Pasalubong

Parang mas lalong naiyak si Cap and she hid her face from me. I just waited for her to be okay as I also try to contain my own emotions. I moved closer to her and just hugged her. Mikha just kept crying as she tightened her hold on me.

"Bubby, I'm sorry for hurting you. I can't promise na hindi na kita masasaktan, but I will never do it intentionally anymore." sabi ko sa kanya. She didn't reply pero she just held me tighter.

When Mikha and I finally felt better, nag-ayos na rin kaming dalawa. Our eyes are both puffed kaya we had to cover our eyes with make-up.

We just spent the day going around sa island and checking the different villages. Nung medyo pa-sunset na, we both decided to go for a walk dun sa beach side.

The beach was nice. The sand was so fine na it was good to walk barefoot. Captain Lim and I kept walking while we're both holding our slippers on one hand. Captain Lim was closer to the water so she would occasionally get her feet wet.

I was surprised when she intertwined her fingers with mine kaya napatingin ako sa kanya. The sun's orange hue is now reflecting over Captain Lim's face. Her once red hair is now blazing like the sunset and she has masterfully paired it with her smile. I think I held my breath after seeing her in that light. Lalo na cause her brown eyes are shining like liquid gold.

"What? Why are you staring at me?" sabi niya.

"Wala lang. You just look so beautiful." sabi ko sa kanya.

"Ikaw din naman." sagot niya. "It's been a while since we last spent time like this."

"The last time it was just the two of us alone in a beach was two years ago." sabi ko sa kanya and she nodded.

We then continued walking again hanggang sa napagod na kami and we just sat by the shore and pinanuod na namin yung sunset. The whole island's colors is now in full orange and even the water's normal blue color, is reflecting the sunset's hue.

I glanced over at Captain Lim and I was suprised when she was looking at me. Pero nung nahuli ko siyang nakatingin, she looked away. I think I also blushed but I looked back out into the sea.

The whole island was empty except for the two of us. Even the sound of the waves seemed to be so calm. I get it why Captain Lim wanted to be here. There's just this sense of serenity while being here in the island.

I looked at her again and I saw her looking at me again. I thought she would look away but this time, she didn't. My cheeks are already burning and I couldn't tell if it's because of the sunset or because of Mikha's eyes. We're back at the staring game, and I hate how she's so good at it. Her eyes are looking back at mine with such an invitation that makes you stay there forever.

I couldn't let her gaze go. The only time I allowed it to escape me was when I saw her eyes dart to my lips for a split second. It was even so quick that I probably would have missed it if I blinked.

Mikha carefully held my chin and the touch seemed to have electrified me. Parang habang lumalapit si Captain Lim, ganon din lumalakas yung kabog sa dibdib ko. I can feel my own heartbeat even thumping in my ears.

When she kissed me, the world seemed to have paused too. This kiss wasn't like the one during my birthday. This one felt more like home.

When she pulled away, she just smiled at me and I did the same.

"Mikha Lim."

"Yes?"

"I love you."

"What?"

"I love you. I don't want to hide it behind another hi-hi or another insinuation. I love you. And today I want you to know that. I want you to hear it, right here na I love you."

She was starting to tear up again pero she was quick to wipe her eyes.

"I love you too." sabi niya.

We both just smiled at each other and we looked at the sea again. It was already dark kaya bumalik na kami papunta sa villa namin. There was a bonfire by the beach kaya we both just sat by the fire.

I rested my head on Captain Lim's shoulders while her arm was around me. It's a clear night and the air was also quite cold but the warmth of the bonfire and her arms is keeping me warm.

Mikha Lim was playing with my hands and she's looking at my promise ring.

"Ate Aiah."

"Hm?"

"Are you free tomorrow?"

"Free naman ako. Hanggang bukas na lang leave ko eh."

"Samahan mo naman ako."

"Sure. Saan?"

"Sa Intramuros."

Ano namang gagawin nito dun?