February 9, 2020.

 

“Dito po ang sakayan, binibini.” Seulgi bowed while pointing at the open car door like a royal servant.

 

This put a smile on Joohyun’s face, “Ano na namang pakulo ‘to?”

 

Seulgi drove to Joohyun’s place to pick her up so they could celebrate her birthday together in advance, just like they do every year as bestfriends. It was a few minutes past 3 in the afternoon, the gentle breeze from the trees made the scenario feel more serene and the smiles on their faces even more mellow.

 

Seulgi laughed, “Secret. Sakay ka na, Hyun. May surprise ako sa’yo sa loob.”

 

“Surprise? Eh ‘di naman ako yung may birthday.” Joohyun began to walk towards Seulgi.

 

“Bastaaa. Just hop in.”

 

“Okay,” Joohyun smiled at Seulgi, who was holding the door for her. Once she settled in her seat, her bestfriend closed the car door and made her way around the vehicle to hop on the driver’s seat.

 

“Okay, first one,” Seulgi put on her seatbelt before grabbing something from the compartment. “Eto,” She held a small box that was wrapped with a purple ribbon. “Buksan mo.”

 

Joohyun looked at the box and hesitated whether she should take it or not. They were celebrating Seulgi’s birthday in advance, why was she the one receiving gifts?

 

Noticing the look on her face, Seulgi laughed. “I know it’s my birthday, Hyun pero gusto ko lang talagang gawin ‘to.” She looked at Joohyun straight in the eye, “Tanggapin mo na,” And then she pouted. “Please?”

 

Oh my god, napaka pa-cute ng mokong na ‘to.

 

Joohyun laughed before playfully shoving Seulgi’s face with her whole hand. The latter shrieked before grabbing the hand that was covering her face.

 

“Hyun, yung skincare ko! Malinis ba kamay mo?” Seulgi protested, her hand still holding Joohyun’s wrist who was laughing at her silly antic.

 

“Oo. Sige na, akin na. Wag ka na kasing mag pa-cute, ‘di bagay sa’yo.” Joohyun stuck her tongue out at Seulgi.

 

“Edi wow, buksan mo na.”

 

Joohyun playfully rolled her eyes as she untangled the ribbon. Seulgi finally started the ignition and began to drive to their destination. As Joohyun lifted the lid, she quickly shot the person next to her a surprised look.

 

“Film cam?” Joohyun rummaged through the box and found two Kodak 200 film rolls. “Seul, para san ‘to?”

 

From the driver’s seat, Seulgi smirked. “Para ma-document natin ‘tong araw na ‘to tsaka para na rin ma-capture yung memories. Ayaw mo ba?”

 

Joohyun smiled while inspecting the film camera in her hands, an Olympus point and shoot. “Wala naman akong sinabi.” She paused, admiring the device in her hands some more. “Thank you, Seul.”

 

The latter smiled, “You’re welcome. Lagay mo na yung film, marunong ka pa ba?”

 

“Oo naman noh, di ko makakalimutan.”

 

As she opened the camera to load the film, one of her favorite songs began to play on the radio.

 

 

‘Di ko maintindihan ang nilalaman ng puso

Tuwing magkahawak ang ating kamay

 

 

Joohyun looked up at Seulgi with a pleased look, “Walang sawa sa Silent Sanc ah.” She then stretched out the film from its cartridge before loading it into the camera and sealing it shut. The sound of mechanical winding followed right after.

 

Seulgi chuckled, “OG talaga sila. Alam mo yan, Hyun.”

 

 

Pinapanalangin lagi tayong magkasama

Hinihiling bawat oras kapiling ka

 

 

Suddenly, a bright flash occurred inside the car, startling Seulgi a little bit. With wide eyes, she looked at the source of the light, it was from the camera. She was unaware that Joohyun was taking photos already.

 

“Gags, nakakagulat ka. Akala ko naman kung ano.” She frowned.

 

Joohyun laughed out loud, “Ang lakas pa pala ng flash neto. Bet, mukhang gulat na gulat ka dun sa picture.”

 

“Tsk.” Seulgi acted all disappointed. “Wag mong sayangin yung film, Hyun.”

 

“Galit ka na niyan?” Joohyun teased with her playful eyebrows and mischievous tone.

 

 

Sa lahat ng aking ginagawa

Ikaw lamang ang nasa isip ko sinta

 

 

“Syempre hindi oh eto,” Seulgi struck a pose as they halted at the stop light. “Picturan mo na’ko ng maayos, yung cute.” She tried to wink and then rested her chin on the curve of her thumb and index finger, exhibiting the ‘pogi’ pose.

 

Joohyun couldn’t help but chuckle at the silly (but adorable) face, shaking her head in the process. In a flash, she captured Seulgi’s photo.

 

“Oks na?”

 

“Yep,” Joohyun affirmed. “Sa’n ba tayo pupunta, by the way?” She looked at Seulgi.

 

Another knowing smirk appeared on her bestfriend’s lips. “Surprise din ‘yon.” Seulgi said as they drove past the stoplight, her vision not straying from the road.

 

Joohyun whined, “Saan ngaaa?” It was then her turn to pout.

 

Damn it, Kang. Saan ba tayo pupunta?

 

“Surprise nga, Hyun!” Seulgi laughed and stopped herself from looking at the cute pout she knew all too well.

 

“Ah, sige.” Joohyun pursed her lips and then poked Seulgi’s side, that was ticklish, as a form of revenge.

 

“Gags- Hyun naman!” Seulgi protested, hopelessly moving away from the other woman’s attacks. “Nag-ddrive ako sige ka, baka mabangga pa tayo.” She warned.

 

“Sabihin mo na kasiii.” Joohyun pleased with the same pout. The song in the background was long forgotten because of their little banter.

 

“Fine,” Seulgi sighed. “Pero buksan mo muna yung compartment sa harap mo. You have to get surprise number 2 muna before you can find out surprise number 3.”

 

“Surprise number 3?!” Joohyun asked in shock. She still didn’t quite understand why her bestfriend was spoiling her when it wasn’t even her birthday. Shouldn’t she be the one doing the deed of surprises?

 

“Seul, bakit ikaw yung nangsu-surprise? Hindi naman ako yung may birthday…” She finally asked.

 

“Aish,” Seulgi laughed and finally looked at Joohyun, she almost melted upon seeing the pout that was still on her lips. “I told you, gusto ko lang gawin ‘to. Ayaw mo ba?”

 

“Hindi naman sa ayaw ko, just… ako dapat yung nagsu-surprise sayo eh.”

 

“You don’t have to,” Seulgi smiled at Joohyun. “Gusto ko lang maging memorable ‘tong advanced celeb ng birthday ko and these surprises will help, promise, Hyun. Hindi lang ‘to para i-spoil ka or something.”

 

Joohyun bit her lip, an attempt to suppress her smile. Instead, she just nodded. “Okay, fine. Understood.”

 

“Ayos, you can open the compartment na for surprise number 2,” Seulgi winked at the woman on the shotgun seat.

 

Joohyun scoffed, pretending to be disgusted by the act. But deep down, she swore maybe a butterfly or two was already soaring in her stomach.

 

So, she opened the compartment and found a gray pouch. She opened it and found a product that she wasn’t expecting at all. “Earphones?” Joohyun wondered out loud.

 

“May kasama pa yan, tignan mo yung storage sa gilid mo.”

 

Quickly, Joohyun looked down at the storage space of the car door. She spotted a box that’s smaller than the previous one and picked it up. It was covered in orange gift wrap, the same shade that Seulgi loves and attached to it was a card that said; Hyun, alam kong na-miss mo ‘to 😊

 

“’Hyun, alam kong na-miss mo ‘to.’” She read the words out loud for Seulgi to hear. “Ano ‘to?” She asked.

 

“Give it a guess,” Seulgi challenged.

 

Joohyun leaned back to her seat, eyes and mind now intently wondering. Something that I missed?

 

Eh siya lang naman na-miss ko eh. Ano kayang laman nito?

 

“Ah!” She finally had an idea in mind. “Tteokbokki?” she bit her lip as she waited for the answer.

 

Seulgi couldn’t help but laugh, “Araw-araw mo naman atang kinakain ‘yon, Hyun. Hindi pagkain yan.” She paused. “I’ll give you two hints: Apo Hiking Society and Rivermaya.”

 

“Apo and Rivermaya?” Joohyun muttered through gritted teeth, still intently wondering and guessing.

 

Wait, so merong earphones tapos Apo Hiking daw tsaka Rivermaya? Those are my favorite old school bands ah.

 

Ay. Teka.

 

Joohyun gently shook the box. As she heard solid thuds and the sound of something hitting a material made of solid plastic, her guesses were confirmed.

 

Shet! Totoo ba ‘to?

 

“Gago, Seulgi!” Joohyun whined, almost tearing up. Her bestfriend just simply laughed at her reaction. “Buksan mo na, Hyun.” With a sweet smile from Seulgi, she removed the card and kept it in her pocket before ripping the wrapper.

 

As Joohyun lifted the lid, she swore she could jump in joy upon the sight. Because there, in the box, was a Sony Walkman and a mixtape that she’s sure was curated by Seulgi.

 

“Oh my god, Seul…” She began to admire the gift. “Seriously, you didn’t have to.”

 

“I’m sorry if I’m ten years late.” Seulgi chuckled.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Nasira yung ganyan mo nung 4th year tayo, diba? Pinahiram mo ata kay Amber ba ‘yon habang nagpa-practice kayo ng cheering tapos pawis na pawis siya nung binalik sayo, nauutal pa. Sinira na pala ni gago,” The two laughed at the memory from almost 10 years ago, their senior year of highschool.

 

“Gags, siya nga pala yung nakasira non. Grabe yung frustration ko nun, napaiyak pa nga ako pag-uwi.” Joohyun once again admired one of Seulgi’s gifts with a smile despite the bad memory. “Kaparehong kapareho ‘to nung luma ko ah, I’m amused. Sa’n ka nakahanap?”

 

“Carousell. Rare find. Nagulat nga ako kasi kaparehong kapareho nung model mo eh. Ay, check out the mixtape rin.” Seulgi pointed at the cassette tape. “Made with 100% love yan, Hyun. No joke.”

 

Joohyun laughed, “Talaga ba?” She teased the other woman with her wiggly eyebrows.

 

“Oo, promise.” Seulgi showed Joohyun a proud smile. “29 tracks yan lahat, halos lahat ng favorite songs natin nandiyan. Tignan mo.”

 

Joohyun looked at the cover of the tape and felt her heart leap because of the words Seulgi had written. At the topmost part, her initials were imprinted in bold ink. Beneath it was a simple but heartfelt message from Seulgi and it was followed by a nostalgic track list of 29 songs.

 

 

BJH

Ang babalik-balikan.

Balik-balikan mo ‘to kung namimiss mo yung highschool days natin, kung namimiss mo yung mas simple’t mas masayang mga araw, kung namimiss mo ako… joke time! Hehe. Enjoy this mixtape that was made with 100% love, Hyun. (p.s. 14 years na pala tayo!)

 

[TRACKLIST]

 

 

Smiling at the written words, Joohyun uttered out loud, “14 years na nga pala tayo.” She paused to fully digest her realization. 14 years na agad? Ang tagal na pala naming magkasama.

 

“Ang tagal na, no? ‘Di ko inakalang magtatagal tayo.” Seulgi said, smiling to herself.

 

“Likewise pero wala eh,” Joohyun smiled some more which caused her eyes to tear up a little. “Tayo ‘to, time has nothing on us.”

 

From the driver’s seat, Seulgi dared to break eye contact with the road to look at Joohyun, a much better and much prettier view. “I agree.” She bit her lip to suppress her wide smile which made the latter giggle and produce the faintest blush on her cheeks.

 

“Thank you for this, Seul.” Joohyun finally said. “Mukhang lagi ko nga ‘tong babalik balikan.”

 

“Why? Miss mo na yung ‘simpler days?”

 

“Oo, sobra.” She toned her voice down. “Lalo ka na.”

 

“Ano?” Seulgi perked up.

 

But Joohyun was quick to cover up, “Sabi ko ‘oo sobra’.” She chuckled because Seulgi seemed to buy it.

 

The other woman laughed, “Okay, sabi mo eh. Gusto mo na bang pakinggan?”

 

“Hmm, maybe later.” Joohyun simply answered and then heard a faint ‘okay’ from Seulgi. She analyzed the track list, feeling ecstatic because of the songs and bands that bring back so many blissful memories. Bands like Rivermaya, Soapdish, Silent Sanctuary, True Faith, Hale, Urbandub, and many more were part of the list, all of which gave Joohyun a sense of comfort and familiarity because of the slightly overwhelming nostalgia.

 

 

Makapiling ka

Habang buhay

Ikaw lamang sinta

 

 

“Hyun,” Seulgi called out.

 

“Hm?”

 

“Are you ready for surprise number 3?” She asked.

 

“More than ready, Seul.” Joohyun smiled sweetly. Seulgi did the same.

 

“Sakto,” She pulled the clutch, parking the car. “Nandito na tayo.”

 

Joohyun looked outside to see a brick arch above their heads and a name that intensified the nostalgia she was feeling. As she was about to ask Seulgi why they brought them there, she was quickly cut off. “Dalhin mo yung Walkman mo, Hyun.” Seulgi unbuckled her seatbelt before flashing Joohyun her signature, charming smile

 

“Mag s-soundtrip tayo. Alam kong na-miss mo rin ‘to.”

 

 

Wala na ‘kong hihingin pa

Wala na

 

 

//

 

 

[TRACK #1 – When I Met You by Apo Hiking Society]

 

 

You gave the world to me

And before I knew

There I was so in love with you

 

 

“Foundation week nga pala ngayon!” Joohyun finally realized as she and Seulgi were welcomed by flags of different colors and vivacious students upon entering the institution. Her Walkman was in her pocket, the volume was set on low so they could still hear each other while enjoying the old but gold tunes. Seulgi wore the left earphone while Joohyun wore the right one.

 

“Akala ko nakalimutan mo na eh,” Seulgi giggled as they continued to stroll.

 

They were back at their highschool – the very place where most of their blissful memories were created, the very place where they began. Currently, the institution was celebrating its 66th foundation day, having started in the mid-1950s.

 

“I could never. Sobrang na-miss ko ‘to. Huling bisita ko ata dito nung grumaduate ako ng college,” Joohyun shared.

 

“2014 pa?! Ang tagal mo na palang ‘di nakakabisita. Baka magulat ka, ang dami na nilang binago eh. Tignan mo yung elem building, wala na yung ramp para sa mga bata. Ginawa nang tap station para sa rfid.” Seulgi pointed out.

 

“Oo nga noh,” Joohyun frowned as she looked around. So much has changed. The school’s ‘garden of prosperity’, the waiting shed for both students and parents, the installed roofs above the pathway towards the intermediate and highschool building, the iconic parking lot with a built-in basketball court. Iconic because plenty of their hilarious memories happened there, beneath the mango trees whose fruits would fall from time to time and leave dents on car hoods. But despite the changes, the place still felt very much like home and that’s all that mattered to Joohyun.

 

“Madalas ka bang bumisita dito?” She asked Seulgi.

 

“Chapel lang pag trip ko. Binabawalan pa nga ako nung guard nung una, nalusutan ko na rin naman kaya ayun, hinahayaan niya lang akong pumasok kahit kalian ko gusto.” Seulgi chuckled.

 

Joohyun laughed, “Lakas mo talaga, Seul.”

 

“Gutom ka na ba, Hyun?” Seulgi asked amidst their hearty laughs.

 

“Hm? Sakto lang naman, Seul. Kahit mamaya na tayo kumain sa booths.”

 

“Oks, do you mind if dumaan muna tayo ng chapel? Kausapin ko lang si Papa G, pasalamat ako hehe.” Seulgi sported her ‘ddeulgi’ smile.

 

The smaller woman giggled at the sight, “Not at all. Tara. Gusto ko rin kausapin si Papa G.”

 

Joohyun stopped the music for a moment and kept the earphones in her pocket. Seulgi held the chapel door open for her to enter. Once the both of them were already inside, they genuflected before kneeling on one of the pews near the entrance.

 

As they settled their knees on the elongated cushion and clasped their hands together, they began to pray.

 

After saying her Hail Marys, Glory Be’s, and personal intentions, Joohyun sat down and just stared at the cross while her mind continued to whir with unspoken wishes. 

 

Lord, Salamat po sa 26 years ni Seulgi.

Salamat po sa 14 years naming pagsasama.

Salamat po dahil hanggang ngayon, magkasama pa rin kami.

 

Joohyun looked at Seulgi for a moment, she had her eyes closed and her head leaning against her clasped hands. She seemed to be in deep prayer and connection with Him. Seeing this, a small smile formed on Joohyun’s lips. Everybody else seemed to have seen Seulgi in many states; her happy ones, her sad ones, her ‘wild’ ones, or her ‘siraulo’ and ‘toyo’ ones. But this? Seulgi in her own state of peace and calm? Nobody else has seen it, ever. Nobody but Joohyun.

 

Silently, Joohyun brought out the film camera that Seulgi gave her earlier from her bag and quickly took a photo of the praying woman. She was careful not to turn on the flash and let the shutter be heard, Joohyun didn’t want to interrupt Seulgi after all.

 

“Tara na?” Seulgi asked with a polite smile. Luckily, Joohyun had already kept the camera in her bag.

 

With a nod, she replied. “Tara.”

 

By the time they got out of the chapel after genuflecting to bid their goodbyes and thanks, Joohyun handed Seulgi her left earphone.

 

“Thanks, Hyun.” The latter gladly took it before wearing it.

 

And when Joohyun pressed the play button, another bright smile appeared on her lips because it was another song she dearly loved.

 

[TRACK #2 – Panalangin by Apo Hiking Society]

 

 

Panalangin ko sa habangbuhay…

 

“Makapiling ka, makasama ka, yan ang panalangin ko…” Joohyun sang along as they began to walk.

 

“Saktong sakto yung kanta ah,” Seulgi chuckled, pertaining to their visit to the chapel.

 

 

At hindi papayag ang pusong ito

Mawala ka sa’king piling

Mahal ko iyong dinggin

 

 

“Ano bang panalangin mo kanina?” Joohyun asked, yearning to hear Seulgi’s answer.

 

Seulgi slowed down for a moment and looked down with a smile before redirecting her happiness to Joohyun. She didn’t normally share her intentions with others but this is Joohyun who’s asking. Seulgi knew it was okay.

 

 

Wala nang iba pang mas mahalaga pa

Sa tamis na dulot ng pag-ibig natin dal’wa

 

 

“I thanked Papa G for another year, syempre. Also prayed for more birthdays to come, a successful career, my family, loved ones, at syempre…” Seulgi briefly paused to subtly hold Joohyun’s hand and squeeze it just because. “I prayed for more years with you by my side and I by yours.” She pursed her lips and smiled even brighter.

 

 

At sana nama’y nakikinig ka

Kapag aking sasabihing…

 

Minamahal kita.

 

 

//

 

 

“Buti naman minove na nila yung celebration dito sa field,” Seulgi said as she took another mouthful of her shawarma rice. “Laki laki ng space dito tapos dun nila nilalagay sa parking lot yung booths tsaka rides, eh halos kalahati lang yun netong field eh.” She continued to rant.

 

Joohyun rolled her eyes, not because of the rant, but because of the mess of sauce on the corner of Seulgi’s lips that’s threatening to drip and leave a stain on her shirt.

 

"Bente-sais ka na pero ang dungis mo pa rin kumain.” She wiped the mess with a sheet of tissue, almost stretching across the small wooden table. “Bata ka ba?”

 

Seulgi, who was still chewing, smiled in a silly manner and took the tissue from Joohyun’s hand to clean herself up, “Hindi.” She said with a full mouth.

 

“Don’t talk when your mouth is full, Seul.” Joohyun chuckled.

 

After visiting the chapel, the two went straight ahead to the booths that were moved to their school’s field from their parking lot. They were currently munching on their all-time favorite shawarma rice (since highschool) that would only appear every foundation day and no more days after and other than that. Of course, the two didn’t pass on the chance to try it for the millionth time.

 

Finally, Seulgi swallowed before talking properly, “Sorry.” She chuckled sheepishly. “And thanks. Old habits die hard lang talaga hahaha.”

 

[TRACK #4 – Balisong by Rivermaya]

 

 

“Ah, isa ‘to sa mga paborito ko.” Seulgi said when Joohyun pressed the play button.

 

 

Your face lights up the sky in the highway

 

 

“Seul,” Joohyun called out, camera in her hand.

 

“Hm?” She looked up from her food and in a flash, she heard the shutter go off. “Yah, Hyun!” she protested, making Joohyun laugh despicably. “Hindi pa ako ready! Sayang naman yung film.” Seulgi whined.

 

“Sige na,” Joohyun laughed some more. “Pose ka na ng maayos, picturan kita.”

 

 

Someday, you’ll share your world with me someday

 

 

With that, Seulgi did two peace signs and stuck them to her cheeks all before smiling like an adorable kid.

 

Behind the camera, Joohyun was already snickering. She was certain that will always be one of Seulgi’s signature poses.

 

Never change, Seul. Never change.

 

“Okay na?” Seulgi asked after Joohyun took her photo, eyes shimmering with joy.

 

 

You mesmerize me with diamond eyes

I try to fool myself to think I’ll be alright

 

 

The latter nodded. Next thing she knew, Seulgi was taking the camera from her hands and asking her to strike a pose.

 

“Do a pretty pose, Hyun. Ang ganda pa ng background mo, sunset.” Seulgi said behind the camera, her eye adjusting to the viewfinder.

 

 

But I am losing all control

My mind, my heart, my body and my soul

 

 

Just like Seulgi, Joohyun struck one of her signature poses, to be specific; the ‘masakit ang panga’ pose. She pressed her flat palm against her cheek and showed a closed but gorgeous smile.

 

Right as Seulgi pressed the shutter button, she was quick to whisper to herself, “Pretty.”

 

“Oks na?” Joohyun then asked.

 

 

Never in my life have I been more sure

So, come on up to me and close the door

 

 

“Oks na, madam. What do you wanna do after this?” Seulgi asked after finishing the last few bits of her food.

 

“Darts tayo?” Joohyun offered to go to one of their favorite booths where you have to pop balloons using darts. “Just like the old times.”

 

“W-Wala akong barya.”

 

With that, Joohyun giggled. Typical Seulgi. She stood up and took Seulgi’s hand in her own, “Sino may sabing ikaw magbabayad? It’s my turn to spoil you, come on.” Then, Seulgi was pulled along by the shorter woman to the darts booth that they are yet to find.

 

She wanted to protest and insist that she should be the one to pay but with Joohyun’s hand in hers and a view she never wanted to forget, there was really nothing left to do but smile in contentment and feel her heart throb inside her chest.

 

 

Nobody’s made me feel this way before

You’re everything I wanted and more

 

 

“Ha! Found it!” Joohyun’s eyes lit up like a little kid and ran towards the darts booth while still holding Seulgi’s hand. “Ano, game?” She looked up to Seulgi, panting a little bit.

 

“Tig-lima tayo?”

 

“Yep!”

 

“Sige, G.” Seulgi nodded.

 

Joohyun fished a few coins from her pocket before handing them to the facilitator, “Kuya, dalawa pong tig-lima. Salamat po.” She was handed ten darts, five of them were pink while the other five were yellow.

 

“Take your pick,” She presented the darts to Seulgi.

 

“Yellow ones,” Seulgi took them with a smile.

 

“Game na po?” Asked the facilitator.

 

“Wait lang, kuya.” Joohyun replied politely. She pressed the skip button on her Walkman just to change the mood. Balisong didn’t quite suit the lively scenario they were in.

 

[TRACK #5 – Ligaya by Eraserheads]

 

 

Ilang awit pa ba ang aawitin, O giliw ko?

 

 

Upon hearing the first line, Seulgi giggled to herself and looked down in an attempt to hide it.

 

“Bakit?” Still, Joohyun noticed.

 

“Wala, this just reminds me of our foundation day nung 4th year tayo. The pink and blue bracelet, tanda mo pa?”

 

 

February 6, 2010 – 56th Foundation Day

 

“Kang Seul!” A deep manly voice shouted.

 

“Uy gaga, tawag ka ni Minho.” Wendy nudged her using her elbow.

 

“Ha?” Seulgi looked up from her phone, an iPhone 3G.

 

Wendy clicked her tongue, “Sabi ko tawag ka ni Minho, nandun sa may booth ng darts.”

 

From under the mango tree, Seulgi looked across the parking lot to see Minho waving at her from the darts booth.

 

“Tara darts tayo! Sama mo si Wends!” He ran a hand through his long hair that he clearly based off Jun-pyo from Boys Over Flowers but denies it every time.

 

“Ano Wends, tara?” Seulgi looked at her friend.

 

“Tara.” Wendy said as they walked towards the young man.

 

As they neared Minho and the booth, Seulgi was startled by a tiny voice.

 

“Seul!”

 

She quickly faced the source of the voice, only to find one of her closest friends, “Uy, Hyun.” She greeted her with a smile. “Magkasama pala kayo ni Minho.”

 

“Ah, oo kumain lang kami tas inaya ko siyang mag darts.”

 

Behind Seulgi and Joohyun, Wendy grabbed the chance to ask Minho a question regarding her suspicions. “Nililigawan mo ba si Joo?” She asked on her tiptoes because the young lad was much taller than her.

 

“Ha?!” He seemed taken aback by the question. “Uy hindi ah,” He chuckled. “Magkaibigan lang kami, sinamahan ko lang siyang kumain. Sabi niya kasi nag-cr daw kayo eh… tapos naiwan siya.”

 

Wendy didn’t buy it. “Ah sinamahan mo. Nilibre mo?”

 

“Oo.” Minho answered.

 

Bingo. “So, nililigawan mo nga? Crush mo si Joo?”

 

Just like how Minho usually was, he denied everything. “Hindi nga, Wends. Porket ba nilibre ko, nililigawan ko na agad? Kulit mo.” He frowned.

 

Wendy laughed, “Tinatanong ko lang. Eh ba’t ang defensive mo?”

 

“Ano Minho, game na?” Joohyun asked with 10 darts in her hands, unknowingly saving Minho from Wendy’s intriguing questions.

 

“A-Ah, oo Joo. Tara na.” He stammered, making Wendy laugh some more behind him. “Ikaw Seul, sali ka?” Minho asked Seulgi who was ready to watch beside Joohyun.

 

“W-Wala akong barya.” The girl looked down.

 

Wendy chuckled and stepped closer to her friends, “Iba talaga pag mayaman. Walang barya barya kay Seulgi, Minho. Laging buo pera niyan.”

 

The three laughed, leaving Seulgi at a loss for words because she didn’t know how to respond.

 

“Oh game na game na,” Minho’s face completely changed as he prepared to pop some balloons, after all, he has always been competitive when it comes to sports, or the games that relate to them at least.

 

“Pusta, mas marami akong matatamaan kesa sa’yo Bae.” He taunted Joohyun with a smirk.

 

“Pusta all you want, Minho. Matatalo naman kita anyway.” Joohyun taunted him as well. They were both such competitive individuals that Seulgi and Wendy knew it was going to be a heated match even if it’s just a game.

 

Joohyun and Minho threw their darts at the same time with the same amount of fire and competitiveness. In the end, Joohyun won, beating Minho with a score 4-3. But despite the difference in their scores, they ended up with the same prize anyway.

 

“Ayos,” Minho smiled at his prize, a black and yellow chevron bracelet. “Wends, patali nga please