CHARMED | KaiRain

CHAPTER 4

Kai's POV

KINABUKASAN

The morning air was crisp, thick with the anticipation of what was to come. We gathered at the farm, Fyang's family watching over us as tourists from all over the place buzzed with excitement. Fyang stood off to the side, offering a warm smile, while Mang Leo, the farmer, stepped forward with an air of quiet confidence.

"Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat" He greeted, his voice projecting over the field.

"Salamat sa pagdalo sa activity na ito. Ang layunin natin ngayon ay matutunan ang tamang paraan ng pagtatanim ng puno at kung paano ang organic farming ay makakatulong hindi lang sa mga magsasaka kundi pati na rin sa ating mga komunidad."

He paused, his eyes sweeping over the group, before asking, 

"Bago tayo magsimula, could you check if everyone is wearing their respective name tags?"

"Ah, so you're all new to this. I'm glad you're here to learn." He motioned for us to gather closer. 

"Let me first explain about the trees we'll be planting today, starting with the mango tree. After that, I'll show you how to marcot calamansi and lemons."

He held up a small mango sapling, its roots still in the pot, and began his demonstration.

"Ito po ang mango tree, isang klaseng puno na malaki ang kontribusyon sa ating ekonomiya. As of 2*, ang export value ng Philippine mangoes ay halos $80 million." He dug a small hole in the soil, demonstrating the first step. 

"Kapag nagtatanim tayo ng mango tree, siguruhing hindi sobrang lalim ang hukay, at hindi rin masyadong mababaw. It should be deep enough to accommodate the roots but not so deep that the roots will rot."

I stood there, nodding absently, trying to focus, but my attention was stubbornly pulled back to Rain. 

She was standing next to Therese, both of them sharing something in that easy, familiar way that seemed to stretch on forever. 

Rain's soft laughter blended with Therese's, their voices so close it was almost as if they were two halves of the same conversation, speaking only in glances and half-spoken words.

"Mang Leo, how long will it take for the mango tree to start bearing fruit?" Rain asked, her voice soft, her eyes bright with curiosity.

"Magandang tanong, Rain" Mang Leo replied with a smile. 

"Usually, it takes about 3 to 5 years bago magbunga ang mango tree, depende sa pag-aalaga."

I caught sight of Rain's fingers brushing against Therese's arm. It was so light, just a casual touch, but something inside me... shifted. What is this?

I tried to shake it off, but every time my gaze drifted toward them, my stomach tightened. Focus, I told myself. But then, from the corner of my eye, I saw it again. 

They were closer now, laughing as they leaned in to discuss where to plant their trees. Their shoulders brushed, their hands touched, and it was so damn... natural.

My chest tightened. It was like a storm brewing inside me. I didn't know what it was, but it felt like the wind had changed direction and I couldn't stop the storm.

"Mang Leo, what about the weather? Paano kung magka-storm or baha?" Kolette asked, breaking my thoughts.

"Sa mga lugar na may madalas na bagyo o baha, the mango tree can be affected if not planted properly..." Mang Leo continued, but I barely registered his words. All I could hear now was the distant, familiar sound of Rain and Therese's voices, their laughter curling in the air like tendrils of smoke.