For Once

Chapter 4

As I turn my gaze in the opposite direction, I saw Gab walking with the burgers and drinks. 

He handed me a warm burger and cold apple juice then seated beside me. 

"Gi gutom gyud ka? You're eating too fast.", Gab asked. I didn't mind his question and looked at him.

"What do you think of Azure, Gab?"

"Azure Lopez? The smart guy from the other section. I heard na president siya sa Math Club, so I think he's a good guy. I haven't heard some issues about him either.", I just looked away and continued eating.

No issues, huh. 

"Why do you ask? You like him? Sabagay, kinsa man ang dili, diba? Mura siya og SM, he got it all."

"No. Kaluod nimo Gab."

"So ngano naka ask lagi ka?", as much as I want to keep the thing happened earlier, Gab is persistent in asking. 

"He was here. His locker is just below mine. We had a small talk."

"What small talk?"

"He offered me friendship."

"Friendship? That's suspicious. Do you think he likes you, Lana?"

"Gab! Ka random. Impossible mana."

"It's not."

It made me think. Maybe, he needs something from me.

 What Gab said was impossible also. Why would he like me? There are a lot of other more pretty girls out there. He's not someone I see myself with.

As I arrived home, I checked my phone and saw his requests.

Should I accept it or not? If I do, he would assume that I want the friendship. Ah, bahala na siya.

My phone rang. It was a call from KJ.

[Lana, karaoke on Saturday!]

"Let me check my schedule."

[Let me guess. You won't come.]

"Hmm."

[LANA! ALWAYS NALANG KA WALA.]

This girl started ranting about how I always ditch our hangouts. Well, aside from not being permitted to go out, I do not have the money to spend on things. Other factor, staying at home feels relaxing than talking to people.

[So, are you g bebeghorl?]

"I'll think about it."

The girl started shouting again. I dropped the call before she could rant about things for the second time.

Few minutes of zoning out had passed, I started thinking of random things.

Do I deserve my bestfriends? Do they deserve me?

Someone who rarely hangs out with them, someone boring, someone who can't keep up with their lifestyle.... someone really different.

Despite of being me, I can feel their love. I can feel them being there, always. 

And I'm thankful for it.

I didn't notice that I fell asleep as I dive in the deep ocean of thoughts I had last night. 

The next day, I noticed that Azure's locker has been full of stuff like letters, food, and plushies. He is that famous that even if it's not valentine's, a lot of girls... and guys, gave him gifts.

When I looked at mine, all I have was my books, some notes, and my ukulele. I checked the time and it's still 4 PM. We were dismissed early. There were some students in the locker, keeping their books. I waited until it's empty, got my ukulele and searched a song to play.

I started playing, The Night We Met by Lord Huron. I hummed and lazily sang the lyrics, feeling the emotions of the song.

I don't know why sad songs somehow bring peace when I think a lot. I can't explain how therapeutic it is, to listen songs like this.

I finished playing and stood up to put my ukulele back, but stopped immediately.

My vision was blocked by a man's chest.

"You have hidden talents, Mendoza."

"You heard it all?"

"Hmm, no. Maybe half of it."

"And you didn't made any noise to make me aware of your presence?"

"No. You sounded good, why would I interfere?"

I am starting to get embarrassed. Someone heard me sing. He heard me sing.

He suddenly laughed.

I looked at him, confused. But he didn't explain.

"I always see you at the library during breaks. Can I study with you?"

Does he look like he needs a study buddy? No.

"Why?"

"We're friends."

"Do friends need to study together?"

"It's good to be surrounded with smart people, Lana."

"I think it's not good to be surrounded with smart people like you, Azure.", I turned my back at him and packed my things up.

"Hey, do you want some of my chocolates? I can't finish them."

"No. Basin naa nay gayuma from other girls."

"More of a reason to give them. Imoha na ni. I know you like anything flavored cookies n' cream."

"How did you know?"

He pointed the stickers attached to my locker. There were images of cookies.

Before he could start a conversation with me again, I started walking.

"Lana! Tomorrow, 12:30 noon. Library."

I turned around and saw him smiling.

"See you, Lana."

I didn't respond. 

That was my usual schedule of going to the library, but I don't think I'll go.