Chapter 5

I woke up early and glanced at the time. It's just seven in the morning. Zai on my side is still sleeping soundly. I wonder what time did they stopped drinking?

Kanina kasi ay naalimpungatan ako nang maramdamang lumubong ang kabilang side ng kama at naamoy ko ang alak. Bigla akong kinabahan, sa pag-aakala na kung sino, pero si Zai lang naman pala.

I fixed myself before heading out of the room. Mama's sleeping with Tita Zadie, and I shared a room with Zai. So literally no one's awake at this hour.

Bumungad sa akin ang magpinsang mahimbing na natutulog. Si Josh ay nasa sahig na nakahilata, siguro ay nahulog siya sa sofa. I stopped walking when my eyes settled on Clajj. I want to curse myself for finding him hot in that position. His eyes were covered by his arm, and I honestly admitted that he's muscle is flexing. It's in right places, and not that bulky, which is a good thing and a plus points.

I pinched myself a little, after I regain consciousness from absurb sightseeing. But given the fact, Clajj is a delicious meat that every woman can't resist.

I continue walking until I reach the kitchen. I know some basic knowledge about cooking, and I hope this will do. I cooked fried rice and re-heat the viands from last night.

I tiptoed to reach the glass pitcher when someone from behind, probably taller than me, took the initiative to take it from the upper cabinet.

My breathing hitched as I felt his warm breath againts my ear. I looked back and I immediately regretted it because our faces were few inches away.

Our eyes meet, and I don't know why I feel like I'm magnetise by his hooded brown eyes. They're so enchanting.

Pinagpawisan ako ng malamig. Amoy na amoy ko natural at lalaking pabango niya. He doesn't reek of alcohol. Napaiwas ako ng tingin at tumikhim. Tinulak ko siya nang mahina para magkaroon kami ng distansiya at kinuha mula sa kaniya ang babasaging pitsel.

"Uh—salamat," sabi ko at lumayo na sa kaniya.

I could feel his gazed at me while I'm squeezing some oranges. I wanted to make freshly squeezed orange juice for our breakfast because it'll suit in our morning.

"Tulungan na kita," alok niya.

"Hindi na, kaya ko na 'to."

Clajj didn't listen and help me right away after he wash his hands. Umusog ako ng kaunti kasi hindi ako komportableng katabi siya. After ten minutes, we finished squeezing all the oranges. Inilagay ko ang mga balat sa plastic para itapon nang kinuha niya iyon.

"Ako na," mahinahon niyang sabi pero desidido talaga akong itapon ang mga ito.

"Ako nalang ang magtatapon, doon naman sa gilid ang waste bag." Pagpumilit ko at bastang kinuha sa kaniya ang plastic.

Paghakbang ko palang ay nawalan agad ako ng balanse pero mabilis naman akong nasalo ni Clajj. I hissed after seeing the orange carpel on the floor. Maybe I stepped on it, the reason why I almost slipped on the floor. If weren't for Clajj, I might injure my butt.

Inayos ko ang pagtayo pero nanatili paring nakapulupot ang braso niya sa baywang ko. His eyes glistened with concern so I looked away. Kinakalas ko ang braso niya pero hindi ko iyon maalis.

"I'm o-okay, you can let go of my waist." I awkwardly said.

Nagtitigan kaming dalawa hanggang sa ako ang naunang umiwas at tinulak siya papalayo. Itinapon ko ang plastic at bumalik sa ginagawa na parang walang nangyari.

"Did you sleep well earlier?" Tanong niya nang makatabi siya sa akin.

I nodded as a response. Kumuha ako ng mga plato, agad din siyang tumulong sa akin. "Seriously Clajj, what are you doing? I think you should sleep again dahil anong oras na kayong natulog kanina."

I saw Clajj, smirking. "You're that concern?"

I stilled. What the hell? I tried calming myself, so I couldn't lash my annoyance on him. It's too early in the morning and he's getting into my nerves!

"I'm not concern to you, stop assuming. Isa pa, iniistorbo mo ako at ang oras ko sa pagluluto kaya please lang, bumalik ka na doon sa sala at matulog—"

Natigilan ako nang hawakan niya ako sa baywang. Umarko ang kilay ko dahil titig na titig siya sa kung saan niya ako hinawakan.

"Get your hand off my waist! It's off limits." I stoically commanded yet he's still not obeying.

He smirked. "What if I don't?"

"I'll kick your balls," I threatened him.

"Hmm, feisty. What a plus point." He whispered yet I could hear him clearly. He shook his head and smirk, "Sayang naman ang lahi ko kung matutuloy 'yang banta mo."

"Ang kapal mo, hindi kahina-hinayang 'yang lahi mo! As if, may magpapalahi sa'yo!"

He chuckled heartily and I was amazed how his perfect white teeth were showing. Maya-maya pa ay inalis na niya ang kamay sa baywang ko, at napatili ako nang ipinakita niya sa akin ang butiki.

Tawang tawa si Clajj sa naging reaksiyon ko at ako naman ay pikon na pikon. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest.

"Oh stop joking around, Kuya!"

Natigil siya sa pagtawa at sumeryoso ang ekspresyon ng mukha. Umiigting ang panga niya at bakas sa mukha ang pagkairita.

"Don't call me Kuya, cut the formalities and I don't want you to see me that way."

He left the kitchen after saying those words. What's with the drama? I asked myself. It's natural to give respect since he's older than me. Ah, I don't know... and I shouldn't care about him.

Nagpatuloy ako sa ginawa ko at nang matapos kong i-set up ang mesa ay tamang tama rin na nagsisimula silang magising.

"Good morning!" Zai greeted me and she turned to wake her boyfriend up.

Nasa dining table narin ang lahat at hindi na ako nagtaka nang mapansing wala si Clajj. He got home already, probably.

"Nach, sama ka sa amin? We're going to San Jose to wach a movie in the cinema at Robinson's." Zai offered while we're currently eating breakfast.

"Sure! Kailangan ko rin mag-enjoy kasi uuwi na kami sa Manila ngayong 29."

Zai gaped in disbelief. "You're not going to spend New Year here?"

A small smile appeared on my lips and politely shook my head. "Nasa Manila na kami by that time."

"Kailangan pala nating sulitin 'to habang nandito ka pa!" Zai said and smile cheekily.

"What if ipasyal niyo siya sa mga tourists spots dito sa Antique? Sa Mararison Island ng Culasi, sa Malumpati Cold Spring doon sa Pandan, sa Kawa-kawa sa Tibiao o hindi kaya sa Little Baguio doon sa San Remegio?" Suhestiyon ni Mama.

"Pwede rin naman po Tita Estella, pero nakadepende po kay Nachi kung gusto niyang pumunta roon, baka mamaya po ay ayaw niya." Ani Zai at sinserong nakatingin sa akin.

Napatango-tango si Mama at kalaunan ay tumingin sa akin. "Nachi, withdraw some money when you go there in San Jose. Kakailanganin niyo 'yan kapag pupunta kayo sa mga lugar dito."

"Sige po Mama." Pagpayag ko at ipinagpatuloy ang pagkain.

"Kayo po Tita Estella, ayaw niyo pong sumama?" Magalang na tanong ni Josh.

"Hindi na, hijo. Masyado na akong maraming napuntahang lugar dito sa Antique, oras naman na si Nachi ang mag-explore sa ganda ng Antique." Nakangiting sabi ni Mama at patingin sa akin. "Huwag kayong mag-alala, I'll shoulder all the expenses just to make Nachi happy and enjoy this holiday vacation."

"Huwag rin po kayong mag-alala Tita, sinisigurado ko pong mag-eenjoy si Nachi." Zai assured to my mother.

So after breakfast, I immediately head home to prepare myself. I wore a nude knitted sweater top and plaid skirt then paired with my white sneaker. I applied minimal amount of perfume and wore my white watch then took my cross body bag which all the things I needed were there.

Habang naglalakad ako papunta sa bahay nina Zai ay namataan ko ang isang pamilyar na tikas ng katawan na nakatayo sa labas ng gate at hindi nga ako nagkamali nang tuluyan na akong nakalapit. He's with Josh.

Clajj's wearing a simple navy blue button down polo, a black pants, and white sneakers. He really looks attractive! He's suitable to be a model and his name has an impact itself. For someone like me who never got attracted by just someone, yet maybe... he's an exemption.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Clajj pero ako ang naunang umiwas at dumiretso papasok sa bahay nila Zai. Mama handed me her credit card right after I entered the house. I know Mama's pin number, so it's no need to tell me again. I waited for Zai in the living room since Tita Zadie's said she's applying some cosmetics on her face.

Nandito ako nakaupo malapit sa bintana para magkaroon ng signal ang cellphone ko. When I roamed my eyes, I saw Clajj talking to a women that seems like in his age also. She's wearing a light brown dress and her hair is being braided. I could see from here that she's beautiful. She possess long eyelashes, thin lips, pointed nose, and bush eyebrows.

Maybe she's Shantal that Zai's referring to as Clajj's girlfriend?

Nag-angat ng tingin si Clajj kaya mabilis akong umiwas pero alam kong nahuli niya ako. Hindi na ulit ako nagkaroon ng lakas ng loob para sumulyap sa kanila hanggang sa lumabas si Zai mula sa kwarto niya.

"Sorry if you waited that much, Nachi."

I shook my head, "No, it's okay."

"Let's go," Zai said and linked her arm on me.

Sabay kaming lumabas ng bahay nila, wala na roon ang babaeng nakita ko kanina, at kinakabahan ako habang palapit nang palapit kami sa kinatatayuan nila dahil seryosong nakatingin sa akin si Clajj.

"Magbantay na tayo para makasakay. Halos isang oras at tatlumpung minuto ang byahe papuntang San Jose." Ani Zai nang tuluyan na kaming makalapit sa kanila.

"Matagal ba tayong magbabantay ng sasakyan papuntang San Jose?"

Clajj looked at me after asking that. He shook his head and simply bit lips. "There are approximately fifteen minutes interval if we wanted to ride on a van, and thirty minutes interval if we wanted to ride on a bus."

I nodded and an idea popped into my mind. "Kung gusto niyo, magkotse nalang tayo? Well I kinda know how to drive, but I don't know the route to reach San Jose. Though, we can use Waze, pero... uhm—mayroon ba sa inyo na marunong magmaneho?"

"Ikaw, love, marunong ka?" Tanong ni Zai kay Josh pero umiling siya bilang tugon. "Ikaw, Clajj, hindi ba marunong ka?"

Napatingin ako kay Clajj habang hinihintay ang magiging sagot niya. He seriously stared at me too, until he slowly nodded.

"Oo," he simply said.

"Great," I smiled. "Maiiwan ko muna kayo rito, kukunin ko lang ang kotse sa bahay."

Hindi ko na hinintay ang sagot nila. Halos takbuhin ko na ang bahay para lang makarating ako. I called Mama if we can borrow the car and she nonchalantly agreed. Good thing, I immediately found the car's key in Mama's room.

I pressed something to open the gate. Nang matagumpay kong mailabas ang kotse ay may pinindot ulit ako para masara ang gate. I manuevered the car and drove safely until I reached Tita Zadie's house where Zai, Josh and Clajj are waiting. I opened the driver's window, and smiled at them.

"Hopped in," I said.

Hindi na nakakagulat nang sa backseat umupo si Zai at Josh. So, I have no choice but to sit in front. Hindi na ako lumabas pa, at lumipat nalang ng upuan mula sa loob para makasakay na si Clajj.

"Ang bango ng kotse niyo, Nachi!" Komento ni Zai at ngumiti lang ako habang sinulyapan siya mula sa rear mirror.

Clajj started the engine and I got mesmerized how he swiftly maneuvered the steering wheel and move the shift control.

I really don't know why I'm getting attracted! Maybe I was to overwhelm? I honestly had no idea, and he flashed that genuine smile when he caught me staring at him. Hindi naging maganda ang resulta ng naging asaran namin kanina at umalis pa talaga siya... tapos ngayon, okay na kami?

Instead of brainstorming, I opted to keep my mouth shut and averted myself to other things.

The drive was smooth, it's an honest and unbiased feedback from me. Clajj's driving in moderate speed, and not making overtakes. I was enjoying the outside view until I could feel my eyelids getting heavy and the next thing I knew, I dozed off to sleep.

Naalimpungatan ako nang maramdamang may marahang yumugyog sa balikat ko. I slowly opened my eyes and Clajj spoke beside me.

"Sorry for waking you up, but we're already here in San Jose."

"It's fine," I shook my head and smile.

I fixed myself and even though I felt uncomfortable with Clajj's gaze from time to time, I still managed to do my hair in a messy bun.

Iginala ko ang tingin sa paligid. Indeed, this is the city. Lots of business infrastructures, busy streets, and slight traffic.

"Gaisano muna ang first stop natin." Anunsiyo ni Zai at sumang-ayon kaming lahat sa kaniya.

We started talking about things we're going to do once we reached Gaisano, I wanted to converse with them more but I felt my phone vibrated and Owen's name flashed on the screen. I took a deep breath before answering the call.

"Hi," I happily greeted.

"Sienna... good morning. Where are you? Do you have plans for today?"

I bit my lips and glanced at Zai then my eyes found Clajj's. I cleared my throat, "We just arrived here in the city. Kasama ko ang pinsan ko at ang mga kakilala. How about you?"

"Kakagising ko lang. Yulo's here in my condo 'cause we drank a little last night. We're going to play polo later."

I nodded as if he saw it. I stayed silent until I heard him spoke again. "I missed you so bad, can't wait to see you soon—"

"Let's go, we're here."

Napaawang ang labi ko dahil paniguradong narinig iyon ni Owen. I glared at Clajj when I came to conscious.

"Sienna, who's that?" I could feel annoyance in Owen's voice.

"Kakilala ko lang, Owen."

"I'm not buying that, Sienna. I know you're secrective but... are you cheating on me?" Owen uttered in cold voice.

I blinked and gasped in disbelief. How could he think that I'm cheating on him? I don't know why I feel this sudden urge to prove myself I'm clean... that I'm not a cheater.

"Owen, you knew I don't that. I may be secretive but not a cheater... and I'll never be one," I strongly opposed to his question.

"I don't know, Sienna. I really had no idea if what you're saying was true," I heard him heaving a sigh and I'm about to defend myself but he already ended the call.

I tried calling him again but he won't answer. I literally had no idea where he's coming from! I took a deep breath and gave up in the end. I hid my phone and faced Clajj with furrowed brows.

"You've done that on purpose, didn't you?" I frankly asked him.

He looked at me confused, "What do you mean?"

"Stop pretending! You've done that on purpose... you asked me while I was talking to my boyfriend, and now we're having misunderstanding!"

"Whether you believe it or not, I didn't mean this to happen... of what you're accusing on me right now." Clajj shook his head as if disappointed on my sudden behavior. He opened the driver's door before glancing at me again. "Zai and Josh were already inside, let's go now."

Lumabas na siya sa kotse at naiwan ako. I tried calming so I won't say mean words to him, but I'm really annoyed at the moment.

"Dear Sienna Saachi Gallegos, just let this pass for once." I breathe in and out, and stayed in the car for few moments before going out.

I went inside the mall and met Zai, Josh, and Clajj near the entrance. Nag-usap kami ng ilang sandali at nagpalitan ng numero bago kami humiwalay sa isa't isa para maglibot sa loob nga Gaisano Grand Mall.

Tumungo ako sa second floor para maghanap ng pwedeng bilhin. I went to the Penshoppe section and brought the men's ball cap that caught my attention. I glanced at Clajj who's looking at the shirts on the racks which in few meters away from me.

Sandali kaming nagkatinginan pero agad akong umiwas at tumikhim bago naglakad patungo sa malapit na counter para mabayaran ang ball cap at iba pang napili ko.

Bumaba na ako mula sa second floor gamit ang escalator nang magtext si Zai na naghihintay na sila ni Josh malapit sa entrance at exit ng mall.

"Ang dami mo atang binili, Nachi?" Salubong na tanong ni Zai nang tuluyan akong makalapit sa kanila.

Kararating lang rin ni Clajj. I shook my head and sighed, "It's just some shirts and a ball cap, Zai, nothing more."

Zai just nodded and I'm getting uncomfortable of the way she looked at me then she'll look at Clajj. Like she's teasing us or something.

"Okay, tara na. Sa Robinson's naman tayo!" Excited na sabi niya at kumapit sa braso ko.

Sabay kaming pumunta sa parking lot. As usual, sina Zai at Josh ang magkatabi sa backseat. At sila rin ang naunang pumasok sa Robinson's, habang naiwan na naman kami ni Clajj dito sa parking lot ng Robinson's.

"Stop staring," Clajj lowly said after turning his head to me.

My cheeks heated so I looked away. I waited for three seconds before meeting his gazed with furrowed brows. "I'm not staring at you, so stop assuming a thing or two."

I heard Clajj chuckled softly and I literally had no idea how that sounds like music to my ears! What is he doing to me, really?

"May pupuntahan ka ba rito sa Robinson's?" He casually asked.

I nodded, "Mama asked me to withdraw some cash."

"I'll go with you," Clajj stated with finality.

I nodded and he led the way to the ATM machine. I withdraw some cash and after my transaction, we met Zai and Josh near the main entrance and exit.

I glanced at my wristwatch, it's nearing one in the afternoon, so I faced them to ask where they wanted to eat lunch.

"Sa Jollibee nalang, Nachi. Masarap pero hindi mahal!" Natawa si Zai sa huling sinabi.

"Okay, it's Jollibee then."

Pumasok na kami sa loob ng fast food. Medyo punuan dahil lunch hours din. I handed Zai two thousand bills to pay for our food. At first she didn't accept it, but I am persistent so I've succeeded in the end.

"Sige, kami na ang bahalang mag-order, Nachi. Maghanap nalang kayo ni Clajj ng magiging mesa natin."

Napasulyap ako kay Clajj, nasa malayo na siya, siguro ay naghahanap na ng magiging mesa namin. Kanina ay naglahad siya ng pera kay Zai, ayaw niya sanang tanggapin pero nagpumilit rin si Clajj.

Nakasunod ako sa likuran ni Clajj. Gusto ko narin maupo dahil nangangalay ang paa ko.

"Clajj, pare!" Bati ng isang lalaki, nakatayo siya sa mesa... at mukhang tapos narin siya sa pagkain. Nagtapikan silang dalawa at nagbungguan ng balikat.

Napasulyap iyong lalaki sa akin tapos ay ibinalik ang tingin kay Clajj. Nakita ko kung gaano napangisi ang lalaki. "Girlfriend mo, Clajj?"

Umawang ang labi ko dahil sa tanong niya. Umiling si Clajj bilang tugon sa tanong. As if on cue, the guy walk towards me and offer his hand.

"Hi, I'm Drexx."

I bit my lips. I don't want to accept his hand and introduce myself, but I don't want to be rude if I do that.

Clajj glanced at me. "Cut it Drexx, she's not interested—"

"I'm Sienna," I said but didn't accepted his hand.

Drexx face lit up, "What a beautiful name you have! How about your family name?"

I looked at him to weigh his emotion. I sighed and glanced at Clajj. He's looking at me blankly.

"Gallegos."

"Nice! But I would like it better if it's Alvarado," he heartily chuckled and winked at me.

I grimaced and totally speechless. He's using that obsolescence line. Goodness!

"Drexx, are you done with you lame pick-up lines?" Clajj boringly asked. "If yes, then what if you'll help me clean the table you left messy?"

Napanganga si Drexx sa sinabi ni Clajj at ilang sandali pa bago siya nakabawi. "What's with you? Why are you suddenly grumpy, Mr. Montessori?"

Hindi sumagot si Clajj at seryosong niligpit ang mesa. Kumibit-balikat si Drexx nang mapatingin ako sa kaniya, at tumulong siya kay Clajj hanggang sa dumating ang isang staff para i-cleanse ang mesa at kunin ang mga iniligpit ni Clajj at Drexx.

"Kayong dalawa lang ang magkasama?" Gulantang na tanong ni Drexx.

Umiling ako, "Hindi, kasama pa namin ang pinsan ko at ang boyfriend niya."

Tumango si Drexx at napasulyap kay Clajj na seryoso parin ang mukha. Ngumiwi at natatawang napakamot ng ulo si Drexx bago nagpaalam sa amin.

Maya-maya ay dumating sina Zai at Josh dala ang pagkain namin. We didn't talk that much during our lunch, but Zai's keep on taking photos and videos, saying that she'll put it on her IG Story.

Hindi siya maawat-awat kaya pinabayaan nalang siya sa gusto niya. And my brows furrowed everytime Clajj doing little things to me, like giving me tissues, reaching my drink for me, and wiping my wrist that's been wet by the cola.

Clajj's sweet in doing those things. If I'm like some other girls, I would be screaming my heart out in thrill and joy.

We immediately head to the Movie World after we finished eating lunch. We decided to watch horror movie, and I volunteered to buy tickets... and Clajj, damn him, he also volunteered to come with me.

I sighed and let him be. I didn't mind the teasing I received from Zai and Josh. I head to the counter and Clajj followed but stayed on the line.

Pinagtitinginan siya ng mga babaeng pumila rin. Some were obviously staring at him, but I impressed to this guy because he seem to shrug it off and ignored the starving-like stare he received from those girls.

Mabilis akong nakabili ng tickets at lumapit sa kaniya. "Wanna grab some popcorns and drinks?"

Clajj looked at me for a moment, I could feel my cheeks heated so I looked away, but it was a wrong move since those girls earlier looked at me with those judging eyes. I raised a brow and looked at them coldly.

I felt Clajj stilled when I pulled him towards the food counter. His jaw dropped and looking at me, mesmerized. Binitawan ko na ang kamay ni Clajj at napatikhim.

"What flavor do you think Zai and Josh want?"

Bumalik ang mukha niya sa paging seryoso pero may isang emosyon pa akong nakita sa mata niya pero hindi ko lang mapangalanan.

"I think cheese will do."

I nodded and list that in mind. "How about you? What flavor do you want?"

Clajj shook his head and shrugged. "No need to buy me popcorn."

"Ayaw mo?" Kumunot ang noo ko. Tumango siya at napabuntong-hininga ako. "Share nalang tayo. Okay lang ba kung sour and cream ang flavor?"

"Anything you want," he lowly said.

"Sigurado ka talaga na ayaw mo?" Tanong ko uli. Tumango lang siya bilang tugon.

I voice my order to the girl in the counter and brought a bottled water for him. Kinuha ni Clajj ang mga binili ko. His hugging the two bucket of popcorn and his left hand is carrying the three large lemonade drink that has been putted in cup holder.

Mind to tell you, he literally look so hot! As in! He has this boyfriend material vibe, that added more attraction.

Ako ang nagdala ng bottled water niya habang naglalakad kami papunta kina Zai at Josh. Ibinigay ko ang dalawang ticket kay Zai habang ako naman ang may hawak ng ticket ni Clajj. Kinuha narin ni Josh ang isang bucket at dalawang drinks.

Kukunin ko na sana ang binili ko pero ngumiti siya at umiling, "Ako na."

I looked at him for few seconds before nodding. Dumiretso na kami sa loob ng cinema matapos ilahad ang ticket sa babaeng nababantay. As usual, sila na naman ang magkatabi kaya wala akong choice kundi ang tumabi kay Clajj dahil sinabi ko rin sa kaniya kanina na magshare kami ng popcorn.

As the movie goes to the scary part, I noticed that Clajj wasn't frighten at all. I was calm during the first few minutes, but I couldn't contain my yell and how I gripped at my seat's arm when the movie was in the suspense and scary part.

"Scared?" He teased.

My brows furrowed and looked at him ridiculously. "It's a natural reaction to be scared since we're watching horror movie, it'll be weird if I'll shrieked and whimper in kilig."

He nodded and shrugged, "Well you have a point."

Umawang ang labi ko nang marahan niyang kinuha ang kamay ko sa braso niya. Ni hindi ko namalayan na napakapit ako roon! I'm innocent beyond reasonable doubt! I really had no idea.

Instead of dwelling with it, I focused my attention more on the movie... yet I got distracted few minutes later as I saw in my peripheral vision that the girl is simply making her way towards Clajj by pretending to be scared.

Clajj's so oblivious about it, and the girl even smiled sweetly. I cleared my throat so Clajj could notice, but it was the girl who turned to me. Her smile disappeared, and suddenly, an emotion of being embarrassed was evident.

Inalis ng babae ang pagkapit niya sa manggas ni Clajj na ngayon ay nalukot na. Mukhang natakot siya sa akin. She may thought that he's my boyfriend. Actually speaking, I don't care if Clajj was being touched by whoever, but I don't like when he's been taken advantage. I mean, he may think that it's a natural reaction of the girl, yet little did he know it was deliberately done.

An hour had passed and the movie has come to an end. Nang makalabas kami sa sinehan ay inaya ko si Zai na mag-grocery.

"Zai, hihiwalay muna ako sa inyo, may pinapabili lang si Jhad at Hadah sa akin." Seryosong sabi ni Clajj at napatingin na rin sa akin.

Tumango si Zai at mabuti dahil hindi niya pinigilan si Clajj. "Sige, basta siguraduhin mong magkikita tayo mamaya ha? Ikaw pa naman ang magmamaneho ng kotse pauwi."

Clajj just nodded. Josh wanted to come with him and Zai didn't oppose to what he wanted. Bumalik kami sa first floor dahil doon ang grocery store.

Zai and I talk most about common things while putting grocery on the cart she push. It's mainly soft drinks, junk foods, breads, some crackers, and mayonnaise.

"Nach..." Zai seriously uttered my name. I lifted my head, and she spoke again, "Do you like Clajj? Well honestly, I've been observing you two since earlier, I feel like concluding that you two suits together."

Moments of being silent, I finally spoken what's on my mind. "I don't like Clajj in the way you're trying to say, and I have a boyfriend, Zai. Well, Clajj's a nice company, but that just end there."

"Yeah, you're right." She surrendered. "But my gut is telling me that you'll be in that way... until you know, you'll eventually like Clajj romantically."

I sighed and looked at her calmly. "Then let's see if your gut is true. And if that time happened, I'll treat you something nice and delicious."

"It'll really happen, Nachi."

I don't know why Zai's so persistent in pairing me with Clajj. Isn't he have a girlfriend already? The girl he talked to earlier.

Pumila ako sa counter para magbayad ng mga pinamili ko. Zai offered money yet I politely declined. Nainis siya dahil ayaw niyang maramdaman na parang ginagawa nila akong ATM machine.

Well, I understand her side... but I really don't mind spending since I know I'm able to finance. Mas kailangan pa nila ang pera sa ibang bagay maliban dito.

Yes, I have been living my life with fancy and expensive things... but I'm well aware that it's hard to make a living and to earn money.

Zai patted my shoulder, "Josh texted me, and let's just wait them near the National Book Store."

I nodded and she helped me carry the groceries. Zai and I waited for about ten minutes before Josh and Clajj showed up. May mga dala rin sila at hindi na ako nang usisa pa.

Bago kami tuluyang lumabas ng Robinson's Mall ay nagpasama ako kay Zai para bumili ng ulam para sa hapunan at dalawang family size pizza.

I looked at my wristwatch, it's already five forty-five in the afternoon. We arranged the things that what we've brought in back of the car.

"At last! We're going home, just I feel like my bed is calling me already!" Zai said in relief after entering the backseat. "Mabuti nga nagkotse tayo, Nach. Paniguradong hindi tayo makakasiksik lalo na't rush hour."

The drive as we head home was smooth and fine. Tahimik lang kami buong byahe at ang music lang sa stereo ang nag-iingay. Dumidilim narin ang palagid.

I was about to close my eyes to sleep when I felt my phone vibrated and I saw Leigh's message that totally bothered me.

Leigh:

I saw your boyfriend with someone again. This time, hindi na ako namamalik-mata. It's Yulo's cousin! Are you sure they're just friends or sort of an acquintance? It's really weird, Sienna!

Ako:

Where did you saw them, Leigh?

Leigh:

In the freaking mall! You know what, just break up with that ass! Kahit noon pa, hindi na ako suportado sa gagong 'yan!

I exhaled loudly. My eyes remain looking at my phone. I don't know what to do. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. I just don't want to decide impulsively.

Ako:

I know Leigh, and I won't hesitate to break up with him the moment I caught him red-handed.

Leigh:

Make sure na nahiwalayan mo na 'yan this February. Mahirap na, baka virginity mo pa ang hihingiin niya sa Valentine's day.

Hindi ko siya sinisiraan sa'yo, Nachi. I'm just concern of you, okay? Old habits die hard, and remember those rumors before you two clicked in a relationship, that he's knocking some girls in our batch?

My eyes widened while reading Leigh's text. Yes, I heard rumors about him. But I didn't know if Owen really do that with other girls! It'll never happen, I won't give myself to Owen! I didn't even think about that! I'm too focus on achieving my goal, and that is to graduate with high honor!

Itinago ko ang cellphone sa bag at ibinaling ang atensiyon sa labas. I kept on sighing, and I'm hestitant to text Owen or not. I don't know if he's still mad about earlier... but I'm truly am not in the mood to talk to him though my fingers were itching to text him.

"Okay ka lang ba?" Clajj asked but his eyes remained on the road.

"I'm perfectly fine," I answered and leaned over the window.

"Are you sure?" He asked again and I nodded. He puffed a loud breath, "Okay, just erase that expression in your face for a while."

"Huh?" My brows furrowed. "What are you talking about?"

"Sabi ko ang busangot sa mukha mo, pakibura muna."

A smirk crept lips as I realize something. Now, my attention was all on him. "Why is that, Clajj? I'm not doing anything actually... though unless, you're distracted to your passenger?"

I was just teasing, that's all. But I didn't know it would counterfeit. Clajj glanced at me, an amused smile made it's way to his lips. His right hand is maneuvering the steering with in a cool manner.

He then said these words that I never expected. "Well, I guess... I am."