prologue

Plagiarism is a crime

Gagawa ako ng kwento ko gumawa ka ng sayo kung ayaw mong mapa tulfo.

If you read “Silent Obsession” ang kwentong ito ay kwento ng triplets nila Uno, Santa at Mallen. Thankiesssss

Dion Casper Pov;

“Ilang beses na kitang pinagsabihan Dion, pero hindi ka nakikinig sa akin!” Galit na sabi sakin ni dad habang nagmamaneho ng kotse

Tatakpan ko na sana ang aking tenga ng headphone na nakasabit sa aking leeg ng muli itong magsalita

“Nagsasalita ako Dion kaya huwag kang bastos!”

“Ilang oras ka ng nagsasalita dad, hindi ka nauubusan ng sinasabi.” Pabulong lang ang pagkakasabi ko dahil baka masapok na ako ni dad

You all wondering why he’s fuming mad right now and nearly want to slice my body in half well dahil lang naman sa kamuntikan na akong madisgrasya, im a car racer which is ayaw ni dad dahil sa pag aalalang baka mapano daw ako at ngayon na kamuntikan ng mangyari ang kinatatakutan niya ay heto kami ngayon at ipapadala niya ako sa probinsiya…sa nanay niyang sobrang sungit akala mo dinadalawan pa eh menopause naman.

Pinalobo ko ang pisngi at nirolyo pababa ang bintana, wala namang use ang pagsasalita ni dad sa akin dahil ang ending lang din naman ay ilalabas ng kabila kong tenga.

Ilang oras pa ang lumipas at nagising lang ako ng malapit na kami sa pagbababaan niya sa akin, hindi na niya ako ihahatid mismo sa bahay ng nanay niya dahil may lakad pa si dad na kailangan attend-an, tumigil na ang kotse at mabilis na lumabas si dad at binuksan ang likod upang kunin lahat ng mga kagamitan ko, bumuga ako ng hangin at lumabas na din.

Nasa paradahan ako ng mga tricycle ngayon at sa harapan namin ay village, inangat ko ang ulo upang basahin ang sign na nasa itaas.

“Costa Zilla” basa ko

“Here” naagaw ni dad ang atensyon ko, nakalagay na pala ang mga gamit ko sa kulay asul na tricycle

Inabot nito sa akin ang card niya

“Sumakay kana, kailangan ko ng umalis…nasabi ko na kay manong kung saan ka ibababa”

Tinapik nito ang likod ng braso ko at sumakay na sa kotse, pinanood ko munang umalis yung kotse niya bago ako sumakay sa tricycle.

Based sa pag examine ko sa mga nadadaanan naming mga kabahayan at kapaligiran isa lang ang masasabi ko napaka peaceful at kinakalma ng mga punong sobrang healthy ang aking mga mata, inilabas ko ang ulo at hinayaan tumama ang hangin sa aking mukha and then suddenly we passed into a huge house, muntik na nga akong mahulog dahil halos ilabas ko na buong katawan ko para lamang sundan ng tingin ang malaking bahay.

Who’s living there? Yung bahay lang na iyon ang pinaka malaki at maganda sa lahat ng nadaanan namin.

Tinulungan ako ni manong ibaba mga gamit ko, i am surprised dahil malapit lang pala sa malaking bahay ang bahay na tutuluyan ko.

Kumatok ako sa gawa sa kahoy na gate

“Sino yan?” Masungit na boses kaagad ang narinig ko ng bumukas ang pinto at bumungad ang nanay ni dad

Lola Rita, the only lola i hate since mom gave birth to me.

Masama kulo ni Lola Rita kay dad, dahil inasawa ni dad si mom at ayaw ni lola Rita kay mom at dahil ako ang bunga ng mag asawa ay sa akin na napunta ang galit ni lola Rita sa kaniyang anak. Tinaas ko ang isang kamay at abot tengang ngumiti sa kaniya para mainis lalo.

“Aber, ano ginagawa mo dito sa pamamahay ko?!” Nakapameywang na nilapitan niya ako at tinignan ang mga kagamitan kong nasa gilid ko

“Totoo nga sinabi ng tatay mo, dito ka patitirahin na para bang pumayag ako! Wala talagang kwento yung ama mo!”

“Lola, huwag kang mag alala sa gagastusin mo sa akin…hindi naman ako hihingi sayo eh, may perang binigay sa akin si dad, ang gagawin ko lang naman ay matulog diyan sa bahay mo. Ayoko din naman dito eh” nakaiwas kaagad ako ng nagbabalak siyang kurutin ang tagiliran ko

“Bwisit kayo talaga, walang ibang binigay sakin kundi sakit sa ulo!!!” Nakalunok ng Mikropono si lola ah

Pumasok na kaming dalawa sa loob ng bahay at sabi niya’y sundan ko siya na ginawa ko naman, tumigil kami sa kulay pintong pintuan, she open the door at niluwangan ang pagkakabukas para makita ko ang loob, akala ko ay patutulugin niya lang ako sa sala dahil masama mga kulo niya sa akin…may kabutihan din naman pala sa akin eh.

“Eto ang magiging kwarto mo simula sa araw na ito, maraming bawal gawin dito sa pamamahay ko at kapag wala kang ginawang tama at hindi sinunod lahat ng dapat mong sundin ay ibabalik kita sa wala mong kwentang ama, nagkakaintindihan ba tayo?!” Taas kilay niyang tanong

Nag thumbs up ako

“Pagsapit ng alas otso ng gabi kailangan nakasarado na lahat ng pinto at bintana at hindi kana maaaring lumabas ng bahay, ayoko ng makalat, gusto kong maglinis ka sa bahay at magwalis ng mga dahon sa harapan tuwing umaga—” hindi ko na pinakinggan ang sinasabi niya dahil sinuot ko ang headphone ko at pumasok na sa loob ng kwarto

Nagmana talaga si dad sa kadaldalan ng nanay niya.

Kinabukasan ay tinakasan ko nalang ang pagwawalis sa harapan ng bahay, dala dala ang bola ng basketball ay hinanap ko kung saan ang court buti nalang ay may nagturo sa akin ng way kaya binigyan ko ito ng twenty pesos dahil yun lang laman ng bulsa ng jersey shorts ko.

“May bago oh”

“Mukhang taga Manila”

“Gwapo~~”

Ilan lamang sa mga narinig ko ng makatapak ako sa covered court, pinatalbog ko ang dalang bola…nasa kabilang side ang mga mukhang gustong maglaro pero may mga matatandang nasayaw kaya.

Inipit ko ang bola sa pagitan ng tagiliran at braso, kailan ba matatapos mga to? Bakit dito pa kasi sila nagsasayaw? May mga bata pang nasali sa zumba ng mga matatanda.

“Bago kalang?” Lumingon ako sa pinanggalingan ng malambot na boses

My eyes widen in shocked when i saw a beautiful girl beside me, she put some strand of her hair behind her ears…wow, just wow! Kaninong anak to? Anak ba to ng artista? Blessed na blessed ang mata ko ngayon, hanggang balikat ko lang siya, bagay ang dilaw na bistidang suot niya sa porcelana niyang kutis, matangos ang maliit na ilong, bilog na bilog ang mga mata at mapula ang labi.

“Hey” nabalik ako sa realidad ng kinaway nito ang isang kamay sa harapan ng mukha ko “tinatanong ko kung bago kalang dito, ngayon lang kasi kita nakita.”

Nakakahalina ang boses niya…

“Uh y…yeah, im new here” i answered

“Magbabakasyon ka dito?” Muli nitong tanong

“Nope” umiiling kong sagot “im staying here for good”

“Saan ka nakatira? Malapit lang ba bahay niyo dito?”

Its natural na magtanong siya ng magtanong sakin dahil ngayon lang niya ako nakita at hindi ko naman kayang hindi pansinin ang magandang nilalang na nasa harapan ko.

“Walking distance lang, how about you? Where do you live–”

“Kendra, dad is looking for you”

Napataas ang dalawang kilay ko ng makita ang lalaking kamukha ng babaeng nasa harapan ko, uhmm…twins? Matalim akong tinignan nung lalaki at hinila palayo sa akin ang kakambal, woah, easy boy bwahahaha parang papatayin na niya ako sa mga tingin na binabato niya sa akin.

“Klio, he’s new here” sabi ni Kendra “he’s nice”

“What’s your name?” Medyo may pagbabanta sa tono nito

They’re both wearing the same color. Yellow.

“Dion Casper, Casper is my surname btw” lagi nalang kasing pinagkakamalan na second name ko ang Casper at kapag sinabi ko naman na surname ko ay hindi sila maniniwala pero bahala na sila sa mga buhay nila

“Ok, lets go Kendra” hinila na ni Klio ang kakambal na kumaway nalang sa akin at ngumiti ng matamis

Hindi naman mahirap pakisamahan ang mga basketball players dito eh, nung matapos na kasi ang pag zumba ng mga matatanda ay nagsimula na silang maglaro at ng makita nila ako ay inaya ako, pustahan pa nga pero sabi ko wala akong dalang pera kaya sabi ko ililibre ko nalang sila bukas, buti ay pumayag. Walang natanggi kapag libre na ang usapan eh.

Pangalawang araw ko na dito at pangalawang araw ko ng tinakasan si lola Rita, sa covered court ulit ang punta ko at ako lang ang tao dahil maaga pa naman, shinoot ko ang bola at tumakbo para kunin iyon, ilang beses akong nag shoot at tumakbo takbo iniimagine na may kalaro ako ng muli kong nakita si Kendra na may dalang basket, natigil ako sa paglalaro at tumalikod upang punasan ang pawisan na mukha.

“Dion?” She called my name!

“H..hey, zup”

Humarap ako sa kaniya at tinignan kung anong laman ng basket

“Its cookies, i baked this pero tinulungan ako ng tita ko and now babalik na ako sa bahay para ipatikim tong cookies. Gusto mo ba sumama?”

“Kung pwede” nahihiyang napakamot ako sa batok ng tumawa ito

“Kaya nga inaaya na kita”

“Ako na magbuhat” binigay nito ang basket at nauna nang maglakad

“Im sorry sa inasta ng kakambal ko kahapon ah? Ayaw lang talaga nun na may nadikit sa aking mga lalaki na hindi niya kilala” sabi nito “don’t worry kapag naging close mo yun ay baka siya pa ang mag aya na pumunta ka sa bahay”

“Dalawa lang ba kayong magkapatid?” I asked

Tumigil ito sa paglalakad at hinarap ako sabay pakita sa akin ng limang daliri

“Lima kami, kami ni Klio ang bunso…ako ang only girl and the rest ay puro lalaki na”

Tumango ako, kapag naging close ko ang mga kapatid niya at napalapit ang loob nila sa akin ay pwede ko ng ligawan si Kendra.

(Let’s start na, mwuahh)

Chapter one

Fucking hell, this person beside me is living inside the huge mansion here in Costa Zilla, the house that im admiring since day one! Kabado bente ahhh, hindi ko alam kung bakit kanina pa ako kinakabahan, simula kasi ng makapasok ako sa gate nila parang halos buong katawan ko ay nag ala jelly.

Pinaupo ako ni Kendra sa puti nilang couch at binigyan naman kaagad ako ng pagkain nung isang katulong, i thanked her at pinasadahan ng tingin ang buong paligid…goddamn, mas malaki pa ang bahay nato kaysa sa bahay ni dad sa Manila, mas maluwang sa loob at mas lalong tumaas ang pagkahanga ko. Ang gaganda din ng mga paintings na nakasabit sa wall parang nasa art museum ako ngayon ah siguradong mahal pagkakabili nila sa mga yan.

Nakakahiya, wala pa akong ayos ngayon…amoy pawis din ako, umuwi muna kaya ako? Pero baka hindi na ako makabalik pa

“Who are you?” A baritone voice in my back made me shivered

Sa pagharap ko ay may isang lalaking nakasalamin at kaedaran na ni dad ito, may hawak siyang dyaryo pero nakarolyo iyon.

Tumayo ako kaagad, tatay ba to ni Kendra? Kaya pala ang ganda dahil may itsura din yung tatay. Lumapit ako at nagmano, wala siyang binigay na reaksyon sa akin at maya maya ay may isa pang lalaking lumabas mula sa isang pintuan, kumunot ang noo nito ng makita ako.

“Sino yan?” Tanong nito sa kaharap ko

“I don’t know–”

“Dad!!” Tumakbo palapit sa amin si Kendra at hinawakan ang braso ng kaniyang tatay “dad, calm down..this is Dion, he’s new here sa Costa Zilla and staying for good. He’s my new friend na din”

Ouch, friend zoned ako ah.

“Sweetie, are you sure?”

“Yes dad”

Ako naman ngayon ang nakakunot ang noo, dad? Dad? She’s calling both of them dad?

“Ano ang meron at nagkukumpulan kayo diyan?” May isang lalaking bumaba sa hagdan

“Papa!!!” Masayang niyakap ni Kendra ang lalaking tinawag niyang papa

What’s happening? Bakit ang dami naman ata niyang tatay? Ahhh baka siguro isa sa kanila ang tunay na tatay tapos yung dalawa naman tito niya pero turing niya sa kanila tatay. Gets ko na, sheyt talino ko…nagmano ako sa kanila at pinakilala na ako ni Kendra

“And Dion this is, papa Mallen” turo niya sa lalaking may dalang nakarolyong dyaryo “papa Santa” sa katabi nung Mallen “and lastly my papa Uno” baka yung last ang papa niya kasi my papa ehhh “parents ko sila”

“Ampon ka?” Gulat kong tanong

Tito Santa and Kendra chuckled

“No, silly” i blushed when Kendra giggled “they are my REAL parents, papa Uno gave birth to me”

Eh? Eh…? EH?!

“Hindi ka makapaniwala no?” Inakbayan ako ni Tito Santa at halos hindi na ako makahinga ng maayos dahil bigla nalang nitong niyakap ang leeg ko buti nalang ay sinipa siya ni Tito Uno

Hindi ako makapaniwala, habang kinukwento ni Tito Uno ang lahat at nakatingin ako sa kaniyang tiyan, he gave birth to five babies! He’s a man! Man can’t be pregnant! May nagsasabi na may nabubuntis pero bihira lang sa una ay hindi ako naniniwala pero dahil naka encounter na ako ngayon ay halos mawalan na ng kulay ang mukha ko, i can’t imagine the pain his suffering while giving birth to his children.

Ang…ang weird lang.

Naiilang tuloy ako, lalo na at dumagdag pa na hindi lang isa ang partner ni Tito Uno kundi dalawa! Its really weird! Parang nakatingin ako ngayon sa GenMath at hindi ko alam kung paano ipapasok sa utak lahat ng nalaman.

Nagsimula na silang magtanong sa akin na nasasagot ko naman ng maayos kahit na naiilang ako sa tatlong tatay ni Kendra, si Tito Mallen talaga ang hindi ko matignan ng matagal dahil parang anytime soon ay sisipain niya na ako palabas ng bahay nila, ayaw ata sa idea na ako ang kasama ni Kendra pag uwi.

“Nagtanghalian kana ba?” Tito Uno

“Hindi pa po”

“Halika na, sumabay kana sa amin…maraming niluto si Oting”

“Talaga po?” Tumingin ako kay Kendra na nakangiti sa akin

“Kendra, tawagin mo na mga kapatid mo sa itaas…kakain na tayo ng tanghalian” utos ni Tito Mallen sa anak

“Sige po”

Umupo na ako dahil pinaupo na ako ni Tito Uno ng makapunta na kami sa kusina nila, ang daming pagkain sa harapan ng lamesa parang halos lahat ata ng filipino foods ay nandito, naghalo halo ang amoy ng mga ulam na mas nagpadagdag sa gutom ko.

“We’re here!!!”

Unang pumasok si Kendra kasama ang kambal na sa akin kaagad bumagsak ang tingin, nagtataka pa siya kung bakit ako nandito…binigyan ko siya ng nang aasar na ngiti.

“What is he doing here?” He hissed

Sunod na pumasok ang tatlong nagsisitangkaran na mga lalaki, they’re all handsome asf…na insecure kaagad ako, gwapo naman ako pero tangina hindi ko iddeny na magmumukha akong average looking kapag tumabi sa tatlo. Sila ang mga panganay nila Tito Uno? Gagi, ang gaganda ng lahi nila.

“Oh, may bisita ah” nakangiting kumaway sa akin ang isa sa tatlo “im Zeurt”

“Dion” inabot ko ang kamay nitong nakalahad

“Nice meeting you, enjoy the foods” umupo ito sa harapan ko, hindi nawawala ang ngiti sa labi

“Im Zenon” pakilala naman nung walang emosyon na katulad ni Tito Santa at umupo sa tabi ni Zeurt

“Galing kang covered court?” Tanong naman ng pangatlo “ako si Zemus” maangas ang asta nito at pagsasalita “pupunta sana ako kanina kaso napahaba tulog ko”

“Laro tayo mamaya kung gusto mo” aya ko, kukunin ko loob nila para wala na akong problemahin si Kendra nalang

“Gagu, G ako diyan” Zemus said

Naramdaman ko ang titig ni Zenon kaya sinulyapan ko siya

“You looked familiar” he said

“Baka nakikita mo ako sa mga youtube videos o kaya sa social media”

“You’re famous?” Kendra asked at kitang kita ko kung paano kuminang ang mga mata niya

“Hindi naman, im a car racer…nasasali ako sa mga racing contest at nanalo ako ngayong taon kaya mas tumunog pangalan ko hanggang marami ng nag iinterview sa akin” kwento ko

“He’s the one we’re watching last night!” Medyo may kalakasan na sabi ni Zeurt “kaya pala pamilyar nga”

“Really?!” Zemus exclaimed

Nakatingin na sa akin ang tatlong triplets kaya muli akong nailang.

“Yes” Zenon simply answered “he’s the one we’re watching last night and the other night. Dion Casper”

Chapter two

“Nililigawan mo ba kapatid namin?” Maangas na tanong sakin ni Zemus

Pinasa niya sa akin ang bolang hawak na agad ko naman nasalo at shinoot sa ring, may sarili silang covered court kaya hindi na kami lumabas pa, kami lang ni Zemus ang naglalaro ng basketball at ang dalawa pa nitong kapatid ay nanonood lang sa amin inaaya ko 2v2 sana kaso umayaw sila dahil wala daw sila sa mood para mapagod.

“Hindi pa” nahihiya kong sagot sa tanong ni Zemus

“Huh?” Tumigil ito sa pag dribble ng bola at nilapitan ako “liligawan mo nga kapatid namin?”

“K…kung pwede” napaatras ako ng magsimula siyang lapitan ako

“Loko ka pala eh” napaluhod ang isang tuhod ko sa sahig ng bigla nalang niyang ipasa sa akin ang bola na hindi ko nasalo kaya tumama sa dibdib ko

Fuck! What is he trying to do?! Gagu…sakit tangina

“17 pa kapatid namin kaya hindi kita papayagan na ligawan siya” pinulot ni Zemus ang bola na nasa gilid ko at maangas iyong shinoot sa ring

May tumulong sa akin sa pagtayo at nakangiting si Zeurt iyon

“Why did you do that?” Kalmadong tanong ni Zenon kay Zemus

“Gagu yan eh” ngising tumingin sa akin si Zemus at pinunasan ang pawis na nasa noo gamit ang laylayan ng kaniyang suot na jersey

Hindi na ako nagsalita pa at naupo nalang sa gilid, nawala naman na ang sakit sa dibdib ko pero may inis na namumuo sakin dahil sa mga ngisi ni Zemus at kapag dadaan siya sa harapan ko ay pinapasadahan niya ako ng tingin at halata ang mapaglaro sa kaniyang mga mata habang ginagawa iyon, kung hindi lang siya kapatid ni Kendra ay baka kanina ko pa siya nasuntok sa mukha.

Umalis sila Kendra at kambal nitong si Klio, sumama sa parents nila na bibisita sa kabilang bayan. Kaya kaming apat lang ang natira dito maliban sa mga katulong, alas dos na din at alam kong kumululo na ang dugo ni lola Rita pero bahala na hindi nalang ako magpapakita dahil paniguradong kawawa tenga ko doon.

“Ako na ang humihingi ng paumanhin sa kakambal ko” umupo sa harapan ko si Zenon “how old are you?”

“18”

“Hmm, you’re here…may karera ka ba dito?”

He’s asking me questions while staring at me, mahilig ba silang tumitig kapag may kausap?

Hindi ako sumagot dahil wala ako sa mood ngayon, he cleared his throat ngunit hindi pa din inaalis ang titig sa akin.

“Aalis kana?” Sabay na tanong ng tatlo sa akin ng tumayo na ako

“Oo, baka hinahanap na din ako”

Tumayo si Zenon at ang dalawa naman ay lumapit sa pwesto namin, nakakasakit sila ng pagkalalaki ko…ang tatangkad eh at talagang binabalandra na wala silang flaws, kingina kikinis ng mga mukha at pwede na nilang palitan mga artista.

“Dito ka muna, ayaw mo na ba dito? Ikaw kasi!” Sinuntok ni Zeurt ang braso ni Zemus na tumawa lang ng mahina “we want you here, iuuwi ka nalang namin mamaya…tsaka may arcade kami sa kwarto, we can play there”

Nagulat ako ng hawakan ni Zeurt ang kamay ko at sinabay ako sa pagtalon talon niya, halatang siya ang pinaka masayahin at palangiti sa tatlo, palangisi si Zemus at seryoso ang pinaka panganay na si Zenon, pero kung pareho silang nakasimangot ay baka hindi ko na alam kung sino ang kinakausap ko. Its hard to tell, buti nalang talaga iba ang ugali nilang tatlo.

“Do you want to join us?” Zemus breath touched my nape kaya doon ko na siya sinamaan ng tingin

“What the hell bro?” I annoyingly said

“Zemus” tawag ni Zenon sa kapatid “stop annoying Dion”

Zemus playfully chuckled “what? I didn’t do anything, im asking if he want to join us”

“But you nearly put your lips on my nape” malapit ko na siya masuntok

“Nearly put his lips on your nape?” Zeurt

Tumango ako, Zeurt laughed napahawak pa ang isang kamay niya sa tiyan habang ang isa ay pinupunasan ang luha dahil sa pagtawa.

Naguguluhan na ako kaya iniwan ko na silang tatlo

“Sorry man” Zemus

Nagsimula na silang tumakbo upang masundan ang malalaki kong paghakbang

“Dion” Zenon

“Im sorry, i laughed” Zeurt

Bago ko pa marating ang gate ay may tatlong malalaking kamay ang nagtigil sa akin.

“Babalik kapa ba?” Chorus nilang tanong

“Bitawan niyo nga ako”

“Babalik ka ba?” Zeurt asked, para itong tuta na nakatingin sa kaniyang amo ngayon

Tumango nalang ako para makaalis na ako, wala naman na dito si Kendra kaya wala na din akong dahilan para magtagal pa.

Chapter three

Nakaupo ako ngayon sa malaking bato at kalmadong pinapakinggan ang mga ibon na humuhuni at pinapanood ang pagsayaw ng mga dahon sa medyo may kalakasang hangin. Inaya ako ni Kendra na sumama sa kanilang magkakapatid na maligo dito sa ilog na malapit lang din sa kanilang tinitirhan, wala din naman akong magawa sa bahay at ayoko naman na marinig ang boses ni Lola Rita dahil kagabi pa ako rinding rindi doon…pinagalitan niya ako at dalawang oras siyang daldal ng daldal, tinawagan niya pa si dad at minura mura ito pinapakuha na din ako dahil baka daw mamatay siya ng maaga dahil sa akin.

“Hindi kaba bababa?” Tanong ni Kendra sa akin na nakalublob ang katawan sa tubig

She’s wearing a white bikini, kaya kitang kita ang makinis nitong kutis at makurbang katawan. How can such a perfect woman hide here in this place? She belong to a beautiful city and be a biggest star, a faked coughed made me look away to Kendra, i forgot na ang apat na kapatid nito ay nasa gilid at tinitignan ang mga kilos ko sa kapatid nila.

Nakasandal ang mga ito sa gilid at nakabalandra ang katawan, porket perpekto lang katawan ng mga ito ehhh tsk.

“Come here” nakangiting aya sa akin ni Zeurt at sinuklay ang buhok patalikod

“Oo nga, hindi yung nandiyan ka lang” the annoying Zemus said at binuga ang usok ng sigarilyo sa mukha ni Klio kaya sinamaan niya ito ng tingin

“What a dick” Klio said

“My dick is bigger than yours” tumawa ng malakas si Zemus at binasa ang dulo ng sigarilyo at itinapon sa sa gilid

“Our dick is bigger than them” tinuro ni Zeurt kaming dalawa ni Klio

“Malaki ang akin!” Naiinis na umalis si Klio at dinampot ang tuwalya na nasa ibabaw ng berdeng damuhan

“Klio!” Tawag sa kaniya ni Kendra “sundan ko lang ah? Mainisin kasi eh, babalik ako”

Sasama na sana ako kay Kendra dahil ayokong maiwan sa tatlong kapatid nito ng biglang umangat ako sa pagkakaupo sa bato, Zenon is carrying me bridal style and then suddenly he jumped kaya napayakap ako ng mahigpit sa kaniya, bumagsak kami sa tubig.

“Eyyyyy” my breath hitched when someone touched my crotch “malaki din”

Aambahan ko na ng suntok si Zemus ng itaas niya ang dalawang kamay at lumayo sa akin

“Lalaki naman tayong lahat dito eh” sabi ni Zeurt

“Take your shirt off” Zenon

“Yeah, take your shirt off Dion so we can see the view–i mean para hindi ka matuyuan” segunda ni Zemus

“Lemme help you” Zeurt happily said at inalis na nga ang pang itaas kong damit at binato nalang sa kung saan

Bumuga ako ng hangin at pumwesto sa gitna ni Zeurt at Zenon, ayoko tabihan si Zemus dahil baka ilunod ko siya ng wala sa oras.

“Do you want to eat?” Zenon asked

“Busog na ako, kanina ko pa tinitira pagkain na dala niyo”

“Tumitira din kami” Zemus said and playfully punched Zeurt

Ang tagal ni Kendra, lagi nalang akong naiiwan sa tatlong ito.

“May naging girlfriend kana?” Tanong ni Zenon

Nakatingin na ang tatlo sa akin, waiting for my answer

Tumango ako, syempre…sa itsura kong ito talagang magkakaroon.

“You’re not a virgin anymore?” Zeurt

“Yeah…im drunk at victory party ko yun”

“Ngayong year lang?!” Zeurt

“Last year”

“Ohhh” tumatango tango si Zeurt at inabot ang chichirya na nasa likod lang namin

“How’s your first time??” Zemus

“Good” not good actually, dahil lasing ako at hindi ko man lang naalala ang nagawa namin ng babaeng yun

“Baka gusto mong tanungin kami” ngising sabi ni Zemus

“Ano pa bang use ng pagtatanong ko? Sigurado naman akong hindi na kayo virgin”

“We’re virgin” Zenon simply said

“The hell?” Hindi ako makapaniwalang tinapunan sila ng tingin

“Yes!” Zeurt

Wow, what a revelation.

“Wala pa naman kaming nahahanap na titirahin hanggang pagtanda, tsaka aanhin pa namin ang ibang tao kung pwede namang gamitin ang kamay diba?” Zemus boldly said

“Mas maganda kapag hindi kamay” bulong kong sabi na akala ko ay hindi nila maririnig

“Subukan natin” ngising aya ni Zemus “hindi namin malalamang tatlo kung hindi mo isusubok sa amin”

“Hahanapan ko pa kayo ng babae?” Nagtataka kong tanong

“Ikaw na mismo ang gumawa” Zeurt

“Baliw ba kayo? Bakit ako?”

“Eh sabi mo eh” Zeurt

“Pero nagka girlfriend na kayo?” Tanong ko sa kanila dahil hindi ako naniniwalang virgin pa sila, lalo na si Zemus.

“We don’t do girlfriends” they said in chorus

“So matagal na kayong single?”

“Exactly, three years to be exact” Zenon

“Sabi niyo we don’t do girlfriends”

“Yes, we’re into boys—”

“Mga kuya tawag na tayo nila papa, may sasabihin daw sila sa atin”

Nagpaunahan ang tatlo na makaalis sa tubig

“Ano sasabihin?” Zeurt

“May nagawa ba kayo Zemus?” Zenon

“Huh, bakit ako? Ako agad?” Zemus

Chapter four

“Dion Casper, nice to meet y’all”

Matapos magpakilala sa harapan ay bumalik na ako sa napiling upuan, matapos ng masasaya kong araw ay dumating na ang pinaka ayaw ko sa lahat ang balik eskwela ayokong mag aral, wala naman pumapasok sa utak ko…wala din dito mga barkada ko kaya mas lalo kong ayaw, kung hindi lang pinaalala ni dad sa akin ang salitang bagong school ay hindi ko maaalala na nag aaral pa pala ako.

Ferrer High, the name of my new school.

Im wearing a blue pants and white polo na may logo na ng school sa right chest, the Ferrer uniform.

Humikab ako at tumingin sa labas ng bintana and there i saw the triplets playing soccer, silang tatlo lang ang nakasuot ng uniporme dahil hindi naman sila part ng soccer team kaya mas agaw pansin sila…kanina pa sila nakikipaglaro sa mga soccer players mukhang vacant pa nila dahil first day of class pa naman. Napatalon talon ang mga babaeng naka mini skirt at may hawak na pom pom ng maka score si Zemus at nakipag apir kay Zeurt, ngumisi naman si Zenon at muling nag continue ang laro.

Inalis ko na ang tingin doon at binalik sa harapan dahil may bago nanamang nagpakilala.

“Hey, im kiefer…isa ako sa mga nakalaro mo noon ng basketball sa court sa Costa Zilla, remember?”

Ang dami ko ng nakalaro sa court ng Costa Zilla at wala akong natatandaan kung ano itsura ng mga nakakalaro ko dahil wala naman doon ang focus ko eh kaya i don’t know this man in front of me…parehas kaming hindi maayos pagkakabutones ng polo at medyo magulo ang buhok, he’s an average looking man. May dala dala siyang gitara sa kanang kamay…musician ah.

“Mukhang hindi mo ako naalala hahahaha, mahilig ka ba sa music?”

“Hindi masiyado”

“Alam mo ba magplay ng guitar?” Umupo ito sa katabi kong desk at nilagay sa lap ang gitara tsaka tinono bago inistrum

“Nope, im more into games…online and outdoor”

“Mahilig ka maglaro ng basketball diba? Pwede kitang ipasok sa basketball team, pinsan ko yung captain. Nathan Velasco, gusto mo ba?”

Ngumisi ako at kinagat ang ibabang labi, pumayag ako dahil para naman may excitement akong nararamdaman kapag nabangon sa umaga.

“So you know Kendra?” Kiefer asked when he saw me and Kendra waving to each other kanina ng makalabas kami sa cafeteria

Tumango ako at ininom ang sprite na binili

“Gusto mo? Maraming nagkakagusto doon kaya alam kong isa kana doon” tumawa ako sa sinabi ni Kiefer at tumango “mahihirapan kang ligawan yun, apat ba naman yung lalaking kapatid–”

“Eh ano naman?”

Isa isa nitong kinuwento sa akin lahat ng mga kapatid ni Kendra sa mga gustong manligaw dito, binubugbog, binubully, pinapahiya at pinapaalis dito sa school ang pinaka malala daw ay yung pinatakbo nilang nakahubad sa buong school ang huling nanligaw kay Kendra. Marunong naman akong lumaban, hindi ko naman hahayaan na ganunin nila ako…kung sila mahina ibahin nila ako. Hahahahaha.

Uwian na at sinukbit ko na ang bag sa balikat, nauna na si Kiefer na lumabas ng classroom dahil pinatatawag ng isang teacher.

Ayoko pang umuwi, saan kaya magandang tambayan malapit dito??

Lumabas na ako ng gate ng school at tumingin sa kanan at kaliwa, tinanong ko sana si Kiefer kanina kung may alam siyang magandang tambayan, tinungo ko ang paradahan ng mga tricycle upang magtanong tanong.

“Manong may alam kayong malapit na SM? Mall?” Tanong ko at napatingin sa pamilyar na sasakyan

“Meron naman, pupunta kaba doon? Dito kana sumakay” sabi ng manong

“Sige sige, magkano po ba?”

“Singkwenta lang”

Sasakay na sana ako sa tricycle ng may humila sa braso ko.

“Sa amin na siya sasabay manong, salamat”

Walang hirap akong binuhat na parang sako ni Zemus, dahil sa gulat ay hindi ako nakagalaw kaagad. Pinasok ako ni Zemus sa loob ng kanilang sasakyan, pumalakpak si Zeurt na nasa passenger seat.

“Usog, papasok pa yung kambal namin” dahil hindi ako nakagalaw kaagad ay narinig ko ang lag tsk ni Zemus at muli akong binuhat at pinuwesto sa tabi ng bintana “ang gaan mo, nakain ka ba?”

“What the…” awang ang bibig na tinignan ko siya “bakit mo ako binuhat?!”

“Tangina katabi mo lang ako kaya huwag kang sumigaw” naiiritang hinawakan ni Zemus ang tenga

“Uuwi na tayo” Zenon said, siya ang nakaupo sa driver seat

“Hindi pa ako uuwi, kaya bababa na ako” pinigilan ni Zemus ang pagbukas ko sa pinto at kinulong ang dalawa kong kamay gamit ang isa niyang palad

“Wag kang pasaway, nandiyan na yung kambal.” Zeurt said

“Hello mga kuya ko” humalik si Kendra sa pisngi ng tatlo at kinawayan ako habang si Klio na nasa likod nito ay nagtatakang tinignan ang kamay kong hawak hawak pa din ni Zemus

“Let me go” bulong ko kay Zemus

“Ok”

“Kuya, daan muna tayo sa SM may need lang akong bilhin” Kendra said

“Aye aye captain” Zeurt said habang nakasaludo

“I saw you with someone ah, new friend?” Kendra said while looking at me

“Yeah, kaklase ko din”

“Sino yun?” Takang tanong ni Zeurt

Ng sinabi ko ang pangalan ay tumango ito

“Pinsan ni Nathan Velasco?” Zenon

“Oo”

“Ahhh yung captain ng basketball team” Zeurt “siya yung nakaaway mo noon Zemus”

“Bakit mo nakaaway?” Tanong ko at tinignan ang katabi hindi siya ang sumagot si Zeurt na dahil nakapikit na si Zemus at mukhang walang ganang makipag usap

“Si Zemus dapat captain kaso hindi siya favorite ng coach ng basketball team, si Nathan ang paborito. Ginawa lahat ni Zemus para maging suitable siya maging captain kaso wala parin, yung walang ginawa pa ang naging Captain…kaya nagalit si Zemus at nakipag away kay Nathan” pagkekwento ni Zeurt “but Casper…Zemus is really a good player, pwede kayong maglarong dalawa sa bahay para malaman mo kung gaano pa siya kagaling” he winked and chuckled

Nakarating na kami sa SM at nasa likod kaming lahat ni Kendra, humiwalay si Klio dahil nakita niya mga barkada niyang naglalaro sa Arcade.

Pumasok kami sa National Bookstore, si Zenon ang nagdala ng basket at sinundan si Kendra.

“Im going” i said

“Where?”

“Sama”

Sabay na sabi ng dalawa sa akin

“Samahan niyo nalang si Kendra, tsaka hindi na din ako sasama pauwi sainyo” pagtataboy ko

“May kikitain ka ba?” Zemus asked

“Diba gusto mo si Kendra? Bakit parang ayaw mo siyang makasama ngayon?” Segunda ni Zeurt

Hindi sa ayaw kong kasama si Kendra, honestly gusto ko talaga siyang makasama kaso yung kaming dalawa lang sana hindi yung nakabuntot yung tatlong triplets sa amin.

“What’s happening here?” Lumapit sa amin si Zenon kaya ngayon ay nasa gitna na ako ng bilog na ginawa ng tatlo

Tinuro ako ni Zeurt “he’s not coming home with us”

“May kikitain ata dito kanina pa gusto umalis eh” Zemus

Tinaasan ako ng kilay ni Zenon

“I thought you like our sister?” Zenon

“I….i like Kendra–”

“Then go home with us, understand?” The authority in his voice makes my knees wobbled

Tumango ako, binatukan ako ni Zemus kaya sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.

“Im sorry for Zemus” inakbayan ako ni Zeurt at ginulo ang aking buhok “ganiyan talaga yan, hindi kapa ba sanay?”

Chapter five

“Ey” nakipag fistbomb si Kiefer sa akin habang may dalang ukelele

Walang araw na wala siyang dalang instrument, si Kiefer na ang naging malapit kong kaibigan dito sa classroom, marami namang nakikipagkaibigan sakin kaso siya lang talaga ang halos nakakausap at nakakasama ko, gusto ako nitong turuan nag gitara at dahil mapilit siya ay pumayag na lamang ako kaso dalawang araw palang ng pagtuturo niya ay umayaw na ako dahil sobrang sakit ba naman sa daliri at wala akong passion kaya hindi ko binibigay buong best ko kaya hindi na din siya nagpumilit at hinayaan na lamang ako.

“Diba car racer ka?” He asked

Bumuntong hininga ako at pinatong ang baba sa palad habang ang siko ay nakapatong sa lamesa.

He already knew that im a car racer tatlong araw bago ang pagkilala namin ng malaman niya iyon, sa una ay halos panoorin na niya lahat ng video ko sa youtube dahil hindi siya makapaniwala na kaibigan niya isa sa mga sikat na car racer, well….ako na to eh.

Tango lamang ang sagot ko sa kaniya

“Lumapit ka sa akin” mapaglarong ngumiti ito sa akin “dali na amp tagal naman”

“Bakit ah? Tinatamad ako” humikab ako, kulang ako sa tulog dahil ang tagal ba naman magsalita ni lola sa harapan ko kagabi kaya umabot kami ng madaling araw, nabasag ko kasi ang isa sa mga paborito niyang collection ng plato

Napataas ang kilay ko ng may dinukot ito sa kaniyang bulsa at idinikit iyon sa aking dibdib, tinapik ko ang kamay niya kaya ng maalis niya ang palad sa aking dibdib kasabay nun ang pag hulog ng papel sa sahig, pinulot ko iyon at nanlaki ang aking mga mata.

“The fuck?! Saan mo to nakuha––”

Pinutol niya ang sasabihin ko sa pamamagitan ng paglagat niya ng hintuturo sa labi senyales na hinaan ko ang boses ko

“Where did you get this?” Tanong ko sa mas mahinang boses

Patalikod itong umupo sa upuan ang dibdib ay nakadikit sa likod ng upuan at tinaas baba ang kilay sa akin, gagi talaga sheyt, kaibigang tunay ahhhhh binigyan ba naman ako entrance ticket sa isa sa mga karera na gaganapin mamayang gabi, hindi ko alam kung saan dahil wala naman nakasulat na address ang nakasulat lamang ay “use this ticket to enter race of hell, where you can experience the hell in race”

“Wag kang maingay satin satin lang to” Kiefer said “the ticket you’re holding right now is an illegal ticket”

“Marami na akong nahawakan na illegal ticket at nasalihang illegal racing so this is not new to me” tinago ko ang ticket na hawak sa likod ng bulsa at ngumisi “give me the address i badly want to come”

“Magkita nalang tayo dito sa school mamaya, sumabay kana sa akin” kumindat ito at tumayo na dahil may pumasok ng teacher

Im wearing a blue hoodie jacket partner with sweatpants, also may beenie din akong suot, im standing in front of the gate of my school waiting for Kiefer to come dahil sabi niya ay parating na daw siya, muli kong chineck ang bulsa upang malaman kung naiwan ba o hindi yung ticket na bigay sa akin ni Kiefer.

Maya maya ay may kotseng tumigil sa harapan ko, nirolyo pababa ang bintana at sumilip doon si Kiefer

Mercedes-AMG, his car is fucking Mercedes-AMG, color gold na alam kong pinagawa niya at may mga sticker na apoy sa magkabilang gilid ng kotse. Fuck, this man is unbelievable ano trabaho ng parents nito? Hindi ko inaasahan na ganito bubungad sa akin, umiiling iling akong pumasok sa loob at tinignan ang backseat.

“Naglalaway kana sa paghanga” natatawang sabi sa akin ni Kiefer

“Gagu” sinuntok ko ang braso nito

“Wear your seatbelt” he said

I scoffed and nandidiring tumingin sa kaniya

“Seatbelts are for the weak” i said

“Well not for me” tinuro nito ang seatbelt na suot

Inikutan ko siya ng mata

Matapos ang kalahating oras na biyahe ay nakarating na din kami sa lugar kung saan gaganapin ang karera, may dalawang malalaking katawan ang pinahinto kami, nirolyo ni Kiefer ang bintana niya at sabay kaming sumilip sa labas, tumigil sa gilid namin ang isa sa mga nagbabantay

“Pre” mukhang magkilala sila “bagong salta” nginuso ako ni Kiefer “another car racer”

Pinakita ko ang entrance ticket na sinuri naman ng lalaki

Sinenyasan nito ang isang kasamahan na buksan na ang malaking gate na gawa sa makapal na kahoy, sa pagbukas nito ay dahan dahan ko ng naririnig ang malakas na patugtog at mga sari saring boses na nanggagaling sa mga taong nasa loob.

Pinasok na ang kotse sa loob at lahat ng madadaanan namin ay may mga nakakalat na iba’t ibang mga kotse na may iba’t ibang mga disenyo ang iba. May mga babaeng naka sexy costume o kaya ay kinulang sa telang mga suot, sila minsan ang mga nagpapasaya sa mga lalaking nandito, sila din ang mga naglilinis ng mga kotse at nag che-cheer sa kanilang mga natitipuhan, may mga babae din na racer ngunit iilan lang.

Nauna akong lumabas ng kotse at napatingin sa kabilang side, a man is staring at me while chewing a toothpick, kalbo ito at maraming tattoo sa katawan may babaeng humahalik sa kaniyang leeg at may mga kasama siyang puno din ng tattoo sa katawan.

“Ey, Max” lumapit si Kiefer sa lalaking nakatitig sa akin

“Bagong mukha dala mo” the bald man said

“Dion Casper, a car racer too….he’s a champion last race in Brazil” Kiefer said

“Really?” Umalis sa pagkakasandal sa kotse ang kalbong lalaki at walang awang tinulak palayo sa kaniya ang babae

A gold ball rolled down to me, nagtataka ko siyang tinignan

Mas lalo akong nagtaka ng magsilapitan sa amin ang mga taong parang kanina lang ay busy sa mga ginagawa, nagpalakpakan sila at nagpaunahan ng magpustahan sa pagitan naming dalawa ng kalbong lalaki, what’s going on? Is he challenging me to race with him?

“He doesn’t have a car, man” Kiefer said to him

“Wala akong pakialam” naglakad palapit sa akin ang lalaki at dahil matangkad siya ay tumingala ako “meet me at the racing track 30 minutes from now” he said and turn his back to me

“You’re in trouble” sabi ni Kiefer

“Why? Gusto niya lang naman makipagkarera sa akin”

“Alam mo bang kapag natalo ka niya ay magiging isa ka sa mga alalay niya?! Kawawa ka kapag natalo ka, hindi ka nun patatahimikin. Ang huling laban niya ay ng tinalo niya ang isa sa mga magagaling na racer dito at ginawa itong laruan, araw araw kinakawawa at nawala nalang ng parang bula ang title niya dahil sa pagkatalo at pagiging alalay kay Thunder”

“So Thunder is his name?”

“Oo! Why are you smiling?!”

“Sa tingin mo ba ay magpapatalo ako?” I put the hood of my hoodie on my head “give me your keys, hiramin ko lang saglit at ibabalik ko namang maayos sayo”

“What? Nasisiraan kana ba? Mahal ko yung baby ko”

“Papalitan ko kapag nasira ko”

“Mas lalo kong hindi ipapahiram sayo”

“Trust me, ipapanalo ko to” ngumisi ako

(Mwuah mwuah kayong lahat sa akin)

Chapter six

“Ayusin mo paggamit ng kotse ko Dion Casper, sinasabi ko na sayo importante baby ko sa akin”

“Oo na, ibabalik kong walang gasgas sayo” inis kong kinamot ang kaliwang tenga at binuksan na ang kotse ni Kiefer

Pumasok ako sa loob at sinarado na ang pinto, katok sa bintana ng backseat ang umagaw sa atensyon ko, nirolyo ko iyon pababa, the bald guy enter his head….hanggang ngayon ay nginunguya niya parin ang toothpick na nginunguya niya nung makababa kami ni Kiefer sa kotse, disgusting.

“Sa susunod huwag ka munang papasok kapag hindi pa pinag usapan ang pustahan, nagkakaintindihan ba tayo?”

Kinuyom ko ang kamao ng guluhin niya nalang ang buhok ko

“Ano ang pustahan kung pera yan ay walang problema sa akin” matapang kong sabi

“I don’t want your money”

Sabay kaming napatingin sa harapan ng may babae ng may hawak na dalawang flag ang pumwesto doon.

“What do you want then?” I asked at binalik na ang tingin sa kaniya

“If i win, nakikita mo naman ang track na to diba?” He said pointing at the track “you’re to crawl there—butt naked”

Tumango ako at ngumiti, hayyyssss yun gusto niya ehhhh

“Ganun din sa akin” napaatras ito ng bigla kong nirolyo pataas ang bintana, nakita ko kung paano ito padabog na sumakay sa kaniyang kotse

Nagsipuntahan na lahat ng mga tao sa mga bleachers upang panoorin ang karera, inistart ko na ang kotse at tinignan kung may kailangan pa ba akong ayusin, dumagundong ang buong racing field senyales na mag sisimula na ang karera, humikab ako at tinignan na ang babaeng nasa harapan, sa pagitan ng kaniyang labi ay may pito na kulay ginto….she raised both of the flags umilaw ang screen na nasa itaas at may numerong lumabas doon kasabay ng pagkulay pula ng buong paligid, nagsigawan ang mga tao.

3…..

2….

1….

“Go!!!”

The whole place turn into green

Shit, he’s fast!

Hinaharangan niya ang dadaanan ko at kapag gigilid ako ay ilalapit niya ang kotse sa akin upang banggain ako, fuck im sure Kiefer is now praying for this car safety.

Malakas na bumusina ito sa akin kaya binaba ko ang bintana at nilabas ang kamay, i raised my middle finger at tumawa ng malakas…damn this is nice hahahahaha, napakunot ang noo ko ng makita kung paano ito pumunta sa harapan ko at tuluyan ng sinarado ang daan, dinahan dahan ko ang pagmamaneho at hinayaan siyang mauna, im going to let him think im weak and can’t keep up with him.

Mukhang gumana ang ginawa ko dahil nagdahan dahan din ito at bumalik na sa line niya, i step on the clotch and speed my driving, tumawa ako ng malakas ang bobo naman akala ata hindi na ako makakabawi.

Mas pinabilisan ko dahil nakikita ko na ang finish line.

My crowd goes wild when i reach the finish line, hinaplos ko ang kamay at tinignan ang palad damn its red masiyado mahigpit ang pagkakakapit ko sa manibela, bumaba na ako ng kotse at sumandal sa gilid at pinanood ang pagbaba ng kalbo.

Sinipa nito ang gulong ng kotse, he’s mad…kasalanan na niya yun.

“Paano ba yan, yung deal natin”

“Tangina malapit ng magasgasan kotse ko” madramang niyakap ni Kiefer ang sasakyan

“Yung deal” pag uulit ko kay kalbo “strip and crawl”

Nilagay ko sa magkabilang gilid ng bibig ang dalawang kamay at malakas na sinigaw ang “STRIP AND CRAWL! STRIP AND CRAWL! STRIP AND CRAWL”

“STRIP AND CRAWL”

“STRIP AND CRAWL”

“STRIP AND CRAWL”

Emecho ang buong field at ginaya ang sinabi ko

“Strip and crawl~~~” napatingin ako sa paligid dahil bigla nalang tumahimik

“Fuck fuck fuck!!” Kiefer grab my arm

“The dragons”

“The’re here?”

Ilan sa mga bulungan na narinig ko, The dragons? Who are they? Inalis ko pagkakahawak sa akin ni Kiefer at makikisalamuha na sana sa mga nagkukumpulang mga tao ng pigilan ako ni Kiefer.

“Sino sila? Famous?” I asked

“The kings” he answered “sila ang may ari ng buong lugar na ito also they’re undefeatable, Max is one of their man and im sure na nakarating na sa kanila ang balita that you defeat Max, you’re dead” kiefer explained

“Aayain din ba nila ako makipagkarera?”

“Hindi ko alam, ang alam ko lang ay sigurado akong ikaw ang tinitignan nila ngayon” sinundan ko ang turo turo nito

Nakita ko ang tatlong lalaking nakatayo sa medyo may kalayuan sa pwesto namin, they’re wearing black, blue and green mask kaya hindi nakikita ang whole face nila, and Kiefer is right nakatingin sila sa akin ngayon…i tilted my head and squint my eyes to see them in a clear vision pero natakpan na sila ng mga babaeng nagtitilian.

Familiar ang aura nilang tatlo…

Ang ending ay hindi ko na nakita pa si Max at umuwi na din kami ni Kiefer, kinabukasan ay nanlalantang pumasok ako sa gate ng school, gusto ko mag absent para matulog maghapon pero ang iingay ng mga kumare ni lola Rita parang ang lalayo ng mga kausap kahit mag suot ako ng headphone ay naririnig ko parin sila kaya napilitan nalang akong pumasok, hindi nalang ako aattend ng klase sa library ko nalang ipagpapatuloy ang tulog ko.

Dumiretso ako sa dulo ng library at naghanap ng pagtutulugan at ng makita ang pinaka mahabang couch ay napatigil ako dahil may nakaupo doon at nagbabasa ng isa sa mga libro dito sa library.

Kamot kamot sa ulong lumapit ako

Umangat ang ulo nito upang tignan ako

“Wala kang pasok?”

Umiling ako at nilapag na lamang sa sahig ang bag

“Im going to sleep here” humiga ako ngunit hindi ko naman maunat ang paa ko dahil nakaupo siya sa dulo ng couch

“Where did you go last night? Ang laki ng eyebags mo”

Nagkibit balikat ako

“Ipatong mo paa mo sa hita ko para maging komportable ka”

“Are you sure?” Nakakahiya naman

“Do i look like im joking?”

Nginitian ko siya at ginawa ang sinabi niya

“Wala din ba kayong pasok Zenon?”

“Im reviewing—stop talking and sleep”

K, sabi mo eh

Chapter seven

“Lalayas ka nanaman bang bata ka ah?! Puro sakit sa ulo ang binibigay mo sa akin!” Ngumiwi ako at tinakpan ang tenga

Bibig talaga ni lola Rita akala mo armalite, ratatat ng ratatat. Rinig na siya sa kabilang barangay ehhhh, hindi na natigil sa kakabunganga kapag nakikita ako

“Gagala lang saglit sa labas lola Rita at hindi ako lalayas—kapag lumayas ako edi wala akong mapupuntahan dito, ikaw talaga”

Dodge!!

Nakaiwas ako sa hampas ng walis tambo na hawak niya kaya mas lumakas ang pagbubunganga nito sa akin, nakipagpatintero muna ako sa loob ng bahay bago patakbong lumabas at iwan na siya doon na isinisigaw na ang pangalan ko habang hinahampas ang gate gamit ang walis tambo na hawak.

“Uy Dion may handaan sa amin, halika shot ka doon” patakbong nilapitan ko si Francis isa sa mga kalaro ko sa court may dala itong isang case ng alak “nandoon na mga tropa natin”

“Sakto iisipin ko palang sana kung saan ako tatambay ehhh”

May kaya tong sila Francis, yung tatay niya ay may farm dito sa Costa Zilla habang yung nanay ay nasa abroad. Umupo ako sa bakanteng upuan ng makarating sa bahay ni Francis, may naglapag kaagad ng makakain sa harapan ko….saktong sakto talaga ang timing dahil hindi pa ako nagtanghalian, tanghali na kasi ako nagising at ayoko naman kumain sa bahay kahit medyo masarap ang lutong ulam ni Lola Rita, baka hindi tiyan ko ang mabusog kundi tenga ko dahil sa kakadada nun.

“Malapit na fiesta ng Costa Zilla” rinig kong sabi ng isa sa mga kasama namin dito sa table

Sumandok na ako ng makakain sa platong nasa harapan ko. Habang kumakain ay nakikinig ako sa usapan nila.

“Excited na akong maglaro ng color game”

Kumunot ang noo ko

“Naalala ko si Jeff, nagtaya sa color game ng isang daan nanalo siya ng dalawang beses hanggang tuloy tuloy na yung talo niya…yung isang libong dala niya papunta sa perya naubos sa color game, ni piso wala man lang nauwi” nagtawanan sila habang nangangapa ako sa sinasabi nila hanggang mapansin ako ni Hector ang nagkekwento kanina

“Hindi mo pa nararanasan pumunta ng perya no?” Tanong nito sa akin

“Hindi pa eh”

“May perya naman sa Manila…..diba?” Tanong ni Jeff

“Ahhh hindi ako napunta sa mga ganiyan, wala kasi akong time” i answered, busy ako makipagkarera eh.

Napatingin ako kay Francis nang akbayan niya ako at umupo sa tabi ko “anong balita sa inyo ni Kendra???”

Doon nagsimula ang pang aasar nila sa akin kaya natatawa akong napakamot sa batok

“Ayos lang naman”

“Hindi ka ba pinapahirapan nung triplets??” Tanong ni Hector

“Inaya ko sila maglaro basketball nung nakasalubong ko sila diyan sa daan nung nakaraang araw kaso hindi ako pinansin” ani ni Jeff

“Ano pa ba aasahan mo? Ganun naman talaga ugali nung tatlo, wala ka na magagawa pa….atsaka hindi sila basta basta makikipaglaro sa mga hindi nila masiyado kilalang tao” Francis “Mag ingat ka Dion” dagdag ni Francis

Kinunotan ko siya ng noo, why?

“Balita ko ay katulad sila ng magulang nila….lalaki din ang gusto” bulong sa akin ni Francis “usap usapan noon na may pinilit silang isang binata na makipag talik sa kanila”

“Nasaan na yung binata?” I asked

“Ang balita ko ay lumawas pa Manila” inalis nito pagkakaakbay sa akin

Winasiwas ko nalang sa isipan ang sinabi ni Francis at nakipag inuman na sa kanila hanggang abutin ako ng alas otso ng gabi….malakas na din ang tama ko pero kahit papaano ay kaya ko pa naman lakarin daan pauwi, nagpaalam ako na mag babanyo lang pero hindi ako tumuloy doon kundi dumiretso ako sa gate nila at nilisan na ang kasiyahan. Hindi naman na ako mapapansin na wala doon dahil sa dami ng tao at puro lasing na din.

Makakauwi naman akong ligtas, tiwala lang.

Tumigil ako sa paglalakad upang hilutin ang sintido at pigilan ang paglabas ng suka

Maya maya ay tinuloy ko ang paglalakad, i squinted my eyes ng may ilaw na tumama sa mukha ko, narinig ko ang kalabog at yabag na papalapit sa akin.

“Look who’s here!” A familiar voice filled my ears

Pinatay na ang ilaw na nagmumula pala sa kotse, nakita ko ng malinaw si Zemus na nakangisi sa gilid ko habang ang dalawa nitong kapatid ay bumaba ng kotse at nilapitan na din ako.

“Wasted?” Zeurt asked

“Amoy alak” Zenon

“Uuwi na ako” sabi ko at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad

“Lagpas kana sa bahay niyo” hinawakan ni Zemus ang braso ko at sinundan ko ang turo turo niya “nasa harapan ka na ng bahay namin, kapag pinagpatuloy mo ang paglalakad mo palabas kana ng Costa Zilla…huwag kang iinom kung hindi mo alam kung saan ka uuwi” he tsked and let go of my arm

“Saan ka uminom?? Sino kasama mo uminom?” Halos ingudngod na ni Zeurt ang mukha niya sa mukha ko, nakangiti ito sa akin at hinihintay ang sagot ko

“Lets just guide him back to his home so he can rest” Zenon said

“Hayaan mo siya, iinom inom tapos ganiyan” Zemus annoyingly said while crossing his arms “what? Lalaban ka ba?” Maangas nitong tanong

“Can you stop talking?!” Inis kong sabi “i can handle myself!”

“See? Kaya naman pala niya sarili niya! Bahala na nga kayo diyan, matutulog na ako” pumasok na sa loob ng gate si Zemus kaya naiwan nalang kaming tatlo dito sa labas

“Hindi mo pa sinasagot ang tanong ko” Zeurt, hindi na siya nakangiti ngayon “kaya ba hindi ka namin nakita maghapon ay dahil nag iinom ka? Hinihintay ka namin…akala namin bibisita ka”

“Inaya ako ni Francis, may handaan sa kanila” sagot ko habang inaalalayan ako ni Zenon na maglakad dahil tutumba tumba na din ako

“Francis??” He asked again

“Kaibigan ko, kalaro ko din sa court”

“May court kami sa bahay––”

Natigil si Zeurt sa pagsasalita ng tawagin siya ni Zenon

“What? Im just saying—”

“Zeurt” may pagbabanta na sa boses ni Zenon kaya hindi na din nagtanong pa si Zeurt

Hindi ako napagalitan ni Lola Rita dahil na din sa mga kasama ko kaya nakapunta ako sa kwarto ng payapa. Humiga ako sa kama at niyakap ang unan, sana hindi ako magsisi bukas na uminom ako ngayon.

(Sa tagal kong hindi nag update/nagsulat ng kwento parang naging back to zero nanaman ako hayyyyssss sorry mysties dahil ako ay natagalan dahil wala talaga akong maisip na isusulat huhuhuhuhuhu)

Chapter eight

“Ama namin~~~”

Napatingin ako kay Kendra na pinagigitnaan ni Klio at Tito Uno, nakatingin ito sa harapan habang sinasabayan ang lahat sa pagkanta. Nandito kami ngayon sa loob ng simbahan ng kanilang bayan, sinama ako ni Tito Santa na magsimba kasama sila kaya hindi na din ako nakatanggi, katabi ko si Zeurt habang nasa kanan ko naman ay si Zenon si Zemus naman ay nasa gilid ni Zeurt at kanina pa siya hindi mapakali sa kinauupuan akala mo uod na binudburan ng asin eh.

Muli kaming naupo ng matapos ang pagkanta.

“Dad, restroom” maikling pagpapaalam ni Zenon na tinanguan ng kaniyang ama bago umalis

“Zemus” pinanlakihan ng mata ni tito Uno si Zemus na pumunta sa pwesto ni Zenon

Here we go again.

Napaikot ako ng mata at lumanding iyon sa kabilang side ng simbahan kung saan may mga babaeng nakatingin sa pwesto namin ngayon at ng makitang nasa kanila ang tingin ko ay nahihiyang nagsi iwasan ang tingin nila at bumalik sa harapan. Sino ba naman kasi ang hindi mapapatingin dito eh nagsi linyahan ba naman ang malalakas ang dating at 10/10 ang itsura.

Napausog ako kay Zeurt ng maramdaman ang kamay ni Zemus na lumapat sa likod ko at hinihila ako upang mapalapit sa kaniya, nagsisimula nanaman siyang mang inis oh! Hindi siya napapagod sa kakabigay ng sakit sa ulo ko.

“What do you want?” I hissed

“Na miss lang kita” ngising sabi nito

“Kita mong nasa simbahan tayo”

“Masama bang mamiss ka sa loob ng simbahan? Atsaka mas pinili mo ang alak kahapon kaysa bisitahin kami, pinaasa mo kami” he said

Bumalik si Zenon at pinaalis si Zemus sa tabi ko kaya nilabasan ko siya ng dila ng makitang bumalik siya sa dating pwesto.

Sinamaan ako nito ng tingin “lick my dick” inis nitong sabi sa akin

“Zemus your mouth” Zeurt said “kaya ka hindi tanggap ni lord eh”

Napahagikhik si Zeurt at iniwasan ang pagsuntok sa kaniya ni Zemus habang ako naman ay sinamaan niya ng tingin ng makita niya akong pigil ang tawa.

“What are you laughing?!” Zemus asked

Natapos na ang misa, nasa labas na kami ng simbahan at nagtitingin tingin ng mga iba’t ibang paninda…may mga damit, laruan, alahas, pagkain—napahawak ako sa tiyan ng makaramdam ng pagkagutom, ano kaya magandang kainin??? Gusto ko kumain ng rice. Ngumuso ako at nakita ko si Kendra na nasa bilihan ng mga bracelet, mabilis pa sa alas kwatro na lumapit ako at tumabi sa kaniya.

“Gusto mo yan?? Ako na magbabayad” ani ko

“Ako na, may pera naman ako dito….tulungan mo nalang ako pilian ng kulay sila Kuya. Nabilhan ko na sila papa, sila kuya nalang ang wala pa eh” she said, fuck….ang ganda kahit boses ah, sino ba naman hindi maiinlove dito?

Pipili palang ako ng kulay ng nasa pwesto na din namin ang apat.

“Pinipilian mo kami?” Zeurt asked me, abot tenga ang ngiti niya

“Sabi ni Kendra” nginuso ko ang katabi

“Total nandito naman na kayo mga kuya ko and Klio, choose a bracelet nalang ako na magbabayad…gift ko na sa inyo” matamis ang ngiting binigay ni Kendra sa mga ito “also you Dion, choose what you want”

“A…ako din?” Naramdaman ko ang pamumula ng aking mukha ng tumango ito

“May pera yan kaya hayaan mo siya” rinig kong sabi ni Klio sa kakambal ngunit dahil masaya ako ay namili na din ako ng akin

Ang napili ko ay kulay itim na may bahid ng kakaunting gold, simple lang siya ngunit maganda at mababagayan sa kahit anong suot. Pinakita ko iyon kay Kendra at pumalakpak siya hanggang sa dahan dahan humina ang pagpalakpak nito at tinignan ang tatlo sa likod ko dahil sa pagtataka ay nilingon ko ang mga ito at nakitang katulad lang din ng akin ang bracelet na suot suot na nila.

What the hell???

“Sigurado ba kayo mga kuya na yan na?” Medyo alanganin na tanong ni Kendra

“Oo eto na” Zemus

“Thank you bunso” Zeurt

“We love the color” Zenon

Tumalikod na sa amin si Kendra upang bayaran ang mga napili namin habang si Klio naman ay tinarayan muna ako bago umalis upang pumunta naman sa kabilang stall.

“We love matching with you” inakbayan ako ni Zeurt at kinuha ang kamay kong merong bracelet at pinagdikit ang bracelet naming dalawa

“Hindi niyo ba type yung ibang kulay?” Nayayamot kong sabi

Parang maamong tupang umiling ang tatlo kaya napabuntong hininga na lamang ako

“Libre niyo nalang ako ng makakain” total nandito lang din naman sila at gutom na gutom na ako ay ilibre na nila ako, huwag silang magreklamo diyan dahil marami silang pera…pagkain lang pinalilibre ko hindi house and lot.

“Where do you want to eat?” Zenon

“Ayun oh” tinuro ko ang tusok tusok na nasa kabilang side ng kalsada

“Akala mo naman talaga” Zemus said at masungit akong pinasadahan ng tingin

“Kung ayaw mong ilibre ako hindi kita pinipilit nandito naman si Zenon at Zeurt” i crossed my arms at masungit ko din siyang pinasadahan ng tingin

“Wala akong sinabing hindi kita ililibre—halika na nga!” Hinila niya ako palayo kay Zeurt at sabay naming tinawid ang kalsada

Hindi talaga neto alam yung salitang gentle eh napaka agresibo lagi! Parang galit sa mundo! Kung hindi galit malakas naman magpagalit!

(Another update nanaman, sorry medyo bitin pero at least may update😔)

Chapter nine

“Eto nga pala yung kinukwento ko sayo” tinapik ako ni Kiefer sa balikat at sinenyasan akong kamayan ang kaharap namin na si Nathan Velasco

“Ahh” pinasadahan ako nito ng tingin bago naglahad ng kamay kaya tinanggap ko ito “Dion Casper, right?”

“Hindi na ako interesado sa paglalaro ng basketball” diretsahan kong sabi kaya pinanlakihan ako ng mata ni Kiefer

“Bakit nagbago isip mo––hehehehe baka wala lang sa mood ngayon Nathan” ani ni Kiefer at pinigilan ang pag alis ko sana

“Hindi na nga ako interesado, bitawan mo nga ako” tinapik ko ang kamay nitong nakahawak sa akin

“Bakit??” Nathan asked “maraming gustong sumali sa team ko, kayang kaya kitang ipasok kaagad” ngumisi ito at nilaro ang bolang hawak

Mukhang mayabang siya, itsura palang nakakainis na….nakasuklay patalikod ang kaniyang buhok, ang kilay ay manipis at nakaangat na para bang korteng sungay, mapaglaro ang kaniyang mga mata kasama ang kaniyang labi para bang anytime ay kaya ka niyang ihulog sa kaniyang bitag. The way he move is also annoying parang lahat ng gawin niya ay nagsisigaw na walang makakatalo sa akin, ako lang ang pinaka magaling dito which is really annoying.

Ayoko ng sumali dahil may iba na akong pinag kakainteresan yun ay ang patagong karera na pinakilala sa akin ni Kiefer.

Muli akong tumalikod at iilang hakbang palang ang nagagawa ko ay mabilis na humarang sa daraanan ko si Nathan, binigay niya ang hawak na bola sa katabi ko at sinubukan hawakan ang balikat ko ngunit umatras ako, what the fuck??? Feeling close? Hahawak basta basta? Gusto niya bang hindi na siya makahawak ng bola kahit kailan? He really is annoying.

“Balita ko close ka sa triplets ah?”

“Anong pakialam mo?”

“Siniraan siguro nila ako sayo” umakto itong parang may iniisip bago tumawa “huwag kang maniniwala sa mga sinasabi ng tatlong yun at bakit ka nalapit sa kanila? Hindi ka ba natatakot—”

“Ano ang pinagsasabi mo kay Dion?”

Dahil nakaharang si Nathan sa harapan ko ay gumilid ako at tinignan ang nasa likuran nito and i saw the triplets….ang tingin na binabato nila kay Nathan ay parang gusto na nila itong ibaon sa lupa, tinaas ni Zemus ang isa niyang kamay at sinenyasan akong lumapit sa kaniya, napataas ang kilay ko…pinagcross ko ang dalawang braso at hindi ito sinunod. Ano ba sila sa akala nila? Mapapasunod ako?

“Oh~~~~” napahugis O ang bibig ni Nathan at pinigilan ang pagtawa ng makita ang ginawa ko “mukhang may hindi napasunod ang isa, anong feeling na akala mo makukuha mo ang lahat?” He asked Zemus

Galit na dinilaan ni Zemus ang ibabang labi, napailing si Zenon sa akin habang si Zeurt naman ay hindi ako tinignan. Wag nilang sabihin na nagdamdam sila sa hindi ko pagsunod?!

“Anong sinasabi mo kay Dion?” Zenon asked

“Gusto ko lang sana kwentuhan si Dion” Nathan answered

“Mukhang bad timing to ah” bulong sa akin ni Kiefer

“Umalis na tayo?” Aya ko

“Gago ka ba? Baka mamaya magsuntukan sila, sino aawat? Ilayo mo nalang yung triplets dito sa court total ikaw close nila at hindi ako—”

“Bahala silang magsuntukan hindi naman ako yung masasaktan, sila naman”

Napakamot si Kiefer sa buhok at umungol pa na tila namomoblema sa sagot ko “sige na, kahit ngayon lang”

Pagbalik namin ni Kiefer ng tingin sa apat na nasa harapan ay nakita namin na hawak hawak na ni Zenon ang braso ni Zemus na handa nang makipagbasag ulo kay Nathan habang si Zeurt naman ay sulsol.

“Sige Zemus suntukin mo yan, yabang ng putanginang yan ehhhh” Zeurt habang tinutulak tulak ang balikat ni Zemus

“Lets go back” Zenon calmly said

“You can’t beat me” umiiling iling na sabi ni Nathan “the last time you tried, you lose….don’t do the same mistake twice. Nakakahiya ka”

“Ang yabang mo” narinig ata nito ang sinabi ko dahil napalingon siya sa akin

“If i were you hindi ko hahayaan na mapalapit sa mga yan, they’re dangerous Dion…trust me.” He walk towards me that triggers the triplets, tumigil si Nathan sa gilid ko “if you’re curious about them, pumunta ka sa akin at willing akong maging story teller para sayo”

“NATHAN!!” Zemus voice roared

Nagtaas ng dalawang kamay si Nathan at tinawag si Kiefer at sabay silang umalis.

“Sinaktan ka ba niya?” Tanong ni Zenon, Pinasadahan ako ng tingin ng tatlo

“Hindi” naglakad na ako paalis ngunit nararamdaman ko ang presensiya nila sa aking likod “huwag niyo nga ako sundan”

“Ano pa sinabi niya sayo??” Si Zeurt na gusto akong akbayan ngunit umiwas ako “eto naman parang may sakit naman ako kung makalayo, sobra kana ahhhh” ngumuso ito at pinag cross ang braso “sumusobra kana talaga buti nalang at tinuruan kami ni papa Uno kung paano magtimpi at habaan ang pasensiya—maliban nalang kay Zemus” binulong nito ang huling sinabi sabay hagikhik “naku naku kung mapuno yan sayo ay lagot ka….kung mapuno kaming tatlo ay mas lalo” hindi ko narinig ang mga huling nitong sinabi na pinagkibit balikat ko nalang

“We told you about Nathan, right?” Zenon

“Yeah, pero hindi naman si Zemus ang kinakausap kundi ako”

“We don’t want you to be near him, he’s dangerous…sa una ay palalapitin ka niya sayo at kapag alam na niyang nagtitiwala kana sa kaniya ay doon ka niya icocorner. Pwede ka niyang saktan o kaya ay sirain ang pangalan mo” nilingon ko si Zenon, he’s looking at me

“Kaya ko ang sarili ko, malaki na ako. May sarili akong buhay, bakit ba nangingialam kayo sa akin?” Pahina ng pahina ang boses ko habang sinasabi iyon dahil nagbabago ang emosyon nilang tatlo, dumidilim ang kanilang mga tingin sa akin at umiigting ang kanilang mga panga, napalunok ako.

Ngumiti si Zeurt sa akin ngunit ang mga mata ay hindi parin nagbabago, mas nadagdagan lang ang kaba na nararamdaman ko ngayon. Zenon cleared his throat at pinikit ng mariin ang mga mata tsaka minulat at bumalik na sa dati ang kaniyang emosyon.

“We’re going back” Zenon said “let’s go…Zemus, Zeurt”

“Bye bye little cupcake” nauna umalis si Zeurt habang kumakaway kaway

“Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked Zemus, siya nalang ang masama parin tingin sa akin “s…suntukin mo ba ako?”

“Kung pwede lang, pero ayokong magasgasan ang mukha mo ngayon” he lick his lower lip and brush his hair using his fingers

Ano bang problema ng mga to sa akin???

Chapter ten

“Kiefer!” Patakbo akong lumapit sa sasakyan ni Kiefer at sumakay sa passenger seat

“Let’s run your card so you will never disturb my gig” nakabusangot nitong sabi at pinatakbo na ang sasakyan

Ngumiti ako at nilapag ang dalawang paa sa dashboard, i called him in the middle of his gig para samahan ako kumuha ng permanent card….para kahit kailan at oras ay pwede akong makapasok sa ROH.

Ginising ako ni Kiefer ng makarating na kami sa aming destinasyon, i stretch my body bago lumabas at pasadahan ng tingin ang pamilyar na lugar. May mga nakakilala sa akin na agad akong nilapitan at kinausap they’re asking me kung kailan muli ang pagpasok ko sa loob ng racing field at kung sino naman daw ang makakalaban ko na hindi ko nalang sinagot dahil pinangako ko kay Kiefer na ang punta lang namin dito ay ang card ko hindi ang makipagkarera gamit nanaman ang kaniyang sasakyan.

Lumayo ako sa kanila at sinundan si Kiefer, pumasok kami sa masukal na daan at maya maya ay may kulay pulang pinto ang nasa harapan namin at sa loob ng pulang pinto ay tahimik na kwarto ang bumungad sa amin, may dalawang couch ang magkaharap na nakapwesto sa gitna ng kwarto at pinagigitnaan ng maliit na lamesa. This is it? Tinignan ko ang kasama ko at sinenyasan niya akong maupo sa isa sa mga couch.

“You stay here” he said at tinuro ang isa pang pinto na ngayon ko lang napansin “may lalabas diyan na isang taong kakausapin ka para mabigay sayo ang card, sa labas na kita hihintayin”

“Ok, ok” sabi ko sinabayan pa ng ok na sign

I spread my legs and arms and wait for the person who will give my card, ten minutes passed the door opened and a man in black sat infront of me holding an attchè case.

I cleared my throat at inayos ang pagkakaupo at nilapag na niya ang dala dala sa ibabaw ng lamesa at dahan dahan iyong binuksan. Napangisi ako dahil sa nakita, red card….may disenyong sungay na napapalibutan ng mga tinik ng rosas.

“Before you take the card please write your name here” he gave me a ballpen and a red notebook

Yun lang pala eh, sa isang pahina ng notebook ay nandoon na lahat ng contracts…pangalan at signature ko nalang ang kailangan at syempre ang bayad….dahil saan ka ba makakakita ng lugar na magbibigay sayo ng card ng walang bayad?

Mahal ang bayad tumataginting ng isang daang libo, mahal ngunit sulit dahil may bago na akong lugar na pupuntahan kapag wala akong magawa at kailangan ko ng libangan. Matapos ay binigay ko ang card ko sa kaniya, umalis ito at bumalik lang din para isauli ang card ko, hinayaan na niya akong kinin ang card ng ROH dahil tapos ko na lahat ng dapat gawin.

I am now part of ROH family, hallelujah!! I need to celebrate this with Kiefer pero hindi muna sa ngayon dahil nakabusangot pa siya baka mamaya ay masuntok pa ako. Si kiefer pa naman kapag nagsusungit parang gusto ng manakmal. Tumayo na ako sa kinauupuan but suddenly a smoke filled the entire room, tinakpan ko ang bibig all of a sudden my body became numb. Bumukas muli ang pinto kung saan lumabas ang nakaitim na lalaki, two man in black enter the room….nakasuot sila ng puting mask upang hindi nila malanghap ang nalalanghap ko ng usok ngayon.

Lumapit sila sa akin, sinubukan kong igalaw ang katawan ngunit wala na. One of them carry me, my mind became blank and my eyes can no longer hold on.

I slowly open my eyes and look at my surroundings, sinubukan kong igalaw ang aking kamay at paa ngunit hindi ko magawa sa pagtataka kung bakit hindi ay binaba ko ang tingin and there i saw both of my hands are tied on the armchair ganun din ang mga paa kong nakatali sa mga paa ng upuan, what the hell is going here? Part ba to ng process para makuha yung card? Wala naman sinabi si Kiefer tungkol dito o nakalimutan niyang sabihin? Did i miss something???

Tumingala ako at napapikit lang din dahil sa pagkasilaw sa ilaw na nakatutok mismos sa aking ulunan.

Narinig ko ang pagbukas ng pinto, sinubukan kong sumilip dahil nasa likod iyon pero hindi ko nakayanan dahil sa sakit ng leeg at ulo ko, kaya ngayon ay hindi ko alam kung sino ang pumasok…..maraming mga yabag ang narinig ko kaya hindi lang isa ang pumasok, napalunok ako at nagsimulang magbagsakan ang pawis sa aking noo papunta sa pisngi pababa sa leeg. Fuck, mamamatay na ba ako? Kakakuha ko lang ng ROH card ko ehhh, pwede bang mag request na wag muna ako kunin ngayon dahil hindi ko pa nasusulit ang pagkarera ko.

I flinched when a hand touch my nape and caress it.

“Who the hell are you?” I asked at sinubukan umiwas pero may isa pang kamay na humawak sa aking leeg at isa pang kamay ang lumapat ngunit nasa balikat ko na iyon.

“Dion Casper…right? Its nice that you’re here inside our territory”

Pumasok bigla sa utak ko ang The Kings.

“Bakit ako nandito?” Buong tapang kong tanong

“Welcoming you?”

Sabay ang tatlo na pumunta a harapan ko, the three of them are wearing the same…black polo na hindi nakabutones ang tatlo kaya kita ang dibdib nila, partner with black pants and black shoes. Black, blue and green…are the mask they’re wearing and the last time i saw them i felt a familiar aura and im feeling it again right now. The mask are covering their whole face so i can’t take a glimpse of what they look like.

“Staring is rude” the one wearing a blue mask said and chuckled

“He’s trying to remember something” lumapit ang nakaitim na mask at nilagay ang dalawang kamay sa ibabaw ng aking mga kamay na nakatali parin sa armchair, he starts to caress it “can you share what’s lingering in your little head right now…my little racer?”

Kinagat ko ang ibabang labi at iniiwas ang ulo sa kaniya, i heard how he clicked his tongue inside his mouth.

“Huwag kang gumalaw” ani nito

Bago pa ako maka react ay lumapat ang kaniyang labi sa aking leeg at sinipsip niya iyon, umawang ang aking labi sa gulat….nagulat ako ng pati ang dalawa ay lumapit, ang tatlong labi ay nasa aking leeg na at walang sawang pinagsisipsip iyon….my toes curled and an electric feeling made me moan so hard and put a tent in between my legs.

Matapos ang ilang minutong pagbabad nila sa aking leeg ay lumayo na ang tatlo sa akin, nanghihina akong napasandal sa kinauupuan.

“Are you scared?” Blue masked man asked and put both of his hand behind him and tilt his head

“Im not!” I hissed

“Of course you’re not” a serious tone coming to the green masked man said

May kinuha ito sa likod ng bulsa ng pants

“You’re not scared right?” His now holding a syringe “this is not going to hurt”

The black masked man grabs a handful of my hair at pinatingala ako “be good”

“Let me go!” I shouted

“Shhhhh don’t shout” the green masked man put his finger near his lips “we don’t like hurting you so be a goodboy please”

Hinawakan ng naka green ang panga ko at walang anumang tinysik ang syringe sa aking leeg.

“What a goodboy” huli kong narinig bago mawalan muli ng malay.

Chapter eleven

“You look exhausted” Kiefer said and strum his guitar “asshole” he added

“You asshole!” Dinuro ko siya at sinamaan ng tingin

“You asshole!” Balik na sabi niya sa akin “ang tagal ko naghintay sayo, nauna kana daw palang umuwi! Ikaw pa tong may ganang magalit sa akin ngayon, dapat nga ako ang nanlilisik ang mata sayo”

Kumunot ang noo ko at dahan dahan binaba ang daliring nakaduro sa kaniya

“And why are you wearing a scarf? Tanghaling tapat at ang init init….nauuso ba yan ngayon?” Pang aasar nito at sinubukan hilahin ang scarf ko ngunit mabilis akong umiwas

“Don’t touch it—what did you say? Someone told you na nakauwi na ako?”

“Oo, nauna kana daw umuwi matapos mong makuha yung card…”

“But…..” but….shit The Kings played me. Nagising akong nasa kwarto ko na, nagising akong madaming marka sa leeg at sa dibdib, akala ko ay inuwi ako ni Kiefer nagkakamali ako.

Napakuyom ako ng kamao at nagsimulang balatan ang ibabang labi gamit ang ngipin.

Sasabihin ko ba kay Kiefer ang nangyari sa akin o hindi??? Tinignan ko ang katabi sa aking peripheral vision and as usual nag sstrum parin ng gitara at may kung anong sinusulat sa papel na nakapatong sa kaniyang isang hita, looks like his writing a song. Ingudngod ko mukha niya sa papel na yan ehh, tumayo na ako at napag desisyonan na pumunta nalang ng cafeteria dahil nag iingay na ang tiyan ko, hindi ko nalang muna sasabihin sa kaniya…ayokong magmukhang kawawa sa paningin niya.

Kapag kinuwento ko baka maawa siya sa akin at ayoko nun, ayokong may taong naaawa sa akin. Malakas ako at matapang, naisahan lang ako kagabi kaya ganun ang nangyari….biglaan yun kaya hindi ako nakapag react.

Matapos mag order ay naupo na ako sa bakanteng upuan at napansin ang ilang mga estudyanteng nagbubulungan habang nakatingin sa akin, the scarf im wearing is catching more attention…naiilang ko silang nginitian at nagsimula ng kumain. Ang gagi talaga….huwag nalang muna kaya ako pumasok hangga’t hindi pa nawawala mga marka na nilagay nila sa akin–at bakit ba ako nilagyan?? Nang aasar ba sila? Nang ttrippings?? Sa kalagitnaan ng pag iisip kung anong pumasok sa utak ng mga yun ay ang pag upo ng triplets sa harapan ko.

Malalapad ang ngiti nila pati si Zenon na seryoso lagi ang itsura ay may bahid na ngiti sa labi ngayon.

“Good morning Dion” Zeurt

“Good morning” Zenon

“Goodmorning naughty” Zemus

Walang maganda sa umaga ko

“Your lips are bruised” inatras ko ang mukha ng subukan ni Zemus hawakan ang panga ko “why are you hurting yourself?”

“Its none of your business” i said and hide my lips inside my mouth

“Its our business” singit ni Zenon “stop hurting your lips, ang balat sa labi ay pinaka  manipis na balat sa buong katawan ng tao…”

“You’re wearing a scarf ahhhh” Zeurt “uso ba yan ngayon?? Ang init init ng panahon kami ngang hindi na nakabutones ng maayos ang polo ay pinagpapawisan ikaw pa kayang balot na balot ngayon”

“Hindi naman ako naiinitan” fuck me ang init init!!!

“Perhaps he’s hiding something” ngumisi si Zemus at umupo sa ibabaw ng lamesa “pakita mo sa aming tatlo ang tinatago mo, promise….we won’t tell”

“Wala akong tinatago atsaka umupo ka sa upuan hindi sa ibabaw ng lamesa dahil kumakain ako” i annoyingly said at inilayo sa kaniya ang pagkain ko dahil baka mamaya ay masagi niya edi sayang binayad ko at ayoko ng pumila pa

“Show us what you’re hiding~~~” paulit ulit na pagkanta ni Zeurt “show us what you’re hiding~~~”

“Come on don’t be shy” nahawakan na ni Zemus ang scarf ko

“Fuck off Zemus!” Sigaw ko na dumagundong sa buong cafeteria na dahilan ng pagkatahimik ng mga estudyante

Tinaas ni Zemus ang dalawang kamay

“Relax….you don’t need to shout” smirking Zemus said at umalis sa ibabaw ng lamesa

“Oh-oh” Zeurt

“Your throat is going to hurt if you shout like that” Zenon hand me a bottle of water “calm down Dion”

Dahil hindi parin maganda ang mood ko ay tumayo si Zeurt at tumabi sa akin sabay akbay na pinabayaan ko nalang dahil tinatapos ko ang pagkain ko.

“Uhmmm we’re sorry about earlier” paghingi ng tawad ni Zeurt at nilingon ang dalawang nasa harapan “we didn’t mean to annoy you, we just wanted to hang out with you….if you don’t mind”

“We’re very sorry about that” Zenon added

Bumalik na sa pag iingay ang mga estudyante, tumayo na ako at naramdaman ko ang pagtayo din ng triplets….nakalabas na ako ng cafeteria ay sinusundan parin nila ako.

Humanda sa akin ang The Kings dahil kung hindi nila ginawa sa akin ang bagay na ito ay hindi ako magtitiis sa init at galit sa tatlong nasa likuran ko ngayon!

“Are you still mad at us?” I heard Zeurt asked

“Don’t follow me”

“Come on man” nilingon ko si Zemus na nagsalita at sinamaan ng tingin “ang sungit naman buti nalang maganda mood ko ngayon” he brushed his lower lips using his thumb at mabilis ang pagsulyap na ginawa niya sa aking leeg na nababalutan parin ng scarf “sobrang ganda….na nalalasahan ko parin ngayon ang tamis ng––”

“Tamis ng leche flan na ginawa ni papa Uno!” Pagputol ni Zeurt kay Zemus

“Mabuti pang mauna na kami” Zenon bow a little “take care Dion, see you around”

Hinila na ni Zenon ang dalawang kapatid na nagbabangayan na ngayon.

Napahawak ako sa ulo ng makaramdam ng biglaang pagkahilo.

The heat will going to kill me.

Chapter twelve

“Ayan! Ganiyan napapala ng mga pasaway na kagaya mo! Ano? Ikaw lang din nahihirapan, gala ka kasi! Kung saan saan ka napunta!”

Tinakpan ko ng kumot ang buong katawan at hindi na pinakinggan si Lola na nagsasalita, kakatapos niya lang akong punasan at pakainin ng sabaw ng sinigang. I really can’t stand and move. Hindi ko malalaman na nag aapoy na ako sa lagnat Kung hindi lang ako ginising ni lola dahil narinig daw niya ang pag iyak ko.

“Kung ano ano pa yang nasa leeg at dibdib mo, mana ka talaga sa tatay mong walang kwenta!”

“Nakita niyo din po ba si dad na may tattoo sa leeg at dibdib??” Ngisi kong inalis ang kumot na nakatakip sa aking mukha at tinignan ang nasa gilid

“Kung magpahinga ka”

“How can i rest in peace kung hindi natitigil bunganga mo lola?” Malakas akong napa aray ng kurutin nito ang tagiliran ko

Himas himas ko ang tagiliran na nasaktan at pinanood siyang lumabas ng kwarto ko, my head is fucking throbbing…mamamatay na ata ako ahhhh.

Tinakpan ko ang sarili ng kumot ng tumunog ang phone ko, kinapa kapa ko ang gilid ng kama at tinignan kung sino ang tumatawag and i saw an unknown number. Kumunot ang noo ko, who is this? Pinindot ko ang red button ngunit maya maya ay tumawag nanaman ito, i cleared my throat before answering the call.

“Hello?”

“Good thing that you answered the call”

“Sino to?”

“Awww, ang dali mo naman kaming kalimutan” he chuckled, hindi lang ito nag iisa dahil may mga boses pa akong naririnig “how’s the love bite?”

Ng marinig iyon ay kinuyom ko ang kamao

“Fuck you!” I hissed

“Hahahahaha do you want to fuck me? Na-ah baby, we are going to fuck you” he emphasized the last word and gave me a loud laugh

“What do you want?”

“We want you to be here baby, 12am sharp at our place….at our territory….at our love nest”

Hindi na ako pinagbigyan nitong magsalita dahil pinatay na ang tawag, i groaned and suddenly a strike pain hit my head so good na nag fertile position ako. Fuck, mukhang nagustuhan akong pagtripan ng tatlo.

Huminga ako ng malalim at pinikit ang mga mata ng tumigil na ang pagsakit ng ulo ko, maya maya ay nilamon na ako ng kaantukan.

Nagising ako at napatingin sa oras, i cursed under my breath….11pm!! Nagmamadali akong tumayo at naghila nalang ng damit sa cabinet at nagpalit tsaka ako tahimik na lumabas ng bahay dala ang skateboard, pumikit ng tumama sa akin ang malamig na hangin habang nag sskateboard, hindi pa ako magaling dahil ramdam na ramdam ko ang init na lumalabas sa aking ilong at bibig at nahihilo pa ako. Sa kalagitnaan ng pag sskateboard ay dahan dahan kong narealize na bakit ako pupunta??? Bakit ako sumunod? Naging dahan dahan ang kanina’y mabilis kong pag sskateboard hanggang sa huminto na iyon ng malapit na ako sa malaking gate.

Bakit ako napasunod? Tinapakan ko ang dulo ng skateboard at napatayo iyon na kaagad kong kinuha.

Humakbang ako patalikod ng isang beses ngunit may naaninag ako sa dilim na bulto, i squinted my eyes at napakapit sa hawak na skateboard. Muli akong napahakbang patalikod at gumalaw ang bulto, my eyes widen at dahil sa takot at mabilis akong tumakbo paalis but a felt something sharp hits my back, seconds passed my body became numb and my knees hits the ground at bago pa ako tuluyang bumagsak ay may kamay ng pumigil sa akin, my eyes covered in black and i lost my conciousness.

“Boss, gising na po siya”

I cough and slowly open my eyes, una kong nakita ang isang lalaki na malaki ang katawan na nakatayo ng straight sa tabi ng pintuan na gawa sa metal, may hawak itong walkie talkie at may sinasabi siya sa kabilang linya tungkol sa pag gising ko.

Hindi ito ang kwartong pinagmulan ko, iba nanaman ito….

Nakatali ang dalawa kong kamay sa taling nakatali din sa kisame at halos nakalaylay na ako.

“Help” sabi ko sa lalaking kasama ko dito but he didn’t give a fuck kaya tumingala ako at tinignan kung maaalis ko ba ang nakatali sa akin o hindi

Bumukas ang pinto at bumungad ang tatlo sa akin

“Look who’s here” the black masked man said “welcome again…and thank you for showing kahit na late ka ng 20 minutes”

“He’s late” blue

“He is late” green

Gusto kong magsalita ngunit may parang bumara sa lalamunan ko

Nahihilo, pinagpapawisan, masakit ang katawan, mainit ang nilalabas na hangin sa ilong at bibig, nilalamig….lahat lahat ay nararamdaman ko ngayon kaya hindi ako makapag response sa tatlong kaharap para ipaglaban ang sarili ko, pumikit ako at hindi na magawang pakinggan ang mga sinasabi nila.

“Hindi siya nakikinig!” Dahan dahan kong minulat muli ang mga mata at nakita ang naka blue na mask na nakaturo ang daliri sa akin

“Perhaps he needs to be punish eh?” The black masked

“Punish him for not listening to us” the green masked man agreed

“Let me go” i said under my breath

Nagsimula akong maglumikot ng makitang may binigay si asul kay itim na manipis na stick.

“Shhh shhhh behave baby, tatlong palo lang” sabi ni itim sa akin

Napasigaw ako ng malakas niyang hinagupit ang pamalo sa akin na tumama sa likod ko, pangalawang palo ay nahilo na ako kaya sa pangatlong palo ay hindi na ako kumibo ngunit sobrang sakit at parang nahiwa ang likod ko sa ginawa niya.

“Sa susunod ay matuto kang makinig para hindi ka masaktan” sabi ni berde sa akin

Lumapit si asul sa akin “bakit ba ang tahimik mo!” He shouted “para kang walang gana!”

Hinaklit nito ang kwelyo ko ng mahigpit at hindi siya nakuntento doon dahil nilagay na niya ang kamay niya sa leeg ko, akala ko ay sasakalin na niya ako ngunit naramdaman ko ang biglaang pagkalma at pagiging soft ng pagkakahawak niya sa akin

“He’s hot” blue said

“Of course our baby is hot” laughing black said

“What i mean is….he’s burning hot” tinignan na ako sa mata ni asul

“Shit” mabilisan akong inalis sa pagkakatali ni berde

Bumagsak ako sa mga braso ni asul

“Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!”

“Im going to get my car” tumakbo paalis si berde, binuhat na ako ni itim at sinundan na si berde

“Bakit pumunta kapa?! Sana hindi kana tumuloy kung alam mong may sakit ka! You fucking idiot” kumunot ang noo ko ng may maalalang isang tao

“He’s pale as fuck, is he going to die?!” Panicking blue masked man said

“He’s fucking not!” Pinasok na ako sa itim na kotse at tatlo na silang naririnig kong nagmumurahan dahil sa pagpapanic

Chapter thirteen

Pagkamulat ko ng mata ay napatingin ako sa paligid, a man in black is standing beside the door and when he saw that im awake he open the door and talk to someone outside…he nod his head and close the door.

“Manatili kalang diyan at huwag gumawa ng ingay dahil baka masaktan ka” sabi nito sa akin

Dahil sa panghihina ng katawan ay sumunod nalang din ako sa nais nito, anong oras na—napaalerto ako sa pagkakahiga ng namatay ang ilaw at sunod ay ang pagbukas ng pintuan at lumabas ang nagbabantay sa akin at pumasok ang tatlong malas sa buhay ko, dahil sa sobrang dilim at unting liwanag lamang ang pumapasok sa kwartong ito ay hindi ko sila maaninag ng maayos, naramdaman ko ang paglapit nila sa akin at lumubog ang magkabilang gilid at paanan ng kama hudyat na nakasampa na sila.

“You’re going to be reason of our freaking heart attack” ani ni Blue

“Are you ok?” Sinundan naman iyon ni Green

Kahit hindi ko sila makita ay kilala ko na sila sa boses, medyo familiar nga sa akin..mas deep lang ang boses ng tatlong ito, naalerto ako ng maramdaman na may isang kamay ang dumapo sa aking hita at minasahe iyon.

“Kamusta na ang pakiramdam mo?” Black asked

Hindi ako sumagot kaya may palad na dumapo sa leeg at noo ko, checking my temperature. Im hungry….parang ang daming enerhiya ang nawala sa akin, parang hangin nalang din ang laman ng tiyan ko ngayon…binuka ko ang bibig ngunit tinikom lang din kaagad dahil sa pride na bumabalot sa akin ngayon at bakit hihingi ako ng makakain sa tatlong ito? Mamaya ay may kung ano nanaman silang ilagay…baka sa susunod ay may lason na!

I can’t trust them…i will never trust them, ang dami na nilang ginawang hindi maganda akin kaya bakit ko sila pagkakatiwalaan?

“Are you hungry?” Asked Green

My stomack growl, my stomach answered Green question! Trinaydor ako ng sarili kong tiyan, what the hell––tumawa ang tatlo, umalis na sila sa ibabaw ng kama at nagpaunahan palabas ng pintuan at kung ano ano ang mga pagkain na kanilang binabanggit na ipapakain nila sa akin. Muling bumukas ang ilaw at lumiwanag ang paligid ng makalabas ang tatlo at pumasok ang lalaking nagbabantay sa akin kanina.

Napahawak ako sa tiyan at sinandal ang likod sa headboard ng kama, how can i escape when someone is here inside my fucking room!!

Napailing ako at inis na tinignan yung lalaki.

Kalahating oras ang lumipas ng bumukas ang pintuan at nagtutulakan na pumasok ang tatlo na may kaniya kaniyang hawak na mga tray, they’re wearing their mask again…

“Tikman mo tong luto kong sopas, im sure you will crave for more if you taste it…maganda itong kainin mo ngayon lalo na at malamig ang panahon” nilapag ni Blue ang tray sa gilid ko

“Mas masarap tong champorado, eto ang kainin mo….” inalis ni Black ang tray ni Green upang mapalitan ng tray niya

“Kapag natapon to, itatapon ko yang champorado mo sa basurahan at sinisigurado kong ni isang subo hindi niya matitikman!” Inis na sabi ni Blue kay Black

“Your macaroni is overcooked!”

“Fuck you! You can’t even cook champorado properly!”

“Kinakalaban mo ba ako?!” Lumapit si Black kay Blue at binangga nito ang braso niya

Tinulak naman ni Blue si Black “ako ang unang nag alok kaya huwag mo akong angasan diyan”

“I don’t fucking care stupid”

Green cleared his throat before putting his tray beside me and pushing the two trays away.

“What are you doing?” May halong pagtatampo sa boses ni Blue na tanong kay Green

“Your silly arguments can’t make his tummy full” nilapit nito sa aking bibig ang kutsara na may sabaw ng sinigang

Tinignan ko ito at hindi pa binubuka ang bibig.

“Don’t worry walang lason to, eat so you can sleep again to take a rest and be fully healed” he said

Wala na akong nagawa kundi ibuka ang bibig at hayaan siyang pakainin ako, tumahimik ang dalawa sa gilid hawak ang kanilang mga tray….i bet they’re pouting right now.

Matapos kumain ay pinunasan ni Green ang bibig ko at inayos ako sa pagkakahiga.

“You look familiar” sa isip ko sana sasabihin ngunit nailabas ng bibig ko

Napaubo ang dalawa na nasa gilid

“Familiar?” Green

“Kayong tatlo…familiar kayo”

Tumawa ng malakas si Blue “m…matulog kana, pinapatawa mo kami”

“Seryoso ako….pinapangako ko sa sarili ko na dadating ang araw na malalaman ko din kung sino kayo” ani ko

Lumapit sa akin si Black at hinaklit ang collar ng suot kong tshirt “suit yourself but don’t expect it to be easy”

Hinawakan ko ang kamay nitong nakahawak parin sa collar ko “sulitin niyo ng magtago sa likod ng maskara niyo”

Nagulat ako ng tinakpan niya ang aking mga mata gamit ang kumot at may malambot na dumampi sa aking bibig….he aggresively kiss me, nakahawak na ito sa panga ko upang mas mapabuka pa ang aking labi…naramdaman ko ang dila niyang pumasok sa loob ng bibig ko.

“D…don’t hmmmm”

Naglumikot na ako when someone is trying to take my pants off of me.

I am now half naked, someone is giving me blowjob and im moaning inside Black’s mouth and i think he loves that because i can feel him smiling and smirking.

“You two, stop it….hindi pa magaling si Dion”

Green is not the one who’s giving me a head but its Blue!

“Ahhhh” malakas at mahaba kong ungol ng pakawalan na ni Black ang labi ko “shit…shit….im going to cum, no—fuck tangina h…huwag mo bilisan….shit ughhh ah ah ah lalabasan na ako….tangina ahhhh”

I arched my back when i cum inside Blue’s mouth.

“Isa pa” isusubo ulit sana ni Blue ang ari ko ng patigilin na siya ni Green “ang sarap mo” sabi nito sa akin

Matapos akong ayusin ay inalis na ang nagtatakip sa aking mata, nakita ko silang lumabas na sa kwarto at iniwan akong habol hiningang nakahiga sa kama.

Chapter fourteen

Naghahabol hininga kong dinikit ang noo sa pinto matapos kong walang tigil sipain ang pintuan ng kwartong tinutuluyan ko hanggang ngayon, magaling na ako ngunit hindi nila ako pinapakawalan, im still here!! Mababaliw na ako dito, ni phone wala ako ngayon…ano gagawin ko dito? Tumitig sa kisame? Tumunganga sa isang tabi? Mag imagine ng kung ano ano? Sana man lang maglagay sila ng tv dito para naman hindi ako maboring!

Pagod akong bumalik sa kama at hinilot ang paa na namumula, shit, napilayan pa ata ako.

“Are you done throwing tantrums?” Bumukas ang pinto at pumasok si Berde

Hinihintay ko ang susunod na papasok pero sinarado niya na ang pinto, wow…kakaiba ah, lagi kasing kumpleto kapag pupunta sila dito…walang nauuna at walang naiiwan, but now he’s alone.

“Kailan niyo ba balak pakawalan ako?”

“Kung kailan namin gusto”

“Kidnap na to ah, pwede kayong makulong!”

“Shhhhhh, we have money…a lot of money”

Naglakad ito papunta sa harapan ko, ang dalawang kamay ay nakapasok sa magkabilaang bulsa ng black pants na kaniyang suot.

“Do you want to be free?” He asked

“Hindi ko sisirain ang pinto kung gusto ko manatili dito”

“Why? Ayaw mo ba dito? You can stay here…we can buy things you want, we can do what you want us to do, you can have everything you want, Dion. JUST. STAY. HERE” he exphasizes those last three words

Sarkastiko akong tumawa “may pera din ako, kaya kong bilhin lahat ng gusto ko, kaya hayaan niyo na akong makaalis dito. I have a life outside this fucking room!”

“Since you really want to be free” tumayo ito at naglakad papunta sa pintuan, he slowly open the door “stand up and go”

Kumunot ang noo ko

“You want to be free? Ok, your wish is my command…Dion”

Tumayo ako ngunit hirap kong maigalaw ang mga paa, para bang hindi maganda ang mga susunod na mangyayari…mabigat ang dibdib ko at nagsitaasan ang mga balahibo sa katawan ko. Bukas na ang pinto Dion, ano pa ang hinihintay mo???? Baka magbago ang isip at ikulong kana dito habang buhay! Inayos ko ang postura at hindi pinahalata ang nanginginig kong mga tuhod, magkatapat na kami ngayon at hindi ko magawang tumingin sa kaniyang mata dahil baka mapaupo na ako sa sahig dahil sa halo halong emosyon.

“You’re too slow Dion, if i were you…i am going to run” he said and starts to unbutton his polo

“W…what are you doing—” napatigil ako sa pagsasalita ng makita si Asul at Itim na nakasandal ang mga likod sa dingding at nakacross ang braso…they are giggling and i feel like they’re waiting for me. “W…w…what—”

They’re now unbuttoning their polo, Green is now half naked.

“Lets play a game” Green spoke “you run, we chase. You win, you’re free. You lose, you will go back inside this room and we will fuck you until you can’t walk to try to break this door of yours again. Are you in?”

“Run faster!” Sigaw ni Blue

“Make sure to win” singit ni Black “i want to root for you but my body is craving for you, so goodluck”

They are now half naked.

Nanginginig at halos wala sa tamang pag iisip akong tumakbo palabas ng kwarto, tumingin ako sa likuran upang tignan kung hinahabol na nila ako ngunit nakahilera silang tatlo na nakatingin sa akin at hindi parin umaalis sa kanilang pwesto, halos madapa na ako sa pagmamadali, maraming pasikot sikot sa bahay na ito at minsan ay nababalik ako sa dating natakbuhan, fucking annoying house!!!

“Take your time~~” napatingin ako sa speaker na nakadikit sa itaas ng dingding

“Shit” bulong ko sa sarili

Where is the exit?!

Tumigil ako sa pagtakbo ng marinig ang mga yabag na papalapit sa akin, nagtago ako sa likod ng malaking orasan at tinakpan ang bibig.

“Where is he?” Blue asked

“Maybe hiding?” Black

“Dion~~~” matapos tawagin ni Blue ang pangalan ko ay sumipol sipol pa siya “stop hiding, hayaan mo nalang kasi kaming mag desisyon sayo”

Nakarinig sila ng kalabog sa di kalayuan kaya naalerto ang dalawa at tumakbo paalis, lumabas ako sa pinagtataguan at muling hinanap ang palabas, nakita ko ang hagdan pababa kaya bumaba ako at doon ko na nakita ang pinto palabas…ngumiti ako ngunit dahan dahan iyong nawala ng makita ko si Green na nakaupo sa sofa malapit sa pintuan.

Nakayuko ito at tahimik lamang, walang ingay akong naglakad at ng mahawakan ko ang seradura ng pinto ay binalik ko ang tingin sa kaniya and now his facing me kasama na ang dalawa pa na nakatayo sa kaniyang likuran.

“Let me go!” I shouted

“But the game is not yet done” Green said

“Hindi ka pa nakakalabas” Black “kaya huwag ka muna masiyadong magsaya”

Inikot ko ang seradura ng pinto at nag click iyon, mas mabilis pa sa alas kwatrong tumatawang tumakbo palapit sa akin ang tatlo…mabilis kong binuksan ang pinto at tumakbo palabas…akala ko ay hihinto na sila sa paghuli sa akin ngunit hindi, its raining…its already dark here outside and i can’t barely see things basta kung saan ako dalhin ng mga paa.

I squinted my eyes at naghanap ng masisilungan at matataguan, a hand grabs my elbow…i form my hand into a fist and punch the one who’s grabbing me…habol hininga at walang tigil parin ako sa pagtakbo hanggang mapahinto ako ng may nakakasilaw na ilaw ang tumama sa aking mga mata and there i saw one hella big truck that is coming towards me.

(Hello mysties, im back…again bwahahahahaha thoughts about this chapter? Matagal si Author no? Daming inaasikaso ehh, tsaka akala ko may rest ang mga college students, akala ko lang pala. Pati weekends meron ginagawa kaya hindi maharap talaga pag update tsaka mas tumagal ng hindi ko ma open tong account ko dahil nakalimutan ko password buti nalang talaga nasa notes ko nakalagay password…ngayon ko lang nalaman na nasulat ko doon😓, hoping na magustuhan niyo kahit papaano tong chapter nato)

Chapter fifteen

A room filled with silence, only the beeping of a machine beside me is the only noise and my heart that is beating.

Where am i?

The only words that whispered under my breath, where am i?

I slowly look at my surrounding and it looks like its a hospital—yeah, im really at the hospital. Ano ginagawa ko dito? Bakit ako nandito? As i continue asking myself, my head suddenly hurts so i bite my lower lip to lessen the pain, the door opened and they start checking my pulse, my body, my temp and a Doctor starts asking me questions.

“What do you feel right now?”

“Tell me where it hurts”

“We’re glad that you’re awake”

“Is your head hurts?”

A nonstop questions.

That i only answered “Who am i?”

Tumahimik ang lahat, maya maya ay umalis ang Doctor at bumalik lang din.

“You don’t know yourself?” He asked

Napayuko ako at tumitig sa dalawang kamay na magkasalikop.

“I….can’t remember” mahina kong sabi “i can’t remember! I can’t remember! Why can’t i remember!” I panicked knowing that i don’t know who am i, even my name! My brain is not functioning parang may harang sa utak ko patungo sa mga sagot sa aking mga tanong.

I hug my knees and starts to yell.

“Calm down” one of the nurses told me

“Call them” i heard the Doctor said

Hindi ako malapitan dahil kapag nagtatangka silang lumapit ay mas lalo akong lumala, anong nangyari sa akin? Bakit ako nandito?? Napatili ang mga nurse ng inalis ko ang karayom na nakatusok sa likod ng aking palad at tinapon iyon sa sahig, tumalon ako upang makaalis sa kama at pumunta sa may sofa na katabi ng glass window kung saan makikita ang madilim na kalangitan, kumalma ako ng masilayan ang bilog na bilog na buwan ang mga bituin na kumikinang.

“Where is he?!”

That voice…..

Mahinahon akong lumingon sa likuran at nakita ang tatlong lalaki, nakatingin na sila sa akin at tila pinag aaralan ako. Who are they??

“Dion….” one of them said

“Dion?” I asked “who is Dion?”

“What the hell?” Nagkatinginan ang tatlo sa isa’t isa

“So its true? That he can’t remember anything….and also us” the one wearing a gloomy face said

“Im going to talk to you, lets go outside” a man wearing a glasses said to the Doctor and they both exit the room.

Sumunod ang mga nurses na lumabas ng kwarto, naiwan kaming tatlo, they are staring at me…parang ineexamine nila ako, i tilted my head at umalis sa pwesto para lapitan sila.

“Sino kayo?” Tanong ko

Napatigil ako ng makita ang repleksyon sa tv screen, my benda ang ulo ko at may gasgas ang braso ko.

“What happened to me?”

“Lets a take a sit first, shall we?” He is now smirking “so we can talk about what happened to you and who we are to you”

Hindi na ako nagpaligoy ligoy pa at sinunod ang kagustuhan nito upang makakuha ako ng sagot sa mga katanungan.

Nagsimula na itong magkwento sa akin, naaksidente daw ako dahil lasing ang driver ng truck na sumagasa sa akin, nakakulong na daw ang driver at tinanggalan ng lisensiya. Nagpakilala ang dalawa sa akin, si Zeurt ang nakangiti habang si Zemus naman ang kumakausap sa akin na kanina pa mapaglaro ang mga ngiting binibigay sa akin at si Zenon ang lalaking kumausap sa Doctor kanina…triplets daw silang tatlo at sila daw ang kasintahan ko…matagal na daw kaming magkarelasyon, simula bata ay nangako na daw kaming apat sa isa’t isa na walang maghihiwalay, and i started to believe them because they’re showing me photos of us, hindi nung bata palang ngunit malalaki na kami sa litrato.

Nawala daw ang mga pictures namin nung mga bata pa kami kaya wala silang maipapakita sa akin.

“Where is my parents? Bakit wala sila dito?” I asked

Hinawakan ni Zeurt ang kamay ko at malungkot ang mukha.

“Namatay ang mga magulang mo ng bata ka pa at sa amin ka nila pinagkatiwala, kami na ang pamilya mo. Sa amin ka, aalagaan ka namin…” ani nito at dinampian ng halik ang aking pisngi “walang makakakuha sayo, sa amin kalang” he whispered to my ears

Zenon entered the room, tumayo si Zemus sa pagkakaupo sa tabi ko at nilapitan si Zenon tsaka may binulong.

“May masakit pa ba sayo?” Tanong ni Zeurt sa akin

Umiling ako “wala na”

“Talaga? Sabihin mo lang kung meron para matawag na namin ulit ang Doctor”

Dahil sa mga nalaman ay mas parang bumagal ang pag function ng utak ko, pilit kong pinapasok lahat ng mga kinuwento nila ngunit hindi ko magawa….

I heard Zenon clearing his throat before nodding and fixing his glass.

“Sabi ng Doctor ay pwede ka ng makauwi bukas” he said and check the bandage surrounding my head “we have a personal Doctor for you, Dion. Kaya walang problema kahit sa bahay kana magpagaling”

nakatingin na ang tatlo sa akin.

Tinuro ko ang sarili “are we really lovers?”

“Of course, hindi pa ba sapat mga litrato na pinakita ko sayo?” Zemus

“And the story we’ve told you?” Zeurt

“Kami nalang ang nandito para sayo, Dion.” Zenon

I feel like a fragile kitten surrounded by wolves.

chapter sixteen

“This is our house!” Tinaas ni Zeurt ang dalawang kamay at upang ipakita sa akin ang malawak na sala “lets go and im going to show you our room!”

Kukunin na sana ni Zeurt ang kamay ko ng bigla nalang akong lumutang, Zenon is carrying me in a bridal style. Zeurt’s pouted at ngumuso na tila batang hindi napagbigyan, ngumiti ako at napailing na lamang, is he really like that?

“Dion needs to rest, he is not fully healed…let me take you to your room to get some rest” he said

Tumango ako at kumapit sa kaniyang leeg.

Sumilip ako sa likod at nakita si Zemus na may toothpick na kagat kagat habang ang dalawang kamay ay nasa magkabilaang bulsa ng itim na pants, nakita nito ang pagtingin ko sa kaniya…he smiled at me and extend his arms to reach my hair and ruffled it. Namula ang aking mukha at siniksik iyon sa dibdib ni Zenon, the three of them laughed of what they’re seeing.

This is not funny!

“Stop laughing” ani ko, nakasiksik parin kay Zenon

“You’re such a cutiee!” Zeus said

Hinatid ako ng tatlo papunta sa kwarto daw naming apat, dahan dahan akong inihiga ni Zenon sa kulay pulang bedsheet at kinumutan ng itim na kumot…the bed is so wide na parang pwede dito ang sampung tao.

The room is so dark and the only light is the lamp beside the bed, pumwesto si Zenon sa kanan ko…nakasandal ang kaniyang likod sa headboard ng kama at kinuha ang isa kong kamay at pinagsalikop ang kamay naming dalawa, si Zeurt naman at pumwesto sa kaliwa ko at siniksik ang katawan sa akin, habang si Zemus naman ay nakasandal sa likod ng pintuan at pinapanood lamang kami.

“I can’t sleep” i said at look at the three of them

“Why?” Zenon asked still caressing my hand

“Dahil ang haba ng tulog ko kanina” ang haba ng biyahe, mga tatlong oras mahigit, kakapasok lang namin ng sasakyan ay tulog na ako at nagising lamang ng nandito na kaya talagang hindi na ako makakatulog nito, i lick my lips “why do you love me?” I asked

Zemus cleared his throat and look at his siblings, Zeurt sit and Zenon stop caressing my hand, nagulat ako ng tatlo na silang nakapalibot sa akin.

“Do you want to know, Why?” Zemus

Dahan dahan akong tumango

“We love you because…..” natahimik ang paligid ng ilang minuto, nakakunot na ang aking noo at hinihintay ang isasagot nila

“M…mahirap bang sagutin ang tanong ko?”

“No, cupcake…we just can’t explain the love that we’re feeling towards you”

“What do you mean Zemus?”

“We love you so much that we don’t want you out of our sight, we love you that we want the best for you and thats when you live under our roof, we love you to the point that we want to crashed someone who dares to take you away from us…we are crazy for you and do anything to make you ours, sa amin kalang Dion, sa amin lang. You are our treasure” Zemus touch my cheeks

Ngumiti ako at dinamdam ang kamay nitong humihimas sa aking pisngi.

“Lahat gagawin namin basta ang kalalabasan ay sa amin kalang, sa amin lang….ipagdadamot ka namin sa lahat, tandaan mo yan Dion”

May part sa akin na hindi sumang ayon sa sinabi ni Zemus para bang imbes na saya ang aking naramdaman ay kakaiba, pero baka dah ito ay epekto ng pagkawala ko ng ala ala. Sana ay hindi tumagal ito upang maparamdam ko din at maibalik sa kanila ang pagmamahal na binibigay nila sa akin ngayon at maalala ang mga masasayang araw na kasama ko sila.

Madilim na ang kalangitan ng magising ako, tanging si Zeurt nalang na nakayakap sa braso ko ang naiwan na kasama kong matulog, i ruffled his hair and kiss his forehead…napanguso ito at tumalikod sa akin, he is still sleeping. Umalis ako sa pagkakahiga sa kama at sinuot ang tsinelas na nasa baba, my tummy is growling and i know na kailangan ko ng kumain, ano na bang oras?

Lumabas ako ng kwarto at naglakad papunta sa hagdanan, naamoy ko kaagad ang mabangong aroma na nanggagaling sa kusina kaya nagmadali akong bumaba at nagtungo doon, its Zenon wearing just shorts and apron…half naked chef, hawak hawak nito ang spatula sa isang kamay habang sa kabila ay ang kawali. Si Zemus naman ay nakaupo sa marble na lamesa at nakataas ang isang paa, nakikipagkwentuhan ito kay Zenon tungkol sa mga kotse.

“Im going to change the color of my car, ano sa tingin mo magandang kulay? Matte black is good–” natigil si Zemus sa pagsasalita ng makita ako, he tap Zenon shoulder at tinuro ang kinatatayuan ko.

“Good thing you’re awake, Dion” kakatapos lang nitong lutuin ang fried rice “Zemus call Zeurt we’re going to eat dinner”

“Forget that asshole, nakakatamad umakyat” reklamo ni Zemus habang kinakamot pa ang ulo

“Ako nalang” tatalikod na sana ako ng ikutan ako ng mata ni Zemus at sinunod nalang ang kapatid

Sinundan ko ito ng tingin, hindi siya umakyat ng hagdan nasa baba lamang siya, nilagay niya ang dalawang kamay sa magkabilaang bibig at malakas na sumigaw

“Zeurt wake up and its dinner time you fucker!” Dumagundong ang boses nito sa buong bahay kaya napangiwi na lamang ako at nauna ng umupo

Ilang minuto ang lumipas ng nakasimangot na Zeurt ang bumungad sa amin, masama ang tingin na binibigay niya kay Zemus na nakangisi na ngayon.

Nagulat ako ng biglang binato ni Zeurt ng mansanas si Zemus ngunit agad naman niya itong nasalo at mapang asar na kinagatan ang mansanas na mas lalong kinainis ni Zeurt.

“What’s the problem Zeurt?” Zenon calmly asking

“That motherfucker just entered our room and fucking slam me against the bed!” Pagsusumbong nito sa kapatid “he also fucking spilled the water into my hair!”

Doon ko lang napansin ang buhok nitong basa, napailing ako at kumuha ng pamunas at lumapit kay Zeurt na parang batang gustong makabawi sa kapatid, pinaupo ko ito at nagtataka man ay sinunod na lamang niya…napatingin sa akin ang dalawa ng makitang pinunasan ko ang basang buhok ng kanilang kapatid, bakit? Bakit parang nagulat ata sila sa ginawa ko? May ginawa ba akong hindi maganda? Tinigil ko ang pagpupunas ngunit hinawakan ni Zeurt ang kamay ko at sinamahan akong punasan ang kaniyang buhok.

“I love you” Zeurt said to me, nakayuko ito kaya hindi ko makita ang mukha

“I……i love you more” i answered back

I saw how his ears turns red.

Matapos kong punasan ang buhok ay nagsimula na kaming kumain.

“Hindi maganda ang ginawa mo sa kapatid mo kanina Zemus, masama ang ginugulat ang tao lalo na kapag tulog ito…at baka mapilay si Zeurt” pagsimula ko dahil tahimik ang tatlo at namumula ang mga tenga

“Hindi siya gumising kasi” Zemus

“But you don’t need to––”

Muli nanaman silang magsasagutan ng tinaasan ko sila ng kilay.

“Ako nalang ang gigising sa kahit isa sa inyo sa susunod para wala na akong nakikitang ganitong ganap lalo na at nasa harapan kayo ng pagkain”

I saw how they smile, it warms my heart.

(Basa well po mga mysties)

chapter seventeen

Nandito kami ngayong apat sa backyard, nag aayos kami ng kotse ni Zeurt ngayon dahil nasira daw, ewan ko ba kung saan siya nagpunta nitong dalawang araw at bumalik na sira na ang kotse. Hindi sana ako mangingialam sa kanila pero something inside me is trying to participate fixing the car, and when i hold the spare parts parang may biglang familiar ang namumutawi sa puso ko, i start enjoying this.

Ilang oras ang ginugol namin sa pag aayos ng kotse hanggang sa matapos na at paandarin na iyon ni Zeurt, napalakpak ako ng umandar na ito at hindi kagaya kanina na mahirap paandarin at pangit na ang tunog, parang naghihingalong kotse na eh. Nagpunas ako ng namuong pawis sa noo gamit ang panyo na nakasampay sa balikat ko.

Zemus and Zeurt is wearing only sweatpants, kaya kitang kita ang mabato bato nilang katawan na kumikinang dahil sa pawis at may halo ng langis at itim itim na galing sa dumi ng kotse, ang kanilang mga buhok ay parang dinaanan ng bagyo at ipo ipo sa sobrang gulo ngunit hindi nabawasan ang kanilang kagwapuhan. They remove their gloves at nag kaniya kaniyang kuha ng maiinom na tubig, si Zenon naman ay naka fitted black shirt partner with sweatshorts, maayos parin ang buhok at hindi siya masiyadong madumi di katulad sa dalawang kapatid.

“Im tired, i want to sleep” nag iinat inat na sabi ni Zeurt

“Gagu paliguan mo muna yang kotse mo!” Sabi ni Zemus sa kapatid bago basahin ang mukha gamit ang tubig na iniinom nito kanina

“Nangangarera kaba Zeurt?” Tanong ko

Napatingin ito sa akin, he widely smile…showing his white straight teeth.

“Yes! Sorry hindi ako nakapagpaalam sayo nung isang araw na aalis ako, biglaan lang din kasi eh–”

“Can you bring me too?”

“Eh? Hahahahaha” napasulyap ito sa mga kapatid at dahan dahan kinamot ang batok “hahahaha”

“B…bawal ba? Sige, hindi nalang…i just want to go with you and watch how you race” nahihiya akong ngumiti

“You can join us” Zenon said and fix his glasses “prepare for tonight, we are going to an exciting place”

“Sasama natin siya? No!” Hindi pagpayag ni Zemus “c’mon guys! Hindi ako papayag! Dito lang siya sa bahay! Paano kung may makakilala sa kaniya doon?” Hindi ko na maintindihan ang mga huli nitong sinabi dahil pahina iyon ng pahina

“He needs a bedrest, he’s not going with us, ako nalang ang magpapaiwan dito sa bahay para may kasama si Dion, kayo muna ang umalis” dagdag pa ni Zemus

Naiintindihan ko na si Zemus, tama nga siya kailangan ko talaga ng bedrest dahil hindi pa ako masiyadong magaling…kinagat ko ang ibabang labi at hindi na nangulit pa sa kanila, but Zeurt said na magpagaling muna ako ng mabuti at baka sa susunod na alis nila ay makasama na ako.

Dumating ang gabi at sumakay na si Zenon at Zeurt ng kotse at kumaway muna sa akin bago lumabas ng gate, naramdaman ko ang paghawak ni Zemus sa aking pikod at pinagilid na ako upang masarado ang pintuan, nauna itong naglakad paalis na kaagad ko naman sinundan.

“Matutulog kana ba?” Tanong nito sa akin

Para siyang laging makikipag away sa asta at pananalita niya, kanina nga ay nilagyan nanaman niya ng guhit ang kaniyang kaliwang kilay kaya mas lalo siyang umangas tignan, kung maglalakad ito sa kalsada baka mapaaway pa. Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay at naghihintay sa sagot ko.

“Hindi pa, ikaw?”

“What do you want to do?” Sabay kaming pumasok sa kwarto, tumakbo ako patungo sa kama at kinuha ang remote ng flat screen tv na nakadikit sa dingding “want to watch a movie? Horror? Comedy? Sci-fi?”

“Uhmm suggest”

Tumabi ito sa akin at ang isang kamay ay nasa likod ng ulo habang ang isa ay nakahawak sa hita ko, inaantok na ata siya ngunit pinipigilan lang. Binalik ko sa screen ang paningin, maya maya ay inagaw niya sa akin ang remote at siya ang pumili ng panonoorin namin, its sci-fi.

Humiga na ako katulad niya at ginawang unan ang kaniyang braso.

“Tell me if you want something to eat, hmm?” Tumango ako sa sinabi nito

Sexy na babae ang bida kasama ang kaibigan nitong lalaki na may pagtingin sa kaniya, nasa part na kami kung saan hinahighlight ng movie ang ka sexy-han ng babaeng bida and i can’t help to look at Zemus…nagulat ako ng lingunin niya kaagad ako. Tinitignan nga niya yung babae! Pero hindi naman maiwasan tignan talaga dahil pinapanood namin

“Ayaw mo?” He paused the movie

“G….gusto”

He continue to play the movie.

Sci-fi pa ba pinapanood namin o montage sa babaeng to? Ngumuso ako.

I heard Zemus chuckled “are you jealous, cupcake?”

“Bakit ako magseselos–ah ano ginagawa mo?”

“Just open your legs cupcake”

Gumapang ang kamay nito sa hita ko at siya na ang naghiwalay nun kaya nakabuka na ako at nagsisimulang mag init ang pisngi.

“Z…Zemus”

“Shhhhh, para hindi kana magselos” expert nitong nilabas ang alaga ko at hinawakan ang ulo, napaungol ako ng mahina when he starts to massage it, tinignan ko siya at ang mga mata niya ay nasa screen parin ng movie “pwede kang mag ingay, walang pipigil sayo….”

“S…stop Zemus, ahhh” i covered my mouth but Zemus remove it and hold both of my hands using only one hand “ahh not too fast, please…ugh ugh ughhh Zemus”

“Shit, fuck…you moaning my name is fucking hot, cupcake…you want this, right? You want me to continue playing your dick? You want daddy to make you cum, huh?” His hot breath touching my neck makes me more hard and precum starts to flow out of my dick

“Y…yes, yes…i want” i sad between my moans

My toes curled up and my back arched ng bumilis lalo ang pagtaas baba nito sa alaga ko.

“Look at that, cupcake” tinignan ko ang alaga kong nakalabas na halos ang ugat at galit na galit “you want me to suck you?”

Tumango ako

“I can’t hear you”

“Yes, suck me please…please suck me” my pleading eyes are staring at him

He smirked and rip my pants off of me and he positioned his face between my legs, nilabas niya ang kaniyang dila at tinukso ng ilang beses ang alaga ko bago ako isubo ng buo, tumirik sa sarap ang aking mga mata at mas lalong lumakas ang aking ungol.

“Ughhh fuck fuck shit ahhh, ahh ahh”

“Hmmm”

“Lalabasan na ako Zemus! Ah ah, Zemus faster p…please daddy”

Mahabang ungol ang pinakawalan ko ng labasan ako sa loob niya, hindi niya nilunok lahat, nagtira siya sa loob ng bibig niya at maya maya ay dinura sa aking alaga at muli nanaman niyang tinaas baba ang kamay niya sa akin.

(Luh SPG po, bawal sa bata!)

chapter eighteen

“Come here, cupcake” Zemus tap the back of his hig bike “sakay na”

Ngumiti ako at inayos muna ang pagkakasuot ng hoodie sa ulo at mask na nagtatakip sa aking bibig at ilong, pinagbigyan ako ni Zemus na lumabas at samahan siyang pumunta ng bayan para mamalengke ng stocks namin sa bahay dahil ubos na at kung bukas pa kami gagalaw ay baka wala na kaming makain mamaya lalo na at matakaw kaming dalawa…

Umangkas ako sa big bike nitong kulay itim, hahawak na sana ako sa likod para sa suporta upang hindi mahulog but he told me to hug his waist na kaagad ko naman ginawa. Hindi mabilis ang pag ddrive ni Zemus, tinatanong pa nga ako kung mabilis para sa akin para bagalan niya ngunit sinabi ko na kulang pa yung bilis, totoo naman kasi super bagal ng pagmamaneho, mas mabilis pa ata yung pagtakbo ng aso eh and something inside me wants him to be fast yung tipong lahat ng dahon na dadaanan namin ay lilipad.

Nakarating na kami sa bayan, bago kami pumunta sa loob ng palengke ay pinagsabihan ako nitong huwag na huwag tatanggalin ang mga nagtatakip sa ulo at mukha ko.

“Huwag kang lalayo” dagdag pa niya

Nasa likuran lang ako ni Zemus the whole time na namamalengke siya, maya’t maya ang pagsulyap niya sa akin making sure if nandito pa ba ako o wala na, ano naman ba kinakatakot niya? Hindi naman ako aalis o makukuha ng kung sino tsaka kung may kumuha man sa akin ay maraming tao ang makakasaksi at baka hindi pa ako nabubuhat ng kumuha sa akin ay bugbog sarado na yun. Napatigil kaming dalawa ni Zemus sa gulayan, nag aalok ako na tumulong sa pagbubuhat dahil medyo marami na din ang buhat buhat nito pero sabi niya ay mag isip nalang ako ng gusto kong bilhin para mamaya ay yung gusto ko nalang ang pupuntahan.

“Ang gwapo mo naman hijo” sabi ng matanda kay Zemus at inabot ang isang plastic ng carrots at patatas.

Napanguso ako ng makita na wala man lang reaksyon doon si Zemus, parang walang narinig! Buti mabait ang matanda at natawa nalang, nagsimula na akong mag isip ng gustong bilhin at sa paglalakad namin ay may nakita akong bilihan ng cotton candy. Napangiti ako at tinignan si Zemus na tumigil ulit upang bumili ng mga seafoods.

“Zemus?” Tawag ko sa pangalan niya

Lumingon ito sa akin, he raised one of his brows and waiting for what im going to say.

Marami ng nakatingin sa kasama ko, he look so majestic…hindi ko itatanggi yun. Ang pogi ni Zemus, ang gwapo…kitang kita kung gaano kaganda ang biceps niya, yung mga nagtitinda tuloy dito sa palengke ay walang humpay ang pagtingin at bulungan tungkol sa kaniya.

“Can you give me one hundred pesos? I just want to buy a cotton candy” tinuro ko yung nagtitinda ng cotton candy

“Just wait for me, sabay na tayong pumunta doon” he said

Tumango ako at hinintay siya, at ng matapos ay sabay nga namin pinuntahan ang nagbebenta ng cotton candy.

“Manong, apat nga pong cotton candy”

“Apat? Hindi ka ba natatakot magka diabetes?” Ngiwing tanong nito sa akin at inabot ang pera kay manong

“Sa atin to nila Zeurt at Zenon” sagot ko “diba uuwi na sila mamaya??”

“Oh yes, i forgot”

Lumabas na kami sa loob ng palengke at inayos na ni Zemus ang mga pinamili, natigilan kami ng may biglang lumapit sa pwesto namin na babaeng mahaba ang unat na buhok, nakasuot ng shorts at tshirt na medyo fitted sa kaniya, may dala dala itong basket na may laman din na mga gulay at isda….namili din ata siya.

Nakatingin ito kay Zemus kaya napakunot ang noo ko

“Toka mo ngayon mamalengke?” She asked

“Ah yes, wala sila ehh…may pinuntahan, nga pala si Aling Lordes ah”

“Oo, sinabihan ko na si mama, magsisimula na siya bukas…huwag ka mag alala” she giggled at doon na ako nakita “sino siya? Bakit balot na balot ka naman?”

Hinawakan ni Zemus ang braso ko at hinila palapit sa kaniya “he’s Dion, our boyfriend”

Dahan dahan nawala ang ngiti nung babaeng nasa harapan namin

Mukhang hindi nagustuhan ang narinig, for sure may gusto ito sa isa sa tatlo…o si Zemus ang gusto niya?

“Ah hahahaha sige…aalis na ako, baka hinahanap na ako ni mama.” Binigyan niya si Zemus ng tipid na ngiti at hindi na ako pinansin bago umalis at sumakay sa tricycle na naghihintay sa kaniya

Inalalayan ako nito sumakay sa big bike niya, tahimik ang buong biyahe hanggang makauwi ay wala parin nagsasalita, dahil siya ang nagbuhat ng mga pinamili ay ako naman ang nag ayos nun sa kusina. Ngumuso ako ng maalala ang babae kanina, sino yun? Sinilip ko ang ginagawa ni Zemus sa peripheral vision ko and i saw him watching something sa kaniyang phone while drinking cold water.

Hindi na ako nakapagpigil pa at tinanong kung sino ang babae kanina, nilagay muna niya sa sink ang basong pinag inuman bago sagutin ang tanong ko.

“She’s Maricar, nakilala lang namin siya dahil sa kanila kami nila Zenon bumibili ng gulay….kanina ay sarado sila kaya sa kabila tayo bumili and by the way her mother will going to work here…we need a helper to clean the house and cook for us” pagpapaliwanag niya sa akin

“Sige”

He chuckled “why? You jealous?”

“Hindi naman, t…tinanong lang”

Napakapit ako ng mahigpit sa hawak na plastic ng niyakap ako nito sa likod and his hands starts to wander around my body…hanggang maya maya ay pumaloob ang kamay niya sa pants kong suot at hawakan ang aking alaga.

“Hmm, gusto mo ba yung ginagawa ko sayo?” Bulong niya sa likod ng aking tenga

Napalunok ako ng walang laway at lumabas ang munting ungol sa aking bibig ng himasin niya ito ng himasin.

“A…ang sarap Z..Zemus ahhh”

“I know cupcake, masarap talaga”

Tumigil siya sa paghimas sa alaga ko at lumayo sa akin, ang aking mukha ay nabahiran ng pagkadismaya at tinignan siya, nakangisi na ito ngayon sa akin. Matapos niyang patigasin ang alaga ko ay titigil siya??? Nararamdaman ko pagkirot ng puson ko! I need a release.

“Zemus, bakit ka tumigil?”

“Zenon and Zeurt will be home at 12pm we need to cook now or else uuwi silang walang makain….kung gusto mo ay ikaw ang magiging tanghalian namin” he wipe his lower lip

Zemus!!!!

Chapter nineteen

Kakagising ko lang at nandito ako ngayon nakatayo sa dulo ng hagdan dahil kakababa ko lang, wala na kasi yung tatlo ng magising ako at tanghaling tapat na pala and then i saw a middle aged woman with straight long hair wearing a yellow plain shirt and a black pajama, she’s talking to the triplets and a girl that seems familiar to me, saan ko nga ba ulit to nakita??

“Salamat at kinuha niyo ako–” napatigil ito sa pagsasalita ng mahagip ako ng kaniyang mga mata “ay eto ba yun? Napaka gwapo naman na bata”

Ngumiti ako at napahawak sa braso

“Dion, she’s Auntie Mar….siya ang magiging helper natin starting from now” pakilala ni Zenon sa babaeng nasa gilid ko

“Magandang umaga po, Auntie Mar”

“Magandang umaga din” ang ganda ng ngiti niya

“How’s your sleep?” Zeurt asked “hindi ka na namin ginising para mag breakfast dahil anong oras na din tayo natulog”

Ah yes, nagpuyat kaming apat para lang sa isang horror movie na kakalabas lang, sabi ko ay ipagpabukas na pero hindi sila pumayag dahil sobra na ang pagkatutok nila sa movie.

“Lunch time na, meron akong niluto” bahagyang kumunot ang noo ko ng makita yung babae na hinawakan ang mga kamay ng triplets at ipinunta sa kusina “Tadaaaa!! Niluto ko yung paborito niyong ginataang gulay!”

Nakita ko ang pagkinang ng mga mata ng triplets at nag unahan pa sa pagkuha ng plato, sasandukan ko na sana sila ng kanin ng maunahan na ako ng babae….who is this anyway—oh she’s the one who approached Zemus sa palengke yesterday! The Maricar girl!

“Oh hijo kain na”

“Salamat po Auntie Mar”

“Walang anuman, sabihin mo lang sa akin kung may mga gusto kang iluto…hindi naman sa pagmamayabang pero halos lahat ng filipino foods ay alam ko. Dati kasi akong may ari ng carinderia” matamis ang ngiting binibigay nito sa akin kaya mabilis akong naging komportable sa kaniya

Matapos naming kumain ay napagdesisyunan na tumambay sa likod ng bahay, hindi parin umaalis si Maricar at hindi ko alam kung may balak pa bang umalis, hinihintay ba niya pag uwi ng nanay niya? Pero mamayang 5:30 pa ang uwi nito eh alangan naman mag stay pa siya dito ng matagal. Ngusong kinuha ko ang bola ng basketball na nasa gilid at nag start mag dribble…may kinabit na ring sila Zemus dito dahil mahilig din sila maglaro ng basketball.

Bakit ba nasa kaniya ang atensyon ng tatlo? Hindi ba sila nagsasawang mag usap? Kung ano ano naman mga pinag uusapan nila kasi kung ano ano din ang tinotopic ni Maricar, bihira lang mapunta sa akin ang atensyon ng tatlo…makukuha ko lang atensyon nila kapag may lumagabog.

Shinoot ko ang bola sa ring at muling nag dribble, habang tumatagal ay naiinis na ako at nawawalan ng gana. Hinagis ko ang bola  na hawak sa gilid at pumeke ng ngiti bago lumapit sa apat, umupo ako sa tabi ni Zeurt na tumatawa sa kwento ni Maricar, Zenon and Zemus are also smiling….nakinig nalang ako sa sinasabi ng babaeng kaharap.

“Si Jose, yung anak nung nagbibigay ng mangga dito noon? Nakita ko siya nung isang araw umaakyat sa puno ng mangga ng kapitbahay nila ng patago at dahil gusto kong makabawi sa paglalagay niya ng sanga ng mangga sa bag ko, malakas kong tinawag si Auntie Sabel at nagulat si Jose sa ginawa ko kaya nawalan siya ng balanse at nahulog sa putikan!” Tumawa nanaman si Zeurt kaya nilingon ko ito, nakita ata niya sa kaniyang peripheral vision ang pagtingin ko so he kissed my cheeks “ehem” sabay kami napalingon kay Maricar na nag iwas ng tingin nahuli ko pa ang pag igting ng kaniyang panga sa nakita

“Nga pala malapit na kaarawan ko, inaasahan ko pagpunta niyo ah”

“Kailan pala––”

Tumayo na ako at umalis, ngusong pumasok ako sa loob ng bahay at aakyat na sana sa hagdan papunta sa kwarto ng may marinig akong mumunting iyak ng tuta…kumunot ang aking noo at sinundan kung saan nagmumula ang ingay at nakita ko ang isang kulay puting tuta na nakatayo sa harapan ng gate namin, nakita ako nito kaya bigla umalerto siya.

“Hi, come here…”

Tinahulan niya ako bago tumakbo palayo, dahil sa pag aalala na may kung anong mangyari ay lumabas ako ng gate upang sundan siya….pumasok ito sa kakahuyan, hindi na ako nagdalawang isip at pumasok na din, baka maraming ahas at makain siya! Kawawang tuta naman o di kaya ay masugat siya.

Tumigil ang tuta at sumandal sa puno and i saw a weak black puppy, tinignan ako ng puting tuta bago dinilaan ang tutang katabi, lumuhod ako at dahan dahan hinawakan ang nanghihinang itim na tuta. Kapatid niya siguro! The white puppy wants to help his brother sa pamamagitan ko! Kaya siguro niya ako ipinunta dito.

Lumapit ang puting tuta sa akin.

“Let’s go outside the forest, i will help your brother” kausap ko dito at binuhat ang tuta

Tumayo ako karga karga ang itim na tuta habang ang puti naman ay nakasunod sa akin, habang naglalakad palabas ng kakahuyan ay biglang sumakit ang aking ulo, ngumiwi ako at kinagat ang ibabang labi.

Takbo, Dion…takbo hahahahaha

Tigilan niyo na ako!

Sunod sunod na boses ang narinig ko na mas kinasakit pa ng aking ulo, napaluhod ako.

Maliwanag na ilaw ang dumapo sa aking mata kasabay ng malakas na pagbusina at bago pa sa akin makalapit ang malaking sasakyan ay napabangon na ako sa pagkakahiga at habol ang hiningang napakapit ng mahigpit sa bedsheet––bedsheet? Napatingin ako sa baba at nasa loob na ako ng kwarto, nasaan na ang mga tuta?

Bumukas ang pinto, the triplets entered the room.

“Bakit ka lumabas ng walang pahintulot?!” Galit na sabi sa akin ni Zemus “hinanap ka namin at nakitang walang malay! Hindi ka nag iisip! Sinabi na namin na hindi ka lalabas ng hindi kami kasama diba?! Bakit hindi mo maintindihan?!”

“Zemus, lower your voice and don’t stress him” Zenon

Nakatingin lang sa akin si Zeurt.

“B…biglang sumakit ang ulo ko at kung ano anong boses narinig ko…tapos….tapos may malaking sasakyan ang babangga sa akin at doon ako nagkaroon ng malay” pagkwento ko “what is that? Why are the voices in my head is so scary? Like they are trying to kill me”

“Kill you?” The triplets asked

“W…we–” bago pa masabi ni Zeurt ang gusto niyang sabihin ay may binulong na sa kaniya si Zenon kaya muling tinikom nito ang bibig

“Where are the puppies?” I asked

“Nasa likod, we called a vet and the puppies are ok, they just needed a rest…” Zenon answered

Zemus tsked at dabog na lumabas.

“Promise us na hindi na ito mauulit, delikado sa labas Dion…we just want you to be safe” Zenon

Chapter twenty

Kinabukasan ay tanghali na ako nagising, kaya bumaba na ako at binati ako ni Auntie Mar na kasalukuyang nagluluto ng tanghalian, binuksan ko ang ref at kumuha ng fresh milk at tinanong kung nasaan ang triplets dahil wala akong ingay na marinig dito sa loob ng bahay and Auntie Mar told me na umalis daw ang tatlo at may kailangan lang daw puntahan kaya tumango ako at nilagay na sa sink ang basong ginamit.

Pinuntahan ko ang dalawang tuta na tinulungan ko sa loob ng kakahuyan, napangiti ako ng makitang naghahabulan ang dalawang tuta sa damuhan, nahuli ang puting tuta ng kaniyang kapatid kaya napahiga ito at hinayaan ang kapatid na daganan siya. They sense my presence kaya napalingon sila sa akin at hindi nagdalawang isip o natakot na lapitan ako, umupo ako at sinalubong sila ng belly rub na kaagad nilang nagustuhan and they want more dahil sa tuwing inaalis ko ang kamay ko sa kanilang mga tiyan ay binabalik lang din nila.

Wala pa silang pangalan, ano kaya ang ipapangalan ko sa kanila? Napaka common na kasi kung whitey at blacky ehh, hintayin ko nalang ang triplets para tulungan nila akong magpangalan sa mga tuta—nawala ang kasiyahan ko sa ideyang kasama silang pangalanan ang mga tuta ng maalala kong hindi pa kami ayos…galit pa sila sa akin dahil sa reckless decision at walang paalam kong pag alis.

Nilaro ko na lamang ang mga tuta habang nag iisip ng ipapangalan sa kanila hanggang marinig ko na ang busina ng sasakyan, dali dali akong tumayo at pumasok sa loob and the two puppies are running with me. Nagtago ako sa wall at sumilip, nakita ko ang itim na tuta na lalabas na sana sa pinagtataguan namin ng itaas ko ang isang paa at marahan siyang inusog patago…katabi ang kaniyang kapatid.

“Hello po mga sir, malapit na po maluto yung tanghalian…” bati ni Auntie Mar

Pagod na sumalampak sa sofa si Zemus at inalis ang pagkakabutones ng kaniyang itim na polo, showing his chest…he also brushed his hair using his fingers. Si Zenon ay umupo din at nilapag ang mga papers sa table na nasa harapan lastly si Zeurt na naghubad ng polo na kulay asul at nagpunas ng pawis gamit ang puting tuwalya.

Pupuntahan ko ba sila—a loud bark filled the entire place, nanlaki ang mga mata ko at kinuha ang dalawang tuta, sa pag angat ko sa kanila ay nakita kong nasa akin na ang tingin ng tatlo.

“H…hello” bati ko sa kanila at wala ng nagawa kundi lapitan na silang tatlo

Umupo ako sa tabi ni Zemus at akala ko ay magagalit pa siya sa akin pero hinila niya ang bewang ko palapit sa kaniya kaya magkadikit na kaming dalawa.

“Don’t do that again” he whispered

“Im sorry” hinging paumanhin ko sa tatlo at tinignan ang mga tuta na hawak

Tumayo si Zeurt at pinagitnaan na nila akong dalawa ni Zemus, Zenon kissed my forehead and ruffled my hair….napangiti ako at tinaas ang dalawang tuta.

“Kanina pa ako nag iisip ng ipapangalan sa dalawa, gusto ko sana magpatulong sa inyo pero galit kayo sa akin pero ngayon hindi na…….” tinignan ko sila isa isa

Kinuha ni Zenon ang itim na tuta na kaagad siyang dinilaan sa mukha kaya natawa kami ni Zeurt.

“Megatron!” Turo ni Zeurt sa itim na tuta “oh bumblebee nalang!”

“Wag mo naman idamay mga tuta na yan sa kaadikan mo sa transformer” ani ni Zemus

“Come on” Zeurt said at inikutan ng mata si Zemus

“Thunder and Rain” sabi ko, tinuro ko ang itim na tuta “Thunder” sunod naman ay ang puti “Rain. Thunder and Rain!!”

“That’s a nice name” tatango tangong sabi ni Zenon

“Come here Rain” kinuha sa akin ni Zemus si Rain at nilagay iyon sa kaniyang lap “binilhan namin sila ng mga laruan at pagkain”

“Talaga?!”

“Do i look like im joking?” Tinignan ako nito sabay tingin sa labi at binigyan ako ng mabilisan na halik

“That’s unfair” rinig kong sabi ni Zeurt at nilagay ang kanang kamay sa aking panga at pinaharap sa kaniya, he also gave me a peck…hanggang dumikit ulit ang labi naming dalawa at naramdaman ko ang kaniyang dila na gustong pumasok sa loob ng bibig ko and i let him.

“Hmm” i moaned a little at mukha mali atang desisyon ang pag ungol ko dahil naramdaman kong biglang naging agresibo ang halik sa akin ni Zeurt

May humawak sa magkabilang gilid ng balikat ko at inihiga ako, nakahiga na ako ngayon sa lap ni Zemus and his brushing my hair using his long slender fingers…dinilat ko ang aking mga mata, nakapaibabaw sa akin si Zeurt at bumababa na ang kaniyang halik, kinagat ko ang ibabang labi at napatingin kay Zemus na nakangiting pinapanood kaming dalawa. Zenon is also watching with a smirk on his face.

“Fuck” Zeurt said and he grab my hand at pinahawak iyon sa kaniyang gitna na nakaumbok na “fuck, i can’t control myself…lets go to our room and i will fuck you nonstop”

Walang hirap ako nitong binuhat na parang sako, nakita ko naman ang dalawa na sumunod sa amin ni Zeurt.

Hindi na ako binigyan ng time magsalita ni Zeurt dahil ng malapag na ako sa kama ay muli niya akong nilunod sa kaniyang mga halik, nakarinig ako ng pagkapunit and i saw Zenon ripping my tshirt and Zemus riping my pants.

“Ahhh, a…ang sarap” ungol ko ng isubo ni Zenon ang kahabaan ko “Z…Zenon…ughhh sige pa”

Umalis sa ibabaw ko si Zeurt at inalis muna ang pantalon at bumungad ang kaniyang matigas na kahabaan, tinapat niya iyon sa aking pisngi at ilang beses akong sinampal gamit ang kaniyang alaga.

“Isubo mo” utos nito sa akin

I open my mouth, idiniin niya ang alaga niya sa lalamunan ko kaya naluluha akong tinignan siya.

“Im sorry baby, i will fuck your mouth hard hanggang labasan ako…and later we will make you reach heaven” Zeurt said

May kumuha sa kamay ko at pinahawak ang alaga and its Zemus.

Umuungol ako habang binabayo ni Zeurt ang bibig ko. Sabay sabay kaming nilabasan maliban kay Zenon dahil siya ang sumusubo sa akin kanina.

Pagod akong napapikit pero dahil hindi pa sila tapos ay pinaupo nila ako, humiga si Zenon at binuhat naman ako ni Zeurt at Zemus at tinapat ang aking butas sa nakatayong bandera ni Zenon…malakas na ungol ang pinakawalan ko ng dahan dahan itong pumasok sa akin….hanggang buong buo ng nakapasok ang alaga niya sa butas ko.

He starts to move habang nasa ibabaw niya ako, he move nonstop.

“Ah ah ah shit sweetie….your hole is so tight, i wanna destroy you” Zenon moaned

“L…lalabasan na ako ahhhh Z..Zenon lalabasan na ako”

“Shhhhhhhh” pinatahimik ako ni Zemus gamit ang kaniyang alaga at si Zenon naman ang hinahandjob ko ngayon.

Bumilis ang bayo ni Zenon sa akin at nakaramdam ako ng mainit sa aking loob, matapos nun ay naka dogstyle naman na ako…si Zemus na ang bumabayo sa akin, kagat kagat ko na ang unan dahil sa sobrang sarap ng nararamdaman ko at hindi na sapat ang ungol. He slap my buttcheeks a lot of times at humapdi na iyon, naluluha na ako sa sarap….hindi ko na alam ang gagawin, pagod na pagod ang katawan ko ngunit gusto ko pa at ayoko pa sila patigilin.

Kahit nanginginig ang mga tuhod ay pinatayo ako ni Zeurt at inihiga ang kalahating katawan sa lamesa na nasa gilid, ang dibdib ko ay nakadikit sa lamesa ang dalawa kong kamay ay hawak hawak niya ngayon habang binabayo niya ako….i moaned loudly….im salivating right now. My eyes are full of lust, i want more….give me more.

“P….please ughhh don’t…don’t stop ah ah ah ah”

“Yes sweeties fuck….ughhh hindi tayo titigil”

Napatingala ako ng sabunutan ako ni Zemus at marahas akong hinalikan sa labi.

Chapter 21

Nagising ako sa tahol ni Thunder at Rain, nakita ko silang tumakbo ng kwarto dahil hindi naman nakasarado ang pintuan, napangiti ako at mabilis na tumayo but my whole body is hurting. Unti unti kong naalala ang nangyari sa amin apat, naramdaman ko ang pag init ng magkabilaan kong pisngi…hindi ko kinakaya ang sarili ko, parang nahihiya na akong lumabas at magpakita sa tatlo! This is so embarrasing!!!

Pinilit kong tumayo at pumunta sa banyo, i saw how messy my hair is but my clothes is well fixed, kasing pula ng kamatis ang mukha ko ganun din ang labi ko na namamaga pa ng unti….they are so aggresive pero may limit parin, they don’t want me to get hurt, naramdaman ko yun sa kanila and it makes my heart melt, sila yung kapag ginalaw ka ay makokomportable ka at hahayaan mo ang sarili na mas malunod sa kanila.

I washed my face and ignored the kiss marks sa chest ko, kitang kita ko dahil hindi nakabutones ang tatlong butones ng Pj’s ko…inayos ko lang din naman dahil lalabas na ako ng kwarto kahit hiyang hiya parin—bakit ba ako mahihiya! Come on self, they’re your boyfriends for goodness sake! Napa face palm ako at pinakalma ang pusong hindi mapakali.

Bumaba na ako at nakita si Auntie Mar na nagwawalis sa sala, nahalata siguro niya na may hinahanap ako kaya nginuso niya ang kusina kaya ngumiti ako at nagtungo sa kusina.

I saw them wearing almost nothing, apron and a black boxer…yun lang ang nagtatakip sa kanila.

Zenon is wearing a color yellow apron with ducks on it.

Zemus is wearing a pink apron with strawberry on it.

Zeurt is wearing a red apron with flowers on it.

They are cooking something….

“Uhmmm guys? Saan niyo nakuha yung mga suot niyo ngayon?” Lumaki ang kanilang mga mata ng makita ako

“Fuck! I told you to just wear our aprons!” Inis na sabi ni Zemus sa mga kapatid

“Sinabi ko din sayo na nasa labahan” sagot ni Zeurt

“We got this from Auntie Mar, she let us borrowed her aprons” Zenon answered

“Just close your eyes” Zemus said and continue stirring the pot

“Good morning handsome” binigyan ako ng malaking ngiti ni Zeurt na naghihiwa ng cabbage

“Ano yung niluluto niyo?” I asked at lumapit na sa kanila

“Pinagod ka namin so we decided to cook for you…Nilagang baboy, may gusto ka pa ba?” Zenon touched my back “are you ok? You can watch a movie sa sala while waiting for us, para makapag relax ka pa”

“I….im ok” nahihiya kong sagot  “i want to help”

Umangat ako sa sahig, binuhat ako ni Zenon at pinaupo sa marble table.

“We can do this, manood ka nalang” he said

Matapos maghiwa ng cabbage ni Zeurt ay nguso itong lumapit sa akin at niyakap ako sa bewang. Pinatong ko ang kamay ko sa ibabaw ng kaniyang ulo at sinimulan iyon suklayin gamit ang aking mga daliri.

“Are you tired?” I softly asked

He nod his head at mas siniksik ang mukha sa aking hita.

He looks like a baby, it warms my heart.

“Zeurt stop being clingy and put the cabbage here!” Inikutan ako ng mata ni Zemus at tumalikod, hindi na talaga gumaganda ang mood ng lalaking to parang araw araw may dalaw.

Zeurt groaned at tinatamad na sinunod ang utos ng kapatid, they are so cute!!

Dahil busy sila magluto at ayoko naman na walang ginagawa at nakaupo lang ay ako nalang ang nag ayos ng dining table.

Tinawag ko na si Auntie Mar upang kumain ng matapos na din sa pagluluto ang tatlo.

“Ang sisipag naman ng mga batang to” pagpuri ni Auntie Mar sa tatlo

“Taste it!” Zeurt said to Auntie Mar

Kumuha si Auntie Mar ng mangkok at naglagay doon ng sabaw, para bang nappressure yung mga katabi ko at lahat sila ay nakatingin kay Auntie, pinagmamasdan ang magiging reaksyon nito sa kanilang luto. Akala ko ba ay ako ang panonoorin nila ngunit hindi pala, sabagay masarap magluto ang kaharap namin ngayon. She knows everything! Alam niya kapag kulang ng asin or any spices—basta alam niya talaga.

Sinubo na ni Aunti Mar ang kutsara sabay tango ng dalawang beses.

“What do you think?” Zenon asked

“Masarap” ngiting sagot ni Auntie Mar

Parang nabunutan ng tinik ang tatlo at pinagsandok na ako ng kanin at naglagay na din ng ulam sa mangkok ko.

“Damihan mo ang kain” sabi ni Zenon sa akin

“Ay mauna na kayong kumain, may kukunin pala ako sa labas…saglit lang” nagmamadaling tumayo si Auntie Mar at iniwan kaming apat

“Eat well cupcake….kailangan mo ng lakas para mamaya” Zemus said while smirking

“Pakainin bago tirahin” sabi ni Zeurt at tumawa

“Let him eat in peace” suway ni Zenon sa dalawa

Nagulat ako ng halikan na lang ako bigla ni Zemus at pinasok ang dila sa loob ng aking bibig, naramdaman ko ang laway nitong binibigay sa akin bago humiwalay at kindatan ako. I gulped his saliva, mas lalong lumaki ang kaniyang ngisi.

“Hindi lang yan ang ipapalunok ko sayo mamaya” he whispered

I blushed at yumuko.

“Touched my dick” napatingin ako kay Zeurt na parang nahihirapan na “im horny, touched my dick while we’re eating….please, grab my dick”

Nanginginig ang kamay na pinasok ko ang kamay sa kaniyang boxer and he slightly moaned.

He move his hips at ng dumating na si Auntie Mar na may mga dalang hinog na mangga ay aalisin ko na sana ang aking kamay but Zeurt whispered na lalabasan na siya so i continue giving him a hand job while Auntie Mar is showing the mango to us.

Nilabasan na si Zeurt dahil may mainit na likidong dumaloy sa aking kamay, sumandal ito sa kinauupuan at sabay naming tinignan ang basa nitong boxer.

(Hala, bad yun…nasa hapag kainan kayo, arghhhhh dapat sa kwarto lang yan hihihi)

Chapter twenty two

Nakanguso lang ako hanggang makasakay sa loob ng kotse ni Zemus, we are going to Maricar’s birthday….i don’t want to come pero i have no choice dahil hindi daw pupunta ang tatlo kapag hindi ako sumama eh ayoko naman na hindi sila umattend ng dahil sa akin, nag eexpect din si Auntie Mar sa amin.

Kwentuhan tungkol sa kotse ang narinig ko sa tatlo hanggang makarating kami sa bahay nila Auntie Mar, ang daming tao at may mga bandiritas pa sa paligid….sabay sabay kaming apat na bumaba sa kotse. Malawak ang bakuran nila, may mga nakita akong anim na lamesa kung saan may mga nakaupong bisita, may videoke din at hawak ng mga matatanda ang mic at kahit alas tres palang ng hapon ay may mga alak na sa kanilang mga lamesa, pumasok na kami at napatingin sa amin, ang ilan ay pinapaupo kami sa kanilang pwesto ngunit dumating na si Auntie Mar at pinasok kami sa loob ng kanilang bahay.

The house is so clean and nice.

“Paumanhin dahil magulo sa labas” sabi ni Auntie Mar “sundan niyo ako at pinagtirhan ko kayo ng handa”

“Saan ang birthday girl?” Hanap ni Zeurt kay Maricar

“Umalis saglit kasama ang pinsan pero babalik din kaagad––ay siya sige na kumain na kayo at mamaya ay pwede na kayong lumabas at makisaya sa mga bisita, wag kayo mag alala at mababait ang mga yun” hinaplos ni Auntie Mar ang aking likod

Pinagigitnaan ako ni Zenon at Zemus habang si Zeurt ay nasa harapan namin at lumalamon na.

Sa kalagitnaan ng pagkain namin ay dumating na ang hinihintay ng tatlo, the birthday girl….Maricar. Nakita ko ang pagkinang ng mata ni Maricar at binigay sa pinsan ang mga plastic na bitbit niya sabay takbo sa pwesto namin at isa isang niyakap ang triplets, ahh so wala ako dito? Hindi ba ako nakita? Pilit ang ngiti na binigay ko ng batiin niya lang ako at muling binalik ang atensyon sa tatlo, pasalamat ka at nandito ang tatlo dahil kung pinairal ko ang kagustuhan kong hindi pumunta ay baka malungkot kang mag ccelebrate ng kaawaran mo.

Dahil walang nabiling regalo ay nag abot ng red card si Zenon at inabot kay Maricar.

“Hindi na Zenon” pag tanggi ni Maricar

“Hindi kami nakabili ng regalo kaya tanggapin mo ito” Zenon said

“Ok na ako na dumalo kayong tatlo sa kaawaran ko” tatlo?! Apat kaming pumunta dito, anong tatlo?!

Inis na tinusok ko ang karne na nasa plato.

Mas nainis ako ng umupo siya sa tabi ni Zeurt, ang dami pang bakante kaya kung pwede umalis ka sa tabi ng pag aari ko?

Naramdaman ko ang palad ni Zemus na nasa hita ko habang si Zenon naman ay nasa bewang ko. Ngumuso ako at inikutan ng mata ang dalawa kaya napakunot ang noo nila, gusto ko na tuloy umuwi pwede na bang umuwi? Nakita naman na ni Auntie Mar ang presence naming apat at patapos na kaming kumain, pwede na bang umalis dahil hindi nanaman maganda ang mood ko ngayon dahil sa babaeng nasa harapan ko.

Matapos kumain ay inaya kami ni Maricar na lumabas ng kanilang bahay, we occupied the vacant table malapit sa videoke….may mga alak na sa ibabaw ng lamesa namin at may isang dalaga na naglagay ng crushed ice sa harapan ko.

“Carlos kuha ka nga pulutan” utos ni Maricar sa lalaking nasa kabilang table “hindi ito yung nakasanayan niyong party pero don’t worry, hindi ko naman kayo hahayaan na ma out of place”

May dalawang lalaki isa na doon si Carlos at isang babae ang sumali sa table namin, nilapag na ang pulutan at binuksan na ang mga alak.

“Ikot ba?” Tanong nung Carlos at tumingin sa akin

“No” pagtanggi ni Zemus “seperate glass for the four of us”

“Sige, isa isa nalang na baso” Carlos said

Nagsimula ang inuman, tahimik lang ako sa gilid pero hindi ako tumatanggi kapag binubuhusan na ng alak ang baso ko. Ayoko naman kasi na masabihan na killjoy, atsaka ibubuhos ko nalang lahat ng inis ko sa pag iinom.

“Do you want to sing Zemus?” I heard Maricar said

She’s sitting beside Zemus, kanina lang ay si Zeurt ang katabi ngayon si Zemus baka mamaya si Zenon na ang katabi niya. Talagang gustong isa isahin ang tatlo, hindi na nahiya sa akin. Muli kong tinungga ang laman ng baso ko.

“Cupcake” tawag sa akin ni Zenon “im going to answer this call, babalik din ako” paalam sa akin ni Zenon

“Balik ka kaagad”

“I will cupcake” he kissed my forehead

Si Zeurt ay umalis kanina, may gagawin daw saglit ewan ko kung ano dahil nagmamadali siya eh. Zemus is busy talking to Maricar para silang may sariling mundo, nakakahiya naman kung makisawsaw ako aishhhhhh wala na atang ibang nabigay sa akin ang araw na ito kundi inis. Mamaya talaga pagbalik ng dalawa ay mag aaya na akong umuwi!

“Uhmmm” nabaling ang atensyon ko kay Carlos, isang upuan ang pagitan naming dalawa kaya hindi kami magkatabi “ako nga pala si Carlos, ngayon lang kita nakita—yung tatlo mo kasing kasama nakikita ko na sila lalo na sa bayan”

“Hindi ako nalabas ng bahay, Dion nga pala”

“Kaya pala” tumango tango ito “shot ka ulit”

“Dion, come here” galit ang tono na si Zemus ang nagpatigil sa paglalagay ng alak ni Carlos sa baso ko

Tumayo ako at lumapit kay Zemus, agad niyang pinalibot ang kamay sa aking bewang.

“Hayaan na natin si Dion na makipag usap kay Carlos, Carlos is nice—”

“Well im not” pagputol nito kay Maricar

“I need to pee” bulong ko kay Zemus

“Samahan na kita” ani ni Zemus

Nakita ko ang masamang tingin ni Maricar sa akin at para mainis siya ay tumango ako, hinalikan ni Zemus ang aking pisngi at sabay na kaming tumayo.

Tinuro naman nila kung saan ang banyo

“Ayokong nakikipag usap ka sa iba” Zemus said

“Bakit ikaw?” Bulong ko sa sarili

“Pasok” he opened the restroom door

“Zemus…im jealous”

Nabigla ito sa sinabi ko

“C…come again?”

“Im jealous Zemus, bakit kapag nasa paligid si Maricar ang atensyon niyo nasa kaniya? Bakit i feel so irrelevant kapag nandiyan siya? Ilang beses na nangyari ito, ayokong nakikita kayong kasama siya, hindi ba pwedeng iapply ko din sa inyo ang mga bagay na ayaw niyo din gawin ko? You’re mad earlier because im talking with Carlos pero hindi niyo ba nakikita kung paano niyo ako itrato kapag andiyan si Maricar?” I bite my lips to stop myself from crying “im so jealous…im so annoyed”

He just grab my arms at kinulong ako sa kaniyang mga yakap.

“Shhhhhhh fuck, we’re sorry cupcake” he whispered “let’s go home”

Tumango ako

“Saan kayo pupunta? Uuwi na kayo?” Tanong ni Maricar ng makitang hindi na kami umupo sa pwesto namin kanina

“Our cupcake need to rest”

Kumunot ang noo nito sabay tingin sa akin “pwede naman siya magpahinga sa loob na muna—”

“Pakisabi nalang kay Auntie Mar na uuwi na kami”

Hindi na pinakinggan ni Zemus ang sasabihin ni Maricar, hinila na ako nito paalis sa loob ng bakuran nila.

Nakita ko ang dalawa na pabalik na sana ng makita kami, sinabi ni Zemus ang tungkol kanina kaya namumula na ako ngayon sa hiya!

“Ikaw lang mahal namin Dion, hindi magbabago yun…..walang sino man ang makakaagaw sayo mula sa amin, lagi mo yan tatandaan” siniil ako ni Zeurt ng halik

“Hubad Cupcake, im so eager to fuck you here inside my car” Zemus said

Hinubad ko ang pants at underwear na suot habang nakikipaghalikan parin kay Zeurt.

Zemus spread my butt cheeks at dinuraan ang butas ko.

“Fucking sexy” he groaned

“Easy, the car is bouncing i can’t focus on driving!” Zenon said

Malakas na ungol ang lumabas sa aking bibig ng dumulas ang pagkalalaki ni Zemus sa akin,  tumawa ang tatlo sa aking reaksyon.

“Faster Zemus, ipapasok ko na din” Zeurt is pouting while massaging his dick waiting for his turn.

Napuno ng ungol ko ang loob ng kotse ni Zemus, hindi ko na alam kung saan ibabaling ang aking ulo sa sobrang sarap ng nararamdaman. The road is bumpy at mas nadadagdagan nun ang sarap dahil mas lalong bumabaon ang pagkalalaki nito sa akin, i want more!

Chapter twenty three

“Where’s the triplets?” I asked Auntie Mar pagkababa ko ng hagdan

Nagising akong wala ang presensiya ng tatlo, saan kaya sila pumunta? Wala naman silang pinaalam sa akin na aalis sila.

“Hindi ko alam sir eh, nagmamadali nalang silang umalis pero habilin sa akin na huwag daw kayong lalabas ng bahay hangga’t hindi pa sila nakakauwi” Auntie Mar answered

“Ganun po ba?” Ngumuso ako at ngumiti sa kay Thunder at Rain na naghahabulan “kumain na po ba sila?” Tukoy ko sa mga alagang tuta

“Yes sir, masigla kumain”

Hayyyssss sa susunod nga ay pagsasabihan ko na ang tatlo na magpaalam man lang sa akin kung saan sila pupunta o kaya ay gisingin ako kung nagmamadali sila para aware din naman ako kahit papaano kung ano ganap nila sa buhay lagi nalang kasing ganito…yung aalis sila na hindi ko alam, partner nila ako kaya dapat nagpapaalam sila.

Pumunta ako sa sala at inayos ang throw pillow na nasa sahig.

A newspaper caught my attention at dahil wala naman akong magawa ay umupo ako sa couch at inabot ang newspaper. Binuklat ko iyon at nagbasa ng comics, sunod ko naman na tinignan ay ang balita tungkol sa mga artista….wala naman akong nakitang exciting kaya ilalapag ko na sana iyon sa lamesa ng mapansin ang malaking words na naka bold letters ang nasa pinaka likod ng newspaper.

“A famous car racer is found missing, we interviewed some of his friends and also his family but none of them knows where’s the teenager, if you saw this boy…dialed 09******”

Where’s the other page? Walang pangalan at litrato ng lalaking nawawala ang newspaper na ito….

Nakatitig lang ako ng ilang minuto sa newspaper na hawak, hindi ko alam kung bakit bigla nalang akong kinabahan…biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko at parang may gustong kumawala sa akin.

“Sir? Ayos lang ho ba kayo?”

“Oo” medyo mahina kong sagot

“Namumutla po kayo, gusto niyo bang tawagin ko sila sir?”

Umiling kaagad ako at binaba ang hawak

“I just need water, huwag mo na silang tawagan….hihintayin ko nalang sila umuwi” tipid akong ngumiti at kumuha ng maiinom

Ilang oras kong ginugol ang sarili sa pagtulog at paglalaro kay Thunder at Rain, dumating na ang hapon ngunit wala parin ang tatlo, nasaan ba sila?

Muli akong umupo sa couch at tumingin sa newspaper––arghhhhh simula ng mabasa ko iyon ay hindi na ako kumalma, ano ba ang nangyayari sa akin? Kumain naman na ako at natulog ano pa ba ang kailangan kong gawin? Inis na kinuha ko ang newspaper sa lamesa at tinignan muli ang nakasulat, inis na tumayo ako…i crampled the paper at lumapit sa basuran when i found something, another piece of newspaper.

I bite my lower lip at ilang minuto munang nag isip kung kukunin ba iyon or hindi, i decided na kunin nalang dahil baka hindi ako patulugin ng maayos nito mamaya…as i was about to pick the paper ay may busina na, nagpanting ang tenga ko at napalitan ng tuwa ang aking buong sistema, i throw the paper im holding in the bin at masayang tumakbo patungo sa labas. Nakita ko ang triplets na mukhang stress at pagod na lumabas sa kanilang mga sasakyan but when they saw me ay nabalot ng tuwa ang kanilang mga mukha.

Tumakbo ako papunta sa kabila at niyakap nila akong tatlo, binaon ko ang sarili sa kanilang mga katawan, i miss them!!

“We brought you something” Zenon said

Umalis na ako sa pagkakayakap at tinignan kung ano ang binili nila para sa akin. Siguro ay naramdaman nilang magtatampo ako sa kanila kaya they make sure na uuwian nila ako ng pasalubong.

Kinuha ko ang paperbag at nakita ang mga tinapay na nababalutan ng cheese.

“Thank you!!”

“Let’s go inside” they said in chorus

Masaya na ako dahil nandito na din sila…walang kagana gana ang bahay kapag wala talaga sila, wala akong nakakausap at ramdam ko ang loneliness kahit na nilalaro ako nila Thunder at Rain, iba talaga kapag nasa paligid ko lang sila.

“Saan pala kayo galing?” I asked

Sa susunod na ako magtatampo dahil mukhang pagod talaga sila pero hindi nila pinapakita sa akin.

“May ginawa lang kami” Zeurt ruffled my hair and kissed my forehead “how’s your day?”

“Wala naman akong masiyadong ginawa…” sagot ko

Sinilip ko si Zemus na lumayo sa amin kanina dahil may tumatawag sa phone niya, he looks mad right now…hindi ko naririnig ang mga sinasabi nito sa kausap dahil medyo malayo siya sa amin. Nakita naman ni Zeurt ang pagtingin ko sa kapatid.

“Uhmmm problem sa work” paliwanag ni Zeurt sa akin

“He looks really mad”

“Don’t mind him” Zenon joined the frame

Tapos na kami mag dinner at hindi sumama si Zemus sa amin kumain.

Nauna na ako pumunta sa kwarto, tahimik lang ako dahil baka tulog na si Zemus but when i opened the door…wala naman si Zemus kaya napakunot na ang noo ko pero nawala lang din yun dahil nakita kong bukas ang pinto ng cr.

“Zemu—”

“We will make sure that they will never find him, do your work properly Crone….don’t disappoint us” never find him? Crone? Huh?

Sino si Crone? Anong ibig sabihin ni Zemus?

“He belong to us––”

“Hey, Cupcake” hindi ko na narinig pa ang sunod na sinabi ni Zemus dahil sumulpot bigla si Zeurt sa likuran ko “what are you doing there?”

Nanlaki ang mata ko ng lumabas si Zemus galing sa loob ng cr, galit itong nakatingin sa akin at tila gusto na akong sunggaban.

“What are you doing here?” Galit nitong tanong sa akin

“Z…Zemus––”

Napaigik ako ng hagitin niya ang aking braso.

“What did you hear?!” He shouted

“Nothing” naluluha kong sagot “k…kakarating ko lang”

“Let him go Zemus, you’re hurting him” Zeurt said

“Anong nangyayari dito?!” Dumagundong ang boses ni Zenon sa loob ng kwarto

Zemus tsked at binitawan na din ang braso ko.

“W…wala akong narinig Zemus” pagsisinungaling ko “promise”

(Hayyyssss grabe naman ikaw Zemus ba’t naman ganun? Ako nalang hawakan mo☺️hindi ako matatakot sayo🤭)

Chapter twenty four

Wake up Dion, wake up!

I opened my eyes at sa harapan ko ay may malaking salamin kung saan nanggagaling ang boses na narinig ko.

Dion…don’t let them fool you. Run! Hide!

Kumunot ang aking noo at hinawakan ang salamin.

“Who are….you?” I asked

You!

Kasabay nun ay paglabas ng isang taong kamukha ko, i am facing myself right now! He’s crying…his face is covered in dirt at duguan ang kaniyang suot na damit. I am…him? What happened to him–me? What the? Napaatras ako when he start banging the   mirror, sumisigaw ito at habang tumatagal ay unti unting nag ccrack ang salamin.

“S…stop” takot kong sabi

“Stop!”

Wake up Dion! Help yourself! You’re in danger!

Bago tuluyang mabasag ang salamin ay biglang nag iba ang paligid, nasa gitna na ako ng kalsada ngayon at sa paglingon ko sa likod ay may mga boses akong naririnig….tumatawa sila at tinatawag ang pangalan ko.

Nanginginig na ang aking mga tuhod habang papalapit na ang mga boses na iyon, tatakbo na sana ako ng sa pagbalik ng aking mata sa harapan ay may nakakasilaw na ilaw ang bumungad sa akin at malakas na pagtunog ng beep ang aking narinig, i gasped when i saw a big truck na papalapit sa akin at tatama na iyon sa akin ng bigla akong maalis sa pwesto na iyon at napunta sa gilid and there i saw….the truck hit myself. Nanlaki ang aking mata dahil sa nasilayan.

Nanginginig man ang mga tuhod ay lumapit ako sa nakahundusay na ako, tumulo ang luha sa kaniyang mata at kahit na nahihirapan ay dinilat niya ang mga mata at nagkatinginan kami.

Sa pag alis ng kaniyang tingin sa akin ay tumingin ito sa malayo kaya sinundan ko ang kaniyang tingin.

I saw the triplets…..

The triplets!

They’re laughing while looking at me.

“DION~~~” one of them mentioned my name

Run…Dion…wake up

Habol hininga ng magising ako mula sa pagkakatulog, kahit airconditioned ang kwarto ay pinagpapawisan ako ng sobra.

Kinuha ko ang tubig na nakalapag sa bedside table at inisahang nilagok iyon. Fuck that dream! Hindi naman ako nanood ng nakakatakot para managinip ng ganun—parang totoo ang panaginip ko, para talaga akong nandoon and the triplets! Nakakatakot sila sa panaginip ko, i ruffled my hair and groaned. Sabi nila ay hindi naman totoo ang panaginip at gawa gawa lamang iyon ng iyong imahinasyon.

Napatingin ako sa bintana at muling binalikan kung ano ang napanaginipan.

I heaved a sigh

Bumukas ang pintuan kaya tumingin ako doon, ang triplets—the image of them laughing and smiling creepily appeared on my mind.

“Wake up cupcake, we’re going somewhere” Zeurt said

“Where?” I asked

“Beach” maiksi sagot ni Zenon

Dahil hindi ko naman naintindihan masiyado at nalilito parin ay inexplain naman ni Zeurt sa akin ng maayos, may kailangan daw silang ayusin at dahil limang araw silang mawawala at ayaw naman daw nila akong iwan ng ganun katagal ay nag decide sila na isama ako at para hindi lang dito sa bahay ako lagi nakatambay. Nasayahan naman ako sa nalaman dahil sa totoo lang ay nakakasawa na talaga na araw araw lang akong nandito sa loob ng bahay at hindi man lang magawang maglibot libot sa labas.

Ilang oras ang byahe mula bahay hanggang sa isla na pinuntahan namin, akala ko nga ay doon na talaga pero kailangan pa palang sumakay ng bangka para makarating sa kabila pang isla kung saan talaga ang aming destinasyon, nakangiti lamang ako dahil ramdam na ramdam ko ang simoy ng hangin at dahil nakalabas na din ako sa wakas!! I will make sure to enjoy this vacation!!!

“Are you happy?” Zenon asked me

“Sobra!” Ngiti kong sabi

“Stop wiggling Zeurt! You asshole!” Inis na sabi ni Zemus sa kapatid “tangina hindi talaga tumigil si gago!”

“Napaka killjoy mo, sana nag renta ka pa ng isang bangka para mag isa ka doon” sagot ni Zeurt

“Bakit hindi ikaw ang gumawa? Ikaw naman tong nakaisip at parang bulateng inasinan”

“Hulog ko maleta mo sa tubig eh”

“Ikaw ihulog ko”

Nag aaway nanaman ang dalawa, napaikot nalang ako ng mata sa napapanood.

Hanggang sa pagdating namin sa isla Morano ay nag aaway pa sila. nagbabanggaan ng braso, nagbabatukan at nag mumurahan.

Nandito ako para mag enjoy hindi para panoorin ang pagtatalo ng magkapatid. Masaya akong tumakbo sa buhanginan at inikot ang paningin sa buong paligid, the island is so beautiful…napaka calming sa utak. Suitable ang view na ito para sa mga taong gusto ng peaceful na bakasyon.

May mga lumapit sa amin at pinagkukuha ang aming mga kagamitan they are also the ones who will going to show to us kung saan kami mag sstay. Iisa lang na room ang kinuha ng triplets pero hindi iisang kama, dalawa ang kama kaya nagtalo nanaman si Zeurt at Zemus dahil isa lang sa kanila ang makakatabi ko.

Lumabas ng kwarto si Zenon dahil may tumawag sa phone niya kaya naiwan ako sa dalawa.

Pagbalik ni Zenon ay mag aaya na ako kumain ng dinner, madilim na din kasi sa labas at tumutunog na ang tiyan ko––nanlaki ang mata ko ng may unan na lumipad sa harapan ko at tumama sa mukha ni Zeurt.

“Are you kidding me Zemus?!” Dumampot ng unan si Zeurt at bumawi

“Hindi ka titigil?!” Sigaw ni Zemus

“Ikaw ang unang nagbato ng unan tapos ikaw pa ang galit dahil binawian kita?! Gago ka ba?!”

Sabay na dumampot ng unan ang dalawa at dahil alam nilang magbabatuhan sila ay nagsimula silang tumakbo takbo sa loob ng kwarto, they’re trying to aim each other pero hindi magawa dahil hindi makahanap ng tamang tyempo at ng makaganap ay tinaas nila ang mga hawak na unan at lumipad ang mga iyon, Zenon entered the room at siya….siya ang natamaan sa magkabilang mukha ng unan.

Tumahimik ang dalawa at parang mga tuta na tumakbo papunta sa likod ko.

The panganay is back.

“Para kayong mga bata!” Galit na sabi ni Zenon at pinulot ang mga unan na nasa sahig “linisin niyo ang mga kinalat niyo at ayusin niyo mga sarili niyo, don’t make me punch the both of you.”

“Ayan~~” bulong ko sa kanila

Chapter twenty five

“Lalabas muna ako para magpahangin” paalam ko sa triplets na busy sa kanilang mga laptop

“Huwag kang lalayo” sabi ni Zenon at hindi parin inaalis ang mata sa screen ng laptop

Nasiyahan ako sa narinig at nagmamadaling lumabas, the waves calm my mind and my body…mawawala lahat ng mga naiisip mo kapag napatingin ka sa magandang karagatan. Inalis ko ang suot na tsinelas upang mas maramdaman ko ang buhangin sa aking talampakan, pangalawang araw na simula ng magtungo kami dito sa isla, gusto kong sulitin ang bakasyon na ito dahil baka matagal nanaman bago ang mga susunod pa.

Napatingin ako sa baba ng may matapakan na matigas, i bend my knees at pinulot ang natapakan, its a cute shell!

“Psst”

My brows furrowed when i heard something.

Tumayo ako ng maayos “Psst”

Binulsa ko muna ang napulot na shell at sinundan kung saan nanggagaling ang tunog na iyon, napalayo na ako sa tinutuluyan namin.

“Sino ka?” Tanong ko

“Bolaga!”

“What the hell” napaupo ako sa buhangin dahil sa biglaang paglabas ng bata mula sa likod ng puno ng niyog

Tumawa ito at tinulungan akong makatayo

“Sorry kuya” paghingi nito ng paumanhin habang hindi parin matigil ang pagtawa “hindi ko naman alam na magugulatin ka pala”

“Kahit sino naman ay magugulat eh” sabi ko

“Ako pala si Marco” nilahad nito ang kamay sa akin na tinanggap ko naman

“Dion” maiksi kong pagpapakilala

“Grabe napaka gwapo mo kuya Dion, may girlfriend kana ba?” Tanong niya sa akin at pinasadahan pa ako ng tingin mula ulo hanggang paa

“G…girlfriend? Wala, pero may tatlo akong boyfriend”

“Tatlo?!” Hindi niya makapaniwalang sabi, tinaas pa niya ang tatlong daliri at pinakita iyon sa akin kaya tumango ako at tinaas din ang tatlong daliri “sabi sa akin ni inay ay isa lang daw ang dapat ang mamahalin natin”

“Tatlo sa akin eh” natawa na ako dahil sa reaction na pinakikita niya sa akin

Inaya ako nito sa tirahan nila at buti hindi naman masiyadong malayo sa tinutuluyan ko baka kasi mamaya ay magalit nanaman sa akin ang tatlo dahil hindi ako nakinig sa kanila at baka hindi na ako makakaulit pa. Simple lang ang bahay nila Marco, kubo type siya kaya presko dito sa loob, kumpleto sa mga kagamitan at may flat screen tv pa. Wala ang nanay ni Marco dahil may ginagawa daw sa bayan habang ang tatay nito ay nangingisda.

Umupo ako sa gawa sa kawayan nilang upuan at tinignan ang mga litrato na nakasabit sa kanilang dingding.

“Gusto mo ba ng kape? Puro nga lang” tanong nito sa akin

“Hindi na”

“Bahala ka” kibit balikat itong umupo sa tabi ko “mukha kang artista, artista ka no?”

Umiling ako “hindi ako artista at kung oo man ay baka magpapicture kana sa akin”

Kinuha nito ang phone sa gilid ng upuan at may pinindot doon, maya maya ay sumiksik siya sa akin at tinaas ang phone.

“Say cheese” ani nito “ipopost ko to, maiinggit mga kaibigan ko dahil may kasama akong mukhang artista–ano nga pala fb mo?”

“Fb?” He nodded “hindi ako nag gaganun eh”

“Hala ang boring naman ng buhay mo”

Natawa na lamang ako at pinanood siyang ipost ang picture naming dalawa sa account niya.

Mga ilang minuto pa kami nag uusap hanggang mapag desisyunan kong umuwi na, nangako ako kay Marco na babalik ako bukas at ipupunta siya sa tinutuluyan namin at ipapakilala sa triplets na kaagad niyang nagustuhan.

Nakabalik na ako at saktong tapos na sa ginagawa ang triplets, nag uusap na lamang sila habang sumisimsim ng red wine.

Kinuha ko sa bulsa ang shell na napulot ko kanina.

“Look” sabay sabay silang napatingin sa direksyon ko

“Come here cupcake” tinapik ni Zenon ang lap niya kaya ngumiti ako at umupo doon “what did you do outside?”

“I…i met a little boy named Marco, he can’t believe na meron akong tatlong boyfriend. Pupunta siya dito bukas to meet the three of you, don’t worry mabait siyang bata, madaldal nga lang” kwento ko

Napangiti ako ng binaon ni Zenon ang kaniyang mukha sa aking leeg “yeah…kami boyfriend mo” he whispered “at hindi yun magbabago”

“Im going to cook pancake” tumayo si Zeurt “gutom na ako, nagwawala na mga alaga ko sa tiyan”

“Damihan mo, gutom na din ako” Zemus

“Magluto ka ng sayo” Zeurt

“Mag aaway nanaman kayo” sabi ko at tumayo “ako nalang magluluto ng pancake”

Hinila ako ni Zeurt kaya tumama ang likod ko sa kaniya, ngumuso ito at pinatong ang baba sa aking balikat, pinalibot niya ang kamay sa aking bewang at niyakap ako ng mahigpit. Poor Zeurt, ramdam ko ang pagod niya, inabot ko ang kaniyang buhok at sinuklay suklay iyon. Ang nakanguso niyang labi ay napalitan ng matamis na ngiti pero mabilis din na nawala dahil inagaw ako ni Zemus sa kaniya.

Napaibabaw ako kay Zemus, we’re facing each other right now at ayoko ang ngisi na binibigay niya sa akin. Ang isa niyang kamay ay nasa likod ko at biglaan akong tinulak upang mas mapalapit pa sa kaniya habang ang isa namang kamay ay nasa thigh ko.

“Parang hindi na pancake ang gusto ko” nakangisi niyang sabi

“Share him, Zemus” naramdaman ko si Zeurt na pumwesto sa likod ko

“Don’t forget me” si Zenon na nasa tabi na ni Zemus

“I wanna rip your hole and bruise your lips” gigil na sabi ni Zemus sabay abot ng aking labi at mariin akong siniil ang maiinit niyang halik.

I moaned when the two starts to take my clothes off leaving me with my blue boxer.

Kinuha ni Zenon ang isa kong kamay at ganun din si Zeurt. Napasinghap ako dahil sa dalawang matigas na nahawakan, i start to massage both of them. They moaned at mas ginaganahan ako sa ginagawa, inalis na ni Zemus ang labi niya sa akin at bumaba iyon sa aking nipples…i bit my lower lip at tumingala.

“Tangina, lalabasan na ako” rinig kong sabi ni Zeurt “fuck, open your mouth….ipuputok ko sa loob ng bibig mo” inalis ni Zeurt ang kamay kong taas baba sa kaniyang alaga

Tumigil muna si Zemus sa ginagawa, humiga ito sa couch, hindi parin ako naaalis sa ibabaw niya, ang aking pwetan ay nakaharap kay Zenon habang ang aking mukha ay nakaharap kay Zeurt. Hinawakan ni Zeurt ang aking panga at pinabuka ang aking bibig, nagmumura ito ng pinasok na ang alaga sa bibig ko.

Zemus is licking and sucking my nipples, and i know na binibigyan niya na ako ng kissmark. He’s marking me. Zenon starts to lick my butthole.

“Moan our name cupcake….we’re going to fuck you hard” Zenon said and put his shaft inside me

Napaungol ako habang subo subo ang alaga ni Zeurt.

“Shit ang sikip” Zenon cursed

“Hmmmm” i moaned when Zemus grab my shaft and starts to play with it. “Ahhh hmm hmm”

“Ang hot mo” Zemus said “i wanna eat you,  cupcake”

Umalis sa ilalim ko si Zemus at bumaliktad, ang mukha niya ay kaharap na ang alaga ko. Nagsimula na akong kumulit ng isubo niya ang alaga ko, ang kanilang mga kamay ay pinigilan ang aking paggalaw.

Kinabukasan ay nagising ako sa familiar na boses na nanggagaling sa labas kaya bumangon na ako at sumilip kung anong meron and i saw Marco, nakaupo na ito sa sala at kumakain ng waffles. Kausap niya na ang triplets at mukhang gusto nila ang bata dahil may ngiti ang kanilang mga labi.

Mabilis akong naghilamos at nag ayos bago lumabas ng kwarto, napatalon pababa ng couch si Marco at mabilis akong nilapitan. Sinabi nito sa akin na kanina pa siya nandito sa loob at hinihintay daw nila akong magising.

“Good morning cupcake”

“How’s your sleep?”

“What do you want to eat?”

Sabay sabay nilang sabi sa akin

“Ang aastig ng mga boyfriend mo kuya Dion!” Masayang sabi ni Marco na nakabalik na sa pwesto “pinakita din nila mga kotse nila sa akin at sabi nila ay kapag lumaki na ako bibilhan nila ako ng ganun”

“Talaga? Bilisan mo ang paglaki para magkaroon kana kaagad ng sports car” i ruffled his hair

Umupo ako sa tabi ni Marco at tinanggap ang gatas na tinimpla sa akin ni Zeurt.

(Ipagpaumanhin dahil matagal bago nakapag update si Author, jusmio nakalimutan ko na flow ng kwentong to kaya binasa ko ulit yung ilang chapters at ayun buti naman at naalala ko na yung mga susunod….basa well mystiesssss huwag na kayo magtampo sa akin huhuhuhuhuhu)

Chapter twenty six

Marco POV:

One hour ago: 100 likes

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Twenty four hours ago: 50k likes

“Marco! Famous kana!” Tinigil ko ang paggawa ng baril na gawa sa kahoy upang lingunin kung sino ang tumatawag sa akin

“Bakit?” Nagtataka kong tanong

“Tignan mo oh!” Lumapit sa akin ang kaibigan ko at pinakita post ko kasama si Kuya Dion

Napanganga ako at kinuha iyon sa kaniya para mas matignan ng maayos, hindi naman siguro ako namamalikmata no??? Grabe magiging famous pa ako dahil kay kuya Dion, sabagay gwapo naman si Kuya kaya talagang marami siyang makakakuhang atensyon. Napabungisngis ako, mamaya ay pupuntahan ko si Kuya Dion at sasabihin na sikat na kaming dalawa. Dumiretso ako sa comment section para magbasa ng mga sinabi ng mga commentors at napakunot ang aking noo dahil halos pare pareho lamang ang nababasa ko. “ Si Dion Casper! Ang tagal na niyang missing, nasaan siya? Kamusta na siya?“ “Hala, Dion Casper huhuhu” “Dion is finally found!”

Missing? Si kuya Dion? Hindi ko maintindihan….

Binalik ko ang phone ko kaibigan

“Saan ka pupunta?” Tanong nito

“Kukunin ko phone ko” sabi ko at patakbong tumungo sa loob ng bahay, hinugot ko mula sa pagkaka charge ang cellphone at halos mapaupo na ako dahil sobrang dami kong notifications

Maraming missed calls at mga messages.

Binuksan ko isang message sa akin at binasa iyon

Ohmygoshhh (Dion’s picture) where are you Dion?

Im your biggest fan! I love how you race and when i saw on the news that you’re missing ay tumulong ako sa paghahanap sayo. Your dad is panicking and please…..tell us where you are!

Mukhang hindi naman missing si Kuya Dion dahil masaya naman siya ngayon, tumakas kaya siya? Pinindot ko ang link ni sinend at doon lumabas lahat ng information ni Kuya Dion lalo na ang pagkakarera niya. Tumakas ata si Kuya Dion, hala paano kung magalit siya sa akin kasi ako dahilan kung bakit maraming nakakita sa kaniya, pero pumayag naman kasi siya na ipost ko eh—akala niya siguro ay wala naka only me! Halaaaaa kinakabahan ako sa magiging reaksyon ni Kuya Dion!

Mabilis kong dinelete ang post ko at nanginginig na umupo, hindi ko nalang immessage ang mga taong nag cchat dahil baka mamaya ay mas madagdagan pa talaga galit sa akin.

“Marco? Nandiyan ka ba? Marco?” Si Kuya Dion! “Papasok na ako ah”

Halos tumakbo na ang kaluluwa ko sa takot ng makapasok na ito sa loob ng bahay.

“Bakit parang namumutla ka? May sakit ka ba?” Tanong nito sa akin

Umiling ako

Mabait si Kuya Dion at ayoko na magalit siya sa akin.

Dion’s POV:

Natawa ako dahil mukhang natatae na si Marco ngayon, kinapa ko naman yung noo at leeg niya kung may sakit ba siya dahil sa pamumutla pero wala naman. Ngumuso ako at umupo, nandito ako para sunduin si Marco dahil sinabi ko na sa triplets na ipapakilala ko siya sa kanila.

“Halika na?” I asked

’P.. po?“

“Diba? Pupunta ka ngayon?”

“Ahhhh” kung saan saan na ito tumingin at tila iniiwasan ang tingin ko “b…busy po ako eh, siguro po sa susunod nalang”

“Pwede naman kita hintayin”

“Ahh hindi na po” ngumiti ito at umiling iling

“Malapit na kami umuwi at hindi ko naman alam kung kailan kami makakabalik dito” malungkot kong sabi

Nakita ko ang pag aalangan nito bago nagpaalam sa akin na magbibihis daw ng damit.

Tahimik lamang si Marco habang kami ay naglalakad. Kapag kakausapin ko naman ay parang may sariling mundo, may problema siguro ito o kaya ay pinagalitan ng magulang???

Nakapasok na kami sa loob ng bahay at napansin kong wala ang triplets, saan na sila? Pinaupo ko muna si Marco sa couch at pumunta sa kwarto at wala sila doon.

Nagtungo ako sa kusina at may yellow paper na nasa ibabaw ng lamesa, binasa ko ang nakasulat at wala nga ang Triplets…may biglaang tumawag sa kanila ngunit babalik naman daw mamayang hapon. Looks like Marco and i are going to spend hours here waiting for them. Bago ako bumalik sa sala ay naghanda muna ako ng makakain naming dalawa.

“M…may tanong ako” bungad ni Marco sa akin ng malapag ko na ang tray na may lamang mga pagkain sa glass table.

“Hmm?? Sige”

“Uhmm ano….anong masasabi mo sa mga uhmm hehehehe mga taong lumalayas at iniiwan ang magandang buhay?”

Mukhang seryoso naman siya sa tanong niya “ano nga ba~~” umakto akong nag isip

“N..natanong ko lang naman, baka….baka bigla ka magalit—hindi naman sa ano….basta!”

“Marco, are you ok? May dapat ka bang sabihin? Kanina ka pa wala sa sarili, nag aalala na ako”

“Kuya Dion” doon na siya umatungal ng iyak, sa gulat ko ay hindi kaagad ako nakatayo upang aluhin siya “huwag ka magagalit sa akin Kuya Dion, huhuhuhu hindi ko naman kasi alam na mag bboost ang litrato nating dalawa na pinost ko eh, ikaw ang pinaka mabait na nakilala ko at ayoko naman na magkaroon ka ng galit sa akin, wala akong plano sanang sabihin pero hindi ko kayang magtago sayo kuya Dion” umiiyak niyang sabi

“Famous ka pong car racer at marami ang naghahanap sayo at nung nakita nila picture natin na pinost ko ay ang daming biglang nag react at comment na sinasabi na matagal kana nilang hinahanap. Paktay ako dahil baka matagal kang umalis sa pagiging famous at malayo sa mga tao upang magkaroon ng payapang pamumuhay pero dahil sa akin ay mukhang hindi na” dagdag pa nito

Nanigas ang aking katawan sa narinig

Biglang pumasok sa utak ko ang newspaper na nabasa at kung pa ng isang pahina.

“A..ano Marco? N…naghahanap?” Halos hindi ko na mabigkas ang mga letra sa aking bibig

Tumango ito sa akin

“Hindi…hindi ko maintindihan”

“Eto po, may mga mensahe pa po sa akin” inabot niya ang phone sa akin

Nanginginig at kinakabahan kong binuksan ang isa sa mga message at nakita ko ang link doon, pinindot ko iyon at bumungad ang article ng aking pagkawala. Mukha ko ang nakalagay doon, pangalan ko ang nakalagay. Namutla ako dahil sa nabasa….matagal na daw akong nawawala, bigla nalang daw akong naglaho na parang bula at hindi matukoy kung saan nagtungo. May nagsasabi na baka wala na daw ako, namatay, nakidnap—nakidnap!

N…nakidnap ba ako?

“Bakit ka po naglayas kuya Dion?” Huminahon na si Marco at pinunasan na ang basang pisngi

“Huwag mo tong babanggitin sa triplets mamaya ah?” Pinigilan ko ang luha sa pagbagsak “i…ibabalik ko yung phone mo bukas, pwede?? Hihiramin ko lang muna saglit”

“Sige po kuya Dion”

What’s happening??? Kung matagal na pala akong nawawala ay bakit ako nandito? Bakit nasa kamay ako ng tatlo? Alam ba nila ang tungkol dito? Maraming katanungan ang pumasok sa utak ko at hindi na matigil ang panginginig ng kamay ko habang hawak ang phone ni Marco….habang tumatagal ay para akong natatakot dahil sa mga article na nababasa.

“We’re home” mabilis kong siniksik sa couch ang phone at inayos ang pagkakaupo

“Nakauwi kami ng maaga dahil cancelled yung kikitain namin” Zenon said

“Hey Marco?” Zemus asked at nilapitan si Marco “umiyak ka ba? Why are you crying?”

Tinignan ako ni Marco, tumikhim ako at nagsalita “n….nasira yung laruan niya kaya umiyak”

Dahan dahan tumango si Marco

“Hello cupcake” lumapit sa akin ang tatlo at is isang humalik sa aking noo at pisngi

“Bumili na kami ng ice cream dahil nasabi nga ni Dion na ipupunta ka niya dito” Zemus said

Habang pinapanood ang tatlo na kinakausap si Marco ay dahan dahan akong napatanong sa isipan.

Sino ba sila?

Ano ba talaga ang totoo?

Chapter twenty seven

“Ano bang iniisip mo diyan, cupcake?” nakangiting tanong ni Zeurt at umupo sa couch.

“Wala naman…” mabilis kong sagot.

I shouldn’t let them notice that I found out something. I need to act normal. But… but my head is full of questions. I want to ask them, but I’m afraid the outcome might change everything.

“You sure?” tanong naman ni Zemus habang nakakunot noo. “Kanina ka pa weird.”

Napakamot ako sa batok at pilit tumawa. “Iniisip ko lang kasi yung nasirang laruan ni Marco.”

Mabilis tumango si Marco na parang gets agad ang gusto kong palabasin.

“O…opo! Favorite toy ko po kasi yun…”

Tiningnan siya ni Zemus nang matagal bago bumuntong hininga. “Bibili nalang kita bago.”

Biglang lumiwanag mukha ni Marco. “Talaga po?!”

“Yeah.” he ruffled Marco’s hair bago lumapit sa akin at hinalikan ang aking leeg.

“Come here Dion,” aya ni Zeurt sa akin, tapping the space next to him “You’ve been ignoring us simula pag-uwi namin.”

Napakagat ako sa labi nang mapaupo ako sa tabi niya, sumunod naman si Zemus at Zenon kaya ngayon ay nasa pagitan na nila akong tatlo. Agad namang pumulupot ang braso ni Zeurt sa beywang ko habang si Zemus ay nakasandal lang malapit sa akin.

Act normal, Dion.

“Sorry…” mahina kong sabi.

Napabuntong hininga si Zeurt bago hinaplos buhok ko. “You don’t have to apologize, cupcake. Nag aalala lang kami.”

Cupcake~~

I used to feel butterflies whenever they called me that, but now it feels like something heavy is pressing against my chest. I secretly squeezed my fingers together, trying to calm the nervousness crawling inside me.

I don’t know what’s true anymore. I don’t know who I should believe. But one thing is certain…I won’t let them know that I found something out.

“Kain na tayo?” Zenon said and fixes his glasses. “Naririnig kong kumakalam na ang sikmura ni Marco”

“Hoy hindi ah!” reklamo agad ng bata dahilan para matawa silang lahat.

Pilitan din akong natawa kahit magulo utak ko. Habang kumakain ay paminsan-minsan ko silang pinagmamasdan. Si Zenon na mahinahon lang magsalita habang nilalagyan ako ng pagkain sa plato. Si Zemus na kunwari walang pake pero maya’t maya chinecheck kung may gusto ba ako at si Zeurt na panay kulit at patawa kay Marco.

They look normal, they look nice… but why is there a part of me that’s scared of them? This isn’t what I want to feel toward them, but I can’t help it. My thoughts are drowning me now.

“Dion.” Napatingin ako kay Zenon.

“Hmm?”

“Kanina ka pa tulala.”

Mabilis akong ngumiti. “Pagod lang siguro.”

Nagkatinginan silang tatlo at hindi ko nagustuhan ang tingin nila, parang may silent communication silang naiintindihan lang nilang tatlo.

“Then rest later,” mahinang sabi ni Zenon habang hinahaplos likod ng kamay ko. “We’ll take care of you.”

Napayuko ako para hindi nila makita ang expression ko. Take care of me o binabantayan ako?

“Kuya Dion!” bulong ni Marco nang palihim habang abala ang triplets sa pag uusap. “Delete ko na po lahat ha?”

Mabilis akong napatingin sa kaniya, dahan-dahan akong tumango at doon ko nakita kung paano biglang napunta sa amin ang tingin ni Zemus. Nanigas ako.

Nakasandal lang siya sa upuan habang nakatitig sa amin.

“Tungkol saan yung bulungan?” tanong niya.

“W….wala po!” mabilis na sabi ni Marco.

Hindi na muling nagsalita si Zemus matapos akong titigan. Ilang segundo rin bago siya umiwas ng tingin at ipinagpatuloy nalang ang pagkain na parang walang nangyari at unti-unti rin gumaan ang atmosphere.

Nagtawanan ang triplets ng magkwento si Marco kahit papaano ay nakasabay ulit ako sa kanila pero sa likod ng isip ko ay magulo pa rin lahat. Paminsan-minsan ay napapaisip ako habang pinagmamasdan silang tatlo.

Paano kung nagsisinungaling nga sila? Pero paano kung hindi? Hindi ko alam at sa ngayon…mas gusto ko munang magpanggap na walang alam.

“Kuya Dion,” tawag ni Marco matapos kumain, “uuwi na po ako.”

Napatingin ako sa bintana at napansin na medyo papalubog na ang araw.

“Hatid ka namin,” sabi ni Zenon.

“ah hindi na po!” ngiti na umiling si Marco

“Hindi safe mag isa,” singit ni Zemus.

Mabilis namang tumango si Zeurt. “Lalo na cute ka, baka kidnapin ka.”

Nanlaki mata ni Marco. “Hala!”

Kidnapin…..

Kinagat ko ang ibabang labi, napatingin sa akin si Marco kaya nag iwas ako ng tingin at sumagap ng hangin, i feel like any moment ay babagsak ang katawan ko sa sahig dahil sa kaba at maraming iniisip.

Makalipas ang ilang minuto ay naghanda na si Marco para umuwi. Habang abala ang triplets sa pag uusap tungkol sa kung sino maghahatid ay mabilis kong hinila marahan ang damit ni Marco. Napatingin siya sa akin.

I noticed the bulge inside Marco’s shorts pocket, it was his phone. I bit my lip harder, even chewing on the nail of my index finger because of how restless my mind had become.

“Marco,” I whispered softly, “come here for a second.”

The triplets didn’t notice us since Zeurt was too busy teasing Zemus. Mabilis kong dinala si Marco sa may gilid ng hallway kung saan hindi kami gaanong kita.

“K….kuya Dion?” mahinang tanong niya.

I lick my lower lip before i talk.

“Pwede bang…hiramin ko muna phone mo?”

Nanlaki mata niya. “Phone ko po?”

Tumango ako. “Ibabalik ko agad. Huwag mo muna sabihin sa kanila.”

Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero mas lalo akong kinakabahan habang sinasabi iyon. Pakiramdam ko may mali akong ginagawa pero kailangan ko malaman ang totoo. Kailangan. Hindi ko pwedeng patagalin ito.

Tahimik akong tinitigan ni Marco bago dahan-dahan tumango.

“Sige po.”

Agad niyang inabot sa akin ang cellphone niya. “Thank you…” mahina kong sabi.

“Kuya Dion,” bulong niya habang nag aalala ang mukha, “masama po ba sila kuya?”

I froze and quickly looked away. I didn’t know how to answer because until now… I really don’t know either. It feels like everything has suddenly gone back to zero. I want to push this feeling away and remind myself that the triplets are good to me that they treat me like a princess, that they give me everything I want. But deep inside, I know I can’t be fully at ease if I keep relying only on how they treat me . I find myself praying and hoping… that they aren’t bad people after all.

Tahimik ang buong bahay. Tanging mahinang ugong lang ng aircon at paghinga ng triplets ang naririnig ko habang nakahiga sa gitna nila. Nakapulupot ang braso ni Zenon sa beywang ko habang si Zeurt naman ay nakasiksik ang mukha sa leeg ko. Si Zemus nasa likuran ko at mahigpit ang hawak sa kamay ko kahit tulog.

Dahan-dahan kong iminulat ang mata ko at siniguradong tulog silang tatlo. Madilim ang buong kwarto at moonlight lang ang nagbibigay liwanag mula sa kurtina.

Huminga ako nang mabagal bago marahang alisin ang kamay ni Zemus sa kamay ko.

Bahagya itong gumalaw dahilan para manigas ako. Napapikit ako. Please…wag muna kayo magising. Ngunit muli lang siyang huminga nang malalim at mas sumiksik sa unan.

Tahimik akong napalunok bago dahan-dahang bumangon mula sa kama ng sobrang ingat.

Pakiramdam ko kapag may kahit anong nalaglag o tumunog ay agad silang didilat, kinuha ko ang phone ni Marco mula sa ilalim ng unan ko bago marahang lumabas ng kwarto at dumiretso sa restroom.

Nilock ko agad ang pinto. Doon lang ako nakahinga nang maayos. Nanginginig kong binuksan ang phone ni Marco at agad nagtungo sa search bar.

Hindi ko alam kung handa ba talaga akong malaman ang totoo pero kailangan ko malaman. Dahan-dahan kong tinype ang pangalan ko.

Dion Casper.

Parang tumigil mundo ko nang sunod-sunod na articles ang lumabas. Picture ko, mga litrato ko habang nasa race track, mga interviews at sa ilalim noon…MISSING.

Nanlaki mata ko habang nanginginig na binuksan ang unang article.

“Famous racer Dion Casper remains missing after mysterious disappearance…”

Mysterious disappearance. Paulit-ulit kong binasa yung words na parang hindi nag sisink in sa utak ko. Nawawala ako. Hinahanap nila ako. Hindi ito simpleng paglayas lang. Mabilis kong binasa ang article habang unti-unting bumibigat paghinga ko.

May reward money, police investigation at search operations. Halos mabitawan ko ang cellphone nang makita ko ang picture ng isang may edad ng lalaki, and suddenly i remember him….Dad.

Mukha siyang pagod, namumula mata at sa interview… “Hindi ako titigil hangga’t hindi ko nahahanap ang anak ko.” Napahawak ako sa bibig ko, he’s looking for me.

Biglang bumalik sa isip ko lahat ng sinabi ng triplets.

“Namatay ang mga magulang mo nung bata ka pa, kami na ang pamilya mo”

Napalunok ako, then…they lied?

Mabilis akong nag scroll sa iba pang articles hanggang sa may isang headline na nagpalamig ng buong katawan ko.

Possible kidnapping involved in Dion Casper disappearance.

K…kidnapping…? Nanginginig kong pinindot iyon. Ayon sa article, may witness daw na nakakita sa akin na sinakay sa kotse ng tatlong lalaki bago ako nawala.

Three men.

Biglang nanlamig buong katawan ko. Hindi…Hindi pwede. Hindi sila yun…napaatras ako nang may biglang kumatok sa pinto ng restroom.

“Cupcake?”

Nanlaki mata ko, Si Zenon.

“Why are you inside for so long?” mahinahon nitong tanong sa labas.

I turned off the phone at nagmamadaling naghanap ng tataguan at ng makahanap ay flinush ko kunyari ang bowl to look like im done my business and turn on the faucet to wash my hands, pinakalma ko kaagad ang sarili bago buksan ang pinto.

“Are you ok?” He asked

Tumango ako “nagbawas lang ako, marami lang nakain kanina” i lied, just like how they lied to me.

Morning came too fast.

The light creeping through the curtains felt heavier than usual, like it was forcing me to wake up to something I wasn’t ready to face yet. I didn’t sleep properly. My mind kept replaying everything the articles, the word missing , the thought that I might not even be who they told me I was.

Beside me, Zenon was still asleep, calm and steady like nothing in the world could shake him. Zemus had one arm loosely around my waist, even in sleep, as if letting go wasn’t an option for him. And Zeurt… he was half draped over my legs, mumbling something in his sleep.

They look normal, sobrang normal at yun yung nakakatakot.

Dahan-dahan akong gumalaw, ingat na ingat na wag silang magising. Parang ang bigat ng dibdib ko, hindi ko alam kung dahil sa puyat o dahil sa mga iniisip ko. I can’t act strange, hindi ko sila pwedeng ipahalata pero hindi ko rin mapigilan yung mga tanong sa isip ko.

I stared at Zenon for a moment. He always speaks softly like he understands everything. Then Zemus, the hot-headed one, but protective in a way that feels too intense sometimes and Zeurt, playful, always making everything feel lighter…

Dahan-dahan akong bumangon, maingat na maingat na hindi gumawa ng ingay. Parang bawat hakbang ko, may kasabay na kabog sa dibdib ko.

Lumingon ako sa kanila bago umalis. They still looked peaceful parang mga taong dapat mong pagkatiwalaan pero hindi na gano’n yung nararamdaman ko.

Lumabas ako ng kwarto, dahan-dahang sinara ang pinto, habang naglalakad ako palayo sa kwarto, ramdam ko pa rin yung bigat sa dibdib ko. Parang bawat hakbang ko, may kasamang tanong na hindi ko maalis-alis sa isip ko pero mas lumalala pa yung pakiramdam ko habang mas naiintindihan ko yung sitwasyon.

Hindi lang ito confusion, Hindi lang ito kaba parang may mali talaga.

I stopped for a moment sa hallway, humawak ako sa pader para kumalma. Huminga ako nang malalim, pero mas lalo lang bumibigat yung isip ko.

If I stay here… I might never know the truth pero kung aalis ako…paano kung mali ako? Napapikit ako nang mariin.

My mind started running faster than my heartbeat.

What if I try to leave?
This might be the only chance I can think clearly, kinagat ko labi ko, nanginginig ang isip ko.

If I escape… where do I even go? Wala akong memories na matibay. Wala akong sure na babalikan pero sabi ng articles… may pamilya ako. May naghahanap sa akin…..Dad…biglang sumikip yung dibdib ko kung totoo yun, then I need to see him.

Napatingin ako sa dulo ng hallway.

I swallowed hard.

“Just… observe,” bulong ko sa sarili ko.

Hindi pa ngayon pero one day…if I find the right moment, i will leave at sa pagkakataong ’yon, hindi na ako babalik hangga’t wala akong sagot kung sino talaga ako… at kung ano talaga sila.

Chapter twenty eight

The three-day vacation turned into a whole week

Sabi lang nila sa akin na may kailangan pa raw silang asikasuhin dito sa isla kaya hindi muna kami makakauwi. I tried to believe them, I really did, but every single day that passed made the heavy feeling inside my chest worse.

Mabuti na lang at mabait si Marco, he never asked for his phone back, and until now, nakatago pa rin iyon. Ilang beses ko nang gustong tawagan si Dad, but every time I tried to hold the phone, pakiramdam ko nakatingin sila sa akin.

The triplets were observant.Too observant, kaya ginagawa ko lahat ng makakaya ko para umasta nang normal sa harap nila.

Nakaupo ako sa ilalim ng coconut tree habang pinapanood ang alon na paulit-ulit na humahampas sa dalampasigan. Katabi ko si Marco, busy sa paggawa ng shell necklace habang seryoso ang ekspresyon ng maliit niyang mukha.

“Kuya Dion, para sa’yo.”

Napangiti ako nang iabot niya ang necklace. Halos abot-tainga ang ngiti niya habang nakatingin sa akin na parang proud na proud siya sa ginawa niya.

“Talaga?” natatawa kong tanong bago sinuot iyon. Hindi ko maipaliwanag pero parang may mainit na bagay na yumakap sa puso ko. Kaya agad ko siyang niyakap. “Thank you.”

Sa lahat ng nangyayari dito, si Marco lang yata ang nagiging pahinga ko. Kapag kasama ko siya, kahit paano gumagaan ang pakiramdam ko.

“Eto naman kina Kuya Zenon, Kuya Zeurt, at Kuya Zemus,” masayang sabi niya habang inaayos ang tatlong kwintas.

Napatingin ako sa balcony, nandoon ang triplets. Relaxed silang nakaupo habang nag-iinuman ng tequila kahit tirik na tirik ang araw.

Paminsan-minsan sumusulyap sila sa amin, like they were making sure we were still here. Like they were watching me.

Napansin ni Zeurt ang pagtitig ko kaya ngumiti siya at kumaway. I forced myself to smile back.

“Marco,” tawag ko.

“Po?”

“Nakwento mo before na may bangka ang tatay mo, diba?”

Tumango siya agad. “Opo. Nangingisda si Itay. Minsan gabi na nakakauwi, minsan madaling araw na.”

“Ganun ba…” Tumigil ako sandali.

“Bakit niyo po natanong?”

“Wala,” awkward akong natawa. “Tapusin na natin ’yan.”

After naming matapos ang necklaces, bumalik na kami sa bahay. Excited na ibinigay ni Marco sa triplets ang ginawa niyang kwintas and they hugged him immediately. Ginulo pa nila buhok niya habang tumatawa.

They looked like a perfect family but somehow… hindi ko alam kung alin ang totoo sa kanila. Do they really love Marco? Or are they just pretending because I’m here?

Napatalon ako sa gulat nang may humawak sa bewang ko mula sa likod and it’s Zemus. Nakaupo siya sa wooden bench ng balcony habang hinihila ako palapit sa kaniya. Napatingin siya sa shell necklace na suot ko bago ngumisi.

Then he suddenly pulled it. Napayuko ako dahil sa lakas ng hila kaya sobrang lapit ng mukha namin sa isa’t isa. Mabilis kong inilapat ang kamay ko sa dibdib niya bago pa magdikit ang labi namin. Kumunot noo niya.

“Zemus… may bata,” mahinang sabi ko, referring to Marco.

“It’s just a kiss,” bulong niya.

Muli niya akong hinila palapit pero this time tinulak ko siya.

Napamura siya nang mawalan ng balance at muntik mahulog sa upuan kaya napatingin agad sina Zenon at Zeurt sa amin.

“What happened?” tanong ni Zenon.

Tahimik na pinipigilan ni Zemus ang galit niya. Dinilaan niya ibabang labi niya habang sinusuklay ang buhok gamit ang daliri. The way he looked at me made my stomach twist parang kasalanan ko na tumanggi.

“Wala lang ako sa mood,” malamig kong sabi bago pumasok sa loob ng bahay.

I said act normal, Dion. So why the hell are you acting like this now?

“DION!” Halos umugong ang buong bahay sa sigaw ni Zemus.

Narinig ko si Zeurt na kinausap si Marco. Mukhang pinauwi muna nila ang bata.

Diretso akong nagpunta sa kusina at naghugas ng kamay sa lababo kahit nanginginig na ako. Then heavy footsteps echoed behind me.Biglang madiin na hinawakan ni Zemus ang braso ko at marahas akong hinarap sa kaniya. I saw Zenon and Zeurt standing nearby, silently watching.

“Pagod ako,” pilit kong inaalis kamay niya pero mas lalo lang humigpit hawak niya.

“You’re acting weird,” galit niyang sabi.

“Sinusubukan kong habaan pasensya ko sa’yo pero these past few days, pinapaiksi mo nang pinapaiksi.”

Lumitaw ang ugat sa leeg niya dahil sa inis at galit.

“Let me go!” sigaw ko.

Nabigla siya pati sina Zenon at Zeurt natigilan.

“What’s wrong?” mahinang tanong ni Zenon habang lumalapit.

Then Zeurt narrowed his eyes at me. “Are you hiding something from us?”

Nanlamig ako sa narinig, tahimik siyang nakatingin sa mukha ko, studying every reaction I made.

“You’re hiding something,” dagdag niya.

“I’m not hiding anything,” halos pabulong kong sagot.

Huminga ako nang mabigat.

“Pagod lang ako… please, Zemus. You’re hurting me.”

“Bitawan mo na siya,” seryosong sabi ni Zenon.

Mura ang agad na lumabas sa bibig ni Zemus bago niya sinipa ang trash bin sa gilid. Tahimik na umalingawngaw ang tunog no’n sa kusina.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with you,” mahinahong sabi ni Zenon habang papalapit sa akin. “But whatever it is, we can fix it. We’re here for you, cupcake. We’re ready to listen.”

Napayuko ako, they were waiting. Waiting for me to say something, to confess, to tell them the truth pero hindi ko magawang ibuka ang bibig ko. Then Zeurt spoke softly.

“Do you want to go home?” Doon ko naramdaman ang bigat sa dibdib ko.

Slowly, tumango ako. “I want to go home…”

Parang pagmamakaawa na ang boses ko. Nagkatinginan silang tatlo, then Zenon sighed softly.

“Okay,” he said gently. “Tomorrow morning… uuwi na tayo.”

Dahan-dahan siyang lumapit at niyakap ako nang mahigpit.

“Calm down, cupcake.”

The moment Zeurt locked the bedroom door behind us, parang biglang naging masikip ang buong kwarto. I swallowed hard while slowly stepping backward.

Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit biglang bumilis tibok ng puso ko, pero the way the triplets were staring at me made my entire body tense, parang gutom sila and I was the only thing they wanted to consume.

“You’ve been avoiding us.”

Mababa ang boses ni Zemus habang dahan-dahan siyang lumalapit sa akin. Napaatras ako instinctively hanggang sa maramdaman ko ang likod ko tumama sa edge ng bed.

“I’m not avoiding you,” mahinang sagot ko kahit hindi ako sigurado kung convincing ba iyon.

Zeurt chuckled softly from the side. “Liar.”

My breath hitched nang maramdaman ko ang kamay ni Zemus sa bewang ko. Mainit, mabigat at possessive. Parang ayaw niya na akong pakawalan.

“You’ve been acting strange for days now,” bulong niya habang marahang hinahawi ang buhok ko palayo sa leeg ko. “Do you know how crazy that’s making us?”

Napapikit ako nang maramdaman ko ang labi niya sa balat ko.

One slow kiss against my neck then another. God. Nanlambot agad tuhod ko.

“Zemus…” mahina kong tawag habang pilit kong tinutulak dibdib niya, pero parang wala lang iyon sa kaniya.

Narinig ko ang mahina nilang tawa. I slowly opened my eyes only to see Zenon watching me from the bed while Zeurt leaned lazily against the wall with a dangerous smirk on his lips.

They looked too calm and composed, somehow that scared me more.

“You’re shaking,” Zenon pointed out softly habang nakatitig sa akin.

Napahiya ako nang mas lalo kong maramdaman panginginig ng mga kamay ko.

“I….I’m not.”

“Cute,” bulong ni Zeurt.

Before I could react, naramdaman ko agad ang kamay niya sa batok ko habang hinihila niya ako palapit sa kaniya.

“You know what your problem is, cupcake?” he whispered near my lips. “You keep trying to run away from us.” His thumb brushed against my lower lip gently. “And we hate that.”

Napasinghap ako nang biglang hilahin ni Zemus ang bewang ko dahilan para mapadikit ako sa dibdib niya habang si Zeurt naman ay nakahawak pa rin sa batok ko. I felt trapped, surrounded and owned.

The way they touched me didn’t feel gentle anymore.

It felt obsessive parang gusto nila akong angkinin completely ng sobra sobra.

“Stop looking at us like we’re monsters,” Zenon suddenly said habang dahan-dahan siyang tumayo mula sa kama at lumapit sa akin.

He cupped my face carefully pero kabaligtaran no’n ang nasa mata niya. There was something dark inside them. Something possessive.

“You’re ours, Dion,” bulong niya habang marahang hinahaplos pisngi ko.

My chest tightened. Hindi ko alam kung bakit parang nawawalan ako ng hangin sa tuwing nagsasalita sila nang gano’n. Napasinghap ako nang maramdaman ko ang marahas na halik ni Zemus sa labi ko.

It was hungry and desperate, napahawak ako agad sa shirt niya nang mawalan ako ng balance habang mas lalo niyang pinapalalim ang halik. I could hear my own heartbeat pounding loudly inside my ears.

“Fuck,” narinig kong bulong ni Zeurt habang nakatitig sa akin. “Look at him.”

“Ang ganda mo talaga kapag nahihirapan huminga,” dagdag ni Zemus laban sa labi ko.

My face burned instantly. “Stop talking…”

They laughed softly. That only made my chest tighten more. Nararamdaman ko ang kamay ni Zenon sa hita ko habang si Zeurt naman ay marahang humahaplos sa leeg ko.

Every touch felt deliberate, possessive and dangerously affectionate parang gusto nilang ipaalala sa akin na wala akong takas sa kanila.

“Do you know how hard it is to control ourselves everyday around you? We want you to rest so we’re trying to calm and limit this but fuck you’re walking temptation” mahinang tanong ni Zenon habang nakatitig diretso sa akin.

Zemus rested his forehead against mine while tightening his grip on my waist.

“Stop avoiding us,” he whispered softly.

“Because deep inside,” dagdag ni Zeurt habang marahang inaangat baba ko para mapatingin ako sa kaniya, “you know you belong with us.”

Their words wrapped around me like chains.

Chapter twenty nine

Muli akong nakahanap ng chance para makaalis sa paningin nila. Before entering the bathroom, I glanced one last time at the triplets lying on the bed, sleeping deeply. Pagod na pagod din ako. Halos hindi nila ako pinagpahinga but if I let exhaustion consume me now, wala ring mangyayari.

I quietly locked the bathroom door before kneeling beside the cabinet where I hid the phone. Nang makita ko iyon, a small smile formed on my lips. Hope bloomed inside my chest once again.

Mabilis akong nagtype sa phone. I couldn’t stay too long or one of them might wake up. My fingers trembled while scrolling through the contacts until I saw Dad’s name below my picture. I dialed his number.

Leaning against the sink, I bit my thumb nail anxiously while waiting for him to answer. I could hear everything. The ticking clock, the hum of the air conditioner, the dripping water from the faucet and the violent pounding of my heart.

Then the line connected.

“Who’s this?”

The moment I heard Dad’s voice, tears instantly fell from my eyes. Napaupo ako sa malamig na sahig habang tinatakpan ang bibig ko para hindi marinig ang hikbi ko.

“Sino ’to? Hello?”

“D…Dad…”

“Dion?” His voice immediately turned frantic. “Dion? Son? Is that you?!”

Tumango ako kahit hindi niya naman ako nakikita.

“Where are you? Are you okay? Diyos ko, Dion…”

I buried my face against my knees. “Dad… I’m on an island.” My voice cracked painfully. “Please… please get me out of here.”

I quickly told him the name of the island, knowing he would immediately send people to find me.

“Papunta na kami diyan ngayon,” he said without hesitation. “Stay where you are, Dion. I’m coming for you.”

A broken sob escaped my lips.

“O…Okay…”

I ended the call and immediately hid the phone inside my pocket. Hihintayin ko nalang ulit ang tawag niya kapag malapit na sila. After washing my face and calming myself down, I stepped outside the bathroom. The triplets were still asleep.

Hindi na ako bumalik sa kama. I sat quietly on the couch near the bed, staring at them while my chest slowly tightened in pain. Do they really love me? If they do… why did everything become like this? Why did they lie to me?

Every touch, every kiss, every word they whispered against my skin. Was any of it real? Because despite everything…Mahal ko sila. God, I love them so much but I refuse to drown in that love and forget the family waiting for me… the people desperately looking for me… the answers I still deserve to know.

Subukan mong tanungin sila.

Part sila ng sagot sa mga tanong mo. My thoughts whispered bitterly.

“Cupcake~”

Napalingon ako kay Zeurt nang bumaliktad siya ng higa habang niyayakap ang unan sa tabi niya. A lazy smile formed on his lips.

“Heh… don’t run away…” He was dreaming about me.

My chest ached even more. Hours passed silently until the sky slowly turned pale. Mag-aalas singko na ng umaga nang tumayo ako mula sa couch.

I quietly grabbed my jacket and wore it before tying my shoes. Then I walked out toward the balcony. The cold morning breeze brushed against my face and for a moment, I closed my eyes and let myself breathe. Tumunog ang cellphone ko.

I quickly answered.

“Malapit na kami,” he said. “Hang on there, son.”

“Yes, Dad…” my voice trembled. “Thank you.” I ended the call but before I could even breathe properly i heard a voice.

“Where are you going?”

My entire body froze and slowly, I turned around. The triplets were standing by the doorway, their faces were dark, their eyes looked terrifying like predators that had finally found their prey escaping from the cage.

Napaatras ako habang nanginginig sa takot. Then they saw the phone in my hand and I immediately knew, they understood everything.

“Dion.” The way Zemus said my name made my stomach twist.

I screamed when all three of them suddenly jumped over the balcony railing just to reach me faster.

Hindi ko alam kung paano pero biglang kumilos ang mga paa ko. I ran.

“Dion!” sigaw nila.

Their footsteps echoed behind me aggressively like wild animals chasing after something that belonged to them.

“You are not going anywhere!” Zemus shouted furiously.

My tears blurred my vision while I forced myself to run faster because deep inside, I knew that if they catch me now…I might never escape again.

“Do you remember that night, cupcake?” Zeurt laughed darkly behind me. “The night we played run and chase?”

His laugh sent chills down my spine. “We’re playing it again.”

“Please!” I cried out breathlessly. “Please let me talk to my dad!”

“You betrayed us.” Zenon’s voice was calm… but terrifyingly cold.

I abruptly stopped running when I reached a dead end near the cliffside. Without hesitation, I grabbed the sharp wooden stake lying nearby and pointed it at them with trembling hands.

The triplets slowly stopped walking and their eyes locked onto me. Obsessively and hungrily like they were staring at something they couldn’t live without.

“You lied to me!” sigaw ko habang lumuluha. “You don’t love me! You played with me!”

“What are you talking about?” Zenon spoke softly, almost hurt. “We love you, cupcake.”

“If you loved me, bakit kayo nagsinungaling?!” My voice cracked painfully. “You kidnapped me! People are looking for me and you kept me here like a prisoner!”

Umigting ang panga ni Zemus, he took another step forward. I immediately tightened my grip on the wood.

“Don’t come closer!” But his expression only darkened more. “Papunta na si Dad dito,” I warned them shakily. “If they see you, makukulong kayo.”

Zeurt laughed, actually laughed. “We don’t care,” he said with a twisted smile. “Prison? Death? None of that matters as long as you stay with us.” His eyes slowly traveled over my trembling body possessively.

“You’re ours anyway.”

“Let’s go home, Dion,” Zenon said softly, reaching his hand toward me like he was calming down a frightened animal.

“Stop calling that place home!” I shouted hysterically. “That’s not my home!”

“It is,” Zemus answered darkly. “Wherever we are… that’s your home. Trying to scare me?” Zemus suddenly started walking toward me again without fear. “You won’t hurt yourself.”

My breathing became uneven. So instead of pointing the sharp wood at him, I pressed it against my own neck. The triplets froze instantly.

“You take one more step,” I whispered brokenly, “and I swear you’ll only get my dead body.”

The moment the sharp wood pressed harder against my neck, the expressions on the triplets’ faces changed instantly. Fear. Real fear.

“Dion…” Zenon’s voice softened dangerously, like he was talking to someone standing at the edge of a building. “cupcake, put that down.”

“No,” I whispered.

Blood slowly trickled down my skin from the tiny cut I accidentally made and the moment they saw it something inside them snapped.

Zemus clenched his fists so tightly that the veins on his arms became visible. His jaw was trembling, eyes locked on the blood sliding down my neck as if the sight itself was killing him.

“Fuck…” he muttered shakily. “Don’t do that.”

Zeurt’s playful smile disappeared completely. For the first time since I met him, he looked panicked.

“You know we can’t handle seeing you hurt,” he said softly. “Cupcake… please.”

I laughed bitterly despite my tears. “Can’t handle it?” nanginginig kong tanong. “Then why are you hurting me like this?!”

Silence.

The ocean waves below the cliff crashed violently against the rocks while the cold wind whipped against our bodies.

“You lied to me,” I continued weakly. “You made me believe you loved me… pero kinulong niyo lang pala ako.”

“We do love you,” Zenon answered immediately, desperation evident in his voice now. “More than anything.”

“That’s not love!”

“It is for us,” Zemus growled.

I flinched, his chest was rising heavily, like he was trying hard not to lose control.

“You don’t understand how insane you make us,” he continued darkly. “Do you know what happened to us when you disappeared that day? We couldn’t breathe. We couldn’t think. Tangina, para kaming mababaliw.”

Zeurt laughed weakly, but his eyes were glossy. “You ruined us, cupcake.”

My grip on the wood weakened slightly. “You’re scary…” bulong ko.

All three of them looked hurt by that, but none of them denied it.

“Maybe we are,” Zenon admitted quietly. “But we never lied about loving you.”

“Then why kidnap me?! Why isolate me from everyone?!”

“Because they’ll take you away from us!” Zemus suddenly shouted.

The raw desperation in his voice stunned me.

“You think your family will let us stay by your side after this?” he continued. “You think they’ll allow us near you once they know how obsessed we are with you?!”

Obsessed. The word made my stomach twist because it was true. I could see it in their eyes, In the way they looked at me like I was something they couldn’t survive without.

“You became our whole world, Dion,” Zeurt said softly. “And people do crazy things when they’re terrified of losing their world.”

Tears continued falling from my eyes.

“But I have my own life…”

Zenon took one careful step closer. “And we wanted to be part of it.”

“You forced your way into it,” I replied painfully.

That made him stop moving and for a moment, none of us spoke. Then the distant sound of helicopter blades echoed across the island. Everyone froze. My eyes widened.

Dad. “They’re here…” I whispered shakily.

The triplets immediately turned toward the sound. Their expressions darkened again. No, not darkened but broken like they already knew what was about to happen.

Zeurt looked back at me slowly. “So you really chose them.”

“That’s my family…”

“We’re your family too,” Zemus answered instantly.

“No…” I cried while shaking my head repeatedly. “No, this isn’t normal anymore!”

The helicopter sound became louder, voices echoed from afar.

My rescue was finally here but instead of anger, the triplets looked devastated like they were the ones being abandoned.

Zenon stared at me silently before speaking in a low voice. “If you leave with them now… they’ll never let us see you again.”

I couldn’t answer because deep inside, I knew he was right. Zemus laughed bitterly while running a hand through his hair.

“We should’ve locked you up tighter.”

“Zemus,” Zenon warned quietly.

“What?” he snapped emotionally. “I’m losing him!”

“You already lost me the moment you took away my freedom,” I whispered.

Those words hit them hard especially Zeurt. He looked down and laughed weakly to himself.

“That hurts, cupcake.”

The sound of footsteps got closer.

“DION!” Dad’s voice echoed from a distance.

My body reacted instantly, stepping back toward the direction of his voice and the triplets noticed that.

Their expressions immediately changed again. Possessive, desperate and dangerous.

“Don’t go.” Zenon’s voice cracked for the first time. “Please.”

I stared at them while crying silently. Part of me wanted to run into my father’s arms but another part of me, the stupid part still in love with them was breaking apart seeing them like this.

The cold wind blew between us while the sound of the helicopter filled the entire island, then Zenon suddenly smiled. Not his usual calm smile, this one looked sad and broken.

“So this is goodbye, huh?” he whispered.

My lips parted but no words came out. Zemus looked away angrily, clenching his jaw so hard that I thought he might break his teeth.

“Fuck…” he muttered shakily. “I knew this would happen someday.”

Zeurt stared at me quietly. No teasing and laughter just pure obsession and heartbreak swimming inside his eyes.

“You’re really leaving us, cupcake…”

My tears fell harder.

“I….I didn’t want things to become like this…”

“But it already did,” Zenon answered softly.

The sound of people approaching became louder.

“Over there!”

“I think that’s him!”

The rescuers were close, instinctively, I looked back toward the voices and when I turned back to the triplets their expressions had already changed. The desperation disappeared.

They looked calm now which scared me more. Zenon slowly stepped closer before gently removing the sharp wood from my trembling hand.

This time, I didn’t stop him. His fingers brushed against the small wound on my neck carefully, almost lovingly.

“You hurt yourself again,” he whispered painfully.

Zemus suddenly pulled me into a tight hug. So tight I could barely breathe. I froze when i feel his body trembling.

“You drove us insane, Dion,” he murmured against my hair. “Remember that.”

Before I could respond, Zeurt pulled me away from Zemus and cupped my face. His thumb wiped my tears gently.

“You’re still ours,” he whispered with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Even if they take you away today.”

“Zeurt…”

He leaned closer until our foreheads touched.

“Did you really think this could end us?” My breathing became uneven.

“Please…” I whispered brokenly. “Don’t do this anymore.”

For the first time Zeurt looked genuinely hurt. Then Zenon gently pulled his brothers back.The voices were extremely close now.

“Dion!”

“Sir, stay back!”

“Check the area!”

The triplets looked at me one last time and God, the way they stared at me felt like they were engraving my face into their souls. Zenon gave me one final soft smile.

“Looks like your family found you first.”

Zemus wiped his face roughly before scoffing. “But don’t celebrate too early.”

I frowned weakly then Zeurt grinned, that familiar terrifying grin. “See you soon again, cupcake.”

My heart dropped and before I could even react, the three of them quickly disappeared into the forest behind the cliffside just seconds before the rescuers arrived.

“DION!” Dad immediately ran toward me and tightly hugged me.

I broke down instantly in his arms.

Chapter thirty

The moment I stepped out of the car, sunod sunod agad ang camera flashes na sumalubong sa akin.

“DION!”

“Sir Dion! Over here!”

“What happened to you?!”

“Who kidnapped you?!”

“Did they hurt you?!”

Napahinto ako habang nakatitig sa dami ng reporters sa labas ng bahay namin. Microphones were being pushed toward my face while the guards tried stopping them from getting closer.

Dad immediately wrapped his arm around my shoulder protectively. “It’s okay,” mahina niyang sabi.

My chest was tightening with every question they threw at me.

“Did you recognize the suspect?”

“Was it true there were multiple kidnappers?”

“Can you identify them?”

Them. My fingers twitched at viglang nag flash sa utak ko ang mukha ng triplets. Zenon’s gentle eyes, Zemus’ possessive touch and Zeurt’s smile.

See you soon again, cupcake. Napalunok ako ng maalala ang sinabi nila sa akin.

I should tell them the truth, I should expose them, I should hate them but instead…I lied.

“I….I didn’t see his face clearly,” mahina kong sagot.

Dad glanced at me for a second but stayed silent. “It was only one person,” I continued. “He always covered his face.”

Another lie and another. I could feel guilt slowly eating me alive but I still kept going.

“Did he hurt you?”

My lips parted and I remembered the triplets holding me too tightly like they were scared I’d disappear. Their obsessive stares, their desperate touches and their lies.

“I…” umiwas ako ng tingin. “He mostly kept me inside the house.”

The reporters continued bombarding me with questions.

“Do you think the suspect is still on the island?” My heartbeat quickened.

I remembered Zeurt’s voice clearly. We’ll see you soon again, cupcake.

“I don’t know,” I whispered.

Dad immediately guided me inside before they could ask more. The large doors closed behind us and suddenly everything became quiet.

“You’re safe now,” Dad softly said while holding my shoulder.

I slowly looked around the house, my real home. The place I used to miss every single night while trapped on that island but somehow…It felt unfamiliar now.

“Dion…”

Napalingon ako kay Dad at kasambahay na nag aalalang nakatingin sa akin.

“Are you okay? Do you need food? You should rest.”

I forced a smile.

“I’m okay.”

But even I knew that was a lie because while walking upstairs toward my room, memories of the triplets kept replaying inside my head. Zenon fixing my blanket gently every night. Zemus pulling me into his lap whenever I tried moving away. Zeurt kissing my forehead while laughing softly. My chest hurt badly.

Pagkapasok ko sa kwarto ay agad kong nilock ang pinto bago dahan dahang sumandal doon. I slid down until I was sitting on the floor. Then covered my face. Why do I miss them? The thought itself terrified me. They kidnapped me, manipulated me and lied to me but despite knowing all of that…Part of me still longed for them.

Tumunog bigla ang cellphone ko.

Nanlamig ang buong katawan ko. Slowly, I pulled it out from my pocket, an unknown Number. My hands started trembling before I opened the message and then my breathing stopped.

Unknown number:

Cupcake~

You lied for us.

Good boy.

Another message immediately appeared.

Unknown number:

We miss you already.

Don’t worry, we’ll come home soon too.

Three months passed after I returned home, and those three months were spent attending therapy sessions because little by little, my memories before the amnesia started coming back. At first, pira pirasong alaala lang. A familiar laugh, the sound of car and three masked men staring at me in the dark.

But eventually… everything became clear. I remembered the day I arrived at my dad’s mother’s province. Then I met Kendra, the triplets’ younger sister.

She was kind, beautiful, and easy to talk to kaya mabilis akong nagkaroon ng crush sa kaniya noon. I kept finding reasons just to stay close to her and because of Kendra…I met the triplets. Zenon, Zemus, Zeurt.

Back then, akala ko protective lang silang mga kuya kaya palagi nila akong tinititigan nang masama whenever I got close to Kendra but now that my memories returned…I finally understand those stares.

It was never hatred, it was obsession.

Then another memory came back. Kiefer, my friend who invited me one night to a racing field.

“May alam akong lugar na matutuwa ka” natatawa niyang sabi noon, and I did.

I wish I never went there, the racing field was loud and chaotic. Cars racing everywhere, motorcycles drifting, drunk people shouting and laughing and that was where I met the three masked men. The triplets but I didn’t know it back then.

All I remembered was how terrified I felt around them. The way they cornered me, the way they dragged me away from the crowd, the way they laughed while watching me struggle. They tortured me for fun not enough to kill me…But enough to make me scared of them.

Then the worst memories came back. The kidnapping, how they completely took away my freedom.

How they brought me to a deserted place far away from everyone where nobody could hear me scream or beg for help. Away from people, no escape it’s just them and me.

I remembered crying every night while begging them to let me go home but instead of feeling guilty, they only became more possessive.

“We love you.”

“You belong to us.”

Then the final memory returned, the run and chase game. The same game Zeurt laughed about on the island. I remembered running desperately on the highway while they chased after me like predators hunting prey.

I remembered hearing Zeurt laughing behind me. I remembered Zemus trying to grab me. I remembered Zenon calling my name calmly as if everything was just a game.

Then bright headlights, a loud crash, pain and darkness. That was how I lost my memories not because of an accident but because I was trying to escape from them. Napaniwala nila ako sa kanilang kasinungalingan, I slowly became attached to them without realizing it.

I thought what I was feeling was love but now that I remember everything clearly…all I can see is trauma disguised as affection.

“Kumain kana ba? Pasaway ka nanaman, kumain kana para magkaroon ng laman iyang tiyan mo” napatingin ako kay lola Rita “katulad ka talaga sa tatay mo na matigas ang ulo”

Kahit ganiyan siya magsalita isa siya sa umiyak ng umiyak ng mawala ako, nagkasundo na sila ni dad and now she’s living here with us, para may mag alaga sa akin at kay dad ng maayos because she told me na ayaw na niyang may mawala pa sa pamilya niya.

After everything I remembered, life slowly tried to go back to normal. Or at least, that’s what everyone expected but nothing really felt normal inside my head.

I was sitting in the living room when Dad came in holding a folder and a tablet. He looked excited, the same way he always looked when it came to his business.

“Dion,” he called softly, sitting beside me. “Can I ask your opinion?”

I blinked a few times before nodding. “Sure, Dad.”

He placed the tablet in front of me. “We’re planning a big event for the company. Anniversary celebration. Important guests, investors… everything has to be perfect.”

He swiped through images of elegant venues, stage designs, floral arrangements, lights.

Which design do you think is better?“ he asked. “Gusto ko simple pero classy.”

I stared at the screen. Beautiful decorations, ex pensive setups, people smiling in photos like everything was perfect but my mind wasn’t fully there because even something as normal as this… reminded me of them.

How Zenon used to adjust things around me like I was something delicate, how Zemus would insist on controlling every little detail “for my safety,” how Zeurt would laugh while watching me react to their obsessive attention.

I quickly looked away from the tablet.

Dion?“ Dad called again, noticing my silence.

“Sorry,” I said immediately, forcing myself back to the present. “This one,” I pointed at a simple elegant design, white and gold, minimal but classy.

Dad smiled slightly. “Good choice. I was leaning toward that too.” He leaned back, observing me carefully. “You’ve been quiet lately,” he said.

I stiffened a little. “I’m okay,” I answered automatically but he didn’t look convinced.

“Therapy still hard?” he asked more gently.

I hesitated, hard wasn’t even the right word, it felt like my mind was a battlefield. Every session, I remembered something new. Every memory felt like something I had survived but never fully escaped.

“I’m managing,” I finally said.

Dad nodded slowly, then sighed. “I just want you to feel safe again.”

Safe…..that word used to mean something simple. Now it felt complicated because I remembered what “safe” felt like with them too. Warm and Comforting.

I swallowed hard and forced a small nod. “I am safe, Dad.”

He studied me for a second longer before standing up. “Alright. I’ll finalize the event design later. Thank you for your help.”

When he left the room, I stayed seated. The tablet still showed the event designs, but I wasn’t looking at them anymore. Instead, I was staring at my reflection on the dark screen and for a moment, I saw it again. Not the present me but the version of me on that island. Running and crying.

Believing I was loved while being trapped. My chest tightened. I closed the tablet quickly and stood up.

No, I shook my head slightly as if trying to push the thoughts away. I’m here now, not there anymore but even as I said that inside my mind…I knew the truth was different.

Because even in a peaceful house, even in a normal conversation about decorations and business events…the memories of them still found a way to follow me.

Chapter thirty one

The garden looked completely different tonight parang hindi ito yung usual na tahimik na garden sa likod ng bahay namin. Soft golden lights were wrapped around the trees, making everything glow warmly against the dark evening sky. White roses and baby’s breath lined the pathway leading to the main setup while elegant hanging lanterns swayed gently with the wind.

Simple pero sobrang ganda.

Round tables covered in white silk cloth were scattered around the garden with tiny crystal centerpieces reflecting the lights beautifully. The stage wasn’t overly grand either just a clean white platform with gold details around the edges and a soft curtain backdrop illuminated by warm lights.

Minimal and classy just like xactly how dad and I imagined.

I stood near the staircase balcony overlooking the whole event, quietly watching the guests arrive one by one in their expensive suits and gowns. Soft violin music played in the background while waiters walked around offering champagne and desserts.

“See?” Dad suddenly said beside me, handing me a glass of juice. “Maganda yung napili mo.”

I glanced at him before looking back at the garden. “It’s nice,” I answered softly.

Dad chuckled. “Nice? Your choice literally saved me”

Napangiti ako nang bahagya. For the first time in months… something felt normal, no Triplets, no suffocating stares, no obsessive voices whispering my name like I belonged to them. Just lights, music, people talking, and…. freedom.

Pero kahit gano’n… hindi ko maiwasang mapahigpit ang hawak ko sa baso nang may malamig na hangin na dumaan because somehow…the silence felt unfamiliar now and that scared me more than I wanted to admit.

“Dion.”

Napalingon ako kay Dad nang maramdaman kong bahagya niyang tinapik ang balikat ko.

“You okay?”

Mabilis akong tumango. “Yeah… just tired.”

His eyes softened a little like he wanted to ask more questions but decided not to.

“Come on,” Dad suddenly said, grabbing my wrist before I could protest. “You’ve been hiding here long enough.”

“Dad~”

“Networking,” he cut me off with a teasing smile. “You’re old enough for this already.”

I sighed quietly but followed him downstairs anyway.

The moment we reached the garden, mas lalo kong narinig ang ingay ng paligid soft conversations, clinking glasses, polite laughter from rich people pretending they weren’t silently judging each other.

Dad kept greeting different investors and business partners while I stayed half a step behind him, forcing small smiles whenever someone talked to me.

“This is my son, Dion.”

“Ah, the heir.”

“He looks exactly like you.”

“Very handsome.”

I hated those comments.

They made me feel less like a person and more like another achievement being displayed beside Dad’s successful company.

We stopped near one of the larger tables in the center of the garden. I was barely paying attention until Dad suddenly smiled wider than before.

“Perfect timing,” he said. “I want you to meet some of my closest business partners.”

I looked up lazily, then froze.

Everything around me seemed to go silent. My fingers instantly tightened around my glass. Standing a few steps away were two men I would recognize anywhere. Santa and Mallen.

One was dressed in an elegant black suit while the other wore a dark gray one, both looking calm, refined… powerful and familiar.

My chest tightened and memories flashed violently inside my head. Hands gripping my wrists gently but possessively, locked doors and sweet voices hiding dangerous intentions.

Those triplets.

My breathing almost faltered and then I saw them. The twins standing beside Mallen. Klio and Kendra.

My heart skipped painfully. She looked different from how I remembered her months ago. Her long dark hair now rested elegantly over her shoulders while her white dress made her look soft and untouchable under the garden lights.

She was still beautiful, too beautiful and suddenly I remembered everything. How I used to have a stupid crush on her before. How meeting her became the reason why I ended up meeting them. How my entire life quietly started falling apart after that.

“Dion?”

Napabalik ako sa realidad nang marinig ko ang boses ni Dad. I didn’t realize everyone was already looking at me.

Santa smiled first. “It’s been a while,” he said softly.

Mallen tilted his wine glass slightly, his sharp eyes scanning me carefully before speaking. “You’ve gotten thinner.”

My throat suddenly felt dry, those were normal words, well concerned words but hearing them from him made my skin crawl.

Klio crossed his arms. “Tsk”

“Klio~” Kendra muttered at her twin, sounding embarrassed then her eyes met mine.

Dad laughed lightly, completely unaware of the tension suffocating me.

“So you all already know each other?”

I forced my lips to move before the silence became suspicious. “…Yeah,” I answered quietly. “We met before.”

Santa’s smile deepened slightly. “Yes,” he said. “Very closely.”

Kendra was the first one to break the uncomfortable silence. She stepped closer carefully, almost hesitant, while softly fixing the sleeve of her dress.

“Dion…” she called gently. “Are you okay now?”

My chest tightened, the question sounded so innocent, so sincere and that made it worse because she had no idea. No idea that the reason I became like this was because of her brothers.

I forced myself to nod anyway. “I’m okay,” I lied quietly.

Kendra smiled in relief. “That’s good. You suddenly disappeared before, kaya nag-aalala rin kami.”

Nag-aalala, the word almost made me laugh bitterly before I could respond, another voice suddenly interrupted.

“Can I borrow Dion for a bit?”

Napalingon kaming lahat kay Klio. His eyes looked serious, too serious.

Santa slightly raised an eyebrow. “What for?”

“Private conversation lang,” Klio answered casually. Mallen studied him for a few seconds before nodding once.

“Don’t take too long.” Klio simply hummed before looking at me. “You coming?” I hesitated but somehow… I followed him anyway.

Tahimik kaming naglakad palayo sa main garden hanggang makarating kami sa mas madilim na part ng mansion grounds near the fountain. Mas mahina na rito ang music galing sa party and the moment we were alone Klio’s expression immediately changed.

“I know.”

Napatigil ako and slowly, I looked at him.

He shoved both hands inside his pockets before avoiding my eyes.

“I know my kuyas kidnapped you.”

My breath hitched parang biglang nawalan ng hangin sa paligid.

“I heard them before,” he continued quietly. “Not everything… but enough.”

Hindi ako makapagsalita. Klio finally looked at me directly, frustration visible in his face.

“I knew something was wrong the moment you disappeared for months tapos bigla ka nalang bumalik na parang takot sa sarili mong anino.” His jaw tightened.

“They’re obsessed with you.”

The words made my stomach twist painfully.

“I can help you,” he said firmly. “We can expose them. Tell the media the truth. Dad and Papa won’t be able to protect them forever once it becomes public.”

I stared at him silently, part of me knew this was my chance. My chance to finally end everything, to stop lying and give myself a justice but then memories flooded my mind again. Zenon softly fixing my blanket while i sleep, Zemus being clingy, Zeurt smiling while saying they’d never let me leave them.

The terrifying part wasn’t what they did, It was the fact that despite everything…a part of me still remembered the warmth tooa nd I hated myself for that.

Slowly, I lowered my head. “No.”

Klio frowned immediately. “Dion….”

“I don’t want to.”

“Why?” he asked, almost frustrated now. “They literally kidnapped you.”

I swallowed hard. “I know.”

“Then why are you protecting them?”

My fingers trembled slightly at my sides because I didn’t know anymore, because somewhere between fear and loneliness…they became something my heart got used to and maybe that was the most messed up part of all.

“I’m tired,” I whispered instead.

Klio stared at me for a long moment before running a hand through his hair in frustration.

“They really messed you up…”

Tahimik lang akong yumuko. The cold night air brushed against my skin while the faint sound of music from the garden echoed from afar then Klio suddenly spoke again.

“You know what’s even more messed up?”

I slowly looked up at him, a bitter smile appeared on his face.

“My kuyas were obsessed with you way before they even met you.”

Nakunot ang noo ko. “What?”

Klio leaned against the edge of the fountain before crossing his arms.

“At first, I didn’t recognize you immediately,” he admitted. “But when you disappeared months ago tapos nakita ko ulit picture mo online after bumalik ka…” He shook his head lightly. “That’s when I remembered.”

My chest tightened slightly.

“Kuyas used to watch your races all the time.” Napatitig ako sa kaniya. “You know those underground and legal racing competitions you joined before?” he continued. “They were addicted to watching them.”

I felt my stomach twist. The triplets… watching me?

Klio laughed softly but there was no humor in it.

“They love racing. Since bata pa kami. Cars, motorcy les, illegal tracks, professional competitions…name it.” His eyes met mine. “And then they saw you.”

Flashbacks instantly hit me.

The loud engines, crowds cheering, bright headlights blinding my vision habang nasa starting line ako. I used to love racing it was the only time I felt free.

“They idolized you first,” Klio said quietly. “Especially Zenon.” My breath faltered slightly. “He kept replaying your winning races before. Zemus liked how calm you looked while driving kahit dangerous yung track and Zeurt…” Klio scoffed softly. “He thought you looked beautiful while racing.”

“They were fans before they became obsessed,” Klio muttered darkly. “And when Kendra accidentally met you personally…” His expression hardened. “That obsession got worse.”

They already knew me long before I knew them.

“They talked about you constantly in the house,” Klio continued. “At first, akala namin simpleng admiration lang but….” he heaved a sigh and looked away for a second. “Suddenly you disappeared with them.”

The silence between us became heavy.

“I tried confronting them before,” Klio admitted quietly. “But they acted like what they were doing was normal because they ‘loved’ you.”

Loved, that word again.

I hated how weak my chest felt every time I heard it connected to them. Klio looked back at me seriously.

“You don’t owe them your silence just because they loved you first.”

My throat tightened because maybe that was the problem. They didn’t just love me, they worshipped me so much that they destroyed me trying to keep me.

Chapter thirty two

I swallowed hard before finally forcing myself to ask the question lingering inside my head.

“Nasaan sila ngayon?”

“At our house.” My fingers curled slightly. “And they brought a girl with them.”

Napatingin ako sa kaniya. “A girl?”

He nodded, looking disturbed himself. “Yeah. Nobody knows who she is. They suddenly arrived at the main house with her.”

Something uncomfortable twisted inside my chest. I quickly looked away.

“That’s weird,” I muttered quietly.

“It is weird,” Klio agreed immediately. “My kuyas barely even acknowledge other people unless it’s about you.”

The way he said that made my stomach tighten. Klio glanced at me carefully before asking.

“Do you know the girl?”

Slowly, I shook my head. “No.” But my voice came out quieter than I intended and Klio noticed. Of course he did.

His brows slowly furrowed while staring at me. Then suddenly “…You love them.”

Napatigil ako, mabilis akong napatingin sa kaniya.

“What?”

Klio’s expression slowly hardened.

“You love my kuyas.”

“I don’t….”

“Dion.” His voice softened slightly, but the frustration underneath it was obvious. “You heard me.”

I opened my mouth to deny it again but no words came out because the truth was…I didn’t know how to explain whatever this feeling was anymore. I hated them. I feared them.

There were still nights where I woke up panicking because my mind kept replaying memories I wanted to forget but despite all of that…the thought of another person standing beside them made my chest ache in a way I couldn’t explain and maybe that alone already answered Klio’s accusation.

He let out a bitter laugh before rubbing his face tiredly.

“God,” he muttered. “They really messed you up.”

“They kidnapped you, Dion,” he continued firmly. “They controlled your life. Isolated you. Made you emotionally dependent on them.” Every word hit painfully. “And now you’re standing here looking hurt because they brought another girl somewhere.”

My fingers tightened slightly. “That’s not healthy.” He added.

The silence between us suddenly felt heavy. Klio stared at me seriously before speaking again.

“If you continue loving them after everything they did to you… that’s already a toxic relationship.”

My throat tightened painfully because hearing someone finally say it out loud made everything feel uglier and more real.

“They loved you in the worst possible way,” Klio whispered. “Love shouldn’t feel like possession.”

The distant music from the party echoed softly behind us but somehow…Klio’s words sounded louder than all of it.

“You shouldn’t lose yourself just because someone loves you too much.”

Hindi ako agad nakasagot, tahimik lang akong nakayuko habang pilit inaayos ang magulong tibok ng puso ko. Klio’s words kept repeating inside my head. Love shouldn’t feel like possession but the problem was…I didn’t know what normal love was supposed to feel like anymore.

Because for months, the only kind of love I received was theirs and somehow my heart still learned how to survive around it.

Klio sighed softly beside me. “You don’t have to defend them, you know.”

“I’m not defending them,” I whispered.

“Then why are you looking guilty right now?”

Natahimik ako because I didn’t know the answer to that either.

The wind brushed softly against the trees around us while distant laughter echoed from the garden party. From afar, everything still looked beautiful and peaceful but here? Parang unti-unting nababasag yung katahimikan sa loob ko.

Klio suddenly straightened up from the fountain before looking at me seriously. “You know what scares me the most?”

Slowly, I looked at him.

“That one day my kuyas might come back…” he said quietly. “And you’ll willingly go with them.”

My chest tightened painfully. “I wouldn’t.” But even I sounded unsure.

Klio noticed that immediately. “See?” he muttered bitterly. “That hesitation right there.”

I looked away because maybe he was right and that terrified me. After everything they did…why did a part of me still miss them?

The silence between us became heavy until “Dion!”

Napalingon kami pareho nang marinig ang boses ni Dad mula sa pathway.

He was walking toward us now, still wearing that calm smile business people always had during parties.

“There you are,” he said. “People are asking for you again.”

I quickly fixed my expression. “Sorry.”

Dad chuckled lightly before placing a hand on my shoulder. “You’ve been disappearing all night.”

If only he knew why.

His eyes shifted toward Klio briefly before smiling politely.

“I hope my son isn’t boring you.”

Klio immediately smiled back casually like our conversation never happened. “Not at all, Tito.”

Dad nodded before looking at me again. “Come on. There’s someone I want you to meet.”

I quietly followed Dad back toward the glowing garden while Klio stayed behind near the fountain but before I completely walked away Klio called my name.

“Dion.”

Napahinto ako, i glanced back ad Klio was staring at me seriously now.

“Don’t confuse obsession with love.”

Then he looked away first and somehow…those words followed me the entire night.

The morning felt too normal like the world was pretending nothing heavy happened the night before.

I was sitting at the dining table, staring at my untouched breakfast while sunlight slowly filled the room. Everything in the house looked perfect but my thoughts weren’t. They kept drifting, back to Klio, back to Costa Zilla, back to the way he said “you love them” like it was something dangerous instead of something I could control.

I clenched my fingers slightly under the table. I shouldn’t be thinking about it. I shouldn’t even be considering it but my mind kept going there anyway.

Costa Zilla, the triplets and that girl Klio mentioned.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to take a sip of coffee, but it tasted bitterer than usual and Footsteps approached.

“Dion.” Napatingin ako kay Dad.

He looked calm as always, like every morning was just another schedule to manage.

“Morning,” I answered quietly.

He sat across from me and glanced at his phone before speaking. “I might need to go back to Costa Zilla later today. Just for a short meeting.”

My grip on the cup tightened slightly, there it was again, the name. He continued casually, unaware of the shift in my expression.

“You don’t have to come if you don’t want to. It’s just business stuff.”

I stared down at the table, Costa Zilla…If I went back there with him, I would be closer to everything I was trying not to think about, closer to them and that scared me more than I wanted to admit. My chest felt heavy as I stayed quiet for a moment longer than usual.

Dad looked up at me. “Dion?”

I blinked. “…I’ll think about it,” I said softly.

And that was the truth because for the first time in a long time…just the idea of going back made my heart feel uncertain in a way I couldn’t explain.

Dad nodded like he didn’t think much of it. “Alright,” he said simply, going back to his phone. “Sabihan mo lang ako before lunch.”

I gave a small nod, but my mind was already somewhere else. I’ll think about it. Those words kept replaying in my head because the truth was, I already knew what I was doing. I just didn’t want to admit it yet.

After breakfast, I ended up in my room without remembering how I got there. The door clicked shut softly behind me, and the silence felt heavier than usual.

My fingers slowly curled into the fabric of my pants.

Why was I even thinking about going back? It wasn’t safe there. It never really was and yet… my mind kept pulling me toward it like something unfinished was waiting for me.

I leaned back slowly, staring at the ceiling, Klio’s voice came back again. “You love them.”

I closed my eyes.

“No,” I whispered to myself.

But it didn’t sound convincing because if I really didn’t then why did the idea of seeing them again feel like something my chest couldn’t decide to run from or run toward?

My phone buzzed on the desk, I didn’t move at first.

Then again and again and finally, I got up and picked it up. A message from Dad.

Dad:

Leaving earlier than planned. Costa Zilla meeting moved. Decide if you’re coming before 11.

My breath paused.

So it’s happening sooner, I stared at the message for a long time. My reflection on the dark screen looked back at me quiet and unreadable.

Costa Zilla.

If I said yes…I’d be going closer to everything I’ve been trying not to face. If I said no…then why did it feel like I was avoiding something I needed to confront? I exhaled slowly and before I could overthink it any longer…i started walking toward the door.

I stopped midway to the door. My hand was already on the handle when another voice echoed from downstairs.

“Dion!”

Napatingin ako pababa, Lola Rita was standing near the living room, holding a small bag while talking to one of the helpers. She looked more excited than usual, her eyes bright like she was already somewhere else.

“Lola?” I called softly.

She looked up and smiled warmly. “Ah, nandiyan ka pala,” she said. “sasama ako sa tatay mo sa Costa Zilla”

My chest tightened slightly, Dad came out of his office just in time, adjusting his watch.

“Yes,” he confirmed. “She said she wants to visit her house.”

Lola Rita chuckled softly, shaking her head like she was already nostalgic.

“Matagal na rin akong hindi nakakauwi doon,” she said. She looked at me after a moment. “malinis pa kwarto mo doon”

“Summa kana samin” she added gently. “Mas maganda kapag sama-sama.”

Dad glanced at me like he was waiting again but this time, it wasn’t just his decision. It felt heavier like something pulling from different directions.

I swallowed hard. “I’ll go,” I said quietly.

Lola Rita’s face lit up instantly. “Good,” she said happily.

Dad nodded once like the decision was settled. “Alright. We leave in an hour.”

Even as they started preparing, I stayed standing there for a moment longer.

The ride to Costa Zilla felt longer than it should’ve been. I sat quietly in the back seat, staring out the window while the scenery slowly changed from city roads to wider, quieter highways.

Lola Rita was beside me, humming softly as she watched the view like she was traveling back in time.

“Nararamdaman ko na ang simoy ng hangin,” she said gently.

I nodded faintly, not trusting my voice. Dad was in the front seat, talking on the phone about schedules and meetings like nothing in the world could interrupt his calm but me…I couldn’t stop thinking.

Every kilometer we passed felt like a countdown until the sign finally appeared.

COSTA ZILLA

My chest tightened instantly, the car slowed down.

The roads were clean, silent, almost too perfect. Rows of big houses stood evenly spaced, surrounded by tall trees and carefully maintained gardens. It looked peaceful buy it didn’t feel peaceful to me anymore. It felt like memory.

Lola Rita leaned closer to the window. “Ah… ganito pa rin pala,” she murmured softly, almost smiling.

I stayed still. My eyes slowly moved along the familiar streets and then we passed it.

The car finally slowed down in front of an old but well-kept house inside Costa Zilla. Lola Rita’s home.

The moment she stepped out of the car, her face softened.

“Ah…” she whispered, almost emotional. “Wala pa ring nagbago.”

I followed quietly behind her, holding onto the strap of my bag. Dad stayed near the car, already talking to one of his assistants on the phone, while Lola Rita walked toward the small gate like she was greeting an old friend.

“Come on, Dion,” she called gently. “Pasok ka.”

I hesitated for a second, then I followed. The moment I stepped inside, I felt it. The air was different, quieter and heavier in a way I couldn’t explain.

Lola Rita immediately started walking around, touching the plants, smiling at small details only she seemed to notice.

“Ginugulan pa rin nila ito ng oras,” she said proudly. “Good.” tukoy niya sa caretaker ng bahay

I stayed near the veranda, watching her quietly but my mind wasn’t fully here. It kept drifting, every sound from outside the gate made my chest tighten a little, every passing vehicle made me wonder and every silence made my thoughts louder.

Chapter thirty three

The whole day felt painfully slow.

I stayed inside Lola Rita’s house, mostly sitting on the wooden bench near the veranda while she busied herself around her plants and old photo albums. Sometimes she would talk to me, sometimes I would answer, and sometimes I would just nod without really hearing everything.

My mind was somewhere else the entire time. Costa Zilla never felt this quiet before or maybe it just felt different now. By late afternoon, the sky started turning orange, stretching long shadows across the small garden. I was still sitting there when I heard footsteps approaching from outside.

“Dion.”

Napatingin ako and Dad had arrived. He looked slightly more relaxed now, loosening his tie as he stepped inside the gate.

“Tapos na meeting mo?” Lola Rita asked him.

“Yes,” he answered, then glanced at me briefly. “We’ll probably stay here overnight.”

I nodded slightly, that was fine or at least, I thought it was. Until Dad exhaled and said something that instantly changed the air.

“By the way,” he added casually, “Mallen and Santa invited us for dinner.”

My fingers froze for a second, I thought I misheard him.

“Mallen at Santa?” Lola Rita repeated, smiling slightly like it was normal.

Dad nodded. “Yes. They insisted.”

My mind already filled in the missing pieces. Klio’s kuyas, the triplets. The same people I tried not to think about since arriving.

Lola Rita looked pleased. “Ay, mabuti naman. Hindi pa ako nakakapagluto eh”

I wasn’t moving, I just sat there, staring at the ground as my chest slowly tightened. Dinner at their house. My thoughts immediately fought with each other.

Dad looked at me then. “You’re coming, right?”

My throat went dry, the air suddenly felt heavier than the entire day combined and before I could even properly think it through…I gave a small, uncertain nod.

By the time we arrived, the sky had already deepened into a soft indigo. Warm lights spilled from the mansion’s wide windows, making the entire place look calm almost normal.

Inside, the dining area was already set. Long table, elegant plates, soft golden lighting and polite conversations that sounded too controlled to be casual.

Dad greeted them first. Mallen stood with his usual calm expression, while Santa smiled warmly like he was genuinely happy to see us.

“Good evening,” Santa said. “Please, make yourselves comfortable.”

Lola Rita immediately sat down, chatting lightly like this was just another social dinner.

I followed Dad, sitting quietly beside him. That’s when I noticed it, no sign of them. The triplets, my shoulders loosened slightly without me realizing it.

They’re not here, good, just breathe. Just get through dinner

Santa suddenly stood up a little, raising his glass slightly. “Before we start,” he said, smiling politely, “I’d like you all to meet someone.”

My movements paused, a servant opened the side door and someone stepped in. He looked calm, confident in a quiet way. Well-dressed, composed, like someone used to being introduced in rooms like this.

“This is Uno,” Mallen said smoothly. “our wife”

Uno gave a small polite bow. “Good evening.”

Binigyan ako ng mainit na ngiti ni Tito Uno kaya ngumiti din ako pabalik.

A sudden shift in the atmosphere, the sound of the main doors opening behind us. Footsteps, three of them. My body stiffened instantly and i didn’t even need to look to know.

Santa turned slightly, still calm. “Ah. You’re late.” Mallen didn’t even look surprised.

I turned my head slowly, Zenon stepped in first quiet, controlled and his eyes sharp but unreadable.

Zemus followed, rolling his shoulders slightly, a faint smirk already forming like he was annoyed at something he hadn’t even seen yet and Zeurt walked in last, hands in his pockets, expression light and playful like he owned the entire room.

But then I saw it, someone beside them.

A girl, She looked soft. Elegant in a simple way, like she didn’t belong in this kind of tension at all. She was standing slightly closer to Zeurt, and he was smiling at her. Not the usual teasing smile, something softer. My chest tightened without permission.

Zenon’s gaze flicked around the table until it landed on me, he didn’t smile, he just looked.

Zemus noticed me next and immediately, that annoying grin appeared.

“Well, well,” he muttered, voice low but sharp. “Guess who’s here.”

Zeurt finally looked at me too and for a split second he tilted his head slightly, like he was amused. Like I was the one being watched instead of them.

The girl beside them shifted a little, and Zeurt gently adjusted her position, speaking softly to her.

“Okay ka lang?” he asked.

She nodded and that alone made something twist in my chest again because they were… sweet, careful and different but then Zemus’s eyes narrowed slightly at me, like he couldn’t help himself.

“Oh,” he said lightly. “We didn’t expect him to be here.”

Zenon didn’t speak but his gaze stayed on me longer than necessary, not intense, not angry Just… observing like he was reading something I didn’t know I was showing and suddenly, Zeurt’s lips curled into a small teasing smile.

“Looks like dinner just got interesting,” he murmured.

My fingers tightened under the table. They were acting normal but the way they looked at me, It wasn’t distance, It was recognition like I was still something they hadn’t stopped paying attention to and the worst part?

I couldn’t tell if I felt relieved they weren’t ignoring me…or more nervous that they still noticed me at all.

The table had barely settled when Klio’s gaze found me, that sharp, knowing look like he already understood what kind of situation this was.

His eyes flicked briefly to the triplets… then back to me. A small, almost invisible shake of his head followed. Compose yourself. It wasn’t spoken but I heard it anyway. My fingers loosened slightly around my fork and i forced myself to breathe slower.

Zenon gently pulled a chair out for the girl beside them, making sure she sat properly before taking his own seat.

Zemus leaned slightly toward her, saying something that made her smile, his usual teasing tone softer than before.

Zeurt, meanwhile, adjusted the glass in front of her like it was the most natural thing in the world.

They were… attentive, careful and almost protective but every small action they did felt like it carried weight I couldn’t understand. Dad, completely unaware of the tension layered under the surface, glanced at the trio curiously.

“So,” he said casually, sipping his drink. “She’s your girl?”

The room shifted instantly, not loudly but enough that I felt it. Santa paused slightly, Mallen looked at Dad with a calm, unreadable expression and even Uno went quiet.

The girl beside the triplets blinked in surprise but the triplets? They didn’t look at each other, they looked at me. All three.

Then Zemus leaned back in his chair, a slow smile formed on his lips.

“Hmm,” he murmured.

Zenon spoke next, voice calm and controlled. “Soon.”

“Soon.”

That one word landed heavier than anything else in the room. My breath caught slightly and then Zeurt tilted his head, eyes still on me.

“Soon,” he repeated, lighter this time, like it was a promise he found entertaining.

The girl beside them looked confused, glancing between the three of them but the triplets didn’t explain. They just… kept looking at me like the answer wasn’t for anyone else but for me.

I felt my chest tighten, fingers freezing completely under the table. Klio shifted slightly from the side of the room again he give me another glance.

Don’t react.

I swallowed hard and lowered my gaze but even then…I could still feel their eyes on me. They’re waiting and watching like I was the part of the answer they weren’t saying out loud.

After dinner, the atmosphere slowly shifted from formal to something more relaxed. We moved to the sala.

Soft lights, expensive furniture, and the quiet hum of air conditioning filled the space. It should’ve felt peaceful but it didn’t. Not for me.

I sat on one side of the couch, keeping my posture straight, hands folded loosely on my lap. Klio was nearby, pretending to check his phone, but I could still feel his eyes flicking toward me every now and then, he was making sure I was still okay or still here.

Across the room, the triplets were with the girl. And it was… different from earlier. Zenon was sitting close to her, quieter than usual, occasionally adjusting something for her without saying a word.

Zemus, surprisingly, was the one making her laugh, light teasing, but careful enough not to make her uncomfortable.

Zeurt was the worst in the softest way. He kept leaning slightly toward her whenever she spoke, like he didn’t want to miss a single word. Every now and then, he’d gently fix her hair or pass her something before she even asked.

It looked…sweet.

Kendra sat beside them, smiling as she talked to the girl.

“So,” Kendra asked lightly, tilting her head, “how long have you known them?”

The girl blinked, thinking. “Not that long,” she answered honestly. “But they’ve been really kind.”

Zemus chuckled softly from behind her. “Kind?”

Zenon glanced at him and Zeurt just smiled.

Kendra laughed a little. “Careful. That’s dangerous wording in this house.”

The girl looked confused, and Kendra quickly waved her hand.

“I mean….they’re nice. Just… intense sometimes.” That made Zeurt laugh quietly.

“Sometimes?” he repeated.

The girl smiled nervously but didn’t seem scared more like she was still adjusting to their dynamic.

Meanwhile, I stayed silent and watching. Trying not to think too much. Klio shifted beside me, leaning slightly closer but not enough to invade my space.

“You okay?” he asked under his breath.

I nodded but he didn’t look convinced. His eyes moved briefly toward the triplets again, then back to me. He was comparing something he didn’t like the result of.

The conversation continued mostly Kendra guiding the girl through small talk while the triplets stayed close around her, too close, maybe or maybe that was just how they were with people they cared about.

I didn’t know anymore but every time Zenon’s gaze briefly drifted away from the girl…It landed somewhere else and I could feel it, not loud, not obvious but consistent.

Klio noticed it too. He leaned slightly toward me again, voice barely audible.

“Don’t get dragged into whatever this is,” he said quietly.

I didn’t answer because I wasn’t even sure anymore what “this” really was. All I knew was that even in a room full of people…I still felt watched, still felt noticed, still felt like I hadn’t fully escaped their attention at all.

The sala stayed bright and quiet, but the atmosphere had slowly shifted again like something underneath the surface was starting to move.

Cheska the name of the girl was now comfortably seated between the triplets, still smiling as she talked with Kendra. She looked more relaxed than earlier, like she was slowly getting used to their presence.

Zenon sat on one side of her, calm as always, occasionally responding in short, measured words.

Zemus leaned slightly back on the couch, arms resting casually, watching everything like he was entertained.

Zeurt, as usual, was the closest too close, his attention never fully leaving her.

Then it started, subtle at first. Zeurt leaned in slightly toward Cheska when she laughed at something Kendra said.

“You laugh a lot,” he said softly, almost teasing. Cheska blinked, then smiled. “Is that bad?”

Zeurt shook his head slowly. “No. It suits you.”

A beat of silence passed. Zemus immediately let out a quiet laugh. “Wow.”

Zenon didn’t react, but his eyes flicked toward Zeurt briefly.

Cheska looked a little flustered now, laughing nervously as Kendra watched with an amused expression.

Kendra tilted her head. “Careful, Cheska. Zeurt’s good at talking.”

Zeurt placed a hand over his chest dramatically. “I’m offended. I’m always sincere.”

“Sure,” Zemus muttered, smirking.

Then Zenon, calm and quiet, added without looking up “She’s easy to talk to.”

The tone was simple but the effect wasn’t. Cheska smiled softly, slightly shy now and that’s when it shifted again.

Zeurt leaned back just a little, eyes briefly drifting just for a second toward where I was sitting across the room, then he smiled.

“Yeah,” he said lightly, still looking in my direction for a split second too long. “Some people are just easy to notice.”

My fingers stiffened slightly on my lap. Klio, beside me, immediately caught it, his jaw tightened.

“Don’t react,” he said under his breath, not even looking at me this time.

I stayed still but I could feel it.

Zemus noticed it too, his smirk widened slightly as he followed Zeurt’s gaze for a moment, then glanced back at Cheska.

“Careful,” he said lazily. “You might make someone jealous.”

Zenon finally looked up fully, not at Cheska, not at Zemus……at me.

Cheska, oblivious to the undercurrent, just smiled softly and adjusted her hair.

“I’m not really doing anything special,” she said shyly. Zeurt tilted his head again, voice lighter.

“Exactly.”

Another pause then Zemus chuckled again, quieter this time.

“Interesting night,” he muttered.

I just stayed silent because even if they were smiling at her…I could still feel it like part of their attention never really left me in the first place.

Chapter thirty four

The night eventually felt too heavy to stay in not because anything explosive happened but because nothing stopped happening either.

Every glance, every small joke, every quiet shift of attention in that sala felt like it was pressing something inside my chest that I didn’t want to name.

So when the moment finally came to leave…I didn’t hesitate.

“Dad,” I said softly, standing up. “I’m going ahead.” He looked up from his conversation with Mallen.

“Huh? You’re not staying a bit longer?”

“I’m tired,” I answered simply.

Lola Rita smiled at me warmly. “Sige, anak. Magpahinga ka.”

Klio’s eyes flicked toward me immediately like he wanted to say something but he didn’t, just that same quiet look. Be careful. I gave a small nod to everyone,npolite, distant and walked out before I could overthink it again.

The air outside felt colder and lighter but my chest still wasn’t. I didn’t look back at the house. Not even once.

I pulled out my phone, my thumb hovered for a second and then I typed.

Me:

Kiefer. free ka?

A few seconds passed…

Kiefer:

lagi. saan?

I exhaled slowly.

Me:

labas tayo. ngayon.

No questions, no explanations, just escape.

We ended up at a small convenience store near the road outside Costa Zilla. Nothing fancy, just quiet, dim lights and cold air from the fridge section humming softly.

Kiefer arrived a few minutes later, carrying the usual relaxed energy like he wasn’t even aware how tense I looked.

“Bro,” he said, raising an eyebrow. “Anong meron? Mukha kang galing giyera.”

I didn’t answer immediately, Instead, I grabbed two cans from the fridge it’s beer.

He blinked. “Oh. Serious pala.”

“Just drink,” I muttered.

He shrugged. “Sige.”

We paid, then walked a bit farther until we found a quiet spot near an empty roadside bench. No cars passing often, just streetlights stretching long shadows on the ground.

We ended up sitting on a quiet roadside bench near a small convenience store, beer cans cold in our hands, the faint hum of passing vehicles breaking the silence every now and then. Kiefer leaned back, stretching his legs.

“Ang random mo talaga,” he said before taking a sip. “Bigla ka na lang nagyaya uminom.”

I shrugged slightly. “Gusto ko lang lumabas.”

He didn’t push further, that was the good thing about him, he just stayed. A few minutes passed before I finally spoke again.

“Can you just stay for a bit?” I asked quietly.

Kiefer glanced at me, then nodded. “Sure.”

The night with Kiefer slowly shifted from quiet drinking to something more familiar something that felt almost like the old version of my life. He finished his can, crushed it in his hand, then looked at me like an idea just hit him.

“Bro,” he said, smirking. “Race tayo.”

I blinked. “Huh?”

Kiefer laughed. “Don’t tell me wala ka na sa mood? Ang tagal na nating di nagra-race.”

I stared at him for a second. Race. The word hit something buried deep inside me. The version of me that used to feel alive at high speed… before everything became complicated.

“I don’t have a car,” I said flatly.

Kiefer just raised a brow like I said something stupid.

“Eh di hiramin mo sa akin.”

Before I could even respond, he was already walking back to where he parked. A few minutes later, he came back with the keys spinning on his finger.

“Pick one,” he said, pointing behind him.

Two cars, both his.

Clean, well-maintained, and clearly not cheap. I stared at them for a second.

“You serious?”

“Bro, kailan pa ako nagbiro sa’yo about racing?” I let out a short breath.

“…Fine.”

The road Kiefer picked wasn’t the main highway. It was quieter, long stretch and barely any traffic at this hour, perfect for what he wanted and honestly…

Perfect for what I didn’t realize I missed.

We lined up side by side at the start of the stretch. Kiefer rolled his window down, grinning.

“Ready ka pa ba?”

I adjusted my grip on the steering wheel. “Yeah.”

That single word felt heavier than it should’ve. Kiefer laughed. “Good. Kasi walang atrasan ’to.”

The air felt different now and for the first time tonight, my mind wasn’t on Costa Zilla. Not on the triplets, not on the girl, not on anything else. Just the road and the engine.

“Go.”

Kiefer’s voice cut through everything and we launched forward. The world blurred instantly. Wind rushing, engine roaring and lights streaking past like they were melting into each other.

My heart slammed against my chest but not from fear. From familiarity, from something I used to know too well. Kiefer was beside me, keeping up easily, laughing through his window like this was nothing new.

“Still got it, ha!” he shouted.

The night air felt sharper as we sped through the long stretch of road. Kiefer’s car stayed close beside mine, headlights cutting through the darkness like we were the only two things moving in the world.

He laughed through the window again. “Bro! Ang hina mo naman!”

I didn’t answer. My grip tightened slightly on the steering wheel, eyes locked ahead. The road opened wider up front, long, empty, perfect.

I pressed the accelerator a little more. The engine responded instantly. Faster.

Kiefer noticed and whistled. “Ayan na! Ayan na!”

My heartbeat steadied in a way I didn’t expect. Like something inside me finally had space to breathe. We hit a straight stretch, Kiefer suddenly pulled slightly ahead, still laughing like he was enjoying every second.

“Last stretch!” he shouted.

I glanced at him briefly, then back to the road and I pushed.

The car surged forward, closing the gap between us.

Wind roared louder through the window. My thoughts faded completely, only instinct remained.

We crossed the final point Kiefer had marked earlier.

He slowed down first, raising a hand out the window.

“Okay, okay! Talo na ako!” he called out, laughing. I eased off the accelerator slowly.

The adrenaline still ran through me as the cars rolled to a calm stop on a quieter part of the road. Silence returned but it didn’t feel heavy this time.

Kiefer parked beside me and got out first, stretching like nothing happened.

“Bro,” he said, walking over with a grin. “Hindi ka pa rin talaga rusty.”

I leaned back in my seat for a second before stepping out.

The cool air hit my face. “Thanks,” I muttered.

Kiefer chuckled. “Grabe ka, parang gumaan ka nang konti ah.”

I didn’t respond right away because he wasn’t wrong.

For a short moment back there…I wasn’t thinking and I didn’t realize how much I needed that until it was over.

Kiefer leaned on his car, looking at me casually. “O, balik tayo? Or tambay muna?”

I glanced at the road ahead.

“Tambay muna.”

Chapter thirty five

For the first time since arriving in Costa Zilla, I woke up thinking about one thing only…we were finally going home.

The sunlight slipped through the thin curtains of Lola Rita’s guest room, warming the wooden floor as I sat up slowly. Outside, I could already hear the faint sounds of morning life. I exhaled quietly and finally, no triplets.

I washed up faster than usual and went downstairs where Lola Rita was already preparing breakfast. Dad sat near the table with his laptop open, reading something seriously while sipping coffee.

“Good morning,” Lola Rita greeted warmly.

“Morning po,” I answered, sitting down.

Dad glanced at me briefly. “You slept okay?”

“Yeah.” And for once, I actually meant it.

The breakfast felt normal. Lola Rita kept talking about random things in the province while I silently ate, already thinking about the city. My bed, my actual life. I was already mentally packing.

Then Dad suddenly closed his laptop, the sound alone made me look up.

“We might need to stay here a little longer,” he said casually.

Everything inside me paused. My spoon stopped halfway to my plate. “What?”

Dad sighed lightly, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “There’s an important business matter I still need to attend to here in Costa Zilla.”

The small relief I’d been holding onto since waking up disappeared instantly.

“How long?” I asked before I could stop myself.

“Not sure yet,” Dad answered honestly. “Maybe a few more days.”

A few more days?! Parang biglang bumigat ulit yung buong bahay. Lola Rita noticed my expression immediately.

“Ay naku, saglit lang naman siguro ’yan,” she said gently. “Masyado ka yatang excited umuwi.”

I forced a small smile. “Medyo lang.”

Dad looked at me carefully this time, probably noticing how quickly my mood dropped.

“I know you want to go back already,” he said. “But I can’t leave yet. This meeting is important.”

I nodded quietly because what else was I supposed to say? It wasn’t even Dad’s fault but still nakakafrustrate. I pushed my food around the plate absentmindedly while my thoughts immediately started spiraling again. A few more days here meant a few more days around them.

Somehow, after last night, that idea felt more dangerous than comforting. My mind betrayed me almost instantly. The way Zenon kept looking at me even while sitting beside Cheska. The way Zemus smirked every time I reacted. The way Zeurt said some people are just easy to notice while staring directly at me. I gripped my fork tighter, nakakainis!!

“Dion?” Napatingin ako kay Dad. “You okay?” I realized I’d gone completely quiet again.

“Yeah,” I answered quickly. “Just tired.”

Dad studied me for another second before nodding slowly. “Anyway,” he continued, reaching for his coffee, “there’s going to be another gathering tonight. Business partners.”

My stomach immediately dropped.

“Where?” I asked carefully.

“At Mallen and Santa’s place.” he answered.

Of course, of course it was there. I leaned back against the chair slowly, staring at the table while Lola Rita happily continued eating like nothing was wrong.

Meanwhile, my entire chest already felt heavy again.

Because somehow… despite everything that happened last night, a part of me was already wondering if they’d look at me the same way again tonight.

By the time we arrived at Mallen and Santa’s mansion, the entire place was already crowded.

Warm lights illuminated the huge halls while soft music echoed around the room. Expensive perfume mixed with the scent of wine and food, voices overlapping everywhere as business partners and wealthy guests mingled around casually.

I stayed beside Dad at first, greeting people politely whenever I had to, but my attention kept drifting somewhere else or more specifically…to them.

The triplets are there and Cheska was with them again, for some reason, seeing that immediately made something uncomfortable settle inside my chest.

Zenon stood beside her quietly, one hand resting in his pocket while listening to whatever she was saying. Zemus was sitting on the armrest of the couch near her, teasing her lightly enough to make her laugh and Zeurt…my jaw tightened slightly because he looked way too close. His arm rested lazily behind Cheska while leaning near enough to hear her soft voice over the noise of the party.

It shouldn’t matter, it really shouldn’t but my chest still felt strangely heavy watching them. Maybe because my stupid heart still remembered things my brain wanted to hate.

The late nights inside that house, the way they watched me like I was something precious, the way they became gentler whenever I looked sad, the way they memorized every little thing about me without even trying.

That was the problem because even after remembering everything…even they kidnapped me some horrible part of me still longed for them. I hated that.

“Dion.”

Napalingon ako kay Klio who suddenly appeared beside me carrying a glass of water.

He followed my gaze immediately toward his kuyas.

Then his expression darkened slightly.

“They’re doing it on purpose,” he muttered quietly. I looked at him. “What?”

Klio glanced at me briefly. “The Cheska thing.”

Before I could answer, Zeurt suddenly looked in our direction and smiled. That familiar smile immediately made my chest tighten in the worst way possible.

“Dion,” he called casually.

I froze.

Even from across the room, the three of them were already looking directly at me now. Like they always found me no matter how crowded the place was.

Klio sighed softly beside me. “Ignore them.”

But my feet already moved before I could stop myself. The moment I got close, Cheska smiled politely. “Hi.”

“Hi,” I answered quietly.

Zemus leaned back slightly, eyes scanning me openly. “You look irritated.”

“I’m not.”

“Mhm,” he hummed like he didn’t believe me at all.

Zenon stayed silent but his eyes lingered on my face carefully, almost searching. Meanwhile Zeurt suddenly turned toward Cheska again.

“You look pretty tonight,” he said softly.

The words hit me harder than they should’ve. Cheska blinked shyly. “Thank you…”

Then Zeurt smiled faintly and adjusted a strand of her hair gently behind her ear. Something sharp twisted painfully inside my chest. I immediately looked away. God, why did that bother me so much?why did seeing them act soft toward someone else feel wrong when I should’ve been relieved?

“Careful,” Zemus suddenly said lazily while watching my face.

I looked at him sharply.

His smirk widened slightly. “You’re staring too hard.”

“I wasn’t staring.”

“Sure.”

Cheska glanced between us again, confused by the strange tension.

“The moon is pretty tonight” she said, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

The room suddenly felt quieter around us because the triplets looked at me all at once again.

A faint amused smile appeared on Zeurt lips before he leaned slightly closer to Cheska again on purpose.

“You cold?” he asked her softly.

Cheska shook her head shyly. Still, Zeurt removed his coat and draped it over her shoulders carefully. Zemus chuckled quietly beside them while Zenon calmly handed her a drink without even asking first and somehow…it hurt.

Not because I liked them, i refused to call it that but because some ugly selfish part of me hated seeing them give someone else the same attention they once drowned me in.

Klio suddenly stepped closer beside me again, voice low enough that only I could hear. “See?” he muttered quietly. “They’re trying to make you react.”

I stayed silent because the worst part? It was working and judging from the way the triplets kept secretly watching my every expression while pretending to focus on Cheska…they already knew it too.

“Dion.” Napatingin ako kay Zenon nang tawagin niya ako.

His voice wasn’t loud but somehow it still cut through the noise of the entire room. It’s calm and controlled. The kind of tone that sounded less like a request and more like something expected. I stayed where I was.

Zemus noticed immediately and smirked. “What? Natatakot ka ba samin ngayon?”

“Hindi,” mabilis kong sagot.

“Then sit.”

Zeurt lightly tapped the empty space on the long couch beside them, his expression relaxed like this was completely normal.

“Come on,” he said casually. “You look lonely over there.”

Klio immediately looked like he wanted to interfere.

His eyes briefly met mine warning me silently but Dad was busy talking to business partners nearby. Lola Rita was already laughing with some older women across the room. Leaving abruptly would only attract attention.

So against my better judgment…I sat down. The moment I did, I instantly became too aware of everything.

Too aware of Zenon sitting close enough beside me that our shoulders almost brushed.

Too aware of Zemus watching my reactions like he was studying me for entertainment.

Too aware of Zeurt still leaning comfortably near Cheska while occasionally glancing at me in between conversations and worst of all? Too aware that despite everything…I still missed this. The feeling of being surrounded by them.

Cheska smiled softly at me. “You’re really quiet.”

“Ganun lang talaga ’yan,” Zemus answered before I could.

I glared at him slightly.

He grinned immediately, clearly pleased he got a reaction. Kendra suddenly appeared carrying drinks, looking between all of us with obvious amusement.

“Wow. Complete attendance ah.”

“Unfortunately,” Klio muttered from nearby.

Kendra ignored him completely and handed Cheska another drink. The conversation slowly continued after that. They talked casually with me like nothing terrible had ever happened between us like they hadn’t stolen months of my life, like I hadn’t escaped from them.

Zenon asked me simple things quietly every now and then.

“How are you?”

“Fine.”

“You better?”

I nodded quietly. “Mhm.”

His gaze lingered on me for a second too long before he looked away again. Meanwhile Zemus kept inserting himself into every conversation just to annoy me.

“Dion used to hate coffee,” he suddenly told Cheska casually.

My head snapped toward him. He smirked lazily. “Now he drinks it.”

Cheska blinked. “Really?”

“People change,” I answered quickly.

“But some things don’t,” Zemus murmured meaningfully.

My chest tightened. Zeurt suddenly laughed softly beside Cheska before leaning closer to her again.

“Don’t mind him,” he told her gently. “He gets weird when he’s emotional.”

“I’m literally not emotional.”

That only made Zemus laugh harder. “Sure ka?”

Cheska covered her smile slightly, clearly entertained now and somehow that annoyed me too because they looked good together. Zeurt suddenly reached over and fixed the bracelet on Cheska’s wrist carefully when it got twisted.

“There,” he murmured softly.

Cheska looked flustered immediately. “Thank you…”

I looked away before I could see more, then Zenon spoke beside me quietly enough that only I heard it.

“You’re avoiding looking at us.”

I froze slightly.

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

His voice stayed calm but certain and before I could answer, Zemus suddenly leaned behind Cheska lazily, resting his chin briefly against the top of the couch near her shoulder.

“You know,” he told her teasingly, “you’re surprisingly easy to spoil.”

Cheska laughed shyly. “Bakit parang kasalanan ko?”

“Because now they won’t stop,” Kendra answered immediately from nearby.

Zeurt grinned. “Too late.” Then his eyes flicked toward me again, watching.

Even while touching Cheska, talking to Cheska, staying close to Cheska…part of his attention still belonged somewhere else. To me and somehow that made everything worse. Klio suddenly sat down on the single chair nearby, clearly deciding he didn’t trust this situation anymore.

His eyes narrowed slightly while watching his brothers because he noticed it too. The triplets weren’t really focused on Cheska, not completely.

Every flirtatious comment, every clingy gesture, every soft smile, they always checked my reaction afterward like this entire thing was carefully designed for one person only. Me.

“Interesting,” Klio muttered quietly under his breath.

Zemus heard him immediately. “Got something to say?”

Klio smiled coldly. “Madami actually.”

Zenon shot him a warning glance and the tension flickered for only a second before Cheska unknowingly broke it again.

“You’re all really close, no?” she asked innocently.

Zemus chuckled first. “Too close,” he answered lazily while staring directly at me.

Chapter thirty six

My breath caught slightly then Zeurt smiled slowly. “Yeah,” he murmured. “He knows that better than anyone.”

The moment Zeurt said that, my entire body stiffened. Thankfully, Cheska only laughed lightly, clearly thinking it was some harmless inside joke but Klio? He immediately looked away, jaw tightening hard enough that I noticed.

Because he understood exactly what Zeurt meant and worse…so did I. I forced myself to stay calm, keeping my expression neutral even while my chest felt painfully tight.

Kendra, completely unaware of the real tension underneath everything, leaned back against the couch and sighed dramatically.

“You people are exhausting,” she muttered. “Poor Cheska doesn’t even know what kind of chaos she walked into.”

Cheska laughed shyly. “Hindi naman sila scary.”

Zemus almost choked on his drink, Zenon lowered his gaze briefly like he was hiding amusement and Zeurt? He smiled slowly before murmuring, “That depends.”

“You okay?” Napalingon ako kay Zenon.

His voice was low enough that nobody else noticed. I nodded immediately. “Fine.”

He stared at me for another second like he knew I was lying and nefore he could say anything else, Cheska suddenly turned toward me with a smile.

“You’ve known them for a long time?” My throat tightened.

Zemus leaned back lazily, obviously entertained now.

Zenon stayed silent and Zeurt tilted his head slightly while watching me carefully. They were waiting for what answer I’d give.

“Yeah,” I finally answered quietly. “You could say that.”

Cheska smiled softly. “Then you probably know them better than most people.”

The silence that followed felt dangerous because again…only the five of us understood how true that actually was.

Klio suddenly stood up from his chair. “I need air.”

Nobody stopped him but before leaving, he glanced at me once. A warning or maybe concern, probably both? The moment Klio disappeared toward the terrace, Zemus immediately leaned forward slightly.

“He doesn’t like us near you.”

I frowned. “Klio’s just being protective.”

“Protective,” Zemus repeated with amusement.

Zeurt smiled faintly beside Cheska. “Cute.”

I ignored him or tried to, then Cheska suddenly stood up slightly.

“I’ll get another drink.”

“I’ll come with you,” Kendra said immediately.

The two girls walked off together toward the long buffet area, disappearing into the crowd of guests and just like that…it was only me and the triplets now.

The atmosphere changed instantly, the softness disappeared. Not completely but enough for me to feel the difference. Zemus leaned back deeper into the couch, eyes fixed on me openly now.

“There,” he muttered. “That’s better.”

My pulse quickened slightly.

Zenon rested one arm against the back of the couch behind me, close enough that warmth immediately surrounded my side.

“You’ve been avoiding us,” he said calmly

“I’m literally sitting with you right now.”

“Not by choice,” Zemus pointed out.

I stayed quiet because they were right. Zeurt suddenly leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on his knees while staring directly at me now.

“Did you get jealous?”

The question hit too fast. “What?” I answered immediately.

“You heard me.”

“I wasn’t jealous.”

Zemus snorted softly. “Liar.”

Heat crept up my neck instantly. “I don’t care what you do.”

“That’s not what your face said earlier,” Zeurt murmured lightly. “And last night”

I looked away and Zenon immediately noticed.

“You hate seeing us with someone else,” he said quietly. He’s not teasing or mocking.

My chest tightened painfully.

“No,” I answered too quickly.

Zemus grinned slowly. “You looked upset when Zeurt touched her.”

“I did not.”

“You did and when Zenon complimented her,” Zeurt added softly.

“Or when I got close to her,” Zemus continued.

I clenched my jaw hard, they were cornering me like predators playing with something already trapped.

“I don’t know what you want me to say.”

Zenon’s gaze stayed steady on mine. “The truth.”

The air suddenly felt heavier because the truth was dangerous. The truth was that seeing them act sweet toward Cheska made something ugly and possessive rise inside me. The truth was that despite everything they did…some part of me still wanted their attention for myself and I hated that more than anything.

Before I could answer, voices approached again. Kendra and Cheska were returning, the tension snapped apart instantly like nothing happened.

Zemus leaned back casually again.

Zenon moved his arm away from behind me. And Zeurt smiled lazily the moment Cheska sat back down beside him.

“Missed me already?” he teased her lightly and Cheska laughed shyly.

While everyone else looked distracted…I noticed it. The way Zenon’s fingers brushed lightly against mine beside him for only a second.

The conversation continued like nothing happened.

Cheska was talking to Kendra again, soft laughter occasionally mixing with the noise of the party while guests moved around the huge hall but I couldn’t focus anymore.

After what they said and the way they cornered me so easily like they still knew exactly how to get under my skin. I needed space.

Huminga ako nang mabagal before finally standing up from the couch.

“I’ll just… go over there” I muttered, lightly pointing toward another table near the garden side of the hall.

The reaction was immediate.

Zemus looked up first. “Why?”

I blinked slightly. “Uh… wala lang.”

“You bored?” Zeurt asked casually, though his eyes stayed fixed on me carefully.

“No.”

Zenon finally looked at me too, calm expression unreadable. “Then stay.”

That simple word again. Stay, and again my chest tightened irritatingly.

“I’m just going to sit somewhere else,” I answered quietly.

Zemus clicked his tongue softly. “Ang layo naman.”

“It’s literally just another table.”

“Still far,” Zeurt murmured lightly.

Cheska glanced between us again, slightly confused. “Hayaan niyo na siya if gusto niya lumipat?”

“Hindi naman namin pinipigilan,” Zemus answered lazily.

But the smirk on his face made him look like a liar. “You barely talked to us,” Zenon said calmly.

I almost laughed from disbelief. “Kanina niyo lang ako kinakausap.”

“And?” Zemus replied immediately. “That’s not enough.”

Something warm and dangerous twisted inside my chest again. Why did they say things like that so naturally? I forced myself to look away from them.

I forced myself to look away from them. “I just need air.”

Then without waiting for another response, I turned and walked away from the couch.

“Dion,” Zeurt called after me lightly.

I didn’t stop.

“Uy,” Zemus followed, amused now. “Galit yata.”

Still, I kept walking, then Zenon’s voice came last quieter than the others but somehow heavier.

“Dion.”

My chest tightened painfully at the sound of my name from him but this time…I didn’t look back. I just continued walking toward the other side, pretending I couldn’t feel their eyes following me the entire way.

About half an hour passed since I left the couch and honestly? It helped a little.

The table near the garden was quieter compared to the rest of the mansion. Fewer people passed by there, and the cold night breeze slipping through the open glass doors helped clear my head somehow.

I stayed there alone, nursing the same untouched drink while trying very hard not to look toward the triplets again because every few minutes, I still caught myself glancing unconsciously across the hall and every single time…one of them was already looking back.

“Good evening.” Napatingin agad ako sa lalaking tumayo beside my table.

He looked familiar. Black suit, relaxed posture, hands casually inside his pockets habang nakangiti nang bahagya.

Then I remembered. “Nathan?”

His smile widened. “Wow. You still remember me.”

Napatawa ako nang mahina. “Syempre. Pinsan ka ni Kiefer.”

Nathan chuckled before sitting across from me. Compared kay Kiefer na sobrang ingay at kulit, Nathan was calmer. Mas madaling kausap.

“Small world,” he muttered while glancing around the mansion. “Didn’t expect na nandito ka.”

“My dad dragged me here.”

“Same,” he groaned dramatically. “Business gatherings are so damn exhausting.”

Napatawa ulit ako and somehow…gumaan nang konti pakiramdam ko. The conversation became easy after that.

We talked about Kiefer first kung paano raw nabangga na naman niya kotse niya habang nakikipag-race. Then we started talking about random things and for the first time that night… I actually felt normal. No tension, no mind games, no confusing looks, just a normal conversation

But then something shifted, i felt it immediately like someone was staring too hard. My smile slowly faded because somehow…I already knew who it was before even looking.

Slowly, tinaas ko tingin ko across the room and there they were. The triplets, watching but not casually this time and not teasing but different.

Zenon stood near one of the pillars, one hand holding a glass habang diretso lang tingin sa table namin.

Kalmado mukha niya pero his eyes looked cold in a way that made my chest tighten. Zemus was sitting lazily on the couch nearby, elbow resting against the armrest while watching Nathan with a sharp unreadable expression and Zeurt…he was smiling pero halatang pilit.

The kind of smile na mas nakakatakot kaysa galit. My stomach twisted immediately.

Nathan noticed my expression and glanced slightly behind him. “The triplets”

I quickly looked away. “…Yeah.”

He raised a brow. “They’ve been staring here for like five minutes.”

Napatawa ako nang pilit. “They’re weird.”

“Clearly.”

They weren’t staring at the table. They were staring at Nathan at how close he was sitting to me, how relaxed I suddenly looked around someone else.

Nathan continued talking casually, completely unaware of the dangerous tension building across the room. Meanwhile, pakiramdam ko mas lalong bumibigat yung tingin ng triplets every second like predators quietly watching something they already claimed.

Then Nathan suddenly grinned. “we should hang out sometime. Kiefer keeps complaining about missing you.”

Before I could answer may nagsalita na “He’s busy.”

I slowly looked up and saw Zenon standing beside our table now. Hindi ko man lang napansin lumapit siya.

Chapter thirty seven

The next morning, Kiefer and Nathan somehow managed to drag me out of the house before breakfast even finished.

“Bro, nababaliw na ’ko sa mga old rich people conversations,” reklamo niya habang naglalakad kami palabas ng subdivision. “Puro stocks, business, investments, wala ba silang ibang personality?”

Nathan laughed beside him. “You literally came from a business family too.”

“Exactly kaya sawa na ’ko.”

I stayed quiet beside them, hands inside my hoodie pockets habang tinatamaan ng maagang sikat ng araw yung kalsada. The morning air felt nice fresh, peaceful and honestly…mas gusto ko ’to kaysa sa city.

“Court tayo,” Kiefer suddenly announced habang tinuturo yung covered basketball court nearby.

“Ang aga-aga,” I muttered.

“That’s the point.”

Nathan stretched lazily. “I’m down.”

Within minutes, nasa court na kami. Kiefer immediately grabbed the spare basketball near the bench before tossing it toward me.

“Warm up.” I caught it automatically before shooting from outside the three-point line.

“Bwiset,” Kiefer muttered. “Mayabang talaga.”

Napangiti ako nang bahagya, we started playing casually after that. Kiefer was loud as always, nonstop trash talk habang si Nathan naman tawa lang nang tawa every time mintis si Kiefer.

“Pass the ball properly, tanga!” sigaw ni Kiefer.

“You act like you can shoot,” Nathan shot back.

“I CAN.”

“Mhm. Delusional.”

Napatawa ako habang sinasalag si Kiefer na sobrang dramatic na agad kahit warm up pa lang.

“Ang ingay niyo.”

My entire body stiffened immediately, i knew that voice, napalingon ako toward the entrance of the court and there they were, the triplets.

Kasama nila si Kendra… and Cheska parang biglang nag-iba yung atmosphere ng court.

Kiefer stopped dribbling. “Oh.”

The triplets were already looking directly at us or more specifically at Nathan standing beside me.

Zenon stood quietly near the entrance, hands inside his pockets habang diretso lang tingin sakin. Zemus looked relaxed pero halatang matalim yung tingin niya kay Nathan and Zeurt…he smiled the moment our eyes met. That same soft dangerous smile again.

“What are you doing here?” I asked before I could stop myself.

Zemus smirked immediately. “Good morning din.”

“Dumaan lang kami.” Kendra said

“Then bakit kayo pumasok?” Nathan asked casually.

The triplets looked at him and God biglang lumamig atmosphere. Zenon’s expression stayed calm but his eyes darkened slightly.

Zemus tilted his head lazily. “Problem?”

Nathan only smiled politely. “Nagtatanong lang.”

Before things could get weirder, Cheska suddenly spoke softly. “Nagbabasketball pala kayo.”

“Obviously,” Kiefer answered while wiping sweat from his neck.

Then Zeurt’s eyes shifted toward the basketball in my hands. A slow smile appeared on his lips.

“3v3.”

Kiefer blinked. “Ha?”

“Game tayo,” Zeurt repeated casually.

Kendra groaned immediately. “Oh my God. Boys.”

Zemus grabbed another basketball near the side bench before bouncing it lazily once. “Ano? Takot kayo?”

“Hoy,” Kiefer immediately reacted. “Sino takot?”

Nathan laughed softly beside me. “Competitive agad.”

I noticed it again, the triplets barely looked interested in Kiefer or the game. Their attention kept shifting back toward Nathan especially whenever Nathan talked to me casually, they hated how comfortable he looked around me and they hated him getting close.

“Game ba o hindi?” Zemus asked lazily.

Kiefer grinned immediately. “Game.”

Nathan shrugged. “Sure.”

Then both of them looked at me. I hesitated slightly, this felt like a terrible idea because the way the triplets were staring right now? It didn’t feel like they wanted basketball, it felt like they wanted a reason to compete and somehow…I already knew Nathan was part of the reason why.

Zeurt noticed my hesitation immediately. “What?” he teased softly. “Ayaw mo samin?”

My chest tightened annoyingly.

“Ang yabang mo naman,” I muttered.

Zenon finally stepped further inside the court, eyes locked on mine the entire time. “Play with us, Dion.”

Tahimik ako for a few seconds habang umiikot yung bola sa kamay ni Zeurt. Kiefer looked way too excited already habang si Nathan relaxed lang beside me.

“3v3?” Kiefer repeated with a grin. “Game.”

Zemus smirked lazily. “Confident.”

“Dapat lang,” Kiefer shot back.

Nathan bounced the ball once before glancing at me. “Ikaw?”

I hesitated slightly, honestly, this felt like a bad idea already not because of basketball but because the triplets were staring at Nathan like they wanted to throw him out of the court completely. Especially Zemus.

“Dion,” Zeurt called softly, still spinning the ball on one finger. “You playing?”

My chest tightened annoyingly. “Obviously,” I muttered.

That made the corners of Zenon’s lips move slightly parang amused.

“Good,” he said quietly.

Then Kiefer clapped loudly. “Okay! Teams!”

“Easy,” Zemus answered immediately, eyes still on Nathan. “Kami.”

He pointed lazily between himself, Zenon, and Zeurt.

Nathan raised a brow. “Wow. Kumpleto agad.”

So it became: Me, Kiefer, Nathan against the triplets.

Honestly? Parang mas lumala atmosphere. Kendra immediately sat on the nearby bench dramatically with Cheska.

The game started a few minutes later and agad-agad… ramdam ko na. The triplets were competitive.

Kiefer passed me the ball immediately. “Dion! Left!”

I moved fast, dribbling past Zemus before shooting near the line.

“Damn,” Nathan muttered while grinning. “Okay shooter.”

“Lucky shot,” Zemus said lazily.

“It went in,” I answered.

Zeurt chuckled softly. “Cute.”

My ears immediately burned. “Shut up.”

Kiefer looked between us suspiciously. “Bakit parang may sariling mundo kayong apat?”

“Wala!” I said

The game continued after that. Fast, competitive, and annoyingly tense. Somehow… the triplets kept targeting Nathan more than Kiefer. Nathan stole the ball once from Zenon and immediately scored.

“Nice!” I laughed habang inaapiran siya.

Big mistake because the moment Nathan casually slung an arm around my shoulder after the play, the entire energy of the triplets shifted.

Zemus’s smile disappeared first, Zeurt stopped spinning the basketball completely and Zenon stared directly at Nathan’s arm around me for one long second. Nathan slowly noticed.

“Did I do something?” he asked quietly near me.

Then suddenly Zenon stole the ball from Kiefer smoothly before passing it directly to Zeurt.

“Watch left,” Zenon said calmly.

The play happened too fast after that. Zeurt moved around Nathan aggressively enough that Nathan stumbled slightly backward.

“Hoy!” Kiefer complained immediately. “Foul!”

“Soft,” Zemus answered lazily.

Nathan laughed under his breath while fixing his balance. “Okay now I know they hate me.”

“They don’t hate you,” I answered automatically.

All three triplets looked at me immediately. I regretted speaking instantly.

The game resumed again but now? The triplets became worse. Every time Nathan got close to me, one of them would immediately interfere. Nathan passed me the ball? Zemus suddenly blocked between us.

Nathan talked to me during water break? Zeurt interrupted casually. Nathan lightly grabbed my wrist to pull me back into position during defense? Zenon immediately stepped between us to “guard.” Even Kiefer finally noticed.

“Bro,” he muttered beside me during timeout. “What’s happening to them?”

“Uhmmm.”

“I’m serious.”

“I don’t know….”

Nathan was trying very hard not to laugh now. “This is insane,” he whispered.

Meanwhile across the court, the triplets were staring directly at him again like predators waiting for him to touch something that belonged to them one more time.

Then Zeurt suddenly smirked while wiping sweat from his neck.

“You’re getting too friendly,” he said lightly toward Nathan.

Nathan raised a brow. “Excuse me?”

“Kay Dion,” Zemus added casually.

My heartbeat immediately spiked. Kiefer slowly looked between all of us, then at me, then back at the triplets.

“Wait a damn minute.”

Agad akong napatingin kay Kiefer but instead na realization ang makita ko sa mukha niya… he only narrowed his eyes competitively habang nakatingin sa triplets. Then he pointed accusingly at them.

“Ahhhh,” he muttered dramatically. “Away court lang pala ’to.”

Nanahimik kaming lahat.

Nathan slowly looked at him. “What?”

Kiefer crossed his arms confidently. “Syempre. Gusto lang nila ma-tilt tayo mentally.”

I stared at him for two seconds.

“Oy,” Kiefer complained agad. “Bakit parang jina-judge niyo ’ko?”

Nathan suddenly coughed to hide his laugh. Meanwhile, the triplets stayed suspiciously quiet. Zemus looked one second away from laughing at Kiefer’s misunderstanding, Zeurt outright smirked and Zenon simply glanced at me calmly before looking away again. That somehow felt worse.

Cheska blinked. “Ano bang nangyayari?”

“Nothing,” Zenon answered smoothly.

I wanted the ground to swallow me whole.

Kiefer grabbed the basketball again. “Okay! Tama na drama. Game na ulit.”

Thankfully, everyone moved again before the conversation got worse but now…Nathan was quieter and every few seconds, nahuhuli ko siyang sumusulyap between me and the triplets like he was piecing something together.

The game resumed and Kiefer immediately started trash talking again habang si Zemus naman sarcastic na sumasagot every possession.

“Defense niyo parang papel!” sigaw ni Kiefer.

“Scoreboard,” Zemus replied lazily.

“Isa lang lamang niyo!”

“Still winning.”

Meanwhile, I tried focusing on the game because Nathan kept noticing things now like how Zenon’s eyes automatically followed me every time I moved across the court. How Zeurt instinctively reached out to steady me when I almost slipped during defense. How Zemus got visibly irritated every time Nathan passed too closely beside me and the worst one how the triplets unconsciously worked together around me.

Like they were used to protecting my space without even thinking.

Nathan noticed all of it, I could literally see the realization forming slowly on his face. Then during another short break, Nathan casually walked beside me near the benches while drinking water.

“Dion,” he muttered quietly.

My stomach tightened already.

“What?”

He glanced toward the triplets across the court, then back at me.

“Why do they look like they wanna kill me every time I talk to you?”

I nearly choked on my water. “They don’t.”

Nathan gave me a look. “Bro.”

“They’re just competitive.”

“Uh-huh.”

Before I could answer, Zeurt suddenly appeared beside us out of nowhere.

“You two done bonding?”

Nathan slowly looked at him, then at me, then back at Zeurt and suddenly the bastard smiled.

“Oh,” Nathan muttered softly.

My heart dropped instantly, Oh no, because that tone meant he finally noticed something.

Zeurt tilted his head slightly. “Oh what?”

Nathan looked between the three triplets now. Then at me again and finally a slow grin appeared on his face.

“You guys are insane.”

Kiefer blinked from the court. “Ha?”

Nathan laughed under his breath while rubbing the back of his neck.x“No wonder.”

“No wonder what?” Kiefer asked louder now.

“Nothing,” I answered too quickly.

Nathan looked like he wanted to laugh harder. Meanwhile, the triplets looked completely unbothered now that someone finally noticed. Actually…they almost looked pleased.

Nathan shook his head slowly while still staring at the triplets. Then he leaned slightly toward me and whispered “Bro… they’re down horrendous for you.”

My entire soul nearly left my body. “Shut up,” I hissed immediately.

Unfortunately Zemus heard it and judging from the smirk slowly spreading across his face…that was the exact reaction he wanted.

Chapter thirty eight

After another intense round, the game finally ended with the triplets winning by two points.

“LET’S GO!” Zemus shouted while throwing his arms up dramatically.

Kiefer immediately bent over in disbelief. “Daya.”

“You lost,” Zeurt corrected lazily while spinning the basketball on one finger.

“Barely!”

“Still lost,” Zenon added calmly.

“Bwiset.”

Nathan laughed while catching his breath beside me. “Honestly, skill issue.”

“Traitor ka rin,” Kiefer accused immediately.

I stayed quiet while wiping sweat from my neck, still slightly annoyed that we lost. Okay fine, maybe more than slightly annoyed especially because the triplets looked way too pleased with themselves.

Zemus walked backward in front of me smugly. “Not bad though.”

I rolled my eyes. “Yabang.”

“But you still lost.”

Before I could answer, Nathan’s phone suddenly rang.

He checked the screen and groaned softly. “Ayun na.”

Kiefer looked over immediately. “Si Tito?”

Nathan nodded. “We seriously need to go.”

Kiefer looked personally betrayed by adulthood. “Ngayon talaga?”

“Unfortunately.”

The two started grabbing their things while I stayed near the bench drinking water quietly. Then Nathan walked toward me one last time.

“See you around?” he asked casually.

“Yeah.”

Before stepping away, he leaned slightly closer and muttered under his breath. “Good luck.”

My brows furrowed immediately. “Ha?”

Nathan only glanced meaningfully toward the triplets across the court then he smirked.

“Survive.”

“Ulol.”

He laughed softly before finally leaving with Kiefer.

Meanwhile, si Kiefer clueless pa rin hanggang dulo.

“Rematch next time!” sigaw niya habang paalis. “At hindi na unfair!”

“Cry louder,” Zemus shouted back lazily.

“Bastos!”

Eventually, nawala na rin sila sa kabilang street and suddenly…tahimik ulit yung court. My chest tightened slightly now that ako nalang ulit kasama ng triplets.

Kendra and Cheska sat on the nearby benches while the triplets slowly walked closer. Zenon grabbed bottled water first before sitting beside me naturally.

Zemus leaned against the fence nearby habang diretsong nakatingin sakin and Zeurt? diretso agad kay Cheska.

“You okay?” he asked softly while sitting beside her.

Cheska smiled shyly. “Pinagpapawisan lang konti.”

Zeurt chuckled quietly before reaching over to fix the loose strands of hair sticking against her cheek because of sweat.

“You still look pretty.

My fingers tightened around my water bottle immediately, nakakainis. Zemus suddenly sat beside Cheska too, casually resting an arm behind her on the bench.

“You’re cute,” he teased lightly.

Cheska blinked. “Cute?”

“Mhm.”

“Hindi ba good?”

“Cute sounds better.”

I looked away instantly.

Zenon quietly opened another bottled water beside me before handing it over calmly.

I frowned slightly. “May sarili ako.”

“I know.”

He still waited until I grabbed it then Zeurt suddenly leaned closer toward Cheska again while softly brushing something invisible off her sleeve.

“You got dust.”

“Thanks,” Cheska answered shyly.

My jaw tightened slightly, I hated this.

“You jealous?” Nanigas agad ako.

I slowly looked sideways, Zemus was already staring at me with a lazy knowing smirk.

“What?”

“You heard me.”

“I’m literally not.”

“Really?” Zeurt asked lightly while still sitting close beside Cheska.

Zenon stayed quiet beside me for a few seconds before calmly speaking. “You’ve been glaring at us for a while now.”

“I have not, excuse me,” mahina kong sabi bago ako tuluyang tumayo mula sa bench habang ramdam ko agad na sumusunod pa rin ang tingin nila sa bawat galaw ko.

Inignore ko iyon, pati yung sigaw ni Kendra, pati yung tunog ng bola, pati yung lamig ng umagang hangin na dapat sana nagpapakalma sakin pero lalo lang nagpapabigat ng dibdib ko.

Naglakad ako palayo nang mas mabilis, parang gusto kong takbuhan lahat ng nangyayari sa loob ng ulo ko, kasi bawat hakbang ko mas lumalakas yung bigat na hindi ko maintindihan.

Hindi ko alam kung galit ba ako, natatakot ba ako, o sadyang pagod na pagod na lang ako sa kanila. Pagdating ko sa gilid ng court, doon sa pinaka-dulong parte kung saan walang masyadong tao, bigla akong huminto at huminga nang malalim pero parang hindi pa rin sapat para ayusin yung nanginginig kong dibdib.

Get a grip, Dion, this is what you wanted, right? To stay away from them, to forget them, to erase everything they did. So why does it hurt like this?

Why does it feel like my heart is still reaching for them even when my mind is screaming to run?

I heard some footsteps, my body instantly went rigid.

I didn’t even need to look back.

“Dion,” ulit ni Zenon, mas mababa pero mas diretso.

“Let me pass,” sagot ko habang pilit kong pinipigil yung panginginig ng boses ko.

“You walked out,” sabi ni Zemus habang nakatingin pa rin sakin na parang may gusto siyang patunayan.

“I just needed air,” sagot ko agad pero alam kong halata na ang galit at pagod sa tono ko.

“Liar,” sabay nilang sabi na parang automatic.

Napakagat labi ako at sinubukan kong dumaan sa pagitan nila pero mabilis akong nahawakan ni Zeurt sa pulsuhan ko kaya bigla akong napahinto at parang bumalik lahat ng alaala na ayokong maalala.

“Bitaw,” mahina pero madiin kong sabi habang sinusubukan kong bawiin ang kamay ko.

Hindi siya agad bumitaw at mas lumapit pa siya ng kaunti habang nakatingin sakin na parang hindi niya gusto akong lumayo.

“You hate seeing us with her,” mahinang sabi niya.

“I don’t care about Cheska,” sagot ko agad kahit ramdam ko yung panginginig sa dibdib ko.

“Liar,” ulit ni Zemus na ngayon mas tahimik pero mas mabigat.

“Bitaw,” ulit ko habang humihigpit ang boses ko dahil ayokong marinig nila yung pagkabasag sa loob ko.

Sa wakas bumitaw si Zeurt pero hindi pa rin sila umaalis, nanatili silang nakaharang sakin na parang sinisigurado nilang wala akong lalabasan.

“We’ll stop,” biglang sabi ni Zenon na dahilan para mapatingin ako agad sa kanya dahil hindi ko inexpect yun.

“What?” mahinang tanong ko habang ramdam ko na naman yung bigat sa dibdib ko.

“Kay Cheska,” dagdag ni Zemus habang nakatingin pa rin sakin, “we’ll stop.”

Kumunot noo ko dahil hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit parang mas lalo lang gumulo lahat sa sinabi nila.

“Admit it first,” mahinang sabi ni Zeurt habang diretso pa rin ang tingin sakin.

“Admit what?” sagot ko habang unti-unting nanginginig na yung boses ko.

“That you fell for us,” sabi niya na parang simpleng bagay lang yun pero para sakin para akong sinaksak sa dibdib.

“No,” agad kong sagot kahit halos hindi ko na maayos yung paghinga ko.

“You did,” sabi ni Zemus habang nakatingin sakin na parang kilalang-kilala niya na ako. “You’re just scared of what it means,” dagdag niya.

“I’m not in love with you,” sagot ko pero basag na basag na yung boses ko.

Napansin nila yun, syempre napansin nila.

Lumapit ng kaunti si Zenon pero hindi enough para hawakan ako, enough lang para maramdaman ko yung presensya niya na hindi ko na kayang iwasan.

“You manipulated me,” umiiyak kong sabi habang hindi ko na mapigilan yung panginginig ng kamay ko.

Walang sumagot at mas lalo yun nakasakit sakin dahil mas madali sana kung may denial, pero wala.

“You kidnapped me,” dagdag ko habang lumalakas na yung pag-iyak ko.

Tahimik pa rin sila.

“You lied to me every day,” sabi ko habang halos hindi ko na kaya tumingin sa kanila.

Napababa ng tingin si Zemus, humigpit panga ni Zeurt, pero si Zenon nanatiling nakatingin sakin na parang gusto niyang ipaliwanag lahat pero hindi niya alam kung saan magsisimula.

“We know,” mahinang sabi niya.

At doon tuluyang parang may nabasag sa loob ko. Kasi alam nila pero hindi sapat ang alam. Hindi sapat para burahin lahat ng sakit.

“I should hate all of you,” bulong ko habang umiiyak na talaga ako.

“You tried,” mahinang sabi ni Zemus na parang mas totoo kaysa sa lahat ng sinasabi nila kanina.

Isang luha ang tuluyang bumagsak at agad akong umiwas ng tingin habang nanginginig na ang buong katawan ko.

“I’m not in love with you,” pilit kong sabi kahit parang ako na mismo ang hindi naniniwala.

“Dion,” mahinang tawag ni Zeurt.

“I’m not,” sigaw ko na ngayon habang basag na basag na ang boses ko dahil kailangan kong paniwalaan yun kahit hindi na kaya ng dibdib ko.

Kasi kung hindi…kung hindi…baka totoo yung kinakatakutan ko na kahit alam ko na lahat ng ginawa nila sakin may parte pa rin sakin na hinahanap sila.

Napapikit ako nang mariin bago ko sila tinulak para makadaan, at tumakbo ako palayo kahit nanginginig ang buong katawan ko, tumakbo ako palayo sa kanila bago pa ako tuluyang mag-isip ng mali, bago pa ako bumalik sa kanila, bago pa ulit manalo yung puso ko kaysa sa utak ko.

Chapter thirty nine

I went straight to my room without looking anywhere else locked the door the moment I got inside and that’s when everything finally broke completely.

I slid down beside the bed, my back against it, hands trembling as I pulled my knees close. Hindi ko na kayang pigilan, the tears came harder now.

“Hindi ko na kaya…” I whispered, voice shaking as I buried my face in my arms.

The room didn’t answer. Walang tao, walang ingay, walang magtatanong kung okay lang ako, it’s just me and my thoughts that wouldn’t stop screaming their names.

I closed my eyes tightly, but it didn’t help because even behind my eyelids, I still saw them. The way they looked at me like I mattered. The way they lied.

The way they stayed too close. The way they made everything complicated just by existing in my life again.

“I hate you…” I whispered weakly, but my voice cracked in the middle. “I hate all of you…”

Pero kahit sinabi ko yun…my chest still hurt, my heart didn’t agree.

I pressed my forehead against my knees, shaking as I tried to calm my breathing, pero lalo lang lumalala parang may something inside me na hindi ko maintindihan. Something that refused to let go.

“Please…” I whispered, almost begging, kahit hindi ko alam kung kanino. “Stop… please stop…” But nothing stopped.

In that empty room, alone and crying…I finally let myself fall apart completely.

I don’t know how long I stayed like that. Minutes felt like hours or maybe I just stopped caring about time completely.

My head hurt from crying, my throat felt dry, my chest still felt tight like something was sitting on it, refusing to let me breathe properly. I slowly lifted my face from my arms, wiping my cheeks even though they were already soaked again.

Ang hirap huminga, ang bigat pa rin.

I stared at the floor, blankly, trying to convince myself that if I just stayed still long enough everything in my head would quiet down but it didn’t.

Instead, memories kept slipping in. Zenon’s calm voice calling my name, Zemus’ annoying smirk when I react, Zeurt looking at me like I was important and then Cheska and how easily they switched attention. My hands clenched tightly.

“Stop…” I whispered again, but weaker this time. I forced myself to stand up, legs still shaky, and walked toward the bed.

I sat down slowly, staring at my hands like they didn’t belong to me.

“Hindi dapat ganito…” I muttered under my breath. “I shouldn’t feel anything.”

But even as I said it, I knew I was lying to myself because if I really didn’t feel anything…then why does everything hurt this much? I lay down on the bed, facing the ceiling, but the tears didn’t fully stop.

They just slowed down like my body was too tired to keep crying loudly.

The room was silent again and in that silence, my mind betrayed me once more.

I remembered the times I was with them before everything got complicated before I remembered the truth when I didn’t know I was kidnapped. My eyes squeezed shut immediately.

“No…” I whispered, turning my face to the side. “Stop thinking…”

I turned on my side, curling up tightly, hugging the pillow like it could somehow hold everything together for me.

“Bakit ang gulo…” I whispered, voice breaking again. “Bakit hindi ako maka-let go…”

Tears slipped down again quietly, but I didn’t bother wiping them this time, i just stayed there. Curled up, silent and broken in a way I didn’t know how to fix.

After that day, I stopped going out. Hindi na ako lumabas ng bahay kahit pa normal lang naman dapat. I told myself it was just temporary, just until my mind calms down, just until I stop thinking about them every single time I close my eyes.

Deep down, I knew it wasn’t that simple because going outside meant seeing them again and seeing them meant feeling everything I was trying so hard to bury. So I stayed inside, most of the day, I just stayed in my room.

Naka-upo sa kama, minsan nakahiga lang, staring at nothing, trying to distract myself with my phone even if I wasn’t really reading anything.

Every sound outside the house made me tense for a second, expecting footsteps that I didn’t want to hear but none came and somehow, that silence felt worse.

One afternoon, habang nakatingin lang ako sa bintana, I saw people passing by outside the gate. Normal lang, life moving normally but I stayed still.

I just… avoided everything.

“Okay lang ’to,” I whispered to myself habang nakahiga ulit sa kama. “Kailangan ko lang umiwas.”

But my voice didn’t sound convinced.

Kasi kahit sa loob ng bahay, hindi pa rin sila umaalis sa isip ko. Every time I try to focus on something else, bigla nalang silang sumisingit sa thoughts ko like they never left and worse…I could still feel them.

“Stop…” I muttered softly. “Just stop already…”

Pero syempre, walang sumagot, walang mag-aalis ng thoughts ko, walang magpapatahimik ng utak ko kaya tumahimik nalang ako ulit, staring at the wall, trying to convince myself na this is better.

Avoiding them is the right choice, if I just stay here long enough…I’ll finally be okay but even I didn’t believe that anymore because the truth wasneven when I was doing everything to stay away from them…they were still the loudest thing in my mind.

By the time night came, I already knew I was done pretending I could stay inside the house forever. The walls felt too small, too suffocating, like every corner was filled with thoughts I couldn’t escape anymore kahit anong gawin ko, they were still there.

So I made a decision I shouldn’t have. “Just one night,” I whispered to myself habang nagbibihis ako, pulling on a hoodie and cap para matakpan yung mukha ko. “One night lang. I need noise. I need distraction.”

That’s how I ended up outside again, not at the court, not near people I knew but at a place I promised myself I’d never go back to.

“Race of Hell.”

The moment I stepped inside Race of Hell, I immediately regretted it but I couldn’t back out anymore because the noise, the smoke, the flashing lights, and the crowd that screamed like wild animals were already swallowing me whole.

Engines roared everywhere, people shouted like they had no control over themselves, and money changed hands like it meant nothing in a place that felt more like chaos than reality.

This is why they call it Race of Hell because it didn’t feel like a race track at all, it felt like a battlefield full of demons who lived for speed, violence, and victory.

I pulled my hoodie lower over my face while walking through the crowd, ignoring the shouting, ignoring the whistles, ignoring the way people bumped into each other like they were ready to start a war at any second.

“Hoy! Bilisan mo!” someone yelled from the side and another laughed like a madman while counting stacks of cash, the cheers sounding less like support and more like screaming animals waiting for blood.

My chest tightened but I kept walking forward because I already signed up, I already stepped into this mess, and the only way out now was to finish the race.

“Solo run,” I muttered when I reached the registration table, my voice low but firm even if my hands were slightly shaking.

The man just grinned at me like I was entertainment and handed me a helmet before pointing toward the lineup where other racers were already revving their engines like they were starving for destruction.

I was about to focus when I heard it, the announcer screaming from above the pit, “PLACE YOUR BETS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!”

The crowd exploded instantly like they were triggered, shouting louder, waving money, screaming names like it was a ritual, and for a second I just stood there frozen because this place really felt insane. Then I felt it, that heavy familiar pressure behind me.

My body stiffened before my mind could even process it and slowly I turned my head upward toward the VIP platform and there they were. Zenon, Zemus, Zeurt. Standing there without masks, completely exposed, completely calm, like they owned the entire place because they did.

Not tonight but then Zemus looked down and saw me first, his lips curling into that annoying smirk like he already found something entertaining.

“Oh,” he said casually like I was just another problem appearing in his night.

Zeurt followed his gaze and the moment his eyes landed on me, his expression softened slightly like I was the only quiet thing in a loud world.

Zenon didn’t even move at first, he just stared at me like he was calculating something I didn’t want to understand.

Then I heard it. “They’re betting on this race already,” someone said beside them.

Zemus chuckled lightly, “Of course.”

Zenon finally spoke without breaking eye contact with me, “We’re not losing.”

Somehow that didn’t sound like confidence anymore, it sounded like a warning meant specifically for me.

My fingers clenched tightly as I forced myself to look away because I needed to focus, I needed to forget they were here, I needed to survive this race without losing my mind but before I could even fully breathe, a voice from the lineup beside me interrupted everything.

“Ha? Ito kalaban ko?” a guy said loudly while looking me up and down like I was a joke.

He was tall, loud, and smiling like he already won before the race even started, clearly arrogant with the way he leaned on his car and flicked his keys like everyone was beneath him.

“Bro, seryoso ba ’to?” he laughed while pointing at me, “Mukhang newbie ah, baka maiyak ka lang sa takbo pa lang.”

The crowd immediately reacted, laughing, screaming, booing like animals smelling weakness, and the noise got even worse like they wanted blood more than a race.

I didn’t respond but my jaw tightened because I already knew this type of racer, the kind who talks too much and thinks speed equals personality.

“Wag ka na tumakbo, uuwi ka rin naman umiiyak,” he added smugly before revving his engine loudly like he was proving a point to everyone.

The crowd cheered like idiots, some screaming his name like he was already a champion, and I could feel the tension building like the air itself was waiting to explode.

Then I heard Zemus laugh from above. “Pathetic,” he muttered.

Zeurt didn’t look at the arrogant racer at all, he was still watching me like he was waiting for my reaction and Zenon finally narrowed his eyes slightly, not at the guy…but at me, he was waiting to see what I would do next in a place full of demons who were all screaming for chaos and honestly…so was I.

Chapter forty

The lights above the track suddenly flickered as the announcer’s voice roared again, “FINAL CHECK! DRIVERS, READY!”

My heart was already pounding so hard it felt like it didn’t belong to me anymore, but I forced myself to stay still while sliding my helmet on, hiding whatever expression I had left.

Beside me, the arrogant guy kept revving his engine like he was trying to intimidate everyone on purpose, laughing loudly every few seconds like the entire race was already his.

“Bro, makikita mo yan,” he shouted over the noise, pointing at me without even looking properly, “after nito, hindi ka na ulit lalabas dito.”

The crowd reacted again like wild animals, screaming, laughing, chanting his name like they were feeding off his arrogance.

I didn’t answer, i just tightened my grip on the steering wheel. Focus, just focus but even as I tried, my eyes drifted up for a split second. VIP platform.

Zenon was still staring at me, completely unreadable but intense, like he was silently dissecting every breath I took. Zemus leaned back casually, smirking like the whole situation amused him, like he already knew how this would end and Zeurt wasn’t smiling, he looked serious now, eyes locked on me like he didn’t like what I was about to do but also like he couldn’t stop it.

My chest tightened and I looked away immediately.

“Start engines!” the announcer shouted.

The sound of engines exploding to life filled the entire place, shaking the ground, shaking my chest, shaking everything inside me.

The arrogant racer beside me laughed again, “Game over ka na, pare.”

I didn’t respond.

“3… 2… 1…”

The moment the signal dropped, everything turned into chaos. We shot forward like bullets.

The crowd screamed like demons being released, money flying in the air, people shouting names, pushing each other, losing their minds completely.

Race of Hell, It wasn’t a race anymore. It was survival. The arrogant guy immediately took the lead, swerving aggressively like he owned the road, cutting through lanes with zero hesitation.

“Ha! Kita mo ’yan!” he shouted over the engine noise, “Walang kwenta!”

I stayed behind for a second longer than necessary, watching his movements, reading his patterns, letting him get too comfortable.

“Too loud,” I muttered to myself.

Then I stepped on the gas, the engine roared louder.

I moved, i slipped past him, the wind hitting my body like knives as the track curved sharply ahead.

The arrogant guy noticed immediately. “What the—”

He swerved harder, trying to block me aggressively, but he was sloppy, too emotional, too focused on showing off instead of actually racing. I cut inside his lane without hesitation.

For a second, our cars were almost side by side. He turned his head toward me, shocked, then angry.

“Hoy!” he yelled, “Sino ka ba?!”

I didn’t even look at him, that pissed him off more. He tried to ram me slightly, but I adjusted instantly, slipping just enough to avoid impact while maintaining speed. The crowd exploded even louder, screaming like they were watching a fight instead of a race.

“FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!” they chanted.

I clenched my jaw, this place is really insane.

Then suddenly my radio crackled faintly, but I didn’t even need to hear it to know because I felt it. That gaze, from above. All of them watching and somehow…it felt heavier than the race itself.

I pushed the thought away and focused forward again, my car accelerating as I took advantage of a sharp turn. The arrogant racer tried to keep up, but he overcorrected and almost clipped the barrier.

“Shit!” he cursed loudly.

That was my opening, I took it. Clean pass and no hesitation.

The crowd went absolutely feral even louder screaming, even wilder cheers, like they couldn’t believe it.

The arrogant guy was left behind, shouting something I couldn’t even hear anymore as distance grew between us.

“Impossible…” someone in the crowd muttered but I didn’t slow down.

Up on the VIP platform, silence dropped for half a second then Zemus slowly straightened.

“Interesting,” he murmured.

Zeurt didn’t smile.

Zenon finally spoke, voice low and sharp. “Finish it.”

The track stretched ahead of me like it had no end, sharp turns cutting through the darkness while the sound of engines behind me faded and returned in waves like a chasing storm.

I gripped the steering wheel tighter, my breathing uneven inside the helmet, but my focus stayed forward because I already knew one thing if I let even a second of hesitation slip, I lose.

The arrogant racer was far behind now, swallowed by distance and noise, but the race wasn’t over yet because in Race of Hell, nothing ever ended cleanly.

The crowd kept screaming like animals, their voices blending into one chaotic roar that made the whole place feel alive in the worst way possible.

“Bumalik siya! Bumawi ka!” someone shouted.

“Dapat talo ’yan!”

“Sayang pera ko!”

I took a sharp turn, tires screeching against the asphalt as I forced the car to drift perfectly, the motion almost automatic now like my body knew what to do even if my mind was somewhere else and still i felt them, watching.

Up on the VIP platform, I didn’t even need to look to know Zenon hadn’t moved, Zemus was probably smirking again, and Zeurt…was still silent.

That silence bothered me more than anything.l because Zeurt never stayed silent unless something was wrong, my jaw tightened.

Just finish this. I accelerated again, the engine roaring louder as I pushed through the final stretch of the track, the finish line lights slowly coming into view like a warning rather than a reward.

The crowd noticed immediately, their screaming shifted, louder, more desperate, like they could already smell the ending.

“FINAL STRETCH NA!”

“GO! GO! GO!”

“WHO’S GONNA WIN?!”

My heartbeat matched the engine now, fast and violent, but my hands stayed steady.Then suddenly a second car appeared on my side.

My stomach dropped. That wasn’t the arrogant racer, That was….i glanced up instinctively toward the VIP platform and they’re gone.

My breath hitched and behind me, another engine roared closer on the other side. Zemus, of course and somewhere in between, Zeurt’s car slid into view like a shadow, cutting between lanes with precision that didn’t feel competitive anymore.

It felt intentional. My grip tightened until my knuckles hurt.

“Hindi…” I muttered under my breath, shaking my head even if no one could hear me.

This wasn’t supposed to happen.

This was supposed to be just a race, just distraction, just escape but now it felt like I walked straight into them instead.

The three cars aligned around me for a split second, boxing me in without fully touching, like they were controlling the space around me without saying a single word.

The crowd went insane.

“WHAT IS THIS?!”

“TRIPLETS VS NEW DRIVER?!”

“THIS IS CRAZY!”

My chest tightened hard, this wasn’t chaos anymore.

This was a message, Zemus’ voice crackled faintly through an open channel, low and amused.

“Still think you can avoid us?”

I swallowed hard, eyes fixed on the finish line just ahead.

The finish line was right there, glowing like an escape I could finally take if I just pushed a little harder, but my chest felt heavier with every second because I could feel them beside me like a cage I didn’t notice I was already inside.

Zemus’ voice suddenly came through the line, low and amused like this was all just a game to him.

“Let’s race,” he said calmly.

I frowned, eyes still locked on the road. “What?”

Zenon’s voice followed next, colder and more final, like he had already decided everything for me.

“If you win,” he said, “you’re going to do what you want… and we will not go near you, hindi na kami makikialam sa buhay mo.”

My fingers tightened on the wheel instantly, my breathing shaking because even the idea of them disappearing should’ve felt like relief… but it didn’t.

Then Zeurt spoke, softer but worse, like it was the most natural thing in the world to him.

“And if we win…” he paused for a second, then continued slowly, “you will not go anywhere without us.”

Silence dropped for half a second, but it felt louder than the engine.

My jaw clenched. “Ano bang trip niyo?”

Zemus let out a quiet laugh, like he found my reaction entertaining.

“Simple lang,” he said. “Win, you leave us. Lose…” his voice lowered slightly, more possessive now, more dangerous, “you stop running from us completely.”

My chest tightened.

Zenon didn’t look away from the road even for a second as he added, calm but heavy, “If you lose, Dion… you don’t get to decide where you go anymore.”

My grip on the wheel almost slipped.

My grip on the wheel almost slipped. Zeurt leaned slightly closer in his lane, voice softer now but carrying something suffocating underneath it.

“If we win… you stay where we can see you. Always. You don’t disappear. You don’t avoid us. You don’t get away from us again.”

My throat went dry, Zemus chuckled again, but this time it didn’t sound playful anymore.

“It’s not about control,” he said quietly, “it’s about ownership.”

My breath hitched. The crowd around us started screaming louder like they could sense something wrong, something violent building even if they didn’t understand the words being said.

“WHAT’S GOING ON?!”

“THIS IS INSANE!”

“THEY’RE ACTUALLY SERIOUS?!

I could barely hear them anymore because all I could hear was Zenon’s next words, calm… obsessive… final.

“We already let you run twice, we’re not letting you disappear again.”

My fingers clenched so hard my knuckles hurt as I stared at the finish line, so close I could almost touch it but suddenly it didn’t feel like freedom anymore. It felt like a decision between escaping… or being claimed.

(Tulog na mga nakshie ko, bukas nalang ulit!!!!)

Chapter forty one

The finish line blurred in front of me, glowing brighter and brighter while the three of them stayed beside me like shadows I couldn’t escape from no matter how hard I pressed the gas. My breathing turned uneven inside the helmet.

They were insane, completely insane. The engines roared violently around us, tires screeching against the asphalt while the crowd screamed like bloodthirsty animals watching a live execution instead of a race.

“We already let you run twice…” Zenon’s cold voice echoed inside my head.

My chest tightened hard. I gritted my teeth and pushed harder on the accelerator. The car surged forward instantly.

“OH SHIT!”

“HE’S GOING FOR IT!”

“THIS IS CRAZY!”

The final stretch was right there and i just needed one opening. One second, one mistake from them.

Beside me, Zeurt laughed softly through the comms, playful even now. “Relax, cupcake. You’re too tense.”

“Shut up,” I snapped immediately.

His laugh only grew, on my other side, Zemus clicked his tongue impatiently. “Still talking back? Ang tapang mo talaga.”

Then suddenly his car swerved dangerously close to mine.

“Zemus!” I hissed.

He laughed loudly. “What? Natatakot ka?”

My jaw clenched, he was doing it on purpose, he’s provoking me, distracting me and the worst part? It was working. The crowd screamed louder as our cars almost touched.

“THEY’RE GONNA CRASH!”

“WHAT THE HELL!”

I tightened my grip harder and forced myself to focus forward again. Finish line, just the finish line but then Zenon moved.

Unlike Zemus who attacked loudly or Zeurt who played around like everything was fun, Zenon was worse because he didn’t waste movements. His car slid smoothly in front of mine, cutting my opening perfectly.

My eyes widened. “What……”

I immediately turned the wheel to avoid hitting him, tires screeching violently against the track causing the crowd lost their minds.

“YO!”

“THAT WAS INSANE!”

My heartbeat slammed violently against my ribs, he planned that, he knew exactly where I’d go.

“Focus, Dion,” Zenon said calmly through the radio, his voice low and unreadable. “You’re panicking.”

“I’m not panicking!”

“You are,” he replied immediately.

Before I could answer, Zeurt suddenly appeared beside me again, grinning through the slightly lowered window of his car.

“You know what your problem is?” he teased lightly. “You still think this is just a race.”

Then he bumped my car slightly and my breath hitched.

“Zeurt!”

He only smiled wider. “Oops.”

“FUCK!”

The car lost balance for half a second. Half a second and that was enough. Zemus instantly took advantage, speeding forward aggressively while laughing like a maniac.

“There it is!” he shouted. “Good boy.”

Anger exploded inside my chest. I accelerated immediately, trying to catch up, but Zenon blocked me again smoothly while Zeurt stayed on my side like they already knew every move before I even made it.

There’s no openings nor escape. The realization made my stomach twist, they weren’t racing individually, they were racing together against me and that is unfair 3vs1?

“THAT’S UNFAIR!” someone from the crowd screamed.

“THEY’RE BOXING HIM IN!”

“THIS IS INSANE!”

My breathing became uneven, the finish line was right there, so close. I pushed harder desperately, trying to force my way through the small gap between Zenon and the barrier then Zenon’s cold voice reached me again.

“Too reckless.”

His car shifted slightly, blocking the gap completely.

My eyes widened. I had no choice but to brake and that was it. Three shadows shot past the finish line first and the crowd exploded so loudly it felt like the entire track shook.

“THE TRIPLETS WIN!”

“HOLY SHIT!”

“THAT WAS INSANE!”

My car crossed seconds later, too late. The giant screen above the track flickered immediately.

1ST PLACE - ZENON 2ND PLACE - ZEMUS 3RD PLACE - ZEURT 4TH PLACE - DION

My chest dropped heavily and silence filled my ears despite the screaming around me. I lost, i fucking lost. My hands trembled slightly against the steering wheel as I slowed the car down, breathing hard inside the suffocating helmet then the radio crackled softly.

Zemus first, Laughing of course. “Talo ka,” he said teasingly. “Mukhang hindi ka na makakatakas sa amin.”

“Shut up,” I muttered weakly.

Zeurt’s softer laughter followed next. “Aww, don’t sound so upset, cupcake. You made it fun.”

I clenched my jaw hard then finally Zenon.

“You heard the deal,” he said softly.

The crowd kept screaming around us while I sat frozen inside the car, suddenly unable to breathe properly because the race ended already…but somehow it felt like something worse had just started. I slowly removed my helmet and the cold air hit my face immediately.

Three car doors opened almost at the same time, my heartbeat stopped. They were walking toward me, together.

Zemus looked victorious, smirking arrogantly while cracking his knuckles. Zeurt looked amused, almost excited, like he’d been waiting for this moment the entire night. Zenon looked at me quietly like he already owned me.

That scared me the most, I instinctively stepped back when they stopped in front of me. Zemus noticed immediately and laughed.

“Too late to run now, Dion.”

Zeurt tilted his head playfully. “Don’t worry. We’ll take good care of you.”

I swallowed hard as the noise around us slowly faded into the background.

People were still screaming, still talking about the race, still losing their minds over what just happened but none of it mattered anymore because the only thing I could focus on were the three of them standing in front of me.

Zemus smirked when I stayed silent for too long. “What? Biglang tahimik?”

I looked away from him immediately.

“Come with us,” Zenon said quietly.

Simple words but the tone? It wasn’t a request.

My chest tightened. “Ayoko.”

Zeurt sighed dramatically beside him, playful as always. “Cupcake, you lost. Remember the deal?”

“I never agreed to––”

“You did,” Zenon interrupted calmly. “The moment you stayed in the race.”

Natahimik ako, I hated how he said it so naturally, like this entire situation made perfect sense to him. Zemus stepped closer suddenly, making me instinctively step back but his hand immediately caught the back of my neck.

“Easy,” he muttered teasingly. “Bakit parang takot na takot ka?”

“I’m not scared of you.”

He laughed right in my face. “Sinungaling.”

Before I could answer, Zeurt suddenly grabbed my helmet from my hands and walked away casually like he already owned my things too.

“Let’s go,” he called out lazily. “Pagod na ’ko.”

“Zeurt––”

“Move, Dion.” Zenon’s voice was soft.

But somehow that was worse than shouting. My jaw clenched hard. I looked around quickly, almost hoping someone would say something, stop this, notice how insane the three of them were acting but the people around us avoided eye contact immediately.

Some even looked nervous, others looked entertained. No one was going to help me, of course not. This was their territory, race of Hell and the triplets practically ruled it.

I followed them.

The crowd parted instantly as we walked through the underground track area, whispers spreading everywhere around us.

“That’s him?”

“He lost to the triplets…”

“No, worse,” someone muttered quietly. “The triplets claimed him.”

My grip tightened into fists. Zemus heard it and grinned proudly.

“See?” he teased while throwing an arm over my shoulder forcefully.

I shoved his arm away immediately. “Don’t touch me.”

His eyes darkened for half a second before he laughed again like he found my attitude cute instead of annoying.

Zeurt walked backwards in front of us, smiling lazily while tossing my helmet up and down. “You know, if you stopped fighting us every five seconds, this would be easier.”

We finally exited the race track area and entered the massive building beside it. Sa pagkakaalala ko wala akong nakita na ganito nung last na punta ko dito or perhaps sa ibang room ako dinala?

The lobby alone screamed money, dim gold lights, black marble floors, expensive perfume lingering in the air. Guards lowered their heads slightly when they saw the triplets.

Zemus noticed my expression and smirked proudly. “Surprised?”

I stayed quiet.

That only amused him more, we entered the private elevator and the moment the doors closed, silence filled the space immediately. I could feel all of them around me.

Zeurt leaning casually against the wall while staring at me openly. Zemus beside me with his hands inside his pockets but still way too close and Zenon standing in front of the elevator doors.

The elevator dinged softly.

Zeurt walked in first and tossed my helmet onto the couch carelessly. “Home sweet home.”

“I’m not staying here,” I said immediately.

Zemus snorted. “Cute.”

“I’m serious.”

“So are we.” Zenon finally turned toward me fully. His expression unreadable.

“You lost, Dion.”

My chest tightened again he stepped closer slowly until I instinctively froze in place. Then his hand lifted calmly and fixed the collar of my jacket like something about me being messy bothered him, the action felt strangely intimate.

“There’s no way na ikukulong niyo ulit ako,” kinakabahan kong sabi habang paatras akong tumitingin sa kanilang tatlo.

Zeurt laughed softly, clearly entertained by what I said. He even tilted his head habang nakangisi, like he genuinely liked hearing that from me. Even though he was laughing, there was something in the way he looked at me that made my chest tighten. Parang gusto niya yung idea na iyon.

“I want to go home,” mahina kong sabi before turning around quickly.

But I barely made two steps before a hand grabbed my arm, it was Zemus. His grip was firm enough to stop me but not enough to hurt.

“You are not going anywhere,” he said seriously.

My breathing turned uneven. “My dad and Lola Rita are going to look for me again…”

My voice cracked at the end and I hated it immediately. Silence filled the penthouse, Hindi ko na napigilan ang pagluha. I looked away quickly, embarrassed, but it was already too late because their expressions changed almost instantly.

The teasing disappeared even Zemus slowly loosened his grip on my arm like he suddenly felt guilty for making me cry.

“Hey…” he muttered softly.

Zenon started walking toward me, calm as always, but this time his expression looked gentler.

“We’re not going to kidnap you again,” he said quietly.

I let out a shaky laugh. “Then why am I here?”

The three of them looked at each other for a second. For the first time since the race started, walang smirk, walang teasing, walang games.

Then Zeurt sighed softly and shoved his hands inside his pockets.

“To rest,” the triplets answered at the same time.

Napakurap ako. “To rest?” I repeated weakly.

Zenon nodded slightly. “You look exhausted.”

“And stressed,” Zeurt added while casually sitting on the couch. “You’ve been running from us for days.”

Zemus clicked his tongue and looked away like he didn’t want to admit anything. “Ang payat mo na rin.”

I stared at them in disbelief, i couldn’t understand them. How could they sound so soft after cornering me like this? After making me feel trapped all over again?

“You can’t just keep doing this to me,” mahina kong sabi. “You can’t just decide things for me whenever you want.”

Tahimik ulit then Zenon stopped right in front of me. Close enough for me to notice how tired he actually looked despite how calm he was pretending to be.

“We know,” he said quietly.

That answer caught me off guard. Zemus sighed and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “We know we’re fucked up, Dion.”

Zeurt gave a small smile, but this time it looked sadder than playful. “But every time you disappear…” he said softly, “parang nawawala rin kami.”

Chapter forty two

Tahimik ang paligid matapos kong sabihin iyon. The lights outside flickered softly against the glass walls habang nananatili lang akong nakatayo sa harap nila, my chest still tight from everything they admitted tonight.

Slowly, the triplets sat down on the long couch parang pagod na silang magpanggap. Zemus leaned forward, elbows on his knees habang mariing hinihimas ang mukha niya gamit ang dalawang kamay. Zeurt rested lazily against the couch pero seryoso ang tingin sa akin. Zenon stayed quiet in the middle, staring at me like he was trying to read every thought inside my head.

Then Zeurt spoke first.

“You think we became like this after you came in Costa Zilla?”

I frowned slightly.

Zemus let out a humorless laugh. “No, cupcake. We were already obsessed with you before that.”

I want to say i know but i just kept my mouth shut.

The memories I recovered flashed inside my head again. The secluded place, the locked doors, the forest surrounding the house, the way I ran. My breathing became uneven.

“You chased me,” mahina kong sabi. No one denied it so I laughed shakily. “I remember now.”

The triplets stayed still.

“I remember running through the forest while you chasing me.” My voice trembled slightly. “I remember hearing you call my name.”

Zemus shut his eyes tightly, Zeurt looked away but Zenon kept staring at me quietly.

“I was scared,” I whispered.

The memory hit me harder now, the cold air. Branches scratching against my skin habang tumatakbo ako. My heartbeat pounding so hard I thought I would collapse, then lights and a road that i thought that lead to my freedom.

“I thought nakatakas na ako…” mahina kong dagdag.

My throat tightened painfully. “Then suddenly may truck…”

I stopped breathing for a second because i still remembered the sound, the impact and the darkness after. The silence inside my head when I woke up without memories.

“I lost everything because of that accident,” nanginginig kong sabi.

Zemus immediately stood up from the couch. “And we almost lost you.”

I looked at him sharply, his eyes were red now from frustration and guilt.

“You think hindi kami nasiraan ng ulo after that?” he asked bitterly. “Do you know what it was like seeing you covered in blood because we chased you too far?”

The room fell silent and Zeurt finally spoke softly. “When we found out you had amnesia… we panicked.”

“You lied to me,” I said immediately.

Nobody argued making that hurt more.

“You told me you were my lovers.”

“Because you looked terrified every time we got too close,” Zeurt whispered painfully. “We thought if you believed you already loved us before… maybe you wouldn’t run again.”

I stared at them in disbelief. “That’s manipulation.”

“We know,” Zenon answered quietly.

I laughed weakly, wiping my tears angrily. “For months I loved you without knowing the truth.”

I slowly fell in love with them without realizing everything started from fear and lies.

“You made me feel safe while hiding the reason why I was scared in the first place,” I whispered.

Zemus looked away guiltily, Zeurt’s playful expression was completely gone now and Zenon slowly stood up and walked toward me.

“That part was selfish,” he admitted calmly. “But the feelings were real.”

My jaw tightened. “How can you even call this love?”

“Because it is,” Zemus answered immediately, almost angrily now. “Obsessed? Fine. Call us crazy if you want. But don’t say we don’t love you.”

“You kidnapped me!”

“Because we couldn’t let you go!”

The sudden outburst made me flinch and silence followed immediately after. Zemus looked frustrated at himself before running a hand through his hair roughly.

“You became our whole life without us noticing, Dion and when you disappeared,” Zenon continued quietly, now standing directly in front of me, “it felt like half of us disappeared too.”

My chest hurt because the worst part was…I still loved them too. Even after the lies, even after the fear, even after remembering everything and I hated myself for it again and again.

“All this time…” my voice cracked slightly, “you watched me love you while knowing I was terrified of you before, you should’ve told me.”

“And lose you?” Zemus suddenly snapped again laughing bitterly at himself. “You think kaya namin gawin ’yon?”

“Yes!” sigaw ko pabalik. “Because that was the right thing to do!”

Silence slammed into the room after that. My breathing turned uneven again habang pilit kong pinipigilan ang sarili kong mas lalong umiyak sa harap nila.

“You didn’t give me a choice,” mahina kong dagdag.

Zeurt finally lifted his head, his eyes visibly red now.

“We know.”

“No, you don’t.” Napailing ako habang umatras ng isang hakbang. “You don’t know how messed up it feels realizing the people who made you feel safe were also the reason you became broken in the first place.”

Para silang natamaan lahat sa sinabi ko especially Zenon.

Then Zeurt suddenly stood up from the couch and slowly walked toward me. Instinctively, napaatras agad ako. That tiny movement alone made him freeze. The look on his face cracked something inside me because for the first time, I saw fear in him too, not fear of me but fear of losing me.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered.

Napatitig lang ako sa kaniya.

“I know it’s not enough,” dagdag niya, voice shaking slightly now. “I know kahit ilang beses naming sabihin ’yan hindi mababago ginawa namin pero… fuck, Dion…” Napahawak siya sa sariling batok habang napapikit. “We really love you.”

“Sometimes I wish you didn’t,” mahina kong sagot.

Zemus looked away immediately while Zenon stayed completely still. That probably hurt them more than shouting ever could then Zenon slowly stepped forward.

“You can hate us,” he said softly. “You can scream at us, blame us, even leave us if that’s what you want but none of that will change how we feel about you.”

Zemus slowly lifted his head, his eyes dark and exhausted habang diretso lang akong tinitingnan.

Then he laughed weakly, almost bitterly. “Remember the race?” he asked quietly.

My fingers curled slightly at my sides habang unti-unting bumabalik sa isip ko lahat ng sinabi nila kanina.

Zemus leaned back against the couch before speaking again, voice low and dangerous. “If you won…” he paused shortly, jaw tightening, “we’d disappear from your life.”

Tahimik akong nakatingin lang sa kaniya.

“But you lost, Dion.” Zemus slowly stood up, eyes never leaving mine. “And we won,” he continued softly. “So stay where we can see you. Always.”

“You don’t disappear,” dagdag niya habang dahan-dahan siyang lumalapit. “You don’t avoid us. You don’t run away from us again.”

“Zemus––”

“I don’t care if this makes us monsters anymore,” he cut in immediately, frustration and desperation mixing in his voice. “I don’t care if we all end up in hell after this.”

The room fell completely silent. His eyes looked almost ruined as he stared at me.

“The only thing that matters to me,” he whispered hoarsely, “is that you’ll never belong in another man’s arms except ours.”

My heart slammed painfully against my chest. “Fuck…” mahina kong bulong habang napapaiwas ako ng tingin.

“Stop denying everything, Dion” Zeurt said

I clenched my fists tightly. “Stop saying that.”

“But it’s true.”

“Shut up, Zeurt.”

“Then look at us and tell us you feel nothing.”

Tahimik ako and that silence answered everything. Zemus closed his eyes briefly like he was trying to control himself while Zenon remained unnervingly calm beside him but I could see it in their expressions. The relief and obsession as if hearing my silence was enough to keep them breathing.

Zenon finally stepped closer, stopping just inches away from me.

“You can hate what we did,” he said quietly. “But don’t lie to yourself about what you feel.”

I swallowed hard, my heart reacted to them so fucking damn hard.

I hated how quiet I became after that because they were right and they knew it.

My chest rose unevenly habang pilit kong iniiwas ang tingin sa kanilang tatlo pero pakiramdam ko kahit saan ako tumingin sila parin ang nakikita ko.

Zemus standing there like he was barely holding himself together. Zeurt staring at me like losing me would destroy him completely. Zenon calm as always, but his eyes… his eyes were far too intense.

“You’re all insane,” mahina kong sabi.

A faint smile appeared on Zeurt’s lips. “We know.”

“That’s not something to be proud of.”

“We’re not proud,” Zenon answered quietly. “We just stopped pretending otherwise.”

Napatawa ako nang mahina pero walang amusement doon. “So ano? You expect me to just stay after learning everything?”

“No,” Zemus muttered. “We expect you to hate us.”

“Then why are you still looking at me like that?” Hindi agad sumagot si Zemus.

Instead, he slowly walked closer hanggang halos isang hakbang nalang ang layo namin. I could see the exhaustion on his face now. The guilt he kept trying to bury under all that anger and possessiveness.

“Because even if you hate us,” he said softly, “you’re still ours.”

My breath caught. “Stop saying that.”

“Make us stop.”

The tension immediately became heavier.

Zeurt cursed under his breath habang napapahawak sa buhok niya. “Fuck… you two need to stop talking before this turns worse.”

“But it’s already worse,” sagot ko agad.

Tahimik ulit then Zenon suddenly reached for my hand slowly, giving me enough time to pull away. I should’ve moved but i didn’t. His fingers wrapped gently around mine, warm and familiar, making my chest ache harder.

“You’re trembling,” he murmured.

“I wonder why.”

His grip tightened slightly. “Dion.”

Napapikit ako nang marinig ko kung gaano kalambot ang boses niya. That was the problem with them, they could ruin me and still touch me like I was something precious.

“You should’ve let me go before,” mahina kong sabi.

Zemus looked away immediately while Zeurt’s expression darkened. “We tried,” Zeurt admitted quietly.

Napatingin ako sa kaniya.

He laughed bitterly. “You don’t know how many times we talked about ending this before things got worse.”

“But none of you did.”

“Because every time we tried…” his eyes slowly returned to me, “ you’d smile at us and suddenly we couldn’t.“

Zenon gently brushed his thumb against my knuckles habang hindi inaalis ang tingin sa akin.

“We’re selfish people, Dion,” he said calmly. “Loving you just made us worse.”

Then suddenly, Zemus stepped forward and cupped the back of my neck carefully, almost hesitantly this time like he was scared I’d pull away.

“You can scream at us later,” he whispered roughly. “You can tell us how much you hate us tomorrow but right now…” his forehead slowly rested against mine, “…just stay.”

I should’ve pushed him away but instead, my eyes slowly shut and that single moment of weakness was enough to make the triplets look at me like they had just won all over again.

Chapter forty three

The entire house smelled like brewed coffee and old wood.

Tahimik lang akong nakaupo sa terrace ng bahay ni Lola Rita habang nakatanaw sa malayo. The evening wind brushed softly against my skin but it did nothing to calm the mess inside my chest. Sa loob ng bahay, rinig ko ang boses nina Dad at Lola Rita habang nag-uusap tungkol sa business meeting na ipinunta namin dito sa Costa Zilla.

“Dion.” Napalingon ako kay Dad nang lumabas siya sa terrace habang hawak ang phone niya. “We’re going back to the city tomorrow morning,” he said casually. “Tapos na rin naman yung aasikasuhin ko rito.”

“Okay,” mahina kong sagot kahit parang may mabigat agad na bumagsak sa dibdib ko.

Dad looked at me for a few seconds before slightly frowning. “You alright?”

“I’m fine.” But even I knew that sounded fake.

Tumango lang siya before lightly patting my shoulder. “Magpahinga ka na mamaya. Maaga tayo aalis bukas.”

Pagkaalis niya, tahimik ulit akong naiwan sa terrace.

I should’ve been relieved. Ito naman talaga gusto ko diba? To leave Costa Zilla, to stay away from the triplets and everything connected to them.

So bakit parang may mali? Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko habang mariing napapikit. Bwisit.

The memories from the penthouse kept replaying inside my head over and over again.

“You can hate us.”

“But don’t lie to yourself about what you feel.”

“Just stay.”

Napamura ako nang mahina habang napapasandal sa upuan. Part of me still wanted to leave and never look back again but another part? Another part was painfully attached already and that terrified me more than their obsession ever did.

Kinagabihan, hindi pa rin ako makatulog. I kept staring at the ceiling inside my old room at Lola Rita’s house habang magulo ang isip ko.

Then before I could stop myself, bumangon ako mula sa kama. Hindi ko alam bakit, hindi ko alam saan ako pupunta pero maya-maya naglalakad na ako palabas ng bahay ni Lola Rita habang mahigpit kong hawak ang hoodie ko dahil sa malamig na hangin ng gabi.

My feet moved on their own. Papunta sa mansion ng triplets, my heartbeat became louder with every step, maybe gusto ko lang silang makita bago kami umalis bukas, maybe gusto ko lang magpaalam nang maayos or maybe…ayoko lang talagang umalis nang hindi sila nakikita.

Pagdating ko malapit sa mansion nila, agad akong natigilan. A black luxury car slowly entered the driveway, headlights illuminating the massive front entrance of the house. My steps stopped instantly.

Then the driver’s door opened.

Zemus stepped out first and my heart reacted immediately like it always did whenever I saw them. Then Zeurt came out from the other side laughing softly habang may sinasabi kay Zenon na kakalabas lang din ng sasakyan.

For one stupid second, relief flooded my chest until the back door opened and Cheska stepped out para akong natuluyan huminto sa paghinga.

Tahimik akong nakatayo sa labas ng gate habang pinapanood si Zeurt na inalalayan siyang makababa ng sasakyan carefully.

“You’re so hard headed,” natatawang sabi ni Zemus

“Ano bang ginawa ko?” Cheska laughed back habang bahagyang hinahampas si Zemus sa braso.

Zeurt only grinned lazily habang inaakbayan siya. Even Zenon looked calmer than usual habang nakatingin sa kaniya then Zenon smiled, a small soft smile.

My chest hurt instantly something painfully heavy twisted inside me habang nakatitig lang ako sa kanilang apat. They looked happy, comfortable and close na parang matagal na silang ganoon. I suddenly felt stupid standing here.

Stupid for overthinking everything, for almost staying not because of the deal but because of them, for believing even for one second that maybe… maybe we’ll work things out and create another memories without lying anymore.

My fingers slowly clenched tightly at my sides. Then Cheska laughed again and Zeurt immediately looked at her like she was the only thing worth paying attention to. That broke something inside me completely, i looked away fast.

“Ah…” mahina kong bulong habang pilit ngumungiti sa sarili ko. “Gets ko na.”

Of course, what did I even expect from people like them? I took one step backward.

Then another, hindi nila ako napansin because they’re too busy smiling at someone else, too busy looking happy without me. Mabilis akong tumalikod at naglakad palayo. Hanggang sa halos tumatakbo na ako pabalik sa bahay ni Lola Rita habang pilit pinipigilan yung bigat na gustong sumabog sa dibdib ko because suddenly…going back to the city tomorrow didn’t sound painful anymore.

Tatlong araw na simula nang bumalik ako sa city galing Costa Zilla nang walang pinagsasabihan. Pagkauwi ko noon, dire-diretso agad ako sa kwarto ko at halos hindi na lumabas pagkatapos.

Every time pumipikit ako, bumabalik sa isip ko yung gabing nakita ko sila kasama si Cheska. The way Zeurt held her hand while helping her out of the car.

The way Zemus laughed beside her. The way Zenon smiled softly habang nakatingin sa kaniya.

Napahiga ako nang tuluyan sa kama habang mariing tinatakpan mukha ko gamit ang unan.

“Tanga…” mahina kong bulong sa sarili ko.

Tahimik lang buong kwarto hanggang sa marinig kong may kumatok sa pinto.

“Dion?”

Napabangon ako nang bahagya. “Yes?”

Pumasok si Dad habang may dalang folder at coffee mug. Halatang kagigising lang niya pero seryoso agad expression niya nang tumingin sa akin.

You’ve been quiet.“

“I’m fine.”

Halatang hindi siya naniwala pero hindi na siya nangulit. Instead, inilapag niya yung folder sa mesa ko.

“I need to ask you something.” Napatingin ako sa folder then back to him. “The university abroad still wants you,” sabi niya calmly. “If gusto mo pa rin mag-aral doon, kaya ko nang ayusin lahat this week.”

Natigilan ako, study abroad.

Noong una, iyon talaga plano ko, excited pa ako noon kasi gusto kong magkaroon ng bagong buhay outside the country, then Costa Villa happened, the triplets happened.

My chest tightened painfully habang kusang bumalik sa isip ko yung nakita ko sa harap ng mansion nila.

Cheska laughing between them while the triplets looked so comfortable around her, maybe this was exactly what I needed, distance, malayong malayo sa kanila.

“Dion?” tawag ulit ni Dad.

Mabagal akong napabuntong hininga bago tumango.

“Yes,” mahina kong sagot. “I want to study abroad.”

Dad looked relieved immediately. “Okay. I’ll process everything tomorrow.”

Tumango lang ako habang pilit ngumumingiti. Pagkaalis niya ng kwarto, agad ding nawala yung ngiti ko. Tahimik akong napasandal sa headboard habang nakatingin sa kisame. I should feel relieved.

Ito na yung chance ko para tuluyang makalayo sa kanila so bakit parang gusto kong umiyak?

Five years passed after I left the Philippines, five years of studying abroad, pretending I already moved on from everything that happened in Costa Zilla. I buried myself in school, new people, new places, new routines.

I tried so hard to become someone different from the boy who once got trapped between three obsessive brothers and feelings he could never fully understand and somehow, it worked.

At least… I thought it did.

Now I was standing inside the airport again, one hand gripping my luggage while staring blankly at the familiar city lights outside. I never wanted to come back here.

“Dion.”

Napalingon ako kay Dad na naghihintay malapit sa sasakyan. He looked older now, more tired than before. The moment I saw his face, my chest tightened immediately, something was wrong.

The drive was quiet and i kept looking outside habang pinipilit hulaan kung ano talaga dahilan bakit niya ako biglang pinauwi.

“How’s Lola Rita?” I asked softly.

Dad’s grip tightened slightly on the steering wheel before he sighed. “She’s not doing well. She keeps insisting na bumalik sa Costa Zilla,” he continued quietly. “Ayaw na niyang manatili rito sa city. Sabi niya mas gusto niya doon.”

I stared at him. “Costa Zilla?”

He nodded tiredly. “Her condition got worse these past few months. I already hired a personal caretaker to stay with her there but…” he paused briefly, “she keeps looking for you.”

Tahimik ako habang unti-unting bumibigat dibdib ko.

After five years, babalik ulit ako roon, the place I spent years trying to forget.

“I’m sorry dahil napauwi ka kaagad” Dad said carefully. “But this might be your last chance to stay with her.”

That sentence alone was enough to silence me. I slowly looked down at my hands habang pilit nilulunok yung biglang bigat sa lalamunan ko. Of course I would go, for Lola Rita, I would but deep inside, another reason was already making my heartbeat uneven.

Because Costa Zilla didn’t only hold memories of my grandmother, it held them too. The triplets, i haven’t seen them in five years. No calls, messages, and contacts.

After leaving that night, parang tuluyan ko silang binura sa buhay ko and maybe they did the same. Maybe they already moved on or forgot me. The thought should’ve comforted me. So why did it hurt?

The next morning, we traveled to Costa Zilla.

The moment the car entered the familiar roads, my chest immediately tightened. Everything looked both different and painfully familiar at the same time.

Even after five years, one look at this place was enough to drag old memories out of me.

“You okay?” Dad suddenly asked.

I quickly looked away from the window. “Yeah.” Lie.

When we finally arrived at Lola Rita’s house, I immediately got out of the car and walked toward the gate. The house looked more renovated now. There were medical supplies inside, railings near the stairs, and a nurse station beside the living room.

Then I saw her. “Lola…” Lola Rita slowly looked up from her chair near the window. The moment she saw me, her tired eyes immediately softened.

“Dion,” she whispered weakly.

I walked toward her quickly and knelt beside her chair, gently holding her hand.

“Bumalik ka” she said softly while caressing my face.

“Of course,” mahina kong sagot kahit hirap akong ngumiti.

She looked thinner now and more fragile. Seeing her like this made guilt crawl painfully inside my chest for staying away too long. Dad quietly left us alone while Lola Rita kept holding my hand then after a few moments, she suddenly smiled faintly.

Chapter forty four

“Matanda na ako, apo,” she murmured.

My chest tightened painfully. “Don’t say that.”

She only smiled again before slowly glancing outside the window. The afternoon sunlight hit her face softly making her look even more fragile.

“Alam mo…” she started quietly, “nung umalis ka, nalungkot ako ng sobra at ng bumalik ako dito sa Costa Zilla mas lalo kitang namiss dahil ang tahimik ng buong bahay”

Natahimik ako.

“Masiyadong busy ang papa mo at ikaw naman” she looked back at me gently, “…ang layo layo mo sa akin.”

I lowered my eyes immediately. “I needed to.”

“Alam ko” Her voice held no anger at all and somehow that hurt more.

Then unexpectedly, Lola Rita squeezed my hand weakly. “But despite everything,” she whispered softly, “your eyes still look for something here.”

My heartbeat stuttered instantly.

I tried to laugh it off. “Lola—”

“You don’t need to explain,” she interrupted gently. “I’m old, not blind.”

I stayed quiet after that because deep inside, maybe she was right.

Three days later, Lola Rita died peacefully in her sleep. The entire house fell silent after that and I still remembered how Dad knocked on my door early that morning, his face pale and exhausted.

“Dion…”

That was all it took and everything after became blurry. The funeral preparations, relatives arriving one after another, flowers filling the entire house and condolences that all sounded the same.

“She lived a good life.”

“She loved you very much.”

“Stay strong.”

I heard everything but none of it stayed inside my head. Now I stood near Lola Rita’s coffin habang tahimik na nakatingin sa kaniya. She looked peaceful, calmer than she had been these past few months parang natutulog lang.

“She waited for you before leaving.” Napalingon ako kay Dad nang mahina niyang sabihin iyon habang nakatayo sa tabi ko.

I swallowed hard and looked back at Lola Rita. Then suddenly, the murmurs around the funeral hall shifted slightly, napalingon ang ibang tao sa entrance.

They arrived.

First came Santa and Mallen walking side by side while Uno stayed between them calmly. Even after five years, the three of them still carried the same overwhelming presence that made people instinctively look at them.

Then behind them, the triplets.

My fingers tightened unconsciously at my sides. Zenon looked taller now, colder somehow. His expression unreadable as always. Zemus still carried that dangerous aura around him except now it looked heavier, more controlled. Zeurt… looked calmer but his eyes immediately scanned the room instinctively like he was searching for something or someone.

For one stupid second, hope rose inside my chest then Zeurt’s eyes passed over me completely like I wasn’t even there.

The triplets walked forward beside their parents while people around the funeral hall immediately lowered their voices.

Santa approached Dad first and offered condolences quietly.

“We’re sorry for your loss.”

Dad nodded tiredly. “Thank you for coming.”

Mallen glanced toward Lola Rita’s coffin sadly while Uno stayed respectfully quiet beside him meanwhile the triplets stood behind them, not one of them looked at me, not even once.

At first I thought maybe they just hadn’t noticed me yet but when Zemus casually looked in my direction only to look away immediately like I was part of the wall, something sharp twisted painfully inside my chest. Ah, i suddenly felt stupid again.

Five years ago, I was the one who disappeared without a word, five years ago, I was the one who left maybe they really moved on already, maybe Cheska stayed. The thought made me feel sick instantly.

“Dion.”

Napalingon ako kay Dad nang marahan niya akong tawagin. “Come greet them.”

My body felt strangely heavy as I forced myself to walk forward.

Santa gave me a soft smile immediately. “You’ve grown a lot.”

I tried smiling politely. “It’s been a while.”

Mallen nodded gently. “Lola Rita always talked about you.”

That almost broke me again, i quietly thanked them before my eyes instinctively shifted toward the triplets, wrong move because none of them were looking at me.

Zenon was speaking calmly to Uno. Zemus had his hands inside his pockets while staring elsewhere. Zeurt looked distracted while checking something on his phone like I meant absolutely nothing.

The silence became painfully awkward then Zeurt suddenly spoke.

“We should let them rest.”

Not to me, not even directed at me and then the three of them stepped away together. They really were ignoring me completely.

The rest of the funeral passed painfully slow. People kept approaching me and Dad to offer condolences but every single time I accidentally glanced toward the triplets, they never looked back.

Not once, they spoke to everyone else normally but never me.

It shouldn’t hurt this much after all, this was what I wanted before, right? Distance, freedom and a life away from them. So why did it feel worse than their obsession ever did?

By evening, the funeral hall became quieter as some guests started leaving. I stepped outside for air, my chest feeling suffocating from everything.

The cold Costa Zilla wind brushed against my skin habang tahimik akong nakatayo malapit sa garden ng chapel.

Zemus stood a few steps away while lighting a cigarette lazily. His black dress shirt sleeves were rolled slightly upward and his expression remained unreadable under the dim lights for a second, our eyes met.

Five fucking years and that single glance alone was enough to ruin me again but then he looked away first like I was still nothing.

Zemus exhaled smoke quietly before finally speaking. “You shouldn’t stay outside too long,” he muttered flatly. “It’s cold.” Then he walked past me.

The next morning, the funeral hall felt heavier than yesterday. More flowers arrived, more people dressed in black and more condolences that blurred together inside my head until I could barely process anything anymore.

I stayed beside Lola Rita’s coffin almost the entire time habang tahimik lang na nakatingin sa kaniya.

Every now and then, relatives would approach me, saying how much she loved me, how proud she always sounded whenever she talked about me abroad. Each story only made the tightness in my chest worse and by afternoon, one of Lola Rita’s old friends gently approached me.

“Dion,” she said softly. “Would you like to say something before the final prayer?”

My throat immediately tightened.

I wanted to refuse, i really did but then I looked at Lola Rita again and slowly nodded.

The hall became quieter as I walked toward the front shakily. My hands were already trembling before I even held the microphone, from the corner of my vision, I could feel people watching me.

Dad.

Relatives.

Guests.

And somewhere behind them, the triplets. I avoided looking at them completely. I took a deep breath but the moment I opened my mouth, my voice almost cracked immediately.

“Lola Rita…” mahina kong umpisa habang pilit ngumumingiti.

The silence inside the hall became painfully gentle. “I don’t even know where to start,” I admitted weakly, causing a few people to smile sadly. I looked down for a second, trying to calm myself.

“She was…” I laughed shakily. “She was kind…well, at first dahil pasaway ako lagi akong napapagalitan pero kahit ganun siya noon nararamdaman ko parin na mahal niya ako”

My eyes started burning already. “No matter how busy she was… no matter how tired…” I swallowed hard. “She always made sure that i felt comfortable and loved by her”

I paused briefly because my voice was already shaking too much.

“Years ago she still strong and jolly.” A weak laugh escaped me again.

I lowered my head immediately, trying to breathe properly but the tears started falling anyway.

“I…..I was away for so long…” my voice cracked painfully. “And she still waited for me.”

The microphone shook slightly in my hands.

“I regret that,” I admitted through tears. “I regret wasting so much time thinking I still had more time with her.”

The hall stayed completely silent except for my uneven breathing.

“I’m really grateful…” I whispered weakly. “So grateful that she became my grandmother.” My tears wouldn’t stop anymore. “She loved me so much even when I was difficult… even when I disappeared for years…”

I suddenly laughed while crying, completely unable to control myself now. “And she still welcomed me back like nothing changed.” My shoulders started shaking.

“I love you so much, Lola…” I cried softly. “I’m sorry if I came back too late.”

The moment those words left my mouth, I completely broke down. The microphone lowered shakily from my lips habang tuluyan na akong umiiyak sa harap ng lahat. Not quiet tears, not controlled tears but I cried like a child.

Like all the grief I kept holding since coming back finally crushed me completely. My breathing turned uneven while desperately wiping my face but it only made me cry harder. I couldn’t even continue speaking anymore.

Then suddenly a hand gently took the microphone from me. It’s Zenon.

I hadn’t even noticed him approach, the entire hall fell even quieter. Zenon calmly handed the microphone to someone else before turning toward me without saying anything.

His expression remained unreadable but his eyes looked softer than yesterday. For one painful second, I thought he would touch me but he stopped himself.

His fingers curled slightly at his side before he stepped back again quietly. That tiny movement hurt more than it should have. Then from behind him, Zeurt suddenly walked forward and handed me a handkerchief silently.

“Thanks,” mahina kong bulong.

Zeurt only nodded once before stepping away again and Zemus? He stayed at the back of the hall with his jaw clenched tightly while staring somewhere else entirely like hearing me cry was physically hurting him but he still never looked at me directly.

Chapter forty five

After the speech, I honestly don’t remember how I got back to my room. The moment the door closed behind me, my knees gave out instantly.

Napaupo ako sa sahig habang mariing pinupunasan yung mukha ko. My eyes were swollen already from crying too much pero parang hindi parin enough para mawala yung bigat sa dibdib ko.

Napahawak ako sa bibig ko nang bumalik ulit yung sakit sa dibdib ko. She’s really gone. Then suddenly a knock on my door caught my attention, natigilan agad ako. I stayed quiet while staring at the door.

Then Zenon’s voice came softly from outside. “Dion.”

Before I could even answer, the door slowly opened and the triplets walked inside quietly. No smirks, teasing, and possessive looks they just looked… exhausted.

Zeurt closed the door behind him habang si Zemus tahimik lang na nakatayo malapit doon. Zenon stayed in front of me, keeping enough distance like he didn’t want to make me uncomfortable.

For a few seconds, nobody spoke then Zeurt finally asked softly, “Kamusta?”

I laughed weakly even though my voice was shaking. “Do I look okay?”

Normally, Zemus would’ve answered immediately with something sarcastic but this time he stayed quiet. Nakatingin lang siya sa akin like he didn’t know how to start.

Akala ko ay hindi na nila ako papansinin at kakausapin ng ganito.

“You cried too hard outside” he muttered softly.

“Wow,” mahina kong sagot. “Observant.”

Pero hindi siya natawa, that alone already felt wrong.

I looked at the three of them properly and that’s when I realized…they looked terrible too. Red eyes and tired faces parang ilang gabi na silang walang tulog.

Zenon finally spoke. “We wanted to talk to you”

Then Zemus suddenly sighed heavily habang napapahawak sa buhok niya. “We fucked up, Dion.”

Diretso akong napatingin sa kaniya. His eyes looked exhausted now. Wala yung usual arrogance niya. Wala ring anger just guilt.

“We know saying sorry won’t fix anything,” he continued quietly. “Hindi mabubura nung sorry yung pagkidnap namin sa’yo and lying to you after the accident…” Zeurt added softly. “Pretending we were your lovers habang wala kang maalala…”

He shut his eyes briefly. “That was cruel.”

Zenon’s jaw tightened slightly before he spoke again.

“You were right before,” he said quietly. “We didn’t give you a choice.”

Tahimik lang ako habang pakiramdam ko lalong bumibigat yung dibdib ko. The memories came back again.

Zemus laughed bitterly at himself. “Hindi ko alam paano kami naging ganito ka-fucked up.”

“Zemus—”

“No.” Napailing siya habang nakatingin sa akin. “He deserves honesty this time.”

Then he looked down briefly before speaking again.

“We loved you so much na hindi na namin napansin na sinasaktan ka na pala namin.”

Fuck parang may humigpit agad sa dibdib ko.

Zeurt forced a weak smile. “We thought if we held onto you tightly enough… you’d stay.”

“But love shouldn’t feel like a cage,” Zenon finished softly.

Tahimik ulit buong kwarto then unexpectedly, umatras si Zemus ng isang hakbang.

“We’re stopping, Dion,” he said quietly.

I frowned slightly. “Stopping what?”

Then Zenon answered calmly. “Stop loving you”

My heartbeat stuttered instantly.

Zeurt swallowed hard before continuing softly. “We know we crossed every line possible.”

“So we’ll stop forcing ourselves into your life,” dagdag ni Zemus habang nakaiwas ng tingin. “No more chasing you. No more controlling you.”

“And no more making decisions for you,” Zenon finished quietly.

Napatitig lang ako sa kanilang tatlo, i should feel relieved. Ito naman yung gusto ko noon diba?

Zemus laughed weakly at himself. “Tangina, ang hirap pala nito.”

“Zemus,” Zeurt muttered quietly.

“No, seryoso.” Napailing siya habang pilit ngumumingiti. “For the first time, we’re actually trying to do the right thing for you.”

The room fell silent again.

Then Zeurt looked at me softly. “You don’t have to forgive us,” he whispered. “Honestly… we don’t even think we deserve it.”

My chest tightened painfully.

Zenon stayed quiet for a few seconds before finally speaking again. “But we needed you to know na mahal ka talaga namin.”

Fuck. I looked away immediately because hearing that still ruined me. Even after everything, after all the lies.

Zemus noticed it and laughed bitterly. “See? That’s exactly why we need to stop.”

Then slowly, the three of them stepped back toward the door. Not because they were leaving forever, not because they stopped loving me but because for the first time…they were trying not to suffocate me with it.

“Take care of yourself, Dion,” Zeurt whispered softly

Zemus looked away before muttering, “Kumain ka nang maayos.”

Then Zenon looked at me one last time.His eyes softer than I’ve ever seen them before. “We’re sorry,” he said quietly.

Simple words lero parang doon tuluyang may nadurog sa loob ko then they turned around and walked toward the door. My heart was screaming at me to stop them to say something, anything pero wala paring lumabas sa bibig ko.

I just sat there frozen habang isa-isang nawawala yung triplets sa paningin ko.

The door closed softly behind them then silence. Tahimik lang akong nakaupo sa sahig habang nakatitig sa pinto na parang hinihintay ko silang bumalik ulit. Parang may mabigat na nakadagan doon na hindi ko matanggal kahit anong pilit ko.

They finally did it, they finally gave me what I wanted before. So bakit parang gusto kong habulin sila?

Napapikit ako nang mariin habang napapasandal sa kama. Tangina. Ang gulo-gulo ng utak ko.

Part of me was angry, part of me was relieved.

But the loudest part? It was hurting because after everything… after all the obsession, the chaos, the fear, the love, they suddenly stepped back so easily.

Parang kaya pala nila akong bitawan all this time. That thought alone made something twist painfully inside my chest. Napamura ako nang mahina bago tumayo slowly. Lumapit ako sa bintana at bahagyang hinawi yung kurtina.

The funeral guests were still outside, some were talking quietly and others preparing things for tomorrow. Then my eyes immediately found them.

Nakatayo sila malapit sa black car nila habang kausap sina Santa, Mallen, and Uno. From up here, they looked normal.

Zemus leaned lazily against the car habang tahimik lang nakikinig kay Santa. Zeurt was scrolling through his phone while occasionally answering Mallen. Zenon stood beside Uno calmly with both hands inside his pockets.

No one looked devastated, no one looked like they just shattered my entire chest upstairs. Then suddenly Zeurt laughed softly at something Mallen said, is it because they already had Cheska?

Is that why they could finally let me go this easily? The thought hit me so hard I had to grip the curtain tightly. Tangina, maybe that’s why they looked calmer now.

Maybe that’s why they suddenly decided to stop obsessing over me, maybe they already found someone else to love normally. Someone they didn’t need to cage and didn’t need to ruin,

Five years ago, I ran because their obsession suffocated me. Now they were finally stopping and somehow… ako naman yung hindi makahinga.

I quickly let go of the curtain like it burned me. Tangina. Bakit ba ako nag-iisip ng ganito? Of course they moved on already. Five years akong nawala without a single message or explanation. Sinong matinong tao ang maghihintay nang ganoon katagal?

But somehow…the thought of them loving someone else still made me feel sick especially Cheska.

The way they looked comfortable around her. Happy and normal. Maybe that was the difference, Cheska could love them without fear, without trauma.

Napaupo ako sa gilid ng kama habang magulong hinihimas yung mukha ko. My head was starting to hurt badly already.

Then suddenly, my phone started ringing. Napatingin agad ako rito.

K

iefer Calling.

I answered immediately, mostly because I badly needed distraction right now.

“Hello?” mahina kong sagot.

“Bro.” Kiefer’s voice sounded softer than usual. “Nasa kwarto ka lang?”

“Yeah.”

“Gusto mo lumabas?”

Napakunot noo ako. “Ngayon?”

“Yeah. Kahit saglit lang.” Huminga siya nang mabigat sa kabilang linya. “You’ve been dealing with your lola’s funeral the whole day. Sasabog utak mo niyan.”

Napatahimik ako.

Kiefer continued carefully, “I know close kayo ni Lola Rita mo. So… tara muna somewhere quiet. Kahit drive lang.”

My chest tightened slightly at the mention of my lola.

“Dad might look for me,” mahina kong sagot habang nakatitig sa sahig.

“I already told Tito,” mabilis niyang sagot. “He said okay lang basta hindi tayo magtatagal.”

Napabuntong-hininga ako habang pinapahid yung mukha ko. Honestly, ayoko talagang makakita ng tao right now but staying here felt worse.

“Fine,” mahina kong sagot.

“Good.” Medyo gumaan agad tono niya. “I’m outside already.”

“What?”

“Bro, kapag hindi kita sinundo personally, baka hindi ka lalabas diyan.”

For the first time that night, napangiti ako nang mahina.

“Ang kulit mo.”

“Mana sayo,” natatawa niyang sagot.

I ended the call before slowly standing up. Paglabas ko ng kwarto, tahimik na yung hallway. Most of the guests were downstairs already. Habang pababa ako ng hagdan, agad kong nakita sila.The triplets.

All three of them looked at me at the same time. That familiar intensity still hadn’t disappeared completely pero this time…walang lumapit, walang pumigil.

Tahimik lang silang nakatingin habang naglalakad ako papunta sa pinto.

Then i saw Kiefer wearing a black hoodie and ripped jeans. “Bilisan mo, init sa labas…”

Natigilan siya nang mapansing nakatingin sa kaniya yung triplets.

“Ah,” awkward niyang sambit habang tumitingin sa kanila. “Yo.”

Zenon gave him a calm nod, Zeurt only looked away quietly while Zemus stared at him for a few seconds before speaking flatly.

“Hatid mo pabalik.”

Kiefer blinked. “Uh… okay?”

Napakunot agad noo ko. “Hindi ako bata.”

“We know,” Zemus answered calmly and somehow that sounded worse.

Kiefer glanced between us awkwardly, halatang walang idea sa tension sa pagitan namin.

“Tara na?” Kiefer asked carefully habang bahagyang tinatapik balikat ko.

Tumango nalang ako before walking past the triplets. Pero habang dumadaan ako sa tabi nila, mahina akong napahinto nang magsalita si Zeurt.

“Umuwi ka kaagad.”

Chapter forty six

A week later, tahimik lang akong nakatayo habang unti-unting tinatabunan ng lupa yung kabaong ni Lola Rita. The sky was gray that morning, bagay na bagay sa bigat ng pakiramdam ko. Dad stood beside me quietly habang nakahawak sa balikat ko paminsan-minsan.

The funeral ended peacefully, pero pakiramdam ko may naiwan paring lungkot sa buong Costa Zilla pagkatapos noon.

After everything was finished and the visitors slowly started leaving, saka ko lang kinausap si Dad sa veranda ng bahay ni Lola Rita.

“I’m staying.”

Napatingin agad siya sa akin. “Here?”

Tumango ako habang nakasandal sa railing. “For a while lang.”

Tahimik siyang nakatingin sa akin kaya nagpatuloy ako.

“I want to take care of Lola’s house muna. Ang dami ring kailangang ayusin dito.”

“Okay but call me every day,” dagdag niya agad. “And kapag may kailangan ka, uuwi ka agad sa city.”

Napangiti ako nang mahina. “Yes, dad.”

Kinabukasan, umalis din agad siya pabalik ng city kasama karamihan ng staff nila. Naiwan ako mag-isa sa bahay ni Lola Rita. Well… not exactly alone bscause Costa Zilla still had them.

“HOOOY!”

Napalingon agad ako nang marinig ko si Kiefer na sumisigaw mula sa gate habang nakasakay sa motor niya.

“Labas ka diyan!”

Napailing nalang ako bago lumabas ng bahay. “Ang aga-aga mo.”

“Mainit.” Ngumisi siya habang inaabot sakin yung extra helmet. “Tara, ilog.”

Napataas agad kilay ko. “Ilog?”

“Bro, ilang araw ka nang mukhang kaluluwa.” Natatawa niyang sagot. “Maligo tayo.”

Honestly, ayoko sana pero sobrang tahimik ng bahay ni Lola Rita that morning. Parang lalo lang akong nilalamon ng utak ko kapag nandun.

So after a few minutes, nakasakay na ako sa likod ng motor ni Kiefer habang bumabaybay kami sa makitid na daan papunta sa ilog. The place was familiar. Dati akong pumupunta rito kasama sila.

Pagdating namin, agad akong napahinto. “Putangina,” bulong ni Kiefer.

Nasa ilog sila, the triplets.

Zemus was sitting lazily on top of a rock habang basa yung buhok niya. Zeurt was half submerged in the water while talking to someone. Zenon stood near the riverbank calmly with his sleeves rolled up and they weren’t alone.

Kendra was there too, sitting under a tree habang may hawak na drinks. Her long hair moved softly with the wind and when she noticed us, agad siyang ngumiti beside her was Klio.

Tahimik lang itong nakaupo habang may hawak na phone. Unlike Kendra, Klio immediately looked at me and lastly…Cheska. She was laughing habang binabato ng tubig si Zeurt.

“Aalis nalang tayo,” mabilis kong sabi kay Kiefer habang bahagyang umatras.

“Huh? Bakit?” naguguluhang tanong niya.

“Basta.”

Too late. “DION!”

Napapikit agad ako nang marinig boses ni Kendra. Shit. She immediately stood up and waved happily at us.

“Kayo pala ’yan!”

Now everyone was looking at us especially the triplets. Kiefer awkwardly waved back habang ako naman gusto nalang mawala.

“Halika na dito!” masayang sigaw ni Kendra. “Ang daming pagkain!”

“Ah….okay lang kami dito—” mabilis kong sagot.

But Kendra was already walking toward us with her usual soft smile. “Come on. Hindi naman crowded dito.”

“She’s right,” Klio suddenly spoke habang nakatingin diretso sakin.

Napatingin agad ako sa kaniya, the bastard looked amused.

“Klio,” saway ni Kendra softly.

“What?” Umangat balikat niya. “I’m just inviting them.”

Napabuntong-hininga nalang ako habang napapikit sandali.

“Come on.”

Napabuntong-hininga nalang ako habang hinahayaan si Kendra na hilahin kami papunta sa pwesto nila. Pagkalapit namin, agad akong nakaramdam ng tensyon pero ramdam na ramdam ko yung titig ng triplets.

Tahimik lang siyang nakaupo sa malaking bato habang nakatingin sakin from head to toe like he was checking if I looked okay.

“Hi, Dion,” Kendra greeted softly while handing me a bottled water. “You disappeared after the funeral.”

“Just tired,” I answered shortly.

Klio snorted from nearby. “You look more than tired.”

I immediately glanced at him. “You’re with Kiefer again”

“Close na kayo?” I asked

“Nakikita ko ba naman lagi sa school” sagot ni Kiefer

“Why are you here?” Masungit na tanong niya kay Kiefer

“Tambay lang kay Dion”

The moment my name left his mouth, I felt all three of them look at me again. It was like they still couldn’t help it. I quickly looked away and sat under the tree beside Kendra just to avoid their eyes.

Cheska smiled politely at me. “Hi.”

“Hi,” I answered back quietly.

She looked nice and that irritated me more. Kendra started talking to Kiefer about random things happening around Costa Zilla habang tahimik lang akong nakikinig but every few seconds, I kept catching the triplets staring at me.

They were forcing themselves not to get closer and somehow, that hurt worse because five years ago, they would’ve already surrounded me by now. Talking over each other, clinging onto me, acting like I belonged to them. Now they were staying away.

Why did that feel so wrong?

“Hoy!” Kiefer suddenly stood up excitedly. “Talon tayo!”

“Later” I answered immediately.

“okayyy.” He laughed before diving straight into the river.

Water splashed everywhere while Kendra laughed softly beside me.

Meanwhile, I quickly looked away when Zenon suddenly stood up from the riverbank. He walked past me calmly without saying anything before entering the water too. Then Zeurt followed while dragging a complaining Zemus with him.

“Bwiset,” Zemus muttered. “Mainit na nga lalangoy pa.”

“Tumahimik ka,” Zeurt laughed.

Hearing them laugh normally again made something ache painfully inside my chest. Five years ago, I was the center of their entire world. Now they were trying to live around me instead of through me and somehow… ako yung nahihirapang tanggapin yon. I stared silently at the river, trying to calm my thoughts

“Fuck!” I jumped when cold water suddenly hit my entire shirt.

Kiefer was laughing like an idiot from the river. “Bumaba ka kasi!”

“Gago ka!” sigaw ko habang pinupunasan yung mukha ko.

Kendra and Cheska immediately started laughing too.

“Don’t get him too wet baka magkasakit” Silence instantly fell because of the way Zemus said it like his body spoke before his brain could stop it. For one second, it felt like nothing had changed.

Kiefer blinked before scratching the back of his neck. “Tsk”

I quickly looked away while my ears burned. Then Zemus seemed to realize what he said because he immediately looked irritated at himself.

“Whatever,” he muttered while looking away. Zeurt quietly rubbed his face while Zenon stayed silent in the water.

Klio watched the entire thing before scoffing softly. “They’re trying so hard it’s actually embarrassing.”

The triplets were trying their hardest not to love me loudly anymore and a selfish part of me hated seeing it.

“Bro, baba ka na!” sigaw ni Kiefer habang nasa gitna ng ilog. “Ang init-init tapos naka-upo ka lang diyan parang problemadong bida sa teleserye.”

“Fuck you,” sagot ko habang natatawa nang mahina pero honestly, ang init na nga rin.

Napabuntong-hininga ako before standing up. Then without thinking too much, hinubad ko yung shirt ko.

The moment I did, the surroundings suddenly went quiet.

I frowned slightly. “What?”

Kiefer’s eyes widened immediately. “PUTA.”

“Kiefer,” saway ni Kendra habang namumula yung mukha.

“Hindi, wait lang….” tawang-tawa niyang sagot habang nakatingin sakin. “Bro, kailan ka pa naging ganyan?”

Napakunot noo ako. “Naging ano?”

“Main character?” diretsahang sagot niya.

“Gago.”

Kiefer was still staring at the tattoo on the right side of my waist near my v-line, a black scorpion tattoo.

Not too big, not too small it’s just enough to be noticeable against my skin. Even Kendra looked surprised while Cheska blinked quietly.

“You got a tattoo?” tanong ni Klio.

“Yeah.” I scratched the back of my neck awkwardly. “My friends abroad influenced me.”

Kiefer whistled loudly. “Influenced? Bro, that thing looks hot as fuck.”

“Kiefer!” this time si Cheska na yung sumaway habang natatawa.

“What?” taas kilay niya. “Totoo naman.”

I rolled my eyes but before I could answer back, naramdaman ko agad yung pagbabago ng atmosphere. The triplets, shit. Slowly, napalingon ako sa kanila. All three of them were staring at the tattoo.

Zeurt looked completely still habang nakatitig sa bewang ko like he forgot what he was doing seconds ago. Zenon’s expression remained calm pero sobrang higpit ng panga niya and Zemus leaned back lazily against the rock pero hindi umaalis tingin niya sakin.

“What?” tanong ko habang napapakunot noo.

Zemus blinked once before finally looking away. “Nothing.”

But his voice sounded rough.

I suddenly remembered their words from last week but the way they were looking at me right now didn’t feel very stopping especially when Zenon suddenly walked closer but not too close just enough to hand me a towel quietly.

“Mainit ang sikat ng araw. Baka masunog balat mo.”

My fingers brushed his accidentally while taking it and I immediately noticed how his hand tightened slightly for one second before letting go.

“Thanks,” mahina kong sabi.

He only nodded before stepping back again immediately as if he was forcing himself to.

Then Zeurt suddenly spoke while still avoiding my eyes. “You should put sunscreen on that.”

Napakurap ako. “Ha?”

“Tattoo,” maikling sagot niya. “Masisira agad ’yan kapag napabayaan.”

The fact that he noticed that irritated me for some reason.

Meanwhile, si Zemus tahimik lang but every few seconds, nahuhuli ko parin siyang nakatingin sakin bago agad umiilag ng tingin kapag napapansin ko.

Like he was fighting himself and wanted to say something worse but kept swallowing it down.

Umupo sa tabi ko si Klio and handed me a cold soda before staring ahead at the river. “You look miserable.”

“Thanks,” dry kong sagot.

“Welcome.”

Napailing nalang ako habang binubuksan yung soda. For a few seconds, tahimik lang kami.

Then Klio suddenly spoke again. “I can feel you,” mahinahon niyang sabi. “You’re craving them.”

Agad akong napakunot-noo. “No.”

Klio glanced at me lazily. “Sure.”

“Tapos na lahat,” diretso kong sagot habang nakatingin sa tubig. “Sila na mismo nagsabi.”

He stayed quiet for a moment before scoffing softly. “Believe me. They’re just waiting for your signal.”

“Hindi.” Napailing ako agad. “They already have Cheska.”

Klio immediately looked at me like I said something stupid. “Seriously?”

Then he leaned back on his hands before speaking again. “Do you love them?”

“I…” Napalunok ako. “I don’t—”

“You do,” putol agad niya. “And honestly? Nakakapagod ka nang pakinggan sa part na ’yan.”

Napatingin agad ako sa kaniya. Klio sighed heavily habang nakatitig sa ilog. “Enough running away, Dion.”

His voice wasn’t mocking anymore, it sounded serious now.

“Face your fears. Face them.” Huminga siya nang mabigat bago nagpatuloy. “Walang mangyayari kung pareho kayong takot magbukas ng panibagong pahina dahil sa nakaraan. Honestly i don’t like you to love them because of what they did to you pero ayokong habang tumatagal mas gumugulo kayong apat”

“But what they did––”

“I know,” mabilis niyang putol. “Trust me, I know better than anyone how fucked up my brothers became because of you.”

I looked down quietly.

“They were obsessed,” dagdag niya. “Toxic, controlling. They hurt you.”

The words stung because they were true.

“But you also disappeared for five years without even letting them know”

Napapikit ako nang mariin.

“Cheska…” mahina kong bulong.

Klio immediately rolled his eyes. “Don’t start with that.”

“But—”

“They obviously don’t like her.” Napailing siya habang natatawa na parang nai-stress. “Damn, if you could see the way they still look at you, you wouldn’t even mention her name.”

Then Klio suddenly smirked slightly before leaning closer. “And if gusto mo talagang malaman truthfully?” he muttered. “Tease them.”

Nanlaki agad mata ko. “Ha?”

“Not in a crazy way, stupid.” Natatawa niyang sabi.

“Just… stop acting distant all the time.”

I frowned at him.

“They’re trying so hard to stay away because they think that’s what you want,” he continued calmly. “But believe me, one signal from you and those three idiots will crawl back immediately.”

Klio looked toward his brothers briefly before laughing softly to himself.

“They’re already failing anyway.” He nodded subtly toward them.

Napalingon ako instinctively and all three of them were already looking in our direction especially after Klio leaned closer to me. The moment our eyes met, Zeurt immediately looked away while Zenon stayed still and Zemus expression darkened slightly before he forced himself to look away too.

Klio snorted softly beside me. “See?”

Chapter forty seven

Napalunok ako nang makita kong nakatingin parin sila sakin kahit nagkukunwari nang hindi.

“See?” bulong ulit ni Klio habang amused na amused.

Tahimik akong nakatingin sa kanila habang nagsasalita si Klio sa tabi ko. He was right kahit anong pilit nilang umiwas, hindi nila kayang hindi ako bantayan.

Years ago, that obsession destroyed me pero ngayon? Ngayon sila naman yung mukhang unti-unting nasisira kakapigil sa sarili nila and somehow… ayoko na yatang makita yon. Napabuntong-hininga ako bago tumayo.

“Hm?” Klio looked up at me lazily.

Hindi ako sumagot.

Diretso lang akong naglakad papunta sa ilog habang ramdam ko agad yung pagtingin nilang tatlo sakin.

Kiefer immediately grinned. “Finally!”

“Ang ingay mo,” sagot ko habang lumulusong sa mababaw na part ng tubig.

Malamig agad yung tubig sa balat ko pero mas ramdam ko yung titig nila.

“Akala ko hindi kana lalangoy eh?” tanong ni Kiefer habang lumalangoy paikot sakin.

“Mainit,” simpleng sagot ko.

Then without thinking too much, tumingin ako kay Zeurt.

“Hindi mo ba ko sasamahan lumangoy?”

Nanlaki agad mata ni Kiefer, napabuga ng hangin si Klio habang pinipigilan matawa even Kendra and Cheska blinked in confusion.

Zeurt completely froze in the water.

“What?” paos niyang tanong.

I shrugged innocently. “Bakit parang gulat na gulat ka?”

Maling desisyon yata yon kasi nakita ko agad yung pagbabago sa mukha nilang tatlo parang may biglang nabuhay.

“Dion,” mahinang tawag ni Zenon and it’s a warning pero hindi ko pinansin.

Instead, mas lumapit pa ko kay Zeurt hanggang halos isang hakbang nalang pagitan namin sa tubig.

“Sasamahan mo ba ko o hindi?”

Zeurt stared at me silently. His chest rose and fell heavily habang parang pilit niyang kinokontrol sarili niya.

“You shouldn’t do this if you’re unsure,” mababa niyang sabi.

“I’m not unsure.”

“Fuck.”

Narinig kong mahinang napamura si Zemus mula sa likod. Klio was now openly smirking habang umiinom ng soda. Aliw na aliw yung gago and for a few seconds, walang gumalaw, then slowly… Zeurt moved closer carefully parang takot na takot siyang magkamali.

“Dion…” mahina niyang sabi habang nakatitig sakin. “You’re making this hard.”

My chest tightened slightly because he didn’t mean the swimming, he meant them. Them trying to stay away, trying not to fall back into obsession, trying to respect my boundaries after everything they did.

After kidnapping me, taking advantage of my amnesia, pretending we were lovers while I remembered nothing. They loved me obsessively before and now they were terrified to even get close without permission.

Ako na yung lumapit ng konti hanggang dumikit bahagya braso ko sa kaniya.

The reaction was immediate because Zeurt inhaled sharply, Zenon’s jaw clenched hard and Zemus looked one second away from losing his mind.

“Fuck,” narinig kong bulong niya ulit.

I pretended not to hear it, instead, tumingin ako kay Zeurt. “Ano? Lalangoy tayo?”

His eyes finally met mine and shit, masyadong intense.

“Dion,” this time sobrang baba na ng boses niya. “Don’t give us hope unless you mean it.”

The words hit me straight in the chest kasi expected ko magiging selfish sila agad pero hindi. They were still holding back for me, that realization hurt worse.

I looked at him quietly before speaking honestly.

“I’m tired of running away.”

Then for the first time since I came back to Costa Zilla, nakita kong nawalan ng control expression ni Zeurt parang may nabasag sa mukha niya and behind him, napayuko nalang si Zenon habang mariing hinihimas batok niya. Si Zemus naman tumawa nang mahina pero halatang stress na stress.

“Tangina,” bulong niya. “Patay na naman tayo.”

Meanwhile, si Kendra at Cheska busy na ulit nag-uusap sa ilalim ng puno habang si Kiefer ay nagsasalita habang katabi si Klio na tahimik lang na nakasandal doon.

The river suddenly felt smaller lalo na nang mapansin kong hindi na nila namamalayan positions nila around me. Zeurt was in front of me, Zenon moved quietly sa kanan ko, and Zemus lazily swam closer sa kaliwa.

Likke instinct, like they were unconsciously boxing me in. A cage full of lions who’s deadly and possesive, trying so hard not to bite.

“Ang tahimik niyo,” puna ko habang pilit nagpapaka-normal.

“Kasalanan mo,” diretsahang sagot ni Zemus.

“Zemus,” warning agad ni Zenon.

“What?” Umangat balikat niya habang nakatitig sakin. “Totoo naman.”

I swallowed hard it’s because the way they looked at me now wasn’t normal, it was restrained and that felt more dangerous than before. Years ago, hindi nila tinatago obsession nila. They would cling to me openly, fight over my attention openly, touch me whenever they wanted.

Now? Now they kept stopping themselves every few seconds and every restraint looked painful.

“Dion.”

Napalingon ako kay Zenon nang marinig ko boses niya.

He was holding out a bottled water toward me quietly. “You’ve been under the sun too long.”

Tinanggap ko yon. “Thanks.”

His fingers brushed mine for less than a second pero parang may dumaan agad na kuryente sa kanilang tatlo. Zemus clicked his tongue irritably, Zeurt looked away and rubbed his wet hair back harshly Meanwhile, si Klio nakangisi at aliw na aliw sa nakikita.

I glared at him, he only raised his soda at me mockingly.

“Bro!” Napalingon ako kay Kiefer na muling sumisigaw habang nasa gitna nanamn ng ilog.

“Race tayo papunta doon!” turo niya sa malaking bato sa kabilang side.

Before I could answer, Zeurt immediately spoke. “Too far.”

Napakurap ako and Kiefer blinked too. “Ha?”

“Mabilis agos ngayon,” dagdag ni Zenon calmly pero halatang agree.

Zemus scoffed. “And madulas yung bato.”

Tahimik akong nakatingin sa kanilang tatlo, there it is again that automatic protectiveness kaya kahit anong pilit nilang umiwas, hindi nila kayang hindi alagaan ako.

Kiefer scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. “Uh… okay?”

I almost smiled then without warning, lumangoy ako palayo sa kanila nang kaunti.

“Dion.” Tatlong boses agad.

I turned around slowly habang pilit pinipigilan matawa.

“Relax,” sabi ko. “Hindi ako malulunod.”

“Hindi yon yung point,” mabilis na sagot ni Zeurt.

Parang siya mismo nagulat sa sinabi niya, Zemus covered his face with one hand. “Tangina talaga.”

Zenon exhaled quietly before speaking in a controlled voice. “Just… don’t go too far.”

My chest suddenly felt warm because they still sounded the same like I was still the center of their world kahit pilit nilang baguhin. Lumangoy ako pabalik hanggang halos dikit-dikit ulit kami.

The moment I got close enough, parang sabay silang huminga nang maayos. They didn’t even realize they were tense and that realization alone almost ruined me. Klio watched silently from the riverbank before muttering to himself habang natatawa.

“Yeah,” bulong niya. “These idiots are completely done for.”

“Hala!” sigaw ni Kiefer habang may bitbit na plastic bag pagbalik niya galing motor. “May nahanap akong tindahan!”

Napataas kilay ni Kendra. “Ano ’yan?”

Ngumisi siya proudly bago nilapag yung laman ng plastic sa picnic mat, it’s a beer.

“What the fuck?!” natatawang sabi ni Zeurt. “Maglalasing ka sa ilog?”

“Bakit? Patay na ba tayo?” sagot agad ni Kiefer.

Within minutes, naging maingay ulit paligid. Kendra was complaining dahil maingay daw si Kiefer. Si Cheska natatawa lang habang inaabutan ng drinks sila Zeurt, Si Zenon tahimik lang pero umiinom din paminsan-minsan.

Habang ako? Tahimik lang akong nakaupo habang iniikot yung bote sa kamay ko and every few minutes… napapatingin ako kay Cheska at sa paraan ng triplets pakikitungo sa kaniya and for some reason, lalo akong naiirita habang tumatagal.

“Bro, okay ka lang?” tanong ni Kiefer habang tinatamaan na rin ng alak.

“I’m fine.”

“Sure?” Natatawa siyang sumandal sakin.

“Shut up.”

Narinig kong mahinang tumawa si Klio mula sa kabilang side habang umiinom ng beer parang alam na alam niya bakit umiitim mood ko and suddenly, narinig kong tumawa si Cheska nang malakas nang may sinabi si Zeurt.

My jaw tightened instantly, napansin agad ni Klio. “Wow,” bulong niya habang amused na amused. “Ngayon mo lang narealize?”

I glared at him. “Tumahimik ka.”

“For the hundred time, you’re jealous.”

“I’m not.”

“Sure.”

I drank straight from the bottle aggressively habang umiinit lalo ulo ko bakit ba kasi andito parin si Cheska? Akala ko ba….tsk, my thoughts immediately stopped. Before I disappeared five years ago…ginamit nila si Cheska, to tease me, make me jealous, get my reactions from me because they were obsessed with my attention.

Because of how they treat Cheska, naging rason din iyon kung bakit umalis ako na walang paaalam and now bakit nandito pa siya? Hindi pa ba sila tapos?The old irritation came back instantly.

“Dion.” Napalingon ako kay Zenon nang marinig ko boses niya.

“You’re drinking too fast.”

I feel that he was still afraid of crossing lines, that only made me more emotional.

“Why do you care?” tanong ko habang medyo tipsy na “I’m going to pee,” bigla kong sabi habang tumatayo.

Kendra blinked. “Huh?”

“CR break,” dagdag ko habang naglalakad palayo pero after ilang hakbang, narinig ko agad yung tunog ng tubig sa likod ko.

Of course sumusunod sila. Napailing nalang ako habang dumidiretso sa mas tagong part ng ilog kung saan puro puno at malalaking bato nalang and the moment we were far enough from the others, humarap agad sakin si Zemus.

“You’re pissed.”

“No shit.”

“Dion,” maingat na tawag ni Zeurt. “What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?” Napatawa ako nang walang humor. “Seriously?”

Their expressions immediately shifted. “Bakit laging kasama si Cheska?” diretsahan kong tanong habang nakatingin isa-isa sa kanila. “Akala ko ba tapos na yung mga ganyang trip niyo?”

Nagkatinginan agad silang tatlo because they understood immediately. How they used Cheska before para pagselosin ako, how obsessed they were with getting reactions from me and how badly it fucked with my head.

“We’re not doing that anymore,” mabilis na sabi ni Zenon.

“Bullshit,” agad kong sagot. “Kasama niyo parin siya.”

“Because Kendra keeps inviting her,” iritang sagot ni Zemus habang hinihimas batok niya.

“Then why won’t you avoid her?” That question hit harder than I expected.

Tahimik silang tatlo parang may realization na dumaan sa mukha nila.

“You’re jealous,” mahinang bulong ni Zeurt habang nakatingin sakin like he couldn’t believe it.

“Hindi ako nagseselos,” mabilis kong sagot.

“Dion,” this time si Zemus na yung tumatawa nang mahina. “You literally dragged us here because of Cheska.”

“Tumahimik ka nga!”

That only made it worse because suddenly, all three of them looked wrecked and obsessively happy like starving people finally hearing the thing they’ve wanted for years.

Zenon stepped closer carefully. My chest tightened agad nang maramdaman kong kinokontrol niya parin sarili niya kahit obvious na gusto niya akong lapitan nang tuluyan.

Then Zeurt laughed softly habang hinihimas basa niyang buhok paatras. “Do you even realize what you’re doing to us right now?” mababa niyang tanong.

I looked away aggressively. “Wala akong ginagawa.”

“Bullshit,” bulong ni Zemus habang nakatitig sakin nang sobrang intense.

Then Zenon suddenly spoke. “Command us to stop making her get near us,” mahina pero diretsahan niyang sabi habang hindi umaalis tingin sakin.

My breath hitched.

“Command us to only stay with you,” dagdag ni Zeurt habang papalapit nang kaunti.

“Command us to only submit to you,” this time si Zemus na. His voice sounded almost dangerous.

Then all three of them stared at me like I was the only thing keeping them sane.

“That’s what we want,” mahinang sabi ni Zenon.

“For you to say that,” dagdag ni Zeurt.

Silence wrapped around us, Fuck. The obsession was still there, still alive, still starving and waiting for me.

Chapter forty eight

Days passed after that night at the hidden part of the river, days passed na parang may nagbago sa pagitan naming apat.

The triplets stopped pretending they could stay away from me completely. They still respected the promise they made after everything they did after kidnapping me, after lying to me during my amnesia, after pretending they were my lovers while I remembered nothing but now?

They hovered around me again just… gentler.

Zenon would quietly leave food outside Lola Rita’s house whenever I skipped meals. Zeurt randomly appeared beside me around Costa Zilla like an annoying golden retriever na hindi marunong lumayo and Zemus kept glaring at every guy who talked to me for more than five seconds pero wala siyang magawa kundi magreklamo nalang quietly.

But despite all the softness…the obsession was still there. I could feel it in the way they watched me, in the way they immediately noticed every little thing about me, in the way their entire moods still revolved around me and honestly?

I didn’t know what to do with that anymore. So when loud knocking suddenly woke me up one morning, badtrip agad akong napabangon.

“Fuck…” i groaned habang hinihimas mata ko. “Sino ba ’yan?”

“Dion!”

Nanlaki agad mata ko, i quickly got out of bed habang magulo buhok ko at suot parin oversized shirt before dragging myself toward the door. Pagkabukas ko the triplets were standing outside my house.

May dala silang paper bags full of groceries. Zenon stood quietly in the middle while carrying two eco bags, Zeurt had snacks and drinks hanging from his fingers habang nakangisi meanwhile, si Zemus naka-simangot lang habang may hawak na plastic ng vegetables.

“What the fuck…” bulong ko habang nakatitig sa kanila. “Anong ginagawa niyo dito?”

“Good morning din sayo,” Zeurt answered casually before walking past me papasok ng bahay.

“Hey—”

“Mainit sa labas,” reklamo niya habang nilalapag groceries sa mesa.

Zenon quietly followed him inside habang si Zemus dumiretso agad sa kusina na parang bahay niya yung bahay ni Lola Rita. I stared at them in disbelief.

“Excuse me?” incredulous kong sabi. “May permiso ba kayo?”

“Wala,” simpleng sagot ni Zemus habang binubuksan ref ko. “Pero papapasukin mo rin naman kami.”

“Wow ah.”

Then Zenon suddenly looked at me. “Have you eaten breakfast?” His voice was calm as always.

“Uh…” Napakamot ako sa batok. “Not yet.”

The three of them immediately looked at each other.

Zeurt grinned. “Lucky you.”

“Magluluto kami,” dagdag ni Zemus habang kinukuha yung ingredients mula sa paper bag.

“Para sabay na tayong kumain,” Zenon finished quietly.

Tahimik lang akong nakasandal sa doorway habang pinapanood silang gumalaw naturally sa kusina ko like they belonged there, like they belonged around me.

Zenon silently started preparing ingredients habang si Zeurt busy teasing everyone habang naghuhugas ng gulay.

“You know,” he started playfully, “cute mo paggising.”

I immediately frowned at him. “Totoo,” dagdag niya habang natatawa. “Mukha kang galit sa buong mundo.”

“Mas cute nung tulog,” singit ni Zemus habang abalang naghahanap ng sandok.

“Shut up,” agad kong sagot.

“Tama naman siya,” Zeurt laughed.

“Shut up” reklamo ko habang nauupo sa counter stool.

That only made Zeurt laugh harder.

Meanwhile, si Zenon tahimik lang pero halatang may pinipigilang ngiti habang naghihiwa ng ingredients.

Tahimik lang yung bahay habang kumakain kami, not awkward silence, just… comfortable. Zeurt kept talking about random things happening around Costa Zilla habang si Zemus panay kontra sa bawat sinasabi niya. Zenon quietly kept placing food on my plate kapag napapansin niyang paubos na kinakain ko.

Napabuntong-hininga ako habang tahimik na sumusubo ng pagkain.

Napansin agad ni Zeurt. “Ano ’yon?”

“Nothing.”

“You’re lying,” singit agad ni Zemus habang umiinom ng tubig. “Mukha kang nag-ooverthink.”

Napakunot noo ako nang bahagya. They still knew me too well and before I could answer, Zenon quietly moved another plate closer to me.

“Kumain ka muna,” mahinahon niyang sabi.

Zemus still looked naturally irritated pero mas kalmado na siya ngayon. Zeurt remained playful and annoying pero hindi na reckless tulad dati and Zenon…still looked at me like I was something precious he was terrified of breaking again.

Bigla kong naalala ko sinabi ni Klio.

I slowly looked down at my plate, maybe he was right, maybe ako rin yung nagpapagulo sa lahat.

I kept forcing myself to hate them completely, i kept trapping myself inside the past, inside the fear, inside the pain. Paulit-ulit kong sinasabihan sarili ko na bawal ko silang mahalin dahil sa ginawa nila.

That trauma was real but so was this.

The way they were trying now, the way they controlled themselves around me and became softer after realizing how badly they damaged me before and despite everything… I still loved them.

That was the hardest truth to accept. I loved them even after all the damage and maybe peace would never come if I kept denying that because every time I forced myself to run away, everything only became messier. Them suffering, me suffering. All four of us trapped inside the same cycle.

Tahimik akong napatawa nang mahina sa sarili ko. Agad silang napatingin sakin.

“What?” tanong ni Zemus habang nakakunot noo.

I looked at them quietly for a few seconds before finally speaking.

“You guys are really annoying.”

Then Zeurt suddenly grinned so hard parang muntik na siyang masamid. “Wow,” dramatic niyang bulong. “Lambing.”

Pero this time, hindi ko na napigilan yung maliit na ngiti sa labi ko and the moment they noticed that, parang sabay-sabay silang nakahinga nang maayos after years of drowning.

Zenon looked down quietly habang halatang pinipigilan emosyon niya, Zeurt leaned back in his chair habang nakangisi na parang nanalo sa buhay, meanwhile, si Zemus nakatingin lang sakin for a few seconds before scoffing softly.

“Patay na naman kami sayo.”

I rolled my eyes lightly. “Ang dramatic niyo.”

“Hindi siya nagde-deny,” bulong agad ni Zeurt kay Zenon habang nakangisi.

“I heard that,” I said calmly.

“Good.”

Tinapunan ko siya ng tissue habang si Zemus napailing nalang na parang naiirita pero halatang amused din.

“Dion.” Napalingon ako kay Zenon. Tahimik lang siyang nakatingin sakin habang hawak yung baso niya. “You look better today.”

“Mas mukhang tao na ulit?” biro ko nang mahina.

A small smile appeared on his lips. “A little.”

“Tsk,” singit agad ni Zemus. “Nagjojoke na kayo ngayon?”

“Selos ka?” natatawang tanong ni Zeurt.

“Shut up.”

Napailing nalang ako habang tinatapos pagkain ko pero honestly, ang hirap kumilos nang normal kapag tatlong tao sabay-sabay kang tinitingnan because even now…ganun parin sila tumingin sakin.

Tumayo si Zeurt habang inaabot plato ko. “Hugasan ko na.”

Napakurap ako. “I can do it myself.”

“No,” mabilis niyang sagot. “Guest ka.”

“This is literally my house.”

“That’s not the point.”

Zenon quietly took the other plates habang si Zemus nagsimulang magligpit ng pinagkainan

I stared at them in disbelief. “What is happening?”

“Acts of service,” Zeurt answered proudly.

“Tumahimik ka nga,” sagot agad ni Zemus habang inaayos yung mesa.

Meanwhile, si Zenon tahimik lang sa tabi ko habang kinukuha yung baso ko, naramdaman kong bahagya niyang nahawakan wrist ko. He froze immediately and the moment he noticed I stopped moving, mabilis siyang umatras.

“Sorry,” mahina niyang sabi agad.

The atmosphere shifted instantly.

Tahimik silang tatlo, that fear again, that constant fear of crossing my boundaries after everything they did before. My chest hurt unexpectedly habang nakatingin kay Zenon. Before, they never hesitated touching me, sila pa yung kailangang itulak palayo.

Now one small contact immediately made them retreat and i didn’t like that. Without thinking too much, dahan-dahan kong hinawakan pabalik wrist ni Zenon.

“It’s okay,” mahina kong sabi.

Wrong move because the way they looked at me after that it felt like something dangerous inside them suddenly woke up again.

Zeurt laughed softly first habang hinihimas noo niya. “Dion…”

“Hm?”

“You really need to stop doing things like that casually.”

“Why?”

This time, si Zemus sumagot habang diretso akong tinitingnan. “Because we’re trying very hard to behave.”

My fingers were still lightly wrapped around Zenon’s wrist, and I immediately felt the subtle shift in all three of them, like hungry wolves catching the scent of something they’d been starving for.

Zenon stayed completely still beneath my touch, jaw tight like he was controlling himself with everything he had. Meanwhile, si Zeurt napatawa nalang nang mahina habang nakasandal sa sink.

“Dion,” he murmured softly, eyes fixed on me, “you have no idea what you do to us.”

I slowly let go of Zenon’s wrist but the moment I pulled away, all three of them looked disappointed. Not angry but hungry like wolves watching their little sheep walk away from their mouths.

My heartbeat suddenly became louder inside my chest. Why did they still look at me like that? Like they could devour me whole if I gave them permission.

Zemus leaned against the counter habang diretsong nakatingin sakin. “You keep doing things like that then acting confused after.”

“I was just telling him it’s okay.”

“We know,” Zenon answered quietly.

His voice was calm pero sobrang higpit ng hawak niya sa baso. “But you don’t understand what ‘okay’ means for us anymore.”

That made me freeze slightly, silence filled the kitchen.

Then Zeurt suddenly walked closer until he was standing right beside my chair, not touching but just close enough for me to feel his presence.

“You know what the problem is?” he asked lightly.

“What?”

“You stopped running.”

My breath caught.

He smiled softly. “And now we don’t know how to act normal around you anymore.”

“Normal?” I repeated.

Zemus scoffed. “We were never normal about you.”

Before everything became toxic, before the obsession completely consumed them, they already loved me too intensely. Too possessive and consuming and now? Now they were trying to love me softly instead of violently but underneath all that gentleness…the obsession was still alive and watching me carefully like predators forcing themselves not to pounce.

Zenon suddenly stepped closer this time. Slowly and carefully, he was giving me enough time to move away if I wanted to but i didn’t move.

That alone made something flash in his eyes.

“Dion,” he said quietly, “tell us if we’re too much.”

The sincerity in his voice hurt my chest because years ago, they would’ve never asked that back then, they only took, only consumed, only caged me inside their love until I couldn’t breathe but now they looked terrified of hurting me again.

Even while staring at me like starving animals. I swallowed slowly before speaking.

“You’re trying.”

All three of them froze then Zeurt looked away first while laughing softly under his breath like he couldn’t handle hearing that from me.

Meanwhile, si Zemus napamura nalang nang mahina habang hinihimas mukha niya.

Zenon looked at me like I had just handed him his entire world back which honestly…was probably true.

Chapter forty nine

The next few days became dangerously soft and honestly? That scared me more than the chaos before because now the triplets weren’t forcing themselves into my life anymore. They weren’t acting like obsessive monsters who could just drag me wherever they wanted.

Now they asked and somehow…that made them harder to resist.

“Dion!”

I immediately groaned when I heard Zeurt yelling outside Lola Rita’s house early in the morning. I was sitting on the veranda while drinking orange juice when a loud bike bell suddenly echoed outside.

Wait…..Bike?

I frowned before standing up and looking through the gate.

“What the hell…”

The triplets were standing outside with bicycles.

Zeurt looked way too proud of himself while wearing sunglasses like he was filming a sports commercial. Zemus stood beside him with his usual annoyed expression while leaning against his bike, meanwhile Zenon quietly held another bicycle beside him.

An extra bike for me.

I blinked slowly. “Why do you all look like a biking gang?”

“Because we are,” Zeurt answered proudly.

“Cringe,” Zemus muttered.

“Shut up,” Zeurt replied before looking at me excitedly. “Come on, let’s go biking.”

I stared at them. “Huh?”

“We bought bikes,” Zeurt announced dramatically like that explained everything.

“I can literally see that.”

“This one’s yours,” Zenon said softly while slightly lifting the extra bike.

My eyes landed on it, black and silver. Simple but expensive-looking.

“You bought me a bike?” I asked in disbelief.

“Yes,” Zemus answered casually. “Problem?”

“What do you mean problem?!” I laughed. “Why would you buy me one?”

Zeurt removed his sunglasses dramatically. “Because couples do activities together.”

“WE ARE NOT—”

“Relax,” he cut me off while laughing.

The idiot looked way too happy after seeing my ears turn red. I looked at Zenon instead. “You seriously agreed to this?”

A small smile appeared on his lips. “You mentioned before that you used to bike around the city.”

My chest softened a little, right, I did say that once but it’s years ago.

Zemus crossed his arms while staring at me. “So? Are you coming or not?”

I looked at the three of them standing outside the gate, honestly…this should’ve felt weird. After everything that happened between us, after all the trauma and chaos, why did this suddenly feel so normal? Like we were just four people planning a morning ride together.

Maybe that was the point, this was their way of trying to build something healthier and softer with me now.

I sighed before finally opening the gate. “Fine,” I muttered while taking the bike.

The way their faces immediately changed they looked ridiculously happy.

Zeurt instantly raised both fists into the air. “LET’S GO!”

“You’re so loud,” Zemus complained, though he clearly looked happy too.

Zenon stayed quiet but the small smile on his face was impossible to miss. A few minutes later, we were already biking around Costa Zilla.

The morning breeze felt cool against my skin while the sunlight warmed the streets. I quietly rode ahead of them while listening to the sound of their bikes behind me. It felt nice.

“Hey!” Zeurt yelled from behind me. “Slow down!”

I looked back while laughing softly. “You’re just slow!”

“Excuse me?! This is a competition now!”

“You suck at biking,” Zemus immediately added. “Fuck you”

I shook my head while the two of them started arguing again in the middle of the road. Zenon quietly rode beside me.

“You’re smiling,” he suddenly said softly.

I looked at him. “Huh?”

“You’ve been smiling since we left.”

I immediately looked away. “No, I haven’t.”

A quiet chuckle escaped him. “Okay.”

“Stop assuming things.”

That only made his smile grow slightly bigger. Damn, why was he becoming harder to deal with lately? Before, Zeurt was the only dangerous one when it came to teasing me but now even Zenon started doing things quietly that completely messed with my head.

“Dion!” Zeurt suddenly sped up until he was riding beside us. “Race me until the next street.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Shut up.”

“You’re scared of losing.”

I immediately looked at him. “Excuse me?”

He grinned like a menace. “See? That got your attention.”

“Idiot.”

Then suddenly i pedaled faster.

“OH SHIT” Zeurt immediately laughed before chasing after me.

“Dumbasses,” Zemus muttered, but he sped up too.

Just like that, the four of us were racing through the streets while laughing and yelling at each other like idiots. Costa Zilla slowly blurred around me, the wind, the trees, their voices, everything felt light.

We eventually stopped near a grassy overlook surrounded by rolling hills. Zeurt was breathing dramatically while holding his chest like he was dying.

“Cheater…” he complained while pointing at me.

I laughed softly while opening a water bottle. “How was that cheating?”

“You were too fast.”

“That literally means I won.”

“Ouch,” Zemus mocked. “Looks like your pride got hurt.”

“Shut up.”

Zenon quietly handed me another bottle of water while watching me carefully. “Tired?”

“A little.”

“You can rest first.”

I nodded before sitting on the low wooden fence near the overlook, the breeze quietly passed through the hills around us and Zeurt sat beside me on my right while Zemus sat on my left. Zenon stayed standing in front of us while holding his bike.

I narrowed my eyes at them suspiciously. “Why are you staring at me again?”

“Nothing,” Zeurt answered immediately.

“You’re lying.”

Zemus scoffed softly. “It’s your fault.”

“Huh?”

“You look too peaceful today.”

My chest tightened unexpectedly because somehow…that sounded emotional coming from him. I quietly looked away toward the hills and I suddenly felt Zeurt resting his head against my shoulder.

Normally, I would’ve complained immediately but this time? I stayed still. The three of them instantly went quiet. I sighed softly before leaning back against the wooden fence.

“You guys are so clingy,” I muttered quietly.

“Sorry,” Zeurt answered immediately, but he still didn’t move away.

“I didn’t tell you to move.”

All three of them looked like they completely stopped functioning, Zemus looked away while cursing under his breath, Zeurt buried his face deeper against my shoulder while laughing from embarrassment, meanwhile Zenon closed his eyes for a second like he was trying very hard to stay calm.

I stared at them in disbelief. “You’re all so dramatic.”

“You’re literally killing us slowly,” Zeurt groaned.

Despite the teasing, the chaos and everything that happened between us before…for the first time in years being with them no longer felt like a cage, It finally started feeling like home.

The wind kept brushing softly against us habang tanaw yung magandang paligid ng Costa Zilla. Golden yung sunlight ngayon, making everything look calmer than usual.

Zeurt was still leaning against my shoulder like a clingy baby habang si Zemus nakaupo lang sa kabilang side ko habang tahimik na umiinom ng tubig. Meanwhile, si Zenon nakatayo parin sa harap namin habang hawak bike niya.

They were staring again, I sighed tiredly. “Why do you all keep looking at me like that?”

“Like what?” Zeurt asked innocently.

“Like I’m about to disappear.”

The atmosphere suddenly shifted.

Zemus looked away first habang mahigpit hawak niya sa bottle niya. Zeurt’s arms around my shoulder tightened slightly while Zenon’s expression softened in a way that made my chest ache unexpectedly.

“You did disappear before,” Zenon said quietly.

Ah, Right.

I slowly looked down at the grass beneath my shoes. “You guys looked happier without me anyway.”

Tahimik agad silang tatlo. “You had Cheska,” dagdag ko habang pilit kong pinapakalma boses ko. “Back then…you looked at her like she was your whole world.”

The triplets froze, completely froze.

I laughed quietly pero walang humor doon. “So I thought…maybe I was the only stupid one still holding onto everything and believing everything you said that night.”

Memories immediately flashed inside my head.

Zeurt laughing with Cheska, Zemus fixing something on her and Zenon looking calm beside her while I stood there feeling like an outsider watching the three of them caring for someone tht is not me.

That shit destroyed me more than I ever admitted.

“She wasn’t—” Zeurt started immediately.

“She was just someone we used to tease you,” Zemus cut in roughly habang nakakunot noo. “That’s all.”

“Yeah well,” mahina kong sagot habang umiwas tingin, “you were really good at making it look real.”

Zenon stepped closer. “Dion,” he said softly, “look at me.”

Ayoko sana pero tumingin parin ako and the expression on his face almost made my chest hurt.

“You really believed that?” he asked quietly.

I forced out a small laugh. “What was I supposed to think? The three of you kept pushing her in my face every chance you got.”

Zeurt suddenly cursed under his breath habang hinihimas buhok niya frustratedly. “Fuck…”

“We were trying to make you jealous,” Zemus admitted bitterly. “We thought if you got jealous enough, you’d stop running away from us before.”

“That was stupid,” I muttered.

“We know,” Zenon answered immediately.

“You made it seem like she mattered more.”

“She didn’t,” sagot agad ni Zeurt habang diretso akong tinitingnan. “Never.”

I stayed quiet because part of me still remembered how painful it felt seeing them around Cheska. The way they laughed with her, looked relaxed around her, and convinced myself maybe they finally found someone better than me.

“I left because I couldn’t take it anymore,” mahina kong amin. “Seeing you all look at someone else like that…”

My chest tightened. “It felt like I already lost.”

The triplets looked horrified as if the thought alone physically hurt them.

“You never lost,” Zenon said immediately. “Nangako kami sayo na hindi na mauulit”

“And Dion,” Zeurt added softly, voice unusually serious now, “there was never anyone else.”

“Only you,” Zemus muttered quietly.

Zeurt suddenly crouched in front of me habang nakatingala sakin. “You know what’s crazy?”

“What?”

“You really thought we’d move on from you?”

I stared at him silently and he laughed softly pero parang nasasaktan din. “Dion, we literally ruined our own lives because of you.”

“Zeurt––”

“No seriously,” singit ni Zemus habang napapailing. “We were pathetic.”

“Obsessive,” dagdag ni Zenon quietly.

“Insane,” Zeurt finished then he smiled at me softly. “But always yours.”

Chapter fifty

I was lying on my bed habang nagce-cellphone nang biglang may tumugtog na guitar sa labas, napakunot agad noo ko.

“Hm?”

Then a familiar voice started singing.

“Uso pa ba ang harana?”

Nanlaki agad mata ko, wait…agad akong bumangon bago lumapit sa bintana. Pagbukas ko ng curtains the triplets were standing outside the house.

Zeurt was in the middle singing softly habang nakangiti, his voice echoing gently through the quiet night beside him, Zenon was calmly strumming the guitar habang seryosong nakatingin sa strings niya meanwhile si Zemus nakatayo lang sa gilid habang may hawak na bouquet of flowers and looking like he wanted the earth to swallow him alive already.

My cheeks immediately warmed, they were seriously doing a harana for me.

Zeurt looked up and immediately smiled wider when he saw me by the window but he continued singing anyway.

“Marahil ikaw ay nagtataka…”

I stayed frozen near the curtains habang nakatitig lang sa kanila.

The soft guitar, Zeurt’s warm voice and all three of them were standing there under the dim lights outside the house parang biglang naging scene sa old romance movie yung Costa Zilla.

Napailing ako habang pilit pinapakalma sarili ko pero lalo lang umiinit mukha ko the longer I watched them. May ilang kapitbahay na ring sumisilip mula sa mga bintana habang kinikilig at natatawa quietly.

Of course, Costa Zilla would definitely remember this forever. When the song continued, Zeurt kept looking directly at me habang kumakanta and damn, bakit parang mas nakakakaba kapag seryoso siya?

I slowly walked outside habang tuloy parin kanta nila, Zeurt’s eyes immediately softened after seeing me stand there in front of them but he still kept singing.

Zenon quietly continued strumming the guitar habang si Zemus awkwardly looked away for a second nahihiya siya sa ginagawa nila, sabagay sino ba naman ang mag aakala na ang tatlong ito ay manghaharana?

When the song finally ended, naging tahimik buong paligid.

Zemus awkwardly stepped forward before offering the bouquet to me. “For you.”

Napakurap ako habang tinitingnan flowers. “You bought flowers?”

“Obviously.”

The moment I held it, parang sabay-sabay silang nakahinga nang maayos.

Zenon slowly lowered the guitar before stepping closer. Calm parin expression niya pero his eyes looked careful.

“Dion,” he started softly.

Zeurt stood beside him this time habang si Zemus nanatiling tahimik sa tabi ko.

Then Zenon quietly asked, “Can we start a new chapter?”

Tahimik lang akong nakatingin sa kanilang tatlo.

“A chapter where lies and pain are not here anymore,” dagdag ni Zenon. “Only truth, and love,”

After everything that happened between us…they were now standing here asking me gently instead of forcing me.

Zeurt suddenly laughed nervously habang hinihimas batok niya. “This is actually terrifying.”

“Tanga,” mahina kong sagot habang napapangiti.

“Is that a yes?” I looked at them carefully.

The three boys who once loved me too violently but now? Now they were trying to love me softly.

A small smile slowly appeared on my lips. “Let’s try again.”

Silence followed after that but not the painful kind and not the heavy silence we used to drown in before. This one felt soft, warm and real.

Zeurt stared at me for a few seconds after hearing my answer before suddenly covering his face dramatically.

“Holy shit,” he whispered. “I think my soul just left my body.”

“OA mo,” muttered Zemus habang napapailing.

“No seriously,” Zeurt continued habang nakatingin sakin ulit. “Dion just agreed to start over with us. Historic event ’to.”

I rolled my eyes lightly but tangina, hindi ko mapigilan maliit na smile sa labi ko and of course napansin agad nila.

The triplets froze again like idiots. “You smiled,” Zeurt whispered like he just witnessed a miracle.

“Don’t make it weird.”

“Too late,” Zemus muttered quietly habang nakatingin parin sakin.

Meanwhile, si Zenon tahimik lang pero the way he looked at me…parang gusto niyang i-pause buong mundo just to stay in this moment longer.

“GROUP HUG!”

“ZEURT NO—”

Too late, the idiot immediately wrapped his arms around me habang natatawa loudly. Napaatras ako sa gulat before almost losing balance.

“Fuck—” Zenon instantly grabbed my waist to steady me habang si Zemus mabilis ding humawak sa braso ko.

We were way too close now, Zeurt hugging me tightly, Zenon’s hand around my waist and Zemus still holding my arm.

My heartbeat suddenly became louder because the way they looked at me now, that dangerous hunger was back again. Zeurt slowly looked up from my shoulder, eyes softer now but still intense enough to make my knees wobbled.

“Dion,” he murmured quietly, “do you have any idea how hard it was not touching you these past few weeks?”

“Zeurt,” warning ni Zenon softly.

“What? I’m behaving.”

“This is behaving?” singit agad ni Zemus habang nakakunot noo.

“I’m not kissing him, am I?”

My face immediately heated up. “Stop.”

Zeurt laughed softly habang lalo lang sumiksik sakin for one second before finally letting go but the moment he stepped back, Zenon’s hand was still resting lightly against my waist and he noticed it too.

His fingers immediately twitched like gusto niya agad umatras.

“Sorry,” mahina niyang sabi.

Before he could move away, dahan-dahan kong hinawakan wrist niya.

“Don’t be” sagot ko.

All three of them immediately stared at me, that same look again like wolves trying very hard not to devour the thing they loved most.

Zemus cursed quietly under his breath habang hinihimas mukha niya. “You really don’t know what you do to us.”

“I literally just held his wrist!”

“Exactly,” Zeurt answered dramatically. “And now all three of us are fighting for our lives again”

“Arte niyo.”

“No,” Zenon finally spoke quietly while staring at me carefully. “We’re serious.”

The sincerity in his voice made my chest tighten because I knew they meant it. Every small touch from me affected them too much and every little bit of affection made them look like starving men finally being fed after years.

Honestly? Part of me was scared of that but another part….well the softer part I kept denying for years loved being wanted this much. The realization made my ears heat up again.

Napansin agad ni Zemus.

His eyes narrowed slightly. “Are you blushing?”

“No.”

“You are.”

“I’m literally not.”

“You definitely are,” Zeurt added while grinning like an idiot.

I immediately looked away habang umiinit mukha ko lalo. I heard Zenon laugh softly that sound alone almost killed me because Zenon rarely laughed out loud before.

“Dion.” Napalingon ako kay Zemus. He looked unusually serious now habang diretso akong tinitingnan. “We’re really trying this time.”

“No lies,” dagdag ni Zeurt quietly.

“No forcing you,” Zenon continued.

“No running away either,” Zemus finished while raising an eyebrow at me.

Napatahimik ako, fair point.

Then Zeurt suddenly grinned again. “So technically…”

“Wag mo nang ituloy.” I said

“We can flirt openly now?”

“ZEURT.”

“What?! We’re communicating!”

Zemus looked disgusted. “You sound ugly.”

“I hate this family.”

“Again,” singit ko agad habang nakatingin sa kanila suspiciously, “who said we’re a family?”

The triplets looked at each other first and slowly all three of them smiled, that felt like a trap already.

Chapter fifty one

The next afternoon, I was quietly organizing some old boxes inside Lola Rita’s house when suddenly may malakas na sigawan sa labas.

“DION!”

Napapikit agad ako. “What the hell…”

“DION!” sigaw ulit ni Zeurt mula sa labas. “Labas ka dali!”

Napabuntong-hininga nalang ako before walking toward the door. Pagkabukas ko napakunot agad noo ko.

“What are you wearing?”

Zeurt proudly spread his arms. “Basketball jersey.”

“I can see that.”

All three of them were wearing sleeveless jerseys habang may hawak na basketball si Zemus. Zenon stood quietly behind them habang may dalang bottled water and extra towels parang may sariling team.

“We’re playing basketball,” Zeurt announced dramatically.

“With who?”

“With you.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Too late,” singit ni Zemus. “May pustahan na.”

Napakurap ako. “Ha?”

Zeurt grinned proudly. “The loser buys dinner.”

“You dragged me into a bet without asking me first?!”

“Yes.”

“Wow.”

Zenon suddenly stepped forward this time. “You don’t have to play if you don’t want to.”

Tahimik akong napatingin sa kanya and there it was again the carefulness. How was I supposed to keep resisting them when they looked at me like that?

Zeurt noticed my expression immediately and gasped dramatically. “Oh my God. The face worked.”

“Anong face?”

“The Zenon soft eyes.”

“Tumahimik ka,” reklamo agad ni Zemus habang sinasampal siya sa likod ng ulo.

I rolled my eyes lightly before finally sighing. “Fine.”

Zeurt suddenly screamed. “LET’S GOOOO”

“Tangina ang ingay mo!” Zemus annoyingly said.

A few minutes later, nasa covered court na kami mainit yung panahon pero mahangin naman. Zemus bounced the basketball once before throwing it toward me na agad ko namang nasalo.

“First to fifteen,” he said calmly.

“Okay.”

Biglang ngumisi si Zeurt, that smile always meant danger.

“Winner gets a reward.”

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. “Anong reward?”

His grin widened. “A kiss.”

“The fuck?!”

“Tama naman,” sagot niya casually.

“Walang tama don!”

“Then don’t lose.”

I stared at him in disbelief habang si Zemus napapikit nalang na parang sanay na sa kapatid niya meanwhile, si Zenon tahimik na umiwas tingin pero halatang pinipigilan matawa.

“You people are insane.”

“Correct,” Zeurt answered proudly.

The game started anyway, they were annoyingly competitive.

“FOUL!” sigaw ko habang hinaharangan ako ni Zemus.

“That’s legal.”

“That was literally assault!”

“Skill issue.”

Meanwhile, si Zeurt panay trash talk habang si Zenon tahimik lang pero terrifyingly good maglaro.

Honestly? It was unfair because they knew me too well, they knew exactly how I moved, how I dodged and how I reacted parang synchronized pa silang tatlo habang naglalaro.

“Cheaters kayo,” reklamo ko habang hingal.

“We’re just obsessed with you,” Zeurt answered casually habang umiismirk.

Why did that sound so normal now? I tried focusing again but things became worse when the flirting started.

“Dion,” Zeurt suddenly called habang nagbabantay sakin.

“What?”

“You look hot sweating.”

My face immediately heated up. “What the…”

“Where’s the lie?” singit agad ni Zemus habang inaagaw bola sakin smoothly.

“Hoy!”

“You got distracted,” he said calmly before shooting he score.

“Asshole.”

Then Zenon suddenly moved beside me habang hinihintay namin bola.

“You’re doing well,” mahina niyang sabi.

I looked at him suspiciously. “Why are you talking like that?”

“Like what?”

“Soft.”

A small smile appeared on his lips. “Because you’re cute when competitive.”

Muntik ko nang mabitawan bola and fom the side, Zeurt screamed dramatically. “OH MY GOD HE’S FLIRTING NOW.”

“Shut up,” Zenon muttered pero halatang namula rin tenga niya.

“Stop,” reklamo ko habang lalong nawawala focus ko.

Ufortunately that became my downfall because every few minutes may bagong banat.

“Your waist looks nice in that shirt.”

“Ang ganda mo pag naiinis.”

“You bite your lip when you focus.”

“Cute.”

“Hot.”

“Adorable.

“Fucking stop, be fair!!”

But the more irritated I became, the more they laughed and the more they laughed the more distracted I got.

Eventually, Zemus scored the final point. “Fifteen,” calm niyang sabi habang hawak bola.

I immediately dropped my head backward dramatically. “I hate all of you.”

“No you don’t,” Zeurt answered proudly.

“Yes I do.”

“Liar.”

Humihingal akong naupo sa sahig habang pinapawisan meanwhile the triplets walked closer toward me with identical victorious expressions.

“You lost,” Zeurt reminded playfully habang yumuyuko para pantayan height ko.

I narrowed my eyes. “I know.”

“So technically…”

“No.”

“But the reward…”

“No.”

“Just one kiss.”

“ZEURT.”

He laughed loudly habang umaatras agad before I could throw the ball at him then unexpectedly, Zenon spoke.

“We’ll save it for next time.” Napatingin agad ako sa kanya.

Zemus nodded calmly habang iniinom tubig niya. “Future reward.”

“Conditional,” dagdag ni Zeurt habang nakangisi.

“Conditional my ass.”

Instead of forcing the topic, the triplets simply laughed before sitting beside me on the court floor. Tahimik lang kami for a moment habang hinihingal after the game.

Zeurt was leaning beside me habang si Zemus umiikot lang yung basketball sa kamay niya. Meanwhile, si Zenon tahimik na namimigay ng towels samin.

“So anong dinner?” tanong ni Zeurt habang nakatingin sa ceiling.

“Anything except seafood,” sagot agad ni Zemus.

“You hate seafood because you almost cried over a crab before,” Zeurt reminded.

“I was seven.”

“You screamed.”

“The crab moved.”

Napailing nalang ako habang pinapanood silang mag-away, ang dali nilang madistract minsan.

“Sinigang?” mungkahi ni Zeurt.

“Last week pa tayo nag sinigang,” sagot ni Zenon calmly.

“Edi sisig”

“No”

“Chicken fillet?”

“You complained about chicken fillet two days ago.”

“That was different.”

“Paano naging different?”

“Emotionally different.”

Tahimik akong napatawa nang mahina agad silang napalingon sakin.

“What?” tanong ko habang napapakunot noo.

“Nothing,” Zeurt answered immediately habang nakangiti.

“You look happy,” dagdag ni Zenon softly.

My ears slightly warmed kaya umiwas agad ako tingin. “Gutumin lang kayo.”

“Cute,” bulong agad ni Zeurt.

“Tumahimik ka.”

He only laughed habang mas lalo pang sumandal sakin then Zemus suddenly stood up habang hawak basketball. “Sa bahay nalang tayo kumain.”

“Again?” reklamo ko habang tumatayo rin.

“What’s wrong with your house?” Zeurt asked innocently.

“Wala pero lagi nalang kayong nasa bahay kumakain.”

“Because we like being there,” Zenon answered quietly.

“Yeah,” singit ni Zeurt. “Mas masarap pagkain pag nandiyan ka.”

“Ang corny.”

“Pero totoo.”

I grabbed my bag before sarcastically muttering, “Doon nalang kaya kayo tumira.”

Biglang natahimik silang tatlo at ng tignan ko sila ay nakangiti na.

Zeurt looked genuinely touched. “Really?”

My eyes widened immediately. “Ha? Hindi—”

“I can sleep on the couch,” singit agad ni Zemus na parang pinag-isipan na niya buong buhay niya.

“I’ll cook,” dagdag ni Zenon calmly.

Zeurt placed a hand over his chest dramatically. “I suddenly see my future so clearly.”

I stared at them in disbelief. “I was being sarcastic.”

“Too late,” Zeurt answered proudly.

“We already accepted,” Zemus added.

“Mentally moved in,” Zenon finished softly.

Napailing nalang ako habang naglalakad palabas ng court kasama sila, mga baliw talaga but despite that

I couldn’t stop the small smile forming on my lips while listening to them argue about who would cook dinner later.

(A/N- Matulog na kayo at bukas nalang ako ulit mag uupdate, mwuahhhhhhhhh goodmornight mga nakshie kong tunay!)

Chapter fifty two

The next afternoon, akala ko tahimik yung araw ko, nasa kusina ako habang naghihiwa ng mansanas nang biglang may malakas na engine sound na naman mula sa labas. Napapikit agad ako habang hawak kutsilyo.

“Hindi ko na kailangan tumingin para malaman kung sino yan.”

“DION!”

Napabuntong-hininga nalang ako. “Oo na!”

Paglabas ko ng bahay, bumungad agad sakin si Zemus nakasandal sa malaking matte black big bike niya habang naka-black fitted shirt at dark jeans. His hair was slightly messy because of the wind habang tinatanggal niya gloves niya gamit bibig niya.

Nakakairita kung gaano siya kagwapo.

“What?” tanong niya agad nang mapansin niyang nakatitig ako.

“Wala.”

“Sinungaling.”

“I’m literally just standing here.”

“And staring.”

Napairap agad ako. “Bakit ka nandito?”

Instead of answering, he grabbed another helmet mula sa motor niya before tossing it toward me.

“Catch.”

Agad ko namang nasalo habang nakakunot noo. “Ano to?”

“Ride.” maiksi niyang sagot.

“Saan?”

“Secret.”

I groaned “Hindi ako sasama kung secret.”

“Yes you will.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Hindi nga.”

Napasinghap siya nang malalim habang pinipigilan mainis. “Dion.”

“Anong Dion?” taas kilay kong tanong

“Stop acting difficult.”

“You literally arrived like a mafia boss tapos secret destination pa.”

“That’s because surprise nga.”

“Paano kung ibenta mo ko?”

“You’re too annoying to sell.” napasinghap ako sa sinabi niya ngunit sinuklian niya lamang ako ng kindat.

“Wow.”

A small smirk appeared on his lips. “Sakay na.”

Tahimik ko siyang tinitigan for a few seconds. Si Zemus talaga yung pinaka madaling uminit ulo sa kanilang tatlo. Madali mapikon, madali magselos, madaling magalit pero weirdly enough…he was also the one who always silently stayed beside me kapag tahimik lang ako. No unnecessary words, no dramatic teasing like Zeurt and no soft staring like Zenon, just presence.

“Five minutes lang,” warning ko habang sinusuot helmet.

“Sure.”

“You hang out with Zeurt too much.” My pagtatampo sa tono niya.

“Unfortunately.”

Napailing nalang ako before climbing behind him. The moment umandar motor, agad akong napahawak sa gilid ng upuan instead of him kaya narinig ko agad mahinang tsk niya.

“Hawak ka sakin.”

“Kaya ko.”

“Dion.” ngumuso ako, first name basis na pala ulit.

“I’m fine.” Then suddenly bumilis siya nang kaunti dahilan para mapakapit agad ako sa bewang niya. “ZEMUS!”

A low laugh escaped from him. “There.”

“Bwiset ka.”

“At least hindi ka mahuhulog.”

I tightened my grip slightly habang humahangin nang malakas ang paligid namin. Dumadaan lang yung mga puno, bahay at mahahabang kalsada habang unti-unting nawawala ang ingay ng bayan.

The farther we went, the quieter everything became until eventually…puro green nalang yung paligid.

Malawak na damuhan, tall grass dancing with the wind, open skies, golden sunlight and then Zemus slowly stopped the bike.

Pagkababa ko, agad akong napahinto. “Holy shit…”

The field stretched endlessly in front of us parang walang katapusan. Mahangin nang sobra dahilan para gumalaw buhok ko habang yung araw tumatama sa malawak na damuhan and then I saw them, the birds…dozens of them.

Some were flying low across the field habang yung iba nakadapo lang sa damo. Everytime humahangin, sabay-sabay silang lumilipad parang alon sa langit.

For a moment…hindi ako nakagalaw.

Tahimik lang si Zemus habang pinapanood reaction ko.

“Well?” tanong niya eventually habang nakasandal sa motor.

Napalingon ako sa kanya. “Ang ganda.”

Something softened in his expression immediately. “Told you.”

Naglakad ako papasok sa field habang pinapanood yung mga ibon. Every step made the grass brush against my legs habang mahangin yung paligid.

Everything felt peaceful, no chaos, pressure and noise, just wind and sky.

“Paano mo nahanap ’to?” tanong ko habang nakatingin sa mga ibon.

Zemus shoved both hands inside his pockets before casually answering, “I drive around kapag galit ako.”

Napalingon agad ako sa kanya. “That sounds concerning.”

“It is.”

Napatawa ako dahilan para mapatitig siya sakin.

“There,” sabi niya agad.

“What?”

“That laugh again.”

Napakunot noo ako. “Anong meron?”

“You do it more now.”

“Maybe because annoying kayo.”

“Maybe because mas masaya ka ngayon.”

Natahimik ako nang bahagya because he was right.

Before, lagi lang akong tumatakbo palayo sa kanila emotionally, mentally, literally but now…unti-unti akong nasasanay sa presence nila.

“Anong iniisip mo?” tanong ni Zemus habang naglalakad papalapit sakin.

“Wala.”

He tsked “Liar.”

“Mana sayo.”

A small smirk appeared on his lips, then suddenly may ibong mababang lumipad malapit samin dahilan para magulat ako. Napahawak agad ako sa braso niya, agad siyang napatingin sakin at ngumisi.

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Don’t start.”

“You grabbed me first.”

“Nagulat lang ako.”

“Still counts.”

“Walang counted!”

He stepped closer slightly habang nakatingin sakin with that teasing look in his eyes. “Clingy.”

“Tigilan mo nga.”

“Cute.”

“Zemus.”

“Okay okay.”

Halatang natutuwa siya. Nagpatuloy lang kami maglakad sa field habang tahimik yung paligid. Paminsan-minsan may lumilipad na ibon sa taas namin habang humahangin nang malamig.

Then unexpectedly, nagsalita ulit siya. “You know…i almost fought someone kahapon.”

Napalingon agad ako sa kanya. “Bakit nanaman?”

“I saw someone looking at you”

I stared at him blankly. “That’s literally normal.”

“He looked too interested.”

“You sound insane.”

“I am.”

Napailing nalang ako habang natatawa then suddenly huminto siya maglakad, paglingon ko, nakatingin lang siya sakin seryoso this time.

“But I’m trying.”

My brows slightly furrowed. “Trying what?”

“To calm down.”

Tahimik lang ako habang nakatingin sa kanya. Zemus looked away first habang hinihipan ng hangin buhok niya.

“I get angry easily,” dagdag niya quietly. “Especially when it comes to you.”

Something in my chest tightened slightly. “I know,” mahina kong sagot.

He laughed softly pero walang humor. “Sometimes gusto ko itali ka nalang sa bahay para walang ibang makalapit.”

“Excuse me?!”

“I said sometimes.”

“That doesn’t make it better!”

“But I don’t do it diba?”

“Bare minimum behavior!”

That finally made him laugh genuinely and damn. Rare yung ganung tawa niya because it’s real and pure.

“See?” sabi niya habang nakatingin sakin. “Ikaw dahilan bakit ako kumakalma.”

“Parang kasalanan ko pa.”

“Kasalanan mo talaga.” Napairap agad ako kahit umiinit tenga ko.

Humiga siya sa damuhan habang nakatingin sa kalangitan. “Lay with me.”

Napabuntong-hininga nalang ako before eventually lying beside him. Agad akong sinalubong ng malamig na hangin habang nakatingin kami pareho sa malawak na langit. Birds kept flying above us habang gumagalaw damuhan sa paligid.

Everything felt slow, peaceful and safe. Tahimik lang kami for a while until nagsalita ulit si Zemus. “I like this.”

“The field?”

“You beside me.”

Agad akong napalingon sa kanya pero nakatingin lang siya sa kalangitan.

“Ang smooth mo naman ngayon,” reklamo ko agad.

“Just being honest.”

A small grin appeared on his lips. May isang ibon na dumapo malapit samin dahilan para mapangiti ako nang bahagya habang pinapanood yon. Napatingin agad si Zemus sakin and he stayed quiet.

“What?” tanong ko eventually.

He looked at me for a few seconds before answering softly, “You look beautiful.”

Naramdaman ko ang pamumula ng aking mukha kaya napaiwas ako ng tingin sa kaniya.

Zemus Pov:

I wasn’t supposed to fall this hard for him, actually scratch that. All three of us already did a long time ago but lying beside Dion in the middle of the field while the wind moved softly around us and birds flew above our heads made everything feel better.

I honestly couldn’t tell anymore, I glanced sideways habang tahimik lang siyang nakatingin sa mga ibon. His hair kept moving because of the wind and the sunlight hitting his face made him look unreal.

Every time Dion looked peaceful, something inside me wanted to protect that peace so badly it almost became violent.

“You’re staring again,” he suddenly muttered without looking at me.

I scoffed lightly. “You noticed?”

“You’re not subtle.”

“Not my problem.”

That finally made him laugh quietly and damn, there it was again. That stupid laugh I liked too much, I looked away first before things got worse inside my head.

The problem with loving Dion was that everything about him affected me more than it should.

When he smiled, I felt calmer. When he ignored me, I got irritated the whole day. When somebody else looked at him too long, I started imagining crimes and honestly? That was already me trying to improve.

“Tumahimik ka,” Dion suddenly said beside me.

“Hm.”

“That usually means your brain is saying concerning things.”

I nod my head “Correct.”

He turned his head toward me this time while slightly squinting because of the sunlight. “What is it now?”

I stared at the sky for a few seconds before answering honestly.

“I don’t like it when other people stare at you.”

He groaned immediately. “Zemus.”

“What?”

“That’s not normal.”

“It is for me.”

“You sound like a red flag.”

“I am a red flag.”

“A very big one.”

“Still your favorite.”

His mouth immediately fell open in disbelief while I smirked a little then he threw a handful of grass at my face.

“Ang kapal ng mukha mo.”

I laughed softly habang tinatanggal yung damo sa shirt ko. “You didn’t deny it.”

“I’m literally denying it right now.”

“Nope.” i said emphasizing the P

“You’re annoying.”

“And you still came with me.”

That shut him up for a few seconds, Victory.

Dion clicked his tongue before sitting up from the grass. “I should’ve stayed home.”

He looked at me nararamdaman kong gusto niya ko sapakin but i like seeing him like this. Relaxed, playful and not forcing himself to act distant.

Before, every conversation with him felt like chasing someone already halfway out the door. Now? He stayed and maybe that was why I kept losing control around him because Dion staying felt too good.

I sat up while watching him brush grass off his clothes. The wind kept pushing his shirt slightly against his body and I immediately looked away before my thoughts became illegal again. Unfortunately, Dion noticed.

“Why did you suddenly look away?”

“Nothing.”

His eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Zemus. What were you looking at?”

“Nothing.”

“You’re lying.”

“I’m protecting you.”

He stared at me blankly for two seconds before grabbing another handful of grass and throwing it at me again. “Manyak.” he hissed

“Your fault.”

“How is that my fault?!”

“You exist.”

“That doesn’t even make sense!”

I laughed again while standing up from the grass. Dion kept glaring at me but his ears were turning red already. I walked toward the bike and grabbed bottled water from the compartment before tossing one toward him. He caught it easily before opening it.

“You really come here whenever you’re angry?”

“Yeah.”

“Why here?”

I leaned against the bike while looking around the field. “Because nobody’s here.”

“That’s the point?”

“When I’m angry, I don’t like noise.” He stayed quiet while listening, so I continued. “This place is calm, no people, no stupid conversations it’s jiust wind and birds.”

“And now me.”

“And now you.”

Something softened in his expression after that. Dion looked down at the water bottle in his hands before speaking more quietly.

“Does it bother you? That I’m here now?”

I frowned immediately. “No.”

“You used to come here alone.”

I stared at him for a few seconds before answering honestly. “It’s better with you.”

That made him look away first there it is again. That tiny reaction he always tried hiding whenever one of us became too honest.

I smirked slightly. “Cute.”

“Shut up.”

I laughed softly before walking closer to him. For a second, neither of us spoke. The air suddenly felt different and Dion slowly looked up at me and shit now his eyes always ruined my self-control.

“You know,” I muttered while staring at him, “you’re unfair sometimes.”

His brows furrowed slightly. “What does that mean?”

“You look at people like you don’t realize what you’re doing to them.”

“And what exactly am I doing?”

I stepped closer unconsciously. “Making things hard.”

Neither of us moved, the wind kept blowing around us while birds flew somewhere above but I barely noticed anything anymore because Dion was looking at me like that again.

“ZEMUUUUS!”

Napapikit agad ako in annoyance, Dion burst out laughing instantly. From far away, kitang-kita namin si Zeurt tumatakbo papunta samin habang si Zenon naglalakad lang sa likod niya carrying food bags.

“How the hell did they find us?!” reklamo ko agad.

Zeurt grinned proudly habang hingal na hingal. “Tracking device.”

Dion blinked. “What?”

“Joke lang.” Zeurt made a peace sign.

“Hindi nakakatawa yon,” I muttered dangerously.

Zenon finally reached us before calmly handing Dion a paper bag. “We brought snacks.”

Dion looked genuinely surprised. “You guys really came all the way here?”

“Of course,” Zeurt answered dramatically. “He stole you”

“I did not steal him.”

Dion immediately started laughing again habang napapailing and honestly? The field used to calm me down before but now? Hearing Dion laugh beside me felt way better than silence ever did.

Chapter fifty three

I should’ve known something was wrong the moment Zeurt became suspiciously quiet that morning. Usually, paggising ko palang may sampung messages na agad siya but today? One message lang. Get ready. That was it which honestly felt more threatening.

Nasa sala ako habang nakahiga sa couch and staring suspiciously at my phone when suddenly bumukas front door nang malakas.

“DION!”

Napapikit agad ako habang napabuntong-hininga.

“Ang aga-aga ang ingay mo agad,” reklamo ko habang dahan-dahang bumabangon mula sa couch.

Zeurt walked inside like he owned the entire house. Naka oversized black hoodie siya habang nakasabit earphones niya sa leeg. Messy buhok, smug grin, at mukhang may balak manggulo.

“Good morning to my favorite person,” he greeted dramatically habang bumabagsak sa couch beside me.

“Ignore,” sagot ko habang umiwas tingin at kunwaring busy sa phone ko.

Zeurt gasped loudly habang hawak dibdib niya. “You wound me,” sabi niya habang kunwaring nasasaktan.

“Bakit ka nandito?” tanong ko habang nakakunot noo at finally looking at him.

“To take you somewhere,” sagot niya proudly habang nakangisi.

“No,” sagot ko agad habang bumabalik tingin sa phone.

“Yes,” balik niya agad na parang walang choice sa mundo except sumama sakanya.

“I didn’t even ask where,” sabi ko habang napapairap.

“Exactly,” he answered habang yumuyuko para pantayan mukha ko. “Adventure.”

“That sounds unsafe,” mutter ko habang bahagyang lumalayo sakanya.

He suddenly wrapped one arm around my shoulders casually na parang natural lang sakanya yon. “Come with me,” he said softer this time habang nakatitig sakin.

“Why?” tanong ko habang suspicious na nakatingin sakanya.

“Because I’m bored.”

“That’s not convincing.”

“Because I miss you,” dagdag niya habang nakangiti pa rin.

Agad akong napatingin sakanya nang masama.

“Anong kailangan mo?” tanong ko habang nakakunot noo.

“Wow,” Zeurt laughed habang nakasandal sa couch. “Can’t I just love you peacefully?”

“Not with that face,” sagot ko habang tinuturo expression niya.

He clicked his tongue before suddenly grabbing my wrist. “Shoes. Now.”

“You sound like a kidnapper,” reklamo ko habang pilit hinihila pabalik kamay ko.

“A cute kidnapper,”

“That doesn’t help!”

Unfortunately, masyado siyang makulit and somehow after fifteen minutes…nasa mall na kami. I stared blankly at the giant arcade entrance habang si Zeurt mukhang batang pinakawalan sa toy store.

“You dragged me here?” tanong ko habang nakataas kilay.

“Yes,” sagot niya habang nakangiti nang sobra.

“You could’ve just said arcade.”

“But surprising you is more fun,” sagot niya habang hinahatak ako papasok.

“You enjoy stressing me out,” reklamo ko habang sumasabay maglakad.

“I enjoy you,” sagot niya casually.

Agad akong umiwas tingin dahil bwiset bakit parang ang dali niyang magsabi ng ganon?

The arcade was loud and bright. Everywhere may tunog ng games, lights flashing, people shouting and laughing. Meanwhile, si Zeurt mukhang nasa natural habitat niya.

“Oh my God,” bulong niya dramatically habang nakatitig sa claw machine. “Dion look.”

“It’s a stuffed toy,” sagot ko habang nakatayo beside him.

“It’s OUR stuffed toy,” pagtatama niya habang nakangisi.

“We don’t own that.”

“We will.”

Humila na agad siya ng arcade card before running toward the basketball machines.

“Game!” sigaw niya habang tinatawag ako.

“No,” sagot ko habang mabagal naglalakad palapit.

“Scared?” tanong niya habang nakangisi nang mapang-asar.

Agad akong napahinto. “Excuse me?” tanong ko habang nakataas kilay.

His grin widened immediately.

“I hate you,” mutter ko habang kinukuha yung bola.

“No you don’t,” sagot niya proudly habang nagsisimula magshoot.

Five minutes later, stress na stress na ko.

“CHEATER!” sigaw ko habang pilit inaagaw bola.

“It’s called talent!” sagot niya habang tumatawa

“You literally pushed me!” reklamo ko habang nakakunot noo.

Zeurt laughed loudly habang sunod-sunod score niya habang ako, nawawalan na focus because every few seconds may bagong banat siya.

“You look cute concentrating,” sabi niya habang mabilis naghshoot.

“Shut up,” sagot ko habang pilit nagfofocus.

“Oh my God your angry face is adorable.”

“Zeurt!” sigaw ko habang halos maibato bola sakanya.

“You bite your lip when you focus,” dagdag niya habang nakangisi.

“FOCUS ON THE GAME!” reklamo ko habang tinutulak siya.

“I am focused,” sagot niya habang nakatitig sakin. “On you.”

“Ang corny mo!” sigaw ko habang umiinit mukha ko.

He burst out laughing habang yumuyuko pa kakatawa.

“Stop embarrassing me!” reklamo ko habang tinatakpan mukha ko saglit.

“You’re already red,” tukso niya habang pilit silip mukha ko. Zeurt immediately raised both arms dramatically. “VICTORY!” sigaw niya habang nakangisi nang sobra.

“You’re so dramatic,” sabi ko habang hinihingal.

“I deserve celebration.” then suddenly lumapit siya sakin habang nakangisi. “My reward?”

I narrowed my eyes immediately. “Wala.”

“A kiss?” tanong niya hopefully.

“Absolutely not,” sagot ko habang umatras kaunti.

“One hug?”

“No.”

“Hold hands?”

“Hindi.”

“Marriage?”

“ZEURT!”

He laughed loudly before grabbing my wrist again. “Fine fine. Next game.”

“Bakit parang hindi matatapos to?” reklamo ko habang hinahayaan magpahila.

“Because I like spending time with you,” sagot niya habang naglalakad kami.

That shut me up immediately and napansin niya iyon. “Ohhhh,” he teased habang nakangisi.

“Tumahimik ka,” sabi ko habang umiwas tingin at umiinit tenga ko.

“You got flustered.”

Zeurt POV:

Dion had no idea how cute he looked whenever he got flustered, actually no. Maybe he did know or he just liked pretending he didn’t. I followed behind him habang naglalakad siya palayo sakin inside the arcade. His ears were still red from earlier and every few seconds he kept fixing his hair like he was trying to distract himself.

“Stop staring,” Dion complained without even looking back habang naglalakad.

“I physically can’t,” sagot ko habang nakangisi at nakasunod parin sakanya.

“That sounds like a disease.”

“It is. Ikaw yung sakit.”

He immediately looked back at me with the most offended expression I had ever seen. “That was horrible.”

“You still smiled a little.”

“I hate you.”

“No you don’t.”

Honestly, hearing Dion say that had already become comforting at this point. Kasi kahit paulit-ulit niyang sabihin na annoying kami, na baliw kami, na stressful kami…he still stayed and Dion staying always felt like winning.

He suddenly stopped walking dahilan para halos mabangga ako sakanya.

“What now?” tanong ko habang nakataas kilay.

Dion pointed toward a racing game machine. “That.”

I blinked dramatically. “Oh? Someone’s competitive.”

“I just want revenge.”

“For basketball?”

I watched him sit down on one of the racing seats while fixing the sleeves of his hoodie slightly. His expression immediately became serious habang hawak steering wheel. Why did he look so attractive doing literally nothing?

He rolled his eyes before putting on the seatbelt. “If I win, tatahimik ka for one hour.”

I gasped loudly. “That’s abuse.”

“If you lose, you stop flirting for one day.”

Absolutely not. “That’s impossible.”

“So you admit you flirt too much?”

“I flirt the perfect amount.”

“Psychotic amount.”

“Romantic amount.”

“Same thing.”

I laughed before finally sitting beside him. “Fine. Deal.”

The game started immediately and Dion turned terrifying.

“WHAT THE HELL?!” sigaw ko habang halos bumangga sasakyan ko sa game.

Beside me, Dion looked way too calm habang mabilis magdrive sa screen.

“You’re losing,” sabi niya at tumawa habang hindi manlang lumilingon sakin. “ZEURT WATCH THE ROAD!”

My car crashed making Dion burst out laughing beside me and holy shit. Worth it.

“You suck!” natatawa niyang sabi habang nakahawak tiyan niya.

“I got distracted!”

“Skill issue.”

“You’re literally glowing while laughing right now. How am I supposed to focus?”

“Maybe because it’s a racing game?”

“You’re more important than the race.”

“That’s not romantic. That’s concerning.”

“I support multitasking.”

He kept laughing habang umiiling and i wanted to freeze that moment permanently. I love everything about him especially kapag masaya siya na kasama kami.

“YES!” sigaw niya habang tinaas kamay niya victoriously.

I stared at the screen in betrayal. “You cheated.”

“I literally didn’t,” sagot niya habang natatawa. “You just suck.”

I placed one hand over my chest. “Your words wound me.”

“Good,” sagot niya habang tumatayo sa seat.

Then suddenly…hee smirked. I stared at him immediately in disbelief. “Oh my God,” sabi ko habang nakatitig sakanya.

“What?” tanong niya habang nakakunot noo.

“You’re getting more evil.”

“Mana sayo,” sagot niya casually.

“That’s the hottest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

His expression immediately cracked. “That’s not what I meant!” reklamo niya habang namumula ulit ears niya.

Too late because i was already laughing.

“Stop making that face,” reklamo niya habang naglalakad palayo ulit.

“What face?” tanong ko habang mabilis sumusunod.

“That stupid flirty face,” sagot niya habang tinuturo mukha ko.

“I was born with this face.”

“Unfortunately.”

Habang naglalakad kami around the arcade, may isang girl na aksidenteng bumangga kay Dion.

“Oh sorry!” sabi nung girl habang halatang nahihiya.

Dion immediately smiled politely. “It’s okay,” sagot niya softly.

Naasar ako, the girl kept looking at him too long and Dion, clueless as always. Tahimik akong sumunod lang behind him afterward until napansin niya mood ko.

“You’re quiet,” sabi niya habang lumilingon sakin.

“Hm,” sagot ko habang naka-cross arms.

“That’s suspicious,” sabi niya habang humihinto sa paglalakad. “What?”

“Nothing.”

His eyes narrowed immediately. “Zeurt.”

“What?”

“You have your jealous face,” accuse niya habang nakatitig sakin.

“I do not.”

“You literally do.”

I scoffed while looking away slightly. “That girl kept staring at you.”

Dion blinked twice before looking genuinely confused. “Ha?”

“She looked interested,” dagdag ko habang nakakunot noo.

“She bumped into me accidentally,” sagot niya habang natatawa na.

“She breathed near you aggressively.” That immediately made him burst out laughing while grabbing my arm para hindi matumba kakatawa.

“You’re insane,” natatawa niyang sabi habang nakahawak parin sakin.

“But you’re holding onto me,” sagot ko agad habang nakangisi pababa sa kamay niya. “Dion likes me!” sigaw ko dahilan para mas mamula mukha niya.

“Tumahimik ka!” sigaw niya habang hinahabol ako.

I kept laughing habang umatras palayo sakanya hanggang sa eventually huminto rin kami pareho near one of the claw machines. Pareho kaming hingal nang bahagya habang si Dion nakatingin sakin na parang gusto niya kong sakalin.

“You’re unbelievable,” reklamo niya habang inaayos buhok niya.

“But lovable,” dagdag ko agad habang nakangisi.

Napairap nalang siya before turning his back on me again. “You’re so annoying.”

My smile softened a little habang nakatingin lang sa likod niya. I stepped closer and this time hindi na ko nang-asar agad.

“Hey,” tawag ko nang mas mahina.

Dion slightly looked over his shoulder. “What?”

I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly for a second before sighing. “Sorry.”

Agad siyang napalingon sakin fully, halatang nagulat. “Ha?”

“Sorry for getting jealous,” sabi ko habang umiwas tingin saglit. “I know it sounds insane.”

He blinked a few times habang tahimik lang nakatingin sakin. I laughed softly without humor before continuing.

“i don’t like other people looking at you,” dagdag ko habang dahan-dahang nakatingin ulit sakanya. “Gusto ko ako lang… kami lang.”

The moment those words left my mouth, biglang natahimik paligid namin in my head. Dion stared at me quietly, no sarcastic comeback, no eye roll, no immediate complaint, just silence and somehow that made me more nervous.

I shoved both hands inside my hoodie pocket before forcing a grin. “See? Concerning behavior.”

His expression softened and took one small step closer before finally speaking quietly.

“There’s no problem with you getting jealous,” sabi niya softly habang bahagyang namumula ears niya. “Because you love me,” he continued quieter this time habang bahagyang umiinit ears niya, “I understand why you feel like that.”

I stared at him silently.

“You, Zemus, and Zenon… you always make me feel important,” sabi niya softly habang kinakalikot daliri niya. “So hindi ko kayo masisisi if minsan nagiging possessive kayo.”

I laughed weakly while shaking my head.

“Possessive is an understatement.”

“A little crazy,” dagdag niya habang napapasmile nang maliit.

“A little?”

“That was generous already.”

That finally made me laugh genuinely. Dion watched me for a few seconds before his expression became softer again.

“Ang unfair mo minsan,” bulong ko habang natatawa nang mahina.

“What now?” tanong niya habang nakakunot noo.

“You say things so casually tapos hindi mo alam effect.”

“What effect?”

I looked back at him slowly. “The effect where I want to lock you inside our house and protect you forever.”

Dion immediately groaned habang tinatakpan mukha niya. “There it is. The insanity.”

“But comforting.”

“Concerning.”

I laughed softly before leaning against the claw machine beside us. For a few seconds, tahimik lang ulit kami habang maingay paligid ng arcade.

Then unexpectedly, Dion moved closer hanggang sa bahagyang nagdidikit shoulders namin.

“You know,” sabi niya quietly habang nakatingin sa arcade floor, “kahit may tumingin sakin, it doesn’t matter.”

I glanced at him. “Why?”

“Because at the end of the day,” sagot niya habang finally looking at me again, “sa inyo parin ako umuuwi.”

And shit my heart almost exploded. I stared at him completely speechless while he immediately realized what he just said.

“Don’t make a big deal out of it,” reklamo niya agad habang umiwas tingin.

A huge grin slowly appeared on my face.

“Dion.”

“Don’t.”

“You’re literally obsessed with us too.”

“I am not.”

“You basically just said we’re your home.”

His face immediately turned red. “I hate talking to you,” reklamo niya habang tinatalikuran ako ulit.

I laughed loudly before quickly following after him. “No take backs!” sigaw ko habang nakasunod.

“Tumahimik ka!”

“Never!”

( A/N Hello mga nakshie ko, matulog na kayo bukas nalang ulit ako mag uupdate ng bagong chapter kasi baka mapuyat na kayo kakahintay. I’ll try na mag update nang mas maaga next time para hindi kayo nagpupuyat lagi

Thank you so much sa pagbabasa, comments, votes, at pagmamahal niyo kina Dion at sa triplets)

Chapter fifty four

The next afternoon, tahimik ang buong bahay except sa mahina na tunog ng electric fan at TV na naka-open lang for background noise.

I was currently arranging groceries sa kitchen counter while wearing a clean dark blue fitted shirt and black jogging pants when suddenly someone’s knocking on my door, napabuntong hininga ako….i’m expecting na walang pupunta dito sa bahay pero mukhang i really need na masanay na hindi na talaga ako magkakaroon ng me time.

I walked toward the door before opening it then agad akong napatigil.

Zenon stood outside quietly habang may hawak na paper bag and dalawang drinks, he’s wearing black polo and the sleeves are folded partner with white trouser. Mukha nanamang walking boyfriend material.

His eyes slowly looked at me from head to toe before speaking. “You look nice.”

Napakurap ako. “What?”

“You’re dressed properly today,” sabi niya habang bahagyang nakataas sulok ng labi niya.

“Excuse me?” reklamo ko agad. “Properly naman ako lagi.”

“Hm.”

“Anong hm?”

“You usually look like you survived a fire.”

I stared at him in disbelief. “Wow. Ikaw pala yung tahimik manglait.”

“Only with you.”

“Why are you here?” tanong ko habang naka-cross arms.

Zenon lifted the paper bag slightly. “Coffee and pastries”

“Why?”

“Because I wanted to see you.” diretso, simple at casual niyang sabi na parang walang epekto pero yung dibdib ko biglang nagulo.

I quickly looked away. “You could’ve texted.”

“I did.” Napakunot noo ako before checking my phone sa bulsa.

Three missed messages.

Zenon:

Outside .

Zenon:

I brought coffee.

Zenon:

Open the door before Zeurt and Zemus finds out I’m here alone.

Napatingin agad ako sa kanya. “You snuck out?”

“I escaped.” he corrected.

“From your brothers?”

“Yes.”

“That’s actually funny.”

A soft chuckle escaped his lips. “Can I come in?”

Tahimik akong umatras para pagbuksan siya fully. The moment Zenon entered the house, parang biglang lumiit yung buong living room dahil sa presence niya. Calm lang siya habang nilalapag yung drinks and paper bag sa center table.

Then he glanced around. “You’re cleaning?”

“Yeah, kakatapos lang, nag aayos nalang ako ng napamili ko”

“You eat properly?”

Napatingin agad ako sa kanya. “Ano ko bata?”

“You forgot lunch yesterday.”

“How do you know that?”

“Zemus noticed.”

“Why are you people monitoring my life?”

“Because you’re bad at taking care of yourself.”

“Grabe naman.”

Zenon removed his watch calmly before placing it on the table then umupo siya sa couch na parang sobrang comfortable niya already.

“You make yourself at home ah.”

Napailing nalang ako before sitting sa kabilang side ng couch.

He handed me my drink immediately. “Iced spanish latte, less ice.”

Napatingin agad ako sa kanya. “You memorized it.”

“Yes.”

“That’s creepy.”

“I prefer attentive.”

“Same thing.”

A small smile appeared on his lips while opening his own drink, tahimik ulit but unlike awkward silence, calm lang yung paligid and comfortable parang hindi kailangan punuin ng unnecessary words habang ako, sobrang aware ko sa presence niya beside me.

The smell of coffee filled the room habang mahina yung ulan outside.

“Do you want to watch a movie?” he asked while grabbing the remote from the table calmly.

Napakurap ako before glancing at him. “You watch movies?”

“Yes.”

“You look like someone who watches documentaries about stocks.”

“That’s offensive.”

Napatawa ako nang mahina habang sumasandal sa couch. “Sorry.”

Zenon turned on the TV habang tahimik na nag-scroll sa movies. “What genre?”

“Horror.”

He glanced at me briefly. “Not scared?”

“Nope.” mayabang kong sabi

A faint smile appeared on his lips before he continued scrolling. Eventually, he picked some random action movie habang ako tahimik lang na umiinom coffee beside him, tinanong niya pa ako kung ano ang gusto ko, ang ending siya lang din pala masusunod.

Nagsimula na ang movie at hindi ko magawang mag focus doon dahil nakafocus ako sa katabi ko.

The soft light from the television reflected against Zenon’s face habang relaxed lang siya nakaupo, one arm resting behind the couch and the other holding the remote loosely.

“You’re quiet,” he suddenly said habang hindi inaalis tingin sa TV. I cleared my throat “I’m watching.”

“You haven’t looked at the screen for five minutes.” Napatingin agad ako sa kanya.

“You’re annoyingly observant.”

“I know.”

I clicked my tongue habang umiiwas tingin then unexpectedly, Zenon reached toward the paper bag before handing me a strawberry croissant.

“One of my favorites.”

“I know.”

“Paano mo nalaman?”

“You always buy strawberry flavored food.”

“You people seriously observe too much.”

“Especially when it comes to you.”

He says things so calmly like he doesn’t realize the damage he causes. I looked away while taking a bite of the pastry.

Then Zenon suddenly spoke again. “Dion, let me take you out sometime.”

Napatingin agad ako sa kanya and he was looking at me seriously now.

“A proper date,” dagdag niya habang inaayos sleeves ng polo niya. “Just me and you, i want alone time with you without my brothers screaming every five minutes.”

That actually made me laugh lightly and Zenon immediately stared at me again like hearing me laugh was his favorite thing in the world.

“Coffee shop?” tanong ko habang umiiwas tingin.

“Yes.”

“Libre mo?”

“Obviously.”

Tahimik akong napakagat labi before nodding slightly. “Okay.”

Zenon’s POV:

Dion fell asleep halfway through the movie.

Tahimik akong napasandal sa couch habang nakatingin sa kanya. The TV was still playing softly sa harap namin pero matagal na akong walang idea kung ano nangyayari sa movie. My attention was completely on him.

Dion was sleeping against the couch habang bahagyang nakatagilid ulo niya toward me. One of his hands was still loosely holding the strawberry croissant wrapper habang yung kabilang kamay nakapatong sa tiyan niya.

Cute.

I slowly lowered the volume of the television using the remote before placing it down quietly para hindi siya magising then I looked at him again.

Honestly, I understood my brothers too well now.

How were we supposed to act normal around someone like him? Dion looked peaceful habang tulog.

I was down bad.

A small sigh escaped my lips habang marahan kong inaayos yung kumot na nakasabit lang sa couch and placing it over him carefully.

The moment the blanket touched him, Dion unconsciously moved closer toward my side, i froze.

Sumandal ulo niya sa balikat ko, my heartbeat immediately became louder.

He really had no idea what he did to me, I glanced down at him quietly. His eyelashes rested softly against his cheeks habang bahagyang nakaawang lips niya because of sleep. His hair looked slightly messy now and somehow mas lalo lang siyang naging attractive.

Cute again.

Suddenly my phone vibrated inside my pocket. I slowly pulled it out before checking the messages.

Zeurt:

WHERE ARE YOU

Zemus:

You disappeared suspiciously.

Zeurt:

ARE YOU WITH DION?!

I stared at the messages for a few seconds before replying calmly.

Zenon:

Yes .

Zeurt:

BETRAYAL

Zemus:

You went alone???

I ignored them both then another message arrived.

Zeurt:

Send picture.

Napabuntong-hininga ako quietly before lowering my gaze toward the sleeping Dion beside me. Honestly? I shouldn’t but at the same time…they would never stop spamming me otherwise.

So carefully, I adjusted my angle slightly before taking a picture.

Dion sleeping peacefully beside me while nakasandal ulo niya sa balikat ko. Mine. The dangerous thought appeared so naturally inside my head that napapikit agad ako saglit.

I sent the picture anyway and three seconds later

Zeurt:

I’m going to cry.

Zemus:

Why does he look so comfortable with you?

Zeurt:

MOVE I WANT MY TURN

I muted the groupchat immediately at tahimik ulit yung paligid. Rain starts pouring softly outside habang mahina lang ilaw ng TV sa sala and somehow…this felt dangerously domestic.

The kind of peace I didn’t realize I wanted until Dion entered our lives again. I glanced down at him one more time before unconsciously smiling.

“Zenon…”

My eyes immediately lowered toward him. Dion was still half asleep habang nakapikit pero mas lalong sumandal sakin.

“Don’t leave yet.”

I carefully rested my head against the couch again before answering softly.

“I’m not leaving,” sabi ko habang marahang inaayos buhok niya palayo sa mukha niya.

Chapter fifty five

I woke up the next morning with peace which was suspicious already because ever since the triplets entered my life again, peace barely lasted longer than five business minutes and apparently, tama nga ako.

The loud banging outside my front door nearly made me spill my coffee.

“DION!”

“OPEN THE DOOR!”

“HE’S CHEATING!”

Napapikit ako agad habang nakatayo sa kitchen. “Good morning talaga.”

Another loud knock echoed through the house.

“DION!” sigaw ulit ni Zeurt. “ZENON BETRAYED US!”

“I DIDN’T BETRAY ANYONE,” rinig kong sagot ni Zenon from outside. Calm as always.

“YOU WENT ON A MOVIE DATE WITHOUT US!”

“And you went on an arcade date with Dion,” Zenon answered casually.

Tahimik akong napatingin sa kisame. Oh no, I slowly walked toward the door before opening it and immediately chaos greeted me.

Zeurt was pointing accusingly at Zemus habang si Zemus naka-cross arms lang with irritated expression. Zenon stood beside them quietly while holding iced coffee like this was a normal morning conversation.

“What is happening?” tanong ko habang nakakunot noo.

“HE’S A TRAITOR!” Zeurt immediately pointed at Zenon.

“Excuse me?” sabi ni Zenon.

“You had movie date sa bahay ni Dion!”

Zenon took a calm sip from his coffee. “And?”

“AND?!” halos mapatalon si Zeurt. “YOU DIDN’T INVITE US!”

“Because I wanted alone time.”

Napahawak ako agad sa noo ko, Zemus suddenly looked at Zeurt. “Why are you even acting offended? Ikaw nga tinakas mo si Dion to go arcade with you”

“It was ONE arcade date!”

“Yeah, one arcade date” pakikisali ko, tatlong pares ng mata agad napunta sakin. “What?” sabi ko habang nakaangat kilay.

“See?!” Zeurt said

“Ang point dito,” singit ni Zemus habang nakatingin kay Zeurt, “you’re accusing Zenon when ikaw din naman may secret gala.”

“At least public place yung sakin,” depensa agad ni Zeurt. “Ikaw? Tinakas mo si Dion at pinunta sa field”

Zemus looked at me calmly. “I wanted peace and quiet.”

“He literally brought Dion sa malaking field with birds flying around like some romance movie,” reklamo ni Zeurt habang nakapamewang.

“It was peaceful,” sagot ni Zemus.

“It was suspiciously peaceful!”

“You’re just jealous.”

“Obviously I’m jealous!”

I stared at them in disbelief habang tahimik na umiinom ng coffee. What even was my life now?

Then Zemus crossed his arms before looking at Zenon. “At least nakapunta parin kayo.”

Zenon raised one brow slightly.

“You hid the movie date.”

“So?.”

Tahimik ulit si Zenon after that while calmly drinking his coffee then suddenly Zeurt narrowed his eyes.

“Wait…” He slowly pointed at Zenon dramatically. “You’re too quiet.”

Zemus immediately looked at him too. “That’s true.”

I already knew this wouldn’t end well.

Zeurt gasped loudly. “OH MY GOSH.”

“What?” tanong ko agad.

Zenon sighed quietly. “Don’t.”

“You cuddled!” sigaw ni Zeurt.

My eyes widened immediately. “WHAT?!”

Zenon looked away.

“YOU CUDDLED?!” ulit ni Zeurt habang halos masira boses niya.

“It wasn’t intentional,” sagot ni Zenon calmly.

“He sent us a picture!” dagdag ni Zemus.

“HE WHAT?!”

“Because you fell asleep on him!” depensa ni Zenon.

Napahawak ako agad sa dibdib ko. “You took a picture while I was sleeping?!”

“It was cute.”

I stared at him in disbelief. “Gosh.” I rolled my eyes and turned my back at them. “You people are insane.”

“No, Zenon is insane,” sabi ni Zeurt habang nakaturo sa kapatid niya. “He looked proud in the picture.”

“I was not.”

“You literally zoomed in Dion’s face.”

“You told me na kunan siya ng picture—” hindi na natapos ang sinasabi ni Zenon ng muli nanaman nagsalita si Zeurt.

“OH MY GOSH HE’S BLUSHING,” sigaw ulit ni Zeurt.

“I am not blushing.”

“He is,” dagdag ni Zemus calmly.

I slowly looked back at Zenon and holy shit namumula nga talaga tenga niya. Napatahimik ako saglit habang nakatitig sa kanya then Zenon glanced at me.

“…Don’t look at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re judging me.”

“I am judging you.”

Zeurt suddenly groaned dramatically before collapsing sa couch ko na parang siya yung pinakaapi sa mundo.

“I can’t believe this,” reklamo niya. “Una bird field date, tapos arcade date, tapos movie date with cuddles?!”

“It was not cuddling,” sabi ni Zenon.

“You literally became human pillow!”

“That sounds comfortable actually,” sabi ko absentmindedly.

Biglang nanahimik ang buong sala…Oops? Tatlong pares ng mata agad tumingin sakin.

Zeurt looked betrayed. “You enjoyed it?!”

“I was asleep!”

“That’s not helping!”

Napabuntong-hininga nalang ako habang umiinom ng coffee suddenly Zemus spoke calmly.

“Enough. Let’s just set a date with Dion. Tatlo nalang tayo mag-date kay Dion kaysa nag-aaway tayo just because we keep dating him one by one.”

I choked immediately. “WHAT?!”

“That’s fair,” sagot ni Zenon casually.

“Exactly,” dagdag ni Zeurt habang tumatango pa.

I stared at all of them in horror. “You’re scheduling me now?!”

“Yes,” sabay-sabay nilang sagot.

I pointed at the door dramatically. “Labas.”

“No.”

“Get out of my house.”

“We brought breakfast,” sabi ni Zemus habang tinaas paper bags.

Tahimik akong napatingin doon. “What breakfast?”

Zeurt grinned proudly. “Your favorites.”

I narrowed my eyes at them suspiciously. “You think mababayaran niyo ako ng breakfast after niyo pagplanuhan love life ko sa harap ko?”

“Yes,” sagot agad ni Zeurt.

“At least he’s honest,” sabi ko habang napapailing.

Zemus calmly walked past me papasok ng kitchen na parang bahay niya ulit ito while Zenon followed behind him carrying the paper bags. Si Zeurt naman derecho agad sa couch ko habang nakahiga pa talaga.

“Gosh.” I rolled my eyes and shut the door behind them. “nandito nanaman kayo”

“You still let us in,” Zeurt pointed out proudly.

Pagpasok ko ng kitchen, nadatnan ko si Zemus already arranging food sa counter habang si Zenon tahimik na naglalabas ng drinks. Napatingin agad ako sa laman ng paper bags. Pandesal, bacon, eggs, strawberry milk, strawberry jam and donuts.

“You bought half the bakery?” tanong ko habang nakaangat kilay.

“You like breakfast,” sabi ni Zenon casually.

“That’s too much food,” reklamo ko kahit secretly natutuwa ako.

“Zeurt insisted,” sagot ni Zemus.

“Because Dion deserves a proper breakfast,” depensa agad ni Zeurt from the living room.

Tahimik akong naupo sa stool habang pinapanood silang gumalaw around my kitchen naturally like they belonged there. Zemus was cooking eggs quietly while Zenon prepared coffee beside him. Meanwhile, si Zeurt nakaupo sa counter habang kumakain ng strawberry donut na dapat sakin.

“Excuse me,” sabi ko habang tinuturo siya. “That’s mine.”

“No proof.”

“It’s strawberry.”

“Still no proof.”

I walked toward him immediately para agawin yung donut but the moment I got close, Zeurt suddenly lifted it higher habang nakangisi.

“You have to get it yourself.”

I stared at him blankly. “You’re literally a child.”

“And you still like me.”

“Debatable.”

“Not denied!” sigaw niya agad.

“Ang ingay mo,” reklamo ni Zemus habang nagluluto.

Zenon glanced at me briefly before calmly taking another strawberry donut from the box then handing it directly to me.

“Here.”

Tahimik akong napatingin sa kanya before accepting it. “Thanks.”

Zeurt looked offended immediately. “Bias!”

“You were being annoying,” sagot ni Zenon.

“I’m cute.”

“You’re loud.”

After breakfast, my house somehow became even noisier.

Zeurt was currently lying upside down on my couch habang naglalaro sa phone ko like he owned the place, Zemus was washing the dishes kahit ilang beses ko nang sinabing kaya ko naman, while Zenon sat quietly beside the window scrolling through something on his tablet.

Meanwhile me? Pagod na agad mentally.

“Why are all so clingy?” tanong ko habang nakasandal sa kitchen entrance.

Tatlo silang sabay napatingin sakin.

“Because you’re our cupcak,” sagot agad ni Zeurt.

I nearly choked on my own saliva. “Gosh.”

Zenon glanced at me calmly. “You get flustered easily.”

“I do not.”

“You almost died just now.”

“Shut up.”

A small smile appeared on his lips while bumalik ulit siya sa tablet niya, hmmm suspicious.

Napakunot noo ako habang lumalapit sa kanya. “Anong ginagawa mo?”

“Nothing.”

“That answer alone already sounds suspicious.”

Before Zenon could answer, suddenly Zeurt jumped from the couch dramatically.

“OH! Speaking of suspicious!”

Napapikit agad ako. “Bakit parang every sentence mo may kasamang disaster?”

Zeurt ignored me completely before pointing accusingly at Zemus. “Explain the birds.”

Zemus slowly looked up from the sink. “Again?”

“Yes, again! Because you literally brought Dion sa flower field while birds were flying around like some kdrama confession scene.”

“It wasn’t planned.”

“You took pictures.”

“For memories.” kibit balikat niyang sabi

“AHA!”

Napatingin ako kay Zemus immediately. “You took pictures too?!”

“They’re nice pictures,” sagot niya calmly.

“Show me,” sabi ko habang nakaabot kamay.

Zemus stared at me for a few seconds before silently pulling out his phone. Then he walked toward me and handed it over. The pictures were actually beautiful, there was one where I was standing sa gitna ng field habang messy yung buhok ko because of the wind.

Another one was candid habang nakangiti akong nanonood sa mga ibon na lumilipad.

Napakurap ako saglit. “You kept these?”

“I keep everything related to you.”

I slowly looked up at him. “That sounded terrifying.”

“It was romantic,” singit ni Zeurt.

“It was both,” dagdag ni Zenon without even looking up from his tablet.

Tahimik akong umiwas tingin habang umiinit nanaman mukha ko.

Then suddenly Zeurt narrowed his eyes at Zenon. “Wait.”

Zenon didn’t even look up. “No.”

“You’re still suspicious.”

“I’m literally sitting quietly.”

“Exactly! That’s suspicious!”

I sighed deeply. “Can we survive one hour without accusing each other?”

“No,” sabay nilang sagot.

Expected, Zeurt suddenly walked toward Zenon before mabilis na hinablot tablet niya.

“HEY—”

Zeurt looked at the screen then froze the whole room became quiet. I slowly looked at him. “What?”

Zeurt looked horrified before slowly turning the tablet toward us and there was a reservation page. For a café. Acouple café.

Zenon calmly removed his glasses before pinching the bridge of his nose. “I can explain.”

“You were planning another secret date?!” sigaw agad ni Zeurt.

“It wasn’t secret”

“That’s worse!”

Zemus crossed his arms. “You were going to ask him alone again.”

Zenon finally stood up from the couch habang kalmado parin expression niya. “I already asked him”

“What?!” reklamo agad ni Zeurt. “Why does he get another solo date?!”

“Unfair,” dagdag ni Zemus habang naka-cross arms.

Zenon stayed calm. “I asked first.”

“You always ask calmly kaya mukha kang innocent!” sigaw ni Zeurt.

“That sounds like a you problem.”

“GOSH.”

Napapikit ako habang nagsisimula nanamang magtalo ang tatlo sa harap ko.

Zeurt was already pacing around the living room dramatically while Zemus kept arguing in his calm voice which honestly felt more dangerous somehow.

“You already had movie date,” sabi ni Zemus.

“You had flower field date.”

“You had arcade date.”

“You cuddled!”

“It was accidental.”

“You still enjoyed it!”

“Dion leaned on me first.”

“OH MY GOSH.” I groaned loudly before dropping my head against the couch. “Please,” reklamo ko habang hinahagod mukha ko. “You people are so noisy.”

But nobody listened.

“Then reserve your own café!”

“I WILL!”

“Good!”

“GOOD!”

“STOP SAYING GOOD LIKE YOU’RE DIVORCING,” sigaw ko agad, tumahimik silang lahat.

Finally.

I slowly looked at the three of them habang pagod na pagod na expression ko.

“You know what?” sabi ko habang tumatayo. “Reserve four seats sa café na ’yan.”

Tatlo silang agad napatingin sakin.

“We’re going on a date. The four of us.” I pointed at them one by one. “So please shut up and give me one peaceful day.”

Zeurt gasped dramatically. “A DATE?!”

Zemus looked genuinely surprised meanwhile Zenon…actually smiled not his usual small smile but a real one and somehow that alone made my heart beat faster.

“You agreed,” sabi niya softly.

I immediately looked away. “Don’t make it dramatic.”

“Too late,” singit ni Zeurt habang biglang yumakap sakin from behind. “OH MY GOSH WE’RE GOING ON A DATE.”

“Zeurt—”

“A family date!” dagdag pa niya.

“Why are you calling it family date?!” reklamo ko agad habang tinatanggal siya sakin.

“Because we’re basically a chaotic married couple already.”

“Speak for yourself.”

“Dion,” sabi ni Zemus calmly habang nakatingin sakin. “You’re blushing.”

“I AM NOT.”

“You are,” dagdag ni Zenon habang nakatitig parin sakin.

“Gosh.” I rolled my eyes and turned my back at them immediately. “I regret everything.”

“No you don’t,” Zeurt said proudly.

Chapter fity six

I’m now inside the car of the triplets at tahimik pa naman for the first five minutes. Zeurt was sitting beside me sa backseat habang si Zemus nasa kabilang side and Zenon was driving quietly like some calm chauffeur in a romance movie.

“Why are you all so quiet?” tanong ko habang nakasandal sa upuan.

“We’re behaving,” sagot agad ni Zeurt.

“That sounds fake.”

“It is,” singit ni Zemus calmly.

“Traitor,” reklamo ni Zeurt.

I sighed and looked out the window habang tumutugtog yung soft music sa sasakyan. Honestly, peaceful sana siya kung hindi ko kasama tong tatlong to then suddenly Zeurt called me.

“What?”

“You wore black.”

“Okay?”

“You look hot.”

“Zeurt,” reklamo agad ni Zemus.

“What? I’m just appreciating.”

I rolled my eyes habang umiinit nanaman mukha ko. “Can we survive one car ride without making things weird?”

“No,” sabay nilang sagot.

Zenon suddenly glanced at me from the rearview mirror. “You fixed your hair differently.”

Napahinto ako saglit before unconsciously touching my hair. “You noticed?”

“It looks good on you,” dagdag niya calmly.

Tahimik akong napatingin nalang ulit sa bintana.

“See?” Zeurt suddenly pointed dramatically. “You made him shy.”

“I’m not shy.”

“You literally stopped breathing for two seconds,” dagdag ni Zemus.

“I hate this car.”

“You love this car,” sagot agad ni Zeurt habang nakahiga pa lalo sa upuan.

The whole ride stayed noisy after that, Zeurt kept changing songs every ten seconds habang si Zemus inaagaw phone niya.

“Party music isn’t suitable for café dates.”

“It sets the mood,” depensa ni Zeurt.

“It sounds like we’re entering a club.”

“Maybe we should.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Stop deciding things!”

Zenon quietly chuckled from the driver seat and that sound alone made me look at him, he looked unfairly attractive today. Black polo, glasses and one hand casually resting sa steering wheel habang relaxed expression niya.

“Why are you staring?” tanong niya calmly.

“I’m not staring.”

“You’ve been looking for six seconds already,” singit ni Zemus.

Traitor number two.

“I’m surrounded by snitches,” reklamo ko habang nakapamewang.

Zeurt suddenly gasped loudly. “OH MY GOSH.”

Napapikit agad ako. “What now?”

“You called us surrounded.” Ngumisi siya. “Meaning we’re close to you.”

Before I could answer, huminto na yung sasakyan sa harap ng café. Pagbaba ko palang, napahinto agad ako, the place looked expensive, very expensive. Warm lights decorated the entrance while flowers surrounded the glass walls. Even the café sign itself screamed rich people behavior.

I slowly looked at Zenon. “How expensive is this place?”

“Don’t worry about it,” sagot niya habang binubuksan yung pinto for me.

Pagpasok namin sa loob, halos lahat ng tao napatingin samin or more specifically napatingin sa tatlong lalaking kasama ko. Nakakainis talaga pagiging gwapo nila.

“Reservation for four,” sabi ni Zenon sa staff.

The waitress smiled before guiding us toward a corner table near the window. There were candles, flowers and warm lights around the area kaya sobrang cozy ng atmosphere.

“I think this is the fanciest café I’ve ever entered,” sabi ko habang nauupo.

“I told you he’d like it,” bulong ni Zeurt kay Zenon.

“You doubted him?” singit ni Zemus calmly.

“A little.”

“I hate all of you,” sabi ko at napanguso habang inaabot yung menu.

“You still came,” sabi ni Zenon softly.

Napatahimik ako saglit before umiwas tingin ulit. “Just order food.”

Tahimik akong nagscroll sa menu pero hindi na ko makapag-focus because the girls from the other table kept staring at our direction simula pa nung pumasok kami. Well…who could blame them? I slowly looked at the triplets one by one.

Zenon looked effortlessly attractive kahit simpleng black polo lang suot niya paired with silver glasses and watch. Clean, calm and intimidating in a quiet way. Tipong kahit hindi nagsasalita, alam mong siya yung klase ng tao na kayang patahimikin buong room with one look.

Then there was Zeurt, completely opposite. Half-open polo, silver necklace, messy hair and smug grin habang relaxed na relaxed siyang nakasandal sa upuan like he owned the entire café. He’s very flirty and loud.

Zemus? He’s wearing dark polo with sleeves slightly folded hanggang forearms niya while silver rings decorated his fingers. Calm expression pero mukhang madaling mawalan ng pasensya especially whenever Zeurt opened his mouth.

They looked unfair together kaya hindi na nakakagulat na halos every few minutes may napapatingin sakanila.

I slowly grabbed my drink habang kunwari walang pake but subconsciously, napapasilip ako sa direction nila. Titingin kaya sila pabalik sa mga babaeng nasa kabilang table? Especially kay Zeurt na naturally flirt talaga.

Ilang minuto ko silang pinanood at hindi sila tumingin sa kabilang table, not even once.

Zenon stayed focused on me habang tahimik na nakikinig sa reklamo ni Zeurt tungkol sa menu. Si Zemus naman nakasandal lang and Zeurt? Literal na nakatitig lang sakin habang nakangisi.

Napakunot noo ako. “What?”

“You’re staring again.”

“I’m not.”

“You literally checked if we were looking at the girls.”

My eyes widened immediately. “I did not.”

“You did,” singit ni Zemus habang calm na umiinom ng coffee.

“Twice,” dagdag ni Zenon casually.

Traitors.

I immediately looked down at the menu. “You’re all assuming things.”

A hand landed under my chair napakurap ako before realizing si Zeurt pala yun casually resting his arm behind me while leaning closer.

“We don’t care about them,” sabi niya softly.

I looked at him. “What?”

“The girls,” sagot niya habang nakangisi parin but surprisingly gentler this time. “Why would we look at them when you’re here?”

“Zeurt…”

“You’re literally the prettiest person in this café,” dagdag niya agad.

“Ang landi mo,” reklamo ko habang umiinit mukha ko.

“Only for you.”

Before I could recover, suddenly Zemus grabbed my wrist lightly under the table making me look at him.

His expression stayed calm but his eyes Dangerously focused.

“If you’re jealous,” sabi niya softly, “you can just say it.”

“I’m not jealous.”

“Mhm.” may halong pang aasar ang kaniyang tono

“I’m not.”

“You were glaring at their table earlier.”

“I was not glaring!”

“You looked one inconvenience away from starting a war,” singit ni Zeurt proudly.

I stared at them in disbelief. “You people are delusional.”

Zenon finally leaned back sa chair niya before calmly removing his glasses for a second and that alone looked attractive.

“Our eyes are here,” sabi niya habang diretso nakatingin sakin.

“What?”

“You keep checking if we’ll look at someone else.” His voice stayed calm and steady. “We won’t.”

Tahimik akong napatingin sa kanya at sa dalawa and all three of them were already staring at me like wala nang ibang tao sa café besides me.

“We came here for you,” dagdag ni Zemus.

“Not for them,” sabi ni Zenon.

Zeurt suddenly grinned before shamelessly reaching for my hand sa ilalim ng table.

“And my body?” tanong niya proudly. “Yours too.”

“ZEURT?!”

“What? I’m reassuring.”

“You sound crazy.”

“You like crazy.”

“No I don’t!”

“You literally agreed to be with us.”

“Asshole”

I immediately grabbed my drink para magtago ng mukha.

“Dion’s blushing again,” sabi ni Zeurt dramatically.

“You are,” dagdag ni Zenon calmly.

“Your ears are red,” singit ni Zemus.

I groaned and buried my face against my drink habang tumatawa nanaman silang tatlo sa harap ko. Nakakainis.

“Stop looking so happy,” reklamo ko habang nakasimangot.

“That’s impossible,” sabi ni Zeurt proudly. “You’re on a date with us.”

Zemus suddenly pushed the cake plate closer to me. “Eat.”

“I can get it myself.”

“I know,” sagot niya calmly. “I still want to do it.”

Tahimik akong napatingin sakanya for a few seconds before quietly taking a bite.

“He accepted the feeding.” Zeurt said.

“I literally just took the plate.”

“Same thing.”

“It’s not.”

Zenon suddenly spoke habang tahimik na hinihiwa yung strawberry cake. “Open.”

Napatingin agad ako sakanya. “Excuse me?”

He lifted the fork slightly. “Taste this.”

I stared at him blankly. “You too?!”

“You said you wanted to eat peacefully,” sagot niya calmly. “This is peaceful.”

“That’s not peaceful. That’s flirting.”

“A little,” sabi niya casually.

I looked around quickly before leaning slightly forward and taking the bite para matapos na at tumahimik silang lahat after that.

“What now?” tanong ko habang nakasimangot.

Zeurt looked emotional. “He accepted Zenon’s feeding too.”

“I hate this table.”

“You love this table,” sagot agad ni Zemus.

Then suddenly, may tumawang babae mula sa kabilang table kaya napatingin ako doon. One of the girls was clearly staring at Zenon, another one kay Zemus and lastly another girl na diretsong nakatingin kay Zeurt na mukhang tuwang-tuwa pa.

My jaw tightened slightly before agad akong umiwas ng tingin.

“Dion.” Napatingin ako kay Zemus.

His brows were slightly furrowed habang nakatitig sakin carefully. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Liar,” sabi agad ni Zeurt.

Zenon quietly placed down his fork before leaning slightly closer toward me. “You went quiet.”

“I’m literally talking.”

“You stopped glaring at us.”

“I do not glare.”

“You do,” sagot ni Zemus. “Especially when annoyed.”

I rolled my eyes and grabbed my drink again. “You’re imagining things.”

Then suddenly, Zeurt stood up. “What are you doing?” tanong ko agad.

Instead of answering, umikot siya sa table before casually sitting beside me sa couch-style seat.

“Move,” sabi niya kay Zemus.

“You move.”

“I was here first spiritually.”

“Ang corny mo.”

Before I could complain, suddenly na-trap na ko sa gitna nilang tatlo, Zenon in front of me, Zeurt beside me and Zemus dangerously close sa kabilang side.

“Why do I feel threatened?” reklamo ko agad.

“Because you’re jealous,” sabi ni Zeurt proudly habang nakasandal malapit sakin.

“I’m not jealous.”

“You looked ready to fight those girls.”

“I did not.”

“You literally stared at them like a villain,” dagdag ni Zemus

Zenon rested his chin against his hand habang tahimik na nakatitig sakin. “You know,” sabi niya softly, “you don’t have to worry.”

“About what?”

“Our attention.” Napakurap ako.

Then suddenly, naramdaman ko yung kamay ni Zemus resting lightly against my knee under the table, it’s warm and possessive.

“If another person tries to flirt with us,” sabi niya calmly, “they’ll fail.”

“Because we only want one person,” dagdag ni Zeurt habang nakangisi.

I swallowed slightly. “You’re being weird again.”

“No,” sabi ni Zenon quietly while staring directly at me. “We’re being honest.”

The air suddenly felt warmer or maybe ako lang yung umiinit.

“You’re all insane,” mahina kong reklamo habang umiwas tingin.

Zeurt immediately leaned closer near my ear. “But we’re your insane people.”

My entire face heated up instantly. “ZEURT.”

Chapter fifty seven

The triplets told me to just wait for them to arrive so now I’m sitting inside my house while randomly watching TV, pupunta nanaman sila dito, parang bahay na rin naman nila to at this point.

I was currently lying on the couch habang walang gana na nanonood ng random action movie when someone is knocking on my door, i guess it’s them.

“DION!” sigaw ni Zeurt mula sa labas.

Right on time, I sighed habang pinapause yung movie before walking toward the door. The moment pagbukas ko tatlo silang nakatayo sa harap ko.

“Why are you all smiling like that?” tanong ko agad habang nakaangat kilay.

“We miss you,” sagot agad ni Zeurt habang diretsong pumapasok sa bahay ko.

“You saw me yesterday.”

“A tragic amount of time has passed.”

“It’s been one night.”

Zemus walked inside carrying paper bags habang si Zenon tahimik na sumunod behind him.

“Did you eat already?” tanong ni Zemus.

“Yes.”

“Liar,” sabi agad ni Zenon.

Napakunot noo ako. “How would you even know that?”

“You sound hungry.”

“That doesn’t even make sense.”

“It does to us,” sagot ni Zeurt proudly habang humihiga nanaman sa couch ko like he paid rent here.

I closed the door behind them habang napapailing.

“You people seriously need hobbies.”

“You’re our hobby,” sagot agad ni Zeurt.

Habang inaayos nila yung dala nilang food sa kitchen, napansin kong weirdly tahimik si Zenon today which was suspicious.

Napatingin ako sakanya habang nakasandal siya sa counter. “Why are you quiet?”

“Nothing.”

“That answer alone already sounds dangerous.”

A small smile appeared on his lips but before he could answer, suddenly tinakpan ni Zeurt mata ko from behind.

Napatalon agad ako. “What the hell?!”

“Relax,” sabi niya habang tumatawa. “We have surprise.”

“I hate surprises.”

“No you don’t.”

“Zeurt, I swear….”

“Walk forward.”

“Why do I feel like I’m getting kidnapped again?”

“Because technically you are….again” singit ni Zemus calmly.

“THAT’S NOT COMFORTING.”

I heard them laughing softly habang dahan-dahan nila kong ginagabayan palabas ng living room.

“Don’t peek,” sabi ni Zenon quietly.

“I literally can’t see!”

“Good.”

Then suddenly, huminto kami, tahimik yung paligid. I frowned slightly. “Okay this is creepy now.”

“Ready?” tanong ni Zeurt excitedly.

“No.”

“Perfect.”

Then slowly tinanggal nila yung takip sa mata ko, napakurap ako agad because of the sudden light then I froze. Dalawang aso yung nakatayo sa harap ko, big dogs now, not puppies anymore. One black is black and the other one is white.

My breathing stopped. “Is that…?” mahina kong sabi.

The black dog immediately barked loudly before running toward me then the other one followed.

“Thunder and rain?”

The moment they reached me, halos matumba ako habang sabay silang tumatalon sakin excitedly, tails wagging wildly habang dinidilaan mukha ko.

“Oh my gosh” napahawak agad ako sakanila habang nanginginig boses ko. “Thunder…Rain…”

Years ago, they were just tiny puppies I rescued and took care of. I loved them so much but because of everything that happened before i never saw them again after leaving and now they remembered me.

Thunder kept whining habang nakasiksik ulo niya sa dibdib ko while Rain kept licking my hands excitedly. My vision blurred almost instantly.

“No…” mahina kong sabi habang napapangiti at the same time. “No way…”

“They still remember your scent,” sabi ni Zemus softly from behind me.

I looked at the dogs again and that’s when i broke. My tears started falling immediately. “Oh my gosh,” mahina kong sabi habang napapaiyak. “Thunder…Rain…”

The dogs became even more excited hearing my voice. Thunder rested his huge head against my lap habang si Rain paikot-ikot sakin habang umiingay.

“You grew up…” mahina kong sabi habang umiiyak. “You both grew up…”

I didn’t even realize how hard I was crying until a hand gently touched my shoulder and it’s Zenon.

“They missed you too,” sabi niya quietly.

I looked up at the triplets with blurry eyes. “How did you even…”

“Auntie Mar took care of the,” sagot ni Zeurt softly this time. No teasing. No playful grin. “For years.”

I stared at them silently while Thunder kept resting against me and Rain happily wagged her tail beside us, then mas lalo akong naiyak.

“You made me cry.”

“You look cute crying.”

“Zeurt,” reklamo agad ni Zemus.

“What? Totoo naman.”

I laughed weakly through my tears habang yakap-yakap ko yung dalawang aso for the first time in a very long while…i finally felt complete again.

Thunder suddenly climbed halfway onto my lap like he was still the tiny puppy from years ago.

“THUNDER” natawa ako habang halos matumba sa sahig. “You’re huge now!”

Rain barked loudly beside me parang nagseselos before sumiksik din siya sakin.

“Oh my,” sabi ko habang umiiyak parin at tumatawa at the same time. “You two are so heavy now.”

“They got bigger,” sabi ni Zeurt habang nakaupo sa floor malapit samin.

“That’s usually how dogs work,” singit ni Zenon calmly.

“Wow,” sabi ni Zeurt habang nakatingin sakanya. “Very educational.”

I ignored them completely habang hinahaplos ko fur nina Thunder at Rain ang lambot parin nila and they still smelled familiar.

Thunder suddenly rested his head against my chest while Rain licked the tears on my face making me laugh weakly.

“Okay okay,” sabi ko habang pinipigilan si Rain. “I’m fine.”

“No you’re not,” sabi ni Zemus habang nakasandal sa wall with crossed arms. “You’ve been crying for ten minutes.”

“They missed you” Zenon said

“OH NO,” Zeurt said habang tinuturo ako dramatically. “He’s crying again.”

“I’m not crying!”

“You literally have tears right now.”

“That’s called leftover emotions.”

“That’s not a thing.”

“It is today.”

Rain suddenly barked loudly before tumalon papunta kay Zeurt making him laugh.

“HEY!” sabi niya habang sinalo yung aso.

Thunder immediately walked toward Zemus next habang mabagal na winawag tail niya. Zemus crouched down quietly before gently scratching Thunder’s neck. Thunder instantly relaxed beside him.

Napakurap ako. “Wow.”

“What?” tanong ni Zemus habang nakaangat kilay.

“He likes you.”

“All animals like me.”

“That sounded arrogant.”

“It’s true,” singit ni Zeurt habang nakikipaglaro kay Rain sa sahig. “Even cats follow him around.”

“Because he looks like he pays taxes on time,” sabi ko absentmindedly.

Tahimik ang buong sala for two seconds then Zenon laughed. Napalingon agad ako sakanya in shock habang si Zeurt naman halos matumba sa kakatawa.

“That’s the most accurate thing I’ve ever heard.” he said

“You really do look like that,” dagdag ko habang tumatawa narin.

Zemus narrowed his eyes at us. “What does that even mean?”

“You look responsible,” sagot ni Zenon habang calm na ulit expression niya pero halatang pinipigilan parin tumawa.

“That’s not an insult.”

“It kinda is,” sabi ko habang nakangisi.

Thunder suddenly returned to me before humiga mismo sa paa ko while Rain settled beside my legs. Tahimik akong napangiti habang hinahaplos sila pareho.

“I really missed them,” mahina kong sabi.

The room became quieter after that, not awkward, just soft and warm. Naramdaman ko may humawak sa buhok ko lightly kaya napalingon ako agad kay Zenon. He calmly removed something from my hair before showing me a small piece of dog fur.

“You’re shedding too now,” sabi niya.

I rolled my eyes. “Funny.”

“You’re cute,” singit ni Zeurt agad.

“Shut up.”

“You cried so hard earlier,” dagdag ni Zemus habang nakatingin sakin carefully. “Your eyes are still red.”

“I know.”

“You still look pretty though,” sabi niya casually.

My entire face heated up instantly. “Can all of you stop flirting for five minutes?”

“No,” sabay nilang sagot.

I sighed dramatically before leaning back against the couch habang parehong nakahiga sina Thunder at Rain malapit sakin.

The triplets were talking quietly nearby habang nag-aaway nanaman sina Zeurt at Zemus tungkol sa kung sino favorite ng dogs. Meanwhile Zenon sat beside me calmly while Thunder rested his head on his lap too.

Third Person POV:

Dion fell asleep first, Nakahiga siya sa couch habang si Thunder nakadikit sa paa niya and Rain curled beside his side like they were guarding him.

The TV was still playing quietly in the background pero wala nang nanonood Because all three of them were staring at Dion. Again.

“He cried a lot,” Zeurt whispered habang nakaupo sa carpet malapit sa couch.

Zemus glanced at Dion’s sleeping face before sighing softly. “Worth it.”

Zenon stayed quiet habang nakasandal sa kabilang couch, eyes fixed on Dion peacefully sleeping. Thunder suddenly lifted his head before tumingin sakanila warningly like ayaw niyang maingayan si Dion.

Zeurt immediately raised both hands. “Okay damn, protective.”

Rain softly barked beside Dion before resting again.

“They really remember him,” sabi ni Zemus quietly.

“Of course they do,” sagot ni Zeurt habang nakangiti habang pinapanood si Dion matulog. “How could they forget him?”

Years ago, he took care of the puppies like they were his own children. Feeding them, bathing them, carrying them around kahit napakaliit pa noon.

“He looks happier with them around,” sabi niya softly.

The other two became quiet for a moment because it was true. The moment Dion saw Thunder and Rain earlier…parang may bumalik sakanya. A piece of himself he lost years ago.

Zeurt rested his chin against the couch while staring at Dion fondly. “You know,” sabi niya quietly, “I thought he was gonna faint earlier.”

“He almost did,” sagot ni Zemus.

“He looked at us like we gave him the moon.”

Tahimik ulit sila after that then suddenly Thunder stood up. The huge black dog slowly walked toward Zenon before placing his paws sa couch and resting his head against Zenon’s arm. Zenon blinked once before gently scratching Thunder’s head.

“I think he likes you,” sabi ni Zeurt.

“He likes everyone,” sagot ni Zenon calmly.

“No,” singit ni Zemus habang nakatingin sa aso carefully. “He’s checking you.”

Thunder kept staring at Zenon for a few seconds longer before finally settling beside him. Rain did the same kay Zemus meanwhile si Zeurt naman already had Rain’s tail smacking his face every few seconds.

“Fuck,” reklamo niya habang tumatawa. “Your dog is attacking me.”

“Our dog,” correct agad ni Zemus.

Zeurt froze before slowly looking at him. “Our?”

Zemus realized what he said a second too late.

Zenon quietly smirked. “Oh my gosh,” sabi ni Zeurt habang nakahawak sa dibdib niya. “Did you hear that? OUR dog.”

“Shut up.”

“You’re talking like we already live here.”

“We practically do,” singit ni Zenon calmly.

Actually that wasn’t wrong because there were already extra clothes of the triplets inside Dion’s house. Even Thunder and Rain looked comfortable there already despite kakadating lang.

Zeurt looked at Dion again and his teasing expression softened instantly. “He looks peaceful.”

Dion was sleeping deeply habang mahigpit parin hawak yung fur ni Rain unconsciously like he was afraid they’d disappear once he woke up.

A quiet expression crossed Zemus’ face. “We should stay tonight.”

Zenon looked at him briefly before nodding once. “No arguments there.”

Zeurt grinned slightly. “Sleepover?”

“Don’t call it that.”

“It literally is.”

Before Zemus could complain again, Dion moved slightly in his sleep then softly frowned almost immediately, Thunder stood up and walked closer habang si Rain sumiksik agad sa tabi ni Dion and just like that Dion relaxed again.

Tahimik na napatitig yung tatlo sa scene.

Zeurt smiled softly. “Yeah,” mahina niyang sabi habang nakatingin kay Dion. “This really feels like home now.”

Epilogue

The sunset looked beautiful tonight, orange and gold painted the sky habang malamig yung hangin sa paligid. Thunder and Rain were currently running around the wide field nearby while I sat quietly on the blanket beside the triplets.

Finally peaceful which honestly felt unbelievable considering how chaotic my life became before.

Zeurt was lying beside me habang nakapatong ulo niya sa lap ko like it was the most natural thing in the world. Zemus sat on my right side quietly drinking coffee while Zenon stayed beside him, calm as always while watching the sunset and somehow…this felt complete.

No running, no misunderstandings, no pain just us.

I softly played with Zeurt’s hair habang nakatingin sa sky. “It’s quiet today.”

“We can start fighting if you want.”

“Please don’t.”

Zemus chuckled softly habang umiinom ng coffee. “You created a monster.”

“I created three.”

“True,” singit ni Zenon calmly.

Thunder suddenly ran toward me excitedly before dropping a random stick near my feet. “Again?” natawa akong sabi habang pinupulot yung stick.

Rain barked loudly beside him like agreeing. I threw the stick far away and both dogs immediately ran after it habang nag-uunahan pa.

“They still act like puppies,” sabi ko habang nakangiti.

“Like someone here,” singit ni Zemus habang nakatingin kay Zeurt.

“Excuse me? I’m mature.”

“You cried because Dion called another dog cute last week.”

“That corgi knew what it was doing.”

I laughed softly habang napapailing, God, I loved them.

The loud one.

The calm one.

The dangerous one.

I loved all of them so much it honestly terrified me before but not anymore because now I finally understood something. Love wasn’t supposed to feel heavy all the time sometimes it could feel soft too, safe, warm and feel like home.

Zeurt sat up.

Napakunot noo ako habang nakatingin sakanya. “Why do you look nervous?”

“I’m not nervous.”

“You literally sat up like a businessman about to discuss taxes.”

Zenon quietly removed his glasses while Zemus suddenly looked away….okay?

“What’s happening?” tanong ko habang nakatingin sakanilang tatlo.

No one answered immediately then slowly Zeurt reached for my hand and for once…he looked genuinely serious.

“Dion,” mahina niyang sabi while softly squeezing my hand. “You know we love you, right?”

My chest tightened instantly.

“I—”

“Wait,” sabi ni Zemus softly. “Let us talk first.”

Tahimik akong napatingin sakanila. The sunset reflected softly against their faces habang nakatingin silang lahat sakin like I was the most important person in their world.

Zenon spoke first and his voice sounded softer than usual. “You changed our lives,” sabi niya habang diretso nakatingin sakin. “Before you, everything felt empty even when we had each other.”

I swallowed hard.

“You gave us peace,” dagdag ni Zemus quietly. “You gave us something to come home to, you forgive us”

“And you loved us,” sabi ni Zeurt habang mahina yung boses niya this time. “Even when we were difficult.”

“Especially when you were difficult,” singit ko agad.

Zeurt laughed weakly habang namumula mata niya slightly. Zemus reached inside his pocket, m breathing stopped. No way, no actual way.

“We know this isn’t normal,” sabi ni Zenon softly habang may inilabas din siyang maliit na velvet box.

I froze.

“We know people will judge us,” dagdag ni Zemus calmly. “But honestly?”

“I don’t care anymore,” sabi ni Zeurt habang nakangiti sakin with teary eyes. “As long as it’s you.”

Thunder and Rain suddenly returned near us habang tahimik na umuupo beside the blanket like even they understood how important this moment was. My heart was beating so hard I could hear it.

The triplets knelt in front of me, all three of them. My vision blurred almost instantly.

“Oh my gosh…” mahina kong sabi habang napapatakip bibig ko.

Zeurt smiled shakily. “Yeah. That’s basically our reaction too.”

Zenon opened the small velvet box first, inside was a ring. It’s simple, beautiful and perfect.

“We don’t want temporary,” sabi niya softly. “We never did.”

“You’re the person we want beside us for the rest of our lives,” dagdag ni Zemus habang nakatingin diretso sakin. “No matter how messy things get.”

“No matter how loud we are,” singit ni Zeurt.

“No matter how stubborn you are,” dagdag ni Zenon calmly.

I laughed through my tears.

“You annoy me everyday,” sabi ko habang umiiyak na.

“We know,” sagot nilang tatlo softly.

“But you also make me happy.”

Their expressions softened immediately, so much love. There was so much love in the way they looked at me lke I was precious, like I was worth staying for, loke I was home.

Zeurt carefully held my shaking hand. “Dion,” mahina niyang sabi. “Will you marry us?”

My tears fell immediately, i looked at them one by one.

Zenon, the quiet calm boy who loved me in silence before finally learning how to say it out loud. Zemus, the sharp dangerous one who became soft whenever it came to me. Zeurt, the loud chaotic idiot who filled every dark corner of my life with laughter and somehow…they loved me, all of me completely.

“I….” napatawa ako habang umiiyak. “You people are unbelievable.”

“That’s not a no,” sabi agad ni Zeurt habang hopeful na hopeful expression niya.

I cried harder because gosh I loved them so much. “Yes,” sabi ko habang tumatawa at umiiyak. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

The next few seconds became chaos immediately. Zeurt literally tackled me into a hug habang sumisigaw sa sobrang saya. Zemus pulled me close right after while laughing softly in disbelief and Zenon kissed my forehead gently before resting his forehead against mine.

We’ll take care of you,“ mahina niyang sabi.

“Forever,” dagdag ni Zemus.

“You’re stuck with us now,” sabi ni Zeurt habang umiiyak na rin.

I laughed weakly habang niyayakap silang tatlo. “I’m okay with that,” sabi ko softly.

Thunder barked loudly habang si Rain excited na umiikot samin. The sunset slowly disappeared behind the horizon while laughter filled the air around us and standing there with the people I loved most….I realized something.

Love can make us feel pain and obsessed and crazy but love can also change us and become a new person.

It can heal the parts of us we thought would stay broken forever. It can teach us how to stay, how to trust, how to open our hearts again even after everything and maybe that was what happened to all of us.

I learned that being loved this much wasn’t something to run away from anymore because sometimes…love stays.

Sometimes love comes back for you.

Sometimes love chooses you over and over again until you finally stop being afraid of it and as the triplets held me close while our dogs barked happily around us, I smiled through my tears because finally…after everything, i was home.

I was still crying quietly against them when suddenly Zeurt cupped my face carefully.

“Hey,” sabi niya softly while wiping my tears using his thumb. “Why are you crying like we’re disappearing tomorrow?”

“I’m emotional,” reklamo ko habang natatawa pa between tears.

“You’ve been emotional for thirty minutes.”

“You proposed to me!”

“As we should,” singit ni Zemus habang maingat na inaayos buhok ko na magulo na because of Zeurt’s dramatic hugging.

I looked at them again and the way they were staring at me felt overwhelming.

Zenon gently held my hand before slowly kissing the ring on my finger. The gesture was so soft it almost made me cry again.

“Dion,” sabi niya quietly while looking straight into my eyes. “You never have to doubt us again.”

“We’re staying,” dagdag ni Zemus calmly. “No matter what happens.”

“No matter how annoying you become,” singit ni Zeurt.

I glared at him through my tears. “You’re literally worse.”

“True,” sagot niya proudly.

Zemus sighed. “Ignore him.”

“I can hear you.”

“You’re supposed to.”

I laughed weakly habang pinupunasan mata ko. Then suddenly, Zenon gently pulled me closer until nakasandal na ko against his chest. His heartbeat was calm, steady and safe.

“You spent so many years carrying everything alone and in pain” mahina niyang sabi habang hinahaplos likod ko slowly. “You don’t have to do that anymore.”

“We’ll carry things with you now,” dagdag ni Zemus habang nakayakap din sakin from the side.

“Actually,” singit ni Zeurt habang sumisiksik din. “We can literally carry you if needed.”

“That sounds threatening.”

“It’s romantic.”

“It’s kidnapping.”

“Same thing.”

“NO IT’S NOT.”

Tumawa silang tatlo softly habang niyayakap ako tighter. Thunder suddenly barked loudly before sumiksik sa tabi namin habang si Rain humiga mismo sa paa ko.

“Even the dogs are emotional,” sabi ni Zeurt.

“They love him too,” sagot ni Zemus quietly.

Tahimik akong napangiti habang hinahaplos fur ni Rain. Then slowly, I looked back at the triplets.

“What if one day…” mahina kong sabi. “I become difficult?”

Zeurt immediately frowned. “One day? Dion, you’re already difficult.”

“Zeurt.”

“What? Totoo naman.” But then his teasing expression softened instantly. He carefully held my hand again before kissing my knuckles lightly. “We’ll still love you,” sabi niya softly.

“What if I get scared again?”

“We’ll wait,” sagot agad ni Zenon.

“What if I overthink?”

“Then we’ll remind you,” dagdag ni Zemus calmly. “Again and again if we have to.”

“What if I push you away again?”

This time, silang tatlo mismo lumapit closer sakin.

“Then we’ll hold on tighter,” sabi ni Zeurt.

“Because we know you now,” dagdag ni Zenon quietly.

“You don’t have to pretend to be strong all the time around us,” sabi ni Zemus while gently touching my cheek. “We love every version of you.”

I broke again after hearing that.

“Damn,” reklamo ko habang umiiyak nanaman. “Why are you all saying things like this?”

“Because you deserve to hear them,” sagot ni Zenon.

“You deserve reassurance too,” dagdag ni Zemus.

“You deserve soft love,” sabi ni Zeurt habang nakangiti sakin gently this time.

Those words healed something inside me.

Then Zenon suddenly rested his forehead against mine.

“We’ll treasure you,” mahina niyang sabi.

“Every version of you,” dagdag ni Zemus.

“Every lifetime,” sabi ni Zeurt softly.

I closed my eyes habang mahigpit silang niyayakap.

THE END.