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∽ m i r a c l e ' s p e r s p e c t i v e ∽

"Wow! You look so stunning, Hime." Nate compliments.

I'm currently wearing a Peter Pilotto two-inches above the knee cocktail dress matching with my light make-up.

Naka-ipit lang ang buhok ko and let my bangs fall.

I grin shyly at Nate. "You too."

He is wearing a black V-neck shirt with navy blue coat and beige colored pants. Terno nga kami eh. Of course, we're twins.

Today-no scratch it. Tonight, is our Acquaintance Party. Casual lang naman ito.

"Hindi ka ba talaga sasabay sa akin? Para akala nila na partner tayo, match pa naman ang damit natin." Nate asks while his lips are pursed.

"Nope. My desicion is final. Papahatid ako kay Kuya Mike."

"Tch, fine." he sighs. "Una na ako, naroon na ang lima."

"Okay. Ingat ka." I remind him while smiling.

"I will, twin." He tells me and kisses my temple before he leaves.

Hmm. 19:30 na, exactly 19:00 ang start ng party. I hate attending parties, but I don't have a choice. Nathan insists me to come and Miss Marielle asks me to. Miss Marielle is Chance's older sister.

Later on, I hear the beep of a car.

Oh, that is Kuya Mike's car.

Lumabas na ako sa main door and naka-park na ang car niya. It is a Porsche Boxter.

I go near the car and open the door. "Hi." I greet while sitting to the passenger's seat.

"Hi, baby girl. You're so pretty." He compliments. "My little sister is now a grown-up."

"Thanks, Kuya." I chuckle a little, "Tara na, late na ako ng thirty minutes."

"Okay, then." He declares right away and starts driving. "How's Chance?" He questions out of the blue.

"Ha?" I say flabbergastedly. Gazing at him, he's waiting for my response. "Hmm . . . Nothing that special."

"Why? Are you expecting for something special?"

"What? No." I aghastly defend.

"Really?" He says meaningfully and I can feel his smirk written over his face. "Guilty, aren't you?"

"No . . ?" I reply with tune. "What are you expecting, Kuya? Chance and I are just friends."

"Oh, no, Hime." He laughs, "I also said that to myself and then, boom! Ta-da~ I fell in love with my best friend."

"Seriously, Kuya?" I laugh along with him. "Not so you."

"Talaga?" He asks with soft laughs and I just nod.

"Musta na kayo ni Ate Bea?" I inquire, tilting my head.

"Why do you ask?"

"Because . . . I just want to know."

Kuya Mike lets out a breath while grinning. "There's nothing you need to know, shortcake."

"Why?" I smirk. "Is there something that I should know?"

"Well, my baby girl. We're still best friends. Nothing's new." He admits, shrugging. "We're here! Late ka na, right?"

"Nah. Baka gusto mo munang bumababa at sulyapan si Ate Bea?"

"Ahaha, maybe next time, my love." He tells me with a smirk.

I chuckle, "Okay, bye na. Sabay na lang ako kay Nate pauwi. I don't want to bother your rest."

"Sure. Enjoy." He smiles freely.

"Let's see. Be safe, Kuya." I state and kiss him in cheek, then I climb out of the car.

I sigh. Here I am. First time kong pumasok ng walang glasses, or nakaayos man lang.

The principal is currently taking her speech. She's talking about something that I really don't care.

I silently enter the venue here in school.

And parang gusto ko ng umuwi. I'm about to turn my back when . . .

"Natsumi!" Someone approaches me.

I quickly gaze at the person. "Oh, Ate Bea."

"Hi, Nat! Look at you. You look like a living doll." Ate Bea praises, checking me from head-to-toe.

"Thanks, Ate." I reply shyly. "And I believe that I'm late."

"Well, yes. But that's fine. Show 'em what you've got!" She cheers on me and then winks.

I shrug while pursing my lips., "Let's see what will happen." and say while smirking. "Una na ako, Ate."

"Hold on for a moment, Nat." She holds my arm to stop me from walking.

"What's the matter?"

"Mayroong kulang." Then, she reaches the tie of my hair and let my hair perfectly falls with its full-length.

"That suits you better." She says approvingly.

"Yah think so?" I ask, checking my hair style.

"Surely. Now you may go. Enjoy the night."

I give her a sideward grin. "All right, then." Starting to walk, I turn my head to her direction and mouth 'thanks' to her.

Once I reach the place, a number of people inside welcomes me. They are all wearing nice and expensive clothes. Well, what do I expect from an elite school?

Black, gold, and silver is the motif of the night.

Right this moment, it's the Student Council who's talking on the stage.

"My fellow students—" He stops as his eyes get stuck on mine. Dropping his jaw open, the students slowly look to the place where I'm standing.

Gee. Here it goes.

Well, sa akin ba? I look back if ever someone is behind. Kaso, wala naman.

I sense a pair of eyes to me as I instantly look upon Nate's gazes. I know his presence and the way he looks at me, by the way. Nate smiles gently at me, while I return it with a shy grin. I hate their stares and seems like Nate notices my situation.

He heads to my way as he offers his right arm when he reaches me. I cedely cling my left arm to his, then we both walk together where everyone are placed.

"Natsumi? Is that really you?" Elli asks doubtingly.

I facepalm. "Who knows? Maybe the Natsumi in front of you is an impostor."

"May igaganda ka pa pala." She says to me with a sheepish tune.

I only purse my lips and shrug my shoulders. I really feel so uncomfortable, especially when the dudes here are staring and these gals are glaring.

After a long minute, the waiters serve the food. The menu for this night are onion soup, seafood salad, porcini cream risotto, and potato salad for appetizer; roast beef, smoked salmon with chips from sakura trees, and egg-topped lobster for the main dish; spaghetti alle vongole, arrabbiata pasta, and pasta pescatore if they want pasta; Yorkshire pudding, blueberry cheesecake, and some fruits for dessert; light wine, fresh juice, red tea, or just simply water for our drinks.

We start eating while talking to random things. Like, that this is one of the bests School Fest ever. Maganda raw ang tandem naming dalawa.

Speaking of Ancy, he is just sitting silently while eating. Hindi ko pa siya naririnig na nagsalita.

I stare deeply to him; without removing my eyes to him.

He is wearing a dark gray shirt with black collar lining, matching with his light gray coat and dirty white pants.

He suddenly makes an eye contact to me and that caught me off-guard. I remove my eyes that instant. That is awkward, though.

Later that evening, it is now time for the dance. Una na si Nate ang yumaya sa akin and I gladly take his offer. He tells me that I'm really stunning this night that no man can ever take their eyes off me. He even tells me na kailangan ako raw ang magiging Lady of the Night.

Ayaw ko nga. That's too troublesome.

Then, nakasayaw ko rin sina Sean, Justine, Kieffer, and Yaehl. Except from Chance—who is sitting alone on the chair. Wala siyang isinasayaw. Ang sungit kasi. Meron pa ngang nagyayayang mga girls sa kanya, pero blank stares lang ang nakukuha nila.

Wah! My inner thoughts is panting and her feet are aching like hell. Damn, the same as me. That's why I hate parties.

Every boys are asking you to dance, I can't reject them because I'm a good girl. Even the announcer tells us that we, girls, shall not be party poopers and kill joy freaks.

Tsk.

Pagod na ako, kanina pa ako nakikisayaw sa mga lalaking bitches.

Bakit ang daming nagyayaya? Enough
from being good, I'm tired of it. I'd like to be a bad girl. But how?

It's 22:00, two hours have passed since the dance started.

"May I have this dance?"

My ears flare and I almost punch the guy who asks. I calm myself as I look to the man who's adding some numbers to my irritation. I easily recognize him, he's one of the varsity football players here in this university.

"Pardon me, but I need to go to the powder room first." I excuse in forceful sweet tone.

"Oh. I understand. I'll wait for you, beautiful lady." He speaks in a low voice.

Shivers.

Sa totoo lang, hindi man ako pupunta ng powder room. Sa rooftop ang dako ko. Buti may rooftop dito.

I'm now free. I'm sorry, bitches, I need to rest.

My inner thoughts do the front walk in joy when I reach the rooftop.

I place my elbows in the railings with my palms on my chin. I also place my heels beside. I don't need them, they make my feet sore.

I stare above, maraming stars at full moon ngayon. Plus, the soothing music below. What a beautiful ambiance. I don't remember since I enjoy the night. I hate to admit, even though this party is annoying, I enjoyed this.

All I know, I have lived my life broken and colorless. I'm always thinking that my life is a broken crayons. But Nate told me that even broken crayons can still color. That always makes me smile. Nathan, my half of my life, is the reason why my life is still have a value.

When I came to this place, something has changed. And there's still a some thing that it is changing continually. This is the change that my father is stating to.

Matatapos ang party ng 23:00 o'clock. Pero may fireworks display pa bago umuwi.

"Now! The Lady of the Nights is none other than . . . Miss Natsumi Montero!"

Eh? That's my name. My fake name. Pero ayaw ko nga. Sa kanila na ang title. Ano ang gagawin ko sa title? None.

"Calling the attention of Miss Natsumi, please proceed on stage." There, they're calling for my name. I don't care people, just give me a break.

"Aww. Looks like Miss Natsumi is not here." The emcee announces. "So, we need to call someone again. Lucky for all the ladies here."

Yeah, lucky you, people.

"Why are you here? They're calling for your name."

Mm? That voice.

With a slight grin, I look to him. "Nah, Ancy. Am I not allowed to rest? And sa kanila na lang ang title. Not interested." I tell him and return my eyes above.

"I see your point." He only says and goes beside me.

"So, our new Lady of the Night is Miss Monique Taylor!"

What? The bitch won? Duh. If I only know, I'd go down there and grab the crown. But boo, she doesn't deserve it. I'd be glad if Elli or Ash will have the title. Nonetheless, that Monique Taylor deserves to receive a crown that has a clown design.

Anyway, I don't care now.

"And now, the Male of the Night is, Mister Chance Gabrielle Cain!"

Hoh? I'm not quite surprised, anyway.

"Oi. Tawag ka." I call him and poke Ancy's cheek.

He eyes me boringly. "Nah. Not interested also. To be paired up to that girl, no thanks." He replies and returns the poke to my cheek.

I purse my lips as I chuckle. "Right."

Eh sino kaya ang makaka-partner niya?

"Mister Chance is not here, too? How sad." Whoever says that. "But we already have the other result. So our new Male of the Night! Let's call it for, Prince Nathan Twain!"

Holy Guacamole! Like, frick? Are they freaking kidding me? Not Nate!

"No way to hell." I exclaim silently. At this moment, I wanna go down and I'll give that announcer a bitchslap to his face!

Damn. Only if I can do something. I sigh, poor Nathan.

"What's wrong?"

With a muffle and grumble to my face, I look at Ancy with a does-it-not-obvious?! expression.

"Oh, yes. I remember now." He says in sarcastic voice. "You two are in relationship, right?" I nod. "Then, if you have worries, why don't you return to the venue and stop the commotion inside."

"Nah. Forget it. It's just a dance, anyway."

"Yeah."

Last part na ng party—ang Last Dance. Ano kaya ang reaksyon ni Nate? He hates Monique since the day she hit me.

Napansin kong umayos ng tayo si Chance, but I keep on staring above. I'm mesmerized with the stars and moon. I want to see dead stars. But how?

"Nat."

That nickname.

I hum, looking to him.

He offers his right hand with a cold-hopeful look. "Can I have this Last Dance with you?"

My heart starts spiking. It's almost as if, it's escaping inside my rib cage!

I hide my surprise and put my chin up.
"If you insist."

He grins, "I insist, Nat. It's just a dance, anyway."

I smile sideways, "My pleasure, Mister Chance." and take his hand.

He smirks, "Do you want to wear your shoes?"

I pout my lips, "No, my feet hurts."

Ancy studies my situation. Then he only holds my hand. "Come on, just step on my feet."

"Eh, are you sure?"

"Yeah," he answers in a simple voice with his head tilted sideways.

"Okay," I grin, then I carefully step my right foot on his right foot and do the same on my left one.

At first, I was about to fall because of my unstable posture, but Chance was very punctual and he quickly wrapped his strong arms around my waist. As for my initial body response due to the imbalance, I strongly put my grasps on his shoulders.

Ang resulta . . . magkadikit ang aming katawan, pati na ang aming mga mukha.

Napatawa ako nang mahina. "Sorry, Ancy, I should've just wore shoes."

"I don't mind," he replies and leads me to the center carefully. The music starts, entitled "Wanted".

I feel his long fingers on my waist and minty fresh breaths on my neck.

Nobody is speaking, only the movements of our bodies. My chin is rested on his shoulder, while I can feel his mouth on my left temple and softly nestling my scent.

No words are being spoken, but this means a lot.

I'm just following his lead as we dance under the moonlight. The scenery is so romantic. And my, I'm smiling inwardly. Chance, surely, he can really be so sweet. Though, most of the time, he's hiding all his romantic sides. I'm glad because he is showing his other sides to me that he keeps on hiding to others.

I arch my head and bravely meet his eyes. I stare deeply to his grey orbs. I like his eyes. Being with him makes me comfortable and I feel cozy with his presence.

Even though I'm bit guilty on what lies I told him—that Nate and I are lovers.

I peal a soft laugh the same with him. This moment is kinda awkward, looking eyes to eyes with sparks can lead you into something.

Habang tumatagal ang kanta, lalong lumalapit ang mukha ko sa kanya. Humihigpit ang pagkakapit ko sa balikat niya, until our faces are just two inches apart.

"Ikaw ang last dance ko." I tell him nonchalantly. His eyes can make me drunk with lure.

"I know. And you're my first and last dance, Nat." He replies grinning as he looms to my face. "You really look so dazzling tonight."

"So are you, Chance."

Wordlessly, with his one hand, he caresses my cheek with his fingertips and placed it on my chin after. Mas lalong lumapit ang mukha ko sa kanya.

He tilts his head, leaving some millimeters apart between our faces. I hope hindi niya naririnig ang pagtibok ng puso ko.

The tip of his nose touches the below part of my nose. I can smell his minty smell breaths slowly tickling my skin. Plus his manly scents, it is having their ways to my nostrils. His eyes are half closed to the point that our lips are almost touching.

Gosh.What a seduction. Dangerously charming. He's savagely alluring. I am lured with him. He casts a spell on me that's why I always want to be near him. At least, that's the thing I can feel right now.

There's no further words, but he leans his head to mine. Everything starts to become slow, as though the world is about to pause.

Slowly, the gaps between our lips is narrowing.

And a little more . . .

Then, blaaam!

We separate our heads as we look at the exploding displays above.

Fireworks.

"Beautiful." I mutter in awe.

"I'm starting to think that you predicted this." He says silently to my ear.

"I didn't, Ancy." I smirk. That's the truth.

I sense him grins softly, the same as he kisses the tip of my nose. "Well, that's all for now."

I got numb for a moment. My chest doubles its beats. This guy is unpredictable.

"Just watch," He says quietly and I only nod.

We watch the firework displays that lasts for ten minutes.

While our bodies are still closed together, nawala sa isip ko na gusto niya akong halikan.

"Done." I whisper and I can feel that he's staring at me. With my normal expression, I face him. "Tara na." Sabi ko at lumayo sa kanya.

"Heh." His smirk resounds behind me.

Gee. Why is he smirking? Does he sense my awkwardness a while ago? Meh. Who cares?

I wear my shoes and invite him to go down to the party.

Once we go out, I start ignoring the stares—more on glares nila. Bahala kayong mag-isip diyan.

Walang nangyari. Muntikan lang.

"Where have you been?" I hear Nate's voice on the side.

Agad akong napatingin sa kanya, "Ah . . . Namasyal?"

He facepalm. Well, what kind of reason is that? "Are you drunk? Strolling at the rooftop?"

"Alam mo naman pala."

He chuckles, "You know what I mean, Hime." and whispers, "What did you do with Chance up there?"

I don't ever know but I blush. Real hard. Err. Nathan! He knows everything! "Wala kaming ginawa!"

"Hey! Shush!" Nate prohibits and pulls me in a hug, covering my face to his chest. "You don't have to shout. Especially that you're in public place."

Wrong move.

I pout, looking up to Nate. He's smiling at me. I really love that brotherly smile that Nate's giving me.

"You wanna go home now?" He asks and I nod. "Come on."

And then I compose myself.

After a while . . .

"Tara na, baby!" Nate declares while gaining attention from the crowd.

What the heck? He's making a great fuss! And he called me 'baby'!!

"Kanina pa kita hinahanap, baby. Kaya uwi na tayo, okay?" He states loudly while snaking his left hand around my waist.

"The hell, Nathan. What are you saying?" I whisper mixed of mad tone.

He laughs evilly, "Looks like I'm going to be dead on someone's mind."

"Huh?"

"Wala. Sumakay ka na lang sa kotse."

"Ewan ko sa 'yo. Ang weird mo." I say.

He just chuckles and leads me to his car Aston Martin Vanquish-2.

He drives safely to home.

What a tiry day. But it's memorable.

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