The Mystery Mavericks: Volume 1

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: THE GRAND MACHINATION

NEIRA

MINULAT KO ang mga mata ko. Pansin kong madilim pa ang paligid base sa bintana ng kwarto ng roommate ko. Tumingin ako sa orasan, isiningkit ko pa ang mga mata ko para makita ang mga hintuturo nito. It is 4 in the morning.

Napangiwi ako at napahawak sa leeg ko nang maramdaman kong sumakit ito. Mukhang na-stiff neck ata ako dahil sa sofa ako nakatulog.

I reached for my glasses, which were conveniently placed on the small table beside me, and carefully put them on. As my vision sharpened, I glanced around the room, my eyes landing on Zeke, who was peacefully slumbering. He is sitting on a monobloc chair, his head gently resting on the side of Crystle's bed. The sight tugged at my heart, witnessing his unwavering dedication to watching over our teammate.

Sometimes, I wonder if there is something more than friendship between them, or if they are just really close. But I don't want to judge their relationship. People have different connections, and it's not my place to assume or make conclusions about Zeke and Crystle. Instead, I choose to appreciate their strong support for each other and focus on their bond during this difficult time.

"Kaya natin 'to Crystle." Bulong ko.

Tumayo ako at inunat ang katawan ko. Napagpasyahan kong lumabas muna at bumili ng kape para magising ako. Ayoko na kasi bumalik sa pagtulog.

As I opened the door, I saw a man sitting in a waiting chair, his form relaxed but unmistakably caught in the clutches of slumber. His head leaned gently against the cool wall, a subtle vulnerability that contradicted his usual composed demeanor. A soft, rhythmic sound escaped his slightly parted lips, echoing the peacefulness that enveloped him.

Ang akala ko ay umuwi na siya? Anong ginagawa niya rito?

"Yoda?"

Biglang nagbukas ang mga mata niya at sumara ang kanyang bibig. Lumingon-lingon siya sa paligid na tila hinahanap kung saan nanggaling ang boses. Nang makita na niya ako ay pinunasan niya ang pisngi niya at naglabas ito ng malawak na ngiti.

"Oh, you're awake." Bati nito sa'kin.

"Ano'ng ginagawa mo rito?" tanong ko sa kanya. "Ang akala ko umuwi ka na kanina pa."

"I'm just guarding yo—I mean the door, I'm just... keeping watch, you know...," he stammered, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. His hand instinctively rose to scratch his head, his eyes darted to the side. "I mean, what if someone... someone suspicious tries to sneak in? Gotta be on the lookout, you know?"

Sumingkit ang tingin ko sa kanya.

"Okay. Wanna grab a coffee?" Pag-aaya ko.

"Sure!" Sagot niya, bigla siyang tumayo at inunat ang kanyang katawan.

As we stepped out of the hospital and into the crisp air, Yoda's energy seemed to shift. The weight of his earlier weariness was replaced by a renewed vigor, evident in the bounce in his step and the wide smile in his eyes. We strolled along the familiar path towards Morrisson Cafe, a cozy spot that had become our refuge during countless study sessions and moments of respite.