𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟒

Time seems to pass more quickly in certain situations, especially when you're having fun. Today is the last day of the month, the last day of our deal. A lot has happened in the past few days that cause my mind and heart confused.

Something has changed in my feelings. It's not very deep, but it causes a ruckus inside my whole existence. Sa mga oras na 'yon, akala ko mababaliw na ako dahil sobrang gulo ng utak ko. Hanggang sa makausap ko si Shirley ng masinsinan, All the words she told me made me realize what I really felt about him.

"Come on, Mardux! You like him, okay? Hindi mo lang maamin dahil pati sarili mo, hindi makapaniwala na nahulog ka sa kanya."

Ilang beses akong umiling. "No! Wala akong gusto sa kanya!"

"Then, why did you cry when he told you he loves you? Why did you kiss him back if you don't feel the same?"

I was speechless. No words came out of my mouth.

I love you

Simula noong banggitin niya ang tatlong salitang 'yon, Ilang gabi akong hindi nakatulog ng maayos. It was the first time I heard those words from him. I thought he only liked me. Then what's with the sudden I love you? Is he serious when he told me those words? Bumigat ang talukap ng mga mata ko bago ako suminghap at naluha sa hindi ko alam na dahilan.

I like him. Gusto ko rin si Blood. 

When I arrived at school, my eyes quickly searched for Blood. I'm expecting him to be the first person to greet me a good morning, but he's nowhere to be found. Nakaramdam ako ng lungkot.

"Absent ba si Blood?" hindi ko na napigilan ang hindi lumingon kay Clint. I caught him secretly staring at Shirley.

He looks melancholy. Bakit kaya?

Napalingon siya sa akin at mabilis na ngumiti. "I don't think papasok siya ngayon."

My forehead wrinkled. "Bakit?"

"He's sick,"

Umawang ang labi ko sa narinig. "He's sick? Bakit hindi ko alam? I was with him yesterday! He doesn't look sick-" Then I suddenly remembered how fake his smile was yesterday. He doesn't look festive like before. I asked him yesterday if he was okay, and he said yes. So, I believe him.

I swallowed my saliva. "Is he really sick?"

He nodded. "Oo. I don't know what exactly happened but he called me last night na hindi siya papasok ngayon..." Nanahimik ako saglit nang magsalita siya ulit. "If you're worried about him, call him."

I bit my lips. "M-Mamaya na lang siguro,"

Hindi na siya sumagot dahil dumating na ang teacher namin. Ilang oras akong balisa. I want to see him! I want to take care of him if he was really sick! Hindi ako ganito dati, hindi ako ganito. Ngayon lang, sa kanya lang.

"Class dismissed!"

Mabilis akong tumayo nang matapos ang last subject. Pinasok ko na lang basta sa loob ng bag ko ang mga gamit kong nakalabas dahil aligaga na akong makaalis.

"Mardux, where are you going?!" rinig kong tanong ni Shirley pero tumakbo na ako palabas.

I rushed to the gate of the blue academy when I bumped into someone. When I glanced up, the corners of my eyes quickly got wet.

"B-Blood," A tear fell from my eyes.

His eyebrows furrowed while staring at me.   "Hey, what happened? Why are you crying?" He looks confused.

I embraced him without thinking if people will see us. All I want is to feel him. Ramdam ko ang pagkabigla niya bago niya ako yakapin pabalik.

"Tell me what happened, hmm?" he asked while stroking my hair.

"Y-You are sick," I mumbled.

"Are you worried about me?"

I nodded without breaking our hug. I didn't voice it out because I'm still hesitant to show my real feelings towards him. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sasabihin sa kanya na pareho kami ng nararamdaman.

Napatingala ako sa kanya nang maramdaman ko ang paghalik niya ulo ko. I saw him smiling, and his eyes flickered. "I'm okay. It's just flu, and I already took medicine for it so don't worry anymore, hmm?"

"Kahit na... You should've stayed at home and taken a rest,"

"I don't like that idea. I won't see you if I stay at home. At least, here I can see you, and I can be with you,"

I bit my lips to hide a smile. My heart is pounding, and I can feel the tickling sensation in my stomach because of him. Kinikilig ba ako? Bakit hindi ko man lang naramdaman ito dati?

"Pwede naman tayo magkita kapag magaling kana,"

"I am, sweetie."

Nilapat ko ang kamay ko sa leeg at noo niya para makasigurado. "I don't think so," sabi ko.

He bit his lips before licking them. "Then, be my nurse?" he tucked my hair behind my ears.

"Tara." Hinila ko siya paalis dahil ngayon ko ramdam ang titig ng mga tao sa amin. Live show, amp!

Lumapit kami sa lugar kung saan nakapark ang motor niya. Tulad ng nakasanayan, inabot niya sa akin ang helmet at siya na ang mismong nagsuot sa akin. I pouted when he didn't close the transparent shield that will cover my eyes.

"Saan tayo pupunta?"

"Date..." he said. "Today is the last day of our deal. I want to treasure every second with you because this might be the last time,"

Hindi ako nakasagot dahil mabilis akong nakaramdam ng lungkot. This is what I want, right? I felt really regretful now. I took in a deep breath.

"Where do you want to eat?"

Since he's taller than me, I need to looked up at him. "Sa Korean Restaurant tayo, pwede?"

"Of course," He nodded before closing the transparent shield of the helmet.

I swear, before this day end, I will confess my true feelings for him.

Nagsimula siyang magmaneho habang nakasakay ako sa likuran niya at nakakapit sa suot niyang flannel jacket. Ilang sandali pa at nakarating na kami sa Korean town. We entered a Korean restaurant that didn't have a lot of costumers and looked for a place to sit.

A middle-aged man welcomed us with a warm smile and a menu in his hand.

"Annyeonghaseyo," he greeted us.

I bowed a little. "Annyeonghaseyo," I greeted back, and he looked stunned.

"A-Are you Korean?"

I nodded. "Yes,"

Hindi ko inaasahan na matutuwa ang lalake nang malaman na Korean ako. We ordered food, and while waiting, I couldn't help but worry about Blood looking lethargic. He's sick, yet he's here with me instead of resting at home.

I reached for his hand and squeeze it. "Ayos ka lang?"

"I'm fine, sweetie. Don't worry about me, okay?" he squeezed my hand and gave me a quirky smile.

"Are you sure? Kapag gusto mo ng umuwi, just tell me, okay?"

"Aye, captain!" he chuckled.

Ilang sandali pa at dumating na ang mga side dishes namin. I thanked the female staff when she arranged them all carefully. I looked at Blood when she squeezed my hand.

"Is this what we order? Bakit ang konti ng serving?" He asked while looking at the side dishes.

I chuckled because he looks so confused like a baby.

"No, that's our side dishes... It's a korean version of appetizer," 

His lips parted before scratching the back of his head. "Really? Interesting,"

"Haha! Yep, I ordered all of my favorite Korean food. You must try them all."

"I will, sweetie."

Sakto dumating na ang mga order naming pagkain kaya I quickly introduced the food I ordered. Even though he has Korean blood, he didn't grow up in Korea like me, so I'm sure he doesn't know anything about our foods.

"This is Pork Bulgogi, a Korean specialty barbecued meat. This one is bibimbap, which is like fried rice, but instead of being fried, it's just all mixed up like a salad. This one is japchae." I pointed out all of the food. "This is Tteokbokki or simply rice cake, and lastly, this is Gimbap."

Napakurap-kurap ako nang mapansin na nakatitig pala sa akin si Blood habang nagsasalita ako. Ramdam ko ang pag-iinit ng magkabila kong pisngi dahil sa paraan ng pagtitig niya sa'kin.

I swallowed my saliva because I felt conscious. "B-Bakit? May dumi ba ako sa mukha?"

He shook his head. "You look amazing while talking about your favorite food,"

I bit my lips, nervously. "Uh..." kinuha ko na lang ang chopstick at inabot sa kanya. "L-Let's dig in,"

The side of his lips rose when he saw me biting my lips. "Yeah, Let's dig in,"

"Jalmukesumneda," I muttered before looking at him when I noticed that he's watching me. "Bakit?"

He shrugged. "Nothing. Kain na tayo,"

Are you sure?

Napalunok ako. "Arasseo." I said before nodding.

We started eating, and I couldn't help but secretly watch Blood eat the food I ordered.  I smiled, but my eyes widen when his face reddened, and I heard him curse. I quickly handed him water when I saw him struggling because he couldn't handle the spiciness of Tteokbokki.

"Bloody hell! This rice cake is so spicy! I can't eat it!"

Mahina akong natawa bago abutan siya muli ng tubig. He frowned.

"Sorry. I thought you like spicy foods,"

I heard him cuss. "Hell no! Shit! Sweetie, stop laughing at me!"

I snickered. "Haha! I can't help it! You look cute though,"

I saw him frowned, and shook his head. "Mamaya ka sa'kin."

Napailing ako habang may ngiti sa labi.  "Wait, I'll ask them if they sell ice cream,"

Mabilis na akong tumayo at nilapitan ang Korean na nakausap ko kanina. Mabuti na lang at may ice cream sila dahil nabawasan ang anghang na nararamdaman ni Blood. I had fun the whole time we ate, the Kind Korean gave us free ice cream, and I witnessed how Blood almost lose his color because of Tteokbokki.

Napalingon ako sa kanya nang marinig ko siyang mag 'tsk'.

"Waeyo?"

His eyebrows furrowed. "I won't eat that rice cake anymore,"

It looks like he got traumatized eating spicy Tteokbokki.

"I'll order Bulgogi, Gimbap, and Japchae next time," I said because that was the one he liked the most, while he hated Tteokbokki the most. 

"Good. I'll add them to my favorite food list."

Napailing na lang ako habang may ngiti sa labi. He intertwined our hands before he guided me to his motorbike. Napatingin ako sa suot ko at napangiwi nang makitang nakasuot pa pala ako ng school uniform. Kadiri! I swear I'll soak my body with bath salt for hours later!

He gathered all my hair before carefully inserted the helmet into me. "May pupuntahan lang tayo saglit tapos ihahatid na kita pauwi,"

"Okay," malumanay na sagot ko.

Before this day end, I will confess my true feelings for him. I'm just waiting for the right moment.

Huminto kami sa harapan ng isang pavillion park na pinalilibutan ng mga puno pero walang gaanong tao, siguro dahil madilim na. But I saw some children with their parents still playing in the playground and some patrols. We entered a small pavilion and sat on wooden bleachers. 

Umihip ng sobrang lakas kaya napahawak ako sa braso ni Blood. Napalingon ako sa kanya nang hubarin niya ang suot na flannel jacket at pinatong sa balikat ko. Bahagya akong napatitig sa kanya nang ngumiti siya. Bumaba ang tingin niya sa mga kamay naming magkahawak.

"You're still wearing the bracelet I gave," he muttered.

I nod my head. "Oo naman,"

"Don't remove it, please..." maliit ang boses ngunit rinig kong sabi niya.

I squeeze his hands. "I won't," 

Saglit na namayani ang katahimikan sa pagitan namin kaya dahan-dahan kong ipinatong ang ulo ko sa balikat niya. I felt him stiffen when my head tumbled into his shoulder.

"Blood..." I called him.

"Hmm?"

"I..." My lips quiver.

Napapikit ako dahil ayaw lumabas ng tatlong salitang 'yon sa bibig ko. Gusto ko na sabihin pero ayaw makisama ng bibig ko!

He looked at my face resting on his shoulder. "What are you doing?"

I pursed my lips before shaking my head. "W-Wala,"

I heard him chuckled. "Bakit ka nakapikit? Are you sleepy? Gusto mo na ba umuwi?"

Mabilis akong naupo ng maayos dahil sa sinabi niya. "No! I'm not sleepy! Dito muna tayo, please?" I pleaded, and I caught him smirking before pinching my nose.

"I can't get enough of your cuteness,"

Mabilis nanlaki ang mga mata ko sinabi niya. This guy really knows how to make girls crazy in love with him.

"Blood?" I called him again.

"Yeah?"

"D-Do you really love me?"

Because I do 

"I do. I already told you so many times, right? Don't tell me, you don't believe me?" His eyebrows furrowed.

"I believe in you," 

"Do you?" He squinted his eyes at me.

"Oo nga," 

Napakunot ako ng noo nang tumayo siya pero nabigla ako nang higitin niya ako patayo. Naging seryoso ang mukha niya kaya bigla akong nailang.

"Can I have a request?"

I nodded without saying anything. Ramdam ko na ang pagbilis ng tibok ng puso ko pati na ang pagkabasa ng magkapareho kong kamay dahil sa kaba. Why do I feel this way? He stared at me for a second, and my lips parted when I heard the words he stated.

"Can I hug you for the last time? Because I don't know what will happen after this deal." I can feel my eyes starting to get wet. "I'm not sure if we are back as friends or strangers. But always remember that I love you, and I'm giving up my chance to be with you because I respect you."

Sunod-sunod na tumalo ang luha sa mga mata ko. He froze where he stood while his eyes were in bewilderment.

His eyebrows creased before wiping my tears. "Tahan na,"

Sunod-sunod akong napailing at malakas ang loob na tinitigan siya sa mga mata.

"D-Don't give up on me, please..." I sob.

Lumamlam ang mga mata niya habang nakatingin sa akin. "Shhh... I won't, okay? I'm staying with you,"

"I love you," hindi ko  na napigilan ang sarili ko.

Kitang-kita ko kung paano nanlaki ang mga mata niya sa sinabi ko. Nagbukas-sara ang bibig niya habang nakatingin sa akin.

Patuloy ako sa pag-iyak habang nakatingin sa kanya. "S-Sorry kung ngayon ko lang sinabi. I love you, Blood. P-Please don't give up on me."

He grabbed my cheeks with his hand, and my heartbeat quickened at his touch. "C-Can you please repeat it again, please? Baka nabingi lang ako, 'e."

"Mahal kita,"

"Fuck, I heard it right," he muttered before pulling me for a hug. Sinubsob niya ang mukha sa leeg ko. I can smell his male cologne and his warmth breathing against my skin.

"I'm crazy in love with you." He whispered, and I Instantly closed my eyes when he kissed the top of my head. 

"Neomu saranghaeyo, Blood Jared," sabi ko habang patuloy na lumuluha at mahigpit na nakayakap sa kanya.

*****