DATE THY ENEMY | ES:1

20

Yes, yes, it really took me time to update. Been bombarded with work these past few months. Sadlife. But don't worry, here it is!

Happy Reading, Enjoy!

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Chapter 20
''Different''

Sabay kaming lumabas ng kanyang kwarto. Nauna ako paglalakad. Sa dulo ng pasilyo ay naaninag ko ang papalapit na Jakob. With a furrowed eyebrows, his eyes lingered to the man tailing behind me. I made a swift glance at Javier, before meeting Jakob's knowing eyes.

My lips curled into a mischievous smile.

''There you are.'' nakangising panimula niya nang magkaharap na kami. ''Your friends thought you already went home.''

''I kinda lost track of time.'' I chuckled softly. ''Javier and I... we were pretty occupied.''

''Hmm,'' tumigil siya at lumihis ang kanyang tingin kay Javier, na halos kakaabot lang kung na saan kami . ''Your guests are looking for you, Javier. Why don't both of you go downstairs and stop locking yourselves in a room.''

''What did you say to him?'' Javier whispered beside me.

I shook my head and mouthed 'nothing'. Hindi niya narinig ang unang pinag-usapan namin ni Jakob. He was walking so slow behind me.

I glanced at the two men and noticed that they were exchanging glances. Jakob had that devilish smirk of him while Javier's back to his cold demeanor. Seems like they're going to talk about something... or they're already talking with their eyes.

Nonetheless, I don't feel like hearing what's up.

''I'll go first.''

Jakob nodded while Javier's eyes snapped to meet mine. I almost flinched, because at the same time, I heard an imaginary sound inside me that you'll only hear in dramas.

''I'll follow.'' he said in baritone.

Napakurap ako, hindi inaasahan ang kanyang sinabi.

''Okay...''

''I wonder what's the best dog food these days.'' I heard Jakob muttering to himself.

I rolled my eyes at him. Hindi ko na lamang pinansin.

One last look and I walked away. Muli kong tinungo ang backyard pool. Agad kong namataan si Rhys sa may malayo. But when he saw me, he instantly guided me in a table with few familiar people. There's Axel, Erik, Anton, and two more girls. Hindi sila kasya sa maliit na pabilog na lamesa kaya ang ibang upuan ng mga lalaki ay nasa may gilid na, sa likod ng dalawang babae.

''Vernaise!'' gulat na tawag ni Axel nang makita ako.

I waved my hand. ''Hey!''

Erik almost spit out his drink when he faced me. Akma akong yayakapin ni Axel pero pinigilan siya ni Rhys. Siguro dahil basa ito. Tumawa lamang si Axel habang namumula ng kaunti ang pisngi, mukhang mula sa pag-inom.

''Ngayon lang ulit kita nakita!''

''Been busy with my studies in Manila.'' I answered with a small smile.

Pinaupo ako ni Rhys sa bakanteng upuan na katabi ng kanya. In front of me are the curious eyes of two girls, beside Anton and Erik. It's a bit crowdy here, huh? There's a lot of vacant spaces though. I don't know why these people are trying to fit themselves in this one small table.

''Good to see you again, Vernaise.'' si Erik.

I nodded at him in acknowledgment. ''It feels like a long time when I last saw you all.''