The Red Flag Enjoyer (BL)

🚩22: Until next time Riverside Valley

WARREN

"I need someone competent to represent our company, someone who can surpass the expectations of our international investors. I know you have what it takes to bring honor on behalf of our company."

Prente akong nakaupo sa side chair ng table ni Mr. Yukimura. He's our company CEO, the big boss behind the growing popularity of lifestraw worldwide. I was one of the researchers who had a huge participation in the making of that product. That straw can be used to convert any kind of water into potable drinking water and it became popular not just here in the Philippines but also worldwide. To extent our knowledge, Mr. Yukimura wants me work abroad as one of the project manager to the newly opened branch in the California, USA.

"May I ask for one more month, sir? This will be the last time I request it." Noong nakaraang buwan niya pa ako binigyan ng palugid dahil sa paghahanap ko kay Win. One month had passed and it was over, he need an answer from me. I hope he will allow me to have another month here. Hindi ko pa maaaring iwan si Win lalo na sa ganitong kalagayan niya.

Humalumbaba si Mr. Yukimura sa table niya. He looked me at sternly as he shook his head.

"I cannot give you another month, Mr. Prado. It’s long overdue. Our company is operational, and they’re just waiting for you to arrive. There’s no other qualified employee here—only you. I won’t risk our company’s reputation by sending another project manager. I want you to take over the position."

Napalunok ako dahil sa sinabi niya. He really believes in me. Sobra ang tiwala sa akin ni Mr. Yukimura. It felt nice to be complimented in that way but I wouldn't leave Win. Not now that he needs me.

"At least give me a week, sir. I still need to pack my things and say goodbye to my friends and family." I hoped he would accept my excuse.

Tumikhim siya. Slowly, he nodded his head.

"One week and after that, you'll ready to go," he said and offered his hand for a handshake.

I took it. The deal was closed.

Mabigat ang dibdib kong lumabas ng opisina niya. I only have one week to stay here, to take good care of my best friend, Win. I don't know how to tell him about this news. Alam kong magugulat siya.

Tinapos ko ang trabaho sa araw na iyon. Kagaya ng nakasanayan ay hindi ako nagdiretso sa condo. I drove to the Saint Dominic's private hospital to visit Win.

Nagtungo agad ako sa silid niya. The peacefulness of his room greeted me. Nakita ko siyang nakaupo sa ibabang parte ng puting kama habang nakamasid sa harap ng bintana. He didn't pay attention to me. He was just looking at the sky, enjoying the cumulous clouds above. i saw a flock of birds flying care-free overhead. I fell in love with how peaceful they were.

Tumabi ako kay Win sa kama. Simula noong nakita ko siya sa nasusunog na bahay na 'yon ay hindi na siya nagsalita pa. He had small cuts and wounds all over his face and body and some minor burns that can be treated. It's better than having an internal bleeding or fracture and injury. The doctor said his trauma caused him to become like this and they assured me that he would be fine if he undergo to a therapy. It's been two weeks since that incident and he's still not showing any kind of progress though I'm not in a rush. I just want to talk to him before I leave.

Inakbayan ko siya at sinaluhan ito sa pinagmamasdan.

"They seem so care-free, right," I commented, pertaining to the flock of birds at the sky.

I didn't expect him to respond or what. I just want to talk to him. Gusto kong sabihin sa kaniya ang balita ngunit may kung anong pumipigil sa akin. I don't want to add another weight to his burden. Ayaw ko siyang biglain. I think it would be better if I will tell him the day of my flight. Baka kasi hindi ko na gustuhing umalis kapag sinabi ko sa kaniya ang tungkol doon. Besides, Amanda, Calvin and Pablo are here to take care of him.