Right Next To You

CHAPTER 3

One week ago when I promised myself not to show up to Jaz for some reason. If I don't show up to her, I wouldn't get a chance to see Hakim. And if I don't see him, it would be easier for me to clear this thing that's bothering me for already weeks.

Of course, this isn't a crush. This is just something that's been messing up my head. I've been reading a lot of fiction these months so maybe I am just dragging this into reality.

Tama!

But then, Billie has a point. If I don't show up to Jaz, she could be worried about what's happening to me. Or worse, she could find out the reason why I am acting weird these days.

"Also, hindi ka naman napunta para kay Kuya Hakim. Napunta ka kasi best friend mo si Ate Jaz. If that's what you've been worrying" Ellie's words. I am just so glad that she knows me to the core. She converts my feelings into words when there would come a time when I don't know how.

"You okay?" I didn't notice Jaz was already waving her hand in front of me as I started spacing out.

"Huh? I'm sorry! What was it again?"

"Sabi ko parang hindi ka okay these days. Is there something bothering you?"

Oh, shoot. Ganun na ba ako. Kahalata? Or masyado niya lang talaga ako kilala?

"Wala naman. Puyat lang talaga these past few nights kasi andaming backlogs." I reasoned out.

"Same! Gusto ko na lang ipukpok 'tong librong 'to sa ulo ko." Jaz and I laughed together as she jokingly put the book on her head.

"Accounting pa, teh!" I said which made our laugh grow louder.

As much as I want to avoid seeing Hakim, I couldn't deny that I won't be able to just let Jaz wonder why I don't show up to her the next days.

It's my best friend over him. Why would I bother myself with someone that obviously has no hint why I am questioning myself?

I mean, Hakim is nice and I could say that he's different from some usual guy one would meet. So, I shouldn't be harsh to myself and treat seeing him as a problem when he is not and he will never be.

"Ayun nga, I have..."

"You have?" I repeated, waiting for what she was about to say.

"I have a crush on someone," Jaz closed her eyes as if she was too afraid to say this. We shared a moment of silence before she looked at me again.

"Ganan lang? Are you not surprised? Or maybe you could at least act like you are." Jaz even rolled her eyes which made me chuckle.

"Eh paano naman kasi you were acting as if it's a crime having a crush?"

She even smiled and hugged me. "I love you so much?" she exaggeratedly shouts while getting back to her earlier position, seating across from me, on her bed.

"So, tell me, who is it?"

"He's my classmate. Actually, last sem ko lang sya nakilala since he's transferee" I nodded my head upon listening to her, waiting for her to continue. "We're close. Madalas kaming mag-usap these days."

"SCREAMING!!!" I covered my mouth. "JAZ LOYOLA, YOU ARE HAVING A CONVERSATION WITH YOUR CRUSH?!"

"Shut up Gracia Cruz! Wag kang maingay baka may makarinig!"

"Walang tao dito" I assured her and let her continue where she left off.

"Ayun nga. He's nice, smart, and good-looking. I feel like I shouldn't be having a crush on him. Like parang kasi ang layo layo namin. It's not that we're very opposite but... gets mo ba? He seems too far away from me. Parang ang labo."