#jokat

They’re now pretty close with each other. She’d never thought of this, nor was it ever in her urge. She had always thought of them as toxic people, but it turns out that she was wrong. In fact, they were nice guys. They treated her like a sister, and even declared her as their muse; therefore, promising herself that she’d help them out if they needed some.

The year-end exams came nearer. Everyone crammed at the battle to strive for excellence. And of course, one of them was her. Aside from the fact that she had to study for her academics, she also had to fulfill her leader duties. One duty was her as president of the Performing Arts Organization, which must hold the production for the incoming Yule Ball. Another was her as the course representative of the student government, having her to gather and organize her course mates, from the Freshman to the Senior batch.

She spent nights thinking about these responsibilities. Sometimes, she’d just like to cry it all out, but she can’t because that’d be a waste of time. She tried her very best to believe the fact that it’ll all end soon, anyway, even if it already cost her too much. And by cost; money. Although there were funds, there were times that she really needed to pull out notes from her own pocket.

Ayoko na po.

 Her motivation was drowning. She slouched on her desk and rubbed her temples. She tilted her head then, her wallet caught her eye. She took it, wondering if counting her money could ever take her out from boredom. She pulled out a couple of bills, and a photo came with it. She knew whose it was; flipped it, and smiled.

Hay. Bakit ang cute mo?

She felt a sudden comfort. Seeing his smile, those eyes, suddenly brushed away her stress. Was he to be considered an inspiration, now? Yes; a most probable yes. She was sure, but she still kept on denying it.

Easy lang.

 Mag-aral ka na nga, Jose. Kung anu-ano na namang inaatupag mo.

He was scrolling through his phone’s photo gallery. His notes, which he knew he should be reading, lay beside him, on his bed. He was looking at the recent photos he had, which were from their pig out which was also the time they treated her for helping out. She was in almost every photo, but all he stopped at only one—their selfie.

This made him remember how he first saw her, and knew of her. He smirked remembering her laughs, and how she snorted thereafter. She may not look like it, but she was actually pretty fun and friendly. There was no doubt why they already liked her. There was no doubt why he liked her.

“Anong nginingiti-ngiti mo diyan, ha?”

Manuel took the phone from his hand, and eyed the photo. He looked up on his younger brother, and gave a shrug. He then walked to his desk, and dug in his bag, probably searching for something.

“Utol, umamin ka nga.” “Ano na naman?” “May gusto ka ba kay Kat?”

Boom.

“Gago.”

 He tried to throw a pillow on his brother, but it didn’t reach. Manuel then sat on his bed, looking all serious.

“Jose, seryoso ako. ‘Wag mo na akong subukang lokohin. Kapat—“ “Oo na. Sige na.” “Ayown. Tamang-tama.”

Manuel handed out a piece of paper, which he took, and scanned. It was a flyer for some school event that he’d never even bothered to understand what. He didn’t like socializing at huge parties. He didn’t even like family reunions. He’d always thought that attending would just be a waste of time and energy.

“Tutugtog tayo diyan.” “Ano?” “Yule Ball. Once every three years lang ‘yan. First year pa ako nung huli niyan.” “Tsk. Alam mo namang—“ “Tignan mo ‘yung coordinators.”

He scanned the flyer again. He felt energy rise in him, but concealed it. Will he say yes? No? He loved music, and making it. He loved making music, especially with his friends, that’s why they had formed a band. He’d always wanted to perform with them, but this?

“Ayoko.” “Sus. Ang arte mo. Ayaw mo nun? Kakanta ka sa harap ni Kat! Haranahin mo na dun!” “Kuya ba talaga kita?” “Ito naman. Dali na. Pakipot ka pa.”

He sighed, and nodded of approval. He covered his face with his pillow and contemplated on what he just did. He’s not only going to play in front of the whole school, but in front of her, too. He wanted to be composed, but he can’t. Thoughts whirled around his head. And now he thinks he’s ridiculous. He got up his bed and decided to study. There’s nothing probably better than that. He’s got to excel first, before anything else.

Ano ba naman ‘to.

She ran as fast as she could. She started the day rushing, and probably ended it with so. How nice. She was from a meeting arranged by the organization she belonged to. It was quite urgent. She didn't have his number, so she worried that she might not see him waiting for her anymore. He would've left by now, she supposed. She ran to the parking lot and saw him standing far from the entrance. She ran faster, carrying her stuff. Hooray for Wash Day!

Thud.

He heard footsteps from afar. He turned around. She's here! She was sprinting toward him while clasping her bag to keep it from slipping. And then, she---

"Aaaack!"

Anak ng tokwa

She tripped over a crack from the ground and fell on her trunk. She tried getting up even if her ankle ached. She heard him call her name as he ran toward her.

"Huy! Anong nangyari sa'yo?"

"Nadapa, obviously!"

"Nagsuplada pa eh. Halika nga."

He helped her get up. She cried of the aching. He took her bag and hanged it on his left shoulder, while her arm was wrapped around his waist. She skipped steps with her right foot hanging.

"Punyeta naman. Pa'no ako makakapagdrive nito?"

"Ako na lang."

"Marunong ka?"

"Oo. Wala nga lang lisensya."

"Okay lang. Wala naman sigurong sasalubong sa atin."

Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow.

"Uy. Ingat lang."

She sat on the seat beside the driver's, carefully resting her aching foot on the car floor. He hopped in to drive, and asked her if he could toss her bag to the backseat. She nodded.

"Saan ka ba?"

"Tuwad Pass. Alam mo 'yon?"

"Oo. Nadadaanan ko."

They didn't talk much on the way, maybe because she just kept on wailing. He told her to calm down, but she argued that it really hurt. He had no choice but to let her fuss. He just took a deep breath and let out a sigh.

"Bakit nga pala ang tagal mo kanina?"

"Nagmeeting ang org. Biglaan."

There was a traffic jam, because it was a Friday. There was silence between them after she decided to stop complaining. She looked out of the window to check out the reason for the heavy traffic. He was driving slowly to catch up. He stepped on the brakes from time to time. And every time he did, as she was looking at the window, he took quick glances on her. Then she caught him.

"Bakit?"

...ang gwapo mo? Shit.

"Wala!"

...lang. Cute mo.

6:45 p.m.

They've finally arrived at the subdivision. She told him the directions, and he drove. Then, they went inside a gate to park. From there, he could see a huge white mansion. He was in awe. He thought that his family was already wealthy. But little did he know that this girl was far more than he is. She was really out of his league. She opened the door of the car to get out, but he rushed to get her. He asked her to try a quick jump, so he could catch her, but she resisted.

"Ayoko! Baka malaglag lang ako!"

"Hindi ka nga malalaglag, sasambutin kita!

She had to trust him, just for now. She'd completely break her ankle if she didn't let him do it. She did what he told her to do. He placed her hands on his shoulders, and took a quick jump. His left arm was supporting her back, his right carrying her legs. He closed the car door as he carried her, and she put the security alarm on. They head for the door. Someone was standing at their welcome with arms crossed, and foot tapping.

"Kating, ano 'yan?!"

"Kuya! Uhh--"

He stepped outside before she could finish. Kuya? She had a brother? He walked past them, but left a tap on his shoulder. He leaned closer to his ear and whispered.

"Ingatan mo 'yan."

"Hoy rinig ko. Andito lang ako."

She tried kicking her Kuya Ploo, who just laughed like a hyena, but used the wrong foot. And now she wails again. He rolled his eyes and they went inside. They were welcomed by a little girl that ran to them. She stopped in front and jumped and hopped. She stopped for a moment when she realized that her snack went all over the place. She stared at her Ate Kat and grinned.

"Angge. Tapon tapon na yang Mik Mik mo."

The little girl giggled. So she had a brother, and a little sister. That's one. Another girl then appeared. She was a bit taller than her. She passed by and didn't seem to notice them. She asked him to take her to the couch by the living room. And he did.  There were a bunch of girls. Some were watching T.V., some doing writing on paper, some on their computer and some, particularly the little ones, played on the floor. She mentioned that those were her sisters. One saw them and approached.

"Kat! Oy. Ano 'yan? Sino 'yan?"

"Ka-grupo ko lang 'to, 'Tol."

"Eh bakit buhat ka nang ganiyan?"

Wooh. Jose ang awkward.

"N-nadapa kasi. Na-sprain yung paa."

"Ah. Tanga mo, Kat."

Grabe natanga pa.

"Gago ka, Jay."

"Gago ka din! Dun na rin kayo sa kwarto! 'Wag kayo dito. Daming tao, oh."

They proceeded to her room. Well, at least where she belonged. He placed her on her bed, and wrapped the bandages around her foot. Her sister went out to pick up something, but promised to be back. He was putting them as gently as he could.

"Aray!"

"Ay sorry! Sorry!"

He reached held her foot, but she had touched it first. Now he's holding her hand. She realized this, and took her hand away. She let out a nervous laugh and he apologized.

ODK

She felt blood rushing on her face. She looked at him as he continued to wrap the bandage around her ankle. She felt her hands colder, and palms sweatier. She suddenly felt the touch of his hands on her foot. He looked up at her with those eyes. Those eyes that looked better that night. Her heart beat fast.

"Okay na."

"H-ha?"

"Okay na. Tapos na."

He smiled sweetly.

No.

This can't be.

 The quiz started a few minutes after their professor arrived in the classroom. They took out sheets of yellow paper, but kept on reading notes. Some students, particularly the "Nerds from Literature", as they have been called, sat quietly and patiently waited for the activity to start.

He has got to ace this, not only pass. If he could do this, he can work for the exams. His class standing has been begging him for mercy. He needs to at least pass this class. He may not show much affection with school, but he sure doesn't want to fail.

She tried doing everything last night. She crammed finishing the papers while reviewing for today's quizzes. Coffee was beside her, that's why she was able to do 'em. These are the reasons she woke up late. She was so tired yesterday, that her body rested for too long than it should. She took a deep breath and tried to relax. And they started.

 That fifteen minute quiz felt like forever, but it was okay. He felt good about it. He was sure of his answers, because he reviewed. Damn, he would not only pass. He was confident that'll he'll ace this, considering that he doesn't like the idea of copying answers. He'd rather fail than cheat, though.

Mr. Paz, their professor, called out their attention. He was about to announce something. He pointed that it will change the game of their class. Students with low class standings would be assigned to be partners with those who have higher ones, as of today. And this will be so, for the rest of the semester. He each gave them copies of the instructions for the first project they'd be working on. 

"Para sa ngayon, you'll be working on a paper. Details are there in your copies, and I assume you'll all comprehend the content."

He was completely okay with that. He can finally get the help he's always wanted. At least, he doesn't need to ask. He thanked his professor for this, but just for this. He still was intimidated. Finally, he has the motivation to pull his grades up from the dark well of failure. Sir P then called out names.

"Uy. Sino kaya sa akin?"

"Ako kahit sino basta galing dun sa mga Lit."

"Akin, 'Tol, 'yung si Pacuan. Mastermind 'yon!"

Mastermind? Bakit?

"Bernal."

"H-huh? Po?"

"You go with...Pacuan."

Shit.

 She opened her mouth with shock. She felt betrayed by one of her favorite professors. Her professor looked at her and winked. She squinted back. How can she have peace now? She's avoided that squad ever since she got there, and now she has to deal with one of them? What did she ever do to deserve this?

"Friend mapapasabak ka niyan."

"Ugh. Tell me about it!"

They were all paired. And now, they were asked to be seated together at the places they were assigned to work at. He stood up, and approached her. She was busy reading the instructions. He pulled a chair close to hers and took a seat. She didn't react. He tried tapping her, but---

"So."

 She was uncomfortable. She cursed under her breath. She can sense his presence getting nearer, and nearer.  Her hands were now called and palms, sweaty. She tried to look like she's busy with analyzing the project instructions. She told herself not to panic, even she actually was. He sat beside her. Does she face him? No? Yes. Yes she has, and she did. She let out the most polite smile she could ever offer to him.

"So. Ikaw pala ang partner ko. Hmm."

She obeyed the rules of proper communication. She looked him in the eye. She panicked even more, inside. As she looked at him, she observed his eyes. He was a chinito, although his eyes were slightly round. He had brown-to-black irises under those sleepy eyelids. He has a dead stare, at first sight, but when one looks deeply, she was, they said something. How dazzling. Oh look, is that a smile?

Ugh. Bakit ang gwapo mo?

Erase. Erase. Err.

Shit. Kat, compose yourself!

He tried to smile back, but he can only let out a faint one. He was too nervous. He swallowed. This was not anyone, but somebody. Somebody to him, maybe? He wasn't sure, but she made him panic inside. She made his guts turn. She made him runaway and hide, though she didn't scare him. And now, she's in front of him again, but closer.

She was looking at him, which made his nerves wreck even more. Damn, those eyes. She had dark brown, almond-shaped eyes. Her eyelashes that trailed along the border of her eyes were long, and flicked. As he looked at them, his heart beat as if he ran in a marathon.

"Since we're partners, meron akong set of rules."

"Rules?"

"Oo. Rules."

"Ano naman yon?"

She tried sounding as formal as possible. She tried sounding the way that she was made to talk to their family's corporal friends. She tried to take out the fuss in her tone. She wanted him to know that she was not one of those girls he can fool with his charm. She wanted to prove to him that she won't fall for his tactics.

Pero bakit ang gwapo niya?

"Sa bahay namin tayo gagawa. Lahat ng mga naging kagrupo ko alam na gan'on ang patakaran. 'Wag kang mag-alala. Maraming pagkain don. Ensaymada? Kami lang ang binebentahan ng panaderya. Kung kailangan mo ng computer, may desktop ako d'on. References? Dun sa library. Wala ka nang hahanapin pa sa paggawa ng project na 'to.”

She was entirely composed. He wished he was like that, right now. She really sounded smart in the formality of her tone. Another addition to the list, maybe? Nah. He didn't want to think of that anymore. By the way that she looked straight in his eyes, he could truly tell this about her:

Hindi mo 'to pwedeng uyuin ng 'Binibini'.

"Hindi lang naman ako ang gagawa nito, ah?"

"Oo nga. Pero ikaw pa rin ang magte-take credit. Tandaan mo, grades mo nakataya dito. Sabihin mo lang kung kailan mo gustong magsimula."

"Pwedeng mamaya?"

Gago. Breezy masyado.

"Agad?"

"Uh. Well, kung ayaw mo, okay lang. Sige next time nalang."

"Hindi."

"Huh?"

"Ngayon na. 4 ang awas ko. Ikaw?"

"Uh. 3:30."

"Sige. Intayin mo ko sa parking lot mamaya."

She then left without another word.