As I glanced at her, she was still the same person I used to love, continuously loving, and will constantly love—in every lifetime, in all dimensions, and the each-and-every universe.

If everything has changed then why do my feelings remain? 

Still the same girl that I met when we were in high school.

"Love, have you seen Fonzy? I thought Theo would bring him here," she suddenly asked me after greeting Vaun.

I laughed and tucked her shoulder-length coppery hair in her ears.

"I saw Theo there with Isla and Sage. I am not sure if he's with Fonzy nga lang," I answered.

She pouted and went to Dixie as if her soul belonged to her.

I secretly laughed.

My girl and Dixie have been best friends since High School.

Reminiscing the good old days, she has always been the calmest among all of her friends while Dixie is one of the loudest.

I looked around the place and saw a lot of familiar faces yet felt so strange when I'm seeing them.

"Bro,"

I glanced at the man in front of me—Theo.

"Wow, amoy expensive..."

He jokingly hit my head and laughed while looking at me.

"Nasaan girlfriend mo?" tanong nito nang napansin na wala sa tabi ko.

I pointed out where she was; she was with Dixie and Isla.

"Ikaw, nasaan girlfriend mo?" balik na tanong ko rito.

"Fiancée," he corrected.

Kaagad akong napatingin sa kaniya upang ikumpirma kung tama ba ang narinig ko.

"Congrats!" bati ko rito at nakangiting niyakap siya.

He hugged me back and patted my head. I laughed—he used to do that ever since we were younger.

"Ikaw? Kailan ka?"

Kaagad ko naman nakuha ang gusto niyang ipahiwatig.

"Sa tingin mo?"

***

"Pierce..." Asher called me as soon as I entered the classroom.

I looked at him and waited for him to talk.

He frustratedly brushed off his hair as if was the only way to stay sane.

"Nakalimutan ko yung payong na pinahiram mo,"

Binatukan ko naman ito.

"Akala ko naman may seryosong nangyari, para kang tanga," natatawang sagot ko rito at naupo na sa pwesto ko.

"Aria, kung ikaw ay masaya tumawa ka,"

I laughed as soon as I heard Aria's friend's teasing.

"Nakakahiya kayo," natatawang sabi ni Aria.

Kaagad ko naman silang tinignan nang matapos akong mag-ayos ng gamit ko.

"Si Vaun kasi malungkot kaya ikaw ang gustong inisin, Aria," pabiro kong sambit.

Natawa naman sa akin si Vaun kasi totoo naman. Nakipag-high five pa nga.

"Si Sage ba nasaan na? Tara na umuwi na tayo," saad ni Aria at isinukbit ang bag sa kaniya.

Tinuro naman ni Vaun ang labas pero wala naman doon si Sage.

"Alam ko kasama si James eh. Message mo kaya?"

Napalingon naman kami nang makita si Sage na pumasok sa pintuan ng room; hindi mabasa ang itsura. Nagpunta kaagad siya sa likod at dinampot ang bag niya at walang lingon-lingon na umalis.

"Nasaan si Sage?"

Napatingin naman kami pare-pareho nang humahangos na nagpunta si Frost.

"Wala rito," sagot ni James na akala ko ay umalis na kanina pa.

Napalingon naman kami sa kaniya.

"Ano nangyari sa bestfriend mo?" Vaun asked.

James sadly smiled.

"I don't know. Hayaan niyo na lang muna. 'Wag niyo na sundan. Magpapalamig lang 'yan," sabi nito at naglakad na papalabas ngunit tumigil din ito sa harapan ni Frost.

"Tigilan mo na," banta nito at umalis na rin.

Tumawa lamang ang lalaki at tumakbo na.

Naiwan kaming tatlo nina Aria at Vaun sa loob ng classroom.

"Una na ako. Naghihintay kasi sila Asher sa labas. Ingat kayong dalawa!" sambit ko at tumakbo na papalabas.

Frost is Fonzy's cousin. Fonzy is a walking red flag while Frost is the greenest among all of the green flags here.

"Pierce, tara na," tawag ni Asher.

I immediately looked at him. I was too lost in my thoughts to notice them.

"Yeah sure,"

Nakita ko pa sila Aria na sumakay.

I have a little crush on that girl. Well, she's completely the opposite of me. She's also the calmest out of all her friends. In my eyes, she is an angel.

An angel who couldn't afford to spread her wings because she thinks that she is too flawed for that.

I am observing her most of the time because I am interested to know her even more. I mean, we are in the same circle but it's not enough to satisfy the questions in my mind.

She's interesting and I want to be part of that interesting life she has.

"Dito na lang po," I said and gave Kuya Manong my tricycle fare.

A smile on my face was immediately plastered as soon as I saw my younger brother.

"Kuya!"

He ran to me and hugged me, arms around my waist and head on my chest.

"Oh, ang clingy naman ng baby na 'yan! Nasaan sila Mama?" tanong ko rito habang naglalakad kami at nakayakap pa rin siya sa akin.

"Ewan...Tita..." sagot nito.

Natawa naman ako at ginulo ang kaniyang buhok.

"Tara na, pumasok na tayo,"

***

"Ginagawa mo rito?" takang tanong sa akin ni Dixie pagkapasok ko sa bahay nila.

"Bothered kasi ako eh tinatamad ako mag-message kaya pinuntahan na lang kita," paliwanag ko at kusang umupo.

Dixie and I have been best friends since our first year and we are now in our third year so we're comfortable with each other's company already.

"Oh bakit na naman, Aria Lonielle?" tanong nito habang inaabot sa akin ang chips.

"Weird ni Sage these past few days. Alam mo ba kanina nag-walk out 'yon. I think may problema sila ni Frost," sabi ko rito habang pilit na inaalala ang itsura nilang dalawa.

Napakunot naman ang noo nito at ibinaba ang kinakain niya.

"Si Vaun din,"sabi naman ni Dixie.

Tumango naman ako.

"Pansin ko nga rin na parang distracted siya. Red flag ba naman ang i-entertain," natatawang sabi ko.

"Anyway, hindi naman tayo involve kaya wala tayong dapat sabihin,"

I just shrugged and we continued talking about our lives. I went home before 9 PM because we have an early class tomorrow.

"Saan ka galing?" my Mom asked me as soon as I entered our house.

I looked at her and slightly smiled.

"Dixie's house, Mom," I answered after kissing her cheeks.

She glanced at me and sighed.

"Kumain ka na ba?" tanong nito habang binubuksan ang TV.

"Opo. I'll go to my room. I have an early class tomorrow," I said as I bid goodbye.

She just nodded and sat on our sofa.

I washed as soon as I entered my room because I needed to rest.

And when I finally lay down, my eyes got heavier.

"Aria..." Pierce called me.

I looked at him dumbfoundedly when I caught him smiling at me.

"Let's go?" he asked me.

"Pardon?" I asked.

Why would he ask me that?

He laughed and bit his lips.

"Tara na. Samahan na kita sa sundo niyo. Nauna na kasi sina Vaun and Sage. Binilin ka nila," he explained.

I looked around to see if Dixie was still there—but she was not.

"Huh? You don't have to. I can handle myself naman na, Pierce," I said while putting my color pencils inside my bag.

"No. I'll walk with you. Let's go," he said and picked up the books on the top of my table.

He casually walked first.

I have the sweetest guy friends and Pierce is one of them. We are not that close because he is much closer to Isla. Compared to my other guy friends, we are not compatible with each other. Kaigan and Nico are my closest and they are both funny while Pierce is...different? So yeah, maybe that's the reason why we are not that close to each other.

"I said earlier that you don't have to hatid me," I uttered as soon as I saw him having a hard time carrying my things.

He glanced at me and laughed.

"Miss, I know what I'm doing," he said and walked again.

I tried to contain my smile.

Ngayon ko lang napansin na ang gwapo mo pala, Pierce.

***

"Tara kape!"

I dropped everything I was carrying when I heard Pierce's voice. He was so close to my ears that when I was surprised, I felt like my whole body had taken a screenshot.

He laughed and picked up one by one my belongings that were now scattered on the floor.

"Grabe ka naman magulat!" natatawang sabi nito.

"Grabe ka naman manggulat!" balik ko rito.

He immediately handed me my belongings which he had picked up so I could put them back in my bag.

"Tara kape. Ayaw ako samahan ni Asher eh,"

I nodded and signaled to wait because I still had something to pass on to the faculty.

"Wait lang, ipapasa ko lang 'to sa faculty," sabi ko at akmang aalis na.

"Samahan na kita,"

We immediately headed to the canteen to get iced coffee because it is quite hot outside after visiting the faculty to accomplish my requirements. The temperature was extremely warm.
"Ang tahimik mo 'no?"

I laughed.

"Yes, because we are not close," I explained.

He nodded.

"You're right," he said while looking at me intently.

My heartbeat quickened as if it was about to come out of my chest. Bakit ang gwapo ni Pierce?

"Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked, confused.

Kaagad naman akong natauhan at nahihiyang tinignan siya.

"Sorry, hobby ko kasing tumulala eh," sagot ko kaya natawa naman siya.

Hindi naman ako nagbibiro.

"Oh saan kayo galing?" tanong ni Dixie pagkadating namin sa room.

Tinaas ko naman ang iced coffee na hawak ko.

"Bumili ng iced coffee kasi iniwan ako ng bestfriend ko," sarkastikong sagot ko rito kaya natawa naman ito.

"Sorry na. Akala ko hindi ka lalabas eh," sambit nito at pabirong yumakap sa akin.

"Sage, aalis ka na ba?" tanong ko rito nang makita ko siyang naglalagay ng gamit sa bag niya.

Aria is not here because she has to do her duties—she's part of the student council.

"Huh? Kasabay ko si Aria, nauna na kasi si Vaun, " sagot nito.

"Eh, umalis ka na,"

Nagtataka naman ako nitong tinignan na para bang pinag-aaralan nito ang mukha ko.

"Pinagsasasabi mo, Pierce?"

Nag-panic naman ako dahil mali ata ang nasabi ko.

"I mean gabi na kasi..." pagpapalusot ko.

Natawa naman ito at isinukbit na ang bag niya sa kaniyang likod.

"Hintayin ko na lang siya sa labas ng office nila," sagot nito at agad na tumalikod pero sumunod naman ako sa kaniya.

Pagdating namin sa labas ng office, naupo na lamang kami sa may sahig dahil wala ng available na upuan.

"Hello...yes, speaking...what? bukas pa po sched ko,"

Someone called Sage so I kept quiet.

"Ganoon po ba? Sige po, I'll be there in 30 minutes,"

Napalingon naman ako sa kaniya.

She picked up her things and shyly smiled at me.

"Pierce, favor naman. Accompany Aria muna for a while. I have training eh. Okay lang ba?"

Ngumiti naman ako sa kaniya at sumenyas na umalis na.

"Okay lang. Mauna ka na, ako na bahala. Ingat ka...message mo ako or si Aria,"

Tumango lamang ito at tumakbo na.

I secretly smiled.

After waiting for almost an hour, Aria came out of their office, shocked.

"Anong ginagawa mo rito?" she confusedly asked.

I don't know whether this sounds too cliché, but my heartbeat became faster and everything around me moved slowly.

"Hoy, I'm asking you. What are you doing here?"

I jolted back and gave her a timid glance.

"Oh, Sage and Vaun left earlier. I was waiting with Sage but may training siya so she asked for a favor if I could go with you. Gabi na rin kasi," I explained.

She just nodded.

"Wait lang, kuhanin ko lang gamit ko sa loob then uwi na tayo,"

As soon as Aria went inside the office, a sudden bolt of lightning shattered the whole place, the wind blew itself, and the drizzling rain was visible.

"Umulan pa nga," I uttered.

I looked at the office's entrance and saw Aria worriedly looking at the scene.

"Hala, paano tayo uuwi?" tanong nito.

I sighed and took the umbrella out of my bag.

"Tara na habang hindi pa lumalakas yung ulan," aya ko rito.

Lumapit naman ito habang isinusukbit ang bag sa harapan niya at ipinusod ang kaniyang buhok.

"Hindi ka ba nababasa?" tanong nito.

Tinignan ko naman ang kanang braso ko na basang-basa na sa ulan.

"Hindi. Ikaw ba?"

Umiling lamang ito at hinapit ako papalapit sa kaniya.

"Lumapit ka para hindi ka mabasa," sabi nito at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad.

My heart skipped a beat and for the same reason—Aria is making me breathless.

When we got out of the school, their driver was not in the usual spot. I looked at her as she stomped softly.

"Wala nga pala yung service namin..."

Napakamot na lamang ako ng batok dahil madilim na nga at malakas pa ang ulan. Kailangan pa namin maglakad sa kanto para makasakay ng jeep dahil wala ng mga tricycle rito.

"Tara na. Commute na lang," sagot ko rito at inakay na siya.

Unfortunately, we were drenched in water as we walked. Both of our clothes were soaking wet.

A sound of frustration came out of my mouth.

"Alisin mo na yung payong. Maligo na lang tayo sa ulan," nakangiting aya ni Aria.

Tumakbo naman ito at akmang tatawagin ko ngunit masaya siyang naligo sa ulan.

"Ano na? Tara na!"

Iyo pa bang tanda

Noong tayo ay magkasama?

Ako'y walang alam

Sa aking nadarama

Kitang-kita ng dalawang mata ko kung paano nagtampisaw si Aria sa tubig na para bang wala siyang ibang kasama sa daan. Maniwala ka man o hindi, para siyang anghel na ibinagsak sa lupa dahil masyado siyang perpekto.

Oh, kailanman

Hindi ko inasahan

Na ako'y mahuhulog

Sa isang katulad mo

Tumakbo naman ako papalapit dito na siyang naging hudyat upang tumakbo rin siya. Saksi ang madilim na kalangitan, dumadagundong na kulog, maliwanag na kidlat sa pagtanggap ko sa nararamdaman ko. Gusto ko si Aria—higit pa sa kaibigan.

Kay dilim ng gabi

Oh, aking irog, hawak na ng kamay

Sumayaw tayo nang sabay

Habang nakatitig sa kagandahan mong taglay, hmm

Nakangiti lamang ito habang ang kaniyang buhok ay tinatangay ng malakas na hangin na sumasabay sa ritmo ng pagsayaw ng mga dahon sa puno.

Araw-araw, mas nabibighani sa iyo

Oh, sa pagpatak ng ulan, ikaw ang silungan ko

Sinta, sa puso mo, ako'y nakauwi na

"You're so pretty..." I said while looking at her.

She smiled and jokingly punched my shoulder.

"Gwapo ka rin..."

I nudged her to continue talking.

"...bagay sa akin,"

Kay tagal kong nag-aantay

Nang aking buhay ay magkakulay

Ako'y walang alam

Ikaw lang pala ang aking inaasam

I couldn't believe what she'd said and stared at her in disbelief. Am I assuming things?

"What?"

"Bagay tayo,"

Napahilamos naman ako ng mukha dahil masyado akong tensyonado sa nangyayari.

"Hindi kita maintindihan,"

"Gusto kita," nakangiting sabi nito.

Kaagad naman nag-init ang pisngi ko nang marinig ang dalawang salita na ito.

Oh, kahit kailan

Hindi ko bibitawan

Ang nagbuhay sa 'king puso

"Aria, you are making me breathless,"

***

"Una na ko, Aria!" paalam ni Pierce.

Tumango lamang ako at kinawayan siya. May meeting kasi ako kaya mauuna na siyang umuwi. Nabanggit niya rin na may family dinner sila kaya hindi na siya nangulit na hintayin ako.

"Close na pala kayo ni Pierce?"

Nagulat naman ako nang marinig ko ang boses ni Dixie.

Tumango naman ako rito at inabot sa kaniya cellphone niya na hiniram ko kanina.

"Tapatin mo nga ako. What's the real score between you and Pierce?" she asked.

"Gusto namin ang isa't-isa?"

Gulat naman itong napatingin sa akin na para bang hindi siya makapaniwala sa sinasabi ko.

"Seriously? Bakit hindi mo binanggit sa akin na gusto mo pala siya? Akala ko ba best friend mo ako?"

Natawa naman ako rito.

"Ang OA naman. Paano ko sasabihin eh hindi ka naman nagtanong at tyaka hello? Busy ka kaya kay Nico,"

Inirapan lamang ako nito pagkatapos ay tumili lamang nang tumili.

Tinanong niya pa ako kung paano kami umamin sa isa't-isa. Hindi pa nga ito makapaniwala na ako ang unang umamin.

Lumipas ang araw at buwan—mas naging malapit kami ni Pierce. Madalas ay siya lamang ang kasama ko kapag may lalakarin akong errands. Minsan din ay nagpupunta siya sa bahay namin dahil legal naman kami sa pamilya ko...pero sa side niya ay hindi. Hindi naman ako nagmamadali.

"Gutom ka na ba?" he asked while offering his waffles and frappe.

I nodded and opened my mouth so he could feed me.

"Ang bastos naman," Sage suddenly blurted out and left my side.

I rolled my eyes and laughed at her.

"Inggit ka lang eh," James said.

"Manahimik ka," Sage answered.

James laughed at the younger's face. He loves to tease his best friend.

"Kaya walang nagkakagusto sa 'yo eh, maldita ka kasi," he joked.

Sage raised her eyebrow.

"Kung maldita ako, bakit mo ako gusto?"

Natawa naman kaming lahat dahil normal na lamang sa dalawang ito ang mga ganyang salita.

"Love is blind kasi, Sage," James said.

Hindi na lamang namin pinansin ang dalawa.

Napatingin naman ako kay Pierce na kumakain sa tabi ko.

"Gusto mo pa?" tanong nito kaya umiling lamang ako.

***

Days to months have passed already and knowing that we care for each other is enough for both of us. There were times that we were not okay but we just simply fixed our problem because we chose to stay in this relationship. Aria loves me the way that I wanted to be loved by people. She understands me the way I want the universe to accept that I'm flawed. Everything was perfect until it wasn't.

"Hiwalayan mo 'yan," my Mama said as soon as she saw our conversation from my phone because I left it on the table to get my things.

"What?" I asked, confused.

"Narinig mo ako, Pierce. Hiwalayan mo 'yan," she said again.

I shook my head and bitterly laughed.

"We're not together, Ma. We just like each other," I explained.

"Still the same, Pierce! Are you even thinking before entering that kind of thing with her? You are too young for that!" she screamed in front of my face.

I looked at her dumbfoundedly.

"Ma, I know what I'm doing,"

"No, you're not!" she said, leaving the place without looking back.

Aria and I continue what we have. I didn't say anything to her about what happened between me and my mother.

"Let's stop this," Aria said after walking her home.

"Ano?" I asked.

She sighed and looked at me without any emotions on her