Project LOKI ②

Chapter 21: The Pandora's Box (Part 2)

CONTENT AND TRIGGER WARNING: This chapter may contain content that might be troubling to some readers, including, but not limited to, depictions of and references to death, self-harm and suicide, graphic violence, sexual assault, strong language and more.

Please be mindful of these sensitive themes and other possible triggers. Remember to practice self-care before, during and after reading.

LORELEI

"I'd like to invite you on a date."

Muntik na akong mabulunan sa sinabi niya. Agad akong kumuha ng isang basong tubig sa kusina at deretsong ininom ito. After wiping my mouth dry and clean, I returned to my seat. "Are you serious? Or is there a punchline waiting for me?"

"Just kidding," he replied nonchalantly. I knew he was joking. The Loki that I had known all these months would not randomly ask someone on a date. He got no time for any romantic inclinations. He would rather lock himself in a room and solve puzzles than go out and eat dinner with anyone.

"But are you really free this weekend?"

"Bakit ba?"

"An acquaintance of mine wants to pick my brain in solving a seemingly bizarre case. We both owe him a favor so he deserves our help."

Kumunot ang noo ko habang nakatitig sa kaniya. "Teka, in what way did I owe that person anything? I don't even know any acquaintance of yours."

"You'll find out this weekend. Just make sure you're free on Saturday."

I was hoping that he would elaborate the request, but he fell silent and continued reading the book.

Pagkatapos kumain, dumeretso na ako sa aking kuwarto para magpalit ng damit. Tinirhan ko siya ng sandwich sakaling magutom siya mamaya.

Sana'y hindi kami mapapahamak sa request na nabanggit niya.

nadatnan kong nakaupo si Loki sa paborito niyang spot sa couch. Hawak-hawak niya ang kaniyang silver laptop. Hinintay niya yata akong matapos sa pag-aayos at lumabas ng kuwarto. Nitong mga nakaraang araw, tulog pa siya ng ganitong oras kaya kataka-taka kung bakit gising na siya.

"May lakad ka ba today?" tanong ko habang isinusuot ang aking flat shoes. Pasulyap-sulyap din ako sa kaniya. "Magdya-jogging ka ba kaya maaga kang nagising?"

Without saying good morning or any pleasantries, he approached my couch and stood before me. He stretched out his arms holding the laptop. "I want you to have this."

I tilted my head up. My left eyebrow raised as I stared at his gadget. "What am I supposed to do with that thing?"

"Yesterday, you sounded so concerned about our club's fate. Thus, I'm offering you its salvation."

"Gusto mo bang ihampas ko 'yan sa mukha ng kuya mo at ng mga kasama niya sa student council?"

"You can slam this in my brother's face, but spare the others." Nangangawit na siguro ang mga braso niya dahil hindi ko pa 'yon kinukuha mula sa kaniya. "Kidding aside, this laptop is the Pandora's Box. Once its contents are leaked, chaos will ensue on campus. But if you're careful enough in opening it, you can make anyone bow to your will. If you wanna save the club, all you need to do is log on and browse some files."