ANG HULING KABANATA

Carlos was tasting the soup he just cooked while his eyebrows were furrowing. He can taste nothing wrong with it but he still felt it wasn't enough. Tumingin siya sa may 'di kalayuan kung saan naka-upo si Alpas, at nakita niyang hindi man lang nito ginagalaw ang kaniyang pagkain.

“So something's wrong with the soup I cooked?” He mentally asked himself.

“Why are you frowning?” tanong ni Prince na kakadating lamang. He brought his hand close to Carlos’ face and he gently massaged the frown of his eyebrows away.

Ngunit humaba ang nguso nito at tinignan si Prince.

Prince laughed softly and he sat on the chair beside his mate while holding his hand. “Hey, care to tell me what’s wrong?”

“May ipapatikim ako sa'yo. And you need to tell me if it's not delicious okay? Be honest,” sabi ni Carlos.

“Did you cook it?” tanong ni Prince habang hinahaplos ang mga kamay ni Carlos.

“Hmm,” Carlos hummed in agreement.

“Then I know, for sure, it's delicious. Kahit na 'di ko pa natitikman,” sabi ni Prince.

“Nonsense,” sagot ni Carlos at pinakawalan ang mga kamay niya. Kinuha niya ang kaniyang kutsara at sumandok ng sabaw. Marahan niya iyong hinipan bago ilapit sa bibig ni Prince.

Prince was staring at Carlos who was focusing his gaze on the spoon and not wanting to spill it. He was staring because no one had feed him before even when he's sick, but now his mate was feeding him and it's making his heart swell.

Prince was a grown man who grew without parents. Yes, he have his pack with him but he's still missing a puzzle piece. A piece of warmth that was gone after his parents died. Nangungulila pa rin siya. But somehow right now, he felt so full inside with enough warmth. At dahil iyon kay Carlos. His mate filled all the gaps that he was missing.

“Prince, open your mouth,” Carlos said and his voice woke Prince from his reverie.

Prince complied and he opened his mouth slightly. The moment the warm spoonful of soup came in contact with his mouth, he's sure that it was the best soup he have ever tasted. The warmth traveled from his throat and it somehow warmed his whole body. He liked it, he liked it very much.

Carlos waited patiently and anxiously. He also watched as Prince’s eyes turned into golden, but after a couple of seconds something made Carlos to stand up abruptly.

“Bakit ka lumuluha?!” natatarantang tanong ni Carlos at binitawan niya ang hawak niyang kubyertos para hawakan ang magkabilang pisngi ni Prince.

“I’m so sorry! Was it too hot? Spit it out!” tuloy-tuloy na sinabi ni Carlos.

Umiling naman si Prince at pinunasan ang kaniyang mga luha. “It’s delicious. Super delicious. It's the best soup I've ever tasted,” sabi nito habang ngumingiti.

“What are you talking about? It's just a cream of mushroom soup! How could it be the best?” tanong ni Carlos.

Prince smiled. “Gusto ko pa, let me have some more, please.”

Tinitigan siya ni Carlos pero kanlaunan ay sumadok siya ulit gamit ang kutsara at hinipan iyon bago ilapit sa bibig ni Prince. Naningkit ang mga mata ni Prince sa saya at tumango-tango pa ito.

“It’s really delicious,” sabi pa nito.

“Be honest, please,” sabi ni Carlos at tinikman ulit ang kaniyang luto.

“I’m being honest.”

Carlos sighed in relief and he sat back down.

“Can I have it?” tanong ni Prince habang nakatingin sa bowl.

“Of course.”

Nasisiyahang kinuha ni Prince ang mangkok at humigop doon.

“Prince!” Carlos blurted out. Pipigilan niya sana si Prince ngunit naka-higop na ito at patuloy pa ring humihigop.

“Are you crazy?! Sobrang init pa niyan!” sabi ni Carlos at sinusubukan pa ring pigilan si Prince.

Nang ibaba ni Prince ang mangkok, wala na itong laman. Carlos stared at him in shock but after that, he gritted his teeth.

“How could you be so careless?!” Carlos fumed. He held Prince’s jaw. “Let me see you tongue,” dagdag pa nito.

“It’s fine,” natatawang sinabi ni Prince.

“Patingin ako,” Carlos said firmly while glaring at Prince.

Seeing how serious his mate was, Prince stuck his tongue out obediently.

“Congrats for burning it,” sabi ni Carlos at tumayo.

Prince held his hand. “Saan ka pupunta?”

Binawi ni Carlos ang kamay niya at naglakad. Prince followed him worriedly. Tumungo sila sa direksyon ng refrigerator at nagsalin si Carlos ng malamig na tubig sa isang baso.

“It’s healing already. I'm fine, look,” sabi ni Prince at inilabas ulit ang kaniyang dila.

Hindi nagsalita si Carlos at marahan niyang hinila ang ulo ni Prince papalapit sa kaniya.

“Drink,” Carlos said.

Napalunok si Prince, hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Carlos na may hawak na baso at uminom. Pagkatapos niyang maubos iyon, pinakain din siya ng ice-cube ni Carlos.

“Does it hurt?”

Umiling si Prince at yumakap kay Carlos. “Don’t be mad. We have an ability to heal fast. So I'm fine,” bulong nito.

“Don’t use that as an excuse. Even though you have an ability to heal fast, you still got hurt,” walang emosyong sambit ni Carlos.

Prince was left stunned and speechless.

“I get that you like the soup but you don't have to drink it like that and burn your tongue.”

“I’m s-sorry...” bulong ni Prince.

“Don’t act recklessly next time. And please, don't hurt yourself,” sabi ni Carlos.

All Prince can do is to nod as an answer.

Napabuntong-hininga si Carlos at niyakap siya pabalik.  “You got me worried.”

Pumikit si Prince at hinigpitan ang kaniyang yakap. Then as if remembering something, he asked, “why were you frowning earlier?”

“Hmm?” Carlos hummed questioningly.

“Kaninang pagkapasok ko sa dining room nakasimangot ka,” Prince said softly.

“Ohh. Right. Binigyan ko kase ng soup si sir Alpas. He barely touched it and I got worried if it doesn't taste good,” sagot ni Carlos.

Prince sighed. “I guess he doesn't have the appetite to eat.”

“Exactly. And I think the food I cooked wasn't appetizing enough,” sabi ni Carlos.

Prince pulled back a bit to look at his mate’s face and he slid his hands on Carlos’ waist.

“It’s not about the food you cooked. I think it's about his mate. He's missing Ethan. Lalo na’t dalawang linggo na silang hindi umuuwi.”

Carlos frowned. “Do you think they're okay?”

Prince nodded. “Alpha will call me back out there if they're not fine, and my instinct is telling me that they'll be back soon. I just can feel it.”

“Sana nga.”

“You’re frowning again,” bulong ni Prince habang hinahaplos ang mga magkasalubong na kilay ni  Carlos.

Carlos held Prince’s hand. “Tara. Let's try to convince him to eat.”

Nagpahatak na lamang si Prince sa kaniyang kasintahan patungo sa direksyon ni Alpas. Nakita nila itong malayo ang tingin at hindi man lang sila napansin nito.

Carlos bit his inner lip and he looked at Prince.

Prince cleared his throat. “Alpas, you barely touched your food. Kain ka pa,” sabi nito.

Finally, Alpas was pulled out from his thoughts and he looked at Prince and Carlos. He felt a bit jealous because he wanted to be beside his mate too.

“Wala akong gana,” bulong ni Alpas. His voice was almost inaudible but the couple beside him heard what he said.

“Kahit kaunti lang, sir. Hindi ka na kumain kagabi,” sabi ni Carlos.

Alpas let slip a sigh and he picked up the spoon. Alam niyang hindi siya tatantanan ng dalawa gaya ng mga ginagawa nila sa nakaraang-araw. Though he appreciates their company, he sometimes wants his alone-time. Lalo na’t hindi siya makaka-usap ng maayos dahil sa matinding pag-aalala niya.

He forced himself to eat a few spoonfuls of the soup.

“Greetings, Alpha,” sabay-sabay na sinabi ng lahat ng nasa safe hall ng bumukas ang pinto.

Napabitaw si Alpas sa hawak niyang kubyertos at tumayo ito. He saw a huge black wolf standing at the doorway, and his eyes were glowing golden. The wolf didn't transform back into his human form and it made its way towards Alpas.

Nanatiling nakapako si Alpas sa kaniyang kinatatayuan at hinintay itong makalapit sa kaniya. He's been missing his mate but now he can't even move a limb because of the initial shock. Pero ang kaniyang pagkabigla ay nabalutan ng takot. He wasn't scared of Ethan but he's scared after he saw him bleeding.

“Where’s the pack doctor?” Alpas heard someone and it scared him even more.

“Prince, let the pack doctor help the severely injured wolves first. I am fine, don't worry. I'm in my wolf form and I will heal quickly. I just need to rest a little. The others need the doctor more than me,” Ethan said through their mind-link without even sparing his beta a glance. He was too focused looking at Alpas who somehow looked a bit skinnier.

“Follow me,” Ethan tried the mind-link to Alpas and he started walking towards the door.

Alpas who heard Ethan's voice inside his head, watched as Ethan walked away from him. But after a couple of seconds, he followed him.

Naglakad sila hanggang makapunta sila sa pack house at sa ika-apat na palapag. Alpas opened the door of their room and waited for Ethan to come inside before closing it.

“Alpas, hug me,” Alpas heard Ethan's voice inside his head again. Napakunot ang kaniyang noo. He doesn't know if he's imagining it and Ethan can't speak when he's in his wolf form.

“Alpas, please,” rinig niya ulit. Now he's confused.

Tinitigan niya ang lobo sa kaniyang harapan sa mata. “Hug?” tanong niya. Tumango ito.

Alpas was who was dazed, worried, and confused, hugged the neck of the huge wolf.

“Amazing, the mind-link is working on you. I have been longing these past few days to try it with you...” Ethan’s voice said in his head.

“Mind-link?” nalilitong tanong ni Alpas.

“Yeah. I can speak with you without opening my mouth,” sabi ni Ethan.

Alpas was now amazed but he felt something sticky on the palm of his hand. Tinignan niya iyon at nanlambot siya nang makita niyang dugo iyon. At naalala niyang dumudugo nga pala si Ethan.

“I-I'll call the pack doctor,” sabi ni Alpas at akmang aalis ito nang pigilan siya ni Ethan.

“No. The others need the doctor more. I'm fine. I'm healing already. Just stay with me,” sabi ni Ethan.

Alpas bit his inner lip and he was hesitating but Ethan went towards the bed.

“Come here and let's cuddle. I miss you. I'll shift back into my human form later. When I do, please help me to take a bath,” sabi nito at humiga sa kama.

Dumiretso si Alpas sa kama at humiga sa tabi ni Ethan. Lumapit ito at yumakap. He buried his head against the soft fur.

Ethan curled his body to engulf his mate with his hug.

“What the hell happened? Why are you bleeding so much?” nag-aalalang tanong ni Alpas.

“After the secret organization sent a lot of their members in the woods, we attacked. A war happened. We fought for days and we won. But Zylan sent someone to follow a guy from the organization who escaped and it lead us to their hidden base. We quickly made a plan and attacked their base. Those guys were crazy. They surely have a lot traps for wolves and vampires. I almost died there but our sniper helped me. And guess what? I found out that our sniper with the codename ‘Winner’, was my mom. My parents still got my back. I'm ashamed, I think I still don't deserve this title,” tuloy-tuloy na sinabi ni Ethan and his body slowly shifted into his human form.

Alpas was processing everything but he noticed the change and he moved away a little bit from the hug to look at Ethan's face.  He was instantly alerted when he saw him tearing up.

“I couldn't save everyone. Some were severely injured, and some were... were...” humikbi ito. “They were gone forever... I couldn't save them,” he softly whispered.

Alpas’ heart broke when he saw Ethan crying. He can't bear to see him crying. Not his Ethan. He hated to see him in pain. He just can't.

Alpas didn't say anything and he held his mate. Hinagod niya ang likuran nito at itinago ang ulo ni Ethan sa kaniyang leeg. Bawat hikbi nito ay parang tinik na bumabaon sa dibdib ni Alpas.

When he can't stand it anymore, he pulled away a bit from Ethan's tight hug. Ethan looked at him with his red rimmed eyes and golden iris.

Alpas leaned forward slowly. Siniil niya ng halik ang kaniyang kasintahan para takpan ang kaniyang mga hikbi. Ethan closed his eyes slowly and he answered Alpas’ kiss softly. It was a slow, soothing kiss.

When they're almost out of breath, Alpas showered Ethan's face with soft kisses while caressing his neck with his thumb.

Nanatiling nakapikit si Ethan at nang maramdaman niyang tumigil si Alpas, dahan-dahan itong dumilat. Alpas gave him a soft smile and soft a caress on the cheeks, down to his neck, and towards his chest.

“My mate is so strong. I'm so proud of you for doing your best. I love you very much,” bulong ni Alpas.

Ethan felt like tearing up again and he hugged Alpas close. He's starting to forget why he's upset while inhaling his most favorite scent in the whole wide world. His mate's orangy scent.

-

Ethan’s eyes were closed and he's leaning against the bathtub while Alpas his washing his hair.

“Join me, love,” bulong ni Ethan at iminulat ang kaniyang mga mata.

“No. Relax ka lang diyan. I'll try to make you feel better,” bulong pabalik ni Alpas at binitawan ang hawak niyang showerhead.

He leaned down to kiss Ethan's eyes closed and after that, he started messaging the other male’s temple.

“Ohh...” Ethan let a sound of satisfaction. “What did I do to deserve a mate like you, hmm?” dagdag pa nito.

Sumilay ang ngiti sa labi ni Alpas. “What did I do to deserve you too?”

Ethan chuckled softly. “Come on, love. I'm the one who's fortunate to have you.”

“You’re the best I've ever had,” Alpas said with a smile while pouring shampoo on his palm.

Lumapad ang ngiti ni Ethan ngunit agad din iyong napawi nang may maalala siya. “I’m the best among how many?”

“What?” nalilitong tanong ni Alpas habang hinahaplos niya ang buhok ni Ethan.

“Can I know how many exes do you have?” Ethan whispered.

Napatigil si Alpas sa kaniyang ginagawa.

Umalis si Ethan sa kaniyang pagkakahilig sa bathtub at humarap kay Alpas. Pinatong niya ang kaniyang mga siko sa gilid ng bathtub at sinuportahan ang kaniyang ulo.

“So, ilan?” tanong nito.

Tinitigan siya ni Alpas at nilibot ang kaniyang paningin sa mukha nito, para bang may hinahanap siya. Ngunit walang pinapakitang kakaibang ekspresyon si Ethan.

Ethan chuckled. “What? I won't be mad. I promise.”

Alpas sighed. “Paano nga ba tayo napunta sa usapang ito?”

Ethan chuckled again. “Just answer my question, please?” malambing na sinabi nito.

“Only one,” sabi ni Alpas.

Napanguso si Ethan at kumunot ang nuo nito.

“Sabi mo hindi ka magagalit.”

“I’m not mad,” sagot ni Ethan.

“Bakit ka nakasimangot?” tanong ni Alpas habang tinutusok ang bahagi ng noo ni Ethan kung saan nagsasalubong ang mga kilay nito.

“Do you miss him or found yourself missing him sometimes?” tanong ni Ethan at hindi sinagot ang katanungan ni Alpas.

“What? No!” Alpas answered with no hesitation.

“Eh, bakit may picture ka pa sa kaniya?” tanong ni Ethan.

“I have? Saan?” tanong ni Alpas. He's confused.

“Remember when you lend me your old phone? Tinignan ko yung gallery at nakita ko ang mga pictures niyo. Is that him? The one kissing your younger version’s cheeks?”

Napataas ang kilay ni Alpas. “I think that's him? Pero hindi ko na ginagamit yung phone na 'yon. Hindi ko nga alam na may picture pa 'yon nung nilahad ko sa'yo,” sabi nito.

“Ohh... So you're not looking back at those photos anymore?” Ethan asked.

“No,” sabi ni Alpas at hinaplos pa-alis ang bula na malapit nang pumatak sa mata ni Ethan.

Just as Alpas thought the talk about his ex was done, Ethan asked him again.

“What’s his name?”

“Uhm... Elijah.”

“Letter ‘E’ din siya?”

“Why? Does that matter?”

“No,” Ethan said with a pout.

Natawa si Alpas. “But you're letter ‘A’, Azrael.”

Hindi pa rin nag-iiba ang nakasimangot na ekspresyon ni Ethan at napa-isip si Alpas.

“It's the first letter of the Alphabet. Ang ibig sabihin ng first ay number one, and you're the number one in my heart,” sabi ni Alpas.

“Pft-” natawa si Ethan sa sinabi ng kaniyang kasintahan.

At namula si Alpas ng ma-realize niya ang kaniyang sinabi. Just to make Ethan to stop pouting, he said words that he'll never say to anyone. Oh, pag-ibig nga naman.

Alpas cleared his throat. “Pretend that you didn't hear anything. Balik ka na sa pagkasandal, I’ll rinse your hair.”

“Hehe, who would've thought that my Alpas can say something so sweet which has the power to attract all the ants in world?” natatawang sinabi ni Ethan.

“Shut up, ikaw na lang magbanlaw ng buhok mo. I'm out,” inis na sinabi ni Alpas.

Ethan quickly came back to his position earlier. “Eto na po. Don't go, please.”

Napabuntong-hininga si Alpas at kinuha niya ang showerhead. He helped Ethan to rinse his hair.

“How are you feeling?” tanong nito habang sinusuklay ang buhok ni Ethan gamit ang kaniyang mga daliri.

“Better. Thanks to you, love.”

Alpas smiled. “Tayo ka na diyan, kanina ka pa nakababad. Malamig na yung tubig.”

Ethan obeyed and Alpas helped him to wipe his body. Nakita ni Alpas na magaling na ang sugat ni Ethan sa batok pero sigurado itong mag-iiwan ng marka. He leaned forward to place a soft kiss on it.

“Does it look ugly? It will leave a scar for sure,” saad ni Ethan.

“Not ugly,” sagot ni Alpas at kinuha ang nakasabit na robe. “Here, wear this.”

After Ethan covered his body. Tinulak siya ng marahan ni Alpas papalabas ng banyo.

“Rest. I'll take a quick shower.”

“Dapat kasi sumabay ka na sa akin eh,” sabi ni Ethan.

Alpas rolled his eyes before closing the door. Natawa na lamang si Ethan sa aksyon ng kaniyang kasintahan at tinahak niya ang direksyon patungo sa kanilang cabinet para kumaha ng damit at makapagbihis. His Alpas won't be Alpas if he didn't react to his teasing.

Pagkatapos niyang magbihis, kumuha rin siya ng towel para patuyuin ang kaniyang buhok, at umupo sa kama.

Sa katahimikang namamayani sa kwarto, ang tunog lamang ng shower na nanggagaling sa banyo ang maririning. That actually calmed Ethan down. He missed being home and being with his mate. He realized how grateful he is to experience what he was experiencing right now after the war.

His train of thought broke when he heard a knock.

“That's odd,” Ethan thought. Gabi na kasi at hindi niya alam kung anong pakay ng kumakatok pero pinagbuksan niya iyon dahil wala naman siyang naramramdamang panganib.

Bumungad sa kaniya si Prince at ang batang namumugto ang mga mata na katabi nito.

Ethan stood frozen. It's Calix. And he remembered how he can't save his warrior parents. Both of them passed away.

“Sorry. Na-istorbo ba kita? Ang sakit kasi ng iyak niya kanina pa. He’s been begging us to see you,” sabi ni Prince.

Ethan finally moved away from the door. “Come inside,” he said softly. 

“Iwan ko na siya sa'yo. I'll go check my mate,” sabi ni Prince.

“Thanks,” Ethan said with a nod before closing the door.

Calix was looking down and fidgeting his fingers. Ethan's heart was being squeezed at the moment and he didn't have the face to face Calix yet but he crouched down.

Akmang lalabas na si Alpas sa banyo at napatigil ito ng marinig niyang magsalita si Ethan.

“Do you hate me?”

Umiling si Calix.

“You can hate me or you can blame me. You're allowed to. You're feelings are valid,” Ethan said softly.

Alpas’ heart ached. His Ethan was taking the blame again for the lives that were ended during the war.

“I-it wasn't your fault, alpha. None of it was your fault,” Calix replied and he started crying.

“I'm sorry, little one. I'm so sorry, I couldn't save them,” bulong ni Ethan at pinunasan niya ang mga luha nito kahit na naluluha na rin siya.

Umilling lang si Calix at humikbi ng malakas.

Alpas wiped his own tears and he walked towards the two. He picked Carlos up with one hand and he held Ethan's arm with the other.

He helped them both to sit on the bed beside each other while he kneeled on the floor between them.

Ethan and Calix were both looking at him while crying.

“Come here,” Alpas whispered and he spread his arms.

Ethan wrapped an arm around Alpas’ waist and he buried his head on his mate's shoulder. Calix rested his head on the other side and Alpas hugged them both.

Alpas moved his head to kiss Ethan’s cheek before speaking.

“Calix, I have been wanting to say to Alpha Ethan that it wasn't his fault, and thank you for saying it to him. Dalawa na tayo ngayon na naniniwalang hindi niya kasalanan. Sana maniwala na siya, 'no?” bulong ni Alpas habang hinahagod niya nang mahina ang likuran ng dalawa.

Tumango si Calix at humigpit ang kapit niya sa damit ni Alpas. Mas lalo namang humigpit ang yakap ni Ethan.

“It's time to sleep, you two. Let's tuck you guys in. For now, let's sleep and we'll talk tomorrow, okay?” sabi ni Alpas at kumalas sa yakap ng dalawa. Pinahiga niya ang mga ito bago niya patayin ang ilaw.

The only light that was turned on was the dim bedside lamp. Humiga si Alpas sa gitna ng dalawa at kinumutan agad sila ni Ethan.

“I-I’ll go back to my room...” mahinang sinabi ni Calix at akmang tatayo ito ngunit pinigilan agad ito ni Alpas.

“Dito ka na lang muna. Me and Ethan is here for you, okay? You're not alone. Now, close your eyes na. Matulog.”

Calix shook his head and he insisted to stand up.

“Bukas na lang po. Have a good rest. Good night po,” magalang na bulong ni Calix at yumuko bago umalis.

Alpas wanted to go after him but Ethan hugged him. He slowly relaxed his body and he hugged Ethan as well.

“Love, can we adopt him?” Ethan asked suddenly and it stunned Alpas. “It’s not that I feel guilty but I don't want him to feel alone. He's been really good to us too. He's clever, and amazing,” dagdag pa nito.

Slowly, a smile appeared upon Alpas’ lips and he kissed the top of Ethan's head. “I want him as a son too. We have been closer ever since we stayed in the safe hall. Napalapit na rin ako sa kaniya.”

“Let’s see kung papayag siya. Kapag pumayag, then we'll treat him like he's ours. But if he didn't, we'll still treat him as a son,” sabi ni Ethan.

Tumango-tango si Alpas. “Okay. Rest. Ipagpabukas na lang natin ang lahat. For now, rest your worries and sleep.”

“Will you still be by my side when I woke up tomorrow?” tanong ni Ethan.

“The answer is obvious. You always wake up before me, of course I will be by your side,” sagot ni Alpas.

“If I slept a litte longer than usual, please be by my side when I woke up.”

“Okay. I understand.”

“Sorry. Am I too demanding? Pupwede ka namang tumanggi. It's just I missed waking up beside you, and I want to experience it everyday.”

Alpas turned the lamp off. “Hmm. Now, sleep. Enough talking.”

“I love you, love. Sobra.”

“And I love you too.”

“Good night.”

“Night.”

After a few seconds, the silence prevailed between them but Ethan broke it quickly.

“That’s it? Tapos na?”

“What do you mean?”

“Where’s my good night kiss?” Ethan asked in a soft whisper with a hint of sadness in his voice.

“Sus,” sabi ni Alpas pero nilapatan niya pa rin ng halik si Ethan sa noo, mga mata, ilong, mga pisngi, at sa wakas sa kaniyang labi.

“Actually, love, the deal wasn't only waking up beside each other now. I will always be requesting for good night kisses from now on-”

Alpas kissed him again to shut him up.

“I told you to sleep. Why do you keep on talking?” tanong ni Alpas. He's starting to become irritated because Ethan didn't have a good amount of rest yet.

“Okay. Let's sleep. I need lots of energy to cook lots of food just for you, love. I noticed that you've lost some weight.”

Alpas gave in. He didn't stop Ethan anymore and he just listened to him blabbing.

“Anong gusto mong kainin?” tanong ni Ethan. “Alpas?” dagdag pa nito nang hindi sumagot ang kaniyang niyayakap.

“Loooove?” Ethan whispered while dragging his voice.

“Tinulugan mo ko?” Ethan asked softly.

“Okay, good night for real. See you tomorrow.” He kissed Alpas’ forehead softly before yawning.

Pagaan nang pagaan ang paghinga nito at unti-unting bumagsak ang mga talukap ng kaniyang mga mata. It only took a couple of seconds and he fell asleep.

Then Alpas smiled to himself and he whispered, “You're finally asleep. Have a good rest, love. I'll see you tomorrow as well.”

ㅡ the end.

A/N: You’ve reached the end. Wala wakas na talaga huhu. We had a wonderful journey. This is the last chapter and also the longest chapter. And I know have been saying this a lot but I still want to say thank you to all of my readers! Kahit kaunti lamang kayo, you still guys made me happy knowing that someone is reading my work. Sa mga silent readers diyan baka pupwedeng magparamdam para malaman ko kung sino kayo last chapter na oh haha charot. Anyway, hindi ko na papahabain pa. Maraming salamat at abang-abang na lang sa mga bagong stories. At may extra chapters din akong balak isulat pero hindi ko alam kailan ko gagawin at kailan ko ilalabas. Kaya abang na lang talaga sa mga gustong mag-abang. Salamat ulit and I appreciate all of you! Happy new year! <3