I woke up to the most headsplitting hangover to date. The previous drinking session I had prior this wasn't even enough to prepare me for the worst headache hammering through my skull.

With both arms, I slowly pulled myself up. The clock on the left white walls said it's already nine o' clock and―

Shit.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko as I drank in the bland white interior of the room. Last time I checked, my room wasn't this empty and spacious. It was filled with books and cabinets and it was blue and black. I panicked.

Where was I?

Una kong tiningnan ang damit ko. I was fully clothed. Kung ano ang damit ko kahapon, 'yon pa rin naman ang suot ko. Wala rin akong nararamdamang soreness sa kahit anong parte ng katawan.

Nothing bad happened. But where in the world was I?

With my throat dry and my palms clammy, I got off the bed and did a quick inventory of the white room, trying to find anything that would give it away. Malinis at malawak ang kwarto. Wala masyadong gamit at puno ng trophies sa upper shelves.

It gave off the distinct impression that it was a bachelor's pad.

Turning to the left, I caught a red varsity jacket hanging on a cabinet, with that particular number four sa likod.

I recognized it easily. That's Centrex University's jacket.

Gutierez 04.

I gasped when memories flooded in like torrents. Fudge. This is Racel's room! Hindi ako umuwi kagabi. I spent the night here in his fucking house!

Fudge!

As if on cue, the door opened to reveal the owner of the jacket. Racel was wearing a simple white v-neck shirt and pants, but what I noticed immediately was the apron around his body.

"You're awake," he greeted with a warm smile. "Come out. I prepared breakfast." Diretso siyang pumasok sa kwarto at kinuha ang relo niyang nakatago sa side table.

Habang sinusuot niya 'yon, sinusundan ko ang galaw niya.

Still mortified, I asked, "What happened last night? Why am I here?"

Racel turned and studied my face. His gaze leveled with mine and his brows furrowed as if he was trying to read my expression.

He stifled a smile.

"You were drunk last night. You fell asleep but I didn't know where to take you so I brought you here."

"Where am I?" I asked just to be sure.

"My flat?" He raised his brows.

I licked my lips. My stomach was flipping sa sobrang kahihiyan.

"May ginawa ba akong something stupid?" I stammered.

"Wala, relax. Nothing happened," Racel said, his dark eyes dancing with amusement . "And I didn't do anything to you either."

I looked at him skeptically. "Promise?"

He raised a brow, but he nodded.

I frowned, quickly getting up to my feet. "I need to go home na."

"Kumain ka muna. Ihahatid kita."

"You can't. My brothers will kill you."

At the reminder, my eyes rounded. Hoshet! Sina Kuya!

Dinampot ko ang phone ko.

As expected! Puno ng missed calls at text ang phone ko.

Kuya Jacob: Where are you?

I texted my reply, saying I was safe and about to go home na. Since my phone was running low on battery, I turned it off. Sigurado na mapapagalitan din naman ako mamaya. Susulitin ko na.

Bumaling ulit ako kay Racel. "I really need to go home. I'll book my ride na lang."

"Ihahatid kita," he said firmly.

"Hindi talaga pwede," I said.

He threw me an indignant glance. "Too bad. There's no way I'm letting you go home by yourself," sabi niya with finality.

I sighed in resignation. Tumatakbo ang oras. The longer na makikipag-argue ako, the higher yung chance na mahuli kami.

Seeing his victory, Racel let out a triumphant smile. Lumabas na siya para bigyan ako ng oras na makapag-ayos. I wanted to take a shower sana since he offered to let me borrow some clothes. But I can't exactly go home wearing a man's shirt, so I just washed my face na lang.

Pagkatapos kong maghilamos, pinusod ko ang buhok ko. When I deemed myself presentable enough, I joined him in the dining room.

As soon as I saw the breakfast he prepared, my eyes widened like saucers. Ang dami niyang niluto! May pancakes, bacon, omelet, tocino, fried rice and veggies. Yung servings ay yung tipong parang hindi dalawang tao lang ang kakain.

The scent of the delish food made my mouth water. Marunong pala siyang magluto.

Despite myself, a wide ear-to-ear grin blossomed on my face. Sinong hindi kikiligin sa idea that he, THE Racel Gutierez, made breakfast for me in his condo? The thought alone sent wild butterflies flitting about in my stomach.

"Eat up," Racel invited habang naglalapag ng baso sa mesa.

Medyo stunned pa ako. It was my first time to go here pero napaka-cozy na makita siyang ganito first thing in the morning. So much so it was giving me crazy, unthinkable ideas. Idagdag mo pa yung image niya na nakasuot ng apron. If that's not sexy, I don't know what is.

Hoshet.

Umiling ako at my own thoughts.

Clearing my throat, I managed to say, "Ang dami naman nito." I sat down and grabbed the utensils.

He removed the apron and hung it before taking a seat in front of me. "I got carried away. Hindi ko napansin na naparami na pala."

"Mahilig kang magluto?"

He nodded with a smile, filling his plate with large servings. Hindi na ako nagulat. He's an athlete. Food is like their fuel, and with that kind of physique, I'm sure matinding maintenance talaga ang kailangan para i-maintain 'yon. Kuya Jacob, in fact, could eat four servings just by himself.

"Lagi ka sigurong nagluluto," sabi ko.

He reached out for the pitcher and poured orange juice into the glasses.

"Not really. Only for family."

For family.

Napatingin ako sa kanya. Casual niyang sinabi 'yon. Parang wala namang ibang meaning. In fact, hindi nga siya nakatingin sa 'kin dahil naglalagay pa rin siya ng pagkain sa plato.

Pero. Bakit. Kinilig. Ako. Doon?

Shaking the thoughts away, I grabbed the spoon and fork. I was about to put some food on my plate nang bigla niyang kinuha ang plato ko.

He placed his own plate down instead. Nagulat ako sa inakto niya kaya tumingin ako sa kanya.

"Uy," protesta ko. "Ang dami nito!" Puro gulay pa!

Tumawa lang siya. "Kumain ka ng gulay."

Damn. Hindi pa naman ako mahilig sa veggies.

I tried the bacon and fried rice first, almost moaning at the taste. Perfect combination.

Tahimik lang kami when we started eating. Alam kong nakatitig siya sa 'kin habang kumakain ako. I was trying my best not to look up and meet his gaze. But it was really hard to avoid him.

Ang nostalgic tuloy. This reminded me so much of the old days, no'ng mga panahon na hindi pa kami nagkikibuan.

"You always do that," puna ko.

"Do what?"

"Staring. You're always staring."

I heard a peal of chuckle. I finally glanced up and found his hooded eyes riddled with amusement. "Because you're interesting."

"It's creepy." I squinted at him. "Why are you always doing that?"

"It's necessary." He swallowed the juice, his adam's apple bobbing with the action.

Realizing I was staring, I bit my lip and looked away. "Why is that?"

"'Cause I never know what's on your head. Lalo na no'ng una kitang nakilala. You were wearing this straight face and I didn't know what you were thinking," he explained. "I couldn't help but want to read you. I wanted to see how you'll react to me."

Napalunok ako. Umaatake na naman ang mga butterflies sa tiyan ko.

'Yon ba? 'Yon ba ang dahilan kung bakit nakatitig lang siya no'ng unang beses na nagkita kami sa cafe noon?

"Wow," sagot ko, sabay tawa. "That's very straightforward of you."

He let out a laugh kaya napatitig ulit ako. Ang weird lang talaga ng mundo. If someone would tell me a few months ago that I'd be having breakfast with him at his place, I'd definitely laugh at their face. Sobrang imposible kasi. Sino bang mag-aakala na magiging friends kami?

Just when I was about to finish the food, Racel placed more bacon on my plate. "Kumain ka pa. Sayang 'yan."

"Ang daya. Ikaw nga tapos na kanina pa," reklamo ko.

"A few more won't hurt." he replied simply, shrugging. "A few more won't hurt."

That amused smile was occupying his face again. I couldn't help but feel suspicious kasi kanina pa siya ganyan. Sa mga tingin at ngiti niya kasi, ang pakiramdam ko may ginawa ako kagabi na hindi niya sinasabi.

"May nangyari ba kagabi?" I asked tentatively.

He shook his head. "Wala nga."

"Sure ka?"

"I'm serious," he answered and then grinned that Gutierez smile. "And even if I wanted anything, I won't take advantage of a drunk girl."

"What?" I sputtered, almost dropping my fork.

What the fuck did that mean?

My cheeks instantly warmed up.

He tipped his head back and laughed at my expense. "Biro lang."

"I knew it. You're a perv deep inside," I accused.

Tumatawa pa rin siya habang inuubos ko yung dalawang bacon na natira. Embarrassed at what he said, I never once glanced up to him again.

Sobrang nakakahiya talaga na siya ang nag-alaga sa 'kin kagabi. Mabuti na lang talaga hindi ako sumuka kung saan saan! I couldn't even begin to imagine what happened last night habang passed out ako.

I cleared my throat, taking his attention.

"Thank you pala for taking care of me. Pati rin dito sa breakfast," I said sincerely.

Pag-angat ko ng tingin, I caught him staring at me with that thoughtful glaze in his eyes na parang may nakikita siyang espesyal.

I arched my brows inquisitively.

He simply shook his head and hid a smile.

***

Racel dropped me off do'n sa same area na pinagbabaan niya sa 'kin the last time. Kabado ako habang papasok ng bahay namin. I was so sure my brothers were already waiting for me, ready to open fire as soon as I get inside.

I mentally prepared myself habang nilalakad ko ang kahabaan ng daan. Soon enough, I reached our house in five minutes.

Hindi na nga ako nagkamali. Kuya Jacob and Kuya Chris were waiting by the living room when I arrived. Agad silang tumayo para salubungin ako.

"Saan ka nanggaling?" Kuya Jacob started impatiently. "Kahapon pa nag-aalala si Mom."

"Sorry na. I got drunk," I said truthfully.

"Nag-party ka?"

I nodded.

"Saan ka natulog?" piped in Kuya Chris.

I hesitated. Shiz, no choice. I had to lie. "Nag-check in ako sa hotel."

Umiling si Kuya Chris. "Well, as long as you're okay. Sige na. Magpahinga ka na."

"What, Kuya?" gulat na sabi ni Kuya Jacob.

Ako rin, nagulat. I was expecting to get an earful.

"She's tired. Lahat tayo," sabi lang ni Kuya, sabay buntonghininga.

Kuya Jacob turned and narrowed his eyes at me. "This doesn't mean you're clear, understand? Wag nang mauulit."

Sus, akala mo naman ay hindi niya ginagawa 'to. But I didn't say that aloud, syempre. Tama naman siya, e. We were having a family crisis. Mali na uminom pa ako.

Umakyat ako sa kwarto ko na malakas pa rin ang pintig ng puso. Hindi sa kaba kundi dahil nagsinungaling na naman ako sa kanila.

Ayaw na ayaw ko talaga and it was such a lame excuse to say na wala akong ibang choice.

I did have a choice and I chose to lie right to their face.

***

The Chens and the Yus took offense when our family brought up the pre-natal DNA test. But after reasoning out with them, they eventually agreed.

Dad was still recuperating in the hospital. He was getting better each day, but the doctor told us he needed strict rest.

In no time, pinayagan na rin siyang umuwi. As soon as he got out of the hospital, dagsaan ang mga staff sa bahay para kausapin siya. Well, the board members visited, too, but we were strict and didn't allow any corporate discussions to last for more than two hours.

"Dad, drink your meds. Magagalit na naman si Mom," paalala ko nang pumasok ako sa office niya at napansin na nando'n pa rin yung mga capsules.

Nag-angat ng tingin sa 'kin si Dad. Umusbong ang ngiti sa mukha niya, sabay baling niya sa mga gamot sa lamesa.

"Ah, yes. Sorry, 'nak. Nakaligtaan ko lang," he told me, and then he drank the meds in one go.

Kunot-noo akong umupo sa harap ng table niya. Abala na naman siya sa piles ng papel na binabasa niya.

"What is it, bunso?"

"You're overworking again." Ngumuso ako.

"I just need to check some documents. It won't take long."

"Still, Dad. Stop overworking."

He let out a gentle, affectionate smile. "Later. I'll rest later."

Tatlong katok ang pumutol sa usapan namin. Pagbukas ng pinto, pumasok si Mom, nakangiti habang tinitingnan kami.

"Ayan. Pinapagalitan ka na ng anak mo," sabi niya. "Lumabas na kayo. Let's eat lunch."

Dad chuckled. "Manang-mana. Alright, I'm going. Nothing I can do against my queen and princess, huh?"

Mom only answered him with a shake of her head.

He stood up and followed Mom outside. I followed suit and took my usual seat in the dining room. While eating lunch, a text went in to my phone.

Anjo:

Jan!! Guess who I saw sa Candid kanina

Me:

Sino?

Anjo:

Zoey Chen's friends!! They were talking about something fishy

Me:

Fishy?

Anjo:

Yup! Possible na hindi kay Gian yung baby, OMG!!

Me:

Huh?

Anjo:

Apparently, may Louie! One night stand n all habang fling sila ni couz mo!

Me:

No way. How legit?

Anjo:

Well di rin sila sure. But still!!!

Yung text na 'yon ang bumabagabag sa 'kin habang naroon kami sa mansion ng mga Chen no'ng sumunod na linggo. The whole family visited them to formally introduce ourselves. It was a good thing that in the recent days, successful kaming pagbatiin sina Tito Nicollo, Kuya Nick, at Gian kaya maayos naman ang pakikitungo nila sa kabilang pamilya.

Malaki ang bahay nila sa Taguig. I could easily get lost inside sa laki ba naman ng bawat room. Halatang high class ang mga nakatira. I sort of imagined they'd snub us pero okay naman sila nang salubungin kami.

The Chens received us politely but I noticed right away that they are a sophisticated and intimidating bunch. Simple lang sila manamit but they move with that regal air about them, something I often see in A-class families whenever Dad brings us to his events. They have good genes, too. No wonder Zoey and Yuan look good. It runs in their family. They all have fair skin, calculative eyes and strict smiles.

I was hit by the impression na traditional Chinese family yata sila. Nevertheless, mukhang malapit sila sa isa't isa and I was even more in awe when I met the grandparents. They're pure. Kaya pala English at Chinese lang ang language sa bahay nila.

Magkamukha si Zoey at ang mommy niya. Both of them are gorgeous and graceful, a trait na napansin kong meron ang lahat ng babae sa pamilya nila. They warmly welcomed us despite the issues between our families. Even si Yuan. Kahit na iritable pa rin siya kay Gian, he still accommodated my brothers and cousins properly.

Sa dining room nag-usap ang mga matatanda. Nagkalat naman sa malaking living room ang mga pinsan ko at mga lalaking pinsan ni Zoey. Nagkasundo naman agad sila lalo na nang mapag-usapan ang basketball at mga sasakyan. Though as much as the boys were friendly, her female cousins kept to the sides among themselves.

The atmosphere was very light. Amicable naman ang lahat. Naririnig ko pa ngang nagtatawanan sina Mom doon sa kabilang room.

Tinuon ko ang atensyon ko kay Zoey na kausap si Gian. Nakaupo sila sa sofa sa harapan ko. Looking at them, I remembered Anjo's text once again.

I didn't know kung bakit hirap akong paniwalaan na posibleng hindi De Villa yung baby. Everything was still possible at this point. I guess we'd eventually find out the truth 'pag lumabas na ang result. It wouldn't be long now.

***

The following week, mas naging abala pa ang dance troupe at student council. It was the university festival now. Ngayon namin sasayawin yung routine na last sem pa namin nire-rehearse.

The crowd roared to life when we jumped onto the stage, setting it on fire. Kita ko ang paghiyaw at pagpito ng mga ka-block ko, maging nina Lhyle na kasama sina Ahron, Maxxie, Hiro at Anjo na kasama ng boys that time.

Tumatawa at hinihingal kami nang matapos ang sayaw.

Kumakain ng waffles sa may benches ang mga kaibigan ko nang dinatnan ko sila. Mukhang galing sila sa kiss mark booth dahil may kiss stamp sa pisngi sina Anjo at Maxxie. Nag-aasaran sila about sa bagong crush ni Anjo nang makalapit ako. Humiwalay na sa kanila yung boys kanina pa.

My brows were arched. Nakatingin ako kay Anjo. "May bago na naman? Akala ko ba si Kuya Jacob?"

Anjo grinned a little, her cheeks flushing. "Cute niya kasi, e."

"Hulaan ko. May Anjo formula kasi, e. Basketball player 'yan 'no?" sabi ni Maxxie, sabay ngisi nang mamula lalo si Anjo.

"Oo. Kaso hindi ng school. Doon malapit sa 'min siya madalas maglaro. Kilala silang magpipinsan sa 'min."

Lhyle whistled with a teasing grin. "I'll be damned. Mga Armada ba 'yan?"

"Pa'no mo nalaman?"

"E 'yon lang naman kilala sa lugar n'yo, e. Tsaka nakalaro ko na yung mga 'yon."

Not that surprising. Taga-Manila kasi 'tong si Anjo, ta's lagi pang dumadayo doon si Lhyle para maglaro ng street basketball kasama ang mga barkada niya.

Ahron chuckled slightly. "Manila boys, huh." With that tone and expression, alam ko nang kilala ni Ahron ang mga 'yon personally.

"Kilala mo, babe?" I asked kahit na alam ko na ang sagot.

She shrugged. "Let's just say I dated one of them," kaswal niyang sagot.

Anjo gasped. "Si Lachlan ba?"

"No. Yung eldest. Si Cedric yata."

"Parang 'di ka pa sure sa pangalan?" puna ni Hiromi.

We laughed. Hindi nagtagal, nagkayayaan na kami papunta sa ibang booths. We were about to try a haunted house booth nang makasalubong ko ang grupo ng mga pinsan ko. They were almost complete. Yung mga nagma-masters lang ang wala.

Nakangisi at nagtatawanan ang grupo nila. Naroon sina Kuya Jacob, Kuya Andrei, Kuya Paul, Kuya Onyx, Gian at Mathev kasama ang ibang members ng basketball at football team.

"Ba't may ganyan sa mukha n'yo?" Pa'no kasi, may itim na ekis sila sa mga kaliwang pisngi nila.

Humalakhak si Carlo, yung ka-team ni Kuya Jacob. "May nagpahuli sa mga De Villa, e. Ayon, damay damay na. Pati kami nakulong."

"Nagpahuli, jail booth?"

"Tss. Ba't ikaw hindi nahuli? Blacklisted ang De Villa do'n, a?" sabi ni Gian, umiiling. "Unfair, amputa."

"Oo nga," gatong ni Mathev. "Ten minutes din kami do'n. Putragis na 'yon."

Tumawa si Maxxie. "E pa'no kayo nakalabas? Wala daw bail ngayon, a?"

Nagkatinginan yung boys, sabay hagalpak as if may inside joke silang nalalaman. I asked about it pero ayaw nilang sabihin kung ano ang ginawa nila. Nagkatinginan tuloy kami ng mga kasama ko.

Ano naman kaya yung pinagawa sa kanila at ganyan sila makatawa?

"Saan ba kayo papunta?" asked Kuya Andrei suddenly.

"Sa haunted house."

"Ayos. Sama kami," announced Kuya Jacob, nodding.

And so, we ended up trying the haunted house booth with them. Buti na lang din dahil mas lalong naging masaya yung pagdaan namin sa make-shift maze. The boys were fooling around with the props habang nananakot din.

We then tried out several booths afterward. Zombie Apocalypse na nasa quadrangle. Torture room sa Medical building. The Crime Scene sa Science lab. Pati yung booth na parang Mystery Manila. They locked us in, chained off, with lights off. Kailangan naming makalabas using sheer team effort. Thanks to Kuya Andrei's quick thinking and Kuya Paul's leadership, nagawa naman namin.

Heto tuloy. Free shirts. Woo!

Halos pagabi na nang matapos kami. I was enjoying myself so much. Basang-basa pa rin kami gawa nung water fight kanina sa Zombie Apocalypse kaya ginamit na namin yung free shirts.

When night came, the other boys went on their ways. Umalis na rin ang mga kaibigan ko so that left me with my brothers and cousins. Dahil mga ayaw pang umawi, we tagged along kay Mathev. May gig daw ang Constello ngayon.

I wasn't that much excited for it. Sa mga ngisi ng mga pinsan ko, alam ko na ang mangyayari.

Hindi nga ako nagkamali. As soon as the band went up the stage, puro kantyaw ang narinig ko kina Gian at Kuya Jacob. They were linking me up with Dash Lim. Or that Luis.

At one part of the gig, may tinawag si Dash Lim na girl. Tumayo yung babae at kumaway kaya nakita ko ang table nila.

"Happy birthday, Abi," bati niya in that smooth, cool voice.

"Ay. May Abi," kunwaring nanghihinayang na sinabi ni Kuya Paul sa 'kin. "'Di bale. Mas maganda ka naman." Naghagikgikan ang mga pinsan ko.

I gave them a withering look. Okay. I wasn't interested in any of the Constello boys. Ewan ko sa mga 'to bakit todo asar sila sa 'kin when they knew that.

And it's not true na mas maganda ako do'n sa girl. Maganda yung Abi. Petite lang at maputi. She looked Japanese to me, half siguro. What I liked about her was her medium-length hair. Ombre 'yon at kulot. Blonde ang itaas pero pink at red ang dulo. May purple highlights na nakahalo don while ang bangs niya naman ay may pink din sa bandang gitna down to the tips. You'd think it'll look messy. But no. It actually suited her. Mukha siyang cosplayer. Sila ng mga kaibigan niya, actually.

Like her, may kulay din ang buhok ng dalawa niyang kaibigan. Yung isa, may dalawang blue streaks sa buhok habang yung isa ay naka pixie cut at may violet highlights.

Finally, the performance started. Puro sigawan ang bumalot sa bar lalo na nang pumwesto sa gilid si Mathev. He wasn't going to play the drums tonight. May hawak siyang gitara. Yung Andrew ang pumalit sa kanya.

Ang matikas na boses ni Dash ang unang narinig namin. It was a rock song na hindi familiar sa 'kin.

Then it was Mathev singing. The lyrics was English mixed with Japanese. Nagtayuan ang mga babae para maghiyawan at maki-jam. From the side, I could hear my cousins teasing Mathev as if may love triangle between him, Dash Lim, and Abi.

After the performance, the cheers of the girls were deafening. Iniisip ko pa rin kung isa ba yung Abi sa mga naging ka-fling ni Mathev before but it didn't seem that way. Wala naman sa hitsura niya na may gusto siya sa pinsan ko.

I wouldn't put it past him, though. Like my other cousins, Mathev is a legit player, too. He is under the other half of the Leisure Casanova, Ardent Chaser.

Ardent Chasers

Chasers are men of romance, born with natural sweet mouths and silver tongues. They are guys na sobrang chill at sure sa sarili. They got so much self confidence, it's practically oozing off them. They are also smooth talkers. Not as notorious as the charmers but flattering all the same. Just enough to hook you and get you going. He makes you swoon. He sweeps you off your feet. The chase is fun, seductive and mind-blogging. They set up the pace and the rhythm. They chase you down quickly, aggressively and passionately you just can't help but cave in. Wala kang kawala. And you wouldn't want to break free, anyway. Chasers will make you want to get chased.

These guys are dangerous lots. Sila yung tipong iisipin mong sa 'yo lang, na ikaw lang, 'yon pala ay marami kayo. They make you feel so special with their words and actions. They make you think you're the only one. But you're not. There are always others. Hindi kahati kundi kasabay. They are Casanovas and at the same time, Don Juans. They love their share of women, they love their dose of the hunt. They could be hot in one second and cold in the next. They can keep you today and dump you tomorrow.

Beware of the chasers. They move fast. Pero kasing bilis ng kilos nila ang pagbabago ng interest nila. Though it is easy to attract their attention, it is also very easy to lose it. They are always on the move and it's hard to cage them.

Pagkatapos ng performance, lumapit na ang Constello sa table namin. I'd watched these boys perform for quite a while now pero ngayon pa lang yata kami ipapakilala sa isa't isa.

"Dudes. Pinsan ko," introduced Mathev, pointing over to me. "Easy lang ha. Bunso nina Jacob 'yan."

Ngumiti yung tatlo at tumango sa 'kin. Up close, I couldn't deny their attractive pull. May kanya-kanya silang asset. If Mathev was famous for his smoky languid eyes, Luis was definitely known for his boyish smile. Habang yung Andrew, he could put models to shame with that greek god bod. Though Dash Lim was definitely far up the ladder kung good looks naman ang basehan. Iba, e. There's that aura na mahirap ipaliwanag.

"Hi. I'm Dash Lim," the chinito vocalist said to me. "Nice to meet you." Naglahad siya ng kamay.

I reached out and shook hands with him. "Javee," sabi ko.

Nagngisian ang mga pinsan ko at nakiasar. Kuya Onyx even nudged me forward. Nahiya ako sa atensyon na binibigay nila. Buti na lang hindi masyadong pinansin ni Dash. He had that easy smile on his face.

"Hi. Andrew," their bassist beamed and shook my hand as well.

The last guy politely smiled at me. Siya yung nag-iisang mahiyain sa kanila. "It's nice to finally meet you. I'm Luis."

I knew them by name. Pero iba yung makilala ko sila formally. When I shook hands with Luis, nagtawanan sina Kuya Jacob at Kuya Onyx. I threw daggers at them, promising death threats. Inangat lang nila ang kamay nila at tumawa nang tumawa.

Gian was worse. Mas lantaran ang pang-aasar niya and it's with Dash Lim! Nakakahiya ro'n sa tao!

"Dude. Minsan kay Javee ka naman magdedicate ha," sabay kindat sa 'kin.

Tumawa lang si Dash, looking mildly interested. "Sige. Next time."

Fortunately, 'di kami masyadong pinapansin ni Dash. True to the stories, he's quiet and composed. May aloof aura siya. Matikas pero mukhang misteryoso. He was smiling, nakikipagharutan din sa boys pero ramdam ko yung supladong aura niya katulad ng kay Mathev. No wonder they're friends. Same birds flock together. While yung Andrew at Luis, more on the cheery side. Mahiyain yung Luis at polite. Yung Andrew naman, mukhang kasing kulit ni Kuya Jacob.

The Constello boys took their seats across from us. Like my bros, umiinom na sila ng Johnnie Walker.

The teasing continued. I didn't know why but my bros seemed so adamant na ipagkanulo ako ngayong gabi.

It got to the point na umimik na si Dash.

"Dude, wag. May fiancee ako. Para kayong mga gago, binubugaw n'yo yung kapatid n'yo. Tapos pag niligawan ko naman, papatayin n'yo 'ko," Dash told them.

Ha. Tell them!

I gave him an apologetic look, which he returned with a cool smile.

His words worked like charm. Nagtawanan lang ang boys, at unti-unti, nalipat na sa iba ang atensyon nila.

Taking advantage of that, hinarap ko si Dash.

"Sorry, ha. Mga makukulit kasi 'yang mga 'yan."

"No problem," he answered smoothly, his chinito eyes smiling at me. "Sanay na ako sa mga 'yan."

I smiled back in reply. Hindi naman pala siya suplado. Parang guarded lang, gano'n. Napansin ko rin kasing kahit may mga kilala siyang babae dito, hindi rin niya masyadong kinakausap. Even with Abi. You could see the distance.

Was he doing it on purpose kasi may fiancee na siya? O sadyang personality niya lang 'yon?

I didn't think about it hard. Whatever the reason was, it wasn't my business. Instead, tinuon ko ang atensyon ko sa pag-ubos ng iniinom ko.

Later into the night, habang busy sa party ang mga tao, I heard a shriek from somewhere near the entrance. The girls were running to that direction. Turning to them, I easily spotted two familiar boys making their way toward us.

The smile on my face was instant. Noticing me, kumaway si Angelo sa 'kin. Tumayo ako para salubungin sila. The people parted to give way to them. Maraming girls na bumabati sa kanila, which they returned with smiles habang palapit sa 'kin.

"Yo. Sorry we're late," Angelo told me with a dimpled grin.

Tumango sa 'kin si Steel Fabellano, yung isang travel blogger na kaibigan nila ni Kuya Andrei.

I grinned at Angelo, sabay palo sa kanang balikat. "You're here."

"Missed me?" he asked, grey eyes twinkling with amusement.

"I just saw you last week."

"So? Ako, I missed you." He grinned cutely.

I rolled my eyes, laughing.

I led them to our table. Nagbatian ang boys at inalok kaagad ng beer yung dalawa. We were immersed in a conversation agad as Kuya Jacob asked Steel tungkol sa Palawan trip niya last week.

In the middle of the conversation, Luis excused himself to meet someone sa labas.

Humilig si Angelo palapit sa 'kin at inakbayan ako. "When do you want to do the sky diving?" bulong niya.

I whipped around to face him. "Kaka-start lang ng new term. Christmas? New Year?"

"Marami kayong lakad n'yan," sabi niya. "Dapat siguro hindi near holidays."

"Kailan ba maganda?"

"How about February? Celebrate tayo ng Valentine's?"

I laughed. "Ninja moves. Sige, pag-isipan ko."

Ngumuso siya. "I'm asking you out on a date na nga, you'll think about it pa? Most girls say yes kagad."

"I'm not one of your girls."

His smile widened. "True. You're even better. You're my friend." He grinned. "Let's take a selfie."

Angelo pulled out his iPhone and positioned his head beside mine before I could react.

As soon as it was shot, I stole his phone and sent the photo over to mine. Napangisi ako sa kuha. We were both doing wacky expressions, the splashes of colors spilling on our faces. Ang cute. Right away, I posted it on social media.

With this kumag. #DorkDiaries

Hindi na ako nagulat na maraming nag-comment sa picture na 'yon. I didn't bother reading them. Mamaya na lang pag-uwi ko. I focused my entire attention to the performance now.

Yung Japinay na ang kumakanta. Magaling siya at nakakahumaling ang boses. Contrary to how she looked, her voice was husky and soulful.

I felt like I could listen to her voice forever.

***

"I saw your picture yesterday. You were with Castillo," Racel told me. We were inside his car. Sinundo niya ako kanina para magpasamang bumili ng regalo for his parents. Their wedding anniversary gift.

"Bilis ah. Are you checking my social media a lot?"

"Yes." He smiled but he sounded serious. "You're too close with him," he commented, handling the wheel with one hand.

"'Di masyado but we've become friends na rin since Youth camp. Close din sila nina Kuya Andrei," I replied simply.

"Lagi kayong magkausap?"

"Sakto lang."

He frowned a little. "Calls?"

"No. Text lang. Minsan sa Twitter." Napangiti ako at the reminder of Angelo's Twitter. Last post niya kasi doon, yung selfie namin kagabi with the hashtag #JamieV. Odd nickname talaga but I was actually getting fond of it.

There was a sudden pause. Napatingin ako sa kasama ko. Racel looked deep in thought; Then, he shot me an uncertain glance. "Do you like him?"

I glanced back at him. "Like as in like like?" When he nodded, I answered with a laugh, "No. He's like a brother to me."

He furrowed his brows, unsure. "You swear it?"

"Selos? You jelly?" I teased.

Huminto kami for a while. Red light na kasi.

His smoldering eyes darkened slightly. "Yeah. I think I am," Racel breathed out.

My pulse started to race. I fought the blush threatening to spill on my face.

"Kay Angelo? Why?"

"'Cause he can openly see you," he said with a sigh.

"Ayaw mo no'n? This has more thrill," I said as a joke. "Forbidden."

At that, he chuckled in mirth. I bit the inside of my cheek, feeling fuzzy inside. Kahit kailan talaga, hindi ako masasanay sa tunog ng pagtawa niya.

"Why? Do you prefer it this way? Do you like the idea of forbidden?" he asked.

The way he said it, para siyang may gustong iparating. Like he was fishing for something na hindi ko maintindihan.

To be on the safe side, I threw the question back.

I raised a brow.

"Why? Do you?"

"What if I do?" he challenged.

The confidence in his tone caught me offguard.

Speechless, sinabi ko na lang, "Eyes on the road, Gutierez," echoing what I told him months ago.

He seemed to have remembered because a boyish grin flashed across his face. Napangiti na rin ako. I knew I shouldn't be, pero nag-eenjoy ako sa bawat oras na kasama ko siya. We'd really come a long way now.

We were turning to a corner when Racel gave a lingering sidelong glance at me then reached out for my hand. Pinagsalikop niya ang mga darili namin. Electricity instantly fired through my arms at his touch. Dapat babawiin ko ang kamay ko but he held it firmly. Defeated, I let him. His hand was warm on mine and I realized in alarm that I quite liked the feeling of how perfect my hand fit his.

"Eyes on the road," ulit ko sa kanya. Kada minuto kasi, nililingon niya yung magkahawak naming kamay na parang hindi siya makapaniwala do'n.

"I can't help but look at you, though," he told me. That Gutierez half smile flickered back on his face, making my heart squeeze.

Damn.