Between the Rainbow (Strawberries and Cigarettes Series #1)

Chapter 17

Wrong

"Wala tayong picture." Bigla niyang inalis ang phone sa harap ng mukha niya at tiningala akong muli.

"Paano magkakapicture kung wala akong phone?"

He manipulated his phone and clicked the camera.

"Dito nalang," he offered.

Tumikhim ako at medyo hinawakan ang aking buhok para ayusin iyon habang kumakalma. And what's the purpose of the photo? Pampalubag-loob ba 'to sa sama ng loob na binigay niya kanina? Is he planning to give me more headaches?

Well, fine... At least we have a photo together.

He was busy manipulating his phone, so I rested my hand on his flat stomach. I felt it churn. Ngumuso ako lalo na't ramdam kong natitigilan siya.

I closed my eyes, bracing for his hand to take it away, but he didn't. And fuck it, I'm becoming more greedy because he... didn't... take it.

Namumungay ang mga mata ko nang dumilat, ayaw nang gumalaw. I could smell him just like how I familiarized eveything about him. And even though he's near me, just a little crouched, and I could smell his shampoo coaxing me to pull him more.

But then, I don't want to mess it up. I was dizzy from the alcohol I'd shot, but not dizzy enough to not notice my actions.

"Akala ko ba matutulog kana?" rinig ko ang munti niyang tanong.

"I'm waiting for the photo..." I whispered huskily.

"Matulog kana. Bukas nalang," namamaos niyang sabi.

"Why not now?"

"Lasing ka tingnan?"

I laughed. Tumingala siya, magkasalubong ang kilay.

"Lasing ka yata eh," he tried to confirm it.

"Mm... maybe?" I said playfully.

Umismid siya. I licked my lower lip as my eyes drifted to his soft lips. Man... this is terrible. Makakatay niya yata ako ngayong gabi kung yuyuko ako.

"Lasing na lasing ka tingnan," he said.

Coz you're making me so drunk, Shiloh...

"Why? You'd kiss me?" I joked and laughed.

"Ba't naman kita hahalikan?" He sounded so pissed.

"Coz I'm drunk? And your lips are red?" Ngisi ko at nanatili ang tingin sa labi niya.

"Lasing ka nga." Iling niya.

"Then... you'd do it?" I smiled more.

"Gago. Bakit naman?" He tried to push me halfheartedly.

"Coz I deserve it?" I whispered playfully.

His brows knitted to the core.

"Ganito ka siguro sa mga babae."

Pumikit ako at humagalpak.

"Doon ka manghingi ng halik," he hissed. "Kay Jessie."

"Seriously. Why is she always included between us?" I mumbled.

"Kasi halata naman na gusto mo siya. Nakikita ko ang tinginan niyo. At... ngumingisi ka lagi pag inaasar sa kanya. Parang na-eexcite ka na tikman siya."

I shut my eyes and barked a laugh. My face was pressed against his hair as my hand resting on his stomach grazed down to the side of his waist, pulling him a bit.

"Should I frown next time?" I said cockily.

Umirap siya.

"How about my stares at you? You haven't noticed it? Hmm?" Nangingiti kong patuloy.