Rule #3: Changing The Rules

[10]

I don't know what came into my mind to think of such a thing.

Why would I even do this? Ganon na ba ako ka-desperada, na nagawa kong ipakausap 'to?

I glanced at Prince, who only sipped on his coffee. Nagtama ang mga mata namin, kaya agad rin akong umiwas.

I pursed my lips before I placed my elbow on the table. Magkaharap kami sa four seater table. Lia texted me that she'll be here in 30. I don't know how else I should continue this conversation with Prince. What should we even talk about?

"So—"

"Hi, Emma!"

Naputol ang sasabihin ko nung may lalaking sumulpot, malapit sa amin.

Napatingin ako doon sa mga bumati at kumaway sa kanila. Prince sipped from his coffee and glanced at them coldly. Umalis rin naman agad ang mga lalaking tumawag sa akin at nagmadaling lumabas.

"Pinapansin mo ang mga 'yon?" he asked.

"Yes."

He scoffed. "You're making them hope for nothing." sambit niya. Kunot na ang noo sa gawi nung mga lalaki.

"I'm not!" I quickly defended. "They called me and I was just being polite."

"Polite? Anong polite doon? You can be polite, without smiling. Your smile is the reason why boys continue to hope that they'll get a chance date you. Ikaw naman, tuwang-tuwa ka pa." he lectured.

I crossed my arms. "Hey! I'm not always pleased that they like me, okay? It's tiring and I don't like either of them, but I didn't want to be a snob or someone who rejects anyone!"

He clicked his tongue and pushed it on his cheeks.

"Whatever, it's your life anyway. Who am I to interfere, right?" sabi niya at uminom nalang sa kape niya.

Right. Wala naman din siyang pakialam.

Nagkatitigan kami bago ako umiwas nang tingin. Tumikhim ako at nilapag iyon sa table.

"Emma!" Another group of guys called me. Lumingon ako at ngumiti sa kanila. Ang isa, tinapik pa ang balikat ko nung dumaan siya.

"Istorbo," rinig kong bulong ni Prince at nailing.

One guy stopped and placed his hands on my shoulders. Nakangiti siya at nakatingin lang sa akin. I don't remember his name, but I saw him before. I just don't really remember his exact name...

"Are you available next week?" he asked.

Umawang ang labi ko.

"I'm sorry, what was your name again?" I had to ask, because I really don't remember his name.

He seemed surprised before he chuckled.

"I'm Wren. The guy you kissed during Greta's party."

Greta's party? Oh fuck, I did attend her eighteenth birthday party. How could I forget about that?

Nagdilim ang paningin ni Prince. His eyes narrowed, while looking at me.

"Oh, that's you?" I chuckled a bit. "Sorry, it was really a dare! May girlfriend ka ba na nagalit?"

Tumawa siya. "Emma, you think I'll be asking you out right now, if I have one?"

Well, he has a point!

Sumulyap ako kay Prince na nakatingin sa amin. Walang pakialam siyang uminom sa order niya at bahagyang umigting ang panga.

"Sure! Friendly date lang naman diba?" I asked.