<code 1>: Infinite Loop;

Chapter 1

"Aunix, we need to go," sabi ko habang kinukuha ang bag ko. "Math Analysis na. Tapos may quiz pa tayo this Saturday, kaya kailangan nating makinig kay Miss."

"Oo nga pala," sagot niya habang nagmamadaling ayusin ang mga gamit. Pero siyempre, hindi niya kinalimutan mag-retouch at naglagay pa talaga ng lipstick.

"After our last subject, TNC tayo mamaya for our meeting. For now, ako muna ang kakausap kay Ms. May about us agreeing to the competition," I added, slinging my bag over my shoulder.

"Copy that," ani Hexine, giving a small salute. "Good luck sa Math. 'Wag kayo magka-nosebleed."

"Too late," sabat ni Aunix habang tumayo. "Nosebleed na ako sa kakaisip kung paano ipapasa 'to."

Nagkatawanan pa kami sandali bago kami nagpaalamanan."Later!" bati nila habang ako at si Aunix ay lumabas ng hallway papunta sa classroom namin.

As we walked side by side, Aunix nudged me with her elbow. "So excited to see him. Gwapo kaya talaga 'yon?" she exclaimed.

I rolled my eyes. "Focus ka na sa Math, baka makalimutan mo na naman kung ano 'yung limit theorems."

"Fine, fine," she laughed, hooking her arm with mine. "Pero after ng Math Ana, kwento time tayo ulit." I just scoffed at her.

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Pagkatapos ng klase, naglakad agad ako papunta sa I.T. Department, hawak ko na ang folder na may print ng preliminary agreement form. Naka-indicate doon ang basic details ng competition at kung sinu-sino ang participants. Kailangan ko nang i-update si Ms. May.

Kumatok muna ako bago pumasok, at sinabi sa front desk na si Ms. May ang pakay ko. She quickly informed Miss May, and she let me in.

She noticed me quickly as I approached her desk. "Syntra, yes? Do you need anything?"

"Hi po, Ma'am. Just wanted to give an update," I began as I approached her desk. "Nag-usap-usap na po kami nina Hexine, Syl, Ariseki, at Aunix. We've decided that we'll join the Hackathon event."

A warm, approving smile spread across her face, even wider than before. "That's great news. You five will make a strong team," she said, her tone filled with genuine encouragement. "I'll submit the formal list later." She took the paper from my hand and set it neatly on her desk, nodding to herself with satisfaction.

"I will tell you the theme next week, after your midterm," she continued, her voice shifting into a more thoughtful tone. "Para hindi niyo muna masyadong isipin. Focus on your midterms sa July pa naman 'to."

I gave a small, understanding nod. That made sense. With all the stress piling up for the exams, having one less thing to worry about felt like a relief.

"Oh, and one more thing, Ms. Verelle," she added, her expression turning just a bit more serious, "this hackathon will be a long week. That's why I informed you early about this, so you and your friends can prepare yourselves accordingly. Both mentally and logistically."

"Thank you po, Ma'am," I replied with a grateful smile. "We'll do our best."

As I turned to leave, I felt a little flutter of excitement in my chest. A full week of coding, collaboration, and creativity. It was going to be a challenge. But with the team we had, I was starting to believe we could really make something great.

Paglabas ko ng faculty room, I messaged our group chat.

Mga Ulupong:
Sinsin:
Na sabihan ko na si Miss May. TNC later!
Sekingina:
Noted, madam.
Sylraulo:
After our class.