The End of Daylight

Finger Heart

—

"Bro! Bakit 'di mo sinabing nandito ka, bro? Inaaya ka naming lumabas kanina pero ayaw mo bro— whoah wait."

The man in black sweater paused when he saw me staring at him unconciously. They are both familiar to me. I don't know what are their names but I know them by their face, sila 'yung kaibigan ni Jieven na nakasalubong ko sa cafeteria.

Jieven stood up, facing his friends with no emotions at all. "What are you doing here?"

Siniko siya bigla ng isa niyang kaibigan na kasing tangkad niya lang. The man has a brown hair, it was divided into two and fixed in a messy style. Siya 'yung nakabunggo sa akin sa cafeteria.

"Pakilala mo kami bro," I heard him whispered. I bit the insides of my cheek to prevent myself from laughing out loud.

Jieven shot up a brow, looking annoyed now. "Suit yourself then join us afterwards." Walang pakielam na sagot nito at muling umupo sa tapat ko.

"Hi, I'm Kalen." Mister Brown hair lend his hand in front of me so I took it.

"Tammy," I smiled sweetly.

"By the way, I'm Czoren!" The other guy removed my hand from Kalen's grip and shook mine with his, I just smiled awkwardly. He's too adorable. His voice sounded so childish yet bubbly. Messy ang buhok niyang may hati sa gilid. Pareho sila ni Joshua ng hairstyle but Czoren is more childlike than Joshua.

Kalen asked for assistance. They asked to add one more table and two chairs for them to join us. They also ordered something to eat. Crozen sat beside me while Kalen was parallel to him.

"Anong department ka? Ikaw 'yung nakabunggo ko sa cafeteria di'ba? Sorry ulit." Kalen scratched the back of his head. He reached for the tempura and placed it to his plate afterwards using his own chopsticks.

"Don't worry about it. I'm from Mass comm dept. Ikaw? Kayo? Anong department kayo?" I tried my best to cheer up the mood. Masyado silang alive kausap unlike Jieven na napakaseryoso at walang imik kaya kailangan ko silang sabayan. I want them to feel comfortable around me and vice versa.

"Pareho kaming galing sa Engineering Department." Sagot ni Kalen habang ngumunguya. Nakapatong ang kaliwang kamay niya sa lamesa at nakapatong naman sa kamay niya ang kanyang baba.

"Si Jieven lang naman ang naiba sa amin kasi sinundan niya si Natasja." Crozen said out of the blue.

Jieven choked. I was also shookt of what Czoren had confessed. I glanced at Jieven when he coughed consecutively, he lightly punched his chest while trying to contain himself. I reached for the glass of water and offered it to him. Tinanggap niya ang tubig at ininom iyon ng diretso.

"Oh kitams! Defensive siya! Pati pagkain sumasang-ayon na sa akin!" Napafist bump sa hangin si Czoren, tuwang tuwa dahil nasamid si Jieven.

"Our first choice is Engineering but he chose Business Management when Natasja said—"

"Stop it." Jieven cut him off, looking irritated about our topic. He looked more than serious right now, parang handang handa na siyang katayin ang mga kaibigan niya sa paraan ng pagtingin niya. Mukhang hindi maganda ang topic na napili nila Czoren.

"Just fucking eat." He then added while glaring at his friends but instead of freaking out because he is mad, the two men giggled. Napailing nalang ako dahil mukhang ako pa ang mas kinabahan sa buhay nila.

"Oh eto, kain ka pa." Nilagyan ni Czoren ang plato ko nang tatlong sushi. "Try mo 'to, masarap 'to kapag maanghang." He put the two tempura he dipped in the hot sauce on my plate making me gasped secretly. Oh my gosh.

"Uh," I don't know what to say. I want to protest but I couldn't. I don't want to embarrass him by saying that I don't eat spicy foods. That's bad for my voice so I don't really eat foods like that. Paano ko ba sasabihin? Czoren, sorry? Hmm nah. I'm not into spicy foods kasi eh. Gosh, ang conyo.

"T-thanks." I mumbled to him when he was done placing the tempura on my plate. Alanganin akong ngumiti. My script on my mind faded away instantly. Jusko, paano ko kakainin 'to?

I fake a coughed and sighed heavily in defeat. I have no choice so I reached for my chopsticks again and picked the tempura on my plate. I was about to take a bite but Jieven snatched it away from me. Before I could even protest, he glanced at me while slowly chewing. My eyes widened in surprise. What the?

"Hala bro, bakit nang-aagaw ka ng pagkain?" Czoren hissed in disbelief. "Ang daming tempura dito oh, bakit nang-aagaw ka? Iluwa mo 'yan!" He added. Halata ang pinaghalong gulat at inis sa boses. Nakita ko namang natawa si Kalen.

"I'm too lazy to get some." Jieven answered with no emotion at all, looking bored.

"Hala, nasa harapan niya lang naman." Czoren mumbled in disbelief. He looked like he was betrayed. I wanted to laugh so bad but I stopped myself from doing so.

"Tangina, natatawa ako." Kalen covered his face using his palm to refrain himself from laughing.

I glanced at Jieven and he was also looking at me so our gaze met. I bit the insides of my cheek, thinking of something to say. I certainly knew that he did that to save me. Alam kong kanina pa niya napapansin na hindi ko sinasawsaw ang tempura na kinakain ko.

"Thanks." I mouthed to him. He just shrugged his shoulders.

Makalipas pa ang ilang oras ay natapos din kaming kumain. Tuwang tuwa sila Kalen at Czoren dahil si Jieven ang nagbayad nang lahat ng kinain namin. I suggested that I should pay atleast half or 1/4 of it but he refused to take my offer. Siya daw ang nag-aya kaya siya ang magbabayad.

"Nauto na naman natin siya, gago ka kase." Kalen playfully punched Czoren's tummy.

"Mayaman naman 'yan, sobrang yaman pala, hayaan mo na. Ang mahalaga busog tayo bro!" Napafist bump na naman si Czoren. They even shared a high five.

I massaged my temple. These two are stressing me out but they are so bubbly, I want to hang out with them more often. I wish I could do that together with my friends. Alam kong magkakasundo talaga sila.

We just waited for Jieven outside the restaurant then after a minute, he came out playfully biting his lower lip. He let out a small smile when he saw me but it faded away when he noticed that his friends are also waiting for him beside me.

"Why are you still here? Umuwi na kayo." May halong inis na aniya sa mga kaibigan.

"Taboy na taboy naman 'to, hindi naman namin aagawin si Tammy." Czoren mumbled but I was able to hear it because he is just beside me.

"Yeah, we are about to leave." Kalen changed the topic. Tumingin siya sa akin. "Una na kami, ingat ka, kayo." He grinned afterwards then looked at Jieven. "Ihatid mo 'yan ah. Sa bahay nila hindi sa condo mo." Pasimpleng bulong niya pero narinig ko pa rin.

Naramdaman ko kaagad ang pamumula ng pisngi ko.

"Back off." Jieven smirked at Kalen.

"Kitakits tayo sa school ah!" Czoren tapped my shoulders. I nodded as a response pagkatapos ay hinila na siya ni Kalen papalayo sa amin.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Jieven. Magsasalita na sana siya nang marinig namin si Czoren na sumisigaw mula sa malayo habang hinihila ni Kalen.

"Sana all may bebe!"

"That dumbass." Jieven mumbled, looking embarassed because of his friends behavior. Napailing nalang siya bago ako binalingan ng tingin. "Let's go? I'll drive you home."

"No need," I waved my hands in the air as a no. I already texted Manong Adrian, my personal driver, while waiting for Jieven earlier.

"Why?" His face held confusion.

"Someone will fetch me. It's okay, you go first. Thank you for the food by the way," I laughed and nudge him. "Oh wala ka ng utang sa akin."

He shook his head and tsked playfully. "Are you sure someone is going to fetch you?" He was obviously doubting me. I'm not lying, talagang susunduin ako.

I nodded two times. "Yeah."

"Then we should wait for him." He suggested.

"Hindi mauna ka na." I said softly, trying not to offend him as possible. He didn't respond but he stared at me for almost ten seconds, lowkey thinking what to say.

"Fine." He sighed in defeat afterwards. "I'll get going then."

I nodded and waved my hand. "Drive safely."

He smiled but it didn't reach his eyes, he walked away but paused midway after taking three steps, making me confused. Mabilis siyang lumingon sa akin at lumamlam ang kanyang magandang mga mata.

"Why?" I asked.

He looked at me, like he was memorizing every angle of my face. Bigla akong nakaramdam ng ilang. As much as I wanted to know what's the matter, I couldn't do it, I was hesitant do so since his looks makes me feel so uneasy. Oh gosh, kailan pa ako naging ganito?

"Nothing." He mumbled after the long silence. Mabilis siyang nawala sa paningin ko ng hindi ko namamalayan.

Time flew so fast. On the following days, I was excused since I had to help the council to prepare for the upcoming foundation day. We need to decorate, prepare things, submit letters to be approve and such. Two days before the said foundation day, they cancelled the classes, that is to let the students prepare for their own booths and to plan as a class.

"Ito 'yung schedule ng mga manyayari sa foundation day." Inabutan kami ni Alyza ng tig-iisang papel. We're in the office, meeting and planning for tomorrow's event. Sir Darwin is also present today, the Council's Moderator.

I looked at the paper.

7:30-9:00 Parade
9:00-11:00 Games
11:00-12:00 Body Painting
12:00-1:00 Lunch Break
1:00-3:00 Cheerdance Competition
3:00-5:00 Pageant
6:00-10:00 Concert

I smirked when I saw the last event, they didn't remove the concert. The concert is the best part of the day, I feel so excited.

"Sir!" Hero raised his hand in the middle of our meeting. All of us glanced at him, curiously waiting for his question.

"What is it, Hero?" Tanong ni Sir Darwin at inayos pa ang suot na specs. He's in his early 30's but he still looks so good and young.

"Casual clothes naman ang suot namin sa foundation day di'ba sir?" Hero bubbly asked. His voice sounded like he's hoping for a good answer.

Tumango si Sir. "Yes, casual clothes."

Napa-yes din si Hero nang pabulong pero kaagad na naglaho ang ngiti dahil sa sunod na sinabi ni Sir. "But you'll be wearing your Council Shirt."

We all looked so sad when we stepped out of the office. All of us were expecting that we are able to wear anything we wish for tomorrow but what happened was the otherwise.

"Saan ka pupunta?" Joshua popped beside me. Oras na para tumulong kami sa pagpreprepare kaya naman naghiwa-hiwalay na kaming lahat.

"Sa gymnasium ako. Ikaw? Punta ka sa booth?" I plan to help there, it is more convenient yet difficult. The gymnasium are too huge to be decorated by few persons only.

He shook his head. "Nandoon naman sila Stefhany. Kaya na nila 'yon. Punta nalang din ako sa gym."

"Okay." I simply answered. Mabuti na rin at nandito siya at least may kasama ako.

Bigla kaming napadaan sa student lounge kaya napatingin ako sa mga estudyanteng kumakain at nagkukwentuhan doon.

"Walang nagbabantay sa mga buildings. Do you think the students are still following the rules knowing that we're not around?"

Joshua looked at me in the eyes and smiled. "Don't worry too much about them, Tammy. President na nila ang bahala sa kanila."

"As you say so," I shrugged.

Nakarating kami sa gymnasium matapos ang mahabang lakaran. Nandoon na rin si Chris na nagpupukpok ng pako at si Chabe na nag-aayos ng mga upuan. Ang bilis naman nilang makapunta dito?

Then suddenly, Chris and Chabe looked at us, with their malicious eyes they made a lovely face.

"Yiieeeeeeee!"

I raised a brow. Bigla tuloy napatingin sa amin ang ibang tao na tumutulong sa amin sa pag-aayos. They grinned and giggled at us especially the students. I know by myself that we are  somewhat familiar to them, because we are part of the council. Nakaramdam kaagad ako ng hiya kaya natawa nalang ako at pasimpleng naglakad papunta kay Chabe para tulungan siya.

"May progress na ba?" Chabe nudged me.

"Ha? Syempre wala." I fired back. "Issue kayo ah." Anas ko pero imbes na sagutin ako ay tinawanan niya lang ako.

Matapos ang ilang oras na pag-aayos ay nagpunta muna ako sa isang sulok dahil doon nakapwesto ang mga free mineral bottled water. Kumuha ako ng isa at uminom. I stood there while trying to refresh. I was also simply wiping my sweat using my handkerchief.

"Miss Rustia?"

I stood straight when Mrs. Valderama suddenly popped up in front of me while holding two large books. I knew her very well. She was my adviser last school year.

I smiled genuinely. "Yes ma'am?"

"Could you help me with this? I want you to do me a favor, if you don't mind." She softly asked. I immediately nodded, I don't have the rights to protest though.

"Anything, Ma'am. Ano pong maitutulong ko?" Mahinhin kong tanong habang may malawak na ngiti sa labi.

Inabot niya sa akin ang dalawang libro, kinuha ko naman iyon at niyakap. Now I know what to do with these books. Geez.

"Please bring this to the library. Hindi ko na kayang umakyat sa fifth floor ng Business Admin Building dahil sumasakit ang tuhod ko. Can you do that for me?" She asked. The side of my lips rose when upon realizing that I was actually right.

I nodded three times. "Ofcourse, Ma'am, no problem."

"Thank you, Miss Rustia." She disappeared real quick after thanking me. I started walking towards the Business Admin Building while hugging the books. Malayo layo ang library mula dito sa gymnasium kaya naman medyo nainis ako. Sobrang tirik pa naman ng araw, ang hirap maglakad lakad.

I was panting when I reached the library. Geez, that was heavy. This freaking school badly needed some elevator. Goodness.

But luckily, the cold breeze from the aircon embraced my warm body when I stepped inside the library, it made me feel better and at ease. There were few people reading books but my gaze landed on a certain table. Shoot, Jieven, Kalen and Czoren are here.

Seryosong nagsusulat si Jieven habang nag-uusap si Czoren at Kalen sa harapan niya. Czoren laughed and he slightly punched Kalen's shoulder. Umangat ang ulo ni Jieven at mukhang pinagalitan sila dahil natahimik ang dalawa.

I laughed a bit.

Mabilis kong kinausap ang librarian at sinabing galing iyon kay Ma'am Valderama. I was about to go out when I paused and took a glimpse of Jieven for the last time. Inagaw ni Czoren ang ballpen nito at nagsulat sa papel pero mabilis ding nahablot ni Jieven pabalik ang ballpen niya. They talked for a bit then suddenly, Kalen stood up while laughing. Czoren tapped Jieven's shoulder and followed Kalen. I immediately turned my back and hid myself in the library counter when they walked towards my direction. Nang malampasan nila ako at makalabas sila ng library ay nilapitan ko si Jieven.

I faked a coughed that made him looked up to me. Nagulat siya sa presensya ko pero ngumiti lang ako bilang tugon. Umupo ako sa tapat niya at tinignan ang ginagawa niya.

"What are you doing?" I asked, sounding curious.

He closed his notebook and chuckled. "Nothing important."

"Really? Bakit mo sinara?" Pang-aasar ko.

The side of his lips rose. "Why are you here by the way?" Pang-iiba niya ng topic.

"Ah," napatingin ako sa librarian at binalik ang tingin kay Jieven. "May binalik lang akong libro."

He nodded. Silence lingered again. It feels so awkward. I played with my fingers under the table while thinking of something to say.

"Kain? Tara sa cafeteria." I asked after the long silence.

I was shookt when he nodded. Tumayo siya kaya mabilis din akong napatayo. Sabay kaming lumabas ng library at walang nagsasalita sa aming dalawa habang naglalakad pababa.

"This university badly needed some elevator." I mumbled, feeling furious because of the freaking stairs. I was breathing heavily while holding the railings for support. Pababa na kami at pakiramdam ko ay kanina pa ako naglalakad sa hagdan. Kailan ba namin maabot ang ground floor?

"Why are you so grumpy?" May bahid ng pang-aasar sa boses niya.

"Coz' I'm freaking tired of walking!" I hissed. He let out a cute smile and tsked before looking away.

"Do you want me to carry you?"

"Gaga." Minura ko siya pero imbes na magalit ay napangisi pa.

When we reached the freaking ground floor, we walked under the sun, isa pa 'tong araw na 'to, masyadong mainit, nakakadehydrate.

We were silent while walking but then, we met Natasja along the way making the atmosphere between us fiery. I paused from walking as well as Jieven. Natasja slowly stopped too and glared at us, curious and brows a bit furrowed.

She then raised a brow afterwards making me swallowed hard. Bakit pakiramdam ko ay ako ang third party sa kanila dalawa?

The two ex lovers eyes met. Seryoso at madilim ang mukha ni Jieven habang lumambot naman ang ekspresyon ni Natasja. Palipat lipat ang tingin ko sa kanilang dalawa hanggang sa napahinto ako nang maramdaman ang hawak ni Jieven.

"Let's go, Tammy." I was surprised when he held my arm. He was about to walk away but Natasja is too fast to block him. She didn't say anything, she was just staring at him.

Okay? What now? Am I gonna watch another live drama again? But now with subtitles?

"Jieven.." she called his name. My eyes widened with the way she said it. It was full of emotion, like she was trying to caress his heart. Ibang iba si Natasja ngayon kumpara sa Natasja na na-encounter ko ilang araw na ang nakakalipas.

Jieven looked at her without any emotions at all, the total opposite of her. "You're blocking our way." He said in a monotone, I felt the shiver running down my spine because of his deep and firm voice.

Natasja stayed still until she breathe out. Dahan dahan siyang gumilid kaya nakadaan kami ni Jieven. Nang masigurong nakalayo na kami ay tinanggal ko ang kamay ni Jieven na nakahawak sa akin sa hindi malamang dahilan.

"I'm sorry about that." he mumbled.

"You okay?"

"Yeah." He nodded. Seryoso lang ang mukha niya kaya hindi ko alam kung ano ang nararamdaman niya. I wanted to ask so bad but I refrain myself from doing that. He needs silence so let me give him some.

When we reached the cafeteria, I ordered one slice of pineapple pie and a warm mineral water. Wala atang balak bumili si Jieven but I forced him so he ended up buying mango shake for himself.

Nakatayo lang kaming dalawa sa counter habang hinihintay ang shake niya. Nakatingin lang siya sa kawalan at mukhang malalim ang iniisip. His arms were crossed over his chest and he was leaning on the counter. My forehead creased while staring at him. Ano kayang iniisip niya?

I unconciously tapped his shoulder, I think I just brought him back to his senses. He looked at me instantly as if he was awaken from his deep sleep.

"It's okay, pain is part of life." I said and let out a small smile. Natawa naman siya at napailing.

"I told you, I'm fine." He insisted.

"Don't fool me around, Jieven." Kumagat ako sa pineapple pie ko.

"I'm not fooling you around. I'm saying what I feel and I am damn okay." Pagpupumilit niya pa rin pero halata namang apektado pa rin siya kay Natasja.

"So, why are you absent minded?"

His forehead creased, looking confused. "What?"

"Nakatulala ka." I laughed a bit. "You're definitely thinking about her—"

"You know what," he cut me off immediately.

"What?"

"You should stop talking about her." He said with finality, no emotions at all.

"Why would I?"

"I'm trying, Tammy. I'm trying." He sighed heavily, trying to contain himself. "The least thing you could do is to shut your mouth and be with me."

I bit my lower lip. "Be with you?"

Dumating na ang shake niya kaya kinuha niya iyon at binayaran. He glanced at me afterwards. "I'm at peace when you're around so be with me if you could." He simply answered before leaving me dumbfounded.

I felt my cheeks burning so I slapped myself to got my senses back. I looked around afterwards and saw him walking away from me.

"Jieven!" I shouted.

Lumingon siya na nakakunot ang noo. He still looked very alluring though. His hazelnut eyes never disappointed me.

I put my hands inside my pocket. I slowly pulled it out and showed him a finger heart. Just like in korean drama's.

He laughed and shook his head before walking away.

Kinabukasan ay sobrang ingay at gulo sa campus. Students are all busy wandering around. May kanya kanya silang hawak na color blue balloon at may suot pang asul na bandana ang iba.

"Sumakay ka nalang sa kotse, huwag ka na maglakad." Joshua instructed while we are walking. He keep on following me and insisting that I should take the car instead of walking along with the crowd. The parade is almost near, we need to get ready but here he is, blabbering and blabbering things.

The marching band of the university were the first in line. Kendra is one of the majorette's kaya nandoon siya ngayon. Today is the 35th Foundation Day of the school and everyone seems so excited.

"It's okay Joshua, maglalakad lang naman tayo." I answered casually. Suot ko ang T-shirt ng council, tinuck-in ko nalang iyon sa isang high waisted black jeans at nagsuot ako ng white rubber shoes. Nakalugay lang din ang mahaba kong buhok na hanggang bewang.

"Sigurado ka?"

I smiled to assure him. "Oo, huwag ka mag-alala."

Maya maya pa ay nagsimula na ang parade. May ilang traffic enforcers na tumulong sa amin para isecure ang mga estudyante. I am walking along with the crowd while checking the students and looking around to make sure that everything is on their right places. Council's were scattered around to watch and guide the students.

"Oh tubig." Claudine offered me a mineral water when she saw me struggling while walking. She was holding a blue long balloon as well as Maegan.

"Thanks."

"Mukhang pagod ka na, ayos ka lang? 'Yan, council pa more." Maegan teased. Ginawa niyang headband ang bandana niya, pareho sila ni Claudine. And I must say, it looks good to them.

"Gaga." I rolled my eyes and grabbed both of their hairs. They groaned in pain but even before they could hit me, I immediately run away from them.

Matapos lang ang isang oras at mahigit ay nakabalik na kami sa school. Nagkaroon lang ng kaunting briefing at announcement ang president ng school about sa foundation day bago niya tuluyang sabihin na opisyal nang magsisimula ang araw na ito.

I am sitting in our booth while refreshing. I used a certain folder I got in the office to give myself some air. I even put my hair in a ponytail because the sun is really oozing in hotness. Kanina pa ako paikot ikot sa campus kaya sobrang sakit na ng paa ko. I need to rest so I paused working for the meantime.

We build a small tent in the open field. Magkakatabi ang mga booth dito at may mga stalls din ng pagkain. May pahabang lamesa sa harapan ng booth namin na ginawa naming counter. May mga estudyanteng bumibili ng cherry bomb namin pero nandoon naman si Chabe at Stefhany para asikasuhin sila. Ang ibang babae ay nagpapacute lang sa mga lalaking council kaya natatawa nalang ako. They are so obvious.

"Hoy gaga!"

I heard Claudine's voice so I immediately looked around. Nandoon siya sa counter, kasama niya si Maegan at si Kendra na nakapagbihis na. I stood up and greeted them with a big smile.

"Oh bili na kayo, bili na kayo sa booth namin. Bili bili dali!" I giggled in excitement. I know they will support me.

"Mamaya na, hindi pa kami nauuhaw." Claudine answered. Nawala kaagad ang ngiti ko.

I pouted. "Wala kayong kwentang kaibigan."

"OA!" Hinampas ni Maegan sa akin ang balloon na hawak niya.

Hinila ako ni Kendra kaya napalabas ako ng booth. "Let's go around! Mamaya ka na ulit magtrabaho, you're so dedicated naman eh. Tatakbo ka bang president?"

Wala na akong nagawa nang kaladkarin nila ako sa quadrangle. Doon ginaganap ngayon ang mga games. Ang ibang palaro ay laro ng lahi. Anyone could join, as long as they can manage.

"Uy badminton!" Claudine pointed a certain area. Hinila niya ang braso ko na siyang ikinagulat ko. "Sali ka 'don dali! Magaling ka 'don di'ba? Athlete ka naman eh." She exclamied like a kid who recently saw a bunch of candies.

"Lawn tennis kasi 'yon." I massaged my forehead because of her stupidity.

"Pareho lang 'yon! Mas malaki at sosyal lang 'yung lawn tennis. Sali ka na!" Pagpupumilit niya.

Paulit-ulit akong umiling. Wala ako sa mood maglaro lalo na't pagod na ang katawan ko.

"I can't,"

"Aw, sayang naman." Tumingin si Claudine kay Kendra at ngumisi. "Ikaw nalang!"

"No way! Don't touch me! No!"

Sabay sabay kaming naglunch nila Claudine pero mabilis din akong umalis dahil kailangan kong magbantay sa booth. Natapos na rin ang pageant at accountancy department ang nanalo sa babae habang galing sa criminology department ang lalaki. I don't know them anyway so I don't mind asking.

I changed my upper clothes before the concert starts. Sa gitna ng open field gaganapin ang concert. Naglagay nalang sila ng stage at riser doon para magmukha talagang concert arena. There were also colored lights and a loud music playing around the area while everyone is waiting for the live band.

"Labas muna ako." Paalam ko kila Stefhany na nasa backstage. I went out and marched towards my friends position. I made a disgusted face when I saw Claudine dancing like a whore in the middle. They removed the chairs so we could enjoy the concert while standing.
My forehead even creased when I heard the loud bang from the speaker. Hindi pa nagsisimula pero alive na alive ang mga estudyante at puno na ang buong field.

"Hoy tumigil ka nga!" Hinila ko si Claudine para tumigil.

"Panira naman 'to! Hayaan mo na ako baka may mabingwit ako kapag nagtwerk ako!" She exclaimed, trying to get off from my grip.

"Gaga! Idederetso talaga kita sa POD tignan mo." I warned her. I was just kidding of course.

"Apaka KJ mo!" She hissed.

Maya maya pa ay mas umingay na ang paligid nang magsimula ang concert. May live band na kumakanta sa stage at lahat ng tao ay sumasabay sa kanta.

I smiled. Their vocalist is good actually. I wonder who he is. Ang narinig ko lang ay galing siya sa Architecture Department pero hindi siya pamilyar sa akin.

"Galaw galaw Jieven! Ang tagal bro!"

"Shut up."

Nagulat ako nang bigla akong mabunggo ng kung sino. Paglingon ko ay nakita kong si Czoren ang bumunggo sa akin.

"Aray, tangina." He cursed while masagging his shoulders.

Kalen laughed. Jieven looked away, pretending to be innocent well in fact he just pushed Czoren causing him to stumble and bumped into me.

"You're here." I acknowledged their presence. Jieven then glanced at me and smiled playfully.

"Uy sorry, sadyang walangya lang talaga si Jieven." Czoren apologized. Tumango lang ako at tumawa, no big deal.

"Walang problema."

"Hoy gaga, sino bang kausap mo dyan? Bilhan mo nga ako ng popcorn!" Claudine grabbed my hair so I was forced to look at her. She was busy singing along with the crowd.

I shot up a brow. "I'm not your maid!"

"Sige na! Nagugutom na ako!" Pagmamakaawa niya. Hinawakan niya ang tyan na parang pulubing gutom na gutom. I had the urge to say no but I couldn't voice them out. Sa huli ay hindi ko rin siya natiis.

I sighed in defeat and rolled my eyes. "Oo na! Oo na!"

Tumalikod na ako. Muli kong tinignan sila Jieven dahil nakatingin sila sa akin.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"Ah maghahanap ng popcorn."

"I'll come with you."

"Yiieeeeeee!" Czoren playfully teased us but he stopped midway when Kalen covered his mouth.

Natawa nalang ako bago naglakad paalis sa crowd. Nasa tabi ko lang naman si Jieven at tahimik na sinasabayan ang lakad ko. Both of his hands were placed inside his pocket. He was wearing a simple white button down dress shirt, he tucked it in his gray trousers and he was also wearing a black leather belt, he made his outfit complete with his white shoes. People, especially the girls are looking at him, admiring him like a baby. He's indeed a good looking guy, hindi ko iyon ipagkakaila lalong lalo na ang mga mata niya. It was his best asset. Those hazelnut eyes that could make any girls heart flutter in just a second.

I'm humming the song while walking, ignoring their malicious stares at us. We could still hear the sound since we are still in the field. Napapahead bang din ako ng kaunti. Naiilang na ako sa tinginan ng tao kahit pa si Jieven naman ang tinitignan nila.

"How can you be so carefree?"

Mabilis akong napalingon nang magsalita siya sa tabi ko. His eyes were glistening in astonishment.

I smiled sweetly. "Life is full of surprises, Jieven. You don't know what will happen tomorrow so enjoy your life to the fullest before it's too late."

"What do you mean before it's too late?" His voice held curiosity.

"Before everything ends." I shrugged my shoulders. "Enjoy everything. Don't deprive yourself from the things that makes you happy."

Nakahanap ako ng booth na nagtitinda ng popcorn kaya nag-order na ako ng isang bucket. Napaisip ako kung gusto rin ba nila Jieven pero sa tingin ko ay hindi kaya isa lang ang inorder ko.

"You okay?" I asked him all of a sudden when he didn't talk for a while. Nakasandal lang siya sa railings habang malayo ang tingin at nakahalukipkip.

"You're right." He then whispered after a minute.

"Huh?"

Nang magtama ang paningin naman ay bahagya siya ngumiti. "I should not deprive myself, you're right." He whispered with full of emotion.

Unti unting nawala ang pagtataka sa mukha ko dahil napalitan iyon ng isang ngiti. He really looked better when he's similing. He should smile more often.

I nodded twice. "Yeah, so start moving forward, Jieven."

Magsasalita pa sana siya pero biglang may humawak sa kamay ko. I was also shookt and was about to whisked that strange hand but I stopped midway.

"Nandito ka lang pala."

My eyes widened in surprised. Anong ginagawa niya dito?

"Joshua.."

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