The Identity Of The Sinful Miracle

∽ N I N E T E E N ∽

"Ano kaya ang magandang motif para sa Acquaintance Party natin?" I ask and eyed him sideways.

But he just stares at me and doesn't mind answering my question. My mouth presses into a thin line.

It takes how many days to organize our School Fest. Everything is ready, School Acquaintance na lang ang kulang.

Two days before the event, and I am here, got stuck with this creep inside the general merchandise shop—buying stuff we need for the party.

I elbow him. "Ano na?"

"It's up to you." He says while eyeing the racks boringly.

Ugh. I hate you.

"Ancy naman!" I cry out as I angrily gape at him. And once again, he just stares at me.

Sheesh. What the hell is that stare for? Competition for how long is the stare?

Why does he always stare? Do I have some dirt on my face? Or I am just that pretty?

Heh. Reality.

"Don't ignore me, dummy! Last week ka pang ganyan." I whine, balling my fists.

Chance only gazes at me, without uttering a word.

I chew my lower lip as I look down. Haven't he heard that I was proclaimed as the 'Drama Queen'? "As I thought, you're really ignoring me." I say silently with a sad tone. "Are you mad of me, Ancy? Did I do something wrong?"

"No." Ancy simply says. "You and I became enemies just last week. I could see that you've completely forgotten about that."

"Ha?" I don't know, but that makes me extremely annoyed. "Chance, you idiot!" I squirm, I don't care if I'm in a supply shop, but I attack Chance—continuously hitting his shoulder with my fist. "Just how childish you are, Ancy!! Stupid Ancy! Dummy Ancy! Ugly Ancyy!!"

"Stop it," Chance catches my hand. I peer at him, the side of his lips is curved up. "You're the one who's being childish here."

"How do you say so?"

"Because you told me that you hate me."

"That's right," I reply in mousy tone. "I hate you, because you called me annoying."

"Ah, okay." He chuckles, reaching my cheek with his palm. "You're not fine calling you annoying, Natsumi?" I only nod. "But that's true, you're annoying."

"Sheesh!" I hiss, glaring at him. "For cheesecake's sake, Chance! I hate you!" I turn my back as I march away from him.

He sighs. "Here we go again."

"Ako na ang bahala sa lahat, Cain." I tell him without looking, "Pero ikaw ang magiging taga-buhat ko." I turn my head to Chance's and playfully stick my tongue at him.

I start finding all the materials inside the store, and Ancy is just behind me. Though we're enemies, he can't simply leave me alone here. And I know that he's not a type of person who leaves someone behind.

"We'll be needing this, and this, and this." I return my looks to Ancy with his poker face. I grin sweetly and then I revert my attention to the stuff we need.

Kuha rito, kuha roon, kuha everywhere. Hanggang sa makumpleto ang mga gagamitin namin.

Bahala na lang si Ancy ang magbuhat niyan. I form an evil smirk on my thoughts. Sometimes, I am an evil.

Later that day, we both go at the cashier's area, and then we pay our expenses.

After that, we head outside. As usual, we are walking. Ancy is holding all the materials with his aura flowing in irritation.

Blah. Bahala na si Ancy.

It is already 5 PM in the afternoon, at palubog na ang araw.

Umupo muna kami sa isang bench para magpahinga nang sandali. Ang ganda nga ng view.

I always love the sun, especially when it is setting. Just how the sky changes color into different shades. The sunset symbolizes the ending of today.

Then again, there's tomorrow. Living for tomorrow only signifies that we are closing to the day of our deaths.

Enjoy life? How can I enjoy my life? I have lived this far not to enjoy my life. But on the other side, I must. I exsist in this world. This is the reality that I witness, since the day I was born.

I glance at Ancy, his eyes are close; nakapatong ang ulo niya sa sandalan ng bench. I also notice some beads of sweat on his forehead.

Napa-iling na lang ako, masyado siyang napagod—even me, though. Pero mas pagod siya dahil sa dami pa naman ng dala niya kanina, seven full of plastic bags lang naman.

"Ancy." I call his attention and he immediately opens his eyes. He looks at me, without shifting his head to my direction.

Ang cool pala ni Ancy. I mean, yeah, he's a cool person; pero ngayon ko lang napansin. He looks cooler at this moment. His face gleams along the fading sunlight.

"What is it, Natsumi?" He asks me in gentle tone.

"Eh?" Biglang sambit ko. He slightly glares at me while making a 'nghr' little sound. That makes me chuckle, he's bit hotheaded, huh? "Alis lang ako, Ancy. Pero agad din akong babalik, okay?"

Hindi pa man siya nakakasagot at umalis na ako. Bumalik ako ulit sa loob ng mall to buy some snacks for him. I feel little guilty for what I've done. Yah. Guilty as charged.

As I finish buying some thing, I come back where he is. I stand upright. There he is, his eyes are still closed. He's still not opening his eyes. I think, he cannot feel my presence.

Nasanay akong tinatago ang prisensya ko kahit saan. Is this a good thing? He can't feel my presence, the longer I can stare at him. He's so peaceful with his silky raven black hair swaying in the blows of the wind.

"Someone's attracted."

Hah?

Damn. I mentally slap my head. I'm doing nonsense.

"Ancy." I call him with a louder voice.

Before he can open his eyes, I already place the milk tea exactly in the front of his face. "Oh." I offer to him.

He tilts his head with a questioning look. Slightly bewilders, he grabs the refreshment and takes a sip on it.

I sit beside him while picking the croissant inside of a paper bag. "Here, have some snacks." And then I hand it to him. Gladly, he accepts it.

He starts eating silently, the same as he watches the nightfall swallows the sunlight.

"Wala bang 'thank you'?" I ask him in disbelief.

"Tss." He fizzes. "Why would I? Ikaw ang pumagod sa akin." He tells me in rugged manner as he shrugs off all of my complaints.

I blink for how many times. He's unbelievable! And wow. Why am I not surprised with his attitude?

"Oh, yes. Natsumi, thanks." I mutter to myself sarcastically. I roll my eyes. Such an arrogant guy.

I hear him chuckles and see him shaking his head while he takes an another sip on his milk tea. Yes, his.

I pick my handkerchief inside the pocket of my coat. I got little sweaty from running, just to buy him a snack. But this jerk beside me never appreciated that.

Sighing, I wipe all my sweats slightly irritated. My curiosity suddenly strikes me. Why does Ancy have to be so mean, jerk, arrogant, rude, grumpy, and hotheaded?

"Hey, Natsumi."

I gaze at Chance. "Wha—?!"

Wordlessly, he shoves the croissant to my mouth!

"Hey!!" I prohibit, removing the croissant in my mouth.

"Heh." He smirks while scoffing.

"Why you—!!" He shuts me again, by putting the straw of the milk tea in my mouth.

"Have some more." He titters, smiling warmly.

That makes me starstruck. He's smiling again.

But, hey! I'm still annoyed!

"Chance!" I aghastly say. "Why have to do that?"

He purses his lips and leans to the bench. "I'm not that kind of jerk, Natsumi." He only answers, diverting his attention to the sunset.

"Hah?" I utter baffingly. "You mean, you're not that kind of jerk for not sharing your food to me?"

"Yeah." He replies, not interested to the topic.

"Are you freaking kidding me?" I say hysterically. "Judging on what you did, you have already proved to me that you're a jerk! I mean, giving me all your leftover food?"

"Tch. Stupid Natsumi." He crosses his arms and legs. "Can't you see, I'm thanking you."

"What the hell?"

"Shut up, will you?" He cuts me off, again. "Look, I'm sharing you these snacks with you because I'm not asking anything from you, nor asking you to buy me something to eat. You're just this woman who stupidly bought me these where you didn't buy for yourself."

Ah? I grimace. So, that's the reason? Even though he says those words in a harsh tone, I kinda feel something melting inside.

"Is that enough of explanation, Natsumi?" He inquires.

"Yah~" I respond, staring at the half-eaten croissant and half-full milk tea.

"So, if you don't wish to eat those, you can throw them away."

"No!!" I argue while placing the foods to my chest. "I'll eat these."

Saying that, his lips curls up in smug and smile. It's like he's insulting me or whatever.

"I-I mean," I trail, stuttering. "I just felt my tummy growling. So, I might as well eat these."

"Oh." He hums, amused again. He lifts his hand and then he pats my head.

Instinctively, I bow my head. After that, he tucks my hair behind. He even fixed my bangs, making it look casual and neat. I only notice, his hands are comforting. Such warm hands. I wish, he will brush my hair longer.

"Hurry up eating." He commands, composing himself.

"Oo na." I mumble and take a bite with the croissant. I don't know why I bought this croissant. Usually, this bread is served every breakfast. But, it can be a good snack as well, paired with the milk tea.

"Wala naman sigurong lason ang bibig mo, right, Ancy?" I question innocently.

I hear him groans surprisingly against his throat. "Quiet." He rasps, ignoring my question.

I just shrug, sipping the milk tea.

I sense him looking at me, so I eyed him also, gazing directly to his eyes. "Why?"

"That's an indirect kiss." He whispers.

I frown. "Indirect kiss?" I ask cluelessly. "What's that?"

"For real, Natsumi?" He says incredulously. "Have you hidden inside the rock?"

"No, why?"

"Gee. You're so hopeless." He murmurs to himself while placing his head to his knuckles where his elbow is rested in the arm of the bench.

"Gee. You're talking nonsense." I return and drink the milk tea again.

I hear him grumbles. What on this world is his problem? I look at him. He's blushing.

What? Blushing?

Is he blushing? Or it's just the sunlight is reflecting to his skin?

"I thought, I'm the one who would tease you." He states quietly. "But you effortlessly return the favor to me."

I only ignore him. I never thought that Chance has weird sides.

Afterwards, he looks at the setting of the sun. I copy him, looking also to the sunset. "Ang ganda, 'di ba?" I mutter, but I know he hears me.

"Yeah."

Psh. The Man Of One Word Award, it goes to Chance Gabrielle Cain.

I look at him while he is not facing me, but I'm sure that he notices my gaze. "Bakit ba ang sungit mo?" I ask him curiously. That catches his attention as he briefly gapes at me.

"I don't know." He answers quietly.

"Why? May masama bang nangayari, ha?" One of my attitudes is being nosy.

He shifts his eyes sidewards. I do presume that he doesn't want to tell me about it. I can see it through his cryptic expressions.

There's a one idea pops in my mind. May nangyaring masama and it causes too much pain in him.

"Tell me." I demand, putting my food aside. I grip his one arm, insisting him to tell me.

"Enough, Natsumi." He says sharply and his voice raises. He jerks my hand away and quickly stands up. "Come on. We're going home." And the he grabs all the plastic bags and starts walking.

Huh? Is he mad?

"Hey, wait!" I yell, waking from the scene. "I'm sorry." I apologize as I chase his pace, but he deadly ignores me.

He continues walking as I follow his back with a slight pouty look.

No one is talking, not until we reach a creepy, narrowed-street.

Creepy! Baka may mga insekto. I'm going to die if I continue here.

Meh. I shake all the uncertain imaginations inside of my head. Ancy is still not forgiving me.

Five feet ang agwat naming dalawa; I'm here, following this creep wherever he goes. "Chance, sorry na." I plead while prolonging the 'aa' sound.

He stops as I feel many presence coming on our way. Does it mean he stops because he also sense it?

Just a second passes when we are surrounded by thugs. Ugly, spooky, and scary thugs.

"Yo, Miss Nerdy!" Tawag ng isang lalaki, "Sumama ka na sa amin. Iwanan mo na ang boyfriend mo."

He's not my boyfriend, idiot.

"Oo nga, Miss. Hindi ka naman pinapansin. Ang ganda mo pa naman."

Sabi ng dalawang pangit and they hold my both arms. Assholes. Like the hell I will go with you. At mabuti na lang, long-sleeved ang uniform namin.

Gee. Bakit dito pa kami dumaan ni Ancy? I'm not in the mood to beat their faces. Chance's mood concerns me a lot.

I just remain silent, poker face. I'm actually finding a right attempt to whip them.

I sense Ancy gazes on me. I return the gaze and I see his gray eyes burning. He is angry. And yet so cute, worried for me.

I smile secretly, I really feel so secure.

"Lay your hands off." It is the cold warning of Chance.

"Boss, ano'ng gagawin namin sa lalaking ito?" Tanong ng isa.

"Bugbugin n'yo." Sagot ng lalaki sa kanan ko. Oh. Siya pala ang leader.

Chance puts all the bags down at sumugod ang tatlo sa kanila.

Be careful, Ancy. Inwardly, I tell him.

They are ten to be exact, including the two that holding me. But I'm sure that Ancy can handle those assholes.

I only watch Chance fights. Magaling siya. He is fighting in a coolly, manly, and furiously mad way. Mga ilang minuto siguro ang lumipas nang natapos niyang labanan ang walo. May namamalipit, duguan, at bugbog sa mukha ang mga nakalaban niya.

Nobody stand against him. Ganito pala lumaban ang isang Chance Gabrielle Cain. No wonder, he's one of the Cold Warriors.

Tumingin siya sa akin. What? I instantly facepalm. Why looking at me? Not the two?

"Sugurin mo siya!" Utos ng lider sa isa pa. Sumugod naman ang tanga. Jeez. Humans.

"At ikaw! Sumama ka sa akin!" Sabi ng lider sa akin. He grips my arm tightly as he forcefully drags me.

Pero hindi niya ako mahila. I stand firmly where I stand. I face him emotionlessly with my dark eyes.

I sense his fright. He seems terrified with my eyes. Pagod na si Ancy, pero lalo ninyo pa siyang pinagod. That's why he'll pay.

Since it's a blind spot for Ancy, I smile venomously. "Hey." I call him in a satanic whisper. "Mind to take a nap?"

I let out a pinch of bloodlust out of my system. I have to scare this piece of s**t for him to know that he messes with the wrong person.

His body shivers. He cannot move. Judging from his expression, it's like as though he sees a demon in front of his face.

And because he can't pull me away from my where about, it means he is a total weakling.

I hold his hand with my left hand; I twist it and bow him down as I knee him on his stomach. Lastly, I briskly smack on his nape.

Have a sweet nightmare, b***h.

I return to my own self. Ancy shouldn't see my other side.

I turn around to Ancy's direction. Currently, he gets stunned on what he sees.

I beam. "Self-defense." I confidently say as I wink on Ancy.

Will this work? I know, nobody can resist my cuteness.

His expression softens, the same time he sighs of relief.

With his actions, he have just forgiven me.

Lumapit ako sa kanya while grinning. "Sorry na, okay?" I tell him, child-like. "Bati na tayo, ha?" Gleefully, I grab two of the plastic bags.

He is still keeping his poker face but he's looking down.

Hmm? I bow a little, questionably looking to his face. Why is he looking down? Why is he hiding his face?

By merely staring at him, a faint reddish color etches on his cheek. Eh? He's blushing?

Maybe not. Baka naiinitan siya. Kakagaling niya lang sa isang One Versus Nine Fight.

"Fine." He says quietly while clearing his throat. "Let me handle those, Nat."

From what I'm doing, I just suddenly stop. I stare at him, awestruck. "You just called me 'Nat'." And I just feel myself smiling, teasing him.

"I didn't." He denies while looking at the side.

"I like the way you called me 'Nat'. Call me more." I request, chuckling.

"Tsk. Let me carry those." He orders, avoiding my request.

"Eh? Wala ng 'Nat'?" I ask, babyish.

"Enough of these childish things, Nat . . ." he pauses, "Sumi." He continues while smirking. Says the one who is not childish.

I give him a cheeky grin. "Marami na akong nakitang iba't-ibang Chance ngayon."

His eyebrows furrow in confusion.

"I mean, I've encountered many attitudes you have." I speak first. "Like, you're playful, serious, and even caring."

He purses his lips. "Is that a compliment, Natsumi?"

"Yes. And I want to know you more."

"Really?" He coolly responds. "Why do you want me to know more?"

"Because you're too mysterious for me." I truthfully tell Ancy.

"Well, in that case, good luck then . . ." he grins refreshingly. "Nat."

I got surprised on what he says, it draws my eyes open. He doesn't hesitate calling me 'Nat'.

I can't help and I just find myself smiling inwardly. "Tara na."

Snorting, he cedely follows my steps.

I hear him chuckles silently while walking. I look above—to his face. I meet his face, he's smiling warmly. "You did a great job a while ago."

"Ikaw nga diyan." I return and focus my attention on the sidewalk. "Ang cool mo kanina."

"I know, I'm cool." He proudly says. "You don't have to remind me."

"Conceited." I shot back, and that only makes him laugh on his throat.

We only keep on talking about random things as we walk together alone.

Such a lovely day, isn't it? I enjoyed being with Chance. I just hope that he also feels the same way.

Hopefully.

↭ ♡ ↭