"So... tayo na?" 

Hiyang-hiya kong tinupi ulit ang banner at umupo sa may bench, facing the fountain in front of us. Sevi remained standing in front of me, smiling. 

"Uhm... I don't know," I said in a small voice. Wala akong alam sa mga ganito!

"Okay lang naman kahit hindi. Manliligaw pa rin naman ako." Niluhod niya ang isang tuhod sa harapan ko para makita nang maayos ang mukha ko. 

"I want a relationship with you." I bit my lower lip, getting more embarrassed now. 

"Huh?" gulat na sabi niya at natawa saglit. "Hindi naman ako nagmamadali. Okay lang. Kaya naman kitang hintayin hanggang sa maka-graduate ka-"

"Gano'n din 'yon eh!" I pouted. 

"Eh, anong gusto mong gawin ko?" He sighed and reached for my hand. "Ano ba talaga? Ikaw, kung anong gusto mo, okay lang sa 'kin." 

"I already told you that I want a relationship with you. We like each other! Let's be together!" inis na sabi ko. I kept on repeating it! 

"Hindi ka pa pwedeng mag-boyfriend..." he reminded me, laughing a bit.

"They won't know!" I pouted. "Wait for me to graduate, then I'll tell Dad. Two years na lang naman! Let's keep it a secret, for now, I guess. Is that okay?" 

Matagal niya 'kong tiningnan para mag-isip pero tumango na lang rin bago tumayo at umupo sa tabi ko. I held his hand and squeezed it a bit. He looked like he was thinking so deep, so I tried to snap him out of it. We did not need to overthink this one.

"Have you ever entered a relationship before?" I asked him out of curiosity. 

"High school," he shrugged. 

"College?" Sumingkit ang mga mata ko. 

"Wala naman. Landian lang." He chuckled. "Hindi ko na gusto si Luna pagka-college 'no. Hindi ko na nga siya iniisip sa dami ng ginagawa ko. Siyempre, college na, ang daming pwedeng i-explore. Exploring stage ko 'yon kaya ang dami ko ring nakalandian, talking stage, ganoon." 

"But did you like her again?" I asked again. 

"Ah... Bumalik lang din last year? Ngayon, wala na talaga. Nandidiri na lang kami kapag naaalala namin." He made a disgusted face. "Nagkagusto sa kaibigan? Hard pass talaga. Maling-mali!" 

"Are you sure hindi na babalik?" 

"I'm sure," seryosong sabi niya. "Kaibigan ko lang talaga siya, at matagal naman nang kaibigan lang din tingin niya sa akin, kahit noong hindi ko pa inaamin sa kaniya, alam ko namang wala talaga. Mali ko na talaga 'yon... 'Yong magkagusto sa kaniya. Sa kaibigan." 

Napatango-tango ako sa kwento niya at napaisip. I wasn't really insecure of myself. It was just that... they had been together for so long! She probably knew him the best! Better than I knew him! 

"Naiilang ka ba kapag kasama ko si Luna? Didistansya ako. Wala namang problema 'yon, tsaka maiintindihan din niya 'yon," seryosong sabi niya.

Umiling ako. "No, not like that. I just don't want to feel like you're treating me the same as how you treat the others. It wouldn't make me feel... special." I shrugged. 

"Oo naman..." Tumango siya. "Oo, naiintindihan ko." 

"You have like... ten million girl best friends," I joked, teasing. 

"Hindi naman!" tanggi niya kaagad. "Ganito kasi 'yan. May tropahan kami noong high school. Si Arkin, Sam, Yanna, Luna, Kierra, tsaka si Via. Iyon 'yong parang original friends ko. Close ako sa kanilang lahat. Nandiyan ako kapag kailangan nila ako. One call away, kumbaga. Ganoon kasi akong kaibigan, eh... 'Yong maaasahan. Ayaw ko lang kasi nakikita silang nahihirapan kasi nahihirapan din ako, alam mo 'yong ganoong feeling?"

"You always want them to feel safe and happy." Tumango ako. "That's me with Ida." 

"Mismo, kaya malapit ako sa kanilang lahat, kaya nga minsan napapahamak din ako." Tumawa siya. "Alam ko at naiintindihan ko kung maiilang ka. Ako na gagawa ng paraan. Ayaw ko namang gumagawa ng bagay na mapapa-doubt ka sa sarili mo o sa akin." 

Napangiti ako. "Thanks, Sevi... but don't worry! I'll also work on it! I know they are your friends! I also don't want you to be away from them, you know."

Napatayo kaming dalawa ni Sevi sa bench nang marinig ko ang tawag ni Mommy. Umalis na rin si Sevi pagkatapos magpaalam kay Mommy. The moment I closed the door, Mommy called me to the living room. 

"Do you like him?" my mom asked, smiling.

"Why are you asking, Mommy?" I looked away, dodging the question. 

"Because I want you to be happy, Eli." She sighed. "If you like him, I will support you. If you don't, then I'll stop inviting him over. Forget about your dad. As for me, as long as you know your limitations, it's fine." 

"We're... Uhm... We haven't talked about it but thank you, Mom," I lied. I'll find the right time to tell her! She looked so supportive pa naman. 

"He's a great guy." My mom nodded, smiling. "He's a gentleman, he's nice, he's easy to get along with, and he treats you right. Not to mention that he has his goals straight. He's a great guy." 

"He really is." I smiled. "Don't worry, Mom." 

"I'm not worried about you. I'm worried about him." My mom laughed. 

"Mommy!" Sumimangot ako.

She laughed again but stopped when she felt out of breath. She clenched her chest and reached for the glass of water placed above the coffee table. I immediately stood up and gave it to her. 

"You're taking your meds, right?" I asked, worrying about her health. 

"Yes, love." She smiled at me again. "Don't worry about me." 

"Maybe you should lessen your workload. Stress is not good for you, Mommy," I tried to convince her. "Wait until I graduate. I will help you." 

"I'm fine, Elyse. Focus on your studies. Mom can handle this." 

I stared at her for a second before nodding. Umakyat na 'ko sa kwarto ko at humiga sa kama. For the next three days, there was actually nothing going on. Sevi became too busy preparing for the last game, and I was too busy with my studies. 

From: Sevi

kita tayo :( 

I giggled and texted him 'okay.' Friday 'yon at wala kaming class kaya bago pa makauwi si Daddy, nagpahatid na 'ko kay Kuya Roel papuntang UST. I braided my hair today and wore Sevi's necklace, as always. 

I jumped on my seat when my dad called me on messenger. Dali-dali kong sinagot 'yon habang nasa kotse. 

"Hi, Dad," I greeted casually. "Pauwi ka na?"

[Hi, Eli. Actually, that's the reason why I called. My flight was cancelled and moved next week, so can you tell Roel not to pick me up tonight? Anyway, how are you?] 

"Your flight's cancelled?" I tried my best not to sound so happy! "I'm fine, Dad. I'll tell Kuya Roel." 

[You aren't spending all my money there, right?] He laughed.

"No! It has been weeks since my last shopping!" Ngayon ko lang napansin 'yon ah! They really threatened me that they will sell my old bags if I kept on buying new stuff. "Enjoy America, Dad! I miss you na." 

[You really do, huh?] He wasn't convinced. [Okay, then. I need to go. Have fun. Love you.] 

"Love you, Dad!" I said before ending the call. "Kuya Roel, cancelled flight ni Daddy." 

I was smirking in my seat, trying not to be so happy about it but I can't help it. I felt guilty tuloy! I should think of my dad's safety right now. Masama kasi ang weather, kaya siguro na-cancel ang flight. 

"Is it going to rain?" I opened the car window to look at the sky. 

"Mukha nga po, Ma'am," sagot naman ni Kuya Roel. 

"I don't have an umbrella," bulong ko sa sarili ko. 

Maybe my boyfriend has one! 

My boyfriend! 

Para akong mababaliw, sinasabi ko pa lang 'yong word. I can't wait to tell everyone! For now, I just wanted us to stay lowkey like before. I rarely posted din naman sa social media. We can do that. As long as we knew that we were together, it would be fine. We didn't need to tell other people. I just didn't want a lot of people na nangingialam din sa relationships ko. 

Some people kasi, kapag nalalaman na naging official 'yong two people, they would say things like... "Kailan kaya magbe-break?" or "Maghihiwalay din 'yan," or "Bakit siya pa? Pangit naman," and a lot more because people liked poking their noses in other's business, so I didn't like publicizing some things going on in my life. Minsan, pwede... but I always put a limitation on how much the public was allowed to know about me. The lesser they knew, the lesser they would talk. 

Pagkarating ko sa UST, madilim na. I told Kuya Roel to just stay in carpark because it might rain later. I also gave him money if ever na magutom siya. May bilihan kasi ng food sa baba ng carpark eh. He can eat there while waiting for me. 

"I'm here na," I answered Sevi's call. 

[Saan dito?] 

"Kakababa ko lang ng carpark. Where are you?" I asked again. 

[Papunta na sa 'yo.] 

Lumingon ako sa paligid para hanapin siya pero puro estudyanteng hindi ko kilala ang dumaraan. Tumawid ako sa may carpark at pumunta sa may open space sa tapat ng main building nila, near their tiger statue. I looked around again, hoping to find him. 

I yelled when someone covered my eyes. Agad niya 'kong binitawan nang marinig ang tili ko. 

"Ano ba!" Hinampas ko si Sevi sa braso nang humarap ako sa kaniya. 

"Baka akala nila kung ano nang ginawa ko sa 'yo." Humawak siya sa dibdib niya at tumingin sa paligid. "Bakit ka sumigaw?" 

"I thought I would get kidnapped or something!" Hinampas ko siya ulit, naiinis na. Gabi pa naman!

He was still wearing their jersey shorts and then a white shirt. He had his duffle bag on his shoulder, halatang galing sa training. 

"Sorry. Kumain ka na? Kain muna tayo." Inakbayan niya 'ko kaya nawala ang inis ko sa kaniya. 

Naglakad kami papunta sa may malapit na chicken wings restaurant. It was another cheat day for me. Pagpasok namin, maraming kumakain. Almost all of them were Thomasians. I could tell because of their uniforms. 

"Uy," Sevi greeted some people he knew. 

Ang dami niyang kilala. Ako na ang naghanap ng upuan. Nakahanap ako sa may pinakagilid kaya umupo ako roon habang siya ay nakikipag-usap sa tropa niya yata or what. He laughed and hit the guy lightly on his arm before turning around, looking for me. 

He panicked for a bit when he didn't see me around but felt relieved when I raised my hand to call for his attention. Para siyang nawala sa grocery store. I rolled my eyes. 

"Girlfriend mo, master?" the engineering guy asked. 

"Ah, oo." Sevi laughed. That felt so good to hear!

"Tangina mo, p're, may jowa ka na?" gulat na sabi nung isa pang engineering at tumawa. 

"Puta, may pumatol sa 'yo, master." Another guy laughed. "Sana all. When kaya ako?" 

"Kaya pala enjoy na enjoy mo 'yong Marriage and Family ah," sabi noong isa. "May karelasyon ka na pala!"

"Duga mo, master. Panalo ka sa lahat ng aspects, ah. Kailangan ka nang ipatumba." The other guy playfully pulled Sevi to their side. 

"Bobo n'yo, siya 'yong last time sa Wendy's," he told them. "Kumain na nga kayo diyan." 

Umupo na si Sevi sa harapan ko at nag-order na rin ng kakainin namin. He was always the one ordering food for us because I couldn't pick. I was so picky with food pero lahat ng ino-order niya, kinakain ko. 

"Your blockmates?" I asked him. 

"Oo, sila 'yong nanggulo rin dati..." He laughed. He looked like he was always having fun with his blockmates. They were probably funny people.

"Master, one game," sigaw ulit noong mga ka-block niya. 

"Pass ako, p're. Babe time." Sevi smirked.

"'Ba, yabang, pota!" 

Nagkantyawan pa sila roon. They were so loud! Mabuti'y hindi naiingayan sa kanila ang ibang kumakain. Probably because everyone was really loud. Nangalumbaba ako sa table at tinitigan si Sevi. 

"Why did you want to see me today?" I looked for something we can talk about.

"Ah, kinakabahan ako bukas," pag-amin niya. "Gusto ko lang kalimutan saglit. Manonood ka naman, 'di ba?" 

"Yes." I nodded. "Just do what you always do, but better. It's your last game na, right? Whatever happens tomorrow won't change the fact that you're a great player. You will be remembered in UAAP." 

"Hindi ko na nga iniisip na manalo eh." Sevi smiled. "Basta ma-enjoy ko lang. Okay na 'yon, 'no?" 

"You can enjoy it while aiming to win." I held his hand and squeezed it a bit to give him comfort. "Do what makes you happy."

"Kung magkatabi lang tayo, niyakap na kita eh." He smiled wider. 

Naputol ang pag-uusap namin nang dumating na ang pagkain. Sinuot ko ang plastic gloves katulad ng ginawa ni Sevi. He taught me how to eat chicken wings properly. I didn't even know that there was a 'proper way.' Ang dami niyang alam! 

I laughed when the wing suddenly went in his direction while I was trying to pull the bones. "Oh, lumilipad pa." Sevi shook his head. 

"I'm sorry!" I was still laughing. He laughed too. 

Sevi gave the wing back to me and helped me with it. Pagkatapos, tinanggal niya ang plastic gloves niya at kumuha ng tissue. I stopped when he suddenly wiped my mouth, looking serious. 

"Kalat, Ma'am," sabi niya at tumawa. 

Hindi ako nagsalita at tahimik lang na kumain, nahihiya na. I probably looked like a mess but he also looked like he didn't care about it. Nang maubos na namin, tinanggal ko na ang gloves at ako na ang nagpunas sa sarili ko. 

We paid half-half for the food. Ganoon naman palagi unless one of us would volunteer to pay for it. After paying, we stood up and left the restaurant. Napapikit ako nang mariin nang makitang malakas ang ulan sa labas. 

"Shit. I don't have an umbrella." I looked at Sevi.

Hinalungkat ni Sevi ang bag niya at nilabas ang foldable na umbrella. He clicked the button, and it opened. It was not small, but it wasn't big either. He made me wear his I.D. before giving me the umbrella. 

"Sa 'yo na. Tatakbo na lang ako," sabi niya. 

"No! You might get sick. You have a game tomorrow." Binalik ko kaagad sa kaniya. 

"Pucha, baka bumaha na mamaya." Tiningnan niya ang gilid ng daan. "Kailangan mo nang umuwi niyan. Tara na." 

Umakbay siya sa 'kin at sumilong kaming dalawa sa payong. Pagkatapak ko pa lang sa gilid ng daan, napatili na 'ko dahil nabasa ang sapatos ko. We walked fast until we reached the gate. Basang-basa na kami nang makasilong sa loob ng UST.

"Are you okay?" I laughed at us.

"Basa na sapatos ko, pucha..." Sinara niya na ulit ang payong at tiningnan ako. "Ikaw? 'Yong sapatos mo. Mahal pa naman 'yan."

I looked at my white sneakers. "It's fine. It will survive." 

"Sure ka? Sorry..." He felt bad. "Pinapunta pa kita rito. Hindi ko alam na uulan."

"Oh, come on!" I rolled my eyes and hit him lightly on his chest. "It's fine! I wanted to be here, okay? These are just shoes!" 

Kinuha ko ang panyo ko sa bag at lumapit sa kaniya. I held his hand and started wiping his wet arm and shoulder. Nakatingin lang siya sa 'kin habang ginagawa ko 'yon, mukhang gulat. Mas nabasa siya kaysa sa 'kin dahil may suot akong jacket. 

"Just stay here. Huwag mo na 'kong ihatid sa carpark," I told him. 

"Ihahatid na kita." Nagpumilit pa siya. 

"I know the way now. Mababasa ka pa so you should just stay here. I have a jacket."

Hinubad ko ang jacket ko at tinakip sa may ulo ko. He held my arm to stop me from walking. Inis tuloy akong lumingon sa kaniya at tinanggal 'yon.

"I'm fine, Sevi," I convinced him before running away. 

The rain was pouring so hard. I stopped running when I couldn't feel the rain anymore. Lumingon ako kay Sevi at sinamaan siya ng tingin dahil sumunod pa rin siya sa 'kin, dala-dala ang payong! 

"Hahatid kita," seryosong sabi niya, galit na. 

Tumango na lang ako at hinayaan siya dahil mukhang magagalit pa siya sa 'kin kapag hindi. Pareho na tuloy kaming nabasa ng ulan! Huminto lang kami sa tapat ng carpark. Kinuha ko ulit ang panyo ko at pinunasan ang braso niyang nabasa. 

"I'll see you tomorrow," paalam ko. 

Tumango siya at kumaway sa 'kin bago ako umakyat sa carpark. Nagulat si Kuya Roel nang makitang basa ako pagkarating ko. Kumuha kaagad siya ng dyaryo at nilatag sa may sahig ng kotse bago ako sumakay. 

The next day, Ida and I came early for game three. I was still wearing Sevi's jersey partnered with a pair of black shorts and white sandals. 

"It's now or never, Ida," I told her while we were on the line. Ang tagal magpapasok sa loob eh. "Hold this one. Sa 'yo 'yan." 

Inabot ko sa kaniya ang bagong banner na gawa ko. 

'YOU CAN DO THIS, CAPTAIN!

SEVI nila, magaling kang player! #GoTigers' 

"This is mine." Kinuha ko ang cartolina. It was a cartolina this time. 

'LET'S GO, BABE! 

Ikaw lang 'yan! #CameROAR #GoUSTe' 

"Hoy, ang landi! Anong babe?!" Turo ni Ida nang mabasa ang nakalagay. "What the hell did I miss?! May endearment na?!" 

Hindi na 'ko nakasagot dahil umandar na ang pila at pinapasok na kami sa loob. Ida got us the same seats. Malapit na naman kami sa bench ng UST kaya nakita ko kaagad si Sevi na kausap ang coach nila. He was wearing their white jersey and then white knee support. When he stood up and faced the bleachers, I covered my face with my bag. 

"Eli, nakatingin pa rin siya rito so stop covering your face," Ida whispered. 

Tinanggal ko ang bag at nakitang masama ang tingin ni Sevi sa 'kin, gesturing for me to come over. I stood up and walked down the steps until I reached the railings. Lumapit siya roon at sinandal ang braso niya para mapalapit sa 'kin. 

"Kinakabahan ako," unang sabi niya sa 'kin.

Sumimangot ako at hinawakan ang mukha niya gamit ang dalawang kamay ko, forcing him to look at me. He pursed his lips and stared at my eyes. 

"Listen..." I sighed. "I don't care if mananalo kayo or matatalo. At least you reached the finals, right? It's already an achievement. Go out there and enjoy, but don't forget to do your best so you won't have any regrets." 

"Ah..." He looked up and sighed, still nervous. 

"Good luck. You can do this!" I cheered for him. 

He reached for my waist and pulled me closer so he can kiss my cheek. My face heated after the kiss. Pakiramdam ko ang daming nakakita! 

"Thank you," he whispered. 

"Go na. Tawag ka na." I lightly pushed him so he could go back to his team. 

Tumango siya at tumalikod na. Umakyat na rin ako sa steps at umupo sa upuan ko. Hinampas ako ni Ida sa binti nang makabalik ako. Mas kinikilig pa siya kaysa sa 'kin! 

"Ate, boyfriend mo po si Camero?" May kumalabit sa 'kin. 

"Uh, yeah," I akwardly answered. 

"Ano ba 'yan! Swerte naman!" Parang galit pa siya. "Gusto ko rin!" 

I shifted on my seat uncomfortably. Nang magsimula ang laro, tinuon ko na ang sarili ko sa court. First quarter pa lang, sobrang lamang na ng Ateneo. They were really good, I must admit that. Still, I cheered with the crowd. The players needed motivation. 

"GO SEVI! GO SEVI!" I yelled, waving my banner. "Oh no!" 

He fell on the floor. Lumapit 'yong isa nilang player para tulungan siyang tumayo. He still smiled at the Ateneo guy kahit binangga siya. The crowd was mad! Kung anu-anong sinasabi sa lalaki, yelling foul. 

During the second quarter, lamang pa rin ang Ateneo. Nang mag-timeout, pagod nang bumalik si Sevi sa bench at uminom ng tubig. He looked at me and laughed when he saw my banner. Muntik pa siyang masamid sa tubig niya. 

He rested for a bit. Naabutan ng UST ang score during the third quarter. The atmosphere became really heated during the last quarter. Nakatayo na ulit ang lahat at sinisigaw na ang cheer. I was standing too, waving my banner so hard. Muntik ko nang mapunit nang maka-shoot si Sevi. 

"LET'S GO, SEVI!" I yelled again. "GO UST! HABOL TAYO!" 

Napaupo ako sa sobrang stress nang maipasok lahat ng free throw ng Ateneo. Kaunting segundo na lang ang natitira at nakalamang na naman sila. 

"I don't want to see this. I'm going to cry." I covered my face. 

I sighed heavily when I heard the buzzer. Ateneo celebrated their win. Everyone on our side was so quiet, but they still clapped. 

"It's fine," I whispered to myself. 

"Yeah..." Tumango si Ida, malungkot din. Hindi na kami makapagsalita pareho. We were both sad! 

Tumayo ako nang makitang yumakap kay Sevi 'yong dalawa nilang player, probably tearing up. Sevi was smiling, tapping the both of them on the back. He was even comforting his players as they all hugged him. I knew he was in pain too.

Naglakad ako pababa at huminto sa may steps, waiting. Nakatayo lang ako roon at pinanood kung paano makipagkamay si Sevi sa players ng Ateneo. He was still smiling but I knew how painful it was for him to spend his last year like this. 

When he saw me, he gave me a small smile and walked in my direction. Pumasok siya sa may railings at sinalubong ako sa may hagdanan. I welcomed him with open arms until he stopped one step lower and hugged me tightly.

"I'm still so proud of you," I whispered to him. 

Binaon niya ang mukha sa leeg ko. I felt him crying on my neck. Mas lalo lang tuloy akong nalungkot.

"Shh, it's fine. You did your best, baby..." Hinaplos ko ang likod niya, pinapatahan siya. I felt a pain on my chest as he cried while hiding his face. 

He was still crying in silence. I could feel his tears. Hinigpitan ko ang yakap sa kaniya at hinaplos ang buhok niya. 

"I'm so proud of you. I'm so proud of you, Captain," I whispered repeatedly. 

I smiled at some people looking at us. Mukhang malungkot din sila at gustong i-comfort si Sevi pero hindi na lang nag-abala. I kept on carressing his hair to make him calm down. It was really painful. 

"You're the best player for me, okay?" I consoled him. 

Kumalma na rin siya at binitawan ako. He couldn't look at me. He was just trying to wipe his tears with his backhand. Kinuha ko ang panyo ko at hinawakan ang pisngi niya para punasan din ang luha niya. 

"You did great, babe!" I smiled at him. "You were so great in there! I'm so proud!" 

"Thank you." He gave me back a small painful smile. 

"Go there na. Celebrate with your team. You guys did so great. I'll see you later, okay?"

I kissed his cheek before letting him go back to the court. Bumaba siya sa stairs at babalik na sana pero napalingon sa tatlong babaeng lumapit sa kaniya. His friends. Sina Luna, Kierra, and the other one. Niyakap nila si Sevi at tinapik-tapik ang balikat nito. Nakita kong tumawa si Sevi sa sinabi nina Luna. Hindi ko alam kung ano 'yon but at least he laughed. I felt better. 

"Let's go, Ida," aya ko sa kanya. I caught her taking a picture kaya nataranta pa siya. "Airdrop mo na lang!" 

Pagkarating namin sa bahay, wala si Mommy so I just texted her that we will celebrate Sevi's win. She couldn't come dahil mago-overtime sila sa office, so nagpatulong na lang ako kay Ida magluto. 

"I really can't do this." Sumimangot ako, nakatitig sa ingredients sa harapan ko. 

"Eh ano'ng gagawin natin? Why don't we just order food?" Ida suggested.

"No, I want to make an effort!" 

Kinuha ko ang phone ko at nanood ng cooking videos. I wanted to cook pasta dahil 'yon ang madali para sa 'kin. It was a scam! Hindi siya madali! 

"Okay na ba 'to?" tanong ko kay Ida. 

"Why the hell is it salty?!" reklamo niya at kinuha ang jar para tingnan kung anong nilagay ko. 

"Is it supposed to taste sweet?" reklamo ko sa kaniya.

"It's carbonara! Who told you to put salt?! My god! Did the video tell you to put that?" Ida massaged her head. 

"I don't have pepper!"

"So, you put salt instead? This won't do! Baka malason si Sevi diyan!" 

"Then let's just add sugar!"

"No!"

Ida and I tried to fix the taste of the sauce. Siya na ang nagluto ng pasta. Good thing, hindi nasunog ang pasta! Ida was better at cooking. I really can't cook!

"Oh my gosh, he's here!" I panicked when I heard the doorbell. "Prepare the food, Ida!" 

Nagmadali akong tumakbo at binuksan ang pinto. Sevi's brows furrowed as he looked at my dirty shirt. Kung anong kina-fresh niya, iyon ang kinarumi ng suot ko.

"I... was cooking," I said, embarrassed. 

"Weh? Marunong ka magluto?" He seemed excited. 

Binuksan ko ang pinto at inaya siya papunta sa dining. Ida was already setting up the table. Nang ilapag ang pasta at sauce, umupo na kami. Umiwas ako ng tingin at tiningnan ang sauce sa harapan ko, pinag-iisipan kung titikman ko ba muna o si Sevi na lang. 

"Mommy mo?" Sevi asked, looking around. 

"Overtime sa work," sagot ko. "Wala rin si Daddy. Next week pa uuwi." 

"Ah..." Tumango si Sevi. "Ayos, gutom na 'ko. Luto mo 'to?" 

Nanahimik kami ni Ida habang kumukuha siya ng pagkain. Hinalo niya 'yon sa plato niya at inikot sa tinidor bago kinain. I was staring at him, waiting for his reaction. 

He coughed a little and reached for the glass of water. He covered his mouth, trying to contain his cough.

Sinalinan ko ng tubig ang baso niya bago niya ininuman 'yon. He swallowed so hard that I got nervous. Bakit wala siyang sinasabi? Wala siyang reaction! Umubo lang siya! 

"How was it?" I asked. 

"Ah..." He coughed. "Okay lang. Okay naman. Tikman mo." 

Inabot niya sa 'kin ang plato niya para matikman ko rin. When I took a bite, my brows furrowed. Why did it taste... different?! Bakit ganoon ang lasa?! Parang may kakaiba! 

"Ano'ng nilagay mo diyan?" Sevi laughed. 

"Shit, it's so bad." Ida laughed so loud after tasting the sauce. "Buti na lang uuwi na 'ko!" 

"What?!" Gulat akong lumingon sa kaniya.

"Dad called, sorry!" Tumayo siya at humalik sa pisngi ko. "Enjoy your meal, guys! Don't poison yourselves!" 

Nang mawala siya, natahimik ako. I couldn't even look at the food! Parang nasusuka ako. Binawi ko ang plato ni Sevi at tumayo para ibalik sa kusina. Nakakahiya. Sana nag-order na lang ako, just like what Ida suggested. 

"Uy, okay naman eh. Akin na, uubusin ko na." Hinawakan ni Sevi ang kamay ko. 

"Huwag na..." I pouted. 

"May ingredients ka pa diyan?"

Tinuro ko ang kusina. Kaunti lang ang sauce na niluto namin kaya mayroon pang natira na ingredients. Kumuha siya ng bowl at kumuha ng ingredients sa loob ng ref. Umupo ako sa may breakfast table at pinanood siyang magluto. 

"You know how to cook?" I asked him. 

"Dapat lang." He laughed again. 

Umakyat muna ako sa kwarto para magpalit ng damit dahil nadumihan na nga ako. Inayos ko rin ang sarili ko at naglagay ng lip tint. Pagkababa ko, patapos na si Sevi. 

"Tikman mo muna." Inalok sa 'kin ni Sevi ang kutsara na may kaunting sauce. 

I tasted it and gave him a nod. Ngumiti siya at sinalin na ang sauce sa lalagyan bago dinala sa dining. I felt so embarrassed! I cooked for him to cheer him up pero bandang huli, siya rin ang nagluto para sa amin! 

After eating, our helper already took care of our plates. Tumayo ako at hinawakan ang kamay niya para hatakin din siya papunta sa sala. We sat there silently, hindi alam ang sasabihin. I looked around and saw some helpers looking at us. I felt awkward. 

"It's raining outside, right?" Sumilip ako sa bintana. 

"Oo," sagot niya at tiningnan din. Again... an awkward silence.

We can't go outside for a walk. Ayoko namang manatili rito. It was uncomfortable. May mga nanonood sa amin!

"Do you want to..." I looked down and played with my hands.

"Ano?" He looked at me innocently. 

"Nevermind..." I sighed.

"Ano 'yon?" He got more curious now. Humarap siya sa 'kin, inaabangan ang sasabihin ko. "Sabihin mo na." 

"Do you want to go to my room?" I asked awkwardly. 

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:)