CHAPTER FIVE
Balisa akong nagising na wala sa tabi ko si Russle. Wala rin sa kwarto si Gotham. Nagmadali akong bumangon, mabilis kong nilibot ang kabuuan ng mansyon para hanapin ang dalawa.
May mga pagkakataong hindi pa rin ako panatag pagdating sa lagay ng kapatid ko kasama si Gotham.
They weren't every part of the mansion where I searched. Baka mapagod na naman ito ng masyado.
I waited for the two impatiently while cooking something in the kitchen. I took my annoyance out on the vegetables I cut. Namalayan ko na lang nakapagluto na ako ng breakfast.
Narinig ko ang paghagikhik ng kapatid ko patungong kusina. Buhat siya ni Gotham na maaliwalas din ang ekspresyon ng mukha, bahagyang pawisan ang kanyang noo. Wala rin itong bihis na pang-itaas. I figured they went out for a run.
Agad kong inirapan ang lalaki at kinuha ang kapatid ko mula sa kanya.
"Napagod ka ba? Russle, alam mo ang laging paalala ni ate..." My voice was firm trying to send the message to my little brother.
He just caressed my face with his little hand. "Hindi naman ako pagod, ate. Si kuya po ang nagbuhat sa akin, hindi niya ako pinatakbo saka naglakad lang kami. 'Wag na ikaw magalit. Lagi na lang nakakunot ang noo mo." Pinilit pa niyang ituwid ang aking noong nakakunot.
I felt Gotham's stare penetrating my insides. "Don't you trust me?" he asked with a little smirk.
"Hindi. Hindi ba obvious?" I rolled my eyes once again.
Russle laughed.
"Para kayong matandang mag-asawa. Ganyan din sina nanay Cynthia, laging sinusungitan niya raw ang asawa niya dati pero sweet din naman sila... Ate, nami-miss ko na si nanay Cynthia." Kumamot siya sa ulo at lumabi.
I sighed. Hinalikan ko ang kanyang noo at niyakap ng mahigpit. I don't know how to comfort him about her death, it's just a reality I couldn't protect him from. Wala akong ibang magawa kung hindi yakapin siya at patahanin tuwing nasasaktan.
Sometimes, I wish I have powers to shield him from the heartache of losing someone, but I'm no superhero.
"Sorry..." Kinagat ko ang aking labi.
"Hindi mo naman po kasalanan..." He hugged me back.
My heart tightened. I knew, for some reason, it was my fault. Dinala ko ang masamang kapalaran sa kanila. I was the bad luck and I couldn't undo things that already happened.
That's why I hate kind people, it makes me sympathize with them when my heart's supposed to be cold and unbothered. I'm only breathing for my little brother. Kailangan pa niya ako.
I fed them breakfast. Russle played with his toys in the living room afterwards. It was my time to corner Gotham. Natagpuan ko siya sa tapat ng fitness room. His mansion has different room for leisures. May sarili siyang gym sa kabuuan ng bahay.
Ngumisi siya agad ng masilayan ako. "Are you here for some sparring, sweetheart?"
Hindi ako sumagot. I took my time walking toward him. The moment I was inches away, I stopped and threw my first punch. He dodged without a second thought. Gotham's chuckles were heard across the room.
I attacked him several times. None of my punches came through. Gotham was fast avoiding every move I made. Hindi siya gumanti sa bawat subok kong saktan siya. Halakhak lang ang sinalubong nito sa akin.
Tumigil ako, habol ko ang aking hininga. Pawis na pawis ako.
"Short fuse..." He shook his head. "Damn, you're fucking aggressive. That's a good fucking exercise."
Inirapan ko siya. Sa inis ko, hinablot ko sa kanyang bulsa ang pakete ng sigarilyo at kumuha ng isang piraso. Sinindihan ko iyon sa harap niya.
"Tired?" He opened a cabinet and handed me a clean towel.
Imbes na tanggapin ko ang tuwalya, sinipa ko ang kanyang kamay na nakalahad. Muling lumipad ang kamao ko para suntukin siya sa panga. His move was swift to stop my fist midway.
Pinaikot niya ako at pinagkrus ang dalawang braso, tinabig niya ang sigarilyong hawak ko. He held me from behind, chuckling. I could feel his breath against my nape.
"Are you done?" He whispered huskily.
Sinipa ko ang precious jewels niya sa gitna. Lumuwag ang pagkakahawak niya sa akin, tuluyan niya akong nabitiwan. Rinig ko ang sunod - sunod niyang pagmumura. I just dropped to the floor and picked the cigarette.
I lied there, puffing smoke. "Stop taking my brother somewhere without telling me. I want to know he's safe all the time."
"He's safe with me, Filantropi. You don't have to worry about him being with me., I would protect that precious life with mine." Naupo rin siya sa sahig. "Is that why you're mad? Fuck, you hit my fucking balls for that?"
Umiling siya at nagsindi rin ng sigarilyo.
"Masakit?" I raised a brow. "Patingin nga kung masakit," seryoso kong saad.
He spat the cigarette out of his mouth. Pulam - pula ang kabuuan ng kanyang mukha.
"Fuck, are you even serious?"
Inirapan ko siya, bumuga ako ng usok ng sigarilyo.
Kinagat ko ang aking labi upang pigilan ang nagbabadyang pagngiti. I just made the dangerous man blush.
Dahan - dahan akong naupo. "All deals are honored if you honor mine. Let's have a truce." I sighed. Inilahad ko ang kamay ko.
Palagi namang may truce sa pagitan namin, ako lang ang bumabali roon.
"I don't break what I agreed upon,"
"Pero kapag nainis ako sa'yo, p'wede ko bang basagin ang mukha mo?" Tinaas ko ang isang kilay ko.
His face inched closer to me. He plastered a sarcastic, arrogant smirk on his lips. It was taunting. Nanghahamon ang kanyang ekspresyon. I wanted to wipe off that smirk so bad, and land my fist on his jaw.
"If you can, do it, then." He spoke arrogantly.
Mas lalo kong nilapit ang mukha kong hindi inaatrasan ang hamon niya. Hindi ako nagpatinag sa intensidad ng kanyang mga tingin.
"Gusto mo bang paduguin ko iyang napakasensitibo mong bola?" tanong ko sa kanya. "Don't try my patience, Gotham. Baka hindi mo kayanin." I only told him the truth. Masyado akong pikon para sa mga katarantaduhan niya.
Mas lalong lumaki ang ngisi niya. "I would take all your punches just for a kiss. Damn, you bewitched me with that feisty attitude."
Mukhang na-sense niya ang sunod kong gagawin, humalakhak itong lumayo sa akin. Binawi niya ang ilang pulgada ang layo mula sa akin.
"Napipikon na ako sa'yo!" Inambahan ko siya ng isang kamao.
"Come on, get me."
I launched forward to give him a lecture. Pareho kaming natumba sa carpeted floor, pumaibabaw ako sa kanya. He was laughing while trying to avoid my blows by shielding himself with his arms.
Without exerting much effort, he went on top of me. I struggled to free myself from his grip. Ako naman itong nasa ilalim niya.
"How does it feel losing to me?" mayabang niyang turan. "What a scenery, huh. It feels good to be on top of you."
I glared at him. "Isa pang---"
"Kuya! Ate!" It was Russle. "Gumagawa ba kayo ng baby?" inosenteng tanong ng kapatid ko.
"Russle!" Gotham let go of me.
Tinulungan niya akong tumayo sa pagkakahiga sa sahig. My brother was eyeing us with curiosity. Hawak pa niya ang isang puzzle na binili ni Gotham.
Napakamot siya sa ulo. "Bakit po, ate?"
"Saan mo natutunan iyon?" I asked.
Sinulyapan ko si Gotham at binigyan ng masamang tingin. Kanino pa ba niya matutunan ang mga ganoong bagay? Of course, it would be him. Siya ang bad influence sa kapatid ko.
Kumunot ang kanyang noo. "Doon po sa lalaki sa baba, hinahanap po si kuya bayaw. Sabi niya baka raw gumagawa kayo ng baby. Ate, paano po ba ginagawa ang baby?" Naghahanap ng kasagutan ang kanyang mga mata.
I was stunned. Hindi ako makapag-isip ng tamang sagot. He's a little kid, I don't want to ruin his innocence this early. I want him to be informed when he could digest that kind of knowledge already.
Lumapit sa kanya si Gotham. "Who's looking for me, little man?"
Russle pouted. "Ang hirap naman bigkasin ng pangalan niya kuya bayaw. Basta po singkit siya."
Nakahinga ako ng maluwag ng sa iba mabaling ang kanyang atensyon. Gotham was quick to divert his attention from asking more questions I don't know how to answer.
Nauna na ang dalawang bumaba sa unang palapag ng mansyon. I took my time to compose myself. Nanginginig ang aking tuhod. Nanlalambot din ang kabuuan ko.
Fuck Gotham, what did he do to me?
***
Several gentlemen were in Gotham's mansion. They were probably discussing about business. Sa malayo pa lang, amoy ko na ang panganib mula sa kanila. The Chinese man spotted me.
Russle was playing beside him. Nakuha ko rin ang atensyon niya sa biglaang pagdating ko. Ngumiti ang kapatid ko.
"Ate ko 'yan, may boyfriend na 'yan siya," bulong niya sa katabing lalaki.
The guy just smirked. Hindi umalis ang mga mata nitong nakatuon sa akin.
"Boyfriend pa lang pala. Asawa nga naaagaw, kasintahan pa kaya?" He chuckled.
Wala pang ilang segundo, may lumipad na bagay sa uluhan nito. Nasambot naman agad ng lalaki. Gotham had that dangerous stare on the guy. Mas lalong tumawa ito.
"Big boy, sinong mas gusto mo sa amin... ako o si Gotham para sa kapatid mo?" he asked my brother.
Tumaas ang kilay kong pinagmasdan ang dalawa. "Si kuya bayaw, nag-promise siya sa akin, aalagaan niya ang ate ko kapag..." he stopped what he was about to say and glanced at me, something pinched my heart.
Alam ko naman ang tinutumbok niya kahit hindi niya sabihin. It won't happen.
He will live long... longer than mine.
"Saka playboy ka naman, baka saktan mo lang ang ate ko."
"Hey, kid!" maktol nito sa kapatid ko. Pinisil niya ang pisngi ni Russle. "I'm not! I'm not Centauri, iyon ang playboy. Hindi ako. Ang dami mo namang nalalaman."
Tumayo ito, hinarap niya ako. He offered his hand for a handshake. Tinitigan ko lang iyon at hindi tinanggap. Wala akong interes sa kanya.
"Xu Jianyu at your service." He winked.
Russle walked toward me. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko.
"'Wag ka r'yan, ate. Playboy 'yan siya. Saka may kuya bayaw na ako."
Hinarang niya ang sarili niya sa pagitan namin noong Jianyu. I just shook my head and carried Russle.
"Kanino mo naman natutunan iyong playboy na salita?" bulong ko sa kanya.
Humagikhik lang ito at yumakap sa akin. Sumandal siya sa aking balikat.
"Pagod ka ba?" Marahan siyang umiling.
""He's sick," Jianyu stated.
"He is. He needs operation," sumabat si Gotham. "He's scheduled already."
Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa. I was readying myself for that time. Hindi ko pa rin magawang ihanda ang sarili ko. When it comes to Russle's safety, nothing could prepare me for what's about to happen.
We are headed to the States the following week for Russle's operation. Trinabaho na iyong lahat ni Gotham para sa kapatid ko. My brother seemed to be happy and lively. Ako naman ang hindi mapakali.
Natatakot ako. Natatakot ako sa magiging kahihinatnan ng operasyon. All I'm hoping for is my brother to be better.
Hinihiling kong pagkatapos ng operasyon niya, maging normal na ang takbo ng kanyang buhay. No more restrictions and he can play every time he wants and eat a bit of the food he has been missing since he was born.
Muling bumaba si Russle, nakisalamuha siya sa iba pang mga kaibigan ni Gotham. They are dangerous people, I could tell. But when it comes to the sick child, they were gentle.
"What's the catch? Gotham wouldn't do that without asking for anything in return."
Ngumisi ako. "I'm marrying him..." I dropped the truth bomb.
Itinaas ko pa ang aking kamay para ipakita ang singsing na suot ko.
I'm marrying him for my brother. He's marrying me, for what? For his own reasons. Kailangan niya ng asawa. We both have to marry each other to fulfill the needed part.
As long as Russle will be fine, I'm good.
His eyes widened with the news with expression so comical. Para hindi siya makapaniwala sa balita. And it was the last thing he expected.
"Damn, I'm fearing marriage more than guns and death." Napailing siya.
"Your future wife will be the cause of your death," I commented.
"As if I will marry. Not in this lifetime." He just shrugged and went back to play with my brother.
Naiwan akong nakasulyap sa gawi nila. Hindi na ako nakigulo, they were enough to entertain Russle. Nahagip ng mga mata ko si Gotham na sa direksyon ko nakatingin, pinagtaasan ko siya ng kilay.
He just winked.
Tanga.
***
"Ano na naman?"
I was in his weaponry when he barged in. Malalim na ang gabi, hindi pa rin ako dinadalaw ng antok. Russle was already asleep in the room. He was breathing nicely on the monitor I have with me.
Nagpalipas ako ng oras sa weaponry ng mansyon ni Gotham. It was an enormous room specifically built for weapons and armory. I just found it on the rooms Russle wasn't allowed to go.
Hindi naman ako ang kapatid ko. I can explore his mansion without asking for his permission. The dagger feels light in my fist.
"I'm looking for you," he said.
Itinaas niya ang kamay niya habang papasok ng weaponry. "You're not thinking to cut my balls with that, aren't you?" He chuckled sexily.
"'Wag mo akong bigyan ng ideya, baka nga kapunin kita ng wala sa oras." I rolled my eyes.
"Don't. How can we make babies, then?"
Kumulo na naman ang dugo ko sa narinig. I aimed the weapon and threw it at his direction which he easily dodged with an annoying smirk plastered on his face. Dinampot niya ang dagger at naglakad papalapit sa akin.
"Ang init ng ulo pagdating mo sa akin. Just to show I'm your favorite, huh. You don't give that same treatment to others, just for me. I felt special, sweetheart." saad niyang nakapamulsa.
"Whatever helps to make you sleep at night. What do you even need?" Kinunutan ko siya ng noo.
May inilabas siyang envelope, iniabot niya iyon sa akin. I opened the envelope that contained an invitation for a party.
"You have to go with me as my date," he stated.
It wasn't a question. It was a demand from him.
Muli kong binasa ang imbitasyon pati ang dress code na hinihingi. "Can't you rent a woman to go with you? Wala akong alam sa mga party party ng mayayaman. I'm not going to fit."
"I don't care, you have to be my date. You're my fiancee, remember?"
Nag-iwas ako ng tingin. "I don't have something to wear."
"Hm, is that the only reason why you don't want to go? You don't have to worry. I'll buy a boutique of dresses for you." Walang alinlangan niyang sabi.
If throwing money is a sport, I'm sure Gotham would win the tournament.
"Tanga mo, isa lang naman ang kailangan ko." Kinagat ko ang aking pang-ibabang labi.
"Don't you want choices to choose from?" He raised a brow. "It's done, I'll take care of it."
Hindi na ako sumagot, bahala na siya sa buhay niya tutal pera naman niya iyon. It's not mine to have a say with what he does with it.
"Aren't you going to sleep?" Umiling ako. "Can't sleep?"
I nodded. "I'm worried about Russle," seryoso kong sinabi.
I grabbed another set of knives and threw them one by one at the target. They all landed in the bull's eye.
"He's just like you. Russle is a fighter. I like that kid so much... I would snatch him away from death if possible. He will fight for you, Fili. He surely will." He tried to appease my anxious heart. Kumamot siya sa ulo. "Fuck, what a lame comfort. Do you want to drive downtown?"
Hinarap ko siya, pinagkrus ko ang aking braso sa tapat ng dibdib ko. "With your fancy car? Ayoko nga."
"You can choose what vehicle you want to ride," he shrugged. "Let's go."
Hinatak niya ang kamay ko patungo sa labas ng weaponry. I stopped.
"Paano si Russle?"
"He's monitored, sweetheart. Trust me on this one."
Itinarak ko ang aking mata, masyado yatang nagiging komedyante si Gotham nitong mga nakaraang araw.
"We're just getting married, but I don't trust you."
He smirked. "Whatever floats your boat." Hinawakan niyang muli ang kamay ko, nagpatianod lang ako sa kanya.
We entered his garage full of different cars. Mas malaki pa sa dati naming apartment ang kanyang garahe. Nakakalula tingnan ang iba't ibang klase ng sasakyan. I'm sure, I could be a millionaire by selling the spare parts of his sports car.
"P'wede ko bang nakawin ang isa?" pabiro kong tanong.
In that case, jokes are half meant. He knew me. Sa ganitong landas kami nagpanagpong dalawa. It wasn't like I used the money in vain. I saved it up for Russle's operation and treatment.
Humiwalay ako sa kanya, pinadapo ko ang aking mga palad sa hood ng isang Lamborghini.
I like cars. I like cars that I can steal.
Humalakhak si Gotham sa tabi ko. His hand also traced the hood of the car I was touching. Tumikhim siya.
"Do you want it?" seryoso niyang tanong.
"It doesn't matter if I want it if you won't let me steal it." Tumawa ako.
Pinagpag ko ang aking kamay. I eyed the most unfancy car in his garage. Iyon ang napili kong sakyan namin. I don't want to attract attention. Baka makapang-holdap ako sa gilid, pero mas mahal pa iyong kotseng sinakyan ko kaysa sa nadelensya kong pera.
"Why steal, sweetheart? I can buy you any car that you want, just say so. You're marrying me, and I have the money to spoil you."
"Ano ba talagang agenda mo? Naggagamitan lang tayo rito, Gotham. Stop with the act." Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata. Itinuro ko ang napili kong sasakyan. "Iyon ang gusto ko."
"Hindi ka sure." Kumindat siya bago nagpatiuna sa kotse.
I was left there looking at his back. Nilingon niya ako ng makarating siya sa lumang sasakyan. Sumandal pa siya rito at kumaway.
Sumunod ako sa lalaki. I opened the passenger seat. Siya ang nasa driver seat para magmaneho. He started the engine. A few moments later, we are already driving in the main road.
Hindi ko alam kung saan ang destinasyon, kusa lang akong sumama sa kanya.
Maybe, to let off some steam of the anxiety I have been feeling since the beginning of time. I had no one to talk to about my struggles. I have to mask my emotions to look brave in front of my brother and I could barely recognize my emotions.
In times like this, I'm feeling more like a human, not just a programmed criminal ready to do whatever it takes to survive and be able to afford my brother's heart operation.
Huminto ang sasakyan sa isang night market. The place was filled with different food stalls and other businesses. I spotted the place and saw an opportunity to annoy Gotham. Mayaman siya, siguradong hindi siya pamilyar sa pagkain.
"Tara," I glanced at him.
His eyes were looking outside. Wala siyang imik na bumaba ng sasakyan.
"Can't we go to another place? Do they even accept cards?" Kunot na kunot ang kanyang noo.
"Hindi. Barya lang ang tinatanggap dito."
Kinuha niya ang wallet, mukhang tiningnan ang dalang cash. Nakakahawak pa ba siya ng totoong pera maliban na lang sa baryang binigay ko noon?
Kinapa ko ang bulsa ko, wala rin akong dalang pera. Nagmasid ako sa paligid. I looked around to see whom I can victimize for the night. Tama yata ang hinuha kong makakapang-holdap ako ngayong gabi.
Namataan ko ang isang babae at lalaki sa hindi kalayuan. Mukhang lasing na ang lalaki. It was making the woman felt uncomfortable based on her expression. Bahagya ring gumagalaw ang kamay nito sa iba't ibang maselang parte ng babae.
"Ako na ang bahala," I told Gotham.
He looked at me, confused.
I didn't answer his questioning eyes. Mabilis ang mga hakbang kong nagtungo sa target ko. Inakbayan ko ang lalaki, pinisil ko ang kanyang puwetan at ngumisi ng nakakaloko.
He jolted seeing me, at the same time, his interest shifted.
Nang magtama ang paningin ko sa babae, naluluha na ang kanyang mata. She looked afraid. Tinanguan ko ang babae. I signaled her to go and leave the man with me. Hindi naman iyon napansin ng lalaking sa akin na nakatuon ang atensyon.
"Ang ganda naman ng gabi ko..." Agad kong naamoy ang alak sa kanyang bibig.
It didn't smell nice. Bad breath pa ang gago.
I smiled sweetly. "Pero mapapaganda mo ang gabi ko kung ibibigay mo sa akin ang wallet mo. Holdap 'to, boy." May itinutok akong kutsilyo sa kanyang tagiliran. I stole it at the weaponry.
Tumawa ang gunggong. Akala yata nagbibiro ako.
"Ikaw... holdap..?"
Itinaas ko ang kutsilyong hawak, doon lang nanlaki ang kanyang mga mata.
"Baka hindi lang holdap, baka laslas tagiliran. Gusto mo ba iyon?"
Para siyang batang sunod - sunod na umiling. Nanginginig ang kanyang kamay na humugot sa bulsa. Lalong lumawak ang ngiti ko at tinapik ang kanyang balikat.
"Masunurin naman pala, iyan ang mga tipo ko. Hindi tayo magkakatalo." Sumipol ako.
He gave me his wallet. Hinatak ko rin ang kuwintas niyang suot. Binuklat ko ang wallet niyang may ilang lilibuhing laman.
P'wede na rin. Hindi na lugi.
I stared at him once again, it was a threat. A warning from me.
"Sa susunod na may guluhin kang babae, hindi lang ito ang aabutin mo."
Sumenyas akong gigilitan ko ang leeg niya gamit ang kutsilyo. His eyes widened with fear. Ramdam ko ang panginginig ng kanyang kabuuan.
"Naiintindihan mo ba?" I asked coldly.
The man nodded several times. "Opo! Opo! 'Wag mo lang akong saktan!"
Hihintayin ko pa sanang umihi sa salwal ang lalaki, pero nang mapagawi ang tingin ko kay Gotham, he was already giving me a death glare. Na-bore na yata ito sa tayo niya.
Itinulak ko ito ng malakas. He almost stumbled, but got up fast to run away from me. I let out an evil laugh. Pinanood ko lang ito kung paano kumaripas ng takbo papalayo sa akin. It was quite entertaining to watch.
Bumalik ako sa tayo ni Gotham na magkasalubong ang dalawang kilay. Iwinagayway ko ang wallet na nakulimbat mula sa lalaki.
"May gagastusin na tayong pera," pagmamalaki ko.
Sa halip na purihin niya ako, hinigit niya ang palad ko at nilagyan ng maraming alcohol.
"Your hands are dirty..." Sumama ang panlasa ko. I tried to withdrew my hand from his grip, he didn't let me. "For holding another male species," dugtong niya sa paunang salita.
Hinayaan ko siyang linisin ang kamay ko. I thought he would criticize me in my line of work. I know what I'm doing. I know all the bad things I did. I just don't want to hear the truth from someone.
When my hands became dry with all the alcohol he poured, he intertwined our fingers together. Ako naman ang humila sa kanya sa mga stalls ng pagkain. I was salivating with the street foods. Medyo matagal na rin ng huling nakatikim ako.
"Manong, bente pesos pong kikiam at fishball. Saka limang pirasong kwek-kwek." I also bought siomai, shawarma, corn dog, some barbecue and pieces of chicken. Pinabitbit ko iyong lahat kay Gotham.
Humanap ako ng upuan. We settled down in the corner.
"Let's eat. Na-miss ko ang mga ganitong pagkain. I have been eating what my brother is eating so I could share with his struggles. It made me feel so guilty eating something he couldn't." I bit my lower lip.
Kinuha niya ang stick at nagsimulang tumusok ng mga sari - saring street food sa mesa. Pinagmasdan ko siya habang kumakain. I wanted to extract his real emotions by watching him, but he was just giving me a deadpan look.
"Ano, masarap?" My forehead creased. Hindi ko mabasa ang ekspresyon niya. "Akala ko kailangan pa kitang subuan para lang kumain."
"Iba 'yong gusto kong ipasubo sa'yo..." Ayan na naman ang ngisi niyang nakakaloko.
Iniumang ko sa kanya ang barbecue stick na hawak ko. "Gusto mong tusukin ko 'yang mga mata mo?" I threatened.
"Tusok?" makahulugan niyang tanong.
Sinipa ko ang kanyang paa sa ilalim ng mesa.
"Ouch, sweetheart. You're hurting me." He said in a teasing voice.
Napapalingon sa gawi namin ang ilang katabing table. A bunch of women were definitely glaring in my direction. He waved his hand to grab my attention.
"Eat. Enjoy the food you missed for a long time without feeling guilty."
Tumusok siya ng isang siomai. Nagpabalik - balik ang tingin ko sa kanya at sa siomai na nasa harap ko. In the end, I chose to eat the siomai he was giving me. It tasted so nostalgic.
I started to eat on my own. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang pananabik sa bawat subo ng pagakin.
"The food was nice," Gotham commented after finishing a pack of shawarma rice.
"Nice lang? Ubos mo nga, eh." Inginuso ko ang walang lamang plastic cups.
He just grinned. "This is your kind of date, huh? I enjoyed it so much, Fili."
I kicked his foot under the table once again. He just let out a teasing "ouch" that attracted women on the other table.
"Tanga, hindi ito date. And this is your idea!" I hissed.
Napatigil ako ng hawakan niya ang aking mukha. An intense electricity collided in my body. Before I could slap his hand, I felt his thumb on my lips. It was slowly tracing my lower lip.
He showed me a bit grains of what I ate. Napairap naman ako. Hindi na lang nagbigay ng tissue para punasan ko ang amos sa gilid ng aking labi.
"Hindi ba p'wedeng mag-date ang magiging mag-asawa?" He asked huskily.
Nag-init ang aking pisngi.
"Kung gusto mong abutin pa ang kasal ng buhay, umayos ka, Gotham. Hindi ako natutuwa sa'yo." Itinutok kong muli ang stick sa kanya.
Humalakhak lang siya at tumayo. Inilahad niya ang kamay sa akin.
I stared at him for several seconds. He patiently waited for me to accept his hand.
Nagsimulang magharumentado ang mga daga sa dibdib ko...