That One Time

Chapter Four

Chapter Four
Interesting

"Savior! Congrats!" Masayang bati ni Kelszey sa kanyang pinsan nang makasalubong namin ito sa cafeteria. Agad namang ngumiti si Savior. "Thank you so much, Kelsz. You also did great in Pagsulat ng Sanaysay," kapagkuwan ay bumaling siya sa amin, "and to your team as well for winning Sabayang Pagbigkas."

I didn't know where to keep my eyes while Savior was looking at us. And disregarding their silence, I know all of my friends were shooting me with teasing eyes. However, when Savior approached me, I saw how my friends struggled with keeping straight faces.

"I was actually expecting that I'd see you today, Kleighn, but I couldn't find you the whole day. Saka lang kita nakita noong umakyat ako sa stage," he told me with that gentle voice I liked to hear. My heart started to palpitate. "It's probably because I'm with the team. And I also didn't know you're participating " It took a lot of effort to say my words without any stutter, knowing that Savior is looking straight into my eyes.

His lips cracked into a chuckle. "Yeah, makes sense. But it was nice I could get to see you again," he replied, still staring at me. I gulped out of uneasiness. "I'm going to grab my lunch now so I better head my way." He then looked at my friends, and with a smile, he said, "I'll see you around, ladies."

As he was about to turn his back, Shanaia and Elle immediately nudged Kelszey in her arm. Binigyan nilang dalawa ng makahulugang tingin si Kelszey na para bang may pinaplano sila. They were communicating with their eyes and I couldn't tell what they were scheming. Mukha namang nakuha iyon ni Kelszey kaya agad siyang humarap sa gawi ni Savior na naglalakad palayo. "Savior!"

My eyes immediately widened when Savior stopped walking halfway and turned around to see us. Nilapitan naman siya ni Kelszey at narinig ko siyang nagsalita, "Since we're also going to eat, I was wondering if you want to join us? Well, if that is you're not eating with your teammates."

I was out of words. How could they ask Savior to eat with us? This is literally going to give me either indigestion or embarrassment from my friends if I blush again. I can't even imagine sharing the same table with him!

Savior's face lit up with a smile. "It would be my pleasure to join you for lunch today." His answer was audible from the distance and I also saw how he glanced at me. I smiled at him in a shy manner while my friends are clearly preventing themselves from laughing.

"Oh, right, I forgot to introduce myself to your friends," sambit ni Savior sa pinsan niya, pagkatapos ay lumapit na sila sa amin. I kept my eyes on the ground because who knows when I'll look like a tomato again? I better save myself from the embarrassment.

"Sorry for being rude and not introducing myself to you," he spoke. "I'm Savior Bautista, Kelszey's cousin. I'm sure all of you know I'm from St. Lucas Acad." I subtly gazed at my friends and they were all smiling at Savior. I wanted to laugh because they all looked behaved and decent while listening to Savior's introduction, gone from their usual chaotic side.

My friends also introduced their names one by one, but when it was Shanaia's turn, I already know I won't leave unscathed from the second-hand embarrassment. "Shanaia Dizon, ang pinakamagandang kaibigan ni Kleighn." We all wanted to facepalm at her statement, but Savior just chuckled.

Agad siyang tinapunan ng masamang tingin ni Kelszey at nagsalita, "I believe I should be the one saying that."

Shanaia just made a mocking face and showed it to Kelszey before speaking to Savior again. "And would you mind making Kleighn blush again? Wala kasi ako rito nung nakita raw ng mga ito," itinuro niya ang iba pa naming kaibigan, "na namumula si Kleighn. Ito naman kasing kaibigan ko, nakilala ka lang, kinilig agad."