I love you
愛してる
Aishiteru
AFTER Ran's announcement on TV that he and Eliana were engaged, Ran went to the hospital to get his back checked by a professional.
Eliana felt guilty if Ran didn't check his status first because she saw in her eyes that the young man had fallen hard.
"You don't need to worry, Ma'am. He's okay."
"Thank you, Doc," Eliana said and the doctor left Ran's room.
So she and Ran were just in the room as if they were in a staring contest. Eliana couldn't help but feel irked at being so worried about Ran. For that reason, Eliana pinched Ran's ear and glared at the young man. "Masyado ka kasing bida-bida, so you get doomed! What if you get injured, you won't be able to continue playing volleyball!"
"Eli . . ." Ran called him softly.
"Nande?" Eliana asked feeling annoyed.
"Don't get mad at me," Ran said, holding the lady's hand. "I'm just overwhelmed that I saw you at the arena. You can't blame me."
"Ran naman kasi!" Eliana said and she cried while hugging Ran and facing the young man again. "You know I worried . . . a lot! I know that it hurts. You were writhing in pain a while ago. You're just pretending that you are okay even though you won't!" Eliana said. "I let your family stay at the hotel, and my family also go back without me just to check you out. I feel nervous! I am worried Ran . . . You make me so worried. How many times that I told you to take care of your . . ."
Eliana could not continue to speak when Ran suddenly kissed the girl just to shut her up.
"Daijobou, daijobou, baby," Ran said while laughing as he touched Eliana's cheek and wiped away the tears. "I know that the reason why you don't watch our game is because you might get worried while I'm playing and get injured but I promised you, I'll take care of myself from now on. I do," Ran said. "I'll be staying here for a while. Mamamanhikan ako."
Eliana dropped her jaw and she said, "Eh?"
"Yes," Ran said with a smile. "Just trust me, Eli."
The next day, Ran's family went to Eliana's house on the way to Laguna for him to do a pamamanhikan, a Filipino tradition that needs to be done.
Many people are curious about Eliana, especially since there are a lot of marites in the sari-sari store. Some people took pictures of them with Ran, which is why Eliana was on guard because Eliana knew that they might even take advantage of the young man.
"After our families talk about our wedding. Can we go to my Aunt Mi? I will introduce you to her."Ran smiled and held Eliana's hand. "It's okay."
"I have mentioned to you before that she is the one who influenced me in my religion, right?" Eliana asked causing Ran to nod. "I will ask her permission too."
After that, the two entered Eliana's home. The marriage was being discussed by both parties and approved the marriage of the two partners.
"The wedding will be held in Japan and the Philippines," Ran said which surprised Eliana.
"Are you wasting your money on our wedding? The simple wedding will do," Eliana insisted. The girl doesn't want Ran to spend too much on their wedding. She insisted that more things would be done for their future and not just for the wedding.
"My dear Eli, I have prepared a lot during our cool-off," Ran said as he scratched his temple and Eliana looked at him so the young man agreed. "I expected that you would oppose so we're going to have the wedding in the Philippines."
Eliana's eyes widened again, not because she was against it but because Ran wanted the marriage to take place in the Philippines. "Are you damn sure?"
"I do," Ran said and held Eliana's hand. "I remembered the day I asked you before we got into a relationship, you told me that . . . "
"Eli, if ever you got married, where do you want to be held?"
"Ran, we're studying, the questions will be done later."
"E . . . li!" Ran insisted "I am lazy now can we study later?"
Eliana looked at Ran and said, "No!"
"Then answer my question first," pangungulit ni Ran.
Eliana rolled her eyes, preventing Ran from being knocked down. "Fine," Eliana said and thought carefully. Suddenly her eyes twinkled and said, "If ever I am going to marry one day, I want to get married to the place that has been close in my heart since then."
"So what do you mean?"
Eliana smirked and said, "One answer only, so let's continue to study."
Eliana remembered what she and Ran had talked about before. She didn't expect Ran to remember about it since they hadn't had a relationship at that time. Eliana smiles widely when she reminisces about those days.
"And you finally got an answer," Eliana said as she flashed a wide smile that was easily attracted to Ran.
"When do you guys want to be held a wedding?"
"May 29, 2029," Ran answered without hesitation, which is why Eliana couldn't help but shed tears.
"Th-That's when I got to know you . . ."
Eliana suddenly thought of the time she saw Ran's video on YouTube. It's nostalgic when she remembers the way she had a crush on Ran.
"Yeah, are you surprised?" Ran asked with a wide smile. She couldn't believe that the young man would put so much effort into her. "I told you, trust me."
"Hai!"
When the conversation became clear, Eliana and Ran went to Eliana's Aunt. Ran asked Eliana's Aunt for a blessing and was even more glad because she saw Ran in person.
"Just take care of my niece. She may be quiet but she's a caring person," Aunt Mi said. "And also don't forget about God."
After that, Eliana went with him to part ways, since Ran needed to go for his profession.
"Finally! You've engaged with my son!" Mrs. Takahashi said and hugged Eliana. "Ran needs to have a girl like you who will discipline him."
Eliana looked at Ran who was now hiding his face as if he had done something bad. "Mrs. Takaha . . ."
"You can call me Okaasan too," Mama Takahashi said.
Eliana's face turned red. "Okay, Okaasan," the girl said shyly. "I'm always wondering what his life would be like without me, Okaasan."
"He doesn't care about himself anymore and puts others before himself," Mama Takahashi revealed. "He's a changed man now as well, he learned how to organize his things now."
Eliana smiled broadly and said, "Sou ka, sou ka, Ran." At the same time, she looked at Ran, who was smiling strangely. "It seems like he doesn't do anything bad while I'm not around. That's good."
"Of course, I'm a good boy," Ran said, proud of being a good boy while Eliana was away.
"Not at all, you're sometimes mean to me, so I know that you're still not a good boy," Riri interrupted. "Just kidding!"
Eliana laughed and said goodbye to Ran's family so they could board the plane. Ran was left for a while to have a word with a lady.
"Eli, are you sure you want to stay here?" Ran asked. Eliana needed to stay in the Philippines because she had to work as a part-time instructor.
"My job is here in the Philippines so I can't go with you," Eliana said and held the young man's hand. "But I promised that I won't look for others and . . . it's time for me to wait for you. Besides, I will start to prepare for our wedding here and find where the best location is inside my locality."
"I promised that I would come back for you and prepare the things that I need as your groom and your future husband," Ran said while holding the girl's hand. "Mahal kita, Eli.""Aishiteru, Ran."
After that, Ran left for Japan and Eliana returned to her house. They have to separate for a while but keep in touch for the sake of their relationship. It's time to give an effort and do their best as a couple.
San Pablo City, Laguna; August 4, 2028
AFTER one week, both of them kept their touch and made an effort to talk. Eliana also talks to Ran's friends Kaito, Rikky, and Kanta to ensure that Ran is not doing anything wrong.
"I trust you guys, more than Ran," Eliana said jokingly, which made the three laugh. "Just kidding, I know that you already knew that I trust Ran."
"Yes we are, and we will update you if there is something that he does," Kanta said. "He is indeed in love with you and that was true."
Eliana smiled widely. "Thank you for your time!"
Ran also knows Eliana's free time and her class schedule.
Eliana was almost loaded with work but she managed to find a way to talk to Ran. Ran is also practicing for Paris 2029 since they were competing as a qualifier for the said event."Okay, now let's go to the next slide . . ."
Later, Ran suddenly called her and her students saw it because her laptop was connected to the television.
The girl was confused that's why she declined him. She was about to start discussing again when Ran suddenly called again.
"Ma'am, answer your call!" Her students said they were thrilled after all.
"Is it alright? I'll cover it first . . ."
"No need, Ma'am!"
Eliana was shy and said, "Give me three minutes." And Ran's call was answered on the laptop. "I'm in the class and my students are seeing you through my laptop. What do you need?"
"You didn't answer my call," Ran said.
"Because my phone is in my bag and I am in class! You already know about that! My students can see you, it's embarrassing."
Ran smiled and waved, "Konnichiwa! I'm Ran . . ."
"If that is what you want, then I'll end the call, you're disturbing me."
"It's an emergency call, Eli," Ran said. Eliana noticed that he was walking and wearing a hoodie and shades. "I am just asking . . ."
Everyone was surprised when the young man suddenly appeared in front of Eliana's classroom. "I am asking where the gym is in."
"What are you doing here?"
Eliana's class was in trouble, so in order not to disturb someone's class, Eliana knocked on the table and said, "I'm begging 1-A, don't be noisy. Nakakita lang kayo ng hapon, ganyan na kayo." That's why everyone was hushed. "Marc," Eliana called so Marc stood up. "Please take care of your classmates first, if I don't get back right away, take care of my things and put them on my table," Eliana said. "And 1-A, you have plus ten points with me in recitation if you remained quiet, understood?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
After that, Eliana pulled Ran out of the classroom. She also told her friends and co-teachers Eunice, Vincent, and Jennifer to take care of her class for a while. After that, Eliana hurried to walk while Ran followed the girl until they halted at the uncrowded stairs. "What are you doing here, Ran?"
"I was invited by the university to speak for students who possessed their talents in sports and encourage them to try," Ran said. "And I found you since your location is open."
"Fine," Eliana said and pointed the way to the gym.
Fortunately, the event had not yet started and they still had some time to talk in person. "Why didn't you tell me that you were invited?"
"Because it's a surprise! Besides I accepted the offer to see you."
Eliana touches her head. "I'm going to kick you to Japan! You still have the Olympics! You were guys having an intense match with USA for you to get qualified at the Paris 2029! I'm stressed out, about you! Ang hilig mong tumakas!"
"I make an excuse to Coach," Ran said and laughed as if he was teasing the girl.
"Excuse . . . again? Sarap mo talagang teplakan!" Eliana said as she touched her temples. "Anyways, I'm sorry for being like this. I just support your passion as a volleyball player. It's just that I'm indeed worried."
Thereafter, Jeremy suddenly came. Jeremy Rabaca is one of the part-time teachers at PLSP and he is one of the PE instructors who organized the event.
Ran stood next to Eliana to secure the lady and Jeremy couldn't help but chuckle. "Chill! I won't take El away from you!"
"I'm just making sure," Ran replied firmly.
Eliana, on the other hand, was unable to return to class because her section included those who would listen to the event.
"Courage and belief change the world, so it's time for you to move forward and believe in yourself so that it can change the world that we have today. Arigato gozaimasu for listening!"After that, the teachers and students took a picture with Ran and approached Eliana, since Eliana's class was over.
"You look so tired, Eli. Are you sure you're okay?" Ran said.
"I am damn exhausted Ran, my brain burnouts due to submission of my thesis," Eliana said. "Anyways, do you have something to do?"
"I asked the coach if I was able to have one day vacation with you," Ran said. "I badly want some time with you," he added.
Eliana looked at Ran. "Since we don't have a schedule tomorrow, it's okay," Eliana said and glared at Ran. "After this, don't run away Ran. You know that they need you. Ryujin Nippon will not be complete without the super spiker Takahashi."
Ran squeezed both of Eliana's cheeks while turning his face to the girl. "The way you compliment me, it's hard to resist kissing you, my lady."
Later, Jeremy suddenly approached so the two stopped their sweet moment. "Ran, can I have a word with you?"
Ran agreed and moved away from Eliana as Eliana waited at the bleachers.
"I'm sorry for making you confused about what happened before," Jeremy said. "It's just that I am pushing you to the limit if you were looking for another woman or if you want to stay with my friend."
"And it turns out that I stay with her," Ran said with a smile. "All of the things that happened in the past are just completely confusion without assurances and lack of communication. I don't blame you for causing that confusion but I thank you for doing that to me. That made me realize the worth of Eli in my life."
"Eliana got mad when she knew that I tested you," Jeremy said while laughing. "Yet she agreed to me because she believed that you would come back to her to pursue her. You know she had crushes but she wasn't ready to enter into a relationship and she became a fool to the point that she chased the men she liked. until she got tired. I remembered that she almost entered into a relationship because the person she had a crush on also liked her. But the will of God is not, it's a good thing because that's a bad boy."
Ran suddenly remembered about that. Ran was jealous because it happened, that he and Eliana would not be the end game, but Eliana made assurances to him and said, "Having rules in our household is a blessing in disguise. Everything has a reason, my love, you should put it not only in your mind but also in your heart."
"She did mention it to me before," Ran said and smiled. "But Eli chose not to enter the relationship because she's not ready. She was afraid that her family would find out and ruin the rule in their household that they should have a relationship after studying and having a stable job."
"That's an exact story," Jeremy said. "She followed the order of their household. An obedient and disciplined daughter."
"I ask," Ran said and became serious. "Did Eli pursue you?"
"No, she didn't," Jeremy answered. Ran believed that because Jeremy was sincere in what he was saying. "She only admitted the truth to me after graduation, but at that time she already had a crush on you. She can't help but to mention everything about you and she was happy that she had inspiration for writing because of you."
Ran smiled widely upon knowing that. Ran couldn't have a chance to ask about Jeremy because he was afraid that Eliana had deep feelings for Jeremy and the girl pursued her. Fortunately not.
"Thank you very much for talking with you. I am happy that everything was clear to both our parties. I also wanted you to be part of our wedding, come, you're invited."
"Congratulations on your engagement! I know that El is with the right guy."
After the conversation, Eliana left PLSP. Luckily, Ran brought Eliana's car so they didn't have to commute. Ran borrowed the car because before going to the university, he went to Eliana's house.
"Ayos lang po ba na gamitin ko muna? May pupuntahan po kasi kaming dalawa ni Eli, Tito," Ran said before he left carrying some of Eliana's things.
"Oo puwede basta huwag mong sirain at puwede mo akong tawaging tatay," Tatay Elme said making Ran happy. Ran knew that the commander in Cuevas was Eliana's father.
"Opo, Tatay," Ran said. "Una na po ako, Inay, Bebe, Tatay."
"Sige, ingat ka ah at sabihin mo kay Eliana magdala ng pasalubong."
"Yes po Inay."
Eliana facepalmed while Ran was telling them about it. "Pasalubong pa talaga ang inalala kaysa sa sariling anak. Saka hindi man lang nag-take care sa akin. Sabihin mo nga sa akin Ran, ikaw ba talaga ang anak nina Inay?"
"Maybe they'll just accept me as a son-in-law, don't pout, Eli," Ran said laughing as he drove.
"Wait, where are we going?" Eliana said. "Baka iligaw mo lang ako eh tapos ang ipagbenta sa mga sipay!"
Ran laughed, glancing at Eliana. "Eli, why don't you trust me instead, it's a surprise. Besides I already planned our one-day vacation before I even came here."
Eliana nodded and looked at the young man. "You always surprise me. I am thinking, how can I surprise you?"
"It's okay, Eli as long as you just stay with me . . . that's fine with me."
"Sou ka, sou ka!" Eliana said.
AFTER 8 hours of traveling, they arrived at the hotel where they were checking in. Eliana found out that they were in Vigan when she saw that they were at Hotel Luna.
"Damn! Ran!" Eliana said happily. "How this be possible?! Damn, you have so many surprises!"
"Of course my lady, you have to relax for a while! And I'm here to join you to relax."
"You remembered that I want to go here to Vigan! Damn, Ran! After we fix things, let's take a walk! I really wanna see Calle Crisologo!"
After things were settled, the two walked out. Fortunately, Ran was not noticed by his fans because he was wearing shades. The two walked and took pictures.
They also rode a carriage and Eliana felt the Hispanic culture here. An ancient place where historical events took place in the Philippines. Until they sat down at the empty tables. Observing the passing of people and the beauty of space.
"Vigan is one of the new 7 wonders cities in the world so it's mesmerizing to the point that I made an inspiration here! It's my first time to go here!"
"That's why I grab the chance to be a speaker for you to take a break. You're so exhausted and you couldn't grab a chance to take a break," Ran said while holding the girl's hand. "I talked to your parents and they approved that you will come to me just to rest for a while."
"You're so precious my baby," Eliana said as if her eyes lit up. "I am touched, I don't know what my surprise is. I think . . ." Eliana stopped and stared into Ran's eyes and kissed him and the young man was surprised. "It's better to kiss you as thanks and say that . . . I love you, Ran. I am so blessed that you were the guy that I prayed that became true. I love you so much, baby."
"I love you too, my lady, my Eli."