under the university lights

chapter 21

Life after the successful thesis defense settled into a comfortable rhythm—until Ethan, the quiet observer, unexpectedly dropped a bombshell.  He had a crush.  On Lyla, a classmate known for her infectious laugh and bright smile.  The revelation sent ripples of excitement and playful teasing through their barkada.

It started subtly.  Ethan, usually reserved, began lingering near Lyla during breaks, offering her a shy smile or a helping hand.  He’d subtly compliment her artwork or her insightful comments in class.  His usually calm demeanor was replaced by a nervous energy that was both endearing and hilarious to watch.

Olivia, ever the matchmaker, noticed the shift immediately.  “Uy, pare!  May something ah?” (Hey, dude! Something's up, huh?), she teased, nudging him playfully.

Ethan, flustered, stammered, “Wala ah!  Ano ka ba!” (Nothing! What are you talking about!), his denial laced with a telltale blush.

Chloe, ever observant, added, “Sus, deny pa!  Halata naman!” (Come on, deny it! It’s obvious!), her teasing punctuated by a knowing smirk.

Miguel, ever the comedian, chimed in, “Pare, aminin mo na!  Para ma-move on na tayo!” (Dude, admit it! So we can move on!), his words eliciting laughter from the group.

Mark, ever the supportive friend, offered, “Go lang, Ethan!  Kaya mo ‘yan!” (Go for it, Ethan! You got this!), his encouragement genuine and heartfelt.

The kilig (fluttering feeling of excitement) was palpable.  The barkada became Ethan’s unofficial cheering squad, offering advice, encouragement, and endless teasing.  They helped him craft the perfect message, offering suggestions on how to approach Lyla, and even practicing his confession lines.

The confession itself was a masterpiece of awkward charm.  Ethan, armed with a bouquet of sunflowers (Lyla’s favorite), nervously approached Lyla after class.  He stammered, blushed, and fumbled his words, but his sincerity shone through.  Lyla, equally flustered but clearly delighted, responded with a shy smile and a heartfelt “Kinikilig ako!” (I'm so excited!).

The news spread through their circle like wildfire.  The barkada erupted in cheers, their kilig reaching epic proportions.  They celebrated with a spontaneous merienda (afternoon snack), their laughter and teasing a testament to their shared joy and excitement.  Ethan's unexpected confession had brought a new dimension to their friendship, a heartwarming reminder that even amidst the chaos of school life, love could blossom, bringing with it a surge of kilig and shared happiness.  It was a moment they would cherish, a testament to the power of friendship, courage, and a perfectly timed confession.