Swiped

Chapter 1 - Swiped Right

Do you want to know a secret?

Okay. Okay.

Everything in this story is real.

It's the time of the semester again - all headaches and all-nighters, but we still manage to survive - HELL WEEK. 

This is an event every student in a university has to go through. Blood, sweat, and tears have to be shed in order to catch up with all the exams, written outputs, group presentations, and even requirements given by every subject, even the minor ones who feel like majors. 

Heard of students turned zombies? You have one here with just an hour of sleep, ten cups of coffee, and no shower.

What a great way to start the day! I just turned a 15-minute walk from my dorm to my building into a 3-minute marathon.

I was in front of Palma Hall - panting, my vision got blurry, my legs were shaking. I hurriedly showed my ID to the guard and rushed to the fourth floor. Ughhh, I hate stairs.

I could hear the high-pitched voice of our professor as I approached our floor. Even though I ran that fast, I was still late. Almost is really never enough. I took a deep breath and slowly entered the back door of the auditorium. 

Weird. For a moment, it felt like the class was doing a Mannequin Challenge. Everyone turned their heads at my direction as our professor stopped talking.

“What’s up? Is this the first time you guys saw someone pretty?”, I innocently asked the person in front of me as I sat in the middle part of the last row. I looked around and some of my classmates were forcing themselves not to laugh.

“Off to bed, Ms. Cruz?”

My world stopped.

CAN THE GROUND JUST SWALLOW ME ALIVE? I CAN DIE ALREADY.

I gazed at my  reflection on the window at my left… slowly, as if I'm in a scene of a horror movie when someone heard an eerie sound near the closet.

Oh this is nothing! I JUST WENT TO CLASS IN MY FREAKING PAJAMAS AND SLIPPERS!

I immediately apologized to my professor to show my respect. Why did the guards not tell me about this? Normally, I would plan my OOTD the night before, take a shower, and leave my dorm with makeup on. 

What choice do I have? If only I knew that I would be late for class, I would’ve taken a shower. 

Hell week is a b***h.

“You will be divided into five groups. I will be assigning topics for your group. I expect a powerpoint presentation and a written report, along with handouts given to the rest of the class. Take note that this requirement is half of your total grades and there will also be a peer evaluation for me to know if you really deserve—-”

Blah. Blah. Blah.

Come on. It’s 7:30 am. My brain is not absorbing everything yet. 

I can’t even. 

I’ve lost my ability to even. 

I’m unable to even.

I need sleep. You’re my only commitment. I’d trade you with anything.

Hearing all of those requirements in a single subject make me feel dysfunctional and too overwhelmed with what's happening.

First, I was dumped by someone who made me feel special but ended up telling me that he does not want to commit. Yes, I was ghosted.

My middle finger is ready to salute you, Nathan! You're not even that attractive to just leave someone hanging.

Now, this. And take note, this is just my first subject for the day and it's a Tuesday. There are still three days remaining and by Friday, the queue of requirements will already be complete.

Bzzzzzzt.

My phone vibrated. I know exactly what that notification is all about. No one texts me, unless it's from my network service provider or from my parents but they know I'm in class right now so they would not bother.

You have a match! 

Who's the lucky guy for today?

I opened Tinder.

If a few years ago and you advised me to use a dating app to meet people, I would've slightly disowned you as my friend for even suggesting I needed it. I would still settle for old-school dating - having real and deep connection that is not over text, but with body language. 

But here I am, in 2017, swiping my way again into the sweet unknown. I know what I said was contradicting but who knows right? I might just be lucky enough, I'm just taking chances.  

I'm actually a realistic person with high trust issues and low expectations for people I meet in Tinder in the pursuit of my romantic fulfillment. Although I have been a user for five months, there are still profiles who would catch my attention - some good, some cringey, others down-right bad.

Levin, 20: "Hey, pretty! I'm cute. Let's meet up!"

I CAN'T REACH YOUR LEVEL OF CONFIDENCE, BRUH! I just swiped right because you're from my university.

You see, if there are guys who are upfront too full of themselves, I would not even take the chance of replying to their messages even if they're pretty cute.

Since it was my vacant period and I just wanted to kill time, I grabbed the opportunity to search for prospects.  I already checked my f*******:, i********:, Twitter, and even Messenger - no notifications because nobody loves me and I need to swipe my boredom away.

Eric, 19: Funny. Handsome. Stupid.

I looked at his only photo - big brown eyes, gummy smile, studies in the university beside ours. His bio is not even catchy at all. Yes, you sound stupid. I am stupid. We can't be both stupid so swipe left! 

Kevin, 21: I'm just a boy, standing in front of a bunch of people on an app, asking them to love me.

He's handsome from the depth of his eyes to his sun-kissed skin. I swiped for more photos - surfing, trekking, swimming? Damn, those abs! I zoomed in a little, somewhere down there. I would love to have adventures with you. You can start with me. ;)

Leo, 20: 10 out of 10 would want to be your friend :))

Shoutout to my ex! I saw him here last year too but no. I would not let myself fall into his childish mind games and immaturity again. And mind you, he's still that tall, dark, and never handsome guy I used to know. I really don't understand myself why I bit his trap. There's this saying "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me", so 10 out of 10 would want to swipe left. Douche!

Donny, 22: DTF?

Fuckboy. Typical guy from this green university who's only here for s*x. I still would appreciate and choose finesse and decency. You're too straightforward, you've got the looks though but I'm not your prey. 

Miguel, 20: Tell me something I don't know :)

Hey, there! You got a Western name but with Asian features. I laughed a little. He looks familiar, maybe a guy I once saw? He's from that yellow university 30 minutes away from me. You’d definitely want to know more about me, yours truly.

Pocholo, 21: Not into hookups or fubus. Looking for a serious relationship. Swipe left if you are not that woman.

Sorry to break it to you but she ain't here on Tinder. 

Jed, 20: Are you trying to swipe me away?

I wanted more than a flat black photo and a single question you could provide. Sorry. Nice try, I guess.

"b***h! I know you wanted someone to sleep with you but don't be too obvious! Come on! We're going to be late for Chemistry! You spent all your time swiping", Arnon grabbed my arm, snatched my phone, and closed Tinder. Meet my gay friend and my partner in crime who's so lucky to have guys liking him but ends up breaking their hearts.

"But I'm not done yet with Romance Roulette! Maybe there's chemistry in Tinder too!", I pouted and gave him a sad look.

"You've got plenty of time for that soon. It's hell week, okay? Focus on your academics, earn high grades. You need to shift, remember? Forget about boys first, you just got dumped!”

That thought hit me. Yeah, I was getting too distracted. Okay, self. Finding a boyfriend is one of your priorities, but first, get a course. You don't want to be delayed again. This is your fourth year in college and you’re still major-less.

We went to class and sat near the group of boys - of course a hectic day needs a nice view! Some guys were checking me out. I know I'm effortlessly adorable even in my jammies! Just imagine a petite girl in her cute pajamas! You won't even resist my cuteness.

Bzzzzzt.

I was busy taking down notes when my phone vibrated. I snooped a little - Miguel and I matched! He also sent me a message that says, "Hiiii :)". I didn't want to make it seem that I'm desperate (even though I am) so I let it slide through first.

Hours passed and I went home mentally drained, physically tired, and emotionally exhausted. I made sure to take a shower first before jumping into my pile of requirements.

A group presentation and a written report in Archaeology 1, three lab exercises in Chemistry 1, a worksheet in Physics 71, and a speech for Communications 3. 

SLEEP IS FOR THE WEAK. 

To our dear professors, we're just human. But since students here in this premier university are expected to be resilient, there's plenty of room for eyebags and sleepless nights.

Deadlines ain’t bothering me. b***h, I’m dead inside!

It's already 1 am, March 7. I was busy checking notifications before going to sleep. My phone kept on vibrating since I had a number of matches. I slide through my messages and remembered that I haven't replied to Miguel yet.

Hey, cutie!

Nope, too obvious.

Hey, I just met you and this is crazy!

Really, Skye?

Ughh. f**k it.

I said hello.

"Is it me your looking for? Joke hahahaha", he replied.

Well someone's still up. And boy, yah girl is a grammar nazi and you forgot it's a you're but since I'm a nice person to a stranger, I let it slide.

To be honest, I giggled as I read his answer - not because of his error, but because I was not expecting his banter.

"If that's a joke, that's 1/2 meant HAHAHAHA", I was fishing answers, didn't want to seem like an easy catch.

"Oops! hahaha Wow, it's an honor to be swiped right by a Maroon! hahahaha What course are you in? And I noticed, we have so many mutual friends, most of them I'm close with."

I can't help but notice the similarity on how we reply - too many "hahahahaha". 

"Wow, as if it's a pleasure meeting someone from my school!", I was just being humble. 

"I was a Computer Science student but I got kicked out of the department and now, I'm a non-major, shifting to Architecture if I'm lucky enough. How about you? I noticed that too! You're batch 2012, right?"

His face is really familiar. I can't recall yet but I have this feeling that we already met. In that instant, I felt so alive again.

"I'm in Engineering! Yes, I'm batch 2012 and I could've been studying in your school too but I didn't get the course I wanted. Sad. Anyway, in our mutuals, how many are your close friends?"

"Wait, is it possible that you graduated in that science high school near here?", I think I'm close to solving the pieces of the puzzle.

He confirmed that he's from that school where my ex used to study in high school. Well, maybe they're batchmates. It really got me curious so I asked.

"Do you, by any chance, happen to know someone named Leo?"

"Macapinlac? Ohh what's with that hideous guy? HAHAHA damn, I'm so mean."

I couldn't agree more! Roast him all you want. Besides, you're not insulting him, you're just describing.

"Nothing, just an orgmate."

I was torn if I should tell him that he's my ex or not. I mean, it's too soon? There should still be something left in me to keep him interested.

He insisted.

I gave another name - Priscilla.

"Fun fact. Do you know that they were my bandmates in high school?"

That got my attention! Boy, what a small world?

He plays the bass guitar, Leo on drums, and Priscilla on lead.

"Add me on f*******: so we can talk properly! Miguel Kim! Find the account with a profile picture of a handsome guy in the pool".

This guy is really something. Why would I even add you.

But I did.

"Self-proclaimed? I don't even find you attractive!" 

I do actually.

"I was just joking! I feel like if I had known you before, we'd be good friends. Sad thing is, you're too far!"

I felt that too. There's this instant connection I cannot explain.

It's not that far, you know I can adjust for you. 

"Wait! I think I already added you? Can you check your account?"

"How many charming guys did you see? There's only one in a pool!"

"Just shut your mouth and accept me! HAHAHAHA I mean, my friend request!"

"Fun fact number 2. Do you know there's this weird girl who added me in f*******: and she mentioned that I was the one who asked her to add me."

I'm really losing my senses while talking to this guy... but in a good way and I am loving it. 

I never thought being sarcastic to strangers would be this fun.

"You know what? You're so annoying! You're calling me a stalker? I'm too pretty to be your stalker. Call me your secret admirer." 

Nope. I'm just playing around. I don't mind that it's already 2 am.

"People these days. Oops, are you affected? HAHAHA stop using Tinder anymore! You already found someone with substance!"

If only this guy wasn't joking. I'll call you my boyfriend.

I was in the middle of remembering his face until he asked me a question I used to get from all my matches here on Tinder.

"What do you expect from a hookup app?"

"A new friend, maybe? Someone to talk to. I just want to expand my social horizon. I want to engage in conversations that make sense."

"Like this?"

"Well, if you make sense, yes. HAHAHAHA"

"Oops, okay, bye! It was nice meeting you!"

I laughed. I loved his sense of humor even though he really sounds senseless at all.

"By the way! A handsome guy just messaged you on f*******:!", he added. 

I would definitely argue with you about calling yourself handsome, but what more can I do. 

You really are. And I know I mentioned before that I would stop talking to guys with overflowing confidence.

I guess there will always be an exception.

I opened f*******:.

"Ey ey ey! Good job on finding the right good-looking guy!"

"Uhmm who's this please? Can you help me remember why I swiped right?"

"Because I'm the epitome of good-looking."

He answered it for me - well, based on my preferences.

"I know you're joking, Miguel. It's not funny. I just find you familiar, that's why."

"Oh really? Okay, goodbye stranger. I'll unfriend you. Stop stalking me. HAHAHA"

An image was slowly forming in my mind. I just need to know one thing.

"Hey, do you smoke?", I asked shyly. Curiosity killed the cat. 

"Uhhhh why do you ask?"

What a question right? Maybe it might offend him but, oh well.  

"Nothing. I just want to make sure."

Because I think I saw you somewhere.

I was surprised when he sent me a GIF of him waving a cigarette together with his friend.

I really find Asian-looking guys cute. 

"There. Is that enough proof for you?"

I kept on laughing - like literally typing all "hahahahaha"

"DO I LOOK LIKE A JOKE TO YOU? b***h HAHAHA"

Ohhh so you cursed me the first time we talk? I like you.

"Hey, don't say bad words. f**k you, dude!"

It was really obvious we're enjoying this conversation. It was too casual. It seemed like we're two friends catching up with each others' lives.

"Hypocrite HAHAHA so would you already believe that I'm one of the cool kids? Ask Leo yourself!"

"Why would I ask that person?"

"Something's fishy. Do you hate him?"

Yes! I definitely hate my ex who left me hanging, played the victim card, asked for a second chance, and made me believe that he would always choose me as I would always choose him. 

I hate him for making me feel less even though I know for sure that I'm over him and the thought of us.

"No. We're friends."

Before. I'm too good for him.

"I don't believe you."

"Well, actually he's that guy I'm with when I went to your school wayback 2015. That's also the same day I saw you smoking near Gate 1."

Of course I remember you! And in that crowded place were we both stood, you caught my attention. I don't know if it was your complexion or your uniform which made you stand out. I guess it's both. 

My ex talked to you and I looked away. 

"You could've introduced yourself to me back then so there's more room for friendship."

"Hi! I'm Skye Eloise Cruz. You  can call me yours. Kidding! Just Skye. There! Happy?"

"Ewww, such a stalker!"

"Are you high or something? You make me want to punch you in the face. HAHAHA"

I'm joking.

He sent me a photo of their band in high school. I I saw my ex, still ugly. I hardly recognized Miguel's face. Puberty definitely hit him hard. One thing is for sure, he's still the same guy - always too happy."

"You look like...HAHAHAHAHA"

It's so not you.

"What? Tell me!"

We both kept on laughing. 

"You look like you have a lot to thank puberty for. It's a good thing we met during college because if it's in high school, you're definitely not my type. You look like a real-life version of the skeletal system!"

"Are you mocking my face? Fight me b***h".

"Come at me, bro."

We spent the whole time teasing each other. I don't even know why I'm wasting my time.

Or am I?

"Ughhh I have exams tomorrow and look where I am - talking to a stalker."

"So you're saying it's my fault?"

"You added me!"

"You told me to add you!", I retorted.

YES. WE'RE CHILDISH, I KNOW. 

"Stalker."

"Feeler."

"You're a pretty stalker talking to a handsome man. Aren't we a perfect match?"

MIGUEEEEEL, CAN YOU PLEASE STOP IT! YOU'RE MAKING ME FALL FOR YOU. IT'S TOO SOON!

"Are you even that charming? Eww."

"For you, I am. *wink*", followed by a selfie of him flaunting his Asian eyes and a smile brighter than my future.

If I'm starting to like someone, I'd tease them a lot.

"Handsome? At first glance, yes. But when you look a bit closer, you'll realize it's just a scam."

"Just admit it HAHAHA joke. So why did you swipe me right?"

"I saw this coming, especially from you. HAHAHA hmmm, mainly because I thought I saw you somewhere... and I was right. Your bio sounded interesting too. And... HAHAHAHA"

"And whaaaat? You find me attractive, right?"

"FINE! It's also because of your smile and your eyes form an adorable crescent moon shape. That feature is a plus for me."

"You mean plus plus plus plus plus good-looking points? HAHAHAHA"

"It's just a plus! Don't exaggerate things."

I almost forgot.

"Hey! I was about to question you regarding something earlier but you interrupted me with your nonsense."

"Hit me with your best shot! What's up?"

I wanted to know the reason why he's here.

"What do you expect from Tinder?", I asked.

"Forever", he said.