Liham sa Ulap

The fluorescent lights of the library buzzed, casting a sterile glow over the stacks of books. Jhoanna always comes here whenever she wants to focus. Stacey accompanies her sometimes if she is in the mood to study, but Jhoanna is often alone here. The library, with its serene atmosphere and boundless resources, had become an indispensable part of Jhoanna's academic journey. She, with a whirlwind of long lustrous black hair and anxious energy, wrestled with a particularly stubborn Differential Equation problem. Her brow furrowed in concentration, the tip of her pen tracing invisible equations on the tabletop. Deadlines loomed, and the upcoming Prelims loomed larger.

She sighed, the sound swallowed by the hushed whispers of other students. Her gaze drifted away from the textbook, landing on the window. Rain lashed against the glass, mirroring the tempest brewing inside her. It wasn't just the differential equation that was giving her a headache. Thoughts of a particular someone-- Aiah, to be specific, kept intruding, a persistent mosquito buzzing around her mind.

Aiah, with her infectious smile that could light up any room, her voice that could melt the coldest heart, those dark brown eyes that can draw you in and hold your attention, and her face-- oh, her angelic face. Over all, Aiah Arceta's striking features, charming personality, and overall aura contribute to her widely recognized beauty.

She remembered the last time they'd seen each other. It had been a week, during a particularly hectic student council meeting. They've been discussing the plans for the upcoming intramurals. Aiah, as always, was a whirlwind of activity, and always keeps the discussion on track. She is often playful and kind of a joker, but when it comes to work, she transforms into a different kind of person. Kung time ng trabaho, trabaho lang din dapat.

It didn't pass her mind how Aiah also teases her about her dance on Gwen's story on Instagram. She remembered being shy about it and silently blaming her friend for that challenge. Natalo siya sa laro nilang basketball sa may arcade and the punishment was to dance a TikTok trend of whoever wins. It was just a silly game, a bet comes from boredom. Jhoanna was competitive and Sheena, Gwen's girlfriend was a provoker. Ayaw sana pumayag ni Jhoanna sa bet na 'yun dahil hindi naman siya magaling mag shoot ng bola.

Hell, she can't even shoot her shot on Aiah.

But Sheena was tenacious, hindi niya tinigilan si Jhoanna sa gusto niya. Alam na alam niya kung paano siya mapapayag nito kaya kahit labag sa kalooban niya'y pumayag nalang siya. But to her surprise, it wasn't Sheena who played the game but Gwen.

"Teka, ang daya nun ah! Bakit hindi ikaw yung naglaro?" Jhoanna exclaimed and points at Sheena. Gwen just shruggs and drapes her arms around Sheena's shoulder.

"Wala naman akong sinabing ako ang maglalaro." Sheena innocently replies and gives a victorious smile to her girlfriend.

"Sabi mo tayo ang maglalaro?!"

"Oo nga, tayo. Tatlo naman tayo na nandito ngayon kaya valid parin?" She then laughs.

"Magkaiba ang thought no'n!" Sheena just sticks her tongue for a reply, Jhoanna just scoffs in disbelief.

Naging bunot na naman siya ng kaibigan niyang mas bata pa sa kanya.

In the end she just did the dance, accepting her defeat, and carried sportsmanship kahit pakiramdam niya'y dinaya lang siya ng mga kalaro niya. The dance wasn't hard to memorize but she did remember that she did a lot of retakes because she couldn't dance the other parts properly. Hindi niya kaya kasi nac-cringe siya, puro kembot at pa sexy, nakakahiya. But after a lot of retakes and self disgust, she finally perfected the dance and sent it to Gwen and Sheena.

Wala rin sa usapan na dapat nila itong i-post ngunit wala na rin siyang nagawa ulit nang makita na ito sa Instagram story ng dalawa. That's why Aiah saw it and teased Jhoanna about it when they met. Jhoanna remembered that she had to deal with a lot of teasing, not only from Aiah but to the other officers because of that dance. Even her ate Colet, na quiet lang madalas ay sumabay din sa pang aasar. Walang nagawa si Jhoanna kung hindi magtakip na lang ng mukha dahil sa kahihiyan.

"Akala ko pa naman hindi ka talaga marunong sumayaw! Tinuru-turuan pa kita noong acquaintance party." Aiah speaks when the memory from that event suddenly crosses her mind. She pouted and playfully punched Jhoanna in her back.

But unbeknownst to Jhoanna, Aiah was actually proud and admired her because of it. She admits that it surprised her big time that it made her heart race and her palms sweating whenever she remembers it. She even asked Gwen to send her the original video for remembrance.Jhoanna, the usually shy and reserved girl she knows, is slowly booming her confidence. She might have a lot of friends, if you can call it that, but she's still timid and aloof often.

It had been a week... and Jhoanna missed Aiah, a lot.

She sighed, gently rubbing the bridge of nose and fixed her eyeglasses. After this, tumayo na siya't inayos ang kanyang mga gamit para makauwi na habang hindi pa masyadong malakas ang ulan. She uttered goodbye to the librarian in charge and returned the books that she borrowed. Nang makalabas na siya'y she immediately searched her bag to check if nadala niya ang kanyang payong. But unfortunately, she hasn't, and that means that she needs to wait for the rain to subside. Worst case scenario, if the rain won't stop, then she has no choice but to breakthrough the rain.

"Kung sinuswerte nga naman", she mutters under her breath.

Thankfully, the hallways are fully covered, so makakapaglakad pa siya hanggang sa malapit sa parking lot. Problema niya nalang ang masisilungan kapag pupunta na siya sa kotse niya kasi naka park ito sa isang open area. She silently hopes that the rain will eventually stop, or she will see someone she knows na may payong at pwede niyang paghatiran hanggang sa kotse niya.

But the rain was coming down in sheets, blurring the windows into a grey haze. Jhoanna hurried down the hallway, her bag bouncing against her arms as she navigated the throng of students. As she approached the parking lot, she spotted Colet by the large mango tree near the school entrance, her bright green umbrella a beacon of color against the dreary backdrop.

"Ate Col--", she was about to call her but stopped when she saw something strange.

She tilted her head in confusion. Anong ginagawa niya roon? Colet was animated, gesturing with her free hand as she spoke to someone hidden behind the tree. Jhoanna slowed, her curiosity piqued. Who could Colet be talking to, hidden from view by the thick foliage? As she drew closer, she caught a glimpse of the other person, at lalo lang siyang naguluhan dahil doon.

It was Mikha, kasama nila sa SC. Her face pale as she ran her hand to her hair.

Mikha, usually so playful and bubbly, seemed unusually intense, her eyes wide and filled with a mixture of fear and determination. Colet, in contrast, appeared calm and reassuring, her voice seems soft as she spoke. Mukhang big deal ang pinag uusapan nila as it indicates on their expression, but what could it be? Jhoanna's curiosity is bubbling.

She hesitated, unsure whether to continue walking or to discreetly slip away. But something about the intensity of their conversation, the way Colet’s hand reached out and gently clasped Mikha’s, compelled her to watch. It was as if an unspoken promise was being made, a silent vow of support. Nanlaki ang mata niya roon at bumilis ang tibok ng puso niya. How can she not? These two, from Jhoanna's knowledge, aren't that close. Like they are civil to each other but they aren't the type of colleagues who could have an intense conversation in the middle of a downpour of a rain, with hand clasps into each other.

Anong nangyayari? Gulong gulo na ang isip niya, and all she could do is just stand there, with a flabbergasted expression. She had a hunch on what was going on-- or rather, she knew what was going on between those two. But no, she doesn't like to assume, unless...

Tinignan niya ang paligid to check if someone is around. Pagbalik niya sa tingin sa dalawa'y nakatingin na si Colet sa kanya. Mikha's nowhere in sight and Colet just stood there, with an unexplainable expression. Hindi mawari ni Jhoanna kung nagulat ba ito na nakita siya, kung galit ba or what. But one thing is for sure, amidst the rain, she swore that she saw that her eyes glistened with emotions. A glint of sadness.

Nanlaki ang mata ni Jhoanna nang makita niyang papalapit na si Colet sa kanya. Panicking, she turned her back and walked away, not bothering where the direction she was heading, basta makaalis lang siya. But after a few steps she hears Colet screaming her name, her voice combating with the loudness of the rain. With that, she stopped walking, her heart was beating loud, she didn't know what to do.

"Saan ka pupunta?" Jhoanna then faced Colet, "Mukhang wala kang payong. Come, ihahatid nalang kita."

"Uh, ate Colet," she scratched her brows and awkwardly smiled, "O-okay lang, huwag na po. Malapit naman na rito yung parking lot."

"The parking lot's that way." Colet replied, her hand pointing in the other direction. Jhoanna wants to smack herself for that. Sa sobrang kaba ay sa maling daan pa siya tumungo.

"Tsaka wala kang payong, Robles. Sobrang sensitive ng katawan mo kapag naulanan ka. Balak mo bang magkasakit?" Jhoanna gulped, feeling intimidated but loosened up when she felt the concern in Colet's voice.

"Pasabay nalang po hanggang sa parking lot, ate."

"Tara na rito, malaki naman 'tong payong kaya kung nahihiya ka'y pwede ka namang hindi masyadong lumapit sa'kin." Jhoanna nodded and they started walking.

Ni-close muna ni Colet yung payong dahil sa hallway palang naman sila maglalakad, at covered pa naman ito hanggang sa isang building. They didn't talked on the way. Only the sound of the rain pouring from the surroundings dominates their presence. Jhoanna didn't dare to ask, as well as Colet didn't bother to explain. And that's okay. Hindi naman siya required magpaliwanag kay Jhoanna.

As they near the end of the hallway, Colet suddenly stops, and so did Jhoanna. She was waiting for Colet to open the umbrella dahil ineexpect niyang papayungan na siya nito.

Colet briefly closed her eyes and sighed, when she opened them, her sight was in the void. "Mikha and I..." She opened.

"Things were... complicated for us." She softly said, her jaw clenching and her eyes filled with emotions. "What we have between us wasn't private."

Private? So means it's possible na may nakakaalam? "S-so, alam ba nina Ai--"

"Because it's a secret." Colet interrupts, her eyes now meeting with Jhoanna, and she weakly smiles, "No one knows." She mumbles.

The confession hungs in the air, heavy and suffocating. Jhoanna's eyes widened and her mouth slightly ajar. A myriad of emotions flickered across her face-- shock, confused, disbelief. The words caught Jhoanna in her throat. How could she respond? A wave of silence washed over them, broken only by the sound of the umbrella opening.

"I just thought I needed to share. Mukhang marami ka kasing tanong."

Jhoanna exhaled before responding, "Gusto ko po sana pero nahihiya lang ako. Tsaka, feeling ko kasi hindi magandang time ngayon para tanungin."

She looked at Colet. "Well not that nagiging chismosa ako sa inyo, but..." She sighed, "I was just curious. Nabigla lang din po ako eh. And you don't need to explain further po, ate. Ayaw kong makita kang maging uncomfortable sa pagsasabi sa'kin. Besides you don't owe me an explanation naman."

"Okay lang, nangyari na eh, nakita mo na. Tsaka ikaw naman 'yan."

"What do you mean na ako lang ito?"

"You don't radiate an aura na magsabi ng kung ano sa kung sinu-sino."

Jhoanna smiled and raised her right hand, "I won't tell a soul, I promise."

"I know you do." Colet also smiles, her mood now lightens. "Halika na, ituro mo kung nasaan yung kotse mo nang maihatid na kita. Sakto rin na medyo humihina na yung ulan." They walked again by silence, but this time Jhoanna isn't stiff as before and the silence between them is bearable.

When they reached Jhoanna's car, she immediately searched for keys and opened the door. She offered Colet a ride, a sign of thank you and respect for the act of kindness, in which Colet politely refused. May kailangan pa raw kasi siyang gawin bago siya umuwi. Jhoanna didn't press any further and just sticks her nose out of her business. Sapat na yung nalaman niya kanina ang isang impormasyon na hindi niya dapat malaman.

"Siya nga pala, Robles." Colet suddenly interrupted as she was ready to close the door. "Secrets makes a prison cell of the heart. Hindi maganda if palagi kang nagsu-supress ng emotions and thoughts mo. Baka ma-trap ka lang."

That made Jhoanna stunned for a moment. Confused, she asked, "Anong ibig mong sabihin diyan, ate Colet?"

Colet smirks, "Let's just say na observant lang akong tao and I just happened to know who your heart wants. You're not that good to keep a secret either, Robles. Halatang halata ka. Baka nga siya nalang ang hindi nakakaalam diyan sa feelings mo."

Jhoanna blinks, unsure if she needs to respond or not. She wasn't surprised because her feelings weren't a secret from the start. Well, it was for a particular person. Pero seryoso? Ganoon talaga siya kahalata? Hindi siya makapaniwala sa narinig niya. She knows Colet is observant, but she doesn't expect na pati siya ay inoobserbahan niya. 

"Confess while you still have the chance to. Huwag mong hayaang baliwin ka niyang doubts mo." After that Colet turns back and says her goodbye while Jhoanna just sits there, dumbfounded. 

Aiah, halos alam na pala ng lahat. Kailan mo rin kaya mapapansin? She left for home with that thought in her mind that time.

As the prelims exam got nearer, Jhoanna's college conducted a 3-day event, consisting of competition for booths, sports, and socio-cultural activities. It's a breath of fresh air, to be honest. Makakapagpahinga muna ang utak ng lahat ng estudyante bago ang storm.

The school grounds on the College of Engineering and Architecture transformed into a vibrant canvas, a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds as students, teachers, and different departments prepared for the day's festivities. College Day at their university was more than just a series of events; it was a celebration of unity, talent, and school spirit. It provided a platform for students to showcase their skills, foster camaraderie among peers, and experience the vibrant tapestry of Filipino culture. 

Jhoanna's favorite part of this event is the booths. The school grounds buzzed with activity as students navigated through a maze of colorful booths. The aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, enticing students with a variety of local delicacies. The entrepreneurial spirit was evident as students showcased their creativity and business acumen. Booths selling handmade crafts, artworks, and innovative gadgets lined the pathways. Games and competitions added a playful element, with students vying for prizes and enjoying friendly banter.

"Nasaan pala si Pres?" Tanong ni Jhoanna nang mapansin niyang nandito si Maloi at Colet. 

She knew Aiah loves to visit booths when this type of event occurred. Kaya nga in-invite niya silang tatlo rito sa college nila para makapunta sa iba't ibang booths at manood. Colet and Maloi came together, and Aiah was nowhere to be found that's why Jhoanna immediately asked them where she was. 

"Tinawag siya ng dean namin kanina eh, may idi-discuss daw sila. Tungkol din ata sa collede day namin soon." Kibit balikat na tugon ni Maloi. 

Jhoanna nods at kinuha ang kanyang phone. She was about to type something when Maloi leaned in and whispered, "Miss na miss?" With a teasing grin plastered in her face. 

Jhoanna rolled her eyes and pinched the side of Maloi. "Tatlo po kayong in-invite ko kaya malamang hahanapin ko siya sa inyo."

"Kanina pa naman siya pinatawag kaya siguro ngayon tapos na yung usapan nila. Sige na, try mo nalang siya tanungin if makakapunta."

"I was about to, kaso inuna mo po kasi akong asarin."

"Para ka kasing pinagbagsakan ng langit at lupa nung nakita mo siyang wala eh. Grabe, down bad 'yan?"

Jhoanna scoffed, but her cheeks got warm. "S-shut up, ate Maloi. Palibhasa kasi wala kang gusto eh."

"Hindi mo sure." Maloi then laughs at saka pumunta sa pwesto nila Mikha na ngayo'y nag oorder na ng pagkain.

Napailing na lamang siya at saka tinuloy ang pagtipa ng message para kay Aiah. She asked where she was and waited for a minute for her reply. Fortunately, na seen agad nito ni Aiah and the 3 dots appeared, indicating she's already typing her reply. 

To: Jhoanna 

<Here, sa faculty namin. Katatapos lang ng meeting with the dean.>

<I'd love to go there kaso naka clinical uniform ako now tas super layo ng building niyo. And my feet kinda hurt.>

After hitting send, Aiah saw that Jhoanna's already replying kaya hindi niya muna nilagay sa bag ang kanyang phone.

From: Jhoanna

<Oh, so hindi ka makakapunta?>

To: Jhoanna 

<I'll see what I can do. :((>

<Or... I'll try messaging Gelo to ask if pwede niya akong ihatid hanggang sa college niyo.>

After she replied, she searched for Gelo's contact and was about to type her message when she saw Jhoanna calling. Agad niya naman itong sinagot.

"Hello, Aiah?" Jhoanna voices out, the background noise overpowering her voice.

"Jho, bakit?"

"Hold on, lipat lang ako sa medyo quiet na place. Don't hang up!" 

"Okay." Then the line suddenly became quiet. Ni-mute ata ni Jhoanna.

Aiah eagerly waits, the supposed to be message for Gelo's buried in the back of her mind. She pouts and looks at Jhoanna's contact, slightly smiling when she sees the contact photo. 

"Hello, Aiah?" Jhoanna from the other line suddenly speaks, which made Aiah a bit startled.

"Oh, Jho, nandito pa ako."

"Nasaan ka part? Ako nalang susundo sa'yo. Just tell me where you are exactly."

"Ha? Bakit?" Then she suddenly remembers that she forgot to message Gelo.

"Uhm, p-para hindi ka na mang abala ng ibang tao?" Jhoanna paused for a bit, Aiah, on the other hand, is confused. 

"Aiah," she doesn't know why but it made her heart skip for a second. Ang lambing ng boses niya. She doesn't know if she missed being called by her because it had been a while since they last saw each other.

"Hello? Nandiyan ka pa?" Jhoanna speaks again, which made Aiah back to her senses. 

"Uh, y-yeah, I'm s-still here. Nandito parin ako sa may faculty namin, sa labas. Are you coming here na ba?"

"Yeah, I'll go. But is it okay if motor ang pang sundo ko ngayon sa'yo? Naka coding kasi yung kotse kaya hindi ko siya nagamit now."

"It's fine, Jhoanna, and ingat ka sa pag drive!"

"I will, and will be there in 10 minutes."

The call ended and it made Aiah stare at her screen for a minute. She feels something foreign gnawing in her. Something like close to happiness, and a pinch of... giddiness? Well, she doesn't know, so she just shrugged the thought. Normal lang naman kiligin sa kaibigan, hindi ba? A person can feel giddy when someone does the things that one likes. Pero ano nga ba ang ginawa ni Jhoanna to make her feel this? She doesn't know it, again. But for Aiah, she sees this as a normal thing. Baka miss niya lang din si Jhoanna dahil matagal silang hindi nagkita at hindi narinig ang boses niya.

Normal lang kiligin, platonically. 

So she waits again, patiently, and a bit excited. She can't wait to try and see the different crafts Jhoanna's college did. She enjoyed visiting there last year so she can't wait to see it again. 

The waiting did not take long when she saw Jhoanna outside their building riding a white motor. Agad siyang lumapit dito and she smiles when she sees Jhoanna eyeing the environment innocently. She's just wearing a green polo shirt which looks like their organizational shirt partnered with a black trouser, and she still looks pretty amazing. But her face plastered a soft expression and almost pouting, her eyeglasses making her look like a big baby. Ang cute lang, medyo pang professional ang suot but her face looks like a baby.

"Jhoanna!" Aiah said when she was near her. 

Jhoanna looks at her direction, silently in awe because she's seeing this angel again after a while. She bit her cheeks inside to suppress the blush creeping up her cheeks. 

"Kung saan saan ka naman tumitingin eh nandito naman ako."

What do you mean kung saan saan lang ako tumitingin eh I don't see anybody else but you naman? 

"I-I thought nasa harap ka lang ng building. You didn't told me na nasa gilid ka." Jhoanna replies and scratches her eyebrows. Shet, ang ganda. She told herself. 

Aiah, in her white clinical uniform is her most favorite sight to see.

"Aysus, nandoon lang ako oh. Hindi mo ba ako nakilala?" She gently smacks Jhoanna in her shoulder. "Tara na nga lang, I'm starving na rin eh."

Jhoanna handed her a jacket which confused Aiah for a second. "Para saan 'to?"

"Naka motor kasi ako at naka skirt ka kaya gamitin mo 'yan para takpan 'yang legs mo."

"Wow, so sweet naman. Is this how you treat your significant other, soon?"

Hindi na napigilan ni Jhoanna ang pag init ng mukha niya. Hell, even her ears are flushing too. Agad niyang winala ang tingin niya kay Aiah. She bites her lower lips, hoping that it will wash down her face from blushing. Aiah, however, saw it and automatically smiled. With a teasing grin, she turned to face Jhoanna, pinilit niya itong tignan kahit umiiwas ito ng tingin.

"Are you blushing?" She asked, her voice teasing. "Let me see it nga, oh! You are! Bakit ka namumula?" She almost laughed when she saw how her face reddens embarrassment. Kung kanina lang ay pink pa ang kulay niya'y ngayon ay slightly red na talaga. 

"T-tara na nga lang! Ang dami mo pa kasing sinasabi eh."

Natatawa man ay sumakay nalang din si Aiah sa motor. Jhoanna made sure that Aiah placed the jacket to her legs before starting the engine. Aiah placed her hand on Jhoanna's shoulder for support, and the other hand places on her lap. 

The wind whipped through Aiah's hair as she clung to Jhoanna's back, her hand holds tightly around her shoulder. The roar of the engine was a thrilling symphony in her ears, a powerful rhythm that matched the pounding of her heart. Aiah loved these rides. The world whizzed past in a blur of colors – vibrant green fields, bustling school grounds, and people occasionally being happy. The sun warmed her skin, and the fresh air filled her lungs.

"Nandoon na sina ate Maloi eh, kanina pa." Jhoanna mumbled, her voice lost in the wind.

Aiah, oblivious to Jhoanna's words, strained to hear. "What was that?" She shouted back, leaning closer and she moved her arms to wrapped in Jhoanna's waist.

Jhoanna's heart pounded against her ribs. Aiah was leaning closer, her breath warm against the back of her neck. Jhoanna could smell the faint scent of Aiah's shampoo, a sweet floral fragrance that made her head spin. So she slowed down for a bit to calm her mind. Baka kasi bigla niyang maipreno sa sobrang dami ng nararamdaman niya ngayon.

"W-wala." Her voice almost a whisper. "S-sabi ko, kanina pa nandoon sina ate Maloi kaya hinanap kita."

Aiah, satisfied with the answer, relaxed slightly. Her hand now left Jhoanna's waist, and that made the latter feel a pang of disappointment. She was ticklish, yes, but she likes the warm feeling she feels when Aiah holds her waist. 

Jhoanna settled at a slow speed, wanting to cherish the fleeting moment. As they finally slowed down, Jhoanna again felt a pang of disappointment. The moment was over, the intoxicating closeness shattered by the return of reality. She guides Aiah to navigate through the crowd. She walks beside her as Aiah eyed the booths one by one, her eyes sparkling with joy. 

"Hello!" Aiah greeted when they finally arrived at Jhoanna's department booth where their friends and other SC officer are located. 

"Oh, Aiah! Sakto at kakain na tayo maya maya." Saad ni Maloi.

Jhoanna pulled the chair for Aiah to sit. "Sakto talaga kasi gutom na rin ako. What did you guys order?" Tanong ni Aiah at saka umupo sa upuan na hinanda ni Jhoanna.

Aiah then pulls another chair beside her and patted it, gesturing Jhoanna to sit beside her. Jhoanna willingly obliged and sits comfortably.

"Iyong mga products lang din nila dito. May mga bago eh, tsaka kumuha rin kami ng ibang products from the other booths para matikman din natin." 

"Siya nga pala? Where's Staku? Parang hindi ko mahagilap kahit anino niya ngayon." 

"Practice, nakisali siya sa pageant." Jhoanna respond this time.

"Weh?!" Aiah exclaimed and her eyes widened in shock. "Kailan gaganapin? I will definitely go and watch. I can't miss this." She then faced Jhoanna with an excitement face.

Jhoanna chuckles, cute. "Sa last day pa naman ng gabi po. Susunduin nalang kita kapag manonood ka para sabay nalang tayo pumasok."

"Ay taray naman! When din kaya ako masusundo at maging passenger princess ni Jhoanna?" Maloi teased.

"Susunduin din kita, ate Maloi." Jhoanna answers and eyes Maloi with a meaningful look. 

"What about me? Hindi mo rin ba ako pwedeng sunduin?" Colet suddenly joins.

Sasagot na sana si Jhoanna when Mikha interrupts her, "I can sundo you, ate Colet. Nasa iisang subdivision lang naman tayo."

Jhoanna smiles secretly when she hears Mikha's sudden proposition. And judging from her ate Colet's playful eye roll, she knew that they were now okay after that incident in the rain. She also looks to observe how everyone reacts to this. She feels satisfied when she sees na wala lang sa kanila ang simpleng interaction ng dalawa. So it's true. They really don't know that it wasn't just a friendly gesture. Jhoanna felt honored that she knew about this feeling pressured at the same time because she only knows about it. Meaning kapag biglang nag boom ang tungkol sa kanila, ay pwedeng siya ang sisihin unless they publicize it or someone will see them like she did. 

"Whatever helps you to sleep at night, Mikha." Colet replied, which earned a victorious smile on Mikha. 

They settled down comfortably and talks about random things habang naghihintay sila sa iba nilang kasama. Si Gwen nalang daw at Sheena ang hinihintay dahil sila ang bumili ng ibang pagkain sa iba't ibang booths. Aiah can't hide her enjoyment when they finally arrived after what felt like an eternity. Gutom na kasi siya, that's why nung nilapag na nila Gwen and Sheena ang mga pagkain ay dali dali na rin itong in-open ni Aiah. Jhoanna helped too, smiling as she saw how Aiah rummages through the food. 

"Nandito ka na pala, ate Aiah. Naglakad ka ba papunta rito?"

Aiah smiled and munch on the food first before responding, "No, sinundo ako ni Jhoanna." 

Jhoanna opens a bottle of water and hands it to Aiah. "Swallow it first, pres. Halos hindi na maintindihan sinasabi mo dahil sa food." Natatawang sambit ni Jhoanna. 

Aiah thanked Jhoanna faintly at saka uminom sa tubig na binigay niya. "I'm sorry, I'm just so hungry na kasi." And she again gets another food to eat.

Napangiti na naman si Jhoanna sa ginawa niya. Gustong gusto niya talagang nakikitang masaya si Aiah so she can't help but to feel happy too. Meanwhile, Nakita ni Sheena ang interaction nilang dalawa at mapang asar itong ngumiti.

"Yie, kayo ha. May nangyayari na ba?" Walang alintana niyang tanong. 

That made Aiah stop chewing her food. Jhoanna's eyes widened from the question. Maloi is too, so she's signalling hard to Sheena, trying to stop her from asking further. Pero hindi ito napansin ni Sheena. 

"Nililigawan ka na ba ni ate Jho, ate Aiah?" Dadag pa niyang tanong which made Aiah confused. 

Si Jhoanna ay hindi na maipinta ang mukha, habang ang iba'y tahimik nalang tumitingin sa isa't isa. Gusto na lamang magpalamon sa lupa ni Jhoanna because just what the hell is Sheena thinking?! Hindi ba siya nainformed na hindi alam ni Aiah na may feelings siya sa kanya? Before it could get any worse, Gwen puts a handful of food on Sheena's mouth to stop her from talking and she guides her to sit down, smiling awkwardly as she tells her girlfriend to hush. 

Jhoanna sighed and she bravely faced Aiah. Wala naman na siyang ibang choice kung hindi harapin siya at pakinggan kung ano ang sasabihin ni Aiah tungkol sa sinabi ni Sheena. She is not ready to confess too soon, let alone her feelings being exposed by someone. Hindi siya ready, wala siyang plano, at wala pa siyang balak. Sana. But she guessed this is already it, wala naman na siyang takas ngayon kaya mabuti na't sabihin habang maaga pa. Para alam niya kung makakapag move on na ba, at para alam niya kung ano pang pwede niyang gawin sa susunod.

When Jhoanna turned to face Aiah, she was already looking at her with a face mixing of confusion and concern. Nagulat din si Aiah sa narinig niya mula kay Sheena. 

She'd be lying if she said that it didn't make her heart beat frantically. Hindi niya rin alam kung bakit but it just happened. They are still there, locking gazes but no words coming out. She doesn't want to dwell on this much so she thinks about what to say. 

"A-Aiah." Jhoanna suddenly speaks just as she was thinking. "I-- t-that was--"

Aiah just smiled and pinched Jhoanna on her cheeks as she interrupted whatever she said, "So you want to court me too, huh?" She teased, her hands still pinching Jhoanna's cheeks. 

That made a soft gasp from the others. "I-I c-can explain. T-That w-was..." Jhoanna was stuttering as she speaks but stopped when realization hit her. 

She withdraws from Aiah pinching her cheeks with brows furrowing, seemingly confused. "Wait a minute." She studies Aiah's face, she's more confused why Aiah is smiling. "W-What do you mean 'too'?" Jhoanna asked, her voice filled with hope.

Aiah drapes her arm on Jhoanna's shoulder, "Why not? I mean, you're worth the shot. You're my ideal type rin naman." She casually responded and that made Jhoanna look more confused than before. Sobrang lakas na ng tibok ng puso niya and she bets that Aiah hears it too. 

Ano ba 'tong sinasabi mo, Aiah?

"Ang ganda ganda mo kaya, ang talino at may leadership skill ka pa. You're probably someone's ideal type too. I'd be courting you rin 'no if I was a man." 

Napangiwi si Maloi sa sagot ni Aiah. Jhoanna is stunned, her cheeks flushing from embarrassment. Colet looks at Jhoanna with a concerned look. Mikha is trying so hard not to laugh, and Sheena laughing at the background, in contrast to what Mikha is doing. Habang si Gwen naman ay napahawak nalang sa kanyang noo. 

If I was a man. Those words repeating like a mantra stuck in her head.