I woke up as I could feel someone caressing my hair. I slowly opened my eyes and saw Duke; I simply gave him a confused look.
"Lola Ayang told me what happened last night,.." He said as he smiled lightly.
"I'll pick you up just as I said last night." He added.
"What time is it?" Tanong ko.
"11:23 a.m."
"Ha?"
"I was here 8:34 a.m, I'm bothered to wake you up.. So I waited"
Tumayo ako sa pagkakahiga at nagsalita, "Listen. If I'm sleeping, wake me up!"
"What if I'm bothering you?"
"What if not?"
He chuckled. Sana ganito na lang bumubungad sa'kin tuwing umaga, hindi 'yung sermon ni mama.
"I thought it was still night as you didn't say what time it was," I said while fixing my messy hair.
Mas lumaki yung ngiti niya, napapangiti rin tuloy ako. "Beh, alam mo namang gwapo ka, 'di ba? H'wag mo naman ako ngitian ng gan'yan, kakagising ko lang oh. Respeto naman"
"Uh?" He asked confused.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA I'm hungry, that's it"
"Let's go to the beach" Ani niya nang makalabas ako ng kwarto. "I'll eat first"
"I prepare food there.."
I turned to face him and asked, "What is it? Is it delicious?" with a big smile.
"There is toyu?"
"What??"
"To-yu"
"Tangina ano bang To-yu--?"
"Pota, Tuyo!?"
"Oh, right!"
"Jusko lord"
"Fine, let's eat there" Sagot habang nagpipigil ng tawa. Agad din akong nag asikaso at nakakahiya naman sakaniya na kanina pa nag iintay.
Dumating kami sa beach, sa hindi kalayuan nakita ko ang isang bahay kubo na may pagkain sa mesa at may dekorasyon sa loob na parang may okasyon. 'Di ko naman ineexpect na doon kami pupunta, pero doon pala talaga.
"Is this made for us?" I asked as I was taken aback by the lovely decorations. A few balloons and flowers serve as decorations, and everything, in my eyes, looks unforgettable. "Yes, do you like it?"
"I really like it. It's lovely.. But I'm a bit confused"
"Because I made some decorations?"
"You made this?"
"Yeah, with the bits of help of some peeps hehehehe"
"I see.."
"Why are you confused???"
"Are you going to ask me to be your girlfriend or something? If that was the case, you should have done it at night time." I said and stared at him blankly.
"How did you know?????"
I laugh. "AHAHAHAHHAHAHAH Am I right??"
"Did Lucia tell you??"
"I was sleeping until 11 a.m, how would I know?"
"Even so. You should just act as though you had no idea!" He muttered fiercely. He looks like a cat who is sulking and furious with its owner. Oh my God, this guy!
"Fine HAHAHAHAHAHA but that was the case, huh?"
He nodded without looking at my eyes. "Maybe it should be night, right?" He looked at me and flashed a concerned smile. I breathed deeply and nodded.
I couldn't talk as I was so hungry and enjoying the delicious food we were eating. And yes, merong tuyo.
"Aguyyy! Saraaap! Thank you for the foods!" Nakangiti kong sambit habang hinihimas ang tiyan ko sa kabusugan.
"Anyway, do you have something to say?" I asked while staring at him.
"I like you."
"Why?"
"Huh?"
"What's the reason for liking me?"
"Do I need a reason for liking you?"
"Do I have to say,.. because you are pretty and kind, like what boys do?"
I looked at him amazed and spoke, "You are right, I'm just curious.."
"You know, our age gap isn't a joke" I added.
"My feelings aren't a joke. And.. it's just numbers.. " He answered. He appears to be serious, so I don't think it's appropriate to crack jokes. But as I secretly glance at him in my peripheral vision, he seems to be nervous. He can't keep his fingers in one place, which is obvious.
"I like you too, Duke. But I can't."
"What do you mean??"
"I don't want your fans to think that I gave you a yes just because you are Duke from YESTERDAY, a well-known idol and a successful, handsome man. I want your fans and the public to know that I am seeing you because you are the Duke Park I know, not because you are the Duke Park from YESTERDAY."
"We can let them know that, can't we?" He asked as his eyes showed how much afraid he was.
"It takes time.."
"I'll wait." Mabilis niya sinagot sa'kin. Napatingin ako ulit sakan'ya. His eyes.. it was different from earlier.. he looks like he's eager to do everything.
"I told you I've always suffered from self-doubt. I'm also scared to express my feelings in words. But you assured me that I could. that I shouldn't let my mind completely consume me. I don't fear rejection anymore, and I'm willing to wait. Elena, you are the reason I'm happy. I'm aware that everything happened far too fast. But I can prove you with my commitment and sincerity."
"Mahal kita, Elena." He said. He hugged me tightly. "I was somewhat stunned by what he said fluently. I have no idea why, but it sounds expensive. After giving me a tight hug, he muttered, "I'm not afraid of what people may think; I'm more afraid of losing someone like you.."
He tightened his grip on me even more. "I love you too," I hugged him back and rubbed his back. "Please don't betray me and don't get tired of waiting for me."
He hugged me so closely that it felt like I could hold onto his soul. "Mahal din kita." I whispered. "Don't get tired of waiting for me, please. And if you ever don't me anymore, just tell me. Please don't deceive me." I added.
"I won't. I never swear, but I swear.. I knew you were the one." He replied.
Hulyo 15, 2021. Today is my 18th birthday. I'm on my legal age.
Duke has been back in South Korea for more than a year. Christmas and New Year's have already passed, along with a lot of concerts and events. Time passes by quickly.
"Elena! Dalian mo na! Suotin mo na yung gown para makapagpictorial ka na!" Sigaw ni mama sa'kin habang tulala na naman ako sa salamin matapos akong ma-make up-an.
The color of my gown is red because it is my favorite color. The venue, meanwhile, was a combination of red and black. Black because Duke loved the color black.
Hindi ko na ineexpect na makakapunta si Duke. I am aware of his schedule, and he is undoubtedly busy. He promised that he would be my last dance. Even if it's a video call, at least I still get the chance to dance with him, right?
Matapos ang napakahabang oras, nakapagsimula ng maayos ang event hanggang sa natapos na ang 18th treasure, 18th candles, at magsisimula pa lang ang 18th roses.
Ang first dance ko ay si Papa. Sumunod ang Uncles and Lolo's ko, gayundin ang mga pinsan, pamangkin, at guy close friends ko.
And this is it pancit! MY LAST DANCE. Ini-abot sa akin ni Mama 'yung ipad, pero nagtataka ako dahil hindi naman pang-video call yung icons na nasa screen.
It was an Instagram live. Duke is live on Instagram!
"Akala ko ba magvivideo call kami?" Kunot noo ko pang bulong sa sarili. Napansin ko namang nag-play 'yong live ni Duke sa projector na nasa likuran ko lang kaya sa projector na 'ko nanood nung live.
"Uh? Asan kaya siya? Sa car???" Bulong ko ulit sa sarili.
Duke: "As I already said last night I will see y'all today here on Instagram Live. It's July 15th, 2021 today."
Duke: "The reason I suddenly went on hiatus about a year ago is something I'm ready to tell you about in detail. When I returned to Seoul, I was prepared to share it right away, but I wanted to wait until today because it was an important day."
I was confused as to why he was on I.G. live today given that he had previously agreed to do a video call for the last dance on my 18th birthday. I was even more baffled as to why he was speaking in English.
Duke: "A girl unexpectedly appeared and comforted me when I went to Leyte to unwind. Everything happened so quickly that I developed an overwhelming affection for her instantly. You guys might chuckle and wonder how we both fell for each other in such a brief time if you knew the whole story of how we met hahahahaha" he paused,
Duke: "I used to have self-doubt without telling anyone. But she was a big help. She helped me in getting out of that dark place where I had been experiencing doubt, fear, and suicidal acts. I'm very grateful that I got to meet her. She made me feel the love and happiness I had been seeking... I then told her everything without holding back. I know that I have many friends, family members, and all of you with whom to share my thoughts... Yet it wasn't simple.. I've tried many times before, but I've never been able to put all of my thoughts into words and express them all... It was very difficult.. I have no idea how to let all of my feelings and emotions out." He smiled lightly,
Duke: "Most of you probably won't fully understand how I'm feeling right now. But all I am aware of is how happy I have been ever since my eyes first fell upon her." Even his eyes were smiling as he smiled widely.
Duke: "It was April 7, 2020, when I told her about how I felt. It was hilarious to think back on because, unlike other dramas, I failed to make it romantic. It was 11 a.m. when I confessed, and she asked me right away if I was going to ask her to be my girlfriend or whatever... I can't help but laugh! How foolish, right? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA" he laugh. I smiled as I could even hear everyone laughing.
Duke: "But she rejected me that time."
Everyone: "OWWWW~! HAHAHAHAHAHA"
Duke: "It's not like I've been completely rejected or that I have no chance. She explained the reason she didn't want my fans to think that she had said "yes" to me because I am Duke from YESTERDAY, a well-known pop idol and a successful, handsome man. She wants my fans to know that she is dating me because I am the Duke Park she knows, not because I am the Duke Park of YESTERDAY."
Duke: "So, everyone, please. Don't hurt her by posting or leaving negative comments. Just keep it between you and yourself. She is not deserving of such vulgar statements. She deserves to be happy. Just as you support me, support her as well." The same thing happened in his eyes when he confessed and was acting so seriously. I was surprised when my mama gently patted my left arm and offered to give me a tissue. I was confused. Then, she gestured at her cheeks as if to indicate that something was on them. I soon became conscious that I was crying.
Duke: "I persisted and awaited this moment. Today was her eighteenth birthday. Yes, she had become legal age today." I looked at the projector again as I heard it while wiping my tears.
"Why does he looks like he's wearing a suit?" Nagtatakang tanong ko sa sarili. Siguro may performance 'to kaya gan'yan. Hindi ko pa kasi nache-check ang phone ko mula kanina dahil napaka-busy.
I watched him closely leaving the car. The surroundings look familiar. Camera movement was switched from front to back. I noticed the door that was similar to the entrance of the venue. Where the hell is he!? Is he in Manila?
Duke: "Elena, You're watching, right? Happiest Birthday, My Love!" Masayang bati niya sa live. He looks very happy and excited. Rinig ko naman ang malakas na hiyawan ng mga tao sa loob ng venue. Puro ayieeee na lang naririnig ko, baka pati sa pagtulog ayan ang marinig ko.
The projector abruptly turned off. I was puzzled as I glanced in my mama's direction and noticed that they had their attention on the entrance door. When I looked at it, it had just opened. I shifted my focus and there he was-my future husband. No.. I mean.. a handsome, perfect, fine guy. What a wonderful man he is! How fortunate his girlfriend must be?!
"WHAT!???????" Napalakas kong saad nang ma-realize kong si Duke iyon. Hindi tarpaulin, hindi banner, at hindi standee-totoong Duke iyon!
Tumingin ako sa direksyon nila Mama at Papa, they look so freaking proud. What the fucking hell!!??!!!??!??
Napatingin ulit ako sa ipad nang magsalita siya. "God damn" he paused as he smiled widely, "She's freaking gorgeous." He continued. Yung angle ng camera, hindi na maayos. Pero buti nakikita pa rin ang reaks'yon niya.
"Are you surprised? You thought I wouldn't come, right? Hahahahahaha" Tawang-tawa niyang sabi.
"She was a girl when I first met her on the plane till I got to Leyte. She is now a fully grown woman," He paused as he smiled,
"My woman." He resumed. My tears began to flow once again.
"Oh! Don't cry!" Malakas na ani niya saka tumakbo papalapit sa akin.
"I love you." He said proudly as I hugged him tightly.
"I love you too, Duke. You shouldn't be alone ever. And I am the one meant to be with you." I answered,
"Let me be the one to take care of you for the rest of our lives." He whispered, "I am not on my own anymore. It's me and you now." He added.
The end.