Jeremy stepped back, pride slightly bruised, but he didn’t completely shut down. As he walked back to his seat, his hands clenched into loose fists. Hindi pa ako susuko, he thought.
Aiah, however, didn’t give him a second glance. She was already thinking about recess… and the person she’d be meeting there.
---
The bell for recess rang, and Aiah didn’t waste a single second. She was one of the first to step out of her classroom, her bag still slung on one shoulder. The hallway was busy, students chattering and moving toward the canteen, but her focus was only on one thing—Jhoanna.
As she neared Jhoanna’s classroom, she slowed her steps just a little. She peeked around the hallway corner, expecting to see her inside, but instead, she spotted Jhoanna outside the room with Sheena. The two were leaning casually against the wall, laughing about something only they seemed to find funny.
Aiah stopped for a moment. She couldn’t help but smile as she watched them. Jhoanna’s laugh—lively and warm—made her completely forget the awkward air she left behind in her own classroom earlier. Everything felt lighter just seeing her.
Her gaze stayed fixed on Jhoanna. Sheena was talking, but Aiah couldn’t even focus on her words from afar—her eyes were drawn to the way Jhoanna smiled, the small tilt of her head as she laughed.
Without realizing it, she was already walking toward them.
When she finally got close, Aiah reached out without hesitation, letting her fingers cling to Jhoanna’s hand. “I miss you, Tineee,” she said softly, her voice low so only the three of them could hear.
Sheena rolled her eyes dramatically. “Ate Aiah, tatlong oras lang kayo ‘di nagkita” she teased, crossing her arms.
Jhoanna chuckled and leaned closer to Aiah, her voice low but enough for Aiah to hear. “I miss you more,” she whispered, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Sheena’s face twisted into mock disgust. “Ew. Kung hindi ko lang kayo kaibigan baka—” She stopped mid-sentence, shaking her head, then gestured toward the stairs. “Tara na nga, 45 minutes lang recess natin!”
Jhoanna laughed. “KJ mo, Shee. Palibhasa—”
Sheena turned to her sharply, eyes narrowing. “Sige, ituloy mo.”
That just made both Jhoanna and Aiah laugh more.
“Okay na, tara na,” Aiah said, still holding onto Jhoanna’s hand and grinning as they started to walk.
Sheena walked ahead, glancing back every now and then like she was making sure the two weren’t sneaking in too much sweetness. Aiah didn’t care, though—her mood was already set.
The three of them headed straight to the canteen. As usual, the place was loud—students everywhere, the smell of food filling the air, and the sound of trays clattering on the counters.
Sheena immediately saw their usual spot. “Tara na ron. Buti nalang wala pang nakaupo" she said, already walking toward it.
“Okay, reserve niyo na seat. Ako na kukuha ng food,” Aiah quickly offered.
Jhoanna blinked, a little surprised. “Ha? Ako na lang, kaya ko nama—”
Aiah shook her head, cutting her off. “Nope. Ako na. Upo ka na lang doon.”
Chapter 22
Magsimula sa umpisa
