Luca (BoyxBoy)

5

The next evening, late ng dumating sina Devon at Emman. They agreed to meet at 9PM but they arrived at the bar around 11:45PM. In fact, hindi na nga inexpect ng barkada na darating pa sila. After all, hindi naman mahilig ang boyfriend niya sa late night parties. However, they still invited him because tonight was going to be their small Christmas gathering before everyone would go somewhere else to spend their Christmas break from work.

“Sa wakas dumating din,” sabi ni Chris habang papaupo na sina Devon at Emman.

“It has been a very long time guys,” sabi ni Devon.

“Emman, kumusta?” tanong ni Gio.

Ngumiti si Emman. He gave his usual shy and innocent smile. “I’m fine naman. Natapos ko rin deadlines ko bago mag-break.”

“Sa wakas Christmas break na rin!” sigaw ni Chris, pagkatapos ay ininum ang beer. Pinasa niya ang next round kay Luca.

Ryan put his hand on Luca’s thigh, a sign for him to make a pass for the drink. “Chris, sa ‘kin na muna yan,” sabi niya at agad kinuha ang baso ng beer. “Mukhang naparami na ‘tong si Luca. Tahimik at namumula na nga to eh.” Ininum niya ang beer.

“Wow, ang sweet naman ng dalawang 'to,” sabi ni Chris. “I’m the best matchmaker in town!” Tumawa siya ng malakas.

“Kanina pa tayo rito pero hindi nyo pa rin sinasabi kung ano na ang label nyong dalawa ah,” sabi ni Gio.

“Oo nga,” sumang-ayon si Jovan. “Kayo na ba? Is it official?”

Ngumiti si Luca. “Isn’t it obvious?” Tumawa siya.

“Kailan lang ba?” tanong ni Devon. “Parang ang busy ko yata sa office at hindi ko napansin na naging kayo na pala.”

“Kagabi lang,” sagot ni Luca, na parang nahihiya. Tumingin siya kay Ryan. Ryan smiled back sweetly.

“Ayan naman pala, eh. Si Ryan lang pala makapagbabago ng isip mo. Mabuti naman at sa wakas you opened up your doors na.” Kumuha ng isang bote ng beer si Jovan sa bucket at itinaas niya ito. He stood up and announced to the crowd, “This drink is to celebrate sa pag-iisang dibdib nina Luca at Ryan!” Napatingin ang mga tao sa kanya. Biglang tumahimik ng ilang segundo at agad itong sinundan ng malakas na palakpakan at sipolan.

“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” sigaw ng mga tao sa bar. The DJ quickly played a love song in the background.

“Jovan, baliw ka ba?” Hinila ni Luca si Jovan para umupo.

Jovan resisted and stood firm. “Guys, ito nga pala si Luca at ito naman si Ryan,” sabi niya habang tinuturo niya sila.

The crowd continued cheering on. Luca turned red even more in the mix of alcohol and embarrassment. Nabigla nalang siya ng hinila ni Ryan ang mukha niya at hinalikan siya sa mga labi. Lalong lumakas pa ang palakpakan at hiyawan ng mga tao.

“Congratulations,” sigaw ni Jovan. “I now pronounce you husband and husband!”

Nagkatinginan sina Luca at Ryan. Luca was already tipsy and he started not to care what was going on around them. All he cared for at that very moment was the beauty he was looking at, the feeling of love and the music in the background.

Tumayo si Chris. “Let’s party everyone! DJ, drop the beat!” The DJ switched to a dance beat and everyone went on partying as if nothing ever happened.

It was around 2AM when they decided to move to Club 9. Luca knew that he already had more than enough beer. Pero sumabay pa rin siya sa grupo dahil nandyan naman si Ryan to take care of him. After all, minsan lang din sila nakukumpletong magbabarkada. 
Open gate na ng dumating sila. Hindi na rin ganon karami ang mga tao sa loob. Ryan pulled a chair for Luca. “Hindi naman ako lampa,” he said, eyes half-closed. He was either drunk or sleepy or both.