Puhon (Fin.)
It is already Thursday and a few days from now will be the most awaited event of their department for this month. Now that she thinks of it, buti nalang talaga at sa Sports Fest niya naisapan na mag-volunteer dahil kapag sa Intramurals, knowing that the whole school will be the audience, tiyak ay may tatalon na nga talaga ng building kapag nagkataon. Her impulsiveness and possessiveness led her to this but at least it is bearable. Huwag lang talagang maaya ulit si Jhoanna to represent their department together with Taneo sa Intramurals dahil baka hindi na naman niya mapigilan ang sarili niya at maging tribute ulit.
Ngayon palang ay dapat na niyang isipin ang gagawin para hindi si Jhoanna— mali! hindi si Taneo ang gawing representative alongside her. Alam naman kasi niyang kayang manalo ng babycakes niya. With her beauty and wits, she definitely is a good, maybe even the best contender amongst the student body. Colet just doesn’t trust this guy beside her to be around the girl. Hence, her impulsive thoughts got the best of her.
Several people gathered around one of the corners of their room, discussing the outfits to be worn by Colet and Taneo. Nandito nga rin si Mikha kasi believe it or not, marunong siyang magtahi. Wala sa hitsura ng kumag, pero she is really good when it comes to it.
They are actually free to improvised any sports attire so those that have artistic inclinations were encouraged to help the two representatives. May iilan din na taga-kabilang block to help their course program. So far hindi pa sumasakit ang ulo ni Colet. Since there are only two blocks in the Accountancy program because they’re already in their sophomore year, she can still handle this many people. Besides, kaclose na rin nila ang mostly sa kanila.
She even smiled at Maloi na ngayon ay nasa harap at tinitignan silang maigi, probably thinking kung anong magandang suotin. Medyo late na sila from their supposed schedule kasi dapat by Wednesday alam na nila ang isusuot. Ang kaso lang may competency test sila kahapon courtesy of one of their major professors. Dapat nga ay sa Friday ito but since may important commitment ang nasabing professor, it was moved yesterday. Hence, they only have the luxury of time to have a meeting today.
After awhile of scrutinizing them, Maloi finally broke the silence, “May naisip na ba kayong sport? It would be good kasi if gusto niyo yung susuotin niyo, kami na bahala with the twists and mga kaek-ekan.”
“Basketball akin. Para hindi na mahirap maghanap.” Taneo immediately suggested.
“Ang common naman.” what was supposed to be a whisper to Mikha who’s on her left, didn’t fall into deaf ears by the group. Well, kung marinig man nila wala siyang pake, totoo naman kasi na ang common.
“Sige nga, may naiisip ka ba?” the guy taunted her after hearing what she uttered. Pansin sa mukha nito na naiinis siya.
“Golf na kaagad para sosyal.” saad niya with a smirk.
“Ayoko, kapagod maghanap.” Taneo even leans back on his chair, a sign that he really isn’t interested in her idea.
Her brows knitted in annoyance at the latter’s stubborn behavior, “Sino ba kasing nagsabi na same tayo? Edi mag-basketball jersey ka diyan.” medyo tumataas na rin ang tono ng boses ni Colet as she throws him a glare.
Sensing the growing tension, kaagad na pumagitna sa kanilang dalawa si Maloi, “Timeout muna.” successfully stopping them.
Colet heed to her request upon seeing everyone’s eyes were on them, including Jhoanna. The girl isn’t part of the glam team but Colet guesses that she wants to be hands-on with everything. She really is naman talaga. Always.
Tahimik lang din itong nakikinig sa kanila. This is also what she likes about her, as much as Jhoanna leads, she gives chances to others in showcasing their leadership abilities. Since it is Maloi that’s assigned to lead the team, the floor is really handed to her.
“Kainis naman.” maktol niya habang papunta sa gym to have their practice as usual. Kasabay niya si Mikha since may practice din ito ng volleyball. Stage lang naman ang sakop for the Sports Fest kaya kasiya pa kahit sabay ang mga practice nila.
“Take it easy, Col. You cannot help it na. Bakit ba ang malas mo kasi sa bato bato pick.” After her friend uttered these words, Mikha laughs for the nth time upon remembering how Colet never even won at least one round against Taneo. Napailing na lang din siya kasi kahit siya ay hindi makapaniwala sa sobrang malas niya kanina.
Realizing that lunch break will soon be over and yet they still cannot decide after much arguing. Everything ended up with them just playing that old Filipino game. Whoever is the winner will be the one to choose the sport they’re going to represent.
Hindi daw kasi pwedeng magkaiba sila, ang pangit daw tignan as per Maloi. Dapat daw same sport para mas bagay. Though Colet doubts na darating ang panahon na magiging bagay sila ni Taneo. But she did understand that the girl has a point kaya wala siyang nagawa but to play the damn game.
Ngayong araw ata sasagadin ni Taneo ang pasensya na. She should not have expected for him to stay still all throughout this event. Once a jerk, always a jerk talaga. He successfully proves that he is still incapable of changing, as the guy is getting too close to her liking.
Unlike the past practices where the girls are separated from the boys, all the participants are now paired together. Gets naman ni Colet that it is inevitable for them to have some sort of physical contact since they’re partners to begin with. But she also damn well knows that it is unnecessary for her jerk of a partner to squeeze her waist every damn time his hand will land there whenever they are posing together.
Sa simula ay iniisip pa niyang baka unintentional lang, pero noong makita niya itong nakangisi ng nakakaloko sa kaniya, ramdam na ramdam ni Colet ang inis na dumaloy bigla sa katawan niya.
Albeit feeling her blood currently boiling, she tries her very best to keep her cool since she doesn’t want to create a scene upon noticing that numerous people are inside the gymnasium - the volleyball team, the student council as they are now preparing the stage for the event and a class of students having their PE session.
When she is already too fed up with his antics, she deliberately created a space between them while smiling fakely at the instructor. She might not have realized her uneasiness as she immediately gestured for them to get closer. The smirk on Taneo’s face is still plastered on his annoying face.
Alam naman niyang pinagtritripan lang siya nito. Panay din ang tingin nito sa gawi nila Jhoanna. Colet guesses that he might have thought that her losing her cool just like a while ago will make Jhoanna to be disappointed at her. Kaya ginagawa niya ang lahat ngayon to elicit any reaction from her. Malas niya lang at basang-basa siya ni Colet. She will not give him that satisfaction.
But she can only tolerate so much. Hence, when his hand was placed on her waist for the nth time, she finally gave out her first warning.
“Isang pisil mo pa. Sinasabi ko sayo na hindi mo magagamit ang kamay mo na ‘yan ng ilang araw.” Colet whispered sternly while still faking smiles. She heard the jerk let out a low chuckle after hearing her but he did adhere to her threat.
Now, his still smirking annoying face is what is getting on her nerves.
“Kamusta ang panliligaw bro? Olats pa rin ba?” Taneo starts to taunt her again while both of them are walking back to their original position.
“Tumahimik ka. Ano bang pake mo?” Syempre hindi siya magpapatalo ‘no.
Bisaya ni bai.
“Mahirap ba?”
“Syempre oo ang sagot diyan diba?” when they faced the stage again, inakbayan siya nito while whispering those words. Seeing their close proximity, the instructor even praises them, saying that they look good together.
Kung alam niya lang na malapit nang suntukin ni Colet ang katabi.
“Maghanap ka nalang kasi ng iba. Jhoanna is too uptight, no one will be able to handle her.” he added.
Her jaw tightened after hearing what he just uttered. Isang salita pa that’s directed to Jhoanna, Colet vowed na wala na siyang pakialam kung marami man ang makakita na lumanding ang kamao niya sa pagmumukha ng kumag na ito.
It is good that they were ushered backstage afterwards. Colet can finally gather the remaining self-control she has.
Or maybe not…
When the devil whispers something to her again.
“Kung sa tingin mo na ikaw na ang magugustuhan ni Jhoanna. Ngayon pa lang gumising ka na.” he looks at her square in the eye.
Oh, how Colet wants to give him a black eye.
“Jhoanna is not the type to care for anyone. Alam kong alam mo ‘yan. She is that uncaring girl who thinks everything revolves around her so she toys with —” Biglang nagdilim ang paningin niya sa narinig. Colet can handle his tauntings about her. Pero kapag about na kay Jhoanna, pasensyahan nalang sila. Hinding-hindi niya ito kayang palagpasin.
Colet aggressively grips his collar, “Sinabihan na kitang tumahimik ka diba?” she uttered furiously while pinning the boy on the nearby wall. Shocked eyes from the other participants were directed towards them. Ramdam ito ni Colet but she could care less about all of them right now. She only wants one thing - to shut the mouth of this jerk with a punch.
“Ang lakas naman ng loob mo na sabihin ‘yan kay Jhoanna as if wala kang gusto sa kaniya. Baka hindi mo lang matanggap na wala siyang pake sa’yo.”
“Isa pa, hindi niya kasalanan kung ang baduy mo pumorma sa kaniya.” She continued while smirking at him but the sharpness in her eyes cannot be denied. A clear portrayal that whatever she is uttering right now - she is dead serious about it.
Diniinan pa niya ang hawak dito to get her point across his head, “Tigilan mo na nga ako. Baka hindi kita matantiya.” Colet threatened sternly before loosening her grip on the latter’s collar when she could finally see how the guy cowers in her gaze. Siguro naman ay tatahimik na ito. Dapat lang.
“Oh by the way…”
“It is the loser you who can’t handle Jhoanna. Ibahin mo ako.” Colet sniggers before walking away.
Taneo is surely not worth her time and attention.
Paglabas niya sa backstage, their instructor called for a break. Mabuti nalang kasi kailangan niya talagang kumalma. Upon seeing her friend sitting on one of the bleachers while drinking her water, she decided to come over. Mikha might be the best one to appease her mood right now.
“Oh? Napano ka?” she can sense the worries in her friend’s voice upon seeing her expression. Her hands are still even balled into a fist. It is not a wonder that Mikha can already make out that something wrong just happened.
She can only groan in annoyance as a response.
“Naa nasad papansin. Kalami lagi sumbagon.” (Meron na namang papansin. Ang sarap talagang sapakin)
This is bad. Colet speaking in Bisaya is rarely good. Not to mention, she didn’t even bother to translate it. That means, she is too overwhelmed to think of anyone.
Mikha just lets the latter calm down first. Softly caressing her shoulder to let Colet know of her presence and that she is willing to listen.
“Nagkasagutan kami ni Taneo ngayon lang.” her friend started. Mikha’s expression morphed into something that says ‘she already figured it out before Colet can even say what the hell is happening’. No one can get Colet to be this riled up except that guy.
“Nakakainis lang. Dinadamay pa si Jhoanna.” the red-haired girl nodded, clearly understanding Colet’s frustrations and anger. Kasi kahit siya ay magagalit kapag si Stacey na ang usapan.
“Should we punch him na ba?” she even gestures for her ‘muscles’. Nakakainis man na aminin pero Taneo has a better build than them combined.
Instead of a yes, Colet let out a loud laugh. Mikha really has an odd way of uplifting someone’s mood without even realizing it. Conyo plus her cute gestures is really a good combination.
“Okay na ako. Salamat, Mikhs.” Colet smiles gratefully at her friend before diverting her gaze towards Jhoanna.
Now, her focus is on thinking if the girl is really serious with what she said last night.
Colet taps her right foot on the wooden floor of the stage, getting slightly anxious as soon as the clock strikes six - the usual time for Jhoanna to go home.
Nagbibiro lang siya.
Nagbibiro lang siya.
Nagbibiro lang siya.
She tried to convince herself because she might really lose her mind if the latter is indeed serious. Remember na never siyang pinayagan ni Jhoanna na ihatid siya pauwi.
While dancing their little production number, her gaze darted on Jhoanna. She is still busy together with the council’s members. Colet guesses that they are now making the props for the stage with all the art materials around them.
As if on cue, their eyes met kaya kaagad siyang nag-iwas ng tingin. Namention ba niya na pang-ilang beses nang nagkatagpo ang mga mata nila ngayong araw? A clear contrast to their situation yesterday.
Hala bakit nandito pa siya?
Colet cannot help but to ask herself as soon as she sees the SC’s members bid their president their goodbyes. She expected for the girl to go after them but she stays rooted to her seat, just casually scrolling through her phone.
6:26 PM. She reads the time on her watch.
Ayaw naman niyang mag-assume na siya talaga ang hinihintay nito kaya nagpatuloy nalang si Colet sa pagkabisado ng dance steps. Since tomorrow is Friday, it will be their final practice and runthrough. Hence, they were doubling their efforts to polish everything.
7:10 PM
Ngayon ay hindi na talaga mapakali si Colet. Hindi pa rin kasi umaalis si Jhoanna tapos feel niya wala pang balak ang instructor nila na pauwiin sila. Ang dami pa kasi nitong reminders for tomorrow.
Kung totoo man na siya talaga ang hinihintay ni Jhoanna, ngayon palang ay dapat nagso-sorry na siya. Jhoanna is a busy person and to waste her time is on top of the list that Colet mentally made to never do.
From: Babycakes <3
Tara na.
What are you still doing there?
After reading her messages, she nervously looks at where Jhoanna is. Her initial reaction immediately went down the drain due to the sight that welcomed her. God knows how much she tries her hardest to not smile after seeing the girl’s infamous crossed arms, an eyebrow raising and a face that’s stoic. All while staring directly at her.
Nilunok muna ni Colet ang kaba niya bago tumakbo papalapit dito.
Shit. Seryoso ng a siya.
Colet doesn't have any idea what the hell is happening or even why this is happening. Basta nagdri-drive lang siya kanina at sumusunod sa kung anong sabihin ni Jhoanna kung saan dadaan.
Akala niya ay sa bahay nila ang ending but surprisingly they ended up in Jhoanna's favorite restaurant. A fact about the girl na ngayon niya lang nalaman.
Right now, here they are, face to face with each other as they slowly munch on their food. Tahimik lang silang kumakain. Kanina pa siya hindi makapagsalita or kung magsasalita man siya, she is a stuttering mess. Kaya ngayon mas pinili nalang niyang tumahimik. She cannot even ask Jhoanna kung bakit siya nito dinala dito. Scratch that, kung bakit pala niya hinayaan si Colet na dalhin siya dito.
She isn't making any sense right now diba? You really cannot blame her. Ikaw ba naman makasama ang isang Jhoanna Robles sa favorite restaurant nito.
“So, why are you avoiding me?” Colet choked on her food at Jhoanna's words. Wala man lang kasi itong warning.
“H-hindi nga sabi.” She tries to deny it after recovering.
Looking at Jhoanna, Colet knows that she isn't convinced, prompting her to contemplate if she will just say the truth.
Teka nga. Bakit ba kasi ito curious in the first place?
Testing the waters, “Miss mo na ako ‘no?” she uttered while smirking playfully.
Ayan. Ikaw naman ang nauubo ngayon.
Kaagad naman na inabutan ni Colet ng tubig ang dalaga. Kagaya ng ginawa nito sa kaniya kanina.
“Ang assuming ha.” She fakes a hurt expression at that. Natawa naman sila parehas afterwards.
Namiss niya ito. These silly little moments with Jhoanna never fail to make Colet’s college days brighter. Paano niya kaya nakaya ang ilang araw na hindi niya pinapansin si Jhoanna.
Throughout the dinner, both of them try to fall into a comfortable conversation as if forgetting that the past few days happened.
Hearing again Jhoanna's genuine laughs, seeing how her eyes disappear as she did so and how carefree her smiles are with how wide it is - answered all of Colet's questions.
Sa’yo ko pa rin pala mahahanap ang sagot.
Gathering her courage, she heaves a few deep sighs before deciding that it's best to be honest right now.
“Tama ka, I've tried avoiding you.” Buti nalang at tapos na silang kumain dahil paniguradong hindi na niya kayang lumunok ng steak dahil sa kabang nararamdaman niya.
Colet clearly saw how Jhoanna's expression turned into annoyance and confusion.
As expected.
She is still considering herself lucky kasi ito lang ang inabot niya. Walang tinidor or plato na lumilipad papunta sa kaniya.
“Pagkatapos mong sabihin na gustong-gusto mo ako? ‘Yan ba ang dapat mong gawin?”
“Exactly my problem. Gustong-gusto na pala kita and I'm starting to get greedy, Jhoanna.” she tries to explain, pouring all her emotions as she gazes directly at Jhoanna.
“Hindi dapat ako ganito eh.” Napahilamos nalang siya sa mukha niya, her frustrations clearly showing.
Jhoanna's annoyance immediately disappears. Her expression is now understanding, urging Colet to continue.
“Dati sabi ko pa na kahit hindi mo ako magustuhan ay okay lang. Pero noong mga nakaraang araw, palagi kong naiisip na baka hindi ko kayanin if you don't reciprocate my feelings.”
“Edi hindi na ako astig kung ganoon.” Natawa siya bigla sa sumunod niyang sinabi. Hindi niya pala kayang magseryoso whole throughout this explaining.
Jhoanna too let out a few amused chuckles.
“Kaya umiwas muna ako para makapag-isip. And maybe wait for things to not get too overwhelming so that if we really cannot be together, I can happily let you go, Jho.” The both of them can sense how the tension rises a notch at what she just said.
Their smiles disappeared and what remains are their gazes towards each other. Colet, pushing her luck, reaches out for Jhoanna's right hand that's placed atop the table.
She then smiles at her warmly when the girl doesn't break the contact.
“Pero may narealize ako ngayon when I've seen you laugh and smile.” Colet softly squeezes her hand first.
Without breaking their eye contact, she continues, “As much as how strong my feelings are for you…”
“... is the urge to see you happy. Kaya kung saan ka masaya. Even if it isn't with me. I will be fine, Jho.” Colet hopes that Jhoanna can sense how sincere she is with this.
Tangina.
Nakauwi na sila’t lahat lahat hindi niya pa rin alam kung anong dapat niyang maramdaman.
“Masaya ako ngayon.” ang tanging sambit lang nito bago tumayo pointing out that it's already late.
Napa-’okay?’ nalang siya at tahimik na sumunod kay Jhoanna.
Sa dami ng sinabi niya ay ito lang ang naging tugon nito. So what was she supposed to feel about it?
“Gagi ka. Ang slow mo naman!”
“Aray! Ano ba!” sigaw niya matapos hampasin ni Sheena ang kaniyang braso. Colet even proceeds to caress the area where her palm landed, trying her best to alleviate the pain.
When she looks up at them, all three of her friends are giving her a disapproving look.
Ano ba kasi ang ginawa ko?! Pasalamat pa nga sila at kinuwento ko sa kanila!
“Slow nga. Hayaan niyo ‘yan siya.” Gwen muttered while shaking her head.
“Hindi eh. Dapat dito sinasapak para magets niya.” Sheena contradicted.
“Ano nga kasi?!”
“Mikhs?” sambit niya upon sensing that si Mikha lang ang pwedeng kumampi sa kaniya ngayon.
“Okay ganito kasi ‘yan. Firstly, ang tanga mo.” at tumango pa nga ang dalawa pa niyang kaibigan, fully agreeing to what Mikha pointed out.
Lord, pahingi po ng pasensya.
“Diba sabi niya masaya siya ngayon after mo sabihin na you will be fine kung saan siya masaya.” Mikha emphasizes the word, ‘ngayon’ in hopes that Colet will finally get it.
But to no avail, “Oh tapos?” Colet asked. Naguguluhan pa rin kasi siya. Ano naman ngayon? Edi masaya si Jhoanna. Edi okay.
“Isa ka nalang Shee ha.” she warns while glaring at the girl beside her. This time kasi ay batok na ang inabot niya, buti nalang at hindi masakit.
She can sense the evident frustrations in their faces. Kasalanan ba niyang may hindi siya magets?! Kung diretsuhin nalang kasi siya edi tapos na sana ang usapan nila ngayon.
“Diba sabi niya ngayon .”
“Oo nga.”
“Who's with her that time?”
“Ako.”
“So that means sayo siya masaya.”
Oh.
OH!!!
“Babycakes!” tawag niya kay Jhoanna, stopping the girl from going inside the SC room.
Kanina niya pa ito gustong lapitan after registering her friends’ analyzation of her words. Kaya lang major subject nila sa hapon. It's three hours of continuous class. Hence, she hadn't found the time to do so.
Jhoanna looks at her watch, “I cannot believe it took you more than sixteen hours to get it.” her look is exactly the same as her friends during lunch.
“Hindi ah. Kaninang lunch ko pa alam.” she even scratches the back of her head in embarrassment.
“As if that made it better.”
Colet follows the girl inside, her sheepish smiles not leaving her face. Pilit niyang hinuhuli ang mga mata ni Jhoanna kasi kung tama man ang hula ng mga kaibigan niya, aba dapat siyang magpaparty ngayon.
“Ikaw ha, masaya ka pala sa akin.” she teases as she hovers above Jhoanna.
The girl continues to open her laptop, not minding her playful gestures. But the faint blush on her cheeks was enough for Colet to have the same on her own.
Ganito pala ang feeling, Lord. Bakit ngayon lang?!
“May practice pa kayo diba?”
“Asus change topic siya eh. Hindi ako aalis dito not until you tell me na tama ang iniisip ko.”
“Edi huwag kang umalis diyan.” She should have expected that being together with Jhoanna — ay hala hehe advance na siya mag-isip.
What she meant was that, hindi talaga si Jhoanna yung tipong who gets mushy with her significant other. Okay lang naman kay Colet if ever. Kaya naman punan ng pagka-clingy niya ang pagka-nonchalant ni Jhoanna.
Wait nga lang. Ang delulu na niya ata. Hindi pa nga naco-confirm. Baka mamaya ay mali pala sila Mikha, edi mas masakit because she actually got a little taste of what she would probably feel if ever Jhoanna reciprocates her feelings.
Colet is adamant to get the answer right now. Hence, even if a few minutes have already passed, she never moved even an inch.
Jhoanna sighs first before looking up at her, “Oo na, tama ka na. Alis ka na kasi, you'll be late na oh.” the girl dismisses her afterwards but the softness in her tone which is a clear contrast to her usual one is enough for Colet to know that something has really shifted.
Para na siguro siyang timang ngayon sa laki ng ngiti niya.
Lord, ito na ba ang MU era namin?! ASDFGHKJKL
“Okay, madam. Hatid kita ulit later ha.” She even gestures like she is saluting at Jhoanna.
Without hearing any retaliation from the girl, Colet takes it as a yes.
Not wanting to disturb the SC president any further, she then bid her goodbye. Even if Jhoanna just nodded at her as a response, Colet still feels like she's over the clouds because of how happy she is at the moment.
Truly, good things happen to those who wait.
Kaya sa mga may crush diyan, ma anong ulam?
At tuluyan na nga siyang nabaliw.
It is Saturday and they're currently in Gwen's condo. Kakatapos lang nilang magplano kung ano ang gagawin sa ‘little talent portion’ kuno ng event. Kahapon lang niya naalala na may ganito pa nga pala. Mabuti nalang at may talent naman siya kahit papaano.
“Akin na mga videos and pictures mo. Ako na mage-edit.” Sheena volunteered. Tumayo naman siya at akmang hahalikan ito as a sign of thank you.
Wait ka lang diyan, babycakes. Sana ready ka nang kiligin.
Loud cheers are what reverberated inside the gymnasium ever since the search for Ms. and Mr. Sports Fest started. Jhoanna and Gian’s voices can be heard as they host the event. They are currently elaborating the criteria for judging.
Ang sipag talaga ng babycakes ko na ‘yan.
What can’t Jhoanna do? Parang lahat ata kayang gawin nito. Siguro noong nagpaulan si Lord ng talent at kagandahan, may dalang drum si Jhoanna.
Kinakabahan man siya ay mas excited siya na lumabas na para makita ang isa sa mga hosts. Colet bet that Jhoanna looks heavenly right now. Sana kayanin ng bading niyang puso ang makikita niya ngayon.
“Galingan mo, Col. Huwag mo sayangin ang sigaw namin ni Gwenny.” She laughs at what Mikha said dahil naimagine niya bigla how it would be when her two nonchalant friends would be shouting their hearts out cheering for her.
“Break a leg, ate Colet! Hindi literal ha. Baka madapa ka kasi sa ganda ni ate Jho.” Sa sinabi ni Sheena, hindi na niya tuloy mapigilan ang excitement na makita si Jhoanna.
Nagpaalam na ang mga ito sa kaniya dahil ilang minutes nalang ay tatawagin na sila ni Taneo. Speaking of the guy, he is just beside her as Maloi checks his outfit one last time.
Settling with simple yet pleasing to the eyes outfits, Colet thinks that their glam team did a really good job especially with hers. Not to mention the tweak when it comes to her bottoms which made the garment more comfortable for her. She really likes that it wasn’t some skirt or jersey shorts.
(For better visualization, see the links below.
Colet’s outfit:https://x.com/BiniColetOFC/status/1797514180712702042
Taneo's outfit:https://www.instagram.com/alamat_official/p/DAJCZ9aTf8b/?img_index=1 )
They were soon ushered on the stage, she heaved a deep sigh as she rehearses for a short while her smile and expression, “Now, from the College of Accountancy! Let us give a round of applause for Brylle Jordan Uyam and Ma. Nicollete Vergara!”
“Goodluck.” she hears Taneo mumbles beside her as they make their way onto the stage.
Colet just let her instinct take over as they pose in front of everyone. Iniisip niya nalang na walang ibang tao at guni guni lang ang mga sigaw na naririnig niya para hindi siya mahiya ng tuluyan.
After a round of putting up a show as they wore their best smiles, a preliminary interview is what’s coming up next. Just for the event to not get boring.
Colet’s smile went a little too bright, the glint on her eyes cannot be denied as soon as she caught a glimpse of the breathtaking host. Jhoanna’s black one piece suit looks so good on her that she even thinks that the girl can easily win the title they are vying for the night.
Colet is even willing to forfeit.
“Wow, look what we have here. I never expected to see you participate in these kinds of events, Colet. You look stunning by the way.” Kung hindi pa nagsalita si Gian sa tabi ni Taneo, hindi pa niya ito mapapansin. Her focus is indeed solely on Jhoanna.
Loud cheers resonated again in the venue. The loudest were all coming from her blockmates as they continuously shouted her name. She can even spot her three friends waving a banner with her name on it.
True to their words, Mikha and Gwen are indeed shouting her name.
Little flashbacks about the time she volunteered, her initial retaliation, her begging her friends to save her ass, the practice sessions, and even the moments with Jhoanna in between all these - reeled at the back of her mind like a timelapse video.
The reason for all the fiasco, followed up Gian’s introduction with a question, “So, what made you change your mind that you have decided to participate, Ms. Ma. Nicolette?” her full name rolled off Jhoanna's tongue seamlessly. She never knew that her name could sound this good.
Alam naman niyang alam ni Jhoanna kung bakit. The girl is clearly challenging her pero mamaya na siya magpapapansin ng malala dito.
“It’s because I know that all these are worth it.” Colet simply answered while looking at the girl intently.
You are worth it, Jho. She wants to add but stops herself.
Ayan lang muna sa ngayon.
After Colet uttered those words and they went backstage again, she remembered Taneo’s taunting.
It is true that Jhoanna acts nonchalant most of the time but she is definitely not uncaring. If the girl is uncaring she should not have sent her a goodluck message a while ago.
From: Babycakes <3
Goodluck.
Do well dumbass.
May ‘dumbass’ nga lang but it is already enough to boost Colet’s energy. It is the thought that counts naman kasi.
Also, if she is uncaring, Jhoanna won’t be able to perform her duties well as a student council president. If there is a person who really witnessed how the girl did a really good job in juggling her studies, family matters and her responsibilities as a student leader - it would be Colet.
When things are piling up, she can sense how all of these took a toll on Jhoanna but never did she hear the girl complain about it. Kahit ilang beses mo pa siyang tanungin kung okay lang ba siya, ang palagi nitong isasagot ay oo at kakayanin niya.
Jhoanna is never uncaring. In fact she is selfless in her own ways. Hindi lang talaga nakikita ng lahat. Especially those people who never even tries to see beyond the cold facade she is trying to put up.
She stands in front of the crowd, holding her guitar. Colet actually loves singing but only her friends, family and her four-walled room know that she can sing. Now, that wouldn’t be the case anymore.
“This song by TJ Monterde encapsulates one of the great meanings of my favorite Bisaya word - Puhon .” she started. The crowd watches her seriously as she introduces the song she will perform in the talent portion.
“Puhon means ‘in the future’. This is my favorite word because it makes me look forward to the things that might happen with a hopeful disposition.” Colet explains.
“On another note, tinuturuan din ako nito na maghintay. To be patient. Kasi baka hindi pa ngayon but puhon ay mangyayari ang matagal ko nang hinihintay.”
“This is for you.” while saying these words, she is staring directly at Jhoanna whose eyes are also glued towards her.
“Please do know na I am willing to wait until you will be ready.” she ended her explanation with the words she wants Jhoanna to know more than anything.
The whole venue dims and a spotlight was focused on her as she started to strum her guitar.
(A/N: Kindly listen to Puhon by TJ Monterde while reading this part para mas dama ;) Grabe ang mga boses sa utak ko after hearing Colet sing this song with Jhoanna in the crowd. Hindi pwedeng hindi ito isali dito.)
She checks the screen on her back to check if everything is going according to what she plans. Colet throws Sheena a grateful smile as the girl is in the tech’s booth, now operating the LED screen. Mabuti nalang talaga at may budget ang university nila for these things.
A video that’s edited by Sheena played with the song’s lyrics and its Tagalog translation. In the background are some of Jhoanna’s videos and pictures that she has captured throughout the years that she has known the girl.
The crowd went wild after realizing what was happening. But she could care less about all of the screams, her attention is directed solely on Jhoanna.
Hindi man siya manalo ngayon ay wala siyang pakealam. As long as the girl knows how much she respects her decision and the pace she wants to keep when it comes to the two of them. The title and crown be damned.
//… Ngano mani? (Bat ba ganun?)
Lahi ra lagi (Ibang iba)
Nga di man gyud unta ko ingon ani (Hinding hindi naman kasi ako ganito)
Bisag lisod (Kahit mahirap)
Kanimo ra gyud (Sayo pa rin)
Kung aha ni adto na, wa gyud ko nasayod (Kung saan man patungo, hindi ko alam)
Kung asa na ni padulong (Kung saan na ‘to papunta)
Ang lawod andam kong langoyon (Lalim handa ‘kong languyin) … //
Truly, Colet will never know where this will take her. At this point, nothing is certain except the fact that her heart belongs to Jhoanna.
Kay Jhoanna lang.
//… Dili pa panahon (Hindi pa panahon)
Maghulat ko sa puhon (Hihintayin ko ang puhon)
Kung kanus-a pwede na tang duha (Kung kailan pwede na tayong dalawa) ... //
Waiting.
Everyone knows that she hates waiting.
But Jhoanna makes it easy for her. Colet doesn’t really mind even if it may take her weeks, months or even years.
As long as it is the latter that’s at the end of all these.
//… Sa daplin magpahiyom (Ako ay maghihintay)
Unsa ba’y imong gahom? (Ano bang meron sayo?)
Nga sa mata nimo mawala man ang tanan (Na sa mata mo ay nawawala lahat)
Kasakit ko inday (ng aking lumbay)
Kana’y tinud-anay (‘Yan ang totoo) ... //
Sabi niya nga diba, that she really loves Jhoanna’s eyes. It is expressive in contrast to her facial expression. Kaya gustong-gusto ito ni Colet because it serves as a portal to who the girl really is.
Hindi man gustong ipahalata ni Jhoanna, but her eyes screams warmth that Colet wants to bask in.
The last line is coming. Instead of singing ‘Ako nalang ka bi (Akin ka na lang)’. With all the sincerity she can muster at the moment, she revised it.
//… Kung asa ka malipay (Kung saan ka sasaya) ... //
“For our Mr. Sports Fest… Vince Enzo Dizon! From the College of Real Estate Management!” Gian announced enthusiastically. Loud cheers from their department can be heard as he was hailed as the winner. A first-runner up for Taneo isn’t that bad.
Colet isn’t expecting anything at this point. This is not her forte to begin with. Hence, she just stood there confidently while waiting for the winners. Sabi nga nila diba, fake it until you make it lang.
Ang sakit na rin ng paa niya kakatayo. Gusto nalang niyang matapos ang araw na ito. She already achieved her goal. Colet lets out a sly smile as she realizes that indeed she had successfully prevented Jhoanna from being paired up with Taneo.
“And now for our Ms. Sports Fest…” a drum roll instrumental followed Jhoanna’s voice.
Various names of other contestants can be heard as each department shouted their representatives. Sinaway ni Colet gamit ang mga titig niya ang mga blockmates niyang panay ang sigaw sa pangalan niya, hindi rin kasi siya natawag as runner-up. Akala siguro nila may chance pa siya.
As if naman.
Kailan ba ito matatapos? May paltos na siguro ang mga paa ko.
Jhoanna, gusto kita pero pwede bang pakibilisa—
“Ma. Nicolette Vergara!” Confettis and chants of her name resonated on every corner of their gymnasium.
HA?!
Gagi? Nabingi lang ata siya.
She tries to convince herself, still not moving an inch.
As Jhoanna went closer towards her and ushered her to come a little forward, that’s the only time she realizes that indeed she won.
Nakatingin lang siya dito as she pinned her sash and put a crown on her head. Their close proximity heightens the overwhelming surge of emotion within her.
When their eyes finally meet, Jhoanna smiles at her.
There.
That’s the very award that no one can be compared with - to be the receiving end of Jhoanna’s smiles.
“Hindi ako ang prize, Colet. Bakit sa akin ka nakatingin?” Jhoanna teases and soon hands her a bouquet. Supposed to be ay si Gian ang gagawa nito pero inabot nalang niya ito sa co-host niya, not wanting to break their moment.
Colet reciprocates her playful behavior, “Ay hindi ba ikaw? Sayang naman.” she even pouted a little.
“Paano ba maging winner diyan sa puso mo, miss?” she whispers to Jhoanna while smiling at the crowd. She can see that most of the crowd are throwing playful grins at both of them.
The scene she pulled a while ago is already a dead giveaway that she harbors feelings for the girl beside her. Although this information is not new to most of them. Colet starting from their freshman year is actually vocal with her feelings for the SC president. Their closeness right now heightens everyone’s curiosity. Genuine questions swirl in their minds.
Sila na ba?
Si Colet na ba finally ang nakakuha sa puso ni Jhoanna?
Nagbunga na ba lahat ng efforts niya?
All their questions will soon be answered by Jhoanna herself.
“No need na.” ang hina ng pagkakasabi ni Jhoanna kaya hindi niya ito narinig. To top it all, some students are still screaming and clapping.
Before she can ask the girl about it, Jhoanna stands beside Colet and holds her mic again, “By the way, bago ko makalimutan.” the girl suddenly announced with a smile. She looks at Colet first before averting her eyes towards the crowd.
“Ms. Vergara actually won another award.” Nalilito man siya ay hinintay nalang niya ang susunod na sasabihin nito.
“Congratulations…” Jhoanna trails off, successfully making everyone to anticipate her next move.
“You have won yourself a girlfriend tonight.” When Colet will say that no one - as in no one can ever prepare her for this moment, she is actually telling the truth. Because what do you mean that Jhoanna just announced this in front of hundreds of students.
Colet is sure that a loud cheering followed suit, but it is as if she grew deaf of all the sounds and all she can hear is her fast beating heart.
Jhoanna’s words replayed on her mind a few times more before reality sinks in. When it finally hits her, to say that she is happy is an understatement.
Sa sobrang saya niya ay hindi niya napigilan na yakapin si Jhoanna. Colet double checked her expression, clearly gauging if the girl is indeed serious. The SC president smiles at her as she slowly nods her head and soon rolls her eyes playfully.
“Seryoso ka ba?” Kahit may confirmation na, hindi niya pa rin maiwasang hindi magtanong.
“Ayaw mo ata eh. Sige huwag na—” Jhoanna even comicaly turned against her which she immediately prevented by softly holding her wrist.
“Hindi ka naman mabiro babycakes.” Colet then intertwined their hands and showed them to everyone, her expression being as if she won the lottery. The scene alone prompted another round of loud squeals.
Walang ibang nagawa si Jhoanna kung hindi ang mapailing na lang habang ngumingiti sa pinaggagawa ni Colet. She doesn’t have the heart to stop her girlfriend’s silly antics because in the first place, she also likes how their hands fit together.
Sensing that this would be best to help their friend out, “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” Sheena, Gwen and Mikha chanted first then a whole crowd of students were now chanting the same.
They look at each other shyly, not knowing what to do. Colet waves her hands in front of her gesturing for everyone to stop since she knows that Jhoanna values her reputation and isa pa SC president siya so bawal talaga ang PDA. Kaya kahit hindi naman ito aayawan ni Colet, they need to keep the show as Rated G.
Deciding that escaping might be the best thing to do right now. She is on her way to pull Jhoanna towards the backstage when something moist landed on her lips.
“WOAH WOAH WOAH!!!” The loudest cheers for the night erupted the moment a pair of lips made its way on her own. It was just a smack but it was more than enough to render her speechless. Siguro para na siyang kamatis sa pula ng mukha niya ngayon.
Gagi.
Lord, ang bait mo ata sa akin ngayon?! I am not complaining though. Isa pa nga po please.
Colet looks at Jhoanna with a dumbfounded expression but the girl is now shyly walking away. She lets out a grin because it is not typical for the president to act this way.
“Ang unfair naman! At least let your girlfriend return the favor!” Colet teasingly yelled even emphasizing the word, ‘girlfriend’ as she followed the girl.
Girlfriend niya na si Jhoanna! Totoo ang diyos!
“Tumigil ka diyan.” Jhoanna sternly replied but the smile that is grazing her lips cannot be hidden.
Now, that is the typical Jhoanna Robles.
Her Jhoanna Robles.
Colet’s ‘Puhon’ finally turns into ‘Ngayon’.
The End.