Bright's POV

It's the day of the tournament. Yesterday, Luke, Noah and Marc don't stop talking about the tournament. They are so excited about it. I remember the last tournament we were all excited and ready for it.

But like what I said, Ianna did not let me join the tournament. She doesn't want me to, she instead ask me to just accompany her with her girl things.

And I must say, I was really pissed off that day. Think about it, we were even practicing for that tournament. But I ended up just going with her and her friends.

But I did not say anything. Or else she will be upset and her friends will scold me and tell shits to me.

But now I can freely do things I want to do before.

But not flings.

I don't really like the idea of that.

Specially I have this one personality that may sound funny for a guy.

Marupok ako.

Yeah, I admit it. I find it sometimes cute but sometimes embarrassing as well. Cause I'm a guy but I easily get feelings towards someone. If a girls show any kind of affection to care. I will immediately fall for it.

Then I'll just find out they are just being.. friendly. Or sometimes I will find out that they are already dating someone.

That's just hurt for some reason.

That's why I don't like flings. Noah once told me to try that, during times that I was single for few months  then me and Ianna got back together.

But I don't really like to have a fling.

I'll catch feelings.

I sat down on my bed while drying my hair with my towel. I just finished taking a bath and I'm just on my boxer shorts.

Then I remember, yesterday was Friday, maybe Xavi traveled back to her town.

I pick up my phone and checked up on her.

To Gurl:
Good morning, gising kana? What time ka nakauwi kagabi?

I saw that she's online so I know I'm just few seconds she will reply to my message.

From Gurl:
Almost 1am.

My brows furrowed. Is she serious? 1am? Inabot siya ng ganon katagal sa daan. That's dangerous. Specially she's a girl. And what time is it right now?

I look at the time I flicked my tongue while shaking my head. It's just 6am, she only had 5 hours of sleep. That's unhealthy.

To Gurl:
What the-
It's 6am, you should sleep more.

She immediately sent a reply and I immediately read it

From Gurl:
No, I'm fine. It's my body alarm that woke me up

To Gurl:
Hmm
Okay
But I'm sure you're still tired. Take a rest for the whole day.

I felt  a little less worried, she needs rest tho. Everyone needs a rest. I know it's hard to move all day with just five hours of sleep. I know she's very observant with her sleeping schedule. She told me once that in their school dormitory she sleep at 8pm. So her body is probably not used to the suddenly change of her sleep last night. She needs rest.

My brows furrowed when I heard my phone beeped. I pick it up and saw her message that made my brows furrowed.

From Gurl:
I can't, I have a birthday party to attend later.

I flicked my tongue and lean forward to put my elbows on my knees. I shake my head as I slightly feel pissed off.

I know I don't have the right to be pissed off at this moment. But she badly needs more rest and sleep. She could have just use this day to sleep and rest, but is she really still going to that birthday party?

To Gurl:
Is it that important? You should take care of yourself. Hindi maganda ang sobrang puyat. And you also mentioned you're having your exams next week. Pati utak mo pagod.

It's their exams week. She should just study and review. She will get more benefits from it rather than to go to parties.

From Gurl:
Yeah, it's really important. It's my best friend's birthday. I can't not just attend it. He might get upset.

I squinted my eyes and look closer on her chat.

He? A boy?

She is  going to her friend's birthday party, which is a boy? And I'm sure that boy is just around her age. Cause if it's just a kid's birthday party, she won't call him her friend.

But I want to make sure, she is always have typographical errors. So maybe she just forgot to put 's' and she out he instead of she.

To Gurl:
Wait-
He?
Boy?

I slightly pursed my lips.

Is that.. guy friend of her really close to her? Is he her boy best friend or something? Are they those kinds of boy best friends and girl best friend who are really close to each other?

From Gurl:
Yeah, he's my boy best friend. Medyo nagtatampo nga rin siya cause he thought na nakalimutan ko birthday niya. He will turn 18 now!

Oh.. just like what I thought. A boy best friend. Na nagtatampo. Wow, and he's turning 18, legal age.

I won't be surprised is they are really close to each other.

To Gurl:
Hmm
Okay
Have fun then
Suyuin mo muna siya.
He's more important than me cause he's your boy best friend.
Go eat your breakfast.
Bye
Love you❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I put down my phone and continue to dry my hair.

Why do I feel a little pissed off with that? He is just the boy best friend right? They are not those kinds who I see in internet where the girl and the boy are really close to each other.

And why am I feeling these anyways? It's like... I can't explain it. I don't know how to say it. But I don't like the idea of them being.. together? Well not really together, but.. being close?

"Forget about it, you're gonna be late for the tournament." I scold myself. I stand up and put on a blue shirt and pair of pants.

I fixed my hair and put some gel on it. I prepared my things and I'm good to go.

"Kuya! It's Saturday! Let's play!" Lila said as I went down the stairs. I look at her first before looking at  lola who is sitting at the couch.

I look back at Lila and smiled, "I'm sorry Lila, but kuya is going somewhere." I said a  slightly caress her hair.

I saw her cute pout and her puppy eyes.

"But kuya.. me and Lali wants to play." She whined, I chuckled and pinch her cheek.

"Sorry talaga, but I have to go." I said and walk towards the door.

Before I twist the knob I look back at lola.

"Alis na po ako lola, sa school na po ako mag lu-lunch." I said before leaving the house.

When I arrived at the school, it's a little chaos but not crowded. Of course, the students that are here are just the ones who are joining the tournament.

Well maybe some are here just to watch or they are just bored. But of course the ones who are not interested in the tournament are not here.

"Bri! Tara! Register na tayo!" I slightly flinched as Luke suddenly came out to no where jumping at me and wrapping his other arm around my neck.

"What the.. grabe ka naman maka sunggab." I said as I adjust my backpack at my bag.

"Let's go, registration is until 8:30am only." Noah said and we nod.

We signed the registration and we went to the classroom where we are assigned.

"Marc, asan na yung na recruit mo na isa pa nating kasama?" Noah ask, Marc look up to Noah and nod.

"Paparating na daw, kaka register lang niya." Marc replied. While waiting we are just all using are phones. Minding our own business.

When suddenly Luke speak.

"Bri, why don't you find someone else? Try flings bro, what do you think? Change you mind." He said, I put down my phone and sigh and look at him.

Iniisip ko lang 'to kanina. But now he is bringing up the fling topic again.

I sigh, "Luke.. I said I don't want any flings. I'll catch feelings." I said and he nod.

"Eh si Xavi? Ano ba siya sayo? Isn't she a fling?" Noah suddenly ask, I slowly look at him and squinted my eyes.

"She's not.. she's not a fling." I said and Noah raised his eyebrow.

"Not a fling I see? Pero you two almost had a sex on chat? And she always checks on you. And you care for her. You're soft for her in chat. Your convo are in a different level. But not a fling?" He ask and realization hit me.

Is she really a fling to me?

"No bro, that's not it. Iba 'yon." I said shaking my head.

"Sus, Bright, fling 'yon. Come on, you two are always- well not always, but you two are talking, I feel like siya nga lang ang kausap mo besides sa group chat ng section natin.." he paused and look at me as if he is asking me if what eh said is right.

I nod, "Yes, siya lang and I don't check our group chat much." I said,

"See, she's your fling." He said and I shake my head.

"She's not nga, our convo is not that sweet." I said, Noah was about to say something when someone showed up at our side.

"I'm sorry I'm late, Michael nga pala, taga section B ako." He said and we nod,

"Sit down, may pinag-uusapan lang kami." Noah said and Michael nod.

Looks like Marc got a good one. He doesn't seem suspicious or awkward. He already look comfortable with us.

I cleared my throat and the three looked at me.
"As I was saying, she's not my fling. Kasi mahirap magka fling." I said and Noah chuckled.

"Ang hirap talagang maging marupok Mr. Nañagas." He said calling me by my surname making the other two laugh.

I bitterly chuckled, "Shut up, it's just soft hearted. Malalambot lang ang puso namin kaya ganon." I said and the three burst into laughter. Gladly the other gamers don't give a thing to us na maiingay.

"Awan ko sayo Bright." Noah said while shaking his head and lean on the chair.

"What if... rebound? Diba? You just had your break up, you're sad, you need someone to talk to and to make you feel okay. And that's.. Xavi." Luke said that made us three look at him.

"Oo nga 'no, iba ka talaga Luke. Bull's eye!" Marc said before having a high five with Luke.

I squinted my eyes, "Rebound? Is that some kind of another fling?" I ask and Noah shake his head.

"Not really, well maybe? But a lower version. You talk to you rebound to forget to your break up. And once you're okay, you leave them. That's why they ate called rebound." Noah explained and I slowly nod, getting the idea of the word rebound.

I have never had a rebound and I have never encountered that word either. So this rebound thing that they are talking about is really new to me.

"Well.. is that a bad thing?" I ask and Noah shake his head.

"It's not, it's good for you so that you will easily forget about your ex. You'll have someone to spend your time and you won't feel alone or sad. They will be the one making you feel okay and make you feel that someone  is still there for you. Pwede rin na sila ang paglabasan mo ng sama ng loob mo." Noah said and I nod,

"Kasi rebounds are that, yun talaga ang use nila. Para makalimot ka. So all in all, it's good for you." He said and I slowly nod but then suddenly something came up in my mind.

"Good for me. But for the rebound's side? What happen to them once you're okay and doesn't need someone to talk anymore?" I ask but Noah shrugged this time.

"I don't know, I once had a rebound. And after that, after I drop her. I don't know what happened to her." He said and I just nod.

"That's harsh bro." I said and he just chuckled.

Few minutes later the game started. There are 4 groups in the classroom in total of 20 students. We first had a game with the HUMMS student and we won that game. Which is okay but the game isn't really that challenging, it's easy.

"And for the final round for this group, ABM students versus STEM." I look at our side where the STEM students are. I was pretty cool at it when suddenly Marc tapped my shoulder.

"Bro, 'yun yung bago ni Ianna." He said, I suddenly felt tired. Or not in the mood anymore. Why does he have to say that?

"Marc! Hindi mo dapat sinabi yon. Baka maka apekto sa game natin." Noah said.

I shake my head, "It's fine, no worries. I can do this." I said and the game begins.

And I must say, they are pretty good. They have the first slay and the second. It a very thrilling and hard one. Nahirapan din kami.

"Fuck," I cursed as I got slain. I look up and saw the guy smirking at me.

What's his problems? Porket siya ang nakaptay sa akin?

I got back to game and we were so focused and pressed about it. Mahirap naman talaga, they ate very good at the game.

Heck I didn't know STEM students still have the time to play. I thought they ate always on their science shits.

"Shit! Fuck 2 nalang kayo!" Noah said as Marc and Michael are  only one alive. Yes I got slain once again.

"Michael- fuck! It's all up to you Marc." Noah said, we are close to being defeat. And from here j can already see his smirk.

"Shit, talo." Marc said and we all lean on our chairs and hear the other team celebrate.

We stand up and pack our things. That's what happens when you loose. You will just leave the game room. We were about to leave when someone speaks.

"Paano ba 'yan Nañagas? Talo kayo? Talo kana nga kay Ianna talo ka pa-

"Shut up!" All of the people  inside the classroom looked at me. I gritted my teeth, holding my self from running towards him and introducing my fist to him.

"Ano bang pinagyayabang mo? Ha?! Fine, you have her! Congrats then!" I said before marching out of the room.

I need to leave that room where that guy is. If not baka makagulo lang kami. Baka mapa-away lang ako.

But seriously, I want to punch him straight to his fucking face. Yun lang? Pinagmamayabang na niya? I don't care if they won. I don't care if he won. So what!?

He's bragging about having to date Ianna? Okay!? Fine! He have her! Great!

"Bright, calm down bro." I stopped walking as I hear Noah's voice. I faced them and raised my eyebrow.

"What? I'm calm." I said and Noah chuckled.

"I'm surprised nakapag timpi kapa. I know you're still sensitive about that topic." He said and I chuckled.

"Yeah, I'm also surprised that I was able to hold myself from punching that guy. Kaya nga ako umalis agad. Ayaw ko na ng gulo." I said and they nod.

"He have her, okay, fine. Goodluck to  them then. Sana magtagal sila." I said and the three nod. I was still burning mad about it when the three brought me to the cafeteria. Napansin ko rin na wala na si Michael, he is probably at his own friends or what.

I take deep breaths as I hold myself from finding that bastard and punch him in the face.

It's not easy, he's really slapping it to my face na wala na kami ni Ianna and sila na. Nakakainis siya.

My brows furrowed as my phone beeped. It's Xavi.

From Gurl:
Hey..
Nag lunch kana?
I had mine.

Just through the messages, her words sounded sweet and cute. But wrong timing Xavi. I am not in the mood.

To Gurl:
I haven't

From Gurl:
Bakit hindi pa?
Eat your lunch na.

I slightly chuckled and shake my head. Why does she have to know all of the things? Ano bang trip niya?

To Gurl:
I don't want to.

From Gurl:
But whyyy?

"Dammit Xavi.. ang kulit mo!" I grunt before typing another reply. I even saw the three look at me confusedly.

To Gurl:
Just
I just don't want.

I tried myself not say anything such as 'Just shut up' or 'Ano bang pake mo?' cause I know it's a little hurtful, and knowing her, she's fragile, so I should control myself for her.

From Gurl:
Okay
I'm sorry
I'll just take a nap

I sigh and put down my phone. Thank God tumigil siya.

"Why? What's with Xavi?" Noah ask, I shake my head and stand up.

"Uuwi na ako, I'll just have my lunch sa bahay." I said and they nod. I leave the school and take a jeep to go home.

When I went home the girls are asleep for their afternoon nap. I ate lunch alone since it's a bit late and they already ate.

When I finished I washed the dishes I used and went upstairs.

Few minutes my phone suddenly beeped.

From Gurl:
I'm up from my nap.
I hope by this time you already ate lunch.

A small smile formed on my lips, she probably feel sorry, I sounded rude a while ago. She probably became worried about it.

To Gurl:
I already have
Sorry for awhile ago.

I just hope she didn't take it seriously. I just hope hindi siya gaano na apektuhan nun. Kung minsan nga I can barely message her tapos she already feel down. What more na I sounded rude kanina?

From Gurl:
Its nothingg
It's good you already ate.
I'll just review then get ready for the party.

A smile grew on my lips.  What a relief. Akala ko nalungkot siya don. Natatakot ako just by the thought na nalungkot siya don. I don't want her upset because of my stupidity.

To Gurl:
Okay
Good luck in your review.
And.. uhh.. Xavi?

I don't know how to say this.

From Gurl:
Yeah?

To Gurl:
Is it okay if..

From boi:
If?

"Keep it together Bright! As if manliligaw ka! Just ask it!" I said to myself.

From Gurl:
Is it okay if I message you later while you are in the party? Just to check you?

That's it, I just want to check up on her later. It's a party, i want to make sure na okay lang siya. And his best friend or the boy best friend is turning 18. I don't want to judge, but, he's guy and she's a girl of course.

But what if she doesn't what to?

To Gurl:
It's okay if you don't want any interruptions naman.

From Gurl:
No no no
It's okay
I find it cute nga

To Gurl:
Oh okay😅
I thought you don't like it eh.

Our next conversation ended up about me and Ianna. As much as I don't want to talk about,  I feel like it's okay to tell her. I feel like it's safe to tell her. And I feel like.. she deserves to know.

The night came and I don't know what time the party will end. I remember during my friend's 18th birthday which is a girl, matagal yon. I know boys have their debut at 21, but 18 is like being at legal age.

It's 7pm, I already sent her messages but she seems not responding.

I'm being worried right now. So this is how it feels like to be worried to someone. I have never really been into this kind of feeling before. Not even in Ianna.

And in the end I end up calling her. And she sounds so drunk already which worried me. She will still even drive to get home. I hope she gets home safe.

I am laying down on my bed. I don't want to sleep yet but I also don't want to do anything. I feel empty. I don't know what to feel right now.

"Fuck!" I cursed as I suddenly remember Ianna.

I sat up and ruffle my hair. "Forget about her, Bright! Just forget about her!" I scold myself.

"You have Xavi! Stop thinking about her! Xavi is there to help you move on! Keep it together!"

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