After class, sumabay ako kay Lhyle pauwi. It's time to tell him na. Siya na lang kasi ang 'di nakakaalam dahil alam na rin ng girls kung ano ba talaga ang nangyayari.

I shifted in my seat and bit my lip. Sobrang lamig ng palad ko. Nilingon ko si Lhyle na abala sa pagmamaneho. I opened my mouth to start but no words would come out.

Hoshet.

Kinakabahan ako.

I sighed and looked away to get my bearings. Paano ba ako magsisimula? Alam kong hindi niya magugustuhan ang sasabihin ko but I had to brave this out. Kumbaga, siya pa lang iyan. Kung hindi ko siya kakayanin, paano na lang kung kina Kuya Jacob na? I had to do this right.

Biglang tumawa si Lhyle. Napalingon ako sa kanya in surprise. He reached for the music system in his car and turned it off. Tapos, natatawa siyang bumaling sa 'kin.

"Ano ba 'yon? Magsalita ka na."

My mouth almost hung, buti I caught myself right away. I creased my forehead in confusion.

"You're too obvious, Javee. C'mon, just spill it out."

That snapped me back to reality. Okay. This guy is my bestfriend. No point in dilly-dallying. Heto na oh! He was giving me the cue na. All I had to do was force the words out of my mouth.

I took a deep breath and braced myself.

"I'm sorry, bes, but I'm dating Racel," I said in one go, unable to look at him.

Imbis na si Lhyle ang magulat, ako pa ang nagulat sa reaction niya.

"Yeah, and then?" He looked surprisingly calm and solemn as if he expected that.

I blinked, getting more confused.

Lhyle turned back to the road muna. His eyes stayed there as he said without any tone in his voice, "I mean to say, alam ko. Alam ko na."

I blinked. "Alam mo na?"

"Yeah. Matagal na."

"The girls told you?"

"Nah. I had a hunch when I saw you nung pasukan. I realized it then." The laughter on his face was gone now, replaced by a much sullen mood.

He pursed his lips tight. I played with my fingers. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang tumatakbo sa isip niya ngayon. I knew he wasn't cool with this after that stunt he pulled last time. Ayokong isipin niya na binalewala ko siya at ang mga warnings niya.

"I'm sorry, bes." I bit my lip again. Ito na lang ang tanging nasabi ko. Lame but what else was there to say?

Surprisingly, Lhyle responded with,

"Don't say that. Don't say sorry for what you feel the same way I'll never apologize for mine."

Then he tore his eyes off the road to look back at me.

"Mahal mo siya, 'di ba?"

Tumango ako. He nodded as well and cut his eyes back to the road.

"Sabi na, e. Nakita ko na 'yan matapos ko kayong mahuli. I saw how hurt you were at ayoko nang maulit 'yon. Ayokong ako ang maging dahilan ulit non. That's why I'll accept this relationship. Kung sinabi mong hindi ka niya ginagamit lang, then I'll believe you. I trust you. But I'm worried as fuck, Javee. Pa'no si Jacob? Darating ang panahon na baka kailangan mong pumili sa kanila."

Yumuko ako at tinitigan ang kamay kong nakapatong sa mga hita ko. I fiddled with my ring. Yung niregalo sa 'kin ni Kuya nung 16th birthday ko.

"Kailangan ko bang pumili?" I said in a quiet voice. I looked back to Lhyle. "Kung kaya mong tanggapin, I'm hoping na pati si Kuya ay ganyan. Kung hindi, tatanggapin ko na lang yung galit niya."

"Masasaktan ka lang 'pag gano'n. Sa inyong lahat, si Jacob ang paborito mo, 'di ba?"

I nodded again. "But I can't give him up. Ayoko nang saktan ulit si Racel."

Lhyle understood this. He just nodded and said nothing else as he returned his gaze back to the road. Seryoso pa rin siya. Mga ilang minuto kaming gano'n, tahimik lang sa byahe. Bago siya biglang ngumiti at sinabing,

"Parang you and me against the world lang. But don't worry," Lhyle reassured with a coaxing smile, "as long as he won't be a douche to you, you got more than one person on your side. Kasama ako do'n."

I still felt guilty though despite his assurances. Lhyle has a tendency to mask his true feelings. I must have stared at him for too long dahil hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at pinisil 'yon. It seemed to say, Don't worry, I got your back.

I couldn't help but smile at that. Naibsan ang nararamdaman kong pag-aalala for him. He really knows me damn too well. Sometimes, it makes me wonder how people can know someone so well. It's too precious.

"Thank you," I mumbled with all my heart.

"Basta 'pag sinaktan ka, sabihin mo agad," Lhyle said with a chuckle.

#

Everything was progressing nice and good. Maayos na sa mga kaibigan ko, sa mga kapatid at pinsan ko na lang talaga. Knowing them, dahan-dahan dapat ang approach. Kapag binigla ko kasi ay baka lalo silang magalit?

Maybe in my upcoming debut, I can open up the topic of dating. Legal na ako no'n. Hindi na nila pwedeng ipambiro sa 'kin ang dahilan na bata pa ako. Mm.

Speaking of debut, Mom was doing all the preparations kasama si Tita Pauline. Matagal nang nakuha ni Tita Pauline ang measurements ko for the gown kaya baka malapit na rin matapos ang pagtahi doon. Okay na rin daw ang venue and invitations. Bale iilang mga detalye na lang ang kulang.

It's January now. Ilang linggo na lang, it's going to be my debut. As much as I was excited, nalulungkot din ako. Gusto ko sanang kasama si Racel sa eighteen roses ko. Kaso imposible naman 'yon. That's asking for too much. Besides, sa pamilya ko pa lang yata ay puno na ang mga eighteen dances ko.

Katatapos ko lang sa klase. I was walking out of my Social Science period when I received a sudden call from Gian.

Huminto ako sa mga benches malapit sa Arts building at sinagot 'yon.

"Yo. Sa'n ka?" bati niya from the other end.

"School. Pauwi na."

"Tara dito."

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Saan?"

"Sa UPTC. Sa Gerry's kami."

"Kami? Sino kasama mo? Si Zoey?"

"Nasa bahay 'yon ngayon. Yung mga kupal ang nandito."

As soon as he said that, I heard the familiar voice of Kuya Onyx on the other end. Medyo muffled lang pero rinig kong tinatawag niya ang pangalan ko. Natawa ako.

"Wala ba kayong mga pasok?"

"Meron. Sus. Papapigil ba 'tong mga 'to? Tara."

"Sige. Sunod ako."

I could walk my way there pero swerte at may ka-block akong pupunta din doon kaya sinabay na niya ako sa kanya. The ride didn't even take long. Malapit lang naman kasi ang Intersci sa UP Town.

When I arrived, the dorks were already waiting for me. Nandoon sina Kuya Andrei, Kuya Jacob, Gian, Kuya Onyx and the twins. They waved a hand nung lumapit ako. Wow. Mukhang may mga nag-cutting classes ngayon, a? Lagot 'tong mga 'to kapag nahuli na naman.

"Tagal," bungad ni Kuya Jacob sabay turo sa pagkain. "Dig in."

The food was already served. Umupo na ako para sabayan sila. It was the same usual lunch. Bukod sa asaran nitong sina Gian at Kuya Onyx, wala namang bago. The afternoon was only disrupted when the Constello boys, Dash and Luis, came over to join us. As Luis approached the table, sabay akong siniko nina Kuya Paul at Mathev.

"Ayos. Pumapag-ibig," teased the older twin, grinning at me.

I fought the urge to lash out at them and decided to play it cool. Binati ko ang dalawa at inaya pang saluhan kami.

Sabay na ngumiti sina Dash at Luis at agad na kinausap ni Kuya Jacob tungkol sa slidefest next week. For the most part, nakikinig ako. But whenever I could, sumisimple din ako ng text kapag alam kong nasa iba ang attention ng mga katabi ko.

I told Racel about what was going on today. Mukhang busy din siya dahil matagal ang pasok ng mga replies niya. Last thing he told me ay may practice match sila ngayon kasama ng team niya.

"Wala ka namang girlfriend, 'di ba, tol?" Gian asked suddenly.

I looked up from my phone. He's asking Luis.

"Wala naman."

"O, sakto. Single din naman 'tong pinsan ko. Ayaw n'yo ba talaga?"

Here we go again. My forehead creased because of how uncomfortable this teasing was making me feel. Hindi talaga sila marunong huminto. I could butt in. Except hindi ako makasabat dahil mukhang seryoso si Gian sa tanong niya.

Umiling si Luis. Ngumisi naman si Dash Lim.

"Kilala ko kayo. Sa simula lang kayo ganyan. Ayoko masira samahan namin ni Mathev," Luis answered in that polite manner of his.

The boys nodded in understanding. May point naman. That's part of bro code, e. As much as possible, avoid dating someone from within the same sphere. Lalo na kung kapatid ng barkada mo. It works for some, but it's really tough and it can put strain to not only the relationship but the friendship as well.

Little by little, I was beginning to respect Luis.

Nung sinabi niya 'yon, nalipat na sa iba ang usapan ng boys. Hindi ko na namalayan ang oras. Napansin ko lang na halos isang oras na rin pala ang lumipas nang tumayo si Kuya Jacob at nagpaalam na.

"Uwi ka na? Sabay ako," I told him.

"Can't, sis. Andrei and I got somewhere to be. May susunduin pa kami."

"At sino 'yan?" Kuya Paul inquired with a knowing grin.

"Cari's friends, who else?" Kuya Jacob answered with a duh tone.

"You mean, Aaliyah Montevista?" sabi ko.

"Maybe." He shrugged.

Tumawa lang si Kuya Andrei.

"Sige. Mas unahin n'yo pa ang iba kaysa sa 'kin," I said, feigning hurt.

"'Wag ka nang magtampo. Luis can give you a ride. Four hours naman ang break n'yan ngayon," halakhak ni Mathev.

I sent the lass a pointed look.

"Don't be a heartbreaker, Javee. Samahan mo na. Matagal ang four hours. It's gonna be lonely," hirit pa ni Kuya Onyx.

"I can manage. Babalik ako sa school," Luis said to cut them off.

"Don't be ridiculous. Wala ang mga barkada mo ngayon, 'di ba? Just go with Javee. Basta hatid mo pauwi, a?" Kuya Jacob said.

The pressure was real. In the end, we had no choice but to cave in. Wala rin akong magawa dahil si Luis ang mismong pumayag. I really didn't want to offend him by acting so repulsed by it.

And so, we ended up alone habang nagsialisan na ang boys.

#

I strolled around the mall with Luis. Medyo awkward pa nga dahil we weren't really close to be doing this. There was this distance between us habang naglalakad. Parang hindi kami magkakilala. I looked behind.

Luis was walking around so casually, his eyes roaming around the mall. I think, although he was acting nice to me, medyo uncomfortable din siya sa nangyari. I slowed down so he could keep up with me.

Ngumiti ako in an apologetic way.

"Sorry talaga, ha. Bent na talaga ang boys na asarin tayo."

He smiled a little, his goodnatured one. "Okay lang. Sanay na ako sa kanila. But is this okay? Wala bang magagalit?"

I didn't understand at first what he was asking until it dawned on me after a full second.

Actually, I texted Racel about this kanina. Syempre hindi siya natuwa but I had little choice in the matter. Bukod sa ayaw kong magtaka sina Kuya, ayoko rin namang maging disrespectful kay Luis. He trusts me, 'yon ang huling sinabi ni Racel. Hindi na siya nakapag-reply pa kasi busy din naman 'yon sa acads at council matters niya.

Later, then.

"Wala naman siguro," I replied.

Luis nodded. "So what do you wanna do? Uwian mo na, 'di ba? Hindi mo naman ako kailangan samahan ng buong 4 hours. Hatid na kita sa inyo?"

"Um," I considered it. Tempting but that would make me too eager to leave his presence. Luis was a nice guy. Nakakahiya kung bigla na lang akong aalis. "Ice cream na lang tayo? Need ko rin kasi umuwi nang maaga. Mag-uusap pa kami ni Mom about sa debut."

Tumango si Luis. We grew silent for minutes habang naghahanap kami ng magandang ice cream parlour. Puno yung iba to my dismay. Kaya doon na lang kami sa St. Marc tumambay.

Medyo nakakahiya nga. He even paid for my dessert.

"Mag-de-debut ka pa lang pala?" he asked when we settled down.

"Yup. Punta kayo ha. Bigay ko na lang kay Mathe yung invitations n'yo."

"Sure. Let us know when," he responded. "We have a gig pala ulit next week. Pupunta ba kayo?"

"Where ba?"

"Sa Filinvest."

"'That's the slidefest, right?"

He nodded his head. "I think some of your cousins will go. Ikaw ba?"

"'Di 'ko sure. I'll coordinate with Mathe siguro."

Surprisingly, it was a light conversation. Kapag pala wala ang mga kupal, magaan naman pala kasama 'tong si Luis. We finished the desserts in no time and then hinatid niya ako pauwi.

I of course objected. Kaso sabi niya,

"Your brothers will murder me if I leave you alone. Hatid na kita."

Dahil pinapauwi na rin ako ni Mom, I relented.

#

"'Nak, may gagawin ka ba?" Mom asked me as soon as I arrived home. "And whose car was that?"

"Friend ni Mathe, hinatid lang po ako," sagot ko while I was removing my shoes.

"Nililigawan ka?"

"'Di po, a!"

Mom laughed knowingly. "Okay. Bihis ka muna. Galing dito Tita Pauline mo. We need your thoughts para sa debut."

I nodded and went upstairs. Saktong nagpapalit ako ng damit when a new text message came in. Thinking it was from Racel, nagmadali akong basahin 'yon.

Unregistered number:

Papi is badtrip. 'Di man lang tumagal sa practice. What did you do?

Natigilan ako. Wait, what?

Me:

Who's this?

Unregistered number:

Ouch. It's JJ. Justin!

Me:

Mercedez?

Unregistered number:

Yup

Me:

You have my number pala

Unregistered number:

I had it for a while na. Stole it from someone's phone and that someone happens to be badtrip rn.

Me:

Racel? Bakit daw?

I programmed his name on my phone.

Justin Mercedez:

Idk. I thought you know?

I didn't reply anymore. Justin was saying na bad mood ngayon si Racel. Did something happen?

Worried, I hastily called him via Facetime.

He picked up at the second ring. When his face showed up on my screen, I realized how exhausted he looked. His hair was in a mess while there was this vague frown on his face. I felt the urge to run my fingers through his unkempt locks.

"Hey, you look tired. Is this a good time?" I asked.

Tumango siya. "How was your day?"

"'Yun. Ayos naman. Umuwi rin ako kaagad."

"You're with that boy, sabi mo."

"Yeah. Nagyaya lang siya for their gig next week."

"You have a date again?" he said in bewilderment.

At his tone, I immediately realized what he was thinking.

"It's not a date. Kasama din sina Kuya do'n. Tell me not to go and I won't."

He sighed. "I don't think I can still do this."

My heartbeat sped up. What? What did he mean?

"You want to end us?" gulat kong tanong.

Kumunot ang noo ni Racel at mukhang nabigla din siya sa 'kin.

"What? You want us to end?"

Umiling ako. "Sabi mo . . . "

"I meant this." He gestured the space between us. "I meant to ask. Hindi naman sa minamadali kita but I just want to know. Are we exclusive?"

Tumango ako. "Unless may iba kang gustong i-date?"

"Walang iba. I just want to know what we are, where we stand, where we're going."

"Wala din namang iba. Ikaw lang." Hindi ko nasagot ang iba niyang tanong. Kahit ako ay hindi ko alam kung san kami papunta.

Racel sighed again, this time heavier. "I think that boy likes you."

"Hindi naman."

"He does. I saw how he looked at you."

"Hindi nga, I swear. Luis is just nice. Maybe you misunderstood lang yung nakita mo sa bar."

"You're even siding with him." That wasn't a question but a statement. Racel placed his fingers on his forehead to massage it.

"Hindi naman sa gano'n," dali-dali kong sinabi so he wouldn't get the wrong idea. "Sinasabi ko lang yung totoo. Look, I'll finish the gig lang. There won't be next time. Sasabihin ko na sa kanya ang totoo about us if it will make you feel better. Promise."

He looked back up to me, frustration evident on his face. Were we . . . Were we having a misunderstanding? Hindi ako sanay. Ayoko sana. We've had our fair share of misunderstandings not too long ago. Ayoko sanang sayangin ang oras sa pag-aaway lang.

"I'm sorry talaga. 'Di na mauulit," I said and added when he didn't answer, "Baby, hey. Say something."

In that infinitesimal second, I saw his eyes widen in surprise. Then a slow smile took over his lips. "So that's how it feels like to hear you say it."

"And you'll hear more of it. Just don't get mad at me?" I gave him my best puppy look.

"I'm not mad. Just . . . jealous," he said the last part na sobrang hina kaya muntik ko nang 'di marinig. "I'm sorry if I'm being too demanding here. I'm just going nuts at the thought na may iba kang kasama tapos kayong dalawa lang."

I stared at him for a long while, dozens of emotions needling through me in a dizzying speed. Ayaw na ayaw kong makita siyang ganito. Gusto ko siyang puntahan ngayon, gusto ko siyang yakapin. I wanted so bad to comfort him and it sucked that I had to settle with this screen between us.

"I'm only yours, okay? 'Wag mo nang isipin yung iba. Eventually, everyone will know about us. By then, we don't need to hide," I assured him.

Hindi ko alam kung may nakakatawa ba sa sinabi ko but Racel suddenly chuckled.

"Dapat lang," he said fondly, "panindigan mo ako."

#

A week rolled so quickly and before I even noticed it, gig na naman ng Constello. This band was climbing up the social ladder smooth and fast. Hindi na ako magtataka kung after a few years, nakakontrata na sila sa isang music firm. They deserve the big break after all.

Since hapon pa naman 'yon, nagpunta muna ako kina Tita Pauline para pag-usapan yung debut. Masyado yatang grand ang pinaplano nila dahil four sets ng heels ang pinapasukat niya sa 'kin. Was I going to change outfits four times?

She kept me busy the entire morning kaya come afternoon, kinailangan pa akong sunduin ni Kuya Paul para maitakas sa overly-excited niyang mommy.

Dumating kami sa Filinvest around late afternoon. Sakto lang dahil pasimula na ang night event. Marami nang tao by this time. Maaga kasing nagbukas ang slides. So many people were lined up to try them out lalo na ang foam slides kaya mabuti na lang hindi ko rin naisipan na subukan 'yon. I doubt my brothers would, too. They're merely here for the party.

"Yo, ba't ngayon lang kayo?" Kuya Onyx asked us.

"Mama stole her," sagot ni Kuya Paul.

Nilingon ko silang lahat and noticed that one of the boys were missing. "Wala pa si Kuya Jacob?"

"Susunod na lang daw 'yon."

Hm. Nasaan kaya 'yon? In his true De Villa fashion, I bet he'll come in late again. Lagi na lang.

The moment the night event began, cheers filled the open space. Constello started their gig with their usual stunt, an excellent combination of guitar and drum play. Kinanta nila ang isa sa mga original songs na si Andrew pa ang nag-compose: One Week Heaven.

I rather liked the song. Ballad rock kasi ito at tungkol sa unrequited love.

They finished after a few songs and then, some performers took over. Nag-e-enjoy na ang boys dahil marami-rami rin ang mga kakilala nilang nagpunta ngayon. I was mostly taken by the food trucks. Umiikot-ikot ako para subukan ang iilan sa mga 'yon.

"Maraming tao. 'Di ka dapat lumayo sa iba," someone said from behind habang um-o-order ako.

I turned over my shoulder and saw Luis grinning at me.

"I'm not a kid, you know," I said with a smile.

After ordering, we were moving through the sea of people to get back to the boys. Medyo mahirap dahil makapal ang tao. Luis grabbed my arm to steady me nang mabunggo ako ng isang lalaki. I collided with him and he used his body to shield me from another wave of people. Marami-dami kasi ang nakalinya sa food truck na 'to.

We struggled through the people. When we found a safe space, everything went like a blur. May sinabing joke si Luis kaya tumawa ako. Then suddenly, may sigaw akong narinig.

"Get your hands off my sister!"

Kuya Jacob came storming to us and immediately punched Luis in the face. I yelled in surprise. Luis didn't fall to the ground pero nagtinginan na sa amin ang mga tao.

"Kuya, what the fuck?!" sabi ko.

Galit na pumagitan sa amin si Kuya Jacob. Luis was confusedly rubbing the spot where my brother hit him. That's gonna bruise. Shit.

"Gago ka pala, pare. I thought you were decent pero hindi pala."

"What are you talking about?" Luis replied.

"Tangina. I'm taking it back. Layuan mo na si Javee. Akala ko matino ka!"

In that moment, dumating sa amin sina Mathev, Gian at Kuya Paul na nalilito rin sa nangyayari.

"What the fuck is happening here?" bulalas ni Mathev.

May sinabi si Kuya Jacob na hindi ko masyadong maintindihan. Something about a girl Luis kissed. I didn't get it much 'cause I felt so humiliated by then. Blood rushed through my ears as my pulse pounded in anger and shame. Lalo pang dumoble nang nagmura ulit ang kapatid ko.

I snapped.

"KUYA! STOP! Nakakainis na!" I screamed. "You wanted me to hang out with Luis and now I am, sasaktan n'yo siya? Kahit sino ba hindi pwede? You're so unfair. Nakakasakal na kayo. Nasasakal ako sa inyo!"

The boys looked taken aback.

"Javee, you don't understand," my brother tried to say.

"No, stay away from me," I said sharply. "Luis. Let's go."

#

I was breathing heavily as I got into the car. Hiyang hiya ako kay Luis. Tangina.

"Sorry dahil sa 'kin nag-away pa kayong magkapatid," Luis began in the cold silence.

"They're being asses," I said through gritted teeth.

"They're being your brothers."

I stared at him incredulously. Was he for real? Pinagtatanggol niya pa si Kuya na nanuntok sa kanya?

"Kaninong side ka ba talaga?"

He laughed humorlessly. "Don't get me wrong. I'm bummed. Pero naiintindihan ko naman saan nanggagaling si Jacob. He probably saw me with my cousin yesterday. Akala niya siguro girlfriend ko. He thinks I'm probably not serious with you."

Huminga ako nang malalim, trying to make sense of what he just said. So that's why. Kaya siguro may binabanggit na babae si Kuya kanina. But even still, nakakainis na basta basta siyang nang-aaway!

I took a deep breath. While we're at this, I'd make good on my promise with Racel na rin.

"I hate that they're doing this. Mang-aasar sila tapos magkakaganyan sila. Besides, I can't do this with you. May iba akong gusto," sabi ko in a low voice.

"Alam ko naman 'yon. I just thought I should let you know. Kakaasar kasi nila sa 'kin, nagka-crush na tuloy ako sa 'yo."

Hoshet. Lalo akong na-gui-guilty ngayon!

"Sorry talaga."

"No, it's okay. Mild attraction lang din naman and I meant it when I said ayokong magkaproblema kami ni Mathev. Who's the lucky guy anyway?"

"Si Racel," I said.

"Racel Gutierez?" His eyes widened. "Kaya pala. Akala ko wala lang pero kaya pala lagi ka niyang tinitingnan kanina. Your brothers don't know yet?"

"'Di ko pa sinasabi."

"I'll keep your secret, then. If I can't be someone you like, I can be a friend. Just text me if you need someone to talk to," he said in the warmest voice ever.

Now I knew why so many people stan this boy so much. Hindi lang siya gentleman. He's also very thoughtful.

I smiled appreciatively. "Thank you."

#

Dumiretso ako sa kwarto pag-uwing pag-uwi ko. Hindi pa rin ako maka-get-over sa nakakahiyang ginawa ni Kuya!

I was brooding so bad. God, I felt so irritated.

A couple of hours later, a knock sounded at my door. I didn't even have to guess. Alam ko na kung sino 'yon.

Ha. No way. I refused to open the door habang galit pa ako.

But after a few more knocks, bumigay din ako. I grumpily opened the door to find my brother there, smiling sheepishly as he lifted my favorite Banapple cake.

"Akala 'ko magdamag mo akong 'di papansinin."

"Go away, Kuya. Naiinis pa ako sa 'yo."

Ngumuso siya. "Can I come in? I brought a peace offering naman."

"Seriously. Can't you let a day pass na 'di tayo nagkakabati?"

"You know I can't," mabilis niyang sagot. "Turo 'yan ni Dad."

He was right, of course. Despite myself, I caught myself opening the door for him. He went straight for my bed and sat down on it.

Umupo ako sa stool na katabi non.

"I'm sorry about earlier, sis. Mali ako doon."

"'Di ka dapat sa 'kin mag-sorry, you know."

"Yeah." He ran a hand through his hair. "Nag-usap na kami ni Luis. I didn't know na pinsan niya 'yon. They looked so intimate and I guess I saw red lang. I thought he was playing you. God, now I feel so dumb."

"Kuya, you can't keep on doing that to just everyone."

"I know. But you can't blame me, sis. I haven't been a good boy. I'm just worried na bumalik sa 'yo ang mga ginagawa namin."

Like he usually does, he grabbed the vanilla tub sitting on my side table. He took a portion and rubbed it on his hands.

"Kaya nga you should stop. Stop being a play boy. And I'm not a kid anymore. I can handle myself."

He gave me a small smile. Wala siyang sinagot don.

"Anyway, do you really like him? Pinagtanggol mo siya sa 'kin, e."

"Kasi sinapak mo siya. I feel so guilty nga. You broke his lip then I broke his ego afterward. Magkapatid nga tayo."

"You rejected him?" he asked in surprise.

"Not rejected per se, pero parang gano'n?"

"Damn. We are so bad, aren't we?" He let out a small laugh.

"Pero Kuya ha. No more feuds over me. Please," I pleaded.

"No promises. I'm your kuya. It's my job to be overprotective."

Ngumuso ako dahilan para tumawa siya. Silence reigned over us after.

"What happened to the coconut one?" He was referring to the shea butter lotion.

"Nagsawa na ako."

"That's good. 'Wag ka nang babalik doon."

I lifted a brow. "Since when did you care about my products, aber?"

He rolled his eyes. "I can smell it miles away, Javee. Of course I care."

"What's wrong with coconut?"

"Reminds me of someone."

"Sino?"

"Basta. Ano? Are we okay?" He raised his fist for a fist bump.

I bumped mine with him, smiling, "Yeah, we're okay."

'Di pa rin talaga nagtapos ang araw na ito nang hindi kami nagkakaayos. Gano'n naman talaga, e. We fight with our siblings a lot. Then, we make up. Sana lang, by the time na malaman niya ang tungkol sa amin ni Racel, ganito pa rin. We'd fight over it and then by the end of the day, we'd come around and make up. Like we always do.

He's my brother. I was hoping so bad he'd understand.