Still You

Chapter Twenty

RADD CORDOVA

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SINALUBONG ako ng impit na sigawan nang marating ko ang Sumaguing cave. Despite wearing dark glasses and a snapback, many tourists recognized me. Soon, some started taking pictures. I was just grateful that no one had dared to approach me yet.

If Kat was here, she'd probably be shouting at me for the madness I was indulging in. But I was willing to do whatever it took if it meant getting Eira back.

Damn! The things that you do, dumbass!

Si Reeth ang sumalubong sa akin sa entrance. I had filmed a movie here once kaya kabisado ko ang daan patungo sa lugar kahit wala nang kasamang tour guide.

"Are you sure I could talk to her here? Ang daming tao, Reeth."

She annoyingly rolled her eyes at me. "Shuta! 'Wag kang choosy. Kung 'di ka ba naman siraulo, 'di ka sana naghahabol ngayon. Susubukan kong humanap ng timing. Gagi kasi 'yang si Caleb, sumama pa. Ang hirap pumuslit sa kaniya!"

Mahina akong napabuntong-hininga. Mukhang mas mataas pa yata ang posibilidad na dumugin ako rito kaysa ang makausap si Eira.

Sumunod ako kay Reeth nang magsimula siyang maglakad. Masama ang timpla ng mukha ni Eira nang makita akong kasama ng pinsan ko. She was truly angry, and my mere presence seemed to irritate her. The realization hit me hard—more than I had expected.

However, I stayed resolute. I tried to approach her casually, asking her a few questions, but she seemed to have an aversion to me. She moved away quickly.

Caleb was there too, and I hated how close he was to her. Sinubukan ko iyong isawalang bahala kahit pa nanunuot ang matalim na tingin sa akin ng gagong kasama niya.

After a while, the tour guide announced that we could enter the cave. Reeth stayed behind at the entrance due to her claustrophobia, leaving just the three of us to explore. As we walked inside, each step felt heavier. Eira was with Caleb, and I could feel my anger simmering beneath the surface.

Dapat ako ang kasama niya, hindi ang tarantadong iyon! We had always talked about doing this together—exploring caves, getting lost in the darkness, and discovering the hidden wonders beneath the earth. But now, that fucking asshole was the one by her side!

Pilit kong kinalma ang sarili pero hindi iyon naging madali. Lalo pa't nakita ko si Caleb na todo ang pag-alalay kay Eira, making sure she was okay with every step she took. Muntik ko na silang sitahin pero pinigilan ko ang sarili.

As I watched them, especially when I saw Eira admiring the rock formations with him, my chest tightened even more. I really hated seeing them like that. I could see how she was enjoying herself, how her eyes sparkled with wonder. And it wasn't me sharing that moment with her—it was Caleb. Fuck it!

I clenched my fists, trying to keep my frustration in check. Gusto kong itulak ang tarantadong si Caleb para malunod na ito sa isa sa mga pools sa loob ng kuweba. Nagdidilim ang paningin ko dahil sa harap-harapan nitong pagpapanggap bilang knight in shining armor!

Fuck, man! Tama na 'yan baka magawa mo nga, mabawasan ka pa ng pogi points kay Eira!

Sunod-sunod pa akong malutong na napamura sa isip sa tinuran ng alter ego ko. I knew, acting out wouldn't solve anything. Kailangan kong magtimpi kahit kaunti na lang ay mapipigtas na iyon. Hindi puwedeng sa galit lang ako magpapadala. There had to be a better way to remind Eira that we had shared dreams, and I was still the person who wanted to make those dreams come true with her.