Risk

13

Mika

I didn't care.

At that moment I just didn't care.

I just want Kiefer to hold me.

It's probably weak. It's definitely selfish. And it's, without a doubt, crossing the line.

But I don't care.

What happened yesterday had opened my eyes. Yes, kailangan ko munang malunod for me to realize things.

When I saw the true fear and horror in Kiefer's eyes when he was trying to save me, I knew.

I knew that no matter what happens, he will always love me. And I will always love him.

Hindi na importante kung paano ko pinipilit yung sarili ko na magalit sa kanya because sa huli, I just know that the two of us could not exist without each other.

If I drown, he drowns—and vice versa.

Naiintindihan ko na yon ngayon.

His arms had been so warm and wonderfully wrapped around my torso. After Kiefer woke me up for dinner, we joined everyone downstairs and I expected for everyone to freak out and be worried about sa incident na nangyari sakin.

I kept reassuring them na okay na ko and I just needed to rest.

Kiefer brought me back upstairs and we lay down just like before—my back against his chest.

I didn't ask him to do it—I don't need to. We both knew we both needed it.

So when I woke up the next morning to a cold and empty bed, I'm not going to lie and pretend that I'm not completely disappointed.

I sat up slowly and ran my hands through my hair several times before ako bumangon. I stretched a bit and I winced as I felt how sore my muscles are.

Pumunta ako sa bathroom and washed my face and brushed my teeth bago ako bumaba.

I turned the corner to the kitchen and saw na bukas yung ref because someone is rummaging around inside.

My heart started beating erratically as I took a step closer... I just want to see his face first thing in the morning. Is that too much to ask?

To say that I was disappointed when Thirdy stood up straight would be an understatement.

Napansin nya na nakatayo ako so pinatong nya somewhere yung hawak nya and went over me to hug me extra tightly.

"Morning, Ye! Sleep well?" He asked, setting me back down.

I nodded and sighed. "Yup, ikaw?" Nah, really that's the last thing I care about. All I care is the fact that mag-isa akong nagising kanina.

"Yeah?" He answered, probably sensing my mood. "Nasa living si Manong, watching TV... in case you want to see him. Wala silang lahat, nasa work."

That woke me up.

"Bakit ikaw? Wala kang work?" I asked, suddenly becoming interested in the conversation.

He turned around and picked up the plate he was holding as he walked over to the dining table where the food is waiting.

"Day off ko since the banquet is tonight." He suddenly spun around to face me. "You are going, right? I mean... I know medyo off yung time since gawa nung nangyari sayo kahapon..."