"So, business courses. I see—our school is well-known for its business programs."
Sabi ni Eric. Nandito siya ngayon kasama ang kakambal niyang si Edric.
Ramdam pa rin namin na nahihiya pa si Edric sa amin kasi nito lang pinakilala ni Eric sa amin si Edric. Noon si Blare lang nakakausap niya pero sinusubukan na rin niyang makipag-usap sa amin.
"Yes, kaya roon kami pinasok ni Mommy."
Sa table kami nag-uusap. Sina Ada, Blare at Edric ay nag-uusap naman doon sa sala.
"By the way, may I ask one question? If you don't mind, since when have you been here?" pag-iiba ko ng topic.
"Why are you asking?" Inismiran niya ako.
"Wala naman... curious lang gano'n, pero okay lang kung hindi ka komportable."
Natawa lang siya. "No, I'm kidding. We've been here since Edric and I were six." Tumingin siya sa kambal niya.
"Ahh... Ang tagal na rin pala 'no? Pero you can speak Tagalog pa rin."
"Yeah, because Mom doesn't want us to forget our first language, even though we've been living here." Napatango ako, may point si Tita.
"Nice, tama naman si Tita."
"Kayo, ilang taon na kayo ni Mark."
Napatingin ako kay Mark.
"Wala pang taon. In fact 1st month namin last July 15." Mukhang hindi niya inaasahan ang sinabi ko.
"Really? Akala ko matagal na kayo. I didn't expect that."
"Hindi madali ang first month namin. Ang daming nangyari, aware ka naman siguro sa conflict na kinakaharap ng mga kagaya namin same-sex couple?" tinanguan niya ako. "The acceptance—from our family, from others, from society, it isn't easy. We're still trying to get used to it."
"Hindi ba kayo legal?"
Umiling kaagad ako.
"Legal kami pareho, both sides. I mean, nahirapan lang kami noong una dahil maraming kinonsider."
"We're happy, and that's what matters most. He loves me, and I love Jino." Inilapat ni Mark ang kamay niya sa akin, then smiled at Eric.
"That's good to know. Stay in love!"
"Thank you, Eric," sabay naming sabi.
"You two are complete opposites," he said with a laugh.
"Yes..." natatawa ko ring sagot.
Mark is a quiet person. I can only really talk to him at length when it's just the two of us. Makulit siya kapag kaming dalawa lang.
"When?" he asked, chuckling.
"Are you serious? You're not in a relationship right now? I thought you were."
"I used to have a partner... but we broke up a month ago. I caught him cheating on me with his bandmates."
He? Hmm... I guess he's more comfortable with us, huh? I appreciate that.
"He? So—a guy." May pag-iingat na sabi ko.
"Yes, I'm a bisexual."
"Really? Nice! Mates." Kinamayan namin siya ni Mark.
"Honestly..." napakagat siya sa ibabang labi, parang pinipigilan ang ngiti. "I'm—oh my God, I feel a bit shy saying this."
"What? Come on, don't be shy." Natawang sabi ko.
Napabuntong-hininga siya at dama ko sa buntong-hininga niya na iyon ang kaba niya.
BINABASA MO ANG
A Diamond Between Us
General FictionHis name is Jino. The kind of guy you can't resist-good-looking, playful, and easy-going as hell. He doesn't care about his perfect life because, to him, the only thing that matters is having fun. Seriously... responsibility? That's not even in his...
