Embarrassment
"Alright, everyone," Professor Herrera said, glancing at the clock on the wall.
He smiled at us, "That wraps up our lecture for today. Remember, your project drafts are due next Friday. Please make sure to incorporate the sustainable design principles we've discussed. And don't forget to review the reading material on biophilic design for our next class. Any questions before we call it a day?"
Umiling ang ilang estudyante, kasama na ako doon, while I see others jotted down final notes.
"Great," he continued with a smile. "Have a wonderful weekend, and I look forward to seeing your progress next week."
He left the lecture hall short after.
With that, I began to pack up my materials, the room gradually filling with the sounds of zipping backpacks and quiet chatter. Late dumating sila James kaya sa likod sila umupo, nakita ko ang paglapit ng mga ito sa puwesto ko kaya tinanguan ko sila. Hindi ko maisip na sobrang bilis ng oras, third year na kami sa architecture, at halos eleven months na ang lumipas simula ng mangyari ang birthday party ni Max.
Natatawa parin ako kapag naalala kong tatlong buwan kong inignore si Zee at iniwasan, sa tuwing maalala ko ang ginawa ko lalong lumalakas ang pagnanais kong iwasan siya, pero tatlong buwan lang 'yon nangyari dahil naging close ang circle namin lalo, especially when Nat and Max made it official. Yup, I was right, something was going on. Pero kahit ganoon hindi naman kami gaanong nag-uusap ni Zee, casual conversation or small talks lang, lalo na't ang alam ko ay nabusy siya academically, as a varsity athelete at sa internship.
Ayun na nga tinatawanan ko na lang kung paano ko siya sinubukan akitin noon, ganoon siguro kapag naka-move on ka na sa katangahan, tatawanan mo na lang.
"Manonood ako ng training ni Max, open sessions sila tonight." Sumulyap si Nat sa'kin natigil ako sa pagpag ng damit ko nagusot na ata three hours ba naman akong nakaupo.
Today, I opted for a casual yet classic outfit. I wore a navy blue crew-neck sweater paired with slim-fit dark wash jeans and white leather sneakers. On my wrist, I accessorized with a silver watch to complete the look.
"Huwag mo sabihing hindi ka ulit sasama? Konti na lang iisipin kong naging fling mo si Zee last year at ngayon iniiwasan mo na siya!" Akusa ni James, his eyes squinting.
"What?" Natatawang turan ko, grabe sa pag overthink ang isang 'to akala ko si Nat lang 'yon pero mukhang may papalit na sa kaniya, binato ko siya ng crumpled paper na nasa desk ko.
"Anong, 'what' hindi ba? Hindi ka sasama kung kung hindi ka pipilitin, bilang sa daliri ang sumama ka sa lakad na kasama si Zee, what's wrong? Kung hindi mo naging fling, bakit ka iwas ng iwas?" Minsan gusto kong tapalan ang bibig niya kasi hindi matigil kapag nagsimula na siyang magsalita, hindi ko iniiwasan si Zee, hindi ganoon iyon, at least for me it was not the case.
Naupo si Yim sa katabing upuan kung nasaan ako nakatayo, "If totoo ang sinabi ni James, huwag ka nang mag-alala, I heard Czar is already dating him. Kalat na sa university hindi niyo ba nabalitaan?" Natigil ako sa pag-aayos ng gamit ng marinig iyon.
"Wait, who's Czar?" Nat asked, his curiosity piqued. Same thing here.
"Czarina? The Pol Sci student and candidate for Binibining Pilipinas? Doesn't that ring a bell?" Yim answered with a hint of surprise.
