"Lory, thank you!!!" Ali squealed once I have gave her the bag of my pasalubong for her. She's hugging the plushies once she pull them out from the bag. 

"Uy, salamat ng marami, Lory. Mukha man akong walanghiya lagi, pero salamat talaga." Gwen said, scratching the end of her brows. I have already gave them my gifts for them and their pasalubong. The only gifts I haven't handed out is Laura's cause she's still not present in our class. 

"Lory una na kami, malapit na magsimula ang class." Paalam ni Jax, I smiled at them and nod. 

"Sure, goodluck!" I said and the four of them stood up from the bench we were sitting at. They are walking away when Ali turned her head around and signaled something. It's like... calling? Or talking? I don't really understand what she said since I am bad at this thing. 

I just brush it off and went to my classroom. Most of the time I feel lonely in our class even thought there's other 30 or more students with me. But I don't really care, I don't like socializing with them. It's a kind of unexplainable feeling where I am a bit sad that I don't have someone to talk with here but also, I like that no one bothers me here. 

Whenever there would be a project that needs a partner, I always claim Laura to be my partner. Cause even though she's not here physically, I can guarantee that she will still help me through sending me the files and information and then I'll do the rest. I'd rather do that, working alone than having someone with me but they will just be a heavy burden to me. It's a big no no. 

"Yes, miss Valdez?" Our teacher asked when I raised my hand. 

"Ma'am, I used a different formula on number 3 but still able to get the right answer, is that counted, ma'am?" I ask, the teacher slightly tilted her head and walk towards my chair where she looked at my notebook. 

"I can say it is okay miss Valdez. Next time try to use the formula I gave." she said and I nod before she leave my side. 

At recess, I immediately went out the classroom and wait outside my friend's room, they were 13 minutes extended and I wonder how will they still be able have their snacks. 

"Absent ang next teacher namin bestie, may inaasikaso daw. Kaya no worries kahit 2 minutes nalang ang natitira sa recess." Gwen said while we're walking towards the canteen. 

"Hindi na ako bibili ng recess, may baon naman ako." Ali said as she sat on the bench we always eat at. 

"Sure ka? May ipapabili ka ba?" Gwen ask and Ali shake her head, "Wala bestie, hintayin ko nalang kayo dito." she said, our other friends stared at her and I look at the three. 

"Samahan ko nalang si Ali dito, pakibili nalang ako ng burger at Chuckie." I said, handing Jax a hundred peso bill. 

"Gusto ko rin ng Chuckie." Jax smiled at me, I giggled and handed her another hundred peso bill. 

"Sure sure, sayo na rin sukli." I said and she started jumping while Tobi and Gwen chased after her. I sigh and shake my head before sitting next to Ali. 

"How are you--"

"Bestie I should be asking that. How are you? You and Sam? You and Inin? Bestie napagmuni-muni ko na dapat mamili kana sa dalawa. Bestie nagmumukha kang walking red flag na blonde kasi parang pinagsasabay mo yung dalawa." She cut me off which made my lips slightly parted. 

"Sa Weekend..." I said and she stared at me for few seconds. 

"Sure 'yan ha?" she ask and I nod and shortly laugh, "Yes, may pasalubong din ako sa kaniya." I said and she nods.

"Pero kayo ni Sam? What really happened sa Japan at SoKor?" she ask, I sigh and play my crossed arms on the table. 

"Well... we travelled a lot, took pictures a lot. We ate a lot, watched movie a lot, shop a lot and played a lot." I replied and she nods, "Well... how does doing all with him feels like?" she ask, 

I slightly tilt my head and took a deep breath, "Well... the blood rush was there..." I said and Ali nods, pursing her lips. 

"But... I realized... I only see him like an older brother who takes care of me so much." I said and she suddenly closed her eyes. 

"Takte, brother-zone yun." she said and my brows furrowed. "Brother-zone?" I asked, she nods, her eyes wide open, "Well yes, bestie! Brother-zone, that's when you only see him as a brother just like what you said." she explained and I nod, lips formed a small 'o'. 

"When me and Inin finally cleared things out between us, I'll tell Sam about that." I said and she gasp, 

"Bestie haa--"

"Anong chika mga madi?" Me and Ali both jolted when we got startled by the three. 

"Lory, burger and Chuckie mo." Jax place the foods in front of me. 

"Bestie alam mo ba marami daw pogi sa Seoul sabi ni Lory, parang gusto ko nang lumipat doon!" Ali said that I clearly didn't said. It wasn't what we were talking about but I know why she's doing it. Ali looked at me and winked that made me shortly chuckle. 

We stayed longer by the benched since us five don't have classes after recess, but the rets of the day, all of us are packed that the only time we get to see each other again is after class. 

"Una na ako, may practice pa kami." Ali said and all of us nod, we watch as Ali run towards her band mates leaving us four and soon we also left the school. 

Once me and Theo have entered the house, both of us parted ways to get to our own rooms. The first thing I did is to change into comfortable clothes then work on my schoolwork. But after finishing the two assignments that actually didn't took a long time than I expected, I started playing Valorant on my laptop. I downloaded the games since I liked it when I was playing it on Sam's laptop. It was a bit therapeutic but also stressing when we're losing. 

from Inin:

Maganda ba sa PUP? Or NU? Mag SLSU nalang kaya ako sa Lucban? 

I stared at my ceiling, thinking of a reply to Inin. I just got back in my bedroom after eating dinner and Inin is now asking for oppinion on what univeristy should he be applying for scholarship. 

to Inin:

What about UP?

from Inin:

Parang ayaw ko ssob, di ako ganun katalino tsaka baka bawiin agad ni Lord yung buhay na ipinahiram niya sa akin kapag doon ako mag-aaral. 

A chuckled slightly escaped my lips when I read his reply. 

to Inin:

You have a point there. But... what about applying to those three you mentioned? Para more chances of winning, diba?

from Inin:

Tama tama, pero aiming talaga ako sa PUP. 

to Inin:

I know you can pass if there's an entrance exam. Ikaw pa!

from Inin:

Tama! Ako pa ba!? Baka Inin 'to!

A chuckled once again escaped my lips, louder this time. I really miss him, I miss talking to him personally. I miss his voice, I miss his laugh and care. 

to Inin:

Nasaan kayo ni tito ngayon? Saan siya nagtatrabaho? Pupuntahan ko kayo sa Sabado. 

I tap on my phone waiting for his answer. I think I have built enough courage now, I think I'm ready to confess my feelings to him. He was able to do it, I should too. 

from Inin: 

Andito kami sa Magsaysay, malapit sa Morato, matatagalan kami dito kasi malaki ang ginagawa. 

to Inin:

Oh, okay okay, I'll be there on Saturday, see you!

from Inin:

See you! Goodnight!

to Inin:

Goodnight! Sweet dreams!

Tuesday palang pero yung utak ko nasa Saturday na.  I badly want the days to pass by quickly. And thank God it actually goes by quick. Hours would pass by quickly and so are the days. My friends got so busy and same goes with me since we are graduating students. It was actually better than doing nothing because when you're doing nothing, time pass by so slow but when you're doing something, it's like a running cheetah. 

"Hey, how have you been?" Laura ask when she sat beside me. She even hugged me quick before putting her bag down, immediately catching attentions from our classmates. 

"I'm totally fine, andito ka pa rin ba after lunch?" I ask her, it's now Friday and the first time in this year she attend class. 

"Yes, until Wednesday next week, why?" she ask and I nod, "Ibibigay ko sayo yung pasalubong ko." I said and her eyes widened a bit. 

"No way, I also bought you guys pasalubong from Coron." she said and my brows furrowed. 

"I thought you were in Manila?" I ask and she chuckled, "I was during holiday season. But this Monday until yesterday, I was in Palawan, kakauwi ko nga lang this 4am, dumiretso na ako ng pasok." she said and my jaw dropped. 

"You should have taken a rest muna! You're still tired." I said but she shook her head. 

"Kahit na, I want to attend class and I wanted to see you guys." she said and I nod, she look fresh even though she don't have any sleep! 

By recess, that's when our other friends saw Laura. They were chaos and Gwen almost chokes Laura to death by hugging her on the neck with her right arm. Laura handed out her gifts for us, we received different gifts. She gave me a tote bag, she gave Jax a lamp, sun glasses and accessories for Tobi, a wooden figurine for Gwen and foods for Ali. 

"Beshtie ang sharap." Ali said while eating the chips that Laura gave her. 

"I'm glad you liked it, I also like that, I used to eat that while on the set." she said and Ali nods. 

"Laura kamusta kayo ni Jiro?" Jax ask while eating her foods, I choked on siopao I'm eating and Gwen burst out laughing. 

"Grabe ka naman Jax! Naramdaman ko yung pag-init ng bench!" Gwen said as we started teasing Laura. 

"We were good kaya, we just barely see each other pero we're good, we always message each other." Laura said and we nod, 

"Saan kayo magco-college?" Tobi asked, "Well... I wanted to go to La Salle, I don't know why, I just wanted to." Laura said and we nod. 

"How about si Jiro? Saan niya gusto?" Ali asked and Laura nods. "I don't know, he didn't mentioned where he wants to go but he said he wanted to apply scholarships in universities." Laura replied and we all nod. After recess we head back to our classroom for our last class of the morning period. 

When I got home by lunch break, I immediately prepared my gifts for Laura and place them by the sofa in the living room while I eat my lunch with Theo. As a routine, I take a body shower before changing back into my uniforms and we head back to the school. 

"Aww, thank you Lory!" Laura said as she hugs the Duck plushie I bought for her. 

"Lory!!" She squealed when she saw the kpop album I bought her.

"Oh my God! Thank you!!" She pull me for a hug while holding the album. 

"I'm so busy in work that's why I'm not updated on what's happening in the industry and I'm so happy that I got the new album!!" she squealed and my lips parted. 

"It's a new album?" I asked and she nods, "Yes!! Thank you very much talaga!" she said before sitting back down on her chair. 

My mind is so occupied by the rest of the afternoon. It's Friday and tomorrow, I get to see him! Finally!!

"Lory, I have to go na, I need to get home immediately." Laura said while we are packing out things. 

"Sure sure, take care!" I said and she gave me a smile before rushing out of the classroom. When I peak inside my friend's classroom, they are gone too. So I had no choice but to walk to the gates alone. I can hear the band playing already which I supposed that Ali is already there. As I get inside the van, Theo is already there, busy on his Nintendo. 

"Have you made decision na about your univeristy?" I ask Inin while I am preparing the clothes I'll be wearing tomorrow. 

[Gagawin ko nalang yung sinabi mo. Mag-aapply ako sa marami para more chances of winning.] he replied which made the both of us chuckled. 

"That's great, nag dinner na kayo?" I ask before sitting down on my bed, 

[Siyempre naman, ikaw ba?] he ask and I hum. 

"I ate na rin, just getting ready for bed." I replied, a small smile crept on my lips. 

[Good 'yan ssob, matutulog kana ba?] he ask and I shrugged, "Well... kausap pa kita kaya hindi pa." I replied, I do feel tired, but talking to him is fun and relaxing. 

[Oh, edi end na natin yung call, pupunta ka naman dito bukas ng alas quatro eh, sige na, matulog kana mahal kong prinsesa.] he said and my eyes widened a bit where I felt my cheeks heat up. 

"O-Okay... goodnight, Inin." I said before pursing my lips. [Goodnight mahal na prinsesa.] he softly said, I move the phone away from my ears before ending the call and letting out a squeal. 

"Ano ba!? What's happening to me?! Keep yourself together, Lory!" I said to myself. I place my phone on my bed side table and turn off the lights. 

Unlike the usual Saturday morning, I woke up at 8am today. It was surprising but I feel energized already. I even took a 30 minutes jogging at the treadmill before having my breakfast. Waffles with strawberries and whipped cream. 

After that I took a shower and dressed into a comfy clothes before I get in front of my laptop and work on some school works. I was able to finish it without any stress while listening to jazz music. Everything feels... okay today, everything feels so good.

from Lauriat Kassandra:

Hey! Busy kayo today? Tara sa bahay! Let's bake!

from Gabrieluh:

Gusto kong pumunta pero wala ako sa bahay!! HUHUHUH

from Emory the Emo Queen👸👑🙌 :

Wala rin kami sa bahay right now, pasensya na. 

from me:

I have plans for today, I'm sorry!

I sigh after hitting send, I feel bad for Laura that she wants us to hangout together. But wrong timing that a lot of us are not available and it will be a bit boring when there's only few of us. 

from Laurita Kassandra: 

It's fine, I understand, next time nalang siguro. 

After lunch, I took a nap to reserve more energy. At 3PM, my alarm went on and I took a body wash and change into a Chanel long sleeves and a black leggings. It's a bit cold outside that's why I decided to wear a long sleeves. I put on light make up and slightly curled my hair. When I'm satisfied with what I look, I grab my bag and the paper bag that contains my gifts for Inin and tito Ray. 

"Theo, ate will just be out, okay?" I told my brother when I found him at the living room playing with his play station. 

"Okay ate, take care!" he said, not even glancing at me. I went out the house and garb my motorcycle before driving off. 

My heart is beating so fast as I stop in front of a hut, I'm still outside and picking up the gift from my motorcycle when Inin went out their hut. 

"Ssob! Na miss kita!" he said, I glance at him and my lips parted a bit when I saw he have his new hairstyle. He's hair is no in fringe up, his curly hair in the middle mostly dominating the looks. 

"You had a new haircut." I said, amazed on how he looks great. 

He shyly chuckled, "Bagay ba?" he ask and I nod, "So much!" I said and he smiled, "Salamat, tara na sa loob, ipinagluto kita." he said before going inside their hut, me following behind him. 

"Really?? You cooked for me?" I ask as I enter the hut, "Yes, I cooked you... tantananan!! Shanghai at Spaghetti!" he said, showing me the covered plate where a newly cooked shanghai and spaghetti are served. 

"Wow!! You cooked this?" I ask as I sat on a chair, "Siyempre naman, basta ikaw." he said, smiling and placing a plate in front of me. 

I was watching him prepare my utensils when I remember the gifts, "Oh, may pasalubong nga pala ako sayo." I said, handing him the paper bag. He look at me with wide eyes while reaching out of the bag. 

"Wuy... seryoso ba?! Salamat!!" he said as he peak inside. 

"Ako rin may regalo sayo!" he said before running towards a box. He pull out a red, small tote bag from the box, I keep my gaze over the tote bag as he sat across me. 

"Uy... may kwintas ka pala na bago." he said, pointing at the necklace Sam gave me. 

"Merry Christmas na medyo late." he said, giggling as he hand it to me. 

"Thank you very much!!" I said before opening the tote bag. To my surprise, it's a necklace as well, made from colorful beads and my name in the middle. 

"This is so cute, Inin!! Ang ganda! I like it!" I exclaimed before placing it down on the table, I reach for my nape to remove the necklace Sam gave. 

"Kailangan mo ng tulong?" he ask as he stood up, I nod and he went behind me to help me remove the necklace. 

"Pakilagay na rin," I said as I hand him the necklace he gave me. He put it on and it is like  chocker. 

"Bagay ba?" I ask as he went back on his chair. He smiled and nod, "Siyempre naman, lahat naman sayo bagay eh." he said and I smiled, "Oh, kain kana." he said as he slightly push the foods towards me. I smiled at him and start putting food on my plate. 

"Hindi ka kakain?" I asked him while I'm enjoying the food he made, this is really good! He knows how to cook!!

He smiled, "Ayaw ko muna, ako kasi nagluto, nabusog na ako sa amoy." he said which made the both of us giggle. 

After taking bites and bites of the food, I took a sip of the coffee he made for me and cleared my throat. 

"May gusto akong sabihin," I said and he put his whole attention to me. 

"Sige lang," he said and I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. 

"Remember the time you said you like me?" I ask and he look like he got shocked when I said that. 

He scratch the back of his head, "Ah yun... ano...--"

"I like you too, gusto rin kita." I cut him off and his eyes widened. 

"H-Ha? Seryoso ka ba?" he ask and I chuckled before nodding. 

"Yes, I like you, you like me, we can be magjowa na." I said in serious tone, hindi ba at iyon naman ang sabi ni Ali? What's the point of liking each other when you'll say as friends? 

"Magjowa? Payag ka na ganito lang magiging boyfriend mo?" he ask, pointing at himself. 

"Well yes!! What do you mean 'lang'? You're literally an awesome person!!" I exclaimed and he stared at me, surprised printed on his face. 

"Ayaw mo ba?--" 

He gasped, "Of course gusto ko! Nagbibiro ka ba? Nagulat lang ako! Parang ganito oh, HAA!?" he said, gasping while holding onto his chest, showing how he was shocked.