Winter’s POV 2

 

Kalachuchi

 

I can’t take my eyes off of her.

 

At nakatingin lang sya pabalik sa’kin, I can’t read her expression.

 

Parang namumula Jimin? Is it hot?

 

Well, I probably am red too dahil sa pagod and init.

 

And also because of this unexpected encounter.

 

Ano, magtititigan nalang ba kami?

 

Hindi nya ba ‘ko ma-recognize?

 

Ay, stupid.

 

Hindi nya nga pala nakita ang mukha ko kahit once.

 

Napataas ako ng kilay.

 

Dun sya biglang umiwas ng tingin at parang nag-panic pa.

 

Oops.

 

Ang intimidating ba ng dating masyado?

 

Nakita kong wala na yung white na bag sa table and I’m guessing that’s hers.

 

Why is she leaving her bag ba bigla nalang sa chair?

 

It’s scary pa naman dito sa Philippines, mainit sa mata yan ng mga snatchers.

 

She sat in front of me at nagsimulang kumain.

 

Napatingin ako sa sa kinakain nya ang why does it look so disgusting?

 

Noodles, no? I don’t eat that kasi.

 

Tapos meron pang parang dark brown sauce dun sa isang cup.

 

Meron din syang drink na color white. I don’t know what that is.

 

But gusto ko kung ano man yun because I’m so thirsty na.

 

Is this how she eats her meryenda?

 

What in the world is she eating?

 

Bakit hindi sya kumakain kahit bread or something more nutritious?

 

Hindi healthy ang noodles na obviously instant.

 

Tsaka, bakit hindi nya ‘ko kinakausap?!

 

Wait, I’m basically a stranger..

 

Should I talk to her?

 

Andito na oh!

 

Jimin is literally eating in front of me.

 

your pride, Winter.

 

Ilang buwan kang nagtiis na hindi sya puntahan dito and yung biyaya na mismo yung lumapit sayo.

 

You can do this.

 

I finally spoke, kahit na sobrang kinakabahan ako.

 

 

“What’s that?” I asked, pertaining to the white drink

 

 

Agad naman syang tumingin sakin pero hindi nya ako nasagot agad.

 

She’s looking at me so intently.

 

What?

 

You find me pretty?

 

I look good, diba?

 

Much better than Myoui Mina, diba?

 

 

“It’s buko shake.” Gosh, her voice.

 

“Where can I buy that? I want it.”

 

Tinuro nya yung parang isang stall dun kung saan merong two women, “Order ka dun.”

 

 

What does she mean by that?

 

And where’s the menu pala?

 

I’m kind of hungry na rin.

 

I want to check the menu to check kung merong decent na meal ba silang ino-offer.

 

Hindi sila lumalapit sakin the moment I’ve arrived so does it mean na isisigaw ko nalang yung order ko?

 

Oh my God, napaka-ignorante ko.

 

You all can’t blame me.

 

I don’t even eat sa JSEC so I don’t know how this works.

 

Kapag kumakain kami ni Ate Irene, laging sa nearby restaurants na medyo pricey for normal people.

 

it, let’s do it my way.

 

Nagtaas ako ng kamay.

 

 

“Miss, can I have the menu? But oh, give me this buko shake in advance while I browse your menu, thank you.”

 

 

Nakita kong napatingin sakin yung mga tao nearby.

 

I stared back in confusion.

 

Napatingin din ako kay Jimin and she’s covering her face.

 

Parang syang frustrated na ewan.

 

Ako rin nainis kasi hindi ko alam kung bakit ganyan sila makatingin.

 

They’re judging me!

 

Mali ba yung ginawa ko?

 

Jimin looked at me and I can’t explain her expression, basta hindi ko gusto!

 

 

“What are you looking at?”

 

 

Hindi ko maiwasang magsungit.

 

Linawin nya kasi, hindi ako manghuhula!

 

 

“What I mean is, punt aka dun mismo at sabihin mo kung anong order mo. Ganun ang way ng pag-order dito, miss.”

 

 

Oh.

 

Sorry, I didn’t know.

 

But there’s no way I will go there.

 

Pagod na ‘ko and pride won’t let me.

 

Napahiya na ‘ko.

 

Baka may magawa pa akong mas ikakahiya ko dun.

 

Kaya nagmatigas ako.

 

 

“Bakit naman ako mag-aabalang pumunta dun? They should come to me, ako ang customer.” And the customer is always right! Tama naman ako, diba? If decent tong kainan na ‘to, they should come to me mismo!

 

Jimin looks frustrated and so am I, “Look, wala tayo sa restaurant. Hindi sila ang pupunta sayo.”

 

 

Seryoso?! But I don’t want to go there…

 

Sinimulan ko na rin naman mag-inarte so bakit hindi ko pa pangatawan?

 

 

“The hell? Anong klaseng kainan ‘to?”

 

 

Jimin looked really pissed.

 

Oh my God.

 

She’s so cute.

 

I’m really sorry pero annoyed Jimin looks so cute.

 

It’s my first time seeing her like this.

 

 

“Miss, pumunta ka nalang dun at sabihin kung ano gusto mo. Andun na rin yung hinahanap mong menu sa harap ng stall.” She’s still so calm kahit na inis na sya.

 

But sorry baby, inaatake ako ng pagiging unreasonable ko, “No ing way, hindi ako mag-aabalang tumayo para lang dyan.”

 

“Edi bahala kang magutom dyan, bahala ka sa buhay mo.”

 

 

Galit na nga sya.

 

Nakakatuwa pala syang inisin.

 

I like this side of her.

 

It makes me want to more.

 

She started eating her meal silently while I just stared at her.

 

Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala that Jimin is really in front of me.

 

Parang kagabi lang iniisip ko pa yung possible ganaps samin sa summer pag umuwi sya sa bahay but guess what, wala pang summer pero andito na sya sa harap ko.

 

Sign ba ‘to, Lord?

 

Thank you po so much.

 

I’ll attend the Sunday mass sa Gesu na po every week.

 

I won’t waste this opportunity.

 

Now, kailangan ko nalang magpapansin kay Jimin. Who cares if mainis sya sakin?

 

I just want her attention.

 

The unreasonable being that I am, slapped the table causing her drink na matapon.

 

Agad nya naman ‘tong inayos but I guess natapunan sya.

 

I’m really sorryyyyyy.             

 

Pero pansinin mo kasi ako, Jimin!

 

 

“But I want that drink!”

 

“Hindi ka lang ba magso-sorry? Natapon mo yung shake ko!” oh no, Jimin really is mad

 

“Not my fault na mauga yung table.” Sisi ko nalang dun. I mean, hindi ko naman kasi talaga kasalanan dahil hindi naman malakas yung paghampas ko?! I’m thirsty na rin sobra, where the hell is my shake?! “I want that shake!”

 

“Tumayo ka nga kasi at bumili dun mismo!” This girl.. bakit nya ako sinisigawan?!

 

“Why are you shouting at me?! Ayoko ngang tumayo, how many times do I have to tell you that?!”

 

 

Jimin sighed and closed her eyes, trying to calm herself down.

 

I really admire you, Jimin. I am being unreasonable and demanding yet pinipili mo pa rin maging calm.

 

I’m really sorry but hindi talaga ako tatayo at bibili dun.

 

Ayokong mapahiya for the second time.

 

Bakit ba hindi nalang ikaw yung bumili sakin?

 

Edi tapos na yung usapan kanina pa!

 

 

“Akin na ynug pera, bibilhan kita nang matapos na. Cash lang, okay?”

 

 

I finally smiled.

 

Our minds connected! Soulmate things, I guess?

 

She can understand me kahit na hindi pa ako magsalita.

 

Kinuaha ko yung wallet from my pocket.

 

Buti nalang hindi ko inaalis yung cash dito kahit na credit card ang gamit ko lagi.

 

Inabot ko sa kanya yung 3 one thousand peso bills, hoping na enough na yun.

 

Hindi naman siguro sobrang mahal nyan, no?

 

Hindi ko kasi alam mga price dito so yeah, okay na yung sure.

 

 

“Wala ka bang smaller bill? 50 lang?” Does she mean coins? May 50 peso bill ba?

 

“Smallest bill ko is 500. For what ba?” Pinakita ko rin sa kanya yung wallet ko na puro yellow and blue bills lang

 

 

Jimin suddenly rolled her eyes sakin and that surprised me.

 

Anong problema nya?!

 

Hindi nya kinuha yung blue bills and stood up nalang bigla at pumunta sa stall.

 

Nakatingin lang ako sa bawat ginagawa nya.

 

Sya yung nagbayad mismo nung pinabili ko and surprisingly, meron na agad naka-prepare.

 

They’re fast ha.

 

Padabog syang bumalik sa table namin with an annoyed expression.

 

I’m really sorry but irritated Jimin is the cutest!

 

Nilagay nya yung buko shake in front of me.

 

 

“Get me some straws, please?”

 

Meron syang kinuha sa bag nya at may binigay sakin na metal.. straw? “Save turtles.”

 

“Save turtles, huh?” Fine, totoo naman but turtles lang yung na-save, “Pero most of the metal straws are made up of nickel kaya nagma-mining. So you might save turtles pero sira naman yung mountains. I personally think that bamboo straws are the best options.”

 

 

I might say all that pero ginamit ko pa rin naman yung straw.

 

It’s more convenient.

 

 

“Not using straws is the best option.” Ayaw nyang magpatalo ha

 

“But using straws are convenient and less messy.” I finally took a sip dun sa drink and medyo na brain freeze pa ako but nonetheless, ang sarap! “Uy this tastes great! How much is this again? Bakit di mo kinuha bayad ko?”

 

“30 pesos lang. Wala silang panukli sa 500 mo kaya ako na yung nagbayad.”

 

“What?! This is only 30 pesos? Masarap sya.”

 

 

But nahihiya ako kay Jimin because sya pa yung nagbayad.

 

I know better than anyone na meron silang financial problems noon pa.

 

I’ll make sure to bring smaller bills next time.

 

Nagsimula na ulit syang kumain and para namang mabubulunan na sya kasi super bilis nya lang kumain.

 

Gusto nya na ba umalis agad?

 

Napatingin ako sa kinakain nya and it doesn’t sit well with me talaga.

 

Lalo na yung parang white na nakasawsaw sa dark brown sauce.

 

Hindi ko gusto yung itsura.

 

 

“What are you eating? Bakit mukhang kadiri?”

 

“Pancit Canton and fishballs.”

 

 

Bakit ganyan tone ng voice nya? Oh my god, nayayamot na ba sya ng tuluyan sakin? I can’t let this opportunity go!

 

Think, Winter. Pahabain mo yung usapan without annoying her!

 

 

“Is it delicious? Bilhan mo rin ako please. I’m too hungry to drive.” Kahit na hindi appetizing yung itsura, I’ll take it!

 

Jimin sighed, “Sweet and Spicy, Chilimansi, Spicy, Plain or Calamansi?”

 

 

As expected, sobrang haba ng pasensya nya and ang bait pa rin nya kausap even when pissed.

 

I’m liking her more.

 

 

“Uhm Spicy, I guess?” Napalingat ako sa isang girl na may kinakain na parang orange something, it looks interesting “I also want that orange colored balls na parang mochi. Is that a dessert? Syrup ba yung parang liquid na yun? What’s that ba?”

 

 

Seryoso akong nagtatanong but Jimin suddenly laughed.

 

Yung tawa na nakakainis.

 

Ayokong tinatawanan ako ng ganyan, I feel stupid.

 

 

“Hey, why are you laughing?!”

 

“Kwek-kwek kasi tawag dun, tanga.”

 

“Kwe-what?” Ang pangit ng tawag hindi ko mabanggit! “And did you just call me tanga?! How dare you!”

 

 

Mas mabilis yung kamay ko kesa sa utak ko kaya naman nahampas ko sya sa ulo nya.

 

Nakita ko naman na nainis sya kaya medyo nagsisi ako na ginawa ko yun.

 

I’m sorry, okay?! You’re being annoying kasi and deserve mo naman yan!

 

If mali ako, dapat sinabi mo hindi yung tatawanan mo pa ako and sasabihan ng tanga!

 

And that hit me.

 

Kinabahan ako bigla.

 

What if hindi si Jimin yung inaakala ko?

 

What if sobrang basagulera nya pala and masama ugali?

 

What if front nya lang pala talaga nya yung mabait and caring na Jimin dahil kami yung nagpapasahod sa kanya and sa Mama nya?!

 

Tama ba yung mga hinala ko noon pa?

 

Yung mga ngiti ba na binigay mo sakin.. was it all fake?

 

Wait, don’t think too much Winter.

 

You experienced it first hand diba? Na-witness mo kung gaano sya kabait.

 

Sadyang stranger ka lang ngayon..

 

Tumayo na si Jimin from her chair and pumunta na ulit dun sa stall.

 

She’s ordering my food.

 

Ako naman, nakatingin lang sa kanya.

 

Jimin still looks so pretty kahit sobrang casual lang ng suot nya.

 

Parang pambahay lang but nadadala nya because she looks that good.

 

Wala naman masyadong nagbago sa kanya from last year.

 

Maybe, mas gumanda lang sya?

 

Grabe, today was very unexpected.

 

Parang kanina lang nawawala pa ‘ko sa UP, but now kasama ko nang kumakain yung same girl na gumugulo sa mind ko every single night.

 

I refuse to believe that this is true.

 

And mas lalong I refuse to believe na sobrang nag-inarte ako ngayon na parang bata.

 

Jimin must be so annoyed, sadyang mahaba lang ang pasensya nya.

 

I need that patience, really.

 

After a few seconds, bumalik na rin sya sa table.

 

Ni hindi nya lang man ako tinignan.

 

She started eating her food once again and treated me like I’m not even there.

 

I just stared at her, ayoko na sya inisin kasi baka mapuno na.

 

I know I’m being unreasonable talaga but pag inis talaga ‘ko hindi ko napipigilan.

 

I need to work on this attitude of mine.

 

 

“Hintayin mo nalang yung order mo, bayad na rin yun. Aalis na ako.”

 

 

Bigla naman akong nagpanic nung sinabi nyang aalis na sya.

 

Agad ko syang kinapitan sa damit nya, preventing her from leaving.

 

Sige, i-try nyang pilitin na umalis, mapupunit damit nya!

 

But please, Jimin, wag naman tayo umabot dun.

 

Only I can see that!

 

 

“Ano na naman ba?” Oh, baby is mad already

 

“Bakit ka aalis? I haven’t eaten yet!”

 

“Need ba kita hintayin? Hindi naman kita kilala. Bitaw na nga!”

 

 

Oh no she didn’t.

 

Sinigawan nya na naman ba ‘ko?!

 

Tinry nya pang alisin yung kamay ko sa damit nya pero mas hinigpitan ko.

 

Sabi mo sakin noon ayaw mo ‘ko iwanan dahil malungkot kumain mag-isa!

 

Tapos ngayon, iiwanan mo ‘ko mag-isa dito?

 

No, never.

 

I won’t let this opportunity go!

 

I’ve wait—I’ve prayed for this day!

 

 

“Ayokong kumain mag-isa. It’s lonely.” Sad girl Winter in the house!

 

 

Ang cringe but mukhang umeepekto naman because parang naaawa sakin si Jimin.

 

I’m sorry for taking advantage of your weakness.

 

Kasalanan mo rin naman kasi pinaalam mo sakin.

 

Going back to Jimin, parang nag-aalangan pa sya kaya naman sinagad ko na yung pagpapaawa.

 

I gave her the ultimate puppy eyes na kahit sino ay hindi pa nakikita.

 

I just know na effective ‘to.

 

I never did this to anyone.

 

Yu Jimin, you’re literally the luckiest woman alive.

 

 

“Fine.”

 

 

I did it!!

 

She sat once again without looking at me.

 

Okay na yan, as long as she’s with me.

 

Nakita kong nilabas nya yung phone nya and did she just take a picture of me?

 

You ain’t slick, baby.

 

Do you find me attractive? Pretty? Cute?

 

As you should!

 

I simply stared at her while she’s smiling at her phone.

 

Who is she talking to?

 

Sa babae ba? Or sa lalaki?

 

Who is making you smile like that?!

 

Tinignan ko sya ng masama to get her attention but hindi nya ako napapansin.

 

Super busy nya dun sa phone nya.

 

I swear to God, if ever she’s already taken hindi ko alam magagawa ko.

 

 

“Karina!”

 

 

The woman from the stall called her.

 

She really is known sa name na Karina.

 

It’s a nice name rin naman but Jimin sounds more intimate since that’s her real name.

 

Jimin stood up from her seat and went there para kunin na yung pagkain ko.

 

Meron syang nilalagay na something dun and kung hindi ko sya kilala, I would obviously complain.

 

I trust her.

 

Dinala nya na sakin yung noodles and that orange balls something na hindi ko ma-pronounce yung tawag.

 

It smells good kahit papano.

 

It’ll be my first time eating instant noodles, medyo kinakabahan ako.

 

Matutunawan naman ako, right?

 

Let’s just eat this!

 

Kinuha ko na yung fork and tasted the noodles.

 

Wait.

 

This is good!

 

 

“Wow! Ang sarap naman nito!” I exclaimed

 

Jimin suddenly covered her face with her hand, “I know pero hinaan mo naman boses mo.”

 

Inirapan ko sya. Why is she being like this? Sinasabi ko lang naman! “Gagawin ko gusto ko so shut up.”

 

 

Hindi na sya nagsalita kaya naman I went back to eating.

 

I might get addicted to this, please.

 

Super sarap.

 

Is this the reason why she’s eating this instead of a proper meal?

 

I just hope hindi ito yung kinakain nya lagi. It’s bad no.

 

I then tried the orange balls something na mahirap bigkasin.

 

Now that I took a closer look, it looks nowhere like mochi!

 

Medyo nakakahiya because I sounded so ignorant dun.

 

But what can I do? hindi ko naman alam yan and I don’t know how to describe it further!

 

I’m just a Filipina who grew up abroad na kakauwi lang halos dito.

 

Don’t judge me!

 

The orange balls looked so appetizing, to be honest and medyo curious ako sa lasa.

 

Hula ko dessert ‘to.

 

I tried eating one but boy, I was wrong.

 

Hindi sya dessert but super sarap pa rin!

 

Tinignan ko si Jimin who was actually watching me pala.

 

 

“What is this orange balls called again? Ang sarap!”

 

 

Look at her, laughing at me again.

 

Nakakainis ang version na Jimin na ‘to! Mas nakakainis compared before!

 

 

“Tanga, kwek kwek nga!”

 

 

She just called me tanga, right?

 

Pangalawang beses na yan this day.

 

 

“Hoy, hindi man ako lumaki sa Philippines but I know that word. Hindi ako tanga!”

 

 

You can call me bobo but hindi ako tanga!

 

I really hate you, Jimin. Nakakainis ka.

 

 

“Okay fine, sorry.”

 

 

Hm. You should be.

 

Sorry dahil ignorante ako, okay?

 

And if may hindi alam yung tao dapat i-explain mo nang maayos instead of lauging at them.

 

May mga tong hindi naman ginugusto maging ignorante.

 

Or meron bang may gusto maging ignorante in the first place, diba?

 

Meron siguro but hindi ako yun.

 

Gusto kong ine-educate ako dahil hindi naman lahat alam ko.

 

Sana kayo rin.

 

I just went back to eating at hindi na muna pinansin si Jimin.

 

May tampo pa rin ako sa kanya, okay?

 

Ganito pala sya with strangers.

 

Not as gentle as she is with me nung alam nyang Mendoza ako.

 

But she’s still the same Jimin na mabait and caring na nagustuhan ko.

 

Medyo matalas nga lang ang dila nya ngayon.

 

And I don’t really care that much kung ano pa ugali nya since I really like her.

 

Stranger naman ako and mas maiinis ako sa kanya if she’s sweet sa lahat.

 

Dapat sakin lang.

 

Pagtitiisan ko muna yung ugali nya today.

 

I know Jimin is a sweet girl naman especially sa mga kilala nya.

 

And if may ma-discover ako na hindi maganda, I can unlike her naman agad.

 

I might like her so much pero if panget ugali nya then I can move on na rin agad from her.

 

Kasi sa personality nya ‘ko nahulog. Kapag nalaman ko na fake yun, edi talaga namang matu-turn off ako.

 

I’m not a martyr, no.

 

Besides, hindi lang naman si Jimin ang tao sa mundo.

 

But I really wish na sya na yung para sakin.

 

Katamad kaya maghanap ulit.

 

Natapos na rin ako kumain after a few subo and I can’t help but pout.

 

Nabitin ako.

 

 

“I want to eat that again pero I feel like hindi sya healthy.”

 

Jimin nodded, “Hindi nga kaya wag kang kumain madalas nyan, okay?”

 

 

There it is, the caring side of Jimin.

 

 

“Yeah, it’s not like meron nyan sa Ateneo. This is the first time that I’ve seen all these.”

 

 

It’s not like nag-eexplore rin ako.

 

I always eat sa mga restaurants since mas fit dun yung taste ko.

 

Pero mas madalas sa bahay nalang since I know how to cook and I’m good at it.

 

I don’t want to try things na hindi naman ako familiar, mahirap na.

 

 

“Meron sa gilid, di ka lang kasi ata naglalakad kaya di mo napapansin.” Yes, I use my car kasi—Wait, bakit nya sinusuot yung bag nya?! “I’ll be going na. Tapos ka naman na kumain.”

 

“Wait!”

 

 

Bigla naman akong nag-panic. Oh my God! Ang bilis kumilos ni Jimin!

 

Mas mabilis kumilos ang katawan ko kesa sa isip ko this time.

 

Agad akong tumayo and mabilis na kumuha ng 1000 peso bill sa wallet ko at nilagay yun sa kamay nya.

 

She paid for my meal and kahit cheap lang ‘to for, baka hindi para kay Jimin.

 

I don’t know kung anong sumapi sakin when I gave her a quick peck on her cheeks.  

 

Ah I know!

 

I just want to use this as a diversion.

 

Sigh.

 

Sinong niloko ko?

 

Okay, and maybe gusto ko lang lumandi.

 

But I just know na hindi nya tatanggapin yung 1000 if ibibigay ko lang.

 

Ganun ang ugali ni Jimin.

 

 

“Thanks for today, see you around.”

 

 

Agad naman akong tumalikod and naglakad na palayo.

 

Napahawak ako sa chest ko and I could feel my heart beating so fast, para akong tumakbo ulit.

 

And I just kissed her!

 

I kissed Yu Jimin on her cheeks!

 

Ngayon ko naramdaman yung hiya!

 

Winter, haliparot ka!

 

Yes, I know that word heh.

 

Anyways, ang landi landi ko!

 

How could I kiss a stranger like that?!

 

Well, hindi sya stranger sakin but what would Jimin think?!

 

A random stranger just kissed her and gave her money!

 

Please, matalino ka Jimin. Isipin mo sana na ginawa ko lang diversion yun.

 

Telepathy intensifies!

 

Sana makarating.

 

Pero damn, ang bilis ng pangyayari kanina.

 

Hindi ko lang man nakuha number nya.

 

Kahit na yung schedule nya lang man?

 

Wait, that’ll be too weird din..

 

Now, at least I know kung saan sya pumupunta.

 

What’s my schedule ba bukas?

 

Maybe I should go here again, same time.

 

Or earlier.

 

Maaga naman dismissal ko tomorrow and gagawin ko na agad yung projects ko for later.

 

Yes, that should do it.

 

Now that I’ve found you, hinding hindi na kita pakakawalan.

 

I believe na hindi naman tayo magkikita ngayon if wala lang.

 

I’ll take it as a sign.

 

Wait for me, Jimin.

 

I’ll do anything para magustuhan mo ‘ko pabalik.

 

Bahay na Puti

 

I dressed as simple as possible today.

 

Maganda ang mood kong pumasok sa school and I know most of them are looking at me weirdly because bigla nalang akong napapangiti out of nowhere.

 

Sanay sila makita akong mukhang may galit lagi sa mundo.

 

I don’t care much about them anyway. Wala akong pake sa opinion nila and kung ano pa and tingin nila sakin.

 

Hindi rin ako baliw, okay? I just can’t hide my smile kapag naaalala ko how cute Jimin was yesterday.

 

Meron akong na-unlock na panibagong personality nya.

 

Yung pagiging pikon.

 

Who would’ve thought na meron syang side na ganun? She looks cute when she’s napipikon.

 

Para kasing ang haba ng pasensya nya and last year, parang ako lang naman yung napipikon!

 

It makes me want to more.

 

I want to annoy Jimin na!

 

What time is it na ba?

 

2:00 PM

 

Bakit parang ang bagal ng oras today?

 

I attended my classes but this time, mas motivated ako.

 

The Yu Jimin effect is doing its work on me once again.

 

Kakatapos lang ng communication in English 2 ko and I’m on my way sa Rizal lib to find a certain book.

 

Sakto nga at nakasalubong ko pa si Ate Irene on my way there.

 

Seriously, no matter how many times I see Ate Irene, nagugulat pa rin ako sa ganda nya.

 

Lalo na when she smiles!

 

And she rarely smile kaya naman para kang tumitingin sa isang goddess whenever she’s smiling.

 

I’m one of those selected mortals na nabibiyayaan ng ngiti nya kasi Ate Irene doesn’t smile to anyone nang wala lang. She’s nowhere near friendly kaya super intimidated ang lahat sa kanya!

 

Even I’m surprised na naging ka-close ko sya.

 

 

“Winter! Kanina pa kita hinahanap. You didn’t check your phone?” Bungad sakin ni Ate Irene

 

“No, Ate. Nakamute yung phone ko.” I checked my phone and may 3 messages nga sya, “Nag-message ka pala. Sorry, Ate.”

 

But Ate Irene just gave me a small smile, “It’s okay. I just want to invite you lang naman if you wanted to eat with me and my girlfriend. Para rin makilala mo na sya.”

 

 

Ate Irene has a girlfriend and she’s from UP also.

 

I can’t remember her name pero minsan naikikwento sya ni Ate Irene sakin.

 

It seems like favourite nyang topic ang girlfriend nya kasi sobrang lawak lang ng ngiti nya everytime we’re talking about her, ang daldal nya rin kapag ganun.

 

You can see the love and affection sa eyes ni Ate Irene grabe, goals!!!

 

Minsan nga humihingi ako ng advice sa kanya on how they handle their relationship para alam ko.

 

Yes, advance ako mag-isip.

 

Bukod din naman kasi sa curious ako, gusto ko rin maging perfect girlfriend for Jimin once na maging kami.

 

I’m ahead of my game pero who cares? A girl can dream.

 

 

“Sorry, Ate. I’m meeting someone after classes eh. Maybe next time?” I tried to be as apologetic as possible kasi first time kong tanggihan si Ate Irene

 

“Really?” She looks genuinely surprised, “That’s good. Are you finally making friends, Winter?”

 

Friends? What are we ba? “Hmm, you can say that. Basta bawi nalang ako next time, Ate.”

 

“Sure. I’ll see you tomorrow sa org, Winter.”

 

“Okay, Ate. I’ll see you tomorrow. Send my regards sa girlfriend mo!”

 

 

I gave her a wave before proceeding sa lib.

 

It’s almost 3 na.

 

I’m not sure kung anong oras matatapos yung class ni Jimin but mas magandang maaga ako dun.

 

Around 5 na ba sya natapos kahapon or 4? I can’t remember.

 

Lemme grab this book lang and I’ll go there na.

 

Sana hindi mo ko paghintayin masyado, Jimin.

 

And don’t you dare be absent ngayon!

 

 

------

 

I familiarized myself last night sa map ng UP. Medyo nahirapan ako kasi ang laki lang, buti nalang at may waze na app.

 

Yung pinagkitaan pala namin is the Vinzon’s hall and medyo malayo ‘to sa building nya which is the Palma Hall but kaya naman lakarin.

 

I told you, nag-research ako last night.

 

Nag ikot ikot din ako kanina and dinaanan ko building nya. Meron namang pwedeng kainan sa tapat lang but she still insist na dito kumain sa Vinzons.

 

The reason is probably may tables dito unlike dun na for take out lang ata.

 

I swear, pag sya hindi pumunta dito sa Vinzons para kumain, sa Palma Hall ko na sya pupuntahan mismo.

 

Almost 4 na and there’s no signs of Jimin.

 

I’m starting to get bored na and kanina pa ‘ko tinitignan nung may-ari nung stall dito.

 

Just calm down, ma’am. Bibili kami when Jimin gets here.

 

Buti nalang prepared ako today in case na maghihintay nga ako.

 

Nagdala ako ng chocolates and hindi ko kinalimutan yung airpods ko dahil makikinig ako sa music to entertain myself.

 

I’ve been listening to OPM paminsan-minsan para naman ma-appreciate ko yung mga bagay na gusto ni Jimin and hindi naman ako nagsisisi.

 

Ang daming magagandang songs and I think ben&ben might be my favourite OPM band na. I kinda like Lola Amour too. Hindi nyo alam kung gaano ako na-lss sa maybe maybe when I first heard it.

 

But wala ako sa mood for OPMs right now.

 

Kanina sa car, puro Taylor Swift yung tugtog so might as well listen to her songs para hindi masira yung momentum.

 

Let’s see.

 

What should I choose?

 

It’s hard kasi lahat naman ng songs is maganda.

 

Shuffle nalang natin.

 

And now look, one of my favourite songs pa yung nasaktuhan.

 

I like the way you sound in the morning

We're on the phone and without a warning

I realize your laugh is the best sound

I have ever heard

I like the way I can't keep my focus

I watch you talk, you didn't notice

I hear the words but all I can think is

We should be together

 

Every time you smile, I smile

And every time you shine, I'll shine for you

 

Whoa, oh, I'm feeling you, baby

Don't be afraid to jump then fall

Jump then fall into me

Baby, I'm never gonna leave you

Say that you wanna be with me too

'Cause I'ma stay through it all

So jump then fall

 

------

 

I am beyond pissed.

 

Where the hell is Yu Jimin?!

 

Padilim na yung sky and she’s still nowhere to be found!

 

Naubos ko na rin yung chocolates na dinala ko pero wala pa rin sya.

 

I’m starving and tired already.

 

Sayang yung time na nasayang ko dito na sana pinanggawa ko nalang ng requirements ko sa school.

 

Creepy pa nung ibang tao kasi tingin nang tingin sakin. Some even dared to ask for my number?!

 

Yes, I know I’m pretty but at least hide those stares. It’s so uncomfortable. Talagang lalapit pa yung iba kaya naman feeling ko hindi na safe dito.

 

But I still stayed and waiter for Jimin.

 

Hay.

 

Nakakadalawang albums na ata ako ni Taylor pero wala pa rin si Jimin.

 

Hindi ba sya pupunta dito ngayon?

 

Damn it.

 

Dapat talaga sa diniretso ko na sya sa Palma Hall and maybe tinanong sya sa random students dun because it’s possible na kilala na sya dito.

 

You’re really stupid, Winter.

 

Hay. Let’s wait for 5 more minutes.

 

Once na matapos ang song na ‘to, uuwi na ako.

 

I like shiny things, but I'd marry you with paper rings

Uh huh, that's right

Darling, you're the one I want, and

I hate accidents except when we went from friends to this

Uh huh, that's right

Darling, you're the one I want

In paper rings, in picture frames, in dirty dreams

You're the one I want

In paper rings, in picture frames, and all my dreams

Oh, you're the one I want

You're the one I want, one I want

You're the one I want, one I want

 

Saktong pagkatapos ng song, nakita ko ang familiar figure ng taong kanina ko pa hinahanap.

 

Buzzer beater sya.

 

I stood up from my seat and waved my hand sa kanya with a smile.

 

Parang iiwas pa sana sya but mabilis and malinaw ang mata ko, wag sya.

 

Agad ko syang nilapitan.

 

 

“Huy!”

 

“Bakit ba nandito ka na naman?”

 

 

What’s with her tone? Sinusungitan nya ba ‘ko?

 

Hinintay kaya kita dito, excuse you! Hindi ko deserve masungitan lang.

 

 

“I was waiting for you.”

 

 

Jimin raised her left eyebrow and man, it was probably the hottest thing ever.

 

 

“Bakit?”

 

“Order mo ulit ako and I want to try something different. Yung kinakain mo kahapon, I want that.”

 

 

Yan yung script na ginawa ko kagabi.

 

I decided to be that annoying woman na gusto magpasama lagi sa kanya kumain since ganun naman yung nangyari kahapon.

 

I’ll take advantage of this.

 

 

“Hinintay mo lang ba ako para pa-orderin?”

 

“Yup!”

 

“The ?”

 

 

I was taken aback by the sudden curse.

 

Ayokong naririnig magmura si Jimin. Nasisira yung image nya sakin!

 

 

“Can you please stop cursing? Nakakarindi ha!”

 

“Bahala ka sa buhay mo, aalis na ‘ko.”

 

 

No, you won’t.

 

Nung naglakad na sya, hinila ko sya using her lanyard.

 

And medyo napalakas ata kasi Jimin is looking at me ng masama pero sorry sya, inis din ako sa kanya.

 

Una, pinaghintay nya ako ng napakatagal tapos mumurahin nya ‘ko.

 

This is unacceptable!

 

 

“I waited for like 3 hours tapos iiwan mo ako?! I’m famished!”

 

“Seryoso ka ba?! Sinong tanga ang maghihintay ng 3 hours sa taong di mo naman kilala?! Pano kung di ako pumunta dito?”

 

 

But I know you Jimin and I can wait kahit gaano katagal.

 

 

“I just know you would, okay?! And stop calling me that!” Kanina pa nya ako sinasabihan ng tanga, “Sabi ko diba don’t curse!”

 

“Wala akong pake sayo!”

 

 

What the-?

 

At talagang balak nya ‘ko iwanan after saying that ha?!

 

Buti nalang umandar yung jeepney pero hindi nakasakay si Jimin.

 

Good.

 

 

“Tangina umalis tuloy!”

 

 

Now, how can I stay mad at Jimin?

 

She looks cute and hot at the same time when she’s mad. I know I’m weird.

 

Buti talaga at umalis yung jeep or else iiwanan nya talaga ‘ko dito mag-isa.

 

I couldn’t help but smile.

 

I won.

 

 

“It means na orderan mo na ako. Nagugutom na ‘ko.”

 

“Wala ka bang friends? Bakit ako ang inaabala mo?”

 

 

Now, that’s offending ha!

 

Oo, I don’t have friends. So what?

 

 

“Oo wala, and what about it? Gusto ko lang naman ng kasabay kumain.”

 

 

More specifically, gusto lang naman kita kasabay kumain.

 

 

“Oh walang iiyak.” I hate her. Nang-aasar pa talaga

 

“Hindi ako iiyak!”

 

Jimin sighed, “Fine. Umupo ka na dun at kumain na tayo.”

 

“Yay!!”

 

 

I can’t believe I said yay like a kid?

 

Maybe gutom na talaga ‘ko kaya kung ano ano na ang sinasabi ko.

 

Bumalik na kami sa table na inuupuan ko kanina and pinunasan nya pa yung table with her wipes bago ipatong yung bag nya.

 

Iba yung gamit nya ata today?

 

 

“Ano pala gusto mo?”

 

“I want that pancit again tapos the kwek kwek. Oh you’ve heard that? Nasabi ko nang matino!” Pinractice ko kaya yan sa condo the whole night para di mapahiya, “I also want fishballs that you ate before tapos buko shake rin ulit for drinks.”

 

“Okay, akin na yung bayad.”

 

 

Right, dumaan ako kagabi sa bank para magpapalit ng smaller bills.

 

Nagdala ako ng 9,000 pesos in hundred peso bills today.

 

Just in case na kulangin kami.

 

Okay na yung sure!

 

 

“I have smaller bills na!” Pagmamayabang ko habang pinapakita sa kanya yung 3 stacks of one hundred peso bills

 

“Isa lang kailangan ko, pwede mo nang itago yan.”

 

 

Isa lang?

 

And why is she panicking?

 

But sinunod ko nalang sya at binalik na sa bag yung pera at binigyan sya ng isang 100.

 

Ganun ba kamura yung food dito?

 

Nagdala ata ako ng sobra.

 

 

“Really? I think 90 100 bills pa naman to.” Jimin looked at me in disbelief

 

“Sino ba kasi nagsabi sayo na magpapalit ng ganyan karami?”

 

“Baka lang kulangin ka.”

 

 

Jimin just shook her head before going dun sa stall to order.

 

May sinabi lang sya and nagbayad bago bumalik sa table.

 

I don’t have the energy to talk anymore kaya nag scroll down nalang ako sa twitter.

 

I actually have lots of followers pero I never followed anyone back except for Ate Irene.

 

Mga naka-follow sakin is puro music artists and favourite actors ko. I also followed some bands na gusto ni Jimin para updated ako.

 

It’s more peaceful this way since ayokong makita yung cringy tweets ng schoolmates ko. I don’t know if Vicky has twitter but kahit noon kasi hindi sya gumagamit ng social media. For her peace of mind daw.

 

I could feel Jimin’s stare and I tried my best na hindi sya tignan pabalik kasi titigil sya for sure.

 

Gusto kong tignan nya lang ako.

 

Look at my new outfit na hindi ko naman normally sinusuot but I did today because I want to look good for you.

 

Pansinin mo rin yung hair ko, please! Tagal ko nang gusto ipakita sayo ‘to and inalagaan ko ng ilang buwan para ma-maintain yung color kaya I hope that you’ll find it pretty.

 

Maraming nagsasabi na ang ganda sakin nung hair color ko kahit medyo ang weird but none of their opinions matter.

 

Kay Jimin lang ang may kwenta.

 

Now, how can I ask her the million dollar question without making it weird?

 

 

“Karina, okay na yung order mo!” She’s really known sa Karina, no?

 

“Kunin mo na bilis!”

 

 

Tumayo na sya at kinuha yung order namin.

 

Ako naman, tinignan ko yung bag nyang naka-open.

 

Gosh, why is she leaving her bag open? What if magnanakaw pala ako, diba?

 

Jimin talaga, tsk.

 

Isasara ko na sana but nakita ko yung ID nya sa loob and na-curious ako kaya kinuha ko.

 

She’s so pretty kahit sa student ID nya.

 

 

“Huy, tulungan mo naman ako!”

 

 

Iuutos mo pa sakin? Pagod na nga ako kakahintay sayo. Hmp.

 

I acted like I didn’t hear her nalang. That’s her karma.

 

Nakita ko naman na tinulungan sya ng isang guy and thank god hindi nya naman tintignan si Jimin ng hindi maganda.

 

He genuinely just wanted to help Jimin.

 

Kapag ganyan, wala tayong magiging problema.

 

 

 

“Yu Jimin ba talaga name mo? Ano ka kpop? Yung BTS ba yun?”

 

 

This is the path that I have chosen.

 

Kunwaring hindi ko kilala si Jimin talaga para mas makilala ko sya even without her knowing who I really am.

 

Gusto ko sya makilala hindi bilang miyembro ng pamilyang pinagsisilbihan nila ng Mama nya.

 

Bahala na ano mangyari if malaman nya sa future. It’s bound to happen pero iisipin ko nalang kapag nandun na talga kami sa situation na yun.

 

 

Kinuha nya yung ID sa kamay ko, “Hindi ako KPOP pero Yu Jimin talaga pangalan ko. Mas kilala ako sa Karina, wag mo na pansinin yung Jimin”

 

 

Nilagay nya na yung food sa table and mabango sya, I must admit.

 

May binigay rin syang orange bill.

 

Oh, 20 pesos?

 

 

“Hala may 20 pesos pala na bill? Akala ko 50 na ang smallest bill sa PH.”

 

Jimin looked at me in disbelief, “Mahabagin. Ilang taon ka bang wala dito at para kang ewan na hindi alam ang mga bagay-bagay?”

 

“I was 3 or 5 ata nung dinala ako nila Mommy sa Switzerland.” I literally dropped a bomb here, sana hindi nya mapansin “Since then, hindi na’ko nakabalik dito. Kakauwi ko lang last year and hindi naman ako lumalabas ng bahay so wal akong alam dito.”

 

 

Feel ko ang dami kong nasabi na hindi dapat but Jimin just nodded her head in understanding. Thank God.

 

We’re safe for now.

 

 

“Pero nakaka-intindi ka ng Filipino, pano?”

 

“I’m staying with my Tita back in Switzerland. Filipino and English yung language na ginagamit namin sa bahay nila and our maids were all Filipinas kaya I know how to speak our language naman.”

 

 

Tumango lang ulit sa Jimin at hindi na ulit nagsalita.

 

Ako naman, tinikman ko na yung parang may dark brown sauce.

 

Wait, ang sarap!

 

 

“Huy, ang sarap nito! It doesn’t taste as gross as it appeared to be!”

 

“Masarap talaga yan, mura pa.”

 

“The sauce tastes great din, I’m getting addicted to it. Bagay sa pancit.”

 

 

Jimin gave me a small smile and yung smile ko I think mas lumalawak pa because of that.

 

Whipped.

 

 

“Wag mo yan kainin palagi, masama sa health.”

 

 

I know that.

 

 

“Pagbigyan mo na ‘ko. For 18 years, ngayon ko lang naman naranasan yung ganito.”

 

Jimin nodded her head, “Fishball’s medyo okay pero iwasan mo yang kwek-kwek. Yan ang pinakamasama sa health mo. Last mo na yan this week.”

 

I pouted, “Ito pa naman yung pinakamasarap.”

 

“Pili ka nalang ng iba next time.”

 

 

Oh, did I hear that right?

 

Next time?

 

 

Napangiti ako, “So, you’re saying na may next time pa?”

 

 

Look at her, parang hindi nya inexpect na mag backfire pa sa kanya yung harmless statement na sinabi nya.

 

Sorry, but I’ll take every opportunity to get close to you.

 

 

“Well, kahit naman umiwas ako hihintayin mo pa rin ako.”

 

 

I’ll take that as an approval but hindi ko na sya hihintayin for the 2nd time.

 

Kinuha ko yung phone ko and browsed sa gallery.

 

 

“That’s true pero,” Inabot ko sa kanya yung phone ko wherein yung pic na nakadisplay is yung schedule ko “Here’s my sched. Ayoko nang hintayin ka kaya ikaw ang mag adjust sa schedule ko.”

 

“Kapal naman ng mukha mo?”

 

 

Mas makapal ang mukha mo dahil pinaghintay mo ‘ko.

 

Tinignan pa rin naman ni Jimin yung schedule kahit na may talak sya.

 

I just watched her expression and I just know nare-recognize nya yung ibang subjects dyan since na-take nya na.

 

Once she was done, ibinalik nya yung phone ko sakin.

 

 

“I never agreed to meet you again.”

 

 

Nag-panic naman ako.

 

What’s with the sudden change of heart, Jimin?!

 

 

“What? Hindi ka ba naaawa sakin? Wala akong friends. Ayoko ring kumain mag-isa dito dahil kung sino sino yung lumalapit sakin, asking for my name and number. Ang scary kaya!”

 

 

But this just laughed.

 

Bakit nya ‘ko tinatawanan?!

 

Nakaka-insulto!

 

 

“Fine, pero libre mo ‘ko lagi.”

 

 

Finally!

 

Kahit ilibre pa kita ng house and lot, okay lang sakin. Tell me what you want, baby.

 

 

“Okay! That’s a deal!”

 

“Oh and wag na wag mo na ulit akong hahalikan, okay? Para kang tanga.”

 

 

Hindi ko maiwasang matawa.

 

She’s so cute.

 

Of course, I wouldn’t do that again

 

…for now.

 

 

“Lagi kitang ililibre basta you should never curse at me again.”

 

 

Duh, my pure image of Jimin is suddenly gone. Gusto kong ibalik nya yun!

 

 

“Okay, humanap ka nalang ng ibang sasama sayo.”

 

 

This girl.. talagang iiwan nya ‘ko?!

 

Hinila ko yung damit nya para mapigilan.

 

Who the cares about that anyway? Jimin is Jimin kahit na anong mangyari!

 

I will love.. no wait, that’s a strong word. I will appreciate her every flaws! Hindi nakakabawas sa pagkagusto ko kay Jimin yan.

 

 

“Fine! Curse all you want!”

 

“That’s a deal then.”

 

 

After we ate, sinamahan na ‘ko ni Jimin papunta sa car ko.

 

. Audi r8 yung gamit ko today and alam ko nakita nya na ‘to last year because ito yung gift sakin ni Mommy.

 

Please, sana hindi nya ma-recognize!!

 

It’s not like ako lang may audi r8.

 

Sa may bandang Vinzons lang naman yun kaya nakarating kami agad.

 

She’s now looking at my car with amazement.

 

Yuna did mention na mahilig sa mga sasakyan si Jimin.

 

Should I give her a car sa birthday nya? This April na yun.

 

Titingin na ‘ko mamaya online.

 

 

“Uhm, should I give you a ride?” I finally broke the silence

 

Agad namang umiling si Jimin, “Okay lang! Sasakay nalang ako ng jeep para hindi ka na maabala.”

 

“Hindi ka naman abala.” Tsaka para alam ko rin kung saan yung dorm nya

 

“Sweet, pero okay nga lang.” She called me sweet..? “Instead, ibigay mo number mo sakin para ma-contact kita.”

 

 

That’s right.

 

Mas okay yung may communication kami because there’s no way in hell that I’ll wait for her again.

 

Sayang ang oras ko.

 

Gusto ko man lumandi but I still have my priorities.

 

I typed my number sa phone nya and oh my god, phone pa ba ‘to?

 

Ito rin yung gamit nya last year but this time mas marami yung cracks. Tapos medyo malalim na yung dents. Buti gumagana pa ‘to?

 

Should I buy her a new phone once na maging close kami?

 

 

“Okay, thank you. Ano nga pala name mo?”

 

 

Damn.

 

Bigla naman akong kinabahan.

 

Wait, kumalma ka Winter. Hindi nya naman alam yung name mo.

 

Hindi rin binanggit ni Yuna yun kahit once.

 

May silbi rin pala yung pang-aasar nya sakin ng Ate Panganay before.

 

 

“I’m Winter…”

 

“Okay, Winter ano?”

 

 

My God, bakit kailangan full name pa?

 

 

“Hindi ba pwedeng Winter nalang?”

 

 

Jimin looked at me suspiciously

 

 

“May tinatago ka ba?”

 

“H-Ha? Wala naman.” Why is it suddenly so hot?

 

“Kriminal ka ba?”

 

Tinignan ko sya ng masama, “Of course not! Anong akala mo sakin?”

 

“Then tell me your full name. Hindi naman kita ise-search sa FB if that’s what you’re worried about.”

 

“Wala akong Facebook.”

 

“Oh edi akin na full name mo. Ilalagay ko lang sa contacts.”

 

 

Kainis ka, Jimin.

 

Baka hanggang dito nalang yung plano ko.

 

Sino ba naman kasi naglalagay ng full name sa contacts nya?

 

 

I closed my eyes and sighed, “Mendoza.”

 

“Okay, Winter Mendoza.”

 

 

Napayuko nalang ako the moment that she mentioned my full name.

 

Anong gagawin ni Jimin?

 

Makikilala nya kaya ako?

 

Will she ask me kung ano yung connection ko sa mga Mendoza?

 

 

“Nice name. I’ll see you tomorrow. Ingat ka sa pag drive mo.”

 

“Huh?”

 

 

Napatingin ako kay Jimin na ngayon ay naglalakad palayo mula sakin.

 

Yun na yon?

 

She didn’t recognize me?

 

Wait, bakit tunog gusto ko pang malaman nya?

 

I should be happy!

 

Buti nalang Mendoza is a common last name.

 

I couldn’t help but smile in relief.

 

Hindi ako nakilala ni Jimin at magkikita pa ulit kami bukas.

 

Hindi lang yun, may number nya na rin ako!

 

I named it, “UP’s Yu Jimin <3”

 

Marami akong gustong ilagay sa contact name nya but I settled dito.

 

Formal yet cute.

 

I really love her Korean name.

 

 

“Bye, Jimin! I’ll see you tomorrow!” I shouted kasi medyo malayo na sya sakin

 

She glared at me. Cute. “Anong Jimin? Karina nga sabi!”

 

“Okay Jimin, goodbye! I had fun today.”

 

 

I entered my car and hindi ko maiwasang panggigilan yung steering wheel ko.

 

Oh my God, it’s finally happening!

 

Mapapalapit na rin ako kay Jimin!

 

Sa sobrang saya ko, nawala sa isip ko na baka makasama ‘to kay Jimin when the time comes.

 

 

Pagsibol

 

So this will be the first day that I will meet Jimin nang planado.

 

Hindi ko alam kung saan kami pupunta but I told her na pass muna kami sa streetfoods kasi baka magkasakit naman ako dun.

 

I know my limits naman kahit gustong gusto ko pa yan. I am well disciplined no.

 

Oh right, we became textmates kagabi pero maikli lang yung napag-usapan.

 

Sobrang convo ender ni Jimin, hindi lang man humahaba yung usapan namin. I was super stressed!

 

I want to talk to her pa pero yung reply is, “okay.” “sige” “see you tomorrow”

 

What the will I reply to that?

 

Ayoko rin naman mangulit because medyo may bad image na agad ako kay Jimin dahil nag inarte ako nang malala kahapon.

 

The moment my last class has ended, halos kumaripas na ako ng takbo papunta sa parking lot dahil gusto ko na agad mag-ayos.

 

I even rejected Ate Irene’s invitation to eat lunch out again pero naintindihan nya naman though I still feel bad.

 

Ate Irene assured me naman na okay lang kasi at least daw, nakikipag-socialize na ako.

 

She’s the best!

 

Kaya naman curious ako sa girlfriend ni Ate Irene like pano nya nakuha ang kagaya ni Ate Irene?

 

Ka-level nya siguro yung girl.

 

I mean, UP student din daw so I guess she’s really smart and pretty.

 

I can’t wait to meet her and I’m lowkey hoping na kilala nya si Jimin. That would be nice.

 

Since super lapit lang ng condo ko, nakarating na agad ako even though traffic.

 

I can actually walk nalang but there is no way in hell that I’ll walk under this blazing heat.

 

Ano pa silbi ng mga kotse ko if hindi gagamitin.

 

Sakto nga at dumating na last night yung inorder kong dress from Dior.

 

I don’t wear dresses because it’s not my style talaga but I want to look decent kay Jimin.

 

Sakto naman at nakita ko yung dress na ‘to last month and decided to buy it kahit walang occasion.

 

Actually, dumaan lang sya sa ig feed ko and nakita kong sinuot sya ni Kim Jisoo from Blackpink.

 

Ang ganda nung pagkakadala nya so I bought it agad. Sakto sya for this day.

 

It’s not bad.

 

Hindi sya uncomfortable tulad nung ibang dress sa bahay.

 

May binili rin ako last week sa BGC na Jimmy Choo na stilletos and hindi ko talaga alam noon kung bakit ko binili.

 

Maybe nakutuban ko na magkikita kami so binili ko sya on a whim.

 

I’ll use the ysl bag that Yuna gave me nung birthday ko tapos yung rolex na binigay sakin ni Daddy nung graduation ko.

 

I only wear this tuwing may importante na occasion and today is indeed an important occasion.

 

Now, let me take my shower.

 

 

------

 

 

Ang ayos ng suot ko, maganda rin yung pagkaka-apply ko ng make up kahit light lang, eevrything’s perfect kumbaga.

 

Except this freaking traffic sa katipunan!

 

Kanina pa nag message si Jimin na andun na sya sa Vinzons while I’m still stuck dito.

 

No matter how thrilled and excited I am, binabawi talaga ito agad ng traffic.

 

Sobrang traffic sa Philippines!

 

May chopper nalang ba ako next time?

 

Just kidding, Jimin will be overwhelmed.

 

And after a few minutes of being stuck sa katipunan, nakarating na rin ako sa UP campus.

 

I really love their environment dito parang nasa iba kang dimension.

 

Maganda sa Ateneo, no doubt. Sadyang may something familiar and comfortable lang talaga sa UP.

 

Maybe I should transfer here.

 

Pwede naman yun.

 

But my parents did mention na kung mahirap makapasok sa UP, mas mahirap magtransfer dito. Yung mga UP students nga daw mismo hirap na hirap mag shift dahil ubusan lagi ng slots.

 

Kaya they’re not pressuring me anymore na mag transfer and mag stay nalang sa Ateneo since it’s a good university rin naman. I’m doing good din naman dito kaya wala sila masyadong say.

 

But, gusto kong mag transfer talaga bigla. It wouldn’t hurt to try naman as long as hindi ako mag-eexpect nang sobra.

 

Even from afar, I can still recognize Jimin.

 

Not because kilalang kilala ko na sya or sanay na ‘kong makita sya because that is definitely not the case pero kasi sobrang nangingibabaw sya.

 

Like kahit tumatakbo ka or nagda-drive, mapapalingon ka sa kanya because she’s that eye catching.

 

She’s just wearing her casual clothes but it’s enough to make her stand out.

 

She’s busy sa phone nya kaya hindi nya napapansin na bawat dumadaan ay napapatingin sa kanya.

 

It made me annoyed.

 

Naiinis na nga ako sa traffic, dumagdag pa yung mga walang hiya na ‘to, looking at MY Jimin without any reservations.

 

Sarap dukutin ng mga mata.

 

I parked my car in front of her and bumisina.

 

I opened the windows and glared at her.

 

Nakakainis sya! Why is she so pretty?

 

She was taken aback sa expression ko and did she just gulp?

 

 

“Sakay na.”

 

 

Hindi na lumaban pa si Jimin at agad na binuksan yung pintuan at umupo sa passenger seat.

 

She was looking around my car and bigla akong kinabahan.

 

Baka ma-recognize nya?

 

. Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin if ever.

 

 

“Saan ba tayo pupunta?” Jimin asked

 

“UPTC lang, I wanna try the malls here tsaka 2 hours lang vacant mo diba? Para makabalik ka agad.”

 

Memorized ko na schedule nya no.

 

Jimin nodded, “Kung UPTC lang edi sana nilakad nalang natin. Ang lapit lapit nun!”

 

“Really? Should we walk nalang? Naiinis ako sa traffic!”

 

 

First time ko atang mas gugustuhin maglakad instead of mag drive.

 

 

“Yup, park mo nalnag yung car mo malapit sa gate. Malapit lang talaga yun.”

 

“Okay.”

 

---

 

 

The moment I went out of my car, hindi na naalis yung mata sakin ni Jimin.

 

I like it.

 

I like it so much pero nakaka-conscious?

 

Ang lalim nya tumingin!

 

Well, this is what I wanted in the first place kaya titiisin ko yung shyness.

 

Okay na sana eh but damn this heels is making it hard for me. It’s so hard to walk dito dahil hindi ako sanay.

 

It’s probably a bad choice.

 

Why the hell did I even choose this?!

 

I hope it won’t leave a scar.

 

 

“Okay lang ba na maglakad ka ng ganyan ang suot? You’re not uncomfortable naman?”

 

 

There it goes.

 

That tone again.

 

Para bang worried na worried sya sakin.

 

I composed myself kasi parang gusto ko bigla tumili.

 

 

“It’s fine. Sanay na ‘ko.”

 

 

I even did a spin na pinagsisihan ko afterwards kasi medyo nanginig yung legs ko dun and muntik pa ko ma out of balance.

 

Ano nalang gagawin ko if bumagsak talaga ako, diba?

 

Another kahihiyan na naman.

 

But I just don’t want her to worry.

 

Kaya ko naman.

 

Tsaka, nagpapaganda ako sa kanya! She obviously liked my outfit today kaya there is no way I’m changing into something else.

 

 

“Okay then. Tara na.” Jimin replied in an unconvinced tone

 

 

We started walking and para akong magme-melt kasi super init lang?

 

What the hell.

 

Sakto naman at naglabas ng umbrella si Jimin at talagang hindi nya lang man ako inalok? Sya lang talaga yung nagpayong!

 

 

“Huy, pa-share ako! It’s so hot pala!”

 

 

Bago pa sya makatanggi, I rushed to her side na at kumapit sa arm nya. Yes, I am being shameless right now.

 

But hindi nya naman tinanggal pero she’s staring at me weirdly. Siguro nagulat dahil ang isang ‘stranger’ ay bigla nalang ganito ka-close sa kanya.

 

Now that I’m beside her, magkasingtangkad nalang kami ngayon. Ha, that’s better. It doesn’t sit well with me na mas matangkad sakin si Jimin. Gusto ko magkasingtangkad lang kami!

 

Why is she and Vicky so tall ba? Dagdag mo pa si Yuna! Hindi ko tuloy ma-feel na above average ang height ko.

 

Ngayon ko nalang din ulit naamoy yung perfume nya.

 

Wait, Yuna told me na hindi perfume yan. it’s actually a fabric softener. Downy ata?

 

And it’s pretty cheap lang ha pero super bango. Hindi masakit sa ilong.

 

I like this scent.

 

I almost laid my head sa shoulders nya dahil super comfy ako kaso nga lang nag stop kami bigla sa harap ng isang hagdanan.

 

Don’t tell me..

 

 

“Huy, you told me na maglalakad tayo! Hindi mo sinabi na aakyat tayo ng stairs!”

 

 

Oh my god, I’m wearing heels and hirap na hirap na ‘ko sa paglalakad pa lang! What more if umakyat ako sa hagdanan?!

 

 

“Ilang steps lang yan, ang arte mo.”

 

 

This girl… I’m not maarte!

 

 

“Naka-heels ako oh!” I even showed her my stilletos

 

“Hindi ko kasalanan na nag heels ka. Tsaka, sabi mo kanina sanay ka?” That sure fired back

 

“Anong gusto mo mag converse ako? You’re so baduy!” I have a point naman diba? “Tsaka it’s difficult kaya kahit 3 inches lang naman ‘to. Wala bang elevator dito or kahit escalator lang man?”

 

 

Jimin is starting to look annoyed once again.

 

Sorry but naiinis na rin ako!

 

 

“Wala, kaya magtiis ka.”

 

“Ah basta! Hindi ako aakyat dyan!” Pagmamatigas ko

 

“Edi wag na tayo kumain. Babalik na ‘ko sa UP.”

 

 

Nagpanic naman ako dun kasi talagang iiwanan nya ‘ko?!

 

Agad kong hinila yung lanyard nya para pigilan.

 

Hindi ko sinasadya, okay? Yun lang ang una kong nakita na pwedeng kapitan.

 

 

 

“Hoy sandali!”

 

Jimin gave me a glare, “Diba hindi ka aakyat? Ano gusto mo mag jaywalking tayo?”

 

“No, that’s a crime!”

 

 

I looked at the stairs once again and inestimate kung ilang steps yun.

 

Hindi naman sya gaano kataas and kayang kaya naman kung hindi lang ako naka-heels.

 

Damn it. Bakit ba kasi ito ang sinuot ko?!

 

Pero calm down, Winter. Nagustuhan ni Jimin ang outfit mo so it’s worth it.

 

What do they call it again?

 

Right. Tiis ganda.

 

 

“Ugh, kakainis ka!”

 

 

I gave in. Akyatin na natin ang stupid stairs na yan!

 

But even before I could, bigla akong pinigilan ni Jimin.

 

Hinila nya ako papunta sa side and I gave her a weird look.

 

Kanina nagmamadali sya umakyat tapos ngayon biglang titigil kami sa gilid?

 

May kinuha sya dun sa bag nya and it’s a black hoodie. Binigay nya yun sakin.

 

What am I going to do with this?

 

 

“Hindi mamahaling brand yan at hindi ko naman ipapasuot sayo. Gamitin mo lang pantakip para naman hindi ka makitaan.”

 

 

Pantakip?

 

 

“How?”

 

“Lagay mo sa leeg mo.”

 

 

And I did what she told me.

 

Tinignan ko ulit sya and parang nagpipigil sya ng tawa? What the hell is wrong with her?

 

 

“Okay and?”

 

“Sakalin mo sarili mo.”

 

 

Tinignan ko naman sya ng masama when I realized na pinagtritripan nya lang pala ako.

 

Bwisit na Jimin talaga!

 

Bago ko pa sya awayin, kinuha nya na yung hoodie na nakalagay sa leeg ko ang tied it on my waist.

 

Nagulat pa ako kasi parang niyayakap nya lang ako? She’s so near!

 

It’s suddenly hard to breathe again.

 

I just hope na isipin nyang naiinitan lang ako kaya namumula ako.

 

Nakakabigla naman kasi!

 

Hindi prepared yung heart ko, okay?

 

 

“Tara na.”

 

“Hold my hand.” Utos ko

 

“Humawak ka nalnag sa railings.”

 

Napatingin naman ako sa tinutukoy nyang railings na puro kalawang, “It’s dirty kaya. I don’t want to.”

 

“Edi bahala ka dyan.”

 

“Kainis ‘to!”

 

 

Tinawanan nya lang ako but she still offered her hand.

 

I happily held it as we went up the stairs. I guess I don’t mind taking the stairs ng naka heels as long as Jimin will hold my hand.

 

Kaya ko naman pala, nag-iinarte lang ako.

 

 

---

 

 

I searched where we would eat in advance kagabi pa lang.

 

Hindi ko pa natatry yung samgyupsal and parang ang lungkot naman masyado if ako lang mag-isa ang kakain dun.

 

Nahihiya kasi akong yayain si Ate Irene, madalas sya yung angdedecide kung saan kami kumakain.

 

She asks me naman kung saan ko gusto but most of the time, I just let her decide talaga.

 

Marami yung tao but may iilan pa ring vacant.

 

It’s lunch time kasi kaya understandable yung dami.

 

From the entrance palang, naaamoy ko na agad yung pagkain kaya mas nagutom ako.

 

It’s my cheat day today. Kakain ako ng marami!

 

A guy assisted us to our table near the windows.

 

Okay na sana eh but he’s shamelessly gawking at me and I feel uncomfortable dun.

 

Hinayaan ko nalang, as long as he won’t cross the line.

 

Me and Jimin sat in front of each other and agad akong napatingin dun sa TV. They’re playing a familiar song kasi.

 

I’m right.

 

It’s Twice’s Alcohol Free.

 

Ever since kasi na nalaman kong fan si Jimin ng group na yan, naging curious ako sa kanila.

 

Napanood ko na ata halos lahat ng MVs nila pero I still don’t consider myself as a fan.

 

Parang kpop and I don’t sit well with each other.

 

Hindi naman porket hindi ko gusto, hindi na maganda. I’m not that relevant naman para sabihin yun tsaka we all have our taste naman.

 

We browsed the menu and hindi ako familiar sa halos lahat. I think sa Bulgogi lang but I don’t have any idea what that tastes like kaya naman si Jimin na yung pinapili ko.

 

 

“Mahilig ka sa maanghang, diba?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Okay then.”

 

 

Tinawag nya yung same guy na nag assist samin and sinabi yung order namin.

 

Bulgogi, Curry Beef, Spicy Beef and Yangyum Galbi.

 

Parang sa name pa lang masarap na. I hope hindi ako ma-disappoint.

 

Umalis na rin agad yung guy after taking our order and we were left with nothing but silence.

 

Ang awkward ha.

 

Binalik ko nalang ulit yung attention ko sa screen.

 

 

“Korean ka diba? Ano sinasabi nila?”

 

 

One thing I regret nung mga panahong nasa bahay pa si Jimin is hindi ko sya pinagsalita ng Korean!

 

I want to know how she would sound with Korean.

 

 

“Oh my God, ang ganda ni Mina….”

 

 

She really ignored my question for that girl.

 

Why am I not surprised? Patay na patay sya sa babaeng yan.

 

 

“You really like that girl, no?”

 

Jimin gave me a look at medyo kinabahan ako dun, “You talk like you know me so well, but yes I do.”

 

 

Damn.

 

Hindi ako nag-iingat!

 

Binalik ko nalang yung tingin ko sa TV. Sakto, yung favourite nya yung lumabas.

 

 

“She’s Myoui Mina, diba? I thought she’s blonde?”

 

“You know twice?”

 

 

Pano ko hindi makikilala kung lagi mo silang naisisingit sa usapan natin before?

 

 

“Nah, I only know Myoui Mina because of… someone.” And that someone is you

 

“She’s really beautiful with blonde hair. Halos sambahin ko na sya non.”

 

 

I know kasi nakita ko mismo kung paano ka mag fangirl sa garden namin.

 

And it’s because of that kaya nga ako nagpa-blonde, diba?

 

Speaking of my blonde hair, nasaan na yung compliments ko?!

 

 

“Do you like girls with blonde hair that much?”

 

Nag-isip sandali si Jimin, “Hmm, sakto lang. I actually prefer yung natural black hair nila, parang mas nags-stand out yung ganda ng kpop idols.”

 

 

Para naman akong binagsakan ng kung anong mabigat na bagay sa ulo.

 

So, you’re now telling me na you prefer natural black hair pala sa mga babae?!

 

So yung effort ko na alagaan yung blonde hair ko is all in vain?!

 

Parang gusto ko bigla magwala dito and itaob lahat ng tables.

 

Hindi madali alagaan yung colored hair!

 

But okay, kumalma tayo. Natatakot na si Jimin sa tingin mo.

 

Let’s ask her nalang directly.

 

 

“How about my hair ngayon? What do you think will fit me more? Blonde or black?”

 

“Let’s see.”

 

 

Jimin examined me once again and I felt conscious once again.

 

My God, si Jimin lang talaga nakapagpaparamdam sakin na parang ang panget panget ko, na parang hindi ako maganda.

 

I’m worried.

 

What if hindi pala maganda sakin ‘to?

 

What if hindi nya ma-appreciate?

 

I’m worried sa sarili ko dahil baka anong magawa ko if sabihin nyang hindi ‘to bagay sakin.

 

 

“Feel ko, maganda ka kahit anong color pa. I haven’t seen you in black hair kaya mas boto ako sa blonde hair mo.”

 

 

Hmm.

 

Pwede na.

 

It’s enough to take all my worries away and make me smile.

 

Sinabi nya lang naman na maganda ako kahit na anong color pa at boto pa sya sa blonde hair ko.

 

That is enough to get my confidence back.

 

 

“How about kay Myoui Mina? What do you prefer, Blonde hair or Black hair?”

 

Jimin let out a dramatic sigh, “Grabe, mas mahirap pa ata yung tanong na yan kesa sa UPCAT.”

 

“You’re so dramatic. Sagutin mo nalang.”

 

“Madaling madali ka?”

 

 

Jimin was once again lost in her thoughts.

 

Pag yan sinabi nyang black hair right after seeing her reaction that day, ewan ko nalang.

 

 

“Black hair pa rin siguro.” What the— “Sobrang elegnte nya tignan with black hair as in. Para syang parte ng royal family sa sobrang ganda at elegant ng aura nya.”

 

“I see.”

 

 

Even I was surprised with how cold that response was.

 

Pero hmp, I don’t care. Naiinis ako.

 

Prefer nya naman pala yung black hair sa bias nya so why did I have to go through such lengths? Gusto ko lang naman mapansin nya ako because of that.

 

Ayokong magpatalo sa bias nya tapos malalaman ko na mas gusto nya naman pala yung natural color ng hair?

 

It’s hard to maintain this kaya!

 

 

“Winter, are you okay?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 

Hindi na sumagot si Jimin at parang natakot pa ata.

 

Binalik nalang namin yung attention sa TV and this time, may 4 girls sa screen.

 

Who are they?

 

Anyway, I don’t care about kpop naman.

 

Mas gusto ko pa kausapin si Jimin.

 

 

“Jimin.”

 

“Yes?”

 

 

Napangiti ako kasi mukhang hindi na sya lumalaban whenever I call her that.

 

 

“Since you’re a Korean, how about you teach me some words?” I’m never letting this opportunity go

 

“Baliw, wala na akong alam bukod sa common annyeong and saranghae nila. Di pa naman kasi ako nakakapunta dun.”

 

 

Kahit nung bata pa sya? So never talaga?

 

 

“You’ve never been there?” she nodded, “Why?”

 

“Wala kaming pera and hindi naman kailangan.”

 

 

What does she mean by hindi naman kailangan? Hindi ba andun yung Daddy nya? Wala ba syang balak bisitahin yun?

 

 

“Korean Dad mo, diba? Ayaw nya bumalik dun?”

 

“Never met him.”

 

“Oh you mean..” Oh my god, that’s so insensitive of me, “Okay, sorry for prying.”

 

Jimin being Jimin still gave me a smile, “Okay lang. In return, may tanong ako.”

 

“Shoot.”

 

“Bakit wala kang friends? Kahit naman na kakauwi mo palang dito, impossible naman ata na wala ka lang man naging kaibigan. I even think you’re popular.”

 

I nodded my head, tama naman sya sa part na popular, “I am popular pero I don’t have friends. May sense ba? Wala kasing nakakatagal sakin because of my attitude.”

 

 

I consider Ate Irene as my friend pero hindi ko sure if she sees me that way din kaya hindi ko na masabi na may kaibigan ako.

 

Naalala ko bigla si Vicky.

 

 

“Actually, meron pala! Isa lang kaso nasa Switzerland sya. Parehas kami ng ugali kaya kami nagkaka-intindihan.”

 

 

Sya lang naman talaga nakatagal sa ugali ko kasi kasing malidita ko sya.

 

 

“Mukhang sasakit ulo ko sa inyo pareho. Buti wala sya dito.”

 

 

You’re not wrong.

 

I’m sure lagi lang kami mag-aaway nun.

 

 

“Alam ko na may inis ka pa rin sakin ngayon since hindi maganda yung first impression naitn sa isa’t isa.” Panimula ko. This is my script for today

 

“Alam mo naman pala edi aalis na ako.” Grabe talaga! Wala pa nga sa eh!

 

 

Agad ko namang kinapitan yung lanyard nya dahil yun na naman ang una kong nakita.

 

 

“May deal tayo!” Paalala ko sa kanya

 

“Oo na, binibiro ka lang eh.”

 

 

Every time na magbibiro si Jimin parang aatakihin ako sa puso kasi parang laging nyang gagawin talaga yung ‘biro’ nya.

 

Kainis.

 

Sakto naman at dumating na yung inorder namin kanina.

 

It looks good na agad!

 

We’ll grill na no?

 

 

“How do I do this?”

 

“Ilagay mo na yung meat sa grill, pwede na yan.”

 

 

And I did.

 

Binuhos ko lahat nung meat dun sa grill and stared at it.

 

What now? Hihintayin nalang maluto, diba?

 

 

“Parang ewan naman, di ka ba marunong?”

 

 

I hate it when she uses that tone.

 

Parang ang stupid ko.

 

 

“This is my first time actually.”

 

 

Jimin scratched her head, obviously not expeceting that.

 

Kinuha nya yung tongs sa kamay ko and inayos yung meat sa grill.

 

Why does she look so pissed again?

 

Nakakatawa sya.

 

Pero still, kahit na naiinis sya sakin, hindi naman nya ako tinataboy.

 

Okay, so let’s go with the script that I have made again.

 

 

“You’re the first person next to my friend in Switzerland na nakatagal sa ugali ko.” This one’s true tho

 

Napatingin sya sakin, “Talaga ba? Tatlong araw palang tayong nagkikita ah.”

 

 

It’s almost a year since we’ve met actually…

 

 

“Yeah, madalas kasi natatarayan ko unconsciously yung mga tao.” Sinasadya ko talaga.. “Diba, when we first met pa nga inutusan agad kita. Mas malala pa yung sa kanila kasi kinakabahan ako.” Bakit naman ako kakabahan sa mga bwisit na yun? They’re all annoying, “I just don’t know what to do, okay? Kapag nag-iisp ako ng malalim, mas lalong dumidilim mukha ko. Like this.” Pinakita ko sa kanya yung usual expression ko and it made her laugh

 

 

Are you convinced with this lie of mine, Jimin?

 

 

“I really hate my face sometimes, kahit ako natatakot.” This one’s true again, “May mga nakakausap ako pero sinasagot lang nila ako because takot sila sakin. Wala lang man nag-initiate ng conversation sakin sa Ateneo after kong may masungitan na isang popular student.” What was her name again? Basta yun. But I don’t really want to talk to them, sa totoo lang.  Deserve rin naman nila ang pagsusungit ko.

 

 

“Masyado akong nag-ingat kasi ayokong kahit sa Philippines, magiging loner ako. But I guess, ganun na nga yung nangyayari.” I don’t really mind, in all honesty.

 

 

I examined Jimin’s face.

 

Masyado ba ‘kong nagpa-sad girl?

 

 

“True ba? Alam ko kasi basta maganda ka kahit na ano pa ugali mo, didikit sayo yung mga tao.”

 

Napangiti ako, “So, you’re admitting that I’m pretty?”

 

“In your dreams.”

 

 

Go baby, deny it all you want. Nadulas ka na.

 

 

“Anyway, to answer your question, syempre meron pero sila naman yung iniiwasan ko. Yung may ibang motive. Pag alam ko habol lang sakin is yung popularity or status, bubuka palang bibig nila pinapaulanan ko na agad ng katarayan.”

 

 

Daming opportunists sa Ateneo I can’t with them. Parang mga hindi lumaki sa edukadong families.

 

Si Ate Irene lang talaga yung matino dun and some members sa org ko.

 

 

“Good, at least hindi ka bobo.”

 

 

What the?! Of course, I’m not!

 

 

“Hindi talaga ako bobo. Baka Dean’s Lister ‘to.”

 

 

Hindi na sya nagsalita at nilagay sa plate yung nalutong meat bago ilapag sa tapat ko.

 

 

“But, I’m happy na hindi ka takot sakin. Sungitan man kita or inisin, pinagbigyan mo pa rin yung gusto ko kasi you’re kind.”

 

 

And that’s one of the reasons why I like you.

 

You’re naturally kind to everyone talaga.

 

 

“You overestimate me, Winter.”

 

I shook my head because there is no way I’m overestimating her, “I’m glad you’re here. Namiss ko may kasamang kumain na kaibigan.”

 

 

Na-miss kong kasama kang kumain.

 

God knows how many times I’ve prayed for this day to happen.

 

 

“Sinong nagsabi na magkaibigan tayo?”

 

 

Pati ba pagkakaibigan ipagkakait mo sakin, Yu Jimin?!

 

 

“Hala, are we not?”

 

Jimin smiled and dun palang alam kong trip nya lang ako, “We’re friends and food trip buddies!”

 

 

Food trip buddies?

 

She’s so baduy talaga.

 

But I like it.

 

Basta galing sa kanya, gusto ko.

 

Is that our label now?

 

 

“I like food trip buddies. I’m gonna name your contact like that na.” I replied with a wide smile

 

“Ano ba name ko dyan before?”

 

“Secret.”

 

 

It’s nothing cheesy kasi mahirap na baka maghinala sya sakin but nahihiya pa rin akong makita nya.

 

But, Jimin.. Jimin talaga!!!!

 

Bigla ba naman kinuha yung phone ko, hindi ko pa naman nabubura yung name!

 

Nakita kong napangiti sya nung nabasa nya yun causing me to be more embarrassed.

 

UP’s Yu Jimin yung contact name nya dun with a ing heart!

 

Come on!

 

 

“Huy akin na nga yan! Epal ka!”

 

“Grabe bakit pati school kasama, may heart pa.” Tinawanan nya pa ‘ko bago ibalik yung phone ko and gusto ko nalang talaga magpakain bigla sa lupa “Tsaka sabi ko diba, Karina gusto kong tawag sakin.”

 

“Bakit ka ba kasi nangingialam, Jimin?” I gave her the coldest glare na kaya ko pero she looks unbothered. Kainis!

 

“By the day, I know someone in Ateneo. You might become friends.”

 

 

She knows someone from Ateneo?

 

But, I already have Ate Irene naman na kahit hindi ko sure if friends ba talaga kami.

 

Ayoko masyado maraming tao na involved sakin.

 

Besides, yung ipapakilala nya baka hindi sincere sa pakikipagkaibigan sakin. Kaya lang ako i-aaproach because sinabi ni Jimin. Ayoko nun.

 

 

“No need, I already have you.”

 

 

Jimin didn’t respond kaya napatingin ako sa kanya.

 

Wait, is she blushing?

 

She blushed dahil dun?!

 

She’s so cute ahhh.

 

What am I going to do with you?

 

Should I just kidnap you?

 

 

“W-Well, sure ka? Ayaw mo ba ng maraming friends?”

 

“One is enough. Two is already too much.” Like aanhin mo rin naman kasi yung maraming friends? Enough na yung konti but trusthworthy lahat

 

“Okay, loner.” Oo na, alam ko naman!

 

“You talk like you have many friends ha!”

 

“I do.”

 

“Edi wow.”

 

 

Tumawa naman sya dun.

 

Bilis nya namang patawanin, feeling ko tuloy ang funny ko na.

 

While eating, napatingin ako dun sa nakasalang sa grill.

 

Yun na yung inorder nya.

 

 

“What’s yours? Patikim ako!”

 

“Kumuha ka.”

 

“Eh, subuan mo ‘ko!”

 

 

Trust me, kahit ako nagulat dun sa sinabi ko.

 

Tsaka, why the hell did I shout?

 

Napatingin tuloy si Jimin sa paligid namin. Ako naman, walang lakas para tumingin. Sobrang nahihiya ako!

 

Pinush ko nalang kasi mas magiging awkward if babawiin ko.

 

 

“Dali na!!”

 

 

Para namang nahihiya si Jimin but she still gave in. kumuha sya nung isang meat dun sa grill and hinipan muna bago mabilis na isinubo sakin.

 

Wait…

 

Ang sarap?!

 

 

“Bakit mas masarap yung iyo? Gusto ko rin ng ganyan!”

 

“Tawagin mo si kuya, hingi ka ng bulgogi.”

 

“Okay!”

 

 

I excitedly raised my hand to get the attention of the waiters.

 

Lumapit ulit samin yung same guy and I asked for 3 plates of bulgogi. 3 na para hindi na pabalik balik.

 

Nahagip din ng mata ko yung fridge malapit sa counter.

 

Naalala ko tuloy yung nakitang kong tweet.

 

 

“Want ko ng soju. Bili rin ba tayo?”

 

Jimin glared at me, “Gago, may klase pa ‘ko.”

 

 

I still can’t get used hearing Jimin curse.

 

Ang lakas maka-off.

 

But as long as mabuting tao naman si Jimin then I don’t mind kahit palamura sya.

 

 

“Okay, after class mo nalang.”

 

Umiling sya, “Ayoko uminom. Magda-drive ka rin, tanga.”

 

 

Seriously, Jimin..

 

You and your mouth talaga.

 

 

“Edi sa inyo nalang tayo, I’ll sleep over din.” That’s a random yet brilliant idea!

 

“Ha?! Ayoko nga!” Grabe naman makahindi ‘to!

 

“Bakit naman?!” I shouted back kasi bakit naman ako magpapatalo?

 

“Ayaw ng roommate ko na may pinapapunta akong ibang tao sa dorm,” Napataas naman ang kilay ko dun. She has a roommate?! “Tsaka gagabihin ka.”

 

“I’ll talk to your roommate and magpapasundo nalang ako kapag super late na.” I want to meet that roommate of hers. Hindi maganda ang kutob ko

 

“Bakit ang kulit mo?”

 

“Bakit ayaw mo pumayag? Gusto ko lang naman ma-try yung soju!” And I want to meet your roommate! Mas gusto ko nga makita roommate mo kesa uminom ng soju

 

“I don’t want to drink.”

 

“Edi ako mag-isa iinom. Gusto ko lang ng kasama.”

 

 

Jimin sighed and parang may iniisip.

 

Come on! Kanina mo pa ‘ko pinagbibigyan, why not sagarin mo na?

 

 

“Ano nalang, next next week kasi magkikita kami ng mga kaibigan ko sa XYLO, birthday ng isa kong tropa. Club yun kaya pwede ka uminom.”

 

 

With her friends?

 

I don’t remember their faces kasi once ko lang naman nakita but I know na magaganda sila lahat.

 

I want to meet them.

 

I want to try the clubs din dito sa Philippines.

 

Tita used to say na party girl sya nung college and it was one of her best memories nung college sya.

 

I want to experience that too and with Jimin pa.

 

 

“G! I wanna try clubs in PH din!”

 

“Okay then, dun ka nalang uminom.”

 

“No!” Hindi yun ang gusto ko mangyari, “Iba yung sa club and iba yung sa soju.”

 

“Lasinggera ka ba?” I almost laughed kasi seryoso nyang tinanong yan sakin

 

“Of course not, but I want to try soju nga kasi as soon as possible.”

 

Tinaasan nya ako ng kilay and she looked so hot doing that?! “Para namang ikamamatay mo yung hindi pag inom ng soju.”

 

“Natakam kasi ako dun sa mga nakikita ko in tiktok, yung hinahalo yung yakult and soju. It looks good.”

 

 

Hindi ko alam kung pano napapadpad yung sa feed ko pero pinapanood ko pa rin nonetheless kasi na-curious ako.

 

Now, I want to try it na rin.

 

 

“Madali lang gawin yun, call mo ‘ko mamaya tapos gawin mong mag-isa sa unit mo.”

 

“Ayaw ko.” Hindi ko talaga pakakawalan ang chance na makasamang uminom si Jimin nang kaming dalawa lang

 

“Edi wag ka uminom.”

 

“Kainis naman, bakit ba bawal sa dorm nyo?”

 

“Ganun talaga, strict roomie ko.” Now, sobrang nacu-curious tuloy ako sa roommate nyang yan!

 

 

But feel ko hindi talaga sya papayag sa dorm nya.

 

Should I just invite her sa condo?

 

Maybe I should..

 

Tanggalin ko nalang yung pwedeng magpabisto ng identity ko later.

 

Next time na tayo maghaharap, Roommate!

 

 

“Then, how about you come to my condo? Sa blue residences lang ako.”

 

“Di na uy!”

 

 

What? Grabe naman sya maka-hindi!

 

 

“Huy, I don’t like your tone ha. Are you accusing me or something?”

 

She laughed awkwardly, I feel like tama ako ng hula, “Ngayon palang kasi tayo nagkakilala and of course, I’d feel awkward. Baka mamaya criminal ka, ano pa gawin mo sakin.”

 

I scoffed, “I am very offended, Jimin. Kriminal, seriously?”

 

She just gave me a smile and a peace sign, lol akala nya ba tatalag sakin yan? kasi oo, “I’m just joking, pero okay na yung maingat. Can you blame me?”

 

 

She has a point…

 

If our situation’s reversed, hindi rin naman ako sasama sa kanya. Baka tumawag pa ‘ko ng Police.

 

But, I don’t want to let this opportunity go.

 

 

“Hindi mo talaga ako pagbibigyan?”

 

 

I know I’m being dirty for using my cutesy voice and for pouting. No one can resist this one!

 

At hindi exemption si Jimin! Napaiwas sya ng tingin when I did that.

 

 

“Kahit ibigay mo pa sa friends mo yung address ng unit ko, it’s fine. Para if may gagawin ako sayo like what you’re claiming, alam nila kung saan ka pupuntahan.”

 

 

Wait.

 

That’s absurd!

 

Masyado na ba ‘kong desperate?! Why in the world would I give my address sa kanila?!

 

Please, wag ka pumayag.

 

 

“Tanghali tayo mag meet tapos uwi ka rin agad by 6.” Dagdag ko pa. Please lang, Jimin! Hindi ko na alam kung paano ka pa pipilitin if di ka pa rin pumayag dyan!

 

“Tanghali ka iinom?” Medyo natawa pa sya. Hmp.

 

“Of course, I want it at night pero alam kong di ka na papayag.” I’m being considerate of you na oh. Pumayag ka na!

 

“Hmm.”

 

 

Oh my God, kidnapin nalang kaya talaga kita?!

 

 

“Please, Jimin? Mataas naman tolerance ko eh. I won’t do anything stupid.”

 

 

She’s still doubting me and nauubusan na ‘ko ng sasabihin.

 

Ano pa ba pwede kong gawin?

 

Should we just drink sa 7/11 or anywhere basta public place? O kaya sa-

 

 

“Fine. Kita tayo bukas ng 1 and I’ll go home ng 7, makikikain na ‘ko sa unit mo.”

 

 

She finally agreed!

 

 

“Yay!! Thanks, Jimin,”

 

“Karina nga sabi.”

 

“Okay, Jimin.”

 

 

Dapat nya nang itigil yang Karina agenda nya na yan kasi hindi naman ako makikinig sa kanya.

 

 

“And oh, since you’re my friend na pala, may gusto akong malaman mo.”

 

 

Kinabahan naman ako bigla dun.

 

Binitawan ko muna yung chopsticks and gave her my full attention.

 

Ang serious nya.

 

 

“Yung sasabihin ko pwedeng ikalayo mo or pwedeng wala lang sayo. Gusto ko lang sabihin na okay lang kahit na ano yung piliin mo basta comfortable ka.”

 

 

Bakit naman ako lalayo sayo? I’ve waited almost a year for this moment to happen kaya.

 

Kinakabahan talaga ako sa sinasabi nya.

 

Ano bang aaminin mo?

 

I might be delusional pero alam kong hindi sya aamin sakin na gusto nya ‘ko.

 

Pero what if yun nga?!

 

Naramdaman ko yung pag-init ng face ko bigla.

 

Pero.. what if sabihin nyang masamang tao pala sya?

 

Oh my God, what if Jimin killed someone?!

 

O kaya, what if anak sya ng mafia boss?

 

Drug pusher?!

 

 

“G-Go on.” Mas kinakabahan pa ‘ko sa kanya

 

“Okay..” Napahinga sya ng malalim, “I’m actually bi.”

 

“What?”

 

“Bi. Biual, pumapatol sa-“

 

“No, what I mean is yun na yon?”

 

“Huh?” She looked confused, “Oo, yun nay un.”

 

nawala naman yung kabang nararamdaman ko, “Here I thought na serial killer ka or something.”

 

“Huy, grabe ka!”

 

“Mas grabe ka. Dami mo pang intro, yun lang naman pala sasabihin mo.” Tumawa naman sya

 

“You don’t look surprised at all. Kapag umaamin ako na Bi ako, ang daming nagugulat. Hindi daw kasi halata sa ‘kin.”

 

“Kailangan ba halata?”

 

“You have a point.”

 

“Tsaka, duh? Baliw na baliw ka dun sa Myoui Mina, why would I be surprised na nag-out ka?”

 

“Really? Di mo ‘ko lalayuan?” Oh no, why is she looking at me like that? Parang naiiyak

 

“Of course not. Hindi naman nag-iba yung tingin ko sayo.”

 

“Gusto kitang yakapin ngayon.”

 

 

I was taken aback at umiwas ako ng tingin.

 

The heck is she saying in the middle of a serious conversation?!

 

I fanned myself to calm myself down.

 

 

“J-Just eat, will you?”

 

She gave me a wide smile and parang kumakaway sakin yung dimples nya. Cute. “Okay, Winter.”

 

 

---

 

 

Ngayon nalang ata ako nabusog nang sobra after so many years.

 

Lagi kasi naka-monitor yung diet ko and since vegetarian si Tita, puro gulay yung pagkain sa bahay. I feel so unhealthy tuloy kasi lettuce lang yung tanging gulay na nakain ko ta[ps I ate 10 plates of meat and 3 cups of rice pa! Feel ko nag gain ako ng ilang kilos with just one meal. My god.

 

Hindi naman ako nagsisi kasi sobrang sarap lang.

 

Masarap talaga ang bawal.

 

Sinabihan ko si Jimin na stroll muna kami sa mall para naman bumaba yung kinain ko which is definitely not a good choice.

 

Nakalimutan kong naka-heels pala ako and it’s starting to hurt already.

 

1st floor palang yung naiikot namin pero nararamdaman ko na talaga.

 

Bumabagal na rin yung paglalakad ko and napapansin na yun ni Jimin.

 

Oh no, baka umuwi kami bigla.

 

I’ve heard her sigh tapos hinila nya ako sa isang boutique.

 

Sole Academy

 

The boutique name says it all.

 

 

“Upo ka muna dun and pahiram ng card mo.”

 

 

Oh, gusto nya bumili ng shoes? Buti naman at hindi sya nahihiyang humingi sakin ng money.

 

I opened my bag and took my wallet kung nasaan yung cards ko.

 

 

“Hmm? You want to buy shoes? Sige lang, buy whatever you want.” And I gave her my personal credit card

 

 

Umupo na ‘ko dun sa tinuro nya.