Hues After The Rivalry (Achievers Series #1)

Kabanata 35

Hues After The Rivalry

Kabanata 35

"Rue Perseus Vallejo, Cum Laude."

I'm so proud of my man.

We gave Rue a resounding applause as he received his diploma and medal on stage. He found me from where I was sitting. Ngumiti ako sa kaniya.

"I love you," he mouthed.

"Athena Ryhs Vallejo, Summa Cum Laude."

Masaya ako para sa kanila. But I admit, medyo nalulungkot akong ito na ang huling araw ni Rue sa university. He's already enrolled in a top medical school in Manila. He will move there by next month. Magkakahiwalay na kami.

But thinking about it, parting ways is a step towards our future. He will study for four years in medical school, and then complete a one-year postgraduate internship to qualify for the medical professionals' licensure examination. After completing the one-year postgraduate internship and passing the licensure examination, he will pursue to enter a residency program. Ang dami niya pang bubunuin, at maghihintay ako sa tagumpay niyang 'yon.

"What's your gift for me?"

"'Yang nasa kama," sagot ko habang pinapanood siya sa full-length mirror na kalasin ang mga butones na suot. "Pagod ka na?"

"A bit."

He peeked through the gift box I had for him. Lumapad ang kaniyang ngiti nang makita roon ang regalo ko para sa kaniya.

"This is a limited edition! This is expensive!" natutuwa niyang sabi. "Thank you so much, love!"

I bought a Nike special collection apparel. Tracksuit 'yon. Pinag-ipunan ko sa pagpa-part-time sa sariling restaurant namin. Tatlong buwan kong pinag-ipunan bilang regalo sa graduation niya. I knew he would like it.

"Congrats ulit," ngiti ko at nilapitan siya nang makakuha ng shirt sa dresser. "Graduate ka na. Siyam? Sampong taon pa? Kaya mo 'yan."

Ibinalik niya sa gift box ang apparel at inayos. Hindi ko mapigilang matawa sa reaksyon niyang parang batang binigyan ng laruan. He hugged me before removing his undershirt. Sinuklay ko ang nagulo niyang buhok bago ibinigay sa kaniya ang damit.

"Kaya, basta nandito ka," he kissed my forehead. "Are you tired?"

"Not much. There were a lot of visitors. Ang tagal kayong kinausap ni Ryhs ng mga tito at tita niyo. Ano'ng pakiramdam mo kanina? Kung ako 'yon, na-pressure na 'ko. Nakaka-pressure pala kapag matatalino ang pamilya, noh? I mean, expected na nilang dapat matalino ka rin. Hindi ka ba nape-pressure, love?"

Hinintay ko siyang matapos magbihis sa harap ko. I'm wearing his sleepwear, boxer and oversized shirt. I didn't want him to drive me back home. Sabi kong dito na lang ako matutulog ngayong gabi para makapagpahinga na siya.

"At first, yes," he kissed my lips after dressing up. "I get used to it. I don't feel very pressured now. Kinakaya ko at marami pang kakayanin."

I smiled proudly. "You're so tough."

"So are you, baby."

I cupped his cheeks and gave the tip of his nose a kiss. Humiga kami sa kama. Noong unang natulog ako rito, sa lapag siya natulog. He said he was scared we might end up having sex! Sabi ko naman ay kaya ko namang magkontrol ng damdamin kaya wala pang problema.

Our heads were resting on the headboard. My two palms were at the back of my head while Rue's one hand was at the back of his head too.

"I'll go to culinary school after my college. I want to have an associate degree. Feeling ko, kailangan ko pa ng skill developments at theoritical knowledge. Marami pa akong hindi alam na gusto kong matutunan."