Dancing With Fire (Published Under Flutter Fic)
Kabanata 25
Kabanata 25
I LAUGHED HARD when he tripped on a stone and fell. Nagmamadali siyang tumayo pero mabilis ko siyang nahila kaya bumagsak kaming dalawa.
"Ouch, Sera! Fuck!" he cursed.
"Ikaw!" Kinurot ko ang tagiliran niya. He laughed while pulling away, trying to catch my hand and trap it against his side.
"Isa, Vioxx. Bitawan mo 'ko," I warned, glaring at him.
His lips tugged into a smirk, his menacing dark eyes taunting me. Nakasalampak siya sa buhanginan habang ako'y nakaluhod sa harapan niya, his grip was locking my hands.
"Vioxx!" sita ko bago sumubok kumawala pero prente ang hawak niya. "Pakawalan mo 'ko!" I demanded.
"Let me remind you kung sino ang may atraso sa ating dalawa." He raised his brow. "I didn't know I had a wife."
"Joke lang kasi..." My cheeks flushed.
"Joke, huh? That's not something to joke about, Engineer. Take full responsibility, pakasalan mo ako ngayon," he demanded.
"What?!" I exclaimed.
"You're my secret wife—"
"Vioxx Ephraim Miranda," I said seriously. He stopped, his smile fading when he saw my expression.
He cleared his throat, staring at me intently. He cocked his head to the side, the humor fading, and was replaced by seriousness.
"You really treat my feelings as a joke," he murmured. Napawi ang ngiti ko at biglang napaatras.
"H-Hindi..."
He looked away, sighing as he stood from the sand, gently holding my hand to help me up.
I brushed the sand off my knees. Tumulong siya sa pagpagpag no'n sa dress ko. When our eyes met, his were blank, unreadable.
"Stop confusing me, Serafine," he whispered before turning his back on me.
I remained frozen, watching him walk away with his hands in his pockets. My heart throbbed painfully at nakita ko ang sariling mabilis na humahabol pasunod sa kanya.
I ran to catch up, grabbing his arm. He stopped, glanced at me, then sighed, but he didn't push me away.
We walked quietly toward the cottage. The white sand sank beneath my sandals, the cool night air brushing against my skin. I felt the warmth of his jacket around me. The sound of crickets filled the silence, mingling with the crash of waves and the rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Nadaanan namin ang cottage kung nasaan ang team niya. Natahimik sila nang dumaan kami.
"Good evening, Engr. Miranda!" they exclaimed.
Vioxx nodded with a small smile.
"Good evening," he replied.
"Kwentuhan muna tayo, Engineer!" a lady in red lipstick called, raising a can of beer.
Others joined in, calling him over. Suddenly, I felt shy, guilty even, na dahil hawak ko siya'y parang napipigilan ko siya. I bit my lip and slowly let go of his arm.
He shifted his gaze to me, his forehead creasing.
"Uhm, sige, mag-enjoy ka muna. M-Mauuna na ako sa cabana," I said with a smile.
Lumayo ako pero isang hawak sa siko ko'y napabalik ako kaya nilingon ko siya.
"B-Bakit?" I asked, confused, trying to pull away. "You can have fun. Kaya ko naman mag-isa."
He didn't let go. Sa halip ay nilingon niya ang mga kasama bago nagsalita.
"Thanks, but I have to go with Engr. Mendez. She's tired."
"Huh? Hindi naman—"
"Enjoy your night, everyone." He nodded, pulling me along. I glanced back at the stunned group, my cheeks burning with the curious looks they had.
Pinakawalan niya lang ako nang tanaw na ang cabana at naunang pumasok.
There was a small balcony at the front, with a hammock hanging near the edge. Beyond it, the sea stretched dark and endless. It was a cold night, so I quickly stepped inside for warmth.
The room was clearly meant for one person—just a bed immediately by the door, a bamboo bench at the side, and a bathroom to the left beside a tiny kitchen.
Saan ako matutulog nito?
Sumulyap ako sa higaan na may mga puting comforter. I can probably lay them on the floor so I can sleep there.
Ang luggage ko ay nasa upuan kaya naupo ako sa gilid ng kama pero biglang natigilan nang makita ko si Vioxx! Nagbibihis!
My eyes widened. Mabilis akong nag-iwas ng tingin.
"D-Dito ka talaga naghuhubad?!" I exclaimed, sneaking another glance. He was bent over his travel bag, shirtless, with his shirt draped casually over his shoulder.
"You've seen it all, Serafine. Ngayon ka pa mahihiya?" He asked, the sarcasm so loud.
I cleared my throat, biting my lip.
"S-Sinasabi ko lang naman... saka matagal na 'yong huli kitang nakita ng ganyan! Nakalimutan ko na!" I faced him.
He straightened, placed the black shirt on the chair, then looked at me.
"Uh-huh," he muttered, unbuckling his belt. My eyes widened, scandalized.
"Vioxx!" singhal ko pero 'di maalis ang mata at titig na titig sa gitna ng pantalon niya kung nasaan ang susi ng tagumpay.
"What?" His lip twitched.
"Eskandaloso ka?" I glared, blinking rapidly before glancing back at his pants.
"Yeah, I'm the scandalous one, huh? Guess who's staring at my pants now. You wanna recap, baby?"
Umirap ako para itagong naapektuhan ako ng mga salitang 'yon.
"Ewan! Bahala ka, mag-shower ka na!" I hissed.
He chuckled. I heard the belt drop, and when I turned, I was so disappointed—he still had his pants on.
"Disappointed?" he mocked. I ignored him.
"Anyway, saan ako matutulog?" pag-iiba ko sa topic.
"Sa lapag," he said, pointing at the comforter with a smirk.
"Huh?" My eyes widened.
"What? You wanna share a cabin with me, Engineer? I'm the original tenant, so you..." He pointed at the floor. "Will sleep there."
Before I could complain, he disappeared into the bathroom. Iritadong sinabunutan ko siya sa isip ko.
Ano pa bang magagawa ko?!
I prepared the comforter, laid it on the floor, and tried lying down. It was somewhat comfortable, though a bit cold. Okay lang, sanay naman na ako sa papag. Ang arte ko naman kung ilang taon lang akong naglagi sa kama at aircon, eh, 'di na sanay?
I sighed, closing my eyes.
Is it really a good thing to stay with him? Is this for closure? Or am I just fooling myself about what happened years ago?
Napaupo ako nang lumabas siya.
He was fresh from the bath. His hair was damp and a towel was draped over his shoulder as he dried it. He's wearing a black shirt and boxers. Black talaga?
My eyes narrowed.
Parang dapat medyo light para mas kita ang bakat–What the hell, Serafine?
I slapped myself lightly to wake myself up from all these nasty thoughts.
"Stop it, Serafine," he scolded seriously.
"Huh?"
"Why are you hurting yourself? Take a shower and rest." Seryoso at prente ang tono niya, tila nagle-lecture. Naalala ko tuloy no'ng teacher ko siya at student ako.
I grabbed my prepared clothes and walked to the bathroom. Sinalubong pa ako ng amoy ng kanyang pamilyar na shower gel pagkapasok at 'di ko naiwasang amoy-amoyin 'yon. Ito 'yong dati pa niyang gamit.
I showered and changed into a comfy satin nightdress. When I stepped out, the lights were dimmed. Sumulyap ako sa kama at nagtaka nang 'di siya makita ro'n.
"Where is he?" I whispered.
I walked to the other side and froze. He was lying on the floor, resting on the sheets I had prepared.
I squatted slightly, peeking at him. His eyes were closed.
"Bakit ka nand'yan?" I asked.
Medyo nagulat pa siya at nagmulat ng mga mata.
"You should rest, woman," he said, his tired eyes locking on mine.
"Bakit ka nasa lapag? Akala ko ba ako d'yan?" I asked.
His forehead creased. His gaze flicked to my black nightdress before returning to my face.
"Don't you have any long dresses or pajamas, woman? It's cold, tapos ganyan lang ang suot mo?"
I glanced at my dress, then back at him.
"It's comfy," sagot ko. "Don't mind me. Alis ka na d'yan, tutulog na ako."
"You sleep on the bed," he said.
"Bakit? I thought—"
"I changed my mind. The bed isn't that comfortable, so you stay there," he muttered, covering his eyes with his arm.
"Weh? S'yempre mas komportable ang kama. Doon ka na lang—"
"Quiet, I'm sleepy." He yawned, hiding his face. Ayaw ko naman nang makipagtalo kaya tumango na ako gumapang na papuntang kama.
Humiga ako para magpaantok pero 'di ako dinadalaw. For a moment, I remained staring at the ceiling. The night was quiet, only the sounds of crickets and waves filling the air.
I knew I shouldn't feel comfortable staying in a room with a man. Pero bakit sa kanya'y sobrang kalmado ko? Bakit walang takot?
Is it because I'm still into him? Wait... didn't I just say I've moved on?
I squeezed my eyes shut, counted a hundred sheep, but sleep wouldn't come. 'Di ko na natiis at nagsalita na ako.
"Engr., tulog ka na?" I asked out of the blue.
I waited for a response, but none came, so I sighed.
"Maaga pa, huwag ka muna matulog." Still, silence. "Vioxx," I called, but still no answer.
I rolled on the bed, peeked at him, and my eyes widened when I realized he was wide awake, too.
We both froze when he shifted, and our gazes clashed. He cleared his throat and covered his eyes again with his arm.
"Sleep now, Serafine," he murmured.
"I can't," I whispered. When he didn't reply, I reached out and tapped his arm. "Vioxx..."
"Sleep now, Sera," he repeated, licking his lip. When I didn't move, he opened his eyes and looked at me.
"What?"
"Uh... ako na lang sa lapag?" I offered. His forehead creased.
"It's cold here."
"Malamig pala, paano ka?"
"I'm fine," aniya pero tinapik ko ulit.
"Ako na lang sa lapag, dito ka sa kama," I insisted. He shook his head.
"Huwag makulit, Serafine. Matulog ka na. Ayos lang ako."
"Hindi kasi ako makatulog dito sa kama. Diyan na lang ako sa lapag. Sanay naman akong matulog d'yan," I argued.
"No."
"Please?" I begged, tapping him again. "Please? Please?"
Nagmulat siya, iritado pa nga ata sa pang-iistorbo ko. He sighed, stood up and moved to the bed. I grinned, sat up quickly, and clapped my hands.
"Yehey, thank you!" I said, jumping to the comforter.
He brushed his hair back with his fingers, kumuha ng unan at hinagis sa 'kin. I frowned.
"Ano'ng gagawin ko dito?"
"Put it on your back. Medyo masakit sa likod," he said.
"Eh, paano ka?"
'Di siya sumagot, humigla lang at tinakpan ang comforter sa sarili niya bago ako talikuran.
Suplado naman! Pero nangiti ako at niyakap ang unan sa halip na ilagay sa likod ko.
Medyo hindi pala komportable ang higaan niya rito. Ayos naman, pero ramdam ko ang lamig sa likod kahit may kumot. Maybe because we're near the beach, and it's normally cold here.
I heard him shift on the bed. Nakagat ko ang labi, tempted namang umakyat pabalik sa higaan.
Inangat ko ang mukha para sana sumilip pero natulos nang biglang nasalubong ang mukha niyang sisilip din sana. We are so close noses nearly touched. My heart raced, and I swallowed hard bago nagpatihulog pabalik sa higaan.
"G-Gising ka pa pala!" I exclaimed.
He didn't move; he just stared at me seriously.
"Why?"
"Uh... malamig pala dito." I chuckled awkwardly. "Uh, p'wede change ulit?"
He sighed, stood from the bed, and I quickly grabbed the pillow, sitting back on the mattress.
"Sorry, naistorbo ba kita?" I asked.
"I'm alright." He sat back down on the floor. "Sleep, woman. Maaga pa tayo bukas."
"Good night," I said. He nodded. Humiga ulit ako at inaliw ang sarili para makatulog pero ilang minuto na, wala pa rin! 'Di ako makatulog!
Kung nilamig ako sa ibaba, paano naman si Vioxx?
I sighed, rolled on the bed, and peeked at him. He was covering his eyes with his arm.
Tinapik ko siya. Ibinaba na niya ang braso.
"What now?" he asked, almost frustrated. I disturbed him again.
"M-Malamig d'yan."
"I know. Kaya ko," he said.
Mas nilamon ako ng guilt.
"Pero hindi komportable. Paano kung magkasakit ka? Pulmonya or something—"
"Umusog ka," he commanded.
"Huh?"
"Move."
Confused, I rolled to the side of the bed, leaving an empty space.
"Nakausog na. Bakit?" Tanong ko pero nagulantang nang ilagay niya ang unan sa kama, tumayo at humiga sa tabi ko.
Namilog ang mata ko't napaupo.
"T-Tabi tayo?" I asked, my heart pounding wildly.
"You're uncomfortable there, and okay, I am, too. Magkakasakit ka o ako sa lapag dahil sa lamig, kaya magtatabi na lang tayo," he said plainly. I fell silent.
"May reklamo ka?" he asked. I shook my head quickly, gulping.
"W-Wala naman..." I said, lying stiffly on the bed, wrapped tightly in the comforter.
"Relax, Sera." He chuckled. "I won't do anything to you... unless you insist—"
"Yabang mo!" Nilingon ko siyang nakasimangot. He chuckled again, nodding.
"What? Wala naman akong magagawa kung gusto mong may gawin—"
"Miranda!" I kicked him, frowning. Mas natawa siya, tumagilid pa para mas makita ako ng malinaw. I became hyperaware of his movement, the way he studied my face, how sleepy and handsome he looked.
We stared at each other quietly. He licked his lips before looking away.
"If you're uncomfortable..." He grabbed a pillow and placed it between us.
"A-Ayos lang," I said, removing the pillow and handing it back. "I'm comfortable."
He looked at me, confused, then slowly nodded.
"Sleep now, baby girl. It's late. Maaga pa bukas," he said.
Para akong kiniliti at nanlamig sa hindi maintindihang pakiramdam.
"Baby girl ka d'yan. I'm a woman now!" I exclaimed to hide what I felt. His lip twitched.
"Alright, woman. Sleep now. Good night."
"Good night," I answered. "Old, grumpy, ugly man."
His mouth parted, glaring at me. Bumungisngis ako, masayang nasa akin ang huling halakhak bago tumalikod.
What a good night, Serafine. What a good night.
I woke up the next morning alone in bed. Agad akong umupo para tignan kung nasaan siya, pero tahimik ang paligid. Ako na lang mag-isa.
I yawned, stretched, then glanced at the clock.
It's just seven. Ang aga naman niyang umalis.
I took a shower and changed into comfortable work clothes.
Sa table rin sa mini kitchen ay napansin kong may naka-prepare nang agahan. Lumapit ako't napansin ang sticky note.
I went to the site. Sorry, I didn't wake you up since you sleep well, may laway ka pa nga sa gilid ng labi.
My eyes widened. Sumimangot ako.
"Laway! Ha, hindi ako naglalaway kapag tulog!" Reklamo ko, iritadong tinusok ang hotdog ni Vioxx at gigil na kinagat.
˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖
THE FRESH ISLAND air cleared my lungs. Pollution was gone. Instead of car horns, the sound of waves and birdsong filled the morning.
I smiled at the refreshing sight. I want to explore the island when I get free time. I want to check the shipwreck, too, though they said only a few are allowed. Sana mapagbigyan at lead engineer naman ako.
The site was already bustling when I arrived. Renovation had begun, and everyone was busy. Clarisse waved when she saw me.
"Morning, Engineer!" they greeted.
"Good morning." I smiled, glancing around. "Kanina pa kayo?"
"Kakarating lang din. Ang nauna po 'yong team ni Engr. Miranda," Jade said, pointing toward Vioxx's group in the distance.
He was talking to the same woman from yesterday. The beautiful lady was wearing a shirt and pants, a white hard hat on her head.
"Close po ba sila ni Architect Sandejas?" Clarisse asked.
"Si Architect Scira Valderama," Jade corrected.
I nodded, frowning. Nakita kong may sinabi siya at tinuro ang blueprint, natawa si Vioxx.
"Pangatlo ata 'yan sa magkakapatid. Kaparehas ng pangalan niya 'yong bunso—Queen Scira. Low profile sila pero mayayaman—"
"Magtrabaho na tayo," putol ko sa usapan nila at ayaw ko nang malaman.
Hindi maalis ang tingin ko sa kanila. Even Warren, the said bellboy, was there with a hard hat. Nasa gilid lang at mukhang iritado. Naalala ko tuloy iyong sa cabana rin no'ng gabing 'yon. Magkasama ba sila ni Architect Scira?
"Sera..." Engr. Silvano appeared, holding a white hard hat.
"Engr. Silvano," I greeted.
"Mark na lang," he said, placing the hard hat on my head. "Masyado kang pormal."
"Sorry, I just—"
"It's alright." He smiled and tapped my chin. "How's your sleep?"
"Uh... good." Medyo umatras ako't gusto nang makaalis pero humabol siya kaya 'di ako natuloy.
"My room is quite big, Sera. Sabi ko naman sa 'yong kasya tayo doon. You can sleep on the bed. Huwag ka nang makisama kay Engr. Miranda, he doesn't look trustworthy."
I feel weirded out by his comment but didn't make a big deal out of it.
"I'm really fine, Engr." I smiled politely. "Ayos lang talaga." I stepped farther away.
His persistence made me uncomfortable. Napasulyap ako kay Vioxx na napansin kong seryoso ang tingin sa amin. Kausap pa rin siya ni Architect Valderama pero ang focus niya'y nasa banda ko. His brows were furrowed.
"Do you wanna take a dip later? Masarap daw lumangoy kapag pa-hapon na," Engineer Silvano continued kaya napalingon ako sa kanya.
"Kapag hindi pagod." I smiled faintly. I shifted lightly.
"How about dinner, Sera? I can reserve a table for us sa resto—"
"I believe she's having her dinner with me," a baritone voice echoed, accompanied by a gentle tug on my waist. A sense of relief washed through me.
"Oh, gano'n ba?" Disappointment flickered on Mark's face.
"Sorry, Engineer. Nakapangako na ako. Next time na lang," paumanhin ko.
"Alright." He nodded. "How about tomorrow?"
"I reserved all her dinners," Vioxx said smugly. My eyes widened. I pinched him discreetly.
"Lunch?"
"Lunch, too. Same with breakfast," he added, annoyingly proud. Muntik ko nang masapo ang mukha.
"That's too bad." Engineer Silvano nodded, disappointment in his face. "Next time, then."
"Okay." I smiled apologetically. "Sorry, next time na lang."
He nodded, bid goodbye, and returned to work.
"Wala nang next time," komento ni Vioxx kaagad.
"Ano na naman?" tanong ko.
"Ang dami mong lalaki, Serafine," he said irritably, removing my hard hat only to place it back on my head.
"Bakit mo tinanggal? At maraming lalaki?" I asked.
"Ako lang p'wedeng maglagay nito sa 'yo." Walang kwenta niyang rason. He adjusted my hair and the hard hat again. "Who's that Engr. Silvano? Christian, Gino, Marco, Intoy... sino pa?"
"What? Marco is my cousin!" I smacked him lightly despite the hard hat. "Christian and Gino are my ex-friends! Saka Intoy—paano mo nakilala 'yon?" Nangunot ang noo ko.
He grimaced but didn't answer.
"Vioxx," I called.
"Your breakfast, lunch, and dinners are reserved for me," he said with finality instead of answering me.
"Couple goals!" Sabay kaming napalingon ni Vioxx at nakita sina Clarisse sa gilid, tila sinisilihan sa kilig.
Naalala ko tuloy ang katangahan ko kagabi.
"Hi, ladies," Vioxx greeted, tila sinisilihan na naman sila sa kilig.
"Kumusta kagabi, secret couple?" Joanna giggled.
"Great." He grinned. I smacked his arm and turned to glare at my friends.
"Wala 'yon," I said firmly bago sinulyapan si Vioxx na mukhang tuwang-tuwa sa nangyayari. "Huwag kang magkalat ng fake news!"
Nangingiti siyang sumulyap sa mga kaibigan ko at inilagay ang daliri sa may labi.
"Sshh, top secret, ladies. My wife's sensitive, baka nga buntis na 'to—"
"Miranda!" I jumped to cover his mouth.
˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖
WE SPENT THE rest of the time working. I was busy supervising my team while Vioxx discussed matters with the other architects.
It was a nice place to work, nagtatrabaho pero pakiramdam ko'y nasa bakasyon! The place was beautiful, the air was fresh, and the smell of the salty sea lingered with the wind.
They managed the materials, while the workers focused on the first round of renovation. Siguro kaya marami silang kinuha ay para mabilis matapos ang project. I envisioned how the site would look once finished. No doubt, it would be stunning.
"Ilang taon ka nang engineer?" my new acquaintance, Engr. Cabral asked.
He was an electrical engineer.
"Hmm, turning three years na rin." I smiled. "You?"
"Five years." He chuckled. "I'm a bit old, I guess?"
"Kaunti lang naman." I chuckled. "You don't look old to me. Sa team ka ni Engr. Miranda, right?"
"Yup." He nodded. "When I found out years ago na umalis siya sa main at nagtayo ng sariling kompanya, I immediately resigned and joined him."
"Really? Bakit naman? Isn't it more advantageous to stay with the main?" I asked curiously.
"Yes, but what I value most is the treatment," he explained. "Hindi man gano'n kalaki ang sahod compared to the main, mas gusto namin ang respeto at trato."
A sense of pride made me smile.
"Mas malaya kasi sa kompanya ni Engr. Miranda. He isn't that strict; we have benefits, and he never prohibits us from taking other projects if we don't have projects at the moment. Unlike the main. Parang freelance pero mas maraming benepisyo."
I was surprised but nodded, glancing toward Vioxx. As expected, nakatingin kaagad. He looked serious, as if he had just finished talking with his team.
He walked toward us, irritation evident. I only pursed my lips and ignored him.
"Marami kayong lumipat?" I asked.
Engr. Cabral nodded. "Ayaw pa nga kami tanggapin no'ng una kasi hindi raw kasing competitive ang sweldo at mas maganda ang benefits sa main. Pero ayaw namin. Nangulit talaga kami hanggang nakapasok kami sa kompanya."
That made me smile. I glanced at Vioxx, who looked constipated, currently talking to Warren with a scowl. Mukhang hinarang siya papunta rito. He even rolled his eyes at me when our gazes met.
Arte naman nito. Ikaw lang naman ang pinag-uusapan namin!
Kalaunan ay pinuntahan ko ang team para sa clarifications na kailangan nila at doon na naman naubos ang oras ko pero dumating si Engineer Silvano na may dalang buko juice.
Engr. Silvano talked about some things. Some were about the plans, but mostly he kept circling back to me moving into his cabin, which is getting annoying now.
"Engineer!"
"Ma'am!"
Napaangat ako ng tingin sa biglang komosyon. I froze when I saw a wooden beam lose its balance near me. I was even more shocked when the steel they were fixing slipped from its foundation.
Mabilis ang nangyari. Napasinghap ako at nakita na lang ang sariling nakahiga sa may buhangin, sa itaas ko ay si Vioxx.
It all happened in a blur. He quickly stood, helping me up, and my team rushed toward me in panic.
"Engineer! Ayos ka lang?!" Jade asked frantically, checking me for wounds. Even Engr. Silvano was there, insisting I go to the medic, but my eyes were fixed on the steel lying nearby.
It was scattered, clearly shoved aside... by someone.
"Ayos ka lang, Engineer?" Clarisse asked.
"Yeah..." Tumango ako.
"Naku! Mabuti na lang at nahila ka agad ni Engr. Miranda! Kung hindi niya nahawi 'yong mga bakal, baka nahulugan ka!" They were still panicking.
I remained staring at the steel on the sand, my blood running cold when I noticed traces of blood there.
I ignored them, scanning the area for Vioxx but he was gone.
"S-Si Vioxx?" I asked.
"Nandito lang kanina, biglang nawala!"
Napalunok ako, kinakabahan. Kaagad kong hinanap ang first aid kit bago nag-ikot para mahanap si Vioxx.
He was nowhere in sight. I was frustrated and worried, knowing he was wounded somewhere! Probably bleeding!
Sa bunganinan ay napansin kong may footsteps kaya sinundan ko 'yan at saka lang gumaan ang pakiramdam nang makita ko siya.
He was sitting on the shore, trying to cover his wound with a handkerchief.
I sighed in frustration! Sa halip na sa medic, nagsasarili!
I rolled my eyes, marched irritably toward him, and when I reached him, I smacked him on the head.
"What–" Lumingon siya pero nang makitang ako 'yon ay umismid sabay tago sa kamay niya.
"Anong ginagawa mo?" Pagalit ko.
He cleared his throat. When I sat beside him and tried to grab his hand, he pulled it away.
"I'm alright," he said quietly.
"Give me your hand," I demanded.
He shook his head, hiding it again.
"I'm alright," he repeated.
"Huh?" I mocked, annoyed.
"I'm—"
"Hotdog mo, Miranda," I snapped, yanking his hand.
"What?" He asked, confused. I peeled away the handkerchief. "Anong hotdog ko?"
"Malaki!" I exclaimed.
Umawang ang labi niya kaya umirap ako. Seeing the wound on his palm, I flicked his forehead.
"Aww, what now?" he complained.
"Ano'ng iniisip mo? Bakit ka pumunta doon at basta tinulak 'yong bakal at kahoy? Paano kung hindi lang ito ang sugat mo?" I scolded angrily.
"Engr. Cabral, huh?" he mocked.
"At 'yan pa ang concern mo? Ano na naman bang drama mo, Miranda?" I hissed.
"Tss..." He clicked his tongue, looking away. "Bakit mo pa ako sinundan? Mukhang nag-e-enjoy ka naman sa kausap mo, may buko juice ka pa–."
"Seryoso ka ba?" I glared. "You're here, injured, yet iyan pa ang prinoproblema mo?"
"You should not follow me. I'm fine. You can just talk to your engineers there and forget about me. Ayos lang naman na mamatay ako dito sa sobrang daming nawalang dugo—aww!" Kinurot ko ang tagiliran.
"Ang OA mo! Hindi ka mamatay sa sugat na 'to. Malayo 'to sa puso, Miranda!"
"Oh, e 'di magpapakalunod na lang ako doon," he said childishly, pointing at the ocean.
'Di ko na pinatulan at binuksan ang first aid.
"Anong pinag-uusapan n'yo ni Engr. Cabral? Is it too funny that you have to smile sweetly like that? May pa-buko pa 'yong Engr. Silvano mo," he muttered.
I couldn't help but laugh. Here he was, wounded, pero mas problema pa niya ang mga lalaki ko raw at ang buko juice.
"Seryoso ka n'yan, Vioxx? Baka hindi ka pa pala nakaka-move on sa akin?" I chuckled.
His brows furrowed.
"Bakit? Mas masaya ba silang kausap? Ano, doon ka na matutulog mamaya? Lapitin ka ba talaga ng mga hinayupak na engineer—"
"Sa 'yong hinayupak ka lang naman ako lumalapit," I said softly.
He froze. I smiled and tapped his nose like it was the most natural thing to do.
His serious brown eyes were cold yet menacing, his thin lips pressed into a grim line. His brows nearly met, his jaw clenched. He looked manly, dangerously handsome, and kissable in my sight.
"Mas gwapo ka pa rin sa kanila, daddy," I muttered. His mouth parted slightly and a faint blush spread on his face.
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