❝ FACE EAST  ❞

"Yes yes, I'm on my way."

Madali mong pagkasabi habang sinusuot ang sapatos mo at palabas ng condo unit. It's currently seven forty in the morning. Hindi ka na rin nagbreakfast, and decided to just grab a quick coffee on your way. Today is your brand shoot, and hindi ka nagising nang maaga unlike your usual routine.

"Helian, you need to hurry, the directors are here." One of the assistants of the brand that's also your friend said on the phone.

"Yes, I swear I'm on my way—" You said while struggling to put your heels on, and at the same time, packing your makeup dahil sa kotse ka nalang magm-makeup at maglalagay ng accessories.

After that, you ended the phone call. "Ugh, I'm still on a hangover."

"Ate, you have classes today?" Tanong ni Aisha nang lumabas ito sa kwarto, at halatang kakagising palang.

"Aisha, just eat your breakfast. There's cereal there." You said in a rush then dashed out of the door.

"Ah shit," you whispered while rushing to get to the elevators while pushing the buttons with your keys dangling in your hands, and as the doors opened, you suddenly bumped into someone, making your things fall.

"I'm sorry—" The guy apologized, and he even helped you pick your things up.

As you're crouching, you raised your head to see a familiar guy.

The guy had a hair that had a resemblance to a mullet cut. You furrowed your brows for a moment, and even if you were in a rush, you asked him since he looks familiar.

"Are you perhaps from (school name)?" You asked out of curiosity.

He stopped for a moment, and it looks like that he was also observing you.

"...I was a former student there. Lumipat ako." He replied and pursed his lips as he slowly nodded, keeping a straight posture.

"Oh," you muttered. You handed your hand out. "Helian, by the way. A new student there."

"Iñigo," he said, also handing his hand out.

"Ah, Iñigo, I wish I could've talked with you a little longer, but I'm in a rush, e. It's a good thing that I have a unit buddy that studied in the same school." Sabi mo naman.

"Ah, it's no problem. You have important errands. I'll catch up with you later?" Sabi pa ni Inigo.

"Sure, sure. My unit is just over there." Turo mo naman.

"Cool, oh and, paki-kamusta ako sa mga kaklase mo. I'm pretty sure your classmates now were my friends before." Inigo said.

"Of course! Will do. I gotta go now, Iñigo. Thanks for the little chat. Goodbye!"

You could've asked more questions and had a conversation with him, but since you were such in a rush, you quickly excused yourself.

"G for a ride?"

Tanong nina Ran kay Kakucho habang nakatambay sa bahay ng dalawang magkapatid. These boys decided to wind up for a while after what happened last night. Kapag talaga get-together, it's either club, bar, night drives, o sa bahay. Malls are too boring for them, maliban nalang kapag may ibang kasama. Syempre, kapag magkakasama ang F5, palaging may inuman, kahit umaga pa.

"Where?" Tanong ni Koko. "Can't tonight. Streets in BGC are crowded."

"Tss," Ran chuckled a shot before speaking. "Hell, it's as if we'll drive there."

"Edi saan pa ba tayo lulugar?" Rindou asked.

"I know a place. If y'all are down for something risky." Sabi ni Ran.

"I'm always down." Kakucho nonchalantly replied, holding a glass of beer while sitting on the couch in a manspread.

"Sinabi lang sa'kin 'to ni Sanzu," sagot ni Ran. "He knows an underground racing."

"A what?" Rindou raised a brow.

"Lowkey illegal, but aight." Sagot naman ni Koko.

"It's not, I swear." Ran replied. "Well, I'm not sure. Haha. Sanzu just told me, basta, he has connections there. Bro's fucking influential. I'm sure we'll be alright there."

"Kilala niyo naman si Sanzu," dagdag ni Kakucho. "Bro's down for anything. Kahit ano isasabak no'n, kahit makulong pa ang puta."

"Haha tapos future lawyer, tang ina! Akalain mo 'yun?" Dagdag pa ni Rindou. "Lakas talaga ng amats ng Sanzu na 'yan."

"Well, I thought you're always down, bro?" Tanong naman ni Ran kay Kakucho.

"I am, when is that?" Kakucho asked.

"Later night."

"I'll see."

"O, Kakucho is down. Kayo?" Tanong ni Ran kina Koko at Rindou. "Don't be a pussy now, c'mon. Hindi naman tayo makukulong gago."

"Better make sure or else I'll take it back." Dagdag ni Kakucho.

"Oo promise!"

"E pa'no kung nakulong tayo?" Tanong ni Rindou.

"Ediii, ey papogi sa mugshot." Sagot ni Ran.

"Tangina talaga into."

"You only live once, 'di ba?" Sabi ni Ran na may kasamang tawa.

"Oo, you only die once din. Talagang patay tayo kay mama kapag nakulong tayong gago ka." Sambit naman ni Rindou.

Sa magbabarkada, sina Ran, Kakucho, at Sanzu talaga ang risk takers. Si Kakucho, pinag-iisipan niya muna syempre, ngunit mapapayag mo rin sa huli. Gano'n din si Ran, pinag-iisipan muna ang desisyon, ngunit may mga oras na careless ito, lasingin mo lang, lahat gagawin. Si Sanzu naman... well, hindi na nag-iisip 'yan. Basta kung anong pumasok sa isip niyan, sasabak 'yan at papasok sa sitwasyon.

"Napaka duwag niyo naman." Komento ni Ran kina Rindou.

"Mama mo," sambit naman ni Rindou.

"Anyway, tara? Puntahan na raw natin si Sanzu sa bahay niya. May klase raw sila ngayong weekend, so we'll just wait him in their house daw." Sabi ni Ran.

"May klase ngayong weekend? Kala ko nasa Poblacion 'yun?" Sabi ni Rindou.

"Aba ewan, kung saan saan 'yon napapadpad. Tsaka Poblacion, umaga?"

"Chat mo nga para ma confirm."

:Ran

yo

where u at

Sanzu:

nasa univ pa

wag na kayo punta campus taena ma-ulan

ubos pa parking

:Ran

ndi nga

ano oras maya

Sanzu:

kasama mo sina kaku?

:Ran

oo

Sanzu:

ey

miss ko na si bro 🔥

sabihin mo sakanya send tite

:Ran

dami mong satsat

san nga kami mags-stay

Sanzu:

sa bahay ko nga putang

:Ran

alr alr

Sanzu:

salubungin niyo ako pag uwi ko sa bahay maya ah

kunware ako ung bisita tas kayo may ari ng bahay

meet me on the bed bebe boys 👿

surprise me with yo schlongs 👿

impress daddy 👿

:Ran

?!HUH

bro shut the fuck up dawg 😭

Sanzu:

namo kayo na nga tutuloy sa bahay e

anyway, as usual, wag niyong galawin drawer ko

puta pag pumupunta kayo sa kwarto ko nilalabas niyo mga brief ko e

gago ba naman ililive selling sa facebook gago ba

tipong unang bungad ko sa fb is live niyo na binebenta mga brief ko

:Ran

at least may pinagkakitaan

naka ilang case ng alak tayo non HAHAHAH

"Bro..." Napabugtong hininga nalang si Kakucho habang binabasa ang conversation nina Ran at Sanzu. Si Kakucho rin talaga ang nagiging tatay ng friend group minsan.

Suddenly, may nag ding sa phone ni Kakucho. He checked his phone to see your message.

You sent a photo of the photo studio you're in, and another selfie of you na mirror shot habang inaayusan at minamakeup-an sa dressing room with the assistants.

Helian:

Just updating :pp

Kakucho's expression was stoic for a moment, at halatang pinipigilan ang ngiti nito dahil kasama ang kanyang mga kaibigan.

He was on the verge of smiling, until you sent another mirror shot of you na suot ang isang white dress for the photoshoot. Hindi na talaga napigilan ni Kakucho ang kanyang ngiti.

Kakucho reacted heart to your message.

Helian:

Anotha update

AA WAIT the shoot is starting

Byebye ttyl

Kakucho had to put his phone down for a moment, at nasa sulok lang ito, kinikilig, habang ang mga kaibigan nito ay halos magpatayan na.

"Kaku, tara na? Punta na raw tayo sa bahay ni Sanzu." Sabi naman ni Ran nang kinuha na ang kanyang car keys, at tumayo na rin sina Rindou at Koko.

"Mukhang busy si bro ah." Biro ni Rindou. "May kachat. GAHAHAHA. Si chinita girl ba 'yan."

"Ehem," pabirong ubo ni Ran.

Kakucho just shook his head. "Tara na nga."

Another notification was received from his phone, and it's from you again.

Helian:

Omg it's raining cats and dogs today wut eff 😭

:Kakucho

I'll drive there

You need anything?

Helian:

Naurr it's fine

Well actually naur cuz I have a lot of stuff to carry after the shoot

I'm so dumb din kasi I parked my car sa malayo haha

And I left my umbrella in the car pa

I didn't expect it to rain 😭

I'll just stay here muna sa studio

:Kakucho

Wait there

Helian:

Whay

"Yo, kayo na muna," pagpapaalam ni Kakucho kina Ran nang kinuha niya ang kanyang mga gamit, also his carkeys.

"Ha? Sa'n ka pupunta?" Tanong ni Ran.

"Susunod nalang ako." Kakucho said, at umalis na rin.

"Grabe ba. May pinopormahan 'tong si Kaku noh."

"Heli, isa pa raw pasada para sa campaign video."

Sabi sa'yo ng assistant habang naghihintay ka sa lobby. Nakabihis ka na at tinanggal mo na ang makeup mo, ngunti nabigla ka dahil hindi pa pala tapos ang shoot.

"Campaign video?" Sagot mo naman. Nagtaka ka naman dahil dito since ang napag-usapan ay photoshoots only, and you'll only do highlights in the campaign video na tapos na gawin kanina pa. You already removed your makeup and everything.

"Um, yes po, Madam Sy. We just received a message from the CEO as we sent your model portfolio. She likes you to take more parts in the campaign video for the next launching of products." One of the employees informed me.

"Ohh," ayan nalang ang naireply mo sa empleyado.

Napatingin ka nalang kay Annie, the CEO's assistant and the closest person you know here. Siya rin ang nag refer para sa'yo.

"Alright... Annie, can we talk for a moment?" Bulong mo sa kanya, and you excused yourself to the other employee.

As you entered a private room with her, you started about your rebuts. "What are they talking about?"

"Ah, Heli, look, it seems like the CEO is fond of you. She wants you to take more part in the video."

"You know I still have a schedule later, Annie. Plus, I'm only informed now..." Sagot mo naman.

"I mean, ayaw mo 'yon? The CEO literally wants you more than those other models. Ikaw ang spotlight sa campaign video. You'll just model the products, have some little scripts, and all that."

"Alright, alright, that's just a plus compliment, but... I was only informed now. I'm not ready or anything, my rates haven't been changed—" Reklamo mo naman.

"I know, I know, I'll speak to her about this, but please know that Miss Grace personally picked you out of those models." Annie said.

You sighed, and looked away, thinking for a moment, but were cut off when someone knocked on the door. Binuksan naman ito ni Annie at bumungad ang isang empleyado.

"Madam Sy, mukhang may bisita po kayo. He's waiting in the lobby." She informed.

"Oh, hold on," you replied, it must be Kakucho. Alam mo na, e.

You rushed out of the room and walked to the lobby. There, you saw Kakucho waiting on one of the couches. He's just sitting there, leaning back and one foot on top of his knee while scrolling through his phone.

Napangiti ka ng kaunti. "Oh ma gah, he's like those type of boyfriends waiting, HIHI!" Dito alam mo talaga kung paano pa-iiralin ang pagiging delusional mo na, e.

Kakucho raised his head and noticed you. Tumayo naman ito and offered to carry your bags. "You're done?"

"Oh uh, not really. I still have shoots. I'm really sorry, it might take an hour or so." Sagot mo naman. Tangina biglaan kasi!

"It's alright, I can wait." Kakucho replied.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, umuulan pa naman. I can stay here and wait for you." He said, and carried your bags with him kahit sobrang bigat pa dahil ang mga laman ay halos tatlong set of clothing na pamalit, extra makeup, and more.

"Okay... Thanks." You said with a smile. Agad ka naman lumingon at umalis na ng lobby kasama si Annie.

"Madam, sino 'yong Kakucho? Model din?" Tanong ng isang empleyado kay Annie.

"He's not. I think he's Helian's boyfriend. Right, Helian, who's that? Your boyfriend?" She asked while following behind you.

Hindi mo ito sumagot at ngumiti nalang as you walked into the studio. Nagtaka nalang si Annie rito with a suspicious and curious glare then gave you a teasing look.

"Hays, I think that boy really ended the line."

"One more shot... and there!"

The director and cameraman said. You've been posing for almost thirty minutes, at halos ngalayin ka na rin, but you're used to it already.

Bumaba ka na sa platform at nilapag ang mga products na minodel mo sa lamesa. Agad ka naman tinutukan ng mini fan at niretouch for the next set of shots.

Habang inaayusan ka, naiisip mo si Kakucho na naghihintay sa lobby. Alam mong dapat mapapagod ka dahil sa ilang oras na shoot, but just thinking of him waiting for you outside reduces your weariness.

"One last shoot, and we're done!" The director announced while everyone is on break.

"Madammm!" Tawag naman ng isang empleyado nang pagkapasok sa studio.

Tumingin naman kayo sa kanya, and your eyes widened to see Kakucho behind the employee.

"Pwede rito muna po si sir? Mukhang kanina pa po kasi naghihintay sa lobby." Sabinaman ng empleyado.

"Mhm," tumango si Kakucho, and then looked at you with a smirk.

"At sabi rin po niya para po makita si Madam Hel—"

"Thank you for guiding me here." Bago pa matuloy ng empleyado ang sasabihin niya, Kakucho cut her off with a forced smile.

Your jaw is dropped. He's going to watch?! "How am I going to focus?!" Paniguradong maiilang ka!

"Kaku!" Naglakad ka naman papunta sa kanya.

"What? Am I not welcome here?" Sagot nito as if he has no idea. His tone was also teasing as he crossed his arms and shrugged his shoulders. Wow!

"You could've just waited sa lobby!" Sabi mo naman.

"Ah sir, eto po upuan." One of the workers offered. Napakamot ka nalang sa ulo. Okay, accepted mo na talaga na rito siya mags-stay at manonood siya.

"Heli! Let's proceed with the next photosets!" The director called you. Haha shit!

Before you walked away, tumingin ka muna kay Kakucho. "Hey, don't look ah."

"What do you think I went here for?" He bantered as he tilted his head.

You just rolled your eyes. "Whatever."

Pumwesto ka naman sa plataporma at nagstart na rin ang shoot. You just posed there in front of the camera, ngunit hindi mo mapigilang ngumiti dahil alam mong may nanonood.

"Heli, fierce ang look for this photoset. Wala munang ngingiti. Dapat fierce, hot, think murder!" The director mentioned.

"How the hell will I do that when he's watching?! Oh my, someone tape my mouth then!" Isip mo naman, at tumango nalang sa director.

Kakucho is just at the corner of the studio, sitting there with his arms crossed while watching you. Hindi niya rin mapigilang ngumiti.

Everything about that model is perfect. In his eyes, she looks absolutely stunning. Many models are in this room, yet his eyes continue to focus on her like how a camera focuses on a certain object. It's as if he's the flower today, and he's facing the sun.

Meanwhile, you're still posing in front of the cameras. You're holding a product in your hand, and just doing expressions and poses that the director was telling you. Natanggal na rin nang kaunti ang pagka-ilang mo, at mas lalo kang ginanahan sa harap ng camera.

"Alright, next shots. Bikini." The director said.

Napalingon naman si Kakucho rito. Alright, how the tables have turned, mukhang siya na ang may ayaw manood ngayon.

"Hahaha," you nervously laughed. Sanay ka na sa mga ganitong concept shoots, but you know that Kakucho is watching! You're not camera shy at all, at kahit anong pose ipagawa sa'yo, you're fine with it.

"Annie, pakibihisan 'to. May mga bikini sets na pinadala si Ms. Grace." Sabi ng isang staff.

You went into the dressing room and dressed in a nude bikini that matches the products' concept. You went out of the dressing room with a towel.

Tumingin ka naman kay Kakucho, and saw that he was just scrolling on his phone.

You started posing in front of the cameras and trying not to think that Kakucho is in the same room with you.

Pagkatapos nang ilang minuto, tumingin din si Kakucho sa'yo. He doesn't know where to keep his eyes. Siya naman ang naiilang ngayon. Nonetheless, he continued watching you, his eyes focused on your face.

Agad ka namang tinapalan ng twalya after that, at ilang shots pa bago matapos. Napabugtong hininga ka nang nakababa ka na sa studio, and you're dressed back in your casual clothing.

As expected, nando'n parin si Kakucho, still waiting while your bags are beside him.

"Hi," you said with a slight laugh. "Waited too long?"

Napatingin naman si Kakucho sa'yo, and shook his head. "It was worth the wait anyway." He said, then stood up.

"Worth the wait?" You questioned.

"I don't need to explain." Kakucho said, yawning as he walked out of the studio.

"Hays you know kakatapos ko lang sa hours of shooting and dinagdagan mo pa iniisip ko noh." Sabi mo naman.

You walked past him, but then he sighed and pats your head as he leaned down to your level. "It was worth the wait 'cuz I get to see you dressed like that, gets?"

"What? The bikinis?" Asar mo.

"Nah, well, I can't deny that you look fucking gorgeous in those, but that's not what I mean." He said.

"Wait—?" Nagtaka ka naman at napatingin sa suot mo. Nakalimutan mo na you changed back into a t-shirt, but your t-shirt is literally a Roblox merch! Shuta, kay Aisha yata nakuha mong damit! Kaya pala ang sikip!

"What the hell!" You cursed, but then Kakucho was already walking ahead of you, at halatang tumatawa ito nang patago.

Out of all the times you've worn literally high-end, fashion designer clothes, ito talaga ang napansin niyang suot mo?!

"Thanks for the time and treat!"

Sabi mo naman nang bumaba ka sa kotse ni Kakucho. It's currently seven p.m., and he offered to drive you home. Your car is left on the parking overnight since Kakucho insisted to drive you to the mall and back to your condo. He also paid for the overnight parking fee. You really want to at least pay him back for all those gastos he spent on you, but he's always insisting.

Tumango lang si Kakucho, and rolled his window down as he watched you enter the building before he drives off. You looked back before entering and waved to him again.

Hindi talaga ito nagd-drive paalis hangga't hindi ka pumapasok ng building, kaya't pumasok ka na rin, and there, he drove off.

Umakyat ka na rin sa unit mo, at nasilayan mong tulog na agad si Aisha sa kwarto.

You did your usual night routine. Pumunta ka na rin agad sa kwarto para magpahinga dahil nakakapagod ang araw ngayon. May research ka pa na sisimulan at sa Monday, kailangan tapos na ang kalahati nito. Dapat Saturday night mo ito itutuloy, but since you can't really move a single limb tonight, you'll just do it tomorrow.

"Andito sina Sanzu."

One of the men said in tracksuits. Dumating na sina Ran, Kakucho, Koko, at Rindou sa kanilang usapang destinasyon. Right after Kakucho drove you home, he immediately drove to the place.

Nangamusta naman ang mga lalaki nang may mga nakikilala agad sila rito.

The location is an underground racetrack, and there are people there wearing racetrack jackets and other similar attire. The women, particularly some girlfriends of the racer, also serve as the race's starters, holding a flag or firing a gun. Just by glancing at the people taking part, it is clear that they are racing.

Of course, there are also sports cars aligned on the side of tracks. May mga nililinis din at hinahanda ang kanilang kotse, and it seems like a racing will be occuring later.

"Dang," ito nalang ang masasabi ni Koko while looking at the cars.

"See? Just like an auto show," Ran bantered with a chuckle— "but even fucking better."

"Chevrolet is prominent these days, huh? You had one, right?" Tanong ni Koko kay Ran.

"Yeah, but I grew tired of the Corvette, so I bounced to Camaros. I'm investing for the Zl1." Sgot ni Ran.

"Yeah, the z06 one is old, V8 engine?" Dagdag naman ni Kakucho. "I have the same engine with my Ford Mustang."

"For real? The Shelby Gt500?"

"Yeah."

"Damn," Ran replied, his eyes still locked on the cars.

"Yo!"

From a distance, narinig naman nila ang boses ni Sanzu na tinatawag sila. Napalingon naman ang mga lalaki, and they saw Sanzu steping out of his car.

"Kaya pala palaging busy. Hindi na gig ang inaatupag." Sabi ni Ran.

"Omsim— Shet, Kakucho! Putangina miss you, bro! Hindi mo na 'ko binibisita... Haha kingina niyo puro nalang 'tong dalawang magkapatid na higad pati calculator boi bumibisita sa'kin." Sabi naman ni Sanzu sabay yakap sa magkakaibigan.

"Wala na ring oras, bro. Pagkatapos ng club, diretso ako sa kabilang campus para sa training session." Sagot naman ni Kakucho.

"Onga pala. Kailan ba tournament?" Tanong ni Sanzu.

"Right after this school year ends." Sagot ni Kakucho.

"Mamaya mo na isipin 'yan. Dito ka muna."

"Anong mamaya mo isipin e tinanong mo 'ko." Sambit ni Kakucho.

"Onga noh."

"Sanzuuuu!" Tawag ng mga ibang kasama nito sa racing.

"I'll catch up!" Sigaw naman ni Sanzu nang lumingon ito, at humarap muli kina Ran para magpaalam. "Magsisimula na yata. Anyway, ni-reserve ko kayo ng seats. Syempre, kayo pinaka VIP, hays." 

"Kol! Samahan mo nga 'tong mga 'to. Paupuin mo sila sa ni-reserve-an ko." Sabi naman ni Sanzu. Lakas talaga e noh. 

Hindi nagtagal at nagsimula na rin ang racing. The stadium-like place is loud due to the people cheering. The two cars are aligned in the tracks, and Sanzu is in the right part.

Sanzu rolled his window down and did a rock-and-roll pose with his hand and with his tongue stuck out as some people snuck photos in before the race starts.

Todo suporta naman ang mga kaibigan nito na naka-upo sa mga benches, and clearly has the best view compared to the others. Basta si Sanzu ang nag-reserve.

A gunshot was fired as the race started. Both cars revved their engine before they speed through the car, finding momentum. Paikot lang sa sila sa malaking track na may pasikot-sikot. Mukhang matagal na 'tong pinaghandaan ni Sanzu sapagkat alam nito ang kanyang ginagawa at pinag-aralan talaga ang daan.

Sanzu speeds up his car, eyes darting between the rearview mirror and the track. He steps on the gas and completes the laps in no time, finishing first on the line. The crowd cheers for his victory, as always.

"Sanzu! Sanzu! Sanzu!" Sigawan naman ng mga nanonood nang nanalo ito, at syempre, ang nanguna ay ang kanyang mga kaibigan na sina Ran, Rindou, Koko, at Kakucho.

Eventually, more rounds of races for the racers occured. Nakalipas ang ilang oras, at natapos na rin ang event nang one a.m.

Maraming mga nakilala ang magkakaibigan, and this probably one of the events that they enjoyed.

"Good bye, guys! Dalo kayo ulit dito!" Pagpaalam naman ng isang babae na mukhang sanay sa pagpunta rito.

"Sure sure, when we have time." Sagot naman ni Rindou na may kasamang akbay sa babae.

"Kakucho! See you ulit! Bring your cars next time! I heard from Sanzu na you drive din, e. Ang tahimik mo! Akala namin hindi ka interesado sa mga ganito." Sabi naman ng isang babae.

Kakucho just nodded and looked away.

Yeah, kanina pa hindi nakikipag socialize si Kakucho maliban nalang kapag sina Ran at kapag may unang nag-aapproach sa kanya para magtanong sa kanyang kotse. Sa F5 talaga, si Kakucho ang least sociable. He's nonchalant, and he's the type of person to just stand beside you without even acknowledging your presence. 'Yung tipong naka cross lang ang arms nito, standing straight, at parang wala ka sa tabi niya. Baka nga bigyan ka pa niya ng side eye.

"By the way, sasama kayo sa field trip?" Tanong naman ni Rindou.

"Field trip? HAHAHA tangina. Ano ba mga pupuntahan?" Sagot naman ni Ran.

"EK daw gano'n, Fort Santiago, tas ewan, kalimutan ko 'yung list."

"Parang tinatamad nga 'ko, e." Sabi ni Ran. "Kayo ba, Kaku?"

Kakucho shrugged. "Maybe."

"Antok na 'to pustahan." Komento ni Koko.

"Ganyan 'yan pag antok. Wala sa mood, e." Sabi pa ni Ran.

"Not really. Anyway, bakit? Hindi kayo sasama sa field trip?" Tanong ni Kakucho.

"Sasama kung sasama kayo."

"Same," sagot nina Rindou.

"O edi tara."

"Madali naman pala kayo kausap." Kakucho snorted as he shook his head.

"Sa ngayon."

"Talaga."

"Alam niyo, tara na nga. Sanzu! Mauna na kami!" Pagpapaalam naman nina Ran dahil mukhang abala si Sanzu sa kanyang inaasikaso with the other racers.

"Ingat ingat!"

"Gawin natin 'yung trend!"

Dumating na rin ang day for field trip, and it's currently five a.m. Ang mga estudyante ay nasa campus na at naghihintay nalang ng call time. You know that vibe every field trip na naghihintay kayo sa classroom o sa campus ground, and you can feel the cold breeze of the morning. May halong excitement at kabado.

"Naalimpungatan ako pag gising ko kanina, tangina." Sa gilid, nagk-kwentuhan lang sina Makoto. Kakagaling lang nila libutin ang school, ewan ko ba sa kanila. Sila yata ang naunang pumunta, at saktong gabi at madilim daw kaya't naisipan nilang mag "ghost hunting" daw sa school. Ayun, ang ending, 'yung striktong school guard 'yung na-hunt nila, napagalitan tuloy.

"Na-kanino 'yung listahan? Kinukuha na ni ma'am." Tanong ni Mikey.

"Ah wait," sabi mo naman at binigay ang clipboard sa kanya. Ikaw na rin ang naglista ng attendance dahil wala pa ang secretary niyo. You're the class president, so you have to monitor your classmates as well.

"Ang sakit putangina." Iyak naman ni Hakkai sa gilid.

"Hala anyare, beh?" Tanong naman nina Emma habang pinapaypayan ito at inaayusan ng buhok kahit kalbo. May kasama pang paypay 'yan, punas ng laha, retouch, at pagcomfort sa likod.

"'Yung nakilala ko sa Telegram na taga green school, may Honda Civic, basketball player, putangina ginamit lang pala ako para pagselosan 'yung ex niyang babae. Tangina iniiscreenshot niya raw convo namin para kunware 'yun 'yung bago niya. HUHU!." Kwento naman nito habang halos magwala na.

"Shet, grabe naman 'yan. Alam mo nasa'n na 'yan. Bigay mo number. Turuan namin leksyon ng lalaking 'yang maliit na kokote na kasing liit ng—" Sabi ni Emma.

"Tite!" At tinuloy naman ito ni Ashanti.

"'De okay lang, naka anti selos armor naman ako. Alagang Jak Roberto 'to." Sambit ni Hakkai.

"Oms, silos in English jalosi💯"

Ilang minuto pang paghihintay, nakapasok na rin kayo sa bus. It's on the way on its first destination. Ang iba tulog na agad, at ang iba, nagc-cellphone lang kaso nadidistract sila sa mic ng tour guide. Alam niyo 'yung tunog lapel na low quality na 'onti nalang ibubuga 'yung boses sa tenga mo.

"Ey ey! What it takes to come aliiive! It's the way I'm feeling I just can't deny!" Sa likod naman ng bus, tamang kanta't vibe lang kayong magkakaklase.

As usual, si Kakucho ay tahimik lang sa may bandang likod ng bus at katabi nito si Koko, habang ang katabi mo naman ay si Emma sa bus.

"Pst Emma," tawag mo sa kanya.

"Yes, bebe?"

"I'll just kwento it lang since baka you know a person." Sabi mo, at agad naman lumingon sa'yo si Emma from her phone.

"Ah sige, ano ba 'yon?"

"From the other day kasi when I was rushing out of my unit, I accidentally bumped into someone." Kwento mo.

"O?"

"It's a guy, and he said he's a former student here. I forgot to kwento it yesterday, e, but he said na nangangamusta raw siya. He seems really nice!" Sabi mo.

"Weh? Lalaking student na lumipat... Hmm..." Pag-iisip naman ni Emma. "Ang naalala ko lang na lumipat si Lauren e," dagdag pa nito na naka simangot at malungkot.

"Ano ba pangalan niyan?" Tanong pa ni Emma.

"His name is Iñigo."

From the other seat, Kakucho's attention was caught as he heard the name. Napakunot ang noo nito nang lumingon sa'yo. Did he hear it right?

"What?"