After breakfast, there wasn’t much else to do. I dialed Anya’s number to collect the used dishes and asked her to bring me my novels. The movers who brought my stuff had forgotten them in my room, but thankfully, Anya knew how to get in using a spare key I had tucked into my backpack.
“Marami ka nito pero hindi mo ginagamit,” Japen commented, catching me off guard.
I paused searching through the bedside drawers and turned to face him. He was standing by the mirror, eyeing the makeup spread out on the table.
I shrugged. “I’m not really into those things,” I said, turning back to the drawers.
As I rummaged through, Japen gently gripped my shoulders and turned me to him, hugging me from behind with his face buried in my neck. His warm breath sent shivers down my skin.
“How long will you stay cooped up here, Azora?” he asked softly.
I sighed and patted his arm around my waist. “I don’t know,” I whispered.
“What about your studies?”
I hesitated before replying. “Dad will handle that for me.”
It was only the first day of Dad confining me to the mansion. I hadn’t even thought about how it would affect my university studies. Midterms were approaching, and I had no idea how Dad would… I sighed, pushing those concerns aside. Right now, Japen was my priority. He needed to get out of here as soon as possible.
“What about you?” I asked. “What’s your plan?”
“Plan?”
I bit my lip. “You can’t stay here forever.”
He chuckled. “Are you kicking me out?”
“Of course,” I teased back. “It’s not proper for us to share one room.”
“Really?” Japen teased, withdrawing his arms and turning me to face him. Our eyes met.
I pouted. “We’re sharing a bed and it’s not right,” I said, then smiled. “We’re not married… yet.”
He smirked. Surprisingly, he let go of my shoulders and walked over to the bed.
He lay down and sprawled out, looking at me invitingly. I approached cautiously, standing by the bed. I leaned over to see his face, but gasped as he grabbed my arms and pulled me down onto him.
Japen smiled at me, brushing the hair from my face. He caressed my cheek and looked into my eyes.
I reached up and touched his chin. “I’ve never asked you this before,” I began hesitantly. “But I want to know your answer.”
He didn’t say anything, so I continued. “You know I love you, Japen,” I said with a sigh. “And I want to be your wife. Are you willing to be my husband?”
My heart raced after asking such serious questions. It felt too soon, but I needed him to know I was committed. I wanted to marry him after finishing college, and I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else.
He lifted me so our faces were level. His hand moved to my nape, playing with my hair. I waited for him to respond, but he stayed silent.
I pouted. “Say something,” I urged.
He gazed at me. “You know I love you, Azora. Mahal na mahal kita,” he whispered. “Ikaw lang ang babaeng papakasalan ko, kahit na hindi ka pa rin marunong magluto hanggang ngayon.” He grinned playfully.
I chuckled at his remark. “Then teach me to cook so I can make decent meals for you,” I suggested, sitting up on his stomach and looking at him. “Thanks for staying here with me,” I added sincerely.
He closed his eyes, folding his arms behind his head. “I can stay until you leave this room,” he offered. Opening his eyes, he added, “Or I could talk to your father to let you out.”
I crossed my arms. “Do you really think Dad would let me out because you asked? And do you really think you can stay here with me that long?”
Japen softened. “I don’t want to leave you here alone.”
His words hit me. I stared into his eyes, locking gazes for minutes without speaking.
I sighed and leaned in, placing my hands on either side of his head.
“Will you kiss me again?” he asked huskily.
I blinked at his question. “Is it wrong for me to kiss you?” I countered.
He smiled, revealing his teeth. “I know you’re getting used to it, Azora. You love kissing me, but I won’t stop you.”
I narrowed my eyes playfully, then sat up straight on his firm stomach. “I just want one kiss.”
“Kiss me,” he teased, smiling broadly.
I took a deep breath and looked at Japen’s lips. I hadn’t realized how often I kissed him until he mentioned it, but I just wanted to feel his lips.
“Sorry,” I whispered after a moment, sighing. I shrugged. “But I love it.”
He furrowed his brow. “How many men have you kissed?”
“Two.”
“Two?” He narrowed his eyes. “Am I one of them?”
I nodded. “It was you and…” I hesitated, looking away. In my life, I’d only kissed two men. Japen and… Anthony.
“Who’s the other?” he asked.
“He’s nobody. Just an old friend who passed away.”
He fell silent. I took another deep breath, standing up from his stomach and stepping back from the bed.
I walked to the balcony, noticing the sun high in the sky, likely nearing noon. Anya would soon arrive with lunch and my novels.
“You should hide in the closet,” I told Japen without turning back. Standing still, arms crossed, I faced the horizon. “Anya will be here any minute.”
Memories of Anthony had soured my mood for the day. I hadn’t forgotten the events of the past months that led to me being locked in this room.
But before I could gather my thoughts, hands gripped both my shoulders, turning me to face the person. It was Japen, of course-my constant companion in this room.
I opened my mouth to protest, but he leaned down and kissed me lightly on the lips, sweet and brief, pulling away before it could deepen.
“Only I can kiss you from now on,” he murmured. “Kiss me as much as you want; I won’t stop you.”
I stared into his eyes, surprised and speechless. I hadn’t asked for permission. Why was he saying these things?
Before I could respond, the door swung open. I gasped and pushed Japen toward the balcony, trying to shield him with the curtain.
But it was too late. Anya had seen me with Japen. She dropped the tray of food, the clattering of glassware piercing the air.
I closed my eyes in frustration. I knew Simmy would soon burst into the room because of the noise.