Sunsets and Pancakes - fightformylife (2024)

Chapter 1

Chapter Text

Heeseung woke up to his dads singing happy birthday. It's his 12th birthday kaya naman maagang nagising sina Won at Mingyu to decorate the cake they baked last night.

"Happy Birthday!" Wonwoo greeted nang magmulat sya ng mga mata.

"Blow your candle, baby." He added saka inalalayan si Hee sa pagbangon.

Mingyu's holding the bento cake that they made last night.

"You baked the cake, papa?" Heeseung asked Mingyu.

"Yeah. Dali na. Blow your candle." Utos ni Mingyu.

"Wait, make a wish muna." Sabi ni Won.

Heeseung closed his eyes at nagwish bago nya hinipan yung kandila.

"Daddy, are you okay?" Hee asked when he noticed Wonwoo zoned out.

"May naalala lang ako, anak." Wonwoo answered. But Mingyu is not convinced. Alam nyang may gumugulo sa isip ng asawa.

Hee hugged Wonwoo. "Thank you, daddy and papa."

Nilapag ni Mingyu yung cake sa bedside table saka niyakap yung dalawa. It's been 12 years, simula nung inako nila yung responsibilities sa bata. Wonwoo was in his last year in med school while Migyu was a fresh college graduate back then. If you asked them how they managed it, hindi din nila alam.

"Magbreakfast na tayo papasok ka pa." Aya ni Mingyu. They walked to their dining area.

"Can I skip class today? Birthday ko naman po?" Hee asked.

"Nice try but nope. You can't, baby." Wonwoo said firmly. Inunahan nya na si Mingyu because he knows the younger will give in sa gusto ng anak.

"Mamayang hapon after your class magcecelebrate tayo. Invite your friends magluluto kami ng papa mo." Saad ni Wonwoo at dumiretso sa kusina to prepare breakfast.

Hee pouted na syang ikinangiti ni Mingyu. Mingyu and Wonwoo parenting style is they promised not to be a bad cop good cop kind of parents dapat same side sila palagi.

"Sorry, bud. Daddy said no." Mingyu said and ruffled his hair.

"Papa, dali na. Malelate na anak mo, hatid mo na." Wonwoo called Mingyu. Hatid sundo nila ito no matter how busy they are.

"Ayain mo mga kaibigan mo ha." Bilin ni Wonwoo.

"Yes po, daddy. Who gave the PS5 po?" Heeseung asked.

"That's from your tito DK." Matipid na sagot ni Wonwoo.

"Palaging mamahalin nireregalo sa akin ni tito DK." Heeseung said nonchalantly.

"He's rich, baby. Tara na malelate ka na." Mingyu said.

They kissed Wonwoo goodbye bago sila umalis.

Mingyu texted Wonwoo

Mingyu: Babe, what's bothering you?

Won: Seokmin's gift.

Mingyu: Why? Lagi naman nya yang ginagawa.

Won: Exactly! Anong tingin nya kay Hee madadaan nya sa mga mamahaling regalo?

Mingyu: It's his way of showing Hee that he cares.

Won: Do you think he really cares?

Mingyu: Of course, your brother cares. He loves Heeseung pero kailangan nyang gawin yung ginawa nya.

Won: Uwi ka na we need to go sa supermarket. May bagong lipat pala dun sa katabing bahay natin. Nakita ko may moving truck kanina.

Mingyu: Invite natin sila later.

Won: Sure. Kaya umuwi ka na. Ingat, babe.

Mingyu: 😘

Growing up sobrang close ni Won at Seok. Napagkakamalan pa nga silang kambal. Pero they kinda grew apart. Hindi naman galit si Won sa kapatid pero naging cold sya kay Seok when the younger asked them to adopt Hee.

Pagdating ng hapon, pagkatapos ng klase nila Heeseung kasama ang mga kaibigan nya dumiretso sila sa bahay nila to celebrate his birthday.

Andun din yung mga kapitbahay nila na naging kaibigan na din nila. Ilang taon na din silang nakatira sa probinsya and they love their neighborhood. It's a small barangay near the beach. Just like them, most of their neighbors moved to the small barangay for a reason.

Jun and Hao moved there with their adopted son Jay to escape the life in the city na masyadong mabilis kaya nung nagmove sila Mingyu sumunod sila Hao. Mingyu, Hao and Seok are best friends. Won met Mingyu dahil kay Seok.

The rest, they met them in the province. Jihoon and Soonyoong moved there para malayo sa mga taong judgemental. Jeonghan and Seungcheol moved for business reason, they own a beach resort.

His papa Mingyu owns a restaurant and a surfing shop. His daddy Wonwoo is a doctor, may clinic ito sa bayan and took a day off for his birthday.

Kinantahan muna ng mga bisita si Heeseung bago sila nagsimulang kumain.

"Happy Birthday, Kuya Hee." Jay greeted at inabot yung regalo nya. He's a year older than Jay. Close sila nito dahil halos sabay silang lumaki. They are both adopted kaya siguro iba din yung bond nila and they love their parents so much.

"Thank you, Jay."

"Welcome, Kuya."

"Dito matutulog sila Jungwon, napaalam na namin sila ni Papa sa parents nila. Dito ka na din matulog." Aya ni Hee.

"Paalam ako kila papa, kuya." Sagot ni Jay at nagpatuloy sila sa pagkain.

Nasa harap lang ng bahay nila yung bahay nila Jay kaya sinabihan sya ni Hao na umuwi muna mamaya at bumalik na lang pagkatapos nitong maligo.

The kids went upstairs pagkatapos nilang kumain and the adults stayed in the dining area.

Wonwoo: May bagong lipat. Sa tabi namin.

Seungcheol: Nadaanan nga namin kanina may truck sa harapan ng bahay.

Minghao: Ohh baka iinvite tayo for a house warming.

Soonyoung: Did you invite them?

Wonwoo: Mukhang busy pa sila, pahatiran ko na lang kay Hee mamaya.

Jun: Dito daw sila matutulog, nagpaalam si Jay.

Wonwoo: Sabado naman bukas. They can stay here. Di naman ako pupunta sa bayan bukas, sa Lunes na ako magbubukas ng clinic.

Jeonghan: Magbeach tayo bukas. Konti lang nakacheck in sa resort.

Mingyu: Sure. Madami kaming niluto. Baunin na lang natin bukas.

Jihoon: Wala din naman kaming gagawin bukas.

Mingyu: Magbalot kayo for breakfast.

Soon: Hindi na. Maaga na lang tayo bukas magkita kita sa resort.

Joshua is busy moving his stuff inside his new home nang may marinig syang kumakatok sa gate nya. He opened the gate at tumambad sa kanya ang isang batang lalaki na may dalang mga Tupperware na may kasamang matangkad na lalaki who's prolly few years younger than him.

"Good evening po. I'm Heeseung po. This is my Papa Mingyu. Kapit bahay nyo po kami. Birthday ko po today di po namin kayo nainvite kasi baka busy pa kayo kaya nagdala na lang kami ni Papa." Deretsong sabi ni Heeseung.

"Hello, I'm Joshua. Thank you. Happy Birthday. I'm in the middle of moving. I'm sorry, I can't invite you inside. Ang gulo pa ng bahay ko." He answered saka nakipagkamay kay Mingyu at kinuha yung mga tupperware kay Hee. It's almost 7pm at hindi pa din sya nakakapag dinner.

"It's okay po. Daddy and Papa invited you po for tomorrow. Mag swimming po kami sa beach resort nila Tito Cheol. Kapit bahay din po natin sila. Can I call you tito din po?" Magalang na sabi ni Hee.

"Of course you can. Wait, do you want to come in. I think may space naman sa terrace, you can sit there." Aya ni Joshua sa kanila.

"Thank you, pero hindi na. Baka makaabala pa kami sayo. Pupunta kami sa beach. You can come with us tomorrow para mameet mo din yung ibang taga dito." Mingyu said politely.

"My friends are waiting for me din po. Hinatid lang po namin yan. I'll see you tomorrow na lang po, tito." Sabi ni Hee.

"Sure. I'll come. Thank you ulit dito." -Joshua

"If you need help, katok ka lang sa bahay namin." Mingyu said pointing to their house at nagpaalam na sila kay Joshua.

Pagkapasok nya ng bahay he opened the Tupperware. He's glad na may kasama itong disposable na cutlery because he's not sure kung nasaang box yung mga kitchen utensils nya. While eating he messaged his friends.

Joshua: Sana talaga sumama kayo so you guys can help me.

Dino: Malaki ka na, kaya mo na yan.

Seungkwan: Hahahaha

Vernon: Settled ka na, bro?

Joshua: Nah! Yung bedroom ko pa lang naayos ko. My neighbors are very friendly. They gave me food.

Seungkwan: That's nice.

Joshua: They invited me for a swim tomorrow too.

Dino: Mag ayos ka na muna ng gamit mo.

Joshua: Yes, dad.🙄

Seungkwan: Anong food binigay sayo?

Joshua: Birthday food. Spag, pancit, lumpia at the rice cake.

Dino: Rice cake, amp!

Joshua? What?

Dino: Kakanin kasi

Joshua: Hahaha yeah that one.

Vernon: Will visit you soon, bro.

Joshua: Sure. Ayusin natin yung backyard.

Seungkwan: Let us know kung may mga kailangan ka na wala dyan.

Joshua: Yeah.

Chapter 2

Chapter Text

Joshua woke up early the next day. He started his day returning the Tupperwares to his neighbor. Kumatok sya sa gate ng kapitbahay, hindi naman nagtagal Mingyu opened the gate.

"Hey, good morning!" Joshua greeted.

"Good morning." Bati din ni Mingyu.

"I came to return this. Thank you ulit." Joshua said saka inabot yung mga Tupperware ni Mingyu.

"You're welcome. Pasok ka, let's have coffee." Aya ni Mingyu and opened their gate widely para makapasok si Joshua.

Joshua gladly accepted the invitation. Bumungad sa kanya yung maluwang na front yard nila Mingyu na madaming halaman. May dalawang kotse sa garahe. Their house is bigger compare sa ibang bahay sa probinsya. It's a 2 storey unlike his house na bungalow.

"Your house is nice." Puri niya.

"Thanks." Migyu lead him to the dining area. Inabutan nila si Wonwoo na gumagawa ng coffee.

"Babe, this is Joshua yung bago nating kapitbahay." Pakilala ni Mingyu.

"Hi. I'm Wonwoo. Welcome to Brgy. Desi Syete." Won greeted.

"Thank you." Sabi nya saka inabot yung kamay ni Won for a handshake.

"Upo ka." Mingyu offered.

Naupo silang tatlo sa dining area with their coffee.

"Sa beach na tayo magbrebreakfast we are just waiting for the kids to wake up." -Wonwoo

Joshua felt very welcomed but still hesitant to ask questions.

"If you don't mind me asking, why did you move here?" Tanong ni Wonwoo.

"Nothing, really. It's just one day I woke up naisip ko na magmove." Matipid na sagot niya. Wonwoo nodded to acknowledge Joshua at didn't ask more questions.

"Kayo? Matagal na kayo dito?" He asked.

Mingyu took a sip of his coffee before responding. "Matagal tagal na din."

"Yeah. We moved here when Hee was 6 yata." Dagdag ni Wonwoo.

"I'm sure you will like it here." Nakangiting sabi ni Mingyu.

"Well, yeah. Saan ako makakahanap ng kapitbahay na kagaya nyo. Thank you sa food kagabi I was so busy and forgot to get dinner. You guys saved the day. Tapos may masarap pa na coffee." Joshua chuckled.

"Mababait naman lahat dito. You'll meet them later." Wonwoo said.

Hindi nagtagal, nakarinig sila ng ingay mula sa taas ng bahay nila.

"They're awake." Sabi ni Wonwoo saka tumayo para kunin yung cereal at gatas para sa mga bata.

"Good morning, kids." Bati ni Mingyu sa mga bata.

"Good morning po." The kids answered in chorus.

"Hello, tito Joshua." Masayang bati ni Hee sa kanya. He greeted Hee and his friends with the same energy.

Isa isang pinakilala sa kanya ni Hee yung mga kaibigan nito.

"Maupo na kayo and eat your cereal." Utos ni Wonwoo.

Nagtataka sya kanina bakit ang haba ng dining table nila Mingyu alam na nya kung bakit. He thought that Mingyu and Won prolly host most of the parties in the barangay. Their dining table can seat up to 14 people.

"Do you play video games po, tito?" Hee asked him.

"Yeah. Sometimes." Sagot ni Joshua.

"Let's play po next time. My tito gave me a PS5 po." Sabi ni Hee.

"Sure. I should get going. May aayusin pa ako." Paalam nya.

"Hindi po kayo sasama sa beach?" Hee asked.

"Sasama." Joshua smiled.

He asked Mingyu which resort para sumunod na lang sya mamaya.

"Heaven's Cloud Resort." Sagot ni Mingyu.

"Thank you ulit." Sabi nya kina Won at Mingyu.

"Anytime." Sabi ni Won.

Mingyu walked him out to their gate.

Sumunod si Joshua sa resort, he arrived around 12. Just in time for lunch. Agad nyang nakita si Mingyu at nilapitan ito.

"Hey. Glad you came. Lika, pakilala kita." Aya ni Mingyu. The rest of the residents of Desi Syete are seated near the shore para mabantayan yung mga bata na naliligo sa dagat. Nakapalibot sila mesa.

"Guys, this is Joshua yung bago nating kapitbahay. This is kuya Soon and kuya Ji. This is Kuya Cheol and Kuya Han, they own the resort. This is Minghao and Kuya Jun, dads ni Jay." Pagpapakila ni Mingyu.

They greeted each other saka pinaupo nila si Joshua. He thought that he's the odd one dahil sya lang yung single sa grupo but he didn't feel it because they welcomed him warmly at isinasali sya sa mga usapan nila. They even offered help sakto naman because he could use some help.

Nagpaalam sina Han at Cheol to ask their staff to prepare their lunch. Habang naghihintay nagkwentuhan muna sila. He found out that most of them own a business in town.

"How about you? What do you do?" Jihoon asked.

"I used to buy and sell cars. But I recently sold my company." Matipid nyang sagot.

'That explains why he's driving a Ford Mustang Shelby.' Mingyu thought.

Mingyu noticed that, Joshua is a man of few words.

They got interrupted when the staff came out with their lunch. Tinawag ni Mingyu yung mga bata and they started eating.

"Hi, tito." Hee greeted.

"Hello. Kain ka na." He smiled at Hee.

Seok texted his friends:

Seok: Hey, kumusta bday ni Hee?

Mingyu: It was fun.

Hao: Kauwi lang namin galing ng beach.

Seok: Akala ko kahapon ang celebration?

Mingyu: Nag aya sila kuya Han sa resort nila tapos we invited Hee's friends.

Minghao: Saka welcome party sa bago naming neighbor.

Seok: Did kuya Jun run a background check?

Minghao: He just did. He's safe. No criminal records.

Seok: How about his family?

Hao: Nah! We don't need to dig that deep.

Mingyu: He's nice. Close nga sila agad ni Hee.

Seok: ah okay.

Hao: Ikaw, kumusta?

Seok: Same same! Busy. Rehearsals, photo shoots and whatnot.

Mingyu: Yeah. Too busy to attend Hee's bday, Nagagalit na naman kuya mo.

Seok: He's always mad at me naman. Walang bago. Hahaha

Hao: Hee will be a teenager next year. Sooner or later malalaman nya yung totoo.

Seok: I'm ready naman. I know may consequences yung mga ginawa ko. He's fine with kuya and Gyu naman. I don't think I can take care of him.

Mingyu: We are not saying naman na ikaw mag alaga. Hee will stay with us pa din naman but he deserves to know the truth.

Seok: In time. Sige good night. Maaga call time ko bukas. Tell Hee, happy birthday.

Mingyu: Thank you daw sa PS5.

Seok: Welcome.

Chapter 3

Chapter Text

Naayos na ni Joshua yung bahay and bought all the appliances and furnitures that he needs. He bought the house and lot, did some renovations and moved in nang matapos na yung renovations. After a week since he moved, he is finally settled.

"Tito Joshua, it's Hee." Tawag sa kanya. He invited Hee to come dahil may ibibigay sya dito .

"Hello. Nagpaalam ka sa Papa at Daddy mo?" He asked pagkapasok ni Hee.

"Yes po. Tito, I like your house."

His house is painted with seagull grey and most of furnitures are black.

"Thank you. Yours is bigger tho."

"Opo. Kasi tatlo naman kami and you're alone pero pwede kitang samahan." Hee said na nakasunod sa kanya pagpasok ng bahay.

"Since wala akong gift sayo nung birthday mo, you can choose one from my diecast car collection." Joshua said as they enter the other room.

Namangha si Hee sa nakita nya. Nakahilera yung iba't ibang diecast car sa isang glass cabinet na floor to ceiling. Pinasadya ni Joshua ung cabinet na yun para sa mga collection nya. Nilapitan ni Hee yung cabinet at tinignan yung mga nakahilerang ibat ibang klase ng kotse.

"Tito, I can't choose. Sobrang dami at maganda po lahat." The kid beamed.

"You can choose based on your favourite colour." Joshua suggested.

"Okay po." -Hee

Hinayaan ni Joshua si Hee na mamili. The kid's favourite colour is ivory and purple.

"Tito, I like this one." Hee pointing on the 1957 Plymouth Fury Sand Dune White.

"But I like this one din po." Tukoy nito sa Mercedes Benz 350 SL Ivory.

Joshua smiled. "You can have both."

Naunahan ng hiya si Hee. "I'll have the Plymouth Fury tito tapos next birthday ko na lang po yung isa."

Joshua laughed. He got that Hee is shy.

"Sure." He said and unlock the cabinet to get the said car.

"Thank you, tito. I'll show this to my friends." Masayang sabi ni Heeseung. Joshua closed the cabinet at lumabas na sila ng kwarto.

"Where's your papa and daddy?" Joshua asked nang makaupo sila sa may sala.

"Papa went to his shop tapos si Daddy nasa bahay lang po. Wala po syang work sa clinic today." Kwento ni Heeseung habang ibinabalik ung regalo ni Joshua sa box nito.

"I'll put this in my room po. Sabi po pala ni papa he'll bring food from the resto sabay ka daw po sa amin na magdinner."

Nung una nahihiya pa si Joshua pero ayun nga nakikain na din siya kila Jun at kila Jihoon.

"Sure. Sabay na tayo mamaya."

"Tito, do you know that none of my papa and daddy are my real dad?"

Joshua was taken aback because Heeseung is opening to him na parang matagal na silang magkakila. He shook his head.

"Don't tell daddy and papa po na sinabi ko sa inyo. The other titos know din naman po na I'm adopted."

"Okay. Yeah I won't tell them." Joshua humored Hee.

"My real mom passed away when she gave birth to me but I know how she looked like I have a picture of her." Hee continued.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's okay, tito. I'm sad that she passed away pero Papa and daddy love me so much po kaya parang walang kulang."

"Can I ask, if you know your real dad?"

"Tito, promise first that you won't tell papa and daddy na sinabi ko sayo."

"I promise. Cross my heart." He raised his right hand.

"Tito DK is my real dad po. He's Daddy Wonwoo's younger brother. He's famous. Hindi nila alam na alam ko that he's my dad nalama ko when I heard them talking when I was 10 po."

"What do you mean he's famous?"

"He's an actor and singer po."

"Why you didn't tell them that you know?"

Heeseung shrugged his shoulders off. Joshua didn't ask any further questions. Joshua kinda guessed why Wonwoo adopted his nephew.

"Gusto mo ng ice cream?"

"What flavour po?"

"I have chocolate and vanilla."

"Can I mix them, tito?"

"Of course." Joshua said at ginulo yung buhok ni Hee bago sya nagpunta ng kusina to get ice cream.

"Ikaw, tito? Why did you move here?" Hee asked pagbalik ni Joshua with his ice cream.

"I don't know. Basta isang araw nagising na lang ako, I want to move somewhere quiet." Kwento nya.

Hee stayed with Joshua hanggang hapon. Sabay silang nagpunta sa bahay nila Hee.

"I'm thinking na magpa house warming next Saturday. My friends are coming too." Joshua started the conversation with Mingyu and Won after dinner. Nasa terrace sila enjoying the night breeze.

"That's great." Saad ni Wonwoo.

"I'll be needing your help lalo na sa food."

"Sure. We can get food sa resto. Madami ka bang bisita?" -Mingyu asked

"No. Tatlo lang yung friends ko na darating tapos tayo tayo lang."

"That's noted." Sabi ni Mingyu.

"Can we go to beach po ulit?" Singit ni Hee na nasa tabi ni Joshua while scrolling his phone.

"Finish all your homework sa Friday night. Pwede tayong magbeach sa hapon after your tito Joshua's house warming." Sabi ni Wonwoo sa anak.

"Daddy, masyadong mainit pag hapon."

"Di wag kang maligo agad. We can stay there naman hanggang gabi." Sagot ni Wonwoo.

"Yay!" Masayang sabi ni Hee. The kid likes the beach kung pwede lang na every weekend silang mag beach but his parents are busy. Minsan kapag weekend on call si Won sa hospital and Mingyu's resto and shop are busier kapag weekend.

"I'm also thinking na magbusiness. Car parts." He shared his idea to the couple. He has enough savings pero kailangan nya ng pagkakaabalahan.

"That would be great. I think may space pa dun sa malapit sa pwesto nila Hao. You can check it. Kilala naman namin yung may ari nun." -sabi ni Mingyu. Minghao and Jun own a hardware and construction shop.

I'll check it. I'll ask Hao and Jun na lang sa details." -Joshua

"Tito, you really love cars noh?" -Hee

"Yes." He answered.

Excited na kwinento ni Hee sa parents nya yung collection ni Joshua.

"Daddy and Papa, when I grow up I want to have my own car din po."

"Of course. You'll have one kapag pwede ka nang magdrive." Sabi ni Mingyu. Thinking of Seok na ibibigay agad kay Hee yung gusto nya. Seok tried to compensate his shortcomings by giving material things to Hee na laging kinakagalit ni Won.

Chapter 4

Chapter Text

Joshua's dining table can only seat four people kaya naman Jeonghan and Cheol brought their foldable chairs. Mingyu put all food that Joshua ordered sa dining table. After the priest blessed his new home, nagsimula na silang kumain.

Dino, Seungkwan and Vernon came. Pinakilala ni Joshua yung mga kaibigan nya sa mga kapitbahay.

"Your place is nice. The whole town seems nice." Puri ni Vernon.

"It is. Wait till you see the beach. We're going later." Joshua said.

"Pupunta tayo?" Soonyong asked.

"Yeah. Nag aya si Hee." Sagot ni Mingyu.

"I think Seok's coming today." Sabi ni Hao and looked at Won. But the latter didn't say anything.

At 3 pm they decided to go to the beach. Jeonghan prepared meryenda for them because they had an early lunch.

"Oh God! I think I'll move here soon." Komento ni Seungkwan nang makita yung meryenda na dala ni Jeonghan at mga staff. Joshua didn't lie when he said na mababait yung mga neighbor nya. Not to mention the beach. Pristine and tranquil.

"Nah. Maybe we need to sell the business and let's all move here." Dagdag ni Vernon.

"Unless Chan wants to manage it by himself." Tumatawang sabi ni Seungkwan kaya sinamaan sya ng tingin. Silang tatlo yung bumili sa business ni Joshua.

"Why don't you move the business here?" Soonyong suggested.

"Right. Tama, kuya." Sabi ni Seungkwan.

Pinapanood lang ni Joshua yung mga kaibigan nya na nakikipag usap sa mga kapit bahay. He's glad na nag eenjoy sila.

"Joshua will occupy yung pwesto sa tabi namin." Sabi ni Jun sa mga kasama. They are in their usual spot na malapit sa dagat para mabantayan si Hee at Jay.

"That's nice, let us know if you need help." Sabi ni Jihoon and ask Joshua kung anong ibibusiness nito.

Joshua told them his plan. Since mas marami yung may motor sa town nila he will focus more dun sa mga parts para sa mga motor.

Vernon is not surprised naman na ilang linggo pa lang si Joshua dun nakaisip na ito agad ng negosyo. Joshua is business minded kaya naman hanggang ngayon wala pa din itong stable na relationship. He and his mom lived abroad. He stayed with his mom for the past years hanggang sa maisipan nyang magmove sa country side. His mom is now living with their kasambahay. His dad is living with his second family. He met one of his step siblings when he was younger pero di na naulit. Naging estranged na sila sa dad nya.

It was 6 in the evening nang makarinig sila ng commotion. They are still at the beach at dumami yung tao.

"What happened?" He asked Hee and Jay na kakaahon lang.

"Tito DK is here po. Kaya madaming tao." Sagot ni Hee. He remembered yung napag usapan nila ni Hee. That DK is famous.

"DK yung singer?" Dino asked Hee.

"Opo."

Nagkatinginan lang din si Hao at Gyu. They know Won will be mad again.

"Uggh. He should have waited at home. Bakit pa nagpunta dito." Wonwoo uttered.

"Hayaan mo na Won. Dinner is almost ready na din naman. Kumain na muna tayo." Sabi ni Jeonghan trying to calm Won.

Di naman nagtagal nakalapit na sa kanila si DK. Kasama nito yung PA nya at isang body guard.

He greeted everyone.

Seungcheol introduced Joshua, Vernon and Dino sa kanya. They exchange pleasantries. Seungkwan being Seungkwan is excited meeting a celebrity. Well, hindi naman araw araw may mamimeet kang celebrity. Joshua being Joshua, tinanggap nya yung kamay ni Seok for a shakehand at di nagsalita.

"Hi, Hee." Bati ni Seok.

"Hello po. Thank you po sa PS5."

Joshua observed Hee. They kid is natural. Parang sanay na sanay ito sa set up nila. Napansin ni Hee na nakatingin siya sa kanya kaya nginitian sya nito. He smiled back.

"Buti nakapunta ka, Seok." Jun said.

"Oo, kuya. Malapit lang dito ung location namin kaya pumunta na ako. Aalis din kami, dumaan lang kami." -Seok

When Seungcheol heard na aalis din agad si Seok he went to the kitchen to check kung ready na yung dinner.

Joshua is observing kung alam nila na si DK yung biological father ni Hee. But he can't tell.

"Kuya, did you visit sila mama?" DK asked.

"Nope. We're busy at the moment." Sagot ni Wonwoo na busy sa pagbibihis kay Hee.

Nang makabihis si Hee nilapitan nya si Joshua. He asked Joshua kung pwede ba syang samahan nito.

"Sure." Joshua said. Nagpasama si Hee na may kukunin sa sasakyan. Hee asked his papa Mingyu for his car keys saka sila umalis.

"That's tito DK po. Do you know him? Nakikita mo sya sa tv?" Hee asked habang naglalakad sila.

"No. I don't watch TV that much."

"That's new, tito. May di nakakakilala sa kanya." Hee chuckled.

"Is he really that famous?"

"Yes po. I think that's one of the reasons why we moved here. Minsan naiinis si Daddy Won kapag may mga fans. Kasi daw they are invading our privacy hindi naman kami yung artista."

"I see. I have a question pala, Hee."

"Ano yun tito?"

"Alam ba ng ibang tito mo na your real dad is your tito DK?"

"Hindi po. I think sila tito Hao and tito Jun lang po. Because tito Hao and Papa Mingyu are Tito DK's bestfriends."

Nang makarating sila sa sasakyan ni Mingyu, he asked the key from Hee para buksan yung sasakyan.

"Wala naman talaga akong kukunin, tito. Gusto ko lang umalis." Hee smiled shyly.

"Are you okay?" Joshua asked and look at the kid in front of him.

"Yes po. Para kasing mag aaway na naman si Tito DK at daddy Won kanina."

"How do you feel pag nag aaway sila."

"I feel sad kasi feeling ko nag aaway sila because of me."

"Does your daddy Won know how you feel?"

"No, tito. Thank you that you're here. Ikaw lang napagsabihan ko."

"I don't mind naman that you tell me about how you feel, I actually like it that you open up to me kasi I know how it feels kapag walang napagsasabihan pero hindi ba dapat sinasabi mo din sa kanila?"

"I'll try po to talk to Papa and Daddy."

"Good. Do you want to go back na baka hinihintay na nila tayo."

"Sige po. Thank you, tito." Hee smiled at him.

"Anytime." Joshua smiled and patted Hee's head.

After dinner, nagpaalam na si DK sa kanila.

"Nice meeting you." Sabi ni DK kay Joshua and to his friends. The older just nodded in response.

"Bye po." Hee said and waved his hand.

Seok texted his friends.

Seok: Init ng ulo sa akin ng asawa mo, Mingyu.

Mingyu: I'm sorry, Seok

Seok: It's okay. So that Joshua guy. Close sila ni Hee?

Mingyu: Oo

Seok: Should he sign a NDA?

Hao: I don't think that's necessary.

Seok: Well just to be safe saka baka kung ano ano nang sinabi ni Hee sa kanya?

Mingyu: So? It's not a secret naman that Hee is adopted. Hindi naman nya alam kung sino yung totoong tatay nya.

Seok: Paano kung malaman nya na ako yung totoong tayay ni Hee tapos ipagkalat nya.

Hao: The guy barely talk. Omg! He's about to start a business sa tingin mo yun ung priority nya na ipagkalat na ampon si Hee? I don't think Joshua is capable of doing that. He's fond of Hee.

Seok: I just want to make sure.

Mingyu: Stop, Seok.

Seok: Fine!

Seok put away his phone after sending the last text and released a sigh. He's back sa filming location for his new series.

Nabi, his love team in the series approached him.

"Are you okay?" Nabi asked because she heard him sighing.

"Yeah. Pagod lang." he answered and closed his eye. They are just taking a break at mamaya na ulit yung eksena nila.

"You know, you can tell me."

Matagal na silang magkatrabaho ni Nabi. Nakailang series and movies na din sila na magkasama. Umabot pa sa point na fans speculated na sila but they always clarify naman that they are just friends. Ang showbiz man pakinggan but that's the truth.

Hee's mom, Jiya was his bestfriend. Actually, they were 4 in the group. Him, Jiya, Mingyu and Hao. Nabuo si Hee unexpectedly. They are not even in a relationship when they did it. Ready naman syang panagutan nun si Jiya but that was the start of his career. He got casted for a movie for a supporting role. Dun nagsimula yung pagsikat nya. That movie opened so many doors for him. He blamed himself sa pagkawala ni Jiya. Isa din sa reasons bakit nya nilulunod yung sarili nya sa trabaho para makalimutan yung nangyare. It's been 12 years pero sinisisi nya pa din yung sarili nya. Naalala nya ung mga nangyare kapag nakikita nya si Hee. Don't get him wrong, hindi naman sya galit sa bata.

He used to f*ck around pero hanggang dun lang. Napagod na din syang makipagfling but that doesn't mean he's ready for a serious relationship. Puro sya trabaho he doesn't know what life-work balance is.

"Hey, eksena na natin." Tawag ni Nabi sa kanya.

Chapter 5

Chapter Text

Another 3 weeks yung nakalipas, nasimulan na ni Joshua yung sa business nya. Nakapag secure na sya ng mga permit na kailangan and did renovation sa pwesto nya. Hindi naman sya nahirapang maghanap ng suppliers kasi madami syang kilala sa car industry.

"How is it going?" Tanong ni Jun sa kanya.

Kwinento nya yung progress. "Maybe next week kapag nadeliver na lahat pwede nang mag open."

"That's great. Kung kelangan mo ng makakatulong, let us know. Yung kapatid nung isang staff namin naghahanap ng trabaho." -Jun

"Yeah. I will prolly need 2 people na magtatao dito." Joshua

"Are you done for today?" Tanong ni Jun.

"Yeah. Bukas na ulit ako mag aayos." -Joshua

"Nagtext si Jay. Andun daw sya kila Hee. Nag aaya daw papa ni Hee. Dun na daw tayo magdinner." Sabi ni Jun.

Joshua is more comfortable na compare nung first week nya. Normal na yung kumakain silang lahat kila Mingyu or sa Heaven's Cloud. Mas napalapit sa kanya si Hee. Di na nya ulit nakita si DK since nung sa beach after ng house warming nya.

"Hello tito Jun, tito Joshua." Bati ni Hee pagkabukas niya ng gate nila.

"Asan sila?" Jun asked.

"Nasa backyard po. Tara po." Aya sa kanila ni Hee.

"Tito, okay na yung pwesto mo?" He asked Joshua. He's aware that Joshua is opening a business.

"Yeah. Baka mag open na ako next week."

"That's great, tito. I can help po pwede akong magbantay pag di busy sa shop ni papa." Hee offered.

"Yeah. Sama ka kay Jay pag pumunta sya sa pwesto nila."

"Sige, tito."

"Andito na sila." Soonyong announced their arrival.

"Hey." Joshua greeted everyone. Hindi lang pala basta dinner. It's Mingyu and Wonwoo's anniversary. Their backyard is decorated with lights na naka sabit sa mga puno. There's a long table gaya nung nasa dining area nila Won.

"Happy Anniversary." He greeted. "Oh God. I should get you something." Nahihiyang sabi nya.

Mingyu chuckled. "Don't worry about it."

He sat beside Cheol. The latter asked him about dun sa progress ng business nya. Kwinento nya and told him he will open his shop soon.

Jihoon who's sitting in front of him asked him to print out posters and flyers para idikit at impamigay nila sa supermarket. Jihoon and Soonyong own the biggest supermarket in town.

"Tito, gusto mo ako magdesign?" Napatingin silang lahat kay Hee. His papa and daddy were shocked. Like they know he can draw but they didn't know na ganong level na pala sya.

"Sure. Basta mababa lang yung talent fee mo ha. Nagsisimula pa lang si tito." Joshua said jokingly na ikinatawa nilang lahat.

"Magaling po si kuya Hee. Lagi po syang nanalo sa poster making sa school." Kwento ni Jay.

Mingyu knows where did Hee get his artistic side. It's from his mom. Jiya was a fine arts student.

"Oo, tito. Mababa lang po." Hee said at nakitawa na lang din sa mga matatanda.

Seok: Mingyu, happy anniversary sa inyo ni Kuya. Did you get my gift?

Mingyu: Yeah. Thanks.

Seok: How's Hee?

Mingyu: He's fine.

Seok: Okay.

Hao: Kelan ka ulit pupunta dito?

Seok: Kapag di na busy.

Hee went to Joshua's house pagkatapos nyang magbihis galing sa school. Sisimulan nilang magdesign ng flyers.

"Tito, anong name ng shop mo?"

"I registered it under my name."

"Ohh. Hong's Car Parts?" Hee asked.

They both laughed. Joshua didn't thought about it.

"Pwede naman." Sabi ni Joshua na naupo sa tabi ni Hee sa harap ng computer nya.

"Sure na, tito?"

"Yeah. Sure na." Joshua humoured Hee.

Hee started and Joshua has no idea kung anong gamit nyang app. Hee used mostly black and red sa paggawa ng flyers. He was so into it. Tutok ito sa ginagawa kaya iniwan muna sya ni Joshua to get him something.

"Tito, ano nga yung address nung shop mo?"

"Oh hindi ko ba nailagay?"

"No po." Hee chuckled.

Joshua wrote the address dun sa pinagsulatan nya kanina nung ibang details ng shop nya for Hee to use as his guide.

"Hmmm anong gusto mong reward?"

"It's free, tito."

"I mean, kahit hindi material things."

"Let's go for a drive? Pasakay sa kotse mo." Nakangiting sabi ni Hee.

"Sure. Paalam tayo sa papa at daddy mo."

"Yay." Hee said smiling brightly.

Saturday came, tinupad ni Joshua yung reward ni Hee. Naibigay na din nila yung mga flyers and posters sa resort, sa supermarket at sa shop ng Junhao.

Binilin ni Won at Mingyu ang anak to behave. Hee is a nice kid naman but of course parents will always be parents.

Joshua drove around with Hee. Nagpunta din sila sa may boardwalk where they can watch the sunset.

"This is one of my favourite places, tito" Hee said as they walk towards the boardwalk.

"Ohhh I can see why. It's quiet here and you can really see the sunset. Madalas kayo dito?" Joshua asked. They are both watching the tangerine sky as the sun sets in the distance on the horizon. The only noise they can hear is the nature: the sound of the waves, birds chirping and the buzzing sound from the cicadas.

"Hindi, tito. Minsan kasama ko mga friends ko nagpupunta kami dito." Kwento ni Hee.

"We can come here kapag di tayo busy ng weekend."

"Sige po, tito."

Hee likes being with Joshua kasi hindi sya nito bininaby like his parents. With Joshua he can be a normal 12 year old.

"Ang relaxing po talagang manood ng sunset. Which do you prefer tito? Sunrise or sunset?"

"Hmmm, both?" He chuckled. "Ikaw?" Dugtong nya.

"Sunset po."

Joshua realized that he never watched the sunset except when he's on vacation. The sun sets and rises everyday naman like you can enjoy the beautiful moments that sunsets create every day regardless kung nasaan ka. Siguro dahil he lived a fast paced life na feeling nya wala na syang oras para sa ibang bagay.

Seok texted his friends..
Seok: Hello? Are you guys busy?

Hao: Oo nandito pa kami sa shop.

Mingyu: Nasa resto ako.

Seok: Si kuya?

Mingyu: Nasa hospital yun ngayon.

Hao: Bakit?

Seok: Flat tire.

Hao: Asan ka?

Seok: Near the boardwalk.

Mingyu: Mag isa ka lang?

Seok: Yeah.

Hao: Kanina ka pa dyan?

Seok: Nope. Kakaflat lang ng gulong ko. I managed naman na igilid yung sasakyan ko.

Mingyu: Wait, I'll call Joshua. Magkasama sila ni Hee, I think nasa boardwalk pa sila. Wag kang lumabas ng kotse. Baka may makakita sayo dyan.

Seok: Joshua? The new neighbor?

Mingyu: Yeah.

Seok: Bakit magkasama sila ni Hee?

Joshua received a call from Mingyu.

"It's your dad." Sabi nya kay Hee bago nya ito sagutin.

"Ano pong sabi?" Hee asked pagkatapos ng tawag.

"Your tito DK daw needs help, kaya tara na?"

"Bakit daw po?

"Naflatan daw malapit lang sya dito."

"Okay po. Tara na tito, magdidilim na din naman." Hee said. The sun finally set kaya medyo madilim na kaya nag aya na din si Hee.

Joshua drove to where Seok is. Kasama nya pa din si Hee.

"Ayun, tito." Turo ni Hee sa itim na kotse.

"Honda NSX." Joshua said under his breath. They are meters away but was able to identify kung ano yung kotse ni Seok.

"Po?" Hee asked nang di gaanong narinig yung sabi ni Joshua.

"Your tito DK's car. It's Honda NSX." Ulit nya.

Hee is amazed.

Joshua parked his Mustang paralleled to Seok's car. He instructed Hee to come with him. Madilim na kaya kailangan nya si Hee to hold the flashlight for him.

"Hello po." Hee greeted.

"Hello." Seok greeted back.

"Hi. Mingyu called. May spare tire ka?"

"Yeah. Nasa front hood."

"Okay, open it. I'll get the spare tire." Utos ni Joshua na madali naman nyang sinunod.

After nyang makuha yung spare tire ni Seok, he went to his vehicle to get his tool box.

"Hold this for me." Inabot nya yung flash light kay Hee.

Seok was standing malapit sa kanila and watched Joshua change his tire.

Text:
Seok: Joshua and Hee are here. Pinapalitan na yung gulong ko. Close pala talaga sila.

Mingyu: Yeah. Pauwi na din ako. Deretso na kayo sa bahay pagkatapos nyo dyan. Tell Joshua na sa bahay na kumain.

Seok: Sure. Dala ka ng favourite ko ha. Bakit nga pala magkasama sila nung bago nyong kapitbahay?

Mingyu: Hee helped Joshua gumawa dun sa flyers para sa business nya. As a reward, ayan magkasama sila. Parang treat ni Joshu.

Seok: Ohh.. Hee got that from his mom.

Hao: Yeah. Jiya was so good.

Seok: Right.

"I'll put your flat tire muna sa trunk ko." Joshua said nang matapos syang magpalit ng gulong. He gathered all the tools and asked Hee to help him put them back.

"Thanks."

Joshua nodded.

"Hee, sakay ka na sa kotse ko." Sabi ni Seok.

Hee looked at Joshua first. Joshua smiled and nodded.

"Tito, see you po sa bahay." Paalam ni Hee at sumakay sa kotse ni Seok.

"I'll see you." He waited for Seok and Hee na makasakay ng kotse bago sya sumakay ng kotse nya.

While driving, nag iisip si Seok kung nameet na ba nya si Joshua. He seems familiar. Maybe he met him once but he cannot recall when and where or maybe he looks like someone he knows.

Barangay Desi Syete GC

Mingyu: Dinner is on us.

Jun: Anong meron?

Mingyu: Seok is here. Andito din si Joshua.

Hao: Right. Tinulungan sya ni Joshua.

Jihoon: Anong nangyare?

Hao: Naflatan si Seok.

Won: Oh God!

Jeonghan: Chill, Won. We're coming. Baka may gusto kayo from here.

Cheol: Are you guys up for a drink?

Joshua: Sure

Won: Joshua, sorry sa abala.

Joshua: No worries.

Jun: Dala na lang kayo ng alak, Cheol.

Cheol: Sure..

Soonyong: Joshua, kelan opening ng shop mo?

Joshua: I'm thinking next Saturday.

Soonyong: That's noted. Napamigay na namin lahat ng flyers mo.

Joshua: Thank you.

Habang naghihintay sila sa iba nilang mga kaibigan, Joshua helped Mingyu and Wonwoo in the kitchen. Seok's in his room. May sarili syang kwarto sa bahay nila Mingyu. Hee is at Jay's house para ayain sila.

"All set ka na for your opening?" Mingyu asked while opening the food container. He brought a lot from the resto.

"Yeah. Yung date na lang pero baka this Saturday na." Sagot niya.

"Babe, ask your staff to prepare food for Joshua's opening." Sabi ni Won.

"Are your friends coming?" Mingyu asked.

"Yeah. They're coming."

"That's great." Sabi ni Won na naglalagay ng plato sa mesa.

Few minutes later, narinig nila si Hee at Jay papalapit sa dining area.

"Hello po mga tito, sunod na lang daw po sila dad." Jay said.

"Hi, Jay. Busy ba mga daddy mo?" Won asked.

"Nasa shop pa po si daddy Hao tapos si daddy Jun po nasa bahay may inaayos po." Magalang na sagot ni Jay.

"Ah tito Joshua, pwede kami magbantay minsan ni Hee sa shop mo." Jay offered.

"That's great. I might need your help sa opening." Sagot ni Joshua na hinahalo yung iniinit na ulam.

"Asan po sila tito Jeonghan?" Hee asked.

"Papa, itext mo na nga sila." Won asked Mingyu.

"Papa, tulog po si tito." Sabi ni Hee pagbalik nya sa kusina. Dumating na yung mga kapit bahay nila and they are about to eat. Inutusan kanina ni Mingyu si Hee na tawagin si Seok.

"Yaan mo na. Umupo ka na, anak. Let's eat na." -Won

Hee sat beside Joshua. They started eating after Jay said grace.

They talked about Joshua's shop opening this coming Saturday. His neighbors volunteered to help.

After eating, Jay and Hee washed the dished tapos ung mga adults nagstay sa likod ng bahay nila Mingyu.

Seok woke up dahil sa mga tawanan na naririnig nya. Bumangon sya at sumilip sa bintana. He saw his kuya's friends na nag iinuman at nagkwekwentuhan.

He decided to go downstairs para kumain dahil ramdam na nya yung pagkalam ng sikmura nya. Nadatnan nya si Hee at Jay na naglilinis sa kusina.

"Hi, tito. Kain ka na po." It was Jay who first noticed him dahil nagpupunas ito ng lamesa while Hee is in the sink washing the dishes.

"Tito, may ulam pa po dyan. Init nyo na lang po." Dagdag ni Hee.

"Thanks. Yeah, ako na bahala." He went to the stove and turned it on. Nanatili syang nakatayo malapit sa may stove at malapit din kay Hee.

"Kumusta school nyo." He asked Jay and Hee.

"Okay naman po." The kids answered in unison.

"Tito, balik ka sa Sabado. Magbubukas na si tito Joshua ng shop nya." Sabi ni Hee.

"I'll try. Kapag hindi ako busy."

Ikinuha sya ni Jay ng plato at kutsara saka nya ito nilapag sa mesa.

"Drinks, tito?" Jay asked.

"Don't worry, Jay. Ako na lang mamaya. Thanks." Sagot nya.

"Okay po." Sagot ni Jay at saka lumapit kay Hee para magbanlaw ng mga nasabon na ni Hee.

"Hee, close ka dun sa Joshua?" He asked.

"Opo. Tito Joshua is nice po." Sagot ni Hee. Di malaman kung bakit tinanong sya ni Seok.

Hee looked at Jay but the younger could only shrug his shoulders.

He's not the strict type naman he just want to protect Hee from other people. Hindi nya alam yung gagawin nya pag nadrag si Hee and his family. He's just being protective. Showbiz is messy.

"Tito, akyat na po muna kami." Paalam ni Hee nang matapos silang magligpit ni Jay.

Tumango lang sya at nagpatuloy sa pagkain. Nagpupunta sya kila Mingyu if he wants to relax at kung may mahaba syang off. He doesn't care kung malamig yung pakikitungo sa kanya ni Won. Nasanay na din sya. It's been 12 years.

He's known for being stoic. You won't see him cry unless sa movies nya or series nya. Pero lingid sa kaalaman ng iba it's his way of expressing himself dun nya binubuhos lahat ng emosyon kaya madali lang syang maiyak sa mga eksena. Kay Mingyu at Hao lang sya nagpapakita ng totoong emosyon.

Tapos na syang kumain and made himself busy by scrolling through under his name on twitter. He's so into it kaya nagulat sya nung bumukas yung pinto.

"Hi." Joshua greeted.

Nag angat ng tingin si Seok at nagtama yung mga mata nila.

"Hi." He greeted back at saka yumuko ulit to look at his phone.

Dumiretso si Joshua sa may fridge para kumuha ng yelo. It didn't take him long para kumuha kasi they prepared everything kanina. Joshua left without saying anything.

Seok texted his bffs.

Seok: Tahimik talaga yung Joshua?

Mingyu: I guess pag dipa nya kilala.

Hao: I think he's the type na kailangan munang magwarm up before putting everything on the table.

Gyu: Why'd you ask?

Seok: Andito ako sa kusina, he only said hi and left without saying anything.

Mingyu: Baka wala ka ding sinabi

Seok: Naghi ako

Hao: Hindi sya naghi?

Seok: Naghi

Mingyu: Labas ka

Hao: Right, join us

Pagkatapos hugasan ni Seok yung pinagkainan nya pinuntahan nya sila.

"Hi, Seok." Jun greeted. At sumunod ding bumati yung mga iba. He greeted them back and sat beside Joshua dahil yun lang yung bakanteng upuan.

"Nadalaw ka?" Won asked. Mingyu was quick to squeeze Won's hand. It's like telling him to chill.

"I always come here naman kapag may mahabang break ako." He replied saka sinumangutan si Wonwoo.

If it's not Mingyu it will be Jeonghan that stops them bago pa sila magsagutan.

"Kumain ka na?" Jeonghan asked.

"Oo, kuya." He answered.

"Beer?" Jihoon offered.

"Sure." Inabot nya yung beer na bigay ni Jihoon.

Pinagpatuloy nila yung pagplaplano ng opening ng shop ni Joshua. They decided na gawin na ito this coming Saturday.

"Beach after?" Cheol suggested and everyone agreed.

It's like every week may ganap sila sa Barangay Deysi Syete since Joshua moved. After his shop opening masasabi nyang settled na talaga sya.

It's almost 10pm and most of them ay may gagawin pa bukas nang maaga kaya they decided to call it a night.

Jun called Jay, mauuna na silang uuwi because Hao, Mingyu and Seok need to talk.

Same goes with Won, pumasok na sya ng bahay nila.

"Una na kami, kuya. Bukas ulit." Paalam ni Jay kay Hee.

"Di ka pa matutulog, baby?" Tanong ni Won saka inakbayan si Hee.

"Si papa po?"

"Nasa labas pa. Kasama tito DK at tito Hao mo."

"Daddy, can we talk po?"

Nagtataka si Won dahil seryoso yung pagkakasabi ni Hee. He is really growing so fast.

"Sure, you know you can tell us everything naman diba?" Sabi ni Won and lead Hee to his room.

"Opo. Kaya I want to tell you something."

Joshua texted Mingyu

Joshua: Hey, just in case you look for DK in the morning, he's here.

Mingyu: Oh God! Akala ko he's in his room na. He's drunk. Pano syang napunta dyan?

Joshua: I was about to sleep tapos may narinig akong kumakatok sa gate. I went outside tapos ayun I saw him

Mingyu: Sorry, Joshua.

Joshua: No worries. He's sleeping in the guestroom na.

Mingyu: May sinabi ba sya sayo?

Joshua: Yeah. He wants me to sign a NDA.

Mingyu: Oh God! Pasensya na.

Joshua: It's okay. I do get it naman he needs to protect you guys.

Mingyu: Don't tell Won about it, please? mag aaway na naman sila

Joshua: Sure. No worries.

Mingyu: Did he mention about Hee?

Joshua: He did. Don't worry your secret is safe with me.

Mingyu: Thank you.

Joshua: Btw, did Hee talk to you about Won and his brother?

Mingyu: Yung kapag nag aaway silang magkapatid?

Joshua: Yeah.

Mingyu: Oo, nadatnan ko sila ni Won kanina na nag uusap. Thank you for being there for Hee.

Joshua: I'm actually honoured and worried at the same time kasi bago pa lang ako dito. Idk kung tama ba na nagsasabi sa akin si Hee. I hope I didn't offend you or something.

Mingyu: Nah. It's fine, we understand na may mga bagay na hindi nasasabi si Hee sa amin. We're thankful na ikaw yung napagsasabihan nya. Thank you.

Joshua: Anytime. Just to let you know, I'm not signing a NDA. Hindi kailangan.

Mingyu: Yan din yung sabi namin ni Hao kay Seok.

Joshua: Seok?

Mingyu: DK. Seokmin is his government name.

Joshua: I see.

The next day..

Seok woke up sa isang hindi familiar na kwarto. The room is painted with pale oak and has a very minimal furniture. Naupo sya sa kama and check his phone. It's almost 1 in the afternoon and he got a message from Mingyu.

Mingyu: Apologize to Joshua.

He read Mingyu text and replied.

Seok: Bakit ako mag aapologize?

Mingyu: Maybe for barging last night or maybe for waking up late.

Seok: Nagagaya ka na kay kuya. You sound like him.

Mingyu: Bumangon ka na dyan. Hindi alam ni Won na andyan ka.

That hit him, nagsink in sa kanya yung mga ginawa nya kagabi. Napahaplos sya sa batok nya.

"Damn." He uttered. Praying na wala na si Joshua sa bahay nya. He doesn't know how to face him because he's sure he said stupid things and insisted that Joshua should sign a NDA. Inayos nya yung sarili nya saka lumabas ng guest room.

Joshua's house is not that big. It's an open concept kaya kita yung kusina kapag nasa sala. Malapit lang sa sala yung guest room. Iginala nya yung mata nya sa kabahayan at wala syang nakita Joshua. Nagmadali syang nagpunta sa main door para makalabas ng bahay. The door opened bago nya pa ito mabuksan. Nagtama yung mga mata nila pero agad ding nagbawi si Joshua.

"Oh you're awake." -Joshua

'His eyes. I've seen it before.' He thought.

Took him few seconds bago nagsalita ulit.

"Yeah. Sige uwi na ako."

"I brought food from Mingyu's resto. Walang tao sa kanila."

"It's fine. Sige." He said and left without saying sorry or thanking Joshua.

Again Joshua didn't say anything at hinayaan lang si Seok na umalis. He was thinking about Hee since last night kung nasabi ba nito sa parents nya na alam nya kung sinong totoong tatay nya.

Joshua messaged his friends.

Joshua: I had an unexpected visitor last night.

Dino: Mamatay na nagtanong.

Vernon: Hahahahaha

Seungkwan: Sino?

Joshua: DK

Dino: Yung artista?

Joshua: Tapos magtatanong ka ngayon? Yeah yung artista

Dino: Sinagot mo naman.

Seungkwan: How come?

Joshua: He was drunk. Tapos katok ng katok sa gate. Tapos when I opened the gate dire-diretso syang pumasok.

Vernon: Is this what I think it is?

Joshua: What?

Vernon: You got laid?

Joshua: f*ck, no! I don't even know if he's into guys. He seems straight.

Seungkwan: Gagi, alam ng lahat that he plays for both teams.

Joshua: I see.

Dino: Joshua typings?

Joshua: Nah. He's Wonwoo's brother.

Seungkwan: May rules ba kayo dyan not to date someone's brother?

Joshua: Wala naman. At bakit ba natin pinag uusapan ang dating? I can tell that he hates me.

Dino: Anong ginawa mo bakit hate ka nya?

Joshua: I don't know. But yeah he hates me. He asked me to sign a NDA.

Vernon: Non-disclosure agreement?

Joshua: Yeah.

Seungkwan: Anong nalalaman mo?

Joshua: Wala. He's just paranoid at ano namang mapapala ko?

Dino: Pwede mo ibenta yung info nya sa press.

Joshua: For what? Madami na akong pera.

Seungkwan: Hahahaha

Vernon: Hahahah

Joshua: He's handsome. I'll give him that. But I hate his guts. So we're even. We both hate each other. End of story. He didn't even say thank you nor say sorry for what he did last night.

Dino: Pustahan may magmumukbang ng salita.

Vernon: 5 grand!

Dino: San pusta mo?

Vernon: Na may magmumukbang ng salita.

Seungkwan: Eh di si Joshua lang pala kalaban?

Dino: Yup. Akin Mustang ni Joshua pag nagmukbang sya.

Vernon: Damn! Dapat yun pala sinabi ko.

Joshua: Yall, shut up! Ano kayo bata? Nagpupustahan?

Seungkwan: Technically, ikaw lang matanda dito.

Joshua: Still! Hindi na kayo high school para magpustahan.

Dino: Fine! Sayang! Hahaha

Napailing na lang sya sa sinabi ng mga kaibigan nya. They can be chaotic talaga kung minsan. They were his employees turned friends. They are not wrong, he's older than them.

Chapter 6

Chapter Text

Desi syete gc

Cheol: Congrats, Joshua.

Joshua: Thanks. Thank you sa inyong lahat. Couldn't have done it without you, guys.

Soons: Celebration na?

Jihoon: May gagawin ka pa, mahal. Sunod na lang tayo.

Soons: Ay oo nga pala. Kuya Han, may kailangan kayo para madala namin.

Han: Tanong ko sila sa kitchen. Message kita.

Joshua: Mingyu, padagdag pa ako ng order for later's dinner kila Cheol. Thanks!

Mingyu: Noted.

Hao: Andito pa yung dalawang bata sa shop ni Joshua. Mukhang ayaw pang umalis.

Wonwoo: Dyan muna si Hee. Wala pa ako sa bahay. Dumaan akong hospital.

Hao: No problem. Ipapasabay ko na sila kay Joshua papunta sa resort.

Wonwoo: Yes, please.

Mingyu: Babe, I'll see you sa resort.

Wonwoo: Sige.

Joshua: Please say thank you to DK for me. Dami nung pinadala nyang congratulatory flowers.

Hao: Sure. Makakarating.

Gyu: I'll give you his number.

Joshua and friends gc

Seungkwan: Wow, ang daming flowers ha. Ganon ba ung "we hate each other"

Vern: Right?

Joshua: Hindi ko din alam why he did that. Maybe it is his way of apologizing or thanking me.

Dino: or both.

Vernon: Did you thank him?

Joshua: Nah. Pero Mingyu forwarded his number.

Seungkwan: Naks, textmate na sila.

Joshua: I haven't messaged him. Should I?

Dino: Yes. Para may textmate kang artista.

Vernon: yeah, magtithank you ka lang naman why you sound so worked up

Joshua: I'm not.

Vernon: You are.

Seungkwan: Una na kami kila kuya Han.

Joshua: Sure. I'll meet you guys there.

Dino: Text mo na. Yieeh

Dumagsa yung mga customers after ng opening ng shop ni Joshua kaya di sya nakaalis agad. Hee and Jay stayed kasama nung dalawang staff that he hired. His shop is bigger compare sa iba. Customers can walk in sa shop nya it's like a grocery store for a car parts. Jay and Hee are helping directing the customers kung saang section yung mga hinahanap nila.

It was almost 5 in the afternoon nang humupa yung mga tao sa shop nya. Ilan ilan na lang yung mga andun kaya nagbilin sya sa staff nya saka inaya na sina Hee at Jay na umalis.

"Tito, sabay ako kay papa Jun. Nauna na po si papa Hao sa resort." Paalam ni Jay.

"Sige. Kita na lang tayo sa resort. Thanks, Jay for helping. Treat ko kayo ni Hee."

The 2 kids smile. Nagpaalam na din si Jay kay Hee at lumabas na ito ng shop.

"Tara na din, Hee. Naghihitay na sila daddy mo." Aya nya.

Nagpaalam na sila sa staff at sinabihan nyang magsara na din sila.

"Tito, bakit ang daming flowers na pinadala ni tito DK." Hee asked nang maisuot nito yung seatbelt nya.

"That I don't know." He said nonchalantly.

Naisip ni Joshua na in 2 weeks it will be Christmas and the following week will be his birthday. With all the ganaps, he thought na next year pa sila makakapag pahinga. Being busy sometimes is good, well at least wala na syang demanding na customers na iniintindi. He's glad he has friends to celebrate with.

"Anong ginagawa nyo kapag pasko?" He asked the kid on the passenger seat.

"Masaya tito kapag pasko. I think tito Ji and tito Soon will be the hosts this year. Papa will cook tapos idadala namin sa bahay ng host. Tapos may exchange gift din." Masayang kwento ni Hee.

"Nagsisimbang gabi din kami tito. Pero ang hirap bumangon sa umaga kaya minsan di ako nakakapunta minsan si daddy lang with the other tito or minsan si papa lang. Pero we make sure yung last na simbang gabi, kumpleto kami." Patuloy ni Hee.

"That's great." It made him excited to spend the holidays with his friends. He made a mental note to buy Christmas decor for his shop and house.

"Sama ka sa amin na magsimbang gabi, tito."

"Of course. I'll go." Sabi nya. He's not agnostic pero hindi din sya religious. But for the festivities, why not. Dati, he would drive his mom sa simbahan tapos hihintayin nya na lang yung mom nya habang kumakain ng bibingka sa loob ng kotse nya.

"How bout your tito DK?"

"Humahabol na lang sya, tito. Kasi lagi yun may work."

He nodded. Dahil malapit lang naman sila sa resort, nakarating sila agad. He parked his car beside Jun's.

Joshua messaged DK.

Joshua: Hey, Joshua here. Thanks for the flowers.

DK: Welcome!

'He's not that bad.' DK thought. Kasi naman kung ibang tayo yun baka kung ano nang ginawa sa kanya. He still owe Joshua an apology for what he did. He was prolly acted like an asshole that night. Pinagalitan sya ni Mingyu the next day. He can only imagine kung anong sasabihin ni Won kung nalaman nya ito.

He's at his condo, kakauwi nya lang galing sa guesting sa isang talk show. He's sitting on his couch and browsing an online shopping app. Naghahanap sya ng pangregalo kay Hee for Christmas. Wala syang makita at maisip. He messaged Joshua.

DK: Close kayo ni Hee diba? I can't think kung anong ibibigay ko sa kanya sa pasko. Any suggestions?

Joshu: Your presence.

DK: WTF! What do you know?

Joshua: Ha?

DK: Wala.

Napahilamos si DK sa natanggap nyang reply ni Joshua. He knows Joshua is right. Ilang pasko na nga ba syang puro trabaho? Ilang pasko na bang hindi nya kasama yung pamilya nya? Maybe it's about time para makasama nya ang pamilya nya especially Hee.

He messaged his manager to cancel all his schedule. He doesn't care kung anong magiging impact nun sa career nya. He told his manager na bahala na itong magdahilan. He's DK, he can do whatever he wants. Besides, may oras pa sila to find a replacement. Not that they can replace him but whatever.

Desi Syete GC

Jun: Joshua, kumusta benta?

Joshua: Ayos naman. Great, actually.

Jun: Nice.

Cheol: Final na tayo kila Ji at Soons sa Pasko?

Hao: Oo, kuya.

Cheol: Potluck na lang ulit?

Mingyu: Oo, kuya.

Ji: Kami na sa lechon.

Won: Hee will be happy. Amaze na amaze yun sa lechon na may mansanas hahaha

Soon: i'll make sure may mansanas ung lechon. Hahaha

Joshua: Andito sila ni Jay.

Hao: Christmas break na nila kaya iikot yang mga yan to help.

Jun: Iready nyo na mga pasko nyo. Hahaha

Han: Nakaready na. Namili na kami ni Cheol nung lumuwas kami.

Joshua: Luluwas din ako sa lunes. Baka may gusto kayong ipabili?

Jun: Mahal? Pabili na lang ba tayo kay Joshua?

Hao: Kung okay lang. hehe

Joshua: Sure. Ano yun?

Jun: Ung Breville na coffee maker.

Joshua: Sure. Send me a pic or yung model. I'll ask Vernon to get it.

Hao: Sige. I'll send it to you. Thank you!

Joshua: Anytime. Idk, what to get Hee and Jay for Christmas.

Jun: Kahit ano basta wag lang gadget.

Won: Agreed!

Joshua: Any suggestions?

Mingyu: Art supply na lang kay Hee.

Jun: Cookbook kay Jay.

Hao: True. Hehe mas madalas tambay si Jay sa resto ni Mingyu kesa sa tindahan namin.

Joshua: That's noted.

Seok messaged his besties.

Seok: Gyu, hindi ka ba luluwas?

Mingyu: Nope.

Seok: Hao?

Hao: Hindi na. Magpapabili na lang kami kay Joshua nung coffe machine.

Seok: Luluwas sya?

Hao: Yeah. Bakit?

Seok: Wala naman.

Gyu: Did you apologize?

Hao: Apologize?

Gyu: Yang kaibigan mo. Rmr, nung nalasing sya, dun sya natulog sa bahay ni Joshua.

Hao: OMG!! Pano na lang kung ibang tao, Seok?

Seok: Ibang tao din naman si Joshua.

Hao: Hindi lahat ng tao kasing bait nya. Pano na lang kung sa ibang bahay ka napunta.

Seok: Kanino naman? Kayo kayo lang naman sa street nyo.

Hao: Wag mo nang uulitin yun.

Seok: Yeah.

Hao: Alam ni Won?

Mingyu: Nope. Kapag nalaman nya dalawa kaming malalagot. I'm glad, Joshua made a promise not to tell Won. Please, huwag na kayong mag away ni Won. Nasasad daw si Hee pag nag aaway kayo.

Seok: Asawa mo lang naman nang aaway.

Hao: What's your plan this holiday?

Seok: Punta ako dyan.

Hao: Oh okay.

Mingyu: Alam ng kuya mo?

Seok: Nope. As if he cares.

Mingyu: Don't get Hee anything.

Hao: Jay too.

Seok: Ohh okay. 🙄

DK messaged Joshu

DK: Hey!

Joshua: ?

DK: Luluwas ka daw?

Joshua: Yeah.

DK: When?

Joshua: 22

DK: Balikan ka lang?

Joshua: Yeah.

DK: Pasabay.

Joshua: Ha?

DK: Pagbalik mo dyan. Sabay na ako. I would have asked Mingyu or Hao para sunduin ako kaso nasabi ni Hao na luluwas ka.

Joshua: You drive, right?

DK: Yeah. Sunod sunod filming ko hanggang 22 ng hapon. I'm too tired to drive.

Joshua: Okay.

DK: Okay?

Joshua: Isasabay na kita.

DK: Pick me up. [address]

Joshua: 👍🏽

Chapter 7

Chapter Text

After Joshua finished all his errands, pinuntahan na nya si Seok sa address na binigay nito. He messaged him to let the younger know that he's already outside.

Di naman nagtagal bumaba na si Seok. He's wearing a black hoodie, jeans and a black cap. Agad nyang nakita yung kotse ni Joshua na nakahinto sa harapan mismo ng lobby ng condo building. Seok knocked. Ibinaba ni Joshua yung bintana ng passenger seat. Seok instructed him to open the backseat. Nilagay ng nakakabata yung gamit nya sa likod ng kotse. Akala ni Joshua sa likod ito mauupo but Seok went back and knock again. Naupo ito sa shot gun.

"I haven't had dinner. Ikaw?" Seok asked pagkalagay nito ng seatbelt nya.

"Hindi pa din." Matipid na sagot ni Joshua.

Seok asked if Joshua wants to eat sa isang restaurant or magdrive thru na lang sila. The older knows that Seok cannot be seen in public lalo na kung may ibang kasama ito. Ayaw din nyang madamay in case na may makakita sa kanila. He started the engine bago sya sumagot.

"Drive thru na lang." Joshua suggested.

"Pwedeng Jollibee? I miss their yum burger."

"Oh okay."

Nagdrive thru sila sa unang Jollibee na nadaanan nila.

"Drinks?" Joshua asked.

"Kahit ano." Sagot ni Seok. Okay lang naman talaga kahit ano. He's not on a diet or something but he works out almost everyday.

That's one of Joshua's petpeeves. Kapag tinatanong nya yung tao kung anong gusto tapos sasabihin na "kahit ano" or "kahit saan".

Pagkakuha ng order nila inabot nya lahat kay Seok yung paper bag. He got Seok yum burger, fries and co*ke. He got burger too so he can take a bite whenever they hit a red light.

Seok opened the paper bag. He put their drinks on the cup holder betweet the passenger's seat and the driver's seat. He took his burger out from the paper bag. He took Joshua's too and opened it first. He asked him to take a bite like it's the most normal thing to do.

Joshua is caught off guard, he didn't expect Seok to do that.

"Dali na, bago mag GO ulit." Seok said at nilapit yung burger sa bibig ni Shua.

He took a bite, halos makalahati nya yung burger.

"Are you okay with this? Mabubusog ka?" Seok asked.

"Yeah. Thanks." Joshua said after chewing his burger. He took his drink at saka sya uminom.

Kumakain si Seok pag naka go sila and he will feed Joshua kapag red light.

Halos tahimik lang naman sila buong byahe maliban sa car stereo ni Joshua. Seok fell asleep pag kakain nila. Naisip ni Joshua na pagod ito dahil sa sunod sunod na filming. Hininaan nya yung stereo nya and adjusted the ac of his car.

Seok prolly slept for an hour.

"Asan na tayo?" Seok asked ng magising sya.

"2 more hours."

"Ah malayo pa."

"Yeah. You can sleep more."

Seok took his phone from the compartment in front of him and messaged his friends.

Seok: Pauwi ako dyan.

Mingyu: Are you driving?

Seok: Nope.

Mingyu: Ihahatid ka ng manager mo?

Seok: Hindi din.

Hao: Hindi ka naman nagcommute?

Seok: Hell no.

Hao: Is this a guessing game?

Seok: Dinaanan ako ni Joshua.

Mingyu: Joshua? Si Joshua na kapitbahay namin?

Seok: Yeah

Mingyu: What are you doing, Seok?

Hao: Hindi ka pa ba tapos sa NDA agenda mo?

Seok: Wala. I just thought it's practical na sumabay na lang sa kanya. About the NDA, I moved on.

Mingyu: Good. Joshua is nice. Be nice to him.

Seok: I'm nice.

Hao: Malapit na kayo?

Seok: 2 hours pa daw.

Hao: Ingat, kayo.

Mingyu: I'll wait for you.

Seok: Hindi na. Makikitulog na lang ako sa bahay nya.

Hao: Hindi kita nagegets. You guys started on a wrong foot tapos ganyan

Seok: Did we? It was just me barging tapos wala naman syang sinabi.

Mingyu: Because he's nice.

Seok: Yeah. I think so too.

Hao: Oh sya. Ingat kayo.

Seok: Thanks, Hao.

Mingyu: Are you sure na di na kita hihintayin?

Seok: Yup. Aalis ba si kuya bukas?

Mingyu: Oo. Magbubukas sya ng clinic nya bukas.

Seok: Si Hee?

Mingyu: He's planning na tumambay sa supermarket. Tutulong daw sya sa baggage counter.

Seok: Oh okay. Lipat na lang ako pag kaalis nila.

Mingyu: Okay. Ingat kayo.

Seok: Thanks.

It's been a while since Joshua had someone in his shot gun during a long drive. Nakatingin lang si Seok sa labas ng binatana at walang nagsasalita sa kanilang dalawa. Si Joshua naman nakatingin lang din sa daan at paminsan minsan tinatapunan ng tingin ang nakakabata.

Pagkagarahe nya ng sasakyan ginising nya si Seok. Nakatulog ulit ito sa byahe.

"We're here."

It took Seok a moment bago sya tuluyang magising.

"I'll stay the night." Sabi ni Seok.

He understood the younger. Ayaw na nitong gisingin sila Mingyu and prolly he doesn't want Won knows na nakisabay sya.

"Sure. Gusto mong kumain ulit?" Joshua asked.

"Hindi na. I'll take a shower and sleep." Sagot ni Seok habang kinukuha yung mga gamit nya sa backseat.

"Ah okay. Here." Inabot ni Shua yung susi nya ng bahay kay Seok so the younger can go inside dahil ibababa pa nya yung mga pinamili nya.

"Do you need help?" Seok asked when Joshua opened his trunk.

"Nah. It's fine. Pasok ka na."

They are not friends pero di din sila magkaaway. He hopes na Seok won't ask him again about the NDA.

Akala nya nakapasok na si Seok sa bahay nya.

"Have we met before?"

"I don't think so."

"Ah okay. Sige pasok na ako."

He's sure na hindi pa sila nagmimeet. He had celebrity clients before pero sigurado syang hindi pa nya naging kliyente si DK.

Nang maibaba ni Shua lahat ng dala nya he went to the kitchen para maghanap ng pwedeng kainin. He has a habit of snacking during wee hours.

Nang matapos si Seok maligo at magbihis pinuntahan nya si Joshua sa kusina.

"Hey." Bati nito sa nakakatanda.

"Hey." Sagot ni Joshua na nasa harap ng microwave. Nag iinit ito ng pansit na nakita nya sa fridge.

"Can't sleep?" Joshua asked nang makaupo si Seok.

"May gatas ka ba dyan?" Seok asked.

"Yeah. May fresh milk sa fridge. Tapos meron ding powdered milk." Sagot ni Joshua saka inabot yung lagayan ng powdered milk sa cupboard. He also turned his electric kettle on just in case Seok likes the powdered milk.

"Hmmm, powdered milk na lang."

"How do you like it?"

"Dalawang kutsara ng powdered milk, no sugar."

Hindi na muling nagsalita pa si Joshua he took his plate from the microwave at ipinatong sa mesa. Nakatayo pa din sya hinihintay kumulo yung tubig.

"Are you really this nice?" Seok asked.

"What do you mean?" Nagugulahang tanong ni Joshua.

"I was mean to you. Binulabog kita that night. Hindi man lang ako nagsorry at nagthank you." Seok said looking at Joshua.

"Hmmm. You're Wonwoo's brother. You're Gyu's friend. I'm friends with them. Binabalik ko lang yung kabaitan nila. I'm nice in general naman but tbh I don't like your guts."

"I hate that you're nice." Sagot ni Seok.

"Hmmm, it's fine. You don't have to like everyone naman." Sinalinan ni Joshua ng mainit na tubig yung mug na may lamang gatas. Hinalo nya ito saka inabot kay Seok.

"Careful, it's hot." Sabi nya at saka naupo sa tapat ni Seok.

He started digging in, ganon din si Seok ininom nito yung gatas nang hindi na ito masyadong mainit.

It's weird that they hate each other but they are okay na magkasama. Hindi sila awkward pero hindi din nila masasabi na komportable sila sa isa't isa.

"What did you get Hee for Christmas?" Joshua broke the silence.

"Binilan ko sila ni Jay ng Nintendo Switch but their dads told me na wag ko silang regaluhan sa pasko kaya iniwan ko na lang sa condo." Sabi ni Seok.

Naramdaman ni Joshua na malungkot yung pagkakasabi ni Seok.

"Ikaw?" Seok asked.

"Art supplies for Hee and cookbook for Jay. Ayaw ng parents nila ng gadget."

"That's nice." He commented sa pagitan ng pag inom nya ng gatas.

"Yeah."

Tumunog yung phone ni Seok. He got a message from his manager. Informing him na may nakakita sa kanya na sumakay sa kotse kanina. He cursed. Napatingin sa kanya si Joshua.

"It's my manager. May nakakita daw sa akin kanina na sumakay sa kotse mo."

"Just tell them it's a Grab car." Joshua said nonchalantly and grabbed his plate para hugasan ito.

"I'm done." Sabi ni Seok saka inabot yung mug nya.

Akala ni Joshua papasok na ito sa guest room pero andun pa din si Seok nang matapos syang maghugas.

"Hindi ka pa matutulog?" Joshua asked.

"The reporters might look for information. Your car is rare. They might identify you." He knows na sya na naman ang magiging laman ng mga tabloid bukas. These reporters are very eager to find something about him.

Joshua doesn't know if Seok is concerned or binabalaan lang sya nito.

"Are you worried na malink with a nobody? Will that ruin your image or something?" Joshua asked.

"Nope. I don't care. I'm just tired of everything. Magagalit sa akin si Kuya Won kapag nadamay ka and you will hate me more."

"I didn't say, I hate you."

"But you don't like my guts."

"Still that's different from hating."

Di nakasagot si Seok. Pinagmasdan lang sya ni Joshua. The younger looked tired at mukhang paiyak na. But DK being DK pinigilan nya ang sarili. Wala sya sa eksena para umiyak.

"You know it's okay to cry." Sabi ni Joshua nang tatayo na sana sya para pumunta na sa kwarto.

Chapter 8

Chapter Text

Sumama si Joshua na magsimbang gabi kila Hee at parents nito. Kasama nila yung mga kapitbahay nila. Pagkatapos ng misa bumili sila ng bibingka at puto bumbong sa labas ng simbahan. Pagkabili nila tumuloy sila sa kankya kanya nilang bahay.

Pasikat pa lang yung araw kaya di nya inaasahang gising na si Seok. Dinatnan nya ito sa kusina.

"Nagutom ako. Kaya ako nagising." Sabi ni Seok.

"May dala akong bibingka at saka putobumbong." Joshua offered saka nilapag yung mga binili sa mesa.

A smile creeps across Seok's face. Lalo syang nagutom nang maamoy yung bibingka. Ang nostalgic sa pakiramdam nya.

"I'll make us coffee." Sabi ni Joshua and proceed to his coffee machine.

"How do you like your coffee?" He asked the younger.

"Black."

"Kasama nyo si Hee?" Seok asked while opening the plastic bag na dala ni Joshua. May laman itong dalawang bibingka saka dalawang puto bumbong. Naisip ni Seok na binilan talaga sya ni Joshua.

"Yeah." Sagot ni Joshua. Inabutan sya nito ng platito at tinidor.

Nilapag ni Joshua yung kape nila saka sya naupo sa tapat ni Seok. Never in his life na naisip nya na may celebrity na magstay sa bahay nya.

"This is good." Sabi ni Seok pagkasubo nya ng bibingka.

"Do you want to go for a drive? Daan tayo sa simbahan let's see kung meron pang mga nagtitinda. I didn't know you will like it kaya taga isa lang tayo yung binili ko."

Hindi din maintindihan ni Joshua yung sarili nya but after last night mas naging mabait sya kay Seok.

"Masyado na kitang naabala and I haven't thanked you yet kaya thank you. Thank you for everything and sorry din about that night."

Joshua smiled but hide it by sipping on his coffee.

"Sama ako bukas magsimbang gabi."

"Ask your kuya first."

Sumimangot si Seok sa sinabi ni Joshua. Syempre hindi papayag si Won dahil baka pagkaguluhan sya.

"You can come naman pero hanggang kotse ka lang."

Seok rolled his eyes as he chew his bibingka.

"Sasamahan naman kita sa kotse." Dugtong ni Joshua.

But that didn't make him feel better. He misses how to be normal. He saw some tweets tungkol dun sa may sumundo sa kanya kagabi. He will deal with it later, he's on holidays after all.

[Gyu and Seok]

Mingyu: Seok, uwi na.

Seok: Umalis na ba si kuya?

Mingyu: Yeah.

Seok: Okie. Paalam lang ako kay Joshua. Aalis na din yata sya.

Mingyu: Oo, pupunta yan sa shop nya.

Seok: Si Hee?

Mingyu: Andito pa. Isasabay ko na. Idadaan ko kila kuya Jihoon.

Seok: Sa supermarket?

Gyu: Yeah.

Seok: So mag isa ko lang maiiwan?

Gyu: Yup.

Seok: Sama ako sa resto?

Mingyu: Sa surfing shop ako ngayon.

Seok: Ah okay. I'll stay na lang dyan sa bahay.

Mingyu: Okay. I'll leave the gate and the door open.

Seok: Sige. Thanks!

Pagkatapos nyang isend yung message nya kay Mingyu he put his phone on his pocket. Pero tumunog ulit ito. He got a text from Wonwoo.

Won: I'll bring lunch later.

Seok: Okay.

[Gyu and Seok]

Seok: Sinabi mo kay kuya?

Gyu: No. Bakit?

Seok: Sabi nya magdadala daw sya ng lunch mamaya.

Gyu: Ohh. Kuya instinct maybe?

Seok: Lagot na naman ako kay kuya.

Gyu: Hindi yan.

Paglabas nya ng kwarto nakita nya si Joshua na palabas ng bahay kaya nagmadali sya sa paglakad dala yung bag nya.

"Thank you for picking me up and letting me stay the night."

'You're not that bad naman pala.' Joshua wanted to say pero hindi nya sinabi.

"Anytime." He replied instead.

"Sige. Uwi na ako."

"I told Won pala." Sabi ni Joshua. He talked to Won kanina and he hopes na mag kaayos silang magkapatid.

"I knew it." Seok squinted his eyes.

"Don't worry. He's not mad." Joshua said in his normal gentle voice.

"I'll see you around." Sabi ni Seok saka umalis na ito.

Sinundan sya ni Joshua but he stayed in front of his house. Hinintay nyang makapasok si Seok sa bahay nila Mingyu.

[Won and Gyu]

Won: Babe, sinundo ko na si Hee kila Jihoon. Pauwi na kami.

Gyu: Dumaan kayo ng resto?

Won: Yup.

Gyu: I'll try to finish early dito sa shop.

Won: Okay. Sige, I'll drive na. I love you, baby.

Gyu: I love you too. Ingat. 😘

Hindi kayang magalit ni Won kay Mingyu. Nirerespeto nya kung anong meron sila ni Seok. Nakilala nya ang asawa dahil bestfriend ito nag kapatid nya. Kung may sekreto ang mga ito hindi nya pinipilit si Mingyu na magsabi sa kanya.

Won let Seok and Hee played with the kid's play station. Nasa kusina sya, making a list for Christmas.

[Won and Jeonghan]

Won: Kuya Han?

Jeonghan: Hey, Won. What's up?

Won: Ang sama ko bang kapatid?

Jeonghan: Don't be too hard on yourself. What happened?

Won: Si Seok, kuya. Joshua talked to me. Sumabay sya kay Joshua pag uwi dito he stayed at Joshua's house dahil ayaw daw nyang gisingin pa kami. Like, hes's my brother pero tingin nya abala sya sa amin. It's my fault kaya ganyan yung nararamdaman nya.

Jeonghan: Did you talk to Seok?

Won: Hindi pa, kuya. Idk, what to say.

Jeonghan: I think just be a brother to him like how you used to. Magkapatid kayo, maayos nyo pa yan. Let's have dinner?

Won: Sige, kuya. Dito na lang sa bahay. I'll message Mingyu.

Jeonghan: Sure!

[Mingyu and Won]

Won: Babe?🥺

Gyu: Hey, is everything okay?

Won: Uwi ka na.

Gyu: Yeah. Malapit na ako matapos.

Won: Call the resto. Let's have dinner with everyone.

Gyu: Awkward kayo ni Seok?

Won: Oo, baby. Pati si Hee he can sense it. Ganon pala kami kaawkward na magkapatid.

Gyu: Nakakamiss yung nung college.

Won: Sorry, Gyu.

Gyu: Hey! Bakit ka nagsorry?

Won: Ikaw yung naiipit sa amin ng kapatid ko.

Gyu: It's fine, baby. Best friend ko si Seok, asawa kita.

Won: I promise, I'll be better.

Gyu: You're the best, baby.

Won: Sinasabi mo lang yan kasi mahal mo ako.

Gyu: Well, yes. At dahil totoong the best ka.

Won: Hee and I are lucky to have you, papa.

Gyu: I love you both.

Won: Love ka din namin. Uwi ka na.

Joshua was busy at his shop. Madaming mga customers prolly because of the holidays. He put a notice that they are closed from Dec 24 to Jan 2.

"Tito." Tawag sa kanya ni Jay.

"Hey."

"Dun daw po tayo kila Hee magdidinner sabi ni Papa."

"Sure. Aalis na ba kayo?"

"Maauna na po kami ni Papa Hao. Makikisabay na lang daw po si Papa Jun sa inyo."

"Sure. No problem."

Nagpaalam din agad si Jay dahil naghihintay ang papa nya sa sasakyan.

[Shua and his friends gc]

Vernon: Joshua, your mom messaged me.

Joshua: Anong sabi nya?

Vernon: She asked if we are going to visit you on Christmas?

Joshua: Are you guys coming?

Dino: Pwede naman.

Seungkwan: Yeah.

Joshua: Isabay nyo na si mama.

Vernon: Sure. Will drive down there on the 25th.

Joshua: Sure.

[Seok and Joshua]

Seok: Dinner daw dito sa bahay.

Joshua: Anong meron?

Seok: Idk. Parang normal naman
na yan

Joshua: Right. Tomorrow's dinner will be at Jihoon and Soonyoung.

Seok: Christmas dinner?

Joshua: Yeah. Oh last simbang gabi na pala bukas, you should come.

Seok: Hindi nga pwede🙄

Joshua: Sasamahan nga kita sa kotse, naririnig naman sa labas yung sermon ng pari.

Seok: I'll ask kuya Won.

Joshua: Okay.

[Hee and Joshua]

Hee: Tito, close na kayo ni tito DK?

Joshua: I guess? Bakit mo natanong?

Hee: I heard them talking na sayo sumabay si tito and slept at your house.

Joshua: He didn't want to wake your papa up.

Hee: Daddy is nicer to tito DK din

Joshua: That's good.

Hee: Oo nga, tito. Hindi na sila yung mukhang mag aaway.

Joshua: Ask your tito DK to join us sa simbang gabi

Hee: Sige, tito. Punta na daw po kayo dito sa bahay.

Joshua: Yeah. Tulungan ko lang sila dito na magsara.

The next morning, sumama si Seok magsimbang gabi. Joshua was true to his word sinamahan nga nya si Seok sa kotse.

They are both quiet habang nakikinig sa misa. Joshua parked as near as possible para marinig nila yung misa. Seok couldn't remember when was the last time na nagsimba sya.

"Naniniwala ka ba na kapag nakumpleto mo yung nine mornings matutupad yung wish mo?" He asked the guy beside him.

"Nope." Derechong sagot ni Joshua.

"Oh okay."

"You?" Joshua asked.

"Hindi din. But I know someone na naniniwala." Seok said and remembers Jiya. Naalala nya magagalit ito sa kanila kapag di sila nakakapagsimba.

"I hope natupad yung wish nila and I hope this year matupad din yunh wish nila." Sagot ni Joshua.

"She's gone." Malungkot na sabi ni Seok.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's Hee's mom."

Natigilan si Joshua an "oh" formed in his mouth.

"I feel like nagkwento na sayo si Hee. You're probably the first person na napagsabihan nya. But I'm not sure if he knows kung sinong totoo nyang daddy."

Joshua didn't know kung anong meron sa kanya bakit nagsasabi sila sa kanya. Like, he just moved couple of weeks ago in that neighborhood and Hee opened up. Tapos ngayon naman si Seok.

"I'm Hee's dad and his mom passed away when he gave birth to Hee."

Naalaa ni Joshua si Hee nung nagkwekwento ito.

"I feel like it was my fault. Tapos nasundan pa ulit ng isang pagkakamali. I chose my career over Hee. I asked kuya to adopt Hee without even thinking. Kaya may galit sa akin si kuya."

Joshua held his hand and squeezed it gently. It's like he's saying "It's okay. I'm here".

"The peace of the Lordbewith you always.
And with your spirit.

Let us offer each other the sign of peace."

Narinig nilang sabi ng pari.

"Peace be with you." -Seok

"Peace be with you." -Joshua

Joshua thought before that this is was just a greeting or just making peace with someone.

"My mom told me that peace be with you means that you can be at peace with your past."

The things is, naging busy si Seok kaya wala syang time iconfront yung past nya. Hindi sya nagkaroon ng time to mourn. Hindi sya nagkaroon ng time to heal. Hindi sya nagkaraaon ng time para patawarin yung sarili nya.

Chapter 9

Chapter Text

Everyone's busy for the Christmas Eve. Han and Cheol are busy dahil madami silang guest. Soon and Jihoon are still at the supermarket madami pa ding namimili ng mga pang Noche Buena. Jun and Hao's shop is closed today ganon din si Joshua.

Nagbukas si Won ng clinic and Mingyu's resto is open dahil sa mga order.

"Where's your tito DK?" Joshua asked nang pagbuksan nya si Hee ng gate.

"Tulog pa po." Hee answered.

"Kumain ka na?"

"Opo. Pinakain po ako ni daddy bago sya umalis."

"Sama ka, bili tayo ng cake at ice cream?" Aya ni Joshua kay Hee.

"Sige po."

"Text your daddy and papa."

[Kim-Jeon]

Hee: Aalis po kami ni tito Joshua. Punta po kami ng bayan.

Won: Kasama nyo si Tito DK mo, baby?

Hee: Hindi po. Tulog pa po si tito.

Gyu: Ingat kayo ni tito Joshua mo.

Hee: Thanks, papa.

Hee: Ano po palang gift natin kay tito DK?

Won: Cap yung binili namin ni papa.

Hee: Ah okay po.

[Joshua and Seok]

Joshua: I'm with Hee. May bibilin lang kami sa bayan.

Seok: Sama ako.

Joshua: Oh you're awake.

Seok: Give me 10 mins?

Joshua: 👍🏽

After checking the time, inihagis ni Seok yung phone nya sa kama at agad syang nagbihis. He don a tshirt na tenernuhan nya ng shorts. Nagsuot din ito ng cap. Kanina pa sya gising but too lazy to get up. Now that he has reason to get up dali dali syang nagbihis.

True to his words, after 10 minutes nakalabas na sya ng gate nila Mingyu. Nasa labas na sina Hee at Joshua naghihintay sa kanya.

Seok seated at the backseat because Hee's on the shot gun.

"Saan tayo pupunta?" He asked.

"Bibili po ng ice cream at cake." Masiglang sagot ni Hee.

Napatingin sya sa rear view mirror at nakita nyang nakatingin sa kanya si Joshua kaya nginitian nya ito. The older responded, ngumiti din ito.

Sobrang gaan ng pakiramdam nya. Maybe it's the season and the cold breeze. Halos lahat naman masaya kapag pasko.

When they all settled, Joshua drove to the supermarket.

"Tito, pwedeng dumaan tayo sa boardwalk?" Hee asked Joshua.

"Ang aga pa, mamaya pa yung sunset."

"Pwede po bumalik tayo mamaya?"

"Sige. Iuwi natin yung mga bibilhin natin tapos balik na lang tayo." -Joshua

"Anong gagawin nyo dun?" He asked.

"We will watch the sunset po. Sama ka tito?" -Hee

"Sure." - Seok

They reached Soon and Ji's supermarket in no time. Sinabihan sila ni Joshua na sya na lang ang baba and they can wait for him in the car. The parking lot is packed. Maswerte sila na may paalis na kaya sila nakapag park.

May bakeshop naman sa loob ng supermarket kaya dun na lang sya bibili ng cake.

"Hee, anong gusto mong Christmas gift?" Seok asked the kid pagkababa ni Joshua ng kotse.

"Kahit ano po. Pero kahit wala po. Sobra na yung PS 5, tito."

"Oh okay." Seok is trying na hindi sya maattach kay Hee dahil ayaw din nyang maattach sa kanya ang bata. He maintains the rich tito image kay Hee.

Hindi nagtagal bumalik na si Joshua. May dala itong meryenda na binili nya sa mga stalls sa loob ng supermarket.

"Hee, I got your favourite."

"Yay! Thanks, tito." Masayang sabi ni Hee. Lagi nya yun inoorder kapag tumutulong sya sa supermarket.

"What's your favourite?" Seok asked. He's amazed that Joshua knows what Hee's favourite kahit ilang buwan pa lang silang magkakilala ni Joshua.

"Siomai rice po." Nakangiting sabi ni Hee.

Binilan sya ni Joshua ng iced coffee.

"Thanks. Hindi pa ako nagkocoffee." Sabi ni Seok pagkaabot ng kape sa kanya. Joshua figured kaya binilan nya ito ng kape.

"Where's the cake and ice cream po?" Hee asked nang mapansin nito na wala ng dala si Joshua maliban sa pagkain nila.

"Si tito Soon at tito Ji mo na lang daw mag dadala."

"Ah okay po. Can we go for a drive, tito?"

"Yup. Kaya pumayag na din ako na sila tito mo na ang magdala. One of you should text Won or Mingyu. Paalam muna tayo." Sabi ni Joshua sa kanila.

Mingyu and Won trust him pero nirerespeto nya sila kaya nagpapaalam sya.

"Ako na magtetetxt kay kuya." Prisinta ni Seok.

Nang matanggap nila yung reply ni Won, they drove around the town.

"Oh may isang shomai rice pa dito. You want?" Joshua asked looking at Seok sa may rear view mirror.

"Sure. I haven't tried that."

"Thanks." Sabi ni Seok nang iabot ni Joshua ung paper bag. He doesn't know much about Joshua. Pero nakita nya si Hee na kumakain na so he assumed na okay lang kay Joshua kumain sa loob ng kotse nito.

He observed Hee, he's very comfortable with Joshua.

"May malapit bang mall dito?" Seok asked. Wala syang nabiling mga regalo para sa mga kaibigan nila.

"Sa kabilang bayan pa yung mall." Sagot ni Joshua.

"Ahh. Nevermind. I didn't bring my wallet." sabi nya. He will order online na lang and have them deliever to Mingyu at bahala na itong mag bigay.

"Sure? You can use my card." Joshua offered.

"Hindi na. Saka may gustong puntahan si Hee." -Seok

"Mas okay na pumunta tayo mamayang hapon dun, tito."-Hee

"No. It's fine." Sagot nya. He's sure na madaming tao sa mall at baka may makakilala sa kanya. Ayaw nyang imob sya when he's with Hee and Joshua.

"Okay. May gusto pa kayong kainin?" Joshua asked nang mapansin nyang ubos na nila yung shomai rice nila.

"Can we get bubble tea?" Hee asked.

"Sure." Sabay nilang sabi ni Seok.

Joshua parked in front of a bubble tea shop. Nagprisinta si Hee na sya na lang ang bibili. Nang abutan ni Joshua si Hee ng pera, the kid declined it politely.

"It's my treat po."

Hee asked them kung anong gusto nila.

"Wintermelon tea. Iced." Sagot ni Joshua.

"Idk what to get. Wintermelon na lang din." Sabi ni Seok.

"What are you planning to buy pala?" Joshua asked Seok nang makababa si Hee.

"Presents. I wasn't planning na pumunta dito to celebrate Christmas kaya wala akong dala."

"I see. What changed your mind para pumunta dito?"

"Someone told me na presence yung iregalo ko." - Seok

Joshua smiled. Nakita yun ni Seok. He rolled his eyes.

"You don't have to get them anything. I'm sure you being here is more than enough." Sabi ni Joshua.

"Uggh. I hate that you're nice. You know that, right?"

"Yeah. Pangalawang beses mo nang sinabi."

"Do you still hate my guts?" -Seok

"Nope. I realized you're not that bad." -Joshua

Joshua being nice to Seok is also because of Hee.

Nang makita ni Joshua si Hee palabas ng bubble tea shop he unlocked the door.

"Thank you." Joshua said when Hee gave his bubble tea.

"Saan na tayo pupunta?" Seok asked.

"Ay sayang. Sarado po yung shop ni Tito Joshua."

Joshua looked at Seok. Hinihintay yung sasabihin nito.

"Malapit sa resort nila Kuya Han yung boardwalk diba?" Seok asked.

"Opo."

"Dun na lang muna tayo."

When they arrived at the resort hinanap agad nila si Han at Cheol sa may reception. Seok is still wearing his cap pero may mga nakakakilala pa din sa kanya na mga guest ng resort.

Jeonghan offered them food pero sinabi nilang kanina pa sila kumakain.

"What brought you here?" Cheol asked.

"We're here to kill time." Sabi ni Joshua at kwinento na they are planning to go to the boardwalk later.

"You can stay in one of the cottages malapit sa shore." Sabi ni Cheol.

"Thanks, kuya." Seok said.

[Kim-Jeon]

Won: Baby, asan na kayo?

Hee: Andito po kami sa resort nila tito Cheol.

Won: Anong ginagawa nyo dyan?

Mingyu: Dumaan sana kayo sa resto para kumuha ng pagkain.

Hee: Hinihintay po namin yung sunset. Pupunta po kami ng boardwalk mamaya. Papa, kumain na po kami. Nagshomai rice kami saka bubble tea.

Won: That's nice. How about tito DK?

Hee: Kumain din po sya ng siomai rice.

Won: That's good. Ingat kayo ha.

Hee: Opo, daddy.

[Seok, Mingyu, Hao]

Mingyu: I'm glad you're with Hee.

Seok: Ako din.

Hao: Asan kayo?

Seok: Andito kami sa resort.

Hao: Pano kayo nakapunta dyan?

Seok: Kasama namin si Joshua.

Hao: Ahh. So you and Joshua are okay na?

Seok: I hate to say this, but you're right. He's nice. Too nice, actually.

Hao: I'm always right naman.

Mingyu: Hahahaha

Mingyu: Namiss ka namin, Seok. Your kuya may not tell you kilala mo naman to. Pero miss ka namin.

Hao: This is the first Christmas in forever na kasama ka namin.

Seok: Oh God. You're such a sap.

Hao: Bahala ka nga dyan.

Seok: Hahahaha

Mingyu: 🙄

Seok: Wala akong dalang gift. Wala akong nabili.

Hao: Pwede namang after Christmas na. Hahaha

Mingyu: True. Haha

Seok: Yeah. Ipapadeliver ko na lang.

Hao: Yay. Hahaha but you being here is fine.

Mingyu: Agreed.

Hao: Ah Mingyu? Anong kakailanganin pa mamayang gabi?

Mingyu: Wala naman na. Just bring kung anong niluto mo.

Seok: Joshua got cake and ice cream. Anong lulutuin ni Kuya Jun?

Hao: He's going to make cordon bleu daw.

Seok: Nice. Ikaw, Gyu?

Gyu: The usual pang noche buena. Kaya agahan nyong umuwi. Tulungan mo ako.

Seok: Sige, I will tell Joshua.

Hao: I feel like, Joshua did or said something to you kaya ka andito ngayon.

Seok: Ha? Wala naman.

Hao: Oh okay.

Nang mapansin nilang nagsisimula na ang paglubog ng araw they decided to go to the boardwalk. Nagpaalam sila kila Jeonghan bao sila umalis.

"Do you always come here?" Seok asked when they arrived. Luckily walang masyadong tao. Binaybay nila yung kahabaan ng boardwalk habang nagkwekwentuhan.

Just like Joshua, Seok never really paid attention to sunset. The sky started to become tangerine. He wished that the dusk would last longer but it's fleeting like his stay in the province. He wants to stay longer but he can't.

"Tito Dk, sunset or sunrise?" Hee asked.

"Hmmm. Sunset." This particular sunset is his favourite. Sunset with Hee and Joshua.

"Ikaw." He asked Hee?

"Sunset din po."

"Ikaw?" He asked Joshua.

"I told Hee before na both, sunset and sunrise."

Nang marating nila yung dulo ng boardwalk

sumandal sila sa railing paharap sa sunset. Nakagitna sa kanila si Hee.

He looked at Hee, pinaghalo yung mukha nila ni Jiya. Some Hee's facial features are from Jiya and some are from him kaya mahirap talagang kalimutan si Jiya at yung nangyare.

"Are you cold?" Joshua asked the kid dahil pinag krus ni Hee yung mga braso nya sa dibdib nang humangin ng malakas.

"Medyo po."

"We should go." Sabi ni Joshua.

Tahimik lang si Seok nang pauwi na sila. Nakatingin lang ito sa labas. Habang sina Hee at Joshua ay nagkwekwentuhan ng kung anu ano.

Joshua parked in front of Mingyu's house. Ibinaba nya muna sila Hee bago nya iginarahe yung kotse nya. Maglalakad na lang sya mamaya papunta kila Soon at Ji.

Ilang minuto pa lang na nakapasok si Shua sa bahay nya may narinig syang kumakatok sa gate nya. It's Seok.

"Bakit? May naiwan ka?" He asked.

"Wala. Dito muna ako." Sabi ni Seok at deretsong pumasok sa bahay ni Joshu.

Napangiti na lang si Shua. He's glad that Seok feels at home sa bahay nya.

[Desi Syete GC]

Joshua: Do you guys need help with anything?

Ji: We're good.

Mingyu: Yes, please. I thought Seok will help me pero nilayasan ako.

Joshua: Oh he's here.

Hao: Anong ginagawa dyan?

Joshua: He's watching.

Mingyu: Iwan mo na muna dyan haha help me maghiwa.

Joshua: Sure.

Jeonghan: Asan si Won?

Mingyu: Tulog, kuya.

Jeonghan: Oh okay. Punta kami dyan ni Cheol kapag di na masyadong busy dito.

Mingyu: Sige, kuya.

"Aalis ka?" Seok asked when he saw Joshua walking towards the door.

"Yeah. I'm going to help Mingyu. You can stay here naman kahit wala ako." Sabi nya. Saka ilang hakbang lang naman yung layo ng bahay nya kila Mingyu.

"Mingyu needs help. Manood ka na muna or matulog ka na muna." sabi ulit ni Joshua nang di sumagot si Seok.

"Hmmp! Okay." He rolled his eyes. Joshua chuckled.

"Btw, when are you going back?" Joshua asked.

"Sa 26 and I can't come on New Year." Malungkot na sabi ni Seok.

"Susunduin ka ng manager mo?"

"Hatid mo ko?"

"Pwede naman."

"You're being nice na naman. Sige na, puntahan mo na si Gyu. Magnanap muna ako."

"Okay. Dun ka sa kwarto matulog. Sasakit likod mo dyan." Bilin ni Joshua bago ito umalis.

It was almost 10pm when Mingyu and Joshua finished cooking. Nagpaalam si Shua na uuwi muna.

Pagdating nya ng bahay nya, he saw Seok sleeping peacefully on the sofa.

'He looks like an angel when sleeping.' sabi nya sa isip nya. He sat at the edge of the sofa.

He shakes Seok's shoulder gently.

"Hey, Seok. Gising na."

Nagising si Seok at kinuha agad nito yung cellphone nya na nakapatong sa centre table.

"Omg! Ang haba ng naitulog ko."

Tumayo si Joshua para makabangon si Seok.

"I told you to sleep in the guestroom mas komportable dun." Joshua said.

"It's fine. Ang haba nga ng naitulog ko. I feel like it's the deepest sleep I have in like forever." Sabi nya and he yawned. Yeah for some reason, ang himbing ng tulog nya pag dun sya sa bahay ni Joshua natutulog.

"Antok ka pa?"

"Hmmm, mamaya na ulit ako matutulog. Nakaluto na kayo ni Mingyu?"

"Yeah. Umuwi lang ako para magbihis tapos pupunta na kila Ji bago mag 12."

"Okie. Sige na. Uwi na din muna ako. Sabay sabay na tayong pumunta mamaya kila kuya Ji."

[Seok, Hao, Mingyu]

Hao: Aalis na ba kayo?

Gyu: Sabay sabay na tayo.

Seok: Tara na ba?

Hao: Hahaha bakit di mo daw tinulungan si Gyu?

Seok: Inaantok ako kanina hehehe sorry, Mingyu.

Gyu: It's okay. Tumulong naman si Joshua.

Seok: Grabe ang haba ng naitulog ko.

Hao: That's good. Nakakapag pahinga ka.

Seok: Yeah. I'm going back pala sa 26 and I can't celebrate New Year with you.

Hao: That's okay. Kasama ka naman namin ngayon.

[Seok and Shua]

Seok: Tara na daw.

Joshua: Okay.

Seok: Wala kang kapatid?

Joshua: Wala. But I have half sister and half brothers. Why'd you ask?

Seok: Wala lang. Kasi dito ka nagcelebrate ng Christmas

Joshua: Ahhh. My mom is coming here tomorrow kasama ng mga friends ko.

Seok: That's good.

Most of them walk to Jihoon and Soonyoung's house except for Mingyu. Nagdala ito ng sasakyan para dun ilagay yung mga niluto at mga regalo nila. Nakilagay na din sila Hao at sumabay sa paglalakad kila Seok.

Pagdating nila kila Jihoon, andun na sila Han at Cheol. Abala sila sa paghahanda ng mesa, tinulungan ni Joshua at Hao si Mingyu sa pagbaba ng mga pagkain mula sa sasakyan.

Maluwang yung terrace nila Jihoon kaya dun na lang sila nagset up para sa Noche Buena nila. Tuwang tuwa sina Jay at Hee sa lechon dahil may mansanas ito sa bibig. Nung bata si Hee lagi nyang tinatanong si Won at Mingyu kung bakit may masanas sa bibig yung lechon. Same pa din naman yung sinasagot ng Minwon. "hindi namin alam, anak."

"Ang dami po nating handa." Hee said while looking at the table.

"Syempre, ganon talaga. Birthday ni Papa Jesus." Soonyoung said.

"Jay, lead the prayer na." Sabi ni Ji dahil ilang minuto na lang alas dose na.

Jay said grace. The usual Before Meals prayer.

"Merry Christmas." Sabay sabay nilang sinabi. They hugged each other and thanked each other.

"Alright, let's dig in." Sabi ni Jihoon.

That's when Seok's stomach growled. Katabi nya si Joshua kaya nadinig nya yung pagkalam ng sikmuta ni Seok. Ang huling kinain nya ay yung siomai rice.

Inabutan sya ni Joshua ng plato at tinidor.

"Thanks."

Seok is genuinely happy. He's with his brother, his friends and more importantly with Hee. Hindi na nya matandaan kung kelan yung huling naging masaya sya. Di pa man sila nakakapag usap ni Won but he knows hindi na sila kagaya sa dati.

Inbutan sya ni Won ng hotdog na may marsmallow. Nginitian sya nito.

"Thank you." Sabi nya pagabot nya ng hotdog. Sobrang nostalgic sa pakiramdam nya. Yun yun lagi nilang inaabangan pag birthday nila or may birthday sa mga kalaro nila nung bata sila. Mingyu made those for Jay and Hee, pero nakiaagaw sila ni Won. Buti na lang madaming ginawa si Mingyu.

"Beach tayo sa hapon?" Sabi ni Jeonghan.

"Yes po." Sabay na sagot nila Hee at Jay.

"Aba ang bilis magsisagot ah." Biro ni Jun sa dalawang bata.

"Magbeach po tayo, uuwi na po si tito DK bukas." Sabi ni Hee.

"Uuwi ka na Seok?" Cheol confirmed.

"Oo, kuya."

"Hatid ka namin." -Won

"Yay! Jay, sama ka?" -Hee

Tumingin si Hee sa mga papa nya. Tumango naman si Hao.

"Yes." Masayang sabi ni Jay.

Joshua smiled. Okay na si Won at Seok. But he kinda feels sad kasi hindi sya yung maghahatid kay Seok. Hindi nya alam kung bakit sya nalungkot.

After their Noche Buena, sabay sabay silang umalis. Hao, Jun, Shua and Seok chose to walk. Sinakay na ni Mingyu sila Hee, Jay at Won dahil mas naging malamig yung simoy ng hahngin.

"I'm happy na okay na kayo ni kuya Won." Sabi ni Hao na nakayakap sa braso ni Jun dahil giniginaw ito.

"Me too. Makes me want to stay longer kaso di pwede I need to go back na bukas."

"Sila naman maghahatid sayo, you can spend more time with them. -Jun

Seok smiled. "Oo, kuya."

"Kapag may time ka, just let me know. Susunduin kita." Joshua offered.

Mingyu and Jay are waiting for them sa harap ng bahay nila Hao.

"Let's get some sleep." Sabi ni Jun sa kanila.

They bid their goodnights and once again they greet each other Merry Christmas

[Joshua and Seok]

Seok: I can't sleep.

Joshua: Punta ka dito?

Seok: Can I?

Joshua: Of course. Ngayon ka pa ba mahihiya?

Seok: 🙄

Joshua: Hahaha come! Timplahan kita ng gatas.

Few minutes at may narinig na si Joshua na kumakatok sa gate nya. It's Seok wearing a cozy oversized hoodie.

Dumiretso sila sa may dining area ni Joshua and he saw that the kettle is on. Pag balik nya bukas puro take aways na lang na naman yung kakainin nya and coffee from Starbucks. He made a mental note to ask her manager na ibili sya ng powdered milk.

"Drink this and try to sleep." Sabi ni Joshua saka naupo sa katapat nyang upuan.

"Can I sleep here?" Seok asked.

Natawa si Joshua. The character development, marunong nang magpaalam si Seok.

"Bakit ka tumatawa?"

"Nagpapaalam ka na."

Seok rolled his eyes. Cute na cute sa kanya si Joshua pag ginagawa nya yun.

"Yeah. You can, pasalamat ka cute ka." Joshua said smiling at him.

"Thank you."

"Anytime."

Nang maubos ni Seok yung gatas nya nagpaalam na sya kay Joshua na matutulog na. He hugged Joshua good night. It's their first skinship that lead to another. Seok kissed Joshua on his lips. The older didn't let go when Seok tried to break the kiss. Seok gave in, next thing he know they are on Joshua's bed.

Naunang nagising si Joshua. It's almost 2 in the afternoon dahil halos mag aalas sais na ng umaga nang makatulog sila.

Seok's arm is around him kaya hindi sya makabangon. He reached for his phone na nasa bedside table. He got messages from Desi Syete gc and from the gc with his friends. He replied to Seungkwan na dumiretso na sila sa resort and he will meet them there.

"Hey, gising na." He caressed Seok's face gently.

Seok moved para sumiksik lalo kay Joshua. They need to get up baka kung anong isipin ng mga kaibigan nila.

"Hinihintay na nila tayo sa resort." Sinubukan ni Joshua na bumangon pero lalong hinigpitan ni Seok yung pagkakayakap nito sa kanya.

"Babe, you need to wake up. Mom and my friends are on their way na din."

That's when Seok wakes up. He's sore from what they did last night kaya tinatamad syang bumangon but he needs to get up. Ayaw nyang madatnan sya ng mga kaibigan at mama ni Joshua sa bahay nito.

Naupo sya sa kama and looks at Joshua. The latter planted a kiss on his lips.

"Let's get up and shower." Hinila sya ni Joshua patayo ng kama. He's not wearing anything unlike Joshua who's wearing a boxer.

"Wait." He tried to cover himself pero tinawanan lang sya ni Joshua.

"I hate you." Sabi ni Seok saka naglakad ng mabilis papunta sa bathroom. A laughing Joshua followed him.

Chapter 10

Chapter Text

Seok is back to his normal life. His holiday is over. Balik trabaho na ulit sya. Wala pa syang maayos na tulog since he came back from the province. He misses Joshua's house. Naalala nya yung nangyare sa kanila and he realized na hindi pa sila nag uusap about it.

[Mingyu, Seok, Hao]

Seok: Miss ko na kayo. I wish I can go back to celebrate New Year with you.

Hao: Balik ka na lang ulit kapag may break ka.

Mingyu: Sayang. Do you know na birthday ni Joshua ngayon.

Seok: Weh?

Hao: Yup, it's his birthday.

Seok: I didn't know. Wala syang sinabi. May party?

Hao: Dinner lang later sa bahay nya.

Seok: Ahhh. Nakakainis yun bakit di nya sinabi.

Hao: hahahaaha wag mong awayin

Mingyu: Bawi ka na lang sa susunod.

Seok: yeah

[Joshua and Seok]

Seok: Bakit di mo sinabi?

Joshua: ???

Seok: Na birthday mo ngayon

Joshua: You didn't ask.

Seok: Ewan ko sayo

Joshua: How are you? Nakakatulog ka ba ng maayos?

Seok: Nakakatulog naman kaso hindi kagaya pag sa bahay mo.

Joshua: Try to get more sleep, hmm?

Seok: I'll try.

Joshua: Good.

Seok: Happy Birthday.

Joshua: Thank you.

Seok: Anong gusto mong gift?

Joshua: I know it's a luxury. But I want your presence.

Seok: Grabe naman yung luxury

Joshua: Hindi ba?

Seok: you're right naman.

Joshua: When's your next break?

Seok: Sa February na I have a week off.

Joshua: Matagal pa pala.

Seok: Let me know kung luluwas ka. I'll make time.

Joshua: Really? you will do that?

Seok: Ewan ko sayo

Joshua: What? Haha

Seok: pasalamat ka birthday mo.

Joshua: Guess anong regalo ni Hee sa akin?

Seok: No idea

Joshua: I won't tell you.

Seok: Fine!

[Shua and his friends]

Kwan: Tawang tawa pa din ako sa mommy mo, Shua

Joshua: Why?

Kwan: She was like "wala namang naakan si Jisoo diba? Bakla yung anak ko."

Joshua: What? Bakit nya nasabi yan?

Kwan: Kamukha daw ng daddy mo si Hee nung bata bata pa yung daddy mo.

Joshua: Oh. Baka yung mga anak ni Dad sa second family nya.

Kwan: Baka. Alam ni Hee na adopted sya diba?

Joshua: Yeah. Oh sh*t!

Dino: Bakit?

Joshua: I just remember something.

[Joshua and his Mom]

Shua: Ma, di ba may anak si dad na namatay?

Mom: Oo. Bakit?

Shua: I think sya yung mom ni Hee. Kaya sinasabi mong kamuka ni Dad si Hee.

Mom: Kaya pina ampon si Hee?

Shua: Not my story to tell, ma. So Hee is my nephew kung anak sya nung half sister ko na namatay?

Mom: Oo. Di mo ba yun nararamdaman? Lukso ng dugo.

Shua: Mabilis kaming naging close ni Hee. So I'm really his tito?

Mom: Oo, anak. Kamukhang kamukha sya ng daddy mo.

Shua: Can I meet dad and his family?

Mom: matanda ka na, anak. You can decide for yourself.

Shua: I know. Pero okay lang ba sayo?

Mom: Oo naman, daddy mo pa din naman yun. They are your family. Happy Birthday, anak.

Shua: Thanks, ma.

Joshua asked Won if they can talk. Pumayag naman si Won. Iniwan nila yung ibang kaibigan nila sa loob ng bahay ni Joshua and they went to his garage.

Kwinento ni Joshua yung nanotice ng Mom nya kay Hee na hawig ito ng daddy nya. It made him think na baka anak si Hee ng isa sa mga kapatid nya sa daddy nya.

Joshua wanted to be honest but he can't tell Won na alam ni Hee kung sino yung tatay nya.

"I had a half sister. Namatay na din sya, I don't know what happened. We grew up nang di halos nag uusap. I think I only met them once or twice. Di maganda yung paghihiwalay ng mom ko and daddy ko. I don't know but I want to reconnect with them to confirm if it was my half sister." Kwento nya.

"We haven't heard from her family, since she passed away. They never contacted us to ask kung kumusta ba si Hee. I assumed na sinisisi nila si Hee kaya namatay yung mommy nya." Won tried to be careful so that he won't spill everything but Joshua's part of them already. Lalo na napansin nyang nagkakamabutihan na sila ni Seok. He thinks it's the best time to tell Joshua na din.

"It's Seok. Yung totoong daddy ni Hee."

"Seok told me." Nagulat si Joshua sa fact na sinabi sa kanya ni Won yung totoong daddy ni Hee. Same goes with Won dahil nakwento ni Mingyu sa kanya how Seok wanted Joshua to sign a NDA.

"If I remember it right my sister's name was Jiya."

"Oh God!" Won is dazed because of what Joshua just said. It took her a moment bago sya nakabawi.

"Yeah. It's Jiya." Kwinento ni Won that Seok, Gyu, Hao and Jiya were bestfriends. Kwinento nya na din yung buong nangyare.

"It makes more sense now." Dugtong ni Won.

"What is?"

"Kung bakit sobrang gaan ng loob sayo ni Hee." Won smiled. He's glad that Hee has another family sa katauhan ni Joshua.

"I feel the same. Mom told me it's luksong dugo daw." Naisip din ni Joshua kung bakit akala ni Seok nagkita na sila dati. It was Jiya not him.

"Will you tell Seok about it?" Won asked. Biglang naging seryoso ulit yung mukha nito.

Hindi alam ni Joshua kung sasabihin nya ba o hindi.

"To be honest, I don't know."

Won smiled. "Hmmm. What's between you two?"

Napangiti din si Joshua. "I guess, we both realized na first impressions don't last. We realized na we don't hate each other naman talaga."

"Mabait yang si Seok. He's a giver. What they see on screen is not Seok. May mga maling desisyon sya sa buhay that made us kinda grew apart. But I'm happy na bumabalik na kami sa dati. Thanks to you."

Tumango tango lang si Joshua. Alam naman nya yun. They started on the wrong foot lang din siguro kaya di sila agad nagkasundo. He's happy na okay na silang magkapatid.

"It won't be easy being with Seok gawa ng trabaho nya but know that I'm rooting for you both."

"Thanks, Won."

"Sus. Wala yun. We're friends. You're a family. Tito ka ni Hee."

He smiled at the younger. Indeed, moving in the province is the best decision he ever made. Naputol yung pag uusap nila when Hee and Mingyu appeared.

"Antok na daw." Mingyu said nang makalapit sila.

Won checked his time, it's almost 12am na kaya naman antok na si Hee.

"Nagpaalam kayo sa iba mong tito, baby?" Won asked.

"Opo, daddy."

"Paalam lang din ako sa kanila. Tapos uwi na tayo." Won said saka pumasok sa bahay ni Shua. Nagpaalam ito sa mga kaibigan.

"Good night, tito. Happy birthday po ulit."

Ginulo ni Shua yung buhok ni Hee.

"Thank you. Good night na."

Paglabas ni Won they bid their good night to Joshua. He's sure that Won will tell Mingyu what they talked about. He doesn't mind at all naman.

Won patted Joshua's shoulder bago sila umalis.

Hindi nakapunta sila Kwan, Vernon and Dino dahil umuwi ang mga ito sa mga family nila to celebrate New Year. He's glad that he found a new friends that became his family sa province that he can celebrate with.

Pag pasok nya ng bahay nya, nagliligpit na sila. He told them to just leave it at sya na lang ang mag aayos. They talked about their New Year's eve celebrtation. Sa resort nila ito gagawin. Di naman nagtagal, nag paalam na din yung mga kaibigan nila.

Habang nagliligpit ng mga pinagkainan nila, he got a call from Seok. He put him on speaker so he can multitask.

Joshua: Hey!

Seok: Hey! Andyan pa sila?

Joshua: They left. Halos kaaalis lang. Bakit gising ka pa?

Seok: I can't sleep.

Joshua: Anong oras call time mo bukas?

Seok: 8 pa naman.

Joshua: You should sleep.

Seok: Hindi nga ako makatulog.

Joshua: Drink milk.

Seok: I already did.

Joshua: Hmmm. Okay, let's talk hanggang makatulog ka while I'm washing the dishes.

Seok: How was your birthday?

Joshua: Hmmm, it was great.

Seok: Saan kayo sa New Year's eve?

Joshua: Sa resort.

Seok: ...

Joshua: Hmmm, sunduin kita bukas tapos hatid din kita.

Seok: Hindi na. Mapapagod lang tayo pareho.

Joshua: Let me know kapag nagbago isip mo.

Seok: Nope. I can't. Kasama ako dun sa count down ng network.

Joshua: We will watch it na lang. Parang kasama ka na din namin.

Seok: ...

Natahimik si Seok.

Joshua: Hey.

Seok: ...

Joshua: Should I hang up na?

Seok: No.

Joshua: Oh okay. Matagal pa akong matatapos.

Seok: It's okay.

Joshua: Luluwas ako after the holidays.

Seok: Let me know when.

Joshua: Yeah. I miss you, Seok.

Seok wasn't able to respond right away. He misses Joshua too.

Seok: Me too.

Joshua: Won asked what's going on between us.

Seok: Anong sinabi mo?

Joshua: I told him na we don't really hate each other naman talaga.

Seok: I still hate you for being nice. What did he say?

Joshua laughed.

Joshua: Sabi nya it won't be easy dahil sa nature ng work mo. But he's rooting for us. Did you talk?

Seok: Nope. But we're more than okay.

Joshua: That's good.

Seok: ...

Joshua: So what are we?

Seok: Ikaw kung anong gusto mo.

Joshua: I asked first.

Seok: Let's talk about it kapag nagpunta ka dito.

Joshua: Yeah. I have something to tell you too

Seok: Ano yun?

Joshua: I'll tell you kapag nagkita na tayo.

Seok: Fine.

Joshua: Sleep ka na. Malapit na akong matapos.

Seok: Hintayin na kitang matapos dyan.

Joshua: Okay.

Seok: How's Hee?

Joshua: Nauna silang umuwi. Inaantok na daw kasi sya. May tanong pala ako.

Seok: Hmmm?

Joshua: Why did you tell me about Hee?

Seok: I don't know.

Joshua: Bakit nga?

Seok: Fishing.

Joshua can hear the smile in his voice. It's like Seok is teasing him.

Joshua: Matulog ka na.

Seok: Tapos ka na?

Joshua: Yeah.

Seok: Matutulog ka na din?

Joshua: Maliligo muna ako. I'll call you pag katapos ko. Or just stay on the line.

Seok: Okay. I'll wait.

Joshua didn't take long to finish. Binilisan nya na lang na maligo. But he hopes na tulog na si Seok dahil maaga pa ito bukas. Sarado yung shop nya bukas kaya madami syang time para matulog.

He checked his phone as soon as he stepped out from the bathroom.

"Babe, are you still there?" He asked nang makita nyang active pa yung call.

"Yeah."

Joshua: Okay. How was your day?

Seok: Work. Nothing special.

Joshua: Hindi ka napagod?

Seok: Pagod na pagod na ako.

Joshua: When was the last time you took a break. Like break break?

Seok: Wala. Siguro 1 month na yung pinakahaba.

Joshua: Are you still happy sa ginagawa mo?

That hit him. Masaya pa nga ba sya or ginagawa na lang nya yung trabaho nya dahil sa kontrata?

Seok: I don't know.

Joshua: Hmmm. What makes you happy?

Seok: The sunset. That particular sunset.

Joshua: Which one?

Seok: yung kasama natin si Hee.

Joshua: ...

Seok: I can't wait to go back.

Joshua: Just let me know. Susunduin kita.

Seok: You'll come here naman diba?

Joshua: Yeah. I just need to do my inventory after new year tapo punta ako dyan.

"Okay." Seok said while yawning.

Joshua: Tulog na tayo?

Seok: Sige.. Good night and Happy Birthday.

Joshua: Thank you. Good night, babe.

Natulog sila but none of them end the call.

Chapter 11

Chapter Text

Finally, natapos din yung mga ganap. Joshua is at his shop doing his inventory. Hee and Jay went back to school. Everything's back to normal after the holidays. He hopes that his business will do great this year.

[Shua and Seok]

Shua: Luluwas ako bukas.

Seok: Great.

Shua: Great?

Seok: You can stay in my condo.

Shua: I'll try.

Seok: I thought you miss me?

Shua: Yeah but I have stuff to do.

Seok: Fine. Sana di mo na lang sinabi na luluwas ka.

Shua: I'm just kidding. Of course, I'll stay with you.

Seok: Ewan ko sayo.

Shua: Alis ako nang maaga dito bukas para maaga ko ding matapos yung mga gagawin ko. Can we go out for dinner?

Seok: 🙄

Shua: We need to talk. May sasabihin ako sayo about Hee.

Seok: Okay.

Joshua finished all his business in the Metro and went straight to Seok's condo. Ibinilin sya ni Seok sa guard kaya agad naman syang pinapasok.

Seok lives in a penthouse. The elevator is connected to his suite. The elevator opens directly into the living space.

"Kitchen." He heard Seok.

He doesn't know his way dahil it's his first time coming to his place.

"On your right." He heard Seok again.

"Hi." He greeted Seok.

"Hi yourself." Sagot ni Seok saka lumapit sa kanya to hug him.

It was a brief hug na nasundan ng halik. A deep one. They found themselves in Seok's bed and they forgot about the dinner.

Joshua collapsed on him tiredly and he buried his face on Seok's neck. The latter can still feel Joshua inside him.

"Seok." Joshua said his name softly. He loves how his name sounds on his lips. Soft and gently.

After they took a shower, they went back to the kitchen. Joshua put the food in the microwave to warm them up.

"What?" Joshua asked Seok because the younger is smiling.

"Wala. Kung kumain muna sana kasi tayo kanina."

Joshua laughed. "You kissed me first."

"Stop! Kumain na tayo may sasabihin ka pa sa akin." Saway ni Seok sa kanya.

Joshua didn't know where to start. Tapos na silang magligpit ng pinagkainan nila but they chose to stay sa dining area ni Seok.

"Milk?"

Ngumiti si Seok, yung ngiting mapanukso. He wanted to say something, pero di nya tinuloy. The need to talk.

"Nope. You're here, I know makakatulog ako ng maayos saka hapon pa naman call time ko bukas." Sagot ni Seok.

Joshua started by telling Seok that his mom thinks na kamukha ni Hee yung daddy nya.

"No way." Sabi ni Seok.

"Right?" Kahit si Joshua naman nun naisip nya na imposible yun.

Kwinento nya yung naging usapan nila ni Won.

"Magkapatid kayo ni Jiya?" Seok exclaimed. That explains bakit parang nakita na nya si Joshua before. Hawig ito sa kapatid.

"She's my half sister." Kwinento ni Joshua yung about his dad having a second family.

"Magkamukha kayo." Narealize nya na kaya pala feel nya nagkita na sila ni Joshua before.

"Sabi ni Won, they never asked about Hee. I meant, Jiya's family."

"Yeah. Sinisisi nila ako sa nangyare. Hindi ko naman ginusto yung nangyare. I didn't defend myself. Inako ko na lang yung kasalanan that they are right, pinabayaan ko si Jiya." He bit his lip and started to cry.

"Pinabayaan ko din si Hee. I chose my career over him. Ako dapat yung nag alaga but no, I asked Kuya and Mingyu. But part of me is thankful na pinaalaga ko sya sa kanila because I know na hindi ko kaya at hindi sya lalaking ganyan kung ako yung nagpalaki sa kanya." Patuloy ni Seok. Nilapitan sya ni Joshua at niyakap sya nito. It's like this is Seok's first time to talk about this kaya hinayaan lang nya ito na iiyak lahan ng dapat nyang iniyak noon.

"You did great. I'm sure He understands and he's not mad at you. Let's get you to bed, babe." sabi ni Joshua nang patuloy pa din si Seok sa pag iyak.

Chapter 12

Chapter Text

The next day, naunang nagising si Seok kesa kay Joshua. Nakayakap sa kanya si Joshua kaya dahan dahan syang kumawala sa yakap nito para abutin yung phone nya sa bedside table.

[Seok and Won]

Seok: Kuya? Gising ka na?

Won: Hey, good morning!

Seok: I want to quit na.

Won: May isang taon pa sa contract mo di ba?

Seok: Yup. tatapusin ko na lang yung mga projects ko na nakaschedule na tapos babayaran ko na lang yung contract ko.

Won: Oh okay. You're always welcome here naman.

Seok: Thank you, kuya. May sasabihin pa ako. 😊

Won: Ano yun.

Seok: I think I'm in love.

Won: Great! I'm happy for you.

Seok: Don't tell Mingyu muna haha aasarin ako nun.

Won: I think alam din naman nya. Magkasama kayo diba?

Seok: Yup. Tulog pa.

Won: Hmmmm. Sama ka sa kanya pag uwi?

Seok: I want to. Pero may trabaho ako.

Won: Okay, kapag may break ka na lang.

Seok: Can we tell Hee the truth?

Won: Yeah. Ikaw lang naman hinihintay namin.

Seok: Okay. I will come home soon, kuya.

Won: We will wait for you.

Joshua woke up nang wala na si Seok sa tabi nya. Agad syang bumango para puntahan si Seok.

Nakita nya ito sa kusina.

"Good morning." Bati nya and kissed his nape.

"Good morning. I'm making pancakes for breakfast is that okay?"

"Hmmmm. Are you going to work?"

"Nope. Uuwi ka na ba?" Seok asked while beating the eggs.

"I can stay. Bukas na lang ako uuwi." Joshua moved to his side para makakilos ng maayos si Seok.

"We can't go out tho."

"Okay lang. I got warned." Joshua joked but it's half meant.

Seok rolled his eyes. Pinagpatuloy nya yung ginagawa nya.

"Make us coffee." Utos nya kay Joshua.

"It's too sweet, babe." Reklamo ni Joshua sa pancake ni Seok.

"I put too many sugar." Inagaw nito yung plato ni Joshua but the latter is quick to hold his plate.

"Mag order na lang tayo ng breakfast."

"No, it's fine. Wag na lang natin lagyan ng syrup. I didn't say naman na hindi ko kakainin." Joshua said smiling. Inaasar lang naman nya si Seok the pancake is still edible and it's good with coffee.

"Hmmm. Mahihintay mo ba ako?" Seok asked.

"What do you mean?" Balik na tanong ni Shua.

"Nakapag decide na ako, I want to live in the province kasama kayo but I need to settle everything first." maigsing paliwanag ni Seok.

Joshua nodded. "I'm not going anywhere naman. I know, Hee will be happy."

"Samahan mo ko kapag kinausap ko sya."

Joshua looked at him.

"Of course. Lagi lang ako sa tabi mo if you will let me." Sabi nya bago sumubo ng pancake.

Hindi naman tatanggi si Seok. Naging mas okay lahat when he met Joshua. Naging maayos yung tulog nya, naging okay sila ni Won and lastly, alam nyang magiging okay sila ni Hee.

"Yes." Seok answered.

"Yes?"

"Yes. Dito ka lang sa tabi ko."

"I will ask you again. What are we?"

"Magkatabi." Seok said jokingly but Joshua is not having it.

Sumimangot ito. Natawa naman si Seok.

"Let's stay together." Nakangiting sabi ni Seok. He's not going to say the L word yet but he's sure that it's Joshua who he wants to spend the rest of his days. Tumayo sya at nilapitan si Joshua para halikan ito sa mga labi.

"Ang tamis." Sabi niya when they broke the kiss. He tasted the pancake.

Babalik na sana sya sa upuan nya pero hinila at niyakap sya ni Joshua.

"You have a lifetime naman to practice hanggang maperfect mong magluto ng pancakes. I don't mind kahit palaging pancakes yung breakfast ko as long as ikaw yung kasama ko." Seryosong sabi ni Joshua.

"We can order from McDonald's naman." Pang aasar ni Seok.

"I hate you. Why do you have to ruin the moment." Joshua pouted.

"Oh we're having a moment?" Sabi ni Seok.

"Babe!" Pinandilatan sya ng mga mata ni Joshua.

Seok laughed. "To more sunsets and more pancakes with you."

"I love that." Joshua smiled and kissed Seok on his lips softly and gently.

"To more sunsets and more pancakes with you, baby." Joshua pulled him again for another kiss.

-fin- tysm for reading. ♥️