Chapter 47
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lt was already evening, and I had once again fallen asleep beside her.
Cynthia was still here, curled up next to me, sleeping soundly.
She was effortless in her beauty, even now, with her hair tangled and her makeup gone.
I had never seen her like this before—no polish, no pretense—but somehow, she was even more beautiful.
The soft, innocent way she looked at rest made my heart ache in the best possible way.
I kissed her cheek lightly, then her forehead, careful not to disturb her too much.
Her skin was soft, warm, and the faint scent of her perfume lingered, making everything feel so calm.
I must’ve lingered a little too long, because she stirred, her eyelids fluttering open.
Slowly, as though the world around her wasn’t quite ready to come into focus, she blinked up at me, her eyes half-lidded and filled with that sleepy sweetness I adored so much.
“Hi, gorgeous. Still sleepy?” I asked, my voice low and gentle, trying not to disturb the peaceful aura she had around her.
She smiled softly, her voice still heavy with sleep. “Hmm… a little,” she mumbled, her head instinctively resting against my chest as she scooted closer. Her fingers found mine, intertwining them as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
I smiled down at her, brushing a few strands of her messy hair away from her face. “You’re even prettier like this,” I murmured, leaning down to place a soft kiss on the top of her head. “It’s unfair, really.”
She let out a soft laugh, hiding her face in my shirt. “You’re so dramatic,” she teased.
“Only for you,” I whispered, my heart swelling at the feeling of her so close.
For a few moments, we just stayed there, wrapped up in each other’s arms.
The world outside seemed so distant, so far away.
It was just us, here in this quiet, peaceful moment.
Her breathing slowed, and I could feel her heart beat gently against my chest.
She looked up at me then, her eyes still sleepy but full of something deeper, something that words couldn’t quite capture.
“Let’s have dinner. I’ll cook,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
She looked up at me, her brow furrowing slightly. “You can’t cook,” she said, her words full of disbelief and amusement.
I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Hey, don’t underestimate me. Marunong kaya ako,” I said confidently, despite the fact that it was only recently that I’d started learning to cook.
I had asked Manang, the housekeeper, to teach me some basic recipes, just in case the day came when I’d have to cook for someone special.
And yes, this was the day.
It had come.
“Right,” she said, her lips curling into a teasing smile. “You’re gonna cook?”
“Don’t worry. I’ve got this,” I said, getting up and stretching, still feeling the weight of sleep in my limbs. “I’ll make us something good.”
She watched me skeptically but didn’t argue further. “Alright. I’ll wait and see.”
I grinned to myself as I walked toward the kitchen. The moment she doubted me made me even more determined to prove her wrong. The kitchen was quiet, the only sound the faint hum of the refrigerator and the gentle clink of utensils as I began pulling ingredients from the cabinets.
I was going to make steak—her favorite, perfectly seared, juicy, tender. The one thing I knew I could pull off. I had practiced it enough times, watched enough cooking shows, and spent hours in the kitchen with Manang learning the basics. Tonight, I was going to make it special.
I turned the heat up on the stove, and soon enough, the rich smell of sizzling butter filled the air.
I grabbed a cast-iron skillet—my favorite tool for cooking steak—and let it heat up until it was just right.
I could already hear the faint sizzle as I placed the steak into the pan, the sound of it searing beautifully.
The smell made my mouth water, but I focused, determined to get everything perfect.
“Do you need help?” I heard Cynthia call from the living room, her voice a little amused.
“Nope!” I replied, keeping my voice light. “Just sit back and relax. I’ve got this under control.”
“I’ll believe it when I taste it,” she called back, and I could hear the smile in her voice.
I couldn’t help but laugh at her playful skepticism.
I was determined to show her just how capable I could be.
As the steak seared, I turned it once, making sure it had a nice, golden-brown crust.
The smell was intoxicating, a mixture of rich beef and the earthy aroma of fresh rosemary and garlic.
I tossed a couple of cloves of garlic into the pan, their sharp scent filling the kitchen as they roasted in the butter, giving the steak even more depth of flavor.
I added a small pat of butter on top of the steak, allowing it to melt and baste the meat as it continued to cook. My mouth was watering by now, and I knew it would be worth the wait. The steak needed a few more minutes—just enough time to get that perfect medium-rare texture.
Once the steak was done to perfection, I moved it to a cutting board to rest. I quickly whipped up some mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, just simple, comfort food that would pair perfectly with the steak.
I took a deep breath, inspecting the dish. It was simple, but it looked beautiful, and I knew Cynthia would appreciate it. I walked into the living room with the plate in hand, my heart racing just a little. I set it down in front of her, smiling proudly.
“Dinner’s ready,” I said, my voice filled with quiet excitement.
She looked at the plate, then at me, her brow furrowing. “You really cooked?”
I nodded, sitting beside her. “I did. Try it.”
She took her first bite, her eyes widening slightly as she chewed. “Okay, I admit it,” she said slowly, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “You can cook.”
I grinned, my heart swelling at her praise. “Told you.”
She took another bite, her smile growing wider. “This is really good, Sylvia. I’m impressed.”
I leaned back, feeling a sense of pride wash over me. “I’m glad you like it.”
We ate in comfortable silence for a while, just the sound of silverware clinking against the plates and the soft hum of the world outside.
And in that moment, with her beside me, sharing a meal that I had prepared just for her, everything felt perfect.
There was nowhere else I’d rather be, nothing else I’d rather be doing.
“I’ll cook for you anytime,” I said softly, looking at her as she finished her meal.
She looked up at me, her eyes filled with that quiet affection that always made my heart flutter. “You better,” she said, and we both laughed.
The evening stretched on, filled with the soft flicker of the TV, the gentle hum of the room, and the quiet companionship we shared.
After finishing dinner, we had settled on the couch, her head resting on my shoulder, and I couldn't help but smile to myself as I absentmindedly ran my fingers through her hair. We were watching We Bare Bears—her favorite cartoon, of course. It was always something she could count on to make her smile, and tonight, with her beside me, I was content just being there.
"Are you going to stay here?" she asked after a few minutes, her voice soft but laced with curiosity.
"Yeah," I replied, my voice steady. "I already told Ate. Plus, the doctor said you should have someone to look after you for the next few days, just to be safe."
She nodded, not arguing, but I could see that playful glint in her eyes. She didn’t say much, but her thoughts were written all over her face.
"By the way," I began, my tone suddenly shifting to one of mischief, "do you know you’re kind of like Ice Bear from We Bare Bears?"
She chuckled, raising an eyebrow at me. "Oh really? How so?"
I shot her a teasing smile, my lips curling into a playful smirk. "Well, you're cold and nonchalant. Just like him."
"Is that so?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she leaned in a little closer, her breath warm against my cheek. "Well, I guess I’ll just have to add ‘Ice Bear’ to my resume then."
Her grin only widened, clearly amused by my mock-seriousness.
"Yeah, except I don’t see you carrying around a bunch of ice and a whole stack of frozen fish, so you’ve still got some work to do."
I laughed, nudging her lightly with my shoulder. "If I had a freezer, I’d show you. But you know, unlike Ice Bear, I don’t need to keep my emotions frozen. I’m perfectly capable of showing a little warmth."
She turned her head to face me, those teasing eyes narrowing slightly, though her smile never faded. "Really? Because all I’ve seen from you so far is a lot of ‘cold’ and not much else."
I raised my eyebrows, feigning offense. "Oh, really now? Cold? You’re going to call me cold? You’re the one who barely shows any emotion unless you’re watching cartoons."
She laughed at that, clearly finding some amusement in my words. "Excuse me, but We Bare Bears has depth and complexity," she said dramatically, her voice full of mock seriousness as she dramatically gestured toward the TV. "I don’t just watch cartoons, I study them."
I couldn’t help but chuckle at how ridiculous she sounded, and I leaned back against the couch, shaking my head. "Oh, I see. So, you're the type of person who looks for deeper meaning in cartoons about three bears who are trying to fit in with humans? That’s... that's definitely something."
She gave me an exaggerated look of disbelief.
"Are you seriously doubting the artistic brilliance of We Bare Bears?" she asked, putting her hand to her heart as if I had just insulted a national treasure.
"You know, Ice Bear's silent wisdom is the true highlight of the show. Don’t knock it till you try it."
I feigned shock, leaning toward her with a hand on my chest. "Silent wisdom? Ice Bear has nothing on me. I’m practically a philosopher in disguise."
She tilted her head, raising a brow as she gave me an amused side-eye. "A philosopher, huh? Maybe you could teach me some of your ‘wisdom’ while we’re at it. I could use some life lessons from Ice Bear himself."
I smirked, my voice suddenly more playful. "Alright, lesson one: Always keep your emotions locked up tight. Never let anyone see the real you—it's a matter of survival."
Her laugh was like music to my ears, and I couldn’t help but smile as I watched her. "You know, I really can’t take you seriously when you’re acting like that."
"Well, it’s Ice Bear's way," I said dramatically, leaning back against the couch and crossing my arms, trying to look more mysterious. "He only speaks when it’s absolutely necessary. And when he does, it’s always to impart some deep wisdom."
"Mm-hmm, I can see it now," she said, nodding like she was trying to seriously consider what I was saying. "Ice Bear gives advice like, ‘Don’t talk to strangers,’ or ‘Keep a spare set of mittens.’"
"Exactly," I said with a smug grin. "Wisdom for the ages. You’re welcome."
Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she looked at me, biting her lip as if she was holding something back. "Alright, Ice Bear. If you’re so wise, tell me, what’s the best way to keep my ‘emotions’ in check?"
I leaned in closer, raising a brow. "Easy. Just bottle them all up, toss them into a vault, and then never think about them again."
She looked at me for a long moment before bursting into laughter. "Wow. That’s exactly what I need in my life—a vault full of suppressed feelings. You’re a real gem, Sylvia."
I grinned, enjoying the way her laughter filled the space between us. "Hey, I’m just trying to help you out here. Don’t say I didn’t warn you when you end up with a frozen heart, just like Ice Bear."
Her playful eyes softened for a moment as she reached over to give me a gentle push. "You’re ridiculous, you know that?"
"Ridiculous, yet wise," I teased, leaning back into the couch, letting my head fall back dramatically. "Ice Bear, in all my silent glory."
For a moment, we just sat there, laughing together, the easy rhythm of our teasing filling the quiet room. The world outside seemed to fall away. There was just her, just me, and the shared warmth that, despite all the teasing, was growing stronger between us.
"You know," I said, still smiling as I turned to look at her, "I think I might need a new nickname for you. Something to match your… personality."
She raised an eyebrow, looking at me suspiciously. "Oh really? And what exactly would that be?"
I thought for a moment, then grinned. "Hmm... How about Panda? Since you’re all sweet and cuddly, but still a little mischievous?"
Her mouth dropped open in mock offense. "I am not a panda!"
"Oh, yes you are," I said, laughing as she playfully shoved me. "I’m just saying, you’re the perfect combination of adorable and trouble."
"Is that so?" she said, crossing her arms and leaning back into the couch, giving me a fake scowl. "Well, I might just start calling you Grizzly then. Big, tough on the outside, but totally soft on the inside."
I stared at her in mock horror. "Grizzly?! I am NOT a Grizzly bear!"
"You totally are," she said with a wink, before leaning in and softly kissing my cheek. "Big softie."
I couldn’t help but laugh, the warmth of her kiss making everything feel right. In that moment, with her beside me, teasing each other, everything felt perfect.
"I want to swim." random na sabi nito kaya napatingin ako sakanya.
"Swim? Right now?"
"Yes. I have a swimming pool outside. Let's swim." sabi nito. Are she serious? Ang lamig lamig sa labas!
"Tara. Let's get change first." sabi ko. Syempre, hindi naman ako makaka-ayaw dito.
As we stepped outside, the cool evening air hit us, but I couldn’t focus on the chill.
All I could think about was Cynthia.
She had changed into a swimsuit, but not just any swimsuit—it was a sleek black bikini with subtle cutouts along the sides, showing just enough to leave the imagination intrigued.
It hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating every curve in the most graceful way.
Her hair, wet from the shower, clung to the back of her neck, and her sun-kissed skin glowed in the soft, fading light.
The whole look was effortless but undeniably hot.
She was a goddess, and even in the midst of a night swim, I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
“I told you it would be cold,” I said, trying to sound casual, but my teeth were already chattering a little.
Cynthia, however, didn’t seem to care. She looked back over her shoulder, her wet hair clinging to her neck as she smirked. “Come on, Sylvia! If you don’t get moving, you’re going to freeze up out here.”
I grumbled but walked toward her, the cold water making me gasp at every movement.
Cynthia, however, stayed close to the shallow end, her feet firmly planted on the pool’s floor as she looked up at me with a playful glint in her eyes.
She wasn’t going any deeper than her waist, and it was clear that she wasn’t quite ready to venture into the deeper parts of the pool.
“It's cold. Really.” I said as I swam toward her, trying to hide my shivers.
"Hey, bring me down!" she said to me, and I immediately grabbed her by the waist. Her legs wrapped around my hips, and I could feel her body pressed up against mine.
"You're not fun. You're still in the shallow end, let's go deeper," I teased her, laughing, knowing she couldn’t really hit me—because we might both drown here.
As we moved towards the deeper part of the pool, she kept her hold on my neck, and I could sense the tension between us. The cold water splashing around us couldn’t erase the heat I felt as her body stayed so close to mine.
"You're hot," I said, teasing her.
"I know," she replied confidently, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Do you want me to put you down? You can reach the bottom here," I suggested, jokingly.
"No! I might drown. You're much taller than me," she responded, and I couldn’t help but laugh at how serious she was about it.
"Just try, I’m here, guiding you," I said, trying to reassure her.
"Okay, fine," she agreed, loosening her grip on me.
But she really couldn’t reach the bottom, and I caught her just in time.
"Okay, okay, I got you," I said with a reassuring smile. Now she was holding my neck, looking a bit nervous.
"I told you!" she said, and I just chuckled at her reaction.
"Right. Right. I’m sorry. No more, okay?" I apologized, offering her a small smile. She rolled her eyes playfully in response.
Being this close to her, I could feel her body against mine, and it was getting harder to control myself. I didn’t want to push things, but it was hard not to.
"Can I kiss you?" I asked, and though she didn’t respond with words, the way she looked at me—the way her hands tightened around my neck—felt like a yes.
I leaned in, slowly, and kissed her. It was gentle at first, and I could feel her eyes closing as she gave in to the moment. She kept pulling me closer, and I felt her body move against mine more with every second. We deepened the kiss, our mouths exploring, and everything else seemed to fade away.
"I love you," I whispered against her lips.
She didn’t answer. Instead, she leaned in and kissed me again—deeper this time, hungrier. It was like her silence was its own kind of language, and I understood it perfectly. My hands began to move over her body instinctively, like they already knew every curve, every place that made her sigh.
We kept kissing, breath hitching between touches and laughter, until I pulled away slightly, teasing her with a smirk. “Really? We’re doing this in the swimming pool?”
She grinned, playful and flushed. “It’s fun… and interesting,” she said, her voice laced with excitement. “Don’t you want to?” Then she pouted. “Okay, let’s just go—”
I didn’t let her finish. I kissed her again, pulling her close as the water rippled gently around us. Her skin felt warm against mine despite the cool water, and I couldn’t stop myself anymore.
I began trailing kisses down her neck, slow and deliberate, tasting the droplets clinging to her collarbone. My hands found their way to her chest, cupping her breasts and gently squeezing them. She let out a soft gasp, her fingers tightening slightly on my shoulders.
“You feel incredible,” I murmured against her skin, kissing lower, down the slope of her chest until my lips brushed just above the swell of her breasts. Her back arched slightly, giving me more access, and I didn’t waste a second.
My other hand slowly slid lower, fingertips gliding past her waist, tracing the outline of her hips before moving in between her legs—gentle at first, testing, until I felt her shiver in response.
“Gosh, Sylvia…” she whispered, barely audible over the sound of the water and her own heavy breathing. “Hm…”
Her voice, her body, the way she clung to me like I was the only thing that mattered—it made the whole world feel like it had paused just for us.
“You’re really serious about doing this in the pool?” I asked, eyebrows raised as I looked at her flushed face.
She didn’t hesitate. “Shut up. Stop asking me questions—just keep doing what you’re doing,” she snapped, though the way her voice quivered told me she was barely holding it together.
I chuckled softly. “Lagi ka talagang galit,” I teased, brushing a damp strand of hair away from her face.
Then I leaned in, kissed her again—slow and teasing—while my fingers began to move against her, finding the spot that made her tremble. “Calm down,” I whispered against her lips. “Do you like this? Hm?”
She moaned softly, breath catching in her throat. “Hm~ fuck, stop teasing me—”
Before she could even finish the sentence, I slid my hand lower, slowly pulling down the thin fabric of her underwear beneath the water.
My fingers slid between her legs, and I gently began to stroke her, watching the way her eyes fluttered shut, the way her lips parted as she struggled to breathe steadily.
“God, you’re so wet already,” I whispered, almost in awe.
Then, slowly—intimately—I slid one finger inside her, curling it just right, watching her body react, her thighs tensing slightly around me.
“I love you,” I breathed, pressing a soft kiss to her shoulder, my free hand stroking her side.
Her voice came out shaky, desperate. “I love you more—fuck!”
I slid in a second finger, and then a third, stretching her slowly, carefully. Her nails dug into my back, and her body jerked slightly in response, arching into my touch.
Her mouth hung open, breaths ragged and broken. “Shit, Sylvia—”
“I’ve got you,” I whispered, pressing my forehead to hers. “Just let go. I’m right here.”
Every movement, every touch was slow but deliberate, meant to show her not just pleasure, but love.
The way she clung to me, the way she whispered my name—it felt like we were the only two people in the world.
The water lapped around us, gently echoing her soft moans, like it too was listening, cradling us in our secret moment.
She wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me closer as her body started to shake, her climax building and breaking over her like a wave.
And even after, she didn’t let go.
Neither did I.
S/x in swimming pool, huh? That's new. But I would like to have some more rounds.