"Slater Valerian T?" I repeated, rolling the name on my tongue.
"Ang gwapo ng pangalan," Potato said as she hopped down from the rock. The girls clustered together while the boys trailed behind us, their chatter blending into the rustle of leaves.
"What about Commander Veloz? Veloz Vaughn Eisen—ang angas din!" Jane chimed in, her tone carrying a hint of admiration.
"Hmm, Slater Valerian T sounds so expensive though. What about the looks kaya?" We were gossiping like high schoolers, giggling at our silly theories.
"Si Veloz, kahit halos nasa 40's na, I bet he looked so handsome in his 20's." Franchesca says.
"Johnson? He seems matured and reserved," Jane added.
"Eugene? Seductive and charming," Potato teased.
"Jazz Klein?" Jane and smirked mischievously, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Lahat. Tangina, hindi mo ma-describe ng words, eh. Tapos kinakantot pa si Heart? Shet!"
"Hoy! Gago ka naman, bunganga mo!" I shot back, my face heating with embarrassment.
"May kumakantot na sa bestfriend ko?!" Jane doubled down, her voice escalating.
"What? As if makakantot ka pa nyan ulit!" Jane teased dramatically, waving her hands.
"Jane, kapatid niyan si Franchesca!"
Jane's squatter demeanor vanished in an instant. "Ay," she muttered, her cheeks flushing as she awkwardly wheeled herself forward in silence.
Franchesca, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "I don't even want to know if you guys fucked, but knowing you two horny assholes, gosh, just don't let it cross my mind," she said, her words dripping with dry humor.
The sun drenched us in its golden warmth as the group filtered back into the mansion. I lingered outside, craving the serenity of solitude and the soft touch of nature. Grabbing a yoga mat, I found a secluded spot where the trees whispered secrets to the wind.
I laid the mat on the ground, smoothing it out as calming nature music flowed from my phone. The soft chirping of birds mingled with the melody, and I eased into meditation, letting my mind float free.
Minutes passed. Each breath centered me. My nerves unwound, my body felt lighter, and the chaos of life faded away. Afterward, I transitioned into my Pilates routine, each movement deliberate and grounding. Sweat clung to me like dew as I finished, sipping green tea while observing the sprawling mansion in front of me.
The grandeur of the mansion contrasted with the peace I found in its shadow. It was oddly comforting to be alone amidst nature's embrace.
Potato peeked out from the door, her figure framed by the ornate archway. She scanned the surroundings until her eyes landed on me. She waved, and I waved back with a thumbs-up. With a small smile, she disappeared back inside.
I couldn't help but wonder what Jazz was doing. Was he okay? Was he thinking of me the way I thought of him?
Life felt fleeting—like sand slipping through fingers.
I rolled up my mat and headed inside, the cool air of the mansion enveloping me. After a quick shower, I slipped into a pair of baggy orange basketball shorts and an oversized grey waffle shirt, the fabric soft against my glowing skin.
