Chapter 10: Those Lies

"Those lies are way of realizing truth that I'm inlove with you."

Minghao's POV

"Ayan na silaaaa!!" napatingin ako sa direksyon kung saan nakatingin ang barkada.

"Naks naman! Totoo na yan Jun hyung ah!" -Dk

"Totoo na to." he answered while wearing a smile.

"Weh? Nung nakaraan lang, may kasama kang magandang babae ah?" -Ciarra

"Don't worry, siya rin yun." nagulat naman si Ciarra. Nilapitan niya pa si Kiane saka kinilatis ito.

"Whaaaa oo nga! Maganda ka naman ah! Ba't nerd ka ulet?" -Ciarra

"I'm the one who decided. Mas gusto ko na ganyan siya, para wala nang makaagaw pa." -Jun

"See? May pa I don't think so, I don't think so ka pang nalalaman nung sinabi ni Cheol na magtino ka na. Ayan! Isa ding patay na patay sa Jowa. Nagkamali ba ko? Mabubusog ka din sa mga sinabi mo noon gaya ni Wonu." napatawa nalang kami kay Ciarra

"Inuulit ko Ciarra. Mas maganda sayo si Shane." -Wonwoo hyung

"Kiane as well." -Jun

"Woozi oh." -We just all laugh because of that.

"Pano ba yan, nagtino na ang Junhui natin." -Jeonghan hyung

"Pero sigurado, siya mas maharot sa lahat ng may jowa dito." Seungkwan

"Edi sanaol may Jowa diba?" -Dino

"Wag ka muna Dino. Baby ka pa." -Jeonghan hyung.

Nangangamoy na ulit.

"Hyung." -Dino

"Dino nugu aegi?" -Jeonghan hyung

I told you

"Yah." reklamo ni Dino. Lahat kami nagpipigil ng tawa sa kanya

"Dino nugu aegi?"

"Hayy. Jeonghan hyung aegi." at doon na nga sila humagalpak ng tawa.

"Until when?"-Jeonghan hyung

"Until I get 30." -Dino

"Sa susunod hindi na ko magsasalita." mas lalong lumakas ang tawa dahil sa sinabing yun ni Dino.

"Sino pa ba walang jowa dito?" -Dk

"Ikaw." sabi ko

"Ikaw din." sagot niya pabalik sa akin

"Pareho kayo." -Wonwoo

"Lah. Palibhasa may Jowa. Sino ba, ako, si Minghao, Si Vernon, Si Dino at si, Jeonghan hyung." -Dk

"Si Coups hyung." -Mingyu

"Meron ako." natahimik naman kaming lahat. Alam namin kung sino yung tinutukoy niya. Hindi parin si nakakamove-on kay Gem. I just remember Hayah.

"Si Minghao may Hayah yan ah." napalingon naman ako kay Jun. Bakit kailangan niya pang sabihin yun?

"Ay oo nga pala!" -Dk

"Hayah? Sinong Hayah?" -Mylene

"Don't mi--"

"Si Hayah, kaibigan ni Minghao, kaibigan niya na may gusto sa kanya kaso sinabihan niya na wala siyang gusto don. Friendzoned! Pero ang totoo, may gusto din talaga siya, torpe lang talaga. Diba Minghao?" sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.

"Shut up." sabi ko

"May Hayah naman pala eh." -Shane

"Hyacinth is just my friend." I said

"Achuchu. Pero nung iniwasan ka na, iyak iyak ka?" -Dk

"Shut up Dokyeom." tinawanan niya lang ako.

"Alam niyo, pareho yan sila ni Vernon. Kaso ang pinagkaiba, si Minghao, nang-friendzone. Si Vernon, na-friendzone. Hahahahhaha!" napatingin ako kay Vernon. Sabay lang naming sinamaan ng tingin si Dk.

"Jeonghan hyung oh. Kung tumitig sila parang pinapatay ako." -Dk

"Then you die." sabi ko.

"Tama na yan hoy. Dk quiet na. Kapag ikaw lang natira na walang jowa dito ewan ko lang sayo." -Jeonghan hyung.

"Magkakajowa ka pa ba Jeonghan hyung?" Dk said pero binatukan lang diya Jeonghan hyung.

"Kung may Hayah na pala, asan siya?"-Mylene

"Ayun, iwasan sila ni pareng Hao. Lam mo na. Taguan ng feelings. Hahahaha." sinamaan ko nalang ng tingin si Dk.

Buong maghapon lang kaming nagkukuwentuhan sa mansion namin. Lagi naman nila gustong tumambay dito. Hinayaan ko muna sila sa salas at umakyat muna sa kwarto ko.

Bago pa man ako humilata sa kama ay napadako ang tingin ko sa isang picture sa ibabaw ng drawer.

"Hayah." I whispered. Kinuha ko ito saka pinagmasdang mabuti. Masaya pa kami sa picture na to.

These are the times where I'm completely happy with her. Not until that time has came, and I said those lies.

"Mingming!!" I smiled when I heard her say my name.

"Excited to see me huh?" I jokingly said

"I told you! May surprise ako sayo." She happily said. In that moment I noticed a simple picnic set in the grass. I smiled. She never failed on keeping me smiling

"Nasasanay na ko sa mga surprise mo ah. Para san ba 'to?" I asked. Nagbago bigla ang expression ng mukha niya. Nervousness starts to occupy her face. I can see her hands trembling.

"Hey? You ok?" nag-aalalang tanong ko

"I like you. Minghao." I get shocked and stunned after hearing her words. It lasts for about couple of minutes. I'm just staring straight on her eyes. I can see that she's telling the truth

But what should I do?

"Hayah...." I just said. I don't even know what would I tell her.

"Do you......... like me too?"

I think of what should I going to answer. I really don't know what I'm going to say.

"I....... like you." I finally said.

"Rea---"

"As a friend." A lie. It was just a lie. I get afraid.

There are so many What if's

What if she doesn't deserve me at all?

What if I'm the one who will hurt her?

What if....... I'm not for her?

I'm not familiar with any romantic feelings.

I'm afraid of commitments. Just like what happened on Woozi and Astrid. What if I'm the one who will hurt her?

"A-as a friend?" I came back on reality after hearing her voice. Trembling and about to cry.

"Hayah....... I'm s--"

"No need to be sorry." she said then wiped her tears.

"It doesn't required you to like me too. It's just that...... Hahaha I'm sorry Mingming. Am I that over acting? I just thaught of you do have the same feelings as me." I have. I do really have that feeling

But I can't tell you.

Wala sa sarili kong pinunasan ang mga luha ko.

"Hahah, did I just cry?" bulong ko sa sarili ko.

"I missed you...." I said while looking at her picture.

"So much..."

―--―--―--―

"Sama ako Minghao!" Dk shouted

"Ikaw nalang kumuha." sabi ko.

"Wag na nga. Geh, kaya mo na yan." hindi ko nalang siya pinansin at dumiretso na pababa. Tumawag si Dad, may pinapakuha siya sa office.

"Here Son. Make sure you'll bring it to Mr. Flores at that dinner ok?" tumango nalang ako.

Mr. Flores..... Hayah's Dad. Nandun din kaya siya sa dinner mamaya? Alam kaya niya na ako ang aattend kay Dad sa meeting nila ng Papa niya? I really want to see her. I badly missing her.

"HYACINTH HINTAY NAMAN!" napalingon ako sa sumigaw.

Hyacinth?

Doon ko nga siya nakita. May sumusunod sa kanyang lalaki. Papunta siya sa direksyon ko kaya agad akong nagtago.

"Lucas naman! Tantanan mo na ko pwede ba?! Ilang beses ba dapat kitang bastedin? Kulit mo!" I can feel my heartbeat goes faster and faster. I saw her...... again. But I can't go near her. Unfortunately.

"Bakit kasi binabasted mo ko? Ako lang naman manliligaw mo?"  that Lucas said. Who the hell is he except the fact that he is err― Hayah's suitor. As if sasagutin siya. Ayan na nga at binabasted na.

"Pake mo ba? Eh sa ayaw ko sayo eh!"

"Ang sabihin mo, umaasa ka parin sa Minghao na yun!" that really caught my attention. Is she?

"Eh ano naman ngayon?"

"Hyacinth! Masyado siyang mataas, sikat! Oo nga at naging malapit kayo noon! Magkakilala ang mga parents niyo! Pero nagustuhan ka ba niya? Hi--"

"Tama na! Binasted ka lang nagkwento ka na! Alis na nga! May klase pa ko!" she said then finally leave. Umiling-iling naman na umalis na yung lalaki. Saka ako lumabas sa pinagtataguan ko.

Really Hayah? Still didn't forget about me? And hoping f--

"Kita ko yun." nagulat ako nang biglang may nagsalita sa likod ko.

"Coups hyung." I said. Inakbayan niya ako saka nagsimula na kaming maglakad.

"Why not approach her? Again?"

"Hyung....."

"Why? Still bothered? As far as I remember, natorpe ka lang noon--"

"Natakot hyung."

"Ok Hahah. Natakot. Saan? Diba dahil yun sa nangyari kina Woozi at Astrid? Na niloko ni Astrid si Woozi? At nag-advance ka masyado sa pag-iisip at natakot ka na baka mangyari yun sa inyo ni Hayah. Na baka hindi mo mapanindigan ang pagiging boyfriend."

"Does it sound too much? You think I've done a wrong decision hyung?"

"Kahit hindi ako ang tanungin mo, alam mo na yun sa sarili mo. Come to think of it. Woozi already have a girlfriend. He already found his sweetest thing after what Astrid have done to him. Tapos ikaw? Asan ka?"

"Nasa tabi mo hyung."

"Nahahawa ka na kay Dk, Hao." I just laugh. But also think of what he have said.

"Tell me your What if's." napatingin naman ako sa kanya.

"Why? Tell me Hao." nag-isip naman ako. Sasabihin ko ba sa kanya? Baka magmukha lang akong duwag lalo.

"Oh c'mmon."

"What if, She doesn't deserve me?" I said

"Who knows who's deserving for one person? Kailangan ba kapag nagmahal ka, sisiguruhin mo muna na siya na? Hindi ba pwedeng magmahal ka muna?" he said.

"What if, I'm not for her?"

"Do you really need to asure it? Being yours or being hers? How about telling yourself to keep her, for not losing her?"

"What if....... I'm the one who will possibly hurt her?"

"You're going to do?"

"Of course not!"

"Then be it! Do not hurt her. Try not to hurt her."

"Why are you telling this to me hyung?"

"For your enlightenment? You know what happened to me Hao. I lose a great chance, the universe took away Gem from me, not giving me chance to tell her I love her. And now, I don't want you to experience it. Believe me Hao, it's hard. As if you're hurting yourself with a fact that you would never had a chance to be with her again."

I can see through his eyes his longing for someone who marked on his heart. The girl who left Coups hyung in burden but look where he is? Giving advice to me, not to waste a chance.

Hayah.......

Do I really have a chance?

―--―--―--―

"Good evening tito." I greeted the man sitting on one of the chairs in that round table.

"Good eve din Ijo. Take a sit." I seated next to him then confusedly looked at one of the three plates positioned on that table. It supposed only to be two plates but.....

"Hayah is here, she's on the ladies room." I nervously looked at Tito. Nandito si Hayah?

"Nalaman niya kasi na ikaw ang makakaharap ko ngayong gabi. Ayun, nagkumahog na magbihis at sumama. Alam mo naman yun." Tito said while giving me a look. Tito knew about Hayah's feelings for me.

"If I would choose someone to be Hayah's lover, I'll always choose you. Alam mo yan." he smiled at me. I just gave him a smile too.

Her father supports me. But unluckily, I've made a lie, that broke her daughters' heart. I wonder if he knew about it.

"Pa." finally heard that familiar voice. Hayah's voice.

"Minghao. Nice to see you. A-again." hindi ako agad nakasagot. But reality hits me then stood up to help her to sit on her chair.

Silence surrounded us. Even Tito never had a guts to speak. So I initiated.

"Ahm.... Tito, here's the paper." I said then gave him the papers.

"Oh, thank you. I almost forgot Haha. Oh wait, you guys are fine here? I have some things to do. Wala naman ang Daddy mo Hao kaya hindi na ako magtatagal pa. See you some other day huh?" he said then stood up.

Iiwan niya kami ni Hayah?

"Oh wait, Minghao, I'm counting on you for my daughter's safety, by 10, she should be on the mansion." tumango lang ako. Damn! Hindi ko alam kung paano tumanggi! Imagine? Almost a year na kaming nag-iiwasan tapos maiiwan lang kami sa ganitong set-up?

Both of us are just looking and following her father's back while walking farther.

I just deep a sigh. Should I start a conversation?

How?

"Mingming?" parang may kung anong kuryente ang pumasok sa katawan ko nang marinig siya na tawagin akong ganon.

How I miss that nickname she gave for me. And the way he say it. Lumingon ako sa kanya and then there I saw it. Those eyes that filled with saddness upon hearing those lies of me.

"How are you?" I still didn't answer. I still want to hear her voice. Once again.

"Mingming?"

"I-I'm fine. How about you?"

"Fine as well."

Silence.

We filled with silence again.

"Who knows who's deserving for one person? Kailangan ba kapag nagmahal ka, sisiguruhin mo muna na siya na? Hindi ba pwedeng magmahal ka muna?"

For sime reasons, I've remembered what words did Coups hyung said to me.

"Do you really need to asure it? Being yours or being hers? How about telling yourself to keep her, for not losing her?"

I looked onto Hayah. She seems uncomfortable. I smiled. I do feel some urge to approach her. Because of Coups hyung's words of enlightenment.

"Hey? Where are we going?" she said while I'm dragging her gently outside that resto.

I faced her then looked straightly on her eyes.

"Would you....... trust me...... this time?" I asked with hesitations. She silently looked at me then slowly nodded. I just give him a smile. A smile that surely will make her feel that I'm now beside her. That I actually didn't make her feel before.

Hyacinth's POV

I looked at him as if nothing happened between us.

Bakit ko ba siya kasama?

Ok Hyacinth, let me remind you.

Naging marupok ka.

At oo, hanggang ngayon...... gusto ko parin siya.

Pero kaibigan lang ang turing niya sakin.

Hanggang dun lang.

"Amusement park? In this hour?" tanong ko.

"Why? Bawal ba? Mas maganda kaya sa gabi, look at those lights. It gives more vibes in the evening.

I just smiled.

"Ferris wheel?" he asked. I just nodded.

Ferris wheel. How romantic.

But sadly, we're going to ride it, as friends.

Pinagmasdan ko ang buong mukha niya habang naglalakad kami. Side view makes him perfect. Walang nagbago. Siya parin ang gusto ko.

How I wish I could tell him again, and he would answer the same way I feel, not like before, not like we're still friends for him.

Minghao's POV

"Enjoying the view?" I asked her when I noticed that she's staring at me. Nataranta naman siya at saka tumingin sa totoong view habang nakasakay kami dito sa ferris wheel.

"Uhm.. y-yeah." I just silently laugh.

"Tawa." and now burst out into laughter.

"Staring at me huh?"

"Namiss lang kita. Masama ba yun?" I stopped laughing. Hearing those words makes my heart melt.

"I missed you too." I said. And there I see it through her eyes, those hope that was then fade away when I told her those lies.

"Akala ko, ikaw ang unang mag-aaproach. Natiis mo ako ng ganon katagal?" she pouted.

"I-I'm sorry, it's just that--"

"Kung tungkol to sa confession ko please lang, wag na nating pag-usapan yun. Nakakahiya." she said.

She feel embarrased, well in fact, I should be the one to feel ashamed. I hurted her. I hurted myself. What a stupid decision I was made. With those stupid reasons.

"About it."

"Ayoko nga pag-usapan Mingming eh. Wag na. Past is past. Ayoko nang balikan yung mga oras na akala ko, gusto mo rin ako. Yun pala kai--"

"I l-lied."

"H-huh?"

"I lied. I like you too. But I was afraid. So much what if's hitted me. What if you doesn't deserve me, what if I'm not the right person for you? What if I hurted you?"

"What if you've told me the truth? Edi sana masaya tayo ngayon?" she said. While tears started to fall into her cheeks.

I wiped it with my hands. Not again Minghao. Please do something that will never make her cry again.

She just closed her eyes while I'm wiping her tears away.

"Sorry for making you cry again. But yes, I lied. And that was a biggest mistake I've ever made. How I wish I could go back in time and I will tell you how much I love you that time."

"Ngayon? Do you still love me Minghao?"

"Y-yes....... but unlike before...... I'm completely sure about it. I know and I'll promise, that I will do everything to make you happy. And won't say any other lies again. Are you giving me a chance Hayah? Will you forgive me?"

"Of course. You're always forgiven. And the chance is only for you. Waiting for you." I smiled at her while tears are also escaping through my eyes. I kissed her forehead then hugged her as if this moment won't last.

Now, I'm going to make a new Chapter. With her. All along. Me and her, being lovers.

―--―--―--―

I'm already preparing myself. I'm going into a date with Hayah. It's our first date after all. Being lovers.

"Sir? Pinapatawag po kayo ng Daddy niyo." I just nodded. Balak ko rin talaga sanang puntahan si Dad. I'm going to tell him about me and Hayah's relationship.

"Dad? Pinatawag niyo po ako?" bungad ko.

"Have a sit son." he said so I sitted on the couch. He stood up and then walks towards me. He gave me a folder so I accept it.

"I want you to prepare for your marriage." My whole world stops upon hearing those words through my father.

Marriage?

"D-dad."

"Arrange marriage."

Hyacinth's POV

I innocently look at my wrist watch. Patiently waiting for him.

Akala ko ba susunduin niya ako? Bakit wala pa siya? Hindi manlang nagtetext.

*phone rings*

I immediately grabs my phone. My heart skipped a beat upon reading his name on the screen.

He's calling.

"Mingming?" I greeted

"S-sorry." bigla naman akong kinabahan nang marinig ang boses niya.

"Problem?" I asked.

"Can't go with you. There's an emergency." he said.

"I understand. Just tell me what's going on."

"Not now Hayah." he said in a sad tone. I'm about to speak but he already ended the call.

What now Minghao?

Is it another burden for me?

Tama na.

Sawa na ko.

―--―--―--―

Minghao's POV

"Ready for your engagement proposal?" Dad asked me while watching me wearing my tuxedo.

"I should." I answered. I even hear his deep sigh before leaving the room.

Bago pa man ako lumabas ay nahagip ng mata ko ang picture frame sa ibabaw ng drawer ko. Kinuha ko ito saka pinagmasdan. It's a picture of me and Hayah.

Inilapag ko ulit ito nang maayos saka sumunod na kay Dad. We're heading to a fancy restaurant. Doon gaganapin ang engagement proposal ko sa babaeng pakakasalan ko.

When we finally arrived, I even hear my own heartbeat. Lalo na nang makita ko na siya. Wearing a simple white dress that even make her look perfect.

"Hyacinth." I whispered.

Sinalubong niya ako nang may ngiti sa labi. I hold her hand before we faced our parents. It should be only a contract signing in the papers, proving that I and Hyacinth are going to be married for their company's sake. But I prapared something that no one knew about it except Coups hyung.

Binitawan ko ang kamay niya kaya naman tiningnan niya ako nang may pagtataka. Ganun din ang pareho naming parents.

Sinulyapan ko si Coups hyung kaya naman inihagis niya na sa akin ang bagay na siyang kailangang kailangan ko.

I kneeled in front of her. I could hear everyone's gasps and even my father's cuss. Not because of anger but I'm sure because he's proud of me. I'm a man tho. I should give a woman a ring while proposing to her.

"Hayah, it may sound corny and cheesy but, I know, deep in myself that I'm going to marry you not because of business, but because I love you. You deserve a proper proposal. So as this ring is the witness how much I'm willing to marry you. Now, will you marry me?" I could see the tears falling from her. But I know, It's now because of happiness.

"Y-yes. I will." she finally answered. I wear the ring on her finger that perfectly fits on her. It just make her hand more prettier.

"Binata na ang Mingming namin!" -Jeonghan hyung

"Akalain mo?! Naunahan mo pa kami!"-Jun

"Congrats HaoHao!" -Ciarra

All of them greeted us. We entertained them at hindi nila tinigilan si Hayah. Especially the girls. Ngayon lang kasi nila nakilala talaga si Hayah.

"Coups hyung." tawag ko sa kanya.

"Hmm? Congrats. You've made it." I smiled

"Without your help, I don't think I can make it."

"Syempre magagawa mo. Kahit hindi ako ang magsabi, pilit na ipapaintindi sayo yun ng puso mo." He said.

"She's lucky to have you."

"But I was unlucky for not having her." He faked a smile

"Makikilala mo rin ang tamang tao para sayo."

"Para lang ako sa kanya." he said. I can see through her eyes the saddness that also full of love at the same time.

I looked at Hayah. She's very entertained with my friends. I've never expected this day would come. We're finally engaged. And now looking forward to the future. We're going to finish our studies first. Ilang buwan nalang din naman. And finally, I can exchange vows with her.

Upon saying those lies, we're now here.

Those lies are way of realizing truth that I'm inlove with you.

Those lies are simply blessing in disguise that happened to me for me to realize my mistakes and make me do something that will make it right.

Now, I'm with you. My sweetest thing.

~End~