–

“Yu Karina.”

Tumayo naman ang teenager na tinatawag papasok sa loob ng Naevis Hall upang magpakuha ng litrato para sa ID picture. Suot ang school uniform na plantsado, nakatali ang necktie nang maayos habang may polbo sa mukha at red lipstick sa labi.

Red because Karina Yu is oozing with confidence that morning. Even with the simple outfit, she stood out and she knew it. Even the other person in the room acknowledges it. Dalawang beses pa nga inulit ng photographer ang litrato niya kahit maaksaya sa storage dahil sadyang magandang kunan ng picture ang mukha niya na mukhang Barbie doll. Matapos ang maraming compliments, nginitian na lang ni Karina ang lalaki at lumabas na ng silid.

“Winter Kim.” nadinig niya ang pangalan ng kasunod niya sa ID picture taking.

Pinagsama nga pala sa isang schedule ang 2 Science sections ng kanilang strand at alternate ang turns kaya hindi niya kilala yung tinawag. Tinignan ni Karina ang mas maliit na babaeng pumasok sa room na makakasalubong niya. 

Maliit ang mukha, maganda ang expressive na mata niya, matangos ang ilong at maliit ang labi - a perfect definition of someone attractive ngunit di ito nakapag suklay man lang ng maikling buhok. May lukot din ang uniporme nito kaya naman nag mukhang rugged ito. 

Karina ignored her and went her way. She wasn’t someone she needs or a person she needs to get entangled with. Besides, she’s a nerd who needs to fix her style or a plantsa to iron her clothes, please. She looks so unruly.

That was the first time that Karina saw Winter Kim. 

At that time, she didn’t know yet - how that stranger would turn her world around.

–

“Karina, ano ba yan?” malagong ang boses ng ni Nicholas Yu habang matiim na tinititigan ang bunsong anak. Nag-iisa na lang ito sa poder niya dahil matagal nang nag move out ang panganay at pangalawa niyang anak.

“Po?” may bahid ng takot ang boses ng matangkad na dalaga.

“Nasa 2nd section ka na nga lang and you ain’t topping that section. Walang wala ka talaga sa ate Irene and Cath mo.” pagkukumpara niya sa mga ito. He just heard about her ranking and he couldn’t help but be disappointed.

Nick graduated with the highest honor during his time in high school. Ganun din ang asawa niya na si Stephanie Yu. Their first 2 daughters - Irene and Catherine, managed to do the same so he couldn’t understand why Katarina is performing less than them at age 16.

A Yu should always have their A-game, lalo na sa acads.

Karina wanted to defend herself. 

Mataas na din naman ang section niya out of 20 sections. She belongs to the top 100 ranking. Top 55 pa nga siya which is also a feat out of more than 1000 students.

Yet, she will never be good enough.

It’s always gonna be her ate Cath and Irene. 

She was always the disappointing daughter with the way her parents looked at her. The black sheep, that’s what she is. Karina stood up angrily at the dining table at ang pagkunot-noo ng mom and dad niya ang sumalubong sa kanya.

“Saan ka pupunta?” sabad ng mama niya.

“Magpapahangin lang po sa labas.” walang galang na sagot niya.

“Napakatigas talaga ng ulo mo. Gabing gabi na tapos lalabas ka pa!?” singhal ni Nick at nagsindi ng sigarilyo at nilagay pa sa bibig. Karina scrunched her nose because she hates the smell of nicotine. “Gawain ba yan ng isang disenteng babae!?”

“Mauna na po ako.” that’s what Karina said and she quickly walked out of the dining table and left the house. Bastos na kung bastos but she didn’t wanna deal with them tonight. Baka kung ano pa ang masabi niya sa mga magulang niya.

Besides, di naman siya lalabas ng subdivision and she had a spare house key. Sanay na siyang mag taingang-kawali kapag paulit-ulit lang naman ang usapan. Rather than stay there and let them ruin her more, she’d ruin herself first. 

–

“Mingming kain na kayo.” malambing at maliit ang boses na nadinig ni Karina habang papalabas ng 24 hours convenience store. She looked around the place to look for an available table since madaming chairs sa labas. Share kasi yung 7-Eleven at yung bar sa taas nito sa open space area and thankfully dahil alas 7 pa lang ng gabi ay kokonti pa lang ang nakapwesto sa table.

She saw a familiar figure leaning sa madilim na parte ng 7/11. Nakatayungkod ito at pinapalibutan ng mga pusa. Karina was supposed to ignore her yet the shadow she cascaded looming over the smaller girl caught her attention.

“Hi!” friendly na bati nito when she looked up at her. Pumwesto kasi si Karina sa side nito dahil mas tago ito sa crowd. “Sa Naevis U ka din, diba?” Nakangiti pa din na tanong nito sa kanya at nagpet pa ng cats sa harap niya.

“Yes.” malamig na sagot ni Karina. She recognized the girl’s face but couldn't put a name to the face. Ito yung kasunod niya sa taking ng ID pics last week. Palagi din itong nakangiti nung nag-Brigada Eskwela sila at nagkakasalubong sila pagtatapon ng basura.

“Sabi ko na familiar ka eh!” hyper pa din na sagot nito then looked at her from head to toe. Karina noted that she has that twinkling eyes that screams curiosity. “What are you doing here? Gabi na ah.”

“Dinner.” Tipid na sagot ni Karina at inilapag ang cup noodles na may tubig at ang paper bag na hawak. Matapos nitong magpakain sa mga stray cat ay umupo ito sa tapat niya and invited herself to her table. 

Karina didn’t have the energy to shoo her away.

“Cup noodles for dinner?” The hyper girl with the bob cut looked at her food with disbelief. Mukha siyang meme habang bilog na bilog ang bibig at may pagtakip pa ng labi gamit ang kamay.

Tinaasan siya ng kilay ni Karina. “Do we have a problem with my food?”

“Ang unhealthy lang.” maagap na pagbawi nito.

“Yeah, right. Whatever.” nag roll eyes si Karina dito. She would look rude if she ignored her so she just prompted for a small talk. She remembered what she was doing prior to this conversation. “Ikaw? Did you come here to feed strays?” 

“Oo! Tsaka malapit lang bahay namin dito. Nga pala, I’m Winter Kim.” pagpapakilala nito na nakangiti pa din and held out her hand for handshake. “Baka isipin mo weird ako if I keep talking to you na di pa nag-iintroduce ng sarili properly.”

“Oh.” Tumango si Karina and accepted her hand since she was brought up that way. She let go of it agad since it was a bit awkward. “Katarina Yu, you can call me Karina.” pagpapakilala niya din formally sa schoolmate niya.

“Sige na, kumain ka na! If gutom ka pa, you can have dinner samin. Ako nagluto bago ako umalis kanina.” magiliw na paanyaya ni Winter na lalo pang nagpasimangot kay Karina. Kakakilala lang nila so why is she being extra nice?

“Thanks, but no thanks.” She declined politely. “I’m good.”

“Okay.” medyo awkward na natatawa si Winter at tumayo na when she saw that Karina’s noodle is turning soggy. Mukha kasing hindi ito kakain habang nandun siya. That’s when Karina noticed that she was wearing baggy shorts and a basketball uniform. “Well, see you sa school!”

Winter was too friendly for Karina but she smiled as she watched the retreating figure anyway. 

–

“I am Winter Kim and once again, nangangakong maasahan niyo bilang senior high freshman rep kung pagbibigyan niyo lang ako.” Winter spoke with her soft but also confident voice in front of Section I4.

Nasa kampanya sila para sa Student Council ng Naevis High - SHS. In Karina’s case, her parents made her join dahil bukod sa topping their class, lagi din silang part ng council. What she doesn’t understand is the fact that she keeps seeing this Winter Kim around the campus.

Maybe it was inevitable since pareho silang member ng Science section with almost similar sched and room assignment but medyo spooky na din. Madalas din silang magkita sa 7/11 pero they just co-exist in the same space without minding the other after that introduction night.

More like, Karina ignores her while Winter is still friendly. The latter would always ask about her subjects sa school and assignments since iisa lang naman ang assigned teachers sa top 2 special Science sections.

Sila lang naman ang pinagpalang pumapasok ng 7am to 5pm everyday dahil may additional English and Science subject sila. EnviSci and Advanced English classes are waving at them kaya naman lantutay na siya by the end of classes. 

Karina doesn’t know where she gets that bubbly energy from. Palagi itong nakangiti at enthusiastic while Karina was just answering because she was both exhausted and uninterested.

Ewan niya ba kung bakit parang di makaramdam itong si Winter na wala siyang plano maging Ms. Congeniality. She had to step up her game para matigil na ang bunganga ng daddy niya about her current section kasi gabi gabi na lang ang sermon sa kanya sa hapag kainan.

Anyway, her name was already called after Winter so she confidently took the center spot to introduce herself and convince the students to vote for her.

“Hi everyone, I’m Karina Yu. 16 years old.” nakatitig naman sa kanya ang lahat lalo na ang mga lalaki dahil may dating ang ganda at tangkad niya. Isa pa ay hindi umaalis si Karina ng bahay ng hindi nakaayos kahit polbo at lipstick lang. Lalo tuloy nahighlight ang maputi niyang balat, makinis na mukha at makipot na labi. 

This time, she was wearing a lip gloss to accentuate her lips for a friendly and approachable look. Medyo sharp kasi ang features ng mukha niya so she had to tone it down with the color of her lips.

It was just how her Mommy Tiffany taught her and her sisters. They are the daughters of a well known fashion magazine director after all. Her dad is also a successful businessman in his own right kaya naman power couple talaga ang magulang niya.

“When I was in Junior High, I became the president of our council and headlined successful projects like tree planting activities and tutoring sessions. I believe that with my credentials, I’ll be fitting as our senior high freshman rep.” pagbibida ni Karina sa mga previous projects niya.

Nagblink lang ng mata ang mga student sa kanya na waring naguguluhan kung bakit niya nilapag ang mga iyon. Pero pumalakpak din naman ang mga ito sa pangunguna ni Winter. Nginitian siya nito na ginantihan niya ng tipid na ngiti.

She ought to thank her for saving her from the awkwardness, right?

Di naman siya pinalaking bastos ng magulang niya.

‘May mali ba sa sinabi ko?’ 

Di maiwasang mapaisip ni Karina sa lukewarm na response sa kanya prior to Winter’s support. She was being friendly naman, diba? Sometimes, she’s also not that good with minding social cues. 

–

“Uy…andito ka na naman.” friendly na bati ni Winter pagdating sa convenience store. As usual, nagkita na naman sila sa may 7/11 that night. It’s the same old story for both girls - Karina walked out on her parents during dinner while Winter did her charity work to feed strays.

Nakaplaid na oversized polo si Winter at pants. Ang init init sa Pinas pero pang malamig ang get-up. Medyo weird but okay. Everything that Winter does is something Karina wouldn’t understand anyway. 

Too friendly, too positive and too unbothered - she hates it.

Si Karina naman ay kumakain ng yogurt for dinner on her usual table. She was wearing a plain blue t-shirt at white shorts na maikli. It shows off her tall figure and long legs. Unlike her usual made up face sa school, madalas na bare-faced si Karina pag tumatambay sa 7-Eleven.

Like always andun na naman siya dahil nawalan na naman siya ng gana magdinner sa bunganga ng parents niya sa bahay.

“Hi.” tipid na sagot ni Karina dito.

“Diet ka?” curious na tanong ni Winter habang nagbibigay ng cat treats sa isang black and white cat. May color orange pa dun sa kabilang side, may plain white at may pure black. Buti na lang di sila naniniwala na malas ang pure black cat.

“Hindi naman.” tipid na sagot ng mas matangkad na dalaga.

“Gusto mo sa bahay ka na lang kumain? Ang unhealthy na naman ng food mo.” may pag-aalala sa boses ni Winter habang niraruffle ang balahibo at tenga nung malaking puting cat. She wasn’t looking at Karina pero medyo namumula ang pisngi nito.

Kumunot ang noo ni Karina sa pag-anyaya nito for the 2nd time around. Doesn’t she know that it's dangerous to invite someone to your house kahit pa school mates pa kayo? What if Karina’s the bad person? What if malikot pala ang kamay niya and manakawan sila?

Though she wasn’t like that, of course. 

Still, that doesn’t change the fact that not everyone is like her.

“Ganyan ka ba talaga?” Karina can’t help but be intrigued. “Being too nice to everyone and offering free dinners?”

She was brought up with the concept that kindness isn’t innate in people. Usually, people would be nice to you kasi may kailangan sila sayo or you can help them in any way. At least, that’s what her experience tells her.

She remembers how her old junior high school crew was only there when they needed her to help them with acads. She also sees how some of her old classmates tried so hard to pressure her to introduce them to her mom kasi baka makuha sila na model.

She scrunched her nose and her eyebrows furrowed at the bitter memory. 

“Bakit hindi? Wala namang masama sa pagiging friendly and nice.” Winter answered habang nasa cat pa din ang attention. Then she looked up at Karina with that crinkling eyes and dimpled grin. 

“Besides, your food isn’t gonna fill you up. Kaya ang payat payat mo eh. Yatot~” 

“Why do you care so much?” Karina was unfazed with the use of a nickname and simply added coldly. “And no, not everyone deserves kindness.”

“Ouch ah.” nag-act pa na tinamaan sa puso si Winter pero tumango tango din. “But gets.”

“Now, you can go home.” pagtataboy ni Karina sa babae. Usually naman kasi ay magpapakain at magpepet lang ng pusa si Winter tapos aalis na din. Siya naman ay nagstay pa sa establishment until 10pm para magmusic with her huge headphones.

Hinihintay niya lang talaga na tulog na ang magulang niya bago siya umuwi. Magkakaroon pa kasi ng second part yung misa pag umuwi siya ng gising pa sila. Kampante din sila na di siya mapapano dito dahil nasa gated subdivision sila.

Admittedly, ayaw din naman masyado lumayo ni Karina sa bahay. Takot din siya makidnap or something.

“Di ka talaga gutom?” pangungulit ni Winter then with a wide grin she added, “May tonkatsu sa bahay.”

Kumalam naman ang sikmura ni Karina at naglaway ang dila niya sa gutom. Favorite niya pa talaga yung nabanggit na ulam. Come to think of it, it’s been awhile since she ate homemade food na walang kasamang sermon.

“Final answer na talaga?” there was that taunting smile on Winter’s lips seeing the split second change of demeanor of her aloof schoolmate. The younger one is actually very curious kung bakit laging solo pag nakikita niya sa school kaya nga niya kinukulit.

Usually kasi yung mga magagandang schoolmate yung dapat laging may kasa-kasamang mga group of friends. It was fascinating to see that someone as beautiful as Karina isn’t surrounded by a clique. 

Karina hates to see that know-it-all grin and she is internally cursing her weakness towards food. But she’s really famished and she wanted to be filled with something freshly cooked tonight. 

Or maybe…just a little bit, Winter is growing on her.

After all, she’s still just a human who desires socialization kahit minsan lang.

“Aish. Fine.” napipilitan na pagpayag nito.

“Yes!” natatawang sabi ni Winter at tumayo na habang binababa ng maayos yung cat palapag sa floor. “Wag kang mag-alala. Masarap ako magluto.”

“Siguraduhin mo lang!” mataray pa din na sagot ni Karina.

Kahit nahihiya ay itinago niya na lang iyon sa pagsusungit. She’d rather be caught dead than admit her gratitude towards her kind schoolmate. May pride pa naman siya. Nagsimula na silang maglakad papunta sa kabilang street papunta sa bahay ni Winter.

–

“Sarap ko magluto, no?” maangas na tanong ni Winter habang nakatambay sila sa 3rd floor ng bahay nila upang magpababa ng kinain. It turns out na nasa magkabilang street pala sila ng subdivision kaya madalang sila magkasalubong pauwi. 

Malamig ang simoy ng hangin na dumadampi sa kanilang mga pisngi at nasisilawan sila ng maliwanag na buwan at iilang pirasong bituin sa alapaap. May nadidinig silang kuliglig sa di kalayuan habang nakatingin sila sa langit.

“Pwede na.” prenteng sagot ni Karina habang nakatayo sila na magkatabi at umiinom ng gatas. 

In Tita Erika’s wisdom (mama ni Winter na nameet niya kanina), pampatulog daw ang gatas. Inatasan pa nga nito ang anak na ihatid si Karina mamaya at pormal na ihinging paumanhin sa mga magulang niya for staying late sa bahay nila. 

Karina refused at first but she guessed na may pinagmanahan ang makulit niyang schoolmate because the kind ginang wouldn’t take no for an answer. Tita Erika was also friendly and bubbly like Winter. Idagdag pa ang semi identical na mukha nila. If she didn’t know better, she’d think they were sisters rather than a parent-offspring relationship.

And as much as she hated to admit it, she enjoyed their company so much.

It was the first dinner that she didn’t feel like the spotlight was on her just because she couldn’t ever be good enough. Tita Erika indulged her with her stories about Winter’s childhood which the latter complained to her mom about in between.

“Mommy, wag mo ko masyadong baby-hin!” was Winter’s complaint all throughout the dinner. Karina and Tita Erika just laughed at Winter’s cute whining on the dining table. Karina can see why her mom liked to daughter.

“Sus.” pang-aasar pa ni Winter with tongue click. “Sabihin mo na lang na cool talaga ako.”

“You’re so makapal.” Karina rolled her eyes and drank from her cup.

“But seriously…if you needed someone, laging bukas ang bahay namin.” genuine na paalala ni Winter. 

“Thank you.” For the first time, Karina looked at Winter’s eyes that were hidden by her thick frames. From the clear lighting coming from the bulb sa likod niya, she noticed her long eyelashes and beautiful eye shape. 

“Can I?” Karina motioned her hands towards the round eyeglasses, asking for permission to take it off.

“Aaaah…bakit? Mataas ang grado ng mata ko.” Winter warned the newfound friend but nodded anyway to give her permission. 

“Just…lemme see.” Karina muttered then completely took off the eye accessory. 

She nodded her head to confirm what she just noticed as if she was taking every detail in. She even noted down the subtle point of how Winter has that small mole by her right cheeks right below her eyes that accentuated her baby face. 

“You really have pretty eyes. You shouldn’t hide it.” Karina combed her hair with her fingers and fixed the fringe so that it would not poke her eyes. “And your hair…bagay naman sayo yung short but comb it more cause you’re beautiful.”

Namula naman si Winter sa ginawa ng matangkad na dalaga.

“Ewan ko sayo.” pagbawi ni Winter sa salamin niya then looked at the empty street sa baba because she was too shy to look back. Her heart was racing due to the proximity earlier. “Nang-echos ka pa. Don’t you see the freckles and pimples in my face?”

“Part naman ng adolescence natin yung freckles and pimples. I’m sure we can find a facial wash for that. And with your face, I’m sure it’s not that hard to remedy.” Karina assured, momentarily channeling her Tiffany genes.

“Parang tanga naman eh.” lalo pang hindi makatingin si Winter sa kasama niya. Actually, she didn’t expect na sasama si Karina this time or that she would be this nice to her after. Akala niya mag-iiwasan na ulit sila. “Umuwi ka na nga.”

“Now you’re kicking me out?” amused na tanong ni Karina, pulang pula na kasi si Winter.

“Kasi naman!” Winter finished her cup and looked at her phone. “Tara na nga. 10pm na baka hinahanap ka na sa inyo.” pagchange topic niya pa.

“I meant it, Winter.” Karina was still not letting go of that topic kasi nanghihinayang siya. As what her mom and mga ate would say, ‘If you have it, flaunt it.’ And Winter had those genes that needed to be flaunted.

“You should consider using lenses or at least better eyeglass design. Samahan kita mamili, gusto mo?” offer niya pa.

“Naks…enjoy ka na sa company ko niyan?” but Winter used that suggestion to tease Karina. The taller one got pissed off and clicked her tongue in annoyance.

“Ewan ko sayo!”

After that, they finally bid goodbye to Tita Erika and Winter walked her home. As instructed, nagpakilala nga ito sa parents ni Karina at humingi ng paumanhin for keeping her away for dinner. 

Impressed na tinanggap ng magulang niya ang bagong kaibigan. They even told Karina to “keep her.” But that approval meant nothing to Karina. She knows that the reason her parents liked Winter was because Tita Erika is one of her dad’s investors - as they have found out pagkahatid nito sa kanya.

–

Uchinaga, Giselle

Ning, Yizhuo

Kim, Winter

Hwang, Yeji

Yu, Karina

Nanghihina si Karina sa resulta ng council election. 4 lang ang batch rep na kukunin para sa year nila at naungusan siya ni Yeji ng 10 votes. Nanlulumong napaupo na lang siya sa bench sa harap ng canteen.

She stifled the tears threatening to fall from her eyes. She shouldn’t cry dahil ayaw niya ma-smudge yung mascara na suot niya at kakalat sa pisngi niya. Besides, she shouldn’t waste her lipstick that screams sophistication just because she lost.

Hanggang dito ba naman, talo pa din siya? Ano na namang masasakit na salita ang matatamo niya sa magulang niya dahil sa disappointment?

Kesyo yung mga ate niya, nanalo sa council at naging college scholars pa. It’s not like they needed that scholarship, it’s more of a bragging right for them. Na wala sa apilyedo nila ang maging 2nd section lang or maging talunan.

“Uy.” pagtawag ng mahinhin na boses sa kanya.

“W-winter…congrats.” Karina managed to say through stifled sniffs.

Napatitig din siya sa bagong dating. Kagaya ng sinabi ni Karina ng isang gabi ay nag start na nga si Winter gumamit ng contact lens at mas magandang frame ng salamin. Ilang araw din pinag-usapan ito sa buong school dahil sa pagbabagong anyo nito.

Bukod sa approachable ito ay mas naging agaw pansin ito sa mga students.

Dahil nasa Science sections sila, madali lang sa ibang students na makilala sila dahil iba ang lanyard na suot nila. Bilang pina-pangatawanan nila ang eskwelahan sa mga patimpalak, it’s one of their perks as the elite students.

“Malay mo naman may pag-asa pa…” medyo hopeful na sagot ni Winter. Alam niya na kasi how much of a big deal it is for Karina. The latter has already shared with Winter the expectations her parents had for her. “Gusto mo magpa-initiate ako ng recount?”

“What for? Kasali ka naman na sa batch rep.” 

“Eeeehh…” Winter pouted like a kid. “Mas masaya ang council kung andun ka.”

“Palit tayo?” Karina proposed, a sly grin written on her face.

“Wala naman ganyanan.” pag-angal nung isa.

Tinawanan naman ni Karina si Winter. 

“I’m sure you’ll do great, Winter.” she simply said. Even if the result didn’t go her way, she should be a good sport, right? At this point, Winter is a friend. Technically, her friend achieved something so she should be happy for her.

Karina used her handkerchief to wipe the side of her eyes na may namuong luha.

“Next year, tatakbo ka ulit?” pagtatanong ni Winter na nakalagay ang mga kamay sa kanyang pocket. The other one was holding on to the strap of her shoulder bag. Nililipad ng malamig na hangin ang bouncy bob niya.

“I need to.” Karina answered as she also wore her fashionable shoulder bag na nasa latest design ng mommy niya for the magazine. She even modeled for that particular bag for the supplier’s IG kasi nagagandahan din siya. 

“Sali ka sa partylist namin.” Kasali kasi si Winter sa partylist ng mga dati nang may katungkulan kaya mas may tiwala na ang student body sa kanila dahil sa credibility. If she’d be joining them, then that’ll certainly boost her votes.

“Hala siya.” medyo nagulat naman siya sa offer na yun. That’s a big deal and could definitely help in securing a spot.

“Seryoso nga.” 

“Di ako bagay dun.” Karina’s insecurity was getting ahead of her.

“Ah basta, samin ka next year.” pagclaim pa ni Winter habang sabay na silang naglalakad pabalik sa Science department. Like their ID lace, their classrooms are also nasa malayong part of the university to remove distractions from normal classes.

“Ewan ko sayo.”

But Karina was happier at the latter part of the day because Yeji was disqualified. She had an issue with her previous position at her old school due to mishandled funds (not her fault but it still tainted her record and she was disqualified). Karina got the 4th spot. 

Still, her parents mocked her achievement saying that she didn’t win, she was just a second choice. And she was hurt once more and was feeling invalidated.

Her best isn’t good enough.

She tolerated it because she knows no better than that.

–

“Karina!” maligalig na bati ni Winter as soon as she came inside the SME Hall. Pinulon ang lahat ng nasa top 15 ng section 1, 2 and 3 upang magkaroon ng ‘school wide quiz bee’ sa limang major subject - English, Math, Science, Filipino and AP.

Ang mananalo ay magiging representative ng university nila upang maka-patimpalak sa district meet ng kanilang city. Nagkanya kanyang batian na din ang mga kaklase ni Karina at ang iba pang mga kaklase ni Winter.

“You’re also here?!” may halong pagtataka na tanong ni Karina kay Winter. Not that she didn’t trust her newfound friend but since mas tough ang competition sa section nito, being part of the top 15 is a feat.

Minsan sobrang happy-go-lucky lang ng friend niya para magkaroon ng time asikasuhin ang napakadami nilang assignments and projects. Halos magkanda kuba kuba na si Karina for staying up late at night mahabol lang ang deadline.

Bakit ang energetic niya pa din? 

Parang kiti kiti!

“Well…sorry, wala kang takas sa charms ko.” confident na sagot ni Winter at naghairflip pa.

“Pffft.” Karina rolled her eyes at her.

“Grabe no? Ang daming ganap.” Naupo naman si Winter sa tabi niya and waved at her usual crew. May sign itong ginawa sa kamay and she saw the Japanese nodded her head. Karina watched the interaction but didn’t comment on anything.

It’s not like her classmates actually talk to her. Magkakaklase kasi sila sa previous junior high nila so naturally na mas close yung mga kaklase niya sa isa’t isa. It’s not like Karina would do anything to be close to them.

Distractions lang din naman sila sa pag-aaral. She might show that she’s stubborn sa bahay but she’s also working hard to make her daddy proud. All she ever wanted is for them to be proud of her too like her older siblings. 

“Yeah.” pagsang-ayon niya habang naghihintay sila sa mga guro. “Did you review?”

“Aaaah….hindi nga eh. Ang dami kayang homework lagi.” pag pout pa ni Winter sa kanya. Medyo narelieve naman si Karina kahit na di pa din siya kampante. At least less competition if di ready si Winter, right?

“I see. I don’t think I reviewed enough.” disappointed na sabi ni Karina sa sarili but then looked at Winter with those competitive eyes. If she became the representative, mas matutuwa siguro parents niya.  “I’ll crush you on your own game, Winter.”

“Alam mo, chill ka lang.” cool na sagot ni Winter as she removed her blazer dahil medyo mainit na sa loob ng hall dahil crowded. She hang the outerwear and let it dangle in her arms. “We learn to enjoy, not to pressure ourselves into learning everything.”

“Just…nevermind.” Karina stubbornly refused then grabbed the index card na binigay ng ate niya. Umuwi kasi ito the other day and found out about this competition so she gave her sister reviewers. “Magbabasa muna ako.”

“I’ll help you.” Winter offered while eyeing her index card. 

“Don’t you have to review din by yourself?”

“Try me. I don’t need it.” Winter smirked playfully. “Maybe I should lend you my index cards. Mas makapal pa jan.”

“Wow, ang confident mo naman.” Karina glared at her friend.

“Syempre!” Winter winked. 

Wala na din nagawa si Karina kasi baka hindi siya tigilan ni Winter pag di siya pumayag.

–

“Easy level. 2k + 3 + 5k = 10 What should be the first step to solving the equation?

A. 

Substituting values in for k

B. 

Subtracting 5k from both sides of the equation

C. 

Subtracting 2k from 2k and 5k.

D. 

Adding 2k to 5k

E. 

Dividing both sides of the equation by 2”

Dali daling sinulat ni Karina ang letter D sa kanyang whiteboard nang pumito na ang guro hudyat na pwede na silang sumagot. So far, naka perfect score pa silang dalawa ni Winter though last question na to ng Easy round.

“Time’s up!”

“Student 1, correct, student 2, correct…” nagtuloy-tuloy pa ang roll call hanggang makarating sa dulo. Both Karina and Winter managed to enter the medium part. Na-eliminate na karamihan sa kaklase ni Karina and only students with 9 and 10 scores are allowed to proceed.

“On your whiteboard, Write the inequation that  shows the following statement? x is 6 or less and more than – 5. I repeat, x is 6 or less and more than – 5 ”

-5

Karina wrote the answer confidently on her white board. Nakita niya na nakakunot ang noo ni Winter out of concentration pero chill din ang mga daliri nito sa pagsusulat. Nagsimula na naman ang roll call at isa na naman si Karina sa tama ang sagot.

She smirked.

Just like Winter, naperfect niya din yung medium part. 

Nasa difficult part na sila when Karina became rattled with the question. 

“The angles of a quadrilateral are in the ratio 2:3:3:4. Find its smallest angle.”

Ito yung pinaka hate niyang topic eh.

Karina ended up writing 45 degrees while Winter answered 60 degrees.

The proctor announced Winter as the 1st place and 2nd lang si Karina. 

Again, natalo na naman siya ng kaibigan niya di daw nag-review. Napaka-scam ni Winter Kim!

Pero as far as she knows, Math genius naman daw talaga ito na umabot na ng national level dati so it wasn’t that surprising that she aced this one. Nonetheless, medyo butthurt ang pride ni Karina.

Sobrang nagreview kasi siya.

“Congrats.” matamlay na bati ni Karina sa kaibigan niya when they were given a small break. She decided to go to the canteen to get some sweet boost. Sabi din kasi ng ate niya, effective ang chocolate para sa utak.

“You don’t have to congratulate me naman if ayaw mo.” malungkot na saad ni Winter na kasunod niya sa pila. Sinundan siya nito at puro jelly and gummy bears naman ang pinag-interesan nitp.

“It’s not that.” Karina knows it was unfair for the girl na petty siya but she can’t help it but snap her frustration at her.  “I really do want to congratulate you. This is my happy face.” poker face pa din na sabi ni Karina sabay lahad ng palad na walang hawak for a handshake. 

Tinanggap naman ito ni Winter ng may ngiti sa labi.

“Okay, thank you for your happy face.” Winter’s face was on teasing mode na.

Tinaasan siya ng kilay ni Karina.

“Don’t be too happy. Tatalunin pa kita sa English.” childish na sabi ni Karina. Kahit kasi si Winter na ang rep for Math, pwede pa din siya sumali sa ibang subject upang makapili siya in case she won all subjects.

“Oh, you are ON.” May halong pang chachallenge ang boses nito. Mas lalo naman namotivate ang competitive Aries side ni Karina sa asta ng kaibigan niya. She didn’t wear a burgundy color lipstick today just to lose. 

She swears she would win against Winter somehow.

–

“Spell chandelier.”

Karina clicked her tongue in anticipation. It’s so easy that she took her time writing on her white board. Out of all 10 participants, only 3 got it right and Winter happened to interchange i and e in her spelling.

“.” Winter muttered under her breath. Nadinig siya ni Karina dahil magkatabi na sila at this time. Reshuffled ang seating arrangement kanina and alternate ang section 1 and 2 to avoid cheating. 

Not that anyone from that group would dare to do it. They all belong to the cream of the crop sections, their reputation is one of their assets. No one would stoop that low and risk that pristine image for a lousy internal quiz bee competition.

“Seriously?” di makapaniwalang tanong ni Karina sa kaibigan niya. She thought Winter would easily pass that question since it’s elementary level spelling question. 

“Hey, we’re bound to make mistakes.” pagdefend ni Winter sa sarili. Umiling na lang si Karina sa kanya. 

At the end of the day, Karina won 2nd place before Winter since lamang siya sa difficult section but since the latter already had Math on her belt, Karina will represent the school for English language. 

She was the only one chosen from their section and the rest are from Winter’s classmates.

That was the start of her social suicide in her classroom.

–

“Pssst…uyyy.” pag tawag ni Winter kay Karina na nagbabasa habang vacant period sa upuan niya. Malapit kasi sa bintana ang upuan ng matangkad na dalaga sa bandang likod. Medyo nagulat pa nga siya ng makitang siya na lang naiwan sa classroom.

“Yes?” naghawi pa siya ng mahabang buhok as she answered.

“Tara cutting!” maligaliw na aya ni Winter sa kanya as if what she was suggesting was completely normal for them. It’s true na students their age would try cutting classes here and there but she felt that was an immature thing to do.

Kahit students pa lang sila, they should be responsible enough.

“Are you hearing yourself!? Student council ka pa naman.” judgmental na angal ni Karina. Like always, she was wearing a well-ironed uniform. Her hair tied up dahil mainit plus her signature red lipstick decorating her heart-shaped lips. 

Tinaasan niya ang kilay ang get up ni Winter. Ang angas na may pagfold pa ito ng manggas ng polo niya and her blazer and tie are nowhere to be found. Nakatali din sa likod ang buhok nito using the black ponytail na bigay ni Karina and her tie and blazer is nowhere to be found.

Apart from the fact that she’s violating the dress code, mukha lang itong aattend ng party sa sobrang casual nito. Nonetheless, Karina was proud na kahit namaintain ni Winter ang comfy style nito ay mas stylish na to ngayon.

She also looked very confident with her get up, walang wala yung insecure biual na takot na takot sa judgment ng mga tao before coming out. She remembered that one dinner sa bahay nila ng nagsabi ito sa kanya about her gender preference.

‘Love is love regardless of gender.’ yan lang ang sinabi ni Karina sa kaibigan niya. Iniyakan pa nga siya ni Winter kasi akala niya ijajudge siya ng kaibigan. After that, mas hindi niya na tinatago iyon sa school.

“Come on, Rina.” pang-eengganyo pa ni Winter na nagbalik sa wisyo ng nerd but pretty student. “We all know na maghapon ang meeting ng mga teachers ngayon. Plus magsign lang tayo sa attendance and okay na yun. In fact, both section 1 and 2 already agreed.” 

“Huh?” naguluhan siya sa huling sinabi nito.

“They didn’t tell you!?” may halong inis sa boses ni Winter sa nalaman. Madalas kasi nito mapansin how her classmates would often leave Karina behind lalo na pag nag lilipat lipat ng room. But Karina, being that unbothered with her social cliches, said it was just fine.

“No?” patanong na sagot ni Karina. 

Wala naman kasing inannounce kanina as far as she remembers. 

Ramdam ni Karina ang paninibugho nito sa bigat ng paghigop nito ng hangin at lakas ng pagbuga nito sa ilong. She appreciated na mas annoyed pa ito sa kanya over some trivial matters.

‘If they don’t wanna be her friend, then so be it?’ Karina mindlessly thought.

“Okay, all the more reason na sasama ka sakin.” biglang deklara nito. Sasagot pa sana si Karina kaso mabilis nang pumasok si Winter sa room nila. Wala na din ang bag ng mga kaklase niya at ngayon niya lang napansin na solo pala talaga siya sa loob.

“T-teka…” naguguluhan pa din si Karina dahil desisyon si Winter at kinuha na ang bag niya at siya na nagbitbit. Wala na siyang nagawa kundi saraduhan ang libro na binabasa at sundan ang babae. “San ba tayo pupunta?”

“Dun sa bahay nila Giselle!” Winter said at naglakad na papunta sa locker kung nasaan ang bag niya and remaining uniform ensemble na hinubad niya kasi mainit. “House party!”

“Are you sure I’m invited?” alanganin na sagot ni Karina.

“Ako na bahala kay Giselle.” Winter winked at her friend. “Wag ka nang maarte.”

Karina can only smile at how straightforward Winter is to her now. Samantalang dati ay hiyang hiya ito sa kanya. They’ve come a long way as friends indeed.

–

Karina didn’t expect that she’d have fun at the house party but she did. 

Though nakakaculture shock seeing how close their sections were, at kung gaano kacomfortable ang mga student sa isa’t isa. Apart from Winter and the people na kasama niya sa council, wala na siya halos nakakahalubilo sa mga attendees. 

She also found out that this wasn’t the first and last party that Uchinaga will hold.

She talked to Giselle kanina and contrary to the first impression na esa ang conyong half Japanese, she’s actually pretty chill and nice. May pagka-maarte lang talaga magsalita pag nag memeeting sila sa council. 

Giselle’s dad was a former rock band frontman turned businessman and madalas na wala sa bahay ang magulang kaya she can throw a party like this. Besides, like Tita Erika, Giselle’s dad is chill din daw sa pagpapalaki sa kanya.

Giselle also knows Karina already through Winter and some rumors from her classmates. May konting idea siya how nerdy Karina can get from the council encounters. Nonetheless, Giselle made Karina feel welcome and even reminded her to always come next time she throws a party. 

The host gave them a drink, some punch na less alcohol and more fruity daw to enjoy before moving on to entertaining the other guests. Puno kasi ng mga students ang bahay ni Giselle from the sala, to the swimming pool at kitchen.

They didn’t mind. 

Sobrang laki at lawak ng bahay ni Giselle when Winter toured her around. Pero ang pinaka nagustuhan ni Karina ay ang music room. Andaming musical instrument that they are free to use basta iingatan lang nila.

While Winter kept greeting everyone like the social person that she was, Karina kept quiet behind her while sipping her cocktail from time to time. She can feel the judging looks from her classmates as if she was unwelcomed but she chose not to say anything about it.

Minamasama kasi nila ang pagsama sama ni Karina kay Winter dahil feelingera daw siya. Feelingera over what, she doesn’t know. They make it feel like masyado siyang dumidikit kay Winter dahil section 1 ito. It was a hypocritical take dahil lahat naman sila ay may kaibigan sa kabilang section. 

It’s a usual high school drama that Karina thought she didn’t have time to deal with. Human nature is complicated and she’d rather not waste her time trying to figure out what was wrong with her.

“Yan, dito tayo.” Winter announced proudly as she opened a closed door habang bitbit ang acoustic guitar na kinuha nito from the music room. They even have a drink on both their hands and a plate of cut fruits.

“You sure na di magagalit si Giselle that we’re invading here?” Karina asked nervously. Nasa second floor kasi sila and lahat ng guests ay nasa ground floor lang. Baka restricted area pala to tapos masyado na silang invasive.

“It’s cool!” malaki ang ngiti na sagot ni Winter. “Matagal ko ng kilala si Giselle and we sleepover a lot dito. This is practically my room now.” she opened up yung malaking closet and may mga damit doon si Winter. Nanlaki ang mata ni Karina.

“But…” unsettled pa din si Karina. “Why did you bring me here?”

“You’re uncomfy down there.” Winter pointed out.

She wasn’t oblivious to the judging stares. The whispers are too loud for her to hear about their friendship. She doesn’t like what she hears and Winter couldn’t believe that they are the same people na kaclose din niya.

“H-hindi naman.” Karina white lied, not wanting to affect Winter’s relationship with her other friends.

“Wag ka nga magsinungaling sakin.” Winter narrowed her eyes to the taller lass.

“Fine…” Karina bit her lower lip as she admitted while looking at the clean tiles. “Uhm…I think ayaw nila sakin.” Sobrang lakas ng buntong-hininga ni Winter sa nadinig na akala mo madadala na si Karina sa lalim ng hugot nito.

“Don’t mind them.” Winter clicked her tongue as she frowned. “They’re jealous.” 

“Huh?” Karina finally looked up.

“Don’t you see yourself?” Winter stared at her with those brown onyx eyes that Karina finds so tantalizing. Di niya maiwasan na mapatitig pabalik. “Ang ganda mo kaya! Matalino ka pa and talented. They’re projecting their insecurities on you kaya sila naiinis.”

“I doubt that.” namula si Karina sa nadinig at nahihiyang nag-iwas ng tingin. She was used to dressing up dahil sa mga kapatid niya at magulang niya but she always felt inferior. She glanced at the instrument that Winter was holding. 

“Tumugtog ka na lang kaya. Baka props lang yan ah.” pag-iiba niya ng topic cause she couldn’t handle the conversation about everything she was not. Winter was just a supportive and nice friend towards her.

“Uy…marunong ako ah!” naside track na apela ni Winter.

“Wehhh.” pang-aasar ni Karina.

“Oo nga. Diyan ka lang.” nag-ayos na si Winter ng tono ng gitara at may pag-ubo ubo pa na animo may nakabara sa lalamunan. May pag wink pa si Winter pagkaupo ni Karina sa kama. “Ingat ka ah, bawal mainlove.”

“Ang kapal mo.” palo ni Karina kay Winter dahil abot niya pa naman ito.

Winter positioned her hand properly into the fretboard of the pink guitar as soon as she settled in her seat. She looked at Karina’s face as she started serenading her sole audience. But they both liked the solidarity that the room they are confined in brings.

“Wow! Ang galing!” Karina can’t help but be amazed kasi ang talented ni Winter.

“Thank you.” humble na sagot naman ni Winter sa kaibigan niya. “I’m sure kaya mo din yun.”

“Nah. I do know how to play the keyboard kasi childhood lessons.” Karina rolled her eyes habang ginagaya ang daddy niya with deeper voice. Just like her, pati mga ate niya ay required maglearn ng instrument when they were young.

She was also comfortable enough to Winter to rant about her family and hang ups sa buhay.

“If that’s the case, the guitar will just be a piece of cake.” Winter confidently said. “Turuan kita.”

“Really?” Naexcite naman si Karina sa nadinig. She has always been interested sa guitars but her dad said na mas bagay daw sa babae ang piano kesa guitars.

“Sure!” excited na sabi ni Winter.

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

And they sealed that with a pinky promise and fit of giggles.

–

But promises are meant to be broken.

“So…this is the chord chart.” pagtuturo ng baritonong tinig ng matangkad na lalaki na si Chanyeol kay Karina. Hindi naman maiwasan ni Karina na mapatitig sa mukha nito habang tuloy tuloy pa din ito sa pag-eexplain on how to read the chord chart.

Winter promised to teach her but her friend was too busy with acads after the party.

Of course, napagalitan silang lahat with the stunt they pulled with Giselle’s party during school hours. But since nagkaisa ang dalawang highest section sa ganap, walang mga magulang na naipatawag dahil mas kahihiyan iyon ng school.

Bagkus, ibinagsak ng mga guro ang parusa sa mga estudyante by giving them a hectic schedules and homework. So, how did Karina get into this tutorial with one of the most famous guitarists in school?

It all started with an English video project wherein Karina played the lead role for “Beauty Inside.” Her classmates assigned her the role dahil pa-bida daw naman siya. She didn’t mind that and did her task. Nanalo ang team nila for having the best screenplay and their submission was played sa projector during a school event. 

Karina’s popularity skyrocketed then because everyone was curious about the pretty female lead. They also paid attention to her old council pamphlet kaya naman umugong ang pangalan niya sa mga batchmates nila.

One thing led to another and she was introduced to Chanyeol, a senior, who accidentally heard her plans with Winter to teach her the guitar. He excitedly offered himself and Winter just said coldly, “oh ayan na pala tutor mo eh.” then left kasi busy pa daw siya.

Either way, Karina accepted the offer. Nakakahiya din kasi tumanggi dahil baka maoffend niya.

But now…she can’t focus.

In her 16-year old heart, this is the first time that someone made her heart flutter with just their existence. Pogi kasi si Chanyeol at malakas talaga ang appeal. It doesn’t help that he plays the guitar so well.

It also boosts up her ego that a boy like him likes a girl like her.

He was everything that the whole teenage girls around her are wanting and he’s looking at her. 18 years old, on top of his class, popular sa mga tao for being both part of the band and representing the school in the sports department.

She was feeling extremely lucky.

“Karina?”

“Yes?” medyo nahi hypnotize pa si Karina sa mahabang pilikmata ng lalaki.

“Nakikinig ka ba?” she heard his manly chuckle. 

Basketball player din itong senior na to kaya naman napakafirm ng muscles nito na kitang kita sa uniform niya. Did she mention that he also spoils her with food kapag nagsasabay silang maglakad pauwi?

Winter used to walk home with her a lot kaso nabago ang ihip ng hangin when Chanyeol came. Part of it is Karina saying yes to Chanyeol already before Winter could even ask. Then she just stopped asking altogether.

“Aaahhh…sorry.” namumulang pag-hinging paumanhin ni Karina. 

Nawala na kasi talaga ang focus niya.

“It’s okay.” may ngiti pa din na sabi nito. “What was the last thing you remember?” patient na tanong nito sa kanya.

“Aaaah. Index finger is 1, middle is 2, tapos ring finger - 3 and pinky is 4. Then baliktad yung chart but I kinda lost you there.” pilit na pag-alala ni Karina. She kept her gaze at the song hits magazine kung saan may chart ng chord pattern.

“Aaaahh.” pagtango pa nito tapos may tinuro na black dots over the line. “You read this as the lowest E string. Then B and G, D, A and high E string.” Naamoy ni Karina ang bango ng hininga ng lalaki kahit hapon na.

This time, she focused on what he was teaching.

Mas lalo lang siyang naamaze na ang dami palang need tandaan before you can even pluck your first chord. She was proud of her progress dahil alam niya na yung fret, capo at pluck vs. strum. Kaya na din niya mag D, A, Em and G. Dahil maliit ang daliri niya ay medyo kapos pa siya sa C.

When Chanyeol dropped her off sa kanila at pinahiram pa ang spare guitar nito para makapractice siya, he requested a kiss on the cheeks as a payment. It was a wish Karina immediately granted. 

He deserved it naman.

She just didn’t see Winter who was quietly watching them from behind and saw the whole scene unfold. The younger kid felt her chest clench over the interaction and while clenching her fist tightly.

Umuwi lang naman si Winter na may pigil na luha sa mga mata. 

But Karina didn’t need to know that.

As a friend, kung masaya si Karina, dapat masaya din siya diba?

–

Karina started canceling with Winter to have more dates with Chanyeol.

It wasn’t like it was on purpose.

Apart from not walking home together anymore, their nightly meet up sa 7-Eleven was also affected. Instead of going to the usual tambayan and getting her instant food, Chanyeol would often treat Karina sa mga nearby fast food na open sa kabilang bayan with his motorcycle.

Every lunch break wherein Winter would sometimes eat with Karina, ay napalitan ng pagsama sama ni Karina sa banda ni Chanyeol. Mas lalo pang pinag-initan si Karina ng mga kaklase niya sa inggit but she didn’t really care.

It wasn’t like they were official or anything. 

Basta ang alam ng student body is that they are exclusively seeing each other. And that was enough for Karina. It seemed like nanliligaw sa kanya si Chanyeol due to his sweet gesture and pambabakod sa kanya when other students shared their interest or crush on her.

It’s 2016 naman na and madami silang schoolmate na may love life na din.

Hindi din naman napapabayaan ni Karina ang sarili niya. Iyon nga lang, she neglected her friends dahil lahat ng oras niya ay napunta kay Chanyeol. It’s not like she has that many friends anyway.

To be frank, it was only Winter who misses her a bit too much.

Or you can count Giselle na kasama nila sa council and and si Ningning na mas bata kay Karina pero medyo nakakasundo niya sa room. Like her, unbothered din kasi ang half-Chinese friend niya sa pagkakampi-kampihan at plastikan sa room nila.

Ganun siguro pag nasa higher section. Competitive ang lahat sa grades kaya if they see you as a threat, pwede ka nilang pagkaisahan with their crew. Or at least that’s what Ningning thinks dahil laging highest si Karina sa exams despite being busy with dates at council duties.

1st year senior high school life comes and go just like that.

–

But as they said, nothing in life is permanent but change.

Karina thought that smooth sailing na sila and Chanyeol would ask her officially as his girlfriend dahil sa change ng ambience ng date nila tonight. He picked her up kanina using his car’s dad at nagdrive sila papunta sa kabilang bayan.

He escorted her to a 3-star hotel restaurant famous for their food.

Ang romantic pa ng atmosphere with the candle lit table, classical tunes humming in the air and they got the corner table overlooking the vast garden of the hotel. Napapaligiran sila ng mga working professionals sa ibang table.

Well, Chanyeol’s dad is their city governor kaya may kaya ang pamilya nila and he can afford to take her out to places like this. Her positive expectations turned to sour disappointment when they talked after finishing the nice dinner.

“So…I got accepted to Harvard and I’ll be attending school there.” Chanyeol announced.

“Oh…” Not that she wasn’t happy for him, but… what does that mean for them? For her?

“Congrats.” gentle na sabi ni Karina kahit naguguluhan siya. 

Gusto niya mainis at magalit kasi umasa siya sa mga pinapakita nito sa kanya but he’s leaving the country anyway. Kung nag aasikaso naman pala siya sa studies abroad, why did he take her out on dates?

Did she read it wrong? Wala lang ba lahat yun? Pampalipas oras lang ba siya?

“I’m sorry but I think this is the last time we’ll see each other.” he added with a cheeky grin. Bakas ang excitement sa mukha nito. “Aalis na din ako after ng graduation ceremony, I have to enroll and check the dorms. I’m so happy, Karina.”

“That’s good. You deserve it.” cold but curt na sagot ni Karina out of good manners.

Di niya din alam if valid but she’s really upset.

Pakiramdam niya naiwan siya sa ere. 

Pinaasa and hindi sasaluhin.

She feels really selfish that she couldn’t share the excitement that he’s sharing at alam niya na mahalaga ang kinabukasan ng lalaki. But she feels wronged kasi they have been talking all year and he didn’t mention anything like this to her.

Ganun lang ba yun?

“Hey…” medyo lumanlam ang mata ng lalaki at naramdaman na ang pagbagsak ng emotion ng kasama. “Are you mad?”

“You tell me.” Karina suppressed the urge to roll her eyes at the insensitivity. Pero halata sa tinig niya ang pagdadamdam niya sa lalaki. As if she knew what’s gonna happen, her plum-colored lips confronted defiantly, “What am I supposed to feel?”

“Akala ko magiging masaya ka para sakin!” Chanyeol’s voice turned up a notch dahil sa gulat. Kahit ang lalaki ay naiinis na din sa inaasta ng ka-date niya. He’s telling her about something important and her reaction was to be upset?

Pareho ng mainit ang ulo nila at emotional na sila masyado both.

“I am!” Karina insisted but she held her fist tightly to stop herself from exploding sa inis. “Pero aalis ka?! Like after all that late night talk and dates we’ve had!?”

May mga napapalingon na sa kanila na mga tao and that’s when Chanyeol nervously fixed his posture and smiled at them apologetically. He realized that their voices are becoming too loud and it’s not a good image for his dad. Then he stared at Karina with a serious look on his face.

“We’re just having fun, right?” he reminded coolly to the younger one, unfazed that she’s practically sending daggers with her sharp stares. “High school dates and all that . It’s nothing serious.”

“Wow.” patango tango si Karina sa sinabi nito. Napabuntong-hininga ang dalaga.

“So all this…” Karina eyed the fancy food at the table with glassy eyes, but she held that in. Hindi siya iiyak sa harap nito. She won’t give him that satisfaction even if her jaws went rigid. “Is nothing?” she scoffed in disbelief.

“It’s not my fault na uma