One huge light came out and focused into a much higher area of the room that looks like an entryway. That's when I saw guys started coming out from it. Ang iba ay mga kabilang din sa grupo nila Hershey. Pero ang karamihan ay mukhang mas matatanda na ng ilang taon. There were even ladies coming out. I was told that it's a requirement for the entourage. It's the management's decision. And Hershey's right. They're almost not wearing anything. There were around five or six of them. Kumakaway pa sila sa mga tao. Smiling widely, obviously, trying to suck up their fifteen minute fame.
But that's when I saw him. He's not wearing a shirt. I could see that large dragon tattooed near his heart down to his left arm. The first time I saw it, I was crushed. Not because I didn't like tattoos, but once again, they imprinted something that shouldn't be on him.
The cheers came louder, if that could be even possible. Staring at him from afar, I could see he's not smiling. He seems focus. He seems clam. It's like he's not even hearing the roars of the crowd.
He started walking. Going down the stairs in a calm manner. Just like a tiger about to kill his next prey. Not once did I see him look in the crowd. He's just looking straight towards the center of the ring. There are no bouncers around him, but the crowd started parting for him, giving him that ample space to walk by.
Nang malapit na siya sa ring ay may isang lumapit na babae sa kanya. Kabilang din siya sa mga babae kanina. Yumapos siya kay Jake. Mahigpit na kumapit sa isa niyang braso at nakangiting kumaway sa mga tao. She's like trying to make a statement that Jake's hers.
Nahigit ko ang paghinga. A tightness formed in my throat. I even placed one hand in my chest. Trying to ease that tension. That's when he suddenly glanced my way. I could tell my eyes got big. I was a bit shocked that he knows where I am. Hindi ko mabasa ang emosyon niya. He's just staring at me. And so, that's what I did too.
Everything happens so fast. Next thing I know, nakatayo na siya sa harapan ko, without the girl in his arms. He's still looking at me. But I swear, I couldn't read him. Nag-isip ako ng pwedeng sabihin. But times like this, I kind of forget the right things to say.
"Uhmm..." Yeah, that's what I said.
That's when he gave me a small smile. "Hi," he said.
"Hi," I said back.
"Glad you came."
"Yeah, I'm glad too." Dammit! Can I not really say something better?
He looked down and took my hand. Saka niya muling ibinalik ang tingin sa akin. He then tipped my chin as his lips went down on mine. It's just a simple kiss. His tongue seems to be tasting a unique flavor. But it's sweet. Agad din siyang humiwalay sa akin.
He's serious once again. "You know I don't give a damn about those girls." He glanced down at my lips once more, "Right?"
Napalunok ako. Saka tumango. Marahan niyang pinisil ang kamay ko. "I'm gonna win that fight for you," he said.
I know I should be happy with what he said. But for some reason, it only reminded me of a time before the competition in Zanarkand. "Be careful."
Ngumiti siya. Alam ko na ang sasabihin niya bago pa man siya magsalita. Kaya pinisil ko ang kamay niya. "Do not underestimate him," seryoso kong sabi.
Tila napansin niya ang pagbabago ng mood ko. Kaya muling siyang sumeryoso. "Are you gonna keep that promise if I win?"
Napakunot ako. "What promise? I didn't promise anything."
"You said you're gonna allow me back on your bed."
I rolled my eyes, "I said maybe. I didn't say yes."
He slowly smiled. "Then make that promise now."
"No," matigas kong sabi.
Ngumiti siya ng tila ba may naisip na kapilyuhang gagawin, "Do you want me to kneel and beg now, just for you to make that promise?"
Mabilis akong tumingin sa mga paligid. Everyone's looking at us.
"Coz I will. I'll do it." Nasa akto na siyang luluhod. Mabilis ko siyang pinigilan.
"Okay. Okay! I promise."
Maluwang na ang pagkakangiti niya. "I can't wait," he said.
"Win that fight first."
"Oh baby, no need reminding me now." He held my cheek and pinched it slightly. He winked then turned around.
Mabilis na siyang umakyat sa loob ng ring. The moment they were both introduced, the crowd went so wild. Medyo naitutulak na kami paharap ni Hershey. Ang bouncer na kasama namin ay kanina pa umaalalay.
My attention's already focused in front though. Jake's first punch came out unexpectedly. First round and he's moving so fast. Napakalaki ng kalaban niya. But Jake's so wild that he's totally out there to slay that guy.
Hindi man lang makadapo ang mga suntok ng kalaban sa kanya. It's the first time I've witnessed something like this. You couldn't see the strength of punches that you're just watching on tv. Here, I could feel the vibrations. The opponent's bones being crushed by Jake's punches. He's like a robot inside the ring. Sunud-sunod ang mga pinakakawalan niyang suntok. Nothing was amiss. He's insane. He's got no emotions at all.
Jake's strongest punch came so fast. It hit straight into the opponent's forehead. Halatang nahilo siya, dahilan para matumba at mapahiga. But Jake's ruthless. Lumapit siya kay Ace habang nakahiga at magkakasunod muli ang suntok na pinakawalan.
Mabilis akong lumingon kay Hershey, "That's illegal!" I said.
Ngumiti si Hershey, "Nothing's legal here, Kairi!"
The crowd went nuts. Jake's running around the ring now. Taunting the crowd. Trying to show off. Nang malapit na siya sa gawi ko ay muli siyang kumindat, "Do not go underestimating me, baby!" he shouted. Then he placed his fist on his chest and pointed at me. With the way he's looking at me now, it's like he's already telling me that he loves me.
I felt it again. Those butterflies in my tummy. I smiled. Pero agad ding nawala. I saw Ace standing up.
Fight's not over.
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