Lightless Sunshine

Chapter 20.2 (Part 2)

Chapter 20.2

Hindi ako makatulog...

I kept tossing on my bed, thinking about what happened that night. That kiss. That passionate moment. That memory. It's been a week since that happened but it was still giving me hard sleeping. I kept myself preoccupied the whole week on the school. No'ng weekend naman ay nagtrabaho ulit ako sa isang coffee shop na matagal tagal ko na ring pinapasukan. I did my very best to divert my mind from thinking off him.

But he seems like a virus who entered my system and messed it up. That kiss gave me a f*****g sleepless nights...and I hate it. I hate myself for thinking of it. I hate myself for giving it a value. I hate myself for bothering over that thing.

For sure, he wasn't bothered about it at all. Alam kong wala lang iyon sa kaniya. He's used to it. At alam ko ring pinagsisisihan niya iyong nangyari noong nakaraan.

Tomorrow morning after he sent me home, nagpadala siya ng mensahe sa akin saying he was so sorry for kissing me. I understood his side but still, I cannot help but to feel hurt, insulted and offended. My ego was being tramped.

Simula nang gabing iyon, hindi na kami masyadong nag-iimikan sa tuwing magkakasalubong kami sa school. We're being casual towards each other every damn time our eyes would meet. Hindi ko alam kung ako lang ba ang nakakaramdam ng awkwardness dahil mukhang ayos lang naman na sa kaniya iyon. I would just pretended that it's okay for me, too.

However, earlier, I couldn't take to prolong this awkwardness around us. I called him through phone and decided to talk to him about what happened last week.

We cleared things out between us and finally, we got back to our usual bonding. We even went to park and hang out while eating an ice cream.

"Hays..." I sighed and groaned loudly.

Napapikit ako nang mariin at napagdesiyonang manood nalang ng mga t****k videos para libangin ang sarili. I also posted a video of mine while lip syncing. I added it on my stories on IG and f*******:.

Matutulog na sana ako nang may kumatok sa aking pintuan.

Kumunot ang noo ko. It's already past midnight. "Manang?" I called out loud.

"This is me." A cold, baritone voice said.

Napabalikwas ako ng bangaon.

My eyes widened. Dali-dali kong inayos ang aking buhok at napalunok.

Kinakabahan man ay dahan dahan kong binuksan ang pintuan.

"Yes?" I asked, formality was on my voice.

Helios stood in front of my room wearing his office suit. His hands was in his pocket while looking so intimidating. He was so tall. Probably around 6'2. He doesn't look old, he looks exactly like Travis in a mature way. No wonder women were sticking around with him. His feature was beyond perfection. Handsome, wealthy, and smart.

But the thing is, he doesn't love me at all...

I mentally chuckled.

"Why aren't you sleeping yet?" he asked, his brows was furrowed. Muntik ng mapataas ang kilay ko. He cleared his throat. "Well, nevermind."

"Bakit po pala?" tanong ko.

Umayos siya nang tayo. "I'll be bringing you next week. Just wanna inform you so that you can clear your schedule that time, if there's any."

Naguluhan ako. "Uhm, saan po?"

"Our company's anniversary celebration." maikling sagot niya sa akin.

Tumango ako. Wala naman akong lakad next week at natapos naman na ang midterm namin kaya wala na ring aalahanin sa school. Sa trabaho ko namanay pwede naman akong makapagpaalam habang maaga pa. "Alright..."

"I'll send someone to help you fix your dress." he said.

"Sure," I said dismissively before forcing a smile. "Matutulog na po ako."

"Okay, good night."

And just like that, he nodded and walked away. Ako naman ay sinirado na rin ang pintuan at humiga na sa kama.

Now, I wonder, why would he bring me with him? Malabo naman sigurong ipakilala at ipagmalaki niya ako sa mga bussiness colleagues niya, right? That's the least thing I could even imagine. It's beyond impossible.

Series of questions flooded my head.

Why would he bring me to that anniversary celebration? What does he want me to do? What does he want? Why would he bring someone insignificant?

Is he gonna introduce me to his world? Ipapakilala ba niya ako? I'm not assuming or something like expecting, but I cannot helo but to wonder. I have this hunch that something is up. I do just hope it won't hurt and disappoint me...

Days went fast. Kaydali lang ng mga araw at sa isang kurap, heto ako ngayon at nagpe-prepara na para sa gaganaping selebrasyon mamaya.

The make-up artist at the same my personal assistant today made me wore a simple yet elegant red dress. Naka-three inch heel rin ako. My make-up was light and my brown hair was flowing freely on my waist. Hanggang ngayon ay naninibago pa rin ako sa haba nito.

Pagkalabas ko ng kwarto ay nagulat ako nang magkasabay kaming lumabas ni Quinn. Fourth year high school na siya ngayon at nagsisimula na ring humubog ang katawan niya. She's starting to become a lady. Ako naman ay ilang buwan na lang ang aabutin, disiotso na rin.

Halos walang pinagkaiba ang suot namin maliban nalang sa kulay. Hers was pale pink. Saglit kaming nagkatinginan bago nag-iwasan. There was still a thick wall between us. Both of us were prideful that's why none of us apologise, even once, none. She's still a b***h herself but I'm already used to it, truthfully speaking.

Nauna siyang bumaba sa hagdanan at sumunod naman ako. It's my first time to attend such event, big event to be specific. Kinakabahan ako ngunit nanaig pa rin sa akin ang kagustuhang makadalo at makihalubilo, especially dahil halos maimpluwensya at mayayaman ang dadalo roon.

Sumakay kami sa limousine kasama si Helios at ang asawa nito. Si Travis at Trisha naman ay iisang kotse lang ang ginamit paputa sa naturang venue.

I sighed and silently pinched myself to ease my nervousness.

Pagkarating sa naturang hotel ay pinagbuksan kami ng driver ng pintuan. Naunang lumabas si Helios at Luna at magkasunod naman kami ni Quinn.

Flashes of cameras and desperate medias greeted us.

A bouncer guided us from the main entrance to the elevator. May mga trusted media sa loob ng hall kaya 'di na kailangang huminto ni Helios doon sa mga interviewer sa labas.

Nang makarating sa hall ay kaunti pa lang ang mga taong na roon. Host were on staged to entertain the visitors and guests.

Pagkapasok naming lahat ay may sumalubong na kaagad kay Helios na bisita at nagkumustahan sila. They're all wearing formal suits. It got me intimated, honestly.

Umupo kami sa isang round table sa harapan. Kaharap ko ay si Quinn at katabi naman nito ay si Luna na ina niya. Helios was talking with somebody, precisely his colleagues in this world of business.

May lumapit sa aking waiter at sinabihang tinatawag umano ako ni Helios.

"This must be your daughter?" parinig kong saad nang kausap niya.

Helios looked at me and flashed a soft smile. It was so fatherly and so real. I wonder if it was a fake or genuine. He does not smile at me like that.

"Yes, she is. Beautiful, isn't she?" Helios uttered with a tone of pride on his voice. It was kind of taken aback.

"Of course, she's beautiful. She got your look, Mr. Madrigal." anito habang nakatingin sa akin. He's a guy, I think around mid 40's.

Nagkatawanan silang dalawa. Uminit naman ang pisngi ko. Kung dahil ba sa kaba or sa galak dahil sa sinabi ni Helios, hindi ko matukoy.

"Thanks, " I shyly smiled.

"How old is she?" dagdag na tanong nito.

"She's seventeen,"

"Oh, she does look like a woman. I never thought she's still a underage. What a beautiful daughter you have, Helios."

May iba pang lumapit kina Helios at no'ng lalaki. They were talking about business. Nasa gilid lang ako ni Helios at attentive sa pinag-uusapan. Helios also introduced me to them as his daughter and I couldn't help but to feel overwhelmed.

My chest tightened in so much happiness I didn't know I would feel again after so many years of grieving for my mother's death and also for blaming myself for my stepfather's suicide.

I couldn't help but to feel valuable and happy. My happiness was beyond the expectation.

Since the day I was born... finally, he's accepting me now. He finally recognized me.

Simpleng pagpapakilala lang 'yun pero parang gusto ko'ng maiyak sa tuwa. Para akong nakalutang sa ulap ng saya. This feeling was too overwhelming I don't think I can bear it.

I pursed my lips tightly to suppressed my smile. I feel like I'm on a cloud nine.

"Let's go. You must me tired,"

"Yes, dad." I uttered and bow down my head a bit. He held my elbow and we sat on the table were his family was seated.

It was still awkward to have them stick around me kahit na dalawang taon naman na simula noong tumira ako sa bahay nila. Nakakailang lalo na't alam ko namang ayaw nila sa akin. They don't like me.

Ang kambal naman ay walang naging komento sa pagtira ko kasama sila pero ramdam ko ring disguto sila sa presensya ko room.

I may be dumb but I am not numb not to feel it.

Ilang minuto makalipas mula nang makaupo ako ay tumayo na si Helios sa harapan ng stage at nagsalita. He speaks like a very confident man. Prim, intimating and superior.

If I am not mistaken, he has an oil company. He's the leading businessman from a decade now. He was pacing back and fort from different countries but most of the time, he was in Saudi to Philippines. That was all I knew aside from the fact that his bloodline are old-rich family, and Luna was a sort of royalty from her origin country.

Nakakalula ang yaman nila.

They're really indeed a perfect family.

Umeksena lang talaga ako...

Nang makababa na siya ng stage ay may mga sumabulong sa kaniya ng pakikipagkamay.

Nagbuntong hininga ako. Being around his family was kinda suffocating. Medyo mahirap huminga dahil nandyan lang sila at mukhang inaabangan na magkamali ako. It was as if they're waiting for me to do wrong para madali lang nila akong mapaalis.

I sighed for the ninth time before getting into my feet and muttered, "Rest room, " before walking away. Naghanap ako ng mauupuan na malayo sa kanila at tago sa mata ng mga tao ngunit napahinto ako nang mahagip ng aking mata ang catering.

Feeling a bit hungry since I haven't eaten for dinner yet, dumeritso ako roon at kumuha ako ng plato para kumain. I did not bother the weird looks of people as they watches me picking up every dishes on the table. Basta gutom ako, gutom ako.

Baka sila pa makain ko eh.

"Huli ka!"

"Ay, palaka!" Malakas akong napasinghap sa gulat nang may na kamay na tumapik sa balikat ko. "Ano ba?!"

"Uh-oh... sorry, bhe!"

Kumunot ang noo ko nang makita ang mga kaibigan sa harapan.

"Luh? Ba't kayo nandito?"

Kelly's brow furrowed while Dori still has this wide grin on her face, probably for having me startled.

"Duh, girl? Does our gown isn't enough to answer your stupid question?" supladang sagot ni Kelly sa akin at pabirong umirap.

Wait, why did we became friends again?

I blinked my eyes and collected myself. "That's actually stupid. What I mean is, what are you doing 'here'?"

"Kakain, hehe." Dori cheekily said. "Gutom na ako, huhu. Kanina, hindi ako nakakain kasi si Hyas, eh! Hinatak ba naman ako palabas ng bahay. Ang sabi niya ako raw date niya ngayong gabi! Kung hindi lang talaga kami magpinsan, iisipin kong may gusto iyon sa akin! Pucha siya, pakialamero sa love life ko. Santisima, malapit na akong mag seventeen pero NBSB pa rin ako. Shet talaga, "aniya.

"Luh? Akala ko ba 'pag eighteen ka na magj-jowa, Gebby? 'Di ba iyan iyong sabi mo dati? Scam ka, ghorl?"

"Hoy, hindi naman sa gano'n. Siyempre, nate-tempt din ako. I'm still a teenager at normal lang na na curious how does it feel, 'no? Mahirap kasi sa inyo, hindi niyo alam yung feeling na napapalibutan ng mga lalake sa bahay. Mostly, my cousins were all guys. Eh iyon si Jasmine, adoptive cousin lang naman namin iyon. As in, lahat sila lalaki! Isa pa, may strict akong daddy at killjoy na kuya. Hindi niyo feel iyong drama ko mga sizt." her lips protruded." It's hard to be the only girl in your clan. Bantay sarado. Iyong maiihi muna sa takot iyong may planong manligaw sa akin bago sila makalapit."

Kelly snorted. "b***h, kung alam mo lang kung gaano ko ka-gusto magkaroon ng kuya."

"Same," I said. "Having an older brother seems nice. Iyong may po-protekta sa'yo at haharang sa mga manliligaw mo. Maganda kaya siguro iyon."

She groaned and rolled her eyes. "Masasabi niyo lang iyan dahil eldest sibling kayo,"

Kelly chuckled. "Gaga ka, pota? Mahirap din maging panganay 'no! Hindi mo alam ang hirap namin, gurl!"

Tumango naman ako at binalingan si Dori. "I agree. Simula kasi nang mawala si mama, I need to stand as a sister s***h mother to Seth. You know, kaya rin siguro medyo matanda ako kung mag-isip kaysa sa inyo dahil na rin sa responsibilidad na nakapatong sa akin... You are even grateful you have a big family, Dori. You're well-sheltered and spoiled." sabi ko. "By the way, nandito din ba Icarus, Dori? Where is he?" I asked curiously.

She pouted. "Yep, nandoon sa table nina mommy at daddy kausap ang parents ni Ashley. Iyong celebrity, kilala mo+Tara! Punta tayo!" she cheered and held me by wrist.

"Wait! Wait! Sandali! Baka mahulog ang mga pagkain ko!" Pigil ko sa akmang paghablot niya sa akin.

She turned to face me, ngumiwi siya. "Ay, gutom din pala ako. Mamaya nalang siguro ako kakain. Tara,"

Sabay kaming naglakad patungo sa table ng parents niya.

"Hey, mom, dad, nandito po si Sunny." she said as we stopped in front of them. Mukhang kakaalis lang nang parents ni Ashley dahil wala naman ng ibang tao sa table.

Tita Veronica and tito Vinnunt looked at me so I flashed a sweet smile at the couple. Tita quickly stood up and kissed my cheek. Si tito naman ay maikling tango lang ang ginawa. I could see his jaw was clenching and unclenching.

Nagtaka ako.

I also sense tita nervous face as she held her husband's hand but the latter soon stood up and walked away without any single word of farewell to his wife.

"Mom?" Nagtatakang tanong ni Dori sa Ina nito, marahil ay napansin din kakaiba sa mga magulang.

Her mom smiled wryly with a hint of anxious in her eyes, nagpalipat lipat ang tingin niya sa aming dalawa ni Dori bago ito nagbuntong hininga.

"Don't mind us, sweetheart. Daddy mo nagtatampo sa'kin." she chuckled.

Though, she sounded okay, her eyes showed the otherwise.

Dori seems convinced , she smiled at her mother.

Dumating si Icarus at may ibinulong ito sa kaniyang ina. Tita attentively was nodding her head with an expression I couldn't name.

Shen the looked at me and back to Dori before she sighed and stood up.

"Sundan ko lang si Vin, mga anak." she kissed our cheeks bago siya umalis.

Kumunot ang noo ko. Something is wrong, I guess.

Wala sa sariling nilingon ko ang table nina Helios at Luna.

My father's wife's expression was visible that she wasn't okay. Helios was trying to hold his wife but the latter shook her head. They seems arguing.

Umiwas nalang ako nang tingin.

Biglang nagtama ang paningin namin ni Icarus at awtomatiko akong napangiti nang matamis.

His usual cold and emotionless expression softened in an instant and a smile etched on his red, thin lips.

We stared at each other's eyes for quite minute, not minding our surrounding. Everything seems blur and it looks like the only thing we could see right now is us.

My heart took a leap.

He's really handsome. Not just because of his looks but also because of his personality. He may be cold to others but for me, he's the best. He does not the cold Icarus they knew whenever he look at me. He would always smile and laugh whenever we're alone.

And I'm thankful because I felt special.

I scanned his face, silently complimenting how good looking he is. His thick brows, sharp nose, thin red lips, and a deep, expressive, intense hazel brown eyes.

He was wearing a blue tuxedo and underneath of it was his white dress shirt. It was perfectly fitted on him. And I think every clothes out there would be perfect if he's the one wearing it.

A manly chuckle made me snapped from my trance.

I blinked.

There was a sly grin on Icarus' lips.

Kahit nakangisi ay napakagwapo pa rin niya sa paningin ko. May oras kaya na pangit din siya?

Damn, why do I find him so handsome?

He's just an average from my type of men. Or should I say, ideal man. Gosh, I want someone as handsome as my Hollywood actor. Or kahit si Zayn Malik man lang.

And Icarus... I know he's hot and a drop dead gorgeous guy but for Pete's sake, he's my bestfriend's older brother! Apparently, an older brother of mine as well.

Tinaasan ko ng kilay. Nabura ang ngiting nakapuksil sa labi ko kanina. I frowned at him. "You did not inform me you'll come here,"

"You didn't told me either," he laughed.

Umupo siya sa tabi ko. Kaagad ko namang naamoy ang paborito niyang pabango at natural na amoy. His scent was intoxicating.

"Kuya, may problem po ba sina mommy?" Dori asked, bothered. Nasa harapan namin siya. She's also wearing a dress, but it looks more classy than mine. "Dad seems mad... I'm worried,"

Icarus faced his sister and his eyes softened. He was looking at her thoroughly as if he's in a deep thought.

Nakatingin naman ako sa kaniya, sinusuri ang kaniyang ekspresyon. He looks calm but he couldn't lie to me, I know he's in pain.

And it made me wonder why...

I heard him sighing audibly.

"Gebby Crescentine, listen to me, okay?" Icarus said seriously. "Mom and Dad were okay. I hope you won't flood them with questions later. Let them fix their problems. Please, don't ask them, hmm?" he uttere, almost begging.

Nataimik sandali si Dori na para bang pinoproseso pa niya ang sinabi ng kaniyang kapatid. Confusion swallowed the both of us until she broke it with a question.

"W-Why? Is there... a problem, kuya? I know there is. Tell me, please? I promise I won't ask them later... You're thrilling me. The curiosity is killing me now,"

He smiled a bit. "Don't think much of it, princess. Just do me a favor. Don't ask them. It's the good for us."

Silence followed it.

Napalunok si Dori. "I'll figure it out myself then,"

Icarus nodded.

"Suns, sandali lang, ah?" binalingan ako ni Dori. "I'll just call someone."

"Sure," I shrugged.

"Princess, where are you going?" tanong ni Icarus sa kapatid habang nangungunot ang noo.

"Diyan lang, hahanapin ko table ni Hyashin." she stood up and smiled at us before she left.

Nagkatinginan ulit kami ni Icarus.

"Kumusta?" he casually asked.

I cranked my head a bit to kiss his cheek. He did the same to me.

"Okay lang... Ikaw ba?" sagot ko matapos kong lumayo.

Umusog naman siya papalapit sa akin. "Yeah, same."

"I didn't expect dad would bring me here. It's unusual." I said and rested my head on his shoulder. "But... I'm happy. Very happy."

"I can see it in your eyes, Sunshine." he said. I felt his hands wrapping around my waist.

Inangat ko ang ulo at sinandal ang chin sa kaniyang balikat. "Obvious ba masyado?"

Ngumisi siya at umiling bago ako nilingon din. Our face were close to each other I can already feel his steady breathing touching my face.

"Your eyes were flickering so I guess you're really happy."

"Really? My eyes were flickering?"

"Hmm... You look like someone who has a dark plan." he chuckled. "Tell me, are you up for something?"

I pouted and pushed him. Nakasimangot na sinamaan ko siya nang tingin.

"Icarus!" singhal ko.

His thick brows shot up innocently. May mapaglarong ngising nakapuksil sa kaniyang labi. "What?"

Pinanlinsik ko ang mga mata. "Ang salbahe mo talaga!" I hissed.

"What? I didn't do anything," natatawang aniya.

Sumimangot ako.

This guy really do know how to pissed the hell out of me, huh? No doubt, we really knew each other. Kilalang-kilala niya talaga ako, pati mga gusto at kinaiinisan ko.

Naku, 'pag ako nakaganti sa pang-aasar sa kaniya, tingnan lang natin sino ang talo.

Nakita kong natigilan siya at napatikhim.

His ears suddenly reddened and his adam's apple move up and down.

Umiwas siya ng tingin.

Unti-unting kumunot ang noo ko.

"Stop doing that. You look cute..." I heard him whispered.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

"I m-mean, you're so adorable... stop doing that stuff," he added.

I bit my lower lip.

"Icarus," tawag ko sa kaniya.

Hindi siya sumagot.

"Icarus..." ulit ko.

Umiling siya at nagkunwaring hindi ako naririnig. I know he's embarrassed. It's obvious naman dahil sa namumula niyang tenga. Dumako ang tingin niya sa lamesa at sa pagkain kong naroon. He picked up my used fork and use it to take a food to his mouth.

"Icarus, ano ba?" nakangiting tawag ko. I poked his cheek. He threw me a sharp look and averted his gaze afterwards.

Ang suplado...

"Ayaw mo'ko pansinin, ah?" I said and poked his cheek again. "Hhmm, Kuya Icarus... Kuya ko."

Sinamaan niya ako ng tingin nang bumaling siya sa akin. I smiled cheekily and giggled. At last, pinansin na rin ako.

"Galit ka po, Kuya?" I teased and wiggled my brows.

"Stop." He hissed silently.

"Hmm, why po naman, Kuya?"

Namula ang buong mukha niya.

"Sunshine, stop calling me that!"

Hinawakan ko ang magkabilang pisngi at kumurap-kurap sa kaniyang harapan.

"Kuya, am I cute po?"

He gritted his teeth as he closed his tight. I notice the veins on his forehead showing.

Ops, parang galit na ata siya.

"Kuya—"

"Fine! You're cute!" he suddenly exclaimed. "Now, stop calling me kuya! We're not f*****g siblings, do you understand?"

My lips parted.

"Sunshine, do you understand?" ulit niya at nagmulat ng mga mata.

Our eyes abruptly met.

Dahan-dahan akong tumango. "Y-Yes, Kuya..."

"Sunny!" he hissed and the next thing I knew made me gasped loudly.

My jaw dropped.

"What the f**k, Icarus?!" singhal ko at napahawak sa noo na nanakit dahil sa pagpitik niya ng malakas.

We glared at each other.

Ngumuso ako pagkaraan at humalikipkip.

Inirapan ko siya at kinuha ang kutsara na nasa plato kong nasa lamesa. Sumubo ako ng pagkain habang tinitingnan siya ng masama.

His eyes softened.

"Uh, I'm sorry..." he said. "does it hurt?" masuyong aniya at hinawakan ang noo ko.

Iniwas ko ang mukha. Kung nakakamatay ang lang tingin, paniguradong kanina pa siya nakabulagta riyan.

"I'm sorry, My Light..." he sighed. Mas umusog siya papalapit sa akin at bigla nalang sinakop ang magkabilang pisngi ko.

"Ano ba?" I removed his hands on my face.

"Let me see it," he said softly and cupped my cheeks again. Mabuti nalang at nalunok ko na ang pagkain ko. "Namumula..." bulong niya.

"Malamang! Malakas mong pinitik, eh." I rolled my eyes.

"I'm sorry," aniya at bigla nalang hinalikan ang noo ko.

Uminit ang pisngi ko. "A-Ano'ng ginagawa mo?"

"When I was still a kid, dad often kisses me whenever I'm in pain," malambing niyang sabi at pinatakan muli ng halik ang noo ko. "And Rikha too," dagdag niya.

My heart melted at that.

"So, everyday he kisses you before?" I asked. As far as I remember, he was diagnosed with a heart problem when he was still a kid. Lumaki siyang halos sa hospital lang umiikot ang araw niya.

"Hmm, you can say that," he planted a soft kisses on my forehead. "Masakit pa?"

Umiling ako. It was like a magic the pain disappeared after he kissed it.

"Not anymore..." I whispered. Inangat ko ang mga mata at tiningnan siya sa mga mata. "Are you a magician?" manghang tanong ko.

Natawa siya at pinisil ng mahina ang ilong ko. "Silly,"

Tinabig ko ang kamay niya. "Seryoso nga, magician ka, Ica?"

"No," aniya at mas lalong natawa.

I pouted. "I wanna try that, too." saad ko. "Papitik din sa noo mo para fair! Masakit kaya 'yon!"

"W-What?"

"Paganti! Ganti ako!" I stood up from my seat. Pinameywangan ko siya. "Papitik din sa noo mo para fair,"

"You're...kidding, right?"

I shook my head. "Ganti ako,"

"My Light..." ungot niya at bahagyang umatras sa kinauupuan.

"Isa lang, bilis."

"N-No, you gotta be kidding me."

"Icarus, isang pitik lang naman, ano ka ba?!" I stomped my feet and glared at him.

"Isa l-lang?"

"Oo, bilis na."

"A-Are you sure?" aniya.

"Oo nga sabi!" nawawalan na ng pasensyang sabi ko.

"P-Promise?"

"Icarus! Bakla ka ba?! Sabi ngang isa lang eh! Ikaw kaya nauna! Dapat lang gumanti ako!"

"B-but... it hurts..." napahawak siya sa sariling noo at bahagyang namutla.

"Ano'ng tingin mo sa mga daliri ko, bakal? High ka ba?"

"Sunny... spare me."

"No!" I unbelievably gasped. "'Pag 'di mo ako pinaganti, 'di na kita papansinin."

His lips protruded. "Hinaan mo lang, ha?"

Malawak akong napangiti. Sunod-sunod akong tumango.

"Alright!"

He cleared his throat and closed his eyes tight. Nang magmulat siya ay doon lang siya tumango. "I'm ready... Go ahead."

I smiled widely and positioned myself in front of him. Nasa pagitan ako ng kaniyang hita at marahang minasahe muna ang kaniyang noo.

"Ready?"

"Hmm..."

I lifted my hand. Sa wakas, makakaganti na rin ako. I swear, lalakasan ko talaga 'to. Ang sakit kaya no' ng pagpitik niya kanina. Para ngang namanhid iyong noo ko eh.

I smirked and was about to flick his forehead when our eyes suddenly met. He then winked at me as he flashed a smile. And the supposed to be hard flick didn't happen.

"Ops, ang hina naman ata no'n?" he uttered teasingly.

Nahulog ang panga ko.

Ngumisi siya at hinawakan ang kamay ko. Binaba niya iyon at dinala sa labi niya. He then planted a kiss on the back of my hand.

"Good girl..."

"A-Ang daya... AND DAYA MO, ICARUS!"

Napapadyak ako.

His brows shot up. "Luh?"

"You distracted me kaya hindi ko napalakas iyong pagpitik! I deserve a second chance!"

"Nope. You promised it would be once, Sunny."

I frowned.

Nakangiting kinabig niya ako paupo sa tabi niya. "Let's finish your food,"

Nakasimangot na kumain ako kasama siya. Pinagsaluhan namin iyong mga pagkaing nasa plato ko. Nang maubos iyon ay tumayo siya para kumuha muli.

Hindi pa rin ako makamove on sa nangyari kanina kaya habang kumakain panay ay irap ko sa kaniya. Siya naman ay panay subo sa akin kahit kaya ko naman.

Seriously, para siyang tatay ko, eh.

"Eat a lot." ma-awtoridad na aniya.

Umirap ako. "Stop feeding me, I can do it myself."

"You're picky, you only eats meat." seryosong sabi niya. "Try this lettuce, it's delicious."

Inilapat niya sa aking bibig iyon kaya no choice ako kundi kainin iyon. I scoffed. "Yuck, damo."

"May naisip ka na ba na kursong gusto mong kunin 'pag ka graduate mo?" tanong niya.

"Yes," I answered while chewing my food.

"Nursing?"

"Hmm-hmn." Tumango ako at nilingon siya. "Ikaw, anong plano mo pagkagraduate mo?"

Nagkibit balikat siya. "Siguro, I'll go abroad?"

Napahinto ako at kumunot ang noo. "Abroad?" I asked. Did I heard it right?

"Yeah. I'm gonna take masters degree abroad. Though, I'm still thinking about it."

"Sa...Saan ba?" I asked, feeling a pinch on my chest. Icarus has been a good friend to me since then and I couldn't help but to miss him already kahit na hindi pa naman siya nakakaalis.

Napatigil siya sa pagnguya at nilingon ako. He looked hesitant at first before he spoke, "California,"

Napatungo ako at napakagat ng ibabang labi. "So, you're leaving...?" Mahina kong sabi.

I heard him sighed. "We can still communicate through social media. And besides, uuwi naman ako every special events."

Umiling ako at natawa. "Makakahanap ka rin ng bagong kaibigan doon and for sure, kakalimutan mo na kami rito sa pilipinas."

Nagbuntong hininga ulit siya. "Mag a-abroad lang ako, hindi makaka amnesia."

I slightly hit his shoulder. "Stop joking around. I'm sad..."

"Don't be sad, then. Papangit ka riyan," he smiled. Sinubuan niya ulit ako, tinanggap ko naman iyon.

"You'll forget me..."

"Impossible," he laughed.

I blinked my eyes and licked my lips after I gulped down my food. Kinuha ko ang tubig sa lamesa at uminom muna.

"But... will you still be there at my 18th birthday?"

He quickly nodded his head.

"Of course. Isasayaw pa ata kita?" nakangiti siya nang sabihin iyon. "I promise to be there on your birthday. I wi be your last dance,"

I bit my bottom lip, feeling the heaviness in my chest that starting to suffocate me. "That'll be g-great... At least..." pumiyok ang boses ko.

"Hey, let's stop thinking about it. Matagal pa 'yon. And it's not confirmed yet." pampalubag loob niya.

Dahan dahan akong tumango. "I'm gonna miss you..."

"Likewise, My Light... I'm gonna miss you, too," he said before kissing my forehead and pulling me into a hug.

I'm gonna miss Icarus, that's for sure. Hindi pa man siya nakakaalis, miss ko na agad siya. Ayaw ko siyang umalis pero may magagawa ba ako? All I can do is to support him like how supportive he is to me.

"Don't forget me, ha?" sabi ko matapos naming maghiwalay sa yakap. I took a cake from our plate and have a bite of it.

"Hindi nga sabi ako magkaka-amnesia," saad niya at pinunasan ang gilid ng aking labi gamit ang hinlalaki niya.

Umiwas ako ng tingin.

He would be leaving soon...

A part of me doesn't want him to go because of the fear he might forget me. But that's not him. Hindi niya naman siguro ako makakalimutan. The last time someone flew abroad, he didn't remember me anymore. Simula nang mangibang bansa si Helios, hindi na niya ako binalikan at tuluyan ng kinalimutan. That fear was still in my system. Nakakatrauma na ang maiwan...

I heave a deep sigh. "You promise?"

He took my hand and squeezed it gently. He then said, "I promise."

And that's enough to reassure to me. I looked at his hazel brown eyes and smiled sweetly. He did, too.