Liquid Courage

Night 011

It's been a week since that night. I haven't gone much in the rooftop last week because I've been very busy with my academics. I have to study while I'm sober because the concepts are so hard to grasp that I might mess it up if I'll drink.

I opened the metal door and was welcomed with the cold breeze of air. I can now feel that it's already December, the air is really cold and I don't know if I can last an hour without a jacket.

Alfonso was already sitting near the gutter with a can on his hand. He's always early in here, I wonder if he does well in his academics. Or nevermind, I heard this guy's a genius so maybe he doesn't really need to review.

"Hey," I greeted.

He glanced at me when I took a sit beside him. "Are you new here? I don't remember seeing you here, Miss."

At first I looked at him weirdly then I realized he was trying his acting skills on me. "Whatever, Alfonso. Your acting skill still sucks."

He pouted. "You didn't go here for five nights and the first thing you do is insult me. Wow. Thanks."

"Well, I have to study really hard for five nights because unlike someone here, I am not a genius. Plus, I did extra hours on work."

"Still, you left me here alone. You let me get bitten by mosquitos alone. You're a bad friend, Marg."

I laughed at his childish act. I actually find it cute but of course I won't tell him that. The last thing I need is an arrogant Alfonso.

I reached the plastic bag beside him and took a can from it. I realized it was so light so I brought it back to the plastic. I took another one and my forehead creased when I realized that it's empty again. I looked through the bag and all three cans were empty.

"I thought you wouldn't go here tonight so I only brought four cans," he explained.

I nodded in understanding. Well, my fault for not notifying him that I'll be here. "No, it's okay. Also, I've been getting a lot of free beers from you. You've done enough, my friend." I playfully patted his back.

"Ouch, Marg," he placed his right hand on his chest and pretended to be hurt. "You're hurting my feelings. I thought it's because of my handsome face. Turns out you befriended me for free beers."

"Whatever, ugly face." I teased. "I'm gonna buy beers, how many do you want?"

"Hmm, lemme think," he tapped his finger on his forehead. "I've treated you 1000 cans of beer already so you can at least buy me half."

"I know it's a lot but 1000 is too much, ugly face. You won't fool anyone here."

He laughed. "250 then."

I stood up and took the plastic bag. Sometimes we forget to bring down the empty cans so I better dispose it on my way.

"Let me just remind you that I'm a poor kid now, Esquivel." After receiving a laugh from him, again, I walked towards the door.

"Wait," he suddenly blurted out.

I turned to face him and asked, "Want me to buy you something? Boy bawang?"

"Nope. Let's just go to a ramen house." He said and got up. Then suddenly he's making his way towards me.

"What?" I asked, confused. Am I hearing things right?

"I said let's go to a ramen house instead. I've been getting curious on the taste of soju since my blockmates won't stop talking about it."

I still can't process whatever he's saying. With my forehead creased, I asked. "Right now?"