I couldn't get over the fact that Arvic lied to me about what happened during the college outing. Nadulas sila Nico while we were drinking in Flotsam & Jetsam.
Inasar niya akong wag uminom ng marami dahil baka mag black out nanaman ako at magbeast mode si Arvic.
Sila Andrew na ang nagbigay ng whole details sa nangyari. Marami na kaming nainom ni Pepper when we bumped into them at nagkayayaan. Turns out Arvic was the one who is yelling at Patrick na ingatan ako not Pepper.
The whole time tahimik lang si Arvic habang inaasar siya nila Andrew. Tinignan ko siya at nakatingin siya sa akin. Tumagilid ang ulo ko trying to figure him out.
Nakabantay rin daw si Arvic at Vince na walang aaligid na lalaki sa amin ni Pepper. It was sweet, really sweet of him considering we were not friends at that time.
"Pepper, what do you think of Arvic?"
Niyaya kong mag dinner si Pepper after work and told him not to invite others.
"Gwapo, matured, protective, mapride and I know it's been days but let's not forget the abs."
"Alam mo ba tinanong ko siya kung anong nangyari nung outing? His story was completely different from what we heard from his friends."
He sighed, "So? Bakit kasi inalam mo pa? Ang tagal na nun and it's sometimes okay to not know things. It's easier that way."
"Alam mo naman ako. I like to know things."
"Wanna know what I think? Tingin ko matagal ka nang gusto ni Arvic. Ayan na mga facts. Hindi ako maniniwalang hindi ka niya type sa mga galawan niya. Wag kang dense, nagkaboyfriend ka so alam mo 'yan."
"I don't even know bakit pinoproblema mo 'yan. I mean look at Arvic! What's not to like? Hindi lang gwapo, mabait pa." Pepper added when I didn't answer.
Hindi ako ready magkaboyfriend at isa pa I don't like Arvic romantically. Platonic lang kami so unlike what others think when we hang out.
"I'm just wondering hindi ko pinoproblema. Diba you still owe me? Libre mo na dinner natin ha. Wala akong pera."
"As much as I like the not owing you anymore? Ako na ang magbabayad and I still owe you pero magkape naman tayo. Libre mo ko."
Napangiti ako. This is why I put up with Pepper all this time because he is really thoughtful most of the time.
"Ako naman ang may tanong and promise to give me an honest answer."
So I leaned forward and gave her my most serious face.
"Sinong mas maganda sa amin ni Ian?"
Tumaas ang kilay ko. I know how competitive Pepper gets but I never expect him to ask me this kind of question ever.
He laughs at my reaction. "Niloloko lang kita. Of course I know I'm prettier. Haller!"
We decided to go to Arvic and Vince's cafe.
As usual Denver is stationed at the counter. He greeted us when we came in.
"Mukhang madalas ka dito ah?" Was Pepper's initial reaction.
Wala masyadong customer dahil gabi na pero may iilan na nakatambay. Pepper is chatting with Denver and when I say chatting they are really chatting because this is not your ordinary "anong bestseller niyo" chat.
Iniwan ko sila at pinuntahan si Vince. "So it's your turn today."
"Yup! Nakaorder na kayo?"
Nilingon ko sila Pepper at napatingin rin si Vince. Instead of getting mad at his staff for chatting instead of working, Vince just chuckled. "Are they.."
