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"So you believe in me, huh.. That's.. That's a first."


I bit my lower lip and gripped on my pen tighter, pain ramped on my system wala na bang ibang naniniwala sa kaniya? Is it that hard to see through someone's past?.. Hindi ko naman kasi alam wala akong alam kung saan nanggagaling 'yong mga hinanakit ng mga tao sa kaniya. 


"Sakto lang, galing mo sa Math e," lumunok ako at pinagpatuloy nang i-tap ang dulo ng aking pen sa paper, gosh imagine 'pag ako talaga nagkaroon ng anak I won't be a big help after third grade sa Math!


"Madali lang naman," he chuckled. "Numbers just looks scary but it's really not, you just need to know the basics," masama ko siyang tinignan, what's not so scary about this subject, huh?! Pythogoras wants me to curl like a salted worm!


"Okay genius," I rolled my eyes and proceeded to scribble the irrelevant numbers on my intermediate, I stole a glance on Light and he looks bored looking at the numbers in front of him, he's solving it faster than I could ever do. 


He's still solving it without a calculator! Jotting like it's the alphabet parang mas lalo akong nawindang! Pursed lips and sleepy eyes he's doing Math like it's his first language. 


I gulped when I saw how his apples move, this Sibal.. I know he's great, I mean.. He's a Sibal after all. 


"Amazed ka naman masyado," he shook his head as the side of his lips rose.


"Nope, not to a late comer," I diverted my gaze on my paper and started to solve the first equation, it's making my brain clench into a sob!


"Natu-turn off ka ba sa mga late comer, Zettie?" I furrowed my brow and erased my first step in solving the problem, mali ang ginawa ko, I remember Light's words to me. 


"Zettie? You have too many nicknames for me," ngumuso ako and ignored his humored stare. 


"Let me be with my nicknames for you, bigay mo na 'yon sa akin," tumango nalang ako and encircled my answer, gosh 39 more, Miss Rose this is not helpful.. At all! "So, does it turn you off? Hmm?" I looked at him puzzled because I don't get the point of asking my preferrences.


"Why do you even care about the things that does and does not," I said.. Almost rolling my eyes.


"Wala, we're friends, gusto lang malaman ang liking mo.. " With the tip of his tongue he glided it across his lower lip to wet it, that made his rosy lips glimmer because of the light's reflection. "And, honestly.. Gusto ko lang maging close sa'yo, so para maging matalik tayong magkaibigan kailangan kong alamin kung anong mga gusto mo, so I could respect you and your fondness," he shrugged. 


I cleared my throat and nodded, see bakit willing siyang mag-change for other people! 


"Why are you so willing to change for other people?" He chortled and played with his lips, now he's staring at his paper and playing with his g-tec, 0.3.


"I'm used to adjusting for other people's standards, Lettie, now you tell me what turns you off and what does not," ipinatong niya ang clenched fist niya sa table and rested his chin on top of that, still not letting his eyes off the project. 


"I-it's not that," I gulped. "It's not that it turns me off.. But syempre we need to uh.. Value other people's time, hindi naman lahat may-free time, and hindi lahat may all the time to spare," I explained.


"So in short, you hate lates," he bobbed his head, still his chin on his fist making his lips pout. 


"Not that I despise it.. I just find it very inconsiderate.. "


"Okay, I will take note of that. Now, tell me more, Lettie," I chewed on my bottom lip and looked away. 


We continued to talk and answer our project, once in a while I shut up because the problem is really hard! Pero when he notices that I'm silent he'll move closer to teach me how to do it, ang attentive ko sa mga bibinigay niyang learnings, gosh!


"Boba, tapos niyo na ang project niyo sa Math?" Walang gana kong nilingon si Cola, it's Monday now, a week had passed already, one week ever since Light arrived here at SFU. Tomorrow is our exam day and on Saturday it's already the releasing of cards and I'll perform my piece already. 


Aurora Act I. 


"Yep," I yawned and fixed my pearl head band. She sat beside me and leaned her face close to me. 


"100 equations tapos niyo na?!" I looked at her and wiggled my brows. 


"Yup, no'ng Wednesday pa," I gave her a smile when her lips went ajar, I mean Light literally finished almost 70 questions! Tinake home niya 'yong iba because naabutan kami ng 6PM na, sabi ko nga we could extend, I'll cover up for him naman kaso as per his words he respects my parents, and their decisions. 


"Luh?! Ganoon ka katalino?! Iba talaga si Lizette Ophelia De Jesus Yrreverre!" I winced on her remarks, ang ingay niya! 


"You're too loud Coleen!" I hissed on my low voice. "And it's not like that! Light solved 70 percent of the problems!" I explained to her but her brows just furrowed, parang hindi naniniwala sa sinabi ko. 


"Maniwala! 'Yon?! Parang walang matinong mapo—"


"Shhhh! We don't know Light that much to conclude, tsaka I swear he's good at Math!" For the nth time I defended that Mathematics geek, bakit ba kasi ganoon sila palagi? Hindi nga nila kilala si Light, he's a great photographer he showed me his photography shots the other day!


Ang ganda kaya! And kahit 9th grader pa lang kami he's already an assistant director sa isang play for that will be played to on November for our foundation day, that's already a great achievement!


"Besties na kayo ha," she pointed out, natigil ako nang biglang may bumagsak na paper bag sa desk ko, I looked up and it's none other than the math genius and director appeared right in front of me. "Ayan na nga ang bestie mo," malaman akong tinignan ni Cola and kissed me good bye, Cola and I are close but not that necessarily close to the point that we'll eat together or do after schools hangout everyday. 


"What's this?" My glance followed Light's figure, he's coolly walking to his seat with drowsy eyes, his earrings are still dancing, kahit na nakatango ay sumasabay sa paggalaw niya ang kaniyang silver earrings, it's different now, still cuffs on his helix but it has a wing like dangle on his ear lobe.


"Pagkain," he blurted and rested his head on his desk, he looks tired I looked at the digital clock, hay.. He's late again, buti nalang mas mahaba ang grace period because of the flag ceremony.


"Late ka na naman.. " I whispered and glanced at him, his back rose as he sigh, his bag pack is now on his chair but his camera bag is still strapped on his body, parang walang balak pakawalan 'yon.. He always carry his camera bag, to the canteen, the field, 'pag nagko-comfort room siya he'll leave it to me, as if naman na masisira 'yon..


"Sorry," he whispered. I gulped because of his deep and groggily voice, "Ginawan kasi kita ng baon, sana pala tumakbo ako sa gate, tsaka wala pa namang flag cem, hindi rin ako niyan ilalaglag ni Jenie, isang minuto lang naman, Lettie," he was talking about our class secretary, siya kasi ang nagre-record if late or not. 


"Light.. " I gasped and observed the paper bag in front of me, lunch box, color pink. "Hindi ba't nasabi ko hindi ako kumakain ng mga normal meals.. I told you the other day," I said in a scowl, I didn't even bothered to look what's inside the big lunch box, we chat these days, he's always the one who'll chat first.


Itatanong kung anong homework, sinabi ko naman sa kaniya na i-open ang student app but he refuses because nga nakakatamad daw and he forgot what password he inputed. So instead, I shower him with reminders, it's like a daily routine now, then from homeworks we'll talk about other things, he's great at changing our topics, hindi ko nga napapansin. 


"Lettie, alam ko nag-GMT ako, 'wag kang mag-alala," without looking at me he uttered that without anything but tiredness in his voice.. He googled it? 


Before I was even able to speak up, the bell rang, even I badly wanted to check what's inside the round three-layered pink lunch box I didn't got the chance because of the sudden noise. I stood up right away and followed Janah's voice, she's instructing us to fall in line, and of course.. Hindi ko naman makakasama si Light because he's so tall and magkahiwalay ang pila ng babae at ng lalaki. 


"Kanina pa nanlilisik tangin ni Light sa'yo," bulong ni Cola, she's in front of me, we're now on our way to the computer lab for basic education that's on the fourth floor, I could feel his stares at me, too.. But I didn't mind it.


After the flag ceremony we were required to go to the lab in an instant because it'll be our first subject for our review day, with our strict Mrs. Salta is she won't let us review or bring any materials with us in the lab.. Here in Saint Fiacre they expect you to be ready at most times because you're studying at the top school of the country. 


"Inaantok siguro, you know? Maybe he's not used to waking up early.. " I reasoned out, when we hit the cold air caused by the aircon Mrs. Salta ordered us to sit one seat apart from each other and it's done alphabetically. Malayo na tuloy sa akin si Cola because her surname is Agustin.. Clearly mine is Yrreverre so I'm at the end of the room, I'm used to it though. 


"Ready ka na, Phe?" Tanong sa akin ni Creed, he's part Chinese and his surname is Zhang so we're always close to each other when there's a set up like this, nilingon ko siya and smilled awkwardly, I'm not that ready!


"Medyo," I said shyly, he just gave me a big smile making his eyes almost not visible for me to see, ang cute talaga niya! "Ikaw b—" I was cut off when a hood landed on my head, baka magulo ang buhok ko!


Nilingon ko kung sinong may kagagawan no'n and it's none other than, my seatmate! I glared at him and removed the black hoodie, it smells like Lucius Sibal! Nakapamulsa lang siya habang tinitignan si Creed na natatawang naka-usli sa akin. I glanced at Light one more time and his brows are shot up. 


"Tawa ka riyan, usog mo nga mukha mo," he warned the man behind me. I got his attention and it made his brows furrow, now he's no longer wearing wax I could see how thick and shinny his hair really is, it's black and as per usual the chains of his earrings are dangling on his ears.


"Why are you here? Doon ka! Mamaya makita ka ni Mrs. Salta," I looked around consciously because I know how strict our teacher is.. And I don't want him to get called out dahil dumayo pa siya rito. "And your hair is too long, gupitan kitang bangs," I threatened him, I heard Creed chuckle, totoo ha! I can do that, I cut Cola's bangs kaya!


"Ako, Phe, gupitan mo akong bangs!" Wiling sagot ni Creed, in amusement I looked at him and saw his long ang healthy hair! 


"Hindi ka scared?" My eyes almost glimmered in his statement, I've never cut a boy's bangs but I want to try!


"Hindi ah, malaki tiwala ko sa'yo! Ikaw pa nakit—" he was immediately cut off because of my friend!


"Kung anong trip mong gawin sa akin mo gawin, Lettie," tumango lang siya and forced the hoodie to my head, I groaned.


"Dmitri! My hair!"


"Sweet niyo pala e 'no," I gave Creed a glare and fixed my surely messed up hair. 


"Wala si Mrs. Salta, lumabas siya, Lettie, kaya sootin mo na 'yan, aalis din ako," he waved his hand gesturing me to wear the freaking hoodie of his!


"Why? I'm not cold!" Hinatak niya ang isang upuan and sat on it, facing me, sa sandalan ng upuan he placed his arms and stared at me intently, he damped his lower lip and sighed. 


"Santisima Ophelia," bulong niya na lalong naging cause ng pagtataka ko, what is he even talking about! "Wear. That." He ordered and reached for my hair, inayos niya siguro 'yong magugulong strand, why should I wear his clothes! 


"Why ba?!" He lost his patience and leaned close to me, I forwarded to scoop what he's about to say, I was readying my ears for whatever his reasons might be, naguguluhan kasi ako! Just give me that freaking contexts!


I felt his breath on my skin before he finally spoke, "Lettie," he whispered, parang hirap na hirap.


"What is it, Dmitri?"


"Wear my hoodie because your blouse is too thin for you to wear a neon pink undies, wear it Lettie, aight?" I stopped moving when I realized what he meant.. How.. How did he know that it's.. Neon pink?! "Wear it bago ako mapa-away, paki-usap.. Ayaw ko pa ulit makita 'yong painting sa guidance, I'm trying to be a better person and have good records, kaya please."


Before I could even smack his arms he already left my vision.. Ramdam ko ang pag-init ng aking cheeks and how my stomach almost turned upside down.. Good Lord, Dmitri! And why didn't I even noticed it?! Hindi man lang ako sinabihan ni Cola about it, talagang si Light pa! Gosh!


I gasped air and wore his hoodie voluntarily, natahimik nalang tuloy ako. 


The whole time of our review in the lab I was quiet and even after that nanahimik ako, even with Light's piercing stares I tried to keep my silence because I was too shy to talk to him! Kanina niya pa ako sinusubukang kausapin but I wasn't just buying it, when shyness hit my system it'll be there for good!


"Lettie.. Masama ba loob mo sa akin?" I played with the salad on Light's given lunch box and kept quiet, kanina ko pa siya hindi pinapansin.. I'm not mad.. Nahihiya lang! Kasi naman bakit ko ba naisipan na magsoot ng pink na underwear! I shook my head to calm his thoughts.


Even with my silent treatment he still had the courage to stay by my side 'til I finally decided to talk to him, he was patient with me.


"No," I added.


"Hindi mo ako kinikibo, Lettie, anong problema?" I bit the insides of my cheeks. 


"Wala 'to," I convinced him and he just rested out a sigh, he proceeded to finish his sandwhich without bugging me, he just stayed quiet and respected my shy psyche! 


"Tama ba 'yang pagkain na 'yan, Lettie? I really trusted YouTube," he stated after he devoured his second sandwich, completely. 


"Tama naman.. " I whispered and looked at the pink tupperware, I mean this is better pa nga sa mga pinapabaon sa akin ni Mommy, siguro 'yon nalang ang dinner ko for tomorrow. "Masarap.. Thank you," I bit my lips and drank the fruit shake he made, mayroon pa 'yong motivational quote.


If life gives you lemon.. Bakit ikaw lang ang binigyan?


I rolled my eyes, walang sense! 


"Bukas ulit, ibang gulay naman," he looked away which made me see his well defined jaw, parang sure na siyang gagawan niya ako ng food tomorrow.


"There's no need, Light, mukhang inaantok ka pa nga e.. Don't waste your time on me," I sighed and closed the three-layered tupperware, I was full! And he really did put into consideration the balanced diet a ballerina should follow.. It's nice of him.


"Friends na tayo, I don't 'waste' my time on friends.. I rather spend it with them, walang sayang na oras kung ikaw rin ang pag-uusapan," I was stopped when he said that.. I need to know Light better because I know I want to know him better in the future. 


I want him to be my close friend.


Uwian na at hindi ko pa rin gaanong kinikibo si Light, nakatingin lang siya sa akin habang inaayos ko ang aking mga gamit, his done packing his things because he didn't even took a notebook out today! Only a pen and that's it! Hindi man lang nagpakitangtao to take out a paper talagang his pen lang!


"Iyo na 'yan, kung gusto mo ibalik mo kung kelan," tinignan ko nang masama siya because he pulled the hem of his hoodie, I was about to remove his big hoodie, I shook my head.


"No, it's fine, pababa na naman e, and I have Manong Herbert with me," he just rolled his eyes and stood up, his bag is strapped on his left shoulder and he gave me his camera bag, hindi ko alam kung bakit lagi lang siya sa aking sumasama, wala ba siyang friends? 


"Iyo na, Lettie, mga tao sa labas akala mo kasi hindi pinag-aaral sa babastos ng mga bunganga e, parang walang mga nanay, iyo na," I furrowed my brows, I don't get what he means. 


"What do you mean?"


"Basta, Lettie, para hindi ako mapa-away nang wala sa oras, iyo na," he grabbed my bag and strapped it on his shoulder, kinuha ko na ang camera niya, I didn't argue any further because he'll just keep quiet when I refuse to follow his 'wishes'.


"Ang yabang mo, we're literally 9th graders," I pursed my lips.


"Ano naman? Babastos ng bunganga, alam mo kasi 'pag gano'n feel ko hindi sila mahal ng mga nanay nila e," confusion crawled up to my system because I don't get where he's coming from. "'Pag sinapak ko 'yong mga 'yon 'di na magiging mahalaga kung grade 9 lang tayo," I shook my head, basagulero talaga!


"I don't get you."


"Kasi naman, ang mga senior high na 'yan bakit ba gusto nila sa mga basic ed? Ayos lang naman siguro 'yong crush, Lettie, but sexualizing a minor? The fuck! That's disgusting! Pati kulay ng underwear natu-turn on at big deal sa kanila, ano ba utak nila, munggo? Kadiri!" I combed the ends of my hair with my fingers and intently listened to him.


"Predators are always hungry regardless of the age of their target, it's scarily disgusting honestly." 


"Sinabi mo pa! Parang mga gunggong, then they'd be offended when they get called out, stupid fuckers," I bumped his arms to stop him from speaking profanity, ang hilig-hilig niyang magmura.


"Hilig mong magmura."


"Mahirap magmahal." I rolled my eyes and let it pass, patuloy lang siya sa pang-aasar sa akin at pag-rant about these SHS students, he even said ayaw niya nang lumabas sa recess ang creppy raw kasi, there's a college student who asked for his number the other day.. Light's face shouts maturity but kita mo pa rin naman na hindi pa siya humahantong ng 18!


Our first day of examination passed by as if it's just a surge of storm, I felt confident about it because I know I did partly my best kaya hindi ako nanghihinayang, I studied, I did my part.. I just hope that's enough.. Or it will never be. Today is our last day for the first quarter, on Saturday we'll receive our grades.


"Gaga, anong sagot mo sa Filo? 'Yong sa last part? Ang hirap!" Cola clung her arms on me as we wait outside our room, if you finish early kasi you can go outside and spend your spare time to review, maaga akong natapos because it was easy.. Si Light nasa loob pa, paano nakatulog sa first 10 minutes.


"Ah.. Wasn't that tama o mali?" I tried to recall, I think it was that tricky part, you write mali when the statement is true and tama when it's false. I mean that's what I read

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