Temptations With My Home Partner

Synopsis

Yoseff Gerald Alba and his schoolmate, Aidan James Barameda, share the coziest little house. Fate delivered them to intersect their paths and they have no choice but to stay under the same roof for good.

Being almost the polar opposites of each other, they tried their best to get along and atleast be friends. Little did Aidan know, Yoseff has a little secret. He’s holding back those fluttery feelings for his housemate, afraid of what might happen if he come out. Ayaw ni Yoseff na may makaalam sa katotohanang kaniyang pilit itinatago. He played straight, and he played it well. He wants to keep it that way, even though he wants to be free in expressing himself.

Aidan, being straight, makes Yoseff feel like he’s hopeless when it comes to a romantic relationship. But there’s no denying that Aidan’s irresistible charm has left Yoseff smitten. Kahit bawal, hindi niya ito mapigilan. He’s trying his best to keep his emotions in check.

However, one day, something unexpected happens- he accidentally turned Aidan madly addicted to him. Just because of a night of temptation. Will this be a good news for him?

Warning: This story is alligned in LGBTQ+ category. It is only open for the readers who are interested in this type of genre. This contains a lot of sexual scenes that are not suitable for young and closeminded audiences.

Unang Yugto

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Unang Yugto

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LURE

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【 “Weakness is an irresistible lure.” 】

Kiersten White▕   And I Darken

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Kabanata 1

Kabanata 1

Boxers

“Done… Breakfast is ready,” sabi ni Aidan habang inilalapag ang pagkain sa lamesa. As usual, siya nanaman ang gumawa ng aming umagahan.

I’m wearing a simple sando and shorts. Sinuot ko ang aking eyeglasses sa side desk. Hindi naman gano’n kalabo ang mata ko. I only wear this in the morning and in school since sensitibo ang aking mga mata.

The delicious aroma of food filled the air. It was a familiar scent, and I can obviously tell what exactly it is. Kahit ilang araw na namin itong ulam, hindi ko pa rin mapigilan ang pagkalam ng aking sikmura sa amoy palang.

“I heard that!” at tumawa siya.

I scratched my head in frustration.

“Oo na!”

Umupo ako sa hapag at napangiti sa simpleng itlog at bacon na niluto niya. Hindi na nagbago yung food choice niya para sa breakfast araw-araw. Malamang, ito lang talaga ang kaya niyang lutuin, but who was I to judge? Hindi rin naman ako marunong magluto.

“How was it?” tanong niya nung sumubo ako ng makaisa. He sound like a kid wanting to know his parent’s opinion about the first dish he ever cooked.

“Are you joking? May espesyal ba sa niluto mo ngayon?”

“I mean, gusto ko lang malaman kung tama lang. Baka kasi na-overcook,” then he smiled awkwardly.

“God, Aidan. Of course, it is good enough. Na-master mo na yung pagluluto niyan for two months,” biro ko sa kaniya at napailing.

Napakamot siya sa kaniyang leeg.

“Sorry. Alam kong sawa ka na din,” nahihiya niyang sambit at hinubad ang kaniyang apron. Talaga nga namang nagsuot pa siya nito.

He revealed his well-chiseled body. Humikab siya at itinaas ang kaniyang maskuladong braso. Boxers lang ang suot niya sa bahay palagi. Magbibihis lang siya kapag may inaasahang bisita.

His skin had a creamy white tone, perfectly even across his body.

And his face… incredibly handsome. His nose was sharply defined, and his eyebrows were thick. His eyes had a penetrating intensity, like a raven locking onto its prey. His lips were perfectly shaped.

Every movement and reflex of his muscles was like watching art in motion.

Even if it sounds disgusting, I admit that he’s undeniably irresistable. Kung ito ang makikita mo sa umaga, kahit hindi ka na kumain ng breakfast ay mabubusog ka na sa view.

Napaiwas ako nung namataan niya na nakatingin ako sa kaniya. Mabilis akong sumubo ng pagkain at kinabahan.

“Tira’n mo ’ko ng ulam. Maliligo muna ako,” paalam niya sa’kin.

Pumasok siya sa bathroom dala ang kaniyang tuwalya. I heard the stream of shower.

“Sa weekends, try ko mag-search sa youtube kung paano magluto ng hotdog. Just to switch things up a bit,” aniya habang naliligo.

Bigla naman akong nasamid. Seriously? Fried foods nananamn? That is as if nothing has changed.

Natawa ako ng malakas.

“I’m just kidding, Sef,” aniya sa loob ng bathroom. ngunit hindi pa rin ako tumigil. “Ano ba?! Hindi naman yun masyadong nakakatawa.”

He is clearly offended.

“Akala ko kasi seryoso ka do’n. Lalo mo lang pino-prove yung sarili mo na hanggang sa fried foods kalang magaling,” sabi ko.

Bigla siyang dumungaw mula sa bathroom habang basa ang kaniyang mukha, kaya nagulat naman ako.

“Shut up!” sigaw niya sa’kin, tapos may bagay na siyang binato sa aking mukha. Tinanggal ko ito mula sa akin upang makita kung ano ito. What?! Yung boxers pa talaga niya?

This is the nature of a man. Gross things happen.

Sinarado na niya ang kaniyang pintuan at hindi na nagsalita.

That was very unexpected, of course. Pero may demonyong bumulong sa akin upang ilapit ang boxers niya sa aking ilong upang amuyin. It has a scent of mixed soap and his own sweat. His smell… is so manly! Damn.

Agad na namula ang aking pisngi. Ano bang nangyayari sa’kin? Darn, I didn’t restrained myself. Curious lang naman ako.

Binato ko ito sa tray ng mga maruruming damit.

“Yak! Nakakadiri ka!”

Is it really disgusting?

I don’t know.

“Smell it all you want,” biro niya at biglang tumawa ng malakas. Sana sinabi niya nung una, edi sana hindi ko na tinapon pa sa tray. Kainis.

I just groaned.

“Do that in your girlfriend. I’m sure, matutuwa pa siya sa’yo. Take it as tip from me,” sabi ko nalang sa kaniya. Kumagat ako sa bacon at napansin na medyo sunog ito. I sighed. Atleast, edible pa naman siya. Iyon ang importante.

“Nope. Claire’s different. She acts nicely. Religious and well-mannered. Kapag ginawa ko ’yon, magbebreak kami agad,” paliwanag niya.

Lagi siyang proud sa attitude ng girlfriend niya. Parang anghel ang kaniyang girlfriend kapag dini-describe na niya ito. Hindi na ako nagtakang itinanggi niya ang suhestyon ko sa pamamagitan ng pagcompliment kay Claire.

I’m partly sick, because I don’t understand straight relationships.

“Whatever you say.”

Natapos na akong kumain at hinintay siyang lumabas sa bathroom upang ako naman ang gumamit nito. Dala ko ang aking towel habang nakasandal sa mesa at nakatingin sa pinto.

Narinig ko ang paghinto ng shower. Unti-unti niyang binuksan ang pinto at bumungad sng kaniyang medyo basa pang katawan habang nakatapis ng tuwalya.

Kalma.

“Pwede ka nang pumasok,” paanyaya niya.

Lalagpasan ko sana siya ngunit bigla niya akong hinawakan sa braso upang tumigil sa paglalakad. Biglang lumundag ang aking puso sa kaba sa pagdikit ng aking balat.

“Sandali. Actually… I need a favor from you,” aniya.

Tinignan ko lang siya.

“I’m currently having difficulties sa thesis. Baka pwede mo naman kaming tulungan ng mga ka-groupmates ko. Pasensya na, wala kasi kaming time para diyan. Lahat kami, focus din sa varsity.”

“Yun lang,” tanong ko. As if that is easy. Bakit ba kasi ang tanga mo, Aidan? Sana gumprupo ka nalang sa mga maaasahan.

“Yup. So, ano? Payag ka?”

“Of course. Tapos na kami hanggang Chapter Five. Anong part palang ba kayo?”

O baka ako talaga yung tanga sa pagitan naming dalawa?

“T-Two.”

My eyes widened. Matagal na panahon nang nakalilipas bago pa nagpagawa ang school ng thesis requirement. Bakit ganito palang ang progress nila?

And for God’s sake, malapit na ang bigayan ng report cards. May two weeks nalang siya para matapos ito. There’s still a posibility na hindi ’to matapos, lalo na kung walang kwenta ang topic nila.

Sawang-sawa na ako sa limpak-limpak na revisions na ginawa namin dati. Mabuti nalang at na-advance namin ang defense.

And now, may isa pa akong aasikasuhin thesis dahil sa katamaran ni Aidan at ng mga kagrupo niya.

“Seriously? All this time, wala ka ngang ginawa kun’di sumama sa mga kaibigan mo para magnight-out. Ang tigas din kasi ng ulo mo. Varsity mo mukha mo.”

“I-I just can’t decline them, you know. Minsan lang sila magyaya sa’kin since busy rin sila sa schoolworks at practice,” mahina niyang saad. “Ayaw ko rin naman na bumagsak, e. But I still have a lot of things to deal with. Please?”

And there he was, doing the puppy eyes again. Thank goodness, he doesn’t know that I’m gay. If he knew, I’m sure he would use it to his advantage whenever he pleaded for something. Pero alam niya siguro na epektibo sa akin ang ginagawa niyang paraan.

I reluctantly nodded.

“Fine! Just this once, okay? Bahala ka kapag nagkulang ka sa requirements next time,” sabi ko.

Bigla siyang ngumiti.

“Really? Thanks, bro!” aniya at inakap ako sabay tapik sa aking balikat. Tinapik ko nalang siya pabalik, pagkatapos ay agad siyang kumalas. Take note, he’s currently topless and a bit dripping wet.

Tumungo na siya sa kuwarto samantalang hinubad ko ang aking salamin at damit upang magpatuloy sa banyo para maligo. I let the cold water of the morning run down to my body.

We are living in the same house.

Bakit at paano? Nangyari ’yon nung naghanap ako ng bahay na pwede kong matuluyan, yung malapit sa university namin. Nakita ko yung bahay na ’to nabinibenta nila sa murang halaga. Doon ako nagpasya na hindi na ako kukuha ng paupahang kwarto at bilhin nalang ito.

At isa pa, twenty blocks away lang ang school ko mula rito. I was very lucky to find it.

Nung araw na makikipag-deal ako sa dating may-ari ay nakasabay ko si Aidan. Pareho naming gusto ang bahay sapagkat bukod sa simple ay maganda ito sa paningin. It is rare na makakita ng ganitong offer kaya sinubukan kong kalabanin siya sa agawan, ngunit nauwi kami sa pag-share nito.

We split the payment just to buy this house. Ang babayaran nalang namin ay ang kuryente at tubig na minsan lang namin magamit dahil palagi kaming nasa school tuwing umaga.

Natapos na kami sa paghahanda para sa school. Ang suot niya ay simpleng dark green t-shirt na may maliit na disenyo ng brand sa dibdib. Pinatungan niya ito ng itim na jacket habang nakabukas ang zipper nito. Simpleng jeans lang ang kaniyang pang-ibaba.

Ako naman ay naka-polo shirt na pale blue at semi-fitted khaki pants. My usual outfit.

Ako lang ang may dalang bag sa aming dalawa. Kapag tinatanong ko naman sa kaniya kung saan niya nilalagay ang kaniyang gamit ay lagi niyang sinasabi na iniiwan niya ito sa locker ng school. It was one of the laziest things I’ve ever seen him do.

Lumabas kami ng bahay at tumungo sa kaniyang motorsiklo.

“Climb on,” paanyaya niya at inalukan ako ng helmet. Sinuot ko naman ito.

“Sandali lang,” sabi ko at mabilis na umangkas sa kaniyang likuran. Nakahawak ako upuan, ngunit napansin niya ito. Hindi niya muna sinimulang paandarin ang motor, instead he reached for both my hands, clasping them and bringing them around his waist.

“You should hold on here. Malalaglag ka, sige ka,” paalala niya sa’kin. Hindi na ako sumagot.

Kabanata 2

Kabanata 2

Crazy Obsession

The school grounds were severely flocked by student athletes, and their boisterous chatters are filling the air. Nakita pa namin ni Aidan ang mga kaibigan na na kasalukuyang nagpa-practice ng basketball. Kinawayan siya ng mga ito.

“Sige, Yoseff. Una na ’ko,” paalam niya.

“Galingan mo,” cheer up ko.

Ngumiti naman siya at nagpatuloy na sa kaniyang mga barkada. Excuse sila dahil malapit na ang sports event. Sa tingin ko, hindi maganda na maging part siya muna ng naturang event. His grades were at risk, and I wished he’d prioritize his studies for now.

Nung nakarating ako sa classroom ko ay agad na sinalubong ako ng kaibigan kong si Leila. She’s showing me her phone and gave me a knowing look, yet I’m still puzzled by her sudden actions.

“Hindi mo ba maalala?” tanong niya, kaso hindi ako kumibo. “Huy! Papasa na!”

Bigla akong napasampal sa aking noo nung nalaman ko kung ano ang sadya niya. This girl was beyond obsessed!

“Seryoso ka ba talaga? Araw-araw mo nang hinihingi ’yan… Hindi pa rin ako papayag,” sabi ko at naglakad papunta sa silya ko at umupo. Hinubad ko ang aking bag. Sumunod lang si Leila sa’kin at tumayo sa harap ko.

“Ano ka ba?! Kahit isang picture lang. Wala akong maisip na ipalit sa wallpaper ko, e,” aniya at pinakita ang pikachu niyang wallpaper. Leila was not even a Pokemon fan, yet she was obsessed with Pikachu. Naalala ko nung huling bisita ko sa bahay nila, mayroon siyang malaking collection ng iba’t ibang items na may pikachu theme. Weird, kasi hindi naman talaga siya nanunuod ng Pokemon.

“Seriously? Kaya wala akong planong kumuha ng picture na hinihingi mo sa’kin, e. What if someone saw that on your phone? For sure, tatanungin nila kung sino yung kumuha niyan. Either way, that idea is ridiculously disgusting. Don’t ever push me again.”

“Edi hindi ko na iwo-wallpaper. I will keep it in my phone for personal use. Sige na! Just one picture, please.”

“No.”

Pumorma ang malaking busangot sa kaniyang mga labi habang nagmamakaawa sa’kin. She doesn’t look convincing, though. Her fake whimpers just annoy me.

“Kailangan ko ng inspiration para sa gagawin kong sports news. At isa pa, plano ko rin na gawa’n siya ng isang bionote at kasama na maipublish sa school journal. Ano? For academic purposes naman ito,” aniya at humagikgik.

“Gumagawa ka lang ng excuse, Lei. And its terribly lame. I will never take a picture of him in my house. There’s a possibility that he might take an action against us once we get caught. Delikado yung gagawin ko,” mariin kong sabi sa kaniya.

Umirap siya sa’kin at biglang binulsa ang kaniyang phone.

“You are also making your excuse too, Sef, but I don’t believe you. Tinatamad ka lang na gawin yung request ko. At saka, hindi ko naman talaga hahayaang kumalat ’yon kapag nakuha ko na. I’m still aware na may girlfriend siya at the moment. I’m not foolish enough to put myself in danger,” aniya na may halong pag-aatungal at umupo sa tabi ko.

She’s a hard nut. Baka bukas ay ulitin pa niya ang panghihingi sa’kin ng pictures ni Aidan habang almost naked ito sa buong bahay. But no, mas okay na kung ako lang ang tanging makakakita sa kaniya ng ganoon.

Isang maling send ko lang sa ibang tao ng larawan ni Aidan, agad itong kakalat. Matunog ang kaniyang pangalan sa buong campus. He is always a gossip by everyone, bagay na hindi ko maintindihan. Looks? Ambabaw naman.

“I’m still waiting, Seffy. Just in case na humingi ka ng favor sa’kin, ’yan ang magiging kapalit,” aniya at makahulugang kumindat sa’kin. Umiling lang ako. She’s always been flirty with everyone, including me. But those actions were just platonical for her, pero para sa iba ay medyo mahitad sa paningin.

Hindi nagtagal ay dumating na rin ang professor para sa period na ’to. Being an accounting student, I need to maintain my grades. We were only fifty percent survived in this course, dahil bumagsak na yung iba at nag-shift. This is terrible, since kahit na gaano ka ka-determinadong mag-aral ay mahirap pa ring isaulo ang mga lessons, especially sa mga major namin.

The pain stroke in my temples. After a few minutes, natapos din kami sa wakas. I nearly had the balls to tear my worksheet apart dahil ilang beses akong nagkaroon ng errors.

Thankfully, I’m done. Yung iba na hindi nakatapos ay dapat daw na gawin sa bahay.

Time na sana namin para pumunta sa second period, pero hindi ko nakayanan ang matinding stress na nararanasan ko pa rin kaya hinila ko si Leila patungo sa canteen. This is the time when nobody else is inside. Kami lang ang tanging customer since class hours pa.

“Hoy, natapos mo ba yung worksheet kanina?” tanong sa’kin ni Leila.

“Yup! I almost gave up. Ilang beses ko kasing hindi na-balance pero nakatapos din ako,” sagot ko sa kaniya.

“Pi-nass mo?”

“Oo.”

“Tang ina. Paano naman ako, Sef? Hindi ko na kayang ipagpatuloy ’yon sa bahay. Akala ko pa naman, makokopyahan kita.”

“Bakit hindi ka kumopya sa’kin kanina habang nagsasagot?”

Umiling siya. “I’ve been suspected by Mrs. Galindez, plenty of times, na nangongopya raw ako sa’yo ng pasikreto… which is totoo naman. Kaya kanina, yung tingin niya talaga buong period ay nakatuon lang sa’kin! Napaka-weird kapag napansin mo, grabe.”

Natawa lang ako. Katulad din siya ng ibang mga istudyante na madalas ring umaasa sa kaibigan, academically. We have been friends since high school at palagi siyang tumatabi sa’kin upang makasagap ng ‘benefits’.

“I already gave you my notes, ’di ba? Just try to review and understand them again and again hanggang sa makuha mo. How come na hindi mo kayang tapusin?” tanong ko kay Leila habang bumibili ng biskwit at sitsirya.

Tumingin siya sa’kin.

“Sa tingin mo ba, babasahin ko ’yon? Nakakatamad kaya…” aniya. Napailing nalang ako.

Bumili na rin ako ng cupcake at softdrinks.

“Pwede ko bang ipagawa sa’yo yung worksheet ko, please!” pagmamakaawa niya.

“Hindi pwede, may hinihingi akong talent fee,” biro ko sa kaniya at napasimangot siya.

“Talent fee ka diyan?! Quality time as a friend lang ang kaya kong ibigay sa’yo,” she said and smiled confidently. I chuckled.

“Ang cheap.”

“Wala na akong pera! Bukod pa roon, anong klaseng bayad pa ba ang gusto mo,” tanong niya, then she smirked and wiggled her eyesbrows in a seductive way.

“What?! Kadiri ka.”

“Bakit? Ayaw mo? It’s either choosy or kunwari ka pa. Pero huwag kang mag-alala, kay Aidan ako mag-aalok ng ganito,” aniya.

“Your obsession isn’t appropriate anymore, Lei. I don’t like hearing sex jokes from you.”

“First time mo bang makarinig,” sarkastikong tanong niya.

“Nope. Pero hindi ko gustong marinig ’yan from you. I bet, you will be disliked by Aidan kapag nagbiro ka ng ganiyan sa kaniya, sige ka.”

“Ok. I’ll take that as a tip… pero balik lang tayo, ha? Bakit hindi mo ’ko kayang tulungan sa worksheet ko? Are you busy, later? Aayain sana kita sa bahay ko para tulungan ako. Huwag kang mag-alala, andun sina Mama, wala akong gagawing masama sa’yo.”

I’m in a middle of chewing my cupcake ngunit muntikan ko na itong mailuwa dahil nasamid ako. Hindi naman talaga ako nag-eexpect sa kaniya na may gawin siyang masama sa akin.

“Tutulungan ko kasi si Aidan na gumawa ng thesis niya.”

“Talaga ba? Parang destiny naman. Sa iisang tao pa kami nagpapagawa,” aniya.

Napangiwi ako.

“Pero hindi ko gagawin yung sa iyo kasi uunahin ko muna yung kaniya. Napapabayaan na niya ang kaniyang grades kaka-practice.”

“Okay… Nagtatampo na ’ko sayo,” aniya. Hindi ko nalang pinansin.

Umalis na kami ng canteen para pumunta na sa second period namin. Inubos na namin ang aming mga kinakain, sapagkat hindi kami pinapayagan ng mga professor na kumain sa kanilang klase.

Mabilis na lumipas ang oras at dumating ang hapon. Uwian na namin kaso kailangan ko pang hintayin si Aidan na magpractice bago makapunta sa bahay. Siya lang ang tanging service ko pauwi.

Umupo ako sa bench habang tinatanaw ang mga varsity players na nagsasanay sa paglalaro. Lahat sila ay may hitsura, ngunit si Aidan lang ang angat sa kanila. Nagniningning ang kaniyang balat habang pinagpapawisan. Mabango pa rin siyang tignan.

“Wala pa ba yung sundo mo?” tanong ko kay Leila na nakaupo sa aking tabi. Pinapanuod niya ang mga tao na nagsasanay sa school grounds, pero sa isang direksyon lang siya nakatingin. Alam ko na. Kay Aidan lang niya itutuon ang kaniyang mga mata.

“Ewan ko. Kung nandiyan na siya, e ’di maghintay muna siya,” sabi lang niya. I nearly facepalmmed.

“Jusko naman. You have to look for him, baka mag-alala pa sa’yo yung Papa mo. Maghihintay ’yon ng mas matagal.”

“Hindi naman siya maiinip. Hayaan mo na. Saglit nalang ’to, ’di ba?”

“Yup. Five minutes nalang ang natitira bago sila umuwi.”

“Okay,” aniya habang tumitingin sa paligid at ngumiwi ng bahagya, parang patay malisya.

“Ano ba kasing kailangan mo at hinihintay mo silang umuwi?” tanong ko.

Hindi siya sumagot. This girl has a ridiculous amount of determination. Medyo naiinis na ako.

Nanatiling tahimik kaming dalawa ngunit may biglang naisipan tanungin sa’kin si Leila.

“Curious lang ako, Sef. Ano yung ugali ni Aidan sa bahay niyo? Mabait lang ba siya kapag nasa school. Sa gwapo niyang ’yan, parang bad boy kasi ang datingan niya. Baka naman meron siyang secret attitude.”

“Gan’un pa rin naman siya sa bahay. Walang pinagbago. Bakit pati ’yan, nais mong malaman?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

She sighed.

“Journalist nga ako, ’di ba? Siya ang gagawan ko ng article sa sports page. For academic purposes nga lang ito,” aniya at humagikgik. Hindi ako naniniwalang for acads lang.

“Journalist my ass. Wa-epek sa’kin ’yang excuse mo!” sita ko naman sa kaniya. Tumawa lang siya ng malakas.

“Ano kaya kung magpalit tayo ng bahay, ano? Ikaw sa bahay namin, tapos tumira ako kay Aidan. For sure, tatanggapin ka naman ni Mama, e. Gosh, kapag nai-imagine ko talaga na kasama ko siya sa bahay, kinikilig ako. Para kaming maglive-in-partners tulad ng mga nababasa ko sa wattpad, alam mo ’yon?” sabi niya at paimpit pang tumili sa akin. “Huy, ano? Deal?”

“Ewan ko sa’yo, Lei. Magagalit lang yung mga magulang mo sa’yo,” sabi ko naman.

“Parang hindi naman. Si Mama na nga ang nagsasabi na ayaw niya sa’kin dahil tamad at palamunin daw ako sa bahay. For sure, magiging masaya pa ’yon kapag umalis ako sa kanila. Gumagawa na ako ng paraan para makalayas do’n,” pagkatapos ay bigla siyang tumawa kaya napataas naman ang kilay ko.

“Ganiyan din naman sina Mama sa’kin, kaya nga napagdesisyunan nila na ibukod ako ng tahanan para matutunan ko raw na maging masipag sa bahay,” sabi ko sa kaniya ngunit napansin ko na nakatingin lang siya kay Aidan ng hindi lumilingon sa akin. “Hoy! Nakikinig ka ba?”

“Medyo,” sabi niya at malakas na tumawa.

“Ang weird na ng tingin mo, a! Kung paano ka tignan ni Mrs. Galindez, pakiramdam ko ay gano’n ka rin tumingin sa kaniya.”

“No way! Magkaiba yun,” sabi niya dahil hindi niya matanggap na ikinumpara ko siya sa pinakakinaiinisan niyang professor.

Maya-maya pa ay nag-ring na ang bell, pinapaalala na alas singko y medya na ng hapon. Agad silang huminto sa pagsasabay at niligpit ang mga bagay na ginamit nila.

“Tapos na yata sila,” sabi ni Leila sa’kin.

Tumango lang ako sapagkat obvious naman kasi.

Nakita namin ang paglapit ni Aidan habang tumatakbo. Nagpalit na siya ng t-shirt at hawak niya ang kaniyang water container.

Tumayo na kaming dalawa ni Leila sa bench.

“Leila, right?”

“Oo, hehe… I never thought na kilala mo pala ’ko.”

“Nice meeting you, again. I know na kaibigan ka ni Yoseff,” ani Aidan at naglahad ng kamay.

Tinanggap naman ito ni Leila. Of course, para sa kaniya, it’s an opportunity to hold Aidan’s hand. She’s very crazy about him.

“Ang lambot ng kamay mo,” sabi naman ni Leila sa kaniya.

“Huh… What?”

“Malambot yung kamay mo, ’ka ko. Sarap sa feeling, hehe,” hindi siya nahihiyang sabihin ito sa kaniya. Nangunot naman ang noo ni Aidan at saka kinalas na nila ang pagkakahawak sa isa’t isa. “Sige, una na ako… Yoseff, yung request ko ko, ha! Huwag mong kalimutan.”

Kumindat pa sa’kin si Leila bago pa ito tuluyang umalis. Inakbayan naman ako ni Aidan sa aking braso habang naglakakad kami patungo sa kaniyang motorsiklo na nakaparada sa school grounds. Ang pinapayagan lang ng school na gumawa ng ganito ay ang mga athlete na madalas ginagabi sa pag-uwi. Mabuti na kung ipasok na nila ang dala nilang sasakyan.

Gusto kong hawiin ang kamay niya. It feels wrong to feel butterflies in my stomach with his touch.

“Seems like you both had quite a deal or something,” ani Aidan. “Do you mind telling me?”

“Wala lang ’yon, Aidan. Just purely non-sense. Huwag mo nalang pansinin si Leila. You won’t understand her.”

“Really?” aniya at binigyan ako ng makahulugang tingin. “Mukhang ngang may gusto sa’yo ’yon, bro. Kinindatan ka kasi, e,” aniya at ngumiti sa’kin. Hindi ko nalang siya sinagot.

Ikaw ang gusto niya, Aidan. Hindi ako. You didn’t get that she’s making her way towards you. But I won’t let her stood for another chance, again.

Kabanata 3

Kabanata 3

Night Out

Kasalukuyan kong sinusuri ang thesis paper ni Aidan upang isipin kung paano ito madudugtungan. Alas otso y medya na, at maririnig sa paligid ang mga kuliglig na isa sa pinakanakakainis na distraction ko. Isabay mo pa ang ingay ng telebisyon habang nanunuod siya sa sala.

This was supposed to be a night where I had nothing to do, but here I am now, needing to help other people with an assignment that won’t even be graded for me.

This could be one of the most peaceful night in my college life, pero nag-iba ang ihip ng hangin dahil sumasakit nanaman ang ulo ko.

“Yoseff, ayos ka lang?” tanong sa’kin ni Aidan habang nakaupo sa sofa at lumingon sa dining area kung saan ako nakapuwesto.

“Hindi,” pag-amin ko. Inayos ko ang aking salamin upang mag-focus pa ako sa binabasa ko. Agad naman siyang tumayo at tumungo sa akin.

“H-How can I help you out there?”

“Hindi ko alam. Ano bang gusto mong itulong sa akin? Tutal ikaw naman ang may magkakaroon ng marka sa project na ’to at hindi ako,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

I have no plans to guilt trip him, but my temper made me tell my frustration. Anyways, kasalanan ko rin naman. I accepted his request to delegate his task to me, and it is now my undertaking.

I am a man of my words. I have no choice but to go along with it. Funny.

Pumunta siya sa likod ko at naramdaman ang malapad niyang kamay na humawak sa aking noo at sentido. I was surprised when he started to massage it. His large hands feel so soft and penetrating.

“Better?” tanong niya.

I can feel my cheeks forming a blush. Bahagya akong tumango bilang tugon. I want him to continue.

“I’m sorry kung hindi ako kasing galing mo sa acads, but I’ll try my best to do anything for you. Just tell me what you want. Don’t worry, I will treat you on your recess for two weeks,” sabi niya at saka mas lalong binilisan pa niya ang pagmasahe.

Napapikit ako sa sarap ng kaniyang paghilot. I am impressed with his offer.

“Kung gano’n, ihanda mo na yung pitaka mo. Susulitin ko talaga ’yung opportunity na ’yan,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

“Yes po… master,” birong tawag niya sa’kin.

“Master ’pag may kailangan,” sabi ko naman sa kaniya pabalik. I heard him chuckled.

Kaso nung napasarap ang kaniyang paghilot ay napadantay ang aking ulo sa kaniya. The back of my head landed on his crotch while he is on his boxers. For a split second, I felt something bumped against me. Bigla akong napaangat.

“Huwag ka kasing malikot. See what happened?” biro niya at ngumiti sa akin. I just let out a sigh.

“Next time, try wearing shorts at home,” I said and I can felt my cheeks were burning.

“I can’t do that. Naalibadbaran ako kapag balot na balot sa bahay natin,” pagpatuloy niya pa sa pagtawag sa’kin ng isang palayaw na gagamitin niya para ma-please ako sa kaniya. “Minsan, try mo ring mag-boxer. They’re comfortable.”

“No way, mas lalo akong hindi magiging komportable kapag may ibang nakakakita sa’kin ng naka-underwear lang.”

He shrugged.

“Ako lang ’to, Sef. We are both guys kaya walang problema sa’kin kahit maghubad ka pa sa harap ko,” aniya ng walang pag-aalinlangan sa sinabi.

Iniwas ko ang aking mukha sa kaniya dahil naramdaman ko ang pamumula ng aking pisngi. Kung sa kaniya ay walang malisya, sa’kin hindi. Nag-iiba ang pakiramdam ko habang iniisip ko na pareho kaming naka-boxer shorts ni Aidan sa bahay. It made me think of something naughty.

“There’s nothing you should be ashamed. Your a bit muscular at least. I would still consider it attrative.”

There’s no way he is calling me attractive. That’s a bit… suspicious.

His voice is always deep and husky, and that made him a lot sexier. Damn this guy! He’s tempting me, even pushing me to remove my clothes and leave just my boxers. I might just end up taking off my boxers in front of him, real quick.

“No! Wala akong balak… m-maghubad.”

Maya-maya pa ay may biglang tumawag sa kaniyang cellphone.

“Just a moment, okay?” sabi ni Aidan sa akin at pumunta sa kuwarto namin upang kuhanin ang kaniyang cellphone. Pinagpatuloy ko na ang pagbabasa sa kaniyang manuscript at sinimulan na ang pagsusulat ng kasunod.

Naririnig ko ang kaniyang mahinang boses habang kinakausap niya ang tao sa kabilang linya. Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto ay lumabas na siya ng aming silid at lumapit sa’kin.

“Yoseff, may sasabihin sana ako.”

“Bakit? Anong meron?” tanong ko naman sa kaniya.

“Ren’s inviting me to his place. Birthday niya kasi ngayon. I really need to leave. Pwede ba?” he asked with his eyes pleading.

“Ha? E, paano ’to. Akala ko ba tutulungan mo ’ko once na may kailangan ako sa’yo regarding sa project mo? Kailangan ba talaga na pumunta ka sa night out na ’yan? Hindi ba pwedeng tumanggi ka muna ngayon kasi kailangan na kailangan mo na yung requirement na ’to?”

“I won’t take long. Magpapaalam din ako agad,” aniya at inilapit ang kaniyang mukha sa’kin upang makita ang pagmamakaawa niya. “Please?”

I mentally facepalmed. He’s not taking it seriously again. Pakiramdam ko ay ako na ang magiging tiga-gawa ng kaniyang mga requirements, once na nasanay siya.

But his emotions were convincing. Para bang ikakasama pa ng aking loob kapag tinaggihan siya. His puppy face is darn effective.

Tinulak ko ang kaniyang noo gamit ang aking dalawang daliri palayo sa akin. He slightly laughed because of that. Ano pa nga ba ang magagawa ko? Even if he stays here, he won’t be working on his project. I wonder, paano niya naipasa yung practical research nung senior high school? Malamang, baka pinagawa niya lang din sa iba kaya siya naka-graduate.

“Fine! Basta bumalik ka kaagad. I still need your help even though you’re useless in some way,” sabi ko nalang sa kaniya.

“Talaga?! I love you, bro!” sigaw niya at bigla akong hinagkan sa pisngi. “Promise, next time, sasamahan na kita. I’ll try doing the project on my own next time. You’re the best!”

Pagkatapos ay bigla siyang pumunta sa kuwarto upang magbihis ng damit.

Shit. What was that? Ang bilis ng pangyayari pero yung halik niya ay parang nananatili pa rin sa aking pisngi dahil sa tindi ng epekto nito. I bit my lip. There’s something in my chest that pounding vigorously. My senses suddenly became awakened by his swift move.

Kumalma lang ako nung nakita ko siyang lumabas ng nakabihis na. He’s wearing a simple dark blue shirt with semi fitted jeans. He’s so good-looking. Hindi mo alam kung pumorma ba siya para sa party o para sa isang casual fashion runway.

Tumingin siya sa’kin at nahuli niya ang aking mga mata na nakatitig lang sa kaniya.

“I’m really sorry kung inistorbo kita… and thanks for helping me,” aniya.

Ngumiti siya at lumapit na sa telebisyon para patayin ito. Lumabas na siya ng bahay at narinig ko ang pagpapaandar niya sa kaniyang motorsiklo. Narinig ko pa kung paano ito matulin na umalis.

Isang oras ang aking tinagal bago matapos ang buong chapter three. In fact, ang isa sa pinakanahirap ko ay ang pag-analyze ng mga questionairre. Kung hindi bura-bura ay walang kwenta pa ang mga sagot na nilagay ng mga respondents niya. For example, may isang tanong dito tapos ang sagot ay ‘ewan ko’. Paano ko naman i-a-analyze iyon kung ganoon lang kababaw ang naging sagot niya. Wala pang nakalagay na name, kaya hindi ko malalaman kung sino ang nagsagot nito. Grabe, unang questionnaire palang yun, para nang sasabog ang utak ko.

Bukod sa ingay ng mga kuliglig, nagpapa-distract din sa’kin ang tunog ng orasan. I’m on the verge of quiting his project, yet iniisip ko na umaasa pa rin si Aidan na matapos siya rito sa pamamagitan ng tulong ko. I’m sure ang ilan sa mga kamiyembro niya dito sa thesis ay barkada niya at makakasama pa sa party mamaya.

The audacity.

Habang naghihirap ako dito para sa grades nila ay nagpapakasaya sila do’n. Kainis. Bakit ba kasi ang hirap tanggihan ni Aidan?

Lumipas pa ang kalahating oras ay natapos na akong gumawa ng unrevised version ng chapter four. Nawawalan na ako ng gana para magpatuloy. Dapat nga, kahit hindi ako natapos dito ay magpasalamat nalang si Aidan sa akin. Humanda siya dahil hindi lang sa canteen ang pupuntahan ko para ilibre niya ko. Plano kong um-order sa fast food para sa lunch ko in one week.

Iyon ang magiging pakinabang niya.

I arranged all the files and placed it inside his cabinet that contains his other school documents. Mag aalas diyes na pero hindi pa siya bumabalik. I somehow worried. It is his first circumstance to break our nine-thirty pm curfew.

Sinubukan kong matulog sa kama namin ng wala pa siya ngunit hindi ako mapakali. There’s something in my mind that pushes me to fetch him back to our home.

Maya-maya lang ay biglang tumunog yung phone ko sa side desk at kinuha ko ito upang sagutin. It was a call from an unregistered number. Siguro ay isa ito sa mga kasama ni Aidan sa party.

“Hello?” bati ko sa kabilang linya.

“Hello, ikaw ba si Yoseff, yung kasama ni Aidan sa bahay niya?” tanong ng lalaki mula sa phone.

“Ahh… yes po. Bakit?”

Why am I so hesitant to answer that question? I am not keeping that as a secret, anyways.

“Uh… Si Aidan kasi. He’s overly drunk tonight. Hindi namin siya kayang iuwi since wala akong tiwala sa ibang tao rito na ihatid siya diyan. Do you mind pick him up from here?”

Fuck! Isa nanamang responsibilidad galing kay Aidan.

“I don’t know kung kaya ko rin, pero susubukan kong pumunta diyan. I just need to find a service. Can you tell me the address of your place?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

“Sure,” aniya at sinabi nila yung exact address na dapat kong puntahan.

“Okay, thanks.”

Pagkatapos no’n ay bigla ko na itong ibinaba.

I rushed to my room and quickly changed my clothes. Ibinulsa ko ang aking cellphone at kumuha ng pero just in case na kailangan ko pang magcommute.

Pumunta muna ako sa kapitbahay namin na si Kuya Eros, nagmamay-ari ng isang taxi. Kumatok ako sa pinto ng bahay niya.

“Anong kailangan mo, Sef?” magalang na tanong niya sa’kin. Medyo close na kasi kami ng isang ’to kaya sa palayaw na niya ako tinatawag.

“Free ka ba ngayon, kuya?”

“Oo naman,” he said and nodded.

“Kailangan ko kasi ngayon ng service. Pwede mo ba akong ihatid, please? Emergency lang.”

“No problem. Basta ikaw,” aniya at kumindat sa akin. “Pasok ka. Hintayin mo ako sa sala. Magsusuot lang ako ng jacket kasi medyo malamig.”

“No, I’m fine here outside. Dito nalang ako. Salamat!”

Pumasok siya sa loob ng kaniyang bahay at makalipas ng ilang sandali ay nakabalik na rin siya dala ang susi ng kaniyang sasakyan. Pumunta kami sa kaniyang garahe at binuksan ito. Pinaandar niya ang kaniyang taxi at inilabas, pagkatapos ay pinapasok na niya ako.

“Pusta ako, si Aidan yung susunduin mo, ano?” tanong niya na may makahulugang tingin.

I have a feeling his question will go somewhere.

“Yup. Nasa party siya ngayon at kailangan niya ng tulong ko,” sagot ko naman sa kaniya.

Sinabi ko sa kaniya kung saan ang address at nagsimula na siyang mag-drive.

“Kayo talagang mga mayayaman, may oras pang mag-party sa mga ganitong oras.”

I wish Aidan could hear him, right now.

“Not really. Malay natin may iba na puro libro lang ang inaatupag at least likely na pumunta sa party… I don’t know. Hindi naman ako mayaman para malaman ang mundo nila.”

“Siguro nga,” he said and shrugged.

Binabaybay namin ang kahabaan ng kalsada. Maladramatikong dumadaan sa aking paningin ang mga light posts na aming nadadaanan. For a moment, I felt serenity by watching this simple moment. It feels like I am taking my first breath after drowning in school works that seems like a pit of abyss.

“Maiba ako… wala pa bang nangyayari sa inyo ni Aidan?”

I furrowed my brow.

“Huh?”

He smiled meaningfully.

“Huwag ka ngang mag-maang maangan. Basta! Yung alam mo na?” tanong niya. Agad ko namang nakuha ang punto niya dahil paulit-ulit na niya itong tinatanong sa akin.

Namilog ang mga mata ko at mabilis na umiling.

“Stop asking me about that. Magpokus ka nalang sa kalsada, Kuya.”

“Talaga?” he sounds like he’s trying to prevent himself from laughing.

“Imposibleng mangyari yun, okay. Straight na straight si Aidan at may girlfriend pa yung tao. Please, don’t push me to do a move,” diretsa kong sagot sa kaniya.

“Sayang. Ang swerte mo pa naman, katulad niya ang nakasama mo sa bahay. Gwapo’t matipuno. Minsan nga naiisip ko, baka iba na yung turingan niyo since kayo lang ang magkasamang dalawa,” aniya at tinapik ako sa balikat habang tumatawa. Hinawa ko lang ang kaniyang kamay.

“Tumigil ka nga, Kuya. Gustuhin ko man siya pero hindi dapat. Natatakot pa rin ako kapag malaman niya na hindi kami pareho. Baka kung ano pa ang isipin niya sa’kin, ’di ba?” sabi ko sa kaniya.

Yes, he knows my little secret. But that’s fine, anyways. He is actually gay as well.

“Kung sabagay. Totoong mahirap ’yan. Pero kung bukas naman ang isip ni Aidan, baka maintidihan ka pa niya,” sabi niya tapos bigla niya akong binigyan ng makahulugang tingin. “At kapag nangyari yon, try mo rin na udyukin siya. Kapag nagustuhan talaga niya, e naku, araw-arawin niyo nang mag-.”

“Stop!”

Tumawa siya ng malakas. I just rolled my eyes and remained silent para di na matuloy ang aming usapan. I can’t believe I heard his vulgar thoughts. Halos takpan ko na ang tainga ko.

Alam kong kahit ilang beses kong itanggi na may namamagitan sa amin ni Aidan ay sasabunin pa rin ako ni Kuya Eros. Pareho din kasi kami ng sexual preferences. Nalaman ko iyon noong bumisita ako sa bahay nila at pinakilala sa’kin si Kinsley. Surprisingly, they were boyfriends. Mukhang mayaman ito, ngunit masaya naman siyang kausap dahil street smart.

Hindi naman kinabahan si Kuya Eros na malaman ko ang totoo sa kaniya. He’s very open about his sexuality. Kaya inamin ko rin yung tungkol sa akin.

Pumarada kami sa tapat ng bahay na may address na binigay ng lalaki.

I checked my phone to see that its eleven pm in the evening. Dapat talaga tulog na ako sa mga oras na ito. But Aidan is such a trouble magnet.

Lumabas ako ng taxi at sinabihan si Kuya Eros na hintayin ako sa aking pagbalik.

Pumasok ako sa loob at labis akong nanlamig sa aura ng party. The sound systems were annoyingly loud, and the lights flickered like wild disco spirits. People danced and shouted in perfect sync with the beat.

This kind of setting hit me with anxiety.

I spotted Aidan lounging on the sofa, surrounded by three girls dressed in revealing clothes, shamelessly running their hands all over his body. His eyes were half-closed, and he seemed dangerously close to nodding off.

Mabilis akong lumapit sa kaniya at niyugyog ang kaniyang balikat upang gisingin siya. Nakita ko ang pagkairita ng isa sa mga babae nung ininterupt ko sila.

“Hoy, Aidan. It’s time to go home,” sinusubukan ko siyang gisingin sa pamamagitan ng pagsampal ng mahina sa kaniyang pisngi. Paulit-ulit.

One of the girls slapped my forearm away to stop me from what I’m doing. Mapapansin ang matinding galit sa kaniyang mga mata, ngunit kalauna’y kinalma ang sarili para kausapin ako ng maayos.

“Don’t worry about him, boy. Kami na ang bahalang mag-uwi sa kaniya. Just leave him to us,” ani ng babae sa akin ngunit ang paningin niya ay nakatuon lang kay Aidan. Pasimple pa siyang dumila sa pagitan ng kaniyang labi.

Pervert woman.

Ngunit hindi ako tumigil sa paggising kay Aidan hanggang sa napansin ko ang pagmulat ng kaniyang mga mata.

Nakita ko ang gulat niya at saka bigla niya akong hinila paupo sa kaniyang kandungan. Naramdaman ko ang pagsandal ng kaniyang ulo sa aking likod. Niyakap niya ako ng mahigpit para hindi ako makawala.

“Dito muna tayo, Sef. Ayoko pang umuwi,” aniya sa malambing na tono ngunit nairita lang ako sa kaniyang ikinilos. Sinubukan kong hawakan ang kaniyang hita at ibinuka, pagkatapos ay tumayo ako at inangat siya, kaya ang resulta, nakakalong siya sa’kin.

“Bubuhatin na kita,” sabi ko.

Parang walang saysay ang pagbuhat ko sa kaniya sapagkat sayad pa rin ang paa niya sa lupa. It is because he is significantly larger than me.

Tapos nagsimula na akong maglakad. Napalingon pa ako sa tatlong babae na masama akong tinititigan ngunit pinakita ko na wala akong pakialam doon. They might have had some sinister plans for Aidan while he was in a vulnerable state.

Maya-maya pa, a guy greeted me on my way out.

“Oy, thank you nga pala at sinundo mo siya. Ako nga pala yung nakausap mo sa phone kanina, si Ren,” sabi ng lalaki sa akin.

“Ahh… Thanks as well. Mabuti nga, sinabi mo sa’kin kaagad at napuntahan ko siya rito. Those girls around him didn’t seem trustworthy.”

“Yeah. Like I told you. But hey, kung gusto mong ipaiwan mo dito yung motor niya, pwede naman. Ibabalik ko nalang kay Aidan bukas,” aniya.

Thank goodness!

“That’s great. Sige, salamat ulit,” sabi ko at nagpaalam na sa kaniya.

Mabilis ko siyang ipinasok sa sasakyan ni Kuya Eros. I stretched my arms for a bit because they were aching so bad. Ang bigat bigat niya!

“Lasing ’yan?”

“Oo,” sagot ko sa kaniya.

“Whoah! Kapag sumuka ’yan sa loob ko, madadagdagan nanaman ang trabaho ko,” sabi ni Kuya Eros sa akin.

“I will double the pay if that would happen,” I assured him.

“Sige… Madali naman akong kausap,” aniya at pinaandar na ang kaniyang sasakyan. Matulin ang kaniyang patakbo sapagkat wala nang ibang tao ang nasa paligid. Katulad kanina, pinanuod ko ang mga street lamps na nilalagpasan namin. Nakasandal sa aking balikat ang ulo ni Aidan habang hinahagod ko ang kaniyang balikat. Nakaakbay ako sa kaniya.

“Ang sweet naman,” panunudyo ni Kuya Eros. What the hell?

“Tumigil ka nga. Kapag narinig ka ni Aidan, malalagot ka talaga,” pabiro kong banta kay Kuya Eros na tumawa lang.

“Hindi naman niya maaalala,” huling tugon niya.

Nagpatuloy pa ang kaniyang pagda-drive hanggang sa makaabot kami sa aming bahay. Thank God at naiwan kong nakabukas ang ilaw na nakasindi sa labas kaya hindi magiging mahirap sa’kin na makita ang aming dinadaanan patungo sa bahay.

Binuksan ko ang pinto ng sasakyan at lumabas. Sinubukan kong ikalong si Aidan sa likod ko ngunit hindi ko magawa. Sa pangalawang pagkakataon ay binuhat ko siya na parang bride. Kusa naman siyang kumapit sa aking leeg.

It is not that easy. Sumasakit na ang braso ko dahil anlaki-laki niyang tao.

“Sasabihin ko na talaga, Sef. Bagay talaga kayo,” sabi ni Kuya Eros sa loob ng sasakyan.

“Shh!” pigil ko sa kaniya.

“Goodluck sa’yo ngayong gabi, ha. Alam mo na ang dapat mong gawin,” makahulugang sabi niya at kinindatan ako.

“Shut up, please,” yun ang huli kong sinabi at gamit ang aking paa ay tinulak nito ang pinto upang maisarado. “Sige, goodnight nalang and thank you.”

Ngumiti lang si Kuya Eros sa akin at pinaandar na ang sasakyan niya patungo sa kaniyang bahay.

Dala ang lasing na si Aidan ay sinubukan kong ipasok siya sa bahay kahit sobra akong nahirapan. Ang laki kasi niyang pabigat.

Kabanata 4

Kabanata 4

Do You Like Me?

(SPG Alert!)

I successfully unlocked the door and thank goodness, naka-ilang attempt na ako habang sinusubukang i-shoot ang susi sa doorknob habang bitbit si Aidan.

Binuksan ko agad ang ilaw, pinasok siya sa loob at ihiniga sa sofa. Without delay, I securely locked the door. My parents taught me the importance of keeping the door shut tight at night. They warned me of potential dangers lurking outside. A sudden intruder might appear, anytime. Kahit alas sais palang, sinigurado ko na secured na kami sa loob.

Aidan, however, seemed a tad restless and adjusted his position on the sofa. Perhaps he wasn’t entirely at ease. He sat wide-legged before me, nonchalantly scratching his abdomen, lifting his shirt and casually revealing his perfectly toned abs. Quite the daring move, I must say!

I admit… I am having butterflies in my stomach while having a full view of him. His manly features always scream in every part of his body. And then, right now, he is showing me his vulnerability like a helpless angel with broken wings. It is tempting me to do something that I should not.

What more surprising is when his thing bulged against his pants. It is very evident that he’s enormous down there! Why? I can see the outline of his dick very clearly beneath his semi-fitted jeans.

Mag hunos dili ka, Sef. Know your boundaries, okay?

Something naughty came up to my mind, and that is to take a picture. I need to save it for myself. Wala akong balak na ipasa ito kay Leila na naghahangad din ng ganitong klaseng picture, or else we are doomed.

But in case na magipit ako sa budget, maaari ko namang ibenta ito kay Leila sa malaking halaga. No, just kidding!

Mabilis kong inangat ang aking cellphone mula sa bulsa ko at nagtungo sa camera. I took different angles of him that usually emphasizes his abs, face and bulge.

Don’t get me wrong. Wala akong plano na pagsamantalahan si Aidan in a physical-sexual way. I just can’t help but to be attracted to him, that’s it, and now his current state is inviting me to do something inappropriate. This is some kind of the hell out of an opportunity, and at the same time, a crime to commit.

Lumapit pa ako sa kaniya upang kuhanan ang kaniyang natutulog na mukha. Nakatungtong pa ako sa taas niya pero nakaangat ako dahil baka kung ano pang manyari kapag nagdikit kami ng katawan. With my feet and other hand pushing me upwards.

His presence and exposed skin makes me want to scoot on top of him for a cuddle. He looks very soft and weak. Delicate like a peaceful plant. He even creased his eyebrows like he’s focusing into something. Cute!

Wait a minute.

Fuck, why do I sound like a nasty old man perverted to lads? I became a bit disappointed of myself. Para tuloy kasi akong nandidiri sa sarili ko.

Gusto ko nang tumigil sa pagkuha sa kaniya ng litrato ngunit sa hindi inaasahan ay naramdaman ko ang kaniyang mga kamay na umakap sa aking baywang at hinila ako pababa sa kaniya. It was a swift move, I almost lost my balance and that would make me roll down to the floor. Thankfully nasalo niya ako.

“Hmm…” he moaned in a sleepy way.

Magkaharap kaming dalawa habang yakap niya ako ng kaniyang braso. Sobrang higpit. Tapos tumulad din ang kaniyang mga binti at pumalibot naman sa aking pigi.

I tried to push myself away from him, yet his arms were strong and forcing me to stay put. What the hell is wrong with this guy?

He chuckled deeply like an echoing melody.

“Don’t ever try to loose away,” he said. Nanatili lang ang aking ulo sa kaniyang dibdib. I feel like a marshmallow melting in his warmth. Komportable pa rin ang aking pakiramdam kahit pa mahigpit ang kaniyang mga braso’t binti.

His scent found its way to my nostrils. God, he smells amazing. I know, lagi ko namang naaamoy ang pabango niya pero iba pa rin kapag alam kong nanggaling ito sa kaniya.

“Shamelessly taking pictures of me, huh? Akala mo hindi kita mahuhuli?” tanong niya na labis kong kinagulat. He’s freaking aware of what I did. Because of embarassment, I tried to push myself again but I failed for a second time. “Huwag kang malikot. There’s no way for you to deny it.”

“Oo na, sige na. Tutal nahuli mo na ako. Wala na akong magagawa kaya pakawalan mo na ’ko.”

“I just want to talk to you,” he said.

“Then, let me go, para makausap kita ng maayos.”

“No. Gusto ko yung ganitong posisyon,” aniya. Naramdaman ko ang kaniyang kamay na humahaplos sa aking buhok.

Unti-unting lumuwag ang kaniyang pagkapit sa’kin ngunit nakayakap pa rin siya. My will to get away from his top had vanished. I eventually like it here.

Do straight men normally show their affections in this way? If yes then I shouldn’t think of something unbelievable. Patuloy lang kasing tumatakbo sa aking isipan na may malisya ang kaniyang ginagawa.

I felt his throat gulped.

“Claire just broke up with me, earlier,” sabi niya at bahagyang tumawa ng sarkastiko. I can feel the vibration on his ribs whenever he speaks. It weirdly relaxes me. “I don’t know if I should be sad, but I felt nothing.”

I can feel his fingers trailing my spine and sending shivers. This is the first time I felt his adorable side. Hindi ko alam kung malulungkot ba ako sa balita, pero ini-enjoy ko ang bawat paghaplos niya.

“Bakit?” mahina kong tanong.

“Sinabi ko sa kaniya na pumunta ulit ako sa party ni Ren. She always prohibits me to drink, at alam niya na puno ng alak ang bahay ng kaibigan kong ’yon. Nagsawa na siya, because she doesn’t like my habits,” aniya at naramdaman ang kaniyang kamay na nakadagan sa aking pigi. Mukhang hindi talaga siya totally na lasing dahil diretso pa ang kaniyang pananalita. Maybe he drank a little.

“Then, what did you say?”

“Wala. Totoo yung sinabi mo. She’s boring and not affectionate with me. She always makes me feel alone, kahit na magkasama pa kami madalas. I tried to keep going with whatever we have gone through, but as time goes by, everything become clearer and clearer that we’re not meant for each other.”

I let out a sigh. Finally, gising na siya sa katotohanan.

“Honestly, its good to know. You need to find someone who is worth of your time,” wala sa sarili kong sabi.

I heard him chuckled.

“Do you like me?” out of context niyang tanong. Nagulat ako dahil hindi ko alam ang isasagot ko. Does he really know that I’m gay?

“I don’t know,” simpleng sinabi ko at hiniling na sana ay huwag na siyang mausisa.

“Wait! Bakit hindi mo alam? Oo o hindi lang ang isasagot mo. Hindi pwedeng hindi mo alam, Sef. Just tell me.”

Fuck! Hindi ko alam kung aamin ba ako o hindi. But I really want to tell him the truth, or else I would forever be hopeless.

“S-slight… I guess,” sabi ko.

He groaned.

“Am I really not attractive enough?” tanong niya na may halong paglalambing.

Hinawakan niya ang aking magkabilang pisngi para iangat ito sa kaniyang mukha. He tried to make a baby face by doing the ‘beautiful eyes’, yet nakakatawa ang kinalabasan nito.

I laughed at him, then his expression changed into serious mode.

“Wait. Hold on.”

Tuluyan na niyang tinaggal ang t-shirt niyang nakaangat kanina. I felt his skin on my bare neck.

“Ang init kasi,” he said seductively.

Pagkatapos ay inikot niya ako at nagpalit kami agad ng position. Siya sa taas, ako sa baba. Napakabilis no’n, hindi ko siya napigilan na gawin iyon. I am in an awkward position now.

“Tell me… do you like me, Yoseff? Try to say no or maybe, I won’t believe you.”

I looked him in the eyes. Sparkling like a dime.

Marahan akong tumango.

“I want to hear it. Sabihin mo,” senswal niyang bulong sa akin.

“Y-Yes,” nanginginig ang aking boses. There’s no way that I could deny it. I am too obvious to act as if I have no feelings for him. I have to tell him immediately, or else I would wait for this chance to happen again.

“Good.”

Naramdaman ko ang kaniyang dila na pumasada sa aking tainga. Pagkatapos ay dumako ang kaniyang labi sa akin at mariin akong hinalikan. My first kiss.

Then, he removed my eyeglasses and placed it on the mini table. Again, I don’t have any visual difficulties, my eyes are just sensitive. That’s why I can still see him clearly.

Tumungo ang kaniyang mga kamay sa laylayan ng aking shirt at mabilis itong hinubad. I felt his mouth went to my left nipple and sucked it vigorously. The touch of his hands were running through different parts of my body.

How come he knows how to do it?

“Ahh…” a loud moan came out of my lips. I swear… his tongue moves splendidly. It is giving so much ecstacy.

He rubbed his bulge in between of his leg to mine. It was intense and sexy. I felt how big he is!

I am still overwhelmed that this is happening right now. Feels like everything is so quick to happen.

Pagkatapos ay tumigil at inangat ang kaniyang katawan. I watched him trying to unzip his pants right in front of me. He is having a hard time doing it. He bit his lower lip because of frustration.

Medyo naawa naman ako sa kaniya kaya tinulungan ko siya sa pagtanggal ng kaniyang butones at pagbukas ng kaniyang zipper. I saw his dick raging through the fabric.

Ito ang dahilan kung bakit madalas iniiwas ko ang tingin sa kaniya sa loob ng bahay. He is on boxers all the time, then you would always see the outline of his manhood that looks so large without having a hard on.

Now, here it is. It looks like there is a monster inside his underwear. I can’t believe he is now showing this to me.

I can feel my body burning because of the sexual heat. Then I began to pull down his jeans and boxers slowly since it seems like he is not sober enough to do it by himself. His cock sprung free and begging for attention with its raging full length. On estimate, I would say that it is around eight inches, probably it would fuck my soul out of my body. His pre-cum is dripping down in my naked abdomen and its hot.

I feel like I am drooling just by looking at it. So this is what it is like to see a gigantic shaft in real life. Straight, veiny and with dark pubes up to his belly button.

Una kong inabot ang kaniyang manipis na balahibo, then I wrapped my hand around his cock. I heard him moan quickly. Initiation ko palang ’yon.

“Damn it! It’s been two weeks since the last time I touched myself,” aniya in a very frustrated voice. Pinagsadahan ko ng salat ang dulo ng kaniyang pagkalalaki upang kuhanin ang ilan sa kaniyang pre-cum. Diniretso ko ito sa aking bibig.

Pumungay ang kaniyang mga mata nang makita niya kung paano ko ’to tinikman. His jaw even slighty opened.

Bumalik din ang aking kamay sa kaniyang humihindik na ari. I started to jerk it in fast and hard pace.

“Fuck, yeah. F-faster!” pagkatapos ay nagsunod-sunod ang kaniyang mga ungol sa akin. His facial expressions were totally amusing. Nakita ko pa kung paano pasimpleng tumitirik ang kaniyang mga mata.

No wonder he is very horny. Two weeks no release is freaking nuts. Isa pa, nakainom siya ng alcohol na nagpaapekto sa kaniyang sistema.

“Damn those naughty hands!”

I just continued working on his shaft. Mariin siyang pumikit. I can feel that he is about to reach his climax, and it was my cue to remove my hand from him. I left his rock-hard dick hanging.

He whimpered, probably because he is frustrated after what I just did. It is hilarious, and I am just forcing myself not to laugh about it.

Tinulak ko siya palayo sa akin at nakaalis ako. Kasalukuyan siyang nakaluhod sa sofa.

“Sit down,” utos ko. He obeyed like a dog. I smirked. I feel like he is under my control, and he will do all of my commands.

His legs are wide open. No clothes. No everything. His manhood is pointing straight directly to me, begging for attention. Tinignan niya ako na may pagnanasa at pagmamakaawa. I pity him so bad. I want to frustrate him a bit more, pero sa awa ko, hindi ko mapigilang gumawa ng paraan. So I swallowed his dick.

He moaned loudly.

Nag-init ang aking buong mukha dahil this is my very first time to do it. I tasted his pre-cum, and it felt strange and thrilling at the same time. Even the skin of his cock tastes fantastic. I am trying my best to act like a pro here.

“Damn it! You. Are. Driving. Me. Insane!” he mumbled word by word while clenching his jaw. I sloppily swallow him up and down, sucking his thing like a straw, making a friction that make him go crazy.

I almost puked when I felt his tip hit my throat. I did not even reach the base of his shaft. It is enormous for a beginner like me.

“Sef, you suck so fucking fine!” he almost screamed. His voice reverberated throughout the house.

I massaged his legs while bobbing my head up and down. I want to taste him so badly. Mas lalo kong binilisan ang aking bibig, wala na akong pakialam kung ilang beses pa akong mabulunan.

“Stop, Sef. I’m c-close,” nanginginig niyang sabi. He is squirming on his seat.

Hindi ko siya pinansin at nagpatuloy lang ako sa aking ginagawa. I tried to do it faster. Napasabunot siya sa aking buhok.

“F-Fuck, no! Stop! I’m going to release it in your mouth!”

His begging voice is like a music to my ears. I want to hear more from him.

It did not take long for him to explode at the back of my throat. I felt warm and it feels great.

He curled up his toes in pleasure. His knuckles turned white. He’s like a frail creature feeling an intense sensation.

His seed tastes amazing. Too good for my first time. Some of his juice even overflowed from my mouth.

“Bakit mo ininom? Is it really edible?” inosente niyang tanong.

He look so innocent. I feel bad for him, because surely, he did not experience this kind of sexual service from his ex girlfriend. His eyes seemed flooded by questions.

I want to coo him so bad. I showed him that I am amused to his cute expression. He groaned.

“Fuck, just tell me,” aniya.

Marahan lang akong tumango.

“I want to taste it too,” pagkatapos ay bigla niya akong hinalikan. Naramdaman ko ang kaniyang dila na naglilibot kahit sa kasiit-siitan ng aking bibig.

Tumigil din siya at umatras. I can see his cum scattered in his lower face.

Damn this guy! His curiosity can make him do weird shits.

“I felt great, Sef. I never felt anything like this before,” he said with his eyes firmly looking at me. His raven eyes are hypnotizing me. They are provoking me to do something more. “I want to fuck you so bad… I-It’s just… you are not a woman. Obviously, I can’t enter my dick to you.”

He does not have any idea how much I adore his innocence. Damn. Straight guys don’t know gay people that much, huh?

I chuckled in disbelief.

“What? Trust me. You can still do that, Aidan,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

He creased his brows.

“Paano?”

“I have an entrance down there,” I answered him in a very seductive way, and winked at him. He is having a puzzled expression. “If there’s a hole, there’s a way… you know what I mean?” sabi ko, then I licked the tip of his nose, tempting him.

Somehow, I am thankful that I watched a porn before out of curiosity. Kahit isang beses lang yun, I gained knowledge from it.

“Can you… teach me?” he asked.

He pleads like a puppy. I pinched his cheeks.

“Sure. Punta tayo sa kuwarto. I will teach you,” sabi ko.

He tried to stand, but his legs were too weak right now.

“Hindi ako makatayo ng maayos, Sef. I’m still drunk and don’t know how I could get there,” aniya.

Napabuga ako ng hangin. Heto nanaman tayo.

“I’ll carry you, then.”

Kabanata 5

Kabanata 5

Torn Up Briefs

(SPG Alert!)

Binuhat ko ang kaniyang hubad na katawan na parang bagong kasal. Ang bigat niya, sobra. Mas malaki pa ang katawan niya sa’kin. Pinipilit ko lang na hindi siyang mabitawan.

I look awful trying to pick up his weight. I can feel the veins in my arms were about to pop.

Mabuti nalang at ilang hakbang lang ang kailangang gawin para makaabot sa kuwarto namin. I threw him in the bed, immediately. Nakaramdam ako ng matinding pagkamanhid sa aking mga braso.

“Ouch! My back!” aniya habang hinihilot ang kaniyang likuran na nasaktan dahil sa puwersa ng kaniyang pagkakabagsak.

Umirap ako.

“Hindi lang ikaw yung nasaktan, Aidan. Ang sakit din kaya ng braso ko!” sigaw ko sa kaniya. Pati din yung kamay ko, halos hindi ko na magalaw dahil nangawit sa kaniya.

“Only if I am sober…”

But unlucky for us, he is not.

Sinamahan ko siya sa kama pagkatapos ay ibinuka ang kaniyang magkabilang hita. I’ve witnessed how his dick slowly having a hard on again! It’s still covered by his cum and my saliva.

“Now, tell me, how is it going to work?” tanong niya.

“Sandali lang. We shouldn’t have to take it fast. Maghuhubad pa ’ko,” sabi ko naman at sinimulan nang tanggalin ang butones at buksan ang zipper ng aking jeans.

I let him watch me doing it. I saw him smirked when he saw me in boxers, pagkatapos kong mahubad ang jeans. Then, creepy feeling ate me.

Bigla akong nahiya sa aking sarili. I know that he’s waiting for me to be fully naked, pero nahihiya akong ipakita sa kaniyang and five and a half inches kong pagkalalaki. I don’t want him to compare his cock to mine. It would be hilarious.

He recklessly touched my bulge down there. Namilog ang mga mata ko at napalayo ako ng kaunti sa kaniya. I can see that he is amused by my reaction. To be honest, I am still not ready to show my privates. Alam kong wala naman akong maipagmamalaki sa aking katawan, hindi tulad sa kaniya na parang nililok ng mga Diyos sa kalangitan. We are totally different in size and structure, and I am not sure if he will be satified enough if I show that corner of my body.

I am having second thoughts right now.

“What taking you so long?” tanong niya habang nakakulubot ang kaniyang noo.

My hands were shaking while holding the strap of my briefs then umangat siya sa’kin bigla niya itong binaba. Narinig ko pa ang bahagyang pagpunit nito dahil sa rahas niya.

“Gago! What the fuck did you just do?” sabi ko sa kaniya. But luckily, nung tinignan ko ay may kaunti lang itong punit. What the hell?

“You are taking so much time,” sagot naman niya.

Nasa tuhod palang ang aking brief at hindi pa ’to tuluyan na nahuhubad. I covered my shaft with my hands. I already had my full boner, but I do not want to see it yet. Nagulat ako ng malakas niya itong hinawi ng kaniyang kamay.

“Teka, huwag,” pigil ko kaso huli na. He immediately held my dick and started to plunge it fastly.

“I want to taste you, too,” aniya. Yumuko siya upang tapatan ang pagitan ng aking hita. Inilabas niya ang kaniyang dila at tinatapat sa dulo ng aking pagkalalaki. He licked my pee hole, making frictions.

What the hell. He seems like he turned into somebody else. Why did he turned very wild all of a sudden?

His other hand came in my balls and played it vigorously. Kinakagat ko ang aking labi. Hundreds of electric waves has sent throughout my body.

“H-Hindi mo na kailangang gawi’n ’yan,” sabi ko sa kaniya pero hindi niya ako pinansin. His hands were tight and intensely pleasuring me. It feels like he was excited to meet my climax.

“But I want to,” he said sensually after he ejected my shaft in his mouth for second. Then, he continued.

My hands pulled his hair lightly. He never stops. Fast and rough. Pagkatapos ay naramdaman kong malapit na ako.

“I’m so close, Aidan,” nanginginig kong sabi sa kaniya. Then his eyes focused on my face to see my orgasm expression. I just bit my lip and closed my eyes. “Fuck…”

My seed came to his mouth. He catched every drop of it, just like what I did to him before. He drinks all of it like it was nothing but water.

“A-are you freaking serious?” nanghihina kong tanong sa kaniya habang pumasada ang dila niya sa pagitan ng labi. Hindi ko alam kung anong nag-udyok sa kaniya para gawin ’yon. I thought he’s straight as a pole, and here he is, eating a semen.

He looked up and I met his puppy eyes. He seems very satisfied.

“Not bad, Sef…” aniya, pero yung ngiti niya parang pinupunit ang kaniyang labi.

Bigla siyang umangat at tinapat ang kaniyang bibig sa aking tainga.

“Damn, Sef. I can’t wait for you to teach me how to fuck you,” bulong niya at bahagyang kinagat ang aking tainga. It shivers me in severe chills. He held my chest and played my nipples with his fingers. He continued to lick my earlobe like taunting me to let him go further in me.

Nakita ko ang kaniyang kamay na dumako sa garter ng aking brief habang nakababa ito sa aking tuhod. I am very surprised when he tore it apart. It is now intentional! Itinaas pa niya ito sa aking harapan at ngumisi.

“What the hell, Aidan! Hindi ako natutuwa! Kahit napunit mo na ’yan kanina, inulit mo pa hanggang sa masira na,” sabi ko sa kaniya ng mariin. He’s still smirking, then the tip of his pointed nose rubbed in mine.

“I will buy you underwear, next time. Pero ngayon, hindi muna natin kakailanganin nito,” aniya at tinapon sa gilid ang nasira niyang underwear.

Napangiwi ako.

“That’s… Calvin Klein. Mayroon lang akong tatlo no’n, and that’s very expensive,” nanlulumo kong sabi sa kaniya. Binili pa ’yon ni Mama noong nasa abroad pa siya nagtatrabaho. Mahilig kasi ang pamilya namin sa branded, hangga’t afford pa, bibilhin agad.

Muli siyang tumingin sa punit kong brief sa lapag, tapos nagkibit balikat.

“I can afford you to buy another, whatever the brand,” he said.

“Hindi na. You’ve already done it and its already useless. Humiga ka na,” utos ko sa kaniya. My voice is bland, and I think he noticed it. Tinignan niya lang ako sa mata habang bahagyang nakabukas ang kaniyang labi.

“Are you mad?” tanong niya. He moved his face closer to mine. I can feel his faint breaths blowing in my skin. His hands crawled in my waist.

“Humiga ka na,” ulit kong utos sa kaniya. Ginawa ko ang makakaya upang hindi manginig ang aking pananalita.

Pinipigilan kong huwag malagutan ng hininga habang tinitignan sa malapitan ang gwapo niyang mukha. His looks never failed to amaze me. His appeal screams in every part of his appearance. Goodness, what did he do to the gods above to be overly blessed like this?

He gave me concerned look, then a swift peck on my lips. It was soft. Ngunit para yatang hindi pa siya nasiyahan at muli akong hinalikan ng mas matagal. The movements were tender… and hot.

I’ve never been kissed like this before. I thought kisses were kinda useless when it comes to sex and relationships, until I found out what it actually feels like. His tongue even licked every corner of my mouth like he is searching for something. I am trying my best to catch up some air.

The scent of sex fluids are strong, occupying the whole atmosphere around us. Idagdag mo pa ang kaniyang perfume na sobrang brusko sa pang-amoy. I’m trembling, being consumed by his intense manliness.

“Are you still mad, Sef?” tanong niya ulit at dumiretso ang kaniyang halik sa aking leeg, pababa sa aking balikat. Nandindig ang aking balahibo ngunit hinayaan ko lang siya. “I’ll buy you tomorrow, then.”

Gods, nevermind! I don’t want him to buy me new ones. I can buy on my own.

It doesn’t matter, actually. Its just a piece of fabric with a brand that made it expensive, yet hindi mo naman maipapakita sa publiko dahil sinusuot ’to panloob. I’m just a bit mad by his sudden wild actions.

Umangat siya ng tingin sa aking mga mata.

“Can you… teach me now?” he asked while his eyes were pleading. Pumupungay pa ang kaniyang mga mata.

“Kanina pa kita inuutusan na humiga, para turuan ka. Ayaw mo pa kasing sundin,” sabi ko. He chuckled and suddenly smiled, then he let his body fall on the sheets.

“Go. Do whatever you want,” then he winked. He spread his thighs, allowing me to view his whole member in its full length. Mabilis na naka-recover ito para sa round two.

Look who’s playing wild! I thought he’s straight as a pole, all this time. But now, he’s craving for my pleasure-inducing actions.

I look at his cock and its still dripping wet. But I still spit on it to increase the slipperiness. I jerked it off to spread my saliva throughout its length.

“Ahh…” he moaned.

I felt how hard he is. Kahit pa kapapalabas lang nito ay tuwid na tuwid nanaman na parang sundalo. Pakiramdam ko, ang liit ng kamay ko dahil sa kahabaan niya. I held his thick huge cock like a baby holding a big bottle of milk.

“Put me inside you, Sef! I want myself inside you,” pagmamakaawa niya. Pumungay ang kaniyang mga mata.

I guided my waist above him, making his shaft poking my entrance. I held his cock while pushing myself downwards to make it go inside. I settled my other hand in his tight abdomen, touching his abs, while keeping my balance.

Fuck, ulo palang nasasaktan na ko. Siguro kasi kulang pa yung pampadulas, pero wala naman kaming lubricant sa loob ng bahay.

“Okay…” he said then smirked. ’Lang’ya! Ako lang yung nahihirapan sa sitwasyon namin. Kaya mo ’yan, Yoseff. Seven inches to go!

Napakagat ako sa aking labi nung sinubukan ko nang ipagpatuloy ang pagpasok nito sa akin. Damn it. Nasa kalahati palang ako pero pakiramdam ko, hanggang dito lang ang kaya ko.

Huminto ako sa pagbaba.

“I-I can’t…” mahina kong sabi sa kaniya. I want to put it out. Its very painful.

“Do you really want to stop?” tanong niya.

“Y-Yes…” mahina kong sabi.

“Pero ayokong tumigil tayo ng ganito kabilis. Its your first time, right? Bakit hindi natin subukang tapusin hanggang sa masanay ka?”

Umiling lang ako at medyo maluha-luha na sa sakit. Sinubukan kong iangat ang aking sarili pero lalo lang akong nasaktan. His thickness is breaking my walls, and its hurting me so bad.

“Ako na ang gagalaw, Sef,” aniya at inangat ang kaniyang katawan. He held my ass cheeks, and in a quick motion, I found myself lying on the sheets. He was on top of me.

“Aww,” I almost screamed.

“Sorry,” aniya pagkatapos ay pinagitan ang kaniyang kamay sa aking baywang. “Are you ready?”

Kinagat ko ang aking labi. Hindi ko na mabilang kung ilang beses ko itong ginawa, baka magdulot pa ng sugat at pagdugo.

“I’ll be gentle, I promise,” mahinang sambit niya sa akin at hinalikan ng mabilis ang aking noo. Tumango lang ako upang hikayatin siya na magpatuloy.

He slowly made his way inside. Deeper and deeper. Pain strikes again yet I endured them.

“S-So… tight,” aniya. He creased his eyebrows due to the sensation that he feels. His jaw is slightly open, urging to moan.

Napakuyom ang aking mga kamay sa bedsheet. Naramdaman ko ang kaniyang kabuuan sa loob ko. I even felt his abdomen slapped in my bottom cheeks.

“Damn… It squeezes me so tight! Ugh…”

Bumibigat ang aking mga hininga. Pumikit ako ng mariin habang hinahanda ang aking sarili sa mangyayari. Beads of sweats forming in my temples and forehead, just like Aidan. Pawisan din siya, and it made his skin sparkling. Sweats were dripping to his athletic body. He’s hotter than before!

His locks are wet and ruffled. He intoxicated the air with his whole scent. His wolf-like eyes stares at my face, like its piercing through me.

It feels like I am being dragged out of this world with his hypnosis.

“Can I proceed now, slowly?” tanong niya sa’kin.

Ramdam ko na nag-aalala rin siya sa akin. I can see truth in his eyes, or maybe, I am just being blinded by his charms. Who knows if he would really take it slow? I will take it anyway.

Dahan-dahan akong tumango. God, I wish I could handle this. He’s so gigantic!

He started to pull it back and I feel some of his veins penetrating my walls. He spit in my entrance, slowly, to make sure its accurate. After he pulled out a part of his length, he pushed himself again.

He moved back and forth, as slow as he can, but he never stops. It feels like he fucks romantically– I don’t know if it makes sense. Then, as soon as I get used to it, he hit something inside that made me curled my toes uncontrollably.

I moaned loudly and it echoed within the four walls and corners of this room.

“Fuck! D-Do that again,” atungal ko. He was surprised.

“H-Huh?”

“I said, hit that part again!” I cried in pleasure.

That fucking one hit made me so crazy at the very short amount of time.

“Please, Aidan… Please!” I begged.

He just nodded and pushed himself again. I felt the tip banged against my prostate, electrified me with so much pleasure.

“Ugh!… That was good,” I moaned loudly. “Go faster, Aidan. Hit me again!”

“Brace yourself,” paalala niya sa’kin at nagsimulang bumayo ng mabilis. Hinawakan niya ang magkabila kong binti at inangat. His rhythm is driving me crazy as hell.

That spot! He’s hitting that spot very quick. It made my eyes go fully white, like I saw the heaven!

“Arghh! You’re so hot and wet inside, Sef… It feels freaking awesome!” he said while continuing to screw the hell out of me. His thick and hard cock is driving me insane by massaging my insides.

He’s going quicker and quicker.

Bumaba ang kaniyang mukha sa aking dibdib. He sucked my left nipple while massaging the other with his hand.

Then his mouth came in my neck. I screamed. Why is he marking me?

“Moan, Sef…” utos niya sa’kin. Pinipigilan ko kasi ang aking sarili upang huwag mag-ingay.

“Ugh… Aidan, more… Please!”

His other hand went to my cock and jerked it according to his rhythm. The bed is creaking plenty of times. The sheets were disheveled. Our moans and growls reverberated all around inside the room.

“I goint to cum, Sef… Fuck! Argh…” then he slammed me very hard with his balls slapping on my ass cheeks. He immediately wrap around his hand in my pulsating cock. Nakikisabay ito sa bawat pagbayo niya.

“Ohh… Shit. Spurt it inside…” I demanded.

After a long moment, I felt my upcoming release. It was very unrestrainable. I spurted my seed in the air, letting it drop and scatter above my bare chest.

Then he also spurted his juice. It is very hot and flowing in. Pakiramdam ko ay napakarami no’n. He filled me with so much load and its the best thing that I ever felt. Damn this guy! He really has a great stamina.

“Fuck. That was hot,” aniya. Habol niya ang kaniyang mabilis na paghinga, ganoon din ako.

“Yeah…” sumang-ayon nalang ako sa kaniya.

I am surprised when he kissed me again. Gentle but full of desires. His tender lips were deliciously velvety. He made some chills creep in my system.

“You’re the best, Master,” aniya. He got that nickname since ako ang gumagawa ng thesis niya, and he needs to please me in that way.

“Damn you… Rookie,” tawag ko naman sa kaniya. Pambawi sa palayaw niya sa’king ‘master’.

“That’s a good endearment,” he said then he chuckled. I always love when he do that. His voice is very deep, and it makes him even sexier beyond his appearance.

Bumigat ang talukap ng aking mga mata. I’m tired. He’s drunk yet I feel like I’m weaker than him. It was too late to wait for his cock to be removed.

I let the darkness consume my whole vision, and that was the last thing I knew in that day.

Kabanata 6

Kabanata 6

Morning Ritual

(SPG Alert!)

Sa pagkadilat ng aking mata, bigla agad nagising ang aking diwa. Sino bang hindi mabibigla? Lahat ng nangyari sa’min kagabi ni Aidan ay tandang-tanda ko pa.

Naririnig ko ang tunog ng mantika, ibig sabihin ay nagluluto na si Aidan sa kusina. I can also smell the scent of the scrambled eggs that he cooks. My stomach growled in hunger.

Nakaramdam ako ng hapdi sa leeg. Napahawak ako sa aking chikinini na minarkahan ni Aidan. Tumingin pa ako sa salamin na nakasabit sa pader sa aming kuwarto upang tignan ito. Jusko, pati ba naman ito, ginawa niya? Paano ako papasok nito sa school ng walang makakahalata.

I clenched my jaw in frustration.

“Good morning.”

Bigla akong napalingin kay Aidan na nakatayo sa pinto ng bedroom namin while on his boxers and his hands were folded. Ang isang kamay niya ay may hawak na isang mug ng kape.

Nakangiti siya sa’kin habang pahapyaw na humihigop sa kaniyang inumin. Nakabalandra nanaman ang maganda niyang katawan. His hair was slightly disheveled, making him look so adorable.

But I just ignored his greetings.

Sinubukan kong tumayo mula sa higaan pero nakaramdam ako ng hapdi sa aking ibaba. Napansin ito ni Aidan kaya agad siyang tumungo sa aking harapan.

“Okay ka lang? Mas masakit ba sa’yo?” nag-aalala niyang taong. Tumango naman ako ito itinuro ang aking ibaba.

Tumango naman siya pabalik.

“Kaya mo bang tumayo?” tanong niya pa.

“H-Hindi. Masakit sa… ano…” sagot ko at tinuro ang aking ibaba. Nanghihina ang aking boses dulot ng antok. I tweaked the sheets in frustration. The pain is making me dizzy and uncomfortable.

I am still butt naked.

“Alam mo ba kung nasaan ko inilagay yung eyesglasses at cellphone ko?” tanong ko sa kaniya. Hindi ko kasi makita sa side desk kung saan ko sila madalas na nilalagay.

“Yung salamin mo, nasa mini table sa sala. Tapos yung cellphone mo naman, nasa jeans na pinaghubaran mo kagabi, pero hindi ko pa nalalagay sa labahan,” aniya at pasimple napakamot sa kaniyang batok, nagpakita ang kaniyang medyo manipis na balahibo sa armpits.

Kinusot ko nalang ang aking mga mata dahil kung anu-ano nanaman ang pumapasok sa utak ko. I need to erase these morning demons, bago ko pa siya halayin ulit. No way.

Inabot ko ng aking kamay ang jeans ko sa sahig. Naalala ko, binalibag ni Aidan itong pants ko kagabi. Nag-aalala ako na baka nabasag ito ngunit nung nilabas ko ay maayos pa. Thank God! Hindi sa lahat ng oras ay afford kong magpagawa ng cellphone.

Nilagay ko ito sa side desk.

“I can carry you,” alok niya sa’kin.

Pero bago pa ako umangal ay dumako na agad ang kaniyang kamay sa aking katawan upang buhatin ako. One in my back, and the other is at my knee folds.

He effortlessly lifted me up. Nakadikit ang aking ulo sa kaniyang balikat habang napakapit ang braso ko sa kaniyang leeg. Naaamoy ko pa rin ang kaniyang pabango, musky and manly. Aside from that, I can still smell the scent of sex that we did last night. Our fluids are still lingered in our bodies, like a soul that never wants to be separated. I like it, though. Every scent that he possess smells amazing. Nasisiyahan ang aking ilong habang nagpipyesta ang mga amoy niya dito. Gusto ko tuloy na matunaw sa bisig niya.

Habang buhat niya ako, tiningala ko siya. His jaw very well shaped, and his face is so defined, just like those drop dead gorgeous actors I’ve seen in the hollywood movies. His nose is very pointed and his eyes were very sharp, para bang tumatagos ang tingin. Ewan ko ba, alam ko na dati na sobrang gwapo niya, pero ngayon ko lang ito na-appreciate ng lubusan. Lalo na yung cute niyang nunal sa leeg, katabi lang ng adam’s apple.

“Matutunaw na ’ko niyan, sige ka,” he said in a slight shy tone. Napansin ko pa na namula ang kaniyang pisngi. Totoo ba talaga ’tong nakikita ko? I’d never thought that Aidan could also feel that particular overwhelming feeling.

Damn! Ako nga yung natutunaw sa’ting dalawa.

Hindi nalang ako sumagot at hinantay siya na ilapag ako. Pinaupo niya ako sa table kung saan nakahain ang screambled eggs na hinaluan ng onion chives. Natakam ako bigla dahil sa sobrang bango, kahit pa simple lang ang kaniyang niluto. Ano pa nga bang hihingiin ko sa kaniya, e, pareho lang kaming hindi marunong sa kusina. Dapat sa susunod, try ko mag-aral sa mga vlogs para ako naman ang magluto para sa’ming dalawa.

“Paabot nga ng eyeglasses ko,” pakiusap ko sa kaniya. Tumungo naman siya sa sala upang gawin ang ipinag-uutos ko. Nang inabot na niya ay sinuot ko ito. “Thanks,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

Tumabi siya sa akin at nagsimula na kaming kumain. Pinipilit kong umiwas ng tingin sa kaniya. Una, dahil naaalala ko yung mga ginawa namin kagabi. He’s a straight guy at hindi ako makapaniwala na kakasa siya sa akin. He didn’t even know that I’m gay, yet he asked me if I like him, out of nowhere. The answer is ‘yes’, pero dapat kong isikreto ito, because I might messed up with him. That moment was very surprising and bothering. Hindi man lang siya nabigla sa tunay kong katauhan. Masyado ba akong napaghahalataan? I don’t think so.

Pangalawa, nadidistract ako sa kaniya. Paano ba naman kasi, kung dati ay sanay akong makita siyang topless sa harap ko, ngayon ay hindi na. He’s a very attractive guy, and I’m falling to his bait. Damn it. Simula noong tumira kami sa iisang tahanan ay pinangako ko na hinding-hindi ako maaakit sa kaniya. I should treat him as my homie, at hanggang doon lang dapat iyon. Yet, may nangyari na.

“Hoy, may itatanong lang ako sa’yo,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

“Ano ’yon?”

“Hindi ka ba nabigla kagabi? You know…”

He creased his eyebrows, tapos nung na-gets na niya ay biglang sumigla ang kaniyang mukha.

“Ah… Yes. Yung totoo, na-surprise ako. Wala sa katinuan ang mga sinasabi ko kagabi, pero mas lalo akong nabigla nung umamin sa sa’kin,” sagot niya.

“Shit…” bulong ko sa aking sarili at pasimpleng tinatakpan ang aking mukha sa kaniya. Nakakahiya! Hinawakan naman niya ang aking kamay at pilit itong tinatanggal. Marahan lang iyon, ngunit mabilis namang bumigay ang braso ko.

“Hey, you don’t need to feel embarassed. Okay lang sa’kin. Masaya ako, sa wakas ay umamin ka na rin. I will definitely accept you, whoever you are. You’re feelings were also counted,” pang-aalo niya sa akin.

He held my hand in the table and caressed it gently. His hands were so soft. I looked at him and noticed that he playfully smiled at me.

“Alam mo, yung nangyari lang night… I admit that it was the best thing I have experienced. I’m… a virgin, pero masasabi ko pa rin na iyon ang pinaka-thrilling na naranasan ko. I should be thankfull, actually,” aniya at lumapit ang kaniyang mukha sa akin.

His eyes were hungry-like and glaring at me. Tapos, tumingin siya sa aking leeg. I can sense his urge to devour my skin.

“A-anong gagawin mo?” nauutal kong tanong sa kaniya. Hindi niya ako sinagot at nagpatuloy lang siya. Naramdaman ko nalang ang kaniyang ilong na nakadikit sa aking leeg. Suminghot pa siya rito.

“You still smell like my sex fluids, and it’s making me horny again,” aniya. I can feel his breath touching me. Dumako ang kaniyang mga kamay sa aking hita, samantalang nanginginig naman ako sa kaba dahil sa kaniya. His other hand went in my should and caressed it lightly. Hindi pa rin siya umaalis sa kaniyang puwesto at nanatili kaming gan’un sa ilang mga sandali. “I want to do it again… so bad. I can’t help myself. Naaadik na yata ako, Sef.”

His hand directed to my nipple and played it. Mabilis kong hinawi ang kaniyang kamay upang patigilin siya, bago pa ako ma-tempt sa kaniya na ipagpatuloy lang niya ang gusto niyang gawin. I relaxed a bit but fuck, I am now craving for his hand to touch me again. I became sexually tensed by his manner.

Pero kailangan ko itong pigilan. Masakit pa ang aking pang-upo. Kailangan ko pang magpahinga.

“Huwag muna sa ngayon, Aidan. I’m still hurt. Hindi ito pwedeng i-pwersa,” sabi ko sa kaniya. I can see the unsatisfaction in his face. Pero dumako ang kaniyang kamay sa pagitan ng aking hita.

“What if I don’t like to stop? Nanghihina ka, Sef. Mas malakas ako ngayon. I bet you couldn’t stop me from what I’m doing,” he said deeply, malapit sa aking tainga. He licked my earlobe and bit it lightly. “I won’t force your asshole to do such silly stuff, yet I still want to pleasure you… in other way.”

His hands wrapped around my length and jerked it slowly. Napalunok ako sa aking lalamunan. Unting-unting nagkabuhay ang aking laman. The warmth of his palms is pleasuring me.

Napahawak ang aking dalawang kamay sa pulso niya upang subukan na pigilan siya, pero hindi nagpatinag ang kaniyang kamay.

“May pasok pa tayo, Aidan. Hindi tayo pwedeng mahuli sa klase mamaya,” I warned him. Hindi ko alam kung talaga bang nais ko siyang huminto, may parte sa aking utak na gusto ko ang ginagawa niya sa’kin. He’s making me warm due to the coldness of the morning. It really feels amazing if someone else would jerk you off. Neutral lang kasi sa pakiramdam kapag sarili mo lang na kamay.

“Really? Sa tingin mo, papasok ka sa kalagayan mo ngayon? Dito ka muna sa bahay hanggang sa gumaling ka. Basta, hayaan mo lang ako sa nais kong gawin.”

“M-Mahuhuli ka sa klase mo–”

Napahinto ako sa aking sinasabi nung mas lalo pa siyang bumilis. He pumped my length tightly, while he kissing my cheeks and smearing his tounge on it. Lalo lang humigpit ang aking hawak sa kaniyang forearm, ngunit hindi ko na siya pinipigilan. My nails were digging in his skin due to the overwhelming sensation.

“Ahh… shit. A-Aidan…” ungol ko sa kaniya.

“I want your cum, Sef. So bad. I’ll take it as a part of my breakfast,” aniya.

Anong ibig niyang sabihin?

Pagkatapos ng ilang sandali, I felt my upcoming release. Pumikit ako ng mariin habang walang patid ang aking pag-ungol.

“Ahh… I’m so close! Darn… ugh! Heto na…” nanghihina kong sabi sa kaniya.

I spurted out my juice in the air, letting it drip in my chest and abdomen. Mainit ito sa balat.

“That was plenty,” namamangha niyang sabi. Walang pasubali niyang dinilaan ang aking balat, eating my cum in it. His hot and warm tounge slightly tickled me, yet I endured. He even licked my nipples after he ate all of my juice. “Again?” tanong niya

“Tama na!” pigil ko sa kaniya.

He chuckled then licked his lips, cleaning my cum that messed in his mouth.

“Pero gusto ko pa rin. I’ll be fast, again, promise,” aniya. He gave me his powerful puppy eyes again, pero hindi ako magpapatinag. Sobra-sobra na kaya siya.

“Nope. Just stay put, please!”

He laughed at me. “Joke lang naman, e.”

I should restrain myself from him. Hindi pa nga kami tapos sa umagahan, may nangyari ulit sa amin. Thank goodness, buti may excuse ako para hindi kami umabot sa another level of sexual intercourse. If not, baka dito pa namin gawin sa lamesa. Damn.

Pagkatapos kong kumain ay nanatili lang ako sa lamesa habang nakadukdok. Hinihintay ko na matapos si Aidan sa kaniyang morning rituals. I heard the shower in the bathroom while he’s in there.

“Ugh…”

Namilog ang aking mga mata nang marinig ko ang kaniyang mahinang ungol sa loob ng bathroom. Is he jerking off by himself? Namula ang aking pisngi habang iniisip ko kung paano niya gawin iyon. I just have to pretend na wala akong narinig, nakakahiya kasi!

Nung narinig kong bumukas ang pinto sa bathroom ay agad akong napaangat. Bumungad ang kaniyang nakatapis na katawan habang medyo basa pa.

Lumapit siya sa direksyon ko.

“Sef, can I have a favor?” tanong niya.

Pilit kong iniiwas ang tingin ko sa kaniya.

“What favor?” tanong ko naman.

“Pwede mo ba akong tulungan dito? I’m feeling hot,” aniya kaya napaharap ako sa kaniya upang tanungin sana kung ano ang ibig niyang sabihin, kaso bigla niyang tinanggal ang tapis ng kaniyang tuwalya.

Bumungad sa aking harapan ang kaniyang pagkalalaki na nakaturo sa akin. It was throbbing so hard.

“Please?” pagmamakaawa niya.

Nagulat ako nung umupo siya sa mismong lamesa sa harap ko. It seems like his cock is my meal at the moment. He’s still dripping wet, and beads of water coming down to his creamy white skin.

My eyes were a bit watery because of this delightful sight. Tinanggal ko ang aking eyeglasses para hindi ako mahirapan sa gagawin ko. Hindi na ako nagsalita, bagkus ay sinimulan ko na itong isubo. Nasa ulo palang ako ay nabubulunan na agad ako. Remember, it is freaking thick and enormous! There’s no way that I could handle his dick, easily.

“Damn. Ang init ng bibig mo,” puri niya sa akin. Mas lalo tuloy akong naganahang subukan na isagad pa ang aking bibig sa kaniya. His hands were on his nape, while exposing his masculine arms and armpits. Pumupungay pa ang kaniyang mga mata habang nakatingin sa’kin.

Nasa kalahati palang ako ay ilang beses na akong nabulunan. Pakiramdam ko ay tumama na sa aking lalamunan ang dulo nito. I tried my best not to bite his thing, because I’m having difficulties, at baka aksidente ko itong magawa.

Slurped all the way to his full length. Nakadikit na ang aking ilong sa kaniyang medyo manipis na balahibo na umaabot hanggang sa puson. I can smell the fragrance of the soap that he used. Medyo nabasa ang aking ilong dahil sa mga patak na tumutulo pababa sa kaniyang katawan. I held his tights to push myself upwards. I heard him moan. The like the taste of the skin of his shaft. It was very tender in my mouth, kahit pa sobrang tigas nito.

“Oh, God. Its so wet inside… Ugh…”

I just continued to suck him like a lollipop. He almost screamed in pleasure when I tried to get faster in each time passes. I held the base of his cock to guide myself. My other hand played his balls skillfully, just like when you try to relax using stress balls. My slurps are loud, it can hear throughout the kitchen and dining area.

“Ahh… Fuck! You’re making me crazy!” sigaw niya at niyang sinabunutan ang kaniyang sarili. Halos tumirik na ang kaniyang mga mata.

I rubbed my tongue while he’s inside. I keep on bobbing my head up and down, quicker and tighter. Pinipigilan ko na huwag mabulunan sapagkat baka masuka ako, at ayaw kong mangyari yon.

“Argghhh… Drink my juice, Sef! All of it!” he screamed. Nasunod-sunod pa ang kaniyang malalakas na ungol na sa tingin ko ay umaabot na sa kabilang bahay.

Kinurot ko siya sa hita, kaya humina ang kaniyang boses. He’s biting his bottom lip, preventing himself from making loud noises. Paimpit siyang nagpapakawala ng ungol habang pinanonood ko siyang nasisiyahan. Magkasalubong na ang kaniyang kilay.

I can feel his member getting bigger and harder in my mouth. Mukhang hudyat na niya ito. I touched his beautiful abdomen and caressed it, while waiting for his fluid to come out.

Isang malakas na ungol ang hindi niya napigilang pakawalan nang nagsimula na siyang magbuga ng katas. Sobrang dami at ilang beses na akong nabulunan. How come he can still formulate this much sperm after his huge release yesterday? I tried to swallow all of it, kahit pa nararamdaman ko na umaapaw na ito sa aking bibig.

“Oh. I’m sorry,” aniya nung napansin na nahihirapan ako sa aking sitwasyon. He eventually removed his cock from my mouth. Malawag na akong nakakahinga sa wakas.

Maubo-ubo ako nung sinubukan kong lunukin lahat ng inilabas niya. Damn it! Parang hindi ko kaya.

“You don’t have to eat it. I’m sorry. Spit it out,” aniya tapos tinapat ang kaniyang palad sa tapat ng aking bibig. A lot of his fluids came out, at sinalo niya ito lahat. Pagkatapos ay pumunta siya sa sink upang maghugas ng kamay. Pagbalik niya sa’kin ay may dala na siyang towel na binasa niya ng kaunti. Pinunasan niya ang aking mukha.

“Damn. Are you okay? Dapat tinanggal ko na bago pa nahuli ang lahat,” he said worrily.

“N-No. That’s alright. Ako talaga yung nagpumilit na gawi’n yon.”

Umiling siya. “Kahit na. Pero sa totoo lang, I liked it so much. Thank you,” aniya at hinalikan ng mabilis ang aking noo.

Nagpatuloy lang siya sa pagpupunas hanggang sa tiyan at dibdib ko. Nang natapos na siya, nakaramdam ako ng kalinisan sa sarili. That particular sticky feeling had wiped away.

Tinignan niya ako sa mukha habang nakahawak ang kaniyang mga pala sa aking pisngi.

“Pwede ba nating ulit gawin ’to mamayang hapon pag-uwi ko?” tanong niya. I can see a glint of hope wanting to shine brighter. I can say that he looks so adorable. He’s a very masculine-looking, ngunit ang magmakaawa siya ng ganito ay wala ka nang magagawa kun’di ibigay nalang ang gusto niya. He’s a wild beast, pretending to be a puppy for an indecent request.

“What?! You’re taking advantage of a certain opportunity, Aidan. Hindi por que tayo lang ang magkasama rito ay pwede na natin itong gawin kahit anong oras. Please, just give me time to relax myself.”

Pero hindi siya nagpatinag at niyakap pa ako sa aking leeg. His tight arms wrapped around me, and I felt so skinny kahit hindi naman talaga. I heard him groaned in dismay.

“S-Sige na nga! Kung kaya ko pa…” iyon nalang ang aking nasabi at pasimpleng umirap sa kaniya. What the hell? May iniinom ba siya para lumakas ang kaniyang stamina? He climaxed so many times yet gusto nanaman niya ulit-ulitin. Kabanas.

“Yay! Wabyu!” he said cutely like mimicking a baby. Why so childish? Hmp. “Magbibihis muna ako,” aniya at umalis na sa lamesa upang tumungo sa kwarto. Napailing nalang ako dahil sa kaniya.

Nung natapos na siya sa kuwarto ay nilapitan niya ako. Binigyan niya ako ng makapal na robe, siya pa mismo ang nagsuot sa’kin nito. Now, I feel covered and safe.

“Gagawan kita ng excuse letter, Sef. Sasabihin ko na nilalagnat ka. Tapos, susubukan kong humingi ng pain reliever kay Kuya Eros, yung kapitbahay natin. Papapuntahin ko nalang siya rito. Wala kasi tayong gano’n sa medicine box at malayo pa yung pharmacy. Sorry,” aniya at ginulo naman niya ang aking buhok. “Sige na. Kailangan ko nang umalis. Mag-iingat ka dito sa loob. Baka pasukin ka.”

“No need to tell me that. Ikaw ang mag-ingat. Sige na, goodbye,” then I smile at him. Umalis naman na siya ng bahay upang pumasok sa takdang oras. Mabuti naman at hindi na ako magpapakahirap na gumawa ng excuse. Meron nang gagawa para sa’kin.

Hindi maalis sa isipan ko sa maaaring mangyari sa’min sa mga susunod na araw. Baka gawin na naming morning ritual itong malagim naming gawain.

Kabanata 7

Kabanata 7

Drop That Phone

Ilang minuto bago umalis si Aidan, may kumatok sa pintuan. Nakaupo na ako sa sofa ng bahay namin dahil sinubukan kong maglakad kahit na nahihirapan ako. Dapat pala nagpabuhat muna ako kay Aidan bago siya umalis. Siya naman ang may kagagawan nito.

“Pasok. Bukas yan!” sigaw ko sa aking dumating na bisita.

Pumasok sa loob si Kuya Eros na dala ang isang medicine kit. Nakasuot siya ng uniporme habang nakangiti siyang lumapit sa akin. Hindi ko alam na nag-u-uniform ang mga taxi driver. Ang alam ko lang ay naka-sibilyan silang damit habang nasa serbisyo. Hindi ko pa nakita si Kuya Eros na nagsuot ng ganitong klaseng damit.

Umupo siya sa tabi ko. Inilapag niya ang dala niyang kit at binuksan ito. Hinalukay niya ang laman at nung nahanap na niya ang pain reliever ay agad niya itong inangat.

“Hindi ako pa-fall, pero kumain ka na ba?” tanong niya sa’kin. Tumawa lang ako ng mahina. Bwisit na tanong ’yan.

“Oo, bago pa umalis si Aidan, busog na ’ko,” sagot ko nalang sa kaniya. Bigla niyang nilapit ang kaniyang ilong sa akin at suminghot-singhot. Nangunot ang aking noo at mahina ko siyang hinampas palayo. “Huy! Anong ginagawa mo?”

“Hulaan ko… Si Aidan yung naging umagahan mo, ano?” tanong niya at saka tumawa ng malakas. Namilog ang aking mga mata, marahil ay may naaamoy siyang kakaiba sa akin. “Grabe! Ang lakas at lagkit ng amoy, Sef. Ilang beses niyo bang ginawa ngayong umaga?”

“Gosh. Just give me the damn medicine and shut up!” sigaw ko sa kaniya at tinakpan ang aking tainga dahil nakakarindi ang kaniyang pagtawa. Sabi ko na nga ba, mapapansin niya. You don’t need to be a keen observer to think that there’s something happened between me and Aidan this morning. Hindi ko kayang hugasan ang katawan ko dahil masakit ang aking ilalim. Natatakot ako na baka madulas lang ako sa loob ng bathroom sa unang tapak palang.

Tumahimik na siya at binigay na niya sa’kin ang gamot. Pumunta siya sa kitchen upang kumuha ng isang baso ng tubig at binigay ito sa akin. Kasalukuyan ko itong iniinom.

“Grabe, kaninang umaga, nagising ako bigla. Alas otso pa sana ako gigising kaso may naranig ako malalakas na ungol. Ang tindi! Kanino kayang bahay galing ’yon?” pasimple niyang tanong sa’kin, habang ako naman ay biglang naibuga ang tubig na iniinom. Tang ina! Sabi ko na nga ba, e. Kasalanan ’to ni Aidan. That prick is very careless. Pinigilan ko na siya pero sa tingin ko bago ko pa ito nagawa ay may nakarinig na. Damn. “Hala, ayos ka lang?”

May inabot siya sa’kin tela at agad ko itong pinunas sa aking mukha. Laking gulat ko nang matanto na ang ibinigay sa akin ni Kuya Eros ay ang ginamit na boxers ni Aidan kagabi. Tandang-tanda ko talaga na ito ’yon! Mabilis ko itong tinapon palayo sa akin.

“What the fuck?! Saan mo nakuha ’yan?” gulantang kong tanong sa kaniya.

“Dito lang… sa sahig,” turo niya sa ibaba. ’Lang’ya, bakit hindi ko napansin kanina?

“Arghh! Kuya Eros naman. Alam mo palang marumi ’yan, bakit iyon pa ang binigay mo? Alam mo rin bang boxers yung binigay mo sa’kin?!”

“Hindi ko alam. Wala naman akong pake kung anong klaseng damit ’yon. Kay Aidan siguro ’yon, ano? At ikaw ang naghubad sa kaniya nito,” paliwanag at usisa naman niya.

“Baliw ka talaga, Kuya. Nakakainis. Pasalamat nalang ako at dumating ka para bigyan ako ng pain reliever. The rest of your actions, wala na akong masabi!” sabi ko at umirap sa kaniya. Tumawa naman siya.

“Pis yow!” he mockingly apologised. I know he pertains ‘peace, yo’ in an unclear way. “Kunwari ka pa, Sef. Alam kong hindi ka na virgin. Masakit sa first time, no? Ganiyan din ako nung una. Pero kapag nagtagal, masasanay ka rin!”

“Seriously, Kuya? Ayoko nang pag-usapan ang nangyari sa’min ni Aidan. I’m sorry kung nasusupladuhan ka sa’kin pero sa totoo lang, naiilang ako sa mga ganiyang usapan,” sabi ko at uminom ulit ng tubig. “He isn’t supposed to get along with my interests… or even in my sexual orientation. Naguguluhan pa rin ako kung bakit sobrang bilis ng mga panyayari. Do you think is it really possible for a straight man to fall into a gay guy’s charms? Hindi naman sa sinasabi ko na makarisma ako, but it Aidan’s behaviour bothers me. I’m now questioning his sexuality lalo na nung inamin niya na ayos lang sa kaniya ito.”

“Hindi ko alam, Sef. Minsan, mayroon ding mga lalaki na nagkakagusto sa kapwa niya lalaki kahit gaano pa sila ka-straight. Katulad ko. Naging straight din kaya ako noon, at maraming ex girlfriend na ang nadaanan ko bago nakilala yung una kong boyfriend. Matagal na ’yun, mga high school pa siguro, at ang masasabi ko lang ay iba talaga sa feeling lalo na’t first time kong naranasan ’yon. Doon ko napag-alaman na pwede palang tumibok ang puso ko sa taong hindi ko inaasahan. Naging bisexual ako, pero siya lang ang lalaking gusto ko. Nag-iba lang nung nag-break kami at sinubukan kong mag-explore sa iba’t ibang tao,” kwento niya sa akin. Nakatuon lang ang aking sarili sa kaniya.

Inayos ko ang aking eyeglasses at tumingin sa kaniya. Makikita ang sincerity sa kaniyang mga sinabi. I know Kuya Eros is a kind of guy na bihira mo lang makakausap ng matino, and this character facet isn’t the Kuya Eros I’d known.

“Whoah. Hindi ko alam na may ganiyan kang kwento, Kuya Eros. Akala ko talagang bisexual ka na simula palang,” iyon nalang ang nasabi ko sa kaniya at humiga ako sa sofa. “About dun sa ex boyfriend mo… do you still hurt? Do you really still find it strange to be attracted to another guy?”

Namilog ang kaniyang mga mata.

“Wait lang, Sef. Doble-doble na ang tanong mo sa’kin,” biro niya, then he chuckled. “Siguro, hindi na masakit para sa akin yung break-up. Matagal na ’yon, ano ka ba? Marami pa akong naging boyfriend pagkatapos ko sa kaniya. Sabihin na nating isa siya sa nagpamulat sa’kin sa tunay kong katauhan. Masaya na ako para sa kaniya… at sa asawa’t mga anak niya ngayon,” nguniti siya sa’kin ngunit para bang nakaramdam ako ng pait sa sinabi niya.

Damn. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko kapag nalaman ko na may anak at asawa na pala yung magiging boyfriend ko. Masakit kasing isipin na hindi ko siya mabibigyan ng anak at pamilya, if ever. Ewan ko nalang kay Kuya Eros kung iyon ba talaga yung dahilan ng hiwalayan nila.

“Yung about naman sa attraction, sa tingin ko normal lang na maakit sa kahit sinong tao, as long as alam mo na meron siya na nagugustuhan mo, hindi mo made-deny sa sarili mo na naa-attract ka sa kaniya,” pagpapatuloy pa niya.

May point siya. Attraction is unpredictable. Madalas nga, kahit hindi pasok yung tao na ’yun sa attributes na hanap mo ay maaaring nahuhulog ka na sa kaniya. I always like handsome and smart guys, they are my dream guys. Pero mas lalong nahulog ang aking loob kay Aidan kahit hindi siya seysoso sa academics, ngunit hindi pa ito masyadong malalim.

My point is, hindi mo talaga masasabi kung ano ang nagpapa-attract sa’yo dahil kahit pare-pareho pa ang iba’t ibang tao ng ideals na hanap mo, hindi mo sila lahat magugustuhan. You can’t describe your exact ideals, dahil it doesn’t really define attraction.

“I agree with you,” iyon nalang ang nasabi ko sa kaniya. Tumango lang siya sa’kin at inayos ang medicine kit.

“Pero kayo ni Aidan, ibang level of attraction na. Parang dati, sinasabihan pa kita na gumawa ka na ng move. Ikaw lang ’tong tumatanggi. O, ’di ba? Grabe na yung improvements niyo,” aniya na may halong panunudyo.

“I don’t like to bring up that topic, again. Hindi kami masyadong malalim. Let’s say, nagkataon lang ang mga ito… We’re not supposed to do it but it just happened,” sabi ko sa kaniya dahil medyo naiinis na ako sa tuwing tinutukso niya ako. “Bakit paulit-ulit mo nalang sinasambit si Aidan, ha? Baka naman ikaw ’tong tunay na may gusto sa kaniya, e. Gustong-gusto mo siyang pinag-uusapan kasama ako!”

Napansin ko ang bigla niyang pagngisi dahil sa aking sinabi.

“Paano kung totoo nga na may gusto ako sa kaniya? Anong gagawin mo, Sef?” tanong niya.

Tinignan ko siya ng masama at pagdududa. Hindi naman sila close ni Aidan, a. Bakit naman niya sinasabi na maaaring maging totoo na may gusto siya rito?

“Ewan ko… Siguro dapat ka munang dumaan sa’kin for qualifications,” sagot ko sa kaniya.

“Bakit kailangan ko pang gawin ’yon?” tanong niya at napakamot sa kanitang batok. Marahil ay nagtataka.

“Siyempre, ako ’tong kasama niya sa bahay. Parang pamilya na rin ang turingan namin sa isa’t isa. Kailangan ko ring malaman yung mga nagkakagusto sa kaniya.”

“May pamilya ba na nagse-sex?” tanong pa niya at bigla akong nabulunan sa sarili kong laway. Napaubo tuloy ako ng malakas, at buti nalang ay tumila rin.

“Kuya, minsan nga gamutin mo ’yang bibig mo. Napakapasmado!” sigaw ko sa kaniya. Lagi nalang siyang straight to the point. “Anyway, meron din naman. Kapag mag-asawa, ginagawa talaga nila ’yon.”

“So… mag-asawa na pala ang turingan niyo,” biro naman niya ng wala sa sarili.

“Ay nako, hindi! Tigilan mo nga ako, Kuya Eros. Mapang-asar ka nanaman,” sabi ko sabay lapag sa pinaginuman kong basong wala nang laman.

“Nagseselos ka lang, e,” tudyo niya sa’kin. Napansin ko ang malalim niyang tingin sa leeg ko kaya agad kong tinakpan ang tingin ko ay tinitignan niya. “Grabe, Sef! Ang laki ng chikinini mo. Gaano kalaking lamok yung kumagat sa’yo?”

Tinignan ko siya ng masama. I just facepalmed in frustration.

“Ang babata niyo pa pero mas wild pa kayo sa’kin,” natatawa niyang sabi.

Ayan nanaman siya. Hindi nalang ako kumibo at kung saan pa mapunta ang aming usapan. Tinignan ko ang orasan at nakitang eight-forty five na. Napansin din ito ni Kuya Eros at agad siyang napatayo.

“Hindi ko na pala namalayan yung oras. Kailangan ko nang umalis, Sef. Babalik muna ako sa bahay para isauli itong kit ko. Sayang, gusto ko pa sanang ikwento mo yung nangyari sa inyo kagabi at kanina. Bye!” aniya at mabilis na nagtungo sa pinto habang dala ang medicine kit.

“Ingat!” sigaw ko nalang sa kaniya bago pa siya tuluyan na umalis. Namula ang aking pisngi sa kaniyang huling sinabi.

Naiwan nanaman ako sa bahay mag-isa. Wala akong ibang maisip na gawin ngayon sa totoo lang.

This boredom is driving me insane.

Sinubukan kong manood sa telebisyon pero walang magandang palabas kaya pinatay ko nalang ito ulit. Nang maramdaman kong hindi na masakit ang aking pang-ibabang parte, tumayo ako at nagtungo sa kuwarto upang kuhanin ang phone ko. Una kong inopen yung facebook ko, at nakita na nagpalit ng profile picture si Leila. Agad ko itong nilagyan ng reaction.

Ilang sandali lang ay nagpop-up ang isang message galing sa kaniya. Nag-aalangan pa akong buksan ito pero sa huli ay hindi na napigilan ng pagiging curious ko sa sasabihin niya.

From: Leila Marie Espino

Hoy. Bakit wala ka dito sa room?

To: Leila Marie Espino

May lagnat ako, Lei. Hindi mo ba alam? Wala bang binigay si Aidan na excuse letter diyan?

From: Leila Marie Espino

Meron naman, pero naka-open ka. Sure bang nilalagnat ka talaga? Hahaha!

To: Leila Marie Espino

Gagi, oo. Kaso naiinip ako rito. Need ko ng malilibangan.

From: Leila Marie Espino

Magpahinga ka nalang kasi! Don’t forget to take your meds. May pinapagawa nga pala si Sir Tim sa Par and Corp Accounting na first period. Isesend ko muna sa’yo yung file ng list of problems, pero kung hindi ka pa okay, pwede naman na hindi mo muna gawin. For sure, maiintindihan ka naman ng prof natin.

To: Leila Marie Espino

Nice! Magandang balita ’yan. Pffft.

From: Leila Marie Espino

Aynako! Sinabi mo pa. Hahaha!

Nagulat ako ng biglang nakatanggap din ako ng message galing kay Aidan. Bumulaga sa screen ang chathead niya na may profile picture niya na kasama pa si Claire. Wala ba siyang balak na palitan ito?

From: Aidan James Barameda

Are you chatting with that Lena girl?

Please, just stop it.

Lena? Sino ba yung tinutukoy niya? Wala naman akong kilalang babae na may Lena na pangalan. Ang tanging ka-chat ko lang ngayon ay si Leila, at hindi si Lena.

To: Aidan James Barameda

Leila you mean?

From: Aidan James Barameda

I think so.

To: Aidan James Barameda.

Just let us be. Ano naman kung nag-uusap kami ngayon?

From: Aidan James Barameda

I can see a big smile in that girl’s face while typing on her phone. I know that you two were close, kaya iniisip ko na ikaw ang kausap niya ngayon.

Tapos nag-pop up din ng message si Leila sa akin.

From: Leila Marie Espino

Hala! Hindi ka maniniwala sa’kin. ’Di ba nga, magkaklase kami ni Aidan dito sa second period na P.E. class ngayon. Hindi ko alam kung bakit grabe siya makakatitig sakin! Gosh, para akong natutunaw.

Napa-face palm ako ng ’di oras.

From: Aidan James Barameda

Drop that phone. Take some rest.

What the hell? Alam naman niya na hindi talaga ako tunay na nilalagnat. It’s just simple sore. Simple yet very painful. Hindi ko na kailangang magpahinga ng matagal. Nagpaalam nalang ako sa kanilang dalawa.

To: Leila Marie Espino

Guni-guni mo lang siguro ’yan. By the way, magpapahinga muna ako. Bye!

To: Aidan James Barameda

Ok. Sabi mo, e. Bye.

Mahabang katahimikan ang naramdaman ko sa paligid. Kung ang ibang estudyante ay masaya kapag walang pasok, ako naman ay hindi. Ano bang gagawin ko ngayon? Kailangan ko nga palang magluto ng tanghalian.

Tinaggal ko na ang robe na suot ko at nagpalit ng shorts at sando. Ibinulsa ko ang aking phone at nagtungo sa kusina.

Naghanap ako ng pwedeng kainin. May nakita akong isang supot ng bacon sa refrigirator. Agad ko itong nilabas para iluto.

Nung nagsimula na akong iprito ito ay biglang nagtalsikan ang mga mantika.

“Tang ina,” singhal ko nang masaksihan ang biglaan nitong talamsikan, kaya mabilis kong pinatay ang kalan. Natamaan pa ng patak ng mantika ang aking pulso at napaso ito. Biglang bumilis ang tibok ng aking puso dahil sa kaba.

Tinapon ko ang hindi pa lutong bacon sa basurahan. I know, dugyot talaga. Wala na akong balak na tapusing lutuin ’yon.

Oorder nalang ako. Kainis.

May alam ako na nagdedeliver ng pagkain, kaso sa pagkakatanda ko ay Italian foods ang ino-offer nila. Bumisita ako sa website nila at umorder ako ng isang serving ng pasta.

Naghantay pa ako ng fifteen minutes bago dumating ang pagkain ko.

“Salamat,” sabi ko sa delivery guy at ngumiti ito sa’kin. Pinasalamatan din niya ako pabalik.

Mabilis akong nagtungo sa kusina upang buksan ang aking magiging tanghalian. Grabe! Ang bango. Hindi magsasawa ang ilong ko sa kakalanghap sa pangkaing ito.

Sa kalagitnaan ng aking pagkain, narinig ko ang phone ko na tumutunog. Kinuha ko ito galing sa bulsa. Si Mama lang pala.

“Hello, ’Ma? Napatawag ka,” bati ko sa kaniya.

“Hello din, Anak. Kamusta ka?”

“Mabuti naman po. Kayo?”

“Ganun din. Namimiss ka na raw ng mga kapatid mo, matagal na raw kasi kayong hindi nagkakausap,” aniya. Imbes na maging masigla ang kaniyang pagkakasabi, matamlay at malungkot. “May bad news dito anak.”

“A-ano po yon?”

“S-Sinugod kasi sa hospital yung papa mo. Baka hindi ako makapagpadala ng allowance sa’yo hanggang next week. Nagastos na kasi yung pera sa mga gamot.”

Nagulat ako sa kaniyang balita. May sakit sa baga si Papa at isang taon na ang nakakalipas nung huli ’tong gumaling. Heto nanaman at bumabalik.

“Sapat naman ba yung panggastos niyo, Ma?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

“Hindi ko alam, ’Nak. Maghahanap pa ako ng paraan. Baka kung saan pa kasi magtungo yung pagpapagaling niya. Hindi natin masasabi na sa gamot lang tayo gagastos,” pinipigilan niyang hindi manginig ngunit napansin ko ito.

“S-Sige. Gagawa din ako ng paraan,” sabi ko. I had already paid up my expenses to school. Inaabangan ko pa ang allowance ko galing sa mga scholarships na in-apply-an ko. Definitely, there’s a way for me to provide for them.

“Ikaw bahala, Anak. Pwede mo namang ituon nalang ang sarili mo sa pag-aaral. Pero kasi, hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko. Nandito ako ngayon sa hospital at iniwan ko pa yung mga kapatid mo sa bahay. Ni-rush lang kasi namin yung papa mo dito,” aniya.

Nagtagal pa ang aming pag-uusap at nagkwento pa siya tungkol kay papa at sa mga kapatid ko. Ilang buwan na akong wala sa bahay namin, kaya nakakatuwa na makarinig ng balita mula sa kanila.

Ngayon, sisimulan ko nang makahagilap ng pera. Pero paano?

Kabanata 8

Kabanata 8

Wild and Sweet

(SPG Alert!)

Alas sais y media na nung nakauwi si Aidan galing sa school. Mukhang ang pinangako niyang make out session ay hindi na matutuloy sapagkat sobrang pagod siya ngayon. Kakagaling niya lang sa practice.

Nakasuot siya ng ternong jersey shorts at sando, habang tumatagiktik ang kaniyang pawis. Pero kahit ganu’n, tanging ang pabango niya lang ang umaamoy sa kaniya. He’s wiping himself with a towel.

May dala siyang isang supot ng roasted chicken at chop seuy (which is my favourite), hapunan daw namin. Nagningning ang aking mga mata nang inabot niya sa’kin ’to.

Grabe, sa wakas, hindi na ulit simpleng itlog at bacon ang ulam namin ngayon gabi. Madalas kasi kahit hapunan, instant fried food pa rin ang aming ulam, yung mga niluluto ni Aidan. Mabuti naman at nagamit na niya ang pagiging yayamanin.

“Mabuti naman at nagdala ka ng tunay na pagkain,” makahulugan kong sabi sa kaniya. Papunta na siya sa kuwarto habang dala ang bag upang magpalit sana ng damit. Napatigil siya sa sinabi ko.

“What do you mean? Fake ba yung itlog na niluluto ko?” tanong niya na parang nainsulto at nilapag ang kaniyang bag sa sofa. Mabilis niyang hinubad ang kaniyang sando at naiwan ang jersey short na nakasuot sa kaniya. Binalibag niya ito sa mini table.

“What?! Meron bang ganu’n?”

“Ewan. You just said that I just brought you a real food for dinner. Parang may iba ka pang gustong ipahiwatig,” aniya at lumapit sa akin.

Kasalukuyan akong naghahain sa mesa, inilalagay ang mga plato’t kutsara sa hapag nang bigla kong naramdaman ang pagyakap ni Aidan sa aking likod. Agad na nagdikit ang kaniyang basang katawan sa akin. Tinulak ko siya palayo.

“What the hell. Ang lagkit mo ngayon. Lumayo ka nga,” singhal ko sa kaniya habang kinakalas ang kaniyang braso. Bumitaw din siya sa’kin. “Maligo’t magbihis ka na doon!”

“Ayoko pa, Sef. May pinangako ka sa’kin ngayon, ’di ba?”

Fuck, I get it. Gusto nanaman niyang ulitin yung kaninang umaga. Hindi ba siya nauubusan ng lakas? Akala ko ba pagod na pagod siya, pero bakit nais pa rin niyang pagurin pa ang kaniyang sarili sa ganito?

“Huwag muna ngayon, Aidan. Kailangan mo nang magpahinga. I can literally see that you’re exhausted. Huwag mo nang i-pwersa ang sarili mo,” sabi ko sa kaniya. As expected, he’s eyes were pleading again, very hopeful to convince me. “At saka ano bang nangyayari sa’yo? You’re very wild, and it scares me to be honest. Marami pang mga araw na pwede nating gawin yung bagay na gusto mo. This is freaking too much!”

Pero hindi niya ako pinakinggan, bagkus ay hinila niya ang aking kamay at tinapat sa garter ng kaniyang jersey shorts. I can feel his bulge and its hardening.

Nakalapit ang mukha namin at tinititigan namin ang isa’t isa. Matalim ang kaniyang mata, lalo na kapag

“You made me this wild, Sef… You know… no one can disturb us here, and its a great opportunity to let ourselves do whatever we want to do. Hindi ka ba naa-arouse kapag naiisip ’yon?” he said softly.

“W-What?”

I badly wanted to slap his mouth because of what he just said.

“Ako kasi… nag-iinit ako kapag iniisip ko na tayo lang dalawa dito sa bahay. It’s like, everything we do is necessary. No one will put rules for us to follow. We are far away from our families. Nobody can stop us. We have so much time please ourselves with our own sexual favors.”

“But we still have to eat, Aidan. Naghihintay yung pagkain,” pagdadahilan ko sa kaniya. He’s now pushing my palms to his bulge, rubbing it up and down.

“The food will wait longer if you restrain yourself. Why don’t you just give in?” aniya. He licked the tip of my nose teasingly. “ Eat me first. “

Tension surrounded. His words were seductive and alluring. Gamit ang aking kamay, iginaya niya ito sa kaniya sa pagbaba ng kaniyang short. His dark blue boxers peaked. I can literally see the outline of his dick, including the large veins.

Tinuluyan niya nang hinubad ang kaniyang short at naiwan ang boxers na nakasuot. His precum leaks through the fabric.

My mind went blank at the moment, tapos nakaramdam ako ng init. Sumandal siya sa mesa habang nakatayo. My hands wanted to pleasure him, para itong may sariling buhay, that’s why I rubbed him again in between his legs, teasing him.

“Ah… yes,” mahina niyang sambit habang nakatingin sa aking mga mata. “I want to feel your skin to my skin.”

Agad naman akong yumuko at tumapat sa pagitan ng kaniyang hita. I nudged my nose, rubbing against his hardness.

I felt his hands came in my nape, pushing it even more to him. I playfully bit it, and he growled.

“Just suck it already,” aniya. Maririnig ang kaniyang frustration at pagkabitin sa ginagawa ko. Kaya binaba ko na ang kaniyang boxers hanggang sa tuhod niya. His shaft sprung free and it slapped on my forehead. Tinaggal ko ang aking eyeglasses para hindi ito malaglag at inilapag sa lamesa. I wrapped my hands around it, licking it slowly from the base to the tip, and swallowing his head. “Fuck…”

The scent of manly sweat is wafting in his crotch. Siyempre, pinagpawisan siya ng todo sa school, and he didn’t even took a bath before we do this. But it doesn’t matter since I like it so much… and even more.

I swallowed his dick deeper, tasting the greasiness of the skin. My tongue traced the veins and massaged it. I held his balls underneath, fondling it like a pro.

“Ohh… Yes… Fucking great,” he moaned in faint voice. I went deeper until my lips came to the base of his cock. His pubic hair is touching my nose. It slightly tickles.

Nakita ko ang kaniyang kamay na hinubad ang kaniyang boxers ng tuluyan. He’s now fully naked.

“Suck it harder,” he demanded. I bobbed my head, while sucking his tube tighter. He held my head and fucked my mouth quicker. Umaalon ang kaniyang abs habang ginagawa iyon. I gagged a lot of times. “Ahh… Malapit na ko, shit!”

Then he spurted his seed inside my mouth, again. The taste and scent of his juice is so strong, overpowering the atmosphere that I’m breathing in.

I closed my eyes and endured how his dick choked me hard. Nakita ko ang pagtirik ng kaniyang mga mata. I drank it all and never let a drop to spill out of my mouth. I let him watch in full desire while doing it. I can see in his eyes that he’s amazed and overly satified.

“T-That is so hot,” puri niya habang naghihingalo sa tindi ng kaniyang pag-ungol kanina. Niluwa ko na ang kaniyang kahabaan at pinunas ko ang aking bibig gamit ang forearm. Tumayo ako ay lumibel sa kaniya. I let him kissed me swiftly. His lips were like spitting fire that burns my inner body.

Pagkatapos ay naramdaman ko ang kaniyang kamay sa aking short at hinaplos ang aking gitna. Agad kong winaksi ito at lumayo sa kaniya ng bahagya.

“Huwag muna sa ngayon. I am very hungry. Wala na akong panahon para diyan. Hindi ako katulad mo na malakas ang stamina,” sabi ko.

“You sure?” tanong niya at tumigil sa paghagod sa’kin.

“Yep,” I simply said, then he chuckled. Tumango siya sa’kin.

“Alright, I’m sorry kung hindi ka na nakapaghintay na makakain. I just can’t control myself earlier. We’re gonna eat now. Yung totoong pagkain, ika mo nga,” aniya. I just chuckled a bit.

Nagsimula na kaming kumain. My mouth waters to the food. God! This is the best dinner ever set in our table. Hindi naman sa hindi namin afford ang mga ganitong pagkain, or baka ako lang ang hindi dahil ako lang ang lower middle class sa aming dalawa, sadyang naka-stick lang kami sa kung anong pagkain dito sa bahay.

Kapag naggo-grocery si Aidan, madalas canned and instant foods ang binibili niya. Bihira pa kami na makapunta sa mga fast food at mga kainan malapit dito, upang makabili ng iba namang pagkain. Maybe, next time, I’m gonna suggest Aidan to order food online. Kanina ko lang kasi sinubukang gawin ’yon, at napakadali lang pala.

Pagkatapos naming kumain ay si Aidan na ang nag-ayos ng lamesa at naghugas ng pinggan. Thank God! Sa totoo lang ay pagluluto lang ang kaniyang ambag sa bahay. I’m in charge in all types of cleaning. I just let him though.

Inihanda ko na ang mga gagamitin ko sa paggawa ng assignment sa mesa, habang naliligo si Aidan sa bathroom. Doon ko palang sinuot ang aking salamin. I checked my email and saw in the inbox that Leila sent me the file that I needed. I opened it and started analyzing the problems.

Maya-maya lang ay lumabas na si Aidan galing sa bathroom. Nakatapis siya ng tuwalya ng lumapit sa akin.

Naramdaman ko ang kaniyang kamay na gumapang sa aking balikat. Napatigil ako sa pagsusulat at lumingon sa kaniya. He stared at me with a meaningful look. I just raised one of my brows.

“Ano?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

“Ayos lang na hindi ko suklian yung ginawa mo kanina?” tanong niya pabalik. Nakuha ko ang nais niyang sabihin. I twisted my lips and shaked my head to disagree.

“I already said ‘no’, right?” iyon ang nasabi ko sa kaniya. “At saka lumayo ka nga. Basang-basa ka pa. Mapapatakan yung papel ko, e,” tapos tinulak ko siya. May hand went to his wet abs for a short moment. Pinipigilan kong huwag siyang titigan.

“Okay, okay. I’m gonna sleep now,” he chuckled. Nagulat ako nung lumapit siya sa’kin at iniharap ang aking ulo sa kaniya upang halikan ako sa noo. “Goodnight,” he greeted softly and smiled then went in our bedroom immediately.

What the–?! First, I made him wild. Then, this time, I just made him sweet. I can’t help but blush after I realized what he just did. Hindi ko mapigilan ang pag-ngiti ng maluwag habang ginagawa ang aking assignment. I can’t handle his charms. Damn it.

Kulang-kulang isang oras nung natapos ko ang paggawa ng financial statements sa accounting subject. I stretched my arms and yawned.

Tinabi ko na itong lahat, pagkatapos tumungo sa higaan namin at tumabi ako sa kaniya. Bago pa ako pumikit upang makatulog na ng mahimbing, pinagmasdan ko muna ang kaniyang mukha habang natutulog at bahagyang humihilik. He seems very peaceful and its cute.

Kinabukasan ay inunahan kong magising si Aidan upang sabihin na umorder nalang kami ng pagkain at libre niya.

I might sound like a gold digger, pero hindi kasi ngayon ang panahon para gumastos ako sa medyo may kamahalang pasta, which is ginawa ko kahapon na pinagsisisihan ko. I need to save money, dahil alam ko na hindi magpapadala ng pera sa ngayon sina Mama.

Babawi nalang ako kay Aidan sa contibution ng gastusin sa pagkain kapag nakaluwag na ako.

Biglang tumunog ang doorbell sa pinto at sabay naming pinagbuksan ito ni Aidan. Nagpakita sa aming harapan ang isang delivery girl na nagulantang nung bumungad sa kaniya si Aidan na naka-boxer shorts lang, yet makikita ang kaniyang pagkamangha habang nakatitig sa topless niyang katawan. Napansin ko pa ang pamumula ng kaniyang pisngi.

“H-Here’s your order, S-Sir,” sabi ng babae kay Aidan na parang hindi ako pinapansin. Whoah. “Have a great day,” bati niya bago pa namin sinarado ang pinto. I secretly rolled my eyes.

“I saw that,” sita sa akin ni Aidan.

“Whatever.”

Inilatag ko na sa hapag ang pagkain. Nabanguhan kami simula nung nilabas ko ang pasta na inorder namin mula sa dalawang malaking styro meal boxes at inilipat ito sa nakahiwalay na plato namin.

Nagsimula na kaming kumain, ngunit hindi mawala sa isip ko ang problema nina Mama sa bahay. Kailangan kong mag-isip kung paano sila matutulungan.

Yung sweldo ko sa scholarship ay sa susunod na linggo ko pa matatanggap. Wala naman akong maisip na pwede kong pasukan at maging working student. Kung gagawin ko iyon ay kailangan ko pang maghanap ng available jobs, at hindi pa sa lahat ng oras ay tumatanggap sila ng estudyante na ga-parte lang ang oras.

Isa pa, hindi ko na mahihintay ang magiging sweldo ko roon. Mayroon lang akong maiksing oras para makahagilap ng allowance na maitutulong ko kina Mama.

Simula kasi nung huminto si Mama sa pag-abroad, si Papa na ang pumalit na maging breadwinner sa tahanan. At bago pa iyon nangyari, nakapag-ipon na si Mama ng maipambabayad sa bahay na tutuluyan ko para sa college.

Ang papa ko nga lang ay walang naging stable na trabaho at suma-side line sa mga gawaing kaya niya. Money inflows only occurs in our budget either occasional or uncertain. Kaya naman, hindi na bago sa’kin kung sakaling hindi sila makapagpadala ng allowance.

Bukod sa lahat ng mga naisip kong ideya, isa lang ang paraan na makakayanan kong gawin sa lalong madaling panahon.

My heart is pounding so fast. I just need to swallow my pride and request something to Aidan. Sana payagan niya ako.

Huminto ako sa pagsubo ng pagkain.

“Aidan…” mahina kong tawag sa kaniya. I pinched the sides of my nails on the other hand.

“Yes?”

“May request sana ako sa’yo,” nahihiya kong sambit, ngunit diretso pa rin ang aking tono. Tinuon niya ang kaniyang sarili sa’kin.

“What is it, then?” tanong niya.

“Don’t laugh at me. This is very embarassing.”

I am feeling very uncomfortable. Hindi mapakali ang aking kamay sa pag-ayos ng aking eyeglasses kahit hindi ito magulo.

“Huh? Sabihin mo na kasi,” aniya at hindi makapaniwala sa sinabi ko.

“Uh… Yeah. Uutang sana ako,” diretso ko nang sinabi. Napakurap siya.

“Yun lang ba? Bakit naman kita pagtatawanan? How much money do you need?” he asked me simply like my request is just fine with him. Thank goodness.

“Ano… sa totoo lang malaki yung pera na kailangan ko, pero siguro mga one fourth lang hihingin ko para hindi ka naman mabankrupt sa allowance mo,” I said then smiled forcefully.

“Sabihin mo muna sa’kin kung magkano yung kailangan mo ng buo. Is it an emergency?”

“Yup. Nagkasakit kasi si Papa ng hindi inaasahan. Fifteen thousand daw yung kailangan naming pera sa pagpapagamot. Wait lang, ika-calculate ko lang kung magkano yung one-fourth nun,” sabi ko at aambang tumayo upang kuhanin ang calculator ko sa bag.

“No need,” aniya at hinawakan niya ang aking kamay sa mesa para pigilan ako. Hinila ko nalang ito at muling umupo sa mesa upang abangan ang sasabihin niya. “I can pay the whole price. Hindi mo na kailangang hatiin pa ito sa one fourth.”

“Really?” tanong ko at para bang bumukas ang kalangitan at nagtugtugan ang mga anghel ng trumpeta. He’s a life saver.

“Of course. At saka pwedeng hindi mo na ako bayaran. That amount of money isn’t a big deal. That can’t make me broke as hell. Just take it as a blessing,” ani pa niya.

“What?! No way! Hindi ako papayag sa ganiyan. I will find a way to pay you in full price. Hindi man ngayon, pero… siguro… uhh… kailangan ko pa kasing maghanap ng mapagkakakitaan,” nalilito kong pagkakasabi sa kaniya.

“Hindi mo na kailanga–”

“Shh!” putol ko sa kaniya. “Hayaan mo nalang ako, okay? Uutang ako sa’yo. Hindi ko hinihingi yung pera. Hindi ako ganoong klaseng tao,” I said in final.

Pinagdikit niya ang kaniyang labi at pumaloob ito, pagkatapos ay nagsalita siya. “Whatever you want, Sef. Pero kung sakali, papayag naman ako na huwag mo nang bayaran. It’s fine! Kung pwede nga pumayag ka na ngayon, e.”

Ang tigas talaga ng ulo ng lalaking ito.

“Babayaran kita. I promise you.”

“When will you need the money? Ibibigay ko na ba sa’yo ngayong umaga?”

“Mamayang hapon, pag-uwi natin sa bahay. Ipapadala ko pa ’yan kina Mama,” sabi ko sa kaniya. Pinaikot-ikot ko ang tinidor sa pasta na kinakain ko. “Thank you. I thought, mababaliw na ako kung saan ako makakahingi ng tulong. Buti nalang pumayag ka ng walang hinihinging iba pang request bukod sa bayaran ka,” sabi ko huminga ng maluwag.

“Well… actually, there’s another way to pay me for being such kind-hearted person,” he uttered and smirked.

Under the table, I felt his feet carried my calves, bring my feet to his crotch. I was about to remove it from him, but his hand prevented it. I can feel is bulge on my sole, and his manhood underneath his thin boxers is becoming more alive. It is continuously hardening.

“You know what I mean,” makahulugan niyang sambit.

Oh, fuck. Here we go again.

Kabanata 9

Kabanata 9

Goodbye Kiss

Natapos na ang school hours sa araw na ito. Umuwi ako sa bahay upang doon i-claim kay Aidan ang uutangin ko sa kaniya. Mabilis akong lumabas at naglakad sa kalsada. Hindi ko rin ito kinaya kaya napilitan akong sumakay sa tricycle at gumastos ng labag sa loob. Pumunta na ako sa tindahan at pinadala na ang pera. Nung natapos na ay nagsimula na akong maglakad palayo.

Tinawagan ko si Mama habang dahan-dahang binabaybay ang kalsada. Hindi pa ako nakakalayo sa pinagpadalahan ko, nais ko pang malaman kung nakaabot na ba talaga sa kanila yung tulong ko.

“Ano na, ’Ma? Natanggap mo na po ba yung pera?”

“Naku, anak. Maraming salamat. Pasensya ka na kung nasabit ka pa sa problema namin ng Papa mo. Ayaw kasing pumayag ng Tita mo na magpautang sa’kin,” aniya sa kabilang linya.

Napahilot lang ako sa sentido ko. Ano pa bang aasahan ko kay Tita Celia na kuripot at makasarili? We never had a chance to receive some help from our other relatives. Sometimes, kung sino pa yung kamag-anak mo, sila pa yung mapangmataas sa iyo.

“Don’t worry. Ano? Kamusta na po yung lagay ni Papa?” tanong ko.

“Medyo stable na siya ngayon, pero kailangan pa rin niyang ma-confine sa hospital, kasi nahihirapan pa rin siyang huminga. May mga aparato sila dito para makatulong sa kaniya.”

“Good to know.”

“Pero saan mo naman nakuha yung perang ipinadala mo, Anak?” tanong niya.

“Galing po sa scholarship ko,” pagsisinungaling ko. Dapat hindi niya malaman ang totoo dahil magagalit siya, panigurado.

“Gan’un ba? Hayaan mo, babayaran nalang kita kapag nakaluwag kami ng papa mo. Kailangan mo rin ’yan sa pag-aaral.”

Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto naming pag-uusap ay pinatay ko na ang tawag. Nilagay ko na ang aking phone sa bag at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad. Medyo maalinsangan pa rin sa hapong ito kaya tagaktak ang aking pawis. Pinupunasan ko nalang ang aking sarili gamit ang panyo.

Dala ko ang mga personal documents ko kung sakaling kailanganin pa sa qualification.

Ngayon, ang kailangan ko nalang gawin ay maghanap ng mapapasukang part-time job. Luminga-linga ako sa paligid habang naghahanap ng mga shop na may karatula na may bakanteng posisyon para sa mga mag-a-apply. This is a big city, yet nahihirapan akong humagilap.

May nakita akong bar, at tumatanggap daw sila ng waiter. May nakasulat kasi sa labas tungkol doon. Pumasok ako sa loob upang tawagin ang kanilang manager. Lumabas ang isang matipunong lalaki na nakasuot ng leather jacket at pantalon.

“Anong kailangan mo, bata?” tanong nito sa’kin. Mukhang siya na nga yung manager nila.

“Nakita ko po kasi sa karatula sa labas na nangangailangan kayo ng waiter. May bakante pa po ba? Nagbabaka-sakali lang po,” sabi ko at napakamot ako sa batok, medyo nahihiya. Ito ang unang beses na nag-inquire ako para sa ganito.

“Meron pa naman,” aniya at sinuri ang aking buong katawan. Napaiwas ako ng tingin at hinayaan siya na pagmasdan ako ng ganoon. “Kung tutuusin, hindi ka na rin masama. Gwapo mo namang binata, tanggalin mo lang yung salamin mo. Qualified ka na sa may-ari nito kapag pinakilala kita. Pero, kailangan mo pa rin magpalaki ng katawan, madalas ay matitipuno lang ang tinatanggap namin.”

“Ganu’n po ba? Bakit naman po?” tanong ko. Ewan ko kung necessary pa ba iyong tanungin. Sabi ko nga, first time ko na mag-a-apply ng part-time job. Alam ko na ako ang dapat na interview-hin, pero tinanong ko pa siya. Maling-mali.

“Hindi lang kasi pagse-serve ng drinks ang gagawin dito. Madalas, kapag natipuhan ka ng mayamang customer, iuuwi ka niya sa bahay niya para sa special service. Alam mo na,” makahulugan niyang sabi at kinindatan ako. Namilog naman ang aking mga mata. “Naku! Kapag nangyari ’yon, napakaswerte mo bata! Yayaman ka nalang bigla-bigla.”

Napalunok ako ng laway. Hindi ko gustong makasali sa ganitong klaseng trabaho. Mukhang hindi ko na maitatanong kung pwede ba akong pumasok bilang part-timer. Wala na akong balak na magpatuloy pa. Dahan-dahan akong umiling sa kaniya.

“S-Salamat nalang po,” iyon nalang ang nasabi ko bago pa ako dire-diretsong lumabas ng bar at hindi lumilingon doon sa lalaki.

Sobrang creepy niya pa kung paano ako titigan kanina, iyon pala ay ine-examine na niya kung papasa ba ako bilang parausan ng mga customer nila. Naiisip ko bigla kung may dirty old man na kumuha sa’kin. I bit my lip and shook my head to erase that thought. I don’t want to sacrifice my dignity for an easy money. Never.

Nagpatuloy lang akong pinagpapawisan habang patagal ng patagal ang aking paglalakad at paghahanap. I checked my watch to see that it is already six o clock in the afternoon. The sky is turning orange and darker as the time passes. Sinubukan ko nang tulinin ang aking paghakbang.

Maya-maya lang ay may nakita akong restaurant na Cibo di Archinto ang pangalan. Ito yung restaurant na tinutukoy ko na pinagbilan ko ng pagkain sa website nila. Hindi ko alam na naghahanap din sila ng waiter katulad nung nauna. Sigurado ako na hindi sila nag-o-offer ng katawan ng waiter, ’di tulad nung sinabi sa’kin manager na nakausap ko kanina.

Pagbukas ko palang ng glass door ay sumalubong sa akin ang malamig na hangin galing sa air conditioner. Biglang nanlamig ang aking katawan dahil kani-kanina lang ay sobra akong naiinitan. Tumingin ako sa paligid at namangha sa foreign ambiance na aking pinagmamasdan.

Walang tao sa paligid. Tanging instrumental song lang ang ingay na umaalingawngaw sa buong restaurant. Hindi ko alam kung anong tugtog ito pero nakakarelax siya sa pandinig.

Nakita ko sa counter ang isang lalaki na nakangiti sa pagpasok ko. Kasalukuyan niyang pinupunasan ang mga bote na nakadisplay sa shelf, isa-isa. Binaba niya ang hawak niyang pamunas sa paglapit ko sa kaniya.

“ Ciao! How can I help you, Sir?“ banayad niyang bati sa akin. Oh, I know that word. I think he greeted me in Italian. Now, the European vibe in this place makes sense.

I cleared my throat.

“Kuya, nasaan po ’yung manager niyo rito?” tanong ko. Nagulat ako nung nagtaas siya ng kilay sa akin sa pagtataka.

“I’m the owner of this restaurant. What is your concern about me?” tanong naman niya. His voice is so deep and smooth. He even looks like those hot leading man I always watch in erotic movies.

Tinignan ko siya mula ulo hanggang paa. Even though he’s muscular and sharp-looking, mahahalata mo pa rin na college pa ang lalaking ito. Kasing tangkad niya si Aidan at kakaiba ang features ng kaniyang mukha. Kulay berde ang kaniyang mata na may makapal na kilay, at ilong na sobrang tangos na tulad kay Aidan. Teka, bakit ko ba kinukumpara si Aidan sa kaniya? Well, the man in front of me is very gorgeous and foreign-looking, which is really similar to Aidan.

Sa pagkakaalam ko ay may ibang lahi din si Aidan pero hindi ko na matandaan, because I don’t really care though. Siguro, kaya ko sila kinukumpara, dahil pareho silang may ibang dugo na kakaiba sa paningin.

I stared at him with disbelief. I adjusted my eyeglasses to examine him.

“Talaga po, Kuya?” I asked him to assure myself. He doesn’t seem convincing. Mukha siyang bata para maging may-ari ng place na ’to.

He chuckled, to my surprise for the second time. “Ako nga. I’m not joking.”

Tumango lang ako ng dahan-dahan at napakamot sa aking noo. Tapos huminga ako ng malalim at inayos ang aking sarili sa maiksing sandali.

“Nakita ko po kasi yung sign sa labas. Tumatanggap pa rin po ba kayo ng magiging waiter dito?” I asked hopefully. Ngumiti pa ako ng maluwag, baka kasi makitaan niya ako ng positive energy.

“Yup. We’re still hiring. Mag-a-apply ka ba?” tanong niya. Mabilis naman akong tumango.

“Yes po, Sir. Paano po ba ako makakapasok?” masigla ngunit magalang kong tanong. This is it. I need to train myself how to be pleasing and respectful in front of my future boss and upcoming customers to serve.

He examined me from head to toe. Nagnindig tuloy ang aking balahibo dahil ganito rin ang ginawa sa’kin ng mambubugaw na manager kanina. I gulped nervously.

Relax, Sef. Imposibleng mambugaw rin siya ng waiter sa mga customers dahil iba ang restaurant niya sa bar. He also offers some drinks pero walang party-like activities. This is some kind of a vintage and classical European place, and for sure, this is more decent enough.

“Okay. Kakaalis lang kasi nung isa kong waiter kahapon. Working here is very easy, since a few people only go here. Mostly, middle to high class people ang nagpupunta rito. Are you going to have a full week or part week schedule?” tuloy-tuloy niyang pagsasalita.

“Part week lang po, Sir. Estudyante palang po ako. First year college,” sabi ko.

“Okay, fine. You are now approved,” he simply announced. Sobra tuloy akong naguluhan. What?! Ganito lang kabilis ’yon? Wala nang follow up questions or documents na kailangang ipasa?

Hindi nalang ako nagsalita tungkol sa iniisip ko, baka maisipan din niyang gawin iyon. Pasalamat nalang ako na nakahanap ako ng trabaho ng hindi nahirapan sa application.

“Totoo po ba ’yan, Sir?! Kailan na po ako pwedeng makapasok?” masigla kong tanong sa kaniya.

“Kaya mo na ba bukas? Tutal, weekends naman. Do you have any classes at saturdays and sundays?”

“Wala po, Sir. I’m free,” sagot ko.

“A’right. That’s good then. Isasabay ko na yung schedule ko sa’yo since ako rin ay may pasok sa weekdays pero wala sa weekends. Bukod kasi sa’kin, nagbabatay din dito yung nakatatanda kong kapatid tuwing may pasok ako. That means, our time of arrival here should be the same, and that would be eight in the morning. I don’t tolerate any forms of tardiness,” aniya na may banta sa dulo. Kinilabutan ako dahil malalim ang kaniyang boses kaya nabibigyan niya ng diin ang bawat salita.

“Alright din po, Sir. No problem. Wala na po ba kayo iba pang kailangan mula sa’kin?” tanong ko sa kaniya. Alas sais y media na at padilim na ang langit. Kailangan ko na talagang umuwi.

“Yung contact number mo, pakilista mo nalang dito,” aniya at nag-abot sa’kin ng ballpen at isang pad ng sticky notes. Sinulat ko doon ang number ko. Nung inabot ko na sa kaniya ay pinilas niya ang pahina, tiniklop at nilagay sa bulsa.

“Thank you po ng marami, Sir,” pasasalamat ko sa kaniya. Plano ko na kasing umalis ngunit nagsalita pa siya.

“You don’t need to call me ‘Sir’. We were both studying in college at hindi mo alam kung gaano nakakatandang pakinggan ’yun. You can call me in my first name, London.”

Oo nga pala. Hindi pa pala namin alam ang pangalan ng isa’t isa. Nakita ko na nag-offer siya ng kamay sa akin. Whoah, ang pormal naman.

Tinaggap ko naman ito.

“Yoseff,” pakilala ko sa aking sarili. “Pero pwede niyo naman po akong tawaging ‘Sef’.”

“Nice to meet you, Sef,” aniya.

“Ganu’n din po ako, Sir London,” medyo nahihiya kong sabi. God, paano naman kasi, ang lambot ng kamay niya. Para bang humawak ako sa isang anghel. Ilang sandali pa ay bumitaw na kami.

His name is quite unique. I never met anyone with the same name as him. I guess that he is Italian, pero yung pangalan niya ay London na capital ng United Kingdom. What a joke.

“Kakasabi ko lang, drop the ‘Sir’, ’di ba? And also, huwag ka nang mag-‘po’. I’m too young for that,” aniya. Tumango lang ako ng marahan, dahil ayaw ko nang magsalita. I’m not going to call him by that. He’s still my superior. “You may go now. See you tomorrow, at eight o clock in the morning.”

Nagpaalam na rin ako sa kaniya at lumabas na ng shop. Nakita ko na madilim na ang paligid at nag-abang ako ng taxi pauwi sa bahay.

Kinabukasan ay gumising ako ng maaga pero naunahan pa rin ako ni Aidan gumising. May kakaiba akong naamoy sa kusina. Mabilis akong nagtungo sa kaniya upang malaman ang niluluto niya.

Pagtingin ko sa kawali ay nakita ko na nagluluto siya ng fried rice na may hinalong scrambled egg. Leche. Akala ko kung ano na. Itlog talaga ang pinakapaborito niyang lutuin.

“Wow, Uncle Roger is that you?” biro ko sa kaniya. I pertained to a youtube vlogger who loves reacting to people making egg fried rice. Nangunot ang kaniyang noo, hindi maintindihan ang aking sinabi.

I just laughed at my own joke and his expression, but he still remained confused. Walang kaalam-alam.

Nagsimula na rin kaming kumain. Magana ako sa bawat subo. Naghahalo kasi ang nerbyos at excitement sa unang araw ko sa trabaho. I need to tell Aidan about this.

“Aalis nga pala ako ngayon, Aidan,” I told him. Tumuon ang kaniyang paningin sa akin. “Nakahanap kasi ako ng trabaho, part time. Ngayon na yung unang araw ko.”

Napatigil siya sa pagkain at nilapag ang kutsara’t tinidor sa kaniyang pinggan. Mariin niya akong tinitigan.

“Seriously? Dahil ba humingi ka sa’kin ng financial help, kahapon?” he asked me. Tumango naman ako sa kaniya at magpapaliwanag ngunit inunahan niya ako. “I already told you that you don’t have to pay me back. Take it as a help, not a debt.”

“No! I’ll take as a help and debt. Utang pa rin ’yon, Aidan. I don’t want your money, after all. Nagkataon lang na nagkaroon ako ng emergency,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

“You don’t have to work for this, Sef. Like I said, that’s no big deal for me. Its just a small amount of money. Please, kahit huwag mo na akong bayaran. Hindi ko na tatanggapin ang ibibigay mo,” dire-diretso niyang sabi.

Umiling lang ako sa kaniya at sumubo sa pagkain. Ngumuya muna ako bago nagsalita.

“Kung hindi mo tatanggapin, pipilitin ko pa ring ibigay. Kung maliit yung na bagay ’yon para sa’yo, sa’kin ay hindi. Isa pa, hindi lang ako magtatrabaho dahil may utang ko sa’yo. I need to earn for my own school allowance. And I guess, this would be a great experience aside from being just an opportinity,” paliwanag ko sa kaniya.

“I can pay your allowance,” simpleng suhestyon niya.

“Nope! What the hell? That’s not gonna happen,” sabi ko at kinain ang huling subo sa aking pagkain. Agad akong tumayo upang ilagay ang aking pinagkainan sa lababo.

Sinundan naman ako ni Aidan isinama at ipinatong ang kaniya sa mga hulugasan. Kasalukuyan siyang nasa likod ko. Sisimulan ko na sanang maghugas ng plato ngunit naramdaman ko ang kaniyang kamay na gumagapang sa aking tagiliran.

Why are his hands so pervert all the time. Mabilis ko itong iwaksi paalis sa akin.

“S-Stop. This is not the right moment. May pupuntahan pa ako ngayon.”

“When is the right time, then?” bulong niya sa aking tainga. I can sense the amusement in his voice.

“I don’t know. Pero sigurado ako na hindi iyon mangyayari ngayon araw. Kailangan kong pumunta doon sa tamang oras,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

He frustratingly growled.

“Damn. I thought we could have a lot of time, today. Please, huwag ka nang umalis,” he pleased me. I felt his head leaned in my shoulders, and his arms around my waist. I can feel his bare chest beyond the thin fabric of my shirt. His embrace feels so warm.

I facepalmed, kahit basang-basa ang aking kamay sa paghuhugas ng plato. Okay na sana yung pagmamakaawa niya, kaso umiiral nanaman ang pagiging sugapa niya.

Hinayaan ko lang siya habang naghuhugas ako ng plato. Patuloy lang siya sa pagkumbinsi sa akin na manatili nalang sa bahay, ngunit nung natapos na ako sa aking gawain ay agad ko siyang kinalas.

“Kapag nagpatuloy ka pa sa pagpupumilit sa’kin, I will cut your penis tulad ng mga napapanood natin sa TV, sige ka!” banta ko naman kaya napatigil siya sa pag-ambang lumapit sa akin. “Siguro naman kapag ginawa ko ’yon, hindi na ako mapapagod sa’yo araw-araw kakabawal.”

He shook his head with little surprised expression. This mutt is so cute but nuts.

“I’m glad, naintindihan mo,” sabi ko nalang at tumungo na sa kwarto para kumuha ng maisusuot bago pumunta sa bathroom para maligo. Mabuti nang doon na rin ako magbihis sapagkat baka kung ano pang gawin ni Aidan kapag nakita niya akong lumabas ng nakatapis. Kumuha lang ako ng simpleng shirt at jeans, dahil sa restaurant ako makakapagsuot ng uniform ko.

Nung nakapag-ayos na ako sa aking sarili at handa nang pumasok, si Aidan na ang nagpresentang maghatid sa akin doon, thankfully. Makakatipid nanaman tuloy ako sa pamasahe nito.

Nagbihis siya ng simpleng sando at shorts, yet parang revealing sa kaniyang tignan dahil sa matipuno niyang katawan na bumabakat sa kaniyang damit.

I gulped at napaiwas ako ng tingin. Komportable ba talaga siya sa ganiyang suot? Hindi ba parang masikip sa kaniya? Sa tingin ko, kailangan pa niya ng another layer ng damit.

Binuhay niya ang makina ng kaniyang motorsiklo at nagsuot na siya ng helmet. It doesn’t look fit to his simple outfit.

“Sakay na,” aniya at binigay sa’kin ang isa pang helmet. Umangkas na ako sa kaniya. I heard him sighed, tapos tumalikod siya upang abutin ang aking kamay. He wrapped my arms around him. “Halos araw-araw ko nang pinapaalala sa’yo na kumapit ka sa’kin dito.”

Hindi na ako nagsalita, sa halip at napalunok ako ng sariling laway. I can literally feel his tight abs and v-line beneath his thin sando. I felt electrified when I touched it, lalo nung diniin ko ang hawak sa kaniya, upang makakapit ng mabuti.

Nagsimula na siyang nagpaandar ng motor at tinuro ko sa kaniya ang daan patungo sa restaurant na pagtatrabahuan ko. Ilang minuto ang nakalipas bago kami makapunta doon. Tumabi na kami sa kalsada at pumarada sa harap no’n.

Mabilis akong bumaba sa kaniyang sasakyan at inayos ang aking salamin na malapit nang mahulog.

“Sige, thank you,” sabi ko sa kaniya at ngumiti ng bahagya, ngunit nakita ko na napatingin siya sa restaurant na may kaunting tao na ang dumalo.

Napatingin siya sa taas. I noticed that he silently read the name. I snapped my fingers in front of his face, at napatingin siya sa’kin.

“Huy! Bakit? Anong meron?” natatawa kong tanong sa kaniya. His face just remained placid.

“Wala lang. This place seems very familiar,” aniya. Nagtaka naman ako sa sinabi niya. Tapos, biglang nagliwanag ang kaniyang mukha. “Goodbye kiss?”

I felt a slight heat in my cheeks. Kinurot ko tuloy siya ng mahina sa tagiliran kaya napa-aray at napatawa siya.

“That is not a good joke. Paano kung may makarinig sa’yo, gunggong?”

“Ano naman? Doesn’t matter what other people would say,” he simply said then I immediately shook my head in disbelief. He just chuckled a bit. “I will go now. Goodbye. Take care,” aniya pa at pinaandar ang kaniyang motor paalis.

I took a deep breath and cleared my throat. This is it. There’s no turning back.

Kabanata 10

Kabanata 10

Please Text Me

Coldness surrounded my whole body when I walked inside the Cibo di Archinto. I felt the same air like yesterday. Bigla akong nangisay ng bahagya sa lamig, kaya hinagod ko ang aking braso para makagawa ng friction heat.

Nakita ko na nanggaling si Sir London sa kusina at tumungo sa counter. He’s wearing a dark blue long sleeve polo and slacks.

I met his glance as he smiled. Ako lang ba ang nakakakita nito o talaga ngang sarkastiko ang kaniyang pagngiti sa akin. Lumapit ako sa kaniya at babati sana ng ‘good morning’ kaso inunahan niya ako.

“You’re ten minutes late,” aniya sa baritono’t mariin na boses. Nawala bigla ang ngiti sa kaniyang labi at naging seryoso ang kaniyang ekspresyon.

Mabilis akong napatingin sa wallclock at nanindig ang aking balahibo nung nakumpirma kong tama siya.

“Just go to employees room immediately, nandoon yung uniform mo. Remember, number 004 yung code ng locker mo. Heto yung pambukas,” patuloy niya pa at inabot sa’kin ang susi at tinaggap ko ito.

“O-okay po, noted,” tugon ko sa kaniya.

“At saka nga pala, maaabutan mo doon yung isa pang bagong waiter, katulad mo. Alam mo bang pareho lang kayong late sa una niyong pasok? But I will excuse your mistakes for now.”

Nanlumo ako sa sinabi ni Sir London habang masama ang kaniyang tingin, dahil hindi siya nasisiyahang dumating kami ng wala sa tamang oras.

I didn’t expect that my first day would be this terrible. Great!

Kailangan kong bumawi. Sa aking isipan, hindi ko maiwasang isisi ang kasalanang ito kay Aidan. He keeps on distracting me earlier while doing my morning routines. I’m only thankful for him that he’s the one who cooks for our breakfast, again, just like everyday.

Sa kabilang banda, nasisiyahan ako na may bago akong makikilala at makakasama sa trabaho. Isa pa, at least, hindi lang ako ang nag-iisang baguhan dito at mangangapa sa mga gawain. Mayroon akong magiging karamay. Thank goodness.

Luminga-linga ako sa paligid at nagbaka-sakaling mahagilap ng aking mata kung saang banda ang employees room, ngunit wala akong nakita.

“Sorry, Sir, pero saan po makikita yung employees room?” nahihiya kong tanong kay Sir London.

“Dumiretso ka lang diyan, tapos liko ka sa kanan. When you got there, the farthest room you could see is the employees room. It has a name plate so I guess you would recognize it quickly,” sagot niya.

“Thank you po, Sir,” pagpapasalamat ko at mabilis nang nagtungo sa sinasabi niyang silid. Mabuti at buo ang kaniyang mga naging sagot at hindi ko na kailangang magfollow-up questions.

Pagpasok ko doon, nakita ko ang mga nakahilerang lockers. May isang lalaki ang kasalukuyang nagbibihis na naabutan ko doon. Agad siyang napatakip sa kaniyang hubad na dibdib habang gulantang ang kaniyang mukha.

“Sino ka?! Bakit hindi ka kumatok bago pumasok?” tanong niya sa’kin. Napaiwas ako ng tingin sa kaniya at sinarado agad yung pinto para wala nang ibang makakita sa kaniya sa ganitong sitwasyon.

“Bagong waiter ako dito,” sabi ko sa kaniya nang hindi tumitingin, pero nararamdaman ko sa peripheral vision na nagpapatuloy siya sa pagbibihis. “Pasensya na, ’di ko sinasadya na maabutan kitang nagbibihis.”

“Ah… okay lang, pwede ka nang humarap,” aniya kaya lumingon na ako sa kaniya. Nakabihis na siya ng buong uniporme “Sa susunod, kumatok ka para hindi na ako mabigla sa’yo. Jusko… By the way, ikaw din ba yung baguhang waiter dito?”

“Yup, kakasabi ko lang,” sabi ko.

“Sorry, hindi ko kasi narinig,” aniya at tumawa ng mahina. “Bren nga pala, isa ring baguhan,” pakilala niya at ngumiti sa akin.

Mukhang masigla ang kaniyang aura. Tumango lang ako at nagpakilala rin pabalik.

“I’m Yoseff. Nice meeting you,” sabi ko.

“Hindi ka ba kinakabahan?” tanong niya sa’kin.

“Uhm… Medyo. Alam mo na, wala pa akong experience dito. Hindi ko pa masyadong alam yung mga gagawin. Ikaw ba?” tanong ko pabalik.

“Naku! Parehas lang pala tayo. Hindi naman kasi dinemonstrate sa’kin yung mga gagawin bilang waiter nung nag-apply ako, basta inaprubahan lang ako at binigyan ng sched,” sagot niya.

Oh god, what are we going to do now?

Sa gitna ng aming pag-uusap ay may biglang kumatok sa pinto. Pinagbuksan ko ito at tumambad ang isang naka-uniform na lalaki na parang isang chef. Mayroon siyang hairnet sa ulo at suot na apron.

“Hi! Tapos na kayong magbihis?” tanong niya at nung tinignan niya ang suot ko ay nangunot ang kaiyang noo. Alam na niya ang sagot. “Bibigyan kita ng five minutes para magpalit ng uniform. Your duty should start now, but you didn’t seem ready at all.”

Mabilis ko tuloy na hinanap ang aking locker at binuksan ito gamit ang susi na binigay sa’kin ni Sir London, kanina.

Naghubad ako habang nandito silang dalawa sa loob. I shouldn’t mind about them because I only have five minutes to change. Iniwan ko ang boxers na nakasuot sa akin. I put out my neatly folded uniform from the lovker, at pinalit ang pinaghubaran ko sa loob. Hindi nagtagal ay nasuot ko na ito lahat.

“Done,” I said, finally. I heaved a deep breath.

“Tara na sa kitchen. I will teach you how both of you should work in this restaurant as waiters,” aniya at tumalikod na sa amin. Sinundan namin siya ni Bren palabas, at pumasok kami sa isang silid.

Malawak ang kanilang kitchen at punong-puno ng iba’t ibang utensils na hindi pamilyar sa akin. Wala naman kasi akong alam sa pagluluto. Pinalibot ko pa ang aking paningin habang makikita ang iba’t ibang tao na may sari-sariling gawain.

Humarap sa amin yung lalaking pinuntahan kami sa locker kanina.

“I’m Taron, assistant chef, and you can call me by my first name,” he simply introduced. Pagkatapos ay tinuro niya ang dalawang taong kasalukuyang nagtutulungan sa pagluluto. “That guy with a chef hat is Sir Von, the main chef, and the girl with a hairnet and helping beside him is Drista, another assistant chef katulad ko.”

They seem very busy kaya siguro hindi na kami pinalapit pa ni Taron. Then he pulled our forearm and dragged us to another guy. He was surrounded by stacks of paper cups, coffee machine and different liquid dispensers.

“This is Lemuel, our barista,” pakilala ni Taron sa lalaki. “Kapag umaga, marami ang nagrerequest sa’min ng kape bilang kasalo sa breakfast nila, kaya hi-nire namin si Lemuel few months ago. It makes sense since Italy, where Sir. London came from, is known for variety of coffee blends like espresso, macchiato and whatsoever.”

Tumingin sa amin si Lemuel na kasalukuyang naglalagay ng coffee liquid ingredients sa cup na hawak niya. He smiled at us and nod a little, then focused back from what he’s doing.

“Padaan po,” sabi ng isang lalaki na nasa likod namin. Naharangan namin ang kaniyang daan habang bitbit niya ang isang sakong harina. Malaki ang kaniyang pangangatawan at parang magaan lang sa kaniya ang hawak niya. Agad kaming tatlong gumilid para padaanin siya. “Salamat,” ani pa niya.

Pinanood namin siyang tumungo sa isang silid, malapit sa amin. Muling humarap sa amin si Taron.

“That one is Viktor, siya ang naglalagay ng ingeredients sa storage room, but actually, his main duty is to be a delivery guy. Since siya lang kasi ang may pinakamalaking katawan sa’min, siya na rin ang nagbubuhat ng mga mabibigat na bagay gaya nung mga sako-sakong ingredients.”

Oh, kaya pala parang pamilyar ang kaniyang mukha. Siya yung nagdeliver sa’kin ng pasta nung umorder ako dito dati.

Tumango naman kaming dalawa at tinandaan ng mabuti ang kanilang mga pangalan. Sila lang ang mga taong nakita namin sa loob ng kitchen.

“Come this way. I will now teach you how we work in the kitchen,” ani Taron at sinundan namin siya pabalik kina Chef Von at Drista. He pointed a large TV screen above them showing some lists of different dish names. “Iyon yung monitor kung saan nakalista lahat ng order na itatype niyo. Diyan din nagpa-pop up yung mga orders galing sa website namin, in which nakalagay din yung mga address nila. Once the food has been received by the customer, it is also your duty to remove the order from the list. Kayo kasi ang maghahatid ng pagkain sa kanila. You can only do all of it in that computer,” aniya at tinuro ang isang desktop sa gilid kung saan medyo malayo sa mga kitchen equipments.

This idea is amazing. Very technological. It seems less hassle than traditional way of taking orders to the kitchen. Nakapaskil na sa kanilang harapan ang listahan.

I checked the desktop to figure out how it works. I right clicked an order then an option box had appeared. There three choices: add an order, delete the order, and cancel the option. I finally get it.

“The only job that Sir London do is to monitor the restaurant, offer alcoholic beverages and announce something to the kitchen, which you will hear in the speakers inside this room. He has a microphone in the counter. Sasabihin niya kung may oorder ba o magbabayad na customer sa inyo. Madali lang naman yun lahat, since we only own ten tables. I’m sure you can handle it without any complaints,” sabi pa ni Taron sa amin.

“Sa totoo lang, hindi pa rin sa amin malinaw kung ano ang gagawin. How can we take orders?” tanong naman ni Bren na napahilot sa kaniyang batok. He’s right. It is still unclear for us.

“Well…” aniya at may kinuha siyang dalawang menu list, handheld notepad at ballpen. “Ayan yung mga kakailanganin niyo. Una, kapag nag-announce na si Sir London ng oorder, pupuntahan niyo. Pangalawa, bibigyan niyo sila ng list ng menu. Pangatlo, tatanggapin niyo ang order nila at babalik kayo dito para i-type sa computer. Pang-apat, ihahatid niyo sa kanila yung pagkain. Sa huli, pagkatapos nilang kumain ay i-a-announce din ni Sir dahil magtataas lang naman sila ng kamay, e. Babalikan niyo sila para tanggapin yung bayad nila, at pag-alis nila, tsaka niyo iligpit at ilinis yung lamesa nila.”

Tumango naman kaming dalawa sa dire-diretso niyang paliwanag. Medyo na-confuse ako sa bilis niyang pagsalita ngunit nakuha ko rin naman kahit papaano.

Pagkatapos ay may tinuro siyang blueprint na nakapaskil sa pader.

“Dito niyo titignan kung saan yung table one to ten. Kailangan niyo rin yang tandaan, maliwanag ba?”

“Yes,” sabay naming sambit ni Bren.

“Good. Now, lapitan niyo sina Chef Von at Drista, baka tapos na sila sa niluluto nila,” aniya at ginawa naman namin ito. Pagkalapit namin sa kanila ay biglang sumilay ang ngiti kay Drista.

“Kayo yung mga bagong waiter, ’di ba?” tanong niya.

“Yes po, kami nga po–” putol na saad ni Bren dahil agad na nagsalita si Drista.

“Huwag mo na kaming i-po, please lang,” aniya at bahagyang tumawa. “Lahat tayo dito ay college pa lang, except Chef Von. Only him and Sir London should be called with honorifics and speak with respectable words. Just call me, Drista.”

“Sige, Drista. Thank you for telling us,” sabi ko nalang at ngumiti siya. Pagkatapos ay lumapit siya sa isang lamesa at kinuha ang isang tray na naglalaman ng tatlong plato na may iba’t ibang dishes.

“Sinong gustong maghatid nito? It is for Table 3,” tanong niya sa’ming dalawa.

“Ako na diyan,” mabilis na sabi ni Bren kaya inabot sa kaniya ni Drista yung tray at tinanggap niya ito.

“Goodluck,” sambit ni Drista sa kaniya bago niya tuluyan na maipasa kay Bren ang tray.

Tumungo si Bren palapit sa blueprint upang hanapin ang table na tinukoy ni Drista at isaulo kung saan ba ito nakapuwesto. Pagkatapos ay umalis na si Bren palabas ng kitchen para ibigay yung order.

“Buti nalang at nandiyan na kayong dalawa. Alam mo bang kaming mga assistant chef ang naghahatid ng pagkain para sa customer dahil umalis si Jeffrey, na dati namin waiter, bago nakahanap ng kapalit niya. Sobrang nakaka-stress ’yon, grabe!” aniya at napahilot sa kaniya sentido bago niya ako iniwan sa aking kinatatayuan upang tulungan muli si Chef Von sa pagluluto.

Nanatili lang akong nakatayo doon habang pinapanood silang magluto. Buti nalang at nakapag-breakfast ako, kasi kung hindi ay baka kumalam na ang sikmura ko dahil sa bango ng pagkaing ginagawa nila.

Ano kayang feeling kapag magaling kang magluto? For sure, palaging masarap yung ulam ng mga katulad nilang mga magagaling sa kusina. I’m so envious. But I think I could practice myself from watching them, para naman hindi na puro itlog at bacon ang ulam namin ni Aidan. I need to break the streak of his two-months specialty dish.

Ilang sandali ay biglang tumunog ang speaker sa loob ng kitchen, sapat para marinig namin ito ngunit hindi aabot sa labas.

“Please, take the order of Table 5,” boses ito ni Sir London. Mabilis na gumising ang diwa ko sa sapagkat heto na at kailangan ko nang kumilos.

“Hey, don’t forget to say ‘Ciao!’ before giving them the menu and ask for orders, huh? You can do it!” cheer ni Drista sa akin. I just shrugged to tell her that there’s nothing to be afraid of what I am going to do, but my insides feels like s bit jelly for being nervous. “By the way, ano nga palang pangalan niyong dalawa?”

“I’m Yoseff, but you can call me Sef. Tapos yung waiter kanina na kasama ko, Bren ang pangalan niya,” sagot ko sa kaniya.

“Well… it’s nice to know! Ngayon, pwede ka nang magsimula,” tapos masigla niyang minuwestra yung pinto palabas ng kusina. Tumingin muna ako sa blueprint upang malaman kung nasaan ang Table 5 at lumabas ng may dalang menu list, handheld notepad at ballpen na binigay ni Taron kanina, na kasalukuyang naghihiwa na ng bawang at sibuyas.

Agad akong nagtungo sa table na iyon at naabutan ang tatlong magkakabarkdang lalaki na nakabusiness attire. Mukha silang mga employees ng malapit na company building dito. Their schedule must be later than mine. Lahat sila ay napatingin sa akin.

Ngumiti naman ako sa kanila ng magalang.

“Ciao! Please, choose your order, Sirs,” I told them then gave them the menu. Binigay ko ito sa isa sa kanila.

“I’m gonna go with biscotti with espresso,” aniya at nilista ko naman. Pinasa naman niya ang menu sa sumunod niyang kaibigan.

“Tiramisu crepes yung sa’kin,” aniya at nilista ko naman ng mabilis. Napatingin ako sa pangatlo nilang kasama na nakatingin din sa akin. His mouth is slightly opened. Napatigil lang siya nung bigla siyang siniko ng kaniyang kaibigan. “Huy! Ano na yung sa’yo. Tulala ka pa diyan. Bakit, anong meron?”

“W-wala,” sabi niya at tinanggap na ang menu. Medyo natagalan ang kaniyang pagpili pero sa huli ay parang wala siyang natipuhan kahit isa. “Yung order nalang nito, ganoon din yung sa’kin,” aniya at tinuro ang kaibigan niyang umorder ng biscotti with espresso coffee.

Tumango ako sa kaniya at nilista ang huling order sa notepad. Nilahad ko ang aking kamay sa lalaki at inabot naman niya ang menu sa akin.

“Thanks for ordering, Sirs. Just wait for the food to be arrived. Have a nice day,” sabi ko at umalis, pero bago pa ako makalayo ay narinig ko ang panunudyo ng kaniyang kaibigan sa lalaking natulala sa akin kanina. I don’t know what’s up with them, but I shouldn’t mind since they’re just customers that only needs service.

Thank goodness, that was smooth even though it is not rehearsed. I finally went to the kitchen to do my task there.

Ilang beses na akong nagpabalik-balik sa kusina at sa labas upang tumanggap ng order at payments galing sa mga customers. Minsan, nagkakasalubong pa kami ni Bren. Kapag napapalingon naman ako kay Sir London, madalas kong namamataan ang tingin niya sa’kin na para bang pinapanood ang aking paggawa. Maybe, he’s just checking if we’re doing the job well.

Kakatapos ko lang na kumuha ng order mula sa ibang table nung sumenyas yung isa sa tatlong lalaking nakaupo sa Table 5, yung natulala raw kanina. Mukhang tapos na sila sa kanilang kinakain kaya nilapitan ko sila.

“Magbabayad na kami,” aniya at naglabas ng wallet galing sa bulsa. Pinunit ko naman ang note na inorder nila kanina na may kalkuladong presyo ng kanilang binili.

“Here’s your bill, Sir,” sabi ko at inabot sa kanila ang kapirasong papel. Tinanggap naman niya ito at binasa ang nakasulat. Nilabas niya ang sapat na amount ng cash at inabot sa akin.

“This is our payment,” aniya. Pagkatapos ay dumukot ulit ng isang libo mula sa kaniyang wallet. It was folded. “And… uhm… t-tip nga pala,” he uttered silently then reached the bill to me. I became confused for a second, then I shrugged to say ‘no’ for his offer.

“Sorry, Sir, but I won’t accept it,” sabi ko. Kahit na hindi ko nakikita si Sir London sa paningin ko, nararamdaman ko ang titig niya sa’kin.

I don’t know if he allows us to accept this kind of payments. Yet, a part of my head says that it is a great opportunity, para mabayaran ko si Aidan sa lalong madaling panahon.

“Please, just accept this. Because if you don’t, I’ll be embarassed,” aniya at hindi pa rin binababa ang kamay na may hawak na bill. Napansin ko na nakangiti ang mga kaibigan niya. Wala akong ibang ginawa kun’di tumango nalang at tanggapin ang bigay niya.

“Thank you so much, Sir. Such a great pleasure to receive your wonderful appreciation. Have a nice day,” sabi ko habang pinipilit na huwag mautal. I even bowed at them for being so thankful. Why am so lucky, huh?

“No problem. We have to go now,” aniya at tumayo na sila. They silently head out without a word, yet I can see the other two teasing that guy about something. My brow shot up for a moment, then I put the cash in my pocket before I continued my duty.

It was a weird encounter yet a blessing in other way. I forced myself to forget that moment because it bothers me, but it wouldn’t get out of my head. Is it okay to Sir London? He clearly witnessed me accept the offer of that guy. Baka magkaroon nanaman ako ng violation nito.

Our lunch break came at two o clock in the afternoon, since there are lots of customers at noon because it is their lunch too. Chef Von cooked us pasta carbonara and margherita pizza. My mouth waters because of the food when he showed it to us. It feels so damn fancy!

We closed the restaurant for a while, since walang nagpupunta dito within two to five o clock in the afternoon. People usually go here for breakfast, lunch and dinner. That’s what Sir London told us.

Masaya naming pinagsaluhan yung pagkain sa kusina. I almost cried in pleasure when I took a bite to the pizza. The flavor is so satisfying, I even moaned in savory.

“Hala, anong nangyayari sa’yo, Sef? Kulang nalang, tumirik yung mata mo diyan,” sabi ni Drista sa akin.

“Shit. Ang sarap naman kasi!” I exclaimed then took a big bite. I sloppily chew the food like a hungry bear feasting, then all of them laughed at me.

Nasurpresa ako nung napansin na tumawa din si Sir London sa akin. He seemed serious all the time, yet I can tell that he also wants get along with us. I’m glad to know that he had this side of him.

“That’s a good feedback, I guess,” sabi ni Chef Von at napailing habang nakangiti.

“Kaya nga, Chef. Sana ganiyan din kumain yung mga customers natin. Nakaka-motivate magluto,” Drista said and chuckled a little.

I also ate the pasta and its so creamy in my mouth. Iba pa ito sa inorder ko dati dito. They have a variety of pastas here. I can’t pronounce some of the names, pero mabuti nalang at naililista ko ang mga orders ng maayos.

Nung natapos na kami ay muli naming binuksan ang restaurant hanggang gabi. Nung sumapit ang alas sais y media ay dumagsa ang tao sa loob ng restaurant. Dahil na puno na ang lahat ng tables, karamihan sa kanila ay nagtake-out nalang ng pagkain. Medyo napagod ako sa naging ganap sa mga oras na ’yon.

It’s eight forty five in the evening, nung plinano na naming magsara since wala nang customer sa paligid. Nauna nang umalis ang lahat at ang naiwan nalang ay kami nina Chef Von, Viktor at Sir London. Maagang umuwi si Bren para gawin ang kaniyang assignment. Nalaman ko pa na hindi kami parehas ng university na pinapasukan.

Hinubad ko na ang uniform at sinuot ang damit ko kanina. Nilipat ko sa bulsa ng aking suot na jeans ang tip na binigay ng lalaki, na nakalagay sa slacks na uniform ko kanina. Lumabas ako ng employees room at nadatnan si Chef Von na palabas na ng restaurant. Kumaway pa siya sa’kin bago umalis.

Inayos ko ang aking damit at aamba sanang umalis ngunit biglang lumabas si Kuya Viktor sa kusina at nagsalita.

“Nakita niyo ba si Chef Von?” tanong niya.

“Ay, kuya, kakaalis lang. Bakit?” tanong ko sa kaniya pabalik. Nagulat naman ang kaniyang mukha dahil sa sinabi ko.

“Paano ’yan? May tumawag kanina delivery hotline at umorder ngayong gabi. Sinong magluluto no’n?”

Napakamot siya sa kaniyang batok.

“Ako nang bahala.”

Napalingon kami kay Sir London na nagsalita. He’s now wearing a plain white t-shirt while still on his slacks. Nakapamaywang siya, making his tight muscles outline the fabric. Napakurap ako ng na-realize kong nakatingin ako sa kaniyang katawan ng matagal at iniwas ang aking tingin sa kaniya.

“Ano yung order, Kuya Viktor?” tanong sa kaniya ni Sir London.

“Apat na box po ng margherita pizza. Ito po yung address,” sabi ni Kuya Viktor at binigay ang isang pilas ng note kay Sir.

“Can you guys stay here for a while? I need some companion to clean the mess after I cook this order. If you don’t mind,” sabi ni Sir London.

“Sige lang po, Sir. Walang problema,” sabi ko, pero sa loob-loob ko ay nais ko na talagang umuwi. For sure, naghihintay si Aidan, at malamang ay nakaluto na ’yon ng dinner namin na hindi nagbabago ang putahe. I will apologize to him once I arrived home.

The timing is so awful.

Nagsimula na si Sir London na pumunta sa kusina at naiwan kami ni Kuya Viktor sa labas. Makikita sa mukha ni Kuya Viktor na hindi siya natutuwa nangyayari.

“Pumasok kaya tayo sa loob para panoorin natin si Sir magluto?” aya ko kay Kuya Viktor ngunit umiling siya.

“Sige na, ikaw nalang ang pumasok. May tatawagan lang ako dito sa labas,” aniya at nilabas ang kaniyang cellphone at nag-dial ng number. Umalis na ako sa kaniyang harapan para bigyan siya ng privacy. Mabilis akong nagtungo sa kusina, medyo excited.

Pagbukas ko ng pinto ay naabutan kong nagmamasa ng dough si Sir London. Lumapit ako sa kaniya at pinanood kung paano niya ito ginagawa.

His arms were flexing tightly, kasabay ng kaniyang muscles sa likod. He seems very serious from what he’s doing, because his face is extremely focused to the dough. I watched him graceful but manly movements and I’m very amused by it. Pakiramdam ko ay nagniningning ang aking mata, ngunit agad siyang napalingon sa akin at mabilis na nagbalik ang aking ulirat.

“I didn’t noticed you here,” aniya at finaflatten na niya ang dough. His hands and arms were moving smoothly.

“Hindi po ba kayo komportable na may nanunood sa inyo, Sir? Lalabas nalang po ako–”

“No. You can watch me. It doesn’t bother me at all,” aniya at nasa stage na siya kung saan nilalagay na ang ibang ingredients sa ibabaw ng pizza. Pagkatapos niyang gawin iyon ay kinuha niya ang tray kung saan nakalagay ang mga hindi pa lutong pizza at nilagay sa oven.

Humarap siya sa’kin at makikita ang ilan sa flour powder and kumakat sa kaniyang braso. Nadidistract pa rin ako sa kaniya kaya sinubukan kong magsimula ng conversation para hindi maging awkward ang paligid.

“Sir, marunong po pala kayong magluto,” bati ko sa kaniya. What kind of compliment is that, Sef? Ngayon ka pa nasurpresa? Of course, nagmamaay-ari siya ng isang restaurant, imposibleng hindi siya marunong.

“Yup, sa katunayan, ako ang nagturo kay Chef Von para iluto ang mga specialty ko, in which all of them are actually Italian cuisines,” tugon naman niya sa’kin.

Hindi nalang ako nagsalita at baka ano pang hindi makatwiran ang masabi ko.

Makalipas ng ilang minuto ay naluto na ang nga pizza. Nilabas na ito ni Sir London galing sa oven. Umalingasaw ang mabangong amoy tulad nung niluto ni Chef Von kanina. It means they could cook the same this at the same level of deliciousness. Am I right? Pwede rin bang amoy ang maging basehan para ikumpara yung mga luto nila?

He transfered the each pizzas in four boxes. It was nicely placed. Pagkatapos ay pinagpatong-patong niya ito at itinali.

Kukuhanin ko na sana ito para iabot kay Kuya Viktor na magdedeliver nito ngunit biglang tumunog yung telepono sa kusina.

Mukhang may oorder nanaman ng pagkain. What the hell?

“Ako na po, Sir,” sabi ko at pinuntahan ito. Mabilis ko itong sinagot. “Hello? This is Cibo di Archinto, how can I help you?”

Usually, in formal talking, hindi ako nahihirapang mag-formulate ng salita. I can always deal with surprise recitations in school, smoothly and perfectly. There are times that I don’t need a script to rehearse because I only formulate by my own.

Hinintay ko na sumagot ang kabilang linya.

“Uhm… Gusto ko lang po sana na i-cancel yung order kong apat na box ng pizza. Nakabili na kasi yung asawa ko ng dinner namin, e. Pasensya na,” ani ng babaeng tumawag sa’kin.

“Bakit naman po, Ma’am? Naluto na po kasi namin iyon at ipapadala sa inyo. Hindi po ’yon pwedeng i-cancel nalang basta-basta, mawalang-galang na,” sabi ko na may pag-aalala sa aking boses.

“Sorry talaga pero hindi na namin matatanggap ’yan,” aniya at pinatay ang kaniyang tawag. Napatigil ako sandali at dahan-dahang binaba ang telepono. How can I tell this to Sir London?

Pumihit ako patalikod at nakita si Sir London na malapit sa akin.

“Ay tipaklong,” sabi ko at napalundag ng bahagya. Mabilis akong umurong palayo sa kaniya.

Kakaiba talaga ang tangkad niya. Siguro, umaabot ang kaniyang height sa six foot pataas. I think, mas malaki pa siya kay Kuya Viktor kahit pareho lang silang matangkad at maskulado. He’s like a huge tree in front of me, and I am now belittling myself.

“Well, ano pa bang magagawa natin kun’di sundin ang customer, ’di ba?” sabi sa’kin ni Sir London na nasa seryosong boses. I can sense that he’s a bit mad about the decision of this customer.

The timing is badly wrong again, or is it our fate? For what?

“Pasensya na po, Sir. Hindi ko na-convince yung customer, kanina, na kuhanin yung order niya. Mabilis niya po kasing pinatay yung call, e.”

“Ayos lang,” simpleng sabi niya.

That’s not okay for me. Lumagpas na kami sa takdang oras ng pag-uwi namin, tapos ika-cancel lang ng babaeng ’yon? How rude.

Tumungo siya sa mesa kung saan nakalagay ang stack ng pizza boxes na ready-to-deliver na. Binitbit niya ito patungo sa akin. “Sa inyo nalang ’yan ni Kuya Viktor. Tig-dalawa kayo ng box.”

“Po? Hala, huwag na po, Sir. Kayo lang po yung naabala diyan. Kung gusto niyo po si Kuya Viktor nalang ang bigyan niyo, pero huwag na ako. Kayo nalang din po yung kumain niyan, tutal mukhang pagod na rin po kayo,” sabi ko sa kaniya. I sound like I am very concerned to him. Tama lang ba yung sinabi ko? I think so. At least, pambawi ko man lang ito sa violation ko na ma-late sa unang pasok.

“No worries. I’m fine. Just take it. I also have dinner at home so, yeah,” aniya at mas nilapit pa niya ito sa akin. I bit my lip and held the string that binds the boxes.

“Sir, I still need to pay you,” sabi ko at naalala na may nagbigay sa’kin ng tip kanina. Gamit ang isa kong kamay ay kinuha ko galing sa bulsa ang perang binigay sa’kin bilang tip.

Binuklat ko mula sa pagkakatupi ang bill at may biglang papel ang nahulog mula rito.

Agad ko itong pinulot at binasa ang nakasulat.

I found you really cute. This is my number.

Please text me, so we would know each other ;)

May nakalagay pa na cellphone number sa baba. Hindi ko alam ang irereact sa nabasa ko, ngunit nagulat ako ng nakita si Sir London na nakatingin din sa note. Agad ko itong iniwas sa kaniya.

He gave me a thousand peso bill only to send me this short note? I wonder how rich that guy is. Pero nilukot ko lang ito at binulsa upang hindi na masilip ni Sir London kung ano yung nakasulat. Goodness, Sef, for sure nabasa na niya iyon ng buo sapagkat napakaiksi lang no’n.

“Looks like someone became interested in you,” ani Sir London. Umiling lang ako sa kaniya.

“Wala lang po siguro ’yon, Sir,” sabi ko naman bilang pagtanggi.

“Mag-ingat ka sa mga ganiyan. You don’t know what strangers could do to you, once you get involve to them. It is the best way to stay away from them. Don’t trust anybody.”

Para siyang tatay kung magpayo sa akin. I’m glad that he talks to me like this, kaysa marinig ko ang bossy niyang pananalita.

“Alam ko naman po ’yon, Sir. I’m not a kind of person who goes along with anyone na kahit di ko kilala. I think I should never text this number,” tinignan ko ang kapirasong papel sa aking kamay. I never met someone who admired my appearance at first sight. I think it is really possible to happen, but not for me.

“I remember who gave you a blue bill as a tip, earlier, Yoseff. Kilala ko ang taong na ’yon. He’s an owner of a large company, a bigtime person, and a very keen guy. He’s well-known in business industry. I warn you, Yoseff, he is very dangerous as well as his friends,” he told me in a low and chilling tone. I heaved a deep breath. It seems like he’s more scarier than that man.

I’ve seen those three men, and they look harmless, approachable and not intimidating, even though they wore expensive corporate attire. I thought, mga managers lang sila. They’re actually bigtime people, but I shouldn’t care about it. Wala naman akong pakialam, dahil kahit gaano pa kalago ang assets nila, hindi ako magpapabulag sa mga ganiyang tao. I doubt rich people, like Aidan and Sir London, based on their mind and ego.

“Keep your money to yourself, Yoseff. I’m giving these pizzas for free. I don’t need your payment because I should be the one who will pay your services,” aniya. Maybe I should really accept this.

“Thank you po, Sir. Ibibigay ko na po yung dalawa kay Kuya Viktor,” sabi ko at lumabas na ng kitchen at nahagilap si Kuya Viktor sa labas.

Tinanggal ko ang pagkakatali ng hawak ko upang mahiwalay ang dalawang box at maibigay sa kaniya ito.

“Pinabibigay nga pala ni Sir London. Ni-cancel kasi nung customer yung order niya kaya ibinigay nalang niya sa’tin,” sabi ko pa sa kaniya.

Tinanggap naman niya ito. Napansin ko na nasa likod ko pala si Sir London dahil sinundan niya ako. Tumingin sa kaniya si Kuya Viktor.

“Totoo po ba yung sinabi niya, Sir? Salamat po,” aniya at ngumiti. Tumango lang si Sir London sa kaniya. “Kailangan ko na pong umuwi. Hinihintay pa po ako ng asawa ko, e. Ingat po kayong dalawa.”

“Kayo din po, Kuya Vik. Ingat sa pag-uwi,” bati ko sa kaniya bago nagsimulang lumabas ng restaurant at paandarin ang motosiklo niyang sasakyan upang umalis.

Nilinisan muna namin ni Sir London yung kusina. Sinarado na namin lahat ng pinto at mga ilaw bago kami lumabas.

I checked my watch and its already nine in the evening. Pagkatapos at in-open ko ang aking phone nanlumo sa nakita ko sa notifications.

Aidan sent you messages. (106)

You missed 78 calls from Aidan.

What the hell? Kayaman naman niya sa load para tadtarin ako ng ganito karaming mensahe. He is definitely crazy.

Chineck ko ang kaniyang messages at wala siyang ibang sinabi kundi puro: ‘Susunduin na ba kita?’, ‘Please, answer me, ASAP!’, ‘Hanggang anong oras ka ba diyan, please sumagot ka naman!!’, ‘Damn it. You’re making me worried, stupid!!’.

Hindi ko alam kung mata-touch ba ako sa pagiging concern niya o magagalit. His texts are purely non-sense. Pwede namang mag-iwan nalang siya ng isang message lang, mababasa ko naman ito kapag nag-open na ako ng phone. Naging busy lang ako kanina, at naka-silent yung phone ko para hindi ako mabulabog.

“Paano ka pala uuwi?” tanong sa’kin ni Sir.

“Ko-contact-in ko pa yung sundo ko, Sir,” sagot ko sa kaniya.

“Want me to drive you home?” alok niya sa akin. Malaki na ang utang na loob ko sa kaniya. Una, hi-nire niya ako sa restaurant niya ng walang kahirap-hirap, pangalawa, binigyan niya ako ng pizza ng libre, tapos pangatlo, gusto pa niya akong ihatid sa bahay ko?

I immediately shook my head to him.

“No need, Sir. Maabala ko lang po kayo–”

“It doesn’t matter, Yoseff. You don’t have to play shy. Take it as an opportunity,” aniya at inagaw sa’kin ang pizza na dala ko. “Ako na ang magdadala nito.”

Nagsimula na siyang tumungo sa parking lot kung saan nakaparada ang kaniyang kotse. I don’t know anything about car brands, ngunit halatang mamahalin ang sasakyan niya. It is shiny black and looks pristine.

Binuksan niya ang pinto sa front seat.

“Pumasok ka na,” turo niya dito. Nahihiya pa akong pumasok dito, pagkatapos ay isinarado niya ang pinto at binuksan ang kabila para makapasok siya sa driver’s seat.

He started to roar the engine into life.

“Tell me your address,” aniya at sinabi ko naman sa kaniya kung saan ako nakatira. “Good. Please don’t decline me whenever I offer you some help. I dislike people who don’t obey me, more than those who accept the opportunities that I’m giving,” aniya at nagsimula nang itungo sa kalsada ang sasakyan.

Kabanata 11

Kabanata 11

Drained

(SPG Alert!)

I texted Aidan that someone will going to drive me home instead of him. Sinabi ko rin na hindi na niya kailangang maghintay ng hudyat na sunduin ako, since I’m already on my way to our house.

It took approximately ten minutes before we finally arrived. Medyo mabilis ang oras dahil maaliwalas ang kalsada, kaya walang pag-aalinlangang binilisan ni Sir London ang pagmamaneho.

Tahimik lang kaming dalawa sa buong byahe. We didn’t even looked at each other like there’s something wrong between us. The atmosphere inside the car was very awkward.

Ginilid niya and sasakyan sa tapat ng bahay namin. I can see through the illuminations in the windows of our house. It means, gising pa si Aidan ngayon at naghihintay sa pagdating ko.

“So… you’re finally home,” he said in a low tone. Tumingin ako sa kaniya.

“Maraming salamat sa paghatid, Sir, pati na rin sa pizza,” sabi ko sa kaniya. I don’t know what came up to his mind to do this. Or maybe, hindi naman talaga siya ganoon kasama at ka-istrikto tulad ng iniisip ko. I just assumed a bad impression about him, and he proved me wrong.

Tumitig din siya pabalik. Our eyes met. His captivating green eyes were shining due to the faint light from surroundings. I’ve never seen that kind of eye color personally throughout my life. Odd yet amazing.

“Kita kits nalang tayo bukas, Sir. Ingat kayo sa pag-uwi,” sabi ko at inabot ang mga kahon ng pizza sa backseat at sinubukang buksan ang pinto ng kotse. Nagtataka ako kung bakit ayaw nitong bumukas.

“Ako na,” aniya at biglang nag-adjust sa upuan at inabot ang handle na hinahawakan ko.

His large body went near me, so I smelled his strong musky scent. My eyes went to his stretched arms while exposing its firmness, and his right shoulder that is currently in front of my face. It was a breath-taking moment, and my heart just skipped a beat.

“It needs more force to open it, Yoseff,” aniya. I saw the door has finally opened. Look, I’m tired. And also, the air inside his car makes me a little bit dizzy. His scent overpowered, and it feels forbidden to smell it. Bumalik siya sa posisyon niya kanina. “You don’t have to call me ‘Sir’ when we’re off duty. Just London.”

“I’ll… t-try,” sabi ko at pilit na ngumiti. Pero sa totoo lang, nahihiya akong tawagin siya ng gano’n. His aura and personality is very intimidating even though he acts nicely. Lumabas na ako ng sasakyan niya. “Goodnight, Sir.”

He raised a brow to me. Shit, I said it again.

“Goodnight,” bati niya pabalik. Mabuti nalang at hindi na niya ako binawal sa pangalawnag pagkakataon.

Tumayo lang ako sa gilid at pinanood siyang muling pinaandar ang sasakyan at umalis. I heaved a deep breath. Cold air freezed my lungs for a second, kaya napaubo ako ng bahagya. Naglakad na ako patungo sa bahay.

Sinubukan kong buksan ang pinto ngunit naka-lock ito. That’s good. At least, Aidan knows that it is not safe to still let it unlocked in the evening.

Naririnig ko ang telebisyon na nakabukas. Maaaring nasa sala lang siya. Limang beses akong kumatok sa pinto.

I heard a few footsteps coming towards the door. It was heavy but slow. Parang nagdadabog. What the hell, ang bagal naman niyang maglakad. Hindi ba siya nag-aalala kung ano pang mangyari sa’kin dito sa labas?

Pagbukas niya ng pinto ay bumungad ang nakabusangot niyang mukha. Kasalukuyang boxers lang ang kaniyang suot, tulad ng madalas niyang ginagawa sa bahay.

Ngumiti ako at itinaas ang dala kong pizza sa harap ng kaniyang mukha.

“Mayroon na tayong dinner!” I exclaimed excitedly, ngunit hindi pa rin maipinta ang kaniyang mukha. “Ano namang problema mo?” masungit kong tanong sa kaniya.

Hindi siya nagsalita. Tumungo siya sa sofa at muling umupo upang manood ng telebisyon. I don’t know what’s up to him, at bakit siya nagkakaganiyan. Tumingin ako sa dining area at nakita na may nakahandang pagkain doon.

Lumapit ako sa kaniya at tumabi. Nilapag ko ang box ng pizza sa mini table.

Medyo kinakabahan akong kausapin siya, base sa seryoso niyang aura ngayon. Hindi ko alam kung magagalit siya kapag sinapawan ko ang pagiging bad mood niya sa mga oras na ito. Ano bang nagawa ko? Is it because I came home late? Nagpaalam naman ako sa kaniya, a.

I cleared my throat.

“Hey, Aidan. What’s the matter?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

I patted his shoulders. He’s still on the same emotion at hindi pa rin siya nagsasalita. Nakatuon pa rin siya sa pinapanood. I began to cling to his arms and placed my chin on his shoulders. He was a big guy. I look like some sort of a monkey, clinging to a tree.

“Hindi ka ba nagugutom? Tara na kumain.”

I noticed that his face softened yet he managed to turn it away from me. Nakita ko ang paumula ng kaniyang tainga. Niyugyog ko tuloy yung kaniyang braso para udyukin na magkipag-usap sa akin.

“Ngayon ka palang ba naghain ng hapunan? Halika na garod sa mesa,” mapilit na aya ko sa kaniya.

Bigla siyang humarap sa akin. I met his jet black piercing eyes, and they doesn’t seem convince at all. He remained his glare at me.

“Are you mad?” tanong ko sa kaniya. It feels like I’m babysitting a huge bastard kid.

Marahan siyang tumango. He doesn’t say any word.

“Why? Did I do something wrong? Anong gusto mong gawin ko?” tanong ko ulit sa kaniya. The redness of his ears were still vibrant. I can sense that he’s pissed off about something. I don’t know what that is, that’s why I’m trying to know.

“Quit the job,” he said fiercely like spitting out a bullet.

I immediately removed my arms to him. I shook my head in disagreement. I’m not going to obey what he wants. Sa tingin ko, ayaw na niya akong pabayarin ng utang ko sa kaniya. Siya na rin ang nagsabi dati. Pero hindi ko ’yon gagawin dahil para ko na ring ginamit siya para sa pera. He’s special to me. Kahit ayos lang sa kaniya ’yon, sa’kin ay hindi. I don’t know how rich he is, pero wala akong planong pagsamantalahan siya para sa aking pinansyal na pangangailangan.

“Hindi ko gagawin ’yon,” I said.

“I just helping you, Sef. Uulitin ko, tulad ng dati, you’re not supposed to do it, pero hindi ka pa rin sumusunod. You’re becoming stubborn now,” saad naman niya. Imbes na maramdaman ko ang kabaitan niya, para akong nainsulto. I glared at him.

“You’re clearly out of your mind. Ikaw lang talaga yung matigas yung ulo. I can decide for myself, Aidan, and you’re not helping me. Stop manipulating people like an asshole,” sabi ko at umambang tumayo ngunit hinawakan niya ako sa aking pulso at napigilan.

Tinulak niya ako pahiga sa kama habang nakaangat siya. Mabilis ’yon kaya naramdaman ko ang aking katawan na kumabog sa kutyon, kahit malambot pa ’to. One of his hands locked both of my hands. Even though I tried my best to take it off, he managed to hold it effortlessly. He’s still stronger.

“Say it again,” he ordered. I know that he’s being sarcastic. Ayaw niya ang kaniyang narinig. Hindi ko kilala ang Aidan na nakikita ko ngayon. I just knew that he’s somehow soft and always playing dumb.

“A-ano ba talagang nangyayari sa’yo? What the hell?! Pakawalan mo ko, gago!”

Sinubukan kong kumawag ngunit hindi pa rin ako makaalis sa kaniya. Naaalala ko yung unang beses na ginawa niya sa’kin ’to. Habang nasa pagitan ako ng hita niya, I want to knee his balls to hurt him. Hindi ko lang ito magawa dahil mas lalo lang siyang magagalit sa akin.

He went nearer to me. His smell is intoxicating me. Nilapit niya ang kaniyang bibig sa aking tainga. 

“What did you say about me?” tanong ulit niya. Naramdaman ko ang kaniyang isang kamay na gumapang sa aking katawan hanggang sa bumaba ito sa pagitan ng aking hita.

My eyes rounded widely. I felt him, caressing me agressively, like slowly tearing up the fabric. My toes curled up in a moment.

“S-Stop,” I breathed faintly. I am hardening to his touch. “S-Sabi ko, you’re an asshole! Bitiwan mo ’ko…”

He just licked my earlobe and pressed his chest against mine. Heat surrounded me. Maaaring namumula na ang buo kong mukha ngayon.

“Well… you’re the one that is asshole, not me, if you get what I mean,” he said meaningfully. Oo, nakuha ko ang dirty joke niya. It wasn’t funny at all. I can feel his breath blowing against my skin. He sniffed me. “I love your scent, Sef. It always turns me on, ever since something happened between us. Our first night to be specific,” he said then continued to rub me.

Damn! Pinangungunahan nanaman niya ang pagkain. Sa totoo lang, hindi pa ako gutom, pero hindi naman tama na kumain kami ng wala sa oras. Kung hindi man ako, baka siya naman ang gutom sa amin. But he’s still ignoring the food while doing some business with me. What an excuse.

“A-Aidan,” nauutal kong pagtawag sa kaniya. I’m catching my breath. The way he pleasure me unsatisfyingly, makes me want to squirm under his body and push him to do more. I badly wanted to feel his palms. “P-please, undress me.”

“Sure,” he said and bit my ear lightly. His lips came to mine and kissed me thoroughly. His tongue made its way inside my mouth and explored every corner.

Inalis niya ang sagabal kong eyeglasses sa mukha para hindi ito malaglag sa gagawin namin. He placed it on the top of the pizza box.

Tinanggal niya rin ang butones ng aking jeans at binaba ang zipper nito. With one hand, he striped the garment like a piece of cake. Briefs nalang ang natitira sa aking baba. Manipis ang tela nito. Nagulat ako nung pinunit niya ito ng walang kahirap-hirap.

Bigla kong hinilis ang aking ulo sa kaniya, upang tumigil siya sa paghalik.

“Tang ina!” napasigaw ako. May plano ba siyang ubusin ang underwear ko! Kahit pa sa department store lang yon binili, mahalaga sa’kin ang bawat isa no’n. Hindi ako nagsusuka ng pera para makabili agad ng bago. He’s wasting my things and my money! “May galit ka ba sa brief ko?”

“Yes… because it covers this,” he uttered then cupped my hardness. I felt his warm big hand covered my shaft as he stroke me slowly. Gusto kong kumapit sa kaniya habang ginagawa niya iyon, ngunit hindi pa rin niya pinapakawalan ang aking kamay na nasa taas ko. “Don’t worry. I bought you boxes of underwear. They’re all branded, Calvin Klein specifically.”

I don’t care whatever the brand is. At least, maibabalik niya ang gamit ko na sinira niya.

“I’m still sweaty, Aidan. Kagagaling ko lang sa trabaho. Mukhang kailangan ko pang maligo,” sabi ko sa kaniya. I don’t know he’s going to like my scent at this moment. Specially, I don’t know if my crotch smell the same. I’m afraid that he will disgust me after he touch me down there.

“Sweaty or not, you still smell amazing. Kakasabi ko lang niyan kanina, right? Now, shut up and let me proceed,” aniya.

His strokes went faster, and faster. It was so tight, squeezing the hell out of me.

“A-ahh… I’m going to–” putol kong saad.

Napapikit na ako nung naramdaman ko nang malapit na ako sa pinakadulo. Sobrang bilis ng pagyayari. I am very near at my peak when Aidan decided to remove his hands from me.

“Argh! Fuck you,” hindi ko mapigilang pagmumura. I gritted my teeth and showed to him. His eyes were now sparkly as he smirked like a satisfied merciless beast. Damn it! I know he will be amazed to see me like this. He’s insane, but I am now crazy as hell too! “P-please!”

I am definitely look like a prey pleading from its predator to flee. Pero hindi ang pagtakas ang minamakaawa ko sa kaniya.

His tongue traced my jawline and came to my lips. Wild and hungry. I gulped after he stopped and moved his head away a little.

“Hmm… ‘Please’ what, Sef? Tell me,” he said in a very low tone of voice, like a demon convincing me to do bad things. And now, we’re are exploring something dark but fantastic.

Even though I am actually the one who influenced him to explore my culture , it seems like he became hungrier than me. He couldn’t stop feasting for lust. Didn’t expect he will be addicted so much, to the point that sometimes I don’t like it anymore. Yet, he’s effective on his actions that makes me also go for it.

“You know it,” I almost whispered.

“No I don’t.”

I bit my lip.

“Just… m-more,” nanginginig na ang aking labi dahil hindi ko na matiis. Lubos niya akong pinaghihintay at labis din akong nadidismaya. Pumikit ako.

“Fine… Sandali lang,” he said at pinakawalan niya ang aking kamay. Tumayo siya pagkatapos akong kalasin. “Diyan ka lang.”

Naglakad siya patungo sa kuwarto. Medyo mabilis ang kaniyang paghakbang. I glared at my dick, and it’s still hard. I can’t help but jerk myself off involuntarily. I moaned lightly in pleasure.

Ilang sandali ay may naramdaman akong kamay na humawak sa aking pulso at hinawi ito. Nakita ko si Aidan sa likod ng sofa na hinihigaan ko habang hawak ang isang bote na hindi ko alam kung ano. Agad siyang pumunta sa harap ko at lumuhod. I can view his beautiful body in a perfect angle. Habang nakahiga ako at nakaangat ang aking tuhod ay nasa paanan ko siya.

“I should be the only one doing that,” mariin niya sabi. I gulped my saliva. He sounds very bossy.

Binuksan niya ang bote at binuhos ang laman nito sa kaniyang palad. I didn’t recognized it at first, then he spread the liquid to my shaft. I felt the cooling sensation that writhed me in pleasure. I tried to hold my shaft again but he caught my arm before it would reach it.

“What the heck is that?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

“Menthol lubricant,” sagot niya.

The way it cools my skin is so fantastic. Sumasalungat ang lamig sa init ng aking balat. My other hand also tempted to reach my shaft for a second time yet naunahan nanaman niya ako. Pinagdikit niya ang dalawa kong kamay sa aking taas at muli nanamang hinawakan ito ng iisang kamay lang. Goodness sake, I badly wanted to release!

Kumawag ako sa kaniya. Patuloy lang kasi akong nababaliw habang pinanonood ang aking pagkalalaki habang tayung-tayo ito. Pre cum is oozing out and dripping to my pubes. My mouth slightly opened. He must do something!

Pinakita niya ang kaniyang kamay na basang-basa pa rin ng lube, then he placed it on my entrance. He slowly thrust it in. I almost cried when I felt the coldness consumed my insides.

Nag-umpisa siya sa isang daliri. Pagkatapos ay sinunod ang dalawa. His fingers were very long and thick, just like his dick. It’s bigger than the usual.

“A-Aidan!” I called his name again. Pasigaw ’yon pero pinigilan kong hindi lakasan. I can’t help it, the way he swirl his fingers deep inside me. It massaged my walls, while moving it back and forth.

Napatingin ako sa determinado niyang mukha at pawisang dibdib. He looks so hot and gorgeous. It feels like I’m having an affair to one of the Greek gods and we’re both enjoying it.

It took several seconds to realize that I want something more than this.

“I want it now, Aidan. Connect with me,” pagmamakaawa ko sa kaniya.

“I like the term,” he said and chuckled lowly.

Sinubukan kong kumalas sa kaniyang pagkakahawak sa akin hanggang sa magtagumpay ako. Agad kong hinawakan ang garter ng kaniyang boxers at agad itong pinunit hanggang sa mawasak ko ito. Natanggal ito sa kaniya kahit hindi pa nakakadaan sa kaniyang paa.

“Anong–!”

“Mabuti nga sa’yo. Ngayon alam mo na yung pakiramdam ng pinupunit yung underwear. Tutal, afford mo naman, edi walang problema,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

Napansin ko na medyo naging galit ang kaniyang mukha. Mabilis niyang hinila ang kaniyang paa kaya napahiga ako. He’s in between legs and our cocks were touching each other. Napakurap ako sandali dahil nabigla ako sa ginawa niya. Pagkatapos ay naramdaman ko ang kaniyang kamay sa laylayan ng aking t-shirt na hanggang ngayon ay suot ko pa.

“Paano kung punitin ko rin ’to, ha?” he said while pouting his lips. I know, he’s not going to do that, kaya natawa nalang ako sa kaniya. “Let’s see if you would remain laughing like that if I started,” waring napipikon na sabi niya. In-adjust niya ang kaniyang posisyon sa akin.

He held his shaft and guided it to my entrance. I felt its tip, then it immediately pushed inside.

“Oh, god!” I exclaimed. Nung pumasok ito sa kalahati, biglang gumuhit ang matinding sakit. Napahawak ako ng madiin sa kaniyang braso at binaon ang aking kuko. Pasalamat siya at bagong putol ito, kasi kung hindi ay magkakasugat talaga siya.

Kahit pa gaano kadulas ang kaniyang nilagay, it’s still painful since he’s freaking huge!

Now, I want him to stop. I can’t bear it, but I became voiceless for a moment. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sasabihin sa kaniya dahil kasalukuyang nakakaramdam ako ng bara sa aking lalamunan at magulo rin ang aking isipan.

“Y-you’re still tight,” he told me then growled in pleasure. His dick feels larger than his three finger that went earlier. He continued to thrust until it is fully inside me. “Ahh… yes!”

He plowed me deep and slowly. Masakit ito ng sobra ngunit nag-iba nung may natamaan siya sa aking loob. An abrupt sensation came.

I groaned loudly.

“Found it,” aniya.

“Fuck, Aidan! That surprised me… ugh!” I shouted at him.

Ito ang naging hudyat niya para bumilis. I clawed his skin in his arms and it marked.

“F-faster,” I demanded.

The slapping sound of our bodies went louder. Aidan gritted his teeth while holding my waist. He’s pounding me so hard.

“Ahh… I’m so close!” sigaw niya.

I stroke myself while he’s penetrating me. Doon ko naramdama na malapit na rin ako tulad niya. We moaned together while reaching the peak that we needed. His hands held me tighter. We’re doing the same rhythm.

“Fuck! I’m…” hindi natapos ang sasabihin ko. My liquid spurted in my shirt, while he released his in my core. His hot seed warmed me up. I can feel the mixture the coldness and heat.

“Damn. That was fantastic,” he said in between his heavy breaths. Hingalo din ako.

“You’re so freaking horny, Aidan. Medyo natatakot na ’ko,” sabi ko at napahawak sa aking dibdib napakuyom sa t-shirt. Hindi pa rin niya inaalis ang kaniya sa akin.

“Don’t be scared. This will make you feel better,” he said, deepening his usual bedroom voice. Then, he started to thrust against me, just like what he did before we climaxed.

“Anong ginagawa mo?” I asked in confusion. Nagpatuloy lang siya habang nakangisi. The coldness of the lube is still there, and his warm juice inside me made his cock more slippery. Sinubukan kong itulak siya sa ibabaw ko. “Stop!”

He has more power than me. Pagod man ako galing sa trabaho at katatapos lang namin, hinayaan ko nalang siya na umulit muli.

I’m so drained.

Kabanata 12

Kabanata 12

Your Boyfriend?

(SPG Alert!)

Last night, umabot pa kami ng isang oras ng walang patid. Hindi ko na nabilang kung ilang beses naming ginawa ’

yon , at naubos ang natitira kong lakas buong gabi. I remember, nung sinabi kong gutom na ako, sa wakas ay tumigil na siya. Mabuti nalang at siya na ang nagsubo sa’kin ng pizza dahil hindi ko na kayang humawak ng isa.

Ngayong umaga, kinakailangan ko pang uminom ng pain reliever bago pumasok ulit sa trabaho. Mabuti nalang ay mayroon na kami sa medicine kit.

Then there’s Aidan who have no mercy, dahil tinatawanan pa ako habang paika-ika akong naglalakad sa loob ng bahay. Inalok niya ako ng tulong, ngunit sa inis ko ay tinanggihan ko siya.

“You need some help, seriously,” pagpipilit niya sa akin kahit ilang beses ko na siyang pinipigilan. Wala naman siyang kusa para alalayan ako. Kasalukuyan pa rin siyang kumakain sa mesa.

“Hindi na. Sige, tawanan mo nalang ako ulit. Pagpatuloy mo lang ’yan,” sarkastikong sabi ko at tumayo na sa mesa pagkatapos uminom ng gamot dahil nakakain na ako. Meds should be taken after the meal.

Tumungo ako sa kuwarto upang kuhanin ang aking damit at tuwalya bago maligo. Ngunit paglabas ko ay bumungad sa aking harapan si Aidan na halos kadikit ng aking mukha ang kaniyang hubad na dibdib. Agad akong napaatras.

“Gumilid ka nga,” utos ko sa kaniya. Hindi niya ako pinakinggan, sa halip ay tinungtong ang kaniyang siko sa gilid ng pintuan, hinaharangan pa ako lalo habang ine-expose ang kaniyang biceps.

He just shrugged. Ayaw sumunod sa akin. Kaya ang ginawa ko ay kinurot ko ang kaniyang abs at agad siyang napaatras.

“Aray!…”

“Ang tigas kasi ng ulo mo,” sambit ko sa kaniya at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad ng ika-ika, ngunit ilang hakbang ko palang patungo sa banyo, naramdaman ko ang mga kamay at bisig ni Aidan na pumalibot sa aking baywang at binti, pagkatapos ay binuhat ako. “Hoy! Ibaba mo ’ko… Kaya ko nga kasi yung sarili ko!”

Hindi siya sumagot hanggang mapunta kami sa loob ng banyo. Humagikgik pa siya kahit na nagpupumiglas ako sa kaniya. Sadyang mas malakas siya kaya talo ako.

Ibinaba na niya ako sa banyo at tinaggal ang aking eyeglasses.

“Hintayin mo ’ko. Sabay tayong maliligo,” aniya at lumabas.

Mukhang kukuhanin niya saglit ang kaniyang tuwalya at damit, saka ilalabas ang aking salamin. Maya maya pa ay nakabalik na siya, at tama nga ako tungkol sa mga idadala niya. Sinabit niya ang mga ito sa rack kasama ang mga dala ko rin.

“W-Wait lang. Huwag kang lumapit,” sabi ko habang sinasandal ang likod sa tiles na pader. Never pa akong nagkaroon ng kasama sa pagligo. “Hindi pwede. Hindi ako sanay na may kasabay, Aidan. Labas!”

“Masasanay ka rin,” nakangisi niyang saad sa akin dumako ang kaniyang kamay sa laylayan ng aking t-shirt. Mabilis niya itong inangat at hindi ko namalayan na hubad na agad ako. “Makakatipid tayo nito sa tubig.”

It was bullshit. It is very obvious that he’s superbly rich, even though he doesn’t say anything about his financial background. The way he talks about money is like he doesn’t mind to dissipate it much. Kailan pa niya naisip na magtipid kami? I bet, he can afford a six digit price of water bill.

Mabilis kong tinakpan ang aking dibdib, partially covering my upper body. Utterly non-sense as it seems.

“Para kang babae diyan,” turo niya sa mga braso ko, then he chuckled. Hindi ko pa rin ito binababa. Dahan-dahan siyang humahakbang patungo sa direksyon ko. Umaatras naman ako hanggang sa natunton ko ang pinakasulok ng banyo. Doon at dinikit niya ang kaniyang mga kamay sa pader upang ikulong ako sa kaniya.

“Back off, please,” may diin na utos ko sa kaniya.

“Why do keep on hiding yourself?” tanong niya sa akin. “I’m telling you, there’s nothing you should be afraid of when your naked in front of me… I’ve already seen it all.”

Inintindi ko muna ng maigi ang kaniyang sinabi. May punto nga naman siya. Hindi lang niya nakita ang lahat sa akin, we even did make outs. I gulped and nodded slowly.

“O-Okay, pero ligo lang, a? Walang kahit na ano pang iba na magaganap,” sabi ko sa kaniya. I… doubt it. This horny dog can’t always be trusted whenever he feels the need to get laid, which he always does.

He bit his lip and it made him more suspicious-looking.

“Sorry, I can’t promise that,” aniya at unti-unting gumuhit ang ngiti sa kaniyang labi.

I knew it.

Bigla siyang humawak sa aking braso at kinalas ito sa aking dibdib. His head moved to towards my chest, and his lips directly to my nipples.

I can’t believe he still have the sexual energy until this morning. Like I said, I didn’t know how many times we did it last night, and yet look at him right now!

“A-Aidan!” sigaw ko pero wala akong nagawa dahil higpit ng hawak niya sa aking braso. While sucking my nipples, his head is pushing me against the wall, making me unable to get away from him.

My strength is nothing compared to his. He can easily manipulate me physically. I felt his lips were moving playfully against the tip. It continuously sending me so much electrical pleasure towards my whole body. Even though we already did this thing, it still feels a bit foreign.

His hand released one of my arm and cupped my shaft beneath the fabric. Marahang gumalaw ang kaniyang kamay na may diin. I’m so turned on by his touch.

Sinimulan na niyang hubarin ang aking shorts at inangat ko ang aking magkabilang binti. I can’t complain anymore. My dark blue briefs were now exposed. Ito pa naman ang binigay niya sa’kin kapalit nung sinira niya dati. I chose to wear it because new undies feels very comfortable.

Lumuhod siya sa harap ko at tinapat ang kaniyang mukha sa pagitan ng aking hita. Kinagat niya ng bahagya ang bakat ng aking pagkalalaki, wari’y pinaglalaruan ako. I moaned loudly. I can’t help it.

His tongue traced my bulge while my underwear is still on. I can feel his saliva through my fabric, and my cock feels wet. My toes curled. I want him to undress the garment as soon as possible.

Tumingala siya sa’kin.

“Can I taste you, again?” he asked me. Namungay ang aking mata habang tinititigan siya.

I want to clutch his hair so bad, and move his head directly to my shaft. But it still covered, so I want him to remove that piece of clothing and start pleasuring me.

I never said anything but he started to strip my underwear and let my cock expose to him. He is stroking it so fast.

“Ahh!”

It was very intense. Kinagat ko ang aking labi habang pinapanood ang kaniyang kamay na mabilis na gumagalaw. He swallowed the head of my dick, waiting for my fluid to drink. It took a few moments later when I felt the urge to cum.

“I… I-I’m…” hindi ko na natapos ang pagpapaala sa kaniya, when my juice released and came inside to his mouth.

His strokes became slower, following every explosion that I made. He gulped all of my seed. Is it really edible to drink? I need answers. I’m worried, what if we might have some bad health conditions for doing it?

“Your juice tastes so strong, Sef,” he stated.

I pushed his head away from me, to prevent him to request for another round. I’m sure, if I didn’t do it, magrerequest siya sa’kin na gawin ko rin ito pabalik sa kaniya, because he knows that I’m an easy guy when it come to being horny. Kapag ginawa niya ’yon, I would try my best to restrain from it and kick him in the balls to make him feel pain instead of pleasure.

“Kung ayaw mo, then just spit it out,” sabi ko sa kaniya. He just shook his head.

“No… It’s wonderful, to be honest,” aniya at tumayo na mula sa pagkakaluhod.

He finally opened the shower and let the sprinkles of cold water ran down to our bodies. Malapit kami sa isa’t isa at nagtititigan ang mga mata. His eyes were trapping me into something unknown yet very familiar. It makes me stood like a statue, never dared to make a move.

Kinuha niya ang sabon at iginapang ito sa aking katawan. The touch of his fingers were electrifying and the sparks were sent throughout my body, yet I still let him do the thing. Dumaan ang kaniyang kamay na may sabon sa bawat sulok ng aking katawan. Sa sobrang lapit namin sa isa’t isa, kaunti nalang ay nagdidikit na ang aming katawan.

I blushed when I felt something poked in my stomach. I know it was his rod in its full hardness.

Noong natapos na siya at inagaw ko sa kaniya ang sabon. I started to scrub him like he did. I heard his deep grunts and soft moans when I reached his pecs and well-sculpted abdomen.

I look down to see his prominent boner. Napakaganda nito sa paningin. The tone of its skin is just the same as the other. It wasn’t darker like the common.

I started to moved my hands back and forth. I let the soap bubbles make the skin of his length smooth and slippery. Ang mga braso nita ay nasa magkabilang side ng katawan ko habang nakadikit ang kaniyang mga kamay sa pader. Kumbaga, nakakulong ako sa kaniya.

His large body blocked the water towards me. Nakatingin siya sa aking mukha. Patuloy ang kaniyang mabigat na paghinga. Sa sandaling iyon ay napasyahan kong bilisan pa ang aking kamay dahil kung hindi ay mauubusan na kami ng oras sa pagligo.

I gritted my teeth while stroking him hard. I even do circular motions to appreciate his thickness.

His dick is very thick, that my thumb and pointing finger weren’t even touching while they were entangled to him. Dama ko ang bawat ugat nito.

“Ooh…” he moaned. He then told me that he’s about to cum.

Tinapat ko ang aking kamay sa tip, then he exploded and I felt the hot sticky liquid. It was too much, some of it were overflowed in my hands. Wala ako sa sarili habang pinalaruan ko ito sa akin kamay. I enjoyed the stickiness, parang malabnaw na slime.

“Stop that,” aniya at hinawakan ang aking pulso.

Lumihis siya para matamaan na ako ng shower, at tinapat niya ang aking kamay sa tubig. Pinulot niya ang sabon na hindi ko namalayang nahulog ko kanina. He washed my hands with his.

“Hindi ka ba napapagod sa mga ginagawa natin? Don’t you think it’s a bit too much?” tanong ko sa kaniya. He stared at me in the eyes, with his pitch black orbs.

Just a first glance of his face, you will already know how gorgeous he is. Why do foreign-looking men were always handsome like this?

“I won’t get tired of it. As long as it is you,” aniya at pinagpatuloy namin ang pagligo.

…

Pinunasan ko ang aking salamin upang luminaw ito, pagkatapos ay sinuot ko na. I breathed heavily before I started spraying bit of cologne to myself. Minsan kasi, tulad ng aking mata ay nagiging sensitibo rin ang aking ilong kapag nakakalanghap ng allergens. Certain scents, especially the strong feminine ones were making my nostrils go crazy. Pasalamat nalang ako at mga panlalaking pabango ang madalas kong nalalanghap dahil si Aidan lang ang palagi kong kasama sa bahay, but that’s not my ideal type of scent for myself. I personally like citrus, but I limit the usage because I’m trying not to trigger my nasal allergy.

Nasa sala ako habang nakaupo sa sofa. Nakasukbit na sa akin ang bag habang katabi ang manuscript na nilimbag ko sa printer ni Aidan na nakapuwesto sa sala.

It was his research paper. I picked up the last page, at sinama na ito sa mga naiprint na. Kumpleto na simula chapter one hanggang five. Kulang nalang ng cover page kung saan kailangan pang lagyan ng title at group members. Kaya na niya sigurong gawin ’yon.

I shut down Aidan’s dektop and unplugged it from the socket.

Lumabas na rin sa wakas si Aidan mula sa bathroom habang nakasuot siya ng simpleng striped na dark-green shirt, at camouflage shorts. It looks like an attire of an army member.

“Natapos ko na yung project mo, Aidan. Heto siya,” sabi ko at inangat ang manuscript upang makita niya. “Ikaw nang bahalang gumawa ng cover page. Hindi ko kasi alam kung sinu-sino yung mga ka-grupo mo rito. Pare-pareho kayong mga walang ginawa, diyosmio!” sabi ko at kumamot sa ulo na parang stressed.

Mabilis naman siyang nagtungo palapit sa harap ko at kinuha ang manuscript sa aking kamay. Kitang-kita ko ang pagningning ng kaniyang mga mata habang pinagsasadahan ng tingin ang bawat detalye na nilagay ko roon.

Aidan is a proof that fluent English-speakers couldn’t be automatically considered as smart. Language is language, not a basis of intelligence.

This guy will barely make it to the end of his college, if it wasn’t because of me. Ma-swerte siya at natulungan ko siya ng walang kahirap-hirap sa part niya.

“Damn. Natapos mo talaga ito sa maikling panahon? Oh god, you’re the best!” he exclaimed then smack the top of my head with a kiss. It surprised me. I tried not to mention it, para hindi na maging big deal.

“Baka nakakalimutan mo, may pinangako ka sa’kin, ’di ba?” paalala ko sa kaniya.

Tumango siya.

“I clearly remember it, Sef. Ililibre talaga kita sa canteen sa bawat recess time mo. Pupuntahan pa kita… Don’t worry, that was very easy, y’know?” he said then wiggled his eyebrows.

Instead of being happy and satisfied, I am somehow offended. Sa totoo lang, sobra-sobra ang aking dinanas sa paggawa ng project niya, samantalang nadadalian naman siya sa dapat niyang gawin bilang kabayaran ng tulong ko sa kaniya. That’s so unfair.

I don’t mind if I would buy my own meal at school, at kahit hindi ko na kuhanin ang offer niya sa akin na panlilibre para sa kondisyon. Pero, ang main goal ko talaga ay mahirapan din siya, para malaman niya na hindi ganoon kadali kahit na magpagawa ng assignment. That would probably teach him a lesson, yet ganito ang nangyari.

Gaano ba kahirap kay Aidan na ilibre ako ng recess for one week, e, samantalang kaya niya naman yatang bilhin ang buong canteen?

I need to make my request harder. Nag-isip pa ako ng maaaring idagdag na request sa kaniya, at nung nakabuo na ako ng desisyon ay nagliwanag ang aking mukha sa galak.

Finally… I feel that this would be great.

“Actually, hindi lang ’yon ang nais kong ipagawa sa’yo,” sabi ko at tumitig siya sa aking mata habang hinihintay ang itutuloy ko. I slightly smirked. “I want you to quit your night outs with your friends and start taking you acads seriously even at home,” I said then wiggled my brows, impersonating his expression before, to piss him off.

I can see the confusion in his face.

“What?! No way, Yoseff!” he yelled. “You must be joking.”

“Seryoso ako, Aidan… Those people were bad influence! I’m very sorry if I  judge your friends negatively, but that is what I see… Ito nalang ang karagdagan na maihihingi ko sa’yo, and it’s for your own sake, actually. Please!”

Idinikit ko ang aking magkabilang palad at pinakita sa kaniya. It took him a short period of time to think, bago siya tumango.

“Okay, then. Kung ’yan ang gusto mo,” he said while frowning. Sa wakas, there’s a challenge for him. We are now fair. “Ready ka na?”

“Yup,” sabi ko at tumayo na sa sofa.

Hinatid ako ni Aidan papunta sa restaurant. Mas maluwag ang traffic ngayon kumpara kahapon kaya mas mabilis ang naging oras ng pagbyahe, kumpara rin kahapon.

Nung nakarating na kami ay agad akong bumaba. Tinignan ko ang aking relo at nakita na mayroon pa akong fifteen minutes bago ma-late. Thank goodness, I made it on time.

Nagulat ako nung hinawakan niya ang aking braso bago pa ako humarap sa restaurant at tumungo roon.

“Goodbye kiss?” tanong niya habang nakangisi. I creased my eyebrows, at saka tinignan ko siya ng masama.

“No,” sabi ko. “Pwede ba, huwag mo nang ulitin ’yan.”

Sinubukan kong kalasin ang pagkakahawak niya sa akin ngunit sa higpit nito ay hindi ako nakawala. I can see the amusement in his eyes.

“Hoy! Mayroon nalang akong kulang-kulang na fifteen minutes. Bitiwan mo na ’ko,” utos ko sa kaniya.

“Do my request first,” aniya at ngumuso ng bahagya. What the fuck? He’s so stupid, I don’t know what the heck is he thinking in this moment.

I don’t want to do that while we are in a public place. He doesn’t really care if someone might caught us here.

Luminga-linga ako sa paligid at napansin na walang tao sa kahabaan ng pavement. Wala ring mga sasakyang mga dumadaan. I gulped in tension. I guess, there’s nothing wrong na mangyayari kapag sinunod ko ang gusto niya.

I heaved a deep breath, then I abruptly gave him a peck on the cheeks and quickly pulled my hands away from him. I sucessfully removed it. Bahagya akong lumayo sa kaniya ng mabilis, upang makaiwas ako kung sakaling kuhanin nanaman niya ang aking palapulsuhan. Muntik nang malaglag ang aking salamin kaya inayos ko ito.

“That would be the last time na gagawin ko ’yon. I swear, I will punch you straight to the face kapag sinubukan mong ipaulit sa’kin ’yan!” banta ko sa kaniya at pumihit patalikod upang tumungo na sa restaurant.

“Take care!” aniya habang naglalakad ako sa parking lot. Tinaas ko lang ang aking kanang kamay habang nakatalikod sa direksyon niya.

Nasa labas palang ako ng Cibo di Archinto ay tanaw ko sa glass wall na wala pang tao sa loob. I can clearly see the image of Sir London on the counter while looking at me. Iniwas ko ang aking tingin dahil medyo na-intimidate ako sa way ng kaniyang pagtitig at pumasok na ako sa loob.

“Is that your boyfriend?” tanong sa’kin ni Sir London bago pa ako makabati sa kaniya ng magandang umaga. Hindi ko alam kung para saan ba ang tinatanong niya.

“Ho?”

“I was asking if that guy who brought you here is your lover,” aniya.

Pasimple akong napakamot ako sa likod ng aking ulo. How can I answer this thing? Should I really have to tell him?

I don’t know if there’s some sort of a relationship between me and Aidan. We are clearly not boyfriends since we didn’t have any deal about that. I can say that we are still friends… with benefits. Yeah, I think so.

“Hindi po, Sir,” sagot ko nalang sa kaniya.

Nakita lang niya na hinatid ako ng tao ay nagawan na niya ng malisya. O baka naman marahil nakita niya kanina kung paano ko halikan si Aidan sa pisngi?

Is he open minded about two-men relationships?

“Really?” mahina niyang tanong. In-assume ko nalang na kunwari ay hindi ko siya narinig para hindi na siya maintriga pa ulit. Agad kong nilagpasan ang counter at tumungo na sa employees room upang magpalit ng uniporme.

Sabi ko na nga ba. Pahamak talaga si Aidan.

Kabanata 13

Kabanata 13

Pathetic

Nakapagpalit na ako ng uniporme at tumungo na kusina kung saan nandoon lahat ng crew at si Sir London.

“Today, hindi muna tayo tatanggap ng customers. Our restaurant is reserved for a special event of someone. This is rare, but the offer is good,” anunsyo ni Sir London sa aming lahat.

“Wow! That’s a great news, Sir. Ilang months na tayong hindi nakakatanggap ng reservation,” masiglang sabi ni Chef Von habang nakasandal sa kitchen sink at nakahalukipkip. Katabi niya si Drista na may hawak na mug ng kape.

“Anu-ano ba yung mangyayari, Sir?” tanong ni Taron sa kaniya.

“Alas onse ng tanghali pupunta ang mga bisita dito, so we only have four hours left to prepare everything. Mag-iiba ang ating mga gawain kumpara sa mga nakasanayan nating routines. Isa na rito ang pagkakaroon ng decorations,” paalala ni Sir London at nakita kong mabilis na kumawala si Drista sa paghigop ng kape upang magsalita.

“Nakaka-excite naman! Hindi naman tayo nagdedecorate sa kahit anong okasyon, ’di ba? Bakit ngayon lang natin ito gagawin, Sir?” tanong ni Drista.

“Well, I forgot to mention that this occasion is for a kid’s birthday party.”

Lahat kami ay nagulat sa sinabi ni Sir London.

What? Kid’s party sa isang Italian Restaurant? That’s odd.

I wonder, what kind of decorations ang kailangan naming paghandaan? Kailangan pa ba ng balloons? I think that would ruin the classy ambiance of the place. Sa tingin ko, kahit anong gawin naming style, hindi babagay dahil hindi talaga akma ang tema ng okasyong ito. Depende nalang kung naka-isip talaga si Sir London ng paraan rito.

Bakit naman nag-agree si Sir London dito? Sa seryoso niyang aura at personality, imposibleng magkaroon siya ng interes na panuorin ang mga bata na nagsasaya sa restaurant niya. Siguro, dahil malaking payment ang in-offer sa kaniya kaya nakumbinsi si Sir London para gawin namin ito.

“Sir,” tawag ni Taron sa kaniya at napatingin ito. “Ano po ba ang dapat naming gawin? We never had something like this before. Please, enlighten us.”

“Of course, I will. Just listen to my instructions. All of you, come closer,” ani Sir London at sumenyas siya na lumapit kami. Ginawa naman namin ito.

Pinakinggan namin ang bawat task na binigay sa amin ni Sir London. Pagkatapos niyang sabihin lahat at nagsimula na kaming kumilos.

Sumama ako kay Kuya Viktor patungong storage room. Nandito ang tatlong kahon ng decorations na ayon kay Sir London ay kabibili lang niya. Sobrang laki nito at sa tingin ko ay lagpas na sa baywang ko ang laki nito. Hindi ako sigurado kung kakayanin ko ang mga ito.

Sinubukan kong buhatin ang isa ngunit hindi ko ito kinaya. Dumaan sa akin si Kuya Viktor nung palabas na siya, makikita sa kaniyang mata na gusto niya akong tulungan ngunit may taban din siyang mabigat na bagay, na sa tingin ko ay harina.

“Hintayin mo ’ko, Sef. Tutulungan kita diyan. Idadala ko lang ’to kay Chef Von,” narinig kong sabi ni Kuya Viktor bago niya ako iwan sa storage room.

Huminga ako ng malalim at sinubukan kong buhatin ang kahon, ngunit hindi ko pa rin magawa. Inulit ko, hanggang sa nabuhat ko ito ngunit nung nagsimula akong maglakad ay gumewang-gewang ako.

Alam kong babagsak ako, kahit anong oras, ngunit naramdaman kong may ibang tao ang humawak sa kahon at napigilan ako sa pagbagsak o pagbitaw dito.

Nasa ilong ko na ang itaas ng kahon, at natanaw ko si Sir London sa aking harapan. Ang kaniyang malapad na mga kamay ay nakahawak kung saan banda ang aking kamay.

“Ako nang bahalang magbuhat. Bitiwan mo na ’to,” aniya gamit ang karaniwang malalim niyang boses. His gorgeous face always stuns me. Nai-intimidate ako ng sobra sa kaniya kaya mas lalo lang akong nanghina.

Dahan-dahan kong tinanggal ang aking kamay sa kahon at hinayaan siyang buhatin ito ng mag-isa. Walang kahirap-hirap niya itong dinala palabas ng storage room. I’m amazed how strong he is.

Napalingon ako sa dalawang kahong natitira sa loob. Dapat ko pa bang buhatin ito o hantayin nalang si Sir London na siya ang gumawa no’n? Parang napaka-disrespectful ko naman kung hahayaan ko lang ang boss ko na gumawa ng task na dapat ako lang ang gumawa.

Tumungo nalang ako sa labas para mag-decorate kasama si Bren.

“Hala, ang laki naman nito!” sabi ni Bren nung buksan niya ang kahon.

Naglalaman ito ng iba’t ibang bahagi ng malaking robot, at namangha siyang pinagmasdan ang mga ito. Isa-isa niyang nilabas ang bawat bahagi.

Kaya naman pala mabigat.

“Anong gagawin po natin dito, Sir?” tanong niya.

“Bubuuin yan at didisplay malapit sa main door. The birthday kid suggested that idea to his parents kaya bumili sila nito,” sagot ni Sir.

“Ah! Ang astig naman. Aayusin na po ba namin?” tanong ni Bren sa kaniya.

“Hmm. Yes, you may,” he simply said and glanced at me. Saglit lang. Pagkatapos ay pumihit na siya patalikod sa amin at umalis.

Hindi namin alam ni Bren kung paano ito bubuuin, hanggang sa nahanap ko ang procedure booklet. Isa-isa namin itong pinagdikit-dikit, mula paa hanggang ulo. Nahirapan kami sa pagbuhat, dahil mabigat ang bawat piraso nito. Nakahinga kami ng maluwag noong nabuo na namin.

Bumuntong hininga si Bren.

“Sa wakas,” aniya at ngumiti. Mas malaki pa sa akin ang robot na ito. Isa nalang ang kailangan naming gawin, ang itulak ito patungo sa gilid ng glass door. Ito ang bubungad sa mga panauhin, pagpasok nila.

Medyo madali lang dahil may munting gulong ito sa paanan kaya pwede siyang itulak at ilipat kahit hindi na kailangan kalasin.

Dumating si Sir London, dala ang pangalawang kahon at inilapag sa mesa. Mabilis naman itong nilapitan ni Bren at binuksan. Nilabas niya mula sa kahon ang isang pirasong tablecloth upang makita ang hitsura nito sa aninag ng paligid. Kulay cyan ito na may kaunting disenyo.

Muli niya itong binaba sa kahon at lumingon sa akin.

“Kailangan mo ba ng tulong diyan?” tanong niya.

“Ako na sigurong bahala dito, Bren. Mukhang kaya ko naman. Ikaw na bahala sa tablecloth,” sagot ko sa kaniya. Nakita ko ang pag-alis ni Sir London sa amin para kuhanin ang pangatlong kahon.

“Sige!” aniya at nagsimula na siyang tanggalin ang lahat ng kasalukuyan naming tablecloth upang palitan na ito ng panibago.

Hinawakan ko sa bawyang ang malaking robot na ito at sinimulang itulak. Hindi ko na halos makita ang aking dinadaanan kaya pinapakiramdaman ko kung saan ako tutungo. Sinubukan kong bilisan ang aking pagtulak, hanggang sa naramdaman kong may nabangga ako. Medyo malakas ang impact.

“The fuck!” sigaw ng lalaking nabangga ko. Sa hiya ko ay pinilit kong itago ang aking mukha sa likod ng robot. “Tignan mo naman ang dinadaanan mo. You pushed it against me, and I almost drop my phone. Who the heck are you? I will tell this to your manager.”

Hinawakan ako ng lalaki sa braso at hinila ako palapit sa kaniya upang makita kung sino ako.

Nung nakita ko ang mukha ng lalaki, nakilala ko ito. Siya yung customer na dati ay nagbigay sa’kin ng one thousand bill na may note. His eyes widened when he recognized me too.

“Sorry po talaga, Sir,” I said to him and bowed a little. Pasimple kong inangat ang aking paningin upang suriin siya.

He’s wearing a corporate attire that looks so expensive. May hawak siyang phone. His glorious built was evident behind his clothing. He stared at me in surprise.

This man is incredibly handsome. Naalala ko ang sinabi sa akin ni Sir London tungkol sa kaniya na delikado siyang makasalamuha. Maybe he’s right, thank goodness he carried away by this action, nalaman ko na may bad attitude ang lalaking ito.

“Oh…” he said silently and cleared his throat. Lumikot ang kaniyang mata at tumingin kung saan-saan maliban sa direksyon ko. “Sorry din at nasabihan pa kita ng masama.”

Nilagpasan niya ako ng hindi tinitignan. Lumingon ako upang makita siya na nagdire-diretso sa kusina namin. Mukhang siya siguro yung client ni Sir London na nagrequest ng kid’s party.

“Okay ka lang?” nagmadaling lumapit sa akin si Bren.

“Oo,” simple kong sagot.

Bumuntong hininga siya.

“Hayaan mo na ’yun. Nag-sorry ka naman sa kaniya. Hindi mo naman sinasadya,” he said as a console.

Hindi naman ako masyadong naapektuhan kanina. I think it’s okay for him to be mad at my sudden mistake. Kahit sinong tao na magugulat at masasaktan, hindi maiiwasan na magsalita ng masama. Natural lang iyon.

“Tulungan na kita dito. Baka may mabanga ka ulit nang hindi mo nakikita sa harap mo,” aniya at pumwesto sa tabi ko.

“Hindi na, Bren. Masasayang lang ang oras mo dito. Gawin mo nalang yung ginagawa mo kanina.”

“Kaunting tulong lang naman ’to. Natatakot lang ako baka maibangga mo ito sa glass door,” aniya.

Kung sabagay, sa pamamagitan ng tulong niya, sa itutulak ko nalang ito sa braso para makadungaw ako sa aking dinadaanan, habang siya naman ang bahala sa kabila.

Sumang-ayon nalang ako sa kaniya at mabilis namin itong naipwesto sa dapat nitong kalalagyan. Nakalabas ito at nakasandal sa glass door, katulad ng statue na nakikita ko sa McDonalds. Pagkatapos no’n ay pumasok na kami ni Bren sa loob upang ayusin ang mga natitira pang decorations.

Naabutan namin doon sina Drista at Taron na nagpapahangin ng mga lobo sa counter habang nakatayo. Nagpatuloy na si Bren sa pagpapalit ng mga tablecloth.

“May iba ka pa bang pump diyan?” tanong ni Taron sa kaniya habang hawak ang isang lobo na hindi pa nahahanginan.

“Naku! Wala na Taron, e. Pramis, ito lang talaga ang meron sa kahon. Hipan mo nalang yung lobo gamit yung bibig mo,” sabi ni Drista sa kaniya at tumawa ng bahagya. Tinitigan naman siya nito ng masama.

“Baliw ka talaga. Gusto mo ba akong malagutan ng hininga? Anyway, pupunta nalang ako sa kusina para tulungan si Kuya Viktor na ilabas ang mga karagdagang mesa at upuan,” aniya at napalingon sa akin. “Hoy, Sef! May ginagawa ka ba? Ikaw nalang ang bahalang umihip ’to,” masungit na utos niya sa akin at winagayway ang lobo na hahanginan niya sana, at biglang umalis sa amin harapan.

“Huwag mo nalang siyang pakinggan, Sef. Ako na ang bahala rito, tutal iisa lang naman yung pump, e,” sabi ni Drista sa akin. “Masyado talagang masungit si Taron. Ganiyan talaga siya makipag-usap kahit sa amin, kaya huwag ka nang mag-alala.”

Hindi na ako sumagot kay Drista at pumunta nalang ako sa kusina upang makahanap ng maaari kong gawin doon.

Nasa tapat na ako ng pinto, ngunit hindi muna ako pumasok dahil narinig kong nag-uusap sina Sir London at yung lalaking nabangga ko kanina. Nahihiya akong lumapit at magpakita sa kanila.

“You don’t need to advance the payment, Rald. We haven’t rendered our services yet,” narinig kong sabi ni Sir London.

“Well, doesn’t matter. I trust you anyway,” ani nung Rald at bahagya itong tumawa. “There is a reason why I chose your restaurant for my nephew’s birthday celebration. I can pay more than this, Don. You can inform me if it is not yet enough, but promise me to help me to this guy.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Sir London said. I can sense his confusion.

“Oh please, don’t tell me hindi mo kayang gawin. Sobrang dali lang naman,” ani Rald na may panunudyo sa kaniyang boses. “Here’s my additional payment. Ilalapag ko nalang dito sa sink, dahil nakikita ko sa mukha mo na hahawiin mo lang ito palayo sa’yo, once na inabot ko na. Don’t resist this, gaya ng pagpayag mo na isagawa dito ng birthday party ng pamangkin ko. Please, Don… Lalabas lang ako sandali.”

Nung narinig ko iyon ay agad akong lumayo sa kusina at pumunta sa employees comfort room. Kakalabas lang doon ni Taron. Ibig sabihin, hindi niya kasama sina Sir London at Rald sa kusina kanina.

Tumungo ako sa loob at umihi kahit hindi pa puno ang pantog ko. Kailangan ko lang ng maiksing oras para hindi ako maabutan na nakikinig sa usapan nila. Pagkatapos ay nagpunta na ako ulit sa kusina upang maghanap muli ng gagawin doon.

“Luto na pala ang mga ’to,” narinig kong sambit ni Taron at nilabas mula sa oven ang mga bagong bake na cupcakes. Nilapag niya ito sa mesa at napatingin sa akin na kakapasok lang.

Lumapit ako sa kaniya.

“Gusto mo ba akong tulungan dito?” tanong niya sa akin.

“Sige. Ano bang dapat na gawin?” nakangiti kong sabi kaniya. Nakaka-excite yung amoy ng mga ito. Hindi ko pa natitikman, alam ko na masarap na ito.

“Simple lang… Kainin mo ’tong lahat,” seryosong sabi niya. Namilog ang aking mata. Bakit ko naman kakainin ito, e kailangan ’tong ihain sa mesa mamaya para sa mga bata? Pagkatapos ay agad siyang tumawa ng malakas. “Biro lang… Pasensya na, medyo bad mood lang kasi ako ngayon. Wala akong mapagtripan… Samahan mo ’kong lagyan ang mga ’to ng toppings sa ibabaw.”

Ngumiti nalang ako at napailing. Grabe, hindi ko inaasahan na biruin niya ako dahil akala ko ay isa siyang taong ubod ng seryoso. First impression ko talaga sa kaniya ay para siyang isang tao na hindi mo mabibiro. Straight forward at strikto. Mabuti nalang at hindi siya totally na ganu’n.

Tinuruan ako ni Taron kung paano ito gawin. Gumamit kami ng hulmahan para sa fondant. Namamangha ako dahil maganda din pala itong pangdisenyo ng pastries bukod sa icing na madalas kong nakikita. Every cupcake seems very vibrant and colorful. Nagsimula na akong gayahin siya upang mapabilis ang aming gawain.

Dama ko ang cooperation ng bawat isa sa amin. Ang saya kumilos kapag walang nahihiya na tulungan sa isa’t isa.

Nagpatuloy lang kami hanggang sa dumami ng dumami ang aming natapos.

“Kaya mo na bang gawin ’yan mag-isa, Sef?” tanong sa’kin ni Taron. “Kailangan ko na kasing ihanda yung mga pagkain sa buffet table, e. Iiwanan muna kita rito.”

“Sige lang. Huwag kang mag-alala. Nakailang beses na akong nakapaglagay ng toppings. Kayang-kaya ko na ’yan.”

“Thanks!” aniya at binuhat ang dalawang malaking tray na may takipan galing sa mesa, gamit ang magkabila niyang kamay. Maingat ang kaniyang paglalakad upang hindi ito mahulog. Nagpatuloy lang ako sa aking ginagawa.

Ilang sandali lang ay may napansin akong pumasok sa loob ng kusina. Nung una, akala ko si Taron, ngunit nung nakita ko ay si Rald pala, yung kausap ni Sir London kanina.

“Hi,” bati niya sa’kin habang nakangiti at dahan-dahang lumalapit.

Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko kaya tumango lang ako sa kaniya. Pinanood niya kung paano ko hulmahin ang fondant sa iba’t ibang figure. Pasimple ko siyang tinitignan at pansin kong naaaliw siya. Medyo nahihiya ako, sa totoo lang, kaya pinipigilan kong huwag manginig ang aking mga kamay.

“Those were pretty,” aniya. Tinutukoy niya ang mga cupcakes na nalagyan na ng cupcakes. “Seems very fun to eat.”

His voice is very sensual and seductive. I don’t know if that’s his real tone, but I shouldn’t care. Binalaan na ako ni Sir London tungkol sa kaniya.

Hindi ako tumugon sa kaniya hanggang sa natapos kong ayusin ang pinakahuling cupcake. Nakahilera silang lahat sa tray.

Nasaan na ba si Taron? I’m stuck in an awkward situation with this man. Gusto ko sana siyang layuan, pero kapag iniwan ko siya dito ay para ko na rin siyang tuluyang dinisrespeto. Hindi ko na nga siya kinausap, lalayasan ko nalang bigla.

I cleared my throat.

“May kailangan po ba kayo, Sir?”

Our eyes met. Gaya ni Sir London ay gwapo din ang isang ’to. He has a dark tone skin, but fair. The definition of his features screams in every angle you could view his face. There’s a few dots of stubble around his mouth. He seems to be a twenty-five year old man. Young but matured-looking. He’s definitely hot, but I’m not going to give in.

He pursed his lips and looked at me in amusement.

“Nothing… I’m just here to watch,” aniya. “I’m Rald, by the way. Kung natatandaan mo, ako yung nag-tip sa’yo kahapon. I hope nakita mo yung note ko sa pagitan ng bill na binigay ko… Did you?”

Tumango lang ako at pilit na ngumiti.

“Then why didn’t you texted my number, last night? I’ve been waiting, you know?” aniya.

I bit my inner lip, tumingin palayo sa kaniya.

“I don’t communicate to strangers unless if it is for work’s sake, Sir,” mahina kong sabi sa kaniya. Gusto ko siyang prankahin, pero hindi pwede.

It wasn’t intended to offend him. But I want to stay away from him. He seems like a cash-manipulator. The way he talked about money that he gave to Sir London earlier, is like it is just a piece of coin to him.

“Well, wala kang dapat na ikatakot sa akin. I’m telling you, I may be a noble man, but I act simply,” he said and chuckled a bit to enlighten the atmosphere around us. “I’m also a straight forward person, pero nu’ng una kitang nakita, I became a bit nervous. Hindi ko nasabi ang gusto kong sabihin. That’s why, I came here to casually get along and… confidently admit that I am interested with you, Yoseff.”

My jaw slightly dropped. I already know about that since he gave me a note with his number.

I am surprised by his manly presence who turns out to be gay. Kakaiba din sa pakiramdam na may umamin sa’yo ng ganito. I have never been experienced someone who admits something like this to me.

“I… don’t know what else to say, Sir. I just don’t talk to strangers no matter who they are, or what they need. That’s why I didn’t called you last night. Its just… something that is weird to me,” paliwanag ko.

Confindent man ako na makipagsalamuha sa kahit sinong tao, hindi ako sanay na makarinig ng isang intimate na bagay tungkol sa kanila. It feels like I am invading their privacy in a bad manner, even though they actually wanted me to know.

“I understand, Yoseff… Pwede naman nating kilalanin ang isa’t isa para hindi ka na mailang sa akin,” he said then smiled at me. Such a smooth flirt, but it creeps me. He seems like seven years older than me, and hearing things like that sounds very unnecessary.

I gulped. I don’t want to respond him anymore. Mukhang pipilitin niya lang ako ng pipilitin kapag nakipag-usap pa ako sa kaniya.

“Can I ask for your number so I could text you in the other way?” he requested. “I’d like to talk to you when you’re not busy at work. I will give you free load as a token for our friendship, I promise.”

Matagal ko siyang tinignan. Hindi ako makapaniwala sa resistence niya. I don’t need his offer.

Unti unti siyang lumalapit sa akin at hinawakan ako sa palapulsuhan. Nanlaki ang mata ko at agad ko itong hinila sa kaniya. Sasagutin ko na sana siya ng pabalang at wala na akong paki kahit siya ang kliyente namin, ngunit may biglang pumasok sa kusina at umentrada sa pagitan namin.

“Hands off with my employee, Rald,” utos ni Sir London sa kaniya. Napasinghal si Rald. “Stay away from him.”

Thank goodness, I am saved by the bell.

Mabilis akong nagtago sa likod ni Sir London habang nakadungaw kay Rald. Gusto kong si Sir na ang kumausap sa kaniya.

“We’re just talking casually, Don. Wala kang dapat na ipag-alala,” sabi naman ni Rald sa kaniya.

“Hindi siya komportable sa’yo kung hindi mo napapansin. Pinipilit mo lang ang sarili mo na makipagsalamuha sa kaniya. Just stop talking to my employees, Rald. You are here to examine the preparation, remember?”

“Yup, but I want to talk to him for a moment. You’re just telling me that because you are being so sensitive at all times. Please, settle your worries down. I don’t mean no harm,” paliwanag ni Rald.

“Hindi ako naniniwala. I can see that you’re just deceiving him.”

“Ano bang problema mo sa akin, ha? Bakit ayaw mo ’kong makipag-communicate sa kaniya. This shouldn’t be a big deal to you, actually,” aniya na parang naghahamon. “Tell me the truth, Don… Do you own him?”

Anong ibig niyang sabihin?

“No… I’m not a BDSM type of person like you and I don’t treat other people like some sort of possession. He’s my responsibility, and you’re startling him,” sagot naman ni Sir London.

“I don’t mean any harm,” aniya.

Sir London snorted. “Don’t fool us. Alam ko kung paano mo kinakuha ang loob ng mga taong nagugustuhan mo. Alam ko rin ang habol mo sa kanila: painful sex. Thrilling ’yon para sa’yo, ’di ba? But I won’t let you do the same treatment with my employee. He’s still young, Rald.”

Nanliit ang mata ni Rald sa kaniya. Mukhang hindi niya nagustuhan ang pagbunyag sa tunay niyang katauhan. I can feel the tension between the three of us. It’s crimping my insides.

“You freaking sound so offensive! Respect people’s kinks, Don. I bet you have one too… I thought you’re going to help me out here!” galit na sabi niya ngunit nung matanto na nakikinig din ako ay nanlaki ang kaniyang mata. Mukhang nagsisi din siya sa nasabi. Akala niya, ngayon ko lang nalaman ang balak niya, ngunit isa ito sa mga narinig ko kanina na sinabi niya kay Sir London.

“I am sorry to offend you, pero hindi kita matutulungan sa gusto mo. We are all working decently here,” ani Sir at may nilabas na munting envelop mula sa kaniyang bulsa. “Nga pala, hindi ko na ito matatanggap. I’m not going to do your special request, even earlier.”

“Pathetic,” ani Rald. “Just keep it, Don. I don’t need it.”

We watched him walked away from the kitchen. I heaved a breath as a relief.

“He’s more pathetic, right?” aniya sa akin. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, Sir,” sagot ko naman at tinginan siya sa mata. I can sense his sincere concern. “Thank you.”

Bumuntong hininga siya.

“I’m warning you again, he’s a dangerous person. Just do your best to avoid him,” paalala sa’kin ni Sir London. Tumango lang ako.

Nagulat ako nung may dumungaw sa pinto ng kusina. Si Chef Von lang pala.

“Sir, natapos ko nang isabit yung piñata. Dumating na yung dalawang clown na h-in-ire natin. Nakahanda na rin yung mga foods na niluto ko kanina sa buffet table, maliban nalang sa mga cupcakes. Mukhang si Sef na ang bahala do’n. Ano pa bang kailangan naming gawin?” tanong niya kay Sir.

“Wait. Titignan ko kapag nakalabas na ’ko,” aniya. Lumingon siya sa akin. “Ilabas mo na rin yung mga cupcakes mo, Sef. Mauna na ’ko sa’yo.”

Lumabas na siya ng kusina.

Nilinis ko muna ang paligid tapos ang aking kamay at saka binuhat ang tray palabas. I acted like something didn’t happened.

Kabanata 14

Kabanata 14

Overtime

Sobra kaming napagod nung nagsidatingan ang mga bata kanina. Lahat sila ay malilikot at kung saan-saan nagpupunta maliban sa mga upuan nila. May mga napadpad sa kusina kaya naabala ang ibang staff doon. Hindi ko alam kung paano nila natunton ang lugar na iyon, dahil unang-una ay wala namang nag-utos sa kanila para pumunta doon.

Sadya talagang malilikot ang mga bata. Mahirap silang bawalin. Napanood ko si Chef Von kung paano niya palabasin ang mga ito sa pamamagitan ng pang-aalo at pagmamakaawa.

Tahimik lang si Lemuel sa gilid habang natatawa naman si Drista kapag hindi ma-please ni Chef yung mga bata. Masama naman ang titig ni Taron sa kanila, halatang hindi niya gusto ang mga bata.

Naging maayos lang ang lahat nung nagsimula na ang show ng mga clowns.

Nasa tabi ko lang palagi si Sir London habang binabantayan niya si Rald sa bawat kilos nito. Dahil sa ginagawa ni Sir London, I can’t help but to feel so bad for him. Makikita sa mata ni Rald na sumama ang loob niya dahil sa nangyari kanina.

We’re all in a celebration, but he’s on a gloomy state. Hindi ko gustong makialam sa kaniya, ngunit para sa’kin ay nasisira ang excitement dahil sa emotion na nakikita ko sa kaniya.

Napalunok ako ng laway at napagdesisyunan na lapitan siya. He’s sitting at the farthest table alone, while watching the children playing around with the clowns who finished performing magic tricks.

Hawak ko ang isang pinggan ng pasta carbonara na hindi kabilang sa handa. When I finally reached my table, he immediately looked up to me.

“Hello, Sir,” bati ko sa kaniya, pilit na ngumiti at umupo. “Sorry nga pala kanina. I admit, nag-overreact ako tungkol sa inyo. I shouldn’t judge you before, ganu’n din kay Sir London.”

“No. Don’t worry… I understand,” aniya at umiwas ng tingin sa akin. It seems like there’s something bothers him. Is it because of my sudden approach to him?

“May problema ba, Sir?” concerned kong tanong sa kaniya. Doon ay ibinaling niya sa akin ang kaniyang paningin.

Kung hindi lang siya naging creepy kanina, baka nagka-crush pa ako sa lalaking ito. He has the total package in his appearance. He seems like a type of person that could intimidate all people in a crowded room. Well, the problem is, he seems like a little bit older than me. He seems around twenty five or so. Hindi ko kasi tipo yung mga sobrang tanda sa akin. Gusto ko ay yung mga dikit lang sa edad ko.

His eyes were darted fiercely.

“Oo, meron…” aniya.

He meaningfully smirked at me.

“Ikaw,” he answered.

Napakurap ako ng ilang beses at pinanliitan siya ng mata. Bakit naman? May nagawa pa akong masama? Hindi pa ba sapat yung apology ko?

“B-Bakit naman?” I asked. “Did I do something wrong again?”

“Wala lang,” he says then smile. “I can’t help but to feel bad for what I did,” aniya.

Ramdam ko ang sincerity sa kaniyang boses. He already made me believe that he regretted for all his sudden actions. Pagkatapos ay kinalong niya ang kaniyang baba gamit ang kaniyang kamay at ngumiti ng bahagya. He’s like examining my being.

“There’s another reason, to be honest…” he says.

“What?”

“Mayroon akong kakilala na kaparehong-kapareho mo. He’s someone who is very close to me, pero dati ’yon. Kaya agad mong napukaw ang aking pansin sa unang tingin.”

He chuckled while looking in afar. Seems like he is remembering that person at the moment.

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang sasabihin ko. I took a scoop to my food and swallowed it. He seems really comfortable talking to me.

“Uhm… H-how? Pwede ko bang malaman kung sino?”

Masyado ko naman yata siyang inuusisa sa mga personal na bagay tungkol sa kaniya. Dapat pala ay hindi ko na tinanong.

“I don’t want to mention his name,” he says. “But he’s special to me… we had a relationship, yet he left me. There’s something in you that reminds me of him. That’s why I find you interesting.”

Oh, he remembers his ex because of me? Okay, sige, pero hindi naman yata sapat na dahilan ’yon para basta-basta siyang makipagkaibigan sa’kin. Ano bang plano niya? Gagawin niya akong replacement?

This person is gay. He wasn’t afraid to tell it to anybody like the way he told me. Doon palang sa part na binigyan niya ako ng personal contact ay alam ko na talagang may interes siya sa akin. Hindi man ako nag-aassume na may gusto siya sa’kin pero gano’n kasi ang madalas kong nakikita at nababasa sa media. Nagbasa ako dati ng mga artikulo kung paano malalaman na may gusto sa’yo ang isang tao. Si Aidan ang dahilan kung bakit ko ito ginawa. I just want to know if there’s any sign that could expose him to find out his real feelings towards me, pero wala sa mga listahan ng senyales ang nagtugma sa mga kilos niya. Kay Sir Rald ko lang iyon nakita, tulad ng pag-amin niya sa akin. Maybe, make out session lang talaga ang habol ni Aidan sa akin, at hindi seryosong relasyon.

Nung inamin sa’kin ni Sir Rald tungkol sa kaniyang dating karelasyon, doon ko napag-alaman kung gaano siya ka-open sa sarili niyang sekswalidad. Wala siyang pag-aalinlangan na sabihin ito sa akin, kahit hindi kami lubusan na magkakilala. For him, it seems normal. Para sa akin kasi, pakiramdam ko ay kamumuhian ako ng ibang tao kapag nalaman nila ang totoo sa akin.

Sinuri ko siya. He’s very manly and fierce. His posture and looks were very ‘straight-like’. I am amazed how he casually tells me that he’s gay even without even directly saying it.

“Oh… Is that so?”

Iyon nalang ang naisaad ko.

“Yeah. But I’m sorry that I compared him to you. I shouldn’t have done that. I recently found out that you two were really different, because he’s a wild person, y’know? You’re innocent and don’t talk to much to strangers. I should have thought of it in the first place. My mistake.”

Napalunok ako. What, innocent? Naisip ko tuloy yung mga ginagawa namin ni Aidan sa bahay. I’m not a virgin anymore. Kahit pa nung mga panahon na wala pang nangyayari sa amin, hindi na talaga ako inosente. I’m open minded about sex and other mature stuffs. Sometimes, I’m even watching BDSMs secretly.

Honestly, there are times that I have some wild thoughts on hot and handsome strangers that I encounter wherever I go. I never want to explain more of the details. Pero kahit na gano’n ay nag-iingat pa rin ako sa kanila. Tama lang na hanggang sa pag-iisip ko nalang sila dapat pagpantasyahan. Hindi por que gwapo, sasakyan ko na ang mga trip nila. Madalas kasi sa mga taong hindi natin lubos na kilala ay delikado. Kaya pinili kong huwag maging involve kay Sir Rald dahil sa padalos-dalos niyang paglapit at pakikipagkilala.

Anong ang ibig niyang sabihin sa’kin?

“Sasabihin ko na sa’yo, Sir. Hindi po ako basta-bastang tao. If you wanted to get laid, then I’m not the right person for you,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

“Yup, I know. I just thought—” hindi na niya natuloy ang kaniyang sasabihin, bagkus ay mahina siyang humalakhak. Mapapansin ang kaunting pait sa kaniyang boses. “Uhm… to make it short, I just missed him so much, Sef. Hindi ko na siya nakakausap. Hindi naman sa tigang ako tulad ng sinasabi mo, pero gusto ko lang siyang maramdaman ulit. It just sucks,” he explain.

His words were sincere.

“I-I’m… sorry to hear that,” sabi pagkatapos kong ngumuya ng aking kinakain.

Sa totoo lang, naiilang na ako. It feels like I’m using his weakness to invade more of his personal informations. I’m sad for him, of course. But it feels uncomfortable to hear those things about him.

“You’re handsome, Sef. I can say that you are my type of guy. You are also cute…” aniya. Agad tuloy akong nakaramdam ng init sa aking magkabilang pisngi. Yumuko ako ng bahagya para hindi niya ito totally na mapansin. “I’m just curious. Can I ask if do you a boyfriend?”

Napakurap ako ng mabilis sa tanong niya.

“Paano mo naman na-conclude na lalaki ang hanap ko, Sir?” tanong ko sa kaniya at pinanliitan siya ng mata.

“Bakit hindi ba?” mapaglaro ang kaniyang boses nung tinanong iyon.

Napaiwas ako ng tingin sa kaniya.

“Malakas ang gaydar ko, Sef. I sensed you at the first time I examined your moves and expressions. My instincts never failed.”

Hindi na ako sumagot. 

“Balikan natin yung tanong. Do you have a boyfriend at the moment. I bet, yes.”

Agad kong kinagat ang aking labi sa loob noong unang pumasok sa isip ko ang pangalan ni Aidan. What the hell? No way. We couldn’t be. He’s just using me for sexual favors, and that’s just it. No feelings. No drama. Just sex.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit may kirot na gumuhit sa puso ko.

“Uhmm… w-wala. Wala pa ’yan sa isip ko, Sir.”

He chuckled.

“Why did you stutter? Totoo ba talaga ’yang sinasabi mo?”

“O-oo nga…”

I sounded rude, but he found it funny, so he chuckled again.

Pilit akong ngumiti at lumikot ang aking mata dahil sa kaba. Huminga ako ng malalim para pakalmahin ang sarili ko.

“I don’t believe you. It is impossible for a person with such an adorable face like you.”

What a compliment! I blushed once again.

“Sir, naman. It’s my decision to stay single. College pa lang ako. At saka, hindi naman talaga ako kasing-gwapo or cute tulad ng sinasabi niyo. Nanloloko lang ata kayo, e.”

Natawa siya ng bahagya. Ganoon din ako at tumingin sa aking pagkain na malapit nang maubos.

“Really? Wala talaga? O baka naman si London yung boyfriend mo? Hindi mo lang inaamin,” aniya. Nagulat naman ako sa akusa niya kaya luminga-linga ako sa paligid upang hanapin si Sir London dahil baka naririnig niya ang pinagsasasabi nito. Na-relax ako nung mali ang iniisip ko. Thank goodness!

No. Mas lalong hindi. I respect Sir London as my boss.

“What? Ang issue mo, Sir, a!” sabi ko at tumawa ng mahina.

“Hindi naman sa gano’n. I just noticed that Don seemed protective around you, hindi mo ba napapansin? I’d never seen anyone whom he treated like that. I know him, he’s an arrogant guy who doesn’t really care for other people. Maybe, he’s interested in you. Hindi mo lang napapansin,” aniya.

Wow. Daig pa niya ang mga kilala kong notorious na tsismosa sa tanang buhay ko. His conclusions sounds so unconvincing to be honest. Of course, magkakaroon talaga ng concern sa’kin si Sir London dahil staff niya ako. Aside from the fact that I have a responsibility for him, he also have a reponsibility for me. There’s no malice for his concerns.

“Hala! Imposible po talaga ’yan, Sir. Sa tingin ko, gusto niya lang akong protektahan sa mga masasamang tao, dahil responsibilidad niya rin ang kaligtasan ko, as his staff,” paliwanag ko sa kaniya.

“Wait. So are you saying na masama akong tao, ayon sa first impression mo?”

Hindi ako nagsalita.

“Hulaan ko. May sinabi ba sa’yo si Don na dapat akong iwasan?” tanong niya.

Shit! Should I tell him the truth?

“Yup,” mahina kong sabi sa kaniya.

He laughed. “What should I expect from a perception of an asshole like him? Masama na talaga ang tingin sa’kin ni Don, noon pa lang,” aniya. “Wanna know why?”

Tumango lang ako.

“He thinks of me like a monster, Sef. He’s disgusted the way I treat my sex partners. Siguro, nilalayo ka niya sa’kin dahil ayaw niyang maranasan mo yung gagawin ko sa’yo kapag nakuha ko na ang loob mo,” aniya.

Oo nga pala. Naisiwalat ni Sir London na may kakaibang sexual kinks itong si Sir Rald.

Sa totoo lang, curious ako sa mga ganiyan. May parte sa akin na gusto kong magkaroon ng mas wild na experience. But then, mas lamang ang pagnanais ko na magkaroon ng disenteng relasyon at pagmamahal. Hindi ko iyon inaasahan kay Aidan dahil mukhang malabo naman. Kailangan ko pang maghintay ng iba.

“Well, titigil na ako sa pag-pursue sa’yo, Sef. But I want to make friends with you, okay lang ba sa’yo,” aniya at ngumiti. “I’m a regular customer here. Madalas tayong magkikita.”

Sa tingin ko, ngayon, parang dapat ko na siyang pagkatiwalaan. Tutal, hindi na siya mukhang creepy tulad nung kanina. Masaya ako sa pakikitungo niya ngayon.

Ngumit naman ako pabalik.

“Sige po, Sir Rald. Aasahan ko ’yung pagpunta niyo rito,” sabi ako at sinubo ang huling piraso ng pagkain sa aking pinggan.

Inilapit sa akin ni Sir Rald ang lagayan ng tissue, kaya kumuha ako roon upang punasan ang aking mukha at kamay.

“Rald nalang ang itawag mo sa’kin,” aniya.

“Mas matanda pa rin kayo sa akin,” sabi ko. “Kuya Rald sana kaso parang hindi bagay.”

I can’t believe I’m making friends with this person. Kanina lang ay halos takbuhan ko siya palayo. Maybe, it’s just okay to be more friendly to somebody. Kahit gaano pa ako palakaibigan, bilang lang ang mga taong involved sa buhay ko.

Ngumiti siya ulit.

“Bahala ka. Kung saan ka komportable, Sef,” aniya.

Sa gitna ng aming pag-uusap ay may biglang sumingit sa amin.

“Ehem,” that person cleared his throat. Napaangat ang aming tingin kung sino ito at nakita si Sir London na nakatayo at salitan kaming tinitignan.

Matalim ang kaniyang mata at tiim ang kaniyang ekspresyon na para bang hindi niya nagugustuhan ang kaniyang nakikita. Napaiwas tuloy ako ng tingin.

“S-Sir, bakit po? May kailangan po ba akong gawin?” tanong ko sa kaniya. Tutal, tapos naman na ako sa aking kinakain, handa na ako sa susunod na gagawin. Ganoon pa rin ang kaniyang tingin. Mas lalo tuloy akong kinabahan.

“Go back to the kitchen, I need to talk to you,” aniya.

Bago pa ako makapagresponse sa kaniya ay agad niya kaming tinalikuran upang una nang magtungo sa kusina. Napakurap ako sa kaniyang ikinilos. What’s his problem?

“Anong problema no’n?” tanong ni Kuya Rald sa akin. Mukhang pareho lang kami ng iniisip.

“Hindi ko rin alam, e,” yun lang ang tangi kong naisagot sa kaniya. “Uhm… punta na ako sa kusina. Baka may ipapagawa sa’kin si Sir doon,” paalam ko sa kaniya.

“Okay, thank you for this little conversation. I hope, hindi iyon ang dahilan ni Don kung bakit siya nagkakaganiyan,” sagot niya at ngumiti ng bahagya. Mukhang napansin niya rin ang kakaibang kinilos ni Sir London.

“Yeah,” sang-ayon ko sa kaniya.

“Did you save my number to your phone?” tanong niya.

“Uhm… actually, tinapon ko kasi yung note. You were weird before, that’s why I don’t care about it… Pero sorry talaga,” sagot ko naman.

He chuckled.

“Hayaan mo na. Mamaya, bibigyan pa kita ng isa pang note. This time, itabi mo na, okay?” aniya.

“Okay, I promise,” sabi ko. “Una na ’ko,” paalam ko sa kaniya. Tumango naman siya.

Agad akong tumayo at umalis na. Pagpasok ko sa kusina ay naabutan ko si Sir na nakahalukipkip habang nakasandal sa sink. Seryoso ang kaniyang mukha habang nakatingin sa akin. Anong nangyari sa timpla niya ngayon? Pinabayaan ko nalang ito at nilapitan siya sa kaniyang posisyon.

“Sir, ano po ’yong sasabihin niyo?”

He cleared his throat while keeping his eye contact with me. His green eyes were drowning me into some sort of fantasy. He’s like a mythical creature, standing in front of me, wearing mortal clothes to disguise as a human.

His strong scent began to overpower through my breathing. Mas matindi pa sa oxygen na nalalanghap ko. Kapag talaga nasa malapit si Sir London, hindi ko maiwasang mamangha sa kaniyang malakas na dating. He’s so dreamy to be real. Too perfect to be created as a human. Parehas lang ang aura nila ni Aidan. Hindi ko talaga mapigilan ang sarili ko na ikumpara sila dahil totoo talagang ang may pagkakahawig silang dalawa, pwera lang sa kulay ng mata.

I bit my inner cheeks, while restraining myself not to kneel in front of him, because I am losing all of my senses. Nabuhay lang ako nung nagsalita na siya.

“I will transfer you as an assitant chef from now on,” aniya.

Namilog ang aking mata. Bakit, ano bang ginawa ko para ilipat niya ako ng posisyon? Isa ba ’tong promotion?

“Po?!” gulat kong tanong sa kaniya.

“I know you heard it loud and clear. I don’t want to repeat myself,” sabi niya.

“A-Ah… opo, narinig ko ’yon ng malinaw. Pero, bakit naman po?”

Napaiwas siya ng tingin sa akin. I am seeing the side view angle of his face. I can see how defined his jaw and pointed his nose. His appearance is so breath-taking.

“’Di ba, sinabi ko na sa’yo, drop the ‘po’ thing?” aniya ng hindi pa rin tumitingin sa akin.

Tumagilid ang aking ulo dahil sa pagtataka.

“Sure,” diretsa kong sabi sa kaniya. “Bakit nga?” I asked confusedly.

Binalik niya ang tingin sa akin.

“Someone applied a job here as a waiter. Ililipat kita dahil mas kailangan ng kitchen crew ng katuwang. I’m sure, kaya na ng dalawang waiter ang trabaho nila ng hindi nahihirapan. Hindi na nila kailangang madagdagan sa totoo lang,” aniya. “You should accept this, because I am preventing Rald to come near you. Pero kanina, nakita ko, mukhang maayos na kayong nag-uusap dalawa. Nakalimutan mo na ba yung mga paalala ko sa’yo nung nakaraan? As I said to you before, you should stay away from him. You don’t completely know him as I do.”

Halos hindi ko masundan ang tuloy-tuloy niyang pananalita, pero nagalit ako sa huli niyang sinabi.

Hindi tama na bigyan namin ng masamang damdamin ang customer. Anong klaseng attitude ang pinapakita niya kay Kuya Rald kanina?

“I don’t care if he’s a dangerous man or what, Sir. I approached him because sa tingin ko, mali na husgahan natin siya. Sa ngayon, siya yung customer. We should give our service and make him feel the satisfaction from what he paid for instead, right?” medyo iritado kong sabi sa kaniya.

“What are you talking about?”

“Kaya ko naman lumayo kung sakaling nararamdaman ko na hindi siya tamang lapitan. Ako nga ang dapat na magtanong niyan. Tungkol ba saan ang mga sinasabi mo, Sir?”

Napakurap siya sa biglaan kong pananalita sa kaniya. Kita ko ang gulat sa kaniya.

“I can’t imagine you could talk to me like that, Sef. Watch your tone and words,” mapangmataas niyang sita sa akin.

He’s my superior, and I am still aware of it. I suddenly felt regret.

“Maiwan ka dito mamayang gabi. Mag-o-overtime tayo ng isang oras para ituro ko sa’yo ang mga dapat gawin,” aniya.

Tahimik lang akong tumango.

“Good.”

Umalis na siya sa aking harapan at naiwan ako sa loob ng kusina. I snarled without his awareness. The way he said his last word is like treating me like a dog obeyed his orders.

Great. Mukhang magpupuyat ako mamayang gabi.

Lumapit ako sa kitchen sink at sinimulang hugasan ang mga pinaggamitang pinggan. Kakatapos lang kasing kumain ng mga bata. Lahat sila ay nanunuod nalang ng magic tricks at pagpapatawa ng clown. Hindi ko akalain na uso pa yung mga gano’ng klaseng gimmick sa mga kid’s party.

Inabot ako ng kalahating oras upang hugasan lahat dahil sa sobrang dami ng mga ito. Tinabi ko na ito sa lagayan at nilinis na rin ang kusina.

Narinig ko ang pagbukas ng pinto ng kusina kaya napalingon ako. Nakadungaw ang ulo ng isang bata habang nakatingin sa akin.

“A-Are you Yoseff?” tanong nito sa akin. Napakurap ako sandali tapos ngumiti sa bata. Lumapit ako sa kaniya at binuksan ang pinto upang makaharap siya, at bumaba upang lumibel sa kaniya.

“Yes, why?” nakangiti kong tanong ko sa kaniya. He seems a little bit scared. I recognized his face. He’s the birthday boy.

“Uhm… pinabibigay po ito ni Tito,” aniya at nilahad ang isang kapirasong papel. Tinanggap ko ito at nakita ang nakasulat na number dito.

Bakit naman naisipang utusan ni Kuya Rald ang pamangkin niya para rito? Siya nalang sana ang lumapit sa akin. Kaarawan pa naman ng batang ito.

“Alright. I’ll keep it,” sabi ko sa kaniya at binulsa ang papel. “What’s your name, sweetie?” I almost cooed him.

“I’m Nigel, Sir,” magalang niyang pagpapakilala

“Nice to meet you. Sige na, Nigel. Enjoy your party there,” I said then pinched his chin lightly. Then he smiled cutely.

Pagkatapos ay agad naman siyang tumango at tumakbo paalis.

I will save his number later. Hanggang maaari ay nilalayo ko muna ang sarili ko sa phone para hindi ako maabala nito. I’m afraid that it would distract me once I had a touch of it.

Umabot na ang gabi at nagsiuwian na ang mga bisita. Sama-sama namin nilinis ang buong restaurant. Nakauwi na rin sina Kuya Rald pati ang pamankin niya. Nakita ko ang bakas sa mukha ng bata ang saya ng kaniyang kaarawan bago sila nagpaalam sa akin at tuluyan ng umalis.

Pagod na pagod ang lahat sa naging kaganapan. At siyempre, pati rin ako ay sobrang na-drain ng energy.

I stretched my arms and dilated my eyes to prevent my drowsiness to take over my system. I even wiggled my hands and pinched it as painful as I can handle. This is worst. Isa ako sa mahuhuling magpapahinga dahil kailangan ko pang mag-overtime.

Natapos na ang lahat sa kani-kanilang ginagawa at maayos na ang buong restaurant. Isa-isa silang nagpaalam sa amin ni Sir London.

“Bye, Sef. Ingat kayong dalawa ni Sir,” bati sa’kin ni Lemuel.

“Sige. Ingat ka rin sa pag-uwi.”

“Paano ’yan, Sef? Si Sir na ba ang mahahatid sa’yo pauwi?” tanong naman sa akin ni Bren at inakbayan ako. Tumango ako sa kaniya.

“Yup. Don’t worry. Kahapon, nag-overtime din kami dahil sa hindi inaasahang order. Sure ako na maayos kaming makakauwi mamaya,” sabi ko sa kaniya at hindi ko napigilang humikab.

“A’right. Rest well nalang sa’yo kapag nakauwi ka na,” aniya at ngumiti.

“Sige,” sabi ko naman bago siya umalis.

“Promoted ka na pala, Sef. Magtatrabaho ka na pala kasama namin sa loob ng kusina,” ani Drista nung nilapitan ako. Nakasukbit siya ng bag, ibig-sabihin ay pauwi na rin siya.

“Oo nga. Hindi pa namn ako masyadong maalam sa kusina. Medyo nakakakaba tuloy,” sabi ko sa kaniya at tumawa ng mahina.

“Hoy, ’wag kang kabahan. Kung may hindi ka maintindihan, pwede naman kitang tulungan. Akong bahala sa’yo. Sige, alis na ako,” aniya bago nagpaalam at umalis.

Ilang minuto lang ay kami nalang ni Sir London ang natitira sa loob ng restaurant.

Pareho kaming nakapwesto sa mesa habang nasa harap namin ang ilan sa mga sangkap at kagamitan na ginagamit ni Chef Von kasama ang mga assistant niya sa pagluluto.

At dahil nga wala akong alam sa pagluluto, ni isa sa mga equipment ay wala akong ideya kung paano gamitin. Napakamot tuloy ako sa aking batok.

“Shall we start?” aya sa akin ni Sir London gamit ang kaniyang baritonong boses. Halos umalingawngaw ito sa buong restaurant dahil sa lakas at lalim nito.

“Yup,” tipid kong tugon sa kaniya.

“Do you know how to cook?”

I immediately shook my head.

“Nope.”

“Okay,” he said. Naramdaman ko ang kaniyang pagkadismaya sa naging sagot ko. “Well, then. I need to teach you the most basic components of cooking. Magsisimula muna tayo sa pagkakakilanlan ng mga ingredients na ’to. You need to know their names, in case your co-workers would ask you to get it for them. I know, that would be your job since you can’t cook,” aniya.

Nakalapag sa aming harap ang iba’t ibang mangkok na naglalaman ng iba’t ibang seasoning. They have distinct colors, texture and smells.

“Do you have any idea about their names?”

Sinuri ko sila isa-isa, at ang pamilyar lang sa akin ay yung dinikdik na bawang at tomato paste. Tinuro ko ito kay Sir London.

“’Yan lang?”

Nahihiya akong tumango.

“Don’t worry. Sasabihin ko lahat kung anu-ano ang mga pangalan nila. Let’s start with this one,” aniya at kinuha ang isang mangkok upang ilapit sa akin. “This is called basil. Usually, it is used for garnishing the food. This is the leaf that you usually see on the top of pasta dishes,” paliwanag niya at nagtuloy-tuloy siya sa pagdidiscuss.

Lahat ng iyon ay sinabi niya mula pangalan hanggang sa katangian at lasa. Sinubukan kong tandaan ang lahat ng mga sinasabi niya. Mabuti nalang at retentive ang isip ko.

“Now, we’re done. May tanong ka ba?” aniya.

Sinuri ko isa-isa ang mga seasoning at napansin na may isa pa siyang hindi sinsabi sa akin. Agad ko itong inangat at inilapit sa kaniya.

“E, ito, Sir? Hindi niyo pa nasasabi kung ano ang tawag dito,” kuryoso kong tanong.

He stared and examined my expression. I’m confused. Pagkatapos ay tinignan niya ang laman at tumingin sa akin.

“What do you think it is?” he asked me. I noticed a smirk formed in his lips. It looks sexy in him, to be honest. Tulad ng madalas kong ginagawa kapag nasasaksihan ko siya ng ganito, iniwas ko ang aking tingin.

“Uhm…” iyon lang ang tumakas sa aking bibig at tinignan lang ang loob ng munting mangkok. Kulang grey na powder ito, at wala akong kaalam-alam kung saan ito nilalagay.

Nag-isip pa ako ng mabuti kung ano ito ngunit hindi ko pa rin ito alam, kaya sinubukan kong dumakot nito at diniretso sa aking bibig. Nagulat ako sa matindi nitong lasa na hindi kaaya-aya kaya agad ko itong binuga.

“Wha’ la fak?” (What the fuck?) hindi ko nasabi ng maayos dahil nakaluwa ang aking dila habang pinapagpag ko paalis ang seasoning. Nung nawala na ito ay pinasok ko na ang aking dila.

What’s more surprising is when Sir London cracked a loud laugh using his usual deep voice. The noise reverberated throughout the room. It startled me at first, then I relaxed when I saw his joyful expression.

I wonder, anong nakakatawa sa nangyari sa’kin?

“Damn. That was epic,” aniya at nagpatuloy pa sa pagtawa. “You don’t have to taste it, Sef. I’m just letting you to figure it out by yourself. That’s powderized pepper, for your information. Hindi talaga pinapapak ’yan.”

I’m speechless the way he acted. When he noticed that I’m emotionless after what happened, he cleared his throat and his face became serious once again.

“Let’s continue,” mariin niyang sinabi. Medyo nahiya tuloy ako dahil hindi ko siya sinakyan.

Kumuha siya ng isang pumpon ng sibuyas, kutsilyo at sangkalan. Itinapat niya ito sa aking harapan.

“I will teach you how to remove the skin of onions and how to chop it,” aniya.

Mabilis ang kaniyang kamay nung ginawa niya ito. Sinundan ko kung paano niya binalatan at kung pa-vertical o horizontal niyang hiniwa ang sibuyas. Mabilis ko naman itong nakuha.

Nung natapos na siya ay nilagay niya ito sa maliit na mangkok. Pagkatapos ay minuwestra niya ang sangkalan.

“Your turn.”

Binigay niya sa akin ang kutsilyo at agad ko ’tong tinanggap. Kumuha ako ng isang sibuyas at sinubukang gayahin ang ginawa niya kanina. Huminga ako ng malalim. Nakakatawa mang isipin pero ito ang unang beses na gawin ko ito.

Matagal bago ko ito nabalatan. Tumingin ako kay Sir London upang malaman ang kaniyang opinyon tungkol dito. Binigyan niya lang ako ng isang nagtatakang ekspresyon kaya nagpatuloy nalang ako sa aking ginagawa.

Hinati ko sa gitna ang sibuyas at sinimulang tadtadrin, ngunit sa kalagitnaan ay bigla akong nakaramdam ng sakit.

Aksidente kong nahiwa ang aking daliri at agad itong nagdugo.

“Ahh!” sigaw ko habang inangat ang aking kamay. Bigla akong nagpanic. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin.

Mabilis namang hinawakan ni Sir London ang aking kamay at mabilis itong nilapit sa kaniya. Nagulat ako nang ipasok niya ang aking daliri sa kaniyang bibig at sinipsip ang dugo. Ramdam ko ang kaniyang dila na pumapahid sa hiwa. Mukhang pinapatigil niya lang ang padurugo. Nawawala naman ang kirot nito.

Pagkatapos ng ilang segundo ay niluwa na niya.

“Diyan ka lang. I will get the first aid right away,” aniya at mabilis na nagtungo sa medicine cabinet.

I remember the way he sucked my fingers. It felt tingly and electrifying sensations. Hindi ko talaga inaasahang gagawin niya ’yon. I blushed at the thought.

Bumalik siya dala ang isang strip ng band aid at maliit na bote ng betadine. Pinatakan niya ng gamot ang aking sugat at agad itong tinapalan. I felt relieved. Hindi kasi ako sanay ng nasusugatan. I don’t want to feel the pain, even if it is just a bit, and I don’t want to see myself bleed.

“Done,” he said. “Are you okay?” tanong niya at hinawakan ako sa aking braso.

Nakasandal ako sa mesa kung saan nakalagay ang mga nakamangkok na seasoning na pinag-aaralan ko kanina. Bumuntong-hininga ako at tumango.

“Sure?” paninigurado niya.

“Yup,” sagot ko naman. “Don’t worry. Maliit lang naman, ’to.”

“I know, but you’ve panicked before. How can’t I worry about it?” aniya at tumingin sa kamay kong hawak pa rin niya. Dahan-dahan niya itong binaba at binitawan.

“Ano, Sir? Magpapatuloy na ba tayo?” tanong ko sa kaniya. Hindi ko mapigilan ang aking paghikab dahil sa pagod at antok. Napansin naman ito ni Sir London.

“No. You need to take a rest now. Mukhang pagod ka na. I will teach you on your next shift,” aniya. “Iuuwi na kita sa inyo.”

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Hi! This is Danmax. Pasensya na sa super tagal na update. Muli nanaman akong nagbabalik out of nowhere hehe. Bilang pambawi, ginawa kong 4800-words ang chapter na ’to (di kasama ang author’s note). Abala pa ako sa mga ginagawa ko sa online class. Kapag talaga dumating ang bakasyon, asahan niyo ang mabilis na pag-update huhu. Salamat!

Kabanata 15

Kabanata 15

Outrage

and Mistrust

(Aidan’s Perspective)

The world is so vast, I am sure I could find a certain person… at a certain time and place, in a very easy way. There are so many chances out there, no need to go in deeper places. But how can I be sure if it came to your life uncertainly?

I remember when I had a rivalry between me and this nerdy guy named Yoseff. At first, pinag-agawan namin kung kanino mapupunta ang bahay na pareho namin gustong bilhin.

I didn’t expect that it would happen since ang sabi ng seller sa akin ay ako lang ang natatangi niyang tinanggap na buyer. Nakalimutan daw niya last time, kaya tumanggap siya ng isa pa.

We never actually fought in an aggressive way. Pinag-usapan lang namin ito ng maayos. Kalmado naman kasing kausap si Yoseff, kaya mabilis kaming nagkaroon ng deal na pareho namin sinang-ayunan.

He’s the one who came up with the idea that we could share the house that we both wanted. Nung una, inisip ko kung nag-iisip ba siya ng maayos. We didn’t even know each other. I don’t trust him, even though he sounds so smart that I find his suggestion really convincing.

Pumayag ako dahil wala na akong ibang mahanap na mas better pang place na maaari kong pagtir’han.

For weeks that had passed, nagkaroon kami ng ilangan sa loob ng bahay. Natatandaan ko noong una ko siyang nakatabi sa kama. Kahit pareho kaming lalaki, at walang kaso sa’kin ay dama ko ang kaniyang kaba sa aking presenya. Hindi ko alam kung anong klaseng tensyon ang nararamdaman niya kaya pinabayaan ko nalang. Inisip ko na baka hindi lang siya sanay na may katabi sa pagtulog.

Lumipas ang ilang linggo, nasanay din kami sa presensya ng isa’t isa. I treated him like my younger brother, because he is so much alike with my real younger brother, Axcel, in terms of attitude and way of thinking. Sometimes innocent, sometimes feisty. Pareho silang masarap asarin, kulitin at inisin. Nakakaaliw.

Kasalukuyan ko pang girlfriend si Claire nung mga panahong iyon. I remember those times when I praise her in every way that she acts. She’s beautiful, smart and kind-hearted. For me, she’s considered to be one of the most perfect girls that a guy could have, and I felt grateful to have her.

I thought, I will be happy with her, and she as well. But the more it gets longer, the more it gets boring. After a span of time, everything went numb, and her being was no more special. She became unreachable. Alam ko ang dahilan. Ayaw sa’kin ng magulang niya kaya pinili niyang umiwas, even though we’re still together.

Later on, she initiated the break up. I wholeheartedly accepted it. I just made a decision to let her go. Wala nang mangyayari kapag pinagpatuloy pa namin ito. She’s getting more invisible to the point that I can’t see even a glimpse of her soul. She chose to be like that instead of being just transparent that could make me able to see her beauty inside, appreciate it, like I always do. Invisible and transparent, they are still different in such ways, even though they possess almost the same meaning.

I cried, neither for her nor because of sadness, but for being alone all this time. She is not the reason of my agony.

I remember that night when I am drowning with liquors. Yoseff came to save me, walking towards me with simplicity, yet he immediately managed to caught my attention. The demonic vibe of Ren’s party opposes his angelic face. He’s like a lost lamb in a sea of raging wolves. All of us were viciously having fun, dancing wildly to the beat, poisoning ourselves with strong alcohol drinks, then he just came with his usual cute and innocent expression, seems unaware of where he came.

He’s so interesting. I smirked in amusement.

“Hoy, Aidan. It’s time to go home,” he tried to slap me repeatedly to wake me up. Hindi ko talaga malabanan ng todo ang antok.

I sensed through my instinct how Erica, one of the girls that I am with, slapped Yoseff somewhere in his body. It’s either on one of his hands or arms. Maybe she thinks that this person is harming me unreasonably.

Hindi ko na siya napigilan upang i-explain na okay lang ang ginagawang paraan ni Yoseff para gisingin ko. I freaking need it, since I am surrounded by these creepy girls that I am not even close with.

“Don’t worry about him, boy. Kami na ang bahalang mag-uwi sa kaniya. Just leave him to us,” sabi ni Erica sa kaniya.

I’m aware that they are doing pervert things around me, that’s why I strongly hoped that Yoseff wouldn’t turn his back to me because he believed to these girls that they would bring me home without any other intentions.

I felt another wave of continuous slaps from Yoseff, trying to wake me up for the second time. Sa gulat ko ay pinilit kong dumilat upang makita siya.

It is blurry yet I want to blush by the view of his adorable face. I don’t know what is happening to me. Maybe, because alcohol is kicking in my system but I have no clue.

A part of my soul— well, majority of it, wants to hold him close and lock his body so tight. I couldn’t understand myself. Curiousity filled my mind, as I felt the need to figure out how it feels to touch him. Hinila ko siya pakandong sa akin. I felt his cold skin and fabrics. I embraced him tightly, to the point where he can’t escape from me.

I leaned my head on his back, sending him some of my warmth. His proximity makes me so comfortable.

“Dito muna tayo, Sef. Ayoko pang umuwi,” pilit ko sa kaniya. I want to have fun with him. Just curious how he acts in a party.

I’m not sure if he just snarled at me, but I sensed his irritation. I felt that he carried me with his tiny body, and it feels very unsual and it feels like every moment, we are about to fall. Wala nga lang akong magawa upang tulungan ang sarili ko na maglakad mag-isa.

“Bubuhatin na kita,” he said to me. I just trusted him that he will bring me home safely compare to those perverted girls who just went near me earlier without even telling them.

His same old citrus scent intoxicated. I even sniffed his shirt to smell more of it. I don’t even like citrus. I just like to smell him.

We made it to our house. Naramdaman ko na hiniga niya ako sa sofa. I’m still at my concious, kaya dinilat ko ng bahagya ang aking mata. Hindi niya napansin iyon, kaya akala niya ay tulog na ako.

Nakita ko kung paano niya tinapat ang kaniyang phone sa akin. Naramdaman ko na nasa itaas ko siya, habang nakahiga ako. Hindi man kami magkadikit, alam kong malapit lang siya sa akin.

My shirt was pulled up unintentionally. I know, he’s capturing my body in different angles, because of that. I partly opened my eyes, and its hard for him to notice it. I secretly peaked on what he was doing.

What’s the purpose of my body pictures? Aanhin naman niya ito?

While he was currently on top of me, but our bodies are not touching. He supported himself with his arms and legs. I immediately pulled him down and squeezed against my body. Occupying the space between us. I trapped him in my arms.

We’re now cuddling each other.

“Shamelessly taking pictures of me, huh? Akala mo hindi kita mahuhuli?” sita ko sa kaniya. I heard his faint breaths. Sinubukan niyang magpumiglas mula sa akin pero hindi ko siya hinayaang makawala. “Huwag kang malikot. There’s no way for you to deny it.”

Just say that its true. I’m not mad.

“Oo na, sige na. Tutal nahuli mo na ako. Wala na akong magagawa kaya pakawalan mo na ’ko,” aniya.

I want too coo him so bad. He’s so cute like a guilty baby when he’s embarassed.

“I just want to talk to you,” sabi ko sa kaniya. Inamoy ko ang kaniyang buhok.

“Then, let me go, para makausap kita ng maayos.”

I don’t want to let him go. I just want to embrace him tightly. It makes myself gain some energy from him.

“No. Gusto ko yung ganitong posisyon,” I insisted. I combed the strands of his hair with my hands, like a pet. I can feel his heat, mixing with mine. His scent smells heaven.

Inamin ko sa kaniya ang tungkol sa break up namin ni Claire. Hindi ko alam kung nakikinig siya, pero mas mabuti nang sabihin ko kaysa itago.

Napaisip ako ng malalim sa maiksing oras. May bagay na nais kong malaman sa kaniya.

“Do you like me?”

Out of nowhere, I asked that. Napatigil siya. Even my heart just skipped a beat. He’s probably thinking how the heck did I know and aware about his sexuality.

Why did I asked him that? Una, parating makahulugan ang bawat tingin niya sa’kin. The way his beautiful brown eyes sparkle through his glasses when he see my almost naked body inside our house, is clear and undeniable. He blushes when he feels my proximity. No wonder, he always felt awkward before. Isa pa, hindi niya ako matanggihan sa mga kahiligan ko sa kaniya, tulad ng pagtulong sa academic requirements. All I can do is to please him in an east way, and he would accept my request right away.

Then, now in this moment, I caught him taking unpermitted pictures of me. It’s creepy, but since its Yoseff, its adorable to witness his determination to carefully do his secret agenda without my awareness.

There’s so many evidences that made my hope lit up.

“I don’t know,” he said silently.

That’s weird. If he doesn’t really like me, he would straightly answer ‘no’. May bakas ng pag-aalinlangan sa kaniyang tinig. Mukhang ayaw niya akong sagutin.

“Wait! Bakit hindi mo alam? Oo o hindi lang ang isasagot mo. Hindi pwedeng hindi mo alam, Sef. Just tell me,” papupumilit ko.

He was faintly trembling on top of me. He’s now resting his body to mine. Hindi na siya pumapalag. I like the way he melts in my embrace.

“S-slight… I guess,” aniya.

I groaned in dismay. Pero deep inside, may saya na nagbubunyi sa aking damdamin. Something that I never felt from Claire. It’s foreign.

“Am I really not attractive enough?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

I held his face to focus on me. I tried to change my expression into something adorable, yet he just laughed at me.

What’s funny?

I fully removed my t-shirt. I witnessed how his face flushed, feeling my bare chest on him.

“Tell me… do you like me, Yoseff?” I asked him. “Try to say no or maybe, I won’t believe you.”

He nervously looked at me in the eyes. Then he nodded as an answer.

“I want to hear it. Sabihin mo,” I commanded him sensually.

“Y-Yes,” utal niyang sagot.

My heart jumped at the moment. I… can’t explain how he made me happy.

“Good.”

Something happened that night. The most intense moment that I ever experienced. We’re like wild animals, exploring the forest with endless possibilities. I don’t have any clue how to make out with a guy, but Yoseff taught me.

Maybe, I am gay all along. Or maybe, I’m just gay for Yoseff. I’ve never been attracted to a man before, then he became an exception. There’s something in him that pulls my heart closer to his. I am filled with curiousity, so I tried to explore a new world, because of him.

I accidentally tore his briefs that night. But I would probably buy him new ones.

From that day, it changed the way I see him. It excites me whenever I wake up early, cook for us with my egg masterpiece, and wait for him to get up from our bed. His glasses always hung loose, and it looks like it is about to fall. I like the way he yawns with his cute groggy little face. He looks like an angel, came from a sweet dream.

And the most important part of the morning is when I make him as my breakfast. Damn.

Sunod-sunod ang naging practice namin para sa darating na sports event. We’re gonna compete with another varsity groups from other nearby universities. I’m just a newbie, since I’m a freshman. My teammates told me that our school were defending champions for years.

I keep on training myself harder. One time, nagpahinga kami sa bleachers after practicing for almost two hours straight. Nilibre naman kami ng aming coach ng mineral water para pahupain ang aming uhaw.

There are girls flocked in our back. Lumingon ako sa kanila at napansin ang kanilang tingin sa akin. Some of them immediately turned away, but the others waved at me, trying to get my attention. My face were still stoic, and turned my gaze away from them.

Bigla akong siniko ni Ren.

“Bro, they’re all staring at your back. Damn,” he said.

Umiling lang ako. Hindi ko pinansin ang kaniyang sinabi. Its creepy to be honest.

“You could probably get one of them,” aniya pa. “Why don’t you try?”

He wiggled his brows so I stared at him with disgust. Tumawa naman siya ng mahina.

“What?! You’ve broke up with Claire, right? Mayroon ka nang chance na humanap ng bago. Yung hindi boring,” then he chuckled.

“I have no plans.”

“Whoah. Really?” makahulugang tanong niya sa’kin. Pagkatapos ay lumingon siya sa aming likod upang tignan ang mga babaeng umaaligid sa akin. “Damn. They’re all pretty. There’s no way you could lose the chance!”

Malakas ang kaniyang pagkakasabi kaya mukhang narinig iyon ng mga babae sa likod. I heard their irritating giggles. I almost let my hands cover my ears. But that’s offending.

“Fuck no,” sabi ko lang.

He shrugged.

“Okay. Sabi mo, e.”

In-announce ni Sir Robert, coach namin, na kailangan namin magbayad ng fees para sa bagong set ng jersey at sa transportation papunta sa gaganapan ng event.

Naalala ko, halos naibigay ko na kay Yoseff ang natitira kong allowance sa isang linggo. I need to call Axcel.

Lumayo ako sa kanila para tawagan ang aking kapatid ng pribado.

Sinabi ko sa kaniya ang sadya ko kung bakit ko siya tinawagan.

“Are you serious, Kuya? Where the hell did you spent your money? Sa syota mo?” galit na tanong ni Axcel sa kabilang linya.

“I wish,” sagot ko at napangiti. Who’s my special someone, anyways? I just spent my money to Yoseff.

“Break up with that gold digger girlfriend of yours. Sa laki ng baon mo, paanong naubos mo ’yon agad? She might be using you.”

Napailing ako sa sinasabi niya kahit hindi man niya ’yon nakikita.

“Ax, just send me a part of yours, please. I will pay you after I claim my next allowance. I’m dead if our parents would know about this.”

“Patay ka talaga, Kuya,” he said. “Mama wants you to be responsible of your money. Kahit gaano pa ’yan kalaki. Because you are now living separate from us. Kapag nalaman niya ito, baka pabalikin ka niya sa bahay at dito ka na rin mag-aral.”

No. Pinalad ako na makapasok dito sa university dahil nasabit ako sa mga pasado. I admit, hindi ako masyadong seryoso sa academics, I’m only smart in such ways, pero concern ko na sa magandang kalidad na school ako makapag-aral. It was my only pride that I have.

Isa pa, ayokong lumipat ng bahay. I want to stay where I am living today.

I heard him sigh in the other line.

“Pagbibigyan kita sa ngayon. I will send you money this afternoon… But, if it happens again, isusumbong na talaga kita,” banta niya.

Sumbungero. Tsk.

“Of course. It will never happen again. I promise,” I said and laugh forcedly. “I’m gonna end the call right now. Love you, bro.”

“Shut up,” aniya at pinatay ang aming linya.

Pagkatapos nung araw na iyon, napag-alaman ko na nag-apply si Yoseff ng trabaho. I’m not against it, but I am concerned sa kung ano ang mga maaaring manyayari sa kaniya.

Hindi siya marunong magluto at hindi siya naghahain ng pagkain sa mesa, pero pinili niyang magtrabaho sa isang restaurant. I’m surprised by his decision.

Weekends ang shift niya, kaya may oras din ako para ihatid siya doon.

“Huy! Bakit? Anong meron?” natatawa niyang tanong sa akin habang nakatulala na nakatingin sa restaurant at sa pangalan nito. Seryoso lang ang aking mukha.

“Wala lang. This place seems very familiar,” sabi ko sa kaniya. Kita ko ang pagtataka sa kaniya kaya minabuti kong asarin siya sa huling sandali na makikita ko siya ngayon. “Goodbye kiss?”

His cheeks burned up. Mukhang nahiya siya sa aking sinabi. Mabilis niya akong kinurot sa tagiliran ngunit tinawanan ko lang ito kahit masakit.

“That is not a good joke. Paano kung may makarinig sa’yo, gunggong?”

“Ano naman? Doesn’t matter what other people would say,” I simply said then he immediately shook my head in disbelief. Tumawa ako ng mahina. “I will go now. Goodbye. Take care.”

Pagkatapos kong magpaalam ay pinaandar ko na ang motor paalis.

Habang nasa bahay ako at walang ginagawa, patuloy kong iniisip kung bakit pamilyar sa’kin ang lugar na ’yon. Cibo di Archinto. Archinto is my middle name, therefore it was my mother’s surname before. She is Italian. I had a feeling that the owner of that restaurant is one of my relatives.

Hindi ako nagkamali. Sinearch ko ito sa google at lumabas ang website nila. The name of the owner was indicated.

London Emil C. Archinto

Nasa baba ang ilan sa pangalan ng kaniyang kapatid. Dahil nga nag-aaral palang si London, he only handle the restaurant during weekends. Ang mga kapatid niya ay pansamantalang gumagampan sa responsibilidad niya sa tuwing may pasok siya. Maaaring pareho sila ni Yoseff ng sched.

Yeah, I know this guy. He’s my cousin.

Natapos ang first day ni Yoseff sa kaniyang trabaho. Bago pa ’yon mangyari ay tinadtad ko siya ng texts at tawag. Sobra akong nag-aalala sa kaniya. But then, he replied that he’s going home with someone.

I became mad, kahit umuwi pa siya na may dalang pagkain para sa amin. Of course, what would I expect? Mukhang sawa na talaga siya sa mga niluluto ko. He wants another food, yet hindi ko siya malutuan ng kahit na anong ibang pagkain.

Nadala ako ng galit nung gabing iyon. It mixed with desire. I became aggressive that night, and something happened again.

Sa sumunod na araw, hinatid ko nanaman siya ulit sa kaniyang trabaho. For the second time, I requested a kiss as a goodbye. I am surprised when he immediately did it. Kahit hindi man sa labi, masaya na ’ko kahit sa pisngi.

Buong araw akong mag-isa sa bahay. Walang magawa. Sana sa susunod na weekend ay makasama ko siya. I’m being insane.

May naisip akong paraan.

Tinawagan ko si London. Thankfully, may number pa pala ako niya.

“Hello, who’s this?” tanong niya sa kabilang linya.

“Hindi ba naka-save yung number ko diyan?” tanong ko sa kaniya. Natahimik siya saglit.

“Oh. I read it now. Okay… What’s the matter, Aidan? Napatawag ka?”

“I wanna tell you about something,” sabi ko.

“Hmm?”

“Do you know Yoseff?”

“Uh… yes. He’s my new employee. What is it about him?”

“He’s my…” napahinto ako saglit at napalunok. “F-friend.”

“Really? Oo tapos?”

Hindi na ’ko sumagot. Kakasabi ko lang, ’di ba?

“Ikaw ba yung naghahatid sa kaniya rito?” tanong niya.

How did he know?

“You’re probably wondering. Nakita ko kasi na hinatid mo siya kanina dito sa restaurant ko, through the glass wall. I immediately figured out that it was you,” aniya.

Napalunok ako ng laway.

“Tell me, is there something between you and him aside from being friends?” tanong niya na nagpakaba sa’kin. “You guys were boyfriends? I may be mistaken, but I saw Yoseff kissed you.”

I lose my breath for a second. Ano naman kung gano’n? Is he feeling disgust?

“N-no. What the hell, dude! You’re probably hallucinating.”

He chuckled.

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry. I also asked Yoseff about it earlier and he also said no. Just forget what I said,” aniya. “Maiba nga ako. Ano ba talaga yung sadya mo sa’kin bakit ka napatawag? Are going to tell me about Yoseff? Nothing else?”

I cleared my throat.

“No… actually I have a request from you,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

Sinabi ko sa kaniya ang pakay ko. He was involved to this. Without his approval, this would be nothing.

“Alright, Aidan. I accept that… Don’t worry, I will,” aniya sa kabilang linya.

“Good,” sabi ko naman.

We ended up our call.

Lumipas ang ilang oras at gabi na. Akala ko, ngayon na ang oras ni Yoseff sa kaniyang pag-uwi pero hindi pa siya nagtetext sa’kin kung susunduin ko na siya.

“You’re late, again?” sita ko sa kaniya. Basta-basta nalang siyang pumasok sa loob ng bahay, at didiretso sana sa kwarto, walang balak na pansinin ako. Kanina pa ako nakaupo sa sala habang hinihintay ang kaniyang pag-uwi. Napahinto siya at humarap sa akin habang nakatayo pa rin sa kaniyang kinaroroonan.

“Yup, andami kasing ginawa sa restaurant kanina. Hindi ko akalain na magkakaroon ng kid’s party. Very stressful kung alam mo lang.”

Yes. Kung alam ko lang talaga. I need a reasonable enlightenment, as soon as possible, before I explode.

“You didn’t even bother to call me, huh? Akala ko ba, ako ang susundo sa’yo doon?” iritado kong tanong sa kaniya.

He looked at me and snorted. Wow. Based on his looks, he seemed so done of it. I’m aware that he’s so tired and drained, yet that’s not enough to let him slip his behaviour during this night with his fucking excuses.

“Ano ba? Nakalimutan kong tawagan ka or itext sa’yo na mahuhuli ako ng dating dahil nga sobrang busy ako kanina. Andiyan naman si Sir London para ihatid ako pauwi. Hindi ka ba naging masaya na hindi kita naabala pa?” paliwanag niya at inirapan ako. I can’t believe he’s making an annoying attitude towards me.

I badly needs his apology. Dahil iyon sa matagal kong paghihintay sa kaniyang pag-uwi. Hindi man lang siya nagpaalam na mag-o-overtime. Walang text, walang tawag. Hindi ba niya alam na naghihintay ako?

“I am just concerned, Sef. I can’t trust him.”

He snarled.

“Bakit naman? What’s your problem?”

“Because…” I… I’m…

Should I say it? But do I really… uh?

“Aidan, what?!”

“B-because you don’t know him. Better trust no one… but me… He might do something… you know?”

A moment of silence.

“Ibig mo bang sabihin na dapat ikaw lang ang dapat kong pagkatiwalaan?” he asked and stared in confusion.

After that, he cracked a loud and insulting laugh.

“Bold of you to say that my world should only revolve around you. You’re just puzzling me with your stupid trust issues. Ikaw yata ang hindi ko dapat na pagkatiwalaan.”

I’m sorry. I just can’t say it. You better be clueless.

“I’m so tired, Aidan. Let’s get to bed right now,” he said and yawned softly. Damn, maybe I’m the only one who find it sexy. Does he know how admirable he is? I can appreciate every little thing that he does.

“No… we’re not done yet, Sef. You still owe me something.”

He raised a brow.

“Owe you what?” he asked confusedly.

An apology, Sef. So naive

.

“You made me wait so long, and it happened twice. You have to say sorry this time.”

He shook his head.

“No. Its no one’s fault,” he said with his sleepy voice. He scratched his eyes. “Matulog na tayo.”

“Wait! Just stop right there!” mariin kong sigaw. “Do you even care that I am very concerned with your safety all along?”

“Aidan, there’s nothing that you should be worry about.”

“No, there’s something that I should! I made you work for a debt, Sef.”

“Because I need to pay you as soon as possible,” aniya.

“I’m telling you, kahit hindi mo na bayaran. Its fine. Just take it as my help.”

Umismid siya.

“Well, I don’t accept charity, Aidan. Napag-usapan na natin ’to nung una na utang ’yon, at hindi basta bigay galing sa’yo. Sumusunod lang ako sa pinag-usapan natin dahil–”

“Then let’s change it,” putol ko sa sinasabi niya. “Quit the job. I don’t care about the payment. Forget about the debt. You’re just stressing yourself to acquire money.”

“Hindi pwede.”

I gritted my teeth.

“Bakit? Is there anything that you want in your work aside from fulfilling the payment? Or is it because you prefer that London guy more than me, huh? You can’t quit because you’re making your way to him?”

“What the hell?!” he exclaimed. Iyon lang ang nasabi niya.

“Did you lied when you admitted that you like me? Do you remember that time? It was the night when it all started. It is before something happened to us for the first time.”

He opened his mouth but no words came out.

“Do you really like me?” I asked him. Straight forward.

He slowly shook his head.

“W-what kind of bullshit is that?”

No. It should be a bullshit. He just probably denied. I know, I’m sure, and I am very determined to prove that there’s something in him that keeps lurking.

Hindi niya lang iyon gustong malaman. Ayaw niya lang aminin sa sarili niya. After all the things that we did, basta-basta ko nalang ba hahayaan na hindi siya magkagusto sa’kin?

I want to make him admit that. I’m still thinking how.

“Do you like that guy?” wala sa sarili kong tanong. Please, say no.

“Oh, please! Stop playing asshole right now, Aidan. I don’t have time for your crazy antics. Hindi na nakakatuwa,” aniya. “Hindi ako makapaniwala. Why are you like this? There’s nothing wrong in trusting my boss. There’s freaking no malice.”

“Then what is it?” matapang kong tanong.

“Nothing! I’m his employee, that’s it. Concern din siya sa kaligtasan ko.”

Hindi ako kumibo.

“Do you even thinking about everything you said?” matapang niya ring tanong. “Oh… Silence means no? Sa totoo lang, hindi na ’ko nabigla. Hindi ka naman talaga marunong mag-isip ng maayos, ’di ba? That’s why you barely passed in your academics. While I’m here, saving you before you totally fail. Kung hindi dahil sa’kin, baka wala ka na. You could be a disgrace to your family if it wasn’t because of me. And it’s just hilarious that you think I can be deceived easily by your utterly absurd assumptions about Sir London. You can’t change how I see him. I can’t understand you. You’re just… funny!” sigaw niya.

Silence… I am completely insulted about everything that he just said. Kung ipinaglalaban niya ang kagandahang loob ng pinsan ko, bakit kailangan niya pang sabihin ang mga bagay na hindi maganda tungkol sa’kin? Is he comparing him to me?

I want to prove that I’m better.

Tumayo ako while clenching my jaw. I ran towards him and abruptly pinned him against wall. I gripped both of his hands tightly with one hand. I want to crush his tiny body into smaller pieces with anger.

I can see a sheer of surprise in him. I heard his light whimper due to sudden impact.

“Let go of me, shithead!”

I didn’t say anything. I just let him complain.

“Are you fucking mad?!” singhal niya sa akin.

“What do you think?” I asked him with pride and authority. He doesn’t respond. He is now shaking in slight fear. This is what I wanted. “Yes, of course! I am supposed to get mad at you,” singhal ko pabalik.

I want to make him feel weak, trapped in me, and he will beg for his freedom. This anger is making me horny.

My other hand went in his groin and massaged it deeply. I don’t care if he’s tired. I’ll do the movements, anyways.

“W-why?” he asked in a weak tone. “P-pagod na ’ko, Aidan. Hindi ko na makontrol yung mga sinasabi ko kanina.”

I pressed his groin once again, as he let out a loud moan. He bit his lips afterwards.

“I-I’m sorry,” he said in a cracked voice.

Too late.

I stared at his shinning brown eyes. I watched as it slowly began to look like he was pleading. He might be so turned on right now.

This kitten is getting rude day by day. I want to teach him a lesson. I will punish the heck out of him.

Wakas ng Unang Yugto

Ikalawang Yugto

░

Ikalawang Yugto

░

W

ILD

❁

【 “Let go, run wild with me.” 】

Butterflies Rising

⚣

Kabanata 16

Kabanata 16

Daddy

(SPG Alert!)

I am positioned below his large frame while standing. Hindi ko siya matulak dahil mahigpit ang kaniyang hawak sa pareho kong kamay, kahit iisang kamay lang ang gamit niya. Ang antok na kanina pa nananatili sa diwa ko ay biglang naglaho. Blood rushed though my veins.

This also happened last night. And now, we’re here again.

He cupped my groin and massaged it aggresively. I steadied my sight in his eyes. They were glistening like shining embers.

“Aidan, s-stop. We have to sleep now,” pigil ko sa kaniya pero hindi niya ko pinakinggan at nagpatuloy lang sa ginagawa. “I-its not the right time for this,” ngawa ko.

He remained silent, again.

“Hngh…” I softly moan. He’s uneasy to stop.

My hips jerked forward as his hand made its way to my ass. He was caressing between the cheeks. I still need to restrain but seems like I am now under his control.

I can feel the beat of his heart proximate to mine. Both were beating like drums. Deafening, like a music meant for a party dance. Sweats began to form.

I called his name for the second time. He licked the bridge of my nose, upwards, until it came on the center of my glasses. With his teeth, he pulled it away from me, but it suddenly fell.

“My glasses!” sigaw ko at nagpumiglas. I saw how it landed on the floor and cracked, but the broken pieces didn’t shattered elsewhere.

Hindi pa rin ako makawala sa pagkakahawak niya. My blood boiled in anger so I lifted up my feet and tried to kick him in the balls. Pero mahina ako ngayon, kaya nagdikit lang ito sa kaniya ng walang impact. Suddenly, he nudged his front against my sole.

“You want it now?” he whispered sexily and chuckled. Bigla ko tuloy binaba ang aking paa. My faced flushed.

“I-I was meant to kick you right there!”

“Well, do that kick again,” he demanded and winked. My legs trembled in response. I know, he just want me to nudge his front again.

I just shook my head.

Pagkatapos, bigla niyang itinaas ang kaniyang tuhod at kiniskis ito sa aking harapan. He smirked when he saw me in a helpless state. I felt very embarassing to see him proud by giving me this kind of insanity. I felt the urge to cum in my pants because of his versatile touch. Ngunit hindi pa iyon sapat. Feeling his bare hands are better than the texture of the garment that I’m wearing.

Our breaths were heavy. Umaalon ang kaniyang hubad na katawan sa bawat haplos at paghinga. My sight went to his crotch. I immediately noticed his boner bulging against his grey undies. What’s more surprising is when I saw the tip of it peeking beyond the garter. The faint light helped me to see a bit of his precum leaking from the hole.

“Aidan, s-stop!” pigil ko sa kaniya. He just stared like me like a ruthless bastard. “D-don’t go further. I might cum in my briefs!”

His eyes softened after he heard my last sentence. Umalon ang kaniyang adam’s apple at nagtiim ang kaniyang bagang.

His head leaned forward to my ears.

“Let it go, then,” he simply whispered. “I won’t stop you.”

Bahagya niyang kinagat ang aking tainga. Then I felt his wet tongue at the back of my lobe. His knees were still rubbing me. Tuluyan na akong bumigay at nadadala niya ko.

“Fuck– hah…” I let out a deep breath and a loud moan.

I can’t. I want more than this. I want his skin into my skin. It’s more pleasuring.

“K-Kiss me,” I ordered him. Nung una, bakas sa kaniyang mukha ang pagtataka, hanggang sa ngumisi siya at ginawa ang pinag-uutos ko. His lips were forcefully sucking mine. I felt his tongue slipping through the edges of my teeth. I almost got ran out of oxygen, but he immediately pulled back.

“You’re such a demanding little thing,” he said and snickered with his deep voice. Then, his free hand unbuckled my pants. I bit my lips as I witness how he pulled down my pants and briefs with just one hand.

My rod sprung free. He entangled his fingers, holding its thickness. He still doesn’t stroke me, but his thumb is playfully tickling the tip of my dick.

“Brace yourself,” he said then chuckled. “We’re going to do it again. I hope, this will teach you a lesson,” aniya.

“Huh? What do you mean? How is this supposed to teach me a lesson? It’s late at night, Aidan. Bakit wala kang pinipiling oras?”

Nilebel niya ang kaniyang tingin sa akin. Matalim ang kaniyang mga madilim na mata. Wari bang hinihigop nito ang aking kaluluwa sa malalim niyang mundo.

“I don’t have a choice, Sef. I tried to control myself, just to give us a little break between every foreplays. But now, I needed your time, dahil sa iba mo na binubuhos,” sabi niya.

My eyes set in confusion, and he noticed it.

“You know, it’s always so annoying to see that you’re clueless about everything that I said. Bakit ang babaw mong umintindi, Sef?”

No word was formed in my mouth. Because of that, his jaw tightened in some sort of anger. He’s getting scarier and I almost peed in my pants while I’m currently aroused.

“Wala ka pa rin bang naiintindihan? I thought you’re smarter than me, huh?” tanong niya sa akin. “I know, you’re adorable when you’re so confused like that but please, think deeply.”

“W-what?”

“Seems like we’re both wasting the time,” aniya. “I don’t really like confessions, but I’ll make this as an exception… I have feelings for you, Sef. Romantically.”

“W-why?” I managed to ask. I noticed that he smiled a little.

“There are plenty of odd things that I discovered because of you. You made me do things that I never used to do. All of them are fantastic and wonderful. You changed me into something that I never expected to be. Everything felt different yet I undeniably liked it. In short…. I like you, did you get it?”

I’m still speechless but my eyes are getting teary. Mas lalo pang bumilis ang pagtambol ng aking puso. Sa huling pagsambit niya ng salita ay tila ba akong nabingi. Then realization came. Yes, I get it. And I felt it.

“I know, bad things might happen if I push my feelings. We’re both dudes. Other people might see it as wrong, yet I wouldn’t care. I’ll promise to take the risk. I’m ready for the consequences, Sef. As long as I’m following my happiness. This is my new happiness,” he softly said. “I have no plans to tell my feelings to be honest, kasi nahihiya ako. I actually wanted you to figure it out by yourself. Ngunit hindi ’yon nangyari. I can’t help but to tell you directly anyway. Wala ka bang masasabi?”

His hand is slowly let my hands free. Then, immediately, I held both of his cheeks and grab his face into mine. Our lips collided, like longing lovers met for the first time in centuries. We’re exploring each other’s mouth like venturing a wild forest.

My heart leaped in every single word that he muttered. His sincerity is the cause of this certain unfathomable feeling. It sparks through my soul that goes into frenzy.

The kiss came to its end. Once again, we stared at each other’s eyes, decoding the expressions of one another. Naramdaman ko ang kaniyang kamay na gumapang patungo sa aking batok. He pulled my head against his bare chest. I sniffed his addictive scent, affecting me crazily like a drug. I can’t even stop myself from doing it.

“You always underestimate me. Yes, I might have several disadvantages, but I could be beyond satisfactory in different ways,”

Matapos ang medyo mahaba namin pag-uusap ay sinimulan na niya akong hawakan. He stroked me slowly, while I’m embracing my arms into him and leaning my head on his shoulder. He cupped my balls according to the rhythm of his strokes.

“Have you got anything to say?” he asked. “I thought you would be responsive after I told you everything. Why are you just… silent?”

“’Cause I felt very dizzy,” I answered. “I told you, I’m tired. Nasurpresa ako, pero… uh… medyo nahihirapan akong magsalita.”

“Do you want me to stop?” he asked me concernly.

Huh? I thought he’s going to teach me a lesson by doing this. Wala na akong planong pahintuin siya dahil nasimulan na niya at gusto ko nang magpatianod. I’m just dizzy, not sleepy, because of his intoxicating manly perfume. I want to melt into his body, like a marshmallow on fire. I’m feeling so hot right now, and I would be mad if we would stop at this point.

“N-no…” sabi ko.

He gave me a peck on the lips.

“Okay,” he whispered.

He easily lifted me up. Mabilis iyon. I just let him carry me to our bedroom. Then, I just found myself laying above the sheets. Sa sobrang bilis ng mga pangyayari ay hindi ko namalayang nahubad na niya ang aking t-shirt. My eyes widened when I sensed that I am completely naked.

He didn’t opened the lights. Only the dim illumination of the moon made me able to see his dark soulless eyes with a piercing stare. I noticed a hint of sparkle in it, so I find it cute in some way. His hair was ruffled and it gives me a bad boy vibe. He’s so sexy and I can’t wait for him to rule over me.

He was positioned in between my legs. He’s giving me a full sight of his enticing body. I want to trail every inch of his skin with my tongue. I have a curiousity about how it taste like.

“Damn. I almost forgot that I’m mad at you,” he frustratingly said. “Ngunit ’wag kang pakampante. I’ll make it rough until you yell out my name very loud, like screaming for your life.”

I don’t know why I let out a soft chuckle. But one thing is for sure: he was offended.

“You’re belittling me again. Let’s see if you could still laugh like that during your extreme orgasm,” aniya.

He held my dick and started pumping it in a fast motion. His palms were soft, yet feels rough because of the way he pleasures me. I bit my lip and shut my eyes close. I was retraining myself from moaning, yet I let out a loud noise calling out his name.

“AIDAN!”

My voice reverberated throughout the house. I bet, umabot ’yon sa bahay ni Kuya Eros at malamang ay alam na niya ang nangyayari sa’min. This is bad. He even smirked at me, maybe because he’s watching me being heavily afftected by his touch.

Every stroke is faster than a second. Napadiin ang aking mga daliri sa kutyon at kinuyom ito.

“I-I’m near,” nanghihina kong paalala sa kaniya, ngunit imbes na ipagtuloy lang ang kaniyang ginagawa ay bigla siyang huminto.

I want to smack his head and cuss him.

Bigla tuloy napabangon ang aking ulo at tumingin sa kaniya. Nakita ko kung paano siya yumuko upang ilapit ang kaniyang ilong sa aking pagkalalaki. He’s sniffing my crotch, like there’s some sort of perfume sprayed all over it. I just felt his inhales and exhales against my skin.

Then, I felt a wet thing touched my balls. I figured out that it was his tongue. He licked my scrotum upwards repeatedly, as if he was cleaning it. Then it came to my small patch of thin pubes. He licked it just like what he did in my balls.

“Ahh!…”

After he heard that, he started to swallow my shaft. His mouth was warm and slippery. He bobbed his head back and forth, faster and faster. I just moaned the heck out of me until I reached my climax. I accidentally released my seed inside his mouth without alarming him. I heard his continuous gulps, it means he swallowed my fluid.

I am acquiring oxygen heavily. I didn’t expect that to happen, and that was intense.

“That’s too much,” he said. Is it really? Then why did he drank all of it? It didn’t even overflow from his mouth. Or maybe, he tried his best not to overspill a single drop.

I closed my eyes because of exhaustion. I’m so enough of the stress. My eyes were so heavy. I really neee a deep sleep.

Next day came. Umangat ako sa higaan dahil sa amoy ng mabangong pagkain na niluluto ni Aidan. It smelt very unfamaliar unlike his usual egg dish. My stomach grumbled in hunger.

I’m now wearing a loose shirt, ngunit hindi ko alam kung paano ko sinuot ito dahil sa pagkakatanda ko ay natulog akong hubo’t hubad kagabi. Wala sa sarili kong inamoy ang sarili kong suot. It smells like the Aidan’s scent. It must be his shirt.

Tumayo ako at nagmamadaling pumunta sa dining area upang abutan kung ano ang niluluto ni Aidan. Pumunta ako sa gilid niya at napatingin siya sa akin. I peek what’s in the pan, and to my surprise, it was buttered shrimp.

A moan escaped from my mouth because of its scent. Nagulat ako nung  hilahin ako ni Aidan sa harap niya at niyakap ako sa likod. I heard him snicker as he put his chin on my shoulder.

“Good morning,” he greeted with his slight sleepy voice. The sound of it made me shiver down the spine. Nakaposisyon ako sa pagitan ng kaniyang magkabilang braso habang patuloy lang siyang nagluluto. By the looks of the dish, malapit na itong matapos.

Hindi ko na siya mabati pabalik dahil naa-amaze akong tingnan ang pagkain. I imagine how it is delicious.

Napalundag ako ng bahagya nung naramdaman ko ang halik ni Aidan sa aking baba pataas sa aking labi. Napalingon ako sa kaniya pagkatapos niyang bumitaw.

“You’re salivating,” he said and laughed softly. “It spilled from your mouth.”

Iniwas ko ang aking tingin at yumuko dahil sa kahihiyan.

“Damn,” he breathed deeply. “You’re so adorable, wearing my shirt. You look edible at the same time,” aniya pa.

Nanigas ako sa aking kinatatayuan. Then I felt that he nudged his front in to my ass. He’s wearing a pair of boxers only, and I almost felt the whole outline of his rod because of the thin layer of our garments.

Pumihit ako paharap sa kaniya.

“S-stop!” at sinubukan ko siyang itulak palayo. Hindi nga lang siya napaatras kahit bahagya. He nudged again his front, and this time, it is against with my front too!

I heard a click from behind me. He turned off the stove and his hand went on each side of my waist.

“Do you remember anything last night?” he asked me. “Tinulugan mo ako. I felt lewd, yet you slept before I could do my thing.”

Without my permission, he removed my t-shirt abruptly. My body was entirely exposed in front of him. He smirked as he examine every corner of my figure. What’s more embarassing is when he see my dick on it boner, pointing at his direction. I facepalmed.

He chuckled a bit at wiped away my hands from covering my face.

“Don’t worry. I have morning wood, too,” aniya.

Pinanood ko siya kung paano niya dahan-dahang binaba ang boxers niya. Now we’re both completely naked. Our manhood bumped with each other and I can’t help but notice the difference of our sizes. He’s super huge, while I’m just average.

My face went in full heat.

“Turn around,” he ordered. Unti-unti naman akong pumihit patalikod. Pagkatapos ay naramdaman ko ang kaniyang mga kamay na ginabayan ang aking kamay upang ipatong ang mga ito sa lababo. Nakaharap ako sa kalan.

Hinila naman niya ang aking baywang palapit sa kaniya.

My eyes widened when he slapped my ass cheeks.

“Ouch!” I exclaimed.

“Sorry, I can’t help it,” aniya at tumawa ng mahina. Pasimple lang akong umirap. Hindi naman niya nakikita.

He spread my bottom part to see my hole. He continuously spit his saliva to it, and then I just felt his fingers rubbing my entrance. Preparing it for his upcoming thrust.

“It’s so cute down here, Sef. Your hole is so pinkish and quivering,” he said in deep tone. I bit my lip as my face turned crimson. Damn. Does he really have to say that?

“Fuck!” I groaned as he finally inserted his fingers inside me. It all started with two fingers then three. It explored my insides, rubbing me in some sort of ecstacy. “Gosh, Aidan!”

I continued to moan and call out his name because of the way he’s pleasuring me. I’m being so delirious. I felt my balls tightened, having the urge to cum.

“Aidan!” I called his name, again.

“What?” he seductively asked me. It just tempted me to submit even more.

“I-I want it… now!” nanginginig kong sabi. Lumingon ako sa kaniya habang patuloy lang ang ginagawa ng mga daliri niya sa akin. His hawk-like eyes examined my pleading expression, as his tongue licked in between his lips.

I’m shaking so bad.

“What do you want?” tanong niya pa. I gritted my teeth infrustration. He’s wasting my time! I know that he gets it.

“You!” sigaw ko. “Fuck me, daddy! “

My blood almost drained about what I just said. For a short moment, napahinto rin siya. He seems also shocked. Akala ko gusto na niyang tumigil ngunit naramdaman ko nalang ang kaniyang pagkalalaki sa dire-diretsong pumaloob sa’kin.

“Ahh!!” sigaw ko dahil bigla niya itong ginawa. I felt like my walls are being torn up.

“Care to say that again!” nanggigigil niya utos sa akin. Hindi ako mapakali dahil nagsisimula na siya sa pag-atras abante. I can’t even say a single word.

He thrust deeply, and I received his manhood in its full length. I gasped in pleasure.

“Shit!” sigaw ko. I was electrified when his tip banged my sweet spot. My jaw remained slightly opened. My brows furrowed. “Oh, heavens. Hit that spot again, daddy! “

“Fuck!” he shouted. “I’ll make you regret that you called me in that way.”

He rammed my hole quickly. Every thrust that he makes, hits my spot again and again. We exchanged moans and groans of pleasure as our bodies

“Oh fuck! Pound me more, daddy !” I screamed. I know, calling him in that name will push his horny buttons even more.

He grunted. Mahigpit niyang hinawakan ang aking baywang at medyo bumabaon na ang kaniyang daliri.

“I’m going to fill you now, kitten, “ he said. Pagkatapos ay naramdaman ko ang mainit niyang likido na pumuno sa aking kaloob-looban. Nanginig ang aking katawan. I was surprised that I also climaxed even though I didn’t even touched my dick. It spurted up to my chest.

Tumagal ng ilang segundo ang kaniyang pananatili sa aking loob hanggang sa naisipan na niya itong hilahin. His cum oozed out from my whole as I felt a slight pleasure because of it.

Pumihit ako paharap sa kaniya at mabilis siyang hinalikan. Hinalikan naman niya ako pabalik. I sucked his lower lip then explored every corner of his mouth with my tongue. Pagkatapos ay tumigil na kami.

He held my right hand and guided it to his lips. He kissed my palm, softly. His breaths were heavy, and his chest was pumping up and down in respiration.

“You are amazing,” he said.

My heart started to beat loudly again. Maybe, I’m also feeling the same thing like Aidan. I like him more than sex.

Kabanata 17

Kabanata 17

Most Delicious Lips

“What happened to your glasses?” bungad na tanong sa’kin ni Leila pagpasok ko sa room. Umupo na ako sa aking seat, beside her. I scratched my head and showed a forced smile.

“Wala na. Aksidente ko kasing nahulog kagabi. Nabasag,” paliwanag ko sa kaniya.

When I walked in the classroom, I tried my best to walk normally. Medyo masakit pa ang lower portion ng aking katawan. I don’t want to be suspicious. Mostly, teenagers were now sexually knowledged. Natatakot ako na may makapansin na nahihirapan akong maglakad at pupunain na nakipag-momol ako. Kahit biro lang ’yon. It’s hard to pretend that I’m not guilty.

“Kawawa ka naman. Hindi ka kasi nag-iingat por que afford mong bumili ng bago,” aniya at nangulumbaba sa mini table niya.

“Gagiks, palagi nga akong nagigipit! Anong afford-afford ka diyan,” sabi ko naman. “Hindi ko lang talaga naingatan.”

“Ay sus. Ganiyan naman kayong mga lalaki. Hindi kayo palaging marunong mag-ingat, kaya pati puso ng babae, nawawasak niyo na,” bulong niya sa kaniyang sarili. Narinig ko ito kaya agad akong napalingon sa kaniya.

“Tang inang hugot ’yan, Lei. Tigil-tigilan mo ’ko sa ganiyan,” sabi ko sa kaniya. Tumawa naman siya ng malakas.

“Joke lang naman, Sef. Napaka-sensitive mo,” aniya at nagpatuloy pa sa pagtawa.

I snorted at her overacting. I suddenly wished that she could vanish even for just a moment. She’s disturbing me.

“Ayos ka lang?” tanong sa’kin ni Leila. “Parang may kakaiba sa’yo.”

“H-Huh? Anong meron sa’kin? Okay lang ako.”

“Sure ka? Pinagpapawisan ka ng matindi, e,” aniya at pinasada ang kaniyang daliri sa aking noo. Mabilis ko itong hinawi ngunit huli na dahil naramdaman niya kung gaano ito kabasa. I gulped without her awareness. Inilapit lang niya ang kaniyang daliri sa aking mata upang makita ko ang nakuha niyang pawis.

“Kadiri ka naman,” puna ko sa kaniya.

“Ako pa ngayon ang kadiri. E, sa’yo nga galing ’to!” angal niya.

Nag-usap lang kami ni Leila hanggang sa dumating ang professor namin at huminto na kami. I tried to focus on my professor’s discussion, but my mind is still bewildered.

I don’t know how on earth Aidan could possibly cook a unique meal in the morning. Well, don’t get me wrong. I really appreciated his effort towards it. Natutuwa ako at natutunan niya kung paano magluto ng ibang putahe. Yun nga lang, hindi ko mapigilang isipin kung bakit, at paano siya nagsimula.

Naalala ko yung lasa ng buttered shrimp, at tandang tanda ko pa kung gaano ito kasarap. It has the taste that I never expect from Aidan to create, because I thought he’s just a beginner. Ang tanging naisip kong dahilan ay dahil ayaw na rin niya ng puro itlog. He wants something new for breakfast. Am I right?

Nilabas ko ang aking panyo mula sa bulsa ng aking slacks. Pinunasan ko ang aking pawis na patuloy pa rin sa pagtagaktak. Bukas at gumagana naman ang air conditioner sa loob ng classroom namin pero sobra akong naiinitan. Ang notebook na nakalapag sa desk ko ay sinubukan kong gamitin upang paypayin ang sarili ko, ngunit hindi sapat ang kaunting hangin na nagagawa nito.

Unti-unti akong nahihilo habang naririnig ang pagsasalita ng professor ko sa harapan.

“Are you okay, Mr. Alba?” tanong sa’kin ni Sir Bram. Papikit-pikit ang aking mata na tumango, at dahil hindi ko na mapigilan ang masama kong pakiramdam, dumukdok na ’ko sa desk.

Mabigat ang aking paghinga habang naramdaman ko na inangat ng bahagya ni Leila ang aking ulo upang damhin ng kaniyang kamay ang aking noo.

“Sir, may lagnat po yata si Sef,” sabi ni Leila sa kaniya.

“Alright, he will be excused for now,” ani Sir. “Dalhin niyo siya sa clinic.”

Tumayo si Leila mula sa kaniyang bangko at sinubukan akong iangat ngunit hindi niya nakayanan. She pulled me again for the second time pero hindi pa rin siya nagtagumpay.

“Huwag mo nang pilitin ang sarili mo diyan, Ms. Espino. Hahanap ako ng tutulong sa inyo,” narinig kong sabi ni Sir Bram habang nakapikit pa rin ang aking mata. Nakaangat na ang aking ulo mula sa desk at nakasandal na ako likod. Naramdaman ko ang pagkirot ng aking ulo, kasabay ng mainit konf pakiramdam. Para ba akong sinusunog ng buhay. “Uhh… Ikaw nalang Mr. Castejo. Stand up, and help this two.”

Narinig ko ang padabog na pagtayo nung kaklase ko na ’yon, pati na ang kaniyang mabibigat na yabag patungo sa amin. Mukhang badtrip at nautusan siya. Nakakahiya naman, mukhang may naabala pa ako dahil sa kondisyon ko.

Inalalayan ako ni Leila kay Tim, yung Mr. Castejo, ngunit nung nakaposisyon ako ay nadulas ang aking katawan mula sa kaniyang pagkakabuhat. Hindi kasi mahigpit ang kaniyang hawak sa tuhod ko noong kinalong niya ako. Agad akong napahiga sa sahig at napa-aray dahil sa nangyari.

“You should be careful, Mr. Castejo! The guy was ill, but you don’t have any consideration to help him. Sumama pa talaga ang loob mo kaya mo siya hinayaan na mahulog. Kung ayaw mo, e ’di bumalik ka nalang sa upuan mo at ako nalang ang magbubuhat!”

Mas lalo lang sumakit ang ulo ko dahil sa panlelecture ni Sir Bram kay Tim. I just heard Tim snorted and stomped his feet back to his seat. Bago pa ako mabuhat ni Sir ay bigla akong napaidlip kahit sa sahig pa ako nakahiga.

When I woke up, I just found myself inside the campus clinic. I can’t estimate how long did I dozed off. Tahimik ang buong paligid, wala ring nurse na kabantay sa akin. Nakahiga ako sa malapad na hospital bed. May kurtina na naghihiwalay sa akin mula sa iba pang mga higaan.

Akala ko ako lang ang mag-isa rito, ngunit napalingon ako sa aking tabi at nakita ang isang nakadukdok na lalaki sa higaan ko, nakaupo sa malapit na upuan. Mahimbing itong natutulog at naririnig ko pa ang paghilik nito.

Hindi nagtagal ay natanto ko kung sino ito. It was Aidan, and right after a few seconds, napabangon siya mula sa pagkakadukdok. His face was slight groggy. Medyo magulo ang kaniyang makapal na buhok.

“Are you okay now?” tanong niya sa akin. Tinanguan ko siya.

“How did you get here?” tanong ko naman. “Uh, I mean, paano mo nalaman na nandito ako.”

He fixed his hair by combing it with his fingers. He cleared his throat.

“We should be in the second period room together, but your chair remained hollowed. Tinanong ko si Lena kung nasaan ka. She said that you’re being sick and they brought you here in clinic, kaya pinuntahan kita,” he explains.

“You mean Leila?”

“If that’s what her real name, then it is.”

I mentally slapped my forehead. Ilang beses ba siyang magkakamali sa pagsabi ng pangalan ng kaibigan ko? He doesn’t seemed to bother correcting himself either.

“Is it because I forced you last night, kaya ka nagkasakit?” he concernly asked me while touching my forehead to feel my temperature. Diretso ang tingin niya sa akin mata, at ganoon din ako sa kaniya. There’s an evident worriness showing.

I huffed and shook my head.

“Why did I even asked that? This is really my mistake,” aniya sa kaniyang sarili. He grabbed on of my hand and sniffed it. I felt his nose and lips touched my palms. Then he played with my fingers. “I have to apologize, Sef. You wouldn’t be here if I let you rest that night. I’m sorry if it continued again in the morning. You must’ve been tired, but I made you more exhausted. I shouldn’t went that far–”

“Shh!” I stopped him from speaking frantically. His lips almost quivers and he pulled out his very remarkable puppy eyes that I can’t resist. Damn, when did he became this cute! I can’t help but touch both of his cheeks and pinched them slightly. “Relax. I’m in a good condition, now. Don’t blame yourself, okay?”

He nodded like a child while I’m still holding both of his cheeks. This adoration is killing me! I want to bite off his face because of his irresistable charm due to vulnerability.

“Sef,” he whispered faintly.

“Why?” I asked.

“N-nothing,” aniya at iniwas ang kaniyang tingin sa akin.

Dumako ang kaniyang paningin sa side desk kung saan may nakalagay na snacks at isang bowl ng noodles. Napakurap ako habang tinitignan ang mga ito.

“I told you, sagot ko na ang recess mo because you helped me to my research,” aniya.

Maayos na ang pakiramdam ko. Hindi na ako inaapoy o sumasakit ang ulo. Sa palagay ko, mahinang sinat lang ang natamo ko. I’m thankful anyways.

“Eat. You need some energy,” he said.

Tumango lang ako at kinuha ang bowl. Hindi na masyadong mainit ang pagkain. Maaaring kanina pa niya ako hinihintay na magising para kainin ito, ngunit lumamig na. Hindi naman sa umaalma ako, dahil sa katunayan ay masaya ako sa simpleng effort niya.

“It already turned cold?” tanong niya. He touched the base of the bowl while I’m still holding it. “No way. Do you want me to bring it to cafeteria? Paiinitin ko lang saglit.”

Mabilis akong umiling.

“Hindi na. It’s just fine anyway.”

“Saglit lang naman, Sef. Mabilis naman akong maglakad.”

“No! I told you, it’s just fine!” pag-uulit ko na may diin sa boses. He pouted in defeat.

“It’s better if its warm. You’ll feel better,” pagpupumilit niya.

I don’t know what I should do with him. Ayaw ko siyang hayaan sa gagawin niya sapagkat tinotodo na niya ang effort niya para sa’kin. I find it attractive to be honest. He’s acting like I am disabled and needs to take care of. Maayos naman na yung pakiramdam ko ngunit mukhang hindi yata maintindihan ni Aidan ’yon.

I can’t help but chuckled.

“Ang kulit mo,” sabi ko. He smiled when he heard that remark.

Hindi ko na siya narinig na nagsalita. Pinanood niya ako habang kinakain ang mga dala niyang pagkain. Gutom na gutom ako sa ’di malamang dahilan kaya mabilis ang pagsubo’t nguya ko sa noodles.

I heard him snickered.

“Bakit?” sipat ko sa kaniya. Napahinto siya at nagpigil ng kaniyang paghagikgik. Balahura ba akong kumain kaya niya ako tinatawanan?

“Wala,” sagot niya. Pero hindi ako naniniwala. Tinignan ko siya ng masama.

“Talaga lang, ha?” malalim kong tanong sa kaniya at nagpatuloy nalang sa pagkain.

Naubos ko ang noodles ng ilang minuto lang. Inumpisahan ko na rin lantakin ang mga sitsirya at biskwit na dala niya. Pinanood niya ko kung paano ko halos isumpak lahat ng pagkain sa bibig ko. Iniisip ko na baka gusto rin niya na makisabay sa’kin.

“Gusto mo?” abot ko sa kaniya ng sitsirya. Umiling lang siya at ngumiti. Nanatili lang ang kaniyang paningin sa akin kaya napaiwas ako.

“Sa’yo na ’yan lahat. Ubusin mo,” aniya.

“Gago ka ba? Ang dami nito,” sabi ko naman sa kaniya. Tumawa siya ng mahina.

“Then just eat what you can eat,” aniya.

Tumango nalang ako at nagpatuloy sa pagkain. Hindi ko na naubos lahat ng dinala niya dahil nabuhos na ako. I even burped. I felt very satisfied today.

“Well, matulog ka na ulit,” sabi ni sa’kin. Umiling ako bigla.

“I already got enough sleep. Malakas na ako ngayon,” tugon ko naman. His face softened when he heard that. “It’s so quiet here, isn’t it? Parang tayong dalawa lang ang tao dito. I can’t even hear any students buzzing outside.”

“Yeah. I think so,” aniya.

Dumaan ang ilang segundo na walang nagsalita sa pagitan namin. Sobrang nakakabingi ang katahimikan. Wala naman akong maisip na sabihin sa kaniya.

“We’re just alone here, you know? I never even saw a nurse in this clinic. Students were on their classes. It feels like we own this room and no one else will bother us,” makahulugan niyang sabi sa akin. He almost whispered it but I managed to hear that. “Are you thinking about something naughty, Sef?” he wiggled his eye brows.

Bigla ko tuloy siyang tinulak sa balikat.

“Baliw. Minsan nga, mag-isip ka rin ng tama,” sabi ko sa kaniya. He smirked at me.

“I was just asking you.”

“Well, it sounds like you wanted to do something here.”

“It sounds like you don’t have the same thought,” aniya na may kaunting panggagaya sa tono ko.

“I’m not as pervert as you,” bwelta ko.

“Really? How come? You’re the one who taught me how to sex with another guy.”

Napatakip tuloy ako sa aking tainga.

“Argh! You’re so freaking vulgar!”

“You’re just playing innocent, Sef,” he said and laughed a little.

“Can we just stop talking about it?” sabi ko at minuwestra ang aking kamay upang patigilin siya.

“Alright. I will stop talking about it if we are going to do it.”

Napatalon ako ng bahagya sa sinabi niya.

“H-here?” nangingig kong tanong.

“Where do you think it is, huh? Do you want us to go outside and do the dirty thing there? Of course, Sef, just here!”

“Fucking stop,” I said and groaned in frustration. “Kakagaling ko lang sa sakit ’di ba? You told me that you’re sorry because you forced me last night. And now, you want us to do it again, at dito pa talaga? Hindi ka ba nag-iisip. Bobo,” I said and regret it.

“Bobo?” he asked me. Pinaling niya ang kaniyang ulo sa aking at tinignan ako ng masama.

I felt his hands crawling on my legs under my blanket. Pataas ng pataas ang kaniyang kamay hanggang sa malapit na ito sa aking pundya. It stopped when he’s about to make it to my crotch.

“Watch your words, kitten,” he coldly uttered. I bowed down my head and gulped. Then I felt his hand in my cheeks, moving my face up to him, as we stared at each other. “I’m sorry. I’m just joking around. Wala talaga akong planong gawin ’yon.”

I just watched the moment he moved his lips in every word he told me. I want to move and give him a kiss. Just wondering how it taste like, even though I tried it plenty of times. The way he called me ‘kitten’ reminds me of what happened last night. It was wild. Well, lahat naman siguro ng encounter namin ay wild, pero nag-iba noong nagkaroon kami ng weird na tawagan. I felt a slight cringe when I remembered myself calling him ‘daddy’. One of the shittest thing that I did in my entire life. Very shameful.

Palapit ng palapit ang aking mukha sa kaniya, sinusubukan na halikan siya. Ngunit may taong bumulabog sa amin. That person cleared his throat at dali kaming napatingin sa kaniya.

“Uh, excuse me,” anito at dahan dahang lumapit sa amin. I bit my lip in frustration. What a wrong timing!

“B-bakit?” tanong ko sa kaniya nung nakalapit na siya sa amin. It was Martim Castejo, the guy who refused to help me earlier.

“Here’s your water and medicine. Pinabibigay ni Sir Bram,” aniya. Inabot niya ito sa aking namang tinanggap.

“Uh… Thank you pero magaling na ako. Mukhang ’di ko na kailangan nito,” sabi ko sa kaniya at ngumiti.

“Don’t be thankful. Napag-utusan lang ako ng matandang ’yon,” suplado niyang sambit. Sinuri niya ako ng pataas-baba. “Kung ayaw mong inumin, then just keep it. Huwag mo nang ibalik sa’kin because I don’t need it too,” aniya at walang pag-aalinlangan at dire-diretsong lumayo sa amin hanggang sa tuluyan na siyang umalis sa clinic.

Bihira ko lang makita ang lalaking iyon sa klase namin. He’s one of the delinquents who are in danger of failing grades. Lagi siyang nasesermonan ng mga professors dahil sa asal niya. But I think its none of my business to think about.

Sinubukan kong uminom sa tubig na binigay sa’kin ni Tim. Bumaba ang aking paningin at naramdaman na hindi pa pala naitatanggal ni Aidan ang kaniyang kamay sa aking hita. Muntik ko nang maibuga ang iniinom ko.

“Bitiwan mo na ako,” sabi ko pagkatapos kong nailagok ng tuluyan ang tubig sa bibig ko. Hindi niya ako pinakinggan at sinunod, sa halip ay naramdaman ko ang kaniyang pagpiga. “You shithead!”

Tumawa siya ng mahina at ngumisi sa akin. He wiggled his eyebrows for the second time. Inirapan ko lang siya dahil do’n.

“Your legs are so soft. I want to remove your slacks so badly,” aniya.

Hindi ko na napigilan hanggang sa kinurot ko na siya sa tagiliran.

“Ouch! That hurt!” aniya at binitiwan na ako. Napahawak siya sa kaniyang tagiliran. “I’m just joking.”

Napangiti ako sa ekspresyon niya hanggang sa hindi ko napigilan na hilahin siya at halikan sa kaniyang labi. Kanina ko pa ito gustong gawin, kung hindi lang kami pinuntahan ni Tim kani-kanina lang. I played with his lower lip and slipped my tongue through the tip of his teeth.

I felt his hand came to my nape, pushing me towards him, deepening the kiss.

I felt very euphoric as we both shared affection with each other. My mind was clouded. My desires went higher, but I don’t want to push it. Baka mahuli kami ng ibang tao na papasok dito.

Lumipas ang ilang minuto at bumitaw na kami sa isa’t isa. Kakatanggal palang ng kaniyang labi sa akin ngunit gusto ko pa rin ulitin. But if do it, I know, this bastard would be magniloquent.

“You had the most delicious lips I ever tasted,” sabi niya sa akin. Napakurap ako at bahagyang napailing.

“Better than Claire’s?” wala sa sarili kong tanong.

“Exactly,” he answered.

Kabanata 18

Kabanata 18

Stupidly Fallen In Love

(SPG Alert!)

Lumipas ang dalawang araw at naging sobrang busy ako dahil sa dami ng pinapagawa ng professors. This is one of a hell of a hectic day. Napuno ang aming dining table ng libro at notebook na makalat na nakasalansa.

I’m now writing my assignment. Bawat tanong ay sumasakit ang ulo ko dahil kritikal ang dapat na maging sagot. Napahilot ako sa aking sentido, tila nahihirapan sa kinakaharap na problema.

Naramdaman ko na lumapit sa likod ko si Aidan at tinulungan ako sa paghilot sa aking ulo.

“You need help?” he asked me.

Hindi ko alam kung matatawa ba ako o hindi. Hindi ko lubos maisip kung matutulungan ba ako ni Aidan sa assignment ko dahil siya lang ang madalas na nangangailangan ng tulong sa pagitan namin. Dapat ko ba siyang pagkatiwalaan?

“I don’t think so. Kaya ko na ’to mag-isa,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

Nagpatuloy lang ang kaniyang paghilot sa akin at napapikit ako sa sarap. I’m so thankful that Aidan became so caring like this, no, let me scratch that, he’s been so caring like this even before.

Nanigas ako sa aking kinauupuan nung naramdaman ang kaniyang labi na lumapat sa aking balikat. Nakasando lang ako kaya sa balat ko mismo ito tumama. He trailed my shoulder blades and I felt the wetness in my skin. I bit my lip to stop myself from moaning. I tried to resist and pushed his head away from me.

Three days nang walang nangyayari sa amin. It started when the day that I fainted because of fever. But I need more time for my studies. I need to avoid the temptation as I possible could.

“Aidan!” singhal ko sa kaniya.

“Yes?” he asked innocently after he backed out his lips. But there’s a hint of seduction to his voice. He wants to lure me with his kisses. Gosh. Please, don’t go any further!

“Huwag ngayon. May inaasikaso ako,” I managed to say it.

“What do you mean?” he pretended like he knows nothing about what I’m thinking. I almost snorted in reponse to his behaviour. Pero hindi maitatago ang kaunting inis na pilit niyang kinukubli dahil sa pagpapanggap niya.

“You’re taking your move. I’m not dumb not to notice it,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

He groaned in frustration.

“But I’m going to help you there right after. Para mas mapabilis na ang trabaho mo pagkatapos natin,” senswal niyang pangungumbinsi.

Hindi ko gustong lumingon sa kaniya. I sensed that he’s doing the powerful puppy eyes again. Damn it. I think I need to punch his face without looking at him. He needs to learn a lesson for bugging me from my duties.

“I-I don’t trust you,” nauutal kong sambit noong nagsimulang gumapang ang kaniyang kamay sa loob ng aking sando. Niyapos niya ang aking balat. His fingers went to my nipple and pinched it lightly. He was playing with it.

“Why is that?” he asked deeply and flirtatious. He then once again kissed me, as his lips came to my nape, where I am very sensitive. I clenched my jaw and tightened my fist. I’m slowly getting turned on by this.

“Please, Aidan. I need to focus on this one. Don’t disturb me,” pigil ko sa kaniya.

“How disturbed are you? Did I made you horny, right now?”

I snapped with his word.

“Gosh! If I told you to stop, please just stop!” singhal ko at lumingon sa kaniya. He pouted and slowly removed his hand on me. I suddenly felt repentance.

“You always demand me to stop, even though I can see clearly that you’re liking it,” aniya. I rolled my eyes to him.

Hindi na ako nagsalita.

Itinuon ko muli ang aking atensyon sa aking assignment. Maya-maya pa ay nakaramdam ako ng pagkabagot kaya dumukdok muna ako sandali sa mesa. Pinikit ko ang aking mga mata hanggang sa napatalon ako ng bahagya.

Naramdaman ko ang hawak ng isang kamay sa aking ibaba. It is slowly pulling down my shorts kaya napaatras ako upang makita si Aidan na nasa ilalim na ng mesa. Nakadikit na ang kaniyang ulo sa ibabaw habang medyo naka-slouch ang kaniyang likod. Sa sobrang tangkad ba naman niya kasi ay hindi na siya halos magkasya.

Nung nahuli ko siya at bigla siyang ngumisi. Pinanlisikan ko siya ng mata.

“Anong ginagawa mo diyan?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

“What else could I do here? Except… I’m planning to work with your front,” aniya. At saka muling hinaltak ang aking shorts kasama ang aking briefs. Mabilis iyong nahaltak mula sa akin at hubad na ang aking ibabang parte ng katawan. “Nice! You hardened so fast.”

Namula ang aking pisngi at sinubukan tumayo mula sa aking upuan. But before I could do that, he swiftly swallowed my cock without my permission.

“Oh…” shit! I can’t complain anymore. It’s been a few days without experiencing this, so I’m very trapped with lust right now.

His lips easily moved towards the very base of my length. He swallowed the whole of me. I moaned in nirvana.

“Shit ahh!” he sipped my dick like a straw, while sliding his mouth up and down. Damn it! He’s making me scream again! “Your mouth is so tight. Fuck!”

Sinilip ko siya sa bandang ibaba. He’s now holding his cock and pleasuring himself while still sucking me. Nakababa ang kaniyang boxers sa kaniyang tuhod habang nakaluhod. Aside from my moan, the room filled with slurpy sounds from his mouth.

He didn’t even paused even for just a second. He continued to bob up and down without choking. His other hand is holding on my legs, supporting himself.

My hips automatically moved back and forth. It’s like having its own life. My hands went to his hair and pulled the strands aggressively. Damn. I will apologize soon. Just let me handle my orgasm in its extreme.

“Damn, harder!” I exclaimed as I pushed myself onto him for the last time. I cannot control myself and I immediately exploded inside his warm mouth. Kasabay iyon ng kaniya. His fluids spurted on my legs. Tumutulo ito pababa.

Hinahabol ko ang aking hininga habang pinapanood siya kung paano lumagok. Why does he keep doing this? I know, for some instances, it is normal to drink, yet how about if he did it plenty of times? May mangyayari kaya sa kaniyang masama?

“Thanks for the free drink,” he said then smirked. I raised my brow to him. I pinched his nose to tease him. “What the hell?” buntong niya.

“What if hindi ko matapos ang mga ginagawa ko dahil sa panggugulo mo, Aidan? Kasalanan mo talaga!”

Umangat siya pataas upang ilebel ang kaniyang mukha sa akin habang nakaupo ako. Our bodies are proximate to each other. His manly scent got stronger in my nostrils. Nakahawak ang kaniyang mga kamay sa magkabila kong hita at pinisil ito ng bahagya. I almost gasped because of that.

“Well, I thought that would be your motivation?” he said. He kissed forehead, then my nose… and lastly, my lips. It stayed longer until he broke it. “If you want a round two, just come to our bedroom habang gising pa ako. Bilisan mo, baka makatulog ako ng maaga. I might ditch you by sleeping.”

He winked at me and moved himself away from me. He yawned when he finally got up, and he stretched his firm arms as I watched them flexed clearly. I gulped my saliva when I realized that I’m already drooling with the sight of him. Tinaas na niya ang kaniyang boxers upang maisuot ito.

“Study well,” aniya at pumunta na sa bedroom. I admit, natetempt ako sa offer niya. Round two is the prize if I finished my assignment faster. After all this freaking hardship.

But I realized that he just recently promised me to help me for my academics. Talagang hindi mapagkakatiwalaan ang mokong na ’yon. Dumiretso na siya sa bedroom upang makatakas sa akin. What a scammer!

Maaga kong tinapos ang aking mga assignment. I expected that I would finish it at twelve midnight, the shortest time possible, yet I already did it at ten o’clock. Bumuntong-hininga ako habang isa-isang nililigpit ang aking mga gamit upang sundan na si Aidan sa kuwarto upang matulog. Depende nalang kung may mangyayari sa’min.

When I’m finally done handling the mess, I immediately turned off the lights and other appliances that are on, and ran off to our bedroom.

Hindi ko pa nabubuksan ang pinto ngunit narinig ko na ang malalakas na hilik ni Aidan sa loob. I slapped my forehead, not because of frustration, but because it snapped be into realization. Why would I want a round two for sex? Damn it! Maybe, I am hornier that him. My mind just always deny it.

Medyo nahihilo na ako dahil sa mga pinagagagawa ko kanina. Binuksan ko na ang pinto at nagmadaling tumungo sa higaan upang matulog. I need to erase my dirty thoughts, oh Lord! Lalo na’t katabi ko si Aidan na nakaboxers lang at naaninag ko ang kaniyang magandang katawan gamit ang mahinang liwanag mula sa buwan na nakadungaw sa bintana namin. I even saw beads of sweat on his skin. I’m so tempted to run my tongue along with every lines formed by his firm muscles. Shit.

Mariin kong pinikit ang aking mga mata at pinilit na matulog. In case that I would rape him and I will be accused, it’s his fault because his baiting me with his oh-so-fine body. I will complain against the charges!

Sa awa naman ng himala ay nakatulog ako. Kinabukasan, nagising nanaman ako dahil sa mabangong amoy ng niluluto ni Aidan. Mabilis akong nagtungo sa kusina upang malaman kung ano ito.

Sumilip ako sa kaserola habang pinapanood ko siyang lutuin ang sinigang na bangus. Oh heavens! What a miraclous day you’ve made! Aidan changed into a master in the kitchen. I wonder, saan niya ito natututunan.

“Wow! That smells so good!” sabi ko at sininghot ang amoy nito. Halos maglaway ako dahil bago nanaman itong putahe. Kahapon lang ay nagluto siya ng curry. Paiba-iba ang naiisip niyang lutuin. Talaga bang beginner siya o nagpapanggap lang?

Kumuha siya ng kutsara mula sa platera. Sumalok siya ng sabaw at tinapat sa akin.

“Tikman mo,” aniya. Napababa ang aking tingin sa kutsara at humigop dito habang hawak niya. “Is it okay?”

“Yup. Way better than a fried egg,” sabi ko naman at napatawa siya. “I admit, I missed your old way of cooking. But now, I like your new way more than that. Saan mo nga pala natutunan na magluto ng mga ’yan?”

He smiled.

“I called my mother to teach me how to cook the foods I cooked for you. Sabi ko, gusto kong magluto ng espesyal na pagkain para sa isang espesyal na tao. I wish it would be effective,” he answared. Napaiwas tuloy ako ng tingin sa kaniya at pinagdasal na sana ay hindi ako mamula dahil sa sinabi niya. Does he mean he consider me as a special someone? “Malapit na itong matapos. Umupo ka muna sa mesa, and just wait a little bit. I will serve it to you.”

Sinunod ko ang pinag-uutos niya. Nung natapos na siyang magluto ay siya na rin ang naghain para sa akin. I can’t help but moan in every bite that I take when I started eating my breakfast.

“Could you please stop moaning or else…” banta niya sa’kin. I immediately cleared my throat and eat normally. He smirked at me, at nagpatuloy na rin siya ng pagkain.

We finished our morning routines. We’re all dressed up with our same old casual clothes and both ready for the day in class. Sumakay si Aidan sa kaniyang motorsiklo at sinubukan itong paandarin. Nakailang padyak siya ngunit hindi pa rin niya ito mapagana.

“Anong meron?” tanong ko sa kaniya na patuloy pa rin sa pagpadyak ng paulit-ulit. Mapapansin ang kaunting inis sa kaniyang mukha habang pinapagana ito. Tumingin siya sa’kin at napakamot sa kaniya.

“I don’t know what’s the matter with this thing. Last time I checked, maayos pa ang kondisyon nito.”

“What if may sira na siya ngayon?”

“It can’t be. Bihira lang ’to masira. Wait, let me check the gasoline,” aniya at tumayo muli upang makita kung gaano ito karami. “Its so damn full, but why? I don’t know how did this happened. Hindi ko naman naibunggo ang sasakyan ko. Pansin naman na walang itong gasgas.”

“Maybe, nagkaroon ng sira sa loob. We don’t know, unless may alam ka sa pagkukumpuni, do you?”

“No… not at all,” he embarassedly said.

What are we going to do now? Ito lang ang natatangi naming service papuntang eskwelahan. Maglalakad siguro kami ngayon o hindi nalang papasok, maliban nalang kung may taxi na dadaan sa kalsada. Kailangan pa namin maghintay ng matagal.

Taxi? Bigla ko tuloy naalala si Kuya Eros na taxi driver. Sakto at kapitbahay lang namin siya. Mabuti nalang talaga.

“I have an idea. Iwanan mo nalang diyan yung sasakyan mo then let’s go,” sabi ko sa kaniya. I can see in his eyes that he’s little bit confused. He doesn’t know what my plan is yet. “Just trust me. Tatawagin ko lang si Kuya Eros sa bahay niya. Okay lang ba sa’yo na siya nalang ang maghatid sa atin?”

“Okay,” tipid niyang sagot.

I pulled his hand and started walking. Madali siyang nagpatianod sa akin kaya hindi na niya kailangan hilahin pa ng matindi.

Mabilis lang namin ito natunton. Kumatok ako sa pintuan nila. Maya-maya pa ay may nagsalita sa likod nito.

“Sino ’yan?” tanong ng isang boses na sigurado akong hindi galing kay Kuya Eros, ngunit pamilyar ito sa akin. Inisip ko muna kung sino ito ngunit hindi ko pa rin malaman.

“Ah, si Yoseff ’to. Kapitbahay ni Kuya Eros. Andiyan po ba siya?”

Pagkatapos ay biglang bumukas ang pinto at niluwa ang isang lalaki na bagong gising lang. Kinusot nito ang kaniyang mga mata at nung nadatnan kami ay agad itong ngumiti.

It was Kinsley, boyfriend ni Kuya Eros. Halos magkaedad lang kami, or maybe he’s a little bit older than me, aproximately two years. We’re on the same height. I remember when I first met him, he’s a good person and easy to socialize with. He’s a bit of shy, with his adorable cutesy voice. Binuksan nito ang pinto at minuwestra kami na pumasok.

“Come in. Gisingin ko lang si Eros sandali,” aniya. Medyo nahihiya kaming pumasok. Sumunod lang sa akin si Aidan at saka tumabi sa’kin sa sofa. Ngumiti muna ako kay Kinsley bago siya umalis upang tumungo sa silid ni Kuya Eros.

Nung mga sandaling iyon ay pinalibot ko ang aking paningin sa bahay ni Kuya Eros. Medyo magarbo ang ilan sa kaniyang mga kagamitan. Marahil, dahil wala siyang pamilya na pinagkakagastusan, dito napupunta ang ilan sa sweldo niya. Sadyang madiskarte talaga si Kuya Eros sa buhay kaya niya natamo ang magandang bahay na ito. Samantalang ako, kailangan ko pa munang sumangkalan sa magulang ko at makihati kay Aidan para lang makabili ng bahay.

“Hoy, Eros, gumising ka na! Ang pangit mong matulog!” dinig kong sigaw ni Kinsley. Nagulat ako kung paano niya ito sabihin. Medyo mahiyain kasi kung magsalita si Kinsley kaya hindi ko inaasahan na maririnig ko sa kaniya ito.

I heard a loud groan. I guess, that is from Kuya Eros. He sound frustrated about the way he was waking up by someone.

“Inaantok pa ko, beb. Ang ingay kasi ng kapitbahay natin kagabi. Hindi ako makatulog,” anito at saka narinig ko ang malakas niyang paghilik.

Agad kaming nagtinginan ni Aidan sa isa’t isa.

Shit! Another embarassing situation happened because of Aidan. It’s his fault. Tandang-tanda ko kagabi kung gaano katahimik ang paligid, ngunit nagkaroon lang ng tunog noong nagsimula na akong mag-ingay. I remember how I moaned very loud. Fuck it, we’re screwed.

“Ah, e, actually, yung kapitbahay natin mismo ang pumunta rito. Hinihintay ka nila sa sala,” mahinahon nang sabi ni Kinsley kay Kuya Eros.

“Ha? Totoo ba?!” gulantang na tanong ni Kuya Eros. “Sandali lang.”

Narinig ko ang mga yabag ni Kuya Eros na parating sa amin. Dahil sa hiya ay nanatili lang akong nakayuko. Wala akong mukha na nais iharap kay Kuya. May atraso kami sa kaniya dahil ’di namin siya pinatulog kagabi dahil sa ingay namin.

“M-Magandang araw,” dinig kong bati ni Kuya Eros ngunit hindi ko pa rin inaangat ang ulo ko. “Uh… Ano nga palang sadya niyo rito?”

“We need to apologize what happened last night. Hindi din namin ginusto na hindi ka makatulog. Sorry,” dinig kong sambit ni Aidan sa kaniya.

Nanlaki ang aking mga mata na napatingin kay Aidan. Pasimple kong tinampal ang kaniyang braso. Inosente naman siyang tumingin sa akin.

“Ah… yun ba? Hindi. Wala lang ’yon,” ani Kuya Eros at tumawa ng mahina. “Ayos lang sa’min kahit magsigawan o magpaputok pa kayo sa loob ng bahay niyo. Fireworks, piccolo… kahit anong paputok… kahit yung alam niyo na? “

Napalingon tuloy ako kay Kuya Eros dahil sa sinabi niya. Ayan nanaman siya sa mga marurumi niyang banat. Kaso, sa halip na mahiya ay tumawa pa si Aidan sa naging biro niya. Gayon din si Kuya Eros. Tumaas lang ang kilay ni Kinsley habang salitan silang tinitignan.

Walang hiya ’tong dalawang ’to. Iisa lang yata ang utak na meron sila. Walang ibang iniisip kun’di mga maruruming bagay. I bet they would get along easily. Kilalang kilala ko silang dalawa.

I cleared my throat.

“Nagpunta kami rito kasi nasira yata yung sasakyan ni Aidan. Hindi kami makapunta sa school dahil wala na kaming ibang sasakyan maliban sa motor niya. Can I ask if you could send us to school gamit yung taxi mo? Kailangan na kailangan na kasi namin, or else mali-late kami sa paglalakad,” I spoke.

“Sige ba!” mabilis na sagot ni Kuya Eros sa akin. “Basta may bayad. Alam mo na, hanap buhay ko rin kasi ’to.”

“Of course, kuya! Hindi namin hahayaan ang sarili namin nang hindi nakakapagbayad sa’yo. Kami rin mismo ang mahihiya,” sabi ko sa kaniya. Masaya siyang tumango.

“Okay! Magbibihis lang ako saglit at ihahanda ko pa yung sasakyan,” aniya at dali-daling bumalik sa kaniyang kwarto.

“Gusto niyo bang kumain?” tanong sa amin ni Kinsley. Sabay kaming umiling ni Aidan.

“Hindi na. Kakaumagahan lang namin. Salamat nga pala sa paggising kay Kuya Eros,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

“Wala ’yon. Pero pasensya na kayo sa narinig niyo mula sa kaniya. Bugok talaga ’yon,” aniya at ngumiti, saka sumunod kay Kuya Eros patungo sa kwarto.

Tumingin ako kay Aidan.

“See? Hindi ka ba nahihiya sa pinaggagagawa mo? Pati kapitbahay natin nakakarinig sa mga ginagawa natin,” singhal ko sa kaniya. Ngumisi lang siya sa’kin na parang wala lang sa kaniya ang aking sinasabi.

“I don’t think so. I’m very proud, to be honest, because I could make you scream like that,” he said deeply.

“You’re so stupid.”

“I know,” aniya at umiwas ng tingin sa akin. “Stupidly fallen in love,” he whispered to himself.

What did he just said?

Kabanata 19

Kabanata 19

The Question

(SPG Alert!)

Its goddamn friday. Halfday kami sa araw na ’to dahil hindi raw a-attend yung professor namin para sa hapon. May pupuntahan lahat ng faculty members sa isang seminar na malayo sa school namin.

We are all excused for this afternoon and no one should ever stay here because no one will be around. This is one of my luckiest day since walang professor ang nagbalak na mag-iwan ng activity para gawin namin sa weekends. Saktong-sakto, kapag nakauwi ako pagkatapos ng shift ko sa sabado’t linggo ay diretso pahinga na ako. Sounds perfect!

“Ano, tara na umuwi!” aya sa akin ni Leila. Patalon-talon siyang bumabaybay sa hallway ng building.

Umiling ako.

“Mauna na ka na, Lei. Kailangan ko pa munang puntahan si Aidan sa Athletes’ Room. Sabay dapat kaming uuwi,” I said to her.

“Alright, then…” aniya na parang nakaisip ng ideya. “Sasamahan nalang kita na hintayin siya. Ano sa tingin mo?” she said and giggled in excitement. Napangiwi ako.

“No need. Baka matagalan pa ako sa paghihintay. Mag-alala pa ’yung daddy mo sa’yo.”

Ngunit ang tunay kong dahilan, ayaw ko siyang isama dahil for sure ay may binabalak siya kay Aidan. Sa Athletes’ Room kasi madalas naliligo’t nagbibihis ang mga sports member ng eskwelahan kaya madalas ding maaabutan doon ang mga nakahubad na lalaki. Women’s sections are highly prohibited to be entered by someone who is not a part of them. While, in men’s section, everyone could go there since boys were seldomly harassed. You are allowed to enter them when they’re not totally naked inside.

Everyone knows what you could usually see in that area. Hindi na ako magtataka kung bakit maraming babae ang naabutan ko roon na nakatambay for no reason. Sometimes, may nahuhuli pa akong sumisilip. I cringe when I remember some of them.

She groaned like a child and stretched her face with both of her hands in dismay. Umiling siya sa akin.

“Sus. Katanghaliang tapat nga, e. Walang mangyayari sa’king masama kapag nagpa-late ako. Imposibleng mag-alala ’yon sa’kin. Malaki na ’ko, sige na! Sama na ’ko. I can handle myself responsibly.”

“Hindi nga pwede, Lei. Baka magalit yung daddy mo sa’yo. Umuwi ka na kasi ng maaga. Kaya ko naman maghintay ng nag-iisa,” masungit kong sambit sa kaniya. She groaned again, and its annoying to hear.

I know, ang tanging intensyon niya lang ay matanaw ang kinababaliwan niyang si Aidan. I rolled my eyes by the thought. Why is she being so devoted to that airhead guy? Dapat pala hindi ko nalang sa kaniya sinabi kung saan ako pupunta.

“E, sa isang kondisyon!” sigaw niya at may paturo pa sa itaas. I raised a brow and wait for her suggestion. “Gawin mo muna yung matagal ko nang pinapagawa sa’yo. Uhm… eherm… yung picture!”

Oh, here we go again.

I froze a bit when I realized that I already have those pictures in my phone. I let out a huge exhale and shook my head in disagreement. Leila just stared at me suspiciously, as she moved her pointing finger to rub her chin.

“Uh huh? Mukhang may hindi ka yata sinasabi sa akin, ah?” aniya, samantalang ako ay takang-taka sa sinabi niya. “Did you already have those photos?”

“Hindi!” I blurted out and started stomping my feet away from her. I heard her laughed and strode faster to approach me.

Siniko niya ako.

“Asus! Talaga lang, ha? Kung ano man ’yang iniisip mo, guluhin ka sana hanggang sa pag-uwi mo. Hindi mo kasi ako pinagbibigyan e, hmp!” aniya at pabiro akong tinampal sa balikat. Inirapan ko lang siya habang nakangiti. “Sige na nga, hindi na kita pipilitin. Masyado kang selfish pagdating kay Aidan,” dugtong pa niya at tumawa ulit.

May kaba na gumuhit bigla sa aking dibdib nung sinabi niya iyon. Hindi ko maipaliwanag kung paano at hindi ko matanto kung bakit. Basta, ang tangi kong naiisip na dahilan ay kinakabahan ako na baka malaman ng ibang tao ang tungkol sa amin ni Aidan. Hindi ko gustong mapaghalataan. Kung nagiging selfish ako para kay Aidan— I know, its cringy to say— I wish walang dapat na makapansin no’n. Kahit mababaw man iyon para paghinalaan kami, natatakot ako na baka ito ang maging daan para mas malaman nila ang totoo.

Tuluyan nang umalis si Leila. Nagpatuloy lang ako sa paglalakad upang matunton ang destinasyon kung saan ko matatagpuan si Aidan.

Pagdating ko sa tapat ng room ay naabutan ko ang coach nila na palabas ng silid.

“Sir!” tawag ko sa kaniya. “Andiyan pa po ba si Aidan?”

“Uh, yes. He’s currently washing himself up. Kakatapos lang namin sa practice, e,” aniya. “Why? Do you need something from him?”

“Wala naman po. Kasabay ko po kasi siya pauwi,” sagot ko sa kaniya.

“Well, you can wait here. Hintayin mo siyang matapos sa pagligo. But, there’s no other people in the room, at paalis na rin ako. Aidan will lock this room after using the shower. Ano? Maiwan ko na kayo?”

“Ah, okay lang po, Sir. Kaya ko naman po siyang hintayin mag-isa, e.”

“Okay, okay. Goodbye, then,” paalam niya sa akin.

“Sige po, Sir. Goodbye din po,” sabi ko naman sa kaniya pabalik.

Noong umalis yung coach na yun ay biglang tumahimik ang buong paligid. Kami nalang yata ni Aidan ang natitirang estudyante dito sa loob ng campus. This is sort of scary, since I’ve been hearing such stories regarding to the ghost wandering around the school. Many of the students claimed that they have seen one, and what’s more surprising is that they have described the same appearance of the ghost, conincidentally.

Schools are indeed scary aside from their education system.

Kahit pa sobrang liwanag ng paligid ay hindi ko mapigilang kilabutan habang pinapaikot ko ang aking mata sa loob ng Athlete’s Room. Chills went down to my spine with the eerie ambiance of the room. I don’t want to encounter such paranormal things. I might faint.

Hinanap ko ang bathroom. Nung may nakita akong pinto sa pinakadulo ng mga nakahilerang lockers ay mabilis akong tumakbo palapit doon. Nung nakarating na ako ay may naririnig akong shower na umaandar. Malamang, baka siya na nga ito.

“Aidan?” tawag ko sa kabila.

Kumatok pa ako ng ilang beses sa pinto upang mapansin niya. Narinig ko ang pagpatay sa shower.

“Sef, is that you?”

“Yup! Uwian na namin. Hinihintay kita,” sabi ko sa kaniya nung natanto ko na boses nga ito ni Aidan. Salamat naman sa wakas at aware ako na may tao sa paligid maliban sa akin. Natatakot ako sa paligid.

“Oh, Okay. Saglit nalang ’to,” he replied.

“Okay.”

Umupo ako sa isang bench sa gilid malapit sa bathroom. Hinintay ko siya na matapos hanggang sa narinig ko ang pagbukas ng pinto. Bumungad si Aidan na nakatapis ng tuwalya, hubad ang kaniyang itaas. Pumuwesto siya sa pinto at sinandal ang kaniyang sarili habang nakatitig sa’kin. Hindi ko namalayan na nakatitig ako sa katawan niya ng matagal, lalo na sa ibabang parte. I quickly noticed his very evident bulge underneath the towel. I can’t get off my eyes out of it.

“What’s up? Anong tinitignan mo diyan?” he asked and chuckled. Doon ay biglang nagising ang diwa ko at napaiwas ako ng tingin.

Nakakahiya, but deep inside, I want to roam my hands around his body. Beads of water are dripping down through his skin. His semi wet look made him even hotter. He looks very edible and my face is burning because of my dirty thoughts. What the hell is happening to me?

“I… uh…” hindi ko makapagsalita ng matino. I bit my lip while feeling my arousal. My pants felt tighter, and my dick twitched inside the garment. Napayuko ako sa kaunting hiya.

Naramdaman ko ang paglapit niya sa akin. Then, I saw his feet in my vision on the floor, meaning he’s already in front of me. Dahan dahan kong inangat ang aking paningin upang tingnan si Aidan na nakatitig din sa akin.

There’s an uncomprehendible fire igniting in his eyes, and by his stare, he was able to transfer the heat. I was lost in the moment.

Yumuko siya at kinuha ang isa kong kamay. He guide it towards his huge bulge and rubbed it there. He was smirking while doing it. I was so dumbfounded, I can’t even say anything.

“Do you want this?” aniya. By the sound of his deep voice, I was able to understand that he’s the dominant between us. This kind of presence makes me want to sumbit early, and be mindless if someone might see us.

“I-I guess so…” nauutal kong pahayag. He’s so hard and huge. Sa bawat paghinga niya ay umaalon ang kaniyang matikas na tiyan. I’m getting more exicited to remove the towel and watch him fully naked.

“Halika,” hinila niya ako patayo. Tapos, dinala niya ako sa loob ng bathroom at ni-lock ang pinto. My heart is beating so loud. I can literally hear it.

Malawak ang buong bathroom at may iba’t ibang cubicle ang nakapaloob dito. It can be occupied by as many as twenty and above people. Mabango ang loob nito, halatang may kakatapos lang na maligo rito dahil sa amoy ng sabon na humahalimuyak pa rin sa paligid.

Hindi ako nagduda na ganito kaganda ang bawat facility dito sa campus, unlike sa mga typical na public schools. It is very convenient to everyone. Saan ka makakakita ng bathroom na ginawa exclusively for student athletes? Sadyang maraming sponsors ang natatanggap ng school na ’to. Mapalad ako at naging scholar ako dito, kung hindi ay baka magtitiis ako sa school na papasukan ko dapat dati. I remember nung nag-entrance exam ako doon, sobrang dumi ng comfort room at umaalingasaw pa sa baho. May mga dumadaan pang mga peste sa gilid-gilid. Hindi naman sa nag-iinarte ako pero ayokong mag-stay sa ganu’n. Baka hindi na ako mag-C.R. at pigilan ko nalang ang sarili ko hanggang sa makauwi sa bahay.

One of the most expensive things that you could see here aside from the school itself is Aidan. I am still have no clue how rich he is. Utak mayaman, kilos mayaman, pormang mayaman. Sometimes I feel like I’m far from him. What if hindi kami aksidenteng nagkasama sa iisang bahay? May chance pa kaya na mapansin niya ako?

“You seemed so drowned with your thoughts,” nagulat ako nung nagsalita si Aidan. Tinignan ko lang siya na may halong kaunting pagtataka. “What’s bothering you?”

“Ah… wala. Nevermind!”

Nakaharap kami sa isa’t isa at tinulak niya ako pakaldag sa pinto. Nasaktan ang aking likod ng kaunti ngunit wala namang problema iyon sa akin.

“Kneel,” he ordered.

Kusang bumaba ang aking katawan upang ipantay ang ulo ko sa pagitan ng kaniyang hita. I examined his thick and prominent shaft, waiting to be pleasured. Then I started to swallow it, little by little.

“Your mouth is hot,” aniya. He moaned when I reached the very base of his cock. I moved my tongue, licking the veins. “Ah! That’s it!”

My head automatically moved, creating a fast rhythm. He grabbed a handful of my hair and pressed himself to me even more. I gagged a bit when the tip reached down to my throat.

“Fuck, Sef. Suck it more!” sigaw niya. I obeyed him. I tried my best to move my head in the fastest way I could. The slurpy sounds, together with his moans were like music playing. They sound so pleasant to the ears. It makes the aura of the surroundings very erotic. “Ah, yes! Argh… I love your mouth, little kitten!”

I can taste his savory pre-cum oozing out to my mouth. My nose is banging to his patch of pubes, making me able to smell his manly body scent without the perfume. God, he smells so perfect! The scent of his pubic hair was like pheromones that makes me even hornier. It is mixed with slight fragrance of soap.

“God, kitten. You’re making me crazy! Ugh… your mouth is so tight,” then he continued to moan continuously again. “Shit, I’m cumming. Argh, take this!”

He spurted out his semen inside my mouth. And just like he usually do, I drank all of his seed, even though it so plenty. It feels like I’m drinking a huge glass of creamy milk!

“Oh, I thought you never liked the idea of drinking a cum,” aniya. I finished swallowing all of his seed as a I wipe my lower because of the overflow. I saw a glint on his eyes when he watched me did that.

“If it is from you, why would I dislike?” I seductively said.

“Uh, kitten, is that really you?” tanong niya sa’kin. He seems like he already liked that weird nickname. Ganoon pa rin ang pwesto namin sa isa’t isa kaya nakatingala ako sa kaniya, at siya naman ay nakayuko upang titigan ako.

“What do you mean? Hindi na ba ako si Yoseff?” I sarcastically asked him. Siya naman ang naguluhan sa aming dalawa, kaya ang ginawa nalang niya ay umiling habang may kaunting pagtataka sa kaniyang mukha.

“No…” he directly said. Pagkatapos ay yumuko siya upang ilebel ang kaniyang mukha sa akin. Ngumisi siya habang sinusuri niya ang bawat parte ng aking mukha. Ganoon din ang ginawa ko sa kaniya, at sa pagkakataong iyon ay hindi ko maiwasang mamangha. He’s like an extremely handsome god. “I’m just surprised that you’re acting very hot during this moment. I have witnessed the horniest devil inside you again… It’s kinda strange, you know, because you look so innocent, but I honestly like it whenever you are like that.”

Mahina akong bumungisngis sa sinabi niya.

“Like what?”

Hindi siya sumagot. Binigyan niya lang ako ng makahulugang tingin. I snorted when he did that.

“Well, both of us know that you have the dirtier mind between us. Hindi tayo aabot sa ganito kun’di dahil sa pang-aakit mo. Tingnan mo nga, dito pa talaga sa loob ng campus natin ito ginawa. Wala na tayong pinipiling lugar, but do you know how kinky is that?” I asked him seductively. I can see his eyes were sparking in amusement.

“Yes… So kinky,” aniya. “Ikaw kasi, e. Tingin mo palang kanina parang gusto mo nang hubarin yung towel ko. Seems like you wanted to have a taste, so I gave you the taste,” aniya.

“I already tasted it before this happened,” mahina kong sambit sa kaniya. Napangiti siya dahil sa sinabi ko.

“Then, can I taste you in return?”

I gulped.

“Ikaw bahala,” I replied.

Gumapang ang kaniyang kamay sa akin. Nagmamadali niyang binuksan ang butones at zipper ng aking jeans. He pulled it down to my knees, then he nudged his nose against my briefs. He sniffed the garment and bit my bulge teasingly. I released a soft moan.

“Someone is angry down here,” aniya. He eventually pulled down my briefs, revealing my fully hardened cock. Without a word, he started swallow it wholly.

“Shit,” singhal ko.

He sloppily sucked my length, fastly, yet he never choked. Strands of hair went to his forehead, so I pulled them upwards and held it. My desires were uncontrolable. My hips started to bang against his head, then I stopped when I heard him choked.

“Oops, sorry,” I said to him. I am about to pull my dick out of him, yet he immediately held my hips to stop me. He just continued to bob his head back and forth like nothing happened. His tongue wiggled inside his mouth, and it become more pleasuring. “Oh fuck! That feels great… Ahh, yes!”

Tumingala siya. Our eyes met. He seems like he’s enjoying it. I bit my lip, expressing how I’m feeling. This is extremely euphoric.

“Aidan… I’m… Ahh…”

That wasn’t clear, but Aidan understood that I’m going to cum. And I didn’t expect him to do the most frustrating thing. He immediately pulled out his mouth and stood up. I was on the edge of climax, yet he never finished it. Napakuyom ang aking mga kamay habang tinitignan siya ng masama na may halong pagtataka.

“Why did you stopped?” irita kong tanong sa kaniya. He chuckled.

“Ang cute mo kapag nabibitin,” aniya at pinisil ang aking kaliwang pisngi. Mabilis ko itong hinawi dahil sa inis.

“How could you!” I angrily said. “Kung ayaw mong ituloy, ako nalang ang gagawa sa sarili ko.”

One of my hands went to my cock and started to plunge it. I’m about to feel my climax again but Aidan immediately clutched my hand away. I growled afterwards.

“Damn it!” sigaw ko.

His hands quickly pulled out my pants out of me. I’m completely naked below. Then both of his hands tried to carry me while pinning me against the wall. He succeed, then he moved his fingers to my entrance. I gasped. He kissed my ear when he started to plunge his wet fingers deep inside me, one by one. He massaged my insides.

“I told you, just wait,” aniya. Napabuga ako ng isang malakas na paghinga habang hinihingal.

Oh, no. This is not good.

“Are you going to–” natigil ang aking sasabihin ng bigla niyang ipinasok ang kaniyang pagkalalaki sa akin. Inch my inch, he slowly pushing it deeper and deeper. “Aidan!” sigaw ko dahil sa bigla.

“Damn tight,” he groaned and just continued his insertion. I’m feeling like my walls were burning because of his hugeness.

Napababa ang aking tingin sa aking  jeans na nakalapag na sa sahig. Basa na ito at wala nang pag-asang maisusuot ko pa itong muli sa araw na ito.

Pagkatapos ay napaakap ako sa balikat ni Aidan. I’m supporting myself not to fall. Nakataas ang aking mga paa mula sa sahig dahil buhat niya ako habang ginagawa niya ito. He continued to thrust until I almost forgot my name because of the euphoric feeling.

“Ah!… God, so fucking huge!” sinubukan kong hinaan ang aking pagsigaw. Pagkatapos ay nanginig ang aking katawan nung matamaan na niya ang sensitibong spot ko. “Fuck it… Ngh!”

“Did I just hit it?” tanong niya. Mahina akong tumango habang kagat ang aking pang-ibabang labi. He grinned darkly and continued to go back and forth. “Oh yes, kitten. Ugh! Its all yours. Take it,” he said as he went faster and moaned. The slaps of my ass cheeks against his tights were so loud.

This moment is so uncontrolable. We couldn’t think of what will happen after this. Paano kung mahirapan ulit ako sa paglalakad? Paano kung may makahuli sa amin? Seems like those questions should go through out minds and decide to stop, yet we’re just casually making out in a not-so-appropriate place.

“Oh fuck… I’m getting close now,” aniya.

“Me too,” tugon ko.

We moaned and groaned in unison. I suddenly felt his hot sticky liquid inside me. Then, I finally reached my climax, as my cum spurted in my shirt. Oh god, what should I do now? Mukhang wala na akong susuotin sa pag-uwi.

We exchanged kisses, passionately. He caressed my cheek with his one hand as he slowly pull his dick out of me and finally put me down. Nanatili akong nakasandal sa pader habang nagtititigan kami sa isa’t isa.

We both smiled and give each other a soft peck.

“I wish I could impregnate you,” he darkly said. I’m shocked.

“What do you mean?” nagtataka kong tanong sa kaniya.

“I already said it,” aniya. Napatulala ako saglit. “I want have a child with you.”

“Are you crazy? That would never happen,” sabi ko sa kaniya. Malungkot siyang tumango. He even pouted his lips like a sad puppy. I badly wanted to scratch that cute face out of him. I cleared my throat. “Sige nga, what if I had the possibility to bear a child and you accidentally impregnated me, what would you do?”

“Then, I would be the happiest guy alive. Isn’t that amazing? If ever our parents would disagree with us, I will run away from everything else, and just go with you. If that’s what you are worrying about.”

I saw an evident sparkle in his eyes as he smiled sweetly. This is one of the most genuine emotion that I’ve witnessed from Aidan. So true… but too good to be true.

Napailing ako habang nakangiti sa kaniya. Nakayuko ako nung ginawa ko ’yon.

“I don’t know if you’re honest with that. That’s not necessary to do if our parents would support us. But I’m thankful that I wouldn’t get a single chance to be pregnant even if you just exploded inside of me plenty of times, without any contraceptives. If that happens miraclously, I’m dead with my family,” sabi ko at mahinang tumawa. Nakisabay naman siya sa’kin.

“You are now special to me, kitten. I will fight for your right, even if it is against by others’ principles.”

Napahinto ako sandali. Pinoproseso ang mga salita niya.

“Yeah. I wish. I don’t know what my parents would think of me if they found out that I’m gay. I’m afraid that they would disown me,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

“Don’t worry. I will introduce you to my parents as soon as possible.”

Namilog ang aking mga mata.

“Huh?! T-teka! Paano kung hindi rin nila ako tanggapin?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

“How can you say that?”

“B-Because… Uh… I’m a guy and…”

“And what?” he asked with a hint of playfulness in his voice.

“What if they found out that there’s something more intimate between us? I think we should try our best to pretend that we’re just friends,” suhestyon ko sa kaniya. Nangunot ang kaniyang noo.

“No…” medyo iritado niyang sabi. “I don’t think my parents would be mad at me if they would know about the truth.”

Hindi ako naniwala sa kaniya. Natatakot akong mahusgahan, lalo na kung sa pamilya pa ni Aidan. My parents are very religious but they are one of the kindest people that I know. I wonder if that would change if I will confess my real identity. I don’t think that they could accept me despite of their beliefs.

My heart felt a brief pain. I want to laugh away this pain, and pretend that it was okay, but its truly not. I’m stuck in between my love for my family and affections for Aidan.

“There’s no need to pretend, Sef. My family would approve you, and love you. Just trust me, okay?” he said softly and pinched my chin. He gave me a quick kiss. “My Papa’s two brothers were gay. He’s the only one straight in the family. Some of my cousins were gay. They’ve been openminded into this, Sef. That’s why when I found out that you’re not straight, its just okay with me. But eventually you’ve made me gay too.”

I snickered at his last sentence. Oh god, what if he remained straight? I can’t think of it.

“They could be your second parents if you’ll be disowned. I would never let you disowned. You will be a part of my family, I promise.”

Napakurap ako sa sinabi niya. Sinuklay niya ang mga takas kong buhok sa noo para makita ng buo ang aking mukha. Medyo naguluhan kasi ito dahil sa kanina.

“I’m only gay for you, Sef. I’ve never been attracted to any guy but you,” aniya. I saw him exhaled a huge amount of air. Saglit ay pumikit siya ng mariin at dumilat muli. “So… I’m going to ask you a question.”

I had a strange feeling on what he is about to ask me. I think I already know it.

Tumango lang ako.

“Sef, be my boyfriend.”

Wait… is that a question?

Kabanata 20

Kabanata 20

The New Staff

“Hey!” tawag sa’kin ni Aidan na dumungaw sa pinto ng kuwarto namin. Nakangiti siya na halos abot hanggang tainga.

Kasalukuyan akong nakahiga sa aming kama habang nagbabasa ng libro. No, don’t get me wrong. Hindi ako nagbabasa ng textbook kun’di novel na pinamagatang ‘More Happy Than Not’ by Adam Silvera. Malapit na ako sa pinakahuli at tuloy-tuloy na ang pag-agos ng aking luha, ngunit napahinto lang ako sa pagtawag ni Aidan. Sinira niya ang pag-emote ko.

“Is there something wrong?” nag-aalala niyang tanong sa akin. Umiling ako at pinahid ang aking basang pisngi.

“W-wala. Ano lang… uhh… napuwing lang ako,” sabi ko at patuloy pa rin sa pagpupunas.

“I don’t believe you,” sabi niya sa akin at dahan-dahan niya akong nilapitan upang bigyan ng isang mahigpit na yakap. He gave my head a quick kiss. “Why are you crying, Sef?”

“Nothing!” tanggi ko ulit.

Dumako ang kaniyang paningin sa librong hawak ko. Inilapit pa niya ang kaniyang paningin dito at tsaka ngumiti ng bahagya.

“Binabasa mo ’to?” he asked me. Napakamot ako sa aking sentido.

“Yup. I’ve been reading it for so long. Hindi ko lang naitutuloy dahil palagi akong busy sa schoolworks. Pero malapit ko na itong tapusin,” sabi ko at initsa ang libro patungo sa side table.

“Are you crying because of that book?” nagtataka niyang tanong sa akin.

“Oo. The content is very emotional. Medyo hindi ko tanggap yung mga nangyari kaya naiyak ako. That’s it,” sagot ko sa kaniya. He leaned forward  to wipe my tears away, then he cupped my face.

“I thought you were crying because you regret that you have been rejected me, earlier,” sabi ni Aidan at tinitigan ako sa mga mata. There’s some sort of gloom in his eyes that I can’t figure out what’s the reason.

Oo nga pala. I said ‘no’ to him. Nakita ko ang disappointment sa kaniyang mukha kanina, ngunit agad ko rin siyang pinaliwanagan.

“I-I just need time, Aidan,” I whispered to him almost like a hum.

“I know, and I won’t force you, alright?” he said and kissed my forehead softly. His warms breaths blew on the skin of my face. His voice was husky and deep. “I’m willing to give you the time that you need. Doesn’t matter how long it would take, or how long I should wait, just be sure that you’ll end up with me, okay?”

My heart fluttered. I’d never thought how sweet he would become, today. But I laughed at his last sentence. Hindi naman sa hindi ko siya mapapagbibigyan sa gusto niya na sa kaniya ako babagsak, ngunit hindi ko maipapangako na mangyayari ’yon. But I guess, majority of the percentage of chances were for him. I am certain with him, but it sounds so weird.

“What’s funny?” seryoso niyang tanong sa’kin.

“I’m sorry. Medyo cheesy kasing pakinggan,” sagot ko sa kaniya.

“Oh, you find those words cheesy?” tanong naman niya. I just wiggled my brows. He smirked. “I can’t think of something sweet other than those lines.”

“Y-you don’t need to be sweet,” sabi ko sa kaniya. Yeah, that’s too much for me, since we don’t have any labels yet. “There’s no need to convince me. I can admire you for who you are. Just keep it simple,” I uttered then smiled a little.

Hindi siya nagsalita ng ilang segundo. His eyes stayed on mine with a hint of disbelief.

“Is this really you, Sef?” tanong niya sa’kin. “You’re keeping me surprised! How can you be this so affectionate.”

“W-what?! Parang hindi naman!” angal ko sa kaniya. I literally can’t understand what he is talking about.

“The way you said it, feels like you’re giving me more hopes,” aniya. Pero hindi naman malambing ang pakakasabi ko no’n. Did he misheard me? “I can feel you care,” pagpapatuloy pa niya.

“Seriously, there’s nothi–”

“I’ll court you, everyday and you can’t say no,” aniya, pagputol sa sasabihin ko. I can see the determination in his eyes. “I’ll find more ways, other than just telling you how I like you.”

Bigla akong nakaramdam ng init sa aking pisngi. I want to punch his face because of the embarassment that he sent to me.

“It’s up to you,” I replied and kissed his nose, as he wrinkled it. I chuckled softly by his reaction.

“Shall we eat now? I’m hungry,” pag-aatungal niya at tumayo na mula sa higaan. Sumunod naman ako sa kaniya.

“What’s for dinner, then?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

“Chicken Cacciatore,” he answered. What the hell is that? Sounds like a foreign dish, but I’m hungry too, so as long as it is food then I’m okay. “Tara na?” he asked.

“Yup,” sagot ko.

Nagulat ako nung bigla niya akong nilapitan at binuhat pakandong sa kaniya. I gasped for a moment, then I just let him carry me to the kitchen. Umamoy ang masarap na pagkaing iniluto ni Aidan, kaya pinipigilan kong maglaway. Nung binaba niya ako ay dali-dali kong binuksan ang kalderong may lutong manok na may pulang sarsa. Grabe! Aidan have changed a lot! He learned how to cook very well.

“That’s one of my favourite dishes that my mom always cook,” he told me. Tumango lang ako habang patuloy ko lang siyang pinapakinggan at sinusuri ang pagkain.

“Oh really? This seems pretty good,” puri ko sa niluto niya. He smiled.

“Yup. Thankfully, I succeeded to make one of that dish. It’s very complicated to cook… for me,” aniya at napahinto saglit. “I came from a family of chefs. Ako lang yung hindi magaling magluto dati, pero dumating na yung oras na kailangan ko nang matuto. I never thought that I could easily learn these things. Maybe, the culinary blood is actually runs down to my veins without noticing it.”

I gulped when then scent hit me with gluttony. Agad akong kumuha ng mga plato, baso at kutsara para ihanda na sa mesa. It’s very easy, since we’re just only two in this table. Pero ito lang ang tangi kong maitutulong ko kay Aidan. I wish I could also learn how to cook, to serve him in the other way.

We started to eat.

“Should I buy you another pair of glasses?” tanong niya sa akin. Naninibago ako sa sarili ko noong nasa school kami nang hindi ito suot. Dahil sa salamin ko, nagagawa kong mag-focus sa pag-aaral. Hindi ko alam kung mawawala ang concentration ko kapag hindi ito suot. Excused kasi ako kanina.

Aidan is very aggresive when it comes to dealing his horniness. Lagi nalang niyang nasisira ang mga gamit ko kapag sinusubukan niyang hubarin mula sa akin. Mabuti nalang at mayaman ang isang ’to, afford palitan ang mga gamit na nasira niya. Kasalanan naman niya, kaya dapat lang bilhan niya ako ng bago.

Samantalang ako, kailangan ko pang magtrabaho para bayaran siya sa inutang ko mula sa kaniya. I can’t tell my parents the truth about the money I gave to them. My mother would probably kill me. The perks of being a middle class person. Minsan lang ako magluho, dapat puro mga pangangailangan lang ang tangi kong gastusin.

“You should,” sabi ko sa kaniya. “Mabilis lumabo yung mata ko kapag nakaharap sa laptop. What if may project ako ngayon na computerized, then kailangan ko pang magpuyat. For sure, kinabukasan, lalabo yung mata ko ng panandalian. My eyes were very sensitive, you know?”

“Alright. Sa susunod, sasamahan kitang pumunta sa tindahan ng salamin para malaman natin yung sukat mo. Then, I will pay for the expense,” sabi niya sa akin.

Tumango lang ako at nagpatuloy na sa pagkain. Hindi ko maipaliwanag kung gaano kasarap yung niluto ni Aidan– no, scratch that! Maihahalintulad ko ang pagkakaluto niya kay Sir London. The savoriness and texture. Parehong-pareho yung way ng kanilang panlasa.

Bakit ko sila kinumpara? Well, Sir London seems very professional in culinary kahit college palang siya, samantalang si Aidan ay beginner palang. Isang surpresa na maihalintulad ko ang luto nilang dalawa kahit hindi sila pantay ng karanasan. I believe, Aidan could beat Sir London because he’s just starting yet he cooked wonderfully. He can improve more by time.

Dumating ang kinabukasan at pareho kaming maagang gumising. Hindi ko alam kung bakit maaga rin siyang naligo at nagbihis. At isa pa, nakabihis din siya ng pang-alis tulad ko.

“May pupuntahan ka ba?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

“Yep,” simple niyang sagot.

He’s wearing a branded shirt, almost hugging his masculine body. His hair was fixed and he’s wearing a perfume.

“Saan?”

Napatingin siya sa akin.

“You’ll find out, later,” aniya at lumabas na siya ng aming bahay para puntahan ang kaniyang sasakyan. Sumunod nalang ako sa kaniya.

Kinandado ko na ang pinto noong nakalabas ako.  Naabutan ko si Aidan na nagpapaandar ng kaniyang sasakyan. Laking pasasalamat namin kay Kuya Eros na siyang nagkumpuni nito. In-offer-an namin siya ng bayad, ngunit todo and tanggi nito. Sadyang mabait talaga siyang tao.

The engine roared into life at umangkas na ako. Then, I embraced him from behind. Sobrang komportable na ako sa kaniya, kaya hindi na ako nahihiya sa tuwing nakakapa ko yung abs niyang bumabakat sa t-shirt. I touched it plenty of times, even without the garment, so there’s no need to be embarassed. I love how the way it feels.

Ilang minuto ang inabot noong natunton namin ang Cibo di Archinto. Pinarada niya ang sasakyan sa parking lot. Mabilis akong bumaba ng motor dahil fifteen minutes nalang ay male-late na ako. Kailangan ko pang magbihis ng uniporme.

“Goodbye,” ani ko sa kaniya at tinapik ang kaniyang balikat. Hindi niya muling pinaandar ang sasakyan kun’di bumaba rin siya at nagsimulang maglakad patungo sa restaurant. “Saan ka pupunta?”

Lumingon siya sa akin.

“Saan pa nga ba, e ’di sa loob,” sagot niya at nagpatuloy muli sa paglalakad. Nangunot ang noo ko sa sinabi niya.

Nung nakapasok na kami sa loob ay bigla kaming dinaluhan ni Sir London. He wear a different smile.

“Good morning,” bati niya sa amin. Bumati naman ako sa kaniya pabalik at ngumiti, taliwas sa inakto ni Aidan na tinignan lang siya ng seryoso at lumapit sa direksyon niya. Sumunod lang ako sa kaniya.

Sandali’y walang nagsalita sa amin. Then, Sir London started to speak.

“Uhm…” then he cleared his throat. “I know that you already know each other, so I’m here to tell you, Yoseff, that Aidan will be a part of our crew,” aniya.

W-What?

“Yes, you heard it right. He’s the reason why I placed you in the kitchen. He will take your place as a waiter, and you will do your job as a chef’s assistant,” dugtong pa ni Sir London.

Tinignan ko si Aidan ng matalim, doon ay nagsimula siyang ngumiti ng bahagya at tumango sa akin.

Seriously, anong ginagawa ni Aidan dito? He’s very rich like he can afford everything! Hindi ko akalain na magtatrabaho siya rito kung saan din ako nagtatrabaho. Is he out of his mind?

O baka naghihirap na siya. We are now under the same situation where we need money.

Pero ang imposible namang mangyari nu’n!

“Pero, Sir, mas magaling po si Aidan na magluto kaysa sa’kin. I think he deserves to be placed in the kitchen, and not me,” sabi ko kay Sir.

“I wouldn’t mind wherever this dimwit will place me, as long as I will work here,” mayabang na sabi ni Aidan. What the hell? Did he call our boss a dimwit? That’s freaking disrespectful. Hindi pa siya nagsisimulang magtrabaho rito ay nagpapakita na siya ng bad manners. Sure ako na matatanggal siya ng maaga.

Si Sir London naman ay napahalakhak ng mahina. I’m trying to find the sarcasm but it actually sounds genuine.

“No, I won’t place him to the kitchen, yet. Kailangan niya munang magsimula sa pinakamababang posisyon,” Sir London said, then he eyed Aidan with a serious expression which he always do. Tapos bumalik ang kaniyang paningin sa akin. “And also I don’t think he has a capability to cook a decent food like you’ve just said, Yoseff. Last time, I remember that he served a horrible dish in our family reunion that made everyone vomit in disgust. How’s that sound?”

Reunion? Does that mean they are relatives? What a newsflash!

Matalim siyang tinitigan ni Aidan. Sir London just smirked.

“It sounds very exaggerated because no one has ever vomitted that time,” saad naman ni Aidan. “Are you done with your childish insults? If yes, then magpapalit na ako ng uniporme. Just tell me kung saan.”

Just like Aidan said yesterday, he came from a family of chefs. Siguro, hindi lang ma-appreciate ni Sir London kung gaano kagaling si Aidan since mas may karanasan siya compare kay Aidan. Mataas na ang standards niya sa pagluluto.

Yumuko si Sir London, ngumisi at napailing. Tapos inangat niya muli ang kaniyang ulo.

“Si Yoseff ang magtuturo sa’yo kung saan,” sagot niya. “I’m sorry to insult you but that’s the truth. Here’s your key, that’s for the locker number 005,” sabi pa niya at inabot ang isang susi na galing sa kaniyang bulsa.

Tinanggap naman ito ni Aidan.

“Maiwan ko na kayo. Goodluck sa unang araw mo,” paalam ni Sir London sa kaniya at tumalikod upang tumungo sa kusina.

Wala pa ring customer na pumapasok. Hinila ko si Aidan patungo sa employees’ room at nagpatianod naman siya. Kinatok namin ang pinto sa loob at binuksan ito ni Bren.

Mabilis kaming pumasok sa loob.

“Sino ’yan?” tanong ni Bren at tinuro si Aidan.

“Uhm… siya yung bago nating staff. He’s Aidan,” pakilala ko sa kaniya. “Aidan, this is Bren, makakasama mo sa pagiging waiter.”

“Ah! I see. Nasabi na sa’kin ni Sir London na nilipat ka na niya sa kitchen,” sabi sa’kin ni Bren tapos tumingin siya muli kay Aidan. “Nice meeting you,” aniya at yumuko at saka lumabas pagkatapos tumango si Aidan sa kaniya.

Then, kami nalang yung naiwan ni Aidan sa loob.

He found his locker and opened it with the key that Sir London gave to him. He pulled out his uniform and showed it to me. Parehong-pareho ng disenyo ng akin.

“Magbibihis na ako,” aniya at nagsimula nang hubarin ang kaniyang t-shirt.

“Uh… L-lalabas lang ako,” sabi ko sa kaniya habang nakatitig sa kaniyang katawan. Damn. Parang napako ang mga mata ko habang pinagmamasdan kung gaano ito kaganda. Nagfe-flex pa ang kaniyang muscles at abs.

“No need. Saglit lang naman ito,” aniya at agad na binuksan ang butones at zipper ng kaniyang pantalon. His eyes stared at me with amusement, because of my reaction. Napakurap tuloy ako at napaiwas ng tingin.

Pagkatapos at narinig ko ang kaniyang nga yabag patungo sa akin at naramdaman ang hubad niyang pecs na dumunggol sa akin likod.

“Honestly, it doesn’t matter kung tititigan mo ’ko ng matagal. You’ve already seen every corner of my body,” aniya at nakaramdam ako ng pag-init sa aking pisngi. Umiling ako kahit nakatalikod pa ako sa kaniya.

I felt the press of his naked upper body, especially his pectorials. I gulped and took a few steps aways from him. I heard his chuckled.

“Not here, you asshole!” mariin kong sabi sa kaniya at lumingon. He’s freaking teasing his body into me! I saw him smiled, darkly.

“I’m not going to do anything,” depensa niya sa sarili. “Unless you said so.”

“No thanks.”

He chuckled again.

“Bakit ka nga pala pumasok dito bilang waiter? Are you serious about this?” mariin kong tanong sa kaniya.

“You know… uhm, I’ve been bored to our house. I’m just alone there. Alam mo namang hindi na ako sumasama sa mga gimik ng barkada ko, e. So I thought, why can’t I just company you here? Para may gawin ako, and at the same time, to be with you.”

Kinunutan ko lang siya ng noo.

“Huwag mong sabihin na walang ginagawa sa bahay, dahil kung hindi mo napapansin ay tambak ang ating labahin. You never had the balls to wash them all. Takot ka sa mga gawaing bahay maliban sa pagluluto. How come, naisipan mong magpunta rito para gawin ang pipitsugin, ngunit mahirap na trabaho?”

“Sorry,” he said softly while looking into my eyes. “I’ll do the laundry later, when we got home. Don’t worry.”

Napakurap ako ng ilang beses at napaiwas ng tingin sa kaniya. It feels different everytime I witness his soft side.

“Just be sure, then,” iyon nalang ang tangi kong nasabi. I still didn’t get the real answer why he chose to work here. Hindi ko pa rin gets.

Nagpatuloy na si Aidan sa pagbihis. Nung natapos na siya ay saktong may kumatok sa pintuan.

“Yoseff, andiyan ka ba?” tanong ni Taron sa kabilang side ng pinto.

“Uh, yup. Bakit?”

“Ibibigay ko lang ’tong uniform mo para sa kitchen. You will never use your former uniform since hindi ka na waiter, ’di ba?” aniya.

Pinagbuksan ko siya ng pinto at nakita kong may dala siyang nakatuping damit. At tulad pa rin ng dati ay seryoso lang ang kaniyang expresyon.

“Here you go,” aniya at pinasa sa’kin ang hawak niya. Tinanggap ko ito.

“Thanks,” sabi ko.

Napatingin si Taron sa likod ko.

“Hey, ikaw ba si Aidan?” seryoso niyang tanong rito. Lumingon din ako kay Aidan at nakita ko siyang tumango kay Taron.

“Yes,” tipid naman niyang sagot.

Presentable siyang tignan sa kaniyang  uniform. Medyo hapit ito sa kaniya, showing his very masculine frame.

“Come with me. I will teach you how to work here as a waiter,” anito at tumalikod at saka nagsimulang maglakad paalis sa employees room.

“Daliin mo! Habulin mo! Hindi ’yon sanay ng naghihintay kaya sumunod ka agad,” utos ko kay Aidan.

“What the hell?” aniya ng nakataas ng kilay at naglakad ng mabilis palabas para sundan si Taron.

Lumipas ang ilang sandali ay nakabihis na ako sa aking bagong uniporme. Hindi ko akalain na mas komportable itong suotin kaysa sa damit kong pang-waiter. 

I decided to go to the kitchen to see if there’s something that I could do there. Si Sir London lang ang naabutan ko doon, dahil naabutan ko yung iba pa naming staff na nasa labas palang ng kitchen while doing something.

Nilapitan ko si Sir London sa tapat ng microwave oven, as he pulled out something from inside. It was a cake, then he started to spread the green frosting and place a few chopped fruits on the top.

Lumapit pa ako upang makita ito ng malapitan. Napansin ito ni Sir London kaya napalingon siya sa akin.

“Sir, may customer na po ba tayo ngayon? What should I do?” medyo nanginginig kong tanong sa kaniya, kunwari ay magtatanong lang ako kung ano ang gagawin, pero ang totoo ay nais ko lang silipin ang pagkaing ginagawa niya.

“Wala pa,” tipid niyang sagot habang lumilipat ang kaniyang tingin sa ginawa niyang cake. It seems finished. Para saan naman kaya yung cake na ’yun, e wala pa namang customers? I watched him picked a knife and sliced the cake. He cut it smoothly. “Do you want a taste?”

Nagulat ako sa alok niya. I’m stuck between acting professionally to the point that I should decline his offer, and having a curiousity on how the cake would taste like.

“S-sure,” I said and mentally slapped my face in embarassment.

Kumuha siya ng kutsara at inabot sa akin. Dumakot ako sa part na sliced, then I took a bite. Damn, it taste like heaven! It’s so soft, it feels like I’m eating a cloud. Halos mapatirik ang aking mata.

I heard him snickered. Doon ako bumalik sa tamang pag-iisip.

“B-Bakit po, Sir?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

“Nothing,” he said silently after he snickered. Siguro, dahil iyon sa pagtirik ng mata ko habang nginunguya ko yung pagkain niya. “So, how was it?”

“Great, Sir! The best!” sagot ko agad at umakto na parang nakakalasap ng masarap na pagkain. “ Squisito! “

To my surprise, I saw him smiled.

“Thank you,” he said in a low tone and silent voice. “You did some research, huh?” he said, pertaining to the Italian expression that I just said.

Well, I guess, my compliment motivated him, yet he seems a bit shy to show it.

It’s cute.

“Ano pong tawag sa pagkaing ’yan, Sir?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

“Cassata Siciliana,” sagot niya ng mabilis. “It will be added to our menu, soon.”

Cassata-what?

“Uhm… can I ask you something?” sabi ni Sir sa akin. Hindi pa ako umu-oo at nagsalita siyang muli. “Are you and Aidan…” tapos hindi na niya itinuloy ang kaniyang sasabihin.

“Ano po ’yon, Sir?” tanong ko sa kaniya at napalunok ako. Mukhang alam ko na ang itatanong niya sa’kin, ngunit parang hindi niya kayang ituloy.

“Uh, wala. Forget it,” yun nalang ang nasabi niya at inilahad ang kamay sa akin. “Can I have your spoon?”

I gave it to him, and he also had a taste to his pastry. I wonder what am I going to say if he asked it.

Kabanata 21

Kabanata 21

Exposed

“Nababasa mo ba talaga ng malinaw?” nag-aalalang tanong sa’kin ni Drista habang nakatingin ako sa malaking screen kung saan nakasulat ang mga order.

“Oo naman. Malinaw naman yung mata ko,” sagot ko sa kaniya.

“Really? I thought malabo yung mata mo kaya ka nagsasalamin. Where’s your glasses, anyway? Anong purpose no’n, mema lang?” mapanlokong tanong ni Drista sa’kin. Napabuntong hininga ako.

“My eyes are just sensitive so may tsansang lumabo yung mata ko once na na-expose ng matindi sa radiation. Kung mema lang ’yon, matagal ko na sanang itinigil yung pagsusuot. Nagkataon lang na nabasag kaya hindi ko na nagamit,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

“Arte mo naman.”

I hissed.

“Maingat lang ako sa aking katawan. What did you think about the purpose of it though?”

“Well, I just thought that nerdy fashion became trending today. Bigla ko tuloy nagustuhang bumili ng salamin, makikiuso lang sana,” she said and snickered. “But tell me what’s written on the screen, kung nagsasabi ka nga ng totoo.”

Oh hell, why would I even lie for a piece of shitty detail?

“Three servings of Brioche, two cups of cappuccino and one caramel machiatto,” I answered her directly. Napangiti naman siya.

“Okay, Mr. Feeling Nerd,” aniya ng nakangiti at lumayo na sa akin. Napailing nalang ako. Finally, this meaningless fight came to an end.

Lumapit ako kay Lemuel, yung barista namin, upang ipaalam yung order na kape ng customer.

“Dalawang cup ng cappuccino at isang cup ng caramel machiatto?” tanong niya, pag-uulit sa sinabi ko upang klaruhin ang kaniyang pagkakaintindi.

“Yup,” sagot ko naman.

“Thanks,” aniya at sinimulang magtimpla.

Hindi ko alam kung ganito ba talaga yung trabaho ko bilang assistant chef. Ang akala ko ay tutulong ako kay Chef Von sa pagluluto, pero wala naman akong ibang ginawa kun’di ang ipaalam sa kanila ang mga orders ng customers.

Napakamot ako sa ulo habang papalapit kina Sir Von na nagluluto, katuwang si Drista na naghihiwa ng mga ingredients.

“Is there anything that I could help you?” tanong ko sa kanila. Sabay silang umiling.

“Kami na ang bahala rito, Sef. I will call you whenever we need some extra force. Just wait for my instructions, okay?” Sir Von said to me and smiled. I forcedly smiled back.

“Okay,” iyon nalang ang tangi kong naging sagot.

Bigo akong lumayo sa kanila.

I thought, this is going to be one hell out of a stressful day. But it turns out, I didn’t do anything because I’m not very handy here in the kitchen. Alam nila ’yon kaya naman hindi nila ako pinapasubukang pagalawin ng mga pagkain at utensils. Mas nakaka-frustrate pa ’yon kaysa maging stressed pa ako sa trabaho dito sa kusina.

Nakatayo lang ako at walang ginagawa, hanggang sa biglang bumukas ang pinto at iniluwa nito si Sir London.

“Sir, you need anything?” tanong ni Taron na kasalukuyang naghuhugas ng mga pinggan. Since, hindi naman kasi masyadong busy dito sa loob ng kusina, somehow, may time pa ang mga assistant chef na makapaghugas ng plato, kaya hindi na sila nag-hire pa ng dishwasher.

“Nothing. I just changed the way of processing the orders. Hindi na ako magbabantay sa labas upang i-announce na may o-order. Aidan will be at the dining are to take note their orders while Bren will deliver the food to them. I guess, sa ganitong paraan, hindi ko na kailangan pang tumambay sa counter,” paliwanag ni Sir London.

“So… Ibig sabihin po niyan, Sir, dito na po kayo sa kusina kikilos?” tanong ni Taron.

“Gano’n na nga.”

Everything’s working normally, and when I say normally, nakakabagot. I thought, this would challenge me a lot.

Sir London paced towards the table with vegetables and helped them chopping off. Hindi ko alam kung saan ko ikikilos ang aking mga paa. Do they need my help? Bakit hindi nila ako inuutusan? This is so frustrating!

Natapos na sila sa paghihiwa. Sir London twisted around to see me and he made a confusing look. I was alarmed. Bigla akong nagising sa malalim kong pag-iisip.

“Ah, e… Do you need anything…or–?”

“Don’t worry, we can do this. We’re fine,” aniya.

He proceed to go the stove and lit it up.

How ’bout me? Did you even asked if I am fine being useless?

Iginala ko ang aking mata upang maghanap ng maaari kong gawin, hanggang sa napadpad ito sa sink. A ton of dirty utensils stacked above it.

I swear, hindi ko gustong galawin ’yon. I’m fine with cooking, but I hate doing the dishes.

Pero hindi ba ako makukunsensya? Lahat sila busy, ako lang ang hindi.

Nakaka-guilty.

I heaved a deep sigh and bravely walked to the sink. I was spaced out for a moment, thinking if this is the rightest thing to do because if there is something better then I’ll go for it instead.

I started it by picking up the sponge. Hindi ko pa nga ito nakukuskos sa alinmang pinggan ay agad na tumabi sa akin si Taron.

“Ako na. That’s my job everyday,” aniya.

“Ah, hindi na. Ako na ang nagsimula nito, e.”

“Sige, pero ako na ang magpapatuloy.”

He reached for the sponge in my hand. Dumulas ito palayo sa kamay ko. Nangunot na ang aking noo.

“No! Kaya ko naman,” giit ko. I reached back for the sponge but he moved his hand away from me.

“I’m always in charge of this,” sabi naman niya.

“Damn, could you please just give me back the fucking sponge?!”

I punched my fist against the sink. The sound reverberated throughout the room, making everybody stop from what they are doing. Frustrated. That came out from my mouth, out of nowhere.

Thankfully, I didn’t damaged anything. But my hand felt both numb and pain and I don’t know if that makes sense.

Taron almost gasped and whispered ‘oh’.

“Better watch out for your words,” he warned me after he got into consciousness. He eventually gave me the sponge.

I gulped, and it feels like I’m slowly crumbling in shame. What a scene.

I feel like all of the eyes in this room were staring directly at me.

Nagpatuloy nalang ako sa paghuhugas ng pinggan. Tahimik. I’m being so careful now.

Grease and bubbles were mixing together in my hands. It’s soft. My focus were invested wholly to it. Rinsing was never been this hard. Masyadong malalapad ang mga platong hinuhugasan ko kaya madalas itong tumalsik sa akin.

I finished my job. My eyes went to Sir London. He’s currently chopping huge onions. Lumapit ako sa kaniya para manood.

He stopped. His vision shifted to me.

“Want to take my turn?”

My eyes sparked with joy and excitement. Tumango ako.

“Really? Can you?”

That kept me silent. I have doubts in myself. Kapag ba nagkamali ako sa way ng paghihiwa ng mga ito, lalo ba niya akong hindi pagkakatiwalaan?

I didn’t answered.

“Okay. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you,” aniya.

My mind disagreed. Gusto ko sa kaniyang sabihin na hindi ako talaga ako na-offend sa sinabi niya ngunit naiwan ang bibig ko na nakanganga.

I understand if he doesn’t want to give me certain tasks, or even a single chance to do it. This is professional, so there’s no room for noobs.

“Anyway, I will trust you on this, so that you could help us and I could work for another things. A’right?”

I agreed to him.

“Be careful,” paalala niya.

He patted my back before he finally left me in front of the chopping board. There is an onion cut halfway. Napakurap ako. Then I examined how he cut the other half to do the same thing in the remaining.

I confidently started cutting it in thin shapes. I am so focused. Feels like my whole world revolves around this piece of ingredient. It took me a few second to finish the whole big ass onion.

Relief.

I shook my hands in excitement and I almost jump. I really did it without cutting my fingers. I know, its just only a freaking tiny achievement, yet I perceived it as vital.

I picked up another one to do the same thing. Unexpectedly, it messed up by accidentally slicing the skin of my pointing finger.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko habang pinagmamasdan kong tumutulo and dugo.

“Shit,” I cursed and hissed.

Nadama ko ang paglapit sa’kin ni Sir London.

“An’yari?”

Hindi na ako nakapagsalita kaya pinakita ko sa kaniya ang sugat ko.

Then, to my surprise, he grabbed my hand and suck the tip of my finger where the wound is.

Too fast.

I was electrified.

Sobrang bilis ng mga pangyayari. I immediately pulled away my hand from him and glared him with a shocked face.

His hands were stoned. I made him dumbfounded. Very priceless. But I’m also stunned so we’re definitely feeling almost the same thing.

“Ay a-ano…” he managed to speak yet he can’t continue a single word from his broken speech.

Napakamot siya sa kaniyang batok.

“Sorry. I just can’t help it. It’s my fault. I could have done the task all by my self,” he told me in a guilty manner. “I could take the turn if you want.”

“N-no need,” matipid kong sagot.

“I should take the turn so I–”

“No, Sir,” I told him with courage but not with authority. “Trust me.”

He gave me a complacent smile before turning away. I finally managed to breathe properly, not until I saw Aidan in the door of the kitchen glaring at me. Few seconds, he moved away. He’s now out of my sight.

His gaze were like raven’s, urging to claw me.

For what?

I’m feeling so weird right now. For real.

Nung natapos ko na ang paghihiwa ng mga sibuyas, bigla akong inutusan ni Taron na magluto ng soup. He instructed me the process of making it. I wanted to list it down, just in case I would forget something, but I don’t have anything to write on.

So I just listened carefully.

“Did you get it?” tanong niya sa’kin pagkatapos niyang sabihin lahat.

“Yup,” I simply answered. Got it clearly.

I lit up the stove and started cooking. Huminga ako ng malalim. Isa isa kong ginawa ang mga instructions ni Taron. Mabuti nalang at yung pinakamadaling menu ang napili niyang ipaluto sa akin.

I still want to progress.

“You need help?”

Napalundag ako sa gulat nung naramdaman ko ang mga kamay ni Aidan sa aking balikat.

Hindi ako nakasagot.

“Don’t worry. I got you,” he said and ruffled my hair. The hairnet almost fell.

He grabbed the large plate of vegetables and poured it into the casserole pan. I am holding the ladle, and he held my hand and dragged the ladle into the soup. Both of our hands were mixing it together. His hand was so large that it covered the whole of mine.

Sa gilid ng aking paningin, nakita ko ang kaniyang matamis na pagngiti. I flustered.

Pinagmamasdan ko ang pagkulo ng soup. I felt his hand slipped away from mine. My hand feels bare, without his touch, without his warmth, without his connection.

“You done?”

Napalingon ako sa nagsalita. It was Sir London, heading towards us. Tumabi sa kabila, habang nasa kanan ko si Aidan. He passed by to him like he was nothing.

“Hindi pa po, pero fifteen minutes nalang, Sir, maluluto na,” sagot ko sa kaniya. He nodded and examine the soup.

“Can I have a taste?” he asked.

I nodded and handed him the ladle. Sumalok siya at tumikim. I can see the unsatisfaction in his face. He tried to smile but it seems very forced and fake.

“Uh, I think this needs more salt and pepper,” Sir London suggested.

“Ako na ang maglalagay.” Aidan patted my back. Kinuha niya ang lalagyan ng asin at paminta at susubukang itaktak ito sa soup. He was stopped by Sir London who tried to snatch it from him but Aidan refused to let go.

They are now pulling the long wooden bottles of salt and pepper form each other while I’m standing between them.

“You should be in the dining area, Aidan. I am obligating you to help us cooking. You have your own job out there.”

“Uh huh? I’m not helping you, geezer. I’m here for Yoseff. You can now just back off.”

“Oh, really? You’re a terrible cook, remember? I know this better.”

“Palakihin mo pa yung ulo mo.”

Their arguments went on and on, so I decided to butt in.

“Aidan, stop,” mariin kong pagpigil sa kaniya. “Mas mabuti na sigurong kami na ang bahala rito.”

“See?” Sir London boastfully stated.

I can see the annoyance in Aidan’s eyes before he went away. He might be heading to the dining area to wait for orders. My eyes directed to Sir London who is smiling with assurance.

Weird but interesting.

He’s now turning into a different person, unlike the strict and stoic one that I used to know.

…

It’s time to go home. Just like the former days, we bid goodbye and disappear one by one.

The place was cleaned before we decided to leave. Three of us were outside: Sir London, Aidan and me. Nakauwi na yung iba. We’re all wearing simple t-shirts and jeans. We locked the door.

“I’ll drive you home, Sef.”

It was Sir London. Inakbayan niya ako at akmang idadala patungo sa sasakyan niya, ngunit bago ako pigilan ang sarili na magpatianod ay iwinaksi ni Aidan ang kamay niya mula sa akin.

“Hindi mo na kailangang gawin ’yan,” Aidan said.

Nagkasalubong ang kilay ni Sir.

“Why do you always intrude us? Alam ko kung saan mismo nakatira si Yoseff so I got this.”

“I also know where he exactly live,” Aidan stated.

At that moment, I knew he’s about to say something that I didn’t want him to expose.

“We live together.”

Kabanata 22

Kabanata 22

S

uspicious

We’re all like statues. Standing. Didn’t moved even a bit. No one spoke a single word for about half a minute, until Sir London cleared his throat.

“Is that so?”

There’s hint of both confusion and defeat in his voice. Dahan-dahang bumababa ang kaniyang kamay mula sa akin hanggang sa tuluyan na niya akong binitawan.

Hindi ko mapigilang lumingon sa kaniya. I don’t know what’s up to him.

A frown has shown in his face for a short time, then he quickly erased it from his expression. Napansin ko ’yon. Kahit baguhin pa niya.

“I didn’t know that you live together. How long?”

“None of your business,” Aidan answered nonchalantly.

But despite of that, Sir London managed to chuckle. Forced.

“Okay, okay. It’s fine. My bad,” then he smiled again. I didn’t know how many times he smiled within this day, but this one is incomparable to others. It feels like he is covering something.

Or maybe I’m just thinking crazy.

“I have to go,” he bid to us then his eyes shifted to me.

I can see his softness. I am seeing a different person. But whoever it is, I’m loving it. It’s not weird, yet bizarre.

He ruffled my hair and I closed my eyes for seconds. His touch were also soft. He chuckled again.

Different. Totally different.

“Goodnight, Sef. Take care.”

He walked away.

I was standing here, watching him go to his car and drove away. The streets were partly empty. Just a few vehicles passing by. Crickets were singing to the night.

I felt Aidan’s firm arms wrapped around me. I feel safe and protected for an unknown reason.

“May pupuntahan pa tayo,” he whispered to my ear.

“At saan naman?”

“We’re going to the mall. I will buy you a new pair of glasses,” he said.

I smirked.

“As you should,” sabi ko at sumunod sa kaniya patungo sa motorsiklo niya. He started the engine and I embraced him tightly.

He’s my source of warmth in this cold night

We passed the dark streets. I looked up to the sky to watch the breathtaking view of the stars. I had a certain bizarre feeling that makes me want to explode in euphoria.

Never thought that a simple night could be this odd and spectacular.

Kinalas ko ang pagkakayakap sa kaniya upang itaas ang kamay at damhin ang kakaibang lamig ng hangin.

Ilang minuto lang ay nakarating na kami sa mall. It is exactly seven o’clock in the evening.

Few people were strolling. Most of them are finding their way out. Samantalang paparating palang kami.

“Do you want to walk around before going to the eyewear store?”

I twitched my lips while thinking. We have three hours left before the mall would close. That’s a lot of time. Maybe, we could do that.

“Okay,” pagsang-ayon ko.

Is this going to be a date?

He held my pulse while pulling me somewhere. His steps were long so I walked faster to catch up. No one looked at us, thankfully. I’m afraid that they would suspect and disgust us. I’m feeling so awkward right now and my cheeks were turning red.

Napadaan kami sa Tom’s World kung saan maraming nakahilerang clawing machines. Napahinto si Aidan at pinagmasdan ang isa sa mga ito. Sinundan ko ang tingin niya.

Nakatuon siya sa machine kung saan may mga stuffed toy na Stitch. Mapapansin sa kaniya na nais niya itong puntahan.

Siniko ko siya.

“Lapitan mo na. Nahiya ka pa,” sabi ko na may mapaglarong himig.

Ngumiti siya at muli nanaman niya akong hinawakan sa pulso.

“Samahan mo ’ko,” aniya at hinila niya ako patungo roon.

His eyes were literally sparkling while eyeing the toys. Binitawan niya ang aking kamay upang isandal ito sa salamin ng clawing machine.

Its pretty clear that this child wants that play thing. Ayaw niya lang sabihin sa’kin, directly. I’m not against it. I’m just wondering if he’s a fan of Stitch so he wants it?

“Teka lang. I’ll buy some tokens,” he mused excitedly and paced towards the counter. I am very amused. Parang kapareho niyang mag-isip ang mga batang naglalaro din dito.

Naghintay ako ng ilang minuto bago siya nakabalik. He bought twenty tokens and showed it to me. Binuhos niya ito sa aking kamay at kumuha ng isa upang ihulog doon sa machine.

At first try, he missed.

“Argh! Kainis!” he exclaimed while scratching his nape.

“Okay lang ’yan. Maaari ka pa namang makapaghulog ng marami.” That was my consolation.

He picked one more token to try again, but it didn’t worked well just like the first one.

“Nanaman?” medyo iritado niyang sambit.

“Kalma. May eighteen tries ka pa,” natatawa kong sabi.

He groaned.

Inulit ulit pa niya itong nilaro ngunit maraming beses siyang nabigo. The stuffed toys were varied in sizes but they are all the same character. He’s targeting the large ones. Minsan nga lang nadudulas sa claw dahil sa sobrang laki.

“Dang it! I’m running out of tokens. Fucking shit.”

Tinampal ko ang braso niya.

“Shh! Huwag kang magmura. Maraming makakarinig sa’yo ritong mga bata,” I warned him.

He stared at me boredly. There is still a hint of frustration in his expression.

“You can do this,” I encouraged him while giving him another token.

He tried. As expected, he lose again.

“Darn. I give up,” he sighed in defeat.

Mayroon pang isang token na natitira sa aking kamay. Pinakita ko ito sa kaniya.

“Pero meron pa, oh!”

“I don’t care. I would just waste it. You can use it,” he said.

Tumango nalang ako at hinulog ang natitirang coin sa machine. Tinarget ko yung may malalaking size.

Got ya!

A whole big ass stuffed toy came out from the machine. I immediately grabbed it and showed it to Aidan. His eyes softened when he saw me with the toy.

“You can have it,” alok ko sa kaniya.

Iniwas niya ang kaniyang tingin.

“No. That’s yours.”

“Luh. Nahiya ka pa. Eto na nga, e,” nanunukso kong sambit sa kaniya.

Ang ngiti na kanina pa niya pinipigilan ay napakawalan na niya. He grabbed the Stitch stuffed toy and embraced it with his firm arms.

“But we can share him… uhh, you know?”

“Ikaw bahala,” sabi ko at napansin ang kaniyang tingin na halos hindi makapaniwala na nakuha ko talaga yung toy na kanina pa niya gustong makuha. “Ako lang ’to, Aidan. ’Wag ka nang mabilib.”

Tumawa siya ng malakas. Gan’on din ako.

“Idol talaga kita,” sabi niya at inakbayan ako.

Sunod kaming pumunta sa apparel store. Aidan being so inclined to fashion, he always buys plenty of new clothes.

Nung nasa loob na kami, I can’t help but to be amazed while looking around. Hindi pa ako nakakabili ng damit sa mall dahil sa isang libo, dalawa lang ang mabibili ko. Marami namang damit sa tabi-tabi na mas mura at ’di hamak na matibay rin. Pero napansin ko kung gaano nakakaenganyong bumili dito sapagkat garantisadong maganda ang kalidad at disenyo ng bawat damit.

Agad na nagtungo kung saan-saan si Aidan. We passed multiple of clothing racks. I don’t know why he’s too fast to scan the whole place. Lahat naman ng damit dito ay magaganda, pero bakit niya nilalagpasan? There’s no need to choose very wisely.

“Matatagalan ka pa ba?” medyo irita kong sambit sa kaniya. Sobrang tagal niya kasing maghanap ng bibilhin.

Hindi siya sumagot, bagkus ay hinila na niya ako para makalakad kami ng sabay.

Dinala niya ako sa tapat ng rack ng mga blazers.

“Ito talaga yung hinahanap ko,” he said. “I actually need to buy one of these for my thesis defense next week,” paliwanag niya.

“Okay,” simple kong tugon.

“You also have your defense, right? Are you sure you don’t wanna buy one?”

“Nah. Okay na siguro yung long-sleeves na polo. Sa tingin ko maayos na ’kong tignan sa gan’on.”

He raised his brow then moved his eyes towards the rack.

“I can’t really choose,” mahina niyang sabi habang nakahawak sa kaniyang baba. “Which of these do you think is the best?”

Napatingin tuloy ako sa mga naka-hanger na blazers. Hindi ako makapili sapagkat lahat naman sila ay maganda, pero sa tingin ko ang pinakamaganda ay yung itim na may kaunting texture ng gray. Mukhang babagay ’yon sa kahit anong kulay ng polo.

“Siguro ito,” sabi ko sabay turo doon sa nagustuhan kong blazers.

“Okay, I’ll have it,” aniya at kinuha ito mula sa rack. “I’ll have to think for mine too.”

Nabaling ang atensyon ko sa ibang damit na nakadisplay kaya hindi ko masyadong narinig ang sinasabi ni Aidan. Nakita ko nalang na kumuha pa siya ng isa pang blazer na kulay dark gray.

“I like this one. I think babagay ’to sa polo ko na light ang kulay.”

“Really? Ba’t di nalang ’yan ang piliin mo. Tutal, ’yan naman pala yung gusto mo. Pinapili mo pa ’ko,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

“Oh. Actually, yung pinili mo, para sa’yo talaga ’yon,” he explained.

“Huh? Hindi ako bibili. Wala akong pera, baliw.”

He chuckled a bit.

“I’ll pay for you.”

Napakamot ako sa aking ulo.

“Hindi muna ako uutang ngayon, Aidan. Kailangan ko pang bayaran yung utang ko sa’yo dati. ’Tsaka wala na akong planong mangutang pa sa’yo. Totoo!”

“No. This will be my treat. Hindi mo na ako kailangang bayaran para rito.”

“Huh? Seryoso?” I asked then he nodded. “Huwag na, uy! Bumabait ka naman masyado sa’kin.”

He smiled in a funny way, and shook his head.

“It wasn’t a big deal for me. You can pick more clothes and I will still pay for it,” aniya.

“Hindi na. Hindi ko kailangan.”

“I don’t believe you.”

Inaabot niya sa’kin ang blazer na napili ko.

“Sukatin mo kung kasya,” he said.

“Libre talaga ’yan?”

He chuckled.

“Oo nga. Ang kulit, ah,” he said. Napahagikhik din ako ng mahina.

“Sigurado ka? Pakiramdam ko magkakaroon ako ng atraso sa’yo.”

“Bakit naman? Did you do something wrong?” tanong niya at umiling ako.

“Wala. Pero feeling ko may kapalit ’to, e.”

“Of course. Alam mo na ’yon, ’di ba?” he said while wiggling his eyebrows. I already know what this is. That perverted mind of his! Man of freaking culture.

“Langya ka. Ang bastos mo kahit saan.”

“I didn’t say anything!” giit niya.

Tumawa lang ako at kinuha ang blazer mula sa kaniya. Sinukat ko ito sa harap niya. Sinubukan ko ito ng nakabutones. Napansin ko na medyo maluwag ito sa akin.

“It looks so big on you,” he said while tugging the hem. Nasa kalagitnaan na ito ng aking hita. “It makes me want to slip my hand inside and caress your body. It consumed more space in here—”

Bigla kong tinampal ang kaniyang kamay nung naramdaman ko ang pagpasok nito sa loob ng blazers mula sa ibaba. Pagkatapos ay kinurot ko siya sa tagiliran.

“Ayan ka nanaman! Lubayan mo ’ko, ngayon. Please lang, nasa public area tayo.”

Tumawa lang siya.

“Alright. Just take it off and I’ll just ask if there’s something smaller than this,” aniya at hinubad mula sa akin ang blazer at umalis.

Pumunta siya sa isang saleslady at dinirect naman siya nito patungo sa storage room nila. Pagkatapos ay lumabas siya muli, dala na ang mini version ng damit.

“Here,” aniya at pinakita niya sa’kin ito nung nakalapit na siya. “Wear it and let’s see.”

Sinunod ko naman siya.

Nung sinuot ko na ay nagkasya na sa’kin ito. Lumapit ako sa nakadisplay na salamin sa loob ng shop upang tignan ang sarili ko. It looks good.

“Sakto na ’to,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

“Okay, then,” he said. Then he removed it from me.

“Patingin nga ’ko kung magkano,” utos ko sa kaniya. Pinakita niya sa’kin yung tag.

It costs whopping Php 6,500. What the fuck. Baka wala pa ’to sa isang libo kung sa divisoria ako bibili.

“Ang mahal, Aidan. Ibalik nalang natin,” sabi ko at inagaw sa kaniya yung blazer ngunit hindi niya ’to binitawan.

“No, it’s fine. I can afford it.”

“Hindi naman ako papayag na–”

“Shh! Okay lang. It’s just a piece of clothing. Isa pa, if you’re being practical, there’s no need to refuse this. Pangmatagal ’to. You could use this multiple times,” pangungumbinsi niya sa’kin.

“E, baka limang daan lang ’yan sa ukay-ukay. Sayang naman kung diyan mo lang gagastusin yung pera mo.”

“Don’t worry. I got you,” aniya.

“Sure ka? Kapag ako nagbayad niyan, ni piso wala akong maibibigay sa’yo.”

“Oo na. Hindi kita hihingan kahit piso,” aniya.

Wala akong nagawa kun’di hayaan nalang siya. Isa pa, ako naman ang magbebenefit no’n. Pero kahit na. Ayaw ko pa ring magmukhang gold digger sa kaniya.

“I guess we should get some more,” aniya tapos hinila niya ulit ako. Hindi na ako umangal.

Napadaan kami sa section kung saan may mga nakahilerang mga jacket. Doon ay napahinto siya.

“Try this,” aniya sabay bigay sa’kin ng isang orange cotton jacket. It looks so comfy and adorable! “Pipili rin ako ng sa’kin tapos suotin natin paglabas. I’m freezing right now,” aniya habang hinahagod ang kaniyang magkabilang balikat.

“Alright. How much is that?”

“Two thousand five hundred.”

Halos lumuwa ’yung mata ko sa presyo.

“Huwag ka nang tumanggi. Hindi mo na ako mapipigilan. Just take these all as a gift,” he said.

“A gift for what?”

“For our first date,” he said then winked at me. Napakurap ako.

“D-date?”

“Yup! And also for this!” aniya at tinaas ang hawak niyang Stitch na stuffed toy.

So ayun, hindi na nga ako pumalag. Nung pinakita niya sa’kin yung jacket ay nagandahan talaga ako sa disenyo.

“Papayagan kitang ilibre mo ’ko pero hanggang ngayong araw lang, ah? Hindi na ’to dapat maulit.”

Hindi siya sumagot. Bagkus ay hinila niya ako patungo sa counter upang bayaran ang naipamili namin. Apat na damit lang ang binili namin ngunit ang presyo nito ay parang allowance ko na sa isang taon.

He paid it not in cold cash, but with a debit card. What can I expect from a rich kid like him, anyway?

Hindi talaga ako makatingin sa kaniya nung nakalabas na kami. Nakokonsensya ako sa pagwaldas niya ng pera para sa’kin. I feel like I’m using him for these stuffs, pati na rin yung utang ko sa kaniya na matagal ko pa sigurong mababayaran.

But in the other way, excited na ’ko na suotin yung blazer sa defense namin next week. Nakakaproud maging mas presentable. Nagiging mas confident ako.

Na-gets ko na kung bakit naimbento yung word na “shopping therapy”. Talaga namang nakakagaan sa pakiramdam.

“Do you want to buy anything more elsewhere?”

“Wala na. I’m not materialistic so sobra na talaga para sa’kin yung mga binigay mo,” aniya.

“Sweet,” sabi niya sa kaniyang sarili. Napangiti lang ako.

Napagpasiyahan naming dito na sa mall mag-dinner. Dinala niya ako sa isang Japanese resto na naka-private cubicle pa bawat mesa.

As expected, libre nanaman niya.

He placed an order in the counter, then we went to one of the cubicles. It’s so comfy and peaceful. First time kong makapunta sa ganitong klaseng kainan.

Katabi niya yung Stitch na stuffed toy na napanalunan ko kanina. Parang hindi niya ito kayang mawala sa tabi niya. Naghintay kami ng ilang minuto at dumating na ang pagkain. Hinatid ito ng waiter. He bought a medium set of sushi and tempura, and two servings of soba and miso soup. 

Kumalam ang sikmura ko nung naamoy ko ang mabango nitong aroma. Pakiramdam ko ay nagniningning na ngayon ang mga mata ko.

“Itadakimasu!” sabi ko at nagsimulang kainin ang aking pagkain. Natutunan ko lang ang salitang ’yon dahil sa panonood ng anime nung bata pa ako.

He gave me a confused look before eating his food. Siguro ay naguluhan siya sa sinabi ko. Di na bale.

Darn, heaven. The taste is so out-of-this-world!

“Wait. There’s more,” aniya at saka may dumating ulit na waiter. May dala itong bote ng sake. Kasama rin ang dalawang piraso ng maliliit na baso.

Trip niyang magpaka-alcoholic?

“Let’s drink,” paanyaya niya habang hawak ang bote ng saki. Pagkatapos ay sinimulan niya itong buksan.

“Are you kidding me?!” I exclaimed. Pinanliitan ko pa siya ng mata. “Hindi ako umiinom. That’s bad for the health.”

“Tss. There’s no point of being health conscious today. Just enjoy everything on the table,” aniya.

He passed me the glass and poured some contents. I am very hesitant. Kahit kailan ay hindi pa ako nakakainom ng sake.

I twisted my face in unrecognizable expression. Natawa siya.

“Drink. Huwag ka nang mahiya,” sabi niya.

“Hindi ako nahihiya,” defesive kong bwelta.

“Asus. Ako lang ’to, Sef. Inumin mo na.”

“Gago ka talaga.”

He laughed again.

“Your mouth is getting nastier, huh? Napapansin ko, napapadalas na yung pagsambit mo ng masasamang salita.”

“Why d’you care?”

“Because I’m reponsible for it. It’s my duty to punish your mouth whenever you spit curses. Don’t worry, I’ll give something it deserves, later.”

I twitched my lips.

“Corny.”

He snorted.

Minutes had passed, hindi ko na maalala kung bakit ko naisipan inumin yung sake sa baso ko. Ngayon, alam kong kinakain na ako ng sistema.

Isa, dalawa… Anim na bote na ang binili niya.

For a hundredth time, I poured my glass ang drank it straight.

“Hmm… pait!” sabi ko sabay tungga ulit.

Pagkatapos no’n ay bigla akong nahilo at napabagsak ang ulo sa mesa. Sobrang init ng aking nararamadaman to the point na feeling ko sinusunog ako. Malakas naman ang aircon dito sa loob ng resto pero patuloy pa rin ang aking pagpapawis.

“You’re so weak,” puna niya.

I punched the table. Mahina iyon dahil wala na akong lakas.

“Fuck you.”

Then I showed him my middle finger.

“Stop it,” aniya at binaba ang kamay ko.

“What?! You always like to fuck, right? So what’s the problem?”

I heard his faceslap.

“Cussing isn’t cool,” he said.

“I didn’t think that I’m cool, though.”

“It’s doesn’t fit to hear from you. You sound innocent,” aniya.

Huh? Hindi ko maintindihan ang dahilan niya.

“I’m drunk. I can’t control myself!” depensa ko.

“No excuses.”

“But I am!”

“Be quiet, Sef,” mariin niyang sabi.

Pakiramdam ko ay nasa ulirat pa siya. He seems like so immune to alcohol. Well, ano pa bang aasahan ko? Almost every night, he goes to his friends to party. Alcohol is his thing, unlike me.

“Let’s go home,” yaya niya.

Bumangon ako ng marahan at umiling. Mukhang di ko kakayanin.

“We will be running out of time. We only have two hours left before the mall would close. Hindi pa nga tayo nakakabili ng salamin mo, remember?

I can’t stand anymore.

“But I feel so hot right now,” I said bashfully, habang pinapaypayan ko ang aking sarili gamit ang pagtagtag ng damit.

“You’re always hot.”

Napatingin ako sa kaniya ng maigi pagkasabi niya no’n. There’s a meaningful stare, playful smirk and a lip bite. Damn. He’s hot too!

I felt something crawling in my legs under the table. Yumuko ako at nakita ang kamay ni Aidan na tumutungo na sa aking crotch. Agad ko itong hinawakan at hinawi palayo.

“Yung kamay mo!” sabi ko sa kaniya.

He laughed with his sexy voice that made me chill down to spine and spark excitement.

“This is not a good place for that,” I whispered then winked.

“Do you want to go to the restroom, first?” he asked in a very suspicious way.

Very, very suspicious.

Kabanata 23

Kabanata 23

Sex Monster

(SPG Alert!)

Inakbayan niya ang aking braso sa kaniyang balikat at binuhat ako patungo sa restroom. Sa dinami-rami ng maaari naming puntahan ay yun pang nasa pinakadulo’t pinakatagong C.R. sa buong mall.

Ramdam kong hirap na hirap siyang alalayan ako habang dala ang mga pinamili naming damit at yung stuffed toy na pagkalaki-laki. Pero tuloy-tuloy lang ang aming lakad na para bang hindi niya gustong magpahinga kahit saglit.

Nahihilo ako at hindi ko na halos makita ang daan. Ilang minuto ang inabot bago namin matunton ang restroom. Napasandal ako sa pader nung binitiwan niya ako upang ilapag ang lahat ng hawak niya sa sink.

“You’re heavier than I think,” he said while panting. There are pauses in between the sentence.

“Maybe because I ate too much.”

“Probably. You’re a massive eater. You almost took every food in a bite.”

“I don’t!”

He chuckled under his muffled voice.

“You do. You can even swallow my huge dick at the very first attempt.”

Umirap ako at napasampal sa mukha.

“That’s not even a food!”

Nagpakawala siya ng isang malakas na tawa. It was contagious yet I refused to laugh.

“Why do you always think of something dirty about different matters? Sa tingin mo palagi yung nakakatawang pakinggan? Hindi ko alam kung paano ka ginawa ng mga magulang mo at bakit ganiyan kadumi yung utak mo.”

I regret the last sentence.

“Are you wondering how my parents made me?”

“N-no,” I answered. His hand caressed by cheek and his thumb played my lower lip.

My eyes were fixed to his and it feels like I am diving a bottomless ocean with his raven-like eyes. It’s sucking up my spirit.

“But do you already know?”

“I don’t know…” if I should admit that I obviously know. I’m not stupid.

“I think you should know,” he said seductively. I watched him licked his lips leisurely. Luscious. He looks like an attractive demon luring me to the darkest side of the earth. Playful and tempting.

“Care to demontrate?”

That came out mindlessly.

“Sure, I would love to.”

He attacked me with a strong kiss. Deep and passionate. His lips were like a candy with an addictive sweetness. Soft and smooth. Feels like I’m kissing the clouds.

“W-wait!” I screamed when I felt the shortage of oxygen. I wanted to breath, as much as I wanted this to happen.

“I’m done waiting.”

Our lips met again.

Gumagapang ang kaniyang kamay patungo sa gitna ng aking pantalon. He’s aggresively touching me there. 

“I’ve been wanting to do this earlier,” he said.

He attacked my lips with a hard kiss. Hindi ako makapalag. I know that I could do nothing against his strength. He pulled away after a few seconds.

We stared to each other and I felt my blood gushing up to my face.

“Gosh. Why are you so damn cute?”

I wanted to deny it, because I’m humble as hell, but my mouth just hung open without any words came out.

With that not-so-pleasing compliment, it made my face go utterly red.

“I can’t help but to admire every bit of your being, Sef. Even a single breath from your mouth makes me mentally shiver. Just feeling the presence of your soul makes my heart go wild.”

His eyes shifted its emotion. It brings me tranquil.

“Sef, what have you done to me?”

Hindi ko masiguro ang tono ng kaniyang mananalita. There is a mark of combination of both frustration and excitement. Confusing yet interesting.

“You made me change myself completely…”

He took a breath… and another. Then he beamed a cheerful smile.

“And I love this change.”

I can’t think of something to say for him. This moment feels like the whole world revolves around me, and it is his duty to endear me and to say everything nice to satisfy my ego.

Napakagat nalang ako sa aking ibabang labi.

He eventually put his thumb on my chin and pulled my lower lip from my bite.

“Stop doing that,” he ordered and I obeyed. “Masyado mo na ’kong nate-tempt.”

His hands found its way to my hand. Inangat niya ito sa kaniyang mukha, and to my surprise, he swallowed two of my fingers. He sucked it like a thirsty baby.

My pants are getting tighter because of my boner. Geez, I’m feeling so hot. The way I feel his mouth and saliva in my finger makes my dick wanted to be sucked.

I moaned. Napakagat tuloy ako sa labi para pigilan pa ang mga susunod kong pag-ungol.

“We’re just getting started yet you’re moaning like you are already reaching you climax.”

I gulped.

“I can’t help it,” I said.

“Well, I suggest to save it for the last,” he said then held my hand and caressed it. He sent so much sensation to it.

He pulled my hand towads his face, and to my surprise, he sucked three of my fingers.

I moaned once again.

“You are very delighted when your fingers are sucked like this, huh?” he asked me with an aggressive tone. “You even liked how Don sucked your fingers like this, right?”

What? Why did he just suddenly brought up about Sir London? Alam ko yung pangyayari na sinasabi niya at tanda ko pa ’yon. Kahit naman ako ay nasurpresa sa naging aksyon ni Sir London para patigilin ang aking sugat sa pagdurugo nito.

Kahit naman gawin pa iyon ni Sir London ng ilang beses ay hindi nito mahihigitan ang aking naramdaman nung ginawa naman ito ni Aidan.

There are unexplainable sparks that Aidan could only make. Kahit sabihin ko na gusto ko ang lahat ng characteristics ni Sir London ay kailanman hindi aabot ang admirasyong ito upang ihalintulad sa nadarama ko para kay Aidan.

I don’t want to pinpoint what that certain feeling is. Natatakot ako.

Natatakot ako na baka mali lang ako ng nararamdaman… o mali na dapat ko itong maramdaman.

I’m so confused. I must deny everything I feel. Even though it is obvious that I like him… no!

I lo–

No!

I shouldn’t be. Hindi pa ako fully ready.

“Just be thankful that I can’t hate you for doing such things with other guys. I’m trying to be mature for you, yet I am still feeling mad about it.”

My brows furrowed.

“I c-can’t understand.”

“Quit being denial, Sef. You know what I specifically felt after I witnessed how he was so concerned about your cut and suddenly sucked your fingers like he have to do it for Satan’s sake!”

Is he–?

“Oo, tama ka ng iniisip, Sef,” he said grumpily, then his voice shifted into calm. “ Nagseselos ako. “

I am quivering in my position after he said that.

“I was there. I know it’s not that serious… but I’m mad,” aniya na may diin. “I should have told you to quit your job already and forget about the debt. But hey, I will still let you go and be with other guys, but please… just limit them, okay? Lagi mong tatandaan, Sef.”

He is so grumpy as hell.

With a priceless and frustrated expression in his face, I laughed because of it like a moron. Alam ko, hindi ito ang tamang oras para gawin ’yon, lalo na’t napapansin ko ang matingkad na pagpula ng tainga niya. Kulang nalang ay magbuga ito ng makapal na usok. Ngunit hindi ko mapigilan na matawa sa hindi matibay na dahilan.

Sobrang babaw talaga ng kaligayahan ko.

“I’m serious,” he said nonchalantly.

So obvious.

“You being so territorial. Gods, Aidan,” I said with chuckles in between. “ rawr! rawr! rawr! “ I mimicked a wolf and even clawed my ‘paws’ in the air.

He cleared his throat deeply. Iyon ang nagpatigil sa’kin sa kaligayahan.

“Of course. I need to secure my most-priced asset. No one should ever touch it. You should preserve yourself just for me, a’right?”

Mabilisn niyang hinubad ang aking pang itaas at marahas niyang binuksan ang butones at zipper ng aking pang ibabang damit, hanggang sa boxers nalang ang natira sa aking katawan.

My cock is pulsating against the boxers that brought me after he destroyed my previous ones.

Yumuko siya at tinapat ang kaniyang mukha sa aking harapan, pagkatapos ay binaon niya ang kaniyang sarili dito. His nose is rubbing my hardness while sniffing its scent.

“Hngh!”

I bit my lips once more.

He rubbed his face again and again in the front of my boxers, sending me deep pleasures. I am very frustrated how it feels so good yet not enough to make me reach my climax.

“Please, do something more!” I demanded.

Then he stopped for a moment. Tumingala siya upang tingnan ang aking mukha. Hinayaan ko siyang pagmasdan ang aking nagmamakaawang ekspresyon upang makumbinsi siya na gawin na ang dapat gawin.

“The kitten is demanding,” he mocked in a serious tone.

Mabilis ang kaniyang naging pagkilos, ilang segundo lang ay binuhat niya ako upang paupuin sa sink.

He opened my legs to have a nice sight of my almost naked front.

Then with his mouth, he bit the garter of my boxers and leisurely pulled it downwards until it reached the mid of my thighs. My dick sprung free, and a scent of my manhood smells very strong. I am so turned on.

His mouth finally enveloped my longing cock.

“Ugh… Shit!”

His head bobbed up and down on my dick. Sloppy. I want to pinch him to tell him that he should be quiet or else we might get caught.

He played my sack like stress balls. I bit my lower lip to stop myself. I want to moan so bad. The level of ecstasy is too much, and it is prevailing throughout my system.

“A-Aidan, you’re too fast,” I whispered to him, but it seems like he didn’t listened.

I held both of his shoulders and dug my nails on it. He’s giving me a drug-like sensation. I feels so good… so great.

Not long after, my dick spit out a huge amount of load inside his mouth. He didn’t hesitated to drink it all. Not wasting a single drop of my seed. He sucked up everything.

I am panting loudly. Bumangon siya upang halikan ako. His mouth was still covered by my cum and I tasted it. His kisses were deep and pleasuring. It lasted for minutes.

“Suck mine, kitten.”

Then he kissed the tip of my nose.

Even though I already had my climax, I’m still horny as fuck.

He dragged me inside a cubicle.

He stood in front of me at tinulak niya ako paupo sa toilet bowl. Pinagmamasdan ko siyang binubuksan ang kaniyang zipper. Nilabas niya ang kaniyang pagkalalaki at hanggang ngayon ay nabibigla pa rin ako sa laki at hugis nito.

I buried my nose into his pubic hair and sniffed it. It smells like sweat and pheromones. So addicting.

I opened my mouth and started swallowing his huge dick. Slowly slipping inside.

“Fuck. Your mouth is so damn warm.”

He guided my head towards him by putting his hand on my nape and pulling. He’s balls deep. My nose were entirely blocked by his lush pubes, making me smell the strong scent of his manly sweat.

“Ah! Suck it more,” he groaned silently. He started to thrust his hips. I gagged. “Here it is.”

He immediately cummed.

I swallowed it like he did.

He pulled me up to give me a deep kiss. That took my breath away for minutes. We tried not to make it very sloppy, just in case there is a person out there and might caught us dealing with our ‘heat of the moment’.

We pulled apart.

I threw a soft punch on his chest.

“This is so embarassing! We made it in a public area. What if someone heard us? We’re absolutely dead,” I said to him with a slight anger.

Amusement sparked on his face. He pinched my nose.

“I don’t care, kitten. They’re out of this. Its our personal matter.”

I snorted.

“Personal matter my ass.”

“Uh huh. Anyways, haven’t we already did this in a public area before. It’s not something new to you. Sa campus pa nga naganap ’yon, ’di ba?”

“Shut up!” I exclaimed silently. I don’t want anyone know that there are multiple people inside this cubicle. That would creep the hell out of them. “Why does it have to be always in an  uncertain time and place? What are we going to do now, Aidan?”

“I will bring you home and try to buy your glasses because that is what we are here for, remember?”

“Oo nga pala. Nakalimutan ko na, Diyosmio!” I said and slapped my forehead.

Pinanunuod ko siya habang unti-unti niyang sinusuot sa aking katawan ang lahat ng aking damit. Dahan-dahan man ngunit walang naging bakas na nahirapan siya dahil dito.

“Thank you,” iyon nalang ang nasabi ko sa kaniya. “But you’re still a fucking pervert, Aidan. I can’t forgive you after doing this. You should be entitled as a sex monster of the year. I can’t believe you took advantage of me.”

He chuckled then held my chin up and gave me a quick kiss.

“Yep. Sex monster of the year, because the prey is too freaking irresistable.”

I can’t argue anymore. I’m so tired to talk more.

My last glimpse of him was his bright smile.

“You’re so spectacular, Sef. I really, really lo–”

Then everything went black.

---

Once again, nagising ako sa bedroom namin ng hindi ko maalala ang kahit anong bahagi ng mga kaganapan kahapon, bukod sa nalasing kami. This headache is my absolute pain in this morning. I squinted my eyes forcefully, trying to bear this feeling. Ngunit namataan ko ang isang teddy bear sa tabi at eyeglass na nasa loob ng isang lalagyan sa side table. I squinted my eyes to see it clearer if its true, then I reached for it.

I tried to wear it. It perfectly fits.

I heaved out a satisfied sigh. Hindi ko man lang naalala na nagawa pa niyang makabili nito. Hindi ko lubos maisip kung paano niya ako nagawang idala palabas ng mall, dala ang lahat ng mga pinamili namin. Sobrang dami pa naman ng mga ito.

I yawned and stretched my arms. Pagkatapos ay hinilot ko ang aking sentido at yumuko. I need to kill this pain.

“Come on, now. Handa na ang breakfast.”

Napatingin ako sa nagsalita. It was Aidan at the door, wearing his boxers, displaying his topless body that seems like to be my breakfast this morning.

“Pinagluto kita ng ulam para ’yon ang i-breakfast mo, hindi ako,” he said.

I snorted and let out a faint laugh since hindi pa ako nakakapagrecover sa tamang lakas.

It is ridiculous.

“Nababasa mo talaga ang isip ko,” I said to him.

“Of course. With that intense look, it feels like you wanted to burn down the only garment that I am wearing.”

Natawa ulit ako.

“I don’t want to eat. Wala pa akong gana.”

Bumalik muli ako sa pagkakahiga at niyakap ang teddy bear. God, parang ang sarap matulog ulit. May pasok na ba today? Hindi ko alam kung anong araw ngayon pero wala na akong pakialam. Gusto ko ng isang mahaba at payapang pahinga ng walang makakaistorbo sa’kin.

“Do you want to cuddle with me?” he asked.

I groaned and said yes.

“You’re the best!” he exlaimed enthusiastically and jump towards the bed and embraced me tightly. He kissed one side of my temple. “ I love you. “

I’m so tired to reply, yet I tried to exert all of my energy for the last minute.

“ I love you too. “

Kabanata 24

Kabanata 24

Another Kiss

Ilang araw na ang nagdaan, parang hangin na kasing-bilis sa pagdating at pag-alis, doon ay biglang sumampal sa’kin ang katotohanang college student pa pala ako at kailangan ko munang magfocus ng matindi para sa mga schoolworks. Sobrang hirap nilang intidihin at gawin, pero mas kailangan kong pagtuunan ng pansin kaysa sumama nanaman sa gimmick ni Aidan.

Araw araw parang kalbaryo sa’kin ang pagpigil sa aking sarili na tumanggi sa mga pang-aakit sa’kin ni Aidan. Ilang beses na niya akong inaamok, lalo na kapag matutulog na kami. Pinipigilan ko na huwag magpatianod sa tukso dahil kailangan ko ng mahabang tulog para makapasok ako sa school ng may tamang lakas.

Nakakaubos kasi siya ng lakas.

Martes ng Setyembre, sa sandaling pagpasok ko sa room para sa first period ay agad akong dinaluhan ni Leila na umabsent kahapon.

Natataranta pa siyang lumapit papunta sa’kin.

“Sef, sef! May picture ka bang ni-lecture na notes sa Managerial Economics? Long quiz daw natin ngayon, yung tinuro daw kahapon yung mga itatanong, e, wala naman ako n’on.”

And being a responsible student, of course I do have. Ni-review ko pa nga iyon kagabi.

“Yup, pero hindi ko sinulat sa notebook. Nasa cellphone ko, pinicturan ko lang yung blackboard. Magrereview ka ba?”

“Oo! Bilis na! Kailangan ko nang magbasa!”

Napakamot pa siya sa kaniyang ulo at gumulo ang kaniyang diretsong buhok.

Nagmadali akong kunin ang cellphone ko sa bag at binuksan ang password nito bago ko ibigay sa kaniya.

“Oh, ayan! Ikaw na bahalang humanap sa gallery ko at ireview mo na agad. Kung gusto mo, ipasa mo nalang sa cellphone mo.”

Napatingin siya sa’kin na may kaunting pag-aalala.

“E, paano ikaw? Na sa’kin yung reviewer mo. Ayaw mo bang aralin?”

“Naku, e ako pa ba? I had memorized it all.”

“Naks naman. Pakopya na nga lang ako sa’yo, prend! “ she pleaded with her hands folded together.

“Bahala ka sa buhay mo. Hindi ko ishe-share yung pinagpuyatan ko kagabi. Ang hirap kayang kabisaduhin yung mga lintik na principles at terminologies, tapos ikaw tamang silip at sulat lang para makapasa. No way!”

“Hoy, kadamot mo, baliw!” aniya at sabay kaming tumawa. “Pero sige na nga. Basta kapag naka-uno ka sa GPA mo, dapat mo ’kong ilibre. It would be a celebration for you, and a consolation for my dying grades. Hngh!!”

She crimpled her face.

I snorted. I felt very obligated by the way she said it.

“Okay lang sana sa’kin kung may ipanlilibre ako. Oh gods.”

Tumawa lang siya at dali-dali kaming umupo sa aming puwesto at nagsimula na siyang hanapin ang mga pictures na kailangan niya.

“Good morning! Can I excuse someone?” ani ng isang lalaki na kumaway sa pinto ng aming room.

This guy is familiar. Then I realized that it was actually Ren, one of Aidan’s friends, specifically the one who loves to party at night. He is wearing a P.E. uniform while carrying his backpack.

Buckets of sweats are trickling in his skin, yet he still looks very fresh. Mukhang kagagaling lang niya sa practice nila ni Aidan since may sports even na magaganap mamaya.

He roamed his eyes around, looking for someone. When his vision came into my direction, it settled. He gave me a quick smile as a form of greeting and I also did the same.

“Mind if I excuse you, Yoseff?”

Tumango ako at tumayo upang lapitan siya.

I can hear the whispers of my classmates gossiping probably about Ren. Him being a good-looking school athlete, of course he would be totally famous. Too much information had been gathered by people from him since he’s a very showy person, that’s why he’s always the talk of the town. Wala siyang tinatago. I looked into Ren’s face, concerning if he feels awkward about the whispers that are very audible because they were all simultaneous. He looks like he doesn’t give a shit. Or may be he’s just pretending and ignoring them.

“May pinabibigay nga pala sa’yo si Aidan.”

He rummaged his bag and picked something inside that is covered in a plastic bag. Tinanggap ko naman ito.

I felt a folded fabric inside.

“Suotin mo daw ’yan mamaya pang-cheer mo,” aniya at ngumiti bago umalis.

Bumalik na ko sa aking kinauupuan. Mariing nakatitig si Leila sa aking cellphone.

“Oh shit.” bulong niya sa kaniyang sarili.

“Bakit?” tanong ko at sinubukan tignan yung nasa screen ng cellphone ko ngunit bigla niya itong iniwas mula sa aking paningin. Tinitig siya sa’kin na may gulat sa kaniyang mga mata.

“W-wala. Nahanap ko lang yung mga picture ng mga lecture sa gallery mo.”

She pursed her lips and bowed her head down like she’s hiding something. Napataas lang ang aking kilay.

There’s something in her shock that left a mystery.

“Ok,” I simply said. I shouldn’t mind.

Dahan-dahan kong nilabas ang bagay na nasa plastic bag na binigay sa’kin ni Ren. Isa ’tong kulay gray na t-shirt, uniform ng mga basketball players sa campus tuwing nagpa-practice sila.

Binuklat ko ito mula sa pagkakatupi. I examined it.

Gray Hornbills sa harap. Barameda 23 sa likod.

Halos mabitawan ko ito sa gulat. He sent me this shirt! One of his most-priced posession. Why the hell would I wear this? Its not even necessary.

Ano nalang ang sasabihin ng iba kung makita nila na suot ko yung t-shirt ni Aidan mamaya para sa sports event?

“Wow! Kay Aidan ’yan?” gulantang na tanong ni Leila nang mapansin niya ang hawak ko.

Marahan akong tumango.

“Seryoso? Pwede pakita?” tanong niya at nilahad niya ang kaniyang kamay.

“O ayan, nakikita mo naman, ’di ba?” sabi ko at pinakita sa kaniya ang kabuuan ng damit, baliktaran.

“I mean, pahiram.”

“No,” I simply said.

“Hala. Hindi ko naman ’yan aagawin sa’yo, baliw. Saglit ko lang naman hahawakan.”

Walang kibo ko itong nilahad sa kaniya. Masaya naman niya itong tinanggap.

“Whoah! Ang laki naman nito. Grabe talaga yung katawan ni Aidan, ’no?”

She was right. But I just shrugged.

“Ano naman daw yung gagawin mo dito, bakit naman niya binigay sa’yo ’to?”

“Ewan ko,” pagkukunwari ko.

“Weh? Baka naman pinapasuot niya ’to sa’yo?”

“Bakit naman niya gustong ipapasuot sa’kin ’yan?”

“Para i-cheer mo si Aidan… alongside with his teammates. Gano’n lang ’yon. Nakalimutan mo na ba? Tradisyon na daw ng mga players na ipasuot yung luma nilang playing uniforms sa mga kaibigan o special someone nila to cheer them up. Nandun kasi yung tatak nila sa damit kaya parang pagpapakita na rin yun ng suporta, in a special way.”

Freshman palang kasi ako kaya hindi ko alam na may ganitong tradition sa school. ’Tsaka hindi kasi ako dumadalo sa mga sports event kasi hindi naman ako mahilig sa sports.

“Bakit kailangan yung luma pa?”

“That is just his practice shirt kaya walang namang kaso kung luma ’yan o hindi. Common sense, Sef. ’Tsaka hindi naman ’yan ganun kaluma. In fact, last year ’yan nirelease, kapapalit lang nila ng set of uniforms today.”

Nagdadalawang isip ako kung susunod ba ako sa pinapagawa sa’kin ni Aidan.

“Pero sagutin mo muna ako, okay? Pinapasuot niya ba talaga ’to sa’yo o binigay niya lang sa’yo para iabot sa akin,” aniya at paimpit na tumili at hinampas ako sa balikat.

Tumawa ako at umiling.

“That sounds more stupid,” sabi ko nalang.

“Malay mo, ’di ba?”

“Paanong mangyayari ’yon, e sa akin nga gustong ipasuot,” pag-amin ko.

“Ayun naman pala, hindi mo naman kasi sa’kin sinasabi agad.”

“E, sa ayaw ko ngang suotin.”

“Bakit naman?”

“Ang awkward kasi para sa’kin,” tugon ko.

Medyo nahihiya ako. Kahit gaano man kaespesyal sa’kin si Aidan, at kahit gaano rin ako kaespesyal sa kaniya, may mga bagay na dapat akong isaalang-alang. Natatakot ako na magpakita ng kahit anong kahina-hinalang bagay na magsisiwalat sa tunay naming relasyon.

Natatakot din ako na mahusgahan.

“Paano magiging awkward? Susuotin mo lang ’yan para suportahan siya. Jusko, ang arte mo. Kung ayaw mong suotin edi ako nalang,” aniya at dinakma ang damit mula sa kamay ko ngunit hindi ko ito pinakawalan.

“Wag!”

“Suotin mo na kasi,” she said and sneered.

She finally released her clutch. I twisted my lips. Bigla kong napagdesisyonan na buong puso ko na itong gagawin.

By imagining myself wearing his shirt intoxicated with his scent gives me butterflies.

“Eto na nga pala yung cellphone mo,” ani Leila at inabot na sa’kin yung phone ko na hiniram niya.

“Naipasa mo na lahat ng mga kailangan mo?” tanong ko.

“Oo. Sobra pa sa kinakailangan,” aniya at ngumiti na halos mapunit ang bibig. Makahulugan ito ngunit hindi ko nalang pinansin sapagkat marami pa akong bagay na dapat intindihin.

…

Dumaan ang limang oras ng nakakaburyot na klase. Kung tutuusin, ayos lang sa’kin ’yon sapagkat tumutodo ang pagtatambol ng aking puso habang naririnig ko ang bawat pagtunog at pagpihit ng mga kamay ng orasan. Kinakabahan ako sa pagsapit ng hapon kung saan magaganap na ang sports event.

Nasa malawak covered court kami ngayon ni Leila sapagkat dito daw gaganapin ang basketball. Pareho kaming may hawak na iced tea at chips.

Nakapwesto kami sa pinakaharap na bleachers. Nagsisigawan ang lahat ng tao kahit hindi pa nagsisimula at kahit isang player ay wala pa sa gitna. Salung-salo ko ang ingay na nagpabingi sa akin. Namamanhid na ang tainga ko kaya ilang beses ko na itong tinatakpan.

“Hornbill Supremacy! Ahu! Ahu! Ahu!”

They chanted again and again. Hindi natuwa ang mga bisitang audience so nag-come up din sila ng ipapang-cheer nila.

Ang mga professors naman ay sinusubukang pahinahin ang mga boses ng mga estudyante sa pamamagitan ng pagbawal, but they still insist to be loud.

“What the fuck is happening?!”

Napatingin ako sa katabi ko sa kanan. It was Martim, yung delinquent student na madalas pinapagalitan ng professors dahil sa kawalan ng manners. Siya rin yung nagbuhat sa’kin patungo sa clinic noong nagkasakit ako sa gitna ng klase.

Napansin ko na may bandage siya sa kaniyang mukha. May mga pasa din siya sa leeg.

“Hindi ’to palengke, my god!” sigaw niya ngunit tila ba isang bulong kung tabunan lang ito ng mga sigaw.

“Kumalma ka, Tim. Of course, maingay kasi maraming tao ngayon dito. Kung ayaw mo pala ng maingay, hindi ka nalang sana pumunta,” sabi ni Leila na nasa kaliwa ko.

“Don’t care about your opinion,” masungit nitong tugon.

“Ah talaga? If you don’t have any reason to be here, better leave now, troll,” bwelta ni Leila.

“I’m here to bash your stupid Hornbills. Ano niyo ba sila? Poon? You are all such a bunch of poor losers. Hindi niyo alam kung gaano kadilim ang mga ugali ng mga ’yan. You guys are cheering for the devils,” he said with a sneer at the end.

“Sabihin mo nalang kasi ang totoo, Tim. Kaya ka nandito kasi gusto mong gumanti sa pambubugbog sa’yo nina Ren. Walang magagawa yung pagmamaktol mo, ano. Aminin mo nalang din kasi na sa pangit ng ugali mo, ayaw ka nilang kabonding,” pambabara ni Lei sa kabilang banda.

Para akong nakapagitan sa dalawang leyon.

“Shut up kung ayaw mong masabihan kita ng mas masasakit pa na salita,” mariing sabi ni Martim.

“Weh? ’Di nga? Paano? Kilala mo ba ako?” saad ni Lei.

“Don’t know who you are exactly but you seems stupid. Kung gusto mo, i-record mo pa yung mga sasabihin ko, para sana paulit-ulit mong madinig,” sarkastikong ani Martim.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi niya lubusang kilala si Leila dahil magkaklase naman sila sa maraming subject. Tapos bigla kong naalala na minsan lang pala pumasok si Martim sa klase.

“Go! Let’s see kung ano ang masasabi mo,” ani Lei at nilabas ang kaniyang cellphone upang i-video record si Martim.

“What’s wrong with you, stupid girl? I’m just being sarcastic. Are you actually filming me?”

“Oo. Sabi mo, ’di ba? And as a school journalist, I want to write an article about something dumb. It should be entitled as: Reasons Why People are Brainless. I need to record your attitude for a basis.”

“Fuck you! You’re the first one who insulted me!” sigaw niya.

“Go, isa pa! Sumigaw ka pa!” ani Leila habang tumatawa.

“Drop that phone or I’ll smash your face?” pagbabanta niya.

“Lei, tama na–” pipigilan ko sana siya ngunit binuwelta niya ulit si Martim.

“Gaya ng pag-smash ni Ren sa mukha mo? Aww, I’m scared,” ani Lei na may kunwaring nagpapaawang tono.

I can see Martim’s fists were firm and ready to punch someone. Hinawakan ko ang braso ni Leila upang maibaba na niya yung cellphone niya, ngunit nahuli kami.

Mabilis na inagaw ni Martim ang phone ni Leila mula sa kaniyang pagkakahawak, at agad siyang tumakbo palabas ng court.

“Putang ina! Mapapatay kita, Martim!” sigaw ni Leila at sinundan niya ito ng patakbo.

Susundan ko na sana sila ngunit may biglang nagtext sa aking phone. It was Aidan. Binasa ko ang pinasa niyang mensahe.

From: Aidan

Can you visit me here at the Athlete’s Room, Sef. I just need something.

Luminga-linga ako sa paligid habang hinihintay ang pagbabalik ni Leila sa kaniyang upuan, ngunit ’ni anino ay hindi ko man lang siya nasilayan. Baka hanggang ngayon ay hinahabol pa rin niya si Martim.

For sure, ibabalik din naman agad ni Martim yung phone ni Leila. Mukha namang wala siyang interes na nakawin ito, e.

Tumayo na ako mula sa aking kinauupuan upang tumungo sa lugar na pinapapunta ako ni Aidan.

For a second, I met the glance of the crowd to me. Napansin siguro nila na suot ko ang t-shirt ni Aidan. Napalunok ako ng laway at iniwas ko nalang ang aking tingin. Hindi ako sigurado sa mga emosyon nila ngunit ayaw ko nang isipin pa ito.

Ilang minuto ang aking inabot upang matunton ang Athlete’s Room. Naabutan ko doon sina Aidan at Ren na nag-uusap. As I stepped on the threshold, they stopped talking and their eyes shifted to me.

“Come on in,” paanyaya ni Ren sa akin. “Pupuntahan si Coach saglit. Kayo muna ang maiwan dito.”

Agad namang naglakad paalis si Ren paalis at naiwan kami ni Aidan sa loob. Walang ibang tao kun’di kami lang. At kahit ayaw kong isipin ay dumadaan nanaman sa utak ko ang mga eksena dati namin ni Aidan sa loob ng silid na ’to.

“Bakit mo ba akong pinapatawag?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

“You sound mad,” aniya.

Huh? Really?

“Sorry, gusto ko lang ng agarang sagot,” sabi ko naman.

“I’m nervous, Sef,” he said.

Nagsalubong ang aking kilay.

“What do you mean?”

“This will be my very first game in college, and the loud cheers I heard outside were giving me chills,” pahayag niya habang makikita sa kaniyang fierce na mga mata ang kaunting pangamba.

Aidan on his weakness. Rare and cute.

“I’ll cheer for you but I will never put my expectations,” I said and cleared my throat. “I know, its none of a big deal yet I still want to motivate you there. Kahit wala akong maiintindihan sa laro niyo, I’ll try my best to cheer you up. But I’m not going to pressure you to win.”

His eyes focused on mine. Fierce and deep as always. I cleared my throat once more.

“Victorious or not, whatever happens, you’re still amazing… to me.”

In a sudden move, our lips collided. His hands covered my heated cheeks as I held his forearm for support.

“Damn. Paalalahanan mo naman ako kapag gagawin mo ’yon,” I said in muffled voice. I almost got ran out of breath. Just one straight minute and he already took all of my oxygen.

“Another kiss?” he asked me.

I was hesitant at first so I snorted. Mukhang hindi niya ’yon nagustuhan kaya napangunot siya ng noo. I just chuckled and answered him with a kiss.

“Want more?” he asked right after. Hope is evident in his dark pupils. Nangunot ang ilong ko.

“Ang sugapa ko naman if I’ll say yes again,” sabi ko.

“To ask for more isn’t a big deal. I’m not hesitant to give what I must give. Basta ikaw, Sef. Basta ikaw,” he said it like a promise in a prayer. With his solemnity, I felt the… love.

Don’t deny. Don’t deny. Don’t deny.

I gave him a peck… again.

“I guess that’s enough,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

“I doubt it,” ani Aidan at ngumisi habang hinahawi ang aking buhok. “I still need your kisses for the time ahead. For the next hours, next days, next months, next years.”

“But I’m done at this very moment. You must now prepare yourself, okay?”

Tumango siya na may matamis na ngiti na nakasilay.

“Kaya mo ’yan, Aidan. I believe in you. Hindi por que ikaw ang pinakabata sa kanila ay pang beginner level ka palang. You trained yourself too much. You have already done your best.”

He gave me the sweetest smile of the moment.

…

Nauna na akong pumunta sa court kung saan naabutan ko si Leila sa pinakadulo ng bleachers. Malamang, naagawan na kami ng seats sa harap. Bakas sa mukha niya ang pagkadismaya.

“Walang hiyang Martim ’yon, kung hindi pa rin niya ibibigay sa’kin yung cellphone ko within this day, isusumbong ko siya sa mga professors,” aniya habang nakahalukipkip at nakabusangot.

“Kung gusto mo, isumbong na natin ngayon,” suhestyon ko ngunit umiling siya.

“Huwag na muna. Pahupain ko muna yung galit ko. Wala namang importante sa phone na yun bukod sa notes ko tsaka social media. Pwede ko naman ’yun palitan,” she simply said.

“Naks. Richkid.”

“Anak kasi ako ng mafia boss,” saad niya.

“Weh? Seryoso?”

“Joke lang. Masyado ka namang inosente sa buhay, Sef,” aniya.

“At least hindi ako inosente sa mga lessons natin,” banat ko naman pabalik.

“Edi ikaw na magaling,” aniya at tumawa lang kami pareho.

Dumoble ang ingay nung nagsimula nang lumabas isa-isa ang mga players.

“Give it up for Gray Hornbills from Beaufort University!” pagpapakilala ng emcee at isa-isang lumabas ang team ng school namin.

They were all looking fresh sa bagong jersey uniform.

Napakuyom ang aking kamay sa shirt ni Aidan na suot ko. I can smell his fragrance in it. I watch him pacing to the center while his eyes were searching something in the crowd.

He never met my gaze until the other team came after.

“Let’s give another round of applause for Maroon Vultures from Raconteur University!”

The visiting audience cheered for their representatives. And when everyone tried to cheer in unison, but in different chants, it created a chaos not only in surroundings but also in my ears.

Damn.

Isa-isa nang dumating ang mga kalaban nina Aidan ng nakapila.

They were giants too.

Sa lahat ng players nila. Isa lang ang tanging pumukaw ng aking atensyon. Isang lalaki na hindi ko inaasahan na makikita ko sa event na ’to.

“Sir London?” I said quietly.

Kabanata 25

Kabanata 25

Left Without A Word

It is a curse to watch the game without knowing a single thing about what’s happening.

Nais kong mag-enjoy sa aking pinapanood ngunit nahihirapan talaga akong aliwin ang aking sarili. Ang tanging nagpapagising nalang sa’kin ay ang sigaw ng mga tao. Kung sakaling tahimik ang paligid ay malamang, natulog na ako.

Isa pa, I am very surprised to see Sir London to be here. Yup, natatandaan ko na college student pa pala siya, and since hindi ko siya nakikita around sa campus namin, I assumed that he is studying in one of the other nearby universities.

I have no idea that he’s into sports– no, wait! With his large body frame and all chunky muscles bulging through his semi-tight working uniform, it is very evident that he’s into sports. To be honest, his body built is my ideal type for a boyfriend.

“Three points for Barameda.”

As I heard his name, napatayo ako at humiyaw. Hindi na ako nahihiya sapagkat marami akong kasabay sa pagsuporta sa kanila.

I can’t even hear my own voice. It sounds like a whisper in a sea of voices.

It was a moment full of enthusiasm, then there was a strong vibration in my pockets. My phone is alarming me about something. Mabilis ko itong kinuha mula sa aking bulsa.

I checked my phone at nakita na tumatawag sa’kin si Mama.

Gods, with all these loud noises, pretty sure I won’t able to hear a single sound from the other line. I need to go somewhere else.

“Lei, pwede bang pabantay ng seat ko?”

“Bakit?”

“Tumatawag si Mama. I need to answer this call. Masyadong maingay dito kaya aalis lang muna ako,” paliwanag ko.

“Sure. Go ahead. Ako nang bahala dito,” she said then nodded.

Bago ako umalis, hinanap ko muna sina Aidan at Sir London sa gitna ng game. Nakita ko na hawak ni Aidan ang bola, samantalang hinaharang naman siya ni Sir. Medyo tumahimik ang madla dahil sobra silang nakapokus habang inaabangan ang susunod na kaganapan.

Well, for me, kahit sino man sa kanila ang manalo, okay lang. I’m already very happy to see Aidan participating in school events. I’m sure, it will give him a sense of achievement, win or lose, which is great.

Lumayo ako ng lumayo hanggang sa mahina na lamang sa aking pandinig ang mga sigaw sa gymnasium. Hindi ko naabutan ang pagtawag ni Mama kaya hinintay ko pa ang kasunod niyang tawag bago ko ito sinagot.

“Hello, Ma? Anong meron?” tanong ko sa kabilang linya.

“Y-Yoseff?”

“Ma, bakit po?” tanong ulit.

Medyo kinabahan ako sa tono ng pagtawag ni Mama sa aking pangalan. Para bang may masama siyang ibabalita.

“A-anak. Yung Papa mo…” aniya. Naputol ang kaniyang sasabihin.

“Ano pong meron kay Papa?”

“Ano k-kasi…” putol nanaman na saad ni Mama.

Narinig ko ang paghinga niya ng malalim.

“Nasa school ka ba, anak?”

“Opo. May pasok po kami ngayon,” sagot ko naman.

It took a long silence before she spoke again.

“S-Sige… Mabuti naman. Ingat ka diyan,” aniya bilang pamamaalam. Napahilot ako sa aking sentido habang hinuhulaan kung ano ba talaga ang nais na sabihin sa’kin ni Mama.

“Ma! Sandali lang!” habol ko bago pa niya patayin ang tawag. Sa tono ng pananalita ni Mama, nakakaramdam ako ng masamang kutob. “Ano ba kasi ’yun?”

“Ano… kasi… yung papa mo…” putol-putol niyang saad tapos bigla siyang natahimik.

Kahit hindi niya ito sabihin ng buo, alam ko yung mga katagang kasunod nito.

“Papunta na ’ko diyan,” saad ko.

“Huwag muna, anak. May pasok ka pa, ’di ba?”

“Okay lang naman na um-absent, Ma. This is an emergency, kaya I’m sure na maaari po akong umalis.”

…

My mind is distressed by this agitation. Sumasakit yung sentido ko kakaisip tungkol sa kalagayan ni Papa. I pleased the faculty members to excuse me from getting out of school at this moment.

Nagpaalam ako kay Leila na aalis ako, and we both bid goodbyes. Lakad-takbo kong sinuong ang pavement patungo sa terminal ng jeep. It took me less than an hour bago ko natunton ang hospital na pinaglalagakan ni Papa.

I confronted the desk when I arrived at my destination. Mabilis naman tumugon patungkol sa room kung nasaan si Papa.

One minute and another, I was rushing through the hallways alongside with busy nurses carrying equipments. A few breaths away, I’m at the front of the door and knocked it three times.

Hindi naging matagal bago ako pagbuksan ni Mama. As if she’s been waiting for my visit with determination.

Naabutan ko si Papa na payapang natutulog sa kaniyang kama. Mahimbing at humihilik pa ito.

“Maayos na siya, anak. Sobra lang siyang nabigla kanina kaya naghihingalo. Wala akong ibang alam na pwedeng gawin bukod sa abangan siya habang pinagtutulungan ng mga nurse,” medyo nababalisang saad ni Mama sa’kin. “Natatakot ako na baka huling sandali na niya iyon, kaya naisip ko na ipakausap kita sa kaniya. Mabuti nalang at nasa maayos na kundisyon na siya ngayon.”

“Ma, huwag kayong mag-isip ng masama tungkol kay Papa. May awa ang Diyos,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

Tumango lang siya at yumuko. Alam ko kung gaano karelihyoso si Mama. Madalas niyang idinadaan sa dasal ang bawat problema na dumadaan sa amin. Alam ko kung paano siya nananatiling matatag kahit marami na kaming mga napagdaanang mga sakuna.

Lumabas muna si Mama upang kausapin ang doktor tungkol sa kalagayan ni Papa. Naiwan ako sa kwarto at binabantayan siya.

Nakaupo ako sa bangko na nasa tapat ng bintana. Habang nakatanaw ako sa labas, narinig ko ang pagtawag ni Papa sa akin kaya napalingon ako agad sa direksyon niya. Gising na pala siya. Nakita ko sa kaniya ang tuwa. Para bang walang nangyaring masama.

“Sef, halika. Lumapit ka sa’kin,” aniya.

Tumango ako at sinunod ang request niya. Umupo sa gilid ng kaniyang kama.

“Nag-alala ba kayo ng Mama mo?” tanong niya.

Malungkot akong tumango.

“Maayos na ako ngayon. Nakakahinga na ulit ako ng maluwag. Panandalian lang, pero at least komportable na ako,” aniya. Binaba niya ang kumot na nakatalukbong mula sa dibdib niya hanggang sa ibaba. Bumangon siya, paupo sa kama. “Nagulat ako nung nakita kita dito. May pasok ka pa sa mga oras na ’to, ’di ba? Marahil tinawagan ka ng Mama mo para pumunta dito.”

“Hindi, ’Pa. Binalitaan lang ako ni Mama. Nagkusa talaga akong pumunta dito.”

“Ah, gano’n ba,” tipid niyang tugon.

Pagkatapos, tumikhim siya.

“Kanina, sobra talaga akong nag-aalala sa buhay ko. Hindi ko alam kung kakayanin ko pa, pero pasalamat ko nalang sa panginoon at binigyan pa niya ako ng pagkakataon na mabuhay, anak. Gusto ko pang mabuhay,” sabi sa’kin ni Papa.

Bumigat ang puso ko habang pinagkikinggan ’yon mula sa kaniya. Kami din naman ni Mama, hinihiling na mabuhay siya. Hindi na ako makapaghintay na magkaroon ng sariling trabaho at mabigyan siya ng sapat ng pera bilang panggamot niya. Nahihirapan ako sa tuwing silang dalawa lang ni Mama ang namomroblema sa kondisyon niya. Nais ko ding makatulong.

“Sabi ko sa mama mo, bago sana ako tuluyang mawala sa mundo, masabi ko man lang ang mga bagay na nais kong sabihin sa inyo. Kahit sa pinakahuling minuto, masambit ko lang na mahal ko kayo. Hindi ko man madalas sabihin ay sasabihin ko pa rin,” aniya.

Mabait na tao si Papa. Alam ko, hindi siya ganoon ka-vocal sa kaniyang pagmamahal pero dama namin ’yon. Alam ko rin na madalas niyang isipin na pahirap siya sa pamilya dahil sa sakit niya.

Ganunpaman, hindi namin inisip ’yon, bagkus goal talaga namin na pagalingin siya.

“Hindi na ’yon mahalaga, ’Pa. Alam naman namin na mahal mo kami,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

“Tama ka. Pero bukod do’n, ano pa ba ang mga bagay na mahalagang pag-usapan natin sa mga huling sandali ko?”

“Huwag ka nga pong magsalita ng ganiyan. Parehas kayo ng mindset ni Mama, e!” sabi ko.

Natawa naman siya.

“Hindi naman sa nawawalan na ako ng pag-asa, anak. Mas mabuti lang na pinaghahandaan ko,” aniya.

“Kahit na. Maging positive ka nalang, ’Pa. Hindi ka namin papabayaan ni Mama.”

Tumango siya. Hindi ko alam kung tatanggapin ba niya na maging positibo o nananatili pa rin siyang sigurado na bilang nalang ang mga araw niya sa mundo. Basta. Hindi pa rin ako titigil na bigyan siya ng pag-asa at patunayan na makakasama pa rin namin siya ng mas matagal.

“Anak, may gusto akong malaman.”

“Ano naman po ’yon, ’Pa?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

“Alam kong may mga bagay na natatakot kang sabihin sa akin. O pati na rin sa Mama mo. Pero kahit ano pa ’yan, pangungunahan na kita… Tatanggapin ko kung ano man ang gusto mong gawin sa buhay mo, anak. Taliwas man sa kagustuhan ng iba, pero asahan mo na susuportahan ka namin ng Mama mo,” sabi ni Papa.

Ramdam ko ang pagtambol ng aking puso sa… kaba? takot? saya? Hindi ko matukoy ng maigi.

Narito ang mga samu’t saring tanong ang biglang gumulo sa isipan ko:

Ano ba talaga ang ibig niyang sabihin?

Ano ba talaga ang gusto niyang malaman?

Ano ba talaga ang tunay kong nararamdaman?

Ano ba talaga?

Pero nararamdaman ko rin ang ibig niyang sabihin. Ayoko mang isipin na patungkol ito sa kung ano ako, pero parang ganu’n na nga.

“P-Pa,” sambit ko. Nauutal. Nanginginig ang mga labi. I don’t know what to say next so I paused for a minute before I spoke. “Bakit?… B-Bakit niyo po sinasabi ’yan?”

“Kasi, anak, alam ’ko ,” aniya habang tinitignan ako ng maigi sa mata. “Matagal na. Ayaw sana kitang pangunahan pero mas ayoko namang pumanaw ng hindi ko pa lubusang nalalaman.”

Pinatong niya ang kaniyang kamay sa aking braso.

“’Pa, tama ka. Matagal na akong may tinatago,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

Nanatili ang katahimikan sa pagitan naming dalawa. Yun pala, hinihintay lang ni Papa ang susunod kong sasabihin sa kaniya.

Pero natatakot pa rin ako.

“Sabihin mo na sa’kin, anak. Kahit alam ko na ’yan, nais ko pa rin na ikaw ang magpatunay sa mga hinala ko,” aniya.

Biglang bumigat ang aking puso sa tindi ng aking kinikimkim na emosyon. Sapo ko ang aking dibdib habang nagdadalawang isip kung sasabihin ko na ba talaga sa kaniya ang katotohanan. Kung oo, ngayon ba ang tamang oras?

Hindi ko namalayan na nanginginig na pala ang aking mga kamay. Agad itong kinuha ni Papa at pinagsama sa loob ng kaniyang mga kamay. Niyapos niya ito.

“Huwag kang matakot,” aniya.

Kita ko sa mga mata niya ang sinseridad na hindi niya ako huhusgahan sa aaminin ko. Dahil doon, gusto ko itong pahalagahan at gawin ang dapat kong gawin ng hindi nangangamba.

Matagal na panahon ko na itong ikinukubli sa aking puso, sa wakas ay makakawala na ang bigat.

“P-Pa… hindi ako tunay na lalaki,” pag-amin ko sa wakas.

Ngumiti siya at tumango bilang pagtanggap. Ginawaran niya agad ako ng isang mahigpit na yakap. Napadantay ang aking ulo sa kaniyang balikat habang tuloy-tuloy ang pag-agos ng aking mga luha.

“I mean, hindi talaga ako nagkakagusto sa mga babae. Naiintidihan niyo po ba?”

Tumango siya at naghintay ng mga susunod ko pang sasabihin. I cleared my throat. My heart is beating so fast.

“Medyo matagal ko na ring alam sa sarili ko. I’ve been attracted to guys since then,” nanginginig kong sabi sa kaniya.

He just remained calm.

“Oo, naiintindihan ko. Hindi man tayo naging parehas ng sitwasyon, pero kilala kita. Gayunpaman, tunay kitang anak. Kahit sino pa yung magustuhan mo, hindi kita pipigilan… Mas matutuwa pa nga ako kung susundin mo talaga yung kagustuhan mo, keysa pilitin kung anuman ang nararapat sa paningin ng ibang mga tumutuligsa. Hindi ako tulad nila, anak. Tanggap kita,” aniya.

Sa sandaling iyon, ang lahat ng tinik na nakatusok sa’kin ay hindi ko na muling naramdaman. Malaya na ’ko.

“’P-Pa,” sambit ko sa kaniya habang nagtatangis sa kaniyang balikat.

“Mahal na mahal kita. Masayang masaya ako na marinig ang pag-amin mo. Matagal na namin ’tong hinihintay ng mama mo,” aniya.

Narinig ko ang pagbukas ng pinto. Kahit hindi ako lumingon doon, alam kong si Mama ang pumasok.

“O, anong namang drama niyong dalawa?” bungad na tanong ni Mama sa’min.

Parehas lang kaming tumawa ni Papa. Kinalas na namin ang pagkakayakap sa isa’t isa.

“Halika dito, ikukwento ko sa’yo,” ani Papa.

“Sige, pero teka lang! Bakit nga pala nakasuot ka ng pang-atletang t-shirt, Yoseff, aber? Kailan mo pa naisipang pumasok sa sports?”

“Hindi po sa’kin ’to!” pag-amin ko. “Pinahiram lang sa’kin ’to ng housemate ko.”

“Eh, bakit naman, anak? Nauubusan ka na ba ng damit?” tanong naman sa’kin ni Papa.

Umiling naman ako.

“May sports event kasi sa school namin, ta’s kasama siya sa mga basketball players dun. Pinapasuot niya lang ’to sa’kin para daw masuportahan ko siya,” paliwanag ko sa kanila.

Biglang nagkatinginan naman sina Mama’t Papa na may makahulugang tingin.

“Talaga ba, anak? Kailan mo naman siya ipapakilala sa’min?” tanong ulit ni Papa sa’kin. Naguluhan ako sa sinabi niya.

“Bakit niyo naman siya gustong makilala?” kunot noo kong tanong pabalik sa kaniya.

“Eh, yung suporta mo naman kasi anak, parang may something,” malisyosong sabi ni Mama at sabay pa silang humagikhik ni Papa.

“Kaibigan ko lang ’yun! Supportive lang talaga ako sa kaniya,” depensa ko. Ayaw ko pang malaman nila ang tungkol sa relasyon namin ni Aidan. Kahit pa tanggap nila ako. Hindi pa akong handang umamin sa bagay na ’yon.

“Sige, sabi mo, e,” ani Mama pero bakas sa kaniyang pananalita na hindi siya kumbinsido sa sinabi ko. Argh, bahala na nga. “Ito lang masasabi ko sa’yo. Kahit sino pa yung magustuhan mo anak, okay lang sa’kin. Babae, lalaki, may sapak sa utak o wala. Basta mabait, approve na sa akin.”

Hindi ’ko alam ang sasabihin ko. Mukha talagang matagal na akong buking sa kanilang dalawa. Napaghahalataan na nila ako pati sa t-shirt na suot ko.

Pero bakit kaya ngayon lang nila naisipang sabihin sa’kin ang tungkol sa tinatago ko na matagal na pala nilang nalalaman? Kung alam ko lang na afterall ay tatanggapin nila ako sa sekswalidad ko sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakita ng motibo, matagal na sana akong umamin.

“Salamat, ’Ma,” sabi ko at huminga ng maluwag.

“Para saan?” tanong naman niya.

“Sa pagiging supportive niyo,” sagot ko naman.

Napangiti si Mama at tumabi sa akin.

“Natural. Magulang mo kami. Obligasyon namin na suportahan ka,” aniya.

Kahit hindi ko pa naaamin ng direkta sa kaniya, nararamdaman ko na ang pagtanggap niya. Ang palad ko talaga sa pamilya ko.

…

It took me a long set of hours bago ako nakauwi sa bahay namin ni Aidan. Magdidilim na ang paligid. Napagpasyahan ko na kasing mag-stay nalang muna doon sa hospital hanggang hapon, dahil nagpaalam naman na ako sa mga professors ko na hindi na talaga ako makakabalik sa school sa araw na ’to.

Nagkamustahan at nagkwentuhan kami nina Mama’t Papa sa buong araw. Ito talaga yung namiss ko mula nung humiwalay na ako sa puder nila. Sobrang malapit ako sa kanila. Naalala ko, tuwing hapunan, palagi kaming may mga baong kwentuhan sa hapag. Madalas kasi akong nagbabahagi sa kanila ng mga karanasan sa school, at lagi naman silang nakikinig. Mapa-mababaw man o hindi.

Pagod na ang katawan ko mula sa pag-commute. Hinilot hilot ko muna ang aking balikat dahil sa bigat ng backpack ko. Matamlay akong kumatok ako sa pinto.

Pinagbuksan ako ni Aidan at mabilis akong pumasok sa bahay. Nararamdaman kong galit siya kahit hindi ko siya tingnan sa mukha, pero magpapaliwanag naman ako sa kaniya mamaya.

“Where have you been?” tanong sa’kin ni Aidan na may diin sa kaniyang boses.

Well, I understand him why he’s acting mad about my sudden absence. He said, he needs my support. I will give him an explanation, anyways.

“Sorry, may emergency kasi, e,” matamlay kong sagot sa kaniya. Nakatitig ako sa sahig. Hindi ko kayang iangat ang mukha ko dahil sa pagod. “Nanggaling ako sa hospital dahil biglang nagkaroon si Papa ng problema sa paghinga. May sakit kasi siya sa baga. Ayon… napasugod ako doon.”

Hindi ko na hinintay ang response niya at nagdire-diretso ako patungo sa kuwarto upang ayusin ang sarili.

Sinarado ko ang pinto para makapagbihis na ako. Nilapag ko na rin ang aking bag sa dapat nitong kalalagyan.

Hindi pa ako natatapos sa pagbibihis ay narinig kong bumukas ang pinto. Naka-brief lang ako kaya agad akong napalingon kay Aidan na siyang gumawa nito.

“Aidan, nagbibihis a–”

Hindi ko natapos ang aking sasabihin nung nakita ko na siya. Dahil nakatingin ako kanina sa sahig, hindi ko napansin ang mga pasa niya sa mukha na hindi ko alam kung saan nanggaling.

“Anong nangyari sa mukha mo?” agad akong lumapit upang i-check sana kung ano ang nangyari sa kaniya.

When I reached his destination, tinaas ko ang aking kamay upang hawakan sa sana kung pasa nga ba talaga ito, ngunit agad akong pinigilan ni Aidan sa pamamagitan ng paghawak sa aking pulso.

Mukhang nakipagsuntukan siya iba.

“Sumagot ka nga? Saan nanggaling ’to?” tanong ko ulit na may diin na sa aking boses.

“Why d’you care?”

Tatalikod sana siya sa’kin ngunit pinigilan ko siya sa pamamagitan ng paghawak sa magkabila niyang braso.

I care, because I love him.

“Who did this to you?” I asked him. Mas lalo siyang nairita dahil sa tanong ko.

Tahimik pa rin siya.

“Bakit di mo ’ko sinasagot?” I asked.

“If I tell you, you’ll be mad,” aniya.

“Ano? Ba’t naman ako magagalit, e, ikaw nga itong nasaktan?”

“I don’t to begin a fight with you,” aniya.

“Why would I? Sino ba kasi ang may gusto ng away?”

Hindi siya sumagot.

“Come on. Pagalingin nalang natin ’yan,” aya ko sa kaniya, pero bago ko pa man siya mahila ay pinanindigan niya ang kaniyang pagkakatayo.

“I already put some ointment to it,” he said sternly.

“Fine… But seriously, can you please answer me? Sino talaga ang may gawa nito sa’yo? What happened?”

“You weren’t there when it happened,” he said bitterly.

“That’s why I’m asking!” hindi ko na gusto ang pagmamaktol niya. Hindi ba niya naiintindihan ang dahilan ko kung bakit hindi ko siya nasuportahan kanina sa event?

“You left without a word,” aniya. He said it with gloom.

Tumango ako.

“Yeah, that’s true. I’m sorry… Hindi ko na nagawang magpaalam sa’yo. Sorry din dahil hindi na kita nasuportahan kanina. I have a reason, Aidan. An emergency. It is very urgent and I need to go there earlier as soon as possible,” sabi ko sa kaniya. “Now, can you please answer my question? Nag-aalala ako sa’yo, Aidan.”

“It doesn’t matter. I don’t want to talk about it,” aniya sa mahinang boses. Humiga siya sa kama. “I already cooked your dinner. I’m done eating, so I’m going to sleep.”

I felt like he sent me a knife through my chest the way he said it.

Pinagpatuloy ko na ulit ang pagbibihis ko. I’m now wearing my pajamas.

After that, I made my way to the kitchen para kumain ng hapunan. I was about to scoop the rice from the rice cooker, yet pakiramdam ko ay hindi ko na kayang kumain pa.

Lubos akong nakonsensya sa nagawa ko kanina kahit emergency pa man ’yung sitwasyon na ’yun, pakiramdam ko ay hindi pa rin ’yun tama, kaya nawalan ako bigla ng ganang kumain.

Tinabihan ko na siya sa kama.

Gusto ko siyang kausapin upang bigyan pa siya ng mga additional na paliwanag, ngunit naririnig ko na ang mga paghilik niya. Ayaw ko namang gisingin pa siya. Alam kong may tampo pa siya para sa’kin, kaya ang tanging magagawa ko ay hintayin nalang na humupa ito.

The night felt dark and empty, yet I just slept it away.

Kabanata 26

Kabanata 26

Chances And Apolog

ies

(Aidan’s Perspective / SPG Alert!)

One mistake… and another, and I don’t think it’s forgivable this time.

Apparently, it is my mistake, again.

Hindi ako pinatulog ng malalakas na pagtibok ng aking puso. Every beat is so loud that I can’t think of anything else.

I’m very, very guilty that I’m wrong. But sad thing, I can only admit it inside my mind.

I know, this is not the rightest time to create a wall between us. He also have his own emotional problem to face with, not just me. I became very selfish and I sounded so wrong, earlier.

There is no point of blaming him for my own problem, because he didn’t created it in the first place, and he wasn’t even there when it happened.

My anger overpowered and it overflowed in my veins. I can’t control it, nor I wanted to.

Tungkol naman sa pagpapaliwanag niya kanina, don’t get me wrong, dahil pinakinggan ko talaga ang lahat ng mga sinabi niya. It didn’t take too much time for me to analyze it. I became totally enlightened with his explanations, yet I still can’t help myself to be upset over something beyond his mere reason of absence.

There is a severe regret inside my heart. Of course, who wouldn’t be?

I saw his willingness to support me admist his presence as an audience to the game, even though he’s not even really entertained. He cheered and shouted for my name at the top of his lungs, even though he knew that his voice is just like only a whisper in the sea of screaming people.

I saw the him wearing my t-shirt that I gave him, and it looked very nice to him. With my surname embedded in the fabric, seems like he’s my thing, and I am his owner.

That doesn’t sound right, though. He owns me too!

I really wanted to tell him that I highly appreciate all of his efforts. But how can I tell him right now?

He’s tired and emotionally drained because of me.

Naaawa ako… na naiinis… na nagagalit sa sarili… ah, ewan!

I want to surrender my pride just to make him feel better.

By the faint light of the moon from the window, I saw his silhouette facing the opposite direction. I can hear his soft snores and huffs. He’s already sleeping.

I think its time to take my move.

My muscles were sore, but my arms still wanted to embrace him from behind. His addictive scent intoxicated my nose. Oh, I would love to smell him all day! His body is so soft and warm like a marshmallow.

He’s so cute that he wiped out my anger already without doing anything. Even though I would not be able to see his face right in this time, I am contented that I could watch him from behind. I bet, no one can ever resist this person.

God I wish I could turn back the time and apologize for the conflict. I have been an asshole.

Sa tuwing naaalala ko ang nangyari kanina, para akong bulkan na hindi mapigilang pumutok sa tindi ng galit.

Suddenly, the scenario played like a horrible film inside my head.

Nagkaroon ng kaguluhan kanina sa gymnasium dahil sa hindi inaasahang pag-aaway namin ni Don. Nangyari ’yon sa gitna ng aming paglalaro.

Napansin ko kasi na ilang beses na niya akong binabangga. Halatang-halata pa na sinasadya niyang gawin ito, kasi kahit hindi ko pa hawak ang bola ay patuloy pa rin niya akong binabangga.

I don’t know what’s his fucking purpose on doing that, so I decided to demand for a pay back.

I punched him first. Then, we exchanged putting bruises on each other’s faces. He’s so irritating.

The chaos ended at the guidance office. The councilor settled our conflict. Kaso pinapatawag pa niya si Mama sa school. That made the whole issue more irritating. Now, I should prepare myself when my mother berates me for this.

The game continued even without me and Don. I asked him what the hell is wrong with him, yet he left me with no reply.

Yoseff is not the only one being sandwiched between stress and emotional breakdown. I’m facing a lot of predicaments, too. It is a lot more harder to handle things for me. But I thought, for Yoseff, it seems like everything’s just a piece of cake for him.

Pero nagkamali ako.

Look at him in this very moment. He’s very weak and vulnerable. Feels like I could break him with my bare arms, anytime.

Umabot na ng umaga, hindi pa rin ako nakakatulog. Dilat na dilat pa rin ang aking mga mata, habang tulog na tulog sa aking bisig si Yoseff. Pinapakinggan ko pa rin ang kaniyang mga hilik na tila ba musika.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered softly in his ears. I wish it would echo in his dreams.

I felt his body shifted.

“Aidan?” he called with a soft voice and yawned. He scratched his eyes and looked at me.

“Hmm?”

“Nothing…” he said.

I embraced him even more. I even sprawled my legs in his body.

“I’m sorry…” I said.

He laughed faintly.

“Why are you laughing?” I asked him and kiss him in the cheeks.

“Kagabi lang, para kang halimaw na naghihimutok sa galit. Ngayon, you became a softie. What’s with the change of mood?”

I kissed him again in his cheeks. He groaned. I chuckled.

“I’m sorry, okay? Even though I could defend and explain for myself, its still wrong to be furious at you.”

“Well, hindi naman kita masisisi.”

Pumihit siya paharap sa akin. Nanatili pa rin akong nakayakap sa kaniya. We are now eye to eye for minutes, and no one dared to look away even for a second.

“How’s your wound?” tanong niya.

He slowly moved his hand towards my face, and when he touched the damaged part, I groaned.

“Oops, sorry!”

“No… I’m just fine,” I said.

“Thank God.” He took a deep breath and showed me a little smile.

“Don’t worry, Yoseff.”

“Well… I know that you’re okay now. Hindi ka naman napuruhan ng matindi bukod sa mukha mo. You’re a big guy so you can handle it… But I’m just wondering where did you get these bruises?”

I gulped. How can I tell him?

“Uhm… If I tell you, please don’t be mad to me or to anyone else involved in this case.”

He nodded.

“Sure. Sabihin mo na. Hindi naman ako madalas magtanim ng galit,” he said.

Natamaan ako sa sinabi niya. Madalas kasi akong magkaroon ng sama ng loob kahit kanino. Kahit sa mga simpleng bagay lang.

“I had a fight with London,” I confessed.

Nanlaki ang kaniyang nga mata.

“W-What? Nakipag-away ka kay Sir London?… Why?”

“I don’t know. He’s acting like a jerk in the game. He tried to push me plenty of times, and it feels like he did that on purpose.”

He raised a single brow.

“Bakit naman niya gagawin ’yon?” he asked me.

“That is my question, too.”

“I think you should figure it out. Maybe, nakagawa ka ng mali sa kaniya ng hindi mo namamalayan,” he suggested.

“Of course, I will going to ask him about it. But not in this time.”

With my hands on his back, I arched him nearer. Our bodies were now contiguous to each other. Nose to nose. Chest to chest. Abdomen to abdomen.

In my crotch, I felt Yoseff’s morning wood rubbing against me.

“Your arousal is very evident… Shame,” I said teasingly.

“You are too sexy. I can’t help it while seeing you with no top,” aniya at mahinang humagikhik. His voice is so adorable.

“Want me to take care of this?” I asked and grabbed his bulge with my hands. He moaned in surprise. His face turned bright red.

Hindi siya nakapagsalita, bagkus ay tumango nalang.

I’m still confused how he acts like a virgin whenever I touch him sexually. We had sex, multiple times, yet his reactions were full of innocence.

He’s not acting wild like I used to know at the first time we make out. He’s the one who taught me how to have an intercourse with a fellow man.

I only wear my boxers so with just one slip of the garment, I’m already fully naked. I pulled Yoseff’s briefs and pajamas, leaving alone his t-shirt. It doesn’t need to be removed.

I grabbed his cock and pressed it into mine. I can clearly see the difference between his length to mine. His dick is kinda small, and I find it very cute.

“Hnggh…”

God, that soft moan from him is so good to hear. Feels like my ears are getting blessed.

I managed to hold both of cocks with a single hand. Both were hard and pulsating.

I felt his head pushed itself against my chest. His breaths were blowing against my skin. I can feel his cheeks burning in heat.

With my other hand, I held his chin and moved his head facing mine. I kissed him. He kissed me back.

We both heard each other’s heartbeats because of the proximity. His hands wrapped around my shoulders and dug his nails at my back.

My strokes got quicker and I can feel my upcoming climax. The friction between our cocks is so intense, and I can’t help but to join Sef in to moan in chorus.

“I’m so near, Kitten,” I informed him and caressed his cheek. “Release it with me.”

He nodded lightly. His hard breaths were blowing at my face. I can smell a little scent of peppermint. How did he managed to maintain the fragrance of his mouth even though we just woke up this morning.

I can’t hold it anymore. When I felt seed spurted in my body and in bedsheets, I also made my climax. Our juices mixed between us. I can feel the warmth and stickiness of it.

“T-That… That’s a lot,” Yoseff murmured in between his breaths.

I nodded slowly.

“Bumangon na tayo,” aya niya at umambang tatayo ngunit pinigilan ko siya.

Inangat ko ang aking katawan at kinulong siya sa pagitan ng aking mga braso.

“Again,” I said with authority.

“No! Today is Wednesday and it is already 7 o’clock in the morning. We have to get ready at school.”

“Who cares if we’re late. Let’s have more fun this morning,” I told him.

He just rolled his eyes, but with a smirk in his face. I know he likes it too!

“I’ll prepare this thing, first,” I said sensually and bite his ears playfully while putting my fingers in his entrance. He groaned then chuckled.

“I swear, after this round, you are going to ask for another. This is not new to me. Lagi mo ’tong ginagawa sa’kin,” he said.

“Of course. We’ll fuck ’til we lose count.”

He rolled his eyes again.

“What a monster…” he said quietly.

Yes, I am.

…

It is three o’clock in the afternoon. Naglalakad ako pababa ng hagdan upang makapunta sa susunod kong klase. It is my last class in this day. Ngunit, pagkatapos no’n ay didiretso ako sa gym para magpractice ulit.

Hindi ko inakala na nanalo pala kami against Raconteur Univesity, kun’di pa sa’kin sinabi ni Ren.

Narinig ko ang cellphone ko sa loob ng aking bag kaya huminto muna ako sa pagbaba ng hagdan. I opened my bag and looked for my phone. Nilabas ko ito.

From

Ren:

Hey, just wanna say that coach is still mad at you. Better not mess up, again.

Napailing ako sa text niya. Nagtipa ako ng mensahe pabalik sa kaniya.

To Ren:

Tell him to get over from it. Don’t ever bring up about the mess, again. Pretty childish to talk about.

I sent it then I already received his reply immediately.

From Ren:

Yep… But you’re also childish. Nawala lang si Yoseff, ginulo mo na agad yung laro.

I sneered.

To Ren:

Shut up.

Nilagay ko na agad sa bag ko yung cellphone kahit pa narinig ko na nag-ring ito ulit. Bahala na siya.

Ren already knows about my relationship with Yoseff. He’s fine with it, and even supported us both. Siya pa ang nagtutukso sa’kin na ikwento sa kaniya ang mga nangyayari sa pagitan namin ni Yoseff. Well, of course, I told him everything, except our make outs. It would be uncomfortable to talk about it with him.

When I reached the hallway at the first floor, kung saan nakahilera sa pinakadulo ang room na pupuntahan ko, agad akong hinarangan ni Claire kasama ang mga kaibigan niya.

“Aidan?” ani Claire nung nakita ako.

Her eyes seems hopeful when she saw me.

Hindi ako nagsalita, bagkus ay nilagpasan ko sila.

Narinig ko ang mga bulung-bulungan ng mga kaibigan niya. I heard Claire’s footsteps going towards me. Noong naabutan niya ako ay agad niya akong hinawakan sa aking braso.

“We need to talk,” she said.

“I’m not interested…”

Hinila ko ang aking braso at nagpatuloy sa paglakad, ngunit hinabol niya ako ulit at hinarangan ang aking daraanan.

“I don’t like how we ended up. It’s so… pathetic,” she said in an awful voice.

“I don’t want to start again with you, either.”

Malungkot siyang umiling.

“No, we have to. Let’s try it again. Maybe, we could make a spark once more,” she said, trying her best to create a convincing tone. But I’m still not convinced.

“That’s impossible.”

What is love for her? A trial and error?

“Why? Dahil may bago ka na?” she asked. Para siyang napipiyok sa kaniyang boses.

“Yes,” I said straightforwardly.

There’s no need to deny that I have a relationship with someone. Soon, I will confess about Yoseff. Haters gonna judge, but who cares?

“Who is she? How can you replace me with someone that quick?”

I snorted in disgust. She sounded so desperate.

“That person is far different from you,” I said and put my hands in the pockets of my pants. “Therefore, don’t call that person a replacement, cause I prefer to consider that person an original.”

Nalaglag ang kaniyang panga sa sinabi ko. I tried my best to avoid using pronouns in this case. I don’t want to expose myself for being gay very quick, specially if it is Claire whom I’m talking with. I don’t want to call Yoseff a replacement of someone who is a lot lesser than him. Not a very fitting word for my very special person.

“How dramatic. You’re telling me that like I haven’t been your ex. We had a past, remember?” she said like she’s about to cry.

“I can’t even feel that you’ve been my girlfriend before.”

“Why are being so rude?”

“What do you mean? Well, you’re the one who had the audacity to block me on my way. You’re making me late to my next class. Get out of my way!”

That’s the truth. Even though she’s a very great woman, but she’s not a girlfriend material.

“Where did you get the sass, huh? You sounded so gay…” she mocked. Her friends chuckled at my back.

Sad thing for her, I’m not even insulted. That statement made me smirk.

“Whoever your girlfriend is, she’s very unfortunate to have a very unmanly guy like you. If I were her, I would feel very threatened… Goodbye, sis!” she said sarcastically.

I’m surprised how she changed her emotions quickly. I know she’s acting fakely.

Sabay naming nilagpasan ang isa’t isa. She walked away with her friends while I made my way to my class.

I can’t believe that I already have a perceivable gay energy. Claire sensed it.

And to be honest, it’s good to know.

…

Natapos na ang klase ko. I was very hesitant at first to go to basketball practice, but Ren’s texts were bugging me for hundreds of times. It feels like there is no energy left for me to exert. Gusto ko nang umuwi. But I have no choice. If my coach is mad at me, there is a possibility that he would remove me from the team.

Matamlay akong naglalakad sa hallway. Nakayuko ako habang nakahawak sa strap ng aking bag. Napahinto lang ako nung biglang may humarang sa aking daraanan.

Inangat ko ang aking tingin at nakita ang isang lalaki na may pamilyar na mukha. Hindi siya matangkad. His height only reaches to my chest. Mayroon siyang kaunting gasgas at pasa sa pisngi na naghihilom na. Masungit siyang nakatingin sa’kin.

I boringly stared at him. He sneered.

“It’s not very nice to see you again,” he said in dry humor.

“Likewise,” I simply said. “Move.”

“I won’t,” masungit niyang sabi. Gumilid ako para lagpasan siya, ngunit hinarangan niya ako gamit aking kaniyang braso. “You owe me something.”

How brave. It did not inflict me even a bit of fear. Actually, with his thinner arms, I could break his bones in one simple twist.

He handed me a piece of paper. Kinuha ko ito. I saw that it is actually a receipt of hospital expenses.

“Pay for it, idiot.”

Napatingin ako sa kaniya.

“I’m not an idiot, so I won’t pay for it.”

He snorted.

Ren threw a party at the time when Yoseff was on duty in his work. Dahil mag-isa lang ako no’n sa bahay, nagpasya ako sumama. Matagal na kasi akong hindi nakakapunta sa lugar niya.

Wala talagang purpose si Ren kung bakit siya palaging may party sa bahay niya kun’di uminom at mambabae. He invites a lot of people whether he knew or not. Dahil dito, naging popular siya sa campus aside sa pagiging varsity player niya.

One time, he invited this jerk and because he’s drunk, gumawa siya ng matinding gulo. He even had the audacity to punch Ren – the owner of the party and the one who invited him, right in his face.

His name might be… uhh… Marlon? Manuel? Whatever. I can’t really remember.

Nagkamali siya ng kinalaban, that’s why I decided to step in during that time and bruised his face. Kahit nanghina si Ren ay sinubukan niya pa rin akong tulungan upang gumanti kay Ma– I really forgot his name.

This terrible outcast doesn’t deserve to step a single foot in Ren’s house again.

“This is already paid, right? That’s why you got out of the hospital. You were also healed, already. Then, what’s the purpose for paying you money?”

“Ano pa nga ba, Aidan? Ikaw ang rason kung bakit napuruhan ng matindi ang aking katawan. Dapat lang na bayaran mo ’ko,” aniya.

“Why me? Bakit hindi mo lapitan si Ren? ’Tsaka, you started the fight in the first place,” I told him.

“He fucking refused me. Ikaw ang nilapitan ko dahil ikaw naman talaga ang unang gumawa nito sa akin!”

“You deserve it,” I simply said. “Ikaw ang unang nanggulo.”

“Ngunit ako yung napuruhan, and you deserve to pay for it,” he said firmly.

He’s definitely crazy.

“No. I refuse, too,” I said and crumpled the receipt in my hand and threw it far away.

“What the–?!”

He balled his fist and struck a punch to my face, but I managed to get away with it. He attacked me once again with the other hand, but I caught it with my hand.

I crushed his hand and he screamed. Dahil ayaw ko ulit gumawa ng gulo, binitiwan ko na ito agad.

“You’re a horrible person, aren’t you?” he said angrily.

“Cry all you want, but I will never pay anything for you, loser. Not even an apology.”

“Ang yabang mo talaga, Aidan. Let’s see who will going to be the loser at the end between us? Don’t be too confident. May araw ka rin sa’kin,” he said then he started to walk away.

Great. I hope that prick would never mess up with me again. God I wish. Dumarami na ngayon ang mga kaaway ko.

Wakas ng Ikalawang Yugto

Ikatlong Yugto

░ Ikatlong Yugto ░

ACHE

❁

【 “ That’s the thing about pain, it demands to be felt

. “ 】

• John Greene▕   The Fault in our Stars

⚣

Kabanata 27

Kabanata 27

D

ense

After my last argument with Aidan, days went mundane. Dumating na rin ang weekends at may pasok na ako ngayon sa Cibo di Archinto. I actually don’t feel great today because of stress na naipon ko mula sa school, ngunit nangangamba ako na baka kaltasan ni Sir London ang sweldo ko. Dahil sa kagustuhan kong mabayaran kaagad si Aidan, pumasok pa rin ako kahit gusto ko na ng pahinga.

Maaga akong pumasok kasama si Aidan at naabutan pa namin si Sir London sa loob ng restaurant, nag-iisa. Nakaupo siya sa counter habang nag-aabang ng customer.

Pagkapasok na pagkapasok namin ng pinto ay agad siyang napatingin sa direksyon namin. Nakita ko ang mga bakas ng naghihilom na pasa sa kaniyang mukha. Maaaring yun ang naging resulta ng fist fight nila ni Aidan. He smiled at me. I smiled back. Naglaho ang ngiting iyon noong napabaling siya ng tingin kay Aidan.

Dahan-dahan kaming naglakad papasok. I wish they would set aside their wrath with each other and work peacefully. I don’t want to witness a chaos between them.

“I can’t believe you came early,” he said to me. I don’t know if that’s a compliment or an insult since I’m always late at work.

“Inagahan ko na po talaga yung gising ko para di na po kami ma-late ni Aidan,” paliwanag ko.

“Well… That’s great,” he said joyfully. He seems like in a good mood, today.

Tumungo ako sa employee’s room upang magpalit ng uniform. Aidan is already in his uniform dahil dinala niya ito sa bahay. Naiwan ko kasi yung sa’kin sa locker kaya hindi ko ito nasuot sa bahay. Mabuti nalang at may isa pa akong uniform na nakatabi doon, kun’di gagamitin ko pa yung luma kong hindi pa nalalabhan. Iuuwi ko na talaga ’to mamaya para malabhan ko na pareho.

Lumabas ako ng employee’s room upang puntahan si Sir London sa counter. Wala naman akong balak na kausapin siya, nais ko lang siyang samahan doon sapagkat kami palang tatlo ang tao sa restaurant.

Isa pa, gusto kong bigyan sila ni Aidan ng pagkakataon na mag-usap tungkol sa pinag-awayan nila. Nais kong pagandahin pa lalo ang mood ni Sir London para hindi siya magalit kay Aidan mamaya.

Alam kong nagtatago si Aidan ngayon. I don’t know where he certainly is right now, but I think he’s just inside the resto. Ayaw niya lang na magpakita kay Sir sa counter area.

Umupo ako sa counter stool at tumulala sa paligid.

“Lemuel’s not here yet, ’no?” he said.

Lumingon ako sa kaniya.

“Opo, Sir. Tayo palang yung nandito,” sabi ko.

Obviously.

“Gusto ko sanang magpatimpla ng kape sa kaniya,” aniya. He yawned right after.

“Anong klaseng kape po ba yung gusto niyo?” tanong ko. Naisip ko, baka madali lang yung kape na ipapatimpla niya. Baka hindi na kailangan ng magaling na barista tulad ni Lemuel.

“Black coffee with no sugar,” aniya.

It is very simple to make, yet it has a very bold taste. Ito yung pinakamadaling iproseso sa coffee machine.

“Ako na po ang gagawa,” sabi ko at dumiretso sa kusina.

Pagpasok ko sa loob ay naabutan ko doon si Aidan na nakasandal sa pader habang nakahalukipkip. He turned his eyes to me with boredom. Hindi ko na lang siya pinansin.

Lumapit ako sa area kung saan binibrew ang kape. Napanood ko na si Lemuel dati pa kung paano nagtimpla ng kape gamit ang mga machines na nandito sa kusina, kaya alam ko na ang mga gagawin ko.

“We already have a customer?” tanong sa’kin ni Aidan.

“Uhh… No. This coffee is actually for Sir London,” sabi ko.

Napaiwas siya ng tingin sa’kin.

“Tsk,” he snorted.

Napailing nalang ako.

Natapos ko na ang paggawa ng kape na hinihingi ni Sir London. It took me a few minutes before I came back to counter with a cup of coffee. Maingat ko itong binigay kay Sir London.

“Thank you,” aniya at tinanggap ang tasa. “Pasensya na sa abala.”

“No, it’s okay, Sir,” sabi ko sa kaniya.

Nag-iisip pa ako ng paraan kung paano sila paglalapitin. Nahihirapan talaga ako sapagkat hindi ko rin alam kung ano ang dahilan ng kanilang pagsusuntukan. Kung titignan, pareho lang naman silang mabait. Parang malabo talaga na magkaroon ng away sa pagitan nila, pero nangyari pa rin.

“Hi! Good morning sa inyo!” bati ni Drista pagpasok niya. Mabilis siyang lumapit sa amin. “Nagkakape ka, Sir? Tinimplahan ka ba ni Lemuel?”

“Nope, he’s not here yet,” sagot ni Sir London.

“Sayang. Magpapatimpla din sana ako sa kaniya, eh,” ani Drista at napahikab.

“Well, actually, Yoseff made this coffee for me.”

Namilog ang mga mata ni Drista saglit at bigla siyang napangiti.

“Wow, how sweet! Sana all talaga, Sir.”

My brows furrowed. I was confused on how Drista said it. Tumingin naman siya sa’kin at kumindat. For what? I just shrugged at her.

Lumingon ako kay Sir upang makita ang reaksyon niya. He didn’t say any word. He remained silent like a stone. But there’s one thing that I actually noticed: the redness of his ears.

“Sige, punta lang ako ng kusina. Iwan ko muna kayo diyan,” ani Drista bago siya umalis.

I think its my chance to convince him to have a peace talk with Aidan.

“Sir, can I ask you something?”

Napabaling siya sa akin.

“Ano ’yun, Sef?” he asked.

I really don’t know how to say it without offending him or even worse. I want to think of the rightest statement, and it took me a few seconds to construct it.

“Are you and Aidan not in good terms?” I asked.

He eyed me for a bit second. I held my breath until he spoke.

“He told you?” he said with firm eyes darting at me.

“Sir, we’re living under the same roof. Of course, mapag-uusapan po namin ’yon.”

He nodded and diverted his gaze.

“It is a personal problem. Nothing you should worry about,” aniya.

“Yes… and I also don’t have the right to interfere. But it’s okay. I just want you guys to fix your problems para po hindi na maulit pa.”

He smiled when he looked back at me.

“Thanks for the concern, but I think its better not to talk about it right now,” aniya. His tone was very serious.

Mukhang ‘mission failed’ ako ngayon.

“Pasensya ka na, Sir. Alam kong personal, pero tinanong ko pa. Sorry.”

He just smiled a little then he became quiet. Nagkaroon lang ulit ng ingay noong isa-isang nagsidating ang mga ibang staffs at sa pagpasok na rin ng mga customers.

Ilang oras na ang nakakalipas ngunit hindi ko pa rin mawaglit ng isipan ko yung huling pag-uusap namin ni Sir. I feel something strange and I can’t be certain of it.

I am currently chopping off the onions carefully for Taron. Iingatan ko na talaga para hindi na ako masugatan ulit.

“Wala na bang mas maibibilis pa riyan, Sef?” masungit na sabi ni Taron habang pinapanood akong hirap na hirap sa simpleng gawain.

Damn it. Dapat pala nagpaturo ako kay Aidan sa bahay kung paano magluto sa mabilis na paraan. Hinahayaan ko lang kasi siya na gumawa ng lahat ng trabaho sa kusina, maliban sa paghuhugas ng plato. Nakakahiya kay Sir London kung sakali na isumbong ako ni Taron na hindi ako magaling. Ewan ko ba kay Sir kung bakit ako pa ang naisipan niyang maging isa sa mga assistant chef kahit na wala akong magandang background sa ganitong bagay.

“Ako na,” ani Taron at biglang hinawakan ang kamay ko na may hawak na kutsilyo. Agad ko rin itong binitawan. “Hugasan mo nalang yung mga maruruming cooking tools.”

Napabuntong hininga ako. Alam ko naman na sa paghuhugas na naman ako hahantong, eh. Bakit pa nga ba ako mabibigla? Ito lang ang kaya kong gawin ng mabilis at matino.

“Chef, dumating na yung suppliers natin,” ani Drista na kakapasok lang ng kusina.

“Huh? May mga bagong supply tayo ngayon?” tanong ni Chef. Mukhang nabigla siya.

“Opo. Nandun po sa labas. Kailangan natin ng kargahin yung mga supplies papunta sa storage room,” sagot ni Drista.

Napalingon sa kaniya si Taron na natapos nang maghiwa ng mga sibuyas.

“Eh paano ’yan? Hindi pumasok ngayon si Kuya Viktor. Hindi ba pwedeng dalhin nalang nila dito sa loob?” tanong niya. Pati si Bren, absent din.

“Hindi, eh. Iniwan lang nila sa labas yung mga karton. Kakaalis pa lang nila, ngayon. Wala tayong magagawa kun’di buhatin natin ’yun papasok sa storage room,” sabi ni Drista habang kumakamot sa kaniyang ulo na naka-hairnet.

“Hindi ako pwede. Baka masunog ’tong pasta sauce na niluluto ko kapag iniwan ko,” sabi ni Chef Von.

“Naku! Eh, hindi rin ako pwede. May tatlo pang order na kape na kailangan kong gawin,” ani Lemuel.

“Ako rin. Marami pa akong aasikasuhin sa kusina,” ani Taron.

“Mas lalo naman ako! Hindi ko kayang buhatin yung mga ’yun! Mahina yung mga braso ko,” sabi naman ni Drista at bigla naman siyang napalingon sa akin.

Dama ko ang lahat ng mga mata nila na nakatingin sa akin. Kinakabahan ako. Kahit kaya kong buhatin ang mga karton, panigurado, mangangalay ang mga kamay ko.

Kailangan kong mag-isip ng magandang katwiran.

Agad kong kinuha ang sponge sa sink at inangat ito.

“Maghuhugas nga pala ako ng plato,” patay malisya kong sabi habang nilalagyan ng dishwashing soap ang sponge at pinapabula ito.

I can feel the tension behind me. I’m aware that their eyes were still at me.

“Sef, pwede mo naman ’yan gawin mamaya. Mukhang hindi pa naman ganu’n karami yung hugasin,” sabi ni Taron sa’kin.

“Pero—”

“Bakit hindi nalang ikaw, Sef, yung kumuha sa mga supplies natin? Mukhang kakayanin mo naman,” ani Chef Von.

“Eh may gagawin pa po ako—”

“Naku! Nagpapalusot kalang, eh!” kutya naman ni Lemuel.

Mga gunggong na ’to! Ako pa yung sinisisi nilang nagpapalusot, eh halata rin na umiiwas din sila sa pagbubuhat ng supplies.

Tutal nararamdaman ko namang hindi ako masyadong nakakatulong dito sa kusina, bakit hindi nalang ako pumayag? At least I can prove that I’m not a slacker after carrying a tough task.

“Sige, ako na,” I simply said. Nawala ang tensyon ng kanilang mga tingin nung nagsimula na silang gawin ang kanilang mga tungkulin. Kung nandito lang si Bren, baka may katuwang na ako.

Tumungo ako sa labas at nakita ang pagkadami-raming mga kahon at saku-sakong mga gulay. Napalunok ako ng laway.

Kakayanin ko bang buhatin ang lahat ng ito? Baka nga mahimatay na ako sa unang kahon na mabubuhat ko, eh. Pero masyado namang exaggerated kapag nangyari yun.

Huminga ako ng malalim at dinampot na ang unang kahon. Muntik pa akong mawalan ng balanse. Agad ko itong pinasok sa loob ng dahan-dahan patungo sa storage room.

Muli akong bumalik sa labas upang kumuha ng susunod na kahon. Nagtaka ako kung bakit nandoon na sina Aidan at Sir London.

They are glaring at each other.

“Go away. We don’t need your help here,” ani Aidan.

“Sa tingin ko ikaw ang dapat umalis. You are the waiter and you have a hectic job in the dining area. I’m the only one idle here so I should help Yoseff,” giit naman ni Sir London.

“Hindi pa naman dumadami ang customers at this moment. At saka hindi ba’t sinabi mo sa’kin na ikaw ang boss dito? Bakit hindi ka nalang umupo sa tabi at hayaan nalang kami na pagsilbihan ka,” Aidan said with a hint of disgust.

“Tama. I’m the boss, but that doesn’t mean na ako yung pagsisilbihan niyo, but the customers. I don’t act as useless here. Isa pa, hindi mo nga sinusunod yung utos ko, kahit ako pa yung boss dito. I’m going to fire you if you insist your intervention here, Aidan. I’m warning you.”

“God, I’m scared,” Aidan said in a sarcastic and stoic tone.

Hindi na ako nakapagpigil na sumingit sa pagitan ng kanilang pagtatalo.

“Aidan… Sir London, kaya ko na pong buhatin ang lahat ng ito ng mag-isa. Iwan niyo na po ito sa’kin,” I lied.

Hindi ko gusto na makialam pa sila sa gawain ko. This is my task, and mine only. Kung mag-aagawan pa sila sa pagtulong sa’kin, mas mabuti nalang na wala sa kanila ang tumulong sa akin.

“No. I think its fine na tumulong kami ng sabay,” Sir London suggested.

Aidan snorted. Then he picked up a box effortlessly.

“Yun naman pala, eh,” aniya at pumasok na sa loob.

Even though Sir London settled their little quarrel, I can sense his disdain with Aidan. Between the two of them, si Sir London ang hindi ko pa nariringgan ng rason kung bakit sila galit sa isa’t isa. I’m not planning to ask him, even though I’m dead curious. Baka kapag sumingit pa ako at lalo pang lumala ang sitwasyon.

Now, I’m confident that I could work on this easily.

Sometimes, when I try to pick up a box, inaagaw nila agad sa kamay ko.

“Ako na,” sabi ni Aidan matapos kong subukang buhatin ang pinakamalaking kahon. May narinig akong mga kalansing ng salaming garapon sa loob. I assume those were bottles of spices. Dapat talaga mainggat ang pagkakabuhat dito para hindi mabasag ang mga ito, kaya hinayaan ko nalang si Aidan na agawin sa’kin ’yun.

Isa isang nabawasan ang mga supplies sa labas hanggang sa may natirang isang sako ng patatas.

I gulped as I tried to lift it up. Hindi man lang ito umangat ng ilang sentimetro sa lupa. Oh god, why am I so weak?!

Sabay na lumabas sina Aidan at Sir London mula sa loob upang kunin ang natitirang supply. Nung nakita nila na iisa nalang ito, at sinusubukan kong buhatin ay agad silang napatakbo sa direksyon ko.

“Yoseff, let me carry that sack,” ani ni Sir.

“No, let me,” giit naman ni Aidan.

“This is not for a weakling.”

“Are you saying that Yoseff is a weakling?” Aidan sounds insulted.

“Not him. I mean you.”

What the heck? Mag-aaway nanaman ba sila?

“I can’t believe it. Kung mahina ako, bakit yung suntok ko, bakat pa rin sa mukha mo.”

That hit Sir London’s nerve. He is fuming when he heard it as he pulled up his sleeves.

“Sir, ano pong gagawin niyo?” nag-aalala kong tanong sapagkat parang gusto na niyang suntukin sa mukha si Aidan.

He took a deep breath and straightened back his sleeves. Nakangiti lang si Aidan habang tinitignan si Sir London na hindi makaganti sa insulto niya.

“Hey! Aren’t you going to punch me? Come on, man up!”

Kinurot ko agad sa tagiliran si Aidan. Madiin at matagal.

“Aw!” he almost cried in pain.

“I apologize for his manners, Sir,” sabi ko kay Sir London.

“No need for you to do that, Sef. Siya dapat ang magsabi niyan,” sabi naman ni Sir.

“Tsk!” ani Aidan at bigla nalang umalis.

“Aidan, wait!” sigaw ko.

“Hayaan mo nalang siya, Sef. Ako nang bahala dito. I can handle this.”

Binuhat na ni Sir London yung sako at sabay kaming pumasok sa loob. With his large biceps, its not a surprise if he carries it effortlessly.

On the other hand, I am so disappointed with Aidan. Lumalabas nanaman ang pagiging basagulero niya. Maybe that’s the reason why Sir London hates him and fought with him before. Hindi ko na masisisi kung mapipikon siya sa masamang ugali ni Aidan na lumalabas paminsan-minsan.

…

Dumating na ang hapon at isa-isa nang nagsisiuwian ang mga staff.

“See you tomorrow, guys!” sigaw ni Drista at umalis na sa restaurant.

Kami nalang nina Aidan at Sir London ang natitira sa loob. Walang may umiimik sa amin. Sobrang tahimik ng paligid. Ang awkward lang.

“Sef, matagal ka pa ba diyan?” iritadong tanong ni Aidan.

“Yup! Marami ’tong hugasin. Hindi basta-basta ang paglilinis ng mga cooking tools.”

“Sef, tulungan na kita,” presenta ni Sir London sa kaniyang sarili matapos niyang punasan ang mga cabinet at kitchen equipments.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit niya ginagawa ang mga trabaho namin. Umuwi na nga yung iba dahil inaako na niya talaga ang mga ito. Subalit naawa naman ako kaya tumulong na ako sa kaniya sa paglilinis ng kusina.

“Sure, Sir,” sabi ko at sinabayan na niya ako sa pagbabanlaw ng mga plato.

“Tsk!” Aidan snorted. “Hihintayin nalang kita sa labas.”

Lumingon ako sa kaniya at tumango. Bago siya umalis ay nakita ko ang kaniyang iritadong mukha. Anong meron sa lalaking ’yon?

Habang nag-uurong kami ni Sir London, hindi ko maiwasang mapatingin sa kaniyang kamay. Huge and veiny. Seems like it could crush both of my hands in a second.

“Why did you stop?”

Napakurap ako. Hindi ko namalayan na nakatulala nalang pala ako sa lababo.

“Are you tired?” he asked.

“Ah… Hindi naman, Sir. Okay lang po ako.”

“Leave this to me. I’m about to finish it.”

Umatras nalang ako at hinayaan siya. Tama siya, pagod na nga ako. Weekends should be my rest after long days of academic pressure. Hindi na talaga kinakaya ng katawan ko, pero hindi ako dapat huminto sapagkat kailangan ko pang bayaran si Aidan sa utang at kabutihang loob niya na tulungan ako mula sa financial crisis na pinagdadaanan ko.

“We’re finally done,” sabi ni Sir London matapos ang kaniyang pag-uurong. He looked at me with worry. “Are you okay?”

“Okay lang po ako, Sir.”

“Drop the ‘Sir’, please. I hate it.”

Oo nga pala. Tapos na ang duty ko sa araw na ’to, that’s why he does not want to be treated as a boss.

“Okay… Ano namang itatawag ko sa’yo?”

“Don,” he answered.

“Sige, Don.”

He averted his face for a moment and turned to me again.

“Tara, lumabas na tayo, Sir,” aya ko sa kaniya at tumalikod.

Ngunit bago pa ako umalis, hinawakan niya ang kamay ko upang pigilan.

“Wait!” he exclaimed.

Napatingin ako sa kamay niyang nakahawak sa’kin, at nung napansin ’yun ni Sir ay agad niya rin itong binitawan.

“Sorry,” he said and cleared his throat. “I just want to ask you something.”

“Ano po yun, Sir Lon– I mean, Don?”

He took a deep breath.

“Kailan ka ba may libreng oras, Sef?” tanong niya. Napapadalas na ang pagtawag niya sa’kin sa pina-ikli kong pangalan.

“I don’t know, Sir. Parati po kasi akong abala sa academics. Hindi po kasi biro yung course ko. Bakit niyo po natanong?”

“Uh, nothing. I just want to ask you to… you know… go out,” mahina niyang sabi.

“What do you mean, Sir?” tanong ko at napataas ang aking kilay.

“You’re so dense, Yoseff,” mariing aniya.

He scratched his left ear and it became red. Pero namumula rin ang kaniyang kabilang tainga.

Nag-isip muna ako kung ano ang dahilan bakit niya ako inaaya na lumabas.

“Oh, is it because you want to celebrate the improvements in the resto’s financial performance, Sir? Iniinvite niyo po ba kaming lahat ng crew na mag-outing dahil dito?”

“No. I’m not planning to ask everyone to go out… Just you,” aniya.

My heart skipped a beat. Is this for real? Why?

Hindi ako makapagsalita. Nawawalan din ako ng hininga.

“I want to go out with you, Yoseff. And maybe we can consider it as a date.”

Kabanata 28

Kabanata 28

Cuffs

(SPG Alert!)

I need a lot of explanations about this.

Samu’t saring mga tanong ang nagkukumpulan sa aking isipan.

Bakit niya ako inaaya makipag-‘date’?

Seryoso ba siya?

Bakit ako?

May gusto ba talaga siya sa’kin?

Joke time ba ’to?

Asyumero man ako kung tatawagin, pero sige nga, what would be your conclusion if a man just asked you to go out with you for a date?

Of course, it means that he likes you! No doubts.

But I’m having doubts right now.

I can’t see myself as someone who could level Sir London… or Don in any way, so it is impossible that he likes me. Totally impossible. This trope only exists in fiction. I’m so confused.

“Bakit, Don?” I asked stupidly.

“I know, its sudden. But I can’t just stand, not telling you about this.”

Napaiwas ako ng tingin. I can see the sincerity in his eyes. Is he for real?

“I never admired anyone like this before, Sef… There’s a lot of things about you that attracts me… Your determination. Your denseness. Your ability to connect with people. And more. Things that can’t get off my mind. And one day, I realized that I’m already into you. Its hard to believe but I already have this feelings and I can’t deny it.”

Feels like we’re puzzle pieces that don’t even fit.

But come to think of it, Aidan and I were also the complete opposite of each other. There’s no need to state each of our quality. We were from complete different places and different lifestyle, but suddenly, our worlds collided and made a severe connection. Like magnets. Positive and negative attracts.

“Uhm… Did I stun you?” tanong niya gamit ang mahinang boses.

I said no response.

“Naiintindihan ko kung hindi ka makapagsalita. I assume you are thinking at this very moment about how you can reject me without hurting my feelings, am I right?”

He smiled sadly. Guilt just struck through me. Mabilis akong umiling.

“Hindi naman sa gano’n, Don. Nabigla lang ako,” I said. Gusto kong sabunutan ang sarili ko dahil yun lang ang tangi kong nasabi.

Someone confessed to me and all I can say is that I’m shocked. Its not my first time, since Aidan did this before, so why can’t I say anything?

My relationship with Aidan is a secret. Both of us agreed that no one else should tell anyone about it, even to my closest friends. If a single detail just slip to anyone else, maaari kaming mabuking.

I can’t give him a chance since I’m already tied with someone, and I can’t tell that reason. It’s a secret!

This is too much for me! Why am I so blessed in just a sudden time? Its crazy!

Now, how can a potato like me reject this overly beautiful man?! Bet he has everything what it takes to be a perfect boyfriend. Parang nahiya naman ako sa sarili ko.

Kung isa akong mangingisda, para akong nakabingwit ng malaking tuna gamit ang tingting at sinulid.

This man deserves somebody more than me. But as a lesser mortal, rejecting him would hurt my feelings too, because I faced so many rejections in life and I know how it feels.

“Hindi ko alam kung bakit at paano. Wala namang espesyal sa akin. Hindi ko maintindihan,” saad ko. Halos pabulong ang aking tinig.

Tinanggal niya ang aking salamin at tinitigan ang aking mukha. Mabilis ’yon at hindi ako nakaalma. Tinitigan niya pa ng maigi ang aking mga mata na para bang wala na siyang ninanais na makita pang iba. Nakaramdam ako ng matinding init sa aking mga pisngi.

Ngayon ko lang natitigan si Don na ganito kalapit. Aaminin ko, sa sobrang gwapo niya ay hindi ko mapigilan na mailang. Mapapansin mo na may pagkakahawig sila ng bahagya ni Aidan, ngunit hindi ko kayang husgahan kung sino sa kanilang dalawa ang may mas matimbang na kagwapuhan.

Tumagal pa ang aming titigan ngunit wala ni isa sa pagitan namin ang nagsalita. Huminga si Don ng malalim.

“Do you know how attractive you are, Sef?” he said.

Hindi ko man masyadong naaalala pero parang sinabi na yata ’to ni Aidan dati sa akin. Magkatulad nga silang dalawa.

I really don’t know if he’s telling the truth. Whenever I look my reflection in the mirror, I see a person, and that’s it! I can’t find anything special about my appearance, or maybe I’m just unaware of it.

“Maaaring hindi mo alam… pero alam ko,” he said and smiled at me.

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang sasabihin ko pabalik. Dapat nalang siguro ay huwag nalang ako umimik. Natatakot ako na baka may masabi akong hindi niya magugustuhan, knowing na nagconfess siya sa akin.

“Now, let’s go back to my question,” he said and cleared his throat. “Can I take you out for a date?”

“Let me think about it, Don,” sabi ko sa kaniya. I smiled, just to make it less awkward, but that’s how it appears to be.

He looked straightly to the eyes. I can see the bitterness in his face. I badly wanted to erase it by finally accepting his offer. An offer for a date. Yet I should still consider Aidan in this case. Siya naman ang masasaktan kung pinili kong sumama kay Don.

“Don’t worry. I will let you have some time to think. I can wait whenever it is,” aniya.

He handed me back my glasses at sinuot ko ito muli.

“I’m just curious, Sef… Are you visually impaired?” tanong niya.

“Uhm… Not really. Sensitibo lang yung mga mata ko, kaya kapag walang protection. May mga times kasi na lumalabo,” I explained.

“Ganun? Paano kung sabihin kong mas maayos kang tignan ng walang salamin, hindi mo na ba ito susuutin?” tanong niya.

Huh? Pinagsasabi niya?

There is something in his tone… hmm… I think he’s just trying to flatter me. But unfortunately, it didn’t work. May dahilan ako kung bakit nagsusuot pa rin ako ng salamin kahit hindi madalas malabo ang mga mata ko.

At isa pa, kapansin pansin pa rin na hindi rin siya natuwa sa sinabi niya. I know that he’s trying hard to make casual talks with me. At alam ko rin ba gusto niyang kuhanin ang loob ko, kaya lang, halatang hindi siya sanay na bumuo ng banat. He’s innocent in persuading, which I found cute to be honest.

“Uhm… I don’t think so,” simple kong sagot. It made us feel more awkward. But I should be thankful na hindi lang ako ang nakakaramdam nito, at least the feeling is mutual.

“Oh, sorry. I shouldn’t have said that,” aniya at napakamot siya ng batok.

His cheeks turned bright red. Oh god, I haven’t seen this side of Don. And its freaking adorable! Damn it. This makes me hard to reject him. There is a part in my heart that wants me to give him a chance.

“Naku, Sir. Okay lang. Sa tingin ko rin, mas better akong tignan pag walang salamin,” sabi ko. Dapat talaga sumang ayon nalang ako sa kaniya sa una palang. “Pero wala eh. Necessary talaga.”

“I get it,” aniya at tumawa ng mahina. “You’re still attractive whatever you wear.”

Mas lalong pang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Aatakihin yata ako dito. I can’t fucking handle his compliments.

But still I can sense the tension in between. You need to think of something casual, Sef. Treat him like a friend, someone that you are very comfortable to talk with.

Gawin mo na, dali!

“Naks! Bolero,” sabi ko sabay hampas sa balikat niya. Napalakas ko pa nga yata yung impact dahil malakas ang tunog ng pagkakapalkat. Bigla akong natauhan sa ginawa ko. “Ay pu–! Hala! Sorry. Hindi ko sinasadya.”

Muntik pa akong mapamura sa harap niya. Napasobra naman ako sa pagiging kaswal.

Sa halip na magalit siya sa pagkakahampas ko ay tumawa siya.

“It’s okay,” aniya. “I like it when you’re casually talking to me. I’m happy that you are getting more comfortable than before. You’re always being respectful and slightly formal when we’re having conversations.”

I chuckled.

“Well, boss naman kita so bakit hindi kita kakausapin na may respeto, ’di ba?” sabi ko.

“But your duty is now over, Sef. I’m not your boss or anything superior anymore. Please, just treat me as your friend… or maybe, you know, something more,” aniya at tinaas-taas ang kaniyang mga kilay.

Tumawa ako.

“Ikaw, ha. You’re really pushing it,” sabi ko and laughed awkwardly.

He smiled.

“Well, if its not okay with you, just tell me right away, okay? I’m aware of my limits. Naiintindihan ko rin kung nanghihingi ka pa ng oras para pag isipang makipag-date sa akin. I still feel so happy ’cause you’re giving me chance.”

Bang! Guilt struck my heart.

It’s hard to see his innocent and hopeful eyes. Bakit ko nga ba pinag iisipan na i-reject ang lalaking ’to bukod sa kadahilanang may relasyon kami ni Aidan? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to two-time both of them, but it just hurts to think that I’m going to dump him in the future. Yes… This freaking drop dead gorgeous man. Its like throwing away your new iPhone because I already have an existing one. Hindi ako makapaniwala sa sarili ko.

“Matagal pa ba kayo?”

Pareho kaming napalingon ni Don kay Aidan na nakasandal sa pinto ng kusina.

“Ahh… Ehh.” Hindi ko kung paano ko ipapaliwanag ’to sa kaniya.

“No,” Don simply answered.

“Lalabas na kami,” sabi ko kay Aidan.

I scanned the whole kitchen for a second time and it looks fine. Hahakbang na sana ako kaso hinawakan ni Don ang aking pulso upang pigilan.

“Wait, Sef. I’ll give you something,” sabi ni Don at agad na binitawan ang pagkakahawak sa akin at nagtungo sa upper cabinet at may kinuha siyang malaking tupperware. Inabot niya ito sa akin. “This is for your dinner.”

“Uhm… Thank you,” yun nalang ang tanging nasabi ko.

“No problem, Sef. Enjoy your meal. I cooked it for you.”

…

Nakauwi na kami ni Aidan sa bahay. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin mawala ang bakas ng pagtataka sa kaniyang mukha. May bagay na gumugulo sa kaniya at pansin kong kanina pa niya gustong sabihin sa’kin ’to.

“Don is very suspicious,” aniya habang sabay kaming nagbibihis sa kwarto.

Napatingin ako sa kaniya. Hindi ako nailang na makita siyang walang saplot sa katawan sapagkat komportable na ako at matagal ko na siyang nakita na nakahubo’t hubad. Hindi na rin mahalaga kung sakaling mahuli niya akong nakatitig sa kaniya.

“Suspicious? Paano?”

“Uhh… I noticed, something’s wrong with him. Palagi siyang sobrang galit sa’kin kahit wala naman akong ginagawang masama,” aniya.

“Ano naman yung kahina-hinala do’n?” tanong ko at nagsalubong ang mga kilay.

“Well, if you compare the way he treats you and the way he treats me… totally different.”

“Sigurado ka ba sa sinasabi mo? Or maybe you are really being an asshole to him, that’s why he got into his nerves. Katulad nalang ng ginawa mo kanina,” I said. He turned to me and rolled his eyes.

“He’s being an asshole too!”

“But that shouldn’t be an excuse, Aidan. Sa trabaho, boss natin siya. We have to respect him.”

We ate our lunch and did some household chores. Aidan did the dishes, and I cleaned the dining area. Pagkatapos, ginawa ko na ang mga assignments ko ng maaga para hindi ako mahirapan pa sa mga susunod na araw.

I streched my arms and yawned. Ang dami ko nang ginawa ngayong araw. Hindi na ako makapaghintay na makapagpahinga.

Lumapit sa likod ko si Aidan habang nakaupo at tinatapos ang mga school tasks ko. Bigla niyang inilapat ang kaniyang mga kamay sa aking ulo at hinilot-hilot ang noo at sentido ko.

Napapikit ako sa ginhawang dulot nito sa akin. Sana ganito siya palagi. Nakakawala ng stress.

“Bukas nalang ’yan, Sef. Magpahinga ka naman,” he said and kissed my forehead.

“Okay,” pagsang-ayon ko. Hindi na ako umangal dahil medyo nahihilo na rin kasi ako.

“Bubuhatin na kita,” aniya. Bago pa ako tumaggi ay binuhat na niya ako sa kaniyang likuran. I just chuckled and let him do what he wants.

Inilapag niya ako sa kama ng dahan-dahan. I feel so relieved.

“Come on, Aidan. Let’s sleep,” sabi ko sa kaniya, while patting the space beside me.

“Matutulog na ba tayo agad?” Aidan asked.

“Oo. Ano pa bang dapat nating gawin ngayon? Hindi ka pa ba pagod sa mga ginawa natin buong araw?” I asked.

Umiling siya.

“Really?” tanong ko.

“I want to do something before we sleep,” aniya.

Umirap ako. Alam ko na ’yan. Sa makahulugan niyang tingin, alam ko na agad ang nais niya.

“Sige, pagbibigyan kita,” simpleng sagot ko.

“Whoah. Sure ka na ba diyan?” nagtatakang tanong niya. “Hindi ka man lang ba tatanggi para mapanood mo akong pilitin ka ng paulit-ulit?”

“Alangan namang magpakipot pa ako, eh alam kong dun din naman ang tungo natin,” sabi ko.

Tumawa siya.

“What happened to the ‘Sef’ that I used to know?” aniya.

“What do you mean? Hindi naman sa lahat ng oras, tumatanggi ako. Hindi mo ba naaalala na ako pa nga ang nagturo kung paano ito, “ bulong ko sa kaniya habang pinapadausdos ang aking daliri sa hubad niyang dibdib.

I can see his prick growing against his underwear. I want to touch him so bad, even though my hands were weak to handle such things. But I still really want the feel of his cock in my palms.

“Wait!” aniya nung dumako na ang aking kamay sa pagitan ng kaniyang hita.

Inatras ko naman agad ang aking kamay dahil sa pagpigil niya sa akin.

“I have something to show you,” aniya at dumako siya sa drawer ng side table malapit sa kama at may kinuha do’n. Ipinakita niya sa’kin ang hawak niyang posas.

“Ano namang gagawin mo riyan?” tanong ko.

“I need you to wear this,” sagot niya.

“Huh?… While making out?”

“Yeah.”

“What the hell?! Are you for real?”

Tumango siya.

“I’m dead serious,” aniya.

Agad siyang pumatong sa’kin at isa-isang hinubad ang aking mga damit hanggang sa wala na akong kahit anong suot sa katawan. Para akong batang ninanakawan ng saplot. Pagkatapos, pinagsadahan niya ng tingin ang aking kabuuan.

“Sandali!” angal ko nung hinawakan niya ang magkabila kong kamay at punusasan. Too late. Naikabit na niya ito.

“Matagal ko nang hinihintay na masuot ko ’to sa’yo,” aniya habang nakangisi.

“When the hell did you learn about this stuff?”

“Let’s say… I got so curious more about sex, so I tried to explore deeply to the darkest side of the internet. I’ve seen this type of kink and became interested about it. So I thought I should give it a try,” he explained.

“Wow. I can’t believe you are that horny to try new things in sex,” I said and chuckled.

“I have no regrets, Sef. You look so enticing with cuffs.”

Binuksan niya ang aparador at may nilabas siyang kapiraso ng tela. My left brow shot up. Gumuhit ang malademonyong ngiti sa kaniyang labi at lumapit sa akin. Tinanggal niya ang aking salamin at tumitig sa aking mga mata.

“Bakit mo tinanggal?” tanong ko.

“Just wait,” he simply said. Tinupi-tupi niya ang tela at saka inilapit niya ito sa aking mata.

“What the hell are you doing?!” I exclaimed as he tied the fabric to cover my eyes. Hindi ko siya mapigilan sapagkat nakaposas ang aking mga kamay. Now, I can’t see anything.

“Shh, Kitten. Please, just trust me.” Again with the nickname. Pfft. “I shall start.”

I moaned as he traced the length of my rock-hard cock. If felt his other hand, squeezing my balls. I let him expertly touch my genital that brought me to nirvana.

I can’t move properly while he’s doing all the work for me. This is driving me insane!

“Ahh!” I cried in pleasure when I felt that I’m about to reach my climax. In that moment, Aidan swallowed my dick and started bobbing it up and down.

Hindi na ako makapagpigil. I let all of my juices release inside his mouth. He unhesitatingly drank it all.

Naramdaman ko na inangat niya ang kaniyang ulo at lumebel sa aking mukha. I feel like we are now in face to face, even though I can’t see it with my covered eyes.

“Hmm,” bulong niya sa aking tainga.

He bit my ear. I moaned.

“Open your mouth,” utos niya.

Sinunod ko naman ito. I felt his tongue licked my lips for a while. Then I felt something entered my mouth. Its his dick!

Hindi ko pa naman naihanda yung sarili ko. Batid ko talagang sobrang laki nito at mabibilaukan ka talaga. Lubos akong nabigla at agad akong nabulunan, ngunit hindi niya ito hinugot. Nagpupumiglas ako sa aking posas. Hindi ko siya maitulak palayo.

“Hmm…” he grunted in pleasure. Hindi niya siguro napansin na hindi ako natutuwa sa ginawa niya.

I rolled my eyes mentally. I’m not really enjoying this, so I decided to bite the head of his dick to stop him.

“Aww! Fuck!” sigaw niya at agad na napaatras.

Nagpipigil ako ng tawa.

“Why did you bite it? Damn you!!” sigaw niya habang sapo ang kaniyang pagkalalaki.

Pinanood ko lang siya na namamalipit sa sakit. Dapat lang sa kaniya ’yan! Masyado siyang pabigla bigla.

“You ruined the moment, Sef!” sigaw pa niya.

“That’s your fault! I wasn’t prepared yet. Then you just fucking carelessly shoved your dick to my mouth! I have lost my breath. Dapat lang na gawin ko ’yun.”

“Argh!”

I laughed.

“Pakawalan mo nalang ako, please,” pagmamakaawa ko. “Remove these shitty things!”

“I won’t… Unless we’re done,” he said sensually. “Open your naughty mouth again.”

I, being stupid, obeyed him.

I swallowed his entire length and moved my head back and forth. He welcomed every pace with thrusts. I can feel the tip of his dick poking the deepest points of my throat.

“Fuck, Kitten! Suck it more,” aniya at sinabunutan na ako.

Pinabayaan ko lang siya at mas lalo ko lang binilisan ang paggalaw ng aking ulo. I am kinda used to his size. Sinasanay ko na ang aking sarili na huwag mabulunan sa kaniyang pagkalalaki kahit gaano man ’to kalaki.

“Sef,” he moaned and released his juices inside my mouth.

…

“Good morning,” Aidan greeted at the very moment I opened my eyes. His face were stuck by the morning light from the window. My eyes locked in his dashing face and yawned.

Hindi ko na alam kung nakailang ulit kami kagabi. Wala na akong panahon kagabi sa pagbibilang.

Nakatanggal na sa akin ang posas na kinabit niya, pati na rin ang piring sa mata. Kainis! Wala man lang akong nakita kahit ano sa ginawa namin kagabi.

“What time is it?” tanong ko at kinusot-kusot ang aking mga mata.

“I don’t know…” he just said.

Napaangat ako nang biglang naalala ko na linggo pa pala ngayon kaya dapat kaming mag-ayos para pumasok sa restaurant. Napatingin ako sa orasan at napansin na 30 minutes late na kami! Wala pa naman kaming nasisimulang kahit isang gawain.

“We’re fucking late, Aidan!” sigaw ko at napasabunot sa aking buhok.

I heard him yawned. He’s now stretching his arms while showing his hairy pits. He looks so hot and cute at the same time.

“Huwag na tayong pumasok, Sef. Dito nalang tayo sa bahay buong araw.”

“No! We have to go!”

Umamba akong babangon sa kama ngunit pinigilan ako ni Aidan gamit ang mahigpit niyang yakap.

“Let us have our free day, Sef. Hindi ka ba napapagod? Lahat ng araw sa bawat linggo, lagi tayong may pinagkakaabalahan. Why can’t we just have a long leisure time?”

Pagkatapos niyang sabihin ’yon, nakuminsi niya akong huwag na munang pumasok sa restaurant. Tama siya, halos araw-araw na yata akong nagbabanat ng utak at buto. Hindi ko na alam kung saan ang hangganan ng aking pagpipigil, pero nais ko namang bigyan ng oras ang sarili ko upang makalanghap ng matagal na ginhawa.

“Okay, let’s have a free day, then,” sabi ko.

He smiled.

Pagkatapos, may narinig kaming sunod-sunod na pagkatok sa labas ng aming bahay.

“Who that fuck was that?!” iritadong atungal ni Aidan. “It’s so freaking early. How come there’s someone outside our house?”

“Pagbuksan mo,” utos ko sa kaniya.

Napatingin siya sa’kin at napansin kong nais niyang tumanggi, ngunit huminga lang siya ng malalim at tumango.

“Argh!! A’right! Just stay right here and take a rest okay?” aniya at mabilis na hinalikan ako sa labi, bumangon siya sa kama kahit pa labag sa loob niya.

I blushed so hard.

Nagsuot siya ng boxers bago naglakad patungo sa pinto upang pagbuksan kung sinuman ang bisita namin.

“Mom?!” sigaw ni Aidan.

Bigla akong napabalikwas sa kama.

Kabanata 29

Kabanata 29

Visitation

“Mom?!”

That hardly registered in my mind.

Narinig ko ang pagsara ng pinto at nakita kong si Aidan na bumalik muli sa aming kwarto.

“Why the hell is she here?!” sigaw ni Aidan.

He moaned with frustration etched on his face. Umupo siya sa gilid ng kama at napasabunot siya sa kaniyang buhok.

There was a knock at the door again. I quickly got up, grabbed my glasses from the side of the table, and put them on. I couldn’t believe Aidan had left his mother standing outside.

Aidan looked at me, with an expression of mixed suprise and disbelief. His mother just came here to pay a visit, and it is clear how he doesn’t want her here. Well, me too, dahil hindi pa ako handa na makilala sila. Nobody from his family has ever placed a foot in our house, and I am completely rattled that one of them is here.

“That is your mother, right?” hindi makapaniwalang tanong ko. “Bakit hindi mo siya pinapasok, Aidan?”

There was a brief moment of silence before he nodded, and felt a rush of cold realization. What in the world! There is no way that his mother is right in front of our house right now. This was  the worst timing imaginable!

Especially, we’re still both almost naked and smell like we had sex for ages.

Damn, we’re so fucking doomed!

Panicking, I rushed to the closet and started searching for something to wear. I took my citrus cologne and sprayed a bit of it on my body just to mask our stench from making love last night.

“Damn it!” he hissed. He doesn’t look scared, anymore. He’s pissed.

“You need to let her in!” I whispered firmly.

“What?!”

“Of course, you can’t just leave her standing out there. Are you out of your mind?” sabi ko na may inis sa boses. It is disrespectful to her mom by doing that, obviously. Something that did not surprise me because I already knew that he’s a huge brat.

Panandalian siyang tumingin sa’kin na may pag-aalinlangan sa kaniyang mga mata. Then he nodded and started to walk slowly to the front door. His reluctance is palpable, which makes me very nervous too. I am having a bad feeling about her mother’s unexpected visitation.

“What took you so long to answer the door?” his mother asked, her tone stern, as Aidan finally opened it.

She is a middle-aged woman in her furious face confronted Aidan. Dressed simple but elegantly with a beige casual dress with a black designer bag slung over her arm. Namumukod tangi ang kaniyang dating.

I felt self-conscious in my casual attire–a loose grey shirt and black shorts. Samantalang si Aidan naman ay naka simpleng tank top at boxer shorts.

“You shouldn’t be here,” Aidan said, his tone flat, as he yawned, trying to act nonchalant. He changed his demeanor like a dead fish to make it seem like he was not affected by the situation.

His mom smirked as if she already expected this kind of response from Aidan.

“I have to talk to you, that’s why I am here,” she said firmly. “Sa tingin mo, sweetheart, what brings me here?”

She is still outside, having no plans of stepping in. I am sure it is because she is aware that her son doesn’t want her to come in. I really want to take the responsibility of respecting her, pero nag-aalinlangan akong lapitan siya at anyayahan sa loob ng bahay. She seemed a lot more intimidating than Aidan.

“Pasok po kayo,” I said with a dry voice, trying to sound composed.

Napalingon siya sa akin and she gave me a quick smile before brushing past Aidan who is left standing in the doorway.

Kinabahan ako nung nasa harap ko na siya. For a brief moment, I felt nervous because her presence exuding an aura of power and sophistication. I could see where Aidan got his demeanor from.

I tentatively offered my hand to her. I can’t believe I am now meeting my boyfriend’s parent. Hindi ko ito inaasahan, at hindi ko pa napaghandaan.

“Yoseff po,” I introduced myself awkwardly.

Hindi niya tinanggap ang aking kamay, sa halip ay lumapit siya sa akin at hinalikan ako sa pisngi.

“Nice to meet you, sweetheart! I’m Anya, Aidan’s mom. You can call me whatever you like,” she said with a warm smile.

She gave me a closer look to her face. Slightly wrinkled but still stunning. By her stunning looks, she could pass as one of the richest socialites on the television that walks like crushing cigarettes. I can smell a strong scent of money from her. Exuding an air of wealth and confidence.

“Would it be okay kung Tita nalang po ang itawag ko sa inyo?” I asked.

“Sure, that’s fine. But it would’ve been better if you would call me ‘Mom’, instead, just like how my son calls me,” she said, and winked, then chuckling softly.

Kinagat ko ang aking dila habang nakatikom ang aking bibig, as I felt a pang of shock. It sounds like she means of something else.

But thankfully, she seemed friendly enough. Sa tingin ko, hindi pa ako handa na tawagin siya sa sina-suggest niya para sa akin. It is a bit weird. After all, Aidan and I hadn’t yet reached that stage in our relationship where his parents were fully aware and involved.

I hardly assume that it’s okay for Aidan’s family to be his lover. I am afraid to push my hopes too high. I can’t be very sure about this as long as they didn’t acknowledge it yet.

Pinaupo ko si Tita Anya sa sofa.

“Why are you here?” Aidan asked, with an anticlimactic tone.

I took a step back, giving them their own space of conversation. Nahihiya akong makarinig at makisawsaw sa kanilang usapan. For sure, Aidan’s mom came here for a very serious reason. Pero hindi ko naman akalain na pupunta siya ngayon. It is kind of embarassing to be unprepared in giving her a good impression.

She is the mother of my boyfriend, of course it is a big of a deal!

“You should know,” she replied coolly, with her eyes are wandering around the house. Investigating every corner. Thank god, our house is still clean kahit hindi ko pa nasisimulan maglinis. Then she sighed. “I wouldn’t be here kung wala akong nabalitaang mali sa’yo.”

“What I do is none of your business, gusto mo man o hindi. Hindi ka ba nagsasawa, Mom? Malaki na ako, and you are still trying to supervise me.”

“Son, you might be an adult in college, but you still act like a child.”

“How so, Mom? Confidently speaking, I can live on my own. I am now independent enough, so you need to stop treating me like a kid,” Aidan said lazily.

Tita Anya laughed. The sound tinged with mockery.

“You are quite bold to claim independence now, considering we are still footing your college bills. Yung bahay at allowance mo. Your dad and I aren’t even sure if you were making good use of it. I bet you’re out spending unnecessary things with your friends, aren’t you?”

He should be guilty by now because it is true, but he remained stoic. Refusing to show any sign of guilt.

I watched the exchange nervously, na parang isang intruder sa drama ng kanilang pamilya. It was clear that Aidan’s mother had come with a purpose, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was somehow caught in the middle of it.

Pinanliitan niya ng mga mata ang kaniyang ina at dinuro. “You know what, Mom? I’ve been managing just fine on my own.”

Tita Anya skeptically raised a brow.

“Alam ko, madalas kang mag-alala sa’kin dahil marami na akong nagawang hindi maganda. But I’ve changed, already,” aniya at tumingin sa akin. I nodded at him, giving the assurance that I believe that his explanation of himself would be great. “Now I am aware kung bakit ka nagpunta dito. It is about London, right?”

“Yes, that’s right,” ani Tita Anya na may matalim na tingin. “I heard it from your aunt. Nag-away kayong dalawa.”

He nodded firmly and pressed his lips together.

“It might be just a simple catfight for you, but it is a family matter to me. Hindi na bago sa akin yung makipag-away ka sa iba. But to attack your cousin like that, is one of the worst things I have heard from other people about you. You are bringing our family down with your attitude.”

I can see Aidan’s knuckles turned white.

“You jumped to conclusions way too early, Mom? Nasubukan mo na ba akong pakinggan?… But regardless whoever who’s in the wrong here, I will take accountability for everything I did. Tama man o mali.”

That’s right, Aidan. You should always be aware of the things you’ve caused. Sometimes, you have to take the blame, if necessary, that to play safe.

“I never felt so responsible in my life. Ngayon lang. So please for once trust me, okay?”

Alam kong medyo nahihiya siya sa sitwasyong ito, lalo na at naririnig ko ang usapan nila. I have no rights to intervene their conversation just to save Aidan’s ass.

“Kailangan kong makialam Aidan, because I care for you,” Tita Anya said. Napayuko siya at napahilot sa sentido. “Anyways, I hired some personal bodyguards to give you a protective company–”

“Mom, stop it!”

Napalundag ako sa lakas ng boses ni Aidan.

“Hindi na yun mauuulit, okay? You are overreacting! That is not what I need. Basically, dahil hindi mo talaga ako kilala, despite that I am literally your son.”

“That is not true, Aidan! I know everything about you,” mariing sambit ni Tita Anya.

“No, Mom. You know nothing at all.”

Napatigil si Tita at napaiwas ng tingin. Ramdam kong nasaktan siya sa sinabi ng kaniyang anak.

“Everybody knows you insist what you think is right… what you want! Natanong mo ba ako minsan kung ano ang gusto ko? Ang nais ko lang naman ay mapansin niyo yung mga magandang pagbabago na mayroon ako,” ani Aidan na sa tindi ng galit ay may ugat nang lumilitaw sa kaniyang sentido. He exhaled deeply to calm himself down. A bit of silence before he continued. “I don’t know if you would care, pero kaya ko nang magluto ng totoong pagkain. I practiced everyday until I can perfect our heritage dishes. It must be a big of a deal, since I came from an Italian family with an ideal background in professional cooking. I might consider having my own restaurant in the future just like my cousins. I just want you to know, in case you think I have no plans for my life.”

Medyo huminahon na silang dalawa. And this time, nakinig lang sa kaniya ang ina. Interesado sa kung ano pang sasabihin nito.

“You are no perfect mother, and I am no perfect son. You may have the money to afford things you think would make me better… like hiring a bodyguard, but they will never work. Hindi mo alam ang kailangan ko, because you don’t know me at all. You have no idea how to make your son be fixed,” aniya at kinagat ang kaniyang labi. Tumingin siya sa’kin. “Yoseff knows, because he fixed me.”

Pagkatapos nun ay bigla siyang nag-walk out sa sala, pumunta sa kwarto para kunin ang susi ng kaniyang motorsiklo, at lumabas ng bahay.

Iniwan niya kami ni Tita Anya.

What a scene just happened.

“Yoseff,” her mother called me.

I immediately straightened my back and look at her. Nakangiti siya. Soft and sadly. I know, she is full of emotions right now, and she’s holding it back.

“You heard everything,” aniya.

Hindi ako nagsalita.

“I want to ask for a favor,” she said as she turned to me. “Gusto ko lang naman na masiguro na nasa tamang landas ang anak ko. I am just trying to be the best mother for him. Kahit siguro gawin ko ang lahat ng bagay na ikakabuti sa kaniya, sa tingin ko, hindi magiging madali sa akin na gumaan ang loob niya sa akin.”

Malungkot akong ngumiti at tumabi sa kaniya upang pakinggan ang gusto niyang sabihin.

“You are his roommate for quite a long time and I am confident that you know him very well. More than my knowledge about him” ani Tita Anya at napabuntong hininga. “He even said that you fixed him, and I believe that, so please look after him, okay?”

“Yes, I will, Tita,” sagot ko.

…

UMALIS NA si Tita Anya sa bahay at agad kong tinawagan ang mga kaibigan ni Aidan. Starting with Ren. I think it would be a perfect guess that Aidan went to his place.

“He’s not here,” he simply said and we end up the call immediately.

Maybe he’s not there yet. Tatawag nalang ulit ako sa kaniya mamaya.

I am walking back and forth while I am trying to call each of his friend. Nagbibigayan kami ng numbers for the sake of Aidan, so I can get some updates. Unfortunately, wala raw sa kanila ang may nakakita kay Aidan.

Then, I only got one person left in my contacts that might possibly know where Aidan is. He might not be the right person to ask for help, but I am deeply concerned about Aidan, so I have to give it a shot.

“I don’t know, Sef. We don’t usually talk. Partly because we’re not in good terms, so my house would be the last place he would go for.”

I sighed. London has a point. I just called him because he is the last person I can talk to.

“Sige, no worries. Maybe…uh… I’ll try to figure out myself kung saan siya nagpunta… but thanks anyways for answering my call,” I replied.

I am about to end the call.

“Wait!”

Hindi ko muna pinatay ang tawag at naghintay ng kaniyang sasabihin.

“I think I know a place, Sef,” he said surely. “We can go check if he’s there!”

I somehow trust him. He is Aidan’s cousin, and I’m sure he would know some of his personal information.

“Can you tell me where the place is?”

“Not yet… Look, I really want to help you out,” he said and cleared his throat. “And what I mean is… helping you, more than just giving you the details.”

Napakunot ang noo ko. Anong ibig niyang sabihin?

“You can go over my place and we’ll start looking for him. I’ll text you my address after this call.”

Then the line just cut off.

Hindi ko alam kung tama bang sumunod ako sa kaniya, after what I did to his confession. This would be very awkward for us. He is too kind for me, and I am starting to feel guilty.

But this is the only effective choice I have. I must go.

…

“CHILL KA lang, Sef. Binibilisan ko na,” sabi ni Kuya Eros sa akin nung nakita niya ang matinding pag-aalala sa aking mukha.

Aidan messed up a lot of things in school. Hindi pwedeng palagi nalang ako ang dapat na sumalba sa kaniya. He must try to save himself whenever he gets into trouble. Or else, he won’t grow from it.

Bakit parang ngayon ko lang naisip ang lahat ng ito. I saved his ass multiple times from his fucked up circumstances. I never wavered to write down his school works and let him do some silly things na ikapapahamak niya. Nakakatawa lang.

But as days goes by, I have seen a different side of him. Something that I never thought he would be. He is slowly transitioning into someone you would really admire.

I felt bad I didn’t do anything to defend him from his mother. Next time, I will protect him from doubts of other people, because I believe in him.

“Thank you so much, Kuya. I feel so bad bothering you at this time,” sabi ko habang inilalabas ang pitaka ko.

Agad siyang umiling sa akin.

“Sef, wag na. Hindi mo na ako dapat bayaran.”

Nagpumilit ako pero hindi niya pa rin ito tinanggap. Nagpasalamat ako at nagpaalam na kami sa isa’t isa.

In a semi-rural part of this city, I dropped off to a medium-sized house that looks a little bit luxurious with a beautiful decorative greenery on the yard. Pinindot ko ang door bell sa gate na grills and disenyo kaya natatanaw ko ang loob.

The door opened and it showed London wearing black fitted sando and grey sweatshorts with a hem a few inches above knee. It emphasized how glorious his body is, so I looked away. Naglakad siya papalapit sa akin upang pagbuksan ako.

“Sef…” He mumbled awkwardly. “Sorry, I’m not ready yet. Come in.”

Something within me tells that it is not a good idea to step in.

“No… Maghihintay nalang ako dito sa labas,” sabi ko.

“What? There’s no way I’m going to let you stay outside.”

I sighed, and reluctantly moved inside.

I adored what his home looks like. The color palette of a cold foggy forest in Forks, Washinton, with a few touches of gold. A mix of modern and rustic style. It feels so cozy here, and it smells so good! A combination of musky scent and freshly baked pastries.

Pinaupo niya ako sa kaniyang maluwang na sala. The television is playing a noir film. Sa coffee table, there are scented candles at may isang tray ng iba’t ibang uri ng fruits and pastries, placed elegantly. Cookies, frosted cupcakes, grapes and much more to mention. There is also a bottle of wine with two glass goblets.

“Hungry? Wanna eat something?” tanong niya at umupo sa tabi ko.

“No, I’m fine.”

“You sure?” he said then picked one of the cupcakes and took a bite. Some of its frosting were left in his lips. He noticed it immediately, so he wiped it with his tongue while directly looking at me with his sparkly and soulful green eyes.

Shit. I almost choked without anything in my mouth. I averted my eyes and cleared my throat. He obviously knows what he is doing.

“I’m just going to wait here, Don.”

Nagpokus nalang ako sa panonood ng movie, kahit wala akong naintindihan sa bawat eksena. My mind is bothered with things I am worried of. It is all about Aidan. I must look after him, just like what I have promised with his mother.

“Alright… But relax, okay? We don’t need to be concerned too much. I’m sure Aidan can handle himself.”

“I know… but something bad just happened a while ago. About something I’m not sure if its okay to tell you, but it’s serious. Kung hindi siya naapektuhan ng masama, hindi siya aalis ng bahay.”

I watched him pour the wine to the glasses. Then he picked them up, and offered me one of them.

“I know where he is. I just called someone para malaman kung tama ba ang hinala ko. It turns out my instincts were true,” aniya. Kinuha ko yung glass na binibigay niya sa akin. “He’s safe, Sef. Umalis siya kasi gusto niyang makapag-isip. He needs to go away for quite some time. Can’t we just let him be?”

Then he smiled, assuring me that everything is fine.

“Can you tell me where he is?”

“Not right now, Sef? Just relax here a bit. We’ll go there after a few minutes.”

Tumango ako. I trust him. He is Aidan’s family, so he knows him better than me.

I took a sip of wine. We are just staring at each other like there is something that we need to tell but chose not to talk about.

I watched how his eyes roamed at every corner of my face. It pains me how he looks at me with admiration. I always think that I am not good enough to impress him.

This man is totally too good to true. Too perfect too be played by someone. By me… and I don’t want to hurt him. He deserves someone better and as perfect as him.

---

n o t e

Hi! It’s been a very long time. Been busy juggling work and study at the same time. I really do apologize kung matagal bago naituloy ’to, but please keep in mind that I am one of those unpaid authors who only writes because of passion. I have my own personal priorities, at hindi ako fortunate sa buhay para magkaroon ng time para sa hobbies. Wala naman akong planong gawing paid stories yung mga novels ko currently. I just want you to know why it took years for me to write again.

What drives me to write is your kind words and support. Voting is optional, you can do it if you really like what I’ve written, pero gayunpaman, natutuwa ako kapag nakikita ko ang mga votes sa mga stories ko. Nagpapatunay lang na may mga nagbabasa pa rin, that’s why it means so much to me

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As you may have noticed, I don’t plug my stories on other people’s walls just to gain attention. I want people to find my work by themselves. So if you are one of those people who discovered me among thousands of writers out there, thank you! I am happy that you have reached my space here in Wattpad.

Right now, sinusubukan kong basahin ulit yung nobelang ito upang mag-recollect kung paano ko siya binuo. I’ll try my best to finish this.

-danmax