Under The Moonlight

    WHAT happened last night was still fresh on my mind. Pagod na pagod ako kahit kompleto naman ang aking tulog. We did it three times last night. Sa unang round, siya ang in-charge at sa dalawang pang-huli, ako na. I ride him all night until we both reach our limit. Pareho kaming bagsak pagkatapos, hindi na nga kami nakapaglinis ng katawan.

The next morning, we ate our breakfast at the hotel's restaurant. We casually chitchat about the activities we are going to do today. I even bragged about my license in scuba diving, which made him proud of me.

Nang matapos kami kumain ng breakfast, naglakad-lakad na muna kami sa tabing-dagat. I wore a ruffled tube white floral dress that reached below my knees. Inside was my black triangle bikini.

I was also wearing a summer hat and flat sandals, while Croisx was wearing white button-down long sleeves that he folded up to his forearm. He paired it with black beach shorts and flat sandals. Hindi na ako naglagay ng make up dahil nasa tubig naman kami buong araw.

When it was time to start our water activities, we rode in a boat. Croisx was guiding me as I hopped on the boat. Wala kaming ibang kasama bukod sa dalawang bangkero na bitbit ang mga gagamitin namin.

Tumigil kami sa medyo malalim nang parte ng dagat. Hindi ko maiwasan ang hindi tanawin ang iilang bundok sa malayo na lalong nagpaganda sa lugar. Croisx took a picture of the view, including me.

"Eto ho 'yong mga gagamitin, ma'am, sir." The skipper handed us the gear that we would use.

I accepted the gear, which consisted of fins, a snorkelling mask and a snorkel. I removed my summer dress first before I put the fins on my feet.

"Let me give you a hand," lumapit sa akin si Croisx para tulungan akong isuot ang snorkeling mask. He ponytailed my hair and put on the mask. "Open your mouth," he muttered gently, and I obliged.

He positioned the snorkel inside my mouth. He asked me if I felt comfortable, and I nodded quickly. After making sure I was all set, he focused on putting the gear to himself.

I tried peeking at the crystal-clear water. Masyadong malinaw ang tubig sa lugar kung saan kami huminto kaya naman kahit na hindi mo ilubog ang ulo mo sa tubig ay makikita mong lumalangoy ang iba't-ibang isda!

I glanced at Croisx when he held my hand. Tumitig siya sa akin ng matagal, parang may gustong iparating. We smiled at each other. Pareho kaming tumango na parang napagkasunduan na ang gagawin.

He then let me go, and after taking a deep breath, we both dived into the water. I was in awe when I saw different colorful fish, crustaceans, molluscs, coral formations, sea fans, and even sea turtles!

The illuminating sun permeating the ocean floor was magnificent as it gave an extra glow to the corals. I couldn't help but be stunned when I noticed him carrying an underwater camera. 

Nakatutok pa 'yon sa akin. I did a peace sign at the camera as I kept swimming. I was elated while tailing a group of fish but felt sad when they scattered around as I tried to ruin their formation. 

My eyes widened when I saw a whale shark. Ramdam ko ang kaba sa itsura ni Croisx nang may makitang kaming balyena. I reached for his hand, calming him. His eyes immediately smiled in relief.

"That was fun!" I exclaimed as we hopped back in the boat. Naramdaman ko kaagad ang mainit na bagay na bumalot sa akin— binalot niya kaagad ako ng towel at naupo sa tabi ko.

"'You okay, babe?" He trailed his thumb on my lips.

My lips are trembling a bit because of coldness, but I am fine. It was worth it. I had a great time underwater.

I nodded. "Yup. Just a bit cold, but it will eventually fade away later," I assured him, but he still hugged me.

Croisx and I spent the rest of the day doing water-sports activities. We had a lot of fun snorkeling, parasailing and paddleboarding. We've also got to visit the magnificent sea caves and discover the hidden beauty of the neighbouring islands.

I still can't get enough when Croisx almost slipped from the paddleboard because of the big wave, poor him.

After the enjoyable and eventful soaked-up experience, we decided to rest at the sun lounger. Nakakapagod pero worth it naman.

The last rays of the late afternoon sun were sparkling over the surface of the sea. The waves were crawling gently to the shore. It was fascinating.

"You okay, babe?" he asks, tilting his head questioningly.

I glance at him. "Yeah. Just tired and hungry," I chuckled.

He bowed his head in silence before he burst into laughter. "Me too."

"Should we eat, then? I'm starving!"

His mouth curved into a smirk, revealing a tiny dimple on his left cheek. "Sure. Let's go."

Pumasok ako sa banyo at nilubog ang katawan sa bathtub. I lit up the scented candles and closed my eyes to relax. Ilang minuto siguro ang nakalipas na nakalubog lang ang katawan ko sa tub. My eyes are closed but I'm not asleep.

Napadilat lang ako noong narinig ko ang pagkatok at ang pagbukas ng pinto. Kinabahan ako pero nang nakita na si Croisx 'yon, kumalma na ako. Hindi naman siya tuluyang pumasok, he just peeked his head inside and looked at my direction.

"Hey, are you done? It's almost dinner time. Let's have dinner in front of the seashore."

Tumango ako sa kanya saka naupo, hindi alintana na nakabalandra ang dibdib ko. "Sige. I'll just shower quick."

We decided to spent the rest of the night near the beach. May nakalatag na mantel sa puting buhangin habang may dalawang baso ng wine, the wine itself, burger with fries kaming bitbit.

Wala naman masyadong tao. Kung meron man ay medyo malayo sa amin. Hindi ako nakatingin kay Croisx pero nararamdaman ko ang titig niya sa akin.

I heard him sigh and look at the bright and shining full moon.

Pasimple ko siyang sinulyapan. Dahil nakatagilid ang ulo niya, hindi ko maiwasan hindi pagmasdan ang panga niya. Even his jaw can make my pussy throbbed. Damn my nasty thoughts!

I quickly removed my eyes from him and focused on the beautiful view in front of us.

However, my eyes came back to Crosix when he reached for my hand, intertwined it with his and kissed the back of it. Agad siyang ngumiti nang magtama ang mga mata namin. His hair was flowing because of the wind.

Tumagal ang tingin ko sa kanyang buhok. Ngayon ko lang napansin na habang humahaba na pala ang buhok niya.

"When we came back to Manila, what's your plan?" I asked to start a conversation.

"Hmm? Spend the Christmas Eve. Then, review for the pre mock exam."

Hindi ako nagsalita, tumango lang. Tumingin ulit ako sa madilim na karagatan at tumahimik. I poured the wine into the glass and sipped it.

Our heartbeat turned one when he suddenly stood up in his seat and hugged me from behind. Natigilan ako dahil sa biglaan niyang ginawa. May iilang tao ang napalingon sa amin. May mga napangiti, napailing, at meron rin na walang pakealam. Huminga ako ng malalim. Nakasandal ang ulo ko sa kanyang dibdib habang ang kanyang baba ay nasa itaas ng ulo ko, hinahaplos ang aking buhok.

He sighed before he pulled me closer. Walang nagsalita sa pagitan namin. We only heard our heartbeat and the sound of our breathing.

Hindi ko na namalayan kung gaano kami katagal nanatili sa ganoong posisyon. We just sat there in complete but comfortable silence.

"Khrizanta. . ." He broke the silence by saying my name in his most gentle voice.

"Hmm?" I hummed, waiting for him to continue, but he didn't. I looked up at him and sighed.

I licked my lips and cupped his cheek, not removing my eyes from him. I lean closer, inch by inch, gradually, until our lips touch each other.

His eyes automatically shut down the moment our lips touch.

I tilt my head sideways to feel his lips more. Then I cupped his cheeks before I nibbled his bottom lips, causing the kiss to get deep.

Sandali kaming humiwalay sa isa't-isa upang maghabol ng hininga. Napapikit ako nang halikan niya ako sa noo bago binaon ang ulo sa aking leeg. I can feel his heavy and hot breathing on my neck.

"I love you, Khriz. . . Every inch and every part of you, even the worst one," he whispered sincerely.

Kumalabog ang puso ko.

"Croisx. . ." Nabasag ang boses ko.

"It's okay, mi vida." He chuckled, but I can sense the pain and disappointment in his voice.

I reach for his hand and squeeze it.

"To be honest, I can't fully explain my feelings for you. . . But I let you love me. . . I let you take care of me. I let you do things to me that no one was allowed to do before."

He squeezed my hand back. "I would wait for the right time that you would love me back. I won't rush you. Nor you should rush your feelings. Because real love takes time. . ."

Halos mabingi ako sa lakas ng tibok ng puso ko. My heart is swirling with emotions I couldn't decipher— confusion, nervousness, and somehow affection.

Whenever I encounter that psycho, I always find myself with Croisx arms. I don't know why, but he calms me.

He cupped my cheeks. "I will love you till Pi runs out of decimal places."

My eyes closed the moment his lips touched mine. Naramdaman kong may tumulong luha sa mga mata ko.

His kisses were slow and gentle. It's not the kiss that I enjoy with my flings or the kiss I always perform, but this type of kiss is my favorite. It may be newbie, but it's incomparable to others.

Croisx, kissing me under the moonlight is the most memorable kiss I have ever received.

Para sa akin, wala na akong mahihiling pa.

From this moment, I only wish one thing. . . I hope the time will stop. So I would have a long ride with Croisx. 

Time really flies so fast. Two more months had passed like a rollercoaster. It was a busy month for the both of us— Croisx just finished his final exam, and now, he was preparing for his incoming graduation.

Last week, I was on a shoot when I received a message from him. He sent me a picture of his graduation picture! God, He looks so handsome! I couldn't help but save it on my gallery.

Saint.Khriz

Are you really my boyfriend? So pogi :(

Holy.croisx
Babe, I miss you. Go home na po, please.

Saint.Khriz
I'll be home tomorrow.

Saint.Khriz
I can't wait to see you on stage, my Engineer.

Holy.croisx
I love you ❤️🥺

Nang makarating ako sa condo ay sarado ang ilaw sa living room at tanging ang lamp lang na nasa paanan ng sofa ang nagbibigay ilaw sa paligid.

I removed my shoes and changed into flip flops when I noticed a man figure lying on the sofa. My eyes squinted, zooming in to see who was on the sofa.

My lips parted when I noticed Croisx was peacefully sleeping on the sofa.

He really waited for me.

Nakatagilid siya nang higa at nakaunan sa malambot na arm rest ng sofa habang ang isang kamay niya ay nakaipit sa kaniyang pisngi. He's wearing a simple blue hoodie and gray sweat shorts.

I slowly tiptoed in his direction, then crouched on his side to watch him asleep. I smiled as I watched him sleeping. So adorable.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit nitong mga nakalipas na araw ay halos hindi ko maalis kay Croisx ang mga paningin ko. Bawat galaw niya ay napapansin ko. I'm not like this before. Para bang malaking kawalan sa akin kung hindi ko itutuon sa kanya ang paningin ko.

Napadako ang tingin ko sa kaniyang labi at wala sa oras na binasa ang pang-ibabang labi ko. It's already dark and the source of light is the lamp that was located on his head, yet his lips still looks like calling me.

I slowly lean over until I reach his lips and kiss him gently. Napanguso ako nang hindi siya nagising.

I stroked his hair before planting another kiss, but this time, I moved my lips slowly. He stirred a bit, and his lips move, pressing my bottom lip on his. Dahan dahan siyang nagmulat ng mata at nagtama kaagad ang mga paningin namin.

"Babe!" He exclaimed and immediately sat down, pulling me on his lap and proceeding on hugging me. "I miss you so much," he sulked.

I chuckled lightly. "Ilang araw lang tayo hindi nagkita, ah? You have your school, and I had a photoshoot on Boracay."

Hindi kasi kami ulit nagkita ng dalawang araw dahil may photoshoot ako for a bikini campaign sa boracay. While he was preparing for his graduation. He's also studying in advance for his board exam.

Hindi ko pa rin alam kung ano ang magandang iregalo sa papalapit na graduation ni Croisx. I know that he will appreciate everything I'll give. Kahit pa nga wala ay paniguradong ayos lang sa kanya, pero gusto ko siyang sopresahin.

Hindi siya nagsalita pero naramdaman ko siyang gumalaw. He dipped his face on the croak of my neck, sniffing me.

"Have you eaten?" He asked after not speaking for a second.

I shifted in my seat. "Hmm. I ate with my co-models. Ikaw?"

"I ate." He answered and hugged me tighter. "Cuddle?" he asked like a kid.

Pinisil ko ang pisngi niya. "Later. I'll take a shower muna,"

"Okay. Can I wait for you in your room?" he asked for permission.

I nodded. "Sure."

He smiled so wide and I immediately shriek when he carried me in a bridal style. Hinayaan niya akong maligo habang nakaupo siya paanan ng kama, hinihintay akong matapos.

We may be busy, but we still see each other since we were neighbours. Halos sa unit ko na nga siya nakatira. May mga extra shirts na rin siya sa closet ko. May extra toothbrush na nga rin siya sa aking bathroom. It feels like we're cohabiting.

Wearing my usual sleeping clothes— cotton shorts and a silk camisole, lumabas ako ng banyo nang matapos maligo.

He immediately stood up to brush my hair even though I didn't ask him to. Croisx was brushing my hair while applying my skin care products and my body lotion. I turn around and put the extra lotion on his arms. Wala naman siyang reklamo at ngumiti pa nga siya sa akin.

We cuddled, not leaving a single space between us. We talked about random things while cuddling and his hand on my hair, gently stroking it. My head was lying on his arm, but despite the distance from his heart, I could still hear how loud and fast his heartbeat was when it came to me.

"I will never love if it's not you," he whispered in my ear.

Nagising ako dahil sa mainit na sikat ng araw na pumapasok sa kwarto. I groaned and turn to my side, expecting a body to hug on, but only an empty space was left alone.

Unti-unti akong nagmulat ng mga mata, humikab at nagtataka nang hindi masilayan si Croisx. Kinusot-kusot ko ang mga mata ko nang makakita ng pigura sa may harapan.

The sexy silhouette of Croisx overtook the majestic sun's reign. He was leaning in front of the trailer on the balcony, sightseeing the view.

I smiled and stretched my arms. Naramdaman yata ni Croisx na gising na ako kaya pumasok na siyang muli. He instantly smiled warmingly when he saw me.

Hinaplos niya ang aking buhok saka ako hinalikan sa noo. "Good morning," Nakangiting bati niya. Kumikislap pa ang mga mata niya habang bumabati.

I saw him smile a couple of times before at wala naman 'yon epekto sa akin. But now, I find it a big deal. I don't know why I am so bothered by him.

My heart pounded as an idea entered my mind.

Am I falling for him? Am I in love with Croisx? 

© FM