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#DTGEpilogue Epilogue (Part 3)

"Someone's in a good mood."

I shrugged and continued whistling. We're in my condo. I was initially in Niko's condo, but apparently, I puked all over his bed, so I went back here. I'd been in my bed the whole day yesterday. I was on a different level of tired—tired from school, tired from the pageant, tired from the drinking. I literally slept the entire day away.

I poured myself a coffee that I was pretty sure Sancho brewed. They're also eating my food. These leeches.

"So what?" I replied.

Sancho and Niko threw each other a look. My forehead creased. It's weird. Since when did these two started sharing a look?

"What?" I asked.

"Do you remember what happened in the party?"

I grinned. "Maybe."

Niko's forehead creased. "...okay?"

I lathered my slice of toast with butter. "It was a fun party."

"What do you exactly remember?"

I shrugged. I didn't want to mention what happened. It's between Assia and me. I don't really like mentioning what happens between my girlfriend and I to other people—not that Assia's my girlfriend. I just felt like it's something personal, and not some feat that I should broadcast to my friends.

We don't talk about things like that. I mean, we do talk about women, sometimes, but never about the personal details.

"I'm confused," Niko said.

"You're always confused," I replied then ate my toast.

Niko rolled his eyes. "Fine. Suit yourself," he said as he grabbed another toast.

We finished breakfast and then headed to play golf. The week had been so hectic and I really didn't even want to go near a fucking book. We just stayed at the country club the whole day and did nothing remotely close to studying.

Then at night, I was back to regular schedule.

I was at my study table, trying to study, but my fingers just wouldn't let me. I gave in and sent a text to Assia.

'Hi.'

I threw the phone on the bed so that I would focus on studying. I finished a chapter before I checked my phone again. There's no reply. I put it back on the bed before I went to the ref to find food. I stared at the microwave. I was just counting the seconds inside my head. I badly needed to relax. I could never study for hours. I always needed to breath.

I ate my food, cleaned after myself, and then went back to my room. I knew I shouldn't, but I checked my phone again. And still, there's no answer.

Shit.

Did she regret kissing me?

Was that why she's ignoring my texts? Because she usually replies...

'No class for the whole week!!!!!!'

'I don't believe you,' I replied to Niko.

'Fake news peddler,' Sancho replied.

'Check gc?! Why would I lie about this?'

'Idk'

'Same'

'Ugh here look,' he texted and then attached a screenshot of the post from the school page. There's really no class... but I wanted to go to school so that I could talk to Assia. I felt like we needed to talk about our kiss.

But she's avoiding me.

Was she regretting it?

'It's a week let's go to Japan please.'

What's she thinking?

'Japan for 3 days then back to regular sched after.'

I exited from our group message and sent another text to Assia. I waited for minutes. Stared at it like a weirdo. No reply. Maybe she doesn't have a load? It'd be weird if I send her load. Maybe I should call? But I don't like calling without informing the other party first.

I tried sending a message on Facebook. I saw the check mark turn dark. She's online. She's avoiding me.

Shit.

Why did we have to kiss?!

'Okay check your emails I already booked us a flight. See you later.'

What?!

* * *

Niko literally sent us our tickets and now, we're at the airport, just 5 hours after he sent that text.

"Stop pouting," Niko said. "Assia's not ignoring you—she's working."

"How did you know?"

"She told me."

"She texted you?"

"Yup."

Yeah.

She's definitely ignoring me.

I grabbed my phone and was about to apologize for happened when suddenly, Niko grabbed my phone away from me.

"Hey!"

"Just cool it down."

"Give me my phone back!"

"Nope."

"My phone," I said in a much calmer voice. I really needed my phone.

"No," he said. "You'll see Assia in a week. You relax first, okay? You just won the—" I glared at him. He laughed. "Fine, fine. So pikon," he said, shaking his head and turning my phone off and putting it in his bag.

* * *

We headed to Tokyo first. Basically, we just accompanied Niko in his food adventure. He really likes eating. He always goes to Japan, at least twice a year. He really likes the food here.

Then we went to Mt. Fuji.

And then we decided that 3 days was too short for this trip, so we extended it to 5 days. Sancho wanted to go skiing, so we did exactly that. It was refreshing not to be surrounded by books. And it did help that Niko and Sancho's being total kids so I was distracted from overthinking about—

"Can I have my phone now, please?" I asked Niko while we're on the airport and waiting for our flight back to Manila.

"Fine," he said and then tossed me my phone back.

I turned the phone back on and was disheartened when I saw that there's no reply from Assia.

'Hi. If I did anything during the party, I apologize. I really can't recall anything.'

And then I tossed my phone back in my bag.

* * *

I tried to treat Assia normally.

But I kept my distance.

Kind of.

I was ecstatic when she kissed me... but her reaction made me want to take a step back.

She must be so horrified.

So, why would I keep on pushing on?

Why would I force myself on someone who doesn't like me?

At first, I thought that maybe she likes me... I mean, even if it's just a little, I'd be okay with it. I'll do all that work. All she needs to do is to like me even for just a little.

But with her reaction with our kiss, it made me re-evaluate everything.

If she didn't like me, then what's the point?

Would I subject myself to another pointless relationship?

Done that before...

I just don't want it again.

"You made this?" I asked Shanelle.

"Duh."

"And... this is reliable?"

She rolled her eyes. "Ganyan ka ba magthank you?"

I laughed. "Thanks," I said, getting the photocopy of her reviewer in Tax. Admittedly, tax was a challenging subject. There were lots of rules and lots of rates and lots of numbers. It's just generally confusing.

And then there's CivPro.

It's literally making my head hurt.

And it's making me hate Sancho because he's insanely good at it. I hated him. Niko and I hated him.

"Libre mo ako."

"I knew it—you won't give this for free."

She rolled her eyes again. "Wala ng libre sa mundo."

"Fine. What's the price?"

"Lumabas na ngayon 'yung movie," she said and then proceeded to tell me the storyline of the first movie. "Showing na 'yung sequel," she continued.

"So... you want to watch a movie? With me?" I asked, confused.

"Yup."

I looked at her, my forehead creased. "Okay?" I replied. Weird. Did she want to go on a date with me? Was that her weird way of asking?

* * *

"Sancho," I said as we finished our class.

"Yeah?"

"You'll drive Assia home, right?"

"Oo. Si Niko kagabi, e."

I'd been keeping distance, but I still wanted to make sure that she's right. I didn't know anymore. I was torn between just waiting and just letting go. I just didn't want to be someone who's forcing himself on someone who doesn't like him.

If Assia tells me she likes me...

I'd seriously come running.

But until then, I just wanted to see what's out there.

"Where are you going?" Niko asked.

"What?" I asked.

"Saw you buying a movie ticket," he said. I saw Assia looking at us. I didn't want her to hear this conversation. "What are we watching?" Niko pressed on.

"And why were you looking at my phone?"

"Stop changing the subject," he said. "Who're you watching with?"

I seriously wanted to deck Niko's head.

He kept on pushing about who I was going to watch a movie with. I was throwing him a glare, wanting him to stop.

"Vito," Shanelle called. We all looked at her. Her forehead creased a little. Okay, now I was seeing it, too—she really looks like barbie. "Tara na?"

I saw Niko's eyes widened. Sancho was shaking his head. Assia averted her gaze. Why?

But I didn't stay to know the answer.

I just really didn't want to force myself on her anymore.

* * *

My phone kept on buzzing.

"Sorry," I said.

"Okay lang," Shanelle replied.

We're the only ones in the cinema. The movie we're watching was already on its third week, so no one's watching with us anymore. I just bought Shanelle a huge bucket of popcorn, a hotdog in a bun, and large diet soda. For someone so thin, she ate a lot. Pretty sure once Niko stops being such a gossip, these two would hit it off.

"Vito," she said.

"Hmm?"

"Tayo lang dito."

"Yeah. Are you sure this is a good movie? Because why are we the only ones watching?"

She laughed. "It's a good movie! 'Di mo kasi pinapa-nood."

"Yeah, sorry about that. But I already silenced my phone," I said because Niko's still texting.

"Vito," she called again.

"Yeah?"

"Are you and Assia—"

"What? No," I quickly replied.

"Oh, okay," she said. "Gusto mo ba akong halikan?"

My lips parted in surprise.

And I blinked.

She laughed.

"Come on, we're not kids anymore. And tayo lang naman dito sa sinehan."

"Wait... are you being serious or are you joking?"

She shrugged. "I've had a crush on you since the entrance exam," she said. "It was a Sunday. Medyo late ka dumating. You were wearing a light blue polo shirt."

"Stalker," I said.

"I just have a sharp memory," she replied.

"Nah. You're a stalker."

"Whatever," she said, rolling her eyes. "But you're always with your friends. And you're always with Assia. You like her, no?"

I shrugged.

It didn't even need confirmation.

"I don't know if she likes you, but I do like you," she said. I was a little thrown off. I've heard plenty of confessions... but never were they as confident as she was.

So unabashedly confident.

I remained silent.

"Think about it, okay?"

* * *

"So... what happened?" Niko asked. I felt Sancho's eyes on me, too. He's chismoso, too, he just didn't want to ask—unlike Niko who's not shy about asking.

"Nothing," I said, brushing him off.

"You went out on a date with barbie!" Niko said.

"What the fuck? Barbie? Really?"

Niko shrugged. "I don't know—whenever I see her, that's the first thing that comes to mind," he explained. "Besides, it's a compliment!" he said. I mean, Niko literally dated models and actresses, at one point in his life. Maybe it's indeed a compliment in his world.

"So, what happened?"

"Nothing," I repeated.

"So... moved on from Assia?" he asked.

"Can we please just study?"

He shook his head. He was about to become annoying again when his phone vibrated. He immediately went outside to answer the call. And then it was Sancho's turn to stare at me.

"What?" I asked.

"You're done with Assia?"

"No," I said.

"Then, what's up with Shanelle?"

I shrugged. "We're friends."

"Pero may gusto sa 'yo si Shanelle," he stated.

"Yeah."

"Paano si Assia?"

"I still like her."

"Pero may Shanelle? 'Di ba sakit sa ulo 'yan?"

"I'm friends with Shanelle," I said. "She knows I like Assia. I'm friends with Assia," I continued. It was confusing me, too. "I just... I just don't wanna force myself on her, okay?"

Because I'd never admit to it, but her avoiding me after we kissed?

That stung a lot.

"Paano kung gusto ka pala? Alam mo naman na mahiyain 'yun," Sancho said in the same tone that he'd use whenever he'd talk about his sister, Rome.

I remained quiet.

I really didn't know.

I wanted to assume...

But she's acting the opposite.

What if it's all in my head?

What if she doesn't like me that way?

What if for her, we're only just friends?

It'd be so unfair of me to force her to like me, too... because maybe she'd do exactly that... because she's Assia and she's nice...

But I didn't want her to like me because she feels forced to.

So, I'd just have to wait until she tells me herself.

* * *

"Vito, Shanelle sent you her reviewer in Tax, right? Please... can you send it to me, too?" Niko asked. We're all studying. It's back to normal... kinda. Assia's here. She's studying. But she's not looking at me. I knew because I was looking at her.

"Ask her."

"I'm already asking you."

"It's her reviewer. Her intellectual property."

"Right. But I'm your friend."

"You already overplayed your friend card, Nikolai," I said. "Just ask Shanelle. She'll probably say yes."

Niko rolled his eyes. "But we're not close!"

"Because you're kinda ignoring her," I said. In Niko's twisted sense of loyalty, he's really not talking to Shanelle because he thought that I should only be talking to Assia and talking to Shanelle's betraying Assia.

Why couldn't I be friends with Shanelle?

It's not like we're doing anything.

We're literally just talking.

I didn't have a girlfriend. Shanelle knew about Assia. Assia's right here in front of me. No one's lying about anything.

But fuck, I still felt fucking guilty.

So annoying.

"Just please give me the reviewer!" he said. "I promise I won't tell anyone."

"Nope," I said. If he wanted it, he better ask for it from Shan because she's the one who made the reviewer. What an asshole would I be if I'd just distribute it without her consent. Plus, that's literally a crime—distributing other people's work without consent.

Niko rested his face against the table. "This is it. This is the subject where I'll first have the taste of failure..."

Sancho patted his head. "There's still CivPro," he jokingly said, but I rolled my eyes, too. We all couldn't be CivPro gods, could we? Annoying.

Niko hit his head against the table. "I swear to God, third year's like the world's version of hell."

Niko began to panic when Assia reminded him of the digests. We continued to study while Niko panicked. Then we came back to the room. Assia sat beside me.

I mean, we're okay.

But not close like before.

Maybe that's better.

We're still close... but this time, I'd be able to breathe.

Because having her so close all the time's making it hard to breathe because I wanted her so much, but I knew I should let her decide what she wants to do.

"You want Shanelle's reviewer?" I asked because she's having a hard time with Tax. She's still busy with work. I just didn't know to what extent because we didn't talk much already.

"Akala ko Intellectual Property?"

"Yeah... but do you want?"

She just smiled and shook her head. "May reviewer ako," she said and then she stood up and walked out.

Okay?

* * *

"Are you two fighting?" Niko asked.

"What? No."

"Are you sure?" he asked again and I just nodded. Assia and I weren't fighting. We're really not just talking like before. But we're still friends. And I'm still here for her. Literally and figuratively.

Besides, school's so stressful.

So many things to memorize.

It just kept on getting harder every year.

'I have copies of old exams sa tax.'

'I can get that in the library.'

'Yeah midterms lang tho. I have finals.'

'What? Where did you get that?'

'I have my ways.'

'Fine. Choose the movie.'

I looked at Shanelle who was sitting on the opposite side of the room. She wiggled her eyebrows at me. I frowned at her. Blackmailer.

Niko caught us and his forehead creased. Seriously. He's like my boyfriend who's always jealous of Shanelle.

I shifted my attention to the codal. I read this last night, but I read it again. Thing I learned in lawschool—reading the provisions once would never be enough. Twice? Still not enough. I got to read over and over again before I really understand the essence. And even then, I'd still have to correlate it with the other parts of the law.

Studying law is maddening.

Why did I subject myself to such torture?

"What?" I asked when Niko elbowed me.

"Wha—"

My lips parted when I saw who was inside our room.

"What the fuck?" Niko whispered.

I couldn't talk. What's he doing here?

But I didn't need to ask anymore because he introduced himself. What the fuck? He's our prof?

I couldn't concentrate. Seriously. I didn't want to judge him because for all I knew, he's not like his other relatives. But I seriously had never met someone from the Villamontes' clan that wasn't whack in the head. They're all insane, one way or another.

I was still trying to get my head wrapped around the fact that he's here... in our section...

Shit.

And he's already working with Assia.

"Dude, what the fuck?" Niko asked as we're staring at Assia who was asked to stay behind by Villamontes.

"I don't know," I replied.

"Tanungin mo nga," Sancho said.

"Why me?"

"Kasi sasagutin ka nun," he said.

"I doubt it," I replied.

"Wag ka ngang maarte ngayon," he said. "Just ask her kung ano kailangan sa kanya nun," he continued, sounding really protective of her. I understood what he was feeling because seeing them talk didn't really sit well with me. I just wanted to pull her away from him—far, far away.

And then she came back.

She wasn't looking at me.

But I still asked.

"What did he tell you?" I asked. I had to ask. I just felt weird seeing him in our room. I knew he's teaching here. I see him sometimes in the hallway... but I never thought that he'd be our teacher. Not here in 3rd year. I thought he's with the lower year levels.

And he was staring at Assia during class.

I wasn't hallucinating.

I saw him staring.

"Ha?"

"Atty. Villamontes."

"Ah... Wala. Iyong sa beadle lang," she dismissively said like she didn't want to discuss it. Maybe with me. Sancho should've asked. I wanted to know the answer, too, but we couldn't get anything out of her because I was the one asking.

"What happened to Giselle?" I asked. We already had a beadle. For god's sake, it was already the middle of the sem.

"Ewan ko. Sabi niya ako na raw beadle sa Tax," she said, still sounding like she didn't want to discuss it further. "Masarap ba 'to?" she asked, instead.

"I think you'll like this one better," I said, pointing at some food that Niko said was good. "Oh. So, you're the new beadle in Tax?"

She nodded. "Nanghingi din siya ng class list, e. Nagtuturo ba talaga siya ng Tax? May Villamontes notes kaya?" she asked.

"I don't know."

"Tanungin mo naman si Shanelle."

My forehead creased.

It was the first time she asked me about her.

I didn't know what to say exactly.

"Shanelle," I called when I saw her in the hallway.

"Yes?" she replied. We still talk. But it's not like we talk regularly. Shanelle's also busy. I just learned that she's the valedictorian of our batch. I didn't know because I really didn't care about rankings. I just learned because one of our professors congratulated her when we were walking towards the library.

"Do you have Villamontes reviewer for Tax?"

"Same lang 'dun sa dati," she replied.

"So, that's a no?"

"Kailangan mo ba?"

I shrugged. "It's for Assia," I replied. The expression on her face changed. It's not like I'd been lying to her. I'd been pretty straight forward that for now, being friends was all I could really offer.

It's Assia then.

It's still Assia now.

I didn't know about the future, but for now, it's only still her.

"Ah... 'Di ko sure, but I'll ask around," she replied with a small smile on her face before she excused herself.

When I saw Assia again, I didn't know how to tell her about the reviewer. She was being harassed by Niko about the digests. And she needed the money. But I didn't want to offer money because Sancho's right—I didn't want to offend Assia. She's been working real hard for her money. It'd be a slap on the face if I just offer her money to solve her problems.

So, I did the next best thing I knew.

I just accompanied her while she's finishing Niko's digests.

I stared at her.

She practiced real hard.

The first time, her handwriting's way different than Niko's. But she must really be strapped for cash... I wished I could do more for her.

"How many left?"

"20 na lang naman."

"I'll just write the remaining 20," I offered. At least she let me accompany her here. I thought she'd decline my offer. I mean, I knew we didn't talk like before, but at least now she's comfortable around me again.

"Wag na. Kaya ko naman. Last 20 naman na."

"Look," I said and then showed her the scratch paper I'd been using. I hated the fact that I'd write Niko's digest because I worked so hard to finish my own... but it's really hard to watch Assia try to finish Niko's digest. Finishing 1 digest is already a pain in the ass. What more the whole set for the sem? "I've been practicing."

Her lips parted. "Iyan iyong ginagawa mo kanina pa?"

I nodded. "I think Sir won't notice anymore," I replied, showing her my handwriting. "See? Basically the same."

"Gusto mo bang umuwi na?" she asked.

"What? Why?" I asked, panicking a little.

"May eyebags ka na," she pointed out.

"Really?" I asked, holding my face. It's been a stressful sem. I just honestly wanted this sem to end. This sem had been the worst. "It's okay. I can easily catch up on sleep," I said, and then showed her the paper again. "So... thoughts?"

She shook her head. "Kaya ko na 'to. Last 20 naman na."

"Yeah... but also, exams are next week."

"Binibilisan ko na."

"Okay..." I said. She's so honest. I mean, I knew Niko's paying her. She didn't want someone else do the work for something that she's being paid to do. "But do we really think that Atty reads every single digest?" I asked, still convincing her. She's writing the digest in detail. If I were her, I'd just wing it. Maybe insert some quotes here and there.

Her forehead creased. "Ha?"

"I'm just saying..." I said, crossing my arms and being serious so that she'd consider. By the rate of the details she's writing, we'd literally spend the night here. I mean, it's definitely a win for me, but writing digest is damn hard. 1 digest is hard, 20 is just pure torture. "He's got his private practice, right? And he's also a reviewer for the BAR? Plus his classes here in Brent and whatever schools he teaches in," I continued. "Do we really think that he reads the digest?"

"Ano'ng... ibig mong sabihin?"

I shrugged. "I mean... we probably could just write song lyrics—heck, probably even ingredients of a chocolate cake—and he wouldn't even notice."

Her eyes widened in shock, like I just proposed that we rob a bank. I almost laughed at her reaction. Damn it. She's just sometimes too cute! "Grabe ka naman!"

In the end, she let me write the digests. I mean, she made me promise not to write recipes on the digests... nothing was said on writing recipes.

Assia napped.

I searched for recipes of chocolate cake.

This should serve him a lesson.

After we finished, we headed straight to the car. I purposely put the book on the dashboard so that she'd see it. The moment it was announced that we needed to buy a new book, I bought 2. Assia' strapped for cash, but also, she's not one who'd ask for money. She's not like that. I'd seriously throw a hand if I ever hear my family tell me that she's a gold digger.

"Hala," she said. So cute.

"Why?" I asked, feigning innonce.

"Nalimutan kong bumili. Magkano nga 'to?" she asked... just like expected.

"I forgot," I replied, but it's around 2 thousand. I mean, I never cared about the amount of the book before, but ever since I knew Assia, I always looked at the price. For me it's just a couple of bills, for her, it's worth a few days of hard work. She's literally making me recognize my privilege. "Why?"

"Bibili sana ako," she said while flipping through the pages of the book. "May softbound ba nito?" she asked.

"You can have that," I casually said, not wanting so sound like I planned this at all. I knew she'd decline. But I really wanted to give her that—needed, even.

"Ha? Grabe, hindi naman ako nanghihingi—" she answered, like predicted.

"Yeah... but I accidentally bought 2 copies."

"Vito—"

"I swear," I said, lying through my teeth. But in my defense... it was a good lie. "Niko's gonna buy 1 so I asked him to get 1 for me, too... but then I forgot that I asked him, so I got 2 of the same book."

I mean, if there's someone I'd pass the blame on, it's always going to be Niko. He does the same. I remember back in high school when he got so mad at something and said he needed to breath and disappear, he made me lie to his family that he's with me. But I was so afraid that his parents would go to our house and discover his lie, so I was forced to go away, too.

"Assia, I swear—" I said, looking at her. I was thrown off a little when I caught her looking at me. It's just been a weird time. I wasn't used to having her this close anymore. I'd been used to the distance. But now, she's here again. "I'm not lying."

She remained quiet.

"I swear I have 2 books." I pulled over on the side. I got the other book, and showed it to her. "See? I told you I have 2 copies."

"Bakit... ganito iyong naka-lagay?" she said while her forehead was creased, but there was a hint of smile on her face. Of course, being his fucking usual self, Niko had Reigning Mr. Brent stamped on my book.

I drew a deep breath. "It's because Niko—" I said, and then stopped. "Can we not talk about him? I'm getting all kinds of mad again."

She was trying to hold her laughter.

But she was failing at it miserably.

"So... akin na lang 'tong may naka-lagay na Reigning Mr. Brent?" she teased.

"Are you making fun of me?" I asked, frowning. I hated being called Mr. Brent. It's literally a part of my life that I'd like to delete from memory.

She shook her head while she still had grin on her face. "Hindi, ah," she said. "Paano kapag nawala ko 'to? Sa 'yo ibabalik kasi ikaw ang—"

I gently hit my head against the steering wheel.

This really would haunt me 'til my dying days.

* * *

"Buddy, calm down," Niko teased.

"Mata mo," Sancho seconded.

I glared at them.

Assia looked... so good.

I really tried to peel my eyes away from her, but I physically couldn't. She looked so good. I didn't know if it's a good thing that she didn't dress like this every day. It'd probably be my death if I see wearing pencil skirt.

I almost died when I saw her wrapped in a towel.

I was so surprised that I dropped my newly bought phone.

But this?

This looked way deadlier than towel-wrapped Assia.

I breathed deeply and calmed myself down. She's dressed like this because we needed to dress formally for the interview we're conducting.

"God, it's hot."

"Yeah, it's hot," Niko teased.

"Fuck you," I said. "I mean it's literally hot," I continued because I was wearing this polo that was not meant to be worn while walking under the scorching sun. I wouldn't be surprised if I just drop here on the road. It's so hot.

"Whatever you say to convince yourself," Niko added.

We went to different quasi-judicial agencies. I tried my best to remain formal because after all, this was still a formal requirement. But I couldn't help but roll my eyes every time Niko would tease me about Assia.

"Assia."

I literally felt the blood rush in my head.

What was he doing here?

It was torture enough seeing him in class... noticing him blatantly staring at Assia like no one was watching. I tried so hard not to say anything about him to Assia because I already tried before, but she just said that he's different from his family.

"Hi po, Atty," she said. I was just staring. He just really didn't sit well with me.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, and then threw me a look. He knew me. I saw him in some dinners, but we never talked. There's just... something.

"Requirement po sa Legal Counselling," Assia replied. "Pero paalis na rin po kami."

And then he proceeded to talk to Assia.

"Why does this feel... weird?" Niko asked.

"Because it is," Sancho replied.

"It's not just me," I said.

"What?"

I didn't answer them. I just continued to stare at Assia and Villamontes while they were talking. For a professor, he's just... too comfortable.

I thought it was just me.

Maybe I was jealous.

Maybe it was trauma from Trini.

I didn't know.

But hearing it from Niko and Sancho confirmed my suspicions.

"Why does he talk to her like that?" Niko asked.

"Ilang taon na 'yan?"

"37," I replied.

"Bakit alam mo?" Sancho asked.

I remained silent. Of course, I searched about him. But so far, I didn't see anything... but maybe they're just good at hiding the skeletons in their closets—like most families I knew.

Perfect from the outside.

Inside? You'd be surprised.

"Wala kang nilagay na kalokohan sa digest ni Niko, ha," Assia said when we finished the interview. She was in a normal mood. Did she also find it weird? Or was that really how she talks to him? Were they really that comfortable? "Kapag bumagsak si Niko, sa akin magagalit 'yun."

"If," I said. "If he fails, that'll teach him to do his own thing."

I held the steering wheel.

But I couldn't start the car.

The question was bugging me.

I just needed to know.

"Hindi pa ba tayo aalis?" she asked.

"You worked with Atty. Villamontes, right?" I asked, and she nodded. "You two are close?"

She shook her head. "Hindi naman. Pero mabait siya saka hindi niya ako pinapagalitan kapag nagbabasa ako nun," she replied. "Mabait naman siya. Tinulungan nga niya tayo kanina," she said like she was defending him.

"You know his family?"

She nodded, and then looked at me with her forehead creased.

"Bakit?"

I started the ignition. "Nothing. Just... be careful."

"Mabait naman siya," she said in his defense.

"Maybe," I replied. "But still, be careful."

"Okay, pero—"

"I'm not gonna argue about him, Assia. All I ask is that you be careful," I replied. "He's nice to you, I get it. But still."

Maybe he's nice to her.

I mean, if he's a predator, of course he has to lure the prey first.

Of course he's nice.

But maybe he's not.

This time, I wanted to be proven wrong.

It bugs me that Assia's around people who weren't trust worthy. She's just too kind—she tries to see the best in everyone... but sometimes, there's no best to be seen. Sometimes, it just worse... and worst.

I'd like to believe otherwise, but if there's one thing life has taught me, it's that some people are beyond redemption.

"Salamat sa paghatid. Ingat ka," she said after staying silent through the car ride. Fuck.

* * *

I didn't have the time to overthink because finals came soon. I was busy trying to review everything.

"Didn't think you'd say yes," Shanelle said when I arrived. She texted me earlier, asking me if I wanted to study. I was close to falling asleep because I was so tired. I needed to study with someone. And she's the one who asked me.

"Well, I didn't want to break your heart," I sarcastically said before I proceeded to order drinks for us. I got Shan her usual drink—double shot espresso, no sugar, no milk, just iced. I tried it... and it tasted horrible.

We stayed up all night studying. We didn't even talk. And by the time we finished, we were both so tired that we literally just nodded at each other as we parted ways.

When the first exam was done, I realized that studying with her paid off, so we studied together the whole week—Niko even joined us when it was the exam for Tax. We started earlier because Shanelle even agreed to teach him.

I almost laughed as I watched Niko swallow his pride.

"See? She's nice," I said as we were walking back to our car. Shanelle was parked elsewhere and we walked her there. It was 4am, and it's dangerous to walk alone.

"I know," he said, begrudgingly. "But still... Assia."

I remained silent.

"What would you do?" I asked him.

"What?"

"If you were in my position," I said. "Would you... back off? Move on? Force yourself?"

I waited for his answer because maybe that would help me. But we reached our cars, and his answer was still left to be heard.

He held the door of his car and looked at me. He was about to say something, but he held himself back. I arched my brow at him. "What?" I asked.

Niko shook his head. "I seriously pray to the Lord that my lovelife not suffer the same fate as yours and Sancho's. You two are cursed," he said before getting inside this car. This fucking asshole.

* * *

"Assia," Villamontes called. Niko, Sancho, and I all shared at look. Here we go again. What did he need from her this time? He's always calling her name, her attention, asking her to do things.

"Sige, una na kayo," she said to Niko. I sighed. She's still ignoring me. Was this still because of the last time when I asked her about Villamontes? I was just really worried...

"Okay," Niko said. "I still have to go somewhere. Just ride with Vito or Sancho."

My eyes followed her every movement. I wanted to inch closer so that I could listen to what they're talking about.

"Seriously, this is so weird," I told Sancho.

"Kinausap mo na ba si Assia?" he asked.

"Yeah, but she dismissed me and was rather defensive."

"Kausapin mo ulit. Weird talaga nito."

"I'll try," I said. "But maybe she'll ride with you. Do you wanna talk to her? I think she'll listen if it came from you..."

Sancho and Assia's relationship was weird. They're not really close like they talk every time, but still, it's like they're connected. Like they're brothers and sisters.

"Nah, ikaw na lang," he said. "Kapag hindi pa rin nakinig, kakausapin ko," he continued as he looked at them. "But this is really weird," he commented while we're both looking at them.

When Assia was finished talking with Villamontes, she immediately looked for Sancho. I just told her that he's doing something, but Sancho left already because I told him that I was close to certain that between us, Assia would choose to ride with him.

We were parked pretty far from Niko's house. Even from here, we could hear the music coming from the house. It was a good thing that this house was situated quite literally at the farthest end of the village.

I kept on looking at Assia, but I could even utter a word because of the way her face looked... like she wasn't in the mood to talk or to discuss anything.

"Saan pwedeng mag-aral dito?" she asked when we arrived at the house.

"Uh... I think outside," I replied. "You'll study?"

She just nodded and walked.

What... the hell?

Did I do anything? Why was she so cold? And dismissive?

I wanted to ask her if I did something so horrible because if I did, I'd immediately apologize. Assia and I weren't in the best of terms, but she was never like that.

Fuck.

What did I do?

"Assia?" Sancho asked.

"I think she's mad," I replied.

"Baka hindi naman," he said.

"No, I think—I believe she's mad."

"Nasaan ba siya?"

"Pool."

"Maliligo siya?"

"No," I said, confused. "Maybe? I don't know. Can you go talk to her? I'm really worried."

* * *

"What's happening?" I asked when I saw Sancho talking to Assia. I'd been given a drink or two... or ten. I didn't know anymore. Lui's a demon in disguise.

"Our grades," Sancho replied. "Binigay ba 'yung grades kanina? Bakit 'di ko narinig?"

"Sinabi niya lang sa 'kin kanina," she said.

"Is that why he asked you to stay?" I asked. "What the fuck's wrong with that guy?"

She looked pissed again.

Was she pissed that I was protecting her from that creep?

Fuck.

My head's starting to spin.

"Wag mo kasing sabayan si Lui uminom," Sancho said. "Alam mo namang praktisado 'yun," he continued, standing up. "Kuha kitang tubig."

I stared at Assia.

She's 2 now.

The fuck, Lui.

I said no drinking anymore.

"Assia..." I called.

"Hmm?" she replied, not even bothering to look at me.

"Don't you think it's weird?"

"Alin?"

"That he told you about the grades."

She remained quiet.

But I needed to say this.

She needed to hear this.

"I know you're the kind of person who wants to see the best in everyone... but some people are just the worst."

She just kept on flipping the pages of her book. I just... I just wanted her to take extra care. Just because people seemed nice didn't mean that they're really nice. Sometimes, people just play roles to get what they wanted.

"Take care, okay?"

She looked at me. Trying to smile a little. "Sala—"

"Someone's looking for you," Lui called.

"What?" I asked, a bit annoyed because Assia was already smiling. It's been so long since she smiled at me.

"Singkit, maputi, may dimples," Lui said. "Hina-hanap ka. Samu's talking to her, so I advise to go collect the girl."

I looked at Assia when she said, "Si Shanelle 'yun, no?"

I nodded. "Yeah. She asked where I was, and she said she wanted to come."

Then she stared at her book again. "Birthday kaya 'to ni Niko. 'Di naman sila close ni Shanelle."

My forehead creased.

Was that jealousy?

No.

I was just drunk.

I was really imagining things when I'm drunk. I should stay far away from Assia when I'm drunk. I didn't want to kiss her again and then have her ignore me and avoid me. That literally messed with my brain.

"Nah, they're good. Shanelle helped him with Tax," I said before I walked away because drunk me and Assia? Never a good combination.

I got inside and I was pulled into a game. Shanelle was already there and she was talking to my friends. They seemed to like her.

"I thought Assia?" Yago asked when he saw me talk to Shanelle. I just told her not to accept drinks from strangers. I mean, these people are my friends, but still... you can never be too sure.

"Life's weird," I just replied because I picked up the ball and started to play beer pong. Yago and Rory was against Lui and some girl I didn't know. Yago and Rory lost. I mean, Lui practically lives in a bar. He's practically a master of drinking games.

"Who's next?" Lui asked. "You, Vito?"

I shrugged as I was holding my beer. "Sure."

"And... you," he said, pointing at Shanelle who was talking to some guy.

"Do you play this game?" I asked Shanelle.

"Yeah, but hindi ako magaling," she replied.

"Don't worry, I got you."

"Lasing ka na. Can you even see straight?"

I rolled my eyes. "Watch the master," I said as I began to play with Lui.

"Dude, you're embarrassing yourself!" Lui said when the pingpong ball landed far, far away from the cup.

Shanelle snorted beside me. "Kaka-hiya ka."

"I need water," I said and Shanelle handed me a bottle. I hydrated myself and continued to play... but damn, Lui was just so good at this! "Yago and Rory," I continued. "Let's play."

Lui scoffed. "Loser."

"Fuck you," I replied.

"In your dreams," Lui said annoyingly.

Yago and Rory played against us. Rory was not that good... Yago's not as good as Lui.

"Kaya mo na bang manalo ngayon?" Shanelle asked sarcastically.

I tried again.

Damn.

I was drunk.

Shanelle got the pingpong ball from my hand and... "Wow," I said. "You lied! You know how to play!"

Shanelle laughed. "Manghang-mangha ka," she said before she shot another ball. Yago and Rory kept on drinking because Shanelle was just so good at this.

And then moments later, everybody was chanting her name.

I was laughing as Shanelle won the game and some guy was challenging us. I was about to agree to another round when I saw Assia walking towards the door.

"You're going home?" I asked when I saw her holding her phone.

She nodded. "1am na rin. Malapit na iyong driver. 10 minutes na lang daw."

"What? Just cancel that; I'll drive you home."

"Lasing ka na."

"Then let me have coffee and sober up."

She shook her head. "Malapit na 'yung sasakyan."

"Yeah, but it's 1am. It's dangerous—"

"May pangalan naman saka litrato iyong driver," she said, showing me the picture of the driver. What would I even do with that?

"What? You want me to hunt him down if you ever get killed?" I asked because seriously, it's fucking 1am. And if I was too drunk to drive, I'd call Niko's driver or someone else. I just couldn't let her ride alone at this hour of the dar.

"Hindi naman lahat ng tao may masamang balak," she said with a different tone. She sounded pissed.

I raked my fingers through my hair. "Is this about Villamontes?"

"Atty. Villamontes," she snapped. "Prof natin siya."

"Yeah. He's also fucking creepy."

She stared me down.

"Come on... Can't you wait another hour? I'll drive you home."

"Gusto ko nang umuwi."

"30 minutes, then," pleaded. "Let's go back inside. I'll have coffee."

She shook her head. "Nasa gate na iyong driver."

"Yeah, he won't be allowed in. Niko needs to confirm with the guards," I said. "And I already told him that I'll drive you home," I continued, lying straight at her face.

It's 1am.

And she's mad.

Heck if I'd let her ride in some stranger's car.

"Bakit mo ginawa 'yun?" she asked, sounding so irritated with me. It's been going on for days. I'd been trying to understand her but—

"I told you—"

"Gusto ko na ngang umuwi."

"And I said—"

"Hindi kita boyfriend. Hindi mo ako responsibilidad. Kaibigan kita, Vito—best friend pa nga yata—pero hindi kita boyfriend. Hindi mo ako pwedeng sabihan kung sino iyong pwede kong lapitan o kausapin. Hindi mo ako pwedeng pigilang umuwi. Hindi mo ako pwedeng pilitin na hintayin ka para ihatid ako."

My lips parted.

What... the fuck?

I just—

I just wanted her safe.

It was like... a bucket of cold water was thrown right at my face.

Every word pierced.

Because she sounded like she meant it.

Might as well told me to fuck off and live a good life.

"Okay, then," I said, trying to smile at her even though I felt like she just took my heart and break it right in front of me. "Thanks for clarifying, Assia dela Serna," I continued before I walked away. 

***
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