Kalsada
Along KatipunanWinter’s POV 3
Kalsada'y Tahanan
Tuwing Ika'y kasama
*stan munimuni*
Hindi mawala yung kaba sa puso ko.
Hindi ko alam kung ano yung sasabihin ni Ate Irene, hindi ko alam kung ano yung alam nya.
Basta kilala nya si Karina—I mean si Jimin, at hindi ko gusto yung niya ngayon.
She looked so bothered.
Niyaya ko sya sa loob ng kotse para may privacy kami.
Kanina pa kami nasa loob, I think 5 minutes na but she’s still lost in her thoughts at hindi nagsasalita.
“Ate, did you visit your—“
“Do you like Karina?” wala talagang intro intro lang man
“Ate—“
“Answer me. Yung totoo.”
I bit my lips and nodded my head, “I do.”
“Then, paano mo nakilala si Karina?”
What should I say? Yung totoo ba?
“It was a coincidence, Ate. Nakilala ko sya sa Vinzons last week. Nag jogging kasi ako and I met her dun.”
She didn’t say anything at tinignan ako.
She’s examining me.
It’s not like she have super powers para malaman na nagsisinungaling ako, diba?
Ate Irene sighed, “You’re lying, Winter.”
Hindi ako na-respond.
How did she know?!
“Sinabi mo sakin na kilala mo na siya noon pa, family friend.”
“I didn’t say na si Karina yun.” I tried to reason out
“Pero inamin mo sakin kanina na gusto mo si Karina. Hindi naman pwedeng nag-iba nalang yung gusto mo just because you’ve met her.”
Stupid, sobra!
Ang tanga tanga.
If nasa korte siguro kami, guilty na agad ako.
“You also told me na kilala mo ang Mama nya. You know Tita Soyeon? Wait nga.”
Tinignan ko lang si Ate Irene at parang every second, pagulat sya nang pagulat sa kung ano mang naiisip niya.
She looked at me with her eyes wide open and her hand covering .
“Mendoza.. you’re a Mendoza.. Tita Soyeon works for the Mendozas..” Napalunok ako. Alam ko na kung saan ‘to papunta, “Scholar ng parents mo si Karina. Oh my God, bakit hindi ko agad na-realize?!”
She connected the dots na agad even with just a few clues.
Hindi ko maiwasang matakot and at the same time, ma-amaze.
Wala ka talagang hindi pwedeng maitago kay Ate Irene, para bang lahat ng sinabi mo kahit na random pa pwede nya mahanapan ng butas.
“You’re right, Ate.”
“Winter, alam mo ba ‘tong pinapasok mo? Alam ba ni Karina? Wait—kung alam nya, I’m sure hindi sya papayag. Anong ginawa mo, Winter? Anong ginagawa niyo?”
Parang gusto kong umiyak.
Hindi ko alam pero all of a sudden, bigla kong na-regret lahat nung ginawa ko.
Ano nga ba ‘tong ginawa mo, Winter?
I’m fooling Jimin and at the same time, pinapasok ko sya sa gulong hindi ko alam kung ano ang kahahantungan.
“Winter, answer me! Anong sinabi mo kay Karina?”
I bit my lip, “Wala.”
“Anong wala? Hindi pwedeng wala, Winter.”
“Ate believe me, wala talaga akong sinabi.” I insisted, “Hindi ko naman naitago sa kanya na Mendoza ako.”
“But?”
“But.. hindi nya alam na I’m from that family.”
“And hindi ka niya nakilala? Do you expect me to believe all these?”
Tumango ako, “I can’t tell you about my family situation Ate but all I can say is hindi naman kasi ako nababanggit sa bahay and yung kapatid ko.. Si Yuna ano..”
Pano ko ba ieexplain na ginagago ako ni Yuna at ayaw talaga ipasabi yung name ko?
“Basta, hindi nya ‘ko tinatawag sa name ko because of some childish reasons.”
“Okay..?”
We were enveloped in silence once again.
Nakabukas naman yung aircon pero parang pinagpapawisan ata ako.
Grabe yung pressure!
“So, kailan mo balak sabihin kay Karina yung totoo?”
The million-dollar question.
“Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam kung kalian. I-I’m just enjoying what we have right now.”
There’s no point in lying sa harap ni Ate Irene.
“Karina hates liars and she greatly appreciates those who can be honest with her. Kung mas patatagalin mo pa, mas masasaktan lang kayong dalawa.”
“I know that.”
Pero hindi ko pa ata kayang sabihin.
Not when this once in a lifetime opportunity is in front of me.
I heard Ate Irene sigh. I don’t now if it’s because of disappointment or she’s just tired already.
Maybe both.
“So, what’s your plan?”
“Plan po saan?”
“Kay Karina, duh. Hanggang kailan ka magiging ganito? Aabot ba kayo sa jowaan stage or what?”
I blushed, “Of course I want to..”
“But you do know na kapag nalaman ni Rina ang totoo, she’ll leave you agad.”
I nodded my head, “I know that.”
“Then why bother? Mas masasaktan lang siya, Winter. You too”
I know that too.
“Pero Ate, can’t I just be selfish kahit ngayon?” I pleaded almost desperately
“Huh?”
“I just want to be by her side, Ate. That’s all. I want to be with her normally. Hindi bilang Mendoza.”
“Pero masasaktan lang kayong dalawa sa ginagawa mo.” Pag-uulit niya
“But I’m happy,” I replied “I’m confident that I can make her happy too.”
Ate Irene sighed for the nth time this day.
Hindi niya na ata alam ang gagawin.
It’s my first time to be this stubborn sa kanya.
Its just that.. hindi ko kakayaning mawala ulit si Jimin sakin not when she’s within my reach.
I knew na kahit hinahabol kami ng oras, I can still enjoy every second of it bago may mangyaring hindi maganda.
Oras talaga ang mortal enemy namin sa mundo na ‘to.
“You know what,” Napatingin ako kay Ate Irene who’s still looking outside, “Gusto kong sabihin agad kay Karina yung totoo kahit na ano pa yung reason mo but seeing you like this na para kang batang inagawan ng candy, parang hindi ko kaya.”
“Anong parang batang inagawan ng candy? Grabe ka, Ate!”
Tinignan nya ako at tumawa, “You’re being like that right now.”
“Hindi ako bata.”
“Yeah right, pumapag-ibig ka na nga eh.”
I felt my cheeks heating up.
Ba yan si Ate, seryoso knaina tapos biglang nang-aasar na ngayon.
“I can see that your feelings for Karina are genuine naman and wala ka namang masamang intention sa kanya. Well, bukod sa possible mong masaktan yung feelings nya once na malaman nya ‘to lahat.”
Bumalik na naman yung sakit sa puso ko.
Hindi ko kayang saktan si Jimin.
Mas hindi ko ata kakayanin pag nawalan sya ng tiwala sakin.
Pero that’s bound to happen the moment I chose to do this.
Kaya nga sinusulit ko yung oras ko kasama siya.
“Karina is like a sister to me. We used to talk all the time, and she’s the sweetest and the most caring girl I’ve met ever. Wag mo nalang sabihin sa jowa ko.” Natawa kami pareho. I know she’s just joking, “Wala syang kapatid kaya she sees me as her older sister and because of that, I am naturally protective sa kanya.”
“I can understand that.”
“Kaya naman just promise me one thing.”
Did she just say promise?
“No need to be surprised. Malaki tiwala ko sayo kaya naman I’m confident na hindi mo sisirain yung trust ko.”
It made me gulp.
It’s a big deal for her kaya.
It’s just a word but it weighs so much.
“I hope this will be the last thing na itatago mo sa kanya. Yung pagtatago mo sa kanya ng totoo, I know it’s just a white lie but it’s still a lie, Winter. Masakit pa rin yan kapag nalaman nya.”
“Yes po.”
“If you want to stay by her side, promise me that you’ll be honest and you’ll take care of her. Wag na wag ka na ulit magtatago sa kanya. Yung background mo lang ang itatago mo sa kanya and other than that, sana maging honest ka all the time sa kanya.”
Kahit hindi ibilin ni Ate Irene, that’s what I’ll do naman.
“I promise.”
Ate Irene smiled, “Then, I hope yung sunod mong iisipin is kung kailan mo balak sabihin kay Karina yung totoo. Wag mo na patagalin ng isang lingo, Winter. Hindi mo alam kung kailan makakarating yung balita sa parents mo. I’ve only met them twice but I know na hindi nila magugustuhan yan.”
I nodded naman.
I know that better than anyone else.
Kaya nga hindi ko maiwasang matakot at mag doubt kung tama ba talaga tong ginagawa ko.
1 week..
I must do it this week.
Let’s just tell her the truth.
If mag stay sya even after that then nice?
If hindi, edi iyak?
Kailangan ko mag-ready sa kahit na anong outcome nito.
“Oh, and finals week na. Yun muna isipin mo bago yan. Know your priorities, Winter.” I nodded my head obediently
“Noted, Ate.”
Nag stay pa si Ate Irene with me for a few minutes bago sya nagpaalam.
Nakalimutan nya na daw yung girlfriend nyang kanina pa sya hinihintay sa may Sunken.
Nagpark lang daw kasi sya and sakto nakita nya kami ni Jimin kaya ayun, that explains everything.
I finally remembered her girlfriend’s name.
It’s Seulgi.
I’ll probably see her soon through Jimin and Ate Irene.
I’m really curious kung anong klaseng tao ba sya at pano nya nakuha ang loob ng isang Irene Bautista.
Tsaka, she’s Jimin’s friend.
I may not like interacting with other people pero curious ako sa circle of friends ni Jimin.
Let’s say na inggit din ako kasi Yuna’s close to them.
I want to know them too!
They're probably as kind as Jimin
-----
I did say na hindi muna kami magkikita ni Jimin but hindi naman ibigsabihin nun na hindi na kami pwedeng mag-usap sa phone.
I text her on a daily basis, kahit na ang tagal tagal nya mag-reply.
It’s not like minamadali ko rin siya.
Busy kasi siya sa umaga since focused sya sa classes but hey, wala na bang break yan? It’s not like tuloy-tuloy yang classes nya para hindi ako ma-replyan kahit emoji lang.
But she does reply to me kapag tapos na lahat classes nya which is kadalasan hapon na.
Pwede na rin siguro.
Sometimes, we video call each other pa nga habang naglalakad sya papunta sa Vinzons kung saan sya kakain.
Pimapagalitan ko nga minsan kasi ayan na naman siya sa araw araw niyang pancit canton pero hindi naman siya nakikinig.
I’ll make sure na ilibre siya sa magandang restaurant next time.
That was our routine kaya hindi ko naman gaanong na-miss si Jimin.
It’s now 7PM and kakatapos ko lang maligo and I’m preparing what I’ll eat ngayong gabi.
I already messaged Jimin na kumain na kami.
Oh isa pala to sa nilu-look forward ko everytime na magkausap kami.
Yung video call while eating para mukhang kasama ko pa rin sya.
Syempre, ginagamit ko yung linyahan nya before na malungkot kumain mag-isa kaya pinagbigyan nya ako.
I feel so evil for doing that but hello nalang siguro kay Satanas.
We’ve been doing this for days na rin and hindi naman sya nagrereklamo.
I’m more than happy with this set up.
But today’s kind of different.
From: Jimin <3
Sorry, may tatapusin pa akong papers.
To: Jimin <3
Eat first, Jimin. That can wait naman
From: Jimin <3
Need ko na kasi ipasa ‘to
From: Jimin <3
Pwede ka namang mauna na kumain kung gusto mo
To: Jimin <3
Nope, I’ll wait for you
From: Jimin <3
Bahala ka nga
---
I did wait.
Pero hindi ko naman aakalaing ganun katagal!
Tiniis ko yung gutom ko but around 8:30, hindi ko na kinaya kaya kumuha nalang ako ng chocolates sa ref para kahit papano magkaroon ako ng energy.
What the hell is she doing ba? Research paper ba yan at ganun katagal?
Pinigilan ko yung sarili ko na i-message sya kasi I don’t want to bother her kasi baka mas tumagal lang siya and ma-distract ko pa.
I just know that she will message me kapag natapos na sya.
Kaya I waited, hanggang 11.
Nakatulog pa nga ako while waiting!
Anong oras na, hindi pa kumakain si Jimin kaya I messaged her na.
I’m worried, nalipasan na sya ng gutom.
She’s overworking herself, hindi na ‘to normal.
To: Jimin <3
Jimin, you still not done yet? Kain na muna tayo, you might get sick
It didn’t take long until my phone rang and may incoming call from Jimin.
I answered it.
“Jimi—“
“Tanga ka ba?!”
Napalayo ako ng phone sa ears ko. Why is she shouting?
“Who are you calling tanga? I am not!” Sigaw ko pabalik
“If hindi, bakit hindi ka pa kumakain?! Anong oras na oh! If you have the time to worry about me, sana ganun ka rin sa sarili mo!”
“…I am worrying about myself naman.” I suddenly felt small with the presence of angry Jimin
“Sure ka? If you’re worrying about yourself, bakit hindi ka pa kumain?” Thank God, kumalma na siya kahit konti
“I’m waiting for you. Diba, sabay tayo? I don’t want to eat alone.”
Hindi nagsalita si Jimin and I had to double check pa if she’s there.
Ongoing pa naman yung call.
I heard her sigh, “Bakit hindi mo ‘ko minessage?”
“You’re busy and I don’t want to bother you.”
“Still!” Why is she angry again? Hindi ba dapat ako ang magalit dito? “One message won’t bother me naman. Ano ba yan, Winter.”
“Don’t be mad na.”
“I am not mad, I’m just worried.” Pwede bang kiligin?
Hindi ko na pinigilan yung ngiti ko kasi only I can see it, “You don’t have to, kumain naman ako ng chocolates kanina.”
“Chocolates lang? Hindi enough.”
“I know, but I want to wait for you nga kasi.”
“So stubborn.”
“Not as stubborn as you.”
“Give me 5 minutes, magluluto lang ako.”
“Okay, Jimin.”
---
“I’m really sorry, pinaghintay pa kita.”
I shook my head, “It’s okay. Busy ka, anong magagawa ko?”
Nakita kong napaiwas siya ng tingin, she looks kind of guilty?? “But next time, please kumain ka na ha? Wag kang magpapalipas ng gutom.”
“Same goes for you.”
“Yeah, right.”
We’re now video calling each other and did I mention na kahit medyo magulo ang buhok ni Jimin at halatang inaantok na, she’s still the prettiest girl I have ever seen?
Parang walang kahit na ano ang pwedeng makabawas sa ganda ni Jimin.
“So how was your day?” tanong nya while drinking her 5th coffee of the day daw
“Fine. Puro minors lang naman yung exam today and I think I aced it naman.”
“Nice. You did well.”
I blushed at that compliment.
Seriously, only Jimin and my family can make me flustered like this.
“T-Thanks. How about you?”
“I think okay naman. Not sure if I aced it kasi meron akong mga hindi siguradong answers but hindi naman ako babagsak.”
She’s just being humble, feeling ko.
Of course, she’ll ace it.
Baka Yu Jimin yan.
“So, what are your plans after exam? Tapos na rin yung school year nun.” I asked
“Baka sa holy week and birthday ko pumunta kami sa kung saan.” Her birthday.. next month na nga yun
“Yun lang?”
She nodded, “Balik training na ulit.”
Oh, for cheerdance.
“Pep squad member ka nga pala.”
“Yup! Support us ha.”
Of course I will but let me tease this cutie for a while, “Atenean ako, why would I cheer sa rival school?”
“Maiintindihan naman nila yun. Hindi masyado magaling ang Ateneo sa cheerdance.” Jimin?!?!?
“Huy, ang bad mo.”
Tatawa-tawa siyang umiling, “Hindi ah! Sinasabi ko lang yung totoo.”
“Kahit na.”
“Ateneo excels in other sports naman, wag kanga no dyan. Sadyang yung Blue Babble Battalion nyo medyo hmm. Alam mo na.”
Hindi ko alam talaga pero I just can’t sit here and tanggapin ang pang-iinsulto niya sa univ ko!
“I can’t accept this slander!”
“Totoo nga! Kahit kaya yung mga students ng univ nyo di rin naman sinusuportahan masyado yun. If meron man, busy sila sa laptop nila like last year kasi midterms week nila.” What?
“They’re watching a cheerdance competition tapos nakafocus sa laptops nila?”
“Yup! Kaya nga kahit kami natatawa eh. But kudos ha, kasi pinili pa rin nila mag support kahit na midterms exam sa inyo.”
“Baka Ateneans yan.” Finally, something na ipagmamayabang ko
“Sus, sure naman akong hindi mo sila pinanood.”
Malay ko ba na lumalaban din kami dun.
“This upcoming season nalang since you’re there.”
“Mag-maroon ka?”
“Of course not! I’ll still support Ateneo.” But I’ll root for you
“Edi okay. Parang others naman ‘to.”
Natawa naman ako kasi she’s sulking.
“Alangan namang piliin kita kesa sa univ ko, diba?” I’m just teasing her but we all know kaya ko namang gawin talga yun
“Oo na. Good luck nalang sa Blue Babble Battalion nyo. Sabihin mo galingan naman nila para hindi lang UST, Adamson and NU kalaban namin. Even La Salle is stepping up their game.”
“Ang yabang!!”
There are times na super yabang ni Jimin but I know that’s just her confidence speaking, and her humor.
Mayabang siya kasi may ipagmamayabang siya.
“I was just kidding!” Natatawa nyang tugon, “Kahit naman medyo bokya kayo sa CDC, kayo pa rin champion sa ibang sports.”
“Nice to know na alam mo.” Ako kasi hindi ko alam. I don’t watch sports that much
“Kaya kapag volleyball season na, libre mo ‘ko tickets pag Battle of the Katipunan or Battle of the Rivals ha?”
“Battle of the what?” Para namang may war or something
“Wala, basta nood tayo volleyball kako pag Volleyball season na.”
“Sure, let’s do whatever you want.”
Halos sabay lang kami natapos kumain and even after that, hindi pa naming ineend yung call.
I’m now watching her wash the dishes like it was the most interesting thing in the world.
I looked at her calm face through the screen at bumalik yung takot sa puso ko.
Whenever I see her like this, napapaisip ako.
Hanggang kailan ko ba siya makakasama ng ganito?
Yung payapa at masaya?
“Jimin.” I called for her
“Yes?”
“Question lang, a hypothetical question.”
“Kinabahan naman ako bigla. Ano yun” Nilagay niya na sa dish dryer yung nahugasan nyang plates
“Let’s say na may aminin ako sayo na pwede mong ikagalit, anong gagawin mo?”
“Sayo na nga nanggaling na pwede kong ikagalit. Syempre, magagalit ako.” Oo nga naman diba
“Papakinggan mo pa rin ba yung side ko kahit ganun?”
Hindi agad siya sumagot at parang inisipnmuna mabuti yung sasabihin niya.
Kinuha niya yung phone niyang nakapatong sa gilid ng sink at nakita kobsiyang pumunta sa living room nila ata yan?
“Oo naman. Hindi naman kasi ako madalas magalit and gusto ko lagi may basis yung galit ko. Bago siguro muna ako magwala, kakausapin muna kita.”
“Okay..”
“If may gusto kang sabihin sakin, sabihin mo na. I’ll try my best na intindihin ka.”
Gusto ko namang maiyak dun.
Gustong-gusto ko na aminin para mawala yung guilt sa puso ko.
But yung pagiging selfish ko ang nangingibabaw.
Hindi pa ako ready i-let go yung kung ano man yung meron kami.
Can’t I just be selfish kahit ngayon lang? Pwede ko bang piliin naman yung happiness ko kahit sa limited time na meron kami?
“Gusto ko lang sabihin na ang kalat mo kumain.”
Jimin dramatically gasped, “Hindi ah!”
“Oo kaya. Para kang bata.”
“Hindi kaya, hmp.”
Look at how cute she is.
Pano ko siya magagawang pakawalan?
“Pero Jimin,”
“What?”
“Kapag dumating yung time na may magawa ako sayong hindi maganda, sana hindi mo makalimutan yung memories natin together nung okay pa tayo.”
“Kinakabahan ako sa mga sinasabi mo, Winter ha. Lasing ka ba?” Natatawa niyang tanong but I kept my serious face
“Baliw, I’m not. Just don’t ever forget it ha?”
“Okay, weirdo. May tiwala naman ako na hindi mo ‘ko sasaktan.”
I wanted to be happy dahil malaki ang tiwala sakin ni Jimin.
But I know one day, masisira ko yan.
Sana hindi na dumating ang araw na yun. Please lang.
Hindi ko kakayaning makita na magagalit sakin si Jimin.
----
I finally finished all of my exams and I was beyond drained. Hindi na nagfu-function ang utak ko.
I know I did well but kapalit naman nun is sleepless nights and countless of coffees to help me stay awake.
Kaya kahit na tapos na yung exams ko and I have the time to sleep, I still can’t dahil nga sa coffee.
I haven’t eaten pa nga.
Ate Irene still has exams pa kasi mamayang 2 and nauna na syang kumain sakin kanina para daw makapag-study pa sya.
It’s 12:30 already and medyo timatamad ako magluto.
Right, I still have instant noodles. Yun nalang siguro.
Pancit canton with egg is a good combination kaya yun nalang ang kakainin ko. Since I kinda miss eating this sa Vinzons.
Pinilit kong tumayo sa bed ko kahit sobrang tinatamad ako at pumunta sa kitchen.
Just like Ate Irene, si Jimin may remaining exams pa.
Where’s my phone? I need to message her good luck nga pala.
To: Jimin <3
Jimin, good luck sa exa-
Hindi ko na natapos yung pag type nung biglang may incoming call from Yuna.
I answered it muna.
“Hello, Ate!” Masigla niyang bati sakin
“Yes? Napatawag ka?”
“Tapos na exams mo, diba?”
“Yup, kakauwi ko nga lang actually.”
“Perfect. Lunch out tayo?”
Napatigil yung pagbukas ko ng noodles.
“Where do you want to eat?”
“The Alley?”
“Saang branch?”
“UP Town, of course!”
“Hindi ba masyadong malayo sa school niyo yan?”
“We don’t have classes today and I’m like 5 minutes away from your condo na.”
What the hell.
Masyado naman siyang namimigla.
“Okay? I’ll prepare muna. Akyat ka nalang, you know the passcode already.”
“Yes, Ate. I’ll see you in a few minutes!!”
“Hmm, ingat kayo.”
“Alrighty.”
----
“Ate, how was your exams?”
I sighed, “Tiring and stressful.”
“But I’m sure you aced it.” Sabi pa ni Yuna
“Not really aced it, but hindi naman bagsak.” Pa-humble ko
Yuna smirked, “You aced it nga.”
“Ewan ko sayo.”
I know I did well, ayoko lang batiin.
Medyo nahihiya rin ako magyabang sa taong alam kong mas magaling sakin.
Although alam kong hindi naman ganun si Yuna mag-isip pero basta, ako yung may problem!
“How about you? Wait, forget that I asked, alam ko namang never kang magkakaroon ng B na grade.”
“Wala pa yung final grades namin but yeah, I think puro A+ naman yun.”
What do I expect sa kapatid kong napakatalino?
“How about sa review center mo, how is that going?” I asked before eating my tempura
“Fine naman. Meron akong review mamayang 3, dumaan lang talaga ako dito to hang out with you.”
I looked at her worriedly, “Sana ipinahinga mo na lang. Alam ko namang stressed ka.”
“I am resting. I’m with my Ate kaya.”
I couldn’t help but smile at that.
“Ikaw bahala.”
“May napansin din pala ako, Ate.” Nilapag ni Yuna yung fork na hawak niya and gave me her full attention
“What is it?” Tanong ko while twirling my fork sa seafood pasta. This one’s so good
“You look happier. Are you dating someone?”
Kakasubo ko pa lang nung pasta when I suddenly choked because of her question. I reached for my iced tea at uminom muna.
“I’m not!”
“But your reaction says otherwise.” Pang-aasar nya pa
“I’m not dating anyone nga.” I’m not dating Jimin yet.
“Then, explain to me why you’re glowing?”
Glowing? What does she mean by that?
“Nag-iba ako ng skin care routine.”
Bigla namang tumawa ‘tong kapatid ko, “Ate naman, hindi yun ang ibig kong sabihin!”
“Hindi ba? If not, then pano ako maglo-glow?”
“Gosh, my Ate is innocent nga pala. My ‘cute little no jowa since birth’ Ate.”
Medyo na-offend ako dun.
Una, tinawag niya akong little.
Pangalawa, tinawag niya akong no jowa since birth.
Unacceptable!
“I’m single by choice!” Pagde-defend ko sa sarili ko “And you’re acting like may naging jowa ka na. We’re just the same.”
“Same? Di mo sure.”
My eyes widened at her sudden revelation, “Yuna, hindi nga? Are you dating someone?!”
“Huy, Ate don’t shout. Ang daming tao!”
As if may pake ako sa kanila! My sister’s dating someone!
Sino ang bwisit na nakakuha sa loob ng kapatid ko?!
“Are you dating someone?” Pag-uulit ko ng tanong
Umiwas sya ng tingin, “I used to date someone.”
“Yuna!”
“Ate, don’t shout nga! Nakakahiya ka!”
“You’re shouting at me too!”
“Kasi sinisigawan mo ‘ko!!”
Sinasaway niya ko na wag sumigaw but she’s shouting too rin naman.
Bakit ako magpapatalo?
“Ate, calm down.”
“How can I calm down? My precious little sister used to date someone tapos hindi ko pa alam?”
“I was shy eh.” My sister is shy?? Hindi siya ‘to! “Tsaka, I knew naman na mabilisan lang yun.”
“Where is he from?”
“He?” Natatawang tanong ni Yuna, “Basta, from Brent din.”
“From Brent!” I exclaimed “Edi family friend natin?”
“Hmm, maybe.” Yuna playfully answered
“Yuna!”
I’m curious super na dito tapos parang inaasar pa ko ng kapatid ko.
“Oo, family friend nga. Geez, you’re so pushy. Why are you invested din ba super sa love life ko?”
“Because wala ako nun.”
Bigla namang tumawa si Yuna kaya napairap ako, “Oh, sorry for laughing.”
“Whatever. So tumagal kayo?”
Umiling siya, “Nah, 2 weeks lang.”
“2 weeks? Ang bilis nga.” (A/N: kamusta naman ang 1 day relationship niyo?)
“Told you, kaya feel ko hindi naman na need i-kwento pa.”
So, is that like a fling or something lang? Kasi ang bilis.
Tapos parang hindi naman gaano affected si Yuna.
“Are you friends with that person up to now?”
“Of course not. I believe in the saying na hindi mo kailangan makipag-kaibigan sa ex mo.”
May ganun?? Akala ko it’s completely normal to be friends with your ex bilang closure.
“Really? Why is that?”
“Feel ko lang hindi ko na sya makikita as friend since I’ve looked at her in a romantic way na. I’ll probably see her as that kahit na wala na kami.”
“Ganun ba yun?”
Wait, I realized something.
“Her? Babae?!”
----
Kakatapos ko lang ihatid si Yuna dun sa review center nya and I still can’t get over the fact na babae yung dinate nya before.
Naisip ko bigla yung parents namin.
Just what will their reactions be pag nalaman nilang babae yung nagustuhan namin?
But Yuna told me naman na she’s just curious and the girl she dated is just too kind and good with everything kaya na-fall sya. She even thinks na baka admiration lang talaga yun or infatuation.
But it was a short time thing lang daw talaga kaya hindi nya na confirm kung ano ba yung na feel nya sa girl.
Yep. Hindi nya pa rin minemention sakin kung sino ba yun. Bahala sya, malalaman ko rin lahat yun.
But you know, nung narinig ko yun kay Yuna, napaisip ako.
What if curious lang din pala ako kay Jimin? What if sobrang inadmire ko lang yung galing nya and I mistook it for something more?
I need a confirmation or something.
But let me sleep for an hour at least, I’m so tired.
Hindi ko kinakaya ang mga kaganapan ngayong araw.
-----
It’s already almost 5 nung naalimpungatan ako.
I don’t know why but it’s harder to fall asleep talaga when you’re drained. Parang nakapikit ka lang kaya naman mas masakit sa ulo when you open your eyes.
Tapos na yung exams ni Jimin.
I should call her.
Diniall ko yung number niya ang it’s ringing naman pero hindi niya sinasagot.
Baka nasa CR.
I tried it again after 3 minutes.
Di pa rin sinasagot.
What the hell is she doing?
Tinry ko nang tinry hanggang sa matapos ko na kaninin yung tinake out kong beef quesadilla sa silantro.
Naka-silent ba phone nito?
I’m starting to get worried na rin ng slight.
Hindi naman siguro siya hinimatay dahil sa sobrang hirap nung exam no?
Alright, one last call at pag hindi niya pa ‘to sinagot talagang itatanong ko kila Mommy kung saan ba siya nagdodorm.
Magrarason nalang ako ng kung ano.
It took her 5 rings bago sagutin.
Sa wakas!!
“Hello?”
“What do you mean hello? I called you hundreds of times already! Akala ko ba tapos na exams mo? Are you still that busy?” Sunod sunod kong tanong sa kanya
“Ah, sorry. Naaliw kasi ako dun sa nilalaro ko.” Wow! She ignored me for a ing game! “Bakit ka ba napatawag?”
“Well, tapos na rin kasi exams ko ngayon. I have free time na.” I hinted
“Edi magpahinga ka na. You did well this week.”
Grabe, sobrang na-speechless ako.
Ang manhid lang?!
“Winter?”
“You really can’t take a hint, no?”
“What hint? Naglalaro ba tayo?”
Oh lord.
Parang ang sarap nalang iumpog nung ulo ko sa table.
Na-damage ba utak niya dahil sa exams?
“My god, it feels like I’m talking to a wall.” Reklamo ko, “Sabi ko free na ‘ko, kaya why don’t we hang out? Gosh, Jimin dapat ganun yung sinabi mo.”
She giggled from the other line, “Ay sorry naman, di ko alam.”
“Stupid.” My stupid
“Sa buong buhay ko, never ako natawag na stupid ng ganyan karaming beses.”
Napataas ako ng kilay.
They can’t call you that, baka makipag-away pa ‘ko sa kanila.
“Because they’re stupid too.”
“Then, saan mo gusto pumunta?” Pang-iiba niya ng usapan and she finally asked the most important question
“I heard from my schoolmates nung kumakain ako sa jsec na pupunta sila sa ocean park. I searched it and it looks decent.”
Actually, si Ate Irene lang yung nag-recommend niyan kasi dyan yung huli nilang date nung girlfriend niya.
Nainggit ako kasi ang cute ng pictures nila dun.
“Okay, ingat ka papunta.”
Parang gusto ko nalang itaob yung table dahil sa frustrations.
“Anong ingat ka dyan? You’re coming with me!”
“Bakit sa ocean park? Ang pangit pangit dun.” Angal niya
“Hindi ko pa napupuntahan so let me be the judge of it. Wag mo ‘kong pangunahan.” Besides, an aquarium date sounds romantic
“Wala akong choice diba?”
I chuckled, “Good to know na alam mo na yung situation mo.”
“Abuso ka kasi.” Nagpapaabuso ka naman? “Kailan mo ba gusto pumunta dun?”
I want it to be tomorrow na agad. I don’t want to waste any more time.
Napatingin ako sa clock.
Mga anong oras nga ba?
Ayoko naman ng masyadong maaga and ayaw ko rin ng masyadong late.
Hmm.
“Tomorrow, 1 in the afternoon?” I suggested
“Okay. Same meeting place?”
“Of course, unless gusto mo ‘ko puntahan sa condo?”
“No need. Baka tamarin na tayo umalis.”
Oh, she remembers.
Nabanggit ko sa kanya before na I usually stay at our house lang dun sa Switzerland since nakakatamad umalis.
Lagi kong iniisip na matagal pa naman akong titira dun hanggang sa tumanda na ako and eventually bumalik sa Philippines.
Puro ganun kaya wala akong napuntahan.
“You have a point.”
“Ikaw lang naman ang pointless dito.” Sagot pa niya at napairap nalang ako.
“Shut up, Jimin. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Okay, see you.”
Now, let’s prepare what I’ll wear for tomorrow.
---
“Winter?”
“What is it?”
I was about to sleep na when Jimin called me.
“Okay lang ba na i-move muna natin sa ibang araw yung ocean park natin?”
“Huh? Why?” Napabangon ako sa bed ko tuloy
“Eh kasi, hindi ako makahindi sa mga kaibigan ko. pinilit nila ako na sumama nalang sa kanila sa star city.”
“Oh..”
“Sa circle of friends kasi naming kapag majority is free, pipilitin naming matuloy yung gala. Lagi namang ganun yun but believe me, I tried to convince them naman na next time nalang pero hindi sila nagpatinag.”
Napangiti naman ako dun.
So tinry niya naman pala ipilit yung samin but sadyang wala siyang laban dun sa mga kaibigan niya.
“Edi okay. Go and enjoy it with your friends nalang. We can set another date for the ocean park.”
“Really? Thank you.”
Hindi sa pag-aassume ka pero yung conversation namin ngayon is parang magjowa.
Kinikilig ako.
“Ano nalang since it’s been a while since gumala tayo, isasama nalang kita dun.”
“Huh? Bakit? Hindi ba bonding niyo yun magkakaibigan?”
“They don’t mind naman and gusto ka rin nila makilala.”
“Hala.”
Nahiya naman ako bigla.
Bakit naman nila ako gusto makilala?
“If ayaw mo, okay lang naman. Pwede ko naman sabihin sa kanila.”
I shook my head kahit na hindi naman niya ako nakikita, “No, no! it’s okay. Nabigla lang ako.”
“Really? Basta hindi kita pinipilit ha.”
“Yes,” I reassured, “So what time tayo?”
“Around 9.”
“Okay.”
“Okay. Good night, Winter.”
“Good night, Jimin.”
I ended the call at napahiga ulit.
I’m meeting her friends.
I can’t remember their faces na but I do remember being astonished with how pretty they all look like.
Para silang mga model lahat and artista.
Sandali nga, speaking of friends niya..
Ate Irene’s girlfriend, Seulgi, is Jimin’s friend!
Hindi malabo na isasama ni Seulgi si Ate Irene bukas!
Please, sana gising pa si Ate Irene.
I dialled her number and 3 rings lang ay sinagot na agad.
“Ate Irene!”
“Aray ha.” Hindi ko nakita pero alam kong napalayo siya ng phone sa ears niya, “What happened?”
“Ay sorry, pero kasi emergency!”
“What?! Anong nangyari sayo?! Tumawag ka na bas a police? Sa ambulance? Should I call your parents?!” Ate Irene was panicking and ang ingay sa background niya parang may hinahalungkat siya
“Wait, Ate! Calm down.”
“How can I calm down?! Sabi mo may emergency!” may narinig ako na parang metal. Don’t tell me baril yan?!
“But wala namang nangyari saking masama.” Agad kong sinabi kasi kinabahan na ako
“Really? Thank God.” I heard her sigh of relief, “So, what’s the emergency, Win?”
“Ate, will you go with your jowa bukas sa star city?”
“Huh? How did you know?” Sabi na nga ba
“Ate, Jimin will bring me there.”
“What? Isasama ka ni Karina?” Ate Irene clarified
“Yes, Ate. Kasi meron kaming alis bukas dapat but then hindi niya mahindian yung friends niya because they cornered her.”
She hummed, “I see. Ganun silang magkakaibigan eh, if free majority talaga pipilitin makasama lahat.”
“She mentioned that nga rin..”
“So, what’s the issue?”
“Ano, can we pretend like we don’t know each other?”
Hindi sumagot si Ate Irene and akala ko pa nga inend niya na yung call.
“So, hindi mo pa rin pala sinasabi kay Karina?”
I feel guilty, “..No pa rin.”
“Napagkasunduan natin na sasabihin mo this week, Winter.”
“Ate, hindi ako makahanap ng chance.”
The other went silent and tanging heartbeat ko lang ang naririnig ko.
Kinakabahan ako.
“Okay, fine. Basta, paalala ko lang na kapag mas pinatagal mo, mas mahihirapan ka sabihin. Better say it early, Winter.”
“Yes Ate.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow. Galingan mo umarte.”
I finally smiled, “Okay! I’ll see you tomorrow, Ate!”
---
Sinundo ako ni Kuya driver namin sa condo gamit yung bagong Royce nila Mommy.
In my defense ha, hindi ko naman alam na Royce yung dadalhin ni Kuya! It’s too flashy kaya. Kahit ako medyo na-ooverwhelm pag yan ang gamit.
Ang sabi ko lang pahiram ng kahit na anong kotse sa garage para ihatid and isundo ako sa star city para hindi hassle.
Hindi naman ako aware na Royce ang dinala ni Kuya!
Pinagtinginan tuloy ako kanina dun sa entrance ng condo.
It didn’t help pa na sobrang ayos ni Kuya.
Talagang naka suit and tie pa siya with shades and mask.
Masyadong ganap na ganap? Bago lang ata siya kasi parang nagpapabango pa ng image.
Bahala na nga, it doesn’t matter naman. Basta may naghahatid at sundo sakin that’s enough.
Yung dalawa ko kasing kotse nasa repair shop for monthly maintenance kaya hindi muna ako nagdala.
Since nanghiram lang ako ng kotse sa bahay, I made sure na rin na may kasamang driver para hindi hassle. Para malandi ko si Jimin sa backseat. Joke medyo.
Baka mapagod ako dun sa star city since amusement park yun.
Daddy told me rin na bukas, dadalhin nila sa condo yung mga car na hindi masyadong nagagamit sa bahay at ako nalang ang gumamit para hindi ma-stock.
Syempre, I agreed. At least mas marami akong choices. Para in case na nasa repair shop yung iba kong car, meron akong mga reserba.
Nakarating na kami ng UP na feeling ko init na init ako, dahil sa hiya.
Medyo nahihiya ako sa pagtitinginan ng mga tao sa kotse na sinasakyan ko instead of magyabang.
Ang flashy lang talaga jusko.
It didn’t help pa nan aka long sleeves ako.
Pero buti nag croptop ako.
Hindi ko naman sinasabing gusto ko ipakita sa kanya yung pinaghirapan kong abs pero parang ganun na nga rin.
I feel so pretty today kaya kailangan may makuha akong validation from Jimin.
Where is she na ba?
Oh there.
Kahit medyo malayo alam ko nang siya yung tall figure na nakatayo dun sa may gilid ng road.
She’s wearing an oversized white polo tucked in a black high waisted shorts and boots.
First time ko rin siya nakita magtali ng hair ata.
So freaking pretty.
“That’s her, Kuya.”
“Okay, ma’am.”
Iginilid na ni Kuya yung kotse at tumigil sa harap mismo ni Jimin.
Nakita ko siyang nagulat and napa-step back (A/N: stream step back)
Jinu-judge niya yung tumigil na car sa harap niya, how cute.
Nasanay na siguro siya sa Audi and Subaru ko kaya hindi niya ma-recognize na ako ‘to.
Mas lalo siyang nagulat nung lumabas si Kuya sa car. Ayos na ayos kasi si Kuya kaya it didn’t help.
Ang sus.
It’s like yung scene sa mga crime dramas na may kikidnapin or something.
Binuksan na ni Kuya yung backseat at sumilip na ‘ko sa kanya and kinawayan.
“Let’s go na! Tatayo ka nalang ba dyan?”
“E-Eto na nga eh.”
She followed me naman pero halatang gulat pa rin siya.
Pagkapasok niya, she looked around the car like it was the most interesting thing in the world.
Hinayaan ko lang nung una kasi maganda nga naman talaga. Even I took a look around kanina.
Ang kaso lang, nakalabas na ata kami ng UP campus pero hindi pa rin siya tapos.
“Masyado mong binibigyang pansin yung kotse, hindi mo na ‘ko pinapansin.” Pagtatampo ko while looking outside para dagdag drama
“Nag-iinarte naman na agad” oo, nag-iinarte ako! “Sorry, ang ganda kasi ng kotse mo eh.”
“Mas maganda pa sa ayos ko?” I can’t believe I’m comparing myself sa kotse…
“Naman!”
It didn’t help pa na nag-agree si Jimin.
Yung pride ko!
“Did you know that I’ve spent hours deciding what I’ll wear today kasi ayaw mo nung mga pinakita ko? Tapos you wouldn’t even spare me a glance! Mas interesting pa yung kotse kesa sakin.” Napansin kong napatingin sakin si Kuya from the rearview mirror and I just wish wala siyang i-spill sa bahay
Ang dami kong sinend sa kanya na magagandang outfit pero lagi niya lang sinasabi na wag yun, hindi ako magiging comfortable.
I had to wear something so plain pa tuloy.
Buti nalang ang ganda ganda ko.
Pero walang kwenta yung ganda ko if hindi niya naman ako mapapansin.
“Totoo naman na mas interesting yung kotse niyo. Minsan lang kaya ako makapasok sa ganitong kotse and lagi naman kitang nakikita. Medyo nakakasawa na.” Mas lalo akong sumimangot dahil sa sinabi niya
“Nakakainis ka! I’ve been missing you for a week and a half na tapos ikaw parang wala lang.”
“Because you’re always calling me. Video call pa nga eh, pano kita mamimiss?” …edi okay
“Kahit na! Nakakainis ka talaga kahit kailan.”
Talagang hindi ko na siya nilingon at halos dumikit na ko dun sa pintuan.
“You look okay.” Please
“Kung okay lang masasabi mo then bahala ka sa buhay mo. I won’t talk to you.”
Hindi ko na siya kailangan tignan to know na naka-smirk siya sakin, “To naman. Binibito lang. You look beautiful.”
Dun pa lang ako parang nabuhayan.
I looked at her and smiled.
“Talaga?”
Nung tumango siya in confirmation, nawala na lahat ng inis ko sa kanya.
It might look childish dahil nanghihingi pa ako ng validation sa kanya.
I dress to impress her, so what?
Her opinion will always be important. Gusto ko maganda lang ako sa paningnin niya, nothing else.
I’m satisfied sa sinabi niya.
Dumikit na ako sa side niya at niyakap yung arm niya.
I even dared to place me head na rin sa left shoulder niya.
I missed her so much.
“So who are your friends? Share me some stories about them para di naman ako mukhang tanga later.”
““Ahh okay. Nagkakilala kami sa dance club nung JHS pero nabuo yung legit squad siguro sa Galvanize na….”
---
We finally arrived sa star city after being stuck in a heavy traffic!
Kanina pa nga siya tinetext ng friends niya at tinatanong kung nasaan na ba siya kasi kanina pa raw nila kami hinihintay.
I saw 7 women na nagkukumpulan dun sa labas ng entrance.
I’m guessing that’s her friends?
Seeing how excited Jimin looks like habang naglalakad gave it away.
“Mga tanga!!”
Her language—ayoko nalang talaga magsalita.
Lumingon na yung mga friends niya and I was almost blown away with how pretty they all look like!
I saw them once na sa homescreen ni Jimin and I remember saying na they’re pretty but they’re prettier in real life!
Wait, I recognize someone.
That’s Ate Irene’s jowa, Seulgi.
“Rina!!”
Her friends rushed sa kanya at niyakap siya, muntik pa siya ma-out of balance.
I just watched them in silence and admired how close they all are.
I stepped back a little para may time sila mag catch up.
Naalala ko yung mga kinwento ni Jimin kanina and she described them quite accurately ha.
“Tangina mo, napakatagal mo.” Inis na sabi nung babaeng naka baseball cap and mask pa. Siya siguro yung celebrity. Why would you cover yourself ng ganyan kung walang reason diba? Ang init init kaya
“Traffic nga eh, paulit-ulit tayo Villavicencio?”
"Kung sumabay ka nalang kasi samin edi sana kanina pa tayo nakapasok!" Reklamo pa nung isa na may pink hair Aba, gusto niya pa kunin ang alone time namin ni Karina?!
“Para namang mauubusan ka ng rides dyan para kang tangang tanga ka ba?"
Okay Winter, masanay ka na.
Dumodoble yung bastos ng bibig ni Jimin when she’s with her friends.
"Ehem Rina baka gusto mo ng ipakilala samin yung kasama mo." Sabi nung babaeng may bangs who’s beaming me a smile
“Ay oo. Winter, yung tropa ko. Pakilala nalang kayo isa-isa mga kupal."
Jimin grabbed my hand and pulled me in front sa friends niya.
Bigla akong nahiya nung napahiyaw sila nang mahina.
I gave them a small smile bago bumalik sa side ni Jimin at nagtago.
I’m not good with people talaga.
Ate Irene’s girlfriend was the first to step forward and extended her hand.
“Sup, Winter? I’m Seulgi.”
Now I can see why Ate Irene likes her so much.
Parang she exudes positive energy lagi and she’s all smiles, kabaliktaran ni Ate Irene.
Plus, she’s so damn pretty.
Look at how charming those monolid eyes are!
“Siya ba yung isip bata and makulit?” I asked Jimin to confirm what she said kanina but her eyes widened in panic at napatingin kay Seulgi
Nagulat pa ‘ko nung bigla siyang batukan ni Seulgi, “Hoy anong isip batang pinagsasabi mo sa kanya, Karina? Susumbong kita kay Irene!!"
…parang pinatunayan niya nga lang na may pagka-isip bata siya.
"Kaya ka napagkakamalang isip bata eh." Yung celebrity friend nila yung nag step forward this time, “I’m Yeri.”
"Ahh, yung manginginom and wild? Am I right?"
Her face darkened at talagang sinugod niya si Jimin para kurutin sa tagiliran.
Wait, I’m not doing this on purpose ha! Gusto ko lang malaman talaga para hindi ako tanga tanga.
But seeing their reaction and how helpless Jimin is, parang gusto ko nalang siyang mas asarin.
Yung girl with a pink hair naman yung lumapit sakin, “Totoo naman yun, kami pa lolokohin mo.” Did Yeri just give her a middle finger?? Uhm, aren’t you a public figure Ms. Villavicencio? “I’m Ryujin by the way.”
“The warfreak and the most makulit along with Seulgi?"
Gaya nga ng ginawa ni Yeri, sinugod din siya ni Ryujin at sinakal but Karina’s laughing this time.
Parang ineenjoy niya pa ‘to.
Normal na ata sa kanila talaga ang ganitong eksena. No one’s even bothering to stop them.
Next na lumapit sakin ay yung girl na parang sobrang hinhin and angelic ng mukha. Parang hindi siya fit sa mga friends niya.
She looks too innocent.
“My name’s Sakura.” Oh! She’s Sakura pala. That explains the reason bakit naiiba yung vibe niya
“Ah yes, I've heard a lot of good things sayo."
Sakura gave them a smirk and na-trigger ata yung friends nila kaya pinaghahampas nila yung kawawang Sakura.
Couldn’t help it kasi wala naman akong maalala na may sinabing masama si Jimin sa kanya.
Next na lumapit sakin is yung girl na may bangs and pretty smile.
“I’m Aeri, pero mas prefer ko na Giselle tawag sakin. I believe na nagkausap na tayo before?”
So she’s THE Aeri!
Ang babae na pinagseselosan ko kahit na hindi ko pa nakikita is now standing right in front of me in flesh.
Valid naman yung pagseselos ko pala kasi she looks this good.
Talagang hindi nagkagusto si Jimin sa kanya kahit once?
Napalingon ako kay Jimin to confirm if siya nga yung reason ng away namin before and she just nodded her head.
I faced her again, “I’m Winter. It’s nice to finally meet you. Sorry, inabala ka pa namin last week.”
“It’s okay, lagi naman akong inaabala ni Rina so no worries.”
She’s a nice girl.
I finally returned her smile at binaling yung tingin dun sa babaeng nasa likod ni Giselle.
She’s too tall para hindi mapansin.
And..
There’s something sa kanya na hindi ko ma-explain.
Hindi ko alam kung namalikmata lang ako kanina kasi I felt like ang sama ng tingin niya sakin but the moment I blinked, she’s smiling widely na.
What?
Namamalikmata nga lang ata talaga ako.
Why would she glare at me in the first place, diba?
“I'm Yeji, nice to meet you." I smiled back kahit na medyo lost pa rin ako
“Ikaw daw yung pinakapikon?” Right? Siya yung lagi nilang inaasar daw
“Naku, hindi lang yun. Patay na patay pa sya kay Karina! Ingat ka, baka maagawan ka." Ryujin added at talagang nakuha nun yung attention ko.
She likes Jimin?
"Parang tanga, hindi naman kami ni-"
"—I’ll keep that in mind." I answered
"Ooooh"
Talaga namang I’ll keep that in mind and maging as cautious as possible.
Yung pang-aasar ni Ryujin parang hindi lang basta pang-aasar.
There’s something weird about her na hindi ko talaga ma-explain and my guts were never wrong.
I wished it will be this time.
"Sabi na eh, hindi pwedeng friends lang. Hindi uso kay Rina yun!" Pang-aasar pa ni Yeri kaya Jimin slapped her sa back
Okay, baka masyado na nila kaming inaasar baka mayamot na si Jimin.
I should step in na.
"Actually, we're food trip buddies din so kung may aagaw sa food trip buddy ko, i'll start a war."
Yup, banta ito sayo Miss Yeji Dy.
In case na tama ang kutob ko.
"Possessive, mga tipo talaga ni Rina." Oh God, di pa rin sila tapos
"Alam mo parang bagay kayo." I like Ryujin, alam niya kung ano yung gusto ko marinig. “Uy Yeji, no offense ha.”
“Tangina mo, tigilan mo na ‘ko!”
Hmm.
May past nga talaga.
Hindi naman siya aasarin ng ganyan if walang basis.
They’re friends. It’d be weird kung bigla ka nalang inaasar sa friend mo for no reason, right?
"Parang mga gago, narinig nyo naman na friends at foodtrip buddies kami. Ipipilit pa yung kung ano ano." Paglilinaw ni Jimin
"Oh tigilan nyo na kasi sila. Alam naman nating lahat na si Wonyo pa rin." Si Yeji yung nagsabi nun and hindi nakatakas sa mata ko yung subtle niyang pagtingin sakin
Who the is Wonyo?
"Masakit ba?"
"Parang tanga!"
Tinignan ko si Jimin na biglang nanahimik.
Yung kaninang excited expression niya nawala.
Who’s this Wonyo and bakit ganyan yung effect sa kanya? Sa kanila?
"Ano ba guys? Diba bawal nga sabihin yung pangalan nung gago na yun?"
Hmm.
Even Seulgi looks pissed.
Huminga nang malalim si Jimin, parang pinapakalma niya yung sarili niya.
I was about to approach her when Yeji stepped forward and held Jimin’s hands.
Hindi ko nagustuhan yun.
“Sorry, Rina.” Pwede ka naman mag sorry ng hindi nanghahawak ng kamay diba?
I’m not that observant pero alam ko naman kapag may mali.
Yeji’s not even sorry.
Para ngang sinadya niya pa yun.
Or I’m just overthinking things?
Kasi why would she do that naman?
"Baliw, okay lang. Wag na nating intindihin yun. Pumasok na tayo." Anong okay lang?! Halatang affected ka kaya dun sa sinabi ni Yeji!
"Ay oo gago. Kanina pa naghihintay sa loob sila Eunbi!"
We started walking na papasok ng establishment at ako tinitignan ko lang sila.
Mukhang guilty si Yeji sa sinabi niya kaya inakbayan siya ni Jimin to comfort her. May binulong pa na hindi ko narinig!
I don’t mind her being close naman sa friends niya kasi friends niya yan pero may something lang talagang hindi ko maipaliwanag whenever I see those two.
I can’t take it anymore.
I pulled Jimin papunta sakin para lang magkalayo na sila ni Yeji kahit konti.
“Jimin, who’s Wonyo?” Tanong ko agad kasi ayoko nang magsayang ng oras
“Siya yung tropa namin before, siya yung umalis."
Oh okay!
Now I get it na.
Kaya pala parang may beef ang lahat dun sa Wonyo.
I just nodded my head. I want to ask more pero hindi appropriate yung timing.
Maybe next time.
“Huy, narinig nyo ba yun?! Karina actually let Winter call her Jimin! Tapos hindi galit!” I was surprised nung narinig kong sumigaw si Yeri. Oo, isinigaw niya
“I knew it. I knew it!” Pang-aasar ni Ryujin
“Wala kang alam tanga. Tsaka, hindi naman siya nakikinig kahit na anong pigil ko. Nasanay nalang ako.”
Partly true, pero gusto ko lang sana ipaalala sa kanya na siya yung ang insist noon na Jimin ang itawag ko sa kanya kasi she considers me as a family na.
Sinusunod ko lang naman siya.
“Oh !! Ganyan na ganyan kayo nagsimula diba?” Dumagdag na si Seulgi sa nang-aasar at dun ako mas napaisip
Ganyan na ganyan kayo nagsimula?
What does that even mean?
With who?
“Shut up, Romero. Wag mo nga mabanggit banggit sakin yan.” This time, parang napikon na talaga si Jimin.
“Oh , sorry! Pero anyway, I can see a bright future ha. I’m rooting for the two of you!” Deserving ka nga as Ate Irene’s jowa.
“Bright future ka dyan, tangina mo. Malisyoso kayong lahat.”
“May vibe kasi talaga eh, diba Yeji?”
Napatingin kaming lahat kay Yeji at hindi ko siya mabasa.
Tinignan niya kaming dalawa ni Jimin and hindi ko alam kung ako lang ang nakapansin but ang blank ng tingin niya samin.
Nakita ko siyang tumango, “I guess so.”
Hmm.
Liar.
“See? Even the president of Karinator’s fansclub ay may approval na!” Kung may fansclub siguro ang pairing namin ni Karina hindi malabong si Ryujin ang President tapos si Seulgi ang Vice.
“Bwisit ka, Ryujin. Hindi mo talaga ako titigilan?”
“Hinding-hindi.”
In fairness, bagay sila.
Bakit hindi nalang sila kaya yung magjowaan?
May chemistry sila kahit na puro away lang ang ginagawa.
We entered the establishment and medyo marami na ang tao.
Agad kong natanaw si Ate Irene, looking so pretty with her casual get up.
Okay, Winter. Don’t get too excited. Hindi mo dapat siya kilala. Act natural.
Meron siyang kasamang 3 na girls who are also pretty.
Actually, pinagtitinginan sila ng mga tao dito sa loob and lalong dumami yung nakatingin nung nagkumpulan na kami.
A group of pretty girls with pretty smiles are here oh, sinong hindi mapapatingin?
Pumunta na sila sa kanilang mga jowa. Not sure kung oo but feel ko tama naman.
Look at how clingy Sakura and her girlfriend is. Kulang nalang mag-kiss na sila.
Si Ryujin may nilapitan na isang girl who also has a pretty smile.
Ooh. Is that her girlfriend? So, hindi na sila pwede ni Yeji.
I’ll make sure to find someone para sa kanya para hindi siya makaabala samin ni Jimin if ever na nagbabalak siya.
Nakita kong naglalakad papalapit samin yung girlfriend ni Sakura.
She suddenly hugged Jimin at hindi ko maiwasang mapataas ng kilay.
Nakita ko pa si Ate Irene na tumatawa at pasimpleng tumitingin sakin.
She’s teasing me!
“Siya na ba yung bago mo?" Tanong niya pa sabay turo sakin
"Baliw hindi. She's Winter, kaibigan ko from Ateneo." Sagot naman ni Jimin
"Di ako naniniwalang kaibigan lang." Pansin ko lang ha parang halos lahat sila yan ang sinabi. Not that I’m complaining
“Tanungin mo pa sya, tila kayo tanga.”
Finally, inalis niya na yung pagkakayakap niya kay Jimin at lumapit sakin.
I gave her a small smile para kahit papano magmukhang friendly kahit na hindi ko gusto yung ginawa niya
“Hi! I’m Eunbi. Friends lang ba talaga kayo ni Rina?”
“I’m Winter, not just friends, foodtrip buddies din.” Ayaw kong friends lang kami
Gulat siyang tumingin kay Jimin, “Nagkakainan na agad kayo? My god, Rina!!”
“Hoy!!”
What?
Anong nagkainan?
Yes, we always eat.
Yun ba ibig niyang sabihin?
But why are they laughing? Bakit din ang defensive ni Jimin?
“What do you mean nagkakainan?” I asked to clarify para hindi naman ako out of place dito
“Wag mo nang alamin.” She answered, “Dun ka na nga sa jowa mo!”
“Nasa jowa naman ako, sa ex nga lang.”
What?
Ex siya ni Jimin?!
Ito ba yung sinasabi ni Yuna before na ex niyang hindi siya makapag-move on?!
Pero parang hindi naman sila ganun.
Jimin looks okay.
“Di naging tayo, tanga." Tinulak niya si Eunbi nang mahina papunta dun sa girlfriend niya, “Alis na dyan, inosente ang utak ni Winter wag mo bahidan ng kalaswaan bwisit ka.”
“Baka nakakalimutan mo, ikaw ang nagmulat sakin sa kalaswaan.”
“Gago, hindi no!”
They all laughed again at hindi ko rin maiwasang mapangiti kahit na hindi ko alam ang context.
Ang cute niya lang kasi pag inaasar siya.
“Tara na nga, Winter. Lumayo na tayo sa babaeng yan.”
Hinila na ako ni Jimin papunta kila Ate Irene and pareho kaming nagpipigil ng ngiti.
“Malibog ka talaga.” Sabi ni Seulgi kay Jimin and what’s malibog?
“Shut the up, oso. Gaya mo pa ko sayo” Talagang tinulak niya si Seulgi pagilid at ngumiti kay Ate Irene “Hello po, Ate.”
Nakita kong bumeso siya kay Jimin at syempre, hindi nawala yung subtle niyang pagtingin sakin.
Kanina niya pa ako inaasar.
“Hello, Karina. You and Eunbi are still funny as ever.”
Jimin frowned, “Bad ka, Ate. Tuwang tuwa ka kapag nabu-bully ako ng ganun.”
“Of course. Hindi ka kasi kaya nila Seulgi that’s why it’s entertaining to see you feel ashamed din.”
I knew it, si Jimin yung malakas mang-asar sa friends niya.
“Anyway, Ate. This is Winter, freshie sa Ateneo.”
Ayan na nga!
“Hello po, I’m Winter.”
I swear, pigil na pigil yung tawa ko and alam kong siya rin.
Ate, lumayo na tayo sa kanila please lang!
“Hi, I’m Irene. 4th year Mass Communication student ako. What program ka?”
“Political Science po.”
“I see same program pala kayo ni Rina."
"Yes po, Ate."
"So from what school ka?"
Finally, unti unti niya na akong hinila papalayo kila Seulgi and Jimin.
Hindi naman sila nagpumilit na sumunod and gave us privacy para makapag-usap.
“Ate, ang hirap magpigil.” Nailabas ko na rin yung tawang kanina ko pa pinipigilan
Ate Irene gave me a light push, tumatawa na rin siya ngayon, “Sinabi mo pa. I almost messed up when you introduced yourself sakin.”
“That was hella awkward. Buti di nila napansin.”
“They’re too dumb to notice naman.”
I giggled, “Grabe ka, Ate.”
“Anyways, I didn’t expect na may sparks sa inyo ni Karina pala. You two looks good together pala.”
I felt my cheeks heating up, “Stop teasing me.”
“I’m not. May sparks sa inyo.” I lightly pushed her kasi nahihiya na ‘ko
“Tigilan mo na ‘ko, Ate.”
Ate Irene only smiled at tumahimik na ulit.
Kapag ganito siya ka-silent, nakakatakot siya sa totoo lang.
Ang natural kasi ng pagiging cold niya and hindi mo pa mabasa kung ano man ang tumatakbo sa utak niya.
“I guess enough naman na yung oras para sabihin mo na kay Karina yung totoo, diba?”
“Ate..”
“Winter, mas masasaktan siya pa hindi niya pa agad nalaman. Mas mahihirapan ka rin magsabi kapag mas tumagal na.”
“Ate, hindi ba pwedeng ganito nalang? Hindi ko talaga kaya.” Pigilan mo yung luha mo, Winter. Hindi ka iyakin. Hindi ka mahina. “Alam kong mawawala siya sakin, Ate.”
I felt Ate Irene squeezing my hand, “I get you naman pero kasi Jimin’s been through a lot na. Ayaw na ayaw niya yung feeling na pinagtataguan siya. She’ll feel betrayed talaga and she might even hate you kapag nalaman niya ‘to at hindi pa galing sayo.”
I know that.
I know it so well kaya nga natatakot ako.
“But I really like her, Ate…”
Ate Irene sighed, “I can see that naman and alam ko naman na pure ang intentions mo sa kanya but sadyang hindi maganda yung approach mo, Winter.”
“What can I do ba? Pag nalaman niyang I’m a Mendoza from that family, lalayuan niya agad ako. Hindi ko pa ata kaya, Ate.”
“Pero Winter—“
“Attention gays!!”
Napatigil yung pagtatalo namin ni Ate Irene nung biglang kinuha ni Yeri yung attention namin.
“We’ll talk later ha.”
“Okay..”
At tuluyan na akong iniwan ni Ate Irene habang siya ay bumalik na sa girlfriend niya.
Si Jimin din tumabi na sakin.
Ngayon pa lang ata ako nakahinga ng normal ulit.
“So, anong masasabi mo?”
“Saan?”
“Kay Ate Irene. She’s nice no? Nakita ko kayo nag-uusap kanina and parang magkasundo na agad kayo.” We’ve known each other for months, of course magkasundo kami
“Yes, I think she’s nice and we’ll probably interact more in the future since same campus lang kami.”
“That’s good, at least hindi ka na masyadong loner dun.”
It was also Ate Irene who saved me from being lonely sa Ateneo.
Kahit na hindi naman kami araw araw magkasama, it’s good to know na hindi ako mag-isa dun.
Ang galing lang na kahit isa lang naman si Ate, it’s already enough para mapunan niya yung loneliness ko when I’m in school.
“So, we'll split up na. Dito rin tayo magkikita mamaya, okay? 11PM dapat nandito na lahat para makauwi na." Yeri instructed
"Pano pag 11 wala pa?" Tanong pa ni Ryujin
"Edi maiwan ka dito hayop ka, hindi ka namin hihintayin." She has a sharp tongue talaga. Hindi ko ma-imagine na siya yung innocent looking girl na nakikita ko sa commercials
"Pano kung ikaw yung wala pa?" Dagdag na tanong ni Seulgi
“Edi kayo yung maghintay sakin.”
"Unfair mo talaga kahit kailan, bubwit"
"Kung ayaw nyo sumunod humanap kayo ng masasakyan pauwi! Bye na nga!" Sabi pa niya before walking away with her girlfriend
They talk like wala silang mga personal drivers at kay Yeri lang talaga umaasa no?
Ang unique talaga ng squad nila.
Nagkanya-kanya na kaming lakad and I didn’t know na by partner pala ‘to?
Akala ko we’ll explore the rides here by group.
“Hey, puro by partner yung team taken. Gusto niyo magsama-sama nalnag tayo?” It was Yeji who proposed that idea
“Sur—“
“Huy, Yej! Ano ka ba, ako ang date mo for today. Hayaan mo silang mag-date.”
Nakita ko pang kinindatan ako ni Giselle and dun palang gusto ko na yung vibes niya.
She’s doing this on purpose para magkaroon kami ng time ni Jimin.
I think magiging mag besties kami nito.
Napatingin din ako kay Yeji who’s looking at me rin pala.
Ang suspicious niya lang talaga.
Gusto ko sana siyang tarayan but since wala akong basis at baka guni-guni ko lang lahat, I decided not to.
Bilang respeto nalang dahil long time friend siya ni Jimin.
“We’re not on a date naman. Pwede na tayong magsama-samang apat para mas masaya.” Gusto ko siya biglang kurutin
“Oh, si Karina na yung nagsabi. Let’s go with them na, Aeri.” Pagpupumilit pa ni Yeji
“No, ako nga yung date mo for today!! Meron din akong chika and ayokong marinig ni Rina yun.” Go bestie! I can see what you’re trying to do
“Huy, ako siguro pag-uusapan niyo. Hindi pwede, samin kayo sasama!!” Ang epal mo, Yu Jimin!!
“Rina, it’s better na kayo nalang ni Winter yung magsama since mas comfy siya sayo. Halatang hindi siya sanay sa strangers oh.”
Giselle even noticed that?
We’ll get along talaga.
I made a mental note to befriend her when an opportunity comes
“Oh, right. Sorry, Winter. Hindi ko na-consider yung feelings mo.” At least Jimin sounds apologetic
“It’s alright. You’re excited to be with your friends ulit eh so I don’t mind.”
“So, we’re all set ha? I’ll be with Yeji na tapos you’ll be with Winter.” Giselle gave me a knowing smile
“Yup!”
“See you nalang sa lunch and dinner. Enjoy!”
“See you later, Rina and Winter.” Yeji said as she waved her hand and smiled at us
Am I overthinking things?
Her smile looks sincere naman and walang halong malice.
Ugh, masisiraan na ‘ko ng bait.
“So saan mo gusto muna pumunta?"
Mamaya ko na nga isipin yun. Let’s enjoy our date nalang muna.
“Let's ride everything. Simulan natin here." Sabay turo dun sa Vikings
"Ah eh.. sige sakay ka dun, wait nalang kita."
“Luh, ako lang mag isa? Ayoko nga! Dali na, samahan mo ako!" Ano pa yung purpose ng pag-eenjoy ko rito if hindi naman kami magkasama!
"Patayin mo nalang ako kesa pasakayin dyan."
"You're OA! Bakit ba ayaw mo?" Tuluyan na sana akong maiinis sa kanya when I realized something. She looks pale, “Wait, are you perhaps scared of the rides?"
“Oo”
Hindi ko maiwasang matawa.
Yu Jimin is scared of something like this?!
Hindi fit sa character niya ha!
Okay sige, stop na tayo sa kakatawa. Feeling ko mananakit na siya if I continued.
Ehem.
"I won't ride anything unless you ride it with me."
"Then how about mag bump cars muna tayo?" She suggested sabay turo dun sa isang maliit na arena
"What the hell? Pambata naman! And look, yung pila is so long!"
"Yan lang kaya ko sakyan, swear. Or mag grand carousel tayo, what do you think?"
I immediately shook my head, “No freaking way.”
"Then, I'll call Ate Irene nalang para sumama ka sa kanila ni Seulgi. Pareho silang mahilig sa mga nakakatakot na rides."
"Ayoko nga! We'll bother them pa!"
"Then, wala tayong magagawa ngayon kasi di talaga ako sasakay ng rides unless pambata or games lang."
"Kahit yung caterpillar di mo kaya sakyan?"
"Hinding-hindi!"
I stared at her in disbelief.
Hindi naman extreme yung ride na yun ah!
Pambata na nga yun!
“I can't believe you."
"Sorry ha? Hindi ko naman kasalanang takot ako sa rides."
"Face your fears, Jimin. Come on!" Pagpupumilit ko as I tried to pull her with me
"No, and I hate the phrase. Anong face your fears? Kung takot ka, bakit mo ipipilit sarili mo na gawin yung ayaw mo? That's stupid."
Here she goes again.
Ayoko talaga pag ginagamit niya yung utak niya para makipag-away sakin.
Parang walang sense na parang meron kasi hindi ka makalaban.
"Hindi mo pa nga nasasakyan, natatakot ka na."
"I know my limits, Winter. I don't take risks sa mga bagay na alanganin ako."
"Then how would you know kung nakakatakot talaga kung hindi mo susubukan?"
"Ano ka ba, nature na ng tao ang matakot kapag sa tingin nila delikado ang isang bagay. That's what I feel sa mga rides na yan."
Gusto ko nalang iuntog yung ulo ko sa kanya kasi napaka-stubborn!
But I do get her point din naman.
I do get her point pero bibigay ba ‘ko?
Hindi!
"You're always telling me that I'm the stubborn one when in fact, mas stubborn ka pa sakin!"
"I'm being stubborn kasi ayoko talaga. Pinagbibigyan naman kita kapag okay lang sakin, diba?"
Oh ho.
She used that card on me.
I was about to give in pero kasi sayang naman yung araw.
I just want to enjoy this place with her because I’ve missed spending time with her.
“What can I do to convince you?"
Umiling siya, “Walang makaka-convince sakin."
"Hindi talaga kita titigilan hangga't di ka pumapayag." I threatened but she didn’t even budge
"Fine by me. Try mo ‘ko i-convince hanggang 11 PM"
Alam kong kaya niyang gawin yan.
Kung duwag naman pala siya why did she agree na pumunta dito with her friends? Talaga bang magbu-bump cars or carousel lang siya?!
"Kahit bilhan kita ng lahat ng gusto mo dito?"
"No thanks."
"Hmm, gawin ko lahat ng gusto mo for a week?" This works lagi sa mga stories na nababasa ko—
“I can do things on my own naman." But I guess it won’t work on Jimin
"I'll let you use my credit card and buy all you want."
"No need."
"Ipagamit ko sayo yung car na sinakyan natin kanina?"
I saw an invisible ray of hope na baka pumayag na siya kasi hindi siya nakasagot agad.
Nakalimutan kong mahilig nga pala siya sa sasakyan!
I don’t know kung papayag sila Mommy but wala namang masama na mag-try.
Napangiti ako.
Come on, Royce na yun!
“Ayaw ko pa rin." This stubborn woman!
“Bilhan kita ng car na ganun?”
I think kaya naman ng savings ko maka-afford nun, basta yung cheapest model.
I don’t buy useless stuffs kaya yung allowance ko madalas sine-save ko lang tapos madalas pa nila lagyan yung account ko when they feel like it.
“Look, Winter. You're my friend, hindi kita sugar mommy kaya wag mo ‘ko alukin ng mga ganyan ganyan."
Medyo nagising naman ako dun
Maybe I went overboard.
Let’s try a different approach nalang and be honet.
"But I don't want this day to be wasted. Gusto ko lang naman ma-enjoy yung araw na ‘to because I was super stressed sa exams tapos di pa tayo nakalabas for almost two weeks."
Jimin sighed, “I have an idea."
In the end, ako pa rin ang nanalo.
---
Dinala lang naman ako ni Jimin sa ocean park and super excited na agad ako pagkababa lang.
Since nasa bahay lang naman ako most of the time tapos si Tita ay busy sa work niya, hindi lang man kami nakapunta sa ocean park ng Switzerland.
Pupunta dapat kami ni Vicky but tinamad kami pareho kasi busy kami mag-asikaso ng papers.
Kaya kahit sabihin niya pang panget ‘to, I’ll still enjoy it to my heart’s content.
“Wow, it’s not as bad as you describe it to be!”
It looks decent naman, masyado lang siyang judger!
Ang dami ring tao and mostly puro families.
Meron ding couples and group of friends.
Yung iba parang dito nag fieldtrip.
So san kami belong? Edi sa couple.
"San mo gusto pumunta ba?" Jimin asked
"Puntahan natin lahat, please. Mega experience naman yung binili mong ticket so pwede mapuntahan lahat."
"Okay, tara na. Isa
STREAM SPICY
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