Ikako

Chapter Two

There he was, sitting across me. I struggled not to stare, not to wrap him around my arms and tell him how I've missed him. My insides yearned for his touch. But in this lifetime, I'm probably a nobody to him. I turned to the old man they referred to as Tatang Robin and tried to focus on what he was saying. "As we all know, SB19 won artist of the year," 

SB19 was probably the group of guys who just joined the meeting.

Everyone applauded. Chants resounded. Smiles plastered on everyone's faces. "To celebrate, we're gonna have a beach party!" he said, arms in the air.

The group roared. I stole a glance at Felipe. He was smiling beautifully at the others. A warm feeling filled me. I may be a stranger to him right now, but he still has this effect on me like I'm floating peacefully on water, dead calm. And without the fear of what tomorrow may bring. Suddenly Maria took my hands in hers and squealed in joy. "I'm so excited! This is gonna be fun!"

Beach party?

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Before I knew it, we were feasting on pig meat and fish that were cooked with charcoal and fire. This was accompanied by white rice and beverages that tasted like mango and calamansi. To my surprise, I enjoyed the sweetness of the flavor. I wonder if I could make something like this when I get back to my own time. 

Standing inside the large house made out of nipa leaves, I watched as everyone celebrate. Some resorted to throwing tiny balls into lined up cups on the table. Others talked and laughed among themselves while loud music boomed.

As much as everyone was nice and civil to me, everything was still different. I felt left out. I decided to leave the celebration and go somewhere quieter. Immediately the sound of the waves offered me comfort. A bunch of men danced with fire not far away from where I stood. A few people clapped their hands and cheered in glee. 

 I sat on the sand and watched the stars light up the night sky. Finally something familiar. I haven't noticed until now, but my heart felt heavy in my chest. All the tears that I've held back began to pour out of my eyes. I needed to find my purpose here so that I could go back. But how exactly will I do that?

Suddenly I felt a presence linger behind me. "Miss Ami--" a familiar deep voice muttered.

I whipped around and saw Felipe standing close to me, looking a bit shocked. Remember, his name is Ken in this lifetime. 

I franticly wiped the tears off my face, hoping he wouldn't see it in the dark. "A-ano 'yun?"

"Ayos ka lang ba?" he asked, hands in his pockets.

"Ah, oo. Nagpapahangin lang."

Ken nodded. "Hinahanap ka kasi ni Miss Maria."

"Sige, susunod na lang ako."

Suddenly, he offered me a handkerchief. "Heto, baka kailangan mo." 

I felt my cheeks burning. "Salamat," I said, taking the cloth from his hand.

A smile made its way along his lips, catching me off guard. Then he turned and went back to the party. I could hear my heart pounding. Kay ganda nga naman ng mga ngiti mo. Sana malaman mo na hindi ko pa rin nakakalimutan ang sumpaan natin.

After a while, I made my way back to the house and saw that everyone was still alive in spirits. One of the guys was singing with something that made his voice echo through the air, while a few were found asleep on the benches. Then I spotted Maria standing near an open window,  busy with her phone. 

"Maria, you were looking for me?" I asked as I approached.

She gave me a wide smile, revealing her white teeth. "Yeah, you disappeared out of nowhere."

"Um, I just needed some air."

"You okay there, Ami?"

"Yeah,"

Maria stared at me, unconvinced of my answer. "Girl, let me get you a drink." Then she was off.

I proceeded to watch the ocean from the window and enjoyed the cold breeze that kissed my face. Ken wasn't anywhere to be found. I gripped his handkerchief a little tighter. His smile moments ago somehow gave me a bit of strength for the rest of the night. I found myself smiling as well. 

"Miss Ami, baka gusto mo ng refreshments?"  A boy with dark brown hair said as he handed a cup towards me. His ears were adorned with jewelry of various shapes. He stood a little smaller than the rest of the members.

His name's Josh, the voice whispered.

"Salamat," I said, taking the cup. I scanned the place for Maria and found her singing at the front already. I turned back to Josh and smiled shyly.

"Kumusta ka naman, Miss Ami? Nag-eenjoy ka ba?"

Ibig niyang sabihin ay kung nasisiyahan ka ba sa pagtitipon na nagaganap.

I took a sip from the cup, my tongue enjoying the sweetness of the drink."Masaya naman, pero mukhang pagod na ang iba sa kanila."

"Ah, 'wag mo sila masyadong alalahanin. Malalaki na sila." Josh said with a toothy smile, brushing his hair with his hand. "Ikaw baka pagod ka na? "

"Sa totoo lang, nakakaramdam na ako ng antok, pero kaya pa naman." I replied, trying to stand straighter. My muscles at the back were already sore from all the standing.

"Talaga? Gusto mo hatid na kita sa kwarto mo para makapag pahinga ka na? " He asked, inching closer to me.

I gave out a nervous chuckle. "Ah, hindi na. Baka makaabala pa ko. Antayin ko na lang si Maria." Apparently, she was still singing at the top of her lungs and seemed to be enjoying herself. It might take a little longer before I could get some sleep.

"Nahiya ka pa. Tignan mo nga mga mata mo, parang mahuhulog na sa bigat," he said. Suddenly his cheeks were turning red and muttered, "katulad na lang ng pagkahulog ko sa 'yo." 

For a second I didn't know what to say. Was this the way men showed their affection these days?  I smiled at his gesture. "Tama ka nga. Sige, matutulog na ko."

"Let's go," Josh said as he led me out of the nipa house. We walked in the night and made our way outside my room.

"Thanks for escorting me. Good night." 

"Good night, Miss Ami."

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Thanks for reading! Stay safe, guys!