❝ HER FIRST ❞

18

"Mamita!"

A voice bursted into Rochelle's office. Napatingin naman ang matandang babae sa pintuan to see a familiar face.

"Helian!" Rochelle squealed at agad na-tanggal ang stress nito. "My favorite inaanak! You're back!"

"Mamita, it was such a long trip here to Makati, but I still brought pasalubong for my favorite tita!" Helian exclaimed as she placed the bags on Rochelle's desk and then sat at one of the chairs in front.

"You're so tall and grown up na! Parang kailan lang! Sino ang kasama mo papunta here?"

"Nako, I'm not a little girl anymore. I traveled here all by myself." Helian replied.

"Sit, sit there, make yourself comfortable. I'm sure you were so tired!" Rochelle sighed. "Your dad missed you so much too, he has been working well in here!"

"Oh, by the way, mamita, the pasalubong I brought was actually made by me. It's a sunflower-themed cake!" Dagdag pa ni Helian.

"I'm sure this will satisfy my hunger and stress, basta anything from my favorite girl! Hays," Rochelle sighed. "You know, it's such a rare occasion for me to bond with a girl like you since, you know, my children are all boys and grown-ups na! They barely bond with me, so I'm glad to have you, Helian, you're like my daughter as well.

"I'm so flattered, thank you, Mamita! ... Also, uhm, talking about your sons, Tita... Where's your panganay po?" Helian asked in a whisper.

"Oh, right! Of course, my son, Ran, as usual, he's out again... I couldn't convince him the other day." Rochelle sighed. "He's so hard-headed."

"The last time I saw him was at his basketball game. I even went to their school... I mean, since I was the muse of our school, as usual." Kwento ni Helian na may kasamang tawa.

"Oh my! You went there?! Why didn't I see you?" Rochelle gasped.

"I was cheering for him nga, mamita." Helian pouted.

"You know, Helian, I think it's time that I should really reveal you to Ran, and ipapakilala kita. Ang hirap naman for my inaanak ko just see Ran in photos online, right?"

"Really?!" Helian's eyes beamed. "Thank you, Mamita!"

"Anything. But I should call him first, he needs to meet you, ngayon ka nga lang nakapunta. Sayang naman." Rochelle sighed, grabbing her phone, but then remembering na nasa Baguio pala ito.

Rochelle clicked her tongue in annoyance, not wanting to disappoint Helian, ngunit mukhang mas na-dissapoint muna ni Ran ang kanyang nanay.

"He's in Baguio, right." Rochelle sighed.

"Baguio? What is he doing there?" Helian asked as her brows furrowed.

"...Look, Helian, I'm not sure," Rochelle sighed. "But I'm worried. I'm worried dahil pati si Rindou wala rin sa bahay."

"Maybe he went out again? As usual? Baka naman tita gano'n din si Ran–"

"No. I know he's with that (Y/N)," Rochelle replied.

"(Y/N)?" Helian furrowed her brows, remembering. "Ah... Yeah. I know her. Haha."

"Yes. It seems like may ibang kinakasama si Ran," Rocelle forced a laugh. "I'm sorry for disappointing you, Helian. Ilang oras pa naman ang byahe from Cebu."

"U-uhm, it's okay, mamita... I understand. I have no further intentions... May I just have Ran's phone number?" Helian asked discreetly.

Rochelle contemplated for a moment, then opened her phone to give Helian her son's number.

"...Here. Do whatever you want."

"Ateee..."

You were sleeping soundly, ngunit nagising ka sa boses ng mga bata. Dinilat mo ang mga mata mo and saw them playing on the room kung saan kayo nagstay. Sa bahay ni Lolo Ralf muna kayo natulog, kahit isang gabi lang.

"Ate, gising na rin sina kuyaaa! Gising ka na rin! Lalaro pa tayo sa labas bago kayo umuwi!" Sambit ng mga bata at tumakbo papunta sa labas ng kwarto.

"Oo. Susunod nalang ako." Sagot mo habang nagstretch muna and checked the time on your phone. It's currently nine thirty. Agad kang tumayo at naghilamos sa banyo dahil plano mo talagang magising nang mas maaga pa dahil tutulungan mo ang kapatid ng lolo mo na si Lolo Ralf at pati na rin ang asawa niya na tinuturing mo na ring lola.

Bumaba ka na rin at dumeretso sa kusina, ngunit napa-hinto ka sa naabutan mo.

Nandon ang mga magbabarkadang sina Rindou na naka-upo na sa hapag kainan kasama ang mga bata, at mukhang nagkakasundo sila. Kasama na rin si Ran, at siya na ang tumulong na magluto at magserve ng pagkain dahil may suot itong apron tulad ng lola mo.

"O! O! Akin 'yung hotdog. Subukan niyo." Sabi ni Sanzu. Pati talaga sa bata nakikipag agawan.

"Ito, kuya, saksak mo sa baga mo," inosenteng ngiti ng bata nang sinaksak nga ang hotdog sa bibig ni Sanzu na muntik nang mabuga ang kinakain niya.

"Gising na si ate!" Sigaw nila kaya't napatingin naman ang lahat sa'yo na nakatayo lang sa may entrance ng dining room.

"Kain ka na, (Y/N). Sabayan mo na ang mga kaibigan mo, lalo na si Ran." Sabi ni Lolo Ralf.

"Ah, opo." You lightly laughed at umupo na rin katabi sila. Tumabi naman si Ran sa'yo after niyang tumulong sa kusina.

"Wow. Marunong ka na pala magluto ah." Asar mo.

"Ako pa," Ran scoffed. What he doesn't tell you, is that he has been secretly asking Aunt Mari to teach him how to cook.

"Oo nga pala. Ano pang mga lugar na plano niyong dalawin?" Tanong ng lola mo.

"Gusto po ng mga kaibigan ko sa Diplomat Hotel daw. Lalakas po ng trip, e." Sabi ni Ran.

"Nako, alam niyo ba, sa tinagal naming nakatira rito sa Baguio, e ni-kahit isa, hindi kami pumupunta roon." Sabi ng lolo mo.

"Bakit po?" Tanong nila.

"Hindi niyo alam ang mga nababalot na kwento ro'n, na hanggang ngayon ay tuluyan paring naka-kubli."

"'Wag naman po. Maliligo pa 'ko mamaya. Haha." Bulong ni Rindou.

"Minsan, may mga bagay na hindi na natin dapat pinapakielaman dahil sila nga mismo ay hindi na matahimik."

"Sino pong 'sila'?" Tanong ni Sanzu.

"'Yung babaeng nasa likod mo." Sagot ni Lolo Ralf.

Agad naman huminto si Sanzu at napatingin sa likod nito. Tumawa nalang sina Rindou at Ran.

"Uto-uto," komento ni Rindou.

"Sabi nga nila, mas maraming patay, kaysa sa mga buhay sa mundo. Imposibleng wala tayong kasama ngayon. Na nakatitig sa'yo na ikaw ay hindi mo makikita." Tuloy pa na kwento nito.

Suddenly, may kumalabit kay Sanzu, at lumingon ito ngunit walang tao, until tumingin siya sa baba at nakita ang bata na tumatawag sa kanya. "Putang–! Ba't kasi ang liit mo, boi?!"

"Kanina pa kita tinatawag. Kulit mo rin, Barbie. Sabi ko paabot ng kutsara." Sabi ng bata.

"At ba't may nutella mukha mo?! 'Wag mong sabihin tae 'yan ng kalabaw sa labas?!" Tanong ni Sanzu.

"Pwede ko rin naman ipahid sa'yo kung gusto mo." Sabi ng bata at ididikit na rin sana ang kamay niya kay Sanzu.

"Hell nah. I'm outta here." Sanzu said nang agad na tumakbo paalis.

"Opo. Paalam po! Salamat po, Lola and Lolo!"

Nagpaalam na kayo nang umalis na rin kayo sa bahay nina Lolo Ralf. Isang night lang kayo nagstay doon at babalik na rin kayo sa hotel, ngunit mukhang iba ang pupuntahan niyo ni Ran dahil nasa compartment ng kotse ang mga bagahe niyo.

"Hihiwalay kayo?" Tanong nina Rindou na nasa kabilang kotse at binaba ang bintana.

"Yeah. Balik na kayo sa hotel." Ran said as he also lowered his window. You were at the front seat, pero hindi mo parin sila masyadong pansin dahil you're too busy on your phone.

"Luh. Bawal sumama?" Tanong nila.

"Dude, it'll just be me and my girl, alright?" Ran smirked.

"Saan ba kayo pupunta?" Tanong ni Sanzu.

"Secret. Ba't ko sasabihin?" Ran scoffed.

"Ano gagawin niyo?" Muli pa nilang tanong.

"Date. Ano pa ba?"

"Ahh..." Nagtinginan naman sina Rindou at Sanzu na mukhang iisa lang ang utak. "Ahh... Okay..."

"Aight. Bye." Ran briefly told as he drove away.

"Ran?"

"What?"

"Mom is asking for a picture kung saan daw tayo," you said. "Can I take a photo of you instead?"

"Ah, go ahead." Ran said.

You moved a bit and tinutok sa kanya ang camera. You'll admit that his side profile is perfect. He has a sharp jawline, and he's wearing shades that rested on his pointed nose. His broad shoulders are also obvious kahit naka side ito, and add to that, is his dark blue long sleeves shirt that hugs his biceps.

"Thanks," you said and sent it to your mom.

"Patingin ako kung ano reply ni tita, ah," banggit ni Ran.

Nila (L/N)

(Y/N) (L/N) sent a photo.

: (Y/N)

(ma sabihin mo pangit siya)

Mami :D :

Uy gwapo ni ran ah

Guds yan nak parehas tayo ng type sa mga lalaki hehe

Kumpara mo ba nmn sa tatay mo

: (Y/N)

💀

Mami :D :

Ano yan bungo bkt may patay ba

: (Y/N)

Haha lmao

Mami :D :

Lmao LoL XD

Lagi ko nakikita sa tiktok

Pati ung mga kumakaldag ba yun mukha silang mga engot

: (Y/N)

what hahaha

Mami :D :

Oo nga pla nagkita daw kayo ni lolo ralf mo

: (Y/N)

Opo

Mami :D :

Natulog kyo dun?

: (Y/N)

Opo

Mami :D :

Ah mabuti nmn. Atleast nadalaw nio ang lolo mo. nakilala pa niya si ran

Ou nga pla akala ko si ran lng kasama mo cnu ung mga lalaki jan..

: (Y/N)

Ah kaibigan lng po ni ran biglang sumabay

Mami :D :

Cgurado kba baka mamaya

: (Y/N)

Opo ma, you can even ask Ran for confirmation

"Uhm, mukhang nanghihinala si mama kina Rindou... Haha..." You awkwardly muttered.

"Alam niya?" Tanong ni Ran.

"Oo. Sinabi ni Lolo Ralf kasi 'di ba do'n tayo natulog." Sabi mo.

"Ah. Edi pa'no niyan?"

"Uhh, need daw ng confirmation mo..." Sabi mo. "Ako 'yung anak pero mas paniniwalaan ka." Dagdag mo nang inikot ang mga mata mo.

"Sabi na nga ba. May tiwala na sa'kin sina tita. Hehe." Ran said as he reached for your phone and started typing.

: (Y/N)

Hello po tita 

This is Ran and mga kaibigan ko lang po yun. Isa po sakanila kapatid ko

Your daughter is always safe beside me 😊

Then nagsend si Ran ng selfie niyong dalawa for confirmation na rin.

Mami :D :

Ok.. send pa kayo pics ni y/n mamaya ah

Ingat kyo jan

Love you nak (Y/N)

Ilang minuto pa at nakarating na rin kayo sa destinasyon niyo.

Lumabas na kayo ng kotse pagtapos magpark ni Ran. Pansin mo na para bang isang malaki na resthouse ang pinuntahan niyo, at mukhang mayroon pa ito sa likuran.

"Where are we?" You asked Ran as you entered the place.

"Tudor in the Pines. This is where you can stay in those glass treehouses overnight. Basta, magugustuhan mo 'yung view." Ran said.

You looked around, and the place is nature-like with a cold breeze, and the chirping of birds. You spotted those glass treehouses at may hanging bridge with fairy lights pa ang daanan nito. May garden terrace din, cottages, and more view sights that capture more beauty in Baguio, especially the sunset.

"Sir, please proceed this way. May mga magbubuhat na rin po ng bags niyo." The lady from the concierge said.

"We're going to stay here?" You asked, wondering why this house since it's a little too big just for the two of you.

"Yeah, I reserved the main house." Ran replied.

"Oh," you just blinked your eyes, as if not surprised anymore. You know this man is always so extra just for you.

You'd say that the accommodation in this place is fantastic too. The house is perfect for family trips.

"There are more rooms upstairs?" You asked, walking around the house while making yourself comfortable.

"Yeah, but we won't sleep here." Ran said.

"Huh? Saan?"

"Come. I'll show you." Ran said at dumaan kayo sa hanging bridge sa may likurang banda ng bahay.

Medyo mataas ang height from below kaya't Ran took the opportunity to hold your hand while guiding you through your way.

"A glass treehouse?" Your lips pursed as you observed the place. Mayroong dalawang treehouse sa magkabilaan. It looks small and cozy, and for sure kapag gabi, you'll perfectly see the stars from here dahil sa glass.

"Oo nga pala, mamayang gabi, it'll surely be cold. I just checked the weather on my phone. May dala ka bang jacket or anything?"

"Yeah, I have a cardigan naman."

"Aren't cardigans a little thin?" Ran questioned.

"I didn't bring a jacket or a hoodie, e. Plus, it's not even that called kagabi." You said.

Ran raised a brow. "Sure?"

"Sure," you just gave him a thumbs up.

"Still. Wear this." Ran's expression quickly changed as he threw a hoodie over your head that covered your face.

"Wha–?" You rolled your eyes and sighed.

"And this, this, this..." Ran said habang nagkakalkal sa bag niya at binibigay ang halos tatlong oversized hoodies niya sa'yo with a jacket.

"Okay, okay! I'll wear these." You huffed.

"Good," he said as he ruffled your hair.

You swatted his hand away and sinungitan siya, but as usual, he just chuckled at your stubbornness and grumpiness.

Pagkapasok mo, agad mong makikita ang second floor ng treehouse dahil nandito ang entrance. Mayroong ladder as a stair, at pagkababa mo rito, may duyan dito at isang king sized bed with more sufficient items inside.

"Oh uhm, I can sleep at the other treehouse if you like." Ran said as he noticed that there's only one bed and your bothered look.

"Oh, uh, sige. S-sayang naman din if hindi natin lahat gagamitin." You said dahil malaki naman din ang nireserve niyo at may main house pa sa kabila.

Ran grabbed his bags and stuff and lumabas ng treehouse mo. Ikaw naman ay naiwan mag-isa sa loob, but Ran noticed you. "Ano?"

"Wala," you briefly told then nag-ayos na rin ng mga gamit.

Pero ba't parang malungkot si (Y/N) na sa kabila talaga matutulog si Ran?

It's currently night, and nasa kama ka lang while on your MacBook dahil may mga homeworks ka pa na ginagawa kahit malayo pa naman ang deadline, para na rin hindi ka tambakan.

"(Y/N)," Ran called as he entered your treehouse. "What's your order? Nagpa-deliver ako."

"Anything," you said.

"Alright," he said as he stayed at your treehouse. "Oo nga pala. Let's watch a movie upstairs."

"Sa taas?" Your eyes slightly widened dahil pure glass ang nasa second floor ng treehouse, and hindi pa ito tinted, so kita ang labas, pati na rin ang mala-forest na daan. Wala ring naka stay sa main house, at kita ito from that view.

Ran waited for your reply, then chuckled. "Scared?"

"No. Why would I be scared?" You scoffed at tumayo paalis ng kama. "Ako pa mauna sa taas, e."

"Nuks naman. Sige, sabi mo e." Tawa ni Ran.

Nanguna ka naman kay Ran sa ladder and he's behind you, but he held your shoulder at pinigilan ka nang inunahan ka niya. "Ako na mauna."

"Why?"

"Because I can see your ass from behind." Ran whispered, then dumiretso na sa 2nd floor.

"What the fuck?!" You grunted.

Ilang minuto ang nakalipas, at na-set up niyo na rin ni Ran ang space niyo. Syempre, madilim, ngunit may mga lights sa labas at may star projecter din kayo sa loob. Hindi gano'n kalaki ang space, but this area is perfect for movie dates or stargazing, especially for couples.

(A/N: search niyo nlng "glass treehouse Baguio" sa google so that y'all can have a visual look up. makikita mo interior non)

Dinala rin ni Ran ang kanyang MacBook and dito kayo manonood. Ang lakas ng trip ni Ran dahil horror movie pa talaga ang pinili.

"Anong movie 'yan?" You asked while getting a comforter and those thick fluffy blankets, wearing it like a fur shawl.

"Gonjiam Haunted Asylum. Hindi naman masyado nakakatakot, sabi ni Kakucho." Ran said while setting up the movie.

"Ah, he watched it already? Baka naman inispoil ka niya, and alam mo na 'yung mga jumpscares kaya't ako nalang 'yung tatakutin mo?" You suspciously said. Kilala mo si Ran, and he's a playful motherfucker.

"Huy, hindi ah! Pinanood lang 'to ni Kakucho mag isa. Ewan ko nga ro'n e. Mahilig sa horror movies." Banggit ni Ran.

"Hmm. Benefit of the doubt." You muttered.

"What do you mean? I'm telling the truth." Ran insisted.

"Okay, fine." You mumbled. Ran grabbed the bag of chips, milk tea, pizza, popcorn, and more as he abot it sa'yo.

"Kunwari nakakatakot." Bulong mo habang naka focus sa movie. Nasa may bandang part na nasa asylum na sila, at dito palang magsisimula.

"'Wag ka. Baka mamaya may biglang yumakap sa'kin kapag nagulat." Pagyayabang ni Ran.

"Ew. Baka nga itulak pa kita. Gugulong ka sa first floor. Ladder pa naman 'yon." Sagot mo.

"Sige. Pustahan. Kapag nagulat ka or kumapit sa'kin. May bayad." Ran said.

"Okay. 'Yun lang pala." You said.

"But you didn't ask what type of pay," he said, pero hindi mo na 'to masyado napansin dahil focused ka na sa movie at kumuha ka pa ng pagkain.

Ran just took his vape out and blew a puff of smoke, yet away from you. You can still smell the juice, kaya't pinagbawalan mo siya.

"Can you just do that outside?" You said.

"Aw, okay." Agad naman siyang sumunod but still held a pout as he threw his vape away.

Nasa may bandang gitna na kayo ng movie and medyo nagiging intense na rin ang mga scenes kaya't hindi ka muna masyado lumalapit sa screen.

Ran just observed from behind you, and nakasandal ito sa pader with his other hand behind his head, as if waiting na magulat ka.

"Uy gago!" Pero mukhang si Ran ang nagulat nang dumating ang jumpscare scene.

"HAHAHAHAHA! Duwag ka pala, bro." Ginaya mo nalang ang mga salita niya't tinawanan siya.

"Gulat lang. Hindi takot." Ran replied.

"Okay... Sabi mo, e." You controlled your laugh at tinuloy ang panonood.

There are scenes na pinapakita ang mga old eerie photos ng mga patients na tuluyang namamatay daw sa asylum, including psychiatrists.

Medyo natakot ka naman dahil ang weakness mo sa horror movies ay mga paranormal. You're a fan of those gore movies such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Jigsaw, Wrong Turn, and more, pero kapag paranormal? Nah, you're out of it.

You secretly pulled the blanket just near your chin and hugged a large pillow to at least cover half of the screen.

"Wait, CR lang ako." Ran said as he stood up.

"Luh!" Your eyes widened. Nasa main house pa ang CR, at medyo malayo ito dahil may kailangan pang daanan na hanging bridge at nasa may bandang liblib 'yung treehouse.

Ran looked at you, then laughed. "Takot ka mag isa rito, 'noh?"

"Hindi, Ih, basta. Mamaya ka na mag CR." Pilit mo.

"Huh?! Ihing-ihi na 'ko! Gusto mo dito ako umihi, o baka naman gusto mong sumama?" Sagot ni Ran.

"Hell no," you grunted.

"Edi CR muna ako. Bye." Ran said then went to the ladder.

You grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled him back to the blankets.

"Uy!" Agad naman napahiga si Ran pabalik na akala mo hinila ng demonyo sa lakas ng hila. 

"'Wag ka nga kasi umalis! Ang kulit mo rin, e!" Pinagalitan mo pa siya.

"Bakit ba? Takot ka lang, e. HAHAHAHA!"

"E, baka may pumasok." Rason mo.

"Anong may pumasok? Nasa main house 'yung entrance. Baka nga ako pa unang puntahan ng magnanakaw sa inidoro, e. Nakawan pa 'ko habang tumatae. Tsaka may caretakers and guards naman sa labas." Sabi ni Ran.

"Malay mo, o!" kahit ano nalang ang sinasabi mo para magstay siya

"Anong malay ko? Ano?! 'Yung tae ko 'yung ibibigay ko sa magnanakaw, gano'n?! Jusko, nasa'yo lahat ng gamit ko. Wallet ko, phone ko, laptop, lahat na! Sa tingin mo anong mananakaw sa'kin sa CR?" Ran just rubbed his forehead in distress.

"Dito ka nga lang kasi!"

"Oh?" Ran chuckled, an idea entering his mind.

"Make me stay, then," he said.

"What will I do?" You asked, frustratedly.

"I dunno," Ran said innocently, shrugging. "Anything that would make me stay, I guess?"

Ran went back to the blankets and continued watching, but he observed na parang you're not doing at least anything.

"Ah, okay. Edi mag C-CR nalang ako–" Ran said, but was cut off when he was pulled back again by you, and hugged him around his waist as your head went on top of him.

Ran was taken aback by your little stunt, yet he smirked to himself.

"Good girl," he whispers as he kisses the top of your head.

You were about to let go as you loosened your grip around him, but Ran pulled you back to his chest with his hand behind your head.

"Okay, okay. I won't leave. Just stay on my chest like this." He said, brushing your hair from the back.

You nodded and just watched the movie over your shoulder. At least in this position, hindi mo kita nang full screen, kaya't you nuzzled closer to his chest.

Ran dared not to move because you're laying on his chest, and you're instinctively covering your eyes with your hands while hugging those giant pillows.

"Cute," Ran thought, but quickly composed himself.

Ran just grabbed his vape dahil hindi niya talaga mapigilan, pero paunti-unti niyo itong binubuga para hindi masyadong halata.

"Alam mo, Ran, kamukha mo 'yung multo. 'Yung kalbo." You randomly said out of nowhere.

Naubo naman si Ran dahil dito, kaya't nalanghap at nalunok niya 'yung usok.

Napatingin ka naman sa kanya at napansin ang nangyari. Tinawanan mo si Ran nang malakas dahil dito.

"Ah, sige. Alis na 'ko. Punta CR." Ganti ni Ran.

"No," you insisted.

"Matitiis pa ba kita. Hays." Tawa niya nang agad naman bumalik.

"Syempre, hindi," bulong mo.

"Ano, ano, ano ulit 'yon? Hindi ko narinig?" Asar ni Ran as he leaned his ear closer to you.

"By the way, what's so cool about vapes?" You asked out of the blue.

"What made you so suddenly curious about vaping, hm?" He asked.

"Nothing. I just want to know."

"Just puff some smoke out." He casually said.

"Ah, 'yan ba 'yung 'bugahan mo ako sa mukha'?"

"Huh?!" Nanlaki naman ang mata ni Ran sa sinabi mo. "Where did you hear that?"

"Ah, wala. Nakita ko lang sa Facebook." You shrugged.

"Bakit, gusto mo?"

"'Di ah," you scoffed.

"I'll show you how to vape at least. Alam ko kasing bawal ka, e." Asar ni Ran.

"Obviously," you just sighed. "I'm not complaining, though. Just show kung pa'no."

"Okay. Come here." He said, patting his thigh.

"What?"

"Vaping requires tongue skills. You need to look closely." Ran said as he tilted his head.

You just rolled your eyes and sat on his lap while facing him.

"Here, look closely." He said as he inhaled the smoke and then showed you different tricks.

"Smells like mint," you said with a scrunched nose.

"Focus," he said between his exhales.

"What if I try?" You asked, in full triviality.

"Nah, you can't," he just laughed.

"Whatever," you just rolled your eyes at nagfocus muli sa movie as you got off his lap, but he grabbed your waist and pulled you back to his lap again.

Ran secretly turned the movie off and closed his laptop from behind you.

"Alright, fine," Ran looked at his vape then chuckled. "Gusto mo, ah?"

"Doubting me?" you grinned, leaning closer to him.

"Not at all. Chin up. Face me." Ran commanded as he grabbed your chin and made you look up at him, aligning his mouth on yours as he blew the smoke on your face, and you caught a glimpse of him smirking through the hazy smoke.

As if on cue, the lights outside are starting to get darker since it's almost midnight as if it's only the moonlight above the two of you that's the only source of light.

Ran's gaze went to your lips, inching closer to his. He took this opportunity. He couldn't hold back anymore. Furthermore, he grabbed the back of your head. "May I?"

You nodded as he wasted no time crashing his lips with yours. The kiss felt like carnal hungriness as his teeth even bit into your lower lip, which caused it to bleed.

Ran grabbed your waist and pulled you closer to him as he deepened the kiss to the brim. Your arms wrapped around his neck as Ran devoured your lips.

"Wait, Ran– Wait lang–" You whimpered, feeling like you needed more air, but he captured your lips once again, feeling his tongue brush the insides of your mouth as his hand grasped your jaw. His thumb fiddled with your lower lip, wiping the blood away.

After what felt like hours, both of you pulled out from the kiss. You felt yourself gasping for air in each other's mouths.

"Ah, damn. Your lips are like my enemy." He groaned.

"It's obvious... You were rough with my first k–" You said, but almost forgetting what you were saying.

"Oh? It's your first kiss, huh?" Ran asked, and pinawis din ito. He brushed his hair back at sumandal sa pader as you're still on his lap.

You looked away, trying to avoid his burning stare since his droopy, sleepy-like eyes were only focused on you.

"Hmm... Don't make me kiss you again.." He said in a monotonous voice.

"Yeah... First kiss." You admitted.

Inside the treehouse, parehas kayong natulog ni Ran sa isang kama since king sized naman ito at malaki, though there's still a bit of distance between the two of you at may bolster pillow sa gitna niyo.

It's currently 2 AM, and both of you are in deep slumber until you heard loud raindrops. You clicked your tongue in annoyance, why rain now? Especially na nasa glass treehouse kayo.

It's also starting to get cold. Siguro kagabi sinwerte ka lang dahil maaga kang nakatulog at inaantok ka na rin kaya't hindi ka na naistorbo nang tulog ng malamig na klima.

It's different now, though, dahil halos ginawin ka na at hablutin mo ang buong kumot.

Nagising si Ran dahil ramdam niyang may humihila sa kumot. Agad siyang napatayo at tumingin sa paligid.

"Putang ina. Akala ko naman kung sinong humihila." Napabugtong hininga nalang si Ran as he saw you tugging the blankets. Ayan kasi. Horror movie pa.

Ran's expression quickly changed as he saw your state, trembling from the cold and lips getting chapped.

Sakto pa naman, umaambon at medyo malakas ang tunog ng thunders, kaya't doble ang tindi ng lamig.

Somehow, Ran remembered how you're afraid of thunders and lightning noong na-stuck kayo sa classroom noon.

Agad naman tumayo si Ran from the bed at binuksan ang ilaw. He carefully walked towards you to check on you. Napansin niyang balot na balot ka.

Ran panicked and naalala niya na agad kang nagkakasakit kapag malamig ang klima. He immediately puts his hand on your forehead to check, at nang hindi ka naman gano'n kainit, he sighed in relief.

"It's cold..." You whispered while clutching the thick comforter blankets and pillows. Your lips are also getting chapped, feeling goosebumps all over your skin.

Kinuha ni Ran ang mga kumot na nasa side ng kama niya at binalot ito sa 'yo. He also grabbed one of his jackets and pinasuot niya rin ito.

"Feeling well?" He asked you, pulling the blankets closer to you more.

Tumango ka naman at bumalik na si Ran ng kama.

"Taena. Ang lamig ah." Bulong ni Ran nang nakahiga nang walang kumot dahil napunta lahat sa 'yo.

Hindi na makatulog si Ran, kaya't binantayan ka nalang, checking up on you every second.

"Okay ka na? You're not feeling cold anymore?" Ran asked as he stood up and walked to the other side of the bed so that he can lean closer to hear you.

"No... Thank you," you mumbled sluggishly while your eyes are shut close.

"Putang ina." Hindi na mapigilan na ngumiti ni Ran. Kaunti nalang magwawala sa buong treehouse, e.

Ran was about to walk off, but he felt someone tugging his shirt.

Tumingin naman siya sa 'yo, and saw your hand.

"Why?" Ran gently muttered.

You didn't say anything but moved a bit to the side to leave a space on the bed, malapit at katabi sa'yo.

Ran's eyes widened, slowly comprehending what you were trying to say.

"Tabi... tayo?" Ran asked.

(Y/N) nodded.

Ran felt his heart skip a beat. What should he do? Panic? Act like a fool? Accept? Refuse? Of course not. It took him seconds before it completely sank into his mind.

Agad naman tumabi si Ran sa 'yo and grabbed the blanket so that the two of you can share. The lightning is apparent dahil nakikita mo rin ang flash at shadows galing sa labas, plus the loud strikes and thuds of it.

As usual, you covered your ears with both of your hands like what you're doing since you were a kid whenever there are loud thunderstorms.

Ran noticed you, still shivering from the cold, and maybe also fear. He thought for a moment, then wrapped his arm around you then pulled you a bit closer to his chest while covering your ears to muffle the sounds.

He waited for you to refuse or push him away since he was expecting it, but you didn't even move, not even an inch.

"Much better?" He asked while brushing the strands of your hair.

You nodded, clutching his shirt, and even when half asleep, you can still smell his scent from the perfume lingering on him.

He can feel his heart softening as he wished he can savor this time and moment a bit longer. Though for him, being with you inside his treehouse felt like weeks.

"Thank you," Ran said, and you didn't know why he was thanking you, but you just nodded.

Ran hugged you and you can hear him whispering his confessions to you. His words sounded genuine, and the tone he was using was obviously different. He's saying things such as he's thankful to have you with him and agreed to have this Baguio date. He never felt so relaxed laying on a bed until now. He was beyond thankful. He was beyond in love.

"I promise you, (Y/N), tomorrow I'll finally make you mine, and you'll be the happiest person in Baguio."

He wished he can stay like this forever, but he can only wish.

The night has passed, and it's currently early in the morning.

There were no birds chirping, only the loud raindrops on the glass reverberating from the inside.

Ran woke up early, though he felt unease. He opened his eyes, impulsively wrapping his arm around his chest, expecting you were there.

He felt nothing, but those dull pillows.

Ran opened his eyes, looking at the empty side of the bed.

"(Y/N)?" He called. Agad siyang lumabas ng treehouse at pumunta sa mainhouse dahil nandon ang kusina.

Halos ikutin niya ang buong bahay, but it didn't show signs that you're there.

"(Y/N)?!" Ran started to panic, obvious by his tone. Tumakbo siya pabalik ng treehouse and only noticed now that your bags are all gone.

He felt his heart skip a beat. "(Y/N)? This is not funny." Ran strictly said, hoping that this is just a mere prank you're playing even though he knows you're not the playful type of person.

After a few seconds of waiting, nobody spoke up or appeared from hiding.

Ran felt panic rushing in his blood as he quickly grabbed his phone, hoping you left a message at least. He tries to think positively, baka lang naman inikot mo 'yung buong area, o kaya bumili ng pagkain sa labas, kahit liblib dito.

But as Ran opened his message app, his eyes widened at what he saw.

0995 *** **** (Unknown user) :

Meet up tom? :))

I know ure in Baguo haha

I'm back in Manila btww

I'm so excited to see you omg :((

Tita would get us along well

Last time I saw u is nung elem pa tayo HAHAHA

Actually, no, since I was watching u nung game niyo hahah

CONGRATS TOO

Oh and, I deleted our convo in messenger

Don't tell y/n hshahs aka ur sneaky link

jk

Love ya xx Heliii

"Heli?" Ran furrowed his brows. "Who the fuck is Heli? How did she get my number?!"

He noticed that the message was opened, meaning, may nakabasa na nito before him.

And there's only one person who could've read that.

Hindi na nagdalawang isip na tumakbo si Ran palabas at tinanong ang mga nagt-trabaho.

"May nakita ba kayong babae na umalis? 'Yung kasama ko kahapon?" Tanong ni Ran sa mga empleyado.

"Ah, opo. Nagcheck out na po siya, sir. Siya na rin po ang nagbayad sa mga expenses–" Sagot ng isa, ngunit hindi na ito natuloy nang tumakbo na si Ran palabas ng area.

"Shit," Ran cursed, panic arising in his chest nang dumiretso ito sa kanyang kotse, not bothering to lock the door ng glass treehouse, not giving a single shit about anything but (Y/N).

Ran clicks the call button on your contact name with shaking hands. He can feel his heart pounding with apprehension as he hopes that you will answer, or at least hear your voice.

"(Y/N)... Please, please, please, answer." He whispered to himself.

Binilisan niya ang takbo ng kanyang kotse sa daan, hoping to find you anywhere else.

Naisip ni Ran nang saglit that you'll probably be in the terminal. He quickly turned his car, and halos umabot ito sa speed limit. Delikado rin dahil madulas ang daan at medyo lumalakas na rin ang ulan.

He can feel a new set of tears brimming in his eyes as he tried to find a parking spot nang nakarating ito sa terminal.

He arrived, almost forty minutes late dahil malayo rin ang terminal sa kinaroroonan niyo.

Hindi na tinuonan nang pansin kung saan pinark ni Ran ang kaniyang kotse. Kahit maputikan ito sa labas, kahit ulanin ito nang malakas sa labas, tunay na wala itong pakielam.

Hinanap ka niya sa terminal, searching you through the crowd, through the queue for buses, trains, or any transport vehicles while trying to contact your name.

Ran didn't see (Y/N) in his vision, but she did, right at this moment.

(Y/N) can feel her heart racing and she gasped as she saw how panicked Ran is.

She has been sitting at the terminal's corner outside, waiting for the long line at the ticket bus. You felt cold, weary, and fatigued as you'd been waiting in there for hours.

Yet the tears that had been forming in your eyes for hours wouldn't stand those. You felt your heart crack as you read those messages just this morning.

The same exact day.

The same exact place where he confessed those genuine words to you while in his arms.

It was so believable.

Pilit mo mang tigilan ang pag-iyak, hindi mo na muli 'to mahihinto.

Hindi mo alam kung bakit pilit mong tumingin kung saan-saan. Hiling na makita siya kahit alam mong wala.

"Ako 'tong umalis," isip mo nang tinakpan ito ng tawa. "Ba't ako 'yung naghahanap ngayon?"

You lowered your head at pinatong ito sa braso mo nang naka-crouch nalang. Tila ba isang agos ng talon ang mga luha mo. Salamat nalang sa malakas na ulan at hindi rinig ng mga tao sa gilid mo ang mga hagulgol mo.

"Miss, kayo po ba 'yung nakapila?" Biglang tanong ng konduktor.

"Ah, opo," pinunas mo agad ang mga luha mo at nagbayad ng ticket. Ikaw mismo ay awang-awa sa itsura mo ngayon.

Ran was the same, halos ikutin niya ang buong terminal, even asking strangers if they had seen you, trying to give enough information just to find you.

Tumayo ka na sa pwesto mo kung saan ka naka-upo nang ilang oras.

Saktong pagka-tayo mo, you saw Ran, and nagkatinginan kayo as he looked at your direction.

Ran felt his stomach drop as you quickly walked towards the bus, but he was quick and he grabbed your wrist, pulling you to somewhere secluded.

"Ano ba!" Sigaw mo nang hinila ang kamay mo paalis sa kanyang mahigpit na pagkakahawak.

"Usap tayo, please, (Y/N). I-Iba 'yung nakita mo. Hindi ko siya kilala. I don't even know who the hell is Heli. Maybe it's my mom's doings, but I'm out of it–" Ran desperately said, trying to reach for your hands.

"So alam mo?" You forced a laugh. 

"Bus, Manila!" Ulit na sigaw ng konduktor na kinukuha na ang atensyon ng mga sasakay na may ticket papuntang Manila.

"Kaninang umaga ko lang nakita–" Subok na sagot ni Ran, ngunit hindi na ito natuloy nang naglakad ka na papasok sa bus. "(Y/N) naman–"

"...Babalik ako," you muttered.

Hindi na naka-abot si Ran dahil hininto siya ng konduktor sapagkat wala itong ticket.

Umupo ka sa isang seat. Pinilit mo ang sarili mo na hindi tumingin sa bintana ng bus dahil hindi mo siya kayang makita nang ganito. His expression repeatedly flashed on your head. May halong galit at awa ang nararamdaman mo para sa kanya.

You've already fallen for him. 

Umandar na ang bus at yumuko ka nalang, hindi pinapansin ang mga naka-tingin sa'yo dahil sa itsura mo, pati na rin ang kapansin-pansin na bakas ng luha sa mga pisngi mo.

Pilit mong matulog at kalimutan nalang ang mga nangyari sa lugar na 'to, ngunit narinig mo ang pamilyar na tunog ng kotse sa labas.

"Huh?" Nanlaki ang mga mata mo nang nakita ang kotse ni Ran na hinahabol ang bus. Kahit traffic, madulas ang daan, malakas ang ulan, at halatang delikado, ay sumisiksik parin at inuunahan ang ibang mga kotse, pati na rin ang mga truck.

Halos hingalin ka tuwing nakikita mong kaunti nalang ang distansya sa pagitan ng mga ibang kotse at ang kotse ni Ran tuwing pinapalabilis niya ang kaniyang takbo.

Isang maling galaw ni Ran, ay mauuwi ito sa aksidente, at ito ang ayaw mong pangitain na masilayan.

Kaya't dahil dito, tumakbo ka sa harapan ng bus at lumabas. Nagtaka nalang ang ibang mga tao pati na rin ang driver ng bus sa ginawa ng isang dalaga.

As soon as Ran saw you getting out of the bus, agad ka niyang dinala sa isang waiting shed, at walang masyadong tao rito.

"Alam mo ba kung ga'no delikado 'yang ginawa mo?!" Tanong mo na para bang sigaw na, but it's much more muffled because of the rain.

"Putang ina! Masagasaan, maaksidente, wala akong pakielam!" Ran loudly shouted, wrath contrasting in his eyes that made you flinch. Napansin agad 'to ni Ran, and he immediately hugged you while muttering apologies and words of comforts, kahit siya rin ay nangangailangan nito.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for my tone. I'm sorry, love. Please, just talk to me." He hugged you to his chest while rubbing your back. Nanginginig ang boses nito at halatang umiiyak din habang tinatahan niya rin ang pag-iyak mo.

"Tell me everything. I'll listen. Please... Just don't leave." Ran said while crying. "'Wag ka nang aalis, ha? 'Wag mo nang gagawin 'yun.. Delikado 'yun... 'Wag kang mang-iwan nang hindi ko alam... Please, just tell me."

"I hate to admit it, but you gave me full of doubts," you muttered. "Ever since from the start."

"...Doubts?" Ran furrowed his brows.

"I never knew the comments your so-called 'fans' made would become true... They gave me so many questions. Almost every day, I would receive such comments saying that they're an ex of yours, and they've been seeing you behind me. I tried to ignore them because I trust you... I trusted you..." You said, vision getting more blurry by the tears. 

"Pero natatakot na 'ko sakanila, Ran..." Imik mo pa.

"Use your voice. Tell me everything. Hindi 'yung tinatago mo lang. Tell me every little detail. Be jealous. Why won't you tell it to me?!"

"Kasi wala naman talagang tayo!" Sagot mo.

"But today was supposed to be the day you'll finally be mine! Today, you're supposed to be my girlfriend..."

Your eyes widened, feeling your heart sink into agony.

"I even swore last night that I'll make you the happiest person here in Baguio..." Ran muttered.

"Those tears in your eyes right now? They shouldn't exist. Dapat wala 'yang mga 'yan. Today is supposed to be our special day." Sabi ni Ran na para bang nagmamakaawa na habang pinupunasan ang mga luha mo.

"Tama na. 'Wag ka nang umiyak... Ako 'yung nasasaktan." Dagdag pa niya.

His ministrations only made you cry more. You wanted him. You really do. But something was holding you back, and that was your lack of assurance... to yourself, to her.

"Today, at this exact time, I'll give you the permission to act like my girlfriend, to be jealous like how a girlfriend gets jealous..." Pagpipilit ni Ran.

"Tama na, Ran... Babalik ako. Babalik tayo. Hindi lang ngayon." Sagot mo.

"Kailan? Gaano katagal?" Ran's eyes widened as he hurriedly asked. "Maghihintay ako."

"'Wag muna nating ipilit. 'Wag muna ngayon, Ran. I want you to focus on your studies, focus on something more significant than me. I'm sorry for leading you on. It's also a mistake of mine, but one thing I can repay you is my patience... Babalik ako, Ran. Babalikan kita."

You grabbed his pinkie finger and intertwined it with yours, kahit may mga tumutulong luha sa mga daliri niyo.

"Babalik ako. Babalik tayo." You said between your sobs.

Ran tries to accept it, but it's more than breaking him. It's more than anguish.

"'Wag ka munang umalis, please. 'Wag ngayon. Ayoko pa." Ran begged at halos lumuhod pa ito at niyakap ang beywang mo habang humagulgol ito sa iyak. Ngayon mo lang siya nakita nang ganito.

"Babalik ako... at kung hindi man ako bumalik, feel free to hate me, hurt me, hit me, or tell your fans to send me vile comments and death threats. Tell them I dumped you. Do anything." You said while trying to remove his arms around your waist.

"I can never do those things... Never. Fucking never."

"Bitawan mo 'ko," you sternly said, but your voice was still trembling from the cold, and you can still feel yourself shedding tears.

"Ayokong bumitaw. Aalis ka, e..." He cried.

"I'm sorry, Ran." As soon as you got him off of you, naglakad ka na paalis.

Naiwan si Ran mag-isa sa waiting shed, staring at your figure getting smaller as you get farther and farther away from him.

"Babalik ka, ha?" He asked, at kahit alam niyang hindi mo 'to rinig, he still said it.

May nagding sa phone ni Ran, and he checked it, seeing Rindou's chats that made his chest tighten and ache even more.

Rindou :

KUYAAA

READY NA YUNG SURPRISE

READY NA YUNG MGA FLOWERS AT CHOCOLATES

san na kayo ni y/n?

tangina bro ganda ng venue dito

Surprise mo na future gf mo HAHAHAHA andito na ung banner 

ung "Will you be my girlfriend?"

Seen

You ran to the terminal with shaking hands and tears streaming from your eyes. Your cracked voice and sobs were loud as you passed by the other vehicles. Umuulan nang malakas, kaya't walang nakakapansin sa 'yo kahit basang-basa ka na dahil kulang ang mga sulungan dito.

Hindi ka na muling lumingon dahil hindi mo makakaya ang makikita mo.

"I never reached the standards of the people around us, your fans. Your mother wouldn't accept me. I don't stand, deserve your overwhelming efforts. It never worked, pero sana, sa susunod, pwede na. Just wait for me, Ran, I'll make everything up. Just focus on your studies. You don't deserve me, for now. Babalik ako sa'yo. Just don't find someone when I'm gone."

You pledge these words to the presence of the breeze in Baguio. Your first heartbreak, in your first special place.

"Babalik ako. Babalik tayo."