Confidence And Coincidences

Seventh grade, the most nerve wracking time for an adolescent. Some may argue that the first day of junior high school is not that bad; I wish it was the same for me. I did not know anyone from this school as I was the only transferee in our section. All of them came from the UVDD Elementary which was separated from the main campus.

Everyone was already mingling with each other while I sat at the farthest corner of the room feeling small.

"Anong pangalan mo?" A stranger asked me. She was tan and had long wavy hair that she styled in a low side ponytail.

"Melvyn..."

"Ako si Krissia, call me Sia!" She held out her hand. I stared at it, contemplating if I should accept it or not.

"Ayaw mo ba? Okay lang, gets kita!" I was surprised at her words, even more so when she pulled a chair so she could sit in front of me.

"Can I call you Mel?" Tumango ako. I really like that.

"Hoy ang fc mo talaga Sia!" Another girl came rushing in, jokingly smacking the back of Krissia's head. They had similar features but this girl was more feminine. She had a subtle tan and very curly hair which I found beautiful.

"Baguhan siya syempre kailangan ko maging close, hello!? Mabait lang ako," The other girl rolled her eyes.

"I'm Aizhy," She also held out her hand which caused me to have the same dilemma.

"Ahy sorry," Krissia pulled a chair for her. She expressed her gratitude towards Sia na ngumisi lamang.

"Pwede mo akong tawaging Ai!" She smiled. Tumango ulit ako.

"I'm Melvyn, you can use Mel since it's shorter," I turn to face Krissia. "Thank you for the nickname, Sia."

"You're always welcome, beh!" Beh? I smiled, I really liked that.

During break time, the two of them dragged me around school. The campus was huge since it catered to college students as well so it was overwhelming nonetheless I was mesmerized. Lalo na ng pumunta kami sa covered court. It was huge!

Snacks at hand we sat on one of the bleachers, "Why are we here?"

"Basketball, nag cr-crush hunting yan si Ai," Aizhy squinted her eyes at her, huffing in disbelief.

"Okay, kasalanan ko ba ang gwa-gwapo nila?"

"Hindi!" I ate the corndog Krissia offered to me watching this whole thing unfold. At the time, hindi ko alam na limang taon ko silang papanoorin mag-asaran.

"Okay sabihin mo yan kay precious Karl mo," Another smirk, I notice that she smirks a lot.

"May top list kasi ako eto talaga hindi nakakaintindi," Aizhy basically flopped herself on the bleachers. She really has a way of expressing her emotions through body language.

"Loyal kasi ako," Krissia teased. Aizhy jumped at her and I quickly dodged. I did not want to be caught in the crossfire. Gosh, they're acting like cats and dogs.

Buti na lang talaga tumigil sila sa pito ng referee. As far as I know, this wasn't a serious game so it was shocking to see a referee in a practice game. I shouldn't really mind the details but here I am completely minding it.

"Pogi ni Sanvictores!" Aizhy cheered.

"Gets," She was utterly shocked by Krissia's statement.

"Coming from you?!"

"Oo, coming from me," Krissia rolled her neck, shifting on her seat. "Bading ako, hindi bulag."

Doon ko nalaman na Krissia De Jesus did not bat an eye at people's thoughts on her. She was confident in her sexuality, even if they were strangers she would say the words "I'm Lesbian" like it held no weight—It shouldn't pero sa society natin? It was heavier than actual crimes for some people. A weird mindset I can't fathom.

I envied her boldness. I was part of that community yet I was a coward.

"Naka-three points pa siya sa layo na 'yan, ang angas!" Krissia was impressed by this so-called Sanvictores. Color me curious, I mean the amount of compliments I'm hearing in a single seating is a lot.

To be a bit sincere, I don't think a real man can compare to a fictional one so my expectations must be lowered. Yes, this scenario felt like a romance book and this is the introduction of the love interest. Self, realidad 'toh.

Not one of your silly little romance books. For my own sake, separate reality and fiction. I mean surely he isn't all that.

Oh.

I spoke too soon.

He was nothing like the books—he was better than the books. Bold claim, but I did say I envied Krissia's boldness so here I am being confident in my opinion. This wasn't an opinion; this was facts.

He checked everything you want in a male lead. We do have our own preferences... My type is someone who is tall, dark, and handsome. Guess who's tall, dark, and handsome? Sanvictores.

Rich tan skin, taller than the average seventh grader, and a smile that can melt anyone. That was jersey number eight, Sanvictores.

That's the beginning of my lengthy admiration from afar. Without missing a single day I would take a glimpse at his direction, I did not follow him or anything if he was just in vicinity my eyes would linger. That was it. From seventh grade to the start of eleventh grade. I was just an admirer not an acquaintance.

The splash of cold water broke my reminiscing. Right... I wasn't the same-old admirer anymore, I was Mel who had one interaction with his crush and decided to run with it.

Anyways, all the guests that were allowed to go overnight are taking this chance to swim. However I became the victim of Krissia's water attacks. Nakaupo lang ako sa gilid dinamay pa ako.

"Sorry, hindi ikaw yung target ko," She apologized, bowing her head causing her to accidentally submerge her face in the pool.

"Tanga!" Aizhy shouted from afar. Lucky her she was next to her crush Karl as of the moment, goodluck to her. Gusto ko din sabihin, 'Goodluck Krissia I don't think you're going to move on any sooner.'

"Ang layo-layo mo pero may nasasabi ka pa din! Crush mo ako 'no?" Krissia bitterly laughed. Kudos to her because she was really good at cracking a joke in her situation. If I was her I would drown myself. Good thing she is not me.

"Everyone!" Mayi caught our attention. Of course her twin would not waste the opportunity to steal said attention by her loud clapping.

"Line up, bilis," April demanded. Me and Krissia side eyed each other, it was obvious that we did not want to follow her instructions until Mayi repeated it. Both of us begrudgingly went and formed a line.

I do not have a single clue why they made us line up pero may tiwala ako kay Mayi hence why I did not make my thoughts be occupied by nonsense.

"Okay, April explain mo ang naisip mo kanina."

"Everyone we will play games pero may twist syempre, we're gonna do spin the bottle and never have I ever," She enthusiastically clapped at her announcement. Like a routine me and Krissia side eyed each other, we did not want to clap.

Against our will, a.k.a. Everyone else clapped so it would be apparent if we did not do the same. Kanina pa ako palakpak nang palakpak kailan ba titigil 'to? I feel like the word hate isn't that strong of a word anymore.

"To do that is of course we're gonna hati you guys into two groups, I'm the leader of never have I ever," She eyed Mayi, reluctantly passing the mic to her twin.

"Ako naman syempre sa spin the bottle," Please let me be in the spin the bottle team. Please, no matter who's going to answer this plea, let him also be on the same team as me. Wait, that kind of rhymed.

"We're going to count 1, 2 para fair kaya we did not say anything when you formed a line, no cheaters here!" April sounded animated, like she was reading off a script.

"Also sa mga mapupunta sa truth or dare, spin the bottle or whatever may punishment sa ayaw gumawa or sasagot, tatalon kayo sa 6 and a half feet deep pool," Oh no I do not know how to swim.

The counting began, forming the two teams. I almost jumped out of joy when I was counted as number two meaning I was in the spin the bottle game. Sadly, Krissia and Aizhy were separated from me. I hope they enjoy their game of awkward tension. I meant never have I ever.

Here are the teams. For the spin the bottle we have Mayi, me, JC, Karl, Quatro, Kai, Zy, Lou, Leo, Viv, and Gigi. To whoever answered my begging earlier, thank you because you killed two birds with one stone.

The other team has April, Sia, Ai, Rome, AJ, Seth, Luke, Matt, Kirby, Cali, Sera, and Fae. I am not sure how their never have I ever game will work with that mix of people. I hope they enjoy their game.

Umupo kami in a circle, medyo malayo kami from the other group. Personally, I think that's okay so we can have our own private games. We can surprise each other if ever we want to share stories.

"Grabe ang dami natin," JC observed with keen eyes. "Eleven."

"Sa kabila nga twelve eh," Si Mayi.

"Sheesh tinalo tayo doon guys, oks lang mas interesting naman spin the bottle pero I'm more interested in you Leo."

We all giggled at Kai's sudden remark, his pick up line is quite smooth. Pero I guess hindi smooth enough for Leo since he ignored him.

"So saan 'yung bote?" Tanong ni Gigi.

"Wait, I'll get an empty coke bottle," Leo offered ngunit umiling si Mayi.

"No ako na, I'm the debutante."

"That's even more reason as to why you need to sit down, I'll get the bottle."

"Sama ako," Kai followed after him without waiting for Leo's answer.

"Well... are there any more rules or?" Karl scanned the surroundings, his eyeglasses reflecting the people sitting.

Lou raised her hand, "I was curious about that too po, alam naming may punishment but is there a limit po?"

"Limit to what?" Mayi questioned, her head tilting in confusion.

"How many times you avoid the truth or dare po."

"Ang smart mo talaga bunso, parang ikaw lang ata nakaisip niyan," Quatro pinched her cheeks, she smiled at his compliment.

"Thanks Kuya, pero naisip din po ata ni Kuya Karl."

"Not really, curious lang kung may rules pa since it's pretty open...?" Karl calmly responded. I understand why Aizhy is head over heels for this man. He's like those serious smart characters that are always an option in those dating games.

"Not sure if that's the right word," Wow, his voice is very refreshing to the ears.

"Freeing?" Viv was also not sure if that was the right word.

"Maybe? Isa lang yung rule and Louisiana here has a great point," Karl looked over to Lou who nodded.

"Hmm... mga dalawa?"

"Fair enough," Gigi quickly answered Mayi.

"Can I also suggest that if you already picked truth, you will automatically choose dare on the next turn?" I was not certain if they would listen to my proposal. That doubt vanished after Quatro abruptly cupped my cheeks.

"Amazing suggestion."

"Nanggigil ka nanaman kay Mel!" Hiyaw ni Mayi sa gilid.

"Maawa ka naman sa cheeks ni Kuya Mel," Lou looked concerned for my cheeks.

"Cute din kasi ni Mel," JC the nudged Zy, "Diba?"

"Mhm, cute nga."

Nagsitinginan ang mga kaklase ko. The look on their faces screamed "Mel, cute ka daw oh!" All of them knew my crush on him since it was pretty hard to hide from my observant classmates. I was already red from his comment, their looks deepened the color. I must've looked similar to a tomato right now but I digress.

"Cute mo nga super, tagal na kitang nakikita sa hallway ng building natin para kitang friend crush," Gigi admitted. JC jeered, not believing her statement.

"Dumadaan ka lang sa room nila kasi nand'un gusto mo bro," Nahulog ang panga ni Gigi, shocked by his teasing.

"Shut up challenge! Matalo ilulunod ko sa pool," She warned him. Hindi ata gumana dahil tumawa lang si JC sa kanya. Lalo tuloy siya nainis.

"Nawala lang kami may nag-aaway na," Kai slid in the conversation as smooth as ever. He was next to Leo who was holding onto a bottle.

"Here's the bottle."

Mayi took and placed it in the center. She did not even give us any time to prepare as she spun it immediately. I stared at the spinning bottle, sweating bullets. Bakit ako kinakabahan? It's just a game.

Nag-stop ang bote kay Gigi, "Sino mag tatanong sa akin?"

"Ako muna."

"Truth or Dare?" Nagbago ang aura ni Mayi ng itanong niya si Gigi, she had this intimidating look akin to a professional investigator. Despite the frightening vibe Gigi was receiving, she was relaxed.

"Dare," She's brave for that.

"Back hug the person you like, kung wala dito—back hug mo siya sa pasukan with picture dapat," I gasped audibly, this is a promising start. It's already so juicy just from one dare!

"Tanong, kung meyron siya may picture pa din?"

"Of course."

Gigi stood up. We honestly thought she was going to jump at the pool until she turned back to us, "Sinong pwedeng mag-picture? Iniwan ko kasi phone ko dahil sa no-phone rule."

Forgot to mention, we had a no-phone rule until the swimming get together was done. There were a few people who left their phone at the hotel including me.

"I still have my phone," Viv showed her phone as proof. Gigi seems to be pumped up about her dare. Ang laki ng ngiti niya, this was my first time being in close proximity to her yet I could tell she was an energetic person.

"Nice, it's my time to shine!"

"Sandale bago ko pala gawin pakisabi na yung dare ko is to back hug someone from the other group ayaw ko ma-expose," We understood why she did not want to tell her actual dare. Syempre, if we tell the others the truth malalaglag kung sino gusto niya. All unanimously agreed to her request.

She unsurprisingly went to the other group. Ang hindi ko inexpect na ang kanyang i-ba-back hug ay si Cali—Our classmate. Now I get why JC was annoying her about passing by our classroom.

Cali was shocked by the action. Lumingon siya para makita kung sino ang nag-yakap sa kaniya, when she realized it was Gigi she had no facial expression. Typical of her to have no reaction but the others asked why she suddenly hugged Cali.

"Dare niya mag back-hug ng other group!" Kai excused, all of us backed him up like we were about to do a superhero entrance. We weren't, it just felt that way.

"Ikaw ang pinakamalapit," She excused herself however Cali held her back.

"Really?" When I tell you I almost squealed, their eye contact was impeccable. You know those slow motion scenes in k-dramas? I watched that happen just now. Gigi went out of character, she was not being fearless. She nodded and went back, her face flushed.

"Yieeee!"

"Shut up please huhu," She embarrassingly spun the bottle. It landed on Mayi. Gigi changed her expression in a split second, already plotting her revenge.

"Truth."

"Ano ba yan, may naisip akong dare eh!" Gigi messed with her hair out of frustration. It took a moment for her to think up a truth but when she did it was good.

"Okay, what's the lie you've never told anyone?"

So good that she went to jump on the 6 and a half foot deep pool avoiding Gigi's question. She came back drenched, we laughed at how her bangs clung onto her face. She also laughed while spinning the bottle.

"Quatro?"

"Dare," He said laid back.

"Run around the pool while saying the name of your crush," Mayi was confident in her dare, there was a chance that he would also join Mayi in the drenched club.

"Basic."

However, he never backs down. He's the type of character that even with multiple sad endings he would still persevere for a happy result just because he likes the challenge or he's bored. None in between.

Sa gulat ko, tumakbo siya sa pool na sinisigaw ang pangalan ko. Not just my first name; my whole name.

"Melvyn Hyacinthus Lasquite!"

Everyone, as well as the other group, cheered for him. The pool was big, so he was screaming my name multiple times. I felt numb, how does he have the confidence to scream a fake crush's name for a dare? Isn't that against the rule since he doesn't actually like me?

Oh well I laughed at his actions, he is so silly sometimes.

"Manok ko 'yan!" Sigaw ni AJ na nasa kabilang grupo.

"He's bored again," Leo shook his head while Mayi clapped, proud of him for not jumping in the pool.

When he was done with his dare, he sat next to me with a giddy grin.

"You know you did not have to go that far for a joke," I whispered to his ear.

"Sinabi ko sa'yo kanina, nothing's a joke," His voice softened. I could hear JC and Kai na kinikilig at pinagtutulak si Zy.

Speaking of Zy, he's been uncannily quiet the whole time. He has not uttered a word after agreeing with Gigi's request. Baka nag o-overthink lang ako pero mukha siyang hindi nasa mood, he looks angry? I mean he's still laughing with us but his quick glances in my direction have been sharp.

It became more sharper during Quatro's dare, napansin ko nga na hindi niya pinanood si Quatro masyado. At first, he was laughing with the rest of us until Quatro shouted my name. Did I do something wrong? My last interaction (if I can even call that an interaction) was him staring at me angrily.

I'm having deja vu.

"Zy," I snapped back to reality. The bottle landed on Zy, silence overtook our group. He looked at Quatro, his shining eyes dimming.

"I don't know kung truth or dare pipiliin ko," He admitted. That made JC went on his knees begging Zy to pick truth, inevitably he also had to make a bargain with Quatro on why truth is better than dare.

"Ibubulong ko, promise maganda 'to!"

Quatro nodded, allowing JC to whisper to him what he can ask Zy if he picked truth. There was a 50/50 chance that he would actually choose that option. I guess lady luck was on JC's side since he said, "Truth."

"What's something you regret doing?"

It was quiet—too quiet. The silence was deafening, I could feel my ear ringing from the heat of the air and the growing tension between the two. I could not pinpoint what their face was expressing, it looked empty or was it anger? Why would they be angry at each other though they rarely interact?

"Confession," His answer was short and sweet. I mean not so sweet for me, since I knew he meant the you-know-what-confession. I keep getting reminded of that memory, please stop.

"Can you elaborate?" They weren't fighting verbally or even physically per se so I do not know why their eye contact is having a boxing match right now. I'm so confused at this development.

Oh you know what this reminds me of? A scene in a book where the two leads fight for the main character. Funny considering there was no particular main character here. It's just an unserious comparison.

"We only have one question per truth, Ambrocio."

Although Quatro did not pester Zy even further, the tension did not disappear. In truth, it became heavier. What is actually happening?

"Mali kasi ginawa mo, bobo amp," Like a blessing in disguise, JC's loud mouth saved us from drowning in the sea of boiling tension.

"Tas ginaya mo pa ako ha!" Kai clutched onto his rashguard, taking offense at Zy's copycat tactics.

"Not my fault it worked," Zy looked pleased with himself.

"Wala nag fail ka pa din, gaya-gaya," Kai crossed his arms, puffing his cheeks in annoyance. Why is he called sexy six when he's actually cute. I can't answer that, I'm not the one who made that nickname for him.

If I were to give him a nickname it would be annoyingly adorable. Gosh, I really am bad at making titles.

Nag-land ang bote kay JC rason kung bakit napawi ang ngiti niya.

"Karma," Zy's dimples appeared. This man really knows how to make my whole nervous system too nervous to a point that it even forgets na system siya. Okay, Mel. Let's stop, ang corny