Seulgi

"So it's more than crush?" tanong ni Binibining Cess. Tinawagan niya ako para sa isang private meeting at kinuha ko na rin ang pagkakataon para makausap siya ng sarilinan. Hindi ko alam pero kailangan kong mapatunayan kay Irene na mahal ko siya, ang hindi ko pagpayag na maging open siya sa publiko ang nagapapalala ng alinlangan niya sa aming relasyon. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko mapapatunayan pero sana tama itong desisyon ko.

"Oo, paumanhin kung itinago namin sa'yo ang relasyon namin ni Irene, Binibining Cess." sagot ko.

"Just Cess, I understand Seulgi. Wala naman kayong obligasyon sa akin or to anyone, I don't find it offensive na hindi niyo inamin sa akin agad. It's understandable naman eh. Mahirap umamin sa bansa natin, mas maraming mang huhusga kesa makakatanggap and I admire you for protecting Irene and don't worry you're secret is safe with me." tugon niya saka ngumiti ng pagkatamis tamis. "You really love her, don't you? It shows at how you look at her and I can see how she loves you too."

"Handa siyang umamin sa aming relasyon pero ayaw ko Cess."

"I know, si Irene pa."ngiti niyang sabi "She's always been brave and bold. When she's in love she's in love. Kaya madalas sumasakit ang ulo ni Ronnie." natatawa niyang komento.

"Para sa akin at sa Tito niya hindi pa nararapat dahil masyado pang maaga." dugtong ko.

"I understand, Seul. Is it alright to call you Seul? I heard Irene calls you that."

"Walang problema, Cess. Maaari mo akong tawaging Seul."

"Nakakatuwa ang pananagalog mo,  ganyan ka pala sa personal. Hindi halata sa mga pelikula mo." pansin niya at napangiti lang ako.

"It's always nice to see you smiling Seulgi, so don't worry ok? I perfectly understand now and thank you for trusting me." pag alis ni Cess sa pangamba ko.

"Malaki ang tiwala sa'yo ni Irene."

"I love Irene, she's been very supportive of me and what I believe in. And I trust her, too. It's just that hindi ko sinasadya na pag samahin kayong tatlo sa iisang project. Sunmi made it and I can't just outcast her because you know that's not fair."

"Nauunawaan ko naman, Cess at ayaw ko ding maging unfair ka sa mga cast dahil lamang sa personal naming problema."

"You should've told me earlier." sabay kindat niya. "But don't worry, akong bahala sa inyong dalawa. I'll protect you both."

"Maraming salamat, Cess. Gusto ko rin sanang maging maayos ang lahat bago magsimula ang proyekto."

"You have all the time, Seul. We still have things to work out and prepare. Just let me know kung ready na kayo ni Irene to start, ok?" malambing niyang sagot. Gumaan ang aking pakiramdam sa naging kinalabasan ng aming paguusap.

- - -

"Hello Ate, kumain na ba siya?"

"Hello Seulgi, hindi pa eh. Kung tutuusin mo hindi pa siguro siya nag almusal kasi maaga siyang dumating dito. Sabi lang niya nag almusal daw sa daan, nagkape lang mula nang dumating at andon pa rin sa kwarto mo." sagot ni Ate Yeon.

"Sige Ate, kayo na munang bahala sa kanya. Huwag niyo siyang pauuwiin kahit magpilit siya."

"Oo na. parang sirang plaka lang? Nakausap mo na ba ang pamilya niya?"

"Hindi pa, pero natawagan ko na ang Ate Suzy niya at nakiusap ako kung pwede kaming magusap."

"Ganon ba, o sige magingat ka sa biyahe mo pauwi. At yong mga bilin mo nasabi ko na kay Kai. Siya nga pala nakausap mo na ba sila Tatay at Nanay?" tanong muli ni Ate. 

"Tatawagan ko na sila Ate."

"Oh siya sige. Hay naku nakakagulat ang pagdating niya dito pero mas nakakagulat ang desisyon mo."

"Mahal ko siya, Ate."

"At mahal ka rin niya, Seulgi. Hindi ko alam kung anong pinagdadaan niyo ngayon pero kita ko na apektado siya, kahit nakangiti bakas ang lungkot sa mga mata niya. Alam kong kayo lang dalawa ang makakapag ayos ng anumang suliranin na meron kayo ngayon." paliwanag ni Ate Yeon.

"Salamat, malalaman mo rin pag uwi ko at pag nagawa ko na ang dapat kong gawin."

"Oo na, hala. Pag butihin mo at kung maaari huwag ka ng paabot ng sobrang gabi."

"Oo Ate, salamat muli, mahal ko kayo." paalam ko na. Nasa bahay si Irene hindi na kami nakapag usap ng maayos kagabi. Pero hindi rin siya galit bagkus mahigpit ang pagkakayakap niya sa akin habang kami ay natutulog. Nagising akong wala na siya sa tabi ko pero isang mensahe na nakapag paisip sa akin.

Love,

I went out to clear my mind, I won't come back until tomorrow. I already miss you. Don't worry I'll be alright.

Love you forever, Mk

Sinubukan ko siyang tawagan ngunit hindi ko ma contact ang cellphone niya. Nagalala ako ngunit bago pa ako nag panic ay tumawag na sa akin si Ate Yeon. Andon daw si Irene maagang dumating hinatid daw ni Jennie ngunit umalis din daw agad si Jennie pagka agahan. Kaya pala pati si Jennie ay hindi sinasagot ang tawag ko. Maaring nakiusap si Irene na huwag sabihin kung nasaan sila. Pasalamat ako at sa amin siya nag punta.

- - -

Kagagaling ko lang ngayon sa bahay nila Irene at nakausap ko ang Mommy at Ate Suzy niya. Maaga akong pumunta para makausap ko sila, mabuti na lang at hindi pa nakakaalis si Suzy. Hindi ko alam kung tama ba ang pagkakataon na ito para sa hangarin ko, ngunit pakiramdam ko ay nagsisimula na ang lamat sa relasyon namin ni Irene dahil kay Sunmi. Anuman ang hakbangin ko ngayon ay walang kasiguraduhan, ngunit determinado na ako sa aking nais gawin. Matagal ko na rin tong napag isipan ngunit hindi ko pa ginagawa dahil sa aming sitwasyon, ngunit sa araw na ito kailangan ko ng gawin.

- - -

Irene

"Gabi na baka hinahanap ka na sa inyo." I told the little guy beside me, I couldn't call him a boy anymore. Surprised when I noticed him sitting beside me earlier. I was enjoying the view of the sunset from the bridge when he approached me. He asked me about Seul, but I just told him that I'll be just staying overnight. I lied to him and to Seul's family, I told them I was too tired from my hectic schedule that I just wanted to have a break far away from where I am and from people I don't want to see for the time being. Well, in part it's true I'm tired, I'm tired of hiding my relationship with Seul and afraid of what will be when Sunmi's around us. I know Seulgi loves me and I trust her but still the feeling of insecurity and jealousy is inside me.

"Hindi ka naman nakikinig..." Miguel woke my attention.

"Ha? Anong sabi mo?"

"Sabi ko, wala naman si Ate Seulgi dito kaya ako muna kasama mo kasi pag andito yon paalisin niya rin ako."

"'Di ka ba hahanapin sa inyo?" I repeated.

"Niradyo ko na, dito ako matutulog ngayon."

"Bakit?"

"Dahil alam ko kailangan mo ng kasama."

"I'm ok, Miguel. Besides, alam ko namang safe ako dito." I reasoned but he didn't seem to listen. 

"Ang liwanag ng buwan noh?" he said instead. "Magandang pagkakataon."

"Pagkakataon?"

"Oo"

"Na ano?"

"Na magtapat..." then he stopped.

"Magtapat?"

"Ah oo, magtapat ang buwan at dagat para maliwanag ang pangingisda..." he answered in stammer voice.

"Ang tagal naman kasi...." he almost whispered.

"Ang tagal ng alin?"

"Ahhh, ang tagal ng bangka..."

"Bangka?"

"Oo mga mangingisda"

"Bakit para kang nauutal?"

"Hindi ah, kasi mahangin kaya parang namamanhid ang bibig ko." he answered but I just gave him a straight face.

"Let's go, we better get home."

"Huwag muna maaga pa." pigil niya.

"Hindi ka pa nagugutom?"

"Gutom na..."

"Kaya nga halika na."

"Saglit lang..." as he stopped me when I tried to stand.

"Makinig muna tayo ng musika."

"Where's the music?" I asked, I'm starting to get confused at what this little guy's saying.

"Meron yan...."

"Wala nga eh."

"Tagal naman kasi..."

"Ng alin?"

"Nang music..." he said, ok this is it.

"I think we better go, gutom ka na. Kanina pa tayo dito." I said as I started to get up and this time he failed to stop me. As I'm about to turn around I heard a guitar started playing and when I look where the music is coming I saw Seul, lovingly staring at me while gently plucking soft melodies in her guitar. I couldn't get the music, all I know is how lovely this person walking slowly towards me with the smile visible in her face as two young gentlemen carrying torches were walking on her sides.

"Maganda ka pa sa gabi Binibini." she greeted me.

"And what's that supposed to mean?" I questioned and she just gave me a nervous laugh.

"Are you alright Seul?"

"Depende..."

"Depende saan?"

"Depende sa isasagot mo."

"Why, what's the question?" I asked still lost as to where our conversation is going. She gave a simple nod to the young guys holding torches and placed the bamboo torches at the other side of the bridge.

"Salamat..." Seul said when they're leaving. "Ikaw din sabay ka na sa kanila." Seul said to Miguel.

"Bakit kasi ang tagal mo..." he complained.

"Andito na nga ako noh." Seul defended herself.

"Buti na lang andito ako kundi sablay ka." Miguel added. "Gutom na ako."

"Kaya nga sumabay ka na sa kanila para makakain ka na." Seul told the little lad.

"Oo na, bye Ate Irene. Hintayin ko kayo."

"Bakit hindi pa tayo sabay na kumain?" I asked.

"Mamaya na po, kasi may sasabihin pa sa'yo si Ate Seulgi kaya nga hindi ka niya pinaalis eh sabi niya samahan daw kita hanggang sa dumating siya."

"Is there something you want to tell me, Seul?" I asked and I saw her nervousness again. "Seul?"

"O-oo sana Mk."

"You should've waited for me sa condo. Sabi ko nga--"

"Hindi na ako makapaghintay Mk." she said.

"Ok. so what it is that you want to tell me?" I asked now and I can feel a bit nervous too.

"Mk..." she started then stopped and looked over behind her. "Andito ka pa?" she asked Miguel.

"Pwede bang makinig?"

"Hindi! Umalis ka na. Salamat muli." Seul said pushing the little lad away.

"Ikaw talaga Ate Seulgi, diba dikit tayo? Bakit ngayon ang suplada mo?"  he countered and Seulgi gave her a tiger look.

"Ate Irene oh."

"Seul, what is it that you want to tell bakit ayaw mong andito si Miguel."

"Basta..." Seul said shooting a sharp look to Miguel so I stood in between and faced the little lad.

"Sige na Miguel, mag uusap muna kami ha?" I said and he just nod and gave the same sharp look at Seul, I can't help but smile. They look like real siblings.

"So, the air is clear. It's your turn, the floor is all yours, Seul." I said when we both saw Miguel descended the bridge. She slowly took her guitar down and moved closer to me.

"Irene..."

"Yes, Seulgi..."

"Irene..."

"Yes, Seul..."

"Mk..."

"What is it Love?" I almost impatiently answered. She kept silent and continuously wiping her hands on her pants.

"Seul..." I called her again.

"Irene..."

"Yes?"

"A-alam ko na wala pa sa panahon ang gagawin ko... pero nais ko lang malaman mo na mula ng makilala kita, nakita ko na ang kinabukasan ko sa'yo. Ang pagkakataong mahalin ka at maging sa'yo ako habang buhay."

"Seul..."

"Hayaan mo muna ako, Mk." she said now moving close towards me and holding my hands and held them closed to her chest.

"Ok." the only word I said.

"Minahal kita, Mk hindi dahil nangungulila ako. Ngunit minahal kita dahil yon ang nararamdaman ng puso ko. Anuman ang pag aalinlangan mo sa mga nangyayari sa atin ngayon isa lang ang gusto kong panghawakan mo, ang pagmamahal ko sa'yo. Ikaw lang, Mk." she paused and closed her eyes, after a few seconds she took a deep breath and kissed my hands. "Kung mamarapatin mo, Mk. Nais kong bigyan kita ng karapatan sa buong pagkatao ko." she said as she opened her eyes. "Nais kong maging iyo ako, simula ngayon hanggang sa huling hininga ng buhay ko. Nais kong maging parte ka ng pagkatao ko. Maging kabiyak ng puso ko...."

"Love..." I called her as I felt her other hand going down as if fishing out something from her pocket. I can't explain what I'm feeling right now. Then I saw a tiny velvet box. I froze, she's proposing. O my, it's my turn to feel nervous and excited at the same time. 

"Mk... kung iyong mamarapatin. Nais kong maging sa'yo habangbuhay. Sa araw at gabi, tag araw man at tag ulan, sa hirap at ginhawa, malayo man o malapit, kahit sa kabilang buhay kung ipahihintulot, Mk, mamahalin kita." she opened the box and there I saw a plain white gold, engraved is a tiny diamond. "Mk, maari ka bang maging kabiyak ng puso ko, karugtong ng buhay ko, kasama ko sa pagtanda at ang natatanging babae sa tabi ko hanggang sa huling pagtibok ng puso ko?" she lovingly said as I can see the sparks in her eyes against the light of the torches around us. I felt so overwhelmed and couldn't speak, I wanted to shout yes and hug her tight yet I couldn't say a word. Overwhelmed for what i heard and feel at the moment.

"Mk? Kailangan ko pa bang lumuhod?" she asked and she's about to go down on her knees but I immediately stopped her.

"No!" I said and I can see the surprise in her face.

"Ha? H-hindi ang sagot mo?" she said in a low and sad voice.

"No... of course not Seul. I mean no, you don't have to kneel and... Yes, I want to spend the rest of my life with you." as I slowly held her up to me. "I love you so much Seul, haven't felt like this in my life. The reason why i'm hurting so much knowing that anytime I might lose you."

"Mk..." she said but I stopped her.

"Can you let me now, Love?" I asked and she just nod.

"I know this is a bold move for you Seul, cause I know you want this relationship to be secret. But you dared to propose to assure me that you're mine, for keeps. I'm overwhelmed for what you did and I know... you'll still ask me, despite this moment, you'll ask me to remain this relationship secret for my sake and for my career. You're always for my welfare, Seul..."

"Dahil mahal kita Mk."

"I know, love... and I love you too. That's why whatever you're plan is I'm willing to support and surrender myself to it. This little thing that I will wear around my finger is enough to know that you're mine now, Seul just as I'm yours... for keeps." I said as I closed our gap and gave her one long and sweet kiss. "I love you, this seals our engagement." I said smiling after the kiss. Then she slowly lifted my hand and held my ring finger and slowly wore the ring on my ring finger. She held my hand and kissed the ring as I can see a teary eyed Seulgi now smiling at me. Just then I heard cheers and claps around us as the whole surrounding was lightened up by numbers of torches and I can see from where we are groups of people along the beach.

"Seul?"

"Nagpaalam ako sa pamilya mo bago ko gawin ang lahat ng ito. Siyempre andiyan ang pamilya ko at malalapit naming mga kasama sa bahay at sa lugar na ito. Buti na lang sinagot mo ako ng oo kundi lahat sila saksi sa kabiguan ko, Mk. Ayaw ko na mga silang pumunta dito eh kaso nagpumilit sila kaya nangyari ang lahat ng ito. Hiling ko na lang ayaw kong marinig nila ang sasabihin ko dahil tiyak non kantiyaw lang ang makukuha ko kaya minarapat kong dito sa tulay magtapat. Dito kung saan tayo unang nagkita, napaka makasaysayan sa akin ang lugar na ito, Mk." she said and i remained speechless.

"Seulgi..." the only word that came out from me.

"Tara na, Mk." she said as she gently held my hand and guided me down the bridge "Kanina pa sila naiinip sa akin, nasiraan pa kasi ako, dapat kanina pa ako nandito." she cheerfully said.

"Mabuhay ang bagong engaged!" I heard the familiar voice.

"Best! You're here?" 

"Of course I'm here Best." I thought she already left earlier.

"Ms. Shin?"

"Congratulations Ms. Irene." she cheerfully said but more like that of a fan girl.

"Mom? Suzy?" I said surprised "Why you didn't tell me?"

"Don't ask sweetie. Seulgi here made it all possible for us to be here and she asked us to keep it secret until today." Mom said and I turned towards Seul.

 "Pinasundo ko sila dahil gusto daw nilang makita kung paano ako mag proposed at pag hindi daw oo ang sagot mo, pikutin na lang daw kita." she said smiling, the glitter in her eyes is more obvious at this moment. I'm so happy to share this moment with my family. I can't help but to hug Mom and Suzy. 

"Congratulations Sweetheart... Finally you found the right person who could tame you." Mom said half laughed.

"True." Suzy said in agreement.

"O c'mon..." I said in protest but the more they hugged me tight.

"No need to protest." Mom said as she held me tight.

"Congratulations, Sweetie. Now we're not alone in keeping Irene sane." Suzy blurted out laughing and I can see my Seulgi turning red again.

- - -

Seulgi

"Anak..." tawag ni Nanay sa likuran ko at pag lingon ko ay andon ang aking buong pamilya.

"Nay... Tay..." tawag ko na halos maiyak ako.

"Oh anak bakit ka ka naiiyak? Baka isipin nila napipilitan ka lang." Biro ni Tatay sa akin.

"Tay naman... alam niyong hindi totoo yan." awat ko.

"Alam ko. Ikaw talaga, Anak. Hindi ka na mabiro." balik ni Tatay.

"Masaya lang po ako. At salamat po sa suporta niyo. Sa pagmamahal."

"Alam mo bunso, dumating lang si Irene sa buhay mo, madrama ka na pero naging malambing ka." si Ate Yeon

"Oo nga at madali ng kausap." si Kai

"At masunurin din." Si Kuya Yeol Napansin kong magsasalita pa ang dalawang kapatid ko pero napigilan na ni Nanay.

"Tama na yan... baka magkapikunan nanaman kayo." mahinang sabi ni Nanay. "Halina't magkainan na tayo." aya ni Nanay ng may mapansin kaming papalapit.

"Hayan ng mapapangasawa mo, nainip ata na wala ka sa tabi niya." biro ni Kuya Daniel hindi talaga makatiis ang mga kapatid ko sa pangaasar sa akin.

"Hi, Love. Hungry?" tanong niya ng makalapit sa amin habang masuyong hinawakan ang aking braso.

"Oo, Mk? Hindi kasi ako nakakain dahil sa kaba." nasabi ko dahil yon naman ang totoo.

"Maghapong aligaga yan dahil kinakabahan Irene." habol pa ni Kai at tiningnan ko lang sila ng masama pero tinawanan lang nila ako.

"Ok, then let's go love. Sige po Nay, Tay, pakainin ko lang po si Seul." paalam ni Irene at kumaway sa mga kapatid ko.

Masaya ang mga tao sa paligid, maliwanag kong nakikita dahil sa mga sulong nakatayo sa hilera ng dalampasigan. Kita ang tuwa sa bawat taong nakikita ko na naging bahagi ng buhay ko, ang buong banda na humabol sa sandaling ito. Hindi ko maiwasang mangiti at muling tingnan ang babaeng naging dahilan ng lahat ng ito. May ngiti sa mga labi niya habang hinahanda ang pagkain ko.

"Mk?" mahina kong tawag.

"Yes Love?" sagot niya.

"Mahal kita."

"And I love you more." balik niya at ginawaran ako ng mabilis na halik. Muli ang pag silay ng ngiti sa aking mga labi. Sabay ng sigawan ng mga ka tropa ko sa banda.

"Naman! Bawal mang inggit!" sigaw ni Joy at Wendy kaya napalingon ako sa gawi nila, natawa lang ako. Ngunit may nahagip ang mga mata ko. Hindi ko alam kung namalikmata lang ako pero hindi ako pwedeng magkamali sa taong ngayon ay nakatingin sa aming kinatatayuan. Napansin kong ako lang ang nakakita sa kanya. Nasa malayo, nakatago sa puno ng niyog. Siya ba talaga? O kamukha niya lang? Ngunit bakit kailangan niyang magtago?

"Love?" tawag ni Irene sa akin sabay alok ng pagkain. "Here, let's have a seat over there so you can eat comfortably." aya niya.

"Sige, Mk." tanging nasabi ko at pagbalik ko sa gawing yon wala na siya. Si Sunmi nga kaya ang nakita ko?

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