❝ HAVEN AND PROTECTORS ❞

"Dinner is ready. Baba na kayo! Ilang beses ko kayo tatawagin, ha?!"

Sigaw mo sa phone dahil pinapagalitan mo ang mga anak mo. Nasa kusina ka ngayon at kakatapos mo lang magluto. It's a rare occasion for you to be in this home. You've always been busy in your office, but since your schedule isn't that packed today, and luckily the time comprises, you decided to stay with your family.

You're a corporate lawyer, working in a corporate legal office and law firm. Hundreds of paperwork are delivered to you almost every day. You've handled a lot of different cases, and even won a case for the top, well-known companies. You protected a lot of their reputations and image since you have connections with the media too.

"Mommy, wala pa po ba si Daddy?" Tanong ng isa mong lalaki na anak. Tatlo ang anak niyo ni Ran. Their dad has been spoiling his sons dahil may gaming room pa sila, at sa bawat kwarto nila, may mga sarili silang PC. Kompleto pa ang mga gaming collections nila. Lahat sila lalaki, kaya't never ka pang nakakita ng pink na gamit sa bahay. Kung may mga pang-ipit man, hairclips, makeup, panigurado ay sa'yo 'yon.

"Wala pa, but he's coming home na. Baba na kayo. Pinaghihintay niyo 'yung pagkain. Isa! Dalawa–!" Pagbabanta mo pa.

"Bababa na po!" Sagot ng anak mo at binaba ang telepono.

Talking about their dad, Ran is now the CEO of the company that he inherited from his mother. Even if the company already has been founded by someone, Ran started again from scratch and built the multi-billion company like an empire on his own hands. His company is all about cars and engines, named Agile Corp.

"Pst, Enji!" Tawag ni Kenzo sa kanyang kapatid. Kakatawag lang ng mommy nila sa phone, pero agad na nilang nakalimutan dahil busy sa paglalaro. Mukhang may mapapagalitan nito mamaya.

Kenzo Laurence Haitani is their eldest, fifteen years old son. He's the athletic one among his siblings, and he's a basketball captain. He also plays football, badminton, and volleyball, always representing his school. Kilala siya sa campus, that's why many girls are dawned to him. Madaldal din ito at maingay. He totally got his personality and skills from his dad, and he got his looks from you. Kenzo is like the little version of Ran.

"What?" Enji responded.

Enji Mako Haitani is their middle, fourteen years old son. He's the most chill and quiet among his two brothers. Kung ang kuya niya ay mahilig sa sports at physically active, si Enji naman ay more on computer games and IQ. Enji is also a dog lover, at siya ang palaging nag-aalaga sa aso niyo. May kasungitan din si Enji, kaya't palaging nauuwi sa rejection ang mga nagcoconfess sa kanya. He's the "study first" type of person. Sa'yo talaga siya nagmana.

Well, halos lahat sila ay mahilig sa games... Mukhang na-mana yata ito sa kanilang tatay.

"Kilala mo si Bianca?" Tanong ni Kenzo habang naka-upo sa kanyang gaming chair. 

"No," Enji answered while his eyes are fixed on the computer screen.

"Alam mo ba. Kinausap niya 'ko kanina habang nasa training ako. Tangina, bro, tiklop agad ako." Kwento pa ng panganay.

Tumango nalang si Enji na para bang walang pakielam. "Akala ko ba si Chin gusto mo?"

"Ay. Haha. 'De ano, wala." Simpleng tawa ni Kenzo. "Basta si Bianca nga topic e! Ba't mo iniiba?"

"Dami mong ebas, kasing dami ng babae mo. Sumbong kita kina mommy eh." Bulong ni Enji.

"Kuya Enjiii! Kuya Kenzoo!" Pilit na sigaw ni Gian sa sahig, pero mukhang busy ang dalawa niyang kuya sa pag-uusap at paglalaro.

Gian Zues Haitani is the youngest brother, he's currently four years old. He's the more playful, makulit type, and also loves solving riddles at his young age. He loves entertaining his titos and titas, lalo't na kayong dalawa ni Ran with Gian's cute, playful dances. Minsan nagugulat nalang kayong dalawa ni Ran, kapag nagigising kayo nang 3 a.m. sa kwarto, sumasayaw si Gian sa harap niyo at naka-diaper lang ito.

"KUYAAA!" Nagulat nalang ang dalawang nakakatandang magkapatid nang narinig nila ang sigaw ni Gian.

"Puta– Nagulat naman ako rito. Parang dwended na sumulpot." Bulong ni Kenzo.

"Kuya, borrow PC! I want games. Let's watch Paw Patrol!" Sabi ni Gian.

"'Yoko nga," sagot ni Kenzo at patuloy na naglalaro sa kanyang PC.

"WAAAH~!" Iyak ni Gian sa sahig.

"So ayun nga, Enji, nakikita ko siya palagi sa campus,e. Ganda niya legit gago. Tapos alam mo ba, kinwento sa 'kin ni Jie na plano niya raw akong kausapin–" Tuloy na kwento ni Kenzo kay Enji..

"KUYAAA!" Tuloy na sigaw ni Gian, trying to get his brothers' attention.

"And?" Enji yawned while trying to listen to Kenzo's stories.

"Nakikinig ka ba o hindi?" Kenzo dropped a bored expression.

"I'm listening. Continue." Enji said.

"So ayun nga–"

"KUYAAA!" Sigaw ni Gian.

"So ayun, sabi sa 'kin, ayaw daw magconfess ni Aira kasi may crush na raw sa 'kin si Bianca pati si Colleen, pati 'yung buong friend group niya. Akalain mo 'yon?" Kwento pa ni Kenzo.

"Hmp," Gian stood up from the floor and stomped his feet angrily as he walked out of the gaming room.

Hindi pa gano'n masyado marunong bumaba ng hagdan si Gian, kaya't gumagapag nalang ito at ang higpit ng hawak sa railings habang dala-dala ang kanyang bottle of milk.

"Dadeee!" Sigaw ni Gian nang narinig ang kotse ng tatay niya sa garahe. Ran stepped inside the mansion, and Gian immediately hugged his father. Ran seemed really tired from work, but seeing his son relieved his stress.

"Daddy! Kuya Kenzo and Kuya Enji doesn't want to play with me!" Gian pouted, at nagsumbong na nga.

"I'll come upstairs later. Where's mommy?" Ran asked as he carried Gian on his way to the kitchen.

"Mome! Dade is home!" Gian shouted.

"Welcome home," you greeted him with a peck on the cheek, pero agad naman ginulo ni Gian ang kanyang tatay na nagsusumbong parin dahil sa mga kuya niya.

"I'll talk to them," Ran said as he went upstairs with Gian.

"Pst, pst,Enji! Ito si Coleen, o." Sabi ni Kenzo habang pinakita sa kapatid niya ang selfie ng isang babae sa kanyang PC.

"Okay," Enji replied and went back to his screen.

"Sa tingin mo, maganda– Ay hello dad." Agad na in-exit ni Kenzo ang selfie ng babae sa computer screen niya. Nagulat nalang ito nang nakita ang tatay niya sa likod.

"Who's that?" Ran raised a brow.

"Ahh... Hehe..." Kenzo can only respond with this while Enji tries to hold his laugh.

"Girlfriend?" Ngisi ni Ran nang inaasar ang kanyang anak.

"Luh! 'Di ah!" Kenzo scoffed.

"Yes, yes! It's Kuya Kenzo's crush, hehe..." Gian, their little brother snitched.

"Alam mo, Kenji, if you're going to find a girlfriend, pick on that is just like your mother." Ran advised. "Plus, guys, study first. That can wait."

"Dad, please, don't include me there," Enji rolled his eyes. 

"Forget about that. I don't have a girlfriend." Kenzo grunted. "Anyway, Enji and I are trying to get this one skin on the game since this morning. It's so difficult to beat this level."

"Where? Let me see." Ran said, then looked at their screen. "Ah, that's easy. Akin na."

"Daddy! Kuya! Kuya!" Gian tried to call them again. At sa huli... sina Ran at ang kanyang dalawang anak na ang naglalaro.

Gian stomped angrily again and ran downstairs, to his mom.

"Mommy! They're not talking to me!" Sumbong ni Gian nang tumakbo sa kusina.

"Didn't your dad tell them to play with you and go downstairs for dinner na?" You asked while preparing the food on the dining table.

"Yes, but daddy is also playing with them." Sagot ni Gian.

Your brows furrowed as you clicked your tongue. "Lagot sila sa 'kin." You thought as you stomped to the stairs habang hawak ang sandok.

"YOOO!" Sigaw ng dalawang magkapatid pati narin si Ran sa gaming room, at hindi nila alam nakatayo ka na pala sa likod nila.

"Ah, gano'n? Hinid kayo kakain? Hindi kayo tatayo d'yan, ha?!" Sigaw mo nang nalaki mga mata mo. Agad naman silang tumayo at lumabas ng kwarto,

Iba talaga kapag ang nanay na ang nagagalit, pati 'yung tatay walang laban.

"Gian, your birthday is close na. What gift do you want?"

Tanong niyo ni Ran sa anak niyong bunso. Nasa hapag-kainan kayo para sa hapunan. Medyo late na rin ngunit kuntento ka na rito't dahil kumpleto kayong kumain. Halos twice a week lang kayong kompleto kumain dahil sa trabaho niyong dalawa ni Ran.

Isa pa, si Gian nalang ang may yaya ngayon. Tinanggalan mo na ng katulong ang dalawang older sons mo because you and Ran want them to be independent. Kahit mga lalaki sila, gusto mo na tumutulong sila sa gawaing bahay.

Pero minsan, tinatakasan ka nila sa paglilinis ng bahay dahil mas gusto nilang tulungan ang tatay nila sa paglilinis ng mga kotse.

"Mommy, can I have anything as a gift?" Gian asked, and buti nalang, mommy's boy si Gian kompara sa dalawa mong anak. Nonetheless, you and Ran spoil them all equally, basta they know their manners and limits.

"Yes, of course, anything." Ran replied.

"Okay... I want a baby sister!"

Nanlaki naman ang mga mata mo habang nabulunan si Ran sa kanyang kinakain. Agad mo namang inabutan ng tubig si Ran samantalang patagong tumatawa sina Kenzo at Enji.

"Why? My two brothers are bad, e... They won't play with me... That's why I want a sister instead!"

"Gian, eat ka muna. Do you want anything else instead of that?" You asked, keeping a smile.

Napapansin mo naman si Ran na ngumingiting paasar sa'yo kaya sinipa mo ang paa niya sa ilalim ng lamesa.

"Okay, fine. Mommy and I will give you a baby sister. Just finish your food and go to your yaya so that you'll sleep now, okay?" Ran said, at dumapo naman ang masama mong tingin sa kanya.

"Aw hell nah..." Bulong nina Kenzo.

"Mommy, Daddy! I also want a computer like kuyas!" Sunod pa na hiling ni Gian.

"'Di ba you have your iPad? Is it broken na?" You asked.

"No, but I want a bigger one like kuyas." Gian said.

"Gian... You're still young unlike Kuya Enji and Kuya Kenzo." You said, having an apologetic smile.

"Daddy... I want a computer." If hindi ka papayaga, sa daddy naman niya. Talagang spoiled itong si Gian compared sa dalawa niyang kapatid.

"Yes, sure, of course. What do you want pa? Computer, baby sister? Another baby brother? Another baby sister?" Tanong pa ni Ran, spoiling his son.

"Ran!" Bulong mo.

"Anyway, Mom, Dad, are you available tomorrow?" Tanong ng panagay niyo.

"Why?"

"Family day and Intramurals sa school namin bukas... May game din ako for basketball." Kenzo said.

"Ah... Sige, I'll be there tomorrow." You confidently said. Wala ka namang masyadong gagawin sa opisina. 

"How about you, Dad? Kapag may school events, wala ka. Sayang naman 'yung mga panalo ko noon sa competitions and tournaments. Dad, punta ka bukas, please!"

You looked at Ran, hoping your husband can come for his sons, especially kay Kenzo dahil ang tatay ang inspiration niya sa basketball, but you know Ran is usually busy in his company, especially having a high position and authority.

Ran's secretary just informed him a while ago about his hectic schedule for tomorrow, particularly for the proposal meeting.

"I'll be there tomorrow," Ran said, smiling when he saw the sudden excitement of his sons.

"Yes! Maaga, Dad, ah! Watch me on my game. Panalo ko 'to sainyo nina Mommy."

"That's my boy," Ran laughed as he fist bumped with his son. "How about you, Enji?"

"Just a quiz bee. It's fine. I'll be pressured if you and Mom will watch." Enji said.

"Ay of course, we'll watch!" Agad mong sagot.

"May games din kaya for parents... Pst, Gian, ayain mo si Mommy do'n sa sack race ah? HAHAHA..." Bulong ni Kenzo, kaya't hindi niyo na rinig ni Ran.

Nag-uusap ang mga anak mo tungkol sa mga plano nila bukas. Lalo pa silang naganahan nang alam nilang makakapunta ka at ang tatay nila. Madalang lang kasi kayo nakakapunta kapag may ganito. Kapag wala ka, nandoon si Ran. Kapag wala naman si Ran, nandoon ka.

Ran secretly hoped that he can come tomorrow for the event. He doesn't want to disappoint his son by being an absent father, not being there whenever his son has a game or competition, and not showing how he's supportive enough for his sons, and for his family. He never wants to be any of those.

After all, ayaw niyang maranasan ng mga anak niya ang naranasan niya dati.

"Someone's calling."

You told Ran as he just went out of the bathroom sa kwarto niyo. Kanina pa nagr-ring ang phone nito at hindi mo na tinuunan ng pansin dahil busy ka kaka-scroll sa mga online shops for home decors.

"It's probably someone from the company." Ran yawned as he checked his phone, but to his surprise, it was one of his close friends.

"Uy! Musta na kayo? Bigla kayong napatawag ah." Bati ni Ran, at ito ay sina Sanzu.

"May plano kami sa pasko. Reunion daw!" Banggit ni Rindou, nanguna na sa pag announce. 

"Musta na pala mga inaanak ko d'yan? Sa'n sina Kenzo?" Tanong ni Sanzu, well, your sons' favorite ninong is their Tito Sanzu. 

"Ayun, nasa kwarto na nila. Naghahanda na rin ako sa mga inaanak ko. Panigurado kukulitin nanaman ako." Tawa ni Ran. The type of tito na ang lakas ng amoy ng cologne at alak. Suki ng karaoke kahit mabasag na ang mga bote. Halos isang libo rin ang pinamimigay sa pasko. 

"Oo nga pala, your youngest son's birthday is near. Ano gusto raw?" Tanong ni Koko, ang palaging isang libo o higit pa ang pamasko para sa mga inaanak at pamangkin.

"Gusto raw ng babaeng kapatid, bro." Tawa ni Ran.

"Grabe 'tong si Kuya naka-tatlong anak na. Dadagdagan pa. Puta naman, tatlo na nga tinataguan ko kapag pasko e." Banggit ni Rindou, ang ninong na palaging tumatakas tuwing pasko.

"Hilingin mo na," tawa naman ni Kakucho, ang tito na kailangan lasingin muna para maka-isang libo ang mga inaanak.

"Wow, ah! Ran, naka-tira ng tres sa basketball. Naka-tira din ng tres sa asawa. Boom! Tatlong anak." Sigaw ni Sanzu sa call.

"Gago!" Agad naman ni-low volume ni Ran ang phone niya dahil katabi mo lang siya. "Ingay niyo. Naririnig kayo ni misis."

"Ay, hehe. Sorry madame." Sagot nila.

"End ko na call, ah. Planuhan nalang sa GC. Simulan niyo nang i-contact mga dati nating kaklase pati sa high school." Sabi ni Sanzu, at binaba na rin nila ang telepono. 

"Love, may Christmas reunion daw tayo." Banggit sa'yo ni Ran as he placed his phone down on the side table.

"Okay," you said, busy scrolling on your phone.

"Online shopping nanaman?" Ran sighed as he blocks your phone away and cuddles himself to you, obviously needing attention from you.

"Yeah," you replied.

"Let's grant Gian's birthday wish," Ran lazily muttered while his head is on your chest habang nakayakap sa'yo.

"Okay. Anong computer ba gusto niya, or iPad nalang... he's still too young. Help me browse. I don't know stuff about that–" You said, but were cut off.

"That's not what I mean..." Ran groaned as he lifted up the blanket and covered the two of you.

"What–?! Ran! I'm on my period!" Pagsisita mo as you lightly hit him and rolled your eyes.

"But I'm hard, though," he blatantly admitted while nibbling your neck and you found his hand roaming under your shirt.

"Mommyyy! Daddyyy!" Rinig niyong sigaw ni Gian nang nabuksan ang pintuan sa kwarto niyo.

Agad mo naman tinulak si Ran sa taas mo at nalaglag pa ito sa sahig.

"G-Gian, hi, anak," bati mo, trying to act normal.

"Aray ha," bulong ni Ran sa sahig.

"Mommy! Is my baby sister here na? How about my computer?" Tanong ni Gian nang sumampa sa kama niyo.

"In progress palang, e, ayan ginulo mo, anak– Aray!" Sigaw ni Ran nang hinampas mo ito at hindi na natuloy ang sinasabi.

"Mommy, let's find a baby sister at the mall tomorrow. Are they expensive?"

"Gian... You just can't buy a baby." You said, trying to explain in a way your son would understand.

"Anyway, are you going to sleep here ba?" Dagdag mo.

"Yes, I'm scared, I think there's a ghost in my room!" Sabi ni Gian.

"There's no ghost," you replied, then blinked.

"No, I heard footsteps!"

"What if napasukan 'yung bahay," your eyes widened. "Ran, check mo!"

Ran just scratched his head and walked out of the room to check his son's room. "Jusko talaga..."

"I hope the ghost doesn't eat Daddy!" Banggit ng anak mo.

"Sleep nalang tayo, Gian. Tomorrow, we'll come to your school, okay? We will watch Kuya Enji and Kuya Kenzo on their game." You said as you laid Gian beside you and hugged him then closed your eyes to sleep.

"Oww! Mommy, you're hugging me too tight!"

"Kasi you're very cute!" You squealed as you squeezed your son's cheeks. "Mwa mwa mwa!"

Ilang segundo ang nakalipas at nakabalik na rin si Ran sa kwarto niyo. "Gian, it's just your toys–"

Hindi na natuloy ang sinasabi ni Ran nang nakita kayong dalawa na natutulog na. He carefully walked to the bed and laid beside his wife and son.

"I love you two," he whispered as he kissed his son's forehead and yours before drifting to sleep.

Ilang oras ang nakalipas, hindi parin makatulog si Ran. He grunted as he looked to his side, at pansin niyang halos nasainyong dalawa ni Gian ang kumot, samantalang si Ran ay lamig na lamig na. Naka-patong din ang paa ni Gian sa mukha ni Ran. "Kaya pala 'di ako maka-hinga." Bulong ni Ran.

"Daddy! Good morning!" Bigla namang nagising si Gian, at nasipa ang mukha ni Ran.

"Aray," napahawak nalang si Ran sa kanyang pisngi. Kailangan talaga niyang habaan ang pasensya, lalo na sa bunso.

"Gian, shh! Mommy is sleeping, and it's not morning yet. Madaling araw pa, sleep again. You have a school event tomorrow, you need a rest." Ran said as he tucks his son back into bed.

"Daddy, I poopy poopy in my diaper. Smell it!" Sabi pa ni Gian at tinutuok ang pwet nito kay Ran.

"Put–" Buti nalang ay napigilan ni Ran ang salita. Binuhat nalang niya si Gian at siya na mismo ang nagpalit sa diaper ni Gian sa banyo dahil mahimbing na ang tulog mo.

"Smelly poop, ah Gian," komento ni Ran na halos mag suot na ng gas mask. 

"Yes, like yours, Daddy!" Sagot pa ng anak nito.

"Hays, gabi na ang hyper parin. Kulit talaga, pero 'di ba pogi like daddy?" Tawa ni Ran habang pinapalitan ang diaper ng kanyang anak.

"Yes! Pogi like daddy!" Sagot naman ni Gian nang nag pogi pose pa.

"Hoy, Enji! Gising."

Sigaw ni Kenzo at halos kalampagin ang pintuan sa kwarto ng kanyang kapatid. Bihis na bihis agad si Kenzo sa kanyang basketball jersey kahit tulog pa lahat ng nasa bahay.

"What?" Enji groggily said as he opened his door.

"Bihis ka na. Maaga tayo sa school ngayon!" Hyper na sigaw ni Kenzo at tumatalon-talon pa nang tumakbo papuntang kwarto niyo.

Natutulog parin kayong tatlo sa kwarto, pero nagising ka naman sa katok sa pinto niyo. "Mommy! Si Kenzo 'to! Gising na!" 

Nagising ka naman, sabay tumingin sa tabi mo, at wala na si Ran. Napa-bugtong hininga ka nalang dahil alam mong maagang pumasok si Ran, para na rin maaga niyang matapos ang mga gawain niya sa office at makapunta sa school event.

"Gian, wake up na, we'll go to your school." You said, and Gian is still in nursery. 7 a.m. ang pasok ng mga anak mo, at eight naman kayo ni Ran for office.

Usually, may driver sina Kenzo at Enji, but since they're on their teenage years, gusto na rin nilang humiwalay at mag bus riders nalang kasama ang mga kaibigan nila, kaya si Gian nalang ang may driver.

"Kenzo, Enji, kain muna kayo. Maaga pa naman." Sabi mo habang nagluluto ng breakfast. Usually, ang yaya at babysitter na rin ni Gian ang nagluluto kapag wala ka sa bahay.

"Enji, mukhang excited na excited kuya mo, ha? Baka may excited na makita sa school." Asar mo habang hinahanda ang pagkain sa lamesa.

"Huh?! Excited lang ako sa basketball game." Depensa ni Kenzo.

"Just say that you're excited to see her." Sagot naman ni Enji.

"Sino 'yan, ha?" Tanong mo. When it comes to this, you'll make sure that none of your sons will make a girl cry, and never hit a girl. Isa 'yan sa mga lagi mong aral sakanila.

Also, you don't want to be that type of strict mother na susungitan ang mga nakikilalang babae ng mga anak mo, ngunit hindi lang talaga mapigilan na matakot ang mga kinakasama ni Kenzo, dahil at first glance, parang ikaw daw ang type of mother na mag-ooffer ng isang milyon para layuan ang anak niya.

"Mga anak... Hindi ako tulad ng lola niyo..." Bulong mo nang nagpigil ng tawa.

"What? Lola?" Narinig naman nila ito.

"Ah, nothing."

"Anyway, mom, talking about lola, how's Lola Rochelle?" Kenzo asked. "Is she back from the states?"

"I think she will be home for this month." Sagot mo. Si Kenzo at Enji palang ang nakakaalam ng dating storya niyo ni Ran nu'ng nakapagitan si Rochelle sainyo. Hindi niyo na napigilan ni Ran i-kwento ito dahil ayaw niyo rin namang magtago ng kahit ano, and you want your sons to know that not everything is perfect.

"Oo nga pala, Kenzo, magagaling ba mga kalaban mo?" Tanong mo, changing the topic.

"Nah, Mom, hanggang balikat ko lang sila," Kenzo chuckled, all confident. At the age of fifteen, he's already a six-footer. He got the genes from his dad.

"How about you, Enji? Matatalino ba sila?"

"I think... I don't know." Enji muttered.

Nakikita mo sa sarili mo noong high school kay Enji, your second son na hindi gano'n kataas ang confidence 'di tulad ng kuya niya. As much as possible, you still try to encourage your sons to take risks, kahit uuwi silang panalo, o talo. You also know that you're not that talkative, and someone will initiate the conversation first, but when it comes to your family, kahit isang buong libro ay i-kwento mo sakanila.

"Sir Haitani, please proceed this way."

The employees and his secretary said, surrounding Ran, the CEO of Agile Corporation as he's walking towards the meeting chamber in his company.

"Make sure everything is settled. I want an immediate report after this." Ran commanded his employees.

"Yes, sir," agad na sagot ng mga empleyado. Ayon sakanila, kapag dating sa boss nilang si Ran, bawal ang matamlay, bagal-bagal, at mabagal ang pick-up dahil hindi gano'n kahaba ang pasensya ni Ran and he doesn't have the best temper. He's a man of perfection, and he doesn't want any flaw when it comes to the process in his company. He might take failure, but he'll make sure none of the same progress that will lead to the same failure would happen again.

"Sir, about the annual report and financial record, every part you marked was already revised." His secretary informed.

"Those documents are confidential." Tipid na sagot ni Ran.

"Don't worry, Sir Haitani. They're secured."

"Good."

There's really a great difference in this man, Ran Haitani.

When it comes to his company, the people there usually find him intimidating, but when it comes to his family, his vulnerability and tenderness get uncovered.

"Welcome, Sir Haitani."

Bati ng mga empleyado sa loob ng meeting room, including the board of directors as Ran entered the room.

Ran sat on the middle end of the long table as he waited for the time, hearing the same tick-tocks of the clock as minutes pass by.

Ran sighed heavily as he placed his chin on his hand resting on the armrest of the chair. "Where are the committee and representatives?" Iritableng tanong ni Ran.

"S-Sir, mukhang hindi po napa-aga ang pagdalo nila–"

"Kailan ko sinabi na pwedeng ma-late?" Ran asked, no, more like strictly stated.

"They're offering us a proposal. They should have a good first appearance." Ran whispered in annoyance as he clicked his tongue while flipping through the files' pages.

"Good morning, Sir Haitani." Agad na bati ng representative and another CEO from a company as their council entered the chamber.

Ran and the man shook hands in formality before starting the presentation in the meeting.

"Our agenda includes a presentation that will undoubtedly pique everyone's interest, as well as discussions about revenue, trade stocks..." --Said a representative from another firm while displaying a PowerPoint slide.

Nakaupo lang si Ran habang maiging pinapakinggan ang presentation sa kabilang kompany. After some minutes, he yawned as he checked his wrist watch.

"Stop," Ran spoke.

Nagtinginan naman ang mga tao sa loob.

"I don't like your solution and strategic plan in that one slide. Sometimes we need to strike a balance between being idealistic and pragmatic, as well as being transparent. I can hardly grasp your approach." Ran sternly said.

"But, Mr. Haitani, your set of ideologies for our task is fifty-fifty. Please know that we also have competitors, and that's why we're working with you to augment together." Sagot ng lalaki.

"Oh, Mr. Garcia, we need to take risks." Ran replied.

"What if this risk will lead to our downfall?"

"Well, If you cannot handle my capabilities, then leave and I'll decline this offer." Diretsong sambit ni Ran.

"Let us continue our presentation, first–" The man said, facing back on the projector.

"You've been blabbering the same thing for the past few minutes," Ran said while playing with the pen around his fingers due to boredom.

"Pinapa-ikot niyo ba 'ko?" Striktong tanong ni Ran.

"No, sir–"

"Do you think I don't see through your facade?" Muli pa niyang tanong.

"Mr. Haitani," his secretary called.

Ran breathed out for a second, then gave them a panned stare. "You have three minutes left to finish your presentation."

"Yes, we will assure you–"

Ran taps on his wristwatch, indicating that the time is running.

"Ayoko ng nauubos ang oras ko," muli pang dagdag ni Ran.

"Well then, our firm specializes in dexterity, and for that, we sent lots of post-proposal letters, each of which has a pricing option at the end, which is fairly contentious to negotiate." Tuloy pa nila.

"Are you releasing a new model only for this partnership? Why are we immediately talking about the pecuniary, as far as I know, your little pricing option isn't that much of a problem. I can work with that in just a day." Sagot ni Ran.

"Yes, Mr. Haitani. This is the model of the car–"

"Cliché. Plain. Boring. We have a lot of models like that, and those are my least favorite that's why they're the cheapest in my stock."

"It's not your favorite, but is it the buyer's favorite–?"

"'Wag mo akong unahan. Kompanya ko 'to. Alam ko ang bawat nangyayari rito. That model isn't my favorite because of the low demand it has." Ran retorted.

"Did you already establish a target audience? Mr. Haitani, when we improve the quality of that model of yours, then we'll attract more people. Don't you like it? None of your cars would be the least favored. Tataas pa ang presyo–!"

"Ano bang habol niyo? Pera lang?" Ran raised a brow. "Hindi niyo ba nabasa that we're currently working on that one specific model?"

"No, of course not. Agile Corporation is a prestigious company. It's widely spread internationally. Why would we–?"

"Alam niyo naman pala kung gaano kataas ang kompanya namin. Bakit ang pangit ng presentation niyo?" Ran frankly said.

"You know, this is cheap. The auctions are more entertaining than this." Ran clicked his tongue as he stood up from his chair.

"Haitani, you're clearly blinded by your ideologies." They said.

"I am a man of my word. I may be an idealist full of ideals, but I'm confident that whatever risks I take will benefit everyone, not just me. Agile Corporation's competence incorporates agility and aptness. My morals and principles go above and beyond those, and I'm always one step ahead in every plan I devise for the good and better of in this industry. I strategize in my own way. I always think at the margin." Ran stated orotundly, his voice raising in every sentence.

"Mr. Haitani, you're a man of disintegrated words-! Start praying for seeing the court for disrespecting our presence and reputation. You are aware of our extensive network and foundation-"

"I'll be the one seeing you in court. My wife is a corporate lawyer." Ran said in full confidence.

"What can your woman possibly do?" They sarcastically questioned.

"Oh? She is legally capable of managing our company's transactions, agencies, confidential records, contracts, and whatever else you may think of. She is one hell of a litigator. She handled one of the biggest firms, that is connected to your company." 

"And don't you dare threaten my wife for knowing that information. Bodyguards and my eyes are on her twenty-four seven." Dagdag pa ni Ran.

The people from Agile Corporation also stood up, leaving the chamber as they walk behind their boss, Ran.

"And also, decline the offer." Ran said before completely walking out with his assistants and secretary.

"Hi Kenzo! Hi Enji!"

Bati ng mga babaeng estudyante pagka-pasok nila sa school, at saktong family day kaya't nasa likod ka lang nila. Kasama mo rin si Gian na buhat ng yaya niya.

"Gaganda nila, o. Wave back naman mga anak." Banggit mo kina Kenzo at Enji.

"Hi! Mommy of Kenzo and Enji?" Tanong ng mga teachers. You took your shades off and nodded, having a casual conversation with the other parents and teachers.

"Ma'am, please proceed this way."

Naalala mo ang intrams noong high school sa school nina Kenzo. It's like the intrams before, with party decoratives all around, mga color code shirts, mga games, and the parents of the students are there. Ngayon naman, ikaw na ang uupo sa mga upuan na 'yon, as a parent.

"Mom, I'll go to our classroom na. I'll still study with my groupmates for the quiz bee later." Pagpaalam sa'yo ni Enji.

"Alright, good luck! We'll watch you later, ha?" You said and gave him a kiss on the forehead, pero as usual, nahihiya si Enji at hindi siya malambing kaya't agad naman itong umalis.

"Ebarg Enji, mama's boy ah!" Asar ng kapatid niyang si Kenzo, pero patagong pinakyuhan naman ito ni Enji kaya hindi mo nakita.

"Yaya, si Gian? Nasa classroom na nila?" Tanong mo naman at siya na rin ang taga-buhat ng mga bags niyo.

"Opo, ma'am, nahatid ko na po."

"Sige, salamat," sagot mo naman. Talking about yaya, hindi mo alam kung bakit itong katulong na 'to ay tumagal pa sainyo, lalo't na sa makukulit mong mga anak. Out of all the maids, siya lang ang tumagal. You have no problem with her, anyway, ang pagkarining mo sa kanya kaya't tumagal siya rito ay mabait ka at mapagkumbabang amo.

"Hi, Kenzo! Good luck with your game!" A few girls approached your son and gave him a bottle of water at may mga letters pa with boxes.

Ang ibang mga babae ay nagback-out nang nakita ka sa likod ni Kenzo. Mukhang nanay niya nga 'to!

"U-uhm, is this for Kenzo ba?" You asked, trying to give them a welcoming appearance dahil pansin mong natatakot sila sa'yo.

"Y-Yes po, tita," sagot naman nila.

"'Nak, Kenzo, o. May binibigay sila sa'yo." Sabi mo naman.

"Ma–"

"Kenzo," nilakihan mo naman siya ng mata.

"O-okay. Thank you..." Agad naman kinuha ni Kenzo ang mga binibigay ng mga babae.

"Yay! I hope you like it, Kenzo! Good luck on your game again!" The girls said once more nang nginitian kayong dalawa ni Kenzo at tumakbo na paalis habang halatang kinikilig.

Lumipas ang ilang minuto at nagpaalam na rin si Kenzo sa'yo para dumiretso sa mga teammates niya, ngunit hinid niya parin maiwasan na magtanong sa'yo tungkol sa tatay niya.

"Mom, sa'n si Dad?" Tanong niya.

"Ah, I think nasa office pa siya... I'll call him. Don't worry, Kenzo, I promise, your dad will be here kapag nasa court ka na. We will catch up." You reassured your son.

"Okay... Sige, ma, punta na 'ko kina coach. Bye!" Paalam sa'yo ng panganay mo at tumakbo na paalis, at iniwan pa sa'yo ang mga regalo galing ro'n sa mga babae.

"Ano ba 'tong mga pinamigay," bulong mo at hindi maiwasang ma-curious as a nanay nang tinignan mo ang nasa loob ng mga boxes at paper bags.. "Ay wow... May pa-letter pa. May teddy bear... Dami naman. Parang Valentine's Day naman."

May mga letters pa naka-sulat ay confessions. Nagulat ka naman sa mga polaroid photos na kasama ang anak mo pati ang isang babae. Actually, ang daming polaroid photos! Iba't-ibang babae pa!

"Jusko anak," bulong mo at halos magdasal na sa mga santo. "Please 'wag kang maging babaero! 'Wag kang tumulad sa tatay mo noon."

Saktong nagring naman ang phone mo and you checked that it's your husband. Nagmessage ito na he's on his way na raw, nagp-park nalang.

"Hello po, sir! Are you the parent of Haitani Kenzo, Enji, and Gian?" Tanong ng isang teacher na nasa may table near the entrance.

"Yes, I'm in a rush. They're with their mother. Where are they?" Tanong ni Ran, at wala na siyang oras para magbihis kaya't he's in his work outfit. He's wearing a suit, kaya't pinagtitinginan naman siya ng mga nanay sa loob ng school.

"Single dad kaya 'yun?" Bulong nila.

"Baka kailangan nina Kenzo ng step mom."

"'Di ba 'yan 'yung may ari nung Agile Corp.?"

"Rinig ko may asawa na 'yan. 'Yan 'yung dating basketball player, e."

"Yes, sir. Please proceed on the court. You'll be guided by the teachers there."

"Love," tawag sa'yo ni Ran nang kinalabit ka niya sa likod ng mga benches. "Sorry for the long wait. Kanina pa kayo nandito?"

"Yes, Kenzo is there, o! Nagstart na game niya." Sagot mo naman as you kissed him on the cheek while he sat beside you. Syempre, agad nang naka-labas ang camera mo para sa anak mo.

Nanood naman si Ran sa anak niya and Kenzo is there, running on the court while dribbling a ball on his hand. Kuhang-kuha ni Kenzo ang galaw ng kanyang tatay pag dating sa basketball. They have the same move and same gameplay. Ran can see his younger self playing basketball in his son.

And like before, you cheered for your son. Naka-labas ang camera mo at sa anak mo naman ngayon tinutok. Zino-zoom mo pa kapag naka-score siya. "Go anak!"

"KENZOOOO! GO KENZO!" Halos marindi naman kayo ni Ran sa mga babaeng nagch-cheer sa anak niyo. Mas malakas pa silang sumigaw sainyo.

'Di kalaunan ay natapos na rin ang game ni Kenzo. Tumayo naman na kayo ni Ran at hinintay niyo si Kenzo sa may exit ng court kung saan sila lalabas.

"We won!" Agad naman tumakbo sainyo papunta si Kenzo habang bitbit ang kanyang gold medal at certificate. Alam mo nang nanalo ang team ng anak mo.

"Congrats, anak!" You squealed at agad mo naman siyang niyakap kahit halos mas matangkad na ang mga anak mo kesa sa'yo.

"That's my boy. Congrats, Kenzo." Sabi naman ni Ran at tinapik ang likod ng kanyang anak.

"Dad, your training for me last week really paid off. I scored a lot of three points." Banggit pa niya.

"See, told you. Gawin mo nang winstreak 'yan. I'm pretty sure you'll win the next games." Sabi pa ni Ran.

"Tapos na ba si Enji?" Tanong mo naman, at may quiz bee pa ang isa mong anak.

Papunta na sana kayo sa location kung saan magaganap ang quiz bee, ngunit nagulat nalang kayo nang nakita niyo si Enji na papalakad sainyo at mukhang may hawak din siyang medal at ceritificate.

"Enji? 'Yung quiz bee mo?" Tanong mo.

"It's already done. I'm first place." Enji nonchalantly said while holding up his medal.

"Huh?! Hala! Hindi kami nakanood!" Agad mong sambit.

"Mom, it's okay. Ma-pepressure ako... Haha." Your son said.

"Another medal?! Ang gagaling talaga. Give daddy a hug. Congrats, my sons." Ran said as he hugged both of his boys. This is like a recharge from his work. Para bang natanggal ang stress ang pagod niya sa trabaho.

"Mommy!" Narinig mo naman ang tawag sa'yo ni Gian nang lumabas na ng kanyang classroom. Sa sobrang cute nito, agad mo na siyang binuhat at niyakap. Si Gian lang talaga ang mahilig sa hugs compared sa dalawa niyang kuya. You just hope na kahit tumanda si Gian, it will be the same.

"Mommy! Daddy! Teacher said that there's a games for parents!" Sabi naman ni Gian at inaya kayo sa isang area kung saan may games.

"Can Daddy and Mommy join?" Hiling naman ni Gian with his pout. Hindi niyo na talagang kayang tanggihan ang bunso niyo.

"Sige lang, Mommy. Manonood lang kami rito." Patagong tawa nina Kenzo, at halatang pagtatawanan kayo mamaya. Parang tatay nga nila, mahilig mang-asar.

"Welcome, parents! Our family day consists of fun games that not only your kids will enjoy, but of course, also our dear parents! We encourage you to join our first game, the sack race!" The teacher announced who was also hosting the game.

"Mommy! Daddy! Join there!" Hinila naman kayo ni Gian papunta roon, kaya't no choice sa huli kundi sumali nalang.

May isang sako, at may dalawang butas ito. The left hole, is for the mother, at ang isa naman, ay for the father.

"This is like our games back in high school. This will be easy." Tawa ni Ran nang pansin niyang kinakabahan ka nang onti.

"'Wag kang masyado mabilis, ah. Kapag ako natumba rito." Pagbabanta mo naman.

"Masusunod, miss." Tawa ni Ran.

Nagsimula na rin ang timer, at halos kumapit ka sa hangin. You can't keep up with Ran's speed, pero no choice ka dahil nasa isang sako lang kayo. Tumatalon ka nalang while gasping for air. Ran's physical strenght and speed is still there despite his age. After all, he's a former athlete.

Kahit hinihingal ka na, kayo parin ni Ran ang nauna sa finish line, at halos mahiga ka sa sahig.

"Yay! Mommy and Daddy won!" Sigaw ni Gian habang pumapalakpak.

"Si Mommy, tumba! HAHAHAHAHA–! Ay." Tawa nina Kenzo, pero agad naman huminto nang nakita ka nilang nakatingin.

"Sino bang naka-isip nito. Putangina ang sakit ng balakang ko." Reklamo mo pa habang hirap tumayo.

"Tayo na," sabi ni Ran habang nagpipigil ng tawa and lended his hand to you.

"Ayoko na mag-games. Kayo nalang nina Daddy mo, Gian." Sabi mo pa habang tika-tikang naglalakad.

"Tara, Dad, sali tayo ro'n basketball." Pag-aaya naman ni Kenzo.

"'Wag na. Kawawa naman mga kalaban." Sagot ni Ran.

"Oo nga 'noh dad, hanggang balikat nga lang natin, e." Tawa pa ni Kenzo.

"O, eto, halatang mag-tatay. Napaka-yabang." Komento mo.

"Okay lang, Mommy, at least hindi natumb–" Sabi ni Kenzo, ngunit agad naman nakatakbo nang mabilis bago mo pa mapalo.

"Mom, I'm hungry." Sabi sa'yo ni Enji.

"Sige, sa'n niyo ba gusto kumain?" Tanong mo.

"Kahit saan." Sagot naman ni Enji. Natutuwa ka talaga sa anak mong ito dahil kahit ano ay nakukuntento. He's not a materialistic person. He's also lowkey and quiet, he wins in his own way. Nu'ng isang araw mo nga lang nalaman na sira na pala ang phone niya, ngunit nahanap mong naka-tape lang ito. You insisted to buy him a new one, pero siya na mismo ang tumanggi na sayang lang ang pera, but since hindi mo kayang makita na sira ang gamit ng anak mo, you still bought him one.

"Wait, before we leave the school. Picture muna kayo ng daddy niyo sa may Christmas tree!" Banggit mo, and yep, you'll admit na you're that type of mother na... "Nak, tayo ka d'yan, picture-an kita."

Neither of your sons are photogenic, nor like cameras. They hate taking photos, but sometimes, hindi rin nila matanggi ang kanilang nanay.

Ran is standing up behind them, at naka-akbay naman siya kina Kenzo at Enji sa magkabilang gilid niya, and the two of them are holding up their medals, habang si Gian naman ay nasa harapan ni Ran na hanggang tuhod lang niya, yet Gian's smile lights up the most.

"One... two... three... Smile!" You shouted while having a wide smile on your face. Your family is really the greatest and most beautiful sight you could ever capture.

After that, the Haitani-(L/N) family spent the day with hanging out together in the mall. Nag-shopping na rin kayo for the christmas. Ran and (Y/N) also spoil their three sons, buying whatever they want as a reward for their excellence in school.

You could never ask for more, and just spending the day with your family removes the stress from the hectic schedule in your office, and it's the same with Ran. Tinupad nga ni Ran ang pangako niya na he'll build a family with you, and this family, completes the home.

Napansin mo rin na naka-post na rin sa Facebook ni Ran ang photo from a while ago, with a caption na - Proud of my 3 boys 😎

And yes, also as their mother, you're above and beyond proud of them.