The Indulgence to Desire (SPG)

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Five | Cataclysm

My pace quickened as my mind scattered.

What the hell did Valen get himself into? How could he allow this to happen? 

My ankles stung nang mas binilisan ko ang mga hakbang. I stomped as I descended the stairs. I already surveyed the entire floor, at hindi ko siya nakita. Napagtanto ko that I have a higher chance of finding him if I go through every floor.

Stupid, stupid Valen!

Tears stung the side of my eyes as I moved further down the stairs. My head began to throb as I moved. Bringing home notes for me was one thing, but writing my papers, submitting my deliverables, and even attending my classes for me? That's another story. A reckless, irresponsible one at that!

Bakit niya nagawang pabayaan ang sarili niya ng ganito?

I arrived at the lower floor. I walked aimlessly as I cursed Valen under my breath. New tears blurred my vision.

Valen is destroying himself, piece by piece, and it's all because of me.

I whimpered when I collided with something hard and warm.

I looked up to apologize, but Valen's worried eyes greeted me.

The comforting smell of pine and mist registered in my senses.

Hindi ko na mapigilan ang sarili, I hit his chest with my hands. His body stilled in shock. When he didn't budge, I hit him harder.

"What did you do, Valen!" The scream burst from my chest, "Why would you do this to yourself!"

Valen let out a resigned sigh as I continued to hit him. Hindi siya nagsalita. Each blow softened after the other when I found myself sobbing on his chest.

This is all your fault, Lara.

"Lara..." He called out, his voice breaking.

His arms circled me as I cried. As always, he felt soft and firm at the same time; warm and still.

"This is your education we're talking about, Valen! Your future!" Hikbi ko.

Nagpakawala ulit si Valen ng malalim na hininga. I gripped the hem of his uniform, grounding myself. I tracked the movement of his hand as it traveled to my hair, gently caressing it.

I hated myself even more. Ako na nga ang dahilan kung bakit nagkakaganito ang lahat, ako pa ang umiiyak. Even now, I'm the one that needs comforting.

I force myself to stop crying.

"Valen... how could you do this?" I sniffed into the material of his uniform.

I shifted my focus to the slow rise and fall of his chest as he breathed.

"I can fix this, baby..." His finger gently brushed the strands of my hair.

I continued sniffing, going inward, grounding myself in the warmth and firmness of Valen's body as I stopped my tears.

"Do you trust me, Lara?" He said softly.

His hand on my hair slowly traveled below my chin. He took a step backward before tugging at my chin so we could face each other.

"Hm?" His deep voice was velvety under his breath.

Suminghap ako nang nagtama ang tingin namin.

"Of course I do, Valen." Kumunot ang noo ko, "You know I do."

"I'll fix this. I can still fix this. I just need you to trust me..." There was a desperate crack in his voice that I wish I didn't hear.

Hindi ako nagsalita.