A Burnt Flower's Ashes

Chapter Sixteen

I never liked waking up in the morning.

It's the indication that another day of restless studying and working is about to start. But I'm trying to rid myself of that mindset because complaining every morning is equal to being ungrateful for my life.

Kapag naiisip kong may ibang tao na hindi na nagigising para maabutan ang panibagong araw, natututunan kong mahalin ang umaga kahit papaano.

This morning is exceptional, by the way.

"Good morning. Did I wake you up?"

It was only seven in the morning when Sir Hana appeared in my doorstep, showing his pearly whites. Sobrang laki ng ngiti niya at sinubukan kong hanapan ng tinga ang mga ipin niya ngunit wala akong nakita.

Anyway, it's the usual morning get-up of his: sweatshirt, sweatpants, a pair of crocs slippers, plus his my-forehead-is-small-so-I-need-no-bangs hairstyle that I like the most. I really find it cute when he ties his hair upwards like a Shih Tzu.

"Uhm," He blinked twice. "What happened to your hair?" My professor queried upon noticing the huge change.

I shrugged. "Ginupit ko po kagabi."

"I know. I mean, why?" naguguluhan niyang tanong at hinawakan ang buhok ko na ngayon ay hanggang leeg na lamang. Bakas ang panghihinayang sa kanyang mga mata. "Why did you cut it short? Ang ganda kaya ng buhok mo."

"This is my punishment. I argued with my father the other day, right?" I placidly explained to him. "I make it a habit to punish myself every time I do something bad. Kung hindi ko paparusahan ang sarili ko, baka hindi ako madala at ulitin ko lang iyong ginawa ko."

"You're so pure, Suna." His face softened as he gently patted my head. "Well, you look cute in any hairstyle so I don't mind. Your body, your choice."

I could only yawn in response. Still sleepy.

"Anyway, why are you here so early in the morning, Sir Hana? Hindi ka mapirmi sa bahay niyo." My voice was unusually husky since I just woke up from my deep slumber.

Inangat niya ang paper bag na hawak niya at muli siyang ngumiti. "I wanted to have breakfast with you." malambing niyang sagot.

"Sweet." I gestured him to come inside. "Hmm. Libreng pagkain. Isang pangitain na magiging maganda ang araw na 'to." I whispered to myself, which made him laugh.

Pumasok na si Sir Hana sa loob at nilapag niya ang dala niyang pagkain sa mesa.

"What did you do last night? Bakit parang puyat ka?" he curiously inquired.

"Nothing much." I replied. "Tinahi ko lang po iyong blouse ko dahil may punit sa gilid."

"Do you want to buy a new one?"

Napangiwi ako. "Ah, my sugar daddy."

"Forget it. Nang-aasar ka na naman eh." His cheeks flushed as he kept himself busy in the kitchen. "Coffee or milk, Suna?"

Kinusot ko ang mga mata ko. "Coffee, please."

"Milk it is, then." sagot naman niya.

I eyed him. "Tinanong mo pa ako."

"Masama ang umiinom ng kape palagi. Bata ka pa, kailangan mo ng gatas para tumibay ang mga buto mo." Oh, no. Here we go again. Hindi na naman siya titigil. "Milk contains essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, B vitamins, potassium and vitamin D. It's also an excellent source of protein."

This nerd. Well, smart is the new sexy.

Habang abala si Sir Hana sa paghahanda ng almusal namin, minabuti ko munang maligo at mag-ayos para sa araw na ito. It was a good ten-minute shower. Binilisan ko lang dahil masama raw na paghintayin ang pagkain, sabi ni Mama.