[“Ginagawa mo r’yan, bro?”]
Jay requested a video call. Wala si Sat dahil siguro may klase pa. Parang hindi naman kami nagkikita-kita tuwing weekends dito, ah.
[“One word,”]
“Dahlia.” Sabay-sabay naming sabi.
I was waiting for her to finish buying her needs in the National Book Store. Nagpasama siyang bumili and as if I have the guts to say no to this girl. It’s always a yes when it comes to her.
[“Patay na patay.”]
“Hindi naman.” I joked.
Yes, it was a joke. Because almost everyone can tell that I like her, but Dahlia herself cannot see it. Normal lang sa kaniya ang lahat kasi nga, ‘magkaibigan’ kami.
Oo, sinabi kong graduate na ako sa kaniya, years ago. But the truth is, sinabi ko lang iyon dahil napapansin kong umiiwas siya. Naging mailap siya sa akin ng ilang buwan hanggang sa hindi ko na natiis. I lied about my feelings because I cannot lose my best friend. Nine years and my heart still belongs to Dahlia and her alone.
“Chen, tara — hi!”
Dahlia smiled and waved her hand a little at my friends. I gave her a look. Approachable at friendly looking sa iba, inaangasan lang ako? Binawi ko sa pagkakatutok sa kaniya ang camera.
“Una na kami. Bye.”
I looked at her. “Let’s grab some coffee.” And she instantly nodded. Coffee date it is.
•••
