Monster University (Completed)

Chapter 29

"Hindi mo ba talaga ako pakikinggan?! Makinig ka naman sakin!" Mataas ang boses niya at punung-puno ng otoridad.

Pumayag akong makipag-usap sa kanya kahit na ayaw ko siyang makausap. He threatened me and even kissed me for heaven's sake! Masiyado niyang ginugulo ang sistema ko. Mababaliw na ako sa kanya.

"Ikaw ang makinig!" I heaved a sigh. "You'd been controlling my life by lying on my face, and ..." I paused and think if I should say it. And making me fall crazily and madly in love with you, handsome monster! Pero hindi yun lumabas sa bibig ko.

"And what?" He asked.

"... and ..." my brains aren't functioning. "and by playing with my emotions!" There. I hope that's enough.

"Damn it, Eri! I'm not playing with your emotion for God's sake. Yan ba ang iniisip mo kaya ilalagay mo sa panganib ang sarili mo sa training?! Do you know the training can kill you?"

Napakunot ang noo kong dahil sa mga sinabi niya. Hindi niya ugali ang magmura at lalong hindi niya ugaling magtaas ng boses. I could see how pissed he is right now. Talaga bang nag-aalala siya? He's sending me mixed signals.

"That's the last resort." I said, shifting my eyes to other direction. He's sincere eyes are looking at me and I hate it. "If I die during the training, so be it. I'd rather die fighting than just sit around and do nothing."

Tinitigan niya ako nang matiim at hindi ko magawang mag-iwas ng tingin. His eyes showing mixed emotions. Masiyadong magulo iyon para mabasa ko.

Matagal kaming nagtitigan bago siya nagpakawala ng malalim na buntong-hininga, like he's giving up this argument, at nagsalita.

"Mahal mo ba 'ko?"

Biglang nanikip at nagwala ang puso ko nang lumabas yun sa bibig niya. I didn't expect him to ask that.

My throat feels dry and my heart is beating abnormally.

"My answer won't matter so -"

"Cut the crap, Eri! Answer me honestly." Angil niya.

Wala sa sariling napalunok ako sa biglang pagtaas ng boses niya.

"Honesty?" I laugh sarcastically. "Really, Alpha? We're talking about honesty here?"

Tumayo ako at naglakad patungong veranda na agad naman siyang sumunod.

"Yes, I admit I lied." He said in defeat and it hurts. "But not everything is a lie. That's why I'm asking you ... mahal mo ba ako?" Hinawakan niya ako sa magkabilang balikat paharap sa kanya.

It's already dark outside and the night sky is already filled with stars, but his eyes holds thousands of it.

Don't say it, Eri! Don't fucking answer him. It won't matter anyway. Kahit wala pang Dianna na nag-eexist sa buhay niya, hindi puwede ang gusto mo.

"Tell me the truth first." Sabi ko sa kanya. "Alin ang totoo sa mga pinakita mo sakin?" I'm giving him chance to explain his side because he's already confusing me. He's been looking at me with desperation, sadness, pain, and longing. Hindi ko na alam ang totoo.