Serendipity

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

"Do you know what's my greatest fear in life?"

Hawak ni Nine ang isang hindi pa nasisindihang sigarilyo. She languidly laugh alone while I keep myself busy staring at the wild and loud city below this rooftop.

The view was spectacular from above. The city lights, the busy people roaming like ants and the loud noises coming from cars.

"Im afraid of dying," she said with heavy breaths. Malamig ang  simoy ng hangin. The sky is almost at it's peak. Malapit ng gumabi.

"It's natural that you're afraid of dying. Cause you're alive," I said.

"I don't really fear death before. Maybe because I don't value life that much. When you don't value other people's life, your life is nothing but a trash."

Tumango ako at hindi na nagsalita.

"But right now, ngayong mamamatay na ako. Nakakatakot pala..." natatawa niyang bulong sa hangin.

"... dahil may dahilan na ako ngayon para mabuhay."

Perhaps, this is a dying message from Nine. A hint of regret from her decision is obvious. Baka malaman ko na lang aatras siya sa pinagkasunduan.

"How about you, Yuki? What's your greatest fear?"

Nagulat ako nang tinanong ako ni Nine ng biglaan. She laughed loudly when I did not answer. She started teasing me about it. Bigla akong nahiya dahil doon.

I started thinking about it. What is the greatest thing I'm afraid of?

"I'm scared of being left out. Ayokong iniiwan ako. The reason why I am always the one who walks away because I'm scared of getting left behind."

She stifle a smile.

"Paano kung iwan ka ni Kaori?"

"Hindi niya ako iiwan," bulong ko.

"Really? How sure are you that she will never leave you?" natatawa niyang tanong. She handed me her cigarette, agad ko iyong tinapon at tinapakan.

I carried my bag, ready to leave. I faced Nine. She looked at me with a puzzled look.

"Because we're destined for each other."

Kaori lightly punched my shoulder.

"Ba't ang tagal mo?! Kanina pa ako naghihintay!" aniya, at nagwalk-out. Pumasok siya sa bahay namin na parang dito siya nakatira.

Natawa na lang ako ng makita ang pikon niyang mukha habang nanonood ng TV sa living room. She pouted angrily and never tried to talk to me again.

"Saan ka ba nagpunta, Yuki? Kanina pa kami naghihintay ni Kaori dito," Misa said.

Tipid akong ngumiti at hinalikan siya sa pisngi. Napaatras ako ng malakas niya akong kinurot sa pisngi.

"Where's Asher?"

"Work."

Tinampal ni Misa ang balikat ko. She looked mad too.

"Hindi kita pinalaki para lang paghintayin ang girlfriend mo! Hala, kumain ka na dahil luto iyan ni Kaori."

My eyes lit. I looked at Kaori. She's still pouting and looking mad on the dark corner.

I smirked and walked into her direction.

Nakaupo siya sa sofa. Lumuhod ako sa harap niya at umambang yayakap. I snuggled into her arms and sweetly smiled at her.

"You cook for me?" malambing kong tanong. She nodded. Ngunit ang titig niya ay nakatuon sa pinapanood na pelikula.