TRY . jinlia

038

[ SHIN RYUJIN'S ]

Dalawang araw na ang nakalipas simula nang matapos ang Pasko. It was also the day that I left Lia's house at ngayon nga ay nasa sasakyan ko na ako palabas sa compound nila.

I glanced at my wrist watch and saw that it was almost time to meet someone.

I sighed before remembering her letter.

Yeji's probably waiting for me now. I decided to be late for a few minutes to spend more time with Lia after I leave and sneak out to meet my ex. But don't get me wrong, wala na akong nararamdaman para kay Yeji. I'm all out for Lia now.

Pupunta lang ako dahil ayaw ko namang iwan si Yeji doon. And besides, it's Christmas. Sinabi niya na rin namang last na ito and I'm also a bit curious of what she's going to tell me.

Nag-park na ako ng sasakyan at bumuntong-hininga pa ng ilang beses bago bumaba. I ran my fingers through my hair as I breathe the cold breeze in.

Tinignan ko ang cat café na nakatayo sa harapan ko. It was our favorite place... me and Yeji. Hindi masyadong dayo ang tao rito kaya buwan-buwan kaming bumabalik dito noon. To do projects, assignments, and dates. Masarap kasi ang kape at cakes nila dito, ang mga pusa nama'y mababait at hahayaan ka nilang paglaruan sila.

I sighed for the nth time when I saw Yeji sitting inside, in our favorite table also.

At bago pa ako manigas dito sa labas dahil sa lamig ay naglakad na ako papasok doon. The glass door chimed the moment I opened the door. Lahat ng nandoon ay napatingin saakin, pati na rin si Yeji.

She smiled sweetly at me the moment our eyes met but I avoided her eyes at nginitian ang staff na nakilala ako. I bowed before slowly walking to where Yeji sat.

She was all smiles, gusto kong ibalik iyon pero hindi ko kaya. I can't smile at her. We were friends bago pa may mangyari sa pagitan naming dalawa. But... why can't I smile at her? She's my friend and was my girlfriend, alright. Bakit hindi ko siya magawang nginitian kahit bilang kaibigan lang?

"Nag-order na ako para sa'ting dala---"

"Why did you want me here?" pagputol ko, hindi talaga kayang ngumiti sakaniya ngayon o ano.

She blinked a few times before I saw her smile tightly, her hands forming into a fist on top of the table. "I told you, marami pa akong gustong sabihin sa'yo."

I sighed. "Then start talking. Now," matigas na usal ko at sumandal sa upuan.

She rolled her eyes. "Come on, Ryujin! Hintayin muna natin yung snacks. Hindi mo ba na-miss dito?" she asked before giving me that famous feline eyes.

I sighed for the nth time, calming myself down. "...Fine," sagot ko at umayos ng upo. She's still my friend, right?

I looked at her and saw that she was smirking at me. "So, how are you? I heard you spent the Christmas at the Chois?" tanong niya maya-maya.