Under The Same Umbrella

Lines We Cross

The next morning smelled like wet paper and instant coffee. Manila’s sky was a pale gray, the kind that makes the city feel quieter than usual. Mia arrived on campus earlier than normal, clutching her notebook like a shield. She hadn’t slept much she kept replaying the walk under Leo’s umbrella, the way his arm had brushed against hers.

She headed toward the library steps but froze halfway. Andrea was already there, seated on the low concrete wall, scrolling through her phone. Her hair still looked perfect despite the humidity.

“Uy,” Andrea said without looking up. “Early bird.”

“Yeah. Review lang,” Mia murmured.

Andrea pocketed her phone and gave her a measured smile. “You and Leo looked cozy last night.”

Mia’s throat went dry. “Sabay lang umuwi. Malakas kasi ulan.”

Andrea tilted her head, her eyes sharp. “Right. Sabay lang.” Then, softer, “I’m not trying to be a villain here, okay? Just ingat ka. People talk.”

The words landed heavier than the drizzle starting again above them. Mia wanted to ask, Why do you care?, but instead she said, “Thanks,” and headed for the library door.

Inside, the fluorescent lights buzzed like bees. Mia found an empty table and unpacked her notes. A few minutes later Leo appeared, damp hair pushed back, a lopsided smile on his face.

“Akala ko absent ka,” he whispered, setting his bag down.

“I’m early,” she said.

He leaned closer. “About last night…”

Mia looked up. His eyes held something unsure but hopeful.

“…thanks for walking with me,” he said finally.

She smiled, relieved. “Thanks for the umbrella.”

Before he could reply, Andrea entered the library, her heels clicking against the tile. She stopped when she saw them together, then chose a table far enough to pretend she wasn’t watching, but close enough to hear if they laughed too loud.

Later that afternoon, a campus organization was holding an outreach orientation in the multipurpose hall. Mia had signed up weeks ago; she hadn’t known Leo was also on the list.

The hall smelled faintly of paint and wet wood. Folding chairs were set up in rows; a projector hummed. Mia took a seat near the aisle. A few minutes later, Leo slid into the chair next to hers.

“You didn’t tell me you signed up,” he said.

“You neither,” she replied, trying not to smile.

During the icebreaker activity, they were paired up. Mia learned that Leo’s favorite food was sinigang, that he’d once tried to teach himself guitar but quit, and that he hated small elevators. In return, she admitted she loved horror movies but never finished one alone, and that she’d always wanted to travel north to see the rice terraces.

Their laughter echoed softly in the hall. For a moment, Mia forgot Andrea existed.

But Andrea didn’t forget them. After the orientation, she appeared near the exit, arms crossed. “You two seem to be everywhere together,” she said lightly, but her eyes were storm clouds.

Leo straightened. “We’re just classmates.”

Andrea’s gaze flicked to Mia. “Sure. Classmates.” She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Anyway, see you at the quiz tomorrow.”

She walked away before either of them could respond.

Mia exhaled. “She’s mad,” she said softly.

Leo glanced at her, then at Andrea’s retreating back. “She’ll get over it.”

They stepped outside. The rain had stopped but the streets still glistened, puddles reflecting neon signs. Mia paused, looking up at the sky. For the first time all week, a patch of blue peeked through.

Leo nudged her gently with his elbow. “Coffee?”

Mia blinked. “Now?”

“Now. Para maka-review pa tayo after.”

She hesitated, thinking of Andrea, of people talking, of lines she wasn’t sure she should cross. But then she thought of the umbrella, of the quiet between raindrops, of the way her heart beat faster when he was near.

“Okay,” she said.

They walked off together, their steps falling into an easy rhythm. Mia noticed Leo adjusting his pace to match hers. No umbrella this time just open air and the quiet possibility of something beginning.

That night, Mia lay in bed replaying the day. Andrea’s words buzzed in her head, but so did Leo’s smile. She wasn’t sure where this road led, but she knew one thing: every choice was slowly painting a picture she couldn’t yet see, and for once, she wanted to find out how it would end.