#BWB13

I don't like her attitude either. She's rude and insensitive of other people's feelings.

Her true colors are showing.

Cheap ass bitch.

She's my classmate and everytime I see her, she always has that resting bitch face. It's so annoying.

Influencer pa siya niyan ah. Feeling entitled. Ang cheap naman ng ugali.

How can she fuck two guys at the same time. Ang landi!

I turned off my phone upon reading the hate comments about me. I sighed and shut my eyes, just like how the world shuts me down. I went to youtube instead to watch some funny videos to entertain me but to my surprise, I saw a video of myself---it was the incident that occured last week, at the bar. It has over ten thousand views. I don't know who posted the video, but I ignored it.

This week has been stressful. I was drowned with schoolworks at the same time, drowned by the hate comments I received in social media. I decided to 

What is wrong with me?

Marami

WHy do people hate me?

Dahil sa ugali mo

Why are people so rude? Hindi ba nila iniisip ang mararamdaman ko?

Ikaw ba? Inisip mo din ba ang nararamdaman nila?

Tumayo ako at dumiretso sa vanity table ko. I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

"You are stronger than this Victoria. Remember, you are a strong bitch, not a weak one. I know myself more than anyone else. Just ignore them. Act like you're not affected by the hate comments. Keep calm, and," I paused. "Let karma do it's thing."

You are slowly losing followers Victoria. You're greatest fear is near.

Soon, you'll lose everything, and eventually lose yourself.

If you still can't change yourself, then it's over for you

Your fame, followers, likes, friends, everything.

If I were you, I'd better fix myself.

Pumikit ako at sinabunutan ang sarili sa mga boses na naririnig ko sa isip ko. I almost screamed when I heard a knock from my door. Napatingin ako doon.

"Yes?"

"Ate!" tawag ni Adam sabay katok ulit

"Bakit?"

"Aalis kami. Gusto mo daw ba sumama?"

"Saan?"

I was distracted because my phone lit up. I saw an email and I immediately opened it.

"Sa mall," sagot niya

Hindi ko siya pinansin. I clicked the email that I received.

E-mail:

Good day Miss Victoria Andrada. This is C.M.O Company clothing line and we are interested if you'll be our model for our brand. We got so inspired by your fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, even your instagram feed. It definitely suits our style. I hope this message came to you. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

My eyes widened upon reading the email. For the past weeks, I haven't received any more collaborations with brands due to the issue that spread about me. I was glad I received one today. I miss working with brands. I miss doing what I love to do. I was so fed up by the hate comments that people threw at me. 

"Ate!"

I startled and looked at my door. I saw my brother standing there, all dressed up. 

"Ano? You coming or what?"

Tipid akong ngumiti at umiling. "No. May lakad ako."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Nanaman? Halos araw-araw ka nang nagala. Hindi na tayo nakakabonding pamilya. We rarely see you. Gawin mo namang freeday itong araw na 'to."

"I can't. This is important."

"More important than family? Siguro mas pinili mong makasama ang boyfriend mo 'no?"

My eyes widened. Umiwas ako ng tingin. I was surprised. What if he knew I had a boyfriend? Jared and I already broke up...pero paano kung isumbong niya padin ako kina mama at papa? They'll kill me if they found out. I don't know how much my brother knows about my relationship. I know he knows something. I calmed myself down and acted innocent.

"Susumbong kita-"

"I don't have a boyfriend now get out of my room," I ordered

"Sinungaling. Nakita kitang tumakas dati noon-"

"I said get out!" napatayo na ako dahil sa galit

He startled. Umiwas siya ng tingin at mabilis na lumabas ng kwarto ko.

I sighed and went back to my seat. Minasahe ko ang ulo ko. I grabbed my phone and read the email again. Nag-isip muna ako ng sasabihin bago magsimulang mag-type.

Ako:

Goodmorning! I've received your email and I would love to work with your brand. Let me know the schedule.

I then went to instagram and searched the company. I was surprised to see a hundred thousand followers on the account. I scrolled down and saw their brand. They have clothes, accessories, make-up, shoes, and bags. They all look expensive and luxurious. I thought it maybe they are an international brand although I'm not really familiar with the brand. I smiled when I imagine myself wearing their pieces. I'm sure I'll look pretty with it.

Maybe this is my chance to redeem myself. 

I miss doing what I'm passionate about and I won't let this opportunity to slip away from my hands.

I have to make this work. 

I have to clean my image. I don't want to lose my followers. I have to prove myself that I'm worthy to them. I have to show them who I truly am, bulletproof and untameable. I'll make sure they'll regret all the shit they threw on me.

The next day I went to the company of the brand that I'm going to work with. Tumingala ako at tinignan ang malaking building na nasa harapan ko. I whistled by how huge it is.

I looked at my phone where the address they sent me. Binalik ko ang tingin sa building. "Tama ba itong pinuntahan ko? Why does this building look so extravagant and glamorous? It sort of looks like a hotel. Mukhang sikat nga talaga ang company na ito."

I smiled feeling the excitement rose within me. Tinignan ko ang suot ko. I'm wearing a short black leather skirt and a white long sleeves top partnered with my black boots. I fixed my chanel bag on my shoulder. Ilang sandali ay naglakad na ako patungo sa building.

I saw the guard. He smiled and greeted me. "Goodmorning ma'am."

"Goodmorning po," bati ko at dumiretso sa receptionist. Napansin kong ako palang ang tao dito. I was confused at first but I shrugged it off.

"Goodmorning ma'am. How can I help you?" she greeted politely

"Hello po. My name is Victoria and I have an appointment with Mr. Joel Custudio, the owner of the C.M.O clothing brand," I said and showed her my I.D.

She took it and looked at me. "Mr. Joel is waiting for you madam Andrada. He's on room 414. Third floor. There's an elevator po pagkaliko niyo sa hallway."

I smiled. "Thank you."

I followed the direction she pointed at. I immediately saw the elevator. I pushed the button and after a few seconds it opened. I then went inside. I pushed the button on the third floor. While waiting, I can't help but to feel nervous. I began to overthink. This is a huge company. I can't mess up. I have to do my best regardless. 

Tumigil bigla ang elevator sa second floor. It opened and I saw a janitor came inside. Tumabi ako sa gilid. I saw from my peripheral vision that he's looking at me. I looked at him and he eyed me from head to foot. He has a confuse expression on his face. I suddenly felt uncomfortable to I squeezed myself on the corner of the elevator, far away from him. I ignored him and looked at my watch instead.

Shit! I'm almost late. Ang usapan ay eight  kami magkikita, eight fifteen na. 

I startled when the elevator opened. Agad akong lumabas. As I walk, I looked behind me to see the janitor, still staring at me from afar. Napailing nalang ako at inayos ang bag sa balikat ko. I tried to find Mr. Joel's room. I stopped when I saw his room number. I checked myself one last time before knocking at his door. I took a step back and calmed myself down.

At first, I didn't know why he decided to held the meeting here but I agreed eventually. I don't have a choice anyway.

I swallowed hard when the door opened. Tumambad ang isang lalaki na mukhang nasa 40's. He's wearing a white long sleeves that's folded on his forearm, and a black pants. He's also holding a glass of wine in his hands. He smiled upon seeing me. "Welcome! You must be Miss Victoria Andrada," he greeted

I smiled back. "Goodmorning po Sir Joel. It's nice to meet you po," bati ko

"Drop the formalities Miss. Call me Joel. Pleasure to meet you," he said and offered his hand

I took it. I was surprised when he suddenly kissed the top of my hand. Agad akong bumitaw at tipid na ngumiti.

He chuckled awkwardly. "Come in. Come in," he said and opened the door wide

I swallowed hard and went inside. 

He has a nice suite. It's huge and very spacious. May sofa sa gitna at carpet sa sahig. There's also a small dining table beside the living room. There's a huge chandelier too hanging on the ceiling and a bunch of artworks on the walls. What caught my attention is the large windows that has the morning view outside.

Nagulat ako noong naramdaman ko siya sa likod ko. I immediately took a step back. He only chuckled. "Don't be nervous Victoria. Just relax. We will soon be working and I don't want you to act like this," seryoso niyang sabi

I smiled awkwardly. "I'm sorry Sir- I mean, Joel. It's just our first meeting so I can't help but to-" I was surprised when he suddenly placed his arm over my shoulder

"I know and I'm just making you feel comfortable," he smiled

But what you are doing right now makes me feel otherwise.

Tipid lang akong ngumiti at lumayo sa kanya. I sighed in relief when he distance away from me. Naglakad siya palapit sa sofa. He picked up the bottle of wine on the center table, together with the glass. I watch him pour some on it. He then offered me the glass.

"Here," he said

Unti-unti akong lumapit sa kanya at tinanggap iyon. "Thank you."

He then sat on the sofa. He also gestured me to sat too. Nanatili akong nakatayo. I roamed my eyes around the room. "Is it just the two of us? Where are the others? The managers, the photographers, the designers? You told me they will be with us with the meeting."

He smirked. "They'll be here. Baka nalate lang sila. Don't worry, I'm sure they're on their way. We'll start the meeting when they arrive."

I slowly nodded and looked down at my drink. "Can we start now? Para po hindi masayang ang oras."

He only stared at me. Tinignan niya ako mula ulo hanggang paa. There's something about his stares make feel uncomfortable. 

I cleared my throat and opened my bag. "I researched about your brand and I've come up with some ideas for the photo-"

"How old are you Miss Andrada?"

Nagulat ako sa biglaang tanong niya. "P-po?"

"I guess you're still a student, maybe in college? Am I right?" dagdag niya habang titig na titig sa'kin

I gulped. "As I was saying, I'd like to add some-"

"Since when did you start modeling?" he cut me off again

"I'm sorry but I won't answer your questions unless it's about our business meeting. Youre questions are too personal Sir," mariin ngunit kalmado kong sabi

His brow shot up. "How is that personal? This is my way to get to know my clients. Hindi naman tayo pwedeng basta basta magtrabaho kung hindi muna natin kilalanin ang isa't isa. I'm very picky when it comes to the people I work it. I hope you don't misunderstand Miss Andrada."

Napayuko nalang ako. "I'm sorry Sir."

Get your shit together Victoria!

The meeting hasn't even started yet and you're already causing a scene.

Can you at least control your emotions? Kaya ka napapahamak e.

"Very well then, if you think this is just a joke then you may leave. I can find other clients that is respectful and-"

Umiling ako. "My apologies Sir," nanatili akong nakayuko

I heard him sigh. I slowly lifted my eyes on him. He patted the seat next to him. Unti-unti akong naglakad palapit sa kanya at umupo sa tabi niya. I took a sip from the wine to distract myself from his uncomfortable gaze. I put down my skirt and closed my knees tightly. He noticed it.

"Tell me, since when did you begin to model? Have you worked with other brands before?"

I forced a smile. "Since I was eighteen. And yes, I have worked with other brands before. I'm also interested for collaborations. I was glad when a huge company like yours wanted to work with me."

"Hmm? Of course. We're interested to work with you too. I'm glad you accepted our project. You are just the perfect model for our brand, such a sweet, innocent, and delicate, yet fierce and bold," naramdaman ko siyang lumapit sa'kin

I remained calm. My eyes are fixed on the huge flatscreen TV in front of us. I saw our reflection and he's still staring at me hungrily.

"Sir, if you excuse me, I'll just-"

"Tell me, what are your interests?" he whisphered near my ear. I can feel his hot breath on my skin. He's just a few inches away from me. If I move, then our bodies will touch each other.

"I'm sure you always do your research about your clients before hiring them as models right? Why are you suddenly asking me absurd questions?" I can't help but to get annoyed at him. Tinitiis ko lamang dahil hinihintay kong dumating ang mga tao niya

He chuckled. "You are really one of a kind. Just what I like.."

I stiffened when I felt his fingers touched my blouse. It slowly went down to my arms then stopped on my hands. "How much-" he suddenly placed his hand on my thigh and with that, I turned to face him and slapped his face

Agad akong tumayo at lumayo sa kanya, hingal na hingal. "Fuck you! Pervert!"

Hinawakan niya ang pisngi niya. Nakita kong namula iyon at bakat palad ko dahil sa sobrang lakas ng pagsampal ko. He glared at me and clenched his jaw in anger. "What is your problem?! How dare you-"

"Gago ka ba?! Kanina mo pa ako binabastos! You're disgusting!" I spat out

He scoffed. "Me? Are you accusing me?! Hindi ko alam ang pinagsasabi mo. You're overreacting! Napaka-unprofessional mo! Hindi ka marunong rumespeto!"

"You're the one who's unprofessional and disrespectful!" I fired back

I was breathing heavily while glaring at him. I clenched my fist in anger. Inayos ko ang sarili at tumakbo papunta sa pinto niya. I was surprised when he suddenly pulled my arm. Nagtama ang katawan namin. "Where do you think your going? Hindi pa tayo tapos," he said and sniffed my neck

Malakas ko siyang tinulak palayo. Lalabas na sana ako sa kwarto niya pero bigla siyang humarang sa pinto. I swallowed hard and took small steps back. Masama siyang nakatingin sa'kin habang unti-unti akong nilalapitan. Naramdaman kong tumama ang malamig na pader sa likod ko.

Fuck. I'm screwed.

I looked at my right. I saw a small vase placed on a table. Binalik ko ang tingin sa harap at nagulat ako noong makita siyang nasa harapan ko. Before he could pin me against the wall, I immediately grabbed the vase and hit him in the head. I then run to the door. I didn't look back until I found myself outside his suite. Tumakbo ako patungong elevator. I pushed the buttons hard, thinking that I might break it. My heart is beating wildly inside my chest.

"Come on, come on, come on," I hissed, waiting for the elevator to open

Agad akong pumasok pagkabukas. I pushed the close button immediately. I was surprised when I saw him outside, running towards me. I bit my lip and pushed the button even more. I sighed in relief when it finally closed. Unti-unti akong napaatras. My knees felt weak. My hands are uncontrollably shaking. Any minute I might pass out. Hinawakan ko ang dibdib ko at sobrang lakas padin ng tibok ng puso ko. I startled when I heard the elevator opened. Agad akong lumabas at mabilis na naglakad patungong exit.

As soon as I got outside, I ran away as far as I can. I only stopped when I ran out of breath. Pinatong ko ang kamay sa isang poste habang hinahabol ang hininga. I startled when my phone rang. Nanginginig ang kamay ko habang kinukuha iyon sa bag ko. I saw my friend Patrick calling.

"H-hello?" I said

"Victoria! Where are you? I have another good news for you. May gustong kumuha sa'yo bilang commercial model-"

"Ayoko. Tell them I declined their offer," I cut him off

"Ha? Bakit naman? Malaking opportunity din yun."

I bit my lip and shut my eyes. "B-basta ayoko. Tama na muna. I c-can't do things all at o-once," my voice began to shake

"Victoria? Ayos ka lang ba? Bakit nanginginig ang boses mo? Umiiyak ka?"

I shook my head and calmed myself down. "I just had a bad day," I opened my bag again to search for a cigarrette.

"Bakit? Anong nangyari sa'yo?" nag-aalala niyang tanong

"Someone e-mailed me and offered me to be model on their brand...turns out the owner is s fucking pervert!" I exclaimed

Inipit ko ang phone sa tainga at sinubukang sindihan ang sigarilyo ko.

"Ano?! What company? What brand?"

"C.M.O and shit! Hindi ko alam!" galit na galit ako ngayon. Walang ibang sisihin kundi ako. Ang tanga ko

"C.M.O what?! What the hell is that brand? I've never heard of it."

"Me either! Stinalk ko sila sa IG at okay naman sila. Mukhang legit pero..hindi pala."

"Oh my God, wait! I think I know this company. Na-scam ka sis! They're not a legit brand! Isa silang malaking scam! May kilala akong kaibigan at isa siya sa mga nabiktima nila. They'll offer you a fake modeling contract and meet up in a hotel or something. Basta ang alam ko ay madumi ang kompanya nila," he explained

Napapikit nalang ako sa sobrang inis. Sumandal ako sa poste at nagsigarilyo. "Putang ina nila."

He sighed. "Bakit kasi basta basta ka tumatanggap ng offer na hindi mo naman pala kilala yung brand? Alam mo namang maraming scam ngayon. Hindi mo muna kasi pinag-isipan bago mo tanggapin, ayan tuloy, tsk, tsk, tsk."

"Hindi ko alam okay?! Alam kong kasalanan ko. Ang tanga ko. Masyado akong nagpakabulag. Alam mo naman kasi yung issue na kumakalat tungkol sa'kin 'di ba? Ayun, naapektuhan tuloy yung raket ko. Wala nang gustong kumuha sa'kin," mariin kong sabi

"Huwag ka ngang umarte diyan na parang end of the world na. May pamilya ka ba na binubuhay ha? At kailangan na kailangan mo ng pera? Ikaw ba nagpaaral sa sarili mo? Bakit sobrang desperada mo?"

"Hindi mo alam ang nararamdaman ko. Ang hirap ng sitwasyon ko ngayon. Gusto ko lang naman linisin yung pangalan ko e," hinang-hina kong sabi

"Ginusto mo 'to 'di ba? Panindigan mo. Sinabi ko na sa'yo noon na mahirap magtrabaho sa industriya na ito maslalo na kung wala kang pera at connections. Sariling sikap ang kailangan Victoria. Hindi madali ang buhay. Hindi lahat ng gusto mo, makukuha mo kaagad. Nagsisimula ka palang at marami pang dadating sa'yong opportunities. Huwag naman sanang lumaki ang ulo mo. Paano nalang kung sobrang sikat ka na talaga? Sa tingin mo makakayanan mo?"

"Hindi ko ginustong ma-scam-"

"But it's still your fault. You should be careful next time," he cut me off

Napabuntong hininga nalang ako sa sinabi niya. Tinapon ko ang sigarilyo sa lapag at tinapakan iyon.

"Look, Victoria. Hindi ko alam ang buong kwento tungkol sa issue mo, but if you want to clear your name, admit your faults and change. Hindi ka pwedeng mag-sorry lang, kailangan makita yung pagbabago sa ugali mo. Remember, you are a public figure and you're still at the bottom. Wala ka pang nararating. I hope you take good care of your reputation 'cause if not, you'll fail. Hindi ka magtatagal. Be responsible of your own actions din."

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa phone ko. "I...I don't know how to. Ang hirap Patrick," I whispehered

"I know it's hard but you have to try. Unti-untiin mo lang."

I nodded. "Okay

And so the following day, I posted an apology letter on my instagram story. 

Hello everyone, this is Victoria. I know I've kept silent about the issue that's been flying around about me so I just want to apologize of my own actions. I'm sorry if I ever did something bad about you or if I offended you in the past. Rest assured that I'll never commit the same mistakes again. From now on, I'll try best to be a better person. I also just want to thank my fans who's still on my side. Thank you for the support. I love you all.

The same day, I also apologized to my friends, including Jared

Nakita ko silang sama samang kumakain sa cafeteria. I took a deep breath and started to walk towards them. Tumigil sila sa pagkwekwentuhan pagkakita sa'kin.

I smiled. "Hey guys.."

'Oh, hey Tori," si Nicole ang unang pumansin sa'kin

Yumuko ako at pinaglaruan ang daliri. "I just want to apologize to you guys. I'm sorry. I know I was wrong. I'm sorry for hurting you. It's all my fault. I should've been careful of my choice of words. I'm sorry for everything."

There was a long moment of silence. Unti-unti kong inangat ang paningin sa kanila at hinintay ang sagot nila.

"It's okay Tori. We forgive you," Aubrey said and smiled at me

"Yeah, we forgive you," sabi din ni Nicole

"Your apology didn't sound sincere to me," Karina commented while eating her salad

"Then I'll apologize to you again over and over until you forgive me," I said

Hindi niya ako tinignan. She continued to eat like I'm not here in the first place.

"Ayoko lang na masira yung friendship natin dahil sa'kin. I love you guys. We've been together for so long. Ayokong mawala kayo."

 I don't care if I sound so desperate and stupid right now. This is not me. This is definitely not me..but I just don't want to lose them. I'm scared to lose them.

"Wala naman kaming ibang pupuntahan. Hindi kami mawawala," biro ni Tiffany

I smiled upon hearing her comment.

"Kain na dito. Tama na pagdadrama mo diyan," yaya ni Aubrey. SHe pulled me and let me sat next to her

"Thanks guys," I said sincerely

"Don't worry about Karina. I'm sure she'll forgive you eventually," bulong niya sa'kin

"You should apologize to Jared too. He's still pissed right now. Sabi nga ng boys na halos araw-araw daw siyang lasing noong nag-break kayo. That guy is a mess! He's really afraid to lose you Tori," Tiffany said

I nodded and began to eat.

I'm happy that we're all together again. Masaya ako na nagkabati na kami. I didn't expect they'd forgive me easily, but I'm glad they did. Kahit papaano ay gumaan ang pakiramdam ko.

After lunch I searched for Jared to apologize to him too but I couldn't find him. Naisip ko na baka umabsent siya ngayon pero hindi ako tumigil sa paghahanap sa kanya. I was surprised to see Ross instead. Agad niya akong nilapitan pagkakita sa'kin.

"Can we talk?" he said

"Not now. Have you seen Jared? I've been looking for him everywhere," sabi ko habang hinahanap padin siya sa paligid

"Tori," he called again

"What? Let's just talk later okay?" sabi ko at nilagpasan siya

I know I still have to apologize to Ross too but Jared is more important. I felt guilty by the harsh words that I said to him. I'm sure he got hurt real bad.

Ross suddenly grabbed my wrist. "Wait. Just hear me out."

I sighed and turned to face him. "Look Ross, I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess. It's my fault. I'm really sorry for everything and-"

"Bakit ka ba sa kanila nag-sosorry? Sila dapat ang mag-sorry sa'yo Tori," seryoso niyang sabi habang nakatingin sa mga mata ko

Kumunot ang noo ko. "What? No. It's my fault. Ako dapat ang mag-sorry sa kanila-"

Umiling siya. Umiwas siya ng tingin habang may malalim na iniisip. It looks like he's holding back everything that he wants to tell me. Ang labo niya. Hindi ko maintindihan ang sinasabi niya.

"Wala kang kasalanan. Sila ang may kasalanan sa'yo."

"Bakit mo naman sila sinisiraan sa harapan ko? Really Ross? Stop ruining my friendship and relationship with them. Walang ibang sisihin kundi ako."

He sighed in frustration. There's really something that's holding him back. "It's not that. They're trying to get inside your head-"

"Maybe you're the one who is. You are not the one to decide for me. They are my friends," I hissed

"No. I care about you," his lips parted

"If you really care about me then stay away from me from now on. Huwag kang mag-aalala, para sa'yo din naman iyon. Gusto mo bang ma-issue tayo ulit?" hamon ko

Napahilamos nalang siya sa sinabi ko. I don't understand why he's acting this way. He's acting weird and strange. I've never seen him like this.

"Just go back to your old self Ross. Mind your own business, okay?" inis kong sabi at nilagpasan na siya

Sakto ay bigla kong nakita si Jared. Buti nalang ay hindi niya na kami naaubutang magkausap ni Ross. I smiled weakly and chased him.

"Can we talk?" I said to him

Kumunot ang noo niya. "What for? I thought we're over."

"No. I just want to apologize to you. Let's talk somewhere private, please?" I pleaded

Tumingin lang siya sa'kin ng ilang segundo bago tumango.

I smiled in relief.

Andito kami ngayon sa kotse niya. Tahimik lang kaming parehas. I looked down at the shoe box on my lap.

"First of all, I'm sorry for everything that I said to you. I had no idea that you have feelings for me. I was careless and insensitive."

"Who wouldn't even fall for you Tori? You have everything. Ang swerte ko sa'yo, alam mo ba 'yon? Walang wala sa'yo lahat ng naging ex ko. Kaya hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit ka nakipag-break sa'kin," malungkot niyang sabi

"Because we agreed that no strings attached right? Why did you suddenly fall for me?" I said and looked at him

"I just...can't help not to fall in love with you. I swear, sinubukan kong hindi mahulog sa'yo pero nabigo ako. Ang hirap kasi hindi mo manlang ako kayang pakinggan. Don't you feel the same way, Tori?" sabi niya habang nakatingin sa mga mata ko

I sighed. "I'm just not ready yet Jared. You know my past right? I'm not yet ready for a serious relationship with you because I don't want to get hurt again."

He cupped my cheeks. "I won't hurt you baby. I promise."

Umiwas ako ng tingin. "I don't know. I just...I can't. Give me time to think."

"Sure baby. Let's just take things slow. No rush. I forgive you," he held my hand and kissed the top of it

Tipid lamang akong ngumiti.

"Ano pala 'yang dala mo?" he asked

Tumingin ako sa shoebox na hawak ko. "Oh, yeah. I almost forgot. This is for you," I said and handed him the box

His forehead creased. "What's this?" he took off the plastic and his eyes widened upon seeing the Nike logo. Gulat siyang napatingin sa'kin. I chuckled.

"No fucking way babe," he said, still in shock

"Open it."

Tumango siya at dahan-dahang binukas ang box. His jaw dropped. Tumingin ulit siya sa'kin

"You look ugly. Stop that!" I chuckled

He swallowed hard while staring at the box. He slowly removed the paper and took out the shoes. "Fuck no! A Kyrie 7?! What the fuck!" he laughed

"Ang OA ng reaction mo ah."

He massaged his head. "Babe. I can't. I can't even process this. I never even imagined that I'll own a pair of these. Fuck!"

"Original pa 'yan uy."

Hindi maalis ang ngiti sa labi niya at napailing sa hiya. "This is fucking sick!" he exclaimed while holding the shoes. "Gusto ko na agad gamitin itong panglaro."

I only gave him a small smile. 

"Thank you babe! You're the best!" nagulat ako dahil bigla niya akong hinalikan sa labi

I couldn't help it but to kiss him back, until we found ourselves making out inside his car.