THE NIGHT before didn't really count. Pareho kasi silang pagod ni Karson. She didn't have the time and energy to deal with whatever happened the second Nowi got out of the shower.

        Maybe she just happened to get out of the room when he walked in with only a towel around his waist. Nowi wanted to ask. He didn't, though. Tama kasi sina Warren. Pagod si Karson sa biyahe. Minabuti na lang niyang 'wag itong kulitin.

        A few minutes later that night, Karson returned with a hotel staff. Sumilip pa nga ito sa kuwarto. Siniguro yatang nakapagbihis na siya. Anyway, she asked the staff to bring in the mattress they requested. 

        Karson snuck into the shower afterwards. Diretso tulog naman ang ginawa nito nang matapos.

        In that sense, their first night together didn't really count as their first night "together".

        "Pababa na ako," Karson's last message read.

        Nowi chugged his second bottle of beer, drowning the split-second of excitement he felt. Hindi naman kasi siya mabilis kabahan. Introverted siya pero kaya niyang makipagsabayan kung hinihingi ng sitwasyon.

        With Karson, however, he would often find himself filtering his thoughts. Hindi niya mapigilang mag-ingat sa bawat salita o kilos niya kapag kaharap niya ito. He had no idea when it started. Napansin niya lang iyon noong ginawa nila iyong activity.

        "Uy," malakas na sabi ni Karson.

        Nilingon niya ito. She was still a few meters away. Or not. Paubos pa lang ang pangalawang bote ni Nowi pero parang nawawala na siya. With her around, his perception just seemed to malfunction. He ended up focusing only on her while drowning out everything else.

        But maybe this time, he could blame the alcohol.

        "Hey," Nowi said with a smile. Urgently, he stood up and pulled a bar stool for her. "I can't believe you really brought my earphones."

        "Sabi mo, nood tayo ng 'Love is Blind', e." Pinatong ni Karson sa bar counter ang itim na hydro flask at ang nakakumpol niyang earphones. "Ayaw mo na ba? Okay lang naman. We can just talk."

        "Really?" Muling umupo si Nowi. "Don't you think we already know enough about each other after that interview?"

        "We can also drink in silence, kung mas prefer mo 'yon." Matapos makaupo nang maayos, hinila nito ang bucket. She immediately took one of the bottles he promised her. Wala pang tatlong segundo ay tumutungga na ito ng beer.

        He chuckled softly. "I didn't know you were thirsty."

        "Don't judge me. Gusto ko na kasing matulog." Ngumuso ito. "Kaso namamahay pwet ko, e."

        Nowi stifled a laugh. "Namamahay?"

        "Nami-miss 'yong bahay kaya mapili," Karson explained with a cheeky smile. "Medyo pagod din ako kasi alam mo na, paikot-ikot ako the whole day. Nagkapaltos nga ako, o. Alam mo naman kung ano 'yong paltos, 'di ba?"

        "Mm-hmm. Do your feet hurt? You know we can ask for a massage, right?"

        "Additional charge pa kasi 'yon, e." She sipped her beer again. "Don't mind me. Okay naman na 'yan bukas."

        "But right now, you don't seem okay." Nowi looked at her intently. Karson wore a white tank top for the whole day. Suot din nito ang pantalong ipinangbiyahe. "I'm free naman. I'll massage you na lang, yeah? Free of charge."

        Napalabi ang babae. "Okay lang ba? Won't it be weird?" She even gestured at the bar. It wasn't a full night but there were other customers.

        "I honestly don't mind being seen as weird." Hinarap niya si Karson. Nang mapagtantong seryoso siya sa inaalok, inalis nito ang mga sapatos. She left her black socks on. After drinking more beer, she slowly lifted her right leg.

        Then as gently as possible, Nowi held her right foot and placed it on his lap. He began with her ankle. Mahinang napadaing ang babae nang madiinan niya ang pagmamasahe. "Sorry, I'll be gentle."

        Karson stifled a laugh. "Sabi sa 'yo, e."

        "Hmm?"

        "It's weird," he heard her say.

        "It's not, ha-ha."

        "Paanong hindi? You just told me you'd be gentle," she muttered, chuckling.

        "What?" Napatunghay si Nowi. Sinulyapan niya si Karson. Her cheeks were slightly pink. Only then did he realize how his remark came across. "I meant the massage. I'll be gentle with the massage," he clarified, feeling his cheeks warm up.

        Karson's lips slightly parted. "A—alam ko! I get what you mean, pero s'yempre, mas common kong nae-encounter 'yon sa—"

        "Sex?" Nowi finished her thought. Baka kasi sumabog ang mga pisngi nito sa pangangamatis bago pa nito matapos ang gustong sabihin. "I understand why your mind would go there but the fact that your mind went there is what made this a bit awkward."

        "O. . . e 'di, 'wag na nga," ungot nito, sabay bawi ng paa.

        "I was teasing lang naman, Miss Chua," he hummed before bending over. Muli niyang inabot at ikinandong ang kanang paa ni Karson. "By the way, did you enjoy today despite running all over the place?"

        "Weird ba kung sasabihin kong oo kahit pagod ako?"

        "No, because I know you." He sipped from his bottle. "And I also know that you like your job."

        Karson laughed softly. "Yep, exactly. Ikaw ba? Kumusta experience mo kahit halos buong araw kang nakabilad sa araw?"

        "I enjoyed din naman, ha-ha. The people here are just so nice."

        He let her foot go, then he lightly tapped her leg. Nang hindi nakuha ni Karson ang ipinararating niya, mismong si Nowi na ang nag-alis at nagbaba ng paa nito.

        Pagkatapos ay iyong kabila naman nitong paa ang ikinandong at minasahe ni Nowi.

        The bar got more quiet. The DJ turned the colorful strobe lights off. The music mellowed into the soft sounds of elevator music. Unti-unti nang nababawasan ang tao kaya rinig na nina Nowi at Karson ang bawat kibot ng isa't isa.

        The tension seemed to rise quicker, too.

        "Natahimik ka?" Si Karson ang unang gumupit sa tensyon sa hangin.

        "Sorry, I'm just not sure what to talk about when you're giving your colleague a foot massage."

        She let out a small gasp. "Colleague?"

        Nowi's eyes instinctively shot her a look after hearing her say that. Karson, on the other hand, appeared to regret it. Nakumpirma ng reaksyon nito ang hinala niya.

        Somewhere, some time, they stopped being colleagues and became friends.

        "Sorry, I meant 'friend'," Nowi corrected himself with a smile. "But yeah, what do we talk about ba?"

        "I don't know. Sorry, ha-ha. Medyo inaantok na kasi ako."

        Bahagyang napamaang si Nowi nang ipatong ni Karson ang mga paa sa kandungan niya. "What are you doing?"

        "Sorry, sorry." Bumuga ng hangin si Karson. "Nangangalay na kasi," she explained, grimacing. "Inaantok ka na rin ba? P'wede mo naman akong iwan dito."

        Natigilan siya sa pag-inom ng beer. "Miss Chua, you just said you were sleepy."

        "Ayoko pa kasing umakyat. Mamaya rin naman ako makakatulog."

        "Then we'll stay here." Nangingiti siyang napailing. "I'll stay with you na lang."

        Karson stared at him before slightly shaking her head, chuckling. "Sorry," she mumbled.

        "Hey, that's not fair. What are you laughing about? Care to share?"

        "Wala, wala. May naisip lang." Sumimsim ito ng beer. "Bakit nga pala 'di ka sumama kina Jae?"

        "Because I don't like him," he stated.

        To his surprise, Karson burst out laughing. "Sorry, sorry." Muli itong uminom para mapakalma ang sarili. "Sorry, I just didn't expect that from you. Akala ko, pacifist ka, e."

        Nowi continued massaging her feet. "Every time I meet a new person kasi, I almost always know if I'll like them or not. I'm not judgmental naman so I still allot time to actually get to know them."

        "Pero madalas na tama gut-feel mo?"

        "Mm-hmm." Marahan niyang pinisil ang kanang paa ni Karson. "In Jae's case, I just don't like him. Ha-ha."

        Karson cleared her throat. "E, sa 'kin?"

        Nowi shot her a look. Nakapatong ang kanang braso nito sa counter. Nakangiting nakatitig sa kanya si Karson, naghihintay ng sagot. When seconds pass and he still got his tongue all tied up, her smile widened in triumph.

        Nowi couldn't help but smile. He always enjoyed being outsmarted by Karson. Pagdating kasi sa kanilang dalawa, parang may 'di nakikitang scoreboard. People argue that no one should keep score in relationships but the fact is they both enjoy it.

        Both Karson and Nowi enjoyed riding the rollercoaster of a relationship they currently have. He loved talking to her. He loved their flirty banters. Gumagana kasi ang utak niya habang may kung anong sumusundot at kumikiliti sa tiyan niya.

        Nowi kept his eyes steady on hers. "With you—" She leaned closer in anticipation. "—the moment I saw your forehead lines in frustration, I already knew I'd like to know you more."

        Karson slowly nodded. "Okay, noted," she hummed with a little smile plastered on her lips. "Ako rin naman, e. Same."

        Nowi always loved the thrill of rollercoasters – both the literal and metaphorical kind – but he would like to get off at some point. Sana lang ay gano'n din ang takbo ng isip ni Karson.

—

        KARSON'S MIND just won't stop overthinking everything – every smile, every word. Everytime Nowi would lightly squeeze her foot, she would feel the light beer doubling its effect on her. Hindi naman mainit sa bar. Nakasando pa nga siya pero ramdam niyang pinapawisan ang likod niya.

        Pinalis niya palikod ang buhok. The gesture exposed her collarbone. Quickly, she glanced at Nowi, hoping for any reaction. A simple glance would do. He did not disappoint. For a split second, she caught him staring at her neck.

        Kaagad itong nag-iwas ng tingin nang mapansing nakatitig siya.

        Smiling to herself, Karson chugged her beer. Agad niyang binuksan ang pangalawa niyang bote. "Ang cute kaya ni Jae," bulong niya. Natigilan si Nowi sa pagmamasahe ng paa niya. "I mean, objectively, 'ha? Parang kapag sinabi na poging Korean guy, kasama siya sa ine-expect mo."

        Nowi's eyebrows knit. "Sure, I guess?"

        "Para siyang si Ano. . . hmm, si Im Si-wan ng 'Run On' na conventionally attractive tapos may pagka-androgynous kasi pogi tapos at same time, maganda rin."

        "You're doing this on purpose," she heard him say. Patuloy lang ito sa pagmamasahe ng paa niya habang nakanguso. "I can't believe you, Miss Chua."

        Karson gasped softly, faking confusion. "What? Anong sinasadya ko? Kinakausap lang naman kita."

        "Whatever you're doing right now." Saglit itong tumunghay para ubusin ang kanina pang inaalagaan na beer. Pagkatapos niyon, maingat nitong ibinaba ang mga paa niya. He, then, raised his finger, calling the attention of the bartender. "One more bottle please. Thanks."

        "Wait. Iiwan mo 'ko?" kunot-noo niyang tanong nang tumayo si Nowi. "Joke lang naman 'yong kay Jae, e."

        Nowi grinned. "So now, you admit you're getting me to say I'm jealous?"

        Karson bit the inside of her cheek, preparing for a little lie. "Hindi kaya! I was just making conversation. Kung nagseselos ka na do'n, that's on you."

        "It's on me?" Nowi licked his lower lip before leaning closer. He met Karson's eyes. May kung anong kumislap sa mga mata nito nang mapansing nahigit niya ang paghinga. "And what if I decide to do what I'm thinking of doing right now, would that be on you? Would you take responsibility ba?"

        "Depende." Pilit na tinapangan ni Karson ang mga mata niya. She refused to give in. Hindi naman siguro napapansin ni Nowi ang pamumula ng mga pisngi niya. Malamlam naman ang ilaw sa bar, e. "What are you thinking of doing?"

        He smirked before slightly pinching her nose. Napalabi si Karson dahil doon.

        Bahagyang lumayo si Nowi. Umayos din ito ng tayo at nagpamulsa. "I'm actually thinking of going to the CR." He gestured toward the restroom sign. "When I get back, should we return to our room na ba?"

        "Antok ka na ba?"

        "Yeah, a bit," he said, sighing. "We have to be early din tomorrow, right?"

        Karson nodded. "Okay, sige."

        As she watched Nowi walk away, she couldn't help but sigh. She thought it would be fun to tease and get him all flustered. Ang kaso, nag-backfire. Siya ang tinablan, e.

        Karson drank the rest of her beer, scrolling on Twitter while waiting for Nowi. Muli rin niyang isinuot ang mga sapatos. Napangiwi siya nang matamaan ang mga paltos niya.

        Pagbalik ni Nowi, ibinulsa niya ang phone. She jumped down from the stool and almost slipped. Thankfully, he caught her. Nakagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi nang mapagtantong sa dibdib ng lalaki dumapo ang mga kamay niya.

        "Uh, sorry, sorry," bulong ni Karson.

        Sinubukan niyang lumayo pero hinawakan ni Nowi ang kanan niyang kamay. "Can you walk ba? You said you have paltos, right?"

        "Medyo masakit pero kaya naman," she reassured him.

        "Hang on." He let her go for a bit. Nagmamadali nitong ibinulsa ang earphones. Pagkatapos niyon, muli itong humarap sa kanya. "Can you carry my hydro flask?"

        "Sure." She took the tumbler from him. "Bakit?"

        "Come on," he said with a soft smile.

        Nang mapansing naguguluhan pa rin siya, mismong si Nowi na ang umabot ng kanan niyang kamay. He draped her arm around his neck and slowly, he lifted her off of the ground.

        "Oh, fuck," Karson mumbled. Ikinatawa 'yon ni Nowi. "Anong ginagawa mo? Bakit mo 'ko binuhat?"

        Muling natawa ang lalaki. He expertly supported her back and legs, careful not to drop her. "Your feet hurt, right?"

        "Hala, hoy!" Slightly panicking, she looked around the bar. May iilan nang nakatingin sa direksyon nila. "Nakakahiya."

        "I'm not letting you walk." He clicked his tongue before facing the bar. "Can you reach for the beer? It's free kasi, e."

        To save herself from further embarrassment, Karson just did as she was told. Inabot niya iyong huling beer na ni-request ni Nowi. Kasama ng hydro flask ay niyakap niya iyon gamit ang kaliwang braso.

        Nanatili siyang tahimik habang binabaybay nila ang daan papuntang elevator.

        Nang makasakay sila, parang maliliyo siya. It was just unfair how Nowi's black pullover smelled nice. He smelled nice. Nagpabango yata ito noong sumaglit sa CR.

        Karson had to fight every ounce of her alcohol-induced being to not snuggle closer to his neck. Idinikit niya sa pisngi ang malamig at babasaging bote ng beer.

        She needed to cool off. Lalo na't pabalik sila sa k'warto nila.

        Upon reaching their room, she quickly jumped off of his arms. Ipinatong nila ang mga maleta sa kama pagkatapos. Sabay pero walang-imik silang naghanap ng ipangtutulog.

        "Pucha," Nowi mumbled out of the blue.

        Bumulanghit ng tawa si Karson. "Bakit bigla kang nagmumura d'yan?" Inangat niya ang nakatupi niyang oversized shirt. "Fuck," she muttered under her breath.

        It was Nowi's turn to laugh at her outburst. "What?"

        Without thinking, she showed him what she found underneath her clothes. "Tingnan mo." Itinaas niya ang box ng condoms na malamang ay pinuslit ni Lilith. "Hindi ko alam kung maiinis ako o maa-amaze sa effort, e."

        "I'm amazed," he said, chuckling. Napamaang si Karson nang makita ang hawak nito. Isang box din pala ng condoms ang dahilan ng pagmumura nito. "Oh, uh. . . Warren put this here. I didn't. . . I wasn't planning on doing any—it's not why I offered to massage you and carry you."

        "Don't worry." Natawa siya nang mapansing may namumuong mga butil ng pawis sa noo ni Nowi. "Alam ko. Baka nga sabay pang bumili 'yong dalawang 'yon, makapang-asar lang."

        "Okay, uh. . ." Tumuro ito sa CR. "I'll make bihis na lang here so you can have the CR to yourself, yeah?"

        Sinabit niya sa balikat ang kinuhang shirt at shorts. "Okay, thanks."

        Karson didn't take too long. Gusto na kasi niyang humilata sa kama kahit alam niyang madaling-araw pa siya makatutulog.

        Dire-diretso siyang lumabas ng CR. Humigpit ang hawak niya sa doorknob nang madatnang nakatalikod si Nowi. He seemed to be having trouble with his sweater, making Karson chuckle softly.

        "Nandito kasi, o." Walang sabi niyang hinanap iyong neckline ng sweater para kay Nowi. She tugged at its hem. Her fingertips slightly grazed his toned stomach. "Okay ka na?" tanong niya rito nang maisuot na nito iyong sweater.

        "I could have done it myself, you know," he said, pouting.

        "Oo na lang," natatawa niyang sabi bago umupo sa kama. "By the way, 'di ako malikot matulog so kung 'di ka rin malikot, p'wede namang tabi tayo. Baka sumakit likod mo d'yan, e."

        "Okay, sure."

        "Ha?" She definitely didn't expect he would agree to her offer.

        "I said okay, I'll take you up on that offer." He grinned at her surprised face. Nagmamadali nitong dinampot ang kumot at unan sa sahig bago sumampa sa kama. "So which is your side of the bed?"

        "Uh. . . kahit ano siguro?" Karson scooched to the left side, making room for Nowi. "Okay na ako dito. Ikaw ba?"

        "Yeah, I'm good na."

        Seconds later, Nowi turned off the lamp on the nightstand. Karson tried to still her breathing. Nag-unat din siya ng mga binti sa ilalim ng comforter. Nakagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi nang matamaan niya ang paa ni Nowi.

        "Sorry, 'di lang sanay."

        "Mm-hmm," he hummed. "Me, too, but I'm comfortable naman with you so. . . I think I'll be sanay overtime."

        Tumagilid siya para harapin si Nowi. "Ha?"

        He kept his eyes closed. "Nothing. I said goodnight, Miss Chua."

        "Okay, goodnight," she said, nonchalantly.

—

        ALL THROUGH the night, Nowi would wake up. Karson kept tossing and turning. Binalak niyang buksan ang ilaw – dahil baka binabangungot ito – pero minabuti niyang 'wag na lang. Baka kasi magising pa niya ito.

        "Miss Chua?" he asked in a low voice.

        When she didn't answer, he assumed she was sound asleep. Sinilip niya ang oras sa phone. Mag-aalas tres pa lang ng umaga. In contemplation, he sat up the bed. Karson stirred again. Nag-unat naman ito ng mga binti bago tumagilid at humarap sa direksyon niya.

        Sighing, Nowi inched closer to Karson until they were face-to-face. Tulog naman ang babae. Mukhang nilalamig lang ito. He bit his lip as he hovered his left arm over her. Slowly, he wrapped his arm around her.

        Pucha. Having her that close wasn't enough.

        So he pulled her closer until he could feel her breathing.

        Nowi inhaled deeply. Kailangan niyang kumalma. Kailangan niyang pabagalin ang tibok ng puso niya. With Karson's forehead leaning on his chest, his erratic heartbeat might accidentally wake her up.

        Nowi fell asleep with a small smile and a wish to delay the sunrise.

—

        THE MORNING came. Karson stirred, slowly realizing there was an arm around her. Agad siyang nagmulat. Nakagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi nang mapagtantong nakayakap sa kanya si Nowi. She stayed still for a few minutes more.

        For a few more minutes, Karson decided to close her eyes and let herself feel.

        Ramdam niyang tumatama ang paghinga ni Nowi sa tuktok ng ulo niya. In her every inhale, she could smell the fragrant mixture of citrus and flowers from his cologne.

        It was weird how she felt safe around Nowi; around him who wasn't family or a friend she had known for years. Dahan-dahan niyang inangat ang braso nito. Hindi pa muna siya bumangon. She took the opportunity to properly look at him.

        "'Tangina naman, o," natatawang bulong ni Karson. "Ang unfair lang, e. Sana all gan'yan kaganda matulog."

        Lalong lumawak ang ngiti niya nang unti-unting nagmulat si Nowi.

        Karson decided to stay in bed instead of panicking like she would normally do. Si Nowi naman ang yumakap, hindi siya. Dapat lang na panindigan nito ang ginawang pagtawid sa professional boundary nila. "Goodmorning, Nowi," nangingiting bati niya rito.

        "Goodmorning, Miss Chua." Nagpungas ito ng mga mata. Kumalas din ito sa pagyakap sa kanya. Saglit din itong nag-unat ng mga braso bago tuluyang bumangon. "I, uh. . . you kept tossing and turning kasi. I know there's no excuse but I thought you were cold so I—"

        "Hindi naman ako galit." Nilabanan niya ang paghikab. "That's all that happened, right? Niyakap mo lang ako?"

        Nowi leaned against the headboard. "Yeah, that's all that happened last night."

        "I trust you. Don't worry." Karson got up the bed and stretched her arms. "Medyo maraming ganap today kasi ngayon talaga 'yong festival celebration nila so—"

        "Wait, that's it?"

        "Anong 'that's it'?" Her forehead furrowed. "May ine-expect ka bang sasabihin ko? I already told you I'm not mad."

        "No, that's not what I—" Nowi trailed off, finishing his sentence with a soft sigh. "Sorry, I just. . . never mind. You're different nga pala."

        "Believe me," natatawa niyang sabi. "I'm not different. Anyway, 'di ako sure kung na-offend ba kita o naiinis ka so. . . maybe you can help me?"

        He bit his lip. "Neither. I'm just wondering but with you, I'm always wondering naman, e. It's nothing new, Miss Chua."

        "Kung nagwa-wonder ka na baka galit ako or something, hindi talaga ako galit, ha-ha. Sure, nagulat ako na nagising ako na nakayakap ka sa 'kin, but I got over that surprise quickly. Hindi naman sa minamaliit ko 'yong kind gesture mo, a? Mabilis lang talaga akong mag-move on lalo na kasi hug lang naman 'yo—"

        "Karson," Nowi cut her off. Napakurap siya nang mabilis. Bihira kasi siyang tawagin nito sa pangalan niya. "You're rambling, ha-ha. I get what you're saying naman, e."

        "O—okay."

        He finally stood up. Pababa nitong hinila ang suot na sweater bago lumapit sa kanya.

        "Your rambling is so much better of a reaction, though." Nowi playfully pinched her nose. "I was a bit offended by nonchalant you, e. I'll shower muna, yeah?"

        "Okay."

        Karson was left wondering how the hell he turned the tables on her.#