The wonderful scent of citrus woke me up, I slowly opened my eyes and the familiar ceiling welcomed me. Nanghihina ang aking katawan ngunit nagawa ko pa rin mai-angat ang kamay ko upang masilayan ito. Ilang beses pa akong kumurap upang makumpira na tuluyan na akong nakabalik.
Nang mapabuntong hininga ako't nagbabalak gulaw ay napansin kong may headgear pang nakakabit sa 'king ulo. I carefully removed it even though I don't have the proper strength. When I was able to sit properly, I immediately cussed, remembering how hungry I am.
Dahan-dahan akong tumayo't ginamit ang natitirang lakas upang buksan ang pinto. I wryly smiled when I saw the other Zodiacs at the kitchen, literally devouring the food in the table. Halos mamura ko sila dahil para silang mga asong ulol na gutom na gutom. Hindi rin nila napansin na nakalapit na ako at dahil alam kong wala akong pepwestuhan na silya ay agad kong tinungo ang taas ng refrigerator kung nasaan ang potchi.
"Oy, si Scarlett," sambit ni Clover.
I was languidly eating the pack of potchi while looking at them. It was like watching a massacre because they were killing the foods – okay, I'm not good with jokes.
"Hi, Scarlett-chan," the twins said.
I saw Hunter's eyes widened while looking at me, and he was about to put a spoonful of food to his big mouth when Austin suddenly ate it and stole the spoon, "Go, landi na," Austin mumbled. Hindi ko alam kung anong meron, but I found myself running outside the Celestial Kingdom. I was supposed to be weak, knowing how hungry I am.
Marami akong nakasalubong na estudyante, may ilan din ang bumati sa 'kin ngunit nanguna sa aking sistema ang katangahan ko. When Hunter looked at me – the 21 days of landian suddenly struck inside my head. I can't believe it. It feels like years, and knowing that it was only 21 days makes me so embarrassed. I can't face him right now.
"What the hell?" Someone cursed. I looked up and saw Amanda looking at me curiously. Nang lumagpas siya nang tingin sa 'kin ay bigla na lamang siyang ngumisi sa 'kin kasabay nito ang paghawak ng dalawang bobo sa magkabilang balikat ko.
"Tangina..." I murmured. Parehas kong binigyan nang masamang tingin sina Raynald at Chris na pwersahan akong hinarap sa likod upang makita si Hunter. Isang malawak na ngiti ang sumilay sa labi ni Hunter habang papunta sa 'kin at kung kanina ay tumatakbo siya ngayon ay dahan-dahan na siyang lumalapit sa 'kin.
"Thank you..." Hunter said to the three. I pouted when he stole my hand and pulled me somewhere.
Nang wala ng tao sa paligid ay bigla na lamang niya akong hinigit palapit sa kanya. Tila kusang pumatak ang mga luha ko lalo na't alam kong nasa tunay na mundo na kami. Wala ng laro o kahit anong kapangyarihan – totoo na lahat.
"I swear Darren's game will never win that contest," I cursed. Hunter suddenly laughed and puffed my cheeks.
It was only for 21 days. But for me, it feels like a lifetime.
"Aren't you glad that you found your husband in that game?"
"Ah, I run away from the wedding, remember?"
He grimaced, and my hand gently. He lightly planted a soft peck at the back of it, "Do you want to make it real? No games, no virtual world. A real wedding in the real world,"
I was about to utter something when my stomach suddenly growls, "Panira naman, puta," he hissed.
Nagulat ako nang may biglang humampas sa kaniyang ulo mula sa likod. I saw Logan leering at him while the other Zodiacs were placing a mantle beneath the shades of the tree, "Gutom na 'yong kapatid ko. Mamaya ka na lumandi, okay?" Logan leered to Hunter.
Logan stole me and ruffled my hair, "Kain muna bago landi, okay?" I pouted and sat at the mantle. I was surprised when the twins suddenly welcomed me with their hugs. Wala rin akong nagawa nang parehas nila akong sinubuan na parang bata.
But being with them made me feel safe. After all, the Zodiacs were my safe haven. My family.
Saglit pa'y dumating na ang iba pa. Amanda was with my brother, Keigo while Travis immediately went to Hunter. Talagang forever may kaagaw ako kay Hunter.
I was silently watching them, and it was too late for me to realize that I was smiling while looking at them.
And now I no longer care if I was Amethyst or Hyazinth because here in the real world – I am Scarlett Lexie Flint. One of the Zodiacs and one of the players who finished the game.
"Scarlett-chan, why are you smiling?"
I looked at Zayn and shut my eyes. My lips once again plastered a curve.
It was because the game was now officially over.
#
BINABASA MO ANG
Hyazinth: Game Over
Science FictionFive years after knowing the secret about the game, another game emerged; it was a fun-thrilling game which brought happiness to the players. But as they began to learn its secret, they started to taste its bitter aftertaste- wherein they forgot to...
