Broken Strings

"Hi." I put down the book I was reading and looked up at the owner of that voice. I was secretly shocked to see in front of me the madness of the women all over our campus. He sat in the vacant seat in front of me then handed me a long-stemmed rose. "Uh, for you..."

The women at another table started whispering again. The canteen was filled with whispering noises.

"What did Wright see in that woman? I'm better than her, ah."

"She charmed our Wright! That bitch!"

"Girl, you are disgusting. Your saliva is on my arms, look!"

I took a deep breath. I have been receiving insults from them for two weeks now. I'm already getting used to it. I stood up and arranged my book. I also put my bag on my shoulder. "Uh, I can't accept that. I'm sorry."

I was about to leave when a warm hand grabbed my arm. The women at the other table sighed. The murmur grew louder. I confronted him. He was still holding the rose and looking at me seriously. "'Don't listen to what others are saying to you. Just believe me. I'm serious about you."

I stared at him. Six foot, all muscles and the most arresting face - thin lips, straight nose, chiselled jaw - his unique eyes hypnotizing. Sometimes I get caught staring into those eyes and forget where I am. Wright is the sexiest man - sinful and beautiful - my eyes have ever graced. I swallowed and averted my gaze before I even melted into the intensity of its gaze.

"Why me?" I kept my voice from shaking.

"Why not you?"

What is his intention? We only met because of the coffee. I was passing by their side but the woman bumped into me. To my great annoyance, she poured the hot coffee left in her glass to me. My skin turned red.

Wright got angry with the woman and dragged me to the Clinic for treatment. He also lent me the varsity jacket he's wearing.

Yes, Wright was kind to me, but I didn't like the way he approached me every day after that. I think that in every step I take, someone will kill me.

"I mean, there are a lot of beautiful women who like you. Why don't you just date them, so you won't have a hard time anymore." It's not that I'm counting but he's been courting me for two weeks. Others said that Wright was the only one who had been courting me for so long.

"I'm surrounded by women who wanted me, but you're the only one that I wanted." He touched my hair and pinned the loose strands in my ear. When he smiled, my knees almost softened. "I love your simplicity, Melissa."

This ain't good.

"Uh .. t-thankyou." I quickly took the rose in his hand to finish our conversation. I adjusted my glasses. "I might be late for my class."

I walked over to the door. I breathed a sigh of relief when I got out and quickened my pace. My heart was still beating fast. Curse his silver tongue!

I stopped when he blocked my way. I walked backwards. What else does he need?

"Why?" I asked.

It scratched his neck like a shy teenager. "We'll have a gig later at Floderizo Bar. Can you watch?"

Bar? Floderizo? That Bar is known because that's where some well -known personalities go. The only ones who can get in there are the members. Not just members, rich people are participating.

"Uh, I don't want to. Sorry." I said quickly. Disappointment reflected in his eyes. I averted my gaze. "And Grandma won't let me."

"I'll pick you up." He says determinedly.

"You don't know my address," I said. I adjusted my eyeglass again and walked to his side.

I felt his warm hand on my arm again. I'm starting to get pissed. "Tell me so I know."

"You're too persistent, Wright."

He stared at me. "Can you... Can you say that again?"

"Which one?" What did I say?

"My name."

"Uh..." What's the matter with that? That's his name ah? Geez! "Wright."

"Music in my ears, babe." I stared as his eyelids weighed down.

I was swallowed. "Wright .. P-Please let go of my arm."

"Not until you give your address." I can't do anything either. I took a deep breath. I give up. I said our full address. It's up to him to find out. "I will pick you up at six o'clock."

Six ?! Wait! What can I say to Grandma ?!

"Huh? Wait-" I couldn't speak anymore because he already runs away from me. I even saw his hand raise as if he had won the lotto. I rubbed my forehead. "I'm upset. I'm pissed!"

After my class at four o'clock, I went home immediately. I waved to Grandma when I saw her crocheting in her rocking chair. Grandma is still strong today, I sometimes help her sell vegetables in the market. I cooked Grandma dinner before I went into my room and got dressed.

I chose to wear a black skater skirt and black sleeveless. Because I'm wearing pure black, my white skin floats even more. I have also combed my shoulder-length hair. It's natural to curl up at the end. Wright might say, I prepared for him. I just don't want to be out of place or embarrass him because I look like a maid when he is with me. I went out of the room and caught up with Grandma who was standing in front of my door.

Her eyes pierced my whole being. Suddenly her eyes twinkled and a smile grew on her lips. "Sweetheart, where are you going and why are you all dressed up?"

I was embarrassed to smile. "I have... a friend who will pick me up."

She caressed my hair. Grandma rarely sees me with my hair down so maybe she's excited to touch it. "Friend? Be careful, sweetheart."

"Yes, Grandma," I said. I no longer have a father and mother, they died in an accident. So Grandma was the only relative who took me in. I have no other acquaintance who is a relative of ours but her, she is Mama's mother. "Mom and Dad are always watching over me."

"My granddaughter is so beautiful. You got the beauty of your mother and strong-will from your father." Her hands covered my cheek and then lowered her head. She kissed me softly on the cheek.

Grandma and I looked at the door when there was a knock. I went there and then opened the door. He's just in a dark polo and it was folded up to the elbow but its elegance is still visible. No matter what beautiful dress I put on, I will still look like a maid when I stand next to him.

"Good evening." His eyes dropped to the dress I was wearing. I was so bitten on my lower lip. "Beautiful."

"Is that your friend, Melissa?" Grandma adjusted her eyeglass. Her smile widened even more on her lips. She even laughed softly.

"Grandma, he is Wright. He is just a friend." I explained.

"You're so handsome, son."

"Do we look together, Grandma?"

"All right, Grandma. We're leaving. Don't forget to lock up." I ordered then hurriedly pulled Wright out.

He opened the passenger seat door of his car for me. That's why he found our house. His car has GPS. I shouldn't underestimate someone like him.

I took a deep breath. He turned to me, still has a smile on his lips and I looked straight at the roadside. "Wright, after you play, can you take me home as soon as possible? I still have a project to do."

His forehead wrinkled when he turned to me. "We haven't arrived yet; you want to go home. Don't you want to be with me? Don't you want me?"

"If I say 'Yes, I don't like you, would you stop?"

He no longer spoke and caressed his jaw. I just looked out of the car and didn't say a word. After half an hour, we arrived at Floredizo Bar. Wright helped me get off the car.

Five bouncers were standing in front of the back door. I was still hesitant, so I stopped walking. Wright seemed to feel my hesitation. He touched my waist, I looked up at him.

"I'm here." He said softly. I nodded and walked with him. Those big guys let us in right away, the backstage was still noisy and disastrous.

A woman interrupted us and wrapped her arm around Wright. "Long time no see, Wright."

She is a tall, well-shaped body. But I know what a fake chest looks like. And hers is screaming fake. And I don't know why I felt annoyed when it pressed against Wright's arm.

Wright just smiled at her and then removed his arm from the woman's hold. The woman was not amazed at what Wright had done. He pulled me back and continued walking. Many women greet him but he ignores all of them.

"Hey, Wright."

Who is she?

"You wanna get laid tonight? I'm free." The woman said seductively. He ignored her and pushed her away, I saw Wright's eyebrows meet.

He gripped both of the woman's arms tightly and pushed hard. She would have fallen if only a man hadn't touched its back. "I. Don't. Need. You. Bitch. Back off."

He took my hand. I saw his chest rises and falls because of the speed of his breathing. Oh my God, he is so pissed. Wright looked at me as I squeezed his hand. I bit my lower lip. He let out a deep breath and then squeezed my hand back. I smiled as he calmed down.

We went to the second floor. Wright pulled me into a room full of glass. When you look at the bottom of it you can see the people dancing on the dance floor.

"We've been waiting for you for a while, Wright." Another woman approached us. I know her. Shee is the vocalist of Wright's band. Raquel Aquino. Many men worship her. How they will not? She is so beautiful and by the time she sings, you will be hypnotized by her angelic voice. She looked down at me. "Why did you bring her here?"

Wright's eyebrows met again. "What's wrong if I bring here the one I'm dating, Racky?"

"S-Are you serious? I thought-"

"Shut up!" I winced when Wright shouted. Only now have I heard him shout like that.

"Easy, dude." I looked behind Racky. It was also one of Wright's bands. Leon Salvador. Wright's most mysterious friend. He rarely smiles, and when he stares at you it's as if you're too small for him. "You don't need to shout at her."

"Hey!" Said another man. He went to Wright and put one arm on his shoulder. Only one person I know has red hair. It's Fier Joaquin. Who wouldn't know him, with his reputation as the boyfriend in an hour? Different women are with him from time to time. "You took Melissa with you. I'm Fier."

"Nice to meet you." I winced at the greeting.

He laughed and went in front of me. "Nice? Hey, Sweetheart, I'm an asshole."

"Then, let me rephrase my greetings. It's so nice to meet an asshole like you, Fier." I don't know, it just slipped off my tongue.

"I like you." After Fier said that I quickly went behind Wright.

"She's not your toy, Fier." Wright said in a warning tone.

He smirked. "I know. She's yours."

"Fier, Wright, Racky, we're ready," Leon said authoritatively. The two stopped giving death glare.

Wright pulled me toward the glass. He pushed me to the place where I could see the stage.

"Watch me." He whispered from behind me. I sighed as he quickly kissed my cheek.

They descend on stage. People shouted as they started playing. I watched how some people got lost there, I also saw some well-known personalities who almost lost their heads in the headbang. At least I couldn't help but be startled by the sound.

"Why is your grandmother the only one with you in your house?" Wright asked me. We were already in the middle of the dancefloor and slow dancing to the tune. It's not just pure rock that is played in bars. My hands were on his shoulders. His hands were wrapped around my waist.

"Because my parents are dead. They died when I was only seven years old."

"Oh... I'm sorry." He kissed my hair. "As for me, the parents are still alive but I can't feel their presence."

"Business?"

"Yup."

I smiled sparingly. "You can't have it all. Something is missing in human life. No one has a perfect life."

"When you become mine, I'm whole."

I raised an eyebrow at him. I'm sure he's not drunk yet. "How many girls have you catch using that sweet tongue of yours?"

"Damn. I never sweet talk to any girl I fucked. It's just pure sex." I winced at what he said. Music is getting louder. "Wrong choice of word?"

I blushed. "I'm a virgin but my mind is not that innocent, Wright. I'm aware of men's libido."

"But you're different, Melissa. Just give me a chance to prove it."

I never spoke again. I just stared into his eyes. I felt his hands disappear from my waist and it moved to either side of my face.

"What will you do?"

He touched my eyeglass. "I'll just look at what you're hiding under these thick glasses."

"H-Huh? No. I can't see."

"Just a moment." I closed my eyes when Wright took it off. Gradually I stared at his face. Even though my vision was a bit blurry I knew he was smiling. "You're hiding the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen."

"I-I can't see, Wright. Give it back to me." I tried to take the eyeglass, but he raised his hand.

"You don't need this. Just close your eyes and feel me."

I did what he ordered. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I felt something warm and soft touch my lips. I widened and Wright's eyes are closed. Because of the soft and addictive sweetness of his lips, my eyelids weighed down and gradually closed again. Wright kissed me softly as if he was just adjusting me to the sensation, he was making me feel. My mind was tangled, and I no longer knew where we were.

I stared as he parted from me.

"So beautiful." He whispered. He pressed our foreheads together. "Have you felt it?"

I can't lie to myself anymore. "Y-Yes..."

"Happy to hear it."

MELISSA QUIZON

"Babe, are you jealous again?" He said to me.

He sat on the table while I stood between his thighs. He hugged me from the back and he squeezed his face between my shoulder and neck. At the back of my mind, I don't want to respond to that question. Because isn't that obvious? Raquel has feelings for him. Is he naïve or he knew but didn't mind?

I pinched his arm when I felt so pissed. "Why is she so close to you?"

I didn't bother to drop the name because I know that he has an idea of who I'm pertaining to. Wright is the lead guitarist while Raquel is the band's vocalist. I can't stop them from seeing each other. Earlier as they were practising I noticed she is looking at Wright like a delicious meal!

And I'm sick of the kind of stare she's giving to him! Damn, this is why I don't want to get involved with him. He is making me crazy.

"She's my bandmate. What do you want me to do?" He pulled me even closer to him. I looked up and our eyes met. Three months in a relationship and I'm still mesmerized by his brown eyes.

"I don't want you to leave the band. I can't stop you from doing the things that make you happy. But," My eyes narrowed. "Be conscious. Do you think I didn't notice that she likes you?"

"Judgmental Princess." He said laughing and gave me a quick kiss on the side of my lip. "'Don't give malicious meaning in our friendship."

"And I'm still the one putting up the malice?" I pushed him away. I grabbed my bag that was on the seat and put it on my shoulder. "I'm going home."

I was about to get out of the room's door when he pulled my arm. He was looking at me seriously. "Don't you trust me?"

"I do. The one I don't trust is her. She is a flirt."

His eyes darkened when I said the last word. I know it's too harsh, but I cannot take back what I said. The key to a healthy relationship is communication.

"The flirt you're calling is my friend, Melissa." I raised an eyebrow at him. He took a deep breath and combed his hair with his hand. "You don't have to worry. I cannot reciprocate if she wants something from me. I'm just yours."

I smiled. Remember, I'm happy with what he said. Wright and I had only been together for three months. It took me two months to get used to his behaviour and the behaviour of the women around him. I can't blame them; a lot of them want Wright.

I thought he only wants to play with my feelings. You know, making me fall in love then drop like a hot potato kind of thing. So, I continued to reject him. But, he kept on pestering me for a month and his sweet side made my knees melts.

It's a crazy roller coaster ride of feelings. After a month of pestering and courting, I became his girlfriend officially.

The faculty don't use this room often so it became our hideout. The reason why we're using hideouts is that we can't be alone! Anywhere we go, there will be girls clinging to him like I'm not there!

"Hey, I'm about to kiss you. What are you thinking?"

I blinked twice and raised my head. "H-Huh?"

His face dropped to mine. I closed my eyes as our lips touched. The effect of his kiss on me still hasn't changed. It was as if I was still flying in the clouds and my knees were softening. I hugged him and reciprocated his soft kiss. The arms around my waist tightened even more.

We were stopped by a bit. We looked at the doorway and found Raquel leaning on the frame while her hands are crossed over her chest.

"Wright. Practice again." She said.

Wright nodded. "Yes. We'll be right there, Racky."

Racquel looked down at me. Her stare was heavy, and then she looked back at Wright. She nodded as a response and left.

"What? Are you jealous again?" I sighed as his lips touched the tip of my ear. I bit my lower lip as his lips slowly dropped to my cheek. "Come on. I might forget we're in a public place."

When we entered the music room, Wright's bandmate turned to us. Fier, the drummer. Leon, the bass guitarist. And Raquel, the lovely vocalist. They were sitting on the sofa and holding canned drinks. The Fier stood up and hugged me and I just smiled at him while Leon stayed with Racquel. I heard Racquel clicked her tongue.

In seconds, Wright pulled my body away from Fier. He glared at him. "Don't be too familiar with her."

"Brother, you're too possessive." Fier jokingly tapped Wright's shoulder. "Remember, we are your friends, not enemies."

"Fier, don't tease him too much or he'll cry," Leon said coldly.

"Wright, you've changed." Fier made a sad face but it's fake. He stood in the corner, removed the flower from the vase, and then he kneeled and place the flowers on the ground. "Here lies Wright's playboy image. You will never be forgotten!"

"I'm not a playboy, for God's sake! Fier, I will bang your head in that corner."

"Here lies the face of the sexiest man alive." I can't help but laugh at Fier's punch lines.

"Don't laugh at his jokes! That is his way to make women go crazy with him!" Wright scolded me and tighter his embrace.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." I said, smiling. I tiptoed and my lips touched his earlobes. "That made you jealous, huh? Now, you know how it feels."

"Alright! Enough, mom and dad! We are not used to watching romantic scenes. We're minors." said Fier.

Wright looked at me and gave me a quick kiss on the lips. His comrades whistled. "Watch me."

I smiled at it. "As always."

I sat down as I watched them put things in order. I turned to Racquel who was looking sharply at me. I just made a face. When they finished arranging the equipment, they took their places one by one. Wright looked at me. My cheek warmed as it winked at me before playing his guitar.

Raquel began to sing. If I didn't know her, I would think she has a good attitude because of her angelic voice. It's very serene. It draws men to listen to her angelic voice. That is why Kiss n 'Tell fans aren't just women.

I felt the call of nature, so I entered the bathroom which was also located inside the music room. I did what had to be done. Then I organized myself first before going out.

By the time I exited the bathroom, they're deciding on their next song. My eyes narrowed when I noticed Raquel talking to him. I approached him and held his arm. He kissed me on the forehead and turned back to Raquel. She's frowning.

The displeasure is noticeable in her round expressive eyes.

"Ahh. Go ahead, Wright. I'll wait for you, alright?"

"I'll think about it." Wright put his arm around me.

She nodded. "Okay."

"Should we play some more?" Leon asked.

"I'm tired. I'm going home." Raquel said as she walked towards her bag and put it on her shoulder.

When Raquel left the room, I turned to Wright. "What was she saying? 'I'll wait for you, what was that for? I'll make her swallow my shoes with three inches heels!" I said, pissed.

Leon and Fier also left the room. Now that we are alone, I will be honest with my feelings.

I sat down on the sofa and folded my arms over my chest. I don't like Raquel. Ever since Wright introduced me here I didn't immediately like her habit. Wright kneeled in front of me and rest between my thighs. He reached for my waist.

"Tsk! How many times should I say this? Don't let the green-eyed monster eat you, baby." He pinched my nose. "It's her brother's birthday tomorrow and she invited the band."

"Oh. Are you going?"

"Yes." He smiled. I frowned. He didn't consult me before accepting the invitation. "You're with me, babe."

"I wasn't invited. I have no place in there. They'll just outcast me."

"Alright. You don't have to come. I'll drink all the liquor they have and get drank." He laughed.

I raised an eyebrow at him. "So ?! Alright. Let's break up, is that what you want?"

It's not that I forbid him to drink with his friends. But Wright is different when he gets drunk. He is losing his mind. He is a huge monster. I didn't know what he looks like when he's under the liquor's magic, but that was the first thing we argued about. Fortunately, we fixed it.

He winced. "Hm... On second thought, I'm not going anymore."

"Good. Now, we're talking." I looked at my wristwatch. "It's six o'clock. Let's go home."

I was about to get up when Wright pulled me to sit down again. "Wait."

"Hm? Why?" I asked.

He grinned. His eyebrows also went up and down. My cheeks turned red and looked around. I know that look, I know what he wants. "H-Here?"

"Uh-huh." Wright squeezed my waist.

"M-Maybe someone will see us. I don't want to."

"Come on, baby. It's just a kiss."

"A kiss?" Shit!

"French kiss." His grin widened.

My forehead furrowed. "What's that?"

I unconsciously bit my lower lip when his eyes looked at it like sweet candy. "Lips and tongue, babe."

I blushed. Shocks! I don't know that. "I-I don't know how."

"I'll teach you."

He covered my mouth with his. He held me closed against him. Oh, God. It's mouthwatering good! I gasped when his tongue darted out to lick my bottom lip. His fingers threaded themselves farther into my hair while his thumb traced slow circles on the sensitive skin at the back of my neck.

He lifted me onto his lap, arranging me so I was straddling him. My dress hitched up around my legs. He deepened the kiss, thrusting his tongue between my lips. He sought out my tongue and swirled over it. The taste of him assaulting my senses and making my knees wobble.

This is the French kiss!? Shit, am I doing it right?! Hot! I sighed as his hand dropped to my chest. I touched that. "W-Wright .. not t-there .."

"Hm... Sorry." He said and continued kissing. My eyes rolled again as his lips pressed against mine again. The hand on my chest dropped to my waist.

I am still a virgin. I'm not ready to give that to Wright. We are only at our three months relationship. I want to take it slow and savour the moment we spend with each other.

We were both chasing our breath afterwards.

"Awesome! Are you sure you haven't done that before?" Wright said, mesmerize. I want to print the playful smile on his lips and pinned it on my wall!

I raised an eyebrow at him. " You're my first boyfriend, what do you expect?"

"Make sense." He laughed a little and kissed the palm of my hand. "I'll take you home. Thank you for the treat by the way."

"You are crazy."

We got up and adjusted our clothes. We got off and went to the parking lot where his car was. We rode there and quietly drove towards our house.

When we reached the gate, we saw Grandma sitting in front of our house and sewing. We got her attention. We kissed her forehead.

Her eyes narrowed but it doesn't look like she's scolding us. "You're here again, handsome. Are you courting with my granddaughter?"

Wright looked at me. I read his mind, 'you didn't tell her yet?'. I shooked my head as a response and he sighed.

"I'm serious about her, granny," Wright said gently.

"Hm. I can see that." She stood up. "Let's go inside, it's chilly in here. You can eat here, handsome."

"Okay, granny. I missed your cooking!" Wright said holding my granny's arms to support her weak knees.

I prepared the food. Sometimes I was embarrassed to let Wright into our house because it seemed to be the size of the bathroom in their mansion. Grandma and I were the only ones living there. I was an orphan and I only got a scholarship t study in that prestigious university.

"Young man, you look familiar. Have I seen you before?" Grandma said while eating.

Wright laughed as I rubbed my forehead. "Well, I'm Wright. Melissa's boy-"

"Ah, yes! You're my granddaughter's suitor. I'm too forgetful this past few days." Granny laughed.

After dinner, Wright said goodbye to Granny. It was late and he had to go home. The condominium, where he lives, is a bit far from here.

"Good night, babe." He said kissed me on the forehead.

"Take care?"

"Always."

After that, he got in the car and started it. I waited for his car to disappear before I entered our house.

MELISSA QUIZON

The next day, I did not receive a single text from Wright. We are not on campus today because it is Saturday. This is the day that Wright will attend Raquel because it's her brother's birthday. I trust Wright. I know he won't break my trust. To keep negative thoughts out of my mind, I try to do my projects and homework. The midterm is near and I have the scholarship to secure.

Even though I kept myself busy with school works, I still waited for his text messages or call until late at night. I couldn't stand it anymore, I called him myself. Minutes before he answered the call, "Babe."

I frowned when I noticed the noise in his background. Is his radio on?

"Where are you?" I asked coldly. My voice is calm but he gets it. I lay down on the bed and hugged my pillow while the cellphone was on my ear.

"I don't want to lie to you, Melissa. But-"

"Hey, Wright! Let's go! Raquel is calling us!" I heard the voice of a man in the background who seemed to be just next to Wright.

My eyebrows met. Raquel? What the what?!

"You broke your promise," I said, emphasizing every word. My blood is also rising with anger.

"No- err, yes! But Fier forced me! He said too much and now I'm here. Please don't be mad." He took a deep breath. "Babe... we should spend time with our friends. The world doesn't revolve with just the two of us. You know-"

"That's fine, I get it. Have fun, alright?" I said sarcastically.

I didn't wait for his response and ended the call. To make sure that he won't call back, I switched my phone off.

When I woke up the next morning I was frowning and my cellphone was still off. I hate Wright. I'm so fucking pissed. I trusted him but he betrayed me. I wasn't born yesterday, of course, I know what will happen if he gets drunk! I knew she would make a way to him from me! That flirty bitch!

I am currently sweeping our yard to remove the fallen leaves. I was about to put the dried leaves in the dustpan when someone suddenly blew a horn. To my surprise, I let go of the dustpan and the leaves spread all over the place again. I was ready to shout at the owner but my tongue twitched when I noticed the familiarity of the car.

The mighty Wright Agoncillo. A Black Lamborghini was parked on the side of our yard. Every passerby inevitably looks at his car with envy in their eyes. He is standing outside the driver's seat, looking as handsome as ever. He is wearing a black shirt, black pants, and a white cap. If I'm not mad at him, I would have thrown myself to this fucking cutie, but no, I held on to my pride.

I managed to maintain my blank expression even if I tempted to put my arms around him. I avoided his gaze and returned to my chores. I heard him took a deep breath and walked towards me.

He stood in front of me. I walked back to have enough distance between us. "What are you doing here?"

"Let's talk." He said calmly. He tried to grab my arm but I immediately pulled it away. His lips parted because of my reaction.

"How's the party?" I said sarcastically.

"Babe..." Don't 'babe' me! "Stop your sarcasm and hear my explanation. Please."

I took a deep breath and looked at him coldly. "No need. I understand. I agree with what you've said last night. We should have time for our friends."

"Don't use that tone on me, Melissa. I know we have an issue here-"

"What issue?"

His hand ran through his hair. He looks sexy as hell! "Trust issue, babe. Trust. You know- You see, you don't trust me at all."

"Wow! I don't trust you? Really? How can you say that, Mister Agoncillo?" I crossed my arms over my chest.

"You're jealous and angry when I'm with a woman. Is it really necessary to explain to you before a woman can approach me?"

I am his girlfriend, am I not?

"I trust you if that's what you want to know." I lowered my voice so that Grandma wouldn't hear what I had to say. "The one I don't trust are those bitches!"

"Is it my fault you made your boyfriend attractive?" The fuck!?

My eyebrows met and I pressed my lips together. He only annoys me even more. "Leave. Now. Before I shove your balls in your throat."

He stood there, dumbfounded. And then he swallowed. "Sounds very painful."

"Exactly."

"But I'm not going anywhere, babe. No, I don't want a breakup or space. We'll fix this and set some rules if needed." He approached me and whispered. "Get dressed first. We're going somewhere. We'll talk there."

"How sure are you that I'll come with you?"

"Come on, baby. Please, I'm begging. Don't be stubborn."

Since I am a very kind person, I feel sorry for him. I smirked at him before turning away. "Fine."

"Thank you so much." Tsk!

After I got dressed, I told Grandma that I would be leaving for a while. I left the house. Wright, on the other hand, was leaning against his expensive car.

He opened the passenger seat door when he saw me walking towards him. "Let's go, shall we?"

I gave him a cold gaze and go inside the car. He slowly closed it and walk back to the driver's seat. He drove while I was just staring out of the car. We arrived at a park. He removed his seatbelt so I removed mine. I didn't wait for him to open the door for me. He looks defeated when I did that. He held my hand but I pulled it away. I walk to the swing first. I sat there and Wright kneeled in front of him.

He cupped my face and his thumb caressed my cheek. "Melissa, I had to go to that party because the band was going to be performing for Rowie."

"It's her eighteenth birthday. Racky just wants the performance to be given to Rowie," he added.

I was speechless.

"Babe, are you list-"

"Yes," I said not looking at him.

His wild eyes met mine. My heartbeat quickened.

"Rowie hasn't heard Racky perform ever since she studied in Canada. And she wanted to meet her our band." He put the hair that covered my face. "Babe, I'm not cheating. I'm not. Can't you see that I'm trying so hard to put up with your standards? Given the circumstances, I don't want to let you go."

I was probably so jealous that I felt like I was losing trust in him. I'll admit, I've been insecure with women approaching here. Big boobs and not afraid to show body. I think those are his types. I'm afraid Wright might be taken away from me. I love him. He was the first man I loved. I'm afraid I'll lose him.

"Melissa..."

"I believe you." I looked at him directly. I touched his cheek and caressed it. "I told you, I trust you. I'm sorry for being paranoid, babe. Sorry for doubting you. I don't want to lose you too. I was just-"

"Insecure. Yes, I am aware, baby. That's why I'm trying to show you that you're the only one for me." He said as he kissed my palm.

His face came closer and he looked at my lips. He smiled foolishly. "Let's go to my condominium."

"What are we going to do there?" I raised an eyebrow at him.

He laughed and pinched the tip of my nose. "You can teach me how to play the drums, rock princess."

"You're in for a challenge, Mister Agoncillo?" Yup! I know how to play the drums! It's my thing!

He wrinkled his nose. "Oh. I feel insulted. Maybe you're just not good at teaching, Miss Quizon."

"Wow! Let's have a bet. You won't learn the most basic I'm going to teach you."

I've taught him a few times before, but he still doesn't get the beats. His arms are getting tangled and still confused.

"A bet, I like that. It sounds interesting."

"Alright."

"What are the prices?" He said playfully.

"Name it."

He stood up and pulled me upright as well. He took both my hands and hugged my waist. "When I win, I can go second base."

"Second base?"

He chuckled. "Second base means, I can touch your boobs, legs, hip-"

"Wha- W-Wait- That's not fair! When I win, you'll just dance Whoops Kiri!" I slapped his arm.

"You're the one who wants to bet, right? You're not a sport." The fool is playing with my conscience.

"Fine! Come on! I changed mine, when I win, you'll dance Whoops Kiri in the middle of the supermarket."

He laughed a little. "That's it? Easy."

I will not let you win. We got back in Wright's car and went to his condo. We took the elevator to get to the 15th floor. How many times have I been to Wright's condo? That's where they often practice his band. Just as the elevator door opened, Fier came up to us with a beautiful woman. The woman leaned against the wall near Wright's door and Fier pressed against it. I immediately avoided looking at them.

"Fier Jamescel. You are an asshole! You are an eyesore!" Wright shouted.

Fier stopped kissing and looked at Wright. His eyes were wide open. "I just came home. You're a nuisance. And this shit door, I can't open!"

"Stupid! This condo is not yours, fucking idiot. I'm 5100, you're 5001." Wright pointed to the door just in front of Wright's condo door.

Fier looked at the number above Wright's door and then he smiled. "Oh. My bad. Let's go, Clariz."

"I'm Carmela, Fier." The woman hissed as she caressed Fier's shoulder.

"Ah. Yeah! That's what I said, honey."

Fier immediately pulled the woman into his condo. Wright was still pissed as he opened his door. Fier just came home? Does that mean he woke up in the morning to Raquel's household?

"Wright, what time did you come home last night? Did you get up in the morning too?" I asked as we entered his condo.

He frowned at me. "You still didn't open your phone, do you?"

"Not yet, because I don't want to hear anything from you."

"Early." He sighed. He reached into his pocket and handed me his cellphone. "Our anniversary is the password. Read my inbox."

After he gave it to me, I browsed it. "Hmm..."

He texted me many times, and guilt runs through me. I should have let him explain. I read some of his messages to me that he was going home. He sent it to me at twenty o'clock. I followed him into the kitchen after I read his inbox. I caught him cooking bacon. I quickly approached him and hugged him around the waist.

I squeezed my face on his broad back. I sighed and my hands touched his abs. He let me do it and let silence filled the whole place. When he finished cooking the bacon, he turned to me and smiled.

His face dropped and kissed me quickly on the lips. "Let's eat first."

After we ate, I immediately taught Wright to beat the drum. We laughed and enjoyed the moment. At first, he still didn't learn what I was teaching him. I mean, it's really hard and complicated.

It took us an afternoon before he got the basic beats. I'm torturing him. He seemed to notice that.

He turned to me and frowned. "You're torturing me. Do you think I don't notice? Baby, you don't want me to win, do you?"

I averted my gaze and stroked the cymbals. "No. Just accept that you lost."

"No way!" He hit the drum. "One more. I'm close to mastering."

I grinned and taught him again. Gradually my grin faded as he played the beat without any errors. His arms are no longer knotted. I got up and left beside him. I licked my lower lip.

He pulled my arm and it got me outbalanced. I fell on his lap and he put his arms on my waist. He grinned mischievously. "A bet is a bet, baby. I got it right."

"Bu- How- I-It's impossible! You're unteachable!" Oh, no!

His eyebrows went up and down. "Maybe I just need something to motivate me."

"Impossible-" My protest was interrupted as he leaned his face to mine.

"Second." He kissed me quickly on the lips. "Base."

I quickly removed his hand from my waist and stand up. He laughed and towered to me. I want to wipe that stupid playful grin off his face. I walked backwards away from him while biting my lower lip and he slowly approached me. My knees softened at the kind of look he's giving. I didn't notice the sofa behind me so I was outbalanced and fell on top of it. He put his knees on my side. I was sitting in the middle of his thighs and he imprisoned me using his powerful arms.

"Gotcha," he said warmly and seductively. "Baby, you look like a rabbit that got caught by her predator."

"Wright."

"Don't be scared, baby. I'm not going to bite."

"This is new to me."

"I know. I'll be very gentle. I'll guide you." He caressed my cheek. "Close your eyes, baby."

I did what he said and let him claim his price.

He earned it.