Love in bed

I got no answer from Ethan. I put my stuff on the seat and was about to go inside. When he spoke.

"I'm not a driver. That's why you're in the front," he said gruffly.

hmm, Grumpy I'll just think that he wants to be next to me so he's moving me.

Why is this mokok looking like this?

I noticed his mood a while ago. Is one of his three personalities attacking him again?

Or maybe something happened earlier in HBLE? In their meeting? Or maybe he's not ready for tomorrow?

I took a deep breath and closed the door. I walked closer to the front. I opened the door and got in.

I put on my seatbelt and shut up. We were silent until we got home. I even forgot to text Mama when we were close.

I only texted him when Ethan got the car into the garage.

I got down from him first so I could immediately get my stuff on the back. After I got my things, I went straight into the house. I felt that he was just following behind me. but I didn't understand him anymore.

He doesn't pay attention to me so I won't pay attention to him either.

I know he is wrong. I should iconfront him immediately. What is there, if he has a problem? Or if there is a problem between the two of us?

I know that communication is the key to having a healthy relationship. But not on this day. Not now.

"Lily!"

Mama greeted me with a hug. He was waiting in our living room. Because of the weight I was carrying, I couldn't return his hug. I just kissed his cheek and broke away from the hug.

"My son, you must have been waiting for Lily for a long time. I told you that I would only bring Dante..."

I leaned over when I felt Ethan clinging to me. He took Mama's hand and guided.

"It's fine Aunty," he answered.

My mother nodded. "Let's go eat."

"I'll go up to my room first, Ma. You can eat first."

I didn't wait for what they had to say and went up to my room.

I turned on the light and walked to my bed. I put my things there. I took a hair tie and tied my hair.

I also turned on the AC because I was getting hot. I was just sitting on the bed when there was a knock on the door. I sighed and approached the door.

I only opened the door a little because I was just looking to see who was shouting. But what I have in mind is one of our colleagues here at home. To bring me down.

When I opened the door a little, Ethan opened it and entered my room without warning. I was like the wind he just passed through. I closed the door in disgust and faced him. He is sitting on my bed.

If you look at me lying there, it will look big. But now that I saw him sitting there, my bed looked small. I happily walked towards him.

I stopped a few meters in front of him. He looked up at me innocently. I blinked and folded my arms.

Honestly, I don't want our situation like this. I don't want us to be like this. I don't like that we don't work together and avoid each other. You know that you are not enemies but if you can act. It seems like a big fight between you?

Ethan and I have never had a big or bad fight. It's just a one-day affair. Three days is the longest.

I remembered when I didn't answer his call because I fell asleep early. The next day I apologized to him. I even explained why I didn't answer his calls.

But because of his smugness, he didn't read my chats. He doesn't answer calls either. Until it lasted for three days. Yes, he endured three days without talking to me.

But because it was my fault, I seduced him. Especially since I can't visit him in their dorm. So I constantly chat, text, and call him. But he doesn't answer all that.

His toughness. Or maybe he's just stubborn? I do not know with him. I was just hurt that he could tolerate me for so long. As for me, I'm still as fragile as the old wood. I immediately give it to him.

Because he knows how to get me. Just a sweet voice of hers and calling me 'baby'. we are fine. It was as if nothing had happened. So I was very annoyed with myself. No matter what I do stubbornly, it crumbles.

I really think he wouldn't have paid attention to me if I hadn't sent him my sorry video.

Yes, yes, I sent a corny corny video just for him to notice. Let's be okay again. I love him that much. Sometimes, he teases me about that video of mine, so there is also a part of me that I shouldn't have done that.

Because I found out that he just tripped me up. I thought he was emoting in their dorm like that. You know how sad you are? Because you are not okay with the person you love? Just like what happened to me.

But he, he did something different. Since he is Mr. Gamer, he said he only played games for the past three days without talking to us. It's great, isn't it?

He even made an excuse that he should be the one to make fun of the two of us. It is said that I am the one at fault, so I should be the one to be punished. Hey, I really don't know what to do with this man.

The next day I received a peace offering from him. He sent flowers and even cooked my favorite Adobo. In the end, we are okay again.

"Why did you go up? I'm going down right away," I tried to be calm but I couldn't.

Especially when he started to smirk, a very sexy smirk.

I swallowed and looked away. I tasted more because I was not satisfied.

"Are you mad?"

I closed my eyes. That's it, he used his sweet talking voice on me. See? He very knew me, how to get me in an instant. Without making such an effort.

What's with you, De Dios?

How could you make me feel the way I wanted and I would love to feel every time? You never fail to put butterflies inside my stomach. To fly and lay on a bed of clouds. I always felt like I was floating in the air.

You can make me so annoyed at you. Then later on, my annoyance will fade away 'cause of your sweet voice.

"N-no," I answered.

"Are you sure? Or maybe you're upset with me? On how I acted earlier?" I didn't answer. "Always remember, eyes don't lie baby..."

I gasped as he pulled me closer to him.

I was in the middle of her thighs. His hands were wrapped around my waist and he looked up.

"Hmm, you're upset? You want to know why I acted that way?"

I nodded at him like a gentle cat. He is hypnotizing me. I am now under Ethan's spell.

"Because I'm jealous..." he said softly. "This thing is the only thing that I can't control. Remember the day that I trapped you at the comfort room? I burst out right? That's because of too much jealousy."

I frowned. Jealousy? So he was like that earlier because he was jealous? And did he confess that day because of jealousy?

I kept my surprised look at Ethan.

This was the first time he said he was jealous in our three month relayson.

His two hands wrapped around my waist landed on my hands. He held it and brought it to his lips. He gently kissed them three times before letting go.

"Because of what happened earlier I am very nervous. Lots of possible things to happen plays inside my head. Like, what if you found comfort on someone? While I was busy on rehearsing? What if-"

"So, you don't trust me?" I interrupted what he was saying.

"I trust you," he said seriously. "Those bastards are the ones I don't trust."

I took a deep breath. This is what bothers him so he ignores me. So he seems hot-headed.

When he saw me close to Luke then, he suddenly confessed. Because he is jealous.

Then earlier, he must have seen Gavyn approaching me so he also got jealous and ignored me.

It was like I was the only one, when we weren't the two of us.

Those times when I was very annoyed that he didn't pay attention to me. He was talking to other people and not me. He and Iya also became close.

That means something. That's why I'm annoyed by his act because I'm jealous.

Jealousy does a lot. Sometimes, with the intensity of jealousy you feel... it leads to doing evil.

I remembered that I was jealous of Caleigha. His cousin who has a child now. I have never seen him face to face. Only on video calls.

He is no longer in the Philippines. He is abroad with his son.

I held both of Ethan's cheeks and looked straight into his eyes.

"I love you."

That's all I said before I placed a kiss on his lips. Our lips met for ten seconds before I pulled away. I smiled when I saw his surprised look.

He blinked. So I laughed. I have separated from his confinement to me. I walked away from him. I stopped when I was in front of the door.

"What? You're already there? You're not going to eat?"

He immediately stood up and looked directly at me. A smile appeared on his lips as he approached me. He put his hand on both sides, holding me. My back was touching the door because of the shock of what he did.

I smiled and looked up at him. The next thing that happened was that I just felt that our lips were moving together. My hand crawled up to his arm. His two hands were on my jaw and neck.

Until one of his hands slowly went down my chest. When he touched me, I breathed on his lips.

He wasn't satisfied yet because he put his hand in my t-shirt and caressed it.

His kiss brought my jaw down to my neck. While he was doing that, his hand continued to caress the inside of my dress.

I could barely cry because of what he was doing.

"Ah.... hmm..."

There is something inside me that I don't understand. Especially when Ethan stuck himself to me. I felt something hard stabbing in my stomach. I looked down and saw that it was from.... Ethan.

I swallowed.

His kiss returned to my lips. His way of kissing is fast and aggressive. But I still managed to keep up with it.

When Ethan stopped kissing me I weakened. We were both breathing fast. Our foreheads are touching. I let go of the sleeve of his clothes that I crumpled. Because of the intensity of my clinging to it.

His hand was no longer inside my clothes, it was resting on the wall.

Later he touched both of my cheeks. His eyes were shining. I'm sure mine is the same. The lump in his neck moved due to swallowing. Little by little, I felt the soft touch of his lips on my forehead.

After that he pulled me for a tight hug. He was panting as if he had run a few meters. I could feel the speed of the beating in his chest. He is twice as fast as me.

I was the one who swallowed because the bulge in his middle stuck to my stomach again.

"Oh my God," I whispered. "You are...."

I couldn't say what I wanted to say. Shame and wilderness lead me. I think my cheeks are red.

"Shh..." he said.

"I-is there somet-thing I can do-"

"No, I'm okay. Just hug me back. Let's hug for a minute," he whispered back.

"Are you sure?"

He took a deep breath. It's like he's going through a lot of trouble in his life. Then the questions added and I told him.

"Honestly, there's something in my mind that I want to do with you. But I know my limitations. I'm okay with just making out or to just kiss you. We can't make love yet-uh are you getting what I I'm trying to say?"

I nodded and hugged him back. "I'll miss you."

He hugged me tighter. "I'll miss you too, so much."

Ethan slept at home that night. When we went downstairs to eat, Mama was gone. Sister Sally said that Mama ate first and rested early. Ethan and I took a long time at the top.

After we ate, I peeked into Mama's room. I fixed Mama's blanket and kissed her forehead before leaving her.

I put Ethan to sleep in my room. In his tight embrace I fell asleep.

I woke up to a gentle tap on my shoulder. I slowly opened my eyes.

Ethan's face appeared to me. I rubbed my eyes and got out of bed.

"You're going to be late," he said.

I woke up and got up. I took the towel and entered the bathroom. Then I went out to get dressed. I saw Ethan sitting on my bed holding his cell phone. He even swallowed when he saw me.

I shook my head and took some clothes. I went back to the bathroom to get dressed. I sat down in front of my vanity chair. I combed my hair and sprayed perfume. Then, I stood up and faced the dear prince.

I frowned because his face was frowning. "Why? You didn't sleep well?"

He shook his head. "No..."

"Why do you look like that? It's like heaven and earth have fallen," I laughed.

"I'm so offended," he growled at the same time and walked closer to me. "You're still able to laugh, huh? Well, this is our last day together, and then you'll laugh. I don't want to go home. Then we'll just be here."

I stood up and looked up at him. "That's not possible baby. You have to come in and so do I. For the future, is that okay?"

He sighed. "I know that. But it's been almost a month, baby. It's only been this way that we can see each other, it's still hard. How can it be now? I'm not used to not being with you or talking to you. If it's possible I'll just take you to the rehearsal, I'll do it. Well, the situation doesn't go well."

I didn't answer what he said. I just hugged him very tightly.

Your hug as if he was going to run out of breath.

Because maybe later, this will be the last hug I can give him. Because maybe later, this will be the last day I will see him. Because maybe later, this will be the last time I can touch him.

As they say, enjoy every second that will pass by. Every second is important.

I broke away from the hug. I looked into his eyes before I kissed him on the lips. One touch and I let go.

Maybe if we stay together longer, I won't be able to let him go.

I just didn't show him that I was sad because of his departure. Well, he's not literally leaving. But that seems to be the case. The only difference is, I know he will come back. He will get back to me.

I'll just let him express his sadness, what he really feels right now.

Because if I go with him, we both lose.

"I love you," I sincerely told him.

He pulled me for our last hug.

"I love you more. I love you so much," he kissed my forehead.

I haven't seen Ethan for a week.

In that same week, we only had the chance to talk three times. They are not allowed to hold cellphones so they can concentrate.

The bad thing is, in those three days, we haven't been able to talk properly. Sometimes, he calls me when I'm about to sleep or when I'm at work. Besides, he will have free time.

In that one week, not a day or hour went by that I didn't miss him.

I wish I had prayed constantly, the pace of the day hastened. For the next time I wake up in the morning, he is with me again.

Sometimes my friends tease me. Especially Cali, because I told them that Ethan had rehearsals. So we won't see each other for almost a month.

Maybe it would ease my feelings if they were just here at the company rehearsing. Case in point, they are rehearsing at the venue itself. The recording for their new album was also done there.

In fact, they were sleeping there too. Everything is there.

"Iris..."

I turned to Gavyn who called me.

Another thing, we are all changing with him. His grumpiness and isnabero have decreased. Apparently, he is like that only on select days. The one with her mood swings that even beat the period and pregnant woman.

Overall, we prefer the way he treats us now.

"Yes?"

"To my office please," he said and turned his back on me.

I shrugged my shoulders. I washed my hands before following him to his office. It wasn't very busy in the kitchen because it was just after lunch time. The cooks are just sitting on the side, their rest area.

Those in the kitchen are still lucky because when they are done with work, they will have a place to sit. We were outside, nothing, we were just standing.

But it's okay, I like my coworkers outside. I like them, unlike when I was in another department where Iya was also there.

I probably agree with them because the five of us are the first time in the cafeteria department.

Before Gavyn's mini office door closed, I grabbed the door and entered.

We sat together in the chair. He had a little something on his computer before facing me.

"I believe, two weeks of working on beverages was enough and good for you?"

"Uh," I swallowed. "I guess so Chef-"

"Just Gavyn please..."

"Gavyn..."

"Okay, Oli wants to switch with you. She's assigned on desserts. So I want to know if you can handle making desserts? I mean , did you practice the videos that I gave you?"

Can I just answer 'and I thank you'? That's how my mind rusts!

"I practiced. It's just that I focused more attention on the main dishes. What I learned is more appropriate because I tried to prepare it for Christmas and New Year...."

He smiled, begging. the palm on the table.

"Did you master making the main dishes?"

It's gone. Why are there so many follow up questions? Is it defense? Oh! I haven't revised chapter three of my thesis yet!

"My mom said it's past, you're our roommate, as well as my husband."

Yes, my husband. Maybe if I say boyfriend I will be caught as a cheat on my resume. Your information about me.

If you ask who my wife is. Well, who else? It's Ethan! I laughed in my mind. I'm going crazy because I miss my Ethan.

Gavyn's expression seemed to change at what I said. Isn't that right? Isn't it obvious that I have mastered cooking the main dishes?

That's great! So this Chef is a judge.

"Okay. So I will assign you to the kitchen starting Monday."

"Okay..."

When I finished my work, I went up to my capsule to get dressed. It's Anne's birthday today, so she said she would free me to eat outside.

I wore a black dress. It has sleeves and button down. I took the paper bag of my gift to Anne from the bed.

I gave him clothes and perfumes. Because I can't think of anything to gift him.

It's like my gift to him is over and over again. But is he still choosy? It's good and I gave it to him. Char.

"You even beat the one with the birthday on you," Anne told me.

I joked and pulled the chair in front of him. I also put the gift I brought to him on the table.

"Oh, happy birthday."

He smiled and took the paper bag from the table. "I bet you're still really distracted. I already told you not to give a gift."

"Don't you want it? You can just give it back to me. I'll use my gift for you."

"Just a joke! But thank you..."

I laughed at what he said. He peeked into the contents of the paper bag and immediately looked at his lips and his eyes were happy when he saw what was inside.

I took that opportunity to take a picture of him. I posted it on my IG stories, yours on my personal account. I captioned it "Happy birthday!"

I was about to put my cellphone down when I received an IG chat with Ethan.

eltan: hi baby

I was about to reply to him but another chat came from him.

eltan: I was abt to call you but you are out.

eltan: message me once you're already home.

eltan: and tell miss Anne happy birthday to her

eltan: be careful going home I love you

eltan: I love you so much

lilyiris: done with the rehearsal?

lilyiris: yes I'm outside with Anne for dinner I'm sorry I didn't tell you

lilyiris: I love you too I

hid the cellphone in my sling bag. "Happy birthday, Ethan said."

"Please say thanks but no thanks. You can greet me but with a gift in your hand."

"Your art!" we laughed. "You're lucky to be greeted by an idol and then you're going to act."

We waited for a while before ordering. Because he was free, I ordered expensive ones. It's only free once so I made the most of it. So that I can get back the gift I bought for him. Char.

"Thank you, sister. Also tell sir Ace thank you."

"Always welcome my dear," I hugged Anne. "Thank you for the dinner too. I hope it's your birthday every day."

He jokingly pulled my hair. "Gaga! I can't eat anything from my beautiful aunt and my dearest sister."

I broke away from our embrace. I opened my bag and took out my wallet.

"How much do you need?"

He straightened up and folded his arms. "Five million is fine so your son and I can start."

"Ha, your face is really thick. You already took my son from me, and you're going to take my treasure as well?"

"You made the offer, duh."

I burst out laughing. That echoed in the hallway. Because we are opposite Anne's capsule. Because it was his birthday, I took him here. I hugged him again before saying goodbye. After I got back to my capsule, I immediately messaged Ethan that I was home.

I took off my shoes and clothes. I hung the bag I used behind the door. I went to my small cabinet and got a nightgown.

I was about to go to the bathroom when my cell phone rang. I took it and answered Ethan's call.

"Hello?"

No one answered his line so I repeated.

"Ethan?"

"Hmm?"

I was relieved. "Tired?"

"Yes, super tired," the tiredness was evident in his voice.

"Aww, my baby is poor," then I entered the bathroom.

My cellphone is on loud speaker so I can still hear him. There's nothing wrong with what I'm doing, right? It's not obscene because he doesn't see me without clothes to talk to.

I turned on the shower. My plan is to just clean my body. But because I wanted to sleep well, I decided to take a shower.

"Yes I'm really very poor. Our breaks are short and I can't sleep properly. My mind's awake, thinking of you."

I turned off the shower. "Then maybe you should stop thinking of me. So you can sleep well."

"Hmm, that still won't work. The only cure for this is to see you. Baby can we video call?"

"What a weasel!"

"Why? What's wrong?"

I dropped the shampoo bottle at what he said. I picked it up and put it back in the container. I turned on the shower to rinse off.

"Wait... are you in the bathroom?"

My heart beat faster. I didn't answer. I sped up the rinsing, the showering.

"Oh sh*t, I'll end this call I'll call you back once you're done okay? Bye."

When I finished taking a shower, I quickly got dressed. I am ashamed of myself. Later what will Ethan think. Why am I talking to him while I'm taking a shower!

I called him after my night routine. He answered just one more ring.

"Are you done?"

"Uh yes, sorry I didn't tell you -"

"No, it's fine. Anyway, where did you and miss Anne eat?"

When he changed the conversation, I breathed a sigh of relief.

I told him what happened in my day. You moving me into the kitchen and the one about Anne and I's dinner.

"So, you're one of those who will cook something to serve at the cafe?"

"Yes, especially the main dishes. Because that's what I learned to cook."

"It's a shame. When you're the one to cook my meals, then I'm not there..."

I laughed. "You can tell your manager that you want to order food from the company's cafeteria."

"Hmm, yeah right. I'll try to ask sir Marcus."

"You should, so that you can taste what I am cooking in café," I said happily.

Suddenly it came to my mind that what if Ethan and I got married? I will cook for him before he goes to work. Then when he comes home, I will massage him.

Thinking about the future excites me and at the same time, it scares me.

"Or can you make food specifically for me?"

Actually, I've thought about it. It's just his first day of their training slash rehearsals. What if, I will send food or stuff for him. Then I pretend to be his fan?

Speaking of being a fan, I bought a ticket for their first ever fan meet and mini concert. I will surprise him. I will also pretend to be his fan.

"Sure, any requests?"

"Wow, so you're really a chef? I want ramen."

"Order received. I'll make ramen for you, is ramen your favorite food?"

"Yup."

"Okay noted."

"Now that you're assigned in the kitchen. Then you'll have to work with the chef? Uh, Gavyn?"

My eyes widened. How did he know Gavyn's name?

"Okay, the menu for lunch today is Sisig, Caldereta, Pakbet, Sinigang na baboy, Ginsang gulay. For breakfast is pandesal with cheese and ube, Garlic bread, Toasted bread, Bacons, Hams, Eggs, Hotdogs, and the Garlic and plain rice. For the merienda we have Banana cue, Turon, Pizza slices, Kikiams and fishballs, and Tuna rolls. Lastly for desserts, miss Pams will take care of that. Okay move guys!"

I was already at the cafeteria at six in the morning. I've been coming in that early for three days. Well, we all come in that early.

Because our schedule has changed. And I think the schedule is better and better now. You used to have to come in every day. Now, there is a day when you just come in.

Also to avoid crowding inside and outside the kitchen. It's easier to act because the staff is reduced. It's not like before that you are not comfortable because of the amount of staff.

Monday should be the start of my work in the kitchen. But that turned into Thursday, I had school from Thursday to Monday. From 6AM to 6PM. Tuesday and Wednesday are the days off. It seems similar to my schedule at the ramen house before.

Because Gavyn assigned me the main courses, I will make the menu for lunch. We are six teams. Sometimes seven because Gavyn also works with us. The same goes for other teams. He was there to help or maybe to observe.

I cut up rekados and vegetables for pakbet. According to what I took to cook. I started heating a large pan on the gas stove.

Later I added oil. When it got hot, I sauteed garlic, onion and the meat. A few minutes later, I dropped the vegetables one by one. Seasoned and covered.

While waiting for it to cook, I put away the plates, bowls, knives, chopping boards, and others that I used.

"Can I taste it?"

I almost jumped in shock when Gavyn spoke next to me. I looked at him and nodded.

I watched him taste what I cooked. It's not the first time he's done that, but I'm still nervous.

Even if it is said that the way he deals with you has changed a little. I still can't get rid of the nervousness and fear of being yelled at by him. Or maybe I'm wrong.

Sloppy in what is being done. So, I make sure my work is correct and in order. To avoid being embarrassed and yelled at.

He nodded after tasting what I cooked. It was like a thorn was pulled out of me.

"It's good, are you planning to make the customers diabetic?"

My eyes widened. Sh*t! so it's very sweet, isn't it? Look, it looks like this is the day I'll be embarrassed and yelled at. I closed my eyes.

"No p-po. S-sorry po-"

"No, it's really good. I'm just messing around. Continue the great work," he said and left me.

What the hell just happened? Is he messing up with me?

I transferred the cooked pakbet to the container. I gave it to Rick, he will take care of serving it outside.

I looked at the wall clock in the kitchen. It's only ten minutes until lunch break. I thought of Ethan. Has he eaten lunch yet? I haven't been able to bring him the food he requested. Maybe he will be brought to me on Tuesday.

That night, Ethan called me. It was obvious that he was tired, but he still had a smile on his lips.

Maybe he liked what I prepared for him. Well, it should be no!

"Hi," he said. "Did you know? Someone sent me food from my number one fan. He has proven that he is my number one fan because he knows my favorites and my cravings. What's even more interesting is that besides the food, he also sent water and energy drinks. That's the wealth of my fan."

"Hmm, you should thank him. What a great effort he made for you," I asked him.

He smiled. "Thank you, baby."

I was flushed on the cheek and I didn't expect him to answer. I swallowed. Taste more.

"There's a price for all of that."

"Anything, just name it."

"Okay, I'll think about it."

We continued talking until we reached five o'clock in the morning. We both didn't have school so we stayed up. Besides, there is also a chance that we can talk for a long time.

I haven't seen Ethan for a month.

The speed of the day passed. Now that their fan meet and mini concert is just a few weeks away, our conversation is more frequent. I understand that because it is necessary. Besides, I can only help him accordingly.

My understanding.

Because I know the day will come when we don't have to hide what came between us.

And when that day comes, I'm sure I'll be the happiest person in the world.

"What you're cooking is about to burn, chef Iris."

My spirit returned to reality when I heard that voice.

I immediately turned off the gas stove and looked at the fried fish I was cooking for lunch. I was relieved to see that it wasn't on fire yet. It was fried just right.

I took a container and put the fish in it. Next I fried again.

I glanced at the owner of the voice, Gavyn.

"Chef? Really a chef? I'm what you'd call a chef when I didn't study culinary or whatever. Then I'm what you'd call a chef?"

He laughed softly. Then I was left in my place.

In the almost a month I've been here in the cafeteria, Gavyn and I have become quite close to each other. For reasons unknown to me. Just one day, we were joking. He sometimes teases the way I cook.

I can also say that the way he treats everyone has changed. To all the staff here at the cafeteria. All his negative vibes have been reduced.

He only gets angry once in a while when it's necessary. Yes, when necessary. When he knows and we all know that what one of our colleagues did or did was wrong.

He no longer gets angry or shouts casually. It's like he knows something. Now, we can joke with him. And he is the same, then he will join us to eat or take break time.

Case, this unexpected contact or closeness of us to each other. I didn't like something. Because I heard something bad when my colleagues noticed that Gavyn and I were close.

I was inside the storage room when I heard that.

"Isn't Iris already married?"

"Yes, he is said to be an accountant in a big company. As far as I know, they don't have children yet. They are still saving. Why?"

"It's nothing. I noticed that she and Gavyn are as close as they are. Besides, think about it, Iris was assigned here less than a month ago and then they are so close?"

"You know, I've noticed that too. Gavyn is gone, he's changed a bit, he's not always warm. You'll be afraid to talk to him."

"Maybe, Iris is leaving her husband," he laughed. "He replaced his accountant wife with a chef."

"Or maybe this Gavyn is more handsome than his wife. Because if you look at Gvayn, you'll just be amazed. Even though I'm a family man, I still can't help but fantasize about him!"

"You know we're the same. Even though I'm handsome, Gavyn is sometimes grumpy. Wait, have you seen Iris's husband?"

I got nervous. This is also where I realized that I have been working here at HBLE for almost three years. But, no one has yet caught what is true about me. I also no longer have contact with sister Mary and their agency that helped Anne and me.

So if the day comes when the management finds out about me. I do not know what to do. Maybe if they sue me, I can fight it. We have our own lawyer.

Mama and of course Ethan will help me.

"Hmm, not yet. We are friends with him on Facebook and IG but I don't see any posts from him about his wife. Maybe they have a private relationship."

"Why, they even beat the artist."

The two who spoke laughed. I don't know them and I haven't spoken to them either. Iya has disappeared from my path but her kind are still around me.

I don't have work on Wednesday. Just in time I had to go to school to pass a final project in my major subject.

Because I slept at home, I sent brother Dante to our school. I didn't make him wait anymore because I planned to go for a walk today.

I was wearing the necklace that Ethan gave me on our fourth monthsary. Even though we are far from each other, he still hasn't forgotten our special day. Then he sent flowers and a 'mini gift' to me.

As for me, I also sent him a gift. Apart from the cooked food that I send to him and the other members, I also sent him my 'mini gift'. When I finally went to them, I noticed that the headphones he was using to play were broken.

Then his keyboard was a different color and was damaged. He said it was because of his pageevacuate. Meaning, he carries those with him wherever he is. It was broken when he moved to their dorm and back home to them then vice versa.

I felt sorry for my baby so I bought him a set of gaming accessories. I should have bought it on our anniversary. Well, he deserves it. Besides, I'm embarrassed by his monthly gifts to me, who will be loved.

That even though I'm making money, I still can't afford to buy things like that.

Add his secret sending of gifts on the opposite side of my capsule. Fortunately, there is no CCTV around my capsule. So it doesn't look like there are gifts or whatever there.

When he received that gift from me, even though they were on rehearsals and their phones were on hold, he agreed to call me. To thank you, when I saw the joy on his face, I couldn't do anything but thank you too, to the Lord.

Because he gave me an Ethan.

So for those who don't have jowabels out there, just keep on praying and trusting Him. 'Cause God will never fail us, He will keep on providing what we need. Even though we never asked for it.

I entered the teacher's faculty and looked for my adviser. When I saw him I sat in front of him and handed over my project. We should pass it on to our subject teacher, but he said to our adviser instead.

Today we will know if we are fit for face to face OJT. Because our first schedule didn't go through. That's why he moved from May-June.

Most of those who take online classes like me are working students. People who still want to study even while working. It's a good thing that this school has such a platform.

They help working students graduate.

My adviser opened my project and then looked at his laptop. He also took out a record booklet and checked it. Later, he hid it with my project.

The way he looked up at me made me nervous. Falling out of school is one thing I fear in life besides death.

I feel that once I fail, even if it's just one point, Mom and Dad won't be proud of me. I'm trying to get rid of being grade conscious but I can't get rid of him.

"Miss Castilian, I want to congratulate you for your outstanding grades," he smiled at her.

My eyes widened. I didn't expect there to be other tasks or activities because I wasn't immediately passed on. "T-thank you, Ma'am."

"So I guess, I'll be expecting you on August to September for our face to face OJT, okay?"

My eyes widened even more. What a great news to start my day!

I thanked Miss Tandoc again before saying goodbye. I walked out of the school hallway with a smile. Even while waiting for the jeep to ride, I couldn't get rid of the smile on my lips.

After I arrived at the Mall, I first looked for something to eat. I decided to eat at an Italian restaurant. To celebrate the good news I received. I called Mama so that we could have lunch together because she seems to be busy at work.

Because he doesn't answer. I just texted him what happened at school.

I took a nice video of the place and put it on my IG stories. I also put the caption below that 'wish u were here.'

After I ate, I wandered around inside the Mall holding the milktea I bought earlier. To get something to eat. While I was walking, I passed the ticket booth. It looks like a ticket booth for Dionysus' mini concert slash fan meet.

DIONYSUS has a big poster there and then they sell some merch.

There was a long queue of young people there. It makes me proud to watch this scenario. Besides me and Ethan's family, there are many others who love him. It's funny.

It would be worth their hard work of almost two months if they could just see this event. They have a lot of supporters or fans. There are so many who love them.

In the middle of my walk, my cellphone vibrated. I turned it on and saw that Ethan had an IG message for me.

eltan: it's a nice place for sure the food is good

eltan: btw, why is the 'u' in "wish u were here" nio puh? Hehe

eltan: I'm asking you to marry me when you're dating hehe

lilyiris: uhm hi, the place's located in a mall around makati area u can just go there po

lilyiris: sorry but I'm not open for courtships po. I already had a boyfriend

I first sat on the scattered benches inside the Mall. I also sipped my milktea while waiting for Ethan's reply.

eltan: that's it, I'm sorry miss puge nmn ne2ng trop4 qu

eltan: ka2 nusblid nmn puh keo

lilyiris: I'm sure my boyfriend's was way more than 'puge' than ur friend

eltan: u're not sure teh

lilyiris: I I'm hundred percent very sure.

eltan: gosh, your bf really thinks teh

lilyiris: sent a photo

I sent a picture of Ethan sleeping. Maybe it's break time, so the strength of the trip is to trip.

eltan: come on, did you get that pic?!?!!1221!?

eltan: aqu kc that ih

lilyiris: is that you

lilyiris: then maybe u're my bf lol

eltan: hi baby I miss you huhu

I secretly smiled.

lilyiris: and I miss u too

eltan: it's only two weeks hehe you'll see my beautiful face

again lilyiris: it's only two weeks you'll see my pretty face hehe

eltan: it's only two weeks I'll kiss you again

eltan: tok 2 u leyter the five minute break is over I love you so much babyyyy

I just drank milktea again after I read Ethan's chat. This kid really has a chance to screw up.

I didn't even tell him the good news. Maybe later when he has another break. They only have three days to rehearse. After no'n they have a one week break and then before the main event they have a very last rehearsal.

Around 5PM in the afternoon I decided to go home. I enjoyed walking around the Mall by myself. I haven't been out or wandered for a long time.

I bought something to wear for Ethan's event. Mama, I also bought her clothes for work.

Then of course, I also bought Ethan his favorite perfume. He will be loved a bit because he is branded. I will give it to him as a gift to congratulate them on their first ever mini concert slash fan meet.

I also bought their album and some other merch. I will bring it to the 23rd and have him and all the members of DIONYSUS sign it.

I will go home even though I have work tomorrow. I rode a jeep that passed in front of our village.

I took out a fare coin and handed it to the driver. I'm pretty close to my bottom and I'm also close to the driver.

"Manon pay-"

I almost dropped the coin I was holding when our eyes met the driver's.

My hand itched holding my fare coin. The acceleration of my heartbeat was still accompanied by that. I swallowed.

Relax Lily. That won't move you especially with other people. Calm down, I remind myself.

He handed over my payment. "Where is mom?"

I closed my eyes when I heard the voice I never wanted to hear again. A voice I had long forgotten. The only voice that would make me feel so scared.

I want to cover my ears. I do not want. I don't want our lives to go down the same path again.

"D-that's just s-sa tab-bi..."

I'm tired even though I have a little more to walk to our village. I can bear that better than being in the same place with... Henry.

"I'm sorry, you're not allowed to come down here."

My eyes widened.

In my almost several years riding a jeep, I can get off where I want to get off. But now Henry is the driver of the jeep...

"P-for po!"

I mustered up the courage to shout that. I don't care if other passengers say something or look at me. In my current situation, my safety is more important than focusing on their judgment.

"Man, I've passed! Why don't you stop the car?!"

The animal Henry ignored me. Even if I make a scandal, he won't stop the car.

My nervousness doubled when the car passed in front of our village.

"Man! I'm over my limit!"

I hit the roof of the jeep. I keep saying I'm over my limit.

"Mam, the driver, put Ate down, she's already past her limit."

"Passengers are not allowed to disembark," was Henry's only answer.

I was breathing faster because of the screaming, the crashing of the roof, the fear... of everything.

I took my cell phone from my bag. "This is not the first time I ride a jeep, Manong. I can get off at that place in another jeep. Then you can't? Put me down on the side before I call the police."

Henry and I met our eyes again in the car mirror. I looked at him intently even though I was about to faint from fear. His disgusting and sarcastic smile didn't get past me before stopping the car next to it.

I quickly got out of the jeep carrying my purchases. I increased my steps to get away from it. I almost jumped while walking when Henry honked his horn and sped the car away.

My grip tightened on what I was carrying. I also inhale and exhale again and again to relax myself.

I walked home. When I was on the opposite side of the gate, I felt like my knee was going to give out. I was out of breath. Tired from walking and tired from the fear felt earlier.

I opened the gate and went inside. I went through the backdoor to go directly to the kitchen. I'll drink some water, just in case I calm myself down more.

I put my things on the island counter. Take a glass and pour water. I had three glasses of water before deciding to go up to my room. I met sister Sally before leaving the kitchen and she was already feeding me dinner.

"I'm still full from what I ate outside, Sister. I'll just eat later when I'm hungry. Has M-mama come home yet?"

"Maybe your Mama will be home tomorrow at seven o'clock."

"Alright. When he comes, feed him, right? I'm going upstairs first," I didn't wait for sister Sally to answer.

I went up to my room. Every step I took, I remembered what happened earlier.

What if I'm the only one riding that jeep? What will happen to me?

I shook my head. The important thing is that I still got home safely. Because of what happened today, I will use the car that Mom and Dad gave me. So that I can avoid riding in jeeps.

Maybe later on, I'll meet Henry the driver again.

I don't even know if I should say anything about what happened today. But I don't know who to talk to. Ethan entered my mind.

How can I tell him about this if he has no knowledge of my past? What happened to me in Henry's hands? That even though a year has passed, the fear and apprehension is still here.

Is this the sign that... I should tell him about that incident?

But... how can I report him?

He is also busy and tired because of their upcoming event. Then if I tell him everything now, it will just worry him. Maybe he can't focus on what he's doing yet.

Or can't he just leave me?

Because, that's what happened to me then? There are people like that, right? When men find out that you have been molested or raped... they will hate you and leave you.

Sometimes, they will stay but they will take advantage of what happened in your past. They will think... you're easy to get... in bed.

I turned the door into my room. The lights are off and my curtains that I didn't open when I woke up added to the darkness.

I didn't turn on the lights because I really wanted to lie down and relax. I feel like I have a fever. I had a headache when I was just walking home.

I'll just put aside what happened today so that my body and mind can rest.

I put my purchases on the floor. Take off your shoes and remove your bag.

I lay down on my bed and closed my eyes.

Until little by little I became forgetful.

I feel something attached to my back. My hand seems to be holding something. My whole body also felt like it was bound.

I moved a little. The bond with me tightened.

I stopped moving and fell asleep again.

I just woke up to the sound of a ringing cellphone. I slowly opened my eyes. First I saw my hand holding another hand. I also felt something running in my stomach.

The one holding my hand is connected to the one running through my stomach.

I moved a little to see who was holding me tight.

I was nervous because I thought of this scenario I experienced with Henry before.

When I faced what was behind me, I breathed a sigh of relief and couldn't believe what I was seeing.

Ethan opened his eyes when I faced him with his eyes closed, fast asleep and exhausted.

I immediately felt joy, shock and disbelief.

Why is he here? The first thing that came to my mind. How can he hug me that they have training now.

Wait, maybe I'm just dreaming?

Because I miss him so much. I imagined that he was with me...

I was about to release my hand when he tightened his embrace. He pressed his head on my shoulder. I'm tickled by the t'wing he lets out his breath.

I straightened up and returned to my previous place. I turned my back to him with my head resting on my shoulder. Our hands are still holding each other.

I will let us be like this until he wakes up.

But, maybe we all experience wrong timings or happy moments suddenly overlap, don't we?

The previously buzzing cellphone rang again. This time it was okay to wake up Ethan.

I felt him move behind me and moan.

I looked at my bed side table to see whose cell phone it was. I saw a small basin and a towel. Then I saw Ethan's ringing cellphone.

His hand ran over my stomach and landed on my forehead down to my neck.

His other hand, which was holding my other hand and was leaning on me, he slowly moved it. Until he loosens his grip and eats me.

The bed shook, then I heard his footsteps.

He must not have seen me awake. I watched him narrowly walking towards my side. Her hair was a mess, she was only wearing her pajamas. A rather loose white dress and pyjamas.

He sat on the edge of my bed-in front of me. He didn't pin me down or anything.

"Hello?" he answered the caller. It was obvious in his voice that he had just woken up.

Now that I heard his voice, I knew that I was not dreaming. He's real-he's really by my side.

"Opo-opo... not at all.....I'm just at home-ah okay. Thank you."

After he put down his cell phone, I got up from lying down. He looked at me quickly. His face shows tiredness and worry. He put the cellphone on my bed side table.

After a while he hugged me. "Are you feeling better now?"

I nodded on his shoulder. He took a deep breath and let go of the hug. He groped my forehead and neck again.

This is how I feel when I get sick, I only lose one sleep. I don't take medicine or anything. Because I'm afraid of medicine. Because I don't know how to swallow. I'm afraid my esophagus might get blocked.

If they give me medicine, I crush it until it becomes a fine powder. Then I will put water in it and I will make him drink.

Ethan just found out about that. As usual, knowing him, he laughed at me and said I was like a child. Oh no, the kid is even better than me.

"You didn't have dinner last night. You didn't take your medicine either. Now wash up so you can eat and take your medicine."

I did not act on what he said. I stared at him, he did the same and raised an eyebrow at me. In the end I just gave him a sweet smile and lay down again. I pulled the blanket and adjusted the bed.

"Hey wake up," he then shook my shoulder. "One. Get up, you need to eat and take medicine."

"Hmmm..." I moaned as he shook me.

"Two."

I still didn't act. I closed my eyes tightly and tried to ignore his shaking and chattering.

"Two and a half, don't let my count reach three, Lily Iris. You might want me to wash you straight away-"

I quickly got up and went to the bathroom. I felt something wrong with what I did. I didn't have time to understand that because I was scared by the threat of the mokong.

I took a quick shower because that bitch kept counting!

"...twenty, twenty one-when it reaches thirty, I'll let you in there."

Before turning twenty seven, I got out of the bathroom. I just went out with a towel. I ignored him and immediately got a change of clothes. After getting dressed, I went out to face the darkness.

I was about to look at him when I saw that he was talking to someone on his cell phone again.

His eyes landed on me when I opened the bathroom door. He looked at me from my feet up to my eyes.

I raised an eyebrow at him. He was serious. I blinked and sat in my vanity chair.

"Uh... maybe tomorrow morning around 7AM," he stopped and listened to the conversation. "There's no need, I can go now. I'll just text you..... go ahead, thank you."

I combed my hair and applied lotion. Then I stood up. When I faced it, I gasped because Ethan was already behind me.

"Good morning my baby! Kiss me," he was about to kiss me on the cheek when I blocked my hand from his face.

"What are you doing here? Do you have practice?" I wanted to ask him that before.

He sighed. "I miss you, that's why."

"Does Sir Marcus know this? Did you say goodbye properly?"

He nodded. "Yes. I said good-bye to Sir Marcus and the entire staff. I also said good-bye to the members."

"Are you sure? Maybe later I won't-"

"You know you beat Mama even more. When she saw me yesterday, she hugged me and kissed me. Besides, we were going to answer and ask questions earlier. I'll be the one to ask the questions. okay? Your part is over," he said.

"I just want to make sure that you really said goodbye. You probably know that the media and fans have hot eyes on you. Then suddenly you suddenly come out. What if there is a paparazzi following you or an obsessed fan of yours?"

"The van took me home. I was also accompanied by three bodyguards. Someone also looked out before they took me out and took me. There's nothing to worry about, okay?"

"How about you come here?"

"Lily Iris, everything is fine, okay? No one followed me or saw me come here. Now, can I ask the question?" I sighed and just nodded. "Why do you have a fever? You must be exhausting yourself too much at work? For what? To impress that chef?"

My eyes widened. What are you talking about? Why should I impress Gavyn? Besides, the reason why I got sick wasn't because of work?

I took a deep breath. "I didn't tire myself out at work. I had a fever because... it rained a bit when I was on my way home. Then it rained and I didn't take a shower. I didn't understand myself anymore. I was also tired from going out."

In my mind I was secretly apologizing to Ethan for lying. I will tell him everything. But not now. After the event I will tell him.

His eyes narrowed. He didn't seem to believe what I said. Is my lying too obvious?

"Tsk. How many times should I remind you that..." he caressed my cheek with his thumb. "Eyes don't lie, baby. I came home to you first. When I was waiting for you, I fell asleep. I just woke up when I was close to you. You were so hot that I woke up. You didn't either I saw you lying on your bed."

"It's because I'm so

tired-" "Shh I'm not done yet," he stuck a finger to my lip to silence me. "I immediately went down to get some warm water and a towel. Then I found out from sister Sally that you didn't eat before you went upstairs. Tita still wasn't there when I went down. I also prepared crushed medicine because I knew you wouldn't take it when it's not crushed. I would have woken you up and fed you and then given you medicine. But when I went up and saw you sleeping soundly even though you had a fever. I didn't wake you up again."

I wrapped my hand around his neck. "Thank you."

"Tss. So now tell me.... the truth."

"I already told you though?" I force

I want to tell him the way he wants. Someone is stopping me, maybe because if I report to him now... he won't be able to focus on their rehearsals. That will affect the whole team.

In this situation you are in, you should not only think about yourself. You also have to consider the people around you. Their opinion and will be felt.

This is what stops me so I can't tell him.

"Okay," he nodded. "But is there anything else that you're not telling me?"

"Like what?" I laughed to ease my nervousness. "Like what do I do when I miss you?"

I thought he would be thrilled or happy with what I said, but he wasn't. His arrogant and serious aura remained. After a while he shook his head and sighed.

He loosened my hand around his neck. "Let's go downstairs."

Downstairs we ate breakfast together with Mama. He said that at first he wondered why Ethan was at home. Ethan said he said goodbye to Sir Marcus who is going home to visit his grandmother. Then he said something else that was not a valid reason to release him, but that was said to be a secret.

Mama didn't sleep well last night wondering if I'm feeling well. But when he peeked inside my room sleeping together, he breathed a sigh of relief.

I don't even know if I should tell Mom what happened yesterday. In the end, I didn't just sinbai anymore. I don't want him to worry anymore, it will only add to his thoughts.

I managed to get through... Henry. I will also be doubly careful from now on. He also can't just move me, especially since Mama's men continue to search for him.

After breakfast, mom left to go to work. That's when I realized that I have school today!

"You're going in? You're not good yet, what if you're still strong?"

"I'm not going in anymore. It's just mine, I didn't say that I can't go in."

"I told you," I was surprised at what was said. "I used your phone to text your senior. I said you can't come in because you're not feeling well."

Ah, yes, we know each other's cell phone passcode. "Okay, thank you. But I still want to go in. Free food today, there's a lot to do in the kitchen."