SYNOPSIS

Adventure of the Lunatics will be posted here. Stay tuned.

Pierce’s Divorce Part 1

PIERCE’S DIVORCE PART 1

“LADIES and Gentlemen–” Valerian abruptly stop before resuming, “Since we don’t have Ladies on board, it’s just Pussy whipped and gentlemen, we are gathered here today, in the middle of the clouds and the sky to help the future member of Possessive Club, Pierce Muller, to win his divorce against his bitch wife, Selene.” Bumuntong-hininga si Valerian na para bang bored na bored ito. “If the Divorce plan goes bad, remember, i’m just a Pilot and i didn’t do anything.”

Knight tsked. “Why is that lunatic broadcasting?” Umayos ito ng upo saka ginamit ang baseball cap na suot na pantakip sa mukha nito. “Gisingin niyo nalang ako kapag nakalapag na tayo.”

Dark stretch his leg and slightly kick Knight’s ankle. “Malapit na tayo sa Spain.”

“Gago.” Knight muffled before mumbling. “Ilaylay kita diyan e.”

Napangiwi si Terron bago nagkomento. “Man, sampung taon ka na rito sa Pilipinas, hindi pa rin maayos ang pananagalog mo? I mean, look at me, straight na ang tagalog ko.”

Inalis ni Knight ang baseball cap na nakatakip sa mukha. Hindi nakatakas na paningin ni Pierce ang pasimpleng pagtaas ng sulok ng mga labi nito.

Napailing nalang siya. Mukhang may bago na namang biktima ang baliw niyang kaibigan.

“Terron, my man,” ipinatong ni Knight ang mga siko sa magkabilang hita at tinitigan ng maiigi si Terron, “my tagalog is fine. Hindi namamaluktot ang tagalog ko.”

Hindi makapaniwalang napakurap-kurap si Terron kay Knight. “Kailan pa namaluktot ang tagalog? Nabaluktot yata ang ibig mong sabihin e.”

Tumawa si Knight saka napailing-iling. “Ang dali mong ututan.”

“What the hell?!” Terron sounds annoyed. “Anong madali akong ututan?” Gumuhit ang galit sa mukha nito. “Are you insulting my Title, Count?”

Knight just chuckled. “You are hopeless, your highness.”

“No,” sumabad si Dark sa usapan ng dalawang may dugong bughaw. “You’re hopeless.” Kay Knight nakatuon ang mata nito. “Wala ka ng pag-asa. Ang dapat sayo ibalik sa Spain at huwag ng pabalikin sa Pilipinas.”

“Paano naman ang love life ko?” Kaagad na reklamo ni Knight. “Alang naman kayo lang ang may happy ending.”

“Walang matinong babae na papatol sayo.” Wika ni Lath saka napailing. “Malala ka na.”

Tumawa lang si Knight saka kumuha ng ilang pirasong popcorn na hawak at kinakain ni Iuhence.

Kaagad na iniiwas ni Iuhence ang lalagyan ng popcorn ng akmang kukuha naman si Tyron.

“Fuck off.” Iritadong sabi ni Iuhence sabay tago ng lalagyan ng popcorn sa likod. “My princesses gave me this to me as good luck to Daddy.”

Lukot ang mukha na napatingin siya sa kaibigan. “Then why are you eating it?”

“So the good luck would enter my body and—”

“Even kids nowadays don’t believe those kind of shit.” Sabad ni Cali saka naglabas ito ng in can na coke mula sa bag na dala saka binuksan iyon at bahagyang itinaas sa ere, “coke para sa taong,” tinuro siya nito, “bugok.”

Tumalim ang mga mata niya. “Careful with your words Sudalga.”

Nagkibit-balikat si Cali. “I heard you lied to your girl. How’s that working for you?”

Isinandal niya ang katawan sa likod ng kinauupuan saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga. “It sucks.”

“It does.” Sangayon ni Tyron saka bumuntong-hininga ito. “Bago kami kinasal ni Raine noon, nagsinungaling din ako sa kaniya. Hindi ko sinabi na may girlfriend na ako kahit pa nga sa mga panahong ’yon ay nakipaghiwalay sakin ang girlfriend ko pero alam ko rin naman na makikipagbalikan din siya. I keep it hidden because i thought that it doesn’t really matter but apparently to women…it does. Nagalit sakin no’n si Raine. Ano pa kaya sayo na nilihim mo sa girlfriend mo na may asawa kang tao. Siguradong pakiramdam niya ngayon ay trinaidor mo siya at ang tiwala niya.”

Parang sasabog ang utak ni Pierce sa dami ng senaryong pumapasok sa isip niya habang naglalaro sa isip niya si Gladz.

Napasabunot siya sa sariling buhok. “Hindi ko nga alam kung magiging maayos kami pagkatapos ng divorce na ’to. I don’t know what i’ll do if i lose her.”

“One problem at a time, bud.” Ininat ni Lash and mga paa saka hinilot ang mga balikat. “Saka mo na isipin kung magkakabati kayo pagkatapos ng divorce mo.”

Pierce groaned. “I hate myself for hurting her.”

“Don’t worry, bud.” Tinapik ni Beckett ang balikat niya, “i hate you too.”

Tiningnan niya ng masama si Beckett. “Kasali ka sa usapan?”

Sasagot sana si Beckett ng umilaw ang seatbelt sign. Sabay-sabay silang natigilang sampo habang kunot ang nuo.

“What’s with that lunatic?” Kunot ang nuong tanung ni Knight saka tumayo ito para siguro pumunta ng cockpit.

But the plane dropped a couple of feet high. Ang mga natutulog na mga kasama nila ay biglang humahangos na gumising.

“Fuck!”

“Fuck!”

“Fuck!”

Curses filled the plane as Valerian spoke on the speaker.

“Sorry about that.” Ani Valerian sa kalmadong boses. “Sinisigurado ko lang na magigising ang mga natutulog diyan. We’re about to land by the way so be a good fucking passenger and put the fucking seatbelt on.”

Dark grunted. “My head aches because of that sudden drop.” Sinapo nito ang sentido. “Remind me to punch Volkzki when we landed.”

Sa halip na mag seatbelt si Lysander, tumayo ito habang kinukuyom ang kamao. “No one wakes me up like that, you fucker!”

Kaagad namang humarang si Knight sa daraanan ni Callahan. “No, Bud, that’s my best friend. Hindi kita hahayaan. Unlike us, kulang sa tulog si Val–”

The plane tilted a little, unbalancing Knight and Lysander who’s standing. Lahat sila natawa ng makitang bumagsak ang dalawa sa sahig, si Knight ay nakadapa samantalang si Lysander ay natumba sa may mga upuan na mas lalo nilang ikinatawa.

Lysander groaned in pain. “I’m going to kill that lunatic!”

“Okay ka lang?” May pag-aalalang tanung ni Dark kay Lysander.

Lysander glared at Dark. “Sa tingin mo?” May sarkasmo at iritasyon sa boses nito. “Ikaw kaya ang itulak ko sa mga upuan kung makangiti ka pa.”

Ngumiti lang si Dark saka nagkibit-balikat. “I’m just asking here, my man.”

“Ilang palaka ang nahuli mo, Bud?” Natatawang tanung naman ni Ymar kay Knight.

“That’s it!” Mabilis na tumayo si Knight at mahigpit na ikinuyom ang kamao. “I’m going to kill that fucking dick!”

Natawa at napailing nalang sila ng pumasok si Knight sa cockpit. So much for protecting Volkzki.

Pierce was shaking his head as he put on his seatbelt, same with his friends. Pareho-pareho silang walang imik hanggang sa nakalapag ang eroplanong sinasakyan.

After they stretched their legs, back and arms, they quickly steps out from the plane. Kaagad niyang nakita si Khairro na naghihintay sa kanila. Nauna kasi ito kasama si Phoenix, Titus, Nate at Evren.

“Lunatics!” Tawag ni Khairro sa kanila habang naglalakad sila palapit sa mga ito. “Quick! Come on! Time is ticking and it say tick-tock.”

Napailing nalang sila.

“Bakit ba nandito ang baliw na ’yan?” Tanung ni Lysander sa kanila na mga naglalakad.

Dark shrugged. “Who knows? Nakakagulat nga na makita e. I mean, pinalampas siya ng immigration? E mukhang terorista ang pagmumukha niya.”

Nagtawanan silang lahat.

“Not to mention he looks like a suicide bomber.” Komento ni Cali saka napa-tsk ng makalapit sila naghihintay na mga kaibigan. “Sanford,” tumingin si Cali kay Khairro, “magpagupit ka nga. Mukha kang terorista dahil diyan sa mahaba mo’ng buhok.”

Khairro just put his hair into top bun and showed Cali his middle finger. “This is for you, my man. Nag-i-enjoy pa ako sa mahaba kong buhok.”

“That’s why your Dad called me.” Ani Lysander na tinuro pa si Khairro na para bang may naalala ito. “I mean, tinanung niya ako kung mahaba din daw ba ang buhok ko.”

“Same.” Sabad ni Terron. “His father called me. Ang sabi sakin, bad influence ako sa buhok ng anak niya.” Sinuklay ni Terron ang buhok gamit ang sariling daliri. “As far as i remember, hindi ko pinapahaba ang buhok ko.” He tsked. “And you know what i did? I freaking apologize to his father for being a bad friend!”

Mahinang natawa ang mga kaibigan niya, kasama na siya. Halos lahat yata sila tinawagan ng ama ni Khairro patungkol sa buhok nito na ayaw nitong ipagupit.

“My dad dislikes long hair.” Ani Khairro.

“E bakit mukha kang tinutusta?” Tanung ni Knight kay Sanford sabay turo sa buhok nito.

Napapantastikuhang napatitig si Khairro kan Knight. “Tinutusta? Hmm…maybe because i’m hot?”

“Idiot.” Terron murmured. “Velazquez means tirurista.”

Iuhence chuckled. “May bagong translator na si Knight. Napagod na si Valerian diyan e.”

Tinapik niya ang balikat ni Terron. “A piece of advice my friend, huwag mong seryusohin ang baluktot na tagalog ni Knight. Baliw ang isang ’yan, mas lalala ang pagbaluktot ng tagalog niya habang itinatama mo. He’s an attention whore.”

Knight stared at him in disbelief and he even put his hand over his heart. “Ang sakit mo naman magsalita. I dislike attention and I’m not a whore! That’s called libel you know.”

Nawala ang atensiyon ng lahat sa kaniya ng may bumatok kay Knight.

“What the fuck–”

“What?” Pinanlakihan ni Valerian ng mga mata si Knight. “Huwag kang maingay, ilang oras na akong walang tulog. I’m grumpy as fuck so don’t try me.”

Knight nodded and pouted. “Hindi mo kasi ako pinapansin e, kaya nag-iingay ako palagi.”

Naiiling na inakbayan ni Valerian si Knight, “halika na, bago pa kita masapak.”

Napailing nalang sila ng bumaba ang boses ni Knight at si Valerian nalang ang kinakausap nito.

They’re really inseparable. Kay Valerian lang naman nakikinig si Knigt e. Ganun katigas ang ulo nito.

Napailing nalang siya saka sumunod na naglakad sa mga kaibigan. Nang makalabas sila sa Airport, may sasakyan na na naghihintay sa kanila.

“Thanks to me,” Khairro slightly bow his head. “We now have a transportation. Welcome kayong lahat.”

They all shook their head at Khairro’s bragging voice and words. Kailan ba nagpakababa si Khairro? Wala siyang maalala.

Nahati silang magkakaibigan sa dalawang sasakyan. The first car contains him, Beckett, Khairro, Terron, Lash, Shun, Lysander, Iuhence, Ymar and Andrius. Shun is their designated driver. Habang ang pangawalang sasakyan naman ay naroon si Valerian, Knight, Cali, Tyron, Titus, Phoenix, Dark and Evren. Si Tyron naman ang driver sa isang sasakyan kasi wala ang mga itong tiwala kay Knight na siyang unang nag volunteer na magmaneho.

“This is going to be fun.” Khairro grinned. “I’m really looking forward to our bonding session.”

Lihim siyang natawa. For Khairro, bonding session nila kapag ganitong may problema ang isa sa kanila. Kung tutuusin, hindi naman sila malapit na magkakaibigan dati. They become friends because they happen to have a common friend. Lahat naman sila nag-umpisang lahat sa common friend na nauwi sa close friend. They may not admit it, but they really lean on each other when problem arises.

“Naka-book ka na ba ng Hotel?” Kapagkuwan ay tanung ni Lysander kay Khairro.

“Yeah.” Khairro did an ‘ok’ sign. “The Hotel is fab.”

Terron grunted. “Fab means bad.”

“Nope.” Kaagad na depensa ni Khairro. “Maganda ’yong room saka pumayag sila na isang room lang tayo.”

“Tayo?” Pierce started to doubt Khairro. “Tayong lahat? Sanford, may i remind you, eighteen tayong lahat na nadito.”

“I know.” Khairro smiled at him.

Lash blows a loud breath. “Why on earth would you book only one room for eighteen people?” Hindi makapaniwala ang boses ni Lash habang nagtatanung. “Sigurado ka bang kasya tayo ’ron?”

“What’s the fuss?” Sanford tsked. “Card ko ang ginamit sa pag book ko no’n. And do you know how much it cost? Ang mahal kaya ng hotel dito sa Sicily.”

Ymar rolled his eyes. “You’re single. Walang dahilan para magtipid ka.”

“I’m single and i earn less than thirty thousand a month. Now tell me, hindi ba dapat ako magtipid?” Khairro retorted.

Shun scoffed. “Sa trabaho mo, that’s less than thirty thousand, pero sa mga kompaniya mo, huwag na tayong magkuwentahan baka mag syntax error ang calculator sa dami ng pera mo.”

Kaagad na nag deny si Khairro. “Ikaw, Shun, kapag ako ang nakidnap, kasalanan mo.”

“Totoo naman ang sinabi ko ah.” Angal ni Shun saka nagtanung, “okay, Mr. Navigator,” pasulyap-sulyap ito kay Khairro na nasa passenger seat. “Saan ako liliko?”

“Kanan.” Sagot ni Khairro saka nagpatuloy sa naunang topic ng dalawa. “Hindi ako mayaman. Sa mga magulang ko ’yon. I’m just managing it. But as an individual, i’m poor! I mean, i’m a Police Officer at hindi naman mataas ang posisyon ko. So paano ako naging mayaman?”

“Anong hindi mataas?” Iuhence asked. “You’re a Captain, Sanford.”

“Your mother’s wealth is enough to blow everyone’s mind.” Sabad ni Beckett na tumatango pa.

“Yeah.” Sangayon ni Terron. “She even bought you a Helicopter so you would not feel the traffic.”

“And she even tried to buy the whole Bachelor’s Village so you could build a huge fucking house.” Ani Lysander na napapailing pa. “Tapos Hotel lang, di mo kami malibre?”

“I’m poor.” Nagmamakaawa ang boses ni Khairro. “I’m very poor.”

Ymar shook his head. “Lets end this topic. Walang patutunguhan ’to.”

Andrius nodded. “Bilisan mo nalang ang pagmamaneho, Pilipinong Hapon na inampon ng mga korean.”

Lihim siyang natawa sa tinawag ni Andrius kay Shun. Lahat sila naguluhan sa totoong lahi ni Shun. Mukha kasi itong hapon pero pang-korean naman ang apelyido.

“We’re here.” Anunsiyo ni Shun pagkatapos iparada ang sasakyan sa isang Hotel na puwede na para sa kanila.

The Hotel looks decent and clean. Mukhang hindi naman pala gaanong nagtipid si Sanford.

Nang makalabas silang lahat sa sasakyan, pumarada naman ang sasakyan nila Valerian.

Sabay-sabay silang pumasok sa Hotel. They covered the whole counter because all of them are hovering over while Khairro talks to the Receptionist.

“Sir, the room is for limited persons only…” May pag-aalangan ang tingin ng Receptionist sa kanilang lahat.

“I already talk to the owner.” Ani Khairro. “He already approved.”

“But Sir—”

“Should i call your manager?” Nanghahamon ang boses ni Khairro.

“No, Sir.”

“Good.” Khairro grinned. “The key?”

May pag-aalangan pa rin ang Receptionist habang iniaabot kay Khairro ang susi. “11th floor, Sir.”

Nang mapasakamay ni Khairro ang susi, kaagad itong naglakad patungong elevator.

They all grunted when the elevator made this “too much weight’ sound.

“Labas na Cali.” Kaagad na sabi ni Andrius. “Kain ka kasi ng kain kaya ayaw sumara ng elevator.”

But Cali didn’t move a muscle. Sa halip ay ipinakita nito kay Andrius ang gitnang daliri.

Napabuntong-hininga si Pierce. “Seriously, guys, bababa pa naman ang elevator na ’to. Labas na.”

Walang umimik hanggang sa basagin ni Knight ang katahimikan. “Lalabasan na ako.”

“That’s just gross, Spaniard.” Naiiling na wika ni Valerian saka inakbayan si Knight saka sabay na lumabas ang dalawa. “Susunod nalang kami.” Anito ng makalabas at humarap sa kanila.

Sa wakas, sumara na rin ang elevator at gumalaw.

Terron tsked. “Is it just me or what Velasquez said was little off—”

“Nasty, you mean.” Iuhence interjects as he shook his head. “Nuong una kong makilala si Velasquez, napakaseryuso niya, parang babarilin ako kung sasagot ako na hindi niya magustuhan. Then i get to know him after my wedding and i found out that he’s also a lunatic, like Volkzki.”

Nag thumbs-up si Tyron. “Agreed. Nang una naming makilala yan, ibang-iba siya sa Knight ngayon na hindi ko maintindihan kong autistic ba o kulang lang talaga siya sa pansin.”

Mahina silang natawa. Totoo naman kasi ang sinabi ni Zapanta. Knight is really weird for a Spaniard count.

Pare-pareho silang nakahinga ng maluwang ng tumigil ang elevator at bumukas iyon. Malalaki ang hakbang na nagsilabansan sila sa elevator at hinintay sina Velasquez. At salamat sa diyos dahil hindi naman inataki sa kabaliwan ang dalawa at kaagad na sumunod sa kanila.

At habang naglalakad sila patungo sa kuwartong uukupahin nila, nag-uusap sila kung kasya ba sila sa kinuhang kuwarto ni Sanford.

Para kay Pierce, hindi na siya umaasa na magkakasya sila. Unless the inside of that room is huge like a mansion.

When they stop in front of their designated room, they all look expectant and hopeful. Alam niyang pare-pareho silang umaasa na sana magkasya sila sa loob.

Nang i-swype ni Khairro ang keycard sa door lock at tinulak pabukas ang pinto, sabay-sabay silang napadaing ng makita ang loob ng kuwarto.

“Yep.” Knight grunted. “Tight like a virgin.”

Khairro whistled. “I like tight things.”

Hindi napigilan ni Lysander ang sarili, binatukan nito si Sanford. “Gago. Wala nang virgin dito satin, kaya bakit isang kuwartong masikip ang kinuha mo?”

Khairro shrugged. “Para close tayong lahat.” May nakakalokong ngiti sa mga labi nito.

Pierce tsked. “Let’s just enter.”

They enter and yes, the room is too small. It’s really tight for eighteen people.

Phoenix sighed. “You know what, I’m getting my own room.”

Tumango si Titus. “Me and you both, bud. Let’s get out of here.”

“Hey!” Hindi maipinta ang mukha ni Sanford habang nakatingin kay Martinez at Morgan. “You two are hurting my feelings!”

Napabuntong-hininga nalang siya ng sabay-sabay na magreklamo ang mga kaibigan niya.

“This is too tight!” Cali grunted.

“Did you seriously think this through, Sanford?!” Iuhence looked annoyed.

“Ang sikip dito.” Reklamo ni Terron. “Hindi tayo kasya dito. Paano tayo matutulog, huh, nakatayo?”

Khairro grinned and showed his thumb up at Terron. “You are brilliant my man.”

Napasabunot sa sariling buhok si Dark. “Seriously, Sanford…”

“Hindi ako makagalaw.” Reklamo din ni Lash.

“Same, bro.” Nakangiwing segunda ni Lath. “This is fuck up.”

“Yes! Do you even have a fucking brain, Sanford?” Volkzk is annoyed. “Fuck this—”

“Shut up! All of you!” Matalim ang mga mata niya. “Baka nakakalimutan niya kung bakit nandito tayo!”

“Woah…” itinaas ni Velasquez ang kamay na parang sumusuko. “Okay, bud, you don’t have to shout at us.” He was looking at him then glance at their friends. “I already rented a place while you’re arguing. You’re very much welcome by the way.”

Napasimangot si Sanford. “Nagsayang lang ako ng pera.”

Napailing-iling si Tyron. “This room is fuck up, Sanford.”

Sanford just shrugged and left the room. Napailing nalang silang lahat. At ito pa talaga ang may ganang mag-walk out.

“Let’s beat him up.” Beckett suggested.

“Later.” Valerian grunted. “Lets get out of this tight hell hole first.”

Tumango-tango silang lahat saka lumabas ng kuwarto at sinundan si Khairro na naghihintay ng elevator.

Inakbayan ni Andrius ni Khairro. “Galit ka bang gago ka?”

Sanford looks irritated. “Nope. I was A for effort but you didn’t even appreciate it.”

Binatukan ni Pierce si Sanford. “Fuck you. Don’t be mushy.”

Mabilis itong bumaling sa kaniya na nakangiti at maliwanag ang buong mukha. “You’ll refund me?”

“Nope.” Mabilis niyang sagot saka nauna nang sumakay sa bumukas na elevator. “Not happening.”

Sanford groaned. “Fuck you all.”

“Fuck you too.” They all replied at the same time before pressing the close door button of the elevator and leaving Sanford and Andrius behind.

-TO BE CONTINUED-

Friendship (SPAIN Part 1)

A/N: Yong pumipikit na ang Mata ko

😅

Happy Reading.

FRIENDSHIP

(SPAIN PART 1)

VALERIAN was sitting on the park’s bench when his forehead furrowed because of a dog with a collar rubbing his nose against his leg like they’re close. The dog— a husky— even has a name tag, but the owner is nowhere to be found.

Must be missing.

“What is it?” Tanong niya sa aso na para bang sasagot ’yon.

The dog just wags his tail and keeps on rubbing his nose against his leg.

“Okay, buddy, stop that.” He tsked. “You’re creeping me out. I’m not your owner.”

Pero hindi tumigil ang aso hanggang sa umupo na talaga ito sa tabi ng paa niya.

“Seriously?” He said with a thick sarcasm on his voice. “What the fuck is wrong you?”

He likes dog but not this dog who’s acting like they’re close when they don’t even know each other.

“Look…I don’t even know you.” Pagkausap niya sa aso na gumagalaw lang ang buntot habang nakatingin sa kaniya. “Shoo! Go away.”

Pero talagang matigas ang ulo ng aso kaya siya nalang ang nag-adjust. Siya nalang ang umalis pero sinundan na naman siya ng aso!

Tumigil siya sa paghakbang at tiningnan ng masama ang aso. “Go away.”

Pinagtitinginan na siya ng tao sa paligid pero wala siyang pakialam. He’s in Spain for fucking out loud, no one even knows him here.

“Go away.” Ulit niyang pagkausap sa aso na lumapit na naman sa kaniya at umupo sa tabi ng paa niya.

Valerian sighed in annoyance. Talagang walang balak lumayo ang aso sa kaniya.

Umuklo siya saka tiningnan ng matalim ang aso at dinuro ang mukha nito. “You. Go away.”

The Dog just looked at him.

Valerian blows a loud breath. “Don’t you understand English? Pati ba naman ang aso rito sa Spain, Spanish ang salitang naiintindihan? Or maybe do you want me to bark in Spanish— wait a minute… how the fuck would I do that?”

And the dog just keeps on looking at him.

Valerian sighed. “Whatever. Follow me if you want. Mukhang nawawala ka. Baka makita ka ng may-ari sayo kapag nilibot kita sa park.”

Tumayo siya saka namulsa at naglakad.

The Dog automatically followed him.

Valerian didn’t mind the dog. Naglakad siya paikot sa park. Pero nakakailang ikot na siya pero walang lumalapit sa aso na walang sawa at pagod na sumusunod pa rin sa kaniya.

Valerian stops walking and look at the dog behind him. He’s wagging his tail.

“Fuck it…” mura niya saka umuklo sa harap ng aso at hinawakan ang name tag nito at binasa ang pangalang nakasulat do’n. “Knight.”

Nagsalubong ang kilay niya. “Who named you Knight?” He asked the dog. “You don’t look like a Knight to me. You’re annoying and irritating and just damn fuck. Stop following me.”

The Dog— Knight— barked at him.

Valerian sighed heavily. “Whatever. I’m going home.”

Naglakad lang si Valerian pauwi dahil hindi naman maaraw at gusto niya ang mga bahay at gusali na nadaraanan niya. At hindi na siya nagulat ng makitang sumunod na naman sa kanya ang aso.

Nang makarating sa Hotel niya, bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Valerian at nilingon ang aso na hinarang ng mga Guards dahil hindi puwede pumasok ang aso sa loob.

“Fuck.” Mura niya ng makaramdam ng awa sa aso na nakatingin sa kaniya.

Marahas niyang ipinilig ang ulo saka tinungo ang kuwarto niya at nagmamadaling inilagay sa backpack na dala ang lahat nang gamit niya saka nag check out.

Nang makalabas siya ng Hotel, wala na ang aso sa labas hanggang sa maramdamang niyang may kumukuskos sa paa niya.

His eyes automatically drop to his leg and saw Knight.

Nangingiting napailing siya saka ginulo ang balahino ng aso sa ulo. “Come on you annoying dog.”

Pinasakay niya sa backseat nang nirentahang sasakyan na may kasama nang Driver ang aso saka siya naman ang sumakay.

Halatang nagulat ang driver ng makita ang aso.

“Sir? A d-dog?”

Tumango siya. “Can’t take him with me in the Train. Not allowed since he’s not small anymore. I’ll pay double.” Aniya. “To Barcelona.”

Mabilis na tumango ang Driver saka pinausad ang sasakyan, siya naman ay napatitig sa aso na nakahiga sa sahig ng sasakyan at nakapatong ang ulo sa paa niya.

Napailing nalang siya. Mukhang komportable ang asong ’to sa kaniya, ah. Nasaan kaya ang may-ari nito?

Hinawakan niya ang dog tag nito saka sinuri ’yon.

Barcelona. Taga-Barcelona ba ang asong ’to?

He sighed and leaned on the backseat before closing his eyes.

His plan to go to Barcelona is tomorrow, but because of this Dog, it changed. Naawa siyang iwan nalang ito basta lalo na’t sunod naman ito ng sunod sa kaniya.

And since the Dog is Siberian Husky, he needs to rent a Hotel that allows pet and has cold temperature.

Valerian shook his head. Fuck the owner of this Dog.

VALERIAN has to pay a hotel staff to make sure that the Dog is in a cold place while he tours around Barcelona. Sa makalawa ay babalik na siya sa US. Pinagbigyan lang niya ang Mommy niya na pumunta rito para raw alam na nito ang pupuntahan kapag ito ang bumisita rito sa Spain.

And since its vacation, he said yes.

Napatigil sa pagsimsim ng kape si Valerian ng makita ang sasakyang tumigil sa harap ng café na kinaruruonan.

A Bugatti.

His lips thinned when he saw a guy, maybe the same age as him, exited from the car. And with the guy entered the café, murmurs filled the room.

Valerian tuned them out as he enjoy his coffee. He’s not interested in rumours and gossips. He’s here to enjoy his coffee before he returns to his Hotel room.

Natigilan siya sa pagsimsim ng kape ng may tumikhim sa harapan niya.

When he look up, its none other than the man who steps out from the Bugatti.

Hindi niya tinago ang iritasyon sa mukha. “What?”

Wala man lang sabi-sabi na basta nalang itong umupo sa mesa niya.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“I need to sit.” Sabi nito na para bang sapat na ’yon para ibigay niya lahat ng pangangailangan nito.

That irritates him even more. “So?”

Tumingin ito sa kaniya. Walang emosyon ang mukha nito pero matalim ang mga mata. “I’m a Velasquez.” He said like its supposed to mean something to him.

“And i’m Valerian Volkzki you fucker, and this is my table.” Magaspang ang boses niyang sabi at sinalubong ang tingin nito. “Go away.”

The man blinked at him. “I don’t want to.”

“You’re in my table.” May diin niyang sabi. “Go away.”

Mas lalong tumalim ang mga mata ni Valerian ng makitang kumuyom ang kamao ng lalaki at tumiim ang bagang nito.

Valerian doesn’t want any trouble. This is not his country and fighting against someone he doesn’t even know is not in his to-do-list but the face of the man in front of him is really annoying as fuck.

Hindi niya mapigilan ang pagtatagis ng bagang at pagtalim ng mga mata niya. “Whatever. Go away and look for another table.” Pagpapaalis niya sa lalaki.

Tinitigan siya nito ng ilang minuto saka may inilapag na envelop sa ibabaw ng mesa sa harapan niya. Doon mas lalong nagsalubong ang kilay niya.

“What the fuck—”

“Lo siento.” Wika nito saka umalis ng mesa niya at lumabas ng café saka sumakay sa sasakyan nito.

Siya naman ay napatitig sa envelop kapagkuwan ay binuksan iyon.

Nalukot ang mukha niya nang makitang flash drive ang laman no’n. “Ano ’to?” Napatingin siya sa pintong nilabasan ng weirdong lalaki. “May sayad ba ang lalaking ’yon?”

Napailing siya saka inubos ang kape at lumabas na rin ng café.

Naglalakad siya sa gilid ng kalsada pabalik sa Hotel niya ng bigla nalang may lumapit sa kaniya at may itinutok na matalim na bagay sa likod niya.

“Move!” The man hissed at him and force him towards a dark alley.

A fucking thief?

Hindi siya gumalaw at sinunod lang ang lalaki saka hinayaan itong kapkapan siya na para bang may hinahanap ito.

“Where is it?!” Sigaw sa kaniya ng lalaki na ngayon ay nasa harapan na niya at nakatutok ang kutsilyo at baril sa kaniya. “Where is it?!”

He frowned. “Where is what?”

“Don’t deny!” Bigla nalang siyang sinuntok sa mukha ng lalaki. “Where is it?!”

Biglang nag-init ang ulo ni Valerian sa ginawa sa kaniya ng lalaki kaya malakas niya rin itong sinuntok sa panga at sinipa ang baril sa kamay nito.

Handa na siyang patumbahin ang lalaki ng bigla nalang may naglabasan na kalalakihan at pinalibutan siya.

“Fuck.” Valerian hissed under his breath. What the fuck is happening? Anong hinahanap ng mga ito sa kaniya?

Valerian was on guard when the men started speaking in a language he doesn’t understand. But when he heard the man who held a gun at him earlier says ‘beat him up and bury him alive until he concede’, he finally grasp what’s happening.

This is not a thief related.

That guy earlier! That flash drive! Fuck!

Humigpit ang pagkuyom ng kamao niya at sinalag ang atake ng anim na kalalakihan na ang apat ay may kutsilyong hawak at balak talaga siyang saksakin.

“Fuck!” He cursed when of the men nearly stabbed his side. “Fuck!”

One versus six. Seriously! How fuck up is this vacation?!

Panay ang salag ni Valerian sa mga atake sa kaniya. Iniiwasan niyang masaksak kaya puro siya salag at hindi siya makaatake.

Valerian was busy defending himself when he saw that irritating guy in the café earlier, just watching.

Nakatayo ito sa pasukan ng alley at nakamasid lang sa kaniya na binubugbog na habang kumakain ito nang—what the hell!

Is he eating a cake while watching him get beaten up?!

Mas dumoble ang galit na nararamdaman niya at nawala siya sa focus kaya hindi niya napansin ang kutsilyo na sumagi sa tagiliran niya at nahiwa ang balat niya.

“Where’s the flash drive?!” Sigaw sa kaniya ng lalaki. “Talk or we will kill you!”

That fucking flash drive must be important for these men to threatened his life.

Napaubo si Valerian ng may dalawang magkasunod na suntok na tumama sa tiyan niya at may humawak sa magkabilang braso niya para hindi siya makapalag.

“The flash drive!” Sigaw sa kaniya ng lalaki.

“I don’t have it!” Balik niyang sigaw na sinagot iyon ng paghiwa nito sa braso niya.

Napamura nalang si Valerian ng sumigid ang sakit sa kalamnan niya. “Fuck!”

“One more chance.” Iniumang nito sa kaniya ang dulo ng matalim na kutsilyo. “Where is the flash drive?”

Tumitig dito ang matalim niyang mga mata. “Fuck you.”

Gumalaw ang kamay nito para saksakin siya sa tiyan ng may tumamang babasaging pinggan sa mukha nito.

Malakas na napamura ang lalaki at napaatras saka sinapo ang mukha habang ang may hawak naman sa kaniya ay binitawan siya para atakihin ang lalaki kanina sa café.

Malalaki ang hakbang na lumapit sa kanila ang lalaki at mabilis nitong pinulot ang isang piraso nang nabasag na pinggan saka ginamit iyon para labanan ang kutsilyo ng mga kalalakihan.

Hinayaan niya lang ito saka pinulot niya ang kalahati nang nabasag na pinggan sa semento at ihinampas iyon sa lalaking sinugatan siya.

“You mother fucker!” Malakas na sinipa niya sa leeg ang lalaki na ngayon ay panay atras na at daing. “Who the fuck do you think you are to do that to me?”

Nanggigigil sa galit na hinawakan niya sa buhok ang lalaki at sinipa ang mukha nito gamit ang tuhod niya ng paulit-ulit hanggang sa bumagsak ang katawan nito sa semento.

Nang lumingon siya, nakita niyang bagsak na rin ang limang kalalakihan habang nakasandal naman sa pader ang lalaking nagbigay sa kaniya ng envelop at nagsisindi ng sigarilyo.

Kinuha niya sa secret pocket ng jacket niya ang flash drive saka binato iyon sa lalaking naninigarilyo na mabilis at eksperto naman nitong nasalo.

“Fuck you.” Sabi niya saka naglakad pabalik sa pinanggalingan niya kanina habang sapo ang dumudugo niyang braso at tagiliran.

“I wonder why they want this flash drive though.” Sabi ng lalaki na ngayon ay naglalakad na sa tabi niya habang naninigarilyo.

Tumigil siya sa paglalakad at tiningnan ito ng masama. “They beat me up for that. That flash drive better be damn important for me to get beaten up.”

May kinuha itong flash drive sa bulsa nito saka ipinakita iyon sa kaniya. Magkaparehas na magkaparehas ang dalawa. “This flash drive contains what those men need. But this one,” nilaro-laro nito ang flash drive na binigay nito sa kaniya kanina sa café. “It has my thesis so its very important as well but i’m pretty sure those men is not in College like me.”

Ipinikit nalang ni Valerian ang mga mata ng maramdamang umakyat ang dugo niya sa ulo at nag-init ang tainga niya sa panggigigil at galit sa kaharap.

“Then why the hell did you give it to me?!” Hindi niya napigilang sigawan ito ng malakas sa sobrang galit na tinitimpi. “Do I look like I want to read your fucking thesis?!”

The guy just shrugged. “You’re a bait.”

He stilled and looked at the guy in front of him incredulously. “I’m a what?”

“A bait.” He shrugged again. “I know those men are tailing me so I approach you with the intention of giving you a fake Flash Drive to flash them out from their hiding so I can finish them off—”

Valerian punch the man in the stomach. Thrice. In so much anger.

“Fuck.” Mura ng lalaki habang sapo ang tiyan nito at nahulog ang sigarilyo sa semento kapagkuwan ay inilahad nito ang kamay habang namimilipit pa rin sa sakit. “Knight Velasquez.”

Tiningnan niya lang ito ng matalim saka nauna na siyang naglakad dito habang pumasok naman sa isip niya ang aso na sinama niya mula Madrid na kapangalan ni Knight Velasquez.

Iritadong-iritado pa rin siya ng marinig na naman niya ang boses nito.

“Hey! Val!”

The name he called him made him still and looked at Knight. “Close tayo?”

Tumuwid ng tayo si Knight habang hinahaplos ang tiyan. “I understand the word ‘close’ but we’re not ‘tayo’.”

“Gago.”

“I don’t understand you but I appreciate it.”

“Tang’ina ka.” Mura niya rito.

“Whatever that is, thank you.”

Hindi makapaniwalang napatitig siya sa lalaki at napailing. “Gago na nga, tang’ina pa, baliw pa. What a great combination?”

“Yes.” Knight smiled. “My mother and my father had a great combination when they made me.”

He looked at Knight with disgust. “Stop talking to me and leave me alone.”

Nag-umpisa na naman siyang maglakad hanggang sa napatigil siya kasi may umakbay sa kaniya. Nilingon niya kung sino ’yon at sobra-sobra ang pagtitimpi niya na hindi niya suntukin ulit ang lalaking nagpakilalang Knight.

“What?!” He snapped at Knight Velasquez.

Tinuro nito ang loob ng café na dinaanan nila. “They have a triple chocolate something cake inside?”

“And?” He replied sarcastically.

“I left my wallet in my car.” Knight answered.

“And?”

“Buy me that cake.” Utos nito sa kaniya.

Valerian looked at Knight in bewilderment. “After I got beaten up because of you, you actually expects me to but you a cake? After I nearly got stab, you expect me to spend my money for your pleasure?”

Knight nodded. “It’s a cake and I did save you using the plate I stole from the café nearby so you’re very much welcome—”

“Save me from the chaos and confusion you created, you dumbass!” Singhal niya rito.

“But…” tinuro na naman nito ang cake na naka-display sa loob ng café. “Look…it’s a triple chocolate something cake.

“Its triple chocolate Bavarian cake.” Pagtatama niya rito saka napailing at naglakad ulit pero pinigilan na naman siya nito.

“I’ll pay you.” Sabi nito.

Malakas siyang napabuntong-hininga saka hinihilot ang sentido na pumasok ng café kahit dumudugo ang braso niya at binili ang cake para lang tantanan na siya ni Knight.

And when Valerian looked at Knight. Nasa labas ito at siya naman ay nasa loob ng café. Walang emosyon ang mukha nito habang nakatingin sa kaniya. Gone the weird guy who beg him to buy a cake.

Kunot ang nuong lumabas siya ng café habang dala ang cake na binili.

“You okay?” Tanong niya rito sabay abot ng cake rito.

Knight just stared at him for a long minute before speaking in a cold voice. “You’re an idiot. You do realize you nearly get killed because of me and you bought me a cake.”

Valerian sighed. This is the Knight who spoke to him and gave him the envelop. “I bought it because you want it and it looks like you really want to taste it.” Kinuha niya ang kamay nito saka ipinatong doon ang cake na binili. “Eat it, throw it, I don’t care.”

Nilampasan niya ito at akmang papara ng taxi nang may pumaradang Bugatti sa harapan niya.

“Get in.” Wika ni Knight saka bumukas ang pinto ng passenger seat. “I’ll bring you to the Hospital.”

Pahapdi na nang pahapdi ang sugat niya sa tagiliran at braso kaya naman sumakay na siya sa sasakyan nito.

Walang umimik sa kanilang dalawa hanggang sa makarating sila sa Hospital. Kaya naman nagulat siya ng samahan siya nito papasok sa ER.

“He’s hurt.” Anunsiyo ni Knight pagkapasok na pagkapasok palang nila sa ER. “Fix him up.”

Kumunot ang nuo niya ng mapansing lahat ng staff sa ER, mula sa Doctor at mga Nurses ay halos abala sa paggagamot sa sugat niya na hindi naman ganun ka-delikado habang si Knight naman ay nakatayo lang sa tabi, naka-krus ang braso at walang emosyong nakamasid lang.

Valerian was about to say thank you to the Doctor who stitched him up when the Doctor face Knight.

“Its all done, your highness.”

Valerian froze and looked at Knight. Your highness? A royalty? This fucker?

“You may leave.” Sagot ni Knight sa walang emosyong boses.

Ngayon naiintindihan na niya kung bakit lahat nalang ng atensiyon ng mga Nurses at Doctor ay nasa kaniya.

“A royalty, huh? Should I call you your highness?” Nanunudyo ang boses niya.

Knight took a deep breath before walking towards him and checking his wound. “I’m hungry.”

He frowned. “Then eat. I’m sure you have people to cook for you. I mean, you’re a Royalty and all that shit—”

“What have you done in your life so far?”

Natigilan siya sa tanong nito. “We’re not close—”

“Humour me.”

He sighed. “The usual. I drink, I fuck, I play, I study—”

“Have you tried working as a waiter?”

“Once.”

“And a Taxi driver?”

Umiling siya. “Nope.”

“How about, you know, a simple work?”

Napatitig si Valerian sa kaharap. “Why are you asking me? Don’t bother. Being a waiter and a Taxi driver is way too hard for a royalty like you.”

Slowly, a smile appeared on Knight’s lips. “I want to try it. Even just once.”

Lumalim ang kunot sa nuo niya. “Are you bipolar or something?”

Knight lost his smile. “No.”

Napailing nalang si Valerian. “Whatever. But for the sake of this weird conversation we’re having since earlier, I like to talk to Knight Velasquez who knows how to smile. I hate the cold one. He’s a bastard and a jackass.”

“Will you…buy me a cake again if I smile a lot?” May pag-aalangan sa boses nito.

Valerian shook his head. “Nope.”

“Will you be my friend who would never betray me if I smile a lot?”

That made him stilled.

This guy…something is really wrong with him. “Don’t you have friends?”

“Define friends?”

“Ahm…” he blinked, “friends are a group of people who would never betray you or leave you even in times of trouble.”

A cold chuckled escape his lips. “Then I don’t have those.”

Hindi an nagsalita pa si Valerian hanggang sa makalabas sila ng ER at hinatid siya nito sa Hotel niya.

“I should say thanks, but… no thanks. This,” tinuro niya ang sugat na may benda. “Is your fault.”

Nanatiling tahimik si Knight kaya naman lumabas na siya ng sasakyan nito. Nang akmang isasara niya ang pinto ng passenger seat, nagsalita ito.

“Lets be friends.” Anito.

Ngumiti siya. “No thanks. I don’t like your attitude.”

Knight chuckled. “Too bad. I like your.”

Namulsa siya. “Beer?”

Tumingin ito sa pinto ng Hotel. “You’re inviting me inside?”

Nalukot ang mukha niya. “Don’t say it like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re a girl and i’m inviting you over.”

Tumawa ito saka lumabas ng kotse at nauna nang pumasok sa kaniya. Siya naman ay napailing nalang at pumasok na rin sa Hotel.

Valerian doesn’t know what came over him to drink beer with that strange guy, but maybe this could be a start of a friendship…who knows?

No one knows.

Befriending someone is always a risk. That person could either break you … or make you.

Friendship (SPAIN Part 2)

FRIENDSHIP

(Spain – Part 2)

PANAY ANG SULYAP ni Valerian kay Knight na tahimik na umiinom ng rum. Walang available na Beer ang Hotel kaya Rum nalang ang inorder niya. Kanina pa itong walang imik mula nang mag-umpisa silang uminom at habang kinakain nito ang cake na binili niya, pero hindi na siya nagtaka sa inaakto nito.

Right at that moment, Valerian knew the Knight in front of him is not the smiling and jolly Knight but the asshole one.

Knight changes attitude like its nothing.

Though Valerian doesn’t think that he’s bipolar. Knight has two personalities but its different from being bipolar. Its like he’s changing attitude and pretending that that’s how he feels and he’s aware of that. At kapag napapansin nitong nagiging mabait ito, nag-iiba kaagad ang emosyon sa mukha nito.

Its like he’s afraid to be close to someone.

“Want some cake?” He asked to break the silence.

Knight automatically looked at him, his eyes glistening like a kid who wants to eat some candies. “You have a cake here?”

“Nope. But I can buy one for you if you want.”

Nawala na naman ang emosyon sa mga mata nito. “Why would you buy me one? You don’t even know me. I could be a killer, a bad guy, who knows? Yet you let me in your Hotel room like a trusted friend.”

“The Hotel has CCTV.” He said with a shrugged.

“I can delete it.”

“Your view to the world and to the people around is so fucking jaded.” Aniya saka nagsalin ulit ng rum sa baso niya. “That’s not good.”

Ang walang emosyon nitong mga mata at tumitig sa mga mata niya. “You’re saying that because you don’t know what I feels like to lose something.”

“What did you lost?” He asked, not hoping that Knight will answer but he did.

“Trust.”

Yep. This guy is jaded. “You’re right, I don’t know what it feels like to lose something… but still, to lost trust? That’s fuckin’ something…”

Knight chuckled coldly. “The world I live in… trust is something you can’t give to everybody. Unlike you, I don’t trust people so easily. I mean, you got beat up because of me, yet, here I am, drinking rum with you like old fucking friends.”

Valerian shrugged. “I’m not jaded.”

“You will be soon.” Anito na para bang nangangako ito at sinusumpa siya. “And then you’ll be like me. You’ll lost trust too.”

He just shrugged, “until that time comes, i’ll keep my trust and my positive view to the world. Not everyone is out to fucking get you, you know. Be thankful i’m trusting, because if i’m not, you wouldn’t have enjoy that triple chocolate Bavarian cake right there.”

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi nito. “If we become friends… though its kind of impossible to happen… but if you become jaded and you found yourself hating the world and people around you, i’ll make you smile. That’s my payment for the cake you bought me.”

Valerian chuckled. “You? Make me smile?” He looked at Knight flatly. “The world will end.”

“Yes. I can do that.”

“By pretending and lying?”

“Its easier.”

He tsked. “More like irritate and annoy the hell out of me.”

Knight shrugged and finished his rum. “I have to go. I have people to kill.”

Tumango lang siya at hinayaan itong tumayo. Akmang hahakbang na ito patungo sa pinto ng may kumatok doon.

Knight automatically becomes alert while Valerian shouted at the door. “Come in! Its open!”

Hindi makapaniwalang tumingin sa kaniya si Knight. “You left the door unlocked?”

“Yeah.” He answered nonchalantly.

“You idiot!” He hissed at him.

Valerian just shrugged and smiled when he saw the Hotel staff enter with the Siberian Husky.

“I already fed him, Mr. Volkzki.” Imporma sa kaniya ng Hotel staff saka lumabas kaagad pagkatapos magpaalam.

“Hey, there, Knight.” Nasisiyang sabi niya sa aso. “Come here you annoying dog.”

Tumakbo ang aso palapit, pero hindi papunta sa kaniya kundi papunta kay Knight.

Valerian blinked at the dog and Knight who’s now messing the dog’s fur.

Knight spoke in Spanish and the dog back at him.

Tumingin sa kaniya si Knight. “You took him in?”

He frowned and slowly, everything sinked in. “He’s yours?”

Ginulo na naman nito ang balahibo ng aso na pilit na tumatayo at inaapak ang paa sa mga hita ni Knight. “Yeah. I took him to Madrid and let him loose.”

Napakurap-kurap siya kay Knight. “You asshole. Winala mo siya?”

“Yeah. I did.” Anito na wala man lang emosyon.

Ang iritasyong nararamdaman ni Valerian ay napalitan ng pagtataka at kaguluhan. “Did you just answered my tagalog question correctly?”

Knight’s lips thinned before saying, “yeah, I did.”

“Fuck you!” Inabot niya ang throw pillow ng sofa saka malakas na ibinato ’yon dito. “Nakakaintindi ka naman pala ng Tagalog na tang’ina ka! Lumayas ka!”

“But—”

“Layas!” Pagpapaalis niya rito saka hinawakan ang tali ng aso, “and don’t bring Knight with you. Baka walain mo na naman siya. Umalis ka na. How can you be so heartless to a dog?”

Ginulo ulit nito ang balahibo ng aso at hindi pinansin ang masama niyang tingin. “Be nice to your new friend. Sorry, I can’t stay friends with you anymore, husky, if I keep you with me, I might have to shoot you and I don’t want that.” Pagkasabi nito niyon ay lumabas ito ng Hotel room niya at panay naman kahol ng aso.

Napailing siya at mas lalong nairita ng makita ang box ng cake nito na basta nalang nitong iniwan sa salas.

“Ang gago, hindi man lang binasura. Ano niya ako, utusan?” He tsked in annoyance and throw the box on the trash bin.

Hinayaan niya ang aso sa sala saka nahiga siya sa kama at naghikab. Mahapdi na naman ang sugat niya.

Valerian groaned.

Fuck that guy! This is all his fault!

Bakit ba siya naging mabait dito? Wala naman itong ginawang maganda para sa kaniya— well, niligtas naman siya nito na kagagawan din naman nito kung bakit siya nabugbog— kaya wala pa rin itong ginawang tama sa kaniya.

He even used him as a bait. “That mother fucker— maybe his name is not really Knight. It’s not even a Spanish name, that asshole.”

Galit talaga siya sa ginawa nito sa aso. Hindi siya nakasakay ng Train dahil dito at ang laki pa nang nagastos niya sa inupahan niyang sasakyan papuntang Barcelona.

He’s using his own money for this trip, fuck it.

And that cake is fucking expensive. Tapos hindi man lang siya binayaran. Ang kapal nang mukha. Sana talaga hindi na sila magkita ulit ng baliw na ’yon.

Natulog si Valerian na iritado pa rin. Nang magising siya kinabukasan, lumabas siya para mag jogging at iniwan ulit niya ang aso sa kaparehong Hotel Staff kahapon para bantayan ito at pakainin.

Pagkatapos mag jogging ay dumaan siya sa café na malapit sa Hotel na tinutuluyan.

Valerian was sipping his coffee when someone sit beside him. Nang tingnan niya kung sino ’yon, kaagad nasira ang umaga niya.

“What do you fucking want again?” Iritado niyang tanong kay Knight.

“I lost my wallet—”

“I’m not a lost and found and i’m definitely not a bank.”

Tinitigan siya nito ng ilang sigundo. “Where’s the nice Val?”

Ngiting aso ang pinakita niya rito. “Gago. Go away.”

Knight’s face become somber. Valerian force himself not to fall for that sad face but he did!

Why can’t he say no?! Damn it!

Tumayo siya at lumapit sa counter at tinuro ang chocolate cake na naka-display. “That one please.”

“One slice?” The woman replied.

“No.” Umiling. “The whole cake. The kid i’m with is a glutton.”

Nang makuha ang cake at isang platito at tinidor, bumalik siya sa lamesa niya at inilapag ang mga ’yon sa ibabas mga mesa.

“Eat up, asshole.”

Instead of eating, Knight looked at him. “Why did you bought it?”

Iritadong tumingin siya rito. “Akala ko ba gusto mo?”

“You don’t have to buy it though.”

He tsked. “May pera pa naman ako.”

Slowly, a smile appeared on Knight’s lips. He looks happy. “I know it. You can’t say no, can you?”

Natigilan siya sa obserbasyon nito sa kaniya dahil yon ang totoo. If he can do it, and if he have the means, he may curse a lot and insult the person, but he will still do it. He can’t say no when he knew he has a way to do it.

“You’re actually really nice.” Wika ni Knight na kumakain na nang cake. “I like you even more.”

Pinakita niya ang gitnang daliri rito na tinawanan lang nito. At ang walang-hiya, pati kape niya, ito ang umubos.

“Wow. Ang galing.” Puno ng sarkasmo ang boses niya. “Kape ko, ako ang bumili, pero ikaw ang umubos?”

Ngumiti lang si Knight saka patuloy na kumain ng cake.

Tumayo na naman si Valerian saka pumunta sa counter para umorded ng dalawang tasang kape.

“Hindi ako bangko, limitado lang ang pera ko kaya tigilan mo na ako.” Nagmamakaawa niyang sabi saka inilapag ang dalawang kape sa mesa. “Oh, sayo na itong isa, baka mabilaukan ka riyan bigla sa kakapalan ng mukha mo, mamatay ka pa, kasalanan ko pa. Your highness ka pa naman.”

Tumawa lang si Knight at patuloy na kumain ng cake habang umiinom ng kape. At nang maubos nito ang kape nito, kape na naman niya ang ininom.

Mariing ipinikit nalang ni Valerian ang mga mata sa sobrang inis na nararamdaman. “Bakit ba nagpakita ka na naman sakin?”

“Last night while I was discharging some bad things from my stomach, I realize that I like you to be my friend… no, scratch that, I want you to be my best friend.”

“In short naisip mo ako habang tuma-tae ka?”

Knight looked at him. “Yeah. That’s what happened.”

Valerian blows a loud irritated breath. “You’re a fucking retard. And you can just ask someone to be your best friend, dumbass. Pinaghihirapan ang salitang ’yan. It takes time and effort you asshole.”

“Time? Hmm… effort? Hmm…”

Napailing nalang si Valerian. “Are you sure that you’re a royalty?”

Knight nodded and his face return to being emotionless again. “Unfortunately…”

Napailing ulit siya. “You look like a lunatic to me.”

He pouted like a kid and its creeping him out!

“But you said yesterday that you like the smiling me.” Parang nagmamaktol ito.

“Are you smiling now?” Pababara niya rito.

Kaagad itong ngumiti.

Valerian tsked. “I still dislike you. Hindi ako nakasakay ng Train nang dahil sa aso mo.”

Inubos ni Knight ang cake na inorder niya saka tumayo. “Come on. Follow me.”

Naguguluhan man at nagtataka, sumunod siya rito hanggang sa makarating sila sa Train Station.

“What are we doing here?” Kunot na kunot ang nuo habang abala sa cellphone nito. “Hey! Moron!”

“I’m not a moron.” Sagot nito. “I’m pretty sure my IQ is higher than yours.”

Hindi nalang sumagot si Valerian at hinayaan ito sa kaweirduhan nito.

After minutes of being busy with his phone, finally, Knight looked at him and smiled. “Come on.”

Kumunot ang nuo niya pero sumunod pa rin siya hanggang sa makasakay sila ng Train. At nang makaupo sila, saka lang siya nagtanong.

“Where the fuck are we going?” Naguguluhan niyang tanong.

Knight didn’t answer. He remained silent. Lahat kasi ng dumadaan ay bahagyang yumuyukod dito at pasimpleng tumitingin sa kaniya na para bang sinusuri siya kung magkasama ba sila o magkapatabi lang.

Hindi na niya kinulit si Knight na sumagot. He looks irritated, then seconds later, his face becomes stoic.

Sinong matutuwa kung halos lahat ng tao na nakakakita kay Knight ay pinag-uusapan ito pagkalampas sa kanila. Some people even took a picture of Knight secretly as he looked outside the Train.

When the Train moved, he asked in a low voice. “Why are we in the Train, you dumbass? They’re looking at you and me!”

“You said you didn’t get to ride the Train because of my dog.”

Hindi makapaniwalang napatingin siya rito. “You took me in the Train for that reason?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you nuts?” Hindi niya mapigilang magtaas ng boses pero kaagad niya ring ibinaba iyon. “Where the fuck are we going?”

“Lisbon.”

Namilog ang mga mata niya. “Portugal?!”

Knight nodded.

“Fuck.” Paulit-ulit siyang nagmura at tiningnan ang katabi ng matalim at masama. “Bukas na ang balik ko sa U.S.”

“You can use my private plane to U.S. when we get back—”

“Tangina kang gago ka! I don’t have my passport, you lunatic! I don’t have any documents with me—”

“You have me. That’s all you need.”

Tumaas ang dalawang kilay niya. “Why do I feel like you’re boasting?”

“Because I am.” Wika nito saka tumuon ang tingin sa lalaking kahanay nang upuan nila pero may pagitan sila para sa mga dadaan.

“Why are you looking at him?” He asked Knight.

His lips pointed at the table in front of the man. “He has a cake.”

Nasapo nalang ni Valerian ang nuo. “You’re a dumbass. And a lunatic. Palagi nalang cake ang nasa isip mo—”

“Go and ask for one slice—”

“No fucking way!” He hissed at Knight. “You’re embarrassing! Act like a Royalty!”

“No one is looking at me.” ’Yon lang ang sinagot nito saka kinuha ang atensiyon ng lalaki. “Excuse me.”

Tumingin naman sa gawi nila ang lalaki na abala kanina sa laptop nito na mukhang may lahing hapon. “What?”

Tinuro ni Knight ang cake na nasa mesa nito. “Can we have one slice? My friend here—” tinuro siya nito at sobrang hiyang-hiya siya sa pinaggagagawa nito, “— is epileptic and he’s really hungry. I don’t want him shaking in here. Its embarrassing.”

Ilang segundo siyang tinitigan ng lalaki bago inabot sa kanila ang cake na dala nito. “Here. Eat it.”

Si Knight ang tumanggap ng cake saka inilahad nito ang kamay. “Knight Velasquez.” Kapagkuwan ay siniko siya. “Don’t be a snob and introduce yourself.” He whispered subtly.

Napipilitang inilahad niya ang kamay kahit gusto na niyang lumubog sa kahihiyan. “Valerian Volkzki.”

Tinanggap ng hapon ang pakikipagkamay nila saka ito nagpakilala. “Shun Kim.”

A/N: My goal is to write 2-3 Chapters a month for (Adventure of Lunatics) since kuwento nila ito bago nagkakilala or kung ano ang pinaggagagawa nilang kalokohan at ang dami ko ring susulatin

😅

Anyways, hope you stay tuned and support their craziness.

After this chapter — Abangan ang (Portugal - Part 1) The Craziness of the trio (Knight, Valerian and Shun)

And of course, in this stories as well, mababasa niyo how Phoenix and Titus meet and etc so stay tuned and Happy Reading as always

❤️

Friendship (PORTUGAL - Part 1)

FRIENDSHIP

(Portugal – Part 1)

“ARE YOU really epileptic?” Tanong ni Shun Kim kay Valerian habang kumakain si Knight ng cake. “You don’t look like one. You look healthy to me.” Nakatingin ito sa kaniya na parang sinusuri siya.

Bumuntong hininga si Valerian. “I’m healthy.”

Tumango ito saka ibinalik ang atensiyon sa harap ng laptop nito.

Siya naman ay pasimpleng pinagmasdan ang hapon. Parang hindi nagkakalayo ang edad nilang dalawa. Base sa pananamit nito ay mukhang galing ito sa may kayang pamilya.

Kapagkuwan ay tiningnan niya ng masama ang katabi na kumakain pa rin ng cake.

“Hindi ka ba nagsasawa riyan?” Naiiritang tanong niya. “Hindi na ako magtaka kung mamatay ka nang maaga sa diabetes.”

“I like cake— no scratch that, I love it.”

Napabuntong-hininga nalang siya kapagkuwan ay isinandal ang katawan sa likod ng upuan hanggang sa bumulong na naman kaniya si Knight.

“Huwag ka ngang bulong ng bulong!” Inis niyang sabi rito. “Kaya pinagkakamalan tayo e. Masyado kang feeling close e hindi naman tayo magkaibigan.”

Natigilan na kumunot ang nuo ni Knight sa kaniya, “I decide who I want to be friends with and I want you to be my best friend.”

Tiningnan niya ito ng masama. “Have you forgotten what I told you? Effort and time. That’s how you make someone your best friend.”

Knight actually looks innocent and lost as he stared at him. “Yes. I know. And this is it. I put an effort to book us a ticket to Lisbon and now we’re spending time together because its a sixteen hour journey—”

“Don’t talk to me.” Naiiling niya sabi saka tinakpan ang tainga. “For fuck sake, leave me alone.”

But of course, Knight didn’t. “But this is me giving effort and time.”

“Don’t talk to me.”

“Val.”

“Don’t talk to me. We’re not even friends.”

“Val. Val. Val. Val. Val.”

Mariin niyang ipinikit ang mga mata saka iritadong tumingin sa katabi. “Shut up, will you?!”

Umiling ito. “I don’t want to and you’re not the boss of me.”

“Then I don’t want to be your friend.”

Knight stilled and all the emotion in his face was drained. “Is that so?”

Sinalubong niya ang walang emosyon nitong mga mata. “Yes. Honestly, you irritate me. I don’t like you.”

Hinaplos ni Knight ang tiyan nito. “I’m hungry.”

Hindi makapaniwalang napatitig siya rito. “Kinain mo na nga yong complementary meal na binigay, nagugutom ka pa rin?”

“Your rudeness makes me hungry.”

Naiinis na huminga siya ng malalim para pakalmahin ang sarili saka tumayo at naghanap ng mabibilhan ng pagkain, mabuti nalang mayroon siyang nakitang café-bar sa loob mismo ng train.

Tiningnan muna ni Valerian ang laman ng wallet niya.

He’s supposed to go home tomorrow. Wala na siyang extra money dahil ibiniyad niya ang extra niya sa inupahan niyang kotse na may kasama ng driver, mula Madrid pa Barcelona dahil sa aso ni Knight.

“Fuck this…” mahina niyang bulong saka bumili siya ng maiinom saka limang sandwich. Hindi pa naman siya nagugutom.

Bumalik siya sa upuan nila ni Knight saka inilapag sa kaharap na mesa ang mga pagkaing binili. “Hayan. Eat it all.”

But Knight didn’t move a muscle. He just looked at him.

“What?” He asked, annoyed.

“I thought you don’t like me.” Wika nito saka bumaba ang tingin sa pagkaing binili niya. “Why bought that?”

“Gutom ka e. Kawawa ka naman. Para kang bata na ewan na hindi ko maintindihan.”

Bumalik ang tingin nito sa kaniya. “I thought I irritate you, yet you bought me something to eat. I’m not really hungry. I just want to see what you’ll do.”

Napailing nalang siya saka sumandal sa likod ng upuan at ipinikit ang mga mata. “Just eat it and savour it. Huling pera ko na ’yan.”

Hindi niya pinansin siya Knight kahit narinig niya binuksan nito ang inumin na binili niya. Hinayaan niya lang itong kumain hanggang sa maubos nito ang binili niya.

Then Knight went silent until a phone rang. Gising siya kahit nakapikit ang mga mata kaya rinig niya ang sinasabi ni Knight sa nasa kabilang linya.

“Yes. I know. I saw him. Yes. No worries. I’m ready as usual.”

Then silence. Thank Goodness—

“Val—”

“Fuck off. I’m sleepy.” Putol niya sa kung ano pang sasabihin nito.

“I’m thirsty.”

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Valerian. “Fuck you, you jackass. Fuck you.”

Pero kahit minura niya ito, tumayo pa rin siya para bumili ng maiinom nito. May pera pa naman siya kahit kaunting-kaunti nalang talaga.

Inilapag niya ang inomin sa mesa, sa harap ni Knight. “Hayan. Ako na ang mag-a-adjust. Ako na ang hindi iinom. Nakakahiya naman sayo.”

Napatitig sa kaniya si Knight. Amazement is in his eyes. “You really can’t say no?”

Pabagsak siyang umupo. “Fuck you.”

“I can’t believe i’ll meet someone like you. I want you to be my friend even more.”

Hindi niya ito pinansin at nagpanggap nagtutulog-tulugan para hindi siya nito kausapin. Thank God Knight stayed silent and fell asleep.

Nagising ito pero para lang manghingi ng pagkain sa kaniya at matutulog naman.

Ang walang hiya! Makapal talaga ang mukha. Hindi niya alam kung saan nito kinukuha ang kakapalan ng mukha na manghingi sa kaniya ng pagkain e hindi naman sila close. Nagkakakilala pa nga lang sila e.

“One more hour and we’ll be arriving in Lisbon.” Wika ni Knight na nakatingin sa labas ng Train.

“Oh, tapos? I missed my flight because of you.” Puno ng pag-aakusa ang boses niya. “At wala na rin akong pera sa kakabili ng pagkain mo. Hindi pa ba nagiging metal yang mukha mo sa kakapalan?”

Tumawa si Knight saka bumaling sa kaniya. “Nanghihingi lang naman ako. Kasalanan mo kasi binilhan mo ako.”

Hindi na siya umimik baka masapak niya talaga ito sa sobrang iritasyon.

“Val?”

Nagpanting ang tainga niya. “Ano na naman?! Huwag mong sabihing nagugutom ka na naman?!”

Tumawa kang ang weirdo saka ibinalik ang tingin sa labas ng train. Napailing nalang siya at tumahimik pero kapagkuwan ay kinalabit siya nito.

“Val, we’re friends right?”

“No.”

“Oh come on. I have a question.”

He groaned. “Itanong mo na at tantanan mo na ako.”

“What will you do if I got shot once we arrived in Lisbon?”

Bigla siyang nagmulat ng mata at kunot ang nuong tumingin dito. “Is this about that USB again?”

“Lets say it is…” Anito. “What will you do? A. Leave me to die. B, run away and C, pretend you don’t know me?”

Mas lalo siyang naguluhan sa choices nito. “Bakit lahat ng choices aalis ako?”

Knight blinked at him. “Because every people I know would choose their own life than anyone’s. Its proven and tested. No idiot would risk their like for anyone.”

This man is really jaded. “You’re really a negative person.”

“And you’re an idiot. So answer me.”

He sighed. “I don’t know what i’ll do. I might save you, I might not. No one knows until that moment came and I have to choose.”

“But you’re nice so the possibility of you saving me is eighty percent.”

“What happened to the twenty percent?”

Knight shrugged nonchalantly. “You’ll probably leave.”

Nagkibit-balikat din siya saka ipinikit ulit ang mga mata.

AFTER SIXTEEN HOURS of traveling, the train finally arrives in Lisbon, Portugal. Pinauna siya ni Knight na lumabas ng train habang nakasunod ito sa kaniya.

Papalabas sila ng station ng akbayan siya ni Knight.

“I’m hungry. Lets buy a cake.”

Hindi siya umimik. Wala na siyang pera. Hindi niya alam ang takbo ng utak nitong kasama niya. Knight could leave him here in Portugal to die, who knows?

“Val, lets buy a chocolate cake.”

Umiling siya. “Wala na akong pera.”

“Bakit?”

Walang silbi kahit magalit siya rito. Makapal ang mukha e. “Naubos na sa kakabili ng pagkain mong hayop ka.”

Knight lips thinned and he frowned when Knight drags him to an alley.

Para may kaba siyang naramdaman.

Something is happening.

“Do you trust me?” Knight asked.

Mabilis siyang sumagot. “No.”

“If I say run, you run, okay?”

Sabi ko na nga ba! “Kapag ako talaga namatay nang dahil sayo, papatayin din kitang hayop ka—”

“Run, Val!”

Hindi nag-iisip na tumakbo siya bigla hanggang sa napatigil siya dahil narinig niya ang malakas na tawa ni Knight.

Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga, kinokontrol niya ang galit na namumuo sa loob niya.

“Damn! You run so fast!” He’s still laughing.

“Fuck you!” Hindi na niya kayang pigilan pa ang galit niya. Hinubad niya ang sapatos at malakas na ibinato iyon kay Knight pero madali itong nakailag. “Fuck you, you animal!”

Tatawa-tawa pa rin si Knight habang sapo-sapo ang tiyan. Kapagkuwan ay tumatawa pa ring umiling. “That was epic, Val! Epic!”

Sa sobrang galit niya, pumulot siya ng bato at malakas na binato si Knight pero naka-ilag naman ito at tumama ang bato sa nasa likuran nito.

Pareho silang natigilan ni Knight at sabay silang tumingin sa tinamaan ng bato na binato niya.

Shun Kim! Fuck!

“I’m so sorry.” Kaagad niyang sabi saka napasabunot sa sariling buhok ng makitang laptop nito ang tinamaan niya at nag-crack ’yon. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck! This is all your fault!” Dinuro niya si Knight.

Knight innocently asked Shun Kim. “Who throw the rock, hmm?”

Tinuro naman siya ni Shun Kim.

Nagtagis ang bagang niya. “Sino ba ang umilag?”

Tinuro naman ni Shun Kim si Knight at pare-pareho silang natigilang tatlo.

“Filipino?” Tanong niya kay Shun Kim.

“Yes, you?” He replied.

“Yes.” He smiled.

“Ikaw?” Tinuro nito si Knight.

“Hilaw ’yan.” Sagot niya. “Nakakaintindi pero hindi nagsasalita ng Tagalog.”

Napatango-tango si Shun Kim saka bumaba ang tingin nito sa laptop na hawak. “So… who’s gonna pay for my laptop?”

Nagturuan sila ni Knight.

“Siya.”

“Him.”

“Wala na akong pera.” Kaagad niyang sabi saka ibinigay rito ang cellphone niya. “Heto. Sangla ko muna sayo.”

Napatitig si Shun Kim sa cellphone niya kapagkuwan ay tinanggap iyon pero pina-input muna sa kaniya ang password.

Then he did something to his phone. Minutes later, he looked at him. “I’ll take the phone as payment. I already erased all your datas so its clean.”

Napatanga siya sa singkit. “Isasangla ko lang, hindi ko sinabing burahin mo.”

“My laptop is worth 2,000 Dollars.” Kaagad na presyo ni Shun Kim sa kaniya. “Kulang pa ngang pambayad ang cellphone mo e.”

“True. Val’s phone is not enough to compensate the whole amount—”

“Shut the fuck up you lunatic!” He hissed at Knight. “Kasalanan mo kung bakit wala akong pera. Mula ng makilala ko yong aso mo at ikaw, minalas na ako!”

Pumulot siya ulit ng bato at binato na naman ’yon kay Knight. At nakailag na naman ito.

At may tinamaan na naman siya sa likuran nito.

Natigilan silang tatlong at halos sabay-sabay na tumingin sa tinamaan niya.

Napabuga nalang ng mahinang hininga si Valerian ng makitang grupo ’yon ng kalalakihan at mukhang mga turista.

Matalim ang mga matang nakatingin ang mga ito sa kanilang tatlo.

“Who the fuck did that?!” Sigaw ng lalaking tinamaan niya.

Kaagad siyang tinuro ni Knight at Shun Kim. “Him.”

Traitors!

He breathes out a loud breath. “I wasn’t aiming for you though.”

Nagtatagis ang bagang na lumapit sa kaniya ang lalaki at handa na ang kamao na suntukin siya pero bago pa tumama ang kamao nito sa mukha niya, sinalag iyon ni Knight na hindi niya napansing nasa tabi na niya.

Nanginginig ang kamay ng lalaki sa sobrang lakas na ibinibigay nito sa kamao pero parang wala lang iyon kay Knight na hawak ang kamao nito.

“Can’t let you hurt my best friend.” Wika ni Knight sa malamig na boses. “I suggest you walk away before I broke everyone bones in your body.”

Biglang lumapit ang limang kasama nang lalaki.

“What’s happening? You okay? Need help?” Tanong ng isa sa mga kasama nito.

The guy tsked and pulled away his fist. The guy was about to walk away when Knight spoke.

“Why are you walking away, pussy cat?”

Biglang bumalik paharap ang lalaki at sinuntok si Knight pero dahil nakailag ito, siya ang tinamaan.

Knight looked at him in irritation. “Move, you dimwit! You’re not a punching bag.” Then he face the guy who punched him. “No one hurts my best friend.” Anito saka sunod-sunod na sinuntok ang lalaki na napapataras sa lakas ng mga suntok dito ni Knight.

Anim na suntok ang pinakawalan ni Knight at nang tumigil ito ay natumba ang lalaki sa semento at napaubo ng dugo.

Hindi makapaniwalang napatingin siya kay Knight. “Tell me you didn’t kill him?”

“Then I won’t tell you that I broke his rib.” Sagot nito.

Pinalakihan niya ito ng mga mata. “You moron!”

“What?!” Balik sigaw sa kaniya ni Knight. “He punched you! My best friend!”

Sasagot sana siya ng kunin ni Shun Kim ang atensiyon nila.

“Ahm… guys… you have a problem.”

Napatingin sila ni Knight sa limang kalalakihan na kasama ng lalaking pinatumba ni Knight.

“Oh, fuck.” ’Yon lang ang nasabi ni Valerian bago sila sinugod ng lima.

Five versus three! Fuck!

Nakakailag si Valerian sa ilang suntok pero tinatamaan siya ng iba. At nang tinamaan siya ng isa sa dibdib, bumagsak siya sa sahig pero kaagad din siyang nakabangon at mahigpit na kinuyom ang kamao saka nagpakawala ng malakas na suntok na tumama sa tiyan at dibdib nito. Pagkatapos at malakas niya itong sinipa na tumama sa leeg nito.

Bumagsak ang kalaban niya.

Bumaling siya kay Knight na dalawa ang kalaban at napansin niyang ang isa ay may inilabas na pocket knife mula sa bulsa at inilabas ang matalim na parte niyon.

Mabilis niyang tinakbo ang pagitan nila ni Knight at ihinarang dito ang katawan niya.

“Stay away, Val!” Sigaw sa kaniya ni Knight.

Pero hindi siya nakinig. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ng lalaking may hawak ng kutsilyo para pigilan ito at sa pag-aagawan nila ay nasaksak siya nito sa tagiliran.

“Fuck!” Sigaw niya ng sumigid ang sakit sa kalamnan niya.

Napaatras siya at nasapo niya ang tagiliran niya.

Napangiwi siya ng hawakan siya ni Knight at hinila palayo sa lalaking hawak pa rin ang kutsilyo at ihinarang nito ang katawan sa katawan niya na parang pino-protektahan siya.

“Shum Kim!” Sigaw ni Knight, “on your left!”

Habang sapo ang sugat napatingin siya sa gawi ni Shun Kim. May kutsilyo rin ang isang kalaban nito pero madali lang nitong natalo ’yon at ilang beses na sinipa hanggang sa bumagsak sa semento.

Then he looked at Knight who’s busy fighting against the two men.

Hindi pa nito napapanagsak ang dalawa ng may inilabas na baril ang kalaban ni Shun Kim at itinutok iyon sa hapon pero mabilis itong nahila ni Knight dahilan para hindi ito tamaan ng bala.

At dahil nakatutok sa kanilang tatlo ang baril, hindi sila lumaban.

“Cowards!” Sigaw ng lalaki na may hawak na baril sa kanila. “Who’s the pussy now, you mother fuckers!”

Hindi sila umimik.

“Hands up! All of you!” Sigaw na naman nito.

Kaagad na tumaas ang kamay ni Knight at Shun Kim habang siya ay pinilit niya lang itaas kahit sumisigid ang kirot sa kalamnan niya.

“Now kneel!” Sigaw na naman ng lalaki.

Mas sasakit ang sugat niya kung luluhod siya pero keysa naman mabaril siya.

Nandito siya para magbakasyon, hindi para mabugbog at mabaril!

Fuck!

But Knight is Knight. He spoke. “Sorry, Pal, I wasn’t born to kneel down.” Pagkasabi nito niyon ay ibinukan nito ang isang kamay nitong nakakuyom at may tinatago palang bato saka hinayaan nito ang maliit na bato na mahulog. “Kick it like a home run, Shun Kim.”

Hindi bumagsak ang maliit na bato sa semento, sa halip ay sa paa iyon ni Shun Kim tumama at parang bola na sinipa nito iyon.

And it went straight to the guy’s eyes!

“Run! Val!” Sigaw ni Knight.

Hindi makapaniwalang napatingin siya kay Knight. “Are you fucking serious right now? I was stabbed for your fucking information! How could I possibly run?!”

Sabay na napamura si Shun Kim at Knight saka sabay din siya ng mga itong hinawakan sa magkabilang kamay at pinaakbay sa leeg ng mga ito at tumakbo.

Kahit masakit, kahit nararamdaman niya ang pagdaloy ng dugo pababa sa tagiliran niya, tumakbo siya sa tulong ng dalawa hanggang sa makalayo sila.

At nang bitawan siya ng dalawa, bumagsak siya sa semento at sinapo ang tagiliran niya.

“Fuck it!” Tinulungan siya ni Knight na makatayo at ini-akbay nito ang kamay niya sa leeg nito saka bumaling kay Shun. “We’re not close. I don’t even know you but can you hail a cab?”

“A minute.” ’Yon lang ang sagot ni Shun saka umalis.

“You okay, best friend?”

He groaned in irritation. “T-tang’na ka. Hindi kita best friend.”

“You say that but you got stabbed because of me.” He chuckled. “You’re the first person who tried to save me with no intention of asking for money or political recommendation.”

Valerian grunted. “Sinong may sabing hindi kita pagbabayaring hayop ka?”

Tumawa lang si Knight. “How about I pay you with friendship?”

He frowned. “What’s with you and friendship?”

“Friendship and I are stranger to each other.”

Napatingin siya rito. “Wala ka talagang kaibigan?” Akala niya nagbibiro lang ’to.

“I’m not allowed to have one.”

What kind of life does this guy lives in. “Then why are you asking me to be your best friend?” He’s confused.

“Because I think I can’t kill you.”

He’s even more confused. “What the fuck?”

Tumawa si Knight. “You’re just too nice!”

Bago pa siya makasagot, may pumaradang Taxi sa harapan nila ni Knight at sumilip sa bintana ng passenger seat si Shun Kim.

“Get in.” Anito.

Sumakay sila ni Knight sa backseat habang sapo pa rin niya ang sugat.

“Where?” Tanong ng Driver.

Knight answered. “ Para o hospital mais próximo.“

Hindi na nagkomento si Valerian ng marinig na nag-Portuguese si Knight.

Of course. What does he expect? He’s a royalty after all.

Friendship (PORTUGAL - Part 2)

PORTUGAL (PART 2)

NAPANGIWI si Valerian habang sapo ang sugat niya. Nag-uumpisa nang mawala ang epekto ng pain reliever na ibinigay sa kaniya. Fuck Knight! This is all that fucking guy’s fault! If he didn’t drag him here in Lisbon, this wouldn’t have happened to him!

“You okay?” Tanong ni Knight sa kaniya habang nakapamulsa ito at nakatingin sa sugat niya.

Tiningnan niya ng masama si Knight. “Are you nuts?! The pain reliever is fading fast you nut job! Tapos magtatanong ka pa kung okay lang ako? Nag-iisip ka ba?”

Knight frowned. “You want another shot of pain reliever?” Bumaling ito sa Nurse Station. “Nurse—”

“No, thanks!” He hissed at Knight. “Just get me home! Gusto ko nang umuwi! Wala na akong pera—”

“I have some money.” Ani Knight na nagkibit-balikat pa na parang wala lang. “You want some?”

He looked at Knight flatly. “You’re a pain in the ass and a nut job. And no, I don’t want some. Hindi ako katulad mo na kasing kapal ng pader na ’yan,” tinuro niya ang pader ng ER, “ang mukha. Masyado kang walang-hiya!”

Knight frowned again. “How so? What did I do?”

Napailing nalang siya saka napatitig sa kisame. There’s no talking sense into this guy. He’ll just annoy himself.

Matutuyuan siya ng dugo kung makikipag-usap siya sa lalaki. At baka mamental siya nang wala sa oras.

So he stayed silent.

“Val, come on,” pangungulit sa kaniya ni Knight, “come on, talk to me.”

Hindi siya umimik.

“Val. Val. Val.”

Valerian closed his eyes and clenched his fist when pain assaulted his wound and he becomes more irritated hearing Knight’s voice.

Fuck!

“Val, you okay?”

He just grunted.

“Val, come on—”

“Where’s Shun?” He opened his eyes and asked. “Where did he go?”

Sumama ang tingin sa kaniya ni Knight. “May I remind you that i’m your best friend? You just met Shun, i’m jealous.”

Nalukot ang mukha niya. “Oh, fuck you, you’re not my best friend. And you’re gross.”

“Why? Am I not allowed to be jealous?”

“You’re not even allowed to have friends.” Komento niya, “let alone get jealous. And that is so gay, man. Don’t make me puke!”

Biglang natahimik si Knight kapagkuwan ay mahina itong tumawa. “Is it gay? To want my best friend to be solely mine? I mean, I don’t like the thought of you having other friends. I mean, you’re my only friend. How about you?”

“You’re a lunatic.” Naiiling na bumangon si Valerian habang sapo ang sugat na gawa ng kutsilyo. “I have a friend.”

“Who?”

“None of your goddamn business.”

Knight looked at him. “Come on. Who? What’s his name?”

“Dark Montero.” Napipilitan niyang sagot.

Napatango-tango si Knight. “You two are close?”

“Yeah.”

“How close?”

“Close enough.”

Knight face darkened. “Where does he live?”

Kumunot ang nuo niya. “At bakit?”

“I’ll kill him.”

Napapantastikuhang napatitig siya sa lalaki. “Are you crazy?” Napailing siya kapagkuwan. “Of course, you’re crazy. Pag-alis ko rito, hindi na kita makikita, thank God for that, so no, we’re not gonna be friends so cut the crap.”

Knight closed his eyes and sighed. “You really don’t want to be friends with me?”

Natigilan siya at napatitig kay Knight. “You okay?”

Knight opened his eyes and looked at him, “when do you want to leave?”

Hindi siya sumagot, nakatitig lang siya kay Knight. Wala na naman ang emosyon sa mukha nito.

“You’re not okay.” Aniya.

Knight just shrugged nonchalantly. “No worries. I’m used to it. So, can you walk? I’m sending you home. How much money do I owe you since the day we met?”

The coldness in Knight’s voice, it bothers him.

“Knight—”

“Stand up.”

Masakit pa rin ang sugat niya pero pinilit niyang umalis sa kinahihigaan at nagtatagis ang bagang na tumayo siya.

Fuck!

Ihinakbang niya ang paa pero kaagad na gumiwang ang katawan niya dahil sa kirot na sumigid sa tagiliran niya.

Huli na para makahawak siya sa kinahihigaan, pero bago siya mapasubsob, nahawakan siya ni Knight sa braso at inalalayan siya.

“Careful.” Knight’s voice has an emotion again. “Sit.”

Inalalayan siya nitong makaupo saka malakas itong bumuntong-hininga.

“I’ll go get a wheelchair.” Ani Knight.

“You don’t have to.” Aniya nang akmang hahakbang ito paatras, “Just let me borrow your phone, i’ll call Dad to pick me up.”

“Valerian—”

“I’m serious, Knight.” Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga, “iwan mo nalang ako rito sa Hospital. Kaya ko na ang sarili ko.”

Sa halip na gawin ang hiling niya, umupo ito sa gilid ng kama, sa tabi niya.

“Am I annoying?” Knight asked.

“Yes.” Walang pag-aalinlangang sagot niya. “Very. And I swear, you will be the death of me.”

Napatango-tango ito at mahinang natawa. “One of the reasons why I don’t have friends. Befriending someone is really not one of my skills. I suck at it. I don’t play well with others. People just can’t stand me. But somehow, I like how you can’t say no to me though, and you’re wounded because of me, that’s a first for me so… I’m flattered and all that shit.”

Valerian sighed as he rub the gauze on his wound. “You really don’t have someone to count on?”

Umiling si Knight.

“Siblings?” He asked.

“Well, I have a little sister but Mom took her when she left.”

“Wala ka nang ibang kapatid?”

Umiling si Knight. “Wala na. Its just two of us.”

“How about your parents?”

Knight chuckled coldly. “Mom’s gone and Dad would rather beat me up than have a chick-flick moment with me.”

Mahina siyang natawa. “Same with my old man, but no beating just words.”

“Beating and words.” Knight chuckled. “People thinks that i’m raised with a silver spoon on my mouth because i’m a royalty but really, I’m raised like a warrior. They say that what I want, I get, but not really. What I want, if I don’t get it, i’m taught to take it.”

“You are taught to take whatever you want?” Nakakunot ang nuong tanong niya kay Knight.

Knight nodded. “Forcefully if I have to.”

“That’s bad.”

“And you’re good?”

Valerian let out a small laugh. “May I remind you that I can’t say no? That makes me a good guy… I think. But I cursed a lot so… sue me.”

Pareho silang natahimik ni Knight, pagkalipas ng ilang segundo, pumasok si Shun at kinunotan sila ng nuo.

“You guys having a moment?” Shun asked sarcastically, frowning.

Sabay silang nagkibit-balikat ni Knight.

“Pussies.” Shun tsked. “Come on, I already settled the bills.” Tinuro siya nito. “You owe me. Big time.”

Bumuga nalang ng marahas na hininga si Valerian. “Give me your bank account. I’ll wire you the money.”

Umiling lang si Shun saka inalalayan siyang makatayo katulong ni Knight. Saka pina-upo siya sa wheelchair na tulak-tulak ni Shun ng lumapit ito sa kanila.

“Ayos lang ba talaga na lumabas na ako?” Tanong niya sa dalawang kasama. “My wound still hurts like fucking hell.”

Tinutulak ni Knight ang wheelchair na kinauupuan niya habang si Shun naman ay naglalakad katabi ng wheelchair niya.

“Hindi ka pa okay.” Ani Shun, “but hell, the bills will be huge so we have to check you out. Hindi ka naman siguro mamamatay kaagad. Doon ka nalang magpagamot ulit sa inyo.”

“Jeez!” Valerian sounded sarcastic, “thanks for your fucking concern. Baka nakakalimutan niyong kasalanan niyo kung bakit nabaril ako!”

Tinuro ni Shun si Knight. “His fault. I was just in a wrong place at a wrong time, so, nope, not my fault, dumbo.”

“I’m innocent.” Ani Knight.

Valerian snorted and look over his shoulder to glare at Knight. “Shun is right. This is your fault!”

“You’re taking his side now?” Knight sounded irritated. “What’s next, you like him more than me—”

“I don’t like you, Knight. Period.”

“Burn.” Shun chuckled. “And toasted.”

“Oh, shut up.” Ani Knight saka malakas na itinulak ang wheelchair niya at binitawan ’yon.

“Oh fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” Valerian cussed. “Oh, fuck!”

Mahigpit na napahawak si Valerian nang magpatuloy ang paggalaw ng wheelchair na kinauupuan niya hanggang sa tumama iyon sa pader ng Ospital.

“Fuck!” He hissed.

Mahinang tumawa si Knight na nakalapit na sa kaniya. “How’s the ride, buddy?”

“I’m going to kill you!” He hissed at Knight.

Knight just laughed and continued pushing his wheelchair like he’s playing with him. Gusto niyang sakalin ang lalaki pero hindi pa niya kaya, kaya tumahimik nalang siya at pilit na pinakalma ang sarili.

Knight Velasquez really annoys the hell out of him.

“What now?” Tanong niya nang makalabas sila ng Ospital.

“Hotel.” Ani Knight. “Lets rest and i’ll send you back home tomorrow—”

“Don’t bother.” Ani Valerian na napailing pa, “matutuyuan ako ng dugo kapag nakasama pa kita ng matagal. Ihatid mo nalang ako sa Airport. I’ll take it from there.”

“Bud,” tinapik ni Knight ang balikat niya, “you need me. You have no travel documents, remember?”

Valerian glared at Knight. “And who’s fault is that?!” Puno ng sarkasmo niyang tanong.

Knight smiled at Valerian. “Yours. You’re not a boy scout and you didn’t come prepared—”

“Fuck you!”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever…” Knight tsked as he roams his eyes, like he’s looking for something.

“What are you looking for?” Shun asked.

“A car.” Ani Knight.

“May sasakyan ka rito?” Nakakunot ang nuong tanong ni Shun.

“Nope.” Namulsa si Knight habang pinapalibot ang tingin sa kabuonan nang parking lot na para bang nasa isang show room ito at namimili ng sasakyang bibilhin. “That one will do.” Anito na tumigil ang mata sa isang Chevrolet.

“Lets take a cab.” Suhestiyon niya.

“Nope.” Lumapit si Knight sa Chevrolet. “This will do.”

“What the fuck are you doing—” hindi na natuloy ni Valerian ang sasabihin dahil napanganga nalang siya ng makita ang sunod na ginawa ni Knight.

Knight picked the lock of the car.

“Sweet.” Kaagad na sumakay ito at bumaling sa kanila. “Well? Waiting for an invitation?”

Nakatangang napatitig siya kay Knight. “You do realize you’re stealing a car?”

Tumango si Knight. “Yeah. I do. So?”

“Makukulong ka sa ginagawa mo.” He pointed out. “At dahil kasama mo kami, madadamay kami sa kabaliwan mo.”

“You have better idea?” Knight asked.

“How about we take a cab?” Napu-frustrate niyang suhestiyon.

“I don’t see a cab.” Ani Knight. “Come on.”

Napailing nalang si Valerian at nagpasalamat ng alalayan siya ni Shun pasakay sa passenger seat habang umupo naman ito sa backseat.

“Hindi ako makapaniwala na magnanakaw ka nang sasakyan.” Ani Shun kay Knight na napapailing pa.

“Relax…” Knight hot wire the car to start before smiling at them, “we’ll return it after we use it.”

Valerian grunted same with Shun.

“Paano kung mahuli tayo?” Naiiling na tanong ni Shun.

Knight shrugged. “Then we’ll go to jail.”

“Geez! Thanks, moron! I didn’t come here to be in a fucking jail!” Valerian hissed at Knight. “Oh, wait, I actually don’t want to be here! You just drag me here!”

Tumawa lang si Knight habang nagmamaneho, “damn…this car is awesome. I should buy one of this. And no, I didn’t drag you here, Val, we took the train and you were seating beside me the whole ride.”

Napailing nalang sila ni Shun at hindi na nagsalita.

“Saan ba tayo pupunta?” Tanong ni Shun.

“Lets go find some cake to eat.” Ani Knight na mas binilisan pa ang pagmamaneho.

Napasandal si Valerian sa likod ng kinauupuan. “Bakit ba hindi na ako nagulat?”

“Sanay ka na?” Tanong sa kaniya ni Shun.

Valerian tsked. “Kakikilala ko palang sa baliw na ’yan nuong isang araw.”

“You two seem close.” Komento ni Shun.

Knight grinned. “Because we’re best friends.”

“Fuck you.” Singhal niya kay Knight saka hinilot ang sentido. “He is my self-proclaimed best friend.”

Knight just chuckled.

“So hindi talaga kayo magkaibigan?” Tanong ni Shun.

“Nope.” Ani Valerian.

“We’re friends.” Ani naman Knight.

“Who’s telling the truth?” Shun asked.

Nagtaas sila pareho ng kamay ni Knight.

“Who’s lying?” Shun asked again.

Sabay silang nagturuan ni Knight.

“Oh, fuck you.” Aniya kay Knight saka humalukipkip. “Leave me alone. Mamamatay ako ng dahil sayong gago ka. Tantanan mo na ako, please lang!”

“Don’t want to, best friend.”

Natawa si Shun sa kanila pero kaagad na natigil ’yon ng may marinig silang sirena ng sasakyan ng Pulis.

Sabay silang napalingon ni Shun sa likuran at sabay din silang napamura nang makitang tama ang hinala nila.

It’s a Police car.

And he’s pretty sure it has something to do with the car that Knight stole! Ang sasakyang sinasakyan nila ngayon!

“Hurry up!” He hissed at Knight. “Step on the gas, damn it!”

“Bilisan mo ang pagmamaneho.” Ani Shun kay Knight na may kaba sa boses. “Step on it, man!”

Valerian and Shun exchange an ‘we are so dead’ look when they saw the Police car catching up to them.

“Hurry up, Knight!” Iritado niyang tanong kay Knight.

“Okay.” Ani Knight na parang biro lang ang lahat.

Does he even realize how serious their situation is? They could go to jail! And Knight doesn’t even care!

Mas bumulis pa ang takbo ng sasakyan nila hanggang sa dalawang Police car na ang humahabol sa kanila.

“What the fuck is happening?!” Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Valerian. “Bilisan mo pa! I don’t want to go to jail!”

“Relax.” Knight is pretty chill for someone who’s driving away from the authorities. “I got it under control. Leave it to me.”

“Ano ’to? Ikaw ang bahala, kami ang kawawa?” Mabilis niyang isinuot ang seatbelt ng halos lumilipad na ang sasakyan nila. “Holy fuck!”

Kinabig ni Knight ang manibela paliko sa kanan, “I think this is your fault for not wearing a seatbelt.”

“Yah think?!” Sigaw niya kay Knight na kampanteng-kampanteng nagmamaneho ng mabilis. “You are crazy!”

“Great.” Shun murmured before looking behind their car. “Sa tingin ko siya ang may sakit sa inyong dalawa.” Anito na tinuro si Knight.

Knight just laughed.

“Nice work.” Puno ng sarkasmong sabi niya kay Knight ng nakitang may papasalubong na Police car sa harapan nila. “dumb ass.”

Kinabig ni Knight ang manibela pakaliwa, para iwasan ang papasalubong na Police car at mas binilisan ang pagpapatakbo ng sasakyan, halos lumipad na ’yon.

“Relax, will you?” Knight looked at the side mirror. “You got me.”

“Yes! I got a lunatic who’s driving a stolen car! You know what, you will be the death of me! Matutuyuan ako ng dugo ng dahil sayong hayop ka! Stop the car—”

The car stopped.

“—what the hell are you doing?” Naguguluhan niyang tanong kay Knight na itinigil nga ang sasakyan.

“Stopping the car like you said—”

“Oh, fuck you two! Just drive already!” Shun hissed.

“Sorry, Mr. Kim,” inalis ni Knight ang kamay sa manibela, “I only listen to Valerian—”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake!” Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga, “drive, damn it!”

Ngumiti si Knight bago pinaharurot ulit ang sasakyan palayo sa Police car na humahabol pa rin sa kanila.

“We should pull over and run like hell.” Suhestiyon ni Shun habang nakatingin kay Knight sa rearview mirror.

“Again, I will only listen to Val.”

Shun looked at him. “Talk to this lunatic, please?”

Valerian sighed. “Paano ako tatakbo? Masakit pa ang sugat ko.”

“Hindi naman tayo puwedeng manatili rito.” Shun tsked. “Its just a matter of time before that Police car got to us.”

Knight sighed heavily. “Because you bought me cakes,” he glanced at him, “we have a bond, you and me, so i’m doing this for you.”

Itinigil ni Knight ang sasakyan sa gilid ng daan saka mabilis siyang inalalayan makalabas at tinulungan ito ni Shun na alalayan siyang mabilis na maglakad palayo.

They are one block away when the Police got to the car they stole—Knight stole.

“Fuck…” Sinapo niya ang sugat. “That hurts.”

“At least we’re on the heart of the city now.” Ani Knight na pangiti-ngiti pa.

Pareho silang napapantastikuhang napatitig ni Shun kay Knight.

“Yeah. You stole a car to come here.”

Knight shrugged. “It works—” his face lit up when he looked behind him, “oh! That’s a café right there. I wonder if they have a cake. Come on!”

Napailing nalang siya ng alalayan siya ni Knight patungo sa café. Hindi na siya magtaka kung iiwan siya nito para sa cake.

Nang makaupo sila sa loob ng café, si Knight ang nakipag-usap sa waitress sa lengguwahe nang mga ito.

“Anong inorder mo?” Tanong ni Shun kay Knight ng makaalis ang waitress.

“Black coffee and bread.” Sagot ni Knight.

Tumaas ang dalawa niyang kilay. “And bread? You? Bread? I’m having a hard time believing that.”

Knight’s shoulder sagged. “Unfortunately, they don’t serve cake here.”

“Thank God for that.” Aniya saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga.

Isinubsob ni Knight ang mukha sa lamesa at nangalumbaba, “I want cake. I want cake. Cake. Cake. Cake.”

Valerian looked at Shun and whispered, “puwede mo ba siyang bilhan ng cake? Isasabay ko ang bayad sa Hospital bills ko.”

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi Shun. “Anong mayroon sa inyong dalawa? Are you in a relationship or something?”

He looked at Shun flatly. “Seriously?”

“What?” Mahinang tumawa si Shun saka bumulong, “seryoso ako sa tanong ko.”

Bumuntong-hininga siya. “Hindi ko alam kung bakit, pero gusto ko siyang makitang masaya.”

“And why is that?” Shun asked.

He shrugged again. “I don’t know. Para kasing ang lungkot niya at may mahirap siyang pinagdadaanan.”

Shun frowned. “He looks like a crazy man to me.”

Doon siya natawa. “That too.”

Napailing si Shun. “Fine. You owe me.”

Tumango siya at nagpasalamat nang lumabas ng café si Shun para maghanap nang cake.

“… I want cake. I want cake. I want cake…” Knight is still murmuring the same thing over and over. “I want cake. Cake. I want cake.”

Napailing siya. “What’s with you and cake?”

Knight looked at him, pouting. “I like cake— no, I love it.”

“And that’s because?”

Knight looked away. “That’s a story for some other time.”

Napatango siya. He get it. Umiiwas ito sa tanong niya.

“Where did Shun go?” Tanong ni Knight na mukhang napansin palang na nawawala si Shun.

“I asked him to buy you a cake.” Sagot niya.

“Oh.” Napatitig ito sa kaniya, “you are wounded because of me, yet, you still asked Shun to buy me a cake?”

Tumango siya saka sumandal sa likod ng upuan.

“Why? I’m pretty sure its not because we’re friends since you don’t want to be friends with me.” Anito.

Nagkibit-balikat siya. “I can’t say no, remember?”

“I didn’t ask.” Knight countered.

“I know.”

“Then why?”

Nagkibit-balikat ulit siya. “I don’t know.”

Pinakatitigan siya nito saka napailing, “you’re too nice, Val. People like me will take advantage of that. Don’t be too nice. Its not good. This world is too fucked up for someone like you.”

Valerian chuckled. “If i’m not nice then you wouldn’t have taken advantage of me and we wouldn’t be friends.”

Knight stilled. “We’re friends?”

“I guess…”

Knight chuckled. “You guess? Not sure?”

Valerian shrugged. “Building friendship takes time, Knight. You can’t just be best friend’s with someone over night. It doesn’t work that way.”

“I know.” Knight sighed and looked outside the café. “But if there is someone I want to be best friend’s with, that would be you.”

“Why? Because i’m too nice?”

“That. And you are wounded because of me.” Ibinalik nito ang tingin sa kaniya. “Trust me, in my world, that means a lot.”

Yep. This guy is so jaded.

Tumango lang siya at namayani ang katahimikan sa kanilang dalawa.

“Just call.” Knight broke the silence after a long minute.

Nagtatakang napatitig siya sa kaharap. “What?”

“Just call.” Ulit na sabi ni Knight. “If and when you need anything, call me.”

Napatitig siya sa calling card na iniabot nito sa kaniya.

“Whatever you want or need, call me.”

Tinanggap niya ang calling card na bigay nito. “Paano kung busy ka tapos tumawag ako? I don’t want to mess with your schedule.”

“I’ll drop everything to help you.”

Gulat na napatitig siya kay Knight. “You will what?”

“Lets build a strong friendship, Val. You and me.”

“Why?” Nagtatakang tanong niya.

“Because I want to be friends with you.” Ani Knight saka nginitian siya, “its not everyday i’ll meet someone who willingly put himself in harms way because of me.”

Tumango siya saka ibinulsa ang calling card nito. “Okay. Whatever you say. Siguraduhin mo lang na sasagutin mo ang tawag ko.”

“You bet I will.”

Napailing siya saka pareho sila napabaling kay Shun na kadarating lang at may inilapag na cake box sa gitna nang lamesa.

“Here. Your cake,” tumingin ito kay Knight, “your highness.” Puno ng sarkasmo ang boses nito.

Knight stared at Shun for a couple of seconds before smiling and opening the box.

“Ohh…” Knight actually licked his own lips as he stared at the cake, “fuck, I love chocolate cake.”

Napatitig lang sila ni Shun kay Knight na kaagad na kumain ng cake pagkatapos manghingi nang kutsara sa waitress.

Knight is looking for a friend whom he can count on and for some reason, he saw that in him. He’d been testing him every since they met. He’d been so annoying and irritating him but here they are, in a café, talking.

Inilapit ni Shun ang bibig sa tainga niya. “Stop staring at him, Volkzki. Its creeping me out.”

Mahina siyang natawa. “May naisip lang ako.”

“At ano naman ’yon?” Tanong ni Shun sa kaniya.

Nakatitig pa rin siya kay Knight. “No sane man can live in an island alone. Whoever you are and how powerful you may be. Everyone needs someone… everyone needs a friend.”

Shun looked at Knight who’s enjoying the cake. “And he needs a friend?”

Tumango siya. “Yeah.”

“Seriously?” Hindi makapaniwalang tumingin sa kaniya si Shun. “Man, kung kilala mo siya, hindi mo sasabihin ’yan.”

Kinunotan siya ng nuo si Shun, “anong ibig mong sabihin?”

Bumulong si Shun sa tainga niya, “stay away from him as possible. Ngayon pa lang, umiwas ka na. He will be the death of you.”

Kumunot ang nuo niya at umiling siya. “Shun, alam kong weirdo siya pero hindi naman siguro siya ganun kasama.”

Napailing si Shun sa kaniya. “Man, you have a naïve view to the world.”

Valerian shrugged. “Better than being jaded.”

Dumating ang order nila at pare-pareho silang natahimik habang sumisimsim ng kape at kumakain.

Knight is still enjoying the cake after they’re done sipping their coffee and eating their bread.

Nang makalabas sila ng café, dala pa rin ni Knight ang cake na nangangalahati pa at inakbayan siya.

“Come on, we’ll rest in a Hotel for a while.” Ani Knight sa kaniya. “I’ll send you back home tomorrow.”

Valerian is in pain and he wanted to rest, so he just nodded without argument.

“Coming with us?” Tanong ni Knight kay Shun.

“I’m leaving you two.” Sabad ni Shun na maayos na isinusukbit ang bag sa balikat, “I have things to do—”

“You sure about that?” Knight asked Shun with a cold voice, making Valerian frown. Knight is not like that earlier. “I mean, you’re missing an opportunity here.”

Mas lalong lumalim ang pagkakakunot sa nuo ni Valerian sa sinabi ni Knight.

“What do you mean?” Shun asked Knight.

A cold smile appeared on Knight’s lips. “Oh, come on, Mr. Kim. Don’t take me for a fool. This is your only opportunity. If you leave and let me out of your sight, you won’t see me again. I assure you that.”

“Rest.” Ani Shun kay Knight. “You need it. See yah around.”

“No. You won’t see me again after here.”

Shun was silent and Valerian was confused as hell.

“This is your only chance.” Ani Knight na nakatingin pa rin kay Shun na wala ring emosyon ang mukha katulad ni Knight. “This won’t happen again. I don’t come out often and i’m always well guarded, except now of course. So… take your shot at me.”

Shun’s face remains stoic. “How did you know?”

Knight shrugged. “’Cause i’m fucking awesome and you stink. Do you really think you can fool me?”

“What are you two talking about?” Tanong niya habang pinaglilipat-lipat ang tingin kay Knight at Shun. “Am I missing something?”

May inilabas na baril si Shun mula sa likod nito saka itinutok iyon kay Knight.

“Woah! Woah!” Gulat siyang napasinghap. “What the hell?!”

“Let Valerian go.” Knight negotiated calmly with Shun. “You can shoot me afterwards.”

Umiling si Shun, walang emosyon ang mukha nito. “Sorry. I can’t do that. He’s a casualty. I can’t let him live. Sana hinayaan mo nalang akong makaalis. Sana hinarap mo ako nang wala siya. We could’ve save him since he doesn’t know a thing.”

Pinaglipat-lipat niya ang tingin kay Knight at Shun. Parang biglang umikot ang paningin niya sa mga naririnig na pinagsasabi nang dalawa at dumadagdag pa ang sugat niya na kanina pa sumasakit.

“Wait, guys, stop this…” aniya habang sapo ang sentido. “What the hell are you two doing?”

“Let him live,” Knight is still negotiating with Shun, “if you don’t, i’ll kill you where you stand—”

“Guys… come on.” Another pain assaulted his wound, making his head spin. “Guys… stop this nonsense. Lets go. I’m tired.”

Hindi na napigilan ni Valerian ang sarili. Bumilis ang pag-ikot ng paningin niya at nawalan siya nang balanse.

Natumba siya at dumaing ng sumigid ang kirot sa sugat niya.

He was about to open his eyes and pushed himself up when he heard a gunshot, followed by another and another and another.

Shun! Knight!

Friendship (PORTUGAL PART 3)

Friendship

(PORTUGAL PART 3)

HINDI ALAM ni Shun kung bakit hindi niya magawang kalabitin ang gatilyo habang nakatutok ang baril na hawak sa misyon niya. He was sent to Spain to give an individual, a nobility, a lesson not to mess with the law.

Knight Alastair Minrod Velasquez was a son of Count Kelleon Velasquez. And Knight broke the law as he see fit and his employer just want him to give the spoiled brat a lesson.

That was his mission and he already expected going face to face with the brat but what Shun didn’t expect was to be drag along with his lunacy and actually fighting along side with him.

He was told that the Count’s son was dangerous but this Knight he met was not dangerous, he’s like a kid in a man’s body. He’s happy-go-lucky and he has this ‘I don’t care’ vibe around him.

And when he fought alongside with him, Shun felt like he can trust his back on him. At alam niyang hindi siya dapat nakaramdam ng ganun. But Knight protected his back when they were fighting even knowing who he was and what his intentions were.

Is this why I can’t pull the fucking trigger? Because he protected my back?

Fuck!

Magaan kasama, masayahin at happy-go-lucky ang una niyang impresyon kay Knight ng una itong makilala at makausap, pero habang nakatayo ito ngayon sa harapan niya at nakatutok ang baril niya rito, walang emosyon sa mukha nito.

It’s like he’s looking at a dead man’s eyes.

“Guys, come on,” boses iyon ni Valerian na sapo ang sugat, “stop this nonsense, let’s go. I’m tired.”

Mula sa gilid ng mga mata niya ay nakita niyang sumusuray na si Valerian at bigla nalang itong nabuwal sa pagkakatayo. Siguro dahil sa sugat na natamo nito.

Shun doesn’t know what to call Valerian. a hero or an idiot for taking a hit for a spoiled brat nobility.

Ayaw niyang mangdamay ng inosente— halatang mabait si Valerian— pero ang misyon ay misyon.

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa baril ng makitang gumalaw ang kamay ni Knight. Handa na siyang barilin ito ng magulat siya ng mabilis nitong nahawakan ang kamay niya saka hinila sila palayo sa kinatatayuan.

Shun was stunned when he saw a bullet hit near the pavement he was standing earlier.

Mabilis na itinutok ni Shun ang baril sa pinanggalingan ng bala at sunod-sunod na kinalabit ’yon ng makita ang lalaking may hawak na baril.

At nang mapatumba niya ang lalaki, gulat siyang napatitig kay Knight. Kung hindi siya nito hinila, siguradong tinamaan na siya.

Knight looked at him, “it’s for the cake in the Train. Thanks.” Pagkasabi nito niyon ay nilapitan nito si Valerian at inalalayan patayo saka bumaling sa kaniya, “can you try to kill me later? I’m kind of busy.” He was asking as if they’re not talking about life and death and then he pointed Valerian, “innocent person here, hello?”

“Are you fucking serious?” Hindi makapaniwalang tanong niya rito. “I just pointed a gun at you!”

He can’t fathom this guy! What the hell is he thinking?!

“I know, i was shaking.” Puno ng sarkasmo nitong sabi saka napailing, “come on! We need to get to safety!”

Sa sinabi nito, mabilis niya itong tinulungan para alalayan si Valerian saka nagnakaw na naman ng sasakyan si Knight para may gamitin sila.

Oh, hindi pala ’yon pagnanakaw. Nanghihiram lang pala sila.

“Why save me?” Tanong ni Shun habang nasa passenger seat siya at nakahiga naman sa backseat si Valerian at si Knight ang nagmamaneho. “And don’t tell me because of the cake.”

Knight sighed, “if you die, Valerian will look for you and he will get worried, or worst, your death will make him jaded. I don’t want that. He’s a nice guy. I want to preserve that.”

Hindi alam ni Shun kung matatawa siya o ano.  “So you’re protecting his positive view to the world?”

Knight chuckled. “You could say that…” mas binilisan pa nito ang pagmamaneho, “both of us, we’re already tainted by the ugly side of the humanity, but him? He’s pure.”

“He’ll be tainted soon.” Komento niya habang nakatingin kay Valerian na walang malay na nakahiga sa backseat ng sasakyan mula sa rearview mirror, “the world is merciless to nice people.”

“I know.” Ani Knight saka napabuntong-hininga at sumulyap sa kaniya, “who sent you?”

Shun scoffed. “As if i’ll tell you.”

“I was just asking,” he tsked, “I already know though.”

He does? “How did you know?”

“Connections.”

Shun tsked. “Fuck you.”

Knight chuckled. “I’d say harder but you’re not my type.”

Napailing siya. He was sent to give this lunatic a lesson? Fuck! What was his superior thinking?

“By the way, what did I do to be punished?” Knight asked him.

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa baril na nakalapag sa hita niya. “You broke the law.”

“That’s the reason?” Knight laughed sardonically, “my father broke the law countless times, why don’t you go after him first before you go after me. After all, my orders came from him.”

He froze. “You’re selling your own father?”

Knight chuckled coldly, “if you can kill him, why not?”

A cold feeling run down his spine as he looked at Knight Velasquez.

This man… is he this cruel?

“Why not kill him yourself?” Balik niyang tanong. He’s testing him and his answer.

Humigpit ang hawak nito sa manibela, “if only I can, I already did. But he’s my father… and If I kill him myself then i’m really a monster that my father raised me to be. I don’t wanna be that kind of person. There’s still a part of me that believes that’s i’m not a monster.”

Knight said it as a whisper but Shun heard him loud and clear and he doesn’t know what to think anymore.

This spoiled brat— this monster— was just an obedient dog to his father?

A person who was labeled a monster and did a lot of monstrous things even at a young age but doesn’t wanna be one?

Is this a fucking joke?!

“…so if you wanna kill me, fall in line, there’s a long list.” Wika ni Knight.

Shun tsked under his breath. As if he can kill him after what happened. Niligtas nito ang buhay niya. Maybe that bullet was meant for Knight and he was just on the way but the fact still remains that Knight pulled him away from that bullet.

“You shouldn’t have saved me.” He murmured. “I hate owing someone. As the saying goes, there’s no free lunch in this world. Everything has a price.”

Knight took a deep breath, “true… everything has a price— even love to family — there’s always a price to pay. Though in the end, what matters the most is if the price you paid was worth it.”

Pasimple siyang napasulyap sa nagmamaneho.

At a young age, he has deep thoughts. This is different from the Lunatic Knight he knew from earlier.

Habang nagtatagal siyang kasama ito, napapatanong siya sa sarili kung ito ba ang Knight na kailangan niyang bigyan ng leksiyon dahil sa masama nitong ugali at paglabag sa batas ng wala man lang pag-aalinlangan.

Knight glanced at him. “Do you know why your superior sent you rather than do it himself to get the credit of killing a monster like me?”

Naitanong na rin niya iyon sa sarili, pero hindi niya masyadong pinagtuonan ng pansin. “It’s my job.”

“Is it? Really?” Mahina itong tumawa na puno ng sarkasmo, “if you succeeded with your mission to kill me, someone will kill you for me. Trust me, Shun Kim, you won’t get out of this country alive and all the credits for killing me will go to your boss who knows that he can’t touch me that’s why he sent you.” He glanced at him again, “why did you accept it anyway— oh, silly me for asking.” He chuckled, “you accepted this mission because your superior promised you to approve your request to change department. You’re a tech guy, right? You hate being in a field.”

Shun couldn’t say anything. He was shock how this man knew so much about him. How wide was the coverage of his connection for him to know every detail of his life?

Is this the connection he was talking about earlier? This connection… is that a data base— a data base that a person like me would want to play with?

Fuck! Just thinking about it made his blood pump in excitement. To be able to tapped into that kind of information… fuck!

“… say, why don’t you work for me?” Knight asked like he can be trusted, “i’ll be a boss soon, I need a tech guy.”

Shun chuckled coldly, “you asking the guy who pointed a gun at you is just fucked up,” napailing siya, “You’re sick.”

Knight smiled. “A heartless man kills easily, Shun Kim, trust me, I know, because i’m that man. But you… nah…” he laughed like he was happy, “fuck… is this my lucky week?” Anito na parang tinatanong ang sarili, “I keep meeting rare people. First is a guy who can’t say no and now a guy who can’t kill an innocent.”

“You’re not innocent.” May diin niyang sabi habang masamang nakatingin dito. “Be thankful I owe you my life.”

Ngumiti lang si Knight saka nagpatuloy sa pagmamaneho hanggang tumigil ito sa gate ng isang malaking mansiyon.

One look at the house— no, it’s a palace looking mansion— and he knew the owner was filthy rich.

Napabaling siya kay Knight ng may tinawagan ito sa cellphone.

“Argyris, open up.” Sabi nito sa nasa kabilang linya. “I’m outside your mansion. I got a wounded friend. I need Doctors.”

After that, the mansion automatically opened like it was opened remotely because no one was there.

Minaneho papasok sa loob ng gate ni Knight ang sasakyan at tumigil ito sa harapan ng pinto ng mansiyon na ilang kilometro yata ang layo sa gate.

Kaagad namang bumukas ang pinto ng mansiyon at may nalabasang kalalakihan doon at pinagtulungan na ilagaya sa stretcher si Valerian at dinala sa loob.

Samantalang ang atensiyon niya ay nasa lalaking pababa ng hagdanan mula sa pintuan at nakatingin sa kaniya na parang sinusuri siya mula ulo hanggang paa.

And Shun was shock when in a blink of an eye, the guy was in front of him and holding a gun pointed at him!

That was fast!

“You pointed a gun at my boss.” His english accent was thick.

Boss? But they’re the same age.

“Dimitri, gun down, and no, i’m not your boss. Yet.” Wika ni Knight sa lalaking nakatutok ang baril sa kaniya, “Shun here couldn’t pull the trigger.”

Kaagad namang ibinaba ng lalaki ang baril na hawak saka nagpakilala. “Dimitri Argyris,” sa halip na ilahad ang kamay, ang kamay na may hawak na baril ang inilahad nito sa kaniya, “nice to meet you.”

Shun bumped his hand that was holding his own gun with Dimitri Argyris’ hand before introducing himself, “Shun Kim.”

Tumango ito saka pinapasok sila.

Tumingin siya kay Knight habang naglalakad sila papasok. “Have you forgotten that you’re my mission?”

Tumigil sa paglalakad si Knight saka mabilis na kinuha ang kamay niyang may hawak na baril at ito na mismo ang naggiya sa kamay niyang itutok ang baril sa nuo nito.

“Shoot me.” Wika nito habang nakatingin sa mga mata niya. “Come on, Shun Kim, it’s why you’re here for, right?”

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa gatilyo ng baril pero hindi niya iyon magawang tuluyang kalabitin.

Knight protected his back when they were fighting and he saved him when he didn’t really has to— but he did.

Shun tsked and pulled his hand from Knight’s hold. “This is the reason why I hate owing someone.”

Knight grinned. “You’re nice guy number 2 and Valerian is nice guy number 1.”

“Fuck you.”

“Yeah, yeah,” ani Knight na tumatawa saka nauna nang naglakad sa kaniya.

Siya naman ay napailing.

What the fuck am I doing?

It would have been easier to pull the trigger if he didn’t get to know and talk and fought with Knight Velasquez. Now he got a glimpsed of the other side of Knight— i’m in trouble for trying to get to know my mission.

Well… he still has days left before he got back.

Maybe I can kill him in those remaining days…

Beckett’s alive?

BECKETT’S ALIVE?

WHEN the lunatics heard that Beckett died, the grief they felt could be compared to losing a brother, it was painful and suffocating, but when they found out that Beckett was alive and well and that the bastard was just hiding, their grief doubled, accompanied by anger and resentment remembering the eulogy they did for him.

They should have known that the bastard would not leave his beloved Ruth, but Furrer got them good. Really good that they ended up in Eva’s store, drinking their heart’s out.

Mas masakit pa ang nararamdaman nila ngayon keysa nuong nalaman nilang patay na si Beckett.

Now, they actually wanted him dead as one after another voice out their complaints.

“Is it bad of me to think that Beckett should’ve stayed dead?” Lath asked while everyone was drinking beer and eating barbecue in a heartbreaking manner.

Tumango si Iuhence. “I feel the same way. Sa tsismoso kong ’to, wala man lang akong nasagap na balita na buhay pa ang gago na ’yon?!”

Tumango din si Calyx. “Hindi sapat na nabugbog natin siya. Tayo nalang kaya ang pumatay sa kaniya ng matuluyan na talaga ang tangina na ’yon?”

Andrius sighed. “Para akong brokenhearted sa pagkamatay niya tapos buhay pala siya? Pakiramdam ko nasayang yong pagda-drama ko doon sa eulogy niya.”

Tyron leaned on the back of his seat and sighed while eating BBQ. “Magpasalamat nalang tayo na buhay siya.”

“Sana namatay nalang siya!” Halos sigaw ng lahat maliban kay Shun at Knight na abala sa pagtutuhog ng BBQ.

“Velasquez, no comment?” Tanong ni Cali. “Wala ka man lang sama ng loob sa hayop na ’yon?”

Nag-angat ng tingin si Knight habang abala sa pagtutuhog ng iihawing BBQ. “Additional to my book of life experience.”

Lahat masama ang tingin kay Knight na pinagkibit-balikat lang nito at nag-umpisa nang mag-ihaw.

Si Shun naman ay napailing at pabulong na kinausap si Knight. “Buti nalang ’di nila alam na may alam tayo.”

“Ssh!” Saway ni Knight kay Shun. “Baka tayo ang mabugbog. Let’s shut up.”

Shun chuckled. “Gago ka talagang espanyol ka, bigay na bigay ka pa doon sa eulogy.”

“Of course. Kailangan may moral support si Val na nag-rap.”

Valerian really had a good hearing when he’s being picked on. “I heard that, Espanyol!”

Knight flinched before he continued grilling the meat and decided to shut up since his friends will roast his ass if they ever found out that he knew something.

“I pity Sanford though,” wika ni Titus na umiinom din ng beer sa tabi ni Phoenix. “He was really blaming himself for what happened.”

Sumabad si Phoenix. “Kung ako si Sandord, inilibing ko na nang buhay si Furrer.”

“He was really beating himself up because of what happened.” Ani Andrius saka napabuntong-hininga. “Damn that Furrer. Wala bang puwedeng i-kaso sa kaniya ng makulong ang hayop na ’yon?”

Nginuso ni Evren ang mga labi kay Khairro na lasing na lasing na at kumakanta sa karaoke na nasa loob ng tindahan nila Eva.

Khairro was singing an OPM song titled ‘Sinungaling’. It’s about being lied to in love, but they all think the song was for Beckett. Wala lang nahanap si Sanford na kanta na may kaparehong title na para sa kaibigan.

Napailing nalang silang lahat, kapagkuwan ay nagsalita si Ymar.

“I can poison him,” Ymar suggested. “I can make something lethal. Just give me twenty-four hours.”

Nagkaniya-kaniya ng sangayon ang mga naroon at si Eva na kanina pa nakikinig at naaalibadbaran dahil sa ingay ng mga ito ay nagsalita na rin.

“Ang iingay niyo! Nagbabasa ako rito!”

Lahat natigilan sa pagsigaw ni Eva saka lahat napatingin sa anak ng may-ari ng tindahan na may hawak na makapal na libro patungkol sa International Law.

“Studying?” Evren asked when he spotted the book in Eva’s hand.

“Nagbabasa lang kasi may nakalimutan.” Sagot ni Eva saka bumalik sa kinauupuan. “Huwag kayong maingay. May parang aso na nga na umuungol sa karaokehan, dadagdag pa kayo.”

Lahat napatingin kay Khairro na siyang nasa karaoke.

“Umuungol na aso,” bulong ni Ream saka tumingin kay Khairro. “So that’s what it sounds like?”

“I guess,” sagot ni Hunt, “kapag si Eva ang nagsabi, totoo ’yon.”

Terron nodded and looking impress as he says, “Eva has wide knowledge in things.”

Napa-tsk naman si Eva dahil maiingay pa rin ang mga baliw nilang customers.

“Uy, si Dashwood, may crush kay Eva.” Parang mga batang tudyo ni Calyx at Iuhence kay Terron.

And Terron just shrugged as if not affected, “what’s wrong with that? Can’t I appreciate a smart woman?”

Kaagad na naging tampulan ng tukso si Terron at Eva na ipinagkibit-balikat lang ni Terron habang si Eva naman ay walang emosyong tinitigan ang mga magugulo sa tindahan.

“Masaya na kayo? Tawa pa. Nakakahiya naman sa inyong lahat.” Puno ng sarkasmo ang boses ni Eva na kaagad ikinatigil ng magkakaibigan.

Eva rolled her eyes before she went back to her seat and continued reading. While Terron just smiled at how Eva handled his friends. Flawless. Terron thought as he drank his beer.

“Sanford!” Biglang tawag ni Phoenix kay Khairro. “Tantanan mo na ’yang karaoke, maawa ka samin. We get it. Broken hearted ka kasi buhay pala si Beckett. Patayin nalang natin ulit para maging masaya ka na.”

But Khairro was too focused on the karaoke to care, so Titus did what was necessary and that was to unplug the karaoke machine.

Nang sa wakas ay nawalan na ng buhay ang karaoke, doon lang sila nilingon ni Khairro.

“Huh? What happened?”

“You happened!” Sabay-sabay na sigaw ng lahat.

“Oh,” umupo si Khairro sa bakanteng upuan sa inuukupang mesa nila Terron at Thorn. “Bored ako. Mag clubbing tayo.”

“Pagkatapos mong managhoy,” tinuro pa ni Lander ang karaoke, “bored ka pa sa lagay na ’yan?”

“Anong clubbing? Siraulo ka ba?” Kaagad na unayaw si Ream. “Lahat tayo rito nakainom. DUI ang kahihinatnan nating lahat kapag nahuli tayo.”

“Then what are we supposed to do?” Khairro was really drunk because he was becoming unreasonable.

Good thing Eva came to the rescue and placed a ‘Wheel of Shots Drinking Game’ device on their table. “Maglaro nalang kayo. Mga isip bata naman kayo halos lahat. Pindutin niyo lang ’to tapos iikot yan.”

Kaagad na sinuri ng lahat ang laruan, kahit si Knight na abala lang kanina sa pag-iihaw.

It only had eight slots— bottoms up, truth, dare, confession, booty dance, get naked, pass the drink and spin again.

“Oh, interesting…” Knight commented and it was enough for everyone to try the game. If Knight found it interesting, then it is really interesting.

“Pero sino ang magdi-dare?” Tanong ni Tyron. “I don’t trust any of you, so Eva?”

“Yep. Eva.” Everyone agreed.

Eva who was busy reading just raised her middle finger.

“Eva it is.” Everyone decided.

“Okay…!” Si Evren ang tumayo saka nanghingi ng papel at ballpen kay Eva para gumawa ng kasulatan saka pinili ang Ginebra Frasco na isa sa mga bini-benta sa tindahan nila Eva. “Put it on the tab, Eva. Kung sino ang gagapang pauwi, siya ang magbabayad.”

Eva just rolled her eyes and add it to the ‘general debt’ tab. Ang listahan ng utang na parang walang katapusan dahil hindi pa nga nababayaran lahat, may dagdag na naman.

“Sign here and here,” wika ni Evren na siyang gumawa ng kasulatan na puno ng reklamo na pinirmahan ng lahat. “And done.”

Habang si Dark naman ay nagsalin ng ginebra sa baso ang punong-puno ’yon.

“Montero, ano ’yang gin, soda?” Kaagad na alma ni Cali.

Ngumisi lang si Dark saka nilagyan ng straw ang baso. “You have to drink it from the straw, people.”

Everyone sighed and groaned, but they will still do it anyway. At kung sino ang malapit sa wheel of shots, doon nag-umpisa.

It was Terron— he started the game. Nang paikutin ni Terron ang wheel, tumigil iyon sa ‘dare’ at napalatak ito. “Oh, come on!”

“Eva! Dare kay Terron bebe mo.” Hindi pa rin sumusuko si Iuhence sa pagtudyo sa dalawa.

Eva answered while her eyes were glued in the book she was reading. “Mag-hubad ka.”

Everyone shouted while Terron frowned at Eva. “Hubad? Which part?”

“Kahit saan.” Walang pakialam si Eva, gusto lang siyang tantanan na ng mga ito.

“Oh, okay…” Terron was smart so he took off his wrist watch. “Hayan. Hinubad ko na.”

“Booo!”

“Booo!”

“Cheater…!”

“What?” Terron smirked. “Eva didn’t specify what to take off.”

“Pass.” Evren gave his approval and everyone groaned.

Cali followed and spin the wheel. A loud groan of complaint escaped his mouth when it stopped at bottom’s up. “Seriously?!”

Nagtawanan ang lahat.

“Inumin naman ang pangalan mo. Bagay sayo.”

Cali showed his middle finger at Lath and drink the gin using straw. Cali’s face couldn’t be explained, nor painted. That’s how awful he looked as he sipped the gin. Not to mention his body, it was flinching and twitching in bitterness.

“Fuck!” Cali shouted and immediately drank water to wash his mouth. “That was bitter as fuck.”

Tumawa lang si Dark saka sinalinan ulit ng alak ang baso na para na kay Tyron.

“Spin it, Mr. President.” It was their nickname for Tyron since he was the first one who got married.

Tyron rolled his eyes before spinning the wheel.

‘Booty dance’.

“Hell, no!” Tyron hissed, but everyone just laughed because Evren waved the paper they signed before the game.

“Dance or drink and pay five million?” Evren asked with a smirk.

Malakas na napabuntong-hininga si Tyron saka napipilitang tumayo. Wala pa ngang ginagawa si Tyron, nagtatawanan na ang mga loko-loko, mas lalo naman ng bahagyang iniusli ni Tyron ang pag-upo at inalog-aloh ang pang-upo.

“Man, why does it look disturbing?” Komento ni Iuhence na nakangiwi.

“Yeah,” Train agreed while filming Tyron on his phone. “I’ll show it to his wife—”

Before Train could finish, Tyron flew, yes, he literally flew towards Train to steal his phone and delete the video, but Train was faster.

“Wolkzbin! Come back here!” Galit na sigaw ni Tyron. “Don’t send that to my wife. I will kill you—”

Train, who was running away from Tyron replied, “too late, bud! Already sent it.”

“Train Wolkzbin!”

Train just laughed and kept running while Tyron was running after Train with an intent to kill.

Hinayaan nalang ng lahat ang dalawa saka nagpatuloy ang inuman. It was Valerian’s turn. And when he spins the wheel, it stopped at ‘dare’.

“Eva, dare kay Valerian!” Sigaw ni Knight na busy pa rin sa pag-iihaw at panay sipa nito kay Phoenix na panay ang kuha sa lahat na BBQ na naluluto ni Knight. “You tangina, Phoenix. So tangina.”

Phoenix just laughed and they all gave their attention to Eva, who finally gave Valerian his dare.

“Maghintay ka ng dadaan sa labas ng tindahan tapos pagdaan nila, bigla kang kumanta ng ‘Di ko kayang tanggapin’.”

Naningkit ang mata ni Valerian kay Eva na nagbabasa pa rin bago ginawa ang ‘dare’ niya.

Habang naghihintay si Valerian, pinagtatawanan na ito ng mga baliw na may nakahandang cellphone para i-video ang ginagawa ni Valerian.

Muntik nang mabitawan ni Shun ang cellphone ng may dumaan at biglang kumanta si Valerian dahilan para mapaigtad palayo ang dalawang ginang saka nagmamadaling naglakad na para bang may gagawing masama si Valerian.

Halos lahat gumugulong sa tawa pero hindi si Valerian na nanlilisik ang mata sa mga kaibigang ayaw yatang tumigil sa pagtawa.

“Mga tanginang hayop,” umupo si Valerian sa inuukupang upuan nito kanina at tinulak ang wheel of shot kay Khairro. “Hayan, lasing ka na nga hayop ka pa rin.”

In the middle of laughing and being drunk, Khairro spin the wheel and it stopped at ‘pass the drink’.

“Lucky motherfucker!” Sigaw ng lahat na ikinangisi ni Khairro saka ibinigay nito ang baso na may alak kay Cali.

“I’m passing it to Cali the drink.”

“Fuck you, Sanford.”

Khairro grinned. “I’m a lucky motherfucker.”

Cali groaned and complained, but at the end of the groaning and complaining, he drank the gin and Cali’s body twisted with bitterness. “Fuck this drink!”

“My turn!” Without warning, Knight just spins the wheel of shots. “Oh! Nice!”

Hindi na nagulat ang lahat ng makitang tumigil ang spin the wheel sa ‘get naked’ at nasiyahan pa si Knight.

Hindi katulad sa iba na tinulak ng lahat na gawin ang pinapagawa ng wheel of shot, ginawa nila lahat hindi lang maghubad si Knight na ready na ready mag ‘borles’ sa harapan nila.

“No! Nope! Mag-ihaw ka nalang.” Pakiusap ng lahat habang pigil nila si Knight na maghubad. “Sige na, balik ka na doon sa ihawan. Ihaw na.”

Knight frowned. “But it’s an experience for my book of life—”

“Experience din ang pag-iihaw.” Kaagad na sabi ni Valerian.

“Oh, yeah.” Knight agreed and went back to grilling.

Nakahinga naman ng maluwang ang lahat at itinuloy ang laro.

Ymar spun the wheel and it stopped at confession.

Now everyone was looking at Ymar with expectation.

Ymar shook his head. “Wala naman akong sekreto na kailangang ibunyag.”

“Ows?” No one believed Ymar.

Ymar shrugged, then spoke. “Hmm… I don’t know if this counts, but sometimes, I wonder why I married my wife. Then I remember, I love her and her craziness, but sometimes she’s over the top and I’ll question myself again and I’ll also answer myself again, so it’s a cycle.”

Then it was Lander’s turn. And the wheel stopped at ‘truth’.

And the honor to ask for the truth was given to Eva again.

“Ang pinakabastos na ginawa mo sa sasakyan mo.”

Lander was quick to answer. “Someone give me a head. A very unforgettable one.”

“She’s a keeper,” kaagad na sabad ni Pierce na tahimik lang sa tabi.

Lander smiled. “I did keep her.”

Cali groaned. “Oh, fuck, please, my ears!”

Everyone knew that Lander was talking about his wife, which was related to Cali and they all laughed at Cali’s twisted face. But their laughter was interrupted when a car pulled over outside Eva’s store.

Sasakyan iyon ng namatay pero buhay pala na si Beckett.

“Hi, guys!”

Everyone glared at Beckett except for Knight and Shun who was busy grilling. Even Train and Tyron who were fighting over the video stop to glare at Beckett.

“What?” Beckett asked so innocently that it set off everyone’s anger.

Sinugod ng nga ito si Beckett, sama-samang binuhat saka sa gitna ng daan. Panay ang pagpupumiglas ni Beckett pero wala siyang laban sa dalawang dozenang kaibigan na naroon.

“Hey! Get off! Let go!”

“No, you deserve this you asshole!” Khairro shouted. “Masagasaan ka sana ng truck!”

Lahat tumango at iniwan si Beckett sa gitna ng daan. At sa tuwing bumabalik si Beckett sa tindahan, bubuhatin ulit ng mga baliw at dadalhin sa gitna ng daan para masagasaan.

“Panindigan mo ang pagra-rap kong tangina ka!” Sigaw ni Valerian.

“Panindigan mo ang pagluluksa namin!” Sigaw ng lahat.

“Panindigan mo ang makabagbagdamdamin naming mensahe sa eulogy mo!” Sigaw ulit ng lahat.

“You’re very hayop, Furrer!”

“Ihawin natin si Furrer!”

Lahat galit hanggang sa nagsalita si Beckett habang nasa gitna pa rin ito ng kalsada.

“Babayaran ko lahat ng utang niyo rito kina Eva!” Pasigaw nitong sabi. “Puwede rin kayong mag-take out! Libre ko ngayong gabi!”

Sa narinig, kaagad na sinugod ng lahat si Beckett, hindi para pagalitan kundi para buhatin si Beckett papunta sa tindahan.

“Madali kaming kausap.” Ani Calyx. “Libre, guys! Libre daw.”

“Kami? Galit?” Iuhence clicked his tongue. “What’s that? Is that tasty?”

Nagkaniya-kaniya ng order ang lahat, may take out pa na nalalaman, at sa gabing ’yon, naipangako ni Beckett sa sarili na hindi na siya magpapanggap na patay. Nakakabutas kasi ng bulsa.

Nang gabing ’yon, unuwi si Beckett na walang laman ang wallet at may kasama pang sam ang loob. In short, his motherfucking friends broke his wallet and he wanted revenge.

Beckett did get his revenge— but that’s another story.

CECELIB | C.C.