Introduction. Disclaimer. Warning. Cast.

Introduction

Hello there readers! This is the author talking to you. Welcome to “The Studio” starring the kimdest of the Sandoval brothers, Derrick Sandoval played by gorgeous hunk DERRICK MONASTERIO.

If you’re a new follower, I suggest you first read the main story “The Penthouse” where this spin off story came from. You can also check out the other mini Sandoval stories I made which includes “The Stage” starring GAB LAGMAN, “The Court” featuring TONY LABRUSCA and “The Museum” featuring MARCO GUMABAO.

Disclaimer

This story is purely fictional. The characters depicted in this story don’t represent the artists’ personality let alone their sexual orientation and gender identity. Names, places, and incidents are entirely just products of my imagination. Any resemblance to actual events, places, or people is coincidental. My (the author) opinions and writings are not meant to defame, humiliate, and/or injure anyone should they decide to act upon or reuse any of the content disclosed in any of my published works or comments.

Warning

This story includes mature content (specifically sexual encounters of the same sex.) I (the author) will post warnings on every start of the chapter that contains mature content. Remember, you have been warned. Read at your own risk.

Cast of Characters

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Derrick Monasterio as Derrick Sandoval.

A budding photographer and a well decorated pilot. One of the five heirs to the Sandoval fortune.

Kind. Understanding. Optimistic.

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Zhai Zilu as Cody Villarasa

The toughest business rival the Sandoval family has ever faced.

Aggressive. Terrifying. Manipulative.

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CHAPTER 1 - Pronto!!!

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Disclaimer

I do not own of the photos. All credit belongs to the owners.

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Mataas pa ang sikat ng araw sa isa sa mga pinaka-abalang lungsod sa Pilipinas. Makikita ang nakakalulang convoy ng mga sasakyan na halos kumain na sa buong kalsada.

Nagtinginan ang ibang motorista sa rangya ng mga sasakyan na sunod-sunod na dumaan. Hindi nagtagal at huminto na ang mga ito sa tapat ng isang napakatayog na business tower.

Mabilis na naglabasan mula sa mga sasakyan ang abala ngunit napakaseryosong staff pati na rin ang iilang security detail. Nagsilayuan ang ibang tao nang mapansin nila kung sinong halimaw ang dumating.

Dahan-dahang lumabas ang isang gwapong binata mula sa kanyang magarbong sasakyan. Natatakpan pa ng sunglasses ang kanyang mukha pero bakas na bakas na ang pagkaseryoso nito.

Naglakad na sila na pinapalibutan ang nasabing binata. Lumuwag bigla ang abalang lobby ng building nang pumasok na ang buong team.

“Good m-m-morning po CLV” yukong pagbati ng ibang mga empleyado pero parang hangin lang silang dinaanan ng binata. “Tiffany, my schedule…..” tipid na utos ng binata. “You have a meeting with HTT Corp in 10am and a luncheon with our shareholders regarding the new business move for Villarasa Holdings this coming quarter.” mabilis na sabi ng babaeng pinakamalapit sa binata. “And in the afternoon?” dagdag na tanong ng binata nang bumukas ang elevator. “An interview with Daily Manila by 3pm. Ms. Joyce Daniels will do interview.”

“G-G-Good morning CLV….” bati ng lahat ng nasa loob ng elevator bago nagmadaling lumabas para masolo ng binata at secretary nya ang elevator. Ginamit naman ng ibang kasapi ng team ang kabilang elevator. “Cancel that….” tipid na utos nya. “B-B-But sir….” takot na pagtutol ng secretary. Sa wakas ay bumaling na ng tingin sa kanya ang binata sabay bahagyang binaba ang stylish nyang sunglasses.

“Th-Th-They have been asking for that interview for months now. Personally sir, I think that it’s a good marketing strategy for your new projects.” katwiran ni Tifanny. “Well. If they are really serious in securing this interview, then why will they send that oompa loompa looking bitch? I mean. They could’ve sent Jennifer Pantaleon. What do they think of me? Just some random businessman???!!! Cancel that. Grant the interview to Patterns Publications.” mabilis na utos ng binata.

“Bu-But they’re requesting for an outdoor photoshoot.” kabadong sambit ni Tifanny nang bumukas na ang elevator papunta sa isang malawak at enggrandeng opisina. “So what? Just cancel Daily Manila. Better yet, put them on blacklist.” sabi ng binata habang nag-aalinlangan pa si Tifanny.

“Tell the people from Patterns to move their shoot tomorrow. I’ll be doing something else this afternoon.  I’m in the mood of buying out the rest of the stocks from Mister Lee.” pag-uumpisa ng binata.

“Papakita ko sa kanya kung sinong binangga nya.” bulong nya sa sarili ng napansing nakatunganga lang sa kanya ang secretary nya.

“PRONTOOOO!!!” bulyaw sa kanya ng kanyang boss na halos nagpalipad sa mga hawak nya.

Pumwesto na ang binata sa kanyang modernong desk at sa wakas ay tinanggal na ang shades. Tumambad ang isang gwapong binata. Maamo sanang tingnan ang kanyang mukha ngunit hindi maikakaila ang nanggagalit nyang mata. Huminga muna sya ng malalim bago buksan ang kanyang laptop. “Another day to destroy the Sandovals….” bulong nya sa sarili nang umpisahan na ang trabaho.

Cody Luis Villarasa, kilala sa business world bilang CLV. Isa sya sa mga pinakabata ngunit pinakamapusok na business magnate sa buong South East Asia. Kilala sya bilang isang risk-taker at matapang na investor. Maraming kritiko ang nagsasabing henyo pagdating sa negosyo si Cody. Na pinanganak sya para magpatakbo ng mga higanteng kumpanya. Kaya hindi na nakakapagtaka na naibagngon nya ang dating Villarasa Holdings, Inc. mula sa pagiging maliit na negosyo hanggang sa ito’y maging isa sa mga pinakamaimpluwensyang kumpanya sa buong rehiyon.

Sa kabila ng kanyang matagumpay na karera ay kilala rin sya bilang isang matapobreng tao. Huwag magpadala sa kanyang gwapong mukha at makisig na pangangatawan. Si Cody ay may obsesyon sa pagiging numero uno sa lahat ng bagay kaya naman walang kapantay ang poot nya sa kaisa-isang natitirang kakumpetensya nila sa negosyo, ang institusyon nang Sandoval Group of Companies. Walang ibang nasa isip si Cody kung hindi mapabagsak na sa wakas ang mga ito.

Derrick’s POV

“Ganda talaga ng shots mo boss….” said Karlo, one of my assistants here in Patterns Magazine.

“I told you, stop calling me that bruh. Hahaha!” I answered. Kulit talaga nitong si Karlo.

“Sobrang astig lang kasi boss. Imagine. Piloto na. Photographer pa.” he said as he helped me out in packing away some crazy long cables after we wrapped up a shoot.

“Hahaha! Nako. I’m still far from being a good photographer. I’m still learning the ways pare.” I said as we made our way out of the studio when Jiliian, one of our staff approached us.

“Derrick… Please say yes muna!!!!” she said.

“Huh??? What are you saying?” I asked as she cornered me and Karlo.

“Nagpapropose na ata boss… Hahaha!” Karlo whispered.

“HINDI! BALIW! Pero Derrick sige naaa! Please say yes first…” she begged me.

“Y-Y-Yes??? I guess?” I awkwardly smiled.

“YES!!!!” she cheered.

“Uhm. Jil? What did I agree to?” I asked.

“Okay ganito kasi D. May emergency shoot kasi tomorrow. Wala ng ibang available na photogrpaher… Eh since you said yes. So ikaw na.” she simple answered.

“W-W-Wait. Isn’t it Billy’s schedule tomorrow?” I asked.

“About that….

He ano kasi…

He…..

Backed out ofthe project.“ Jil answered. Why does she looks so afraid?

“Si Billy??? Nag back-out??!! Bago yun ah…” Karlo butted in.

“After learning kasi kung sino yung kukuhanan, he backed out right away.” she confessed.

“Ba-Bakit? Sino ba yun?” tanong ko.

“CLV…..” the only thing she said.

“CLV? Sino yun?” I asked again. I really don’t get these people using initials for names. That’s why you have names for Christ’s sake.

“Cody Luis Villarasa. D, are you living under a rock???!!!” inis na sabi pa ni Jil.

“Nako. Patay tayo dyan. Mapapaback-out rin kami dyan Jil. Sorry.” Karlo said right away.

“C-C-C-Cody? The businessman?” I tried to confirm.

“Uhm? Who else? There’s only one Cody Villarasa in the business world D.” she sarcastically answered me.

“So… Si Cody nga….” the only thing I was able to say.

I can’t help but remember the first time we met. That was years ago….

Kumusta na kaya sya? Galit pa rin kaya sya?

“Wait. OH MY GOD! Diba you’re a Sandoval?” Jil asked.

“AY OO NGA BOSS!!!! Diba galit na galit yun sa mga Sandovals?! Nako boss. Deliks tayo dyan. Baka hindi photo shoot ang mangyari. Baka gun shooting ang mangyari.” sabi ni Karlo na mukhang takot na takot.

Oh yeah. I remember how furious he was when we first met. That was a crazy night. He almost pushed me down the ocean that time. Hahahaha!

“Shoot oo nga. Sige sige. I’ll just ask Noah if he’s free to handle. The management’s been bugging me since this morning. Apparently, big deal sa kanila tong feature na to since CLV rarely allows intimate, one-on-one interviews. “ she said. Mukhang stressed na stressed na sya.

“I’ll do it…” I answered as she almost left the room. Napalingon kaagad si Jil at Karlo na katabi ko.

“R-Really? You’re gonna do it???!!!!” Jil’s smile is from ear to ear.

“Boss. Anong trip yan?!” Karlo complained.

“Don’t worry. I can handle him. I met him before.” I answered.

“Anong nangyari nun boss?” Karlo asked.

“Hmmmm?? Well he tried to kill me. But let’s see. Maybe this time, it’ll be different.” I simply said.

“Boss ano ka ba. Baka —–…” sasagot pa sana si Karlo when Jil interrupted him.

“Okay na diba?! Diba??!!! Nag yes na diba??!!!” she glared at Karlo.

“So where’s the shoot?” I simply asked.

“Actually…Yun pa pala… Hehehehe….” she just scratched her head.

End of Derrick’s POV

Cody’s POV

“Thank you Mister Villarasa. It’s my honor to have this interview with you.” said this woman who’s been asking me the worst questions ever. for almost an hour now. I just faked a smile to get this over with.

Good thing this island where we’re doing this shoot seems really nice. It’s a wonderful way to take a time-off from work. I then went to our tent to prepare for the photo shoot.

“CLV, the crew is here.” Tiffany called me. We wrapped up the styling and went outside the tent.

I took a sigh as I prepared for my pose.

“Okay.. Let’s do this…” I said as I saw this guy who seems to be the photographer.

“G-G-Good afternoon po….” he shyly greeted.

Teka lang….. Kilala ko to ah???!!!

“AREN’T YOU A SANDOVAL????!!!!” I screamed.

“Patay tayo boss. Bistado….” said his assistant.

“I KNEW IT! IT’S YOU! I CAN’T FORGET THAT FACE!!!” I screamed as all the people in the shoot stood in fear.

“Hey Cody…” he simply smiled

THE AUDACITY OF THIS SANDOVAL????!!!!

“N-N-NOOOOO!!!! I’M NOT DOING THIS SHOOT!!!!! NOT WITH THIS SANDOVAL!!!!” I can feel my voice being heard across the entire island.

I walked out of the set as one of the crew approached me.

“Sir…. We’re really sorry…” she’s about to cry. You better cry you incompetent piece of trash!!!

“HOW CAN YOU DISRESPECT ME LIKE THIS???!!!!” I screamed at her.

“HEY…..” I heard a voice from afar.

That Sandoval really shouted at me????!!!! I’m about to storm my way towards him when my team tried to stop me.

“I’M NOT GONNA THROW THIS FIT IF YOU JUST STAYED IN YOUR TOWER MINDING YOUR OWN BUSINESS SANDOVAL!!!!” I screamed at him.

But…

Why does he seem so chill.

Wala ba syang pakiramdam? I’m clearly yelling at him.

Bakit walang epekto???

Mas lalong nakakapikoooon!!!!

“Are you that afraid of me???” he asked out of nowhere.

Napatigil ako….

Ang kapal ng mukha nitong lalaking to!!!

“HOY SANDOVAL LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING!!!!!” I screamed.

“Here we go again….” I heard Tiff whispered.

Pero guess what???!!!

I

DON’T

FUCKING

CAAAAARE!!!

I continued my tirade pero nakatayo lang sya. He didn’t even move a single muscle.

“Ano??? Tapos ka na???” he simple answered after I almost lost my voice screaming at him.

“I’m here to work. I’m not here to please you okay. Can we just be professionals here?” he answered.

BASTOS NA TO!

“I don’t care wha—–….” I was about to answer back when he interrupted me.

“Out of all the people here Cody, you should be the one who should be the most professional. Naturingnang CEO ka pa naman….” he said. The rest of them all looked at me.

Bwiset…..

Ayokong matawag na unprofessional dito.

UGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!

I took a deep breath.

“Fine. Just make this quick. I can’t stand the sight of this Sandoval…” I told the rest of them.

“Tsk. Pakipot pa…..” I heard him whispered.

“What did you say???!!!” I exclaimed as my team does the finishing touches.

“Wala po….. Sabi ko I’m ready when you are….“he answered. Ugh! He’s soooo annoying.

I started posing for the camera.

Nakakainis. I can’t concentrate since every time I try to look at the camera, I can see his face.

“It’s free to smile in case you missed the memo…” he sarcastically said.

“Yeah whatever…” I just flashed a very fake smile.

As we went to the different spots here in the island, I can’t help but notice how this place really looks nice.

Finally the shoot wrapped up.

Ugh.

Thank God!!! I can’t stand another hour with this Sandoval.

We basically just can’t be allowed to coexist in one place, breath the same air.

No.

Just no.

End of Cody’s POV

Mabilis na nag-ligpit ang team ni Cody pati na rin ang mga kasamahan ni Derrick.

“Sir, the choppers are ready….” bilin ni Tiffany kay Cody. “I think I’ll be staying here for a few more hours. I wanna go back to that hidden lake. Just tell them to go back for us later.” banggit ni Cody. “W-Why sir?” pagtataka ni Tiffany. “I’m gonna buy this place. That hidden lake is the perfect place to put up my next villa.” ngiting plano ni Cody. “Y-You mean the island sir?” litong tanong ni Tiffany. “No Tiffany. I’m gonna buy you a new set of brain.

OF COURSE THIS ENTIRE ISLAND!!!

My God Tiffany, can you get any dumber????.“ simangot na sagot ni Cody.

“You know what. Para magkasilbi ka naman. Call Attorney Mendoza and tell him to arrange the papers so I can purchase this whole place…. I want this place to be all mine by tomorrow….” bilin ni Cody habang pinaglalaruan ang pinong-pinong buhangin sa kamay nya. ……. ……. ……. “PRONTOOOOO!!!” bulyaw nya kay Tiffany na napatalon sa gulat.

Hindi nagtagal at dumating na ang mga vans na susundo sa kanila. Umalis na ang mga ito at naiwan nga si Cody at Tiffany. Naglakad na sila pabalik sa hidden lake na sinasabi ni Cody nang napatigil sila nang mapansin ang dalawang lalaki na nasa beachfront.

“Tell me it’s not that Sandoval????!!!!” gigil na bulong ni Cody na halos nagpadilat sa mga mata ni Tiffany sa takot. “Oh hey….” ngiting humarap sa kanila si Derrick kasama si Karlo. “What the fuck??? Why are you still here???!!!” inis na bungad sa kanila ni Cody. “We heard you talking about the helicopters flying back here later. So we decided to stay as well. Ang sarap kuhanan ng pictures ng lugar na to eh. “ simpleng sagot ni Derrick sabay nakaw ng picture kay Cody at Tiffany.

“Ugh. Whatever. Bahala kayo sa buhay nyo. Tiff… Let’s go….” utos ni Cody kay Tiffany na parang nakakatitigan pa si Karlo.

Matapos ang dalawang oras ay bumalik na sila sa beachfront at nandun pa rin sila Derrick at Karlo na nakikipaglaro naman sa mga bata na anak ng mga natives duon. “Ugh. Kids…” irap ni Cody nang napansin nya ang paglalaro mula sa malayo. Umupo nalang silang dalawa ni Tiffany sa ilalim ng silong. “Hey Cody. C’mon let’s play!!!” ngting aya ni Derrick na libang na libang kasama ang mga bata. “Tell them to clean up first. Then maybe we can play… Ugh. Gross…” pandidiri ni Cody na tinawanan lang ni Derrick.

Naghiyawan sa saya ang mga bata sa saya. “Tiffany wala pa ba yung helicopters????!!! It’s more than 20 minutes na silang delayed.” utos ng inip na inip na si Cody habang tuloy sa pagcontact si Tiffany. “Sabihin mo sakanila if they don’t arrive here in 10 minutes I will definitely ……––” napatigil sa pagsasalita si Cody nang makita na nakahubad na pala si Derrick na nakikipaglaro sa mga bata.

Napatitig si Cody sa matipunong katawan ni Derrick.

Halos kumikintab na ang mga muscles nito na puno na ng pawis dahil sa pagtama ng araw sa kanyang balat.

Napalunok ng laway si Cody sa nasasaksihan nya.

“CLV….

CLV….

Sir!“ pagtawag ni Tiffany na pumukaw sa atensyon ni Cody.

“Yes… Yes I’m ano… I’m here. What were you saying again???” pagkukunwari ni Cody.

“I got them on the other line…. I don’t know how to say this…. I guess it’s best if you just talk to them personally….” pangingnig ni Tiffany sa takot.

“Where the hell are you? I told you to pick us up by 5pm diba!!! Tell me, what part of that statement isn’t clear to you???!!!” bulyaw ni Cody… “WHAAAAT????!!!!” malakas na sigaw ni Cody na tumawag sa reaksyon nila Derrick at Karlo. Napalapit sila kay Cody at Tiffany. “Anong you cannot pick us up? Are you freaking kidding me? I want to talk to you superior! PRONTOOOO!!!” malakas na utos ni Cody. “Ano ba tong boss mo? May period ba yan?” ngiting bulong ni Karlo kay Tiffany na natawa ng bahagya.

“OH MY GOD. SO YOU’RE TELLING ME WE’RE STUCK HERE IN THIS ISLAND FOR WHAT??? TWO MORE FUCKING DAYS???” galit na galit na sigaw ni Cody. “CAPTAIN ZAMORA RIGHT????!!!!” inis na pag-uumpisa ni Cody na biglang napansin ni Derrick. “DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH MILLIONS OF PESOS WILL BE LOST IF I LEAVE MY EMPIRE UNATTENDED FOR JUST TWO DAYS??? HAAAA???!!!” sermon na malakas ni Cody. “Wait… Captain Zamora?” pagtataka ni Derrick. “Uh?! Yeah?! As if naman kilala mo sya.” inis na sagot ni Cody nang kinuha bigla ni Derrick sa kanya ang phone nya. “Hey give it back!” pag-agaw ni Cody pero lumayo ng kaunti si Derrick. “Wilson??? Bro???” pag-uumpisa ni Derrick. “Sandoval to gagi. Hahahahahaha!!!!” pagpapatuloy nya habang ang sama ng tingin sa kanya ni Cody. “Ah ganon ba. Sige sige bro. I understand. Kausapin ko nalang sya…..” pagpapatuloy ni Derrick. “HAHAHAHA! Gago ka talaga!!! Sige explain ko nalang sa kanila. Ingat kayo dyan sa Manila bro…” pagtatapos ni Derrick sabay balik kila Cody.

“Bakit mo binaba yung call Sandoval ano ka ba???!!! I’m still talking to him!! sigaw sa kanya ni Cody. “You know what Villarasa, kahit anong sigaw mo sa kanya, they won’t make it.” simpleng sagot sa kanya ng kalmadong si Derrick. “And how do you know that???!!!!” pagkwestyon sa kanya ni Cody. “Cause I have this…” pagbagsak ni Derrick sa lisensya nya bilang piloto. Napatahimik ng saglit si Cody.

“And …. And soooo???” di makatingin na pagtataray ni Cody. “Well if that doesn’t convince you. Better look up in the sky…” sagot ni Derrick na ginawa naman ng tatlo nyang kasama. “There’s a big typhoon in Manila now. And it’s currently on it’s way here too. So if I were you, I’ll use my energy to look for shelter instead of yelling your non-sense to your secretary.” pangbabara ni Derrick kay Cody. Napangiti naman ng saglit si Tiffany sa pagtatanggol sa kanya ni Derrick.

“I…. I don’t believe you. You’re a Sandoval. Why should I trust you??? If I know, you’re just making this all up so I’ll be stuck here in this island then you’re evil family will bypass all contracts of Villarasa Holdings. Alam ko na ang galawan nyong mga Sandovals!!” bulyaw ni Cody. “Tsk…” napangisi nalang si Derrick. “If that’s what you want to believe. Bahala ka….Sisilong lang kami ni Karlo…. Uhm… Miss? Wanna go with us???” tanong ni Derrick kay Tiffany. Tatayo na si Tiffany nang hinablot sya ni Cody pabalik. “You’re seriously going to ditch me over that Sandoval and his ogre looking friend????” nanlilisik na mata ni Cody. “Ay grabe po sya…” biro ni Karlo. “You stay here with me. We’re not leaving this spot. Hindi tayo susunod sa Sandoval na yan. NEVEEEEER!!!” galit na sigaw ni Cody na nagpalayas sa dalawa. “Hahahaha! If you say so…” natatawang lakad ni Derrick na sinundan naman ni Karlo.

Biglang kumulog ng malakas na napakapit pa si Tiffany sa baraso ng boss nya. “SIIIR!!!” takot na bulong ni Tiffany sa boss nya. “Ano ka ba. Hindi tutuloy yan. I promise. I swear. I’m Cody Villarasa and I command the storm to disappear.” pagmamalaki ni Cody.

Matapos ang ilang minuto.

…….

…….

…….

…….

…….

……..

“GET ME OUT OF THIS ISLAAAAAAND!!!!!” sigaw ni Cody sa sekretarya nya habang halos tangayin na sila ng napakalakas na hangin. Basang-basa na sila sa maladelubyong bagyo.

“Hahahahaha!!!! Look at where pride can get you…. Hahahahaha!!!!!” malakas na pagtawa ni Derrick habang tinatangay na ng malakas na hangin ang mag-amo. May bigla namang dumaong na bangka na nagmamadali na ring makaalis sa nanggagalit na dagat. “OH MY GOD TIFFANY HARANGIN MO SYA!!!” inalerto ni Cody ang secretary nya. “Pare!!! Look!!!” pagsiko ni Derrick kay Karlo. “This is gonna be fun….” napapakagat labi pa sa ngiti si Derrick na abang na abang sa mangyayari kila Cody.

“Manong can you bring us to Manila. I’ll pay you…. Tifanny, get my checkbook!!!” pinagmadali ni Cody si Tiffany. “Sir. Basa na po lahat ng gamit natin.” sagot ni Tiffany. “Nako sir. Hindi nyo po ba nakikita yung bagyo? Sobrang laki na po ng mga alon. Kaya nga po kami napabalik dito eh.” katwiran ng bangkero. “Wait. Sige ganito… You can… You can have this….” nagmamadaling tinanggal ni Cody ang relos na suot nya. “This is worth more than your life and your whole family. C’mon manong let’s go! Tiffany! Dali!!!!” pagsakay ni Cody sa bangka. “BASTOS KA AH!!!! galit na binagsak ng bangkero ang sagwan nya sa buhangin nang akmang susugurin na nya si Cody.

“Shit. SHIT! SHIIIT!!!” napatayo at napasugod sila Derrick at Karlo papunta kila Cody. “ANONG TINGIN MO SAKIN?! UHAW SA PERA MO???!!!” madiin na hablot ng bangkero kay Cody. “LET GO OF ME!!!! I’M GONNA FUCKING SUE YOU!!!” hiyaw ni Cody pero ayaw pa rin syang bitawan ng lalaki. “Manong! Teka lang po!!!” pagpigil ni Derrick. Mabuti at malakas sya at napigilan ang bangkero.

“Bumaba ka dyan sa bangka ko ihahampas ko to sayo!!!!” pagbabanta ng bangkero kay Cody na inabot ang sagwan nya. “Manong…. Pagpasensyahan nyo na po…“tuloy na pagharang ni Derrick.

“Pare! Tulungan mo na nga sila!” utos ni Derrick kay Karlo na umalalay kay Cody pababa ng bangka. “OH MY GOD TIFFANY WILL BE STUCK HERE???!!!! I’LL DEFINITELY DIE TIFFANY!!!! I’M TELLING YOU I’M GONNA DIE HERE!!!” mangiyak-ngiyak na pag-iinarte ni Cody. “Pagsabihan mo yang kasama mo ah! Masyadong matabil ang dila!!!” inaabot pa rin ng bangkero si Cody.

“Raul?! Anong nangyayari dito???” kabang tanong ng isa pang bangkerong dumating. Mas nakatatanda ang bangkerong ito. “Gago tong dayo na to! Kung ano-ano pinagsasasabi!!!” dinuro-duro nya si Cody. “SCREW YOU!!! SCREW ALL OF YOU!!! SCREW THIS GOD FORSAKEN ISLAAAAND!!!” sigaw sa kanya ni Cody. “Cody ano ba!!!” gigil na bulong ni Derrick sa kanya. “Raul….. Sige na… Sige na… Ako nang bahala sa kanila….“pagpapakalma ng bagong dati na bangkero. “Pagsabihan mo yan Tonyo ah!” inis na pagduro nito kay Cody bago tuluyang umalis.

“Hali muna kayo at sumilong….” yaya ng nakatatandang bangkero sa isang barong barong. Hirap pa silang kumbinsihin ang matigas na ulong si Cody pero napilit na rin nila ito kinalaunan. “Nida, magpainit ka ng tubig para dito sa mga bata…” ani ng matandang bangkero nang lumabas ang isang nakatatandang babae. “Ay nako. Bakit basang basa itong mga batang ito??!!!” pag-aalala ng matanda. “Baldo???” bungad ni Derrick nang makita ang batang kalaro nya kanina. “Hi Kuya Derrick!” masayang bati ni Baldo. “Mabuti at nabanggit sakin nitong apo ko na naiwan kayo dun sa dalampasigan. Delikado duon kapag may malakas na bagyo tulad nito…. Ako nga pala si Lolo Tonyo ninyo. Andun naman sa kusina ang Lola Nida ninyo…” pagpapakilala sa kanila ng matanda. “Ako naman po si Derrick, ito po yung kaibigan kong si Karlo. Ito naman po si Tifanny at…. “ napabuntong hininga pa sya nang makita na may binubulong pa si Cody kay Tiffany.

“Tifanny, you have to get that man’s name, his address, his social security number, everything about him you understand????!!!! I will fucking sue him. Look at what he did to my arm!!!” bulong ng galit pa ring si Cody sa sekretarya nya. “At ito naman po si Cody….” walang ka gana-ganang pagpapakilala ni Derrick. “Cody Luis Villarasa. You can call me CLV for short, pwede ring your highness, or your majesty, any of those will do.” biglang tayo at pakikipag kamay nya sa matanda. Pigil na pigil sa tawa ang tatlo nyang kasama. “How thoughtful of you poor old man to let us in your humble abode. I’m beyond grateful. Really. But here’s my unsolicited advice…..” pag-uumpisa ni Cody na nilibot ang mata sa kapiligiran ng barong barong nila Lolo Tonyo.

“Ugh….Here we go again….” napahawak nalang sa sintindo si Derrick. “I highly suggest you start doing pest control. I mean, your place looks….. Uhmmmm??? Decent??? But it still needs a lot…. And I mean a loooot of work like….––“dadaldal pa sana si Cody nang inakbayan sya bigla ni Derrick. “Lo, pagpasensyahan nyo na po tong kaibigan namin. May saltik lang po talaga to….” pagligtas ni Derrick kay Cody. Iritableng inalis naman ni Cody ang pagkaka-akbay sa kanya ni Derrick. “AHAHAHAHAHA MAY SALTIIIIK!!!” pang-aasar ni Baldo. “Wait? What’s saltik? Isn’t it supposed to be funny???” pagtataka ni Cody. “Walaaaaa.” simpleng sagot sa kanya ni Derrick pero natatawa-tawa pa rin ang lahat.

“Ito… Humigop muna kayo ng sabaw…“sabi ni Lola Nida na bitbit ang apat na maiinit na mangkok. May dala rin syang makapal na tela para may panandaliang pananggalang sila sa lamig.

Nag-umpisa na silang humigop ng sabaw. “Ugh! I’m starving!!!!” reklamo ni Cody na mabilis na nilantakan ang mainit na sabaw na hinanda ni Lola Nida. “Oh… Wait…. I want those….” biglang tayo ni Cody at binuksan ang garapon ng mushrooms at hinalo ito sa soup nya at nagtuloy sa pagkain. “OH MY GOD OLD LADY!!!! This tastes soooo good!!! This doesn’t look like Cordyceps but it still tastes immaculate!!!” pagpuri ni Cody na takam na takam pa sa mga nilagay nyang mushrooms. “Ah? Yan ba jiho. Nako mga kabute lang yan na pinulot ko dyan sa puno sa gilid. Isasama ko sana sa pataba sa lupa…” sagot ni Lola Nida.

“W-W-What????” kabadong ngiti ni Cody. “Eh hindi naman kasi talaga yan para sa pagkain jiho. Yang mga kabute na kasi yan laging naiihian ng mga lasing dito na dumadaan.” paliwanag ni Lola Nida. Halos sumabog na ang pisngi nila Derrick, Karlo at Tiffany sa pagpigil sa pagtawa. Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Cody sa gulat at napahawak agad sa bibig nya.

Napatakbo sya sa sulok sabay luwa sa lahat ng kinain nya. Umalingawngaw na mas malakas pa sa magigiting na kulog ang tili ni Cody na puno ng pandidiri sa kinain nya habang humagalpak naman sa tawa ang lahat.

“Mga apo… Pagpasensyahan nyo na tong mga damit namin ah….” pag-abot ni Lola Nida sa mga pinahiram nilang mga damit sa kanilang mga bisita. “T-T-Thank you…” nag-aalangan pang sagot ni Cody na tumanggap ng mga damit. “Naks naman Sir Cody…. Nagthathank you ka pala!!! Hahahaha!!!” pang-aasar ni Karlo.

“I’ll go after you Tiff ah.” bilin ni Cody kay Tiffany na pumasok sa banyo para magpalit. “Sus. Arte.” biro ni Derrick na inirapan lang ni Cody.

Ready na matulog ang lahat sa papag na sinet-up para sa kanila nang lumabas si Cody. Lutang na lutang ang porselana nyang balat sa maluwag na damit na pinahiram sa kanya. Napatingin naman si Derrick at napangiti sa kasimplehan ng suot ni Cody.

“O sya mga apo. Matulog na kayo…” bilin ni Lolo Tonyo at Lola Nida. Naunang humiga si Cody sa bandang gitna, nasa magkabilang dulo naman si Karlo at Tiffany. Kaya inis na inis sya ng tumabi sa kanya ang simpatikong si Derrick. Mabilis na nakatulog sila Karlo at Tiffany.

“Ugh. Hindi pa nga ako nakakatulog, nagstart na agad tong nightmare ko.” bulong ni Cody. “Ako naman mukhang ang bilis ng wet dreams ko nito.” biro ni Derrick. “Gross!!!!” inis na bulong ulit ni Cody na nagpumilit na tumagilid para makaiwas kay Derrick pero hindi na nya magawa dahil sa sikip ng pwesto nila.

“I miss you… I can still remember when you leaned your head on my shoulders that night.” ngiting biro ni Derrick. “Quit it Sandoval.” pikon na sagot ni Cody nang biglang kumulog ng napakalakas. Nagulat silang dalawa nang napayakap si Cody kay Derrick sa takot.

“Get the fuck away from me!!!” tulak ni Cody kay Derrick. “Hey. You’re the one who jumped over me…. But you know what… I don’t mind…” nagpataas-taas pa ng kilay si Derrick. “So fucking gross… FYI Sandoval.. Kahit anong mangyari, hinding hinding hindi ko ididikit ang balat ko sayo no.” pag-irap ni Cody. “Sabi mo yan ah….” ngiting sagot ni Derrick. Hindi nagtagal at nakatulog na silang lahat.

……..

……..

…….

…….

……..

…….

“Hmmmmmm…..” nangingiti-ngiti pa si Cody na  sinandal ang mukha nya sa isang matipunong dibdib.

“Bait pala nyang bossing mo no? Kapag tulog nga lang…. Hahahahaha!” biro ni Karlo kay Tiffany na kasabay nyang nagkakape kasama sila Lola Nida at Lolo Tonyo.

Tuluyan nang umalis ang bagyo at maaliwalas na muli sa buong isla.

“Ssssshhhh…. Ingay nyo…. Natutulog pa tong baby ko eh….” biro ni Derrick na ingat na ingat na hinimas ang buhok ni Cody na mas yumakap pa sa kanya ng mahigpit.

“Napakalambing naman pala nyang si Cody eh… Nakakatuwang bata.” ngiting pinagmasdan sila ni Lola NIda.

Gumalaw ng kaunti si Derrick nang biglang hinila ulit sya ng tulog pa ring si Cody at niyakap ng sobrang lambing. Hindi na napigilan ng lahat na humagalpak sa tawa kaya naalimpungatan na si Cody at mabagal na dinilat ang kanyang mga mata.

“Good morning….” simpatikong bati ni Derrick sa kanya. Halos magdikit na ang mga mukha nila sa isa’t-isa. Para namang nabuhusan ng kumukulong tubig si Cody sa gulat. “ANONG GINAWA MO SAKIN SANDOVAL??!!!! SASAPAKIN KITA!!!!” sigaw ni Cody na akmang sasapakin na si Derrick. Mabuti at napigilan pa sya ni Karlo kahit tawang tawa pa rin ito. “Bakit na naman baby? Galit ka na naman agad? LQ agad tayo???!!! Hahahaha!!!” preskong biro ni Derrick na prenteng prente pa rin sa pagkakahiga. “Anong baby baby ka dyan???!!!! Manyakis ka!!!! MANYAKIS!!!!” galit na bulyaw ni Cody na tiyak na nagpagising sa buong baryo. “Alam nyo. Kumain nalang kayo ng almusal dito ng mahimasmasan kayo. Gutom lang yan.” pag-aya sa kanila ni Lola Nida.

Inis na umupo sa magkabilang dulo ng mahabang bangko si Cody at Derrick. Galit na nginuya-nguya ni Cody ang pandesal na hawak nya habang hindi mawala ang nakamamatay nyang tingin kay Derrick na tuloy pa rin ang kindat at pang-iinis sa kanya.

“Baldo, bakit hindi mo muna sila ipasyal dito sa isla? Tutal wala na rin naman ng bagyo.” mungkahi ni Lolo Tonyo.

“Sige po lolo! Saan nyo po gustong pumunta?” ngiting tanong ni Baldo sa mga bisita nila.

“Tour me around this island. I might reconsider buying this whole placce…” supladang sagot ni Cody sa kanya na hindi naman naintindihan ng bata.

“Halina po kayo!!!” masayang yaya sa kanila ng bata.

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A/N

Thank you for reading the first chapter of “The Studio.” Don’t forget to vote, comment down your favorite parts as well as share this story with your fellow readers. See you on the next chapter!

CHAPTER 2 - Rural Romance

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Disclaimer

I do not own of the photos. All credit belongs to the owners.

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Cody’s POV

“Dito po tayo.” called Baldo or whatever his name is as we made our way further into the town.

“Tiffany, did you bring my sanitizer? Did you bring my disinfectants? Did you bring my air freshener?” I whispered to her as we followed them.

“Sir. Trust me. People here are clean…” she answered me.

“OH MY GOD!!!” I screamed as this lady literally chopped off the head of the fish as we walked in front of her.

“I told you this place is filthy!!!! Bakit ka ba kasi sumama-sama pa dito?! We should’ve stayed with those oldies! At least we’re safe and we can focus on —–….” I excalimed when I noticed she’s not paying attention to me.

Who the hell is she smiling at?

I followed her view and saw Sandoval’s monkey ass looking sidekick smilng back at her.

“ Ang harot harot mo!!!“ I exclaimed as I pinched her on the side.

“Araaaaay siiiir!!!!” she screamed that caught everyone’s attention.

“Oh ano na naman nangyari?” this annoying Sandoval asked.

“Sya kasi boss eh. Kinurot bigla si babes…” his side kick answered.

“ANONG BABES BABES KA DYAN? Stay away from her! My God! Hindi na kayo nahiya sakin. Sa harap ko pa kayo naglalandian!!!” I screamed right on their faces.

“Cody. Aga-agaaa….” Sandoval annoyingly answered.

“Oo nga Sir Cody. Pabayaan muna kami ni babes…” he said as he warpped his arms around Tiffany.

“At enjoy na enjoy ka naman malandi ka!!!” I shouted.

“Sir naman eh. Kaya nga kanina eh…. Sarap sarap ng yakap nyo kay Sir Derrick eh..” she said.

ABA! AT SUMASAGOT NA TO?! 

KAPAG TALAGANG NASASAMA SA MGA SANDOVAL, SUMASAMA TALAGA ANG UGALI!

TIFFANY NEVER TALKED TO ME LIKE THAT BEFORE!

I was about to grab her from that Karlo guy when I felt a heavy arm placed over my shoulders.

“Oo nga. Chill babe. Just think of this us… You know… Double date…” Sandoval said as he looked far away. 

“Ang feeling mo gago!!!” I answered as I elbowed his tummy.

“Aray!!! Cody!!!” he exclaimed in pain.

The fuck I give to you?!

“BALDO LET’S GO!” I said as I led the way this time.

Bahala kayo sa buhay nyo.

“Manang Yoli!!!” Baldo called as we waited outside this shop full of jars and all.

“Oh Baldo. Bat ka napadpad dito?” a lady came out of the store.

“Sabi po kasi ni Lola ipasyal ko po sila dito sainyo.” he smiled at the lady.

“Ah ganon ba? Sige sige pasok kayo…“she welcomed us inside.

This place looks really nice kahit uhmmm … it’s kinda dim… But the jars and pots here look incredible.

From the corner, we saw a man who’s forming a pot from clay.

“This is soooo cool…” I said as we watched him.

Sandoval took pictures of the guy in action. 

“Can I see?” I peeked at his camera to see his shots.

“Aaaawww… Ang ganda naman….” I mentioned..

“Ikaw rin…” he said out of nowhere.

“Ew Sandoval. Ang aga aga ah…” I annoyingly said.

“Gusto nyo subukan?” he asked us.

“U-Us??? No manong. We don’t have money to pay for the clay. Sorry. But thanks for the offer tho.” I refused.

“Nako. Wala pong bayad yan. Sige na sir para ma-try nyo…” the lady told us.

“Talaga? Libre yan ate?” this Karlo who looks like a classic freeloader suddenly got excited.

The nerves of this guy!!!

He and Tiffany went to one of the stations and started making their own. The lady helped them out. 

That looks so fun!!!

“So ano? Hanggang tingin nalang tayo?” Sandoval commented while starring blankly at space.

“Fine… Basta I’ll go first malinaw???!!!” I threatened him.

“Whatever you wish your majesty….” nang-aasar pa.

I went to the station. I sat down while manong is behind me trying to guide my hands as we started forming my own mini jar. It looks easy but once you do it on your own, sobrang frustrating pala. 

“Dapat po sir relax lang po kayo. Wag po masyadong tense….” he advised me when I heard giggling from Sandoval.

“I can hear you…” pagtataray ko sa bwiset na lalaking yun.

“Ayan sir… Focus lang po…..” Manong praised me as he finally let go of my hand.

Duh. I’m such a fast learner no.

“I told you Sandoval. Kayang kaya ko to no…..” I said when I didn’t get a response.

Okay???? Well I carried on with what I’m doing…

Manong’s hands suddenly came back out of nowhere/

Ay akala ko okay na? Why is he back?

“M-Manong. It’s okay. I already know how na po…” I told him but he didn’t answer.

Hmmm… I guess he’s gonna teach me something new so I let him.

But I can’t help but notice that his hands became larger all of a sudden?

Ang weird lang… But I still continued… I need to perfect this. Sarap ipukol nito kay Sandoval kapag tumigas na to.

It’s been more than 3 minutes but we’re still doing the same old thing. Sobrang tahimik naman nya. Ang weird.

“Uhm manong… Do you want me to do something here? Like form something?” I asked but h’s still not talking.

“M-Manong?” I asked again but all I heard were giggling around me so I looked behind me.

“Lambot pala ng mga kamay mo….” Sandoval teased me.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE????!!!!” I screamed as everyone else bursted in laughter. I stood up and was about to throw a fit.

“Relax lang. Ang galing kaya natin. Look oh. Nagawa natin…” he said as I stormed to the sink to wash my hands.

“The nerve!!! Excuse me. Gawa ko lang yan no…” I said as I finished washing my hands.

The lady said that the jars we made will not dry until a few hours so we decided to just tour around the town more.

“Uy piyesta!!!!” said Karlo who took Tiffany’s hand as they ran towards a big crowd.

Kukunin na sana ni Sandoval yung kamay ko.

“What do you think you’re doing???!!!” I warned him.

“Ito naman oh. Talong talo na tayo nung kabila eh…” he whined.

“Can you stop with all that delusion Sandoval?!” I answered

I took Baldo’s hand instead as we made our way inside the big crowd.

What on earth???!!!

I saw several half-naked guys down on this mud all trying to catch this screeching piglet.

“Ano boss? Sali tayo?” Karlo called Sandoval.

“Sige pre….” he answered as they both took off their shirts and jumped right into that madness.

Why does he always have to take off his shirt?

Okay gets na namin na he looks hot…

Fuck Cody bakit mo iniisip yun?!

Think of something! Think of something else!

“Uhm Baldo right? I have quick question. Anong meron dito? Why are people celebrating?” I asked him in the middle of all this screaming.

“Pasasalamat po yan Kuya Cody. Para po sa lahat ng biyaya ng lawa namin…. Nakwento po ni Lolo na matagal na pong tradisyon dito yan. Kaya nga po nagkasundo-sundo po lahat ng tao rito na walang maninirahan malapit sa lawa. Para mapanatili po na malinis. Bakit nyo po natanong?” he asked.

I paused for a while….

“Ah? Eh? G-Ganon ba? W-Wala lang..N-N-Natanong ko lang….Hehehehe… Thanks….” I stuttered.

Shocks. So I’m messing up with their traditions if I pushed through with this purchase?

I looked around me and saw how happy the people are.

Kawawa naman sila…..

They seem to be good spirited people. And they are all so nice to me… To us… Even if we’re complete strangers to them, they still made us feel welcomed here….

Naputol ang pag-iisip ko nang lumapit samin si Sandoval carrying a piglet. Yikes! He’s covered in mud!!! Hindi ba nandidiri tong lalaking to?

“Oh Baldo, alagaan mo yan ah…” he stated as he gave the piglet to the kid. Everyone else is cheering around us.

“Salamat po Kuya Derrick!” the kid smiled at him.

“Pssst hoy!!!” I called Sandoval as I took my hankie from my pocket and wiped some mud on his face.

“Hindi mo ba napapansin to Sandoval? O sadyang kadiri ka lang talaga?!” I told him.

“YUN OH! Naka one point din idol sa wakas!!!!” Karlo screamed out of nowhere that made all the people tease us.

Kaya pala parang ewan makangiti tong mokong na to.

“Ew. Tuloy mo na nga lang nga dun…” I tossed him the hankie.

As if naman. Ew! That jerk!

I walked away when I saw another big crowd. Karlo and Sandoval went somewhere to clean up. Mabuti naman. Mga kadiri.

“Sir dali sali tayo!!!” Tiffany took my hand as we checked out what’s happening on this crowd.

“What are they playing?” I asked her.

“Hindi nyo pa nalalaro to sir?” she’s in total disbelief.

“Tiff, why would I ask you in the first place if I already knew the answer.” I rolled my eyes on her.

“Luksong baka po tawag dyan sir. Ano po bang mga nilalaro nyo dati sir? Sikat na sikat po yan ah.” she told me.

“Wala. At wala kang pakialam okay…” I shut her off.

“Gusto nyo pong sumali?” a kid approached me, Tiffany and Baldo.

“Y-You want me t play thaaat???” pag-aalangan ko pa nung una pero nahila nila ko to their spot.

There’s this huge guy in the center who bends over with his hands on his knees and everyone else tries to jump over him.

“Oooohhh… So there are like levels right?” I asked Tiff.

“Yes sir. Ay ang galing ni sir natututo na!!!” she smiled.

I never saw Tiffany this happy. Enjoy na enjoy ang gaga.

“Kuya Cody kayo na po!!!” called Baldo who just finished his turn.

“Go sir! Kaya mo yan!!!!” Tiffany cheered on me.

“Hahaha! Tiff ano ka ba nakakahiya!!!” I replied as a lot of people cheered on me.

Pressure to ah. Mas kinakabahan pa ako dito kesa sa mga board meetings namin when I was still starting my career.

I took a deep breath then sprinted towards the guy.

“YAAAAY KUYA CODYYYY!!!!” Baldo cheered after I did it. 

He gave a me a high-five while Tiffany gave me a thumbs up from her corner.

THIS IS SOOOOO MUCH FUUUN!!!

So we continued playing as the levels started to get more difficult.

Sayang wala si Sandoval para mamatay sya sa inggit sa sobrang galing ko. Duuuuh.

It’s my turn again so I jumped over the guy really high.

FUUUCK!!! I landed with a bad foot!!!

I hit the floor so bad.

“SIIIIIIR!!!!” I heard Tiff screamed as she ran towards me.

“Kuya Cody ayos lang po ba kayo????” Baldo tried getting me up.

“AAAAAWWWW!!!!” I suddenly felt a tender pain on my ankle.

I saw Sandoval and Karlo running towards us.

“ANONG NANGYARI?????!!!” Sandoval asked Tiff.

“Saan masakit?!” he tried helping me out.

“Don’t touch me!!!!” I warned him.

If I know gustong gusto mo tong nangyari sakin Sandoval.

“Hey… Are you alright???” he still bugs me as Tiffany helped me out.

“Yeah… And just in case you’re wondering. I don’t need your help Sandoval…” I told him right on his face.

“Uwi nalang muna siguro tayo…” Karlo told us.

“Mabuti pa nga…. Kapit lang kayo sir ah….” Tiffany told me.

“Sa bahay po may mga dahong panggamot po si Lola. Wag po kayong mag-alala Kuya Cody…” Baldo told me.

“Thank you Baldo…” I smiled at him.

Hay nako buti nalang we have Baldo here to make me smile.

And so we started walking home.

End of Cody’s POV

Derrick’s POV

Sobrang tigas talaga ng ulo nitong si Cody.

Ayaw pang magpatulong.

We’re still halfway down the road when I noticed that Tiffany is already having a hard time helping out Cody who is still in a lot of pain.

Sobrang ma-pride nitong maarteng to. It’s unreal.

“Aaaaww Tiff!!!” Cody cried as he still steps with his bad foot.

“Sorry sir. Konting tiis nalang po….” Tiffany apologized.

I shook my head as I went towards them.

I don’t care if he bites of my ear now. Hindi na sya pwedeng maglakad sa lagay na yan.

“Hey! HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING????!!!” he screamed but I didn’t care as I took his arms and carried him on my back.

“You shouldn’t be walking….” I reminded him in between his screaming.

Somehow, I got used to his screaming even if he sometimes sounds like a dying banshee. But as expected, napagod rin sya. Hahaha!

We were last in the line at medyo pinapawisan na ako.

“Huy Sandoval. Pawis ka na….” he told me when he started wiping my sweat.

“Sweet naman….” I smiled at him kahit sobrang pagod na ako.

“Di mo naman kasi kailangang gawin to diba…. Kaya ko naman…” he answered.

“What are you saying? Of course it’ll cause more injury on you. Baka hindi mo pa ako masipa ng malakas nyan sige ka….” I pulled off a joke .

Sus… Kunwari pa tong suplada. 

Hirap na hirap pa syang itago yung ngiti nya. If I know kilig na kilig nato. Tsk.

He looks waaaay different when he smiles. I remember the first time we met, I know I saw the real Cody that night. He’s very vulnerable, always doing his best to please others. But I can’t deny the overwhelming pressure he must be dealing everyday. I mean, he’s single handedly running a business empire. In SGC, I know David’s getting help from a lot of people. And it’s not the case here with Cody. Kaya hindi ko rin sya masisisi na minsan… Okay madalas, he might sound off. 

My train of thought was cut when we heard a phone ringing.

“Yes Sally? Yeah…. We’re okay… Kind of…. Ah ganon ba… Well that’s great to hear. We’ll be expecting you first thing in the morning tomorrow okay? Sige na. Bye…..” Cody ended the call.

“Who’s that?” I asked.

“My team just called me. They’re gonna pick us up tomorrow morning…“he told me as we finally reached home.

“Dito nalang siguro….” he told me. Wow, nakakapanibago, he sounds so gentle.

“T-T-Thanks…” he cannot look at me directly as I carefully helped him sit on a bench while the rest of them went inside the house.

I sat beside him. 

Buti hindi ako tinutulak…

Pero fuck. Ang awkward. Dead air. I need to do something.

“Oh Cody jiho, sabi ni Baldo naaksidente ka daw?” Lola Nida approached us.

“Uh… N-N-No…Don’t worry. I’m fine po….” he smiled at her.

“Namamaga yang bukung-bukong mo anak….” she noticed Cody’s injury.

“Ito Derrick anak, ibalot mo sa paa nya….” Lola Nida handed me a couple of large, thick leaves , some oils and a bandage.

“Thank you….” Cody smiled at her before leaving.

“You look better when you smile…” I told him as I kneeled on the floor and put his foot over my thighs.

“What do you think of me? The devil?!” he answered.

“I’m this close to getting convinced….” I joked.

“Whatever Sandoval…..” he rolled his eyes as I continued wrapping his foot.

“Bakit ba kasi wala kang tiwala samin? I’m sure it’s much more than business.” I asked him.

“Gusto mo talagang malaman???” he gave me a smirk.

“Yeah I do. Of course I do….” I simply answered. Of course curious ako.

He took a deep sigh first.

“It’s because of your brothers…..” he started.

WHAT THE FUCK?????!!!

Don’t tell me nilagawan nila lahat si Cody???!!!

I’ll fucking kill them all once I get back in Manila.

“Your brothers all dated my friends. And yeah. We all know what happened next…. So aside from the business aspect, ang laki din talaga ng trust issues ko sayo… Sa inyo…” he continued.

Ooooohhhh okay… Wooooh… Nakahinga ako ng maluwag dun ah…

“My friend Vanya dated your brother David, Kierra dated Tony, Kaylee dated Gab and yeah, the most heartbroken among them, Rizzel na pinangakuan pa ng kasal ng magaling mong kapatid na si Marco.” he confessed.

“Gago talaga yung mga yun….” the only words I was able to say.

“So hindi mo rin talaga ako masisisi to throw a fit when we first met after learning that they are your brothers.” Cody explained.

“The only thing is… I’m not like them….” I told him.

“Tsk…” he smirked.

“Yeah right….” he said as he looked afar.

“Pano mo masasabi? Eh hindi mo pa nga nasusubukan….” I said as I went back sitting.

“Are you seriously hitting on me Sandoval? Hahahaha!” he gave me this ridiculed look.

“Hindi pa ba halata? Hahaha!” I finally admiited.

“Sandoval ka nga. Nabubuwang ka na.” he simply said.

“Buwang na kung buwang. Pero yun ang totoo…” I said.

“Hindi nakakatawa yang joke mo….” he answered.

“Hindi naman ako nagjojoke eh…” I looked at him directly in the eyes.

For some reasons, hindi na makatingin sakin si Cody. Nasan na yung matapang na Cody? Wait…. Is he?? Is he blushing???

“Pero don’t worry… Hindi naman ako nagmammadali eh…” I added.

“Hay Sandoval. You’re unbelievable….” he just shook his head.

“So for now… Friends?” I reached for a handshake.

“For noooow? Hahahaha! Pero sige…. Friends…” he finally shook my hand.

Dead air na naman…. We can’t help but stare and smile at each other.

Shit. Kakasabi ko lang na friends muna but here I am wanting to kiss him now.

I can’t help but get lost in his eyes. Slowly, our smiles vanished but never our stares on each other.

Sana hindi ako sapakin nito.

…….

…….

……

……

I went closer to him as I tried to kiss him.

……

……

……

……

“AAAAWW!!” ang lakas ng sampal nya sakin.

He looks so nervous and confused.

“C-C-Cody I’m… I’m sorry….” I said as I saw Karlo and Tiffany rushing towards us.

“S-S-Sorry Derrick….” he seems apologetic.

But why did he do it?!

“I-I-I don’t understand….” I asked him.

“Basta… B-B-Basta hindi pwede….” he said before he tried getting up from his seat.

Tiffany helped him on his way back to the house.

“Boss! Anong nangyari???!!” Karlo asked.

All I can do is look at him from afar.

I fucking messed up.

But I can’t help but wonder why…

Am I too quick?

Bad breath ba ako??

Hindi naman…

I saw in his eyes that he’s okay with it.

And then out of a sudden…

FUUUCK!!!

Hindi na kami nakapagusap the entire time. Everytime I try to go near him, umiiwas sya. He cannot even look at me straight in the eyes.

Sobrang frustrating nito.

Even up to our flight back home, kahit magkaharap kami. Ang layo ng tingin nya.

We got off the helicopter when I decided that all this effort is no use.

While I’m walking towards our shuttle service, someone poked me from the back.

It’s Cody….

He’s bowing down his head.

“Uhm… You can keep this…. Baldo gave me that last night….” he handed me the small jar that he made.

“But…. But this is yours….” I told him.

“It’s not mine. It’s ours…“he simply answered.

“ Cody… About last night….. I just want to…. “ I started when I saw a guy approaching us.

“Hey babe….” said the guy as he wrapped his arms around Cody’s back and gave him a kiss on the head.

“K-Kit? W-Why are you here? I thought you were in Canada?” Cody seems confused.

“Uhmmm… Basta… It’s a long story…” the guy seems to be lying.

Finally he noticed me.

“And you’re?” he asked me.

“Uhm Kit… This is Derrick…. Derrick Sandoval…” Cody said as he seems to be bery anxious.

“S-S-Sandoval? You’re a Sandoval?” he had this sinister smile on his face as Cody seems to be restless.

“Oh sorry. Where are my formalities. I’m Kit Baltimore. Cody’s boyfriend….” he shook my hand.

What the fuuuck!!!!

Cody was mum the entire time.

“Uhm? Babe? Let’s go? Pare nice meeting you…. “ he asked Cody who just nodded at him as they made their way to Kit’s car.

I can’t help but notice how sad his eyes turned when Kit came.

I can’t do anything but watch them from afar.

Tumingin ka dito Cody.

Just…

Just look here.

Let me know…

…….

……

…..

And on that last second, he looked at me before Kit’s sports car started moving.

And the next thing I know, they’re gone…

I looked at the small jar he gave me…

It’s ours….

Ours….

Me and Cody’s….

End of Derrick’s POV

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A/N

Don’t forget to vote, comment on your favorite parts and most importantly share this story with your fellow readers.

Thank you! See you on the next chapter.

CHAPTER 3 - Project: Charades

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Disclaimer

I do not own any of the photos. All credit belong to the owners.

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“Wait. Where are we going?” pagtataka ni Cody sa maling daan na tinahak ng kaskaserong si Kit.

“We’re going to your dad…. He wants to talk to you…“sagot ni Kit. Napapikit nalang si Cody dahil alam nyang sermon ang aabutin nya mula sa kanyang ama.

Napakatahimik ni Cody sa buong byahe at nakatanaw lang sa labas ng bintana.

“I never thought you can go quiet for this long…..“seryosong sabi ni Kit pero di pa rin sya sinagot ni Cody.

……

……

……

……

“Is it the Sandoval? Ha? You thought I didn’t notice???!!” inis tanong ni Kit na nagapukaw ng atensyon ni Cody.

“What do you mean?” iritableng pagkaklaro ni Cody.

“What do you think of me? Some kind of stupid?! I saw how that Sandoval looked at you. Cody, lalaki din ako. I know what those stares mean.” inis na titig ni Kit sa daan habang tuloy-tuloy ang pagmamaneho nya.

“God! Kit can you like stop?!” hindi mapakali si Cody dahil alam nya sa sarili nya na totoo ang sinasabi ng boyfriend nya. Napatahimik sya dahil sa sobrang gulo ng isip nya.

“So you’re guilty?! Tangina Cody just answer the simple question…. Isn’t it too hard to answer or you’re just hiding something from me?!” pagseselos ni Kit.

“Kit. Wala. Okay?! I’m just….. Tired……” napatigil pa si Cody ng saglit.

“Kapag may nalaman talaga ako Cody ako mismo bubugbog sa Sandoval na yun. Mark my words.” banta ni Kit nang makarating na sila sa mansyon ng mga Villarasa.

“What the hell are you talking about???!! Kanina ka pa!! There’s no fucking issue to begin with okay?! So chill. Ano ba!!” inis na sabi ni Cody nang hinubad nito ang seatbelt.

“You know me Cody. I won’t stop until I can prove myself right!” pagbabanta ni Kit nang bumaba na sa auto nya si Cody.

“Do me a favor. Stop being so fucking paranoid okay?!“padabog na sinara ni Cody ang pintuan ng sasakyan.

Naglakad na ng tuluyan si Cody papasok sa ancestral home ng mga Villarasa.

“Welcome home CLV….“bati ng mga gardinero na unang nakapansin sa kanya. Hindi magawang ngumiti ni Cody dahil alam nya ang sermon na maririnig nya mula sa kanyang ama.

Napakarangya ng mansyon ng mga Villarasa. Napapalibutan ito ng magaganda at mababanong mga bulaklak at punong puno ng magagadang paintings.

“Welcome home Master Cody…. It’s glad to see you back here…” pagbati ng butler ng mga Villarasa. “Ander, where’s dad?” tanong nito. “He’s in the terrace of the north wing Master Cody…” magalang na sagot ng nakatatandang butler. “Okay thanks….” matamlay na sagot ni Cody. “W-W-Wait…. He’s with Valerio…” bilin ng butler.

Mas lalong tumamlay si Cody sa narinig nya. Huminga nalang muna sya ng malalim bago magumpisang maglakad.

“And you know what Dad, we stayed in the sickest villa! It was so much fun!” sabi ni Valerio na masayang masaya pa. “I bet you had so much fun son. Mana ka ata sakin. Hahahaha!” sagot ng lalaking nakatalikod pa kay Cody.

“Dad…..” mahinang tawag ni Cody sa gitna ng tawanan ng dalawa.

Biglang nabura ang ngiti ni Valerio sa kanyang mga labi nang mapansin ang presensya ni Cody. Umikot naman ang matandang lalaki para harapin si Cody.

Si Ramon Villarasa ang itinuturing na ama ng Villarasa Holdings, Inc. Sya ang dating small time businessman na unti-unting umangat sa corporate ladder dahil na rin sa tulong ng kanyang pinakamalakas na alas, ang anak na si Cody.

Napatitig lang si Ramon sa anak nyang si Cody. “Well guess who showed up?! You still have the guts to show up here?!” inis na bungad ni Valerio. “I don’t have time for your stupid ass Valerio.” matapang na sagot ni Cody. “What the fuck did you call me??!!” biglang sugod ni Valerio na piniglan ng kanilang ama. “Do you have any idea how much work you left in just two days???!!!” bulyaw ni Valerio. “Oh. Well sorry if dad needs to pull you out of your tenth vacation this month to help out in the family business. Fucking spoiled brat!” ganti ni Cody. “Well at least my mom doesn’t have to be gold digger like yours!” sagot ni Valerio. “Don’t you fucking drag my mother’s name here!!!!” hindi nakapagpigil si Cody nang inabot-abot nya si Valerio.

“STOP IT!!! malakas na sigaw ng kanilang ama na pinaglayo sila. “Valerio, can you leave us for a moment….” inis na pakiusap ni Ramon. Ang sama ng tinginan ng dalawang magkaptid hanggang makaalis na ng tuluyan si Valerio.

“SGC got the Portland Manufacturings deal ….“bungad ng kakaupong si Ramon. Nagulat si Cody sa narinig nya. “But…. They can’t… They can’t take that… I have been planning for a business proposal for them for months now…“biglang bigla pa rin si Cody sa narinig nyang balita. “That’s what happens when you leave your work unattended for two days….” sermon sa kanya ni Ramon. “And they’re on their way of sealing a deal with Xeli Corp.” dagdag ni Ramon. “They are tied with us dad! What are you saying???!!!” takot na tanong ni Cody. “Well apparently, one of their execs was present during SGCs presentation in Portland Manufacturings. And he felt that SGC’s new business proposal will also be fitting for Xeli Corp than the one you presented to them last week.” babala ni Ramon.

“This…. This can’t be….” blangko nalang ang tingin ni Cody sa baba habang nabalot ng panghihinayang ang isipan nya. “There’s still hope….” tumayo si Ramon at naglakad papalapit sa kanyang anak.

“You think I’m not aware that you befriended a Sandoval? Kit just called me a few minutes ago…” tusong ngiti ni Ramon na naglakad paikot kay Cody. “W-What are you saying dad?” litong tanong ni Cody. “Do I really have go tell it to you exactly. You know how we do things here son….” paalala ni Ramon. Mabilis na narealize ni Cody ang gustong iparating ng kanyang ama.

“B-B-But dad….. Is there any other way? I mean I can come up with a new business proposal for them…” pagtanggi ni Cody sa naiisip nyang plano na gustong ipagawa sa kanya ng kanyang ama. “I know you can come up with the most impressive counter proposal in a day. But we never had this leverage against the Sandovals just like before….. Use it to you advantage Cody….” pangdedemonyo ng ama ni Cody sa kanyang isipan.

Napansin ni Ramon ang pag-aalangan sa mga mata ni Cody. “How…H-How about Kit?” pag-aalala ni Cody. “I’ll take care of him. Do what you have to do. Just make it quick….” bilin ng kanyang ama. Hindi pa rin mapakali si Cody sa gustong ipagawa sa kanya ng kanyang ama.

Inabot ni Ramon ang balikat ng anak. “This is your chance to make me proud….” sabi ni Ramon. Napatingin naman sa kanya si Cody. Hindi nagtagal at umalis na si Ramon at naiwan ang nakatayo lang na tulala si Cody.

Cody’s POV

It’s been a couple of days I came back here in the city. And as usual, I’m back to the daily grind. “Good morning CLV… Welcome back sir…” my team greeted me as I arrived in the lobby. We went straight to my office and just continued with all the workload we have left from being gone.

Honestly….All day, I felt uneasy and out of focus. I can’t let go off my phone… Kanina pa ako sa Instagram account ni Derrick…. What the fuck is wrong with me… Ugh!!!! I shook my head and just put down my phone inside my drawer. It’s distracting the hell out of me. I was starring blankly at space and it’s not even night time.

“Uhm. Sir…..” Toff called me that make me go back to my senses. “Y-Y-Yes Tiff?” I asked her. “Are you okay? You seem tired?” she asked. “N-No. I’m good. I’m just thinking of something…..” I told her.

“Oh okay…. Uhm…by the way sir….I already endorsed the revisions passed by the operations department to Suzie and Bill.” she advised me. “O-okay….” the only thing I was able to answer.

I saw her on her way out of my office. “Tiff…” I called her. “Yes sir?” she went back to me. “Uhm… You’re on leave tomorrow right?” I asked her. “Yes sir… Do you have any  take home work for me?” she asked. “N-N-No…. Don’t worry about that…. I’m just wondering…. I know this sounds weird…. But…Where are you going tomorrow?” I asked.

She suddenly looked confused. “Uh. I’ll be meeting with Karlo… They have a shoot tomorrow in QC and I thought I can help them out with the set-up and all…. Is there any problem sir? she asked. “Nothing…. I’m just… A bit curious…. That’s all…. I’ll just call you when I need anything…. You may go…” I told her. “Oh by the way…. Please tell Suzie I need her in my office now…” I reminded her.

Shortly, Suzie came in my office. “Yes sir? What can I do for you?” Suzie asked. “Is Tiffany’s address updated?” I asked her. “As far I I know yes sir. Do you want me to go ask her just to confirm?” she suggested. “No need. Just sent it to my phone okay. And please don’t tell her about this…” I warned Suzie. “Noted sir.” she assured me before leaving.

After a  few minutes, I got all the details I needed. I firmly closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I can’t believe I’m doing this…

The next day came. I’m up early and in my car parked on this alley just right across Tiffany’s apartment. “There! That’s her. Go follow her…” I told my driver as we slowly followed Tiffany out on the street. It didn’t take long until she stopped on this small restaurant.

I saw her approaching two guys chilling on one of the tables. They stood up. It’s Karlo……and Derrick…. “You can go now…” I told my driver as I went out of the car. I walked towards them wearing this hideous sweater outfit. I fixed it myself first before I started my fake jogging as I made my way onto them…

“S-S-Sir Cody????” Tiffany quickly noticed me thank God. “Oh hey. I didn’t see you there…” I told her. “Bakit po kayo napadpad dito sir?” she asked. “Uhmmm… I’m just jogging….” I said as the two guys stood up. “C-Cody…. H-H-Hi….” he smiled at me nervously.

Why does he always have to be this cute when he smiles?!

“Oh. Sandoval…. I didn’t notice you there…” I flashed the most fake smile ever. “Boss. Libreng isara yung bibig…” Karlo stated the obvious. Bakit nga ba nakanganga tong lokong to? “Sir Cody! Ayos ah. Kayo lang po nakita kong nagjogging na sobrang fresh pa rin ah.” Karlo trying to be shady. “Oh this?! Yeah. I really don’t sweat that much. By the way. You look so tired ha. I didn’t know you can sweat you ass out by just barely sitting on that chair….” I clapped back. “Damn…. Now that’s savage…” I heard Derrick whisper.

“Why are you running here sir? Isn’t this place a little too far from your building?” Tiffany asked. “Uhmmm… I…. I just want have new view. Yeah that’s right…” I answered unsurely. God. I’m the worst liar ever.

“So what are you guys up to?” I asked Tiffany. I can clearly see Derrick smiling at me from my periphery. This is gonna be tough. “Uhm… We…. We…..” I looked at Derrick. “May photoshoot po kasi kami Sir Cody. Sama kayo?” Karlo interrupted his boss.. “Ano ka ba Karlo, sobrang busy nyan ni Sir Cody!” Tiffany scolded Karlo. “I don’t mind… Saan ba yan?” I asked Karlo. “R-R-Really??? You’re going with us?” Derrick asked who is still in total disbelief. “Ayaw mo ata eh….” I smiled at him as I pretended to leave. “N-N-No… Cody…. Sorry. Hindi lang talaga ako makapaniwala… Kasi diba…. You’re always busy with your work…” he reached for my arm that made me stop. “Oo nga sir. I thought you have work today?” Tifanny asked. “Tiff… What’s the point of hiring hundreds of employees if they can’t run the company on their own for just a single day? “ I told her. “Oo nga baby girl… Pabayaan mo na si Sir Cody. Ayaw mo nun. Nakumpleto tayo ulit tulad nung nasa isla tayo diba?” Karlo smiled at us.

“Wait. Hold up…. Baby giiirl?” I confronted Tffany. “Uhm… Ano kasi sir… Hehehehe…..” she gave me a very nervous smile. “Hindi mo pa ba sinasabi baby girl kay Sir Cody? Sinagot ko na po sya Sir Cody. Nakakahiya naman kasi ang tagal akong niligawan..” Karlo told me as if I’m going to believe that shit. “Well I guess… I’m happy for you guys….” I told them. “Nagulat nga po ako kasi mas naunahan pa namin kayo ni baby girl eh…” Karlo continued. “What exactly do you mean?” I asked him when I saw him looking at Derrick who’s behind me. “W-W-Wala po… Baka may magalit po sa likod nyo pag nagsalita pa ko…“he joked when I looked back at Derrick who gave me this weird smile.

So I was successful in finally joining them on this shoot. We finally arrived in this studio. I never thought that it’s still gonna be a lot of work. Ang daming pagseset-up pa pala na gagawin.

“Where should I put this?” I asked them as I carried one of the big boxes of their materials.  “Hey! Why do you have that?!” Derrick came rushing towards me as he took the box from me.

“This is heavy….. Wag ka magbuhat ng mabigat…” he told me. “Huh? Why? Kaya ko naman ah…” I answered him. “Baka ma-injury ka na naman..” he said. “Uhm no. What do you think of me? A weakling?” I told him as I saw Tiffany asking for help from Karlo to fix curtains.

“Hey! Cody! Where are you going??” he panicked as I started climbing the ladder of Karlo.

As I climbed, I quickly felt how unstabe the ladder is.

OH SHIIIIT!!!

I covered my face as I feel from the ladder…

…..

…..

……

Wait. Why doesn’t it hurt?

Where did I land?

I slowly removed my hands from my face and saw Derrick.

“Buti nasalo kita….“he smiled at me….

I don’t know what’s gotten into me but it seems like we have been starring at each other as he still carried me on his arms.

“Ehem! Ehem!“we heard Karlo called us out. Derrick came back to his senses and carefully put me down.

“Don’t do that again okay? Pinakaba mo ko….” Derrick said before he head towards Karlo who’s still carrying loads of their materials.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit napapatingin nalang ako sa kanya the entire time.

“Sir…. Baka naman po malusaw yan…” Tiffany came out of nowhere.

“Hmmmm?? What are you saying???” I panicked.

“Okay lang yan sir. Kapag hindi rin naman kayo nakatingin, sya naman nakatanaw sainyo…” she whispered to me.

“Hey. I’m not looking at him okay?!” I denied.

“Eh anong tinitingnan nyo?” she whispered as she giggled quietly.

“Yung…. Yung ano… Yung wall… It’s… It’s nice…..“I almost choked on that bad lie.

“Sabi nyo sir eh….” she said.

“You know what, why don’t just order us food. Charge it on my account.” I told her to shut her up.

It didn’t take long when ghe5food arrived. “Lunch is here…” I told them as I carried bags of food and carefully put it on the table.

“Sige na. Go ahead.” I told Karlo who seems like a hungry soldier or sadyang patay gutom lang talaga sya. I mean. Look at him.

“Ay… Ako na…” I said as I grab a plate for Derrick.

“Is this enough?” I asked him as I put food on his plate but instead of answering me, he just smiled at me.

“Pogi talaga ng bossing ko….” we heard Karlo butting in again.

We went on finishing our lunch.

“I have to admit. I had fun.” I told Derrick as we made our way out of the building.

“I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Kahit medyo mahirap…” he apologized.

“I don’t mind. It’s actually nice to do something out of my usual routine….” I smiled at him.

“Ayun naman pala sir eh. Sama ka ulit bukas Sir Cody gusto mo?” asked Karlo.

“Karlo ano ka ba. Sir Cody needs to get back to work tomorrow. If you only have an idea of how much work he needs to ––….” Tiffany said before I interrupted her.

“Sure. Saan?” I simply answered.

Derrick and Tiffany looked so surprised.

“Are… Are you sure?” Derrick can’t hide his smile.

“Yeah. Basta maniningil na ako next time ah…” I joked that made them all laugh.

A couple days have passed and we were able to bond more. Mas nakilala ko pa si Derrick. Yes. He can be a goofball sometimes. But that’s just for laughs. Deep inside, I got to know him more. He’s a very gentle and kind guy. He’s very prim and proper but can also bring in the fun. He’s annoyingly adorable. Yeah. That’s the perfect description for him.

Honestly….

I genuinely enjoyed every moment of it. And that’s the same reason why I really have serious doubts with this plan.

“Hey…” I heard a voice.

“Cody….” I heard it calling my voice again.

“Cody!” it got me back to my senses.

It’s Derrick calling me. We’re in Clark right now. Just the two of us.

“You ready?” he asked me as we made our way to this ultralight plane.

This is the only plane I agreed to ride in. Sobrang nakakatakot na kaya yung iba.

He carefully guided me to my seat.

I took a deep breath.

“Let’s go?” he asked.

I just nodded nervously before the plane started to move.

I don’t know what’s gotten into me when I took his hand before I firmly closed my eyes as we took off.

The moment I opened my eyes, we are already up in the sky. He’s still holding my hands.

“Oh my God!!!!” I screamed in full excitement that made Derrick laughed so hard.

“It’s so nice and peaceful up here….” I told Derrick. He just smiled so warmly at me.

Afterwards, we finally finsihed and stayed up late at night for dinner.

“Thanks for tonight Sandoval…” I smiled at him.

“The pleasure is mine….” he said as we just exchanged smiles awkwardly.

“Uhm Cody… Are you free on Friday?” he asked.

“Hmmm? Why? What’s the event on Friday?” I asked as I started with my salad.

“It’s my birthday. I’m planning of just inviting  my family and friends…” he said.

Wait.

Fanily?

The entire Sandoval clan?!

“I’ll invite Tiff and Karlo too…” he added.

“I’m just wondering. Baka I’m already crossing the line. I nean… You and your boyfriend….” he said with much disappointment.

“N-N-No… It’s okay… Hindi naman seloso yun. And besides…. F-F-Friends lang naman tayo diba?” I forced a smile.

“Hmmm… Y-Y-Yeah… F-Friends….” he almost struggled talking.

Then was this long standing dead air between the two of us.

I saw my driver arriving from the corner.

“Uhm Derrick… I… I need to go ahead…” I said as I stood up.

He also stood up.

I tried reaching out to him to give him a kiss on the cheeks.

Sobraaaaang awkwaaaard!!!!

We kept facing each other we look like dumb asses in front of all these people.

I went straight inside my car.

I looked outside the window and saw him standing there just giving me that look.

I know his eyes are trying to say something.

“Manong, let’s go….” I asked my driver.

I felt a heavy feeling in my heart.

I just closed my eyes.

I need to do what needs to be done.

Derrick’s POV

“Uncle D! Happy birthday!!!” I heard those very familiar voices.

I saw Blaze and Maddie running towards me.

“KIDS! I MISS YOU GUYS!” I carried them both.

“Grabe. Everytime I see you, you grow a lot taller…” I told them as David and Fife approached me.

“Happy birthday bro…” simpleng yakap sakin ni David.

“D! Happy birthday!!!” Fife kissed me on the cheeks as he gave their gift.

“Kuya Treeey!!!” both Blaze and Maddie rushed towards their cousin Trey.

“Bro! Tanda mo na! Hahaha! Happy birthday!” Gab greeted me.

“Gagi magkasing edad lang tayong lima dito. Hahahaha!” I reminded him.

“Nako D, this gift is from Trey. He kept on insisting us that you told him you want this gift for your birthday.” Aki said as he hugged me.

“Happy birthday Uncle D!” Trey surprised me with a tight hug on my waist.

“Thanks buddy….” I said as I gently messed up his hair.

“OH MY GOD AMARA YOU’RE SO PRETTY!!!” Fife said out of nowhere. Dumating na pala sila Marco, Lane and Amara who’s dressed like a cute little princess.

“Pare. Happy birthday!” Marco pulled me hard for a hug.

Grabe talaga tong si Marco. Sobrang intense.

“D… Happy birthday! May God bless your heart always.” bati naman sakin ni Lane na hindi nawawalan ng prayers para saming lahat.

“Can I carry this baby girl???” I smiled at Amara as Marco carefully passed Amara to me.

“I wish that Uncle D will be forever pogi!” Amara blushed as she pointed her magic princess wand on the tip of my nose.

“Yun ang wish! Hahaha! Good job baby!” I told Amara as I lightly tickled her.

“Wassup kids!!!!” malakas na tawag ni Tony who just arrived in the penthouse.

“UNCLE TONY!!!!” all the kids screamed as they came running to their favorite Uncle Tony.

“Ayan na yung isip bata…” David whispered to us that made us all giggle.

“Derrick! Happy birthday!” Xavi hugged me as he handed me their gift.

“Buti natatagalan mo yan Xavi? Hahaha!” Gab teased.

“Hahaha! Sabik na kasi syang magkababy na rin. Pero we’re already processing the papers so we can also adopt from St. Jerome’s.” Xavi told us with his usual warm smile.

“Is everybody already here?” finally Pops and Lola Leny arrived. The kids all went to them and gave them warm kisses.

I looked around me.

Lahat sila… Masaya na…

May mga kanya-kanyang pamilya na sila.

“Sir Derrick. Your visitors have arrived…” Spencer, the family’s butler said.

“We still have company?” asked Tony when the door opened.

I saw the surprise on David and Pops’ eyes when they saw Cody with Tiffany and Karlo.

“Am I seeing this right?” sabi ni David as I approached them.

Cody looks so uneasy.

“Boss! Happy birthday!” Karlo greeted me who’s already holding hands with Tiffany.

“H-H-Happy birthday Derrick….” Cody nervously smiled as he handed me his gift. Hindi mapalagay ang mga mata nya kakatingin sa paligid nya.

“Villarasa??? Cody??? Jiho???” pops approached Cody.

“S-S-Sir….” Cody seems so afraid.

“How are you jiho? I heard great things about you…” Pops smiled as he tapped Cody on the back.

“T-Thanks sir…” Cody seems so pale whil Karlo and Tiffany are warmly welcomed by Lola Leny.

“Wow. This is odd. Nice to finally meet you competition…. Hahahaha!!!” David approached us and gave Cody a firm hand shake.

“Hi Cody. I’m Fife! Nice to meet you!” Fife then introduced himself.

Paunti-unti, I can notice that Cody is starting to loosen up.

“I told you. There’s nothing to be worried about…” I whispered to him as I put my arms over his shoulder.

“Yan ang mga galawang Sandoval….” biglang pagsingit ni Marco kasabay si Gab at Tony.

It didn’t take a while for Cody to finally getting much more comfortable. But he still seems to be so close to me. Ako lang kasi talaga kilala nya dito.

“Mga apo…. Kumain na tayo…” Lola Leny invited us down to the dining hall.

“Dito ka na Cody…” I offered him the seat beside me.

Sobrang awkward lang kasi all my nephews and nieces are looking at him.

“Do you like my Uncle D?” Blaze asked Cody out of nowhere.

“Blazy!” pagsaway ni Fife sa anak.

“Cody. I’m sorry….” paghingi ng pasensya ni Fife.

“N-N-No. It’s fine…” Cody gave a very nervous smile.

“I think Uncle D likes him…” Trey added that made all of us freak out more.

“Trey…You shouldn’t say that… You go say sorry to your Uncle D!” sermon ni Aki sa anak nya.

“Sorry Uncle D….” he said with a very sorry tone.

“It’s alright buddy….” I said as I gave him a reassuring smile.

“Lane apo. Please lead the prayer….” finally Lola Leny spoke to break the ice.

We finally had lunch and since it’s their first time in the Penthouse, I decided to tour them around while the rest of the family continued their bonding in the loft area.

“Grabe talaga pamilya mo boss no? Sobrang big time….” Karlo said as we walked towards the library.

“Oh right over there is my room… The rest of the rooms are already unoccupied now since all of ny brothers have their own families now.” I explained.

“Oh right there is Pop’s study. Sometimes David uses that also as his office.” I added.

“Soon naman daw po aalis ka na rin dito Sir Derrick… Diba Sir Cody???” Tiffany tried pulling off a joke.

“Sir Cody…. Sir.. SIIIR!” Tiffany exclaimed as he seems to be preoccupied with something.

Where is he looking at?

Ugh. Nevermind.

I continued with the tour of the penthouse.

After the tour, I can’t help but notice how uneasy Cody looks.

“Hey.. Are you okay?” I asked him.

“M-Me? Y-Yeah…. “ he said as he’s still sounds so unsure.

We just enjoyed the rest of the night together. I looked around me… My friends… My family…. Then I saw Cody….

This might be the simplest yet most memorable birthday I had in a very long time. Cause I know I was genuinely happy. Even if in the long haul, I know that his heart is with someone else…

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A/N

Don’t forget to vote, comment on your favorite parts and most importantly share this story with your fellow readers. Thank you! See you on the next chapter!

CHAPTER 4 - Trading Places

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Warning

This chapter contains mild to intense sexual encounters of the same sex. You have been warned.

Disclaimer

I don’t own any of the photos. All credit belongs to the owners.

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Derrick’s POV

Hanggang ngayon, I can’t help but smile every time I remember how everything turned out yesterday during my party. Kahit mukha akong tanga while driving alone this morning, wala eh. It was the best, most memorable birthday I had in a really long time. Well of course it’s because of Cody.

I never thought we will be this close. I mean… Aside from being a main business competitor… He’s… He’s still with Kit…. Anong laban ko dun? Ano ba naman ba ako? I’m just his loser friend. His loser friend na may unrequited love for him.

There. I said it.

I’m in love with Cody.

Pero alam kong hanggang dun nalang yun…

…..

……

…..

…..

FUCK!!!! As much as I want to convince myself na wag umasa, I can’t help but think…. What if? What if kami nalang kasi?

This is so messed up.

Hindi talaga sya mawala sa isip ko.

I tried calling Cody. I need to check up on him. He really looked bothered yesterday especially after that house tour. He quickly picked up the phone. “Hey. Good morning…” I greeted him. “G-Good morning Derrick….” he still sounds a bit confused. “How are you? I’m just checking up on you….” I said as I finally reached the store. “H-Huh? I’m… I’m good. Don’t worry about me anymore…. Ikaw? Kumusta?” he asked. “Never been better. Thank you ulit sa gift mo. It’s the best gift ever!” I looked at the passenger seat where I put Cody’s birthday gift to me.

Hindi mawala sa paningin ko tong vintage camera nato. Pano nya nalaman na I’ve been searching for this camera for the longest time now???

“I’m glad you like it. Where are you now? Are you with Karlo?” he asked. “Nah. I’m on my own. I’m actually just down your street.” I told him. “Oh really. What are you doing around our hood ha? Ikaw ah! Hahaha!” he asked again. “Secreeet….” I teased him. “Ano ngaaaa! Hahaha!” he answered. Damn I can imagine his warm smile. “Bakit? You want me drop by?” I asked. Tangina kilig na kilig na ako sa kanya.

“Ang kulit na…. Hahaha!!!” he answered. “Hahaha! There’s a nearby store kasi dito. I’m gonna buy some stuff for future shoots.” I told him

“Oh I see…. Uhm. Derrick. I’m sorry. I gotta go. I still have a meeting with the board. Talk to you soon?” he asked. “Yeah. Sure. Of course. Go ahead. Hope to see you soon.“I told before he ended the call.

“I love you….” I whispered. Words I can only tell him when he’s not there.

It took me almost an hour in the store. Medyo napadami ako ng nabili eh.

While I was putting all the things I bought inside my car, I saw Kit in the restaurant just across the street.

For some reasons, I got curious so I walked towards the restaurant to check what he’s up to.

Baka naglunch date sila ni Cody…

But to my total surprise….

He’s with…

He’s with another girl….

Halos mag make-out na sila sa loob ng restaurant and they don’t even mind all the people looking at them.

Tarantado to ah!!!!

He finally saw me. At para syang may nakitang multo. He quickly got up from the couch. Nagulat din yung babaeng kasama nya.

Kit walked towards me followed by his girl.

“Pare. Wala kang nakita okay???!!! Walaaaa!!!!” he exclaimed as his girl held his hand to calm him down.

“And you have the audacity to tell me what to do? Am I the one who screwed up you fucking prick???!!!!” I told him right on his face.

“What the fuck did you just call me????!!! Hmmmm?????!!!” kitang kita ko ang pagkapikon nitong gagong lalaking to.

“I SAID YOU’RE A FUCKING CHEATER!!!” I answered.

“WHAT?! YOU WANNA SQUARE UP SANDOVAL???!! MATAPANG KA AH!!!!” he pushed me.

“CODY DOESN’T DESERVE YOUR LYING ASS!!!” I pushed him back.

“Baby! Calm down! Don’t make a scene here ano ba!!!!” his girl panicked but instead of listening, he punched me so hard.

The people started panicking as others started to notice as well.

I have to admit, this douche hits hard. But I’m not a Sandoval for no reason.

Finally I was able to knock him down. Pinagsasapak ko mukha nitong gagong to.

I was about to land him some few solid punches when other guys started pulling me away from beating the hell out of this asshole.

“D-D-Derrick…. DERRICK!!!!!” I heard a very familiar voice.

It’s Cody.

“OH MY GOD WHAT HAPPENED????!!!!!” he tried to shove away what happens to be his security detail that’s been holding me up.

He carefully held my face. Kitang kita ko ang takot nya sa mga mata nya. He checked for other injuries aside from this small scratch on my cheek.

“Who did this to you????” he asked. I can’t manage to ask kasi gusto ko pa rin talagamg banatan tong gagong to. He followed my stare and finally saw Kit being held up by his girl.

“Baby are you alright???!” pag-aalala ng babae na inalalayan makatayo si Kit.

“W-W-What’s this?” Cody asked as he walks towards them.

“K-K-Kit…. W-What’s this?” Cody asked him again.

“Cody… L-Let me explain….” Kit still tried to approach Cody but he stepped away from him.

“You’re unbelievable….” napailing nalang sa pandidiri si Cody.

“Cody makinig ka muna kasi…. Let me explain….” he started getting annoyed.

“What else will you tell me? Kit. Don’t make me look stupid here.” Cody answered coldly.

Kit then gazed up on me.

“This fucker told you I’m here. Am I right? Ha? Am I right????!!!” he confronted Cody.

I still can’t manage to get loose from all this dudes strangling me.

Tangina gustong gusto ko pang basagin mukha ng manlolokong yan.

“Stop blaming anyone else for all this bullshit that you caused.

Kit. I trusted you. I fucking trusted you!“ Cody pushed him back.

“Hey don’t do that!” the girl interrupted.

“WAG KANG MAKIKIALAM DITO MALANDI KA KUNG AYAW MONG IPASAGASA KITA MAMAYA SA DRIVER KO!!!!” Cody yelled.

He went back at Kit.

“Sana masaya ka sa ginawa mo!!!” he coldly told Kit before going back to me.

“Can you fucking let go of him????!!!” he shouted at his security detail that’s holding me up.

“Masaya talaga ako!!! You know why???!!! Ha????!!! You know why Cody???!!! Cause you’re nothing but a piece of shit!!!!” he yelled at Cody who’s dusting off my shirt.

“WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU SAY????!!!!” I went after him before Cody’s security detail get a hold of me again.

“You think I’ll regret this? This is a fucking glorious day. Finally. I’m out of your miserable life!!!” he yelled at Cody.

“You’re not capable to love and to be loved!” he continued his tirade.

I saw Cody holding back his tears.

“You’re a worthless piece of shit. You’re trying to be this fearsome boss but you’re nothing but a miserable scum!!!” sigaw nya kay Cody.

“YOU FUCKING SHUT YOUR MOUTH!!!!” I screamed at him.

“Cause you’re heart is stone cold!!! You’re a fucking monster dressed in diamonds!!!!” Kit just won’t stop.

I saw Cody already wiping his tears.

This is my first time seeing this side of him.

His other security tried to finally move Kit and his girl away from us.

“Don’t touch me! We’re going…” he told one of Cody’s bodyguards.

I went towards Cody.

“Hey…. Don’t listen to him okay….” I told him as I tried to reach for his hand.

He faced me as tears fell down his face.

Fuck. Hindi ko kayang makitang ganyan sya.

He just shook his head as he finally broke down.

He stormed away and went to his car leaving all of us. His security all panicked as they were all left by Cody.

They all rushed back to their other cars.

I have to do the same. I need to find him. So I followed their convoy.

It didn’t take long until we were able to find his car because of a tracker that his bodyguards followed. But he’s nowhere to be found. He’s not answering any of our calls.

I saw one of them who appears to be the one in-charge talking to someone on the phone.

“I understand sir.” he ended the call.

“Who was that?” I asked.

“Si Sir Cody po.” he answered.

“Oh anong sabi? Nasan daw sya????” I panicked.

Sobrang nag-aalala na talaga ako sa kanya.

“Okay na po sya sir. Safe po sya.” the only thing he said as they started rounding up everyone back to their SUVs and someone took Cody’s car that he left here.

“Are you going to him?” I asked him.

“Sorry sir. Hindi po naman pwedeng sabihin. Protocol po namin sir.” he answered.

“Huh? W-W-Wait. Where is he??? I need to talk to him.” I asked the guy one last time.

“Hindi ko po pwedeng sabihin talaga sir. Basta po affirmative na samin status ni CLV. Okay na po yun.” he said before closing the window. They took off right away leaving me all alone here.

Where did he go?

I dialled Tiffany’s number.

“Tiff… Can you help me?” I asked right away. “Yes po Sir Derrick?” she answered. “May nangyari kasi kanina. Tapos biglang umalis si Cody. Me and his security searched for him.” I explained. “Ano pong nangyari kay CLV???!!!” I heard the tension on Tiffany’s voice. “It’s a long story. Pero the moment we get here. His security got a call from Cody’s dad. He told him that Cody’s safe. Ayaw naman nilang sabihin kung nasan sya. And they just took off as if nothing happened.” I told her. “Baka…. Baka nasa…” she sounds apprehensive. “Where? Tiff please. I need to talk to him.” I begged her. “Sana hindi magalit sakin si CLV….” I heard her took a deep sigh. “Well there’s this place na lagi nyang pinunpuntahan kapag gusto nyang mapag-isa and no one can bother him when he’s there…..” she then told me the place where Cody went to.

End of Derrick’s POV

Cody’s POV

“Ma…. Sana nandito ka….”

“Kasi hindi ko na alam gagawin ko….”

I cried my heart out. Kapag hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko. Kapag sobrang bilis na ng mundo.

It’s here. Kasama si mama. Where I find peace…

Kanina pa akong mag-isa nakaupo dito sa buong cemetery.

“Cody….” I heard a familiar voice.

I turned around to see Derrick.

Why is he heeere? How did he get here???!!!

I quickly wiped my tears as I got up from the floor.

I can see in his eyes how much worried he is.

“Are you okay?” he quickly asked.

“How did you get here?” I asked him instead.

“Hindi na mahalaga yun. I came here to see you…. I’m sorry for what happened earlier Cody.” he said.

“O-O-Okay lang….” the only thing I was able to say.

“So you’re with your mom pala….” he said as he looked at mom’s tombstone.

“Y-Yeah. I always go here to clear my mind…..” I said.

“How are you?” he took my hand.

“I guess I’m feeling a bit better now….” I said.

“Sorry if I got you worried earlier…” I continued.

“It’s okay…. Wag mo nalang uulitin yun ah. Pinakaba mo talaga ako…. What’s important is I found you.” he said. I just smiled a bit.

“It’s getting quite dark here. Hatid na kita sainyo.” he said.

“Ma… Thanks for listening. Babalik po ako next week. I miss you everyday.” sabi ko kay mama before we started walking back to his car.

“Hey. I know this…” I smiled as I noticed my gift to him after getting inside his car.

“Ah yeah. Hahaha! Thank you ulit dito ah. Sobrang ganda….” he said as I smiled to him

“………Parang ikaw…” he then continued.

Ano daw???!!!

I gave him a very confused look.

“Whaaat??? Hahaha!!!” is this man blushing?

“Whatever Sandoval. Hahaha!” I grabbed the camera and took a picture of him as he waited for the green light.

“Oh so you’re the one taking pictures now? Hahaha!” he joked.

“Nako. I’m not gonna get close to your skills. I wouldn’t even dare. Hahaha!” I answered.

“I won’t mind naman if you wanna get close eh…” he then starred at me.

Uhm? W-W-What should I do?

Think Cody! Think!!!

“Ang cool naman ng mga binili mo….” I said as I aw the other stuff he must’ve bought earlier.

“Ah yan. Yeah…. I need to update my stuff always eh…” he said.

“Ang dami mo sigurong gamit no?” I asked as he continued driving.

“Yeah. I have more than a handful….” he replied.

“You wanna see it?” he quickly followed up.

“Uhm? S-S-Sige… That would be nice….” I said so he quickly changed route

It didn’t take long enough before reaching his place.

His pad seems very chill. I hate to admit it but I think his place looks waaay stylish than mine.

“Okay. I must say. You’re place looks cool.” I said as I walked towards this giant window overlooking the night lights of the city.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better now…” he whispered as he stood beside me. I just looked at him but he keeps starring outside the window.

“And I’m happy I’m the one making you smile now….” he said.

Why is he talking like that???!!!

He then turned to face me and took my hands.

WHAT IS HAPPENING????!!!

Every time he holds my hand, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed.

“Just wanna let you know that I’m always here for you. Okay?” he told me. Hindi mawala ang tingin nya sakin.

Wala akong masagot sa kanya.

“I promise. As long as I’m here. That Kit won’t be able to hurt you again…..” he then reached for my face.

What is happening? I cannot move a single muscle in my body.

“Cody…. Can you give me a chance?” tanong nya sakin.

I felt the rush of blood on my cheeks.

I looked at him again. But before I get lost in his eyes, lahat ng sinabi sakin ni Kit kanina, it all came back. And the thing me and dad agreed on…. I can’t do it to Derrick….

…..

…..

…..

Mali to.

I slowly removed his hands from me, much to his surprise.

“W-W-Why? Did I say something wrong?” he got worried quickly but I cannot find the words

“Tell me Cody please. I’m willing to change…. Just to prove to you… That I’m worthy… Worthy to take care of you…..” he said as he gently reached for my face.

I seriously cannot breath right now.

“What is all this?” the only thing I was able to say.

For the first time, I really felt speechless.

“Cody. Hindi pa ba obvious? Since the first time we met on that beach in Cebu, hindi ka na nawala sa isip ko. And this? All this? What are the odds of us seeing each other… And being this close…….” he told me as I felt his other hand on my waist trying to pull me closer.

I never experienced this before with Kit.

“I’m sure this is not just a chance encounter. This means more to me. At sana sayo rin.

…….

…….

…….

…… Mahal kita Cody. Mahal na mahal kita.“ he finally confessed.

I felt like he my heart literally stopped upon hearing those words from him. It sounds so sincere. So genuine. So true.

“Mali kasi to Derrick…” I told him.

“Do you want me to wait for you? Because I’m willing to do that. Kahit gaano pa katagal yan Cody. Just. Please give me a chance…” he begged.

“Hindi kasi yun Derrick….” I tried explaining.

“Then what?” he seems so confused.

“Alam mo kahit mangako pa ako sa mommy mo ngayon. Gagawin ko. Ganon ako ka-seryoso sayo…” he declared.

“I don’t want to waste your time. Your effort…. Derrick… You’re a great guy. But you don’t deserve someone like me. …” I started explaining to him.

“Cody. I’m not Kit. Hinding-hindi kita kayang saktan.” he told me.

“Alam ko…. Alam ko…..” I reached gently for his face.

“Pero ikaw. Masasaktan kita…. Ayokong gawin yun sayo….” I can’t help but start to sob.

“I’m not asking for a perfect relationship with you. All I’m asking is you… And you’re more than enough for me…” he said.

I just shook my head as I wiped my tears.

“Mahal din kita Derrick. But I can’t do this….” I said as I tried walking away.

He didn’t let go of my hand and instead pulled me closer towards him before he quickly planted a kiss on my lips.

WHAT IS HAPPENING???!!!

I cannot believe my eyes! I saw him closing his eyes and just feeling this moment.

He kisses so warm….. So caring… So soft….

I tried tapping his chest but he’s not letting go of this kiss.

I can feel how much tight he supports my back as if he really doesn’t wanna let me go.

Slowly, his warm kisses starts to take over me that it made me take my guards down.

My heartbeat started to slow down and relax as he pulled me even closer.

I have never felt more safe when I felt his arms and wide hands on my back.

For once, I wanna stay true to my feelings….

So I finally let him continue kissing me….

End of Cody’s POV

“Mahal na mahal kita Cody….” bulong ni Derrick nang tuluyan na nyang pakawalan ang mga labi ni Cody na naluluha na pala.

“Mahal na mahal din kita Derrick….” buong pusong pahayag ni Cody habang pinawi ni Derrick ang kanyang mga luha.

“You have no idea kung gaano ako kasaya ngayon Cody…..” sab ni Derrick bago nya ulit halikan si Cody.

Nagpaubaya na ng tuluyan si Cody kay Derrick at nagpasakop na ito sa pagmamahal nito sa kanya.

Dito nakita ni Derrick ang tunay na Cody.

Malayong malayo sa matatag na personalidad na pinapakita nya sa lahat.

Na kaya rin nyang magmahal at madali lang syang mahalin.

Ipinatong na ni Cody ang mga braso nya sa mga balikat ni Derrick na abalang abala na ipadama sa mga labi ni Cody ang kanyang pagmamahal.

Unti-unti ay nararamdaman na ni Cody na mas nagiging mapusok si Derrick sa kanyang mga halik. Naglakbay na rin pababa ang mga kamay ni Derrick mula sa kanyang likod papunta sa kanyang hita sabay angat dito.

Mas lalong humigpit ang yakap ni Cody sa mga balikat ni Derrick.

“I wanna show you how much I love Cody…” bulong ni Derrick.

“Do you trust me?” tanong ni Derrick habang malambing nyang hinaplos ang makinis na pisngi ni Cody.

Tumango lang si Cody na halatang kabado sa maaring gawin ni Derrick.

“Hey? Are you okay?” tanong ni Derrick na hindi magawang hindi mapansin ang kaba ni Cody.

“W-W-Why?” tanong ni Cody.

“Are you sure you wanna do this?” tanong ulit ni Derrick na hindi naman masagot ni Cody.

“Ayaw mo ba?” tanong ni Derrick na sinagot lang ng pag-iling ni Cody.

“Do you want to do it next time? Hindi ka pa ready?” tanong muli ni Derrick na sinagot din muli ng pag-iling ni Cody.

“Then what’s wrong? Tell me….” litong tanong ni Derrick.

“It’s just that…. I have never really done this….. You know… Th-Th-This….” hindi mapinta ang mukha ni Cody sa hiya.

“Wait. So you’re telling me….????” pilyong ngiti ni Derrick.

“Derrick naman eh….” pikon na sagot ni Cody.

“Hahaha! O sige hindi na…. But wow… I didn’t expect this….” pag-amin ni Derrick.

“Excuse me? What do you think of me? Just a booty call?” supladong sagot ni Cody.

“Hindi naman sa ganon. What I mean is… You were with Kit… I thought…You know… Did it before?” maingat na tanong ni Derrick para hindi na mainis sa kanya si Cody.

“You have no idea how many times I turned that douchebag down because of too much work. And honestly, I never felt that connection with him…” paliwanag.

“Not like what we have right now?” pilyong ngiti ni Derrick na sinagot lang ng maamong pagtungo ni Cody.

“So does that mean I’ll be in charge?” tuloy ang pilyong ngiti ni Derrick na sinagot ulit ni Cody ng pagtungo.

“Just tell me if I’m getting too rough….. Minsan kasi I have a problem of holding back.” kagat labing tanong ng nasabik biglang si Derrick.

“I trust you Derrick… Just take the lead okay? I’ll follow you… “ matipid na ngiti ni Cody na ikinasabik naman ni Derrick bago nya binalikan ang mga labi nito.

Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ay hinayaan ni Cody na iba ang humawak ng sitwasyon at magdesisyon sa isang bagay.

Nadama agad ni Cody na nagsimula nang gamitin ni Derrick ang kanyang dila sa kanilang mainit na halikan. Unti-unti ay napapayag na nya itong ibuka ang kanyang bibig para marating rin ng malikot na dila ni Derrick ang kaloob-looban ng bibig ni Cody.

“Ah fuck Cody. Your mouth tastes so good….” sabik na bulong ni Derrick.

“You can kiss me back if you like….” bilin sa kanya ni Derrick nang maramdaman nya na si Cody naman ang sumubok na paghahalikan sya gamit na rin ang dila nito.

Hindi man kasing tindi ng paglaplap ni Derrick sa kanya, ay ginawa pa rin ni Cody ang lahat para mapasaya nya ang kanyang pinakamamahal.

“Put your arms on my shoulders….” bulong ni Derrick na sinunod naman ni Cody bago sla bumalik samainit na halikan. Bigla nyang binitbit ang magaan na mga binti ni Cody at dinala ito sa kanyang kwarto.

Ramdam na ramdam ni Derrick ang bulis ng tibok ni Cody na kabadong kabado pa rin sa kanilang ginagawa.

Umupo sa sulok ng kama si Derrick habang nakapatong lang sa mga binti nya si Cody na sinasalo ang mapupusok na halik nito.

“Uuuuhhhh…Derrick…D……Aaaaahhhhhh….” mahinang ungol ni Cody nang pilyong kinagat kagat ni Derrick ang walang kasing lambot na lower lip ni Cody. Pilyo pa nitong hinila ang lower lip ni Cody bago ito pakawalan sabay balik sa mainit na laplapan.

Gulat na gulat si Cody sa natatagong kapusukan ni Derrick. Kilala nya kasi ito bilang isang mabait na tao. Napaka prim and proper ni Derrick sa mga mata ni Cody kaya laking gulat nito sa pinapamalas nitong makamundong pagnanasa sa kanya.

“Aaaaaahhhh…. Slow down…..” pakiusap ng pikit na pikit na si Cody dahil sa mapupusok na pagpapak ni Derrick sa bawat sulok ng kanyang leeg.

“You smell so good…. I just wanna buy my face on you neck Cody….Hmmmm….” sagot sa kanya ni Derrick. Mas lalo tuloy tumaas ang libog ni Derrick na nagumpisa nang tanggalin isa-isa ang mga butones sa magarang suot pang-itaas ni Cody.

“Daaaamn. You have a nice body…..” nakita ni Derrick ang magandang pangangatawan ni Cody. Defined na rin kahit papano ang kanyang muscles pero hindi pa rin ito makakapantay sa pagkabrusko ni Derrick.

“Fuck….. Ang kinis mo….“inumpisahan ng halik-halikan ni Derrick ang chest ni Cody pababa sa kanyang nipples.

“Fuuuuck…. Aaaaahhhh…. Ang saraaaaap….” kagat-labing bulong ni Cody. Buong libog na pinagdidilaan ni Derrick sabay supsop sa mga sensitibong nipples ni Cody. Napatingin sa taas si Derrick at nakita na pigil na pigil na si Cody sa sarap.

“Let go Cody….. Just let it out….Hmmmm fuck ang sarap mo……” bulong ni Derrick bago ssya bumalik sa mabilis na paglasap sa magkabilang nipples ni Cody. Kaya mas lalong lumakas ang mga ungol ni Cody na napapatiklop ang katawan sa pag-iwas dahil sa tindi ng sarap na hatid ng masabaw na bibig ni Derrick.

Bumaba na ang mga halik nya papunta sa tiyan at pusod ni Cody.

“Your kisses feel so warm Derrick……” maingat na pina-angat ni Cody ang mukha ni Derrick para mahalikan muli ito.

“You like it?” kagat labing tanong ni Derrick.

“It feels so good….” bulong sa kanya ni Cody na pulang pula na ang mga pisngi sa hiya at kilig bago bumalik sa paghimod ni Derrick sa bawat sulok ng makinis na katawan ni Cody.

“Hmmmmmm…. Your skin smells sooo good…..” sabi ni Derrick habang halos ibaon na nya ang buong mukha nya sa balat ni Cody.

“Your facial hair… It’s ticklish…..” nangingiting sabi ni Cody dahil sa matututlis na pausbong na facial hair ni Derrick.

Pero imbis na tumigil ay maloko pang kiniliti ni Derrick si Cody kaya halos mawala na ang mata ni Cody sa sobrang pagngiti.

“God…. Don’t give me those smiles. It makes me want to kiss you more….” pilyong ngiti ni Derrick na nagulat nang si Cody na mismo ang lumapit sa kanya para bigyan sya ng matatamis na halik hindi lang sa kanyang mga labi kundi pati na rin sa kanyang pisngi.

“Oooohhhh niiiice aaaaahhhh tuloy mo lang yan Cody…. shiiiiit….” biglang ungol ni Derrick nang naisipan ni Cody na halikan pati na rin ang tenga ni Derrick.

Ramdam na ramdam ni Derrick ang mainit at masabaw na dila ni Cody na maingat na pinaghahahlikan ang tenga nya. Hindi na mapigilan ng mga kamay ni Derrick na maglakbay papunta sa malulusog na pwetan ni Cody.

“Aaaaaaahhhhhh……..” biglang ungol ni Cody na napabitaw sa paglasap nya sa tenga ni Derrick dahil sa tindi ng panggigigil ni Derrick sa kanyang pwetan.

“Hindi ka ba nangangalay?” pag-aalala ni Cody dahil kanina pa sya nakakandong sa mga hita ni Derrick.

“Sobrang gaan mo kaya…. And I like you here…. I can easily reach and squeeze you like thiiiiis….” gigil na kinapa kapa ni Derrick ang magkabilang pisngi ng pwet ni Cody.

“Not too hard pleeeease aaaaahhhh….” pakiusap ni Cody sa gitna ng kanyang pag-ungol habang napayakap sya ng mahigpit kay Derrick.

“Shit sorry……” sagot ni Derrick habang malambing na sinuyo ng mga halik nya ang malaporselanang pisngi ni Cody.

“I’ll take off my shirt na. Can you help me?” tanong ni Derrick nang tinulungan sya ni Cody na hubarin ang kanyang pang-itaas.

Duon nasilayan muli ni Cody ang matipunong pangangatawan ni Derrick.

“Matutunaw naman ako nyan eh….” malambing na sabi ni Derrick nang mapansin nya na patitig nalang talaga si Cody nang malapitan nyang nakita ang matipunong chest at shoulder muscles ni Derrick.

“Derrick naman eh….” asar na sagot ni Cody nang pinatong na muli nito ang mga kamay sa matitikas na balikat ni Derrick.

“Hahaha! Bakit ba kasi? Hahaha!” sambit ni Derrick na tuwang tuwa dahil napapakilig na nya talaga si Cody.

“Grabe naman kasi yung katawan mo….” sagot ni Cody nang biglang nagflex pa ng biceps nya si Derrick.

“You like this? Hmmmm?” kagat labing ngiti ni Derrick habang buong gigil na pina-alsa ang magkabilang biceps nya.

“Hahahaha!!!! Ano baaa!!! Ang kulit mo talaga!!!!” malambing na kinurot ni Cody ang magkabilang pisngi ni Derrick bago mabilis at paulit-ulit na pinaulanan nya ito ng matatamis na halik sa labi.

Hindi inasahan ni Derrick na ang matatamis na halik ni Cody ay unti-unting naging mapusok hanggang sa pati leeg nya ay pinaghahalikan na ni Cody.

“Shiiiiit!!!!! That’s it!!!!! Aaaaahhh fuuuck!!!!” ungol ni Derrick nang madama na ng leeg nya ang malalambot at maiinit na labi ni Cody.

“Theeere…. You go lower….” pakiusap ni Derrick nang narating na ni Cody ang malapad na chest ni Derrick. Hindi mapigilan ni Derrick ang mapatingala sa sarap dahil sa malakuryenteng sarap na dulot ng mga halik nya.

“Aaaaaahhh shit Cody…. Stay there…. Tangina sobrang saraaaaap!!!!!” gigil na ungol ni Derrick nang marating na ni Cody ang nagtitigasang mga utong ni Derrick. Halos manghina si Derrick sa sarap, at mas lalo pang umaapaw ang kalibugan nya kay Cody dahil na rin sa mainit na mga hininga ni Cody sa balat nya sa bawat oras na nagpapalipat-lipat ito ng utong na lalasapin.

“Shit Cody….. Ang sarap mong tingnan dyan….” pagyuko ni Derrick habang pinapanuod nya si Cody na walang ka-arte arteng sinasapo ng mainit at masabaw nyang bibig ang mga utong nya.

“Ugggghhhh Cody dahan dahan lang. You’re making it too difficult for me…..aaaaahhhhh…” ungol ni Derrick kaya napatingala sa kanya si Cody.

“B-B-Bakit?” pagtataka ni Cody.

Napangiti naman si Derrick dahil sa maamong mukha ni Cody na medyo nagulo na rin ng bahagya ang buhok.

“Cause you’re doing it so well…. You’re way too good…” ngiting bulong nya kay Cody bago nito inayos ang buhok nito at halikan sa noo.

“Baba ka pa Cody…..” mapusok na pakiusap ni Derrick kaya balik sa paghalik si Cody. Pinuntirya naman ng mga labi ni Cody ang nagtitigasang mga abs ni Derrick. Halos mangintab na sa mainit laway ni Cody ang mga abs ni Derrick. Lahat ito ay nangyayari habang minamanyak ng mga kamay ni Derrick ang walang kasing lambot na pwetan ni Cody.

“Ah! Ah!! Shiiiiit!!!! Codddddyyyyy aaaaahhhhh!!!!!” malakas na ungol ni Derrick nang sinubukan na himudin ni Cody ang katawan nya mula sa kanyang abs papunta sa utong nya paakyat sa leeg nya.

Libog na libog na pinapapak ni Derrick ang balikat ni Cody sa bawat oras na umaangat ito at naabot nya ito ng kanyang mga halik.

Napunta ang mga halik ni Cody sa makikisig na shoulders ni Derrick. Dahil sobrang ganado ni Derrick ay balik flex ulit sya ng biceps nya na mabilis na pinaghahalikan ni Cody samantalang himas himas naman ng isang kamay nya ang kabilang biceps ni Derrick nakaflex din.

“Ang galing mo shit!!!!! Keep doing it Cody… Fuuuucking sweet!!!!” kagat labing bulong nya kay Cody na abala pa rin sa pagtakam sa biceps nya.

“AAAAAHHH TANGINAAAAA!!!!” malakas na mura ni Derrick nang biglang pumailalim ng halik si Cody mula sa nakaalsang biceps ni Derrick papunta sa kanyang kilikili.

Pikit mata at napapanganga sa pagkaulol si Derrick sa sarap na hatid ng bawat paglinis na ginagawa ni Cody sa kilikili nya.

“Fuck Cody. Dyan ka lang sa pits ko. Sobrang sarap ng dila mooooooo…. Uuuuuhhhhhhhhh sige paaaaa tangina talagaaaa….” pakiusap ni Derrick na itinaas na ng tuluyan ang braso nya para masilayan si Cody kung paano nito hinimod ng buong sarap ang bawat sulok ng kanyang mabuhok na kilikili.

Halinang-halina si Derrick na pinagmamasdan si Cody na hindi mapakali na nagpapalipat lipat sa mga nakataas nyang kilikili. Kitang kita nya kung paano sinisikap ni Cody na masiyahan sya.

At kahit na si Cody ang galaw ng galaw sa kanila, si Derrick ang siyang walang tigil na pinagpapawisan. Biglang napatigil sa paglipat-lipat si Cody sa paglasap sa dalawang nakataas na kilikili ni Derrick at napansin ang tagaktak na pawis ni Derrick. Biglang napababa ng mga kamay si Derrick.

“S-S-Sorry… Pinapawisan na ako. Sobrang hot mo kasi….Hehehe…” napakamot nalang ng ulo si Derrick nang biglang lumapit sa kanya si Cody.

“W-W-What are you doing???” pagtataka ni Derrick nang biglang pati mga patak ng pawis ni Derrick sa pisngi at leeg ay dinilaan din ni Cody.

“Fuck ang hot ng ginagawa mo Cody!!!!! Shiiiit!!!!!” gigil na sambit ni Derrick nang maramdaman nya na bumaba na ang isang kamay ni Cody sa kanina pang namumuong bukol sa kanyang pantalon.

“Am I doing it right?” kabadong ngiti ni Cody.

“It feels so huge Derrick…..” dagdag ni Cody.

“Cody if you just even have the slightest idea how much you’re turning me on so much….. Fuuuck…..You’re doing so great….. Aaaaaahhhhhh rub it more baby…..” ungol ni Derrick.

“L-Like this?” tanong ni Cody nang bahagya nyang pinisl ang nakakapa nyang malaking tubo sa loob ng pantalon ni Derrick.

“Yaaaan…. Aaaahhh…. Just be a bit more gentle okay?” ngiting paalala ni Derrick.

“Ay sorry… S-S-Sige…. Like this???” tanong ni Cody nang mas maingat nanyang pinisil-pisil ang tumatayong burat ni Derrick.

“Ah there… That’s it….Niiiiice…..Hmmmmmm…..“napanganga nalang sa sarap si Derrick nang sa wakas ay nahuli na ni Cody ang tamang paraan.

“Why are you not looking at me?” pagtataka ni Cody sa pag-iwas ng tingin ni Derrick sa kanya.

“Cause you stare so sexy to me. Then your rubbing me down there. I might explode in no time if I keep starring at you…” biro ni Derrick.

“You want me to go down na?” tanong ni Cody na ikinasabik ni Derrick. Nagmamadali nyang sinubukang tanggalin ang sinturon na suot nya.

Hindi mapakali ang mga kamay nya nang bigla itong abutin ni Cody.

“I’ll do it….” malambing na ngiti ni Cody na ikinakilig agad ni Derrick.Umalis na sa pagkakandong sa ibabaw ni Derrick si Cody. Lumuhod sa lapag si Cody at tumapat na nga sya sa malatent na pantalon ni Derrick

“I still can’t believe we’re doing it….” tanging nabanggit ni Derrick habang pinapanuod kung paano tinatanggal ni Cody ang sinturon at butones nya.

“Me too….” ngiting sagot ni Cody bago nya hilahin pababa ang zipper.

Kumawala ang namamasang dulo ng boxers ni Derrick.

“It’s so huge…. What should I do?” tanong ni Cody.

“Stroke it to make it bigger… Please…” pakiusap ni Derrick.

“So you’re telling me this is stilll not it??? takot na titig ni Cody sa malatent na boxers ni Derrick.

“Hindi pa Cody. But I’m so turned on now. Just this sight of you down there near my crotch. I remember how many times I dreamt of this. Damn it. This view looks so hot….” malibog na bulong ni Derrick.

“W-W-Wait. So you’ve had this in mind long ago?” litong tanong ni Cody.

“Well… Not really…. But before I submitted your pictures to the magazine, I used to jerk off to them…” malokong ngiti ni Derrick.

“You’re grossing me out…” natatawang sagot ni Cody.

“Eh crush na kita matagal na eh. You can’t blame me if you look fine as hell always…. He’s always getting excited…” titig na sagot ni Derrick sa kanyang boxers.

Kinuha ni Cody ang boxers ni Derrick at dinilaan ang namamasang tela sa dulo nito. Duon nya nalasahan ang precum na nakakalat sa boxers ni Derrick.

“You wanna taste the real thing?” tanong ni Derrick na sinagot naman ng pagtungo ni Cody na napapakagat labi na rin dahil sa sarap ng lasa ng precum ni Derrick. Tuluyan na nyang tinulungan si Derrick na tanggalin ang lahat ng saplot nito kasama na ang suot nitong sapatos.

Napanganga si Cody sa haba at taba ng naghuhumindik na burat ni Derrick. Kusa itong gumagalaw na tila uhaw na uhaw na rin sa libog.

“You’re so big…. Kaya ko ba to???” kabadong tanong ni Cody na nalulula pa rin sa tikas ng burat ni Derrick.

“Take your time Cody…. Fuck…” tanging nasambit ni Derrick nang hinawakan nna ng tuluyan ni Cody ang tubo ng burat ni Derrick. Konting pisil lang ang ginawa nya nang biglang dumaloy ang klaro at malagkit na pre-cum ni Derrick.

Tinapat na ni Cody ang bibig nya sa dulo ng ulo ni Derrick at akmang hinigop ng mabagal ang precum para walang masayang na patak. Unti-unti ay bumuka na ang maliit na bibig ni Cody para swabeng masubo ang galit na galit na ulo ng burat ni Derrick.

“SHIIIIIIIIT SOBRANG INIT NG BIBIG MOOOO!!!!” malakas na ungol ni Derrick.

Pilit na ibinabaon ni Cody sa bibig nya ang burat ni Derrick na patab ng pataba habang lumalalim ang pagsubo nya.

Banat na banat na ang mga labi ni Cody nang tuluyan nang marating ng ulo ng burat ni Derrick ang walang kasing lambot at masabaw na lalamunan ni Cody.

Kitang-kita ni Derrick ang hirap sa mga mata ni Cody kaya inabot nya ang mga kamay nito.

“Cody don’t look at me like that…..Uuuugghhhhhh……. Those fucking stares….” pakiusap ni Derrick nang tumitig muli si Cody sa kanya mula sa baba habang unti-unti na nyang sinususo ang burat ni Derrick.

“Aaaaahhh fuck… You look so fucking good…..” banggit ni Derrick na inayos pa ng kaunti ang buhok ni Cody na maingat na sinusubo ang burat nya.

Hindi maipaliwanag na sarap at libog ang nadarama ni Derrick sa bawat pagbaon ng burat nya sa makipot at malagkit na bibig ni Cody. Saglit na hinugot ni Cody mula sa bibig nya ang burat ni Derrick para madilaan ang bawat sulok ng burat ni Derrick.

Dinala naman ni Derrick ang mga kamay ni Cody papunta sa mga nagtitigasan nyang utong. Mabilis na nilaro-laro ng mga daliri ni Cody ang mga utong ni Derrick habang walang tigil ang pagdila naman nya sa burat ni Derrick.

““Hmmmm…. That’s it Cody… Nice and slow….. Niiiice and slooooow….. Fuuuck aaaaahhhh….” napapanguso sa libog si Derrick lalo na nung narating na rin ni Cody ang mga bayag ni Derrick.

Walang sinayang na oras si Cody nang pati ang sensitibong mga bayag ni Derrick ay pinagdidilaan din nya. Halos hindi na makita ni Derrick si Cody na nakangudngod na halos ang gwapo nitong mukha sa kanyang mga bayag.

Binawi ni Cody ang mga kamay nya mula sa mga utong ni Derrick para masubo muna ito at malagyan ng sarili nyang laway bago nya ito ibinalik sa mga utong ni Derrick.

Mas madulas at masabaw na tuloy ang paglalalro ni Cody sa utong ni Derrick. Parang nakukuryente sa sarap si Derrick sa tindi ng sarap na hatid ng mga daliri at dila ni Cody.

Makalipas ang ilang minuto ay nagdesisyon na si Cody na bumalik muki sa pagsubo kay Derrick.

“Fuck my mouth please…..” nahihiya pang hiling ni Cody. “As you wish….. Just squeeze my arms if  it’s too much already okay?” sabik na tanong ni Derrick nang inabot ni Cody ang mga braso ni Derrick samanatalanag napakaingat na hawak hawak ni Derrick ang ulo ni Cody.

Nagumpisa sa mabagal na pagtaas baba ng ulo ni Cody ang ginawa ni Derrick. Bawat baon nya sa ulo ni Cody ay sinigurado nyang nararating ng dulo ng burat nya ang lalamunan ni Cody. Swabeng swabe na ginagalaw ni Derrick ang ulo ni Cody habang pabilis nang pabilis na ang pagbarurot nya sa bibig ni Cody.

“That fucking juicy mouth of yours….. Uuuuggghhhhhhhh!!!!! That sexy moist throat…. Aaaaahhhhhhhh…..” gigil na sambit ni Derrick na tuloy ang pagkantot sa birheng bibig ni Cody.

Rinig na rinig sa kwarto ni Derrick ang masabaw na pagbarurot ni Derrick sa malaway na lalamunan ni Cody. Nagtataka si Derrick dahil hindi pa rin nahihilo si Cody sa kabila ng mabilis nyang paggalaw sa ulo nito kaya mas binilisan nya pa. Biglang napakapit nang mabilis si Cody sa braso ni Derrick kaya mabilis na hinugot ni Derrick ang buong bibig ni Cody palabas.

Walang tigil ang pag-agos ng malagkit na laway ni Cody pababa sa nagwawala pa ring burat ni Derrick.

“It tastes sooo good….” sambit ng nakatingalang si Cody na tuloy pa rin ang pagtulo ng laway.

“Go rest first. You’ve been down there for a whileeeAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH FUUUUCK COOOOOODY!!!!” hiyaw ni Derrick nang biglang bumalik sa matinding pagsubo si Cody.

Sa sobrang libog ay hinawakan ng maigi ni Derrick ang ulo ni Cody bago ito tumayo mula sa kama. Napansin nya ang higanteng salamin na malapit sa kanila. Kitang kita nya kung paano nakanganga at naka-abang ang sabik na bibig ni Cody na malasahan muli ang nakakabaliw na lasa ng burat nya.

“I’m gonna fuck your mouth so hard Cody…. Take a deep breath now baby….” babala ni Derrick na sinunod naman ni Cody. At walang ano-ano ay pinagkakantot ng burat ni Derrrick ang bibig ni Cody. Mabilis na umatras abante ang burat ni Derrick na sinalo ng buong lakas ni Cody.

Libog na libog na tinitingnan ni Derrick ang pangbababoy na ginagawa nya sa bibig ni Cody na tumagal din ng ilang minuto.

“Let me eat your ass now….” bulong ni Derrick nang matapos na nyang mapagparausan ang bibig ni Cody.

Dinala nya si Cody sa kama at pinadapa. Pagkakataon naman na ni Derrick na tanggalan ng saplot si Cody. Maingat na hinila pababa ni Derrick ang suot suot na saplot ni Cody bago tumambad s akanya ang napakakinis at napakatabang mga pisngi ng pwet ni Cody.

“Please be gentle…” kagat labing pakiusap ni Cody. “I can’t promise you anything….“pilyong ngiti ni Derrick bago ito lumapit at dinikit ang mukha sa malusog na pwet ni Cody. “Can I sleep here?” malokong biro ni Derrick nang sinandal ang buong mukha sa pwet ni Cody.

“Hahahaha! Derrick naman eeeeh…” sagot ni Cody. “Hahaha! I’ll do that later. But for now, I’ll have my snack first….” sambit ni Derrick nang umayos na ito ng pwesto at pinatuwad si Cody. Duon nya nasilip ang burat ni Cody na tila naglalabas na rin ng precum dahil sa tumutulong katas nito pababa sa bed sheets.

“Now let me see that hole…….” pahayag ni Derrick bago buklatin ng maigi ang mga pisngi ng pwet ni Cody nang tumambad ang kumikislot-kislot na birheng butas ni Cody.

“This looks so smooth and juicy…….” sambit ni Derrick nang sinimot nya muna ang mabangong singaw mula sa butas ni Cody. Napa-abante bigla si Cody na ikinagulat ni Derrick.

“W-What’s wrong? Did I do something wrong?” pagtataka ni Derrick.

“Your facial hair tickles it…“kagat labing bulong ni Cody na ikinangiti naman ni Derrick kaya mas lalo itong natukso na kilitiin pa ang maselang pwet ni Cody gamit ang patubong bigote ni Derrick.

“Aaaaaahhhhh please eat meeee….” hiling ng napipikit na si Cody.

“Just waiting for you say it…. Hmmmmmm….. You like that???? Hmmmmm….” biglang binanatan na ni Derrick ng dila nya ang malinis na butas ni Cody.

“DERRICK!!!! AAAAAAHHHH!!!!” malakas na hiyaw ni Cody nang halos asawahin na ni Derrick ang birheng butas nya.

“Your hole tastes sooo fucking good Cody…. Akin lang to ah….” bulong ni Derrick na libog na libog na pinapapapak ang bawat sulok ng butas ni Cody samantalang naglalakbay naman ang mga kamay ni Derrick para mahaplos ang walang kasing kinis na kutis ni Cody sa binti at hita nya.

Inabot naman ni Cody ang sarili nyang burat at nagumpisa na itong laruin ang sarili nyang burat habang nagpapakasawa si Derrick sa paglasap sa butas nya.

“I wanna have a better taste of this sweet hole….” sambit ni Derrick nang pinahiga na nya si Cody sabay angat sa likod nito. Lumuhod si Derrick sa kama at tumambad sa kanya ang bukang bukang mga binti ni Cody.

“Much better…… This time I can see you blush….” pahayag ni Derrick bago binalikan ng malikot nyang dila ang butas ni Cody. Pinatulis pa nya ito at pilit na isinasalaksak sa masikip nyang butas.

Napakataas ng libog ni Derrick sa tuwing makikita nya ang mamula-mulang pisngi sa malaporselanang kutis ni Cody.

“Can I stick my fingers inside you????” tanong ni Derrick na puno na ng sariling laway ang paligid ng bibig nya dahil sa walang humpay na pagkain sa butas ni Cody.

“Please Derrick…..” pakiusap ni Cody habang kagat kagat ang mga daliri nya dahil sa tindi ng libog.

“Now how can I say no to that face??” ngiting sagot ni Derrick.

Napakapilyong titig ang isinukli ni Derrick sa hiyas ni Cody habang binasa basa ang sarili nyang daliri ng laway nya bago dahan-dahang ibinaon ang isang daliri sa butas ni Cody.

“Fuuuck ang sikip mo talaga….” sambit ni Derrick nang napaangat pa lalo ang likod ni Cody dahil sa hapdi.

“Slow down baby….. Please…. Aaaaahhhhhh…..” hiling ni Cody.

“It sounds so fucking good when you call me that… Hmmmm… I fucking love it baby….. Ugggghhhh you like this? Hmmmm????? You like this finger up in your hole???” libog na libog na tanong ni Derrick.

“Y-Y-Yes baby…. Open me wide please….” hiling ni Cody nang sabay na pinagdidilaan ni Derrick ang butas ni Cody kasabay ng swabeng pagsundot sa kaloob-looban nito.

“More please…. Baby….” muling pakiusap ni Cody na agad na sinunod ng ngiting-ngiting si Derrick kaya sinubukan nyang magdagdag ng isa pang daliri.

Walang awa nyang pinagsusundot sa loob ang mangiyak-ngiyak na si Cody.

Matapos ang ilang saglit ay pinagpahinga na ni Derrick ang kanina pang nakaangat ang likod.

Pagkababa na pagkababa ni Derrick ng maingat kay Cody ay mabilis na bumangon si Cody at sinugod ng halik si Derrick.

Napahiga si Derrick habang nasa ibabaw naman nya si Cody.

Walang kasing lambing na mga halik ang iniregalo ni Cody kay Derrick.

Napatigil sila sa halikan at napatitig lang sa isa’t-isa.

“I fucking love you baby…. I fucking love you sooo much….” pagdeklara ni Derrick.

“I love you too babe. Mahal na mahal na mahal kita….” sagot sa kanya ni Cody bago nya paghahalikan ang pisngi ni Derrick na walang mapaglagyan ang kilig na nadarama dahil sa matatamis na halik ni Cody sa kanya.

“Ready ka na? I’m gonna put it inside…” pagpapaalam ni Derrick na sinagot lang ng pagtango ni Cody.

“C’mere… Hold tight baby…. It’s gonna hurt at first….” bulong ni Derrick kaya mabilis na yumakap sa kanya si Cody. Ramdam na ramdam ng dibdib ni Derrick ang malakas na heartbeat ni Cody.

Inabot na ni Derrick ang dulo ng kanyang naghuhumindik na batuta at pinahiran muna ng masabaw nyang precum ang kumikislot-kislot na butas ni Cody.

“Babyyyyy….” mahinang ungol ni Cody na puno ng hapdi dahil sa mabagal na pagpunit ni Derrick sa kanyang birheng hiyas.

“Sssshhhhh…. Ssssshhhh… It’s okay. I’m doing it slowly baby…. Don’t cry please….” maamong paghalik ni Derrick sa noo ng umiiyak na si Cody na walang kasing higpit ang yakap sa matipuno nyang katawan.

“Babyyyyyyyy!!!! Aaaaaahhhhh!!!! It’s soooo biiiig!!!!!” hiyaw na iyak ni Cody na bumaon na ang mga kuko sa balat ni Derrick.

“You’re so fucking tight baby!!! You’re so fucking tight!!!!” gigil na sambit ni Derrick sa nakahiga sa kanyang si Cody bago nauwi sa napakainit na laplapan.

Hindi mapigilan ni Cody na mapahiyaw nang bitawan na ni Derrick ang pagkakahalik sa kanya.

“The neighbors might hear us baby…” pag-aalala ni Derrick.

Inabot ni Cody ang kamay ni Derrick at walang ano-ano ay pinasok nito ang mga daliri ni Derrick sa bibig nya.

“Aaaaahhhhh shiiiit…. Ang hot baby. Sobrang hot nyang ginagawa mo….. Fuuuuck Cody…..” sambit ni Derrick nang unti unti ay mas bumabaon na ang burat nya sa kaibuturan ng hiyas ni Cody.

Ramdam na ramdam ng burat ni Derrick ang nahihiwang murang laman ni Cody.

“I love you baby… Thank you for this…. Aaaaahhhhhhh fuuuuuckkkk…..” paghalik ni Derrick sa pisngi ni Cody na isinuko sa kanya ang pagkabirhen nito.

“You’re so worth it Derrick…” sambit ni Cody sa gitna ng kanyang pagluha. Sa wakas ay naipasok na ni Derrick ang kabuuan ng burat nya sa loob ni Cody.

“I’m gonna fuck you so good baby….. I promise…. I’m gonna own that hole baby…” libog ma bulong ni Derrick.

“I’m all yours Derrick… I’m all yours…” bulong ni Cody kay Derrick.

Nanlisik ang mga mata ni Derrick sa libog at gigil nang bigla nyang binitbit ang napakagaang katawan ni Cody.

Salo salo ng matitikas na braso ni Derrick ang mga binti ni Cody na nakayakap pa rin sa pawisang katawan nya.

Buong libog na pinagkakantot ni Derrick ang birheng hiyas ni Cody. May biglang nasundot sa kaloob-looban ni Cody si Derrick.

Biglang humigpit ang yakap ni Cody kay Derrick nang masapul ni Derrick ang malambot na laman sa dulo ng hiyas ni Cody.

“Keep going!!! Ugggghhhhh!!!! Baby please!!!! Keep going!!! Don’t stop please!!!!” bulong ni Cody nang mapagtanto ni Derrick na nasusundot na mg burat nya ang pinakamaselang laman ni Cody. Ang kanyang prostate.

Halos labing limang minutong walang tigil na binarurot ni Derrick ang hiyas ni Cody. Halos maligo na sa pawis ang katawan ni Derrick pero tuloy pa rin ang pagulos nya.

Malambing na pinupunansan ni Cody ang butil butil na pawis sa mukha ni Derrick sabay halik sa kanya ng matamis.

Hindi nagtagal at nagsimula nang makaramdam si Cody nang nagbabadyang pagsabog ng kanyang katas dahil sa walang tigil na pagkantot sa kanya ni Derrick na sinisiguradong nasasapul nya ang prostate ni Cody.

“I’m…. I’m cumming….” nahihiyang bulong ni Cody sa kumakarga at bumabarurot sa kanya.

“Sige lang baby…. Let it explode… Fuuuuck sobrang sikip mo pa rin hanggang ngayon….“sagot sa kanya ni Derrick.

“Hindi ko na kaya Derrick… I’m close! I’M CLOSE! I’M CLOOOOOOOSE!!!!!!!” paghiyaw ni Cody nang sumabog ang malabnaw nyang katas sa abs ni Derrick na umiipit sa kanyang burat habang magkayakap sila.

“Fuuuuck baby…. Your juice feels sooo warm….. Aaaahhh fuck I can feel it dripping from me….” sambit ni Derrick habang pinanuod kung paanong hirap na hirap ikubli ni Cody ang sarap nang marating nito ang climax nya.

Nakita nya ang nagkalat na katas nya sa abs ni Derrick kaya wala itong pagaatubili na inipon ito gamit ang kanyang kamay at malayang pinapatak sa mismo nyang bibig.

“Tangina ang hooooot!!!!!” gigil na gigil na pinanuod ni Derrick ang paglasap ni Cody hanggang sa huling patak ng sarili nyang malabnaw na katas.

“C’mere….” biglang tulak ni Derrick sa batok ni Cody papunta sa kanya. Pinagsaluhan nilang dalawa ang katas ni Cody sa pagitan ng mainit nilang laplapan.

Hindi na bumitaw si Derrick sa laplapan nila nang isinagad na nya ang pagangkin sa hiyas ni Cody.

“Baby I’m fucking close!!!! I SWEAR I’M FUCKING CLOSE!!!!” babala ni Derrick nang bumitaw ito sa mainit na halikan nila Cody.

“I want it inside me….. Please….. Inside me Derrick…..” hiling ni Cody sa kanya.

“Okay baby…. I’ll explode inside you… You like that huh???? Hmmmmm??? You like that??? Aaaaaaahhhhh fuuuuucccckkk I’m really cloooose!!!!” napapatitig sa kawalan ang libog na libog na si Derrick habang pinupunasan ni Cody ang pawis nya.

“HERE I COME BABY!!!!

FUUUUUCK!!!!

FUCK I’M CLOSE!

FUCK I’M CLOSE!

FUCK I’M CLOOOOSE!!!!

HERE I COME!!!!

HERE I COME!!!!

AAAAAAHHHH SHIIIIIT BABYYYYYY!!!!!!!!“ biglang huminto sa pagbarurot si Derrick para tuluyang mapakawalan ang naimbak nitong masaganang tamod na pumuno sa masikip na butas ni Cody.

Damang dama ni Cody ang tindi ng pagsirit ng mainit at malagkit na tamod ni Derrick sa bawat sulok ng kanyang birheng laman.

Halos umangat ang katawan ni Cody na karga karga pa rin ni Derrick dahil sa tindi ng paghabol ng hininga ng binata.

“You filled me up….. Baby…. It’s full…. It’s so warm……” bulong ni Cody na mahigpit ang yakap kay Derrick.

“I fucking love you Cody…. I fucking love you….” pagharap ni Derrick sa kanya.

Maingat na hinugot ni Derrick ang lumalambot na nyang burat mula sa butas ni Cody nang biglang tumagas ang ilang patak ng tamod ni Derrick na inimbak nya sa loob ni Cody.

Dahan dahan syang nilapag ni Derrick pabalik sa kama. Sumunod naman kaagad sa tabi nya si Derrick. Mabilis na kinuha ni Cody ang kanilang boxers ni Derrick para makapagsuot kahit konting saplot.

Pawis na pawis ka…“ sambit ni Cody nang inumpisahan na nyang punasan ang pawis na pawis na katawan ni Derrick gamit ang malinis na tela.

“Sweet naman…” ngiting sagot ni Derrick.

Nang matapos na si Cody ay kinuha naman ni Derrick ang makapal na comforter nito para makumutan ang sarili pati na rin si Cody.

Niyakap ni Derrick si Cody mula sa likod para makapag cuddle na sila.

“That felt so good…” bulong ni Derrick habang binibigyan nya ng matatamis na halik ang balikat ni Cody.

“Did you enjoy it?” tanong ni Derrick na sinagot lang ng malambing na ngiti ni Cody.

“God! I never thought I can cuddle with you and squeeze you like this you little cutie….” pagyakap ng sobrang higpit ni Derrick kay Cody.

“I love you Derrick…” simpleng ngiti ni Cody pero walang kasing sarap sa pandinig ni Derrick.

“I love you Cody….” sagot nito kay Cody.

Dahil na rin sa matinding pagod ay dinalaw na rin silang dalawa ng antok.

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Author’s Note

Thank you for reading the chapter! Don’t forget to vote and comment on your favorite parts of the chapter.

CHAPTER 5 - The Expose

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Disclaimer

I do not own of the photos. All credit belongs to the owners.

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Matapos ang ilang araw ay ganap na nga ang relasyon nila Derrick at Cody. Isang totoong relasyon hindi lang para kay Derrick kundi pati na rin kay Cody.

Sa loob ng mahabang panahon, ngayon lang muli nakaramdam ng ganitong klaseng saya si Cody. At masaya sya dahil lahat ito ay dulot ni Derrick na nakita ang pinakita sa kanya na kaya nya pa ring magmahal at kamahal-mahal sya sa kabila ng lahat ng pinagdaanan nya.

Ngunit dahil wala pang resultang naihahain si Cody sa ama nyang si Ramon ay nababahala na ito .Lalo na’t nauubos na ang araw bago sumapit ang naka-ambang pagpirma ng SGC sa Xeli Corp.

“Ander, please call Cody. Tell him I want him here now….” utos ni Ramon habang nakatanaw sa malawak na lupain ng mga Villarasa mula sa kanyang grandyosong veranda.

“CLV, you have a visitor!!!” masayang pagsilip ni Tiffany mula sa glass door ng kanyang boss.

“Tell him to get in…” ngiting sagot ni Cody. Tuwang tuwa si Tiffany nang sa wakas ay nakita nya na ring ngumiti ang matagal na nyang boss.

“Good morning boss….” ngiting pagpasok ni Derrick na may bitbit na boquet ng makukulay na bulaklak.

“Woooow!!! You don’t have to!!!” sinalubong sya ng matamis na halik sa pisngi at mahigpit na yakap mula kay Cody.

“Of course I have to. To keep you inspired. And maybe take some away some stress?” ngiting sabi ni Derrick habang nakasandal sa mga balikat nya ang beywang ni Cody.

Rinig na rinig naman ang kilig mula sa lahat ng staff na nakadungaw mula sa glass walls ng boss nila.

“Your presence is moooore than enough to make me feel better…” ngiting sagot ni Cody sabay malambing na kurot nito sa matangos na ilong ng kanyang gwapong nobyo.

Nakangiti pang sumisilip si Tiffany mula sa labas ng biglang syang makatanggap ng tawag mula sa kanyang cellphone.

“A-A-Ander???” pagtatakang bungad ni Tiffany.

“So dinner tonight?” yaya ni Derrick.

“That sounds lovely….” ngiting sagot ni Cody nang biglang kumatok at sumilip muli si Tiffany.

“Excuse me sir. Sorry to bother you. But Sir Ramon is on the phone….” kabadong ngiti ni Tiffany.

Kitang kita ni Derrick ang mabilis na pagkatamlay ni Cody sa narinig nya.

“Uhmmm… B-B-Babe… I just have to take the call…” alanganing ngiti ni Cody bago iwan muna ng saglit si Derrick sa kanyang office.

Hindi nagtagal at bumalik na rin si Cody. Para syang binagsakan ng langit at lupa.

“Uhm? Baby is there something wrong?” tanong agad ni Derrick.

“W-W-Wala. Uhm… Baby…. Sorry but I don’t think I can make it tonight for dinner…. May importante lang akong lalakarin with my dad…. I-I-I promise I’ll make it up for you…” hindi makatingin ng deretso si Cody sa nobyo nya.

“It’s okay baby. I totally understand. Do what you have to do….” paninigurado ni Derrick habang malambing nyang hinawi ang buhok ni Cody.

“T-T-Thanks….” tipid na sagot ni Cody na balisang balisa pa rin.

“Sana nga one day I can meet you dad. Or any of your sibling. Kung meron man. Para lang I can introduce myself to them formally.” suhestyon ni Derrick.

“ N-N-NO….“ mariing sagot ni Cody na ipinagtaka ni Derrick.

“O-O-Okay…..” gulat na sagot ni Derrick.

“S-S-Sorry… It’s just that…..” napabuntong-hininga nalang si Cody.

“No. it’s fine baby. You know what, I’d better get going too. Dumaan lang talaga ako to give you the flowers…” pagpapakalma sa kanya ni Derrick. Wala naman masagot sa kanya si Cody.

“I’ll go ahead now baby. I’ll just call you tonight okay?” sambit ni Derrick bago nya inabot ito at hinalikan sa ulo.

Naiwang tulala si Cody ng ilang saglit bago sya lapitan ni Tiffany.

“Sir? Is there something wrong?” pag-aalala ni Tiffany sa boss nya.

“N-Nothing. Sige na Tiff, just put these flowers on the vases outside. Thanks…” tipid na ngiti ni Cody.

“D-Dad….” kabadong bati ni Cody sa ama nang abutan nya ito sa kanilang enggrandeng dining hall.

“Cody jiho….” tumayo si Ramon mula sa kanyang kinauupuan bago asiwang hinagkan ang anak.

“W-W-Why did you ask me here?” yukong tanong ni Cody.

“Cody jiho I’ll just cut to the chase…. It’s about that Sandoval….” bungad ng ama na sya namang mas ikinahina ng loob ni Cody.

“Let me remind you that there are only a few days left before SGC signs with Xeli Corp. And you know how lucrative that deal would be if it gets in our hands…. Imagine the billions of pesos we can earn if we can take that deal away from the Sandovals. You can finally overtake the Sandovals…. Diba yun naman ang gusto mo?” sambit ni Ramon habang nabalot ng pagkalito ang mga mata ni Cody.

“Dad… Can I talk to you… I feel like it’s the wrong thing ––…..” sasagot pa sana si Cody nang lumapit sa kanya ang kanyang ama.

“This is your chance to make me proud jiho…. Do it for me. Do it for the family….” bulong nito sa tenga ng anak.

“Y-Y-Yes dad…..” tanging nasagot ni Cody na aabot pa sana ng yakap mula sa ama nang bigla sya nitong iwan mag-isa sa dining.

“Sige bro. Ingat kayo…” sambit ni Derrick sa mga kasamahan na papauwi na rin mula sa kanilang shoot nang biglang nagring ang phone nya.

“Hi baby…. I miss you….How’s your meeting with your dad?” pangungumusta ni Derrick.

“Lets’‘’ Let’s push through with the…. With the dinner tonight….” pautal-utal na sagot ni Cody.

“Are you okay? Where are you? Pupuntahan kita….“pag-aalala ni Derrick.

“I’m okay… Ano na lang…Can we… Can we go to your place in FG?” kabadong tanong ni Cody.

“W-W-Why there? I have my own place. I can cook for you. And besides, there’s no one there right now. Pops and Lola Leni are out of town. Next week pa balik nila….“pagtataka ni Derrick.

“Basta. Dun nalang sa FG. I’m on my way. I’ll see you later.” mabilis na sagot ni Cody bago agarang tinapos ang tawag.

Hindi nagtagal at naabutan na ni Derrick ang sasakyan ni Cody. Inalalayan nya itong bumaba mula sa sasakyan nito.

“Are you sure you really wanna eat here? There are several restaurants down the block. We can check it out if you want?” bungad na tanong ni Derrick.

“Hi-Hindi na.. Di-Dito nalang….” balisang sagot ni Cody nang pumasok na sila sa building derecho sa elevator.

“Is the dinner ready?” bungad ni Derrick sa butler ng pamilya Sandoval na si Spencer.

“Yes sir. Everything’s prepared…” ngiting sagot ni Spencer nang mapansin nya ang pagkabalisa ni Cody.

“Good… Uhm… Let’s go baby?” yaya ni Derrick kay Cody na malayo ang tinatanaw-tanaw na tila may hinahanap. Hindi nya napansin ang kanina pang sumisipat sa kanyang si Spencer.

“I’ll just…. I’ll just go to the powder room for a quick fix up….” sagot ni Cody.

“Oh okay. Spencer, please guide Cody…” utos ni Derrick.

“NO!” madiing sagot ni Cody na ikinagulat ng dalawa nyang kasama.

“I mean… I’m good. I remember the way…” biglang bawi ni Cody habang malalim na ang hinala sa kanya ni Spencer.

“Well okay. I’ll just wait on you on there okay?” sambit ni Derrick bago naglakad na rin si Cody paalis.

Mabilis na naglakad sa Cody sa mahabang hallway ng mga Sandovals.

“Where is that room?” kagat labing naghahanap si Cody nang marating nya ang study na ginagamit ni Lolo Ferds pati na rin ni David.

Lumingon muna sya sa magkabilang direksyon at nang masigurado na walang ibang tao ay dahan-dahan itong pumasok sa kwarto.

Nakita nya ang laptop na nasa ibabaw ng desk.

Hindi na sya nag-aksaya ng oras at binuksan ito.

“Shit….” bulong ni Cody sa sarili nang makita ang hinihinging password sa laptop.

Napatingala sa pagkabalisa si Cody nang sumagi sa paningin nya ang picture frame na malapit sa laptop.

Litrato ng pamilya ni David.

“Here goes nothing….” bulong ni Cody sa sarili habang tinype nya ang mga pangalan ng kambal ni Fife at David at mabilis na na-unlock ang laptop.

Nanlaki ang mata ni Cody sa gulat sa nagawa nya. Mabilis nyang sinilip lahat ng files nang makita nya ang hinahanap nyang folder ng business proposal ng SGC para sa Xeli Corp.

Inabot ni Cody mula sa bulsa nya ang isang flash drive at mabilis na kinopya dito ang lamang files ng folder.

Nakarinig sya ng yapak mula sa likod kaya mabilis nyang hinugot ang flashdrive ng matapos ang pagdownload ng files sabay lakad ng mabilis palabas.

“S-S-Sir Cody… Why are you here?” bungad ni Spencer na nabunggo pa ni Cody sa pagmamadaling lumabas mula sa pinto.

“Uhm.. I got.. I got lost….” kabadong pagkukunwari ni Cody bago ito mabilis na lumakad palayo sa mapaghinalang si Spencer.

“Uhm baby…. Are you in a hurry?” pagtataka ni Derrick dahil sa mabilis na pagkain ni Cody.

“H-H-Huh? No. I’m okay…..” sagot ng di mapakaling si Codyy.

“Okaaaaaay???” pagdududa ni Derrick.

“Well. As I was saying, Karlo told me about this awesome guy from Bergen who saw some of my shots and they’r planning to….” sasagot pa sana si Derrick nang napatayo na si Cody.

“Uhm.. I… I gotta go… May.. May nalimutan akong i-prepare for work. I urgently need to finish that for tomorrow… S-Sorry….” di man lang magawang makatingin ng maayos ni Cody habang tinatanggal ang napkin mula sa kanyang lap. Nangingilid na ang mga luha nya.

“Ah o-okay?” pagtayo rin ni Derrick.

“Cody tapatin mo nga ako…. What’s bothering you? You’ve been acting like that since you got that call from your dad…” deretsong tanong sa kanya ni Derrick habang halos malaya ng tumulo ang mga luha sa mga mata nya.

“Hey…. Tell me…. I’m here to listen….” pag-aalala ni Derrick nang niyakap nya ng mahigpit si Cody sa mga bisig nya bago bumigay na sa pag-iyak si Cody.

“My baby….” malungkot na pagsuyo ni Derrick sa pag-iyak ni Cody kaya walang tigil nya itong hinalikan sa noo para mapatahan ito.

Biglang umayos ng yakap si Cody para mayakap nya ng sobrang higpit ang tanging lalaking nagmahal sa kanya ng tunay.

Takang-taka si Derrick sa ikinikilos ni Cody.

“Whatever happens. Just know that I love you so much. And I will never love someone else as much as I love you. Mahal na mahal na mahal kita Derrick….” pahayag ni Cody habang hawak-hawak ng maigi ang mukha ni Derrick bago ito bigyan ng halik na puno ng pagmamahal.

Mabilis na lumayo si Cody at dumeretso sa elevator pababa. Naiwang gimbal na gimbal si Derrick sa mga nangyari at narinig nya mula kay Cody.

Kinabukasan ay halos walang tigil ang pagtawag ni Derrick sa phone ng kanyang kasintahan kaya minarapat nalang ni Cody na patayin ang kanyang phone.

“Baron, please inform the security not to let Derrick Sandoval inside the building…” bulong ng malungkot na si Cody na narinig rin naman ng buong team nya na kasama nyang umakyat papunta sa kanyang office.

“Sir?” tanging tanong ng isa sa mga sekretarya nya. Kitang kita rin nya ang pag-aalala ng iba pang kasapi ng entourage nya.

“I’m… I’m okay… Let’s go.. We have a long day ahead…” utos nya sa buong team ng mauna na syang pumasok sa elevator.

Napansin ni Cody sa tabi nya na tahimik si Tiffany sa kanyang phone.

“I know what you’re doing. Stop updating him Tiffany.” derechong tingin lang ni Cody sa nakasarang pintuan ng elevator habang nahihiyang binaba ni Tiffany ang hawak nyang phone.

Dumating na sila sa office ni Cody. Binuksan na agad ni Cody ang laptop at huminga muna ng malalim.

Makalipas ang ilang sandali ay tinawag ni Cody si Tiffany sa loob ng kanyang opisina.

“Tiff, tell my dad to call the people from Xeli Corp. He already knows about what I’m talking about. And call my driver, tell him that I’m going to my dad’s place right now.” sambit ni Cody nang tumayo ito mula sa kanyang upuan at tumanaw sa higanteng bintana kung saan kitang-kita nya ang kalawakan ng abalang lungsod.

Matapos tawagan ni Tiffany ay napadaan sya sa ginagawa ni Cody. Hindi nya sinasadya na mapatingin sa kung anong nasa laptop ni Cody.

“S-S-Sir? This is SGC’s proposal right???….Paano nyo po nakuha yang confidential file na yan?” litong tanong ni Tiffany pero hindi man lang sya hinarap ni Cody na yumuko nalang sa harap ng higante nyang bintana.

Di nagdalawang isip si Tiffany na lumapit sa boss nya at inabot ang likod nito.

“Kaya ba you’re not talking to Sir Derrick?” deretsong tanong sa kanya ng kanyang pinakatapat na sekretarya.

“Sir…. Bakit????” pag-aalala ni Tiffany nang nakita nya sa unang pagkakataon na umiyak ang dating mabagsik nyang boss.

“I have to Tiff…. I have to…..” sinikap pa ni Cody na pigilan ang pag-iyak.

“You of all the people here knows how much I wanted to be accepted by my father…. Lahat ng to, I’m doing this to make him proud…” dagdag ni Cody.

“Does that also include hurting the love of your life?” simpleng tanong ni Tiffany.

“You don’t understand Tiff.” dali-daling umalis si Cody palabas ng office nya.

Habang naglalakad na si Cody sa hallway papunta sa study ng kanyang ama ay narinig nya mula sa malayo ang boses nito at ang kapatid nyang si Valerio.

Napatigil sya ng paglalakad at nakinig.

“Sabi ko naman sayo son. We’re gonna get that deal. That’s gonna be the biggest deal our company would get.” rinig nya ang masayang tono ng kanyang ama at ang pagcheers ng baso nila ni Valerio.

“Can’t wait to get my hands on all that billions dad! I’m planning of purchasing this dope place in Bora Bora!” masayang pahayag ni Valerio.

“Do whatever you want son. As long as Cody is on our hands, the money won’t stop coming in. Hahaha!” malakas na halakhak ni Ramon.

“That Cody is a complete and total idiot. He’s just smart with business. But so stupid with everything else. Until now, he still doesn’t have a damn clue that we’re just playing him all along. Hahahahaha!!!” sagot na pagtawa naman ni Valerio.

“Asang-asa pa sya dad that you’re gonna accept him as your son. Hahaha!” dagdag ni Valerio.

“You know I can’t that bastard. He’s nothing but a poor maid’s son. That’s why I always try not to throw up every time I hear him use our family name. Cause he will never be family.” pagdeklara ni Ramon na sinang-ayunan naman ng malakas na paghalakhak ni Valerio.

“Oh by the way dad, Kit called up a few days ago. He’s reminding you of his payment for his boyfriend stint. Well he said it took a lot of effort to deal Cody’s kookoo mind on a daily basis. So he’s also asking for an increase for his last paycheck.” banggit ni Valerio.

“Tell him it’s being handled.” tipid na sagot ni Ramon.

Parang may malaking butas sa dibdib ni Cody nang marinig nya ang paguusap ni Ramon at Valerio. Halos sumabog sa sakit ang puso nya kaya wala syang nagawa kundi takpan ang bibig nya habang mabilis syang tumakbo palayo.

Habang nasa sasakyan si Cody ay kinuha ng nanginginig nyang mga kamay ang flashdrive mula sa kanyang bulsa.

Sa wakas ay binuksan na nya ang phone nya at sinubukang tawagan si Derrick pero hindi ito sumasagot.

Sinubukan ni Cody na hingin kay Tiffany ang contact number ni Karlo para alamin kung pumasok ito sa trabaho. Ngunit napag-alaman nyang hindi rin ito nagpakita sa trabaho buong araw.

Walang ibang nasa isip ngayon si Cody kung hindi itama ang napakalaking pagkakamali nya.

“Manong… Sa FG Towers po tayo….” pakiusap ni Cody habang nagpupunas ito ng luha.

Nakarating na sya sa Penthouse ng mga Sandovals at mabilis naman syang tinanggap ng mga security ng pamilya.

Naglakad na papasok si Cody nang bumungad si Derrick sa kanya na nakatayo lang sa gitna at masama ang tingin sa kanya.

“D-Derrick…..” nangingilid na luha ni Cody nang lumapit pa sya ng kaunti kay Derrick.

“Don’t go near me….” malamig na sagot ni Derrick sa kanya.

“I-I-I have so-something to t-t-tell you….” malakas na paghikbi ni Cody habang kinuha nya mula sa kanyang bulsa ang flashdrive na naglalaman ng mga ninakaw nyang files.

“Save your fake tears Cody. I already know everything….” sagot ni Derrick.

“W-What do you mean???” kabadong pagluha ni Cody.

“Spencer has been conspicuous of you since last night. So we reviewed last night’s footage….” biglang lumitaw si Spencer at may inabot na tablet kay Derrick. Iniharap ni Derrick kay Cody ang footage ng pagnakaw nya kagabi na ikinabigla ni Cody.

“Ang lakas din naman ng loob mo to even go back here???!!!!” dagdag ni Derrick na nagpagulat kay Cody.

“Hindi pa ba sapat yung nakuha mo sa kumpanya namin????!!!” mangiyak-ngiyak na bulyaw ni Derrick.

“Derrick maniwala ka. Hi-Hindi ko rin ginustong gawin yun….” pilit na lumapit pa rin si Cody pero naglakad palayo pa lalo si Derrick sa kanya.

“How can you do this to me?! To my family?!” galit na bulyaw sa kanya ni Derrick.

“ANO??? NEGOSYO NALANG BA TALAGA SAYO LAHAT CODY HA????!!!!! PUTANGINANG NEGOSYO YAN!!!!!” dumagundong sa buong penthouse na nagpatakot sa lahat ng nandun.

Sa lahat ng Sandoval brothers, si Derrick ang pinaka kalmado at bihirang bihirang magalit kaya laking takot nila nang tuluyan na nga itong sumabog.

“Minahal mo ba talaga ako????” bulong na iyak ni Derrick na sinuklian lang ng matinding pagluha ni Cody.

“MINAHAL MO BA TALAGA AKOOOO????!!!!!!” sinugod ni Derrick at hinawakan ng maigi ang mga braso ni Cody na takot na takot na sa nagliliyab na galit ni Derrick.

“Kasi Cody minahal kita….. Sobrang minahal kita!!!!!” gigil na bulong ni Derrick.

“S-S-Sorry….” tanging nasagot ni Cody sa gitna ng matindi nyang paghikbi.

“Sir Derrick…“mahinahong pagsaway ni Spencer sa kanyang boss na natauhan na nasasaktan na pala nya si Cody.

“Leave. You fucking leave. I don’t wanna see your face again…..” yukong bulong n Derrick na tila nasasaktan rin sa sinabi nya.

Halos di na makahinga si Cody sa pagluha nang iniwan nya sa malapit na counter ang flashdrive na tanda ng pagsuko nito.

Maluha-luhang sumulyap sa huling pagkakataon si Cody sa lalaking minsang naging dahilan nya para magmahal at mabuhay.

Ilang araw ang lumipas at na-alerto ang buong SGC sa televised presscon ng Villarasa Holdings at Xeli Corp.

“Sir David, you need to see this!!” mabilis na pagtawag ng atensyon ng sekretarya ni David sa kanyang boss na abala pa sa meeting kasama ang ibang executives ng kumpanya.

Sabay-sabay silang lumabas mula sa meeting hall at nakita ang nagaganap na televised presscon. Hindi makapaniwala ang lahat sa SGC dahil buong akala nila ay sa kanila pipirma ng deal ang Xeli Corp.

“It’s been the greatest honor of Villarasa Holdings to welcome one of the country’s top steel suppliers, Xeli Corp, as our companies merge to deliver only the best service to our fellow Filipinos…” ngiting pagmamayabang ni Ramon sa harap ng press.

“This is unbelievable….” gulat na sambit ng katabing executive ni David.

“And to formally welcome you to Villarasa Holdings, let me call the person behind this spectacular event. My dearest son. The pride of Villarasa Holdings Inc., Cody Luis….Vi-Villarasa…” halos mautal pa si Ramon sa pagbanggit ng apelyido nya na gamit ni Cody.Napairap naman si Valerio na nanunuod lang mula sa sulok ng kwarto.

“Mister Tan, Mister Wong….. To my colleagues in VHI, to the people from the press, everyone. Good afternoon…” malamig na pagbati ni Cody.

Tuloy ang pagsasalita ni Cody nang tinawagan nya ang kapatid nyang si Derrick.

“Bro! Where are you??!! Turn on your TV!!!” bungad ni David nang sinagot ni Derrick ang kanyang tawag.

“I know what you’re talking about. I’m watching it right now.” malamig na sagot ni Derrick.

“Bro what the fuck?! How did he get the deal?! We’re in talks with those guys for months. Tapos nagulat nalang kami na they’re signing with the Villarasas!!” inis na bulong ni David habang tutok pa rin sya sa panunuod.

“Well, apparently. Cody just used me….” pag-amin ni Derrick na walang kabuhay-buhay na nanunuod sa TV.

“He used me to gain access here and steal your files. He’s using the business proposal made by our people….” pag-amin ni Derrick.

“H-H-He did that????” nakakabiglang tanong ni David.

“He seemed so nice to the family the last time we got together…” hindi pa rin makapaniwala si David habang pinapanuod si Cody na nagsasalita pa rin sa harap ng press.

“Well I guess he tricked me. He tricked us all…” tanging nasagot sa kanya ni Derrick.

“Let’s talk about this once I get back there….” sambit ni David nang tapusin na ang pagtawag sa kapatid pero patuloy pa rin ito sa pagpanuod sa TV.

“This project made me realize a lot of things…..” pagpapatuloy ni Cody sa kanyang speech habang todo ngiti naman sa kanya ang lahat kabilang ang walang kasing ganid sa pera nyang ama.

Nagbigay ng makahulugang tingin si Cody sa sekretarya nyang si Tiffany na nagabot ng folders sa bawat boards member at press na naroon.

Sabay-sabay nilang binuklat ang folder kasabay ng pagilaw ng higanteng screen na nasa stage rin sa tulong ni Karlo na kasama rin pala nila.

“I realized that I have the worst family in the world. I have the worst father who only thinks about his greed and his stupid monkey also known as his son.” matapang na pagbubunyag ni Cody nang makita nang lahat ang mga illegal na transaksyon na ginawa ng Villarasa sa mga nakalipas na taon.

Lumabas din mula sa mga TV screen ang lahat ng confidential documents ng mga Villarasa.

Napatigil ang lahat sa SGC dahil sa pagkagimbal.

“What is he doing??????!!!!” gulat na bulong ni David sa mga kasamahan nya.

Napatigil naman sa pagkalumbay si Derrick nang marealize nya kung ano ang nagaganap sa pinapanuod nya. Napukaw ang buong atensyon nya at napatutok ito sa TV.

“For the past years, Villarasa Holdings has been in a lot of shady transactions to win deals against our competitors. This one is no different. Our company was supposed to bypass the Sandoval Group of Companies into winning this deal by attempting to steal their business proposal.” pagpapatuloy ni Cody. Nanlaki sa gulat ang mga mata ni Ramon at nanlisik ang tingin kay Cody.

“This is how Villarasa Holdings work…..” matalim na titig ang binigay ni Cody sa kanyang traydor na ama.

“As we speak, every household in the Philippines who are glued to their screens right now will have complete knowledge of all these anomalies and scandals. The NBI also have their hands on all these documents. In fact, they’re on their way here.” babala ni Cody.

“WHAT IS THIS ALL ABOUT CODY????!!!” malakas na sigaw ni Ramon na tumayo mula sa kanyang upuan. Napukaw ang atensyon ng lahat ng nasa kwarto pati na rin ang lahat ng manunuod. Tumakbo rin papalapit kay Ramon si Valerio na halos patayin na nya sa pagtingin nya si Cody.

“Because of all of this. I realized na hindi mo kailangan maging kadugo ang isang tao para maturing mo silang pamilya. You can find family in friends, in your workmates.” sambit ni Cody nang tumingin kila Tiffany at Karlo na todo ang suporta sa kanya.

“But also… Because of all of this… I lost the first person who saw and made me believe that I more than my flaws, my scars. That I’m not the monster who I think I am. I lost the love of my life.” nangingilid na pahayag ni Cody. Napukaw ang atensyon ni Derrick sa narinig nya.

“Derrick. If you’re watching this….” pag-uumpisa ni Cody na mas lalong pumukaw sa atensyon ni Derrick.

“I’m not asking you to forgive me. But I just want to let you know that I will never forget you for my entire life. I will never forget your kindness, your warm smiles, and most especially your gentle heart. I will remember everything we had with a smile. I will do that until my last breath. And know that the biggest regret of my life is hurting you. You don’t deserve someone like me. Derrick… I just want to take this chance to thank you. Because during that short period of time that we’re together, you already have changed my life in ways both of us cannot imagine.” maluha-luhang pag-amin ni Cody. Napatingin naman sa gilid ng kwarto nya si Derrick at nakita ang paso na ginawa nila ni Cody sa isla. Ang simbolo ng umpisa ng pagmamahalan nila.

Kahit mangiyak-ngiyak na si Derrick ay may ngiti sa mga labi nya. Dahil alam nyang hinding-hindi nya kayang pakawalan ang isang tulad ni Cody. Dahil hanggang ngayon, hindi nabawasan ang pagmamahal na meron sya para kay Cody.

Nawala ang lahat ng ngiti nya nang sumugod papaakyat ng stage si Ramon at hinablot ang braso ni Cody. Kahit malayo sila sa mic ay rinig na rinig pa rin ng lahat ang mainit na komprontasyon nila. Sumunod sa kanya si Valerio na init na init nang sapakin si Cody.

“Are you that stupid????!!!! Lahat ng nilabas mo sa public, damay ka!!!” gigil na bulong ni Ramon kay Cody.

“Based from all the documents you signed last night, I have nothing to do with all of these…” ngiting sagot ni Cody.

“What do you mean documents last night? They are all about the business proposal for Xeli Corp.” litong pahayag ni Ramon.

“That’s the thing about you. You don’t fucking read. Pirma ka lang ng pirma. So sinong bobo ngayon Valerio? So much for a poor maid’s son right???” tusong ngiti ni Cody.

“This is not happening!!!! I’ll make sure I’ll destroy you!!!!” galit na sagot ni Ramon.

“Sinong tutulong sayo? This stupid fool? He cannot even do basic math for God’s sake!!!” pagpapahiya ni Cody kay Valerio.

“YOU FUCKING PRICK!!!!!” galit na pagsugod ni Valerio kay Cody nang sinalubong sya ng isang malakas na sapak mula kay Cody na nagpagulat sa lahat.

Tumumba at derechong napatulog ni Cody si Valerio sa lakas ng pagkakasapak nya rito.

“Wooooh. Been dying to do that ever since…” kagat labing ngiti ni Cody.

“ITINATAKWIL NA KITA!!! WALA KANG UTANG NA LOOB!!!” bulyaw sa kanya ni Ramon.

“Do you really think I fucking care. And the nerve to tell me na wala akong utan gna loob? I built this company from scratch and I can definitely burn this to the ground!!!!” matapang na sagot ni Cody.

“You are a disgrace to the Villarasas!!!!” sigaw ni Ramon.

“I’m an Elizalde. From now on, ako na si Cody Luis Elizalde. A proud son of a housemaid. Let this be known to all!!!” sambit ni Cody sa microphone habang gimbal na gimbal naman hindi lang ang mga naroon kundi na rin ang buong sambayanan.

“Sir, para tayong nanunuod ng soap opera. Pero, ito real life. Ang lupet.” bulong kay David ng isa sa mga secretaries naya.

“I’ll freeze all your accounts!!!! I’ll make sure walang matitira sayo ni isang kusing!!!!” huling banta ni Ramon. Natakot si Tiffany sa bantang iyon mula kay Ramon dahil alam nyang hindi nila ito napaghandaan ng kanyang boss.

“Kung may ma-freeze ka!!! Hahahaha!!!!” malakas na pagtawa ni Cody nang bumaba ito mula sa stage. Sabay naman nito ang pag-akyat ng mga taga NBI para arestuhin si Ramon.

Nagulantang ang lahat kung gaano kabilis ang mga pangyayari. Sinundan ng camera si Cody nang makita ng lahat ang pagsalubong sa kanya ng dating boyfriend na si Kit sa exit.

“Cody… Baby….. I’m so sorry for what happened…..” pagbungad sa kanya ni Kit.

Napatayo sa kinauupuan nya si Derrick nang makita kung paano inabot ni Cody ang mukha ni Kit ng sobrang lambing.

“I’m sorry for cheating on you. I just realized how much of a fool I am for letting you go. I’m asking for a another chance babe…” malambing din na inabot ni Kit ang mukha ni Cody bago sya hinagkan mismo ni Cody.

“OOOOOOHHHHH SHIIIIIIT!!!!!” napahiyaw si Derrick sa harap ng TV nang biglang binayagan ni Cody si Kit ng sobrang lakas.

Halos mamilipit sa hapdi si Kit na napatumba na rin sa lapag.

“NOT A SINGLE CHANCE ASSHOLE!!!!” sigaw ni Cody sa kanya nang lumapit na saknya si Karlo at Tiffany bago sila sabay sabay na lumakad palabas ng venue.

Hindi mapakaling tinawagan ni Derrick si Karlo sa kanyang cellphone pero hindi ito sinasagot ng kaibigan.

Paikot-ikot si Cody sa kanyang kwarto. Hindi malaman ang gagawin. Wala syang ibang gustong gawin ngayon kung hindi puntahan si Cody at ayusin ang lahat sa pagitan nilang dalawa. Alerto nyang inabot ang phone nya ng nagtext sa kanya si Karlo.

Napag-alaman nyang papunta na pala ng airport si Cody na handang umalis at mag-umpisang muli ng panibagong buhay abroad.

“Sir… Sigurado na po ba talaga kayo?” huling subok ni Tiffany na makumbinsi ang kanyang boss.

“Tiff…. I think this is the best for all of us….” simpleng ngiti ni Cody sa kanya.

“Pero sir. Pano po yun? Sir Ramon’s lawyer will surely freeze your accounts….” sambit ni Tiffany.

“As I said before, I handled it as well a few days ago. I transferred all my assets and shares in the company to someone…” makahulugang ngiti ni Cody.

“Si-Sino po???!!!” pag-aalala ni Tiffany.

“To the most loyal secretary any boss can ever wish for. A worthy leader. The one who knows the ins and outs of running an empire. My prodigy… Till we meet again Tiffany Salamat sa lahat-lahat…….” mahigpit na yakap ni Cody kay Tiffany na litong-lito pa rin sa narinig nya.

“Karlo…” ngiting pagpapaalam ni Cody kay Karlo.

Naglakad na palayo si Cody nang pinatahan ni Karlo ang kasintahan nyang si Tiffany. Naputol ang kanyang pagluha ng may nagtext sa kanya.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Tiffany nang sa kanya pala nilipat ni Cody ang lahat ng yaman nito. Nalula ang dalawa sa nakitang halaga na nasa screen ng cellphone ni Tiffany.

Tumingala na si Cody para i-check ang status ng flight nya bago naglakad pa ng kaunti.

“So you’re really leaving?” biglang may pamilyar na boses na narinig si Cody mula sa kanyang likuran.

Nasaksihan nila Karlo at Tiffany na mag-usap ang dalawa mula sa malayo.

Hindi pwedeng magkamali si Cody. Lumingon ito at nakita ang papalapit na si Derrick.

“You really think I’ll let you go just like that?” sambit ni Derrick pero wala pa ring masagot si Cody.

“Derrick… “ tanging nasagot ni Cody.

“Cody. I’m so sorry. Hindi ko dapat ginawa sayo yun…. Hindi dapat ako nagtaas ng bosess ayo. Hindi kita dapat sinaktan ng ganun…” paghingi ng tawad ni Derrick.

“Don’t blame yourself Derrick. Kasalanan ko talaga lahat. Pinagsiksikan ko ang sarili ko sa taong hindi rin naman pala ako matatanggap kahit kailan. Not realizing na masasaktan kita ng sobra.” paliwanag ni Cody.

“You don’t have to do that again. Cause I’m here….And I’ll make sure that I will love you the best way I can. Cody….Baby…. Don’t leave me………” inabot ni Derrick ang mga kamay ni Cody at hinila para mayakap ito ng mahigpit.

“Hindi ko kayang mawala ka…..” bulong nito kay Cody.

“I love you Derrick…..” bulong ni Cody.

“I love you Cody…..” sagot sa kanya ni Derrick.

Masayang luha na ang bumuhos mula sa mga mata ni Cody habang payapa syang humimlay sa bisig ng kanyang nobyo.

“Oh baka you’ll kick my balls din ah…” biro ni Derrick na nagpangiti kay Cody.

“Hahaha! Bakit? Gusto mo ba ha???!! Gusto mo???!!1” pagbibiro ni Cody bago sya hilahin muli ni Derrick para mayakap.

“Ganda ng timing mo boss!! Pasok na pasok!!! Umalis na yung flight ni Sir Cody oh…” mapagbirong bungad ni Karlo sa dalawa habang akbay-akbay si Tiffany.

“Hmmmmm….. I think we can still manage to go on another flight?” pilyong ngiti ni Derrick kay Cody na takang-taka sa plano ng nobyo nya.

“Nakakatuwa naman kayong dalawa. Mabuti at naisipan nyong bumalik dito mga apo….” bati ni Lolo Tonyo nang naisipan ng dalawa na bumalik nalang sa lugar kung saan nag-umpisa ang lahat.

“Wala po kaming ibang maisip na lugar na alam naming sobra kaming magiging masaya…Kundi dito lang po…” ngiting sagot ni Cody habang magiliw silang kumakain ng simpleng merianda kasama ang pamilyang minsang kumupkop sa kanila.

“Nako. Kahit kailan nyo gustong mamalagi dito. Pwedeng pwede!!!!” masayang sagot ng mapag-arugang si Lola Nida.

“Yaaaay!!!! Pwede na ulit kaming maglaro ni Kuya Derrick!!!” mahigpit na yakap ni Baldo sa kanyang Kuya Derrick.

“Ah Baldo, pwede bang sumali rin satin si Kuya Cody mo?” tanong ni Derrick.

“Okay lang po basta po di na sya sisigaw.” pilyong biro ni Baldo na ikinatawa ng lahat.

Sa malayong dako ng dalampasigan ay tahimik na nagliligpit ng mga lambat ang mga kasamahang mangigisda ni Lolo Tonyo.

“Ayos! Ang dami nating huli ngayon!!!” sambit ng isang mangingisda.

“Oo nga! Ilang araw din na hindi natin kailangang pumalaot nito!” sagot sa kanya ng kasamahan nya.

Tuloy ang lakad nila nang may biglang nakaksilaw na liwanag ang nagpaurong sa kanila.

Tila isang mahiwagang lagusan ang bumukas….

Nanlaki sa takot ang mga mata ng hamak na mga mangigisda lalo na nang may lumabas na kahindik-hindik na nilalang. Mukha itong tao pero kapansin-pansin ang kaibihan nito mula sa tipikal na mortal.

“Nasaan ako???!!!! Ibang daigdig ba ito??? Hi-Hindi ito Eternia???!!!!” galit na sambit nya sa mga mangingisda.

Susugurin na sana ng nilalang ang dalawang mangingisda nang may biglang sumaksak sa likod nito na sya nitong ikinamatay.

Galing ang espada mula sa lagusang pinanggalian ng kahindik-hindik na nilalang.

Unti-unti ay nasilayan ng dalawang mangingisda ang isang mala-anghel na nilalang na balot ng gintong baluti. Binunot nito ang ginintuan nitong espada mula sa likod ng hamilaw.

Nakanganga sa pagkamangha ang dalawang mangingisda nang biglang sumara ang lagusan at nawalang bigla ang makisig na sundalo at ang halimaw.

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Author’s Note

Don’t forget to vote on this chapter, comment on your favorite parts and most importantly share this story with your fellow readers.

Sobrang fucked up ba ng ending? Haha! It’s was supposed to be a teaser for my other story, Eternia. Haha!