Detoxify

Chapter 9

Distance

Avery's Point of View

8 AM classes should be illegal.

I mean, seriously, sino ba ang naka-imbento niyan? Whoever decided that humans should function academically at this ungodly hour must be a morning person and probably hates joy. I, Avery Salazar, proudly stand against early morning oppression. Pero syempre, since attendance matters and I'm already invested in this whole "new life, new me, new university" journey. So here I am, barely awake, clutching my iced americano like it's the last drop of sanity I have. Binili ko 'to after ng mga nikita ko kanina. I mean, the bulletin board scene.

Our only class today was from 8 to 9 AM, and the moment the clock hit dismissal, I grabbed my phone, eager to check on my real ones. And yup, napagdesisyunan kong ngayon na lang i-tour sila Hazel, Elyza, at Daphne sa HU. My girls from St. A. My soul sisters. My home team. Agad namang pumayag ang mga 'to nang i-chat ko sila kanina.

And there it was, a message in our group chat, "D1VAAZ".

Hazel: We're literally here na at the entrance but they're not letting us in, sister. Protocol, daw!

Elyza: Hurry up, Ave. We didn't get our beauty sleep for this rejection.

Daphne: I told you I should've worn my Chanel lanyard. Maybe they'll think I'm faculty.

Napailing ako habang binabasa 'yung messages nila. Of course my girls would turn a campus security delay into a fashion moment.

I immediately stood, walked out of the building, and made my way to the main gate, pulling out the note I got signed by the Executive Director himself yesterday. Sinadya ko talagang magpa-approve ng pass para makapasok sila today. Because that's what a good host does.

As I approached the entrance, I saw them. Mga head-turners as always, all three in neutral tones, looking like they just stepped out of a Vogue editorial titled "Lost Heiresses of Old Manila."

And the moment they saw me? Theatrics.

"AVERRRRYYY!" Sabay-sabay nilang sigaw.

"Finally! My skin was starting to get dry from all the waiting!"

"Oh my god, is that the actual gate of Hendrix? Babe, this school has aesthetic!"

Beso left. Beso right. Another round for the lashes. Of course, lahat ng tao around us ay napalingon, but honestly? That's always been our brand. Maarte, yes. But never annoying. It's all... natural. May aura lang talaga.

We entered through the front gate, and I handed the slip to the guard. He nodded, impressed pa yata sa signature na dala ko. As we walked past, Hazel leaned in.

"Babe, you have VIP passes now? Who even are you here?"

"Apparently, I'm someone," I replied with a shrug, flipping my hair dramatically.

I took them through the academic quad first. Tall glass windows, state-of-the-art classrooms, and bulletin boards filled with org announcements and recruitment posters. Elyza was already taking pictures of the landscaping, as if it was an Airbnb we were about to rate.

"Do you even know where we're going?" Daphne asked, raising a perfectly arched brow.

"Actually, no," I smirked. "I haven't even been to half of these buildings. So technically, we're exploring together. Field trip, but make it elite."

Next stop was the Business Hub, a sleek, two-story building with minimalist interiors, black and oak accents, and full AC. Hazel squealed at the espresso machine in the lounge.

"Do they let students use this?"

"Girl, even I haven't touched that machine yet. Pero yeah, para sa mga Business majors daw," I replied.

We peeked into empty classrooms, took photos in front of the marble-styled school emblem, and even made a quick stop sa Art and Fashion Wing, which I swear, looked like a mini-museum. And that was barely half of it.

"Why does your school feel like a Pinterest board?" Elyza said, clearly impressed.

"Because Hendrix University is what happens when rich kids are given an unlimited construction budget," I answered.

We even passed by the Athletic Dome, the Green Lounge with hanging plants, and some weird open amphitheater that looked like a cult initiation spot but make it chic.

Marami pa kaming mga pinuntahan like library pero hindi ko na ide-detalye and honestly? It was fun discovering HU with them. Lalo na't hindi ko rin talaga nalilibot 'to mag-isa. Their reactions made everything ten times more exciting.

After all that walking, we knew we deserved something chilled and overpriced. We left campus and headed straight to the nearest mall, which was just about five minutes away. Starbucks was calling our name.

We entered the café, and it was giving "girlbosses in their post-lecture debrief" energy. Elyza ordered a Matcha Cream Frappe with extra whip, Hazel went for the usual Iced White Mocha, and Daphne got her Iced Shaken Espresso. Ako? I stuck to my Iced Americano. Dark, cold, and bitter. Like my life recently. Huey!

We settled into a corner couch, unbothered and glowing. Finally, time to spill the tea.

"Wait lang, don't touch anything yet," Daphne said habang inaayos niya yung flatlay setup niya. "IG story ko 'to. Caption ko, 'Back with my power b*tches.'"

"Ay shems, you're so back," tawa ni Hazel habang nag-aayos ng oversized sunglasses niya kahit nasa loob kami ng café.

"Grabe, I missed you guys so much," sabi ko habang hawak-hawak 'yung Iced Americano ko.

Elyza smirked. "Girl, same. Pero sige na, let's not pretend this is a wholesome catch-up. Chika na. Alam mo ba kung sino ang mag-jowang hindi namin in-expect?"

"Huwag mong sabihing si Ranne," sabi ko, nangingiti. Kasi I swear, if that insecure girl pulled something again...

"Yup! Si Ranne at si David. As in, legit na raw sila!"

Nalaglag ang ang panga ko. "DAVID? The David?! As in 'yung David na may gusto dati sa akin?"

"Girl, the one and only. The tall one na may pagka-pogi pero certified babaero," sabi ni Daphne na umiling.

"Ew. I never entertained him, ever. May aura na talaga siyang red flag. Like, red na red. Hindi na siya flag, banner na siya," sabi ko sabay lagok ng drink.

Hazel laughed. "You really are something else. I swear, St. A misses you so bad. Dapat bumisita ka naman minsan. Miss ka na ng throne mo, Miss Valedictorian."

Elyza leaned in. "So? How's Hendrix life? Kahit mga boys na lang, i-update mo kami."

I rolled my eyes, pero medyo kinilig sa loob. "Okay fine. 'Di ba nga may mga dormmates ako... all boys."

Sabay-sabay silang sumigaw, "WHAT?!" Marahil ay gulat nga talaga sila dahil hindi nila alam na hindi lang iisang lalaki ang kasama ko sa dorm.

"Hindi ko kasalanan! We're all Elites, eh. So ayun, now I live with Tyler, Tyron, Edward, and..." I paused, "Elliot."

Cue gasps again.

"Omg, oo nga! Na-chika mo na siya last time, right?"

"Yes, that Elliot. And girls, listen to this tea... Last night I saw him with a girl sa dorm. Like, I didn't overreact naman pero look at this," sabay pakita ko ng kamay ko na may sugat and they all seemed worried about it. They literally knew I hate wounds. I told them na dahil 'yon sa bubog ng nabasag na basong ibibigay ko sana sa kasamang babae ni Elliot kagabi kase nga umiiyak 'to.

So I explained the whole bubble-wrap-drama moment. "I was supposed to hand the glass to the crying girl pero I slipped and the glass fell. Ayun, nabasag. Pupulutin ko na ang mga pira-pirasong mga nabasag pero ako ang na-bonus-an ng bubog. Can you believe it?"

"Wait, wait," Elyza cut in. "Bakit nga umiiyak 'yung girl with him?"

I shrugged, acting casual, pero curious din naman ako TBH. "That's the thing I don't know. I didn't ask. Pero parang may pinagdadaanan siya. Mukha siyang heartbroken or something? Or maybe nag-away sila ni Elliot?"

"Or maybe... ex niya," Hazel chimed in, looking all suspicious. "Nag-rekindle ng emotions or whatever."

Daphne gasped. "Or baka side chick?" sabay kurot sa braso ko. "You better investigate, Detective Avery!"

I rolled my eyes. "Guys, please. I am not that invested. And anyway, alam niyo bang this morning, hinila ako ni Elliot sa bed niya and told me na nagseselos daw ako."

"Huh?! WHAT?" halos sabay-sabay nilang reaction. Parang mga moms sa teleserye. All eyes on me.

"No!" Daphne shrieked, covering her mouth with both hands. "So what did you say, ha?!"

"I denied, of course! Sabi ko, 'Excuse me? Jealous? Ako? NEVER!' Pero syempre deep inside, I wanted to throw my shoe at him. Sa forehead talaga!"

Hazel gave me a pointed look. "Avery, be serious. You don't let just anyone make you want to throw a shoe. That's peak affection for you."

"Girl, hindi 'to romcom," sabay sip ako ng Iced Americano para makaiwas sa eye contact.

Elyza leaned over and nudged me with her elbow. "Hmm. So you're telling me... there's no kilig whatsoever when he pulled you this morning? No little butterflies? Not even tiny baby ones?"

I gave her a glare. "I was annoyed, not kinikilig."

Hazel raised a brow. "But annoyed ka in a flustered way. Which is worse. That means may effect siya sa'yo."

"Tsk," I scoffed. "You guys are delulu, I swear."

"Tapos kung sabihin niya bukas na gusto ka niya?" Daphne teased. "What's the move, queen?"

"Block. Mute. Ignore." sabay tawa ko pero medyo awkward din kasi... bakit ba kinikilig ako konti? Konti lang. Like, decimal level lang. Hindi full number!

And as I took another sip, watching my three besties giving each other smirks, I couldn't help but wonder...

Maybe? Just maybe? I'm a little affected. Just a bit.

Okay, fine. Maybe a tiny bit more than that.

After all that chika time sa Starbucks, we didn't even realize how fast time flew. Tapos na pala 'yung lunch rush and halos empty na rin ang café. So we decided that it's shopping time na!

"Okay, girls! Let's go blow our wallets," tili ni Elyza habang palabas kami ng coffee shop.

"Naku, hindi ko nga dinala 'yung credit card ko kasi I swore magti-t****k budgeting na ako," sabi ni Hazel, pero hello, sino 'yung may hawak ng paper bags ngayon? Siya rin.

We started sa high-end boutique. Hindi puwedeng hindi. I was eyeing this Matinée sling bag in off-white na may gold hardware. Gosh, ang classy! Perfect siya sa uniform ko and even for casual days. Daphne grabbed the beige one na same design, and Elyza went for black kasi "classic never fails" daw.

While paying, the staff even complimented our bags like, "So chic, ma'am!" And we were like, "We know." And flips our hair in unison.

After that, we headed straight to Watsons. It's the holy grail for every girly girl in a mall. Ang ending? Each of us had our own baskets na parang may laman nang isang buong skincare routine.

I got myself a Snail White cleanser, new serum from Luxe Organix, and syempre, may pa-extra 'kong under eye cream kahit wala naman akong eye bags, I just like the vibe. Tapos I bought a new lip tint from Peripera—'yung MLBB shade na medyo reddish brown. My fave!

"Oh my God, Avery, isn't that the same tint you used nung graduation day natin?" Daphne asked while holding the tester.

"Yes! But this one's the upgraded version, babe. Mas long-lasting and hindi sticky," sagot ko habang hinahagis na siya sa basket ko.

After a few more rounds, I bought extra cotton pads, micellar water, and a mini hairbrush for my dorm pouch. Honestly, it felt so therapeutic to shop with them again. My OGs. My girls.

By 6 PM, we decided to call it a day. Medyo pagod na rin ang mga paa ko sa kakalibot, and syempre, my card had taken enough damage for the day. I hugged them one last time sa drop-off area and waved goodbye as I headed back to the dorm.

Pagdating ko, I went straight to our room ni Elliot. Kailangan kong i-drop off ang paper bags ko bago ako mag-freshen up for dinner.

Pagpasok ko, andun si mokong na nakaupo sa gilid ng kama niya, in full chill mode. White shirt, messy hair, at may hawak na libro pero hindi siya nagbabasa. Nag-aabang.

"Where have you been?" tanong niya agad, like excuse me, parang wala man lang "Hi Avery, welcome back!" ganern?

I raised a brow. "Why do you care?"

"Aba. Sinong hindi mag-aalala, hindi ka man lang nag-message," sungit niya sabay balik sa pagbabasa kuno pero halatang hindi makafocus.

I smirked. "Excuse me ha, I have a life outside of this dorm. FYI, I went out with my friends from St. A, my old school. I toured them around HU then we went shopping after. So, sorry kung hindi ako nagpaalam sa 'yo, Mr. Dorm Watcher."

He rolled his eyes. "Mukha ngang nag-enjoy ka," sabay tingin sa mga paper bags ko na nilagay ko sa upuan.

"Well, duh. It's called retail therapy."

A few seconds of silence passed. Parang awkward, but not in a bad way.

"Tara, baba na tayo. Dinner," bigla niyang sabi.

I paused for a second, surprised. "Wow, ikaw nagyaya?"

He shrugged. "Baka magka-ulcer ka kaka-kape at kaka-shopping. You need real food."

I laughed. "Okay, Mr. Concerned. Let me just wash my face."

"Sige. I'll wait. Pero bilisan mo ha, baka maubusan tayo ng chicken."

"Chicken lang pala, eh. Kala ko naman—never mind."

And with that, I couldn't help but smile a little as I grabbed my pouch and headed to the bathroom. Who knew a simple dorm dinner with a tsundere like Elliot could actually be something to look forward to?

Or baka gutom lang ako.

Pagkababa namin ni Elliot sa dining area, agad kong napansin na kompleto na sila sa hapag ay nandun na sina Edward, Tyron, at Tyler. Ang chill ng ambience, pero may something off. Hindi ko pa ma-pinpoint kung ano.

Pagkaupo ko, agad akong binati ni Edward with his usual charming smile. "Ang ganda mo sa picture na naka-post sa bulletin board, Avery."

I froze for half a second, then smiled. Argh oo nga pala. Nakalimutan ko na ang tungkol doon marahil ay dahil sa kasama ko buong araw ang mga kaibigan ko. I even forgot to spill that one to them. Pero yeah, tama si Edward kase duh, of course I look good. Pero hindi naman tayo assuming.

"Wow, talaga ba?" sabi ko, acting all modest habang kinukuha ang spoon and fork ko. "Naku, 'wag mo akong binobola, ha. Baka mamaya kotongan pa kita," pabirong dagdag ko habang inaabot 'yung bowl ng rice.

Edward laughed, light and soft. "No joke, promise. Even the seniors were talking about it daw kanina sa hallway."

Napasimangot ako ng slight pero with matching kilig inside. "Well, dapat lang. Sayang ang foundation at pa-blush ko roon kung hindi man lang mapapansin, 'di ba?"

Tumawa si Tyler. "Grabe, Avery. Hindi ka talaga nauubusan ng confidence."

"Of course not. Confidence is my default setting," sabi ko, flipping my hair habang sumusubo ng ulam.

Pero habang lahat sila tumatawa, napansin ko na may mga tahimik sa mesa. And when I say tahimik, as in awkwardly silent sina Elliot, Tyron, at even si Tyler na usually sobrang loud, madalang magsalita Parang may tension sa tatlo, pero I wasn't exactly sure why.

Napalingon ako kay Elliot. Nakayuko lang siya, parang busy sa food niya pero hindi naman talaga kumakain. Si Tyron naman, puro tikim lang ng ulam at hindi nagsasalita. Si Tyler, biglang hindi na maingay gaya ng dati. Like, where's the kwela twin?

Weird. Super weird. May ganap ba na hindi ko alam? Or ako ba ang dahilan ng kabigatan ng hangin? Ewan ko, basta hindi ko na ma-enjoy 'yung tinola ko.

Kaya I decided to cut it short.

"Guys, mauna na ako. Medyo napagod lang ako sa lakad kanina with my friends. Magpa-freshen up lang ako then rest," paalam ko habang tinatabi ang pinggan ko.

"Sige, Avery. Rest well," sabi ni Edward. Si Tyler naman, nag-thumbs up. Pero 'yung dalawang tahimik ay walang imik.

Okay. That's my cue.

Tumayo ako at tumalikod, dala ang plate ko para iwan sa sink. Habang umaakyat pabalik sa room, I couldn't help but wonder...

What the hell was that about?

And more importantly... why did I feel like may something na hindi sinasabi sa akin?Napagdesisyunan kong bumalik na sa kwarto namin ni Elliot.

Pagkatapos kong maligo, nagpatuyo ako ng buhok gamit ang towel habang naka-pajama na. I was planning to call it a night kasi hello, ang bigat kaya ng araw ko. Naglakad, nag-tour, nag-shopping, nag-emote... I deserve this rest.

I was about to lie down when the door creaked open.

At ayun na nga. Dumaan ang mukha ni Elliot sa pinto na parang may binabalak na naman. Nakataas pa kilay niya, that smug look I swear I wanna erase with a pillow.

"Sleeping already?" he asked, with that malambing, pa-cute voice na parang hindi siya 'yung pasimuno ng stress ko lately.

"Mm-hmm," tango ko lang habang tuloy sa pagpupunas ng buhok ko.

Lumapit siya at umupo sa edge ng kama ko, medyo leaning forward like he's about to drop something scandalous.

"Wanna go out for some drinks?" casual niyang alok, pero 'yung tono niya parang ang dating ay, let's get in trouble tonight.

Napatingin ako sa kaniya, trying to keep my face neutral. "Drinks? Like... alak? Now?"

"Why not?" sabay kindat pa niya. "You look like you could use a little chill. Don't worry, I'm not taking you to a jologs bar. I know a spot where chill lang, sosyal pa."

I rolled my eyes. "Pass. I'm too tired, and besides, I'm over the party girl era. High school pa lang napagod na ako riyan." As a multitasker, napagsasabay ko ang pag-aaral at gumimik with the girls.

He pouted like a sad golden retriever. "KJ mo naman, Avery. One drink lang. I'll even pay."

I shook my head. "Nope."

He scooted even closer. Like, hello sir, personal space?

"Sige na... or baka may magawa pa akong hindi mo magugustuhan," he said in this teasing voice that made the temperature rise sa loob ng room.

Napaupo ako nang diretso. "Excuse me?"

At parang sinadyang i-distract ako, bigla niyang hinatak ang shirt niya pataas and OMG—

ABS ALERT. AB-SOLUTELY UNNECESSARY.

Girl. Bakit ganon? Sino nagsabing okay lang 'yon?

"Wha—what the hell are you doing?!" tanong ko, pilit na hindi magpanic pero internally sinisigaw ko na NOT TODAY, SATAN!

He smirked. "'Pag hindi ka sumama sa akin... I might end up doing something... spontaneous," sabay dahan-dahang yumuko, getting all up in my face. As in, halos nose-to-nose na kami.

"Isa..." he whispered, with that voice. You know the one. That pang-teleserye-bad-boy-na-may-lambing voice.

I was losing it. "Don't count, Elliot."

"Dalawa..."

His lips were practically grazing mine and GIRL. Gusto ko na talagang tumakbo palabas ng room at humingi ng holy water.

"Tatl—"

"OO NA!" sigaw ko sabay tulak sa kanya.

He dramatically fell back on the bed, laughing like the chaotic flirt he is.

"Wow, so ganun lang pala kita mapapa-oo?" he teased.

"Ulol," I muttered, covering my face with my hands in embarrassment. "I hate you."

"No you don't," he said, still grinning. "You just hate how much you're starting to like me."

I threw a pillow at him.

And I swear, he dodged it with style pa.

Kaloka 'tong lalaking 'to. I need a shield. Or a taser. Or a chaperone.

Agad kong inayos ang sarili ko habang pilit kong binabalik ang composure ko. Ang lakas ng loob ng lalaking 'to, sinusubok na naman ang patience ko. Pero ayun... oo na nga, I gave in.

"Sasama ka rin pala, pinahirapan mo pa ako," he said, sabay ngisi na akala mo nanalo sa pustahan.

"Sa isang kondisyon," seryoso kong sagot habang nilalapit ko ang mukha ko sa kanya, not backing down.

Napataas ang kilay niya, curious. "Ano 'yun?"

"Sasagutin mo ang tatlong tanong ko, at dapat totoo lang. No BS, promise me."

"Game," sagot niya agad, parang walang takot.

Nagkatinginan kami. 'Yung tipong mata sa mata, parang nagka-moment kami na hindi ko inaasahan. Naka-hold ng breath ang puso ko for some reason.

"First. Ikaw ba ang nag-post ng picture ko sa bulletin board?"

"No," malamig niyang sagot.

I blinked. Wait lang... hindi siya? Then who the heck did that?!

"Okay... kung hindi ikaw... kilala mo ba kung sino ang nag-post no'n?" I asked again, this time mas seryoso. May kaba na akong nararamdaman for some reason.

Hindi siya agad sumagot. Nakita kong tumagilid siya ng tingin, parang iniisip pa kung sasabihin ba niya o hindi.

"...Oo," mahina niyang sagot.

Bigla akong napatayo, parang naka-jackpot. Omg, finally, may lead na ako!

"Sino?! Tell me!"

Tinignan niya ako nang masama, then biglang umiwas ng tingin.

"Ang dami mong tanong, ha. 'Wag kang abusado," he said, that usual smirk returning sa mukha niya. "Magbihis ka na lang kung ayaw mong may gawin ako sa 'yo rito," dagdag pa niya in this teasing tone na gusto kong sampalin ng unan.

"Sira ulo. Damot! Tsk!" pagdadabog ko pa habang tumayo.

Pero ayun, I took a deep breath and walked toward my closet. Fine. I'll go. Just this once.

Napilitan akong magbihis for the bar. Ayoko man, pero may isang salita naman ako. Plus may konting curiosity rin siguro.

I went with a simple but classy look wearing black satin square-neck top na may manipis na spaghetti straps paired with high-waisted light wash jeans na super flattering sa waist. I topped it off with a cream cropped blazer, para sosyal pero laidback pa rin. I chose my go-to gold hoops, small black sling bag, and white block heels. My hair? Half up, half down with soft waves.

Pagkaayos ko, napatingin ako sa salamin. Not bad. Ganda mo, girl.

After kong magbihis lahat lahat, I saw Elliot. Black fitted shirt that hugged his body just right, tucked slightly into his dark denim jeans. May silver chain siya around his neck, simple lang pero sobrang bagay sa kanya. His hair was still damp from the shower, tousled in this effortless bad boy way, and he smelled like a mix of mint and something expensive.

I almost dropped my bag.

"Ready?" he asked, casually leaning sa door frame like some male lead from a k-drama.

Hindi ko alam kung anong part ng langit ang pinagmulan ng mukha ng lalaking 'to but... anyway.

"Let's go before I change my mind," sabi ko na lang, pa-dedma kunwari, sabay walk out.

Behind me, I swear I heard him chuckle.

This night's gonna be interesting.Pagdating sa kotse, sumakay ako sa likod.

"F*ck, it's raining," sabi niya.

Hindi ko siya pinansin at tumingin na lang sa bintana.

"Dito ka sa passenger seat. Magmumukha akong driver 'pag diyan ka sa backseat," inis niyang sabi.

Tinignan ko siya nang masama pero lumipat pa rin ako ng pwesto para makaalis na kami.

"Happy?" sarkastiko kong tanong.

Tumawa lang siya, pero 'di ko na siya pinansin.

Habang nasa biyahe kami, napatitig ako sa windshield. Ang bawat patak ng ulan sa salamin, parang may sariling rhythm, parang may kasamang kwento. Hindi ko alam kung bakit, pero there's always something about the rain that makes my heart feel warm... kahit malamig.

I rested my chin on my hand while watching the raindrops slide down like racing tears.

Naalala ko tuloy noong bata pa ako. Grabe, I used to love playing in the rain. As in super. Kahit pa ilang beses akong pagalitan ni Mama, kahit pa lagi akong sinisipon kinabukasan, hindi ako matututo. Kapag biglang bumuhos ang ulan, takbo agad ako palabas na barefoot, tapos iikot ako sa garden namin as if nasa music video ako. I'd laugh while jumping on puddles, feel the water against my skin, and scream with delight like I was flying.

Lagi akong sinisigawan ni Mama, "Avery! You'll get sick again! Pumasok ka nga rito!"

But she'd still be the one to wrap me in towels and blow-dry my hair after. Kasi kahit pinapagalitan niya ako, alam niyang 'yun ang nagpapasaya sa 'kin. Kaya ngayong nandito ako sa biyahe, malayo sa bahay... I couldn't help but miss them. I missed her. My family.

⌞ Flashback⌝

I was eight years old when I first saw him.

It wasn't a playground meet-cute or a classroom seatmate moment. It was... at a wake. Hindi ko siya kilala. The air was cold and heavy, and the rain outside just kept falling. We were at this really fancy reception area, full of well-dressed people na parang puro artista. I remember that I wasn't comfortable kase parang nasasakal ako sa loob. Ang daming bulaklak. Ang daming tao. Ang daming tunog.

So tumakas ako. As in literal na lumabas ako sa venue habang nakatingin si Mama sa ibang guests. Buti na lang I had my small umbrella with me. Yyung pink na may ribbon designs and cat-shaped handle. Dalang-dala ko pa kahit bawal magbitbit ng gamit sa dress ko.

Outside, I stayed under the awning, just a few steps from the driveway. I watched the rain as it hit the concrete. Then I noticed him. A boy, sitting by himself in a far corner with wet sleeves, sad eyes, and a slouched back. Nakayuko siya, may hawak na parang maliit na laruan o kwintas sa kamay niya.

There was something about him. Maybe it was the silence. Maybe it was the way he looked so...alone. At kahit takot akong kausapin siya, I felt this weird pull.

So, I walked up to him slowly.

"Bakit nandiyan ka?" I asked softly.

He didn't answer right away. Pero narinig ko rin siyang bumuntong-hininga. "I hate rain," he muttered, eyes still on whatever he was holding.

"Bakit naman?" I asked again, kahit medyo nahihiya ako.

"Feel ko malungkot ako. Namatay kasi 'yung mom ko habang umuulan... last year," he said, almost in a whisper. His voice cracked at the end.

Bigla akong natahimik. I didn't know what to say. Hindi ko alam kung ano ba ang tamang gawin kapag may ganun pa lang pinagdadaanan ang kausap mo. Pero ang ginawa ko? Umupo ako sa tabi niya. I didn't speak. I just... stayed.

Kasi minsan, hindi mo naman kailangan magsalita para makiramay. Minsan, ang sapat na ay ang presensya mo.

That's what I believed in, even as a kid.

Napatingin siya sa akin after ilang minuto. Then, with slow hands, he held out a necklace. May pendant ito na maliit na silver raindrop. Simple, pero ang kinang ay parang magic.

"Salamat," he said. "Dinamayan mo ako. You're nice."

I blinked. My heart skipped. "Sure ka bang sa 'kin na 'to?"

He nodded. "Yeah. You look cute with it," sabay ngiti.

Nanigas ako. Did he just say I looked cute?

Then he gestured for me to turn around—apparently, siya na ang magsusuot ng kwintas sa akin. I hesitated, pero tumalikod na rin ako. I heard the tiny clasp click behind my neck.

He was so gentle.

Napatingin ako sa kaniya after. Sobrang sincere ng ngiti niya. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang tawag sa nararamdaman ko noon. Pero ang sigurado akong namula ako.

"Okay lang. Salamat," I whispered, holding the necklace tightly against my chest. I didn't want to let it go.

I didn't say it out loud, pero...

I had a crush on him.

Maybe it was the moment. Maybe it was the necklace. Or maybe it was just that sudden flutter you get when someone sees you... truly sees you, for the first time.

Pero hindi ko inamin. Kasi bata pa kami. At baka, hindi naman talaga 'yon love. Baka na-touch lang ako.

Pero deep down?

I hoped he'd remember me.

⌞ End of Flashback⌝

Pagdating namin sa bar, agad akong napalingon sa paligid. The lights were dim, the vibe was relaxed, not too wild and perfect for a chill night out. May background music na acoustic version ng mga pop songs, and halos lahat ng tao sa paligid namin ay either naka-couple setup or group of friends lang na mukhang pagod sa acads, trying to escape their lives even for just a night.

Naglakad ako papunta sa counter, feeling a little braver than usual. The bartender smiled at me politely.

"One Amaretto Sour, please. And... a Lychee Martini," sabi ko, sabay ngiti. Soft alcohol lang naman, nothing too crazy. I just wanted that warm, dizzy feeling that makes you forget things for a while.

"Two drinks agad?" tanong ng bartender, half-joking.

"Don't worry. I'm good," sagot ko habang pinapanood ang pag-mix niya ng drinks.

Pagkakuha ko ng drinks, bumalik ako sa table namin kung saan si Elliot ay nakaupo na, nakasandal sa upuan na parang bored pero alerto. Pagkaabot ko ng inumin ko sa sarili ko, napansin ko ang tingin niya.

"Baka malasing ka," he said, that same tone he always uses pag may sasabihin siyang paalala but with a side of judgment.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Kaya ko sarili ko," sagot kong may halong inis. Malamang. Like, anong point ng pagpunta rito kung hindi para malasing kahit konti, 'di ba?

Tumingin lang siya sa akin sandali, then biglang umiling. Hindi ko alam kung disapproval ba 'yon, concern, o simpleng frustration.

At 'yun na nga. Without a word, he stood up and transferred sa kabilang table by just a few steps away, pero ang obvious. Like, palipat effect? Really?

Napatingin ako sa kanya, hindi makapaniwala. Tumikhim ako at pilit ngumiti sa sarili kong iniinom.

Wow. Okay. Gano’n ka na ngayon?

Fine.

Nakatitig lang ako sa baso ko, habang nararamdaman ko ang pait ng alak at ang pait ng pride ko.

Parehong sumasakit sa lalamunan.