Beneath the Summer Sky

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 19

“What’s your plan for your birthday? It’s the day after tomorrow, right?”

I nodded. We were sitting comfortably on the couch, his right arm draped around my shoulder while I leaned my head against his broad chest. We had just been talking about his little surprise earlier—how he managed to pull it off despite his tight schedule and having to travel back and forth.

Now, he shifted the conversation, this time about my upcoming birthday on September 28.

“To be honest, I don’t usually celebrate it,” I admitted softly.

He straightened up slightly and looked at me, his brows furrowing. “Why not?”

“Kasi…” I hesitated, lowering my gaze to hide the tears threatening to fall. “Noong araw na sinelebrate ko ang kaarawan ko, iyon din ang araw ng aksidente… at ang naging dahilan ng pagkawala ng mga magulang ko.”

His eyes widened, and he instinctively covered his mouth with his hand, as though the weight of my words physically struck him. Clearly, he hadn’t expected this.

“K-Kaya ba… kaya ba hindi mo ako matandaan? Dahil sa aksidenteng ‘yon?” DJ's voice wavered, his words heavy with both understanding and disbelief.

Hindi ako sumagot at nanatiling nakayuko. Marahan niyang hinaplos ang magkabila kong balikat, dahilan upang unti-unti kong iangat ang ulo ko at tingnan siya. Ang mga mata niya’y puno ng sinseridad at pagmamahal.

“I’m sorry for bringing that up, love,” aniya, halos pabulong, sabay haplos ng kamay niya sa ibabaw ng aking buhok. Pagkatapos, marahan niyang hinawakan ang pisngi ko. “If it’s okay with you, let’s create new memories together. Ones filled with nothing but happiness, love, and joy as we celebrate your birthday. Kahit simpleng paraan lang, basta masaya tayo.”

Napaka-sincere ng boses niya habang sinasabi iyon.

“DJ…” Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya na nasa pisngi ko, hinigpitan ng bahagya ang paghawak. “Hindi naman kailangang enggrande ang magiging selebrasyon ng birthday ko. Makasama lang kita sa araw na ‘yon, masaya na ako. Kahit wala na ang lahat, basta ikaw nandiyan...”

Nakangiti siyang tumango. “Then it’s settled. I’ll make sure that day is special for you. No sadness, no bad memories—just us, Rica.”

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko, sabay halik sa likod nito, na parang nangako ng mas magandang bukas para sa aming dalawa.

***

“Thank you, love. This is the best birthday ever,” I said as we entered the elevator of the condo building, already heading to my unit after spending time at the arcade. I couldn’t stop smiling as I looked at him.

“The night is still young, love,” he replied, reaching for my hand and squeezing it. “There are more surprises waiting for you.” He winked at me before bringing my hand to his lips and kissing the back of it.

Kumunot ang aking noo at biglang nakaramdam ng kaba sa narinig. Ngunit bago pa man ako makareact, hindi ko namalayan ang pagkuha ni DJ ng panyo at agad na piniringan ang aking mga mata.

Hinampas ko ang kanyang braso habang abala siya sa ginagawa niya.

“Hey, what are you doing?”

“Relax ka lang, love. Malalaman mo rin pagdating natin sa loob ng unit mo.”

I could already imagine his wide smile as I heard his playful and teasing voice.

We were walking slowly as DJ guided me into my unit. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang aasahan ko, but with DJ, I knew I could trust him.

Huminto kami sa paglalakad, at napakatahimik ng paligid.

“Ready ka na, love?”

Huminga ako ng malalim bago sumagot, “K-Kinakabahan ako, DJ. Umayos ka!”

I sounded like I was threatening him, but he just laughed, his chuckle light and carefree. Ilang sandali lang, naramdaman ko siya sa aking likuran. Dahan-dahan niyang hinaplos ang magkabilang braso ko, pinapakalma ang kaba ko, bago banayad na niluwagan ang pagkakatali ng panyo.

Pagkatanggal ng piring, medyo malabo pa ang paningin ko, but as my eyes adjusted, the scene before me unfolded like a dream.

The corner by the window was bathed in the soft, warm glow of hanging lights, creating an intimate and romantic mood. The table, draped in a simple white tablecloth, sat near the window, accented by brightly colored balloons in shades of gold, pink, and silver gently swaying above it.

I was in awe. My hand flew to my mouth as I took hesitant steps closer, my heart pounding with a mix of disbelief and joy.

A ‘Happy Birthday, Love’ banner hung carefully on the wall, the vibrant letters radiating warmth and care. On the table sat a delicate birthday cake, surrounded by scattered confetti and elegant gardenia flowers, their creamy petals adding a soft, luxurious touch to the setting.

To the side, two Dior boxes rested quietly, their presence hinting at yet another layer of thoughtfulness. Behind them, a string of our polaroid pictures from Amihan Cove Resort hung proudly, each image a memory of laughter and happiness. Twinkling lights above completed the scene, casting a magical glow over everything.

I turned to look at him, tears already welling in my eyes.

He stood there with the warmest smile, his eyes full of love and pride, as if my happiness was his greatest reward.

Pinahid ko ang luhang dumaloy sa aking pisngi habang nilapitan ko siya. My voice trembled as I wrapped my arms around him in a tight embrace.

“This is too much, love... I don’t deserve this.”

He gently pulled back, cupping my face in his hands. “You deserve everything and more,” he said softly, his voice steady and reassuring. “Seeing you smile like this is all I ever want.”

His words broke down whatever composure I had left. Tears streamed freely now, but they were tears of overwhelming gratitude and love. I clung to him tightly, letting the moment sink in—the thought, the effort, the love he poured into making this day unforgettable.

In that quiet moment, as we rested on the couch with my head leaning on his shoulder and the warm glow of the lights around us, I realized how deeply loved I was and how much I cherished him.

“I love you, DJ,” I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion.

“The moment I saw you at that lounge…” His voice softened, and a smile graced my lips as I recalled that moment. “That night when I saw you alone by the seashore, I knew deep down that I wanted to make you happy and feel worthy.”

He cupped my face gently, his gaze steady and full of sincerity. “I love you so much, Rica. Hulog na hulog na ako sa’yo.”

The glow of the surrounding lights seemed to transfer to DJ’s eyes as I stared at him. My heart was so full of joy it felt like it might leap out of my chest.

Overwhelmed by emotion, I couldn’t hold back anymore. I closed the small distance between us. He was startled at first by my action but quickly responded, deepening our kiss.

I moved, settling onto his lap without breaking our connection. God, I missed this. I missed how his warm hands explored my body and how his lips—those perfectly red lips—ignited a fire in me. D*mn, I felt so aro*sed.

His right hand slid under my blouse, his touch sending shivers through me. His hair was already a mess, and I couldn’t believe how quickly things had escalated between us.

“Pabigla-bigla ka naman, love. Wala akong dalang cond*m.” His deep yet teasing voice only made my desire burn hotter. “You have no idea how hard it is to hold back right now. I miss your body as much as I miss you.” He pressed another quick kiss on my lips.

“I don’t care about that anymore, DJ. I’m already yours, and no matter what happens next, I’m ready.”

His jaw clenched, and his eyes darkened with intensity. “There’s no turning back, love,” he muttered before claiming my lips again.

But just as the moment between us grew even more heated, we were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell followed by insistent knocking on the door.

“Tang-*na!” DJ exclaimed, leaning back on the sofa, frustration and disappointment written all over his face.

I stroked his cheek, laughing softly. “Don’t worry, love. Marami pa namang araw.” I winked at him as I stood, my cheeks flushing deeper when I glanced down and saw just how ready he was.