Chasing Boundaries (Parallel Rhythms Series 1)

Chapter 22

I remember those scenes. It was when we were in seven-eleven, buying ice cream cones. I know Brent was taking photos but I didn't know he'd post it online.

Nakakahiya!

I looked at the caption and my jaw almost literally fell.

archein's tahanan

There was also an attached song to the post. It was "Tahanan" by Adie.

What the heck?!

"Ba't mo pinost?" naiiyak kong tanong kay Brent.

"Para may thrill." simpleng sagot ni Brent. But he was suppressing a devilish grin.

"Anong thrill! Nakakahiya, 'no!" mangiyak-ngiyak kong saad.

He giggled. "Ba't ka naman mahihiya?! Akala ko ba public na relationship niyo? Remember that time at the gym?"

Bigla ay naalala ko tuloy iyong scene sa gym. When Liam was trying to make a move on me but then Archein showed up saying he was my boyfriend.

Memories.

"At saka, may thrill para sa mga hindi nakakaalam. Manghula sila, total, d'yan naman sila magaling." natawa pa siya.

"Ewan ko sa'yo." I rolled my eyes at him. I gazed away and tried to stifle a smile. I was low-key kinikilig. "Pero 'wag mong i-take down ah. Ila-like ko mamaya." hirit ko.

He laughed even louder. "May pa-nahihiya ako ka pa, eh gusto mo rin naman pala!" Umiling-iling pa ito.

"Hey." Bumaling kami ni Brent sa nagsalita. It was Archein, he was now walking towards us while holding his guitar. "I'm back." saad nito nang matapat siya sa akin.

I smiled at him. I tapped the space next to mine, gesturing him to take a seat. He then smiled before sitting next to me.

Tumayo si Brent at lumipat sa solo couch. Kaming dalawa naman ni Archein ang natira sa mahabang couch.

"What are you gonna sing, Mr. Lover Boy?" Brent teased.

Archein just gave him a small smile before strumming his guitar with his finger. My eyes immediately dropped to him. It was like I was drawn by his small movements.

I watched him as he started to strum his guitar in a slow, mellow manner. He then started humming—a rhythmic lullaby bestowed upon my heart and ears.

"Balewala, balakid na nagtatangka sa ating biyahe patungo sa walang-hanggan. Tayong dalawa ay maligayang nakahimlay sa daang pawalang-hanggan." hearing him sing with his low, soft, and slightly husky voice was like watching a concert straight from heaven.

I eyed Brent, and I saw him smiling sluggishly at me. He nodded, gesturing me to focus on Archein, who was now busy with his guitar works.

I gazed back at Archein, my heart swaying in an unpredictable beat. Our eyes met and it sent shivers down my spine. He smiled softly, making my heart triple in pace.

"Haplos ng 'yong halik, init ng 'yong pag-ibig ang dahilan ng palaging pananabik ko." he sang as if his life depended on it. "Tinatangi, tinatangi ko ikaw lamang, mahal. Tinatangi, hindi na maliligaw. 'Pagkat ikaw lang ang tanaw sa araw-araw, oh." he sang like he was trying to reach for the deepest corners of my being.

The way he delivers his words were coated with emotions I could never dare to name. It was sensual, soft, and heart-warming. It was as if he was trying to reach for my heart, embracing it to make it calm down. Yet, he was doing the opposite, he was making its beating triple in speed.

"Dala-dala mga paruparo na iyong 'pinadama sa bawat paghagkan. Kung 'di ikaw ang makakapiling ko, oh, giliw, para saan pa ang walang-hanggan?" He closed his eyes, feeling the sensuality of his voice. I couldn't help but look at him in awe. I couldn't do anything but to listen to his soft lullaby.