siya nitong hinaplos sa buhok. “Baby, huwag nang makulit.”

“Why is it now allowed for me?” taka niyang tanong.

“Because I said so.”

“No, if you won’t explain it to me, then I will watch it!” Pilit niyang inagaw ang remote sa binata pero tinaniman lang nito ng halik ang balikat niya.

He glanced at her with his deep and dark eyes. “Do you want me to explain it to you in other way?”

Her forehead furrowed. “Do it. I just need to know why I can’t watch this movie while Veenus can.”

“Dapa.”

She gasped. “Huh?”

“Baby, I said lay down on your stomach,” he whispered huskily.

Kahit nagtataka ay maingat pa rin siyang humiga sa kama na nakatalikod sa lalaki. Is he going to massage her? Is Fifty Shades of Gray about massage?

Maybe Wrath doesn’t want her to watch it because it’s boring.

A soft groan came from Finithee’s mouth when she felt Wrath’s kisses on her shoulder. He gathered all her curly hair on the side and planted kisses on her back.

Her backless dress enabled him to wander his sinful lips all over her exposed back.

Napapasinghap siya nang mahina tuwing bumababa ang mga labi nito sa baywang niya para malambing ’yong halikan.

“Wrath,” she groaned when he kissed her cheeks sweetly.

“See? This is why you should never watch that movie if you don’t want me to do sinful things to your beautiful body,” he whispered using his deep voice.

Pagod na hinayaan niya ang lalaki na itihaya siya sa pagkakahiga. Nanghihina siya sa ginawa nitong paghalik.

“Good night, baby.” He bit her lower lip with so much passion. “Thank you for our wonderful first date.”

“Nan-chansing ka lang, eh,” she murmured.

Wrath chuckled in amusement before resting his head on her neck. “You’re always my source of happiness, baby. What would I even do without you?”

A small but sweet smile appeared on her lips after hearing that.

XLIII

CHAPTER 43

“BULLSHIT! It was all over the internet and you still want to take it down?! Are you using your goddamn minds?!”

All of them remained silent when Wrath exclaimed angrily while on the phone. Lahat sila ay nakamasid lang dito at walang planong magsalita.

“You have one job, and that is to take down any posts against us which has no concrete evidences. I hired all of you to take it down within few minutes, and yet you didn’t!”

Finithee bit her lower lip when her boyfriend got angrier. Galit na galit nitong pinatay ang cellphone at hinagis ’yon sa table.

He massaged his forehead before facing coach Migo beside them.

“Find the person who started the issue and bring that asshole to me,” utos nito.

Migo cleared his throat nervously. “Wrath, we will take care of it. Galit ka, baka kung anong magawa mo-”

“Talagang may magagawa ako kapag tumagal pa ’to. Just do whatever I tell you to do!”

Binaba niya ang tingin sa kamay at pinaglaruan ang laylayan ng t-shirt niya. Then she faced the computer once again.

It was this morning when an anonymous person posted something to create an issue, and it was an issue between her and Wrath.

I’m Ark of Arsenal’s staff and I often come inside their base camp when I need to do something about work. You guys wouldn’t believe what I’m witnessing everytime.

Wrath treats Rage horribly!

If you’re one of those

Wrage

shippers and you’re rooting for them to have something. You better stop now. It will never happen.

Arsenal’s jungler can’t stand a single moment with her. He always insults her in front of other members. I heard that he’s trying to kick her out of the team.

I’m just a staff and my loyalty is for Ark of Arsenal. I’m just worried about Rage.

Mariin niyang pinikit ang mga mata nang mabasa ulit ang post na ’yon. Obviously it is fake, it’s just a piece of bullshit that someone tried to create.

They don’t even let other staff visit them inside the base camp. Aside from coach Migo who’s living with them, walang ibang nakakatapak sa loob at makasama sila nang higit sa dalawang oras.

Unless it is needed.

And Wrath never treated her horribly. Why would her boyfriend do that?

Alam nilang lahat na walang katotohanan ang issue, pero dahil kumakalat ito nang sobra ay maraming naniniwala.

Everyone’s telling her to switch teams, or to just leave the professional scene. Some of Wrath’s fans are attacking her as well, saying that it’s the first time that Wrath was involved in an issue and it’s all because of her.

“Captain, we c-can just post a statement saying that the issue is not true. Let’s calm down,” Scar said in panic.

“Calm down?” Wrath chuckled dangerously. “This issue is between me and Finithee, obviously you won’t understand my anger. I’m not dumb to let anyone think that I’m mistreating my girlfriend!”

Her eyes widened when she heard that term from her boyfriend. Bakas din ang gulat sa mga mukha ng tatlo maliban sa coach nila.

“Girlfriend?” Hugene asked in surprise.

Scar covered his mouth and smiled. “You guys are together?”

“Holy shit!” tumatawang saad ni Kiel.

“Stop acting as if you didn’t have a hint about it,” Wrath uttered before storming out of the gaming area.

Kabado niyang nilingon ang tatlong lalaki na ngayon ay hinihintay siyang magsalita.

She stood up from her seat with her weakened knees. “Ah… Oo.”

“I knew it! Captain never allows you to date other players because you’re his target already- Fuck! Hugene!” Kiel exclaimed.

Hugene groaned. “Kapag narinig ka ni Wrath bugbog ka talaga.”

Finithee frowned and immediately ran after her boyfriend. She headed towards his room and knocked multiple times.

“Wrath, open up. I want to talk to you.”

Walang sumagot.

She knocked again. “Wrath, calm down. We can still take the post down-”

She gasped in surprise when the door opened and Wrath grabbed her gently inside. Padabog na sinarado ng lalaki ang pintuan at binalingan siya ng tingin.

He grabbed her waist and attacked her lips with anger and passion. Mahigpit na nakakulong ang baywang niya sa braso nito habang agresibo nitong inaangkin ang mga labi niya.

Alam niyang pilit pinapakalma ng nobyo ang sarili, he’s really scary when he’s mad.

Nagpaubaya na lang siya sa lalaki hanggang sa maramdaman niyang unti-unti nang nawala ang bigat sa paghinga nito.

He carried her and made her sit down above his lap. Malambing pa nitong binaon ang mukha sa leeg niya at hinalikan siya roon.

“Wrath?”

“I’m sorry, baby. I’m sorry that this happened to you.” Hinalikan ng lalaki ang pisngi niya. “You don’t deserve the hate you’re getting from those people. You don’t deserve any of their hates. Those people are stupid to blame a victim, even if none of it was true, it angers me that they always side with the guy.”

“It’s fine, Wrath.” Mahigpit niyang hinawakan ang braso ng lalaki at hinaplos ’yon. “I’m not affected by them. Wala namang katotohanan ang issue, ’di ba? Everyone who deeply knows us is aware of the truth. You never treated me badly, you never said anything against me. Kung totoo, edi sana hindi kita boyfriend ngayon.”

His eyes remained cold even if he looks fine outside. Alam niyang may tinatago pa rin itong galit sa dibdib lalo na at kumakalat pa rin ang katangahan na ’yon sa internet.

“It’s fine, Wrath. Makakalimutan din ng lahat ’yan. O kaya naman, eventually, that person will reveal that it’s not true, ’di ba? As long as we’re okay, then we don’t need to be bothered,” she added, trying to ease the tension.

Wrath burried his face on her neck again. “I’m not going to wait, Finithee. I will never let that person fulfill his obsession about stupidity. If everyone can’t find a single way to solve this, then I’ll do it myself.”

Bumaling ang mga mata nito para titigan siya. Pagkatapos ay muli siya nitong hinalikan sa labi. “No one has the right to talk against you, Finithee. I will never let anyone talk shits about you, they don’t deserve to ruin your piece of mind.”

His eyes screams danger… And it actually scares her.

Sinapo ng lalaki ang magkabila niyang pisngi at malalim siyang tinitigan. “I’m worshipping you like a saint and here they are, hurting you. Tangina, hindi ako papayag na walang mangyari sa kanila, Finithee. I will ruin their whole life. Everyone who let out a single comment against you. I will fucking find them.”

The coldness of his eyes worsen, as if he’s wanting to harm someone.

XLIV

CHAPTER 44

“HAVE you seen captain, Hugene?”

Finithee immediately heard Scar’s voice while she was heading downstairs. It was already 7:35 PM when she woke up from a long sleep.

After trying to calm her boyfriend down, he left and didn’t bother telling anyone where he’s heading.

Sa sobrang kabado ay nakatulugan niya na tuloy ang paghihintay rito.

“Missy!” Scar stood up from his gaming chair and ran towards her. Suot-suot nito ang bunny hat sa ulo. “Where’s captain? Did he tell you where he went?”

Naguguluhan niyang dahan-dahan na iniling ang ulo para sagutin ang tanong ng binata.

“He left earlier and I slept too much. Hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin siya bumabalik?” she asked.

Kiel walked near them and let out a sigh. “I bet he’s at Ark of Arsenal’s main company. Maybe he’s already finding a way to delete all the posts even if it’s impossible.”

She worriedly looked down and played with her fingers.

“I think our captain already found a way somehow.”

Sabay-sabay nilang nilingon si Hugene na ngayon ay abala ang mga mata sa monitor. He didn’t bother looking at them while saying those words.

“What do you mean, Hugene?” Kiel asked curiously.

Finithee followed the guys towards their roamer’s seat. And what she saw in the screen shook her.

Wrath just posted an instagram post with her stolen shot. He didn’t mention her name on his post but it was obvious that she’s the woman in the picture!

Thanks to her curly hair!

wrathfillotimo

7:10 PM

why would anyone think that I’ll harm you when you mean everything to me?

His post gained 8,672,582 million reactions already and hundred thousands of comments!

“Oh gosh,” she murmured unbelievably. Abala nilang binabasa ang mga comments at lahat ng ’yon ay nakapagpadagdag lang ng kaba sa kaniya.

Even the caster, Ribo, commented!

She can hear the trio’s laugh when they glanced at her.

“Missy! I can’t believe that captain will be this cheesy when he’s in love!” Scar giggled cutely.

“What a great way to stop the issue. This is the only way to cut rumors about him treating you horribly,” Hugene proudly said.

Kinagat ni Finithee ang ibabang labi, pinililit na hindi maluha dahil sa ginawa ng nobyo.

This is the “way” he’s talking about a while ago? She didn’t know that he’s really going to reveal their relationship to everyone. What he did made her heart warm, she finally felt safe after knowing that he’s not going to stop until they both clear their names.

She knew damn well that Wrath didn’t do this to clear his name. Kung hindi siguro siya nakakatanggap ng samu-saring kumento mula sa ibang fans ng lalaki ay baka wala itong maging pakealam.

He just kept a serious face the moment the issue was released.

And when people from his fan base started throwing hates on her, he finally burst out in anger.

“Can I g-go to the company? I just want to see—”

Her words were cut off when the main door opened and the person she’s waiting for stepped inside.

Mabilis siyang tumakbo papalapit sa nobyo at yumakap dito.

Kahit nagulat sa ginawa niya ay marahan pa rin siyang tinanggap ng lalaki at kinulong ang katawan niya sa mga braso nito.

“Baby,” he murmured. “What’s wrong?”

Few drops of hot liquid dropped on her cheeks when she heard his voice. Paulit-ulit niyang hinalikan ang lalaki sa pisngi. “Thank you, Wrath.”

Nilingon ng nobyo ang tatlong pares ng mga matang nakatingin sa kanila bago siya marahan na binuhat na parang bata.

He carried her upstairs until they entered his room. Maingat siyang inupo ng lalaki sa round table at malambing siyang pinakatitigan.

“Why did you thank me, my pretty baby?” malalim ang boses na tanong nito.

She sobbed with her reddened cheeks and nose. “Because you finally put an end to the issue by announcing our relationship.”

Humikbi siya at suminghot na parang bata. “Thank you for letting e-everyone know about us, Wrath. I don’t h-have the courage to do that, and you…” Muli siyang humikbi. “And you announced it without hesitating.”

He stared at her with full of amusement and love in his eyes. Pumuslit pa ang ngiti sa mga labi nito.

“God, baby.” He bit his lower lip sexily before kissing her lips. “You’re so fucking adorable right now.”

“Wrath,”

Malambing nitong sinapo ang magkabila niyang pisngi at paulit-ulit siyang dinampian ng halik sa mga labi niya. “If only I could give you my eyes, you would definitely be as proud as I am to have you, Finithee. You would definitely announce it to the whole world.”

“I’m the one who’s gifted to have you,” she said.

He chuckled huskily. “Hmm? I’m the one who’s lucky to be your boyfriend, baby. You’re so fucking gorgeous, everyone wants to have you, but they can’t. Kasi akin ka na. Those men fantasizing over you can only stare at you, while I’m the lucky one who’s capable of touching and kissing you.”

His lips went down to her neck as he planted soft kisses against her skin. “God, baby. I can’t believe that you’re mine. What did I ever do so good back then that fate gave you to me?”

“Why are you always talking as if I’m a perfect person?” She pouted her lips.

“In my eyes you are.” His thumb went to her lower lip and gently caressed it. “You’re just seeing yourself less, but you mean the world to me, Finithee. The moment I laid my eyes on you and realized that a woman like you is as great as men in the gaming field, I already see you as someone I want to spend my days with. Tapos nakakaadik pa lahat ng ginagawa mo. Nagsasalita ka lang, ngumingiti na ako. And when you kept on eating without minding everyone around you, you’re fucking adorable everytime.”

“Alam mo, nagamit mo na lahat ng adjectives, kainis ka!” Kinikilig niyang hinampas ang dibdib ng lalaki na natatawa lang siyang kinurot sa pisngi.

“I can talk all day about how addicted I am to you.”

She kissed his lips torridly. “Thank you again for putting an end to that issue. We’re finally at peace now!”

His eyes darkened when she said that.

“Who told you I’ll stop already?” Wrath leaned forward to kiss her forehead. “You forgot those people who put the blame on you? I didn’t.”

“Hayaan mo na—”

“Go back to sleep, baby. We have a training tomorrow,” putol nito sa kaniya.

She pouted. “Kakagising ko lang.”

He smirked. “Then let’s spend our night kissing and making out—”

“Wrath naman, eh!”

The room was filled with laughter when her boyfriend let out a chuckle. Naiinis niya itong hinampas sa braso dahil sa labis na pang-aasar nito.

•••

Okay lang ba if 7PM na ako makapag-update bukas. May swimming kasi kami ng mga klasmeyts ko kaya baka hindi ako makapagsulat agad. Pati sa Sunday, nasa Enchanted Kingdom ako whole day, kaya baka gabi na rin ako makapag-update. Sorry agad, basta mag-u-update ako tomorrow. Babawi akooo. Marami lang talagang ganap. Next week marami na rin akong updates everyday 👉👈

Lumindol kanina, sobrang lakas. I wish everyone’s okay. I wish everyone’s safe. Please protect yourselves when disasters like this occur again. I love you all!

XLV

CHAPTER 45

“WHAT do you mean we should try switching roles, captain?” Hugene’s forehead furrowed after asking that.

Wrath rested his back on the swivel chair. “We’re only one match away from playoffs. We’re still at the rank 1, and if we win our match against Shade, we’re the first one to qualify for playoffs.”

“But why do we need to change our roles, Wrath? Wouldn’t it be hard for us?” coach Migo added.

“My girlfriend’s strategy worked during our run on regular season. But we can’t stay still and act as if we’re the strongest team in this season.” Wrath glanced at her for few seconds. “Let’s give them something to think about twice.”

“Are you planning to confuse them by switching our roles?” she asked and he nodded. “I get it. Most of the teams if not all, are surely preparing to defeat us. They might be studying our strategy as we speak, and if we surprise them with our new strategy, their first preparation will be nonsense.”

Scar gasped. “How does that work, missy?”

She smiled towards their youngest member. “I’ll play as Ark of Arsenal’s jungler for our next match.”

“I’ll take the exp-lane,” their captain added.

“Can I stay as the roamer?” Hugene raised his hand.

“You can, you’re the best one for that role!” Kiel answered him. “The three of us will play with our original roles. I think our Rage will definitely do good as our jungler.”

Coach Migo let out a laugh while watching them. Natatawa pa itong tumango para bigyan sila ng suporta. “You sure about this, guys?”

They all nodded their heads to agree.

“Okay, I trust you all.”

“WE’RE currently at the banning phase right now. Shade banned Rage’s three main heroes and picked Neptune and Flask for their side-lanes.”

“On the other had, Ark of Arsenal already banned two main heroes of Shade. Let’s see what they’re going to pick for Scar, Mad Dog, and Psycho.”

“Let’s take Remed for you Hugene. Pick the blink battle spell to counter Yard’s Reed. I’m certain that they’re going to pick that hero,” coach Migo said.

Scar pouted his lips while fixing his headphone. “I want to use Hermophosis, coach. I can kill Reed during the early game, his passive won’t be able to stand my pokes.”

“Choose Hermophosis.” Wrath darted his eyes to Mad Dog. “Get Dumagon”

The latter obediently nodded his head as the trio picked those three heroes.

“Ark of Arsenal’s trio picked early and mid game heroes. This is a shocking news because their main heroes are open.”

“Baka naman kasi may sinusubukan silang bagong draft, Ribo. Baka ang

pasabog

nila ay na kay Rage at Wrath, hindi ba?“

Finithee glanced at the audience area to look for Wise and Veenus. Hindi naman siya nahirapang gawin ’yon dahil agad niyang nakita ang dalawa sa VIP seat, nakakandong pa si Caius sa kaibigan niya.

Caius looks really cute everytime he’s watching their match. Napakatahimik lang nito at halatang naaaliw rin.

“Speaking of Rage and Wrath, Sarah. I’m pretty sure that everyone here was shocked when they finally revealed their relationship to everyone!”

Gulat na nilingon pabalik ni Finithee ang audience area nang maramdaman ang pagyanig ng arena. Everyone looks like they’re screaming at the top of their lungs.

Wala pa naman silang ginagawa. She assumed that maybe the casters said something causing their fans to react like that.

“Ribo, believe me, I can’t believe what happened also. Especially that it was Wrath who revealed everything. We all know him as a cold person, he doesn’t like socializing and becoming the center of attraction. But he surprised us when he posted that instagram post one day ago!”

“People are genuinely happy for them, I know. I am also happy for our most popular APPL players. Rage is an Incredible woman, at ayon nga sa iba pang casters, every APPL players wanted to be friends with her because she is amazing. Imagine, she is the only female professional player in this league, and she’s doing so great!”

“I agree. I would fall in love with her if I was a guy. See? The almighty Wrath who never had a dating issue wasn’t able to stand our Rage’s charm as well. She’s an epitome of beauty and brains!

“The arena is still shaking. I think the casters are talking about our missy and our captain,” Mad Dog said.

She ignored her team mates who are busy teasing her. Namumula lang ang pisngi niya sa tuwing maririnig niya ang mahinang tawa ng nobyo.

Shade proceed banning Wrath’s two main heroes— Liberty and Dos, and they picked Reed, Cannon, and Zero.

Wrath and her banned three main heroes of Shade before they locked their eyes to each other.

“Wrath will definitely pick War because it’s still open. Rage can also choose other exp-lane heroes that can dominate during the early game.”

“You two are really sure about this, right?” She heard Von asking behind them.

Nilingon niya ang dalawa sa likuran. “I’ve been playing as a jungler during my past live streams! Nagtatampo na ako sa inyo.”

Coach Migo messed her hair while laughing. “We’re kidding, missy. We trust you!”

Ngumiti siya nang matamis sa dalawa bago lingunin ang nobyo.

Wrath raised his hand before pinching her cheeks gently. “I trust you, baby.”

Hindi na siya nagulat pa nang muli na namang yumanig ang arena dahil sa ginawa ng lalaki.

“Look at everyone! Haha! Wrath just touched Rage and everyone’s getting wild?!”

“The chemistry they hold is insane. I’m becoming a fan of these two!”

“I trust you as well, bugbugin mo ang exp-laner nila or hindi tayo bati, sige ka,” she warned him jokingly.

He chuckled huskily. “Hmm. I’ll surely beat his ass so I can still kiss you later.”

Ngumuso siya bago muling humarap sa computer. Wrath picked Apocalypse and she picked War.

“Wait, what? Am I dreaming? Why did Wrath chose Apocalypse and Rage picked War?”

“Baka naman

nagkamali

lang. Mag-i-switch pa ’yan.“

“You know what? I’m hoping that they won’t because this will be very shocking. But let’s see! Only 15 seconds remaining before the game starts, are they going to switch?”

Finithee rested her back on the chair as she fixed her headphone and mic.

Tinuon niya ang mga mata sa computer habang pababa nang pababa ang countdown. They still have few more seconds to switch and withdraw with their plan. But they wouldn’t.

“What?! Rage and Wrath switched roles?!”

The stage below her shook, as if there was a disaster happening.

A small smile appeared on her lips while her hero is marching towards the jungle area.

It actually feels nice having to play her boyfriend’s usual role.

•••

Hi! Sorry if I failed updating yesterday, gabi na rin ako nakauwi and super pagod din talaga. Pero nag-enjoy naman ako nang sobra kahit isang balde ng tubig ang nainom ko, charot. Enjoy reading these chapters, my oxygens!

XLVI

CHAPTER 46

“RAGE marched towards the turtle already and

Pyscho

is also assisting her.“

“First 2 minutes of the game and I can feel that first blood will happen during this turtle fight.”

“Got an ultimate already, Wrath?” she asked while attacking the turtle lightly.

Four members of Shade are roaming around them already, trying to contest a big objective.

“I’m heading towards there.”

She stepped back to make the Turtle follow her direction. She can still see how Shade’s jungler, Fan, roam around their position. The opponents are observing them.

As soon as she saw Wrath’s near arrival, she immediately stepped forward to activate her ultimate skill.

“Rage activated The Demon Inside towards Fan and surprised him!”

She dodged Yard and Gazino’s defense before chasing Shade’s jungler. Wrath jumped towards the turtle to attack it.

“Fan is low life already but he still wanted to get the turtle! This is insane!”

The stage shook again when she successfully used the retribution spell to get the turtle.

Sabay-sabay nilang sinugod ang mga miyembro ng Shade at pinatay ang lahat ng ito.

“Nice! You guys are great!”

“Missy, let’s kill their gold-laner,” Scar said.

“I’ll follow you, I’ll just steal Fan’s blue buff. If I can,” she replied.

Her hero walked towards the enemy jungler’s blue buff and hid inside the bush. Shade’s jungler appeared from the wall and started attacking the jungle monster.

“Rage is hiding inside the bush and Fan seems to be unaware of it. She’s trying to steal blue buff because this is one of the things that Fan’s hero needed.”

As soon as the blue buff’s life went low, she moved War and activated its ultimate to attack the opponent.

She used her retribution and successfully stole the buff from Fan who used his dash to escape from her.

Natatawa siyang bumaba sa lane ni Mad Dog para alalayan si Scar.

Shade’s gold-laner, Demeter, came out from the bush to clear his creep waves. Finithee moved her hero and used its second still to stun the opponent.

Mad Dog quickly activated his ultimate to produce burst damage in split seconds with the help of Scar’s skills.

“Rage successfully helped Mad Dog in his lane after stealing Fan’s blue buff! At the same time, Wrath got a double kill after finding Fan and Yard’s position!”

“Let’s push their towers, I have ultimate already.”

Pyscho went to the frontline as they all walked to attack the towers in the middle lane. “I have battle spell ready, I’ll use my ultimate with blink, let’s end this game early.”

“CONGRATULATIONS to Ark of Arsenal for winning Game 3! Also, they are the first team to qualify for playoffs!”

Their headphones were down, allowing them to hear the loud cheer for their fans on the audience area.

Everyone’s jumping from excitement and it made her feel so happy. They’re really the best!

“Wrath is our series MVP after getting the title for second and third match. Rage did so good during game one, she was the first MVP and we can see how versatile she is.”

“Imagine playing as an exp-

laner

to jungler? It just shows that she is a flexible player! Ready to take any role and do great with it!“

Abala siya sa pagngiti habang naririnig ang mga sinasabi ng casters nang maramdaman niya ang kamay ng nobyo sa kaniya.

Wrath held her hand tightly before smiling at her. “Let’s go.”

They happily went towards the side of Shade and shook hands with them with full of respect for each other.

“Finithee! You’re awesome! Hindi kita kayang patayin kanina, ang galing mo talaga!” Fan, Shade’s jungler, said while aiming high-five at her.

Masaya niya iyong tinanggap. “Thank you!”

“I was hoping to play against you but you just beat my ass up,” Vince uttered in a low voice.

Natatawa siyang umapir sa lalaki. “See you on playoffs!”

“See you! Nasa upper bracket agad kayo, grabe. Congrats!”

After exchanging words with Shade, dire-diretsyo na silang nagtungo papunta sa waiting room at sinalubong naman sila ni Migo at Von.

“Congrats, guys!”

“I told you that I’ll do good, coach!” she proudly bragged.

Wrath’s arm encircled around her waist to kiss her cheeks in front of the whole team. Namumula ang mga mukha niya nang magsimulang silang tuksuhin ng mga kasama.

“Should me and my baby switch positions? She almost made me quit when she played as a jungler earlier,” malambing nitong sabi habang malambing siyang hinahaplos sa baywang.

Kumawala siya sa lalaki at dinuro ito. “No! Nag-try lang ako maging core ’no. Ayoko na pala! Babalik na ako sa lane ko!”

He let out a laugh after she said that. “You don’t want my role? Are you sure about that?”

“Ayoko! Sa ’yo na. Inaasar mo lang ako, eh.”

May ngiti sa labi na hinila siya ng nobyo para yakapin siya nang mahigpit. “Ang pikon naman ng girlfriend ko.”

“Yii!” The whole team teased them causing her whole face to reddened.

“Captain, we should celebrate after qualifying for playoffs. Let’s go for a vacation!” Kiel suggested while jumping.

Coach Migo’s mouth hanged open as he nodded. “It will take three weeks before our first match in the playoffs. We still have a lot of time. Unahin na nating mag-swimming! Langoy na langoy na ako!”

Her eyes twinkled after hearing her team’s suggestion. Tiningala niya si Wrath at nagpa-cute rito.

“Wrath, sige na. Miming tayo. Gusto ko rin mag-enjoy bago tayo mag-playoffs. Sige na.” Pinaglaruan niya ang jersey ng lalaki habang nagpapabebe rito.

His hand pinched her right cheek lightly. “I’ll do every single thing my baby wants.” Nilingon niya ang iba pang kasama. “Migo, rent a whole resort for one week.”

“Yey!”

She happily went to the trio to exchange happy cheers with them.

Everything that’s happening right now felt impossible to her.

She was just Finithee Suarez when she was hoping to step on the arena and play as a professional player. Then she received an offer from Ark of Arsenal, the team who changed her whole life and made it more exciting.

And having Wrath beside her is one of the things she never expected to happen. The person she least expected to become close with became her boyfriend.

May mahihiling pa ba siyang iba bukod sa makitang masaya lahat ng mahal niya sa buhay?

Those smiles across their faces gave her energy, and she’s hoping that they will never frown. Because happiness looks good on them… so much.

XLVII

CHAPTER 47

FINITHEE was busy scrolling through her Facebook account while reading some posts. They’re on their way to the resort which is a one hour drive from their bade camp.

Kaya inabala niya na lang ang sarili sa pag-ce-cellphone. Ilang beses niya pang nililingon si Wrath sa tabi niya para tingnan kung gising ba ito o hindi. Buti na lang ay tulog ito.

Those posts are few but people are making a fuss about it!

Arsenal’s Official Fan Page

I don’t know what to say but this person deserves it. Remember this girl who posted this shit, saying that it’s Rage’s fault why Wrath was involved in an issue? She said many things against our Finithee, even insulting her flawless game play. Look at her now, someone hacked her dummy account and revealed her identity. The person even sent the screenshot of her stupid post and sent it to her school.

Now she got kicked out! Deserve!

Comments

Leanne Buenavista: No one should even let out a single comment about Finithee.

Habit: deserve namoka ate, ha. bobo ka kasi kala mo papatulan ka ni Wrath.

Arlon

Kahli

: Karma. Huwag n’yong inaano asawa ko mga pakshet kayo. Aagawin ko pa ’yan kay Wrath.

That was the post with the biggest engagement. But there are more posts about the same thing as well. May mga iba pa nga na nawalan ng trabaho matapos magbitaw ng masasamang salita tungkol sa kaniya.

Some of them even apologized on their social media accounts, some took a video while crying.

Gusto niya tuloy malaman kung sino ang gumawa ng lahat ng ’to. It’s obviously not a coincidence that all of her haters had the same downfall in few days.

Finithee almost jumped from her seat when Wrath took her phone from her hand and read whatever’s flashed on her screen.

Nawala ang pagkakakunot ng noo nito at napalitan ng munting ngisi sa labi. Binalik nito ang cellphone sa kaniya na agad niya namang tinanggap.

“What?” he asked coldly.

“You’re the one who did. Right?” she suspected.

His eyes darkened before nodding. “Why? Are you going to nag me about it? They deserve it after all.”

Laglag ang mga balikat na tumitig siya sa lalaki. “You should have just let them, Wrath. What if people find out that it was you—”

“I don’t care. People kept on saying bullshits in the internet because no one is stopping them to do so. Look at those pathetic people who posted an apology video. They look fucking horrible, pathetic, and funny.” His voice deepened, showing his anger. “They just felt sorry after experiencing something bad. They’re hypocrites.”

“Pero Wrath—”

“If you want to continue being a good person, then do it. I’ll do bad things for you, so don’t stop me.” He leaned forward to grab her cheeks. “I told you, I will never let anyone ruin you.”

Napapikit siya nang mariin nang halikan siya ng nobyo. Pinahinga niya na lang ang mga braso sa balikat nito habang abala ito sa pag-angkin sa mga labi niya.

Wrath is really dangerous when he’s mad. Ayaw niya talagang galitin ito, nagagawa nito ang mga bagay na hindi niya makontrol.

“THIS is incredible! How did you manage to find an amazing resort like this, coach?”

Kiel’s voice was full of excitement when he aske that. Bitbit pa nito ang maleta at dalawang sling bag sa balikat nito.

“I used your captain’s money, of course! And he knows the owner of this resort as well!”

She glanced at her boyfriend curiously. “You’re friends with the owner?”

Hinalikan ng lalaki ang noo niya bago tumango. “He’s a game developer.”

Her mouth hanged open. “Really? That’s cool!”

Dumilim ang mga mata ng nobyo nang marinig ang papuri niya. “Baby, I’m you boyfriend.”

She chuckled and hugged his body tightly. “Opo. Namangha lang. You’re the coolest guy I’ve ever met, baby.”

“Talaga.”

Nakanguso niyang tinanggap ang halik nito bago nila sundan ang mga kasama papasok ng resort.

She immediately noticed the big pool, it’s almost as wide as their parking lot in the base camp! Behind it is the modern mansion wherein they’re planning to stay for one week.

The whole resort was surrounded with a beautiful view of nature. She can definitely stay here for a year!

A dozen of men in uniform approached them to get their stuff. “Allow us to bring your things inside the mansion. Please feel free, ma’am and sir.”

Sabay-sabay na naglakad ang mga ito paalis habang punong-puno ng disiplina ang bawat hakbang.

Nawala ang paningin ni Finithee sa mga ito nang bumaling ang tingin niya sa itim na sports car na huminto sa gilid nila. The dood opened and a handsome man stepped out from the car.

Katulad ng nobyo niya ay mukha rin itong suplado, matangkad din ito at halatang mayaman.

Malamang, siya yata ang may-ari ng resort.

“Dominus, it’s nice to see you again.” Wrath shook hands with the man.

“Wrath.” The guy named Dominus smirked a little. “I’ve heard about your team’s journey in APPL, congratulations for qualifying in the playoffs.”

“Thank you. Your mmorpg game is still on top 1 according to Marcus. Have you tried developing some updates that I suggested?”

“I did. It was fucking awesome.”

Seeing the two handsome men talking makes her and the rest of her team mates silent.

Para silang nanonood sa dalawang santo na nag-uusap.

Both of them screams power, dominance, and everything!

“How’s the woman you kidnapped?” Wrath chuckled huskily. “You’re fucking crazy. You really did that because of her skills in game?”

Dominus’ face was filled with passion and love when he heard that. “Three weeks with her is fucking awesome, man. I’ll introduce her to you one day. She’s been very hard to tame, I’m afraid she might be thinking of ways to escape again.”

“I won’t blame you.” Kumunot ang noo niya nang lingunin siya ng nobyo. “I’ve been doing very bad things for my girlfriend as well.”

Wrath stepped forward to grab her arm gently. ’Saka siya nito hinarap sa lalaki. “This is my beautiful Finithee, Dominus. Baby, this is Dominus.”

Tinanggap niya ang nakalahad na kamay ng lalaki. “Nice to meet you. You’re Rage? The only female professional player in APPL?”

She nodded.

“My baby will surely like to be friends with you. She’s a great player as well.”

She smiled. “I want to meet her too!”

Dominus nodded his head. “Soon, once she behaves properly, I will introduce her to you. Have you try playing mmorpg?”

Umiling siya nang dahan-dahan. “That’s hard. It’s a simulation game.”

“Maybe Dominus’ girlfriend can teach you, baby. I want you to meet her,” Wrath said.

Saglit pang nag-usap ang dalawang lalaki habang tahimik lang siyang nakikinig sa mga ito.

If Dominus is really in a relationship with the girl they’re talking about, then why did Wrath mentioned about holding that girl captive?

Hindi kaya…

She gasped silently when she realized.

Omg, was that girl held captive because of her skills in the game? And Dominus fell in love with that woman because of that?

It was the same thing for Wrath.

Nakakatakot pala maging magaling sa laro! Mapapalibutan ka ng dalawang baliw. Hindi niya maiwasang matawa nang maisip ’yon.

XLVIII

CHAPTER 48

FINITHEE hanged her mouth open when Kiel, Hugene, Scar, and Migo came out from the men’s comfort room.

Sabay-sabay pang naglakad ang mga ito habang walang suot na pang-itaas. Flexing their bodies.

They even posed in front her and flashed a handsome smile.

“Missy! We look great, right?!” Scar exclaimed happily.

Nakangiti siyang nag-thumbs up sa mga lalaki kahit hindi matcho ang mga ito. They still look great and handsome in her eyes! Kahit walang mga abs, napaka-attractive pa rin ng apat. Paano pa kaya kapag nag-gym ang mga ito?

Naku! Baka sugurin na ng mga fans ang base camp nila.

Baka marami masyadong babae ang gusto siyang sabunutan!

“Ang gwapo n’yo! Wow!” pumapalakpak niyang sigaw.

All of them proudly sat on the cottage while removing their sunglasses.

Kiel bit his lower lip as he pinched his nose lightly. “Hirap maging gwapo kapag ganito kainit. Parang masyado yata tayong biniyayaan ng langit.”

“We’re this handsome already and we’re even great at playing games. Wow! What a blessed human beings!” Scar.

Coach Migo nodded his head. “Our handsome faces are hard to hide.”

Hugene was about to add more when the comfort room opened once again. Literal na nalaglag ang panga niya nang lumabas mula roon ang nobyo na wala ring suot pang-itaas.

The ray of sun hit his well-sculptured body, isama pa ang napakaputi nitong balat. Even his abs made her in awe.

Bumaba ang tingin niya sa suot na black shorts at black crop-top tube na pinatungan niya ng puting see-through shirt. Buti na lang hindi siya nag-swimsuit.

Sa sobrang likot pa naman ng kamay ng nobyo niya ay baka may mangyari pang milagro sa kanilang dalawa.

She almost screamed when the four guys jumped towards the pool in a hurry. Parang mga takot na batang nagtago ito roon at masama pa ang tingin sa captain nila.

“Bully, captain!” Scar complained.

“Lugi kami, captain!”

Wrath’s forehead furrowed when he removed his sunglass. “What are you talking about?”

Inirapan nito ang apat na tinalikuran sila para magsimulang mag-enjoy sa tubig.

Her cheeks blushed when Wrath sat beside her to kiss her neck. “Hi, my baby.”

“Hi,” she said.

He laughed. “Why are you blushing?”

Mapang-asar niyang binaba ang kamay at hinaplos ang tiyan ng lalaki. “Ang macho kasi ng boyfriend ko.”

He bit his lower lip as he groaned. “Fuck.” Kinuha nito ang kamay niya at hinalikan ’yon. “Baby, don’t make me break my promise about marriage.”

She pouted. “I’m kidding!”

Gigil nitong hinila ang maliit niyang baywang para ikandong siya. Then he planted soft kisses against her nape.

“You look so fucking good,” he whispered. “Why didn’t you wear a swimsuit?”

“Ayoko! Ayokong mag-swimsuit sa harap nila. Nakakahiya!”

“I’m not prohibiting you to wear that. I’m sure you will look so sexy and beautiful in it. But if you really don’t want to, then don’t. I want you to only wear that for me tonight.” Humaplos ang kamay ng nobyo sa tiyan niya.

Nakikiliti siya dahil crop-top tube ang suot niya at lantad ang balat niya sa baywang at tiyan.

“Sige.” She giggled and changed the tone of her voice to tease him. “My body is only for you.”

“Fuck.”

Napatili siya nang bigla siyang buhatin ng lalaki papasok sa mansion. Then he went towards the backdoor before jumping on the smaller pool.

Inis niyang hinampas ang lalaki sa dibdib nang natatawa siya nitong inahon sa tubig.

“Wrath!” reklamo niya habang sumasagap ng hangin.

He chuckled before kissing her left cheek. “I’m sorry, baby. You just look so fucking sexy a while ago.”

Binuhat siya ng lalaki paupo sa gilid ng pool habang nasa gitna ito ng mga hita niya.

Inayos niya ang basang buhok nang maramdaman ang mga labi ni Wrath sa hita niya. Napakalambing ng bawat dampi ng mga halik nito, parang pinapakalma siya.

She gasped when his hand went towards both sides of her waist. His lips went closer and she immediately pushed his head before they even do the ‘deed’.

Muli na namang tumawa ang lalaki na gigil siyang hinalikan sa manipis niyang tiyan.

“Ang ganda-ganda mo.”

“Ang gwapo mo!” she replied.

Lumambing ang mga mata ng lalaki nang umangat ito para halikan siya sa labi. “Akin ka lang.”

Ngumiti siya rito. “Hindi.”

“Hmm?” He bit her lower lip gently. “Akin ka lang. Huwag ka nang umapila diyan. Papadapain talaga kita.”

“Edi padapain mo!”

Wrath bit his lower lip as his grip on her waist tightened. “Kaya ako nanggigigil sa ’yo, eh. Inaasar mo ba ako?”

She giggled while shaking her head naughtily. “Bakit? Pwede naman akong dumapa dahil magpapamasahe ako, ha? Manyak!”

Hinila siya ng lalaki pabalik sa tubig. Mabilis naman siyang kumapit sa mga balikat nito.

“Ang ganda mo, tangina.” Gigil na namang inangkin ng nobyo ang mga labi niyang namamaga na yata. “Ang ganda-ganda mo. You look like a freaking goddess in my eyes.”

He caressed her hair. “Your curly hair is almost straight.”

“Do you want me to straighten my curly hair—”

“No!” agad nitong apila. “Your curly hair is awesome, baby. Why would you do that? I’m sure you’ll look pretty with every hairstyles but I love your normal hair. Don’t change it. You look perfect.”

Kinikilig siyang humilig sa matigas na dibdib ng lalaki. “Okay, captain!”

“Silly.”

“By the way, Wrath.” Tiningala niya ito at nagtatakang nagtanong. “The woman you’re talking about earlier, with Dominus, is she his girlfriend? For real?”

He shook his head. “He claimed her to be his, but I don’t think she will accept him that fast. He fucking kidnapped a woman because they got married in the game and he fell in love crazily.”

“What? Omg, that’s insane.”

“I know.” Wrath kissed the bridge of her nose. “Dominus is a good man, don’t worry. He will never hurt her. That woman means everything to him. He’s just a fucking idiot when it comes to love, he has no better plan to own her.”

“Baka naman mahal din siya ng babae, it’s just that, your friend’s way of showing love to her is wrong. They got married in the game, maybe there’s a special connection built between them. Tell Dominus to let her go, it’s bad to kidnap people.”

“She’s not literally held captive, baby.” Natatawa siyang niyakap ng nobyo. “He said that she’s just guarded by Dominus’ men everywhere she went.”

“It’s the same thing as being caged—”

“She can fight. If she really wants to escape from Dominus, she can take those men down,” he cut her off.

Umawang ang bibig niya. “Wow, really? She’s cool!”

“I genuinely think that she loves that idiot as well, she just wanted him to do the right thing.” Mahigpit siyang kinulong ng lalaki sa mga braso nito. “Kaya ayokong sakalin ka, dahil ayokong mapagod ka sa akin. Baby, please tell me if you’re starting to get annoyed by my jealousy. Please.”

“I’m not annoyed,” she said. “Magseselos din ako kapag maraming babae ang nakapaligid sa ’yo. Pero hindi ka kasi friendly katulad ko. Ang sama mo pa maningin sa mga babaeng lumalapit sa ’yo unless they’re your fans. Paano ako magseselos kung hindi ka naman nagbibigay ng dahilan para magselos ako?”

“Hindi ka rin naman nagbibigay ng dahilan para pagselosin ako. I’m just overthinking everytime men are trying to hit on you,” he replied.

“I know, Wrath. Don’t feel bad about jealousy, it’s a normal thing to feel when you treasure a person.”

He smiled against her neck.

XLIX

CHAPTER 49

“THEY’RE already sleeping? They were so hyper earlier,” Finithee said while laughing softly.

She let her boyfriend enveloped his arms around her waist as he placed himself between her parted legs.

Nakaupo pa rin siya sa gilid ng pool habang ang kalahating katawan lang ng lalaki ang nakalubog sa tubig. They’re just busy staring at the stars above them.

“We have more time to spend our days here. I want them to breath freely as well,” Wrath answered.

Yumuko siya nang umangat bahagya ang lalaki para halikan siya sa labi. “They’re already sleeping. Want to do something funny?”

Kumunot ang noo niya nang ngumisi ang lalaki habang mariing nakatitig sa kaniya. Nasagot lang ang pagtataka niya nang bumaba ang mga labi ng nobyo sa tiyan niya.

He expertly removed the white see-through blouse as his lips kissed every exposed skin on her flat stomach.

Mas bumaba pa ang ulo ng lalaki hanggang sa dumapo ang mga labi nito sa hita niya. Wrath kept on kissing her thighs gently, as if he’s treasuring her so much.

“Wrath, baka m-makita nila—”

“Shh.” His dark eyes met her’s. “They’re sleeping.”

Balewala itong yumuko ulit at hinalikan na naman ang dalawa niyang hita. Wala na siyang ibang nagawa kung ’di haplusin ang malambot na buhok ng lalaki habang abala ito sa ginagawa.

She gasped when she felt his lips getting closer.

“Wrath!”

Malakas niyang pinalo ang balikat ng lalaki nang umakto itong huhubarin na sana ang short niya.

Isang pilyong tawa ang pinakawalan ng nobyo bago siya maingat na binuhat papunta sa tubig.

Her arms encircled around his nape.

“What are you planning to do after we win this season?” he asked.

Natatawa niya itong pinagmasdan. “You’re so certain that we’re going to be Season 17’s champion?”

“Yes.” He kissed her lips passionately. “We have you. We became a better team because of your arrival.”

“Hmm. What are my plans after this season?.” Hinalikan niya ang gwapong mukha nito bago ngumiti nang matamis. “Of course we’ll prepare for the upcoming World Series!”

“Besides that?” He smirked mischievously.

“What do you mean besides that?” Umangat ang kilay niya nang sabihin ’yon.

Wrath pulled her closer against his body. Then his head went down to her collarbone, kissing it softly.

“How about some plans about marriage?” Ngumiti ang lalaki habang hinahalikan ang leeg niya.

“Marriage? What the!”

“Yes. We will marry each other after our first win,” he said casually.

She giggled non-stop as he continued showering her with kisses.

FINITHEE cleared her throat while heading towards the mansion’s kitchen in the middle of the night.

Nagising na lang siya bigla dahil naramdaman niya ang panunuyo ng lalamunan.

Paano ba naman. Her and Wrath spent two hours on the pool while talking about nonsense things. Hindi rin maalis ang kalandian ng nobyo kaya hindi sila nakatulog agad.

“Gosh,” she murmured after drinking whole bottle of water from the refrigerator.

Iinapon niya ’yon sa basurahan at akma na sanang aakyat sa hagdan nang marinig ang dalawang boses na tila nag-aaway mula sa corridor.

She carefully walked towards the door and immediately saw a familiar man together with a beautiful woman.

“Dominus! Let go off me! I won’t escape here, ni hindi ko nga alam ang daan pabalik. Tangina ka talaga!”

She gasped silently as soon as she finally realized what was going on.

Chismosa na kung chismosa, pero ano naman? Minsan lang maging chismosa, sulitin na.

“Behave yourself and we’ll be fine, Snow,” Dominus softly uttered.

“Tangina ka!” The beautiful woman tried struggling once again. “Ayoko ngang sumama sa ’yo! Kuhanin mo na lang saglit tapos umalis na tayo. Bakit ba kasi sinama mo pa ako dito? I should be sleeping right now!”

“Because you’re hard headed. You will do everything to escape from my house again if I didn’t bring you here with me,” he answered calmly.

“Kainis ka!”

Snow rolled her eyes in annoyance. Tumigil na ito sa panlalaban at tahimik na lang na tumayo sa tabi ng lalaki.

Dominus let out a frustrated sigh. Maingat nitong sinandal ang babae sa pader at buong lambing itong pinagmasdan.

“Let’s stop fighting all the time, hon. I want to have a peaceful day with you.” He leaned forward to kiss her. “Please, I want you to be my piece of mind.”

“Then s-stop caging me inside your h-house. I won’t escape, promise,” the woman uttered.

“I’m not going to do that unless you behave. But for now.” He hugged her tightly. “Let’s avoid small fights, okay? Halika na. Sumama ka na muna sa akin. I’ll just get something upstairs and we will go home.”

Snow nodded obediently. “Okay.”

Dominus smiled sweetly, he’s too happy to hear that word from her. Hinalikan nito ang pisngi ng magandang babae. “Thank you. Let’s go, hold my hand. We might wake them up so stay silent, hmm?”

Finithee quickly ran upstairs while her heart is beating abnormally. Mamaya ay makita pa siya ng dalawa at sabihing chismosa siya.

They’re the ones who entered the mansion without her knowing! Sila ang may kasalanan, ’di niya naman ginustong maki-chismis.

Nakanguso siyang humiga sa tabi ni Wrath at ginawang unan ang braso nito.

He moved and immediately hugged her body tightly. “Hmm.”

“Sleep,” she uttered.

His sleepy voice took over. “Did you leave the room? Why?”

“I was thirsty.”

“But why do you look so nervous after entering?” He chuckled softly on her ear. “Did you see a ghost?”

“I accidentally saw and hear Dominus with his girl,” sagot niya sa lalaki.

“Hmm, he told me that they’ll come at this hour. Hindi ko alam na magigising ka, I should have told you. What have you heard about them? Are they fighting?” he asked curiously.

“At first, yes?”

Wrath kissed her hair. “They’re always like that. Then he’ll use his manipulating skill to calm her down again. That’s what happened?”

Mangha niyang inangat ang tingin sa lalaki bago tumango rito. “Seems like you know them too much!”

“Of course.” He let out a chuckle. “They’re chaotic. And you.”

Natatawa siyang tumili nang kilitiin siya ng lalaki. “You should sleep more, baby.”

“Okay, captain!”

•••

Final exams are finally done! I’m baaack! Our daily update will start again, so happy to be back. Na-miss ko kayong lahaat kahit ilang days pa lang.

Love you all!

L

CHAPTER 50

FINITHEE woke up when she felt a big hand caressing the other side of her waist.

Nakatagilid siya ng higa at nakatalikod sa nobyo kaya ramdam niya ang marahan nitong paghalik sa batok niya.

“Hmm,” she groaned softly.

Wrath placed his palm on her tummy before pulling her closer. Lumipat ang mga labi nito paakyat sa pisngi niya.

“Good morning, my beautiful baby,” he whispered.

His bedroom voice sounds so good. Napamulat tuloy siya ng mga mata at agad na nginitian ang lalaki.

“Morning, Wrath,” she replied happily.

He bit his lower lip as he kissed her lips passionately. His other hand cupped her left cheek to pull her head closer.

“Sleep more. I’ll work out in the gym downstairs.”

Inaantok siyang tumango at ngumiti sa nobyo na muli siyang binigyan nang magaan na halik sa mga labi niya.

Pagkaalis ng lalaki ay ’saka niya lang naisip na kanina pa ito gising dahil basa ang buhok nito. Nakaligo na rin ito at nakabihis.

She shut her eyes close again to get her sleep back, but nothing’s happening. She can’t sleep again at her state, especially that the sunlight from the window is hitting her eyes already.

Inabot na lang niya ang cellphone mula bed side table at agad na napangiti nang makita ang tatlong messages mula sa kuya Lee, Sy, at Dee niya.

Lee

Idiot! We’ll go back to Philippines next week. Ipakilala mo sa amin ’yang jowa mo. Labyuuu!

Sy

Our baby! We’ll go home next week, please spend your days with us. I love you! We’re so excited to see you again!

Dee

We’ll go home by next week. Make sure to spend your time with us and with dad. And introduce that boyfriend of yours. Love you.

Natatawang napailing na lang siya matapos basahin ang messages ng tatlo niyang praning na kuya. At the same time, happiness is overflowing inside her mind because of the thought that she’ll see them again.

Isang beses lang kasi sa isang buwan umuwi ang mga ito, minsan ay kung hindi siya nagtatampo, hindi talaga uuwi. Kaya sisiguraduhin niyang sulitin ang ilang araw na kasama ang mga ito.

The moment she opened her social media account, a shocking news welcomed her.

Ulysses Wagon

Due to an accident, our exp-laner, Tree, won’t be able to play in the playoffs. Our team decided to hire another player to fulfill his position. We’ll post our announcement soon. Thank you to our fans and to Tree’s fans, we are sincerey hoping for his recovery.

She gasped after reading the whole post. Siya ang nasasaktan at nanghihinayang para sa nangyari sa kapwa pro-player. The playoffs will happen soon and this happened. It’s a total heartbreak for their fans, for sure.

Malungkot siyang nagtipa ng kumento roon.

Rage

We all hope for his recovery. You did great during Regular Season, Tree! I’m looking forward to seeing you in the Arena again.

She pouted her lips as she placed her cellphone above her chest, still upset about what happened.

AFTER taking a bath and clothing herself with comfortable clothes, Finithee immediately went towards the small gym inside the mansion.

Hindi nakaligtas sa mga mata niya si Wrath na abala sa treadmill. His fitted black shirt hugged his perfect muscles and she immediately pouted. Naglakad siya papalapit sa direksyon nito bago umupo sa stationary bicycle. Nakangusong ginamit niya ’yon nang dahan-dahan.

She saw how Wrath’s eyes glanced at her. Natatawa nitong pinindot ang button sa treadmill para tumigil ’yon.

Then he placed a white towel above his broad shoulder before walking towards her.

“Hi, baby.”

She rolled her eyes.

With an annoying and mischievous smile on his lips, Wrath stepped forward before encircling his arm around her waist. Walang kahirap-hirap siya nitong binuhat paupo sa malapad na lamesa.

“Ang aga-aga ang taray mo.” Sabik nitong inangkin ang mga labi niya. “What did I do wrong? Why did you roll your eyes on me? And what can I do to ease your anger?”

“Wala lang, gusto ko lang mairita.”

He chuckled. “Baby, tell me.”

“I’m not upset with you. I’m upset of a specific situation,” she answered.

“And what is that specific situation you’re talking about?”

“Haven’t you heard about the news? Ulysses Wagon’s exp-laner got into an accident and he can’t play in the upcoming playoffs. I feel so bad for him,” malungkot niyang balita.

Wrath nodded his head. “I heard about it. Our team already sent some help for his recovery fund. He’ll be better soon. I’m sure Ulysses will find a player to replace him temporarily.”

“Okay, good. Gamitin mo ang yaman mo sa kabutihan!” She giggled cutely causing him to bite his lower lip.

“You’re so cute, my baby.”

Mahigpit siya nitong niyakap at hinalikan sa pisngi.

“By the way, Dominus and his girl are here. They just arrived, I was about to wake you up. Want to meet the woman?” he asked.

Finithee’s eyes twinkled in too much excitement. Bumaba siya sa lamesa at masayang tumango. “Let’s go!”

Siya pa mismo ang humila sa lalaki pababa ng hagdan para lang makausap ang babaeng nakita niya kagabi. She heard from Dominus that Snow is a gamer also!

Tumutok ang atensyon niya kay Dominus at sa magandang babae na katabi nito sa sofa pagkababa nila ni Wrath. Agad niyang binitawan ang kamay ng nobyo at lumapit sa babae.

She almost hanged her mouth open when she finally see her up close. She’s even more beautiful. The woman’s skin is white as snow!

“Hi!” masigla niyang bati.

The woman glanced at Dominus for few seconds before standing up. Then she smiled a little. “Hello.”

Bibo niyang kinuha ang kamay nito at nakipagkamay. “Hello! I am Finithee Suarez, Wrath’s girlfriend.”

“I’m Snow Alcantara, nice to meet you, Finithee. I heard you are a professional player like Wrath?”

Wow. Even her voice is so cool.

Finithee can tell immediately that they’re both different with each other. Snow seems cold, distant, and too formal. It feels like she’s talking to the old Wrath.

“I am…” Nahihiya siyang tumikhim. “I heard you’re an mmorpg player? That’s so cool! I bet you’re a great player!”

“She is.” Dominus stood up before kissing Snow’s right cheek who just rolled her eyes. “That’s why I kidnapped her.”

“Tangina ka!” galit na sagot ng isa at sinamaan pa ng tingin ang lalaki. “Talagang pinagkakalat mo pa sa iba?”

Finithee giggled. “It’s okay, Snow! Alam ko naman. At saka I really want to meet you since yesterday, it feels good knowing that you know your way around games!”

Snow finally flashed a sweet and genuine smile. “You know your way around games as well, it will be so much fun to be friends with you, Finithee.”

LI

CHAPTER 51

“HASH will play as their exp-laner?!”

Everyone in the meeting room was shocked when Migo finally revealed who’s the person taking over Tree’s position.

Kauuwi lang nila kahapon galing sa bakasyon pero sakit ng ulo naman ang bawi sa kanila ngayon.

“That’s fucking absurd! Everyone knew that he’s an asshole. Ulysses Wagon stoop down this low to hire him?” Kiel angrily exclaimed.

“Maybe they have no choice already but to hire him. He’s the only professional player who has a lot of experience in the field,” Hugene said.

“Still!” Kiel let out a frustrated sigh. “I don’t want to see his face in the arena again. Why does it have to be him?”

Finithee remained silent on her seat as her team mates talk. Hindi pa rin maproseso ng utak niya kung anong nangyayari.

Hash is upset with her. She knew damn well that his anger towards her is unmatched.

And if he’s this desperate to play against her, he will probably do everything to upset her in the game.

“Missy, I’m sure that Hash will target you multiple times. We should strengthen our strategy!” nag-aalalang sabi ni Scar.

Nakangiti niyang tiningala si Scar at umiling dito. “It’s okay. He’s not a threat to me, Scar.”

Lumingon siya sa tabi nang maramdaman ang pananahimik ng nobyo. She wanted to ask him but his face remains serious.

“Captain.” Coach Migo leaned on the table. “I know how much you loathe Hash, but I want you to remain calm during the match against them, and not put your personal feelings toward—”

“I won’t do that. I’m a decent person, Migo,” Wrath replied coldly.

She glanced at his expression and the first thing she noticed was the visible annoyance in his eyes.

Wrath really hates that guy, matagal niya nang iniisip kung bakit. Is it because Hash is really a toxic person who will do everything to bring other people down?

It is indeed scary to encounter a person like that.

“WRATH!” Kunot noong nilingon nilang apat ang main entrance ng base camp nang marinig ang matinis na boses ng babae roon.

“Is that a woman?” Hugene whispered.

She glanced at the side when Wrath came out. Kunot noo din itong naglakad papalapit sa pinto para buksan ’yon.

Finithee removed her headphone before standing up. Humakbang ang mga paa niya palapit sa sala.

A small gasp came out from her mouth when a sexy woman stepped inside before throwing herself to Wrath.

Agad na bumalandra sa mukha niya ang selos nang makita ang itsura nito. The woman looks so beautiful, sophisticated, sexy, and mature. Someone who will definitely pull a man like Wrath.

“The fuck, Felisse?!”

Nabalik siya sa ulirat nang malakas na itulak ng nobyo ang babae.

“Wrath, I’m s-sorry. I was just so h-happy to see you again!” the beautiful woman said out of nervous.

“And why would you fucking barge in our base camp to throw yourself at me like that?!” Wrath disgustingly stared at her. “I have a fucking girlfriend! You’ve seen it all over the news!”

Finithee was about to run away to save herself from the situation when Felisse noticed her.

“I’m s-sorry about that, Wrath. I just m-missed my former classmate! I’m sure your girlfriend won’t mind?” sigurado pa siya nitong nilingon at plastikadang ngumiti.

Wrath quickly glanced at her and was stunned when he confirmed that she saw what happened. Mabilis na tumakbo papalapit sa kaniya ang nobyo.

“Baby, I’m sorry. She’s my former classmate that’s why she knows me. But I didn’t expect her to hug me, I swear. I’m sorry, I’m sorry if you misinterpret that.”

She smiled sweetly before caressing her boyfriend’s jaw. “I understand, Wrath. You pushed her away. That’s enough for me.”

“I’m sorry, baby.” He kissed her in front of the woman who’s now unbelievably staring at them. “Let’s go to your room.”

Nagpahila siya sa lalaki nang maingat nitong hawakan ang pulso niya. Nang mapadaan sila sa harap ng babae ay agad siyang huminto sa paglalakad.

Hinarap niya ito na may ngiti sa labi. “Next time, show some decency. Especially when you’re stepping to someone’s place.”

Felisse chuckled at her. “I just wanted to visit Wrath, he’s a close friend of mine. You’re just a woman he just met!”

“A close friend of yours? Why would he push you like that if he’s your friend?” Humakbang siya papalapit at mas ngumiti pa nang malapad. “You’re not here to visit him. Stop making me laugh.”

Isang irap ang binitawan niya bago tuluyang magpahila sa nobyo patungo sa kwarto niya.

“Baby.”

She remained silent even after Wrath lifted her to sit on the table.

“Baby, she’s not a close friend of mine. I just met her during college, I never thought she knows this place,” he explained.

Ang mataray niyang mukha ay lumambot.

Sinubukan niya lang maging matapang sa harap ng babae kanina, kahit pinipigilan niyang manliit sa harapan nito.

That woman named Felisse looks like a model. She’s taller than her, and she even has a great fashion sense.

“Baby, speak up, please? I will never ever want any other woman to touch me. Please, baby, please talk to me.” Wrath planted kisses against the back of her palm.

“She…” Her lips twitched. “She’s beautiful. She looks like a model. And h-her… Her body is great.”

“And why the fuck does that matter? You’re way more beautiful than her, baby,” takang tanong ng lalaki.

“Did y-you see her height? She’s almost as tall as you. I think you guys will be perfect as a c-couple,” she added.

“I don’t fucking care about how tall she is! I only want you as my girlfriend!”

“Her hips are shaped perfectly, and her boobs are large. Maybe she’s—”

Bumaba ang tingin ng lalaki sa dibdib niya kaya agad siyang namula.

“Who cares about sizes? Only an asshole will care about that.” Wrath pulled her nape to give her a mind blowing kiss. “I don’t care if yours are not as big as her’s. I’m sure yours will fit perfectly inside my hands—”

“Wrath!” inis niyang sambit sa pangalan nito.

He chuckled mischievously. “Stop describing her. In my eyes, she’s nothing compare to you. You’re everything to me, Finithee. Everything about you is my obsession.”

Naluluhang tinanggap niya ang halik ng lalaki habang yakap yakap ito.

She’s full of insecurities when it comes to Wrath, yet he never failed making her feel as if she’s perfect.

LII

CHAPTER 52

“HASH might become aggressive right now because he is in another team,” coach said.

“I’m pretty sure Rage can compete with him in the lane. She’s the best exp-laner right now. We only have two weeks before the playoffs start!” Scar.

Kiel raised his hand and smiled wickedly. “Want me to beat Hash? I can do that! I’ve always wanted to do that!”

Finithee chuckled out of happiness. “I’m putting my trust on you, Kiel.”

“Of course, missy!”

Naiiling siyang tumawa bago ilapat ang tingin sa cellphone nang tumunog ito. The moment she saw Lee’s name on the screen, she quickly stood up.

“I’ll just answer this call,” she said towards her team mates who quickly glanced before nodding their heads.

Mabilis siyang pumunta sa sulok ng meeting room at masayang sinagot ang tawag ng kapatid.

“Lee! Nakauwi na kayo?”

“Finithee…”

Ngumiti siya. “Yes? Sunduin n’yo ako ni kuya Dee, dali! I miss you all!”

“Finithee, I need to t-tell you something. Please, please don’t panic after this.”

Kumunot ang noo niya nang marinig ang pagiging garalgal ng boses ng kapatid. Lee’s usual proud and mischievous tone vanished. He sounded so worried and scared.

“What happened, kuya?”

“We, uhm… We just got h-home, from the airport. And we, we found d-dad inside our house, he’s…” His voice broke. “Dad is lying on t-the floor when we f-found him. He’s not responding, we quickly took him to the Hospital, and our doctor said that he had an h-heart attack. He is in a critical condition right now, Finithee.”

It felt like something inside Finithee’s heart broke into pieces the moment she heard the news from her brother.

The tone of Lee’s voice tells her that everything is true, that her father is really in danger.

Her knees weakened, causing her to fall on the ground.

“Finithee!”

Ramdam niya ang paglapit ng mga kamyembro niya sa kaniya dahil sa pagtumba niya.

She covered her mouth while crying loudly, trying to stop herself from screaming because of too much pain.

Her father is in a critical condition… He’s lying on a hospital bed right now, after going through a painful situation.

“No…”

“Baby,” Wrath worriedly caressed her cheeks. “Baby, what’s wrong? What happened?”

“My f-father…” Humahangos niyang hinawakan nang mahigpit sa kamay ang nobyo habang walang tigil na umiiyak. “My father h-had an heart attack, I n-need… I need to see him. Please. Please, help me. My dad… My dad.”

Her breathing became louder when she tried gasping for air.

Wrath didn’t think twice on lifting her. Mabilis ang kilos na binuhat siya nito palabas ng base camp. Hindi niya na alam ang nangyayari, ramdam niya na lang na nakasakay na siya sa kotse ng nobyo habang mabilis itong nagmamaneho.

“Baby, take a deep breathe. Please, please. I’ll take you to your father, I promise.”

“Wrath,” she uttered softly. Walang tigil ang mga luha niya sa pagbagsak. “My dad, my d-dad is in the hospital. Please, I need… I need to s-see him and my b-brothers. Gusto k-ko siyang makita. Baka, baka nagbibiro lang s-sila kuya. Please, please. Kailangan a-ako ni daddy, k-kailan ko sila. Gusto k-ko silang makita.”

He quickly held her left hand and kissed it. “Shh, it’s okay, baby. I’m here, I’m here.”

She shut her eyes close while trying to process everything inside her mind. Yet the truth still hurts her.

“LEE!” Finithee hurriedly ran towards her brother when she saw him in front their private room.

“Finithee!”

Mabilis na tumayo ang kapatid sa kinauupuan at mahigpit siyang niyakap. Ang mga natuyo niyang luha sa pisngi ay muling nadagdagan nang bumagsak ulit ang mga panibago.

“Lee,” she uttered weakly.

Her eyes glanced at the door when it opened, and two men came out from inside. Mas humagulhol siya ng iyak nang makita ang dalawa niyang panganay na kapatid.

She quickly ran towards Calidee at Calisy to embrace them. Ramdam niya ang agad na pagtanggap sa kaniya ng dalawa, at ang marahan nilang paghaplos sa buhok niya.

“Kuya Dee, kuya Sy.” The tone of her voice suddenly began asking for help.

“Shh, Thee. We’re here, we’re here.” Malambing siyang hinalikan ni Dee sa sentido at buong pag-iingat siyang niyakap. “This is not the first thing I want to see when we came back home. This is r-really cruel.”

“Daddy… My daddy,” she uttered.

Nanghihina siyang kumawala mula sa dalawa at tarantang humakbang papasok sa loob ng kwarto.

“Daddy.” She burst out when she finally saw her father, lying on the bed, unconscious, weak, and surrounded with various machines. Napakaraming nakatarak dito na lalong nagpabiyak sa puso niya.

She kneeled down beside his hospital bed and helplessly cried. “Daddy, I’m h-here. Daddy, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!”

Mahigpit niyang hinawakan ang kamay nito at doon umiyak nang umiyak. “I love you so much, daddy. I love you. Nandito na p-po ako, hindi na ako aalis. Please, wake up for me. Please, I’m here, your daughter is here a-already. I miss you so much, dad, miss na miss na kita. Kaya p-please, gumising ka na po.”

Para siyang batang nagmamakaawa na huwag iwanan ng magulang. Pakiramdam niya ay napakabigat ng hinihiling niya, pero ’yon lang ang paraan para mawala ang bigat sa dibdib niya— ang makitang gising ang ama.

He used to be filled with so much laughter, not like this!

“I hate these.” She glared at the machines around his father. “I hate t-these, you shouldn’t be suffering like this, dad. Hindi ka… Hindi k-ka dapat nandito. Ayoko… A-ayokong nandito ka!”

“Thee.” She felt Lee’s arms around her, trying to calm her down.

“Ayokong n-nandito si daddy, Lee. Please, let’s g-get the best doctors. He w-will wake up soon, he will w-wake up soon. I swear! Inaabangan pa niya…” Hinang-hina ang katawan na humikbi siya. “Inaabangan niya p-pa kayong umuwi.”

Maingat siyang kinulong ng mga kapatid sa mga braso nito, pilit siyang kinakalma at pinapatahan.

Alam niyang gustong-gusto na ring umiyak ng mga kuya niya, alam niyang pilit lang nagpapakatatag ang mga ito para sa kaniya.

They are all shaking… Yet they can’t be vulnerable around her.

And it breaks her heart, seeing her father in this situation, and having to witness his brothers’ downfall.

Sana, sana hindi na lang totoo ang lahat.

LIII

CHAPTER 53

“YOUR team mates are outside, Thee. Want to talk to them for a while?”

Inangat ni Finithee ang ulo nang marinig ang sinabi ng kuya Calidee niya mula sa pintuan. Kumunot ang kaniyang noo at bahagyang nagulat. “My team mates? They’re here?”

He nodded his head before smiling bitterly. “I’ll take care of dad, go and meet them. You need a break as well.”

She glanced at her father before squeezing his hand. “I’ll be back, daddy.”

Nanghihina ang mga tuhod na tumayo siya sa kinauupuan bago nagtungo palabas ng kwarto. She immediately saw all of her team mates outside, waiting and sitting silently. Abala sa isang tabi ang coach niya habang nakikipag-usap sa kuya Calisy at kuya Calee niya.

It was Wrath who noticed her first. Mabilis itong tumayo sa kinauupuan at mahigpit siyang niyakap. Both of her arms are too weak to hug him back, but she still did because she wanted to feel him.

After crying for several hours, she finally found a little peace inside Wrath’s arms. It felt like she’s hugging her home, and seeing her team mates around her allowed her to breathe.

“Baby, I’m sorry about what happened,” her boyfriend whispered on her right ear.

Mahina siyang ngumiti bago tapikin ang likod nito. “Thank you for coming, Wrath. I’m s-sorry for leaving the base camp like that. I was p-panicking earlier—”

“Shh, it’s okay.” Malambing nitong hinalikan ang pisngi niya. “I’m here, baby. We’re all here for you. Your father will wake up soon, he will be fine.”

Kinuha nito ang kamay niya para dalhin siya sa iba. Isa-isa niyang tinanggap ang mahigpit na yakap ng mga ito.

“We’re here for you,” coach Migo said that made her smile.

“Thank you, guys.”

Mariin niyang pinikit ang mga mata nang umupo siya sa tabi ng nobyo. Ikinulong naman ng lalaki ang palad niya sa loob ng kamay nito.

His fingers rushed through her hair, caressing it softly.

“Have you eaten already, baby?” he worriedly asked.

Umiling siya.

“You might pass out from too much crying. Please, kumain ka muna,” he insisted.

“I don’t want to. Hindi ko rin malulunok lahat ng kakainin ko. I just want to stay beside dad until he wakes up,” sagot niya.

“Baby, you need to fill your body with energy as well. I hate seeing you like this.”

“Don’t worry about me,” she answered. “I’ll be fine.”

ISANG malalim na buntong hininga ang pinakawalan ni Finithee nang makita ang mga kamiyembro na natutulog sa kinauupuan.

It’s already 3AM and they’re still at the Hospital. Ayaw talagang umalis ng mga ito para iwan siya. Wala pa ngang maayos na kain at tulog.

Lumapit siya sa nobyo na nakatulala kung saan.

“Wrath…” She let out a sigh. “All of you should go back. Matulog muna kayo. You also need to train and think about the upcoming contest. Huwag n’yo akong alalahanin.”

His sleepy eyes focused on her. He held her hand and kissed it. “I want to send them back so they could rest, but they want to stay with you, baby. I want to stay with you here as well.”

She sighed weakly. “I don’t want to put burden on you, Wrath, the same way I don’t want to see their smiles fading because of me. I can handle this alone.”

“Baby—”

“Please, Wrath. I appreciate your gestures a lot, but I don’t want to see you in this situation. Kaya, please. Magpahinga na kayo mamaya sa base camp.”

She stood up without waiting for his reply. ’Saka siya pumasok sa comfort room at humarap sa salamin.

A familiar pain struck inside her heart, it almost made her fall.

Bumuhos ang mga luha na kanina niya pa pinipigilan matapos mapansin ang pagbabago sa ekspresyon ng mga kamiyembro niya.

Their usual happy and mischievous faces are now gone. Alam niyang gusto siyang damayan ng mga ito pero ayaw niyang makita ang lungkot sa mukha nila.

They used to be filled with so much happiness, and because of her, they can’t even say anything to make every laugh.

It hurts her. It’s killing her.

She hated putting burden on other people because it doesn’t sit right to her. Especially that it’s them, the people who made her feel safe and happy, who’s carrying the pain she’s going through.

May tournament pa sila… May playoffs pa.

Kailangan pa nilang mag-training, eh. Dapat masaya pa rin sila ngayon.

Pero bakit nawala lahat ng ngiti sa mga mukha nila sa isang iglap? Bakit lahat sila hindi magawang tumawa o magsalita? Bakit kailangan nilang madamay sa lahat ng nangyayari sa kaniya?

Dapat nasa bahay lang ang daddy niya at walang iniinda. Dapat payapa lang ang lahat.

Gusto niyang magalit sa mundo.

Gusto niyang magalit sa lahat ng bagay.

“I fucking wished before…” She clenched her fist while crying. “I told you I never want to see them losing their smiles.”

She gasped for air yet it still gives her an heartache.

“My dad shouldn’t be here, he’s supposed to be healthy, and busy throwing welcome party to my brothers. But why…” Nanghihina siyang natumba sa sahig habang mahigpit na hawak ang sink. “Why does it have to be us? Why do you have to do this to me? I don’t w-want this either.”

“I never did anything wrong… My team mates…” Humagulhol siya nang malakas. “I don’t w-want to see them hurting. Wrath is not supposed to be carrying my pain. But why…”

Her body felt so weak, even her mental condition is not stable already. Nagsisimula na siyang magalit at ma-frustrate sa lahat.

Ayos lang sana kung siya lang ang nasasaktan. Pero ang makitang madamay ang iba kahit sabihin pa na normal lang ’yon… Para na siyang binabaliw.

Wrath… Her safe place and her home, is surely suffering a lot, because they love each other deeply.

She kept on wondering what’s going through his mind… What he felt when she had a breakdown in front him?

“I’m sorry…” She sobbed. “I’m s-sorry, guys. I’m sorry, Wrath. I’m s-sorry.”

LIV

Miss you so muuuch, guys! Sorry sa pagiging busy. Malapit na, isang kembot na lang at next week ay hindi na akooo busy.

CHAPTER 5

4

“WHAT do you mean you’re planning to quit the team, Finithee?”

Finithee’s body felt weak when she heard her coach’s response. Alam naman niyang hindi ito papayag sa gusto niyang mangyari.

“You can’t do that, Finithee. I know that you’re going through a hard time right now because of your father’s situation but…” He let out a frustrated sigh. “You’re almost at the final. Malapit na nating maabot ’yung championship kaya bakit ngayon pa?”

“I’ll have a hard time playing in the arena while my father is still in a critical condition. Ayoko m-maging pabigat sa buong team, coach. I’m not emotionally capable of playing and the playoffs will start after two weeks.”

“But Finithee, this is your dream. You’ve fought so hard to reach the playoffs, and the team will never be able to function without you,” he added.

“Coach, I’m sorry if I’m asking too much.” She looked at him, almost begging. “This is the only thing I can do for my team mates. I don’t want them to worry about me anymore, I don’t want to share my problems with them. It will only affect the competition and their minds as well.”

“Are you quitting the team because you see yourself as a burden to us?”

“Yes.”

“Finithee, you’re not a burden—”

“And even if you constantly treat me like I am not a burden, it will still hurt me, coach Migo.” Her eyes watered. “I hate seeing your sad faces. I know you all care for me and for my dad, but I no longer want to see you hurting just because I am hurting.”

Her coach let out a frustrated sigh before walking back and forth. Minamasahe nito ang sentido at paulit-ulit na naglalakad pabalik-balik sa loob ng meeting room.

“We can still talk about it, Finithee. Or…” Panic is evident in his eyes. “Or we can find a solution for this, I swear, we will find a solution for this no matter what.”

Her eyes are no longer hopeful, she just wanted to end everything and go back to the hospital.

Her decision hurts her so fucking bad. It’s slowly killing her from the inside.

If only she didn’t have to act so tough in front of Migo, she would definitely burst into tears already.

“I’ll give you three days. Three more days,” hirap na hirap nitong saad. “And after three days, if your decision is still as is, then I would help you leave the team.”

“Coach…” she trailed.

“Finithee, this is not easy for me either. But I have to protect you and your feelings, that’s why I want you to decide after three days.”

“Thank you, coach.” She stood up from her seat. “Please tell them not to visit me in the Hospital. We will be transferring dad to another private room. Please… Just let them focus on the training.”

“You know they won’t agree with me—”

“It’s for their own sake. It will a-also help me think that they’ll feel better when they’re away from me,” she cut him off.

Hindi niya na hinintay pang magsalita ang lalaki dahil agad niya na rin itong tinalikuran. “I’ll go a-ahead, coach. Thank you.”

Dire-diretsyo siyang humakbang palabas ng meeting room pero agad ding nanigas sa kinatatayuan nang makita kung sino ang nasa harap niya.

“Baby.”

She panicked as soon as she saw Wrath in front her.

“Baby.” He quickly held her hand and kissed her. “I thought you were in the Hospital, I went there with the three guys and your brothers told us that you talked to coach Migo in our base camp. What happened?”

Nilagpasan niya ang nobyo at dire-diretsyong naglakad pababa ng hagdan.

“Baby, wait. Where are you going?”

“I’m leaving now.”

The trio were so surprised to see her when they finally reached the living room. But she didn’t even look at them.

She walked past through them, still ignoring Wrath. Hanggang sa paglabas niya ng base camp ay hinahabol pa rin siya ng lalaki.

“Finithee, ihahatid kita. Baby, wait!”

“I can go to the Hospital on my own, Wrath!”

Hinarap niya ang lalaki nang maingat na hablutin siya nito sa braso. Agad din itong bumitaw sa takot na masaktan siya.

“What happened? Why are you running away from me like that? Ihahatid na kita, baka kung mapano ka pa sa daan,” mahinahon nitong saad.

“Taxi exists for a goddamn reason. You don’t have to worry about me all the time. Dapat nga nagte-training lang kayo ngayon, eh! You’re not supposed to stay with me in the Hospital, I’m fine!”

Her heart ached terribly as soon as she said those words. Alam niyang hinding-hindi niya kayang sabihin ang mga bagay na ’yon kung hindi lang siya nasasaktan.

Wrath’s eyes are full of confusion right now.

“Baby…” He tried stepping closer to her but she stepped backward. “Why are you r-raising your voice on me? Did I do something wrong?”

“You and the rest of our team mates need to focus on the upcoming playoffs, Wrath. I don’t want to see your presence and their presence in the Hospital, starting tomorrow. If you actually care for me, you will do what I say.”

“But we’re eager to stay with you. You’ve been crying for days already and the only thing we can do for you is to be—”

“I don’t need your sympathy about my situation anymore! I appreciate everything you guys are doing but it will only add pain to me, Wrath. Stop acting as if nothing has changed.” Her tears fell and she has no strength to wipe them away. “You’ve seen how down you were during the past few days. Even Kiel, Hugene, coach Migo, and Scar, they are all in mess everytime they see me miserable!”

“Because we care for you.”

“And I don’t want that kind of care, Wrath.” She sobbed continuously. “I just want you guys to be happy all the time, ayokong makita ka, sila, kayong lahat, na nagkakaganito dahil lang sa sitwasyon ko. It’s a fucking burden to all of you and it’s another different level of pain to me.”

“You’re just frustrated, baby. That’s why you’re saying these things. Pagod ka lang. Let’s go, you need to rest.”

He stepped forward to hold her. His touch used to be her comfort zone, but now, it felt like she’s only causing trouble to him.

Her father has only 50% of survival, and he’s not going to be better for the following days. And during those days, she knew for sure that her usual self will never return unless her dad is safe.

Kapag pinagpatuloy niyang magpakita ng kahinaan sa mga taong mahal niya, mas nakikita niya lang ang sarili niya na pabigat.

They will only have a hard time focusing on the playoffs.

And Wrath, she doesn’t deserve to see him receiving all the pain she has to go through.

Nanghihina siyang kumawala sa lalaki habang lumuluha bago iangat ang tingin dito.

“Let’s break up, Wrath.”

LV

CHAPTER 55

“WHAT the hell are you talking about, Finithee?!” Wrath’s expression darkened.

“I said let’s break up, let’s end this.”

Bumakas ang pagkalito sa mukha ng lalaki dahil sa sinabi niya. “Why are you doing this, baby? What did I do wrong? We can talk about it—”

“I don’t want to talk about it!”

“Baby…” He let out a frustrated sigh as he calmly reached out for her hand. “Please, don’t raise your voice, you’re hurting me. Please, let’s not fight. I love you so much, I don’t want you to keep doing this.”

“Ayokong makipag-usap sa ’yo, Wrath. If you don’t want to listen to what I want, then I want to put an end to this relationship,” she replied weakly before turning her back against him.

Hindi pa siya nakakalayo nang muli siyang hilahin ni Wrath paharap dito. “No, let’s talk about this, Finithee. Let’s not fight, please, let’s not do that. You need me right now, you need us. Stop seeing yourself as a burden to all of us, you’re not, baby.”

“You kept on saying that…” Tears fell from her eyes. “All of you kept on saying that I am not a burden but that’s what I’m feeling every day. None of your words matter to me, Wrath, it won’t help me. Kaya n-nga gusto ko na makita kayong malayo sa akin, kasi ayokong ipasan lahat sa inyo.”

“Esports is your life, all of you have been striving hard to get the championship every season, and I don’t want to ruin it. APPL’s championship is your life and my situation right now is stopping the team to win it. You think I can be at ease by your words? It is certainly not helping me at all!”

Wrath hugged her carefully and embrace her with so much love. Umangat ang kamay nito sa buhok niya para maingat siyang haplusin doon. “Baby… I’m sorry.”

“Ayoko rin ng nangyayari, Wrath,” she sobbed heavily. “I want to laugh and smile around them, I miss bonding with Scar, Hugene, Kiel, coach, and with you. I m-miss you guys, so much.”

Her voice broke. “Pero h-hindi ko kayang maging masaya habang nasa ganoong sitwasyon si daddy, kahit g-gusto ko kayong pasalamatan sa hindi pag-alis sa tabi ko, nasasaktan pa rin ako. Don’t b-blame me, Wrath, please… Don’t blame me if I want to stay a-away from all of you for the mean time. Please, p-please…”

“Baby, don’t d-do this to us. We c-can think about some ways to fix this.” He stopped talking in between his breathe. “I will d-do everything I can to fix this.”

She wiped her tears before pulling away from the hug. Her cold eyes met his begging eyes.

“You have a choice, Wrath. Either to end our relationship or stay away from me. And if you don’t want to choose, then I will.”

Finithee pulled her hand from his grip as she walked away from him. Rinig na rinig niya ang mga hikbi ng lalaki.

It was too childish for her to do that.

She could have done another way to solve her problem, but she has no enough time to think about other ways.

Her selfishness is for them… Just because she don’t want other people seeing her vulnerable side, and eventually receiving the pain she had to carry.

“Just focus on your training, please, please. Don’t mind me, please,” she whispered while walking silently. If only her team mates could hear her.

“Finithee, baby!”

She stopped walking when she heard Wrath’s voice behind. Tumatakbo itong lumapit sa kaniya at niyakap siya mula sa likod.

His tears immediately fell on her shoulder.

“I love you, baby. I love you s-so much.” Hinalikan nito ang buhok niya. “I’ll d-do that, baby. I’ll obey you. I will s-stay away from you to give you the space you w-want. But I will never break up with you, baby. Mahal na m-mahal kita, hindi ko kayang gawin sa ’yo ’yon.”

“Wrath,” she uttered.

“I’m sorry, I’m s-sorry if I kept on disobeying your words. I’m sorry, love. I love you, I love you, I love you so much. I will give you the space you’re asking for, I won’t interfere with your decisions a-anymore.” Mahigpit siya nitong niyakap at hinalikan ang leeg niya. “Just let me care for you from afar, just let me watch over you. I will go around unnoticed, I p-promise.”

Humihikbi siyang tumango at mahigpit na hinawakan ang kamay ng lalaki na nakapalibot sa baywang niya.

“I’m sorry, Wrath. I l-love you too. I’m sorry if I’m being unfair. Hindi ko lang a-alam kung anong gagawin ko. But it will make me feel so much better if I won’t h-have to see you hurting around me. Hindi k-ko na rin talaga kasi alam kung anong g-gagawin ko.”

“It’s fine, baby. It’s fine. Don’t blame yourself, you’re hurt and confused, Finithee.”

“Please do well with your training, Wrath. I want the trio to enjoy every single matches you play in the playoffs.” Muli siyang kumawala sa lalaki habang humihikbi. “I’m sorry.”

Every step she did to walk away from Wrath is the same amount of pain she’s feeling. Walking away from him, from her team, from the base camp which used to be her home— felt suffocating.

If only she’s in the right mind to think about better considerations, maybe all of this won’t happen.

But even the thought of her father, waking up, never appears in her mind because he’s just barely alive surrounded with machines.

Mas ayos na rin na pansamantala niyang hindi makita ang pinakamamahal niyang mga kamiyembro. It’s for the better. Kahit magalit man ang mga ito sa kaniya, ayos lang, basta’t manatili lang ang atensyon nila sa laro.

She will accept the consequences of her immature decisions.

As long as her team mates are happy.

LVI

CHAPTER 56

“BUT I’m hoping that all of you can visit dad, even just for one day, auntie.”

“I can’t, Finithee. I have a lot of things to do here in my province. Hindi mo pa ba nakakausap ang tito Andrey mo? Baka makapunta siya.”

Finithee closed her eyes tightly after hearing that reason for hundred times already. “He said he can’t also. Wala p-po bang pupunta sa inyo kahit isa? It will make dad feel better once he wakes up and he’ll know that his siblings visited him.”

“Ija, we don’t have time. Even just for one day? I will lose a lot within that one day. ’Saka ano bang kailangan ninyong magkakapatid? Pera? I can send–”

“We don’t need your money, tita! We don’t need any amount from you and from other people, we can provide for dad. Mahirap po bang magpakita lang kayo kahit saglit sa amin nila kuya?” she angrily said.

Her forehead furrowed when her auntie from the other line ended the call without any word. Hindi makapaniwalang pinagmasdan niya ang screen ng cellphone para hintayin kung tatawag ba ito ulit. But few minutes passed, and nothing.

Nanghihina siyang napaupo sa sofa sa loob ng private room ng daddy niya at nagpakawala ng malalim na buntong hininga.

Dumagdag pa sa sakit ng ulo ang mga kapatid ng daddy niya. Puro busy, walang time, hindi kayang makapunta, ayaw pumunta, lahat na ng dahilan binibitaw ng mga tita at tito niya. Gusto niya lang naman bisitahin ng mga ito ang daddy niya kahit saglit lang.

Her father’s literally battling life and death, but his siblings he used to help have no time for him.

“Thee, are you done calling them?” Mabilis siyang tumingala nang pumasok si Lee sa kwarto. “What did they say? Makakapunta ba sila?”

She shook her head. “None of them will.”

“That’s fucked up.” He sat down beside her while laughing unbelievably. “Dad extended help for them few years ago when they needed it. Yet they can’t even pay him a visit?”

“Hayaan na natin sila, Lee. Wala naman tayong magagawa. They were always like that ever since, kaya nga labag sa loob ko na kausapin silang lahat,” she replied. “By the way, I bought lunch for–”

“Rest for a while, Thee. Ilang araw ka nang walang maayos na tulog, hindi ka pa kumakain nang maayos.” Pinatong ng kapatid niya ang kamay nito sa ibabaw ng ulo niya bago siya ngitian.

“I will do that later. I have to accompany Veenus and Danerie for a while, they’re on their way already. Baka nga malapit na sila.”

“Then rest after that.”

“I will.”

“Where’s your team mates by the way? I haven’t seen them for days, did something happen?” Pumuslit ang kirot sa dibdib niya nang marinig ang tanong ng kapatid.

“I told t-them not to come for a while.”

“That’s much better, they won’t be able to focus on the tournament if they keep on coming here. I’m sure they’ll understand.”

Finithee quickly stood up from her seat when she heard Veenus’ voice from outside. “I think Vee is here, I’ll talk to them kuya. Ikaw muna kay daddy.”

Her brother nodded his head as a signal.

“WHAT do you mean you broke up with Wrath, Finithee?”

Agad na lumukot ang mukha ng kaibigan nang marinig ang sinabi niya. Kahit ang nobyo nito ay bakas din ang gulat sa mukha.

“It wasn’t a b-break up, Vee. We just decided to take a break, for the meantime.”

Veenus raised her eyebrow. “It pretty much sounds like a break-up to me. I don’t understand. Why would you want him to stay away from you while you’re here, suffering? Kung tutuusin, you need Wrath and your team mates by your side.”

“I just want him and the rest of the team to focus on training, Vee. I heard f-from coach Migo that they’re all doing well, they’re capable of training and doing scrims right now compare to the past few days. Isn’t that g-good? They will surely win the championship,” she happily said.

“It’s not good, Finithee.” Veenus stared at her unbelievably. “They’re able to train now, yes, but I’m pretty sure that they’re worried about you everyday. Hindi mo na dapat sila pinalayo sa ’yo. Mas lalo mo lang silang binibigyan ng rason para mag-alala sa ’yo nang sobra.”

She was stunned when she heard that.

“But I…” Napalunok siya. “I did that f-for them. So, they won’t have to constantly come back here and–”

“And it will make you feel better that you won’t feel a burden anymore?” inis na tanong ng kaibigan. “You already did that to me, Finithee. When you had a problem back then, you chose not to tell me because you think you will be a burden to me. Para saan pa na magkaibigan tayo kung ginawa mo ’yon? Para saan pa na naging kayo ni Wrath kung hindi mo siya hahayaan na palakasin ka?”

“Staying away from people who’s important to you has always been your solution, Finithee. You’re making us feel like we’re not genuine to you. Kasi kung may tiwala ka naman sa amin, hindi ka mag-aalala.”

A tear escape from her right eye until a continuous amount of tears fell on her cheeks. Humihikbi siyang yumuko at inabot ang kamay ni Veenus. “I’m sorry.”

Her best friend pulled her for a hug. “Stop doing that, Thee. You’re just punishing yourself every time you’re trying to push us away. Hindi ka nagiging pabigat sa amin.”

“I’m sorry, Vee. I’m really s-sorry. I shouldn’t have d-done that.”

“It’s fine.” Humigpit ang yakap nito sa kaniya. “I’m sorry for saying those things as well. Alam kong marami ka nang iniisip ngayon, pasensya na. Gusto ko lang namang mas makapag-isip ka nang maayos kahit nahihirapan ka ngayon.”

Finithee was about to close her eyes when she caught someone’s figure from afar. Nanlaki ang mga mata niya at agad na kumawala sa pagkakayakap sa kaibigan.

Napansin din ’yon ng dalawa kaya mabilis silang tumayo at pinisil ang balikat niya. Danerie smiled at her sweetly. “We’ll go ahead first, Thee. I think you should talk to him.”

Marahan siyang tumango habang hindi pa rin inaalis ang tingin sa lalaki mula sa malayo. His eyes are different compare to the last time they met. He’s staring at her coldly, without any emotions, as if he’s hiding his anger.

His cold gazes sent million pain to her heart.

LVII

CHAPTER 57

“WRATH, wait! Wrath, I want to talk to you. Please, wait!” Finithee quickly grabbed Wrath’s arm when she reached him.

Malamig siyang tinapunan ng tingin ng lalaki bago umatras nang ilang hakbang. “What do you want to talk about? I’m not here for you, I just visited someone I know.”

“Ah,” she uttered before letting go of him. “How are you? How about the trio? Are they training properly?”

“Yes.”

Nagbaba siya ng tingin. “Sorry about the last time. I was a bit r-rude when I raised my voice on you.”

Wrath’s lips curved into a smirk. “I didn’t know that Veenus and Danerie are still able to meet you here. I thought you pushed everyone away from you.”

Tumingin siya sa mga mata ng lalaki nang marinig ’yon. “Veenus said she w-wanted to see me, so I told her about my father’s situation. But I didn’t–”

“It was fucking unfair for you to do that, Finithee.” Wrath’s cold voice scared her. “Do you know how I felt worthless when I saw those two beside you? You were able to push me away, your boyfriend, your team mates, and yet you can’t do that to other people. Does that mean you don’t trust us enough?”

“Wrath…”

“You should have never answered my proposal if you’re not going to trust me. I thought your decision was simply to make us feel better and feel secure,” mapang-uyam nitong sabi. “I only want you to trust me, and I will decide after everything. You have always been like that. You kept on questioning my love for you, you kept on looking down on yourself.”

Nanikip ang dibdib niya habang pinapakinggan ang lalaki. It’s the first time that he talked to her using that tone, and it breaks her heart.

“If you don’t want other people caring for you, then don’t let them enter your life, Finithee. It’s easy as that. You just want other people to stay beside you through the good times, that’s not fucking genuine!” He looked at her from head to toe. “You could have at least made sure that you’ll look fine even after I was gone. Do you even get a good sleep? Do you even eat properly? How come that you still have the energy to walk away from us?”

Mas lalo siyang napahikbi nang marinig ’yon.

“Find people who hates you to death, maybe they’ll have the strength to smile around while you’re suffering. That’s what you wanted, right?”

She sobbed continuously, trying to stop herself from running away and ignoring what he said. Lahat naman ng sinasabi ng lalaki ay totoo, hindi niya na itatanggi ’yon. Aminado naman siya na mali ang paraan niya, pero wala siyang kapasidad na baguhin pa ang lahat at mag-isip nang tama.

“I’m s-sorry…”

“You kept on saying that, Finithee, for pete’s sake! How many times do you have to feel sorry? Hindi ka ba napapagod? Hindi mo ba kayang hayaan kami na magdesisyon para hindi ka nakakagawa ng mali?”

“I’m s-sorry, Wrath.”

“Bullshit.” He frustratedly shut his eyes before looking at her. “What happened to you? Why are you like this?”

She bit her lower lip while crying. Halo-halo na ang emosyon ng lalaki dahil sa kaniya, hindi na rin niya kayang magsalita pa at sumagot sa mga sinasabi nito.

“Seeing you like this just made me realize that you need us. No matter what you say, Finithee, you fucking need us. Kahit ipagtulakan mo pa kami palayo, hindi maalis ang katotohanan na hindi mo kayang mag-isa ’to.” Wrath let out a sigh. “I will visit you here every time I want. And eat proper meals, you kept on claiming that you’re fine but your body’s almost shutting down.”

“Wrath, wait…” she said when he started walking away. Hindi tumigil ang lalaki at patuloy lang na naglakad papalayo sa kaniya.

Finithee quickly sat down on the hospital’s chair to prevent her knees from falling.

“YOU shouldn’t have said that to Finithee, babe. Your best friend is already in pain, let’s not make her worry about other things.”

“I’m sorry, Wise. I just can’t help but to get pissed off by her decisions. Nag-aalala lang din naman ako sa kaniya, kasi nakasanayan niya nang gawin ang bagay na ’yon,” Veenus replied to her partner.

Wise smiled genuinely before caressing her shoulder. “We will never understand her unless you have the same mindset with hers. People have different ways of solving their problems, and it came to the point that Finithee’s way is not aligned to our understanding.”

“But, babe, she can just explain it deeply to Wrath, to her team mates, to us. Maiintindihan naman natin siya–”

“Hindi nga natin siya maintindihan ngayon, tingin mo kapag sinubukan niyang magpaliwanag, hindi tayo maguguluhan? Babe…” He pulled Veenus gently to sit down. “Wrath, Scar, Hugene, and Kiel, all of them have dedicated their lives to the tournament. And Finithee’s just starting, wala pa siya sa kalahati ng mga bagay na handang ibigay ng apat para sa esports.”

“And?”

“And for her, sharing her problem to her team mates will only give them a hard time. If I am still a professional player, would you rather let me focus on you rather than the tournament I’ve always wanted to win?” he asked and Veenus quickly shook her head. “See? If you’ll only put yourself in Finithee’s position, you will understand her. Pero hindi lang naman ’yon ang kinakaharap niya ngayon. Her father has only 50% of survival, any time, he might wake up or not. You think she’s still capable of making good decisions when she can’t even calm herself down?”

“You’re right… I shouldn’t have questioned her.”

“What she did is not right, yes, and your frustration is valid. Finithee’s feelings are valid as well, her behavior isn’t, but we still need to keep an eye to her.”

Mahigpit niyang hinawakan ang kamay ni Veenus at malungkot na ngumiti rito.

“She is overwhelmed with the fact that her brothers are enough to make her feel better. But as soon as she realized what she did wrong, she will eventually start to make right decisions. We just have to patiently wait for her, babe. Let’s wait for her to heal, slowly. Her life is full of happiness and maybe she thinks that people liked her because of that. She kept on saying that she’s a burden when she’s not. Maybe she’s afraid that we will leave her and find her annoying once she can’t provide positive atmosphere anymore.”

Pumatak ang mga luha sa pisngi ng nobya matapos niyang sabihin ang mga bagay na ’yon. Agad niya naman itong hinila para yakapin ito nang mahigpit.

“Thank you, Wise. Thank you so much for loving my best friend as much as I do, thank you because you’re able to understand her,” madamdamin nitong saad.

“No worries, babe. Finithee has always been a good friend to both of us, it’s time for us to make her feel better.”

LVIII

CHAPTER 58

APPL Official Page

10 minutes ago

After a thoroughly discussion with the whole organization, the APPL organization has come up with the decision to postpone the upcoming playoffs for our rising player, Finithee Suarez, or Rage. We are all hoping for her father’s recovery and we are extending our support to the Suarez family.

The playoffs will proceed after one month according to the petition signed by APPL professional players. Here is the written petition by the players:

From the team of Ark of Arsenal, Ulysses Wagon, Freed, White Shadow,

Libertad

, Loud, Shade, Ink, Code of Sin, Horror, Metamorphosis, and

Helliosine

, we have received a shocking news about our co-player, Rage, whose father is now in a critical condition.

After reading the information for the upcoming World Series, and finding out that the tournament will be happening after seven months, the players are proposing to adjust the APPL playoffs’ date for our co-player. Fortunately, this adjustment, if it will be taken into consideration, won’t affect the tournament and the teams.

We are sincerely hoping for the recovery of Finithee Suarez’s father.

To send our warmest support and love for Rage, we are signing this petition in order for her to participate in trainings and join the playoffs.

(Petition signed by all players, coaches, and staffs of the twelve teams)

Finithee’s tears have constantly escaping her eyes while repeatedly reading the latest post from APPL’s official page. Kahit ilang ulit niya pang basahin, hindi pa rin tumitigil ang puso niya sa pagkirot at ang mga luha niya sa pag-agos.

She haven’t met all of them, she wasn’t able to exchange words with some of them, yet they’re all willing to adjust their time for her.

And knowing the fact that all of the players signed the petition means so much to her. They are all silently supporting her, without any words, but the gesture they did is enough.

Migo Arsenal

Finithee, have you seen the latest post of APPL?

She smiled as soon as she received coach Migo’s message.

Rage

I did, coach

Migo Arsenal

The management refused your proposal to quit the team because of that. I’m hoping that you will join our training! We miss you!

She panicked for few seconds before typing a reply.

Rage

Kuya Dee and Sy just came back from America after fixing their schedules. I can join the training, coach.

Migo Arsenal

Really? We have training tonight, you think you can join us? The trio kept on asking me about you, they’ll be in extreme happiness once you surprise them tonight!

Napangiti siya nang mabasa ’yon. Gosh, she missed the trio so much. Hindi niya maipaliwanag kung gaano niya gustong makita ang tatlo at yakapin sila nang napakahigpit.

Rage

Sure! I miss you all, coach.

Migo Arsenal

Yay! I’ll send Wrath later to fetch you. See you!

Parang nanigas ang katawan niya nang mabasa ang pangalan na ’yon. Hindi na siya nakapagtipa ng mensahe pabalik dahil sa labis na panginginig ng mga daliri niya. Her last interaction with Wrath was two days ago, and it was horrible. He was really mad at her, but she has no right to question his anger because it’s valid.

Handa na ba siyang harapin ulit ang lalaki? Kakayanin niya bang tumitig sa mga galit nitong mata?

FINITHEE panicked as soon as she saw Wrath leaning on his sports car outside the hospital. Mabuti na lang at gabing-gabi na, kaya walang masyadong tao sa paligid.

Hinigpitan niya ang kapit sa bag habang naglalakad palapit sa lalaki.

“Did c-coach Migo sent you?” she asked him as soon as she reached his place.

He nodded. “Hop in.”

Tahimik siyang sumunod sa lalaki nang buksan nito ang pintuan ng kotse, ’saka siya maingat na sumakay sa loob at hinintay itong umikot papunta sa driver’s seat.

The car was immediately crowded with silence as soon as he entered inside. Kinabit nito ang seat belt bago siya sulyapan. “Have you eaten dinner already?”

“Ah… I’ll just o-order food once we reach the base camp.”

Inalis nito ang tingin sa kaniya bago lumingon sa likod. He leaned to grab a plastic bag, then he placed it on top of her lap. “Eat that later.”

Binaba niya ang tingin sa pagkain bago lingunin ang lalaki. “Thank you, Wrath.”

Hindi na ito sumagot sa kaniya at inabala na lang ang sarili sa pagmamaneho. Unlike the past few weeks wherein he kept on insisting conversation, and she kept on answering, both of them are silent right now. 

Until he finally broke the silence.

“Are you sleeping properly?” he asked.

She stared at him in shock as she slowly shook her head. “I can’t sleep properly, but it’s okay.”

“It’s not. You look tired and exhausted. Stop trying to act tough.”

Natahimik siya nang barahin siya nito. Kinagat niya ang ibabang labi para pigilan ang sarili na lingunin ito at irapan.

“Sleep in the base camp after the training, ako na ang magsasabi sa mga kapatid mo,” Wrath uttered.

A small laugh escaped her lips that made his forehead furrowed. “What’s so funny about what I said?”

“It’s just ironic… My brothers wanted to meet you, and ask you questions, for being my boyfriend. They wanted me to introduce you to them as soon as they came back from America, but you never had the chance to meet them properly.” She sighed heavily. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for giving you something to worry about, Wrath. I can’t even introduce you to my family in a good way.”

Ilang minuto ring natahimik si Wrath matapos niyang sabihin ’yon.

Her eyes widened when Wrath leaned sideways to grab her left hand gently. He intertwined his fingers with hers and squeezed it. “Stop saying your apologies for things you can’t control.”

Nanatili ang mga mata niya sa magkahawak nilang kamay. It felt surreal and impossible.

He was supposed to be mad at her. He’s not supposed to do these things to her, it’s making her feel hopeful.

“Wrath…”

“Just let me hold your hand for once, Finithee. I just want to feel you, please. Let me do this.” Malambing na nilingon siya ng lalaki. “Look at you, nawala lang ako saglit, pinabayaan mo na ang sarili mo. I should really give you my eyes so you could see how special you are. Maybe you won’t treat yourself like that if I’ll do that.”

“You’re s-supposed to be mad at me, Wrath.” Naluluha niyang tinitigan ang lalaki. “Bakit ba ayaw mong magalit sa akin? I was fucking stupid and immature–”

“I love you.” Inangat nito ang kamay niya habang nakatingin sa daan, pagkatapos ay hinalikan ng nobyo ang likod ng palad niya. “I love you so much, Finithee.”

“Wrath naman…”

“I’m sorry for saying those words at you, you don’t deserve all of that. I should have just stayed quiet. Nasaktan pa tuloy kita.” Pumatak ang mga luha nito sa palad niya. “I love you so much, so let’s fix this. Just let me comfort you and love you until the rest of my life. It’s my only purpose. I exist for you, baby. So, stop pushing me away.”

Umiiyak siyang tumango sa lalaki. “I love you too, Wrath.”

LIX

CHAPTER 59

“MISSY!” Mabilis na pumuslit ang masayang ngiti sa mga labi ni Finithee nang bumungad sa kaniya ang tatlo sa pagkapasok nila ni Wrath ng base camp.

She giggled in so much excitement when they all jumped to hug her. “We miss you!”

“I miss you too, guys!” she happily replied while exchanging hugs with them.

Umaapaw ang tuwa sa dibdib niya habang pinagmamasdan ang mga ito. Days without them are living hell.

Scar pinched her cheeks. “I thought you were mad at us, missy! I’m so glad that you’re back and you’ll join our training again!”

“Ang hyper mo pa rin talaga, cutie Scar.”

“Of course, my Rage! I’m waiting for you to come back and shower you with happiness!”

She glanced at Kiel who’s widely smiling. “It was totally hell when we kept on practicing without you. Those random exp-laners are nothing compare to you! They always want us to carry them, but when we’re playing with you, you’re the one who’s carrying us without any worry!”

Tinaas niya ang isang kilay at ngumisi. “Of course no one can surpass me! I’m the best!”

The trio burst our laughing with her response that made her smile.

Nabaling ang tingin niya sa gilid nang lumapit si Wrath para hawakan ang kamay niya. “Don’t you miss training with us, baby? Let’s go.”

Isang ngiti ang sinagot niya sa lalaki at tinanguan ito.

They all sat down on their own gaming chairs, with overflowing happiness inside their hearts. She missed her computer so much. Even her chair feels like a throne that was empty without her.

The sight of four important men beside her is astonishing. She will never trade it for anything else.

“Missy! Can you pick Apocalypse for me? We miss seeing you play that hero,” Hugene said.

Mabilis naman siyang tumango sa lalaki at agad na sinunod ang gusto nito.

The first game started and she immediately felt the excitement while playing. Para siyang saglit na nakalaya sa lungkot dahil wala siyang ibang iniinda kung hindi ang kasiyahan. 

Because playing alongside her team mates will always be her comfort zone.

“GOSH, I miss my room,” Finithee uttered while roaming her eyes around her bedroom.

She never got any good sleep in the hospital, bukod sa pag-aalala sa sitwasyon ng tatay niya ay paniguradong hinahanap din ng kaniyang katawan ang kwarto niya.

“This is the only thing you miss here?”

She glanced at Wrath sideways when he hugged her from the back. Malambing pa nitong hinaplos ang magkabilang niyang braso habang tinataniman ng halik ang balikat niya. “How about me? You didn’t miss me?”

She chuckled after seeing his expression. Kumawala siya sa pagkakayakap sa nobyo at hinarap ito na may ngiti sa labi. “Of course I miss you! You’re the one that I miss the most!”

He pouted his lips. “How much did you miss me?”

She opened her arms widely. “Like this!”

Wrath let out a laugh when she did that. Hinablot nito ang baywang niya para yakapin siya nang napakahigpit. His lips went to her neck before placing soft kisses against it. His clingy side and his favorite thing to do when they’re hugging. Gosh, she really missed him a lot.

Hinayaan niya ang nobyo nang marahan siya nitong buhatin pahiga sa kama.

His big arm served as her pillow and his other arm encircled around her waist.

Pinahinga niya ang mukha sa dibdib ng lalaki at niyakap ito pabalik nang mahigpit. “I felt so guilty after acting so rude in front of you. You don’t deserve that, Wrath. I’m sorry.”

“We already talked about that, baby. I said it’s fine, right? Stop blaming yourself for the things you can’t control. Marami ka ring iniisip noong mga nakaraang araw.”

Her eyes watered after hearing his response. What have she done so good to get a man like Wrath? Siya na yata ang pinakamaswerteng babae sa mundo.

“Ang understanding talaga ng boyfriend ko.” Bumangon siya nang bahagya bago ito ngitian nang pilya. “Kiss.”

His forehead furrowed as he bit his lower lip. “Stop provoking me when we’re clearly on the bed, baby.”

She giggled. “Bakit? Kiss lang? Ayaw mo ba ng reward?”

Bumangon ang nobyo at sinamaan siya ng tingin. “You’re just teasing me.”

Her hand went to his arm and squeezed it. “Kiss na, oh.” Ngumuso pa siya at itinuro ang labi.

Wrath bit his lower lip again before grabbing her nape. Natatawa pa siyang impit na napatili nang agresibo nitong sunggaban ang mga labi niya.

Muli siyang napahiga sa kama nang pumaibabaw ang lalaki para mas palalimin pa ang halik. Both of his hands went to caress her cheeks.

Finithee’s hands encircled around his nape as she slowly stroked his hair.

“Fuck,” he murmured. “I want to do bad things to you, baby.”

“Then do it,” she naughtily replied.

Muli na namang napamura ang lalaki habang dahan-dahang kinakagat ang ibabang labi niya. He slid his tongue against her lower lip before looking at her intently.

“I promised to do it after marriage.”

Something touched her heart when he said that. He’s really going to keep his promise even if she’s the one inviting him already. She just wanted to test him and his patience, but her boyfriend is really decent to keep his words true.

She moaned a little when his head went to her flat stomach to kiss her there. Every part of her skin never escaped his naughty lips.

Mas bumaba pa ang mga labi ng lalaki hanggang sa magkabila niyang hita. His big hands are caressing her waist very gently, while his lips kept on kissing her skin. What he’s doing right now made her feel like he’s worshipping her.

“I can’t wait to call you my wife, baby.”

Gulat niyang pinagmasdan ang nobyo nang muli nitong ipantay ang mukha sa kaniya. Hinalikan siya nito sa labi habang seryoso pa rin ang mukha.

Inalalayan siya nitong umupo sa kama. 

“What did you j-just say, Wrath?”

His eyes went to hers. “I said I want to call you my wife. I want to marry you.”

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya nang ilabas ni Wrath mula sa bulsa ang isang pulang kahon. Pagkatapos ay lumuhod ito sa harap niya nang dahan-dahan.

Napasinghap pa siya nang buksan ng lalaki ang kahon at agad na bumungad sa kaniya ang diyamanteng singsing.

“This is my partial proposal, baby, because I’ll still give you a mind blowing proposal after everything comes back to normal. But for now, I can no longer lose you.” He kissed the back of her palm. “Baby, will you marry me?”

She covered her mouth in surprised. Naiiyak niyang tiningnan ang lalaki na naghihintay ng sagot niya.

Tumango siya habang patuloy na umiiyak. “Yes, baby. I w-will marry you.”

A single tear escaped from Wrath’s eyes when he finally heard her answer. He was trembling when he got up to wear the ring around her finger.

Pagkatapos ay sabay nilang hinagkan ang isa’t isa para pagdampiin ang mga labi nila.

“Thank you, baby.” He cried in between the kiss. “Thank you so much. I will marry you after the championship. I will give you everything the world can offer. I love you so fucking much, baby.”

LX

CHAPTER 60

ALMOST losing her breath, Finithee hurriedly stepped inside her father’s private room to confirm the message she received from Lee.

Agad na bumuhos ang mga luha sa pisngi niya nang makita ang tatlong kapatid sa gilid ng ama na masayang nakangiti.

“Thee,” Lee uttered her name while happiness is evident on his face.

“Is it true?” she asked while trembling. Humakbang siya papalapit sa mga ito habang nanginginig pa rin nang bahagya ang kamay. “Did he r-really move earlier?”

Calisy nodded his head. “He did, sweetheart. Our doctor said that dad will wake up anytime soon.  It was a miracle for him to wake up because he’s in a very critical condition, but look at him.”

She burst out crying in the arms of her brothers after hearing that.

“Dad will be okay, sweetheart. He will wake up soon. We all promised to each other that we will watch your games in the arena. I’m pretty sure he will do everything to quickly recover and witness you achieving your dreams, Thee,” Calidee whispered that made her cry even more.

“Hindi muna k-kayo babalik ng America, promise?”

They laughed before nodding their heads. “Our companies can wait, but we can’t afford seeing our dear princess throwing tantrums to us,” Calisy answered.

Sumisinghot siyang tumango. “Promise, ha.”

“Opo, spoiled brat.”

“Hmp!”

“You went here with someone.”

Her eyes widened after hearing what Calisy said. Agad niyang nilingon si Wrath sa likod na masaya silang pinagmamasdan. She quickly ran towards him before smiling in front her brothers.

“Kuya Lee, kuya Sy, kuya Dee, meet Wrath, my fiancee!”

Lee was the first one to react, nakangisi nitong iniling ang ulo. “I know him, Thee. He’s the captain of your team. Sabi na may meaning lahat ng pagtitig sa ’yo ng lalaking ’yan noong pumunta ako sa base camp ninyo, eh.”

Wrath scratched his nape shyly.

Calisy stepped forward to shake hands with her fiancee. “Nice to finally meet you, Wrath. Take care of our Finithee always or you’ll end up losing all parts of your body.”

“I will, kuya Calisy. Don’t worry. She’s always safe with me,” Wrath replied in a formal tone.

Kumunot ang noo ni Finithee nang makitang seryoso lang ang mukha ng kuya Dee niya sa kinatatayuan.

“What did you say, Thee? Fiancee?” tanong nito na agad niyang tinanguan. “He already proposed to you and you never told us?”

Calidee walked towards Wrath before eyeing him. “You’re planning to marry my sister, I see. She’s very demanding, she eats like a monster, she doesn’t know how to cook, she throw tantrums most of the time, she likes to be showered with affection, you think you can forever give her those things?”

Wrath stood still as he nodded. “I love spoiling her so I don’t mind if she’s very demanding. I know she eats like a monster that’s why I always cook food for her when I am capable. My baby is freaking cute whenever she throws tantrums, she’s not annoying at all. I always make sure that I’m showering her with all the love I can give. She’s the best thing that ever happened to me, and I will never trade her for anything else.”

Her brother seemed satisfied with Wrath’s answer.

Nilahad nito ang kamay para makipagkamay.

“You’re only allowed to marry her after she reached all her dreams. Grow together and we will support the two of you with anything,” Dee uttered. Bumitaw ito sa pakikipagkamay at muli na namang minata ang nobyo niya. “What do you do for a living? I’m aware that you’re the captain of the team. But both of you will eventually quit the league to focus on building family. How will you manage to give a luxury life to my sister?”

Lee laughed from behind and she can’t help but to laugh also.

Hindi niya pala nasabi sa kuya Dee niya na si Wrath din ang may-ari ng buong team.

Wrath smiled a bit. “You don’t have to worry about that, kuya. Even if we’re not playing in the league anymore, I’ll still manage the team properly so I won’t get bankrupt.”

Her brother’s eyes widened. “You own the team? You’re the CEO?”

Her fiancee nodded proudly. “I am, kuya Calidee.”

Bakas ang gulat sa mukha ng kapatid niya pero hindi nito pinahalata, pilit tinatago na na-impress din kay Wrath.

“Wow,” Sy gasped in surprise. “You’re very young and you already own a gaming company? Fuck. You can marry my sister now. I will call a priest-”

“Kuya,” natatawa niyang awat dito bago ito paluin sa braso. “Ang oa mo talaga. Ikakasal at ikakasal kami ni Wrath kahit anong sabihin ninyong tatlo.”

She proudly raised her finger with their engagement ring before giggling cutely. Natatawa naman siyang niyakap ni Wrath atsaka siya hinalikan sa pisngi.

“Ang yabang mo na, ah. Porke’t naunahan mo pa akong ma-engage, nakikipagkompetensya ka na.” Pinanliitan siya ng mga mata ni Lee na sinuklian lang niya ng irap.

“If you hurt her.” Napabuntong hininga siya nang magsalita na naman ang kuya Calidee niya. Hindi pa pala tapos. “I will make sure that you will never have the chance to live a normal life.”

“I will never hurt her even without worrying about your words, kuya Calidee,” Wrath replied.

“Hmm,” sagot ng isa. “Good. But once our father wakes up, I want you to properly introduce yourself to him. I don’t want him to be shocked about the fact that he just passed out, and his spoiled brat daughter…” Lumingon ito sa kaniya dahilan para mapanguso siya. “… is getting married anytime soon.”

“I’m sure dad will be happy for me,” sagot niya na parang siguradong-sigurado. “He will surely support me and he will also like Wrath! Kayo lang naman kasi ang maraming tanong lagi!”

“Of course we will ask questions! We took care of you since you’re a baby. You want us to pick any man who will take over our position? Huh!” Lee protested. “Napaka-arte at napaka-spoiled brat mo pa naman. Tingin mo makakatagal sa ’yo si Wrath eh–”

“Kuya! Panira ka!”

Her three brothers laughed with her reaction.

“See? Wrath, are you really sure about marrying this brat? She’s always bullying us!”

“I’m sure as hell, bro,” tipid na sagot ng nobyo habang yakap-yakap pa rin siya at sumasabay sa tawanan ng mga kapatid niya.

She glared at him sideways. “Hmp, nakikisali ka pa sa kanila. Pinagtutulungan n’yo pa talaga ako.”

He kissed her cheeks gently. “Because you look cute when you’re irritated and annoyed.”

“Kahit na, bully ka rin.”

“Okay, I’m sorry, my baby. I love you,” he replied.

Kitang-kita ng mga mata ni Finithee kung paano umirap ang tatlong kapatid. “Lovebirds, get a room, please.”

LXI

CHAPTER 61

“LET’S buy lunch and dinner for them too, Wrath. I’m sure they’ll stay in the hospital until dad wakes up,” Finithee said while checking the different choices written on the menu.

“Okay, baby.” Wrath sat beside her while flashing a sweet smile. “Can I bring you in my house tonight? Let’s sleep there.”

Kumunot ang noo niya nang marinig ang sinabi ng lalaki.

She watched him give their final orders to the staff before questioning him. “Your house? As in your own house?”

Nakangiting tumango ang nobyo. “I haven’t told you about it? I need to stay near the airport to fetch Caius and Euphoria.”

“Really? Hindi pa naman ako nakasama last week noong pumunta sila ng ibang bansa. I didn’t expect them to come back that fast.” she happily replied.

Wrath smiled as if he’s hiding something. Dumaan din ang pamilyar na kapilyuhan sa mga mata nito habang nakatingin sa kaniya.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked.

“Looking at you like what?”

“Like you’re planning something.”

“I’m not planning something, baby,” natatawa nitong sagot.

She rolled her eyes and removed her gaze at him, ’saka niya binaling ang tingin sa kararating lang na lalaking naka-uniform. Bitbit nito ang malaking supot na sa tingin niya ay ang mga pagkaing binili nila.

“Good afternoon, ma’am and sir. I can accompany you to your car,” the guy said.

“Thank you so much,” she replied while flashing a sweet smile. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Wrath para hilahin ito palabas ng restaurant.

“I’ll go with you tomorrow! I miss Caius and Euphoria so much, I want to see them,” masaya niyang sabi habang sabay silang naglalakad patungo sa kotse ng nobyo.

“Of course you must come and see them, baby.” Naroon na naman ang pilyong emosyon ng lalaki nang bitawan nito ang kamay niya para buksan ang trunk ng kotse.

The man in uniform immediately placed their food inside and thanked them. Sinuklian naman nila ito ng pasasalamat bago ito umalis.

“You’re smiling differently. Plano mo ba akong iligaw bukas?” tanong niya.

“Why would I do that to you, my love?” Lumapit si Wrath sa kaniya bago siya halikan sa pisngi.

Binuksan nito ang pintuan sa passenger’s seat kaya wala siyang nagawa kung hindi ang sumakay sa kotse na may iniisip pa rin. Ngumingiti lang naman ng gano’n ang lalaki kapag may pinaplanong nakakaasar.

She stared at him suspiciously when he’s finally on the driver’s seat. Gusto niya pa itong kwestyunin at hulihin ang kapilyuhan nito pero nanahimik na lang siya.

“Baby.” He extended his right hand to hold her left hand, then he kissed it passionately. “I swear I’m not planning something bad.”

“Bahala ka diyan, kapag ako talaga inasar mo na naman. Susumbong kita kay Dee!”

“Don’t do that.” He chuckled. “I’m trying to get on your brothers’ good side because I want them to like me. I should keep my good boy image.”

“Good boy image. Hindi ka naman good boy,” nakanguso niyang sabi.

Tinaasan lang siya nito ng kilay at pilyong ngumiti bago ituon ang atensyon sa daan.

When they finally reached the hospital, she was about to get off but was surprised when Wrath quickly locked the passenger’s door. Nagtataka niya itong sinundan ng tingin nang bumaba ito sa kotse at umikot pa sa side niya para lang pagbuksan siya ng pintuan.

“Really?” natatawa niyang tanong habang tinitingnan ang kamay nitong nakalahad.

“Yes, baby, really.”

Naiiling niyang tinanggap ang kamay ng nobyo at bumaba ng kotse. His big arm automatically encircled around her small waist as they head towards her father’s private room.

Agad na pumuslit ang ngiti sa labi ng dalaga nang makita ang tatlong kapatid na abalang nakikipag-usap sa apat na kamyembro niya.

“Missy!”

“I miss you, guys!”

She hugged Scar, Kiel, Hugene, and coach Migo happily.

“We bought food for you. Nagdagdag kami ng extra kasi matakaw ’tong si Scar,” sabi niya sa mga kapatid.

“Yes, we noticed,” Sy joked around.

“You’re a bully, my Rage. Your brothers are bully too!”

“Of course kid, it runs in the blood,” Lee joked around.

Nakangusong tumabi si Scar kay coach Migo at nagtatampong umupo roon. They all let out a laugh after seeing his face.

Finithee glanched at her father who fortunately started gaining colors on his face. Kumpara sa mga nakaraang araw ay napakaputla nito, ngayon ay para na lang itong natutulog. Their doctor said that he’s going to wake up soon, and they can’t wait for that to happen.

“Are you planning to go back to your base camp, Thee?” Calidee asked her.

Umiling siya bago lingunin ang nobyo. “May pupuntahan pa kami ni Wrath, kuya.”

Dee’s eyes narrowed. “Siguraduhin ninyong hindi kayo matutulog sa iisang kwarto o baka hindi na kayo sikatan ng araw sa akin.”

“Actually, they already–” Lee was cut off when Hugene covered his mouth.

“What?” Dee asked.

“Wala, kuya!” Hugene replied.

“Hmm!”

“Lee, we should buy Finithee something to eat.” Pinanlakihan ng mata ni Hugene ang kapatid niya.

“They bought food already!” Lee said.

She was confused while staring at them. Since when did these two become close?

“Hindi! Gusto niya ng ice cream. Let’s go!”

They are all speechless as they watch the two stormed out of the room, as if they knew each other for a very long time.

“They’re close?” she asked.

Coach Migo answered her with a nod.

“Since when?”

“Your brother and him made a deal that Hugene will look after you and update Lee every day about your situation,” sagot nito.

Naningkit ang mga mata niya nang marinig ’yon. “Never expected Hugene to agree on those kind of terms. Anong pinakain sa kaniya ng loko-loko kong kapatid?”

Their coach shrugged while laughing. “Guess they just like being friends—”

“Friends lang ba?”

Nanlalaki ang mga mata nilang nilingon si Kiel na nakangisi sa kinauupuan. May nang-aasar itong ekspresyon sa mukha na para bang binibigyan sila ng iisipin.

“Kidding!” he joked around before scratching his nape.

“I’m not buying your ’kidding!”, Kiel.“ She crossed her arms against her chest to intimidate him.

“Ah, hehehe.” Kiel bit his lower lip. “Guess I’m not joking at all.”

She looked at her two older brothers hurriedly. Pero kagaya ng iba ay nagkibit balikat lang sila, leaving her dumbfounded.

What’s the real score between Hugene and Lee?

Napapantastikuhan siyang sumandal sa nobyo habang iniisip pa rin ang bagay na ’yon.

Are those two dating?

Lee might look like a straight man but she knew since then that he likes men also. Lee is bisexual. Alam din naman ng kuya Sy at kuya Dee niya, pero tanggap nila ito nang buong-buo at wala silang pake sa sexual preference nito.

But Hugene? She have no idea at all!

If they’re really dating, then she will be the happiest person for them.

Just wow!

LXII

CHAPTER 62

“THIS is yours?” Finithee gasped in awe while standing in front of Wrath’s house.

Natatawa siyang hinalikan ng lalaki sa pisngi. “Yes, baby. We will live here once we got married.”

“No way,” she replied.

Binaba niya ang dalawang kamay mula sa pagkakatakip sa bibig at hinampas nang marahan ang braso ng lalaki. “Eh sinong naka-stay rito? ’Di ba lagi ka namang sa base camp natutulog?”

Nagpadala siya sa nobyo nang hawakan nito ang kamay niya parang maingat siyang hilahin papasok. Her eyes immediately dropped on the big fountain surrounded by a small garden. Then they stopped in front the big wooden door that automatically opened after he put his thumb on the sensor.

“I hire helpers every week to clean and check this, don’t worry. Walang multo dito, baby,” Wrath whispered on her ear.

Nang pumasok sila sa loob ay mas lalong nalaglag ang panga ng dalaga.

The overall interior design screams elegance. It’s a freaking combination of black, gold, and wood. How else would she react?

“Kailangan ko pa yatang mag-ipon ng ilang bilyon para mapantayan ko ’yung yaman mo,” bulong niya.

“Why would you do that?” Pumulupot ang magkabilang braso ng lalaki sa baywang niya at ’saka siya kinulong sa bisig nito. “You don’t have to worry about money and all, my beautiful baby. Bubuhayin kita at ang mga anak natin.”

“Huy!” She chuckled after punching his chest. “Anong anak. Bawal pa!”

Wrath let out a laugh before kissing her lips. “I know, baby. That can wait. Should we go up so you can sleep already?”

Agad siyang tumango at inaantok itong tiningnan. “I’m really sleepy, ang daldal kasi ng mga kuya ko, ayaw tantanan sila Scar kaya hindi agad tayo nakaalis.”

“Do you want to freshen up first? I have a comfort room inside my room.”

“Oki! Let’s go!”

Wrath smiled at her as they both marched towards the big staircase to head upstairs. Magkahawak pa rin ang mga kamay nila at tila ayaw magbitaw.

“You think my brother and Hugene are dating?” she curiously asked while stepping on the stairs.

It took him a couple of seconds to answer. “Hugene has been acting weird after your brother visited us in the base camp. Maybe they started having a secret conversation after that. To answer your question, I don’t know, as well.”

Napaisip siya nang tumigil sila sa harap ng kulay itim na pinto. While he’s entering a passcode, she’s busy thinking about something else.

Pero paano kung magkaibigan lang naman talaga ang dalawa?

Kahit na!

Hugene was never that clingy to a friend. He might be clingy and expressive to the whole team but not that type of “clingy” he did to Lee.

Maybe they’re really dating!

Gosh, it made her blush.

To think that she witnessed Veenus and Wise’s love story and now she’s witnessing her brother and Hugene’s love story as well.

Wala na siyang pake sa sasabihin ng iba tungkol sa mga relasyon ng mga taong mahal niya.

She’s willing to be a goddamn keyboard warrior to defend them all her life just to see them happy and contented with their relationships.

“What are you thinking about, baby?”

She stared at Wrath who sat beside her on a king-sized bed.

“About Lee and Hugene. I’ll be so happy if they’re really dating!”

“What if they are?” Wrath sighed. “I will support them too. But I’m worried about what will people say to them once they find out. Your brother is not used to this kind of world.”

“I will defend them as long as I can!” she proudly said. “Hindi ko pa rin maintindihan kung bakit nahihirapan ang iba na tanggapin na puwedeng magkarelasyon ang parehas na kasarian.”

“Religion?” he said.

A laugh came out from her. “I never expected that religion will be a hindrance for people to love each other. If religion and beliefs are boundaries to consider, then I consider those things as a demanding source of faith.”

Wrath tucked pieces of hair behind her ear. “Demanding source of faith? Like a controlling one?”

Mabilis siyang tumango.

“Come to think of it, baby. Why would a god let his believers commit sin, throw shades to LGBTQ+ members, hate them for something they can’t control— yet can’t understand the situation of those people? Why should a written document decide what’s right and wrong if it existed years ago? It existed during those times where majority of people have no voice and power to admit that they were once confused regarding their genders as well.”

His eyes focused on her, as if he’s trying to absorb everything coming from her mouth.

“Was the god during that time understanding? Can he tell the hidden confusion inside the people he had interaction with? And if he found out about it, did he punish them?”

She doesn’t think so. She shrugged again and smiled.

Wrath took her hand and kissed it before replying. “Maybe the God that everyone’s praising is capable to understand and love people despite their gender. Maybe he’s now against the written statement that men are for women and women are for men. Because that’s how love and faith works. It doesn’t work within a single process.”

Isang ngiti ang pumuslit sa mga labi niya nang marinig ’yon mula sa nobyo.

“If your faith made you commit a sin towards your fellow, just because you want them to understand what’s written inside the holy book, is it still considered faith? Hindi ba’t mas nakakasukang makita ang mga relihiyosong tao na gumagawa ng kasalanan para ipilit ang paniniwalang hindi naman epektibo sa iba?” he added.

She immediately nodded, agreeing to what he just said.

Hindi niya ine-expect na mapag-uusapan nila ang tungkol sa bagay na ’yon. She was never a religious person but it made her happy that she’s able to share her thoughts with Wrath.

Mas lalo niya lang napatunayan na napakatalino nitong tao.

A man who can accept all forms of love is all she ever ask for.

Because Veenus and Wise are genuine people who never did anyone wrong, and they deserve all the good things in the world.

For her, LGBTQ+ members are people who deserve appreciation and acceptance, not tolerance. Because they’ve fought battles without asking anyone for help.

People who remain kind and warm without a religion commanding them to do so are the most genuine ones.

•••

Pouring all my love for members of LGBTQ+ community. The representation of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender characters who appeared in my stories is one of the things I could do to extend my support for all of you.

It was a tough battle and a long journey. I’m sure it was confusing at first, but it was never your fault.

It was never your fault that you have to constantly live the opposite way they’re expecting you to do so. They can’t comprehend the reality and I’m sure it hurt you. But when we try to fit a ring on our finger, and it wasn’t compatible, we don’t blame our finger nor the ring. We simply find a size compatible for us.

So why would you blame yourself for something you can’t change within 10 seconds?

If you’re not compatible with those people, you don’t have to blame yourself, you just need to find another place where it was filled with people who will do everything to uplift your mood and see you happy.

The most genuine type of love is the love that was never given out of faith and beliefs. The most comforting type of love is the love that comes from people who stayed beside you and accepted you, without demanding for a change.

I love you all, and may you all get the peace of mind you deserve 💛

LXIII

CHAPTER 63

“THANK you, baby. I’ll drink it later,” Finithee whispered when Wrath placed the bottled water on her lap.

Kumunot ang noo nito at binaling ang tingin sa cellphone niya. “Who’s on the line?”

“Vee called me,” she quickly answered before placing her phone against her ear once again.

“Vee! I miss you! Why did you call?” she happily greeted her best friend.

“Bakit ang ingay ng background mo, sissy?”

“Oh, I’m currently at the airport because we’re fetching Wrath’s siblings.”

“Hmm. Before I announce you the good news. How’s your father, lovey?” Vee asked.

“He’s doing fine, don’t worry! We’re just waiting for him to wake up soon. So, what is it? You sound so excited!” saad niya.

“Well, well, well.” Bakas sa tono ng boses nito ang pagkasabik. “Guess who’s getting married, my dear best friend.”

Finithee’s eyes widened as if a bomb dropped on top of her head. Gusto niyang tumili at mag-over react pero pinigilan niya ang sarili dahil nasa airport siya.

“Oh my gosh,” she said. “Oh my gosh, Vee! Talaga ba?! Omg!”

Mula sa gilid ng mata niya ay kitang-kita niya ang pagtataka ng nobyo nang marinig kung gaano siya kasaya.

She laughed before putting Vee on loudspeaker, enough for the both of them to hear her.

“Yes, lovey! Wise and I traveled here in Canada just for him to propose yesterday! It was so romantic that I wished you’ve seen it!” naiiyak nitong balita.

Maging siya ay nangilid na rin ang luha sa magkabilang mata dahil sa labis na kagalakan para sa kaibigan.

“Omg, Vee. I’m so happy for the both of you!” sumisinghot niyang sabi. “Grabe, deserve ninyo ang isa’t isa. Super! I’m so happy that Wise did that!”

“Thank you, my baby!” her best friend replied with tears. “Alam mo na agad ang role mo sa kasal ko, bruha ka. Ihanda mo na rin ang fiancee mo kasi best man ’yan ni Wise.”

“You’re on a loud speaker, Vee. Wrath can hear you!”

“Omg!” Kinikilig na tumili ang kaibigan. “Hi, fafa Wrath!”

“Hello, congratulations to your engagement,” Wrath said while flashing a genuine smile.

“Thank you, omg!”

She laughed. “So, when’s the wedding? And what are your other plans after that?”

“We’re planning to get married during your playoffs, ’yung wala kayong magiging game para everything is well at makaka-attend kayong lahat!”

“Yay! Tama ’yan, unahan n’yo kami ni Wrath!” she said.

Natatawa siyang hinalikan ng nobyo sa pisngi. “I will marry you after this season, baby. Huwag ka nang bumoboses diyan.”

She rolled her eyes on him.

“Talagang uunahan ko kayo kasi may mga bigatin pa kaming plano ng babe ko after the wedding!” masayang sabi ni Vee at nagpakawala pa ng mahinang tili. “We’re planning to adopt three sons from an orphanage!”

She gasped in surprise after hearing that. Pero agad ding bumakas ang tuwa sa mukha niya.

“Really?! Omg! May nahanap na ba kayo?”

“Yes, lovey! When I visited an orphanage, three lovely kids caught my attention because they’re very amazing. At hindi lang ’yan, they are triplets when they were given to the orphanage. I’m not planning to change their names as well because Wise liked their names!” her best friend explained.

“Who are these lucky siblings?”

“They’re Hadji, Oheb, and Edward! See? Ang cute ng names nila ’di ba, ang unusual. ’Saka sabi ni Wise parang mga pinanganak daw para maglaro ng online games.” Veenus chuckled after saying that. “Once you meet them, you will definitely love them, Finithee.”

“Of course I will! Lahat ng love mo ay love ko rin!” sagot niya.

“Love you so much, Thee! I won’t disturb you anymore, lovey! Just want to send the good news. Ingat kayo diyan, always!”

Ngumiti siya. “Okay, Vee! I love you too and congratulations to your engagement!”

Masaya siyang bumaling sa nobyo nang ibaba niya ang tawag. Alam niyang hindi maalis-alis ang ngiti sa mukha niya kaya natawa ito.

“My baby looks so happy,” he uttered before leaning forward. Then he kissed her lips gently. “Gusto mo na rin bang magkaanak?”

“Sira!” Natatawa niyang hinampas ang tiyan nito. “Sobrang happy ko lang for Veenus and Wise. Been with them since the very start and they’re literally a perfect couple.”

“I’m glad that they have a friend like you.” Wrath held her hand. “Euphoria sent me message, they just got off the plane. Let’s go and meet them?”

Kumunot ang noo niya nang makita ang pagdaan ng kapilyuhan sa mga mata ng lalaki nang hilahin siya nito patayo.

Habang naglalakad sila papunta sa area na pwede nilang hintayin sila Euphoria ay kakaiba pa rin ang ngiti ng nobyo.

“What’s with your smile again?” She jokingly pointed her finger on him and he just laughed. “Ikaw talaga. Siguro ililigaw mo talaga—”

“Kuya!”

Finithee quickly glanced at the direction where she heard Euphoria’s voice.

But what she saw made her froze.

Behind Wrath’s adorable siblings is a beautiful couple walking with hands intertwined to each other.

The tall and handsome man looked almost identical to Wrath and the beautiful woman resembles Euphoria’s soft features, may pagka-Filipina rin ang ganda nito.

Rinig niya ang tawa ng nobyo nang kuhanin nito ang kamay niya papalapit sa pamilya nito.

She’s still speechless even after they finally stopped in front them.

“Mom, dad, how’s the trip?”

Mas nakumpirma niya ang lahat nang magsalita ang bwisit niyang nobyo.

“Wrath, my baby!” The beautiful middle-aged woman hugged him. “Your dad and I missed you so much. Buti na lang at sumama na kami kila Euphoria at Caius. Can’t wait to watch your games during the playoffs!”

“Stop calling me baby, mom.” Wrath tsked. “I want you to meet my beautiful fiancé.”

Wala na.

Wala na siyang lakas.

Lalo na noong lumapat ang tingin ng mag-asawa sa kaniya.

Hindi niya na alam kung anong mararamdaman. Nakatungo na lang siya at parang naubusan ng boses.

She have no idea if Wrath’s parents will like her. But hopefully, they will accept her. Because their approval means a lot to her, especially that they’re the parents of the man she loves the most.

LXIV

CHAPTER 64

“GOSH!” Wrath’s mom uttered while staring at her. “Your fiancé? You proposed to Finithee without telling us! Ikaw talaga!”

Mabilis na tinawid ng ginang ang pagitan nila at masaya siyang niyakap. Hinalikan pa nito ang magkabilang pisngi niya. “My baby! You’re even prettier in person, Finithee. I’m a big fan of yours ever since you accepted the team’s offer. Oh gosh! Pinatulan mo talaga ang anak ko, grabe! Siguro napilitan ka lang baby Finithee ’no?”

Her heart fluttered after realizing that Wrath’s mom likes her.

She hugged her and kissed her cheeks! Omg!

She awkwardly laughed. “Ahm… Hindi po, tita.”

“Sus! My baby!” Tumawa ito. “Siguro binantaan ka nitong anak ko, ano? Come on, dear, be honest. My son gets everything through a threat!”

“Mom, I’m not like that!” depensa ng isa.

“You are like that!” The woman pouted before hugging her gently. “My poor Finithee is a victim of yours! Papakasalan mo pa na hindi mo sinasabi sa amin?”

“I didn’t tell you because I know you’ll act like that. And why am I not allowed to marry my baby? She’s mine!” Wrath argued.

“Kahit na! She needs to be comfortable with us first before you ask her. Alam mo anak, ang mga babae kasi, at ang mga sweety pie na kagaya ni Finithee ay mahilig mag-overthink! Pretty sure she thought that maybe we wouldn’t like her for you.”

Natamaan siya sa sinabi ng ginang kaya agad siyang namula.

“Oh my gosh, so cute! Finithee’s blushing, means it’s true!” histerikal nitong dagdag.

Her fiancé rolled his eyes before pulling her away from his mom. “Let go of her, you’re scaring my baby. Ang tanda mo na inaagaw mo pa sa akin.”

“Bully!”

Muli siyang nilingon ng ginang at nginitian siya nang matamis. “Hi, sweety! I am Wrath’s beautiful mom, Estasha Gerose-Fillotimo. I was once a game addict just like you!”

“Good morning po, tita. I’m Finithee Suarez. It’s really nice meeting you po,” natutuwa niyang sagot.

Estasha giggled. “You’re so cute! Like a baby!”

She blushed before turning her head towards Wrath’s father who quickly flashed a smile.

“Nice to finally meet you, ija. I’m Wrath’s father, Noah Fillotimo.”

“Nice to meet you po, tito.”

“Baby, you should call us mom and dad na,” tita Estasha said before clinging to her arms. “We found out about your father by the way, I’m happy that he’s now recovering.”

“Thank you so much po, tita—”

“Mommy Estasha,” pagtatama nito.

“Thank you po, mommy Estasha.”

“Lovely!”

Wrath’s father cleared his throat. “Glad you actually had the courage to form a relationship with my son. I guess his threat is really successful—”

“For Pete’s sake, dad. Even you?” frustrated na sabi ng lalaki na ikinatawa niya.

“Yes, young boy, even me. You guys are too young to get married! What if Finithee wants to pursue a dream first before settling down? You asshole!” Lumapit ang ginoo sa anak at inambahan ito ng hampas. “That’s why we named you Wrath because you’ve always been aggressive!”

Kibit balikat siyang hinalikan ng nobyo sa pisngi at buong pagmamahal siyang tiningnan. “It’s our mutual decision to get married immediately, mom and dad. We’ll still pursue our dreams together. Besides, ang daming makulit na tanginang lalaki, baka maagaw pa— Fuck! Ouch!”

“Ikaw talaga!” His mom said out of irritation after pinching Wrath’s arm. “Napaka mong bata ka! Lugi talaga ang baby Finithee ko sa ’yo!”

She laughed while shaking her head. “It’s really our mutual decision to get married, tita and tito. I promise po, he never threatened me to marry him.”

Estasha’s eyes softened when she spoke. “Really, dear? It that’s what you said, of course I’ll believe you!”

“Bias,” Wrath murmured as he pulled her closer. “Let’s find a restaurant first so we could eat. My men will take care of your stuff.”

Sumenyas ang lalaki at sa isang iglap lang ay agad na lumapit ang tatlong naka-suit na lalaki. They expertly took the family’s luggage before bowing towards Wrath.

“Put them inside my car and send it to the mansion.” He gave his car key. “Come back with the limousine once I call you.”

“Right away, sir.”

She was taken back to sanity when Wrath held her hand as he squeezed it. “Let’s find a place to eat, my baby.”

Ngumiti siya sa nobyo na sinuklian naman siya ng halik sa pisngi.

“Ate Finithee! I miss you so much!

Nabaling ang tingin niya kay Euphoria nang kimapit ito sa braso niya habang naglalakad sila. Ngumiti siya sa dalaga at niyakap ito, napansin niya rin na kulay asul na ang buhok nito. “I miss you, Euphoria! You look even prettier with your new hair color!”

Yumuko siya kay Caius na pumulupot sa binti niya para magpabuhat. Mabilis naman niya itong binuhat at hinalikan ito sa pisngi. “Miss you, baby Caius!”

“Hawo, atih! Caius miss you too!”

“Lagi kang bukang bibig niyan, ate. He’s even crying every night because he wanted to see you before he sleeps,” Euphoria said.

She pouted. “Really?” Bumaling siya sa bata na ngayon ay hinahalikan siya sa pisngi. “Sweet sweet naman baby Caius ko. Don’t worry, ate Finithee will bond with you anytime you want!”

“Yes, atih! Yes yes! Atih loves Caius!” masaya nitong sabi habang nakataas pa ang kamay. Dahilan para matawa silang lahat.

“Goodluck sa inyo sa playoffs, ate! Alam ko namang mananalo kayo. Walang kayang magpabagsak sa inyo habang ikaw ang exp-laner ng Ark of Arsenal.”

Parang tumalon ang puso niya sa tuwa nang sabihin ’yon ng dalaga.

“Thank you, Euphoria. We will surely win the championship. I promise to go shopping with you after that!”

“Yay!”

“Sweetheart, you should call us once your father wakes up so we can meet him,” Estasha said.

Kaagad siyang tumango sa ginang habang nakangiti. “No problem po, tita— I mean, mommy Estasha.”

“Oh gosh! Ang cute cute mo talaga! I’m sure you will look so perfect in a wedding dress. Super happy that my son married you! Sana kapag nagka-anak na kayo, maging kasing cute mo. Kapag kasi kasing sungit ng anak ko, naku po!” the woman joked around.

She continued laughing and joking around with Wrath’s family. The feeling was very overwhelming during that time, she felt comfortable and safe around them.

To be accepted by people he treasures the most is the best thing to happen.

LXV

CHAPTER 65

“DADDY!” Finithee burst out crying after finally seeing her father opened his eyes.

Katabi niya ang tatlong kapatid na kapwa masaya rin habang pare-parehas silang nakatayo sa gilid nito.

She held her father’s hand while crying continuously. “Thank you for waking up, daddy. I miss you so much. I love you!”

Kahit nahihirapan ay pilit na ngumiti ang ama sa kaniya. “Why is m-my dearest daughter crying?”

Mas lumakas ang hikbi niya nang marinig muli ang boses nito. She thought she will never hear his voice again and it scared her.

Buong pag-iingat niya itong niyakap. “I love you, daddy. Thank you so much for waking up, thank you, daddy.”

He raised his hand weakly before caressing her back. “I’m also t-thankful that I was given another c-chance to see you and your brothers complete.”

Calisy and Calidee teared up. Sabay nitong hinawakan ang kamay ng ama.

“We’re here, dad,” Sy uttered. “I have no plans of coming back to America again. The three of us decided to stay in the Philippines and transfer our companies here. We will never leave again, especially that you need us the most.”

“You don’t have to do that, son,” nanghihinang sagot ng ama. “I will support e-everything you guys are doing. Even if you’re everywhere in the world, I will a-always supports all of you.”

“Dad, we’ve already decided about it. We will stay with you,” Dee insisted. “Hindi kami papayag na nurse lang ang mag-aalaga sa ’yo. You almost left us and we will never let that happen again.”

“If that’s w-what you want, my dear sons.” Their father smiled happily. “Thank you for not giving up on me.”

“Of course we will never give up on you!” Lee protested. “We knew you’ll wake up soon that’s why we finished our businesses in the states. Look at you, you can even lift a whole building!”

Nagtawanan sila sa sinabi nito.

“Ikaw talagang bata ka, hindi m-mo na nilugar ’yang kapilyuhan mo,” natatawang saad ng ama. “May mga nobya na ba kayong tatlo? Wala pa akong nababalitaan sa inyo, aba. Baka n-naman puti na ang lahat ng buhok ko ay hindi pa ako magkaroon ng apo.”

She closed her mouth when her brothers looked at her.

“I’m not planning to have a girlfriend,” Lee said.

“Boyfriend lang?” pang-aasar ng tatay nila. “Kung saan ka masaya, sige lang. Basta matinong lalaki at hindi k-ka sasaktan.”

Mapang-asar niyang tiningnan si Lee na namumula ang mga pisngi. “Ha! Hugene ka pala, ha! Pinatos mo pati kamyembro ko. Kaya pala gusto mo ako laging bisitahin sa base camp kasi may iba kang gustong kitain!”

He rolled his eyes. “Makapagsalita! Dad, you said you’ll probably have all you hair turns to white before you have a grandson? That’s not true! Finithee’s going to get married!”

Gulat siyang nilingon ng ama. “You’re g-getting married, Thee? I didn’t even know you have a boyfriend, my dear daughter.”

Kinamot niya ay batok at pasimpleng tumawa. “Well, dad, ahm… My captain and I are in a relationship since July 7. And he proposed to me just recently.”

Fin Suarez chuckled in disbelief. “Naunahan pa kayo ng kapatid ninyo, mga walanghiya kayo. Kailan n’yo b-balak magpakasal?”

“Not gonna happen!” Dee complained.

“Bring that man to me, Thee. I want to meet him and have a talk with him. I want to sincerely know who’s the guy you’re going to marry.”

Masunurin siyang tumango sa ama at matamis pa itong nginitian. “I will, dad! I will definitely bring him to you! I’m sure you will like him a lot.”

FIN SUAREZ let out a deep sigh while fixing his posture. He’s sitting on his hospital bed, leaning against the headboard, and staring at the young man by his side.

“Are you Wrath Fillotimo? My Finithee’s soon to be husband?” he asked with authority.

The young guy never showed any sign of intimidation. He proudly smiled and nodded. “I am, sir.”

“I heard you’re the captain of the team. Well done. But are you treating my daughter good?”

“Thank you for acknowledging me, sir. I have no reasons to treat Finithee badly. She’s the best player we have and we are all thankful for her presence in the team. She helped us become a better team and I love her for that,” sagot nito.

He didn’t even stutter a bit, indicating that his answers are genuine and they came from his heart.

Bumuntong hininga siya at tumango-tango. Of course his daughter is everyone’s happiness. Finithee will always be the source of everyone’s happiness because he raised her like that. And for his daughter to have a man who appreciate her existence means a lot to him as a father.

“Why did you decide to marry my daughter? What did you love about her?” Fin asked.

“Your daughter is an amazing woman, sir. Aside from the fact that she is breathtakingly beautiful, she never fails to amaze me by the things she’s naturally doing. I love all of her. And I can no longer see myself loving another woman and marrying another person. Your daughter is everything to me.”

He nodded once again.

“Of course, my daughter is indeed an amazing woman. She will always remain that way. But her positive attitude causes her to distance herself from other people. I’m sure she did that to everyone when I was unconscious,” sabi niya.

Wrath nodded his head. “She did, sir.”

“I knew her so well that I predicted what she’s going to do. The moment I realized that I had an heart attack, alone, in our house.” His tears dropped on his cheeks. “I didn’t think about myself during those times. I’ve thought about her, my daughter. I was scared that I won’t be able to survive and recover, I was scared that I will never have a chance to see her beautiful face again, that I will never have the chance to see her with her brothers. But what made me scared is the fact that she’ll probably distance herself from the people she loves.”

“Finithee hates it when people are sympathizing with her. She felt like a burden. Pakiramdam niya iiwan n’yo siya kapag hindi niya na kayang magbigay ng positibo sa inyong lahat. And I don’t want her to keep on doing that, that’s why I was fucking scared the moment I figured out that I might not survive. The pain was bearable, it was bearable, really. But I don’t want my baby to hurt herself just because she wanted people to always remain happy.”

Nilingon niya ang binata at nginitian ito. “You’re going to marry her. I’m certain that you will face problems together, but I beg you to understand her, and teach her how to solve your problems together. She will listen to you. My precious daughter is a good listener, she has always been a good girl. And she loves you deeply, I know she will listen to every word you say.”

“I will, sir.”

“And if ever that it comes to the point that you can no longer understand her, that you can no longer love her, please…” He bit his lower lip. “Please don’t hurt her, and bring her back to me, safely. Bring her back to us, without any words. Please don’t raise your voice on her, don’t hurt her physically, emotionally, and mentally. I raised my baby with all the good things I can offer. And seeing her cry because of a man will be my downfall. It will make me feel useless that I willingly gave her to you just for her to get hurt. So, promise me, young man.”

A glimpse of tear is visible in Wrath’s eyes when he nodded. “You can trust my words, sir Fin. I treasure your daughter the most, and I will never hurt her. I can never do that. It will be my downfall also.”

“Thank you,” he uttered. “And I’m giving you the blessing to marry my daughter, Wrath. Please take care of her like how I raised her.”

LXVI

CHAPTER 66

“WRATH Fillotimo, Wrath, and Finithee Suarez, Rage, from Ark of Arsenal announced their engagement yesterday. Wow!”

Finithee can’t help but to laugh after seeing Kiel’s reaction while reading the headline of an article.

“Hindi ka pa rin tapos diyan, Kiel?” natatawa niyang sabi. Sinundan niya ng tingin ang binata nang umupo ito sa gaming chair. “Siguro number 1 shipper ka namin ni Wrath.”

“Yes!” Tinaas pa nito ang kamay at proud na proud na tumango. “The moment I figured out that you’re a girl, I immediately created my own ship between you and captain. See? It worked! You guys are getting married!”

“No way,” she gasped. “You really shipped us from the very start?”

Puno ng yabang itong tumango habang malapad pa rin ang pagkakangiti. She smiled back before messing his hair.

“My ship sailed successfully, missy. Hindi lang ’yon! Ikakasal pa kayo ni captain.”

“Oo na, ang galing-galing talaga ng gold laner namin!” She clapped her hands sarcastically that caused him to giggle.

“Where are the others? It’s our first playoffs match yet they’re still sleeping?” reklamo nito.

Binaling niya ang tingin sa computer habang pinapanood ang live stream ni Hash. It’s an off cam and off mic livestream, which is good, ayaw niyang makita ang mukha nito. Gusto niya lang mapanood ang laro nito.

“Woah,” Kiel said as he leaned forward to see what’s displayed on her monitor. “You’re watching Hash’s game play? Missy, are you scared of him?”

Mahina niyang tinulak ang dibdib ng lalaki. “Asa ka. Takot lang ako sa napakalamig na shot call ng captain natin, wala na akong ibang kinakatakutan sa laro ’no!”

“Then why are you watching his livestream? Trying to get an information? I heard from other players that he improved a lot.”

“So?” She raised her eyebrow.

Kiel teased her. “Bugbugin mo sa lane para mapahiya ulit.”

Natawa siya sa sinabi nito. “He improved a lot, meaning, I won’t be able to do that. Especially when he’s doing this.”

Tinuro niya ang monitor at agad namang nilipat ng binata ang tingin doon. He watched carefully and furrowed his forehead afterwards. “What?”

“You didn’t notice what he’s doing together with their gold-laner?” She clicked the back forward before pausing the stream. “Unlike his performance last time, he’s playing safe out of all the games he played. He’s not even attacking the opponent, he just kept on clearing lanes to reach level 4. And when he finally activate his ultimate, he’ll switch lanes with the gold-laner to kill the opposing gold-laner because his level is already higher.”

“Wow, you noticed those little things, missy?” he asked.

“He kept on doing that. I think they’re going to use this strategy against us if ever that we’re going to face them.”

“But he won’t be able to kill me continuously! I’m great!”

“Kiel, listen,” she said. He nodded his head like an obedient student. “Ulysses Wagon will ban Wrath’s Liberty or War, my Apocalypse or Medusa, and the remaining bans will target you. Because they will keep on doing this strategy, they will surely focus on your heroes. You think you can still dominate him against your lane if they’ll only leave sub-heroes for you to use?”

“That’s right,” he muttered. “What should we do, missy?”

“I’ll reach level 4 the same time Hash reached level 4.”

“And?”

“And we will switch our lanes.”

“You’re going to copy their strategy?” He gasped hysterically. Pumapadyak pa ito sa sobrang excitement.

“Yes, that’s the only way I can battle with him. I’m the best exp-laner and his appearance will never be a threat to me,” she confidently said.

Hash wanted to defeat her? In her face. Binugbog niya na nga ito sa laro, binugbog niya pa sa personal, sisiguraduhin niyang hindi ito makakapagyabang sa arena. Kayang-kaya niyang sapakin ang lalaking ’yon kapag nagbitaw na naman ng pambobong salita.

“Missy! You’re amazing,” Kiel uttered.

“But we should keep that as a secret, Kiel. I think coach Migo won’t agree with our strategy because it’s risky. It’s our deep secret, oki?” She raised her pinky finger to lock a promise.

“Yes! Game ako diyan!” He locked their pinky fingers together before giving each other a high-five.

Sa gano’ng tagpo sila naabutan ni Wrath kaya mabilis siyang bumitaw sa binata at inalis ang livestream ni Hash sa computer niya. Pagkatapos ay nagkunwari siyang busy.

“Hehe, hi, captain,” Kiel greeted him.

Kinabahan siya nang hindi sumagot ang lalaki, ramdam niya rin na naglakad ito papalapit sa kaniya.

Wrath leaned on the table while looking at her intently.

She gulped.

“W-What?” kinakabahan niyang tanong at nagkunwaring inosente.

His cold eyes remained on her, it almost melted her whole body. Nanghihina siya kapag ganito tumingin ang lalaki dahil para siyang mahihimatay.

“Ano b-ba, Wrath. Bakit ka ba n-nakatitig,” utal niyang sabi ’saka mabilis na iniwas ang tingin.

“Are you guys hiding something from me?” he asked.

She stood up and shook her head. “Wala!”

“Baby, what did I say about lies?”

“Wala t-talaga.”

“Kiss me if you’re not lying to me,” he said.

She quickly placed both of her hands on his side before giving him a quick kiss. “I’m not lying.”

“More.”

She frowned before leaning forward and kissing him again. Lalayo na sana siya nang hilahin naman nito ang baywang niya papalapit. He deepened the kiss effortlessly, as if he’s really planning to do that.

“Ehem, I’m still here, guys.”

saglit na humiwalay sa nobyo at nilingon si Kiel sa likuran. “Shut the fuck up and leave,” saad nito bago muling sunggaban ang mga labi niya.

She smiled between their kiss when she heard Kiel’s footsteps. Padabog pa ang bawat hakbang nito na parang nagtatampong bata.

“Wrath.” She pushed him a little but he just chased her lips for more.

Ilang segundo bago siya binitawan ng lalaki. Hinabol niya ang hininga at sinamaan ito ng tingin. “Hindi mo talaga ako papahingahin!”

“I’m just practicing for our wedding. When the priest says ‘kiss the bride’ I will kiss you for one hour,” pang-aasar ng lalaki.

“Ano?!” gulat niyang tanong. “Uuwi na lahat ng bisita sa tagal no’n! OA ka talaga. Bitaw nga, Wrath.”

“No.” He pulled her closer for a hug. “I love you, baby.”

“I love you too.” Kumawala siya sa lalaki at inirapan ito. “We should practice before our match. Kampante kayo masyado? Don’t you know that Loud is a threat? They won against Freed yesterday and they eliminated that team. ’Di ba dark horse sila ng regular season? Paano kapag natalo nila tayo dahil masyado tayong kampante?”

“Ikaw lang naman ang nag-iisip na matatalo tayo, baby.” Wrath bit his lower lip before caressing her cheeks. “You’re the best exp-laner, right? What are you scared about?”

“I’m not scared!” depensa niya.

“Okay, my baby is not scared, I got it.” Tumatawa itong humakbang papalapit. “Stop sulking and just ready yourself for our match later. Mamaya mamana pa ng anak natin ang pagiging maldita mo.”

“No, sa ’yo magmamana kasi masungit ka!”

“Ang bait-bait ko sa ’yo, baby.”

“Ano naman!”

“You’re throwing tantrums again.” He laughed.

She pouted her lips. “Bully.”

LXVII

CHAPTER 67

“I KNOW everyone is excited right now! The whole arena was shaking as soon as Ark of Arsenal entered. Their fans missed them so much.”

“I missed them too! Alam mo

Ribo

, ang cravings ko noong

nakaraang

linggo

ay makita ulit ang

bigatin

nating players. Especially that two of them are getting married.“

Finithee glanced at the audience area when she heard the stage shaking. Konti na lang talaga ay tatagos na ang ingay ng audience sa headphone nila na may noise-cancellation. What are the casters talking about that made their fans go wild again?

“Missy, I want to see you playing as the jungler again!”

Nilingon niya si Scar na malapad na nakangiti at labas pa ang lahat ng ngipin. Natawa siya sa sobrang ka-cute-an nito.

“Why don’t you tell our coach and our captain about your request, Scar? You know that I’m a very obedient player, I’ll do everything they tell me to do!” she replied.

Nakangusong lumingon ang binata kay coach Migo na nasa likuran.

“Coach, please. We will against Libertad no matter what role you give to my Rage. I just want her to play as a jungler again,” pagmamakaawa nito.

“Why? You don’t want me as the jungler anymore?” Wrath asked while shaking the hand warmer inside his hand.

Takot na nilingon ng pinakabata nilang myembro ang lalaki at umiling. “No, captain! You’re the best jungler in the whole universe. But you’re not letting me steal your kill. Missy always give me the kills, that’s why I want her to take your role. I want to take revenge to Libertad’s mid-laner because he killed me multiple times during ranked game.”

“Wawa naman.” Napalabi siya bago lingunin ang nobyo. “Pagbigyan mo na ’yung bata, wawa naman.”

Her fiancé chuckled with her expression. “You’re spoiling him too much, baby. Are you going to spoil our future children like that as well?”

“Wala na, tapos na naman ang laban.”

“Anak na naman, eh.”

Inis niyang kinurot ang braso ng lalaki. “Hindi ’no! Sige na kasi. Gusto ko rin mag-jungle ngayon kasi ang ganda ng bagong patch sa emblems, hehe.”

Wrath pinched her cheeks. “What my baby wants, my baby gets.” Tiningala nito ang coach nila. “We’ll switch roles.”

“Right away, captain. Just enjoy the game, guys,” coach Migo said.

Tumatawa nilang tiningala ang lalaki.

“Is that your way of telling us that Libertad is not a threat?” Hugene asked.

“Hoy, hindi, ah,” depensa nito. “Magagaling kasi kayo kaya alam kong kaya n’yo ’yan.”

“Sus!” she teased him. “Coach Migo is lying!”

“Coach Migo is lying!” Scar added.

“Mga pasaway,” Migo uttered between his chuckle. “Pick your heroes. Bahala na kayo sa mga buhay ninyo. Props lang talaga kami dito ni Von.”

“Damay mo pa ako,” their analyst replied.

“Wala naman tayong ambag dito. Matatalino na ’yang mga bata natin. Tango-tango na nga lang ako kapag may gusto gawin.”

“Shh, quiet, coach.”

They burst out in laughter when coach Migo pushed Kiel’s head after hearing that. “Aba pinapatahimik pa ako.”

“Yesterday, White Shadow won against Metamorphosis and Loud won against Freed in the elimination round. It just shows that these teams are improving a lot.”

“I think the adjustment between the time was a nice advantage for all the teams, Sarah. Speaking of that, we are all happy to see Rage here in the arena. And good news? Her father is currently watching in the VIP seat, together with her brothers!”

Finithee’s eyes widened when she saw the big television above them, showing the audience area.

Mabilis na nanubig ang mga mata niya nang makita ang tatlo niyang kuya kasama ang tatay niya sa VIP seat.

They immediately waved their hands in front the camera.

Mas lalo siyang nagkaroon ng lakas ng loob nang makita ang pamilya na nanonood para suportahan siya.

“RAGE attacked

Libertad

’s

jungle area once again with Scar!“

“Scar, steal the kill if their jungler and mid-laner appears. I’ll make you the series MVP so you can get your revenge against Dylan,” Finithee said while stealing the enemy’s buff.

“Yey! Thank you, missy!”

“You sound like a mother spoiling her kid who wants to get a lollipop,” bulong ni Wrath na muli na namang pinatay ang kalaban sa exp-laner.

“Shh! We’re busy teaming up, Wrath. Basher ka talaga,” reklamo niya.

“Kid, can you stay away from my baby?” Ayaw pa ring tumigil ng lalaki.

“Hmp! No!” Scar complained.

They were alerted when the mid-laner, Dylan, and Libertad’s jungler, Uri, appeared to ambush them.

Rage immediately used Acid’s ultimate and used her dash to hide behind Scar. The latter used his ultimate towards the opponents to kill them.

“Double kill for Scar! What a nice team work between him and Rage!”

“Rage always let Scar get the kills. Her standing 0/0/16 is a clear proof that she’s aiming for an assist only . Mad Dog and Psycho are compatible in this game as well!”

“Yey! They’re dead again, Rage!” masayang sabi ng binata. “So happy!”

“You kept on doing that to their jungler and mid-laner since game 1 and game 2. Have a grudge against them?” Hugene chuckled.

“Yes! I hate their mid-laner!”

“I don’t have a grudge against them, I just want assist,” she said.

“Do better acting, baby.” Wrath glanced at her. “You’re not killing the players because you’re still touched about the petition.”

Namula ang pisngi niya nang mabuking siya ni Wrath. Bakit ba kasi napakatalino ng nobyo niya at nababasa ang mga kinikilos niya?

“Is that it, Finithee?”

Kiel, Scar, and Hugene laughed in chorus when she didn’t response.

“You’re just aiming for assist because you can’t kill the players? Is that your way of thanking them?”

“Yes,” she murmured and they laughed again.

“Cutie, missy!”

Nakabusangot niyang tinuon ang atensyon sa laro.

“Congratulations Ark of Arsenal for winning the match! Scar is our series MVP!”

“Finally became an MVP, yay!” Scar celebrated as soon as they removed the headphones on their ears.

She happily messed the kid’s hair. “I told you!”

“We did great, missy!”

LXVIII

CHAPTER 68

“CONGRATULATIONS to Ark of Arsenal for winning their match against White Shadow! They are the first team to qualify for the semi-finals!”

Finithee almost jumped in excitement as soon as they swiftly ended the game.

Matapos nilang makipagkamay sa mga players ng White Shadow ay mabilis silang nagtungo sa waiting room.

Tuwang-tuwa niyang niyakap ang mga kamyembro dahil sa tuwa. “Semi-finals! Omg! I can’t believe it!”

“It’s our missy’s first time stepping on the semi-finals! Let’s celebrate tonight, captain!” Scar insisted.

Nakangiti naman siyang lumingon sa nobyo at hinintay ang sagot nito. “Do you guys want to attend the all-star party tonight?”

The trio hanged their mouths open.

“Really? We’re finally attending that event, captain?!” Kiel exclaimed happily.

Wrath nodded slowly. “Dad is one of the sponsors of that, and Dominus also, I want all of you to unwind as well. And my baby will surely want to meet other famous celebrities there.”

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya. “There will be cosplayers, right? Like the heroes in Arena of Survival? Omg! I want to see who’s going to cosplay Apocalypse!”

Her fiancé hugged her with a smile across his handsome face. “You’re too popular, I’m afraid you’ll get hurt in that kind of event. So, stick around me all the time, okay?”

“Yes, sir!” Masunurin pa siyang sumaludo sa lalaki na ikinatawa nito.

He held her hand and kissed the engagement ring on her finger. “I love you.”

“I love you too!”

She’s the most excited when they finally got to the base camp to dress up for the event.

She have always wanted to see cosplayers and it will finally happen!

Finithee can’t remove the smile on her face while looking at herself in the mirror. She decided to wear a cute pink pastel dress. She wore the necklace that Wrath gave her too, and it’s a perfect match!

Tinernuhan niya ang suot na dress ng pink na heels na dalawang inches ang takong.

The guys decided what she’s going to wear and she absolutely loved what they picked for her.

Napagpasyahan din ng lima na magsuot ng mga suit dahil ico-cosplay raw nila si Barbie na may limang bodyguards.

When she’s satisfied with her look, she stepped out from her room to meet the guys downstairs.

Agad niyang narinig ang ingay ng trio sa baba, boses pa lang nagpapagwapuhan na.

“I’m the most handsome tonight! Admit it!” Scar.

“Liars go to hell, kid,” Kiel teased the other one.

Naiiling siyang lumapit sa mga ito na abala sa pagkantyaw sa isa’t isa. Pare-parehas namang gwapo sa paningin niya.

“Eyyyy!”

“Our barbie!”

She giggled when they all turned their heads toward her direction. She slowly spin while smiling sweetly.

“Our barbie!” Scar repeated while clapping continuously.

Natatawa siyang humagikhik nang lumapit si Wrath sa kaniya para halikan siya sa pisngi. He grabbed her waist even more and kissed her lips too.

“I’m a lucky bastard for having you,” he whispered.

“I’m a lucky woman for having you, as well, baby,” she replied.

“Fuck.”

Tumatawa siyang kumawala sa nobyo at agad na nilapitan ang apat na lalaki. Talagang tinotoo nila ang sinabi na magiging men in black sila para lang masabing may ico-cosplay.

“We’ll have a hard time guarding you, missy! Hindi kami macho katulad ni captain,” reklamo ni Kiel.

“So? I can punch!” Hugene said.

“Loko kayo. Hindi n’yo talaga ako mababantayan kasi pagkakaguluhan kayo roon,” sabi niya.

“Yes, that’s why I prepared myself for women. I’ll show them how handsome I am!” Scar proudly bragged.

“Ayan na naman,” coach Migo whispered.

“No,” she murmured. “You can only flirt back to teens like you. Find a new crush who’s at the same age, okay?”

“Aye, aye, missy!”

ISANG nakakabinging sigawan ang agad na bumungad sa kanila nang makalabas sila ng sasakyan. The security guards around the area quickly ran towards their direction to protect them from the fans.

She happily waved her hands while the five men behind her remained calm and still.

“Rage, ang ganda mo tangina!”

“Ito marriage contract pirmahan mo!”

“Wrath! Rage!

Magpakasal

na kayo sa harap namin!“

“Pogi ninyo trio!”

“Coach Migo, apakan mo ako!”

“Look at these celebrities,” Rob Luna approached them with a proud face. “Everyone’s getting wild because of your arrival! What are you guys cosplaying?”

“Barbie with her handsome bodyguards!” Scar answered.

Muling nilingon ni Finithee ang mga nagkakagulong fans sa gilid nila at matamis na ngumiti sa mga ito. “Let’s take a picture later!”

They all screamed yes and it made her heart flutter.

Gusto niya pa sanang makausap ang mga ito pero wala siyang nagawa kung hindi sumunod sa mga kasama nang pumasok sila sa loob.

Multiple cosplayers, celebrities, influences, professional players, and even reporters surprised them when they stepped inside. Sabay sabay ring lumingon ang mga ito sa direksyon nila.

“It’s Ark of Arsenal!”

“Hi!” 

Siya ang kumaway sa magandang cosplayer na lumapit sa kanila. Halos mahimatay siya sa tuwa nang makita kung sinong hero ang suot nito.

“Oh my gosh, you cosplayed Acid so good,” she said.

“Thank you, Rage! I’m so happy to see you here. I watched all of your games and figured out in your livestream that Acid is one of your favorites because of her back story. So, I cosplayed her today!”

Nilingon niya ang limang lalaki sa likuran. “Go on, enjoy. Libot kayo tapos makipag-usap kayo sa iba. I’ll look for other cosplayers.”

They chuckled.

“Our missy is already enjoying the event,” Hugene said.

Sabay-sabay na kumaway ang apat sa kaniya bago umalis at makipag-usap sa iba pang kaibigan ng mga ito.

“Baby, I’ll look for Dominus. Stay here, okay?”

She obediently nodded to Wrath who kissed her lips in front of the cosplayer. Nang makaalis ito ay ’saka lang siya napailing. Napakahilig talaga ng lalaki sa PDA, walang pakundangan, walang inuurungan.

“Omg! You and Wrath looks so good together. Talaga bang after playoffs pa kayo magpapakasal? Dapat ngayon na!” the cosplayer said.

“Para wala na kaming iisipin bago ang kasal,” natatawa niyang sagot. “What’s your name?”

“I’m Naili! Come with me, I’ll introduce you to other cosplayers. They are all amazing. And we must find Melee, I heard he’s the one cosplaying Apocalypse tonight.”

Napanganga siya habang nililibot nila ang buong venue. “Apocalypse? He’s a tough one. Ang hirap kaya gawin ng costume niya, para siyang zombie na mukhang angel na ewan. I’m sure Melee will give him justice!”

“Yes, Rage, he will surely give Apocalypse justice! He’s one of the famous cosplayers who can pull off any heroes!”

“Naili!”

“Not again,” nakabusangot na bulong ng katabi niya habang tinatanaw ang paparating na babae. “What, Kala?”

“We need your help with the design, please?” nagmamakaawang saad ng kararating lang na babae.

“But I’m with Rage!”

Kala’s eyes widened when her eyes dropped on her. Mabilis itong yumuko. “Omg! Hello, Rage! I love you so much!”

Natatawa niyang hinawakan ang kamay ng babae. “Hello!”

“I’m sorry po kung hihiramin ko saglit si Naili, may nabutas po kasing props sa stage kaya kailangan namin siya. I’ll bring her back immediately, promise!”

“No worries!”

Naili smiled genuinely before waving her hand. “I’ll be back po!”

Tinanaw niya ang papalayong pigura ng dalawang cute na babae bago niya ilibot ang paningin sa paligid.

Matagal pa naman siguro si Naili, baka mamaya pa ito bumalik, kaya maglilibot muna siya ulit!

She was about to take a step when someone pulled her with full of force. Because everyone’s busy, no one noticed that she was pulled by a strange man towards a dark and quiet area.

LXIX

CHAPTER 69

“WHO the hell are you?!” Finithee tried struggling to get off from the man’s grip but he was too strong.

Nang makita niya ang mukha nito ay agad na lumukob ang galit sa dibdib niya. “The hell, Hash?! Ano bang problema mo?!”

“You!” gigil nitong sigaw bago marahas na hawakan ang braso niya. “Leave the team and quit the league. I don’t want to see your stupid face in the arena!”

“Nasasaktan ako. Bitawan mo ako!” She tried pushing him but was surprised when he aggressively held her jaw.

“Simula nang dumating ka, nagkanda-letche letche ang buhay ko. Punyeta! Kinuha mo na nga ang posisyon ko, nagpapabida ka pa! Why did you have to fucking exist? Dapat una pa lang pinatay na kitang hayop ka!”

The anger inside his eyes scared her. Sa tingin nito at sa paraan ng pagkakahawak nito sa kaniya ay parang kayang-kaya talaga siya nitong patayin. Lalo na’t walang tao sa paligid nila na makakatulong sa kaniya.

The noise inside won’t help her even if she scream.

“You bastard! Siraulo ka! Hindi ko kasalanan na bobo kang maglaro!”

He raised his hand to slap her and she immediately closed her eyes to prepare for the impact. But both of them froze in their position when they heard a click from a gun.

“Let go of the woman before I pull the trigger.” A woman’s voice.

“Fuck,” Hash murmured.

Finithee opened her eyes slowly and a figure of a beautiful woman appeared right in front her eyes. She’s holding a gun pointed to Hash’s head, sa pagkakahawak pa lang nito ng baril ay masasabi mong alam nito kung paano gumamit no’n.

“Leave.”

“Tangina.” Walang ibang nagawa ang lalaki kung hindi bitawan siya at padabog na umalis doon.

Her breath became heavy, she almost fell, but the stranger immediately caught her and helped her stood straight. “Shh, it’s okay. He’s gone.”

“Thank y-you,” she uttered weakly. “Thank you. I thought he was going to h-hurt me… thank you.”

Pumuslit ang ngiti sa napakaganda nitong mukha. If only she could describe an angel sent from above, she will describe the woman’s face in front her. Hindi halata sa itsura nito na marunong gumamit ng baril. Parang ang bait-bait nito.

“I’m glad that I brought my gun with me. What’s your name, by the way? You’re so pretty,” nakangiti nitong sabi.

Natulala siya.

Minsan lang siya magandahan sa babae, kay Snow, at sa babaeng kaharap niya ngayon.

The word beautiful is not enough to describe her. She’s like a goddess already.

“I’m Finithee Suarez, y-you?” utal niyang tanong.

The beautiful smiled before accepting her hand. “I’m Legacy Iris Addeman.”

“Thank you so much for saving me, really. Ang ganda-ganda mo rin!” nakangiti niyang sabi.

“Don’t worry about it. Alam ko namang gagawin mo rin ’yon kapag may nakita kang nasa danger, di ’ba? It’s girls support girls!” masiglang sagot ng babae.

She giggled. “I want to be your friend! What did you come here for? Are you one of the cosplayers?”

Legacy shook her head. “I’m a stunt double. This party included our company to invite us. I heard they consider our job as part of the field.”

“Wow, stunt woman ka? ’Yung mga nag-a-action scene kapalit ng mga celebrities, gano’n?” manghang-mangha niyang tanong.

The woman nodded her head. “Yes.”

“Is that the reason why you know how to use guns?”

Umiling naman ito. “I learned mixed martial arts before joining the job. The world is not a safe place for everyone, kailangan mo pang matuto ng self-defense para hindi ka masaktan.”

“That’s right.”

Legacy squeezed her shoulder before looking at her apologetically. “I need to go, I’m sorry. Here’s my business card, you can call me anytime you want! Bye! Nice to meet you, Finithee.”

“Nice to meet you, Legacy! Thank you!”

Tinanaw niya ang papalayong pigura ng babae habang hindi pa rin maalis ang tingin dito. She’s still amazed by the fact that a beautiful woman like her is a stunt double, hindi pangkaraniwang trabaho ’yon. It takes a lot of strength, hard work, and even pain.

If Legacy’s planning to apply as an actress, she will definitely pass it! Pwede pa niyang i-act lahat ng action scenes.

Hindi na naalis ang pagkamangha sa kaniya. That woman is beyond cool and amazing!

“Gosh,” Finithee murmured after realizing where she’s standing on. Tinakbo niya ang pasilyo para bumalik sa loob ng event.

Agad niyang napansin si Wrath na lumilinga sa paligid, may hinahanap.

She calmed herself down as she walked towards him. “Wrath!” A sweet smile flashed on her face, pretending to be okay after Hash’s attack.

“Where the hell have you been, baby?” galit nitong tanong bago siya halikan sa noo. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

“Nagpunta lang ako sa rest room,” sabi niya bago iiwas ang tingin dito.

She can’t lock her eyes on his because he’ll just figure out that she’s trying to hide something. Napakausisa pa naman ng nobyo niya, siguradong hindi ito tatahimik kapag nalaman ang nangyari.

Ayaw niyang masangkot ang lalaki sa gulo, lalo na at ilang hakbang na lang sila papalapit sa championship. She’ll just tell him about what happened after everything.

“Your jaw looks swollen, what happened?”

Natatarantang napahawak siya sa panga nang marinig ang sinabi ng lalaki. She faked a laugh and massaged it. “May nakabangga kasi ako kanina, ang lakas ng impact kaya ’yon. Namumula ba talaga? Omg. Siguro nasaktan din ’yung nakabangga ko.”

Gusto niyang magpakain sa lupa pagkatapos ng pangmalakasang acting niya.

Saglit na naningkit ang mga mata ni Wrath habang nakatitig sa kaniya. “Is that so?”

“Hmm.”

“That’s what happened?” he added.

“Yes,” she answered.

Hindi nagsalita ang lalaki, umiwas lang ito ng tingin at parang nagpasya na lang na maniwala sa sinabi niya.

“Let’s get something to eat first.”

“Okay,” she obediently said.

Wrath intertwined his fingers with hers while gently pulling her.

It’s not necessary for him to know about what Hash did. Dahil kapag nakita niya ito ay alam niya na agad kung saang parte ito ita-target. Ang sakit-sakit ng panga at braso niya! Hindi lang sapak sa mukha ang matatanggap nito, pati sipa sa bayag!

She won’t let him get away from what he did.

Kahit sa laro, hindi siya magsusumbong para hindi ito ma-disqualify.

He’s mad that she’s a better player than him?

Then she will piss him off… bubugbugin niya ito nang bubugbugin sa laro hanggang mapikon ito sa harap ng lahat ng tao.

LXX

CHAPTER 70

“AFTER a long period of time, from Regular Season to playoffs, and now we’re finally here in the Grand Finals of APPL Season 17!” 

“It will be easier for Hugene to rotate if we pick Remed, but it will be a big problem if they ban it. Remed is one of the best roamers in the new patch,” coach Migo explained.

“I can still use Ikaru, coach. Maybe it will be a big help if they focus on Rage’s heroes,” Hugene added.

Finithee held the hand warmer inside her hands tightly, patiently listening to her team mates as they discuss about their strategy.

“I don’t think they’ll focus on my heroes.” Nilingon niya si Kiel na ngumiti agad. “They might focus on Mad Dog’s hero, we never know.”

“I’m the main character today!”

“Yes, you are,” natatawa niyang sagot.

“Ark of Arsenal completely dominated the regular season and the playoffs after getting 0 defeat for all the games they have played. And they defeated Loud yesterday in the semi-finals, completing their win streak.”

“On the other hand, Ulysses Wagon did a great job as well because they had a good run in the lower bracket, and they successfully marched towards the Grand Finals!”

(Initial result of playoffs)

“Are you confident about winning?” Sabay-sabay nilang tiningala ang coach nila na kagat-kagat ang labi.

“Of course we are! Gusto mo 4-0 pa ang score coach, eh. Sisiw lang sa amin ’yan,” pagmamalaki ni Kiel habang pinapakita pa ang invisible muscle.

“I trust you guys, a lot. But I can’t help but to feel anxious,” dagdag nito.

“Kabag lang ’yan, coach,” pang-aasar ni Hugene na inaayos ang headphone.

“What’s kabag?” Scar.

“Your brain is kabag,” Kiel answered him before sticking his tongue out to annoy the kid. Naiiling tuloy siyang napatawa dahil nagsimula na naman ang binata.

“Let’s try getting the 4-0 score to complete our win streak, guys. It will be written in history if we did that,” Von suggested.

“Your wish is our command,” Scar joked around.

“Focus na, focus. Drafting na.”

Sabay-sabay silang huminga nang malalim at itinuon ang atensyon sa laro nang magsimula ang drafting phase.

“ULTIMATE ready, Scar?” Finithee uttered while moving her hero towards the turtle area.

“Four seconds cool down, Rage. I’ll help zoning the area with Psycho. Captain, you can always defeat the opponent’s jungler when it comes to retribution, right? Let’s contest!”

“I’ll keep an eye for their gold-laner,” Kiel uttered on the other hand.

“Psycho, check L bush behind the turtle,” Wrath commanded with authority.

Sabay-sabay silang nagtago sa isang bush habang nililibot ni Psycho ang mga bush sa paligid ng turtle gamit ang hero na si Ikaru.

“They’re here!”

“Psycho spot Ulysses’ position and caught their jungler! But Yuno used his hero’s advantage to help his team mates escape!”

Finithee jumped on top of the walls using Collazone and used the battle spell blink to chase down the opponent’s mid-laner, Khalid. Sumunod sa kaniya si Scar at si Wrath na walang sinayang na oras para gamitin ang mga ultimates sa kalaban.

“Rage took down Khalid and Don in split second! Wrath is now chasing Hash towards the enemy’s jungle area!”

“I’ll follow Wrath, you can start attacking the turtle.” Sumunod silang dalawa ni Scar sa utos ni Hugene nang sundan nito ang captain nila.

Both of them started attacking the turtle for their jungler to only use his retribution after. Wrath and Psycho successfully killed Hash and Yuno was able to escape using his passive shield.

Nilingon ni Finithee ang lane ni Kiel at napatango nang makitang nakakakuha ito ng maayos na gold dahil nasa tore lang si Mio.

“Rotate around the mid-lane Psycho, you’ll gain exp there. I’ll help Rage push the first tower.”

She marched towards her lane with Scar on her side. Hash’s resurrection is still in cooldown, they can definitely push the first tower and farm around his area.

“Take the gold, Scar. I’ll switch my emblem to buy life steal items,” she said.

“Save your ultimates for Lord spawn. Mad Dog, buy your core items first. Sell your defense one,” Wrath commanded.

“Right away, captain. I’m heading towards the Lord. I cleared all my creep waves.” Kiel.

“If they contest, heroes first. Use all your ultimate on Don and Khalid. They both have their defense items, but they won’t stand your damage, Kiel,” Wrath added.

They all headed towards the Lord zone. Dahil maaga niyang naubos ang creeps at nakapag-clear din si Kiel sa lane nito, nagkakaroon sila ng vision sa mga kalaban na abala sa pagdepensa sa inner turret nila.

“Mio’s not in the map, Khalid and Hash, too,” she informed them.

“Psycho, have you noticed Yuno using his conceal?” Kiel asked.

“No. It sounds like ambush for me. Go on, we’ll bait them. Rage, can you change your immortality to defense item against Khalid? Like a quick change after they pop your immortality,” Hugene added.

She smiled. “I can do that. What are we going to do?”

“Bait them into thinking that you’re attacking them alone. I’ll stay hidden,” Wrath answered her.

Sinunod niya ang gusto ng mga kasama at agad na naglakad palapit sa jungle area ng kalaban. Nagkunwari siyang patakbo paalis nang makita ang mga ito na sumusugod. They all ran towards her to kill her, her immortality was activated and she quickly changed it to defense item.

“Rage did a quick sell and buy to bait Ulysses Wagon!”

“Four members of Ark of Arsenal’s ultimate are still available, but Ulysses Wagon did a big mistake wasting their skills on Rage because she was able to change her last item!”

“Hero first. We can push until their base if they die.”

Rage used her blink spell to hide behind her team mates to protect her low life. She used her skills together with their ultimates to kill down Ulysses Wagon’s five member.

“Let’s push their base.”

“Ark of Arsenal wiped out Ulysses Wagon after the successful bait and they are now pushing their base!”

“Don’t mind the creeps. I’ll tank the tower’s damage.”

“Lock tower.”

“Congratulations to Ark of Arsenal for winning Game 1!”

Finithee let out a deep breathe after they took down the base. Masaya siyang nakipag-high five sa mga kamyembro habang hindi maalis ang ngiti sa labi.

LXXI

CHAPTER 71

“GAME 4 might be the final game tonight and we will declare another champion. But it might also be a turning point for our defending champions to flip the game around!”

“They really banned Kiel’s main heroes. What for?” Hugene’s forehead furrowed while analyzing the drafting phase.

“Are they planning to perform a new strategy? It’s already game 4, bakit ngayon lang?” their analyst who’s obviously confused asked.

“Is their new strategy called No Kiel Allowed? All of their five bans focused on our gold-laner. Aren’t they afraid of me?” Scar complained.

“They’re simply not afraid of kids, Scar,” panggagatong ni Wrath na ikinatawa nilang lahat. “Just choose any heroes you’re comfortable with. I think my fiance and our gold-laner are both planning something that they don’t want to tell us.”

Nanlalaki ang mga matang nilapat niya ang paningin sa nobyo nang sabihin nito ’yon. How did he find out!

“Wala k-kaya,” maang-maangan niya.

“Do better acting, baby.”

“What are you guys hiding?” Hugene asked. “Dali na, sabihin n’yo sa amin!”

“Secret namin ni Rage ’yon. Shut up all of you. I’m the main character tonight so don’t bother me. Look at my five heroes on their bans. I feel so powerful because of that,” Kiel proudly said. Marahas pa nitong nilingon si Hugene. “Why are you eager to know? So you can excel in the game? Why? Because Lee is watching?”

“Shut up!”

Finithee giggled. “Kahit mag-kiss pa kayo ng kapatid ko sa harap ko, ayos lang.”

Their roamer blushed and quickly looked away to hide his reddened cheeks.

“Captain, are you sure about these two naughty secret keepers’ strategy?” Pinaningkitan sila ng mata ni coach Migo dahilan para ngumuso siya. “I never heard about their little secret, I want to figure it out later during the game.”

“Trust the best player in our team, Migo,” Wrath said while smirking. He faced her before winking. “Binubuhat lang tayo ng magiging asawa ko, huwag na kayong umapila.”

“Yiee!”

Finithee’s face blushed when Wrath spoke in tagalog and said those words. It feels heaven hearing his tagalog and his sweet words.

“Kiel, you know who to choose.” Iniba niya ang usapan at binalingan ang gold-laner nila.

Sumaludo ito at ngumisi. “We’ll win this game and be Season 17’s champions, missy. I promise you. We will give you the championship you deserve.”

“ULYSSES Wagon’s draft for game 4’s match is very different compare to the past games. And we can see here that they let Hash use his main hero, Zillow. What do you think they’re planning to do to turn the game around, Sarah?”

“I think Ulysses Wagon is trying a different strategy.”

Finithee confidently moved her hero towards her lane without worrying about anything.

She patiently cleared all her creeps without minding Hash. She knew for sure that he’s farming to reach level 4 immediately.

“Rage is different as well. Hash is not as aggressive compare to the past few games, he’s just waiting for his creeps to reach his tower. But surprisingly, Rage is also not trying to compete with him in the lane. What’s happening?”

“Missy, is that you? You haven’t got first blood yet. I feel like you’re possessed by a kinder player!” Scar said.

“I’m really possessed, but by a clever player,” she answered.

Tumaas ang sulok ng mga labi niya nang sabay silang maka-level 4 ni Hash. She saw him using the recall button, and Ulysses Wagon’s gold-laner is no longer visible in the map as well.

She glanced at Kiel who nodded quickly.

“I’ll reach level 4 the same time Hash reached level 4.”

“And?”

“And we will switch our lanes.”

“You’re going to copy their strategy?” He gasped hysterically. Pumapadyak pa ito sa sobrang excitement.

“Yes, that’s the only way I can battle with him. I’m the best exp-laner and his appearance will never be a threat to me,” she confidently said.

She put on a smirk as she walked towards the mid-lane, and Kiel walked towards her too.

Ulysses Wagon’s strategy is clever. But they forgot to think a little better.

Crossing the middle lane will give both of them additional gold and exp even if Scar is there. And once they reach their new lanes, they’ll be ahead in level.

“Wait, where is Mad Dog and Rage going?”

“Missy, Kiel, what are you guys doing?” Hugene asked out of confusion.

“Are they switching lanes?!”

“I think they are!”

“At the same time, Hash is now marching towards the gold-lane. Ulysses Wagon’s side lanes exchanged lanes, but Ark of Arsenal predicted this?”

Finithee smirked when she surprised Hash with a final blow of her newly activated ultimate. She used her battle spell stun to get a sure kill.

And the guy who attempted to attack her at the party died inside his own tower.

Pathetic.

“Rage killed Hash inside his own tower after a surprise attack!”

The arena went wild after what she did. Ramdam niya ang pagyanig ng stage at kita niya rin na nagsitayuan halos lahat sa kinauupuan.

Ilang beses niya pang pinuntirya ang lalaki at paulit-ulit itong pinatay sa loob ng tore nito. Whenever he’s switching lanes, she always follows him. Wherever he goes, she will always arrive there to kill him.

“Is this your secret strategy, missy? Wow! It sounds like revenge to me!” Scar exclaimed while laughing.

Natatawa rin siya sa tuwing pinapatay niya si Hash. Minsan ay hinahabol niya pa ito hanggang base, o kaya naman ay pinaglalaruan muna bago patayin.

Why would he think that his arrival on Ulysses Wagon will affect her?

“Patawa,” she murmured while remembering what happened that night. She was really scared and terrified that he will hurt her if Legacy didn’t appear there. Hindi niya kayang gantihan ang lalaki ng pisikalan kaya sisirain niya ang natitira nitong pasensya sa laro.

“Ark of Arsenal is now marching towards Ulysses Wagon’s base!”

“Is this the final victory they’re waiting to reclaim the championship?!”

“Push their inner turret. I’ll clear the minions.”

“Lock tower, Kiel. We will tank the damage!”

Halos mapatayo na sila sa kinauupuan habang pinipindot ang keyboard.

“Focus on the tower!”

“Ang pagpupugay para sa bagong kampyeon ng APPL Season 17! Ark of Arsenal!”

Sabay sabay nilang binaba ang headphone nang matapos ang laro. Finithee burst into tears after realizing what happened. 

They won. She won. Ark of Arsenal won the championship…

“Finithee!” The trio happily hugged her. “We won! We’re champions!”

Kumawala si Kiel sa yakap at tumapak sa upuan para humarap sa Ulysses Wagon. Pagkatapos ay sumenyas ito ng 0 4 sa kamay na ikinatawa nila. “Ang pagbabalik ng itlog!”

Hugene quickly pulled their trouble maker member and stopped him from creating another mess. “Loko ka talaga!”

“Pinaisa lang last season gumugusto pa!” sigaw pa ni Kiel, ayaw magpaawat.

She laughed non-stop before messing his hair. “Sige, trashtalk-in mo si Hash para sa akin.”

“Talaga, missy! Bobo, kala mo may magagawa ’yung pagiging exp niya. Sapakin ko pa ’yon at tupiin sa apat, eh. Kasi 4-0!”

Kukurutin niya na sana ang pisngi nito nang maramdaman ang pagpulupot ng matipunong braso sa baywang niya. Wrath pulled her and she quickly faced him to give him a long kiss.

“We won, Wrath! I can’t believe it. We really won!”

“Yes, baby. We won.”

Malambing siya nitong hinalikan sa harapan ng lahat.

Everything feels surreal. They’re APPL Champions. They won… with her. And she won, with them. Wala na siyang ibang mahihiling pa sa mga oras na ’yon.

Final Chapter

FINAL CHAPTER

FINITHEE smiled while listening to the host’s speech on the stage. Abala siyang nanonood sa likod habang binabalewala ang ingay nila Scar.

“And to acknowledge our players who did their best to give us great plays and games, here are the awards given to people who’s part of the APPL community.”

She gasped before looking at Wrath. “Wow, baby. There’s an awarding like this?”

“Yes. They will award the Season MVP later. Prepare yourself to be called,” he sweetly answered.

“Hindi, ikaw ang MVP.”

“Ikaw.”

“Hmp!”

“This award is given to our Rookie of the Year. This player showed us a complete dominance against the opponents even if this player is completely new to the league. Our Rookie of the Year, is none other than…”

“Ano ’yung Rookie of the Year, Wra–”

“Rage!”

“Hala!” She panicked when she heard her player name. Mabilis naman na napuno ng sigawan ang buong arena at lahat ay lumingon sa direksyon niya.

“Bakit ako?” she whispered to her team mates who just laughed.

“Go, missy. You have an award!” they proudly said.

She pouted her lips before walking towards the stage. Walang sawa siyang kumaway sa mga supporters na nadadaanan niya. Pagkatapos ay matamis siyang ngumiti sa host na si Luna sa harapan nang iabot nito ang certificate sa kaniya.

Rob Luna also walked towards her while flashing a smile. “Congrats, Rage!” Sinabit nito ang gintong medal sa kaniya.

Kahit nagtataka ay ngumiti na lang siya sa camera.

Rookie of the year siya? Grabe! Hindi niya alam kung anong award ang binigay sa kaniya.

Luna pointed a specific position on the stage so she stood there obediently.

“ Sportsmanship Award is given to this player for displaying good attitude inside and out the game. This player was chosen by his fellow professional players . And our Sportsmanship Award goes to…“

Natawa siya nang maisip na kung paano kung si Kiel ang makatanggap ng award. Trashtalker pa naman ang lalaking ’yon.

“Scar!”

Masaya siyang pumalakpak nang marinig ang binanggit na pangalan ng host.

Their youngest member waved his hand to everyone after receiving the medal. Pagkatapos ay mabilis itong tumabi sa kaniya at proud na proud na ngumiti. “Look, missy. We have an award!”

“ Highest Assist, Highest Kills  and Highest Gold Per Minute are given to these players for having an outstanding performance during the matches. These awards are given to… Psycho, Wrath, and Mad Dog!“

Sabay silang pumalakpak ni Scar nang matawag ang tatlo. Nag-high five pa sila at halos sumayaw na sa stage habang pinapanood ang tatlo na umakyat sa stage.

They all received their medals and stood beside each other.

“Moving on to the award for Best Team in the current season. This award is given to this team for possessing good composition and perfect play style during their matches.”

Finithee whispered. “Siguro tayo ’yan.”

Her team mates laughed with what she said.

“This award is given to… none other than the players standing in front of you, Ark of Arsenal!”

“Yay!” masaya niyang sabi nang sabitan muli sila ng tig-iisa pang medal.

Some of the awards for Legendary Ads, Remarkable Penta Kill, and others were given to other players as well.

“Best Coach award if given to three coaches for their teams’ success. And our lovely players will never be able to function well without our amazing coaches. You are an awardee of this award, coach Marco from Freed, coach Leo from Ulysses Wagon, and coach Migo from Ark of Arsenal!”

“Yay!” Finithee and Scar jumped out of happiness when they heard their coach’s name.

“Buo na tayo!” Kiel joked around when coach Migo stood beside them while blushing.

“The award for our Regular Season MVP and Season 17 MVP are finally here.”

“Nako!” Pagpapakaba ni Hugene sa kanila. “Ililibre kami ng magiging MVP, ha. Walang bawian.”

“Wala pa nga,” nakanguso niyang sabi.

“Regular Season MVP was chosen after displaying an outstanding KDA during the regular season matches. This player will receive an amount of 500 thousand pesos. None other than…”

“Hash,” bulong ni Kiel na halos magpahagalpak sa kanila ng tawa. 

“Wrath!”

“Wah!” tili niya at proud na proud na pumalakpak nang matindi nang matawag ang nobyo niya.

Wrath stepped forward to accept the medal and his prize money.

“That will feed us for a whole year, captain!” Scar joked around. 

Their captain nodded. “Isang araw ninyo lang kukuhanin sa akin ’to, eh.”

Nagkatitigan sila ng trio at sabay-sabay na humagikhik.

“Season 17 MVP were chosen base on the overall performance of this player. This player completely dominated everyone against the lane. This player inflicted fear on the opponents and this player brought the team to victory. Our Season 17 MVP will receive one million pesos! Our Season 17 MVP is…”

“Si Hash na ’yan, tangek,” pagbibiro ulit ni Kiel dahilan para muli na naman silang matawa.

“Our first female professional player in the league, Rage!”

“Huh?!” gulat niyang sabi nang marinig na naman ang gamit na gamit niyang player name. She pointed herself and her team mates nodded proudly.

“Go! Pang-bili natin ng mga bagay na hindi natin kailangan ang one million na ’yan!”

Kinakabahan siyang naglakad papalapit at naiiyak na tinanggap ang award. The medal was too heavy but it didn’t bother her a bit.

“Congratulations to our awardees!”

Isang nakakabinging palakpakan at hiyawan ang pumalibot sa arena.

“Please remain on the stage, Ark of Arsenal.”

Rob Luna stepped on the stage once again before speaking on the mic. 

“Everyone, APPL Season 17 has been a long journey for everyone. It opened a lot of opportunities for other players. We even had our first female professional player in the league. We all went through different battles with our teams, staffs, coaches, and even with ourselves. But the good thing is? We all did great after everything.” Nilingon sila nito. “And with every battle, there is always a champion who poured all their efforts and hard works to win this. Everyone!”

She smiled when their fans made noise.

“Let us all congratulate our World Series representative, and our APPL Season 17 Champions, Ark of Arsenal!”

Naiiyak niyang nilibot ang tingin sa buong paligid habang rinig na rinig ang suporta ng maraming tao sa kanila.

She can still remember the first time she stepped on this stage… and now she’s one of the champions.

“Before we end everything here.” Takang nilingon niya ang nobyo nang magsalita ito sa mic. “I want to do this special thing to the person I love the most, in front of the people who genuinely love us.”

Kunot noo niyang nilingon ang trio nang hilahin siya ng mga ito papunta sa gitna ng stage.

Her boyfriend stepped away from the mic as he faced her.

And what he did next made everyone scream, and it made her froze.

Wrath kneeled in front her, in front of everyone, in front of her family and his family. With a ring inside an elegant box.

“Baby, I know I proposed to you privately. I told you I’ll still give you the most memorable proposal,” he chuckled while she’s busy crying. Baka tumulo na ang sipon niya kakaiyak kaya pinipigilan niya ang sarili.

“I want to let the whole world know, the whole esports community know, that I am commiting myself to you. I want to let our families know that I will take care of you for the rest of my life.” He cried. “Baby, I’m going to ask you for the second time. Will you marry me?”

Humahagulhol siyang yumuko para halikan ang lalaki sa labi. “Yes, baby. I will marry you. Kahit ngayon pa.”

The arena was filled with laughter.

Another engagement ring, or more on a promise ring, wrapped around her finger when Wrath stood up to put it on her.

Umiiyak siya nitong niyakap at hinalikan na punong-puno ng pagmamahal.

“Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” And Finithee proved it to herself after embracing everything that’s happening.

Her love for her team mates will never ever fade, her love for Ark of Arsenal will always remain, her love for esports will never be taken by anyone else.

Wrath made her life more exciting and peaceful. Ark of Arsenal made her feel safe and found.

The most beautiful thing to happen in her life is pursuing her dream and meeting people who love her genuinely.

---

I’ll be posting Epilogue tomorrow. It will be written in Wrath’s point of view, including the wedding of course. I love you all, everyone!

Epilogue

Wrath

“APPL Season 17 is about to start, Wrath. Why are we suddenly kicking Hash out from the team?”

Wrath pressed his lips together after hearing Migo’s question for countless times. He looked at him out of frustration.

“You really can’t tell the reason why, Migo?” Padabog niyang inalis ang headphone at ’saka ito nilingon. “He’s not going to grow the fuck up. Without any doubt, he’ll end up ruining everyone in the team.”

“I know, and I understand your frustration about Hash’s behavior for the past few months. But kicking him out means that we need to find another player to replace his position. Paano natin magagawa ’yon, Wrath? Exp-lane is crucial to the game. It will take months for another player to have chemistry with the four of you,” Migo explained.

He rubbed his eyebrow with a bleak expression on his face. “Hash is out of the team. Send him If we’ll encounter drawbacks, I’m going to fix it myself. I can no longer team up with an asshole.”

“Captain, you need to listen to me–”

“Save your lectures to yourself, Migo.”

He stood up from his seat before storming out of the base camp in annoyance. Nadaanan niya ang nagtatakang ekspresyon ng tatlo sa sala pero nilagpasan niya lang ito.

“YOU’RE looking for an exp-laner to replace Hash?” Danerie asked flabbergasted.

Wrath’s eyes focused on his drink. “You really don’t have plans returning to the league? Even just for one season.”

“I quit the pro-scene as Wise, Wrath. I no longer want to play because I have future plans with my partner. Isa pa, jungler ako noon, kung kukuhanin mo akong exp baka mamatay ako diyan. Hirap-hirap ng role na ’yan,” Danerie joked around.

He shut his eyes tightly. “You’re the only player I know that will fit in our line-up. How dare you fucking reject my offer, Danerie?”

Tinawanan siya ng kaibigan bago humigop sa straw ng iniinom. Nang-aasar pa ang tingin nito na lalo niyang ikinabwisit.

Ilang segundo pa ay bigla itong tumingala habang nanlalaki ang mga mata. “I know an exceptional exp-laner who will bring Ark of Arsenal to victory again. Your team even fought against that player yersterday!”

Kumunot ang noo niya. “Yesterday? Is that the reason why Hash started a livestream talking shit about that player?”

“Yes! I’m telling you, that player’s skill is exceptional.”

“Magkano binayad sa ’yo?” he asked.

“Gago! Hindi! Magaling talaga ’yon.” Nagmamadali nitong nilabas ang cellphone sa bulsa bago iharap sa kaniya ang screen. “I’m certain that you heard this name everywhere, and yesterday. This player defeated professional players in ranked games, including you. Rage, you can watch her livestreams. I’m fucking telling the truth, she’s tremendously great.”

Wrath narrowed his eyes as he glanced at his friend. Saglit niyang tiningnan ang screen ng cellphone nito na nasa kamay niya bago ibalik ang tingin sa lalaki.

“She? A woman?”

Danerie covered his mouth with trembling hands. His expression shows that he revealed something that’s not suppose to reach other people’s ears.

Sumandal siya sa kinauupuan at natatawang binagsak ang cellphone ng kaibigan sa lamesa. “Is it a secret between you and her? Madudulas ka na nga lang, sa harap ko pa.”

“Fuck, huwag mong ipagkakalat sa iba, ha!” Inis nitong kinuha ang cellphone at bumusangot. “Sikat na sikat pa naman ’to, akala kasi ng lahat lalaki rin. And to answer your question, yes, she’s a woman. See? She’s a monster in the exp-lane and she was never defeated by professional players during ranked games. Babae ’yan!”

Wrath sipped on his drink. “It’s just a social construct made by majority of people that girls have no place in esports, Danerie.”

“I know, kaya nga alagang-alaga namin ’to ni Vee kasi nag-aalala kami sa kaniya. It’s a good thing that she decided to hide her identity to everyone, popularity is not a good thing especially that we’re talking about esports.”

Hinarap siya ng kaibigan habang suot-suot ang malapad na ngiti.

“Want to see her? We’re going to meet here after you leave, but stay for a while so you can see her.”

“For what?” tanong niya.

“Wala lang! Para lang makita mo siya, I’m sure you will like her personality–”

“I’m not looking for a person with pleasant personality, Danerie. I’m looking for a player.”

“I know. But Hash gives you headaches right? Ito, mabait ’to!” pilit nito.

“Really, how much did she pay you to describe her like that?”

“Gago, wala nga! Teka nga.” Kunot noo nitong hinugot ang cellphone sa bulsa at may binasa roon. “She’s almost here. Lipat ka muna ng table bilisan mo. Bawal ka makilala, celebrity ka eh.”

“Tangina mo,” pagmumura niya rito. Wala siyang nagawa kung hindi tumayo sa kinauupuan at lumipat sa bakanteng table, hindi malayo sa pwesto niya kanina.

Danerie raised his middle finger towards him and he answered it with a middle finger as well.

Buryong-buryo na nanahimik siya sa kinauupuan. Hindi niya nga alam kung bakit niya sinusunod ang sinasabi ng gago niyang kaibigan.

He’s curious about the woman Danerie’s talking about. It’s odd for girls to excel in games but it doesn’t entirely mean that they can’t be professional players.

“Finithee!”

He lifted his head when he heard his friend’s voice. Lumapat din ang tingin niya sa taong kinakawayan nito.

A woman entered the café with an alluring smile across her face. From her perfect eyebrows, long eyelashes, astonishing eyes, pointed and cute nose, and her naturally pink lips, all of those features are incomparable. Her long and curly black hair falls smoothly, touching her fair and flawless skin. If someone could portray a goddess, she will surely no longer need to exert effort on that field.

Hindi nito napansin ang sabay-sabay na paglingon ng mga tao sa paligid na sinusundan ng tingin ang bawat lakad niya.

Wrath was captivated by the woman’s beauty with a single glance. A place full of people appeared silent to him, as if they’re not existing at all, his eyes are focused on one woman that he have never seen before.

She gracefully sat in front Danerie before placing the bag on top of the table. “I brought it! Are you planning to surprise Veenus with that? She will like it, for sure!”

Even her voice sounds like an angel singing.

What the fuck is happening to him?

He felt the strong urge to strike Danerie’s face out of jealousy. Why does he get the freedom to talk to that woman?

“Yes, thank you Finithee. Bukambibig ’to ni Vee kaya naririndi na ako.”

Fucking asshole. Wrath whispered while throwing death glares over his friend. Iritang-irita siya sa mukha nito at hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit.

“Hoy, bayad!” The alluring girl pouted her pink lips and it almost made his fist clench. “Alam mo bang hinanap ko pa ’yan sa iba’t ibang boutique? Hirap na hirap akong gawin ’yon tapos thank you lang matatanggap ko? Ilibre mo ako!”

Wrath stood up from his seat before walking pass them. He can no longer sit there and look at the most evil friend to exist talking to the woman who made him panic.

It will fucking kill him if he won’t get the chance to talk to her…

He took his cellphone from his pocket while heading towards his car. ’Saka niya tinawagan si Migo.

“Captain?”

“Announce the asshole’s expulsion from the team.” He opened his car using the car key.

“Yes, Peri’s planning to do it already since Hash already signed the contract to leave the team. Shall we post a try-out link so we can find an exp-laner immediately?”

“No.” Sumandal siya sa kinauupuan pagkatapos isarado ang pintuan ng kotse. “Send a formal message to Rage and discuss the offer this afternoon. Do everything, sugarcoat your words or offer a high salary, everything, for that player to join the team.”

Migo gasped in excitement. “Rage? The famous anonymous player? Fuck! That’s awesome. I was thinking of offering him and was about to ask you, I’m glad that you initiated. Right away, captain. I will use the most effective words to convince him on joining us.”

He started the engine of the car with a smirk curved on his lips.

WRATH creased his forehead when he bumped with Hugene on the entrance of the receiving area. Agad na nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya nang mapansing nanahimik ang mga ito.

He drank the remaining amount of water inside his glass before focusing his eyes on the woman.

His firm expression remained to intimidate her, and it worked when he noticed the nervous look across her beautiful face.

“She needs to undergo couple of games with us before we welcome her.”

Iniwas ng dalaga ang tingin sa kaniya at nakangusong yumuko. He panicked when he, once again, felt the urge to ignore other people’s appearance around him. Gusto niya na naman itong sunggaban at halikan.

“Wrath, can you at least greet her first?” Migo’s voice brought him back to reality.

“Wrath Fillotimo,” he uttered his name.

She obviously feel uncomfortable around him after nodding her head. Hindi man lang sumagot. Kung nagsalita ito baka inalok niya na ng kasal agad.

“We don’t have plenty of time for introduction, Migo. I’ll decide if she’s fit for that role. I’ll tell Von to prepare three games with Freed,” he demanded with full of authority. Nakita niya rin ang pagtataka sa mukha ni Migo nang marinig ang sinabi niya, pero sinamaan niya lang ito ng tingin.

“Right now?” Kiel asked.

“Hindi, bukas,” iritable niyang sagot. “Malamang ngayon.”

“Okay! I’ll beat Killua’s ass!” Scar exclaimed excitedly.

He stormed out of the room with the trio behind him. Walang imik siyang umupo sa gaming chair at ininda ang ingay ng tatlo sa gilid niya. He slightly glanced at the side to wait for her.

Minumura niya na si Migo sa isipan niya nang maisip na baka kinakausap pa nito ang babae.

Tangina ume-epal pa kasi.

Hanggang sa pagdating ng dalaga ay hindi pa rin siya nito kinakausap, takot na takot pa rin yata dahil sa pagsusuplado niya kanina.

He did everything to get her attention but to no avail, she’s still not willing to talk to him. Hindi rin ito sumasagot sa tuwing may sinasabi siya.

Their scrim against Freed was unequivocally great, especially Finithee’s gameplay during the games. Danerie’s not overacting when he described her to him yesterday. Kung hindi lang nila ito nakikita ay hindi niya maiisip na babae ito.

It’s his first time seeing a flawless gameplay from an exp-laner. It’s the most vital role in the game, and if the exp-laner fails to perform good, the entire game has 30% chance of winning.

“You did great, Finithee!” Hugene stood up from his seat to give the woman a high-five. “Never expected you to be that awesome in the battle field.”

He rolled his eyes in annoyance. Isa pang epal, eh.

“Thank you. You were incredible too,” Finithee replied.

Yet she can’t even say a word to him?

Suplado niya itong tiningnan. “You need to learn how to properly cooperate in team work. That’s the only thing you need to improve.”

“Okay,” she replied softly.

Halos mapamura siya nang sa wakas ay sumagot ulit ito.

“Don’t consider the upcoming league as normal ranked games you used to play, kid. Your performance a while ago focused on how aggressive your play style is, it won’t work when you’re already a professional player,” he explained.

“I get it.”

“Are you even willing to live inside the base camp?” he made it clear already.

Hindi siya papayag na hindi makita ang dalaga araw-araw. Sasakalin niya si Migo kapag nangyari ’yon.

She nodded her head. “Yes.”

He stared at her for a couple of seconds while impulsive thoughts inside his mind linger.

Scar jumped to him that caused him to creased his forehead again. “What do you say, captain? She’s going to be our exp-laner, right?”

Migo appeared behind the kid. “You have the final word for it, Wrath.”

Magkasalubong ang mga kilay na minasahe niya ang sentido. “Talk to her family about your plans. We’ll start training with her next week.”

“We will do that. I’ll go with coach Migo to talk to her family!” Scar said.

“Tone down your voice, Scar.”

Tumayo siya sa kinauupuan at dire-diretsyong nilayasan ang mga ito.

“MISSY, how are you feeling especially that our first match will happen three days from now?”

Wrath glanced at the woman in front her who’s drunk already. The trio looks drunk too, and their coach passed out already on his seat.

The trio decided to have a little celebration yet they’re the first one to get drunk.

Finithee smiled sweetly, halata ang kalasingan sa ngiti ng dalaga. Pinatong nito ang pisngi sa nakatuong braso at kumurap-kurap. “I’m excited! I’ll do great, promise!” She gasped before raising her right hand, as if performing an oath.

“Let’s do great in our first match, Rage!” Hugene exclaimed as he raised the beer he’s holding.

Mabilis niyang inalalayan ang babae nang akma itong tatayo sa kinauupuan. Her blushing cheeks formed when she smiled at him. “Captain, I’m going to be a champion. Promise! I’ll be the first female professional player to win a championship with all of you. Promise, promise, promise!”

He chuckled before pinching her cheeks. Nakanguso naman itong tumungo. “Are you going to keep your promise until the very end?”

“Yes!” Finithee giggled cutely that made him smile. “We will never get any defeats this season. Kapag may talo tayo, iiyak ako. Gusto ko lagi tayong panalo, captain.”

Wrath caressed her cheeks gently. “Finithee, there’s nothing wrong with losing. It’s part of the game.”

“But I don’t want to lose.” She leaned forward to him. “We will always win, captain. No loses!”

“Okay, no defeats, then,” natatawa niyang sagot.

“Yay!” She raised her arms out of happiness. “Captain said no loses!”

Bumangon ang tatlong pasaway sa pagkakatungo at tinaas din ang mga kamay. “Yay! No loses!”

Kiel stood up from his seat before getting the mic on top of the table. Humarap ito sa TV at pinaandar ang isang karaoke roon. “Let’s celebrate, everyone! No loses! No loses!”

Scar and Hugene screamed with him. “No loses!”

“So noisy!” Finithee complained in low voice. Ipinahinga nito ang ulo sa lamesa habang abala ang daliri sa pag-abot sa pagkain na nasa harap nito.

He chuckled unbelievably before moving the snack closer to her. Tagumpay na nakuha ng dalaga ang isang piraso ng chichirya bago ito kainin. “Yummy.”

“Show you off, tonight I wanna show you off. What you got, a billion could’ve never bought.” Kiel started singing that made Scar and Hugene scream on top of their lungs.

Tumayo pa ang dalawa at sumayaw sa likod ni Kiel.

“We gonna party like it’s 3012 tonight. I wanna show you all the finer things in life. So just forget about the world, we young tonight.”

Kiel pointed the mic behind him for the two to sing the other line. “I’m coming for ya, I’m coming for ya!”

The trio jumped all together. 

“’Cause all I need

Is a beauty and a beat

Who can make my life complete

It’s all ’bout you

When the music makes you move

Baby do it like you do.“

Naiiling niyang pinanood ang tatlo na nag-aagawan sa mic. Pagkatapos ay bumalik ang tingin niya sa dalaga na  kinukulbit siya.

He gently poked her cheek and her beautiful face immediately formed a frown. “Captain, the song they’re singing is great.”

Umangat ang ulo nito para bumahing sa gilid, muli siyang binalingan ng dalaga at ngumiti nang matamis. “You’re pogi.”

“Really? Am I?” nakangiti niyang tanong dito. Kung nasa wisyo lang ang dalaga ay hinding-hindi nito sasabihin ang bagay na ’yon.

Kinikilig na tumango ang dalaga sa tanong niya dahilan para tumawa siya. Inangat niya ang kamay para haplusin ang malambot at kulot nitong buhok. Her hair made her even more beautiful, she looks so ethereal in his eyes and it will never change.

“I wanna show you all the finer things in life. So just forget about the world, we young tonight.”

“You should dance, captain. Sing ikaw, sing!” utos nito habang pumapalakpak pa na parang bata.

“Why don’t you sing with them?” he asked.

“Ayaw!”

The trio walked towards them before pulling Finithee to stand up.

“Missy, the rap part is yours!” hyper na sigaw ni Scar.

“I’m Nicki Minaj?” Finithee excitedly asked as Kiel pointed the mic on her. Kahit lasing ay nagawa nitong itawid ang rap.

“In time, ink lines. Bitches couldn’t get on my incline. World tours, it’s mine. Ten little letters on a big sign!”

“Woooah!” The trio happily screamed while the only woman in their circle is enjoying everything.

“Beast, beauty from the streets, beat will get deceased. Every time Beauty on the beat-eat!”

Kiel pointed the mic on himself again for the next part. 

“Body rock, oh, I wanna feel you body rock.”

Scar and Hugene screamed when Kiel sang that line and Finithee did a seductive body roll dance in front of them. 

Wrath bit his lower lip because of that sight. Mabilis niyang tinungga ang alak na nasa harap habang pinapanood ang dalaga na sumayaw.

The four of them danced and jumped in the chorus. Wala siyang ibang ginawa kung hindi matawa sa mga pinaggagagawa nila. They will surely forget what they did tomorrow, but he’s still sane and he will clearly remember all their silly acts.

Especially the woman he likes… everything she does is a beautiful sight to see and witness.

WRATH was furious when he saw how Hash pushed Finithee aggressively, causing her to fall on the ground and hurting herself.

Hindi niya na nakontrol ang galit niya nang makita ’yon. Mabilis niyang hinablot ang lalaki at pabalang itong binagsak sa lupa. “Tangina! Bobo ka ba?! Hindi ka ba talaga nag-iisip?!”

“We fucking kicked you out from the group because your mind belongs to a fucking criminal. You’re fucking violent, toxic, and plain stupid! Now you have the guts to come back here and hurt a woman?!” Kinwelyuhan niya ito at galit itong tinitigan. “You’ve been hurting people ever since we hired you. And I no longer want to give a fuck about you. It’s my fucking decision to kick you out because I’m the owner of this team. You’re fucking nothing inside my base camp!”

“And those three are worth it?! I brought our team to victory as well! You owe me! You should fucking thank me—”

“Bullshit! The three of them were sane and actually act like a human being. Pero ikaw? Tangina wala kang utak! You’ve almost hurt your fan before and you expect me to keep you?! I’m not a fucking enabler, jerk!”

He can no longer stop himself when he remembered how Finithee fell on the ground because of the bastard in front him.

“Wrath, pumasok na tayo sa loob. Please.”

His anger vanished when he heard her voice behind him, maingat din nitong hinila ang braso niya.

“I will take you down.”

Hindi niya napigilan ang babae nang marahas nitong sipain sa mukha ang punyetang lalaki na nakasalampak sa sahig. 

“Tangina mo, wala kang bayag!” she yelled.

Pinulupot niya ang braso sa baywang ng babae para pigilan ito.

“Ano ba! Bitawan mo ako! Bubugbugin ko lang ’tong putanginang ’to! May laban pa kami bukas gago ka! Imbis na mag-training kami ginugulo mo pa kami! Bwisit ka! Letse! Sana hindi ka makakain bukas! Pakyu!”

“Finithee. Enough!” Wrath successfully took her away from Hash.

“Bakit?! Ikaw nga ang dami mong sinabi sa kaniya, eh! Ako sipa lang nagawa ko!”

He wanted to laugh so hard when she said that. Halatang-halata na galit ito dahil halos umusok na ang ilong.

Namumula ang mukha nito at magulo rin ang buhok. She looks so beautiful even when she’s fuming mad.

“CAPTAIN, you’re awesome. I’m sure your future wife will never ever dare argue with you. Ipakilala mo siya sa amin kapag nakahanap ka na!”

Wrath’s face lose its glee after hearing those words from Finithee.

“You want to meet her?” he asked her coldly.

“Mero’n na ba? Oo, gusto k-ko siyang makilala!”

He nodded his head and stepped away after hearing her answer. She’s the only one he wants to marry, no one else will carry his surname other than her. Bakit kailangan nitong ipagtulakan siya sa iba?

“Aren’t you going to eat? Join me, captain.”

His eyes darkened after hearing her soft voice. Pinunasan niya ang basang kamay at naglakad muli papalapit sa dalaga.

Hindi niya na kayang magpigil at maghintay nang matagal. Para lang siyang masisiraan ng ulo.

Finithee gasped in surprise when he held both of her waist and carried her to sit on the counter. He positioned himself between her parted legs as he stared at her lovingly.

She’s just so fucking beautiful… everyone wants to have the woman he likes, and he can no longer bear that. He can no longer hide his feelings.

“Wrath,” kinakabahan nitong banggit sa pangalan niya.

Even the sound of his name from her mouth sounds so fantastic.

“I fucking tried, Finithee… I tried.” He frustratedly pulled her to get closer. “I don’t think I can control myself any longer.”

Mabilis niyang sinunggaban ang mga labi ng dalaga at agad na napapikit nang maramdaman kung gaano kalambot ang mga ’yon. His one hand went to her nape and pushed her head closer to deepened the kiss.

He aggressively moved his lips against hers, savoring every part of her sweet lips. Saglit pa lang niya itong nahahalikan ay naaadik na siya, para na siyang nanlalambot sa tuwa.

Kinagat niya ang ibabang labi ng dalaga at gigil itong hinila papalapit. The word “close” is not existing in his vocabulary. He wanted to feel her more, he wanted to embrace her soft body and savor the moment between them.

Both of his hands covered her cheeks before letting her lips go. Ayaw niya pang pakawalan ang labi nito pero kailangan nitong sumagap ng hangin.

“Fuck, that was awesome,” he whispered. “I want to fucking kiss you ever since I laid eyes on you, Finithee. I want to own that sweet lips every time you’re near.”

She blushed.

Muli niyang nilapat ang mga labi sa malambot na lagi ng dalaga. He sticked out his tongue to lick her lower lip that’s swollen already because of his kiss.

“I like you so much, Finithee… I like you so fucking much. I will do everything for you, I will spend all my free time with you… I’ll do everything you want me to do.”

He already had the courage to admit his feelings and it was the best decision he ever made in his entire life.

Kahit hindi pa siya sinasagot ng dalaga ay wala naman itong kawala sa kaniya. He will force himself to her again and again, until she finally realize that they’re meant to be together.

“I like you so much, baby. I will do everything to have you. I will definitely have you.”

Finithee let out a soft groan when his lips went down to her neck. Gigil niyang hinalikan ang babae roon habang pumipisil pa rin ang magkabila niyang kamay sa baywang nito. 

He failed controlling himself when his head went down to kiss her thighs. Marahas na pumisil ang magkabila niyang kamay sa malambot na hita ng babae habang inabala niya ang mga labi sa paghalik sa maputi nitong balat.

She smells so fucking good that he wanted to do more than kissing.

“Kaya ka pala bumili ng palda bwisit ka talaga— Hmp!”

He kissed her lips.

“Sabi mo…” He kissed her again. “Sabi mo kiss lang—”

“Kiss lang naman, ah,” he said huskily. “Hindi pa naman kita inaano.”

“Anong inaano!” Hinampas siya ng dalaga sa balikat na ikinatawa niya.

“I’m kidding, baby.” He sweetly embraced her. “Gagawin ko lang ’yon sa ’yo kapag kasal na tayo.”

Kahit naman puro kahalayan ang naiisip niyang gawin sa dalaga ay buong-buo pa rin ang respeto niya rito. He will only make love to her if she wanted to do it too. Because marriage and the word “yes” from her are the best consent she could give.

THE FIRST TIME he laid his eyes on the love of his life is beyond amazing. He can’t describe the same feeling he felt when he saw Finithee’s beautiful face at the entrance of the café.

And when she first laid her eyes on him inside the base camp, even that moment made his heart fluttered for the very first time in his life. He never liked other women, he never had interest on forming a relationship with anyone, until she came and changed his entire world.

She embraced his flaws and taught him how to appreciate little things. Because of her, he figured out his sole purpose in life… to exist and love her unconditionally.

Wedding Song “Liham” by SB19

“

At gano’n-gano’n na lang, pagmamahal mo ay walang anumang pag-aabang kaya habang…“

Wrath’s chest was filled with excitement when the door of the church slowly opened. Para siyang dinala pabalik sa unang pagkakataon na nakita niya ang dalaga.

He can clearly recall how she entered the café with an alluring smile across her face. From her perfect eyebrows, long eyelashes, astonishing eyes, pointed and cute nose, and her naturally pink lips, all of those features are incomparable- up until now.

Her long and curly black hair falls smoothly, touching her fair and flawless skin. If someone could portray a goddess, she will surely no longer need to exert effort on that field.

“Narito ako magpapagal para sa iyo. Handang isuko ang buo oh.”

His tears burst when the door fully opened and it revealed her beautiful baby. Wearing her wedding dress, a vail on her beautiful face, and a bouquet of flowers in her hands. 

“Ito ang aking liham sa pag-ibig ko. ’Di hahayaan na mag-isa ka sa kahit na ano.”

Danerie chuckled while tapping his shoulder. “You guys are perfect for each other.”

Wrath bit his lower lip while watching his baby walk on the aisle. Everyone is watching her and admiring her incomparable beauty.

He’s the luckiest guy in the world to ever exist, because she’s his…

“Ikaw lang ang himpilan ng aking puso. Sa piling mo’y panatag ang buong pagkatao. Ligaya ng aking mundo.”

Her father met her midway. They smiled at each other and continued walking, this time, she’s walking with her father on her side.

His father-in-law begged him not to hurt Finithee, he begged him to treat her good and full of love.

“You’re going to marry her. I’m certain that you will face problems together, but I beg you to understand her, and teach her how to solve your problems together. She will listen to you.”

Umiiyak siyang humakbang papalapit sa mag-ama nang unti-unti itong lumapit sa direksyon niya.

“And if ever that it comes to the point that you can no longer understand her, that you can no longer love her, please… Please don’t hurt her, and bring her back to me, safely.”

Wrath took Finithee’s hand when Fin Suarez handed it to him. Nakangiti siya nitong tinanguan at sinuklian niya ’yon nang matamis na ngiti.

Malambing niyang nilipat ang tingin sa pinakamamahal na ngayon ay bakas ang saya sa mukha. He gently placed her hand on his arm. “I love you so much, baby.”

“I love you so much, baby,” she whispered back.

They both stepped forward towards the priest.

Every step they take feels like a slow motion.

He glanced at her with full of admiration and love in his eyes.

If only she can hear his mind, she will hear his promises.

She would know… that her father doesn’t need to worry about her in his arms. Because he will give everything he could give to her. He will give her a perfect family, perfect life, and a perfect love.

Hinding-hindi niya ito pagtataasan ng boses kahit gaano pa kalaki ang pag-awayan nila.

Hinding-hindi niya ito sasaktan kahit anong mangyari.

Hinding-hindi niya ipaparanas dito ang kahit na anong sakit. Habang-buhay niya itong mamahalin at pauulanan ng mga bagay na kaya niyang ibigay.

He will forever understand her, he will forever surrender himself… all of him. Because that’s the kind of love he’s willing to pour, and his wife deserves assurance and an everlasting love that will never hurt her.

Ito lang ang kaisa-isang babaeng mamahalin niya.

Finithee Suarez made his life more exciting and useful. And in return, he will provide her all the good things in life. Sa harap ng altar, pinapangako niyang hinding-hindi niya ito bibitawan kahit harapin nila ang pinakamahirap na problema, at mamahalin niya ito nang buong-buo.

THE END

Special Chapter

SPECIAL CHAPTER

FINITHEE pouted her lips while caressing her womb when her husband entered the room.

Agad nanubig ang mga mata niya nang makita ang gwapo nitong mukha.

“Hi, baby.” Wrath flashed a sweet smile when he saw her sitting on the bed. Then he walked towards her and planted sweet kisses above her head before kissing her lips. “How’s my beautiful pregnant wife?”

She frowned. “Bakit ngayon ka lang?”

Napansin nito ang naluluha niyang mga mata kaya agad itong umupo sa tabi niya. “What’s wrong? What made my baby sad?  I’m sorry if I arrived this late, may inasikaso lang ako sa team.”

Her eyes dropped on the ground. “Gutom kami nila baby.”

He worriedly held her womb. “Love, why didn’t you tell manang Sonia? She will cook everything you request, right?”

Umiling siya. “Gusto ko ikaw kumuha ng pagkain ko.”

“Okay, what do you want then? I’ll cook anything you like,” he replied sweetly.

Nahihiya niyang inangat ang ulo para tingnan ito. “Gusto ko ng… santol.”

“I’ll buy—”

“Isang sakong santol, hubby,” she cut him off.

“That much?” He chuckled as he kissed her cheeks. “What are you going to do with that amount?”

“Tapos… kainin mo sa harap ko.”

Wrath’s eyes widened after hearing what she said. “Baby, what?”

“Gusto kong makita kang kumakain ng santol, hubby,” malambing niyang utos. “Tapos pwede bang sabihin mo kila Kiel na mag-video sila habang kumakain ng binatog? Tapos gusto ko pink ’yung mais.”

“Baby,” he frustratedly said.

“Ihh!” Her tears burst out that made him panic. “Hindi mo na siguro ako mahal, hindi mo na kami gusto nila baby. Sige, ayos lang! Ako na lang kakain ng santol, ako na lang bibili ng binatog na pink. Ako na lang magpapalaki kila baby—”

“Love!” Mahigpit siyang niyakap ng asawa at hinaplos ang buhok niya. “Why would you say those things? Of course I love you so much, I will never get tired of you, especially to our twins. I will do everything you want, okay? I’ll buy santol for you and I’ll tell the trio about your request.”

“Talaga?” She smiled with tears on her eyes. “Wow, bait hubby ko. Kiss, hubby.”

Natatawa nitong hinalikan ang mga labi niya. “Pregnancy really looks good on you, baby. You look so beautiful carrying our children.”

“Shh,” she murmured. “Bili na ikaw santol, dali. Tapos sila Kiel ha, huwag mo kalimutan. Ay, ano rin!”

She placed her finger on the side of her forehead as if she’s thinking. “Kuha mo rin ako ng bananaque na gawa ni Migo, tapos ayoko ng asukal, gusto ko asin ’yung coating, ha! And gusto ko rin ng french fries na gawa sa tilapia.”

“Baby,” Wrath said with a warning tone. “That’s not edible. And what do you mean by french fries made from a freaking fish? Is that even existing?”

“Bakit?” naiiyak ang boses niyang tanong. “May kamoteque nga, eh. Bakit walang fish fries?”

Namula ang buong mukha niya, tanda nang mga luha niyang anumang oras ay bubuhos na.

Nang mapansin ’yon ng asawa ay agad siya nitong hinaplos sa pisngi. “Don’t cry, wife. I’m sorry.”

Iniwas niya ang tingin at lumayo sa lalaki. Pagkatapos ay kinuha niya ang unan sa gilid at kinagat ’yon. “Ito na lang kakainin ko… sige.”

Wrath let out a frustrated sigh before laughing. Halatang pagod na sa mga pinaglilihian niya pero walang natatawa pa rin. “Baby, I’m sorry, I’m just worried about the food you want to intake. I don’t want you to get sick.”

She bit the pillow. “Wala na, huwag ka na mag-sorry. Ito na lang unan kakainin namin nila baby.”

Muli itong tumawa bago siya lapitan. Nagtatampo pa siyang pumiglas dito nang walang kahirap-hirap siyang buhatin ng asawa paupo sa hita nito.

“Napakamatampuhin naman ng buntis,” he teased her.

“Talaga, kasi ayaw mo na sa akin,” pagdadrama niya.

“When did I say that?” He chuckled. “I will never stop wanting you, my lovely wife. I’ll forever love you. Ikaw nga ’tong lagi akong inaaway. Ayaw mo pa akong makitang humihinga tuwing gabi.”

She pouted her lips. “Because you’re always teasing me! Tinawanan mo pa ako kagabi noong humingi ako ng pagkain!”

“Baby, who wouldn’t laugh with your request?” Pinisil nito ang pisngi niya.

“Nagpabili lang naman ako ng ice cream sa ’yo!”

“Be specific about it, baby. Ice cream na nilalako ni manong Jude, na hindi ko naman kilala.”

“Ako rin naman, ah! Hindi ko siya kilala, pero gusto kong kumain ng ice cream na tinda ni manong Jude, eh. Siya lang pumasok sa isip ko, hindi ko naman kasalanan ’yon,” nagtatampo niyang sabi rito.

“Okay, baby.” Wrath placed her head against his chest. “Sige na, ako na ang may kasalanan. Hindi ko na dapat inaaway ang buntis na ’yan.”

Finithee punched his chest lightly. “Sige, inaasar mo na naman ako, eh! Ayaw ko na! Mag-divorce na tayo!”

“No.” He kissed her lips gently. “I’ll kidnap all lawyers so you won’t be able to hire one.”

“Kaya mong kumidnap ng lahat ng lawyers pero hindi mo kayang hanapin si manong Jude na naglalako ng ice cream!” reklamo niya.

“Here we go again, baby.” Muli siyang sinandal ng lalaki sa dibdib nito at malambing na hinaplos ang likuran niya. “Huwag mo na akong awayin. Ano pa bang gusto mo?”

“Gusto kong kumain ng birthday cake,” she replied.

“We can just buy a cake, baby.”

“Ayaw, gusto ko cake na galing sa birthday.” Kumislap ang mga mata niya at aliw na pinagmasdan ang asawa. “Let’s celebrate your birthday!”

“Baby, it’s not my birthday today,” Wrath answered.

“How about my birthday?” she insisted.

“It’s not your birthday, baby.”

“Then let’s find someone whose birthday is today!” She happily clapped her hands as if she solved the World War III.

Natatawang umiling si Wrath sa kakulitan ng asawa. Her pregnancy cravings are beyond this world, but still, he’s not complaining and continue giving her what she wants. Kahit madaling araw ay gumigising pa siya para lang tuparin ang lahat ng gusto nito.

Pregnancy looks good and beautiful on her, especially that she’s carrying twins inside her womb. Habang papatagal nang papatagal, mas lalo lang siyang nahuhulog sa asawa.

Finithee rested her head against her chest, and his eyes automatically landed at the picture frame above their side table.

They won World Series Championship last year before they focus on their marriage. Sa harapan din ng mundo nila pinaalam na buntis ang asawa niya.

Scar will turn 17 this year, Kiel found a girlfriend, and Hugene decided to be open about his relationship with Lee, his brother-in-law.

They remained as Ark of Arsenal’s players while both of them decided to stop for a while because of Finithee’s pregnancy. Glad that they found two amazing teen players to temporarily replace them in the upcoming season.

Wrath’s eyes dropped to his lovely wife when he noticed her deep breath. Natawa siya nang makitang mahimbing na ang tulog nito sa dibdib niya. He carefully placed her on top of the bed before kissing her forehead.

“Sleep, baby. You’ve done much today.”

Being pregnant is a difficult job already, and he will do everything to lessen the frustration she’s feeling.

Having his awesome wife in his arms made him realized how hard it so be a woman. He can’t imagine the pain they have to carry, the aftermath of pregnancy that they have to face. Kaya hinding-hindi siya gagawa ng kahit na anong bagay na ikakapamahak ng asawa at mga anak niya.

---

An Open Letter for Everyone

Hi, my lovely oxygens! This is Alleona, or oaxygenknight.

I just want to extend my gratitude to all of you for reading and loving my stories. No words can describe how I appreciate everyone of you for being vocal about your support towards me. And for my silent readers, don’t worry about a single thing, I love you all equally and I’m always happy to have you by my side.

Half of this year must have been tough for some of you, while it must have felt heaven to some of you. Regardless of our own experiences, I’ll continue wishing for everyone to get the rest they deserve.

For students who finished another school year, I’m so proud of you. You might think that you didn’t do your best all through out the school year, but surviving is already the aftermath of doing your best. I know you guys went through so much. It must have been hard carrying all the burden without having the capability to tell it to anyone. And I sincerely wish that you guys are finally resting your minds, getting the peace you deserve without worrying about school works. We all have a great future ahead of us, and I will always trust everyone of you that you will achieve your goals. No matter how long it will take, five years, ten years, twenty years, or even a lifetime, just don’t forget to be happy and contented. Always take time to rest.

For students who didn’t have the chance to move forward towards another school year, I’m still proud of you and I will continue root for you. You must have felt that you’re almost there but failed. You might think that it was never okay, but I assure you that failing should not be the reason why you have to constantly punish yourself. We might not have the same experiences but we are all capable of surviving, it’s just that your mind is not in the right state to survive like everyone else. Was it your fault? No. It was never your fault. Everyone has different coping mechanism and you don’t have to feel guilty for yourself that your classmates are ahead of you. Because they were never ahead of you, education is not limited to vulnerable people, it will never close its gate for you to keep on trying. And as long as I am here, there will always be one person who’s willing to cheer for you along your way. I trust you, and I will never lose faith that you will eventually succeed.

For everyone who’s suffering silently, I know how hard it is to continue finding a reason to live. Some of us are suffering terribly yet the people who did us wrong will never feel sorry about it. It’s time for us to finally heal, not for them, but for ourselves. Our dreams are not for them, our goals are not meant to happen to satisfy them, our achievements are not to be rewarded to them. At the end of the day, no matter how much broken we are from the inside, we will eventually realized that all we need in order to heal is the capability to understand ourselves. Having to embrace yourself and your scars will fix you. Because nothing can hurt you anymore. That’s the reason why we need to heal our deep wounds, because it won’t heal by itself.

And if ever that it comes to the point that you no longer feel useful, please always remember that you’re one of the reasons why I’m still writing stories up until this day. Please always remember that you’re one of the reasons why I managed to survive and heal myself.

I love you all, so much, and I will always wish for you safety. I’ll be really glad to receive messages from you about your big and small achievements. I love you all, my oxygens 💛