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Jungwon sighed for the nth time now, slumping back on his chair with a heavy thud. Ni-ki looked up from his laptop, his bangs covering his eyes. He brushed his hair back, allowing him to see how furrowed Jungwon's eyebrows were.
They were at a cafe. Ni-ki wanted to go to Starbucks, pero ayaw ni Jungwon doon. Maingay kasi, at mamahalin pa ang mga inumin. So, they settled for a small cafe just a few walks from the gates of their university.
"Ang RRL, Ni-ki." Jungwon massaged his temples. He had been revising their paper for a while now. Ang usapan, dapat lima silang gagawa. Kaso, may emergency daw ang ilan, o hindi naman kaya ay may mga lakad. "Patapos na ba?"
"Ginagawa ko na boss. I got you," Ni-ki answered. He sipped on his drink before he began typing again. True to his words, he was almost done, ilang paraphrase nalang.
"Dalawa dapat kayong gumagawa niyan 'di ba?" Tanong ni Jungwon, tearing his eyes away from his laptop for a brief moment to look at Ni-ki. "Tinutulungan ka ba noong kapares mo? Baka mamaya ikaw lang ang gumagawa ng lahat."
"Bakit? Worried ka sakin?" Ni-ki teased. Jungwon didn't react, used to his classmate's antics. "Hala, hindi na ako sinagot. Ang sungit talaga nito."
Jungwon grabbed his drink, not bothering to answer Ni-ki's question nor react to his remark. He took a sip. It was just plain water. Ayaw niya ng coffee dahil baka magpalpitate lang siya, at ayaw din naman niya ng refreshers o kung ano-ano pa.
"Just hurry up. Aalis na ako ng 4pm," Jungwon said. He felt a headache forming. Halos tatlong oras narin silang gumagawa ng research paper.
"Sige bossing, konti nalang 'to."
"Stop calling me that." Jungwon scrunched his nose. Ni-ki found it cute. "Hindi mo naman ako bossing."
"Bossing kaya kita. Kaya malakas ka sakin eh!" Ni-ki answered, shooting his classmate a playful wink. Umirap lang si Jungwon at napailing. "Sige na, joke lang eh. Nagagalit na si Kuya."
"Bahala ka nga diyan." Jungwon stretched his limbs. "CR lang ako. Babalik ako mamaya."
Ni-ki gave him a thumbs up before resuming working on his paper. Nag-chat narin siya sa kapares niya na i-double check nalang 'yung part nila mamaya. Ni-ki made sure to make a few typos just in case — para masiguro din niya kung titingnan ba talaga ng kapares niya 'yung paper.
Ni-ki looked at his watch — 3:45 PM. He closed his tabs and turned his laptop off. Niligpit narin niya 'yung mga papel at nilagay iyon sa filecase ni Jungwon. Ni-ki saved Jungwon's document before turning his laptop off, at pagkatapos ay inilagay narin ito sa bag.
3:50 PM — Bumalik na si Jungwon mula sa CR. He was wiping his hands with his handkerchief nang mapansing malinis na 'yung table nila.
"Oh? Niligpit mo na 'yung gamit natin?"
Ni-ki nodded, putting his phone in his pocket. "Oo, malapit narin mag 4 pm eh."
Jungwon looked at the analog clock on the cafe's wall. "We still have 10 minutes though? Sayang oras."
Ni-ki shrugged. "Rest muna tayo, bossing? Hindi ba masakit na ang ulo mo?"
Jungwon sat down on his chair and placed his elbows on the table. Ni-ki was leaning back on his chair, waiting for his classmate's answer.
"Ayos lang naman."
As expected, Ni-ki thought. Jungwon never liked admitting that he's tired. Hindi rin alam ni Ni-ki kung bakit. The latter knew that his classmate was way past his limit already based on how often he frowned or clicked his tongue.
"Kumain ka ba ng lunch kanina?" Tanong ni Ni-ki.
"Oo naman," Jungwon answered, his eyes roaming around the room. Ni-ki chuckled.
"Hindi kaya. Hindi kita nakita sa canteen kanina."
"Malay mo may baon ako?" Diin pa ni Jungwon.
"Parang wala naman. Kasabay kita kaninang umaga sa gate, wala ka namang dalang lunch box. Tinawag pa nga kita eh, kaso hindi ka naman lumingon sakin." Ni-ki raised his brows. "Tapos ako pa nag-ayos ng gamit mo ngayon, wala ka namang baunan sa bag. Iyong tubigan mo lang ang nakita ko."
"Bakit nangingialam ka ng gamit?"
"Huy! Hindi ah!" Ni-ki raised his arms, an act of surrender. "Napansin ko lang kasi. Tsaka, kaunti lang kaya 'yung pocket ng bag mo. Alangan naman na sa unahan na pocket nakalagay, eh kahit kutsara at tinidor nga hindi naman kasya. Puno din ng papel at notebooks iyong ilang pocket. Kaya ang bigat-bigat ng bag mo eh."
Jungwon pursed his lips. Ang kulit talaga, he thought. Talagang hindi siya titigilan hangga't hindi siya aamin.
"Okay fine, hindi ako kumain ng lunch. Natulog lang ako kanina," sagot ni Jungwon at pinagkrus ang mga kamay sa may dibdib niya.
"Tsk." Ni-ki clicked his tongue and shook his head. "Sabi na. Buti nalang umorder ako nito."
Ni-ki stood up and grabbed something from the counter. It was a small muffin, with chocolate chips and a small drizzle of chocolate syrup. Jungwon wasn't too fond of sweets, but he wouldn't lie, the muffin looked appetizing.
"Kain na." Ni-ki gently pushed the plate towards Jungwon's direction. "Pagkatapos, pwede mong inumin itong gamot."
Jungwon furrowed his brows. May dinukot si Ni-ki sa bag niya — painkillers. "Sabi ni mama okay lang naman daw kahit walang laman ang tiyan kapag kinain, pero hindi ka kasi kumain ng lunch. Baka sumakit tiyan mo. Take it after you eat the muffin."
Jungwon looked at the younger one. Sa tutuosin ay kung titingnan silang dalawa ng mga tao, mas napagkakamalan pa na si Ni-ki ang nakakatanda sa dalawa. He looks more mature, and acts more mature.
"Kain na, boss—"
"Huwag nga bossing."
"Joke! Kain na, kuya . Aalis na tayo ng 4 pm diba?" Ni-ki gently bumped Jungwon's feet from underneath. "Pero, take your time. Baka mabulunan ka. Hindi ako maalam mag first aid."
Jungwon laughed. The muffin was surprisingly good. It was light and fluffy, and the chocolate chips seemed to melt in Jungwon's mouth. Ni-ki refilled Jungwon's water after he finished eating and gave him the painkillers.
"Thank you," Jungwon said, wiping the corner of his lips with the tissue paper.
"Oks na?"
"Kata-take ko lang nung gamot. Hindi naman agad effective 'yon."
Ni-ki chuckled, placing the muffin plate back on the tray. Then they wiped the tables, threw the tissues in the trash, and returned the trays.
It was exactly 4 pm when the two got out of the cafe. They made sure to bid the workers goodbye, before walking down the sidewalks of Manila.
"Akin na."
Jungwon stopped walking when he felt Ni-ki tug on his arm. "Bakit ka tumigil?"
"Bag mo, akin na." Jungwon narrowed his eyes at Ni-ki, who just grinned in return. "Parang konti nalang matutumba ka na dyan eh. Akin na, ako na magdadala ng bag mo."
"Ayoko nga," Jungwon held the straps of his bag tighter. "Kaya ko naman."
"Ay, ito naman. Huwag ka nang pabebe!" Ni-ki laughed. He shrugged his bag off, which was not that heavy compared to Jungwon's. Laptop at dalawang notebook lang naman ang laman. "Here. Carry my bag and I'll carry yours."
"Ang kulit, Ni-ki."
"Dali na boss — ay kuya pala. Sige ka, kapag lalo tayong nagtagal dito baka mamaya sumabit nalang ako sa jeep pag-uwi."
Lagi ka namang sabit sa jeep, was what Jungwon wanted to say. Instead, he finally took his backpack off and gave it to Ni-ki who carried it on his back with ease. Kinuha naman ni Jungwon ang bag ni Ni-ki at sinakbit ito sa unahan niya. Magaan nga lang ang bag ng kaklase.
"Mag-iwan ka na kasi sa school ng libro." Ni-ki tightened the straps off Jungwon's bag. "Ang bigat nga ng bag mo, kasing bigat nung pang-training kong bag."
"Yung duffel?" Ni-ki nodded. "Hindi ko pa rin gets kung bakit mo sinasakbit 'yung straps kaysa sa bitbitin gamit ang mga kamay mo."
"It just distributes the weight evenly. Masakit kapag one-sided lang." Jungwon narrowed his eyes at his classmate's remark. "Masakit sa katawan kapag isang side lang ng katawan ko ang nagdadala! Hindi ako humuhugot ah!"
Naglakad ang dalawa hanggang sa sakayan ng jeep. Kaagad na hinila ni Ni-ki ang kaklase nang may tumigil na jeep sa harapan nila.
"Sakay dali!" Ani Ni-ki at pinasalta si Jungwon sa upuan katabi ng driver. Marami rin kasing pasahero na naghihintay. Tumabi si Ni-ki sa kaklase at kinalong ang bag ni Jungwon. Mabilis siyang dumukot ng bayad sa bulsa at inabot ito sa driver.
"Huwag na. Ako na," sambit ni Ni-ki nang sinamaan siya ng tingin ni Jungwon. "Libre ko na pamasahe mo, kuya. Malakas ka sakin eh."
5:37 PM — nakauwi na si Jungwon sa bahay nila. Medyo traffic kaya naman natagalan siya. It definitely bothered him that he didn't arrive at 5:20, but a small voice in his head told him that it isn't that much of a difference anyway.
He was about to take a quick shower when he remembered what Ni-ki told him earlier. Unang bumaba ng jeep si Ni-ki dahil mas naunang daanan ng jeep ang bahay nila.
Message ka sakin kapag nakauwi ka na .
For world peace.
Jungwon fished his phone from his backpack and sent Ni-ki a quick text. Nakauwi na ako . He then placed his phone in the drawer of his study table before grabbing his bath towel and going into the bathroom to shower.
6:30 PM — Jungwon was called downstairs to eat. He didn't bother checking his phone yet, knowing na wala namang masyadong announcement sa gc nila ng mga ganoong oras. He usually checks his phone at around 8 pm or so, pagkatapos niya mag-aral just in case na may mga quiz na biglang i-announce.
Their family's topics over dinner were boring (it was repetitive). Sports, current events, 'yong anak ng katrabaho ng mama ni Jungwon na hanggang ngayon ay 'nagbubulakbol' pa rin.
"Kaya ikaw Jungwon, mag-aaral ka ng mabuti ha?" His mother's tone was soft, caring, and worried. "Baka mamaya kasi kung ano-ano ang sabihin ng tao sayo. Ayaw ko ng pinagsasabihan ka ng mga masama anak kasi ang bait-bait mong bata."
Jungwon nodded, not uttering a single word until he finished dinner. He knew his mother meant well, but sometimes he wishes she knew the gravity of her words.
"Tapos na po ako." Jungwon picked his plate up and placed it in the sink, washing his hands as he did so.
"Sasama ka ba sa birthday party ng pinsan mo, bunso?" Tanong ng papa niya. Jungwon wiped his hands on the kitchen towel before responding with a 'no.'
"May long quiz po kami sa Physics next week. Kailangan ko pa pong mag-aral."
"Ang sipag talaga," Jungwon's older sister commented. "Anak din naman ako nina mama pero hindi ko alam kung bakit sayo napunta 'yung lahat ng kasipagan."
"Sure ka ba na hindi ka talaga sasama, anak?" Jungwon's mother asked. "It's been a while since you last saw your aunts and uncles. Sasabihan na naman ako na hindi ko pinapakita sa kanila ang abunjing-bunjing nila."
Jungwon laughed. It's been a while since he last heard that term.
"Sure po ako. I'll meet them nalang next time. Pakita niyo nalang po 'yung picture ko." Jungwon made sure to give them his dimpled smile. Hindi naman siya abuso sa ka-cutean niya, pero sometimes he takes advantage of it. Effective naman.
"Siya sige." His father nodded. "Send them a message sometimes. Sino ba naman ang hindi makakamiss sa abunjing-bunjing na 'yan 'di ba?"
He went to his room after washing his hands one more time. He quickly brushed his teeth and sat down on his cream-colored leather chair and grabbed a heavy textbook from his bag. He flipped through the pages, his fingers brushing past the sticky notes pasted on the pages, and the different hues of his Muji highlighters that marked important points of the book's lengthy paragraphs.
He looked at the digital clock propped up on his table. It read — 7:10 PM . Jungwon reached for his phone, mindlessly clearing all of his notifications and turned on his do not disturb. He set an alarm for 7:35 PM, and began studying.
7:10 PM — Ni-ki scoffed upon seeing his pair's reply. He placed his phone on his bed, his arms crossed against his chest. He was already wearing his plaid pajamas pants and a plain white t-shirt. On his head was a rabbit headband he borrowed from one of his sisters.
The message read: okay naman na lahat. Wala na naman akong babaguhin, goods na!
"Hay, Lord. Ano po bang pagsubok ito?" Ni-ki browsed the contents of the google document he sent to his pair, the last edit was made by him almost 3 and a half hours ago.
Reaching for his phone again, he typed a quick message.
Nishimura Riki: Weh, 'di nga?
Ni-ki fought the urge to send a meme, and instead composed another reply.
Nishimura Riki: Joke hahaha. Can you please check again? May nagbago kasi kanina and I just want to make sure na all of the data and whatnot are good to go. Baka kasi nganga mamaya sa checking haha. Thanks. :)
Habang naghihintay sa reply ay nakaabang siya sa google docs. He wanted to see if his pair will show up in the tab or not. Ni-ki scrolled down to check if all of the typos were corrected already — syempre hindi pa .
May kumatok sa pintuan ng kwarto niya kaya naman napatingin siya sa gawi nito. The door opened, and his sister poked her head through the gap.
"Kung kakain ka daw?"
"Anong ulam?"
"Inihaw na liempo."
Ni-ki almost bolted out the door then and there. "Bababa na ako. Huwag kayong maduga sa ulam ha!"
He placed his laptop on his bedside table as well as his phone. Dali-dali siyang pumunta sa kusina, almost tripping in the process.
7:35 PM — Jungwon walked around his room and stretched. His head was starting to hurt again and he contemplated on whether to take another pain killer or not. He decided for the latter. Kaya pa naman.
After stretching his legs, he sat back down on his chair. Binuksan niya ang drawer kung nasaan ang cellphone niya. His phone lockscreen displayed a picture of him at the Tagaytay ridge, his back facing the view of the Taal lake.
He clicked his tongue. He cleared all of his notifications already so he didn't know if there's any important notifications from earlier.
Mamaya na , Jungwon told himself. Mamaya mo na tingnan kung nagreply ba si Ni-ki o hindi.
But he wanted to check. For whatever reason, he wanted to check. Mabilis lang, he told himself as he grabbed his phone and looked at Ni-ki's message. Err, messages.
Kulit: yay buti naman :D
Kulit: world peace acquired hahaha jongkz
Kulit: ano oras mo need yung paper?
Kulit: kasi hinihintay ko pa reply ni [redacted]
Kulit: hindi pa nagrereply :C
Kulit: helloooooo
Kulit: pspspspsp
"Cute," Jungwon muttered, placing his phone back in the drawer. "Hay nako! Ang kulit-kulit talaga. Mamaya ka na nga."
8:00 PM — Ni-ki was busy washing the dishes. It was always like that. Ang mama niya ang maghuhugas ng plato sa umaga, mga kapatid niya sa tanghali, at siya naman sa gabi. Nakasanayan narin nila na ganoon. At least ay walang mag-aaway kung sino na ba ang nakatoka.
Nang matapos ay pinunasan niya ang kamay gamit ang kitchen towel at umakyat na sa kwarto niya. He checked on his laptop, the google docs tab still remained unedited.
Sighing, he decided to extend the time. Baka busy, Ni-ki thought. Though he still sent another message.
Nishimura Riki: Hi. Hintayin ko response mo until 9 pm. Ise-send ko pa kasi kay Jungwon mamaya. Thanks.
Speaking of Jungwon, parang wala pa siyang natatanggap na notification mula sa kaklase. Nang mag-message si Jungwon na nakauwi na siya ay kaagad namang nagreply si Ni-ki, kaso ay hindi na sumagot pabalik ang kaklase.
"Seener!" Sambit ni Ni-ki at humiga sa kama, a visible pout forming on his face. He kicked his legs in annoyance as he punched the air. "Sungit talaga! Sungit! Sungit!"
The next day, Thursday — Halos mahuli na sa pagpasok si Ni-ki. Nanood kasi siya ng bagong labas na movie kasama ang mga pinsan niya, tapos tinulungan pa niya sa math 'yung kapatid niya. Nag-edit din siya ng research paper nila, kaya gabi na nakatulog ang binata. Ang resulta, sabit tuloy siya sa jeep.
"Oh? Bossing!"
Nawala ang antok sa mukha nang binata nang mapansin ang kaklase na kapapasok lang din ng gate. Binati niya ang guard at naglakad sa sidewalk, hindi na naman narinig ang tawag ni Ni-ki.
"Kuya Jungwon!" Jungwon stopped walking when he heard Ni-ki call for him. Ni-ki slung his arms around his classmate's shoulders, their bodies close enough that Jungwon could smell the Johnson's body wash that his classmate probably used. "Good morning!"
"Morning, Ni-ki." Jungwon tried to hide his yawn by covering his mouth and looking away. Ni-ki noticed it and just smiled.
"Lunch tayo mamaya? Sabay tayo."
"Ha?"
"Lunch. Baka hindi ka na naman kumain eh."
Jungwon scrunched his nose. It was hard waking beside Ni-ki, tapos nakaakbay pa 'yung binata. Ni-ki's steps were wider. Isang hakbang niya, dalawa na kay Jungwon.
"Kakain ako, don't worry. May baon na ako ngayon." Jungwon held his bag tighter. Nahuhulog kasi ang straps dahil sa pagkaka-akbay ni Ni-ki.
Same day, Lunch break — Kids loitered the hallways, nagpapa-unahan na makapunta sa canteen. The moment the teacher dismissed the class, kaagad na tumakbo si Ni-ki palabas ng classroom. Coins jiggled in his pocket as he ran, the noise of his shoes echoing on the hallway.
"Isang kanin at rice nga po," Ni-ki said, thankful that there was no line at his favorite place. The server laughed, and only then did Ni-ki realize what he said. "Ay! Ano po, kanin at chicken po pala."
Nang mabayadan na niya ang pagkain niya (and not forgetting to drizzle a generous amount of gravy on his chicken) ay bumili narin siya ng gulaman. Satisfied with his meal, he walked back to their classroom, greeting acquaintances he passed by.
Jungwon was busy getting his lunch from his bag when he heard a chair being pulled towards his direction. He cringed at the noise and looked up at Ni-ki who had a boyish grin on his face. Jungwon looked at the plate Ni-ki was holding and his eyes widened.
"Huy, bakit mo dala dito 'yan? Eh plato ng canteen 'yan!" Saway ni Jungwon sa kasama. Hindi kasi pwede dalhin sa labas ang plato ng canteen. May ilang instances na kasi na hindi naibabalik 'yung pinagkainan.
"Ibabalik ko naman. Chill ka lang, Kuya." Ni-ki scooted closer to Jungwon, the tables of their armchairs touching. Ni-ki was facing Jungwon, who was visibly annoyed.
"Oh, kunot na kunot na naman ang noo mo." Nilagay ni Ni-ki ang hintuturo niya sa pagitan ng kilay ni Jungwon. "Ease up. Takot ka ba na baka mapagalitan ako?"
Jungwon frowned and didn't answer. Sa halip ay binuksan na lamang ang takip ng kaniyang Doraemon na lunch box. Ni-ki found it cute how Jungwon had the same design on his utensil case.
"Mahilig ka sa Doraemon?"
"Hmm?" Jungwon looked at his lunch box. "Ah, sakto lang."
Ni-ki nodded. He removed his finger from Jungwon's forehead and began eating. Kumakain narin kasi si Jungwon.
"Hindi ba kasabay mo 'yung mga katropa mo sa basketball mag lunch?" Jungwon asked, covering his mouth as he was chewing.
"Oo," Ni-ki answered. "Pero wala ka kasing kasama. Ayaw mo noon? Mas gaganahan kang kumain kasi ako kasalo mo. Naks."
"Parang nawalan na ako ng gana."
"Uy!" Ni-ki laughed, his nose scrunching as he did so. "Hala 'to!"
Cute pala nito tumawa, Jungwon thought. He looked down on his meal and continued eating.
A few days later, Saturday — Jungwon was seated on the chairs at the cafe, working on the powerpoint presentation for their research. Ni-ki was supposed to meet him by 1 pm, kaso malapit nang mag 4 pm ay wala parin siya. Konting oras na lang ay uuwi na si Jungwon.
"Oh? Where's your partner?" Jungwon looked away from his laptop when he heard someone talk to him. The man looked curious.
"Po?"
"Ah. Sorry, I might have mistook you for someone!"
Jungwon furrowed his brow. Sino ba 'to? The man was wearing an all white outfit paired with a denim jacket. May bitbit siyang tote bag, and his hair was blond.
"Huy Jake, layas na dali," tawag ng lalaki na nasa counter. "Huwag ka nang manggulo diyan."
"Hindi kaya ako nanggugulo," Sambit pa ni Jake . He gave Jungwon a smile before walking towards Jay. "Sige na dude, I'll get going. Balitaan mo ako if anything happens!"
"Balitaan din kita if a certain someone comes."
Jake laughed, giving Jay a thumbs up before leaving the cafe. Jungwon raised his brows, contemplating on what just happened.
Then, Jungwon felt his phone vibrate. Kinuha niya ang cellphone mula sa bulsa at tiningnan ito. Ni-ki was calling him. Confused because Ni-ki usually just texts, Jungwon hesitated to answer the call.
His hands hovered over the answer button for a few moments before finally answering it.
"Hello?"
"Kuya!" Ni-ki's voice sounded different. Jungwon wasn't sure what to feel. "Kuya huhu, sorry. Hindi pa rin kasi tapos 'yung practice. Ayaw pa kaming pakawalan ni coach. Huhu, hindi ako makaalis dito."
Jungwon should be annoyed. After all, ilang oras din siyang naghintay — but he wasn't. Instead, Jungwon chuckled, causing Ni-ki to stop ranting.
"Hindi ka galit?"
"It's fine. I did some work anyway. Hindi rin sayang."
"Eh, naghintay ka diyan ng matagal." Ni-ki was whining. Minsan lang siyang umakto ng ganoon, kaya hinayaan na ni Jungwon. "Babawi ako sayo! Bibisita ako sa inyo mamaya ha?"
Jungwon's eyes widened. "H-ha?"
"Bibisita ako mamaya, para matulungan kita sa project. Hindi ko pa alam kung anong oras pero — ay si coach, tinatawag na kami! Bye, bossing! See you later!"
The call ended, and Jungwon's mouth went agape. Ni hindi na niya pinuna na bossing ang tawag sa kaniya ng kaklase.
The same day, 7:15 pm — Hindi naman sa ayaw ni Jungwon na bibisita si Ni-ki. In fact, maraming beses na ngang nakapunta sa bahay ang kaklase dahil sa mga projects din sa school. Sa bahay nina Jungwon sila nag-practice para sa sayaw sa PE, naggawa ng costume para sa play ng Romeo and Juliet, nag-group study para sa exam nila sa math.
Jungwon tapped his pen on his desk anxiously. Hindi sinabi ni Ni-ki kung anong oras siya makakauwi kaya hindi alam ni Jungwon kung ano ang gagawin. Baka mamaya ay hindi naman talaga dumating ang binata at umasa lang siya sa wala.
"Nag-aaral na ako dapat eh," Jungwon sighed, looking at his unopened physics book and clean sheets of paper. The rest of his family were not home dahil nga noong birthday ng pinsan niya. Kakaalis lang din nila kanina.
He glanced at his clock, 7:22 PM. Jungwon sighed and licked his lips, finally flipping through the pages of his book.
Not even 5 minutes in, he heard something hitting his window. He tried to ignore it dahil paniguradong magugulo ang oras niya sa Pomodoro. Kaso ay hindi ito tumigil.
He frowned, standing up to see what the commotion was. Hinawi niya ang kurtina at nakita niya si Ni-ki sa may baba ng bahay nila. He was holding a pile of pebbles, thankfully not big enough to break windows.
Ni-ki was still wearing his training outfit — basketball shorts, their university crewneck, and his Nike shoes that always squeaked whenever he's playing on the court. More importantly, Ni-ki wore his duffel bag as a backpack again, something that Jungwon found odd.
Cute, but odd.
"Kuya Jungwon!" Ni-ki waved. "Nandito na ako!"
"Kita ko nga," sambit ni Jungwon nang dumungaw siya sa binata.
"Jungwon, Jungwon, let down your hair!"
Tumawa si Jungwon. Engot, he thought. "Teka, pasok ka—
"Wait pala, huwag kang aalis!" Ni-ki said. Jungwon stopped in his tracks and watched as Ni-ki climbed one of the big trees at the side of Jungwon's house. Malapit lang ito sa bubong at sa may bintana ng kwarto ni Jungwon.
"Ni-ki! Baka mahulog ka huy!" Saway ni Jungwon.
Halos tumalon na ang puso niya nang umapak si Ni-ki sa may bubong ng 1st floor ng bahay nila at naglakad papunta sa may bintana ng kwarto ni Jungwon. Kaagad na binuksan ni Jungwon ang bintana nang mas malawak para makapasok ang kaklase.
"Parkour!" Ani Ni-ki nang makapasok na sa kwarto ni Jungwon. Kaagad naman siyang nahampas ng katabi. "Aray! Bakit?!"
"Pinahirapan mo pa ang sarili mo, pwede ka namang dumaan sa pintuan," sabi ni Jungwon. "Ano ka, akyat bahay?"
"Hindi akyat bahay." Ni-ki placed his training bag at the foot of Jungwon's bed. He dusted off his pants and his hands. Jungwon waited for his answer. Ni-ki grinned, shrugging his shoulders as he took off his training shoes. "Akyat ligaw."
Then there was silence. Ni-ki was biting his lip, trying to stifle his giggles because of Jungwon's reactions. Jungwon was too stunned to speak, looking at his classmate with wide-eyes.
"Kung sapakin kita ngayon?" He said, finally, causing Ni-ki to erupt in laughter. The latter clutched his stomach as he placed a hand on the shorter one's shoulder.
"Hay, ang cute-cute mo talaga, kuya. Kaya gustong-gusto kong inaasar ka eh."
Jungwon's room was dim and the only source of light available was the lamps on his study desk and the bedside table. Still, Ni-ki didn't fail to notice the hint of rose painted on his classmate's cheeks. He fought the urge to pinch it.
"Ewan ko sayo. Mag-aaral pa ako."
"Lagi ka namang nag-aaral eh. Wala ka nang time para sa akin."
Jungwon let the teasing fly over his head. "Kulit."
Magkatabi ang dalawa habang nag-aaral. Malaki naman ang study table ni Jungwon kaya nagkasya silang dalawa. Jungwon was on the right, while Ni-ki was occupying the left side.
" Find the magnitude of the vertical and horizontal components of the force exerted on the pivot as well as the tension in the string ."
Something that Jungwon found out about Ni-ki was how often he mumbled the questions while answering something. It wasn't distracting, just something that Jungwon wasn't used to.
"Paano mo sinagutan ang question 4?"
Tumingin si Jungwon nang marinig ang tanong ni Ni-ki. The boy was leaning his head against the table, completely bummed out about studying.
"Tingin." Ni-ki sat properly and showed his paper to Jungwon. The first thing the latter noticed was the doodles on the side of his classmate's paper, one of them was a poorly drawn Doraemon.
"Kunin mo muna 'yung magnitude," Jungwon said. "Magnitude ng horizontal, tapos vertical. Tanda mo pa?"
"Cos sa horizontal at Sin sa vertical 'di ba?" Ni-ki tapped his pen on the desk, Jungwon nodded. "Oh naks, alam ko pa. Iba talaga kapag inspired."
Jungwon scoffed. "Umayos ka nga."
"Grabe. Hindi ka ba talaga kinikilig?" Nagtatakang tanong ni Ni-ki. "Kahit konting butterflies sa tiyan, wala?"
"Bakit naman ako kikiligin?" Tanong ni Jungwon at ibinalik ang atensyon niya sa libro niya. "Mag-aral ka na nga."
30 minutes had passed. Tumunog ang alarm ni Jungwon at kaagad naman niyang pinatay ito. Ni-ki was hunched over the table, his hands covering his face. Jungwon could hear the soft snores of his classmate. Nakatulog pa nga.
"Huy, Ni-ki." Mahinang tinapik ni Jungwon ang balikat ng kaibigan. "Nishimura."
"5 minutes pa, ma," sagot ni Ni-ki at tinakpan ang tenga niya.
"Hindi ako ang mama mo. Tumayo ka na diyan, kakain na tayo."
Hindi pinansin ni Ni-ki si Jungwon at nagtaklob lang ng sarili. Jungwon sighed, looking at his digital alarm clock that displayed 8:00 PM. Hindi pa siya kumakain ng dinner.
Sensing that Ni-ki wasn't getting up anytime soon, he headed to the kitchen to cook a quick dinner. Jungwon was no chef, kaya kumuha na lang siya ng dalawang instant yakisoba sa pantry at niluto iyon. When he was done, he grabbed the two bowls of noodles and went back to his room.
He wouldn't normally eat in his room, pero si Ni-ki kasi.
"Nishimura." Jungwon placed the bowls of noodles on the table. Tinabi niya muna iyong mga gamit nilang dalawa para hindi madumihan.
Jungwon took notice of the pad paper that Ni-ki was writing on. Sa halip na equations ay kung ano-anong mga doodle ang nakalagay dito. He smiled, grabbing his blue ballpoint pen and replying to some of them.
After he was satisfied, he placed the pen back in his case and nudged Ni-ki once again. Ni-ki just turned, facing Jungwon, eyes still closed.
"Kulit talaga." Jungwon sat down on his chair, his bowl of yakisoba in front of him. "Bahala ka. Kung hindi ka kakain edi akin nalang 'yung isa."
Wala paring kibo. Ni-ki was sleeping so peacefully. His lashes were touching the apex of his cheeks, of which were pressed against his arms that he used as a pillow.
Without thinking, Jungwon reached over and caressed Ni-ki's hair, tucking it behind his ear. Precious, Jungwon thought. Minsan lang maging ganito si Ni-ki, madalas kasi ay nang-aasar at nangungulit ang binata.
"Kapag ako natunaw."
"Ay pucha!" Jungwon quickly retrieved his hand, almost jumping at Ni-ki's sudden remark. Napahawak si Jungwon sa dibdib niya, ramdam na ramdam ang bawat kabog ng puso niya.
Ni-ki laughed, hitting the table as he did so. Muntik pa siyang mahulog sa upuan ni Jungwon dahil sa likot niya habang tumatawa.
"Ayie, tinititigan ako."
"Asa ka," ani Jungwon. "Kumain ka na. Pinagluto kita ng yakisoba."
"Ayie, pinagluto ako!"
Kulit. Jungwon ignored Ni-ki and began eating. Ni-ki just giggled, grabbing his own and setting it in front of him.
"Anong oras ka pala uuwi?" Tanong ni Jungwon. He was almost finished with his meal.
"Bakit? Gusto mo na akong palayasin?" Ni-ki exaggerated a pout.
"Hindi." Tinaas ni Ni-ki ang kilay niya nang marinig ang sagot ni Jungwon, a playful smirk on his lips. "I mean, hindi naman sa pinapalayas kita. Curious lang ako. Gabi narin kasi. Hindi ka ba hinahanap sa inyo?"
"Nagpaalam naman ako. Tsaka, madalas rin naman kasi akong maki-sleepover sa mga kaibigan ko. Hindi naman sila masyadong nag-aalala."
"Really?"
"Oo!" Ni-ki beamed. "One time, sobrang pagod ko sa practice kaya tinamad na akong umuwi. I slept at my teammate's dorm. Tapos umuwi ako ng umaga."
"Hindi ka napagalitan?"
"Hindi! Nagtext 'yung teammate ko kina mama gamit 'yung phone ko. Sinend din niya 'yung contact details nila kay mama. Kaya ayun, goods."
Jungwon nodded. Sa tutuosin ay hindi niya masyasong kilala si Ni-ki. He never really had the chance to get to know him outside of school. Basta ang alam niya lang, Ni-ki liked following whatever his heart desires. Jungwon liked that.
Jungwon liked Ni-ki.
Hindi niya rin alam kung paano nangyari. It just happened. Totoo nga siguro 'yung sinasabi nila na opposites attract. Ni-ki was on a way different spectrum than him. Naisip nga ni Jungwon na kung hindi sila naging magkagroup ni Ni-ki sa research ay hindi magku-krus ang landas nila.
Magku-krus parin, the voice in his head said. It's a small world. Jungwon believed that some things are already predetermined. If Ni-ki and him didn't cross paths today, then maybe another day, or the day after that.
It's crazy how the universe works. It was as if there was a strong magnetic field pulling the two of them closer and closer to each other.
"What are you thinking about?" Ni-ki asked, gently nudging Jungwon's elbow with his.
"Wala naman." Jungwon shook his head and quickly finished his meal.
"Meron kaya," sambit pa ni Ni-ki. "I can listen."
"Wala, ano… school lang."
It was a lie, Ni-ki knew that. If anything, Jungwon was a terrible liar. Sobrang halata. Ni-ki stood up, grabbing Jungwon's hand and tugging them upwards.
"Let's go?" Ni-ki smiled. "Labas muna tayo saglit? Let's take your mind off your worries, yeah?"
"Huwag na," Jungwon said. "Gabi na. Anong oras na. We still have a lot to do. I still need to study."
"40 minutes."
"Ha?"
"Just spend 40 minutes with me. Walang distractions, walang anything. Just you and me. Goods?"
That night, 8:45 PM — The two ended up hanging out at the clubhouse not too far from Jungwon's house. Tahimik lang sila. Magkatabi habang pinapanood ang bawat pagningning ng bituin.
Jungwon should be studying, but he's out here, seated on the sidewalk with Ni-ki. Tahimik ang lugar. All they could hear were the chirps of the crickets, the occasional sounds of vehicles passing by, the barks of the dogs guarding their territories, the sound of Ni-ki's hums.
"I know that tune," Jungwon said, making Ni-ki turn to look at him. "Be my baby by the Ronettes, 'di ba?"
"Yessir," Ni-ki confirmed. "I just stumbled upon it a few days ago habang naghahanap ng mga kanta na pwedeng ilagay sa playlist ko. It's been stuck in my head for a few days now."
"Oh really?"
"Yup. Kaso ikaw araw-araw stuck sa isip ko."
Jungwon snorted and almost immediately covered his mouth. Ni-ki chuckled, sheepishly grinning at his friend.
"Sira ka." Jungwon shook his head, a smile ghosting over his lips. Hay nako po.
"Totoo kaya!" Sabi pa ni Ni-ki. He scooted closer to Jungwon, their shoulders just an inch away from each other's. "Ikaw? Hindi mo ako iniisip?"
"Iniisip ko 'yung research natin. And school. And acads. And more school."
"And Nishimura Riki."
"Desisyon ka?"
Ni-ki nodded, loosely slinging an arm around Jungwon. The latter didn't mind. "Ang hina ko naman sayo, bossing."
"Ang kulit mo kasi."
"But you like this makulit."
Jungwon didn't answer. Ni-ki giggled. "Hindi tumanggi!"
"Hindi ko rin naman sinabing oo?"
"Pero hindi ka parin tumanggi!"
The same night, 9:14 PM — They really should be heading back now, but they were enjoying each other's company that they didn't even pay attention to the passing time.
"Alam mo kung ano ang ginagawa ko para hindi ako ma-stress?" Tanong ni Ni-ki. They were talking about school — Ni-ki wanted to change the subject but somehow it all relates back to university.
"Mag-doodle sa worksheet?" Jungwon guessed, remembering how many doodles were written on Ni-ki's notebooks.
"Okay, that's one thing, pero merong isa pa." Jungwon chewed on his lip as he was listening to Ni-ki talk.
"Ano?"
"Dancing." Ni-ki grinned. "Speaking of, gusto mong sumayaw?"
"Ngayon?" Jungwon asked as he watched Ni-ki stand up. The latter nodded and pulled Jungwon up with his hands. "We don't have music. Iniwan natin cellphone natin sa bahay diba?"
"I'll sing." Ni-ki answered, and Jungwon gave him a doubtful look. "Anong titig yan? Maalam ako ha! Singer na dancer pa. Naks. Nishimura ibang klase talaga."
"Fine, 5 minutes lang," Jungwon gave in. "Kailangan na nating umuwi. Gabi na."
"Oh come onnnn." Ni-ki dragged his words out. "What is up with you and time? Ano naman kung gabi na tayong umuwi?"
"5 min—" Ni-ki placed his hands on Jungwon's cheeks and squished them together.
"Huwag mo na 'tong orasan. Let's just enjoy it. Okay?"
Gentle innocent touches grazed the soft cloth of Jungwon's hoodie. Jungwon noticed the slight shaking of Ni-ki's hands. Was he nervous?
"You know how to waltz, right?" Ni-ki asked.
"Sakto lang. Waltz at Cha Cha ang lesson noong grade 9 'di ba? I think I can manage."
Ni-ki smiled, placing Jungwon's hands on his shoulders, while he placed his hands on Jungwon's waist.
Gwapo nga pala talaga. Jungwon stared at Ni-ki's eyes. Ni-ki swayed the both of them in a gentle manner, turning in circles ever so slowly. Ni-ki cleared his throat, and began singing.
"Nang ika'y ibigin ko—"
"Ayaw ko na."
Ni-ki laughed, engulfing Jungwon in a hug before the latter could even attempt to run away. "Hindi na, hindi na." Ni-ki giggled. "Seryoso na, promise."
There was a slight pout on Jungwon's lips that Ni-ki didn't notice. Paano ba naman kasi, nakayakap pa rin ang binata sa kaniya, and Ni-ki's hug was surprisingly comforting.
The night we met I knew I needed you so
And if I had the chance I'd never let you go
Ni-ki's voice was like honey. He lowered the key of the song to fit his voice well. The song was slower too, matching the steps they made.
So won't you say you love me
I'll make you so proud of me
We'll make 'em turn their heads every place we go
Jungwon almost stepped on Ni-ki's shoes, but the latter didn't mind. Instead, he tucked Jungwon's head underneath his chin, caressing the latter's hair as he did so.
So won't you, please, be my, be my baby
Be my little baby, my one and only baby
Jungwon wondered if this was the kilig that Ni-ki often teased him about. His body felt like floating, and the fluttering and tickling sensation in his stomach didn't seem to stop. His heart felt like it was banging against his chest, chanting a name he knew so well.
Ni-ki. Ni-ki. Ni-ki.
Little did he know, Ni-ki's heart was chanting his name in return.
"Kuya Jungwon." The vibration Jungwon felt when Ni-ki spoke tickled him. "Would it be weird if I tell you that this was my way of confessing?"
Gago. Jungwon wanted to squeal. "Baka hindi ka seryoso?"
"Seryoso ako!" Ni-ki broke away from the hug, looking at Jungwon's eyes. "I like you. Why do you think I have been taking care of you these past months? Hindi ako ganoon kalakas mantrip ah!"
Jungwon laughed, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "Weh?"
"Oo nga! I like you , like you."
Kilig. What a wonderful feeling. Jungwon broke away from the hug, a small smile plastered on his face. Ni-ki subconsciously mirrored his actions before shyly looking away.
"Tanda mo pa ba 'yung pinag-aralan sa Philo noong grade 11?" Jungwon asked, kicking the pebbles on the road. Ni-ki just hummed, urging for Jungwon to continue speaking.
"I think love yata 'yung topic doon? O baka hindi lang nadiscuss, baka nabasa ko lang somewhere," Jungwon added. "Basta sa pagkakatanda ko, it had something to do with our other halves — soulmates, if you may. And many argued kung dapat daw ba pareho ang traits mo sa partner mo, or dapat daw ba iba. Nagdebate pa nga yata kami diyan. We had to choose a side."
"What did you choose?" Ni-ki asked, hugging himself. Malamig na.
"The latter." Tipid na ngumiti si Jungwon. "Though I think the both were still equally important. Pero ang argument ko yata noon, rather than reflecting or mirroring most of the aspects of the person you love, isn't it better to have them compliment your being? In that way, there's more room for growth, and it allows you to see yourself in a different view."
"Masyado kang matalino para sakin, kuya." Ni-ki chuckled. "Paano na tayo niyan?"
Jungwon playfully rolled his eyes. "Correlated din sa sinasabi nila na opposites attract. And honestly? I think it applies for me."
"Oh?" Hopeful. Ni-ki was hopeful.
Jungwon nodded. "Yeah, kasi ano…"
"Ano?" Ni-ki was nervous. Jungwon too.
"Kasi gusto kita, Ni-ki. Gusto din kita."
Kilig — it was evident on Ni-ki's face. He scratched his neck and looked away, biting his lips to stop himself from smiling. Jungwon just laughed, shifting his weight from one leg to another.
"Teka." Ni-ki giggled, placing a hand on his chest. He can feel his heart beating. Ani'y nagwawala, kinikilig. "Teka lang. Seryoso? Hindi ka nag-jojoke?"
"Mukha ba akong nagloloko, Nishimura?"
Ni-ki shook his head. He couldn't contain his happiness kaya agad niyang niyakap si Jungwon, the two almost stumbling back on the concrete.
"Baka mahulog tayo huy!" Jungwon said, holding up Ni-ki's weight. It was a nice feeling; liking someone and having the feelings be reciprocated. Kilig.
That same night, 9:45 PM — The two continued to stay by the clubhouse, just admiring the stars as the night grew older.
"Should we head back?" Ni-ki asked, leaning his head on top of Jungwon's. They were seated on the pavement once again.
Jungwon shook his head, a content smile on his lips. He exhaled a sigh of relief, his shoulders feeling light.
"Kahit 'wag na muna. We can stay here for a little bit."