MU Series: The Careless Cutie

Chapter 14

Napangiti si Ariston nang yakapin siya ni Patty nang matapos ang kanilang huling practice nang araw na iyon. Few days ago, Patty called him and asked if he could be her dance partner for her talent portion entry. He couldn't believe at first that Patty would have an interest to join Mister Miss Saint Anthony, but yes, she was in. As a supportive best friend, of course, he said yes. Ilang araw siyang nagpapabalik-balik sa Superstar Entertainment. A professional dance instructor was teaching him the dance routine. Kaya ngayong magkasama na sila ni Patty na nagpa-practice, chemistry na lang nila sa dance floor ang wino-work out nila, something that was just easy. They already had that chemistry effortlessly. The music choice of Patty was a bit sexy and sensual, Señorita of Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello.

"This is a no biggie, Katkat. You know that," tugon niya.

"I'm so blessed, I have you," malambing nitong sambit.

Napalingon siya sa glass wall. Napawi ang ngiti niya nang makita niya si Deyanne na matamang nakatitig sa kanya nang may lungkot ang mga mata. What is she doing here? "Si Deyanne . . ." Tila napasong biglang bumitiw siya sa pagkakayakap ni Patty. It was as if he was caught cheating. Where the hell that thought came from?

Natigilan din si Patty sa ginawa niya kaya napalingon din ito sa direksyong tinitingnan niya. Nakita niya si Deyanne na tumungo bago ito naglakad palayo. Hindi alam ni Ariston ang gagawin. Pahakbang na sana siya para sundan ito nang mapaisip siya. Why should I?

"Sebbie, if you want to follow her, just go. Okay na naman ang rehearsal natin for today," sabi ni Patty.

"Why should I follower her? Should I really have to follow her?" tanong niya. Umiling siya. "Siya iyong may kasalanan sa akin. Now, the entire university is calling me Tunton and making fun of it."

Tumawa si Patty. "Tunton naman talaga ang tawag namin sa 'yo way back then."

"Katkat!" ungot niya. "The point here is ako dapat ang hinahabol niya and not the other way around."

"Ah, so nagpapahabol ka. Gosh! Pa-yummy ka masyado, Sebbie. Hindi pa ba paghabol sa 'yo ang ginawa ni Deyanne na pagsulpot dito? You know what? She doesn't know how to commute here in Manila. Have you ever thought what she had been through just to find you?"

Natigilan si Ariston. Patty was right. Baka magkanda-ligaw-ligaw pa ito at mawala. Magiging problema pa niya iyon. "Geez, Katkat!"

Kinuha ni Patty ang bag niya at iniabot sa kanya. "Go ka na bago pa siya mawala sa entire Manila. Malalagot ka kay Tito Jude."

And that was he did. He run out of the rehearsal studio and looked for Deyanne. Natagpuan niya itong nakatayo sa sidewalk sa labas. She was about to leave when he run and immediately grabbed her arms.

Napalingon ito sa kanya. Nagtagpo ang kanilang mga mata. A hint of sadness reflected in her eyes. Nalungkot ba siya dahil nakita niya kaming magkayakap ni Katkat? He breathed. Why should he worry about that? Baka malungkot lang ito dahil guilty ito sa kasalanang nagawa sa kanya.

"Let's go home," seryosong sambit niya.

"A-Ano'ng ginagawa mo rito? Bumalik ka na lang doon sa loob. Baka hindi pa tapos ang rehearsal ninyo ni Kimchi girl—"

"Our practice is over. Tara na."

Dahan-dahang binawi ni Deyanne ang braso sa pagkakahawak niya. Ariston was surprised with that act. What's wrong with you, Deyanne? At hindi rin mawari ni Ariston kung bakit iniisip niya ang bagay na iyon.