You're Blooming the Wrong Way

Chapter Nineteen

"Expect heavy rainfall and strong winds at this hour. Typhoon Aurora is continuing to make its way to the southern part of the region. Everyone is advised to stay at home and not to wander in the city for awhile. Be careful of flying debris within the proximity."

Sumilip ako sa bintana at pinagmasdan ko ang mga tao sa labas na mistulang langgam sa baba ng ospital. The skies were engulfed with dark clouds, an indication that it's about to rain any minute from now. Malakas din ang bugso ng hangin at ilang payong na rin ang sumuko sa pakikipagtuos dito. Sino bang mananalo sa bagyo?

"So, you've come to challenge me again, Haru-kun?"

Haru raised his fist in determination. "Yes! I came to recover my dignity as a man!" He glared at my brother who looked genuinely amused by his resolve. "This time, I will crush you, brother-in-law!"

"I still don't understand why the hell you're here, Haru." kunot-noo kong sabi. "Did you even listen to the weather forecast? Don't tell me you just came here to play chess with my brother?" asik ko.

It's been a month since I started dating Haru. Things have been quiet for awhile, and nothing unusual happened during the past month. Madalas lang dumalaw si Haru sa ospital upang kalabanin ang kapatid ko. Hindi ko masabi kung magkasundo ba talaga silang dalawa o hindi. I can't even describe their relationship!

The two of them played chess the other day, and it was Haru's utter defeat. Mukhang hindi parin niya tanggap ang pagkatalo niya.

"I admire your resolution to defeat me, Haru-kun. Well, I did say that you can't have my sister unless you defeat me in this mind stimulating game." Lars rubbed his hands in excitement before setting the chessboard. "After all, my sister's an incredibly stupid woman, so she must be married into a wise man who can navigate her life properly." pang-iinsulto niya na animo'y wala ako sa paligid.

"I'm here, you know?" I remarked in a flat tone. "Besides, why are you even bringing up marriage? I'm too young to get married."

Despite regaining his consciousness, Lars was advised to stay in the hospital to undergo more tests and physical therapy. He's still the same. Hanggang ngayon, pinag-iinitan parin niya ako sa hindi malamang dahilan. His tongue is still sharp when it comes to me.

"I will defeat you as many times as you want, until you can no longer oppose our marriage!" determinadong sabi ni Haru.

"Don't ignore me!" I exclaimed through gritted teeth.

"Stay out of this, you brainless barbie. Maganda ka lang. Of course, people like you have no interest in this type of game. Para lang 'to sa matatalino." Napanganga ako sa sinabi ni Lars. I still can't accept this guy as my brother! Nasaan ang tunay na kaluluwa ng kapatid ko?! "Para may pakinabang ka, bumili ka na lang ng tahong at ipagluto mo ako. I'm craving for mussel right now."

I put up a nonplussed expression as I opened the window to show him the weather outside. "Gusto mo akong lumusong sa bagyo para lang bilhan ka ng tahong?!" I asked him in disbelief.

My brother waved his hand dismissively. "I'm sorry, but you have no right to complain. I'm older than you by ten minutes." Pakiramdam ko sasabog na ang ulo ko sa sobrang inis. "Don't forget to bring an umbrella. Bumalik ka agad at huwag ka nang lumandi."

"How dare you treat my girlfriend like a servant?" Haru said as if he was offended on my behalf. He gave me a reassuring look. "Leave this to me, Lucy! I shall defeat him! This is a battle between men!"

"Like hell I care about that!" bulyaw ko.

Lars pouted. "A battle between men? I'm bisexual, though."