"Xavi kamusta ang boses natin?" Agad akong napa- angat ng tingin nang may kamay na dumampi sa balikat ko. Pag tingin ko ay si Maam Risa lang pala ito.

"Okay pa naman po Maam." I said and ma'am giggled before going to her table. I'm once again in the faculty together with the other winners that will participate the regional competition.

I heard Maam Risa hum, "Kaya pa? Sure ba ang panalo natin?" sbe asked and I slightly chuckled at the same time shy and nervous.

Hindi ko naman alam kung sigurado na ang panalo eh. Malay ko ba kung gaano kagagaling ang nga kalaban ko. As much as I want to be confident I don't want to sound like I'm bragging. Because I know to myself I am not the best broadcaster.

I slowly nod, "Kakayanin Maam." I said and ma'am chuckled.

"That's good, recess na ah. Bakit hindi ka pa kumakain?" she asked and I force a chuckle.

"Hindi pa po busog Maam." I said and ma'am laughed.

"Tumigil ka. Kanina ka pang umaga dito. Masyado kag busy sa buhay. Pahinga rin kapag may time." she joked and I chuckled before nodding.

I felt her slight taps on my shoulder. "Sige na, tama na muna yan. Pumunta kana sa cafeteria at may pagkain na doon." she said and I nod before leaving the table that I have been working on since these past few days.

She's right in the part that I have been so busy these past few days. Except on working on the school paper and practicing. There's some few things I need to do in achads. Research papers and some readings. Gladly my research topic doesn't need any tests that will still be conducted in Manila.

Hindi naman sa balewala lang yung research ko 'no. Pinaghihirapan ko pa rin naman siya. Pero Di gaya ng kila Ayen na kailangan pa na ipa-test sa Manila.

I went out the faculty and went straight to the cafeteria which is just few meters away from the said faculty. As I grab a piece of pandecoco there I saw my friends at the side.

I walk towards them which they immediately noticed.

"Ito na pala si busy girl. Ilang araw ka namin hindi mahagilap sa classroom. Gaga ka, sa dorm naman nakakatakot kang istorbohin. Mukha kang mangangagat kapag naka focus ka masyado sa trabaho mo." Addi said and I chuckled before taking a bite of my bread.

"Ganun talaga, nakaka pressure kaya. They are expecting so much on me. Nakakahiya kung hindi ako manalo." I said while pouting a bit.

I hear someone scoff and it turns out it's Aila.

"Edi don't pressure yourself much. 'Wag mo pansinin expectation nila. I'm sure proud pa rin sila sayo kahit di ka manalo diba?" Aila said and I pouted at her.

"How? How not to pressure myself? Nakakaba kaya. Tapos.. hindi ko talaga alam gagawin ko! All I can do is to feel pressured and shits. All I can think is that I need to win in that competition." I said before massaging my temples.

"Ah yun lang. Kahit pala ikaw tinataasan mo expectation mo sa sarili mo. Ma pre-pressured ka nga niyan." Aila said and I sigh before taking the last bite of my bread.

"Una na ako, babalik pa ako sa faculty. Pa copy nalang notes later or activities." I said and Ayen and Arven nods.

"Of course, ikaw pa." Arven said and I nod before walking towards the water dispenser and grabbing a drink for me.

When suddenly Sam showed up at my side.

"Hey.. Xavi, you know what happened to Bri na?" She suddenly ask and my eyes widened.

"Bakit anong nangyari sa kaniya!?"

It was just seconds of her asking pero kung ano-ano na agad ang pumasok sa isip ko. What if na aksidente siya? Na kidnap, or what, or worse. He.. he got so affected nung break up nila.

"Sam naman 'wag mo nga ako pinapakaba ng ganiyan. Ano nga?" I ask and she look at me innocently.

"Hey calm down. I just wanna say na him and Ianna broke up." She said at saka napa-awang ang bibig ko.

"I know that na. Nung nasa journalism pa tayo. That's why he called that night." I said and she slowly nod.

"Kagabi ko lang nalaman. I thought di mo pa alam eh." She said and I slowly nod.

"I know na. Akala ko naman kung ano." I said and she nods again.

"So.. ano na kayong dalawa ngayon?" she ask and my brows furrowed.

"What do you mean? Okay naman kami." I said and she shakes her head. She remove some strands of hair from her face and held her drawing pad in her arms tighter.

"So.. they broke up. I thought you like him. Ahm.. di pa kayo?" she ask and my eyes widened.

"Grabe ka.. di p naman-

"Pa? Di pa? Pero may chance? Meron diba?" She ask and I slightly chuckled.

"Ahm.. siguro?" I unsurely said and she pouted.

"Well I know you two have." she said and I chuckled.

Pero bigla kong na-alala. Sam and Layca are best friends. Hindi ba alam ni Sam that Layca and Bright were once classmates and it happened that the two had a past?

"Didn't you know na that him and Layca had a past? Di ba nasabi sayo ni Layca?" I curiously ask and she squinted her eyes at me.

"She did, Layca did told me about that. But she told me it was in the past naman na daw eh. She doesn't care what's happening in the present." she said and I slowly nod.

So Layca already moved on. Noong una I was hesitant to be close to him or even message him because the first time I saw him messaging  at the group chat because him and her were talking about their past that's why I was hesitant from the beginning .

"So..? May chance kayo ni Bright diba?" She ask and I chuckled.

"Ahm.. siguro? He's courting me so if I say yes there is." I mumbled and her eyes widened.

"Weh!? Seryoso!? Wow! That's great! I'm rooting on you two." she said and I bursted into laughter.

"Yeah, it's true. Thanks also." I said and she nods.

"Pero teka, diba sa Cainta Rizal ang laban niyo? Xavi he's from there!" she squealed and I chuckled.

"I know, I know, which makes it more exciting. I'll find a way to see him." I said and she nods.

"So.. alam na niya you're going there?" she ask and I slowly shake my head.

"Not yet, I'll tell him the day after tomorrow. Kapag papunta na kami doon." I said and she hum.

"Okay.. I'll go to class na. Bye, Goodluck!" She said while waving her hand and leave.

I went back straight to the faculty and go back to work.

The regional is in three days. And yet, I only had a week to prepare for it. But it's fine, I was able to edit the school paper and other things I need to prepare. Specially my voice and self.

It's been days since I last had a cold water or any sweets. That's why I'm planning that once we meet, we'll go somewhere and eat sweet foods and cold drinks.

The day ended of me still busy sa schoolworks. Since he whole day I'm doing journalism stuffs. When night comes, I'm busy in schoolworks such as the things that Arven and Ayen gave me. The notes and the quizzes I need to answer.

It was around 10pm and the lights are out already when I was finally able to lay down on bed.

And as part  of my routine. I checked my phone and aw Bright's message asking  me if I'm already done on my schoolworks.

To boi:
I'm done na. You may now call.

He was able to seen it immediately. And just few seconds my phone is already ringing and his name on my screen.

"Hello.." I mumbled since some are already asleep.

[Hey.. you sounded tired as usual.] he said and I chuckled.

"I know..  I'm sorry." I said while slightly rubbing my eyes.

[What- why the fuck are you sorry?] he ask and I slightly chuckled.

"I know you're looking forward every night to have a call but I always sounded tired whenever we are in call na." I said and I hear him chuckle.

[My Gosh Xavi, you don't have to feel bad about it. It's fine.. don't worry.] he said and  a smile formed on my lips.

"Okay.. sorry-

[Shut up.] he cut me off making me chuckle. I scratch a part of my head before yawning.

[You sounded so sleepy. Let's end this call na. I'm just checking on you.] he said and I shake my head.

"No no.. it's fine. I can still stay up." I said and I hear him hum.

[I'll just ask some questions then we end the call. Okay?] he ask and I nod.

"Ikaw bahala." I replied while looking at Arven who's already asleep.

[So.. saan ba kayo pupunta? I mean saan yung laban niyo? I'm curious.] he asked and I chuckled.

"Secret.. you'll know it soon." I said and I hear him whine.

[Bakit hindi pa ngayon? Why soon?] he ask and I chuckled.

"Basta.. 'wag kang makulit sir Nañagas. Let's go to sleep." I said and he hum.

[After we have  some thingy.] he said in a sexy tone making my eyes widened.

"Yak! Kadiri ka!" I whispered shout and I hear him laugh.

[I'm gonna be honest tonight.] he said and my brows furrowed.

"Ano?" I curiously asked.

[Are you sure you want to know?] he asked and I rolled my eyes.

"Oo nga.. Ano nga Kasi?" I asked.

[Okay.. I'm horny.] He exclaimed and my eyes widened.

"Yuck!" I said making him burst into laughter.

[Told you..] he said and I rolled my eyes.

"Heh! You.. you're really different! Kapag nagkita tayo yari ka sakin-

[Ooh.. what are you gonna do? Punish me?] he cut me off and I rolled my eyes.

"Yes.. yari ka sakin. I'm ready to be a sinner if we meet." I said and he burst into laughter.

[Okay.. hihintayin ko yan ha.] he said and I rolled my eyes.

"Tse! Goodnight." I said and he hum.

[Goodnight.. my little sinner.] he said before ending the call. As much as I want to protest, I just put my phone down and drift to sleep.

The next day is way more hectic. Just two more remaining days before we go to Cainta Rizal and working on our school paper makes it all hectic and stressing.

Edit here, edit there. And of course, practice here, practice there.

Kung tutuusin dapat kasama ko mag practice yung ibang nanalo sa division. Pero since malalayo kami sa isa't isa. Looks like I just have to be cooperative. We all have to honestly. Or else we won't be able to make it. Balita ko rin Wala naman talaga nagkitang estudyante mula sa ibang school. Kaya hinayaan na rin ng school ko na hindi na ako papunta kung saan saan para mag practice. They said they believe in me na kakayanin ko naging cooperative sa iba and it add more pressure to me. It's not that hindi ako magaling makisama na tao. Though I admit I sometimes get bossy, pero I know my limits. But not knowing any of my new team mates add a bit worry in me.

I didn't notice how time fly. I just realized it's 3 in the afternoon when I was able to pull away from my laptop and stretch my arms and legs.

I didn't even eat anything. Right when I entered the school I immediately went straight to the faculty and didn't bother having breakfast. So is the morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack. In short... my stomach is really empty. And I can't just eat heavy meal immediately or else my intestine will go wild and I don't want that. The competition is in two days. And I should be more careful.

"Xavi tama na yan. Tapos naman na diba? Magpahinga ka muna. May klase pa ata kayo?" Maam Risa said. I look at her and smiled before shaking my head.

"Wala na po Maam. Wala po yung teacher namin may seminar daw po." I said and ma'am Risa slowly nods.

"May pagkain pa sa cafeteria, baka gusto mo. Hindi kita nakitang umalis dyan. Baka hindi ka pa kumakain. Sige ka, magkakasakit ka." She said sounding concern. I slightly chuckled and close my laptop.

"Di naman Maam, kumain naman po ako. Di niyo lang napansin." I lied but with a smile on my lips.

"Una na po ako Maam, pasabi naman po kung may kailangan pa akong gawin. Sa cafeteria lang po ako." I said and ma'am Risa nods. I bid a goodbye to her since she's the only one here before I exits the faculty.

I do most of the work in our school paper. Since I'm the eldest here. It's just 4 of us who won the division and will proceed to Regional. Me who's from broadcasting, the grade 11 student for science writing, the grade 10 who won in editorial and the other grade 10 who won photo journalism.

I put down my bag and and sat down on an empty chair. It's just me here and I can clearly hear my stomach growling. So even tired from all the work all day, I stand up to grab a plate and put some bread on it. I grab around 2 bread and maybe I'll get more later since this will be the only thing I'll eat today.

I'm scrolling on my Facebook and eating at the same time when I saw that Bright is online. So I shoot my shot and messaged him.

To boi:
Oy, may class ka?

Just few seconds and he immediately reply which surprised me cause I know he has classes too.

From boi:
None, kanina pang 2pm na tapos class namin. We're just here in school since some of my classmate won the division press conference too so they had to practice.

When I finished reading his message my eyes widened. Di naman ako na inform na pati pala school nila sumali sa press conference sa bayan nila.

To boi:
Ah okay okay, my practice and works just ended. I'm just eating here.

From boi:
Mhmm, that's good.

Napakamot ako sa ulo ko nang hindi ko na Alam ang isasanot ko. Naubusan na ako ng salita sa utak kaka trabaho sa new paper namin kaya ngayon Di ko na Alam Isasagot ko sa kaniya.

From boi:
Hey.. you're tired. Shouldn't you just be resting instead of talking to me?

I was startled for a bit when he sent another message since he usually reply one by one.

To boi:
No no, it's fine. Baka kasi makatulog ako ng maaga mamaya hoping na walang masyadong schoolwork so baka di tayo makapag call.

From boi:
Wtf? That's totally fine. You're not obliged to always talk to me in call.

To boi:
Pero kahit na. I'm still in school pa naman. Here in cafeteria to be exact. I'm with no one so I'm fine talking to you.

From boi:
Oh okay, I'm here to accompany you then.

Napasimangot ako ng bahagya bago naka-isip ng kalokohan.

To boi:
Mas maganda kung andito ka talaga.

From boi:
Aww... don't worry, soon okay? We will see each other in person. Mag U-UP tayo diba?

A smile formed on my lips as I read his message. Soon talaga, soon we will see each other. Hindi na tayo maghihintay ng ganun katagal para lang magkita. The day after tomorrow is the day we will leave to go to Cainta. And tomorrow I'll finally tell you.

To boi:
Of course, we will see each other.

After my talk to him and after eating around 4 bread, when I saw my classmates walking down the ramp. I immediately grab my bag and run towards them.

"Oh.. tapos kana sa gawa mo?" Ayen ask while we are walking and I slowly nod.

We went straight to our dorm and there they gave me the things I missed. Gladly, gladly it's not a lot. Before the clock eve strikes 6pm I was able to finish everything. I took a body wash and of course I won't be eating dinner.

I just stayed on my bed having a rest. My mama called me and ask me how was my day and of course I said it's okay. I already said a goodnight to Bright and finally after almost a week of sleeping late. I finally slept early.

The next day, my trainer let me attend class which is great. It's my rest day since we will leave tomorrow and of course I had to catch up since there are some group projects.

It wasn't that much to catch up and I was able to do my part right away. I had some chitchat with my friends about life and things. They kept on asking about Bright which I of course said he's okay. They know he's courting me and they also know I haven't answered him yet. I want to test him of course. If he's really into me, he would have patience.

The day ended quick and I'm now here at my bed waiting for his messages since he said he's just doing something. When he finally sent the word 'done' I bit my lower lip and lay down comfortably on my bed.

To boi:
May gagawin ka sa Sunday?

From boi:
Why? Wala, bakit?

To boi:
Ahm.. do you usually go sa mall?

From boi:
Not really, why?

Bigla tuloy ako na excite. The next message I'll send him, I'll finally tell him na sa Cainta kami pupunta. I'm excited to see what he thinks about it or he's reaction.

To boi:
Well.. pupunta kasi kami sa Cainta Rizal. The RSPC will be held there diba? So maybe we can.. meet?

He didn't reply immediately. Which actually worried me. He have seen the message but he haven't replied yet even it's been minutes already.

Until my phone ring and his name flashed on my screen. Of course I answered it.

"Hey-

[I.. seryoso ba!? Hoy! Don't joke like that! Seryoso!? Hey.. wait, hindi kasi ako close sa mga ka klase ko na lalaban sa press conference. So I don't know na dito pala magaganap yon? Seryoso ka ba!?] he exclaimed which made me burst into laughter.

"Oo nga.. I can excuse myself naman. My competition will end around 3pm, I can sneak out or even ask for permission. Then we can meet sa mall? If that's okay or you have any place to suggest. It's your place anyways." I said while fidgeting with my hands.

[I.. honestly I don't know much place that is good for date here.] he said and my brows furrowed.

"Date agad?" I joked and I hear him scoff.

[Oh bakit? I'm courting you ah, so it's a date.] he said making me chuckle a bit.

"Oo nga, sige na, payag na sa date. So mall nalang tayo?" I asked and I hear him hum.

[Yep, mall it is.] he said and I was Able to sigh in relief.

"Okay.. Ahm.. I'll end the call na. I'll sleep na Kasi maaga pa kami aalis bukas." I said and he hum.

[Sure.. goodnight Xav.] he said and I can't help but to smile.

"Goodnight Bri...

And see you soon."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~•3•