THE PERFECT HUSBAND (LEE BROTHERS #1)

Chapter 85. Outing Part IV - First Real Kiss

✧FAITH ZEICAN LEE✧

As I stepped out of the bathroom, the warmth of the shower still lingered on my skin, but it did nothing to calm the unease I felt deep inside. I pulled on a plain white t-shirt and pajama pants, yet the simplicity of the clothes couldn't lighten the heaviness in my chest.

Nang igala ko ang tingin sa kuwarto para hanapin si Poppy, nakita ko siya sa balcony, nakatalikod sa 'kin. Nakasuot na rin siya ng pantulog, pajamas din at mahaba ang manggas ng pang-itaas niya. Kahit nakatalikod siya at hindi ko nakikita ang mukha niya, ramdam ko ang kaba niya.

I knew that feeling all too well—dahil gano'n din ang naramdaman ko kanina nang ako naman ang sumunod na pumasok sa shower room after niya. I had felt the same tension, knowing that tonight would be the first time in a year that we would share the same room, the same bed, after everything that had happened between us.

Lumabas ako sa balcony kung nasaan si Poppy—nakatingala siya sa langit at pinanonood ang mga bituin. She looked lost in thought, her hands lightly resting on the railing. I hesitated for a moment, but something inside me urged me forward. Quietly, I approached her, positioning myself right behind her. Without saying a word, ikinulong ko siya sa pagitan ng mga braso ko, placing my hands on the railing on either side of her, dahilan kaya lumapat ang likod niya sa dibdib ko.

Poppy stiffened at first, clearly surprised by my sudden gesture. I felt her breath catch, and for a moment, I wondered if she might pull away. Pero hindi. Instead, she relaxed slightly, letting out a soft sigh as she leaned back into me, her body melting into the warmth of mine.

"Faith..." mahina niyang tawag sa 'kin.

"Mmm?"

"Kumusta ka na?"

Hindi ko naiwasang mapangiti sa tanong niya. Akala ko kasi ay kung ano na. "I'm okay now, Poppy. Lalo at kasama na kita."

Bigla siyang umikot paharap sa 'kin, bringing us so close that there was barely any space between us. Her eyes met mine, and she had to tilt her head up to look at me, the difference in our heights making the moment feel even more intimate.

"Dahil ba sa 'kin kaya ka naglalasing nitong mga nakakaraan?"

I felt a small smile tug at the corner of my lips, despite the heaviness of the topic. I shook my head gently, my hands still resting on the railing behind her. "Don't worry about it," I said softly, my voice reassuring. "It's over now. I'm done with that, and I won't drink again if you don't want me to."

Poppy's gaze softened, and I could see the relief in her eyes. The tension that had been lingering between us seemed to ease, replaced by a quiet understanding.

"Ikaw? Kumusta ka na?" Ako naman ang nagtanong. Inalis ko ang kapit ng isang kamay ko sa railing at dinala sa buhok niya para hawiin ang ilang hibla na tumatakip sa mukha niya. "Kumusta ka sa Australia? Natupad mo ba 'yong pangako mo sa 'kin na hindi kakabog ang puso mo sa ibang lalaki?"

Nahihiya siyang ngumiti, kasunod ang pagtango niya. "O-Oo. Tinupad ko 'yon." Inilapat niya ang mga kamay sa dibdib ko at bahagya akong tinulak palayo. "Halika na. Matulog na tayo. Gabi na, Faith," nahihiya niyang sabi. Pansin kong namula bigla mga pisngi niya.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched her, the way she moved with a mix of grace and uncertainty. I followed her quietly, my eyes never leaving her as she approached the bed and lay down on the far side.

Suppressing a grin, I moved to the other side of the bed and settled in, the mattress dipping slightly under my weight. Once I was comfortable, I extended an arm, motioning for her to come closer. Nakita ko ang saglit na pag-aalinlangan sa mukha niya, but after a moment, she gave in. Umusog siya palapit sa 'kin at umunan sa nakalatag kong braso. I wrapped my other arm around her waist, pulling her gently against me.