The End of Daylight

Fallen

—

"Anong meron sa inyo ni Jieven?"

I was stiffined by his sudden question. I thought he'll be asking me about the council's plan or future projects but his question was too random. Anong naisip niya at tinanong niya sa akin 'yan? Was this about what happened earlier? Dahil nakita niyang tumatawag si Jieven kanina?

"Are you serious, Joshua?" I laughed awkwardly. "Are you seriously asking me that?" I swallowed hard. Geez, I am freaking nervous. As much as I wanted to defend my answer, I don't have any in my mind. It suddenly went blank when he mentioned about Jieven.

I am scared he might learn that Jieven likes me for unknown reason.

"For the second time tatanungin kita. Nililigawan ka ba niya?" He asked, looking serious now. Some of the officers went out already. Unti unti kaming nabawasan hanggang sa napagtanto ko na kami nalang ang tao sa loob ng office. Oh, awkward.

"No." I shook my head. He's not courting me, he never said that he will court me right? "And besides, I don't do romantic relationship Joshua, it's not my priority." I defended and I think he understood it because he nodded his head twice.

"Naiintindihan ko." He smiled and licked his lower lip. "Sorry, inabala pa kita. Sige, mauna ka na umalis. May kukunin lang ako sa drawer." He pinched my nose playfully before walking out.

I puffed a breath the moment I stepped outside our office. For the last time, I took a glanced at Joshua before continued walking. Geez, that was close.

On the following days, nothing serious really happened. I'm still busy catching and submitting my missed reports so I spent my time doing those in the library or sometimes in the cafeteria every vacant.

"Yow!"

I held my chest dramatically when someone forcefully tapped my shoulders. I closed my eyes to calm myself before looking up. Si Czoren lang pala! Masigla siyang umupo sa tapat ko matapos akong kindatan. He looked at the papers placed in the table and he uttered 'whoah' silently.

"Sorry, busy ka? Mag-isa ka kasi kaya nilapitan na kita." He scratched the back of his head, obviously looking timid. "Pero aalis na ako kung ayaw mo ako dito."

"Hindi. Ayos lang, mag-isa talaga ako. May klase pa sila Maegan tapos si Claudine ewan ko, she left earlier." I briefly explained with a smile and shrugged before continued writing my article.

"Ganun ba? Sige, dito muna ako para hindi ka mag-isa. 'K lang?" He leaned on the table, carefully watching me while writing. I looked up to him and nodded as a response. He remained behave while seating in front of me and sometimes he will examine some of my papers in the table then put them down with a confused face afterwards.

"Ano ba 'yan, nakakahilo." Reklamo niya.

"You want some drinks?" I asked him instead.

"Oo, sige ba! Libre mo?" He sounded so excited. Natatawa akong tumango bago tumayo. He shouted in happiness and leaned on his chair like a kid trying to behave so his Mommy will treat him some candies.

I bought one mango shake for him and I played with my ballpen while waiting for my order. After a moment, I paid for it and went back to Czoren. His eyes widened and thanked me consecutively. Tuwang tuwa niya kinuha iyon sa kamay ko at mabilis na tinikman.

"Ayos! Nilibre pa ako! Salamat talaga!" I think he said that for the fifth time already. "Oo nga pala, natanggap na namin 'yung invitation mo. Ang gara natin ah pero surebol na pupunta kami ni Kalen." He smirked and sipped on his shake.

"I'm hoping to see you then." I answered without looking at him. He's really bubbly, I want to be with him more often. Nakakagaan siyang kasama, ang daldal pero nakakaaliw.

"Talaga! Oo nga pala, kailangan ba may regalo? Malapit na birthday mo, sabihin mo kung kailangan para makabili ako kaagad."

Nag-angat ako ng tingin. "No need, your presence is enough."

"Ayos!" He shouted. "Pero bibigyan pa rin kita, nakakahiya naman kapag wala." He scratched the back of his head afterwards and sipped on his shake.

We talked for a bit before I walked out because I really need to pee. Iniwan ko muna si Czoren doon kasama ang mga gamit ko dahil hindi pa naman ako tapos. When I came back, Czoren was staring at nowhere while unconsciously bitting the straw of his shake. Tulalang tulala siya at hindi rin napansin ang pagdating ko. My forehead creased in confusion. I sat and snapped my fingers in front of his face to catch his attention.

He came back to his senses and our gaze met. "Hoy hala! Nagalit ata siya!" He yelled.

"Sino?" I asked.

He pointed out my phone in the table before meeting my gaze again. "Tumawag si Jieven nung umalis ka. Hindi ko natiis kaya sinagot ko. Sorry." He made a peace sign and smiled awkwardly.

"It's okay. What did he say?" I asked and picked my phone to check if Jieven really called or not and Czoren was right. It took them 50 seconds to talk. Why did he suddenly called me? Miss na miss? Lol.

"Sabi ko umalis ka. Nakilala niya agad ako. Tinanong kung bakit daw ako kasama mo, kung bakit ko daw sinagot eh malamang tumatawag siya!" He hissed and sipped on his mango shake again before continuing. "Medyo may pagkasiraulo talaga 'yon pero Tammy, nagalit ata siya sa akin, binabaan ako eh." He pouted and sipped again. Czoren looked so adorable while doing that.

Natawa nalang ako dahil para siyang batangnagrereklamo sa nanay niya. "I'll talk to him later. Don't worry about him anymore." I smiled to assured him and he winked at me as a response. Good thing I met someone as carefree as Czoren, he's a good person and fun to be with.

Two days had already passed and today is the big day, we are going to San Antonio Elementary School to donate the books and school stuffs we gathered so we could help the students of that certain school. It will take an hour before we reach San Antonio but it's fine because I'm with my Council Family. I'm safe with them. Sir Darwin is also with us.

I was busy arranging the box of notebooks in the compartment area of the SUV when my phone suddenly rang. Sandali kang nilapag ang box sa gilid at nilabas ang cellphone sa loob ng bulsa ko.

Jieven Calling...

I automatically pressed the answer button.

"Hey." I greeted. For sure, it's their break time at this moment. It was already past 9 am.

"Hey, where are you?" He softly asked in the line. I could hear Czoren's voice in the background, he's talking to Kalen.

"I'm at the Parking Lot. I'm going to San Antonio with the Council, why?" I explained briefly.

I glanced at Hero when he waved at me, lowkey saying that we should hurry. I gave him a thumbs up and nodded afterwards.

"Specifically where in San Antonio?" He seriously asked.

"San Antonio Elementary School. Jieven, I really need to go—"

"You'll be there until what time?"

"I think around 4? I don't know. I'm not sure." I simply answered.

"Czoren, ang gulo mo. May kausap ako." Seryosong asik ni Jieven sa kabilang linya. I unknowingly smiled.
Maya maya pa ay narinig ko ang pagbuntong hininga niya. "Sorry about that. Alright. Take care, don't fall for someone else."

Before I could even talk, he immediately ended the call. My lips parted upon realizing what he meant by that. I unknowingly held my chest when I felt the fast beating of my heart. Geez, what was that? Bumanat ba siya?

"Tammy, let's go." Alyza tapped my shoulders and gestured me to get in. I nodded and followed her when I came back to my senses. Tatlong SUV Van ang gamit naming Council at si Alyza, Joshua, Fred, Chabe, Chris, Gabriel at Stefhany ang kasama ko. Katabi ko ang bintana sa kaliwa at si Joshua naman sa kanan. Tahimik lang ako habang siya naman ay nakikipagkwentuhan kay Fred.

"Tulog ka muna, mahaba pa byahe." Joshua suddenly talked beside me after a moment. I glance at him and shook my head a little.

"It's okay, I'm not sleepy." I unconsciously stared at his face and my forehead creased when I noticed something. "You looked so exhausted, are you okay?"

He gave me a weary smile and nodded. "Oo naman, medyo pagod lang pero ayos lang, parte ng trabaho eh." Nginitian niya ako pagkatapos.

"You sure?" I asked worriedly. I'm scared that he might lost his consciousness if he force himself to work with us.

"Huwag ka mag-alala." He pinched my nose playfully. Nalukot ang mukha ko at mabilis kong tinampal ang kamay niya. Natatawa naman niya akong tinignan. "Cute mo talaga. Sarap mo ihagis sa bintana." He mumbled but I was able to hear it.

"Ano?" I hissed.

"Joke lang!" Again, he pinched my nose. It was not that painful but I'm starting to get irritated. Geez, this man is absolutely annoying. "Sige na, matulog ka na." He poked my forehead using his index finger before facing Fred.

I just rolled my eyes while massaging my nose. I tried so hard to sleep but I just couldn't so I spent my time playing wordscapes in my phone. Joshua asked me to have some snack after half an hour but I decline since I was so busy playing. I'm currently leveling up, I don't want any distractions.

"Mamaya na 'yan, kain ka muna." He tried to stop me by snatching my phone away from my grip but I didn't let him. Tinalikuran ko siya at pinagpatuloy ang nilalaro.

"I'll eat after this level promise!" I said without looking at him.

"Tigas talaga ng ulo." I heard him whispered but he didn't force me to eat again so I sighed in relief.

"Hoy ano 'yan, Tammy? ML ba 'yan?" Fred asked me, obviously teasing. "Ikaw ah, pa-ML ML ka nalang d'yan. Ano rank game na ba?" He added.

"What is ML? Geez, wordscapes 'to Fred." I corrected him without even looking.

"Ayan, bungal ka kasi." Stefhany laughed at him. Fred mimicked her and they fought afterwards.

Though I wasn't able to eat. We arrived in San Antonio after a moment and that was when I thought that I've been playing for an hour. Joshua chuckled when the SUV Van stopped in front of the school, realizing that I did not eat my snack. I just raised my hand to give him a peace sign. Wala naman na siyang magagawa kaya hinayaan na niya ako.

I helped them to carry some lightweight boxes and while walking towards their small amphitheater, I let my eyes roam around the area. Some of the classrooms were damaged, some of the roofs were nowhere to be found, the landscapes and plants were blown by the strong wind and I could see that they really suffered from the previous typhoon. Baha ang ibang classroom at nabasa ang mga gamit nito sa loob. Geez, my heart is breaking into pieces while looking around.

But then I smiled when I saw the students of SAES, smiling and patiently waiting for us. They looked so excited and happiness dominated the whole amphitheater. I greeted some of them who waved at me. They looked so cute and bubbly. I couldn't even see any hint of sadness in their eyes because of what happened to their training ground.

The Faculty of SAES whole heartedly welcomed us. The program started and Sir Darwin lead the opening remarks. I can't express my happiness while looking at the students, lowkey laughing and smiling with the thought of later on, they will recieve new school supplies. Maliit na bagay lang ang ginawa namin pero sobrang laki ng impact nito sa kanila. They really appreciate things, either small or big.

"Kumain ka muna." Pamimilit sa akin ni Joshua. We just finished distributing the school supplies to the Grade 1, 2 and 3 students and majority of them already went home. We will continue distrubuting after lunch since we need to rest. Nakakapagod pero kapag nakikita kong natutuwa 'yung nga bata eh napapawi ang pagod ko.

"Yeah, let's go then." I also grabbed his arm before he could even speak. We headed towards their small faculty building. There is a mini conference room inside and we gathered there to eat our lunch together with the teachers. It was a boodle fight and I must say, I enjoyed their company.

Time flew like a wind. Napansin ko lang na malapit na palang mag-alas singko nang makita ko ang ibang estudyante na papalabas na ng klase nila. We were already done distributing the school supplies. The Faculty and Staffs of SAES thanked us from the bottom of their hearts and I could even feel how grateful they are.

"Hey, drink first." Joshua looked up to me when I handed him a bottled water. He was busy searching for something inside the van but he paused when he heard my voice. Paalis na rin kami kaya naghahanda na ang lahat.

Joshua smiled unknowingly and accepted my offer before getting out of the van to face me. "Napagod ka ba?" Tanong niya natapos uminom sa tubig na binigay ko.

I leaned on the van, crossing my arms over my chest while looking at him. "Oo pero worth it naman. Ang saya pa rin nila kahit na ganito nangyari sa school nila." I smiled unknowingly.

He chuckled playfully. "Oo nga, nakakainggit."

I was about to ask him what he meant by that when a red Mercedes Benz suddenly came and parked beside our SUV Van. My forehead creased upon realizing that it was somewhat familiar to me but instead of thinking where the freak I saw that, my eyes landed on the people who is currently walking towards us, mukhang tapos na ang usapan dahil pabalik na sila Alyza.

My eyes went back to the Mercedes Benz when the driver's seat opened. My jaw literally dropped after realizing who was the driver of that familiar car. He was still wearing his uniform but he wasn't wearing his specs anymore. He turned around and our gaze met instantly. I suddenly had the urge to speak but I don't know what will I say so I remained silent until Jieven stopped in front of us.

"What are you doing here?" I tried my best not to stutter and thanked God I didn't.

The side of his lips rose. "I'm here to pick you up." He simply answered, both hands placed inside his pocket and not minding Joshua's presence beside me.

"What—"

"Mr. Acosta, what are you doing here?" My eyes widened in surprise when Sir Darwin suddenly popped up behind Jieven. Hala!

My heart started beating so fast as I watch Jieven slowly bowed his head to acknowledge our Professor's presence behind him. He glanced at me for a while before looking at Sir Darwin. All of us are waiting for his answer, my co-officers looked so surprised to see him here. Who would have thought that he'll come here at this late hour right? It was very random for them and for me also. Wala kaming usapan! Ano 'to? Surprise visit? Nasurprise talaga ako!

"I'm here to pick up, Miss Rustia sir. Would it be okay if I will borrow her for a while?" He confidently asked, making me gulp.

I was about to interfere but Sir Darwin spoke. "Really, Jieven? Pumunta ka dito dahil kay Tammy? Bakit anong meron?" Sir Darwin obviously looked teasing. I silently cursed in my mind.

I secretly nudged Jieven, he looked at me and I gave him the stares saying shut up, let me handle this but he just smirked and playfully winked at me.

"Well, I would like to be with—" I cut off Jieven.

"Nothing sir. Jieven and I will just talk that was why he came here to pick me up. We need to talk about something—" Hero immediately cut me off in the air.

"Something naughty?" He teased. "Kayo ah, anong meron sa inyo?" He added then looked at Jieven. "Bro hindi ka pala-sundo, huwag ako, anong meron? Hindi namin ibibigay si Tammy kapag magsisinungaling ka. Di'ba sir?" Hero looked at Sir Darwin and the latter nodded with a smirk on his face. Napamura ako sa isip ko dahil sa hiya. Wala namang reaksyon si Jieven habang nakatingin kay Hero.

"We're dating." Jieven said with finality. "Was that enough reason?" He asked with no emotion at all.

My lips parted with what he had confessed. The girls giggled while I could hear some cursed from the boys. They looked so surprised— no, we all looked so surprised, even me! Geez, anong nilaklak niya at sinabi niya 'yon?

I don't know why but I unconsciously looked at Joshua. I couldn't see his reaction since he was facing downwards, I suddenly had the urge to talk to him but I refused to do so. Why am I feeling this way?

Walang nagawa sila si Sir Darwin kaya pumayag nalang sila. Jieven smirked when our gaze met but I just rolled my eyes before opening his shotgun door. Nagpaalam lang ako sa mga kasama ko bago pumasok sa kotse niya.

Naiinis ako dahil sinabi niya 'yon sa harap nila.

"Why are you being so clingy?" I asked Jieven without looking at him with crossed arms over my chest after a moment of silence.

He was busy driving but I saw in my peripheral vision that he glanced at me before talking. "I am not being clingy." He said, eyes still pierced on the road.

I glared at him, still furious of what happened. Hiyang hiya ako kanina dahil sa mga tingin na binabato nila sa akin. Geez, I can't imagine my face earlier. Do I looked like a tomato? Do I looked like an idiot? Geez. Ano nalang ang sasabihin nila?

"You know that they leaned about your break up with Natasja. Ano nalang ang sasabihin nila sa akin? Jieven, were you thinking a while ago?" I know I sounded so bad but I just can't help it. They might get the wrong idea. Baka sabihin nila na ako ang dahilan ng break up nila dahil ang bilis namang makamove on ni Jieven.

Jieven glance at me before looking at the road again. "Their opinions does not matter on what decision should I take, Tammy. I like you and they can't do anything about it. They can hate me if they want to but at the end of the day, I still like you." He said with finality with brows a bit furrowed.

I clenched my fist when I felt the familiar beating rate of my heart. Geez, does he know how much it affects me everytime he says that he likes me? I think he doesn't have any idea. Lahat ng nararamdaman ko ay bago. Lahat ng ito ay hindi panilyar sa akin at sa isang tao ko lang naramdaman.

Kay Jieven pa.

"Jieven." I called him unknowingly, lowkey thinking of what should I say next. "You know that I don't do romantic relationship.." that was more likely a whisper. At the back of my mind, I wanted him to hear that but at some point I wish he wasn't able to hear it. Hindi ko na rin maintindihan ang sarili ko.

He let out a weary smile. "I damn know." He replied without looking at me. "But that won't stop me from liking you."

Nalaglag ang balikat ko. I thought he'll give up after hearing that but what happened was the otherwise. I bit my tongue to refrain myself from talking too much. Freak, I wanted him to cease off but I also want him beside me either. Oh gosh, what am I supposed to do? I'm afraid of judgments, of everything that might disappoint someone. I'm afraid I couldn't stop myself anymore. I'm scared. I'm such a coward. I kept on running away. Ano ba ang tamang gawin?

I did not talk for a while and he did the same. The sky was already dark but we're still on our way home. Silence lingered between us. Sometimes I would want to start a topic but seconds after, I will change my mind for unknown reason. I puffed a breath in frustration.

I looked at Jieven while he was busy driving. His left arm was resting in the window and his left hand was slowly playing with his bottom lip while driving. Moreover, his other hand was busy managing the steering wheel, I could even see the veins on it everytime he's gripping it, making me swallowed hard.

My eyes went to his face and for unknown reason, his expression made me troubled. Looks like he's in a deep thinking but I could feel that he was not okay. His silence plus hearing his heavy sighs proved it all.

"Care to share your thoughts? You look troubled." I mumbled after looking away.

He cleared his throat. "I'm alright, don't worry."

I smirked when I felt the sadness on his voice. "What a liar." I intentionally whispered it in a way that he could hear it. "Come on, tell me so I know what to do." I insisted and this time I looked at him. Hindi ko kayang hindi siya pansinin, nakakaramdam ako ng konsensya.

He chuckled. "Family problem, nothing serious." He replied without looking.

"Nothing serious but you're like that?" I scoffed. The side of his lips rose upon hearing my question.

He glanced at me for a while and let out a heavy sigh. "Don't laugh at me." He warned.

My brows furrowed a bit. "I never laughed upon hearing someone's sufferance, Jieven, geez." I shook my head in disbelief. Natawa nalang ako dahil mukhang nag-aalangan siya. "It's okay, I won't force you to speak but if you want someone to hear you out just call me right away."

"Tammy." He called out immediately. I bit my lower lip after realizing his witty moves. He didn't looked back but he smiled a bit. Gosh, it made me shiver.

"I'm listening, come on." I softly mumbled. Mukha talaga siyang problemado at sa hindi malamang sahilan ay gusto ko siyang tulungan. Listening is the best option to do so.

He sighed heavily. "It wasn't that big deal. It wasn't even the first time but my parents fought." He started. I am just intently looking at him while he drives, eyes still on the road. "They always does that everytime I come home and it fucking makes me sick to watch them fight endlessly." I could feel the anger in his voice.

He continued talking about his parents. I smiled unconsciously when I realized how much he treasure his family like it was the greatest gift he had ever received from above but it makes me sad knowing that he had to witness that fight, it was very unhealthy for a child. He didn't mention the problem, he just shared me a brief information of what happened and I greatly understand that. He's starting to open up and I think it was a good thing. Parang unti-unti na niya akong pinapapasok sa buhay niya.

"I'm trying to understand them but I'm really sick of it." He said that for the third time. I saw how he clenched his fist in the steering wheel, he calmly fixed his hair using his right hand. His left hand was now busy managing the wheel.

I don't know what got into me but I reached for his right hand and caressed it without looking at him. "You know, sometimes you gotta learn how to understand a certain situation because even the person behind that couldn't understand himself or herself." I started.

"Walang tao ang makikipag-away ng walang dahilan." I added before meeting his eyes. "Maybe at some point they are troubled in understanding one another's point but I must say, everything will be alright in time."

He glanced at me and gave me a small smile. I returned the favor but I was shookt when he suddenly intertwined his fingers with mine.

"Thank you for listening." He mumbled. His eyes were glistening in fondness.

I bit my lower lip and looked away, ignoring his gaze. I could feel my pounding heart, geez it was too sudden but that simple action made me flutter. I wanted to let go but my body won't participate. Actually, it feels good. His hand was so soft that I don't want to let it go anymore.

Days passed and today is my great day. I don't even know if it's a great day for me.

"Tammy, anak? Are you ready?"

I made the final touch in my face when I heard my Mom's voice outside. The door opened and it showed my beautiful Mom wearing a beige long dress that perfectly suits her skin color. It was made of silk that really complimented her tonight's look. She marched towards my direction and dramatically gasped when she saw me.

"Omo! You looked fabulous, Tammy!" Tuwang tuwa asik niya habang tinitignan ako.

I agreed to their plan but I convinced my Mom that the party should be semi-formal. I don't wish wearing long gowns and such, it would be hassle for my visitors. Mapapagastos pa sila kaya mas minabuti kong semi-formal nalang.

"Ang galing mo talaga, Gabrielle!" Pagpuri ni Mommy sa stylish at make up artist ko.

"Of course madam!" Gabrielle giggled. He's a gay and my mom's friend.

Mommy clapped her hands twice before looking at me again. I was wearing a silver satin bodycon dress ending above my knees. The thin strap is holding it. It has a low neck line, showing my cleavage a bit. Gabrielle curled the end of my long wavy hair and put a small hair diamond pin near my ear. I asked him to do it simple even though he was instructed by my mom to do it more than that.

"Let's go. The program is about to start." My Mom softly held me in my arm and dragged me outside. They held the party in a function room of a certain five star hotel and the program starts at exactly 7pm. It was just a simple introduction, I talked in front a bit, saying my gratitude to all of my visitors, to my friends and of course to my family. They started eating dinner afterwards and I was busy roaming around to greet my guests. Nandito rin ang ibang kaibigan ni Mommy and Daddy and they gave me gifts even though I don't know most of them. I just thanked them for coming.

"You have a very beautiful daughter, Attorney Rustia. I must say, she'll be a successful person someday." One of my Dad's colleagues praised me. Kasing edad siya ni Daddy at hindi ko siya kilala pero mukhang mabait naman.

"Of course Dominic, she's a Rustia after all." My Dad answered confidently.

I just shrugged before my eyes landed on my friend's table. They were busy chitchatting with my classmates when I interfered. "How's the food? Is it good?"

"Tammy!" Kendra giggled when she saw me. She stood up and kissed my cheek before greeting me and then suddenly all of them greeted me consecutively. I just laughed and talked to them for a bit before walking towards my Lawn Tennis Team table.

"Yow! Happy Birthday!" Daryl gave me a high five.

"Thank you, thank you for coming." I said with a big smile on my face. I asked them how was everything but then, they suddenly sang a birthday song in chorus instead of answering me. Mga siraulo talaga.

After a long talk with them, I just found myself chitchatting with my Council Family. They teased me about how grand my birthday is, how beautiful am I and how lovely the party is. I suddenly felt awkward but I tried to compose myself.

"Hey, what's up?" Umupo ako sa tabi ni Joshua na tahimik lang na kumakain at nakikipag-usap kay Fred. He looked up and smiled when he saw me.

"Happy Birthday." He greeted. His lips parted a little, looking surprise when he saw my face. "Ang ganda mo naman." He mumbled but I was able to hear it. Mabilis na namula ang pisngi ko dahil hindi ako sanay na pinupuri niya ako.

"Thank you." I said, answering his happy birthday to me, not the latter one.

"Oo pala, niligay ko na 'yung gift mo 'don sa table." He pointed out the given table in front before meeting my gaze again.

"Nag-abala ka pa but thank you. How was the food?" I tried my best to cheer up the mood. This is the first time we talked after that sudden confession from Jieven and it's kinda awkward but I'm trying to ease it by means of talking to him casually.

"It's good." He nodded.

"Good to hear then." I smiled. Silence made the atmosphere awkward but I immediately broke it off. "About what Jieven said the other day, ah, it was just a misunderstanding." I said. I needed to speak louder so he could hear me. The music from the speaker invaded the whole function room that I badly needed to speak louder or to lean forward when I'm talking to someone.

"Hindi mo kailangan magpaliwanag, Tammy." Joshua let out a faint smile. "Ligawan ka man niya o hindi alam kong hindi ka papayag. You said you don't do romantic relationship right?"

Mahina akong natawa bago tumango. "Yeah, that's right."

I entertained my guest until my eyes landed at Czoren whose currently in the buffet table while chewing finger foods. He was with Kalen and the latter was holding a champagne glass. I walked towards their direction to greet them.

"Hey, what's up?" I stopped in between them. Kalen smiled after sipping on his glass.

"Uy, happy birthday! Ganda natin ah." Czoren teased and softly pushed my shoulder using his. "Sarap ng pagkain niyo dito, sino chef?" He asked while still chewing. Mukhang sarap na sarap nga siya sa kinakain niya.

"I don't know but I think it was their company chef. I'll ask mom later." I answered, Czoren nodded. My eyes went to Kalen and smiled. "Are you enjoying? Do you want some drinks? I can ask for—"

"No, ayos na 'tong wine, wala akong balak maglasing. Actually, it taste good." Kalen nodded and showed me the empty glass.

I'm pretty sure that they aren't out of place since I asked them to invite their friends so they could hang out together. Some of my friends also knew them so I wasn't bothered that much. They had someone to talk to while I am busy wandering around.

"Anyway, where's Jieven?" I asked. I haven't seen him in the party. Dumating ba siya o hindi?

"Ha? Hindi mo nakita? Andito lang 'yon, kasama lang namin kanina eh." Czoren answered without looking at me, he was still busy praising the foods in the buffet table.

"Gusto mo tawagan ko siya?" Kalen suggested and was about to pulled out his phone from his pocket but I stopped him.

"No, it's fine. Hahanapin ko nalang siya. So yeah, enjoy the party!" I tapped both of their shoulders before walking out.

I let my eyes roam around the area, sinusubukang hanapin si Jieven. Where the freak did he go? Kung nandito siya ay dapat kanina ko pa siya nakita.

I walked and walked until I saw him talking to someone near the mini stage in front. I unconsciously looked at him from head to toe. He was wearing a white dress button down shirt, dark blue suit and dark blue trousers. His hair was also fixed in a neat brush up style but some strands were falling, making it touch his flawless forehead. He looked so bewitching with his outfit today.

He was busy talking to someone while holding a wine glass when I stopped nearby, in a place I know he could see me. I stood there, crossed arms over my chest and eyes still pierced to him. After a minute, I just found him walking towards my direction. Sabi ko na nga ba't makikita niya ako eh.

"Happy Birthday, Gorgeous." He leaned forward and I was surprised when he gave me a soft kiss in my cheek. He smiled afterwards, making me swallowed hard.

"Thank you." I replied, trying not to sttuter. "Ah, kumain ka na?"

He shook his head, still smiling while looking at me intently. I could even see admiration and amusement in his eyes, they were so visible. "Eat with me, hindi pa ako kumakain." I gestured him to follow me and he did.

Nag-volunteer si Jieven na siya na raw ang kukuha ng pagkain ko kaya pumayag nalang ako. I sat in my friends table when I saw them waiving at me. Some of my classmates are already in the dancefloor so there were a lot of vacant seats.

"Ate kong cute, pakilala mo 'ko 'don." Claudine nudged me and pointed my Lawn Tennis Team table. I laughed when I realized that she was actually talking about Daryl. "He's good looking." Claudine even mumbled.

"Daryl? You're reffering to him? My gosh Claudine." I playfully massaged my forehead while shaking my head in disbelief. Halatang crush niya si Daryl. It wasn't big deal but I can't help but to laugh.

"Daryl ba? Gaga, ang gwapo ng pangalan." She giggled.

After a minute of waiting, Jieven came and sat beside me. He placed my plate in the table and gestured me to start eating my food. Napangiwi ako dahil sobrang dami niyang kinuhanh pagkain para sa akin.

"This is too much." I mumbled to him.

"You should eat more. Ang payat mo." Sagot niya.

Nanlaki ang mata ko. "Hoy sexy naman ako ah."

His eyes narrowed at me upon hearing my answer. Maya maya pa ay bumaba ang mata niya sa katawan ko at sinuri iyon. The side of his lips rose when his eyes settled on my waist. Naramdaman ko kaagad ang pamumula ng pisngi ko.

"Yeah. You really has a sexy figure." He said and seductively smiled.

Natulala ako sa sinabi niya at mahina siyang siniko. Hindi naman siya nagreklamo pero tumawa lang siya. Siraulo siya!

"Uy, andito si lover boy." Maegan teased when she came back after chitchatting with some people she knew in the party. She sat beside Jieven and teased him endlessly. I just ignored them and continued eating my food. I am freaking hungry so no one can stop me.

Sandali din naming napag-usapan 'yung nangyari sa kotse ni Maegan habang kumakain kami. "I told you I can lend you some money—"

"Saan ka kukuha aber? May pera ka?" Maegan rolled her eyes.

"I will ask fo my Mom's help. You're not stranger to us, Maegan. Come on, let me help you." I insisted but she refused to take my offer.

"Ako na bahala 'don, salamat nalang." She replied.

Then suddenly, Hero came and joined us in the table. He simply snatched Jieven's wine glass and sipped on it. The latter glared at him but Hero just smiled. We talked for a bit about random things but I don't know how we ended up talking about Natasja.

"Bro, nakita kita na kausap mo si Natasja kahapon ah. Akala ko ba si Tammy na?" Hero started and looked at Jieven with a teasing face.

Jieven's brows furrowed and furiously looked at Hero. "What?"

"What what what ka d'yan. Kasama mo nga siya kahapon. Ano, mahal mo pa ba siya?" Hero teased and leaned forward to Jieven, trying to hide his next statement to me. Lumipat ng upuan si Maegan kaya sila na ang magkatabi ngayon. "May pahimas himas pa siya sa'yo ah." He added.

I looked away and sighed heavily when I felt a sudden ache after hearing what Hero had confessed. I was able to hear it since Jieven was just beside me. Geez, I don't know why but I expect Jieven to deny it but a minute had passed and he's still refusing to make a word.

Freak. Bakit hindi siya magsalita? What? Was Hero right? Mahal niya pa ba si Natasja? Geez, I don't want to feel this but I'm starting to get irritated. He had the face to tell me that he likes me but he's still into his ex? Freak.

"I'll just entertain the other guest." I stood and walked out before they could even utter a word. It was actually my plan to entertain my guests but I just found myself walking in the garden of this five start hotel. The garden looks so alive even though there's no one around. There is a huge fountain in the middle, fairy lights were hanging on the trees and different kinds of flowers were planted in a particular area that makes this place wonderful.

Huminto ako sa paglalakad at napatitig sa fountain. I could only hear the rushing water from it and at some point it makes me calm. Geez, why do I feel like someone just betrayed me? I'm feeling mix emotions and I don't want to entertain them, it makes me feel sick. As much as I wanted to forget about what happened earlier I just couldn't. Paulit ulit kong naririnig ang sinabi ni Hero.

Ang liit liit na bagay pero ganito ang epekto sa akin.

"Like pala ha." I mumbled in the air. Freak him. Freak, Jieven.

I was about to leave after a moment of thinking when I suddenly heard a familiar voice.

"I thought you'll going to entertain your guest? Where are they?"

—