Switched Worlds

34

Alex woke up, clenching her chest.

It hurts.

Umupo ang dalaga at tinignan ang may pagkamatandang lalaki na nakatingin sa kaniya. He was wearing a more formal Japanese cloth at nakaayos din ang kaniyang buhok.

Sir Max, or Sir Makishima, their healer and guardian was ready for their party.

She stood up, both hands by her heart as she did a full bow.

"Makishima kyō, watashi o sukutte kurete arigatō. (Thank you for saving me, Sir Makishima.)"

The healer was surprised by her action. Her voice awakened everyone, making them look as she remained bowing.

"Watashinojinsei wa anata no okagedesu. Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu! (I owe my life to you. Thank you very much!)" She added and faced the healer as she played with the whole on her shirt where her supposed real-life stab wound was.

"Nani demo arimasen. Sore ga watashi no shigotodesu. (It's nothing. It is my job.)" He answered with a smile and bowed back.

"What are you talking about, Miss Alex?" Maro asked politely. Distancing himself from the others as he stood up.

"She's showing her gratitude to me for taking care for you all. I've never had anyone thank me for this job for so many years. Hahaha!" Although there was nothing funny, the uncle laughed. He was happy.

It was indeed his job to save her and by now she must've known what happened yet she still thanked him kahit na ginagawa lang naman niya ang kaniyang trabaho.

It was enlightening.

He's happy he chose her side.

"Then I'd like to thank you too, Sir Max." Maro said with a smile.

The others also gathered on the couch and there was an obvious division between them.

"Are you feeling anything weird?" The healer asked and received the same answers.

"If you're fine then you can now head to your own rooms and prepare for the ball. It officially starts in one hour so better be quick. Prepare yourselves well, especially the lady." Sir Max announced before leaving them.

Walang imik na lumabas ang mga lalaki at iniwan doon sina Maro at Alex.

The room was silent. Maro felt like his heart was hurting for Alex because of the mistreatment that she was receiving. He felt guilty for even opening his mouth.

"Miss Alex, I–"

"Don't worry about me. I've been to worse." She answered with a smile, a sad smile. She's been to worse, she suffered a more painful pain than this.

"Sorry, Miss Alex. It's my fault!"

Her smile didn't fade.

"No Maro. I am at fault for using such method."

Maro was surprised. Did she–?

"I heard everything. I did not know you were watching me that closely." She answered his unuttered question.

Namula ang lalaki sa narinig. If she heard everything, that meant she heard his obvious admiration for the lady. He turned even redder, making Alex laugh.

"I-I..."

His stuttering made Alex laugh even more. It continued until they were walking back to their rooms.

Maro was a little shy kid.

The walk back to the dorm was filled with lightness as Alex was amused of Maro. He was the most adorable fan she'd ever had.