RIVALRY [ heesun ]

thirteen.

"Hello? Earth to Aryse?"

I was back to reality when Simone snapped his fingers in front of my face. I blinked a couple of times to recover from the sudden daydream.

"It's for Joaquin. Handkerchief niya 'yan that I lend last time." I said truthfully.

I ate the last piece of sushi and let my tongue tastes every bits of it. It is so addictive. I wish Wayne would make more of these next time.

"Oh, bakit hindi mo pa ibigay? Nasa kabilang table lang naman siya." Simone stated, eyeing Riego from the nearby table whose eating a burger.

"I'm shy.. Hindi dahil sa may iaabot ako or what, baka kasi anong isipin nang iba if ever they saw me doing so.." I fidget my fingers while looking at them shyly. I saw Simone agreed by nodding his head.

"Was other people's opinions about your action really important?" Wayne joined the conversation looking so serious.

May point din naman siya.

I just smiled awkwardly.

Isa na ang ibang students sa mga rason kung bakit hindi ko maisauli kay Riego ang panyo niya. Baka ano pang isipin ng mga ito. It could ruin me or his reputation. Iba kasi talaga mag-isip ang mga tao ngayon.

Pero may isa pa akong reason why I'm holding back right now.

Sinubukan kong tignan ang reason na 'yon from our table and he is wearing glasses while reading a book right now. The styrofoam was empty and the drink he bought is still half full.

"Or I could just return it to him.. ako na lang ang magbibigay tutal may sasabihin din naman ako sa kanya." Pambasag ni Simone sa katahimikan.

He is the type of person who is not scared of what people could say or throw to him. I admire his feistiness. But I was wondering, ano kaya ang sasabihin niya kay Joaquin?

At first I was hesitant pa to let him do it but when I saw his reassuring smile, his dimples are showing, I knew I can lean on him.

I mouthed thanks as he grabbed the paper bag and went to the table where Acky and his friends are.

Matapos noon ay napagpasyahan kong bumalik na ng classroom namin because I still need to check the attendance and review for upcoming exams. Before pa man din ako makaalis sa canteen ay sumulyap ako kila Joaquin, napakunot ang noo ko nang makita siyang parang tutang tumatango kay Sim.

What happened to that guy? Kanina lang parang makakasira na ito ng mesa dahil sa paghampas niya rito nonstop because of laughing too much.

Sinenyasan ko si Sim na balitaan na lang ako kung ano man ang mangyari, he just gave me a nod.

~~~

"Attention! Reminder lang na we have a quick mock test tomorrow on Physical Science. Even though it is just a mock test, let us still do our best. Good job for surviving today, everyone!" I just had a quick announcement before our dismissal.

I waved my hands and say multiple goodbyes and ingat to my classmates who are on their way out. I was then left alone in the room, checking if the chairs are in line and there isn't any trash na nasa flooring. May iilan akong napulot na wrappers ng candies and water bottles sa bandang likuran. I tossed it all in the trash can at pinagpag ang kamay ko after. I felt my phone vibrated inside my pocket. I picked it up and checked what it is.

It was a notification from Twitter.

@quinriego started following you.