That One Summer

v

~

At the Night Market

Later that evening, Fyang led her friends to a bustling food market, the enticing aroma of street food wrapping around them.

"Alam kong gutom na kayo mga bakla, kain muna tayo." Fyang announced, grinning.

"First stop— the best laksa in the city!" she added.

As they indulge in delicious dishes, Fyang felt a strange pang of jealousy as she caught sight of Therese and Jarren laughing together. She turned to her friends.

"Andito din pala sila Therese. Huwag niyo tingnan ha? Pero nasa left side ni Rain." Fyang whispered. "Mga bakla, sabing huwag nang tingnan eh!"

The three ladies laughed as Fyang raised her eyebrows and acted mad.

"Therese? Yung nasa med department?" Kolette asked.

"Oo, kasama niya din mga alipores niya mga bakla. Tapos makakapit naman kay Jarren parang linta." Fyang replied, raising her eyebrows again.

"Jarren? Yung singer ng med dept? Nakita namin yon kanina! Nakabangga ko pa nga eh" Kai said, oblivious to the tension brewing.

"Hala mga baklaaa! Speaking of the devils." Fyang nudged her friends, whispering.

"Relax bruh! Just act natural," Kai said, trying to suppress a giggle.

Therese caught sight of Fyang and her friends, and a smirk crossed her face. "Aren't they our schoolmates? They seemed familiar though," she said, leaning closer to Jarren.

"Yeah, I remember those three." Jarren replied. "Kai, right?"

"Yup! We beat you last University Week, right?" Kai said, smugly.

"Yeah right. Now, I remember, you bumped me earlier!" Jarren laughed. "So, what brings you here? Are you on vacation too?"

Fyang forced a smile. "Nope, actually I live here nearby. Binisita lang nila ako. Kayo ba? Masarap mga pagkain dito!"

Jarren flashed a charming smile. "I believe you. Heard this place has the best laksa in the city."

As they talked, Jasmine and Dylan walked up, holding hands.

"Hey, what's going on?" Jasmine asked, glancing between the two groups.

"Oh, just running into some old friends, ate." Therese replied, keeping her tone casual but her eyes on Jarren.

Dylan leaned in, "Why don't you join us? If you don't have any plans, sabi nga ni Therese kanina, the more, the merrier."

Therese shot him a glare but smiled brightly afterwards.

"Thanks for the offer, pero may iba pa kaming pupuntahan eh. Next time na lang." Kolette politely declined.

"Yeah! Maybe Next time." Rain said, trying to keep the mood light.

"Alright! See you around!" Jasmine replied.

As Fyang and her friends walked away, Therese watched, a flicker of jealousy crossing her face as she caught sight of Jarren's interested expression toward Fyang's group.

Meanwhile, Kanata and Joli arrived, their presence drawing attention.

"Did we miss anything? Kakain na ba tayo?" Kanata asked, rubbing her hands together in anticipation.

"Nope, just about to order some delicious food," Jarren replied, enthusiastically.

Joli shot a knowing look at Therese. "Mukhang masaya ka ata, Therese."