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"Okay class, please settle down."

Sa classroom ng Grade 12-B, sa Pledis High, tuloy pa rin ang ingay kahit mukhang sasabog na si Mrs. Han. Eh, paano ba naman kasi at malapit na ang Individual Learning time nila? Kung saan gagawin nila lahat hindi lang ang magbasa.

"TAHIMIK NA!" Sigaw ni Mrs. Han at tuluyan na nanahimik ang mga estudyante.

Si Wonwoo, na nakikipagusap kay Junhui, ay tumahan na rin at tumingin sa harap.

Binigyan sila ng masamang tingin ng guro pero nawala na ang galit nito at nag-'ahem'. Wonwoo sighed; may ipapagawa nanaman ang teacher nila.

"I know that our final exams are nearing, so I want to relieve you all from doing other requirements for our English subject."

Nagingay nanaman ang klase at tinuloy ang pakikipagchismisan.

Tatlong dabog sa lamesa ng teacher ang narinig bago nanahimik muli ang classroom.

"However, I have this one requirement for you... Open your books to- teka nga, pahiram ng libro." Agad binigay ni Kyla, na nasa harapan ng klase, ang kaniyang libro sa guro.

"Open your books to page 312 and look at the poem."

Ang tunog lang na maririnig sa classroom ay madaling pagtapak para kunin ang libro sa shelves sa likod ("Oy pakiabot nga din yung saakin"). Pagkatapos noon, ang mabilisang pag paghanap ng page na nasabi.

Kanina pa naroon ang libro niya sa upuan kaya madaliang hinanap at ni-scan ni Wonwoo ang poem. "Song to Celia, by Ben Jonson." Bulong niya sa sarili.

Inigaw naman ni Junhui ang libro bago pa masimulan ni Wonwoo ang pagbasa.

"Ano 'yan, me-memorize natin?" Wonwoo peered at the book.

"Tangina, sakit nanaman sa ulo." biro ni Junhui. Gago talaga ito.

"Class, your one and only requirement for my class for this grading is to read this poem," natuwa naman ang mga estudyante, "and act out your own interpretation of it." at nadismaya silang lahat.

"Act out? Grabe talaga si Ma'am, kahit kailan." bulong ni Junhui kay Wonwoo.

Bumalik sa kaniyang desk si Mrs. Han at naglabas ng papel, "I will group you into three," Agad na kumapit sa isa't isa si Wonwoo at Junhui, "and you will make a script, and perform on the day I will tell you."

"Because there are less girls than there are boys, gagawin nalang natin 2 boys, 1 girl." Hinigpitan lang ni Jun ang kapit kay Wonwoo.

"Choi Seungcheol.. Kyla Massie.. Jeon Jeongguk." nalungkot silang lahat nang malaman na teacher's choice ang paggrupo. Ayaw talaga sila ng mundo, eh.

The next five minutes are filled with silence, anticipation and hoping for each person to be paired up with someone that won't drag you down with them. Dumbbells talaga yung iba, wala ka nang magagawa kundi manalangin na 'di mo sila kagrupo.

"Boo Seungkwan, Im Nayoung and... Moon Junhui." The class erupted into outbursts of disappointment and complaints. Paano ba naman at si Seungkwan na magaling sa pagpublic speech at Moon Junhui na isa ring magaling sa acting performances ay nagrupo? Not to mention that having Junhui in your group is like an auto win, what with his great acting skills from other teachers and the whole school alike.

(That isn't to say Nayoung and Seungkwan aren't great pero, basta, Junhui is the king of acting.)

"Ma'am! Di po ba madaya na magkasama silang tatlo? Overkill naman po." Reklamo ni Jeonghan. 

Tumawa lang ang guro, para bang sadista.

Tinuloy na nito ang pag anunsyo ng mga grupo.

"Park Janna.. Jeon Wonwoo," bilisan tinaas ni Wonwoo ang ulo at muntik nang baliin ang leeg, "and Kim Mingyu."

Ang mga babae sa likod ng classroom ay nagtilian at napakusilap nalang si Wonwoo.

Eto na nga ba ang kinakatakutan niya, ang maggrupo with people who have no discipline. Well, it's not like Janna and Mingyu are bad students, in fact, Janna is one of the elites in their classroom and Mingyu is pretty good at well, garnering attention.

In a good way naman, si Mingyu ang escort nila and sinali sa Intrams and.. the rest is history. Ka-bwiset naman itong si Mingyu.

Walang bad-blood ha, kasi mabuting tao naman si Mingyu- out-going, friendly, magaling sa maraming subjects, ideal teen in short- pero parang meron din, ayaw lang talaga aminin ni Wonwoo na one-sided lang iyon.

Isa pang pangit sa grupo ni Wonwoo, ay may something-something si Janna kay Mingyu (pwede mo na rin sabihin pati na rin kay Wonwoo). Sino ba ang may gusto ng distraction para sa ganitong sitwasiyon?

"Love triangle, ampota." Tukso ni Junhui at inirapan lang siya ng kaibigan. 

"Gusto mo sabihin ko kay Minghao na inggit ka kay Gyeongwon?" banta naman niya.

"Oy gago, sorry na boss. Ito naman 'di mabiro." tawa naman itong ulol.

A few more minutes of announcing the groups and just as the bell rung for the next period, Mrs. Han was finally done.

"Ay! Teka lang! Free time naman kayo!" she glared at the students who were nearing the door.

Nagsibalikan naman sila sa upuan at nakinig kay Mrs. Han.

"I will give you this week and next week's English time for making and practicing your performances. After that, dapat ready na kayo kasi baka kayo ang mauna. Gagawin ko pa lang ang line-up pero basta mag-ayos-ayos lang kayo.

Wear proper attire for the performances, make sure that the essence of the poem is still in your script. Yun lang, sige pwede na kayong lumabas."

Naghiyawan na ang klase at tuluyan na gumawa ng kahit ano.

Sa likod ni Wonwoo, naguusap na si Junhui at Minghao at tinignan lang niya ng saglit ang lovers-in-denial before subconsciously studying the classroom of who was still there.

Si Janna ay nasa kaniyang kinauupuan, nagaayos ng gamit at ng libro at baka naramdaman ang tingin sa kaniya ni Wonwoo, tumingin rin ito.

Tinanggal ng binata ang mata niya sa babae at ito'y napunta kay Mingyu.

Medyo gulat si Wonwoo ng malaman na nakatingin na siya sa kaniya pero nilipat ni Mingyu ang tingin kay Janna.

Tumayo na si Wonwoo at siniksik ang sarili kina Junhui at Minghao.

"Gusto ko chicken skin."

"Geh." Sabay na sagot ni Junhui at Minghao.

~

Nang oras na para umuwi, nagpaalam na si Wonwoo sa kaniyang mga kaibigan at naghintay na sa may entrance ng kanilang school.

Naghihintay ito ng masakyan na jeep, dahil palagi naman ay may pumupunta doon pero biglang may kumalabit sa kaniya at napatingin siya sa likuran niyo.

"Hello."

"Hello, Mingyu." maikli nitong bati at tinuloy ang pagtingin sa kalsada.

"Kumusta na iyong script?" Nararamdaman ni Wonwoo na gusto makipagusap ng lalake pero sadiyang wala siyang gana para ipahaba pa ito.

"Di ko pa alam kay Janna, gusto ko muna tignan idea niya bago ako mag-isip ng separate na script."

"Pero may idea ka na?" Ngiting tanong ni Mingyu. Hay, napaka-persistent ng taong 'to.

"Oo."

"Pwede bang marinig?"

"Di muna, ayaw ko i-spoil."

Natawa naman si Mingyu. Ewan ba ni Wonwoo, 'di naman ganun nakakatawa 'yung joke niya. Baka na-awkward lang.

"I-spoil? Magkagrupo tayo, parang naman 'di ko rin maririnig."

"Pakinggan mo nalang pag nasabi na ni Janna na kailangan niya pa ng ideas."

"Sige. Ay teka, wala tayong English bukas 'no?"

Napabuntong-hinga si Wonwoo, chatty nga pala ito. 'Di niya masyadong alam, minsan lang siya nakikipag-usap sa lalaking ito, pag kailangan lang sa school.

Pero meron iyong one time na.. Kung wala lang si Mingyu, nag physically cringe na siguro si Wonwoo.

"Wala tayong English bukas."

Mingyu studied him for a moment, before saying, "Medyo mataray ka rin, ano?"

Dito sinira ni Wonwoo ang kaniyang kalmadong itsura at hinarapan si Mingyu.

"Do you know me?"

"Do I.. ha?"

"Ba't mo naman sasabihin na mataray ako kung ngayon lang tayo naguusap, baka sadiyang wala lang ako sa mood ngayon." Hindi alam ni Wonwoo kung bakit nagiinarte siya ngayon. Basta iyong buong tauhan ni Mingyu parang nababaliw siya.

Pero ngiti pa rin ng ngiti ang lalake sa harap niya, "Di ba nagusap na rin tayo dati? Last year, sa school anniversary, noong member ka ba ng Volleyball team? Tapos-"

"Tama na, tama na, gets ko na." Wonwoo panicked at them reliving the memory and cut the boy off.

Wonwoo exhaled. Sure, he isn't being reasonable, but he doesn't want to talk about the incident anymore. Not now, when a jeep pulled up just a little bit ahead of them. 

"Una na ako."

Iritado naman si Mingyu sakaniya, and he will acknowledge that it is within reason but Wonwoo digresses.

"Ang sungit mo Wonwoo Jeon!" pero biglang ngumiti naman ito, as if amused.

"Pakyu, Mingyu Kim."

Nang nakasakay na si Wonwoo sa front passenger seat at nakaalis na ito, tumingin siya side mirror and he internally smiled at the flabbergasted face of Mingyu.

~

Wednesday and it was their English period once again, and their teacher dispersed them so that the groups can brainstorm among themselves.

"Some can stay here in your room and the rest can go out and discuss your script there. 'Wag lang kayo maingay." Dagdag ng guro.

Kalahati sa klase ay nagpaiwan sa classroom para makakuha ng lamig ng aircon pero kalahati ay lumabas.

Tinignan ni Wonwoo ang kaniyang kagrupo at nakita niya na mukhang gusto nila na lumabas. Nagpaalam muna si Wonwoo at mahuhuli na itong bumaba. Gusto niya muna makapag-aircon.

"Baba ka na, huy." Sabi ni Minghao at tinulak paalis si Wonwoo para maisahan rin ang aircon.

Wonwoo flicked Minghao's ear and grabbed his stuff before heading outside.

Nang nakarating na sa ground floor si Wonwoo, he quickly scanned the area for the whereabouts of his group before spotting them undearneath the school's acacia tree.

He briskwalked to them and when he neared them, he can hear them talking about anything but the poem.

"'Yan na siya o."

"Sorry, nagpa-aircon pa ako."

"Okay lang," Janna assured him. She took out some papers from her book and as she was fixing them, Mingyu suddenly spoke up.

"Pero totoo na naging crush mo si Wonwoo?"

Wonwoo and Janna looked scandalized and the latter hit Mingyu on the shoulder.

"Hoy."

"Anong pinagsasabi mo diyan?"

In all honesty, Mingyu wasn't lying, Wonwoo knew about Janna's feelings for him, during.. probably last year but he thinks he's right when he assumes that it was just a small one as she never approached him about it and was always so genuinely casual when speaking to him. If he's being truthful, Wonwoo's thankful about that because he had his own "interests" in mind at that time.

"Kasasabi lang ni Janna kanina." Natatawa sabi ni Mingyu.

"Kasi ni-force mo ako!" she accused him, "Sorry Wonwoo."

"Okay lang, dati naman na iyon."

Mingyu eyed them suspiciously and Wonwoo responded with the same glare. This man's a gossiper if he's minding people's old business especially since hindi sila magkaklase last year. It makes Wonwoo want to visibly shake his head so disapprovingly.

"Ito iyong idea ko para sa script natin pero I'm all ears for other suggestions."

The 2 boys read the draft quietly before Wonwoo cleared his throat.

"Di ba masyadong grim kung may mamamatay?"

The girl looked bashful and flipped the paper so that the writing won't stare at them.

"Ginawa ko lang 'yan kagabi, wala ako maisip. Kayo ah, kung may better idea.."

Wonwoo took out his own papers from in between his book's pages and handed it to them.

"Maganda rin naman idea mo," Mingyu patted Janna's head and she unsubtledly blushed. Mingyu giggled at that.

God, get a room, mga malalandi.

"Sige, ito na lang!" Janna said after reading Wonwoo's draft for a while.

"Sure ka? Kung may gusto ka pang isipin na idea, okay rin naman." Wonwoo suggested.

"Hindi na, maganda na ito." She smiled at him.

Wonwoo mentally pat himself on the back. He's always happy when people applaud his work, above all, his skills in the English subject.

"Kung okay lang, ako na gumawa ng script. May.. May idea na rin ako sa ulo ko eh." he gave Janna a sheepish smile to which she agreed.

"Kung may kailangan ka, dun lang ako kina Jeongyeon," she said, referring to her friends.

Wonwoo bid her goodbye and he started on the script.

The boy's interpretation goes like this: The person who wrote it was madly in love with Celia. Whatever she did, it was enough for the person. The man trusted his heart in Celia's hands thinking she felt the same. Before he knew it, however, Celia couldn't care less of him and turned away from the person.

Kumirot saglit ang puso ni Wonwoo. It's really not that depressing and his view of the poem itself is not that grand but somehow he feels sadness from looking at the story.

Engrossed na masyado si Wonwoo sa sinusulat niya na nakalimutan niya na nandoon parin sa harapan niya si Mingyu.

"Hello," bati nito sa kaniya, parang deja vu lang noong Monday.

"Ba't andito ka pa? Kung gusto mo, 'dun ka muna kina Seungcheol." He pointed at Seungcheol and vaguely gestured to Mingyu's other friends.

"Ayaw mo ba ng kasama?" he smiled cheekily at Wonwoo.

"Ikaw kasama ko? Pass." he snarkily replied.

"Seryoso, ba't ang sungit mo na saakin, Wonwoo?" he could sense the sincerity of the question but he ignored it.

"Dunno what you're talking about." he feigned innocence 

"Hindi ba okay naman tayo dati?" Wonwoo's heart suddenly thumped against his ribcage.

"Was that before or after mo ako tinamaan sa mukha ng bola noong school anniversary last year?" Wonwoo put his pen down as he angrily pointed out to Mingyu.

A look of shock enveloped the latter's features.

Last year, for their school's 98th year foundation day celebration, Wonwoo was one of the blue team's players for volleyball while Mingyu was on the yellow team.

Obviously, Wonwoo was nervous but he was that for many things. One, the tall statures of his opponents were intimidating (sure he was just 2-3 inches shorter than them but that didn't ease his nerves). Pangalawa, 'di siya gaanong kagaling sa volleyball, so bale may pressure sa kaniya and three... Kalimutan nalang niya muna iyon.

"Hala, correction, natamaan ka. Ilang beses na rin ako nag-sorry sayo! At alam mo naman siguro na mangyayari iyon kasi inevitable 'yun sa volleyball."

"Napah-.." Ayaw na maalala ni Wonwoo ang hiya na naramdaman niya noon.

"Napahiya ka? Eh, kayo rin naman yung overall winner sa volleyball."

He shook his head. It wasn't that he garnered a bloody nose and looked like a fool on the field, but because of something else. 

"'Yaw ko na maalala iyon. Basta ganon na 'yun." He dismissed the other boy.

"Wonwoo, I said sorry, and still, I'm very sorry. Ayaw ko naman i-bring up pero I also accompanied you to the clinic among many others. Surely, wala naman nang bad blood pag ganon?"

Wonwoo tried not to look at Mingyu but a hand on his made him look at the boy.

Seriousness and melancholy were pasted on Mingyu's face and it's really hard for Wonwoo to still feel angry at the boy.

Alam ni Wonwoo na ang unfair din na hindi niya sabihin iyong totoong rason kung bakit ang cold and distant niya sa lalaki pero ayaw niya lang talaga sabihin, at least not now.

"Wonwoo! Samahan mo ako." Wonwoo whipped his head and instantly pulled his hand from underneath Mingyu's.

Tinatawag siya ni Junhui na nasa tapat ng staircase at nagtaas ng papel at sabay na tinuro yung principal's office na malayo sa kinatatayuan ng kaibigan at malayo rin kay Wonwoo.

"Sige, saglit!" niligpit ni Wonwoo ang mga gamit but Mingyu was still looking at him expectantly. 

"Send ko nalang sa GC nating tatlo yung final script." at pagkatapos noon, hinayaan na niya si Mingyu sa ilalim ng acacia.

"Galit ka parin kay Mingyu?" Junhui asked as they started walking towards the principal's office seemingly witnessed the tension earlier.

"Ayaw ko muna pag-usapan." he responded curtly.

Junhui only patted him on the back.

~

Even though the only day that Class 12-B has no English period was Tuesday, wala silang klase ng English noong Thursday and Friday dahil may pinuntahan pala yung guro nila. Wonwoo, despite loving the subject, was relieved, because he doesn't think he can face Mingyu in close proximity after that day.

Their teacher made them work on some activities on the book instead of working on the mini-play as she didn't trust them to work unsupervised at baka mapagalitan pa sila ng other staff pag nasa labas sila.

The weekend rolled in quick after that but just as fast as it came, Monday na naman at panibagong araw ulit para magpractice.

Pero nang mag ring na 'yung bell, in-announce na absent si Mingyu.

Hindi naman iyon talagang problema, pero nang tinuloy ng guro ang announcement, hindi tuloy alam ni Wonwoo kung matatawa, kung magagalit o malulungkot siya sa sitwasiyon ni Mingyu.

"Naaksidente si Mingyu habang nagba-bike siya at nabali yung paa niya."

A round of "aww"s were heard from the girls and disapprovement and cackles were heard from Mingyu's friends.

"Tanga naman kasi yon." Sabi ni Seungcheol, at um-oo rin ang ibang kaibigan.

"'Wag niya naman sabihin 'yan, tropa niyo 'yan." Sabi ng teacher.

"Ma'am pa'no ba naman at kahit matarik, gusto pa rin niya ituloy ang pagbike?" 

Their homeroom teacher, Ms. Lee, chuckled. "Binisita niyo na siya sa hospital?"

A collective "opo" was heard from Mingyu's buddies.

"Okay, that's good. So, with that, Mingyu is obviously excused from coming to school for 3 months."

Mangha ang iba dahil ibig sabihin noon ay kahit mag last-day na sila ay wala doon si Mingyu.

On the other hand, Wonwoo was silent. Was it immoral for him to only think about Mingyu's contribution now for the English performance? A hundred percent yes but he still wallows on that thought until the actual English period came on.

Tinawag ni Janna si Wonwoo at agad naman ito tumingin.

"Sabihin natin kay Ma'am." mahinang sabi niya at nag-oo naman ito.

Nang pinaalis na ni Mrs. Han ang mga estudyante para magpractice, nilapitan siya ni Janna at Wonwoo at pinaalam ang nangyari, at alam naman niya ito.

"I'll give you extra time to rewrite your script and you'll have the last slot for performing your play." pag-inform niya sa dalawa na ikinatuwa naman nila.

The final original draft was this: Janna was to take on the role of Celia at Mingyu naman ang lover niya. Siyempre, parang narrator nalang si Wonwoo (siya na rin naman nagsulat ng script).

Janna-Celia and Mingyu were to act as a happy couple. But, Mingyu is set to have his studies internationally, thus leaving Janna-Celia by herself, only having letters as their means of keeping in touch with each other.

Dahil ilang buwan din na wala ang mahal ni Janna, natulak siya na magmahal ng iba. 

Nalaman din ni Mingyu na parang may mali sa relasyon nila dahil sa mga sulat at parang "malayo" si Janna kaya nagkusa ito na umuwi sa kanila.

Doon ay makikita ni Mingyu na may iba na palang lalake si Janna-Celia (na maikling role nalang ni Wonwoo) at doon na matatapos ang kwento.

It's not the best script pero kung short play lang naman, it'll do.

Dahil absent na si Mingyu para sa play, si Wonwoo na ang magiging lover kuno ni Janna at nais nalang nila kunin si Junhui o si Minghao para maging narrator. Naisipan naman ni Janna na magkalat nalang sila ng extrang damit ni Wonwoo para kunware ay may ibang lalaki na siya. 

Tumawa naman si Wonwoo sa idea at naging iyon na ang script nila. 

~

Nung hapon na ay balak na umuwi ni Wonwoo nang may tumatawag sa pangalan niya. Si Janna lang pala.

"Wonwoo, huy." hingal na bati nito.

"Ano 'yon?"

"May iba ka bang pupuntahan? Kailangan mo na ba umuwi kaagad? Iniisip kung okay lang sa'yo, punta tayo kay Mingyu." then her face reddened.

Momentarily forgetting his beef with the boy, he agreed.

~

"Hi~" Sabi ni Janna kay Mingyu nang narating na nila yung room ng binata. Malaki naman ang ngiti ni Mingyu nang makita ang babae.

Tumabi nalang si Wonwoo sa labas ng pintuan ng room at pasilip silip nalang siya parang weirdo. Ayaw niya muna magpakita kay Mingyu at medyo pumasok na sa utak niya na ang sama nga ng ugali niya sa lalake last Friday.

"Na-miss mo ba ako?" Biro niya at biglang nagpakita ulit ang inis ni Wonwoo para sa kaniya.

"Slight lang," sagot ni Janna na 'di alam ni Wonwoo kung seryoso ba iyon o joke lang din.

Napunta ang atensiyon ni Janna sa kaliwang paa ni Mingyu na nakalagay na sa cast.

"Wow, masakit ba?" Tangang tanong ni Janna at nagmental facepalm si Wonwoo.

"Siyempre, ikaw naman." Mingyu giggled and pinched her cheek.

"Malay ko ba, baka binigyan ka pain killers." She retaliated and Mingyu pondered.

"Binigyan nga ako ng gamot pero slightly masakit pa rin."

Then Janna sighed, "Di ka na makakapasok nito."

"Di na rin ako makakaparticipate sa play."

"Si Wonwoo na ang kumuha ng role mo." she informed him.

"Ay ganon ba? Oo nga pala, saan si Wonwoo? Di ba niya ako bibisitahin?" Mingyu asked.

Wonwoo perked up upon hearing his name. Janna, please, kunyare wala ako-

"Nandiyan lang siya labas." 

Napabuntong hinga siya at pumasok.

"Hi, Wonwoo." Mingyu greeted him and he just waved at him.

"Nagpasama ako kay Wonwoo, baka kasi gusto ka rin niya makita."

Hindi.

Wonwoo hummed in response.

"Ba't parang ang down mo? Ayaw mo ba ako makita?"

Medyo.

"Marami kasi akong assignment, parang mas gusto ko nalang umuwi na." And he forced a laugh, to keep the mood light.

"Aray naman."

"Oo pala, maraming assignment, gusto mo ba ilista ko para sa'yo o yung tropa mo na ang bahala?" Tanong ni Janna.

"Sige, pakisulat nalang sa'kin kung okay lang." She smiled and took out her pen and a notebook. "Sweet mo naman, Janna." then patted her hair.

Napakalandi.

Biglaang nag-vibrate ang phone ni Wonwoo at iyong mama pala niya 'yon. Shet, 'di pala niya nasabihan nanay niya na pupunta siya rito. Natagalan pa sila papunta dahil sa traffic.

"Jan, pakibilis nagtext na mama ko." he said while replying to his mother. At that, the room went silent all of a sudden, save for the sound of the pen cap's click.

"Sige, Won." Napatingin ng mabilisan si Wonwoo sa direksyon ni Janna at nagtaka kung bakit biglaan ay may nickname na nangyayari.

At doon na-realize niya na iba pala natawag niya sa kasama dahil sa pagmamadali.

"I meant, 'Janna', sorry, nag-slip." 

"Oo alam ko, nagjo-joke din ako." She said but her voice was shaky, leading Wonwoo to believe she meant to call him that.

"May nickname na palang nagaganap?" Ayan na si Mingyu.

"Una na kami, Mingyu." sabi nalang ni Wonwoo and headed out.

Tangina naman eh.

~

Mingyu Kim
kayo na ba ni janna?

Wonwoo Jeon
okay ka lang? di ko siya gusto

Mingyu Kim
eh bat may nickname bigla?

Wonwoo Jeon
sabi ko nga, nagslip. wag ka na magisip ng iba pa

Mingyu Kim
ge, sabi mo eh

Wonwoo Jeon
👍

Ano bang problema nito? Napakamot ng ulo si Wonwoo and plopped in his bed. All Mingyu did to him is cause him unnecessary stress and it drives him crazy. Wala bang ibang magawa ang loko na yon? He looked at his and Mingyu's messages again then turned off his phone, it was 10PM anyway, dapat matulog na rin siya.

~

Visits to Mingyu became a regular thing a week later and Wonwoo hates it.

Kung bibisitahin niya 'yung lalake, okay lang na at most ay once a week, pero nang nakita sina Janna at Wonwoo ng ina ni Mingyu, nag-request ito na i-accompany ang anak minsan at hiningi na every other day ng school ay bisitahin ito.

Nagulat naman din si Janna at siya na ang nagsalita para sa kanila.

"Tita, eh, 'di ba kaya mas maganda ang tropa ni Mingyu nalang ang pumunta? Baka mas masiyahan pa siya kung sila ang nandito."

"Maingay kasi sila, 'di ko rin mapagkatiwalaan para magbigay ng assignments ni Gyu." She said and Wonwoo almost choked. Medyo masakit kung isa siya sa tropa but sige lang, magulo nga naman sila.

"Pasensiya na kayo pero hanggang 6PM kasi yung trabaho ko at ayaw ko naman mapag-isa si Gyu ko." She continued and from Wonwoo's perspective, Janna was almost pushed to giggle at that.

"Magpaalam nalang po ako kay mama ko." Sabi ni Janna and Wonwoo can't blame her for caving in; nakakahiya rin na mag-turn down ng nagmamakaawang nanay.

Mukhang wala naman talagang pakialam si Janna na binibisita niya si Mingyu pero nang pumayag ang nanay ni Wonwoo, medyo napakunot siya ng noo.

'Di siya papayagan na magsleep over sa since start of Junior High best friend niya na si Junhui pero kung magstay siya ng ilang oras kay Mingyu ay um-oo ito? Unfair.

Kaya Thursday ng 4PM ay nandoon na si Wonwoo sa room ni Mingyu kasama si Janna.

Naguusap lang sila at pinapaliwanag nito ang kailangan gawin. Wonwoo is Wonwoo and he's just sitting in the corner playing with his phone.

"Punta lang ako saglit sa CR, ha?" paalam ni Janna kay Mingyu na hindi napansin ni Wonwoo.

Nagsara na ang pinto signalling Janna's leaving.

Pero sa phone pa rin ni Wonwoo siya nakatingin, at ngumiti siya nang magsend si Soonyoung ng meme ng pusa.

"Ano 'yan?"

Wonwoo whipped his head up and just then realized Janna's absence.

"Wala, si Soonyoung lang." he replied and sent back a photo of another meme.

"Soonyoung?" Mingyu questioned.

"Oo, 'di mo ba siya kilala? Taga ibang section siya." he explained briefly.

A few more moments of silence and still Janna wasn't here. Maybe she got lost, the hospital was pretty big after all.

"Puntahan ko si Janna saglit, baka nawala." Wonwoo said, getting ready to stand up.

"She's old enough to find her way, Wonwoo, usap tayo." Mingyu stopped him.

"Mingyu."

"Sorry for being persistent, Won, pero naintriga lang ako noong nalaman ko na hindi na pala 'friend' ang tingin mo sa'kin."

Wonwoo resisted the urge to choke at his own spit.

"Ayusin mo wording mo, Kim, 'kala mo naman kung crush kita."

Mingyu timidly smiled at the realization before it was replaced by a small frown.

"'Kim'?"

He scratched his head, "Lahat nalang may comment ka, eh," he pointed out before Wonwoo cleared his throat, "I don't think I'm comfortable na mag-explain kung alam ko na any minute ay nandiyan na si Janna."

Mingyu sighed and gave in, probably understanding that what he did "wrong" was very personal.

"Sorry ulet, Wonwoo." Mingyu apologized sincerely.

Wonwoo only waved him off and soon enough, Janna came back in.

~

Noong gabing 'yun nakatingin lang si Wonwoo sa phone niya. 'Di siya naglalaro o nakikipagchat o anuman, nakatingin lang.

Para bang hinihintay kung magme-message ba sakaniya si Mingyu.

Ba't parang nerbyos siya- ang tanong na ayaw sagutin ni Wonwoo.

Nahanap ni Wonwoo ang sarili na naka-fetus position sa kama niya at tinitignan lang ng maigi ang device mga 30 minutes later at doon, nagpanick nang kaunti ang binata.

In-off na lang niya ang phone at natulog na bago pa siya mag-entertain ng mga ibang pang mga ideya (at memories).

~

Another school day has passed at uwian na naman nila sa Pledis High. Hindi pupunta ngayon si Wonwoo sa hospital kaya kasama niya ngayon si Junhui, Minghao at Soonyoung pauwi. Minsan lang nila makasama ang panghuli kasi palagi sila pinapauwi ng late ng adviser nila kaya ngayon, naisipan nila maglakwatsa muna bago tuluyang umuwi.

Naglakad lakad lang sila kahit saan at nang mapagod, huminto sila sa isang store at bumili ng snacks. Nagtambay sila sa isang park at umupo doon sa mga benches.

Naguusap lang sila ng kahit ano at puro daldal si Jun at Soonyoung nang bigla may tumawag sa pangalan ni Wonwoo.

Napatingin ang apat na lalaki sa kung saan-saan, hinahanap ang pinanggalingan ng boses at doon sa kaliwa niya ay tinuro ni Soonyoung 'yung taong tumawag sa kaniya.

"Won, umupo ka lang."

"Bakit-?"

May isang binata na medyo mas matanda lang sa kanila ng 2 years (pero first year college ngayon) ang lumapit sa kanila.

Wonwoo's eyes widened then stood up while Jun and Soonyoung pulled him to their sides, shielding the boy from the older guy.

"Hello, Junhui at Soonyoung. Loyal friends pa rin kayo ni Won?" he smirked.

"Wala ka na dun pake, Nick." Jun coldly replied.

"Junhui! Kuya Niko, hala, kamusta ka na?" Wonwoo pulled away from his friends and led Nick a few feet away from them so they can have privacy to talk. 

Si Nick, o 'Niko', ay dating taga Pledis High pero nagtransfer siya this year lang para sa ibang school. Wonwoo knew him years before, when he joined the school paper pero nang umalis ang binata doon, nagstay in touch pa rin sila and ultimately regained that huge spark of friendship noong tinuruan ni Nick si Wonwoo ng unting knowledge sa volleyball nang nalaman ng mas matanda na ni-recruit si Wonwoo sa team.

Looking at Nick, parang gusto magshudder ni Wonwoo.

"Okay naman ako, Won. How's school treating you?"

"Mahirap, pero persevere lang," Wonwoo quipped, trying to keep the mood light.

"Ganon ba, kaya mo naman 'yan!" Nick moved to pat Wonwoo, on the shoulder probably, but dodged it.

From then, Nick's expression changed. He scoffed, "Sensitive ka pa rin saakin, Won? Matagal na pangyayare 'yun."

Gusto na ata sumuka ni Wonwoo pero kept his composure.

"Kumusta ang girlfriend mo, kuya?" he asked sternly.

"Kami pa rin, if that's what you're asking."

"No, kuya, gusto ko lang malaman kung ano na nangyayare sa kaniya. I couldn't care less kung kayo pa rin." 

Nick huffed, "Lakas mo naman sumagot saakin. Umiba ka na nung umalis ako, wish you stayed the same, wala na yung Won ko."

Wonwoo rolled his eyes at the man, "Hindi ako /Wonwoomo/. Kung ayaw mo pala ako kausapin, ba't mo pa ako tinawag? Wala na ako pakialam sayo, you disgusting son of a bitch."

He then turned around and gestured for his friends to follow, which they did and left a very flustered Nick.

~

Nakarating sila ulet sa iba pang park at doon ay agad niyakap ni Wonwoo si Junhui.

Soonyoung laid his hand on Wonwoo's shoulder while Minghao rhythmically pat his back.

"Sino 'yun Wonwoo?" He asked. Minghao only transferred this year to their school, so naturally he didn't know Wonwoo and Nick's history.

Wonwoo sighed against Junhui. He feels strained so he gestured for the two to explain everything to the group's youngest.

Nick was a very nice guy, he was very thoughtful, sweet, and kind to Wonwoo. Apart from Wonwoo's friend group, Nick was someone he could lean on to kung may problema. Perhaps dahil iyon sa 2 year gap nila na parang brotherly figure na niya si Nick and then, ang dali na lang para kay Wonwoo i-dub si Nick as one of his favorite people.

He was all these good things to Wonwoo and so it was easy for him to fall for him.

'Di pa naman down bad si Wonwoo noon pero basta alam niya na may hawak na si Nick sa puso niya.

The younger kept all this to himself but some time later, sinabi rin ng lalake na may nararamdaman siya kay Wonwoo. It was best na 'wag muna daw magkaroon ng relationship but Wonwoo was content with this anyway.

Wonwoo was so happy then and eventually told his friends about him. Nasiyahan naman sila for their friend at kahit skeptical dahil medyo mas matanda ang crush ni Wonwoo, sinuportahan pa rin nila sila.

But last year, before mag p-play si Wonwoo ng volleyball, Nick took Wonwoo's first kiss. Wonwoo freezed; gusto niya sana na mas maganda first kiss nila, on a date, during a movie or on a picnic pero ayaw niya maging choosy. Perhaps may next time naman, he'll take this one as a good luck kiss.

He played with all his best and eventually they won the game.

Nang end na ng last match, nagcelebrate si Wonwoo with his team and he looked for Nick in the bleachers, hindi naman sana mahirap kasi paunti naman na ng paunti yung tao sa court pero wala kasi glasses niya kaya nahirapan siya hanapin yung lalake.

He looked around for a few more moments and when he saw him, Wonwoo called out for him. They locked eyes and Wonwoo started to run over to him when suddenly he was hit by a volleyball. Natumba naman siya at pagtingin niya sa harapan ulit, nakatayo lang si Nick at umalis. 

"Hinintay ko siya doon sa bleachers kasi akala ko may pinuntahan lang siya saglit pero ang tagal ko naghintay at wala pa rin siya. The next day I saw him with a girl at noong kinausap ko siya, sabi niya jowa niya yun of 2 years." Wonwoo finished for Junhui.

"Wonwoo, I'm so sorry that happened to you." Minghao said and comforted him some more.

"Totoo nga naman sinabi ni Nick, matagal na 'yun kaya dapat wala na akong pake doon."

"'Wag ka makinig sa dugyot na 'yon," Soonyoung interjected, "you're allowed to feel these things, bayaan mo siya." He squeezed Wonwoo's shoulder for further reassurance.

Pagkatapos noon ay nagsi-uwan na sila pero nandoon pa rin si Jun at Wonwoo sa same park.

"Thank you na hindi mo na ni-mention si Mingyu sa storya mo."

"I think ibang topic na 'yun Wonwoo." Jun smiled. "Pero you shouldn't fight with him anymore, Nick was an asshole, Mingyu isn't."

"'Di ko naman kaaway si Mingyu," Wonwoo corrected, "but gets ko naman. Parang 'di lang kasi ako sure sa mga... 'feelings' ko sa kaniya."

"Okay lang naman 'yun. Gets ko kung bakit ka nagkakaroon ng mixed feelings sa kaniya pero basta bawasan mo lang sungit mo sa kaniya." Jun said and Wonwoo playfully punched him.

Sabay na sila umuwi noon at iniwan na ang troubles sa park.

Fuck Nick that bastard.

~

Last practice na nina Wonwoo at Janna ngayon at sa susunod na araw ay magpe-perform na sila.

Nandoon sila sa hospital room ni Mingyu para ipakita yung performance nila at baka mag suggest ang binata ng ibang changes.

Pinerform ng duo ang play at smooth sailing naman. May ibang lines na nakakalimutan at minsan nag-ii-stutter ang actors pero maaayos naman iyon.

Pumalakpak si Mingyu habang nag-bow ang performers.

Janna groaned in her hands, "Ah! Bukas na yung performance, nine-nerbyos ako!"

Wonwoo subconsciouly draped his arm on Janna's shoulders then squeezed it, "Kaya natin 'yan! Maganda 'yung script at acting natin. 'Di ba?" he looked at Mingyu, expecting praise, but he was looking at Wonwoo's hand, hanging on the girl's shoulder.

Both of the boys coughed, "Oo maganda na 'yung sainyo." He meekly smiled. 

Wonwoo slid his arm off of Janna. She flipped her hair and then excused herself to the bathroom.

Wonwoo fiddled with the hem of his shirt bago kinuha ang phone para i-entertain ang sarili.

"Naiinitan ka ba? Pwede natin pataasan yung number ng aircon." Offer ni Mingyu.

"Di na, okay lang ako."

Mingyu seemed to be taken aback at Wonwoo's civil talk with him but nonetheless, he softly smiled.

May unting moments of silence before nagstart ulit mag small talk si Mingyu at nasabayan ni Wonwoo.

"I know you'll do gr-"

"Kilala mo pa ba si Kuya Nick?"

Nalilito naman si Mingyu before his broke into realization.

"Nick? Niko? Yung nag-ghost sa'yo sa court?" He asked, tone angry.

"Ba't 'yun ang description mo sa kaniya?" Wonwoo snorted but kept his eyes glued to the aircon.

"'Yun lang sabi mo sa'kin dati, eh."

Wonwoo remembers giving Mingyu a brief description of Nick then, when Mingyu offered to wait with Wonwoo. Sinabi lang ni Wonwoo yung itsura ng nakakatandang lalake tapos nag-promise si Mingyu na kasama niya siya maghintay para sa lalake na iyon.

"Basta siya, nakita namin kahapon nina Jun."

"Did he- Ano sinabi niya sa'yo?" Mingyu asked, cautious.

"Nangamusta lang. Pinamukha pa saakin na sila pa rin ng girlfriend niya, as if I cared." Wonwoo scoffed, now looking back at the memory with humor. "Tanga naman nun. But after that, I basically told him to fuck himself ta's umalis na kami."

"Good for you, Wonwoo. Napakasama ng ugali niya sa'yo noon."

Wonwoo beamed, remembering how Mingyu treated him when that whole incident with Nick happened.

Mingyu didn't know much about the situation (and all that went down with his own feelings after that) but he was there when Wonwoo felt down; had helped him even after he insisted he wasn't sick or anything and had forgiven him for accidentally hitting him with a ball. Wonwoo is deeply thankful. And now guilty, Junhui's right: Mingyu didn't (doesn't) deserve his pettiness and sass.

He scrunched up his nose, "Sana 'di ka bobo at nadala sa aksidente. Makakaperform ka pa rin sana kasama kami ni Janna." Wonwoo said, hoping that this can convey him breaking down his walls for the other boy.

The other apparently got this and after the first inital puzzled features, he broke into a bright smile, "Next time, siguro," he replied.

Pagkatapos noon ay pumasok na si Janna at tinawag si Wonwoo.

"'Andiyan na mama ni Mingyu."

They quickly packed up their stuff and then bid goodbye to the patient.

"Bye Mingyu," Janna said. Mingyu waved her goodbye as well then she exitted the door.

"Bye, Wonwoo." Mingyu said his farewell.

He gave him a smile, "Bye, Gyu." He left the room, before he can see Mingyu's adored face.

~

Kung manginig si Wonwoo sa nerbyos, akalahin mo andun sila sa Antarctica.

It was the day of their performance at pagkatapos ng grupo ng isang kaklase ay susunod na sina Wonwoo.

Shit, alam naman niya na darating itong oras na ito na mag-a-act na sila pero 'di pa rin siya ready. Paano kung makalimutan niya lines niya? Paano kung nabulol pala siya? Paano kung-

"Wonwoo."

Tumingin si Wonwoo sa kanan niya at nakita si Janna na nakadamit na ng costume niya. Simple lang na dress na pang olden times kuno.

"Okay ka lang? Parang nilalamig ka." Medyo natatawa naman ang babae.

"Nerbyos lang, ba't di ka ba nerbyos?" he retaliated, laughing as well.

"Slight lang, pero maganda naman yung plot natin at iyong script. I believe na magugustuhan nila yung performance natin." Janna assured and he slightly relaxed.

She's right, they can do this.

"By the way, binigay ko 'yung phone ko sa tropa ko para i-video nila yung performance; para makita ni Mingyu." 

He can't do this.

She left Wonwoo and went to Jeongyeon and her other friends. She played around and yelled at the people who took her phone ("Tangina mo, Seungcheol kung ano ano ginagawa mo diyan!").

Can he do this? Tangina, tangina, tangina, tangina, tangina-.

"Let's give a round of applause for Eunwoo, Jihoon and Momo!" Sigaw ng teacher at pinalakpakan ng klase ang huling grupo. Ito na, sila na.

"Okay, kaya ko ito." He thought to himself

"Now, for the last group, let us give them a round of applause."

Nagpalakpak ulit ang klase to encourage the group. Tumayo na sina Wonwoo at Janna at tinawag nila si Junhui para maging extra.

~

"And cut!" Sigaw ni Junhui.

Nagpalakpakan naman ang buong klase at tuloy pa rin ang malakas na pagtibok ng puso ni Wonwoo.

~

Noong dumating na ang lunch time, bababa na sana si Wonwoo para bumili ng pagkain kasama sina Jun ngunit nakita niya si Janna na nagaayos ng bag at binuhat ito paalis ng classroom.

Hinabol ito ni Wonwoo at tinawag.

"Mag ha-half day ka lang? Bakit?"

"Sorry talaga, Wonwoo, ha? Tinawag ako ni mama ko, kailangan niya ako magbantay sa kapatid ko, may sakit daw." she said, apologizing profusely.

"Uy hindi, okay lang. Pero ano-" Wonwoo stammered a bit, "Si Mingyu ngay? Di ka na rin pupunta?"

"Pwede ka naman pumunta mag isa mo." She laughed.

"Kung di ka pupunta edi, hindi na-"

"Wonwoo." Janna cut him off, "punta ka na, mag-usap kayo." She said firmly, confusing him.

"Ano ibig mong sabihin?" he asked for clarification.

"Napansin ko lang kasi na may something in between you guys. Hindi ako makakapunta mamaya, pasensya na, pero gamitin mo yung extra time na mag-communicate."

It wasy very obvious to anyone that the boy was flustered.

"Hoy," she said, lightly slapping his shoulder, "'Something' as in may miscommunication at galit akong napansin, not anything romantic pero kung 'yun pala 'yon, ha." she joked.

Wonwoo's eyes widened and he spluttered, "Hindi kaya! Hindi ko lang kasi naisip na obvious pala yung galit." he lied.

"Excuse ka pa diyan, nabuking mo rin sarili mo!" Janna teased.

Wonwoo joined her in laughing because of that.

"Seryoso ha, punta ka na lang. Finally magusap kayo please," parang nagmamakaawa na ito, "Ilang pagpunta ko pa ba sa CR bago niyo maayos ang sarili niyo?"

Lumakas naman ang tawa ni Wonwoo.

"'Yon pala yung dahilan kaya puros ihi lang ang ginagawa mo kung pumupunta kay Mingyu?" he asked, incredulously.

"Oo ah, ano pa bang ibang dahilan?" She wheezed, "Masyado kayong obvious sa kung anumang meron kayo, nakakaawa na parang may pining pa."

Wonwoo flicked her forehead in feigned annoyance tapos nagsorry din dahil sa istura ng babae.

"Joke lang, sorry na. Pero ano, ha, salamat talaga Janna. 'Kala ko kayo ni Mingyu yung may something." He confessed.

"Dati lang iyon, happy crush lang. Mas bagay naman kayo." She said, then patted his shoulder.

"Yakap nga, parang naiiyak ka na diyan, eh." Wonwoo said and pulled Janna for a grateful hug.

"Proud lang kasi ako sainyo." she said, voice slightly muffled from being buried in Wonwoo's shoulder.

"Hoy, ang sweet naman no'n, comeback ba?" A voice suddenly said.

The two broke apart from their hug to see Jeonghan smirking at them.

"Jeonghan umayos ka nga, friends lang. Kayo kaya ni Joshua, galaw galaw na rin." She remarked, quirking her eyebrow.

Jeonghan blushed and walked away. "Foul, Janna." he called back, making her and Wonwoo giggle.

~

Past 5PM na siguro nang kumatok si Wonwoo sa kwarto ni Mingyu at bubuksan na niya sana nang maunahan siya.

Lumabas doon si Seungcheol at 'yung iba pang tropa ni Mingyu.

"Uy, Wonwoo, 'musta ka naman. Sweet niyo kanina ni Janna, ah." Tukso ng lalaki.

"Sige, lakasan mo pa, Seungcheol." Wonwoo sarcastically said.

Mukhang sisigaw na nga si Seungcheol kaya tinahimik ito ni Wonwoo, "Baliw ka 'din talaga 'no?"

"Joke lang, po. Punta ka na d'on kay Gyu."

The rest of the friends filed out and Wonwoo let himself in.

"Tagal niyo naman makipagchismis kina Cheol." Sabi ni Mingyu and made Wonwoo look at him.

"Wala si Janna rito".

"Talaga?" There's something in Mingyu's face that suggests he's anything but dissapointed.

Naalala niya 'yung sinabi ni Janna kanina na 'pining' and 'mas bagay pa kayo'. She was joking, surely. Hindi ba may something pa rin sa kanila ni Mingyu? He mentally shook his head. Tanga.

"Oo, inasikaso niya 'yung kapatid niya, nagkasakit daw."

"Ah, ganon ba." Mingyu replied, not totally interested.

"Gusto mo i-vc?" Kukunin na sana ni Wonwoo yung phone niya pero pinigilan ito ni Mingyu.

"Gusto mo ba i-vc?"

"Hindi." He answered wholeheartedly.

Mukha ba namang satisfied ang unggoy, "Di naman pala eh."

Umupo na si Wonwoo at nagsimula ulit magsalita, "Nakita mo na 'yong performance namin?"

"Di pa, sabi nina Cheol na sainyo yung video." Linabas ni Wonwoo ang phone para i-play yung video na binigay ni Janna.

"Ito." At pinasa sa binata ang gadget.

Bumalik ulit sa kinauupuan niya si Wonwoo pero tinawag ito ni Mingyu. "Dito ka, panoorin natin." he said with a smile.

"Grabe, ako 'yung actor, alam ko na kung anong mangyayari." He laughed.

"Ako rin naman alam ko, nag-rehearse nga kayo ni Janna kahapon dito. Dali na, dito ka na." Pumayag naman si Wonwoo and he took his chair to seat himself near Mingyu's bed, so he won't feel uncomfortable- what with his broken foot and all.

"'Kay, play ko na."

"Song To Celia, by Ben Jonson." Junhui started, and cleared his throat.

"Their love was like any other. They were very sweet and passionate lovers. Both were loyal to each other, only having eyes for only them." Jun narrated, earning 'aww's from some of the audience.

Wonwoo turned to look at Mingyu who was totally immersed in the play.

"Drink to me only with thine eyes and I will pledge with mine."

"My heart is only yours and yours and you're the only one who can witness my utter love." Wonwoo said, holding Janna's hands, like in the script. Nagtili ang mga tao.

Tumili si Mingyu para bang nandoon rin at natawa lang si Wonwoo.

Comeback! Comeback na 'yan!" Sigaw ng mga loko-lokong kaklase nila sa background (again, Janna and Wonwoo's  wasn't really a secret that the former liked Wonwoo, kaya ngayon ay naghihiyawan sila ng parang ewan). Janna evidently blushed.

Noong tinignan ulit ni Wonwoo ang reaction ng binata, naging blanko at stoic naman ang mukha nito

"Oh dear lover, I sense that there is something behind your words. I can't possibly think you love me." Janna recited, and acted hurt. She dramatically looked away.

Kinuha ni Wonwoo ang atensiyon ni 'Celia', "Oh but I do. I really do love you but you must know, I must go somewhere but do not fret, I'll not look for any other."

"And so, the man had to go away but he promised his lover that he will remain in love with her. They will write each others to remind each other of their love." Jun told the audience.

Lumipat si Wonwoo sa isang parte ng makeshift stage nila at umupo sa isang upuan. Nagkunware itong magsulat, "Dear Celia, how are you? I'm fine here in America, but I miss your voice and touch. I hope I can see you soon.

The people here are very nice. I hope you can meet them. Please write as soon as possible. I miss you darling."

"'I hope you can meet them. Please write as soon as possible. I miss you darling.'" Mingyu echoed, at ngumiti si Wonwoo. Mukhang 'di na-realize ni Mingyu na nasabi niya ito at sobrang titig sa phone. Tanungin nalang siguro niya ang lalake mamaya pagtapos na.

"Celia will wait for these letters and write back enthusiastically." 

"Dear Wonwoo," sabi ni Janna, "I miss you too. England is not the same without you. I wish to visit you in America but I can't afford it. I hope you'll do well in your studies.." She trailed off.

"Days turned into weeks and weeks turned to months. Wonwoo felt worried for Celia's letters were expressionless and lacked love that they felt before."

"Dear Celia, I'm ending my semester now. I'll be home this week. I'll see you soon. I love you." Sabi ni Wonwoo na kunware ay nagmamadaling magsulat. Nagtilian ulit ang ilan dahil sa linya niya.

"Nakakahiya!" Wonwoo cringed, at lumipat ang tingin ni Mingyu sa kaniya.  Mingyu paused the video and took hold of Wonwoo's hand that was covering his face.

"Galing mo kaya!" he said, eyes sparkling with sincerity. Wonwoo blushed, even more so when he realized that the other was still holding his hand.

"Play mo na." He said, hoping Mingyu will finally let go of him so he won't combust (probably) but after pressing the play button, bumalik pa rin ang kamay niya sa kamay nito. Sige, wala rin naman siguro mapapala kung complain pa siya nang complain.

"The letter came late for Celia and she felt alarmed."

Mingyu gasped, as if he didn't know this was coming.

"Dear Wonwoo, you need not to come home. I was just sick.. and busy! That was why my letters were strange."

"But too late was the reply. Wonwoo had arrived in Celia's home and he saw littered around are clothes that definitely were not Celia's nor his."

"I sent the a rosy wreath as giving it hope that here. it could not withered be. But you!" Wonwoo pointed at Janna, "You broken your promise and fool around with another."

"'You broken your promise and fool around with another.'" Mingyu mirrored once more.

Janna acted frantic, "I'm sorry, but I felt lonely and cold. I had to do it. Please understand."

Wonwoo only glanced at the scene and walked away.

Binawi ni Mingyu ang kaniyang kamay para sumigaw na parang fanboy sa isang concert. "Grabe ang galing niyo!" he praised him.

Wonwoo cheekily smiled, "Kami pa," he humored him. 

Binalik na ni Wonwoo ang upuan sa tabi ng pintuan at inyos ito ng kaunti para maharap nang mas maganda ang pasyente.

"Ang ganda talaga ng performance niyo. Pati yung costume niyo." Mingyu's eyes lit up. "Dami rin nagkagusto ng play niyo."

"Dahil lang 'yun sa anticipation." he brushed the praise with a wave. "Di ko na rin ide-deny kung dahil rin 'yun sa history namin." Wonwoo added but cringed.

"Ay oo. Ta's ang dami n'yo rin adlib, 'no?" Mingyu pointed out, making Wonwoo wonder what he was talking about.

"Alin dun?"

"'Yung ano ngay, 'yung hawak kamay niyo ni Janna." He said, voice wavering.

"Meron naman talaga 'yun sa script." Wonwoo answered.

"Ay meron ba?" Mingyu wore a tentative smile at natatawa (na medyo nagaalangan) si Wonwoo. 

"Ayaw mo ba na hinahawakan ko kamay ni Janna?" Wonwoo needn't an answer, because Mingyu's dropped gaze said it all.

Ewan niya kung anong nagtulak kay Wonwoo para sabihin ito pero ramdam niya na parang right time na mag open up and tell or ask anything that needs to get out of his chest.

"Mingyu, gusto mo ba si Janna?"

Natauhan si Mingyu at sa huli ay sumagot din. "Di ba ikaw dapat tanungin ko ng ganiyan?"

Wonwoo stared in disbelief. "Ba't ako?"

"Bakit hindi ikaw?" Mingyu bit back.

"Ano?" Wonwoo asked, exasperated.

"Kasi ikaw gusto ko, tangina mo." Mingyu huffed aloud, then crossed his arms across his chest, shutting Wonwoo up.

Gusto siya ni Mingyu? All this time and he was so fucking blind? Kailangan niya ba magpalit ng glasses?

"Ba't- Bakit mo ako minumurahan?" He stuttered at last.

"Magaling ka nga sa mga ibang klase, Won, pero minsan bobo ka rin eh."

Di alam ni Wonwoo kung masisiyahan o maiinsulto. 

Wonwoo's throat felt dry, "Kailan pa?"

Mingyu breathed in and out. Wala pa rin kay Wonwoo ang tingin nito but his tone was soft in reminiscing, "Last year."

Naubo ang binata, "Last year?!" Tumango lang si Mingyu at parang nanghina si Wonwoo, mabuti na lang at nakaupo ito at kung hindi baka nag-buckle na yung tuhod niya sa impormasyon na narinig. "Last year.." Wonwoo repeated, more to himself than Mingyu.

"Di ko talaga sinasadiya na batuhin ka ng bola 'no. But when I saw you fully and not just caught a glimpse na kadalasan nangyayari sa hallways, I thought you were the most handsome boy I had ever seen." Mingyu confessed at diretsiyong tinignan niya si Wonwoo. Wonwoo felt his cheeks redden.

"Salita ka naman diyan, Wonwoo, baka umiyak ako." Mingyu spoke up.

Wonwoo heaved a deep breath and refocused his eyes on Mingyu. Malakas ang tibok ng puso niya, sana naman hindi naririnig ng lalake. "Same."

Mingyu side-eyed him, "Anong 'same'?"

"I haven't been honest with you, Mingyu. I don't hate you. Kung 'yun man ang naramdaman mo, I'm truly sorry." Then Wonwoo went on to talk about his true feelings.

Nang natamaan si Wonwoo ng bola, natumba siya at disoriented, he looked around for Nick, who looked at him but didn't offer help. Lumiko siya at nakita niya ang gulat na expressions ng volleyball team. Tinuro nila ang opposing team and they also pointed to Mingyu.

Lumapit kaagad ang lalaki at tinulungan si Wonwoo, who was reluctant but let the man help anyway. Tinulungan siya papunta sa clinic at binigyan ng ice para sa bukol niya sa ulo. Nagstay doon si Wonwoo for about 15 minutes at doon lang rin si Mingyu sa tabi niya. Puro lang ito nagsasabi ng sorry at nag offer pa na maglibre ng pagkain o kung anumang gamot ang kailangan.

Inalalayan niya rin si Wonwoo pabalik sa court para sa meetings ng team. Hindi dapat nandoon si Mingyu sa room nila, kaya sa labas lang siya naghihintay para kung kailangan ni Wonwoo ng tulong.

Mingyu also probably witnessed how Wonwoo insisted to wait for Nick when his friends were calling him to go home with them.

Ayaw ni Wonwoo na nandoon si Mingyu, waiting with him but eventually warmed up to him. That same afternoon turned evening, in-explain ni Wonwoo kung sino hinihintay niya. Mingyu was attentive in listening and explained his thoughts about the man.

Kahit na anong oras na bago sila umuwi, sa mga sumunod na araw, nagstick around si Mingyu kay Wonwoo and offered to hang out at kung magkita sa hallway, palaging nagbibigay si Mingyu ng greeting at maliwanag na ngiti. In those days, nalaman ni Wonwoo na gusto din naman niya na nadoon si Mingyu.

At first, litong lito si Wonwoo. Anyone can be nice to him as well as mean. But somehow, Mingyu just radiated genuine kindness, despite how their initial meeting went. Nick was probably everyone's type but Mingyu was something else that can't be described, even when you were given the chance to write about him in a ten-paged document. Nick was the bare minimum and Mingyu was that and much more.

Nang tumagal, it felt improper for Wonwoo to compare Mingyu and Nick. Because right off the bat, mas lamang na talaga si Mingyu. It wasn't even a month since he met the guy and hasn't been long since nalaman ni Wonwoo ang kagaguhan ni Nick pero it was relatively easy for Wonwoo to know that now, it was Mingyu, Mingyu, Mingyu.

Was it bad na katatapos lang ng admiration niya kay Nick ay nakahanap siya kaagad ng hahawak sa puso niya? Probably. Kaya tinago at sinubukan ni Wonwoo kalimutan ang feelings niya para sa ka-batch niya. He was confused and vulnerable. This was probably just some sort of coping mechanism ng utak niya para makalimutan si Nick.

Kaya for a long while, Wonwoo distanced himself from the person. And eventually ginawa niya siyang kaaway sa ulo niya.

Nang matapos rin ang explanation ni Wonwoo, tumahimik ulit ang kwarto.

"I'm not asking you to forgive me kung nasaktan ka sa kagagawan ko pero pwede magsalita ka rin diyan?" Wonwoo winced, desperately wanting Mingyu to not see him in a bad light. But kung iyon ang tingin niya, he'll just have to accept it.

"Parang parellelism lang."

"What?" Wonwoo let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, dumbfounded.

"Your story, yung script, halos parehas lang."

Pinagisipan ito ni Wonwoo and then looked at Mingyu, realizing he was right.

"Ganon ka ba nasaktan? To the point na nagmanifest pa 'yung pain sa isang play?" Mingyu looked at him sympathetically.

Feeling ni Wonwoo maiiyak na siya.

"And if it was because of that?" he asked, anxious.

"Una pa lang, Won, I know that your heart wasn't mine. It's reasonable, if you still subconsciously think about it. At sa iba mo pang sinabi, I don't think I care, Won, kung 'yun 'yung nangyare. You were hurt by that bastard and you wanted to take care of your heart first. Naiintindihan ko 'yon. Kung 'di ka pa ready, maghihintay ako."

"Sure ka?" he challenged, blushing

"Aba, oo, ako pa. I liked you for over a year now, probably, I'm willing to wait if you aren't ready." Mingyu said, truthfully, "Trust me, Won. If you let me, I swear I'll love you for who you are and will forever hold your heart with great caution."

Nag-vibrate ang phone ni Wonwoo at napansin niya na papagabi na.

Inopen ni Wonwoo ang messages at rineply-an ang nanay as Mingyu continued to look at him, patiently waiting.

Nang binaba niya ang kaniyang phone, he observed Mingyu. Lovable Mingyu, always waiting, always there.

"Sabi ko sa mama ko magpapagabi ako dito." Mingyu's eyes looked at him with adoration and Wonwoo feels like he has never felt loved by someone like this before. Iba nga talaga si Mingyu.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Sabi nito at tumayo si Wonwoo para lumapit kay Mingyu.

"Ayos lang naman, kahit ilang taon pa 'yan." Wonwoo smiled and took one last stride to Mingyu. He cupped his face and admire Mingyu.

"'Di mo ba ako hahalikan?"

"Pwede ba?"

"Please, go na!" Mingyu urged. He smiled and it's the last thing he saw before Wonwoo kissed him on the lips. 

'Wag na pahintayin pa si Mingyu, nasa kaniya na nga talaga ang puso ni Wonwoo.

~end.