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Siguro nga, may mga taong para sa teenage love at may mga tao namang para sa 20s love (if that’s a thing). Meron din namang nakikilala ang kanilang the one habang working na, but it’s either they will be too quick to settle or wait too long to even get to that point. Pero, ‘di ba, ayos na naman ‘yun? As long as there’s someone who will be by your side.. Maswerte na nga sila eh. Kasi they are or they will be certain na there’s someone for them. For Donghyuck kasi.. He’s only certain about his never ending hopeless romantic era.
Fuck that I don’t want you like a best friend ni Taylor Swift kasi hindi naman siya nakakarelate. Heck, Giselle is a nice woman pero parehas silang bading. Tangina nalang talaga. At yung I wanna get him back ni Olivia Rodrigo na halos araw-araw kantahin ni Renjun gawa ng may hung-ups parin ito sa ex niyang soaring falcon, as sad as it can be, hindi parin nakaka-relate si Donghyuck do’n.
Ang pagkaka-expose ni Donghyuck sa walanghiyang wattpad stories na ‘yan nung elementary at high school talaga ang sanhi ng pagkawala niya ng interes ngayon sa mga lalaki. Well, not exactly na ‘wala’ siyang interes dahil meron naman kaso sa sobrang out of reach naman na kalalakihan. No offense, Ms. KKD, pero type na type ata ni Donghyuck si Dwight Ramos. Like, if marami lang copy si Dwight sa mundo, siguro kasal na ngayon si Donghyuck. Kaso, wala. Wala talaga. At hindi naman siya aspiring kabit para agawin si Dwight kay Kianna (not like papansinin siya nito though).
Kaya narito ngayon si Donghyuck, nakatulala sa loob ng Zark’s Burgers habang nagre-reflect sa buhay niyang napaka bland. Kasalanan niya rin naman kasi. Napakahaba ng unrealistic (ika nga ni Gigi at Renren) list of standards niya para sa isang prospect lover.
Ano-ano ba ang standards ni Donghyuck sa isang lalaki? Narito ang iilan sa kanyang listahan (list could go on forever raw sabi niya).
- Matalino. It turns him on pag mas academically smart sakanya ang isang tao. Not necessarily ‘smarter’ pero he prefers someone who could teach him acad-related things dahil siya na lagi ang nagtuturo sa kanyang friends.
- Matangkad. Pwede ring medyo mas matangkad lang. Basta yung need niya mag tiptoe for kisses on the lips (hehe).
- Mabango. Wala naman siyang specific preferred na brand na pabango, okay na nga yung juicy cologne lang eh. Basta mabango.
- Sabihin niyo nang judger si Donghyuck, pero gusto niya siyempre ng pogi. Hindi lang yung puro mukha na pogi, ah. Dapat yung may dating din.
- May decent fashion sense. Basta mukhang disente at malinis manamit. Huwag naman sana yung OA kasi paano na si Donghyuck sa dates nila? Baka ‘di siya maka-keep up.
Siguro ayan yung top 5 pero preferred din ni Donghyuck yung may substance kausap. It’d be nice to talk about the most complex to the simplest topics. And for your reference, siyempre meron din siyang listahan ng mga pet peeve . Matic ekis agad pag na-encounter.
Ano-ano nga ba ang mga pet peeve ni Donghyuck?
- Student-athletes.
- Criminology students
Dalawa lang. Again, sabihan niyo na ng judgmental si Donghyuck pero hindi niya talaga gets ang mga na-fafall sa student-athletes. Wala naman siyang concrete reason.. Feel niya lang, ‘di ka mabibigyan ng time ng student athletes gawa ng schedule ng mga ito. Habang sa criminology, nasaksihan niya na ang ibang mga kaibigan (safe si Gigi at Renren dito ‘no!) na ma-fall sa mga crim student at isa lang ang masasabi niya: ayaw niya na subukan.
Bumuntong-hininga na lamang si Donghyuck at binura ang lahat ng kasalukuyang iniisip. Putangina naman kasi, may quiz pa siya sa Physiology. Tumunog ang kanyang cellphone, at nakita niya rito ang message ni Renjun
Renjun (malapit na mag transfer sa AdU):
bading k san k na hinahanap ka na ng plastic mong frenship eheheheh
Donghyuck:
gaga ka talaga HAHAHAHAH pasabi kay gigi eto ako nagninilay-nilay sa zark’s, gusto na maging damo.
Renjun (malapit na mag transfer sa AdU):
TANGA dalian mo mag-aral dami pogi rito sa may henry sy OMG may mga uaap playersss - gigi
Donghyuck:
shuta ka kala ko babae type mo
Renjun (malapit na mag transfer sa AdU):
sinabi lang nya na maraming pogi para sau pero madami rin maganda rito tanga pumunta ka bilisan mo nanginginig na tong isa
Donghyuck:
katamad ayaw ko naman sa mga student athlete
alam mo naman ako
Renjun (malapit na mag transfer sa AdU):
okay edi wag ka pumunta para sa players punta ka na lang para samin huhuh pls hyuck di ko na kaya gusto ko pumikit bawal ako maakit sa iba
Donghyuck rolled his eyes. Wala na rin naman siyang choice dahil malapit na ang kanyang next class. Might as well get there early, right? He stood up and arranged his things, most importantly, his iPad na naglalaman ng laahaaaaat ng bagay na kailangan nya to survive in college.
He’s taking his time arranging his things when someone bumped into his shoulder. Hindi naman siya galit pero siguro, natural reaction nang tumingin ka sa kung sinong tumama sa’yo. At hindi naman nabigo roon si Donghyuck. Nilingon niya ang kung sino mang tumama sakanya at agad na nag-register sakanya ang mukha nito.
Ay, naknangteteng oh.
Parang biglang nag-play sa utak ni Donghyuck ang isang kanta ni Sabrina Carpenter.
You’re my wishlist
Lookin’ at you got me thinking christmas
Eto na siguro yung slow-mo moment na nararanasan ng mga main character sa wattpad. Eto na siguro ‘yon. Why? Because the man who bumped into him also looked back at him and looked so good that Donghyuck wanted to commit right then and there. Parang biglang naging receptor si Donghyuck at itong lalaking nasa harapan niya ay isang hormone ‘cause he’d gladly bind with him.
The man sports a longer-than-usual hair to the point na feeling ni Donghyuck ay pwede na itong talian, pero the man still looks clean. Pointed nose, thin lips, high cheekbones, cute round eyes and facial moles na parang masarap i-kiss during cuddle sessions. Donghyuck saw all through it.
“ Siguro oras na para i-break ang ilang taon kong NBSB era.” Donghyuck thought.
At lalo pang na-tempt si Donghyuck nang ngitian siya ng lalaki. Halos hindi na humihinga si Donghyuck habang nakipagtititigan sa nilalang na nasa harapan niya.
“Sorry. My fault. Did you get hurt?” thoughtful na tanong nito kaya parang gusto niya nalang biglang maglupasay sa lupa. Ang pogi rin kasi ng boses!
He answered the man and smiled back. “No. It’s okay. It was just a slight bump.”
The man nodded and looked at him for a few more seconds, “Alright. I got to go.”
Tumango na lang si Donghyuck, lutang pa sa nararamdaman ngunit hindi niya kinalimutang sundan ng tingin ang lalaki. At ganoon nalang din ang paglala ng kanyang excitement nang ma-realize ang suot nitong bomber jacket ng La Salle.
Gago! Lasallian siya!
Pinanood niya ang lalaking lumabas ng Zark’s at makipag patintero sa mala- Shibuya crossing ng Taft Avenue. Parang shunga pa si Donghyuck na pakurap-kurap habang nanginginig ang apat na chamber ng puso niya dahil sa bilis ng tibok nito. He immediately packed up and went to the Henry Sy building upang damayan ang kanyang friendships na nababaliw na ata ngayon.
“Tahimik mo?” puna ni Renjun na akala mo halos hindi itulak si Giselle sa players seconds ago nang mapansin ang kaduda-dudang ginagawa ni Donghyuck na nasa tabi lamang niya.
“Kaya nga, girl. Normally nag ro-roll eyes ka na pag nakaka-kita ka ng student-athletes pero ngayon parang wala ka atang pake?” biglang singit ni Gigi.
Ngumuso lamang si Donghyuck para itago sana ang kanyang experience kani-kanina lang. But, no one could blame him when he ended up smiling after reminiscing his cute encounter. Parehas tuloy nalaglag ang panga ng kanyang dalawang kaibigan.
Renren broke the silence, “What the hell, Hyuck, ayos ka lang ba?”
Literal na slight na nangisay si Donghyuck nang maalala ang nangyari, “Putangina kasi, Reng, gago, may nakita akong pogi. Hindi siya super matangkad pero gago… Unang tingin ko palang alam ko na na mataas talaga ang pangarap ko.” then he squealed a little bit.
Nagkatinginan si Renjun at Giselle, “Legit ba ‘yan, baks? Kung kiligin ka kala mo lasallian din?”
Donghyuck pretended to put his hair at the back of his ear, “Taga LaSalle, tanga.”
Renjun rolled his eyes, “Saka kana kiligin pag alam mo na ‘yung pangalan at program. Mamaya ‘di pala legit na taga rito ‘yan.”
Donghyuck pouted and looked down, “Oo na, panira ‘to.”
Inakbayan naman siya ni Giselle na nalimot na ang mga players, “You know what, let’s just go and watch UAAP. Baka do’n mo makita ang St. Dwight ng buhay mo.”
“Oo, sakto, lapit na DLSU vs Ateneo, ‘di ba do’n naglalaro si Dwight dati?”
Hyuck snorted, “Girl, ginawa mo namang standard si Dwight.”
Sinimangutan siya ni Renjun, “Buang kaba? Ikaw nga lagi nagsasabi d’yan na si Dwight lang ang realistic mong type sa isang tao bukod sa listahan mo ng celebrities at fictional characters. Alangan naman si Don Juan ng Ibong Adarna yung i-reference ko?”
Natawa sina Donghyuck at Giselle sa sinabi ng kaibigan, Giselle even had the guts to hit Renjun while laughing which made the older glare at her.
“Ayoko na nga, bahala kayo. May quiz pa ko sa Physiology, bye muna.” Renjun lifted his middle finger while Giselle laughed it out when Hyuck was already walking away from them. It was easy to get out dahil bitbit na ni Hyuck ang kaniyang mga gamit mula ng dumating pa siya. Bago niya makalimutan, bilang isang sukli, itinaas din ni Donghyuck ang kanyang middle finger para sa kaibigan.
Mabilis naman siyang nakarating sa room nila at nakapag-review pa siya ng kaonti bago dumating ang prof para sa quiz. It was hard but tolerable. He thinks that he got a little bit burned out, though. Hindi biro ang long quiz na ibinigay ng kanilang prof. He’s just lucky that he studied.
After he stretched and clicked his neck, nag-pack up na rin siya ng gamit upang makalabas na sa impyernong ginawa ng educational system. Donghyuck quickly opened his phone after getting out of the classroom.
PPAM (Pakarat pero atleast masarap)
Gigi Hadiderz:
holy fuck
buti nalang may extra tix si ate joy HAHAHAHA
arat na @studies first
Ilovefalcons:
ate joy? yan ba yung alumni
Gigi Hadiderz:
yes boss ren
Ilovefalcons:
ala ba sia pang laro ng adu hahah 🥴
studies first:
ayan na inatake na shea ng sakit nia
Gigi Hadiderz:
sakit na di makalimot emEEE HAHAHAHA
Ilovefalcons:
gago kayo e taiwanese siya chinese ak pwedeng pwede kaming dalawa <3
#traditional
studies first:
baliw ampota HAHAHAHAHAH
Gigi Hadiderz:
ate qu ibang ibon nalang kasi panain mo
Ilovefalcons:
Eh ibon ko yon eh
studies first:
ayaw m b sa eagle #supportlocal
Gigi Hadiderz:
pakagago nyo hoy HAHAHAHAH
Ilovefalcons replied to your message :
de gusto ko kasi may breed
Natawa si Donghyuck sa reply ni Renjun habang naglalakad, he was about to type more when Giselle sent another message.
Gigi Hadiderz:
hoy seryoso na mga bakla @Ilovefalcons @studies first
nood tayo dlsu vs admu libre k na tix
discounted binenta ni te joy
lam ko kasing hihindi ka @studies first 🙄
Ilovefalcons:
tanga g lang naman ak
para may pang story ak tas magseselos sya tas mag comeback kami hihi
Gigi Hadiderz:
puta parang gago HAHAHHA
@studies first bading ala kn choice sumama k n
studies first:
libre mo naman so okei
Gigi Hadiderz:
bilis kausap pag libre ah donghyuck lee
Nag-react lamang si Hyuck ng ‘haha’ sa mensahe ng kaibigan bago niya pinatay at itinago ang cellphone. Unfortunately, wala siyang dorm at Las Piñas pa ang uuwian niya, kaya eto siya ngayon, nagdadasal na sana hindi traffic pauwi dahil hayop talaga ang traffic sa Las Piñas man o Parañaque. Sometimes, it’s a Taft problem, but most of the time, it’s a southie problem.
He’s already overthinking his route, dahil 6PM na at usually, ganitong oras ang rush hour mapa-rito man sa Manila o papunta man sa LasPi. Kaya lang, akala ni Donghyuck ay aatakihin siya sa puso nang biglang may humawak sa braso niya.
“Putangina.” he whispered to himself and looked at the person who just held him. Katulad niya, gulat din ang lalaki dahil sa naging reaksyon ni Donghyuck.
Putangina ulit.
Ang mga bilugang mata ni kuyang naka-bomber jacket kaninang tanghali ay kitang-kita muli ngayon ni Donghyuck. The light coming from all directions also made the man’s eyes shine. Ang labi nitong bahagyang nakaawang ay mukha na ngayong dry, ang buhok ay nakatago na sa isang mamahaling sombrero, at ang mga mata ay nahaharangan na ngayon ng salamin. But did those make this man infront of him less attractive? No.
Dahil gago, ang pogi niya parin.
“Shit! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” the man said which made Hyuck blush a little. Nagsimula na namang kumabog ang dibdib niya na akala mo’y tumutugtog ng hindi pamilyar na musika.
Inayos ng lalaki ang suot nitong bag at tumabi kay Donghyuck habang naglalakad, “You were the person I bumped into earlier, right? I’m sorry for all our weird encounters today. I didn’t mean to bump into you earlier and now.. I just think that this building is kinda scary. I wanted to talk to someone while walking so it’d feel less scary, then I saw you.” then he laughed awkwardly. Napakagat naman si Donghyuck sa kanyang pang-ibabang labi. Bago inilibot ang tingin sa hallway kung nasaan sila ngayon. Totoo nga namang nakakatakot.
Pero kinikilig na siya ngayon.
Hehe.
Thank you St. La Salle! Inilapit mo man ako sa masasamang espiritu, inilapit mo rin naman sakin ang isa sa iyong mga poging anak.
Nilingon ni Donghyuck ang lalaking nakatitig sakanya ngayon, “Okay lang. Medyo nakakatakot nga rin.”
“I know, right? By the way, I’d like to introduce myself first. I gotta fix my image, you know?” the man stopped in his tracks and scratched his nape, showing his shyness. “I’m Mark. Just.. Mark.” then he flashed a small smile.
Mabuti na lang talaga ay gabi ngayon, dahil kung hindi? Mark will see how pink Donghyuck’s cheeks are as well as his ears. Nanlalaki man ang mga mata dahil sa pag-insist ng isa, Hyuck shook his hand with Mark’s. It was not soft, it was surely a product of something that Mark does. But it just made Donghyuck more excited as it means that Mark might not be the usual lasallian he’s familiar with.
“Donghyuck Lee. Med bio.” lumabas sa mga labi ni Donghyuck ang isang malaking ngiti, na siyang naging dahilan ng mas lalong pagtagal na titig sakanya ni Mark.
“O-oh. Med bio? Y-you must be smart.”
Nahihiyang tumikhim si Hyuck, “Hindi naman. Ikaw ba? Ano program mo?”
“Financial economics and applied corporate management.” nanliit ang boses ni Mark habang nalaglag ang panga ni Donghyuck
“What the hell? No offense? Pero, really? Double degree? Kinakaya mo pa?”
Mark shrugged and chuckled, “Kinda? I guess? It’s sometimes hard to match my schedule. But I need to do it nonetheless. Survived so far.”
“Y-you’re telling me na I’m smart pero I think you’re smarter.” napahalakhak ang isa sa sinabi ni Hyuck.
“Then we must be both smart.”
With a smile, Hyuck agreed, “Tama.”
They chit-chatted until they were both out of the gates of De La Salle University. Habang naglalakad ay hindi maiwasang mapansin ni Donghyuck ang mabangong amoy ng kasama kahit na puno ng polusyon ang hangin ng Maynila. The taller man was still wearing his bomber jacket and Hyuck can’t help but to wonder what Mark’s perfume is. It lasted the whole day kasi, literally.
“It was nice meeting you, Hyuck. I’d love to talk to you more some other time..” Mark said when Donghyuck announced na he’ll wait for his ride na.
“You too, Mark. Thank you.” mahinang saad niya.
Mark removed his cap and ran his fingers through his hair, “Sorry ulit for our encounters today but I must say na I’m glad they happened. If not, I wouldn’t have met you. Please go home safely, Donghyuck of Med Bio.”
“Please go home safely rin, Mark of Financial economics and applied corporate management.” ani Donghyuck na nagpatawa sa isa.
Under the ‘city lights’ and even with all the noiseof Taft Avenue, Mark’s eyes softly stared at Donghyuck, “You’re so silly. Go home na. It’s late. I’ll watch you hop on the bus, okay?”
Hyuck nodded and Mark smiled. Halos matunaw ang puso ni Donghyuck sa kilig ngunit he needs to get himself together. When the bus bounded to some place in Las Piñas beeped, agad niya itong nilapitan upang sumakay. He saw Mark waving from the outside, so he waved back, too.
As soon as he paid and sat, hinawakan nya ang kanyang nag-iinit na mukha at do’n niya na-realize kung gaano ka-totoo ang nangyari sakanya ngayong araw.
Looks like he won’t daydream while listening to his downloaded playlist on Apple music today. Dahil panigurado, si Mark at Mark lang ang kanyang iisipin hanggang makarating siya sa apat na sulok ng kanyang kuwarto.
Sana makita ko siya ulit. He thought.
However, he didn’t have to wait long before it happened. Kaya lang, ngayon pa talaga kung kailan walang plantsa ang damit na suot niya at kulot na kulot ang kanyang buhok dahil sa hindi niya ito naayos bago siya makaalis ng bahay? Maganda naman siya at pogi, confident pa nga siya sa kanyang androgynous look pero.. Hayop.
Tao lang din naman ako.
Sana pala ay kinuha na niya ang face mask na inaabot sakanya ni Giselle kanina. Suot-suot niya rin pala ang kanyang prescription eyeglasses, therefore making him see Mark’s paprika smile in 4K in front of him. Hindi naman siya nagrereklamo dahil sa mukha ni Mark sa harapan niya, grateful pa nga siya because it is indeed a blessing to see a handsome face early in the morning, but paano naman si Mark? Is it also a blessing to see Donghuck in his “bad state”?
“Hi, Hyuck. You look pretty today.” panimula ni Mark habang bitbit nito ang malaking bote ng Gatorade at inaayos ang suot din na eyeglasses. They’re currently lined up at Mercury Drug, waiting for their turn sa counter.
Hyuck immediately covered half of his face with his right hand, feeling embarrassed that Mark saw him this way. “G-good morning din, Mark! I don’t think I do, but thank you.”
Tumaas ang kilay ng binatang kausap niya, “Why not?”
Kinakalaban ang malakas na kabog ng kanyang puso, Donghyuck spoke, “S-sabog ako t-today, eh. Late nagising.”
Mark pouted and stared at him a bit more before he replied, making Donghyuck more shy. “You look amazing, Hyuck. You might feel like you look bad, but you look really good today. Your skin is glowing and your hair looks so soft.” Mark smiled, “You look beautiful.”
Lumala lamang ang pagwawala ng puso ni Donghyuck sa kanyang thoracic cavity. “S-salamat, Mark.” he said while avoiding Mark’s gaze. But, does he really need to? Lalo na’t ramdam na ramdam niya ang pagtitig sakanya ni Mark sa kanyang gilid.
The tense air around them two lessened when someone came to Mark. It was a slightly taller man whom he thought looked familiar.
“Juyeon, bro.” Mark laughed and first bumped the ‘Juyeon’ guy while Hyuck just watched the two.
Nilingon naman siya ni Mark, “Donghyuck, this is Juyeon, a teammate. Juyeon, this is Hyuck. The friend I told you about.” then Mark smiled widely while staring at him.
“Oh, it’s you?” Juyeon smiled and offered his hand, “Juyeon Lee.”
Kahit na kinakabahan parin sa paraan ng pagtitig sakanya ni Mark ay tinanggap niya ang kamay ni Juyeon, “D-donghyuck Lee.”
The line moved and it was suddenly Donghyuck’s turn, kaya hindi narin siya nakapagsalita muli sa magkaibigang kasunod niya sa pila. Despite that, Mark’s eyes were unwavering. He’s still staring at him even when he’s talking with Juyeon. Kaya hindi malaman ni Donghyuck kung anong gagawin, maliban sa panginginig ng kanyang kamay ay wala na siyang ibang nagawa habang inaabot sa cashier ang dalang pera.
After he bid his goodbyes to Mark and Juyeon, dumeretso na siya agad kina Giselle at Renjun na naghihintay sa kanya sa Tropical Hut.
“Gago, ba’t ka nanginginig, bading?” puna ni Giselle sa kamay niyang nanginginig parin.
He sat first before answering Gigi, “Gago, Ging, Reng.. Nakita ko ulit si Mark.”
Renjun clarified, “Yung crush mo?” sinamaan niya muna ng tingin ang kaibigan ngunit tumango rin naman siya.
“Saan?” pang-uusisa ni Giselle.
Nanghihinang tinakpan ni Donghyuck ang sariling mukha bago tumungo sa lamesa, “Sa Mercury, gago.. Sabi niya ang ganda ko raw.. Eh pangit na pangit nga ako sa sarili ko today.”
Sabay na malakas na humalakhak ang dalawa niyang kaibigan, “Tangina mo, Donghyuck, sinabihan ka lang ng ‘maganda’, hinang-hina kana?”
If it was any other day, he’d probably smack his friends, pero dahil first time lang niyang maka-tanggap ng words of affirmation at hinang-hina talaga siya tuwing nare-recall niya ang sinabi ni Mark, he just said, “Pakyu kayo. Alam niyo namang NBSB.”
Renjun then patted his back, “Okay lang ‘yan, bading. I feel you. Kung masasaktan ka man, at least dahil sa pogi.”
Napa-ayos ng upo si Donghyuck, “Sakitan agad? Bawal bang ikaw nalang masaktan ‘wag na ako?”
The older pretended to hit him but he didn’t, “Sana ‘di suklian ni Mark ‘yang crush-crush mo!”
Hyuck shrugged and folded his arms, “Bakit? Ano naman? Okay lang ‘yun! Studies first naman ako.”
“Gaslight mo pa sarili mo, sis.” Giselle snorted.
Pero sa totoo lang? It somewhat hurt Donghyuck’s feelings. Kaya sana.. Manatili lang na ‘crush’ si Mark. Isang happy crush. He wishes to see the other more but at the same time.. He doesn’t.
Bumungtong hininga si Donghyuck at napagdesisyunang kalimutan muna ang bagay na ‘yon. It is what it is. Kung ano man ang mangyari, edi mangyari. Sana lang ay huwag siyang saktan ng agos ng tadhana.
Lumipas ang araw na ‘yon na nakikipagkulitan lamang si Donghyuck sa dalawang kaibigan habang ginagapang ang kolehiyo. He also didn’t see Mark on the following days so he could say that his heart was at peace, ngunit mukhang mahal ata talaga siya ng patron saint ng wattpad at dinalaw muli siya ng mga anghel ng hindi siguradong pag-ibig.
Oh, thank you, Lord! Maganda ako today!
Confident ngayon si Donghyuck sa kanyang ayos. With shimmer-shining lips thanks to his pinsan’s ayuda na lip balm from Feito Brasil (freebie lang from the airline), white shirt, black cardigan, denim washed jeans, and (of course) combined with his pretty face, he felt dolled up today. Tangina lang talaga kasi madami siyang bitbit ngayon pero at least maganda siya, ‘di ba?
He wiped his face with his handkerchief before bending down to reach the two big SM Supermarket eco-bags that Renjun asked him to bring. Patawid na naman kasi siya ng Shibuya crossing ala Taft Avenue kaya kahit namamawis at mabigat ang dalawang bag na pinadala ng kaibigan ay babagtasin niya ang kaniyang kapalaran for today. But he was shocked when someone beside him lifted the other bag he’s carrying. Pumunta rin ito sa kanyang kabila upang kunin ang isa pa. Dahil tanghaling tapat ay medyo hindi niya agad naaninag ang mukha ng lalaki.
After the man’s face registered, nanlaki ang dalawang mata ni Donghyuck at agad na dinapuan ng hiya.
“Mark!” dere-deretso lang ang lakad nito dahil nag green light na ang stoplight, so Donghyuck walked quickly. “Huy! Bigay mo sa’kin ‘yan!” he tried to reach for the other bag, kaso iniwas lamang nito sakanya ang hawak.
Laking pasasalamat ni Donghyuck nang makarating agad sila sa tapat ng DLSU, hinarang niya si Mark at hinawakan ang handle ng dalawang bag na bitbit nito ngayon. The other just smiled naughtily at him.
“Let me carry these, Mark. Nakakahiya.” he said while his face is tinted red. Alam niyang kitang-kita ngayon ng isa ang kanyang mukha but he couldn’t care less, mas lamang ngayon ang hiya at kabang nararamdaman niya.
“It’s okay, I insist. Besides, we’re doing some training today so I might as well help you carry these things around.” Mark looked behind him, “Where will you drop these off?.”
Doon niya lang napansin ang suot nitong university varsity jacket na may tatak din ng isang kilalang sportswear brand. He bit his lower lip, “A-ano, sa may Henry Sy nalang. Dun ko papuntahin friends ko.”
Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Mark pero tumango rin naman ito kalaunan, sumuko narin si Donghyuck sa pagpupumilit na pagbuhat ng bag dahil mukhang determinado talaga si Mark na tulungan siya. They went inside the campus and Donghyuck was silent, so was Mark. Hindi naman sa ayaw niyang kausapin ang isa pero nahihiwagaan talaga siya rito kaya inoobserbahan niya ang ayos nito habang sila’y sabay na naglalakad. He also slowed down a bit so that Mark wouldn’t really notice that he’s staring.
Slightly from behind, Donghyuck could see the little details about Mark. Na-realize niyang unlike him na laging naka-slouch, ang isa ay deretso at maayos ang postura. The other was also wearing sweatpants paired with the DLSU varsity jacket and expensive rubber shoes. Napalunok si Donghyuck.
Wow, lakas maka-out of my league.
Agad niyang inayos ang kanyang postura at binilisan ang lakad nang lingunin siya ni Mark. Oh, he forgot to mention that the man was also wearing his eyeglasses.
“Are you okay, Hyuck? You seem quiet.” Mark asked thoughtfully.
He laughed awkwardly, “Ayos lang ako, ano ka ba! Ikaw? Are you okay? You’re carrying those huge bags for me. Sorry. Naistorbo ka pa.”
“You didn’t disturb me, Donghyuck. I was the one who volunteered, ‘di ba? What are you gonna do with these bags, by the way?” Mark looked at him and Hyuck can say that he has 100% of the other’s attention.
Bakit ganito niya ko titigan?
“It’s not for me. Para sa friend ko, he asked me to pick these up from his blockmate ‘cause he wouldn’t be able to. Late kasi nagising si gaga e kailangan niya pala agad today.” iniwas niya ang tingin kay Mark because it’s getting overwhelming. Pakiramdam niya ay sasabog ang puso niya habang nakikipagtitigan sa isa.
Mark nodded, “I see. You’re such a good friend, then.” he smiled.
Mas mainit pa ata ang mukha ni Donghyuck ngayon kaysa sa weather ng Pilipinas. He shook his head and saw that they’re already near Henry Sy building, “H-hindi naman..” he said and he slightly ran to get away from the close proximity with Mark.
“Dito nalang, M-mark..” Donghyuck waited for Mark to reach where he was and drop off the bags.
“You sure you’re already okay here? It’s fine if your friends are somewhere else. I can accompany you.” Mark then stared straight again into Donghyuck’s eyes. Palagay ni Donghyuck ay malugod na nagpapasalamat sakaniya ang optic nerve niya dahil he’s able to see a handsome person this close to him.
“It’s all good. Okay lang na dito na rin ako maghintay kasi dito naman sila unang napunta.” He assured the other.
Mark sighed with a small smile painted on his face, “Aw. I wanted to stay with you longer pa naman. But it’s okay! Next time nalang. Good luck for today Donghyuck. You made my day.”
With big eyes and slightly parted lips, Donghyuck replied, “Huh?”
Gagoooooooooo! Anong I made his day? What the fuck?
Mark went closer to Donghyuck and fixed his hair that was poking his eyes, “How cute. Yes, you made my day, Donghyuck. I hope you’ll have a good day ahead, too.”
Buong duration ata na magkasama sila ni Mark ay namumula at nag iinit ang mukha ni Donghyuck, kaso partikular siya na mas malala ngayon dahil namamawis at nanginginig na ang kaniyang kamay.
“I’ll go ahead.” the other declared.
Finding the easiest words to say at the moment, Donghyuck managed to respond, “T-thank you, M-mark.”
Lumaki lalo ang ngiti ni Mark at napansin ni Donghyuck ang bahagya nitong pag-iling sa sarili bago nag-jog palayo sakaniya.
Donghyuck on the other hand, squatted while processing what just happened. Hindi lang nito sinabi na ginawa niya ang araw ni Mark.. But the other also fixed his hair!
Gusto niya mag lupasay ngayon, literally. Pero nasa tamang pag iisip naman siya kaya bukod sa pagkakaupo dahil sa panghihina ay tinakpan niya nalang ang mukha at hinayaang abutan siya ng dalawa niyang kaibigan sa ganoong pwesto.
Matapos makahanap ng mauupuan at makapag-settle down ay doon niya kwinento sa dalawa ang nangyari at halos maalog ang buong pagkatao niya sa pagkaka-alog sakanya ni Giselle. He just let the younger shake him dahil hinang-hina talaga siya, baka kailangan niya pa nga ito.
“Bading ka ng taon! Ano bang IG niyan ni Mark? Patingin nga nang ma-judge.” kumento ni Renjun na nakaupo sa gilid nila.
Doon lamang napagtanto ni Donghyuck na ni hindi niya pala alam ang social media account ni Mark. Ayaw man niyang aminin dahil paniguradong iba-bash siya ng kaibigan ay wala siyang choice kundi umiling dahil for sure ay kukulitin siya nito.
Sumimangot si Renjun, “Pangit mo. Baka mamaya para sa’yo lang pogi ‘yan, ah?”
Natawa naman si Giselle, “Hoy! Puro mga pogi naman nagiging crush ni Dong kaya baka pogi rin ‘to?”
Sinamaan niya ng tingin si Renjun at hinampas ito, “Ang judger mo! Saka, hoy! Pogi si Mark, ano! Ako pa ba e never naman ako namali ng judgment pagdating sa mukha?”
Renjun shrugged and rolled his eyes, “Basta siguraduhin mo lang na single ‘yan.”
Ping!
Parang may tumunog na bell sa utak ni Donghyuck sa sinabing ‘yon ni Renjun at gumuho ang kanyang romantic bliss.
Tangina.
Hindi siya sigurado kung single si Mark.
Kaya naman sa mga sumunod na araw ay lumong-lumo si Donghyuck sa pag-ooverthink.
What if may jowa na si Mark? Ayaw ko maging homewrecker, ‘no!
Sa ganda kong ‘to, magiging kabit lang ako!?
Kaya naman naging misyon niyang alamin sa susunod nilang pagkikita ang relationship status ng isa.
Ano naman kung magtanong ako?
Napakagat si Donghyuck sa kaniyang kuko. Paano pala kung siya naman yung hindi single edi naging kabit pa si Mark nang wala sa oras dahil hindi nila ito napag-usapan before?
Kailangan nilang magkaalaman!
Kaso kung kailan naman may misyon siya na linawin ang mga dapat linawin ay saka naman hindi mahagilap si Mark. Hanggang sa dumating ang UAAP ay nag-ooverthink parin si Donghyuck.
Namalayan nalang niya, tinatahak niya muli ang pamilyar na puno ng polusyon na daan ng Taft Avenue. Hulas na hulas ngayon si Donghyuck dahil puyat siya kagabi kakabasa sa Reddit ng comments ng anonymous users sa post na ginawa niya tungkol sa kung ano ang dapat niyang isipin. He just woke up to Giselle calling him through different messaging apps.
“Hoy! Ayusin mo lang! ‘Wag mo naman kami i-ghost ni Reng! Gago ka!” he can still hear Giselle’s voice in his head.
Gamit ang panyong binili niya nung grade 9 palang siya, pinunasan niya ang tumatagaktak na pawis at matyagang nagpaypay dahil naiwan niya yung Goojodoq fan niya na tig 500 sa orange app.
Putangina talaga. Danas, amputa.
Halos humilata na siya sa bench nang makita niya ang dalawang kaibigan na nagchichismisan sa Yuchengco lobby.
“Pagoda nanaman si bading. Hyuck, hindi ikaw ‘yan!” Renjun said. Palibhasa kasi, fresh na fresh pa ito dahil hinatid ng driver nila.
Kinurot niya si Renjun which the older replied with an ‘aw’. He rolled his eyes, habang umiling lamang si Giselle at inabutan siya ng malamig na tubig, agad naman niya itong tinanggap.
“Grab nalang tayo today, ‘di ko dinala sasakyan ko, kakatamad maghanap ng parking.” ani Giselle.
Agad naman na nagkumento si Donghyuck, “Wow, sana all ganyan problema.” Giselle laughed and teasingly went after the water Hyuck is drinking, buti nalang ay agad na lumayo si Donghyuck bago ito bawiin ng isa.
Bumuntong hininga si Renjun at padabog na inayos ang nakabalagbag na gamit ni Donghyuck sa kanilang puwesto, “Magpahinga ka muna, gaga. Medyo mamaya pa naman yung game at mag bu-book pa ng grab si Ging.”
Habang naghihintay ay nag-usap usap muna silang magkakaibigan, pansamantala niya tuloy nakalimutan ang kanyang krisis kay Mark. He also noticed that the other two are wearing DLSU shirts, just like him. Dahil kahit na hindi naman overly proud lasallian si Hyuck ay nagsuot parin siya ng DLSU merch ngayon ‘no! Sayang ang tuition!
The ride to Araneta was quite long due to traffic, but luckily, they still got there earlier than the game's supposed time. Malapit din ang kanilang upuan, all thanks to Ate Joy. It’s just like they’re by the courtside.
Dahil nga maaga sila nakarating, they’ve seen the players warm up. Renjun and Giselle were already busy with their clout-chasing agenda so he couldn’t speak to them now. Besides, first-time din ni Donghyuck ngayon kaya gusto niya sanang magmuni-muni bago mag-picture taking.
“CR lang ako.” paalam niya sa dalawang kaibigan na alam niyang narinig naman siya. He stood up and went outside the arena to go to the nearby restroom. Natapos din naman siya agad kaya agaran din ang kaniyang pagbalik sa puwesto nila. He again sat down and took his phone out to take pictures of the court in front of him. Might as well social climb, sayang ang libre sakanya ni Ging kung hindi niya ito pamumuhunan.
It was only there that he felt someone staring at him, and Renjun saying, “Baks, nakatingin sayo yung isang player.” confirmed it.
Hinanap niya kung saan ang ‘player’ na ito at nang makita ang pares ng bilugang mata na nakatitig sakanya ay halos malaglag ang puso ni Donghyuck six feet below the ground.
Si Mark!
Alam niyang napansin nito na siya’y nakatingin narin pabalik kaya nakita niya ang bahagya nitong pag galaw mula sa pagkakatayo, maybe contemplating about his next action. But when Mark started walking to their side, Hyuck knew that the other has chosen to risk something else.
Mark signalled him to go down which he obliged to kahit na alam niyang nakatitig na sakanya ang dalawa niyang kasama.
He went down to the courtside, where Mark was.
Unlike their usual encounters, this is the first time Donghyuck sees Mark wear the men’s basketball jersey. At kahit na alam niya sa sariling allergic siya sa student-athletes, siguro nga hindi naman pala sila gano’n kasama?
Mark’s hair is disheveled, and he is not wearing his eyeglasses, but it doesn’t make the other less attractive. In fact, Mark’s aura is different now that he has presented himself as one of the university’s athletes for UAAP.
“You’re watching today?” masuyong anito nang makalapit si Donghyuck.
Tumango siya bago nagsalita, “Hindi mo suot eyeglasses mo.”
Mark smiled but eventually hid it, “You noticed? I wore contacts today since I have to play. Are you with your friends?”
“Oo.” sabay turo niya kay Giselle at Renjun na kanina pa nanonood sakanilang dalawa at kumaway na parang aso kay Mark pagkaturo niya. “Sila nagyaya sakin. Nilibre ako ni Giselle. Nung girl.” putol-putol na sabi niya dahil hindi niya nanaman makayanan ang intense na titig sakanya ni Mark.
“I see. I’m glad you came. Is this your first time?”
Donghyuck looked down and played with his fingers, “Yes.. Uhm.. I didn’t like watching things like this, so..”
“I should do my best, then.” napatingin siya kay Mark at nakita ang malambot nitong tingin sakanya, “To win.”
Donghyuck can now vouch for those fictional characters who were so engulfed in staring at their significant others’ eyes. Kasi ngayon? Pakiramdam niya ay nawawala siya sa mga mata ni Mark. At hindi pa nakakatulong ang mabilis na tibok ng kanyang puso.
Unable to handle the staring, Donghyuck diverted his eyes to somewhere else. Doon pumasok sa isip niya ang kanyang misyon.
Misyon na tanungin si Mark kung single paba ito.
Feeling absolutely shy, but he needs to go on, Donghyuck started, “M-mark.. May tanong ako.”
Fully attentive to the shorter, “Po? What is it?” Mark asks.
Kinurot ni Donghyuck ang sariling daliri, “S-single ka b-ba?” sabay takip sakanyang mukha.
Nakakahiya ka, Donghyuck Lee!
But Mark then took long to answer, kaya inalis nya ng kaonti ang isang kamay na naharang sa kanyang isang mata upang makita ang reaksyon ng isa.
His heart just went crazy again when he saw the big smile on Mark’s face.
“Mark!” someone behind Mark called.
Hindi naman ito pinansin ng may-ari ng pangalan at tinitigan lang si Donghyuck habang may malaking ngiti sa mukha.
“Yes, Donghyuck. I’m very much single. How about you?” Mark said.
Bahagyang bumilis ang paghinga ni Donghyuck, chasing after the lack of oxygen because Mark is making his whole body respond as if he’s just done an extensive exercise.
“S-single din.” he replied while he’s back to covering his entire face.
“Thank God.” ani Mark.
“Mark Lee!” the voice that was calling the other is nearer this time. Inalis na rin ni Donghyuck ang pagtatago sa kanyang mga kamay.
It was Juyeon, the other player who was calling Mark. Nakalingon na rito si Mark nang alisin ni Donghyuck ang kanyang mga kamay sa kanyang mukha.
“Coach is calling you.” Juyeon said, nodding to Donghyuck to acknowledge his presence. Nginitian niya naman ito.
“Okay.” bumalik na sakanya ang tingin ni Mark at nagsimula nanaman ang pagwawala ng puso niya, dumagdag narin ang kung ano mang mga insekto sa tyan niya.
“I need to go now, Hyuck. Wait for me after the game, okay?”
“Okay.” Mark smiled again and patted his head. Nag-init naman agad ang kanyang pisngi dahil nakita niya ang ngiti ni Juyeon sa likod ni Mark habang tinitignan silang dalawa.
Donghyuck watched Mark go back to where he was earlier before he went back to his seat. Akala niya’y makakapag nilay-nilay siya ngunit nagkakamali siya. His friends bombarded him with a lot of questions, nangunguna na si Renjun na pasmado ang bibig:
“Ano ‘yon ha? Akala ko ba ayaw mo sa student-athletes? Pero gumugusto ka sa UAAP player na crowd’s favorite pa talaga?”
Donghyuck had to explain himself and tell his friends what just happened. Nasagot man ang mga tanong ng mga ito ay hindi naman tumigil ang dalawa sa pang-ookray sakanya. Lalo na nang magsimula ang game.
“Naku! Maswerte ka nalang talaga na wala pa yung fanatics ni Mark kanina.” Giselle said while shaking her head.
“Ganun ba siya ka f-famous?” gulantang na aniya.
“Girl, kung alam mo lang.”
Totoo nga ang sinabi ng kaibigan dahil simula nang lumitaw ang isang maliit na banner dedicated to Mark ay dumami pa ito kabilang na ang iba pang fans ng DLSU men’s basketball team. Doon din niya napagtanto na kaya pala familiar si Juyeon ay dahil nakita niya na ito before sa fyp niya sa Tiktok. The man is famous not just because of his face but also because of his skills.
But really, how come na he didn’t realize that Mark is an athlete? From the bomber jacket to Gatorade, to his varsity jacket, sweatpants, and rubber shoes (na basketball shoes pala) combo, tanga nga namang tunay si Donghyuck. Mark gives off- athlete vibes even from afar now that he thinks about it.
At kung tatanungin man siya ngayon nasaan ang paninindigan niyang ayaw niya sa student-athletes? Aba’y sasabay pa siya sa paghahanap dahil sa totoo lang ay nakalimutan niya na ata ang lahat ng sinabi niya dati.
“Ang mga pangako ay tuluyan na talagang mapapako, pero para naman ito sa puso ko.” pang-uuto ni Donghyuck sa sarili.
Bakit? Wala namang ibang makakaalam sa hatred niya bukod sakanilang tatlong magkakaibigan ah? Nobody’s perfect. Unfortunately.
Halos malaglag ang puso ni Donghyuck habang pinapanood ang laro. Hindi na nga niya mabilang kung ilang beses siyang napapikit at napahawak sa kamay ni Renjun na buti nalang ay kabado rin— dahil kung hindi ay baka tinulak na siya nito pababa. Isa pa, nagkakaroon din siya ng chance na makahinga mula sa intense na laban ng men’s basketball tuwing may time-out. But is he really resting when his heart just beats faster whenever the camera’s on Mark?
Kitang-kita niya mula sa screen ang mukha ng binata, kahit na pawis na pawis ito at magulo ang buhok ay napakaamo at guwapo parin nito.
Hay. Ngayon naiintindihan ko na kung bakit ganoon nalang i-cheer ni Athena si Kenji sa She’s Dating the Gangster.
Dahil kung makikita lang ng buong mundo si Mark Lee ng DLSU? Go sexy, sexy love talaga.
Despite the roller coaster ride of the whole game, and all the times Donghyuck wanted to scream alongside the noisy crowd, it was all worth it when DLSU won against Ateneo. Donghyuck, together with Giselle and Renjun stood to celebrate the win. Sabay-sabay silang sumigaw at natawa.
“Nanlalamang ka na naman Donghyuck. Nanalo ang school natin kahit first time mo lang manood, naka bingwit ka pa ng player.” kumento ni Gigi at nginuso ang court banda kaya napatingin siya rito.
Doon ay nakita niya si Mark na malaki ang ngiti at kumakaway sakanya. He immediately looked at two of his friends but Renjun only said: “Puntahan mo na.”
Hindi maiwasan ni Donghyuck na mangiti sa sinabi ng kaibigan, but knowing the two, he knows that they won’t accept a ‘thank you’ and will instead ask for a story time.
Kaya naman he reached for his bag and uttered, “Una na kayo, Ging, Reng. Ingat!”
Nagmamadali siyang bumaba at pumunta sa kung nasaan si Mark. Donghyuck can feel that many eyes are on them, but he’s feeling too happy to even think about other people.
“We won.” anunsyo ni Mark nang magkaharap sila.
Donghyuck rolled his eyes playfully, “Edi congrats po?”
They both laughed at the shorter’s remark, ngunit katulad nitong mga nakaraan ay nagtagal muli ang titig ni Mark kay Donghyuck dahilan ng ilang segundong pagkatahimik nilang dalawa.
“I hope you’ll start to like watching things like this from now on..” Mark stated.
At katulad din nitong mga nakaraan ay parang malalagutan ulit ng hininga si Donghyuck. He sighed carefully. “I.. liked it.”
Mark bit his lower lip and closed his eyes for a few seconds, at nang buksan ulit ng binata ang mga mata ay nahihimigan ito ni Donghyuck ng kaba at kaonting takot.
“I.. uh.. Do you want to eat out tonight? T-treat ko. Just the two of us, don’t worry.” Donghyuck can also hear the fear in Mark’s voice.
Kung alam lang ni Mark na wala na dapat siyang ikatakot. Eme.
Hyuck smiled a little, “Sige.”
There he saw the brightest smile Mark ever let out today. Ang kaninang mga mata na may kaba at takot ay napalitan ngayon ng tuwa. The man also slightly jumped which made Donghyuck chuckle. It was so silly. Nagmamadali itong nagsabi na magpapalit lamang siya at ‘di na siya kailangan pang intayin ni Donghyuck, kaya naman medyo nagulat si Hyuck dahil mukhang may gagawin pa ata pagkatapos ng laro. However, Mark said that it’s already okay if they went home kaya wala na siyang magawa kung hindi tumango at hayaan itong magpaalam sa coaches at teammates na napatingin pa sa banda niya bago ngitian si Mark at tulak-tulakin.
Hindi rin naman tumagal pa ng five minutes si Mark bago siya nito lapitan.
“They let me go.” still sporting a smile, Mark added, “Can I hold your hand?”
Parang hindi na ata umikot sa katawan ni Donghyuck ang dugo niya dahil kanina pa pabalik-balik ang pag-init ng kanyang pisngi dahil sa isa. Itinaas niya nang kaunti ang kamay at hinayaan ang kasama na hawakan ito. They walked together, while holding each other’s hands, past all the people inside the arena.
It was a simple date if that’s what it’s called. Pero, totoo pala talaga na kahit ang mga pinaka simpleng bagay ay nagiging espesyal pag kasama ang taong gusto mo ‘no? Because that’s what Donghyuck is feeling right now. He never knew that eating with someone could be this special. Hindi niya rin alam na posible palang kabahan dahil sa tuwa habang nakain. He may be extra attentive today while eating, but Donghyuck never felt this comfortable eating with someone other than his friends. He always thought that he would hate eating in front of a person he isn’t friends with, yet Mark changed that. In the span of 3 months, with just a few encounters, Donghyuck felt miraculously connected to Mark and he hoped that he did the right thing— to trust the foreign presence of the other and embrace it.
They were able to know more about each other while eating. Nalaman ni Donghyuck na mas matanda pala sa kanya si Mark ng isang taon at buong buhay nito ay nag-aaral na talaga ito sa DLSU. He also came to know that just like him, Mark is ethnically Filipino-Korean but is of Filipino-Canadian nationality. The older is also totally into his studies, interested in taking over their family business post-grad and is engaged in other personal hobbies like basketball. Hindi lang naman si Mark ang nag-share kung hindi pati si Donghyuck na rin. He said that although he’s ethnically Filipino-Korean, hindi siya marunong masyado magsalita ng Korean dahil hindi naman sobrang traditional ng pamilya niya. He also added that he studied in a public school from elementary to senior high and that it’s his dream to study in DLSU, so his parents granted his wish though he won’t be able to stay in a dormitory.
Gusto mangisay ni Donghyuck sa kilig tuwing pinupuri siya ni Mark habang tinititigan mata sa mata with a small smile plastered on his face. Nagtuloy-tuloy pa ang kanilang usapan hanggang sa dumating na sila sa usapang UAAP na ginanap lang kanina.
“I’m contemplating whether or not I should cut my hair. It’s not that I’m really sentimental about it so cutting it is okay with me.” kuwento ni Mark samantalang hawak-hawak ang manipis na palumpon ng sariling bangs.
Tumagilid ang ulo ni Donghyuck habang nag-iisip. He pouted, “Sayang naman hair mo. ‘Wag mo i-cut. Just tie it.”
Napatingin naman sakanya si Mark at bahagyang ngumuso rin, “I don’t know how to tie my hair..”
“Alam ko kung paano.” saka lamang na na-realize ni Donghyuck ang sinabi nang magliwanag ang mukha ni Mark matapos marinig ‘yon.
“You’ll tie it for me?” Mark said with a very hopeful voice and expression.
“Ang cute.” sa isip-isip ni Donghyuck kaya wala siyang magawa kung hindi tumango.
“Will you watch my games, then?” the other concluded.
Nagkunwari munang nagiisip si Donghyuck upang makita ang reaksyon ng kasama. He almost laughed when Mark made a sad face. Agad din naman itong nawala noong ngumiti nang malawak si Hyuck at tumango kay Mark.
That small silly promise Donghyuck made grew into something bigger. Hindi siya makapaniwala kung gaano nagbago ang lifestyle niya simula nang makilala niya si Mark. From aral - uwi - pag dedelusyonal sa fictional characters cycle to aral - uwi - support kay Mark - kausapin si Mark - makipag bonding kay Mark and more Mark-related things cycle. Araw-araw siyang inaasar nila Renjun at Giselle na “ Sabi mo dati ayaw mo sa student-athlete, ngayon kulang nalang maging presidente ka ng fan club ni Mark?!”.
Unfortunately, alam naman ni Donghyuck ‘yun. Sino nga naman kasing hindi magbabago kung pogi na yung nasa harapan mo ‘di ba? Eme lang.
Mark is more than that.
“Hey. Did you wait long?” salubong ni Mark kay Donghyuck na ilang minuto palang naman ang itinatagal sa Yuchengco lobby. Umiling at tumayo naman agad si Donghyuck dahil may pupuntahan sila ngayong araw.
Would it be too much of a change if Donghyuck says that Mark is now used to hugging him? Dahil pagkatayong-pagkatayo niya ay niyakap agad siya ng mas matanda at isiniksik pa nito ang mukha sa kanyang leeg. Hyuck chuckled and played with Mark’s hair that is semi-wet dahil galing pa itong training at bagong ligo lang.
Narinig niya rin ang hindi malayong tawanan at asar ni Juyeon at Chenle sa lalaking nakayakap sakanya ngayon. Mark only hugged him tighter.
“Yayakapin mo lang po ba ako today?” he felt Mark shaking his head, making him smile.
Nagtagal pa ng ilang minuto ang yakap bago niya naramdaman ang buntong hininga ni Mark at ang pagkalas nito sakanya.
“Let’s go na po.” the older declared.
And would it be too much for two people who are friends to hold hands while walking? Because if it is, then Donghyuck is willing to give more. Dahil magsisinungaling lamang siya kung sasabihin niyang sanay siyang hindi hinahawakan ni Mark ang kanyang kamay tuwing magkasama silang dalawa.
The noise of the streets in Manila is indeed notable, but for Donghyuck, the noise his heart makes during UAAP is louder than anything else. He’s holding onto Gigi’s hand in one hand and Renren’s hands in the other, praying for nothing but DLSU’s victory in the men’s basketball championship. Kaonti nalang ay mapapatayo na silang tatlo mula sa pagkakaupo sa courtside bleachers which Mark reserved for them. When the last point was scored and time stopped, all people on the DLSU side stood up and celebrated their win. Ngunit para kay Donghyuck, ang tanging bagay na mahalaga sa kanya ay ang pagsulyap at ngiti sakanya ni Mark matapos nito ma-shoot ang bola.
Parehas siyang niyakap nina Giselle at Renjun sa tuwa. He jokingly complained, “Iniipit niyo naman ako!” na sana ay hindi na lang niya sinabi dahil kutos ang inabot niya sa kaibigan.
Giselle laughed, “Ayan na naman kayo.”
Sumimangot lamang si Renjun, “‘Yan kasi! Panira lagi ng moment ampota.”
Donghyuck snorted and rolled his eyes, ‘di siya papayag na ‘di siya lalaban kay Renjun ‘no!
“Parang joke lang naman?”
Naputol ang pag-uusap nilang mga kaibigan nang parehas na lumingon ang dalawang kaibigan sa likod niya, “Mark! Napaka panira niyang ni Donghyuck!” sumbong ni Renjun sa lalaki.
Nalaglag naman ang panga ni Hyuck at napalingon kay Mark na ngayo’y may hawak-hawak na na towel. Ngunit bago pa makapagsalita si Mark ay napansin ni Donghyuck ang pagkakagulo ng tali ni Mark sa buhok kaya mabilis pa sa alas kwatro niyang inayos ang tali nito na gawa niya kanina bago magsimula ang game.
“Ayan, okay na.” Hyuck said to Mark.
Malilimutan niya na sana ang existence ng dalawang kaibigan nang mahina siyang itulak ni Giselle, “Jowa yarn? Pakarat ka talaga, bading. Alis na nga kami ni Reng.” his friend said and picked up her bag. Kumunot naman ang noo ni Hyuck, “Hoy, iiwan niyo talaga ako?”
“Eh magpapaiwan ka pa rin naman? Alis na nga kami.” Renjun said dismissively saka nginitian si Mark, “Congrats ulit sa panalo niyo, Mark! Labas tayo minsan apat to celebrate. We’ll go now.”
Mark nodded at Renjun, “Thank you, Renj. I’ll definitely wait for your invitation. Take care, you two—Ren and Gi.”
Once both of his friends were out of the area, he turned his attention to Mark na kanina pa siya tinititigan.
“You look great today. Very beautiful.” ani ni Mark, na siyang nagpainit ng mga pisngi ni Donghyuck.
He smiled a little, “You looked and did great today, too, Mark.”
“I won’t be able to go out with you today but I can take you home. I’m sorry. The team want to celebrate the win just with the members and the coaches.” kitang-kita niya ang lungkot sa mga mata ni Mark, he shook his head and cupped the older’s face.
“Ano ka ba, I understand. You just won the championship! I’m surprised na you’re here with me when you’re supposed to be getting interviewed and celebrating with the other players. You’re tired from the game yet you still want to take me home. What more could I ask for, Mark? I’m so happy already.” he says while staring directly into Mark’s eyes.
Ngumuso ito at hinawakan ang isa niyang kamay, “Alright.”
Their ‘alone’ time was only interrupted when reporters approached them with a camera focused on the two. Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Donghyuck sa pagkakagulat pero mabilis naman siyang tinakpan ni Mark nang harapin nito ang dalawang galing sa media.
“Can we interview you po? Together with your boyfriend?” the reporter said.
Mark immediately shook his head, “No, I’m sorry, he’s uncomfortable with—”
“It’s okay.” he said with a small voice. Nag-aalala namang napatingin sa kaniya ang binata ngunit nginitian niya lang ito.
Tinignan niya ang reporter na mukha pang namamangha sa nangyayari, “Okay lang po sa’kin, Ma’am.” saka niya nilingon si Mark na busy sa paninimbang ng ekspresyon niya, “Ikaw ba? Are you okay with it?”
Mark sighed, “If it’s fine with you, then it’s fine with me.”
Donghyuck clapped, “Yey! Okay na po kami, Ma’am.”
“Just no questions that’d make him uncomfortable, please.” paalala ni Mark sa reporter na um-oo naman agad.
The interview started as soon as the reporter signalled the cameraman to start filming.
Nauna nitong itinanong ang usual questions katulad ng: anong naramdaman mo while playing, was the training harsh, how did the team work on their cooperation, how are you feeling now that you won , at iba pang mga medyo teknikal na bagay na related sa basketball. Despite not knowing the questions beforehand, Mark answered them with ease. Kaya hindi maiwasan ni Donghyuck na mamangha habang nakikinig sa mga sagot ng binata.
However, he didn't really think he’d be ‘interviewed’, so he was quite taken aback when the reporter asked him a question.
“In every game DLSU plays, nandiyan po kayo. At laging tuwing pagkatapos ng laro, kayo agad ang pinupuntahan ni Mark. He’s also said in one of his interviews that one of his reasons for wanting to win is you. How do you feel whenever Mark dedicates both his attention and his wins to you? Especially now that DLSU has won the championship.”
Agad na nahiya si Donghyuck at pinag-initan ng mukha nang maalala nga ang interview na ‘yon ni Mark nung nakaraang laro nila. He bit his lower lip, “Uh, I actually didn’t like watching UAAP before I met him. Nung first time kong manood is saktong laro rin niya and they also won that game. He always tells me that he wants to win because of me.. Pero, para sa’kin, winning or losing doesn’t really matter. I mean, it is important and of course, no team plays to lose, but I think, winning or losing won’t change how I see him as a person. It won’t change the fact that I truly admire him and his passion for dedicating his time and energy to something. I feel really, really happy whenever he says that I’m one of his reasons for wanting to win. But little does he know, I already feel happy while watching him chase his passion and dreams. He and his team indeed deserve this championship, and I’m extremely proud to have supported them.”
Alam ni Donghyuck na pinapanood siya ni Mark ngayon at alam niya ring kitang-kita ng lahat ng nanonood ng interview ang pagtitig sakanya nito, but he doesn't mind that. All he knows is that Mark deserves to hear what he has to say.
Napangiti ang reporter sa sinabi ni Donghyuck, “Thank you po for answering the question.”
He simply smiled at the reporter and let her do her thing until the interview officially ended. The reporter thanked them again before leaving.
Mark smiled widely at him and reached for both of his hands, “That was wonderful.”
He playfully rolled his eyes, and smiled a bit, “Heh.”
“Really, Hyuck. You answered that like a pro.”
“Nambobola ka pa e kinilig ka lang sa sinabi ko.”
Mark pinched his cheek and chuckled, “That, too.”
Donghyuck sighed and watched the older endearingly. Kung dati ay halos magwala ang puso niya tuwing kasama si Mark, ngayon ay kalmado na ito.
Kalmadong tumitibok para kay Mark.
Para kay Mark.
The championship celebration continued that night. Buong gabi ay ngiting-ngiti lang si Donghyuck habang pinapanood ang men’s basketball team at nakikipag kamustahan sa ilang myembro nito kabilang na ang mga coach. It was fleeting, yet he can say na he was happy.
Lalo na ngayong nasa labas siya ng kanilang bahay at hawak-hawak ang kamay ni Mark na kanina pa siya ayaw pakawalan.
“Hey. Male-late ka sa celebration niyo.” malambing niyang ani rito.
Mas lalo lamang humigpit ang hawak ni Mark sa kanyang kamay, the older sighed.
“I have something to say..” kumunot ang noo ni Donghyuck sa sinabi ng isa.
“Ano po ‘yun?”
“I promised myself to only say this after the UAAP championship, win or lose.” Mark paused, “When I bumped into you last year, I’d already thought of you as someone really attractive. When I saw you again that day, I was sure I had been captivated. It was easy to like you, Hyuck. You’re ideal not only as a lover but also as a person. But it was even easier to love you—all of you.”
Nagulat si Donghyuck nang punasan ni Mark ang mga mata, hudyat na umiiyak ang binata. He was about to wipe Mark’s tears himself but Mark only held his hand again. Mark wet his lips and let himself stare directly at the younger’s eyes, even though he knows that Donghyuck could see the fear and worry in them.
“I can't even find the right words right now. I even practiced and wrote a long Word document and yet here I am, speechless in front of you.” the older chuckled, “Donghyuck, you make me more passionate than anything else. I felt like my heart was always on fire and about to explode whenever you were around. I get so weak when you touch me or even when you’re just near. Kanina, you said that you’re already happy watching me chase my passion and dreams. Would you be happy watching me be passionate about you, then? I’ve never thought a dream could be a person until I met you. You’re worth more than any achievement I have.”
The younger smiled from ear to ear, finding the other cute. He went closer to Mark, “Is this your way of telling me that you like me?”
With a shaky voice, Mark clarified, “I-i love you, Hyuck.”
Who would’ve thought that the years he spent as an NBSB throughout his whole lifetime would be this worth it? Na ang akala niyang hindi matutupad na listahan ng pinapangarap niya sa isang potential lover ay magkakaroon ng sagot? Ang lakas man maka-main character moment pero hindi makapaniwala si Donghyuck na ganto pala ang pakiramdam ng maaminan ng nararamdaman.
Ms. KKD, matagal na pong nabawasan ang mga pumipila kay Saint Dwight dahil matagal na ring alam ni Donghyuck sa sarili na isang tao lang ang mamahalin niya.
Donghyuck tiptoed slightly to reach Mark’s lips and steal a kiss.
“I love you, too, Mark.”
Kung may healing my inner child entry man si Donghyuck, ito na ‘yon. He never thought that he’d be loved by someone as good as Mark Lee. Akala niya talaga na forever hopeless romantic na lang siya at na totoo ngang hindi niya mararanasan ang romance in real life. He never even liked student-athletes, but now.. He’s always seen by the courtside.