A love that is genuine as the peak of a cherry blossom, and how beautiful it looks from the beginning, until it reaches the end of its season.
Until when are you going to hold on to love that changes with seasons?
I slowly opened my eyes as the light from this room greeted me. It adjusted for a few seconds before I saw Third holding something. "Third? What are you doing here?" He reached for my arms and helped me sit up.
"I have something for you," he said and gave me a big brown box. Giving him a curious look, I opened it.
What was in there is a vintage-looking journal covered in leather skin. It has a design of a Sakura tree with my name Sakura on it. My heart leaps out of joy when I see it.
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(p.s. The art is made by me :))
"Third..." That's the only thing I can say as I felt my eyes became watery. I cannot describe how happy I am with what he did for me.
I felt his warmth embraced me as he caged me between his arms. "We have to stay strong, Sakura. I wanted the both of us to heal. But as we heal, I would want my day, my tomorrow, and the rest of what my future would look like to be spend with you." I could hear the rhythm of his heart as he said those words.
And I could feel how my heart keeps up with it. The genuineness in his words and the depth in his promise to be with me are enough to give me hope.
"We'll be well, Third." I felt his soft and warm kisses on my forehead so I closed my eyes shut to feel them. I wish time freezes, so I could still enjoy the marks he left in my face.
Our moment was cut short when we heard a continuous coughs in the background, enough for us to get away from each other's hugs.
Sigh. After our bodies drift away, mine longs to be with him for longer.
Sobrang rupok, self. Ganito ba kapag parang end of the world na?
I chuckled with my thoughts.
"Hehe. Hi mom. Hi dad," I said, avoiding their shooting glares to Third and I. Third only put his hand on his nape and laughed nervously.
"G-Good afternoon po," he stuttered. And I can't help but giggle with that.
"Hay nako. Ang aga niyo naman maglambingan, nawala lang kami saglit!" mama said and my dad just sighed beside her.
"My love, kung wala lang kayong sakit, I would be stricter with the two of you. Lalo na sa 'yo, Third." I can feel the hair on his body shivers in fear when my father said those words. I could also feel the chills in them.
"Hehe, dada naman. Huwag mo naman po tinatakot si Third. Nagmamagandang loob lang naman po siya," I defended. I held Third's hand to reassure him. He met my eyes and let go of the breath his been holding on for long.
"N-Nag-alala lang po ako. Pasensiya na po."
Lumapit sa 'kin si mama. She's holding a plastic bag so I have to peeped on it. "Is that pagkain?" I asked. I realized that I've been busy with my happiness, only to not realized that my stomach is completely growling in hunger.
"Yeah. Your dada and I brought you something to eat kasi ang haba na rin ng tulog mo kanina, and baka gutom ka na paggising. Siya, maghapunan na muna tayo—"
She stared at the journal that's on my lap. Third and I covered our ears, and dada was shook when my mom let go of a squeal.
"Omg! Did you give this to my daughter?! It's so beautiful!" my mom said to Third who has now his ears red.
"I-I made that po," he uttered which made me fall for him even more. He made it? As in, did them for me? FOR ME?!
I realized that my mouth has been hanging for so long nang marinig ko silang tumawa.
"I think someone's in love in this room. Hays, nakakamiss palang maligawan," mama said. Nilagay niya ang palm niya sa kaniyang dibdib and sighed dreamily.
"H-Hey. I just gave you flowers the other day," my dad immediately defended his self. Natawa na lang kaming lahat because of that.
I shook my head in disbelief. Ano ba naman 'tong mga magulang ko, parang highschool.
Our day ended happily with my parents asking Third about how he had done the journal.
He explained that they have a printing business shop, so he asked their family maid to get him the materials as he crafted them.
The day ended for me to see myself falling deeper to Third. I would never forget this day.
