Just A Friend To You (BOYSLOVE) COMPLETED

CHAPTER FIVE

"Ahh, ugh." Cole groaned after we finished, remaining on top of me until he fell asleep. Rule number 6: Friday is sex day. As soon as we left Queens University, I spotted Cole standing at the waiting shed where I usually waited for a jeep. My phone buzzed, displaying his succinct message: "It's Friday." With a deep breath, I approached him.

It was already 12 midnight when we finished, and I gently brushed his hair back to gaze at his face. Yet again, I was drawn to him despite the pain he'd caused me. Why couldn't I resist him? Was my affection for my best friend really that profound? Before I could ponder further, he wrapped his arms around me, his words sending my heart into a flutter: 'I gaze up at the moon, praying it's true.

I'd give my all to have
Just one more night with you
I'd risk my life to feel
Your body next to mine
'Cause I can't go on
Living in the memory of our song
I'd give my all for your love tonight...

"Pwede bang umupo rito?"

Tinanggal ko ang earphone na nakasabit sa aking tenga at ngumiti sa kanya. "Oh, hi Mat, yes upo ka."

"So, how's your day?" tanong nito.

"Uhm, I'm good, I'm good." Nakangiti kong sabi sa kanya.

"That's good to hear. Hey, about?" nag-aalangan nitong tanong.

"Ah, oo, pag-iisipan ko muna?" nahihiya kong sabi sa kanya.

Cole broke the silence, saying, 'Excuse me.' Mathew shifted to make space, and Cole took a seat by the window, bookending me with Mat on my left. An uncomfortable stillness settled over us, punctuated by Cole's consistent interruptions whenever Mat attempted to engage me in conversation.

Nilagay ko ang aking earphone at nakinig sa aking playlist, nasa kalagitnaan na ako ng kantang pinakikinggan ko nang kunin ni Cole ang kabilang earpiece at iniligay niya ito sa kanyang tenga.

"What?" wika nito nang tingnan ko siya.

"Wala ka bang earphone?" mataray kong sabi sa kanya.

I have but I want to listen to your playlist." ba't ganito? parang kinikilig ako, t*ng*na naman oh, kung kailan kailangan ko nang mag move on sa kanya tsaka naman siya magpaparamdam, bakit kaya napakabilis ng mga bayot mainlove ngayon?

We gazed ahead as our principal began speaking, reminding us of important details. Our adviser also shared some words, along with other companions who would join us on the 3-day beach trip. With just minutes left before our departure, we anticipated the four-hour journey ahead. We made a brief stop at a minimart for those who needed to use the restroom or grab a snack.

Hindi sana ako bababa dahil tinatamad ako pero nagpasama sakin si Gail na bumili ng kanyang pagkain kaya sinamahan ko na baka pumayat ang uso at ako pa masisi ng pamilya nito. Habang naglalakad kami sa loob ng minimart, nakita kong si Airah ay nakapulupot sa braso ni Cole. Parang ahas nga talaga siya. Hindi ko na sila pinansin; alam ko naman na mag-jowa na sila, at kalat na sa buong Queens University. Hindi naman nagkuwento si Cole tungkol dito, at hindi rin ako interesado. Masakit lang isipin na ako ang kailangan, pero iba ang mahal. Nakaka-relate ako sa kantang pinakikinggan ko ngayon; talagang mapanakit ang mga kanta ni Moira. Napansin kong nakatitig sa akin si Cole, kaya niyaya ko na si Gail na bayaran na ang lahat at bumalik na sa bus baka maiwan pa kami.

"Oh ba't dito ka umupo?" taking tanong ni Gail sakin.

"Ayaw ko munang makatabi si Cole." sabi ko at umupo na malapit sa bintana.

"Hoy bakla, magsabi ka nga sakin ng totoo? bestfriend lang ba ang turingan niyo ni Cole?" nagulat ako sa tanong ni Gail, bigla akong kinabahan. Sasabihin ko na ba sa kanya ang totoo? May tiwala naman ako kay Gail dahil matalik ko rin siyang kaibigan pero-.