The Coño Boy 1 & 2: Love What You Will

Chapter Forty One: By Now...

"11:57pm. I got you here at 11:57pm on February 14th. If I had the chance to ask for any super power right now, Dude, it would be the ability to stop time. So it stays February 14th a little longer."

I'm still processing what Joaquin just said. I'm glued to my spot not entirely sure how to fully absorb the situation.

*Kakatapos lang namin mag-ala Fast and the Furious just to get here tapos biglang may super powers pang sinasabi itong si Joaquin. Can we like rewind that because naka-talikod ako when he said that? Oo na — marupok ako. I'm supposed to be angry but right now, basag na basag yung resolve ko.*

And suddenly...

Artie: Finally. About time, you guys! Tagal niyo.

*Pause muna... What's Artie doing here?*

Artie: Ang corny mo ha, Joaquin, it's still February 14th in one-half of the world. You don't need superpowers for that. Congratulations pala, Sean, ang galing mo earlier.

I smile at him. Somehow I can't find the words for anything else.

*Again, anong ginagawa ni Artie rito? Wait, Joaquin said something about Artie rushing to BGC. Is this the reason why?*

Artie: It's all yours.

He goes past me to step out of the room. I do not dare turn around.

Joaquin: Thanks. Where are you heading?

Artie: Hitting the clubs. Nag-message si Rusky to meet him. Caleb's already on the way.

Joaquon: I see. Don't do anything I wouldn't do.

Artie: Pero I think it's gonna be more happening here.

Joaquin: Gago!

They laugh.

*At may gana pa talaga magtawanan sina Joaquin at Artie?*

Artie: Bye, Sean!

I hear him open the door and close it as he goes out.

I look out at the suite's window, the view of the city with all the lights somehow draws me nearer to it. I take the necessary steps to reach the window and take in the illuminated skyline. It's like the night sky is somehow mirroring the city lights with it's own stars. If it was 11:57 a few minutes ago, it's probably past midnight na.

Joaquin: Dude, you can put down the flowers now.

He's right. I'm still holding on to the bouquet while peering out this window. This was his surprise.

*Hindi yung window, kayo naman. Siyempre tonight at the hotel and whatever is is that he's got planned na na-delay na and whatever.*

Without nudging from my spot, I feel something weigh down my right shoulder. Joaquin's resting his chin on my shoulder and his face is leaning on mine now. I don't say anything nor do I bother to respond with any small move. I feel his hands slowly running down my arms as I still cling to the bouquet of flowers. His embrace is electrifying. Pagod na ako from the play pero at this moment may certain something with his embrace right now. The warmth that I feel as his chest and arms take hold of me is its own solace.

I could feel him breathe. Nagpapakiramdaman kami with each other, I can feel it. But right now, Joaquin does not need any super powers because he already has power over me at this point. The rhythm of his chest on my back and the faint sound of his breath coming out from his nose is making me space out.

*It's these things that Joaquin does that gets me all worked up and lose my wits. Sino ba naman kasi ang hindi? I have been a bit unfair to him on the way here. I wish I could take back what I said at the stoplight after Gate 3.*