Paper Stars (Self-Published)

Kabanata 37

KABANATA 37

"Are you scared, boy?" Kyo asked, giving emphasis on the last word. The sarcasm wasn't lost on me.

This wasn't the first time he lured me into challenges just so he could have an excuse to 'punish' me to his content. He knew I would never back down on anything and today wasn't any different.

I was about to move forward when I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder, halting me on my tracks.

"Isa ka pa, Kyo. Saan ba sa sinabi kong bawal makipag-spar sa newbie ang mga advanced na katulad niyo ang hindi mo naintindihan?"

"I'll be giving him a special training then," matapang na sagot nito nang hindi inaalis ang kanyang nagngingitngit na titig sa akin.

"How about I give you a special training instead?"

May nagbabadyang angal base sa ekspresyon ng mukha ni Kyo nang lingunin ang pinsan.

"Well then, if you don't like the idea, get down from there and behave yourself."

Panandalian pang nakipagtagisan ng titig si Kyo kay Hans. Saglit pa itong bumaling sa akin bago padarag na bumaba. Iniwasan niya ang nilahad na tuwalya ng kapatid at dumiretso na shower rooms nang walang imik.

"Pagpasensiyahan mo na ang mga tao rito, Ian, ha?"

Nag-angat ako ng tingin nang marinig ang sinabi ng katabi. His features became even  softer as he gazed upon my blue orbs.

"Please excuse the sudden outburst of my students' excitement."

Umiling ako para ipakitang wala lang iyon sa akin. He showed me his gentle smile as he reached for my head and gave it small pat. My chest was filled with warmth when he did this.

"It's a pleasure having you here in my gym, Ian. Yoroshiku ne?"

Tipid akong ngumiti bago sumagot, "Kochira kosou. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu."

Magaan ang pakiramdam ko nang pumasok ako sa changing rooms para makapagbihis. I was even humming on the way when I saw the time.

Alas kuwatro na! Kailangan ko pang pumunta sa springs-- Natigilan ako nang maalala ang malamig na tugon ni Reign, Huwag ka ng bumalik.

Kaagad namang nabawasan ang init na naramdaman ko galing sa pakikipag-usap kay Hans. My chest made a little squeeze at the memory.

Did he really mean that? I thought as I turned the knob. Laking gulat ko nang matagpuan sina Kira at Kyo na nag-uusap sa loob nito nang walang pang-itaas na damit. Mabilis silang napalingon sa aking direksyon at agaran namang kumunot ang noo noong huli.

"Ah, sumimasen!" Bulalas ko bago mabilis na lumabas at isinara ang pinto. Doon ko lang napansin ang signage na nakapaskil sa pintuan. Shit! It's really the men's changing room!

Muling bumukas ang pintuan at iniluwa nito ang galit na anyo ni Kyo. Agad niya akong kinuwelyuhan at marahas na isinampa sa katabing dingding.

"Nananadya ka ba?!" Angil nito, suot ang isang t-shirt na halatang mabilis lang na isinuot. I saw the blue inked dragon tattoo he had along his right collar bone.