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Chapter Text

3rd Year na Potaenuh

Yis taena, enrollment na pero kulang pa rin ang pera!

Seungkwan:

No offense ha, pero anong ginagawa ng tita mo?

Teh, ayaw ko na humingi kay tita, 

baka ako na maghugas pati mga plato ng barangay

Soonyoung:

Di ko talaga gets na ang lakas nya magutos sayo pero 

di naman sya nagpapaaral sayo.

Jeon Wonwoo Ganda is typing…

Seungkwan: 

Oh teh wag mo na pagtanggol na utang na loob

kasi kinuha ka nya sa probinsya nyo.

Siya nagdecide non kasi nakita niya in the future na pwede

kang muchacho ng mga anak nyang batugan!

Okay edi hindi, ano na lang siguro..

Teaching me young ganon?

Soonyoung:

Wons, ikaw ang naging magulang sa sarili mo

Anong teaching you young??

Change topic na nga pls, huhu. Iiyak na ako

May alam ba kayong raket dyan? T_T

Kahit tutor ng mga pinsan, pamangkin, kapatid go ako :(( 

Seungkwan:

Teh parehas kami only child ni Soons T___T

Soonyoung:

Wala bang pageant ngayon? 

Kami na bahala maghanap costume at make-up tulad dati

Tiba-tiba din sa papremyo ni Cap eh, tutal palagi ka

naman panalo sa mga ganun!

Seungkwan:

Syempre pera ng bayan yon, ay. 

WHO SAID THAT??

Wala na tapos na halos mga fiesta T_T

Soonyoung:

Si Mingyu? Baka may alam syang raket!

IHHHHH

Seungkwan:

Si tanga oh, nahiya pa eh tagal tagal mo ng kasama sa dorm yon!

Nakakahiya, palagi na nga ako non sinasalo kapag kinukulang ako huhu

Seungkwan:

Sorry Wons, wala din ako extra eh, kung mayaman lang ako ginawa na

kitang scholar ni mama T___T

Kaso nagbabayad pa kami utang sa palengke T__T

Soonyoung:

True da fire, same. Pero try ko tanungin si mama kung may alam din sya raket

No worries guys, thank you pa rin

Saka kahit naman wala kayong matulong

The fact na andyan kayo for me oks na yon.

Soonyoung:

Ayaw mo ba talaga i-try maging social media influencer?

Seungkwan:

Oh kaya mag-affiliate!

Uso yun ngayon!

Teh, wala din akong pambili nung mga gamit T__T

Soonyoung:

Vlogging nga! Or stream! Kahit sa phone muna, hehehe

Seungkwan:

Streaming pwede, dun tayo sa compshop nina Chan 

kahit mabaho yung ibang headset don!

Account ko gamitin mo pls i-rank mo account ko huhuh

Soonyoung:

Anong sayo? Yung akin muna!

Seungkwan:

Aba last na naglaro tayo account mo na ginamit, akin naman!

Nag-away pa yung dalawang pabuhat sa laro

Seungkwan:

Aba nakakasakit ka na Jeon Wonwoo.

Soonyoung:

Pero real, gamitin mo na ang fes friend, 

mabenta ka naman sa crush list sa campus HAHAHA

Seungkwan:

Tama, make it natural, gamitin mo na yung 2k followers mo 

sa ig mong puro si pussy lang.

Soonyoung:

ANG BASTOS??

Pusa ko yon tanga.

Yun ba yung magsesend sila ng pera sa live?

Seungkwan:

Oo! If meron magsend, pero meron yan for sure!

Simulan mo na gumawa ng content!

Anong illalagay ko?

A day in the life of a broke college student!

Ganon??

Soonyoung:

Basta simulan mo na gumawa at magpost ng content,

pero wag yung puro papogi kasi ako unang sasapak sayo pag ganon lang content mo

Seungkwan:

Basta be natural!

Film yourself or magkwento ka ganon!

Tulungan ka namin ni Soons!

Like how?

Soonyoung:

Basta kami bahala!

Gumawa ka vid, the rest kami na. 

– end of conversation – 

Wonwoo did try. 

First, he tried filming himself while he worked at his shift sa coffee shop ni Sir Seungcheol. Pero para sa kanya awkward at hindi nya maipost sa reels nya sa ig or kahit sa tiktok. As per suggestion ng mga kaibigan niya, magpost sya both platforms para mas makapag-earn sya ng engagements. 

Since may malakas siyang backer sa computer shop sa tabi ng uni na nagngangalang Lee Chan, doon siya matyagang nage-edit ng videos and ended up editing his first video as a faceless vid.  

Hindi naman niya balak itago ang mukha niya sa camera, sadyang ganon na lang talaga ang kinalabasan ng mga sumunod na posts niya dahil nandoon ang mga magagandang cuts, kung kelan hindi siya totally kita sa camera. 

But still, putting yourself out there in the social media world, it’s not easy to gain followers and viewers with just a few videos. Kahit pa tumaas yung 2k niya to 3k when some people in the campus started following him. Masaya si Wonwoo na nakaka-earn siya ng followers, where some are very vocal of having a crush on him dahil in all honesty, hindi halata kay Wonwoo na napaghihirapan siya sa buhay. He’s chinito, maputi, matangkad, mabango (dahil sa mga bigay ng magjowa niyang boss sa coffee shop na pinagtatrabahuan). Madalas siyang mapagkamalang rich kid kahit hindi. Plus points na matalino siya, kaya marami din talaga nakakakilala sa kanya sa campus. 

Puro comments sa video niya na crush na crush sya ng mga ito, hindi nila alam gay awakening niya si Superman noong high school pa lang siya. 

“Gawa mo?” someone suddenly asked, na ikinagulat ni Wonwoo at napaayos ng upo mula sa pagkakayuko sa kinocompute. At dahil pinanganak siyang may 80% legs, nauntog sya sa bunk bed na kinalulugaran. 

“Aray! Ang tanga shet!” ani niya na ikinatawa ni Mingyu bago naiiling na hinawakan ang ulo niya at basta na lang hinigit ng bahagya para silipin ang tuktok ng ulo niya.

“Okay pa, di pa lumalabas yung computations mo.” biro nito saka pinakawalan ang ulo niya. 

“Gagu!” Wonwoo rolled his eyes before pushing Mingyu away who only laughed and sat on his own bed on the other side of the room as he drop his bag on the floor.

Apat dapat sila sa dorm room na iyon, may sariling banyo sila at dalawang single bunk beds sa magkabilang side ng kwarto. Pero ever since first year, hindi na nalamnan yung itaas ng mga kama nilang dalawa ni Mingyu. Okay na din kasi solo nilang dalawa yung dorm room, mas marami silang space para paglagyan ng mga gamit dahil maliit lang din naman talaga yung kwarto. 

Freshman sila nagkakilala, hanggang ngayon na roommates pa rin sila on their third year. So masasabi na din talagang best friends na silang dalawa dahil talaga namang nagkakasundo sila ni Mingyu. Madalas din siya nitong saluhin kapag medyo hindi pa kaya ng bulsa ni Wonwoo na magbayad sa renta or delayed ang dating ng biyaya dahil may biglang bayarin sa school. 

Saka hindi niya para awayin ang master chef sa pagluluto sa rice cooker dahil talentadong pinoy talaga ang kaibigan at kahit anong dish nagagawa nito na rice cooker lang ang gamit. Mingyu’s probably one of the reasons why he’s not yet malnourished despite being a broke college student who does his best just to juggle both work and studies. 

So he’s really thankful for Mingyu’s presence, with that thought, doon naalala ni Wonwoo na nagsabi siyang maglalive siya ngayong ala-sais sa kanyang non-existent followers. Actually, tingin niya lang iyon kasi nag-ig story siya na maglalive siya after class to join him on his “after school tasks” pero wala naman halos nagreply ng kanilang enthusiasm. 

But Wonwoo decided to still push through, dahil sabi nga ni Soonyoung, may manood o wala, ang importante ginawa niya ang kanyang best na makapaglabas ng content na gusto niya, and Wonwoo doesn't like to admit it yet, but he was genuinely enjoying filming and editing despite his busy schedule from school and part-time job.

“Magvi-video ako, sama ka!” Wonwoo said the moment Mingyu stepped out of the bathroom. Nagpupunas pa ito ng basang buhok na kaagad na ikinasimangot ni Wonwoo.

“Si tanga naligo agad di muna nagpahinga, mapasma ka nyan ay talaga namang makikita mo ang hinahanap mo.” sermon niya dito na ikinangiti lang ni Mingyu kasabay ng pagtalikod nito para tignan ang itaas ng bunk bed niya. Which mainly consists of his school supplies and books, his guitar, and the half of the bed have two medium sized storage boxes of food seasonings, at bigas nilang dalawa ni Wonwoo. Plus the rice cooker who has been with them through thick and thin.  

Wala silang ref, pero gawain na ni Mingyu na dumaan sa maliit na talipapa malapit sa dorm para bumili ng enough ingredients for their meals, parehas din naman silang malakas kumain, maliit lang sumubo si Wonwoo at mabagal kumain pero kaya siya nitong sabayan sa kainan kaya wala ding natitira na pagkain. 

“Magluluto na ako, okay ba sayo sesame chicken and rice?” tanong ni Mingyu sa kanya na kaagad ikinawala ng kunot sa noo ng binata mula sa pagsermon.

“Ay oo naman! Kahit ano pa yan, aarte pa ba eh ikaw na nga nagluluto?” sagot nito habang sineset-up ang cellphone, pero napatigil ito nang tila may naisip.

“Hala! Pwede pala natin yang gawing content! Rice cooker meals from Chef Mingyu gyu gyu gyu gyuuu~!” Wonwoo even imitated the sound of rappers from tv shows that made Mingyu sigh, sabay pitik sa noo ng kaibigan at marahan itong itinulak palayo sa kanya. 

“Doon ka wag kang makulit. Diyan ka na lang magvideo habang nandito ako sa lamesa natin.” sabi nito, pertaining to their study table placed side by side against the wall with the only window they have in the room. 

“Ginawa naman akong bata ay.” angal ni Wonwoo sabay irap bago tumalikod at inayos ang sarili para sa camera. 

Wonwoo even cleared his throat as he pressed the live button, waiting for viewers to come join him in his live show. Mingyu, who was watching all of this, just shook his head with a fond smile on his face as he focused on his task. 

Mingyu can hear Wonwoo go on and on about his day when viewers started coming in, nakatalikod lang siya sa kaibigan dahil busy siya sa pagluluto at pagtugtog ng gitara habang naghihintay ng tamang oras. But he can’t help but to smile with how animated Wonwoo tells his story to his viewers, mabuti na lang talaga at masyado itong abala sa pagdaldal sa harap ng camera while in his bed, where he also made a small set-up using his pillows for viewers to better see him. 

On the other hand, Wonwoo was amazed, because for some odd reason, nasa hundred ang nanonood sa live niya ngayon. That’s big numbers for Wonwoo, dahil usually ay mga kaibigan niyang sina Soonyoung at Seungkwan ang nasali sa live, ending tuloy nagiging video call madalas. 

Notifications from Wonwoo’s Phone:

3rd Year na Potaenuh:

Soonyoung: Friend galingan mo lang pagdaldal diyan, kinuntyaba na namin mga tambay sa compshop nina Chan!

Seungkwan: Kami na bahala sayo beh! Galing galingan mo lang pagsagot sa Q&A kuno! Mwuah! IPAPAKALAT KO TO!!

Wonwoo couldn’t help but to laugh out loud when he saw his friends' message on their group chat popped up. Doon napalingon si Mingyu sa kanya mula sa paghahalo ng niluluto sa rice cooker, and if only Wonwoo could see, there’s this big puppy tail and ears moving out of curiosity from his best friend. 

“Shh, huy ano yan?” Mingyu could only ask gently (even if he “pretended” to reprimand Wonwoo), making Wonwoo stop from laughing. 

Tawang tawa pa rin kasi siya sa pinaggagagawa ng mga kaibigan niya at the same time, touched with their support. So Wonwoo, thinking that all his 100 viewers are from his friend's scheme, he giddily moved his phone and showed Mingyu on the camera. 

“Hi guys! Tawang tawa ako napagsabihan na tuloy ako. Say hi to the camera, Min!” Wonwoo said but Mingyu’s eyes widened in surprise and hid himself using the spatula he was holding. 

Rinig sa live ang mahinang pagtawa ni Wonwoo sa likod ng camera bago inilayo kay Mingyu ang cellphone. Wonwoo was still holding his phone with his one hand at nawala ang centro ng anggulo sa kanilang dalawa, but the viewers can still see and hear both of them talking.

“Sorry, ang ingay ko ba?” Wonwoo asked.

“No, nagulat lang ako that you suddenly laughed out loud.” Mingyu gently said, almost in a hush but can still be heard.

“Ay weh? Sorry, natawa ako sa message nina Soons.” Wonwoo whispered back.

“Akala ko natuluyan ka ng mabaliw.” Mingyu joked using his monotone voice that made Wonwoo scrunch his nose and slap the taller's shoulder, Mingyu only chuckled.

“Balik na ako ulit sa live.” he added but Mingyu held Wonwoo’s wrist to stop him.

“Wait, tikman mo muna if okay na yung chicken.” sabi nito sabay umang sa labi niya ng isang piraso ng chicken strip cut to bite size for Wonwoo’s convenience. 

Walang kaso naman na kinain ito ni Wonwoo para tikman and his eyes immediately widened when he tasted the flavors bursting in his mouth.

“Masarap! Okay na sya!” Wonwoo said, making Mingyu smiled in satisfaction before nodding his head and turning back to his cooking. 

“Ako na lang maghuhugas ng pinaglutuan mo saka nung iba pa.” saad ni Wonwoo.

“May dishwashing pa ba tayo?” tanong ni Mingyu as he divided the chicken and rice into two bowls.

“Wala na ata pero bili na lang ako sa baba.”  Wonwoo answered, and their conversation went on before Wonwoo realized that his live was still going on. 

“Hala di ko napatay! Sorry guys! Be right back, kakain na kami ng dinner! Here’s the dinner Mingyu made! Gamit lang rice cooker dyan oha~ talentadong pinoy yan!” Wonwoo even showed his bowl of rice in front of the camera but all the comments are saying otherwise, as if their focus wasn’t even on the bowl of sumptuous food but on other things. 

Live comments:

Userabcde: hala ang sweet naman

Penelopecruz: kailangan pa ba kami dito?

Iamrumiiii: ang hanap ko si crush, bakit ako ang kinilig for him??

Soontobehoon: Akala ko a day in a life as an economics student bakit biglang naging a day in a life with my roommate?

Boosorange: ANG USAPAN TAWANAN LANG BAT NAGPAPAKILIG?

Tri_17: wala bang magbabasa dito ng latin? 

Leechan0: hala sana all masarap

Chwenotchew: Ganyan ka pala gumalaw boi

Dkisdokyeom: hello po magkano po ang isang bowl ng soft launching with the jowa kasi gusto ko din ma-experience shout out sayo joshua hong ng tourism! 

Jihoonlee: sabi na dapat natulog na lang ako, hindi na dapat nakinig sa pakulo nung baliw sa arts department

Junnotjuly: compshop ni leechan, ang baho ng headset nyo pakipalitan pls. Anyway best wishes po sana all may chicken.

Shanaaliahmae: grabe Jeon Wonwoo crush na crush kita pero tanggap ko na basta sya makakatuluyan mo!!!! (kung sino man sya)

Eightate: hala iba pala talaga ang nagagawa ng tagong feelings.

Jiannamarie: what’s the domesticity for? MAMA I WANT THAT!!!  

Jeonghanchoi: hala ito pala boyfie mo wonu ha?

“Hala hindi ko po sya boyfriend Kuya Han!” Wonwoo said when he read that comment from his boss’ boss. But instead of viewers believing him, all the comments were flooded with disbelief.

Wonwoo didn’t know what to tell them further so he bid goodbye to his viewers that ended with more than a hundred. Sinabi na lang niya na kakain na sila kaya mas lalo tuloy siyang nakakuha ng panunukso sa mga viewers ng live niya. 

Meanwhile, habang napapahilot sa noo si Wonwoo, napatingin na lang siya sa roommate niyang walang kaalam-alam at busy ayusin yung pinaglutuan nito habang hinihintay siyang matapos para sabay na silang kumain.

Mingyu seems to notice the eyes following his every move so when he looked at Wonwoo, he smiled.

“Kain na tayo?” he asked, innocently, not really knowing their normal days will become something the internet would crave for.

. 📽.ᐟ

Chapter Text

The thing is, even if there’s more than a hundred viewers – 150 viewers to be exact – who saw how Mingyu and Wonwoo interacted at their dorm, it was really not that big of a deal than how Wonwoo thought it would be - iyon ang akala niya. Pero pinagsawalang bahala na niya muna ang opinyon ng iba dahil ang dami pa rin niyang isipin.

He only has a month to find an additional income or to monetize what he started to be able to acquire enough for his tuition fee. Kahit todo kayod siya sa shift niya sa coffee shop ni Sir Seungcheol niya, at kahit magextra pa siya sa restaurant ng Kuya Jeonghan, kulang pa ito lalo na at may pang-araw araw din siyang gastusin.

So while he was busily computing his remaining money inside their dorm, iniisip niya kung ano pa ang pwede niyang gawin. Wala pa siyang nabubudol dun sa pinost niyang video na dishwashing liquid at may link ng store kung saan nakabili si Mingyu. 

Si Mingyu na ang nagpresintang bumili online ng maramihan bilang stock nila sa dorm, and before Wonwoo could even tell his roomie what he’d like to do, hinayaan siya nitong siya ang magunbox at i-film ito. 

Wonwoo, not really knowing what to do, he decided to open his phone to record himself, for sure kasi ay mamaya pa ang uwi ng roommate niya dahil baka nasa mga kaibigan pa ito. He thought of a topic to tell, or share, something to talk about, but he thought of none, because reality speaking, vlogging or filming contents also requires talent to think of what nice things to share. Dahil wala siyang maisip, he thought of making another "chikahan vlog", something more personal, and he let his mouth speak. 

“As not many of you may know, pero working student ako. Some might be curious where I came from, pero mahirap lang akong tao. Galing akong probinsya, pero kinuha ako ng tita ko dito sa Maynila para mag-aral…..” Napahinto si Wonwoo sa pagsasalita nang maalala kung paano siya napunta sa kinalulugaran niya ngayon. 

“Simula ng matuto ako dito, hindi na din ako halos pumupunta kina Tita kasi baka masumbatan lang ako. Ako lang ang nagpapaaral sa sarili ko, di ko na din alam paano ko kinakaya, may scholarship oo, pero hindi lang naman doon natatapos ang pag-aaral. Pagod na pagod na ako…” Wonwoo was looking from afar as he said those words, because in all honesty, naiinggit siya sa mga estudyante na wala ng gagawin kundi mag-aral dahil maganda ang support system ng pamilya. 

Wonwoo’s father died early, while he never really met his mom dahil may iba na itong pamilya. Laking lola siya pero nang pumanaw ito ay ibinilin siya sa kanyang tiyahin na walang nagawa kundi ampunin siya. 

But his aunt never really cared about him, alam ni Wonwoo na napilitan lang ito dahil sa ina sa probinsya na kanyang lola. Wonwoo was lonely, until he met Soonyoung and Seungkwan, and through Wonwoo’s professor na tinulungan siyang makakuha ng slot sa dorm for students inside the campus at financial assistance para makapaghulog sa paunang renta, Wonwoo was able to find a place for himself he can actually feel safe. 

Lalo na when Mingyu came into the picture too, dahil nga huling kwarto na ang nakuha nila, napalagay sila sa dulong parte ng 6th floor. Madaming may ayaw sa kwartong iyon kasi sabi ng guard ay may multo daw na gumagala sa gabi.

Imagine a freshman Jeon Wonwoo, scared and alone till the door of the room opened and a guy about 4 centimeters taller than him was standing in front of it. Wonwoo remember it all too well, it was raining that night, akala niya totoo na ang balitang may nagpaparamdam sa kwartong iyon tuwing gabi, pero sa kabila ng takot ay napangiti na lang siya dahil nakumpirma niyang tao ang makakasama niya at hindi kalahi ni Casper.

He remembers Mingyu being so quiet, probably because of his tall stature, he was very careful with his belongings and how he would settle down in his own space. Parang takot makadanggi ng anumang bagay o may maapakang insekto. 

“Hello! Ako si Wonwoo, ikaw anong pangalan mo?” tanong niya dito na ikinatingin sa kanya ng binata. 

“Mingyu.” 

“Ahh…anong course mo?” he asked again.

“Architecture.” 

Wonwoo just nodded his head and didn’t ask any further dahil mukhang hindi naman ito interesado na makipagkwentuhan. 

“Ikaw?” Mingyu asked after a while, making Wonwoo smile despite the cold seeping through their window. Wala pa siyang gamit, tanging karton at bunk bed lang ang nandoon pati ang backpack niya na may lamang kaunting damit. But he noticed Mingyu had his own mattress with him, along with his other necessities na tila handa talaga ito sa paglipat para sa papasimulang semester.

“Economics.” sagot ni Wonwoo nang may maliit na ngiti, pilit, kasi nilalamig na siya at hindi naman siya makahiga dahil wala siyang kutson. 

Matapos noon ay hindi na sila nagusap, he lets Mingyu fix his own space and quietly settle down habang nakatingin lang si Wonwoo sa sapatos niyang pinaglalaruan niya. He was thinking on how he can sleep tonight, nanghiram kasi siya kina Soonyoung ng kutson na hindi na nito ginagamit pero bukas pa niya iyon makukuha. 

Until he felt something soft beside him, doon napatingin si Wonwoo at nakakita ng kumot na kulay blue at maayos na nakatiklop. It was too thick it can even pass as a comforter, napatingin siya sa pigurang nagbaba nito and Mingyu only offered him a kind smile.

“Gamitin mo muna, hindi naman ako lamigin.” Mingyu said. It was short, the gesture was small, but Wonwoo felt crying at that moment as the warm feeling slowly creeped into his heart. 

Simula noon, mas nagkakilala pa sila ni Mingyu, tahimik ito dati, pero nang mapalagay ang loob ay umiingay na din minsan at nakikipagbiruan na sa kanya. Wonwoo realized that he already had tears in his eyes because of how tough life has been ever since he came here, na nang marinig niya ang pamilyar na yabag ng mga paa at ang pagpasok ng susi sa door knob ng kanilang kwarto, kaagad niyang pinunasan ang kanyang mga luha at hininto ang pagrecord. 

Wonwoo immediately fixed himself at inabangan ang pagpasok ng kaibigan, nagkunwari pa siyang nagbabasa lang sa lamesa niya ng assignment at saka lang lumingon nang tawagin siya ni Mingyu. 

“Hi yeom~” Mingyu cheerfully greeted as he drop his bag on the floor, and Wonwoo couldn't help but to smile with how he greets.

“Nadeliver na yung mga lapis at iba pang pens na kailangan ko, oh.” Mingyu said as he handed him a box wrapped in a black bubblewrap. Sealed at may sticker pa ng fragile na tila kakabigay pa lang talaga ng delivery rider. 

“Eh? Anong gagawin ko dito eh iyo to?” takang tanong ni Wonwoo. But instead of answering, Mingyu used both his fingers to signal as if he’s taking a photo and clicking on a camera. Pero dahil medyo lutang pa siya, hindi niya nagets making Mingyu chuckle.

“I-film mo, mambudol ka ng mga archi students sa campus. Send ko link kung saan ko nabili, tinatanong ako ng blockmates ko kung anong gamit ko na materials eh.” Mingyu said, after that, the taller one left him to fix his things so he could take a shower. 

Hindi tuloy mapigilan ni Wonwoo na mapayakap sa binigay nitong kahon, wala siyang pake kung maalikabok pa or kung saan saan man napatong yung package, but he had to hold onto something because his heart really couldn’t take it how thoughtful his roommate was.

"Ang bait bait mo talaga, wag ka munang mamamatay, mabuhay ka ng matagal Kim Mingyu!" he half whispered, habang sinusundan ng tingin ang dinaanan ng kaibigan papunta sa banyo.

Nandoon na naman, naramdaman niya na naman. Yung mainit na pakiramdam na tila yumayakap sa puso niya dahil sa gesture ng kaibigan, and Wonwoo, Wonwoo wanted to cry at that moment.

Because if there’s one thing he’s thankful for when he went here in the city, it was meeting Mingyu and his friends. Because since then, Mingyu never made him feel lonely, even if through the smallest things one wouldn’t even notice but he does, Wonwoo sees it, and he will forever be thankful for meeting his roommate.

—

“Wag kang maingay, nagfifilm ako ng ayos dito ha” saway ni Wonwoo sa roommate nang marinig sa background ang paglalagay nito ng bigas sa rice cooker.

In front of them was the camera, currently recording, nakapatong ito sa maliit na espasyo sa may bintana para mas malawak ang hagip sa camera, Mingyu’s box of art materials on the table, still neatly wrapped and Wonwoo was seated behind the box to open it.

Pero puno yata kasi talaga ng energy ang kaibigan dahil itinaas lang nito ang rice cooker na nahagip sa camera at nag-ok sign. 

Wonwoo went on opening the box, he wanted to open and show the colors but since it was not his, and Mingyu’s the one who knows how to open them, he called Mingyu’s attention. 

“Min! Pwede mo buksan? Di ko alam pano, baka masira.” Wonwoo asked and the taller walked near him, even sat beside Wonwoo, slightly far from the camera, sa may balikat niya nakaanggulo ang katawan ni Mingyu nang abutin nito ang hawak ni Wonwoo. As if he was caging Wonwoo between him and the table where the package was.

Binuksan naman ito ni Mingyu, and even showed it to the camera like how makeup guru’s on youtube do when they’re showing some make-up shades because the camera won’t focus on small details. Natawa si Wonwoo sa kaibigan na ikinatawa na din ni Mingyu habang nakatingin sa kanya, camera recording forgotten, as if there was no one else but them at that moment.

“What? Hindi ba ganoon ginagawa ng mga vloggers?” natatawang ani ni Mingyu na ikinatawa na din ni Wonwoo.

“Akin na nga! Tawang tawa ako sayo gagu, gayang gaya ah?” Wonwoo chuckled, making Mingyu laugh too. 

“Ganito kasi buksan yan, ito, i-twist mo dito. Gets?” Mingyu asked, and Wonwoo was watching carefully before nodding his head.

“Gets. Thanks!” Wonwoo said, and Mingyu only stood up, ngumiti saka pabirong ginulo ang buhok ni Wonwoo bago balikan ang ginagawa ulit.

Later that night, the yellow basket was added, details where Mingyu bought his materials if it’s not available online was also included, everything was set, and Wonwoo clicked the button to post his video with almost no editing happening since it was only a short one. Inayos ni Wonwoo ang pagkakahiga niya, maging ang kumot na nakaipit sa katawan niya bago itinagilid ang ulo para tignan si Mingyu na nakasandal sa kama nito at tutok sa cellphone.

Patay na ang ilaw sa buong kwarto at tanging yung maliit na battery-operated lamp at hugis siopao na bigay ni Mingyu na lang ang bukas sa tabi niya maging ang ilaw na nagmumula sa cellphone ng binata.

“Min…” Wonwoo called, making the taller softly look at him.

“Thank you ah, the best ka talaga. Good night!” he said, smiling. He didn’t even wait for Mingyu to respond, or to even let him ask what was the thank you for. Wonwoo closed his eyes to sleep, slightly feeling calm because even if the world may be unfair, it was enough for Wonwoo to still thank the universe because he met a friend like Mingyu. 

Siguro kailangan lang talaga niya mag-grind pagpost ng videos at contents - was Wonwoo's thoughts before finally drifting off to sleep.

_____

Mga Future Archi - BSArch - 3B

Arch. Jun (manifesting):

Mingyu i-share mo na kasi saan mo nabili yung materials mo!

Purga na ako sa itlog pls lang T__T

Master Jihoon:

Hindi nya yan ishe-share, madamot yan eh

Vernon (chill na saks lang):

Remind me again bakit ako nag-architecture? At mageenroll pa ulit?

Trina Marie:

Guys wala pa man enrollment pero kinakabahan na ako for this sem

Alianna May:

Actually I’m excited for this year!

Pero yes, need ko muna humanap din materials

Can you suggest guys?

Arch Jun (manifesting):

Mingyu ishare mo na parang awa.

Feel ko kapag maganda gamit ko, papasa ako

Master Jihoon:

Tigilan mo kasi kakaclutch ng plates, sinisi mo pa sa gamit

Vernon (chill na saks lang):

Grabe boi, nagpopromote ka ba o nambabakod?

Click the yellow basket :) 

Master Jihoon:

Taena nanginggit pa

. 📽.ᐟ

Chapter Text

Kim Mingyu, 3rd year BS Architecture student, varsity team player ng basketball team kung saan isa siya sa pinakamatangkad at pinaka pinagkakaguluhan, but it’s more on students admire him so much he gets a lot of random shout-out sa freedom wall ng university nila at maging mga kapitbahay campus nila every week. 

Hindi yata makukumpleto ang isang linggo na walang nagpopost ng kanilang pagsigaw ng damdamin para sa kanya despite his intimidating nature. 

For strangers, Kim Mingyu is the definition of a gentle giant, except sa hindi mo agad ito makikita at talagang kakabahan ka muna sa height at gandang lalaki niya, which further improved not only his physique, but also when he lightly lost his youthful features when he started going to the gym with his other friends, and well, when he started getting stressed juggling his academics, sports, and thinking about the menu’s he can cook with a rice cooker.

With his build and strong stature, especially how he doesn’t really smile much when he’s out in the open, Mingyu can be really intimidating for some, and it’s not like cooking in the rice cooker was stressful, it was thinking of what he will cook is what makes him think a lot.

Hindi din dahil maarte si Wonwoo, except for his shrimp allergies, and his hatred for seafood due to an unforgettable experience, Wonwoo is really easy to please when it comes to food. Tipong hindi nito alam na tinimplahan mo ng kalamansi yung fried chicken para mawala ang lansa pero hindi niya man lang nalasahan. Hindi niya din alam ang difference between thyme at rosemary, but hey, not everybody can really tell at first glance, Mingyu would think. 

Ganon kadaling pakainin si Wonwoo, but what makes a 6-feet tall think so hard, was because everything he cooks, it was, and will always be for Wonwoo. For him, Wonwoo should only get the best and most nutritious food so he can study and work better. 

Kaya imagine a tall man, quietly slouching on his own bunk bed, seriously looking at his laptop while searching for new food Wonwoo and him can try, then suddenly the door of their door opens, revealing his best friend dahilan para magulat siya at sabay sara ng laptop kahit wala naman siyang itinatago mali.

“MIN MIN MIN MIN!” pagtawag nito ng dire-diretsyo na akala mo ay nagra-rap. 

But that’s besides the point now as he watches Wonwoo urgently walks towards his bed, leaving all his things on the floor pero nanatili ang cellphone nito sa kamay. 

“Bakit? Anong meron?” tanong niya sa kaibigan. Pero imbes na magkwento agad si Wonwoo kung anong nangyari, Wonwoo seems to hesitate. 

He was biting his lips, stood up again and started walking back and forth in front of him while holding his phone. 

“May problema ba? Anong problema natin?” tanong niya sa kaibigan na ikinatigil nito. Wonwoo sat beside him, pero ang mas ikinagulat ni Mingyu ay noong paluin siya ng kaibigan sa balikat niya. 

“Aw–”

“Ayan! Kaya napagkakamalan kang—ay nako ka talaga Kim Mingyu!” Wonwoo sighs as he looks at his phone again. 

Seeing that Wonwoo won’t answer him immediately, he grabs Wonwoo’s phone which the smaller lets him to do so. 

Nang tignan niya ang cellphone nito, may “fan edit” ng nauna nilang live video together and some of the videos na briefly sya nagpapakita sa camera when Wonwoo records his vlogs. Nakapost sa tiktok, but all of its engagements are people from their campus and neighboring universities. 

₊✩‧₊˚Lay˚₊✩‧₊: Ang pogi talaga ay para sa mga pogi hays

Liannaching: are they together? Omg I didn’t know! Cute!!

Penelopecruz: Grabe may sparks talaga! Bagay (∩˃o˂∩)♡

JihoonLee: OO NA NGA MAGCHECHECKOUT NA!

Junnotjuly: Parang wala naman nito sa yellow basket??

Iamrumiiii: love is love talaga, ship ko kayo best wishes. (♡ヮ♡)

Hindiimportante: ACK BADING BADING BADING!!!

        Boosorange replies to hindiimportante: AY TEH MAY PROBLEMA???

        Soonstobehoon replies to hindiimportante: BEH AYUS AYUSIN MO LANG TROPA KO MGA SECURITY GUARD! PAPAHABOL DIN KITA SA ASO NAMIN, MAALAM DIN AKO MANGULAM!!!

       Hindiimportante replies to soonstobehoon: ay kuya fan po ako T___T wag nyo ko awayin huhu

Tristandr: ay nakikita ko nga si bro, sina bro pala ay bagay, naiinggit na ako bro

Chwenotchew: bro…

Shanaaliahmae: SHIP KO NA TALAGA SILA MAMA!!!!

Not only that, Wonwoo’s account and affiliate links are getting numbers, slowly but surely, and when Mingyu saw it, he couldn’t help but to smile so big and hug Wonwoo tight because of too much happiness for his hardworking friend (echos yung friend). 

“Hala ang galing! You’re getting numbers! Nadagdagan din yung followers mo!” Mingyu exclaimed, his smile so big it was showing the lines on the corner of his eyes that made Wonwoo smile too. 

Nakakahawa naman kasi talaga ang ngiti ni Mingyu, pati yung small giggles nito na di mo aakalaing sa isang 6-foot tall na lalaki manggagaling. Mingyu is so soft, so cuddly, if there’s a perfect personification of warmth, Wonwoo would immediately say the taller’s name. 

Kaya unti-unting nawala ang ngiti kay Wonwoo nang maalala niya ang naisip niya, he can’t really do that to his best friend who have been with him through ups and downs ever since they met. 

At napansin iyon ni Mingyu. 

“Why? Is there any problem?” Mingyu gently asked, and Wonwoo sighs as he looks away.

“For a moment, naisip ko na gumawa tayo ng kwento sa harap ng camera. Lol. Kasi napansin ko din na mas madaming kita dun sa mga videos na kasama ka. Parang lahat ng items na sinuggest mo and-- well ikaw naman talaga bumibili at gumagamit ng mga yun - bet nila. As in ang daming naniniwala sa recommendations mo.” Wonwoo explained, nang magtama din ang tingin nila ni Mingyu, ay tila nahihiya itong ngumiti bago nagiwas muli ng tingin.

“Pero that’s too much na. You already did more than enough ang selfish ko sa part na naisip ko pang magpanggap tayong may something katulad ng sa mga love teams—” 

“Let’s do it.” bigkas ni Mingyu dahilan para mabilis na mapalingon sa kanya ang kaibigan habang nanlalaki ang mga mata.

Mingyu smiled thinking how adorable Wonwoo was, but decided to clear his throat and repeat himself to be clear.

“Let’s do it. Willing naman ako to help you, besides, iyon na lang din naiisip ko kung paano kita matutulungan since you don’t want me to help you with monetary stuff. It’s all you, Won. If being a love team with you in front of the camera can help boost your account, then we can do it.” 

“A little made up story won’t hurt.” Mingyu added. Pero nakatitig lang sa kanya si Wonwoo matapos ng lahat ng sinabi niya na tila binabasa ang nasa isip niya. 

Hindi niya tuloy maiwasang hindi kabahan, ikaw ba naman ang titigan ng crush mo for 3 years habang magkalapit kayo, mata sa mata, walang kurap. 

Sinong di kakabahan when all the cuddly little monsters inside Mingyu’s chest just wants to squish Wonwoo’s cheeks to kiss him at that moment for how surprised and adorable he looks. 

“Okay! Deal!” Wonwoo suddenly said, as he actually just finished having a dilemma with himself. 

“Basta sabihan mo ako kung ayaw mo na ha?” Wonwoo said, his voice concerned. Probably because he was thinking that he can’t really disturb Mingyu’s life further if things get out of hand.

But for Mingyu, his life was already shaken the moment he entered that room 1123, and he met that skinny boy who had nothing with him but himself. Seeing how Wonwoo persevered to survive college while still holding that bright smile on his face, it brought colors to Mingyu’s life the smaller doesn’t even realize.

“Yes, I’ll tell you when we should stop.” Mingyu said, and that made Wonwoo smile wider.

“The best ka talaga Min! Hulog ka talaga ng langit!” saad nito na ikinatawa lang niya ng mahina bago hinayaan na umalis ito sa tabi niya para ayusin ang gamit. 

Mingyu smiles as he watch Wonwoo, para sa binata siya ang hulog ng langit na palaging sinasabi nito, pero para kay Mingyu, Wonwoo helped him in a way not everybody will think someone like Mingyu will need. Because even Mingyu himself only realized it back then during their enrollment for the second semester of the same academic year he met Wonwoo. 

But that’s for another story to tell. 

For now Mingyu doesn't know where they’ll end up with this scheme, but he would give his all if it meant that he’ll be rewarded with Wonwoo’s smile at the end of the day. 

______

“Hi guys!” Wonwoo pans the camera to Mingyu who was currently standing in front of the rice cooker.

“Say hi to the camera, Min!” ani ni Wonwoo pero saglit lang tumingin si Mingyu sa camera, ngumiti ng bahagya pero tila problemado ito na kaagad napansin ni Wonwoo. 

Hindi na niya naisip muna ang recording at isinandal ito sa may bintana nila saka nilapitan ang kaibigan. 

“Anong meron?” nag-aalalang tanong ni Wonwoo kay Mingyu na napakamot lang sa ulo sabay turo sa rice cooker na nakapatong sa study table nilang dalawa.

“Bad news.” Mingyu said, and Wonwoo was looking back and forth to the rice cooker and Mingyu, obviously confused.

“Anong bad news?” 

“Sira na yung rice cooker ata. Hindi na nagana.” Mingyu said, at sa pagkarinig pa lang ng katagang iyon, nagulat si Wonwoo, pero kaagad ding napalitan nang lungkot ang mukha nito.

“Hala, bakit? Bakit yung rice cooker?” ani ni Wonwoo, nagsisimulang malungkot ang mukha habang nilalapitan ang sirang appliance sa lamesa nila. Mingyu stepped aside, hands both on his hips as he confusingly watched Wonwoo get emotional. 

Akala ni Mingyu ay dahil nagrerecord ito, he assumed that everything has to be two times the reaction when on camera, so Mingyu being a good accomplice, he slightly smiled and tried to console Wonwoo.

“We can buy another one—”

“Sayang yung rice cooker…” angal ni Wonwoo, and Mingyu’s eyes widened when he saw how the corner of Wonwoo’s eyes were getting teary as he held their precious broken rice cooker in his arms.

Living with Wonwoo, naturally, Mingyu knows the guy like the back of his hand, aside sa extra attentive siya sa binata dahil crush niya ito. But Mingyu knows when Wonwoo was being real, pero imbes na mag-alala, hindi niya napigilan ang sarili niyang matawa sa kaibigan, kasabay ng tila pagpiga sa puso niya dahil sa kung gaano ito ka-cute sa paningin niya. 

He saw how Wonwoo was genuinely upset because of the rice cooker, but Mingyu also can’t blame the home appliance as it has been with them since first year college. 

“Huy…bakit ka naiyak?” Mingyu can’t help but to chuckle as he asked.

“Tinatawanan mo pa ako, may sentimental value to sakin! Sayo ba wala??” Wonwoo whined as he sat on Mingyu’s bed - which was nearer to where they were -  as he was holding the innocent appliance. 

The camera caught how Mingyu adoringly laughed at Wonwoo’s whining.

“Unang niluto mo dito yung sinaing na kinonvert mo sa lugaw kasi napasobra ka ng tubig pero walang lasa kasi di mo naman nilagyan ng asin!” the guy ranted, making Mingyu laugh more and he was even holding his stomach as he did so.

But indeed, it was very fresh from Wonwoo’s memory, because it was the first time since he went to the city where he felt warmth from food. Hindi niya kasi alam kung ano yung pakiramdam noong sinasabi ng iba na masarap ang lutong bahay, kasi gawa ng nanay, o ng tatay. 

Kahit luto ng lolo’t-lola niya nakalimutan na niya kung ano ang lasa at pakiramdam sa tagal ng panahon. Wonwoo’s memory can fail him during exams, but never the time when he tasted Mingyu’s cooking for the first time. Parehas silang pagod mula sa isang buong araw na klase, parehas silang nangangapa sa dorm life, but Mingyu did his best to cook from that small rice cooker where they shared the failed kanin turned into lugaw, just so they could both eat. 

Ganoon pala kasi ang ibig sabihin ng lutong bahay, hindi magarbo, pero siya kasi yung tipo ng lutong pagkain na ginawa sa kabila ng pagod at oras na gugugulin ng maghahanda nito. Kaya mo nalalasahan yung sarap ng pagpapahalaga, yung init na mula sa pangangalaga ng nagluto, at iyon ang hindi magagawang kalimutan ni Wonwoo. 

Mingyu seems to understand and remember why Wonwoo was becoming emotional, it was not just a simple rice cooker. It was where they both shared a fit of laughter, kasi kahit gutom at stressed, Mingyu’s first meal cooked in the rice cooker also became a way for them to become closer. 

Seeing this, Mingyu went and crouched in front of Wonwoo, the poor rice cooker on his lap was in the middle of them as he dried the tears on the corner of Wonwoo’s eyes. 

“Matagal naman na kasi nating gamit yan kaya siguro sumuko na din talaga siya. Naka-ROI na tayo dyan.” Mingyu tried to joke at the end, making Wonwoo chuckle.

“Gagu.” Wonwoo answered, laughing. Mingyu laugh a little too. 

“Palitan na lang natin ng bago.” Mingyu said, but Wonwoo shook his head.

“Wag natin itapon. Baka pwede pa mapa-ayos, mas mura yun.” he said and Mingyu nodded his head in understanding. 

“Yes, pero if mas mapapamahal tayo, bili na lang ng bago pero di natin siya itatapon. Papahinga lang siya sa kahon.” Mingyu said, as if trying to pacify a kid and eventually, Wonwoo agreed.

Naiintindihan din naman kasi ni Mingyu na Wonwoo’s the type na kung mas makakatipid sa isang bagay, gagawin nito. For Mingyu, Wonwoo deserves all the best things in the world, but he also learned to respect Wonwoo’s decisions and this is one of them. 

Madali naman kausap si Wonwoo din, katulad ng mas madaling kausap si Mingyu pagdating kay Wonwoo. 

In the end, for shits and giggles, Mingyu told Wonwoo to post it on social media.  Because for Mingyu, Wonwoo was really adorable during that moment and it was actually caught on camera. Natawa na din si Wonwoo nang mapanood niya kung paano siya nagreact so he greed, just to share to their small circle of friends (their subscribers) what happened, expecting nothing. 

But maybe it really was the start of chaos in both Wonwoo and Mingyu’s life…and well, hearts too. 

______________

Chapter Text

A morning vlog. 

Jeon Wonwoo decided to make something different today, probably film his schedule for today, duty sa coffee shop, punta sa school supplies store ng mama ni Seungkwan since naitabi na niya yung pang-enroll niya na naipon niya (thankfully) from his yellow basket gigs, and working at Choi’s coffee shop, bili na din ng cup noodles while he’s outside, and then head back home. 

That is his schedule for the day, and maybe it would be fun to film it so he can have something to post too. 

Usually, Mingyu doesn’t allow cup noodles in the house, so if Wonwoo has cravings for it kahit may enough naman siyang pera to buy good food, he tends to hide his stash away from Mingyu’s line of sight. 

Pero dahil sira ang rice cooker nila, Mingyu for once, agreed for a cup noodle night. 

Wonwoo can really ignore Mingyu’s rules about cup noodles, they’re both college students who have their fair share of “petsa de peligro” moments where they don’t have money anymore to buy raw ingredients they could cook on the rice cooker. Dahil jusko sa mahal ba naman ng bilihin ngayon kahit wala kang balak mag-diet, mapapabili ka na lang din talaga ng pauti-uti. 

But, it was Mingyu’s only plea when they started talking about dorm rules back when they were in first year. 

Second sem. Mingyu declared that he will cook for them both, and Wonwoo will have to lessen his MSG intakes thru cup noodles, add the energy drinks as well because during those times, Wonwoo would drive himself to his limits, with only those foods (if it’s even considered as food) in his stomach.

Wonwoo understands that it was because Mingyu was only concerned for his health as his roommate. Pero ika nga, okay din namang sumuway paminsan minsan kaya kumakain na lang siya pag wala si Mingyu, at well, mamayang gabi dahil sira nga ang rice cooker nila. 

“Hi guys, good morning. Samahan niyo akong bumili ng pandesal kasi sira yung rice cooker. Min’s still asleep, so let’s be careful going out.” Wonwoo whispers to his phone as he films himself getting a hoodie, washed his face with water, wiped his face with a towel, and then brought his phone with him outside. 

The thing is, Wonwoo realized he has a knack for videography. He knows where his best angles are, he knows what image the video he’ll post should look like. He imagines the scenes in his head as he observes a place where he will film. So he took a video of the bakery where they usually buy pandesal. 

A kitten on the street he encountered, and then the actual clip of him buying a pandesal. It seemed simple, but in his head, he was already thinking of how he will edit his video later before finally posting it. 

“Toy, ano yang ginagawa mo?” tanong ni Tita Melly na kilala na sila ni Mingyu dahil salitan or minsan magkasama sila sa pagbili ng pandesal palagi. 

“Vlogging po ‘ta.” Wonwoo answered with a smile when he looked at the lady after filming stray cats while he waits for the fresh bread out of the oven. Paborito kasi nila parehas ni Mingyu yung pandesal na tustado sa labas pero malambot sa loob na specialty ng bakery nina Tita Melly. 

“Ay yayaman ka ba diyan?” tanong ng nakakatanda na ikinatawa ng bahagya ni Wonwoo, halata mo kasi ang kuryosidad sa ginang.

“Sana Ta! Para pag yumaman ako, bibili ako ng maraming maraming pandesal sa inyo po.” ani ni Wonwoo na ikinatawa ng ginang.

“Hay naku! Binobola mo naman ako! Osya, kung ano man yan, basta galingan mo saka sa pag-aaral haneh? Sabihan mo yung jowa mo, bigay ko to sa inyo dalawa. Mag-aral mabuti wag muna mag-aasawa ha kahit magkasama na kayo sa apartment!” Saad nito na ikinamaang ni Wonwoo habang nakatingin sa kamay niya kung saan nilagay ng ginang ang hinihintay niyang pandesal saka dalawang sachet ng Mylo na on the house kumbaga.

Mabining tinapik pa ng ginang ang kamay niya kaya wala ng nagawa si Wonwoo kundi matawa at tumango na lang bago tumalikod para maglakad pabalik sa dorm nila. 

Napapailing na lang siya but he decided to film the two packs of Mylo in his hand as he walked back home (for insert clips). He was expecting Mingyu to still be asleep since the guy usually wakes up at 10 during semestral breaks but he was surprised to see the taller one already awake.

Nakapameywang ito habang nakatingin sa kahon sa sahig ng dorm nila at nang magtama sila ng tingin, Mingyu smiled and pointed at the box on their floor.

“Oh my gad! Ang bilis??” Wonwoo exclaimed as he carefully put the bag of pandesal on their table and looked at Mingyu with wide eyes. Napahawak pa siya sa magkabilang pisngi niya dahil hindi siya makapaniwala na totoo nga at hindi joke time yung nag-email sa kanya na brand. 

“Akin na yung phone mo, let’s take a vid—” 

“Hala ang galing!” bulalas ulit ni Wonwoo, hindi makapaniwala habang pabalik-balik ang tingin kay Mingyu at sa malaking kahon na ipinadala ng isang kilalang brand ng rice cooker at home appliances. 

Natawa si Mingyu bago inilabas na lang ang sariling cellphone, bakas sa mata ng kaibigan na hindi talaga ito makapaniwalang may brand na magpapadala sa kanila ng produkto dahil lang sa isang video na nakuhanan ang reaksyon at lungkot sa mga mata ni Wonwoo. 

Wonwoo was oblivious of Mingyu’s camera, or if he noticed, he didn’t care for a moment as he was literally doing his happy steps while looking at the box on their floor. He couldn’t help but to sit on the floor and hug the box which made Mingyu chuckle. 

“Bat mo naman niyakap? Galing pa sa labas yan.” Mingyu said from behind the camera but Wonwoo didn’t care. 

“Wala akong pake, first PR ko to.” Wonwoo answered back, his cheek squished on the side of the box that Mingyu found so adorable.

Naramdaman niyang lumalakas ang kabog ng dibdib niya habang nakikita kung gaano kasaya ang kaibigan dahilan para mag-iwas siya ng tingin. 

“Mag-thank you ka huy.” Mingyu said as he cleared his throat. His phone was still aimed at Wonwoo who was on the floor, and the moment Wonwoo smiled and pointed at his phone’s camera while he said his “thank you”, Mingyu couldn’t help but to cough, trying to calm himself because of how fast his heartbeat was at that moment. 

Dahil hindi siya gumagalaw, Wonwoo decided to stand up, put both his hands in front of his stomach and slightly bowed. 

“Thank you po myhanabusy appliances.” Wonwoo said, the sincerity on the smaller’s eyes was evident, making Mingyu smile a bit.

“Do you want to unbox it now? Or breakfast muna?” Mingyu asked behind the camera making Wonwoo purse his lips as he looked back at the box.

“Unbox na natin, excited na ako!” Wonwoo answered giddily, making Mingyu laugh. Natatawang tinulungan siya ni Mingyu matapos na i-set up ang sariling cellphone nito kung saan makikita ang buong kahon, at si Wonwoo na nakasalampak na ng upo sa sahig. 

Balak ni Mingyu ay iwan ito para magvideo at timplahin ang chocolate powder na dala ni Wonwoo, para manamnam ng kaibigan ang first PR gift na natanggap nito dahil sa sipag at tiyaga, pero hinigit siya ng kaibigan dahilan para mapaupo din siya sa tabi nito. 

“Samahan mo ako dali, buksan natin!” Wonwoo excitedly said, and who was Mingyu to go against Wonwoo’s wish?

Kaya binuksan na lang niya gamit ang cutter ang kahon, maingat nilang inilabas lahat ng laman nito na electric waffle maker, water kettle, isang maliit na soup pot at ang pinakamahalaga sa lahat, isang bagong rice cooker na mas malaki ng kaunti sa size ng nauna nilang gamit pero kaparehas ng kulay. 

Wonwoo seems to forget that there was a camera capturing that moment, of how happy he was with every gift they got, how his eyes sparkle with joy every time Mingyu opens another box. 

Hindi kasi naranasan ni Wonwoo ang mabigyan ng mga bagay bagay na bukal sa loob ng nagbigay, lalo na nang makatungtong siya sa Maynila na bawat pinaglumaan ng mga pinsan niya na makukuha niya sa tiyahin, ay mas mahaba pa ang sumbat kumpara sa itatagal ng gamit.

Hindi din siya yung tipo ng tao na palahingi sa kanyang lolo’t-lola noong nasa probinsya pa, dahil alam niya na sapat lang ang kung anumang meron sila para sa pang-araw araw, at dapat pagkasyahin kung anumang nakayanan ng kanilang kumot. 

And Mingyu knows this, that’s why even if Wonwoo’s the type to rarely ask and doesn’t even ask , he still couldn’t help but to give the guy small gifts from time to time. Dahil gaano man kaliit o kalaki ang ibigay mo kay Wonwoo, sa paraan ng pagkinang ng mga mata nito, sa kung paano ito maluha kahit sa mga simpleng bagay na pumupukaw sa damdamin nito, nakakasaya ng puso na pagmasdan ang binata. 

One smile, and Mingyu would always always bend on his knees when he sees it. 

Mingyu never knew what happiness looks like, he was always the stoic friend, the aloof one that once his task is finished, he will go home and do his own thing. Kasi sa ganoon siya nasanay, na siya at siya lang ang may pake sa sarili niya. One would think he has it all, but the emotions of what makes a human human such as happiness, he never genuinely felt what it was until Wonwoo. 

So if you ask him before what makes him happy, Mingyu wouldn’t even blink to answer: food. But if you’ll ask him now, it would be sharing the food he makes with a guy who deserves the world, and yet will be always grateful for something so small.

In that small space, both of them didn’t even realize how happy they both looked. Because maybe that’s what happiness is like, it doesn’t have to directly involve you, but finds its way to you because of someone you adore, and that, that was all caught on camera, without them even needing to pretend.

__

Jwwvlogs that you just liked posted a video!

ariannaventi: Oh baby, I’m so happy for your first box from a brand! I don’t even know you but you both look so happy, I hope you’ll get more gifts in the future too! 🥰

jennielikejennie: ang cute cute nyong dalawa, to many more brand deals and pr boxes sa inyo 🥹🥹🥹

sanaakonamanmina: buti na lang may bebe din ako maiinggit na dapat ako sa way ng pagtingin niya sayo eh 😫😩

boosorange: DASURB SO MUCH I’M SO HAPPY FOR YOU BFF HUHU

soonstobehoon: Hala ang galing pwede na tayo magbusiness ng waffles sa school!!! 😍

Leechan0: @.myhanabusy bakit nung bumili kami ng nanay ko ng electric steamer walang kasamang matangkad na morenong inlove na inlove sakin?? Where is your manager??

Junnotjuly: AKALA KO KANIN LALABAS SA SCREEN MGA PUSO PALA IHHHHHH

dkisdokyeom: kaya totoo talaga yung hindi ka na dapat nanonood ng unboxing vid to destress at iboost ang sarili mo na makukuha mo din kung ano yung nasa mga pinapanood mo kasi SAAN AKO MAKAKAKUHA NG GANYAN??? Joshua Hong ghoster!!! 💔😠 Kayo lang dalawa ang tanggap ko from that school! Pero kidding aside, di ko kayo kilala pero luvyu both mwa!! Ipagpatuloy ang kabadingan!!!

Jiannamarie: inggit na inggit na ako TT__TT

Tri_17: inaalay ko na lovelife ko kaya dapat talaga kayo end game forever.

. 📽.ᐟ

Chapter Text

“Teh gaga ka! Kayo na pala hindi ka man lang nagkukwento. Sabi na eh kayo din magkakatul–” Soonyoung, before he could even finish blabbering, his sentence was stopped by Seungkwan. 

Kaagad nitong pinasakan ng tinapay ang bibig ng kaibigan bago pa ito makadagdag sa kalituhang ipinapakita ni Wonwoo.

“Ha? Anong kwento? Eh yun din naman talaga napagusapan namin ni Mingyu,” Wonwoo even covered his mouth as he whispered to his friends, “nagpapanggap lang kaming may something for the vlog.” he said to the two who was about to react but Mingyu walked near them holding two cups of street foods in it.

“Hi.” he said to Wonwoo’s friends na tumango naman.

“Diba Min? Nagpapanggap lang tayo?” ani ni Wonwoo sa kaibigan na mukhang natigilan pero tumango din kalaunan. 

Seungkwan and Soonyoung noticed it though, both of them looked at each other and mentally sighs. 

“Ang galing niyo naman um-acting, paniwalang paniwala kami.” Seungkwan snorted, Wonwoo could only awkwardly smile.

“Sabihan niyo na lang ako pag totoo na yan–” Seungkwan nudge Soonyoung but the latter only rolled his eyes. 

Hindi na din naman sila narinig ng dalawa dahil inalok na ni Mingyu si Wonwoo ng isa sa mga hawak nito.

“Akin na yung isang cup.” Wonwoo said, pero umiling lang si Mingyu.

“Kumuha ka na, ako na maghawak.” saad ng mas matangkad.

“Ha? Pano ka makakakain?” tanong ni Wonwoo. 

“Subuan mo teh!” Soonyoung said, may gigil para sa kaibigan, pero nang palihim itong sikuhin ni Seungkwan, natawa lang ito.

“Ngi.” was what Wonwoo could only say, making Mingyu laugh a little before holding the two cups with one hand. Isang kamay nya na kanina ay okupado, ngayon ay may hawak ng isang stick para sa sarili.

“Teh, pigilan mo ko, saan ba pinaglihi sa pagkamanhid tong frieny natin? Ife-friendship over ko to sinasabi ko sayo.” bulong ni Soonyoung sa katabi ng pabiro, natawa na si Seungkwan dahil gusto na din niyang paguntugin iyong dalawang tao sa harapan nila na tila may sarili na namang mundo.

“Nakapag-enroll na kayo?” tanong na lang ni Seungkwan para makuha ang atensyon ng dalawa.

“Hmm! Pupunta kaming mall, sasamahan ko siya kasi bibili daw sya iba pang supplies. Sama kayo?” tanong ni Wonwoo sa mga kaibigan.

Enrollment day kasi, at dahil tapos naman na silang tatlo mag-enroll sa kanya-kanyang major, bakante na ang natitirang araw nilang lahat at maghihintay na lang ng araw ng pasukan. 

Mamayang gabi pa naman ang duty ni Wonwoo sa coffee shop ni Sir Cheol niya, si Mingyu naman ay wala ding training ng araw na iyon. It’s been weeks since Wonwoo started making short vlogs, so far he’s gaining followers and he just makes sure that he posts videos 3 to 4 times a week.

But Wonwoo realized that he really likes faceless vlogs, or yung mga vlogs na kahit sandali lang mapakita yung mukha niya, mas gusto niya iyon at less conscious para sa kanya. 

“Eh okay lang bang sumama kami Gyu? Baka nakakaabala kami.” Parinig ni Soonyoung na ikinatawa lang ng bahagya ni Mingyu at umiling.

“Okay lang, di na kayo magkakakitaan tatlo niyan masyado na naman pag nagstart na classes.” sagot ng nakatatangkad.

“Aba at ba’t parang niyayabangan mo kami?” Seungkwan joked, even lifting his chin up, making Soonyoung and Mingyu laugh. Samantalang si Wonwoo, hindi pa din makasabay sa joke, nalilito pero natatawa na lang niyang pinagmasdan ang mga kaibigan niya. 

“Pero totoo naman, tara na nga!” yaya ni Soonyoung dahilan para sumunod sila dito. Sabay-sabay silang nagtungo sa sakayan ng jeep para makapunta sa pinakamalapit na mall kung saan hahanapin ni Mingyu ang kailangan niyang materyales. 

“Tanginang init yan, puro putol kasi ng puno at kickback sa infrastractures eh, kainis!” reklamo ni Seungkwan habang gigil na gigil sa pagpaypay sa sarili habang nag-aabang sila sa jeep. Hindi naman nila mapigilang hindi sumangayon sa kaibigan, palibhasa ay environmental science student kaya galit na galit sa tahasang pagsira sa kalikasan ng mga tao. 

“Teh kailangan mo na ng magpapawala ng greenhouse gas effect sa ulo mo.” banat ni Soonyoung habang papasakay sila sa loob ng jeep na ikinatawa nilang dalawa ni Wonwoo. 

Naunang sumakay ang dalawa, si Seungkwan na kasunod si Soonyoung at kahit natatawa tahimik na itinapat ni Mingyu ang palad sa tuktok ng ulo ni Wonwoo, nakaalalay, habang ang isa ay natatawang sumakay ng jeep kasunod ang mga kaibigan bago siya sumakay na panghuli kahit hirap siya sa jeep dahil sa katangkaran. 

“Teh pag ganitong mainit baka di kita matantya—” nahinto ang sasabihin nito nang may makitang nakasakay na binatilyo sa jeep na matapos kumain ay akmang itatapon ang pinagbalatang plastic sa kalsada, “ – oh oh oh kuya! Wag mo ng itapon yang plastic sa labas, ilagay mo na sa basurahan, ayun oh nasa loob ng jeep.” turo ni Seungkwan sa maliit na basurahan sa likod ng driver.

“Laki laki na kailangan pang sabihang wag magkalat.” bulong pa ni Seungkwan at mukhang nahiya naman ang binatilyo kaya ibinulsa ang sariling kalat. 

“Psst huy..” saway ni Wonwoo sa kaibigan, pinapakalma sa pamamagitan ng marahang pagtapik sa tuhod nito. Mingyu on the other hand was on his right, quietly (and slightly amused) watching the three friends. 

Si Soonyoung kasi ay natatawa na lang at sanay na, samantalang si Seungkwan ay mainit pa rin ang ulo dahil sa init at sa kawalang disiplina ng mga tao sa paligid na naoobserbahan nito.

“Oh bakit? Totoo naman.” bulong ni Seungkwan sa kaibigan with matching facial expressions pa. Napatakip na lang sa bibig si Soonyoung na pinaggigitnaan nila habang si Wonwoo ay hindi mapigilang mapabaling sa direksyon ni Mingyu upang itago ang mukha dahil hindi niya kinakaya ang katapangan ng kaibigan. 

Akala mo kasing anytime sasali sa pakikibaka para sa kalikasan eh. But that’s one of the things they like about their friend, he’s not afraid to speak his mind, at social anxiety na ang mahihiya sa dalawa niyang kaibigan na hindi din alam ni Wonwoo paano sila nagclick na tatlo. 

“You can lean on me..” Mingyu whispered dahilan para mapangiti si Wonwoo ng bahagya bago hinayaan ang katawan na mapasandal sa binata. 

It was out of instinct, ang kaliwang kamay ni Mingyu na nakahawak sa hawakan ng jeep ay kusang bumaba para hayaang makuha ni Wonwoo ang espasyo palapit sa kanya. Inihawak na lang niya ang kamay sa may bakal sa bintana ng jeep sa likod ni Wonwoo at ang kanang kamay ang ipinanghawak sa bar handle ng jeep. 

Seungkwan and Soonyoung both observed the two, parehas napa side-eye sa isa’t-isa bago frustrated na napaikot ang mga mata sa ere.

“Like who’ll tell them?” Soonyoung asked, making Seungkwan snicker and understanding what Soonyoung meant. 

“Sabihan mo na lang na kailangan na nating magbayad.” saad ni Seungkwan kaya lumingon si Soonyoung sa dalawa na tahimik lang na nakatingin sa dinadaanan nila.

“Mga hijo kailangan na natin magbayad sa jeep.” banat ni Soonyoung na ikinatawa ni Wonwoo, doon niya din napansin na nakasandal na pala siya halos sa katawan ni Mingyu dahil sa paggalaw ng sasakyan kaya maingat siyang umayos ng upo. 

“Ako na, kunin mo na lang yung wallet ko.” Mingyu said, pointing at his bag na hawak ni Wonwoo dahil kapag talaga nasa labas sila, ang backpack ay nagiging front bag. 

“Naks, libre mo?” nanunuksong tanong ni Wonwoo na ikinatawa ni Mingyu bago tumango, prente pa ring nakahawak sa hawakan ng jeep at sa bakal sa may bintana. 

“Kunin mo na yung 100, wala akong barya, damay mo na sina Soon.” Mingyu said and Wonwoo did what he was told. 

Kinuha niya ang 100 na papel saka iniabot sa kaibigan, ibinalik sa bag ni Mingyu ang wallet na hinawakan niya lalo ng mahigpit kasama ang backpack niya. 

“Bayad daw natin.” saad ni Wonwoo na ikinangiti ng mga kaibigan.

“Grabe wag kayong maghihiwalay ha.” Soonyoung said, making Seungkwan laugh as he slapped their friend’s shoulder.

“Tanga.” Seungkwan could only mutter kasi aminin man niya o hindi, silang dalawa ni Soonyoung ang kinikilig para sa kaibigan nilang manhid. 

When they reached the mall, Mingyu grabbed his bag from Wonwoo once they got down from the vehicle. 

“May pupuntahan ba kayo sa mall? Pwede tayong magkita na lang sa food court mamayang 12.” saad ni Wonwoo na ikinailing ng dalawa.

“Sige lang, sundan na lang namin kayo kasi magwindow shopping lang din naman kami, wag niyo kaming intindihin.” Soonyoung said, nagkatinginan silang dalawa ni Mingyu pero tumango lang ang mas matangkad para sabihing okay lang. 

Hindi na din naman kasi bago sa kanya sina Soonyoung, dahil kaibigan nila si Wonwoo, naging kaibigan na din ang turing niya sa mga ito. 

So all three of them looked for the things Mingyu needed, iyon lang ay hinahayaan nilang mauna ang dalawa sa paglalakad dahil gusto lang talagang obserbahan nina Soonyoung at Seungkwan ang dalawa mula sa ibang anggulo.

One of the things they observed, Mingyu always opens the door for Wonwoo, and the smaller wouldn’t even bat an eye about it because it seemed to be an already given thing, as if Mingyu opening the door for him is already natural.  

“Teh ship ko talaga sila.” bulong ni Seungkwan, nakatakip ang kamay sa bibig, nawala na ang init ng ulo dahil sa tamis na nakikita mula sa dalawang taong tila napakanatural lang ng lahat. 

“Sabihin mo lang kasi teh, para untugin na natin ulo ng kaibigan natin at magising.” sagot ni Soonyoung dahilan para itulak siya ni Seungkwan.

“Tanga ang bayolente ng mga naiisip mo!” ani niya na ikinatawa lang ni Soonyoung.

“Joke lang tanga, ewan ko ba diyan kay Wonwoo. Wala ba siya nababanggit sayo na feelings niyan?” tanong ng huli na umiling lang din naman.

“Nah, sa sobrang busy niyang kaibigan natin, tingin mo ba may oras pa siya para i-analyze feelings niya?” Seungkwan said, both of them walking behind the two na abala sa paghahanap ng stores.

“Point taken.” Soonyoung answered as they both stopped walking and just watched how Mingyu takes care of Wonwoo, and how attentive Wonwoo was about Mingyu as well. 

___

“Kain na tayo, nagugutom na ako.” pag-aya ni Soonyoung, Mingyu and Seungkwan agreed making them all look at Wonwoo.

“Kaya pa ba ng shift mo kung dito tayo kakain? Kasi kung hindi dun na lang tayo sa mas malapit sa coffee shop ni Sir Cheol.” suggest ni Seungkwan. 

“Bakit hindi na lang sa mismong coffee shop?” Mingyu suggests. 

“Pwede naman, kaso…” The three saw the hesitation in Wonwoo's eyes kaya ngumiti si Soonyoung saka iniyakap ang braso sa braso ng kaibigan.

“Tama! Doon na lang, libre namin teh! Celebrate natin yung five thousand followers mo!” Soonyoung said, Seungkwan did the same and hugged Wonwoo from the other side.

“Wag kang hihindi, enrolled na tayo pwede na kami gumastos saka nagbigay si mama extra pangkain daw natin!” 

Mingyu only smiled seeing the three, kaya wala ng nagawa si Wonwoo kundi pumayag. 

“Saka okay na doon tayo, makikita pa natin si pogi! Hehe” Seungkwan added as they went down from the jeepney they were in. 

Doon nawala ang ngiti ni Mingyu, bahagyang napakunot ang noo pero kaagad ding inayos ang hilatsa ng mukha nang buksan ni Soonyoung ang pintuan ng coffee shop na pinagtatrabahuan ni Wonwoo.

Kaagad bumungad sa kanila ang mabangong aroma ng kape, at dahil regular na sa coffee shop ang dalawa dahil kay Wonwoo, kaagad lumapit ang mga ito sa counter kung saan nasa likod nito si Seungcheol na abala sa pagpupunas ng mga baso. 

“Oh? Ang aga mo Won? Mamaya pa shift mo ah?” gulat na pagbati ng lalaking may mahahabang pilik mata at mapupulang labi na kinaiinggitan ng mga kababaihang nagpupunta sa coffee shop para din masilayan ang boss ni Wonwoo. 

“Kakain kasi sila kuya dito.” sabi ni Wonwoo sabay turo sa mga kaibigan.

“Anong sila? Tayo!” Seungkwan said, and then smiled at Seungcheol.

“Boss, baka may on the house ka diyan?” Seungkwan joked, making the older one laugh. 

“Sige sabihan ko si Kyun dagdagan serving sa inyo.” saad nito na ang tinutukoy ay ang isa nitong staff. 

“Hala nandyan na din si Dany, Kuya?” tanong ni Wonwoo na ikinatango ni Seungcheol.

“Yes, nasa kitchen, pero mamaya mo na yun intindihin kumain ka muna maaga pa naman before your shift.” the older said and Wonwoo just nodded his head.

“Omg, andyan si Dany boy? Ang galing natyempuhan din namin!” Seungkwan exclaimed, while Mingyu was confused about who Kyun and Dany the people around him were talking about.

First time niya lang kasi marinig ang pangalan, or baka nabanggit na dati ni Wonwoo pero hindi niya lang napagtuunan ng pansin. 

But that’s also impossible, since everything Wonwoo says, nakatatak sa kanya na animo’y may invisible storage space sa utak niya na para lang kay Wonwoo at sa mga sinasabi nito. 

The three ordered food for all four of them, hinayaan na ng mga ito ni Wonwoo dahil hindi siya makapili, nahihiya pa rin kahit na libre ito ng mga kaibigan para sa pagiging hard working niya. 

Soonyoung, Seungkwan and Mingyu understood the assignment though, as they were all hungry, bumili sila ng marami, most of it are courtesy of Mingyu too because he ordered everything he thinks Wonwoo would like. 

“Sino ba yung naorder ng pagkarami rami, napapagod na muscles ko.” saad ng isang boses, halatang nagbibiro, kasabay ng paglapag nito ng pagkain sa lamesa nilang magkakaibigan.

“Dany boy~!” bati ni Soonyoung sabay alok ng kamay for a high five sa bagong dating. Natatawang kinuha naman ito ni Dany, nickname ni Changkyun na siyang katrabaho ni Wonwoo sa cafe. 

“Hi crush!” biro ni Seungkwan na ikinatawa nilang apat, maliban kay Mingyu na inoobserbahan ang mga kasama at bagong dating. 

“Oh? May bago kayong tropa?” tanong nito nang mapansin si Mingyu na nakaupo sa tabi ni Wonwoo. 

“Roommate ko Dany, si Mingyu. Matagal ko na siyang kaibigan, di lang kayo nagkakatyempuhan madalas.” kwento ni Wonwoo na ikinatango-tango ni Dany.

“Dany pala, pre.” Dany offered his hand to Mingyu who stood up from his seat before grabbing Dany’s hand for a handshake. 

Halos sabay sabay sina Seungkwan, Soonyoung at Wonwoo na napaangat ng tingin nang tumayo si Mingyu, maging si Dany ay napatingala din ng bahagya nang sundan niya ng tingin ang binata. Kitang-kita tuloy ang height difference nila, and for some reason, Mingyu was too intimidating that time na ikinatahimik ng tatlong nakaupo.

“Mingyu.” Mingyu introduced himself before grabbing his hand back and sat down again. 

“Ah…ha ha, kunin ko lang yung ibang orders niyo. Balik ako agad,” Dany said, but like the natural menace that he is, bago umalis ay tinawag nito ang atensyon ni Wonwoo na sumilip naman mula sa tabi ni Mingyu, “Wonwoo, kain ka ng marami ha? Sinarapan ko talaga yan para sa inyo.” he said and Wonwoo nodded, smiled, and said his thanks.

Soonyoung and Seungkwan could only watch the scenario in front of them, secretly amused with how they noticed Mingyu’s grip on his own pizza slice was enough to smash the poor bread. 

“Ahh..roommate.” Soonyoung whispered to Seungkwan.

“Ahh…kaibigan.” Seungkwan whispered back, but both of them had this knowing look that confirmed their thoughts, and therefore they concluded, confirmation na lang talaga kay Wonwoo ang kulang.

. 📽.ᐟ