---- Kolehiyo ----

This madapakin' pancit canton now costs an arm and a leg.

It could have been a tad bit of an exaggeration, but not when you're college students like Seulgi and Joy who are just trying their best to survive life, one devaluated peso at a time. 

"Pre, nagmahal na naman, ano ba naman ito," Joy said as she stares at the rack of sweet and spicy-flavored Lucky Me pancit canton at 7-11, the one closest to their shared apartment at Elbi.

"Mukhang kailangan natin i-let go ang itlog dahil dito," Seulgi said, her expression sullen. 

"Matagal ka ng nag-let go ng itlog, gaga," Joy said, smiling. 

Seulgi, getting the drift quickly retorted - "i-let go mo na rin kasi."

The two looked at each other for a second - and then laughed uproariously, their jocundity permeating and breaking the monotony of average days.

Grabbing her arm, Joy led Seulgi to the cashier where they paid for two packs of the ever-reliable unhealthy goodness of pancit canton.

"'Pre," Joy said.

"Hmmm?" Seulgi hummed.

"'Di ko pa alam anong estado ko sa itlog, if ma-le-let go ko o hindi. Pero ---"

"Pero?"

"Alam ko ikaw, hindi ko kaya i-let go."