"Bakit mo tinakasan ang bodyguard mo, Elyse?!"
Napanguso ako habang nakayuko, pinaglalaruan ang daliri ko. Nakaupo ako ngayon sa malaking sofa at sa harapan ko naman ay si Daddy na naka-corporate attire pa. Gabi na nang makabalik siya galing sa work. I thought Kuya Roel wouldn't tell anything kay Daddy! Mali ako! He betrayed me!
"I wanted to... Uh... Eat somewhere," pagdadahilan ko, hindi pa rin makatingin.
"Then eat with your bodyguard around! Bakit? Hindi ba pwede 'yon, Elyse?!" He was scolding me so bad.
"I wanted to be alone." I pouted more.
"And when you're alone, what do you do?! Nagwawaldas ng pera!"
Sumimangot ako lalo at tiningnan saglit si Daddy na galit na galit ngayon. Agad akong umiwas ng tingin sa kaniya at nanghingi ng tulong kay Mommy na nakaupo rin sa kabilang sofa, nakikinig sa sermon. Hindi niya 'ko tinitingnan para mapigilan niya ang sarili niyang makisali.
"I was just treating myself because... it was my birthday." Tumingin ako sa kisame para umiwas.
"Your birthday?!" Daddy scoffed. "Ilang araw ba ang birthday mo? You went shopping a week before your birthday, three days before your birthday, a day before your birthday, on your birthday itself, after your birthday, and even two days after your birthday! You're making my head hurt!"
Huminga ako nang malalim at pinalobo saglit ang pisngi ko para pigilan ang sariling magsalita dahil baka mas lalo lang siyang magalit. I looked like a puppy being scolded by its owner.
"Money is great, Elyse." Daddy sighed. "But money could make you greedy, and I don't want you to end up like other people. You need to control yourself."
"I won't be greedy, Daddy, please. I promise I won't do it again," I tried to calm him down.
"I already heard-"
Napatingin kami sa pinto nang bumukas ito bigla. My eyes lit up when I saw my brother at the door holding a book in his hand, and a phone on the other hand. Napatigil siya nang makita ang sitwasyon namin.
"What's happening?" nagtatakang tanong niya sa akin.
"Tumakas ako sa bodyguard ko, Kuya, and then, I don't know how, but we suddenly talked about money!" pagkukwento ko, mukhang kinawawa pa.
"You deserve that." Kuya Shan laughed.
"Kuya!"
"Shan, what brings you here?" Tumayo si Mommy. "Nag-dinner ka na ba? I can prepare food for you-"
"I just needed something from my old room," my brother cut her off.
Tumango si Mommy at dahan-dahang umupo ulit. Bumuntong-hininga si Daddy at umakyat na lang ulit sa study room at mukhang tapos na 'kong sermunan.
Umakyat na rin ako sa kwarto ko para mag-shower. Since tapos naman na 'kong pagalitan, pwede na 'kong mag-relax! Kinalimutan ko na lang lahat ng 'yon.
Kinabukasan, Monday na naman kaya I attended my classes first before the training. Maagang natapos ang classes ko kaya naman maaga rin akong nakaratingsa pinegte-training-an namin. Nagpalit ako ng shorts at shirt bago umupo sasahig para hintayin ang iba.
Nilabas ko ang phone ko para mag-check kung may stock na 'yung gusto kong press powder. Ang tagal ko nang hinihintay pero hanggang ngayon, wala pa rin! Bakit maglalabas pa sila ng product kung hindi rin naman ako makakabili?!
I took a cute selfie of myself looking stressed and posted it on my IG story with the caption 'ang tagal nila gosh.'
Napakunot ang noo ko nang makitang may nag-reply.
sevirous: training?
Nag-type kaagad ako ng isasagot ko.
elydezma: Yes, why are you asking?
sevirous: wala lang hehe kami rin training atm
elydezma: Who asked?
sevirous: baka gusto mo lang malaman na nagtetraining kami para sa laro ngayong saturday kung saan ka magsusuot ng tiger shirt
elydezma: Wala ka pang binibigay na shirt.
elydezma: And also, akala ko ba training atm? You can dribble while typing? Stupid ass.
sevirous: baka nga
I rolled my eyes and turned my phone off when I saw our coach. Tumayo na 'ko at tumulong sa pag-aayos ng mat. At seven o'clock ay breaktime kaya naman nilabas ko ang packed dinner ko at pumaikot kami roon sa sahig ng teammates ko.
"May crush akong basketball player na taga-UP," kinikilig na sabi ni Fiona.
"Ako rin! Taga-NU!" Si Tania naman.
Tahimik lang akong kumakain habang nag-uusap-usap sila sa mga crush nilang player sa iba't-ibang school. I couldn't care less. Napasubo na lang ako ng dalawang piraso ng ubas na nasa baunan ko ngayon.
"Si Eli, may something sa kanila noong captain ng UST!"
Nabulunan ako bigla.
Inabot ko agad ang tubig habang umuubo-ubo ako, sinusubukang tanggalin sa lalamunan ang ubas na nalunok ko. Nadura ko tuloy sa tissue at dali-daling uminom ng tubig. I wasn't expecting that! Nananahimik na nga ako, nasali pa 'ko sa usapan!
"Omg, kaya pala last game, I saw them talking to each other sa gilid! Sila lang dalawa! Todo ngiti si Camero habang si Eli naman ang pabebe, pinaglalaruan pa 'yong hands na parang nahihiya! My god, anong palabas 'to?" singit ni Queenie.
"All of you got the wrong idea! There's nothing going on between Sevi and I!" todo deny ko sa kanila.
Wala naman kasi talaga!
"Asus, okay lang 'yan, bebe girl. Lahat tayo nafa-fall paminsan-minsan sa basketball player." Inakbayan ako ni Ate Mae.
"Well, sorry! Sa piloto lang ako na-fall!" Umiling ako kaagad.
Mabuti na lang at natapos kaagad ang breaktime dahil pinipilit talaga nilang may something sa 'min ni Sevi kahit hindi naman talaga totoo! Kahit anong tanggi ko, inaasar nila 'ko. It was just once! Once lang kami nag-usap during the game at 'yon 'yong inabot ko ang clothes niya sa kaniya. Lahat na lang ba may meaning?! My gosh!
Pagkatapos ng training, umuwi na agad ako at nag-shower tapos deretso na higa sa sobrang pagod. Kinuha ko ang phone ko at chineck kung may messages ba from Fraida regarding the schoolworks, pero ibang message ang nakita ko.
sevirous sent a photo.
Binuksan ko kaagad at nakita roon ang yellow na shirt na may tiger design at nakalagay ang name ng UST. Ang laki pa but I had no choice since nakipagpustahan ako sa kaniya. Dapat pala hindi ko na 'yon ginawa! Manonood tuloy ako ng game nila sa Saturday kahit hindi naman La Salle ang kalaban! Nakakainis! Isasama ko si Fraida. Bahala siya!
elydezma: Give me two tickets. Kailangan ko ng kasama. I don't want to go there alone.
sevirous: luh, isa lang nakuha ko. bakit ngayon mo lang sinabi?
elydezma: WHAT ANG LONER KO NAMAN DOON
sevirous: gusto mong sumama sa mga kaibigan ko?
elydezma: No, thanks. I don't know them.
I would rather be alone than be with his friends! I mean, bakit ako sasama sa friends niya?! As if naroon ako to support him?! Naroon ako dahil nakipagpustahan ako! Aalis din naman ako kaagad pagkatapos siguro ng first quarter. Wala namang pinag-usapan na dapat tapusin ang laro.
Noong Friday, wala kaming pasok at training, so I agreed to get the shirt from Sevi on that day. I told him to meet me in a mall near him. I was wearing a black tank top and a pair of ripped jeans. Inipit ko sa ponytail ang buhok ko at nagsuot ng shades.
Nauna pa 'kong makarating sa kaniya sa ice cream shop. I ordered a banana split for me so I could eat while waiting. Si Kuya Roel, nakatayo sa labas ng shop, sa may pinakagilid kung saan ko siya makikita.
Napatingin ako sa orasan habang nakasubo ang kutsara sa bibig ko. What the fuck, he was already late for a minute! Bakit ba niya 'ko pinaghihintay?!
Kapag naubos ko 'tong ice cream ko at wala pa siya, I'll just leave.
"Sorry, traffic."
Napaangat ang tingin ko sa lalaking humatak ng upuan sa tapat ko. Sevi was wearing a black shirt and a pair of maong pants. Suot niya ulit ang kaniyang metal necklace at itim na wristwatch. Napatingin ako sa suot ko.
Why were we always wearing the same thing?! Or the same colors?!
"Hala, okay ka lang?" he suddenly asked.
Kumunot ang noo ko, hindi siya naiintindihan. Bakit?
"Kawawa ka naman at sira-sira ang pantalon mo." He made a sad face while staring at my pants.
Wow! Just wow! Kakarating niya lang, pinapainit na niya ang ulo ko! What a talent!
"After making me wait here, 'yan ang ibubungad mo sa'kin?" I raised a brow.
Tumingin siya sa relo niya at nagsalubong ang kilay bago binalik ang tingin sa 'kin.
"Dalawang minuto lang akong late, ah?" pagdepensa niya sa kaniyang sarili.
"You know what I value the most?" I leaned so he could hear me better.
"Ano?" He also leaned over the table, imitating me.
I smiled at him sweetly and showed him my expensive watch.
"Sus, 'yan lang pala, eh. Marami namang relo sa divisoria, kaya ko 'yang palitan." Sumandal na ulit siya sa upuan niya.
"It's time!" inis na sabi ko.
"It's time to what?" naguguluhang tanong niya.
"Time! I value time the most! Ugh, what a dummy!" I crossed my arms and shook my head.
Tumawa siya sa hitsura ko at humalukipkip, pinagmamasdan ako. Umirap ako sa kaniya at pinagpatuloy ang pagkain ko ng ice cream ko.
"Order lang ako." He smiled and tapped the table twice to get my attention.
Tumango ako at tumayo na siya para bumili ng sariling ice cream. Nakabalik naman siya kaagad, dala-dala ang isang cup ng Cookies n' Cream na may dalawang Oreo. Napakunot ang noo ko. Usually, they only gave one!
"Nagpadagdag ka ng Oreo?" I asked him.
"Huh? Hindi. Dalawa naman talaga, ah?" Tumingin siya sa cup niya.
Lumingon ako sa babae sa counter who was staring at Sevi, not minding the customer ordering. Napairap ako at binalik ang tingin sa lalaking nasa harapan ko, ine-enjoy na ang ice cream niya.
"Where's the shirt?" I asked.
Kinuha niya ang paper bag sa ilalim ng lamesa at inabot sa'kin. I reached for it and looked inside the bag. I saw a yellow shirt and a ticket.
My brows furrowed when I realized that there were two tickets. Tumingin kaagad ako sa kaniya, nagtataka.
"Akala ko isa lang ang nakuha mo?"
Tinanggal niya ang kutsara sa bibig niya para magsalita.
"Sabi mo ayaw mong mag-isa?" He arched a brow.
I pursed my lips and placed the tickets on the table. Nilabas ko ang shirt para tingnan kung gaano 'yon kalaki. It was just his size, and he was totally larger and taller than me! I could just tuck it inside my pants, so I didn't need to worry about it. It smelled like him, too.
"Finish that so I can go home na." I pointed at his cup.
Tumango siya at binilisan ang pag-ubos ng ice cream. Nang ilapag na niya ang empty cup, tumayo na kaagad ako para umalis.
"I'm going," paalam ko at naglakad na paalis, hindi na hinintay ang sagot niya.
I was so worried about what I would say to my dad if ever isumbong ako ni Kuya Roel na nag-ice cream ako with a guy! Well, I could just tell him na friend ko! I had friends! Kahit hindi ko naman talaga siya friend. Bahala na. I needed to lie to save myself from the sermon.
Good thing Kuya Roel did not tell my dad anything. Siguro inisip din niya na kung sinu-sino naman ang kasama ko kumain sa labas kaya hindi siya big deal. Wait.. my dad knew Sevi! Anak ng secretary niya, right?! Hindi ba suspicious kapag nalaman niya? Pero kain lang naman, ah! May kinuha lang ako!
"Why am I overthinking this?" I whispered to myself.
The next day, I started preparing before lunch. Nag-shower na 'ko at nagsuot ng mom jeans at saka 'yung tiger shirt na binigay ni Sevi. Naka-tuck in ito dahil masyado siyang malaki.
I let my hair down and just brought a hair tie with me. White na sling bag lang din ang dinala ko. I texted Fraida to come over after lunch, and she really did kahit last minute lang na aya. She was really my ride-or-die friend.
"Why are we even watching this? It's not like La Salle ang maglalaro!" reklamo niya nang makapasok sa bahay.
"I lost a bet, okay?" I explained.
"And why should I wear yellow?!" reklamo niya ulit, pero sinunod pa rin naman.
She was wearing a yellow tank top and maong skirt. Naka-yellow din na headband. Sa tingin ko nga mas prepared pa siya sa 'kin dahil yellow din ang bag!
"Alam mo, Ida, kulang na lang may UST balloon ka na," pansin ko sa kaniya.
"Ano ka ba! Mamaya pa! Hihingi ako!" She was excited. "I also memorized their cheers! Turuan kita mamaya! Black gold, black white!"
I felt like a traitor!
Nahiya tuloy ako pagkarating sa arena. I couldn't look around and just went straight inside to find a seat. Fraida, on the other hand, went around and asked someone for a balloon! Napasapo ako sa noo ko, nahihiya dahil hindi naman ako Thomasian! I was like a spy!
"Ayan na! Ayan na, they're here!" Hinampas ako ni Ida ng balloon.
I looked in front and watched the arrival of the Growling Tigers. Nasa harapan si Sevi at may hawak na bola sa isang kamay habang ang isa, nakaakbay sa teammate. They were talking about something serious.
He was wearing his yellow jersey with a number two, white knee support, and white sneakers again. Umupo siya sa bench at nilapag ang kaniyang gamit at bola doon. He looked around for a bit, then smiled at those two girls seated near his side. Lumapit siya saglit at nakipag-usap.
"He's so friendly with girls." Siniko ako ni Ida.
"And so?" I arched a brow.
"Wala lang! Share ko lang!"
Nang ibalik ko ang tingin sa harapan, nagtama mga mata namin. Ngumiti siya sa 'kin ngunit tumalikod agad dahil tinawag ng coach. I pursed my lips and just waited for the game to start.
Sevi got the ball first and ran towards the other side, tapos pinasa niya sa teammate niya. Their teammate tried to shoot it, but it did not go inside, so Sevi jumped to shoot it again. It was their first point.
Hindi ko naman school 'yon pero bakit ako kinakabahan? I was so nervous during the game. Tuwing nakaka-shoot, nagsisigawan ang mga tao. I was just quiet, mariin ang tingin sa bola't sinusundan ang galaw.
Three points from Sevi at nakalamang agad sila sa first quarter. However, bumaliktad sa second and third quarter. Napasapo ako sa noo ko, getting frustrated now! Bakit ba hindi ma-shoot 'yung bola?! Ano ba naman 'yan!
Sevi went back to the game after resting for a bit. He gestured at his teammates before getting the ball from the opponent.
"Oh my god, yes," I whispered when the ball went inside the net.
"Go USTe! Go USTe! Go go go go! Go USTe!" Nagwawala na si Ida.
"You traitor." I pulled her hair playfully. "You cheer louder than the real tigers at the back."
"YES! GO SEVI!" sigaw niya at winagayway ang balloon, hindi ako pinansin.
60-63 na ang score! It was so close! Kaunti na lang! Napatingin tuloy ako sa natitirang oras. Ilang segundo na lang. Sana ay mabawi nila 'yon.
Wait, ang sabi ko aalis na 'ko after ng first quarter, ah!
"Ida, I think we need to go." I pulled her arm.
"What?! Tapusin na natin! Kaunti na lang 'yong oras, oh!" She pointed at the court.
I sighed and went back to my seat. I bit my lower lip and stared at the scores. The other school got the ball again, at naka-shoot ng three points kaya nadagdagan ang gap. I was so nervous I couldn't afford to watch anymore!
"I think they will lose. Let's just go." Kinuha ko ulit ang bag ko at tumayo para umalis na.
Hinatak ulit ako ni Fraida para pabalikin ako. I closed my eyes and sat down, refusing to watch the rest of the game. Nang marinig ko ang buzzer at sigawan ng crowd, saka ko lang tiningnan ang score.
"Oh my god!" I exclaimed and jumped in excitement. "Ah! We won!"
"We won!" ulit ni Fraida.
Pareho kaming napatigil at sabay naghampasan dahil sa sinabi.
"Gaga, hindi tayo Thomasian." She laughed so loudly.
"Let's go," aya ko kay Ida.
"Bakit ba nagmamadali ka? My god, chill! Let's go near!"
Hinatak niya ulit ako pababa ng stairs para makalapit sa may court. I tried to stop her but she really wanted to go down, lalo na nang makita ang kaibigan niyang taga UST! Nakipag-chikahan na siya roon habang nasa gilid ako ng hagdan, hinihintay siyang matapos.
Napalingon ako kay Sevi na nagpupunas ng pawis gamit ang towel. He also looked around and stopped until our eyes met. He smiled and walked towards me. Sinandal niya sa railings ang kaniyang braso.
"Tinapos mo pala 'yong laro." He smirked. "Sabi mo aalis ka agad?"
"I wanted to but Ida was so persistent to finish the game." Bumaba ako nang isa pang baitang sa hagdanan para magkarinigan kami.
Natawa siya saglit nang tingnan ang suot ko. Kinuha niya kaagad ang phone niya at tinaas ang kanyang pointing finger, letting me know that he would take a picture. I wasn't prepared! Tumawa siya at tiningnan ang picture.
"Delete that! I probably looked dumb!" Sinubukan kong abutin ang phone niya.
"Feeling, hindi naman kasama mukha mo." He laughed.
Masama ko siyang tiningnan at sinubukang abutin ulit ang phone pero nilayo na niya sa 'kin 'yon. He laughed at me and held my hand to stop me from reaching out. Agad kong binawi ang kamay ko at hinampas sa kaniya 'yon.
"Sevi!"
Napalingon kami sa dalawang babaeng kausap niya kanina. Naglalakad na ito palapit, nakangiti at mapang-asar ang tingin. Yumakap sa leeg niya 'yung isang babae at pagkatapos, sinampal siya nang mahina sa pisngi.
"Congrats!" sabi nito.
"Wala si Luna, may tinatapos na plates," sabi noong isang babae.
"Oo nga, sabi niya nga." Tumango si Sevi.
I bit my lower lip and tried to walk away, but Sevi suddenly talked to me!
"Hoy, Elisa, saan ka pupunta?" he playfully asked.
Irita akong lumingon sa kaniya at bumaba ulit sa hagdan. Those two girls were already smiling at me meaningfully. Gustong-gusto ko nang makatakas sa tingin nila!
"I'll be going na. I have training," pagpapaliwanag ko.
"Sige..." Tumango si Sevi. "Ingat ka."
Tumalikod na 'ko at hinatak na si Ida sa braso para makaalis na kami kaagad doon. Kuya Roel was already waiting for us at the parking lot. Tuwang-tuwa si Ida na nagkukwento tungkol sa experience niya kanina na parang first time manood ng basketball game.
Napatigil ako nang may maalala ako. Oh shoot!
Nilabas ko ang phone ko at binuksan ang Instagram.
elydezma: Congrats.
He was already typing.
sevirous: salamat :)
Hindi na 'ko nag-chat pagkatapos noon. I became so busy with school and training at wala na rin naman kaming pag-uusapan. I just had to return his tiger shirt. I forgot about it twice and just remembered after two weeks.
elydezma: I need to return your shirt.
sevirous: sure ka gusto mo ibalik?
Napakunot ang noo ko.
elydezma: Bakit hindi?
sevirous: 2 weeks nang nasayo e akala ko wala ka nang balak ibalik. mamaya ginawa mo na palang pampatulog 'yan sa gabi wew
elydezma: Ew u r so disgusting isaksak mo sa baga mo 'yung shirt mo
sevirous: o nasan na? akin na
elydezma: Get it from me.
sevirous: amp bakit ako?!
elydezma: And bakit ako? Ikaw ang may need. This is your shirt.
sevirous: edi sayo na wag mo na ibalik kunwari ka pa e.
elydezma: FINE I'LL GO.
Inis kong nilapag ang phone ko sa side table at natulog na. I was so annoyed at him! Hindi ko alam kung saan ko siya pupuntahan! Sa UST ba? What the hell, ang layo! Bakit kailangan ko siyang dayuhin just for the shirt?
Ang feelingero kasi! Kapag hindi ko binalik, he would think I had a crush on him which was not the case! It will never ever happen!
"Bwisit ka, Sevi," bulong ko bago matulog.
Next day was a Friday. Hapon pa ang training kaya naman may free time akong pumunta sa school nila. Nagpahatid ulit ako kay Kuya Roel sa UST Hospital and had him park at the carpark, kung saan napakainit! Kakababa ko lang ng car, parang hinampas na ang mukha ko ng mainit na hangin!
"Bakit po tayo nasa hospital, Ma'am? Okay lang po ba kayo?" tanong ni Kuya Roel.
"Just wait at the lobby, Kuya Roel. I have an appointment with my OB-GYNE," pagpapalusot ko. "You won't come with me, right?"
"Uh, okay, Ma'am." Tumango siya.
Dala-dala ko ang maliit na paper bag ng Chanel with a tiger shirt inside. Nauuna akong maglakad kay Kuya Roel papasok ng hospital and then I advised him to just sit in the lobby. Lumiko ako sa may elevator at dahan-dahang sumilip. Nang makitang hindi siya nakatingin, I walked outside casually so he won't suspect anything.
Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang makalabas ng hospital. Nilabas ko ang phone ko at nag-chat sa kaniyang nandito na 'ko. I was walking around, waiting for him to reply. Lunchtime ng students so maraming tao.
I stopped walking when I saw a familiar face. Nagtago ako sa gilid at pinanood si Sevi.
He was holding on to the strap of his black backpack, walking with a woman wearing an Archi uniform. Sumingkit ang mata ko para makita ko pa sila nang maayos. They were both smiling. Nagkukwento ang babae habang may hawak na plastic cup ng fishball ata or something.
Agad akong tumalikod nang makitang padaan sila sa kung nasaan ako so I started walking towards the opposite side.
"Elyse!"
I stopped walking when I heard him call my name. Napapikit ako nang mariin at lumingon sa kaniya. He was now walking towards me, kasama ang babaeng kausap niya kanina. The lady was in a bun. She was taller than me but still shorter than Sevi. She smiled at me sweetly.
"Here." Inabot ko na kaagad kay Sevi ang paper bag at tinalikuran na siya.
"Wait..." He grabbed my arm lightly.
I sighed and faced him. The woman tried to look away, giving us privacy even though I didn't need it. Sinubukan niyang abalahin ang sarili sa pagte-text at humarap pa sa ibang direksyon. Napaiwas lang ako ng tingin sa babae nang sinubukang hulihin ni Sevi ang tingin ko.
"What? Nabigay ko na so aalis na 'ko." Tinanggal ko ang hawak niya sa braso ko.
"Kumain ka na?" he suddenly asked.
I consciously looked at the woman he was with, concluding that they had already eaten together, so why was he asking me about food? I raised a brow at him and crossed my arms.
"No," I answered truthfully.
"Tara, kain tayo," aya niya.
"I don't know. Diet ako, and I'm sure you're already full." I looked at the woman again.
Nakita kong napasulyap siya sa 'kin at agad umiwas ng tingin, naging abala sa phone ulit. Sinundan ni Sevi ang tinitingnan ko. Narinig ko bigla ang tawa niya at humakbang pagilid para harangan ang tingin ko.
"Hindi pa 'ko kumakain," sambit niya.
"Do you like me?" taas-noong tanong ko.
I heard a cough.
Napalingon ulit ako sa babae nang bigla itong mabulunan sa narinig nyang tanong ko. Sevi looked back at her and glared when she started laughing while coughing.
"Luna," his tone sounded like a threat.
"Sorry, sorry, heto na, papasok na 'ko sa class ko." The woman was still laughing.
Tumatawa pa rin ito nang tapikin si Sevi sa balikat at kumaway sa 'kin bago naglakad paalis. Binalik ko ang tingin kay Sevi na seryoso na ang tingin sa'kin.
"Ano? Kain tayo?" he asked again, ignoring my question earlier.
"Okay, but just to be clear, I don't like you," deretsong sabi ko.
He stared at me for a moment before laughing out loud. Nawala ang matalim na tingin ko sa kaniya at napalitan ng pagtataka kung ano bang nakakatawa sa sinabi ko.
"Pucha, ha-ha!" He was still laughing. Maiiyak na siya sa kakatawa.
"Bahala ka nga!" iritang sabi ko at tinalikuran siya para makaalis na! Nakakahiya! He was laughing at me! Nakikita pa ng mga dumaraan!
I stopped walking when he grabbed my arm again and made me face him.
"Ano?!" singhal ko sa kaniya.
He bit his lower lip, trying to prevent himself from smiling more because I was already glaring at him.
"Hindi natin kailangan magustuhan ang isa't isa para kumain," sambit niya. "Kaya tara na. Gutom na 'ko."
________________________________________________________________________________
:)