Playing with Fire (Acosta Sisters Series #3)

Kabanata 1

Kabanata 1

"Finally, you're eighteen, Kali. We can now hang out at night as much as we want," Vara said with a laugh as she carefully painted her long nails.

Vara is one of my closest friends at SJU, but we don't get to spend much time together because our schedules are so different. She's not a law student like me—she's studying tourism. I met her during a photoshoot because she was also hired as a model for the clothing company owned by Kaia's family.

I'm picky when it comes to friends because I don't need fake people in my life. I mean I don't want to deal with someone na mas maarte pa sakin. I'd rather be alone. That's why Vara is the only girl friend I have, besides Kaia, who has been my friend for a long time.

"You know I've been waiting for this age to come. I really hate them calling me a kid," I replied firmly, remembering my ex-boyfriends who used to call me that because of the annoying age gap.

"I'll definitely show them who's the kid now. Let's drink after this week." I smirked.

"I like that! Don't worry, you've got me, bitch. I'll look for the perfect bar for us. I'll make sure you have a blast for your first time!" Vara exclaimed, clearly excited about the upcoming weekend.

"I'll expect that," I said with a grin.

My brows furrowed when I noticed a sudden change in Vara's expression. She looked absolutely shocked but was smiling widely as she pointed behind me.

"Oh God, Kali! Look who's here!" she squealed.

I turned around, and my eyes widened when I saw him.

I couldn't believe it. He's really here!

"Kali..." he uttered, smiling at me with his arms wide open, as if he was waiting for me to throw myself at him.

"Rod!" I shouted happily as I ran toward him and gave him a tight hug.

"God, I missed you!" I said before pulling away.

He draped his arm around my shoulders, and I wrapped mine around his waist as we walked together to the bench where Vara was sitting, watching us with a smile.

"Come on, Rod! Why are you here?" Vara asked as we sat down across from her.

"I just missed this gorgeous lady beside me," Rod replied, pulling me into a side hug and kissing the side of my head.

I chuckled, pinching the side of his body. Kumibot siya't ngumiwi. Parehas kaming natawa ni Vara.

"Missed my ass! If you missed me, you wouldn't wait until today. Ngayon ka nga lang ulit nagpakita rito, hello!" Tinig nagtatampong tugon ko. "You were always busy." I rolled my eyes.

"That's why I'm making it up to you. I'm here, Kali. You can have me all you want. It's your birthday after all." Panunuyo niya na hindi ko pinansin. Imbis nag-iwas ako ng tingin, nagpipigil ng ngiti.

I loved teasing him. Mabilis kasi siyang maniwala. And when I say he believed, he'd definitely do everything para mapatawad ko lang siya. Ewan ko ba sa kanya kung bakit hindi na siya nasanay when I've been pranking him ever since whenever I had an opportunity.

Vara suck her bottom lip between her teeth, trying to stop the smile from forming on her face. I winked at her, shushing her.

"Come on, Kali. Don't be mad, please." Pangungulit pa rin niya.

I simply looked at him and raised my right brow. Nagbuntong hininga naman siya, tiningnan si Vara, mukhang nanghihingi ng tulong.

"Alam ko na, treat ko na lang kayo ni Vara ng coffee. Then we'll head to mall to buy you a gift." Nakangiting sambit niya.