Chapter 1
The midday sun cast a warm glow on the dining table where my family was gathered for lunch.
The air buzzed with conversation, a familiar symphony of voices that usually washed over me.
I ate my food, mostly ignoring the chatter.
My grandmother, however, managed to pierce through my quiet detachment.
"Sylvia," she began, "I bought you a piece of land in the province. It's my birthday gift for you."
I looked up, blinking in surprise, though my face barely changed.
The others fell momentarily silent, their forks pausing mid-air, eyes glancing in my direction.
I managed a polite smile.
“Thank you, Grandma. I appreciate it,” I said, my voice even and respectful—but lacking any real spark of excitement.
It wasn’t that I didn’t appreciate it.
I did.
It’s just…
gestures like this weren’t exactly new.
She had always been generous—lavish, even—with her gifts.
From designer bags, to gadgets, to spur-of-the-moment vacations—this was her love language. I was used to it. Perhaps too used to it.
And lately, I just didn’t have the energy to act overly excited about things, no matter how grand they were.
She smiled fondly, not seeming offended by my lack of enthusiasm. Maybe she understood me more than I thought.
"Tell me if you want anything else, okay? I'll buy it for you," dagdag pa nito and I simply nodded.
"Paano ako, My? Parang hindi mo kami love," my cousin Avery said that, but I knew she was just joking.
"Syempre sainyo rin, just ask me, okay? I'll spoil my grandchildren," sagot nito.
"Kaya mahal na mahal ka namin, my, eh" dagdag pa ni Avery.
“Nambola pa talaga,” sagot ni Madelyn, another cousin, rolling her eyes as she reached for the platter of fried tilapia.
“Aray! La, oh, nanghahampas!” reklamo ni Madelyn nang hampasin siya ni Avery ng kutsara sa braso—playfully, of course.
“Ang kukulit niyo talaga. Kumain na kayo. Respect the food in front of us,” sabi ni Lola, her tone mock-stern but clearly amused.
She pointed her fork at them like a warning.
All of us, even me, couldn’t help but smile a little.
“Yes, La,” sabay-sabay na sagot ng mga pinsan ko, halos parang mga estudyanteng napagalitan ng teacher.
I glanced at my grandmother, who was now focused on her meal, smiling to herself.
She didn’t need to say much—her actions always said everything.
I didn’t know what I’d do with land in the province, or if I’d ever even visit it, but the gesture wasn’t lost on me.
Maybe I’d figure it out later.
For now, I just picked up another spoonful of rice and let myself sit in the comfort of this moment—surrounded by family, noise, food.
My cousins have always been around since I was a kid.
As in, literal na halos lumaki kami na magkakatabi sa kama, sa sofa, sa sahig—kahit saan.
Kahit may kanya-kanya silang bahay, parang mas gusto pa nilang tumambay dito sa amin.
Parang akala mo wala silang bahay, eh.
But honestly, I didn’t really mind.
They're loud, chaotic, and sometimes nakakainis, pero kapag wala sila, parang may butas sa araw ko. Hindi kumpleto. Sila na 'yung daily background noise ko, and I’m used to it.
After lunch, I went straight to my room.
I flopped onto the bed and stared blankly at the ceiling.
I had no classes today, and honestly, I was bored out of my mind.
Sobrang tahimik para sa panlasa ko.
I wanted something thrilling.
I needed some noise, some lights, some alcohol.
Maybe flirt with someone…
if they’re hot enough.
Without even thinking twice, I grabbed my phone and opened our chaotic GC.
Hey girls, let's hit the bar. Ready to have some fun?
Eliana Ganda:
G!
Paano nga 'yon? May pa sound effects pa.
Enough with that already. Para kayong bata.
I put down my phone and stood up, stretching a little before heading to the bathroom. I immediately took a shower, letting the warm water wash away the laziness I’d been feeling the whole day. It was refreshing—like I was rinsing off the boredom.
After drying myself off, I opened my closet and scanned through the rows of clothes.
Hmm…
what do I feel like tonight?
After a few minutes of debating, I settled on a sleek black skirt and a sleeved, deep wine-red top that hugged my figure just right.
Classy, but still hot enough to turn heads.
I paired it with ankle boots and minimal jewelry—just enough to accentuate, not overwhelm.
Then I grabbed my favorite perfume, spritzed it on my neck and wrists, and inhaled the familiar scent.
Perfect.
Just as I was grabbing my purse, I heard my older sister’s voice from the hallway.
“Going to the bar again?”
I turned to face her briefly and answered in a flat tone, “Yeah.”
“Alam mo namang drinking alcohol isn’t safe,” dagdag pa niya, arms crossed, looking at me like some mom from a health commercial.
“I know, but I don’t care,” I said, a little too sharply.
The words came out colder than I meant them to.
"Don't give me that kind of attitude, Sylvia." she said, her voice firm but not unkind.
Napabuntong-hininga ako.
I looked away for a moment, feeling a pang of guilt.
“I’m sorry, okay?”
She nodded slowly, softening a bit.
“Okay. Just be careful. Don’t drink too much. And don’t go home late, Grandma will be mad.”
“I know, and I will. Thank you,” I replied, giving her a small smile before walking away.
Lumabas na ako ng bahay at dumiretso sa elevator.
It was quiet, except for the soft hum of the floor numbers lighting up.
Nang makarating ako sa basement parking, the familiar scent of gasoline and rubber welcomed me.
There, lined up, were some of my favorite toys—different cars for different moods.
I took the elevator down to the parking garage, slid into my Ferrari F80. I have many cars, but this one suited my mood.
I slid into the driver’s seat, feeling the leather hug my body like it missed me. I gripped the steering wheel and smiled to myself. Let’s have some fun tonight.
Nagsimula na akong magmaneho, at ang daming nakatingin sa sasakyan ko. Is this their first time seeing something like this? How poor. Just kidding.
I revved the engine a little harder than necessary, just for the drama.
I wasn’t trying to impress anyone—but if they were impressed, I wouldn’t complain.
And just like that, I drove off, the city lights slowly flickering to life as the sun began to set.
The night was just getting started, and so was I.
A few minutes later, I finally arrived at the bar.
This place—dim lights, booming bass, and the smell of alcohol in the air—was my sanctuary.
My comfort zone.
My escape.
Dito ako nakakawala sa lahat.
I could let loose, forget responsibilities, and just exist.
Actually, I’ve always dreamed of building my own bar someday.
Something high-end, pero may personality.
A place for people like me.
Pero syempre, as expected, ayaw ni Grandma.
She said it’s not “ladylike,” whatever that means.
Pagkababa ko ng sasakyan, the bouncer immediately recognized me and opened the door without even checking my ID.
Perks of being a regular, I guess.
As soon as I stepped in, familiar faces greeted me, along with the familiar pulsing of music vibrating through the floor.
"Hey, Sylvia! You look amazing, pa-isa nga ganyan," bati agad ni Cecilia habang papalapit siya.
She was already holding a drink, her lipstick-stained glass halfway empty.
I gave her a playful smirk.
“No thanks, I’m not interested,” biro ko habang tumatawa, deflecting her the way I always do.
“Ouch, sakit mo,” she teased, clutching her chest like I just broke her heart.
Drama queen talaga.
Nakahanap kami ng pwesto sa may bandang gilid, medyo tago pero strategic—kitang-kita ang buong dance floor.
I leaned back against the couch, eyes scanning the area.
Maraming lalaki agad ang lumapit, trying to talk to me, sending drinks through waiters, some even tried to sit beside me.
Pero wala akong pake.
I don’t swing that way.
I only like girls.
Pretty, confident, dangerous girls.
I picked up a glass of tequila from the tray Cecilia ordered and took a sip.
The alcohol burned a little, but I liked it that way.
"'I'll go over there, I've found my target," pa-alam ni Kinsley sa amin at tumango lang kami. She's really enjoying herself.
I remained seated, scanning the room for someone to spend time with. Then, I finally spotted someone.
"Hey honey, are you alone?" I asked, trying to flirt with her.
"Yes, I am. Why? Want to hook up?" she replied. This girl knew exactly what she was doing.
"That's what I like," I said, nuzzling my face into her neck. She smelled amazing.
“Let’s have a drink first. I’m not drunk yet,” she said, tilting her head with a sly smile.
I chuckled and nodded. “You really know how to have fun,” I murmured huskily.
"Of course," she said, and I leaned in, kissing her.
Kissing someone like this was commonplace for me; I didn't feel anything. I was just toying with her emotions—it was a game.
I deepened the kiss, our tongues meeting. I explored her mouth with my tongue, and heard her moan. That's what I wanted to hear; it was satisfying.
“Let’s go to our room,” she whispered, breathless.
I grinned.
“That’s what I like. Let’s go,” sagot ko, placing my hand firmly on her waist as I led her toward the VIP suites upstairs.
Pagkapasok namin ng room, she slammed the door shut behind us.
Walang patumpik-tumpik.
Her hands were on me instantly, lips back on mine—this time more aggressive, more demanding.
I could feel her fingers digging into my sides.
I kissed her passionately all the way to the bedroom, continuing to kiss her as I helped her remove her clothes. Soon, she was naked. I pulled back slightly.
“Touch yourself,” I said, leaning against the wall with a calm, calculated look in my eyes.
She froze, her brows knitting together. “Are you insane?”
I gave her a slow smile. “Oh, baby… I’ve never claimed to be sane. But you like that about me, don’t you?”
She crossed her arms. “This is ridiculous.”
“Maybe,” I replied with a shrug. “But you’re still here. You haven’t left. That says a lot more than your words do.”
She exhaled sharply, annoyed. “You’re impossible.”
“And you’re stalling,” I said, cocking my head. “Do it. Show me how much you want this. Then I’ll decide if you deserve me.”
There was a pause—a beat of hesitation, tension crackling in the air between us like static.
Then, with a muttered curse under her breath, she shifted where she sat. Her hands moved slowly, almost as if to test whether I was serious. I didn’t look away. I wanted her to feel my eyes on her, every second.
Her cheeks burned with embarrassment, but I caught the subtle tremble of anticipation in her breath.
I leaned in slightly. “Don’t hold back. I want honesty, not performance.”
She glanced up at me, lips parting, and then bit down on her bottom lip. Her breathing grew heavier, her movements less hesitant. A soft noise escaped her throat, and she blinked rapidly, like she was trying to ground herself.
“I hate you,” she whispered, almost like a confession. A part of her probably meant it.
“I know,” I said softly.
She closed her eyes, surrendering to the moment. Her body tensed, then relaxed, and she let out a quiet moan—barely audible, but unmistakable.
“I’m… close,” she whispered. “I—”
I said nothing, just watched.
Moments later, she cried out, breathless and raw. Her face was flushed, eyes glassy, body spent.
When it was over, she looked up at me, a mix of pride and vulnerability flickering in her expression. “There. Are you happy now?” she asked, trying to sound strong, but her voice shook.
“My turn. You promised,” she said, trying to regain control, to flip the power back to her side.
I chuckled quietly, straightening up.
“I did, didn’t I?” I mused, taking a step toward the door.
Her expression faltered. “Wait—what?”
“I’ve changed my mind,” I said, voice flat now, detached. “I’m not interested anymore.”
"Fuck you?"
"What a fucking idiot," I muttered to myself.
I don't let anyone touch me. I find them disgusting. Their hands, their desperation—it all feels gross. I don’t crave intimacy the way they do. I only enjoy watching them pleasure themselves while I stay untouched, distant, amused. Yes, I might kiss them—let them think they’re special for a moment—but I’ve never actually touched them. And I never let them touch me either.
It’s a game I always win.
Habang naglalakad ako pabalik sa main area ng bar, I spotted my friends sitting at our usual table. They were surrounded by empty glasses, half-finished cocktails, and the lingering scent of fun and alcohol.
"Looks like someone had some fun," pang-aasar ni Eliana habang tinataas ang kilay at nakangising parang alam na niya lahat ng nangyari.
"Yeah, it was actually hilarious," I said with a small laugh, tossing my hair back like it was nothing. Which it was. Just another night, another faceless girl, another meaningless kiss.
"You know you're crazy, right?" dagdag ni Cecilia habang umiinom ng mojito niya. She looked at me like I was both amusing and terrifying at the same time.
"That's a given, my love," I answered with a wink, and she just rolled her eyes like she was used to my antics.
"Hindi pa tapos si Kinsley, mukhang nag-eenjoy talaga siya," sabi ni Eliana habang sinisilip ang kabilang side ng bar kung nasaan si Kinsley—clearly in her element.
"Pabayaan mo siya, babalik din 'yon mamaya," sagot ni Cecilia.
Eliana asked me, "I know this may be random, but when do you think na magiging seryoso ka sa isang tao?"
"Siguro pag naubos na yung tubig sa dagat," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Kahit kaylan hindi ka talaga matino kausap," Eliana said, shaking her head.
Cecilia, ever the peacemaker, jumped in with, "Na-curious din tuloy ako. Just give us a straight answer, will you?"
"I really don't see myself being in a serious relationship. Siguro isang himala na rin 'yon," I confessed, a self-deprecating chuckle escaping my lips.
"Well, that's true. Magiging seryoso ka lang ata pag hindi na mainit yung araw," sabat ni Cecilia, grinning like she just dropped the punchline of a really good joke.
"Kahit kaylan may tama ka talaga," I said, a genuine smile finally forming on my lips.
"Ako pa," she slurred a little, clearly tipsy na. We all laughed after that, the kind of laugh that fills your chest and echoes above the music, the kind that feels like you’ve momentarily forgotten the world outside.
Eliana clinked her glass with mine. “To hopeless romantics who don’t believe in romance.”
“To miracles that will never come,” I added.
And we drank to that—sarcasm, bitterness, laughter, and all.
We were drinking. Ako, a self-proclaimed heavy drinker, was surprisingly still sober despite all the alcohol we’d consumed. Maybe my tolerance really is built different—or maybe I just haven’t had enough yet. Pero sina Eliana at Cecilia? Lasing na lasing na parang ngayon lang nakainom sa buong buhay nila. Their cheeks were flushed, and they laughed at literally everything, even the bartender’s breathing.
Eventually, Kinsley arrived, all smiles and smug aura, clearly satisfied with whatever mischief she just came from. Kaya nagdesisyon na kaming umuwi. It was getting late anyway, and things were starting to blur—for them, at least.
Hindi na kami makapag-drive. We knew better than to get behind the wheel. Lahat kami ay may tama na, and we weren’t about to gamble our lives just for convenience. Baka kung ano pa mangyari sa amin sa daan. Kaya we made the responsible decision na magpasundo na lang. That alone deserved a medal, if you ask me.
We started walking toward our designated meeting point—just a few blocks away, but with how drunk the others were, it felt like we were hiking up a mountain. The streetlights flickered occasionally, casting a dramatic glow sa paligid namin.
Cecilia was giggling uncontrollably as she clung to my arm like a koala on caffeine. Eliana, on the other hand, tried her best to act sober. Key word: tried. She was walking in a straight-ish line, but her sudden bursts of laughter gave her away. I ended up quietly guiding both of them, like I was their designated sober babysitter.
Habang naglalakad kami, biglang nagsalita si Kinsley.
“Sayaw tayo, labanan mo ’ko Cecilia!” sigaw niya, medyo nauutal na dahil sa kalasingan.
She flung her arms up dramatically as if she was on stage.
Nagulat ako.
Lahat ng tao sa kalsada ay biglang tumingin sa direksyon namin dahil ang ingay nila, parang may street performance.
Some bystanders were amused.
Others?
Not so much.
But did they care?
Of course not.
"Yabang mo ah, ipakita mo kung sino ka!" sagot ni Cecilia.
Hindi naman masyadong seryoso ang tono niya, pero halata sa mukha niya ang competitive spirit—kahit lasing na lasing.
"Wag kayong gumawa ng kataranduhan dito, sapakin ko kayo," saway ko sa kanila, trying my best to sound stern kahit alam kong wala akong choice kundi panoorin ang kagaguhan nila.
"Manahimik ka nga! Cecilia, humanda ka!" sigaw ni Kinsley, now bouncing on the balls of her feet like she was about to enter a dance battle on national television.
Her energy skyrocketed, thanks to alcohol and drama.
Agad akong lumayo sakanila.
Nope.
Hindi ko sila kilala.
Hindi ko ’yan kaibigan.
Napailing na lang ako habang dahan-dahang umaatras.
Mas mabuti na siguro kung manonood na lang ako mula sa safe distance.
At least hindi ako mapapahiya.
"Apir tAyoo, sumAKit ang uLO Qoueh, Sumakit aNg bEwang qoueh!~ kanta ni Kinsley habang umiindak. May matching sayaw pa siya, ’yung parang gumigiling habang pa-zigzag ang katawan. Para siyang baliw na sumasayaw sa gilid ng kalsada, walang pakialam sa mundo.
Ang daming nakatingin. Mga dumadaan, mga tambay, pati 'yung nagtitinda ng fishball sa tabi—lahat sila, napahinto. Siguro sa isip nila, “Mga baliw ba ’to?” Oo nga naman. Sino bang matino ang sumasayaw ng ganito sa kalsada ng alas-dose ng gabi?
“S/x bomb, s/X boMb, S/X bomb~!” paulit-ulit na kanta ni Cecilia. She twirled in place, then posed like she just finished a K-pop routine. Mukha siyang naka-costume sa ASAP, complete with wild hair and unsteady feet.
"Apir tAyo, suMakiT ang dibdiB kueh, suMakit ang tUhod qoueh!~” hiyaw ni Cecilia, now dramatically clutching her chest and knees habang sumasayaw na parang dance queen ng barangay fiesta.
?“S/x bomb, s/X boMb, S/X bomb~!” tuloy pa rin si
Kinsley, ngayon nasa gitna na ng sidewalk. Para talaga siyang nasa concert. Nag-wave pa siya sa mga taong nanonood, as if expecting applause.
"Spaghetting pababa! Pababa nang pababa!~ sigaw ni Kinsley habang dahan-dahang bumaba ang katawan niya, hips swaying like she was made of jelly.
"Spaghetting pataas!
Pataas nang pataas!
~" she continued, now reaching for the sky with her arms habang sumasayaw pataas. Sa totoo lang, para siyang bulate na nabudburan ng asin.
"Iyon lang ba kaya mo?
!
" sigaw ni Cecilia, now jumping in place, clearly not backing down from the imaginary dance showdown.
"Spaghetting pababa!
Pababa nang pababa~!
” sigaw ulit ni Cecilia, this time mas intense.
Halatang feel na feel niya.
She threw her hair back and did a squat bounce na parang dance finale.
“Spaghetting pataas! Pataas nang pataas!~!” hingal na hingal na siya pero hindi pa rin tumitigil.
She was like a possessed kiti-kiti, bouncing and gyrating like the floor was lava.
“Oh, sino ka gyan?!” tanong ni Cecilia kay Kinsley, eyebrow raised, clearly enjoying the competition kahit obvious na parehong talo.
“Mas magaling pa rin ako sa’yo! Manong na nanood, sino magaling?!” walang hiya na sigaw ni Kinsley kay manong na tahimik lang sa gilid, hawak ang fishball stick, obviously regretting every life decision that led him to this moment.
At that point, napaupo na lang ako sa gilid habang hawak ang ulo ko.
Kung may pulis lang na dumaan, baka abutan pa kami ng citation for public disturbance.
Hindi sumagot si manong.
Napaatras siya ng bahagya, napaawang ang bibig, at para siyang na-freeze sa pwesto niya.
His eyes were wide open, clearly caught off guard by the sudden turn of events.
Siguro hindi niya inaasahan ang lahat ng ’to.
Isang segundo lang ang nakalipas, sumasayaw lang kami sa kalsada—tapos ngayon, may nagbubunot na ng pera na parang may bidding war.
Biglang nilabas ni Kinsley ang wallet niya at inangat sa ere ang isang limang libo.
Buo.
Crisp.
Parang bagong labas sa ATM.
"Sabihin mo ako manong, iyo na ’tong 5k," sabi ni Kinsley with a grin so wide it could cut glass.
Her voice was slurred but determined, proud pa nga.
"Ay! Syempre ikaw po ma'am!" sagot ni manong na biglang nagbago ang tono. Para bang biglang naging fan siya ni Kinsley. “Ang galing-galing mo nga po sumayaw ma'am, idol na po kita.”
Agad na inabot ni Kinsley ang 5k sa kanya, as if awarding him a prize for honesty—or maybe bribery?
“Ang galing-galing mo po ma’am!” sigawan ng mga tao sa paligid, sabay clap at cheer pa. Parang instant concert. May ilang naglabas pa ng cellphone, mukhang may magla-live pa sa Facebook. The chaos was real.
Without hesitation, nagpaulan ng pera si Kinsley. Literal. Hinugot niya pa ang ilang bills mula sa wallet at inihagis sa ere na parang confetti sa kasal. Tumalsik ang pera sa hangin habang nagsisisigawan ang mga tambay at dumadaan.
“Oh? Saan ka d'yan? Weakk! Boo!” pang-aasar ni Kinsley kay Cecilia habang nagsasayaw pa rin siya ng kaunti, now doing small shoulder rolls na parang victory dance.
“Oo, ikaw na panalo, yawa ka,” sagot ni Cecilia, rolling her eyes habang nakangisi. “Pero at least ’di ako nawalan ng 10k sa ganon lang. Imagine throwing that much for street cred.”
Hindi ko na kaya. Napailing na lang ako habang pinapanood ang kaguluhan nila. “That’s enough, both of you. Nandyan na yung susundo sa atin,” sabi ko, trying to restore some semblance of order kahit alam kong hopeless na.
Pagpasok ko ng sasakyan, sumunod naman sina Kinsley at Cecilia. Pero bago pa man tuluyang makasakay si Kinsley, bigla siyang tinulak ni Cecilia kaya napa-subsob siya sa sahig ng sasakyan.
“Tanginamoka!” sigaw ni Kinsley, ang boses niya malakas, puno ng galit at insulto.
Halatang pikon na pikon siya.
“Pasensya, hindi sadya,” sabi ni Cecilia, but her shoulders were shaking.
She was obviously trying—failing, actually—to hold in her laughter.
“Pag talaga ako nakabawi, sinasabi ko talaga sa’yo,” sabi ni Kinsley habang umuupo na, hinahawi ang buhok niya mula sa mukha at halatang napikon na talaga.
“Nyenye~” sagot ni Cecilia sabay turo pa kay Kinsley, halos mamatay na sa kakatawa.
I rolled my eyes and leaned back sa upuan.
I swear, parang may sarili silang sitcom at ako lang ang audience na napilitang manood.
I was so done.
Then I turned my head and noticed Eliana.
Tahimik lang siya sa tabi.
Hindi sumasabay sa tawanan.
Her usual lively presence was oddly toned down.
"You okay? Did something happen?" tanong ko sa kanya, trying to gauge kung pagod lang ba siya or may ibang nangyari.
"Nothing," sagot niya agad, pero hindi siya tumingin sa akin.
“I just didn’t have enough energy.”
Napatingin ako sa kanya ng mas matagal.
Her voice was soft, almost flat.
“Parang napagod ka sa kababalaghan na ginawa niyo, ah,” biro ko, hoping to make her smile kahit papaano.
“Baliw,” sagot niya, finally cracking a small laugh.
Mahina lang, pero at least I heard it.
It was enough to know she was still there.
I smiled to myself and turned my attention to the window as the car started to move.
The city lights blurred outside, the laughter of my chaotic friends still echoing in the background.
Somehow, even in the middle of all this craziness, it felt like home.
Pagkatapos ng lahat, nakauwi rin ako sa wakas.
It was already 11 PM.
Medyo late na, pero honestly?
I didn’t care.
I know may pasok ako bukas, pero wala akong energy mag-worry sa mga bagay na ’yon.
I just wanted to rest.
.
.
or maybe play a few games.
Pagkapasok ko pa lang sa bahay, agad kong narinig ang boses ni Lola.
Walang palya talaga.
Kahit pa gaano ako ka-dahan maglakad, parang may radar siya para sa mga late-night arrivals ko.
“Bakit ngayon ka lang umuwi?” tanong niya agad, her voice sharp but worried.
“Bar po,” sagot ko, as casually as possible, habang inaalis ang sapatos ko.
I didn’t even try to make excuses.
“Again? I told you to stop spending your time in bars!” she scolded, just like she always does.
Another day, another lecture.
Routine na namin ’to.
“But it makes me happy, Lola. Just let me be, I did everything you asked,” I replied, trying not to sound too defensive.
I knew she meant well, but I was tired—physically, emotionally, mentally.
I just wanted to do what made me feel alive.
“Fine, if that’s what you want. Just don’t do anything stupid,” she said, sighing in resignation.
She looked at me for a few seconds, then her expression softened.
“I know, Lola. Don’t worry,” I said, giving her a small smile.
She finally nodded and smiled back, and just like that, the conversation ended.
Gano’n lang kami—short arguments, short reconciliations.
After that, I headed straight to the bathroom.
I needed to wash off all the bar smoke and sweat.
I took my time in the shower, letting the warm water run down my body as I cleared my mind.
After an hour, finally, I stepped out feeling a bit more refreshed.
Paglabas ko ng banyo, nakasalubong ko agad ang kapatid ko sa sala.
She was casually lounging on the couch, legs crossed, scrolling through her phone.
“Oh, you’re back,” sabi niya without even looking up.
“Yeah,” sagot ko habang tinutuyo ang buhok ko with a towel.
Pero napansin ko agad na may kasama siya.
She wasn’t alone.
May tatlong babae na kasama niya—mga well-dressed, confident-looking women.
Mga tipikal na teacher vibes.
Mga nakaka-intimidate ng very light.
“Btw, these are my friends. My co-professors, actually,” she introduced, still calm but obviously watching me closely.
“Oh, okay,” I replied curtly, not really in the mood to socialize.
I nodded politely at them pero hindi ko na inalala ang names nila.
I wasn’t interested.
Then, suddenly, one of her friends—yung medyo masyadong palakaibigan—spoke up.
“Hello there, baby. Your sister didn’t mention how pretty her younger sibling is,” she said with a teasing smirk.
“Manahimik ka nga diyan, Diana. Don’t even try it,” my sister snapped, glaring at her friend like she wanted to smack her with a textbook.
I smirked, not letting the opportunity pass.
“Hello po. I also didn’t know my sister had such a gorgeous friend,” I said smoothly, giving her a little wink.
I was clearly enjoying this.
“Nakakabading pala ’tong bunso mo, hindi mo naman sinabi,” sagot ni Diana habang tumatawa, obviously enjoying the tension she was stirring up.
“Shut up. Don’t you ever dare,” my sister warned again, this time more serious, her eyes throwing invisible knives at her friend.
“My sister doesn’t have a sense of humor,” I added jokingly, shrugging my shoulders as if I didn’t just stir the pot myself.
She rolled her eyes and pointed upstairs.
“Go upstairs now. You still have class tomorrow.”
“Yes, madam,” I replied sarcastically, giving her a mock salute before turning away.
As I walked away, I could still hear their voices behind me.
Alam kong pinag-uusapan nila ako.
Not that I minded.
Sa ganda ko ba namang ’to?
Maliit na bagay.
It wasn’t the first time people talked about me behind my back, and it wouldn’t be the last.
Wala akong pake.
On my way to my room, I realized I was getting a bit thirsty.
So I made a detour papuntang kusina to grab a glass of water.
Tahimik ang paligid, which was normal sa bahay na ’to.
But as I stepped into the kitchen, I paused.
There was someone there.
“Oh, hi. Are you Athena’s younger sister?” she asked, pouring herself some juice from the fridge.
The soft clink of the glass against the counter broke the silence as she looked up at me with a curious smile.
“Yeah, and I guess you’re one of her friends?” I replied, studying her carefully.
She seemed relaxed, like she belonged here, yet there was something intriguing about her—a quiet confidence that caught my attention.
“Yes, I am. Btw, can I ask you a favor?” she said casually, glancing toward the kitchen cabinets.
“What is it?” I asked, stepping closer to see what she needed.
“Can you get those for me? I can’t reach it,” she said, pointing at the snacks tucked away in the high cabinet above the counter.
“Yeah, sure,” I answered without hesitation.
I stretched on my toes and grabbed the packet of chips and some other treats she was eyeing.
Handing them over to her, I felt a subtle tension in the air, something playful but unspoken.
“Here,” I said, passing the snacks into her hands.
“Thank you,” she replied softly, her eyes locking with mine for a brief moment.
Then, as if about to leave, she paused.
“What's your name?” I asked, unable to stop the question from slipping out.
She turned to face me fully, a mischievous grin spreading across her lips. “Why? Are you interested in me, honey?” she teased, her tone light but charged with flirtation. This girl really knows how to flirt—interesting, I thought.
I smirked, matching her playful energy. “What if I am, Miss?” I flirted back, enjoying the back-and-forth.
"Well, I'm not. I'll be going. If you want my name, then ask your sister," she replied and left.
"Interesting," I whispered to myself.