Hello, Sir Yoshio.

CHAPTER 17

Nalu's Point of View

"Koko de nani o tabetaidesu ka?” (What do you want to eat here?) Sabay turo niya sa mga nilalangaw na nakatusok sa bamboo sticks. Kumunot ang noo ko, “Oh I'm really sorry Nalu. Hindi mo nga pala maintindihan sinabi ko.” Nakangiting sabi niya habang tumutusok doon sa tray.

Ang hirap talagang maging mayaman, I'm not eating this kind of street foods kasi ang sabi ni mommy it's dirty and I can see those flies around the food. It's disgusting.

“Wait, let me find you the best food in those trays.” Sabay turo niya sa akin ng mga ‘yon. “Ako na ang kukuha para sa’yo, just make sure you will eat this.” Iniabot niya sa akin ang isang baso na may sari saring laman.

“The orange one is called, kwek-kwek. Boiled quail eggs coated with an orange batter. Masarap ‘yan. Isa ‘yan sa mga paborito kong kainin dito.” Humarap siya sa akin, “Bakit ayaw mo pa rin’ kainin? Hindi marumi ‘yan.” Sinubukan kong kainin ‘yon and tama nga siya. Masarap nga ito at mukhang malinis naman. “Here.” Iniabot niya sa akin ang palamig na gulaman.

Hindi naman pala pangit ang lasa ng mga ito.

“Hindi na ba mainit ang ulo mo?” Tumingin siya sa akin at umiling, “Hindi na po.” Maikling tugon niya. Nagulat ako ng ilapat niya ang daliri niya sa gilid ng labi ko. “Ang dumi mo namang kumain, Nalu.” He wiped it out and that made me blush.

His phone vibrates. Nakita ko na napapikit siya at para bang biglang lumalim ang iniisip niya.

“Tara, uwi na tayo. Inaantay na ako ng mga anak ko.” I was taken aback by his sudden announcement, not because it was unusual for a parent to want to be with their children, but because it was unexpected from someone like Sir Yoshio. He was always so composed and stoic, rarely showing any emotion.

As we continued walking, I couldn't help but think about Sir Yoshio's family. He had never mentioned them before, not even in passing. I wondered what his children were like and what kind of father he was to them.

Sir Yoshio suddenly stopped in his tracks and turned towards me. Without warning, he wrapped his arms around me in a tight embrace. I was taken aback by his sudden display of affection, but I couldn't help but feel touched by his gesture.

Yoshio's Point of View

“Papa!” Mizuki hugged me tight. Hindi ako gumamit ng motor dahil sabay kami ni Nalu maglakad para na rin lumanghap ng sariwang hangin at makatanggal ng negative vibes.

“Kumusta ang mga baby ko?” Inaya nila akong mag kapatid sa dining area namin. Nakita ko ang asawa kong nagluluto ng dinner namin. Kumunot ang noo ko dahil sa nakita kong ‘yon.

Ngayon niya lang ito ginawa, may lagnat ba siya?

“Yoshio, mabuti naman at nakauwi ka na. Late ka na ata nag-out sa school?” Inaayos niya ang dining table ngunit hindi ko siya pinansin. Umupo na lang ako sa paborito kong upuan at hinayaan siyang mag ayos.