夏の愛 (Natsu no ai)

38

Sometimes, the truth doesn't really set you free.

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Chapter 38

"Remind me why I agreed again?"

Nakasimangot si Kinjiro habang nakatitig ng mukha sa driver nilang pasipol-sipol pa. Axis Paul Dela Fuente agreed to be their driver, much to the insistence of Nicole. Dahil sa male-late na ang tatlong Hapon, wala nang nagawa si Kinjiro kundi pumayag sa kanila.

"You had no choice," a smirk played on Christian's face as he casually glanced at Kinjiro.

"Everybody is given a choice. Nobody is ever forced to do anything, it's all about what you're willing to sacrifice in order to make that choice." 

Nagkaron ng katahimikan sa loob ng kotse; hindi nila inaasahan na mag sasalita si Itsuki, not after everything that happened earlier.

"By the way, Ylor will be the one meeting us at the airport. She'll be bringing my car."

When he was met by silend, Christian shrugged and placed his headphones on as he closed his eyes. Alam niyang magiging maingay na mamaya at mahihirapan siyang makatulog lalo na at nasa pagitan siya ng dalawang magkapatid.

Kinjiro let out a huge sigh as he stared out the window, completely ignoring his little brother. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang pinaparating nito, but he was too tired to care. Maya maya ay napapikit na din si Kinjiro, oblivious of his little brother's glances.

The car ride was uneventful, but tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Siguro kung hindi lang pagod ang magkapatid na Hapon, nagsasagutan nanaman sila. Every time Kinjiro stirred in his sleep, Nicole would talk to Itsuki, preventing him from coaxing Kinjiro into fighting again.

This made Axis glad. Ayaw niyang may mag sigawan sa kotse habang nagmamaneho siya, it highly distracts him.

"What's up with Astrid? Why does she know so much about Aya? Was she lying when she said they were close friends?"

Axis gritted his teeth, stealing a quick glance at Kinjiro. It was clear that the Japanese guy was bored, hindi lang malaman ni Axis bakit yun ang naisipan niyang tanungin.

"Don't ask me, I'm not Astrid."

"Oooh, trouble in paradise. Has the little tiger been keeping secrets from her mate?"

Sinilip ni Nicole si Kinjiro, a sickening smile was on his face. As if all of this was just a game to him; some sort of entertainment to quench his boredom.

Sasagot palang si Nicole para depensahan ang dalawa niyang kaibigan pero natigilan siya nang maunang sumagot si Axis.

"Astrid is her own individual person, that's why I love her. She can do whatever she wants, I'm not tying a leash on her neck; I won't control her actions. I trust her to do and say the right things, the way she trusts me to help her when she needs it."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. You didn't answer the question, Axis. I guess the kitten did lie. Did you know that lying makes love turn weak? Secrets make the heart grow farther away from each other."

"Does it matter? What matters most is she's happy. Besides, hiding something for my own safety and lying are two different things."

And for some reason, Kinjiro shut up.

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After three tiresome hours, they finally reached the airport.

Kinjiro stretched his legs as he went out of the car, making them crack from the sudden movements.

He mumbled a quick thanks to Axis and Nicole sabay lakad papasok ng NAIA, leaving his two companions behind.

Christian bowed his head in gratitude, nilingon niya sandali si Itsuki, who was busy saying his goodbyes to Nicole, before running after his old friend.

Soon enough, Itsuki caught up with the duo, and together they waited for the plane to arrive.

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"I'm back, Japan."

Kinjiro breathed the fresh air as he walked out of the airport, bags in tow and two boys following him.

"Chris!" A  girl yelled from outside, she was waving her hand so wildly, people started to stare at her. 

Napatakbo si Christian papunta sa dalaga sabay akap dito, yelling about how he missed her. Kinjiro just stared at the couple while Itsuki glanced at everywhere except them.

"Hey, Jiro." Ylor gave Kinjiro a quick wave, in which he nodded in response.

"Itsuki." Ylor's tone was hard, unforgiving.

Itsuki met her heated eyes head on.

"What time can we leave? I want to see Aya," Kinjiro impatiently said. He was tapping his foot while glaring at his phone.

"Your fight can wait, Aya can't."

And with that, Kinjiro stormed off to look for Christian's car, leaving three bewildered heads staring at him as he walked to where a bunch of cars were parked.

"Wait for me, my princess," Kinjiro whispered, as he glanced at his wallpaper; a picture of Aya and him.

"No more lies; no more secrets. I promise to make you happier this time."