Chapter 49
Challenge
"Are you okay?"
I nodded. "Don't worry about me."
Ghunter didn't respond, weighing my answer. So I smiled at him to assure him I was really fine.
He heaved a sigh before starting the engine. Pinagmasdan ko siya bago ilipat ang tingin sa side mirror upang tanawin ang tatlo pang sasakyan na nakasunod sa amin.
Ghunter would lead the other cars dahil siya ang may alam kung saang kainan pupunta. I learned that his cousin, Benson, was new to the Philippines just like Naomi. Unang beses na makarating dito nang dumalo sa product launching ng Stellar Beauty Collection at mananatili pa ng isang buwan. Lahat iyon ay nalaman ko nang pababa kami kanina sa lobby.
To be honest, I was really hesitant and evasive by Benson's company. Kahit anong pihit sa akin ni Ghunter palayo sa pinsan ay nakagagawa ito ng daan para makausap pa rin ako.
An incoming call interrupted Ghunter's focus on the road so I was startled when he looked at me.
"Could you connect it to the speaker, please?" aniya.
Nakuha ko naman ang nais niyang mangyari kaya mabilis ko iyong nagawa. I answered the call for him. Nakakonekta na sa speaker ng sasakyan kaya maging ako ay naririnig ang usapan. It was his father, Mr. Gustav.
"Done giving them the signed papers, son?" Iyon ang bungad nang sagutin ang tawag na iyon.
"Yes. I dropped it off. How are you and mother?" Ghunter answered while busy driving, not taking off his eyes from the road.
I smiled and decided to just look outside the window. Ayoko namang mailang siya dahil lang naririnig ko ang usapan nilang mag-ama.
"We're doing good. Your mother was sunbathing earlier and the result was weird," Mr. Gustav chuckled.
"Dad," said Ghunter dismissively.
Napatikhim ako at pinigilan ang pagngiti sa narinig. Napapikit pa ako para lang pigilan iyon at kinalma ang sarili.
"I saw that."
Napalingon ako nang bahagyang humina ang boses niya. I winced when I realized it was for me!
"Saw what?" Mr. Gustav on the other line.
Napailing ako at kinagat ang pang-ibabang labi, mas lalong kinalma ang sarili.
Ghunter shook his head as if his father would see it. "I'm with Coleen."
The other line grew silent for a while.
Pumasada ang kaba sa akin. It's Mr. Gustav, right. What we had left wasn't in a good condition. I bet his opinion of me still remained the same–a spoiled and immature brat.
"Why are you with her?" Mr. Gustav finally spoke after a short while.
Takot sa mga maririnig pa, sinandal ko na lang ang aking katawan sa upuan at pinaglaruan ang mga labi habang nakatulala lang sa labas ng bintana.
"You're in a loud speaker, father," mariing sambit ni Ghunter.
Pumikit ako at hindi na nag-abala pang mag-isip ng kung ano.
On the other line, I heard Mr. Gustav let out a short chuckle. "What's wrong, son? I'm just asking why is the girl with you."
"I'm courting her," Ghunter answered crudely.
My lips formed into a straight line when I pressed it the moment I heard of that. Lalo ko pang siniksik ang aking sarili sa puwestong iyon at napayakap sa sarili.
For a moment, I suddenly felt cold inside his SUV. I never recalled being this chilly inside because I always found it hot in here for some reasons.
"You're courting the Allester heiress..." Mr. Gustav stated, as if there was something in it that he needed confirmation.
"Yes."
From the side mirror, I saw the other three cars following us. One for Benson, one for Naomi and her bodyguards, and another one for our convoy.
"Say hi to her then. For me," his father chuckled again.
Kahit anong iwas ko, hindi maalis sa akin na makaramdam ng insulto sa paraan ng pagsasalita ni Mr. Gustav nang mapunta na sa akin ang usapan. There was something in his laughters that made me wanna grit my teeth. It sounded very offensive for me.
I swallowed the lump on my throat. I get it. Maybe he's still keeping a grudge on me, huh? I couldn't blame him. What I've done was such an allegation and there was nothing to refute that fact.
Tingin ko ay sinuwerte na lang ako dahil sa kabutihan ni Madam Stella. If it were for another high-profiled tycoon, it would surely do anything that's possible just to pin me down.
"I forgot I'm in a loudspeaker. Hi, my dearest Coleen..." Mr. Gustav said menacingly.
Napakurap-kurap ako sabay tunghay kay Ghunter. He sighed and slowly nodded at me.
"G-Good afternoon, Mr. Gustav..." I stammered.
"When we get back to the Philippines, let's set a family dinner. Allesters and Smiths. Hmm. I can sense a merging... Sounds good?"
Halos malagutan ako ng hininga. There was nothing wrong about his words but there was definitely something about his voice! Fright crawled down to my system and unconsciously, my hands trembled in fear.
Ito na ba iyong hinihintay kong senyales na anumang oras ay maaari na akong magising mula sa panaginip na ito? I knew that feeling this so much happiness was too good to be true. Is it already coming to an end?
"Stop it, papa! You're scaring her!"
Nangibabaw ang biglaang pagtaas ng boses ni Ghunter. Napatigalgal ako nang humarap sa kanya at agad na napansin kung gaano kahigpit ang kapit niya sa manibela. The firmness of his hands depicted his face, especially his eyes when they drifted on me.
"Did you just raise your voice, Ambrose Smith?" Mr. Gustav grimaced. "Don't forget you're carrying my name, you ungrateful young man!"
Things escalated so quickly. Parang kanina lang ay nakikipagbiruan pa ito sa anak. Ngayon ay nagsusumbatan na gamit ang matataas na boses. I shivered whenever they raised their voices. They sounded like a lethal growls for me. Masyadong nakakapangilabot at makapangyarihan ang mga angking boses.
Ghunter's jaw tightened when he gritted his teeth. Nagulat ako nang mayamaya pa ay huminto kami sa gilid ng kalsada. Napatingin ako sa paligid bago sumulyap ulit sa kanya. He leaned on his seat and closed his eyes frustratedly.
With knuckles clenching, he licked his lower lip and took a deep and harsh breath to compose himself.
"I'm sorry, father. Forgive me..."
Batid ko ang ginawa niyang pagpipigil at pagdidisiplina sa sarili para lamang mabigkas ang mga katagang iyon. He even stopped the car just to execute himself!
My lips parted as I watched him frustratedly brushed his hands to his face.
"I wasn't thinking for disrespecting you. I beg your pardon, father. I didn't mean to offend you," Ghunter uttered like those words had become his mantra ever since then.
Kumirot ang puso ko sa tanawing iyon.
Hindi ko inaasahan na ganito ang binuo niyang sistema sa sarili. All this time, Ghunter was very self-denial. He always restrain and limit himself in almost everything to abide the doctrines he lived for. Wasn't it a bit too much though?
Damn it. Seeing him like this made me want to cry. They were being so hard on him!
"I'll call you again and reflect to your nasty behavior, Ambrose. Look what you've become."
Mr. Gustav dismayed remarks lasted in my ears like a last syndrome. I worriedly turned to Ghunter and I was confused when I anticipated him to look regretful but I saw otherwise.
"Did it scare you?" he asked with utter concern.
My lips parted. Narinig ko ang pagtigil ng mga makina sa likuran namin at napagtantong huminto rin ang nakasunod na mga sasakyan.
Napailing ako dahil hindi makapaniwala sa tanong niyang iyon.
"Ikaw ang dapat na tinatanong ko. A-Ayos ka lang ba?"
Tatlong katok ang nagpagising sa amin sa loob ng kanyang SUV. I saw Benson leaning on the window at Ghunter's side. Binaba ng huli ang bintana nang kaonti at doon sila nag-usap sa maliit na siwang na iyon.
The car was heavily tinted so I wasn't so sure if Benson was seeing us inside. Tila ba pinagkakait iyon ni Ghunter sa maliit na siwang na iyon.
"What happened, dude? Why did you stop?" ani Benson.
"I thought I forgot something," palusot ni Ghunter sabay sulyap sa akin.
"Stop playing scatterbrained, man! What the hell happened, really?"
Napailing si Ghunter at dinilaan muna ang pang-ibabang labi bago lumingon sa pinsang nasa labas ng sasakyan.
"Let's go." was all he could say.
Nakita kong bumaba na rin si Naomi sa sariling sasakyan kaya lalong napailing si Ghunter at binuhay nang muli ang makina. Benson explained something to Naomi outside and I didn't fail to recognize a trace of dismay and irritation in her face.
"Ghunter..." buntong-hininga ko nang mamayani ang katahimikan.
Mukhang alam na niya ang sasabihin ko kaya agad na niya iyong pinutol.
"Hindi mo na dapat nakita. It creeped you out. I'm sorry."
For that moment, I was afraid to touch him. I was afraid that if I touched him, he'd fluster more. He seemed so preoccupied but he still managed to compose himself.
Napatikhim ako.
"L-Lagi bang... ganoon?" I asked, pertaining to what I witnessed.
Nang ilang sandali pa at hindi pa rin siya nakakasagot, hindi ko alam kung saan ibabaling ang tingin dahil nataranta ako!
"I-I mean, you don't need to answer it. Sorry for butting-"
"Yes. But no need to worry," he cut me off. "I should obey and respect them because they are my parents... It really should be this way. Kagustuhan ko rin ang ganito. So I could always know my place."
Natahimik ako at pinagmasdan siya sa mga oras na iyon. He was talking about his respect to his parents. Pero hindi ko alam kung bakit iba ang atake sa akin. Thinking he was like that all his life, it wasn't a surprise anymore if he applied it to anything else. Ghunter has always been calculated, sedate, and rigid with every action he makes. Tila naglalagay ng tinik at patibong sa paligid upang disiplinahin lagi ang sarili when in fact, there's no one holding him on the neck.
He was never submissive. He could talk back to his father if he wanted. He could throw a fit and lived a rebel life if he desired. But he chose to pursue the other way, holding his own neck in the end. Walang pagpapanggap at pagkukunwari dahil lahat ay natural at sariling kagustuhan naman.
Tumingin siya sa akin at kumurba nang bahagya ang mga labi.
"Hmm. Are you scared?" namamaos niyang tanong.
My lips parted and I looked away.
Yes, I was scared as hell. Bukod sa alam ko ang hinanakit sa akin ni Mr. Gustav dulot ng nakaraan, hindi ko matunton kung bakit ganito na lang ang lungkot ko nang makumpirmang ganoon pa rin ang opinyon niya sa akin.
He didn't say it directly but it was obvious. And for unknown reasons, I was greatly hurt and disappointed by it. It felt like I have to... get their approval or favor. But on the other hand, people like him was very hard to please so I should expect it.
"Do you trust me?" Ghunter randomly asked.
Muli akong napabaling sa kanya. Naabutan ko siyang nakatutok pa rin sa pagmamaneho ngunit nang mapansing nakatingin na ako, ginawaran niya ako ng sulyap.
"What? Answer me," he chuckled lowly.
Napakurap-kurap ako ngunit hindi kalaunan ay tumango na rin. "I trust you."
That's what I said. But I know deep inside, it was an understatement.
Ghunter curved his lips and sighed with a smile on his face.
"Then there's nothing to be afraid of, Coleen. Just trust me. I can handle this."
He sounded so assuring and sure. But for me, it was lethal. I'm afraid I'd grow dependent on Ghunter. Ayaw kong pagsisihan ang pagiging kampante roon kaya nang makalipas ang ilang minuto, napagpasyahan kong pukawin ang kanyang atensiyon.
"Ghunter."
"Hmm?"
His face looked more untroubled right now when his eyes shifted on mine.
Napalunok ako. "I-I can handle it, too."
Hindi ko sigurado kung ano ang gusto kong patunayan. Kung para saan at para kanino. Pero namamayani ang umuusbong na takot sa kaisipang pagkatapos ng kasiyahang ito at masyado kong sinanay ang sarili na laging nakasandal sa kanya, mas lalo ko iyong ikakawasak.
Ghunter licked his lower lip and bit it. Bakas ang pagkamangha sa mukha dahil sa narinig. Hindi man inaasahan ang bigla kong kataga ay marahan pa rin siyang tumango.
"I know," namamaos niyang wika. "That's why I trust you, too..."
As soon as I heard his acknowledgement and recognition of my trivial courage, my nerves went calmer. Para bang iyon lamang ang hinihintay kong marinig. Someone validating your personal feelings and perspectives is just so gratifying.
Hindi na nagtagal pa, sa isang buffet kami dinala ni Ghunter. Hindi masyadong marami ang mga tao at pormal ang paligid, ngunit nang makapasok ay kapansin-pansin ang kuryosong tingin ng ibang mga kumakain doon sa aming direksiyon, tila nakikilala ang aming pagkatao.
Either the people here recognized who we are or these foreigners really were such a head-turner and were standing out. I couldn't blame them though. Bukod sa higante ang tangkad at banyagang kaputian ng kulay, hindi mapagkakailang hindi pangkaraniwan ang kanilang hitsura at ang paraan ng kanilang pagdadala sa kanya-kanyang kasuotan. Halatang mga dayuhan.
I tightened my hold on my bag. Hindi ko na iyon pinagtuonan pa ng masyadong pansin at sinuyod na lamang ng paningin ang paligid.
The buffet was composed of different foods. From seafoods, Western and Italian dishes, Japanese delicacies, Filipino cuisines, desserts, beverages, to other gourmet dishes displayed and served spectacularly. Nakadagdag pa roon ang banyaga ngunit magaang atmospera ng buong paligid.
Ayon kay Ghunter, worth it ang ilang libo kada isang tao rito dahil masasarap ang pagkain at espesyal ang pagkakahanda. Sumang-ayon naman kami dahil sa simpleng tingin pa lang ay mukhang mas mahihirapan pa kaming mamili at ipagkasya sa aming tiyan ang matitipuhang mga pagkain.
"How many peso is there in a buck?" si Benson.
We settled on our table. Ghunter already withdrew some money before we got in the buffet. Dahil alam na cash ang ibabayad ay masyadong espesyal ang trato at pag-aasikaso sa amin ng mga empleyado rito.
Mayroon pang isa na nag-alok ng iba pang services at offerings ngunit mabilis iyong tinanggihan ni Ghunter at bumaling kay Benson.
"As of two in the afternoon, it was around fifty one pesos."
Tumango ang kausap. "So if you'd convert it... Hmmm... It's almost... a hundred bucks for each," mabagal at nag-iisip niyang sabi. "Much expensive than that in LA?!" histerya niya kalaunan.
Hindi iyon pinansin ni Ghunter at nilipat sa akin ang atensiyon.
"Pick whatever you like," halos bulong niya, mapang-angkin ang mga mata.
Bigla naman akong nahiya. If it would cost a hundred dollar each, then it could cost us around forty thousand pesos just for this dinner! Halos lumuwa ang mga mata ko sa realidad na iyon!
Ghunter said it was all his treat. E, sinama niya na rin ang tatlong bodyguard ni Naomi na nasa kabilang lamesa hindi kalayuan sa amin. Bakit parang ang mahal naman ata dito?!
Sa kabilang banda ay puno pa rin ng hinaing si Benson. Napatingin ako roon. Benson and Naomi were in front of us while Ghunter and I sat beside each other. Naomi was busy for some phone call and she even whispered something to Benson. Tumango naman ang huli at muling bumalik sa tawag ang babae.
"Coleen..."
Napatikhim ako nang bigla kong maramdaman ang malapad na kamay ni Ghunter sa aking hita. Nilingon ko iyon. Ang nakadantay niyang kamay ay tila magaspang sa aking pakiramdam. A thin cloth of my pants was in between but it felt like I was exposed to his touches.
Mula sa tandayan ay umangat ang tingin ko sa mga mata niya. His face was stoic yet I could sense a warning in his air.
Napalunok ako. "P-Pardon?"
Inalis niya ang kamay sa aking hita at pinatong iyon sa aking upuan. Bumuntong-hininga siya. "Come on. Let's get your food."
Nauna na kaming kumuha ng mga putaheng kakainin at hindi rin nagtagal ay sumunod na rin ang dalawa pang kasama. Hindi nakatakas sa mga mata ko ang mahaharot na bulong ni Naomi kay Ghunter habang nakatalikod ako tuwing kumukuha ng pagkain.
When it was my turn to pick a california maki which was referred by Ghunter, I was very attentive to Naomi's mischievous scheme to him.
"Why is she here?"
Halos tumaas ang kilay ko nang marinig ang bulong niya na iyon. Nagpatuloy pa rin ako sa pamimili ng puwede pang kuhain.
Sa daldal ata ni Benson kanina, hindi niya kailanman nabanggit ang relasyon nila kay Naomi. Ang tanging alam ko lang sa kanya ay kasabay nila itong lumipad patungong Pilipinas galing California kaya kung ganoon, hindi ko maiwasang mapaisip.
Was Naomi with Ghunter all the time when he was abroad? Who's Naomi in his life? They seemed so close though.
My eyes narrowed. Compared to his cold treatment to Jinx, which is almost his relative, I could sense that he seemed more comfortable around Naomi. Thus, given the fact that she was a lot closer to him than that with Jinx, I could say that she's not just any ordinary girl.
Napakagat ako ng labi. Tapos na ako at nakita kong nag-uusap pa rin sila. At this vantage point, mahihinuha kong seryoso ang kanilang pinag-uusapan kaya naman imbes na istorbohin sila, kusa ko na lang silang nilagpasan nang tahimik pabalik sa mesa dala-dala ang nakuhang pagkain.
Why was it my concern anyway? I have foods on hand. That's what matters the most! Foods!
"Hey," Benson grinned at me the moment I arrived the table.
I groaned. Hinila ko na ang bangko ko pagkatapos ilapag ang tray sa lamesa.
"I'm very curious... What's your relation with Ambrose?"
Nabitin ang pagkakapunas ko sa mga kamay. Ghunter put an alcohol on our table earlier. Pinapatuloy ko ang pagpapahid sa palad nang pilit na iniiwasan ang mga mata ng katapat.
"Why does it matter to you? Mind your own business," sabi ko nang hindi siya tinitignan.
Sinimulan ko nang galawin ang kinuhang mga pagkain. Hindi ko pa alam kung saan magsisimula dahil sa totoo lang, ayoko pang kumain kung hindi pa kami kompleto. Table etiquette. I should wait for them but... they're having fun and I'm... starving. Isa pa, ayokong tumunganga kasama ang lalaking ito.
"From now on, I'm acquiring a share of business to you and my dear cousin," mapaglarong bulalas nito.
Napailing ako, hindi makapaniwala. "I won't agree to that." I raised my brow while eyes glued on my food.
"But I'm not asking for you permission, clumsy girl. Ahh, where's my manners. What's your name again?"
Dahil doon, napaangat na ako ng ulo. Matalim ko siyang tinignan at puno ng panghuhusga ang mga mata.
Tignan mo nga naman ang antipatikong ito! Kanina pa nakikipagdaldalan, hindi naman pala kilala ang kausap!
Nilapag ko ang mga kobyertos sa hapag at pasinghal na nilingon siya. I was so ready to burst out my irritation when I noticed his eyes drifting away from me. Umangat ang tingin niya mula sa likuran ko kaya dahil na-distract na, lilingunin ko na rin sana iyon ngunit agad na may dumapong kamay sa armrest ng aking bangko at hinila ako papalapit sa katabing upuan.
Nilingon ko si Ghunter na ngayon ay paupo na rin sa kanyang puwesto habang marahang hinihila papalapit sa kanya ang upuan ko.
"As far as I'm concerned, I remember having an agreement with you..." he whispered menacingly to me.
Nabato ako sa aking kinauupuan at napakurap-kurap. I should only look at him. And not to Benson. Napapikit ako nang inalala iyon.
"Someone's having a punishment later, huh?" bulong niya pa bago tuluyang umayos sa pagkakaupo.
Kasabay niyang dumating si Naomi na halos pinagkaitan ata ng grasya ang laman ng plato.
I gasped and continued what I left on my plate. On my peripheral vision, I saw Ghunter sophisticatedly rubbing an alcohol on his huge pair of hands while crossing his legs. And when he's done, he landed his arm on my backrest and eat with his other hand, as if marking his own territory.
Hindi ko na alam kung paano ko nagawang makakain nang matiwasay sa distansiya naming dalawa samantalang siya, prenteng-prente lamang sa kanyang puwesto.
"Where are you heading off after this, Ambrose? Can I visit your place?"
Sa kalagitnaan ng pagkain ay napukaw ni Naomi ang atensiyon naming lahat.
My face slightly furrowed. Wait, I guess that sounded foul and off-limits?
Sinilip ko ang reaksiyon ni Ghunter na sa kasalukuyang iyon ay naglalagay ng panibagong foreign dish sa aking plato.
I winced. "Tama na 'yan!" pabulong kong giit dahil sa lapit ng mukha niya sa akin.
"That's enough? You should eat more. You're so thin."
Naiilang ako sa ilang pulgadang lapit niya sa akin. His gestures was very unaware to his effect on me. Para bang normal lang na ganoon ang agwat namin!
Napapisil ako ng ilong. "S-She's talking to you."
"Huh?" layo niya nang kaonti sa akin sabay silip sa mga kasama sa mesa.
Naomi was crossing her arms against her healthy chest. Napalunok ako. Mariin ang kanyang tingin sa aming dalawa at nagtaas ng kilay nang dumapo sa akin ang mata.
Ghunter naturally fixed his stance to face her. "Pardon?"
Naomi cleared her throat. "Are you going somewhere else after this? I want to visit the mansion."
Humalukipkip si Ghunter at umiling. "I will bring her home. Why? My parents are off to somewhere."
"I know. The more I should visit, huh?" she grinned meaningfully. "As if you're living in the mansion."
Napailing ulit si Ghunter sa hindi inaasahang sagot.
"Next time, Naomi," he said dismissively.
Bumaba ang tingin ko sa pagkain at pinaglaruan ang kutsara. Parang may bumara sa lalamunan ko.
Anong ibig sabihin noon kung ganon? The way Naomi invited herself at the Smith's mansion, it sounded very normal and raw. Tila ba gawain na iyon noon pa at hindi na bago. And what did she mean by her last remark?
Nang lumipas ang ilang sandali at abala na sila sa pag-uusap tungkol sa kung ano sa kani-kanilang kompanya at wala pa ring nahuhukay na impormasyon sa katauhan ni Naomi, napagpasyahan kong mag-restroom muna.
I pushed myself from the table. Ghunter immediately lifted his gazes towards me when I stood.
"Excuse me. Bathroom lang," paalam ko.
His eyes were weighing my body signals. Ngunit kalaunan ay marahan siyang tumango bilang pahintulot kaya mabilis na akong kumawala roon.
First thing in the morning, he brought plenty of foods for my breakfast. Second, he drove me to my university and people started to talk about him for his popularity. Third, I've been to their parent company on Trevino's side.
And lastly, I'm here at this expensive buffet restaurant with these people who are very out of my league. I know Ghunter hated that title very much. He thought I addressed people I loathed so much like that. But looking into it, I couldn't deny that they really are... out of my league.
Ghunter alone was too much to take. Kaya naman ang dumagdag pa ang dalawang iyon at ang nakukuhang mga atensiyon ay hindi na nakakatulong. I know I should be used to it now that I'm dating Ghunter. But I think I should at least take things slowly in my own pacing.
I sighed as I looked at my reflection on the mirror. Iyon ang nakatatak sa utak ko nang bumalik sa aming mesa, takot na matangay iyon ng hangin sa kaonting galaw lamang ni Ghunter.
Nang tuluyan nang makabalik, natanaw ako nina Benson samantalang nakatalikod sa akin si Ghunter.
Benson's eyes were moving involuntarily the moment they laid on me. He whispered something to Naomi and Ghunter. Hence the look of the former to me and the turning of head of the latter.
My forehead creased as I reached my chair. Hindi nakalagpas sa aking paningin ang pagbaba at taas ng balikat ni Ghunter, animo'y malalim ang binugang hininga.
"What..." I whispered to myself.
Hindi ko na iyon tinuloy at kinimkim na lang ang tanong sa isip.
What happened when I'm gone? Kumpara kanina bago ako umalis ay balisa ang kanilang mga hitsura ngayon.
"Is your stomach upset?" mahinang tanong sa akin ni Ghunter habang sinusundan ng tingin ang aking pag-upo.
I shook my head. "I uh... peed."
Pagkaupo ay humalumbaba sa mesa si Naomi kaya napabaling ako sa kanya. The moment our eyes met each other, she suddenly smirked and turned her head to Ghunter, as if pertaining something to me.
"Think about my offer, Ambrose. I'd probably bring some entertainment for you, too..."
I glowered at her. Was it just me or her voice was really sensual and seductive?
Ghunter cleared his throat. Napailing na lamang siya at salubong ang mga kilay, animo'y hindi mapakali sa nangyayari.
"Can I come?" Benson butted in.
"Of course not! I have something to show to Ambrose privately."
Halos mabilaukan ako sa narinig dahilan ng pag-ukit ng ngisi sa mga labi ni Benson.
"Even her?" Benson to Naomi, but his eyes were glued at me.
"Even her," Naomi nodded.
My eyebrows furrowed.
Sandali lang, what's this all about? Everything looked shady after I took my restroom excuse! They talked about me as if I wasn't here!
"Then I guess, I'd entertain her myself for the mean time... when that day finally comes."
Benson chuckled and it resonated through my ears. Hindi ko na masundan ang pinag-uusapan nila kaya hindi ko na rin alam kung paano magrereact sa mga naririnig.
Benson was obviously mocking me but I couldn't even utter my response!
"That's enough!"
Ghunter's voice growled in utter anger. Napabalikwas pa ako sa kinauupuan bago mapabaling sa kanya.
Seeing Ghunter being short-tempered like this was a very rare view. Sa kabila ng mga kaganapan ay nagawa ko pang punahin ang bagay na iyon.
Ghunter shook his head in disbelief, massaging his temples in one hand before gawking at me.
"Don't mind them. Are you done eating?" he asked huskily.
Puzzled, I managed to nod my head unconsciously. I couldn't recall what happened next. Hindi ko na nasundan dahil mabilis ang mga pangyayari. Ghunter called for the bill and paid for it. Without anymore adieu to his comrades, he dragged me out of the restaurant.
Sa mga nagdaang araw, hindi nagmintis ang paghatid at pagsundo sa akin ni Ghunter.
Kahit anong gawin kong pamimilit sa kanya na hindi naman na kailangang araw-araw iyong gawin pero walang pagdadalawang-isip niya iyong tatanggihan. He would always insist. He never failed to amuse me each passing day.
Kahit na ba isang palaisipan pa rin sa akin ang nangyaring insidente noon kasama ang kanyang pinsan at iyong Naomi, lalong-lalo na ang biglaan niyang pagtataas ng boses, ay hindi ko na hinalukay pa ang tungkol doon.
Isa pa sa mga napapansin ko sa kanya nitong mga nagdaang araw ay ang pagiging masyado niyang abala at okupado sa kanilang kompanya.
According to Ghunter, on behalf of his father, he was handling and monitoring their relative's company in the US. Dahil nasa bakasyon pa rin ang mga magulang, sa kanya naiwan ang mga tungkulin doon.
They were helping a family with their business before it went bankrupt. Hence his hectic workloads. Hindi ko nga maintindihan kung paano pa niya ako naisisingit sa kanyang oras sa kabila ng kakulangan noon.
Meanwhile in the middle of the drive, Ghunter glanced at me.
He was in his formal attire and I must say he looked even sexier with that imposing figure. Matipuno at guwapo naman sa kahit anong suot. But his formal attire became my favorite.
Wearing a black dress shirt, gray necktie, and black trousers, he looked majestically and devilishly handsome.
"I will schedule your friends' requests. You can suggest your ideas if you like."
Naalala ko ang pangungulit ng mga kaibigan namin nitong mga nakaraang araw na pinangungunahan nina Abby at Thea.
They demanded a celebration party for Ghunter's debut in the business world. Maging sila ay nasurpresa sa rebelasyong iyon kaya kahit huli na ay talagang nagpupursige sila matuloy lamang ang binabalak.
I looked at him worriedly. "Hindi ba masyadong nakakaabala sayo? You're busy with your company."
"I can handle... Why?" aniya habang niluluwagan ang necktie gamit ang kaliwang kamay.
Sumulyap siya sa akin.
Nagtaka ako sa tanong. "What do you mean why?"
"Ayaw mo bang ituloy? Perhaps, you have other plans in mind?"
Nagtagal ang tingin ko sa kanya, nahihiwagaan sa kainosentehan ng kanyang tanong.
"Kung busy sa school, huwag na lang ituloy. Or I'll just set a simple dinner if they're so thrilled about it," dagdag pa niya.
Napanguso ako. Nang magtagal ang nagtataka niyang tingin sa akin ay napatawa na ako.
"Ikaw ang busy, Ghunter! Kaya nga tinatanong kita kung baka makaabala," I giggled.
"Tss." He licked his lower lip and looked away. "You know making ways is my craft. Hindi abala ang ganoong bagay, Coleen. They're our friends. Besides... I know you missed them."
Napakagat ako ng labi dahil hindi ko mapagkailang tama siya ng hinala. I missed them so much. But I was just too bothered with him pushing his limits just to make it happen. Nakakahiyang abalahin ang mabigat niyang schedule tapos magsisingit pa ng panibago.
Napabuntong-hininga ako.
"I do..." wala sa sarili kong sambit at napangiting bumaling sa kanya.
Ghunter suddenly looked stunned.
"Pakiulit," aniya.
"Huh?" I looked at him perplexingly. "Anong uulitin?"
"The... last thing you said. Your answer... Say it again."
Kumunot ang noo ko. "I do?"
With that, a ghost of a smile was traced into his lips. Napanguso siya nang subukang itago iyon at iiling-iling.
"Alright, sweety. You do..." makahulugan niyang sabi at tatawa-tawa na.
"Hoy! Ano 'yon!" hampas ko sa kanya.
Ghunter scoffed and pulled his eyebrows into a crease.
"You are so slow-witted, Coleen," bigla niyang pagsusungit.
Napapingot ako ng ilong. "Ang sakit mong magsalita! Kung inaayos mo kasi pakikipag-usap mo edi sana nagkakaintindihan tayo!"
Mabilis siyang umiling. "It can't be of help, sweety. You're hopeless." Sabay tutok niya ulit sa pagmamaneho.
Namilog ang mga mata ko at hinampas na siya sa braso! Pero katulad lang noon, sa huli ay ako lang ang masasaktan kaya naman nang wala nang magawa, sinamaan ko na lang siya ng tingin.
"Ghunter," I said warningly.
He arched his brow in amusement. "That's right. Learn my language, kid. You're improving."
Sa huli ay binato ko na lamang siya ng tissue dispenser na ang kalabasan ay pinadampot niya rin sa akin dahil kapag hindi ay ibababa niya raw ako sa sasakyan.
"Dammit. And you told me you love me?" singhal ko sa sarili habang matalim ang titig sa dinadampot na tissue at mukhang narinig niya.
"Sweety, I might love you so much, yes. But I don't mix my feelings with tantrums and bad manners."
I grimaced. Mula sa pagkakayuko para damputin ang mga kumalat na tissue ay napaangat ako ng ulo para dungawin siya.
"E, paano 'yon? Mahirap palang magpalambing sa'yo kapag tayo na!"
I knew for that moment my mouth was working faster than my brain. I wasn't thinking much of my words when they came out. Kaya nang maproseso ang sinabi ay huli na ang lahat.
Ghunter whispered soft curses to himself before licking his lower lip dramatically.
"Maging tayo muna, Coleen." He playfully grinned at me. "But don't worry. It's actually an integral part of your many privileges on me so..." he uttered huskily then paused.
And for the first time, very cluesless to his boyish side, Ghunter surprisingly winked at me. And good Lord, I found it very natural and sexy. Especially after he laughed heartily, my heart palpitated and I forgot to breathe for a moment.
Pagkarating sa university ay sumunod siya sa akin. Simula noon, tuwing lalabas ng sasakyan ay madalas na itong nagtatago sa likod ng kanyang aviators at black cap. Minsan ay naka-mask din, hindi para sa disguise kundi para sa kaartehan niya pero nakakatulong na rin. Iyon nga lang, dahil katangkaran ay nakakapukaw pa rin ng atensiyon.
"Coleen."
Nilingon ko si Ghunter. He stopped from his tracks and waited for me to come over again with arms crossed. I raised my brow to motion my question.
He sashayed his way towards me and we met halfway.
"I know it's a bit late to say this but... they're back in the Philippines," aniya.
Kumunot ang noo ko. "Who?"
"Parents." He sighed. "Father wants to set a dinner with your family. Soon."
Halos malaglag ang panga ko sa balitang iyon. I know a day will come and we need to prepare for this. Kung para sa iba'y magarbo na iyon at masyadong maaga para sa dalawang taong nagliligawan pa lang, hindi ko masisisi ang desisyong iyon ni Mr. Gustav.
Ghunter was a misogynist before. He never had the chance to introduce any girl to his parents. Well, iyon ay ayon lamang sa pagkakaalam ko. But remembering how Naomi clung into him, maybe at least once, he did introduce a girl to Madam Stella and Mr. Gustav, huh?
"Alam kong biglaan. Kung gusto mong ipagpaliban muna para makapaghanda, you can tell me."
Inangat ko muli ang ulo ko para matignan siya. Mula sa pagkakahalukipkip, tinanggal niya ang isang braso mula sa pagkakatiklop habang nanatili sa kanyang dibdib ang isa.
He pulled me closer as he waited for my response. I sighed.
Ngayon pa lang na naiisip ang maaaring mangyari kapag dumating na ang gabing iyon ay abot-langit na ang tahip sa dibdib ko, kaya naman sa mismong pagdating noon, paniguradong malulusaw na ang mga tuhod ko.
But then, if it isn't sooner or later, then when? Anticipating for that day to come for a longer period of time, tingin ko mas mabuti pang agapan na para matapos na.
"Let's do it." I smiled at him.
Umaliwalas ang kanyang mukha at marahang tumango.
"Perfect." He caressed my arm and tilted his head on the side to give me his focus. "Are you sure about this?"
"Yup." Tumango-tango ako kahit ang totoo ay nilalamon na ng kaba ang sistema ko.
Bumuntong-hininga siya.
"I'm sorry about this. But just... trust me, okay?" pabulong niya na lang halos na sambit.
Napatikhim ako lalo na nang dampian niya ako ng marahang halik sa ulo. Humigpit ang hawak niya sa akin, pinisil iyon nang bahagya, bago tuluyang magpaalam.
Ghunter was acting weird these days. He wasn't his usual self. He'd attempt to act normal but the more he tried, the more pretentious it looked like.
I know something's bothering him. Halata iyon sa panaka-naka niyang pagi-space out. Madalas na kapag kinakausap ay matutulala na lang sa akin. I even tried to tease him one day but eventually, I ended up being the one pissed off.
"Are you even listening to me?" I furrowed my brows.
His lips parted and brushed his hair with his hand. Mapapailing.
"Yeah."
"Tss." Pabiro akong napairap. "Aminin mo na kasi. Nabibighani ka lang, e."
"No offense meant, Coleen. Pero hindi ako ganyan mabaliw sayo."
Bang! It struck me big time. Nagsisimula nang uminit ang pisngi ko sa komento niya. Pikon na, I gritted my teeth but before I could even protest, he was able to tapped my nose.
"I'm still in my sanest condition. I'm afraid you can't afford to witness how truly crazy I am to you," he whispered and licked his lower lip seductively. "Sweety, you'd freak out. Big time."
Nang maalala na naman iyon ay muling naghuramentado ang sistema.
The next days, I was busy coordinating with our friends about the party. Tuwing nagkakaroon ng pagkakataong kumonsulta kay Ghunter ay pinauunlakan niya agad ang mga iyon.
"How about the place? Sayang lang sa pera kung magrerenta ng private resort. Masyado namang malayo ang kina Allan para sa two days and one night."
I pouted as I pointed the tip of my pen on my cheek, immersed with my so-called plan sheets.
Nasa isang cheap fast food chain kami ngayon. Pangalawang beses pa lang namin kumain sa ganito kaya manghang-mangha pa rin ako tuwing nakikita kung gaano hindi kakomportable si Ghunter sa paligid. Lalo na at pinagtitinginan ng mga tao.
"My unit is available. We can use it anytime if you want."
Halos pumalakpak ang tainga ko sa suhestiyong iyon. "You have a unit?! How come I didn't know about that?"
His eyes narrowed when he looked at me. Suplado na naman ang hitsura.
"As if you're interested knowing about me, Coleen. Lagi kang walang muwang pagdating sa akin," pagsusungit niya.
Napanguso ako. "Hindi naman..."
"Uh-huh?" Inalis niya ang pagkakadekwatro. Mula sa pagkakasandal ay dahan-dahan niyang nilapit ang mukha sa akin. "Gaano mo ako kakilala kung ganoon, Coleen? Bukod sa pangalan, edad, at estado ko. Bukod sa pagkabaliw ko sayo? Come on, tell me..." naghahamon niyang wika.
I was suddenly so lost of words. Ghunter then shook his head in disbelief after a while. Namungay ang kanyang mga mata ngunit nanatiling seryoso ang mga iyon.
"You only know the surface, sweety. I volunteered exposing myself to you ever since. But sadly, you're lenses were too focused to your leading man to even notice a blurred image like me."
Hindi ko sigurado kung saan galing ang kirot na nararamdaman ko sa mga oras na iyon. Kung dahil ba ramdam ko ang hinanakit niya sa bawat salitang sinambit o dahil alam kong totoo iyon at guilty ako.
Ilang sandaling namayani ang katahimikan sa table namin. Nang hindi nagtagal at bahagya siyang natawa nang mahina.
A faint smile crept into his lips before he cocked his head on the other side and gazed at me.
"Just kidding."
Dumapo ang kanyang tingin sa kanyang baso at pinaglaruan ang straw doon. Pinagpatuloy ko na lang ang pagkain kahit ang totoo, sobra akong nabagabag. There was an apparent vestige of guilt inside me.
Coleen: Are you game for a unit? Ghunter offered his. Mas convenient daw kapag iyon na lang.
Thea: Sa penthouse niya?!
Thea: Really? He approved it? Nagkita ba kayo?
Abby: Kwento ng boys dati malawak at maganda raw! Kaya game at doon na lang!
Abby: Paano mo sinabi sa kanya? Text or personal? Baka nakakahiya!
Coleen: Nabanggit niya lang. Business partners, right? Hindi naiwasang mapag-usapan.
Kumabog nang malakas ang dibdib ko. Muntik ko nang makalimutang hindi pa nga pala nila alam ang tungkol sa panliligaw ni Ghunter!
But then, I was suddenly curious about their reactions once they knew it. For sure they wouldn't expect it. Para sa kanila, mas may potensiyal pa si Allan sa akin dahil mas napansin nila ang trato sa akin ng kanong iyon kaysa sa lihim na pagtingin ni Ghunter.
At the dinner with my parents, Mr. Gustav's invitation to have a dinner with us this weekend was the main course of our discussion. Kaya naman nang dumating na ang pinakahihintay na gabing iyon ay handa kaming tatlo.
Ghunter:
We're on our way.
"Anak, tara na."
Sumunod ko kina Mom sa sasakyan at kabado na. While having a mental warfare, I typed my reply to Ghunter.
Me:
Ghad I'm nervous :(
I bit my thumb. Hindi nagtagal ay muling umilaw ang aking phone at nakitang wala pang dalawang minuto ay may sagot na siya.
Ghunter:
Everything will end just fine. Smile na for me.
Tila may gumapang na kuryente sa kalamnan ko. Just by reading his message, my lips automatically abided his request.
Mom and Dad were confident enough to have this dinner pero hindi mapagkakailang kabado rin sa posibleng kalabasan. They shared several dinners with Madam Stella and Mr. Gustav but this is the first time they'd face him without the purpose of business. It's all for personal and family matters tonight.
"Mr. Gustav is far from being like that, hija. He may be ruthless in business but he's a good man of principles."
Iyon ang pangaral sa akin nina Mom at Dad tuwing nahuhuli akong nangangatal sa sobra-sobrang nerbyos.
"He's still mad at me. I'm sure of that," giit ko pa ulit.
Mom sighed. Inabot niya ang aking kamay at pinagsalikop iyon.
"I doubt that, anak. But for your sake, all I could say is your dad and I are with you. Mr. Gustav won't harm you, Coleen."
Bumuga ako ng hangin at marahang tumango. Iyon ang tinatak ko sa utak ko, iniisip na lang na makakauwi ako nang buo at kasama ang mga magulang. As if I will face Mr. Gustav alone, right?
I have my parents and Ghunter. And I doubt Madam Stella would let that happen, too. Siguro sadyang gumagana lang ang imahinasyon ko dahil sa takot.
In a pale blue A-line scoop-neck chiffon dress, I disembarked from the vehicle. Nauuna si Dad sa pagpasok sa isang elite restaurant na nakatirik sa syudad. He talked to the maitre d' and the latter led us on our way. Nang matanaw sina Ghunter nang makarating na sa isang VVIP room ay dumapo agad ang tingin niya sa akin.
He whispered something to the two people sitting beside him and stood up to acknowledge our arrival. Hindi naman nagtagal ay tumayo na rin si Madam Stella nang may ngiti sa labi pagkakita sa amin.
Napangiti rin ako nang makalapit. It's almost a month since I last saw her.
"Coleen, my dear..." aniya nang ibeso ako.
"It's nice to see you again, Madam Stella," nahihiya kong banggit.
She nodded and looked at me from head to toe while holding both my hands. "You looked incredibly stunning tonight, darling."
I gaped in awe. "Same to you po!"
Suddenly, a low voice echoed in the whole room and I was startled to see Mr. Gustav in his most strict figure wearing his formal dinner attire.
Nang mapukaw ang tingin ko ay gumuhit ang maliit na ngisi sa kanyang labi. Sandali itong nakipagbatian kina Mom bago muling bumaling sa akin.
"Coleen Allester. How lovely..." he greeted menacingly.
Napatikhim ako at agad na ginapangan ng pangingilabot.
"Father," another deep manly voice chimed in.
My eyes immediately drifted to Ghunter. Ang nakakuyom na panga ay unti-unting huminahon nang lumipat ang kanyang tingin sa akin. Isang hakbang at agad niyang natunton ang tabi ko. But then, Mr. Gustav's low chuckle filled the area.
"My son is now a grownup man, protecting his girl from his father."
Madam Stella gripped his arm to stole his attention. Mr. Gustav remained smirking when he whispered back to his wife.
"Everyone, let's take a seat." Madam Stella gestured us to sit with an apologetic smile after their quick sullen argument.
Naramdaman ko ang mainit na hininga sa nakalantad kong balat sa balikat. It hurriedly sent shivers to my spine. Nilingon ko si Ghunter.
I was stunned when I was able to see him properly. He bent down his head a bit and landed a cheek-to-cheek kiss on me before snaking his arm when he attempted to whisper something.
"I'm sorry about that..." namamaos niyang sambit.
Ghunter looked gorgeously stunning in his tuxedo, cummerbund, trousers, and patent shoes. All in black shade except for his white dress shirt worn underneath his tux.
Umawang nang kaonti ang labi ko. I was mesmerized by his presence, it was overwhelming to the extent that Ghunter had to pat the back of my waist to catch my attention and sit down.
Eight seaters ang lamesa. Mr. Gustav, being the host, was seated at the head of the table, opposite to Dad who sat at the other end. At their right sides were their wives at katabi naman kami ng ina.
Kaya naman ang nangyari, nasa kaliwa ko si Mom samantalang nasa kanan ko si Mr. Gustav kahit may bakanteng upuan na namamagitan sa amin, katulad na lang ng kung paanong may bakanteng upuan din sa gitna nina Dad at Ghunter. Anim lang kami kaya naman magkakaroon talaga ng bakante.
Napalunok ako at pinasadahan na lamang ng tingin ang lamesa. Just like our formal seating arrangement, the table setting was also very symmetric. Lahat ay pormal, balanse, at nakahilera. Ang tanging maririnig lamang sa mga sandaling iyon ay ang mga munting kamustahan nina Mom at Madam Stella.
Meanwhile, while waiting for our foods to be served, my eyes shifted to Ghunter.
Nahuli ko itong nakamasid din sa akin kaya bahagyang nanginig ang kalamnan ko. He looked so intimidating tonight. There was something in him that made him look more masculine and virile. And I figured out, it was his hair!
Oh, my god! Ghunter trimmed his hair into a clean cut. He looked more strict and formal in that hair. Naaalala kong may ganyan na siyang gupit noon at humaba na lang. Pero matagal na iyon. Kaya ang makita ulit iyon ay parang nakakapanibago.
Napatikhim ako. I thought his good look was at its finest. Napagtanto kong maaari pa palang sumobra iyon. I guess, he's one of the most favorite creatures of God.
That's why when he noticed my gaze was getting longer than the usual, Ghunter raised his brow to me. Thinking he's a different person now made me look away in a very awkward manner. Nakakahiya! Pakiramdam ko, ang pulang-pula ko na!
"Who would've thought this day would come?" rinig kong wika ni Madam Stella.
Mom smiled peculiarly. "They're not getting any younger as well. Ilang taon na lang at maaari nang mag-asawa."
Wala pa mang kinakain ay nabilaukan na ako sa sinabi ni Mommy. Bakit kailangan ng ganoong linyahan?!
As if an impulse, lumipat ang tingin ko kay Ghunter at nahuli itong may mapaglaro nang ngisi sa mukha, mukhang namamangha pa sa mga naririnig.
Napairap ako at napailing na lamang.
"Excuse me, ladies. I just want to inform all of you that we are expecting another guest."
Lahat ng tao sa hapag ay napabaling ang ulo kay Mr. Gustav nang ianunsiyo iyon.
Tinanaw ko ang reaksiyon nina Ghunter at Madam Stella, naghahanap ng bakas na alam na nila ang tungkol sa bagay na 'yon ngunit maging sila ay mukhang hindi rin iyon inaasahan.
"You invited other people? Who?" Madam Stella interrogated.
Mr. Gustav faced her and smiled. "Surely, you'll jump in delight once you see our guest. She was finally able to go here in the Philippines."
"She?" si Madam Stella, mas lalong nagtaka at napaisip.
Pumasok na ang unang course ng pagkain. Mr. Gustav requested for a red wine and it was attended immediately.
I looked at Ghunter. Simula nang ibalita iyon ng ama ay hindi na maalis ang pagkakuyom ng kanyang panga, tila may alam na sa mangyayari at hindi pabor doon.
While putting the napkin on his lap, Ghunter sighed and lifted his eyes towards me that's why he caught me staring at him.
Biglang umingay ang paligid sa labas. May nag-uusap sa likuran ng pinto at hindi nagtagal ay bumukas na iyon.
"Oh! There she is," si Mr. Gustav na bahagya pang napatayo nang bumukas ang pinto ng private room.
Mula sa inaasikasong table napkin ay naglakbay ang mga mata ko patungo sa bukana ng silid. And as soon as I recognized that familiar face, I unconsciously dropped the napkin on my lap.
"Tita!" masayang saad ng bagong dating nang mahanap ng mga mata si Madam Stella.
The latter was petrified for a while and when she recognized the new visitor and registered the whole scenario, without any hesitations, she really did jumped in so much delight.
Madam Stella then greeted the guest with an open arms.
"Naomi! My sweet little girl!"
Wearing a black bodycon dress and white faux fur shawl around her forearms, Naomi immediately ramped her way towards Madam Stella.
Sa mga oras na iyon, awtomatiko akong napanghinaan ng loob sa nasasaksihan. I turned my head to Ghunter. But for this instance, he wasn't looking at me anymore.
Unti-unti siyang tumayo sa kanyang kinauupuan at naglakad patungo sa likuran ng ina, nakasuksok ang mga kamay sa loob ng bulsa.
"Ambrose!" Naomi yelped in surprise when she saw Ghunter behind. "You look very handsome tonight as usual."
Ghunter silently nodded in response.
Tumayo na rin kami nina Mom at Dad to give courtesy. The view I was watching right now was composed of four people looking very perfectly fitted for one another. They were like the most perfect combination of 4 p's in a marketing mix. Na kapag inimplementa sa merkado ay makakahakot ng maraming tagahanga, atensiyon, at pamumuri.
Naomi looked like an integral part to Ghunter's family. Na kapag hinalo sa kanila ay siyang kukumpleto at masyadong nakakasilaw sa sobrang perpekto na ng tanawin.
Napakurap-kurap ako nang biglang lumingon sa direksiyon ko si Mr. Gustav. At sa mga sandaling iyon, hindi ako pwedeng magkamali sa aking nakita.
He was happy seeing me vulnerable like this. Thus, my senses finally awakened.
Hanggang ngayon ay namumunga pa rin ang sama ng loob na tinanim niya sa akin ilang taon na ang nakakalipas.
His opinion to me was still the same and it mattered. And surely, he despised the idea of his son being associated with an immature girl like me.
He sarcastically shook his head in utter dismay as he went back on entertaining Naomi.
I swallowed the lump on my throat when I realized something. All along, Mr. Gustav was against the idea of Ghunter being linked with such a girl like me.
And tonight, I learned his real motive to host this dinner. And it was to shove his preference and his clear definition of standards right to my face.
I smirked and slightly shook my head when it drowned into me.
Does he think pulling this stunt would work on me? I bit my lower lip to suppress the bulging grin on my face.
Damn. I'm tired being self-denial. I'm very worn out restraining myself to be happy, questioning my qualifications to feel it, thinking I don't deserve it.
But then I realized, someone else earned and sacrificed so much just to ensure my safety, happiness, and contentment. And I promised myself not to neglect that fact because it deserved to be reciprocated.
Masyado na akong nalulong sa nararamdamang kasiyahan kaya hindi ako susuko nang ganon-ganon lang kung kaya namang ipaglaban. Pagsubok lang ito. Iyon ang binulong ko sa aking sarili.
Kaya naman inukit ko sa utak na sa oras na malagpasan ito, hindi ko na pipigilan pa ang tunay kong nararamdaman.
If Mr. Gustav continued this game any longer, then I'm willing to accept the challenge and play it.
Besides, Ghunter was worth the risk anyway. And just like what I told him, I can handle it. So this time, I won't fail him again.