Kryptonite (The Youth #3: Law & Maerazen)

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M A E R A Z E N       Z U N I G A

I never knew a day would come when I'd forcefully face the consequences of keeping my secret. I was not ready for this. 18 years of readying myself for this and everything I've prepared just went straight out of the window.

This was what I feared the most. Maerazen Saori Zuniga is not really a Zuniga. Having people judge me because of my true origins. My close friends thinking that I tricked them. Everyone loosing their trust with me and then soon after, they will leave me.

And I would be... all alone.

I know, I'm an overthinker. It sucks.

Pumikit ako at huminga ng malalim bago tinuyo ang mga luha sa pisngi. Pinag-masdan ko lang ang ilaw na nang-gagaling sa fairy lights na naka-sabit sa kama ko.

Today has been a long day. My eyes are tired from crying, my body is exhausted and my mind is mentally drained. Gustohin kong mang matulog ay hindi ko magawa. Every time I close my eyes, my mind will automatically overthink and think of what-ifs.

Nang hindi na kayanin ay bumangon ako at lumabas ng kwarto. Maghahanap na sana ng pwedeng kainin pero ikina-gulat ko ang biglaang pagkatok sa pintuan ng apartment ko.

Kumunot ang noo ko at napa-isip kung sino ang nasa labas ng apartment ko. It could be Arriane. Or sila Miracle. It could even be Law.

I ignored the knock. Ayaw kong makipag-usap ngayon. I just want some time to myself. Binuksan ko ang ref at nag-labas ng fresh milk at cereal. Mas lalong kumunot ang noo ko ng marinig muli ang katok. I sighed and went to the front door. Binuksan ko iyon at nakita si Law sa labas.

He has a worried look all over his face. May dala din itong paperbag na hindi ko alam ang nasa loob.

"Hey," bunag nito. He smiled and I looked away. Bumuntong-hininga ako bago nag-salita.

"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" Tanong ko. He tilted his head so I could look at him, nag-iwas muli ako ng tingin. He did the same atttempt to make me look at him. Para kaming tanga na naghahabulan ng tingin.

"I brought food." Tinaas nito ang paperbag. He grinned.

"I told you not to come here, diba?" Giit ko. Nagulat sa sariling tono ng boses pero hindi ko iyon pinahalata. Law smiled apologetically.

"I know. But I'm worried, Razen. I came here to bring you food and to make sure if you're okay." He explained.

"Please leave," utos ko dahil ayaw ko pa munang makipag-usap sa kahit na sino. Law looked at me intently and I looked away. "Na-check mo na kung okay na ako. I have my own food here so please leave."

"Razen," mahinang tawag nya at inabot ang kamay ko. "I know you're sad, you look live you've been crying. That's why I want to be here with you."

Nanatili akong naka-iwas ng tingin at hindi nag-salita. Law sighed and his grip on my hand tightened.

"Our friends, sila Prodigy, they said---" I spoke even before he could finish his sentence. Fearing what he would say next.

"Please, Law. Leave." I begged. Tinitigan lang ako nito before sighing for the nth time. Law slowly nodded before whispering an 'okay'.

Mabilis akong pumasok sa loob ng apartment at sumilip sa bintana upang pag-masdan ang kotse nya. His car was parked there for over 15 minutes before finally driving away.