[GODSFORRENT Special] Seven-Minute Semblance in Quarantine

Quarantine #33

[372A High Street:]

Joyeuse spent the whole day being nice to Futhark, freaking everyone out, especially Edward. Nobody knows what's happening and everyone is both worried and scared for Futhark.

That night...

Joyeuse: (is chilling in the balcony, watching the night sky)

Joyeuse: (is actually hatching a new plan)

Futhark: (knocks on the balcony door) Jo?

Joyeuse: (puts the nice person mask on) (smiles) Yes, Futhark?

Futhark: (joins him in the balcony and leans on the railings) It's okay, hindi mo na kailangang magpanggap na mabait. Wala nang ibang tao.

Joyeuse: (instantly frowns and stretches his lips) My face is beginning to cramp from smiling too much.

Futhark: (laughs) Iba talaga ang ngiti mong pamplastik at 'yong natural mong ngiti na parang laging nanghuhusga ng pagkatao... Iba rin 'yong ngiti mo na either may masamang balak o may masamang ginawa.

Joyeuse: (chuckles) You know me so well.

Futhark: Here's your phone back.

Joyeuse: Keep it.

Futhark: I don't need to keep it. Nanloloko ka lang naman kanina at wala talagang mga dating app dito.

Joyeuse: No, keep it because it's your phone.

Futhark: What—

Joyeuse: I changed our phone cases and inserted my sim card in yours.

Futhark:

Joyeuse: You should really check your belongings.

Futhark: (counts from one to ten) (takes a deep breath)

Futhark: (fakes a smile) Sorry ha, busy kasi ako sa gawaing bahay at sa mga online classes kaya hindi ko na napapansin 'yong mga gamit ko.

Joyeuse: (raises eyebrows in realisation)

Joyeuse: Oh, right... You're too busy taking care of us.

Futhark: That's why I'd appreciate it kung hindi mo ako pagti-trip-an.

Joyeuse: (quietly nods)

Futhark: Pero, haha, kahit fake ay natuwa ako na ang bait mo sa 'kin ngayong araw. I could get used to it. (smiles to himself and stares at the stars)

Joyeuse: (stares at Futhark)

Joyeuse: ...I see.

Futhark: Kahit maging salbahe ka na ulit sa 'kin, okay lang. Doon na ako mas nasanay, e. 'Wag mo lang itatapon 'yong mga reports at assignments ko.

Joyeuse: (looks up at the sky) Mm-hmm...

The two stays still for a while, staring at the night sky.

Joyeuse: So. You and Alice.

Futhark: Hm?

Joyeuse: Any... Any developments?

Futhark: (laughs inwardly) Hindi ko alam. Siguro aasa na lang ako habang-buhay? Wala lang. I don't see myself being in a relationship.

Joyeuse: Why not?

Futhark: I'm too busy to be in one. Kung magkaka-girlfriend ako ay hindi ko rin s'ya mabibigyan ng atensyon, so baka mag-break lang din kami.

Joyeuse: Huh.

Futhark: (sighs) Tingin ko nakatadhana na na kayo ang makakasama ko habang-buhay.

Joyeuse: Edward has future plans for himself and Macey.