WARNING-R18: Read at your own risk.

*****

   OUR DAYS on the island gave me time to think about life and some other things. It gave me time to realize that I'm falling real hard for Zachariah. With every passing day, I fell harder and deeper for him, that I forgot how to get up because I was drowning so much.

I didn't have the plan to fall in love with him in the first place, but I still did. I fell in love with him even though I shouldn't have. Being friends with benefits with someone is all fun until one of you falls in love, which happened to be me.

I don't have a plan to confess my feelings because I don't want him to leave me. Kung kailangan kong magpanggap na wala akong nararamdaman, gagawin ko. Kahit masaktan ako, ayos lang. Because if you really love someone, even without being loved back, you'll still love them.

Hindi ko na napigilan ang hindi bumuntong-hininga. Masyado akong maraming iniisip, tapos dumagdag pa 'tong nararamdaman ko kay Zachariah.

"Hey, what's the matter?"

Mabilis akong napalingon nang may magsalita sa gilid ko. My eyes widened when I saw the man that has been on my mind for the past few days. Napatayo kaagad ako at kabadong tumingin sa kanya.

His eyebrows creased, nagtataka sa naging asal ko. "Are you okay? Do we have a problem?" he asked in a calming voice and was about to lay his palm to my forehead when I dodged it.

His lips parted.

"W-Wala akong sakit," I mumbled.

He sighed before he examined me. "Are you sure? Kumain kana?" he asked in a concern voice.

"H-Hindi pa. I-Ikaw?" Nautal pa ako!

He shook his head. "Hindi pa. Let's eat?"

Act normal, Ariella. Act normal sabi ng guardian angel ko.

"Okay. Sa P.Noval na lang para malapit," sabi ko.

He looked at me, still having a concerned gaze. "All right,"

Naglakad na kami ni Zach papunta sa P.Noval at niyaya ko siyang kumain sa may Mang Tootz foodhouse at nag-order kami ng banana rhum-a. Tapos pumunta kami sa Dapitan para bumili ng sikat na mango graham shake.

Hindi pa kami busog kaya niyaya ko siyang kumain sa Jollibee, libre ko. I ordered a jolly hotdog with french fries and sprite while Zach ordered a chicken burger. Mahilig talaga siya sa burger, 'ah.

"Dude!"

Sabay kaming napalingon sa tatlong lalaking bigla na lang sumulpot sa gilid namin. I almost choked on my food when I saw Hunter and two unfamiliar guys staring at us. Naningkit ang mga mata ni Hunter bago mapang-asar na ngumiti nang makita ako.

Napaiwas ako ng tingin at bahagyang yumuko.

"You look familiar..." Hunter trailed off before he stared at me, and gasped. "Shit! Ikaw iyong palaging kasama nina Dwight, diba?" Tanong niya pero hindi ako sumagot.

Mabilis niyang tinapik sa likod si Zach. "Zachariah, off limits ang mga pinsan ni Dwight, 'ah? Batas ka?" pang-aasar niya.

My lips formed into a thin line. Pinsan?

"Hindi nila ako pinsan," sabat ko para matahimik siya.

"Hindi ba?" sabi niya bago tumingin kay Zach. "Bebe mo?"

Zach pinched the bridge of his nose, hesitating to answer. "Still on concept," hindi ko maintindihan na sagot ni Zach.

"Aba! Good luck, dude!" sabi ng isa.

"Sa susunod construction na iyan," tumatawang sabi ng isa pa.

"Kwento mo sa akin iyong blue print, dude," nakangising sabi ni Hunter.

Zach smirked. "Next time kapag may development na,"

Feeling ko ang bobo ko dahil hindi ko sila maintindihan. Mabuti na lang talaga at nagpaalam na rin kaagad iyong mga kaibigan ni Zach kaya naiwan kaming dalawa.

"Sorry about that," sambit niya sa akin.

"Ayos lang. Astig niyo mag-usap, no? Wala akong maintindihan," sabi ko na ikinatawa naman niya.

Pagkatapos namin kumain ay bumalik na ulit kami sa USTE dahil pareho pa kaming may pasok.

One month has passed like a whirlwind. Today is the Feast of Saint Valentine, aka Valentine's day.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Ariella!" nakangiting bati sa'kin ni Kate pagkapasok ko ng room. "Anong agenda mo today, girl? May date ka ba?"

Napalingon ako sa table ni Kate at napangisi nang makitang may chocolates at bouquet of flowers siya doon. "Aba, sinong malas na lalaki ang nauto mo ngayon?" Tanong ko at naupo sa upuan ko.

"Gago! Bigay 'yan ni Benjie sa'kin,"

I arched my brows at her. "Akala ko ba fubu lang kayo?" Tanong ko, nagtataka.

"Hindi na,"

I stared at her, eyes widened. "Don't tell me—"

She grinned. "He's now my boyfriend!"

Napalunok naman ako, nagbabalak na magtanong. "Paano? Kailan? Kwentuhan mo naman ako!" 

Tumatawa siyang tumitig sa'kin. "Mamaya,"

Noong tanghali, kumain kami ni Kate sa carpark habang pinag-uusapan namin ang tungkol sa relasyon nila ni Benjie. Dahil sa mga sinabi niya, nagkaroon ako ng maliit na pag-asa para sa aming dalawa ni Zachariah.

Pagkatapos ng klase ay nagkita-kita kami ng mga Altamirano, minus Dwight and Dustin na may ibang plano sa araw na 'to. We just watched a movie at the Cinema and ate dinner. Hinatid na rin naman nila ako kaagad sa Coffee Express dahil may shift pa ako sa araw na 'to.

Nakangiti ako habang bitbit ang mini bouquet of flowers na bigay ni Duke. Binilhan niya kaming tatlo nina Khriz at Hazel tapos siya rin ang nanlibre sa amin ng dinner. The best talaga ang bunso namin! I was about to get home to my apartment dahil maagang nagclose ang shop nang makita ko ang pangalan ni Zach sa screen ng cellphone ko. He's calling me! Huminga muna ako ng malalim bago sinagot ang tawag.

"Hello?"

Napakagat ako sa labi nang marinig ko ang paghinga niya sa kabilang linya. Huminga lang siya pero bumilis na kaagad ang tibok ng puso ko. Palagi na lang bumibilis ang tibok ng puso ko kahit wala naman siyang ginagawa. Makita ko lang siya, bumibilis na ang tibok ng puso ko. Nakakainis na, 'ah!

"Are you still at work?" he asked in a calming voice.

"Pauwi na ako," sagot ko.

"Really?  Don't go anywhere. Just stay there. Susunduin kita,"

"Bakit?" Tanong ko.

"I'll take you out for dinner," he said, and I heard the sound of his car key.

Bago pa ako makapagsalita ay pinatay niya na kaagad ang tawag. Hindi pa ako naliligo! Saan kaya kami kakain? I'm only wearing a pair of jeans and a white button-down shirt for pate sake!

Mabuti na lang talaga at hindi pa ako nakakalabas sa Coffee Express kaya dumiretso na muna ako sa locker's room at doon nag-ayos. Naghilamos na lang ako at nagre-apply ng make up. Then, I sprayed my favorite perfume all over me.

"Gwapo mo, 'ah? Nakakahiya naman sa itsura ko," umirap ako bago tuluyang sumakay sa sasakyan niya.

"What? You look fine to me," he said in a mellow tone.

I scoffed.

Zach was wearing a casual white shirt and a pair of pants, simple pero malakas ang dating. Nang tumigil na ang sasakyan namin ay tinanggal ko na ang seatbelt ko at akmang bababa na ako nang maunahan niya na ako at pinagbuksan ako.

Napakurap-kurap ako at ngumiti na lang ng tipid, tinatago ang pagkabigla at pagbilis ng tibok ng puso ko.

Namangha ako nang makita ang loob ng restaurant. We are here today at Zuriel Le' Arômes, the only restaurant recognized as the world's highest restaurant. Each floor, iba't-ibang mga cuisines ang siniserve nila. Nasa New York ang main branch ng Zuriel Le' Arômes, at ang kinatatayuan namin ngayon ay pang-ilan lamang sa napakaraming branches ng Zuriel's.

Zach put his hand on my waist while we were inside the elevator. Sa top floor ang pinareserve na pwesto ni Zach, where we can see the city lights and eat Italian cuisine.

When the elevator opened, sinalubong kaagad kami ng waiter para i-guide sa table namin na may pangalan ni Zachariah.

The waiter already serves our food. Italian food was a chef's kiss! We ate while talking about what happened with his day and what happened to mine since simula kahapon ay hindi naman kami nagkita.  Naikwento ko sa kanya ang upcoming tour namin, he was listening to me carefully while sipping his wine.

"So, I can't see you for three days?" he asked while sipping his wine.

Tumango ako. "Oo, mamimiss mo ba ako?" matapang na tanong ko.

The side of his lips rose. "Of course," he answered seductively. "By the way, it's our baccalaureate mass next week,"

Mabilis akong napatigil sa akmang pag-inom ng wine. "Oo nga, no? Malapit na ang graduation niyo,"

He licked his lower lip, nodding. "Yes,"

"Bukod sa congratulations anong gusto mong regalo?"

He shrugged. "Nothing in particular, to be honest."

"Kahit ako?" panggagaya ko sa banat niya noon.

His lips parted before he chuckled. "You're an exemption, of course," he winked at me.

I excused myself because I need to go to the comfort room. Pabalik na ako sa table namin nang makita kong Zach was already carrying a bouquet of red roses. 

"For you, Bella signora," he offered me the flowers, and I quickly accepted them.

"T-Thank you... Hindi ko 'to nakita kanina, 'ah?"

He flashed a smile. "Pinatago ko muna," 

I smelled the flowers and smiled when I smelled how fragrant it was. "Wala akong regalo, sorry," sabi ko.

Sinabi ko lang na wala akong regalo pero meron talaga ako. Yesterday I bought acrylic paint set and canvas for him. I also made some brownies for him.

"It's okay, I'm not asking for return. May isa pa akong regalo sayo," he gave me an assurance smile.

"Meron pa? Sa July pa ang birthday ko, 'ah?" I said. He shook his head, chuckling at my reaction.

"Meron pa," he responded.

Napakurap-kurap ako nang makitang may bitbit na siyang kulay pulang box na may gift wrapper at gold ribbon. When I opened it, my lips parted when I finally saw what was inside the box. Zach bought me a mini coffee maker with tools and coffee capsule!

"Zach," hindi ko na napigilan ang hindi mapaluha.

Tumatawa naman siyang tumayo at niyakap ako. "Did you like it?" he whispered.

Tumango ako. "This is expensive," lumuluhang sabi ko.

"Money is nothing compared to your smile," sabi niya at hinalikan ako sa labi.

Niyakap ko siya. "Thank you! I love y... This," Kinagat ko ang dila ko nang muntik na akong madulas sa pagsasalita.

Pagdating namin sa condo niya ay inunahan ko na siya kaagad sa loob ng kwarto niya. Napapailing siyang sumunod sa akin. When the door opened, I immediately showed him the materials I purchased.

"Charan! Binilhan kita ng painting materials! Let's paint!" I exclaimed, quickly held his arms, and dragged him back to the living room.

"I will do my best to paint you," sabi ko.

The side of his lips rose. "Uh-huh? You'll paint me? Okay, then I'll paint you too."

Napangisi ako at mabilis na binitawan ang painting materials para maghubad ng damit. "Nude painting, please!"

May nakatakip na puting tela sa may kandungan ko pero kitang-kita pa rin ang hita pababa sa binti ko pati na rin ang kalahati ng pang-upo ko. Ang mga kamay ko ay nakatakip sa magkabila kong dibdib, hiding my nipples. Nakaladlad ang buhok ko at bahagyang nakatagilid mula sa pwesto niya, pero ang mukha ko ay nakaharap sa kanya.

"I can't concentrate," he muttered na parang hirap na hirap.

"Hindi naman ako gumagalaw, ah!" Pagrereklamo ko.

"Do you really want to do this?" hirap na hirap na tanong niya, may namumuong pawis sa noo at tungki ng ilong.

"Oo, kaya bilisan mo at nilalamig na ako dito,"

His Adam's apple moved while stroking his brush on the canvas. Ilang beses siyang napamura bago nagpatuloy sa ginagawa, hirap na hirap.

"Fuck, I can't do this anymore!" He blurted out in vexation before he quickly stood up, and I was surprised when he pulled the back of my neck and crashed my lips. His expert tongue instantly played with my tongue.

Napahawak ako sa magkabila niyang braso, at bahagya siyang tinulak palayo sa akin. "Z-Zach, wala 'to sa usapan! Akala ko magpepaint lang ta—Ohh!" I moaned when I felt his long fingers inserted inside my entrance.

"I'll paint you later for now let me paint you using my hands, lips and cock," he said seductively at mabilis na hinugot ang daliri niya sa loob ko at binuhat para dalhin sa sofa.

Nang madala niya ako sa sofa ako mabilis ay niya ulit akong hinalikan na halos lunurin na ako. I gasped and tried to end the kiss to breathe for a second, but Zach wouldn't let me. Hindi niya pinakawalan ang labi ko hanggang hindi siya nagsasawa.

"Oh!" I moaned when he spread my folds with his thumb and forefinger while his middle finger played with my clit.

He smirked when he heard my moan.

I whimpered when he inserted two of his fingers inside me and started thrusting it inside and out. He's fucking me with his fingers while his lips are busy devouring my neck. I was catching my breath as I moaned.

"Fuck!" I sobbed when he pulled out his fingers inside me and sucket it like it was his favorite lollipop. I was about to sit down properly when he pushed me back to the sofa.

"Not so fast," he said, and using his knee, he parted my legs wider. His gaze darkened while staring at my wet core. "Fuck, you're so beautiful," he whispered seductively.

"Zach, please... I want more. Please," I begged.

He positioned himself between me and was about to enter me when he stopped midway. I looked at him, confused.

"Zach? Bakit?"

He sighed and ruffled his hair in frustration. "Shit! I forgot that we don't have stocks of condoms," he said like it was the hardest word to say.

Wala na? Ang bilis naman? Gano'n ba kami ka-active?

I looked straight into his eyes. "O-Okay lang. Let's do it," I said, full of conviction.

I saw the look of stupefaction in his eyes. "W-What? You want to do the skin-to-skin?"

Tumango ako. "You know that I do take pills kahit gumagamit tayo ng condom, diba?" I said, and he nodded. Isang beses lang kami walang ginamit na proteksyon at iyon 'yong mga panahon na nasa Baler kami.

"Are you sure?"

"Oo,"

He kissed me senselessly before he plunged himself inside me, and I can't do anything but moan inside his mouth. He started thrusting so fast and hard that I heard the creaking sounds of the sofa.

"Fuck!" He groaned and slammed me again harder. "Oh, fuck! It feels so good inside you!"

"Oh! Oh! Ang sarap, Zach!" I moaned so loud and move my hips to meet his thrust. "Faster! Ah!"

He thrusts so deep that I can feel his length reaching my abdomen. He squeezed my breast and sucked the skin of my neck, leaving a mark on it.

"Fuck! This tight pussy is mine! Mine!" He cussed before he held the sides of my waist and thrust his hips rougher this time. Naririnig ko na ang pagsasampalan ng mga katawan namin dahil sa pinaghalong pawis at katas naming dalawa.

"Ah! Sige pa, Zach!"

He groaned again and kissed me on the lips making my lips swollen. The muscles on his arms flexed whenever he thrust.

"I'm coming... Shit!" I could feel the tension in my tummy at alam kong malapit na ako. Zach is on the brink, too, based on his breathing and the way his hips move frantically.

He thrust deeper, harder, and faster while my walls clenched around his cock. I could feel that he was getting bigger inside me. Beads of sweat formed on his handsome face.

He growled, and one more thrust from him before he filled my womb with his warm and sticky semen. Punong-puno ang pagkakabae ko sa pinaghalo naming katas.

I shrieked when Zach carried me without breaking our bodies. He pushed my upper body onto the sofa, and without warning, he started thrusting again, this time behind me.

"Oh! Zach!" I moaned so loud when I reached my sixth release today.

Pakiramdam ko'y hindi na ako makakalakad dahil hindi ako tinigilan ni Zach hanggang hindi niya nakikita ang dilim sa kalangitan. He took me six times on the sofa! Zachariah is unstoppable and indefatigable!

We were both catching our breath when I pushed him off me.

"Zach, ang bigat mo," I said in a raspy voice and pushed him off me again.

He shook his head and tried to hide his face on the shallow part of my neck. "Wait, I still wanna feel you," he whispered. "Fuck, being inside you without a condom is the best," he muttered before he pulled out, and few more loads shoots on my inner thighs.

"Hindi na tayo nakapagpinta dahil sa kaharutan mo," Nakasimangot na reklamo ko habang pinupulot sa sahig ang mga nagkalat na gamit.

He let out a sexy laugh. "We can continue it now. Hindi na ako aangal pa," he said, wiggling his eyebrows at me.

Inirapan ko siya. "Subukan mo lang paganahin ang kaharutan mo, patay ka sa'kin."

"Patayin sa sarap?" he winked at me.

Tumingkayad ako at binatukan siya. "Patayin sa sakal, Silvestre!"

He just chuckled at my comeback. Zach let me take a shower first before him. Nagpadeliver na lang siya ng pagkain dahil wala ng stocks ang fridge niya. Habang hinihintay na dumating ang pagkain ay nagsimula na ulit kami sa painting session namin.

SOBRANG bilis lumipas na mga araw kasama siya. May mga panahong busy kaming dalawa pero palagi kami nagkakaroon ng oras sa isa't-isa.

Huminga ako ng malalim at pinunasan ko ang tumulong luha nang pumasok ako sa locker's room. May isang babaeng costumer kasi ang nag-eskandalo at pinahiya ako.

Nadecline kasi ang dalawang cards niya at nang tanungin ko siya kung gusto ba niya magbayad na lang in cash ay minura niya ako. She asked me if I'm insulting her because I asked her to pay cash instead. Mahinahon akong sumagot ng hindi at nagsorry na lang kahit alam kong wala naman akong ginagawang mali. Hindi siya tumigil hanggang hindi niya ako napapahiya sa lahat na ultimo ang trabaho ko at ang pag-aaral ko ay ininsulto niya dahil sa galit niya. Kung hindi lang talaga may malakas na loob na costumer ang nagtanggol sa akin at sinabing ikakalat sa social media ang pagpapahiya niya sa akin ay baka hindi na siya tumigil. In the end, she walked out and didn't even pay her drinks.

"Ayos ka lang?" Tanong sa'kin ni Pearl.

Ngumiti ako at tipid na tumango. "Ayos lang,"

"Ang kapal ng mukha ng gagang iyon, ah? Pagkatapos kang ipahiya at magwala dito sa shop, hindi man lang nagbayad?! Feeling ko talaga budol iyon!"

Ngumiti na lang ako at nagbihis na dahil tapos na ang shift ko. I quickly changed into my jeans and shirt when I felt my phone vibrating.

My face quickly lit up when I received a message from Zach on Instagram. He send me a selfie wearing his toga and cap. May sinend rin siyang video kung saan nahagip sa video ang mga kaklase niya. I even heard one of them saying: For the update ang ferson sa bebe!

Napangiti na lang ako. I bit my lips as I typed on the keyboard.

Ariellamendoza: Gwapo mo naman, Sir.

Zachariah.Duane: Don't be shy and set it as your wallpaper, Miss Ma'am!

Mahina akong natawa at nagreply kaagad.

Ariellamendoza: Ipaprint ko na lang tapos gagawin kong panakot sa daga HAHAHA

Zachariah.Duane: Meanie.

Today is Zachariah's graduation day.

Sayang dahil hindi ko siya mapapanood na umakyat sa stage dahil limited lang ang pwedeng sumama sa mismong event. Each graduating students only allowed to bring two companions with them.

I bake him a chocolate cake before I sneak into his condo unit. Mabuti na lang at kakilala na ako nang Guard kaya hindi niya ako sinita. I just scanned my fingerprint, and when I successfully entered his unit, nagsimula na akong magdesign sa living room. I cooked him pasta and fried chicken.

UST has a live stream kaya kahit hindi ako nakapunta ay napanood ko pa rin nang tawagin ang pangalan niya.

Zachariah Duane Silvestre

Magna Cum Laude

Outstanding Thesis Awardee

Best Thesis of the year Awardee

I quickly applauded when his name got mentioned. I'm so proud of him! Nakita ko kung gaano siya kasipag sa paggawa at pagpasa ng plates, paggawa ng thesis, at iba pang projects nila kaya alam kong deserve niya ang mga nakuha niyang awards.

I took a screen record when his name got called to go up on stage and receive his diploma until he got called again to accept his awards.

When the door of Zach's unit opened up, mabilis akong lumapit at pinaputok ang party popper. "Congratulations!" I jumped in excitement.

His eyes widened, and a low gasp came out of his mouth when he saw me in his living room. I squeal his name in excitement at tumakbo para yakapin siya.

"W-Wow," he looked stunned. "Thank you, Miss Ma'am." I felt his massive hands wrapped around my waist to hug me back.

"I'm so proud of you, Magna Cum laude, Outstanding Thesis and Best Thesis of the Year!" I cupped his face and kissed him on his lips.

He flashed a smile. "Thank you," He kissed me again before he hugged me and placed his face on my neck. "Thank you so much,"

Mabilis akong humiwalay sa pagkakayakap sa kanya at nilapitan ang cake na binake ko. I lit the candle. "I baked you a cake! Make a wish!"

He mouthed wow before he slowly shut his eyes. Nakangiti ako habang nakatingin sa kanya. When he opened his eyes, he quickly blew out the candle. Napatalon ulit ako ako sa saya.

"Anong ni-wish mo?" Tanong ko, nakangiti.

He looked at me straight into my eyes. "I wish that our relationship will turn from concept to development,"

*****