THAT GIRL | MIKHAIAH

CHAPTER 11

Maraiah's POV

I wanna cry. I wanna puke. I wanna go home. The campus are wrapped with red hearts and colorful decorations of love. Literally everywhere. I spotted the huge kissing booth arc with thousands of artificial flowers in the middle of the field. I'm impressed with how they decorated it. Kudos to Jho and the rest of the student council. I walked past couples looking like a freaking linch glued to each other. Puro naka-holding hands at nagagawa pang maghalikan in public places. Call me bitter and all but it's making me cringe.

I rolled my eyes. Well, happy heart's day everyone!

I immediately exited the line after I secured my morning attendance. I decided to stay at the library since I haven't seen my girls around. Maaga pa lang pero mukhang nauubos na kaagad ang energy ko. I greeted the librarian and gave her a chocolate. Mrs. Roses smiled at me and mouthed a thank you. I scanned the room and it seems like I'm the only one around apart from her. Pinili kong maupo sa dulo para 'di ako mapansin kung sakaling makakatulog ako dito. I'd rather sleep than hurt my eyes.

I woke up at the sound of bell banging my ears. It's lunchtime. Who would have thought I've slept for 3 hours?

I open my phone to message single people in our group who might want to have lunch with me, turns out they were looking for me.

I called Cols.

“Cols, saan kayo?” I asked when she picked up the phone.

“Eastwood. Saan ka ba? Hintayin ka namin. Kanina ka pa namin kino-contact.”

“Nakatulog ako sa library eh. Sige, papunta na ako diyan.”

Ibababa ko na sana nang marinig ko ang boses ni Maloi over the phone. “Sabihan mo sabay na siya kay Mikhs. 'Yon ay kung nakatakas na 'yon sa mga lumalapit sa kaniya.”

Andito pa si Mikha? Panigurado pinaulanan 'yon ng mga bulaklak at chocolates.

“Nakita mo ba si Lim? Sabay na kayo, andiyan lang 'yon. Baka nagtatago.” Sabi ni Colet.

“Okay. Sige, hahanapin ko siya.” I said, hanging up.

I lied when I said I'll look for Mikha, ayoko nga. Una, dahil kaya ko namang mag-commute. Pangalawa, hindi ko nga alam kung nasaan siya. Pangatlo, ayokong maistorbo pa 'yon, nakakahiya.

I ran towards the gate, shielding myself from the heat of the sun.

“Hey, Aiah. Flowers for you.” A tall guy blocks my way. I reluctantly take the bouquet knowing he'll insist anyway.

“Thank you.” Sabi ko. I continue to walk until another guy stops me. May dala rin itong bulaklak.

“May nagpapabigay.” Tiningnan ko siya sa mata dahil parang pamilyar siya sa'kin. “It's unfortunate he couldn't do it by himself. Duwag.” He mumbles. “But I can.” Inabot niya rin sa akin ang hugis puso na Ferraro. Typical Valentine's presents. “For a sweet girl like you.” I just stood there, staring at the weird guy.

Have I seen him before? I ransacked my brain but fails to remember.

“Tanggapin mo na. The event will end by 5. It's only 12, we still have enough time to enjoy this day, beautiful. Want to go on a date with me?” He asked, confident that I won't for a second decline him. I don't like how he sounded — arrogant. Ano sa tingin niya, makukuha niya lahat ng kung sino mang gugustuhin niya?

“I already have plans, sorry.” I said as polite as I can. Kahit wala naman. “I have to go, excuse me.” Umalis na ako kaagad bago pa niya maisipang magpumilit — one thing I strongly dislike.