Epilogue (Part 1 of 5)

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#DTGEpilogue Epilogue (Part 1)

"You fucking did what?!" Yago shouted after he almost choked on his drink after I told him that we're officially enrolled in law school. I threw a tissue at his face. He looked so shocked. So annoying.

"We're enrolled."

"Seriously?" he asked.

"What's so surprising? As far as I can remember, I ranked higher than you back in high school."

The asshole snorted. "That's high school," he said, waving his hand as he wiped his face. He's so gross sometimes. "Law school is a different playground."

I merely shrugged. How hard could that be? I mean, I was never a big fan of studying, but if it's needed, I'd do it. I grew up following strict instructions. So if a professor tells me that I needed to study this, then that's what I'd do.

If there's probably one thing I was good at—it's following instructions.

"Are you being serious?" he asked again.

"Yes," I lazily replied.

"But in Brent?" he asked... sounding a bit relieved? Why? What's in SCA? I mean, Rory's there. Was he worried about Rory? Because she has a crush on Sancho?

But he shouldn't worry about Sancho.

"Yeah."

"Okay... but why in Brent?"

I shrugged. I didn't want to tell him about the story of Sancho literally doing this shit called love at first sight because it felt silly to me. I mean, he didn't even know the girl. Given that she's... insanely hot, yes, but the fact still stood that he didn't know her.

But whatever.

Brent's fine, I guess.

And it's literally just beside SCA, so if we wanted to hang with Yago, he literally couldn't hide from us. And we knew that he's hiding from us. Because it's not like he's good at hiding when he'd been posting IG stories of Rory for months before we bumped into them at the mall.

Yago quickly left me when we heard Trini's voice. He's not a big fan of her—same as Sancho and Vito. I wouldn't say that they didn't try to get along with her, because I knew that they really did... They just couldn't handle her.

"Hey, baby," Trini said, kissing my cheek and sitting on my lap even though there was a perfectly empty chair right in front of me. She sat on my lap and played with my hair. "Jen's opening a new bar in BGC. She invited us."

I smiled first. And then held her hand. "I can't."

She immediately frowned. "Why not?"

I smiled still. "I need to study—"

She quickly stood up and her face was contorted in anger. I took a deep breath. I went here to relax because I knew that once school starts, I'd be extremely busy. I thought Trini was busy with her friends, so I called Yago to hangout. But then she called saying that their plans got cancelled. And I knew better than to lie to her—sometimes, I wondered if she put a tracking device on me. She just knew when I was lying. And I didn't wanna fight. It's so tiresome. I figured I'd just be honest.

And it's not like I was cheating on her.

She's tiring, yes, but she's still my girlfriend.

And she wasn't always like this... There were just days...

"Are you really serious about going to law school?" she asked, her forehead creased and her hands on her waist.

I nervously ran my fingers through my hair. "Yes," I carefully said.

"Why?" she asked like there needed to be a valid reason as to why I chose to go to law school.

"Because," I simply replied.

"Because what? Because Yago's in law school?"

I drew a deep breath. "Because... I want to go to law school," I said. I stood up and held her waist. "Let's just go to the party," I continued. There's no use fighting with her. If I reason some more, we'd just end up fighting and it's really tiring.

Instead of answering, she just rolled her eyes on me and pulled me with her.

* * *

"You look like shit," Niko commented upon seeing me.

The plan to do advance reading and to sleep early were abandoned. I was 'partying' until 3am. If it weren't for Niko calling incessantly, I wouldn't wake up on time to go to school.

My head's killing me.

"Thanks," I sarcastically replied.

"What happened to 'no more partying?' " Sancho sarcastically asked. This one's very sarcastic. He's literally the most sarcastic person I know—sometimes, it's hard to decipher if he's kidding or if he's actually serious.

"Shut up."

Niko snorted. "If I were you, I would've dumped Trini's ass a long time ago—heck, I wouldn't even dare go within a 10 feet pole. She just reeks bad news."

"Shut up."

"It's true," he said. "I mean, it's not like we're the greatest influence, but dude, we've been friends longer than you've been together. How dare she tell you that you can't hangout with us? Is she nuts?"

Here we go again.

I ignored Niko as he told the same old story—about how I wasn't able to go to one of his birthday parties because Trini hauled my ass to some beach. But he's convinced that Trini did that on purpose because she hated him. I mean, they hated each other. The feeling's completely mutual.

While Niko was yapping, I just focused on finishing my water. I just sincerely hoped that there's no class today because at this rate, I'd probably make a horrible first impression on my professor because I was in no state to answer properly. Yago said that professors don't usually attend first days... I seriously hope he's right.

We were at the far end of the library. Sancho's the only one who's studying. Niko's doing something with his phone while I chose to nap. I only woke up when Sancho said that it's time for lunch.

Why the hell did I even go to school? I should've napped at home. This was making both my neck and my head hurt.

"Lunch here or lunch out?" Niko asked. He's really always more concerned with food. Typical.

"Lunch here," I said. I was in no mood to move more. My head's killing me. Trini's friends knew that I had class today, but sure, give Vito more fucking drink.

"Dito tayo kakain? Ang arte mo kaya," Sancho said.

"You know what? Just for today, fuck off," I told him and Niko laughed. I had no patience for his sarcastic ass right now.

We were walking out of the library when Sancho quickly excused himself. I didn't bother because I needed my peace. Niko was asking me what we'd eat. He's rarely interested in anything, but food's a big deal with him.

"If the food here is horrible, let's just meet when the class is starting," he seriously said.

"I seriously doubt if you'd study if you're alone," I told him.

"You wound my feelings."

"You only graduated because your mom donated a fucking building."

He shrugged. "I mean, hitting two birds with one stone? It's a good tax break," he said. "And I'm not stupid, okay. I'm just distracted."

"Sure. You've been distracted since kinder—"

But I immediately halted when Niko bumped against someone. My eyes widened a little. My eyes followed as the hardbound books fell on his feet. That surely did hurt.

"Hala siya!" she shouted.

"Holy shit," I immediately said as I crouched down to get the books away from her feet. I stopped midway because there was a stinging sensation inside my head, but I chose to trudge on. The books surely did look heavy. What the hell did happen? "Miss, I'm sorry," I said, although I knew that no amount of apology could take the pain away. I could only imagine. These books were heavy.

I picked the books up and stood up.

Oh, wow.

I felt a whole lot guiltier.

She looked so—

I couldn't find the right word.

"Are you okay?" I asked instead. I nervously licked my lips as I stared at the wide-eyed girl in front of me. She looked so innocent and I really felt guilty for causing her injury. This was Niko's fault. Why did he keep on talking with me? He perfectly knew that I was suffering from hangover and was in no mood to banter with him.

"Does she look okay?" Niko interrupted. "I told you to always look where you're going," he said to me.

Oh, wow. This fucker.

The audacity to blame the one who's suffering from hangover.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," I answered instead, not wanting to argue with him again. "Hey, Miss, are you okay? We'll bring you to the clinic—"

She shook her head.

Fragile.

That's what she looked like.

Those wide eyes and innocent face...

Was she a student here, too? I didn't want to be all judgmental but... this girl right here didn't look like she could hurt a fly—let alone argue before a judge.

But I knew I was wrong.

Never judge a book by its cover.

"Ayos lang ako," she replied, but her face said otherwise. She was wincing in pain. Shit.

"Are you—" I said, but I was stopped immediately when Niko interrupted. Again.

"We'll bring you to the clinic," Niko said, but thankfully, his phone vibrated. It's his Dad. He'd surely answer the call. "Shit. Dad's calling. Vito, can you bring her to the clinic?" he asked like he needed to remind me. Did he really think that I'd just leave this girl here?

But didn't bother to wait for my reply and just left in a hurry.

So I was there, nursing a hangover and staring at the wide eyed girl that we just injured.

I wanted to apologize, but I didn't know where to start. I knew it was our fault—but I'd argue that it was more of Niko's fault because he kept on talking while we're walking. And maybe a bit of Sancho's fault because if he were with us, he'd be the one arguing with Niko and I'd be able to see this girl and not cause her injury.

But if all those happened, I wouldn't be standing right here.

Staring at her.

What's with those eyes?

"Pwedeng patulong na lang po na dalhin libro ko sa table?" she asked.

"Clinic?" I asked, instead, because I felt like she needed to have her foot checked. She looked like she was in real pain earlier.

"Hala, hindi na po," she said, quickly dismissing me and even smiling at me whilst fully knowing that I was at fault—actually, Niko's at fault. Where's that guy? And Sancho? Where were they?

I knew I was supposed to go outside to eat, but I couldn't just leave. Instead, I sat on the vacant spot near her—what was her name again? Why didn't I ask her?

This hangover's the fucking worst.

I didn't wanna look like a creep so instead, I still tried to study but at this point, the words were just dancing right in front of my eyes. I wasn't able to understand anything. I just wanted to read something because I didn't want to sit there and just stare at her like some creep.

But when she stood up, I instinctively stood up as well.

I mean... she's injured.

She needed help.

I was watching her limping, but this girl, she really wouldn't ask for help. Would it kill her to actually ask for help?

"Still don't wanna go to the clinic?" I finally asked when I was unable to contain myself. It was hard watching her limp. I just wanted to carry her at this point. She looked so tiny. And with those huge eyes? She reminded me of the angel figurines my mom used to collect when I was younger.

She smiled.

No.

You fucking weirdo, you have a girlfriend.

"Ah... pwedeng pasama na?"

"Let me hold your bag—" I said first while I kept a distance from her. She's... nope. Not gonna go there. I didn't even know her. She's just a girl I accidentally injured.

"Hindi na," she answered.

"Just hold onto the railings. Give me your bag," I said. Might as well bring her to the clinic or whatever and get this over with. I had this antsy feeling. I didn't like what she's making me feel and I literally just met her.

"May pagkain sa loob 'to."

"Yeah, sure," I said, just wanting the conversation to be over, but I really couldn't just dismiss her because...

Why did she sound like this?

So... fragile.

Like I shouldn't do anything that might break her.

"Baka tumapon. Madudumihan damit mo."

"I have extra in my car."

"Hindi, okay lang talaga," she said again like she's so afraid to ask for her. I watched as she tried so hard to do things alone. I kept my distance... but at some point, I couldn't help myself anymore.

And God knows I did try to stand down.

"For God's sake," I said before I scooped her into my arms. She weighed next to nothing. I kept my gaze in front of me. I felt her staring, but I didn't want to stare back because she's so close. "Hold your bag."

"Hala, ibaba mo ako!"

I ignored her and began walking. I stopped myself from chuckling when I noticed how her face reddened a little when some people stared at us. I just walked faster because maybe she's really embarrassed and I didn't want to embarrass her further. She really did look like someone who didn't like being in the center of attention.

"Hala, sabi ko sa 'yo pabayaan mo na lang ako, e..." she said. She was looking at my shirt and that was when I noticed that there was something on my shirt. It smelled like... food.

And I didn't know if it was the hangover or what but I felt like retching. I stopped for a while and tried not to breathe. This was making me dizzy.

"Uy—"

"Quiet, please," I said in the most respectful way I could possibly muster. I needed to... breath. I wasn't really feeling my best right now, but I needed to carry her because it's painful to watch her try to walk. And my head was killing me and I couldn't breathe with that smell on my shirt and I didn't wanna drop her. I needed to concentrate.

I saw the clinic, but decided otherwise. She needed x-ray. Those books were thick. I wouldn't be surprised if she had a fracture or something.

"Let's go," I said.

"Saan tayo pupunta?"

"Hospital. You need x-ray."

"Hala, hindi na. Gagaling din ng kusa 'yan."

"Are you serious?"

"Oo. 'Di naman 'to first time na mabalian ako," she said.

"If it's about the money, don't worry, we'll charge it to Niko."

I'd have her take all the exams whatsoever. I knew that Niko wouldn't care about the expense, but I just wanted to get even.

"Yung lalaki kanina?"

"Yeah. Since this is basically his fault," I told her because she needed to know that I wasn't normally that distracted. It really was Niko's fault.

She pouted.

No.

I immediately chastised myself.

"Kayong dalawa bumangga sa 'kin, e," she reasoned.

My lips parted. "How can you be so sure? You were carrying a tower of books."

"Syempre, dalawa kayong nag-uusap... Saka kung siya lang may kasalanan, 'di dapat nakita mong mababangga niya ako? Bakit 'di mo tinulungan? Ibig sabihin, may kasalanan ka pa rin, 'di ba?"

My lips parted yet again.

I was surprised.

Didn't know she had it in her.

She's really... interesting.

* * *

"What..." I asked as I kneeled down and picked up my books. Why was she in my unit? What's the point of privacy? I quietly picked my books up as I heard Trini shouting. I drew a really deep breath when I saw some of the pages of my books crumpled. Haven't had the chance to read them yet. Fuck.

"Trini—"

It was like my heart stopped beating when I saw something passed just an inch from my face. I didn't know what it was—not until I heard the sound of the glass breaking right behind me.

"Who the fuck answered your phone!" she shouted. "Are you cheating on me?!"

My lips parted in confusion.

What was she talking about?

"What?"

"Who's the bitch, Vito?!" she shouted, picking another glass to throw again. I quickly bridged the gap between us and held both her hands because she seriously needed to fucking calm down.

"I'm not cheating on you," I repeated like a broken record.

"Fucking liar," she spat. "You cheated on me before, remember?!"

"Trini, you literally broke up with me, remember—"

But I wasn't able to finish what I was saying when she quickly got out of my grasp and had her hand landed right on my face.

"You know I didn't mean that!"

I sighed.

She literally dumped me through text.

Disappeared for a month.

What the hell was I supposed to think?

"I know. I'm sorry," I said instead because it's been a long fucking day and the last thing I needed was to argue with her. About that. Yet fucking again.

But she was far from done.

She just had to tell me again about how I 'cheated' on her while she was on vacation. How my friends are devil because they're the one who introduced me to the girl I cheated on her with. But I didn't even know the girl—she was just someone I met during a party that Lui threw. I stood there and quietly listened to the words that had been repeated a thousand of times already.

And when she finally had enough, at least for the night, I quietly picked up the pieces she left.

* * *

"What?" I asked when I saw Sancho staring at me. Instead of answering, he just touched the side of his eye. "Shut up," I replied when I realized that he was pertaining to the small cut I got from Trini.

"You're stupid, you know that?"

"And you're a genius," I sarcastically replied.

"At least I'm not in some fucked up relationship."

"At least I'm not acting like some kindergartner around his crush," I quickly replied and that earned me a crumpled paper thrown right at my face. I laughed. "Just talk to her."

"Di madali."

"I mean, you do know how to talk to girls, right?" I sarcastically asked. Sancho, at least at his peak, had no problem talking to girls. I mean, he wasn't a whore like Yago and Niko, but he knew what he's doing. But not around Isobel. He's like a kid around her.

"Ewan ko sa 'yo. Malaki ka na," he said before he stood up and left me. He's so weird.

I concentrated on trying to study. My head was still kind of aching from last night's row, but I appreciated the fact that studying took my attention away from Trini. I just needed a break. I didn't know how much more I could take if I wouldn't let myself get distracted.

After a while, I stood up because I'd been reading for a few hours now and I wanted to take a walk outside. After few hours of reading, my mind really couldn't process anything anymore.

And it's not like my friends were here to at least talk to me.

Where the fuck were those two?

I was about to whip my phone out from my pocket when I saw her walking towards me. She wasn't looking at me—she was looking around like she wanted to find a seat. But every spot's already taken—well, there's a free spot beside me because I really thought Niko and Sancho would study with me, but what did I know? Those two ditched me. Again.

"Hi."

She stopped on her tracks. And then she looked at me with those wide eyes of hers.

"Hello," she said but then she quickly turned her back on me. She took a step. But it was as if there was an alarm that rang through my system. I took a quick step so as not to widen the gap between us.

"I have a vacant spot beside me," I said.

"Ay, hindi na po," she quickly replied like she couldn't wait to get away from me. What... happened? Did I do something wrong? As far as I could remember, I just brought her to the hospital. Did I say anything offensive?

I was trying to rack my brain trying to remember. She didn't look like someone who'd just avoid me for nothing. Surely, I did something to make her act this way. I just needed to know what so that I could explain and then apologize.

"Ano nga pala..." she said. My attention immediately went to her. "Nung umalis ka kasi nung isang araw, may tawag nang tawag sa 'yo... Akala ko emergency kaya sinagot ko... Pasensya na kung nag-away man kayo ng girlfriend mo... Hindi ko intensyon..."

My lips parted.

So... that was what it was about.

She's the one Trini was talking about. I didn't think any more about that because being accused of cheating became just normal for me. I thought she was just imagining things again.

But Trini talked to Assia?

I wanted to ask her what Trini told her... knowing her, she wouldn't mince words and I really didn't feel comfortable with the idea of her talking to this girl in front of me.

"Yeah, I know. Don't worry about it," I just said—biting my tongue to stop myself from asking if Trini said anything to her.

But maybe she did.

That's why she seemed so keen on avoiding me.

Fuck.

Should I ask?

"Baka nag-away kayo," she said, sounding worried.

"It's fine," I replied, trying to assure her that nothing happened. I discreetly tried to place my hair in front of the cut on the side of my eye. She didn't look stupid—maybe she'd put two and two together and realize that this cut on my face was from my girlfriend—

Or maybe not.

It's not like my own family notices whenever they'd see me with a cut or bruise.

It's either they were really oblivious... or they just didn't care.

Either way, what's the sense? I didn't want to talk about it anymore.

"Ah, okay..." she said, turning her back on me again.

She was about to walk away, but I didn't know what came to me when I decided to pull the holder on her bag. My eyes widened a little. What the fuck, Vito? What's the fucking plan?!

She turned to look at me with her forehead slightly creased. Of course she'd be weirded out! What the hell was I thinking? She literally didn't know me. For all she knew, I was just this random guy who injured her and whose girlfriend shouted at her (possibly) and now, the guy who pulled her by her bag.

Really great, Sartori. Way to go.

"There's a vacant spot beside me," I casually said. I really tried my hardest to sound as casual as possible.

"Di naman ako bingi. Narinig ko kanina," she replied. My lips parted a little. I wanted to say wow, the audacity... but to be honest, I was just pleasantly surprised.

So, she's not all that kind.

I was wrong.

There's more to her than I imagined.

"Then why are you still leaving?"

She sighed. I didn't know why I felt bad. Was this connected to Trini? I really wanted to ask her what Trini told her... and apologize on her behalf.

"Di ako tiga-Maynila, Sir..." she said, keeping her head down. "Nandito lang ako para mag-aral. Ayoko po ng gulo."

My lips parted in confusion. "I'm asking you to sit beside me... What 'gulo' are you talking about?"

"Iyong girlfriend mo—"

"Well, she's not here."

"Ayoko po ng gulo."

What... the hell did Trini told her?

"Fine..." I said instead. I went back to my spot and grabbed my things. "There you go. You can stay there," I told her.

"Ha? San ka mag-aaral?"

"There are tons of coffee shops around," I replied, smiling at her even though curiosity was truly eating me. "Study well, Assia. See you in class."

I told myself to just keep on walking although curiosity was really eating me alive. Was she looking at me as I walk away? Was she curious about me? What was happening?

"Break up with her," Niko said, just appearing in front of me out of thin air. He was holding a burger.

"What?" I asked, confused.

"Trini, the crazy bitch. Dump her sorry ass."

"Please stop talking right in front of my face when you're eating," I said, taking a step back because I could smell the burger from where I was standing. Niko rolled his eyes.

"Saw that," he said.

"Saw what?"

"You. And our classmate. You like her," he said, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Shut up."

He laughed. "What the fuck happened in the hospital? Left you two alone for a few hours, and here you are, catching feelings for the girl? Come on, we're friends! Share!"

I spent the entire afternoon dodging questions after questions. He's fucking relentless. Where the hell was Sancho? I'd seriously pick Sancho as my study buddy over Niko any day. Niko's all about complaining whereas with Sancho, he'd help me when I get confused with shit.

* * *

Niko and I were walking towards the elevator. Sancho texted saying that he's also already on his way. Niko was asking me to give him a quick run-down of the topic for tonight. This fucking asshole just talked my ears off the entire day and didn't even bother to study.

He's making us look bad.

"Go ask Sancho," I said when Sancho finally caught up with us.

"About?" Sancho asked.

"He's asking me to give him a summary of tonight's topic."

"Gago ka ba?" he asked Niko and then they started to bicker. I got the airpods from my bag and was about to plug them to my ears when my eyes widened when I heard Niko shouting the name.

"Hey, Assia!" he suddenly shouted. "Hey, Assia!" he repeated again as if the first one wasn't enough.

"Fuck," I uttered. "I'm gonna kill him."

"Let me watch," Sancho replied while we got inside the elevator.

We got in first. She was standing in front of us. I was watching her and I saw how she was grimacing a little and was trying to switch from both shoulders the weight of her bag.

"Have some decency," Niko whispered. "You have a girlfriend."

"Fucker, I know."

"Break up with Trini," he said in a singsong voice.

If she weren't in front of us, I wouldn't flicked Niko off because he'd been so fucking annoying. Maybe we should've just tricked him into enrolling in SCA while Sancho and I enrolled here. I mean, we'd been together since high school. And even post-college, we also traveled together. I was tired of his stupid face.

She adjusted the strap of her bag once more.

Fuck it.

I pretended to play with my phone as I pulled the strap so she wouldn't feel the weight. It was okay. I mean, for me it was nothing... but for someone her built? This surely was making her shoulders ache.

I wanted to ask why was she lugging all these books behind? But it's not like we're friends and I could just ask her. She made it very clear that she didn't want gulo—whatever that meant.

"Yung bag ko," she said. My grasp on the phone immediately tightened.

"What about it?" I asked, feeling so weird because why could she make me nervous with just a few words?

"Bitawan mo," she commanded.

So I did.

But my eyes widened when she dropped to the ground at the same time with her bag.

"Dude, what the hell!" Niko shouted as he caught her in his arms. My eyes widened again. Shit! What the hell?! Why didn't I think that dropping her bag suddenly would result to this? I just... she said drop, so I did! Why was my mind failing me when she's around?

I remained silent not because I wanted to, but because I felt guilty. Damn Niko for asking me like that. What was he trying to paint? That I intended to injure her? It was a freaking accident! She just said drop, so I did! I was practically raised to follow instructions, so I just sometimes do things without so much as asking why the fucking hell would I do that.

"Gusto mong tumabi sa amin?" Sancho asked.

I wasn't one who gets... excited easily.

I wasn't one who gets nervous.

If I get something, then thank you.

If not, then maybe it's not for me.

So, why was I waiting here like it's a matter of life and death?

But then she smiled.

Fuck.

I needed to break up with Trini.

* * *

"Niko," I said when he answered the call.

"What?"

"Can you go to school early?"

"No, thanks."

"Please?"

"Say it with puppy eyes."

"Fuck you."

He laughed. "Why do I need to go to school early? It's fucking 7am," I said.

"The seats get filled easily," I replied. I really didn't care much before, but it's been weeks since I started saving seats for her. She didn't ask me. I really didn't formally offer... but I like saving a seat for her. That way, she'd have one less thing to worry about.

"So?"

"And I won't go to school today."

"Why?"

"Party."

"Oh. That. I thought you'd skip?"

"It's my birthday party."

"More like a business party," he said. "I'll throw you one this Friday, okay?"

I raked my fingers through my hair. Trini went to Europe for more I didn't know how long. And I wasn't that much of an asshole to just break up with her through text or whatever. I'd been waiting for her to come home so that I could formally ask her to just end this relationship. For both our sakes. I didn't know what's the sense of this, still. It's like we're still together because... honestly, I didn't know why. It's been going on for so long that I forgot the reason why we're together in the first place.

"Trini's there," I just said.

"So... you'll break up with her?"

"Yes. And you're so invested."

"Whatever," he replied.

"Get your ass up and go to school already."

"Yeah, yeah."

"I'm serious," I said and then gave him instructions. It's really wild out there. I never realized that saving a spot in the library could be considered as an extreme sport. I remember back in college, the library was just some place you go if you wanna nap. But in law school? People were really studying. It's wild out here.

"Fine. I'm gonna go. But this is your birthday gift from me already," he said before hanging up the call. If Sancho weren't busy, I'd never in a fucking million years ask Niko to hangout with Assia.

* * *

My face felt numb from constantly smiling the whole time. Niko's right though—this was not a birthday party but more of a business party. It's okay, though. I was used to it already. Besides, I really didn't treat this as a birthday party. It's nothing but business. My real birthday party's the one I celebrate with friends.

"Trini," I called when I spotted her. She's here but she constantly disappeared. I'd been meaning to talk to her. But not now—not when everyone's looking. Or maybe now? Could she throw things at me in the presence of other people? It's unprecedented... but with her, you'd never really know.

"What?" she sharply replied. She was holding a flute of champagne. Great. She's drunk. How could I fucking breakup with her now? I needed her in her right state of mind so that she couldn't deny that I already broke up with her—because that has happened before. It's not like I never tried to break up with her. It just never really... took effect.

"Can we talk?"

"About what."

I wasn't able to answer. She stared at me sharply. And then turn her back on me. Great.

I quickly followed her. I really needed to talk to her. I wanted to break up with her. I wouldn't let myself be a fucking cheater. Now, looking at Assia's already enough. But soon? I knew I was so close to falling head over heels with her and I really didn't want to do that while I was still in a relationship with someone else.

It's messy.

And both of them didn't deserve that.

"Trini," I called before she could get inside the powder room.

"What?"

"Let's talk."

"I'm busy."

"Five minutes."

"No," she said before she got inside the comfort room. I waited outside. I really needed to break-up with her. I didn't like feeling guilty every time I'd look at Assia. Because sure, I wasn't really doing anything... but it's still cheating nonetheless.

I stood there.

"Trini," I said after I knocked. It seemed as though she knew that I was waiting outside. "Trini, let's talk. Please."

She remained silent.

"You can't hide there forever."

"Try me," she replied in a slurry voice. Did she fucking bring a champagne with her? She sounded drunker.

"Trini—" I said again, but my phone vibrated. I checked it to read the text.

My lips parted when I saw what Niko fucking sent me. It was a stolen picture of Assia eating a cake.

'What the fuck?'

'This is my birthday gift to you.'

'Fuck you.'

'No, thanks.'

'Niko I swear to god'

'Hahaha lol you pikon.'

I drew a deep breath and sighed.

'Also I heard there's a quiz but enjoy your birthday!'

I knocked one more time. I even tried to open the door, but it was locked. God, she's really something!

I got out and headed straight to the parking. I drove straight to school. There were lots of people, so I really didn't think they'd mind. Besides, who were we kidding? Everyone there knew that it's more of a party for networking and less about celebrating me being born in this world.

I removed my coat and headed straight to the building. Upon entering the room, I immediately saw Assia and Nikolai. The devil was grinning at me. He really knew how to get to my nerves, this asshole.

"The fuck?" Niko said, his face red from trying to contain his laughter. Scratch that—he wasn't trying to hide anything. He clearly looked like he was enjoying my agony.

"That's my seat," I pointed out because I was so close to wringing his neck.

"So territorial," he said, standing up as he shook his head.

"Excuse me," Assia said. My eyes widened in shock when she just... ignored me and just looked at Niko. The fuck? "Niko..."

"Oh. Sorry. I forgot," Niko replied, handing over her notebook. "I'll borrow that later, okay?"

I was gone not for one day.

What the hell happened?

"You didn't even change," Niko said, making fun of me. If Assia weren't sitting right beside me...

"You said there's a quiz!" I said instead of the truth that this asshole sent a picture of Assia that made me go running here. I mean... that was really the reason? But also, there's no sense in staying in the party because it became clear to me that Trini would never break up with me. I knew that her family wanted me for her—because my family wanted her for me, too. But thing was, I was tired of it anymore.

And I didn't want to be a cheater.

I finally found someone I like.

Couldn't stay in that relationship any longer.

"You gullible piece of shit. You really came here in your tux."

"You said there's a quiz!"

"Oh, please. You have a spare in your car. Just say you wanna go here in your tux. It's okay."

"Fuck—" I bit my tongue. Niko laughed and motioned me having a halo whenever I was in front of Assia. He's the fucking worst.

"I won't be surprised if one day, you'd be canonized," Niko said.

"Just fucking shut it."

"You're like this whole other person in front of Assia. So deceitful."

"Fuck you."

"You and your limited vocabulary," he said. He's such a fucking asshole. Just because he speaks more language than me? Such a fucking prick.

I tried so hard to concentrate on just studying, but it seemed like there's no class tonight. I was quite certain that Niko was really trying to test my patience.

"What are you doing?" I asked when Assia was busy elsewhere.

"What?"

"What's with the fucking cake?"

"Nothing."

"Niko."

"What? You're not her boyfriend—"

"Do you like her?" I asked.

Instead of answering straight-up that he didn't like her, Niko just stared at me and licked his lip. For a moment, I didn't like what was happening. Niko's been my friend for the longest time. I really didn't want to fight over a girl—that's... immature.

But damn, I really like Assia.

I really didn't know what will happen.

Maybe I'll hate Niko for a while, but I'd have to get over it.

But also... he's my friend. He wouldn't do that to me.

"No," he said after a few nerve-wracking seconds. "But... see this as me giving you extra-push to break up with Trini—" I was about to speak, but he quickly cut me off. "You know I really don't give a shit about who you date or screw, but Trini's bad news. And we both know you don't want her anymore—at least not like before. You're just dragging this hell you created, Vito. Get out of it. For fuck's sake."

My lips parted in surprise. Niko... god, he really tried to stay out of my relationship with Trini. He wouldn't even go to a party if he heard that she's coming, too.

And for him to say this?

Was it really that bad?

And obvious?

I tried to keep quiet as Assia and Niko talked about cake. Assia's smiling, so that's good. I mean, what could I do? If she likes hanging out with Niko, it's not like I could stop her. After all, I noticed she didn't have much friends here. And Niko's a really good friend—the kind who'd stick with you and who always got your back... sometimes to the point of absurdity.

She deserves that kind of friend.

"Bye," she said, smiling at Niko. I couldn't help but roll my eyes. I did try to not react, but it was as though the eye-rolling, at this point, was involuntary. "Salamat sa cake."

The cake was on Assia's lap.

So... cake? That's her favorite?

"Okay ka lang?" she asked.

"So... what's up with the cake?" I couldn't help it anymore. I really dind't want to question her friendship with Niko. She deserved to have friends here in Manila, and I would never hinder her from having friends.

"Sayang... Sana sinabi agad ni Sir na hindi siya dadating para hindi ka na sana umalis sa party..."

I stayed silent.

She didn't answer my question.

What's up with the cake?

I was trying to come up with a way to ask her about the cake again, but Trini suddenly called. I wanted to just end the call because that would just start another fight. I didn't know for sure what Trini said to Assia, but I was sure it was bad. If she could do all those things to me, what more to someone else?

What more to someone as softspoken as this girl beside me?

'Why did you just leave?! I'm all alone here!'

I saw Assia reading the text. The guilt on her face made me guilty.

"Sorry about that," I said. If I could, I would've never let her read that. I knew she felt guilty—but this thing with Trini had been going on long before she came into my life. It was about to end... but I just didn't know how for sure. And I didn't know why... because it was working. Kind of. She's always away. It's only a problem when she's here.

"Let's go," I said. I couldn't get my mind off of that cake. If that was her favorite...

I could get her cake, too.

"Ha? Saan?"

Fuck.

I still have a girlfriend.

I kept silent. I shouldn't think about the possibilities with her—not when I was technically still with someone else. That's wrong. And unfair. For everyone involved.

But—

God, why was I so good at contradicting myself?

Assia looked so confused when we stopped in front of the cake shop. I got out and she followed me.

"Strawberry shortcake," I said.

"Binilhan na ako ni Niko ng cake... Aanhin ko naman ang maraming cake?"

I took a deep breath and fought so hard not to frown. God, I really hated Niko at this point. He shouldn't have texted me her picture. So what if Niko brought her cake? She deserved that cake, for sure.

She deserved it.

So she's getting one for me, too.

"Then leave the cheesecake with me," I replied. Right. I'd just... eat it. I wasn't even a big fan of sweets. "Let's go. I called earlier. They have your shortcake."

I subtly smiled when I saw the look on Assia's face when we got in. She looked so surprised. Her eyes widened more—if that was even psosible. She looked so cute. Had I known that cake's the way to make her smile like this, I would've brought her some a long time ago.

"Pwede bang isang slice lang?" she asked while looking at the cakes.

"I don't think they sell per slice."

"Hindi ko naman mauubos..."

"But I thought Niko was about to get you a whole cake?"

"Oo nga... pero kapalit 'yun ng notes ko," she said. That ass. He really bought her notes? What a lazy ass. "Sige na nga. Kapag hindi ko naubos, dadalhin ko sa school bukas."

"Deal."

I called earlier to check if there's a strawberry shortcake because I didn't want to bring her here without a shortcake. I paid for the cake and even asked if it was possible to add more strawberries, but the lady said that it'd destroy the cake. She also said that I can place an advance order and they'd make a cake with lots of strawberries. So, I did exactly that.

I looked at Assia through the rearview mirror. The box of cake was on her lap. She looked happy. I smiled to myself. It's so easy to make her happy.

But the happiness was cut short when another message popped on the screen of my car.

'How could you leave your own birthday party?!'

Assia looked at me. The happiness on her face was replaced by sadness. I wanted to assure her that Trini's anger was directed at me and only me. But I knew that she wouldn't believe that.

And I also knew that even if I deny it to myself, it's my own doing. How the fuck could I let myself like someone else while fully knowing that I was still with someone?

I knew it was wrong­—in all fucking level...

But Assia.

"What—"

"Birthday mo pala tapos ako binilhan mo ng cake," she said. She kept silent the entire ride. But she broke the silence to tell me that. She unbuckled her seatbelt and looked at me. I was nervously waiting for her to berate me or whatever because she knew that I had a girlfriend and she already asked to be excluded from the narrative.

Yet here I was.

I was still here.

My lips parted in... surprise when she began singing happy birthday. I blinked in confusion. I thought–

"Make a wish. Nagkaka-totoo daw 'yun," she said as she held the cake close to me. I was just staring at her. In awe.

How could one person make me feel so many things?

She barely did anything.

Yet it felt like everything.

"Bilis na. Isipin mo na lang may sindi iyong kandila."

I stared at her for a while... I let myself stare at her. Then I looked at the cake and briefly closed my eyes.

"Pagdadasal ko na magka-totoo," she said after I blew the imaginary fire.

"Yeah... Me, too," I said.

I wish my wish would come true—I really wanted to be free so that I can finally stare at you without having guilt eat me up inside.

* * *

We were quietly studying—and by studying I meant us studying and Niko just bothering Assia. He was asking to photocopy Assia's notes and I was trying to ascertain if it was really okay with Assia or if she was just too polite to say no.

"Take a picture—it'll last longer," Niko said.

"Shut up."

"If she were an ice cream, she would've melted—"

"Oh, fuck off."

"Never," Niko said, smiling annoyingly. Tsk. He's the worst.

"Hala..." Assia suddenly said. I immediately looked at her in alert.

"What?" I asked, but she didn't say anything. She was just staring at her phone. I waited for her to speak, but she was just staring at the phone. She looked worried. I got the phone from her and read it. It was just a message from the beadle telling us to buy a book.

"What's the problem?" I asked.

"Sa tingin mo ba magagalit si Atty kung ipapa-photocopy—"

"The book?"

"Magkano nga ulit?" she asked again. She looked really worried...

"Do you need the book?"

We went to the bookstore after we ate. Assia left to withdraw money. Niko and I went inside the store.

"2 of this title, please," I said.

"Aww. Your treat? Thanks," Niko replied.

I ignored his remark. I paid for the books. I asked the saleslady to put the books in separate paper bags and then handed one to Niko. "Please give this to her."

"Give it yourself."

"Just give it to her."

"Why me?"

"Because I still have a girlfriend."

"Ugh."

"I'm breaking up with her, okay?"

"Can you hurry?"

"Do it yourself."

"No, thanks. You know she's the missing child of Satan," he said, making faces.

I listened as Niko gave the book to Assia. And then I listened to them banter. I was jealous. A bit. What if Assia develops feelings for Niko? I mean, as annoying as he was to me, I knew that that's not his effect to girls. I literally watch as girls throw themselves at him.

But Assia's not like that.

She just wants friends—I could see that.

So, they could hangout as often as they'd like. I'm happy for her.

I excused myself because I really wanted to be free from Trini and I could never do that if I'd avoid breaking up with her. I'd ask her friends, but they didn't like me—the same way my friends didn't really approve of her.

I headed straight to her unit.

I stood there for minutes—trying to gather myself together because I really needed this to end tonight. I couldn't and didn't want to live like this anymore—to feel guilty every fucking time when I perfectly knew that there's something to be done to alleviate the guilt that I was feeling.

Five minutes.

I stood there for five minutes, trying to come up with a rational way to make her understand why we should just end it instead of prolonging the inevitable. Because she's not stupid—she couldn't be that stupid to think that it's still working between us.

But fuck.

It was never easy... breaking up with someone.

There were memories—both the good and the bad. And it's just never easy... at least for me. I wished I were someone who could just break it off with someone like it was just ripping the band aid off.

I was trying to practice my speech when the door opened. My eyes widened when I realized who it was right in front of me—

"Oh, hi there," Justin said, raking his fingers through his messed up hair. The door was widely opened and I could see Trini walking with just her shirt and underwear.

I was stupefied.

What the fuck?!

She had the audacity to accuse me of cheating on her when she's the one who's doing it?!

And with Justin of all people?!

"Trini!" Justin shouted. "Your boyfriend's here," he continued. I was glued on my spot. Justin patted my shoulder. "Finally. Thought you'd never know," he said before walking past me.

I wanted to—

No.

Trini was looking at me. There was no remorse on her face. What the hell was wrong with her? I just caught her—

No.

Don't go there.

"Let's end this," I said. I took a deep breath. "You can tell your friends that you dumped me. I really don't care. I'm just here to say that it's over—"

My eyes widened when she threw a fucking shoe right at my face! What the hell!

"Fuck you, Vito! You're the one who cheated!"

"I didn't cheat!"

"I'm not stupid! You're cheating on me with that probinsyana!"

"Trini—"

She fucking threw something right at me again, but missed it—hitting the door of the unit in front of her. This has happened before. I didn't come here to have a row with the other tenants.

"Will you please stop throwing things!" I shouted when we got inside her unit.

"I will if you stop cheating on me!"

"You're the one who cheated!"

"I just fucked Justin—you, you'd been eye-fucking that probinsyana—"

"God, stop including her!"

"And why not?! You didn't touch her, sure, but it's still cheating, Vito! Fuck you! You don't have the moral high ground here!"

I stared at her.

I knew she was right.

That's why I wanted to break up a long time ago.

"What?! Say something!"

I slowly shook my head. "You're right—" But she pushed me away. She continuously hit my chest and slapped my face. "You're right, Trini—"

I stood there and took it all in.

I just didn't have it in me to fight with her anymore.

I just wanted her to let me go.

"You fucking cheater!"

She kept on shouting.

And shouting.

"Are you done?" I asked.

She stayed silent, but she was breathing deeply. I turned around. I was ready to leave. But then she called my name. I looked around and there it was again—

"Fuck you!" she shouted as I left with my bleeding hand.

* * *

Sometimes, I thought it was better that I was staying at the condo. That way, my family wouldn't know about what's happening with Trini and me.

Sometimes, I'd also think that they knew...

But they just chose not to say something.

It's just better for everyone else—except for me.

"Thanks."

Sancho just quietly sat there. He was looking at me. "Tapos na ba?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

"Really over this time?"

"I think so."

"Ano'ng you think so? Tapos na ba talaga?"

"Yeah."

He didn't ask about the huge cut on my palm. I mean, I considered myself lucky. Years with Trini really did develop my reflexes. If not for that, I'd be having a huge ass stitch on my face.

"What's your plan now?" he asked while driving me to my condo.

"What?"

"You broke up with her because of Assia, right?"

"Why'd you think that?"

"Because Niko's been up your ass for years telling to you break up with her—but a month with Assia and all of a sudden, nakipagbreak ka."

I remained silent.

"You're my friend and I know you really like her... but careful with Assia," he said.

"I know," I replied because I knew what he meant. She's different. She's very focused. And even though I was technically already single, I knew that didn't mean that we'd be together. I knew it wasn't that easy.

But I was willing to wait.

Question was... would she let me? 

***

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