Illicit Love

Kabanata 26

"What?" tanong ko kay Cole habang nakataas ang kilay.

Naglalakad kami papunta kung nasaan ang table nila Elyze pagkatapos ng ilang oras na performance niya. Oo, tinapos namin 'yong dalawang nakakabwesit na oras na 'yan.

"What's with the attitude, babe? Don't try to pretend you didn't have fun back there," he teased, letting out a lighthearted laugh.

"You didn't infrom me, moron!" nakangiwing sabi ko saka ko siya inirapan.

"Could you please stop with the dramatic, 360-degree eye rolls? You're being such a grump today."

I chose to ignore him completely, refusing to utter a single word. I focused solely on making my way toward Max's table, all while simmering with frustration at myself—and at these persistent feelings. I was desperate to go to her and speak, but I lacked the strength. I was paralyzed by my own cowardice. I knew I should apologize for leaving her so abruptly, yet it felt unnecessary. She seemed completely indifferent. Since I'm clearly the only one catching feelings here, why should I even bother saying sorry? I honestly don't know anymore.

Nang makarating kami sa table bigla silang natigilan lahat. Nginitian ko ng matamis si Elyze and Max. Habang pinapakinggan ang mga papuri nila sakin para sa ginawa ko kanina sa stage.

"Ang galing mo pala mag-DJ, Ate Zari? Hindi nakwento sakin ni Max ang bagay na 'yan," nakangiting sabi ni Elyze.

"Thank you," sabi ko.

"Hindi ko rin alam na marunong pala si Ate Zari sa ganyan, Elyze. I also didn't expect that she knows how to play like that," Max said. Amazement is evident in his eyes.

I gave a nonchalant shrug as I settled comfortably beside my brother. Cole followed close behind, but instead of sitting, he remained standing. My brother's gaze shifted to him, his eyebrows arching in a silent, pointed question: Who is this? Sensing the unspoken tension, Cole—ever the gentleman—stood tall before us and extended his hand toward my brother in a formal greeting.

"Hey, bro... I'm Colleian." He gave a broad, beaming smile that only added to his undeniable appeal. He was half-Korean and half-American, possessing that rare, high-profile look you'd usually see on a Hollywood actor.

"Nice meeting you," Max said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Are you my sister's boyfriend?" The question forced me to break my gaze from Cole and turn sharply toward my brother, wondering what he was up to.

Is he actually serious? I just don't see it. Even though we've been close for years, I've only ever viewed Cole as an older brother, especially with our three-year age gap. Don't get me wrong—Cole is the most genuine gentleman you'll ever meet—but I honestly can't see myself with anyone right now. I don't have the time or the emotional energy to commit to a relationship. Beyond that, I refuse to settle.

"Even if I had the heart for it, your sister is entirely consumed by herself." My breath caught in my throat and my eyes widened. I couldn't believe he had actually said it out loud.

"Hey, Cole! Did you seriously just have the nerve to insult me to my face? Are you actually for real right now?"

"See?" natatawang sabi ni Cole habang nakatingin sa kapatid ko kaya natawa na lang silang pareho na ikinarip ko ng malala.

Umayos ako ng upo at hindi na sila pinansin. Napansin kong mas lumapit na sila Wanda dito sa table namin. Ngumisi siya nang magtama ang mga tingin naming dalawa. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, pero nagkibit siya ng balikat habang nakataas ang hawak niyang baso ng alask. Katabi niya si Helena na nakangisi rin habang nakatingin sakin dahil sa binulong ng girlfriend niyang si Wanda. Sabay silang napalingon sa tabi niya kaya hindi ko maiwasang sundan 'yon.