Sincerely, Jayvee

01

It was June.

It was the first month of summer, which others call it a vacation. It was also the day, we had a small hangout at a friend's house. It was his birthday.

It's just an ordinary day, only that... you were there.

You're loud. Your voice and laughter echoed in every corner of the room, louder than the speakers, louder than the music.

And I... I couldn't stop staring.

I told myself to look away, and still, I couldn't. I never liked noise, but I guess... you're an exemption.

Then, I noticed the cake beside you and, honestly, maybe I used it as an excuse to walk closer. I didn't even like sweet stuff... cake wasn't my thing.

Damn. What the heck am I doing?

But there I was... reaching for a slice I didn't even want. And despite being so close to you, you didn't notice my presence at all. Until I tripped.

Yup. Of all things that happen in front of you, I tripped.

You turned, saw the mess, and laughed. Even my friends, who were actually your cousins, burst into laughter too, making the situation even more embarrassing.

A few seconds later, worry is visible in your face. "Ay, kuya, okay ka lang?"

That was the first time your voice was directed at me. That was the first time you looked at me. The first time you noticed the boy who had been noticing you for far too long.

And I swear, even with the pain in my wrist and the embarrassment, I think my heart said, finally.

"O-okay lang." I answered, and even let out a small laugh.

It was the opposite in my head... everything stopped for a second.

Kuya?

Seriously? Not even my name.

And maybe... that's why I remember that summer so clearly. Though sometimes, I wonder...

What if I had taken that chance to introduce myself in your life, more than just a stranger... more than just your so-called 'kuya'?