Philjie Oneshots

VII

Beach | 1730Hrs

PHIL

"Look at that sunset! It's so beautiful!" I said enthusiastically, staring at the horizon. We were sitting on the beautiful white sandy beach by the sea, and Benjie was busy taking pictures of the sunset.

It was our day off, so we got to spend some time together at a beach not too far from the camp.

"Maganda ba pagkakuha ko nito, buddy?" Benjie asked me, showing one of his photos.

"Oo naman, sana all photographer," I teased him, poking his neck several times.

Benjie just laughed. "Phil—wag—tama na—nakikilitian ako," he managed to say between laughs.

'Ang sarap pakinggan ng tawa mo,' I thought.

When I stopped teasing him, I scooted closer, close enough for our shoulders to touch, and wrapped my arm around his shoulder.

He instantly switched his attention from his phone to me.

'Parang eto na ang magandang panahon para ipalabas ko ang mga nararamdaman ko,' I thought.

"Benjie, may gusto akong sabihin sa'yo," I began, staring into his sun-kissed face.

"Ano yun?" he asked curiously, raising one eyebrow.

"Benjie, nung una kitang nakilala, di ko naman inakalang ikaw ang magpapatibok ng puso kong hindi ko pa nararamdaman sa iba."

"Kahit anong pigil ko, tumatatak ka dito sa puso ko, at pilit kang sumisiksik sa isip ko."

'Totoo ba 'to?' Benjie wondered as he listened.

"At pinapangiti mo ako nang hindi ko namamalayan tuwing makikita at makakasama kita sa bawat araw."

"Alam ko na parati tayo sumasabak sa gyera at buhay natin ay nasa panganib, pero di ko na matiis itago ang totoong nararamdaman ko," I said, tightening my grip around his shoulders.

"Benjie, buddy, pagbibigyan mo ba ako ng pagkakataong mahalin ka?" I finished, noticing that Benjie was crying.

"Uy, ba't ka umiiyak? May nasabi ba akong mali?" I asked with concern. Then he suddenly pulled me into a tight hug. I was hesitant at first but returned the hug.

"Oo, Phil. Oo, pagbibigyan kita," he said quietly, just loud enough for me to hear.

The uncertainty melted away from my face. The surprise, the joy, the sheer unexpected delight—these feelings exploded like fireworks inside me.

I lifted his chin up to meet his tear-streaked face. I wiped the remaining tears from his cheeks.

"Wag ka nang umiyak," I said softly, caressing his cheek. Then I slowly closed the gap between us until my lips touched his.

There were no gasps of desire; nobody swooned into the other's arms. But we came together like pieces of a puzzle, like we were always meant to fit.

When I broke the kiss, both of our faces were as red as jalapeños.

"Phil, di ako makapaniwala. Akin ka na talaga," he said with fondness.

"Palagi akong sa'yo. Medyo natagalan lang ako para makita ito," I replied, leaning my forehead against his.