Kapag ginagawa nila ito sa school ay pakiramdam ko ay naalala ko ang ginagawang palusot ng mga kandidato. Palusot dito, palusot dyan. Mga smooth talker para makakuha ng pogi points. Pero ang tanong: ginagawa ba nila?
May mga nagagawa naman pero madalas ay palihim lang. Pero 'yung highlights nila, mukhang malabong matupad. Something like pabahay sa mga mahihirap o kaya matapos ang krimen and so on.
Pero kahit ayaw ko man, wala akong magagawa. Ang school ay isang lugar kung saan ine-encourage ang socializing. Kung may socializing, ibig sabihin may politics. From your typical groupings to the wide-scale global level. And I guess nandito na ang dahilan kung bakit ko naisip ang mga iyon.
"Good afternoon, Fitzgerald," bati sa'min ni Sir Albores. Bumati naman kaming mga estudyante. Nilagay ni Sir Albores ang kaniyang gamit sa lamesa.
"So gaya ng nakikita niyo ngayon, wala ang USCP teacher niyo dahil may magaganap na class elections."
At nag-celebrate ang ibang mga kaklase namin dahil walang magaganap na lecture. May nagpalakpakan habang ang iba ay nakahinga ng maluwag. Nagsisimula na ring magdaldalan ang iba. Bago pa ito lumakas ay sumitsit na ang guro namin. Tumahimik naman ang buong klase.
"Ang mga advisers ay sinasabi ang similar sa mga sinasabi ko ngayon," he continued, "Gaya ng inaasahan ay magbobotohan kayo kung sino-sino ang mga nararapat na tao para sa mga posisyon. Ngunit hindi lang iyon, kailangan may dahilan kayo para i-nominate ang taong iyon."
"Ha?!"
"Ano?!"
"Sir naman! Walang ganyanan!"
"Hephep!" he exclaimed, subsiding their chattering. "Kailangan maging convincing ang magiging palusot ninyo dahil kung hindi ay hindi ko tatanggapin ang ino-nominate niyo."
Hm... sounds convincing. My left brow arched. At least, hindi basta-basta ang mga ino-nominate sa mga posisyon. Karamihan kasi sa mga nilalagay sa positions ay puro mga payaso lang. 'Yung iba naman napipilitan o para abusuhin ang authority.
Nagsiingayan muli ang mga kaklase ko. Nahati na sa tatlo ang buong klase. Ang mga taong walang pakialam at ang mga taong puro reklamo. Ako? Kasama ako sa neutral.
"Hindi na masama kung tutuusin," Reiza muttered.
"Yeps," I agreed, "Ano pa bang aasahan sa mga taga-HUMSS."
Habang sila ay problema ang magaganap na class election, ako ay may isang trivial na problema. Ang mas malala, nasa mismong harapan ko pa. Halos naalala ko lahat ng nangyari n'ung araw na iyon. Simula paglabas niya ng kwarto ang hanggang sa pag-uwi.
Mukhang kahit siya ay hindi rin makatingin sa'kin ng maayos. O ako lang itong nagiging self-conscious. Ito na yata ang mga panahon na tatanungin niya ko.
I sighed. Of course, pareho ang pag-e-elect nila ng officers. Ako lang itong nag-a-assume. Gan'on ba ang tama ng nangyari sa'kin?
"Dapat inaasahan niyo na ito sa HUMSS dahil lahat kayo ay kailangang magkaroon ng kapal ng mukha para makipagsabayan sa madla," Sir Albores explained. "Lalo na kapag debate dahil hindi pwedeng basta salita lang kayo pero walang pruweba."
"Dahil isang buwan na kayong magkakasama ay dapat alam niyo na ang mga ugali ng bawat isa." Hindi lang yata ako ang naramdaman ang pagiging seryoso ni Sir. Nang tumikhim ito ay nagsitahimik ang klase. "Dapat alam niyo na rin kung sino ang karapat-dapat sa mga posisyon. Kung sino man ang mag-aaral ng Major in Political Science sa inyo at may balak na maging politiko, dapat alam na ang ibig kong sabihin. At the same time, ganito rin ang sana ang tandaan niyo dahil magiging botante na kayo sa susunod na eleksyon. Naintindihan?"
We all agreed. Hindi ko alam kung ginagawa rin ito sa ibang klase pero mukhang si Sir lang talaga ang nakaisip ng ganitong tactic.
"Sana naman ay hindi puro trip-trip lang kagaya n'ung JHS." Sir Albores took a few steps to the right. "Dahil ito na rin ang magiging sign para gamitin ang critical thinking niyo and persuasion skills."
I must admit na may silbi minsan ang cockiness ng teacher namin. Kaya yata medyo maganda siya kausap kasi talagang magkakaroon talaga ng interes kapag siya ang kausap. Ang creative mag-isip ah.
Bigla ko namang narinig ang sitsit ng guro namin. Mabuti na lang at hindi pa siya nauubusan ng pasensya sa mga kagaya nila. Hindi na ako nagtataka. I shot a side-long glance to my right.
Jasmine, the one at right end of the row, was slumping at her desk. I commented weeks ago that she has a chance to be nominated as our muse. Which is objectively not a lie. Lahat naman eh, depende lang sa taste ng mga lalaki.
Seryoso naman akong tumingin sa harapan ko. I clasped my fingers like I was praying. Isa pa 'tong si Alcantara. Kung nakita nila ang nakita ko sa ball, kikiligin na ang mga lalaki.
Both of them have the charm, it's up to them how to wield it. Napatingin naman ako sa katabi ko. She glanced back, perplexed. Prolly not now.
"The floor is now open for nominations for the president. Are there any nominations?"
May isang lalaking nagtaas ng kamay sa right corner ng first row. When recognized by our teacher, he stood up. Probably 5'6 at sakto ang pangangatawan. Base sa suot niyang nametag, his name is Pinedez. Must be a surname.
"I respectfully nominate Britney Alcantara as the president," his deep voice echoed.
I sighed.
"Go, Alcantara," Reiza muttered.
"Alcantara should've expected this outcome," I commented, "Mahal siya ng madla eh."
"I'm not happy to admit it, but I also anticipated that this will happen." She sighed. Ang humble natin ah, I thought.
"Oh, I see. The wild Japanese girl here. Why you want Alcantara to be the president?"
Natahimik naman si Pinedez. Mukhang nag-iisip siya ng palusot. Kung pagbabasehan ang mukha niya, isa siya sa mga...let's say mga taong musclehead. Or mukhang tambay sa kanto para mas definitive. 'Yung tipong hindi magdadalawang-isip na makipagsapakan kung kailangan.
Pero hindi naman natin mababase ang utak ng isang tao sa pamamagitan ng itsura. I just reminded how hypocrite I was. It's just what I noticed on a daily basis. At least tunog matalino ang sinabi.
"Kasi po, matalino siya, mabait at hardworking," Pinedez replied.
At nagtawanan naman ang mga lalaking pasaway sa harapan. Napakamot naman sa ulo si Pinedez, tila tinatago ang hiya. Mukhang hindi sila kumbinsido sa sinabi ng kaklase namin.
"Any evidences to prove your claim?" Sir. Albores asked, casually. "A claim is only a claim if it's not proven nor applied to the situation."
"Sabi nga ni Sir, ipaliwanag kung bakit siya ang gusto mong i-nominate," one of his friends said. Bumalik ulit ito sa pagtawa.
"Sir, wala namang ganiyanan. Di pwedeng ilista mo na lang sa board para tapos na?"
I made a face. Reiza sighed and Alcantara laughed awkwardly. It seems the latter's not that comfortable about her description.
Hindi ko naiwasang mapabuntong-hininga. Ito ang problema eh. Kapag sinubukan mong iresolba ang problema, hindi seseryoshin ng mga mangmang.
"Nopes. Sorry, Mr. Pinedez," he objected like he just swiped a fly. "Hindi pwede. Iyon ang sinabi sa'min ng admin kaya wala kaming magagawa kundi sumunod."
Liar. I zipped my tongue and let my poker face do the talking. There's no way that the admin will give an absurd command like that. Hindi lahat makakasabay.
Some of the students were to surprised about it while the others give up their dreams and die. Some didn't gave a damn 'coz they wanna go home. Including me.
"Any candidates to nominate?"
"I respectfully nominate Jasmine Delos Reyes as the president," said by the girl with the ponytail at the third row. She also wears no frame round glasses. If I remembered it right, her name's Airene Mangubat.
Napatingin naman kaming tatlo kay Jasmine. Hindi naman makapaniwala si Jasmine dahil sa sudden mention.
"Wow, naniniwala yata sila na beauty is the new brainy ah. Paktay tayo."
"Steven, it's too early to conclude. Let's here what she has to say," Alcantara retorted.
"Why do you think she's suitable to be the president?" Sir Albores asked. He wrote Delos Reyes on the board.
"Hindi ko mapagkakailang maganda si Delos Reyes. Pero hindi iyo ang dahilan kung bakit siya ang pinili ko." She took a breath before continuing. "First, alam naman ng lahat na may akin siyang talino. Wala pa siyang nababagsak na mga tests. Second, she has this gentle demeanor. Sa tingin niyo, makakapanakit ba yan ng tao?"
"Wow, grabe ang puri kay Jasmine. Halatang fanatic eh," Reiza commented.
Objectively, she's saying the truth. Kahit ako ay napapansin ang mga sinasabi niya. She's a good girl and a role model in some aspects. Wala naman akong alma kung siya ang magiging president. The question will be...payag ba si Jasmine?
Tumingin naman ako sa kaniya. All I could see was a mere poker face. Maybe it's just me, pero pakiramdam ko ay ayaw niya ring maging president.
Probably not. I'm just overthinking. I glanced at her again. Coincidentally, our eyes met.
Teka lang...bakit parang...? All of a sudden, a piece of memory resurfaced.
"Anyway, just wanna ask you straight, you befriended me because we're in a same boat?"
"Yes . Honestly, flying alone was something I wouldn't let to happen. I wanted to be approached by everyone. But I know it wouldn't happen..."
I raised my hand. When recognized, I stood up and spoke, "I respectfully nominate Ms. Airene Mangubat as the president."
"May I ask why, Mr. Legaspi?"
Napatingin naman sa akin si Mangubat. Nakabuka ng kaunti ang kaniyang bibig dahil sa gulat. Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin nila sa'ming dalawa na para bang sinusuri ang pagkatao namin.
"Her reasoning is g-good. Sinusubukan niyang makuha ang opinion ng majority for the sake of the greater good," I said like a machine gun. I took a breath before I spoke slower.
"You already witnessed my example anyway. Second, a leader must have persuasion and communication skills. Hindi rin siya mahiyain magsalita at observant din siyang tao. Whether they're intellectual or not, they can be the leader as long as they have the guts. That's all for my statement."
It wasn't a lie at all. But not that firm as an argument. Well, hindi naman ako makikipag-debate kaya ayos na siguro ang mga sinabi ko. It wasn't convincing even for me.
Mr. Albores nodded, writing Mangubat on the board.
"Wow, I thought you're a type of person whose not fond of politics," Alcantara commented after I sat down.
"Nah. I just felt like it," I replied.
"He has some reasons that he couldn't tell. Talk about a silent person." Reiza sighed.
"I dunno. Masama bang piliin ang taong sa tingin ko ay karapat-dapat sa posisyon?"
Dahil nga mas nare-recognize ang mga sikat, hindi nila nakikita ang mga taong may potential naman. Ang nangyayari, natatabunan sila at hindi nagagamit ang talento. Gan'on lang naman ang ginawa ko kay Mangubat. Kailangan niya lang naman ng kaunting push.
"Any other candidates?"
A guy from the first row stood up. His name must be Erald Marquez. He seems like a nerd due to his glasses pero marunong siyang mag-ayos ng sarili. "I respectfully nominate Britney Alcantara as the president."
"Oh, shoot. Here we go again," I muttered, imitating a certain meme sound.
"It cannot be helped. I guess everyone was fond of Alcantara," Reiza commented. Alcantara giggled awkwardly.
"Wow, grabe. Sikat na sikat talaga si Alcantara. May I know your reasons?" Sir Albores asked casually.
"I belief that the president of this class should be adaptable. She's an immigrant in this country so siguradong madaming siyang kailangang matutunan sa bansang 'to. Sinusubukan niyang makibagay sa mga tao rito at unti-unting natutunan kung ano ang kultura natin. From literature to our ethics. I assume na hindi ko na kailangang magbigay ng examples kasi makita niyo naman na."
Wow, parang dalawang main forces ang mag-aaway ah. Team Jasmine and Team Alcantara. Isang dakilang minority lang si Mangubat. Hindi ko naiwasang mapabuntong-hininga. Mukhang wala akong magagawa. Kung sino kina Jasmine at Alcantara ang mananalo, bahala na.
Sir Albores nodded, writing the name Alcantara. After being silent of a few seconds, the statements for the closure of the nominations has been stated.
"Okay, ladies. Hope you don't mind standing up," Albores instructed. The three girls obliged. "I'm not giving you pressure, but I hope you're prepared for the obligations as the class president. Hm...probably class representative should be the right term. Anyway, you're ready to handle this?"
"Kung ako man ang pipipiliin, susubukan kong gawin ang aking makakaya," Alcantara replied, albeit slightly awkward.
"Same," Jasmine replied briefly.
Ms. Mangubat remained silent. Halata na napipilitan lang siyang tanggapin ang titulo.
"Ms. Mangubat, are you sure you can handle the position if you're the one?" Sir Albores asked.
Mangubat blinked, "Er...ah...opo. Kung ako ang mapipili."
"Okay! Para matapos na ang kaba ng tatlong dalaginding natin, simulan na natin ang botohan!"
The results for today's battle: Alcantara wins with 23 votes. Jasmine and Mangubat has votes of ten and seven, respectively.
Claps and cheers erupted entire the room. Para bang kaunti na lang ay lilindol na rito. Sa kabila ng pagiging masigla nila, napabuntong-hininga na lang ako. Hindi na ko nagtataka kung siya ang magiging representative ng klase.
"So...er, the floor is open for the nominations for the vice president? Are there any nominations?"
"I-I want to nominate Steven Legaspi as the VP."
I blinked. Tama ba ang narinig ko? Assuming something without a concrete proof is only a useless claim.
What I heard was nothing, but an illusion. There's no way someone would nominate me except from my close friends and acquaintance...
Agad akong tumingin sa kanan kung saan nanggaling ang boses. What I've seen right now was the glimpse of Jasmine who stood up. She...nominated me?
"Wow, what a surprising development. She trusted you to the point of nomination as a VP, huh," Reiza said casually. But I know that behind that poker face is a smug expression.
"I know that you're friends with Mr. Legaspi, but I hope there's no bias here, 'kay?" Sir Albores reminded.
"Yes, sir," she replied. She cleared her throat. "Legaspi may be a guy who can give you a death glare anytime. But I assure you, he's a good guy who gives the credit to the others. The...circumstances are...a bit sensitive so I can't lay it bare. I apologize."
My gaze went at the window. So gan'on pala ang naiisip niya sa'kin huh. Am I really that type of person? Was that considered being good?
I took a deep breath. It's just that how I wanna do things.
"Weh~ 'Di nga? Baka sinasabi mo lang 'yan kasi may romantic interest ka sa kaniya." A girl's voice resonates within the classroom. Parang tunog pabiro ang pagkasabi.
"Don't worry, I have no interest in romance as of the moment."Wow, she didn't even skip a beat. Nice. And she just sat like usual.
At narinig sa loob ng classroom ang mga ayiee ng iba sa'min. My neighbor, Reiza, put a smug face. Meanwhile, Alcantara looked around like an innocent child. Was she really that oblivious or just faking it?
I took a quick glance. Maybe it's just me, but I felt our gazes met. Dumako naman ang tingin ko sa mga pisngi niya. Not blushing. She's serious. If I'll sum up her expression, she's saying "Bruh."
"Maybe you should handle compliments more properly," Reiza said out of the blue.
Hindi pa rin napigil ang iba at pinag-ship na kaming dalawa. As if totoo ang sinasabi nila. I have no interest in romance. At least...not yet. But it wasn't my priority for now.
"Jasmine, stating that your evidence is confidential can backfire you one day. Albeit, you've told me the reason and that will invade someone's privacy so I understand it." Alcantara wrote my name at board. Her voice was still her usual friendly tone, but her words gave a faint sense of professionalism.
"Besides, I've seen it myself," she added.
"Wow. Alcantara, you're also backing up Jasmine. Was this because kaibigan mo siya or dahil may gusto ka rin kay Legaspi" said by a girl that I don't wanna know.
At nagsimula na naman kiligin ang ibang kaklase namin. Maybe it's just me, but some guys were glaring at me. I couldn't help but avert my gaze. Nakakatakot ang sitwasyon ko.
"By the way, I'm also a witness so I could back them up," Sir Albores added, hands raised.
"Now, that's being biased." I heard one of my guy classmates muttered.
"Nopes. Trust me, why would I lie to my students? Inoobersabahan ko ang mga ugali niyo objectively. Besides..."
Sir Albores grinned. Oh shit. I could feel a bad premonition. "...Kapag nagkaroon ng character development, ipapaalam ko sa inyong lahat. If you know what I mean."
"Sige, sir ah! Kasunduan natin'yan!"
"Oh!~"
"Sige ba, sir!"
Agh. Ito na nga ba ang sinasabi ko. He just used the three of us to escape his own mess. Napakamot na lang ako ng ulo sa hiya. Pakiramdam ko ay ang sarap manapak ng teacher.
"Ito na yata ang pinapangarap mong harem. Good luck na lang sa'yo," Reiza snorted.
"With all due respect, sir, I have no feelings with Mr. Legaspi. Neither Jasmine. So do you mind if ya cut that crap?" Lumingon ako sa harapan at napansin ang poker face ni Alcantara.
Narinig ko naman ang sigaw ng mga lalaki. I glanced to my right and saw Reiza flabbergasted. Talagang nakabuka ang bibig at hindi makapaniwala. I managed to control my expressions, but I was lying if I didn't admit that I've seen that coming. Sinusubukan naman patahimikin ni Alcantara ang mga kaklase namin.
"M-Maybe I went a bit far. I apologize," Sir Albores awkwardly apologized. "It's you're romance so that's out of my jurisdiction already."
"Oh. I also apologize for being rude." Alcantara bowed a little. "Leaving that behind, are there any other nominations?"
"Si Jasmine Delos Reyes po." A girl suddenly stood up while hands up.
"Dang. Mukhang hindi na talaga mawawala sa listahan si Jasmine." I sighed. I'm sure we're in the same thought as of now.
"May maipagyayabang naman silang pareho. Maybe it wasn't bad to let them have the spotlight. They're worthy anyway," Reiza retorted.
"Besides, baka manipulahin mo sila kung kailangan." Reiza rolled her eyes.
"I dunno what you mean," I said. I don't even know if what I did can be called as "manipulation". And I'm not that harsh to manipulate people.
Ignoring the noises of my classmates and the simple evidences of our classmate, I secretly composed a DM to Jasmine. Kailangan ko ng sagot sa tanong na kanina pa nasa utak ko.
Jasmine, I'll just ask. Do you wanna be the VP?
Hindi naman siguro napansin ni Sir Albores. Pero sumisilip-silip pa rin ako para makasigurado. Wala namang koneksyon ang katabi ko kaya siguro pinabayaan niya na lang akong pagalitan.
Napadpad naman sa skirt pocket ang kamay ni Jasmine. Naka-vibrate mode sigurado ang phone niya. After a few seconds, she replied.
I dunno.
Is that a yes or a no?
Sumulpot naman ang tatlong tuldok, isang sign na nagta-type siya. Lumingon ako sa kaniya at napansin kong nag-ta-type ito. Yet her expression was somehow crumpled. She must be conflicted about her reply.
Sa totoo lang, alam ko na ang sagot. Gusto ko lang kumpirmahin dahil ayaw kong magmarunong.
Actually...I don't want to. Nor any positions.
But...I dunno.
I see. So she doesn't want any position at all. Gaya nga ng inaasahan ko. Pareho lang kaming ayaw mag-officer. Posibleng nahihiya lang siyang maging -VP or talagang gusto niya talaga pero nahihiya lang siya. Or posibleng ayaw niya talaga at naghahanap lang ng tiyempo.
As for my case...madali lang ako makakatakas dito. May gawin man ako o wala, talagang makakuha ako ng lowest votes. Masyadong vague ang sinabin ni Jasmine. Kahit ako ay hindi rin kumbinsido.
"I respectfully nominate Airene Mangubat as the vice-president." Another guy from the front declared. Halos lahat lang din ng sinabi niya ay similar sa'kin. Walang pinagbago.
"Wow. May legacy ako," I muttered. I dunno why he agreed to me, but that somehow helps.
"Legaspi, no need to be smug," Reiza commented.
"Huh? Am I?" I asked. I haven't moved my face except from those sighs.
"Yeps, it was all over your face. Don't deny it."
Oh really? Maybe I was acting smug. I dunno. Hindi ko naman nakikita ang sarili kong mukha.
"Any other nominations?"
Was this the time? I could use any excuses to prevent from being nominated later. I need to widen the lineup. Para makatakas na ko sa lintik na nomination na 'to and I can live my final years in peace.
I raised my hand. When recognized, I stood up and spoke, "I respectfully nominate Reiza Balagtas as the VP."
"Bullshit, ba't ako? Nananahimik ako rito eh," my neighbor whispered which I ignored. Sir Albores nodded, prompting me to continue.
"Reiza may have this intimidating face, but there's more than that," I said despite my neighbor's sighs. "But I assure you, she's a type of girl who commits on her goal. Back when we're JHS, I noticed how stubborn she was to reach her goal. To the point na nagtatanggal na siya minsan ng kagrupo. She's also a hardworker. If she gave her all, she can even beat your beloved goddesses. That's all for my statement."
Sir Albores hummed. "Pareho kayo ng alma mater, tama?" Reiza and I nodded. "So magkaklase kayo ni Reiza dati?"
"Two years po. She's just a bit of a slacker that time, pero cooperative po siyang tao at may maibibigay na sensible insights."
"Based on experience, huh." Sir Albores said. He nodded to Alcantara who wrote her name afterwards. "Confirmed ko naman ang background niyo so I can assume that you're saying the truth. Besides, experience lang din naman ang evidences natin."
And before I knew it, nagkaroon nang anim na kandidato sa pagiging VP.
"Was that all?" Sir Albores roamed her eyes around. "Seems that's it. The nomination for the VP has come to a close."
I raised my hand and stood, "I second to the motion."
I remained standing since I was a candidate anyway. Unfortunately.
"VP candidates, please stand up." The other five stood up. "Shall we skip the theatrics? So who—"
"Sir. If I may?" I raised my hand like having a pledge. Lumingon naman sa'kin 'yung dalawang nasa harapan.
"Are there any problems, Legaspi?" Alcantara replied.
"Let me guess. You wanna withdraw, do you?" said Sir Albores.
"Yes. I wanna withdraw as a candidate," I declared.
"Let's hear why."
"Honestly, I don't think I can be the VP because of these characteristics. First, I'm also a chaotic guy myself. I'd rather be scolded than the one who scold someone. I maybe cooperative, but I'm a perfectionist and bizarre person. If I become the representative of the class, some bastards might not follow and went rebel. I could already imagine the class blaming me for such failure. And I also don't want to be an officer. I hope it's alright to retreat."
I sat down after that excessive speech. Nagkatinginan naman sina Sir Albores at Alcantara. They exchanged nods, then Alcantara erased my name.
"I-I also want to withdraw!"
"Wow. Now, Legaspi. Even you, Delos Reyes. Why?" Sir Albores asked.
"Err...how should I say this? It's like the students were forcing me to something because they thought I'm worthy for that." She took a pause, averting her gaze to anyone.
"I may be...worthy of that position. But it's just not my style to lead my class. There's still a chance that I might break their ideals and expectations, making them disappointed. It's just...I felt like I'm not suitable as a vice-president and leading a large group is...out of my reach as of the moment. And I'm also not ready for being an officer as of the moment."
"Okay. We're not forcing you to be an officer. I understood it completely," Sir Albores commented.
"Anyway, may magwi-withdraw pa ba? Baka naman magsi-withdraw kayong lahat ah."
All of them refused. Even the my hesitant neighbor remained standing.
Thank goodness. A sigh of relief escaped my mouth. Seems all's well that ends well.
"Well then. The nomimation for the vice-president has come to a close."
****
"Dang. Finally, we're going home." It is really a sigh of relief. Naiwasan kong maging officer this year.
I stretched my arms, groaning. Alcantara, Jasmine, Reiza and I were climbing down the stairs. It's a relief that we're going home. A yawn escaped from my mouth. Guess I'll have a deep, deep sleep later.
"Ayaw mo talagang maging officer, ah." Reiza snorted.
"But you accepted the position nonetheless. That surprised me," Jasmine commented.
"Honestly, it was a decision habang nakatayo ako. I just realized that I wanna broaden my horizon. Not like a certain someone who flex his incompetence." Reiza rolled her eyes.
She's obviously referring to me. "Anyway. I wanna say something. Particularly to you, Jasmine."
"What was it?" she asked. "Was this about earlier?"
"Um...yeah..." Honestly, I dunno what should I say. It's just...bihira ko lang marinig ang mga salitang 'yun. Bihira lang 'yung mga compliments na sinasabi dahil obvious kasi.
What should I say? May gusto akong iparamdam sa kaniya kaso...hindi ko alam kung paano ko i-express.
"Jasmine...those comments back on the nominations. Bihira lang ako makarinig ng mga compliments deeper than "congrats" or "ang ganda mo". So...I highly appreciate all what you've said that time...thank you. And sorry I turned down being a VP."
I might be blushing this time. This is embarrassing, I thought. But my chest stopped feeling heavy. I finally said it.
"You can be kawaii sometimes, Steven," Alcantara commented.
"Say, nanaginip ba ko? Nahihiya si Legaspi. Namumula pa yata ang tenga."
"Shut up! It's not funny!" I glared at the two who seems holding their laughter.
Napatingin naman ako kay Jasmine. Her mouth gaped a bit. Nakakagulat ba kapag sinusubukan kong maging expressive? This is the exact reason why I hate being direct.
"Any time, brother! I know that you have your reasons so don't worry." She smiled. Probably the most genuine smile I've seen from her.
A small grin was formed from my lips. Yet I kept it well-hidden. I felt a bit guilty of turning back on the VP post despite hearing those compliments. Should have I accepted the post instead? I could do it if I worked hard, right? It's doable, right?
With the afternoon sun bathing on us, those thoughts bothered me as we walked.