ETB #1: Lost in Blank Stares

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

When we got inside, the atmosphere was still laid-back since it was early. Ewan ko ba kay Angelo—atat na atat pumunta. Mukhang kabisado na kabisado niya ang setup dito. He immediately made his way to the bar, waving at the bartender like they were old friends.

I glanced around and spotted a few familiar faces from school. I nodded in acknowledgment when they caught my eye; a couple of them waved back, while others raised their drinks in greeting. The vibe was chill, with only a handful of people scattered around, sipping their drinks and chatting.

"Cas, what do you want? My treat," Angelo called out, already leaning against the counter.

“Beer lang muna,” I replied, taking a seat on one of the barstools.

I wasn’t in the mood to go all out just yet, not while the place was still warming up. Besides, I don’t really drink.

Angelo was talking to the bartender, asking about someone. Hindi ko na masyadong nasundan ang usapan nila dahil tinuon ko ang pansin sa cellphone ko, checking if Stefano had messaged me.

Caspian:

I’m here na, just message me when you get here. Sabay ba kayo ni Rej?

I pocketed my phone after sending the message, not wanting to seem too eager.

"Tatlong araw na ‘yung hindi pumapasok, sir. Sabi may emergency daw sa bahay nila," the bartender said, shaking his head a little.

Angelo nodded, his usual carefree demeanor replaced with a hint of concern.

"Sino?" tanong ko, curious kung sinong pinag-uusapan nila.

"Just a friend of mine," he replied casually.

I nodded, processing the information but trying not to dwell on it too much.

Suddenly, I heard Namyy's familiar voice calling out, "Caspian!" She was with our other girlfriends.

I smiled and went over to give her a hug, also greeting the girls with a quick embrace. Their warmth was a welcome change to the cool, dimly lit club.

"Wow, eh ako?" Angelo chimed in, pretending to feel left out as he mockingly pouted.

"Sino ka nga ulit?" Shyra teased, laughing at his exaggerated reaction.

Namyy rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh please, he’s just looking for attention."

"Ang gwapo, teh," rinig kong saad ng isa sa mga babae.

We started walking to find our seats in the VIP section. The area was slightly elevated, giving us a good view of the entire club. The couches were plush, and the table was already set with drinks and snacks, making it feel more exclusive.

"Alin?" tanong ni Namyy, tinuturo ang nauunang naglakad na si Angelo. "‘Yan ba?"

The girl nodded shyly.

"You don’t know him?" tanong ni Shyra, natatawa.

Umiling na lang ako at sumabay kay Angelo maglakad. "Mababackstab ka na naman," bulong ko, natatawa.

Tumingin siya sa likod, at nakita namin sila Namyy na parang mga gurong seryosong nile-lecturan ang babae—si Raya yata?

Umiling si Angelo. "Kaibigan mo rin lang talaga ang titira sa'yo patalikod."

I laughed. "Mag-retire ka na kasi. Ako ‘yung naaawa sa image mong sirang-sira na."

He smirked, shaking his head as we walked toward our spot. "Sure. I'm planning on lying low for now."