"Akin ka lang."

Those words echoed inside my head. Nakatitig lang ako sa kanya at hindi makapaniwala. Pero hindi naman siguro panaginip 'to, diba?

I secretly bit my tongue at napangiwi naman ako dahil masakit...ibig sabihin gising ako at totoo 'to.

Pero hindi pa rin ako mapaniwala. Sobra akong natutuwa na natatakot akong hindi totoo ang lahat. This is too much to take pero ito naman ang gusto ko.

Ito ang pinapangarap ko.

Buong puso akong ngumiti at tinitigan siya.

"Oo...sayo lang ako."

He suddenly pulled me again for a hug.

"Thank you," he whispered.

"No worries. Salamat din."

Salamat kasi tinanggap mo ako sa buhay mo, salamat kasi nakinig ka at salamat hinayaan mo akong mapalapit sayo ng ganito. I wanted to say those words but maybe it's better to just feel the moment first.

"I-I'm sorry."

Umiling ako.

"Don't be sorry...I totally understand everything."

"I...didn't mean...those words." he weakly said.

Tumango ako. "I know and it's okay, just don't push me away again 'coz I won't ever leave."

He tapped my shoulders and broke the hug.

He looked at me in the eyes and for the first time and gave me a genuine smile that lasted for seconds.

Nangilid ang luha ko. This is too much to handle but I am loving it so much. I love the thought that the most elusive and aloof person that I know is now slowly becoming comfortable and happy around me.

"I won't...as long as you want to stay with me." nakaiwas tingin niyang sabi.

Napangisi naman ako.

Oh, boy. I want it to be forever.

"You should go," aniya.

I touched his lips with my index finger.

"It's still early and I want to stay longer because I missed you." I said while smiling.

"Okay," he answered.

We sat in the sofa after that. Hindi magkadikit but we can't stop looking at each other's eyes.

Gosh, it's so blissful. I hope I could stay here overnight because I would really love to do that.

We started talking about things...including some things about his past.

I know Nisha already told me the shorter version, but hearing the story from him...felt more painful.

I cried and hugged him because that's all I can do, now that I am hearing the things he had kept inside him for a long time. He already suffered enough and I can't imagine how hard it must be for him to remember all those things.

I also know that what he told wasn't even half of it. Marami pa, but I'm already contented to what he had told me. Ayaw ko siyang pilitin na sabihin ang lahat, lalo na kung maaari 'yong makasama sa kanya.

Remembering is as hard as forgetting, they say. And I can say that it truly is, especially if those memories scarred you.

But whatever it is, I would accept it wholeheartedly kahit gaano kasakit dahil parte 'yon ng buhay niya.

Mahal ko siya kahit sino pa siya at kung ano pa ang pinagdaanan niya.

It was the longest conversation that we had, and it just saddened me that we spent it talking about the past that ruined his life.

I was crying the whole time while he's narrating it without his emotions. I know he's just holding it, even though he's hurting.

I held his hands and pulled him closer.

"It's okay. It's over now. You're here, no one would do that again." I whispered.

Isinubsob niya ang mukha niya sa leeg ko at tinapik ko ang balikat niya.

"You're so strong, Shin. Thank you for not giving up."

Seconds after that...I felt my blouse moistening.

He's crying.

"It's okay. Let it out, let it go. Everything will be fine."

I hugged him tighter and caressed his hair.

That night, before I leave. I assured him that he will never be alone again. He will always have me in his battles.

Napahilig ako sa mesa.

Kinikilig ako. For the first time na hindi dahil sa mga bias ko sa Kpop at mga Kpop actors.

Hindi ko tuloy mapigilan na mapangiti and I am sure that I'm blushing too.

What happened last night was really too much to handle.

Magkakasunod 'yong quizzes namin ngayon pero pakiramdam ko ang gaan gaan ng paligid.

Napangiwi sa akin si Armin.

"May nakain ka sigurong masarap. Ang ganda ng mood mo ngayon. O baka naman nagkabalikan na kayo ng jowa mo?"

Napaubo naman ako sa tanong niya.

"H-Hindi ah!"

Hindi naman talaga...I mean...hindi ko kasi alam kung boyfriend ko na siya.

He didn't say he love me too, but I am already contented with his actions...the way he let me feel that I am welcome in his life now, that I can stay until forever, that he's possessive of me.

"Namumula! So totoo nga?" he asked again kaya napatingin na sa amin si Nicole at Aya.

Umiling ako. "Hindi nga."

"Pansin ko rin na maganda mood mo ngayon, buti nalang! Ang tahimik ng mundo ko no'ng mga nakaraang araw, mag-ingay ka muna!" Aya added.

"Bati na siguro sila. Yieeeeee! Sabi na eh, LQ lang 'yan." Si Nicole at tinusok-tusok pa ang tagiliran ko.

"Kyot mo mainlove, Ekay! Pakilala mo nga sa amin 'yan."

Napatakip na ako ng mukha dahil sa pang-aasar nila. Hindi ko rin alam isasagot ko, pero tama nga sila, inlove ako.

Inlove na inlove.

"Ewan ko sa inyo!"

As expected, masaya ako buong araw kahit sa pagkain.

Uwian na no'ng napagpasyahan namin na dumaan muna sa kabilang kanto para magtusok-tusok. Parang naging stress reliever na namin ang pagkain ng streetfoods.

"Tol!" Humabol si Rozz sa amin at agad nakipaghigh five.

"Ito na si friend, libre mo naman kami." Ani Armin na nagpapacute pa kay Rozz. Napangiwi lang 'yong huli at sumenyas na wala siyang pera.

Umupo kami sa gutter at tumabi naman sa akin si Rozz habang daldal ng daldal si Armin tungkol sa quiz.

Pakagat palang ako no'ng biglang tumunog 'yong phone ko.

Nanlaki naman ang mata ko no'ng makita kung sino ang tumatawag.

I immediately answered it and smiled widely.

"Hi." I greeted.

Maingay na mga sasakyan at hangin ang narinig ko. Nasaan ba siya? Himala at napatawag. But then, I like it.

"Sorry...I just want to see you." Sambit niya makalipas ang ilang segundo.

Eh?

I furrowed my brows.

"Anong ibig mong sabihin?" lito kong tanong.

I heard him sigh.

"Masarap ba 'yong...kwek-kwek?"

My jaw dropped and I immediately looked around because of what he said. The four looked at me suspiciously because of my actions.

"Nandito ka? Saan?" curious kong tanong.

"Nandito."

Halos mapatili ako no'ng makita siyang nakatayo malapit sa poste.

I immediately waved and smiled at him. I can't believe he went here to see me!

Pero mas nagulat naman ako no'ng mapansin na hindi nakasuot ang hood ng jacket niya sa ulo niya. Instead, I noticed that he's wearing the cap I gave to him.

Kyaaah!

"Oh my gosh." Armin shrieked.

"Jowa mo tol?" gulat na tanong ni Rozz sa tabi ko.

"Tangina, malandi ka na! I'm so proud!" Aya added.

"Pakilala mo kami, siz!"

Hindi ko na pinansin masyado ang sinabi nila. Instead, I went to him and pulled him near my friends.

"Guys..." I started and I suddenly feel nervous about their reactions. "Si Shin, hmm..." Hindi ko alam kung boyfriend ko ba siya so... "He's the guy I love."

Pagkatapos kong sabihin 'yon ay sobrang nahiya na ako dahil parang tanga kung makapagreact 'yong apat. Armin held my neck na tila sinasakal ako, si Aya naman ay mura ng mura, habang hampas ng hampas si Nicole. Rozz, on the other hand, was busy laughing and smiling.

"Tangina, bebe no more na si Ekay, may sarili ng bebe eh." natatawang sabi ni Aya.

"Ako nagturo d'yan lumandi!" Armin argued.

"Gosh, nakakahiya kayo. Please." nahihiya kong saway. I looked at Shin.

"Sorry." I said, kanina pa kasi siyang nakatitig lang sa mga kaibigan ko.

"They look nice," aniya na ikinagulat ko. Totoo ba 'yon?

Rozz cleared his throat at nagulat ako no'ng bigla niyang tinapik 'yong balikat ni Shin.

"Alagaan mo pare," seryoso niyang sabi. "Binasted ako n'yan eh, ganda masyado 'diba?" At humagalpak na siya.

"Gagi!" I reacted.

"Oh sya, aalis na kami ha! Magdate na kayo!" Nagmamadaling sabi ni Armin at hinila ang dalawa.

"Bye bye! Enjoy ha!" nakangising sabi ni Nicole.

"Galingan mo, Ekay!" Sinamaan ko ng tingin si Aya dahil sa sinabi niya, parang may ibang meaning kasi, kaloka naman.

Natatawa ring sumama sa kanila si Rozz at kumaway pa kay Shin.

"Make her happy, tol!" sigaw niya no'ng makalayo.

Kinakabahan naman akong napatingin kay Shin, baka kasi nabadtrip siya dahil sa kanila.

"That guy likes you..." he suddenly pointed Rozz.

"Huh? Hindi na ah!" agad kong sabi. 'Yon naman kasi ang totoo.

"I saw you with him last time, too. Ang sweet niyo and you look better with him." dagdag pa niya kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.

Kailan naman 'yon? But wait...could it be...

"Nagseselos ka ba?" nakangiti kong tanong.

Umiwas naman siya ng tingin at hindi na nagsalita kaya mas lalo akong napangiti.

"Seloso 'yong bebe ko ah." pilyo kong sabi bago isubo 'yong fishball na hawak ko.

Tinalikuran lang niya ako kaya mas natawa ako.

"Anong bebe?"

Eh, pero hindi dineny na nagseselos nga siya.

"Baby...Baby." Tumitig ako sa kanya. "Say ahhhh!" Itinapat ko 'yong kwek-kwek sa bibig niya.

Parang nagslow motion naman 'yong paligid no'ng kinagat niya 'yon.

Pesteng yawa, 'yong puso ko.

"Date tayo?" I said after we ate, naglalakad kami ngayon papuntang España pero ayaw ko pa talagang umuwi.

"Baka gabihin ka...ihahatid na kita sa sakayan." Sumimangot naman ako, sayang naman. Tsaka 5 pm palang naman ah.

"Okay, fine." Napatingin ako sa kanya no'ng tumigil siyang maglakad.

"Let's go to my apartment...but I'll take you home later."

Eh?

"I can go home alone." Giit ko, ayaw ko siyang abalahin, I know it's hard for him to commute.

"I'll take you home," mariin niyang sabi bago ako hinila pabalik.

Gaya ng sabi niya ay bumalik nga kami sa apartment niya and he let me enter his room dahil magulo pa raw sa sala, nagtataka nga ako kung bakit nagkalat 'yong mga gamit doon, pero 'yong kwarto naman niya ay ang linis linis. Parang may nabago pa.

I looked around and saw some photo frames on the wall.

Wala pa 'to no'ng nakaraan.

Lumapit ako at tiningnan 'yon.

The first one is a photo of him with Nisha no'ng mga nasa 5 to 7 years old sila. Nisha was smiling while he's hiding beside her. Ang cute naman nila, maliit pala siya no'ng bata pa, mas matangkad pa si Nisha sa kanya.

The second one was an elementary graduation photo.

Satoshi Aguirre

I stared at his name. Familiar nickname, huh. I didn't know that he's an Aguirre.

Napatango naman ako no'ng may marealize.

He told me last night that he grew up without knowing his dad, so Aguirre is probably the surname of his mom. He also said that during his senior highschool year, which was five years ago, a Japanese man suddenly approached him and said that he's his father. I wonder what's his surname now.

But that question was immediately answered when my eyes landed on the third photo, it was another graduation photo...no'ng senior high siya.

Kinaida, Satoshi A.

Whoa. Finally, I won't have to ask his name anymore.

Pero si Nisha kaya, ano full name niya? Is she an Aguirre, too? Hmm, I doubt. Mama nga pala niya 'yong kapatid ng mama ni Shin.

The door creak and I saw him looking at me.

"I know your full name now!" masaya kong sabi. He just shyly smiled at me.

"I know." Hinila na niya ako palabas at napansin ko naman agad na malinis na 'yong sala.

"You're fast," mangha kong sabi at hindi naman siya nagreact.

"Oh! I remember!"

"What?"

"Ipagluluto kita bago ako umuwi!" nakangiti kong sabi. "Opps! Bawal tumanggi!" agad kong sabi dahil nakita ko nanaman ang pagtanggi sa mukha niya.

He sighed defeatedly.

"Okay."

Yey! Agad akong pumunta sa kusina at naghanap ng ingredients.

"What do you want to eat?" I asked him no'ng mapansin kong nakasunod siya.

"Kahit ano."

"Hay. Ang hirap naman non! Adobo, gusto mo?" tanong ko no'ng makakita ng chicken sa ref.

"Okay, adobo."

Hmp. Ako naman pinagdedecide niya. Pero okay na 'yon, at least pumayag na magluto ako. Kyot na bata.

Hinalo ko na 'yong ingredients at sinalang sa stove 'yong kaserola.

Umalis naman siya sa kitchen, at ako naman ay inabala ang sarili sa social media habang naghihintay na maluto ang adobo.

Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto ay chineck ko na 'yong adobo. Ang lambot! Okay na.

"Are you done?" I almost shrieked when an arm snaked on my waist.

I'm so kilig.

"O..Oo! Done na! Gusto mong tikman?" Nilingon ko siya, I tried hard not to blush but I guess I failed.

"Okay," mabilis niyang sabi.

Kumuha naman ako gamit ang kutsara at tinapat sa bibig niya.

I thought he's going to taste it, but I was surprised when he suddenly kissed me on the lips.

Kyah! Bakit siya ganito?

Umiwas ako ng tingin at pinalo siya ng mahina sa braso.

"Naughty ka rin pala!" nahihiya kong sabi.

He raised a brow. "That's what you get for seducing me."

My jaw dropped. Ha?

"What? Wow. Kailan kita sineduce?" nagtataka kong tanong. Wala naman akong naaalala na sineduce ko siya ah!

I was serious but he just shrugged his shoulders. Pinapabaliw ako ng lalaking 'to ah!

"Allison," he called.

His voice was serious this time kaya agad akong napatingin sa kanya.

"Bakit?"

He smiled and ruffled my hair.

"I will try to become a better person for you. Someone who deserves you."