Cupid Stupidity (Love Material Series #1)

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER FIVE

On a weekday, my friends and I had planned to head over to SM Clark in Balibago. We agreed to meet at Astro Park, which was just a short walk away.

Clad in a crisp white oversized t-shirt that cascaded loosely over my frame, I paired it with denim shorts that hugged my hips comfortably. Each step I took was cushioned by my dependable Nike shoes, their sleek design adding a touch of sporty elegance to my ensemble. With my hair gathered into a tidy ponytail, I aimed for a polished appearance.

"Shain!" the voice called out.

Turning towards the voice, I saw Kenzo standing there. I was surprised to see him, as I didn't expect him to join us. We had recently reconciled after a disagreement, during which he had shared that he was dealing with personal issues at home. Despite his troubles, he maintained a calm demeanor, sparing us from being burdened by his problems.

"Bilisan mo!" I shouted back, urging him to catch up.

As he rushed to catch up with me, I couldn't help but notice his stylish attire. He wore a well-fitted brown polo shirt paired with deep blue jeans, exuding a classy yet casual vibe. His choice of high socks and sneakers added to his cool look, and he walked with confidence, showcasing his sense of style. Together, we waited for a jeepney bound for Hensonville, and when it arrived, I promptly paid for our fare. After a few hours, we finally arrived at Sakalot Park. As we stepped off the transportation, I took a moment to message Erica and Lyzza, inquiring about their whereabouts and informing them of our location.

Lyzza:
Marunong naman kayo maghintay ‘no? Malapit na ‘ko.

Kahit kailan hindi naging matinong kausap si Lyzza. Saan ba siya pinaglihi, bakit ganito ang babaeng ‘to!

Erica:
Pass muna ako gala.

I was surprised by Erica's response, as she rarely declined invitations from the four of us. Normally, she would eagerly agree to join us whenever we made plans together.

Shainny:
Hoy, Erica! Malayo pa ang new year, bakit ang aga ng new year resolution mo?

Lyzza:
Dami mong alam, bhie!

Mukhang desido si Erica na hindi sumamasa amin. Minsan na lang nga kami hindi gumagala, ngayon pa siya tumanggi.

Lyzza:
Malapit na ako. Sandali lang, ah.

Shainny:
Nginang malapit ‘yan! Malapit na rin kita mapatay, bhie!

Tiningnan ko si Kenzo sa gilid na tahimik at mukhang may iniisip ito. Sinusubukan ko basahin ang isip nito ngunit hindi ko pala kaya.

“Ken, hindi raw sasama si Louisse.” sabi ko kay Kenzo, nagpabalik sa ulirat nito.

He shook his head. “Tigas talaga ng ulo ng kaibigan niyo. Pinagsabihan ko na, hindi pa rin tumigil,”

“Bakit? Ano’ng nangyari sa kaniya?” I asked.

“Kapag ‘yan umiyak na naman, hindi ko na alam gagawin ko sa kaniya.” Imbis sagutin niya ako ay patuloy pa rin siya sa pagmamaktol niya. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit pero isa lang masisigurado ko na may dinadalang problema si Erica ngayon.

“May alam ka ba tungkol sa kaniya?”

Kenzo's repeated swallowing caught my attention, making me curious about his reaction to my question. It seemed like he knew the reason behind Erica's refusal but was hesitant to disclose it. The silence that followed only deepened my intrigue, leaving me wondering what he was keeping from us.

“W-Wala.” Kenzo's stammering and avoidance of eye contact only added to the mystery surrounding his reaction. his response.

Kenzo and I strolled towards the outer edge of Astro Park, where we were joined by Lyzza. Deciding to take a leisurely walk together, the three of us headed towards the intersection in front of SM Clark. Quickly grabbing my bag, I retrieved my ID and presented it to the guard, hoping it would suffice to grant us entry. Fortunately, after a brief inspection, the guard relented and allowed us to proceed into SM Clark. Relief washed over me as we stepped inside, ready to enjoy our day out.

"Lyzza, bakit hindi sumama si Erica?" tanong ko.

Si Erica at Lyzza ang mas dikit, kami naman dalawa ni Kenzo ang dikit.

"Hindi ko alam sa babaeng 'yon. Daming alam sa buhay nun." barangbado sagot ni Lyzza sa akin.

Kenzo's soft laughter at Lyzza's response drew a smile from me, though I didn't press him for a more substantial answer. Instead, we focused on finding something to eat within SM Clark. Amidst our indecision, we settled on Mang Inasal, opting for the unlimited option. As we placed our orders, I prepared myself for the challenge ahead. It was time to test my appetite and see just how much I could eat.

"Shain, dahan dahan lang kumain," malambing na tono ang boses ni Kenzo. “Kahit kailan talaga parang bata kumain. Umayos ka nga.”

I was surprised when Kenzo moved closer and gently wiped my lower lip with a tissue. It caught me off guard and left me unsure how to respond.

"Ano ‘to, bold?" Lyzza rolled her eyes. “Kayong dalawa ang umayos.”

Kenzo's sudden blush puzzled me, as there didn't seem to be any obvious reason for it. After we finished our meal, we joined Lyzza as she went to the SM store to buy some skincare products. We wandered around and ended up near the movie theater on the second floor.

While Kenzo and Lyzza were buying tickets for a movie, someone familiar from inside the theater called out to them. Sensing my friend's recognition, I discreetly nudged Kenzo's waist to draw his attention to the person who had caught his eye.

"Ken, nakikita mo ba ang nakikita ko?" I whispered through his ear.

“Tanga, s’yempre!” he murmured, Kenzo laughed out loud because of the look I gave him. “Mukha ba akong duling?”

"Lyzza, tumingin ka sa kanan mo," pabulong kong sabi.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit niya nagagawa sa’min ‘to. Hindi naman kami nagkulang sa kaniya, e. Ano pa ba kulang sa amin?

Lyzza's gaze followed the direction of my finger, and as his eyes landed on the scene, a storm seemed to brew within him. I braced myself for his reaction, expecting nothing less than a burst of fiery indignation.

"Tangina, sundin na’tin sila!" she declared, her words laced with an edge of fury.

Akmang maglalakad na kami palapit sa kanila, nang bigla kaming pumunta si Kenzo sa harapan para pigilin kami.

“Baka. . . baka kamukha lang ni Erica ‘yon.” hindi makatingin si Kenzo sa amin.

I clicked my tongue against my upper lip and shot him a disdainful glare. “Kenzo, anong kamukha? H’wag muna siya pagtakpan.”

“Tumigil nga kayo. Dami niyong reklamo kung ayaw niyo sumama, umuwi na kayo.” inis na tugon ni Lyzza sa amin.

Wala na kaming nagawa kun’di tumigil sa pagtatalo na’min ni Kenzo at sumunod kay Lyzza. Naglakad-lakad kami kung saan-saan. Nagtatago kami nina Kenzo at Lyzza sa bawat likod ng malalaking poste at mga gilid gilid upang hindi kami mahuli. Halata sa mukha ni Lyzza na naiinis na siya. Tahimik siya habang naglalakad kami kaya hindi na’min kinakausap dahil baka ang init ng ulo niya ay pagbuntungan kami galit. Laking kalye ‘to si Lyzza kaya wala siyang inuurungan.

Ilang minuto ang nakalipas, nang bigla silang lumiko sa restroom. He’to ‘yong hinihintay na’min na pumunta sila sa restroom. As soon as we were certain they had entered the restroom, Lyzza and I hurriedly made our way into the Ladies' room. Kenzo graciously permitted our entry and waited patiently outside until we were done. Saktong pagpasok na'min sa restroom ay nagsasalamin pa siya at nagaayos ng buhok.

“S-Shainny. . . Lyzza. . . a-ano'ng ginagawa niyo rito?” Erica asked in a quivering voice as she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror. Surprise flickered in his eyes at her reaction.

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