Nanatiling tahimik si Yujin. Taimtim na nakikinig sa kuwento ng dalawang magkaibigan habang naghihintay ng masasakyan. Nakapanlulumo lang kasing isipin na hindi niya mararanasang makasakay si Wonyoung sa pampasaherong sasakyan ngunit masaya naman silang makasama dahil nakakaaliw ang mga kuwento nila. Their topic went from online games to planning on watching a movie together, and they even invited Yujin to go with them tomorrow, which Yujin kindly rejected. 

 

Ilang beses na rin kasing napansin ni Yujin na madalas ay hindi na magkasama ang dalawang binibini. Kung kaya't napagtanto niya na siguro isa siya sa mga maaaring dahilan kung bakit hindi na nakikitang lumalabas ang magkaibigan.

 

Ayaw lang naman ni Yujin na maging rason kung bakit magkakaroon ng lumot ang kanilang pagsasamahan, dahil ang rason ni Yujin; dati pa man ay andyan na si Jihan sa mundo ni Wonyoung at nirerespeto niya ang dalawa.

 

"Yujin, if I were you I would go," panimula ni Jihan. "Kasi itong si Wonyo—.”

 

Bigla na lamang tinakpan ni Wonyoung ang bibig ng kaibigan. Yujin looked at them with a slight smile forming on her face.

 

Wonyoung glared at her friend before letting her go. She knew what the other was thinking of and she made the right action before anything else was said. “Don’t mind her, Yujin.” Meanwhile, Jihan threw her head back, clutched her stomach, and laughed.

 

Yujin awkwardly scratched the side of her neck and nodded. She doesn't understand the two right now but it’s interesting. Jihan recovered when she saw Wonyoung glaring at her but even then, her eyes were teary eyed from chuckling. 

 

“Seryoso nga kasi!” Jihan wiped the tears at the side of her eyes. “Alam ko namang alam mo na hindi palagamit ng messaging apps itong si Yujin kaya sasabihin ko na ngayon.” Pinandilatan ni Wonyoung si Jihan, at si Jihan, tila walang nakita dahil patuloy lang siya sa pagsalita.

 

“May pupuntahan kasi akong birthday party bukas right after the movie ends. Tapos sabi ni Wonyoung, mamimili raw siya ng grocery bukas. Kaya di ko siya masasamahan after the movie.” Pansin ni Jihan ang pagiging attentive ng manok niya, bet ko talaga ‘to for Wonyoung. Jihan felt Wonyoung gripping her wrist. She winced a bit and used her free hand to remove Wonyoung’s hand on her. "Para hindi magsolo gaming si Wonyoung bukas, maybe you can join her instead?" Jihan’s eyes were mimicking those of a puppy’s. “Please Yujin baka naman oh.”

 

As soon as Woyoung heard those words leaving Jihan’s lips, she could only sigh. She knows what her best friend is planning. “What if busy si Yujin bukas? Oh ano?” Nakapamewang na sabi ni Wonyoung, only for her to see that the other two were looking at each other, as if having a conversation that only them have the access to.  “You don’t have to go, Yujin. Kaya ko naman yun mag-is—”

 

“Okay. Sama ako bukas.”

 

Napatigil si Wonyoung, pinandilatan niya ang nakangising kaibigan. Wonyoung knows very well that Jihan feels triumphant for the success that she just achieved. In fact, she feels that there is more up in Jihan’s sleeve and somehow, she doesn’t want to know that.

 

“Great!” Jihan clasped her hands together, her smile was from ear to ear. “That sounds like a plan.” They heard a ringtone go off and Jihan held out her phone. She excused herself as she answered the call.

 

Wonyoung suddenly feels that it was a bad idea to be sandwiched between the two of them at the bus stop. It’s like the world is conspiring against her (maybe in both a good and bad way). She looked at Yujin and met her warm gaze, and she whispered, “Bakit ka pumayag?”

 

“Baka kasi kailangan mo ng tulong ko.”

 

Wonyoung took a deep breath and huffed some air to her bangs, rearranging it. She remembers telling Yujin to not use vague words when answering a question. But it’s been quite a while since that yet she still couldn't get used to Yujin being straightforward and not filtering her words.

 

“But that doesn’t mean you have to say yes. Pwede ka ring tumanggi.Tsaka nagbibir-”

 

"But I want to.” 

 

“Fine, then.” Wonyoung accepted her defeat. Wala naman na siyang magagawa kung desidido talaga siya. “Sure ka ha na hindi abala sayo?”

 

“I’m sure, Wonyoung.” Yujin smiled, her dimples showing. She patted Wonyoung’s head. “Hindi naman ako busy bukas.”

 

Magsasalita pa sana si Wonyoung kaso dumating na ang bus na sasakyan nila ni Jihan pauwi.

 

“Bukas, Yujin ha. Sama ka na rin sa movie. It’ll be fun.” Kumindat si Jihan at inayos ang strap ng backpack niya.

 

“Of course. I’ll be there.” Yujin stood up, following the other two’s actions. After hearing Yujin’s reply, Jihan already boarded the bus.

 

“Send ko na lang yung location mamaya.” Wonyoung pouted as she turned to Yujin. “Text me when you get home, okay?”

 

It was getting late and Wonyoung was afraid that something would happen to Yujin on the way home. “Okay,” sambit ni Yujin.

 

“Stay safe, Yujin.” Wonyoung muttered.

 

Yujin smiled and lightly pat Wonyoung’s head. “Ikaw rin.”

 

Wonyoung boarded the bus and sat beside Jihan. Yujin can see the two of them as they waved their goodbyes. She stayed frozen there but only began to move away from her place as soon as the bus was out of her sight.

 

It was undoubted, she already misses Wonyoung even if it was just minutes since they got separated from each other.

 

---

 

“May pagkain diyan, kuha ka na lang.” Bati ni Sojung sa kanyang kapatid. Alam na alam niyang si Yujin ang dumating dahil mamayang hatinggabi pa ang uwi ng kanilang mga magulang, bukod pa roon alam na niyang si Yujin iyon dahil sa yapak nito.

 

Her eyes stayed on her laptop, doing her requirements. She heard the door opening and closing and it opened again. She sensed a pair of eyes staring at her and she looked up. “What?”

 

“Bakit ka andito?”

 

“Hindi ba pwedeng bumisita?”

 

“Pwede naman.” Dumiretso ang nakakabatang kapatid sa mesa. “Nakapagtataka lang.”

 

Natahimik si Sojung at bumalik sa kanyang ginagawa. In a few minutes, she felt Yujin sitting next to her, typing down on her phone. Tanda niyang may sinabi ang kapatid tungkol sa crush niya. Siguro sila na.   

 

“Kachat mo jowa mo ngayon?” Sinubukang sumilip ni Sojung sa phone ng kapatid ngunit biglang in-off ni Yujin ang screen.

 

“Napalayas ka ngayon?”

 

“Foul yan gago.” 

 

“I mean, kung ako si Ate Soobin matagal ko na yang ginawa.” Nagpipigil ng tawang tumayo si Yujin at nagsimulang maglakad papunta sa kanyang silid. Alam na alam na niya ang sasabihin ng kapatid niya.

 

“Kung ako sayo, tumatakbo na ako ngayon.”

 

Scared to have her sister throw her around, she dashed and escaped to her room. She can hear her sister’s voice outside, making her shake her head. That was close, she thought. Deciding to make her night productive, she sat on her chair and began doing her assignments due on Monday.

 

After a while, she grabbed her dinner while Sojung was still busy on her laptop and seemed to have forgotten what she said earlier. Once she was done eating, she washed the dishes and cleaned up. She looked over her to-do list on her phone and there was nothing else left to check. And that was when a notification popped up.

 

Reading the sender’s name instantly made her smile and even more when she opened the message.

 

It was from Wonyoung.

 

And it contained two words that weren't needed to complete her night but it did.

 

Good night.

 

“Ngiting-ngiti ang gaga. Hoy may bukas pa tsaka matulog ka na,” kumukuha ng malamig na tubig sa ref si Sojung.

 

“Ikaw nga di pa natutulog.”

 

“Aba, porke may jowa ka na.”

 

“Hindi ko pa siya jowa.”

 

“Wow naman. Hindi pa. So di mo pa tinatanong?”

 

“Basta Ate Sojung.”

 

—

 

“Hi.” Bati ni Yujin kay Wonyoung. Inagahan niya talagang gumising at balak niya rin sanang mauna sa cinema kaso naging paepal ang kapatid niya kung kaya’t siya’y natagalan. Bago pa man siya tuluyang makalapit, pansin niyang nag-iisa lang si Wonyoung. Tinignan niya ang paligid ngunit wala pa rin ang isa. “Si Jihan?”

 

“Yun na nga eh…” Wonyoung opened her phone and showed it to Yujin. “She told me she could make it today but things changed at the last minute..”

 

Yujin leaned in, reading Jihan’s message. “Ahh… she needed preparation for the birthday party.” 

 

“Yeah.” Wonyoung sighed. Hindi nainform si Jihan na formal party pala yun at needed ng makeup and hairstyle. Nabigla na lang siya nang sabihin sa kanya na dumating na ang mag-aayos sa kanya. “Tayo lang ngayon.”

 

“Let’s buy tickets?” Yujin looked at Wonyoung. Wonyoung nodded and Yujin held the younger’s wrist as they walked towards the ticket booth.

 

The line was non-existent. There were only three people in front of them and Yujin supposes that it’s meant to be that way during the movie's third week of showing. “Wait. I’ll buy us some food.”

 

“Butter flav---”

 

“Butter flavored popcorn and coke.” Yujin dimples showed up as she looked at Wonyoung, contented with how a soft red is visible on the younger’s cheek. She loves how she learned most of the things that Wonyoung loves by heart. “Right?”

 

Wonyoung took a second before she responded. She remembered ordering it whenever she's with Yujin but she didn't know that Yujin would remember it. She nodded, “Yep.”

 

“Okay. Wait here.”

 

Wonyoung watched while Yujin walked away from her. She marveled at how the simple outfit of white button up long sleeves tucked in her denim jeans and high cut black converse looks magnificent on her. That’s when she realized that they are matching with their outfits. White floral dress that sits comfortably on her body, topped with a denim jacket and a pair of sandals made Wonyoung feel confident as she looked in the mirror before she left their house.

 

And before she knew it, Yujin came back with their food.

 

"Yujin," tawag ni Wonyoung.

 

Hindi na kailangang tumingala ni Yujin o ilapat ang tingin mula sa iba papunta kay Wonyoung dahil kanina niya pa ito tinitignan. "Hmm?"

 

"Baka matunaw ako, Yujin."

 

"Ha? Ay..." Napaiwas ng tingin ang dalaga. "Sorry. I didn't mean to."

 

"Uy ayos lang. You're free to stare at me anyway." Wonyoung smiled, and Yujin knew that Wonyoung was about to . "Besides, I find it cute when you look at me like that."

 

"Like what?" Yujin tilted her head and Wonyoung found it adorable.

 

"Secret," Wonyoung winked.

 

"Daya naman." Yujin pouted. "Ano nga?"

 

"Wait," Wonyoung looked at the time and checked the cinema they're supposed to go to and her hunch was right. The movie is also about to start as there were people going in already. "Tara na baka ma-late tayo sa movie."

 

Naunang tumayo si Wonyoung at hinawakan niya sa pulsuhan ang kasama bago bumaba ang kanyang kamay sa palad niya. Walang imik naman si Yujin habang sila'y nagmamadaling lumakad papasok ng sinehan. 

 

—

 

The movie ended quicker than Yujin thought it would be and that’s why they’re walking outside right now. Habang naglalakad, napadaan sila sa isang arcade. Bilang isang taong hangad ang kasiyahan ng kasama niya, inaya ni Yujin si Wonyoung na mag arcade. “Tara doon,” turo ni Yujin.

 

“Arcade? Ano naman ang gagawin natin do’n?” 

 

Maloko ang ngiti ni Yuin at alam na alam ni Wonyoung na hindi matino ang isasagot ng dalaga. 

 

“Matutulog.” 

 

Hindi nga talaga matino kung kaya’t napa-iling na lang si Wonyoung. 

 

“Joke lang, maglalaro. Di naman ata nagmamadali ang grocery mo?”

 

“Actually Yujin,” nahihiyang humarap si Wonyoung kay Yujin. Di niya rin alam kung paano harapin ang babae dahil sa pinagsasabi ng napakagaling niyang kaibigan kahapon. “Wala naman na akong bibilhing groceries ngayon.”

 

“Huh?” Yujin’s head leaned to the right. “What do you mean?”

 

“Si Ate Bona na raw ang bahala dun.” Yujin remembers seeing Wonyoung’s older sister in her house a few times in the past. Sojung and Jiyeon are best friends and sometimes Jiyeon stays the night in their house, which made her become close with her. That’s why when she first saw JIyeon the first time she went to Wonyoung’s place, she was surprised to know that the two are siblings. “On the way raw kasi sa pupuntahan niya kaya ayun. Tapos ang bilin niya magpakasaya raw ako ngayon.”

 

“Magpakasaya?” Kunot noong nagtataka si Yujin. If she were to assume things, maybe Bona knows that they’re going out today. And for all she knows, maybe Bona wants them to end up together fast. Libre lang namang mangarap para kay Yujin pero hindi siya aasa do’n, kasi alam niyang masakit umasa. “Bakit naman niya sasabihin yun?”

 

“Ewan ko sa kanya kung bakit niya nasabi yun,” kibit balikat na sambit ni Wonyoung.

 

“Uhh…” Yujin scratched the side of her neck. “About sa arcade…”

 

“Tara.”

 

It was almost like a magic word that brought sparks into Yujin’s eyes. And as if entranced with magic, Yujin held Wonyoung’s wrist as they walked towards the said shop. 

 

—

 

Yujin bit her lip, concentrating on the button and joystick under her palm. There’s no way that they will leave this place without her winning a stuffed toy from a crane machine for Wonyoung. She had it as her self-rule the moment they entered the door.

 

They tried a lot of the arcade’s games, from shooting zombies, to playing hockey and going 1v1 against each other which Wonyoung won, the basketball machine where Yujin was able to beat the former high score and Wonyoung tried it as well with Yujin helping her, and even the one that gives out tickets wasn't safe from the duo.

 

Soon after, Yujin’s legs felt a bit wobbly and Wonyoung’s stomach made a low rumbling sound. And that was when Yujin knew that she had to do this self made task quickly before they even head on to their next destination.

 

“You really don’t want to give up on this, no?”

 

Yujin sighed as she heard Wonyoung’s voice behind her. She’s on her second try and she's just getting started. She could even go on all day if that's what it means to be able to get one stuffed toy from the crane.

 

It wasn't until the fifth try that Wonyoung felt her impatience get the best of her. "Yujin, may next time pa naman. Kain muna tayo please." Di man kita ni Yujin pero dinig niya ang simangot nito.

 

Yujin's shoulders tensed and she bit her lip. "Okay, last na 'to,” she said, inserting a coin into the machine.

 

She had her eyes on the dog stuffed toy since earlier. Malapit na lang naman na din sa butas ang stuff toy. Konting kalikot pa sa joystick, pindot ng red button, at makapigil hininga habang hinihintay kung kakagat ng maayos ang claw. Kagat-labing humiling si si Yujin na sana ito na ang huling beses na susubukang makakuha ng laruan para sa binibini.

 

Napatalon si Yujin sa tuwa at sa katuwaan, yinakap niya ng mahigpit ang kasama sabay sabi ng, “I did it!” 

 

Kung gaano kabilis niyang nayakap si Wonyoung, ganun din siya kabilis na kumawala. Siguro dala lang ng hiya dahil may mga taong nagtinginan sa kanila pero ang mga matang saglit dumapo sa kanila ay wala lang kay Wonyoung.

 

“Yes, you did,” Wonyoung said, her swelling in joy for Yujin. She watched Yujin persistently try and now, there’s the dog stuff toy sitting at the prize box. “Gustong-gusto mo talaga yung laruan no?”

 

“Hindi naman ‘to para sakin eh. Para sayo ‘to.”
 

“Ha?” Nagtatakang tinanggap ni Wonyoung ang iniabot na laruan. Cute naman din, kulay dilaw at nagmumukhang retriever ito. In fact, it reminds her of Yujin. “Bakit may ganito?”

 

“Para kung sakaling na-miss mo ako, may palatandaan ka na sakin.”

 

---

 

“Iniisip mo pa rin yung kanina?” 

 

Yujin looked up to Wonyoung and she must have noticed Yujin’s long face to say it. Maybe she still needs to learn how to hide her own emotions or maybe Wonyoung just knows her better than anyone else. 

 

“Hindi naman.”

 

Yujin lied. She’s still thinking about how she would have recovered from that last smash from Jiyoon. A backhand could’ve sufficed for it and throw it back to the other side of the table.  Kaso aminado siyang huli siya ng ilang beats, siguro dahil napatagal na yung rally at di na rin niya inexpect ang mabilis na bola galing sa smash. 

 

Alam niya rin na talaga namang mahusay ang kalaban, ilang taon nang kilala at nakakasama sa mga palaro si Jiyoon. Kaya isa na ring karangalan ang makaabot sa puntong makalaban ang magagaling, but if she’s being honest with herself, she could’ve done better. But it’s just her competitive side talking.

 

“Weh?”

 

Tumango si Yujin. “Oo nga,” taking a bite of her ice cream.

 

Wonyoung was the first one to see her after the table tennis tournament ended and to be honest, Yujin doesn’t know why but in every training and every game Wonyoung was there. But even if Yujin doesn’t know the reason why, Yujin highly appreciates her support since it also serves as her motivation.

 

And before they even got to go home, Wonyoung invited Yujin to buy ice cream first. And who is Yujin to say no to Wonyoung?

 

“Pero to be honest ha, ang galing mo kanina,” maybe it was because of the lights in this ice cream shop but Yujin swears she can see Wonyoung’s eyes sparkling.

 

“Kanina lang?”

 

“Kahit sa past games mo,” bawi ni Wonyoung. “Magaling na magaling ka, Yujin.”

 

“Talaga?” Yujin’s heart is warm. Hearing these words from her love interest is making her fall— no, love her even better.

 

Wonyoung nodded. “Para sakin, siguro bonus na lang yung end result kasi importante din yung process diba, and I saw how hard you prepared for it. I know you always give it your all in all of your games and for that I’m so proud of you.”

 

Wonyoung saw Yujin’s first slight smile since earlier, and just like what they say, little progress is still progress. “Tsaka para sakin, ikaw pa rin naman ang panalo.”

 

Yujin tried hiding her smile under a frowning one but failed miserably. “Ikaw ha baka inaya mo lang talaga akong mag ice cream para sabihin yan sakin.”

 

“Luh? Hindi ahh, nagccrave lang talaga ako ng ice cream kanina.”

 

“Tapos libre mo pa?” Napataas ng kilay si Yujin sa binibini dahil alam niyang minsanan lang din manglibre ang dalaga.

 

“Oo naman. Bakit ba?” Wonyoung laughed it off. “Trip ko eh.”

 

Napatawa na lang din si Yujin. “Okay, sabi mo eh.”

 

—

 

“Yujin, gising! May naghahanap sayo sa labas.” Sambit ni Sojung habang tinatapik tapik ang natutulog na kapatid. “Panagutan mo raw siya.” 

 

Napakunot ng noo si Yujin at pumipikit-pikit dahil sa liwanag ng araw na pumapasok sa kanyang bintana. As far she remembers, she went to bed with it closed and seeing it opened, she’s sure her sister did it for her. At bukod sa lahat, wala naman siyang naalalang responsibilidad ngayong araw and on top of that, bagong gising lang din siya.

 

“Sino ba yun Ate? Ano pangalan?”

 

“Basta malalaman mo na lang pag lumabas ka na sa kwarto mo. Pero bago yun, make sure you wash your face first and prolly brush your mouth tas mag mouthwash ka na rin para mag mukha kang presentable sa kanya. Kasi to be honest, mukha kang ewan ngayon. Nagpuyat ka na naman ba kagabi?”

 

“Ha?”

 

Sojung smirked and it brought shivers down Yujin’s spine. Takot niya lang na baka may masamang binabalak ang kapatid. But instead, she felt Sojung’s hand on top of her head, making her bed hair messier than it already is. “Happy birthday, kiddo.”

 

Napatigil si Yujin. 

 

Oh. Right.

 

Of course, it’s that one day where her sister will be so suspiciously affectionate. And this attitude of her sister is carried over for her entire birth month. Di niya pa rin gets kung ano ang nakakakain ng kapatid niya tuwing September pero hinding-hindi siya magrereklamo sa ugali ng kapatid pag birth month niya.

 

“Thank you, Ate. Regalo ko?”

 

Hindi naman umaasa si Yujin na meron dahil alam niyang busy ang kapatid sa buhay niya pero natuwa siya sa sinabi ni Sojung. “Andon sa sala, kunin mo na lang mamaya. And don’t forget, lalabas tayo mamaya nila Mama at Papa para sa birthday mo.”

 

“Okay, Ate.”

 

“Kilos-kilos na Yujin, wag mong paghintayin yung bisita mo.”

 

Akala ni Yujin biro lang na may bisita siya. Wala naman siyang naalalang inimbita at bukod pa roon, maaga pa. Kaya lumabas siya ng kwarto at laking gulat niya nang marinig ang boses nito.

 

“Sure ka ayaw mo ng tea? How about coffee?” Yujin hears her sister ask their guest.

 

“Ay hindi na po. Tubig na lang siguro para samin ni Ate Bona. Di naman po kasi kami magtatagal.”

 

The voice’s owner registered into Yujin’s mind but she still wanted to see her in person, to make sure this wasn't a dream. Tumigil siya sa paglalakad bago pa man maabot ng ilaw sa sala ang anino ni Yujin, at sa pwesto niya, kitang kita niya ang dalagang nakaupo sa sofa.

 

“Lord, totoo po ba ‘to?” Napatingala si Yujin at napa-sign of the cross. “Ang ganda naman po ng pinadala niyong anghel dito sa munting pamamahay namin,” bulong niya sa sarili.

 

Wonyoung’s eyes met the gaze of the birthday girl and that was when Yujin realized, she’s lucky to have heeded what Sojung said earlier. Otherwise, malalaman ni Wonyoung na natutulog siya with hello kitty pajamas. Ayaw naman din niyang mabawasan ang points niya.

 

 “Yujin.”

 

Yujin looked at Sojung while Sojung gazed at Jiyeon and as if knowing what Sojung was thinking, Jiyeon stood up.

 

“Labas muna kami Wonyoungie ha. Di naman kami lalayo, don’t worry.”

 

“Okay, Ate.”

 

The moment they both heard the door closed, Yujin felt more at ease. She just doesn’t want to have Sojung listening into their conversation and possibly while she’s at it. Kaya buti na lang talagang bumabait ang kapatid tuwing birthday niya, kundi hindi niya alam kung ano ang sasabihin at gagawin.

 

“Napadalaw ka,” Yujin greeted Wonyoung with a smile. “Anong meron?”

 

“Sorry Yujin, nagising pa ata kita. Pero di naman ako magtagagal.”

 

“Uy, ayos lang. Oras na rin naman para gumising, tinanghali na nga rin ako eh.”

 

“Napuyat ba kita kagabi?” Wonyoung said, remembering the fact that they continued to talk until it was 1 in the morning. 

 

“Hindi ah.” Yujin shook her head, it was her choice after all to stay up at night, also because of her insomnia.

 

“Happy birthday, Yujin.”

 

“Thank you, Wonyoung,” Yujin smiled. “But you didn’t have to travel all the way here para lang i-greet ako no? Tsaka enough na rin yung kanina.”

 

“Don’t worry, we were around the area tapos naisipan ni Ate Jiyeon to also pay Ate Sojung a visit kaya ayun. We’re here,” Wonyoung answered, raising her palm. “Now, give me your hand.”

 

“Bakit?”

 

“Dali na. Give it.”

 

“Paano kung ayaw ko?” 

 

“Ibibigay mo o ibibigay mo?”

 

Left with no choice, Yujin followed what Wonyoung said. She lifted her hand and waited for Wonyoung’s next move. The lady took something from her sling bag and put it on her wrist. It wasn’t long for Yujin to notice that it’s a blue bracelet made up of beads and with her name ‘Yujin’ on it.

 

“And I thought we’re not supposed to waste money on gifts this year?” Yujin pouted. Around August, Wonyoung reminded Yujin to not give her any gifts because of her customized gift, last year. And she made sure to follow it very well. That’s why she just gave her something more personalized, a cd burned with a playlist she made just for her and a letter. 

 

And when asked if she spent too much, Yujin denied it outright. After all, it’s the truth. Her sister knew how to burn cd and the equivalent exchange was her being a chaperone, a third wheeler, and a photographer to them for a day. Yujin didn’t mind since even her food expenses were all handled by Soobin.

 

“Yeah, we aren’t.” Wonyoung muttered. “I didn’t order that so I didn’t spend money. And look, I got one too.” Wonyoung raised her right hand, it’s pink and has her name ‘Wonyoung’ on it. She beams with pride with the product's outcome. “Ang cute diba.”

 

“It is.” And it really is cute. But the more Yujin looks at the bracelet, the more her suspicion grows. “Ikaw gumawa nito, no?”

 

Ngumisi lang ang dalaga. “Malay mo hindi. Malay mo napulot ko lang yan sa tabi-tabi.”

 

“Yung totoo nga.”

 

Ngumiti ng nakakaloko si Wonyoung. “Secret.”

 

—

 

“Wala ang teacher niyo for this subject,” sabi ni Hyunjung, substitute teacher for science. “Obvious naman dahil ang magandang Hyunjung ang nasa harap niyo ngayon.”

 

Naghiyawan ang lahat.

 

“Pero nag-iwan ang teacher niyong si Nayeon ng assignment.”

 

Nanlumo ang lahat, kasama na run si Yujin. But Yujin prefers assignments over an activity, lalong-lalo na’t science ito at nasa chemistry na sila at ayaw niya sa chemistry.

 

“The assignment is on the board. Now, as long as you guys are quiet enough, you’re free to do things in other subjects, especially if may requirements pa kayong di nagagawa. Consider this as your freetime. But don’t forget the assignment that is due tomorrow.”

 

Yujin has a few options of where to go; the infirmary, the library, and the canteen. But looking at the teacher in front, she guesses that a canteen trip wouldn’t be so favorable. Notorious daw si Hyunjung on nagging students who went to buy food lalo na kung di pa naman oras for break. Yujin only heard that rumor from their seniors.

 

But the teacher is also known to be friendly and likes teasing students with each other. And it didn’t help na yung isang group of friends na extroverts at mahilig sa chismis, ay nakikipag-usap na agad kay Hyunjung.

 

“Ma’am, silang dalawa po yung love team dito.” Turo ni Rei kay Yujin na nakaupo sa front row, malapit sa windows. “Tapos siya po.” Turo naman kay Wonyoung, na nasa likod, busy mag laro ng pubg.

 

“Di naman kayo naiimbyernang makita sila tapos kayo mga walang jowa?”

 

“Ay Ma’am, dyan ka po nagkakamali.” Sagot naman ni Yves. “May mga jowa naman po kami pero di kami mga pinalad na maging magkaklase.”

 

“Kawawa naman pala kayo.”

 

“Ma’am naman,” reklamo ni Yves.

 

“Ano name niya?” Tanong ni Hyunjung. “Yung may glasses na nakaupo sa harap.”

 

“Yujin po, Ma’am.”

 

“Yujin halika rito.”

 

The said girl went near the podium after removing her glasses. “Yes, Ma’am?”

 

“Near sighted ka?”

 

“Opo.”

 

“Ahh kaya pala sa unahan ka nakaupo.” Hyunjung commented. “Gaano na kayo katagal ng jowa mo?”

 

Yujin can feel her classmates' eyes and ears focus on her, especially those who are near the podium and just eavesdropping. “Ay Ma’am, di pa po kami.”

 

Hyunjung nodded. “Kailan mo siya nagustuhan?”

 

“Last year po.”

 

“Ay mahina ang manok natin.” Hyunjung muttered. “O sige, ayun lang naman.”

 

“Ay Ma’am, pwede po akong pumunta sa library?” Tanong ni Yujin.

 

“Go ahead. Just be back before your next subject.”

 

Yujin prepared her things that she will bring to the library, and the last thing she heard was their substitute teacher calling for Wonyoung.

 

Wala gaanong tao sa library, Yujin expected as much. Maraming teachers ang magtuturo ngayon lalong lalo na’t kaunting kembot na lang exams na uli. After signing in to the library’s system, she looked far towards the science section. Thankfully, she can get an entire table to herself.

 

Inabot siya ng ilang minuto para hanapin ang nararapat na libro for chem. And when she did find the suitable book, she sat down and let knowledge flow towards her.

 

“Excuse me, pwede bang makiupo rito?”

 

Hindi pa nakakakalahati si Yujin sa pagsagot ng assignment sa chemistry nang tumingala siya at nakita niya ang bukod-tanging makakapagpabuhay ng paru-paro sa tiyan niya.

 

“Wonyoung,” sabi ni Yujin na tila pangalan lang ng dalaga ang alam. “Oo naman.” Ang bolpen na kanina’y hawak-hawak lang ay ngayo’y pinapaikot-ikot na sa gitna ng kanyang mga daliri.

 

“Seryosong-seryoso ka dyan ah,” Wonyoung leaned forward and lightly pat Yujin’s head. “Bukas pa naman submission.”

 

“Okay na ‘to para wala na akong gagawin mamaya.” Sa katunayan, wala naman din silang ibang takdang-aralin para bukas, ito lang. Pero gusto ni Yujin na may oras siya sa pag-praktis ng gitara mamaya.

 

“Okay.” Wonyoung laid her head on the table, her arm supporting her head. “Don’t snitch that I’m going to sleep here.” And just like that she closed her eyes.

 

Hinayaan muna ni Yujin na dumaloy ang ilang minuto para tignan ang natutulog na nilalang sa harap. But at the same time, she feels uncomfortable seeing Wonyoung’s position on this cold hard wood, especially given her height. Crouching down onto the table’s height isn’t good for her back.

 

“Bakit ka pa dito matutulog? Pwede namang sa infirmary na lang? Mas comfortable dun.” 

 

Yujin thought she wouldn’t answer but she’s wrong.

 

“Andito ka eh.”

 

Hindi na sumagot si Yujin. Ano pa ba ang pwedeng sabihin kung ayaw nang gumana ng utak niya mula sa narinig na salita? Siguro tumatakbo lang ng milya-milya ang puso niya dahil sa kilig pero hindi lang basta-basta ang salitang nasambit, dahil galing ito sa labi ng taong gusto niya. Siguro hindi na lang niya bibigyan ng kahulugan ang mga katagang narinig niya. Mananahimik na lang siya para di siya magkamali ng isip. 

 

Tama. We’re just friends. Isip ni Yujin habang tinatabi ang kwaderno at ang bolpen. Kakalimutan niya muna ang gawain at tuluyan siyang umupo sa tabi ni Wonyoung. Her breathings were even and Yujin doesn’t know how Wonyoung has the ability to fall fast asleep everywhere. Di na lang niya iisipin kung bakit at paano dahil hindi naman yun ang mahalaga. 

 

Ang mahalaga at mahal niya ay abot-kamay niya lang sa tabi niya.

 

Yujin smiled as she noticed strands of hair falling on Wonyoung’s face. She carefully tucked them onto Wonyoung’s ears and whispered, “Tulog ka lang. I’ll wake you up before the next class.”

 

—

 

“Bakit ka color green? Ano ka? Hulk?”

 

Napakunot ng noo si Yujin. “Hindi ahh. Zombie kaya ako.”

 

It’s the last week of October and the student council decided to have fun and make everyone dress up today as a character from different series to usual creatures that a person can see during halloween. There are stalls to play and get certain prizes as well as different food stalls. Seeing some people cosplay certain anime characters reminds Yujin of comic con, and Wonyoung makes it hard to forget that they’re not in a comic con right now.

 

But in all honesty, Wonyoung fits her outfit a lot. Kaya medyo nahihiya si Yujin na tumabi kasi parang ang out of place na niya but seeing Jihan’s outfit makes her think that she’s still on point.

 

“At least you’re not like them,” turo ni Jihan sa pang-ilang multo na nadaanan nila. “White cloth and sunglasses, how original,” she said with matching eye rolls after making sure they’re far from the ghost.

 

“Hoy,” saway ni Wonyoung. “At least nag-effort pa rin at pumunta ngayon kesa namang no show sila no?”

 

“Ang bare minimum naman ng effort nila,” ani Jihan. “Buti pa ‘to si Yujin. Nag effort sa body paint na green, at tornilyo sa ulo.”

 

“Low effort din naman,” amin ni Yujin. “Di tulad ng pinatahi mong carrot costume.”

 

“Shh, walang-wala ‘to sa kabonggahan ni Ate mo Wonyoung. Kabog ang lahat.” Wonyoung had the details down from the bamboo on to the pink kimono and black haori to her long pink nails. “Paano ang Nezuko cosplay bhe? Sige nga.”

 

Wonyoung tilted her head and ran, her arms behind her.

 

“Sabi ko mag pose ka hindi tumakbo,” Jihan facepalmed and turned to Yujin. “Parang ewan din si Wonyoung, no?”

 

Tumango ang dalaga.

 

“Sus. Crush mo naman.”

 

Di na nag-abalang sumagot si Yujin. Alam naman ni Jihan ang totoo eh.

 

“Ewan ko sainyo. Babalik muna ako sa room ha, tapos naman na rin ang shift niyo sa stall diba?”

 

“Oo. Bakit? Samahan ka na namin pabalik?”

 

“Naku, wag na. Maglakad-lakad na lang kayo sa campus. Kanina ko pa nalibot yung mga stalls kasi di ko pa shift eh. Tapos naman na kayo kaya kayo naman ang maglibot-libot.”

 

“Sure ka?”

 

“Naman! Malaki na ako no. Kaya ko na ‘to.”

 

“Okay.”

 

“Babay! Kitakits na lang mamaya sa room.”

 

Wonyoung was busy looking at a food stall and Yujin doubts she felt her presence at all. “Tara kain muna.”

 

“Si Jihan?”

 

“Shift na niya sa stall natin. Kitakits na lang daw mamaya.”

 

“Ahh, ganun ba. Sayang. Ililibre mo pa siya diba?”

 

“Luh? Wala akong sinabing ganun.”

 

Napatawa si Wonyoung. “Pero tara, kain muna tayo. Nakakagutom din dun sa stall natin eh.”

 

—

 

“Yujin.”

 

“Ano?”

 

“May gusto akong itry.”

 

“Na alin?”

 

“Wait. Hintayin mo na lang ako rito.”

 

They were done eating and Yujin could even skip dinner at this point due to her being full. She thinks they’ve already tried everything that there is to try, even game stalls. And thankfully, she brought extra money today.

 

“Okay?”

 

“Ay wait. I changed my mind. Tara.” Wonyoung held Yujin’s hand until they got to the stall with tons of stuffed toys on display. The game looks simple. All they have to do is pop three balloons out of 5 tries and if they succeed, they can choose a stuffed toy as a prize.

 

“Did you see something that you want?”

 

“Shh. Gusto ko lang i-try ‘to.”

 

“Okay. Goodluck, Wonyoungie.”

 

Binigyan na siya ng five darts ng naka-ghost costume and first try, the balloon popped.

 

And the next.

 

And the next.

 

In no time, Wonyoung was holding a bunny stuffed toy.

 

Yujin never knew that Wonyoung had the knack for this type of game. And Yujin doesn’t think that it's beginner's luck. Wonyoung’s poise and precision in popping the balloons off the wall makes her think that Wonyoung is a sharp shooter.

 

“And here.” Wonyoung handed the toy to her. “Sayo yan.”

 

“Akala ko para sayo.”

 

“Nope, it’s yours.”

 

“But it’s a bunny and you’re like a bunny.”

 

“Remember Jini?”

 

How could Yujin forget? It’s the name Wonyoung got for the dog stuff toy she gave her.

 

“This is your Jini,” Wonyoung muttered. “Pero syempre wag mong pangalanang Jini yan ha, Jini is applicable to Jini only. Nauna ako sa name na yun.”

 

Yujin smiled at the bunny stuffed toy in her hands and to Wonyoung. “Thank you.”

 

“You’re welcome,” she beamed.”

 

“Pero… why?”

 

“What do you mean why?”

 

“I mean, why did you get me this? Meron naman na akong bracelet to remind me of you,” Yujin said, sabay tingin sa right wrist niya kung saan nakalagay ang bracelet na bigay ni Wonyoung. It never left her wrist ever since then unless she’s sleeping and taking a bath, but other than that, the bracelet is snug on her wrist.

 

“Wala lang,” she shrugged. “Ayaw mo ba?”

 

Yujin shook her head, di niya mapigilang hindi ngumiti. “Luh? Wala naman akong sinabing ayaw ko.”

 

“Hmm, don't think too much of it, Yujinnie. Like Jini, she’ll remind you of me when you’re down or even when you’re happy.”

 

Wonyoung’s lips kept moving and it was all that Yujin could focus on but even her voice was muted. The surrounding noise was muffled and it reminded Yujin of the water when she’s swimming but Yujin doesn’t think that she’s still swimming in the shallow waters. She’s in the deeper part of the sea, floating aimlessly. But she doesn’t mind the water muffling everything. She feels secure in this part of the deep water despite the uncertainty of waiting here. 

 

But thank heavens, Wonyoung dragged her again to another stall.

 

—

 

Listening to the waves hitting the shore comforts Yujin. It calms every bit of her cell while waiting for Wonyoung.

 

Ilang buwan na rin ang nakalipas mula October at ngayon may outing ang pamilya ni Wonyoung at imbitado si Yujin at ang kapatid niya. Imbitado rin naman si Jihan at ang iba pa nilang kaibigan pero mga nahiyang sumipot. 

 

Nahiya rin si Yujin, kaso todo pilit si Wonyoung na sumama na siya at ang ate niya para di naman sayang yung naging plano ng parents niya for them to have fun kasi bakasyon na. Walang nagawa si Yujin kundi um-oo.

 

At kani-kanina lang, Wonyoung asked her to meet her by the shore after dinner and by the tone of her voice, it sounded serious. Everything that sounded serious makes Yujin nervous. But the sound of the waves and the unshy stars above makes her think that everything will be alright.

 

But would it really be okay?

 

Yan ang tanong ng boses sa ulo niya. But if she’s going to answer it…

 

Hindi siya sigurado.

 

The entire day Wonyoung felt like she was keeping distance between them. The moment she gets closer, Wonyoung would go away. She thinks that maybe it’s because her parents are around and the concern that maybe they won’t like her, but so far, they’re saying how lucky their daughter is for meeting Yujin. But they don’t know she’s the luckier one.

 

And maybe the keeping distance was just all in her head since there were also times when Wonyoung would brush her hand against hers and stand close but then, she’d still leave her side to sit beside Sojung instead. Leaving Yujin no choice but to converse with Jiyeon while the adults were in their own bubble.

 

Ay ewan.

 

“Yujinnie.”

 

“Ay ewan.”

 

“Ewan na pala ako ngayon?” Wonyoung muttered, her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief.

 

“Nabigla lang ng very slight. Ikaw naman kasi nambibigla ka rin eh.”

 

“Ako pa talaga ngayon nambibigla? Kanina ko pa kaya tinatawag pangalan mo pero nakatulala ka lang sa dagat.”

 

“Ay ganon ba,” sambit ni Yujin. “About earlier… ano yun?”

 

“Ahh, eto.” Wonyoung raised her earphones and brought out her phone. “May ipaparinig ako sayo.”

 

“Song recommendation mo?”

 

“Pwede.” Ani Wonyoung. “Basta pakinggan mo muna.”

 

“Pano ka?”

 

“Syempre share tayo sa earphones. Isa lang nadala ko eh,” Wonyoung pouted.

 

Once the earphones were sitting comfortably on their ear, Wonyoung played the song. 

 

It started with instrumentals first until the lyrics kicked in.

 

Kakainis na ayaw mong

Maniwalang mahal kita

Ano pa ba'ng kailangan kong

Patunayan sa 'yo, sinta?

 

Pero naiintindihan ko namang

Iniiwasan mo lang masaktan

'Di ka madedehado

Kung sasagutin mo lang ako

 

Nanatiling tahimik si Yujin. Di niya alam kung ano ang dapat niyang maramdaman. Puro na lang din tanong ang nasa utak niya pero walang ni isang kasagutan. Hawak ni Wonyoung ang sagot, hindi ‘to mahahanap sa kanya.

 

Pinakinggan lang ni Yujin ang laman ng lyrics ng kanta at sa katunayan, kinikilig siya dahil parang nasa point of view niya ang buong kanta. At kung tutuusin, kung nauna siguro siya sa kanta, siya na mismo ang mag-rerecommend nito sa dalaga.

 

Kasi mula simula hanggang katapusan ng kanta, iisang tao lang ang pumasok sa utak niya na balak niyang panindigan hanggang siya’y tumanda. Jang Wonyoung.

 

Yujin was about to speak as soon as she took the earphones off but Wonyoung shushed her. “Wait. Let me speak first.”

 

“Narinig ko lang din yan this week tapos first listen, ikaw naisip ko. Kaya inulit ko, ikaw pa rin naisip ko. Hanggang umabot ng pangatlo, pang-apat, pang-lima, hanggang sa nakailang ulit na ako ng kanta, ikaw talaga nasa isip ko Yujin.”

 

“Nakakaloka ka rin kasi eh, akala ko mapapagod kang maghintay kaya hinayaan lang kita kaso umabot ka na ng isang taon para maghintay sakin. Pinandigan mo talaga yung paghihintay sakin no? Pero hindi yung paghihintay mo ang point ko.”

 

“Ang point ko, sa mahigit isang taon na kasama kita, all of it was worthwhile. You showed me your different sides and you weren’t afraid to be vulnerable in front of me. And I love how comfortable we are with each other since our friendship is already established. At tulad sa kanta, ikaw yung katahimikan ko sa kabila ng ingay ng mundo.”

 

“Di ako sure kung paano mo nagawa yun, but it’s true Yujin. I love how you crinkle your nose when you get serious about something. I love how gentle you hold my wrist and how warm it feels. I love silent moments with you. And there’s just a lot of things that I love about you and to be fair, it feels embarrassing to be this honest with you.”

 

“But it also feels so right to be vulnerable to you as well.”

 

Yujin felt Wonyoung’s palm on top of her. “Kasi ganito pala magkagusto sa isang tao.”

 

“Huh?” Yujin blinked a few times. Magkagusto?

 

“Teka lang. I’m not done yet.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Ah basta. Mahal na rin kita, Yujin.”

 

“Huh?” Nauutal na sabi ni Yujin. Di siya makapaniwalang sinabi ni Wonyoung yun. Teka, panaginip ba ‘to? Yujin pinched her arm and boy did it hurt a bit, but Wonyoung is still beside her, still wearing her white long sleeve. I’m not dreaming?

 

“Isa pang ha Yujin, hahalikan na kita.” There was warning in Wonyoung’s voice but still Yujin couldn’t help herself but say

 

“Ha—”

 

Wonyoung’s right hand covered Yujin’s mouth and she leaned forward until the distance between their faces was equal to none. Wonyoung’s lips lingered on the back of her own hand longer than she wanted it to be, maybe she did want to taste Yujin’s lips. She saw Yujin close her eyes and yet here she is with her eyes open, and she slowly closes them as she smiles.

 

Wonyoung gradually leaned back and said, “Isa pa Yujin, wala nang cover niyan sa sunod.”

 

“Talaga ba, Wonyoung?”

 

“Wag mo akong hamunin,” Wonyoung pouted.

 

Yujin slowly held Wonyoung’s hands, taking comfort with her warmth along with the warmth she felt in the pit of her stomach. She likes it. No. She loves it. She loves this feeling.

 

At this moment, the world isn’t muffled nor is it muted. She can hear everything loud and clear. She’s no longer in the deep part of the waters. She’s back on the surface where she’s free. Of course, the one who saved her from drowning is the one who just ought to kiss her.

 

“So… bago tayo bumalik dun. Tayo na?” Tanong ni Yujin habang dinig na dinig nila ang tawag ni Jiyeon sa kanilang dalawa. May pagkain daw, midnight snack.

 

“Gusto mo bang bawiin ko yung sinabi kong ‘mahal na rin kita?’” Naglalakad sila pabalik ng magkahawak ang kamay.

 

“Ayaw.” Bahagyang hinigpitan ni Yujin ang hawak sa kasintahan niya. “Sabi ko nga, tayo na.”

 

—

 

“Kayo na no?” Unang tingin pa lang ni Jihan sa dalawang magkasamang pumasok, alam na niya agad ang sagot pero mas mabuti nang sigurado.

 

Wonyoung nodded and the shy but proud expression on Yujin makes it even more evident.

 

“MAY OFFICIAL COUPLE NA TAYO! YES NAMAN!!” Sigaw ni Jihan sa buong klase.

 

“Grabe makasigaw ha,” napa-iling na lang si Wonyoung. “Kailangan talagang iannounce?”

 

“Ililibre ko kayo mamaya. May mga sisingilin akong utang,” naluluhang sabi ni Jihan habang hinalikan niya sa pisngi si Wonyoung. “Buti na lang may tiwala ako sainyo mga manok ko.”

 

“Bakit ano ba meron?”

 

“Secret.”

 

“Ano nga?” Pangungulit ni Wonyoung.

 

“Hmm nagpustahan kami nila Yeojin, Ningning, Gaeul, tas Yoon kung magiging kayo bago tayo grumaduate. Syempre yung pusta ko bago grumaduate. Tas yung iba ayaw maniwala. Ayon lang naman. Sagot ko na date niyo mamaya after class.”

 

“Parang ewan ka talaga. Pati ba naman lovelife ko pinagpustahan niyo?”

 

“Ganun talaga. Love ka namin eh.”