Whispers in the Midst of Chasms

8

Unti-unti nang lumulubog ang araw at nagsisimula ng kainin ng dilim ang paligid, kasama ko si keous at ang mga kaibigan nito, Naglalakad lang kami sa mataong daan, Napuno ng tawanan ang hangin na bumubuhay sa lumalamig na gabi.

It had been one of those perfect days—where nothing mattered but the company I kept, and for me, being with Keous made the city feel like magic.

"Alright, babe, next stop—the best view in the city. You ready?" Marahang pinisil ni Keous ang aking mga kama, Napuno ng mapaglarong kinang ang aking mga mata ng titigan ko siya, nasa unahan namin ang kanyang mga kaibigan at may pinaguusapan.  ''Kanina mo pa sinasabi iyan, hindi ko alam kung ilang lugar na itong napuntahan natin ngayong araw.'' 

Huminto ito sandali at tumingin saakin. ''Just trust me. I've got one last surprise.'' ngumiti ako sakanya at tumango. ''okay. lead the way'' 

They weaved through the streets, the neon signs and glowing shopfronts lighting our path as we  made our way to a hidden staircase tucked between two buildings. The stairs wound upwards, and with each step, and I felt my excitement growing. 

Nang marating namin ang tuktok ay tila nawalan ako ng hininga sa ganda ng tanawin. The city sprawled out beneath us, lights twinkling like stars, the river reflecting the vibrant skyline. It was as if the entire world was glowing just for us.

"Keous... Ang ganda.''

''Not as beautiful as you.'' Tumingin ako sakanya, ang ang mundong magulo ay biglang kumalma, nalunod ako sa mga mata niyang kalmado, tila sinasabi nito na kaming dalawa lang ang mahalaga. 

Nasa malayo naman ang kanyang mga kaibigan, sinadya siguro nila iyon para mabigyan kami ng oras sa isat-isa. 

He smile ''You know, I never get tired of this view, but seeing it with you—it feels different. Better.'' Ramdam ko ang pamumula ng aking mukha, hinawakan ko ang kanyang kamay, at dama ko ang init nito. his thumb gently tracing circles against my skin.

"I feel the same way. Being with you makes everything... more."  

We stood there in comfortable silence, watching the city pulse with life. Keous pulled me closer, wrapping his arm around my waist, and I leaned into him, resting my head against his shoulder. It was one of those perfect moments—where time seemed to slow down and everything felt right.

Bigla kaming tinawag ni Jake galing sa likuran na bumasag ng katahimiklan. Kasama nito si jane at lily na tawang tawa. ''hey love birds! ! We're heading to that rooftop bar next— sasama ba kayo o mag tititigan nalang kayo?'' tumawa si keous at humalakhak naman ang dalawang babae kaya napangiti nadin ako.  "What do you think? Should we go join them, or stay here and keep staring at the city?" tumingin ito sakin at ngumiti.  Inilagay ko sa bibig ang aking kamay na parang nag iisip. ''Ang hirap namang mamili, pero sa tingin ko sumama nalang tayo sa kanila, ayokong isipin nilang nawawala tayo.'' 

''Halika na kayo! tama na bebetime!'' sigaw ni lily at hinila ako papalayo kay keous, umakbay naman si Jake dito at nasa tabi lang ni lily si jane. 

''So, Dahlia, this is your first time hanging out with us. You must have some stories about Keous, huh?' seryosong tanong nito pero malambing at halatang gustong umusisa.  

Tumawa lang ako sa sinabi niya kaya napatawa din ito. ''Wala naman akong maikukwento, pero nagkaroon kami ng oras na makilala ang isat isa'' Jane grinned, ''Oh, come on, dahlia! kilala namin si keous at alam naming seryoso ito sayo.'' I could feel my cheeks warm up, unsure how much I should share. Before I could answer, Lily's tone shifted, more serious now