Nothing More, Nothing Less

10

Chapter 10: Kode

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KODE

It's happening again.

Why always me?

It's been 3 years since I left Batanes. I slowly move on from my best friend and hindi iyon naging madali. Inabot ako ng dalawang taon bago siya tuluyang makalimutan or maka-move on. Right now, I am happy with both of my best friends loving each other.

And now, what is this?

I suddenly remember when I first saw him. I was just passing by in that park. Then, I saw him taking a video of himself. I got curious, so I looked in his direction while walking behind him.

He's cute.

I smiled out of nowhere. When I remember his face. I take off my black facemask and take a deep breath.

I hope I will meet you again. I said to myself at nagkatotoo iyon.

I was busy walking while reading some messages when a warm hand touched my shoulder. I didn't pay attention at first, but I was stunned when I heard his gentle, deep voice. That moment, I felt my heart skip a beat kaya hindi ko na lang muna pinansin.

I was too shocked like shit. What the hell is this feeling?

Habang nasa gilid kami ng kalsada at hinihintay na mag-red light nilingon ko siya sa gilid at nakita ko sa peripheral vision ko na nakatingin siya sa akin at doon ko nakita ang mukha niya.

D*mn, confirmed. He's that cute guy!

Nawala ang atensyon ko sa kanya ng mag-red light na. Tumawid na ako kasama ang ilang mga tao. Hinanap ko siya pero wala na akong makita ni anino niya. I just sighed and entered the cafe. Kumanta ako doon dahil wala si Zia, ako ang ipinalit pansamantala.

THE THIRD TIME I saw him, it was at the festival of their university. I was so mad that time when I saw his condition. And what's worse? I don't even know why I acted like that! I just can't stand seeing him suffering. Tss, those gang deserve that. I don't feel bad or any guilt of what we've done. I'm also glad that day kasi nalaman ko kung saan siya nag-aaral.

Now, we're in the mall. Zia dragged me here. So, pinilit niya akong magpa-salon. Baka! “Zia! Ayoko.”

“Oh, come on. Don't be kj!”

“I don't care, b*tch.”

“B*tch, new look for the new life.”

But in the end, she wins. Tss. Pasalamat siya mahal ko siya.

Life goes on. I unexpectedly saw him again in our hallway, but my eyes glued on Zhoey's hand gripping his wrist, hardly. I don't like it. What the f*ck?! What's happening to me?!

“Let him go, Zhoey.”

Mabuti naman ginawa niya iyon. While we were walking, I asked Zhoey. “Who is he?”

She shrugged her shoulder. “I just know that he's one of the exchange students.”

So, may isa pang exchange student. Napangiti ako nang malaman na dito na siya mag-aaral hanggang bago mag-recognition.

“What's with the smile, b*tch?”

I rolled my eyes on Zia. “It's none of your business.”

We went to Student Council Office. Zhoey, a.k.a the President, give us an admissions slip for not attending classes on Monday. Psh. She's really strict and also cold. Because of that, we're late. Imbes na dumaan sa pinto ay pumunta na lang ako sa garden at inakyat ang puno. I was really shocked when I saw him beside my chair.