Project LOKI ③

Chapter 43: The Last of Augustus VIII (The Date)

That, I can absolutely agree with him. Now that he's mentioned it, iilan lang talaga ang mako-consider kong kaibigan. Alistair is on top of the list. Jamie, despite being a consistent liar, is being considered on the same list. I really want to give that girl a chance. How about Loki?

Well, Loki is also a friend of mine. Being with him for months, I've come to understand him. Kahit gaano pa siya ka-cold at ka-harsh minsan, sinusubukan ko siyang intindihan. Why? Because despite the hard shell that shields him from the world that he despises, I know that he's soft in the inside. Nahihirapan lang siyang ilabas minsan. Ilang beses na rin kasing nagka-crack ang shell na 'yon, at nasilip ko kung anong nasa loob nito. He may roar like a tiger, but he's really a cute kitty.

I don't know if he feels the same for me. He hinted in several occasions that he also considers me as a friend. Even Alistair and Jamie.

"Let's say that I believe you, that you have a date," Loki said, still unconvinced. "Do you want me to come with you? I can tell you my insights about your date, if he's a good man or a potential psychopath. It might be a good distraction for me after that anticlimactic outcome of the notebook heist."

"Kuya ba kita para kilatisin mo 'yong ka-date ko?" I scoffed. I turned my back to him and walked toward the door. "Aalis na ako. Magpakabait ka riyan habang wala ako."

"Don't forget to buy me milk tea!" pahabol niya nang pababa na ako sa hagdan. "I need some sugar!"

Eleven o'clock na ako nakarating sa isang coffee and tea shop sa mall. This is a good place to relax after the stressful days of investigating the Clarion. The ambiance. The soothing instrumental music. The minimized noise. After our all-out offensive last night, kahit gaano pa ka-unsuccessful, we deserve a break.

Nag-order na ako ng frappuccino habang nag-i-scroll sa aking social media accounts. When I told Loki that I'm going on a date, that was somehow correct. Hindi talaga siya date. May imi-meet lang akong tao rito sa coffee shop.

Pagka-check ko ng aking Messenger app, bigla akong nakaramdam ng lamig. I thought na tinodo na ng staff ang kanilang aircon. Pero may isa pa palang explanation kung bakit bigla akong gininaw at tumayo ang mga balahibo ko.

"Did I make you wait?"

Iniangat ko ang aking tingin at nakitang nakatayo sa harapan ko si Luthor. He was wearing a navy blue polo shirt. This is the second time na nakita ko siyang hindi naka-school uniform. The first one was during our outing where he revealed to me that he's connected to M. He still carried that dignified yet intimidating aura.

That's right. My so-called date for today is none other than Loki's brother.

"It's okay," sagot ko sabay baba ng aking phone. "Napaaga lang ako ng alis mula sa apartment."

Umupo na siya sa seat na katapat ko. He sat like a king settling in his throne. "I asked my father's bodyguards to secure the perimeter of this cafe. You know that we can't be seen together, especially by our mutual acquaintances."

Napaangat ang tingin ko at nagawi sa may counter. I saw a familiar face. Was that Hugh or Munroe? Hindi ko na matandaan kung sino siya sa magkapatid. Naalala ko tuloy 'yong time na "kinidnap" nila kaming dalawa ni Jamie at noong iwan nila kami sa isang island.

"How is my brother?" Luthor asked.

"He's still disappointed and frustrated," I answered after sipping from my frappe. "Pinaghandaan niya talaga ang plano para mautakan si Augustus kahapon, but it didn't really pay off."

"Is he still unaware of my connection with Moriarty?" Luthor asked. Hindi niya ako nilulubayan ng tingin.

I slowly nodded.