I can't understand why a lot of people admires the universe. There's nothing special in it.

They says that when you want something, the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. But I don't believe that fuck! How can I admire the universe when it did nothing when a fucking person named Universe killed my sister! I would never admire this creation.

I looked at the woman wearing a mask that's covering her whole face. I can feel something in her eyes. Even with the mask on her face, I can imagine that the frustration and disappointment was evident in her face when she pulled the trigger and nothing came out.

I saw Hoax holding a gun pointing towards the woman's direction, aiming for her. A man pulled her but she was still shot on the left side of her stomach.

Nakita ko ang galit sa mga mata ng aking kapatid at hindi ito magdadalawang isip na patayin ang isa sa Cosmos. I signalled Hoax to stop pulling the trigger.

Bakas sa mukha ni Hoax ang pagtutol at pagtataka ngunit sa huli ay sinunod din ang aking gusto.

I watched the woman left the old building with her comrades.

Nang makaalis ang mga ito ay para akong natauhan sa kung ano ang ginawa ko. Fuck! They're the underbossess of Cosmos and maybe one of them is the Universe. I was fucking distracted!

I've been with a lot of women and no one caught my attention that way--well, there was one before but she seems loyal so, no. I was mesmerized just by seeing the woman's eyes.

"For God's sake son! Kaylan ka ba magseseryoso?" My mother dramatically asked.

"I told you already, Mom. I'm finding someone who's different from the rest of the women." Pumasok sa isip ko ang babaeng miyembro ng Cosmos. I'll find her. No! Find the Universe first, then kill her!

Her pupils dilated. "You want someone different from the rest of the women? What do you want then, a guy? Are you a gay, son?" She overstated.

"What? No! I'm straight, Mom."

I have nothing against the people being on the third gender, Its just that I'm fucking sure I'm not one. I want woman.

I kissed the woman who bids two thousand dollars for a swiss knife. I kissed her deep and rough. Her eyes were familiar but I know who's this woman that I'm kissing. She's not the woman in the abandoned building. She's the famous Mirae Adelide Lozano. How could I forget her? She's the only woman who rejected me in a blink of an eye.

Lumapit ako sa babaeng nakakuha ng aking atensyon. She's sitting on a bar stool while sipping her wine and looking at nowhere.

"You wanna--" Napatigil ako nang napalingon ito sa akin ngunit agad na binawi ang atensyon.

"I have a boyfriend." Agad na putol nito sa akin.

Mirae pushed me and answered the one calling on the phone. I cursed. "Yes, babe?" She muttered on her phone. My jaw clenched. A fucking loyal...or is she really? She kissed me back so she isn't.

"My wife told me that she's a part of Cosmos or maybe she's the Universe." Hinilot ko ang aking sentido dahil sa ipinipilit ni Hoax. I don't know why he's still trusting his wife. Ilang beses na siyang niloko nito ngunit buo pa rin ang tiwala niya sa asawa.

"I want a proof, Hoax. Bigyan mo 'ko ng pruweba at doon lang ako maniniwala sa sinasabi mo."

Hindi parte ng Cosmos si Mirae. I proved it when I asked her to dine with me.

I forcefully opened the restroom's door when I heard Mirae calling for help. Her nervous voice made me feel rage.

Naabutan ko si Mirae na nakaupo sa gilid ng restroom. I can see blood when I saw her trembling in fear, seating on the floor.

"Fuck! Stay away from her." Mariing sambit ko sa babae na nasa harapan ni Mirae at may hawak itong kutsilyo. I didn't think twice when I pointed my gun in front of the woman standing near Mirae.

"Vynz." I heard Mirae called me, her voice trembled.

"Baliw ka ba?" Hindi ko pinansin ang sinabi ng babae kay Mirae. I want to kill this woman but I can't. Pati sa akin ay makakakot si Mirae kapag ginawa ko iyon. But I won't let anyone hurt her.

"Put that fucking knife down." I muttered using a cold firm voice.

Hindi nakinig ang babae at sumugod ito kay Mirae dala ang kutsilyo. I saw Mirae shut her eyes off. I have no choice but to pull the trigger and even I have a choice, I would still kill that woman but not in front of Mirae.

Bumagsak ang katawan ng babae at agad kong dinaluhan si Mirae.

"Are you okay?" I asked. I can't stand seeing her in pain.

She nodded but I know she isn't alright.

On our way back to her condo, I know we're being followed. Good thing nothing bad happened to Mirae.

But I'll make sure that they'll pay. Be it Cosmos, Amherst, or Stonesteel, they'll pay.

"Lo, You're the former boss of the Devaughne. Sigurado ako na alam mo kung sino ang Universe ng Cosmos o kung sino sinong pamilya ang nagpapatakbo sa Cosmos." Tumayo si Lolo at hinarap ako. One thing I know is the Universe is a woman.

"I won't tell you. If the Universe and the underbosses of Cosmos wants to hide their identity then be it, respect their decision." Fuck it!

"The Universe of Cosmos killed Aleesha but you're still talking about respect? Lo, Yung kapatid ko ba nirespeto nila?" My sister was raped and killed! Hindi sila nagtira ng kahit konting respeto para sa kapatid ko kaya bakit ko sila irerespeto?

"If you really wants to know their identity then put some effort. I won't tell you anything but I'm telling you, you're just wasting your time looking for the Universe." My jaw clenched on what my Lolo said.

Aleesha is his granddaughter that's why I can't understand why he doesn't want me to know who the Universe is. I want justice for my sister, I'll get it.

I'll make sure that the Universe would suffer the way my sister suffered. That's our plan.

Stonesteel. That mafia gave Mirae a head of a dead woman. But something's telling me that its Cosmos. Ilang buwan na at nakakapagtaka ang pananahimik ng Cosmos. 

When I saw Mirae crying, scared because of that fucking head, I want to kill. We ambushed Elliott Ledesma, pasalamat siya at nabuhay pa siya matapos ang ginawa ko. Kulang pa 'yon, tuwing maaalala ko ang takot sa mga mata ni Mirae ay bumabalik ang galit ko.

We're near the end. May mga lead si Hoax. Hindi ko lang alam kung paniniwalaan ko siya dahil kasama na naman doon si Mirae. She's not even a member of Cosmos! Her cousin is a member but she's not!

"You didn't received my email?" Hoax asked over the phone. Bumagal ang lakad ko papunta sa aking silid.

"What email?" Kunot noong tanong ko dito. "Kadarating ko lang."  Muli akong nagpatuloy sa paglalakad patungo sa aking silid habang nagiisip kung ano ang lulutuin para kay Mirae. She said she's hungry, kung hindi lang ay hindi ko ito hahayaan na umalis mag-isa.

"Check it."

I loosened my tie. "I'm busy, Hoax. Maybe later." Pinal na sambit ko.

"Importante 'yon, Kuya. It's about the Universe."

I frowned. "What about it?"

"Just check it. Is Mirae with you?" Hoax asked. I walked towards my private room.

Why is he asking for Mirae? "No, why?"

I opened my laptop and frowned when I saw Hoax's email.

"Fuck! Saan nagpunta?"

I heard a series of profanities from my brother but my attention is on my laptop. Kunot noong tinitigan ko ang mga litratong naroon. My jaw tightened.

"This is bullshit." Mahina ngunit mariing sambit ko.

"Mirae is the Universe, Kuya. I need your help, I need to get my wife." This can't be. Hoax is still speaking over the phone but I ignored him.

Kahit anong tanggi ko ay iyon pa rin ang katotohanan. Naiyukom ko ang aking kamao at mariin akong pumikit.

I remember the times that she was frightened. I remember her tears when that fucking Stonesteel sent her a fucking head. I remember the day that I confessed that I am a mafia boss. I saw it in her eyes, she was fucking scared! What the hell was that?! She's fucking pretending all along?

I remember her familiar eyes, it explains everything. I am protecting the one who killed my sister, fuck.

I snatched my laptop and threw it on the wall. Fuck that! Fuck it, Mirae!

What the hell have you done?! You killed my sister! I'll fucking make sure that you'll pay.

My jaw clenched when I saw her blood dripping from her forehead down to her cheeks. Agad niyang pinalis iyon at itinutok sa aking ang kanyang baril. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa aking baril. Really, Vynz? You'll make her pay? Sinong niloko mo?

I was in a full speed and I didn't saw her car coming. Ganoon nalang ang gulat ko nang may biglang bumaling na sasakyan mula sa kabilang linya.

I stepped on the break. Humigpit ang kapit ko sa manibela ng makita ko ang pamilyar na kotse na kinakaladkad ng aking sasakyan. I'm fucking hoping that it's not Mirae. But when I saw her getting out of that fucking car, I felt like everything crumbled down as my chest tightened.

"Mirae killed Aleesha, mercilessly! She fooled you, Kuya! Pagkatapos ay isang sabi lang na hindi ipinarape ay maniniwala ka na?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong sa akin ni Hoax. Nabaling ang atensyon ko sa kanya mula sa laptop na nasa aking harapan. Yes, I believe Mirae. "Paano mo siya nagagawang paniwalaan pagkatapos ka niyang lokohin?" Mariing sambit nito.

"I'll ask you the same question. I'm afraid we have a same answer." I muttered and heard him cursed.

Dati ay kinukwesyon ko ang aking kapatid kung bakit ito nagtitiwala kay Astrid sa kabila ng panloloko nito. Ngayon ay alam ko na ang kasagutan.

"She's the Universe." He stated.

"Hmmm. I know, hindi pa ako nakakalimot." Hindi ko pa nakakalimutan kung paano ako napaikot ni Mirae ngunit wala akong magawa kung hindi ang alalahanin iyon.

"Yeah. Until when are you planning to watch her?" He muttered as he glanced on my laptop. He let out a harsh breath and slowly shook his head when I didn't answer then he finally left the room.

Muli kong ibinalik ang atensyon sa laptop ng makalabas si Hoax. I saw Mirae woke up and started pulling her chained wrist. I frowned.

Naiyukom ko ang akin kamao. "Fucking stop!" I shouted even though I know she wouldn't hear me.

Mariin akong pumikit bago tinawagan ang numero ni Callum. "Vynz!" Bungad nito sa kabilang linya.

"Mirae's awake, give her something to eat." I ordered firmly.

"Concerned?" Mapanuyang tanong nito.

"Just do what I say! Faster! She's hurting her self." Callum chuckled.

Naiyukom ko ang kamao at marahas na isinara ang laptop. Napahilamos ako sa aking mukha. I promised to protect her but what the fuck am I doing?!

"You know Doctor Morales, right?" I asked as I sat down on the chair in front of Doctor Mariano's table.

The doctor frowned before he nodded his head.

"Did you know where Doctor Morales is?"

Umiling ito at sumagot. "Ilang taon na ang nakalipas mula ng huli ko itong nakita. Wala akong balita kung nasaan siya."

Fuck that! That doctor is my only hope. The doctor who did the autopsy on my sister.

I went back to my laptop and saw Mirae being harassed! Tauhan ko ang mga iyon, fuck! Nagdilim ang aking paningin dahil sa nakita.

Agad akong bumaba sa basement at tinungo ang kwartong kinaroroonan ni Mirae.

My underbosses saw me and tried to asked what happened but I ignored them. Marahas na tinulak ko ang pinto pabukas at agad na hinila ang lalaking nasa harapan ni Mirae. I'm fucking respecting Mirae pagkatapos ay ganoon ang gagawin nila? Isinandal ko ito sa pader at doon pinagsusuntok hanggang sa mapuno ng dugo ang aking kamao.

"I'll kill you!" Gigil na sambit ko dito. Hindi ko nilubayan ang aking tauhan kahit panay na ang pigil sa akin ni Hoax. Hindi ko namalayan na nakasunod pala sila sa akin. Sa huli ay tumigil din si Hoax at hinayaan ako sa gustong gawin. Nang napahiga na ito sa sahig ay binalinggan ko ang isa pang tauhan na humawak kay Mirae. Basag na rin ang mukha nito at puno ng dugo na hindi ko alam kung sino ang gumawa.

Isang suntok ay napaupo na iyon at naglabas ng dugo galing sa bibig. Doon na ako tuluyang pinigilan ni Hoax.

Bumaling ako sa kanina lang na kinaroroonan ni Mirae ngunit wala ng ito roon.

Marahas na binalingan ko ang kapatid. "You know what to do." Sambit ko bago iwanan ang kwartong iyon.

Mirae killed Aleesha. Iyon ang palagi kong pinapaalala sa sarili. I must kill her but I can't! I won't. I love her. I never thought that protecting the Universe would be my priority. I'm sorry, Aleesha. I'm sorry.

"I'll court you again, I won't disappoint you this time." I muttered. Without her, I don't know what I'd do. Seeing her with other man stings. Imagining her kissing other man is like seeing blood. "Just let me. Let me prove how much I love you." She gave me a blank stare.

"No. I still love Aziel." She answered. My grip on her waist tightened. Ipinatong ko ang aking ulo sa kanyang balikat na para bang doon ako kumukuha ng lakas.

Muli akong nagangat ng ulo para salubungin ang tingin ni Mirae. "I'll do everything for you to unloved him." Mirae smiled and shook her head.

"I won't let you go." I firmly muttered.

She encircled her arms around my neck as I tightened my arms around her waist. "Prove me."

Naguguluhang tumingin ako kay Mirae habang ito naman ay hindi mawala ang ngiti sa mga labi.

"You said you love me, prove it. Marry me." She muttered.

I couldn't react for a couple of seconds because of what she have said.

Fuck yes! Kinalas ko ang mga braso sa kanyang baywang at pinadausdos iyon sa kanyang kamay. "Let's go."

"Where are we going?" Naguguluhang tanong sa akin ni Mirae.

"I'll marry you."

She rolled her eyes on me and smirked. "I love you, Vynz."

"May the wedding rings you exchanged today remind you always that you are surrounded by enduring love. May your life together be blessed with prosperity and good health. May you cherish the home and family you will create together." Bahagya akong napalingon sa aking asawa. I saw her smiling at the same time tears are building up on the sides of her eyes.

"May your love be a life-long source of excitement, contentment, affection, respect and devotion for one another. By the power vested in me, it is my honor and delight to declare you husband and wife. You may seal this declaration with a kiss." Deklara ng paring nasa harapan namin.

I turned to my wife and smiled I met her familiar eyes. Calling her my wife feels so right. Its been a year since we became one and now here we are again. This time in front of the crowd. In front of our families. In front of the important people in our lives.

Inangat ko ang telang tumatakip sa kanyang mukha. Kinulong ko ang kanyang pisngi gamit ang aking mga kamay at marahang pinalis ang butil ng luhang bumagsak sa kanyang pisngi.

I leaned to kissed her but an unfamiliar voice stopped me.

"Itigil ang kasal! Hindi kayo pwedeng ikasal!"

The woman got not only my attention but the whole crowd. She's in the middle of the aisle, wearing a wedding dress. Nakayuko itong tumakbo papunta sa direksyon namin ng asawa ko. Bakas sa mukha nito na kagagaling lang sa iyak. Who the hell is she?

Lumakas ang bulungan sa loob ng simbahan ngunit wala roon ang atensyon ko.

I turned to my wife and saw her wearing a stoic face. Fuck!

"I don't know her, Mirae. Believe me." I explained. Sa loob ng isang taon na magasawa kami ay hindi ni minsan kami nagkaroon ng malaking away, mukhang ngayon pa lang dahil sa babaeng nasa harapan namin. Pilit ko na inalala kung nakita ko na ang babaeng ito ngunit hindi talaga.

"Ako ang mahal mo--" Nabitin ang sasabihin ng babae ng naganggat ito ng ulo at nagtama ang aming tingin. Ibinuka nito ang bibig ngunit walang lumabas na salita roon.

Mirae is also facing the woman and she's giving her a cold stare. Bumaling ang tingin ng babae sa aking asawa at bumakas lalo ang kaguluhan sa mukha nito.

"L-lozano and Devaughne wedding, h-hindi ba?" Tanong nito na walang espisipikong tinitingnan. Inilibot nito ang tingin sa mga tao na nasa loob ng simbahan. Sa huli ay muling bumalik ang tingin ng babae sa amin ni Mirae.

"A-akala ko--sorry, w-wrong wedding." Mahinang sambit nito ngunit sapat iyon upang marinig. Bakas ang kahihiyan sa mukha ng babae.

Agad itong lumalikod at tumakbo palabas ng simbahan.

I saw my wife giving her cousin signals through her eyes. Marahang tumango ang pinsan nito at palihim na lumabas ng simbahan.

"I don't know her." I whispered when our eyes met.

"I know, I just want to make sure she's not from one of our..." She glanced on the priest standing on our side. Nang bumalik ang tingin niya sa akin ay matamis itong ngumiti. "You know." Pagtatapos nito sa sinabi. Yeah, mafia.

The wedding resumed and we finally got back the attention of the crowd when I kiss her.

"I love you, my wife." Sambit ko nang maghiwalay ang aming mga labi.

I smile formed in her lips. "I love you too, my husband."

I love her. I will love her until we find the answer to the questions about the Universe. I will continue to love her until we find the end of the Universe.

__________

August 2020

This is the end of Chasing The Universe. Again, thank you for reading Mirae and Vynz's story.