"Jusko mga BieH! Ang sungit ng research teacher natin ngayon!" Leigh mentioned while fixing her things inside her bag.

We were in Grade 8 now. I am so proud of my best friends because we all got honors!

Our Research teacher had an early dismissal and our Advanced English teacher didn't attend the class so Shana decided that we went here in the S.T.E. corridor instead of waiting in the Biolaboratory.

"Omg! Yuh! Only the tea," Zophiya replied while moving his portable fan.

"Ang hot! " Ashley said, habang ginagamit niya yung damit pang-palamig.

"Musta! Girls? Ako lang 'yung hot ano ba?" Vincent said in out of nowhere.

"Babe, ang init. Wala ka bang pamaypay?" Ashley asked Vincent.

"Bakit ka pa magpapaypay? May papel naman? Wait kuha lang ako sa loob," Vincent replied, "Bro! Samahan mo ako, balik tayo sa room," He told to Gilbert

"Independent ka naman, kaya mo na 'yan. May aasukasuhin pa ako rito," Gilbert replied and he has a glimpsed on me.

"How are you? Natasha?" Gilbert asked me, he's now sitting near me.

"Oh! Pota mga BiEh! Walang lalanggamin," Leigh replied, then chuckled.

"Omg, sis! Buti pa yung nakuha mo gentleman," Ashley sarcastically rolled her eyes that made me laugh.

"First week of being Grade 8? Tired, but I'm okay. Still adjusting," I replied.

"Tell me kung saan ka nahihirapan," Gilbert insisted while fixing my hair.

"Guys! Maaga ko na kayong binabalaan! Busy sa Filipino, Hayahay sa E.S.P," Vincent was back with his cartolina.

"Oh! Anong gagawin ko rito?" Ashley replied, brow raised, then confused.

I didn't want to eavesdrop. I want Gilbert's attention. His attention only.

"How about you? Tell me!" I asked him, curious and eager.

"Yeah! Like you. Still adjusting, pero nakakasagot naman ako sa mga recit. Marami nga lang mga group tasks sa Filipino namin." He answered, smiled.

"Maybe you need rest," I replied, worried.

"Rest agad?" He laughed.

I raised him a brow, a bully psycho devil peasant.

"Joke lang, oy! Siyempre ganito naman sa Public Schools. Kaya nasasanay na rin ako. Ikaw mag-rest diyan, oh," He worried and even pouted.

"Mga BiEh! Let's play Truth or dare." I heard Emma suggesting a game.

"G lang!" Vincent answered "Kayo bro sali na rin."

Gilbert had a glimpse of me and gave me a smile.

"Do you want to join in the game? We can't naman," He consents to me.

"I-It's fine. You'll be happy naman? Right?" I asked, pouting.

"Baliw! Game lang naman 'to," Gilbert laughed.

"Woo! Grabeng buhay na 'to," Leigh replied while looking at us, "Paano ba makahanap ng loyal diyan?" Leigh continued.

"Gaga ka! Pagkatapos niyo mag-break ni Nate may Elijah ka na ulit," Emma said, slapped Leigh's shoulder.

Shocked.

"Daldal mo naman biEh! Edi sa'yo na 'yung korona ng pagiging loyal!" Leigh shouted.

"Oh! Ano? May balak pa ba tayo maglaro? Dalian niyo na baka dumating pa last subject namin," Vincent told.

"Atat ka babe? Bumalik ka na nga ro'n!" Ashley ordered, fierce.

"Sorry na po," I saw Vincent was making a sad face.

"Paawa," Ashley whispered.

Zophiya brought her empty water bottle and we started the game.

"Oh! BiEh! Nasayo ang ulo ng bote!" Sabi ni Emma kay Leigh, nakaturo pa.

"Truth or Dare, girl?" Sophia asked.

"Pucha! Truth." Leigh answered without hesitations.

"How's you and Nate?" Sophia asked, raised her brow, confused. "I-I can change it if you're not comfortable."

"Hindi kasi siya sumipot sa date namin, jusko! Ayoko na siya bigyan ng second chance 'no! Next na nga, may Elijah na ako," Leigh mentioned without hesitation.

"Jajo! Bakit nasa akin?" Gilbert shouted, shocked.

"Truth or Dare?" Leigh questioned.

"Dare para may thrill!" Gilbert mentioned. 

"Yabang mo naman kung gano'n," Vincent replied.

"Sus! Laro lang 'to," he fired back.

"Hmmm," Leigh was thinking, "Kiss, Natasha. "

"Hoy! Gaga ka talaga! Walang ganiyan." Emma mentioned.

"Sorry! Masyadong thirsty lang 'tong biEh ko. Ganiyan talaga 'yan," Emma defended.

"Libre mo na lang kami!" Leigh continually replied.

"''Ge! This weekend? " Gilbert asked.

"Bawal 'yang idea na 'yan! Papagalitan ako, maduduga kayo." Emma asked.

"Isip kasi kayo ng magandang dare!" Emma ordered us.

"Bro! Sing a song for Natasha na lang. Para romantic," Vincent suggested.

"Bro! Ano ba 'yan?" reklamo niya, "Wala naman na akong choice."

"Natasha! Makinig ka nang mabuti dahil isang beses ko lang 'to uulitin," he said.

"We were--"

"Vincent! Gilbert! Si Ma'am nandiyan na!" Trix suddenly shouted at them that made me frowned.

"Sorry, I'll just do it next time na lang, Natasha. Bye," he said. He kissed my forehead.

"Yeah, s-sure." I became sad.

"Ouch! Girl! I didn't see it coming." Sophia told.

"Sayang, sis! Unti na lang," Ashley said.

"Yuh! Truth," Sophia added.

"Don't blame the teacher na lang. Maybe it's not the right time." I said to them.

I glimpsed to Gilbert hoping he's ready for the next subject.

"Mga gagu talaga kayo! Pinasigaw niyo pa ako nang very far." I heard Trix shouting to them.

"Let's talk about our favorite moments during Grade 7 instead," I asked them.

"Yuh! So brilliant." Sophia answered.

"Ano ba sa akin? Feeling ko 'yung mga na-meet kong mga boys. Mga cute at pogi sana kaso nga lang wala," Leigh answered, rolled her eyes.

"Bieh! Makakahanap ka rin ng kapalit. Magaling ka naman sa ganiyang mga bagay." Emma answered.

"Remember noong day na dalawang major PETA yung ginawa natin? Jusmiyo sasabog na katawan natin." Ashley told.

"Yuh! Right." Sophia agreed.

"Oo biEh! HAHA! 'Yung ESP na talents tapos sa MAPEH na nag-folk dance tayo," Emma fired back.

"Only facts." Sophia agreed, nodding.

Days passed and parami nang parami 'yung mga ginagawa namin sa school. Grade 8 was that hard, huh. How about Grade 9 and Grade 10 pa kaya? Ugh! I don't want to transfer to Private pa naman. I have my BFs here. Best friends and my boyfriend.

I remember that if I need help, I'll just call Gilbert.

[Musta? Bakit tayo napatawag?] 

"Uhm, It's just this Fili subject," I'm stressed.

[Kailangan mo ba ng tulong? Send pictures ako na gagawa ng document, ako na rin magsasagot. Hahalungkatin ko lang yung mga recent files ko]

"Hala! You're not busy? You're not doing something ba?" I asked, worried.

[Natasha! Kaya ko naman pagsabayin 'to. Alam ko na mga techniques diyan para maka-perfect] he's boasting.

"Hmm! Talaga lang, huh?" I said with sass.

[Yeah! ELC lang naman pinauwing assi, kaya ko naman 'yon. Plus please? Let me do it. Boyfriend duty?]

"Really huh? Walang kapalit?" I asked.

[ Hmm ]

[ Sabayan mo ako sa lunch?]

" That's easy!"

[That's easy, that's easy amp]

"Kkay! Thank you. Just tell me if you need anything. Feel free. Girlfriend duty." I smiled.

[Yea! 143!]

"1432, bye! Take care."

I sent the documents to him. He's so kind. He's not that devil peasant pala. You just need to know the person to know his true attitude and true colors.

I already missed him. I want to hear his voice every damn seconds.

"Hello!" I shouted and give him a chuckle.

[Jajo! Potangama! Ano na ba trabaho mo ngayon?]

"Sorry! I didn't mean to."

['Ge, 'ge, bakit ka napatawag? Miss mo ako ano?]

"N- Yes"

[Wag ka nga riyan. Kinikilig ako ampotchi.]

"Nyenye,"

"Can I go there? Next week? Let's have a sleepover?"

[Weh? Akala mo papayagan.]

[Pwede naman pero ikaw inaalala ko]

"Papahatid ako kay Kuya Roland, my driver, there. I knew your location naman na."

[Yeah! Sure ka ba?] He's laugh.

"Okay then, no na lang,"

[Wow? Tampo? Ampotchi, Sige na nga.]

"Yehey! Just see you next week there."

[Opo na!]

"How's my document?"

[Grabe talaga magpagawain si Sir, apat na gawain binigay sa inyo. Sa amin lima. ] He sarcastically said.

"What's the difference though?"

[Sa bilang ng mga gawain? Halatang may favoritism.]

"Aww! Tampo? Ampotchi," I mocked him.

[Eww! Bebe ko walang originality. Pero sige kokopyahin mo rin naman yung apelyido ko, Natasha Shane Villaflor. Oha! Potchi ang angas.]

"Fucker! Maybe we'll break up, we don't what the future holds."

[Never. I'll not leave you, unless you do.]

I was static for a moment. Silence and dead air. "Alright. Just don't end this. I want to hear you while you're doing my assignments."

[Grabe!]

"May angal po ba tayo, Sir?"

[Hehe! Wala naman po, Mrs. Villaflor]

"Fuck you!" I cursed to him, so stressed.

[Aba! Kanina mo pa ako minumura ha. Di mo na ba ako mahal?]

" I said, Fuck... me, I love you 'no," I said.

[Sure, kapag 18 plus na tayo. We're too young pa]

"Fuck! " I cursed. He got me there.

Weeks passed and it's time for the sleepover. My Mum and Dad ay may inaasikasong issue in States for our company. Nagpaalam naman ako sa kanila and pumayag din. I'm very spoiled.

When I got there...

"Kuya Roland! Thank you po. Take care with Ate Lita please and don't entertain any strangers." I told.

"Siyempre naman Ma'am!"

I called Gilbert.

"Come outside please, I'm already here."

[Nandyan ka na?]

"No! Wala pa ako rito," I sarcastically replied

[Just call me immediately if your there na]

"FUCKER! I'M ALREADY HERE. BANGAG KA BA?"

[Huh? Hindi nga? Bilis naman]

I knocked the gate

"Come outside you dumbass devil peasant!" I shouted.

" Wait? Who are you? Mama Doc!" The little boy mentioned. Paiyak na siya when he stated 'Mama Doc'

"Bakit anak?" I saw a woman... a gorgeous woman.

"Ay! Ma, hehe. Ako na po bahala rito." I saw Gilbert now.

I raised him a brow.

"Bisita mo, anak?" Her.... mom told to Gilbert.

"A-Eh, hehe," I saw he nod. "Opo, ma."

"Hija, pasok. Palubog na ang araw." Her mom told to me now.

"Ma! Ako na po bahala rito. 'Yung sinaing? YUNG SINAING, MA SUNOG NA!" He panicky said.

"Sunog na? Haynakong bata ka! Papasukin mo na rin 'yang bisita mo kung bisita mo talaga 'yan." Her mom fired back, "Ay, hija! Gan'to talaga kami. Pagpasensyahan mo na." Her mom sympathized.

"That's fine po," I answered.

And I saw her running towards the kitchen.

"Kuya? Who's that girl?" The cute boy said, tilted his head slightly.

"Taken na 'yan, ha. Baka agawin mo." Gilbert replied and pinched his nose.

"What's taken, Kuya?" The boy questioned. 

I saw Gilbert brought the boy into his arms

"Natasha, little brother ko nga pala, Ezekiel. Ezekiel this is my... wonderful future wife, Natasha." He said with a smile.

"Kuya? Wife? Like mama doc and dada doc?" He innocently asked.

"Yeah, pero it will happen in the future pa. Just don't mind this thing because you're too young to understand this kind of matter," banggit niya habang pinipisil yung ilong ng kapatid niya.

"Hello Ate Natasha!" Ezekiel waved.

"Hello! Baby Ezekiel!" I greeted back.

I saw Gilbert raised his brow.

"Anong Baby Ezekiel? Dapat Baby Gilbert 'yan diba?" He formed a sad smile.

I smirked.

"Let's go?" He asked.

"Yeah! I've been waiting for that question kanina pa." I replied.

"Sorry po, baby Natasha." He said.

"Fuc-- "

I remember that his young brother was there so I stopped.

His one arm is holding Ezekiel while the other hand is holding my hands. We looked like a family that time. I just can't hide my romantic expression.

"Bawal ka munang kiligin ha." He whispered.

I just make face on him!

Her Mum looked in our direction.

"Bert--" Her mother stopped.

"Anak! Sabi ko nga, ako na maghahanda ng mga plato," She sarcastically continued.

"Hey! Natasha, can I leave you with Ezekiel first? Tutulungan ko lang si mama." He ordered me.

"Yeah! Sure."

He handed me his young brother. He also had the features like Gilbert, but Ezekiel is way more handsome than him... sort of.

I looked at how Gilbert is very helpful and kind. May mas ibabait pa pala siya dito sa bahay, huh.

"Natasha!" He called me.

"Why?" I asked, raised a brow still smiling.

"Halika na, kain muna tayo." He said.

We sat face to face. I sat beside her mum, and he sat beside Ezekiel. We had a conversations. Some questions.

"Ano nga pala section mo, hija?" Tanong ng mama niya.

"Galileo po." I answered.

"Aba! Kay talinong bata pala ine." She replied.

"Yes ma! She even joined quiz bees and spelling bees when she was in Elementary. She graduated Valedictorian. Plus, she got with High Honors." Pagmamayabang ni Gilbert.

"Anak! Parang hindi naman halata na kilalang kilala mo na 'to." Her mom said, "Ano nga pala pangalan mo, hija?"

"Natasha po." I answered.

"Kay gandang mukha at kay gandang pangalan." She mentioned.

Pagkatapos pa namin magkwentuhan, tumulong na rin ako kay Gilbert sa mga gawaing bahay. I already knew that Gilbert is a family of doctors. That was why her baby brother, Ezekiel, was calling her mum, mama doc. Plus, Nakakahiya naman kasi kung hihiga ako rito eh hindi ko naman 'to bahay. Kaya I act professional.

"May iniisip ka ba? " tanong ni Gilbert habang nagsasabon ng mga hugasin.

"Random thoughts?" sagot ko habang nililinis yung table na pinagkainan namin.

"Katulad ng?" balik niya.

"Nevermind."

"Natasha, ayoko nang sinosolo mo lang 'yung mga what-ifs sa utak mo. Ayoko ring pasabugin utak mo 'no. I'm always here to listen." He said, worried.

"It's just about my dad," I answered.

"How about your dad?" He asked and fixed my bangs to see my eyes clearly.

"He doesn't want to have me a boyfriend pa. He's so very strict." I replied and rolled my eyes, frustrated.

"Ah! Okay, then. Do you want to end our relationship na ba?" He asked.

"No! It's not like that."

"Siyempre. Ako rin, oy. Ang hirap-hirap mong kunin tapos bibitawan lang kita agad-agad?" He replied but the pain is seen in his eyes.

"Yeah!"

"Got an idea." He mentioned.

"What is it?"

"Maybe we can have a private relationship? Some people will know about our relationship. Example mga close friends natin." He said.

"Brilliant!" I smiled.

He's very intelligent, Grade 9 student a.k.a. a devil psycho peasant, huh. I love him.

"Tulungan mo nga ako rito ." He ordered me.

"Uhm, What will I do?"

"Kunin mo 'yang malinis na tela tapos patuyuin mo 'tong mga nabanlawan na," he replied the instructions.

"Can you be more respectful?" I raised him a brow.

"Huh? Ah!" He said, "Uhm! Ito po, ha!" Kinuha niya na 'yung tela, "Ito pong tela, ipupunas mo lang na parang ganito. Tapos ilalagay sa lalagyan? Okay po ba?" He taught me.

"Oh! Is that it?" I asked.

"Gusto mo pa ba? Sige hugasan ulit natin yung iba kahit malinis," he sarcastically replied.

I just make face, what a bully?!

We already finished cleaning the plates and stuffs. And now we're in the living room. Ezekiel is sleeping now in his bedroom and her mom too.

"Gusto mo ba manood ng movies?" he asked.

"Y-Yeah. Just no tragic movies, please." I begged.

"Sige po," He replied and gave me a nod.

We're already done watching movies. We laugh, I cry, and we're both angry in the antagonist. I fell asleep in the living room while he's telling me some stories.

"Natasha!  Nasa labas 'yung mga friends mo." He called me, pointed out.

"Huh? Walang nakakaalam that I'm here except Kuya Roland." I replied, confused.

"Weh? Bakit nasa labas?" He explained.

I looked outside.

"Where?" I asked

"Idadaan nalang sa Gi--"

Suddenly I heard the sound of rooster.

"Good Morning!" He said, he's holding the doorknob.

Wtf?

"Where did you sleep?!" I asked while fixing my hair.

"Jajo! 'Wag ka magalala hindi tayo nag-tabi." He said, "Sa sala ako natulog."

I nodded.

"Nakatulog ka ba nang mahimbing?" He asked, worried.

"Why I'm here? I mean, I fell asleep in the living room, right?" I asked.

"Magic," he joked " Joke lang, binuhat kita."

"Oh, thank you!" I nodded.

"Dali! Palit ka na, jogging tayo habang hindi pa masakit sa balat yung araw."

"Okay!" Still sleepy.

He took a bath so do I. He even asked me if I want to join him, Yuck! No. Even in his dreams. 

Never.

He wore a t-shirt and a grey track pants while mine are sweatband, mesh strap and running yoga shorts.

I looked around in his room. I saw some frames. He loves manga, huh. Such an anime lover and I saw a guitar too!

"Gilbert! Do you play  guitar?" I asked.

"Yeah! I'm joining bands with my classmates," He looked at it " W-why? I can play some songs."

"Really? Play me one. Remember during the Truth or Dare--" I stopped.

"Yeah, I know. Wait i-tutune ko lang." I can hear the sound of strings. So calm.

Girl, I'll stay through the bad times

Even if I have to fetch you everyday

He's so cute while playing the guitar. He's smiling, huh. I thought I completely like 100% na nahulog. Patuloy pa rin talaga ako na nahuhulog sakaniya.

We'll get by with a smile

You can never be too happy in this life

I don't know that he can sang that well, huh. At least now I knew. He's so a complete package. UGH!

'Cause in a world where everybody

Hates a happy ending story

Wao! That line. But I hate tragic more.

It's a wonder love can make the world go 'round

But don't let it bring you down

His voice became much colder that makes me sick. That damn notes, c'mon.

And turn your face into a frown

You'll get along with a little prayer and a song

He's coming to me now, fixing my hair.

" Was that great, Darling?" He said to me and showed me a cute smile.

" Fuck! Darling yourself... pyscho!" I said. Yuck... I mean yuckapin?

"That's great!" I hugged him.

"You can hear more next time. Just tell me. Gusto ko ikaw lang makakarinig ng mga notang ibibigkas ko," he said.

"So cheesy, C'mon the sun will become hotter na," I said. Romantic expression came. I hate, huh! Ugh!

"Was this your thing? Jogging?" I asked, running.

"Sometimes, depende sa mood pati sa kasama," he answered.

"Really?" I raised him a brow.

"Hey, Natasha." He called my attention.

I looked at him.

"Are you the square root of negative 1?" He asked to me that made me curious.

"what? " I replied, confused

"Cause you can't be real," He pun, he even winked an eye.

"I'm literally right here," I mentioned, destroying his joke.

"Hays! wala ka na ba talagang itatagal nang pag-iisip?" He asked, pouted.

"By the way, Gusto mo taho?" He asked me, pointed out.

"No, I don't know what the hell even was that," I replied.

"Kuya! Dalawa nga pong taho. Padamihan na rin po ng arnibal." Utos niya sa nagbebenta ng taho.

"Try this." He ordered me one.

"No! Yuc--"

"Please? Just try it out." He begged.

I nodded . What a baby. UGH!

"Fine."

I tasted it.

"What's this syrup?" I asked because it tasted delicious.

"Arnibal yan, bakit?"

"It's yummy," I answered, smiled

"Huh? Yung arnibal lang? " He asked, confused

"Yes," I giggled

We went home na rin because we're both tired.

"Anak, Berto! Kumusta? " Her mom asked.

"Ma! " He whispered and clings to her mom.

"Ay! Nako, arte," She continued "Ayan kasi yung palayaw niya sa bahay, hija."

I saw Gilbert became shy. I went to his bedroom to prepare my clothes. He came with me too.

"Berto, huh" I teased and laughed.

"Hays, mama talaga," He replied  Natasha! 'Wag mong ipagkakalat sa iba yang pangalan na 'yan, ha. Ikaw lang nakakalaam."

I saw his soft side now...

"Sure, Berto." I continually teased.

He even had the audacity to tickle me. And we fell to his bed. We stared to each other for a very long time.

"Kuya?" Ezekiel interrupted while itching his eyes.

We immediately fixed our position.

"Oops! Sorry," Ezekiel apologized, wondering.

I saw Gilbert nodding, dismayado ka?

"I'll shower first," I said.

"Hey, Natasha. Sorry, nawala balanse ko." He explained.

"Y-Yeah! That's fine. Nothing to worry about," I nodded.

I finished everything and I'm in the kitchen now. I insisted to help her mom.

"Marunong ka ba magluto ng hotdog, hija?" She suddenly asked.

"Uhm, n-no po." I answered.

"Ha? Talaga ba?" She was shocked, " Gusto mo ba matuto, hija?"

"If you wouldn't mind, Doctora" I chuckled.

"Ay! Nako, kahit 'wag na doctora, tita nalang." She said while putting his hand in my arms.

"S-sige po t-tita," I stuttered.

I saw Gilbert coming towards to our position.

"Sana all, anak pa rin" He mentioned.

"Jealous?" I smirked.

"Kaya nga eh. Si mama hindi ako tinuturuan niyan magluto. Lahat na lang talaga may favoritism."

"Tita, you have favoritism?" I asked.

"Tita?!" He laughed, "Tingnan mo. Tita na rin tawag." He made a sad face.

"Berto, ano ka ba? Ikaw pa rin niluwal ko." She mentioned that made me chuckle.

I saw Gilbert hugged her mom.

"Love you, ma!" He said.

"I love you too, Natasha," He whispered.

"Anong narinig ko mga anak?" She asked, confused.

I choked

"W-Wala 'yon, ma" He defended.

"That's fine, Berto. As long as na-mamaintain niyong mataas yung grades ninyo. That's okay for me." Her mom tackled, "Akala niyo ba hindi ko napapansin? First time lang magpapunta ng kaibigan si Berto rito. Iinom sana ako ng tubig sa baba, nakita ko 'to si Bertong buhat-buhat ka. I want to be supportive sa anak ko. Ayokong iparanas sa kaniya kung gaano kahirap itakas ako ng ama mo. Basta masaya kayo sa isa't isa, masaya na rin ako." She said while holding a knife.

"Oh! Ano, Berto? Hindi mo ba ipapakilala nang maayos 'yan?" Her mom asked, pointed knife to Gilbert.

"Ma, Natasha Shane, Gilfriend ko po." He proudly mentioned and introduced me that made my heart pound.

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