The bell finally rang for the lunch break.

Grabe, gutom na talaga ako, Jhoanna grumbled as she packed her things into her bag.

"Huy Ate Colet, bakit ka late?" Sheena looked at Colet, who still had a slight frown on her face.

"Pinuntahan ko pa kasi yung phone ko sa coffee shop. Hindi din ako nakasakay agad," Colet replied, standing up slowly with a hint of annoyance on her face.

"First day mo pa naman, muntik ka pang ma-bingo kay Sir Ramirez," Stacey chimed in, also preparing to leave.

I observed their exchange and concluded that they must know each other.

"Ay Jho, is it okay if I call you Jho? Mahaba kasi ang Jhoana eh," Sheena asked. I smiled and nodded as I got up and swung my bag over my shoulder.

"Gusto mo ba sumabay nalang sa amin mag lunch? Or may kasabay kanang iba? Sheena asks as we walked out of the class. 

I noticed Colet glance at me briefly before turning her attention back to Gwen and Stacey.

Shifting my focus to Sheena, I replied, "Dapat sasamahan ako ng pinsan ko eh, pero mukhang di pa nila break. Okay lang bang sumabay ako sa inyo?"

I asked shyly, looking at Sheena and then at the others.

Stacey beamed a smile at me. "Of course!" Then, turning to the two beside her, she added,

"The more the merrier, di ba?"

"Sure," Gwen shrugged, continuing to walk. Colet ignored Stacey and kept chatting animatedly with Gwen.

Ah, ganon dedma? Ayaw ata ako kasama neto, I mumbled to myself, noting Colet's lack of reaction.

Maybe Sheena noticed because she suddenly tapped me. "Hayaan mo na yan si Ate Colet, silence means 'Yes' yan," Sheena chuckled, whispering.

Biting my lip, I nodded.

"Mukha lang intimidating yan, unapproachable pero super caring and protective niyan," Sheena added with a smile as we glanced at Vergara.

"That's very true. Wolf lang yang outer shell ni Colet pero she's a fluffy teddy bear inside," Stacey chimed in, joining our conversation.

"Grabe beh, pabulong na yun rinig mo pa rin?" Sheena asked Stacey in surprise.

Stacey rolled her eyes at Sheena. "Bakit gaano ba kayo kalayo sakin? Luzon to Mindanao?"

"Apaka OA naman magbigay ng example," Sheena retorted, making a face as I covered my mouth to stifle a laugh at their banter.

After a few minutes of walking, we finally arrived at the cafeteria. It wasn't too crowded or busy yet.

We immediately approached the counter to order our food.

I ordered a small salad, a piece of chicken, and some rice. Wala eh, gutom ako.

Approaching to get her drink, Jhoanna saw that the Coke was gone. She instantly looked disappointed as she returned to their table.

"Oh Jho, bakit ganyan mukha mo?" Stacey asked.

With a soft voice, Jhoanna replied, "Ubos na kasi yung Coke nila, pero okay lang, tubig nalang muna ako."

She managed a smile, not wanting to make it a big deal, though deep down it mattered to her since she hadn't had a carbonated drink in months.

"Asan na ba si Ate Colet? Akala ko kasunod lang natin yun..." Sheena wondered aloud as she scanned the area for Colet.

"Kumuha yun ng utensils kanina kasunod namin ni Jhoanna tapos sabi may bibilhin lang daw," Stacey answered casually, taking a bite of her tuna sandwich.

A few minutes later, Colet returned holding a plastic bag.

"Te Colet, saan ka galing? Bakit ka biglang nawala? At ano yan?" Sheena asked, looking confused at the plastic bag Colet was carrying.

"Nauuhaw kasi ako kaya nag-decide akong lumabas kasi ubos na yung coke nila," Colet explained as she approached their table.

Jhoanna glanced at Colet, who had already placed the plastic bag on their table. It looked like it contained Coke.

She watched as Colet distributed the drinks to everyone. When it was her turn, Colet silently placed the drink beside her without even looking at Jhoanna. 

Mabait naman pala, She thought  to herself.

Feeling grateful, Jhoanna quietly murmured a thank you to the person who brought their drinks. She almost teared up staring at the drink in front of her.

Sheena chuckled and teased her, "Oh, ayan na ate Jho, may Coke ka na ah, baka naman umiyak ka pa diyan."

Stacey joined in, "Lungkot mo pa naman kanina nung nalaman mong wala ng Coke."

Jhoanna ignored their teasing. She also noticed that Colet had sat down next to Gwen.

Feeling thankful, Jhoanna continued eating her meal with a smile. Then she heard Gwen say, "Kailan ka pa nahilig sa Coke, Colet?"

Colet shrugged, "Umiinom naman talaga ako ng Coke eh."

Hearing that, Jhoanna furrowed her brow slightly, glancing at Gwen who had a small smirk. Not wanting to assume anything she didn't dwell on it long, as she was justhappy to finally have her drink.

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