coffees + jeno

xxi

（   LILAC   ）

Padabog kong sinalubong si Harris na nakaharang sa kung ano mang dadaanan ko, kasama ang ilan sa mga kaibigan niya. "What the hell? Ano bang meron? It's just a freaking practice, Harris," sabi ko at umirap. Napakamot siya sa batok niya at tumawa nang bahagya. "Just trust me on this, Lilac. Let's just go somewhere else? Say, let's hang out in Agno with everyone else?" aya niya na agad namang sinang-ayunan ng mga kasama niya.

Umiling ako. "Nope, you guys go alone. I'm going to watch Jeno's practice. I mean, 'di pa nga kami nagkakaayos nang, how do I say this, officially? Ganu'n! Basta!" sabi ko at agad na nagpaalam pero agad akong napigilan ng isang lalaking matangkad na may blond na buhok. "They switched gyms," sabi niya at agad naman akong tumawa.

"Why are y'all stopping me then?"

"Nagp-practice yung orchestra!"

"On a freaking gym?"

We continued arguing until I excused myself to go to the bathroom which is, of course, a lie. I'm going to Jeno's practice like I said. I will always stick to my desicions, whatever the outcome will be.

I sneaked to the gym quickly and looked for Jeno, which wasn't hard because I'm telling youㅡhe stands out the most. Para siyang bituin at 'di ako magsasawang tingnan 'yon.

"Jenㅡ!" I was about to say his name until I saw a girl hugging her from behind. Hindi siya taga-DLSU, obviously, but that's not my issue. Why is she. . . hugging Jeno?

Dahil sa pagtawag ko, kahit 'di ko natapos, madaming napatingin sa'kin at kasama na si Jeno doon. Naramdaman ko din sila Harris na dumating mula sa likod ko.

Patuloy lang akong nakatingin hanggang sa tinakpan ni Harris ang mga mata ko. "Don't look," bulong niya at tumulo na nga ang mga luha kong nagbabadyang tumulo.

Just when I thought I was finally melting the ice, a new barrier comes up and I think I can't keep up with it anymore. This is too harsh, Jen. You made me. . . believe.