Afterglow

13

"Masama talaga gising mo 'no?" Asher asked as he ruffled my hair.

"Are you okay?" Gene lifted my chin and narrowed his eyes while looking at me.

'What?' I mouthed.

"Do you want to grab some food?"

I nodded and followed them to the cafeteria. Break na pero kanina ko pa iniisip iyong sinabi ni Pierre.

Nagbago ako?

Does he really expect me to easily be okay and comfortable with everything? The audacity.

Why does he have to invade my thoughts again?

Palibhasa, alam niyang makukuha niya ako sa mga salita niya.

But his problems are the least of my concerns. He has lots of friends.

May Maureen pa siya.

Maybe, Vera is also willing.

The list goes on.

I like to believe na tapos na ako riyan.

"Tulala ka? Is there a problem?" Now, it was Jake's turn to ask.

"Am I really that transparent?" I wrinkled my nose.

"Yeah," Asher answered, "You can't even hide your frown, and your eyeballs keep moving left and right," he said, imitating me.

I playfully punched his arm, "Baliw," I chuckled, "But I'm okay now."

"Cute ka naman, bakit ayaw ka ni Pierre?" Gene suddenly commented as he was slurping his milk tea.

I glared at him, "Grabe ka naman sa ayaw."

"Bakit? Hindi ka naman talaga gusto?" Gene stuck his tongue out. Even Jake and Asher were laughing.

"Alam niyo kayo?" I stood up in an attempt to walk out. I am just not in the best mood today.

Before I could even leave, Asher pulled my arm, "Joke lang, Liv."

Gene acted as if he was zipping his mouth, "Yeah, it's a joke, Liv. We all know you deserve better."

I sighed and went back to my seat.

"Smile ka na kasi. Ang seryoso mo naman," Jake said, so I plastered a smile on my face.

I listened to their silly stories. Eventually, I realized that I was no longer smiling because I was told to. I was smiling because I wanted to. These people are really my much needed fresh air.

"Tara lakad?" aya ni Jiela pagkadismiss ng klase.

I packed my things, "Sure." I heaved a deep breath and hugged Jiela, "I'm so tired. Nakakapagod maging masipag."

"Sure talaga?" Callix smirked, "Wala kayong lakad ng boylets mo?"

"Hindi ko sila boylets," I scoffed.

They laughed.

Sabay naman dismissal ng klase namin at klase nina Jessica kaya kasama rin namin sila ni Aki. We spent almost the entire time grilling Aki. This was also how Brent got our approval noong bago palang sila ni Jiela. Nakakatuwa dahil sinasakyan lang ni Aki ang mga trip namin.