"Did you just smile at me?" 

I pouted my lips to prevent forming a smile. He looked down at his plate and started eating like he didn't hear my question. I just shrugged and ate with him while thinking about his answer to my question earlier. Bagay ba talaga sa 'kin? Ever since I met him, I knew he was an honest person, so his opinion was really important to me. 

Clyden was the type to let people know if they were doing the right thing or the complete opposite of it. I can't say that I knew him better than anyone, but for the days that we were together, I could say that he was a very vocal person. 

If he thinks I could be a model, then maybe I could start with something, huh? It looked like he didn't have any plans on taking it back. I stared at him, waiting for an insult to come, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he looked back at me and raised a brow, probably asking why I was staring at him without saying a word. 

"Thanks," I whispered, giving him a sincere smile. 

"For?" He stopped chewing to wait for my answer. 

"For saying that it sounds good. I know you don't like it, but your words boost my confidence." I laughed. Alam ko namang ayaw niyang palakihin ang ulo ko but I really felt confident with his answer. "So, thanks. I just hope it's an honest opinion." 

"When did I ever lie to you?" he asked, his eyes piercing into mine. 

"Oh gosh, you're sounding like a total romantic now. Let's just eat." I laughed the tension off. I felt a little conscious of his stares, so I just looked down at my plate and tried to continue eating. 

Maliit lang ang servings na kinukuha ko and usually I ate less rice just to keep myself fit. He probably noticed that because I caught him looking at my plate like he wanted to say something but decided not to. Nauna pa 'kong matapos kumain sa kanya so tumayo na 'ko at niligpit ang plato ko. 

The next day, I woke up a little early since I also slept around nine last night. That was the earliest hour I could reach. When I went downstairs, I hadn't showered yet. I was planning to eat breakfast first since I got plenty of time. I wasn't completely expecting Clyden to enter the house in an athletic shirt and a pair of shorts, sweating. 

"Hey. You're..." I looked outside the window, and it was still dark. "..up early. Or did you not sleep at all?" 

"I did," he replied shortly before he started walking towards the breakfast table. 

He took his Airpods off and even his digital watch. He was also holding a dark blue tumbler, but it was already empty, so he got another glass from the kitchen. I was planning to cook for breakfast, so I checked the fridge for food. 

"Any breakfast in mind?" I casually asked.

"I'm actually surprised that you know how to cook."

I scowled and glared at him before taking out eggs and bacon from the fridge. I didn't like rice for breakfast, so I took out bread instead. He sat on the high chair while drinking water. He was probably staring at me because I could feel it from my back. 

"Why do you keep on staring at me? Don't tell me you like me," I joked, laughing a bit. 

"Hindi naman. Iniisip ko lang kung saan ka natuto magluto. 'Di ba senyorita ka sa bahay n'yo?" When I glanced back at him, he was already looking so curious. 

"That's the skill you will acquire when you take your friends home in your condo and treat their hangover the next day." I laughed again, remembering my girls. "We used to party every week." 

"Do your parents know?" He raised a brow. 

"They would. Somehow, they always end up knowing." And then, I would get an hour of sermon. I had no choice. Partying with my friends was my escape. It was the only time I felt free from the chain my parents put on my neck. It was the only time I could breathe. 

He didn't talk after that. While I was busy cooking, I didn't even notice that he already went upstairs to shower. Tapos na 'ko magluto nang bumaba siya ulit, now wearing his uniform, except the white polo. Nasa hanger pa rin 'yon. He really looked so clean in his uniform. I couldn't get over it. 

"Do you have time to eat?" I tried asking. Hindi ko alam ang schedule ng class niya pero maaga siya palaging umaalis and minsan hindi na siya rito nagbe-breakfast. 

"I guess." He put his bag and polo down on the sofa before walking towards the breakfast table where I was seated. 

"I thought you're such a busy person that you just can't 'make' time," I mocked, smirking. I could still remember everything he said to me back then. 

"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were desperate to eat with me." He smiled at me sweetly, but it was obviously fake.

"I don't even think about having breakfast with you. Not even once," I replied, also giving him a fake smile. 

"Talaga? Bakit dalawang plato 'yong nilagay mo sa lamesa?" He was smirking now while pointing at his plate. "Hay, nag-abala ka pa, Sam." 

"That's not for you. That's for Summer." I glared at him. "Summer, come here!" 

"I'm sure as hell Summer doesn't like bacon." He playfully bit on the bread and raised his brows to tease me. 

I didn't know that. Hindi ko rin alam kung papaniwalaan ko siya. I just rolled my eyes and started eating so I could already take a shower. Iniwan ko siya roon para umakyat pagkatapos kumain. I didn't want to be late for school. 

I went downstairs wearing a pink Ralph Lauren polo and a pair of white maong shorts. I tucked my shirt in and wore a belt. I partnered it with a pair of white shoes and a tote bag. After pouring water into my flask, I already went out and saw Clyden opening the door of his car. 

"Wala kang headband ngayon," he pointed out. 

"I didn't know you liked paying attention to my school outfit." I smirked at him. "But actually, I have." I reached for the pink bandana in my bag to show it to him. 

"Good for you," he said before going inside his car and closing the door.  

I also went inside my car to start the engine and waited a few minutes for it to heat. Clyden went out of the garage, and I followed. Before we went in different directions, I opened the shotgun window and stopped beside his car. 

"You're ugly," I said, smirking. 

I was surprised when he rolled his window down and rested his arm on it, lowkey showing me his middle finger while his eyes were fixed in front. His other hand was holding the steering wheel. He was even wearing a pair of sunglasses like he was off on vacation. When I laughed, his lips formed a playful smile.

"Bye, asshole!" I said before rolling the window up again and driving away. 

I arrived at school just in time for my first class. Kasabay ko ang prof pagpasok sa room so wala na 'kong time makipag-usap kila Raylee. I just silently sat there with my notebook, trying so hard to listen.

"Come on! ISO?" Michel asked us. We were trying to come up with one solid decision on where to eat our lunch today. May canteen ang ISO, but it was too far, and the heat was no joke today. 

"Ayaw ni Sam doon for sure. It's hot." Raylee laughed. "But I also don't like Gonz. Sawa na 'ko. Wala na bang ibang choice? It's so hot." 

"Puno ang JSEC." Nicole looked at her watch. "And probably Matteo Up. How about Regis? We got plenty of time." 

"Uh, not me. I have org stuff pa. I'll just stay for an hour." I gave them an apologetic smile. In the end, we just ate at Regis, hoping to find a table. Luckily, I knew some people, and they lent us their table after they finished eating. 

I was eating my salad quietly while Raylee and the other girls were talking about the thesis. When I noticed that they suddenly stopped talking, I looked up and saw them staring at a freshman. 

"Why? What's wrong?" I asked. 

"Hey, are you taking pictures of us?" Lea asked the freshman. My eyes widened when I looked back and saw Naomi holding my camera. She was standing there, alone, but I could see her friends at the other table, trying to call her. 

"I am not," Naomi answered. When she saw me, she scowled and rolled her eyes. 

"Did she just-" Nicole looked so confused. "Did she just roll her eyes?" 

"Hey, just let her go," I told them, getting stressed out. 

"Sam, she took a picture of us without our consent. May flash pa. That's not right," Ayessa said. "What if she's going to use it for other purposes?" 

"Like what?" Naomi replied, walking towards our table. "Do you think I'm going to crop your photo, make a fake account, and flirt with old men using your face? Now that gives me an idea." 

"Oh my gosh," Raylee whispered. "Why is she so rude?" 

"Girls, just let it go. I'll handle it, okay? It's fine." I stood up and got my things. I was already running late to my org meeting, and this thing with Naomi wasn't helping. 

"Do you know her?" Michel asked, her brows furrowed. 

"Kind of," I stuttered a little before pulling Naomi's arm away from our table. 

Nang makalayo kami, padabog niyang binawi ang braso niya sa 'kin. I made sure my grip wasn't tight, but she still looked hurt. She glared at me and handed me the camera, almost hitting my abdomen with it. 

"Hey," I calmly said, holding her hand so she could take it away from me. "I'm sorry about what happened. Can you just please delete the photo?"

"I did not take a picture of them!" She yelled at me. "See it for yourself!" 

"Oh," I whispered, not knowing what to say. Were my friends lying? I took the camera from her hand so I could check it myself, but she looked so offended. 

"You really had to check, huh?" She let out a sarcastic laugh. "Of course, you will believe your friends more. You can't even tell them that I'm your sister!" 

Oh my. I was so shocked that I almost lost my grip on the camera. I looked at her with so much confusion until I felt the need to apologize. Hiding her wasn't my intention at all. She bit her lower lip and looked away. I could see anger in her eyes and a hint of pain. 

"Hey, I'm sorry. I just thought you wanted us to treat each other like strangers in school," I softly said, giving the camera back to her. 

"You couldn't even defend me back there. I think it's really better if we just act like we're strangers." Kinuha niya ang camera at nilagpasan na 'ko. 

I was holding my breath for a moment, so when she left, I was panting a little. I bit my lower lip and watched her go back to their table. I gave myself a pat on the shoulder and a smile before leaving. I wanted to assure myself that it was fine, but I felt guilty that maybe she also felt like I was hiding her... like Dad.

"Oh god, I'm the worst," I whispered to myself. 

I had two org meetings that afternoon and two more classes before I went to Starbucks to buy myself a drink. Pagkabalik ko, nadaanan ko 'yong football field and I saw Adonis kicking a ball up repeatedly using his feet. He stopped to give me a wave. 

"Uuwi ka na?" he asked. 

"Yeah! Friday, okay? Don't forget!" I reminded him about the party. 

While I was on my way home, I made a few calls to my friends just to ask them if they were available for the party this Friday. I was actually hesitant to call Arkin because he was already too busy. Matagal ko na siyang hindi nakakasama. 

[Hello? Kung inom 'yan, hindi ako interesado.] Iyon ungad sa 'kin ni Luna. 

"Please? Walang ambagan! Just go present yourself! I promise hindi pupunta si Kalix. He already told Adonis that he wasn't available, so don't worry!" I tried to convince her. "Also, ask Kierra about it! I need her to attend! Maybe it's already time for the both of you to get a guy or what!" 

[Kierra!] I heard her shout. [Friday! BGC. Bawal daw ang hindi 'oo' ang sagot sabi ni Sam. Wala kang choice. Ini-inform lang kita, sis.] 

"Thanks, Luna! Love you!" I said before ending the call. I called Via next, but she was out of reach, so I just left a message. I called Sevi instead. 

[Ano na naman, Samantha? Kapag tumatawag ka, kinakabahan ako kasi alam kong tawag 'yon ng alak na naghihintay mainom.] Sevi answered the call. 

"You know what? You're right." I smiled. "Friday. BGC. It's a big party. Malay mo roon mo na makita ang magiging girlfriend mo. Oh, by the way, Luna's attending." 

[Oy, naka-move on na 'ko roon! Pero sure ka bang magkakaroon ako ng girlfriend diyan? Marami ka bang ininvite? Baka naman sa rami niyan, wala pa rin akong makita!] 

"Oh, come on! If it's meant to be, it's meant to be! Don't rush it! Just have fun! You're going na, ah? I'll put you on the guest list. Thanks!" I ended the call immediately so he wouldn't have time to protest. 

I also invited some LaSallian friends like Shan, Helen, and others. It was going to be a big party since Raylee reserved the whole damn club for us. Her family was the owner, so it was easy. We invited people from different schools. Thanks to me, I knew a lot of people. 

When I arrived home, Clyden was already there, studying with his specs on. I greeted the dogs with a smile on my face, no matter how pissed I was because of the traffic. I caressed their heads and carried Hail. He was the only one I could still carry since he was the youngest. 

"Hey, I'm going to have a party this Friday. I'm just thinking if you want to come?" I stood beside him, trying to look at what he was reading. 

"Mag-aaral ako," maikling sagot niya. 

"Okay!" I shrugged and put Hail down before going upstairs to take a shower. I already expected that answer from him. He just couldn't leave his studies for a minute, and I also didn't think I could act normal kung pupunta siya. 

I ate dinner without him. He was too busy studying that he probably forgot to eat dinner, but I also didn't want to bother him. He looked like he had a bad day. Masyado siyang seryoso, huh. I had to admit that he still looked good even when he was mumbling random words under his breath, probably memorizing something. 

I stopped eating when I heard a car pulling up in front of our house. I stood up and opened the door to see who it was. On the other hand, Clyden looked uninterested.

"Oh, Charles!" I looked at him with surprise. I wasn't expecting a visit from him, so I looked back at Clyden, who probably didn't hear what I just said. "What's up? What brings you here?" 

"Oh, Mom sent me for an errand. She wanted to bring some food from Japan," Charles said, holding two paper bags. "She went there yesterday." 

"Come in!" I smiled and opened the door widely to give him space to go in. 

"Hi, brother." Charles let out a smirk. 

Clyden looked at him with his brows furrowed, like he wanted to kick him straight out of the door. He took his glasses off and stood up to get the paper bags out of his brother's hands. 

"I said I'll just get these tomorrow, right?" Clyden said under his gritted teeth. 

"It's fine. I also wanted to see what your house looks like. Can I look around?" Charles gave me a smile, so I nodded. Clyden put the paper bags on the breakfast table while Charles was walking around the house, admiring the design. 

"Where are the bedrooms?" Charles asked. "Sam, can you show me around?" 

"No, she can't," Clyden answered for me, glaring at his brother. "But I can. Come and follow me upstairs." 

I blinked twice before I went back to eating. Mabilis lang din akong natapos kaya niligpit ko na at sumunod sa kanila sa taas. They were nowhere to be found, so I checked the balcony at the end of the hallway of rooms.

"What the fuck do you want?" Clyden sounded pissed. 

"Oh, come on. As I said, I was doing an errand for Mom, and I wanted to see the house. Why are you so mad? Besides, sa akin naman talaga dapat 'tong bahay na 'to, 'di ba?" Charles laughed. 

"Well, you already let it go, so the best thing you can do right now is to fucking dream." I heard a bump on the wall like he pushed Charles against it. 

"You're living my dream, Clyden. Don't let your engagement fall off. You got a great woman with you." I heard him push Clyden away from him. "Watch your back. Maybe I could finally get even with you." 

I heard footsteps, so I immediately ran inside my room to hide. I waited for a few seconds before I opened the door and saw Clyden in front of me. My lips parted, and I stepped back a little because of guilt. It was really not my intention to eavesdrop! 

"Hey!" I smiled at him. "You're there pala! Where's your brother? Umuwi na ba siya? What are you doing in front of my room? Do you want to say something?" 

"Bakit ang dami mong tanong?" Kumunot ang noo niya. 

"Oh, right!" I let out a fake laugh. "So what are you doing in front of my room? Do you need anything?" 

"Papunta ako sa kwarto ko." He pointed at his room with his brows furrowed. "You're acting weird." 

"Uh, where's your brother? Umuwi na?" I asked, and he nodded. "Hey, listen. I know it's personal, but if you have any problems with your family or friends, you can talk to me. I am a great listener!" I gave him a sweet smile. 

"For sure. You even heard what my brother and I talked about on the balcony." He chuckled before entering his room. Nawala kaagad ang ngiti ko. 

This asshole! He knew I was there, and he just let me act so weird when I opened my door! I felt a little embarrassed and guilty, but he seemed okay about it, so I just went back to my business. I did my papers and also studied for a quiz tomorrow. 

When I heard a knock on my door, I immediately closed my laptop and stood up. I was expecting the helper because I asked for snacks, but instead, I saw Clyden holding my lace in his hand. My brow shot up, wondering where he got it. 

"Samantha Maureen Vera," he read the name on my I.D. I never knew my name would sound that good. 

"Yes, that's my name. I hope you remember," I said sarcastically. I was about to snatch my lace out of his hand, but he moved his hand. 

"Maui," he called me. 

"Only my family gets to call me that. Now, give me my I.D." Sumimangot ako at sinubukan ulit abutin ang lace pero tinaas niya ang kamay niya. Inis ko siyang tiningnan. Seriously, what's his deal?

"I'm your family," he teased, smirking. "Your husband, to be exact." 

"Nice try. Except that we won't last until the day of our wedding. Dream on." I gave him a smile before getting the lace out of his hand. Finally, he let it go. He looked like he enjoyed pissing me off. 

"Sigurado ka?" He bit his lower lip to hide a smile. 

"Why? Do you like me now?" I stepped closer to him and raised a brow. I could now smell his masculine scent. 

"Do you?" he asked back, making a step forward. 

He was too close to me, so I stepped back to my room. He pushed the door and went inside, still staring at me. I didn't want to lose, so I stared back at him and tried to read what he was thinking, but my mind couldn't get off the fact that he was standing inside my room. My room! 

"No, I don't like you," taas-noong sagot ko. 

"Then the feeling is mutual." He smiled and pinched my cheek before leaving my room, leaving me dumbfounded. 

"What the hell," I whispered, panting a little. Napahawak tuloy ako sa dibdib ko at huminga nang malalim para pakalmahin ang sarili ko. For some reason, what happened was intense for me. I couldn't explain why. 

I tried to go back to studying, but I was so distracted, so I decided to go downstairs. Pagkabukas ko ng pintuan ko, palabas din si Clyden sa kwarto niya. I quickly closed the door and went back to bed. That was a dumb move, but I just couldn't be near him right now! 

The next morning, I decided to take a quick run around outside. Ten A.M. pa naman 'yong class ko so marami pa 'kong time. I saw some people I knew, so I stopped running to wave at them. 

"Sam?" I stopped again when someone called me. "Hey! Have you received your invitation for my debut? You didn't send me a reply." 

"Elyse!" I smiled at her. "Oh, no, honey. I moved out of the house. I didn't get the invitation. Message me the deets, and I'll check my schedule." 

"Oh, that's unfortunate." She pouted and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, sure. If you can't come, it's okay. I'll fill in your position. I know we're not even that close. It's just that my brother wants me to invite a lot of people. He thinks I don't have any friends! Ugh!" 

"It's fine! Oh, hey, we have a party this Friday," I said, but also stopped when I realized that she was still a minor. "Oh, never mind. I invited your brother, but I think I can't invite you yet." 

"Oh, god. Don't worry. I don't drink," she said before running again. 

Elyse was a sister of a friend from La Salle. The kids were starting to grow up now, huh? I kept on receiving debut invitations from the younger siblings of my friends. I tried my best to attend all of them, but sometimes, it just wouldn't fit my schedule. Org stuff, studies, and parties. That reminded me of Naomi's birthday. 

"Oh, she's turning eighteen," I whispered. "And I still haven't heard about her plans." 

I made sure to ask my dad about it later this evening. He texted me to have dinner tonight. He didn't say I should bring Clyden, so I was just planning to go alone after class. Speaking of him, when I went back home, his car was already gone, so hindi kami nagkita this morning. What a relief. 

"Sam, we're going to have a few beers," Raylee told me after class. "Are you going? Diyan lang near Army Navy." 

"No, I have a family dinner tonight." I gave them an apologetic smile. 

"You're drinking less these days, ah. Hmm, new life?" Ayessa teased. "Medyo blooming ka rin, ah. Let me guess! You have a new boyfriend?!" 

"W-what?!" I exclaimed, but I just sounded so defensive. 

"Sam with a boyfriend doesn't add up well. Hindi na siya nakakalagpas sa 'crush' stage. Kapag nagustuhan na siya pabalik, she tends to lose interest and ends up ghosting the guy so I think that's a no." Raylee shook her head in disapproval. 

"Hey, nakakalagpas ako sa 'crush' stage! Well, hanggang 'dating' stage nga lang," I defended myself. 

The last boyfriend I had was in high school, and it wasn't even serious. I got strict parents, so having a boyfriend wasn't really on my mind, plus the engagement thing. I didn't want to break my own heart, knowing we wouldn't even end up together. 

"So you don't have a boyfriend? How about that guy friend of yours from UST? The captain? Are you sure you don't have a thing for him? He's good-looking!" Nics joined the conversation. 

"Sevi?! Oh, god, no!" I denied. "I mean, he's nice, yes. He's attractive, yes. But he's my friend. It can't happen. Never. That's so awkward." 

"How about Kalix from SOM? You're friends with him too!" Michel gave me a teasing smile. 

"What?!" I made a disgusted face. "Oh my god, he's my friend's ex! I would never! Come on, guys! Stop trying to find me a boyfriend. I'm completely fine!" 

"This Friday. I'm getting you a boyfriend. Dry season is over!" Raylee winked before I walked away, laughing. 

That night, I drove my way to the mansion for dinner. The helpers welcomed me again by getting my things from me, but I shook my head. I took my shoes off and wore the house slippers before walking towards the dining room. They were already eating without me again. I just quietly sat down and placed my bag on the empty seat beside me. 

"Hi, Mom, Dad," I greeted. The food was already served on my plate, so I just started eating. 

"Where's Clyden?" My mom looked like she was expecting him. 

"Oh, Dad didn't tell me that I should bring him." I looked at Dad. "And I think he's also busy with his studies." 

"You should always bring your fiancé with you, Maui," my dad said. "He is your future husband, after all. You need to get along with him or force yourself to get along with him. Do not let him back out of this engagement. You need him."

No, I don't. I wanted to say that, but I knew it would just disappoint my dad, so I just gave him a small smile and a nod. I looked at Naomi, who was seated in front of me, barely eating her food. 

"Naomi, do you have any plans for your birthday?" I smiled at her. She looked at me in surprise. She probably didn't expect me to remember her birthday. 

"We already talked about it. No grand party. Just a little get-together with her friends. Not in the house, of course," Dad answered for her. 

"But it's her debut." My brows furrowed. "It should be grand if she wants it to be." 

"Oh, no, honey. Just because your debut was grand doesn't mean she should also make her party grand. A little get-together with her friends can do," my mom said, wiping her mouth with the table napkin. 

Naomi was quiet the whole dinner, and I felt like she wanted me to stop talking about her birthday, so I did. After we ate, I kissed Mom and Dad on the cheek before leaving the dining room. I said I needed to go back early so I could study. 

"Sam." I stopped when Naomi called me. 

I looked at her and gave her a smile. "Hey, what's up?" 

"Can you please just stop talking about a grand party for my debut?" She looked irritated. "You don't know a thing about me. You don't know what I want, so stop acting like you do! It's annoying! I don't want everything that you have!" 

"Naomi!" My eyes widened when I saw my mom behind her. "What an ungrateful child! You actually need to thank your sister for bringing up your birthday because almost all of us already forgot about it!"

"Mom!" I yelled to stop her. 

"Do not raise your voice at me, Maureen." She gritted her teeth before facing Naomi. "And you. Your room. Now. You're grounded." 

"Mom, don't do that to her. Do not just jail her inside her room," I calmly said. At least, I was trying to be calm. 

"Yeah, like it would even make a difference," Naomi said before running upstairs. 

"I am so disappointed with that child." My mom rolled her eyes. "Do not make me feel the same with you, Maui."  

I massaged my head and sighed heavily, getting so stressed out. I wanted to follow Naomi upstairs, but I knew she wouldn't like to see me, so I just left. 

When I arrived home, I still managed to let out a small smile for the dogs before walking to my room. I closed the door and covered my face as tears started to run down my face. I felt so helpless. As much as I wanted to do something, I just couldn't, and it was so frustrating. 

I jumped out of surprise when I heard a knock on my door. I quickly wiped my tears with the back of my hand before twisting the door knob. Clyden parted his lips when he saw my face. His fist was still in the air from knocking on my door. 

"Hey," he said in a soft voice. 

"Yes?" I tried to smile at him. 

"Kakain na." He looked away and bit his lower lip. 

"I already ate." I was about to close the door, but he stopped me. I looked at him and waited for him to say something. "What?" 

"Do you need a hug?" he asked, looking away from me. 

My lips parted in shock, trying to process his offer. I couldn't help but laugh at him. That wasn't what I expected him to say. 

"Can you give me a hug?" I teased. 

My smile faded when he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me, resting my head on his chest. I blinked twice and swallowed hard as my heart started to race. I could smell his scent from his sweater. For some reason, it felt so comforting. 

"I can feel your heartbeat but I'll just pretend that I can't," he whispered. 

________________________________________________________________________________

:)