Protector—that was Arkon’s title since he was young. It was a title given by Steel, his grandfather. He didn’t know why until he had to protect his twin, his sister, and cousins from everyone.
He always hated tragedies, but it was inevitable.
Maingat na tumagilid si Arkon at tinitigan si Kim na mahimbing na natutulog sa tabi niya. Nakatakip lang ito ng puting comforter tulad niya. They were still naked from last night, their honeymoon.
Arkon smiled as he stared at Kimberly. After eight years of dating, they finally decided to get married secretly. It was a mutual decision to keep it to themselves first before letting everyone know about their sudden decision.
It wasn’t their plan to marry in secret. They were just in bliss and decided without a second thought.
Kung tutuusin, wala namang problema sa pamilya nila. Both families were okay with them getting married at twenty-four, graduating from their respective courses, and having their jobs. Okay naman ang lahat, they just wanted their privacy first.
Why? Wala lang. Kim and Arkon just wanted to celebrate privately first.
Hinalikan niya si Kim sa noo bago maingat na bumangon at dumiretso sa bathroom para maligo. It was just four in the morning, and he couldn’t sleep. He wore the comfiest clothes he owned and kissed Kim again on the cheek before leaving the room.
Arkon asked to borrow one of Hellery’s resort. Even his favorite cousin didn’t have a slightest idea about the wedding. Ang alam lang ni Hell, anniversary celebration ang dahilan kaya niya hiniram ang resort nito.
Nakatalikod si Arkon habang nagluluto, pero naramdaman niyang papalapit sa kaniya si Kim. Hindi siya lumingon at hinayaan ang asawa niyang yakapin siya mula sa likuran. Wala siyang sinabing kahit na ano.
Yumuko siya at nakita ang magkasaklop na kamay ni Kim. Kita niya ang mga singsing na suot ng asawa niya—ang wedding ring at engagement ring na ibinigay niya dalawang taon na ang nakalipas.
It was a personalized ring from Russia.
“Good morning, baby,” Kim whispered from behind.
Humarap si Arkon na hawak pa ang sandok para halikan ang asawa sa noo. Hindi niya maiwasang mapangiti nang makita ang mukha nito. Seeing Kim’s newly woke up face wasn’t new to him, but something was different.
Maybe because they were already married.
“Good morning, baby.” Arkon kissed the tip of Kim’s nose. “How’s your sleep? Malapit na itong maluto. Do you want some coffee? I made some.”
Kim nodded and kissed Arkon’s lips. “Yes, please. Also, please next time, ako ang magluluto, okay? Ang bango ng coffee! Sabi sa ’yo, e. Your barista training actually helped.”
Natawa si Arkon sa sinabi ni Kim. “I made that coffee for you. For the record, that barista training was cool. I enjoyed it lalo na dahil I have a coffeeholic wife. Just please, know your limits about coffee, baby.”
Kim nodded and kissed him again.
Arkon stared at Kim for a good second. Suot nito ang puting polo na ginamit niya sa kasal nila at wala itong suot bukod pa roon.
“Looking sexy wearing only that,” Arkon said.
“For your eyes only.” His wife winked.
Kumuha ng dalawang mug si Kim para magtimpla ng kape nilang dalawa. Sinundan lang naman ng tingin ni Arkon ang asawa. Bawat galaw nito, may ingat at nagkukuwento pa tungkol sa trabaho bilang nurse sa isang public hospital.
Naupo rin ito sa counter habang sumisimsim ng kape habang walang tigil sa pagsasalita. He wasn’t focusing on what she was saying, because he was whipped. The way she talked was something he would love to see every day.
Kimberly was Arkon’s only girlfriend. Mahal na mahal niya ito at hindi na sila naghiwalay simula nang magkakilala. She became his backbone—the person who accepted all of him—his flaws, imperfections, and loved him with all her heart.
He couldn’t stop staring at her.
“Makatitig ka riyan!” Kim teased Arkon and laughed. “Parang mahal na mahal mo naman ako!”
“It’s because I do!” Arkon walked towards his wife and gave her a warm kiss. He even tasted the coffee on her lips. He settled himself in between his wife’s legs and slowly brushed his lips against her neck. “I married you for a reason, Kimberly. I love you . . . so much.”
Sinalubong ni Kim ang bawat halik ni Arkon. Sinabayan ang bawat galaw at bawat paghaplos, pero kaagad ring bumitiw. “Breakfast first, okay?”
“You,” Tinanggal ni Arkon ang pagkakabutones ng polo, “are my breakfast.”
Kim chuckled and nodded. “Fine.”
Arkon removed Kim’s only clothing—his polo—while kissing her neck. He could feel Kim caressing the back of his head while both of them were panting and making love on the counter.
“I want a baby,” Arkon whispered against her ear. “If that’s okay with you.”
Kim pulled away and stared at Arkon. “Baby kaagad? We just got married yesterday!”
“That’s why I am asking you!” Hinaplos ni Arkon ang pisngi ng asawa niya at tumigil sa paggalaw. “I want this to be a mutual decision. Kung ayaw mo pa, it’s okay, I’m no—”
“I want a baby, too.” Kimberly put soft kisses on Arkon’s lip. “Galingan mo.”
Arkon chuckled and pulled away to caress Kimberly’s stomach. “Let’s put a baby in here,” he said and kissed his wife’s lips.
T H E X W H Y S