Freezing His Pain (Japan Series #3)

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Dan has a date on Valentine's day. 

That's the only reason of his that I can think of for being irresolute back when I personally invited him to my birthday celebration. 

But that's what I only thought. 

"E, kasi nga 'di ba kapag Valentine's, may program na nagaganap? Ayon, 'yung student council ang magoorganize. Tapos after no'n magrereport ata sila for some scholastic reasons." 

"Ah. So... that's it? That is Dan's reason for being unsure to attend?"

Meija bobbed her head innocently. "Oo. Bakit? Ano ba'ng akala mo?"

Akala ko ay may date sila ni Althea.

"Wala. I just thought that he has a problem or something."

"Ah..."

Nagpaalam na ako at bumalik sa klase. Hindi ako mapakali kanina kaya't hindi ko napigilan ang sarili na puntahan si Meija at magtanong. 

Now that I know the reason, I think it's all good. Even if Dan won't be able attend, I think it's fine... as long as his reason does not involve any girl, particularly Althea.

Sa totoo lang, hindi ko na nasundan ang tsismis tungkol sa kanila. When we flew to States for Christmas and New Year's Eve, Dan stayed here in the country, although his parents celebrated those there in US. 

My father was invited to a party arranged by Madame Dorothy and her husband. Sobrang close na talaga nila. My brother and I even attended to the said event. 

Kasalukuyan naman noon na nag-Christmas party iyong mga tiga-Business Ad sa isang fast food chain. I have seen multiple pictures in social media posted by my friends.

Madalas ay magkatabi sina Dan at Althea ngunit wala akong nakita na silang dalawa lang. It's always groufies. And I'm... glad and grateful for it. 

"Happy seventeenth birthday! You're growing fast, huh. But you're still my bebe. Don't ever forget that." Kuya Guin greeted as soon as he entered my unit. February 14 has come.

I am currently in my school uniform. What a shame my birthday is a school day. Hindi man lang natapat sa weekend! 

"Woah! You didn't have to," I mumbled pretentiously when he handed me a pink gift box, his present for me. 

He grinned at me, very sardonic.

"Can I open this yet?" One nod from him, I jubilantly, albeit in so much care, opened it. Napatakip ako ng bibig nang makitang isa iyong high-end camera. Iyong kalalabas lang! "Oh my! Thank you, Kuya! You really are the best!" 

I spent several minutes taking pictures and videos using my brand new camera, checking if it's fully in a good condition. Hence, we were five minutes late for our first period when we arrived at school.

Walang namang bago sa araw na iyon maliban noong sumapit ang hapon. Earlier this morning, we had taken our classes and had discussion. Meanwhile, the scheduled program took place in the afternoon. Small performance lang ng mga school bands at ng mga teachers. 

Oh, the giving of love letters as well. I received thirteen in total. 

"Oh! Akala ko ba ay perfume ang kinokolekta mo? Bakit parang 'di naman? Love letters ata?" si Meija na magiting kong viewer sa Youtube at masugid na chismosa. Pilit niyang inaagaw ang makukulay na papel na hawak ko. 

Iniwas ko ang mga iyon sa kan'ya. "Shut up. Three out of these thirteen letters are from you."

She burst into laughter. "O s'ya s'ya! Uuwi na 'ko at mag-aayos na! I'm gonna text you later kapag papunta na 'ko! Happy birthday again! Mwa!"