✓ | The Esoteric Mismatched [D-Archives]

Chapter 17: Unusual Date

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I'M A CONSISTENT honor student ever since I entered Crestwood. I aced every written examination and nailed all my oral performances.

Despite how nasty my attitude towards people I hate, I never shower my crankiness towards good people. I said that before, I am a mirror, aiming to reflect.

Somehow, there are people who don't have any ounce of brain cells to understand that. Mahilig akong pumatol sa away lalo na kapag ramdam kong may injustice.

Pero, ito hindi ako ang unang nanggugulo, ako ang tatapos. Kadalasan sa ginagawa ko kapag bored ako ay mangialam sa buhay ng iba, lalo na sa mga estudyanteng kailangan maturuan ng leksyon dahil walang nagtuturo ng disiplina sa tahanan nila.

I never consider myself a heroine nor use that facade as an advantage to leech people. I am satisfied with my objectives, if I have achieved the goal, it is fine and acceptable.

My parents thought I am in the process of growing up, so trouble is likely to attract more than usual. Lying about that became a routine. I can be a delinquent in the eyes of many, but I'll remain honest with my conviction.

"Hey, did you know that smoking can make you ugly? The impact of cigarettes can harm the cells that cause internal and external diseases. A lot of people think smoking is cool, but actually, it makes you an idiot for ruining your life at such a young age."

Natigil ang tatlong lalaki sa ginawa nila nang magsalita ako. They are wearing a high school uniform and casually smoking behind the convenience store.

Una, hindi ko sana papansinin, but, the time has already passed nine in the evening and Berlin has issued a curfew for minors. I'm a minor. Yes, indeed. But, kasalanan ko ba na bigla akong nag crave ng cup noodles at wala akong stock sa apartment kaya lumabas ako?

Pangalawa, mas matanda ako. Based on the color of the logo on their right shoulder, they are students of Delton Academy. If they are caught they will tarnish the reputation of the school as the best training ground for achievers. I'm just concerned alumni of Delton.

"Ate, wala kang pakialam sa buhay namin," isa sa tatlo ang nagsalita. "Kung ako sa'yo, turn a blind eye just like most old men do."

Napatango ako ng marahan. "Yeah, you're right. Wala akong pakialam sa buhay niyo, pero may pake ako sa mundo. Cigarettes harms the environment and the humans, paano nalang kung masisira ang kalikasan, saan pupulutin ang mga suwail na tao? Sinasabi niyo wala kayong pakialam, pero sa huli sino ba ang magsisisi?"

"Hindi namin kailangan ng suhestiyon mo, ate. Umalis ka na," usal naman nung isa.

"Instead of ruining your life, why don't you aim your objective on how to make the world a better place? Maraming factors sa buhay na minsan dinidiin kayo sa masamang landas, pero lahat ng tao ay sinasabak ng pagkakataon. Nasa tao lang kung ilalaban niya o magpapatalo siya."

"Ate, tumahimik ka na."

"Hindi ko kayo kilala, pero hindi pa huli ang lahat para magbago. Your habits can change but the chance to change it is slipping away. Don't ruin yourself to find affirmation to others or to temporary satisfaction. Rely on the possibility of what comes once you let go of the old ones."

"Ate, may sayad ka ba? Hindi ka namin maintindihan." Nakatuon ang atensyon ko sa kasamahan nila na maliit na siyang nagsalita. Sa hubog nito para siyang nasa tresi anyos lamang. Payat pa ito at halatang walang matinong kinakain.

"Stop smoking, you have a long way to go. Don't ruin your life by indulging too much in things that cause you harm. Learning to acknowledge what is good from bad, and bad from good. Take that as a step to attain a quality life. Trust me, when the time comes, you'll regret not quitting early."