Two Sides of Love

10

Me and Louise danced the night away at Nayrb’s birthday bash.

The house, a sprawling two-story villa nestled amidst lush greenery, was adorned with twinkling fairy lights that traced the eaves and wrapped around the sturdy oak trees in the garden.

The scent of blooming jasmine hung in the air, mingling with the tantalizing aroma of grilled kebabs and freshly baked bread.

Nayrb, the vivacious birthday boy, flitted from group to group, his laughter infectious as he introduced friends from different strands.

The living room, with its plush velvet couches and oversized floor cushions, hosted impromptu dance-offs, while the kitchen transformed into a DIY cocktail bar, complete with mason jars filled with colorful concoctions.

Habang naglalakad si Louise palayo, biglang nagsalita ito, "Elia, may nakilala akong guwapong lalaki mula sa STEM. Sandali lang, ha?"

Iniwan niya ako sa hardin, nag-iisa, habang patuloy sa pag-iinom at pagsasaya. Sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon, dumaan ang isang lalaki mula sa ABM strand at nagpakilala sa akin.

Esmael's face floated in my mind—the way his laughter echoed, the warmth of his gaze. I was into him, and yet here I was, talking to Adrian.

"Hi, I'm Adrian. ABM. You?"

I forced a smile "Elia. HUMMS. Nice to meet you."

We clink glasses.

"Lovely party. So, dreams and futures, what's yours?" He asked in his baritone voice

"I want to be a published author. Words are my escape."

I listened politely as we discussed our respective strands. HUMMS—the realm of creativity and dreams. ABM—the practical path toward business and economics. Adrian spoke of balance sheets and market trends, while I shared my passion for words, my desire to be a published author.

"Admirable. I'm all about numbers. But there's beauty in spreadsheets too." He smirked

I nodded, but my mind drifts to Esmael.

"And you? What do you dream of?"i asked

"A teacher."

Adrian is sweet, but he's not Esmael.

Every word I uttered felt like a betrayal. Esmael haunted me. The way he leaned against the library shelves, the way he teased me about my poetry.

Adrian was kind, but he wasn't Esmael.

"Adrian, I—"

"Elia, you're fascinating. Can we—"

But then I saw Esmael across the garden, watching us. His eyes hold questions.

Esmael wears a fitted black shirt that molds to his lean frame. The sleeves are rolled up, revealing strong forearms dusted with ink from countless notes taken during class. His hair, slightly tousled, hints at a boy who’s both carefree and contemplative.

His expression is a captivating blend of jealousy and restraint. His dark eyes, like storm. 

When he looked at me, it’s as if he’s unraveling secrets, deciphering me every thought.

He leaned against a nearby tree "Elia, do you think he'll like you without your makeup?"

"Esmael, wala akong makeup ngayon."

I only put blush on, dzuh!

"You don't wear makeup? Damn, you look even more beautiful." He smirked

"Uh, hey," Adrian said nervously