Courting Courtney

3 --* The Prince turned Breadwinner

He touched the temples of his head. It felt like there were angry thunderbolts and lightning attacking his head combined with a surge of tsunami - in short, migraine, or maybe, simply mind f-ucked. But he has to endure the pain. He opened up the can that he's holding and savor every liquid inside of it. He's thinking if an energy drink could help him ease the mind f-ucking pain he is feeling right now. Well, it doesn't, but at least it gave him a thirst-quenching relief.

He was so tired from work. Juggling three part-time jobs in one day is indeed a muscle wrecker. Well, due to his type of work - restaurant helper, car washer, and sometimes plumber - his arms soon have grown bigger and his biceps can be seen through the white, turned dirty white, sweaty shirt that he is wearing. 

But one thing is for sure, he wants rest. And somehow, rest nowadays must have been the only thing he is deprived of -- besides money, of course.

"Kuya Yoshi, you're home!" 

When the girl around ten years of age ran, hugged and welcomed him home, it was as if all of his back pain, intense migraine and tired feeling were gone. He smiled as the girl kissed both of his cheeks.

"Are you tired?" the girl asked.

"No, no, not at all" he said

"Pero mukha kang pagod, Kuya. Gusto mo ng coffee?" [But you look tired, brother. Do you want coffee?]

"Fine, I am tired. But just give me one more kiss, matatanggal ang pagod ni Kuya" [Fine, I am tired. But just give me one more kiss, I'll not be tired anymore]

(A/N: why is it so hard to translate? huhu)

In that moment, the little girl gave a peck on his left cheek then gave him another tight embrace.

"Thanks Hazel" he smiled.

Kiyoshi looked around as if he is looking for someone inside their house. "Nasaan si Papa?" [Where is Papa?] he asked his sister.

"I don't know... actually" Hazel murmured.

"He left you all alone?!" Kiyoshi said loudly. Tss. He's at the beerhouse again. He thought.

"Technically, but it's okay, Kuya Yexel and Kuya Jux fetched me in school and they also treated me merienda. First time ko nga kumain ng Goto, masarap pala yun? Hehe, your friends...they're really kind" 

[Technically, but it's okay, Kuya Yexel and Kuya Jux fetched me in school and they also treated me merienda. It was my first time eating Goto, I never thought it is delicious. Hehe, your friends...they're really kind]

"Ganun ba" [Really] Kiyoshi half-smiled. He must be the one sending her to school and fetching her when her school time ends. But his total workload means lesser time for his sister. He sighed.

"I prepared dinner!" Hazel beamed.

Kiyoshi meanwhile looked so surprised "Weh? Di nga?" [Weh? Really?]

Hazel headed towards the kitchen and when she went back, she placed a mini container, spoon and fork, and a plate on the sala table. She opened up the container and happily presented the food that she cooked for her brother "Tadaaaa! Hotdog!"

"Pffftt" Kiyoshi held his laughter.

Hazel pouted a bit and said "Why?!!"

"Super fried and toasted hotdogs" Kiyoshi commented as he tried his best not to laugh.