"Nahabol mo naman ang lahat ng na-miss mo kanina," si Daphne habang umiinom ng tubig sa tumbler niya nang matapos ang practice namin. She wiped the sweat off her temples with the back of her hand and looked at me almost hopeful. "Hindi ka naman seryoso sa sinabi mo kanina kay Jade, 'di ba? Hindi tayo aakyat sa hall para tulungan sila sa booth nila. Napapagod na ko, Rhea!"

I finished packing my things into my locker, stifling an eye roll as I saw Walter walking up to us. Alam ko naman na mas pipiliin niyang makipag-date sa boyfriend niya at hindi ko rin naman siya masisisi. "Daph, you don't need to come if you don't want to. Just go home... if home means Walter's shoulder."

Napanguso si Daphne sa pasimpleng tukso ko. "Come on, I don't want to be a bad friend."

Right on cue, Walter wrapped his arm around her shoulders, flashing a grin. Mukhang galing rin ito sa practice. "Ready, babe? You look like you had a long day."

I raised an eyebrow, trying to hide a smirk. Mapanghusga kong sinalubong ang mga mata ni Daph. "I'm sure you also don't want to be a bad girlfriend. Sige na, Daph. Umuwi na kayo. Ako na ang bahalang tumulong kanila Jade. Sa susunod ka na lang."

Daphne hesitated, glancing between Walter and me. Kunwari pa. Nasisiguro ko naman na hindi niya pipiliin ang umakyat sa hall at mag gupit ng kung anu-anong pandesenyo sa booth nina Jade over spending more time with Walter.

"Fine," she muttered after a while. Humilig pa sa boyfriend niya na parang kulang pa ang pagpayag niyang sumama rito. "I'll help out next time, I swear. I'll bring snacks or something!"

"Oo na," I rolled my eyes. "Sige na! Mag-ingat kayo sa pag-uwi... Kung uuwi nga talaga kayo."

"Rhei!" Nahihiyang saway sa akin ni Daph. Si Walter naman ay tumawa lang.

Nagpaalam na ang mga ito at tuluyan na akong tinalikuran. Once they were gone, I exhaled and turned back to my locker, grabbing an extra shirt and shorts I kept there for times like this. Mabilis akong pumunta sa cr at nagbihis, swapping out my sweaty practice clothes for something more comfortable, and then headed up to the hall. Jade would be busy setting up her mystery booth, hindi ko alam kung sinu-sino ang kasama niyang mag-ayos doon pero nasisiguro ko na mga kaklase rin namin.

When I finally reached the hall, I found her at the booth, setting up small tables and decorating them with themed tablecloths. Mukhang nagulat pa siya nang makita ako kahit sinabi ko naman na sa kaniyang pupunta ako ngayon. Maybe she didn't think na gagawin ko nga.

"Rhea! You actually came," masaya niya akong hinila upang ipakilala sa ibang naroon na hindi naman namin kaklase. "Miguel, Alfred, Roan, si Rhea. Tutulong siya sa pagdedesenyo ng booth. From other sections sila, Rhei. Pero dito sa mystery booth nila napili na mag participate."

"Nice to meet you," I greeted, giving them a small smile.

Miguel, a tall guy with an easygoing grin, stepped forward and offered to take my bag. "Akin na, ilagay natin doon kasama ang mga gamit namin."

Nilingon ko ang itinuro ni Miguel. A pile of bags and supplies were stacked neatly in a corner. Nakangiting hinayaan ko siya kunin ang bag ko at isama sa mga iyon. "Thank you..."

Masayang-masaya si Jade na nadagdagan ang tutulong sa kaniya ngayong hapon kahit pa nga ba ako lang at wala si Daphne. "Rhea, doon ka sa labas tutulong. We need more decorations cut out for the booth. Sina Roan at Miguel lang kasi ang gumagawa. Pupuntahan na lang kita doon mamaya pag tapos namin dito. I'll be setting up the mystery game instructions and prizes."

Tumango ako at nginitian siya bago lumabas na sa itinuro niyang lamesa. I grabbed a chair at one of the tables set up outside the booth. Sina Roan at Miguel ay naroon na rin para balikan ang ginagawa. I began cutting out various shapes—stars, question marks, and other decorations to add to the "mystery" theme—ginaya ko lang ang mga ginagawa nilang dalawa. Nagkukuwentuhan rin kami at may music naman kaya hindi boring.

I glanced around the hall, curious about the other booths. Pasimple ring hinanap kung saan ang booth ni Agatha. The art booth was just near ours, and Agatha was there, organizing her supplies. Abalang-abala sa kaniyang ginagawa. She was setting up art materials and easels, nabanggit ni Jade na baka may live art sessions daw na pakulo ang booth nito sa fair.

Inalis ko na ang tingin ko doon dahil baka mamaya ay mahuli pa ako nito at kung ano pa ang isipin. Duh. Kaya lang bigla kong naisip si Ricos... Nakabisita na kaya siya sa art booth ni Agatha? She was expecting him to drop by, 'di ba? Sinabihan siya nito kanina habang nagwawalis kami sa baba.

And speaking of Ricos, my gaze drifted once more to the booth with the massive solar system display farther down the hall. Planets, stars, constellations, all suspended with perfect precision. It had to be his work. It had his meticulous, organized touch written all over it.

"Bakit hindi ka nag-participate sa kahit anong booth for the fair?" Si Roan makalipas ang ilang sandali.

I shrugged, keeping my hands busy with the decorations. "I already have so many extracurriculars. Cheer, the newspaper, plus a few clubs. Hindi ko na kakayanin mag-commit pa sa booth. Hindi ko lang rin mapapanindigan."

"Mabuti pala at may oras ka ngayon para tumulong sa amin," Miguel said, smiling.

Mula sa ginagawa ay nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kaniya. I noticed he was staring at me, his eyes lingering a bit longer than necessary. Agad na nag-iwas ng tingin nang magtama ang aming mga mata. He scratched the back of his head with a shy grin.

Napailing na lamang ako at hindi na sana iyon papansinin kaya lang nahuli naman siya ni Roan kaya natukso pa rin ang kawawang si Miguel.

"Alam mo ba, Rhea," humagikgik si Roan habang sige sa paggupit ng cartolina. "Crush ka ni Miguel! That's basically why he picked this booth. Akala kasi niya ay magpa-participate ka dahil sa section niyo ito kaya medyo nalungkot 'yan ng wala ka."

Miguel's face turned a shade of pink, and he shot Roan a helpless look before giving me a shy, sheepish smile. Hindi naman tumanggi. "Pasensya ka na kay Roan, ah? Pero... Crush lang naman. Hindi naman masama 'yun, 'di ba?"

Gusto kong matawa dahil parang mas kinukumbinsi niya pa ang sarili niya kaysa sa akin. I was used to guys having crushes on me—it wasn't new—but there was something genuinely sweet about Miguel's quiet admiration. Siguro dahil kumpara sa ibang nagkakagusto sa akin ay mahiyain siya. Nakakatawa rin pagmasdan ang pamumula ng kaniyang mukha nang aminin iyon.

"Ayos lang, Miguel. Dapat pala ay mas marami kang magupit sa amin ni Roan, huh? You should be inspired, katabi mo ang crush mo." I joked with a wink. They both laughed.

"Fair point," Miguel admitted, still looking a little flustered but clearly enjoying the attention.

"Time to shine mo na, Miguel. Galingan at bilisan mo para ma-impress naman si Rhea sa'yo!"

Smiling, I reached over to grab more cartolina, lining up a few sheets in front of Miguel to keep him busy. Tuksuhan lang naman iyon, syempre tutulungan pa rin namin siya ni Roan para mapabilis ang tapos ng gawain. Mang-aasar pa sana ako nang nahagip ng tingin ko si Ricos.

He was there, sa art booth syempre, standing in front of one of the easels. Si Agatha naman ay katabi niya, masyadong malapit kung ako ang tatanungin. Mukhang may sinasabi itong interesante at may ipinapakita rin sa kaniya mula sa portfolio na hawak, her face animated as she explained whatever project they were working on. But it wasn't her gaze that had me transfixed. It was his. Even from a distance, I could feel his eyes on me, watching with an intensity that was both unsettling and... something else I didn't want to think about.

Those thick-rimmed glasses of his framed his gaze sharply, and for a brief, annoying moment, I realized they didn't make him look any less... cute. Cute? Was I seriously using that word to describe him? Ricos is the biggest nerd I know! He wasn't cute!

I quickly snapped my attention back to the cartolina in front of me. Buti na lang at hindi napansin nina Roan at Miguel ang medyo pagkawala ng atensyon ko sa ginagawa. I kept my attention firmly on the cartolina in front of me, my scissors working steadily as I cut out more shapes for the booth. Despite the prickling awareness of Ricos's gaze from across the hall, I was determined not to give him the satisfaction of seeing me distracted.

Hangin ka lang, Ricos. Bahala ka diyan. Bakit ba kasi sa akin siya nakatingin at hindi sa kumakausap sa kaniya? Ang papansin naman. Hindi porket pinagwalis niya ako kanina ay magkaibigan na kami, ah? No.

Miguel leaned in, handing me another sheet of colored paper. "Ito na lang ang gamitin mo para sa mas maliliit na decorations. Mahihirapan ka pa kung cartolina, eh."

"Thank you," nakangiti ko iyong tinanggap.

"Ang hina mo naman, Miguel! Dapat sana sinabihan mo na ikaw na lang ang bahalang gumupit ng lahat. Wala... Hina ng diskarte mo!" Tukso ni Roan na abala rin sa sariling mga ginugupit. I was just copying what she was doing.

Tumawa ako, makikisali sana sa panunukso lalo nang mapansin na pinamulahan na naman ng mukha si Miguel, kaso para akong napaso nang makitang paalis na si Ricos sa art booth at patungo na sa amin. My heart skipped a beat in surprise. What is he doing?

I kept my gaze down, pretending to be completely absorbed in my work. Patuloy naman ang tuksuhan ng dalawa.

"Roan, tigilan mo na nga. Baka mamaya ay mailang na si Rhea sa katutukso mo sa amin." Nag-aalalang binalingan ako ni Miguel, naroon pa rin ang nahihiyang ngiti sa kaniyang labi.

I shook my head. "That's fine,"

"Sanay naman na siguro si Rhea sa mga nagkakagusto sa kaniya! Dumagdag ka lang sa mahabang pila, Miguel!"

Natigilan ang dalawa nang huminto si Ricos sa mismong tapat ng booth, sa gilid lang ng lamesa namin. Nanunuri ang kaniyang tingin, para bang ini-examine ang buong booth ni Jade. Agad na nagsikuhan ang tatlo pang mga kasama ni Jade sa loob kaya napabaling na ito kay Ricos.

She quickly stepped out of the booth to greet him. "Ricos! Didn't expect to see you here."

Tipid na tumango si Ricos. "I was making rounds, checking on the booths... Wanted to see if you all needed any assistance."

Jade hesitated, glancing back at me and the others working hard at the decorations. Pero mas na para sa akin ang tingin na iyon. Alam niyang iritado ako kay Ricos simula nang i-reject niya ang papers ko ng ilang ulit.

"Well, we do have a lot to get done, and there aren't many of us here right now..." Medyo nahihiya pang sabi ni Jade. "It's... kind of a lot."

Muling tumango si Ricos, inilibot ang tingin sa paligid, taking in the half-finished decorations scattered around us and the few students working diligently. Halos ma-perfect ko na ang ginugupit kong magnifying glass shape mula sa colored paper na hawak dahil talagang hindi ko na iyon inalisan ng tingin.

"If you need an extra hand, I can stay for a while," kalmadong alok ni Ricos kay Jade.

Samantalang ako ay agad na nabahala.

I nearly dropped my scissors. What? Ricos, the president of the student body, helping out here? Why? Seryoso ba siya? Wala siyang ibang magawa? Bored? Eh, doon na lang siya sa kay Agatha. Hindi ba sabi naman nito sa kaniya ay kailangan doon ang tulong niya? Huwag na siya dito! Kainis naman!

"Really? Naku, malaking tulong 'yan sa amin. Pero hindi ka ba busy? Baka naman makaabala pa ito sa mga gagawin mo."

"It's part of my job to make sure things run smoothly. If you're short on help, I can pitch in," bumaling siya sa akin. Huli ko iyon sa sulok ng aking mga mata pero mas mahalaga ang ginugupit ko kaya hindi ako lumingon.

I refused to let myself get rattled by his presence.

Why the hell was I so bothered anyway? Si Ricos lang naman 'yan! Hindi si Andrew Garfield.

Pero mukhang nang-iinis pa talaga si Jade. I didn't know kung sinasadya niya o ano pero binigyan niya ng gunting si Ricos at sinabi na kailangan namin ng tulong sa pag gupit. Iritado kong nilingon si Jade. But she just gave me a sweet, innocent smile, clearly pleased with herself.

"It'll make things easier if it's not just Miguel doing all the drawing," Jade said cheerfully, as if she hadn't just tossed a bomb into my peaceful workspace.

Sana pala umuwi na lang ako at hindi na tumulong dito! Kainis.

Ricos took the scissors without complaint, dragging a chair up beside me. Tumabi pa talaga sa akin. He glanced over at the pile of colored paper and cutouts scattered across the table. Samantalang sina Roan at Miguel naman ay walang kaalam-alam sa pagkabuwisit ko. If anything, Roan looked downright thrilled.

"Wow, si Mr. President pa mismo ang tumutulong sa atin," nakangisi nitong inabot ang ang mabilis na naiguhit ni Ricos para gupitin. "People always say you're nice, but I didn't think you'd actually come sit with us and cut out decorations."

I rolled my eyes at her comment, trying to focus on my own cutting. Nice? If she knew what he was really like, especially when it came to his obsession with rules, she'd think twice.

Ricos, catching my expression, raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. "It's no big deal,"

As I finished cutting out my own shapes, both Miguel and Ricos handed me their drawings to cut next. I glanced at Miguel's first—it was simple, a basic star shape that would take no time at all. Then I looked down at Ricos's drawing and almost did a double take.

It wasn't just a basic decoration; it was intricate and detailed, a swirling design of stars and planets with shadows and fine lines. His drawing had a depth to it that made it seem almost three-dimensional. Was there anything this guy couldn't do?

I forced myself to look unimpressed, though. "Wow, going all out with the art, Mr. President?"

He smirked, not even looking up. "Bilib ka?"

Rolling my eyes, I picked Miguel's drawing instead, cutting through it with ease. Mas madali naman iyong gupitin. Ramdam kong medyo nairita si Ricos sa ginawa ko. Oo nga pala, crush niya ako. Well, natuwa naman akong iritado siya kaya iyon ang ginawa ko sa mga sumunod pang guhit nila. Si Roan ang kumukuha ng mga ginuguhit niya.

"Ang gaganda ng drawing mo, Ricos!" Masiglang sabi ni Roan. "Talented ka talaga, noh? "

Ricos just shrugged, a modest smile playing on his lips. "I like things to look well put-together. Might as well make it count."

That went on for a couple more rounds—Ricos handed me these beautifully intricate designs, and I kept opting for Miguel's simpler shapes. Lalo siyang naiinis pero wala rin naman siyang nagagawa.

Just then, Jade stepped out of the booth, looking around at the group of us.

"Hey, are you all hungry?" she asked, checking her phone. "Mag-o-order ako ng snacks from the fast-food place down in the cafeteria, pero kailangan ko ng kukuha. They don't deliver."

Bago pa may makapagsalita sa mga kasamahan namin ay naunahan na ni Ricos ang mga ito.

"Rhea and I can go," he said smoothly, barely glancing at me as he volunteered the two of us.

Huh? Bakit kailangan idamay pa ako? Kung gusto niyang bumaba at kumuha ng mga order ni Jade ay siya na lang!

"It's a one-man job, Ricos," pasimple kong sabi.

"Eh, medyo marami rin 'yun, Rhei." Si Jade na ngumisi, wala man lang naitulong bagkus dumagdag pa. Tinaliman ko siya ng tingin. "Nakakahiya naman kung si Ricos lang ang bababa."

Bakit mahihiya? Hindi naman siya inutusan, siya itong nagkusa!

"Besides, I assumed you'd prefer a break from cutting." Ricos added, his tone calm.

Totoong gusto ko nang tumayo dahil medyo matagal na rin akong nakaupo pero puwede ko naman gawin iyon ng hindi bumababa sa cafeteria kasama siya!

"Kung sasamahan mo ko... you're doing something useful." Nang-iinis niya pang dagdag.

"Oh, because cutting shapes isn't useful?" Padabog kong ibinaba ang gunting. Lahat talaga ng pag-uusap namin dalawa ay nauuwi sa pagtatalo. Nakakainis naman kasi ang isang 'to!

"Only if you're cutting mine," he quipped, his eyes glancing at the simpler designs in front of me.

Hindi ko na gustong humaba pa ang pagtatalo namin ni Ricos sa harap ng mga kasama namin kaya naman pilit na pilit akong tumayo. I caught a hint of a grin on Ricos's face, which only made my irritation grow. Si Jade naman ay nagkibit-balikat, seemingly satisfied with the arrangement, like everything was already settled.

Tumayo na si Ricos at naunang umalis sa akin.

Without another word, I followed Ricos out of the hall. We walked in silence down to the cafeteria. Naiirita ako dahil siya ang nanalo kahit hindi naman ito contest. He got me doing what he wanted. By the time we reached the line to claim our orders, I couldn't hold back anymore. I let out an annoyed huff, crossing my arms as I glared at him.

"Ano ba kasing ginagawa mo sa booth ni Jade?" Mahina pero matalim kong tanong. "Hindi ba dapat ay doon ka tumutulong sa booth ni Agatha! Siya ang pinangakuan mo ng oras!"

"I didn't make any promises," he simply said with a shrug. Ang mga mata ay nakatuon sa counter sa aming harapan. "Besides, Jade's booth needed more help."

"Right," I muttered sarcastically. "More help, but not necessarily from you."

He tilted his head slightly, giving me a cool glance. "Bummer, you're getting it from me."

I clenched my fists, determined not to let him get under my skin. "Ricos, you'd be more useful somewhere else. Kagaya ng art booth. Magaling ka doon, 'di ba? Iyon na lang ang tulungan mo."

His lips curved into that infuriating smirk. "Oh, right. Para magselos ka na naman?"

My mouth dropped open, and before I could stop myself, I discreetly punched his arm, though not too hard, just enough to make my point. Ito na naman siya! Ibinabalik na naman ang pinagtalunan namin kanina. Hindi nga sabi ako nagseselos! Bakit ba niya iniisip na nagseselos ako? Siya ang may crush sa akin! Hindi ako sa kaniya!

"I am not jealous!" I hissed, trying to ignore the small satisfaction I got from seeing him react. He let out a low chuckle, rubbing his arm.

"Interesting. So, you're violent when you're jealous, huh?" His eyes sparkled with mischief, and his smirk only grew as he leaned closer. "Good to know."

I clenched my teeth, feeling the flush rise to my cheeks. Nakakainis. "Ang kapal na ng mukha mo, Ricos. Huwag mo masyadong papaniwalain ang sarili mo. Hindi ako nagseselos!"

He tilted his head slightly, giving me a look that was way too smug for my liking. "Sure. Whatever you say."

Iritado ko siyang inirapan. Muli kaming natahimik, si Ricos medyo pangisi-ngisi ako naman ay buwisit na buwisit. I could feel his gaze flicker in my direction, as if he was testing me, trying to gauge my reaction. And despite my best efforts, my heart was racing.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the server at the counter called our number, breaking the awkward silence. Si Ricos ang kumuha ng lahat ng iyon. Sinubukan kong kunin ang isa pero hindi niya ibinigay. I sighed. Kaya niya naman palang buhatin ang lahat ng mag-isa, sinama niya pa ko.

As we exited the cafeteria, I shot him an annoyed look, watching him easily carry all the bags of food without a hint of struggle. Walang kahirap-hirap talagang napupuno ni Ricos ang inis meter ko.

"Kaya mo naman pala. Why did you even ask me to come along?"

He smirked, clearly enjoying my irritation. Hindi siya nagsalita, tahimik lamang na umagapay sa paglalakad ko. Ricos was so tall. Bahagya lang akong umabot sa balikat niya. Paliko na kami pabalik sa hall nang muli siyang umimik.

"Cut my drawings, Rhea."

I rolled my eyes, trying so hard to ignore the gentleness in his tone. "Si Roan na lang. Your drawings are impossible to cut, Ricos. They're way too complicated. I don't know why you keep making them so detailed."

"Still," he replied smoothly, shrugging. "Ikaw ang gusto kong gumupit ng mga iyon. Stop pawning them off on Roan. Puro ang kay Miguel lang ang pinapansin mo, eh."

"Kasi nga madali lang gupitin ang sa kaniya!"

He paused, giving me a sideways glance, his tone dropping a bit. "If you're really not jealous, maybe I am."

I froze for a second, processing his words. Wait... what?

"Excuse me?" I said, narrowing my eyes. "You're... jealous?"

"If you're not jealous of my attention being on someone else, then maybe I am of yours." Mas klaro niyang sabi, mataman na pinagmamasdan ang aking reaksyon. "Crush kita, 'di ba? Sabi mo. Bakit parang nagugulat ka pa?"

"Seryoso ka ba?" I let out a laugh, half-expecting him to join in with one of his usual sarcastic remarks. But when I looked at him, he was staring at me with a steady, almost serious gaze.

We were nearing the booth now, and I could see Jade and the others waiting for the food, thankfully oblivious to the conversation happening between us. Nagmamadali akong umupo sa puwesto ko kanina. Si Ricos naman ay inilagay sa malawak na lamesa ang mga pagkain.

Naupo siya sa tabi ko pagtapos. He whispered softly. "Cut my drawings. Seloso ako."

"Fine," I muttered, just to shut him up.

He gave me a smirk. I'd managed to pull myself together enough to act casual. Nang balikan namin ang aming ginagawa ay imbes na ang drawing ni Miguel ang kunin ko at gupitin ay ang kaniya na ang kinuha ko. He seemed happy about it. Si Miguel naman ay nagtaka, dinaan ko na lang sa biro na gusto ko naman ma-challenge kaya galingan niya ang susunod niyang drawing para sa kaniya naman ang kunin ko sa susunod. But Ricos didn't let me do that. Hanggang sa matapos kami para sa araw na iyon ay puro sa kaniya lang ang ginagawa ko.

The next day, I found myself dreading the end of class. The idea of heading down for community service with Ricos was more nerve-wracking than it had any right to be. Why am I even nervous? I thought, trying to convince myself it was no big deal. But, of course, my mind kept replaying his words from yesterday, leaving me more confused than ever.

Kagaya ng mga nakaraang araw, naroon na si Ricos nang makababa ako. He turned slightly when he saw me approach, his gaze briefly skimming over my outfit. For once, I'd opted for my regular uniform instead of my usual cheer gear. I caught a hint of approval in his expression, though he didn't comment.

"Si Agatha," pabulong kong sabi sa kaniya nang makita si Agatha na papalapit sa amin. Ricos caught my words, and instead of replying, he grinned, moving over to my area and sweeping my pile into the trash can. He seemed perfectly calm, not a hint of awkwardness despite Agatha's approach. Pinigil ko ang sarili na panuorin ang dalawa nang makalapit ito sa amin.

"Hey, Ricos," malambing nitong bati na halos magpaikot sa aking mga mata. "Are you helping with the art booth today?"

Ricos straightened, glancing at her with a polite smile. "Actually, no. I already committed to helping with the mystery booth. They needed extra hands, so that's where I'll be."

A brief flicker of surprise crossed her face, but she quickly recovered, nodding understandingly. "Oh, I see. That's... that's really nice of you. I thought you might be interested in the art booth since, you know, you've got a good eye for details."

"I like helping out wherever I can. And it looks like the mystery booth could use the help more right now."

Tinalikuran ko na ang mga ito para sa ibang bahagi naman magwalis. Sandali pa silang nag-usap bago tuluyang magpaalam si Agatha. I sensed Ricos approaching, and when he was close enough, I turned to him, raising an eyebrow.

"So, you're helping out at the booth again?"

He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yep. Figured I'd stick with it since I already started."

"You're the president of the whole student council, Ricos. Don't you have a hundred other things you could be doing?"

"Yeah, but you win. Ikaw ang gusto kong gawin."

No. I misheard it. He probably said 'ito' referring to the help he was offering to the mystery booth. Yes. That must be it. 

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