Darkest Light

DL 18: Bittersweet Date

Zion POV

I am walking now in a park with Vile. He is just smiling too sweet. I can't take away his smile. He's the kindest and sweetest person that I know.

He is looking at the watch pendant that I gave him. I know that it's too precious for him...

I understand him now. I can't break a person like him. He's too kind and sincere. Siya 'yung tipo ng tao na kapag nagalit ka sa kanya, kasalanan mo; kapag nagalit siya sa'yo, kasalanan mo pa rin. Sobrang bait naman nitong si Vile. Lalo tuloy akong nakokonsensya.

I don't know that it's his birthday today. Wala naman sigurong masama kung iparamdam ko na sa kanya ako ngayong araw na 'to diba?

It's just my way to make him happy. It's his birthday today and he's too kind so I am his boyfriend just for this day.

I am just looking at him. Napansin ko na tumingin siya sa isang tindahan at nakatitig siya sa lollipop.

"Hmmm... Do you want it, Vile?" I asked.

He nodded...

I smiled... He looks so shy like the first day that I met him. I bought the lollipop that he want and I gave it to him.

"Thank you," he said sincerely.

He looks so happy while eating the lollipop. He looks like a kid.

"I don't know that you have a sweet tooth," I said.

He laughed silently...

"Hmmm... Zion, I will confess something to you," he said.

"What is it?"

He took a deep breathe before he talk...

"Matatamis lang na pagkain ang nalalasahan ko. Kaya noong una tayong nagkita, kumakain ako ng basura kasi gutom na rin ako noon. Nasira ang panlasa ko noong nagkasakit ako nung bata pa ako," mahina niyang sabi.

I was so shocked because of what he said...

I'm just looking at him and he is so shy...

"Actually, I love Zion's spaghetti..."

We looked at Vile and he is eating my spaghetti. Mukha ngang nagustuhan niya.

"Are you alright, Vile?" Wanda asked.

"Yeah... Your barbecue tastes good but you like Zion's spaghetti? You seem to have a rare taste buds," Dexter said while laughing.

"Hmmm... It tastes good for me. Zion put too much effort while cooking. I love this spaghetti because Zion cooked it for me; for us. I value his effort," Vile said while smiling.

Kaya pala nagustuhan niya ang niluto 'kong spaghetti noon. Too sweet Vile. You're too sweet...

"Hmmm... Then why do you have a good cooking skills?" I asked.

"I'm just measuring the ingredients and if it smells nice for me, it's done." He said timidly.

I smiled...

Maybe, I just don't have a good cooking skills that's why I can't do it properly.

This guy is too shy but sweet. Kung naging babae lang sana siya, alam ko na mahuhulog ang loob ko sa kanya. Besides, he's also cute.

"Hmmm... Zion, I will just throw it in a trash can," he said.

I nodded...

Naubos na pala niya ang lollipop. Napakabait talaga niya. Pati stick ng lollipop ay hindi niya kayang ikalat. He walked away from me while finding a trash can.

Sana naging babae na lang si Vile. If he's a girl, I know that I will really love him more than Sandra...

I saw someone who is selling a cotton candy.

I bought a cotton candy for Vile. I know that he will love it...

After a few seconds of waiting, I feel something hot from my neck...

I looked at the moon necklace and I was so shocked. It turns blood red again!

There's something that is happening to Vile!

I run too quickly. Where are you Vile? I'm too nervous. I know that he is in danger.

Where is he? I should protect him!

Tumakbo ako sa side ng park na walang tao. I looked around and my moon necklace is so hot...

I saw Vile who's holding his neck like he can't breathe. There's a guy in front of him. I think he is controlling Vile's breathe.

I pointed my hand on their direction and I released a silver magic circle.

"Holy beam!"

I fired a silver jet light on their direction. The guy vanished in the mid-air before my attack reach his direction.

I ran quickly to Vile... He looks out of breathe...

"Hey! Are you ok? What happened?" I asked worriedly.

Ubo ng ubo si Vile at namumula siya...

"I'm fine... Please don't worry," he said.

"Ano ba ang ginawa nung lalake sa'yo?"

"He's a sorcerer from Ruvekha. He can hold someone's breathe. I think he's using air magic."

Vile looked at me...

"Thanks for saving my life again," he said sincerely.

I smiled at him...

"Panira naman 'yung lalake na 'yun sa date natin. Halika na, may pupuntahan pa tayo," sabi ko.

He started smiling too sweet...

"Hmmm... Binilhan kita ng cotton candy."

Lalo siyang ngumiti at binigay ko na sa kanya ang cotton candy. He's so simple. He is so happy with little things.

Naglakad na siya at kumakain lang siya ng cotton candy...

Mukha siyang bata na natutuwa. Napakababaw ng kaligayahan niya. He looks like an angel.

"Hmmm... Do you want some cotton candy, Zion?" He asked timidly.

I smiled and I nodded at him...

Sinubuan niya ako ng cotton candy. Ang sweet naman niya... Hindi na ako naiilang sa kanya. I know that he doesn't have a hidden agenda. He's just sweet and caring.

Bumili kami ng cake at sisindihan ko ito mamaya kapag nag-wish na siya...

"Sakay tayo sa ferris wheel," sabi ko.

Sumakay na lang kaming dalawa ni Vile sa ferris wheel...

"Wow! Ang ganda dito. It's my first time to ride a ferris wheel," he said innocently.

I'm just smiling at him. He is just looking at the view around us...

He looks so amazed and glad because of the view...

"Whenever I am turning into a dove, I am always looking in the sky," he said sincerely.

"Sindihan na natin itong cake mo," sabi ko.

He is just looking at me while unboxing the cake. Sinindihan ko na ang kandila.

"T-thank you for doing this Zion. It's my first time to have a cake on my birthday," he said.

It looks like he is about to cry. I'm just smiling at him...

"State your wish," I said while smiling.

He closed his eyes...

"I wish for Zion's safety and happiness; forever..."

I was so shocked because of his wish. He should wish for himself and not for me. He blew the candle.

"You should have wished for something else; for yourself," I said anxiously.

"Huh? I wish for your safety and happiness because I am happy if you will always smile," he said innocently.

Umiwas na lang ako ng tingin. I don't know but I can't help myself from smiling because of what he said.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero natuwa ako sa sinabi niya. Again, too sweet Vile; too sincere.

Pagkatapos naming sumakay sa ferris wheel ay sumakay din kaming dalawa ni Vile sa ibang mga rides. We also played some of the games here at the park.

I know that I am so happy today with Vile...

Masaya namang kasama si Vile. I finally realized that I am so lucky that this person is loving me.

I want to give back the love that he is giving me by doing this little things...

We stopped in front of an ice cream vendor.

"Hmmm... two rocky road ice cream in sugar cone," I said.

Binigay ko na kay Vile 'yung isang cone. He looks cute while eating an ice cream.

"Baka mamaya magka-diabetes na ako nito Zion," he said while laughing.

"It's ok, ngayon lang naman 'yan at isa pa... Matatamis lang naman ang nalalasahan mo," sabi ko.

He is just smiling at me while eating ice cream...

"Hi Vile! Hi Zion!"

We looked around and our friends are here!

"Vile, you look so cute while eating that ice cream," Wanda said.

"Oo nga Vile, baka mamaya ice cream naman ni Zion ang gusto mong dilaan," natatawang sabi ni Rex.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Vile asked innocently.

Lumapit ako kay Rex at binulungan ko siya...

"Mahiya ka naman at hindi kasing dumi ng isip mo ang isip ni Vile," bulong ko kay Rex.

"Ok, I'm sorry. I'm just kidding hahaha."

"Hmmm... What are you doing here?" I asked them.

"We're just hanging out. Mabuti nga at nakita namin kayo. Come with us," Jester said.

I looked at Vile and he is just smiling sweetly...

"Hmmm... I'm sorry. Vile and I are having our date," I said.

They looked shocked because of what I've said. I looked at Vile and he looks so shy...

"Come on guys, 'wag na natin silang istorbohin. I will explain it to all of you later. We should go somewhere else," Sandra said.

They started walking away from us...

"Vile, enjoy this day with Zion," Sandra said cheerfully.

Sandra winked at us...

I messaged her earlier. Sandra knows that Vile and I are having a date and it's just my way to repay Vile's kindness.

"Hmmm... Ok lang naman kung kasama natin sila," Vile said sincerely.

I sigh...

"No... It's our date, right? I'm your boyfriend today. Tayo lang dapat ang magkasama," seryoso 'kong sabi.

Umiwas siya ng tingin sa akin. He looks smiling and blushing. Kinilig yata si Vile sa sinabi ko.

I saw a dirt of an ice cream on the side of his lips...

"Ang tanda mo na pero may dumi ka pa ng ice cream sa labi mo," sabi ko.

Pupunasan na sana niya pero pinigil ko ang kamay niya. I wiped the dirt of an ice cream on the side of his lips using my fingers.

Lalong namula ang mukha ni Vile. He's so funny. Napakadali naman pala niyang kiligin ahhahahah.

After a second, we heard someone who is singing...

"Hmmm... It looks like there is someone who is having a concert here," he said.

Pumunta na lang kaming dalawa sa may event. There is a band who is performing on stage.

Masaya pala na manuod ng banda. I enjoy watching it with Vile.

People around us are so happy while singing with the band. Honestly, Vile is the best singer that I know.

"Hey guys! Meron 'bang magaling kumanta diyan? Come up on this stage and sing!" The vocalist said.

Maraming naghiyawan... Some of the people here are pushing their friends but no one wants to volunteer.

"Vile, please sing..." I said.

"Huh? I'm too shy. Baka pumiyok ako," he said nervously.

I smiled...

"Hey! This guy is the greatest singer that I know!" I yelled.

The vocalist heard me and he is coming on our direction.

"Hey! Come here cute guy! Your friend said that you're the greatest singer for him!" The vocalist said.

"Yes he is!" I yelled.

"Z-Zion, I can't do it," Vile said nervously.

"I know you can, for me," I said and then I smiled at him.

Para 'bang sa isang ngiti ko lang sa kanya ay nakumbinsi na siya kaagad.

He nodded...

"Ok... I will, for you..." He said silently.

Lumakad na siya papunta sa stage at naghiyawan din ang ibang mga tao.

"Go Vile! Show them how great your voice is!" Someone shouted.

I looked on the other side and our friends are here! They are also watching in this event.

Vile looks nervous on stage. I heard his breathe...

"Come on, don't be shy. Sing for us!" The vocalist said to him.

"Ok..." He said and he smiled.

"Oh, you're cute!"

Kinurot ng vocalist 'yung pisngi ni Vile! Ewan ko kung bakit pero nainis ako bigla...

"Hey! Take your hands off him!" I shouted furiously.

Everyone looked at me... Nahiya tuloy ako bigla...

"Madali kasi siyang magkapasa!" Palusot ko.

I heard my friends laugh. Vile also laugh sweetly on stage because of what I've said...

"Your friend down there is too protective. I think he likes you," the vocalist said to Vile.

Vile shook his head...

"No... He don't like me. We're just friends..."

Vile breathe so deep...

"He's straight but it's true that I love him," he said.

Naghiyawan lahat ng mga tao pati ang friends namin. Medyo nahiya ako kasi nagtinginan 'yung iba sa akin. Vile is so honest and sincere.

"This song is for you, Zion. I love you," he said sincerely.

Nagpalakpakan lahat... Nahihiya ako na natutuwa sa sinabi ni Vile. He is direct to the point. Hindi siya nahihiya ngayon na sabihin sa iba na mahal niya ako.

He moved in front of the keyboard. He started playing it. He started singing...

Kapag ako ay nagmahal

Isa lamang at wala nang iba pa

Naghiyawan lahat... Tumayo ang balahibo ko dahil sa boses ni Vile.

Feels...

Iaalay buong buhay

Lumigaya ka lang, lahat ay gagawin

Grabe... Ang lamig ng boses niya. Tumatayo ang balahibo ko.

Tumingin ka man sa iba

Magwawalang-kibo na lang itong puso ko

Walang sumbat na maririnig

Patak ng luha ko ang iniwang saksi

I'm just looking at him. I know that he really mean every line that he is singing. His eyes looks teary...

Bakit nga ba mahal kita

Kahit 'di pinapansin ang damdamin ko

'Di mo man ako mahal, ito pa rin ako

Nagmamahal nang tapat sa 'yo

He's a slugger. Tumulo na ang luha sa mga mata niya. Naiiyak din ang mga tao dito dahil sa ganda ng boses ni Vile.

Bakit nga ba mahal kita

Kahit na may mahal ka mang iba

Ba't baliw na baliw ako sa 'yo

Hanggang kailan ako magtitiis

O, bakit nga ba mahal kita...

Ano man ang sabihin nila

Pagtingin ko sa 'yo'y 'di kailan man magmamaliw

Buong buhay paglilingkuran kita

'Di naghahangad ng ano mang kapalit

Tumingin ka man sa iba

Magwawalang-kibo na lang itong puso ko

Walang sumbat na maririnig

Patak ng luha ko ang iniwang saksi

Bakit nga ba mahal kita

Kahit 'di pinapansin ang damdamin ko

'Di mo man ako mahal, ito pa rin ako

Nagmamahal nang tapat sa 'yo

Bakit nga ba mahal kita

Kahit na may mahal ka mang iba

Ba't baliw na baliw ako sa 'yo

Hanggang kailan ako magtitiis

O, bakit nga ba mahal kita...

Bakit nga ba mahal kita

Kahit 'di pinapansin ang damdamin ko

'Di mo man ako mahal, ito pa rin ako

Nagmamahal nang tapat sa 'yo

Bakit nga ba mahal kita

Kahit na may mahal ka mang iba

Ba't baliw na baliw ako sa 'yo

Hanggang kailan ako magtitiis

O, bakit nga ba mahal kita...

O, bakit nga ba mahal kita...

Everyone here burst in tears. Medyo naiiyak din ako. I know that he loves me this much but I cannot give back the love that he is giving to me.

Bumaba na si Vile sa stage. He walks towards me...

He wiped his tears using his hands...

"Hmmm... Zion, uwi na tayo. Gabi na," sabi niya.

I nodded...

Naglakad na kami palayo sa event. I don't know what to say. Vile is too quiet.

Nakauwi na kaming dalawa sa bahay. We're too quiet. It looks like we both don't know what to say.

"Hmmm... Why do you love me so much?" I asked out of nowhere.

"I-I really don't know why," he said silently.

I sigh...

I know how hard it is for him.

"I'm so happy because of this day. Thank you very much Zion. This is the happiest part of my life," he said sincerely.

I looked at him...

Bigla na lang may pumasok sa isip ko at hindi ko alam ang dahilan.

"I will give you something. This is my gift," I said.

I held his face...

Nakatitig lang siya sa akin at mukhang nagtataka siya. Hindi na ako nagdalawang-isip pa.

I kissed his cheek quickly...

He is just looking at me. His face turned red like an apple.

"Good night, Vile..."

Pumasok na ako sa kwarto ko. I saw him touching his cheek before I close my door.

I don't know why I kissed his cheek but it's just my gift for him.

He's really sweet and caring. I know how happy he is now.

I hope that someday, someone will love him like how he love me. I hope that someday, he will find a person who will really care for him.

I'm so sorry Vile but I'm straight and we're not meant for each other but I will just stay with you as a friend...

I know that it is too impossible for me to love you back...