❝  NATANAW, SA MULI ❞

20

A/N: Before reading this chap. Please read the note from the previous chapter since may mga magbabago. I'm planning to revise some parts of S&C based on their strands, so expect some students na mahihiwalay ng section/set because of their chosen strands. 

"Naninibago ako."

Bulong ng mga estudyante, and it's the first few days of their class. Tapos na ang bakasyon, at pasukan nanaman. Parang kailan lang ang kanilang moving up ceremony patungong grade twelve. May mga naghiwalay na students dahil nag iba ang sets nila.

May mga naghiwalay din dahil lumipat na ang iba.

"Sanzu, seryoso ka na talaga sa desisyon mo?" Dramang pag iyak ni Rindou sa gilid ng classroom habang ka-call si Sanzu, dahil lumipat na ito ng school.

"P're, tangina mo, miss ka na namin. Yuck. Pero oo." Dagdag pa ni Rindou.

"Palagi naman akong pupunta diyan." Sagot ni Sanzu. "Dala pa 'ko isang kaban ng red horse, e."

"Wala akong maasar dito, o." Iyak pa ni Rindou.

"Dalawin niyo rin kasi ako sa Ateneo minsan." Banggit ni Sanzu.

"Oo. Gusto mo pagtapos ng klase namin, e. Bakit ka nga ba sa Ateneo nilipat?" Tanong ni Rindou.

"Dad said so. Plus dito na 'ko magc-college. Para na rin diretso na raw." Sabi ni Sanzu.

"Manahimik nga kayo. Mukha kayong LDR na magjowa na naghiwalay kasi 'yung isa nasa abroad." Komento ni Akane sa gilid.

"Ba't ba kita naging seatmate. Malas siguro ako this school year." Pagsusungit ni Rindou. "Teka, saan si kuya?"

"Akala ko ba same set kayo?" Tanong ni Sanzu.

"Oo, pero hindi makapali. Palaging lumalabas ng classroom." Sabi ni Rindou.

"Naghahanap lang siguro 'yun ng smoking area. Bago classroom niyo, 'di ba?" Tawa ni Sanzu.

"Yeah."

"Teka nga, hanapin ko si kuya." Banggit ni Rindou nang lumabas ng classroom, at saktong hindi pa naman nagsisimula nag klase.

Sa fourth floor, ay nandoon si Ran na para bang may hinahanap sa mga kabilang rooms. May mga nakakausap din ito at marami parin ang mga kaibigan, but he casually got laid-back on social media. Most of his accounts are deactivated by now.

Lumingon naman ang mga STEM students nang pumasok si Ran sa classroom nila.

"Retsam! Miss ka namin, tang ina!" Sigaw nina Jonathan. "Never pa tayo naging magkaklase, ah. Palagi magkahiwalay section."

"Ginagawa mo rito? Lipat strand na be?" Sabi ni Hakkai.

"Hakkai, may I ask you about something sa labas ng classroom?" Tanong ni Ran.

"Gora lang," tumayo naman si Hakkai at lumabas kasama si Ran. "Ano ba 'yon? Aamin ka na? Char."

Ran furrowed his brows and snorted. "No, iba tatanong ko."

"Ano nga 'yon?"

"Ano kasi, uh."

"Ano?"

"Where's (Y/N)?" Ran asked. 

She's not in Ran's set.

She's not in the same strand as him.

He can't find her in any classrooms.

"Hindi mo alam?" Nagtaka nang saglit si Hakkai. "Ano ka ba! Late ka na!"

"What do you mean?"

"Wala na siya rito. Lumipat na siya."

Ran felt speechless for a moment, his chest tightening as he just pursued his lips and nodded. Kaya pala. 

Sa classroom naman na 'to, ay ang mga STEM students.

Kasali na rin dito sina Mitsuya, Kakucho, Koko, (Y/N) Ashanti, at iba pang mga babanggitin na pangalan. Magkasama sila sa isang set, kaya't naman naging magk-klase ang mga ito.

"Miss ko na agad ang aking mga sugar plum baby boo," sabi ni Hakkai sa gilid. Ayun, nahiwalay siya sa mga kaibigan niya. Sina Akane at Yuzuha ay nasa ibang set. Sina (Y/N) at Yumi naman ay lumipat ng ibang school, ngunit hindi lang school ang nilipatan ni Yumi, pati na rin bansa.

"Where are you?" Mitsuya asked while on a call with his girlfriend.

"Naulanan ako!" Sigaw naman ni (Y/N) sa call habang hinihintay ang kanyang Grab. "Shutanginang ulan 'yan! Sumabay sa klase!"

Mitsuya sighed. "Where are you? I'll drive you to school. The class is starting."

"Nandito, nags-swimming sa baha. Char, hinihintay parin Grab! Ang tagal! Huhu!"

"OMG! Si Ashanti nakshit ba 'yan?" Narinig naman ni Hakkai ito dahil saktong magkatabi pa talaga sila ni Mitsuya.

"HI MAMSHIT!" Sigaw ni (Y/N) Ashanti, making Mitsuya wince, and remove the phone from his ear.

"HI NAKSHIT! Nasan ka na?!" Sigaw naman ni Hakkai sa kabilang tainga ni Mitsuya.

Another thing... Naka-upo si Mitsuya between Hakkai and (Y/N) sa classroom. First day of classes nung isang araw? Halos marindi si Mitsuya dahil magkabilang tainga, dalawang megaphone ang nagsasalita.

"Okay, nandito na 'yung Grab," sabi ni (Y/N) Ashanti. "Bye bye! See you, mwa!"

Mitsuya lightly smiled as he turned his phone off. What a tease.

"Baji, tang ina mo!" Sigaw ni Hanma nang pumasok din sa classroom ng STEM students. "Nasan na 'yung ballpen mong hiniram sa 'kin nung grade 11?"

"Ano bayan. May puro pasok nang pasok. Mahal yata nila classroom natin." Bulong nila.

"Asa ka. Parang inamag nga classroom niyo eh." Sagot ni Hanma.

"Tangina ka rin, 'noh?" Mura ni Baji nang inabot ang ballpen kay Hanma. Baji is in the STEM strand. Chifuyu in ABM, and Hanma in GAS.

"Uyy, nandito rin pala si Mikey Padilla. Nuks." Asar ni Hanma kay Mikey na mapayapang kumakain sa gilid habang balot ng jacket.

"Dito nga muna ako," sabi ni Hanma. "Bulok mga kaklase ko ro'n."

"Pag dumating teacher, lagot ka." Bulong ni Baji. "Sakit sa ulo eh."

Agad bumalik si Ran sa kanyang classroom, ngunit bago ito makapunta, dadaanan niya muna ang ilang mga classrooms sa corridor dahil nasa ibang floor pa ang room nila.

Hindi na napansin ang dinadaanan ni Ran dahil nakayuko ito habang suot ang hoodie, at nakalagay ang dalawang kamay sa harapang bulsa, kaya't naman may nakabangga itong tao at natumba sa sahig ang kaniyang naka-salubungan.

"Ah, sorry, sorry, rushing–!" Isang pamilyar na boses ang narinig ni Ran. He looked down, offering his hand to the person who fell on the floor.

"Ran?" Helian's eyes widened with a spark as she saw who was in front of her.

Ran's brows furrowed, his eyes narrowing as he examined the person. Really giving her the death stare.

"Thank you! I've heard na ABM ka. Sayang, I'm STEM eh-!" Inabot ni Helian ang kamay ni Ran, but he quickly retracted his hand away.

"Huh?" Helian began to get confused by his sudden act.

"Helian, right?" Ran raised a brow.

"Uhm, yes. Helian. Common. Haha. Though it's not my first name, so you can call me–"

"Stop your bullshit with my mom." Ran spoke, cutting her off mid-sentence.

"Wait, what? Omit Tita here. She's sweet and caring." Helian retorted as she stood up from the floor and grabbed her things that fell out of her bag.

"You don't have a mother? Why fuss my mom? Out of all the mothers?"

Helian was a bit taken aback by Ran's words. Feeling speechless, she swallowed a lump in her throat and listened to Ran's furious words.

"You ruined, a lot. Remember that." Ran told, then walked away, leaving her in the hallway.

"O? Sa'n ka galing?"

Tanong ni Rindou pagkabalik ni Ran sa kanilang classroom. Halata sa expression ni Ran na bad trip nanaman ito.

"Don't tell me nakipagsuntukan ka," Rindou scoffed. Sanay na kapatid.

Ran just sat on his chair and sighed. "No. Childish."

"By the way. Ka-call ko si Sanzu. 'Yung nang-iwan sa 'tin. Ehem." Pagpaparinig pa ni Rindou nang hinarap ang phone kay Ran.

"Miss na kita, dude. Pa-kiss nga." Biro ni Sanzu.

"Dude, fuck off." Ran rolled his eyes and buried himself in his hoodie habang naka-manspread sa kanyang upuan at naka-sandal.

"Musta parin ABM strand pala? 'Di ka na nagbagong isip, ah." Tanong ni Sanzu.

Yes, the Haitani brothers had chosen ABM.

Though honestly, STEM is and will always be their desired strand.

"Wala, e." Ran just faked a laugh. "Need to take business management. Kailangan."

"Sumunod nalang din ako kay kuya." Sagot ni Rindou. Halata naman na kahit saan, ayaw niyang humiwalay sa kapatid niya.

Pagkatapos ng ilang segundo, tumahimik nanaman si Ran, at napansin ito ng dalawa, pati na rin si Sanzu kahit nasa call lang ito.

"Nags-senti ba?" Tanong ni Sanzu kay Rindou sa call.

"Uy, pst," tapik ni Rindou kay Ran. "Problema?"

"O?" sagot ni Ran.

"Malamang sa malamang. Nanghihinayang 'yang sa strand." Sabi ni Sanzu. "Shift ka nalang sa college."

"Too complicated. And even if I can, I couldn't." Ran answered.

"Sayang naman. Basta dito rin kayo sa college, ah? Sabihan niyo rin sina Koko at Kakucho. Nahiwalay ng sets, 'noh?"

"Oo," sagot ni Rindou. Koko and Kakucho are both in STEM.

"Pa-sanaol nalang kayong dalawa." Sanzu muttered.

"Sa tingin niyo, can I still pursue UAAP?" Ran genuinely asked the two.

"Oo naman. Bro, you already have influence sa high school palang. Although, saan mo ba plano simulan UAAP?" Tanong ni Sanzu.

"Ewan," Ran shrugged.

"Ah, oo nga pala. I forgot to say. About kay (Y/N)." Biglang banggit ni Sanzu, and Ran's ears perked up by the name.

"What?" Ran eagerly asked. After months of not talking to her, he felt another scintilla of hope just by hearing her name.

"Ateneo rin siya lumipat."

Ran's eyes widened, and hearing information about her felt so new again.

"Kahapon ko lang siya nakita. Same strand, pero different set."

"May training ka ngayon?"

 

Tanong ni Rindou kay Ran habang naglalakad sa hallway. One month and a half, almost two months na sila sa kanilang grade twelve year, kaya't nasasanay na rin sila. Tuloy pa rin ang takbo ng basketball team ni Ran, at sinusulit na niya ang natitirang months.

"Oo, kanina ko pa hinahanap si Kaku. Ma-lelate na kami sa training." Ran said in agitation.

Sakto nakita niya si Koko na pababa sa hagdan, kaya't agad naman itong tinawag ni Ran.

"Koko! Where's Kaku?" Ran asked, his voice echoing in the corridor.

"He told me he went to the library, but check him in the classroom, he said he'll be back," Koko said.

"Ah, okay. Thanks." Sagot ni Ran. "Ingat sa pag-uwi. Chat ka sa gc. Sabihin mo set kung kailan tayo pwede lumabas. Galang-gala na 'ko. Tangina."

"Wait, kuya, sa'n ulit classroom ng STEM?" Tanong ni Rindou.

"Aakyat pa tayo ng isang floor," Ran grunted. "Ma-lelate ako sa training nito, shit. Tawagan mo nga si Kakucho. Baka mamaya wala sa classroom." 

"Gago. 'Di ba na-confiscate phone ko. Bukas pa ibabalik. Haha..." Sagot ni Rindou.

"'Yan kasi. Kulit mo rin eh 'noh?" Sabi ni Ran, at nakarating na rin sila sa classroom nina Kaku.

Bubuksan na sana nila ang pintuan, ngunit naka-rinig sila na muffled na mga boses sa loob na para bang may nag-aaway, at tunog din ng iyak.

Out of curiosity, Rindou opened the door, and nagulat nalang ang magkapatid sa nakita nila.

Helian, in front of Kakucho, and it's like they're arguing about something. May tumutulong luha sa mga mata ni Helian, and her voice is hoarse as she's sobbing. Kakucho was spitting words to her na hindi na maintindihan nina Ran, basta ang alam nila na mukhang may nangyari sa dalawa. Parang away.

"Anong nangyari?" Tanong ni Ran at Rindou kay Kakucho.

"Tsk," Kakucho clicked his tongue, annoyingly. Then walked away, walking past Helian. He looks so pissed. Beyond pissed. Kakucho rarely gets mad. As a matter of fact, kahit ang F5, ay hindi pa nakikitang magalit si Kakucho nang ganito ka-seryoso. He has a patience of a saint.

Helian tried to stop her tears and sobs as she wipes them with her handkerchief. She looked at Ran in shame, then hung her head low and walked past them, also walking away.

"Huh?" Rindou and Ran look at each other, confused.

"Kailan pa nagka-kilala sina Kakucho pati 'yung babae na 'yun?" Tanong ni Rindou. "'Di ba 'yun 'yung kine-kwento ni mommy? 'Yung anak ng shareholder sa company niya?"

"I don't know." Ran furrowed his brows. He always encounters her in the weirdest circumstances. Who the hell is she?

"Tawagin ko si Kaku–" Rindou said, but piniglan ito ni Ran.

"Whatever happens between them, it stays hidden. 'Wag mo muna tanungin si Kaku tungkol diyan, but check up on him. I'll just tell Coach that he'll skip this training." Ran said.

The sudden behavior of Kakucho was foreign to his friends, especially kina Ran.

You're in your second-period class. Naninibago ka sa paligid mo. There are buildings to walk through. Different schedule. Different sets. Same strand, yet a different school. You'll admit it was a struggle to change schools between the two senior high school levels.

You followed the routine accordingly, though.

You barely made friends. You barely made interactions with other people, but it was fine for you. Though you'd admit, you miss the fun moments in your old school. Old classmates. Old events. Your old role.

Parang bumilis ang takbo ng oras, kaya't agad na ring nagbreak time. Nilibot mo muna ang campus bago dumiretso sa cafeteria.

"Uy, (Y/N)!" You heard someone calling your name, at lumingon ka naman to see Sanzu, surprisingly.

"Nandito ka rin pala?!" Gulat na sabi ni Sanzu. Kunwari ngayon ka palang nakita. Mukhang kailangang paganahin ang acting skills, ah, may sinusunod yata kay Ran.

"Ah, oo," you replied. Same strand din kayo ni Sanzu.

"Musta HUMSS?" Tanong ni Sanzu.

"As usual. Same as before." You sighed.

"Same class ba after ng break?" Tanong ni Sanzu at sabay na rin kayong pumunta ng canteen. 

Nagiging close na rin kayo dahil siya lang naman ang kakilala mo rito, pero minsan lang kayong nag-uusap dahil may mga kaibigan pa si Sanzu. Marami rin itong ka-kilala, kaya't lumalayo ka minsan dahil nakakahiyang makisama sa mga lalaki niyang kaibigan. Nagtataka nalang minsan si Sanzu kapag nawawala ka tuwing inaaya ka niya. Though you appreciate how he makes you feel included.

"Sinusundan ko lang 'yung timetable." Sagot mo.

Nang nakarating na kayo sa canteen, isang table na rin ang kinuha niyo. Si Sanzu na ang nag-order ng pagkain, at ikaw naman ay nagbantay sa mga gamit niyo sa table habang nags-scroll lang sa phone.

"Hindi ko alam kung anong gusto mo, ah. 'Yan nalang in-order ko." Sabi ni Sanzu pagkabalik niya sa table habang bitbit ang tray.

"I'm fine with anything," you said and grabbed your plate.

"Oo nga pala. Ba't ka palaging umaalis, ah? Hilig mo ring tumakas. Kahapon nagtaka mga kaibigan ko nung nawala ka. Ayun, natakot sila, akala nila multo na-aya ko." Kwento ni Sanzu.

"Hindi mo nahahalata?" You sighed.

"Alin?"

"'Yung isa mong kasama. Ang bastos. He constantly made inappropriate remarks about me. He's creepy. Nung busy kayong nag-uusap ng iba mong kaibigan. Pinipilit niya 'kong mag-club. He said he's going to ruin my innocence. Even asked personal information. What the fuck. Basta. Ang dami pang sinabi." You said, trouble and fury laced on your voice.

"Huh?! The hell?" Sanzu's eyes widened, a rough tone on his words. "Tangina. Sino ro'n? Aba gago 'yon ah."

"Hindi ko alam pangalan, pero his hair cut is a semi-fade with a slit on the side." Sagot mo.

"Ah, tangina. Si Mark. What the fuck? I'll tell his other friends about this. Suntok 'yun sa'min bukas-" Sabi ni Sanzu na agad nilabas ang phone.

"Suntok?" You almost choked on your own words. 

"Oo. Para matuhan 'yung gagong 'yon. Ayun lang ba sakanila? Sabihan mo lang ako, ah? 'Sensya na. 'Di ko alam may kaibigan pala akong ganun. Nadamay ka pa. I'll cut ties with that jerk." Sabi ni Sanzu.

"Uh, it's fine. Kahit i-sumbong nalang. Madadamay din kayo sa office kapag nakipagsuntukan kayo ro'n." You said.

"'Di. Kami bahala-"

"Sanzu," you cut him off in a scolding tone. "Okay na. I moved on. Iiwasan ko nalang siya. I'll just call you kapag kailangan."

"Sure?" Sanzu raised a brow.

"Sure," you ensured.

"Okay, sabi mo. Baka ikaw pa nga 'yung maka-suntok do'n eh." Sagot ni Sanzu. He tries to lighten up the mood for you. Changing the topic. "Distansya muna ako. Baka magka-kalmot din ako tulad ni Ran. Ganito pala nararanasan niya. Parang nakikipag-usap sa tigre. Tibay talaga ng broski ko."

You heard his name again, and you almost forgot that Sanzu and Ran are close friends, from this so-called friend group named F5. Ang tagal mo nang hindi naririnig ang pangalan niya. 

"Anong kailangan mo?" You straightforwardly asked.

"Huh? Anong kailangan? Like you mean kailangan ko sa'yo? Wala lang! Siguro makipag-kaibigan din. Parang hindi tayo magkaibigan eh. Eto naman kung maka-asta." Rason ni Sanzu.

"Haha. So funny. Sinong niloloko mo? Hangin?" You scrunched your nose.

"Sakit naman nito. 'Di ba pwedeng malakas lang trip?"

"Kaya wala kang girlfriend eh," bulong mo.

"Uy wow. Rume-rebat si 'Nerdtie', ah. HAHAHA!" Tawa ni Sanzu.

"Ew," you rolled your eyes and threw the plastic wrapper at his face.

"Dumi amputa. And for your information, wala akong plano magka-girlfriend." Sanzu scoffed.

"Kasi wala kang mahanap."

"Namemersonal yata 'to. Wala lang akong ma-seryoso. Ewan. 'Di na 'ko naniniwala sa mga ganyan." Sabi ni Sanzu.

"There's a lot of fish in the sea. Malay mo 'yung tindera sa canteen. Medyo ka-level mo naman 'yung kilay niya." Sabi mo.

"Alam mo, ang tahimik mo sa classroom, pero ang lakas mo mang-lait." Banggit ni Sanzu.

You just gave him a slight shrug and focused on eating. Ang dami ring kwento ni Sanzu. Halos marindi ka na rin.

"Oo nga pala, anong course ba gusto mo sa college, or ano i-pupursue mo? Sulitin ko na. Minsan lang tayo nag-uusap eh." Tanong ni Sanzu. 

"Ba't ko naman sasabihin sa'yo. Mukhang'di ka nga makapagtitiwalaan, e. Itsura palang, o." Sagot mo.

"Grabe naman 'to," Sanzu scoffed. "Ano akala mo sa 'kin, scammer sa bangko?"

"Mukha."

Inikot nalang ni Sanzu ang mga mata niya. "Sige. Ganito nalang. Sabay nating sabihin. Okay?"

You stared at him for a moment and raised a brow. "K."

"Law."

"Law."

Sabay niyong sagot.

The two of you paused for a moment, a bit surprised by each other's answer.

"Wow," the two of you just laughed.

"Impressed?" He chuckled. "Syempre, papakulong ko sina Rindou–"

"Magsama kayo sa kulungan," you gave him an irritated smile.

"Syempre, kasama rin 'yung– ehem– kapatid ni Rindou– ehem," sabi ni Sanzu at halatang may binibigkas itong 'di klaro sa gitna ng kanyang mga ubo.

"Tangina, may pinaparinggan ka ba?" Tinaasan mo naman siya ng kilay.

"Uy, 'di ah. Nabanggit ko lang, and damn! First time kong narinig 'yang malutong na Tagalog mo na mura, ah! Isa pa nga! Sarap pakinggan."

"No," you rolled your eyes.

"'Di wag."

Narinig mo naman ito, at sinungitan mo nalang siya. "Bilisan mo nga kumain. Patay gutom pero bagal kumain. May klase pa 'ko." You said, changing the topic.

Sakto, nag ring na ang bell, at tumayo na rin kayo para magligpit ng gamit.

"Diretso na 'ko sa klase. Thanks for the time." You said.

"Biglang bumait ah," asar ni Sanzu.

"Edi bye." Sambit mo't naglakad na papaalis.

"Luh," ngumuso nalang si Sanzu at inikot ang mata. Nilabas niya ang kanyang phone at pumunta sa message.

Ran Haitani

:Sanzu

oy tanginamo

nakausap ko na

anyway she's still aggressive af

akala mo may atraso ako kung murahin eh

Ran:

she's still the same

:Sanzu

oo bakit miss mo na?

Ran:

tanga

:Sanzu

oo nga pala gago kanina may kinwento siya sakin

si y/n binastos ng gago kong dating kaibigan

Ran:

where's y/n?

at sino?

tangina ano pangalan?

:Sanzu

basta mark

sabi ko suntukin ko nalang lol

eh sabi ni y/n wag na

ayain sana kita sa suntukan eh HAHAHAH

tumba yun satin pre

Seen

hello?

anjan ka pa?

oy

Ran:

can you guarantee that she's safe there?

bantayin mo muna

delikado

ano pang gawin nung gagong yun sakanya

:Sanzu

hmm sige

pero not all the time mababantayan ko ah, hiwalay set namin

btw

she's in humss

magl-law siya

schedule niya full day, 7 am to 4 pm

Ran:

sabi ko bantay, hindi stalk

don't creep her out dude

:Sanzu

okay bruh make it clear next time

tsaka ano ba makukuha ko dyan

Ran:

ewan baket gusto mo ginto

ano ka gold

:Sanzu

ano ka sineswerte uutus-utusan mo ko

halikan mo muna paa ko ay este dapat may bayad

Ran:

tf

:Sanzu

eh ikaw bahala kung ayaw mo

sayang oh

pwede naman ako maghire ng bodyguard 

Ran:

inamo ikaw nga lang pinagkakatiwalaan ko jan

lakas mo ring mangscam noh

fine. 3k per week just to be her bodyguard

:Sanzu

UY

UYUYUY

SHET KUMIKISLAP MGA MATA KO 3K PER WEEK?

Ran:

ayaw mo?

sige

:Sanzu

kelan ko ba sinabing ayaw ko

alr alr, I'll take it

Ran:

distansya rin bro ah

:Sanzu

ano tingin mo sakin kabit sa gma

Ran:

gago

:Sanzu

pano pala kung mahalata ako ni y/n?

Ran:

edi wag ka magpahalata

tanga

:Sanzu

tanga ka rin sabi ko 'pano'

Ran:

tanga

:Sanzu

tanga ka rin

Ran:

mas tanga ka

:Sanzu

ah so inaamin mo na tanga ka?

Ran:

oo pero mas tanga ka. lamang ka sa kabobohan

:Sanzu

kinginamo nasakin yung kapangyarihan kala mo

ilang segundo lang makakausap ko si y/n baka may maisumbong ako sakanya

Ran:

oo na ako na yung tanga

:Sanzu

yun o sabihin mo thank you master

Ran:

yuck

suntukin ko pa baga mo eh

:Sanzu

edi walang bantay kay y/n

Ran:

thank you master

:Sanzu

oke welcum bebe boy

Ran:

at dahil dyan 1k nalang bayad mo

bye

"Missing the moods, feels, freshes, fish fillet!"

Kung ano ano nalang pinagsasabi ni Hakkai habang break nila. Ang mga iba ay nagstay nalang sa classroom, at 'yung iba ay nasa canteen.

"Mima, bakit ang kapal ng kilay mo today? Hindi pa pantay!" Sabi ni (Y/N) Ashanti.

Si Mitsuya naman ay nakasandal sa upuan habang gamit ang hoodie pantakip ng mukha. His arms were crossed while on a manspread. May headphone din ito na suot, to block the noises, particularly

"So, ayun na nga. Kay Mes Hart kasi ako nagpa-kilay. 2 in 1, be, may rebond ka na, may kilay ka pa." Kwento ni Hakkai.

"Hindi mo ba alam 'yung mga memes na ginagawa sa 'yo? May nag-edit nga ng mukha mo tapos nilagay dun sa logo ng Alaska." Sabi ni (Y/N) Ashanti.'

"AHH HAHAHAHA! Kita ko 'yun! Mhie, mukha kang afam dun! Afamabantot nga lang." Komento ni Emma, ang long term enemy ni Hakkai. Kada salubong ng dalawa sa hallway, sungitan ang nangyayari. Buti nalang may mga nang-aawat baka magsabunutan pa.

"Ah tangina mo. Watch out for your man, sis." Hakkai rolled his eyes.

Habang nag-iingay naman ang tatlo, ang nasa gitna nila ay si Mitsuya, kaya't magkabilang tainga ay basag na. Hindi rin makatulog, dahil kahit naka full volume ang headphone nito, rinig parin ang nagsisilakasang boses nila. Kailangan talagang gamitin ang noise cancelling headphones.

"AHHH! Tangina niyo! Hindi na kayo nagsawang magrambulan! Ano kayo, manok sa sabong?!" Pagsisingit naman ni (Y/N) Ashanti.

"Alam niyo, magt-twerk nalang ako para tumahimik kayo." Sabi ni Hakkai.

"Canteen na lang tayo." Pag-aaya ni Emma. 

"Ayoko. Tinatamad ako." Sabi ni (Y/N) Ashanti. 

"Tara na kasi!" Pag-aaya ng dalawa kay (Y/N). "Mitsuya, o. Ayaw sumama."

Hindi na sumagot si Mitsuya sa ilalim ng kaniyang hoodie. Mukhang tulog nga.

"Ayoko. Shoo!" Pagsusungit ni Ashanti nang kumapit nalang sa braso ni Mitsuya.

"Arte mo. Tara na nga!" Sabi pa nina Hakkai at hinila si (Y/N) sa upuan niya.

"AHH! Hoy! 'Yung panty ko!" Sigaw niya nang inayos ang palda dahil halos kaladkarin na siya nina Emma.

Nagising naman si Mitsuya sa ingay. Nasasanay na rin ito, kaya't parang wala na ito sa kanya. He removed his hoodie and tossed it on (Y/N).

"Cover up," he said, then went back to sleep.

Ilang oras ang at subjects ang nakalipas kaya't dismissal time naman na. Nagsilabasan na rin ang mga students, at ang iba naman ay nagsasanay nang magcommute mag isa dahil this is the last year of their high school, and they need to practice independency.

"Ate!" Sigaw ni Hakkai nang pumasok sa room ni Yuzuha, ang room ng HUMSS students.

"What?"

"Punta muna tayo sa mall. May bibilhin ako. Kulang school supplies ko." Sabi ni Hakkai.

"Ikaw muna magdrive," sagot ni Yuzuha nang binato ang car keys sa kapatid niya.

"Sa'n si Akane? Saan ulit room no'n?" Tanong ni Hakkai nang lumabas na silang dalawa ng classroom pagtapos mag-ayos ng gamit ni Yuzuha.

"5th floor. Puntahan mo nalang. Masakit paa ko." Sabi ni Yuzuha.

"Pa'no naman ako?" Hakkai's eyes widened as he took his phone out and rings Akane. "Call ko nalang."

"Hello? Hoy, gaga. Bilisan mo diyan!" Sigaw ni Hakkai sa phone.

"Manahimik ka nga. Ingay ingay mo, muntik nang ma-confiscate phone ko. Strict 'yung teacher namin sa last subject. Mala-Ms. Vina. Kambal niya ata 'to eh." Bulong ni Akane sa call.

"Pft! Whatever. Mauna na kami sa gate. Sunod ka nalang." Sabi ni Hakkai at binaba ang telepono.

"Ang boring pag wala 'yung dalawa, 'noh?" Biglang banggit ni Yuzuha.

"Sinong dalawa? (Y/N) at Yumi?"

"Oo."

"Iniwan tayo ng mga 'yon," Hakkai cried dramatically, "but whatever, mag pic tayo sa kotse mamaya, post natin tas tag nalang 'yung dalawa. Insert blabla ganon."

Hindi na nagtagal at nakarating na rin ang tatlo sa kotse. Parang parehas din ang scenario kapag kompleto silang magkakasama. Ayun nga lang, si Yuzuha ang naiwan para i-handle 'tong dalawa kapag nagsasabunutan.

"Pose! Ayusin niyo naman! Parang wala kayong buhay!" Sabi ni Hakkai nang nagp-picture na ang tatlo. As usual, every session like this, umaabot ng ten minutes bago makapag kuha ng maayos na litrato.

"Ano ba 'yan? Ang bantot ng pose mo." Komento ni Akane kay Hakkai.

"Ano ka ba. Hayaan mo na. Para kita suso ko." Sagot ni Hakkai na pindot lang nang pindot sa shutter button.

As the camera captured it, Yuzuha posed with a simple smile and her hands on her cheeks. Akane with a peace pose, matching with a wink. Hakkai, with his usual flying kiss pose.

They didn't hesitate to post this to Facebook, and naka-tag kayong dalawa ni Yumi.

With a caption... Missing my section b girls :( Mang-iiwan kayong dalawa!!! @Yumi Mori @(Y/N) (L/N)

You, at another school, didn't see it immediately until Sanzu mentioned it to you after class since you were too busy with your previous class. Napa-ngiti ka naman and dropped a heart react on the post.

Comments:

Sanzu Haruchiyo

pano namin kaming section b boys

Hakkai Shiba replied: Baka section bulok boys yan

Riri Ane

Aguy di kami ininclude ibang girls sec b nmn kami ah

Hakkai Shiba replied: Bakit sino ba kayo

Makoto Suzuki

Balik niyo ko sa section B ang lalaki ng utak ng mga kaklase ko

Ehem @Takashi Mitsuya kalmahan mo pre ah first week palang ng school

Yumi Mori

omg miss u too girls :( <3

Pah Chin replied: ako rin miss na kita ay este miss ko na kayo

Baji Keisuke replied: YIIEURTTR BAKA PAH YAN

Hanma Shuji replied: "I get so weak in the knees"

Hakkai Shiba replied: BALIK KA NA KASI SA PINAS BE anyway may pogi bang afam dyan

Hakkai Shiba

Miss na namin si (Y/N) diba @Ran Haitani ay sorry mali mention @Yuzuha @Akane

Anyway marami bang pogi sa ateneo @Y/N

(Y/N) (L/N) replied: huh

In his room, nakita naman ito ni Ran nang nag notif ang mention sa kanyang Facebook feed, he opened the comments, at natawa ito sa iba, lalo na sa comment ni Pah, until he saw Hakkai's comment too.

He hesitated to reply or even interact with the post, that's why he only dropped a like. Ran's gaze was on your Facebook account. It's been years since he went to your profile, and he has been holding himself back, not wanting to meddle with any of your business.

He still tried to hold himself back to check your account since both of you cut connections even on social media.

But he really wants to check up on you.

Wondering if he can ask you if you're still enjoying the strand you've chosen.

Not having any regrets, unlike him.

He made his final decision and checked your Facebook profile.

But maybe just one look.

Just a peek at your account, and he'll quickly exit.

His heart fluttered in happiness as he saw that you're posting a lot now, kahit mostly related sa school.

One post caught his eye, and he clicked the photos to see (Y/N) standing in front of her classmates while presenting her reports. It's as if she's showing her portfolio. She still has the same aura she had. The alluring smile. The low bun she's always wearing, with strands at the front. She's like a student leader standing there.

Nag-scroll pa si Ran sa account mo. Nakita niya ang recent post ni Hakkai. May mga ibang post din na naka-tag ka, and it's a photo with your classmates. There are also some stolen shots of you while studying.

May videos rin na parang nag-iinterview, like those Tiktok trends, such as asking their classmate to introduce themselves, and then asking what's the hardest subject.

Ran doesn't know why, but he found himself skipping the timestamp of the video until it's your turn to introduce.

"Hello, new student. May you introduce yourself? Plus your future course!" Tanong ng nasa video nang hinarap ang camera sa'yo.

You looked up from your phone and blinked. Oh, it's these student advocates again.

"I'm (Y/N) (L/N). Eighteen years old. A humanist, planning to pursue law." You calmly said. Keeping your information as short as possible.

Napangiti si Ran dahil dito, kaya't pinause niya muna ang video.

"So future Atty. (L/N), ano po ang masasabi niyo sa first week ng 12 HUMSS?" Tanong ng nasa video nang hinarap ang camera sa'yo.

"I'm excited about debates." You said nonchalantly, then walked away.

"Oh my gosh. Backout backout," bulong ng mga estudyante.

Ran slightly laughed, but caught himself lacking as he immediately turned his phone off when someone entered his room.

"Oy, nakita mo chat ni Sanzu?" Tanong ni Rindou.

"No, what is it?"

"Balak mo raw ba mag Ateneo next year? May naka-kilala agad si Sanzu ro'n nagh-handle sa try outs. Eh nakilala raw niya si Sanzu, tapos bigla niyang naalala acquainted ka sa kanya. Nakita nila performance mo sa sports. They're interested." Rindou said.

Ran just raised a brow. A future potential offer from Ateneo?

"Bakit 'di nalang siya 'yung mag try outs?" Ran sighed, the idea backing out of his mind.

"Ayaw daw ni Sanzu magbasketball. 'Di 'yun mahilig sa mga ganyan." Sabi ni Rindou. "Ikaw ba? Ayaw mo na basketball? Tsaka sayang naman 'yung offer. That's Ateneo, bro. Don't you want to pursue UAAP? Nakita nila potential mo. Consider your height too."

"Hindi naman sa ayaw, pero– ewan. Ayoko pang iwan 'yung team ko ngayon. I don't want to think about college too soon, I wanna savour my last year of High school." Sabi ni Ran, and he's talking about his team, Tier One Tigers. Ever since Junior High School, siya na ang all-around, captain, at marami na rin siyang mga naging kaibigan do'n, so it's a struggle for him to think that this is his last year of high school.

So it's also his last year of being the captain of Tier One Tigers.

"Sina Kakucho, Koko ba saan daw?" Ran asked, changing the topic.

"Si Kakucho, I think sa UST or UP, si Koko, sa Adamson."

"Well, okay," Ran said. "I guess magkakahiwalay tayong lima."

"Let's talk about this kapag malapit na tayong mag-graduate, alright?" Ran assured. "Just enjoy your high school days, bro. Saglit lang 'yung isang year."

ONE AND A HALF YEAR LATER...

"O musta?"

Bati ni Rindou pagkalabas ni Ran ng court after tryouts. They're currently in their first year of college, and Ran was right, saglit lang ang isang year ng high school. They're moving to a new agenda again. A new tight schedule. A new process to practice. A new environment to adapt.

"Just like the usual," sabi ni Ran na may kasamang hingal habang umiinom sa kanyang jug.

The Haitani brothers enrolled at De La Salle University for their college, and they're currently in their four months in their first year of college. 

Rindou decided to stand on his own feet, without any of his brother's help dahil pansin niya na palagi nalang siya naka-dependent kay Ran, that's why he took a different course, Legal Management. Ran, on the other hand, took Business Administration, and at the same time, he is pursuing UAAP.

"Batak ah," tawa ni Rindou. "Ano? Sa tingin mo pasok ka sa tryouts?"

"Malamang," Ran confidently said as he tossed his water jug and bag to Rindou.

"Alam mo, bahala ka dyan. Pinagbubuhat mo nanaman ako ng gamit mo pero pag dating kay ano... ano basta si ano, ikaw nagbubuhat ng bags niya?" Reklamo ni Rindou.

"Sino? Ha? Si ano?" Pagbabanta ni Ran nang inangalan si Rindou ng suntok.

"Si ano. Basta. Bahala ka diyan. My friends are calling me. Bye." Rindou quickly said as he sprinted off and binato kay Ran pabalik ang mga gamit.

"Tss..." Ran just shook his head while fixing his things inside his duffle bag.

"Haitani?" A voice called him, kaya't lumingon naman ito to see some familiar varsity players, at mukhang dati pa silang nandito dahil nanonood sila kanina sa mga tryouts ng mga freshmen.

"Yeah?" Ran raised a brow, observing them, parang magkasingtangkad lang sila, despite that he's just a freshman, and they're seniors.

"It seems like the coach was fond of your skills," they commented. "Were you the captain of this... uh, Tier One Tigers in high school?"

Ran held back his laugh. "Bro's acting like an NPC." He thought.

"Uh, yeah. Why? Y'all need anything?" Sunod na tanong ni Ran.

"Nothing. We'll wait for the approval. Rooting to play with you in the future. My name's Tristan. The team's basketball captain." The player, Tristan said, shaking hands with him.

"Hm, thanks. Nice to meet you too, capt." With his defenses still up, Ran simply nodded. This man has a level of pride that is nearly ridiculous.

"Dude, isn't he the freshman that coach commended just because of his fame on social media?" One of the players commented.

"Joaquin, kalmahan mo. Haitani is just a Junior. A newbie." They laughed.

"Oh?" Ran walked up to them as his jaw clenched.

"Ewan ko nalang. I'll just believe it's rigged when Haitani gets accepted." They said once more.

"Threatened by a Junior?" Ran asked.

"Us? Threatened? By a freshman like you? Bro, you must be kidding me." One of them replied in a mocking, sarcastic tone.

"Dude, listen, I already peaked in basketball when I was just in high school. Imagine what I can do at college." Ran whispered, leaning down to him, then patting his back as he walked past them.

The players were a bit taken aback by his response. Feeling a sense of threat by this new freshman. "Watch it, fucker–"

"Anyway, see you in court," Ran said once more.

"Ayoko, may libro pa 'kong tatapusin."

Sabi mo nang inaaya kang lumabas ng mga kaibigan mo. It's your first four months here in Ateneo as a first year college. Your course is Legal Management. There are a lot of readings, survey research, paperworks, at iba pa.

"Mamaya na 'yan! Matagal pa naman deadline!" Pagpipilit ng mga kaibigan mo. Yup, they're really like your friends in Senior High School.

Actually, napansin mo rin sa sarili mo na mas lalo ka naging sociable sa college compared sa high school. May mga friends ka outside the building, and even outside the university.

Nawala talaga ang hiya mo dahil sa HUMSS strand, and Legal Management course. Law ba naman ang usapan, e.

Napabugtong hininga ka nalang. "Sa'n ba tayo?"

"Sa UP Town Center. Treat ko!" Sabi ni Ava, ang palaging pala-aya at nanlilibre sainyo.

"Magkano nanaman ba nagagastos mo? May bibilhin pa tayo na binders ah. Tig-lima." Alalang tanong ni Sydney. She's also the mother of the group, lalo't na rito kay Ava dahil pala-gastos. Sydney is your blockmate, while Ava is in an another building dahil magka-iba kayo ng course. 

"Wait, uy, si Sanzu. Sasama ba 'yun, or sasama kina Rome?" Tanong ni Ava. Kaibigan niyo rin si Sanzu. Nagka-kilala kayo nina Ava at Sydney sa grade twelve, samantlang dati mo pa kilala si Sanzu. "Ay, ayan na pala."

"Kakadismissal palang chismis na inaatupag. " Sabi ni Sanzu sainyo. He took Political Science course, kaya't ang dami niyang ideologies. Mahirap makipag-sagutan dito dahil palaging may counter. Palaging may logic. Kahit isang daan ipaglalaban, e, with evidence pa. Malaki talaga ang pinagbago ni Sanzu sa college compared noong high school.

"Uuwi ka na ba, Sanzu? Sabay ka na sa'min?" Tanong ni Ava.

"Hindi, may sasabayan ako. Old friends." Sabi ni Sanzu.

"Luh, sayang naman. Libre na raw ni Ava." Sabi ni Sydney.

"Eh tagal ko na silang 'di nakikita, e. Bawi nalang ako sainyo." Sabi ni Sanzu. "Ay oo nga pala, mas mabuti nga kung sa'kin sasama si (Y/N), e."

"Why?" Napalingon ka naman sakanila nang narinig mo ang pangalan mo.

"May im-meet ako mamaya, kakilala mo for sure." Sab ni Sanzu na halatang nagpipigil ng tawa.

"Ano nanaman 'yang binabalik mo, ha," diin na sabi mo nang hinampas ang backpack mo sa kanya.

"Wala! Ito naman. Reunion lang! Classmate natin nung high school." Sabi ni Sanzu.

"Ayokong sumama," malamig na sabi mo

"Odiba, kaya sa'min ka nalang sumama!" Sabi nina Ava.

"Luh. Edi okay. Sayang pa naman." Sabi ni Sanzu. "Sayang. Ikaw rin naman magbebenefit. Wala namang mawawala sa'yo."

"Sino ba kasi 'yon?" Tanong mo. Odiba, pinagana nanaman ni Sanzu ang kanyang skills. 

"Sasabihin ko sa'yo kung sasama ka. Dito lang sa campus. Promise. Saglit lang."

You sighed, then nodded as you scratched your head. "Oo na."

"Basta sasama ka rin sa 'min, ah? Puntahan mo nalang kami sa parking lot. Mauna na kami sa kotse." Sabi nina Sydney.

"Yeah, yeah."

Nang pagka-alis ng dalawa, agad mong kinulit si Sanzu na sabihin sa'yo, but he's just dropping hints, at mahirap itong hulaan.

"Sasabihin mo o sasabihin mo?" Pagbabanta mo kay Sanzu gamit ang matulis na cutter.

"Uy, uy, chill! Eto na sasabihin ko!" Sigaw ni Sanzu.

"Okay, tell." Pilit mo.

"Wait, shh! Tumatawag na siya." Sabi ni Sanzu as he shushed you and answered the phone call. Since you're really curious as to who it is, you leaned your ear near his phone.

"Hello? Oo! Nasa'n ka na? Ah malapit na?" Sanzu exaggeratingly exclaimed.

"'Di ko marinig!" You grunted as you grabbed his arm and placed the phone on your ear subconsciously, finally hearing the voice and who it is.

"Hello?" The caller said, and your eyes widened, quickly recognizing the voice.

You slowly looked back at Sanzu whose arms are crossed, and he shrugged as he hid his grin. "Now you know."

Agad mo naman binigay kay Sanzu ang phone niya at tumakbo paalis, pero agad na-hablot ni Sanzu ang handle ng backpack mo at hinila ka pabalik.

"Oh? Ba't ka tumatakas? Panindigan mo muna 'to." Tawa ni Sanzu as he muted the call for a bit, and gave you back the phone para pilitin na maka-usap si Ran.

"Hello? Sanzu? Are you still there? Bro?" Ran continued to speak on the call.

"Yeah, nandito lang ako," Sanzu said behind you, leaning forward near the phone on your ear. "But it seems like may gustong kumausap sa'yo. Feel free to talk to her. I'm just behind."

"Huh?!" You looked at Sanzu with furrowed brows, and with a lagot-ka-sakin expression.

"'Her'? Hmm, I see. But who?" Ran asked, and it seems like he raised a brow by his tone, almost like he was not really oblivious.

Sanzu also spoke, pero agad mong tinakpan ang bibig niya at pinindot ang mute button sa call.

"Ano, ano?! Ba't 'di mo sinabi?! What the fuck ka, Sanzu!" Sigaw mo nang hinampas pa siya ng backpack mo.

"Anyway, papunta na 'ko. I'm almost there. Nagp-park lang ako." Sabi ni Ran sa call, which caught your attention.

"Shit," you cursed under your breath. You're totally not yet ready to see him, despite longing to catch a glimpse of him.

Hindi mo alam kung bakit conscious ka sa itsura mo. Your hair is currently in a messy bun. Dark circles on your eyes due to lack of sleep, at halatang stress ka! He can't see you like this, but you asked yourself why you should still care further. It's just him after all, right?

Agad mo nang binigay kay Sanzu ang phone niya at tumakbo palabas ng campus. Hopefully hindi naka-park si Ran kung saan naka-park sina Ava, you thought.

You took your phone out and contacted the two girls.

"Hello? Saan naka-park kotse mo?" You asked Ava. Hindi mo rin kasi alam ang kotse niya dahil mostly kay Sydney kayo naka-sakay. You have no slightest idea how it looks like.

"Ah, oo nga pala. Nakalimutan kong sabihin. Basta ano siya, white na Lexus. Naka-park lang sa may tapat ng campus, tapos may puno sa harap. Makikita mo naman agad." Sagot naman ni Ava.

"Okay, I'll be there in a minute–" You said as you fixed your headphone sa ulo mo dahil halos malaglag na at tumakbo ka pa galing sa building.

"Ba't parang hinihingal ka?" Tanong nila na may kasamang tawa sa call.

"Basta," you sighed, then ended the call.

Nang pagka-labas mo ng campus, agad kang dumiretso sa parking lot. Hopefully this is not the same area where he's parked.

And there, you spotted a white Lexus. Agad kang tumakbo papunta ro'n, at buti naman hindi ito naka-lock. Umupo ka nalang sa backseat dahil panigurado naka-sakay na si Sydney sa frontseat.

"Bwisit na Sanzu na 'yan." Agad kang nagreklamo pagka-pasok mo ng kotse, at sumandal ka muna habang inayos ang gamit mo sa bag dahil nagulo rin ito.

"Anyway, saglit lang ba tayo? Alam mo naman na may libro pa 'kong babasahin. Tatapusin ko pa 'yung survey. Next week na deadlines ng mga 'yon–!" You blabbered out while you're busy fixing your things, and you're also wearing headphones kaya't hindi ka naka-tingin sa frontseat.

Suddenly, nagding ang phone mo, at rinig ito sa headphones mo, kaya't you checked, and nakita mo ang text ni Ava.

From Ava: Nasan ka na?

"Huh?" Nagtaka ka naman. "Nasa kotse mo...?"

Pansin mo na hindi mo naririnig ang mga kaibigan mo, usually, maingay sila sa kotse, kaya't lumingon ka naman to check as you removed your headphone.

"Ava...?" You called as you slowly lifted your head, darting your eyes to the person in the driver's seat.

Your stomach dropped as your eyes met his in the rearview mirror. A familiar gaze. A familiar stare. A familiar face. The familiar scent of his car.

It's him. This is his car.

The two of you held eye contact for a moment, a shocked expression from the two of you.

Your eyeballs almost fell out of your sockets sa sobrang gulat. You just entered the wrong fucking car, and what a coincidence, sa kanya pa talaga!

Well, I guess it's a long time no see, capt.