Everyone appears to be preoccupied on the approaching exam this week. My classmates are scattered around the room, with some of them completely immersed in their studies. Ang mata nila ay naka-focus sa screen ng kanilang laptops and phones, whilst the others prefer traditional techniques of spreading out textbooks and doing their reviews.
However, some of them appear unconcerned by the impending tests, with their careless laughter and raucous chats breaking through the studious atmosphere.
My gaze fell on Sofia, who was similarly preoccupied with her studies. I couldn't take my eyes away from her determined expression. I noticed every movements she makes. Sa paraan ng kaniyang pag-upo, the way she was fidgeting her pen, each furrow of her brow, her subtle shift in expression.
"She's so cool." I whispered.
I decided to flee the noisy confines of the room. Wala akong mapapala sa inaaral ko. I just can't stop staring at her. Baka mukha niya ang aralin ko at hindi ang topics sa exam.
I enter the quiet tranquility of the school's courtyard, which is shaded by a Cassia Fistula tree, also known as the Golden Shower Tree. I sat on a bench and swept away the fallen yellow petals that had scattered across the surface. I set my printed papers on the concrete and began to focus entirely on my study.
As I continued with my activities, I was surrounded by the sounds of nature. Gentle maya birds chirping and white butterflies fluttering all around me. Oreo, the school stray dog who resembled a wonderful Oreo cookie with a black-and-white pattern that added to its charm, reclined blissfully on the ground, unaffected by my presence. He appears to find solace in this tranquil time amidst the bustle of the classroom.
The sound of approaching footsteps caught my attention. Glancing up, I saw Sofia making her way towards me, laptop in hand. She greeted me with a friendly smile, her gaze briefly lingering on the peaceful stray dog.
"Pwede maki-tambay?"
Oh, my goodness, why is she here?
"Okay lang." I said, nonchalantly.
Kaya nga ako umalis sa room para hindi ako ma-distract sa'yo. Tapos ngayon andito ka naman. Pinagtitripan ata ako ng mundo.
She sat right in front of me.
Ba't ka diyan umupo?!
Kumu-kunot ang noo ko sa ginagawa niya. Iniiwasan na nga, siya pa mismo itong lumalapit sa akin.
She opened her laptop and put her earphones, immersing herself in the world of music. Umiling ako at nilayo ang aking atensyon sa kaniya. I draw myself in my studies, casually highlighting keywords that might help me with definitions.
But moments later, despite my best efforts, I found my gaze frequently drifting towards her. My eyes fixated on the gentle movement of her fingers as she diligently fills the pages of her paper with meticulously written solutions and answers.
Takte! Anong ginagawa niya?
Is she reviewing? Ba't parang wala pa 'yan sa na review ko?
Her pen scratching the page produced a soft melody with pauses while she considered her answers. She resumed writing on the page and fiddling with her keyboard, mumbling things without sounding them out. I found myself enthralled. Her intelligence was razor keen, as evidenced by every penstroke on the page.
Tumingala siya dahilan para magtama ang mata namin.
A surge of panic washed through me as I quickly avoided her eyes. I swallowed nervously and acted like I was talking to myself with the paper on my hand. She went back to her doing and caught her release a smile.
