"Tara, Ica. Review tayo."
I felt my shoulders slump in exhaustion as I heard Sab's words. Fourth year was difficult because it focused more on review subjects, which included all of our previous years' lessons from first to third year.
"Game. Sinong kasama?" tanong ko habang sinisiksik ang mga gamit sa bag ko.
"Dustin. May family dinner si Paige kaya hindi makakasama," she replied.
Mabilis akong umiling at binalingan siya. "Pass na lang!" takot na sabi ko sa kaniya.
"Hoy!" Sabrina laughed so hard that she had to cover her mouth with the codal she was holding in her arms, understanding why I was scared. "Grabe ka naman! Once lang iyon! Hindi na mauulit! At tahimik naman kami noon!"
Iling ako nang iling. One time kasi, nahulog iyong sticky notes pad ko sa sahig. It fell under the table so I had to lift up the table cloth, which was probably the biggest mistake in my life because I witnessed something.
"Promise! Sa 'yo ako tatabi!" pangako niya sabay taas ng kanang kamay.
"Please lang! Ayaw ko na makasaksi ng naggigitara sa ilalim ng lamesa!" Inirapan ko siya saka nagpatuloy sa pagligpit ng gamit ko. "I don't even know you have something going on between you. Akala ko self-love phase ka."
She laughed. "Four years na akong self-love, girl! Kailangan ko na ng someone na sisira noon!"
"Kaya iyong seatmate mo ang tinira mo?" I also laughed, hanging my bag on my left shoulder and walking out of the room.
"Ikaw nga kapitbahay," bulong na ganti niya at kinurot ang tagiliran ko.
Agad ko siyang hinampas. She knew already about my relationship. Nahuli kasi niya kami ni Marco and that's when I realized we needed to be more careful. To think na si Sab na walang paki nga nahuli kami, paano na lang kaya kung iyong mga taong sinasadyang mangialam ng buhay ko, 'di ba?
"Be careful," mahinang sabi ni Sab at nag-iwas ng tingin. "Hindi ka pwedeng masira ngayon, Ica. Sabay tayong gagraduate, 'di ba?"
Inakbay ko ang isang braso sa balikat niya. "Oo naman! Sabay tayong gagraduate! Cheer up! Mag-iingat kami," I assured her.
Inaya ko si Zion nang nakitang nakasandal lang siya sa labas ng classroom. "Where to?" he asked, putting his airpods on.
"Saan ba pa? Coffee shop lang para aesthetic mag-aral." Ngumisi ako nang maloko kaya nakatanggap ako ng irap.
Inakbayan niya ako at nagkwento habang naglalakad kami palabas ng building. Siguro siya na ang maco-consider kong boy best friend, aside from Marco.
I updated Marco about my whereabouts before putting my phone in focus mode to receive limited notifications, like text messages from him only.
In the middle of reviewing for Conflicts of Law, my phone beeped. Zion pushed my phone towards me without getting his eyes of his book.
Nalaman kong papunta rin si Marco rito kasama ang blockmates niya. This was also the place they always study the night away kaya nagtatagpo talaga kami. Hindi lang kami sabay umuuwi. Again, we were being extra careful now.
"Aray!" sigaw ko nang sinipa ako ni Sab sa binti sa ilalim ng lamesa. "Ano?"
Ngumuso siya kung saan kaya bumaling ako roon, kuryoso. Nakita kong pumasok si Marco kasama iyong babaeng palagi niyang kasama, and an unfamiliar woman and man. Probably his med school barkada.
"Order lang ako. Do you guys want anything?" I stood up after getting my wallet inside my bag. Umiling lang sila Dustin. I order another latte and waited on the side.
"Bagay sa 'yo," a soft voice came from behind me on the counter. I didn't have to look to figure out who it was. I recognize that voice anywhere.
"Ang alin?" pasimple akong nagsalita, pinapanuod ang barista na gumawa ng latte ko.
"Iyang braids mo, babe." Along with Maki's compliment was the tugging of the both ends of my braided hair. Pinaglaruan niya iyon na para bang nagro-rope exercise siya sa gym!
My eyes widened and I slapped his hand away from me, terrified. He took a step back as realization dawned on him. Napatingin tuloy ako sa paligid. Everybody was busy so I was able to breathe.
"I did it earlier. Medyo hindi nga pantay ang pagkakahati ko. Tingnan mo." Pasimple akong tumalikod para ipakita iyon sa kaniya.
"Tama. Zigzag siya," walang kwentang sabi niya.
While laughing, I faced him and leaned my elbow on the counter. After a few beats, I stole a glance at him. I noticed he looked sleepy when he removed his specs to rub his eyes. Sinabit niya sa neckline ng uniform niya ang specs after.
"You look handsome." Pinisil ko ang pisngi niya. I really like doing that. Ang lambot kasi ng cheeks niya. Minsan nga kinakagat ko pa. Hindi naman siya nagrereklamo, gumaganti nga lang!
It was his turn to have the reaction I have earlier. His eyes widened a fraction, warning me. I quickly removed my hand on his cheek and blinked profusely.
Ang hirap naman nito!
"We are not very good at this," I told him, laughing.
He chuckled, leaning on the counter. "Oo nga, eh. Buti pa noong friends lang tayo, wala tayong pake sa tao," pag-agree niya.
"Pero seryoso. Ang pogi mo talaga ngayon. You look happy. Did something good happen?" nakangiting tanong ko. Gusto kong malaman ang nangyari sa araw niya. Mamaya pa siguro kami makakpag-usap pagkauwi sa apartment.
He scrunched his nose. "Saan banda? Mukha na 'kong zombie. Ano bang bago? Simula college, may relasyon na kami nitong eyebags ko. Akalain mo iyon, hindi ako iniwan. Awit!" Pabirong pinalo niya ang counter.
"You can just say thanks!"
"Fine, thanks!" Masunurin! He stretched his hands behind him, the veins on his arms prompting. The ends of his lips rose in amusement. "Iyang mga matang iyan, palagi talaga akong pinagnanasaan. Minsan sobra na. Hmm."
"Assumero ka, Marquenzo," bintang ko kaagad.
"Assumero ka, Marquenzo," he imitated, rolling his eyes at me before he bursted out laughing. "Mamaya ka sa 'kin..."
Naudlot ang tawanan namin nang may tumulak sa 'kin pagilid. "Tangina, required manulak?" sarkastikong sabi ko kay Sab na biglang pumagitna sa amin.
"Tangina, masyado kayong halata," bulong niya sa amin at sinenyasan akong kunin na ang tray kong kakalapag lang ng barista.
Right! It was just natural for Marco and I to talk anywhere as long as we're beside each other! This set up was so hard!
Nauna akong umuwi. Just as I finished freshening up, I heard a knock on the back door. Mabilis kong binuksan iyon. Marco, who was smiling goofily at me and holding flowers, was the first thing I noticed. Nagtatago pa siya sa likod ng bulaklak.
"Ulol! Pa-explain nga ng ginagawa mo," natatawang sambit ko sa kaniya. Para naman kasi siyang ewan! "Para saan iyang flowers?" pahabol ko pa.
"Para sa 'yo," he told me, stretching his hand out to me to give me the flowers.
My eyes sparkle at how beautiful the flowers were up-close as I accepted it. "For what is this? It's not my birthday!"
"Kailangan ba birthday mo para bigyan kita ng rosas?" He chuckled, cupping my cheek and leaning towards me for a kiss. "Hey..." He kissed me again before pushing me inside, closing the door with his foot.
"Hey," bati ko pabalik nang pinakawalan niya ako. Binaba ko ang tingin sa bulaklak na hawak ko. It was five lavender roses wrapped in a white wrapping paper. "Hindi naman natin monthsary ngayon, 'di ba?" Pinaningkitan ko siya ng mga mata. Not like I'd forget the date of that special day.
"Hindi mo alam ang petsa natin?" His brow arched, crossing his arms in front of his chest like he was ready to roast me.
"Of course I know! Why will I not keep our date in mind, huh? Baka ikaw ang nakalimot or what! Ang taas kaya ng memory ko! I like memorizing dates and events! Duh!" My defensive stance activated so fast, causing him to laugh.
"Dami talagang dada ng jowa ko." He tsked jokingly before snaking his arms on my waist. "Gusto lang kitang bigyan ng rosas. Bakit ba?"
"Oh! That's so sweet of you." Ngumuso ako, tinatago ang ngiti. "Rare kaya 'tong lavender dito. Where did you buy these? These are surely expensive," sunod-sunod na sabi ko.
Ngumisi siya. "Huwag ka nang magtanong."
"Red roses would do, though. You didn't have to spend much for these..." Inamoy ko ang mga rosas. Kinurot ko pa nang marahan ang petals. Medyo basa at malambot pa iyon kaya paniguradong fresh ito.
"Gusto ko lavender, eh." Pinasadahan niya ng daliri ang buhok niya. "At huwag mo nang bilangin. Mas malala kaya regalo mo sa 'kin noong birthday ko."
Tumawa ako nang malakas at tinuon ang mga mata sa kaniya, nagtatago sa likod ng bulaklak, tulad ng ginawa niya kanina. "Hindi iyon counted! Hindi pa tayo noon!" pagrarason ko. I don't really care spending money on him.
"Kailangan ko na ba kabahan sa ireregalo mo sa sunod? Huwag na ulit designer, please. Bonding lang, sapat na."
"Bahala ka!" I stuck my tongue out.
His head fell back, groaning. "Kanina ko pa gusto ibigay iyan pero hindi pwede," pag-iiba niya ng usapan at paakbay akong dinala sa kwarto ko. Humiga siya sa higaan at ako naman, dumiretso sa bathroom. "Ano'ng inaral mo ngayon?"
"Una, Conflicts of Law but I got bored so I studied Civil Law Review na lang. Mabilis naman siya kasi it includes persons, family, oblicon, property, will and succession, land titles, ganoon. And I really like tackling those ever since 1st year!" masayang kwento ko habang nagto-toothbrush.
Maki carried his upper body up by leaning on his elbows to take a look at me. "Favorite mo?"
"Nope. Fave ko Crim Law. I love the thrill." Nagmumog ako at binalik ang toothbrush ko sa lalagyan bago pinunasan ng towel ang mga kamay ko. "How about you? How's your rounds?"
I got rattled when he suddenly gasped exasperatedly, like he remembered whatever happened to him earlier. Tinapon ko sa kaniya ang towel na hawak dahil ang lakas ng kabog ng puso ko sa gulat!
"Huh? Sorry? Nagulat ka ba?" Nanlalaki ang mga mata niya habang tinatawanan ako. "Nakapasa ako sa elective!" pagbalita niya.
I gasped and clapped my hands, excited. "Really?! Tell me more!"
"Halika muna rito. Kwentuhan tayo." He lifted the duvet up, inviting me to join him.
I hopped my way to him. "So you passed? Yey! You said na limited lang ang matatanggap, right?" He nodded. "Sino'ng kasama mo?" Siniksik ko ang sarili sa dibdib niya.
"Si Ylona at Declan. Nag Track A kasi iyong isa naming kaibigan, si Yohan..."
Nagpatuloy siya sa pagkwento. I was all ears and attentive. It was already midnight but I wasn't sleepy at all. Habang nagkekwento naman ako tungkol sa schedule ko, napansin kong wala nang imik si Marco. Sinipat ko siya at nakitang mahimbing na ang tulog niya.
"Poor guy," I whispered and removed his specs carefully, folding it and placing it on the bedside table. I slowly maneuvered the switch of the lamp before returning to my position to sleep.
The next few days were hectic for me. Everyone seemed busier. Lahat, may kaniya-kaniyang pinag-aabalahan. One Saturday, I had a meet and greet in the mall with Aspen. Magkahawak-kamay pa kami sa stage habang bumabati sa mga tao. Sobrang sweet pa ng datingan namin.
I basically forced myself to flash everybody my widest smile because my dad was on the side of the stage, watching me... or pressuring me to do good. Tinalo pa niya iyong bodyguard kung makasuri sa paligid!
To: Bub
I'm so tired I want to go home na!
He replied immediately, probably on a break from his clerkship.
From: Bub
pinili mo iyan AHHAHAH enjoy mo nalang madali lang lumipas ang oras
To: Bub
Hindi ka makakapunta? As in?
From: Bub
hindi talaga, bub :(
From: Bub
sorry. busy, eh. 'to na nga babalik na ko sa rounds.
I blew a raspberry, little disappointed. Sinubukan ko lang naman ulit. Wala namang masama manigurado.
"Veronica, let's go," Aspen said, offering his hand to me so we can go out of the backstage again.
Wala akong choice kung hindi itago ang cellphone ko sa pocket ko at tanggapin ang kamay niya bago kami lumabas ulit, sinasalubong ang hiyawan ng fans.
Para na akong sirang plaka dahil sa paulit-ulit na sagot sa repetitive compliments ng fans na nakakausap ko. Nangangalay na rin ang bibig ko sa kakangiti but it's not like I wasn't used to doing this. Faking my smile until my lips feel like tearing apart at the end of the show.
"Thank you, Veronica! Ang bait mo talaga! Isasabit ko ito sa kwarto ko! Salamat ulit!"
I gave the fan another smile when she hugged the poster near her chest, causing it to crumple a little. Agad-agad niya rin pinlantsa iyon gamit ng kamay niya. I just signed the poster and wrote a small message, may hearts drawing pa, tulad ng ginawa ko sa iba.
"Next!" sabi ng staff na nakabantay sa tabi ko.
The next fan was a little shy, so I had to be extra accommodating to ease her up. I pinched her cheek, making her turn crimson.
"Salamat po! I love you!" she said. I also told her she was pretty before she left, squealing in happiness.
"You're sweating buckets, Ica. Ang lamig kaya dito!" Aspen wiped my forehead with his handkerchief, laughing. Nakaupo siya sa tabi ko at sunod na pumipirma sa poster pagkatapos ko.
Tumawa rin ako bago tinulak ang kamay niya palayo dahil ang lakas ng tili ng mga fans sa ginawa niya. Aspen smirked in satisfaction, like that was his intention. Right! Publicity! Kumaway lang ako sa mga tao bago pinulot ang lemonade para sumisim saglit.
"Hi! What's your name?" I asked cheerfully without looking at the person in front of me, instead looking at the poster he slid on my table.
"Quenzo," the man replied in a deep tone.
Muntikan ko nang madura ang lemonade na kakasipsip ko lang nang narinig ang boses na iyon. In fact, may tumulo nang kaunti sa gilid ng bibig ko.
Inangat ko ang tingin sa kaniya. Si Marco! Oh my gosh, was I in some sort of dream?! Sabi niya busy siya sa rotations! Scam 'to!
I bit my tongue to stop myself from smiling when I noticed how dashing he looked tonight. Nakasuot siya ng fog blue long sleeves with a necktie around his neck. By the looks of it, it seems like he went to an event.
"Hi, Quenzo!" bati ko sa kaniya, getting my marker and opening the cap.
Nakita kong napakagat siya sa ibabang labi niya bago tumawa. "It's nice to meet you! Big fan mo ako pati ang mga kapatid ko! I really really love the way you act. Ang astig!" Ang plastic naman nito! Hayop! Pumunta yata 'to rito para mang-asar!
"It's nice to meet you, too! Where are you from?" I looked at him in the same way I looked at everybody else so no one would grow suspicious. Sinuklian ko rin ang ngiti niya, hindi tinatago ang kasiyahan.
We talked for a while. I had to follow my meet and greet script since the staff beside me was obviously listening even when he was looking afar. Hindi naman ako naiinis. It was just their job to protect us, the artists.
"Can you write something below? Right after your name," Maki requested with a smirk. He loosened his necktie a little, tilting his left to the left.
"Sure. What is it?" I entertained, tapping the tip of the marker on the table. Pinandilatan ko siya ng mga mata para sabihing ayusin niya ang kung ano man na sasabihin niya.
"Para sa kapatid ko," habol niya.
Napatawa niya ako. "Okay! What's that?" Why was he being suspense?! Nae-excite na tuloy ako rito!
"I love you."
Nabitawan ko kaagad ang marker sa kamay ko at dumiretso sa lamesa. "Huh? What?" I asked, feeling my cheeks heat a little.
I've been hearing those words repeatedly earlier but when it slip of his mouth, it's just so damn good to hear. It was heaven-like that it made my heart do a chacha inside.
I just wanted to hear it over and over again...
"Para sa kapatid ko, ah," ulit niya, nakangisi.
"Of course I can do that! Ano'ng pangalan?" pagmamaang-maangan ko at nagsimulang magsulat sa poster.
"Marco."
Napailing ako sa kagaguhan niya. Bwisit naman! Akala ko talaga para kay San or Zia, para pala sa other self niya! Seriously, ang lakas ng trip nito ngayon!
"There you go!" I drew a heart at the end of the sentence before giving him the poster. "I love you, Marco," inosenteng basa ko sa sinulat ko.
"I love you too, Zy." Sinubukan niyang itago ang pagguhit ng ngiti sa mapulang labi niya.
If only he did mean it.
Nagtitigan kami na parang ewan. Our staring contest got disturbed when someone pushed him, making him stumble. Good thing his reflexes were quick and he managed to prompt a hand on the base of the platform, balancing himself.
"Hello, lods!" Nakangiti ang isang kulot na lalake sa 'kin. It was his friend!
"Hindi ka makahintay, 'no?" sarkastikong sabi ni Maki at tinulak ito pabalik. "Sumbong kita sa guard, eh!" parang bata na sabi niya.
"Huwag kang selfish! Tagal mo na sa linya. At halata na kayo, tangina." Nakangiti pa rin ang lalake habang nagsasalita para walang magduda.
"Next!" The guard noticed that they were holding the line and was suddenly impatient. "Paalala, bawal magtagal at huwag niyong pigilan ang linya!"
May nilapag si Marco na panyo sa lamesa bago umalis, nilalagpasan si Aspen. I saw Aspen's jaw dropped in shock. But he didn't take it by heart. Kahit nagtataka kung bakit nagiwan ng panyo si Maki, pasimple ko pa rin iyon kinuha at nilapag sa hita ko para hindi mawala.
"Hi! What's your name so I can write it on the letter!" I acted jolly in front of his friend.
"Jericho." He smiled. "Ganda ng movie! Pero nasagap ng tenga ko na may nagsabi raw na hindi maganda iyong bed scene," he exposed shamelessly. "Totoo ba raw iyon?"
Nagsalubong ang kilay ko sa pagtataka pero agad ding binalik ang masayang ekspresyon. "Thank you for appreciating the movie! Where are you from?" Hindi ko na lang pinansin ang ibang sinabi niya at sinunod ang script ng meet and greet.
Pagod. Iyon lang ang tanging naramdaman ko pagkatapos ng event. Nagte-text ako kay Marco habang nasa van kami pabalik na ng agency. We had a brief t regarding the next promotion ng movie.
"I heard you're not accepting new projects now," Dad stated as we walked in the hall.
"No, I am not," I responded, waving my hand at Vanya, another actress, as we passed in the hall. "If you haven't heard, I'm graduating from law school. I need to focus and study for the BAR exam after that."
His head moved sideways, disagreeing. "Talagang itatapon mo ang pinaghirapan mong career, Lalique? For what? Law? Defend people you don't even know? Who's just going to use you to clear up their name?" Hindi niya sinubukang itago ang disappointment sa tono niya.
"For my dream, Dad," I firmly said before walking fast out of the building, leaving him behind.
My feet moved alternatively in a fast motion as I ran away to the parking lot. Susunduin kasi ako ni Marco. We just hid from the possible paparazzis. Wala naman sa area na 'to since may guards.
"Babe!" I greeted happily and immediately hugged Maki when I entered the passenger seat.
"Babe, happy natin, ah?" Pinalibot niya ang isang kamay sa may baywang ko at gamit ang kabilang kamay, sinara niya ang pinto sa likuran ko.
"Sabi mo hindi ka pupunta kasi rounds mo! Sinungaling ito!" Bumitaw ako nang kaunti at pintakan siya ng halik sa labi.
"Babe! Teka!" He immediately stopped me from deepening the kiss, pointing at the backseat. Jericho was sitting there, sipping casually on his milktea. I can clearly see the smirk as he sipped.
Napaubo ako at umayos ng upo nang naramdaman ang pag-iinit ng magkabilang pisngi ko. Hinampas ko kaagad si Maki nang tinawanan niya ako. Nakakahiya naman! Feel na feel ko pa! Paano na lang kung tinodo ko iyong pagtapon ng sarili sa kaniya?! Eh, 'di may audience?!
"Hindi mo naman sinabi na may kasama ka!" pabulong na sigaw ko at sinabunutan siya.
Marco's chuckle doubled in volume. "Ikaw iyong humalik diyan! Tsaka hindi mo ba napansin pagkapasok mo? Laking tao niyan, oh!" sabi niya at hinawakan ang kamay. "Si Jericho, best friend ko. Bro, si Ica, girlfriend ko," pormal na pakilala niya.
"Angas naman ng girlfriend, 'tol! Proud of you!" Pumalakpak si Jericho at tumingin sa akin. "Just call me Echo para pogi ang datingan," biro niya. Natawa ako. Mayabang!
"Pero multo ka ba?" tanong ko sa kaniya. Para naman kasi siyang multo sa backseat, hindi man lang umimik!
"Bakit?" curious na tanong niya.
Kumunot ang noo ko. "That wasn't going to be a punchline! Tanga!" I laughed comfortably.
His eyes grew wide, choking on his milktea. "Tinawag akong tanga kahit kakakita lang namin?! Ayos! I like you!" He nodded continuously in approval.
"Oy." May banta sa tono ni Marco, masama ang tingin sa kaniya.
"Oh! Possessive! I like it, baby," Jericho teased and purred.
Marco immediately punched him jokingly, looking fearful and disgusted. "Kilabutan ka nga! Ina mo!"
"Well, Jericho, find your own. Akin 'to," pagsasabay ko sa biro niya.
"May pag-angkin iyan?! Pero paano ka nauto nito?" tanong niya, nakataas ang kilay para asarin si Maki.
Inabot agad siya ni Marco para sapakin. "Nauto? Bwisit ka. Masyado ka talagang kontrabido. Bitter pa," maarteng sabi ni Maki at umirap.
I laughed. "He always makes my latte so feeling ko..." I looked up, acting like I was thinking. "Feeling ko ginayuma niya ako," pangloloko ko.
"Ganiyan ba kita pinalaki, Marquenzo? Parang hindi, ah!" pagsasabay naman ni Jericho at tinapik ang balikat ni Marco. "Not proud of you! Bad iyan!"
"Deserve mo ngang iwan," Marco retaliated, making Jericho gasped harshly. "Pero Zychela, baka nakakalimutan mong ikaw ang naunang nagkagusto sa akin. Malay ba natin kung baligtad, 'di ba?" He smirked, being competitive.
Ako naman ang napasinghap. Walang hiya 'to! Bahagyang natawa siya. Napansin ko ang lukot sa collar niya kaya inayos ko iyon. Pati na rin ang buhok niyang medyo nahuhulog dahil hindi na kumapit ang wax. Maki had his eyes pierced on my face, watching me adoringly with a small soft smile on his lips.
I recall him saying that he prefers to take care of others rather than be taken care of. But I knew he wanted to feel it as well. And I'm more than happy to do that. He's my boyfriend.
"Nga pala. Binilhan kita ng matcha latte mo." Kinuha niya ang isang cup sa cupholder at tinusok ang straw roon bago binigay sa 'kin.
"Oh my god! Thank you!" My eyes sparkled as I got the cup from him. "Kanina ko pa gusto 'to pero hindi nila ako pinagbibigyan. Punong-puno na ako ng lemonade!"
"Alam ko," simpleng sabi niya.
"You're my lifesaver!" I exaggerated, sipping on my straw happily. I made a sound in satisfaction when I felt the sweetness pass my throat. "Thanks, Beau!" I pulled him and kissed his cheek before drinking again.
"You're welcome, babe." Inabutan pa niya ako ng flowers saka isang maliit na paperbag. "Ito pa. Flowers and chocolates. Alam kong kailangan mo iyan dahil ubos ang energy mo sa ginawa mo ngayong araw."
Masayang kinuha ko iyon at hinila siya muli para yakapin sa leeg. I could never be grateful for him! Kahit maliit na bagay lang 'to... it was too much, like what I usually say.
"Tangina, ano'ng teleserye 'to?" nababagot na singit ni Jericho.
"Epal mo, Echoes," pang-aasar ko.
"Pwede nang umalis? May nakikita na akong mga hindi dapat nakikita! Nabubulag na yata ako! Mga kabataan nga naman, hindi na marunong rumespeto!" Ang arte! Kaibigan nga 'to ni Marco!
"Tukmol ka, Echoes," pang-aasar din ni Maki kaya nag-apir kaming dalawa.
Ginalaw niya ang gear stick gamit ang kanang kamay, backing out of the parking lot. In the middle of the trip, I covered my mouth using my hand when I yawned. From the road, Marco eyes went to me for less than a second to check up on me.
"Tulog ka muna. Gigisingin na lang kita pagdating sa bahay," he said in a soothing tone, getting my left hand and kissing the back of it. Hindi na niya iyon binitawan at nagmaneho gamit ang isang kamay lang.
"I'm good."
Pagkarating sa apartment ni Marco, inaya akong mag-inom ni Jericho. Pumayag naman ako dahil naging hyper na ako. He asked kung ano'ng kaya kong inumin dahil baka raw mapatay siya ni Maki kung malasing ako. Then, he left to buy from the convenience store nearby.
"Sure kang kaya mong uminom? Mukha ka nang inaantok. Baka gusto mong magpahinga na lang muna." Marco kneeled in front of me to remove the straps of my heels.
I nodded, looking down on him. "Kaya ko."
Nilagay niya ang heels ko sa shoe rack niya at pinasuot ng fluffy slippers na binili niya para sa 'kin, para raw may masuot ako rito sa apartment niya.
"Ano'ng gusto mong pagkain? Magluluto ako mayamaya. Nagugutom ako."
"Chicken wings! I really like the one you cooked last time. Iyong may cheese. Please!" masayang sagot ko kaagad. Tumawa siya at pumayag. "Hindi ka ba kumain today?"
He scratched his neck. "Hindi. Sinisingitan kasi ako sa linya noong fan mo kaya hindi na ako umalis. Si Jericho nga, nangaway pa, eh." He laughed a little.
"Saan ka nakakuha ng poster sa last minute? Paano?"
Ngumisi siya. "Ako pa ba," mayabang na sabi niya, shrugging.
I rolled my eyes and just laughed as a response. Kinulong niya ang pisngi ko sa mga kamay niya. My lips look like fishlips. Hindi ko na sinubukang magsalita dahil alam kong walang kwenta 'yon.
"You did good today, my love," he said softly.
I removed his hands from my face and rested my head on his chest to conceal the only genuine smile I had on my lips for the day. Then I ended up giggling.
"Kinilig ka roon?" pang-aasar niya at tinapik ang likod ko.
"No. I actually cringed. Corny ng endearment mo," pangloloko ko naman.
Narinig ko ang mahinang tawa niya. Napapikit ako saglit at pinakinggan lang siya. It may be my favorite sound now. Parang kada tawa niya, nauulol ako.
"Thank you for being there." Idinerekta ko ang mga mata sa kaniya. "I know you're busy and you have a lot of things to do. You could've study instead of wasting hours in lining up just to see me when you can literally see me here at home-"
"Hey," pigil niya kaagad sa 'kin, hinahawi ang buhok ko palikod. "Susuportahan kita sa lahat. Kahit ilang mallshows pa iyan, meet and greet, lilinya pa rin ako para maipakita ang suporta ko. Pagdating sa 'yo, hindi pagsasayang ng oras iyon, Ica. Don't think of it that way."
"Thank you." That was all I can say because I was getting overwhelmed.
Ngumisi siya at naupo sa sofa. Dumapo ang kamay niya sa baywang ko pababa at iginiya akong maupo sa hita niya. I fought a smile. He leaned a bit to touch his lips with mine but groaned and went away when the door opened, revealing Echo.
"Gagi! Ano iyan?! Bastos!" Pumikit kaagad siya.
"Tarantado! Dumi talaga ng isip mo palibhasa gawain mo." Marco rolled his eyes jokingly.
Jericho looked so confused with Maki's accusation. "When? May ganoon akong ginagawa? Kanino?" Marco chuckled and showed his middle finger at him. Jericho did the same before going to the kitchen to prepare the drinks. Naririnig ko pa ang bulong niya sa sarili ng 'Sana all'.
Natahimik kami saglit ni Maki. Sumandal lang ako sa kaniya habang nilalaro niya ang mga daliri ko. I had a thought inside my mind that I feel like asking him. It was related to his support towards me.
"Maki," mahinang tawag ko.
"Hmm?" he probed.
I let out a sigh. "How far are you willing to go for me? You know I'm an actress. As much as I want to flaunt you... I can't. We're just going to have secret dates, secret vacations... There are times I'm forced to... deny that I have a boyfriend and I hope you won't get upset with me."
This was the only real thing I ever have now. Even with just a short time with him, I want to have him beside me forever and beyond. This was my drive now. I cannot lose him.
He lifted my chin, looking at me with serious eyes. "Where is this coming from?"
"Wala." I shook my head, smiling.
"Kahit ano pa ang mayroon, Ica, handa akong harapin. Hindi ako maiinis kung tatanggi ka dahil naiintindihan ko naman ang trabaho at kontrata mo. I already told you that. Besides, I'm contented with what we have and the way we have it. As long as I know we are on the same page and wanting to have the same ending, then it's more than enough for me."
I nodded. It felt nice to hear that. More than enough. I agree with him on that. That has been the sentence that is linked to us.
"I'm willing to go to the ends for you, Zychela."
I got shocked by the seriousness in his voice. It was laced with utmost sincerity with which he wants me to know.
"Hindi kita sususkuan," he assured, undeterred by my shock and silence. I remained frozen. His hug around me tighten. "Nandito lang ako at palagi kang iintindihin kaya huwag kang mag-alala, hindi ako aalis."
"And I'm willing to do the same, and more," I whispered back. At this moment, nothing else exists for me but us. "Do you think you'll regret loving me... I mean, being in a relationship with me?" I needed to rephrase it so quick because I wasn't sure if he was in the same position I think... I already am.
Cupping my face in his hand, he tried to capture my eyes with his. And I gasped at how deep he was diving inside me. He always does that, but this time it was more intense. As if there was something else.
"You're one thing I'm certain of, and I've never been this certain in my life... Never, Ica."