A Broken Tales

UNDER THESE STARS

Writer: Ivan Drahcir Ibon

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On the 14th day of February, I bought him flowers. He despised flowers and hated it. Today, however, is an exception.
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“Dela Vega, Kio C.”

“Present.”

“Del Valle, Ivory O.”

"Present, Ma'am."

We both took the same English class here at West Mindoro University. Our names are successive in the class record, which simply means we will be seatmates for the entire semester. It's not a typical day of school for me. I did spend 3 years in this university but never had I imagined being this close to him. Kio has been unreachable since junior year for a reason that he's too popular for a typical student like me. Who wouldn't know him? He's the only son of our city's most prominent businessman, and when his looks and intelligence are combined, he's a total package. I like him and I will never deny it, but no one knows, not even my bestfriend Gles. He was admired by everyone. With so many people like him, I was in the back lined up.

I stole a few glances at him, wishing I could remember his features. He has a mole beneath his lower lip. It's attractive, everything about him is appealing.

“You are free to look at me whenever you want.”
When I heard him speak, my eyes widened. Is he speaking to me?

“I'm sorry? Are you talking to me?” Hindi ko makapaniwalang tanong.

He chuckled loudly enough to show off his dimples.

“Since you're the only one beside me, Ms., to whom should I speak then?”

Napalunok ako ng laway sa sinabi niya. You're stupid, Ivory!

“I'm sorry, I believe you were given the wrong impression. I'm not looking at you.” I said in defense, but it kinda failed.

“I never said you were staring, however it looks like you are.”

Oh my gosh, I couldn't get enough of this conversation. I'm so dead! Upuan, kainin mo na 'ko ngayon mismo.
I apologized to him, but he just gave me a smile. I haven't spoken to him yet because the bell has also rung.

“Friend ang hirap ng Statistics! First day na first day ang dami na kaagad activities. Malakas ang pakiramdam ko na pinaglihi talaga sa sama ng loob professor namin!” Ramdam ko ang pagkainis ni Gles, but I was just dumbfounded while thinking about what happened earlier.

“Kasi naman, why aren't we classmates! Hays!”

“Hey, Ivory are you listening?”

She took the burger in my hand and bit it. “Lutang ka ghorl?”

“I'm sorry, I still have work to do at the library. I'll text you after dismissal, bye!”

Her forehead creased. I immediately grabbed my bag and left.
There are quite a few people in the library. I stood at the very end at inilabas ang assignment na pinapagawa ni Mrs. Hocson sa aming English class.

“You're Ivory, right?”

I raised my head to the person who spoke. I saw Kio standing in front of me.

“Can I sit here?”

He sat down, even I haven't been able to respond yet. So, what's the point of asking for permission?

He pulled out his notebook and ballpen. "You have my spot."

I said “Ha?” sa sinabi niya.

He snorted, “I own that spot.”