Kinabukasan ay maaga akong nagising, it was around 3am. I really woke up that early so that I'll be able to take a bath early. I'm afraid that if I wake up around 5am, the bathrooms will be crowded by that time.

And I want to take my time taking a bath. But I take a bath while there's a line waiting for me outside, I won't be able to take my time and enjoy the water.

Though it's really cold that I was freezing a while ago. As much as I want to take my time and clean my body well, I had to at least speed up a bit or else I'll be freezing in the bathroom.

I slip on to my formal wear such as the pencil skirt, polo and the coat.

I'm a bit conscious about what I'm wearing. It's not that I have dark knees or scars on my legs. It's just.. I'm a plus size and I don't know if I look good. But mama told me that this is what usually reporters wear so I go with this pair.

By the time I'm already drying my hair, my classmates are just lining up for the bathroom.

That's what I'm avoiding, waiting in line. And someone waiting for me.

Our contest starts at 9am, it'll just be the typing and making fo script. The real contest starts after lunch, but we still need to be in time.

Around 8am, I gathered my group mates and we went downstairs for us to eat breakfast. After we ate breakfast, I did some last minute check to our things. Our printers are at our male group mates so we girls don't have to lift those heavy printers.

And by 8:45 we are already at the hall.

There's some programs first and introduction of delegates and the judges. Rules and regulations such as the timers and do's and dont's during the making of scripts.

We didn't really start by 9am, it was around 9:30 when we started to look at the articles that were given to us. My members who are assigned for the commercials started making their scripts.

And when I said it's not easy, it's not. Specially that we only have 2 hours and half to complete the script is such as hassle and stress. Specially when things aren't going the way we wanted.

But in the end, we were able to pass our script on time. After the back pains and hand pains, printings and gathering the papers, we were able to finish our script and time to clean up.

We of course had to be clean. Or else there will be deduction to our group. We went back to our quarters and our schoolmates and teachers immediately started asking question.

"Okay lang naman po, medyo may school na attitude ang delegates." I replied while sitting down on our bed.

"Bakit?" Maam Risa asked,

"Wag na po natin pag-usapan, let's say inggit lang sila sa damit namin kaya ganun maka tingin  sa amin at maka-irap."  I replied and our schoolmates and other teachers  started laughing.

"Edi dapat Xavi inirapan mo rin." One of my classmates said. I took a deep breath and chuckle.

"Hindi na, baka umiyak." Ani ko ay lalo silang nagtawanan.

Maya maya ah bumaba na kami at kailangan pa namin maghanda para sa mismong contest mamayang after lunch. If I'm not mistaken it's around 1:30pm.

We had lunch peacefully. As much as I want to have an ice cream. We can't, baka mapaos pa kami, isa pa naman din ako sa mga anchor and I shouldn't be the one to first disobey the rule.

After we what lunch, our instructor called us and gave us time to practice. We are 3rd to present and we does have some time. But because per group only have 8 minutes to perform, it wouldn't be that so long.

When our time came, our technical immediately fixed our sounds. The beats I made is what I'm gonna use for our intro.

The whole performance is nice. There's no much mistakes except for some which is okay. Mistakes can be part of performance of course. There's no such thing as perfect performance.

"Good job everyone! I'm so proud of you!" Our instructor said and we clapped for ourselves.

"Now you can have rest, go back to our quarters, do what you want, sleep or whatever, okay?" He said and we nod.

"Sir, pwede na po kami mag ice-cream?" Aila ask and our instructor chuckled.

"Sure sure, have as much as you want." Sir said and we all cheered.

Soon we started splitting up. And at this moment. I don't know what I should do or what I want. I remember I want to do things this afternoon. But now that we have the time to do things. I don't know what to do.

"Hoy anong iniisip mo?" I slightly jolted up as someone wrap their arms around my shoulders.

When I look who it is, I just rolled my eyes.

"Gago ka, aatakihin ako sa puso sayo e." I said and Jake laughed.

"Sus, ang OA mo, kanina ko pa kayo hinihintay matapos sa laban niyo." He said and I scoffed.

"Bakit naman? Nag hintay kapa." I said,

"Mhmm, wag ngang ma-arte nag-antay na nga yung tao." He said and I rolled my eyes before crossing my arms.

"E bakit ka nga nag-hintay?" I ask once again.

He didn't replied immediately, he just stood there looking around.

"Tara, libre kita, ice cream? Shake? Milktea?" He ask and that's when excitement explode inside my body. Even I couldn't see it, I think my eyes just dilated.

"Gago 'wag mo 'kong niloloko ng ganiyan." I said and I hear him scoff.

"Ayaw mo-

"Gusto aba! Bahala ka, sabi mo 'yan ha. Marami pa naman din ako kini-crave ngayon. Kawawa bulsa mo." I said and he burst into laughter.

"Kaya yan, tara sa food stalls." He said and I nod. With his arms wrap around my shoulder, and him having my small folder, we walk towards the food stalls that I've been drying to visit last night.

"Gagi seryoso ka? Magastos ako." I said and he just nod.

"Seryoso? May sakit kaba?" I ask and he just hissed.

"Sige sige, I want ano.. corndogs, tapos, ano.. siomai, tapos, milktea." I said and he just nod before dragging me to the corn dog stall. He bought two for the both of us. Then next is two orders of fried siomai for the both of us as well. Then milktea, I have large of Dark Choco while he have one of matcha.

"Nag swimming kayo kanina?" I ask while munching on my siomai. May swimming pool kasi dito, it's just sad we just arrive here last night and wasn't able to take a swim.

Maybe some of my members are at the pool by now. But I feel tired and I don't have the energy to take a dive.

"Oo, saya nga eh. Kakaunti lang kaming nag swimming. Na-solo pa namin yung pool." He replied and I slowly nod.

"Sana all, masaya talaga?" I ask again and he nod.

"Oo nga, ano tara? Willing ako mabasa ulit." He said and I slowly shake my head.

"Wag na, after ko dito, baka matulog nalang ako or what. Sana makatulog ako. Puyat ako kagabi e." I said and look at him.

He's looking at me as if he's examining something.

"Bakit? May amos ba 'ko?" I ask and he shake his head.

"Puyat ka kagabi?" He ask and I slowly nod.

"Medj, may inasikaso pa kami eh." I replied,

"Why?" He confusedly ask, ano naman kung puyat ako kagabi?

"So.. wala, wala." He said and my brows furrowed.

"Ano nga? Sabihin mo na, ito parang sira." I said and he chuckled.

"Ano.. aakitin sana kita mamayang gabi. May event ata, Mr. and Ms. journalism, may representative school namin e." He said and that's when I realized na kahit kami pala ay may representative sa pageant na yon. I just don't pay attention to it much. It's not even a big pageant. Parang trip trip lang nila.

"Go lang, anong oras ba?" I ask and he look at me.

"8pm, sure ka? Matulog ka nalang mamaya. Puyat ka pa sabi mo." He said and I shake my head.

"Sus, tampo ka nanaman. Sasama na nga eh. Lilibre na rin kita mamaya. Para naman makabawi ako sa nilibre mo sa akin ngayong hapon." I said and he slowly nod.

"Kamusta nga pala laban mo?" He ask and I pouted.

"Okay lang, hoping for Regional, sana manalo." I said and I hear him hum.

"Oo nga, I heard Rizal ang Regional." He said and my head snap up.

"Saan sa Rizal?" I ask getting a bit excited.

He take a bite of his corndog before looking up at me. "Not sure, Cainta? Awan, di ko nga sure e. Narinig ko pang sa teachers namin." He replied and I scoffed.

"Sasagap ka na nga lang ng tsimis di mo pa nilubos-lubos." I said and he chuckled.

We continue eating and had some more talks. We were laughing while eating that almost made the both of us choke on our foods which made it even funnier.

Hindi pa siya nakontento sa mga binili niya para sa akin at nang bibili ako ng ice cream ay siya na rin ang nagbayad.

Wala munang diet dito. Sarap kumain eh, sa dorm nalang ulit.

Nang matapos kaming kumain ay inihatid niya ako sa labas ng quarters namin at saka na ako nagpahinga para may energy ako mamayang gabi.

It was around 6pm when I woke up. With my half asleep self I look around the room. How I love this kind of aesthetic. I don't know if I can call it aesthetic, but I like this kind of feeling.

Feeling of after competition and everyone in the room doesn't feel tense or nervous anymore. No more competition to think of and nothing to stress about anymore.

Except siguro sa lalaban ng Ms. Journalism namin. I'm not really close with her. I just don't like her attitude and whole existence for some reason. Or maybe because we are not just really close with each other that's why.

"Xavi tara, kain na tayong dinner." Pag-aaya ni Ayen. With my sleepy eyes I look at her.

"Ha?" Lutang kong tanong.

Napatawa ito, "I said let's eat dinner. 6pm na, may event pa mamaya." She said and I scratch my head.

"No thanks, di muna ako kakain ng dinner. Kasama ko si Jake manood mamaya ng pageant. Saka na ako kakain." I said and I saw her give me a teasing smile.

"Sus, Jake nanaman. Kayo na 'no?" She ask and I rolled my eyes.

"Sira, kumain na nga kayo! Hindi ka lang pinansin e." I said and I hear her scoff.

"Alam mo Xavi, oo nga, aalis na kami. Masyado kang bitter pag bagong gising." She said and leave the room with Aila and Arven.

I watch as my other classmates one by one leave the room. One of my teacher once again ask me to eat by I refuse. Until I'm the only one left in the room.

I get a pair of pajama, but of course a decent pair. But I'm planning to go straight to sleep after the event that's why I go with a pair of pajama.  

I just came out for the bathroom and still drying my hair. I was just supposed to go with a boy wash but end up having a full head to toe shower.

I sat down on my bed and pull out my skincares when my phone suddenly rang. I was actually expecting my mom but I remember she called before I could even fell asleep this afternoon.

Turns out it's Bright.

"H-Hey.. napatawag ka." I answered, a bit panic.

His name popping up on my phone screen just gives a different kind of excitement inside my whole body.

He chuckled, [Mhmm, nanliligaw nga diba? Since I can't go personal and court you. Maybe check on you whenever I have time?]  He said and my eyes few wide.s

Hala seryoso pala siya don? Akala ko naman dala lang ng damdamin niya kagabi. Kasi naman diba, broken kagabi. Naging rebound na nga niya ako noon baka maulit nalang ulit.

"So.. seryoso ka talaga?" I hesitantly ask,

[Bakit ayaw mo ba?] he ask and that caught me off guard.

Gusto ko naman diba? Gusto ko siya diba?

"Hindi ah, gusto ko." I replied while playing with my fingers.

[Oh, why do you sound like you don't? Sure ka ba na gusto mo?] he ask and I nod my head continuously as if he can see it.

"Oo nga sabi, ang kulit naman." I said with a bit of joking tone.

[Okay okay, so.. how's your competition? How did it go?] he ask and I slowly nod while combing my hair.

"Ayos lang, bukas ang awarding. Praying for regional." I replied and I hear him hum.

[Kapag nanalo ka bukas, saan ang next mo na laban?] he ask, sounding like he's really trying to find the right word to use. It actually sounded cute.

"Mhmm, basta, we'll know." I said chuckling a bit.

[Damot,] he said and my jaw dropped.

"Grabe ka! Hindi ah, I just don't know what to say it for now." I said and I hear him hum.

No one speak for few moments. Before I decided to ask a question.

"Taga Cainta Rizal ka diba?" I asked and I hear him hum.

[Mhmm, oo, bakit?] he ask and I slowly shake my head, as if he really can see it.

"Wala naman." I replied,

[Grabe ka, ang damot mo.] he said and I burst into laughter.

"Basta kasi. You'll know when you'll know." I said and I hear him scoff.

[Awan ko sayo, nag dinner kana?] he ask and I shake my head.

"Nope." I replied before applying a moisturizer on my face.

[And why? Kumain kana.] He said and I chuckled.

"Kainin kita dyan e." I jokingly said and I hear him choke before bursting into laughter.

[Hoy! Grabe ka! You're so wild!] he said making the both of us laugh.

[Hayst, ikaw kainin ko e.] he said and my eyes grew wide as I put creams in my face.

"Sige, hihintayin ko 'yan ha." I said and he hum.

[As you should baby.] he said and I can feel my feet starting to get cold.

I gulped, "Okay daddy." I tried my best to sound as sexy as possible.

I bite my lower lip as I try to surpass myself from squealing and rolling around the bed.

Then he suddenly speaks, [Just to inform you I haven't tried sex on call but I'm willing to try it with you.] He said and my eyes widened.

"No way! Ayaw ko nga! Ikaw kasi!" I whined and I hear him burst into laughter.

[Why me!? Ikaw kaya! Tinanong lang kita kung kumain kana! Tapos ako pa may kasalanan?!] He exclaimed and I pouted.

"Mamaya kasi ako kakain. May pupuntahan pa kami nung kaibigan ko. Saka ako kakain." I said while starting to put away the things in front of me.

[Mga kaklase mo?] he ask and I slowly shake my head.

"Best friend ko." I said and that's when I realized na baka hindi magandang sabihin ko sa kaniya kung sino kasama ko.

[Let me guess, that guy that you attended the 18th birthday?] he ask and I pursed my lips.

"Oo e, sorry." I said feeling a bit sorry, nagseselos ba siya?

[No it's okay, okay lang naman. No problem, Di pa naman tayo. And I'm not possessive.. siguro? But I'm trying my best not to. Because I know what it feels to be in a toxic relationship.] He said and I slowly shake my head.

"Oo nga, don't worry. Hindi ako possessive, di ka magkaka problema sa akin." I said and put my small pouch inside my luggage.

[Mhmm, waiting for your yes.] he said and I slightly chuckled.

"Tigil, pagtrabahuhan mo muna." I said and he hum, I look at my wrist watch and my eyes widened.

"Uy it's almost 8pm, I need to go na." I said while slightly chewing the inside of my cheeks, he hum.

[Sure, ingat ka mamaya.] He said and I nod,

"Yes sir, mag-iingat po." I said and he hum for the nth time.

[Pa-alala ha, may nanliligaw dito.] He said and I chuckled.

"Oo, basta pa-alala rin. Marupok ako, baka trip-trip mo lang manligaw. Sa huli ako pa masaktan." I said and I hear him scoff.

[Opo, seryoso po. Sige na, end call na. Bye!] he said and I hum.

"Bye." I said and end the call.

I continue to dry my hair and fix myself. My classmates started coming back. I pick up the small body bag I'll be bringing while watching the pageant when Ayen, Aila and Arven showed up in front of me.

"Aalis ka 'no?" Ayen said and I nod.

"Saan ka pupunta?" Aila ask and I stand up from the bed.

"Sa pageant, manonood ako." I replied,

"Edi sumama ka na sa amin. Dun din kami papunta." Aila said and I slowly shake my head.

"Kasama ko si Jake, inakit ako." I said and the three give me a teasing smile.

"Ah sige na, alis kana, malapit na mag start. Enjoy sa date niyo." Aila said and I rolled my eyes.

"Nag-akit lang, date niyo mukha niyo." I said and the three burst into laughter. I just shake my head and exited our quarters. 

"Ay bobo, dapat pala nag chat na ako." I said scolding myself while walking towards he event hall.                       

I stopped on my track and pull out my phone, hindi pa ako tapos sa pag t-type nang may umakbay sa akin.

"Hoy-

"Alam mo putangina mo. Hindi ako sanay na may umaakbay sa akin, aatakihin ako sa puso dahil sayo!" I cut him off and he look at me with wide eyes.

"Makapag mura ka agad grabe. Ang bastos ng bibig mo ah." He said and I rolled my eyes.

"Tara na, baka nagsimula na yung pageant." I said and he nod, with his arms wrap around my shoulder we went to the event hall.

Wala namang kaso kung nasa balikat ko yung braso niya. Hindi lang ako sanay na may naka akbay. Pero kung kilala ko naman, pwede naman na naka akbay sila.

Pag dating namin sa event hall ay hindi na kami naka upo. Malamang ay dumiretso na ang mga delegates dito after nila mag dinner kaya hindi na kami naka abot ng upuan.

Nakapwesto na kami sa malapit sa pinto at nakasandal nalang kami sa pader.

"Not to be judgemental, pero ang bobo nung sagot nung representative namin." Jake suddenly said and I elbowed him.

"Tangina mo, ang sama ng ugali mo grabe." I said and he chuckled.

"Totoo naman, tara na nga. Alis na tayo, sure na representative niyo ang mananalo." He said and I chuckled shaking my head before nodding and soon we exited the hall.

"Tara libre kita." I said while we are walking outside the hall. His arms no longer around my shoulder.     

"Sus, kakakain lang." he said and I rolled my head.

"Gagi ka hindi ako kumain para makakain ako ngayon." I said and he chuckled.

"Sige na, sige na, ikaw bahala kung anong kakainin natin." He said and I nod before skipping towards the food stalls.

"Shawarma?" He ask while standing beside me.

"Yup, nag c-crave ako e. Sa dorm nalang ulit ako mag d-diet." I said and paid for the two shawarma I ordered.

"Diet ka pa man." He said and I rolled my eyes.

"Tumigil ka, 64 kilos ako tangina mo." I said and I hear him snorts.

Nang matanggap na namin ang order namin ay inakit ko siya French fries stall. I ordered a large one for the both of us with toppings such as cheese and mayo.

"Shems sarap." I said when we sit down on the table we chose.

"Oo nga, mas masarap kung may beer." He said and my head snap up.

"Gago ka, tumigil ka nga." I said and he chuckled.

He lean on his chair and look at me as I take a bite of my shawarma.

"Sige na, tig-isa lang tayo." He said and I rolled my eyes.

"Gagi ka, tigil nga." I said while munching on my food.

"Bahala ka bibili ako." He said standing up, I rolled my eyes and waited there for him.

He came back with two large cups on his hands.

"Baka may makakita sa atin. Kaya ipinalagay ko na sa cup." He said as he put down the red cup in front for me.

"Gagi walang gamot to diba?" I ask and he squinted his eyes before sitting down.

"Kung lalasunin kita matagal ko nang ginawa." He said and I chuckled.

The whole time we were eating and drinking. Pero hindi na ulit siya bumili ng beer. Well I stopped him, baka kasi maparami kami at kahit sabihin na beer lang ay baka malasing pa rin kami.

Inubos lang namin ang pagkain na binili ko at inubos ang inumin. Pinatagal at tinipid ko talaga. Kung hindi ay baka ilang lagok lang sa akin ang isang bote.

"Hoy, almost 11pm na gagi. Babalik na ako sa quarter namin." I said and went down on from the chair. We throw out our trash and started walking towards our quarters.

"Paano ba yan? Aakyat na ako?" I said as we stopped in front of our quarters.

He slowly nod, I turn my back at him when he suddenly speaks.

"Paano kung sabihin ko sayo na gusto kita?" I stopped on my track and look at him.

"Ha?" I ask, but I clearly heard what he said. He shake his head,

"Wala wala-

"Gagi meron. Ano yon? Ulitin mo." I said, cutting his words off.

He look down and scratch the back of his head,

"Ano.. gusto kita. Noon pa, pwede ba manligaw?" He ask and my eyes widened.

"Ligaw? Ikaw? Ano kasi.. ahm-

"Di joke lang, alis na 'ko. Goodnight, ingat ka! Goodluck sa awarding!" He said before turning his back at me.

I squinted my eyes and watch him walk away slowly.

"Hoy! Sandali kasi!" I said chasing him.

"Hoy wait!" Hinarang ko siya at pinanlakihan ng mata.

"Gagi walang nagbibiro tungkol sa panliligaw." I said and he look at me with his eyes as if it's gonna close already.

"Meron, ako. Kaya 'wag mo na isipin-

"Paanong hindi!? Eh alam kong hindi ka magaling mag joke tungkol don." I said and he push his hair back.

"Oo na, gusto ko manligaw pero wag na. Alam ko naman na masaya kana sa kung anong meron tayo ngayon. Kaya wag na lang." He said and I bit my lower lip.

"Oo, masaya na ako sa kung anong meron tayo. Tsaka ano.. sorry, may nanliligaw na sa'kin e." I said and he look at me with his piercing eyes.

"Okay, congrats. Sana maging kayo tapos kapag naging kayo na stay strong. Alis na 'ko. Goodnight, wag mo na 'ko isipin." He said before walking pass by me, I lower down my head as I feel my lips shaking.

Galit ba siya?

"Putres naman kasi, bakit nagsabay pa kayo?!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~•3•