Sachimoto

This is
WORK OF FICTION
. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incident are either the products of the authors imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance too actual persons, living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental.

Please
RESPECT
me and my character. Don’t mention any characters names from other stories which isn’t mine.

This story is unedited, so expect typo graphical errors, gramtical errors, wrong spelling and whatsoever errors.

Plagiarism is a crime.

Disclamer
: this is
BoysLove
/
LGBTQ
story, kung ayaw mo sa ganito, free to leave. ‘Wag na maraming dada. (⁠•⁠‿⁠•⁠)

Prologue

Prologue

“Are you sure about this, Oniisan?” I nodded as I closed the zipper of my suitcase.

Nakapag-desisyon na ako at walang kahit na sino man ang makapagbabago nu’n. Hindi ito ang buhay na ginusto ko, hindi ito ang buhay na pinangarap ko para sa’kin, ayokong mag-tiis sa isang bagay na marami ang sumuko.

“Don’t tell this to your brother Hinata,” Paalala ko at tumayo.

Nilagay ko ang isang strap ng bag sa kaliwang balikat ko habang hawak ang handle ng maleta sa kanan.

“Okaa-san will wake up soon,” He opened the sliding door for me, wala akong oras na sinayang at agad na lumabas. “Hurry up. . .and take care Oniisan,” i saw the pain in his eyes and i feel the stabing pain in my heart.

“Arigato,”

Ngumiti ako sa kaniya at tinapik ang balikat nito bago tuluyang mag-lakad. I didn’t want to leave you Hinata, hindi ko lang kaya ang trato ng pamilya mo sa’kin, but I am thankful because even all of them did not treat me well, masaya ako na may isa akong kakampi sa bahay na ‘to at hindi ko ‘yon makakalimutan.

Bawat hakbang papalabas ay parang isa-isang tinutusok ng karayom ang puso ko.

Hindi sa lahat ng araw na nanatili ako sa bahay na ‘to ay puno ng lungkot at pag-durusa, meron ding mga bagay na hindi ko makakalimutan at habang buhay kong aalalahanin.

Malamig na hangin ang dumampi sa aking balat nang maka-labas ako.

The snow keeps falling, just like my life if I stay here. Like the snow, I don’t want to melt away completely. I want to hold onto the part of me that remains intact and unbroken.

“Yōkoso!” Masayang pag-welcome sa’kin.

Noise enveloped my ears as soon as I stepped inside the airport. Pinagmasdan ko ang mga tao kung paano nila talikuran ang kanilang pamilya, kung paano sila mag-paalam sa kanilang mahal sa buhay and i felt the pain of them. Kung ang iba ay masaya sa muli nilang pag-tapak sa Japan, ang iba naman ay malungkot sa pag-alis nila.

kung hindi lang mas marami ang umaalis para mag-baksyon, ay maiiyak pa ako. This is the first time na muli akong nag-desisyon para sa sarili ko, ito ang unang hakbang na ginawa ko para sa buhay na gusto-pinangarap ko.

Mabilis lang ang naging proseso kaya nag-hanap muna ako ng upuan para hintayin ang announcement kung kailan magiging handa ang plane ko.

I decided to go to one of Hinata’s house in Glamir. Siya lang kasi ang nakaka-alam ng plano ko, siya lang ang kilala kong makaka-tulong sa’kin at hindi naman ako nagkamali dahil ibinigay niya sa’kin ang address ng isa sa pagmamay-ari niyang bahay para may matuluyan ako.

I took a deep breath as I thought of Hinata. The pang of longing hit me even before I had completely left.

Hinata is the younger brother of my husband, Regan Sachimoto. Hindi gaya ng asawa ko, merong pag-aalaga si Hinata, he took care of me as his older brother, hindi nito gusto ang ginagawa sa’kin ng pamilya niya kaya palagi niya akong pinagtatangol.

Napa-ngiti ako nang maalala ang pag-tatangol sa’kin ni Hinata nang minsang hindi sinasadyang mabasag ko ang mamahaling vase sa bahay nila, it was antique. Hindi niya ako iniwan no’n at sinabi sa kaniyang Mama na siya ang mag-babayad ng nasira ko, habang ang magaling kong asawa ay walang pake-alam sa kung ano ang nangyayari sa’kin sa loob ng bahay nila.

And yes, despite my gender, Regan married me even though her parents were against it, ipinaglaban niya ako hanggang sa makuha niya ang pagsang-ayon ng mga ito.

Namuo ang luha sa’kin mata ng maalala ang mga panahong masaya pa kami ni Regan. I love him so much, nagawa kong iwan ang pilipinas para sakaniya, nagawa kong hindi isipin ang sasabihin ng iba dahil sa pag-mamahal ko sa kaniya.

And look where I am now. I was at the airport, looking like a mess because of my stupid love for him.

I gave my passport to one of the staff, she checked it and gave it back to me after. agad kong nilagay ito sa aking bag at muling sinukbit sa balikat bago hanapin ang upuan ko.

Hinata booked me a window seat because he knows how much I love looking at the sky.

Hindi ko alam kung alam din ba ito ng asawa ko. Parang wala nga siyang alam na kahit ano sa’kin.

“Do you need anything sir, coffee or tea?” flight attendant ask, I shook my head in response.

Wala akong ibang gusto, what i need is peace.

It took a moment before the plane started. I took a deep breath when I felt the plane begin to move, signaling its takeoff.

Bago pa man tuluyang mabalot ng mga ulap ang paligid ay binuksan ko ang cover ng bintana. I gaze out of the window, my heart heavy with a bittersweet farewell.

“Sayonara,”

And just as the Japanese take pride in and deeply appreciate their own country, perhaps one day Regan Sachimoto, will come to recognize and cherish the value and significance of our relationship as well.

It’s a hope that, with time and understanding, Regan will learn to see the worth and beauty that I bring into his life.

Chapter 1

Chapter One

Hindi madali ang mag-simula ulit. Marami kang pag-subok na pagdadaanan; financial, find a stable job and be happy again even if you are alone.

Lahat ‘yon ay naranasan ko simula no’ng umapak ako sa lugar ng Glamir.

Masaya rito. Maraming tao ang tatanggap sa’yo at tutulong. Let’s say kung wala sila baka hanggang ngayon hirap parin ako sa pag-sisimula ng bagong buhay, gaya nga ng sabi ko hindi ito madali pero sa tulong ng ilang tao na nakilala ko ay nakaya ko ito.

I felt a gentle warmth spreading across my face. The light, soft and golden, kissed my eyelids. I opened my eyes slowly, squinting against the brightness.

It’s been a month since I moved. Walang problema sa bahay na ibinigay sa’kin ni Hinata, may tubig, kuryente, at ilang supply ng pagkain na sapat para hindi ako gumastos nang dalawang linggo.

The first thing I did the day after I organized my things and took a rest was to go around the place, nagtanong-tanong ako sa iba’t-ibang taong nakakasalubong ko-saan ‘yung papunta ng market, mall or let’s say bayan na tinatawag and thankfully mababait sila, ang ilan pa ay sinamahan ako gaya ni Ate Amy, isa sa unang taong nakilala ko rito sa Glamir.

After fixing the bed ay lumabas ako ng kwarto.

Stepping into the living room, the first thing that catches my eye is the elegance of the white and gold palette. The walls are painted a pristine white, making the room feel open and airy. Accents of gold trim the edges, adding a touch of luxury without overwhelming the space.

Isang floor lang ang bahay pero malaki ito para sa isang tao.

A white sofa with gold legs sits in the center, paired with a sleek coffee table with a glass top and gold frame. Against one wall, a white bookshelf with gold detailing holds a curated selection of books and decor. Even the light fixtures, with their white shades and gold bases, tie into the theme perfectly.

Ginawa ko ang morning routine ko. Nag-luto ako ng breakfast, naligo at inayos ko ang set-up ng computer na gagamitin ko dahil work from home ako.

“How are you there?” Hinata asked through monitor.

I took a deep breath and smile.

“I’m fine here, people here are kind and I won’t have any problem adjusting here, I just don’t go out often because of my work,” sagot ko.

Kita kong parang may gusto pa itong sabihin pero pinigilan niya. This is our morning routine every week. Hinata calls me once a week in the morning to say hello and ask if I need anything else.

“What’s up, is there something wrong?” hindi ko na napigilang mag-tanong dahil alam kong may gusto itong sabihin.

Tipid itong ngumiti at luminga-linga muna bago umpisahang mag-salita muli.

“Oniisan…” Umpisa nito.

Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko dahil sa galit at agad nawala ang ngiti sa labi.

So he’s home. finally naka-uwi na rin ang magaling kong asawa mula sa trabaho after ng isang buwan.

Before I left, Regan was in Dubai for a business deal, hindi niya alam na lumayas na ako sa kanila dahil palagi naman gano’n ang eksena namin, aalis siya buwan-buwan papunta sa ibang bansa para sa trabaho habang ako ay maiiwan sa bahay nila, babalik ito after a month kaya wala siyang alam sa ginagawa sa’kin ng pamilya niya.

Hindi ko alam kung wala ba talaga siyang alam o nag-papanggap lang itong walang alam, hindi ko rin naman kasi siya nakaka-usap tuwing umuuwi ito at hindi rin naman hinahayaan ng Mama niya na mag-usap kami dahil sa takot na baka mag-sumbong ako sa anak niya.

And for a husband who’s been away for a month, Regan hasn’t even checked if I’m okay, asked if I’m eating properly, or if I’m getting enough sleep.

Everything has changed!

“He’s furious because you left, and then Okaa-san made it worse by telling Regan that you abandoned him for another man…” yumuko ito at hindi ako magawang tignan sa mga mata. “I’m really sorry…I tried to clear things up with Regan, but he wouldn’t believe me.” dagdag nito.

Parang sinuntok ang dibdib ko sa sinabi ni Hinata. Mas pinapaniwalaan ni Regan ang Mama niya kesa sa’kin? Naniniwala siya sa kasinungalingan ng Mama niya na sumama ako sa ibang lalaki?

“Don’t apologize, Hinata. It’s not your fault your brother is such a jerk,”

I clenched my fist.

My heart pounded like a war drum in my chest, and I could feel the hot, suffocating fury rising up my throat, threatening to explode.

“I’m sorry, Heino. I’ll try to convince Regan that what Okaa-san is saying isn’t true-”

I cut him off sharply.

“Don’t bother, Hinata. Regan’s too stubborn and thick-headed to ever see the truth, He made up his mind, and no amount of explaining will change that.”

He apologized again before saying goodbye and ending the video call. I could sense Hinata’s deep worry for me, pero wala tayong magagawa dahil sa kitid ng utak ni Regan.

I decided to continue my work, mabuti at hindi naki-sabay ang ilang client sa init ng ulo ko dahil kung mangyari mang sabayan nila ito ay sila lang din ang mapapahiya.

knowing it’s because of Regan Sachimoto.

I tried to apply to the hospital here as a nurse, I’m a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and I don’t want to waste it. Kaya lang kailangan ko agad ng trabaho para sa gastusin sa bahay kaya pinasok ko muna itong call center dahil work from home rin naman.

But with each passing day that they don’t reply to my submitted resume, I lose hope of being accepted at Fenner Hospital-ang nag-iisa at pinaka-malaking hospital dito sa Glamir.

They said they were hiring, so I don’t understand why they haven’t replied yet. I have two years of experience and a good track record before I resigned and married Regan-Fuck! its because of Regan again.

Hindi ko napansin na oras na pala ng tanghalian, kumuha lang ako ng instant noodles sa kusina bago bumalik sa tapat ng computer ko.

Naubos ko na pala yung ibang stock at kailangan ko na mag-grocery mamaya dahil ayoko naman na puro instant noodles lang ang kinakain ko, I also maintain my body.

I have a well-toned physique suited for a more feminine look, with smooth, pale skin. My height is average for a Filipino, just reaching up to the shoulders of someone who is about 6 feet tall, like Regan.

After eight hours of work, I stood up and stretched, my thighs tingling from sitting for so long.

3pm na pala.

Nag-pahinga lang ako saglit bago lumabas ng bahay dahil kailangan ko mag-grocery, pero bago pa ako tuluyang maka-hakbang ay biglang tumawag si Hinata.

“Hi, What are you doing?” he asked.

“I’m heading out to grab some groceries.” Ni-lock ko ang pinto habang naka-ipit sa pagitan ng tenga ko at balikat ang phone. “Is there anything you need?”

“I’ve deposited some money into your bank account. Check it out and treat yourself-buy plenty of food and anything else you like.”

Nang tignan ko ang notification sa phone ko ay saktong lumabas ang text. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa gulat dahil sa amount na din-eposit ni Hinata.

“What the heck, Hinata? Why is it 60k?”

I felt a complex mix of emotions. There was a surge of gratitude, of course, because it was such a generous gesture. But there was also a hint of unease-an uncomfortable feeling of being indebted, even though I knew he was offering this help out of goodwill.

“Spend it well!”

Hindi na ako pinag-salita dahil mabilis niyang pinatay ang tawag, napapa-iling nalang ako kasabay ang pag-ngiti dahil dito.

Hindi ko alam kung paano pasasalamatan si Hinata sa mga bagay na ginawa at ginagawa niya para sa’kin, ramdam ko ang pag-aalaga niya na hindi ko naramdaman sa kapatid niya.

Dumaan muna ako sa bahay nila Ate Amy para itanong kung may ipabibili ito, sakto naman at meron nga raw kaya nag-decide akong isabay na ‘yon, nag-pasalamat ito sa’kin bago ako tuluyang sumakay papunta ng bayan.

Stepping through the sliding glass doors of the mall, I’m immediately hit with a blend of familiar scents-coffee brewing, freshly baked pastries, and the faint hint of perfume from the passing shoppers. The cool rush of air conditioning washes over me.

Pag-dating sa supermarket ay agad akong kumuha ng push cart. I make my way to the produce section, where the vibrant colors of fresh fruits and vegetables greet me. I pick up a few apples, feeling their cool, crisp texture in my hands before tossing them into the cart.

Nagpatuloy ako sa mga pasilyo, I mentally tick off my list: tinapay, gatas, itlog, tissue, shampoo, chocolate.

Kumuha ako ng tinapay, pagkatapos ay pumunta sa dairy section. The cool air of the fridge section feels refreshing against my skin, habang inaabot ko ang isang karton ng gatas at isang dosenang itlog.

Luminga-linga ako sa paligid, sinusubukan kong alalahanin kung may kailangan pa ba ako. I navigate through the aisles, my cart growing heavier with each item.

Meron pa ba?

Ito kasi ang hirap sa’kin kapag namimili ako mag-isa, may mga nakalilimutan ako at maaalala ko ito kapag naka-uwi na’ko.

I was pushing my cart down the cereal aisle, minding my own business, when I spotted a commotion in the produce section.

Anong meron, sale ba?

Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko nang mapagtanto kong inaatake sa puso ang taong pinag-kakaguluhan nila. Without hesitation, itinulak ko ang aking cart sa tabi at nag-mamadaling dinaluhan ang taong naka-higa sa sahig.

“Excuse me po, Nurse po ako.”

I quickly assessed the situation. The person was clutching he’s chest, gasping for breath. I instructed someone to call for emergency services while I started CPR.

Ipinuwesto ko ang aking mga kamay sa kaniyang dibdib. I started chest compressions, pressing firmly and rhythmically, counting out loud to keep my pace.

Each push felt like a battle against time. With every compression, I hoped, prayed that I could make a difference. I could hear murmurs and footsteps around me, but I focused solely on the task at hand.

“Sir, naririnig niyo po ba ako?”

Finally, I heard sirens approaching, nagpatuloy ako hanggang sa dumating ang mga paramedic, I stepped back, my hands trembling slightly, but a sense of relief washed over me knowing that I had done everything I could.

Nag-pasalamat ang mga paramedic sa’kin bago nila itakbo ang pasyente. Mabilis ang tibok ng dibdib ko dahil sa nangyari, sabayan pa ng mga papuri ng mga tao sa paligid. It’s been an exhausting day.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart after everything that had just happened. Suddenly, a figure appeared in front of me. I looked up to see a man, his features were strikingly unique-sharp, yet graceful. His nose, straight and perfectly proportioned, led down to lips that were impossibly full and shaped with a natural curve. And his jawline-defined and strong-added an edge to his otherwise ethereal beauty.

Walang sabi-sabi, inabot niya sa akin ang isang card. Lumipat ang mga mata ko mula sa card papunta sa mukha niya, trying to gauge his intentions.

“Take it,” he said simply. His voice was smooth, almost reassuring. I hesitated for a moment before accepting the card from his outstretched hand.

As I flipped it over, the words on the card caught me off guard.

Fenner Hospital
Dr. Sean Vistro Fenner.

“Nag-apply na ako rito, pero hindi pa ata natitignan ‘yung resume ko,” sabi ko dahilan para mapa-tigil ito sa pag-lalakad palayo pero agad din itong nag-martsa palapit sa’kin.

As he walks towards me, his eyes locked on mine, I can feel my heart race. His voice drops to a low, seductive whisper, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Then let’s meet tomorrow,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear. “Let’s talk about that.”

Chapter 2

Chapter Two

I stood there, numb, trying to process everything, but the more I thought about it, the less it made sense. Sinasabi niyang pag-uusapan namin? at bakit kailangan pa niyang bumulong ng gano’n sa’kin!

I placed my items on the conveyor belt, trying to shake off the lingering frustration from earlier. The cashier greeted me with a smile, but I could barely muster one in return. My mind kept replaying that moment, his words echoing in my head.

The cashier’s voice snapped me back to reality. “Ayos lang po ba kayo?” tanong niya, napawi ang ngiti niya nang mapansin niya ang pagmumukha ko.

I forced a nod, fumbling for my wallet. “Yeah, Thank you,”

I took my change and bagged my groceries, ramdam ko ang bigat ng pinamili ko dahil sa dami nito, idagdag mo pa ang nangyari kanina sa loob ng grocery, halos maubos na ang lakas ko.

Bago ako umuwi sa bahay ay dumaan muna ako kila Ate Amy dahil sa pinabili nito.

“Salamat, Heino. . .dadalhan nalang kita pag-tapos ko itong lutuin,” ani Ate Amy. Ngumiti ako rito bago tuluyang mag-paalam.

Si Ate Amy kasi ay madalas mag-luto ng mga pagkain na may sangkap na buko—buko pie, minsan palamig, meron pa siyang binigay sa’kin last week hindi ko lang alam kung ano ang tawag pero sobrang sarap nito, sakto ang tamis niya lalo na sa’kin na hindi naman talaga mahilig sa matatamis.

I was walking down the side of the road, grocery bags weighing down my arms, when I noticed something different—it’s someone from the neighborhood, someone who lives just a few houses down from mine.

Bahagya kong binagalan ang mga hakbang ko, iniisip kung mapapansin nila ako, or if I should just keep walking and avoid any awkward small talk.

But one of them saw me.

“Hi,” bati nito sa’kin.

Halos kasing tangkad ko lang din ito. Maputi at balingkinitan ang katawan, may ngiti sa labi itong naka-tingin sa’kin so I tried to smile too.

“Hi,” bati ko pabalik.

Mag-sasalita pa sana ito nang tawagin siya ng isa sa mga kasama niya.

“Baby, si Brimo paki-bantayan, ibababa ko lang itong mga gamit natin,” sabi ng isang Lalaki sa kaniya na agad naman niyang sinunod.

Baby?

Kasalukuyan sila nag-lalabas ng gamit nila sa isang Van, I think galing sila sa isang bakasyon at ngayon lang sila umuwi. Sila kaya ‘yong tinutukoy sa’kin ni Ate Amy na kakilala niyang nasa bakasyon?

Muli sana akong mag-lalakad pero agad din akong napahinto.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw him—him, the man from the grocery store.

His striking features are impossible to forget. The way his dark hair falls effortlessly over his forehead, the sharpness of his jawline, and those eyes—deep, enigmatic, like they hold a thousand secrets. For a moment, I’m rooted to the spot, my breath catching in my throat.

Does he recognize me too? Should I say something, or would it be better to just keep walking, pretending not to notice?

Before I can decide what to do, his lips part as if he’s about to speak…

“Hi, bago ka rito?” tanong nito na ikina-gulat ko. Parang may mali? iba ang kilos niya kumpara sa kaninang Lalaki sa grocery.

“Victor, si Timtim sumunod kay Brimo nakikipag-laro, paki-bantayan,” 

Hindi agad ako naka-sagot dahil sa biglang pag-singit ng isang Lalaki na kalalabas lang din sa Van, bitbit ang isang bagpack.

Mag-lalakad na sana ito pero mabilis ding napa-hinto nang isang bagay—no, bata ang naka-bundol sa’kin.

The sudden jolt made me lose grip on the bag and apples, oranges, and bananas scattered across the ground. Nang yumuko ako ay nakita ko agad ang isang batang naka-upo sa simento habang naka-tingala sa’kin. His cheeks were flushed, and he mumbled an almost inaudible ‘Sorry’ before looking at me with those enormous, earnest eyes.

“Are you okay, little one?” I asked, crouching down to gather the fruit.

“Vincent!”

Mabilis siyang dinaluhan ng dalawang Lalaki at nag-sorry sa’kin, I just smiled at them saying that it’s okay.

“Say sorry Vincent,” Sabi ng mestizong Lalaki sa bata matapos pagpagan ang likod nito.

“Sorry po,”

Ginulo ko ang buhok ng bata dahil kapantay ko lang ito. Nang maka-tayo matapos damputin ang mga nag-kalat na prutas ay tumingin ako sa Lalaking nasa likod ng bata.

“May anak ka na?” tanong ko.

Mabilis kumunot ang noo nang Lalaki sabay tingin sa isa pang lalaki sa tabi nito na mas maliit sa kaniya.

“Kilala mo ‘ko?” tanong nito.

“Hindi ba kanina lang tayo nag-meet sa mall, hindi mo ba ako naaalala…” kinapa ko sa bulsa ang binigay niyang calling card. “Binigay mo pa nga sa’kin calling card mo,” sagot ko.

Kinuha nito ang card na inabot ko.

A wide grin spread across his face as he waved it playfully at his friend. They erupted in laughter, the kind of laughter that filled the air with a warm.

“Anong nangyayari rito?”

May dumating pang dalawang Lalaki—‘yong unang kumausap sa’kin kanina at isang maskulado at morenong Lalaki.

“Look at this,” he said, holding up the card for everyone to see. “it looks like someone is on the move,” muli silang tumawa.

My mind raced, trying to piece together the reason behind their laugh. Had I missed something? A joke? I searched for clues in their expressions, but all I saw were smiles and eyes sparkling with unspoken amusement.

“A-anong nakaka-tawa?” hindi napigilang tanong ko.

“Sorry, pero hindi ako ang tinutukoy mo, hindi ako ang nag-bigay niya’n sa’yo…” mag-sasalita sana ako nang mag-salita ulit siya.

“Galing ‘yan sa kapatid ko,”

I took a deep breath, trying to process what he was saying.

The words hit me like a jolt. I could hardly believe it. The grocery store guy had a twin? It explained the uncanny resemblance, but the realization still knocked me off balance.

“So, you’re—?”

“Victor Fenner,” he said, extending a hand. “Nice to meet you. My brother is Sean Vistro Fenner. I hope I didn’t ruin the charm he left you with.”

I blink, struggling to reconcile the image of Dr. Vistro Fenner I had in my mind with the man standing before me. This was an unexpected twist, leaving me grappling with a surprise I hadn’t seen coming.

Nag-paalam na ako sa mga ito dahil masyado nang marami ang nangyayari sa araw ko, parang anytime pwede na akong mawalan ng malay dahil sa sakit ng ulo at mga rebelasyong nangyayari.

Matapos iligpit ang mga pinamili, sumandal ako sa malamig na marmol ng kitchen bar island, enjoying the brief moment of calm.

I sipped on the iced coffee I made earlier. My phone buzzed on the counter, and I picked it up. It was Hinata.

“Guess what?” he began, his tone teasing, but there was an underlying thrill to it.

“What?” I asked, intrigued.

“I’m going to the Philippines!” He announced, halos tumalbog ang boses niya sa telepono.

Napakurap ako, saglit na natigilan. “Wait, seriously? when?”

“Next week! I booked the flight this morning—”

I was still leaning on the bar island, the phone pressed against my ear nang may pumasok sa isip ko—ang mama niya.

Hinata’s mom.

“Wait,” I said, cutting him off. “Does your mom know about this trip?”

Hinata went silent for a moment, and I could hear faint background noise on his phone.

“Of course,” Hinata said, but there was something in his tone that wasn’t convincing.

“Hinata,” Diniin ko ang phone sa tenga, my voice dropping slightly. “You know your Okaa-san. . .well, she doesn’t like me. Are you sure she’s okay with this? I don’t want her blaming me or scolding me for, I don’t know, ‘influencing’ you or whatever.”

She never liked me, and she didn’t even try to hide it. Naaalala ko pa rin ang malamig na mga titig niya, ang mga suntok, at ang paraan ng pagpaparamdam niya sa akin na parang hindi ako belong sa pamilya.

Napabuntong-hininga si Hinata, “She’s just. . .overprotective.”

“Overprotective?” I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “Hinata, she mistreated and pushed me away from your brother the last time I was at your house.”

“Don’t worry about Okaa-san, I told her it was my decision. She’s fine with it.” he said quickly, brushing it off like it wasn’t a big deal.

I hesitated, leaning back against the counter. I didn’t want to be the reason for any drama between him and his mom.

“Are you sure? I don’t want this trip to cause problems for you.”

“It won’t,” he said firmly. “Besides, I already booked the ticket. There’s no turning back now.”

I exhaled, still uneasy but trusting him enough to let it slide. “Fine. Just. . .don’t get me in trouble, okay?”

“Trouble? You?” Pang-aasar nito. “Never.”

I rolled my eyes, inalis ko ang pag-aalala, at umakyat sa kwarto ko. Still, the thought of his mom lingered in the back of my mind.

Pagkagising ko, hindi ko na muna binuksan ang laptop para sa shift ko sa call center. Wala pa rin naman akong gana, at sa totoo lang, may mas mahalaga akong gustong gawin ngayong araw—ang tumawag sa lalaking ‘yon.

Kinuha ko yung calling card na binigay sa’kin ng lalaki nung nasa grocery kami. “Fenner Hospital,” basa ko, trying to calm myself. Nurse talaga ang gusto ko that time na dumating ako rito sa Glamir, pero dahil sa dami ng responsibilities at desisyong pag-alis sa Japan ay napunta ako sa call center.

I dialed the number. After a few rings, he picked up.

“Hello?” his voice sounded smoother than I remembered, a little too smooth for someone who’s supposed to be professional.

“Hi, Dr. Fenner. This is, uh, the guy from the grocery store. You gave me your card?” I said, trying to sound casual, bagaman mabilis ang tibok ng puso ko.

“Ah, ikaw pala.” I could hear the amusement in his voice.

“Actually,” Huminga ako ng malalim, “I’m interested in applying as a nurse at Fenner Hospital.”

There was a pause, then he chuckled softly, the sound almost. . .sinister.

“Really now? That’s an interesting move, coming from someone who doesn’t even know where the hospital is.” Tumawa ito saglit.

“I know where it is.” I tried to sound confident, kahit kinakabahan ako.

“Pwede kitang sunduin, kung gusto mo. I can show you around, maybe even give you a tour. . .in person.”

I hesitated. “No, it’s fine. Mag-kita nalang tayo d’yan mamayang gabi.”

I could practically hear him grinning.

“Sigurado ka bang ayaw mong sunduin kita? or maybe you’re afraid of being alone with me?” Nag-iba ang tono niya, mas pilyo ngayon.

Ramdam ko ang init na gumagapang sa aking leeg. “No, really. ayos lang ako. Magkita nalang tayo mamaya sa ospital.”

He chuckled, a sound that sent a strange shiver down my spine.

“Alright, but just so you know, I’ll be waiting. Don’t be late. Hindi ako kilala sa pagiging matiyaga sa mga taong pinag-aantay ako.”

And with that, he hung up.

For a moment, I felt like I was standing at the edge of a cliff, the world spinning beneath me, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to step back or leap. One thing was certain, though: this wasn’t going to be a simple job interview.