A Heart That Needs A Beat

Kabanata 9

Having a friend is such a wholesome thing. You get to bond, laugh until your stomach hurts, and do the craziest things without fear of judgment. You can make fun of each other over the smallest things, but at the end of the day, the bond remains unshaken. It's a connection that no one can quite replicate—well, except for love, I guess?

It's now Saturday, and we're on our way to Taro's house for his grandfather's birthday party. I even brought a gift because nakakahiya naman kung wala. The venue isn't far from our village, so it's an easy trip.

I decided to wear a white long skirt paired with an off-shoulder white crop top, keeping it simple but elegant. I added pearl accessories for a bit of sophistication and let my naturally wavy hair down. Simple lang dapat; I don't want to stand out too much or exaggerate my look.

"Grabe, lalo kang pumuti sa suot mo, Cleo," puri ni Maggie habang iniinspeksyon ang outfit ko.

The theme, as written in the invitation, is white. Maggie wore a flowy white dress that looked amazing on her—she always knows how to dress up perfectly. Meanwhile, Tristan, in true Tristan fashion, somehow missed the memo. He showed up wearing a black polo shirt.

"Bobo ka talaga, Tristan! Ikaw lang ang naka-itim doon!" reklamo ni Taro habang papalapit kami sa venue.

"Eh hindi mo kasi sinabi!" ganti ni Tristan, mukhang frustrated na habang sinisilip ang suot niya. "Nahihiya na tuloy akong bumaba mamaya."

"Basahin mo kasi ang invitation!" sarkastikong sabat ni Maggie habang umiiling.

"Pahiramin mo na lang ako ng damit, pre," banat ni Tristan kay Taro. "Hubarin ko na lang 'tong polo ko."

"Ulul, maghubad ka na lang," sagot ni Taro, sabay tawa.

Nagtalo pa silang dalawa habang papunta kami hanggang sa makarating na kami sa destinasyon. Bumungad sa amin ang malaking gate ng bahay ni Taro.

"Welcome sa munting bahay namin!" sigaw ni Taro pagbaba naming apat sa van.

As soon as I saw the so-called "munting bahay," I face-palmed. Munti? This isn't a house—it's a full-blown mansion. An enormous estate with high gates, a fountain in the driveway, and a pristine facade that screamed luxury.

"Munti 'to sayo? Eh kung isampal ko sayo bahay namin," sabi ni Maggie, nakataas ang kilay.

"Hoy! I always want a low profile, okay? I'm doing my best to be humble," sagot ni Taro, pero halata namang ini-enjoy niya ang eksena.

"Humble ba yan? Parang asong nauulol ka lang," banat ni Tristan.

Tumawa na lang ako, kahit medyo na-overwhelm ako sa laki ng lugar.

We walked toward the grand entrance, and as soon as we stepped inside, I couldn't help but gawk at the luxurious interior. The walls were adorned with elegant paintings, and a massive chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden light over the entire room.

"The party's in the garden," sabi ni Taro, sabay senyas sa amin na sundan siya.

Nilingon niya ako bago kami umikot sa gilid ng mansion. "By the way, nandoon na si Kairus," bulong niya, sabay kindat.

I froze for a second and gulped. Oh, right. I almost forgot he's one of the reasons I'm here.

"Yaaa! Taro! Who's that girl?!"

The scream cut through the chatter of the party as soon as we stepped into the garden. I flinched, instinctively stepping a little closer to Taro. The girl who shouted was pointing, her gaze sharp and curious, and I could only assume she'd seen Taro whispering something to me earlier.