what if we happened

13. Real Quick

Chapter 13: Real Quick

Seren

Ang sarap yakap-yakapin at singhutin ang uniform ng isang lalaking guwapo, mabango, matanggad, palangiti, may taling sa bandang ilong, matalino at higit sa lahat, HUMSS student.

I hug the uniform tightly, imagining Elias' presence here. Sana next time, siya na mismo ang nasa tabi ko at niyayakap din ako pabalik. How I wish. If ever that happens, maniniwala na akong kaakit-akit nga talaga ako at nakuha ko si Elias.

I know this is wrong, to steal someone's uniform and I know as well this is important to him because of the signatures and messages from our schoolmates. Baka nga ngayon ay nalulungkot na si Elias dahil nawawala uniform niya, but he doesn't need to worry. Promise. Plano ko rin namang ibalik 'to sa kaniya kapag natakpan ko na 'yong mga sinulat ng kaibigan ko but for now, it's mine to hold. Lalasap-lasapin ko muna ang pagkakataon na nasa mga kamay ko pa 'to, just for a little while.

"You've done it," I whispered to myself, a soft smile touched my lips. "You actually got it. I can't believe this is happening," mahina akong napatili.

It feels surreal. It's f*cking feels surreal!

I drifted my eyes shut as I let myself sink deeper into the comfort of Elias' uniform, savoring the moment. Hindi ako nagsasawang singhutin ang uniform niya kahit malanghap ko na ang lahat ng amoy nito.

Hey! It's freaking Elias' uniform in my hand!

Gusto ko 'yong tao! Siyempre, dapat ko lang 'tong amuyin nang matindihan.

"Ano kaya brand ng cologne ni Elias? It smells like baby," I paused, letting the silence of the room fill the space around me. "Baby ko," I added at humagalpak sa sariling banat. Gumulong-gulong pa ako sa higaan ko.

Kilig na kilig talaga ako! I swear, I'm almost going crazy with how I feel.

Dilim is already asleep on the side of the bed. Ako na lang ang maingay. Actually, ganito nagagawa ng gabi at kapag solo ko na ang buong paligid. Settled into bed, before trying to catch some sleep, every night I used to imagine fake scenarios and situations with my crush inside of my head while listening to music.

Oo, kahit may tampo ako kay Elias at iniiwasan ko siya nitong mga nagdaan na araw.

And these nightly dreams are a cherished escape, a way to hold onto the hope and excitement that Elias brings into my life.

Ang sarap mag-imagine. No doubt. I can't control it either.

Matulog nang maaga? Nope.

Gumawa ng nakakakilig na scene sa utak kasama si crush? Yes na yes for Elias!

But I'm not at the point of imagining a family or our future children yet. I'm not defensive or anything, but I'm not that obsessed with Elias yet.

Right now, kailangan kong matulog nang maaga para bukas ay fresh ako sa graduation ball but for some reason, I can't fall asleep. The excitement of tomorrow's event keeping me wide awake and also, because of Elias' uniform.

"Hay, Elias. What did you do to me? Bakit nababaliw ako sa 'yo?" I asked into the air, feeling tranquil. "Tapos, ka-date pa kita bukas."

Wait.

Hindi ko pa pala siya nasasabihan na tutuloy ako bukas! But why isn't he asking? Did he change his mind? Doesn't he want me to?

As if someone answered my question when my phone vibrated. Inalis ko 'yong uniform na nakatakip sa mukha ko. I hadn't even picked up my phone beside me when I immediately saw Pambansang Prinsipeng Makata's name on the screen. Wow. Muling nagpaparamdam.