Chapter 16 [the thing with the shotgun]

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Chapter 16

His eyebrows furrowed while looking at me. His face is screaming with confusion. I can tell he's trying so hard to catch up on what I just said. Nang hindi pa rin ako sumagot sa tingin niya, he finally asked, "I'm sorry, what?"

"I said let's go to 7/11 and get some food," I replied, completely lying. When I realized how ridiculous it was, I laughed. So hard.

Shaking his head, he replied, "You're bad at lying."

I flashed him my cheeky smile. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"That was not a compliment," he said flatly.

Ngumisi ako. "Well, let's just say that it's how I want to take it." Kinuha ko ang bag ko at linagay sa balikat ko. Hinarap ko siya at yinaya na siya sa labas ng Music Room. Nagmadali pa ako dahil baka kung anu-ano pa ang itanong niya sa'kin at mapaamin ako nang wala sa oras. Sobrang daldal ko pa naman.

"You didn't answer my question," he said while trying to keep up with my pace.

I decided to tease him just because I'm annoying. "Be like Elsa and let it go already," I told him. Tumawa pa ako.

From the corner of my eye, I saw him shake his head.

Poor him. He's stuck with me today and he has to bear all my silly antics. He finally surrendered and said, "You and your references."

Nang makalabas na kami sa Music Room, pinuntahan ko si Master sa counter. "Master, masyadong nakakainsulto 'yung videoke mo! Hindi mo man lang in-auto tune. Ang pangit tuloy ng boses ko. Hindi best," I jokingly complained. I even scrunched my nose and pouted.

Japheth's face was blank and I could tell he feels embarrassed because of what I said.

"Atom, wala na tayong magagawa sa boses mo. Hindi naman pwedeng lahat ng talent na sa'yo na. Hindi lang ikaw ang anak ng Diyos," Master replied, riding with my silliness.

I decided to humor him further. "Ibig mo bang sabihin, dapat hindi ako masyadong magaling sa lahat ng bagay kasi magiging intimidating na ako? Gano'n ba 'yun?" I jestingly eyed him and wiggled my eyebrows. "Well, no one wants a have-it-all person. Kaya siguro okay na 'yung maganda at kaunti lang ang talent," I joked.

Master pretended to groan. "Nai-imagine mo ba ang stress ni Boaz araw-araw?" tanong niya kay Japheth.

All sulky and pouty, I whined, "Lakasan mo pa, Master. Hindi pa masyadong dinig dito!"

Both of them chuckled. When they were done making fun of me, I took my wallet out and offered to pay for the rental. Since kaka-birthday lang naman ni Japh, I guess it wouldn't hurt to be a little generous to him. But this guy was something else. He said he doesn't want to be a burden and insisted on paying for it.

After that, we said goodbye to Master and went outside.

There was a moment of silence between the two of us. And it made me feel so uncomfortable. I was about to open my mouth when he suddenly called my name.

Sobrang relieved naman ako kaya mabilis akong sumagot. "Yes?"

"Ayaw mo bang i-pursue ang arts as a profession?" tanong niya.

Natigilan ako at hinarap ko siya. I was so surprised.

"Thank you for that wonderful question," I joked, as if I were answering a Miss Universe top 5 question. "Pwede po mag-pass?" I asked, laughing. I was just teasing him, though.

Agad na binawi ni Japh ang sinabi niya. "You don't have to answer it if you're not comfortable. I was just curious because you're really good at it." His voice sounded concerned. "I'm sorry for asking."

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