"Go Laura! Woo! Kaklase ko 'yan!"

I shut my eyes, taking a deep breath. My friends specially Gwen has been cheering me the whole time. We are at our covered court and they are supposed to do practice. But when their teacher saw us, candidates practicing. She let them watch us.

And that sucks!

We're now dancing to a song which have cute dances. I don't even dance! Then they have this cute dance choreography!

"Go candidate 12! Woo! Milendez lang malakas!" Gwen cheered. Clapping and punching her fist in the air.

I sigh in relief as the music ended. I move away from our ending position. Which is me sitting on my partners thigh. His right knee, kneeling in the ground while I sit on his left thigh.

I brush some strands on my hair back as it irritates my face. I wipe the part between my upper lips and nose using my hanker chief.

"Miss Laura pa autograph naman po!" Gwen shout. I sigh, I walking towards their direction chuckling a bit.

"Hoy dali! Picturan niyo kami!" Tobi said as he gave Jax his phone. He went to my side posing.

I just stared at him, confused while Jax take our picture.

When got Jax captured the picture Tobi immediately walk at her side grabbing her phone.

"Ay sayang, next time Miss Laura naka smile na dapat." He said making me laugh.

"Oo nga! Smile ka naman! Kanina ka pa namin pinapanood hindi ka nangiti." Gwen said. I pouted, looking at her.

"No need.. this is a money contest. Not a real pageant." I said while slowly stroking my hair.

"Kahit na, diba parang mas maganda na I-feel mo talaga yung pag rampa mo?" Lory said and I just shrugged.

"Hoy oo nga pala! Ang laki ng pera na nalikom sa classroom." Tobi said..

My brows furrowed. "Magkano?" I asked.. he pull out his phone from his pocket before reading something from it.

"3121 pesos." Ani niya at tumango ako.

Gwen clapped her hands. "Hoy malaki na 'yun! Atin atin lang magkakaklase 'yon. Wala pang pinamimigay na sobre para ipamigay sa magulang." Gwen said smiling. I smiled back and nodded.

"Laura.." I look at Lory's side raising both of my eyebrows.

"Kamusta yung ka partner mo?" She ask.. my brows furrowed and look around trying to find my consort.

When I can't see him I look back at her.

"Si Franco?" I confusedly ask.. she pouted,pointing at a side using her lips.

"Yes." She said, my brows furrowed as I saw Franco across the court talking with the other consorts.

"Okay lang naman..why did you ask?" I said looking at her, confused.

She shrug. "Wala naman.. just asking." She said and I nodded.

"Just asking ka jan?! Ang sabihin mo, crush mo si Fran-

"No! Yuck! Hell nah! Kadiri 'no!" She immediately cut Gwen off. Making us burst into laughter.

"Grabe ka sa kadiri, pinsan ni Ali 'yon!" Tobi said.

Yes..Franco is Ali's cousin. They are year apart but Franco is at our class. When Ali is here, they would talk sometimes. But since they have different set of friends. Different likes and dislikes, they don't really interact with each other.

"Ano naman?! Sapakin ko 'yang lalaking 'yan Eh!" Lory said aiming a punch in the air.

I chuckled. "Lory.. ang bad. Kapag sinapak mo si Franco, magkakapasa siya sa mukha. Or worse black eyes. Edi pangit siya sa coronation?" I said and Lory frown putting her first down.

"Eh kasi naman 'yang lalaking 'yan! Napaka yabang! Kala mo ang gwapo!" Lory said.. I look at my back, looking at Franco's direction.

"Eh gwapo naman talaga siya ah." I said and Tobi gasped.

"Oo nga! Tingnan mo pati si Laura na ga-gwapuhan kay Franco! Ako rin!" Tobi said and we all look at Tobi. Raising our eye brows.

"So crush mo na si Franco?" Jax teased. Tobi's eyes widened before making a disgusted face and pushing Jax.

"Yuck! Kadiri! Grrr! Hindi ah!" Tobi said and we started laughing.

"Tingnan mo! Pati ikaw nandidiri kay Franco." Gwen said.

"Hindi, hindi ako sa mukha niya nandidiri. Dun lang sa sinabi ni Jax." Tobi said pouting while glaring at Jax.

We were all startled as we hear the school bell rang.

"Candidates! Recess muna kayo!" Our instructor announced.

"Kasama tayo sa mag re-recess diba?" Gwen said and I nodded.

"Siyempre naman." I said and we started to walk towards the canteen.

The canteen is very crowded. Siksikan kami at halos maitulak ako ng ibang grade levels. Specially mga lalaki from higher grade. But when they saw me they would step back and let me go first.

I just brought turon and a buko juice. Because I'm not really feeling eating anything that heavy. Tho there are some spaghetti and sopas. But feeling to eat something than can make me full. But not that heavy.

So I have no choice.

Actually there is.. I can go out the gates and risk of getting detention just to buy other food from outside.

"Jusko! Muntik na akong mabubuan ng macaroni kanina." Gwen said as she is holding her banana cue and a biscuit on the other hand.

"Muntik lang sayo? Ako nga nabubuan na ng suka." Tobi coldly said, turning around.

My eyes widened and my mouth formed a little 'o' as I saw the stains on Tobi's white polo.

"Ay tangina! Ang asim mo Tobi! Sino nakabubo sa'yo?" Gwen ask..

"Ako ata.." Suddenly, Jax came out form nowhere. Holding a cup of kwek kwek.

She just smiling awkwardly while raising her hand. Tobi turn around.

"Dimunyo ka!" Tobi said making us burst into laughter.

"Hayaan mo na! At least may pabango kana." Gwen said before walking towards the benches.

We followed her from behind. We sat down across each other and started eating.

"Tobi.. kung magugustuhan mo si Franco. Naku! Support kayo ni Ali!" Gwen said, Tobi coldly look at him before making a disgusted face.

"Kadiri ka Gwen!" He said and we started laughing.

"Oh bakit?! Adik ang babaeng 'yon sa mpreg! Aba'y naniniwala na may uterus ang lalaki!" Gwen said, in her usual maniac tone.

She more sounded exaggerated than a maniac.

Lory clicked her fingers. "True! Kagabi nag-chat pa siya sa group chat mga 1am. Nagbasa pa daw siya ng mpreg." Lory said.

Gwen shake her head. "Immune na ang babaeng 'yon sa mpreg." Gwen said shaking her head.

"Ang tagal niya nila matapos ng practice ng banda kagabi. Mga 11:30pm natugtog pa sila sa plaza." Jax said. We shake our heads, some are clicking their tongue.

"Malapit na siyang kunin ni lord kung ganun siya, pagod, puyat. Tapos naniniwala na mabubuntis ang lalaki." Gwen said in a apologetic tone.

But that's what makes it funnier.

"Hoy bad! Katok kayo sa kahoy!" Jax said and started knocking on the table.

"Gaga! Semento 'yang table! Pintura lang mukhang kahoy!" Gwen said before walking towards the nearest tree and knocking. All of them followed what Gwen did.

But due to my tiredness I pick up a piece of stick from the ground and knock on it.

Recess ended and class resume. They go back directly to the classroom while I go back to the court to continue our practice.

By 12pm we were able to go home. As I arrived home lunch is already set up since I went home a little late than usual.

So me and Lola ate. Then after I finished I took some 15 minutes cat nap before getting ready to school.

By 1:30pm I arrived at school. Our practice resume by 2pm so I stayed at the court for 30 more minutes.

-

"Rest well everyone. 'Wag magpupuyat kung ayaw niyong pumangit kayo sa coronation." Our instructor said.

I didn't pay attention to other thing her said and I just fix my things and head out the court. My friend told me they have things to do. So that means.. Jiro will have to fetch me.

While walking I pull out my phone form my pocket and started typing to text Jiro. The moment I arrived at our school gate is the moment I finished typing and hit send.

I was just standing there for just few seconds when my phone beeped.

From Jiro:
Look at your left.

My brows furrowed and look at my left. To see him there smiling, looking at me. He slowly walk towards my direction. And when he arrived at my front he smiled again and reach from my backpack that I gave him immediately too.

"B-Bakit andito kana agad?" I ask, stuttering.

He chuckled and put my backpack on his shoulder.

"I was actually hoping that I can watch you. But seems that your practice ended already." He said and I slowly nodded.

"Yeah we always end by 5:30pm." I said and he nodded.

"Then I won't really be able to watch you practice. Our training ends by 5:30pm too." He said and I nodded.

"It's okay.. you can just watch the actual." I said and he gave me a faint smile.

"Yeah I wish I can." He sadly said. My brows furrowed as I see the frown on his face.

Hindi bagay ang naka-simangot sa kaniya. Hindi bagay na malungkot siya. I don't want seeing him sad for some reasons. It's like.. nahahawa ako at maski ako ay nalulungkot na rin.

"Why? Bakit parang malungkot ka?" I ask, peaking to see his face who's looking in front while I'm at his side.

He shake his head.

"Wala naman.. lets go. Let's get you home." He said before grabbing my hands walking towards a tricycle.

I'm just a short period of time I felt the warm of his hand that is enough to make my heart beat fast.

I went inside the tricycle and he entered next.

I still fell the heat on my cheeks as our thighs are touching each other since the tricycle is a bit small.

We arrived meter away form the house. But to my surprised he went out too.

"Oh? Sumakay ka na ulit." I said but he shake his head.

"May pupuntahan ako dito. Don't worry I won't ask you to pay for my fare. I got this." He said and I nodded..

"Well..bye..see you next time." I said and turn my back at him. It's just 3-4 steps I take when he suddenly calls me. I immediately look back at him and hum.

"Yes?" I ask.. he looked around before walking towards me.

When he arrived in front of me and our body is a span apart. My heart started beating fast.

"Uhm.. I know I'm just a lowlife. I won't be able to bring you in expensive restaurants here at our town. I can only give you tutors, help, protection, and uh.. simple foods.." he paused..

He took a deep breath. "But I want to court you, Laura. Can I?" My eyes widened and my lips parted.

"It's okay if you don't like me too. I know there's a lot of guys way better than me so.." he paused again smiling a bit.

I just stood there, shock.

"O-Oh.. I don't know what to say.. I-I.. sure! I'll let you court me! You're my suitor now." I said smiling his eyes widened before started jumping.

"So..expect that I'll fetch you in the morning at your hou-

"Oh no no! You don't need to do that. People at the house doesn't need to know that you're courting me." I cut him off, he squinted his eyes, looking at my confused.

"Diba parang mas maganda na alam nila? Ng parents or guardian mo." He said.

I pursed my lips. "Here's the thing Jiro.. my parents will probably won't like you. But I want to give you a chance." I said and he nodded..

"They'll probably not like me cause I'm just a low-

"Please stop saying that. Wealth is not important. Well yes money can buy you things. But money didn't the most important things in life, in love." I said and he looked shock for a moment.

"Wow.. okay.. then I'll just send you home then? Help you with things your need." He said and I nodded.

"Okay.. I need to go now. Bye.. and thank you for letting me be your suitor." He shyly said before walking away.

When I realized what just happened, my eyes widened and I immediately rush to the house. I went upstairs, to my room and put down my stuffs and immediately grab my phone.

I search for Ali's number and immediately dialed it. Just four rings and she answered.

"Oh-

"Ali! He's courting me now! Nanliligaw na siya!" I whispered scream.

"Okay hold the fuck down woman! Sino nagsabi? I mean, nag confirm ba siya? Nag paalam-

"Yes! Ali! Siya mismo nagsabi na manliligaw siya! Ali! I have a suitor now!" I silent squealed.. then I hear her laugh.

"Gaga! Edi sana all! Ang hba ng hair bhie, sana all! Anong shampoo mo?! Masubukan nga!" She said and I chuckled.

"Uh.. pure coconut oil." I said and I hear her laugh.

"Sige try ko.." she replied.

"Ali! I can't believe it! The guy I like is courting me!" I excitedly said.. then I hear her grunt.

"Oo na nga bhie! Ikaw na crush ng crush nila! Ikaw na nililigawan ng crush nila! Ikaw na!" She said and I laughed..

"Basta Laura.. 'wag ka masyadong aasa okay? Para kapag napagod siya at tumigil. Hindi ka gaano masasaktan." She said and I nodded, as if she can see it.

"Yes.. I will." I silently said.

"Oh, Laura I need to go. I'm having my early dinner now here at green bread. Bye!" She said and ended the call.

I put down my phone before flopping down on my bed and there I squirm.

I can't believe it! He's courting me! The fucking guy I like is courting me!

Days passed and Jiro has been very sweet. He's picking me up after school. Then almost every afternoon when he pick me up he would have a snack or anything I can eat.

He told me he doesn't want me getting hungry which actually worried me a bit. Where does he get the money he use to buy the foods?

Then he told me he work as his classmates tutor. Some also ask him to do some homework's and projects which he get paid good.

But as our coronation is getting closer as well as his game in Guinayangan. That's when we both found out that his game and my coronation is just in the same day.

Which both worried us. But mostly him, he wants to watch me but there's just a small chance he'll make it. We both estimated the time. He might finish his game by 2:30 pm. Then the boat he'll ride to go back here will leave by 3:00pm.And my coronation starts at 4pm.

"Okay..listen Laura. If I didn't make it in Friday. Remember that I'm happy for you for winning the crown." He said smiling.

Yeah, I won the money contest. Honestly I just feel bad. My parents let go of such big amount of money. But it's for school. And seeing mom happy to found out that I won and I'll be crowned makes me happy too.

Two days after and Jiro already left to go to Guinayangan for his game. While I'm here at a classroom here at our school. Make up artist doing my make up and hair.

Then I slip on my light pink gown and my silver shoes. I look at the clock. 3:35pm And is still haven't got any message from Jiro.

His last message was 2:46pm saying he won the game. And I've been holding my phone for almost an hour and I don't even know if he already ride the boat.

By 3:55pm we were called to the stage. As I do my walk, smile and look around. I see no trace of Jiro which makes me sad.

I saw my friends and classmates cheer for me. Which lighten my mood a bit. I look at my side and see dad there, his arms crossed and smiling. He looks so happy for me.

Then the coronation happened. I am called at the center of the stage. My dad went up as well to put on the crown. I was smiling so brightly looking at the crowd.

When my eyes spot a boy running from the gates. He's wearing a simple white shirt and black pants. His hair messy and sweaty.

"Please clap our hands for Ms. Laura Kassandra Milendez!" The crowd started cheering. My friends raising the banners they made.

Our intermission number came. The thing I'm not really fan of this whole coronation. I see some people smiling and enjoying the performance. But then I see them 5 laughing that made me chuckle a little.

The coronation ended. The teachers ask me for pictures as well as my friends.

"Oy! May beauty queen na sa grupo natin! May ballerina na din!" Gwen said pointing at Jax who is frowning and glaring at her.

"Siyempre naman! Pang dreamworks kaya siya!" Lory said and I see Jax roll her eyes that made us all laugh.

Then I feel Ali tapped my shoulders. I look at her direction and widen my eyes indicating that I'm asking her what's the matter.

She lean closer to me ear which made me move away..

She move away as well clicking her tongue.

"Sandale lang! May sasabihin ako!" She said and I nodded leaning closer once again.

"Anjan siya." She whispered to my ear. I pursed my lips and nodded.

She signaled me to go and I nodded..

"Guys, may pupuntahan lang ako." I excused myself. Gladly they didn't ask much question so I was able to go to him immediately.

Just form afar I can already see his wide smile while looking at me.

A smile grew on my lips as I walk closer and closer to him.

And when I arrived in front of him we both look at each other, smile plastered on our faces.

"You look great." He said.. I can't help but to blush.

"Thanks.." I shyly replied.

"Congrats." He said and I nod.

"Thanks.. you too." I said. Then he became silent which confused me a bit.

Then suddenly a pair of arms wrap around my tensed and nervous self.

"I'm so happy I get to see you walk with that crown on your head. Looking so beautiful and perfect." He said right behind my ears.

I was still shock with his sudden move that I wasn't able to reply.

Then he pull away from the hug.

He scratch the back of his head. "Medyo hindi ko kang gusto yung ending position niyo kanina nung consort mo." He said and my brows furrowed.

"Bakit naman? It's just a pose." I said and I saw how he bite his lower lip, scratching the back of his head.

"I don't want to see you sitting on other guy's leg."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~•3•