Melting You Softly (Student Series #1)

Chapter 34

Chapter 34

"Pagod na ako, Axe."

Itinikom niya ang bibig at napayuko. Before, he'd use the back of his fingers to cover his mouth when he got shy or embarrassed. But now... he was using it to wipe the tears from his eyes.

It may be a slight difference, and it may not matter to anyone... but it does to me. His every small gesture matters to me.

I heard him sniff before he lifted his chin again to face me. Mariin kong kinagat ang labi, sinusubukang gawing matapang ang ekspresyon habang tinitingnan siya. Pulang-pula na agad ang kanyang mata at ilong sa saglit na pag-iyak.

"I understand. Swimming can really get you tired," mahinang aniya. "I... still have energy, Izzy. You c-can recharge... for free."

Halos madurog ang puso ko nang dahan-dahan niyang ibinuka ang mga braso sa gilid. Ilang beses na umalon ang kanyang lalamunan at pilit na inaangat ang sulok ng mga labi.

"You can take all my energy if you're tired." His voice broke. "Just don't get tired of us, please..."

I shook my head. "Pagod na ako sa relasyon natin. Pagod na ako sa 'yo, Axe. Iyan... nakuha mo na ba?"

"Paano ka napagod? Bakit ka napagod?" He bit his lip and closed his eyes for a moment. "Ano pong... g-ginawa ko para mapagod ka?"

Tinitigan ko siya. I'm so afraid to open my mouth again. Baka imbes na salita ang lumabas ay hikbi na.

"What did I do that tires you? Please, do tell me. Hindi ko na po gagawin," nanginginig ang boses niya nang sabihin iyon.

I shifted my gaze from him to the swimming pool. Hindi ko na kayang tingnan pa ang mga mata niyang puno ng pagsusumamo.

Why can't you say directly that you want to break up with him, Izzy? Isn't it what you really want?

The wind blew and brushed my skin, but I didn't flinch from my position. His arms were so tempting to be inside of them. To be wrapped by them. To enjoy the warmth and solace they bring to me.

I got a whiff of his baby scent when he went near me. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa paa nang makitang inilapag niya sa tapat nito ang tsinelas ko bago tumayo at ipinatong sa balikat ko ang tuwalya.

My lips quivered and my eyes turned cloudy. Nanatili akong nakayuko habang inaayos niya ang tuwalya sa katawan ko para matakpan ito. His shoes moved closer to mine before he held my head to kiss the top of it.

Unti-unting lumiwanag ang paligid dahil sa paglitaw ng araw. But the sunlight wasn't enough to illumine the gloomy weather between us.

Pumungay ang mata ko nang ilagay niya sa likod ng tainga ang aking buhok. His finger crawled from there down to my chin, hoisting it to meet his restless eyes.

"Izzy..." he drew softly. "Believe me when I say it will be much more tiring the moment you let me go..."

I stared at him with mouth agape. Mas naniningkit pa ang kanyang mata habang nakatitig sa akin.

He tilted his head and crouched a bit, not taking his hypnotizing eyes off me.

"Trust me when I say you have to trust me. Hold onto me... even if it's just the tip of your finger. I'll help and carry you throughout our journey. Didn't I say that before..." patuloy niya sa marahang boses.

My nose twitched, and my shoulders began shaking. I shut my eyes and set free the sobs I was holding in. I imprisoned myself behind the barred cell of obscurity that I overlooked the small ray of light that could save me from being completely succumbed to dullness.