EXCITEMENT KNOCKED REPEATEDLY IN LILY'S CHEST. Hila-hila siya ng naka-cock costume paakyat ng hagdan. She felt like a Cinderella, all eyes following her once the prince decided to choose her for a dance.

In her case, the dance was bound to happen in the bedroom.

Narating na nila ang pasilyo. Siguradong hahanapan na siya ng estranghero ng gagamitin nilang silid.

"Wait, wait, wait!" she tugged him back.

Muntikan na itong matumba dahil sa biglaang paghinto. Buti at nabalanse rin nito agad ang sarili at ang bigat ng costume. The stranger turned to her.

"We need to call a staff and book one of the rooms here. Para sigurado tayong bagong linis at walang biglang pumasok sa room na nagpareserve n'un."

Hindi ito sumagot. Parang nakatitig lang ito sa kanya.

Nakakapagtaka.

"You don't understand Tagalog?" Lily cocked her head to the side.

The man's hand slowly lifted to reach her face and gently caress it. Lily was taken aback, and she didn't know what to do about how his touch made her feel. A warm tenderness swept over her- a feeling she never had for any stranger.

Nakahuma agad si Lily. This wasn't right when you're in The Org. They should be rushing and heeding the call of their bodies. Not touching each other's faces. Not gazing into each other's eyes.

Umatras si Lily kaya hindi na siya naabot ng kamay ng lalaki.

"What are you waiting for? Let's go!" she turned away. Naramdaman niyang hindi ito sumunod. She impatiently turned to him. "Come on. While I am still in the mood, mister."

Tinuloy niya ang mga hakbang. Nasa tuktok na siya ng grand stairs nang lingunin ang kasama. Kinabahan siya dahil wala ito sa tabi niya. Lily anxiously looked around just to find out that the stranger never left where he stood. His body slightly tilted sideways, just like how he does it before she left him there.

Hindi man lang natinag ang lalaki sa kinatatayuan nito. Lily could not see his eyes clearly due to the costume, but she knew his eyes followed her earlier.

She knew that he was still watching her.

Parang hindi na maganda ang kutob ni Lily rito. She was highly aware of unruly guests at The Org. Kadalasan, mga guests ang nakakabahala sa lugar dahil hindi nag-undergo sa mahigpit na membership application kung saan nabubusisi talaga ng mabuti ang aplikante.

And yet, Lily maintained a hard and confident stance. Even her body hid signs of her suspicions.

"You're not coming?" Nilakasan niya ang boses dahil abot sa kinatatayuan niya ang ingay ng sound system mula sa baba ng hagdan. "You changed your mind, honey?"

Kapag hindi pa ito nagsalita, tatakbo na talaga siya pababa ng hagdan. This is a Halloween party, yes, but that doesn't mean she's here for the scare. At kahit hindi Halloween, nunca siya makikipag-hook up sa isang creepy pervert. And this cock-costumed man would be that creepy pervert, if he didn't respond this time.

Nag-aabang siya sa sagot nito nang biglang humarap sa kanyang direksyon. Dahan-dahan itong naglakad para hindi mapatid ng suot nito.

When he was finally in front of her, he took her wrist again.

"I changed my mind. Let's head to the restaurant."

It was hard to make out his voice because of the party music downstairs that reached their location. Pero naintindihan naman ni Lily ang sinabi nito.

Bakit sa restaurant?

Pinasya niyang sakyan na lang ang request nito. Curiosity kills the cat and she must be that cat for weating a black pussycat costume. Naiintriga lang siyang malaman kung ano ang gagawin nila sa restaurant proper ng The Org. And she would definitely laugh if she finds out this man came to a sex club to just talk. Because damn, he came to the wrong place.

In The Org, people wanted nothing else but to have sex- to explore it, experiment with it and express it. Because in this place, they are free to do all that. In this place, no one will judge them, their fantasies and preferences compared to the outside world. But that doesn't mean it doesn't also happen in The Org. Minsan, may nakakapasok pa rin na mga judgmental... mgnagpapataas lang ng ego nila kaya minamaliit ang iba. That's why The Org has its own rules and regulations and employed staff to assure each one of the people here that they will stay safe, their deeds and identities confidential, and everyone will carry acceptable consequences from whatever happens here.

Hinayaan ni Lily na alalayan siya ng lalaki sa siko habang pababa ng hagdan. Pinagtinginan na naman sila dahil sa costume nito. Ayaw niyang isa-isahin pa ang reaksyon ng mga ito. For sure, others were already laughing at her, speculating that she won't get laid this time.

Oh, so what?

From the dark Halloween eroticism in the club proper of The Org, the mood shifted as they were welcomed by the ambience of the restaurant. Napakurap si Lily sa liwanag ng lighting doon. Bilang sa daliri ang mga tao roon, karamiha'y mag-isa lang sa kanilang mga mesa habang naka-costume pa rin. Malamang, nagpapahinga lang ang mga ito o na-overwhelm sa ingay at dami ng tao sa club. Kaya naga-unwind sa restaurant.

The restaurant is The Org's only sweetest and decent area with interiors washed by soft cream colors, a minimalist-inspired set of white chairs, tables and hanging lamps.

Dahil sa laki ng costume ng lalaki, pinasya na lang nitong pumuwesto sila sa malapit sa daanan ng mga tao imbes sumiksik sa pagitan ng mga mesa para puntahan ang mga nasa dulo ng silid o 'yung malapit sa bintana.

Nauna si Lily sa pag-upo. Natagalan naman ang lalaki dahil nakailang adjust ito sa upuan bago naging komportable. His attempts to squeeze in with his costume didn't work, so pulled the chair a little distance away from the table. Nakaharap sa direksyon niya ang pagkakaupo nito.

Lily sexily crossed her arms and legs. Her eyes already narrowed at this stranger.

"What now? I know you're only a guest here, but you must be highly aware what I am here for," she scoffed with her chin up. "Definitely not for chit-chats."

"But I gueds, you wouldn't mind a little small talk with a friend from Belgium."

"What are talking about--"

Hindi na siya pamilyar sa boses nito. Pero ang dahilan ng gulat na nagpatameme sa kanya ay ang salitang Belgium.

She had been to Belgium roughly five or six years ago. Her mind wasn't quick at counting.

And she went to Belgium alone.

And she didn't visit anyone in Belgium too.

After a deduction that made her silent for a minute, Lily finally realized the friend this stranger was talking about. Memories came back like a flash of lightning that turned the rest of memories into a dark night in the background.

Tatayo sana siya nang pumalo ang kamay ng lalaki sa mesa. May mga napatingin sa kanila, pero dahil wala silang kinilos na nakakaalarma, binalik ng mga nasa restaurant na iyon ang atensyon sa sarili.

Samantala, natigilan si Lily sa planong pagtayo dahil sa pagpalo ng lalaki sa mesa. Alertong napahawak lang siya sa gilid ng mesa at nakipagsukatan ng tingin dito.

"You must be mistaken. I had no friends in Belgium," matapang niyang saad sa mababang tono.

Kalmado at kontrolado ang seryoso nitong tinig. "Huwag ka nang magsinungaling para lang pagtakpan ang sarili mo. Wala akong kahit anong habol pa sa iyo. So, drop your ground already. You're being too defensive."

Napalunok si Lily.

Wala akong kahit anong habol pa sa iyo.

Bakit parang nakakasakit naman 'yung sinabi nito? Was it only her ego that's damaged here?

"Kung gan'un, ano ang kailangan mo sa akin, Jared?" padabog niyang sandal sa upuan. She crossed her arms and legs again. "Why bring me here?" She could help babbling on. "Ikaw nga siguro 'yung nakikita ko minsan rito... I thought I am only hallucinating... Akala ko na-miss na kita--"

Jared remained curt. "I don't need anything from you. Ikaw ang lumapit sa akin, 'di ba?"

Her mouth dropped open. She could not believe this man!

"But since, lumapit ka na sa akin, I'll take this as an opportunity to ask questions."

Anong mga tanong? Kung bakit nangyari ang mga nangyari sa Belgium? Why she ghosted him? Why she didn't respond to his last message? Why she changed her number? Why she didn't reach out to him?

O kung bakit nandito siya sa The Org? Kailan pa siya member? Ilan na ang mga lalaking...

"What is it with my costume that made you want to fuck me?"

Sa dami ng hula niya, walang tumama. Para siyang nasamid sa sinabi nito.

"E-Excuse me?"

Jared's eyes remained deadset. His body, firm and full of nonchalance as he remained seated across that table.

"Should I repeat the question louder this time?" may hamon sa tinig nito.

"What the fuck, Jared," she hissed. "Bakit ba kasi ganyang mga bagay ang tinatanong mo?"

"Because I need to know the psychology behind it. Why you approached me even though I am wearing the silliest costume out here."

Composed pa rin ito. Nakakainis.

Paano nalaman ng lalaki ang tungkol sa The Org?

Who invited him?

How many times was he invited here?

Invited by how many... women?

Member dito si Lily, kaya alam niyang guest lang si Jared dito. May member-exclusive gatherings kasi sa The Org, and through all those years, Jared wasn't present in one. Or maybe he was... hindi lang niya halata.

If he was already a member, gaano na katagal?

Why was she even offended by these questions?

"Curiosity," sagot ni Lily. She was doing her best to stay serene. "That's all."

"You're still the same curious girl, I see."

Tumayo na ito.

"That's it?"

Jared looked at her again. "I almost forgot."

"What?"

"Did it satisfy you?"

"Satisfy what?"

"Your curiosity. Ngayong alam mo na kung sino ang may suot ng costume na ito, is your curiousity already satisfied?"

Hinahagilap pa ni Lily ang isasagot nang dugtungan ni Jared ang tanong.

"Or did the answer make you more intrigued?"

"Bakit naman ako maiintriga?" depensa niya agad.

"Disappointing." He tsked. "Well, that's all. Thank you, Lily."

Tumalikod na ito at ingat na ingat sa costume na naglakad palayo.

Pabalik sa club.

Disappointing, he said. What does he mean by that?

Then, humiliation crept in. How could she easily lose all her poise and cool in just one conversation with Jared? She had always been suave. A smooth, silver tongue. Lalaki ang tumitiklop, natataranta at nagiging submissive sa kanya. Men cowered before her for her confidence and straight-forwardness.

Why not Jared?

Why Jared could never?
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LILY WANTED TO APPROACH JARED SO BAD. Hinanda lang niya ang sarili. Pinahinga ng malalim. Pina-recover mula sa hindi inaasahang muli nilang pagtatagpo. Pagkatapos, lakas-loob siyang tumuloy muli sa club proper ng The Org.

Unang hinanap ng mga mata niya si Jared. And he wasn't that hard to find because of his attention-grabbing cock costume. Even if the room was dim and only flooded by a low red lighting, she instantly saw him near the platform where the DJ and sound system were positioned. Patay na ang tugtugin nang makarating sa club proper si Lily. She was too engrossed with the thought of finding Jared immediately, she only noticed that when someone spoke through a microphone.

"Good evening, everyone. Welcome to our annual Halloween party," mapang-akit ngunit may siglang bati sa mababang boses ng host na nakasuot ng itim na bondage bikini outfit. Nakatali sa isang mataas na ponytail ang buhok nito. "We all welcome you to enjoy this evening here at The Org. Where your pleasure is our pleasure."

No one applauded and the host wasn't expecting that as well. Pinagpatuloy nito ang pagbabasa sa hawak na cue card. Nakakabasa pa ito dahil dito nakatutok ngayon ang spotlight.

"Your evening will be interrupted every two hours by yours truly. Here on this stage," she glanced shortly at the audience and smiled, "I will be showing up every now and then to initiate some fun games for you to enjoy." Her smile turned naughty. "As if enjoying your partners isn't already enough." Nagbaba ito ng tingin sa cue card, pero sulyap lang iyon. She faced the audience again. "And please stay and join us here in the gathering area, because darlings, we will be awarding two people for Best Costume."

Excited murmurs filled the air. Hindi naman naalis-alis sa host ang mga mata at atensyon ni Lily.

"And the prize? A free-of-charge deluxe one-night only all-access package here in The Org with the partner... or partners of their choice. Claimable within the whole month of December. This is inclusive to everyone in this party, so make sure you keep yourself smokin' all night long." She ended her speech with a smirk. "Have a good evening everyone."

Siyang balik ng masiglang club music na may sekswal na mensahe sa mga speakers. Lily began to snap back to reality. Binalik niya ang tingin kung saan huling natanaw si Jared. Napasinghap siya dahil wala na roon ang lalaki. Tarantang nagpalinga-linga siya sa paligid, sinuyod ng mga mata ang posibleng dinaanan nito.

Pero dinaan-daanan lang si Lily ng naglilikot na makulay na ilaw sa dance floor. Nilagpas-lagpasan ng mga sumasayaw at naglalakad na tao. She spun around and yet, her eyes could not find Jared anymore.

.

.

SAMANTALA, hindi na tinapos pa ni Jared ang announcement tungkol sa magiging mga kaganapan sa Halloween party. Napatingin lang siya saglit at nawalan din ng interes nung simulan na nitong banggitin ang tungkol sa Best Costume. Pumuslit siya at napaghintay pa sa receptionist area bago pinayagang puntahan ang opisina ni Walter- ang may-ari at tumatayong President ng The Org.

He kept on muttering curses under his breath as he struggled with his cock costume.

Pero sa totoo lang, hindi siya sa costume naiinis.

Naiinis siya dahil sa ganitong sitwasyon pa siya muling nakita ni Lily.

Alam ni Jared na hindi siya dapat maging ganito kaapektado. One of the things he learned in psychology is that there's no reaction if there is no emotion. Now, he still couldn't find something to break the pattern. Imbes na mga tao sa The Org ang magulat at pag-aralan niya, mukhang siya pa ang involuntary participant pagdating sa obserbasyon na gusto niyang gawin na may kinalaman sa breaking state.

So, what is my state earlier? Earlier, I am focused with psychology. With observing the reactions of the people here with my costume. I enjoyed it only for a while. You could just laugh at how the others looked scandalized, shocked, speechless at a giant dick walking by. Jared flinched. Until she appeared. That Lily. All of a sudden, my state was broken. From professional, everything became too personal for me.

Too personal kaya nasabi ko ang mga iyon sa kanya nung nasa restaurant na kami.

I've been so cold to her... passive aggressive. Acting like I don't give a damn about her, yet trying to convince her that she's intrigued with me.

Para ano? Para magtaka siya kung kumusta na ako? Para pigilan ang pagbalik ko sa club? Para hanapin niya ako?

Gustong pagtawanan ni Jared ang sarili. Right now, he was also insulted with what he just did earlier.

Not good, Jared. Not good.

Dahil sa gumugulo sa kanyang isip- ang mga napag-usapan nila ni Lily, ang mahahaba at makinis nitong mga hitang may suot na net stockings na makailang beses siyang napatitig kanina, at ang nakalitaw nitong cleavage sa suot na costume- nawala sa kanyang isip ang kumatok sa pinto. He automatically reached for the door handle of Walter's office and gave the door a push. It did not budge. Iyon na ang nagbalik sa kanya sa realidad. Umatras ng kaunti si Jared at kumatok ng ilang ulit sa pinto.

Sana nandito pa siya.

A few more knocks and the door clicked open.

Sumilip mula sa likuran niyon si Walter, kunot ang noo nang makita siya. "I said, come in."

Then, Walter's eyes squinted. Pinasadahan nito ng tingin ang kanyang kabuuan, hindi siya makilala sa suot na costume.

"Wait. Who are you? Aren't you supposed to be at the club?"

"Ako 'to," mahinahon niyang pakilala. "Jared."

Parang nasamid sa hindi mailabas na tawa si Walter. "Jared? Doc Jared?"

He sighed. "Yeah."

"Well... tuloy ka," nilakihan nito ang bukas ng pinto at nauna na sa loob ng opisina.

Jared followed after closing the door. Doon lang din niya napansin ang costume ni Walter- si Peter Pan sa kulay green nitong kasuotan. Dahil sa ikli ng sleeves, kitang-kita ang nagtitigasang hulma ng mga muscle sa braso nito. Bahagyang bukas din ang damit sa gitna ng dibdib nito.

Hindi na bago sa kanyaang hitsura ng opisina ni Walter. He had been there a couple of times. It looked more like a homey, classical-designed library room than an actual office. Lalo na sa mga shelf na halos paikutan na ang bawat sulok ng silid.

Naunawaan na din niya sa wakas kung bakit natagalan siya sa receptionist area. Kung bakit ayaw sana magpaakyat ni Walter ng sinuman sa opisina nito. His wife, Beta, was there. Elizabeta Corinto-Eberbach, a jewelry designer who owns her own shop, was sitting in one of those leather seats against the wall-sized windows of the room. Her ankles crossed as she sat sideways, slightly facing the window on her right. Ulo lang nito ang gumalaw, lumingon para tanawin siya. She wore a sexy tinkerbell outfit- a green half-halter dress with a jagged skirt that reached half of her thighs. Nakatagilid ito ng upo para hindi maipit ang dilaw nitong mga pakpak na suot bilang parte ng costume. Maayos na nakapusod ang itim at unat nitong buhok.

Her mouth dropped open the moment she saw Jared in his costume. Hindi naman nakaligtas iyon kay Walter.

"Beta," he warned before returning his eyes in Jared.

"Wow, ikaw na ba 'yan, Doc Jared?"

"I'll take note of your reaction in my studies, Beta," seryoso niyang saad.

"So that costume is just-"

"For my self-study, yes," kumpirma niya bago nakailang adjust ng upo sa visitor's chair na katapat ng desk ni Walter.

Tumayo lang si Walter sa tabi ng desk nito, nakaharap sa kanyang direksyon habang nakapamewang ang dalawang kamay. "Self-study? You're supposed to be having a good time tonight, Jared!"

"I was having a good time," he grunted a bit. His costume squeaked everytime he moves to sit properly. Naiirita na siya nang kaunti sa paulit-ulit na pagpapalit-palit ng posisyon sa upuan pero walang nakahalata niyon sa mag-asawa.

"Was?" kwestiyon ni Walter.

Shit.

"May irereklamo ka ba kaya nagpunta ka rito?"

Inangat ni Jared ang tingin dito. "Look, it is not really what I am here for. Ang ingay-ingay lang sa baba. Gusto ko magpahinga saglit. Hindi naman ako makaupo ng maayos sa restaurant dahil sa costume ko."

"I see," tuwid ng tayo ni Walter.

"Do you need anything?" yakap naman ni Beta sa braso ng asawa nito. She peered at Jared over from behind Walter's arm. "Drinks?"

"Paano ka nga pala makakainom sa costume mo'ng 'yan?" yuko kaunti ni Walter para silipin siyang mabuti. "Butas lang yata para sa mata ang meron."

"Pwede ko naman tanggalin ito."

"So, you're more like a mascot?" Beta could not help smirking.

Inabot ni Jared ang zipper sa bandang batok at hinila iyon paikot. Lumaylay ang ulo ng costume pabagsak sa bandang dibdib niya. Doon lang din nakahinga si Jared ng maluwag. Drops of sweat beaded on his forehead and the sides of his face.
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LILY WAS NOT IN THE MOOD. Lumipas ang mga oras sa The Org nang nakatambay lang siya sa bar counter. Instead of martinis, she was already gulping a blended energy drink. Kailangan niyang manatiling gising at nasa wisyo. She needed to stay sharp or she might miss out if Jared happens to pass by.

Wala siyang pakialam kung maubos ang buong gabi, makita lang niya ulit ang lalaki.

Why did she even let him leave earlier?

Ah, oo nga pala. Na-shock kasi siya na ito ang lalaki sa costume na iyon. Na-shock siya na parang hindi man lang ito apektado nang makita siya. At kinailangan pa niyang ikalma ang sarili bago nakabalik sa loob ng club. Bago napagpasyahan na hahanapin niya ulit si Jared.

Dapat pala, hindi niya iniwan sa locker ang cellphone. Kahit kasi umiinom pa siya ng energy drink, nakakaantok pa rin pala ang pagkabagot. The night felt so long when waiting to see someone.

It dragged on and on, even watching the party games felt like a chore than fun.

Namasahe na lang niya ang sentido habang iniinom ang huling lagok.

"Ma'am," nahihiya man ay kinausap na siya ng bartender doon, "ang sexy ng costume mo, eh, nagbubutas ka ng upuan diyan."

She smiled but her eyes remained on the look-out for Jared. "Nakakaumay na bang ako ang lagi mong nakikita rito sa tagal kong nakaupo?"

Mahina itong tumawa. "Hindi, ah! Hindi lang kami sanay na ganyan ka Ma'am Lily. Lagi kang masaya at may nabibingwit ka kaagad dito sa club. Kaya nakakapagtaka lang."

Napailing siya. "That has always been my state," she stared sentimentally at the empty glass she was holding. "But something broke the pattern tonight."

"May nakakilala sa inyo rito na hindi dapat makaalam na nagpupunta ka rito, Ma'am?"

Lily was always fine with the staff here at The Org. Lalo na at asawa na ng may-ari nito ang best friend niyang si Elizabeta. Kaya naman, ayos lang sa kanya ang ganito kabusising mga kwentuhan sa pagitan nila ng bartender.

"Oo," malungkot niyang sagot.

Muling nawala ang tugtugin. Mangilan-ngilan na lang din ang mga tao sa dance floor nang umakyat sa platform malapit sa sound system ang host ng Halloween party.

"Midnight is approaching, everyone," panimula ng malamig nitong tinig sa mikropono. "And before the night ends, we will be announcing the winners of Best Costume!"

Napalabi lang si Lily. Paano naman nila maja-judge iyon? Mahirap namang isa-isahin ang mga tao rito sa club. 'Yung lighting... medyo dim.

"We have taken pictures of those who have costumes that caught our eyes and tickled our imaginations. Wait no longer, because we'll see them now!"

Napatingin ang lahat sa pader sa kabilang dulo ng silid. Pader iyon na malapit sa entrance doors ng club. Doon kasi nakatutok ang projector.

Lumabas ang itim na background. May nakasulat doon na Best Costume sa isang classical na font.

"Best Costume," the host read in an enticing manner. "For the androgynous category," she smiled.

Nahahati ang award sa Best Costume sa tatlo- androgynous, feminine at masculine category. By feminine, hindi ibig sabihin niyon ay babae ang mananalo. Ang basehan ay kung pambabae ang costume, kahit ano pa ang kasarian ng may suot niyon, ay pwedeng manalo sa kategoryang iyon kung karapat-dapat. Ganoon din ang principle sa masculine at androgynous category.

Nang matapos ianunsiyo ang nanalo sa androgynous category, sumunod naman ang feminine.

"She wore a classic. A timeless beauty and Halloween staple. It may seem too common and cliché but she owned it and slayed it." Lumabas na ang larawan ng nanalo ng Best Costume-Feminine Category. "It's this sexy nurse costume with vampire fusion!"

Lumantad sa lahat ang litrato ng isang seksing babae. She was hugging one of the column posts of the mansion, smiling widely with blood at the sides of her red lips. May suot din itong pekeng pangil, kita ang cleavage at hulmang-hulma sa suot na puting nurse costume ang bilugan nitong dibdib. The skirt was so tight around her thighs making it slide up as she lifted a leg to hug the column post.

"If you're here, please, come with me up here on stage!"

Ilang minuto pa at naroon na ang babae. Tinanong ang pangalan at kinamusta ng kaunti ng host na siyang ginagwa nito sa bawat mananalo. Inabutan ito ng itim na envelope. Nasa loob niyon ang card para sa deluxe one-night only all-access accommodation sa The Org. The woman was grinning from ear to ear as she held up the envelope with the tips of her fingers to show it to everyone. Kalat-kalat ang mga palakpak na maririnig.

"Stay here, Mystery Girl," anito sa codename na prinesenta ng baklang naka-cross dress imbes na ibigay ang tunay nitong pangalan. Kaya naman tumayo katabi ng sexy na androgynous angel na nanalo ang feminine nurse-vampire. "Now, for the masculine category."

Muling nalukob ng katahimikan ang silid. Bumalik sa Best Costume ang slide na ini-display ng projector sa tinututukang pader ng liwanag niyon.

"For the masculine category, this costume is worn by a genius who knows how to represent the masculine energy so well. It loomed all over the room that our first glances becomes followed by a second and a third until we realize we just can't look away from it. When it comes to sex, it's not just about taking it seriously for that performance level, but also seeing it as fun and naughty sometimes."

Siyang labas ng larawan ng ikalawang nanalo ng Best Costume.

"It's what some of us are looking for right here! It's the massive cock costume!"

Napatayo si Lily mula sa kinauupuan. Her heart-pounded at the realization na si Jared ang nasa larawan kahit hindi kitang-kita ang mukha nito roon. Makikita ang larawan ng isang lalaking nakasuot ng cock costume. Nakataas ang isa nitong kamay na para bang binabawalan ang photographer na kunan ito ng larawan.

"Please, join us here on stage for your prize!" tawag ng host habang hinahanap na ng mga mata nito si Jared sa paligid.

Binaba ni Lily sa counter ang baso. "Got to go," walang sulyap-sulyap niyang paalam sa bartender at umalis agad.

Pupuwesto siya malapit sa stage. Hihintayin niyang makababa mamaya mula roon si Jared.

Because they have more things to talk about.