Why - a Macolet au

Chapter 4

Colet

Okay na kaya to? I asked myself, turning left and right in front of the mirror, as I tried on different outfits.

Today was the day of the interview for Maloi's article. Kakatapos lang ng finals namin, when I received a message from her.

I know she told me not to dress up but I still wanna look good for her. Also, I can hear her thoughts so naturally gusto kong makarinig ng compliment from her.

I tried to stop myself from smiling too hard as I recalled her compliment last week. Yun lang, ambilis ko mag blush, sinabihan lang naman akong mabango.

I shook my head as I saw my reflection on the mirror. Ang pangit ko naman kiligin, I commented as I scrunched my nose trying to erase the kilig face. 

I finally decided on my outfit and headed out. I arrived 30 minutes later and asked for Maloi at the reception.

I saw her sitting at her desk, with her back to me. Her mind buzzing with words, busy preparing for the interview.

"Hi," I greeted. I saw her jump a little, too preoccupied with work.

She quickly turned around, had the biggest smile, and said "Hi! You're here!"

She grabbed her notebook, stood up and guided me towards one of the rooms.

"Uhm, we'll do the interview in here," she said as she turned on the lights and air-conditioning unit. "Its usually used for podcasts, but since dito na kasi naka setup yung mga equipment, I figured it'll be easier to do the interview here," she quickly explained.

Seeing the whole setup made me feel intimidated and quite unsure as to why I'm here. It must've shown on my face because Maloi took my hand and guided me towards one of the sofas.

She smiled reassuringly then clicked a button on the small soundboard nearby, presumably to start recording.

Soon after, Maloi started the interview.

"Why the 'Why'?" she asked.

"The why's started five years ago. I got so pissed over something that happened that one night, I just went out and then just bombed the why's wherever, or where I thought that person could see them. Because, of course, it's all about someone who hurt me. So, I just put out all the why's where that person could see the message," I answered her as I try to be careful not to give anything personal away.

"It's a rhetorical why, so I really don't expect an answer because I really already know the answer. So, it's just to put it out there for that person to hopefully see it." I finished.

"Why do graffiti?" Maloi continued as she smiled softly.

"I found street art to be the best way to communicate what I have to say, because it's well thought-out, it's visual, and there are no barriers. I don't have to interact with anyone. And it's so, so liberating." I gestured with my hands as I tried explaining to her—hoping I could encompass what I actually feel.

The interview continued for the next 45 minutes. It was like having a conversation with an old friend; someone you're comfortable with regardless of what you say or how much you share your most intimate thoughts.

As I was leaving, I asked Maloi if she wanted to go out later tonight after she finished up with work.

"Like a date?" she asked, ready to tease.

"Yeah." I answered with a serious note on my voice.

Finally, she thought.

"I heard that," I rolled my eyes at her as we both laughed.

"Okay, let me just finish up quickly," she excitedly started organizing her things then added "I'll meet you down sa cafe? Check ko lang emails ko tapos baba na rin ako."

"Okay. Bring your camera" I nodded towards the camera I noticed sitting on her desk.

"I will, see you in a bit," she answered, still smiling.