"Okay na kayo ulit?"

Nilingon ko si Dolly mula sa pagtingin kay Gahala ng masama. Binunggo kasi ako tapos ngumiti ng nakaasar. Parang tanga, nagpapansin na naman siya.

Tumango ako, "Yeah."

"Kaya pala grabe na ang ngisi ng gago," Vien laughed as we headed to our Araling Panlipunan room.

"Did he court you again?" Kala asked with hopeful eyes, blinking her lashes enthusiastically.

I shook my head, "Wala naman siyang sinabi."

Vien smirked, a playful smile plastered on her lips. "Oh? Bakit parang disappointed ka?"

I just glared at her. I'm not that disappointed, just a little bit. He didn't talk about us after.

After confessing that I didn't want him liking other girls, he just said na sa akin lang daw siya magkakagusto. Then he walked me to the parking lot and chatted with me afterward like nothing happened between us.

He also cleaned his timeline tapos hindi ko na makita yung tinag sa kaniya no'ng Eliza!
Nando'n na din ulit ang post niya about sa akin.

Apparently, he just changed the privacy to "only me" kasi daw feeling niya magiging kami talaga kaya sayang daw memories. Feelingero talaga.

I forced myself to stop smiling after remembering it. Well, I'm fine with this kind of setup, but I don't know what we are now. Manliligaw ko ba ulit siya or M.U lang kami?

I wanted to asked him pero nahihiya ako. Hindi pa rin ako nakamove on doon sa pag-amin na ayokong nagkakagusto siya sa iba.

"Malapit na Valentine's amputa. May makikita na naman akong magjowang naglalandian," asar na usal ni Vien kaya natawa ako.

Dolly rolled her eyes, "Madami namang gustong manligaw sa 'yo. Bakit hindi mo patulan?"

"Girl, hindi ko type," irap niya.

"What's your type ba?" Kala questioned her, raising a brow.

"Si Gahala sana," Vien laughed and tried to avoid my kick. "Damot mo naman, Ayel!"

I rolled my eyes at her and huffed.

"Just admit the fact, Ayel, that your man is a dream guy," Kala pointed out.

Alam ko naman 'yon! Parang hindi ko nga siya deserve pero tinatanggap ko lang kung anong binibigay sa akin. Malay ko namang bibigyan ako ng sobra-sobra.

"Makabakod, ano nga ulit kayo? Ah, M.U," Dolly teased.

I frowned. "Kapag ikaw nagkaroon ng kam.u. in the future, tatawanan talaga kita."

"Duh! Never mangyayari sa akin 'yon 'no!" She replied confidently.

"Sure na ba 'yan Dolly?" asar ni Vien.

"Oo nga! Hindi naman ako tanga!"

"Nakakaduda," Kala laughed so hard and hissed when Dolly yanked her long hair.

"Ayaw mo kay Lamore, Vien?" I asked, walking beside her. I shrugged. "Kung qualities lang naman pag-uusapan, hindi siya nahuhuli kay Gahala."

"Gago ka ba?" she hissed. "Kaibigan ko 'yon! Saka isa pa, hindi siya malandi! Ako pa ang magfifirst move sa kaniya pagnagkataon! Ekis pare!"

I laugh a little. Kawawa naman si Lamore. Hindi pa nga nakapagconfess, basted na kaagad.

Natapos lang ata ang chismisan namin nang pumasok na kami sa room. My eyes immediately settled on Gahala, who was laughing with his friends.

Gray nudged him and pointed at me using his lips. Gahala turned in my direction and his face immediately lit up. Kaagad siyang tumayo saka sumunod sa akin na parang buntot hanggang sa makaupo na kami.

"Hi," ngiting aso niya sa akin matapos tumabi.

"Ulol ampota," bitter na mura ni Marwan sa likod nang makita ang parang tangang mukha ni Gahala. Nakalukot ang mukha ng iba niya pang kaibigan pero tinawanan lang namin ng kaunti at hindi binigyan ng pansin.

Gahala turned his body fully towards me and looked at me intently.

I raised my brows at him. "Hmm? Why?"

"Malapit na Valentine's day," he hinted.

I stared and him and nodded, "Oo nga. Malapit na."

Ngumuso siya, " Anong gagawin mo kapag may nagbigay sa iyo ng bulaklak tapos hindi galing sa akin?"

"Edi tatanggapin."

He gasped in exaggerated manner. "Manloloko!" oa na bintang niya kaagad. He even pointed me. Napairap na lang ako sa kaniya.

"Sige hindi ko tatanggapin. Pati yung sa 'yo."

Napanguso siya, "Ang daya naman non! Wala ba akong special treatment sa 'yo?"

Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako ng malalim saka napahalukipkip dahil sa kaniya. Kinulit niya lang ako tungkol sa Valentine's day hanggang sa dumating si Sir.

"Sorry I'm late. I just came from a meeting with the grade 10 and 12 teachers," Sir informed us after standing in front. We listened attentively to what he would say next. "We discussed the upcoming activities for February, and we have decided to hold a prom on February 15."

My mouth formed 'o'. Kaagad namang napahiyaw ang mga kaklase ko sa narinig. They are obviously thrilled.

"Long gown yung dress code, okay? I suggest you start looking for places to buy or rent your outfits. Additionally, there will be extra points in P.E. for those who participate in the prom. And this event is exclusively for grades 10 and 12 only, so I recommend na magstart na kayong maghanap ng partner. I'm sure you'll begin practicing the dance steps during your P.E. classes soon."

"Sir! Required bang grade 10 and 12 ang kadate?!" Marwan immediately asked. "Pwede po bang outsider or sa ibang grade level, Sir?"

"Sorry, but that's prohibited. Strictly for grade 10 and 12 students only."

Kaagad siyang napareklamo, "Sir naman! Grade 9 pa lang crush ko!"

"Edi hintayin mo na lang siya. Bumalik ka sa grade 10 next year Mr. Ramos para masayaw mo sa prom," Sir suggested, causing some of my classmates to laugh a little.

Classes resumed after that. Medyo maraming ganap kasi next month graduation na. True to Sir's words, we did practice the dance in P.E. Nag-aatendance lang si Sir bago niya sinabi.

"Kayo ang maghahanap ng partner niyo o by surname?" Sir asked as we were about to start practicing.

"Kami na lang maghahanap Sir!" majority of my classmates replied. He just nodded at hinayaan na lang kami after niyang iset up ang sound kasi tinawag siya ni Ma'am Arroyo, mukhang may pag-usapan.

Nasa gilid lang kami nina Vien, naghihintay ng mag-aaya at nag-uusap tungkol daw sa aming susuotin.

"Magrered ako, tapos magblue ka Ayel! Wear a white one Kala tapos yellow ka Vien," Dolly planned excitedly.

Vien pulled her hair. "Gaga, ano tayo watawat?" reklamo niya kaagad that made Kala laugh a little. "Pangit."

"Kung ayaw mo edi magbrown ka! Ikaw yung flagpole namin," irap ng huli. Nasabunutan sila tuloy.

Nagaway pa sila doon at nakitawa na lang ako sa gilid. Ang ending, kaniya-kaniya na lang daw kami ng gusto naming suotin.

Napatigil kami sa pag-uusap at kaagad na napangisi kay Dolly nang lapitan siya ni Lacaus.

"Pwede?" nahihiyang tanong ng isa habang namumula ng kaunti ang tenga.

"Yiee," Kala whispered saka sinundot sa tagiliran si Dolly. The latter gave her a glare saka binatukan si Lacaus.

"Tara na!" she exclaimed and dragged the guy with her to the center.

"Nasaan na ba si Gahala? Mauunahan pa siya dito ng ibang lalaki e," Vien inquired.

Napalingon ako sa gym kung saan kami nagprapractice para sa sayaw. Hindi naman sa hinihintay ko siyang ayain ako, alam ko lang na gano'n ang gagawin niya. So I'm wondering kung bakit natagalan siya.

Hindi na ako nagulat when I saw him being surrounded by our classmates. Imbes na siya mag-aya, siya ang inaaya.

"Hindi mo lalapitan girl? Baka matangay ni Louisa," Kala asked when I look away.

I shrugged, "I don't care though. I know he's going to turn them down." I smiled. "Naaawa ako sa kanila instead of being jealous." Hindi naman ako threatened.

"Confident ah," Vien teased, glancing around as she spoke. "Gagong Lamore na 'yon, asan na ba?"

"Yayain mo?" Itong si Vien, nalalandi niya si Lamore ng wala siyang kaalam-alam. Kaya hindi makamove on ang isa e.

"Yep. Para komportable ako," ngisi niya.

"Hoy Kala," sigang tawag ni Ar-ar nang makalapit. Napatingin kami tuloy sa kaniya.

Kala crossed her arms and raised her brows. "What?"

"Tara, sayaw? Ayaw mo? Okay, sige," the guy spoke quickly, then nodded and was about to walk away.

"What?! Hindi pa nga ako nakakasagot!" pigil ni Kala.

"Ano ba sagot mo?" inip na humalukipkip si Ar-ar saka hinintay sagot niya.

Kala smiled sweetly, "Of course not, fucker."

Ar-ar rolled his eyes as if the rejection didn't affect him at all. "Ano, ayaw mo talaga? Sayang ako o, baka makuha ako ng iba. Bahala ka."

"No!" Kala exclaimed stubbornly. Vien was already looking at her with malice, as if confirming the truth.

His brows furrowed, "Ano? Hindi mo na ako crush?"

"Expired na, so shupi ka na, I don't need you anymore," Kala gestured with her hands, shooing him away.

"Expired amp," Ar-ar sighed and approached us. He raised his brows at Kala, then grabbed her wrist and started dragging her with him. "Halika na, ang arte."

"Hey!" Kala shouted while pouting, but she allowed herself to be pulled along naman.

Napatawa kami ni Vien. Paniguradong crush niya na naman ulit ang lalaki dahil doon.

"Ayon na pala si Lamore! Alis na ako ha! Hintayin mo na lang si Gahala," Vien smirked. Tumango lang ako sa kaniya sama pinagtabuyan siya.

Tumambay pa ako doon sa gilid habang natatawang tumitingin sa mga kaibigan kong sumasayaw.

I grinned when I saw Vien and Lamore dancing. Hindi lumalapat ang kamay ni Lamore sa bewang niya at ilang na ilang. Yung tanga ko namang kaibigan ay grabe ang kapit na parang tuko, komportable sa ginagawa.

Lamore's already blushing and gulping while looking away. I bet he's having a massive heart attack right now. Poor him.

I stopped laughing when someone called me.

I looked at the guy in front of me. "Yeah?" I asked with a smile.

"Sayaw?" Jaixon asked, extending his hand in front of him.

Hindi pa ako nakakasagot nang may humawak na doon. Gahala raised his brows towards the guy at mukhang hinigpitan ata ang pagkakahawak dahil napangiwi ang huli.

"Uunahan mo pa ako a," Gahala glared. "Tara sayaw," aya niya sa sigang boses. Kinaladkad siya ni Gahala papunta sa gitna. Napatingin sa kanila ang mga kaklase namin dahil doon.

I snicker when they really danced. Mukha silang tangang dalawa.

"Hoy shipp!" some of my classmates shouted after seeing them and laughed too.

Napailing na lang ako kasi mukhang nagkakasakitan lang naman sila doon sa gitna.

"Sorry bro," ngiting matamis ni Jaixon matapos apakan si Gahala. It's obvious that he intentionally did it just to pissed the latter off.

"Okay lang pre," Gahala gave him a fake smile too. Pinaikot pa siya ni Gahala at binitawan. Napaupo tuloy ang isa sa sahig.

Napakasalbahe talaga. The idiot just laughed at his prank and jogged towards me. Nakangiti pa siya nang huminto sa tapat ko, mukhang proud pa sa ginawa.

Nilahad niya ang kamay tapos ang isa ay nasa likod. Nagkamot siya ng batok pero confident na nakangiti. He knows I'm not going to turn him down. "Tara sayaw?"

I cleared my throat and placed my hand on top of his. He held it tightly and guided me to the center. He even stuck his tongue out at Jaixon! The latter responded by giving him a full-standing middle finger. So immature!

Nang makarating doon ay saka lang ata kami nagkahiyaan. Parang ngayon lang nagsink in sa amin ang gagawin namin.

I hesitantly placed my hand on his shoulder. I jolted a little and bit my lower lip when I felt his hand, which was slightly trembling, on my waist. Parang ayaw pa akong hawakan. We both felt awkward and avoided eye contact.

It's so awkward. This is my first time dancing with a guy and it's with him!

I pursed my lips when we started moving to the rhythm. Step step lang from right to left. Mukhang tanga kaming dalawa. Hindi ko alam kung tama ba 'tong ginagawa namin. Basta parang ganito ang sinabi ni Sir! Nasaan na ba kasi siya?!

Tawang-tawa ang mga kaklase ko nang makita ang posisyon naming dalawa. "Tangina, ngayon pa kayo nagkahiyaan after niyong magladian ng bonggang bongga!"

Mas lalo kaming nahiya dahil doon sa sinabi nila.

"Hoy, ano ba!" saway ko ng makitang vinivideohan kami ng mga kaibigan ko.

"Memories, Ayel!" ngisi ni Dolly.

Inirapan ko na lang sila saka hinayaan. Maya-maya naman ay tinigilan naman nila.

"Hoy Ayel," biglang sigang tawag sa akin bigla ni Gahala.

"What?" I raised my brows, though truthfully I was a bit nervous because of our position. I couldn't help but notice his hand around my waist. It was giving me a tingling sensation, and it felt warm.

He looked down at me, meeting my eyes. Ngumuso siya, "Pwede ba kitang makadate sa prom?"

For a split second, I was speechless. I fixed my gaze on him, and he looked sincere. It made my heart thump abnormally again.

"Pagkakataon mo na 'tong masayaw ako o, huwag mo ng palampasin," dugtong niya ng matagalan akong sumagot. Yabang niya pa pero halata namang kinakabahan.

"Akala ko...tayo naman talaga." I hesitantly said.

Natahimik din siya bigla at nakita ko ang pagpipigil ng ngiti niya. "Para sa akin, ikaw lang naman talaga ang gusto kong makadate sa special night na 'yon. I still wanted to ask you though."

"And...I can't think of anyone else but you as well."

Natawa siya sa kilig, "Edi nice."

We continued practicing regularly until February 14. Over time, I also became comfortable with Gahala's touch, but sometimes I couldn't help feeling shy.

He stared intently most of the time, which often left me melting in my place!

"Sana all! Naranasan ko na din 'yan e! Yung magpicture!"

I laughed a little when I heard Vien shouting after seeing a guy handing a flower to a girl. May nagpipicture pa saka tagasigaw ng 'Sana all!' Hiyang-hiya pa yung lalaking umakbay sa babae.

"Buti pa grade 7 may flowers!" parinig ni Dolly even though may bulaklak naman siyang hawak galing kanina sa grade 9 student.

Si Kala may natanggap din, pati ako, pero ang kay Gahala ang hinihintay ko mula kanina pa. He just kept glancing at me since earlier, and pouts every time he sees me holding another flower.

Mukha siyang tanga. Bakit kasi hindi niya na lang ibigay? Kung wala, okay lang din naman.

"Wow himalang may nagbigay sa 'yo ng bulaklak ah! Sinong bulag ang nagbigay niyan sa 'yo?" asar ni Vien kay Louisa nang makasalubong namin sa labas ng classroom.

Napasilip ako sa loob ng classroom at nakita si Gahalang pabirong nagflying kiss kay Marwan na sinalo naman ng isa at nilapit sa labi niya. Sabay silang natawa sa kalokohan nila kaya natawa din ako ng kaunti.

"Bigay ni Gahala."

Napintig ang tenga ko sa narinig saka napatingin kay Louisa. I raised my brows, "Who?"

She shrugged and smirked. "Galing kay Gahala," ulit niya.

Hindi ko alam kung maniniwala ako doon. Baka gawa-gawa niya lang dahil sa pagkagusto sa lalaki pero kung totoo nga, malilintikan sa akin ang Silvang 'yon! Kanina pa kaya ako naghihintay ng ibibigay niya tapos nakuha pang magbigay sa ibang babae!

"Natutulog ka pa ata Louisa. Baka gusto mong sampalin kita para magising ka naman sa islusyon mong 'yan," sarkastikong sambit ni Vien.

Ruth, who overheard our conversation, laughed. "Don't worry. Lahat ng kaklase nating babae binigyan ni Gahala. Hindi lang si Louisa," she said, raising the plastic rose she's holding—the same rose that Louisa is holding.

"Huh? Bakit kami wala?!" reklamo kaagad ni Kala.

Ruth just shrugged. "Siguro dahil wala kayo dito kanina?"

"Pre! Andiyan na si Amara!"

I looked inside again when I heard Gray shouting. My eyebrows lifted when I saw Gahala panicking. My friends giggled and dragged me into the room.

"Ano kaya ang pakana ng isang 'to? Dapat kiligin kami ha!" Dolly excitedly chuckled, mukhang alam niyang may kalokohang hinanda si Gahala.

Sana lang hindi nakakahiya ang gawin niya! Alam ko namang malandi siya at medyo gusto ko naman 'yon pero nakakahiya pa din!

Pumasok kami ng kwarto at kaagad siyang siniko siya ng mga kaibigan niya. He looked at our direction at biglang napaayos ng tayo.

Nakabusangot na kaagad siyang lumapit sa akin habang ang mga kamay ay nasa likuran. Kaagad umugong ang tuksuhan ng mga kaklase ko kaya hindi ko mapigilang mamula.

"Dami niyan a," nguso niya sa dala ko. "Gusto mo pa ba yung akin? Parang nakakahiya ng dumagdag."

"I was waiting for your present since earlier," I whispered since sobrang nahihiya akong marinig ng iba kong kaklase.

He grinned because of what I said and handed me something, "Oh. "

Napatingin ako sa binigay niya at napaawang ang labi ko sa nakita.

Isang tanglad ang binigay niya!

What the fuck. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang irereact.

He chuckles, "Sorry, walang budget."

Even my classmates laughed after seeing it. "Payag ka no'n girl?! Flowers yung binigay sa ibang babae tapos ikaw na nililigawan, tanglad?!"

Natawa akong kinuha 'yon saka hinampas sa kaniya. "Gago, anong ginagawa mo?"

He chuckled and puckered his lips. "Daming nagbigay sa 'yo ng bulaklak kaya ganiyan na lang akin."

"Galing naman 'yon sa kanila. Mas gusto ko yung bulaklak na galing sa 'yo."

He smirked at my words. "Kawawa naman sila, tapon mo na 'yan," he joked.

"Pero seryoso, ito na ba ang bigay mo sa akin?" I asked him, hesitant to believe it.

"Oo, kasi sa dinami-dami ng tao sa mundo, ikaw lang ang tangi kong tinatanglad," natawa siya sa korning banat niya. " Ayaw mo ba?"

"Kung ako sa 'yo Ayel, sasama talaga loob ko!" Ar-ar teased.

"Huwag kang magdalawang isip, bastedin mo na ulit 'yan!" dugtong ng natatawang Lacaus.

"Mga ulol, manahimik kayo ha. Hindi lang kayo crinushback e," lait niya and gave them a middle finger.

"It's not like that," I told him, slightly laughing at the situation. I found it ridiculous. "Thank you for this. Uhm, isasama ko na lang siguro sa sinabawan?" I chuckled. "This is practical actually, I guess?"

"Gusto mo pala ng practical! Sana sinabi mo kaagad! Dinalhan sana kita ng isang sakong bigas!"

Natawa ako kasi naiimagine ko siyang naghahakot ng isang sakong bigas papuntang school. He looked so funny.

"Where did you get this?" I asked again as I walked towards my chair. Nakaharang kasi kami doon. Tapos nabibitter na naman mga kaklase ko lalong lalo na ang mga kaibigan kong napapakanta ng break up songs.

Nilapag ko ang mga bulaklak na dala ko saka bag pero iyong tanglad na bigay niya ay hindi ko binitawan.

Natatawa naman siyang sumunod sa akin. "Doon sa vegetable garden ni Ma'am Agregado!" he laughed. "Okay lang 'yan. Hindi niya 'yan makikita kung itago mo lang."

Napaawang ang labi ko saka nanlalaki ang matang tumingin sa kaniya. "Seryoso?!"

"Oo nga," tawa niya.

"Tangina ka talaga," hinampas ko iyon sa kaniya ulit. Hindi niya binawi ang sinabi niya! So hindi talaga siya nagjojoke?! Walang hiya! Ipapahamak niya pa ako!

"Bakit? Ang yabong pa ng tanglad niya do'n! Hindi niya 'yon mahahalata!" he defensed.

"Gahala," I warned him and raised my brows. Nameywang pa ako.

Ngumuso siya, pinipigilang ngumiti. "Joke lang, ito na talaga ang totoo," bawi niya saka binigyan ako ng paper bag gamit ang isa niyang kamay na kanina pa nakatago sa kaniyang likuran. Kaya ayokong maniwalang 'yon na ang ibibigay niya sa akin e.

"Since I know flowers and chocolates are not to your liking, I hope you'll be fond of this."

"Ano 'to?" I asked him, unable to see inside because it was sealed.

"Hmm, it's a poem and a music box," he smiled.

My mouth formed an 'o' and I got excited.

"Pero," he stopped me just as I was about to open it. He scratched his nape and looked away, his ears turning slightly crimson. "Basahin mo na lang sa susunod kapag wala na ako sa harap mo! Nakakahiya."

I laughed and nodded. "Okay." I looked forward to going home na tuloy to read it.

"Akin na yung tanglad, isasama ko pa 'yan sa sinabawan." Biglang bawi niya pero nilayo ko.

"Akala ko akin 'to?" Eto actually yung pinakapaborito ko sa lahat ng binigay niya.

Natawa siya, "Sige na nga. Pahigop na lang ng sabaw kapag naluto na."

I was excited to read the poem he gave me, but I forgot about it due to exhaustion. Inutusan kasi kami ni Sir na tumulong sa pagprepare ng stage at gym para sa prom namin bukas. Bagsak tuloy ako noong humiga sa kama.

Kinabukasan ay tanghali na ako nagising. The hairstylist and makeup artist were already there for me.

Nakaready na din ang susuotin ko. It's a red sparkly one-shoulder gown tapos sa ilalim feathers na. I'll partner it with my black stilettos tapos nakawaterfall braid lang ang buhok ko.

I add some accessories and minimal make up lang din ang pinapply ko kasi 'yon ang bagay sa akin.

I finished getting ready by 5 in the afternoon.The prom was set to start at 6 in the evening, so the timing was perfect.

My driver dropped me off in front of the gym. As I stepped out of the car, Manong informed me that he would pick me up again at midnight, which was the curfew set by my father. I said okay because that's already enough for me to have the fun I deserve.

May iba pa akong schoolmates na nakasalubong at nakaformal attire din as I walked closer to the entrance. Sa labas pa lang ng gym ay may pa ilaw na saka rinig na rinig na ang sound.

I pursed my lips when I saw Gahala standing outside, looking like he was waiting for someone. My heart skipped a beat when I saw what he was wearing. He was dressed in a red suit to match my gown, and his hair was styled differently than usual. He looked so refined, neat and just so...dreamy...like a prince charming.

He unexpectedly glanced in my direction and smiled. He walked closer, making me even more nervous. We met in the middle, and he stood confidently in front of me.

He stared at me for more than a minute, as if he was taking his time to appreciate my look. "Shet." He murmured. "You're so beautiful, pretty, gorgeous, stunning, lovely, breathtaking, radiant, captivating, angelic, divine, exquisite, ravishing, splendid, glamorous..."

I burst into laughter, "What?"

He chuckled as well, "In short, sobrang ganda mo."

I giggle, "Thank you. You as well, you look—"

"What?" taas niya ng kilay, hinahamon ako na tapatan yung ginawa niya.

“You look perfect for me tonight.” pag-eend ko sa hamon niya. Oh? May laban siya doon?

Suminghap siya sa sinabi ko saka napailing habang nakangiti. “Sige, lamang ka ng isang puntos sa akin ngayon." he said, which didn't fail to make me giggle.

"Should we go inside?" tanong niya saka inilahad niya ang kaniyang kamay.

Ngumiti ako sa kaniya saka tinanggap iyon. He guided me inside gently while helping me with my gown.

The inside looked different. All I could see were shades of red, with students in gowns or suits. Some were taking pictures, while others were simply discussing today's event.

"Oh, my God! Amara! So ganda! So pretty! So beautiful! I'm so happy na hindi ka na neneng ngayon!
" Kala shrieked after seeing me.

"Mas lamang pa rin ang sinabi ko," competitive na bulong ni Gahala sa akin, pertaining sa puri niya kanina sa akin.

Napailing na lang ako saka nakipag-usap kay Kala. She looks beautiful and elegant in her gown too, just like Dolly and Vien who are with their partners.

We chatted on the side while Gahala talked with the guys. We also took some photos for remembrance, at game na game naman ang mga kaklase ko.

The program started, and soon it was time for dinner. We headed to our designated table after getting our food.

"Isasayaw ko lahat ng babae nating kaklase," Gahala informed me while we are in the middle of eating.

Nilunok ko ang nginunguya ko saka tahimik na tumango. "Pati si Lousia?" I can't helped but asked.

Napatigil siya sa pagsubo sana saka tumingin sa akin ng may nakakalokong ngiti. "Oo. Bakit? Selos ka?"

Inirapan ko lang siya at hindi sumagot kasi totoo namang selos ako do'n. May gusto kasi sa kaniya pero hindi naman ako threatened.

"Gusto mo hindi ko siya isayaw?" he asked after seeing my reaction.

I shook my head. "Huwag na. Isayaw mo na siya. Kawawa naman. Baka walang mag-aya sa kaniya." I snorted that made him laugh.

"Nagiging pangit ang ugali mo Teixiera kapag nagseselos!" he said while laughing and pinched my cheeks but I glared at him. Itinaas niya tuloy ang dalawang kamay na parang sumusuko.

Napakunot ang noo ko, "Hindi naman ako nagseselos. Nagsasabi lang ako ng totoo."

"Sige, kunwari nakalusot ka," he chuckles, and turned serious. "I'll dance with the girls. You can dance with your guys too," nguso niya.

"Selos ka?" balik tanong ko sa kaniya saka kinuha ang baso kong may lamang wine. Wine pwede sa handa pero alak hindi.

"Yeah, but I wanted you to enjoy the prom," he smiled. "Pero ako dapat first saka last dance mo ha!"

Nagpatunaw lang kami ng kain bago kami nakisali sa mga sumasayaw. Napabusangot ako nang matapos na ang isang kanta kasi ibig sabihin no'n isasayaw niya na ang ibang babae.

He laughed a little, "Balikan kita mamaya."

I just nodded and watched him walked away. Nilapitan niya ang unang babaeng kaklase namin na nakita niya.

He danced with all of our classmates. Naparolyo na lang ako ng mata nang makita ang pinaggagawa ng tatlo kong kaibigan lalo na ni Vien! Hindi ko mapigilang tumayo sa aking kinauupuan at hinigit siya kay Gahala papalayo!

Tawang-tawa naman ang lalaki sa ginawa ko tapos ang bruha inaway pa ako!

"Napakadamot mo, Ayel! Humilig lang ako sa dibdib e!" busangot niya saka naupo sa aking tabi.

Sabay atang sumama ang mukha namin nang si Louisa na ang sinaway ni Gahala.

"Feel na feel naman ng gaga, namumula pa nga." Lait ng isa. Parang siya hindi niya nilandian kanina a!

I just stayed silent kasi malaki naman tiwala ko kay Gahala pero nagproprotesta pa rin ako sa kaloob-looban ko.

I appreciated what he did though. Yung iba kasi naming kaklasing babae ay walang partner. Siguro para hindi naman sumama ang loob nila and maybe he just wanted to complete their teenage years.

May nag-aya ding iba sa akin at dalawa lang pinagbigyan ko kasi wala akong ibang magawa. Bored na bored na ako sa mesa. Ayokong mapagod masyado kasi alam kong isasayaw ulit ako ni Gahala.

Sa tagal ng paghihintay ko, napatingala na lang ako nang nilahad niya ulit ang kamay niya sa harapan ko.

"Sayaw?" he asked with a slight smile on his lips, despite looking tired after dancing with all the girls.

I smiled back and offered him my hand. He guided me to the center.

We moved slowly to the rhythm, silently communicating with each other. I stared at him intently, lost in thought.

All of my firsts were with him. He was my first crush, the first person I liked. He's my first dance too, my partner in this prom and I just hope, he's also going to be my last.

"Gahala,"

"Hmm?" he whispered gently.

Napalunok ako. Nahihiya akong tanungin pero gusto ko kasing malinaw kung anong meron kami.

"Nanliligaw ka ba ulit sa akin?"

Tinitigan niya muna ako ng ilang segundo bago natawa ng kaunti. Umiling siya. "Hindi."

Something twist inside me. So, hindi niya ako nililigawan?

I gulped and got nervous. Pakiramdam ko nalawalan ako ng kapit sa kaniya dahil sa sinabi niya. I can't helped but be hurt because of it. So anong meron kami? Wala?

"Anong iniisip mo?" he asked curiously after seeing my reaction.

"I like you, Gahala." I just suddenly blurted out.

I do not want to confess this way but I want him to hold on to me even tighter kaya ko nasabi iyon.

Kinabahan ako nang tumigil kami sa pagsayaw. Tinitigan niya ako ng ilang segundo ng hindi kumukurap.

Nagkamot siya ng batok saka napatingala na parang nagpapaisip. "May sinabi ka ba, Amara?" natatangang sabi niya saka kinalikot ang kaniyang tenga. "Naglinis naman ako ng tenga kanina, kung ano-ano ang naririnig ko ngayon. Siguro dahil sa ingay ng sound."

Mas lalo akong namula. Should I repeat it? Shit. Mas lalong nakakahiya iyon! So hahayaan ko na lang napaniwalaan niyang iba ang narinig niya?

Iniling niya ang ulo, "Wala iyon, Amara. Kung ano-ano lang naririnig ko ngayon. Tara, sayaw ulit."

I gulped and tiptoe to kiss him on his cheeks. "Dumbass. I said I like you!" I confessed in his ears. I groaned in embarrassment as people around us who saw what I did, cheered and whistled. Pakiramdam ko sobrang namumula na ako!

Gahala was stunned in place, his lips slightly parted. His eyes widened as he looked at me in disbelief. Mas lalo akong nahiya dahil sa reaksiyon niya.

"Huh? Anong sinabi mo? Namimingi ba ako?" natatawang sambit niya. "Wait teka," he gestured a stop sign and covered his mouth. Napatingin siya sa ilalim saka napaisip. Maya-maya pa'y natawa siya saka napahilamos ng mukha. Namumula ang kaniyang tainga at napakagat labi. May ngiting abot matang tumingin siya sa akin, "Weh? Totoo ba 'yon? Gusto mo din ako?"

"Hindi ba halata?"

"Halata. Ayaw mo lang sabihin sa akin." Ani niya. "And I respected that because I know you're not ready. But hearing it from you...shit. Parang natunaw puso ko, no lies." Masayang ani niya. Hindi na nga kita ang mata niya sa sobrang lapad ng ngiti.

Hindi ko rin tuloy mapigilang mapangiti, nahahawa sa kaniya. "I like you." Ulit ko to see his reaction again.

"Ugh," nakangiting igik niya na parang nasasaktan saka napahawak sa dibdib niya.

"OA mo!" tawa ko.

"Hindi 'no. Sobrang saya ng puso ko to the point na masakit! I do not even know that I am capable of feeling this way not until you came." Depensa niya. "Mas ginanahan tuloy akong intayin ka kahit ilang taon o dekada pa 'yan! Kaya take your time, Amara. I'm not rushing."

"Sabi mo kanina hindi mo na ako nililigawan!" reklamo ko matapos marinig ang sinasabi niya.

Napahalakhak siya na para bang inaasahan niya nang magrereklamo ako sa kaniya tungkol doon. "Hinihintay kita, Amara. Hindi nililigawan," he corrected.

"Sabi mo, bawal pa ngayon kasi baka distraction, hindi ba?" he asked and I nodded. "Then, I'll wait for the day when you feel like I'm not a distraction nor a hindrance to you anymore," he smiled. "Please accept me when that day comes," he pleaded.

I bit my lower lip and smiled. His words made me feel at peace.

"Friends muna tayo ngayon, na medyo naglalandian gano'n. " Tawa niya. "But I assure you that I'll be loyal to you." He added. "I like you," he seriously whispered, begging for a reply.

"I like you too," I uttered with a fast-beating heart. It made him smile and blush.

"Tama na nga, kinilikig ako," he said and I laughed so hard kasi ako din. Sobrang kinikilig ako.

The night ended peacefully for both of us. We danced to the music and laughed together. Parehong grade 12 ang naging king and queen ng prom pero wala naman kaming pakialam doon.

Hinatid ako ni Gahala sa parking lot nang mag 12 na. Sinamahan niya din akong magbantay ng aking sundo. He just kept humming and I just stayed silent at his side, enjoying the calm night with him.

"Ayan na ata sundo ko," I said nang tumigil ang pamilyar na sasakyan namin sa hindi kalayuan.

Nagwait sign ako doon kay Kuya na binusinahan ako saka tumingin ulit kay Gahala. He looked at our driver for seconds before bending down.

"Bye," he whispered and my breathing stopped when he suddenly stole a kiss in my cheeks. I felt like something explode deep inside me.

I could hear his laugh while running away. "Salamat sa halik, Tiexiera!" ngisi niya habang kinakaway ang kamay.

My face turned red as my heart raced. Damn. That guy. I couldn't help but touch my cheek. It was hot from blushing.

Tapos nagustuhan ko pa talaga! Ugh.

Napatingin ako kay Kuyang driver. Buti na lang hindi nakatingin sa amin! That idiot! He's so sneaky!

Abot tainga tuloy ang ngisi ko pag-uwi sa bahay. Tulog na ang lahat nang makarating ako pero wala namang problema. Hindi ko pa maalis-alis ang ngiti ko habang naglilinis ng katawan.

I hummed as I walked out of my bathroom. I was about to fall asleep when I remembered Gahala's Valentine's gift!

Napabalikwas ako ng bangon at kinuha iyon sa aking bag. Pinatunog ko muna ang music box and the music was so calming! Bigla nga akong inantok ulit but J can't wait another day to read his poem.

Binuksan ko ang paper and my heart fluttered upon seeing his neat handwriting. I wonder how many times he had written this and how many papers he had crumpled.

Just knowing that I am the muse of his poem makes me feel so special

To the girl whom I like,

I always remember you every time I make coffee in the morning.
For your eyes are so brown, and I always find myself staring.
I can always see myself in the mirrors of your iris,
As if I'm looking at a constellation of daisies.

Your stares were hot and calm like a ray of sunshine in a bright summer,
But it's also sending me chills, like a cold that's hugging me every December.
Every time I look at you, it's throwing me on the surface of paradoxes,
But one thing's for sure, everything was a blur and you're the clearest.

I was amazed at how your laughs could send me into the cosmic abyss,
Or how your smiles can't be compared through similes.
How the smell of vanillas and strawberry lingers in my nose every time you walked passed by,
Or how your voice makes me remember my Mother's lullaby.

I also noticed how you love poems and proses,
You will pick love letters more than chocolates and red roses.
I

adored how your fingers delved into pages of every book,
It's always leaving me addicted, leaving me so hooked.

I wanted to know you inch by inch and open the profound locked doors,
I want to encode all the meaning behind your logic and metaphors.
I would like to write my part and leave traces in your book but ... I have a question,
Will you allow me to have a cascading chance, my constellation?

Begging for an answer,
GJS