Warning

—

The End of Daylight

One down, one more to go

—

"I told you to stop drinking."

Napanguso ako nang marinig na naman ang pangaral niya sa akin. I unconsciously put my arms around his neck to support my weight while he was busy carrying me in a bridal style. I shut my eyes but I could barely feel that we are heading to somewhere. Hindi ko lang alam kung saan. Masyado akong nahihilo para mag-isip pa.

"Where are we going? Wait— I.. I need to go home.." That was more likely a whisper. I feel so dizzy and I can even feel that I'm about to throw up. I swallowed hard to calm myself, ayokong magsuka habang nandito siya. Nakakahiya.

"You can't go home like this. You're wasted, Tammy." He said with finality. I could even smell his familiar manly scent because of our narrowed distance. Wala sa sarili kong isiniksik ang mukha ko sa kanyang dibdib. I could hear his heartbeat, they were dancing with the same rhythm just like mine.

I didn't respond, I don't have the enough strength to talk. Kapag nagsalita ako, paniguradong suka ang ilalabas ko at hindi salita.

I winced when he placed me in a comfortable seat. I slightly opened my eyes only to see him putting my seatbelt on. I puffed a breath to calm myself. Nagulat nalang ako nang hawiin niya ang buhok na humaharang sa mukha ko. Naramdaman kong nilagay niya iyon sa likod ng tenga ko. When the tip of his fingers touched my earlobe, I suddenly felt a strange tingling sensation.

"Beautiful.." I heard him mumbled before closing the shotgun door. Pinikit ko nalang ulit ang mata ko hanggang sa naramdaman kong nagsimula ng gumalaw ang kotse.

"Please don't vomit, please." He pleaded while driving. I nodded to assure him. He really cares for his car huh?

Tahimik ako sa buong byahe dahil pinipigilan ko ang paglabas ng suka ko. I don't know what's really happening, I don't even know where the freak we are going, I just let him lead the way. I am too wasted to think because my freaking head is spinning! Sobrang dami kong nainom!

"Wait, wait, don't carry me.." I stopped him when he was about to touch me. He already opened the shotgun door, ready to carry me but I feel like throwing up. I let my eyes roamed around and I found out that we're in a certain parking lot. Nasaan na ba kami? Nakarating na ba kami sa pupuntahan namin?

"Geez.." I mumbled as I held my head to focus myself. Oh my gosh, I cannot take it anymore! Mabilis ko siyang tinulak para makalabas ako ng shotgun seat at naghanap ng malapit na basurahan. After finding one, I threw up.

I suddenly felt a soft caresses in my back and I greatly knew it was from him. He handed me a box of tissue afterwards.

"I told you to stop drinking but you never listened.." he shook his head while looking at me.

Inabutan niya rin ako ng mineral bottled water pagkatapos akong sermunan. I lost my balance but he was too fast to hold me. He encircled his arms around my waist and chuckled playfully before carrying me in a bridal style again. I just closed my eyes and shut my mouth. Sobrang sakit ng ulo ko at ang init ng pakiramdam ko. Geez.

Hindi ko na alam kung anong nangyari pero nang buksan ko ang mata ko ay nasa isang madilim na kwarto na kami. Is this his room? Argh. Wala na akong pakielam. Ang gusto ko lang ay matulog na.

"Do you want to take a shower?" He put me down in a soft mattress, I bet it was his bed. Mabilis kong kinuha ang isang unan at niyakap iyon. I giggled unknowingly when I sniffed his manly scent from the pillow. Ang bango. Ang sarap amuyin.

"I want but I'm too dizzy.." I said without looking at him. Naramdaman kong inalis niya ang heels na suot ko at mas naginhawaan ako sa ginawa niya.

"Come on, you should take a shower. You smell liquor." He insisted.

Wala tuloy akong gana na umupo sa kama niya pero mabilis din akong napahiga ng maalalang wala akong pamalit na damit. I don't even know where am I, I just want to sleep. I want to rest. I want a peaceful mind.

I suddenly felt his grip on my arm and forced me to stand up. Dahan dahan niya akong hinila patayo. I stumbled upon touching the cold floor but he was immediate too carry me again. Naramdaman ko nalang na nilagay niya ako sa bath tub. I flinched in surprise when he opened the freaking shower and the cold water embraced my body.

"Geez!" I hissed. Biglang nagising ang diwa ko sa ginawa niya. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang lamig ng tubig na dumaloy sa katawan ko. Para akong binuhusan ng sobrang lamig na tubig. Hindi man lang niya binuksan ang heater! I looked up and gave him a defiant look but he just shrugged.

"Go take a bath. I hate your smell." He said before turning his back on me and closed the bathroom door.

I groaned in frustration before taking my clothes off and started cleaning my body. I still feel dizzy but fortunately, I managed to finish taking a bath. Kinuha at sinuot ko nalang ang bath robe na nakita ko sa gilid bago lumabas ng bathroom. Napasandal ako sa pader ng makaramdam ako ng hilo at mahinang minura ang sarili ko.

"This is embarrassing!" I hissed before walking towards the bed. Napansin ko doon ang isang black jogging pants, yellow hoodie, white shirt at isang boxer shorts. I frowned while imagining myself wearing that clothes but I was left with no choice! Mabilis kong isinuot iyon. Nakakita rin ako ng isang baso na may lamang tubig na nakapatong sa coffee table. Ininom ko iyon para kahit papaano ay mahimasmasan ako at pagkatapos ay humiga na ako sa kama. I badly want to sleep for heaven's sake.

"Hey, wake up."

I felt a soft tap in my face, making me groaned in frustration. I feel like I only slept for a minute but here he is, disturbing my peaceful sleep.

I opened my eyes only to see Jieven holding a cotton ball, brows a bit furrowed while looking at my face. I could still see his wet hair, siguro ay katatapos niya lang din maligo.

"What?" I frowned, sounding annoyed.

He didn't respond but he placed the cotton ball on my face like he's wiping a certain dirt from it. I think it was a cleanser. Hinayaan ko siya sa ginagawa niya at pinikit nalang ulit ang mata ko pero mabilis akong napadilat ng buhatin niya ako at isandal sa headrest ng kama. He was still busy wiping my face until the cotton went down on my neck. I felt the familiar tingling sensation again when our skin touched one another. I winced in pain when he started being harsh while rubbing it.

"Why did you let him kiss you?" He asked in monotone.

My eyes widened in surprised upon realizing what he meant by that question. Bigla kong naalala ang nangyari sa bar na siyang nagpagising ng diwa ko. Uminit ang pisngi ko sa kaalamang nakita niya na hinalikan ako ng isang estranghero.

"Wait, you saw us?" I'm starting to get sober.

"Probably," he replied, still looking serious while brows a bit furrowed. He stopped rubbing my neck and stared at my face. He tilted his head a little and crossed his arms over his chest. "So, why did you let him kiss you?" He asked again, looking annoyed now.

"It was an accident!" I sounded so defensive so I breathe heavily to compose myself. "I don't know, I'm drunk. I'm sorry.." I looked down a bit, feeling embarrassed. Hindi ko nga alam kung bakit ako nagsosorry sa kanya, I just felt the urge that I should say that word.

He chuckled before rubbing the cotton ball on my cheek down to my neck again. My forehead creased when he keep on doing that multiple times. Nakakaramdam na ako ng ilang at nagwawala na ang sistema ko. Sobrang bilis na ng kabog ng dibdib ko dahil sa distansya namin at sa kaalamang nasa iisang kama kami. Paminsan minsan niya ring nahahawakan ang leeg ko and that's making me frustrate even more!

"What are you doing? Stop it. I'm already clean." I removed his hand on my neck. He glared at me directly to my eyes. One moment, his eyes were burning in so much anger but it softened when he saw my face. I swallowed hard when his eyes went to my lips. They burned in so much adoration.

"Are you sure you're clean?" He scoffed and looked at my eyes again.

I was about to speak but he cut me off when he held my chin and moved his face near mine. My lips parted in surprised when I saw him looking down at my lips again. He puffed a breath while tracing it using his thumb. I automatically closed my eyes when I felt his soft lips on mine.

My heart is pounding hard. I unknowingly held on his arm when he put his hand on my nape to deepen the kiss. It was just a simple smack at first but then he started to move. I don't know how to respond!

"Move, baby.." he whispered under our kiss. I gasped when he sucked my lower lip, he then tilted his head a little to have a better access on my lips before sucking it again. He nipped, licked and sucked mine as if it was the best meal he had ever tasted. I don't know what got into me but I put my arms around his neck and tried to respond as much as I can.

He encircled his arms on my waist, pulling me closer to his body. I was panting when he let go of my lips. He looked at me deeply in my eyes with full of adoration. I thought that was the end but his lips went to my cheek down to my jaw, down to my neck, slowly planting small kisses before capturing my lips again. I suddenly felt his hands, caressing my waist a little that made me winced a little bit.

He smell so good. He tasted so good. I unknowingly grabbed his hair when he inserted his tongue in my mouth and played with mine. I was caught off guard and was about to cut the kiss but he pinned me in the headrest. Hindi ako nauntog dahil hawak niya ang likod ng ulo ko. Mas lalong nagwala ang sistema ko nang mas lumalim na ang halikan namin.

"Tammy.." he whispered under our kisses. Nahigit ko ang hininga ng pumasok ang kamay niya sa hoddie na suot ko hanggang sa bigla siyang tumigil at mabilis na lumayo sa akin.

I was panting when he let go of me. I could even hear his heavy breathing. I feel like I'm drowning. I could even feel the fast beating of my heart. I could still feel his soft lips against mine. Geez, what is this feeling? Uminit ang pisngi ko nang mapagtanto ko kung ano ang nangyari sa pagitan naming dalawa. Mabilis akong nag-iwas ng tingin dahil sa hiya.

He then cleared his throat and looked at me. He raised his hand and traced my lips again that sends shiver down to my spine. I could see in my peripheral vision that he's looking at my cheek, down to my neck.

"There, you're all cleaned now." He whispered playfully.

Hindi ako nagsalita, hindi ko rin siya tinignan. Sigurado akong pulang pula na ang mukha ko dahil sa kahihiyan. Lasing pa rin ata ako, freak, nagsisimula na naman akong makaramdam ng hilo.

"Sleep now." He mumbled before leaving a kiss on my forehead and walked towards the door. When he closed it, that was when I thought that I was holding my breath for too long.

The next day, I woke up when I heard a sudden noise outside. It was like the sound of the kitchen utensils. I groaned in frustration before sitting down and that was when I thought that I'm not in my room! Freak! Where the hell am I?

Mabilis akong umalis sa kama at mas nagulat ako nang mapansin ang suot ko. What the? Naligo ba ako kagabi? Nagpalit ako? Wait, what's happening? I suddenly felt dizzy after a moment so I massaged my eyes to compose myself. And at that exact moment, I remembered what happened last night.

Bar. Drinks. Dancefloor. The stranger. Bath thub. Cotton Ball. Freak! The Kiss. Jieven kissed me! He kissed me! And I freaking responded! Wala sa wisyo kong sinabunutan ang sarili ko dahil sa katangahan. How did we ended up like that? How did I even managed to fall asleep after that? Oh my gosh! That was my first kiss!

Napaupo ako sa sahig habang mahinang minumura ang sarili ko. Geez, I'm so dumb. But then I stopped midway when I realized that I am inside his condo unit. Hindi ako umuwi kagabi! Geez. My parents will freak out! I'm so doomed! Mababaliw na ata ako!

I stood up and I realized that today is saturday. Good thing, walang pasok dahil kung meron man ay magwawala na talaga ako. I was about to fix the bed when the door suddenly opened. Jieven sneak a glance at me and when he saw me holding a pillow, he smiled cutely. Freak! Paano niya nagagawang ngumiti sa akin ng ganyan? I feel so awkward after what happened last night.

"Oh, you're already awake. Don't fix the bed anymore. It's already 9 am, get out and we'll have our breakfast together." Seryosong sabi niya bago niya ulit sinarado ang pinto.

My lips parted upon realizing what happened. He looked so calm. Am I just over reacting? Ako lang ba ang apektado sa nangyari kagabi? Am I just taking things too serious? But freak, it was my first kiss. How do you expect me to react? Should I be happy that he was my first kiss? Should I celebrate that he got me first? Curse that drinks! Dapat hindi nalang ako uminom ng sobra!

"Good Morning. Saan ka natulog kagabi?" I asked after taking my seat in the table. Sinusubukan kong umarte ng normal na parang walang nangyari kagabi. Right, I should act the same. I will let him think that I forgot what happened last night because I'm drunk.

"Sa sofa." He replied casually and placed the bacon, scrambled egg, garlic fried rice and hotdog on the table. "Coffee? Milk? What do you want?" He asked me.

I shook my head. "Warm water will do."

Tumango siya at kinuhanan ako ng tubig bago niya iyon nilapag sa lamesa. I stared at his back while he was busy making his own cup of coffee. He was wearing a simple grey tee and black sweatshorts. His hair were down and a bit messy unlike his usual hairstyle when going out but he still look good. His muscles are showing every time he moves. I swallowed hard when he looked back. Ngumiti ako ng matamis at ganoon din siya.

After a moment, Jieven placed his coffee on the table before sitting parallel to me. He glanced at me and let out a small smile.

I puffed a breath. "I'm sorry that you need to sleep on the sofa. You should have just—" he cut me off immediately.

"It's okay, it's fine with me. Now eat." He commanded. Siya na mismo ang naglagay ng pagkain sa plato ko at hinayaan ko nalang siya. I am just looking at him while he does that. Geez, I'm freaking nervous.

I want to ask him why did he kissed me last night but I'm thinking twice, bringing up the topic will just make the atmosphere between the two of us more awkward so I decided to shut my mouth and start eating my food instead of asking. As much as I wanted to feed my curiosity, I don't want to take the first move.

Silence invaded the whole unit until he broke it. "I'm sorry." He mumbled without looking at me. He was looking at his food, playing with the scramble egg using his fork.

I swallowed hard, alam ko na kung saan papunta ang usapan namin. Gustuhin ko mang hindi sumagot pero nakokonsensya naman ako. I don't want to be rude.

"Sorry for what?" I asked innocently.

He looked up and our gaze met. "For kissing you last night." Diretsong sagot niya habang nakatingin sa mukha ko. My lips parted in both surprise and amusement.

I automatically looked away when I felt my cheeks burning. Tumikhim ako para pakalmahin ang sarili ko bago ko ulit sinalubong ang tingin niya. Maybe this is my cue, I should feed my curiosity, it will definitely kill me.

"Why did you do that, Jieven?" I'm not mad or upset. I'm trying to act normal.

The side of his lips rose. He let go of his spoon and fork before leaning on his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. "Why do you think so? Why do people kiss someone?" He asked playfully.

My forehead creased because of his question. Was he trying to play with me? Bakit ba binabato na naman niya ako ng tanong eh ang kailangan ko ay sagot?

"How would I know?" I shrugged and continued eating my food to lessen the awkwardness. Nakakailang naman 'tong topic namin. Geez.

"Because they want to?" That was more likely a question. I sighed heavily and rolled my eyes before meeting his gaze. He still has that playful smirk on his face, obviously teasing me. Siya lang ang natutuwa sa pinag-uusapan namin.

"So you want to kiss me huh?" Sinabayan ko ang paglalaro niya pero halos masamid ako sa sagot niya.

"Yes," he replied, looking serious now. "So why did you closed your eyes? Do we feel the same thing?" Inabot niya ang kanyang tinidor at tinusok ang hotdog sa plato niya, ginawa niya 'yon habang napako sa akin ang mga mata.

"Apology accepted." I diverted the topic. Hindi ko na kaya! Ayoko ng pag-usapan 'to! This is so much embarrassing. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang malakas na pagkabog ng dibdib ko. The memories from last night keep on playing in my mind, mababaliw na ako kakaisip.

"Was that your first kiss?" He asked again after a moment of silence.

"Y-yes." I replied truthfully. There's no point of lying.

"I see." He nodded twice. Hindi ko na tinanong kung 'yon ba ang first kiss niya dahil alam ko namang hindi. I don't want to hear it anymore.

"Why are you smiling?" Naasar na tanong ko makalipas ang ilang sandali. He was freaking smiling like an idiot after I confessed that he was my first kiss.

"Kasi ako first kiss mo." Matipid niyang sagot. "I'm flattered." Dugtong niya pa dahilan para mapaubo ako.

After eating, I insisted on washing the plates but he declined. Nagpumilit ako pero ayaw niya talaga kaya sumuko nalang ako. Siya na daw ang maghuhugas mamaya sabi niya.

"Here, change your clothes." Inabutan niya ako ng maliit na puting paper bag bago pa ako makaupo sa sofa upang magpahinga. I accepted the paper bag and took a glance at it. My forehead creased upon realizing that they are new clothes.

"Where did you buy this?" I asked.

"Online. Come on, stop asking and just change so you could go home. Your parents might be looking for you."

Shoot! Doon ko lang naalala si Daddy. Mabilis akong pumasok sa kwarto niya at nagbihis. It was just a simple white high waisted maong shorts, pastel pink designer crop top and white sandals. My cheeks blushed when I saw the undergarments. Oh my gosh. Kumpleto talaga ang binili niya.

Malamang kumpleto ang bibilhin niya, Tammy. Ayaw mo naman sigurong walang bra di'ba? My mind mumbled.

After fixing myself, I went out of the room. Jieven was already sitting on the sofa while watching tv. When he felt my presence, he looked back and smiled. Mabilis niyang pinatay ang tv at tumayo para lapitan ako.

"I'll drive you home."

Hindi na ako umangal dahil wala akong choice. I don't know where the freak is my phone or my handbag and even my wallet! Siguro naman ay hindi iyon iniwan nila Kendra sa bar na pinuntahan namin kagabi because if they did, I'm doomed! Geez, ngayon lang nangyari 'to. Ngayon lang at ayoko ng maulit pa.

I am just looking outside the whole ride. We were both silent that I think my pounding heart is about to burst because of the awkward atmosphere. I closed my eyes to calm myself as I slowly prayed to God. Sana hindi traffic, sana hindi please.

"Thank you for the ride." I mumbled when Jieven stopped the car in front of our gate. "Uh, I'm sorry for the disturbance. I'll make it up to you! Promise!"

He smiled then nodded. "Don't bother but if you insist." He shrugged his shoulders, right hand still holding the steering wheel while the other was resting in the window.

"Gotta go." I was about to open the shotgun door but he held my arm, making me stop from moving. Nagtataka ko siyang tinignan.

"Are you going tomorrow?" He seriously asked. His eyes were glistening in so much anticipation.

"Tomorrow?" I asked. Anong meron bukas? I bit my bottom lip while trying to remember things.

"Celebration with the team." Pagpapaalala niya nang mapansing hindi ko alam ang meron bukas.

"Oh, right." I snapped my fingers in the air when I realized what he meant by that. "Yes, pupunta ako. Ikaw?" Nakasanayan na namin ang magcelebrate pagkatapos ng game, panalo man kami o talo dahil ang sabi ni coach, ang mahalaga ay naexperience namin at may natutunan kami.

He nodded and let out a small smile. "Yeah, so see you tomorrow?"

"See you." I just gave him a sweet smile before opening the shotgun door. Nagpakawala ako ng malalim na buntong hininga ng makita kong papaalis na ang kotse ni Jieven. Oh my gosh, how did we ended up like this?

I marched towards our house while slowly praying na sana ay wala sila Daddy para hindi ako mapagalitan. Kinakabahan ako habang naglalakaf papasok dahil baka nandito sila Daddy at mahuli ako. Geez, I don't know how will I explain what happened why I wasn't able to come home last night.

"Ate!" I almost had an heart attack when I heard that familiar voice the moment I stepped inside.

Tamara run towards my direction when she saw entering. She was busy playing in the living room with her Nanny. I thought she would hug me but she stopped right in front of me, placing his small hands on her waist while throwing me dagger looks.

"Ate, hindi ka umuwi kagabi." She said.

I laughed awkwardly. "Ah, nag overnight ako sa kaibigan ko." Right, Jieven is my friend afterall. Hindi ako nagsinungaling sa part na 'to. I don't want to brag that I was wasted last night, sarili ko lang ang ipapahiya ko kapag ginawa ko 'yon.

"Really? Why?" She asked innocently.

"Something happened, Tamara. Anyway, napansin ba nila Daddy na wala ako kagabi?" That was more likely a whisper, baka kasi may makarinig sa amin.

She shook her head, making my eyes widened in surprise. "Hindi sila umuwi?" I asked softly and she shook her head again. I silently uttered a 'yes' without looking at Tamara.

"Why are you so happy, ate?" Nawala ang ngiti sa labi ko nang magtanong siya ulit. Nang tignan ko siya at magkasalubong na ang kilay niya.

"Tamara." I kneel down in front of her so I could see her face clearly. I held both of her arms and sighed. "You love ate right?"

"Hindi po." She shook her head. I was about to scold her but she smiled and pinched my cheeks using her small hands. "Joke lang po!"

I just laughed. "So, help mo si ate okay? Don't tell Daddy that I did not come home last night okay? Promise, bibilhan kita ng milkshake." Nagdasal ako sa lahat ng santo at kay Lord na sana ay patawarin nila ako sa pagsulsol ko sa kapatid ko.

Lord, forgive me. I just really need to do this or else, I will lose my dream.

"Okay po!" She giggled.

The next day, late na akong nagising, tanghali na nang kumain ako ng umagahan. Wala na naman sila Mommy at Daddy at si Tamara ay naglalaro lang naman. Pagbalik ko sa kwarto ko ay nakatulog na naman ako. I just woke up when my phone vibrated and that was when I thought that it was already 5 o'clock.

I took the remaining one hour to fix myself. I just went downstairs when my phone beeped, meaning, Maegan was already here.

"Ang tagal tagal. Pagong ka ba?" Maegan rolled her eyes the moment I stepped inside her car. Sinabi niya sa akin kagabi na magdadala siya ng kotse kaya sabi ko ay sunduin nalang niya ako para sabay kaming magpunta sa celebration. She was wearing a designer white shirt, she tucked it in her simple black high waisted jeans, and to compliment her outfit she wore a pair of white sneakers while I was wearing a black and white striped sleeveless jumpsuit and black sandals.

She started driving while throwing me questions. "So, anong nangyari kagabi? Inuwi ka ni Jieven ah. Taray, may nagbuhat sa'yong hayup ka." She said without looking at me, eyes still on the road.

Napairap ako. "You should have stop him." Bigla ko na namang naalala 'yung halik kaya nagsimulang uminit ang pisngi ko.

"Sinubukan ko pero ayaw kang ibigay kaya pinabayaan ko siya. Bahala siya d'yan. Siya na nagvolunteer, tatanggi pa ba ako?" She sarcastically laughed, obviously teasing me.

I cursed her and she just laughed even more. Sa isang korean restaurant kami nagpunta. Samgyupsal daw gusto nila kaya nirentahan ang buong restaurant para sa celebration. Binati ko 'yung mga kakilala namin bago kami naghanap ng mauupuan. Buong second floor ang nirentahan nila and they were already starting when we arrived. Sa four seater table kami umupo dahil iyon ang nakita naming bakante. I did not eat lunch for this kasi sayang, unli pa naman 'to kaya susulitin ko na.

"Yow!" Daryl tapped my shoulders when he saw me. We talked for a bit but it ended instantly because he needed to pee. Magkatapat kami ni Maegan at siya ang nagluluto. Pinapanood ko lang siya hanggang sa bigla nalang may umupo sa tabi ko. It was Hero and Jieven sat beside Maegan. I was about to speak but I refrain myself from doing so. Wala akong karapatan na paalisin sila, so relaxed myself.

"Makikiupo kami ha." Hero smiled and his eyes widened while looking at the meat in front of us. "Ayos, kadarating lang namin pero may luto na agad!" Hero picked the meat using his chopsticks and chew it like he just tasted the most delicious meat ever.

"Ilang minuto kong niluto 'yan tas kakainin mo lang?" Maegan furiously glared at him.

"Bakit? Hindi ba kinakain 'to? Hala sige, luto ka lang d'yan." Hero picked another one and praised the meat while chewing.

I just laughed. Out of consciousness, my eyes landed on him and our gaze met because he was also looking at me. Siya ang unang nag-iwas ng tingin, kinuha nalang niya ang ibang raw meat at tinulungan si Maegan sa pagluluto.

"Cheers, everyone!" One of our coaches raised his soju glass and shouted. We did the same but I did not drink the soju. Ayoko na, ayoko nang uminom. Natrautrauma pa rin ako sa nangyari sa'kin kagabi.

Maegan and Hero kept on arguing in front of us about random things. Walang nagpapatalo sa kanilang dalawa. Tahimik lang naman kami ni Jieven habang kumakain. I will laugh and smile sometimes when Hero was cracking a joke but Jieven was still serious as hell.

I was just listening to Hero's story while chewing. I reached for another meat in the middle but then I paused when Jieven and I picked the same meat. Nag-angat ako ng tingin at nagtama ang mata namin. Pareho naming binitawan ang karne at siya ang unang umiwas ng tingin.

Geez, this is so awkward.

"Anong problema niyong dalawa?" Hero asked. Palipat lipat ang tingin niya sa aming dalawa. Walang sumagot sa kanya. "Bro, ano?" He asked Jieven instead of me. I was busy looking around and acting innocent when suddenly, Jieven stood up and walked away.

"Restroom." I mumbled before standing up too. Totoong kailangan kong magpunta ng restroom dahil maghuhugas ako ng kamay. But instead of washing my hand, I just found myself staring at the mirror, looking at my reflection. Random things began to flashed in my mind.

The kiss. I remembered the kiss again when my eyes landed on my lips. Mabilis kong sinabunutan ang sarili ko dahil sa inis.

Nagmamadali akong lumabas ng restroom dahil ayoko nang maalala pa 'yung halik. Napadaan ako sa likod, sa bandang smoking area at hindi ko sinasadyang makita doon si Jieven. The smoking area is like a balcony. Sumilip ako at nakitang mag-isa lang siya. Both of his arms were leaning on the railings and his right hand was busy playing with a cigarette na wala namang sindi. I unknowingly looked at him from head to toe. He was wearing an army green colored sweater, black shorts and white sneakers. He was also wearing a silver necklace and his ear piercing is waiving at me. My brows furrowed a bit when I saw him wearing a familiar ring. Oh, the ring from his mother.

I don't know how but I just found myself walking towards him. "Why are you here? Do you smoke?" I asked. Tumigil ako sa tabi niya at pinagmasdan ang madilim na kalangitan sa taas.

"I smoke when I'm stressed." He simply replied without looking at me. "But I'm not in the mood to smoke, there are professors inside." He added.

I smiled unconsciously upon realizing that he was actually considering our professors inside.

"What's making you stress?" I tried so much to speak as normal as I can. Nakatingin na ako sa kanya ngayon pero abala siya sa pagtingin sa mga taong dumaraan sa baba.

"You." He answered and at that exact moment, my smile faded away. What? Did he just say that I'm making him stressed?

"Me?" I asked him, he was still busy looking down. Hindi man lang niya ako kayang tapunan kahit saglit na tingin lang.

"I am about to lose my sanity." He fixed his hair using his left hand. I swallowed hard when my heart started pounding while waiting for his next words.

"Why, Jieven?" I bit the insides of my cheek. May pakiramdam na ako sa sasabihin niya at hindi ko maintindihan ang nararamdaman ko. I want to hear it but at the same time, I don't.

"I can't stop myself thinking about you." After saying that, he looked at me and our eyes met. It was like it was my first time looking at him. Kumabog na naman ang dibdib ko sa kakaibang ritmo. His eyes were flickering in admiration. Those hazelnut eyes that will surely drown you to death are staring at me.

Ako ang unang nag-iwas ng tingin. Hindi ko kayang makipagtitigan sa kanya. I was about to leave but he grabbed my hand and stopped me from moving.

"Where do you think you're going?" He asked, looking serious now. His voice was deep and firm.

"I-I'm going back.." that was more likely a whisper. Natatakot ako sa sasabihin niya. Mas gugustuhin ko pang umalis nalang kesa marinig iyon.

The side of his lips rose when he noticed me stuttering. "Can't you wait? I want to say something."

"I don't want to hear it." Mariin kong sambit. Alam ko na kung ano ang sasabihin niya. I could sense it, I could feel it the way he looked at me. And geez, I'm not ready for this. I was never ready for this, not from him. Not him.

"I really need to go—"

"I like you, Tammy." He mumbled while looking directly to my eyes.

—