T.S. STORIES #4: Say Don't Go (Completed)

Chapter 22

Afterparty.

Some of the VIP guests had already left the hall. The rest headed to the hotel bar. Others were socializing, enjoying the buffet, while I was all by myself on a cocktail table, trying to savor the drink the waiter just gave me.

It's quite strong, but maybe, I can tolerate it just for tonight. Hoping I won't do any silly thing if I get drunk.

All of a sudden, three girls approached me. "Hi, Mister Mysterious," one of them called me. "Would you like to join us—"

Another girl approached us, too, but instead, she was crossing her brows at them. "Excuse me, this guy over here is reserved for someone. Hanap na lang kayo ng iba d'on. Maraming pogi do'n," she dismissed.

"But, we really want him," the other girl said.

"Sabing taken na eh," she threatened, which terrified them and finally left my table.

"Thanks, Venice," I sighed. "Although, hindi naman ako taken."

"You're welcome. Happy to serve the star of the night," she smiled. "Have you seen him?"

She's probably referring to Raiver. "No. Baka may ine-entertain na guest somewhere."

"I see. Hanapin ko muna siya. And, whatever happens, call me, sir Ike!" she left, still holding her iPad like her life depended on it.

I coughed a bit after taking a few sips from the wine glass, and then, I already felt slightly tipsy. My vision was a bit blurry, and my knees started wiggling. I really fought against it, and tried to keep myself awake. But, every minute that passed by, it was getting worse than I thought.

"Woah! Ang sarap," I blurted all of a sudden. I'm starting to act silly again.

I looked around and found a vacant seat. I let out a deep breath, and shut my eyes for a while.

Tonight's so exhausting. And, the room feels warmer. So weird that I had to loosen my tie and unbutton my upper clothes.

"Icarus!"

Someone called me, but I didn't have the urge to reply. I was feeling tired, that when I opened my eyes, there was nothing I could clearly see but only a blurry sight.

"Icarus, what happened?" a man asked.

I just laughed. "Sabi ng waiter, masarap daw 'yong Martini. Kaya, kinuha ko."

"Icarus, you should've never drink anything kung mahina ang tolerance mo! What if ibang tao nakakita sa'yo? They could've taken advantage of you in this state," he scolded, as he lifted me from the chair.

"Ang ingay mo naman. Gusto nang matulog," I said, completely lost of mind.

The whole time, I felt like a child being carried away, but I didn't mind much. I could think of falling asleep, until I completely shut my eyes.

The next thing I saw, sun rays were getting through the gray curtains. I was sleeping on my side, on a soft, white bed that seems unfamiliar, even the blanket over me. I looked around, slowly realizing that I'm in a different room. My suit, vest, and sleeves were on a chair, folded, and resting below it were my shoes and socks. I'm only left with my undershirt, but my pants were still intact.

Who took me here?

It was not long enough until I heard a sizzle coming from the kitchen.

When I got up, I suddenly felt an ache in my head. All I could remember was drinking that strange drink. It's the first time a hangover hit me like this. When I got my senses back, I noticed a robe hanging on the cabinet handle. I took it and put it on as I approached the door. It was already open, so I snuck to see who was in the kitchen. There, it was a figure of a guy already serving breakfast on the table, before he took off his apron.

The moment I recognized whose back I was seeing, he caught me. "Gising ka na pala."

I went out, flustered. "Anong ginawa mo sa 'kin? Bakit ako andito? Bakit ito na lang ang suot ko?" I asked, with my hands covering my chest.

He laughed at me. "Lasing ka kagabi. Pagod rin ako kaya 'di na kita mahatid sa inyo at dito kita dinala. Rest assured, nothing happened, aside sa sumuka ka."

"Sumuka ako?!" I gasped.

He laughed again. "Joke lang. Kain ka na, para mahimasmasan ka. I prepared all of this just for us," he said.

I was still feeling skeptical, but in the end, my shaking stomach pulled me towards the counter. It was just an ordinary breakfast. Nothing special. The hotdogs were unevenly fried, but he seemingly had no problem with it.

"Oh, one thing. You said something last night," he broke the silence. "Ang sabi mo, crush mo pa rin ako."

"Psh," I scoffed. "Sinungaling."

I saw a grin on his face. That made me try to remember everything I did last night, but I couldn't. Everything seemed vague and hard to see in my mind. "Eh, ano naman kung sinabi ko? Ano naman gagawin mo?" the only reply I could think of.

He turned to me, with his annoying grin. "Gusto mong malaman?"

I leaned towards him, showing my ear. "Go on—"

He drew himself close, but it was just a matter of seconds when he reached my cheek. All of a sudden, I felt a soft press of his lips, and a slight tickle of his breath. I was taken aback, yet I stayed still. At that moment, everything felt strange. I could feel every beat of my heart. I could feel how my cheeks were getting warmer. I could feel how the world almost stopped spinning. It was a feeling that once I felt back then.

Back when I was just secretly taking a glance on him.

Back when I stutter every time I get to talk with him.

Back when I can't think straight every time I encounter him.

It's happening all at once.

And, it only took a single touch of his lips.

He leaned back, as I turned to him. Now, he raised his hand and reached for my chin, just like last night. The way he cupped it felt like I was instantly under his spell, as he gazed his captivating, brown eyes at mine.

I wanted to speak, but all those words were blocked by the lump in my throat.

I wanted to stop him, but all of a sudden, why can't I?

Why was there nothing I could do, but to shut my eyes and feel his alluring breaths as he drew himself closer once more?

And there, I finally got lost when he clashed my lips on mine. A defeat, despite the strongest reasons I carry to not let this happen, but I did. At the same time, it felt like a win—a long-awaited one. My heart burst for the first time. A warmth I once sought of, now finally earned in the sweetest way.

My hand found its way to his chest, and there I felt every beat of his heart, too.

When he pulled back his lips, my sight once again revealed his face, but this time, it reminded me of someone.

Someone I have dreamt of to spend forever with.

"Gusto kita, Icarus," he uttered breathily.

He moved my hair back to my ears, and caressed my cheek with his warm hand. It was a kind of touch I longed for, now I finally found it.

Maybe, I was wrong all this time. I should've held onto the hope I used to have before. Should I give this a chance?