Warning 🔞: Read at you own risk!
Ang kabanatang ito ay RATED SPG striktong patnubay at gabay ng mata ang kailangan dahil may maseselang jugjugan, plokplokan, ungolan, kalmutan, laspagan at bukahan na hindi angkop sa mga mambabasa.
"HI. GOOD MORNING, nandiyan ba si Zheorem?"
Umangat ang tingin ni Aespa at nabigla nang makita niya 'yong babae sa hospital. Ito 'yong babaeng tumawag ng 'Baby' sa Boss niya. Pansin niyang medyo may kakaiba rito.
"Nasa office niya lang po siya, ma'am," magalang na sagot niya, hindi pinansin ang kaibahan ng kilos nito.
"What's your name, by the way?" Paranoia questioned after nodding.
"I am Aespa Davino po, Ma'am."
Para nodded again with a smile this time. "I'm Paranoia Amor. "Thanks again for taking care of Zheorem that day."
She paid her a tight smile. Bakit pa kailangan i-remind? Hindi nga siya thankful na inalagaan ko siya. Tsk.
"Sure, ma'am."
Paranoia walked off after they talk. Tiningnan niya ang bulto nito bago naupo muli sa swivel chair. Shit. Bakit parang na-i-insecure ako pag nandiyan siya?
"Ang pangit naman ng pakiramdam na ito." Bulong niya sa sarili.
Palihim niyang hinugot ang selpon niya at sinubukang i-stalk si Paranoia. Napatingin-tingin muna siya sa paligid kung may mga ibang ka-trabaho ba siyang dumadaan o tumitingin at noong makita na wala ay nagpatuloy siya.
She searched Paranoia Amor on the search tab. Madami ang lumabas na pangalan sa fb pero may nakita siya doon na isang verified kaya 'yon ang pinindot niya.
Sa profile pa lang na nakita niya kay Paranoia ay parang gusto niya na lang na 'wag ituloy ngunit iba ang gusto ng daliri niya. She tapped the 'photos' of Paranoia.
Scroll nang scroll siya doon hanggang mayroong dumaang picture na kasama si Zheorem.
"He really looks kind and innocent when he smiles," she murmured quietly. "Hindi ko pa siya nakikitang gan'yan ngumiti sa personal." Because his Boss always has this stoic and stern look.
Umangat ang tingin niya at napaisip-isip. May namamagitan kaya sa kanila ni Miss Paranoia?
Sinampal niya ang sarili. "Malamang, Aespa. Tinawag nga nitong 'Baby' si Zheorem eh."
Zheorem is very secretive one. Wala siya masyadong alam sa personal na bagay-bagay tungkol sa boss niya maliban na lang sa favorite color nito na blue at pagiging fuck boy nito.
Bumagsak ang balikat niya bago tumuon ulit sa selpon. Habang palalim nang palalim ang scroll niya, palaki nang palaki naman ang simangot niya.
From the photos itself, alam niya nang sobrang close ng dalawa at dahil do'n, may hindi maipaliwanag na bagay ang pumukaw sa kaniya.
Walang bahid na kayumian niyang nilapag ang selpon sa desk bago napasandal sa swivel chair.
She clicked her tongue. Photos of what she discovered earlier were circulating around her head. Na-stress siya dahil do'n at hindi siya mapakali kung ano ang tunay na relasyon ng boss niya at ni Paranoia.
I must know the truth between them.
Maingat at tahimik niyang tinahak ang opisina ng boss niya. Her legs were wobbly and her hands were slightly shaking because of an unknown reason.
"Ahh- aray, dahan-dahan lang Z," Paranoia groaned.
Bigla at bahagyang umurong ang hakbang ng mga paa niya nang marinig iyon. Napahawak siya sa dingding at sinubukang pakinggan ang ginagawa ng dalawa.
Don't tell me-
"Hindi tayo matatapos dito kung dahan-dahanin ko, Para," Zheorem whispered silently.
The office door was slightly opened just enough for their voices to be heard by her. Both of them clearly don't want to make any loud noises. Tila pinipigilan nito ang mga sarili na may makarinig.
Aespa did not notice she curled her fist as she continued to eavesdrop on the two's conversation.
"M-Masakit, Z," Paranoia said, wincing from the pain she got.
"Shh. The pain will fade right away. Don't worry, I got you," Zheorem assured Para.
Her other hand was covering her mouth in disbelief. I really can't believe you, Zheorem. I can't forgive you.
"Ohhhh!"
Hindi niya pinatapos kung ano man ang pinaggagawa ng dalawa dahil umalis na siya. Hindi niya kayang isikmura lalong-lalo na si Zheorem. He's really getting worse each day.
Bumalik siya sa kaniyang desk hindi para magtrabaho kundi tumunganga lang sa kawalan. Hanggang ngayon ay nakarolyo pa rin ang mga palad niya na halos babaon na ang kuko niya sa balat, subalit hindi niya pa rin namamalayan 'yon.
"AESPA!"
She was pulled out from the void of her mind when she heard her Boss' voice. Agad napadpad ang mata niya sa matangkad na pigura ni Zheorem.
"S-Sir?" Nauutal niyang tugon rito.
Zheorem's hand was on his side, his eyes were fixedly held for her as if curious of something and his face was not happy at all.
"Did you know na kanina pa ako tumatawag sa'yo mula sa opisina? I've been calling the telephone and your phone over and over. What were you doing and why are you spacing out and doing nothing?" Zheorem was clearly furious and disappointed.
"I'm sorry, Sir. Something just happened." Tinago muna niya ang inis niya.
Zheorem sighed before removing his hand on his side. He stands straightly before asking, "Tell me." His face was stoic, but just a façade.
"It's really none of your business, Sir. Sorry."
Nanliit ang mata ni Zheorem sa kaniya ngunit binayaran niya lang ito ng plastic na ngiti. "If you excuse me, Sir. Magtatrabaho na ako ulit."
Zheorem was slightly taken aback from Aespa's strange behavior but he remained calm and just let her be. "Come with me. We're going somewhere."
"Huh, bakit ako?" Tumabingi bahagya ang ulo niya. She was deeply looking into his flawless face. Kanina pa niyang gustong sampalin ito.
"Bakit hindi ikaw?" Zheorem fired back.
She was caught off guard as her heart was pacing hard. Seryoso naman ngayon nakatingin si Zheorem sa kaniya habang nakatiim ang bagang. But she didn't wavered.
"Bakit hindi si Miss Paranoia ang yayain mo?" Hindi maitago sa boses niya ang inis marahil sa nangyari kanina sa pagitan nang dalawa.
"Ikaw ang gusto kong isama."
Iniwas niya ang tingin rito dahil sa hindi maipaliwanag na dahilang bigla na lang kasing naghuhuramentado ang puso niya. Kinabahan siya bigla at tila naging isang pipi.
"Let's go. We have to fetch someone." Nauna nang naglakad si Zheorem at hindi na hinintay na makasagot siya. Mga ilang minuto pa bago niya sinundan ito sa sasakyan.
"Sinong susunduin natin?" Tanong niya. Kanina niya pa tinatanong 'yon pero hindi ito sumasagot sa kaniya. Ang naka-shades nitong mukha ay hindi bumabaling sa kaniya.
She knew Zheorem heard her clear but he's acting as if he wasn't. Napa-ikot na lang ang mata niya at itinuon ang atensyon sa labas. "Ewan ko sa'yo.".
"We're here," Zheorem announced as he parked the car in front of an apartment. "Stay here. Don't do something crazy." He shut the door then left her.
Kalmado lang siyang naghintay sa loob hanggang sa makabalik ito pero dala na si Treasure na masayang hawak-hawak ang kamay ni Zheorem.
Her eyes lit up as she stared upon Treasure.
"Do you have all your things inside your bag?" Asked Zheorem when they got inside the car.
"Yes, Uncle ZZ."
"Hi, Treasure! It's been a while," She spoke excitedly when Treasure didn't notice her presence from the backseat.
Treasure was caught by surprise. "Hi, Miss Ae. Sama ka rin po sa pasyal namin ni Uncle ZZ?"
Napadpad ang tingin niya kay Zheorem, naghahanap ng sagot rito ngunit umiwas ito ng tingin sa kaniya at pinaandar lang ang sasakyan.
Akala ko sinama niya ako dahil trabaho ang rason pero papasyal lang pala?
"Bakit? Saan ba kayo papasyal ni Uncle ZZ mo?" She asked Treasure instead, wanting to find out.
"Sa playground po," Treasure answered.
She nodded carefully before her eyes shot upon Zheorem.
"Stop the car, Zheorem." Her voice changed. She crossed her arms.
"No. Why?"
"Kay Treasure ako tatabi. Sa backseat," ungot niya lang.
"No, dito ka lang sa akin. Ako ang tabihan mo."
Kahit tumatalon na sa kaba ang puso niya ay hindi siya nagpatinag. "You'll stop the car or tatalon ako palabas?"
Zheorem slowed down the speed then immediately hold her hand. "Dito ka lang. Treasure will adjust instead."
Bolta-boltaheng kuyente ang naramdaman niya nang magtama ang balat nilang dalawa, ilalayo at iiwas pa sana niya ang kamay niya ngunit pinagkislop ni Zheorem ang mga ito kaya mas labis ang mga kuryente na lumitaw.
Tinigil ni Zheorem ang sasakyan bago nilingon si Treasure. "Lipat ka dito sa harapan. Sa gitna ka lang dumaan."
But Treasure was looking at them with a cheeky face. "Paano po ako dadaan kung mga kamay niyo po ay magka-holding hands sa gitna?"
"Ohh."
Zheorem don't really want to let go of Aespa's hands but he forced himself to. He was disappointed when Aespa harshly pulled out from his hold.
Lumipat na si Treasure sa harapan at kumandong ito sa kaniya. "You smell really nice, Miss Ae."
"So as you." She shuffled Treasure's hair.
"You really don't have to tell her that, Treasure," Zheorem butt in.
Treasure slightly punched his Uncle. "Why, Uncle? Are you jealous?"
"Why would I be jealous?" Zheorem frowned.
Treasure continued, "Kasi hindi ka mabango?"
Namilog ang mata niya at nagulat sa narinig. She tried to suppress her laugh but she lost it. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA"
Nakipag-apir siya kay Treasure dahil sa sinabi nito but to Zheorem's perspective, tumiim ang bagang nito at tila nawalan ng gana. Hindi nagsalita si Zheorem sa kanila kahit hanggang maabot na nila ang playground. He was silent the whole time and did not even entertain them.
"Miss Ae, sa slide lang po ako ha?" Treasure asked for permission.
"Sure pero huwag masyadong malikot ha? We're watching you." She stated after she witness Zheorem walking towards the bench.
Sinundan niya ito at tinabihan. "Still sulking, Mr. Z'Montemayor?" She slightly slapped his shoulder. "C'mon, Treasure is just a child. He was joking."
"I'm not sulking," Zheorem admitted. There's still a frown on his face.
"Then, what are you doing here? Gala niyo 'to ni Treasure, dapat sinasamahan mo siya." Tinanaw niya si Treasure sa isang slide at natuwa siya nang may mga bata agad itong nakahalobilo at nakaibigan.
"Parang maling desisyon na sinama kita." Nabaling ang tingin ni Zheorem sa kaniya.
She evilly laughed inside her head. "Oo, maling desisyon na sinama mo ako kaya endure it. Your fault, your regret."
"Nagseseselos ako."
Tila nawala ang pandinig niya sa sinabi ni Zheorem. "Anong sabi mo?" Pagkokompirma niya.
"Sabi ko napaka-bossy mo."
Her face scrunched. 'Yon ba sabi niya? Bakit parang humaba iyong sinabi niya sa una?
Iniling niya na lang ulo at nilapat ang matagumpay na ngiti. "I know, right? You should always take note of that."
For some reason, Zheorem's lips secretly curved upwards even though her statement is not for smile to begin with. "Hayst. You really are different from the other girls."
"Because they are girls and I'm a woman," she replied proudly.
Magsasalita pa sana siya ngunit nang bigyan niya ng tingin si Zheorem ay hindi na ito nakatingin sa kaniya kundi sa isang magpamilyang masayang naglalaro sa isang seesaw. From the looks of it, the family can't hide the stretched smiles on their face, it was radiating and influencing kind of smile that also brought a grin to her.
Pero nahulog pagkatapos ang tingin niya sa kamao ni Zheorem na ngayon nakakuyom na.
"Is something wrong?"
Inimuwestra niya ang kamay sa braso ni Zheorem, to pull him out of his trance. She heard him exhale a very deep breath. Mahigpit na napakapit ang kamay nito sa dulo ng bench.
Marahan niyang inunat ang kamay at inilagay sa kamay ni Zheorem, she doesn't want to scare him but he flinched a bit when he felt her hand on his.
"Sorry." Umiwas ang tingin nito sa pamilya at bumalik na ulit sa kaniya.
"You can tell me if you want." she smiled a bit while she slightly rubbed his fist, trying to calm his nerves.
Zheorem returns her smile but it looks unhappy. Napatungo ito sa kamay nilang dalawa na hinahagod pa rin niya. She never let go, she held and rubbed his hands calmly instead. Doon lang nakatingin si Zheorem.
"I-... I don't have a complete family," Zheorem opened up after a moment. His breath got heavy as that phrase slipped from his mouth. "I don't have a Mom."
Tinanaw muli nito ang pamilya at masakit ngumiti roon. "She cheated on my dad multiple times and I know how long she's been doing it. I was 13 years old at that time but I kept my mouth shut because I love her so much. Hindi ko rin sinabi sa dad ko dahil takot ako na masaktan siya kaya pinili ko na lang manahimik."
Humugot ng sobrang lalim na hininga si Zheorem bago nagpatuloy. "My Mom…" Zheorem gritted his teeth. "Although she didn't show any love to me in my 13 years because she always acted cold towards me, I still kept my silence, I still cared for her, I even still show my love to her. But when she started fighting violently against my dad, hate grew inside me. Pinagbubuhatan niya si Dad ng kamay at ang Dad ko hindi pumapalag... One year, I witnessed that repeating scenario. My mom vanished in a thin air after months at doon ko pa lang na-realized na iniwan niya na pala kami— ako. But still, I kept her secrets until then."
"At alam mo ba?" He laughed fakingly. "Siya ang may kasalanan kung bakit hanggang ngayon nasa hospital ang dad ko. She's a smoker at dahil doon na-diagnosed ng COPD ang dad ko after na iniwan niya kami."
Without a word and without permission, she pulled Zheorem's body into a hug but… that is not a hug for sympathy, but a hug of sign to continue her plans.
I'm sorry Zheorem, I know I should pity you at this very moment, but inflicting your past onto other innocent women is still invalid and a thing that should be regretted.
Nahulog sila sa katahimikan at mga ilang minuto silang naging gano'n.
Bumuwag na sila sa yakapan pero hindi matanggal ang tingin niya kay Zheorem na ngayo'y nakapukos na kay Treasure who is still playing with other kids joyfully.
"Treasure!" Sigaw niya at natigil naman si Treasure bago nalipat ang tingin sa kanila. Tumakbo ito papunta sa kanila.
"Punasan mo si Treasure," utos niya kay Zheorem.
Zheorem's brow arched. "Are you commanding me?"
"Yes," walang pag-aalinlangan niyang sabi.
"I'm your Boss, Aespa M. Davino," he responded grimly. He doesn't really know where Aespa's audacity came from.
Gumagana naman ang ugali niya, sa isipan ni Zheorem.
She crossed her arms and strictly looking at him. "Yes, but I'm ordering you now. Wala tayo sa kompanya mo Sir Zheorem Zhargo Z'Montemayor kaya ako Boss dito ngayon."
"Ako na lang po siguro magpupunas sa sarili ko. Mag-away lang po muna kayo diyan."
Zheorem eyes twitched, and didn't avoid her gaze. But he conceded after a while. "Tsk." Kinuha nito ang pamunas sa loob ng bag ni Treasure. "Ako na pupunas."
Bomoses naman siya. "Hoy, hoy, hoy. Galit ka, Mr. Z'Montemayor?"
"Hindi." Pero klaro sa boses nito na oo.
Ngumisi siya ng nakakaloko dahil napapanood niya ang simangot na mukha nito. "Endure it well, Z'Montemayor. Kasalanan mo kung bakit sinama mo ako."
Bumalik na si Treasure pagkatapos magpapunas at nagpatuloy na sa paglalaro. Akmang uupo naman muli si Zheorem ngunit tinawag niya ulit ito.
Pinulot niya ang tubig sa bag ni Treasure at idinunol kay Zheorem. "Kunin mo 'tong tubig at ipainom kay Treasure." Her legs was crossed and swinging back and forth.
Hindi pumalag at umimik si Zheorem pero kita niya kung paano tumigas ang panga nito. Halatang nagtitimpi. Kinuha nito ang water bottle at ipinainom kay Treasure.
"I just concluded that maybe it was not really the best idea that I brought you with us." His lips were in a thin line.
"Ito naman, inutusan ka lang, galit ka na." Trying to uplift his mood. "How about we seesaw together?"
"Ano ako, bata?" He scoffed. "Too old for that." He took out his phone and opened his facebook to scroll.
Pero siya ay tumayo. "Okay, madali naman akong kausap." May natanaw siyang isang lalake na mag-isa na nakaupo sa seesaw. Sa tingin niya kasing-edad lang nila ito. "Doon na lang ako kay Kuya oh, para may ka-partner siya sa seesaw."
Mabilis pa sa oras na napadpad ang tingin ni Zheorem sa tinutukoy niyang lalaki at nang matagpuan ito ay agaran itong tumayo at hinawakan ang palapulsuhan niya.
"Let's go. Seesaw with me."
Magkadugtong na kilay na hinatak siya ni Zheorem at bahagyang natakot siya sa ekspresyon nito na halos nanginig ang tuhod niya.
"Sit there," wika ni Zheorem nang makalapit sila sa katabing seesaw. Masama ang tingin nito sa lalaki habang wala itong kamalay-malay.
Mahinang sinapak niya ito nang mamataan ang ginagawa ito. "What are you doing? Doon ka na sa kabila. Parang papatayin mo na si Kuya sa titig mo."
But Zheorem pointed his finger at her. "Don't call him that." Nilagay nito ang sarili kapagkuwan sa kabilang dulo ng seesaw.
Nagsimula na sila at siya ay sayang-saya sa sinasakyan nila at hindi maitago ang ngisi.
"Really? You're enjoying this? Tanda-tanda na natin para rito."
"Oo, bakit naman hindi? Regardless of my age, I still enjoyed it. Ito kaya ang favorite childhood station ko sa tuwing pumapasyal kami sa isang playground."
Zheorem was about to respond but he lost his words as a big smile was printed on her face. Strands were flowing freely in the air, partnering with her beam. He stalled and couldn't compose himself. "Y-You..."
He was in total dazed. Napadantay na lang ito ng braso sa hawakanan ng seesaw at sikretong napapangiti, pinapanood ang bawat galaw ni Aespa na hindi pansin.
Bumagal ang pag tuya-tuya ng seesaw nang makahulugan niyang kinuha ang mata ni Zheorem. "Matanong ko lang and sorry for asking this pero bakit parang ikaw ang laging kasama ni Treasure? Wala ba siyang Papa?"
Zheorem was a bit skeptical if he answered that but he did it in the end, "Yes, he has none," he answered. "But I'm here to stand that role for him in the meantime."
She suddenly felt bad for Treasure. He's still young and precious to experienced something like that. She's definitely sure that it was really hard for him to go on days without having a Dad. It's not easy. They almost actually shared the same story but in different scenarios.
"Wala rin sa tabi ko ang Nanay ko, naghiwalay sila ng Tatay ko noong 6 years old pa ako." The seesaw stopped for a minute before she continued to share a little about her past. "Pero ngayon may bagong tumatayo na sa akin bilang Nanay na walang ibang ginawa kundi ituring ako bilang isang totoong anak niya."
"Ahuh." Zheorem reacted. "That's good." Even though Zheorem couldn't relate, a part of him was happy for her. With a bitter smile, he added, "It's a good feeling to catch when there is someone who'd patch that hole and fulfill the role of a parent."
Tumango siya dahil lubos siyang sang-ayon sa sinabi ni Zheorem. "Super. Masaya ako na dumating ang bagong nanay ko sa buhay namin."
"I see."
"UUWI NA BA tayo?" Tanong ni Aespa sa kaniya nang makapasok sila sa sasakyan.
"Nope," aniya saka tumingin kay Treasure, hudyat na pareho ang iniisip nila. "Hindi kami umuuwi ni Treasure ng walang bitbit na laruan para sa kaniya."
Napamaang si Aespa at namilog ang mata. "What? Eh sino magbabayad? Alangan naman ikaw na halos takot ka nga mabawasan ng kahit sentimo ang pitaka mo."
"Si Uncle ZZ po ang nagbabayad tuwing namamasyal kami, Miss Ae. My Uncle ZZ always spoils me po that's why I love him."
He smirked when Treasure defended him yet he almost rolls his eyes on what Treasure said at the last part. Nagdududa na siya kung mahal lang ba siya nito dahil marami siyang pera. "See?"
Aespa leaned back on her seat with mouth shut. Natameme siya.
Her heart swells with this fuzzy feeling that's why she was silent. Nang malamang gumagastos ng pera si Zheorem kay Treasure ay bumigay ng malambot na pakiramdam sa kalooban niya.
"I want to buy toys at Edel's Toys again, Uncle ZZ," Nagniningning ang mata ni Treasure habang sinasabi 'yon.
Nasaksihan niya ang pag-unat ng ngiti sa labi ni Aespa. "I know that shop." Tumingin kapagkuwan ito sa kaniya. "Tara, tara. Doon tayo."
What's with the excitement all about? He wondered.
Nang tumapat na sila sa shop na minsan pinupuntahan nila ni Treasure kapag binibilhan niya ito ng laruan, hindi nag-atubili na bumaba agad si Aespa.
"Si Miss Ae po yata ang gusto ng laruan Uncle e," Treasure joked.
Mahina lang siyang napatawa bago sila pumasok sa loob at doon na lumantad ang iba't-iba at magkahalong mura at mahal na laruan.
"Pick anything you want, I will pay for it."
Just with that, Treasure quickly vanished from his sight, grabbing a cart and pull all the toy he wants.
Siya naman ay hinanap si Aespa pero nakita niya ito na kausap ngayon ang owner ng shop na minsan niya nang nakausap.
"Aespa."
Natigil sa pag-usap ang dalawa at napabaling sa kaniyang direksyon.
"Oh, Mr. Z, welcome back… again," Edelweiss greeted.
Hindi niya pinansin ang sinabi ni Edelweiss dahil nakatuon siya kay Aespa. "You knew each other?"
"Yes, she's my close friend."
"And you two knew each other?" Nakaduro si Edelweiss sa kanila ni Aespa.
"Ye-"
Pinutol niya si Aespa. "She's my secretary."
Edelweiss mouth formed an 'O' shape bago siya makahulugang tinuro nito ulit habang nakatingin kay Aespa. "Don't tell me-"
"Yes, that's him." Aespa boringly motioned to roll her eyes.
"What?" Bahagyang tumabingi ang ulo niya. He's confused
"Ah, wala, wala, Mr. Z. By the way, saan na 'yong batang lagi mong kasama?"
"Busy finding his new toys."
Bigla na lang siyang may naramdamang sapak sa balikat niya at napadaing siya.
"Hinayaan mo siya? What if he get lost? Patay tayo sa magulang niya." Aespa's eyes held fire while looking at him.
"He memorized this place already, Aespa. There's nothing to worry about," he gave her an assurance.
"The audacity to smack your boss is just… wow." Edelweiss couldn't believe her eyes. Napakurap-kurap ito.
He thumbs up and literally speaking, "That's her treatment towards me."
Aespa continue talking with Edelweiss until Treasure finally came back with a towered cart toys.
"Ito na lahat, Uncle ZZ," wika ni Treasure, halos hindi na ito kita sa likod ng cart.
Halos mahulog namang ang bibig ni Aespa nang balingan nito ng tingin si Treasure. Napatayo ito sa pwestong inuukupa nila ni Edelweiss.
"Babayaran mo 'yan lahat?" The disbelief tone was present in her voice.
"Yeah," he answered before pulling out his wallet inside his pocket.
Edelweiss on the corner chuckled, she put her arms around Aespa's shoulder. "Don't worry, Aespa, normal na 'yan dito sa shop ko kapag sila ang bumibili. Umaabot lang naman sa 20K ang binibili nila. But, tingnan natin ngayon." Tumungo na ito sa counter para asikasuhin si Treasure.
Aespa was immobile ang fazed until Zheorem fanned her face using his mouth. Doon pa lang ito naka-react. "Are you nuts? 20k?"
I couldn't believe Zheorem can spend so much money just for toys… Fucking toys.
"Me? No, I'm not nuts." He casually leaned forward and looked straight into Aespa's ones. "Look, this is normal, okay? Ganito ang bonding namin ni Treasure."
"Pero ang laki ng 20k. Akala ko kuripot ka? You're terrified to spend money though. Hindi ikaw si Zheorem na Boss ko."
Zheorem only shrugged his shoulders. "Whatever."
Naputol ang pag-uusap nila nang pumagitna ang palakpak ni Edelweiss. "Wow! New set of record Mr. Z, it's now 35 thousand."
Edelweiss employees helped them carry the boxes of toys to his car. Aespa's eyes twitched as she watch everybody moves.
"I really can't believe you, Zheorem."
Right now, Aespa's head is still rumbling with chaos. "How could you spend so much money?"
They're now on the drive back to Treasure's apartment. And he can feel Aespa's eyes boring holes right through his soul while he's driving.
"Can you tone down your voice a bit? Treasure is sleeping at the back." His voice held softness.
Kahit papano kumalma naman si Aespa nang sabihin niya 'yon. "Sorry, I really just can't wrapped my head about it." Mapasandal na ito ngayon.
"I could spend any amount of money for the person I care for." He smiles. "Sorry, If it bothers you."
Nahulog sa katahimikan matapos ang pag-uusap nila na 'yon ngunit nabasag rin ito nang mag-ring ang phone niyang nasa dashboard.
Aespa directly stared at his phone with this unexplainable gaze which made him tilt his head.
Magtatanong na sana siya kaso nakita ni Aespa ang reaksyon kaya mabilis itong umiwas ng tingin. "Sagutin mo na."
He took his phone and found out it was Paranoia. He frowned as he saw her name on the screen. Kanina pa siya binubulabog ni Para simula no'ng nasa opisina pa lang sila. Pumunta lang naman ito sa opisina niya para magpabunot ng ngipin.
He tried to refer Paranoia to his friend Katana Sota but she insisted. Gusto raw na siya ang bumunot ng ngipin nito dahil wala daw siyang tiwala sa lahat ng dentista.
He pressed the answer button. "Hello?"
"Where are you? Nakatulog lang ako sa opisina mo, nawala ka na." He can hear Paranoia yawning in the background.
"I'm with Treasure. It's our bonding time. Sorry, you looked like you were in a deep slumber so I didn't bother to wake you up."
"It's okay. Pauwi na kayo?"
"Yeah."
"Okay. I need to go too. I think kailangan ko pumunta doon sa kaibigan mo para ipatingin 'tong ngipin ko, sumakit kasi pagkagising ko."
He sighed. "See? I told you to go to the professional."
"Oo na, oo na." Paranoia conceded. "I'll hang up the phone now. Bye."
"Bye, take care."
And that's how the call ends. After he put down his phone, the atmosphere changed. He switches his eyes at Aespa's direction only to find her staring at him with a dagger look.
"What?" Takang tanong niya. He drove slowly when he witnessed Aespa staring at him like that.
"What?" Aespa mimicked him. "You sounded so sweet." The dagger look vanished and was changed into a teasing one. "Gusto mo si Miss Paranoia, no?"
"No."
But Aespa scoffed. "What a liar."
His heart palpitates as he senses something. "Why do you sound like my girlfriend? Are you perhaps jealous?" The unfathomable feeling is back again. He tried to find an answer but he couldn't read Aespa's mind.
Aespa smirks. "Why would I be jealous? Ang ganda ko naman para magselos." She flips her hair.
Pinantayan niya naman ang ngisi nito. "Then explain to me why you sounded like a jealous girlfriend."
He let his left hand steer the steering wheel while his other hand slowly found its way to Aespa's thigh. "Hmm?"
Aespa was at a loss for words when his hand landed on her thigh. A tingling sensation stirred her groin. "W-What are y-you doing, Z-Zheorem?"
Zheorem keep his smile, looking so innocent while driving. "What? I'm just asking you a question."
Naghuhuramentado ang loob ni Aespa habang nararamdaman ang maiinit na dampi ng palad ni Zheorem sa hita. He rubbed his thumb softly on her thigh with repeated motion.
"Your hand, Z-Zheorem." Aespa's voice came out as a whisper. Mas lumala ang kiliting nararamdaman nito sa ibabang parte habang paulit-ulit na hinahagod niya ito.
Aespa wanted to remove his hand but she couldn't move any of her body parts. Zheorem's hand made her weak. "W-We shouldn't be doing this, Zheorem. N-Nasa likod lang natin si Treasure." She almost let out a moan when Zheorem's hand glided on her inner thighs to continue the rubbing.
"I'm not doing anything wrong, Aespa," Zheorem acting innocent while his hand moving indecently. "I'm just asking a question."
Aespa can't believe Zheorem is currently doing this thing to her. She wanted to stop but Zheorem's warm hand gives pleasure that she didn't felt from her last boyfriend.
What is this feeling? I shouldn't be feeling this.
She's new from the feeling. Hindi nila 'to naabot ni Chalyx noon dahil hanggang momol lang sila at ayaw niya pa pero rito sa ginagawa ni Zheorem sa kaniya ay mabilis nawawala ang lakas at boses niya na nagawa siyang hindi makatanggi kahit sa unang pagdampi pa lang ng balat nito.
Nawala ang malaking ngiti ni Zheorem at napalitan ng seryosong ekspresyon. Pinalitan niya ang tanong. "Do you like me, Aespa?"
"N-No," impit na sagot niya sabay nanghihinang hinawakan ang pulsuhan ni Zheorem para tumigil.
Zheorem was stronger than her, mas umangat pa ang kamay ni Zheorem hanggang sa makapunta ito sa entrada ng skirt niya.
"I-Itigil mo na itong ginagawa m-mo, Zheorem." She was distracted from the sensation she was feeling. Sinubukan niyang alisin ang kamay ni Zheorem pero mas lalo lang itong pumapasok.
Zheorem repeat the question. "Do you like me, Aespa? You wouldn't sound like a jealous girlfriend if you didn't like me."
Umiling si Aespa at tumanggi. "H-Hindi kita gusto." But she moaned quietly when Zheorem's fingertip touches her clothed womanhood.
Zheorem purposely teases her womanhood. He would slightly pressed his finger on her already soaked panty. "Your vagina is contradicting what you're saying, Aespa."
He stared at those chocolate brown eyes before swiping her panty to the side and slid down his forefinger inside her core.
"Shhh. Don't make a noise."
Aespa's finger dugged on his hand as he dipped his finger inside her. Aespa covers her mouth to repress her moans and whimpers.
"That's right," he said. "Treasure is in the backseat, remember?"
Wala sa sariling tumango si Aespa. Napapanganga si Aespa bahagya nang maramdamang nagsimulang kumilos ang daliri ni Zheorem sa loob niya. The grasp on his hand never loosed, it only tightened the more Zheorem moved his slick finger.
Nanulo ang pawis sa noo ni Aespa kahit naka-air conditioner na sila sa sasakyan. Nagsimula na siyang nadedeliryo sa bawat labas-masok ng daliri ni Zheorem.
The hand movement was too powerful to contain her moans. "O-Ohhh."
"Don't wake Treasure up by your moans, Aespa," Zheorem reminded as if he's not the reason why Aespa was making those moans.
Zheorem added one more finger inside, thrusting like an expert. He carefully motioned his fingers in and out repeatedly. He already had a steel hard-on inside his slacks.
Tila may kung anong sariling isipan naman ang mga balakang ni Aespa na bumuka. She spread her legs to willingly welcomed Zheorem's long and thick fingers. Dahil wala na siya sa tamang isipan, sarili niya na mismo ang pinagduduldulan sa mismong daliri ni Zheorem. She held his wrist with her free hand and pushed it more inside her aching womanhood.
Zheorem was actually surprised by that but that drives him to do more and make Aespa's go insane with his touch.
"You like my fingers, Aespa?" He asked in a low-hoarse tone.
"Y-Yes… more, please."
Zheorem can feel his own pre-cum tinted his slacks. He lustfully gave his eyes on Aespa before focusing on driving again. His finger went back to one again before adding another one until three fingers were moving back and forth. He found Aespa's sweet spot so focused there more.
"Ohhhh. S-sige pa," Aespa pleaded quietly, refraining to moan loudly. Tila inuupan niya na ngayon ang daliri ni Zheorem, parang ginagawang isang dildo sa loob. "Y-Your finger feels great, Zheorem. It feels good inside me." Pakiramdam niya punong-puno siya ni Zheorem.
"My finger is only yours, Aespa."
Si Treasure ay mahimbing lang na natutulog sa likod, hindi alam kung anong pinaggagawa ni Zheorem kay Aespa. He was snoring in his sleep.
Zheorem pulled out his wet fingers for a second to lick Aespa's juices. "Delicious." Sinimot niya ang lahat ng katas bago muna ibinalik sa loob ni Aespa. His fingers now are coated with his saliva. He inserted his three fingers at once which made Aespa roll her eyes back to her brain.
"Z-Zheorem… H-Huwag mong tanggalin," ungol ni Aespa.
"'Kay. I'll never remove my fingers, not until you come," Zheorem stated.
Aespa's mind turned blank. She was not in the right state. She didn't exactly know the reason but there was an unfamiliar feeling in her heart. Si Zheorem pa lang ang nakapagbigay ng gano'ng pakiramdam… not even Chalyx na boyfriend niya noon.
"M-Mmmmh… O-Ohhh," napapakagat si Aespa sa mismong palad na pinantatakip niya sa bunanga dahil sa intense na sensasyong hinahatid ni Zheorem sa kaniya. "M-Malapit na ako, Z-Zheorem… Don't stop."
She was utterly defenseless against Zheorem's passionate touch and the overwhelming pleasure he is giving at the moment.
She was dazed and liked the feeling to the extent she forgot that Treasure is still with them… peacefully sleeping in the back of the car.
Napakagat labi si Aespa na mas ibinaon pa ni Zheorem ang mga daliri nito sa kalooban niya, tinatamaan ang mga hindi tinamaan nito kanina. "Ohhh"
"Cum on my fingers, coat it with your tasty and creamy juices."
Zheorem's dirty talk fires her core even more which leads her to burst an orgasm on his fingers. She met her orgasm as Zheorem continuously pumping his finger. She can feel her own juices oozes against Zheorem's finger.
Naninigas sa kinauupuan si Aespa habang hinahabol ang sariling hininga. Zheorem already pulled out his fingers— savoring all her juices. "I enjoyed it. You're very tasty and creamy."
The bastard just smiled at her innocently. Nang mabalik siya sa tamang wisyo nanalantay sa loob niya ang temptasyon na sampalin si Zheorem ngunit hindi niya magalaw ang katawan niya, kahit kamay niya man lang. Nanghihina pa rin siya at nagmumukhang lantang gulay.
Natulala si Aespa buong biyahe at hindi makagalaw pero ang mukha niya ay namumula dahil sa magkahlong inis at hiya. Nabalik lang siya sa totoong mundo nang marinig niyang bumukas ang pintuan sa likod. Karga-karga na ni Zheorem si Treasure na himbing pa rin na natutulog.
Zheorem mouthed her in the distance. "Don't go outside. Wait for me."
Nang mawala sa paningin ni Aespa ang dalawa ay sinabunutan niya ang sariling buhok. "What the hell were you doing, Aespa? You're so stupid!" Sinapak niya ang buhok niya. "Why did you fall for his touch? Bakit ka nagpatianod sa mapanlinlang niyang mga daliri?"
Habang inaalala ang pinaggawa niya sa ilalim ng illusion ni Zheorem ay mas lalong nadadagdagan ang hiya niya. She was so bold and shameless earlier. Literal na hindi siya 'yon kanina.
"No! That won't happen again," pagpapakalma niya sa sarili.
Agaran niyang inayos ang sarili nang makitang pabalik na si Zheorem. Akala niya papasok na ito sa sasakyan subalik tumungo ito sa trunk ng sasakyan at kinuha ang lahat ng karton ng mga laruan ni Treasure.
Her eyes darted upon Zheorem's hand while he's busy carrying all those boxes. The veins were visible as it reflexes. Then her gaze switched to his fingers— long and thick. The fingers that went inside her and made her go crazy.
A deep shade of red spread all across her face. Hindi namalayan niyang napakwestiyon siya sa sarili. "Totoong pumasok 'yong tatlong daliri niyang 'yan sa akin kanina?" Napatingin siya sa baba niya at mas lalo lang siyang namula.
Nang makabalik na si Zheorem matapos mapasok lahat ng kahon sa apartment nina Treasure ay agad siya nitong tinanong. "Where's your address?"
How can he act so cool and casual like he didn't do indecent things to me? The audactity of this man!
Sinabi niya ang address ng All For One House pero nag-react si Zheorem. "No, you're real address."
"Why would I tell you me real house address?"
"Because I'm your boss, Aespa," tugon ni Zheorem.
"Don't use your 'Boss card' to me Mr. Z'Montemayor. Remember, you just fingered me here in your car while Treasure was sleeping!" Hindi mapigilan niyang tumaas ang boses.
But Zheorem was calm as leaf, he was not threatened. A sinister smile was plastered on his face instead. "That's right and that's why I'm telling you to tell me your real address before I finger you inside me car again… without your skirt this time."
Sinampal niya si Zheorem. "Bastos!"
Zheorem's jaw tightened with that slap. Lalabas na sana si Aespa sa sasakyan ngunit mabilis niyang napigilan ito. He sighed understandingly. "You can't go outside."
"At bakit?" Inagaw ni Aespa ang sariling kamay mula sa pagkahawak niya. "Huwag mo aking hawakan gamit 'yang madumi mong kamay."
May pag-alala niyang tiningan ito. "You're panty and skirt were soaked with your juices. I won't let other people see you in that situation."
Subok niyang masuyong sinabihan ito. "Just tell me your address so we can get out of here and change your clothes."
Totoo ngang basa ang skirt ni Aespa noong tiningnan nito iyon. Napabuntong-hininga ito sa inis. "Just send me to Idle Heights Condominium." Naalala ni Aespa nawala na pala siyang extrang damit doon sa All For One House dahil lahat nagamit niya na.
Little did Aespa know Zheorem was celebrating inside his head when he find out her address? Gotcha! Nakatira ka pala sa building ng kaibigan ko, huh?
Mabilis niyang minaneho ang sasakyan tungo sa condominium ni Idle. They're in total silent while on the drive. There's a bother atmosphere between them as if a barrier was planted in the center that it's hard for him to make a conversation to her.
When they arrived, Aespa didn't looked back and just open the door and hopped off outisde his car. But he swiftly chased her and stopped her to the wrist.
"Hey, wait."
Another slap hit him again. That was two times for this day but I deserved it.
"Huwag mo ako sabing hawakan."
"I-I was about to give you my coat," he respond. Hinubad niya ang coat saka itinali sa beywang nito para matago ang basa nitong skirt. "I am truly sorry."
He guiltily pulled Aespa into a hug. He forced his head to fall on her shoulders even though Aespa kept pushing him. "I won't do it again."
"There's nothing going on between me and Paranoia if that's what bugging your head earlier. She's just a friend, nothing more. Tumawag siya sa akin kanina dahil sumakit daw ang ngiping binunot ko kaninang umaga which I already told her na sa kaibigan ko dapat siya pumunta at hindi sa akin." He's currently explaining like a boyfriend and he doesn't know where it comes from. He just want say it to Aespa.
"Hindi ko naman tinanong e," Aespa successfully made a distance between them.
But he still closes the gap but this time, he cupped her face and planted a kiss against her forehead. "I will go now. I'll see you tomorrow," he spoke after planting a kiss where his lips leveled her forehead.
"I-I…"
Aespa was too stunned to speak when she felt Zheorem's soft lips on her forehead. On the contrary, Zheorem was also surprised by his sudden action and when he realized what he was doing, he instantly pull out to ran inside his car and maneuvered it quickly. "Oh shit!"
Aespa was left there with a lost mouth and fast pacing heart.
She blinked a few times after realizing something.
"Oh my God!"
To Be Continued…