"If wala, ah sino 'tong nag text sayo?" My brows furrowed looking at Tobi who's pointing at my phone.

When I thought of Jiro replying anything that may contain anything that can be suspicious, my eyes immediately widened and grab my phone looking if someone texted.

When I realized no one texted I put down my phone glaring at Tobi.

"Wala daw.. pero kung maka react wagas..." Ali teases, I closed my eye taking a deep breath.

When I open my eyes I glared at Tobi

"Nakaka inis ka!" I said hitting his arms a bit hard.

"Aray! Ikaw ha!" He hit me back but it was totally a harder one.

My lips formed a small 'o' and my eyes widened not believing he just did that.

"Tama na kayong dalawa, baka mag kasakitan." Ali said, I lean back to my chair and grab my phone.

We are not really mad at each other. It's just a bickering we basically do with each other. We would always diss and talk shits about each other. But that is how we define true friendship. You would diss and talk bad things in front of each other. But you would say how thankful you are and how you love them once they faced their back at you.

"Guys!"Ali suddenly called, catching our attentions.

"Look!" She whispered pointing at her phone. We lean closer to her looking at what ever she's pointing at.

"Ano 'yan?" I confusedly asked reading the comment from a post she showed us.

"You know the girl?" She said pointing at the picture

"Hindi ba senior natin 'yan?" Gwen asked and Ali nodded.

"And look who commented!" She sternly said pointing at her screen.

"Nico fucking Ysmael!" She said while constantly pointing at her phone,her nails started tapping on the screen.

"Your long time crush?" Lory asked raising her eyebrows, Ali took a deep breath and nod

"Yes.. my freaking 12 years crush! Since Kindergarten! Ughh!" She groan aggressively letting go of her phone making it dropped on her arm rest.

"Ali, 'wag kana kasing umasa. 'Yang kasing putragis na crush mo ay walang pake sayo. Tanggapin mo na sizzt! Hindi ka ucu-crush back ng crush mo!" Gwen screamed pointing at Ali.

Waking her up in her from her imagination. Throwing her to the truth that her crush will never look at her the same way she look at him.

"Bakit ba ang bad niyo sa 'kin? Hmmp!" Ali pouted crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"Because we are your friends Al, and we don't want you looking like a stupid bitch being desperate for love. Bitch, he doesn't deserve you.." Lory said, Ali looked at her, her pout is no longer there.

She raised her chin "Right, he doesn't deserve me, wait till I find that someone who will truly love me. And wait till I glow-up! Just fucking wait Nico Ysmael and you will regret not liking me back.." she said and we started clapping.

"That's the spirit, bitch! Pakita mo kung ano yung sinayang niya.." Gwen cheered making exaggerated claps.

"Makaka move on karin, ate Ali.." Jax said and Ali nodded.

"Makaka move on din ako!" Ali copied and we clapped at her.

"Makaka hanap ka ng mas better." Jax said raising her fist.

"Makaka hanap ako ng mas better!" Ali shout raising her first as well following what Jax is saying and doing.

"Hindi ko na I-Istalk ang Facebook niya!" Jax shout and Ali nodded pure determination in her eyes.

"Hindi na!"

"Hindi ko na siya crush!" Jax shouted,but there's no response form Ali.

We confusedly looked at Ali who is just staring at us.

"Uy.. ate Ali, hindi mo na siya crush, ganun dapat 'yon." Jax said elbowing Ali. Ali put her fist down pursing her lips.

"Kailan ko bang I-uncrush talaga siya?" Ali asked and we started face palming.

"It's part of moving on!" Lory squeal, Ali scrunch her nose.

"Maybe not now.." She said leaning back on her chair picking her phone up.

We started whining.

"Ali, paano uusad ang ekonomiya kung mag papaka tanga ka kay Nico na 'yan?! Tama na kasi Ali!" Gwen whine, Ali scratch her nape.

We were all taken a back when someone called Ali's name.

"Ali! May itatanong daw si Nico sayo.." Ali's eyes widened and in a second she already stood up walking towards Nico's seat.

We sigh and face palm being disappointed at our friends behavior.

"Kala ko seryoso na si Ate Ali." Jax said messaging her temples.

"Bwiset! Hindi makapag commit." Gwen said, her forehead leaning on her palm.

"Takot sa commitment 'yang babaeng 'yan.. hmm!" Lory joked on aiming Ali a punch from a far. Making me and Jax chuckled a bit.

"Well.. we can't force her, it's her life and heart. Hayaan nalang natin.. let's just be her friends and support her with her decisions." I said, Jax and Tobi nodded.

"And also slap on her face the truth.." Lory added and I hissed a bit..

I glared at her "Just sometimes.. sometimes let's give her advices.." Lory added awkwardly smiling and raising her hands in front of her chest as if she surrendering.

We heard Gwen grunt "Hayst! Nakaka stress ang love life ng babaeng 'yan! Hindi na talaga ako mag-aasawa, sakit sa ulo." Gwen said ruffling her hair.

"Ganiyan din naman sabi ni Ate Ali nung grade seven. Pero tingnan niyo.. ayun, kausap yung crush niya." Jax pointed at Ali who is still talking with Nico.

"Hindi, Ali doesn't really want a relationship, she just want someone to make her feel special, someone who cares for her." Lory said,

She has a point, i sometimes as well have that thoughts. I would only have puppy loves or crushes but never having an interest having a relationship. They said that relationship is only sweet at first.But as time passes by. It will be not thrilling and exciting anymore.

"Andito naman tayo ah.." Jax said, Gwen removed her head on her palm.

"Someone opposite sex.." Gwen said and Jax nodded, she suddenly turn at Tobi's side. Her eyes widened .

"Tobi is here naman, he's an opposite sex." Jax happily said and we started laughing. Tobi slapped Jax's hand away from him.

"Ang LOL mo Jax, mas straight pa ang kawayan  kaysa kay Tobi." Gwen said and we once again bursted into laughter.

I saw Lory having hard times breathing because of laughing so hard. Even me started chasing my breath.

"Ang bad Gwen! Grabe siya!" Tobi said crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"Totoo naman ahh.. katawan mo mukhang kawayan pero hindi ka straight." Gwen said before bursting into another set and laughter.

She is slowly sounding like a maniac making us laugh more because of her laugh.

Then Ali suddenly came back .Sitting down straight to her seat looking at us confused.

Gwen stopped talking,nturning to Ali's side.nResting her chin on her hand, making kissy lips and started raising her eyebrows up and down.

"So.." She started, we are trying to hold our laughs.

Gwen make her lips more pouty and acting a little sassy "Kumusta? Babaeng haliparot ka! Ang rupok mo! Mas marupok ka pa sa lumang bangko!" She screamed making us laugh once again. Even Ali started laughing because Gwen is being hysterical now. Her voice cracking.

When Ali was able to stopped herself from laughing she took a few breath..

"Grabe ka naman sa alipangot, marupok lang." Ali said and our brows furrowed, Gwen made a face looking at Ali confused.

"Anong alipangot pinagsasabi mo babae?!" Gwen asked, Ali's eyes widened a bit both of her brows raising.

"Bakit? Ano ba sinabi mo bukod sa marupok ako?" Ali asked confused, we started laughing again

It's just a never ending session of laughing. That's what it feels like to be with them. Happy and joyful.

"Haliparot kasi 'yon tanga! Alipangot na pinagsasabi mo?! Alipunga tapos pinagsama na haliparot, alipangot?! Ali! Gising!" Gwen screamed like a maniac groping Ali's both shoulders making us almost dropped on the floor while laughing.

Never mind, Lory is sitting in the floor already while Tobi and Jax are hitting each other.

"Tobi! Set mo nickname ni Ali sa Group chat, 'Alipangot ang bagong haliparot' lagay mo!" Gwen shout, Tobi nodded while laughing opening his phone and started typing.

We were now trying to recover from too much laughing.

"Ali, nickname mo na nga sa group chat 'Aliparot' akala naman namin alam mo na.. yun pala! Hindi mo alam meaning ng sarili mong nickname!" Gwen said raising her voice but in a joke tone. Ali couldn't just stop laughing.

"Malay ko ba! Akala ko parrot ibig sabihin nun kasi maingay ako." I started laughing again, but a silent one. Just like my shoulder are bouncing up and down.

"Putragis ka Ali! Ilang katol ba ang na hithit mo?! Ha?! Babae!?" Gwen screamed and Jax started clapping while laughing then there is Lory who's sitting on the ground while her head is leaning on her seat hitting the part of the chair.

It was basically a never ending saga of Gwen being a hysterical person. But we are not complaining, cause that's what makes our free time enjoying. Not like others who are just silently sitting together. It's better that we are having fun than being all silent. Tho I admit that I'm a whole silent person. But I enjoy being with these people who basically cracked their heads making them crack heads.

Morning classes ended. I was busy cleaning the classroom while my friends are waiting outside the classroom. Suddenly in the middle of me fixing the cleaning materials we used, Tobi called me.

"Laura! Andito na daddy mo hinahanap ka!" Ha screamed from outside our classroom. They are at the veranda so they can see people coming.

I blow a large amount of air and rolled my eyes before going outside picking up my bag from the ground.

"Let's go." I said and they nodded. Following me form behind.

I'm surprised he really made it this time.

Just wow.

When we arrived at the ground floor we bid goodbye to each other and I rush through the car. Its basically almost 12pm right now and the sun will basically kill me if I walk as if I'm under the moon.

"How was school?" Dad asked the moment I step inside the car. I closed it and looked at him blankly before looking in front.

"It's too early to ask that dad, try asking later afternoon." I said and he nodded. We drove off, the ride is basically silent.

And I'm used to it, the only moment I'm not used to since is when I'm with my friends. And others? They can just not talk to me at all. I have no problem with it.

We arrived home and as usual, I took off my uniform, shoes and socks. We eat as usual, silence is present. I fixed my afternoon notebook, as usual. Take some rest. Take a half bath by 12:45. Then leave the house by 1:10pm.

For me, the house is pretty boring. During weekend if me and my friends doesn't have something to do to, somewhere to go. I'm basically all day lying down on my bed. I would only go down when I'm hungry or when I need to eat.

I lazily walked inside the room, throwing myself at my seat and zoning out for a bit. I was startled when few minutes later Ali arrived. My brows furrowed a little bit thinking I arrived earlier than her.

"You are late.." I said and her eyes widened.

"What? No! You are just early, and besides it's still not 1:30pm." She replied and I nodded .She grab her phone meaning she will be busy because of it. So I took a deep breath and checked my phone as well.

My eyes widened as I saw a text form Jiro.

From Jiro:
Have you eaten lunch properly? Are you at OLLA already?

I quickly tap send message and started typing.

To Jiro:
Yep, I had lunch and I'm at OLLA right now , you?Have you eaten anything? Please tell me you have.

After I hit send I lean my back on the chair. Few minutes of waiting, I received a reply.

From Jiro:
Yep, my teacher asked me to do something this morning. Then he paid me, that's why I was able to eat.

My lips formed into a small 'o' and started nodding while typing.

To Jiro:
Are you at Munhigh already?

I pursed my lips,a m I asking too much question? Isn't it like just a friendly behavior if you ask your friend if they are at school already?

Wait! We are friends? Maybe.. I hope so.

From Jiro:
Yep, I actually don't go home at lunch break. And don't worry about lola, our neighbors actually give her lunch, just lunch tho. Breakfast and dinner is still a problem.

I bit my lip after I read my message. That means their dinner is still not sure.

To Jiro:
Are you busy after class?

From Jiro:
Yep, I have practice.

My brows furrowed, practice of what?

To Jiro:
For what?

From Jiro:
Chess, I'm actually a chess player here in Munhigh, sorry I didn't mention the time we met. Now you know..

I smiled a bit thinking he actually have any sports, and he's basically saying some facts about him. I don't really like sports. Too lazy to join any athletic events. All of us in squad is, except Ali who's actually a majorette in our school. Running for chief majorette.

To Jiro:
What time does your practice ends?

From Jiro:
Not sure and don't know, why?

I gulp and lick my lower lip thinking for an answer. Why Laura? Why would you asked that? You sound like you're courting him or what so ever.

To Jiro:
Nothing just asking, maybe you finish late then your lola is left alone at your house.

From Jiro:
Lola might be old but she's brave, trust me :)

I chuckled a little because of his emoji, I know his phone doesn't have those emoticons that's why he use that one.

To Jiro:
Okay, good luck at you practice. I'm going now, bye!

From Jiro
Bye <3

My eyes widened, I immediately turn off my phone and faces front. I feel my face heating up. Doesn't that means a heart?! A freaking heart?! Why would he put that on his reply?! Does that mean something?!

I look over at Ali who's still busy on her phone. I pursed my lips before tapping her arm.

She immediately looked at me and smiled

"Yes?" She asked.. I swallowed the lump in my throat.

"I-If.. someone sent you a message with a heart.. does that mean something?" I nervously asked, her brows furrowed a bit and started thinking looking at the ceiling.

Then she shrugged "Depends on that someone, if you've been talking for a long period of time, that might mean something. If you two just started talking, that also might mean that they likes you. Or.. they're just really friendly." She explained and I nodded.

"By the way, who are you talking about?" My eyes widened as she added that question. I started shaking my head.

"No one.. I just read it from somewhere.." I lied, I gave her an assuring smile helping she'll buy my answer.

She stared at me for a moment before nodding..

"As you say.." She said and started using her phone again.

The whole afternoon class, I can't seem to focus. Thinking about his message. He likes me? But that's impossible. I know he focus a lot with his study so there's no time for him to like someone.

Maybe he's just really friendly? Right, he's just friendly. No meanings, no issues. Just a friendly heart. Friendly way to show love. Me and Tobi sometimes send hearts to each other but that doesn't really mean anything. So basically he's just friendly.

"So everyone, the registration for players such as basketball, volleyball, football, relays, Palarong Bayan, and board games such as Dama and Chess is now open.. go to our faculty later to sign up." I snap my head up because of my teacher's announcement.

"Shuta! Oo nga pala, palaro na nga pala in three weeks!" I heard Ali curse.. our last period teacher bid goodbye. My friends started fixing their things while I'm there thinking if I should join any.

"I'm sure may practice nanaman ang band any day this week.." I heard Ali said..

"Sali kaya akong volleyball?" I looked up at Gwen who's looking at us as if she asking permission.

"Tara? I'll sign up the registration.." Lory replied, Gwen's face light up..

"Yes! Sabay tayo mag pa lista." Gwen said excitedly. I stand up and started fixing my stuffs.

"Ikaw Jax? Ayaw mo?" Lory asked Jax who is just waiting for us to finish clearing up.

Jax shake her head "Nope, ayaw ko, not very an athletic person." She replied and Lory nodded.

"Ikaw Tobi? Tara volleyball?" Lory asked Tobi.

"Oo nga Tobi, ang tangkad mo kaya. Pwede ka libero or center." Gwen added, Tobi shook his head.

"Ayaw ko, tinatamad ako mag practice.." Tobi answers, Gwen and Lory pout.

"Mag hahanap nalang daw siya ng gwapo.." Jax joked, Tobi immediately hit Jax on her arm.

"Yun naman pala! Maghahanap ka taga Munhigh? Or Lab High? Malay mo sa mga taga Montisori meron din." Ali joked, they started laughing while Tobi is just glaring at them.

"Malay mo taga Munhigh pala talaga forever mo, tanong ka lang kay Ali, sa MunHigh nag tuturo mama niya." Gwen teases, Tobi's expression dropped even harder.

"Ang bad niyo! Tinatamad lang talaga ko mag practice! Ayaw ko 'no!" Tobi replied, crossing his arms. I looked at their reaction if they are actually buying it. Well Ali doesn't..

"Ah alam ko na, andito na sa OLLA ang forever niyan. Hindi lang sinasabi sa atin." Tobi's mouth formed into a large 'O' and his eyes widened.

"Hala!! Hindi ah! Ayaw ko nga! Eww." Tobi said Even making gestures making us laugh.

"Eh taga saan gusto mo?" Lory asked, Tobi stopped moving and started thinking. He put his hand under his cheeks looking like he's really thinking making us chuckle.

"Taga UST gusto ko.." Ali, Gwen ,and Lory created a sound, a disappointing sound. I even heard Ali said 'Jusko Po' which makes me chuckle.

"Baka nga kahit mula dito sa OLLA walang pumatol sayo, mag hahangad ka pa ng taga UST?! Mag tigil Tobias Emory! Nahahagas bangs ko sayo!" Gwen said, her exaggerated voice coming back.

"Wait.. meron kang bangs? Asan?" Ali asked pulling Gwen's face examining her hair.

"Meron 'yan.. invisible lang.." Gwen replied smiling at Ali like a maniac, even posing, putting her hands on her waist.

"Ahh..sana all." Ali said letting go of Gwen's shoulders.

"Ikaw Laura? May sasalihan ka na sports?" I was taken a back when Jax suddenly asked me.

"Huh?" I asked unsure.. I heard Ali chuckled

"May ibang inisiip." Ali teased and I rolled my eyes..

"Ano bang sabi mo Jax?" I asked..

I heard Jax clicked her tongue and aggressively scratch her head..

"Sabi ko, kung may sasalihan ka na sports?" She asked.. realization hit me and my mouth turn into sa tiny 'o'.

"Chess.." I answered... wait what?!

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