My Only Secret

Epilogue

"Maglagay muna ng sunscreen bago tumalon sa tubig, ha? Tiril na tirik ang araw." Rinig nilang paalala ni Cameron habang inaayos ang mga pagkain nilang dala sa mesa. "And don't forget to use those things when you want to see the corals underwater." Tinuro nito ang mga swimming goggles na dala niya.

They all said yes and nodded in unison like obedient puppies.

The island is said to have one of the best coral reefs view in the world, so the group set off on a yacht to explore it in the ocean, with Cameron as their boat's operator. Nagluto ito kanina ng mga pagkain nilang dadalhin dahil mamayang gabi pa sila uuwi.

Wearing their swimwear, they were eager to take a refreshing swim in the middle of the sea, surrounded by the vibrant beauty of the corals.

Pero kahit nae-excite ang iba ay hindi mapigilan ni Raven makadama ng kakaibang pakiramdam sa puso niya. Ever since he got on the boat, he was feeling a little bit nervous. Pero pinipili niya nalang baliwalain iyon dahil baka natatakot lang talaga siyang sumuka kasi first time niyang sumakay ng barko. And he has this annoying motion sickness.

He also didn't want to spoil the fun for everyone.

"You seem quiet."

Umangat ang tingin niya kay Hunt nang tumabi ito sa kanya. "Hmmm, iniisip ko lang kung marunong ba akong lumutang sa tubig. What if I drown?" Pagdadahilan niya.

Hunt shook his head, "You won't."

"How sure are you?" Tinaasan niya ito ng kilay.

"Because I'm here and I won't let you drown." Hunt confidently said as a small smirk stretched on his lips.

Raven jokingly rolled his eyes. "Yabang. Marunong ka bang lumangoy?" Pagtataray niya.

"Former Flag Officer in Command, Philippine Navy Vice-Admiral, Hunt Gustav Cassidy, at your service." Hunt winked at him boyishly.

"You were in the Navy?! Ang cool mo naman." Raven's eyes shimmered with awe

Hunt chuckled, smugly looking at him. "I was, so there's no one in this whole island you can trust more then me."

"That sounds promising." Raven nodded as he tap Hunt's naked shoulder. "Well, I'm in your care. Don't ever let me drown, okay?"

"I won't. Ever."

Ever since Raven realized he might have a small crush on Hunt, he was embarrassed to see him up close and be even near him, but weirdly, that feeling was overthrown by the fact that he wants to spend all the time he could get with Hunt, like he was soaking up every possible interaction they could have.

Parang high school student na nag ka crush.

Raven also pondered the unexpected turn his feelings had taken. He had never, in his wildest dreams, imagined himself liking a man. But somehow, being with Hunt felt undeniably right. The realization didn't feel shocking or jarring; instead, it felt as natural as the beating of his own heart.

Perhaps, sometimes the unexpected was the most natural thing in the world.

But a sense of guilt also weighed heavily on Raven. It pained him knowing that Hunt's heart was set on someone else, as if he was betraying Hunt by having these feelings in the first place.