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Chapter 5:

Is this her? Just her being herself not for show? I was still a bit confused about what's up with her. Everything felt off. "Hey...Xerena. What's up?" Bati nya sa akin with an innocent and sincere look. "I heard about you...Silvestre told me you seemed upset kasi when you talked about me nung nakaraan. And...I know the reason why, I think...I apologize for my rude behaviour, I mean it. Maybe we can...You know. Be friends and let me make up for throwing an attitude?" Her eyes never lied. It was the truth.

I have no other choice than to forgive her. "Yeah. Sure. Pero sana kinausap mo na lang ako sa school."

"Hala! You don't understand kasi! My friends...They dislike seeing me hang around with other 
people. Hindi naman talaga ako rude but yeah. Influenced. I hope you understand my reasons." Paliwanag nya sa akin before coming close and held my hand. "I'm really really sorry. I didn't mean to do it."

"I already told you it's fine as long as you're sincere with what you are saying." I repeated and gave her a soft smile. She looked happy as I did that. "But you should stop trying to fit in though. Mas okay parin kung hindi ka nagpapanggap. In that way, malalaman mo kung sino ba talaga ang kaibigan mo." Bulong ko kay Cleo as I patted her shoulders. "If that's what you have to say, we should get going already. Niko? Busy ka ba paguwi mo? Do you need to go early?"

"Not really. I can stay with you if you want to." Nikolai responded before sitting down sa tabi ni Silvestre. "Long time no see, Tres." Bati nya kay Silvestre. Looks like they also know each other. Stupid, silvestre's friend is literally Nikolai's older brother. Malamang magkakilala na sila. I thought. The two started talking as I sat down so I can wait for Nikolai as he talks with Tres.

Awkward.

Kami lang ni Cleo ang di naguusap. Looks like the infamous fashion princess here is actually soft and...innocent. "So...What are your hobbies?" Tanong ko sa kanya habang umupo sa kanyang tabi.

"I just like going to coffe shops and study! Siguro parties too when my so called friends are around." She informed me. Her expression looked a bit sad and I could tell she's not really okay with that kind of set up. "Ikaw? What do you like to do ba on your free time?"

"I make art. I like to paint, I like to write, I like to read. I like a lot of things...But writing is something I do the most on my free time. It's to release my stress and frustration. Pwede mo yon subukan if you want." Alok ko sa kanya as I checked my watch to see the time. "I should be going now. Niko! I'll go now."

"It's still early, Rena..." Malungkot na bulong ni Cleo sa sarili nya.

"And I still have some homeworks to do."

"Hatid na kita sa inyo Xerena. It's not safe to walk home alone after all." Bulong ni Nikolai sa akin habang lumabas na kami nang bar after namin magpaalam kay Silvestre at Cleo. I felt safe with him for some reason. And I can't explain why. "Let's go?" Tinapik nya ang aking balikat at pinapasok ako sa loob nang kanyang sasakyan.

Home. We arrived home and sadly, he didn't want to stay any longer. "It's late. Drive safe Niko." Paalam ko sa kanya na may ngiting nakapinta sa aking mukha.

"Yeah of course. Have a nice night ahead, Xerena. If you want to in Monday, let's study together." He gave me a soft smile. Bakit tumitibok nang mabilis ang puso ko? Tanong ko sa sarili ko. My cheeks were also heating up violently as I went inside and straight to the bathroom.