Taming Sun in the Heir's Heart

Chapter 10

To Damon Delborja:

I'm out with my friends and I'll be home late. Mag VC pa ba tayo?

"Sa'n ba tayo?" I asked my friends.

Kapag lumalabas si Damon or kung ano man ang ginagawa niya ay lagi itong nagsasabi. He said he's just updating me. I want to do the same so nagsabi na rin ako.

"Sirendeep? Or sa iba naman?" Ralph asked while putting his rubber shoes.

"Backlor na lang para hindi maingay." Ani Nica.

"Tumatanda ka na. Ang sensitive mo na sa ingay." Puna ni Andrei kaya nakatanggap ito ng suntok galing kay Nica.

"Hindi nakakasuntok ng gano'n ang senior." Saad ni Nica.

I shooked my head. Mga bata kung mag away.

"Siren na lang pero chill na lang tayo. Tagal na rin ng pagbar natin e." Erick.

"Oo nga. Si Francy kasi e." Pasaring ni Chris.

Hinagisan ko siya ng throw pillow kaya nagsitawanan sila. Nandito kami sa condo ni Nica. Parang naging bahay na rin namin dahil may mga damit kami rito.

Wala pa rin alam ang 8balls sa panliligaw ni Damon. Kahit ang Restarea ay wala ring alam. Si mama lang ata...

"Sige, Sirendeep80 na lang. Gusto ko rin ng alak doon e." Saad ni Nica.

"Ng alak o ng bartender?" Angelo na nakataas ang kilay.

"Pati ng bartender, syempre!" Nica paused, "Pati 'yung bouncer. Chariz!"

Bago kami makaalis ay inantay ko pa ang reply ni Damon ngunit wala. Patapos palang ang office hours nang magpaalam kaya baka hindi pa nababasa.

Inabot ng traffic kaya naman sakto lang ang oras ang pagkain namin ng dinner bago pumunta sa Sirendeep80.

Loud music and loud voices welcomed us as we enter the bar.

"Francy! Renzo said you are his type in a sport interview!" I gave her a puzzled face as I beso Claire, "Renzo! The basketball player!"

Oh! Nanligaw iyon sa akin. Well, he said panliligaw iyon but that feels like we just hanged out together. And so we ended as magtropa lang.

"He did?" I'm in state of shock.

"Yes! He must be so whipped to say that in an interview!" She laughed. Claire complimented my outfit and introduced me to some of her friends.

"Are you with Ralph?" A woman in a tight black dress asked. I don't know her.

"Yes. He's right there... why?" Hindi ito sumagot at nagtuloy tuloy sa kung nasaan si Ralph at ang iba pa.

Iniwan ako ng mga ito upang maghanap ng sofa for us. I see group of guys who waved at me so I did the same. They're from another university I met in a small ball.

Rita, a youtube vlogger who's, I think, is already drunk, pulled me on the dance floor.

"Rita! I thought you're pregnant?!" I whispered almost a shout.

"Shhh! Para sa vlog lang iyon! And Ryan cheated even after I told everyone I'm pregnant! Napakagaga ng kabet!" She swayed her body after she said that.

Still in shocked, I laughed when she twirled me and we danced together. Marami ring nagsilapit na same field sa amin. I even saw Erick and Louis made their way to the dancefloor.

Nako! Makakuha 'tong mga 'to ng vlogger, yari na ang personal life nila.

I became too busy with all of the people trying to get my attention and to strike a conversation.

Cate from the Architecture department in another university gave me a drink.

"You just came and you haven't drink yet! Madaya!" They all shouted 'one shot'.

I drank three shots straight. Gumuhit ang matapang na lasa ng alcohol sa lalamunan ko at ramdam ko ang biglang pag init ng katawan. They all cheered for me.

I was so busy being the spotlight of the bar. Kahit sa laki nito ay nasa akin ang atensyon ng nakararami. Of course, halos kilala ko ang mga naririto. Ang mga nasa VIP seats or nasa sofa area lamang ang hindi masyadong sumasali.

We had a dance session. We are so wild and free. Nawawala ang init ng katawan ko sa pagsayaw ng dahil sa pawis na nilalabas.

Troy, one of a friend from Psychology Department, pulled me for a dance so we did. It wasn't sensual because we are just talking and some people are actually joining so it's not just the two of us.

"Kunin daw ng kaibigan ko ang number mo!" He whispered loudly.

I shooked my head, "Nope! I'm taken!"

"What?"

I only laughed at him and faced Chase, Mich, Cara and Queency. Hindi ko alam na nandito ang mga ito kasama si Crissa, but she's nowhere to be found.

"Tae ka, Francy! Nagyayaya kami sa GC natin, hindi ka sumasagot! Andito ka na pala!" Hampas ni Queency sa akin.

"Hindi ko alam! Hindi ko napansin chat niyo!" Tawa ko habang hinihimas ang hinampas niya.

We danced with Nica and Claire.

"Ralph's out! Galit 'yung babae kanina!" Nica hugged me to tell me some chika.

"She asked me first tapos walang modong umalis!" I tsked.

"That's Roanne, Francy. Spoiled only daughter of a casino holder." Sabi ni Crissa pagkalapit na pagkalapit, "I saw Ralph outside with that girl."

"How did he end up with a spoiled brat?" Nica asked.

"Natiis niya nga tayo! Kaya niya 'yan!" I laughed. Bahala na! Walang seryosong usapan dito.

I feel so wild and free. Nakalimutan ko na ang pressure sa nalalapit na competition at sa stress sa schoolworks. At nakalimutan ko rin na may manliligaw ako.

Not until I was pulled out of the dancefloor and introduced me to some older men seated on a sofa next to Damon's friends.

Calder's eyes darted at me with a mischievous smile. Hindi ko na kailangang lingunin iyon dahil nang madaanan ko siya ay ganon na ang itsura nito.

"Francy, meet Jonnathan, Ruth, Red, and Baron, they're working under a construction firm as an architect and engineer." Cate introduced me. I shook hands with guys with average looks.

"Nice meeting you." I smiled friendly to each one of them. Ang isa ay nagmayabang pa ng kung ano na hindi ko naman inintindi kung ano iyon.

"This is Fourth, the one who owns the construction firm." Pakilala niya sa isang lalaking hindi tumayo para iwelcome ako.

I saw his dark mysterious eyes looked at me intently. He raised his eyebrow as he stood up.

"Fourth." He introduced himself.

Very mysterious with a nice body built. But, only one guy could make me curious over a person with that kind of feature.

My phone is on my bag. I put it on silent as we entered the bar. Nakapagpaalam naman na ako na sa kung nasaan ako. And if it's an emergency, my family can alarm my phone.

"Bro! 'Wag gano'n! Natabunan agad kami dahil sa'yo e!" Reklamo ni... who's this again? Baron?Jonnathan? I'm sure he's not Ruth.

We had a small talk until Caleb and Calder entered the conversation. And it feels like they are acquainted with Fourth. Like how they fist bump and smirked at one another.

"Do you know them, Francy? Or should I introduce you to them?" Cate asked.

"Yeah. I know them." I said boredly. I looked at my finger, checking if my nail polish are still good.

Nahihilo na 'ko. I should probably drink another shot...

"We know Francy," Panimula ni Caleb. "But maybe I can introduce you to one of our friend?"

"Oh, yeah! He's single!" Segunda ni Calder kaya napalingon ako.

Doon ko lang napansin ang paligid at kung ano ang nangyayari.

I'm infront of five men, Cate's hand wrapped around my waist, Caleb and Cal are on my right side, and there... Damon Delborja standing near his two friends, staring darkly at me.

Shit?

"Or maybe you two knows each other already?" Caleb said with a chuckle.

Cate gasp, "Oh em! T-the hot owner of this club. Hi, Damon!"

Napalunok ako sa kaba. Ibalik ko na lang kaya ang tingin ko sa mga kuko ko?

Napansin ko ang pagtango niya kay Cate at ang pagbalik ng tingin nito sa akin. Saka ito tumalikod at umalis na! Umalis!!

Napalingon agad ako kay Caleb at Adi na tinawag pa si Damon na hindi na lumilingon pa. While Calder is just... well, waiting for me to do something with his dimples showing and eyebrow raised.

"So you're on your fourth year—"

"I'll just excuse myself. I forgot where I put my phone." I excused myself not letting a guy start a conversation.

Nakita ko ang pagliko ni Damon sa counter. Tumigil siya roon at kinausap ang bartender. I even saw Nica talking to the bartender and to Damon. I stopped walking.

Aantayin ko siyang matapos maglakad hanggang sa kung saan siya pupunta, saka ko siya lalapian.

Lumabas si Damon ng counter at dumeretsong dumaan sa gilid ng dancefloor. Maraming humarang sa kaniya striking a conversation but he did not let anyone. Nagtuloy-tuloy ang paglalakad nito hanggang marating ang isa sa mga smoking areas ng bar na ito.

Shit. My most hated part of a bar.

Even so, I walk to the smoking area.

Nadaanan ko pa si Louis na may hawak na baso at inaabot sa akin kaya ininom ko iyon. I finished another shot. Kailangan ko ng lakas ng loob.

With my 4 inches heels and sexy outfit, I shivered from the coldness of the air of the outside. I stopped walking and tried to find Damon, that's when I felt my feet a bit tired of walking and standing.

Makakapal na usok ng vape at yosi ang bumungad sa akin. Agad na parang bumaliktad ang sikmura ko at parang susuka na sa amoy ng mga ito. Tatlo lamang silang nandito at open space naman pero iba pa din talaga ang amoy.

But I spotted where Damon is. Nakasandal ito sa railing ng smoking area. This is the second floor part at para itong balcony na tinawag lamang na smoking area for those who needs to smoke. Nakatitig na ito sa akin at parang nagulat pa na sinundan ko siya.

Now, it is my turn to be shocked when I saw him holding a cigarette on his left hand finger. Kumunot ang noo ko nang makita ko kung paano siya humigop doon na naglikha ng nagbabagang abo sa dulo nito at ibinuga ang makapal na usok na iyon sa malayo.

That is so damn sexy. With his sexy built and submissive aura. His way of puffing out the smoke makes him look like a freaking greek god exhaling a smoke out of his mouth.

I breathed in and tried to walk near him without breathing. When I'm finally right next to him, I started breathing again.

Parang dumaan ako sa obstacle ng dalawang lalaking nagbubuga ng usok. Very polluted ang area na ito. Nakakasulasok.

"Why are you here?" He asked deeply, almost a growl.

"You smoke?" I asked too.

"Yes." He answered.

I smiled and nodded to hide my disgust with it. Nakatitig ito sa mga mata kong humigop ulit sa yosi nito at ibinuga 'yon sa pagitan namin. I wrinkled my nose with that. Ipinaypay ko pa ang kamay ko sa harap ko para mawala ang usok. Nang hindi makayanan ay humakbang ako ng dalawang beses palayo sa kaniya.

"You don't like me smoking?" He asked.

"I hate the smell of cigarettes and vapes. It makes me vomit." I answered.

"You hate me smoking?"

"No, I just don't like people around me smoking." I answered not knowing if I'm answering it right.

"So, you don't like me to smoke?" He asked again, wanting a different answer.

"Smoking is bad for your health."

I saw him bite his lower lip and shook his head. Pinatay niya ang yosi sa kamay niya gamit ang ash tray.

"Stay here. Wait for me 'till I come back." He said like he's talking to a kid. I rolled my eyes at him.

Naglakad siya palapit sa dalawang lalaking naguusap at may sinabi doon. Lumingon ang dalawa sa akin saka pinatay ng isa ang yosi nito at tumigil naman sa pagve-vape ang isa. Kasama ito ni Damon pumasok sa loob ng bar.

Dafuq was that? I shooked my head. Humarap ako sa buwan at mga bituin sa langit at isinandal ang tiyan sa railing.

Sige, magaantay ako.

Stars are sparking brightly. Sabi sa science, ang star daw na mamamatay na ay nagkukulay pula hanggang sa sumabog ito. Mayroon kayang makikitang pulang bituin mula rito?

Naging abala na ako sa pagtingin sa langit nang marinig ang pagsarado ng pinto. Humina ang tunog ng malakas na ingay sa loob ng bar. Nilingon ko ito at napansin ang papalapit na Damon.

I sighed and look up at him. I saw him holding a bottle of water.

"This is cold water. Sober up first before we talk." He said. Parang isang masunuring bata kaya pinangalahatian ko ang lamang tubig.

I'm not drunk though, still sober.

"Ano ang paguusapan?" I asked him. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin nang maglakad ito sa tabi ko. Sumandal at itinukod ang dalawang siko sa railing.

He is wearing an ash gray long sleeves polo, two unbuttoned buttons, with a dark gray necktie lossed a bit, tucked in a cream slacks. He went straight here from work?

"Let's talk about how I called you multiple times to ask you where you are but you're not answering untill my friends told me you're at my bar..." He said slowly, "being introduced to some random guys."

"You have eyes everywhere?" I laughed, still holding my bottle of water. He put it down to let me focus on him.

"I have eyes everywhere so you cannot escape." He said seriously. Hindi na ito nagbibiro ngayon at mukhang pagod ito galing sa trabaho at naghanap pa sa akin.

Kinapa ko ang cellphone sa maliit na strap bag na nasa balikat ko. Doon ko lang nakita ang 22 nitong missed calls at 48 messages na puro where are you every damn minute.

"Oh." I exclaimed.

"Oh?" He imitated with sarcasm. I cleared my throat.

I'm doomed. I smiled at him and explained myself.

"Okay, first, doon sa mga lalaki na kasama ko sa bar, they're all my friends. Walang malisya sa lahat ng iyon. Second, I was just being introduced to some men there for future purposes." Litanya ko. Hiningal pa ako kaya uminom ulit ng tubig.

"Future purposes?"

"For apprenticeship and all that." He nodded. "Why? Are you mad?"

Sumandal ng patagilid sa railing paharap sa akin saka ako nilingon.

"They're hitting on you. And you seem drunk kaya hindi mo napapansin."

Oh. Tinagilid ko ang ulo ko upang matignan pa lalo siya. Is he jealous?

"I'm not drunk, I can feel it. Wala lang talaga akong pake." I said with all honesty.

He did not talk so I'm not sure if he accepted my explanation. Tahimik lamang siyang nagmamasid sa akin.

"Let's go back now. I think my friends are looking for me." Tila natauhan naman siya kaya umalis na siya sa pagkakasandal niya at ganoon din ang ginawa ko.

I was about to walk near the door when I saw him step forward and wrapped his arms around me. Dahan-dahan ang paggalaw niya at tinatantiya kung lalayo o papalag ba ako. Kaya nang mahigpitan niya na ang yakap at hindi ako gumalaw ay parang nabunutan siya ng tinik.

"Should I not worry everytime you're around with boys?" He asked in a hoarse voice. I gulped.

"Yes... but, I'll call you if I need your help and protection." I said as I look up to him, "Ralph and the rest of the gang has been doing that for a long time now. At least I have you too."

Dahan-dahan ang paghaplos ng kaniyang kamay sa aking buhok. That made me feel comfortable. He sighed his frustration and I sighed to release my tensed body because of his carress.

"I'll be doing the same thing to you if ever may mga babaeng lumapit sa'yo." I said. Ipinikit ko ang mata ko, sinandal ang katawan ko palapit lalo sa kaniya, at iniyakap din ang mga kamay sa likod niya.

"Are you a jealous woman?"

"I'm territorial." I said still eyes close.

I felt his face landed on the top of my head, I heard a sound of... a kiss.

"I am, too. But I want to understand that you need to explore and socialize more with your age..." Parang hindi pa ito sigurado, "But, I don't want you near stupid jerks and motherfùckers. Mababaliw ako kakaisip sa'yo."

"Uhuh. And I understand that you're in the business world and socializing is part of it." I said, "But don't you ever flirt! Hindi mo pa ako nakikitang magalit!"

My warning feels like I hit a soft spot inside his heart which made him chuckle. His lips landed on my forehead as I felt his heart pumped loudly.

"Hindi pa ba tayo official nito?" He chuckled sexily, "Binabakuran na natin ang isa't-isa."

"Not yet. Commited lang but we're not yet official." Umiling-iling pa 'ko, "I believe, graduation muna, bago jowa."

And finally, he laughed whole heartedly.

"Oh, God! How can I stay mad at you!" He chuckled again as he kissed my forehead again.

"Ang ganda ko kasi." Sabi ko.

"Oo nga. Saka sexy pa." Dugtong niya kaya napatawa na rin ako.

"I'll be faithful and loyal to you. Only you, baby." He kissed my forehead a little longer. He rested his lips on it as we swayed a little.

"We should dance." Kumawala ako sakaniya kaya kumunot ang noo niya, "Here! Slow dance lang. Please?"

I pulled him in the middle of the smoking area. Although we can still hear the loud music from the inside, I still wrapped my arms around his neck as he wrapped his arms around my tiny exposed waist. Tila wala nang pake kung may biglang magbukas ng pinto.

The loud thud on my heart and a short skip of beating were followed by a fast beating of my heartbeat. This so freaking sweet!

"We don't have a song though." I giggled while we sway our body.

He kissed the top of my head and smiled at me. Pipikit ko na sana ang mga mata ko nang marinig ko ang pagkanta niya.

"I've read all of the books under romance hoping to find you someday

Now someday is right now

I've seen the guy get the girl in the movies

But never thought I'd be the one to run off with you in that gown," I gasped when I heard his baritone voice singing these lines. He can sing!

"It's a worse or for better

A once upon a time

'Cause that's what loving you is like,"

Ang bilis ng t***k ng puso ko ay parang nagbibigay ng matinding emosyon sa akin na umiyak muna sa hindi kapani-paniwalang senaryo na ito. Hindi ko kailanman naisip na mangyayari ito.

"Like when Jack told Rose that she's the one

When Cinderella fell for that prince at the ball

Like when Johnny asked Baby for one more dance

But they ain't met us, no, they ain't met us yet."

Saksi ang buwan at mga bituin sa langit sa malamyos na pagsayaw namin sa kantang namumutawi sa mapupulang labi ng binatang kasayaw ko. Ang mga mata nito ay parang nangungusap habang nakatitig sa akin. Mahigpit ang pakakakapit sa aking baywang na tila ayaw na ako nitong pakawalan.

"Are we hiding my courtship to your family and friends?" He asked after we dance.

We stood side by side as we watch the stars.

"My mom knows." I simply said, "My friends, I think they have an idea but... I haven't confirmed it yet."

He sighed, "So this is a secret, then."

"No. 'Pag may nagtanong, sasabihin natin." Saad ko. He nodded.

Wow. Parang ako ang boss, ah. Ako ang nasusunod.

"You okay with that?" I asked. Baka lang naman may suggestion siya.

"Well, Calder asked so I told him I'm courting you, I think he's the one who told our friends. While my parents and Ryves knows I wanted to court you even before." Litanya niya. "I'll tell Cal to shut up."

"Yeah. I think that will do." I said, "Ayaw ko pang ipaalam sa mga fans namin e. Kapag maraming nakakaalam, maraming mangingi-alam."

He agreed to my words so I think he understood my point.

After our conversation, we decided to walk inside and socialize again separately. Doon ako sa mga kaibigan ko at doon naman siya sa mga kaibigan niya. We glance each other's way from time to time but we didn't let anyone notice that.

We had our own time for the week. For monday and tuesday ay over time siya kaya hindi kami nakapagkita ng tuesday. And now for wednesday, I have my own thing kaya naman nagvi-videocall na lang kami.

Nagpunta ako sa bookstore sa isang malapit na mall sa University para makabili ng gagamitin for my scale model.

I'm holding a basket of small grass carpet, trees and shrubs. May tiles and wood stickers pa ang nahanap ko. I get clay too for the roofing and some details.

Whoo, ang gastos! Gagawan kong progress video nito para kumita naman ako at maibalik ang gastos.

I was finding vellum boards when someone bumped into me. I wasn't moving kaya alam kong sinadya ito.

"Watch your step, miss." May tunog galit ang boses nito. The voice sounds familiar as well so I looked at the person I bumped with.

Vanessa, the witch. Kaya naman pala.

"Oh, narito pala ang ipinagpipilitan ang sarili sa isang lalaki." She smirked so I smirked too, "Weren't you tired and felt embarassed after Damon introduced me to you?"

"Actually, hindi. Hindi naman kasi ako mapapel kagaya mo, Ate." I smiled sweetly, "Po!"

"This, b***h!" Naka taas na ang kamay nito, handa na akong saktan so I smiled sweetly, inilapit ko pa lalo ang mukha ko.

"Hala, ate." kunwaring nalungkot, "Di ba matured woman ka? Act according to what you claimed! Nakakawala ng poise 'yan! Kaya ka pala pumapangit, e!"

"Oh, you!" She shouted, pero nang mapansin niya napapalingon ang mga tao at tinitignan kami, natawa ako.

"Vanessa girl. Remember that I'm a youtube vlogger and tiktoker. Kung ayaw mong maging trending sa twitter, i-ayon mo ang ugali mo sa edad mo." I warned her as I smile at her.

Para siyang naging balisa noon pero nang makitang wala nang nakatingin ay bumalik ang masamang tingin nito sa akin.

Shit! Asan na mga fans namin?! Tulungan niyo ko! Huhu. Baka sabunutan ako nito, mas matangkad pa naman sa'kin. Kayabangan at pasmadong dila lang mayro'n ako.

Halos manginig ang buong katawan ko nang lumapit si Vanessa na may nagaalab na mata sa galit. Pero kahit gano'n ay hindi ko pinahalata. Pinanindigan ko ang pagiging matapang.

"Piece of advice for you, kid. His relatives will never like a girl like you! Nakikita mo ba ang sarili mo sa salamin?" She whispered angrily, "Bumalik ka sa maduming lugar kung saan ka galing at nababagay! Huwag mong dungisan si Damon. You're nothing but a piece of dirty rag—!"

"Hindi ako tumatanggap ng opinyon ng taong kasing oily ng mukha mo. An oily immature double-faced b***h, masked as a struggling mature and fine lady. Pathetic, right?"

I was born a fighter. Mama, be proud.

Nakita ko ang sobrang galit sa kaniyang mukha. Pulang-pula ang mukha nito, wala ng ngising nakaka-irita sa labi. Ang maganda nitong mukha ay stress na stress na sa akin. Huminga siya ng malalim. Keeping her cool again.

"I don't want to warn you twice, Francy. But remember that I've warned you, okay?" She smirked, "Huwag ka na rin magugulat if one day, engaged o kasal na kami ni Dame while you... you'll stay where you are."

"Send me the invites then, before I send you to hell." I winked at her. Ako na ang kumusang magwalk-out.

Bitch! Anong engage at kasal? Nagpa-plano ba sila matagal na? Oh, why am I even shock about this?! E nasa same field sila at malamang inaasahang mapalawak pa ang company through merging!

Bobo! Akala niya siguro mala-fictional book story ang buhay niya! Ang hilig pumapel, mukha namang naghihimutok na mantika! Grrr!

Badtrip ako hanggang sa makauwi at gumagawa na ng scale model ko. Nakatatlong missed calls na si Damon ay wala pa rin ako sa mood sagutin ito.

"Ateng, 'lam mo ba? Nagtataka mga friendship ko ba't daw ako may designer bags at OOTD," she laughed hysterically, "Di nila alam, sagana ako sa shopping mo!"

I laughed with her but I did not add anymore. Parang drain ako na ewan.

"Oks ka lang, ateng?" She asked. I shooked my head. "Oh! Sige. Kunin ko lang labahan mo."

I'm waiting for her to go outside until I received a message from Damon.

From Damon Delborja:

Are you asleep? Or am I disturbing you?

I sighed. Parang hindi naman ata tama na pagbuntunan ko siya ng galit ko kay Vanessa. Hindi rin tama na itago ko sa kaniya ang nangyari kanina. Like what he said, we're getting to know each other, hiding this will put us far apart. Mago-overthink ako sa isang bagay na siya lang naman ang makakasagot.

Let's be rational here. Be mature enough to know what's right.

I answered his call for the last time.

"I thought you're already asleep—" Hindi niya na natapos ang sasabihin niya.

"Hi. I just want to say what happened earlier at the mall. Nagkabungguan kami ni Vanessa mo and she called me different names. Hindi ako nagpapatalo kaya gumanti ako, in short nagkasakitan kami through words. I don't care about that as much as I don't care about her. But what's alarming me is that Vanessa said huwag daw akong magugulat kung one day engage o kasal na kayo!" Hingal na hingal ako. Nagmula sa mahina ang boses ko at natapos sa pasigaw.

I saw him starring at the screen with mouth half open.

"Is that true? Why? Do you plan on getting married? Wala naman akong pake kung anong gawin niyo sa buhay niyo o kung ano mang plano niyo kaso ikaw itong lumapit sa akin at nanligaw! But it looks like I'm the one pushing myself to you!" Kunot-noo at pawis ang ilong kong litanya, "Damn you, Damon! Kung pinaglalaruan mo lang ako, mategi—!"

"Woah! Stop right there! Wala akong alam sa sinasabi mong kasal o engage na 'yan." He said calmly, "Vanessa called me earlier and told me her side of story."

"For sure magkaiba kami." I rolled my eyes.

"She said you told her she's immature, oily at two faced-b***h—"

"Yes, that's true."

"—you even said that she's an old rag—"

"Nope, siya ang nagsabi noon sa akin. Kapal ha!"

"—and you said that you will only date me if I give you money—"

"Hindi ako gano'n ha!" I'm shouting now, "I never said that! May pera ako!"

"I know, baby... stop shouting now, please." He said calmly, "I know she's lying when she said that. Naniwala pa ako sa harsh words but I know, you won't tell her that unless she started it. Everything were just so okay about her telling me that, not until she tried to ruin you."

"I don't really want to tell you about it kanina. I don't feel like I should. But, thinking na magsusumbong nga siya sa'yo while I'm overthinking her claims, I want answers." I almost pouted. Pinunasan ko ang pawis sa ilong.

"We were being paired by our family since then but that's just that. We've talked about it before and we agreed to be just friends." He said with a frustrated face, "The engagement thing was cancelled four years ago when I ignored and declined it. Hanggang ngayon, ayaw ko."

"Bakit gano'n siya magsalita?" Inilapag ko ang cutter na kanina pa pala mahigpit ang hawak ko.

"I don't know. And I'm not a bit happy about this." He sighed. Hinilot niya sentido niya, "Is that why you did not answer my calls kanina?"

I nodded as I bite my lower lip.

"Why? What were you thinking kanina? That I'll leave you after courting you? That I'll choose her?" Tuloy-tuloy na punto nito na parang nabasa niya lahat ng naisip ko.

"Shut up, Damon. I understand it naman. Parehas kayo mayaman at mas posible kayong dalawa kaysa sa atin," he shifted his weight, "Plus you're both in the right age to marry. Habang sa akin ay magaantay ka pa until I graduate and finally have my license. If your grandparents ask for a grandchild tomorrow, hindi ko maibibigay 'yon. I'm sure she can and she's willing—"

"But I will definitely decline. I want to do all that with you, not with her or anybody else." He sighed, "I never imagined myself doing all that before until I met you. Not today, of course. Magaantay ako dahil tatagal tayo. I'm sure of that."

Malumanay ang boses nito at tila gusto niya talaga itong ipaintindi sa akin. Sa pamamaraan ng pananalita niya ay wala na akong nasabi. Ang mga salitang binitiwan niya ay nagsilbing harang sa naiisip ko.

"Are we good now?" I nodded, "You're not jealous anymore, babygirl?"

"I wasn't jealous! At anong babygirl?!" Do I sounded like one? s**t! Ang immature ko ata tignan!

"Okay, okay. Hindi na." He chuckled. He even bit his lower lip to stop himself from laughing loudly.

"Oo nga pala. I saw your t****k vid you posted just now. Who's the guy?" He asked. Tumitig pa muna ako sakaniya.

"A teammate from my dance troupe. Sorry, teaser kasi 'yun ng aabangan nila for the competition," I remembered something, "His name is Travis and partner ko siya lagi pati na rin sa special competition na for duo this coming compet."

He nodded pero mukhang hindi convinced.

"May girlfriend sa kabilang univ at hindi ko talaga 'yon type." I smiled sheepishely, "Still not convinced?"

"Yes, only if you'd accompany me on my mommy's birthday, I'll let it pass." He said which made me shock, "Mom wants you there, Francy."