"Akala ko talaga joyride lang tayo? Hoy, Uno!"

Uno chuckled boyishly as the engine of the Civic died. "Surprise?" aniya, tinaasan ako ng isang kilay.

Mahina kong hinampas ang braso niya mula sa passenger's seat. "'Kainis ka, ah!" himutok ko na nauwi sa pagnguso.

Nakangiti pa rin siya nang napatingin sa nguso ko. My lips were protruded not in any negative intention, but out of pure bliss. My heart was warm, contrary to the temperature in this mesmerizing place.

"I just feel like you belong here and that this would comfort you..."

He looked at the scenery in front of us, quickly spreading out his hands as if presenting the view before he gripped on the steering wheel again.

Sinundan ko ang tinanaw niya at halos maluha-luha. I had been here of course. Being here didn't make me almost teary-eyed. It was... Uno's initiative that moved me to the core.

La Trinidad, Benguet. Strawberry Farm, to be specific.

Noong nasa siyudad pa kami, inakala ko talaga na joyride lang ito. Pero noong tungong Baguio na, nakatunog na ako. I was just able to react when we were already in front of the farm because it just sunk in.

Napakamot siya bigla sa sentido habang nakatanaw sa labas. "Hey, I'm actually not sure about the schedule here. I guess we have to hurry?"

I checked the time on his watch. "Hapon na. 'Di naman sa yearly ako rito kaya nalimutan ko na. Pero tara, let's see!"

"I drove really fast," he noted, then he sighed. "Hope it did help."

"Teka, you know the way here?" napatanong ako.

Inginuso niya ang cellphone kung saan nakabukas ang isang navigating app. "Mommy doesn't let me drive alone especially if it's far like this. Kaya ito na siguro pinakamalayong drive ko. My first time."

Napasinghap ako. "Baka mapagalitan ka? Hala, Uno, hindi mo naman kailangang—"

"Nagpaalam naman ako," he interrupted me. "I told her I'm with you. Pumayag naman." He shrugged and from the view in front, he casted a glance at me. "Gusto ka nila."

I puckered up. Sa tingin ko, ako kasi ang unang ipinakilala raw ni Uno kaya siguro ganoon. Maybe they were just curious... or I was just likable. Huh. Go, flatter yourself, Rivi.

Pagkakaalam ko, harvest season ngayon ng strawberries kaya mas nasabik akong lumabas ng sasakyan. Uno immediately hopped off after me. I was even almost leaving him behind. I wasn't sure about the schedule for strawberry picking. Dahil malakas ang kutob ko, hinila ko na agad si Uno nang bakas ang excitement sa pagmamadali ko.

"Alright, alright!" si Uno na natatawa habang kinakaladkad ko.

The side vendors instantly attracted me and my sense of taste, but I headed straight to the farm first. Iyon at matatapos na pala ang oras ng pamimitas. Buti at nakaabot kami kahit papaano. Many were selling strawberries within the area, but it was the experience I was after.

I was excited for Uno to try it because judging by my instincts, he hadn't tried it before. O baka nasubukan niya na, kaso hindi niya lang na-appreciate. I wanted him to truly enjoy the activity with me for this once.

Nakapaghanda na kami at pasulong na sana ako sa field nang may tumaklob na bagay sa ibabaw ng ulo ko. I recognized it as a ball cap. Nasundan ng tumaklob na varsity jacket sa likod ko na nagmistulang kapa ko.

I looked at Uno in complete awe.

Nabigla ako na may suot din siyang sariling cap at pullover long sleeves. Sobrang excited ko ba na hindi ko napansing nakapagbitbit siya ng mga ganito? And he didn't plan this get away ahead of time to be this prepared, right?

"The sun's still peeking at this hour," he explained, looking up to his best with the corners of his eyes crinkling due to the glaring sunrays.

"Thank you," malambing na sagot ko.

He looked at me and pasted a smile on his lips. "No problem. Buti nga may mga extra ako sa sasakyan. Medyo malaki jacket ko sa 'yo."

Napatungo ako at tiningnan ang varsity jacket. Hindi naman sa sobrang laki nito, pero matatawag nga ring oversized katulad ng hoodie jacket na ipinahiram niya sa akin dati.

I didn't find any reason to complain because the size was comfortable. Mabango nga rin. Hinigpitan ko na lang ang balot ng jacket sa akin nang nakangiti.

"I like it," aniko.

Mula sa jacket niyang suot ko, inangat niya ang paningin sa mga mata ko. "Let's go now, Strawbe-Rivi," aya niya bago maliit na ngumisi.

Strawbe-Rivi... Napahagikhik ako.

Idinaan ko sa singhap ang umapaw na tuwa at inangkla na lang ang kamay ko sa braso niya. It must be just me hallucinating when he stiffened, because there was no reason for him to. Hinila ko na lang siya nang tuluyan.

"Alam mo feeling ko, acts of service ang love language mo," I pointed out while we were finally picking fresh strawberries.

"Hm?"

"Yeah, I really think so," sagot ko sa sarili.

He was very thoughtful. He was the kind who would always notice when you were being uncomfortable and would do what he could to make you be.

Katulad na lang ngayon. Nakatuon siya sa pag-alalay sa akin kaya mas marami ang laman ng basket ko kaysa sa kaniya. So much for saying that I'd make him enjoy this experience.

I stashed the strawberries that I picked into his basket. I walked away immediately so he couldn't protest and transfer the fruits into mine. Knowing him, he'd definitely do that.

Pagkatapos namin sa pamimitas, kumain kami ng strawberry flavor na ice cream. Although it was a bit pricey for its kind, it was still a must try here. Ilang beses ko na nga nasubukan sa tuwing bumibisita. So... not only must try, but must repeat.

Pinapalaman ko iyong ice cream ko sa bread habang sa cone naman ang ginusto ni Uno.

"Uno, eh!" I grunted like a child when he dabbed his ice cream on my nose. I didn't need a mirror to picture out how instead of red-nosed like Rudolph's, I was pink-nosed.

Uno chuckled victoriously. Napasimangot ako nang nanunulis ang nguso. I wasn't on the level of being annoyed, but I just didn't want the sticky feeling it could give me once it melted.

"Magpapa-picture na nga ako sa giant strawberry, eh," dagdag maktol ko.

Humupa ang tawa niya, pero alam kong pinipigilan niya lang. Natatawa rin tuloy ako kaso pinigil ko kasi baka ulitin niyang dampian ulit ako.

"You have wipes, right? Akin na."

I drew it out from my bag and handed him. Kumuha siya ng isa tapos pinunasan niya ang ilong ko habang pinanatili ko ang simangot at pagnguso ko.

I thought he was already done teasing me when he seriously cleaned my nose. Pero pinisil niya ang ilong ko tila nanggigil tapos tumawa ulit. Mahina ko siyang pinalo sa braso, inagaw ang wipes, at ibinalik sa bag.

Inubos namin ang kinakain tapos ay hinila ko na siya sa malaking strawberry na madalas background ng tourists dito.

"Sayang, hindi tayo nakapag-outfit..."

"Biglaan naman kasi. Mas natutuloy talaga kapag hindi pinlano." Maliit siyang ngumisi. "Go on, strike a pose."

Sinunod ko naman siya bilang photographer ko. My poses were effortless because I wasn't in the mood to appear like a Pinterest girl given my school attire and a varsity jacket. This would perhaps only be one of my Instagram stories.

Bahala na kapag may sermon si Ahia. Pero! Puwede rin naman kasing i-hide ko sa kaniya. Gawain ko naman na iyon dati lalo na sa sweet pictures namin ni Zeo. He assured me that I wouldn't have to hide from him, yes, pero nakakailang lang talaga minsan.

"Hey, wait." Naramdaman ko ang kapit ni Uno nang lumayo na ako kasi tapos na akong magpakuha. I faced him questioningly. "Let's take a selfie," he added.

My lips broke into a huge smile. "Okay, fan! Autograph din ba?"

He grinned. "Yes, please," sakay niya pa.

Kumuha nga kami ng tatlong selfies na siya ang may hawak ng cellphone. Nakangiti sa una, wacky sa pangalawa, at emotionless naman sa pangatlo kasi wala na kaming maisip na gawin sa mukha namin.

Pagkatingin ko sa tatlong kuha, hindi ko na lang ipinahalata na guwapong-guwapo ako sa kaniya. Nakakainis, ang guwapo! Kaso ayaw naman magpakuha ng shot kahit inaalok ko!

"AirDrop later," I reminded him. He insisted that we use his cellphone.

"Yup. Sure."

Hinila ko naman siya sa mga nagtitinda sa tabi.

Wala talaga akong nakita na strawberry taho. But when I opened up about it, he told me he had already tasted it. Mabuti na lang. Inisip ko na rin kasi na nakakain naman kami niyong ice cream. I was just so eager to make his experience with me to be great.

It was already late afternoon when we packed up from the strawberry farm. Bilang dalawa pala kaming ilang beses na ring nakatapak sa Baguio, nagdesisyon kaming huwag nang bisitahin ang mga tourist spots at top attractions.

Hindi sa nakakaumay ang mga ito. Pinili lang talaga namin na mas pagtuonan sa ngayon ang city proper at ang session road kaya ito na rin ang joyride na inakala ko noong una.

Sinusunod lang ni Uno ang ruta sa mapa nang naisipan ko nang i-publish sa online story ko ang naka-collage na solo picture ko at selfie naming dalawa. I also included a location sticker that revealed where we were.

Pagkatapos ay dumiretso agad ako ng video call kay Mommy, natatarantang inunahan na may mag-alburoto—natatarantang inunahan si Ahia.

"Mommy, nasa Baguio ako," I said frankly.

"Huh?!"

"Nasa Baguio po ako."

"Huh?!"

I sighed heavily. "I'm with a trusted friend, Mommy..." Humina ang boses ko nang maalala na lalaki ang tinutukoy ko.

"Huh?!"

"Mommy..." masuyo ko nang tawag.

"Patingin sino'ng kasama mo?"

Kinabahan naman ako at nag-atubili na ipakita si Uno. Siyempre, iba agad ang maiisip ng parents ko kung lalaki ang kasama ko. Sinasabihan ko naman sila sa tuwing may boyfriend ako at kilala rin nila si Lizeo.

Eh, kaso... kaibigan ko lang naman kasi si Uno.

"Show me, Vi," I heard Uno whisper from the driver's seat amid my internal dilemma.

Sobrang hina lang ng boses niya na mukhang hindi naman narinig ni Mommy. But the tension in me doubled at the sight of Daddy also appearing in the frame. Hindi naman sila mahigpit na tatlo sa akin, kaso naiintindihan ko rin ang reaksyon nila ngayon.

"Show me. Paninindigan kita," bulong uli ni Uno, mahinang natawa sa sarili pagkatapos.

Nilingon ko na siya na nakatingin lang naman sa daan habang maingat na nagmamaneho. He tossed me a quick side glance in between his cautious driving yet that already assured me.

I looked back at the screen where Mommy and Daddy's eyebrows were furrowed as they waited. I wouldn't say there was patience even though they were silent, because their facial expressions were unsettling for me.

Kaya itinapat ko na kay Uno ang camera.

Laking gulat ko nga lang nang mabagal na huminto ang sasakyan sa gilid ng daan, tila ba naghanda talaga si Uno na ibigay ang buong atensiyon niya. 

He cleared his throat as he adjusted on his seat. He took my cellphone from my hand even if I did not tell him to, then he brushed his hair up through his fingers. Ipinatong niya ang braso sa manibela at hinarap ang parents ko.

"Hello, Ma'am and Sir," magalang niyang bati.

I could tell. Mommy was stunned even if her expression did not come to a shift. Lihim akong napangiti. Yeah, Mommy, ang guwapo nga.

I groaned in realization. Iyong huli kasing sobrang naguwapuhan ako, matagal na rin. It's Zeo which was understandable because he was my boyfriend. Kaya siyempre.

Ngayon lang uli ako naguwapuhan nang ganito. Si Uno. Aaminin ko na mas guwapo siya kay Zeo. Not that I was being bitter. I just couldn't turn a blind eye to the truth.

Saka ewan ko rin kung bakit sa bawat paglipas ng mga araw, gumuguwapo siya lalo sa paningin ko. Admittedly, I noticed it the first time we met since it was hard to miss. But I intensely appreciate it nowadays.

I was taken aback by my cheeks heating on their own. Mabuti na lang at sumagot na si Mommy kaya napukaw muli ang atensiyon ko.

"Oh, hello naman. But wait, nasa'n na si Rivithymia?"

Ihaharap sana ni Uno sa akin ang screen kaso sumingit na si Daddy na tunog strict kahit alam kong hindi naman siya ganoon. Maybe he was plastering a façade because he didn't know the guy I was with yet.

"So, you brought my daughter to Baguio? Ikaw ang kasama n'ya ngayon?"

"Actually, yes, Sir... I, uh, apologize for the lack of notice. I am Juno Jupiter Zorca, Sir. Rivi and I attend the same school."

"Can I expect to personally meet you when you send my daughter back home?"

"Sure, Sir. I really mean to do that even... yeah... before you said it."

"Then walk the talk, Zorca."

"Makakaasa po kayo, Sir. I'm sorry again."

"Rivi, nasa'n ka na?" Mommy intervened.

Kinuha ko ang cellphone kay Uno. Pinaalalahanan lang ako ng parents ko na mag-ingat at umuwi nang ligtas. Nagulat nga ako na sa bahay ako pinauwi kahit dapat sa dorm lang ako dahil weekdays naman.

"Let's drop by the SM?" alok ni Uno nang natapos na ang video call. "May gusto ka bang bilhin sa mall? Something? Anything?"

Napaisip ako saglit. "Wala... naman? But I'd like to go."

He nodded. "Alright."

Sa mabilis na biyahe namin tungong SM Baguio, nagdesisyon kami ni Uno na roon kumain. Iyon na nga ang naisipan naming gawin agad sa mall at hindi na nag-ikot-ikot.

Because of my cravings, we ended up in the Pancake House. Its menu just popped in my head while we were deciding where to eat. I wanted to dine there in which Uno agreed on.

"Nag-crave din tuloy ako sa SiLog house na kinakainan n'yo ng mga friends mo."

"Natin," he corrected me. "Gusto mo do'n tayo breakfast bukas..."

"Parang gusto ko na ngayon mismo kumain do'n," sabi ko at napabungisngis. "Pansit yata una kong natikman?"

I was caught off guard when while I was attempting to taste my spaghetti, Uno anchored his arms on mine without replying to my statements. Pinili kasi naming magtabi kaya madali siyang nakakapit.

"B-bakit?" gulat kong sambit.

I eyed the stack of his pancakes and they were unmoved yet. Napatingin na lamang ulit ako sa kaniya na sumiksik talaga sa tabi ko. Para siyang nangka-cuddle habang nakaupo.

"It's cold," he whispered.

Natahimik ako saglit bago natawa. "Pullover na suot mo niyan, ha!" asar ko.

I heard him groan as he leaned his head against my shoulder. Nakakatawa nga kasi mas matangkad siya kaya mas mababa ang balikat ko.

"It's cold, Vi. Kanina pa ako nilalamig."

"Lamigin ka?" tanong ko na may halong panunukso. Napansin ko na nga kanina na hindi siya komportable sa temperatura.

"Medyo," inamin niya nang hindi nag-aangat ng tingin. Pero duda ako na 'medyo' lang.

Sinusubukan ko siyang tingnan kahit imposible dahil nakasandal at nakayakap siya sa isang braso ko. Hindi naman ako lugi... Kasi sa bango ni Uno, ayos lang ang dumikit ang amoy niya sa akin. Kaso lang naalala kong kaniya rin ang suot kong varsity jacket.

"Hay nako, ang baby mo," I teased again. Nawili na akong asarin siya. Saka totoo naman din na ang baby ng itsura niya ngayon kung makasiksik!

"Yeah... Oo. Baby ako ako sa bahay. Baby ako ni Mommy at ni Ate Ka."

Magkokomento sana ako nang napigilan ng sunod niyang sinabi.

"Kaya dapat baby mo rin ako."

Hindi ako nakapagsalita noong una sa pagkabigla. He saved us from the dead air when he cleared his throat as he detached from me to take a proper seat.

"Joke lang," he took it back with a chuckle. "Kain na," dagdag niya, nginuso ang pagkain ko at ngumiti.