Missing Melody (COMPLETED)

Missing 24: 3in1

SINJI'S POV:

MAINGAT kong binibihisan ang aking mga anak—sina Seiji, Serin, at Shin. Having triplets is a rollercoaster ride; noong una, akala ko hindi ko kakayanin. The exhaustion was real, but thanks to Saviel's unwavering support, I managed to raise these three little miracles who share the exact same features as Senri and me. Looking at them is like seeing a living memory of the man I left behind.

"Mom, when will we visit the Philippines?" Serin asked suddenly, her big eyes looking up at me with pure curiosity.

Para sa kaalaman niyo, Seiji and Shin are my boys, while Serin is my only girl.

Matapos kong maisuot ang kanilang matching outfits, I paused and looked at Serin, trying to gauge where this was coming from. "Why the sudden interest in the Philippines, baby? Hindi ka na ba nag-eenjoy dito sa Hawaii? We have the beach and the sun right here."

"But Tita Ninang said the Philippines is a beautiful country. Mas maganda pa raw doon kaysa rito sa Hawaii. Mom, I really want to go there," Seiji chimed in, supporting his sister.

Napahawak ako sa aking sintido. I could feel a headache coming on. Hindi ko na naman alam kung ano ang mga educational materials na ipinakita ni Sav sa kanila. Of all things, why did she have to talk about the Philippines?

"Me too, Mom! I want to meet my boyfriend there," Serin added with a wide grin.

Muntik na akong mahulog sa kinauupuan ko. My jaw literally dropped. She's just five years old, for goodness' sake!

"Jusko kang bata ka! Ano na naman bang itinuro sa iyo ng Tita Ninang mo at pati pagbo-boyfriend ay alam mo na?" I sighed, picking her up and settling her on my lap. We were currently lounging on the bed of the hotel suite we were staying in.

To be honest, the life we have now—from my hospital bills to our daily expenses while hiding—is funded by my brother's card. I had no choice but to use his wealth, kahit na hindi kami in good terms five years ago. When I ran away, I left everything behind at HuPoFEL. Ang tanging bitbit ko lang ay ang infinity card ni Kuya Luther.

I remember almost fainting when I first saw the balance on that card. It was an astronomical amount, but I brushed the guilt aside. My priority was survival—not just mine, but my children's.

Sa dinami-rami ng pwedeng pagtaguan, ako lang yata ang naglayas na sa Hawaii pa napadpad. I didn't want to drag Kuya Luther into my mess, but things got infinitely more complicated when these three arrived in this world.

"I saw a music video of a boy band on Tita Ninang's phone," Serin explained, her voice full of excitement. "I told her the bass guitarist is so cool and I want him to be my boyfriend. Tita Ninang said there's nothing wrong with that!"

Pakiramdam ko ay mauubusan ako ng dugo. Saviel is really a bad influence sometimes.

"You're too young for that, Serin," Seiji interrupted, sounding like a little old man. He sat at the edge of the bed, followed by Shin, who remained quiet as usual, observing us with his sharp, soulful eyes.

"But Kuya, if we go to the Philippines, I really want to meet him," Serin pouted, her little voice turning into a whine.

"Sino ba 'yang tinutukoy mo? Para naman magka-ideya si Mommy kung papayag ba siyang maging boyfriend ng baby Serin ko," I said, trying to lighten the mood while cuddling her.

Serin crossed her arms and huffed. "I am not a baby anymore, Mommy. Tita Ninang said if I wear lipstick and makeup, I am a big girl na."

I exhaled sharply. Now I really want to strangle Saviel. 'Tita Ninang' ang tawag nila sa kanya because she refused to be called 'Mama.' Napakarte ng gaga; ayaw niya raw matawag na ganoon dahil wala pa siyang jowa. She's a unique creature—a woman's body with the rugged, tough attitude of a man.