NOT Your GUARDIAN

FLIRT

I love the way you held me in your arms. The way you surround me with the calmness and the way I forget about everything else have me longing to be in these arms for a longer period.

***Sasi***

*********

The boat ride towards the island we'll be hiking was quite a rough one. The wind was strong and I, not once stumbled on my seat and find myself being held by Mr. Raki tightly. His strong arms around me kept me being thrown out of the skimpy boat. It was a boat designed to carry ten to fifteen persons and was covered by a thick awning overhead creating tent-like protection from the splashes. The yellow life vest we are wearing creates extra security for me who doesn’t know how to swim.

Yes, I am afraid of anything, and it sucks knowing that the girl Nami is a great swimmer.

"I got you."

Mr. Raki whispered in my ear for the third time.

I don't know what to reply, nor why am I feeling excited with the thought of him holding me as Nami looked at us enviously. I like this, I like this closeness and call it petty, but I love how the girl curls his nose every time the waves crash through the boat and I squeal in fear while Eimy laughed devilishly inside my head. She’s enjoying this more than me.

Daniels and Jiro came with us and were sitting in front of the rest of Nami’s friends. Jose' chose to be left alone saying he was having stomach pains.

The girl was on my left and throwing side-way glances every now and then. I could see that she was curious about my relationship with Mr. Raki, she likes the guy. I could feel it in her stolen looks and the way she talks cheerfully with him makes my guts stretch and wrings in a very disturbing manner. Her body language gives it all away. I have to say, the girl is really cute up close. Her petite body and sexy curves could get any man’s attention, so I was wondering if Mr. Raki felt the same.

I glanced at him who holds me firmly secured inside his left arm, he kept his eyes forward and has a steady deadpan look on his face. I couldn’t decipher what he was thinking but looking at him up-close until I saw the pores on his face makes me feel giddy and excited.

I don’t understand this feeling, but I want his attention on me, not on anyone else. Why am I having a possessive claim on him?

Ugh, this is crazy…

And I am enjoying the attention he is giving me. He would ask me if I’m feeling uncomfortable every now and then, and I can't help but smile in secret as I noticed him never letting go of my waist until we docked on the destination island.

When we take off the boat, Daniels took care of my backpack saying he will carry it for me, while Jiro carried the packed lunch Jose’ and Mrs. Linda prepared for us. Nami instantly stood in front of us and cheerfully explained the significance of the place, the route we will be taking and the safety precautions we must follow. She looked very feminine in her pink striped leggings and a crop top white tank top over a pink racerback bra.

I look down on the skinny jeans and red rubber shoes. My red cotton shirt feels comfortable enough, but I regret not wearing my yoga pants instead.

“You looked fine. Don’t think too much about it.”

I jolted when Mr. Raki murmured near my ear.

“Excuse me? I am not thinking about anything.”

I rolled my eyes at him and he chuckled lightly.

“Okay, as you say so.”

He said taking his attention away from me and looking back at Nami. I frowned in annoyance.

The trekking into the mountain began.

The first part of the climb was a little easy, it's just plains of grassy land that I walked rather easily enjoying the beautiful scenery while Mr. Raki and Nami are having a little talk about nonsense things I’m not interested in I walked a few feet ahead of them, never realizing how the two sets of eyes were glued at my back.

Jiro and Daniels are a few paces ahead of me while the rest of Nami’s friends of about four or five guys are walking way far ahead of us.

The next part was the challenging one as we began to ascend the stiff rocky formations towards the top. And boy! It's difficult. Nami said it is for beginners but, it’s been only an hour and my legs are already aching.

Beads of sweat began to form in my forehead, and though the weather is technically chilly up here, I’m sweating all over my body. As per Mr. Raki, Daniels, and Jiro, they looked really calm, as if they are having a walk in the park, not a drop of sweat on their faces

Halfway through the assault, I motion for Mr. Raki to stop. I took a seat in one of the rocks, while my cotton shirt is now soaking with sweat.

"Are you okay?"

He asked as he offered me a bottle of water.

"Wait a minute, I'll just take a rest for a bit."

I said breathlessly as I looked up at the blue sky.

Now I am regretting my decision of coming here with him. I don’t think my body could hold longer at this rate. How stupid of me to meddle with two-person affairs.

I know that Nami likes my bodyguard as she continuously looked at us even, thou we fall behind a little too far. She constantly shouted if everything was okay and by the time Mr. Raki answered her, she will give him a sweet smile. That makes me roll my eyes, and I don't know why I even did that.

Flirt b***h.

After taking a short break, we continued to hike up as the bastard kept on supporting me. Taking my hand on stiff parts. Asking me to be careful in every step I’m taking. Even getting rid of plants or weeds along the way that might get to touch my skin.

"Take care of your steps, the rocks are slippery."

He said holding my hand.

"Stop treating me like a helpless girl, I can manage.”

I whispered in between my steps. I must admit I am liking this, I felt treasured, like a dainty piece of glass antique artifact.

"I’m not, I’m just taking care of you, or else your parents might kill me. This is my job."

I suddenly stopped realizing what he has said. Right, it was his job. Just his job.

The thought irritates me, and I don’t know why.

"Yeah, whatever!"

After 2 hours, we finally got to the top of the mountain. The scenery was so amazing. I could see the whole island. It's grassy lands, the cliffs facing the open sea. The wind touching my face smells of sea and grass. The clouds high above look magnificent as a flock of birds hovering above us.

This is what I needed. A fresh place. A serene view. The hard climb is all worth it.

"Do you like it?"

"What?"

I jolt as he came beside me by surprise, I thought I saw him talking to the others about something.

"I asked If you like the view."

 He said taking off a dried leaf on my hair.

"Y-yeah, I love it."

 I answered feeling flustered over his action.

"Me too, I love the view."

My neck hurts when I snapped to look at him. I think I might misheard something..

"What did you say??!"

"I said me too, I love the view."

"Ugh..okay. Stop mumbling words I might misunderstand."

I murmur silently.

I thought I heard him say something crazy. Or am I the one being crazy giving malice about a lot of things? What the heck?

"Huh? What did you say?"

He asked back.

"Nothing, never mind me."

He just looked at me and grinned.

“You know, this place is amazing. Legend says that if came here single, you will get home having your significant other as mountain goddess is a naughty one, having played tricks on the single hikers and will set them up with their soulmate.”

He chuckled after saying that.

“Where did you get that childish story?”

I asked frowning.

“Nami told me. That’s why everyone who climbed this mountain single will go home being a couple.”

Hmm, that’s why she seduced you into hiking with her! That makes sense!

“Rubbish. I don’t believe that. What if your soulmate doesn’t want to climb with you? Does that mean you will find someone else here?”

I glared at him icily.

“Hey, it’s just folklore. I don’t think it was true as well.”

He laughed defensively.

“Miss, Cap, let’s eat.”

Daniels called us and walked towards the laid a blanket on the ground just beside Nami’s group of friends.

Daniels and Jiro sat on both ends of the circle created by the other group while I and Mr. Raki sat side by side with each other. Jiro started to take out the food from the bag.

“Hey guys, want some of this?”

Nami leaned forward and gave us a food container with food inside. The thing is, she was smiling brightly at Daniels, and not at the man beside me. I thought he likes Mr. Raki, why flirt with Daniels now?

I kept my passive face on, but Eimy’s brows raised high up the sky.

What is this b***h up to?

... to be continued.