The Love Hunter

Chapter 5

 Fun and Mischief in the Town

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Ang saya ko pa rin sa natutunan ko sa bahay. 'If manipulating my family was that easy, ano pa kaya kung subukan ko sa labas?' 

The thought of trying my powers in the bustling town filled me with excitement. I could already imagine the countless possibilities for mischief and fun.

Early in the morning, habang abala ang lahat sa bahay, I decided to sneak out. 'Siyempre, mas masaya kapag walang magpipigil sa akin.'

I grabbed my small cloak and wrapped it around myself, blending in with the townspeople as I made my way to the heart of the market.

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Pagdating ko sa town square, ang ingay ng mga tao. Merchants were shouting their wares, kids were running around, and there were so many thoughts flying around, it felt like I was standing in the middle of a storm. The buzzing inside my head was overwhelming, but in a good way. '

This is it,' I thought, 'the perfect playground for my powers.'

I started walking around, casually blending in with the crowd while I focused on the thoughts around me.

"Should I buy the fish today or the chicken? Ay, ang mahal ng gulay ngayon..."

"Bakit kaya hindi pa ako pinapansin ni Maria? Lagi na lang akong kinakabahan pag kasama siya..."

"Hala, ang daming tao sa pila. Wala na akong oras!"

It was like listening to a radio with dozens of stations playing at the same time. 'Ang saya!'

I focused on one vendor, a burly man selling fruits. He looked stressed as he argued with a customer over the price of apples. 

'Hmm, let's have a little fun.'

"Hindi po ako pwedeng tumawad, mababa na nga ang presyo ko!"

I honed in on his thoughts. He was frustrated, thinking the customer was too demanding. But beneath that, he was also a bit tired and hungry. I grinned. 'What if I make him feel even hungrier?'

I closed my eyes for a moment, concentrating. "You're starving. You need a break. Forget about the apples and get something to eat."

I felt the connection take hold, and suddenly, the vendor's stomach grumbled loudly. He stopped mid-sentence, looking confused. "A-Ah, pasensya na po... kailangan ko yata magpahinga. Balik na lang kayo mamaya," he mumbled, waving the customer away as he grabbed a piece of bread from under his stall.

I stifled a laugh, walking away casually. "Too easy."

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I wandered further into the market, continuing to practice. I started small—causing little misunderstandings between strangers just to see how far I could push my abilities. There was one woman who was haggling with a jeweler, trying to get a necklace for a cheaper price.

"Bakit hindi niyo na lang ibigay sa akin ito nang mas mura? Gusto ko lang naman bigyan ang anak ko ng regalo," she said sweetly, but her thoughts were clear. "I know he'll cave in if I just act innocent enough."

I smirked. 'Let's turn the tables.' I nudged the jeweler's thoughts, feeding him doubt. 'She's tricking you. She doesn't need that necklace for her daughter. Don't lower the price!'