Illusory of Playtime

Chapter 1

I am now under the mercy of my parents. While they spoil me and let me do everything, as long as I am not harmed, they don't tolerate my misbehaviors.

I admit that I'm defiant... sometimes. I always get what I want and they always give in. I am used to that since I was a child and I am aware of that.

We're in the living area right now. I am seated on the single-seat sofa while they are seated across me. Mom's problematically looking at me while Dad is trying to convince her not to scold me to the extreme.

Dad looked at me, "It's not about that, Jas. Now that you told us about it, we'll talk about it later. Anyways, this is about the proposal."

I inwardly rolled my eyes, "What proposal? There are a lot of type of proposal, Dad? Project proposal? Business proposal? Mayroon ding-"

"It's a marriage proposal. Engagement proposal to be exact," Mommy dropped the bomb.

It seems like I'm lagging. I don't quite get what she said.

"We're arranging your marriage with someone whom we know, from a family we know," sabi ni Dad.

I unbelievably looked at them and pointed at myself. My mouth went open. I can't even wrap it around my head. I can't even say something in instant.

"W-what?! You arranged a marriage proposal for me? You know how I cherish my freedom and added by the fact that I'm gay, Dad, Mom. I can't even imagine myself with a girl," I helplessly turn to Dad, "Did you agree with this? I thought you love me, Dad? Gosh! I can't believe this."

"Stop overreacting, Jas, and hear us out."

"Overreacting? Mom, this is about myself. You're tying me with someone I don't know. And, with a girl? I may look like this but I have many beauty products in my drawer, you know that. I will not marry. Never-"

"Alex Jas."

I immediately stopped running my mouth the moment I heard Dad's serious voice.

He took a deep breath. I know he's trying to calm himself not to scold me.

"We've told you about understanding and listening to us first. Isang salita pa lang namin, may speech ka na diyan."

I smiled apologetically, "Hehehe, sorry Dad, Mom. I'll shut up na. I'll zip my mouth na talaga."

A moment of silence before Mom decided to break it. She took a deep breath and sip on her glass of water.

She looked at me with gentle eyes, "We know this is a big announcement. You have to understand that it is also heavy on our part while we talked with them. This is not out-of-the-blue decision. We are worried of your future, Jas. As much as possible everything is laid out perfectly since we don't know what the future holds. You are our only son. We cannot afford you hurting and nowhere to go in the future."

I calmed down a bit of what Mom said. I shook my head with the idea of them being gone too soon. I cannot even entertain that idea for even a bit.

"Mom, that wouldn't end good. Mahihirapan lang ako. Plus, it's a girl. Ewww."

"You don't have to stress about it too much. He's a boy. I guess you'll like him. He's good looking."

Nalukot ang mukha ko. Even though I am used to flirting, but I do it with those I know. I still took a moment to know them before I flirt with them. I am picky with my toys.

At least, the worry of it being a girl was removed out of my system.

"Please consider this, anak. If, let's say, it won't turn out good, you can tell us. But I hope you will give this a chance. You might learn to know him. He's a good man. We met him," Mom proposed, "Hindi pa naman talaga na ikakasal ka. We mutually decided that you both have to graduate college. You will use the remaining years in college to get to know each other and build a relationship."

I sighed. Looking at them, they have decided already. I just cannot afford to defy them although I have been doing it my whole life.

What they propose is just a long-term blind date that they manifest to end in marriage. I am not ready for this. It's too much information for me to just digest in one go. I need time to think. I have to talk with Gen and my cousin about this. Fortunately, with them, I can vent out unsaid feelings. Definitely, those can't be said to my parents since I would only add to their worries.

I've never been in this kind of decision making. Ang nakasanayan ko lang ay kung anong Brand ng sapatos, bag, skincare products at damit ang pipiliin ko.

I am torn between giving a nod or shaking my head. I ended up doing the former.

"Fine, I'll be getting to know this guy," I saw how Mom's face lit up, "However, Mom, Dad... I will back out of this arrangement if ever I don't like that guy."

My mom went to me, "Of, course. We won't let you feel hurt. He won't though, I assure you. He's a good guy, ad we knew his parents very well."

She kissed my head and assures me.

I couldn't do anything but agree with a nod.

'They're my parents. Who knows better of my betterment other than them? ' I defeatedly convinced myself.

After a small talk of assurance and all, they left me in the living area. They're busy with our business- Their business to be exact, since I have no contribution of it yet. However, it's weight burdens my shoulder, knowing I am an only child.

That's the reason why I cannot pursue my dream profession. I am stuck in a business management program which Iearned.

Ironic, right? I get everything what I want yet that one desire of my heart is taken away from me. I couldn't even protest. Now this...

"Manang Dahlia!"

I saw her came to me and asked why I called her.

"I need a warm bath. Please prepare the tub. Thank you," I said without looking at her as I rested my head on the backrest of the sofa while closing my eyes.

"Opo, Sir Jas."

My mind is now in chaos with different thoughts. I am now starting to imagine who that guy might be, or how might he look like. My mind started to paste a collage of my ideal features of a man.

Should I call Mom to ask if he's handsome?

I shook away the stupid thought that surfaced in my head. Mapapagalitan lang ako kapag ginawa ko iyon.

I frustratingly stand out of the sofa.

Is this really the time to concern myself if he's handsome? Gosh, Alex Jas, you are unbelievable.

"He should be handsome or else..." I look crazy mumbling to myself while rolling my eyes.

As I make my way upstairs, one thought popped up inside my head. Who's that guy again? I didn't remember Mom or Dad telling me who's he.

I frustratingly proceeded to climb the stairs with heavy steps. Hindi ko na nga alam na in-arrange na pala marriage ko, my future to be exact, pati ba naman pangalan ay hindi ko alam?

I brought my phone with me while my body's submerged in the tub. I am currently texting Mom to know who's the guy. At least I have the knowledge of who I am arranged with.

After some time, my phone beeped.

'His name's Javerson. Btw, don't send me another text or a call, please, anak. I am in a meeting.'

I pouted.

Another beep.

'You'll be meeting him soon. We're arranging a dinner.'

The name rings inside my head.

"Javerson..." I smirked.

Will he be worth to play with?