I PEEKED through the crowded space of the venue to find Jastin. He said he was just around the corner but didn't tell me specifically which corner. They had three entrance and exit doors for the venue!

The hem of my dress kept touching the tip of my foot, so I had to pull it up constantly. I almost regretted wearing it despite its sparkly long skirt and corset-like bodice that made me feel like I was Cinderella who was late for the ball.

Except that I'm not. I'm just Gwen who is probably going to trip on this dress.

I left Maggie in our room because the hairdresser was still finishing her hair and it would take another 30 minutes for them to be done. So despite being nervous around other people, I weaved through a few of them who were talking to each other with a polite excuse me. I didn't want to interrupt their conversation while I was trying to find Jastin.

My eyes roamed for a few seconds, taking in the people around me that were dressed in different multi-color gowns and suits. It made me happy seeing us all together for one night before graduation and before moving on to college.

Truth to be told, I didn't want to go to events like this one because they were pretty expensive and I'd rather use my money on my plants and painting materials. But Maggie insisted that we should attend because this will be our last one as high school students.

So I did, and I can tell that it was worth the cost to see my classmates clad in their outfit and having a good time despite the looming end of our semester.

"Gwen, you look nice!" Maui, our class president stopped to greet me. She was dressed in a beige colored gown with lace sleeves that complimented her skin tone well.

I beamed at her compliment. "Thank you, Maui. You look good, too. By the way, have you seen Jastin Salviejo? Magpa-practice sana kami."

"Oh, he's there with his teammate." She pointed at the second door.

After I thanked Maui, I headed over to where Jastin was and he was indeed talking to a guy that I couldn't remember the name of. I think he's a new addition to their team and belongs to another section.

I thought I was ready to see him, but the moment I laid my eyes on him, my heart skipped a beat at how handsome and striking he looked.

He wasn't wearing anything out of this world, but his gray suit made of wool molded his lean body so well. Add to that was his long hair that didn't look like he made any effort to fix it. He just left it as it is: a black, wavy, long mane that framed his face well. 

I pursed my lips and grumbled on my way there. It's unfair. How come he looks nice with minimal effort? My heart is gonna explode because of the way he stands there looking like that!

When Jastin caught my eye, he turned his gaze and attention towards me, his eyes lingering on my face. And then, it never left even as he tapped the chest of his teammate to bid him goodbye.

"Hi," I said, almost breathless. "I'm sorry I'm late. It took a while to finish my hair and make up." 

Jastin stood at least a foot taller than me, but instead of being intimidated by his height and frame, it felt oddly comforting to be around him. His gentle gaze assured me that I can be just me. Just Gwen.

I've always got the impression that he wasn't the type of person who'd make you feel uncomfortable. He was nice to everyone, even if he didn't know them that much. 

"It's good. I asked them to wait for a few minutes since we were still waiting to be completed."

I turned my attention to a group of people near the mini stage that was there for us to use. I made an effort to not draw as much attention to myself.

When my eyes returned to Jastin, he was already staring at me like he couldn't figure me out. 

He blinked and then the gentle gaze was gone. "Shall we?" he asked and offered a hand.

I stared at his palm longer than I should and contemplated what I did in my past life to be given a chance to lead a cotillion with him as my partner.

"We shall." I quipped and beamed at him. 

The venue was breathtakingly beautiful and well arranged. The tables were decorated with beige tablecloths and white and silver dinnerware that matched the vase on the center of it that had a colorful flower arrangement.

The dance floor that divided the area into two was full of silver and gold balloons and the mini stage at the center of it was also decorated with the same color palette of balloons and foil curtain.

"First time mo bang um-attend? You look really amazed." Jastin asked while he held my hand and led the way towards the dance floor.

His palm was a little rough on mine, but it was just as warm as his presence. I hid a smile when I realized that my mind was so into him that I forgot that people were probably looking at us.

I nodded after coming back to my senses. "Yes, actually. I was only supposed to be Maggie's companion for the night so she wouldn't have to bring her dad. But here I am. . . with you."

Jastin led me towards the center of the dance floor just as a familiar music serenaded my ears and everyone taking part in the practice huddled together.

He placed his hand on my waist and pulled me a little closer, just enough that we were almost touching each other but still kept a respectful distance.

"How come you are so good at dancing?"

I felt all my blood crept to my cheeks at his question and he must've seen it because his mouth twitched in a pretty smile. Gee, I'm such a sucker for his smiles. I wish I could see it often.

"Ah, because I studied ballet when I was younger. And I was part of the theatre when I was still studying in the States. Trying to be graceful on the dance floor or stage is basically a part of me."

We started to dance with the other students when the song started, careful not to trip on each other while we watched our every move and memorized it. 

"A theatre actress? Why don't you join our school's theatre, then?"

I pretended to think about it, but I already knew the answer. "Hmmm. I'm no longer interested in it. I just want to focus on studying and my other hobbies."

"Yeah, I agree with you on that note. Sometimes fostering too much can make you weary. Hindi ko alam if gusto ko pang maglaro sa college," he said with a sigh. "But I know Rafa needs me."

"And you're also a talented player." I added in case he forgot that he actually has the skill. 

His brow rose in surprise. "Paano mo nalaman? And is that "a talented player" in basketball or with girls? Because I'm sure you know my rep. A false one may I add."

Oops.

"Well, I sometimes watch your training after I'm done with extracurricular stuff in the afternoon." I said with a small smile. I really did watch them a couple of times.

"Really?"

"Yup. Sometimes with my friend Inessa. But to answer your other question, a talented player in basketball. I don't hold your other reputation against you simply because I don't know anything about it."

"Huh. You're the first one to say that to me."

Jastin held my hand firmly when the time came for a little spin, and as graceful as I could, I spun and landed back on his chest, both our intertwined hands resting on my stomach.

Butterflies. It was the only word I could think of while we swayed back and forth until the music came to a stop and Jastin spun me around one last time.

I was breathless by the time we stopped and stood on the dance floor, just looking at each other for a minute longer than everyone else.

Most of them clapped together with the teachers who were watching and guiding us, but Jastin and I stood still, and perhaps, time stood still in that moment too. 

His eyes searched my face and then he smiled. "Will you save your last dance for me?"

✿ ✿ ✿

"Wow, this is good." Maggie praised as she took a bite of the piece of the sweet and sour fish that was part of our buffet.

I nodded in agreement before twirling my pasta. "So is the aglio e olio pasta. Not that greasy." 

We were seated at a table next to Jastin and Rafa's, so whenever Rafa wanted to talk to Maggie, he'd have to turn his seat around, and he did so multiple times throughout the night just to talk to my cousin.

I let my eyes roam and enjoy the night while Maggie and Rafa animatedly talk beside me. They were fighting about how much dessert they ate.

The cotillion ended just before we were ushered to the tables to listen to a short program, and although I didn't trip on my own dress, I did stumble one time, but Jastin was quick to catch me, and then we'd share a smile like it was our own inside joke. 

When I turned to my right where Jastin was seated next to Rafa and a few of their friends, I caught him already staring at me.

He gave me a sheepish smile like he was caught and mouthed, "last dance." When he asked me earlier, I pretty much nodded at once, which earned a laugh from him. Okay, maybe I was too excited. But it's not everyday you get to be asked by your crush!

I raised my cup of crème brûlée to tell him that I was still eating and the dance floor was still empty. People were going to look at us if we went there. He rolled his eyes playfully and placed his palm under his chin like he was bored.

Despite myself, I hid a smile when I took the last spoonful of the brûlée. Such an impatient guy.

"Saan ka?" Inessa, who was seated next to me on the other side of the table, asked when I stood up to excuse myself.

"Uh, Jastin wants to dance." I said and scratched my nose uncomfortably.

Inessa pinched my waist. "Kanina pa nga nakatingin sa 'yo. Go get your man!"

"He's not my man." 

"Then claim it! Ayaw mo ba?"

What I want doesn't matter. I'm not the girl for him.

After Inessa pulled Maggie away when she noticed that I was headed towards Jastin who was already standing and waiting for me, I took that as my cue to leave.

He immediately grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the dance floor towards a few others who looked like they were having an intimate moment. The song was still slow enough to call for a slow dance, so Jastin guided both of my arms to place it on his shoulder while his hands went to my waist.

"This is our third time dancing." I laughed.

He smiled at that. "You did promise me your last dance. I'm good at keeping notes, Miss Recamara."

"Then be glad no one asked me while we were eating. Ikaw lang talaga."

His grip on my waist tightened and he lowered his head a bit. "Shame. They missed out dancing with you like this."

I tilted my head to the side and gave him a questioning look. "Like what?"

"Nevermind. You said you wanted to focus on your hobbies. What do you like to do in your free time?" Jastin asked as we swayed gently to the music.

My lips protruded a bit while I enumerated my hobbies in my head, and then I decided to only name a few that I really liked doing. "I like growing and tending to my plants. I have a whole backyard for that. And painting. Though these days, I don't have enough inspiration to paint anything."

Jastin stopped short the moment those words left my mouth, and because he was leading the dance, I also stopped. 

He just stared at me, his brows furrowed and his gaze intense in concentration. 

"Is everything okay?" I asked and hoped that the fear in my heart didn't reflect in my eyes.

Did I do something wrong? Say something wrong?

He must've seen the expression on my face because he quickly schooled his expression to an easy smile. "Nothing. Can I see your garden, then?"

I nodded. "Of course. Alam mo naman bahay nila Maggie. Do you want me to arrange something for you? Like a small pot of plant?"

"I would love that."

"But you have to tend to them daily! No slacking. Leave them out to get sunlight if you live in a closed space, and water them as needed."

He pulled me closer, his breath a repeated steady blow on my hairline, and when he wrapped his arms around me, my eyes widened in surprise.

We stopped swaying to the music and just stood there while he hugged me tightly until I could feel his ragged breaths in my ear.

I had no idea why he hugged me but I do know that it was to seek comfort. Comfort that I was willing to give.

So I wrapped my arms around his torso and rested my head on his shoulder. I didn't care that other people were looking at us, I just knew that he needed it.

"Thank you, Gwen."

###