Always Here (Salve Series #1)

Kabanata 4: Don't Leave

Kabanata 4: Don't Leave

Habang papasok kami sa condo ko ay hindi ko mapigilan ang makaramdam ng excitement. It's actually my first time living with someone here in my condo. Tiningnan ko si L na natigil saglit sa pagpasok.

He stopped midway for another step. Tiningnan niya ang buong paligid bago mahinang umiling at muling naglakad.

"Aren't you excited?" I asked him gullibly.

His face wasn't even showing any hint of other emotions. Nanatiling blangko, may konting pag-ngiwi, at isa pang hindi ko mawari dahil sa lalim ng mata niya.

"You're gonna live with me." He said. Muling inikot ang paningin. "You and me- a man. Seriously? How did we even get to this..."

I didn't pay attention to his complaints. Nanatili akong excited.

"Yeah, don't worry. You're like a brother to me," Masaya ko siyang tinignan pero hindi man lang siya natinag.

Nakipagtitigan rin siya sa akin at walang sabing umalis sa harapan ko at nagtungo sa couch ng sala. He sat there kaya lumapit ako sa kaniya.

"What're you doing there? Doon ka sa kwarto mo,"

"I really need a job. As soon as possible." Bulong niya sa sarili.

Ngumuso ako. "Oo, pero huwag kang magmadali. Let your wounds heal completely first."

He eyed me but once again, shook his head. "As soon as I get a job, I'm outta here."

"You're like a rebelling teen. Calm down and take things slowly. Walang humahabol sa'yo,"

Nanatili ang tingin niya sa akin bago huminga ng malalim at tumayo. "Where's my... room?"

I hid my smirk and gestured him to his room. Nasa second floor ng condo ko ang mga kwarto. Each room has its own bathroom.

"This is my room?"

Tinignan ko si L nang makapasok kami sa kwarto niya. He was speechless. Halatang mangha dahil sa reaksyon niya. I'm a bit happy 'cause he didn't even bother to hide it. Or maybe... he forgot to hide it, but still. At least I surprised him in a positive way.

"All yours," I winked at him.

Naglakad siya sa kwarto at inikot 'yun. The room's decoration is neutral. Una sa lahat, ako lang naman kasi ang madalas na nandito sa condo. Wala naman akong ideya sa kung sino ang maaaring manatili dito kaya as much as possible, I wanted it to be neutral. It can be for boys and girls.

"What the heck..."

L remained speechless while admiring his new room. Nakasandal lang ako sa hamba ng pintuan at nakahalukipkip. I'm looking like a proud guardian over here.

While staring at his face, I really am praying hard to God that whatever feeling he has right now, would stay forever. Ayokong mabura ang kung ano mang kasiyahang nararamdaman niya ngayon. I really am happy that I'm one of the reasons why he's feeling this way.

"Relax and enjoy," Umayos ako ng tayo. Nilingon niya ako mula sa pagsilip niya sa malaking bintana. "I'll get your other things."

Bumaba na ako at hinayaan siyang manatili doon upang magkaroon ng kahit papaano ay privacy. I planned on helping him fix his things first. Ngunit mukhang busy siya sa pagka mangha doon sa kwarto niya.

Wala pa masyadong gamit si L dahil nga, well, kasi nga pinuntahan niya ako ng duguan at halos nawalan na ng buhay. Ngumuso ako habang kinuha ang isa sa mga box na puro damit na pinaglagyan ko at binuhat iyon pataas sa kwarto niya.