Chapter Text
Nagmamadaling bumangon ng kama si Junmyeon dahil sa sinabi ni Chanyeol. Anong nasa labas ito ng kwarto niya?! Ng ganito kaaga?! For what?!
Oh my God, hindi pa ‘ko naghihilamos at nagt-toothbrush! Isip niya habang humahangos na pumunta sa pinto.
Mabilis niyang inilibot ang paningin sa paligid ng hotel room niya para tignan kung maayos at presentable ba ang lugar bago binuksan ang pinto. At totoo nga, nasa harap niya si Chanyeol ngayon habang may hawak hawak itong paper bag sa isang kamay at ang cellphone nito sa kabila. The taller is wearing a simple short-sleeved button down and shorts. Ngumiti ang matangkad nang makita si Junmyeon at mabilis na pinatay ang tawag.
“Good morning!” Chanyeol chirped, he sounded energetic for this early morning and Junmyeon thinks his aura is too blinding for someone like him na napuyat dahil ka-video call sila Kyungsoo.
Junmyeon stepped aside at iminuwestra ang isa papasok, “Anong ginagawa mo rito ng ganto kaaga?” nagtataka niya pa ring tanong.
Itinaas ni Chanyeol ang hawak na paper bag bago sumagot, “Like I said, breakfast.”
Kinuha ni Junmyeon ang cellphone at tinignan ang oras, “Alam mo naman sigurong mag se-seven palang, right? Ang aga pa masyado.”
Chanyeol laughed, “Junmyeon, it’s breakfast. It’s meant to be eaten early.” Lumingon lingon ito sa paligid bago muling humarap kay Junmyeon, “Can we eat there?” turo nito sa maliit na space sa may terrace na may maliit na table at dalawang upuan.
Tumango si Junmyeon na ikinangisi ng isa.
“Maghihilamos lang ako” paalam niya rito bago pumasok sa bathroom niya.
As soon as he closed the door, Junmyeon clutched his chest. Kanina pa mabilis ang tibok nito. Sure, he’s been spending some time with Chanyeol and sure, maybe they’ve gotten closer during his stay here but Chanyeol was here. Sa hotel room niya. This early morning. And he brought him breakfast. Kahit ata ‘yong pinakamatapang na bayani kikiligin kung siya ang nasa sitwasyon ni Junmyeon ngayon.
He just couldn’t believe it. Panaginip niya lang ‘to dati noong college siya, he can’t believe that it’s happening right now in real life.
Junmyeon collected and calmed himself down, he brushed his teeth at hinilamusan ang sarili para mawala ang pamumula ng mukha niya. He breathed in and out a few times bago siya muling lumabas para puntahan si Chanyeol.
“Hey tapos ka na? Let’s eat.” sabi ni Chanyeol nang makita si Junmyeon, nakaupo na ito roon at mukhang pinipicturan ang view bago siya makita nito.
Junmyeon scanned the table, it was already set at nakitang usual filipino breakfast ang binili nito. There was longganisa, fried egg, talong, tinapa, and sinangag. Mabilis siyang ginanahan at umupo sa harapan nito.
Nakita niyang may kanin na sa pinggan ni Chanyeol kaya kumuha na rin siya ng kanya, habang naglalagay ng pagkain sa sariling pinggan ay tinanong niya ang isa, “Bakit mo naman naisipang magdala ng breakfast ng ganito kaaga?”
Chanyeol watched him for a few seconds bago nito damputin ang tinidor at dinagdagan ang ulam ni Junmyeon, “Wala lang, is there anything wrong with wanting to eat breakfast with my new friend?”
Napatigil si Junmyeon nang mapagtanto na napupuno na ang pinggan niya kakalagay ni Chanyeol ng pagkain dito. If he didn’t know any better, baka binigyan niya na ng meaning ang ginagawa nito but no, kay Chanyeol na mismo nanggaling na gusto lang nito kumain kasama ang bago niyang kaibigan, which is him. It didn’t mean anything else.
“We already spent the whole day together yesterday, ngayon naman mukha ko pa makikita mo ng ganito kaaga. Hindi ka ba nauumay?” Biro niya rito, “Tama na, wala nang isisiksik ‘yang longganisa sa pinggan ko.” saway niya rito nang maglalagay pa ulit ito sa pinggan niya.
Tumawa ang isa sa pag saway niya at inilipat ang longganisa sa sariling pinggan, “Sorry, ang konti kasi ng kinukuha mo kanina.” sabi nito, “And bakit naman ako mauumay? The view is not bad at all.”
Napaangat ang tingin ni Junmyeon kay Chanyeol, eyes slightly widening at napatigil siya sa pag nguya. Was that…? Did he just…? The taller was looking at him kaya nahirapan si Junmyeon na lunukin ang nginunguya niya.
“Ahahaha…” Junmyeon laughed awkwardly bago lingunin ang view sa gilid nila, “Ang ganda ng view dito, no? I get it.”
Tumaas ang kilay ni Chanyeol at ngumisi, “ Sure … that’s what i’m talking about” sabi nito. “By the way, do you want to go around today? May iba ka bang plano? Because I was planning to go motorcycle riding today, I’d like for you to come with me if you’re up for it”
Wala namang plano si Junmyeon. He’s just been winging it ever since he started this little soul searching trip of his. Gusto niya lang naman talaga maglibot, to just see other places… that doesn’t have any traces of his ex-husband.
“Okay, wala naman akong gagawin ngayon. And we already kind of agreed that you’ll be my tour guide habang nandito ako so why not?” Junmyeon agreed.
Lumawak ang pagkakangiti ni Chanyeol, “Awesome. Nakasakay ka na ba ng motor dati?”
Junmyeon halted for a moment.
He did.
Nakasakay na siya ng motor dati.
Dati, noong itinatakas pa ni Sehun ang motor ng tatay nito para sunduin siya kapag rush hour na. Ang ending ay sinesermonan niya ang isa dahil mapapagalitan nanaman ito ng tatay niya at mahirap na baka maaksidente pa ito sa daan. But of course, Junmyeon appreciated it and it was now a bittersweet memory for him.
“Oo naman. Anong akala mo sa’kin?” biro niya rito nang makabawi.
“Nothing, I was just asking” pagmamaang-maangan nito, “Also, Yoora was asking if you wanted to go to her club later. Naikwento ko kasi sa kanya na you’ll be flying back to Manila in… 3 days, from what I remember na sinabi mo sa’kin.
Tumango si Junmyeon and the other took it as a sign to continue what he was saying, “Right, naikwento ‘ko sa kanya ‘yon pero she’ll be flying to Macau tomorrow afternoon so she wanted to see you daw. Is that fine?”
“Sure, walang problema. Magba-bakasyon ba siya sa Macau?” tanong niya rito.
“Hindi, it’s a business trip, medyo workaholic si Yoora so she rarely goes on vacation or does anything fun.”
“That’s ironic, considering na she owns a club” komento ni Junmyeon sa sinabi nito.
Natawa si Chanyeol sa narinig, “Right? Sinabi ko rin ‘yan sa kanya pero nainis lang siya sa’kin.”
Together, the two went back to Chanyeol’s villa para kunin ang motor nito. It was a pretty big bike, may nakalagay na ‘Triumph’ dito and Junmyeon guessed that was the brand. Wala siyang alam sa mga ganoong klase ng bagay dahil hindi naman siya ‘bike’ type of person. He’s more of a ‘whatever’s-the-most-convenient-and-affordable-car’ person.
“Let’s take this one rather than the vespa” sabi ni Chanyeol habang pinapagpag ang motorsiklo.
Habang inaayos ni Chanyeol yung motor ay iginagala naman ni Junmyeon ang tingin sa paligid. They were in the taller man’s garage. May sasakyan doon, ‘yong big bike, at ‘yong vespa na sinasabi nito. May mga iilan ding tools at kung ano mang car accessories na nasa gilid. It looks like a common garage pero naaamaza pa rin si Junmyeon na nandito siya sa garahe ni Chanyeol Park.
“...saan ko ba nilagay yung extra helmet ko?” rinig niyang sabi ng isa, “Junmyeon, kukunin ko lang saglit yung isang helmet ko, I think it’s still in its box sa kwarto ko.” pagpapaalam nito bago nagmamadaling pumasok sa loob.
Pagkaalis nito ay tsaka naman naglakad-lakad si Junmyeon para tignan ang mga gamit na nakakalat doon. Hindi naman siya totally makalat but it’s a garage so there are still some stuff laying around. Napansin naman ni Junmyeon ang isang maliit na frame na mukhang family picture ng mga park. Natawa siya nang makita na bata pa si Chanyeol doon, Junmyeon guesses the other was around 3 years old that time. Nakasuot ito ng puting suit na may pulang ribbon habang naka formal attire rin ang kapatid at mga magulang nito.
It was Junmyeon’s first time seeing this photo, hindi siguro ito kasama sa mga na-leak na childhood pictures ni Chanyeol noong college siya or else he would’ve been familiar with it.
“Anong tinitignan mo d’yan?” rinig niyang tanong ni Chanyeol mula sa likod niya, hindi niya napansin na nakabalik na pala ito.
May hawak itong mas maliit na helmet nang lumapit ito.
“Family picture niyo, nakita ko lang dito” simpleng sagot ni Junmyeon.
Inabot niya kay Chanyeol ang frame, ngumiti ang matangkad nang makita ang picture.
“Oh yeah, I think this was before Yoora’s piano recital.” nakangiting sabi nito, “Of course, hindi ko matandaan pero that’s what Mom told me. Kamukha ko na Dad ko ngayon no?” tanong nito at inangat ka-level ng mukha niya ang picture.
“Hmm, pero mas matangkad ka sa kanya. Are you sure hindi ka ampon?” biro ni Junmyeon dito.
Saglit na nanlaki ang malaki nang mata ni Chanyeol at muli itong natawa, “Dahil lang mas matangkad ako?” nailling na sabi nito, ibinalik na ng isa ang frame sa pinagkuhaan ni Junmyeon at marahan na hinarap ang isa sa kanya.
Junmyeon just stood there, letting the taller one put the helmet on his head.
If he’s being real, the proximity between him and Chanyeol was too close for comfort. His face was literally just a few inches from Chanyeol’s chest. Amoy na amoy niya ang pabango nito dahil sa sobrang lapit nila sa isa’t isa. It was musky but not too strong pero parang nahihilo si Junmyeon. Hindi niya nga lang sigurado kung dahil ‘yon sa pabango o dahil sa pagiging sobrang lapit niya sa isa.
It only took a few seconds before Junmyeon heard the small ‘click’ of the clasp ng helmet at umatras si Chanyeol pero parang ilang minuto silang nasa ganoong pwesto para sa kanya. He almost thought na narinig ng isa kung gaano kalakas ang pagtibok ng puso niya.
It sounded stupid, really.
“Ayan, hindi na ‘yan matatanggal, hinigpitan ko na ‘yan.” nakangiting sabi nito, lumalabas ang dimple, “Let’s go?”
Junmyeon has never felt so refreshed in his life. The way that the cool wind was hitting his face habang tumatakbo ang motor ni Chanyeol felt very refreshing for him. If it was any other time ay baka kinakabahan siya sa bilis ng pagpapatakbo ni Chanyeol but today, he wasn’t.
“Junmyeon, hold on to me tight!” sigaw nito, his voice trying to overpower the noise of their surroundings.
Naramdaman niya ang pagkuha nito sa kamay niya na nakakapit sa dulo ng suot nitong shirt sa loob at inilipat iyon para ipaikot sa bewang niya. Dahil sa ginawa nito as may napalapit ang katawan ni Junmyeon sa isa, his chest was already touching Chanyeol’s back. Iniiwasan pa naman ni Junmyeon ang mapalapit ng ganito sa isa dahil baka maramdaman nito ang pagbilis ng tibok ng puso niya.
They’ve already been riding around for a few minutes. Hindi alam ni Junmyeon kung saan siya nito dadalhin but he just let it be at hindi na rin siya nagtanong pa. Kung saka-sakali namang mamamatay tao pala ang idol niya eh alam naman ni Kyungsoo at ni Jongin kung nasaan siya at sino ang huli niyang kasama. They’ll surely find his body if the worst comes to worst.
Halos 20 minutes din silang nag-ikot habang panay ang turo ni Chanyeol sa mga lugar na pamilyar sa kanya at kinalakihan niya. Hindi naman maiwasan ni Junmyeon na matawa rito tuwing humihirit ito ng biro tungkol sa childhood niya. Maya-maya rin ay itinigil nito ang motor sa isang kainan na nasa gilid ng kalsada. May kaliitan ang lugar pero may iilang lamesa at upuan dito at wala masyadong tao.
“Masarap magluto ‘yong may-ari nito, dito na tayo mag lunch.” sabi ni Chanyeol pagkababa nila ng motor, lumapit ito kay Junmyeon para tanggalin ang helmet nito.
Hawak nito pareho ang mga helmet nila at naunang pumasok sa loob.
“Tao po, masarap daw ho lutong ulam dito!” malakas na pagkakasabi nito.
Sumunod si Junmyeon sa isa at nakita niyang lumabas mula sa likod ang isang matandang babae. The old lady squealed nang makita kung sino ang nagsalita. Mahinang natawa si Junmyeon dito dahil kung siya rin ay titili rin siya kung si Chanyeol ang makikita niya.
“Chanyeol, anak! Anong ginagawa mo rito?!” masayang sabi nito at ibinaba ang hawak na kaldero.
Nagtaka si Junmyeon sa sinabi nito, tila ba kilala na talaga nito ang isa’t isa.
“Nay, di’ba sinabi ko sa inyo that I’ll come here soon?” tanong ni Chanyeol at niyakap ang matandang babae.
Mahina siyang tinapik ng matanda habang tumatawa, “Eh hindi naman namin alam na darating ka ngayon, sana manlang nakapagluto ako ng paborito mo! Akala namin busy ka pa dahil sa mga inaasikaso mo nitong mga nakaraang buwan.” sagot nito.
“Sus! Eh panigurado napanood niyo na sa tv, hindi manlang kayo tumawag para i-check ako, nakakatampo na kayo nanay ha” kunwari’y ngumuso pa ito habang sinasabi ‘yon.
Nakita ni Junmyeon ang pagkurot ng matanda rito, “Ay naku, ikaw talaga!” napatigil ang matanda nang mapadaan ang paningin nito kay Junmyeon, “Eh sino naman itong pogi na ‘to?” tanong nito.
Napalingon si Chanyeol at marahan na kinuha ang braso ni Junmyeon para mas lumapit ito sa kanila, “Nay, si Junmyeon, kaibigan ko.” pagpapakilala nito sa kanya, “Junmyeon, si Nanay Via”
“Nito lang kayo nagkakilala ni Chanyeol?” curious na tanong ng matanda habang pinapanood sila nitong kumain.
“Yes, nag trespass siya sa lupa na–” napatingin si Chanyeol kay Junmyeon na napatigil sa pag nguya, “but not intentionally, he got lost kaya siya napunta malapit sa villa”
Natawa ang matanda habang pinapanood ang dalawa, “Tignan mo nga naman ano? Ang galing talaga ng timing ng Diyos…” she trailed off.
“What do you mean, nay?” naguguluhan na tanong ni Chanyeol.
Napailing naman ang matanda at muling tumingin at nginitian si Junmyeon. Ramdam ni Junmyeon na tila ba sinusuri siya ng nakatatanda kaya parang bumabara sa lalamunan niya ang kinakain kahit na talagang masarap ito.
“Oh!” biglang sabi ng matanda pagkatapos ng ilang segundo, “May singsing ka! Kasal ka na ba, iho?” tanong nito.
Sabay na napatingin si Junmyeon at Chanyeol sa kamay ni Junmyeon. Shit, nakalimutan niyang hubarin ‘yong singsing. He tightly smiled at the older woman haban panaka-nakang tinitignan ang reaksyon ni Chanyeol. Somehow it felt like Junmyeon was a deer caught in headlights habang tinitignan siya ng dalawa.
“Ah… hindi ho, sinusuot ko lang ho ‘to para walang lumapit na mga… alam niyo na ho…” he awkwardly chuckled, tumango-tango naman ang matanda at muling ngumiti.
“Ah ganoon ba? Sabagay, medyo mapilit din talaga ang mga lalaki, lalo na ‘yong mga porendyers , no?” sabi nito.
Samantalang nanatili namang nakatingin si Chanyeol kay Junmyeon pero nang lingunin siya muli ng isa ay ngumiti ito.
“Ang sarap magluto ni Nanay di’ba?” tanong ni Chanyeol habang inaabot kay Junmyeon ang hawak nitong ice cream.
Pagkatapos nilang kumain ay nagpaalam din sila at dumiretso sa malapit na convenience store para bumili ng ice cream. Nag park ulit si Chanyeol sa gilid nito kaya pareho silang nakasandal dito ngayon habang kumakain ng ice cream. Buti nalang wala masyadong dumadaan dito kung hindi baka dinumog na ang isa, wala pa man din itong face mask.
“Hmm, favorite ko ‘yong menudo niya” sagot ni Junmyeon, “Kaano-ano mo nga pala siya? Nahihiya kasi akong magtanong kanina.”
Mahinang natawa si Chanyeol, “She was our helper when I was younger. Medyo busy sila mom and dad noon, of course they spend their free time with us pero madalas nasa trabaho sila kaya si Nanay Via ang nag-aalaga sa’min. Her and my mom grew up together, probinsya kasi ng mom ko ‘to. They were practically best friends kaya nang kailanganin nito ng trabaho ay kinuha nalang siya ni Mom para magbantay sa’min.” page-explain nito, “She stayed until we were in our senior year of high school. Eventually, she had to go back here dahil sa pamilya niya. Her family’s very nice, sayang wala sila doon ngayon.”
“You stayed in contact with her? That’s nice.” komento ni Junmyeon.
Tumango si Chanyeol, “Yeah, they actually called me a few months back to ask how I’m doing. During that time, we were still processing our divorce kaya sinabi ko sa kanila. Gusto nila akong puntahan but I told them na ako nalang ang pupunta as soon as I finish everything.”
Junmyeon smiled, “That’s very sweet. They really care for you.”
Ngumiti rin si Chanyeol pero hindi na ito sumagot.
Binalot sila ng katahimikan sa mga sumunod na minuto na nakatayo sila roon but it wasn’t uncomfortable for Junmyeon. Usually he’d feel the urge to talk about something kapag ganitong may kasama siya at tahimik, he somehow has this feeling na kailangan niyang i-entertain ang kasama, it must be a habit he picked up from work pero wala siyang nararamdaman na ganon ngayong kasama niya si Chanyeol.
Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas bago may muling magsalita sa kanilang dalawa.
It was Chanyeol who broke the silence.
“Junmyeon… Can I ask you a question?” tanong nito.
Napatigil si Junmyeon sa pagkain ng ice cream at nagtatakang tumingin sa isa, “Ano ‘yon?”
“About your ring…” Chanyeol started, “Is it really just for that reason?” tanong nito.
Junmyeon was caught off guard.
Hindi niya naisip na baka magtanong si Chanyeol tungkol dito, akala niya okay na ‘yung explanation niya kanina. It’s not a big deal naman kay Junmyeon, well it is, but he’s not that sensitive about it. Ayaw niya lang yung paulit-ulit niyang kailangang i-explain ang nangyari tungkol sa kanila ng dating asawa.
But he guess, there’s no harm in telling Chanyeol dahil pareho naman nilang pinagdaanan ‘yon.
“Well… hindi lang ‘yon ang rason” sagot ni Junmyeon.
Napakunot ang noo ni Chanyeol, pinapanood ang isa at hinihintay na ituloy ang sasabihin nito.
“I’m– actually I also just got divorced with my hus– now, ex-husband.” pagpapatuloy ni Junmyeon.
“What?” gulat na sabi ni Chanyeol causing Junmyeon to chuckle.
Junmyeon nodded, “Yup,” he popped the ‘p’, “Katulad mo, I recently just got divorced too. I felt myself spiraling but I couldn’t let that happen, I needed to move on with my life. So I thought I should go to places I never went to, alam mo na, to restart. I couldn’t just go back to regular broadcasting after that, kahit para sa’kin mahirap gawin ‘yon, kaya heto ako ngayon, kumakain ng ice cream sa gilid ng daan with my idol who surprisingly, also just got divorced recently.” natatawang sabi ni Junmyeon.
Chanyeol was taken aback, he was still processing the information that he just heard.
What are the odds of meeting someone who’s going through the exact same thing that you’re going through? At hindi lang siya yung usual na pinagdadaanan ng mga tao, not everyone goes through a divorce! And what are the odds that they were basically an idol and a fan? It sounded so surreal for him.
“Seryoso ka ba?” wala sa sariling tanong ni Chanyeol.
Napakunot ang noo ni Junmyeon, “Bakit naman ako magbibiro tungkol sa paghihiwalay naming mag-asawa?”
Mabilis namang umiling si Chanyeol, “No, that was just– I didn’t mean– it just slipped out of my mouth. Sorry.” paghingi nito ng paumanhin sa kanya.
Tumawa si Junmyeon nang makita ang reaksyon ng binata, “Alam ko, calm down.” sabi niya rito, “Ako rin naman hindi makapaniwala nung napanood ko yung balita na naghiwalay na kayo ni Baekhyun and then after that we met. What a coincidence, right?”
Nilingon ni Junmyeon ang isa at nakitang nakatingin ito sa kanya at pinapanood siya.
Right… It was just a coincidence.
It wasn’t like what Kyungsoo said, it wasn’t some work of fate.
Just a coincidence.
“...I got promoted and then soon after, he also got promoted. Work just really took most of our time and at first, sinubukan naman naming pagtugmain ang schedules namin. We tried really hard. So hard. Hanggang sa tumagal, napansin ko na parang ako nalang yung nagsusumikap na makita siya, but what can I do? He was my husband, I loved him. And alam kong he felt the same way, he was just busy… until he just didn’t feel the same way anymore.” kwento ni Junmyeon, he somehow just found himself spilling the story kay Chanyeol habang nakaupo na silang dalawa ngayon. It was a good thing na may pang latag si Chanyeol sa maliit na bag na nasa gilid ng motor niya kaya ginawa nila ‘yon na upuan.
“Ewan ko, I mean– I already felt it in my gut, nararamdaman ko naman. Pero siguro napagod lang din ako, I was working too, I was busy too and it was hard lalo na kapag alam mong ikaw nalang yung gumagawa ng paraan to make the relationship work. But I didn’t want to be the first one to say it, saying it would make it real and I wasn’t ready for it. Mahal ko pa rin naman kasi siya kahit ganon so we swept it under the rug for a few months more until he was the first one to say it.” Junmyeon lightly chuckled, “Hindi na rin naman nakakagulat. He was the first one who liked me, the first one to ask me out, the first one to propose… kaya hindi na nakakagulat na siya rin yung unang bumitaw. Now that I think about it, maybe he’s just braver than me. He has always been braver than me, I loved that about him.”
Umiling si Chanyeol, “Maybe he is, but I think bravery comes in different faces.” sabi nito, “He was brave to be the first one to say it but you were brave too… you tried your best to make it work even if you know his feelings were already changing. That, in itself, is bravery.”
Napangiti si Junmyeon sa sinabi nito, “Sa tingin mo?”
“Yeah,” tango ni Chanyeol, “You’re very brave, Junmyeon.”
Natawa si Junmyeon, “I guess.”
“You’re also very kind… and very fun… and very witty…” pagpapatuloy ni Chanyeol.
Nagsimula nang mag-init ang pisngi ni Junmyeon dahil sa sinasabi nito, “Oo na, oo na, gets ko na”
“...and very lovely.” sabi pa rin ni Chanyeol, “You’re very lovely, Junmyeon.”
Hinatid siya ni Chanyeol pabalik sa hotel na tinutuluyan niya pagkatapo nilang magkwentuhan at mag-ikot pa ng saglit. It was such a chill and relaxing time that they have spent together. Junmyeon genuinely felt consoled. Hindi niya alam na ganon pala ang pakiramdam na magkwento sa isang tao na hindi pa siya personal na kilala. He felt seen but he didn’t feel judged.
“Sorry for cutting it short, I didn’t expect na may mga kailangan pa pala akong pirmahan para sa ibang kontrata na pinutol ko na.” paghingi ng pasensya ni Chanyeol sa kanya, tumawag kasi ang manager nito kanina habang nag-iikot sila.
Ngumiti si Junmyeon, “Ayos lang, hindi mo naman trabaho na i-tour ako, I’m actually very thankful that you’re giving me some of your time para samahan ako.”
“No, it’s not a big deal. Like I said before, you’re fun to be with.” sagot ni Chanyeol, “And to be honest, I’m also in need of a proper company. Ayaw ko namang si Yoora lang ang makausap ko buong araw.”
Natawa si Junmyeon sa sinabi nito. “Bakit naman? Yoora is also fun.”
“God, buong buhay ko na ata siyang kausap, nauumay na ‘ko.” Chanyeol rolled his eyes pero halata namang nagbibiro lang ito, “Speaking of, I’ll pick you up later around 9?”
He makes it sound like a date, isip ni Junmyeon.
Tumango siya rito.
“Sure, I’ll see you later.”
Sunod-sunod ang pagtunog ng notifications sa cellphone ni Junmyeon nang tanggalin niya ang pagka-’do not disturb’ nito. Oo na, oo na, nilagay niya talaga sa DND ang phone niya dahil ayaw niyang maistorbo ang araw niya… in his defense, now that Kyungsoo is back in Manila alam niyang hindi siya tatantanan nito, idagdag pa si Jongin.
At katulad nga ng inaasahan puro text ng dalawa ang bumungad sa kanya.
From: Kyungsoo
Junmyeon, bakit nandito nanaman tong kapatid mo sa unit ko ng ganito kaaga?!
Pinapunta mo nanaman ba ‘to dito????
Can you tell him to leave? I swear to god hahambalusin ko ‘to!
JUNMYEON!!!!!
Bakit hindi mo sinasagot yung calls ko? JFC, are you dead?!
Wait….
Kasama mo ba si Chanyeol Park ngayon?
OH MY GODDDDD
Kasunod ng mga OA na texts nito ang mga OA na texts ng kapatid niya.
From: Bronini
Kuya, kunwari pinapunta mo ko kay Kyungsoo ha…
KUYA KASAMA MO RAW SI CHANYEOL?!!!
Sagutin mo tawag namin!!!!
SASABIHIN KO TO KILA MOMMY KAPAG DI MO KO TINAWAGAN
Natawa lang si Junmyeon habang binabasa ang mga messages ng mga ‘to. He locked his phone bago pabagsak na humiga sa kama, iidlip muna siya bago umalis mamayang gabi.
He stared at the ceiling.
Out of all of the places he’s been the past few weeks, this place is definitely the most memorable one. And for some reason, it made him look forward to the future. Tama nga siguro ang sinasabi ng iba, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Marami nang tao nang dumating sila ni Chanyeol sa club ni Yoora, well what do you expect nga naman di’ba? It’s near the beach and there’s a lot of tourists kaya maraming tao palagi. Junmyeon could feel Chanyeol’s body near him habang nakikipagsiksikan sila papasok ng club, dahil nga maraming tao hindi maiwasan ang masanggi and he felt Chanyeol using his own body to block the people. Mabuti nalang at madilim kaya hindi masyadong naaaninag ang mukha nito.
“Hooo…” Chanyeol exhaled nang medyo makalagpas sila sa nagkukumpulan na mga tao, “They looked like they were having fun, huh? Okay ka lang, Junmyeon?” tanong nito sa kanya.
Nakaupo na sila ngayon sa isang sofa na medyo malayo sa mga tao, dito niya rin huling nakitang nanggaling si Yoora noong unang punta niya rito.
“I’m fine, that was nothing compared to your concerts that I went to, wala pa ‘yan sa kalingkinan ng siksikan.” biro niya rito na ikinatawa ng isa.
“Right, muntik ko nang makalimutan na fan ka namin.” tawa nito.
“A–” naputol ang sasabihin ni Junmyeon nang may narinig siyang tumawag ng pangalan niya, hindi niya alam kung guni guni niya lang dahil maraming tao kaya nilingon niya ang pinanggalingan.
Si Yoora pala, isip niya nang makita itong nagmamadaling lumapit sa kanila.
The woman gave him a big hug nang makalapit ito sa kanya. “I haven’t seen you since we had breakfast, my brother’s been keeping you all to himself!” exaggerated na sabi nito.
The underlying tone with the way Yoora said it made Junmyeon blush, parang may gusto itong iparating lalo na nag mapang-asar nitong tignan ang dalawa. Chanyeol just shrugged na para bang wala itong balak depensahan ang sarili.
“So you’re going back to Manila daw, I won’t be here by that time pero baka nasabi na ni Chanyeol sa’yo ‘yon. Chismoso pa naman ‘yan.” sabi nito.
Chanyeol scoffed, “Ako pa talaga ang chismoso?”
Natawa si Junmyeon habang hindi pinansin ng babae ang sinabi ng kapatid, “Anyway, I don’t really go to Manila often dahil I settled down here but for sure you’ll see Chanyeol since doon siya nakatira. One thing though, that big man is going to be really bored when you leave.” dere-deretsong sabi nito habang minuwestra ang isa sa mga staff nito para bigyan sila ng maiinom.
Napatingin si Junmyeon kay Chanyeol na nasa tabi niya at nakangiti lang sa kanila, “It’s true, sinabi ko sa’yo kanina di’ba? You’re fun to be with so it won’t be as fun kapag bumalik ka na sa Manila.”
Muling sumingit si Yoora at sinabing, “Yeah and also, you don’t have any other friends here except for him… and Nanay Via, which is quite pathetic if you think about it.” pang-aasar nito sa kapatid na ikinairap nito.
Chanyeol shrugged and smiled at Junmyeon, “What can I say? I keep my circle small.”
“Small?” tawa ni Yoora, “Your circle is not small, it’s microscopic, di’ba Junmyeon?”
Natawa si Junmyeon sa magkapatid, “I guess? Hindi ko naman kilala mga kaibigan ni Chanyeol.” sabi niya, trying to evade the question para hindi siya masali sa pag-aasaran ng magkapatid. Nage-enjoy siya maging audience ng dalawa, it’s always fun to watch sibling bicker in a good way, naalala niya sila ni Jongin.
“There’s me–”
“You’re not my friend” sabat ni Chanyeol, sipping on his drink.
“And you, Nanay Via, his manager, our cousins, his high school best friend Minseok, that other guy Kenzo… sino pa ba? Well, si Baekhyun… before they separated but I don’t think you can stay friends with your ex so that’s one less person, who else?” tingin nito kay Chanyeol habang binibilang sa daliri ang mga kaibigan ng kapatid.
Pinanood ni Junmyeon ang reaksyon ni Chanyeol nang mabanggit ni Yoora ang ex nito, for a split second he saw a shift on the taller’s emotion bago ito tumawa at tinabig ng mahina ang kamay ng kapatid na nagbibilang, “Oo na, oo na, ikaw na maraming kaibigan.” sabi nito, sumuko na sa pang-aasar ng nakatatandang kapatid.
“Of course, I’m the nice one kaya ako ‘yung maraming kaibigan, duh” pagyayabang ni Yoora, “Junmyeon’s also nice so I’m sure he also has a lot of friends, you should introduce my brother to your friends, God knows he needs a new one.” sabi nito habang kinakausap siya.
Umiling si Junmyeon while drinking, “I actually don’t have a lot of friends too”
The two stopped and looked at him. Chanyeol looked curious habang si Yoora naman ay parang nagulat sa sinabi niya. Siguro’y tingin talaga nito sa kanya ay isa siyang very sociable person which a lot of people have mistaken him for. He just knew how to talk to people, it was just an important skill that he developed through the years.
“What? I thought–”
Junmyeon chuckled, “Yeah I get that a lot.” putol niya rito.
“Okay e’di the two of you can combine your friend groups and make a super friend group para dumami ang mga kaibigan niyo pareho. We can even introduce you to our cousins–”
Mabilis na napailing si Junmyeon, natatawa siya sa sinasabi nito, hindi niya alam kung kanina pa ito nakainom o normal lang sa isa ang maging ganito ka-welcoming sa ibang tao, “You don’t have to, that’s too much, kakakilala lang din natin halos, I’m basically still a stranger.” natatawa niya pa rin na pagtanggi rito.
“Ano ka ba, Junmyeon! If there’s one thing you should know about the Parks, it’s that if you’re in, you can never get out… well, unless…” she slyly looked at her brother and gave a teasing look na agad naman nitong na-gets kaya binato siya ng tissue ng isa.
“Trip mo talaga ‘ko eh no?” inis pero nagpipigil ng ngiti na sabi ni Chanyeol sa kapatid, “Pero Junmyeon, um-oo ka nalang sa mga sinasabi nito kasi hindi ka niya tatantanan. Besides, we already treat you as a friend, you’re already in.” Chanyeol genuinely smiled at him, it was a sweet sweet smile that once again made Junmyeon’s heart skipped a beat as cliché as it sounds.
“That’s right, Junmyeon. Nilagay na nga kita sa list ng padadalhan namin ng Christmas cards, y’know?”
After a while, Junmyeon found himself in the middle of the dancefloor kasama si Yoora. Sakto kasing medyo may tama na si Junmyeon nang mag-aya na pumunta sa dancefloor si Yoora at mapilit siyang hinila nito dahil matagal daw silang hindi magkikita. Wala naman nang nagawa si Junmyeon kung hindi ang magpatianod sa babae habang naiwan naman sa table nila si Chanyeol dahil hindi raw ito sumasayaw.
Hindi niya alam kung dahil ba sa alak, sa tugtog, o dahil napapaligiran din siya ng mga taong lango na rin sa alak kaya parang nawala lahat ng hiya at pag aalinlangan ni Junmyeon. He just found himself letting his body sway to the rhythm of the song which eventually made Yoora squeal excitedly. Natawa nalang siya sa reaksyon nito. Hindi niya alam kung gaano na sila katagal na nagsasayaw doon but at one point he can feel someone trying to grind on him which didn’t bother him for some reason kaya hinayaan niya nalang ito. Yoora seemed to mind it though dahil mahina siyang hinila nito papalapit sa kanya at pasimpleng itinaboy ang kamay ng kung sino man.
“God, Junmyeon, you’re too pretty! Ano ba naman ‘tong mga lalaking ‘to!” Yoora exclaimed, swatting another greasy hand from reaching out to Junmyeon.
Tinignan siya ni Junmyeon bago sumagot, “What? I think you’re prettier”
Yoora scoffed, “Yeah but it’s not my ass these horndogs are trying to grab!” sabi nito na tinawanan lang ni Junmyeon.
The lights were making Junmyeon feel a bit dizzy kaya hinayaan niya lang ang mga nangyayari sa paligid niya. Maya-maya ay muli nanamang naramdaman ni Junmyeon na may kamay na kumapit sa bewang niya. But this time, napansin niyang hindi na-bother si Yoora rito at tinalikuran pa siya nito. Junmyeon got a bit confused but his confusion immediately got washed away nang marinig niyang magsalita ang lalaking nakahawak sa bewang niya.
“Junmyeon, should we go?” Ah… kaya pala… it was Chanyeol.
There was a tickle on his stomach with the way Chanyeol was so so close to him. Ramdam ni Junmyeon ang pagdikit ng katawan nito sa kanya habang nakahawak pa rin sa bewang at nakikisabay sa tugtog. He could even feel the other’s lips slightly touching his ear habang nagsasalita ito.
Once again, liquid courage kicked in Junmyeon’s system at nakuha niyang humarap sa isa at iniikot ang kanyang mga braso sa leeg nito. He even smiled brightly and said, “Chanyeol!” a little bit too excitedly than he usually would under a normal situation.
“You sound happy to see me, kanina pa tayo magkasama” Chanyeol chuckled, pulling him a bit closer… not like they weren’t close enough because with their proximity parang pati lamok mahihiyang dumaan sa pagitan nilang dalawa.
Junmyeon giggled, which is again, something he normally doesn’t do, “I’m always happy to see you!”
And to which Chanyeol replied with a stupid, dopey smile on his face, “Really?”
“Oo naman!” sagot ni Junmyeon, “You’re Chanyeol, you’ve been making me smile since… I can’t remember… high school pa ata!”
Chanyeol shook his head before cupping the other’s face to stop him from moving too much, “I’m glad to hear that pero parang kailangan na ata nating umuwi, you’re pretty drunk”
The smaller one shook his head in disapproval, slightly pouting, little did he know that Chanyeol’s been looking at his lips, “Hindi ako lasing!”
“That’s exactly what a drunk person would say” tawa ni Chanyeol.
“Hindi nga sabi!” pag-uulit ni Junmyeon.
“Sige na, oo na” sarkastikong pagkakasabi ng matangkad, napansin naman ni Junmyeon ang tono sa boses nito kaya agad na napataas ang isang kilay nito na tila hinahamon ang isa.
“Hindi ka naniniwala?” tanong niya rito. “No, hindi ka naniniwala.”
Chanyeol raised both of his hands in surrender, naramdaman niya rin na may sumiko sa likod niya pero hindi niya nalang pinansin dahil malamang isa sa mga lasing na sumasayaw lang din ‘yon.
“I’m not saying anything,” he joked, not fully realizing that Junmyeon was not joking around.
Because if there’s one tiny little thing that people should know about Junmyeon is that he’s almost a whole different person when the alcohol kicks in. Kaya nga tuwing kasama siya ni Kyungsoo sa mga bar ay sinisigurado nitong on-call si Jongin para sunduin ang nakatatandang kapatid because he can get a bit bolder with alcohol in his system. And that’s also the reason kung bakit hindi hinahayaan ni Junmyeon na lumagpas siya sa ‘preferred’ alcohol intake niya.
He knows himself but somehow he lost count of his drinks tonight.
And because of that, with little to no second thoughts, Junmyeon cupped the taller’s face before proceeding to kiss him. There were specific reactions to this bold move that Junmyeon pulled. A barely audible gasp coming from Yoora na nakatingin at pinapanood pala ang dalawa with a sly smirk on her face the whole time habang nanlaki naman ang mata ni Chanyeol who was obviously stunned sa ginawang panggugulat ng isa sa kanya.
Junmyeon pulled back, still out of his wits, before saying, “See? If I was drunk, would I do that?” mayabang pa niyang sabi as if he actually proved a point.
It was obvious in Chanyeol’s face and lack of movement that it took some time before he processed what happened. Agad naman siyang napalingon sa paligid nang bumalik siya sa katinuan and he felt a wave of relief nang makitang walang nakatingin sa kanila… along with a rush of desire because of the way Junmyeon’s lips felt on his.
Napatingin din si Chanyeol sa nakatatandang kapatid na mabilis na nagpanggap na walang nakita at tumalikod sa kanilang dalawa. Nang bumalik ang tingin niya kay Junmyeon ay nakitang nakaharap na ito sa ibang direksyon habang sumasayaw. And without even wasting a second, mabilis na hinila ni Chanyeol ang isa papunta sa emergency exit ng club.
“Chanyeol–” tawag ni Junmyeon habang pilit na hinahabol ang bilis ng isa sa paglalakad habang tangay tangay siya nito, “Chanyeol, where are we–”
Nang masuri ni Chanyeol na sila lang ang nandoon sa emergency exit ay mabilis niyang iniharap si Junmyeon sa kanya.
“Anong–”
Pinutol niya ang sasabihin ni Junmyeon, “Just so you know, Junmyeon, you shouldn’t have provoked me like that.” he stated, a playful smirk creeping on his face.
And it was true because what happened afterwards was definitely not in Junmyeon’s divorcee bingo card.