under the university lights

chapter 18

Olivia, Chloe, Miguel, and Mark were navigating the crowded school hallways, still slightly breathless from their near-death experience that morning, when they spotted a new student looking utterly lost.  He was clutching a crumpled piece of paper, his eyes wide with a mixture of confusion and apprehension.

Olivia, ever the friendly one, approached him.  “Uy, pare!  Nawawala ka ba?  First time mo dito?” (Hey, dude! Are you lost? First time here?) she asked, using casual slang.

The new student, whose name was Ethan, looked relieved.  “Oo eh!  Ang laki naman kasi ng school na ‘to!  Nakakaloka!” (Yeah! This school is so huge! It's crazy!), he replied, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and anxiety.

They introduced themselves, and Ethan quickly bonded with the group.  His easygoing personality and quick wit made him an instant hit.  They spent the rest of the day showing him around, explaining the school's quirks, and sharing their own experiences—both funny and frustrating—as students.

During lunch break, they decided to try the famous street food stalls outside the school.  The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of isaw, kwek kwek, and fishballs.  As they ate, their conversation flowed freely, a mix of playful banter, shared jokes, and endless chika.

“Grabe!  Ang sarap ng isaw!  Ang anghang!” (Wow! This isaw is so good! It's so spicy!), Ethan exclaimed, his eyes watering slightly from the spice.

“Oo nga eh!  Yan ang petmalu!” (Yeah! That's awesome!), Chloe agreed, using a popular slang term.

Miguel, ever the comedian, quipped, “Wag kang mag-alala, Ethan!  Sanay na kami sa mga ‘yan!  Street food is life!” (Don't worry, Ethan! We're used to this! Street food is life!), eliciting laughter from the group.

Mark, always the observer, added, “Nakakatuwa naman!  Ang dami nating chika!  Para tayong mga tsismosa!” (This is fun! We have so much to talk about! We're like gossiping old ladies!), using a humorous self-deprecating line.

Olivia, ever the supportive friend, chimed in, “Oo nga eh!  Pero masaya naman!  Welcome to the barkada, Ethan!” (Yeah! But it's fun! Welcome to the group, Ethan!)

As they finished their street food feast, they knew they had made a new friend.  Ethan's easygoing nature and shared love for food and laughter made him a perfect fit for their group.  They continued their chika, their laughter echoing through the bustling street, a testament to their growing friendship and the simple joys of school life, street food, and endless conversations.  They knew this was just the beginning of many more adventures, shared meals, and unforgettable memories together.