Cari Ramirez

We set out early in the morning the next day. Andrei was loading my things into the car habang inaantok pa at nagkukusot ng mga mata niya si Geon.

"You can stay. Sleep some more," I told him as he got into the car.

"And let you thirdwheel me? Dream on," he answered but he was already reclining the seat and covering his eyes with an arm.

Little kid.

I rolled my eyes and climbed into the passenger's seat. Andrei was done depositing my things too and took his place in the driver's seat. Unlike Geon, he looked okay. No hint of drowsiness on his face whatsoever but he had a can of coffee in his hand.

"Where to?" he asked me. After he put the coffee down, he donned on his grey hoodie and then he started the engine.

"Let's eat breakfast first. Kakain daw muna sila before we begin," sagot ko na tinanguan niya lang.

We ate breakfast somewhere on the road kung saan uminom nang uminom ng maraming coffee 'tong si Geon. Then we met the couple afterward. Ma'am Danica and Sir Dino were pleasant to work with. They were young, mas matanda lang sa 'kin by 7 years, but they were good friends of my father.

It wasn't surprising why they ended up together. They were both engaging, cooperative, and had good stories to tell kaya nalilibang sina Geon at Andrei habang nagtatrabaho ako.

We took several casual photos at different tourist spots here in Baguio, to mimic and reflect how they first met here.

Nang matapos kami sa Botanical Garden, doon lang kami tumulak papuntang Pines Event Venue. Katulad ng garden, puro puno rin doon but there were also Greek-inspired structures there that we could use as backdrops as well.

While I was operating the drone and taking a sweeping shot of the venue, Andrei approached me. At the gazebo a distance away, Geon was busy animatedly chatting with the couple who was currently resting with some refreshments. After two mugs of coffee, that boy was alive and ready to play na. Kung ano-ano siguro ang sinasabi niya, dahil tawa nang tawa ang dalawa.

"Do you want your own picture?" Andrei asked me, watching my controller with curious fascination.

"For what?" I asked without looking at him.

"Behind the scenes. I don't know what you call it."

"'Di naman ako ikakasal. No need to take my photos today."

"You look great today though. Sayang naman."

I had to look at myself. I was wearing a casual button down shirt and beige trousers. Simple at pormal para sa okasyon. Nothing special about it.

I heard someone whistle. "Three points for Andrei," Geon was saying, already walking back to us and pretending to shoot a ball in the air. Iniwan na pala niya yung dalawa.

We both ignored his comment. Geon was silently snickering.

I considered what Andrei was offering. Tapos na 'kong kumuha ng videos pero mukhang malalim pa ang kwentunan nina Miss Danica at Sir Dino. "Okay, just one shot."

I called back the drone and secured it safely. Then I grabbed my DSLR and passed it over to Andrei.

Kanina, naituro ko na sa kanila kung paano gamitin yung dials at settings but I reminded him in case. When I was sure that the settings were correct, I walked several steps forward before facing the camera.

Geon was behind him, hands in his hoodie, watching us with a grin.

Andrei lifted the camera. "Smile," he said, pressing his eye to the viewfinder.

I made a simple pose. Nasa likuran ko ang kahabaan ng venue at kita roon ang Greek-inspired buildings at mga ulap sa di kalayuan.

It took him a few seconds before he pressed the shutter.

After the camera clicked, I walked back to him and took the camera. One look at him told me he was curious and waiting for my feedback.

I stifled a grin. Well, he was cute.

I checked the photo. Hmm. It wasn't that bad but it wasn't that flattering either. Nakuha naman ang dapat makuha but there was too much space below.

"Geon, pumunta ka nga ro'n." Tinuro ko yung pwesto kung saan ako nanggaling.

"Huh? Why? I don't want a photo," maarteng sagot niya.

"Basta. Dalian mo."

Geon, looking like the confused dork that he was, followed and did as I told. He didn't know what to do so he only stood there like an idiot.

Snickering at him, I snapped my attention back to Andrei. Pinalapit ko siya sa 'kin.

"Look. See here. This is how you do it."

Binalik ko sa kanya ang camera at nilipat 'yon sa live preview. I held Andrei's hand and guided him how to use it so he get the right and best flattering angle for the subjects.

When I noticed he was looking at me and not at the camera, I made a gesture with my face, silently telling him to focus. For a short second, our gaze met. Then he got the message because his eyes flicked down to the live preview right away, his adam's apple bobbing up and down.

Nilingon ko si Geon na kunot-noo lang kaming pinapanood.

"Smile, kid," I called out.

Geon looked confused but he tried his best. He gave a wide grin, tipping his chin up and raising two fingers for a peace sign. 'Di ko alam why he was pretending to be innocent when he was used to getting his photos taken naman.

There was a click and then the shot was taken. Geon's picture showed up on the display.

"See? That looks better, di ba? More focus on the subject and the background, than the ground. It also accentuates his tall height further."

Andrei was nodding, his eyes alternating between me and the photo. "How did you learn this?"

"Self-taught lang. It gets easier once you know the basics. If you find steadying it with your hands difficult, you can use the gimbal or the tripod."

A slow, appreciative smile danced onto his face. "Okay. Teach me more. I wanna take better photos of you."

I furrowed my brows at him, amused. "Take it easy, tiger. It will take some getting used to."

"Still. It's better to learn from the master. I don't know shit about photography and filming."

"Anong master? I'm not a professional yet. Easy lang, we'll get there," I replied with a light tone.

"Hey, okay na ba? Nandito pa ko, amputa. Stop forgetting me!" Geon complained, now frowning like a kid.

At the distance, I heard Ma'am Danica and Sir Dino laughing as they made their way over to us.

Andrei only smirked at Geon. 'Di ko na pinansin ang pagrereklamo niya at bumalik na kagad sa trabaho. I handed Andrei my spare camera while I worked with the couple again.

While I was taking several snaps, palinga-linga lang si Geon at pinag-aaralan kung ano ang mga ginagawa ko. Andrei was moving around now, taking behind-the-scenes photos and videos of us. Sa kalagitnaan, nainip na si Geon at nakisali. He was now holding the reflector to help me get better shots.

In the end, they proved to be right. Nakatulong sila sa 'kin dahil napabilis at maganda ang kinalabasan ng results. I managed to take good shots and videos for the couple. Post-processing na lang ang matitira.

They looked grateful and content with the results, too. Which made me feel good and validated as well.

Sa sobrang tuwa ko sa nangyari, I treated them both to dinner once we separated from Ma'am Danica and Sir Dino.

Kumakain pa ang dalawa. I was done with my food now so I took out my spare camera to review the photos that Andrei captured earlier.

Nang mapansin niya 'yon, Andrei stopped eating to wait for my feedback while Geon was unbothered, busy devouring his dinner like he was exhausted and starving kahit kaunti lang naman ang ginawa niya kanina.

After checking several videos, I laughed. "Jesus, you're right. You don't know a thing about taking videos."

Andrei shrugged his shoulders. "I told you. You have to teach me."

My forehead creased as I checked each one. Halos lahat ng photos, naka-zoom sa mukha ko. Kaunti lang halos ang kuha ng clients ko doon. Kung may kuha man sila, that was because I was also in the frame.

"Bakit halos naka-zoom lahat?" I asked him, turning off the camera now. Pa-lowbatt na 'yon.

"You were beautiful. I wanted the camera to capture that perfectly well. Did I?" Simple lang ang pagkakasabi niyang 'yon, wala namang meaning behind the words, pero napatingin sa 'min at nag-angat ng kilay si Geon.

"He knows how to compliment," I responded as a joke, pretending I wasn't seeing Geon's curious and questioning glances.

"I'm generous with my honesty," Andrei replied to that with a casual shrug like he wasn't doing anything strange.

I caught the implication of his answer and decided to throw it back to him. "In other words, ganyan ka sa lahat."

He lifted his brows. "Is that wrong?"

"'Di naman."

See? He didn't even bother denying that. I was right. With that kind of personality and that kind of face, girls must fall for him a lot.

For his charms and politeness, this guy was hiding a certain danger up his sleeves after all.

Ngumingisi-ngisi si Geon nang magpaalam sa 'min para pumunta sa restroom. I dropped the topic. But Andrei wasn't done yet.

"Ikaw, ganyan ka sa lahat?" Andrei asked when Geon was out of earshot.

"What ako sa lahat?" Wala na sa kanya ang atensyon ko. I was putting the camera back inside the bag na.

"Do you smile like that to everyone?"

"What smile? I smile at the people I'm comfortable with. Even at strangers."

"Wag."

I raised an inquisitive brow at him. "Anong wag?"

"Basta wag."

I couldn't follow his line of thought. "You're asking not to smile?"

His eyes were intent on mine. Seryoso siya sa sinasabi niya despite that relaxed amused look on his face. "No. I'm saying don't smile like that to everyone."

"Like what?" nalilitong tanong ko.

"Like you're luring them to fall for you."

Natigilan ako doon. When did I ever do that?

And did that really come out of his mouth just now?

I smirked, tilting my head. "Napano ka? I can't believe you're saying that."

He seemed amused now. His expression looked like he was challenging what I said. "I can't?"

Umiling ako. "I don't know what you mean. I smile the same to everyone."

"That sucks then."

I raised a brow, urging him to explain. Siya naman 'tong ngumisi sa 'kin.

"I thought by being friends with Geon, I'll at least earn a privileged spot in your attention."

"Psh. Mas lalo tayong aasarin if you let anyone hear that."

"Wala naman akong problema kung aasarin tayo. Ikaw lang siguro ang meron."

"Wala rin akong problema," I responded firmly.

"Good." His voice was light, full of suppressed laughter.

"Good."

Despite myself, I loosened up na rin. That was his charm, I suppose. He could easily get under your skin no matter how thick your defenses were.

If that was good or not remained to be seen.

***

After eating dinner together, we went back to our accommodation. We had a few drinks to celebrate our success but the kid in Geon got tired fast and excused himself after a few can of beers.

Buong araw siyang inaantok so that wasn't even a surprise. Kami ni Andrei ang naiwan sa balcony. I was sitting on the railing, facing the lights below, while he was beside me, his arms leaning on the railing too.

We weren't talking. There was no music, even. Silence was stretching between us but it felt good and comfortable. Like there were words in the space between us, and this was our own way of communication too.

A few minutes later, he took the empty can in my hand. Umalis na siya sa gilid ko.

I let him, thinking he was going to sleep. Maybe he was tired na rin. After all, I made him go around running errands for me.

Tumingin ako sa langit. The stars were flickering. I thought back to what happened in the day. Geon being so silly but helpful. Andrei being thoughtful and responsible. Me doing what I loved the most.

I couldn't help but grin.

Salamat sa dalawang 'to, I had so much fun. My work felt like a holiday kahit nakakapagod at 'di biro ang pag-iisip na ginawa ko kanina. It didn't even feel like work.

I was starting to get used to this—to get used to the idea of us three. Somehow, along the way, we found balance in each other. In our odd mix, there was a good friendship blooming.

I let out a fulfilled sigh, a dangerous thought hovering in my head.

Suddenly, a warm blanket draped over my shoulders. Napalingon ako kay Andrei na nag-aabot na ng bagong can sa 'kin.

I took it, muttering a quiet thanks. He opened his with a pop and took a gulp.

Pinapanood ko ang tahimik at kalmado niyang mukha habang ginagawa niya 'yon. I was still fixated on the idea I was entertaining.

"What if we go to Sagada na rin?" I asked tentatively, watching his reaction to my offer.

He didn't seem all that surprised pero binaba niya ang iniinom niya at nilingon ako.

"I thought you don't wanna cut classes?"

"Minsan lang naman. Two days or so won't hurt. Tsaka it's gonna be Christmas soon. Take it as Geon's advance gift."

He smiled at that. "It's fascinating how much you adore him so much. I wonder if I should be envious."

"Of course. Ganyan lang ako d'yan but I love that dork like he's my own brother." I added, eyeing him expectantly, "So, what do you think? You wanna go?"

He released a soft chuckle. Nahulog nang bahagya yung blanket sa balikat ko. Bago ko pa maibalik 'yon, he already reached out to put it back but he was careful not to touch my exposed skin.

"You're really unpredictable. I'm not even surprised anymore," he told me.

"Siguro dapat masanay ka na."

"Yeah," he answered before returning to the topic at hand. "Okay, let's hit the road. Have you packed up?"

Wow. Ang bilis kausap. 'Di na rin ako nagulat sa sagot niya. He looked exactly the type to be down for anything too, kahit gaano pa ka-spontaneous 'yon.

"Yeah, I'm good to go anytime. You think we can buy a tent somewhere?"

"What for?"

"For Kiltepan?"

"Ah, no need. I brought some."

Holy chic. What?

"Seriously? Why?"

I was amazed. Gano'n siya ka-prepared sa lahat ng bagay? I had clear view of him na. I knew he was always on the go but I didn't realize it was to this extent.

"In case you change your mind."

My brow arched. Ha. "Oh? Who's the unpredictable one now? You didn't even try convincing me but you were prepared," I teased.

'Di siya natinag ng pagbibiro ko. He casually drank from his beer again, taking his eyes away from me to look at the lights below. "I guess I just knew, that somehow you'd change your mind."

"Birds of the same feathers flock together, huh."

He skirted a lingering glance at me. "Maybe it means I'm getting to know you better." Before I could respond to that, he added, "Let's wake him. We can go now."

Pumihit ako so that I was sitting facing him now. Seryoso siya sa sinabi niya, 'di man lang naiisip ang pagod na kahaharapin niya.

It was past eleven. I was sure he was tired lalo na't wala pa siyang maayos na tulog.

"Now na kagad? We can go tomorrow morning. You need to get some rest. It's gonna be a long drive."

"I'm fine. I can drink coffee along the way."

The wind blew over us then. I pressed a hand to my hair to keep it from splaying out all over my face.

I frowned. "You sure?"

"I'm sure."

That thought didn't sit well with me. Just this day alone, he already had three cups of coffee to stay awake. That much caffeine wasn't healthy to anyone.

"Ayoko. Get some rest. We can go after a few hours. Geon needs to pack up too."

"You don't trust my driving?" he asked with a raised brow, now teasing.

"I do. But you've been tired from helping me all day and I just want you to rest."

"You're concerned for me din pala? That's nice to know."

I darted him a weird look.

"I'm not cold, Andrei. I don't know what kind of impression I gave you before but I care. I know how to care."

Mukhang natauhan siya sa sinabi ko. He easily put two and two together. "You heard us last night?"

"Yes."

"You should've joined us then. Why didn't you?"

"'Di na. Nag-eenjoy naman kayo sa bromance n'yo."

Umihip ulit ang hangin at nanginig ako sa pagtama n'on sa balat ko. It was getting colder now.

Andrei moved closer, grabbed the ends of the blanket, and draped it tighter around my body. His sudden closeness and the sudden feel of his warmth on my exposed skin made me take a sharp breath.

"You're part of the friendship now, Cari. Don't be so quick to exclude yourself," he murmured before taking a step back again. Like the gentleman he was, he never intruded on my personal space for too long.

"I know," I answered, trying to forget that strange reaction he got out of me. "And this new friend of yours want you to rest now if we're gonna leave tomorrow." I jumped out of the railing, embracing myself with the wool blanket. "Take a nap or something. Let's wake up around four na lang."

"Okay. See you later," he said with a nod, raising his can of beer to me.

I grabbed my own and clinked it with his.

"Later. Goodnight," I said, finishing my beer in long gulps.

"Goodnight."

That was the last of that conversation, and then I headed back to my room.

Before I could sleep though, I kept repeating his acts of service today and how I reacted strangely to them. Ayokong bigyan ng meaning. Maybe I just was tired.

Or maybe I was just grateful.

Whatever it was, I shouldn't dwell on it.

Without meaning to, however, I fell asleep with his smile on my mind.

***

Author's Note:

Thoughts? Promise, feel good lang 'to. Haha