Kenji Steven
"Ang sakit ng ulo ko puta!" Reklamo ni Cameron pagpasok namin ulit sa dressing room.
Kanina pa siya nagrereklamo na nahihilo na siya pero masaya kaming hindi niya ginawang hadlang iyon para makapagbigay ng magandang performance para sa concert namin. Nakasunod naman ang buong team papasok sa kuwarto na para sa amin.
I smiled inwardly when I came to realize where we are now.
Hindi siguro maniniwala ang grade 12 self ko kung sasabihin kong ginanap namin ang pangatlong solo concert namin sa isa sa pinakamalaking arena. Kakatapos lang ng Day 2 Solo Concert namin and despite the exhaustion we feel, I know that we are all over the clouds.
"Tanggalin ko ulo mo para hindi na masakit," natatawang asar ni Iñigo sa kanya habang pinupunasan ng bimpo ang kanyang noo.
"Basher!" Inis na sigaw ni Cameron sa kanya na binigyan pa siya ng dirty finger.
Hinayaan ko silang mag-asaran at pumunta sa pinakadulo ng dressing room kung nasaan ang mga gamit ko. Agad kong binuksan ang cellphone ko at tinawagan ang asawa ko.
Asawa.
Hindi ko napigilan ang malaking ngiti na gumuhit sa labi ko nang maisip ko ang salitang iyon. Bukod sa concert namin ay pakiramdam ko nasa isang panaginip ko kapag naaalala kong asawa ko na si Hiraya.
"Hirang..." I called her over the phone.
"Hello, my love!" Excitement was evident in her voice. "Tapos na concert niyo?"
I nodded even though I am aware that she can't see it. "Yes, hirang. And then an hour from now, we will have our meet and greet."
"Do you want me to go there?" She asked in a soft voice.
Kahapon kasi nung first day ng concert ay nandito siya pero ngayon ay hindi siya nakapunta. Besides, hindi rin maganda ang pakiramdam niya ngayong araw at alam ko ring pagod siya dahil busy siyang mag-ayos ng manuscript. She planned to publish another book so I know she needs more time and energy to do it.
"No need, hirang. Uuwi rin naman ako sa'yo mamaya. Kaso, baka ma-late lang ako dahil may after party na in-organize para sa amin tapos pupunta yata ang ibang fans. Don't worry, sa'yo naman ako uuwi."
"It's okay, love. Alam ko naman na ako ang uuwian mo. Please call me if pauwi ka na." She even giggled a little after her first sentence.
"I will, hirang. I love you so much."
"Mahal kita, Steven...." she heaved a deep sigh before she whispered, "My God, I miss you so much."
Fuck.
Parang gusto ko na lang tumakas at umuwi sa kanya. Nanghina rin kasi bigla ang tuhod ko at pakiramdam ko ay kakailanganin ko ng mahabang oras para lang pakalmahin ang sarili ko dahil sa narinig.
Matapos naming magkumustahan ay lumapit ako kila Cameron. Mukhang tapos na rin silang magpahinga dahil ni-reretouch na ng glam team namin ang make up nila. Nakapagpalit na rin kaming lahat ng outfits para sa meet and greet.
"Ang sakit talaga ng ulo ko. Feel ko mamamatay na ako, e. Guys, iiyak ba kayo 'pag namatay ako?"
Iyon ang naabutan kong tanong nang umupo ako sa tabi ni Cameron.
"Hindi. Bakit, si Winter ka ba?" Tanong ni Josiah sa kanya na binanggit pa ang pangalan ng alaga niyang husky.
"Wala, hindi niyo na ako mahal. Siguro kapag namatay ako, gagawa kayo ng ibang band tapos iba na 'yung frontman niyo?"
"Paano mo nalaman? Nakakakita ka ng future, dude?" Natatawang tanong ni Iñigo sa kanya na naging dahilan kung bakit bumusangot si Cameron.
"Ang sasama niyo! Sana mapunta kayo sa impyerno."
I laughed. "Ayoko. Hanggang sa kabilang buhay ba naman, makikita kita?"
He pursed his lips and gave me a deadpan look. Hinawakan tuloy ng makeup artist ang mukha niya dahil hindi pa nga siya tapos lagyan ng lipstick pero ngumunguso na siya.
"Pero totoo... kanina pa sumasakit 'yung ulo ko. Kulang siguro ako sa pahinga," seryosong sagot niya.
"Nagpa-check up ka na ba?" Nag-aalalang tanong ni Josiah.
"Ihhh..." inarte ng kaibigan namin na nilingon pa si Josiah. "Concern ka sa'kin, bebe boy? Pa-kiss nga."
Tarantado.
Hindi pa rin talaga siya nagbabago. Kung umakto siya ay parang 17 years old pa rin siya. Mukhang tanga, amputa.
Ilang sandali pa ay tinawag na kami ng organizers para sa meet and greet. Marami rin kasi ang bumili ng SVIP ticket na may kasamang soundcheck at meet and greet.
Maraming regalo ang naibigay sa amin pero mas marami ang natanggap ni Cameron. Halos hindi na siya makalakad at kinailangan pang tulungan ng dalawang tao para mabuhat ang mga gifts niya. Mayroon pa ngang nagbigay sa kanya ng vitamins.
"Cute ng mga fans ko, 'no? Nagsabi lang ako sa broadcast ko na hindi maganda pakiramdam ko tapos nakabili agad sila ng vitamins," masayang lintaya niya habang naglalakad kami papunta sa parking lot.
"Baka alam nilang may sakit ka sa pag-iisip," sagot ko bago tumawa na sinabayan nila Iñigo.
"Sama ng ugali! Hmp!" Inarte niya na nagpadyak pa ng paa.
Pagdating namin sa after party ay marami na agad ang tao sa pwestong accomodated ng event namin. Sila pa yata 'yung mga bumili ng hindi SVIP ticket kaya mas nauna sila rito.
We all had fun dancing and singing along with our fans. Mukhang naparami rin nag inom ni Cameron dahil nakita na lang namin siyang sumasayaw ng budots sa gitna ng dancefloor. Minsan ay sinasayawan niya rin ang upuan o kaya ay pupunta sa pinakagilid para gumiling sa pader.
Bandang alas tres na kami natapos at nauna na akong humiwalay sa kanila dahil kailangan ko ng umuwi. 'Yung dalawa ay hinihintay ang sundo ni Cameron dahil hindi na makalakad nang straight si tanga dahil sa kalasingan niya.
When I reached our house, I parked my car beside my wife's BMW. I opened the front door using my key card before I dropped my things in the living room and proceeded to the shower.
Ayokong tumabi kay Hiraya na galing pa ako sa labas. Besides, I interacted with a lot of people today, gusto ko bagong ligo ako kapag siya na lang ang hahawak sa akin.
When I finished showering, I was only wearing satin gray pajamas and nothing on top. I increased the temperature of the AC when I noticed that my wife was shivering.
Inangat ko ang comforter na nakabalot sa kanya bago pumasok sa loob nito at tumabi sa kanya. Mabilis namang siyang yumakap sa akin at ibinaon ang mukha sa aking hubad na dibdib.
I hugged her waist and pulled her closer. I sniffed her hair before planting a soft kiss on her forehead.
"I'm home, hirang," I whispered in her ears.
Humigpit ang yakap niya sa akin. Alam kong gising na siya dahil hindi naman siya malalim matulog. She's a light sleeper and even the smallest movement could wake her up.
"Hello, husband,"she greeted me using her bedroom voice. "Welcome home, my love."
I looked down and stared at her. She was looking at me with her sleepy eyes, nevertheless, she still looked pretty as ever. Her skin looked glowing under the dim lights of our room. Her lips still looked plump and juicy even without her lip products.
Na-tetempt tuloy akong nakawan siya ng halik.
So, I did. Is it considered stealing if she's my wife? Afterall, I could feel her smiling amidst our passionate kiss.
Nang maghiwalay ang labi namin ay hinihingal siyang tumingin sa mata ko.
I removed some strands of hair away from her face and tucked them behind her ear.
"Ang ganda-ganda mo, hirang," I confessed. "Ang sarap umuwi sa'yo lagi."
She giggled. "You missed me, love?"
"I do..." I buried my nose on her neck. "So much."
She hugged me back and I feel like I could never be comfortable if it's not around her arms.
"Hirang..." I called her.
Despite the years we've been together, I never told her the exact definition of my endearment for her.
Pero sa tingin ko ay alam niya na rin naman kung ano ang ibig sabihin no'n.
Hirang means the chosen one, sweetheart, and dearest. Ang tanging taong pinili ko at pipiliin kong makasama hanggang sa huling hininga ko.
"Hmm?" She hummed as a response.
"Nothing..." I kissed her temple. "I just love you so so much, hirang."
She pressed a kiss on my lips before snuggling closer to me.
"And I love you so much more, Steven ko," she answered before I heard her yawn.
I gave her one last kiss before I hugged her tight and fell asleep with her in my arms.
⌗˚ , ᜊ₊˚ ໑
Serenity Hiraya
I woke up earlier than expected. I had a very good morning because the moment I opened my eyes, si Steven agad ang bumungad sa harap ko.
He was sleeping like a child. His long lashes were resting on his cheeks along with his regal nose. His hair was a little bit messy in a way that he still looks gorgeous.
Kahit gusto ko pang mahiga ay may dapat akong asikasuhin ngayon. Humalik ako sa kanyang noo bago tumayo at inayos ang aking sarili.
Dumiretso ako sa bathroom bago pinagmasdan ang aking sarili sa harap ng salamin.
I was wearing a white silk night dress and my medium length hair is now on a messy bun. I still wore my glasses like before but I changed the color and size of my frame. I looked radiant and more glowing than before, maybe because I was experiencing little to no stress because I like what I am doing.
Kung sumasakit man ang ulo ko sa pagsusulat iyon ay dahil nagkakaroon ako ng writer's block or wala na akong creative juices. Other than that, I have nothing to be stressed about since I am living the best life and I have a loving husband.
After I took a shower, I started making breakfast. Alas singko pa lang ng madaling araw pero kumikilos na agad ako. Usually, 8 or 8:30 AM kami bumabangon ni Steven dahil pareho naming hawak ang aming oras.
I cooked his favorite meals and even baked him a cupcake. Oo, natuto na rin akong mag-bake dahil nakuha talaga nito ang interest ko. Good thing, Cassandra also knows how to bake so hindi ako nahirapan.
Nang makarinig din ako ng doorbell ay agad kong sinalubong ang nasa pinto dahil ayoko nang pindutin niya ito ulit.
"Kay Ma'am Serenity Hiraya Alvarez po?"
I nodded at his question. Inabot niya sa akin ang isang papel bilang proof ng delivery.
Pag-alis niya ay agad kong inilapit sa ilong ko ang inorder kong mga bulaklak.
Yes, I want to surprise and give a bouquet of flowers to my husband. He's been doing well and I am so proud of his achievements.
Besides, I want to congratulate him for doing well in the concert.
Inayos ko ang dining table na gagamitin ko sa may backyard namin. Good thing we chose a modern house with a backyard and a pool. We live in a two storey house with beige exterior paint which was designed by our architect friend. Maganda ang pagkakagawa ng bahay namin kaya naman ay hindi ako kailan man nakaramdam ng stress sa bahay namin.
I scattered red roses from our bedroom door that would lead to the backyard. Medyo corny ang naisip ko pero gusto ko kasing matuwa si Steven sa gagawin ko.
Habang nag-aayos ako sa table ay nagulat ako ng may yumakap sa aking mga bisig.
"Good morning, hirang," he greeted me using his bedroom voice. "What's this?"
Humarap ako sa kanya bago hinawakan ang kanyang pisngi. Pinatakan ko siya nang mabilis na halik sa labi.
"It's a surprise for you. Dapat mamaya ka pa gumising kasi hindi ko pa tapos itong ginagawa ko," natatawang sabi ko.
He also chuckled with my statement before he hugged me tight again. Doon ko lang napansin na wala pa rin siyang suot na pang-itaas na damit. Ramdam ko ang init ng kanyang katawan kahit na nakasuot ako ng sundress.
"Hindi ka pa magbibihis? Anong oras pa lang, Alvarez. Baka lamigin ka," saway ko sa kanya.
"Later, wife. Let me hug you for a minute because I really missed you a lot."
Hinila niya ang isang upuan bago siya umupo roon at hinila ako sa kandungan niya.
Mabuti na lang ay sumisikat na ang araw at hindi na gano'n kalamig. Sinubukan kong hawakan ang kanyang dibdib at mga braso para kahit papaano ay hindi siya manigas sa lamig.
Hinaplos ko ang kanyang dibdib para magkaroon ng friction pero hinuli niya ang kamay ko.
"Don't..." pinigilan niya ako. "Don't touch me like that kung ayaw mong iba ang gawin kong breakfast."
Nahampas ko naman nang mahina ang kanyang balikat kasabay ng paglaki ng mata ko.
He chuckled before he held my hand and kissed the back of my palm.
"I love you, hirang."
I smiled and replied, "I love you more, Mr. Alvarez."
After a while, he put on a plain white t-shirt before we ate breakfast. Nagluto ako ng mga pagkaing madalas naming kainin noon sa apartment. Ginawa naman naming panghimagas ang cheesecake na ginawa ko.
"Does it taste good? Or kulang pa sa tamis?" Tanong ko sa kanya para humingi ng opinion niya. I want to be better at baking.
"Masarap..." he licked his lips before staring at me lovingly. "Parang 'yung nag-bake."
My mouth parted at his answer and it took a while before my cheeks burned.
"Steven!"
His laugh filled the backyard. He was laughing so hard that his head was thrown back.
He looked so happy and content... and I am happy that he's feeling that way.
Pumasok ako sa loob ng bahay para kuhanin ang regalo ko sa kanya. Hirap na hirap ako kung saan ko ito itatago na hindi niya napapansin, mabuti na lang hindi niya ito nakita.
"I have a gift for you, my love!" I said in a cute voice before I placed a huge box in front of him.
It was covered with a wrapper and a huge bow.
Mukhang naguguluhan siya kung para saan iyon kaya inudyok ko siyang buksan ito.
"What's this, hirang?"
"Open it!" I answered excitedly and even clapped my hand.
Dahan-dahan niyang binuksan ang regalo. I was anticipating his reaction, so when he successfully opened the gift, a huge smile was plastered on my lips.
I bought him an electric guitar.
It was a white electric guitar with light brown handles. I made it personalized because my name was written on the neck and my kiss marks were all over the body.
He looked ecstatic with my gift because he stood from his seat and threw a big hug on me.
"This is so beautiful, hirang..." he kissed my cheeks. "Thank you so much."
"You deserve it, my love. You did well at your concert and I am so proud of you. You deserve everything in this world, mahal ko."
He cupped my cheeks and kissed me deeply. I was taken back because I didn't expect it from him. Tumagal ng halos dalawang minutoa ng halikan namin bago niya ako muling yinakap.
"Thank you, hirang. I love you so much. This is so wonderful."
"Use that guitar whenever you miss me or you want my presence tapos hindi mo ako kasama."
"Gagamitin ko 'to sa lahat ng concerts ko, hirang. Ito na ang bagong lead ko," sagot niya.
"You want to try it?"
He nodded abruptly before we went inside our house. Mabilis niya lang natono ang gitara bago kami nagtungo sa studio niya. Isinaksak niya ito sa speaker bago nag try ng isang strum.
"Ah, shit! Ang ganda, puta," hindi niya mapigilang mura habang malaki ang ngiti sa labi. Parang mapupunit na nga yata ang labi niya dahil sa laki nito.
My heart was literally filled with joy. I really like seeing him this happy. I know what music makes him this enthusiastic so I grabbed the chance to at least make him feel that he's the happiest person in the world.
He decided to play the guitar solo of Mundo by IV of Spades.
Unang strum pa lang ay daig ko pa batang binigyan ng candy dahil lumaki agad ang ngiti ko. Nanghihina talaga ako kapag siya ang nag-play ng electric guitar.
His calloused fingers move gracefully on different fret as he presses on the right chords. His right hand was busy plucking the strings. I was amazed by the fact that he didn't need his guitar pick to play the song beautifully.
What the hell... am I being turned on just by watching his long fingers move on the guitar?
Ang ganda pa sa pandinig ng pagtugtog niya.
Oh my, I think I just had an eargasm.
And I really can't stop smiling when I realized that he was playing the extended solo of the song.
That's my husband right there. Akin lang.
Pagkatapos niyang tumugtog ay ibinaba niya ang gitara at naglalambing na yumakap sa akin. Hindi pa siya nakuntento at hinila pa ako paupo sa kanyang kandungan.
He sniffed my neck and planted fiery kisses before I heard him whisper.
"Thank you, hirang. Sobrang saya ko ngayon."
My heart melted with his words. Aww, he's like a big baby.
I played with his hair and kissed his forehead. "No problem, my love. You deserve it kasi you always make me proud. And I'm glad that I made you happy."
"You always make me happy. May gift o wala, masaya ako lagi kasama ka."
"I know, mahal. Pero, ang galing-galing mo talaga mag-gitara... ever since. Feel ko nga 'yun ang reason bakit kita pinakasalan," I joked.
I felt him smirking.
"Sa gitara lang? You know the other wonders my fingers could do. Hindi lang 'to sa gitara magaling."
Namula ang mukha ko nang ma-gets ko ang ibig niyang sabihin. Naibaon ko tuloy ang mukha ko sa kanyang leeg dahil sa kahihiyan.
"You want me to show you what these fingers could do aside from playing guitar? I-try natin mamaya," he murmured and chuckled sexily.
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bitin ba kayo? same. happy anniv, avp! mahal na mahal ko kayo!!
elluneily 🌷🍰🎫