Luminaria

Chapter 19

Trap

My lips parted wide in shock. Pakiramdam ko'y pasok na pasok ang langaw sa laki ng awang kaya agad ko itong naisirado.

"Y-You... you missed me—"

"You should've kept it that way," he drawled. "Staying out of my sight."

Ang mangha ko ay nauwi sa singhal.

He was meaning to say that not appearing infront of him should last? Seriously?! Akala ko 'yon na, eh! This man!

My brow twitched in annoyance. "But I'm already courting you," pinalungkot ko ang boses.

He shifted slightly, bago nilihis ang tingin sa akin.

"And you accepted the flowers! Pumayag ka na kanina!"

"Who says I'm taking it back?" he ruthlessly said.

Nanlaki ang mata ko. "No one! Liligawan nga kita! Wala nang bawian!" My eyes twinkled in anticipation. This is it! Ihanda mo na ang kaban!

"Hindi ka pa babalik?" I asked, when not long after, he walked near the river. He leaned his back against the stone infront of it, ang mata ay nakadirekta sa ilog.

"Go back to your grounds. It's getting late," mababa ang boses na turan niya.

"Ikaw rin naman," kaswal kong sagot at lumapit sa gawi nito. I stood infront of him, while he remained leaning on the stone, arms crossed. “You usually bathe this late?”

His gray eyes bore onto me. My lips curled when he nodded lightly.

"Dapat maaga... para nagkasabay tayo," malisyosa kong anas.

His brow arched. “I’d rather not.”

I dramatically scoffed. Hinawakan ko pa ang dibdib. "Why are you always like that? You never consider how your words affect others!" I sighed exaggeratedly. "How about those who admired you? Ano nalang ang magiging reaksyon namin." He didn't react.

"What's your type in woman ba?" I diverted the topic.

A moment of silence.

"Can lead a realm." Sumagot siya! I'm surprised he didn't respond with, 'As long it's not you.'

Kunwari akong tumikhim. "I truly believed that others' goodness always comes first." Mabait akong ngumiti. "When I was seven, may umaway sa 'king batang babae—she insulted me using her polluted mouth! Hindi ko sinabayan ang galit niya and showed her kindness instead. I visited her place and gifted her toothbrush and mouthwash package, so people around her could freely breathe a fresh air!" Natutop ko ang labi nang maalalang hindi nga pala nakakalabas si Pheryncia noon!

He licked his lower lip after it slightly lifted. 

I cleared my throat repeatedly. "What else?"

"A skilled woman—someone who can do a lot," banayad ang boses niyang sagot.

"I..." Hell! I can’t tell him I’m an expert in combat and armory! "I can multitask! Aalagaan kita habang..." habang ninanakaw ang yaman mo! "Habang tumutulong sa ibang tao. I'll can recommend products and routines to keep them healthy, especially their skin! Pwede rin akong mag-make help to some events or parties! Perhaps, personally organize it?" Nag-isip pa ko. "Tapos, I can do a lot too! I’m very talented! I bring positivity with my performances!"

"Want a sample?" Ngumisi ako. I began stepping backwards.

His eyes narrowed, clearly signalling me to shut up.

Mas lalong lumaki ang ngisi ko. I shamelessly started humming a song chorus. Heck! This is crazy but I trust my charms!

I swayed my hips. Feel na feel kong pinikit ang mata.