Under The Same Sky (ON-GOING)

Thirty-Six 💜 Maybe.

Kamala's POV

"Hachi?"

As I opened the door to my condo, the sight that greeted me was Hachiro, looking utterly drained. His face was pale, his eyes heavy with fatigue, and the dark circles under them were impossible to ignore. CEO life must be tough—no wonder he looked so exhausted.

"Ha!" he exhaled deeply, bowing his head as if his entire weight was pulling him down. Nagpanic ako kasi mukhang pabagsak na siya.

"Okay ka lang ba, Hachi? Pasok ka." I said, reaching out to hold his hand and steady him, but before I could, he grabbed mine instead, pulling me into a tight embrace.

"Haaaa." he sighed again, his breath warm against my neck.

"Uhm..." I murmured, feeling both concerned and confused. What's going on? Is he alright? I peeked up at his face, trying to read his expression, but his head was tucked too close to mine, obscuring my view. Niyakap ko siya pabalik, hoping to offer some comfort. Maybe work was taking a toll on him more than usual.

Pagkatapos ng hug moment namin ni Hachiro, pinapasok ko na siya sa loob. Dumeretsyo kami sa kusina kasi sabi niya di pa siya nagdinner. I glanced at the clock—it was already late. Was he trying to starve himself?

"Do you want some pasta?" I asked, giving him a reassuring smile. He nodded, a faint smile breaking through his tired demeanor as he rested his chin on his hand, leaning against the table.

I grabbed the ingredients from the fridge, laying them out on the counter. As I started preparing the sauce and set a pot of water to boil for the pasta, I felt my arms gently wrap around my waist. I turned slightly, seeing Hachiro's head resting on my shoulder, his eyes half-closed. He's hugging me from behind.

Medyo natawa ako kasi parang bata si Hachiro na ang clingy.

"Seriously, Hachi. Do you have a problem? Work-related?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

He shook his head, the movement slow and lethargic.

Sa totoo lang, di masyado nagsasalita si Hachiro simula ng dumating siya. Halata naman na meron talaga siyang problema.

"How about you? Are you okay?" he asked suddenly, his voice softer than usual, but with an underlying weight that made me pause. Kumunot ang noo ko sa tanong niya. Me? Paano naman nabalik sakin ang tanong, mukha ba akong may problema?

"Ha? Okay naman ako." sagot ko.

"Really? Nothing strange happened today?" His words hung in the air, and his grip tightened subtly, almost as if bracing himself. As if on cue, the strange incident from earlier flashed in my mind—something unsettling, yet easily brushed off at the time.

"Like... bad things?" he added, his voice laced with a hint of knowing.

I glanced at him, the concern etched on his face making me wonder if he already knew more than he was letting on.

Wait—did Jen tell him about what happened earlier near the karaoke bar?

I hadn't told Hachiro anything because... I didn't think I needed to. It wasn't a big deal... or at least, that's what I kept telling myself. But now, with him holding me so tightly, it felt like the whole ordeal was resurfacing, demanding attention.

I mean... gusto kong isipin na aksidente lang yon pero... ugh. The driver had clearly been aiming for us. Gabi na, wala na masyadong dumadaan na sasakyan pero... dere-deretsyo samin yung sasakyan. It didn't stop, didn't swerve—just kept going as if we were nothing but targets in its path.