FIVE

Today is the last day of our midterm exams. My friends and I agreed to have dinner at our favorite BBQ house and then watch a movie afterward. It would just be the four of us—VM, Nika, Yara, and me—since we knew we'd all be busy the next day. Nika had a practice game for softball in preparation for the upcoming intramurals. I would be busy with the dance contest and the video coverage assigned to our department since we were Mass Comm students. Yara planned to go home after the opening of the intramurals—she just couldn't stand not going home on weekends. She always said she missed her mom and dad. As for VM, she said she'd just be the ultimate audience member.

We rarely saw our other friends from our minor subjects since they had different majors. By the way, among the four of us, VM was the first one to have a suitor—one of her brother's friends. So, she never really got bored while waiting for us because, for sure, someone was always following her around. Ever since that guy, David, started courting her, it was obvious.

The next morning, at exactly six-thirty a.m., someone was knocking on our apartment door.

"Who the hell is that this early in the morning?" Nika grumbled. I could hear her complaining. Since she was the first one to wake up, she got up and, still half-asleep, dragged herself out of her room with Yara and into the living room to answer the door.

"Oh!" Nika exclaimed, surprised by who she saw.

"David? Why are you here so early? Who are you looking for? AC or VM? Both of them are still dead asleep," she said as David awkwardly scratched the back of his head.

"Ah, uh… I was actually looking for VM. I wanted to surprise her, so I brought breakfast. I was thinking I could cook for her—is that okay?" David said.

Nika spaced out for a moment, unable to process what she had just heard. Instead, she just motioned for David to come inside.

She let David go straight to the kitchen while she headed up to our room. Once inside—

"VM! VM! VM!" she called out while shaking VM, who was fast asleep, hugging a pillow.

"Wake up, VM! Come on! Your tail is here! He's cooking breakfast for us!"

VM and I both shot up, startled.

"What?!" we shouted in unison. VM panicked, jumped out of bed, and started fixing herself up. We laughed at her because she didn't seem to know what to do first. She was too embarrassed to step out of the room. She kept pacing back and forth, covering her mouth to muffle her squeals so David wouldn't hear her. Her face was bright red, and we kept teasing her, which only made her blush even more.

After breakfast, I left them at the apartment. Nika came with me since she had a practice game. I had to go to our department office for a meeting and to help with the preparations for the intramurals video coverage. By three in the afternoon, I had dance troupe practice. The day ended with me feeling exhausted, but I went to the mall with my dance troupe since we had things to buy. We also decided to have dinner there before heading home.

After dinner, as I was leaving the mall around nine in the evening, I suddenly heard someone calling my name. I turned and saw familiar faces. Guess who? None other than Ali, Jed, and Georje—the three troublemakers were together again. Ali and Jed were grinning widely, but Georje was just staring at me with that cold look, as if we had never spoken before, as if seeing me didn't make him happy at all.

"Damn it! I know I probably look like a mess right now after everything I did at school today."

I was wearing shorts and a loose shirt, with my backpack slung over my shoulder. My hair was tied up in a messy bun, and I was carrying a paper bag from our shopping trip earlier.

"Lui! How's it going, bro?!" Ali called out.

Yes, you read that right—bro! That's what they call me because they say I don't act like a proper lady, that I move like a tomboy.

"Excuse me! It's just the way I act! I'm still 100% a girl!"

"Ugh! I thought some random person was calling me. Turns out its just you guys," I said in surprise. I really didn't expect to see them here.

"Oh wow, so now you're acting all picky? You should be honored to see us, considering how handsome we are," Jed joked.

"Oh, shut up! I know I'm not sexy or pretty, okay? But at least if someone's going to call out my name, I'd rather it be my crush!" I teased back.

"Oh wow! Maria Luisa Demiranda, aka Lui, has a crush? You're finally growing up, bro! Congrats!" my shameless friends teased me.

I smirked at them.

"You guys really are the villains in my life, huh? I wish I never ran into you! So annoying!" I said, pretending to be annoyed.

Georje was still just staring at me, listening quietly as we bickered. I started wondering—did I have something on my face?

I probably looked like a mess already after sweating so much from practice earlier. I had only changed my shirt before heading to the mall.

"Nah, Lui! We're just happy to hear that you actually have a crush now. That's an improvement! In fairness, you're growing!" Ali said.

"Ugh! That's nothing new—I've had crushes before, okay? Come on! You guys are too much!" I pouted.

"It's so annoying! Why can't you all just drop this whole 'tomboy' issue? Can you please add the phrase 'move on' to your dictionary?"

"Oh no, she's sulking now! But honestly, it doesn't suit you. You're just not the girly type!" they teased me even more.

"You guys totally ruined my day! I'm already exhausted from everything I did today, and now you're here, ganging up on me!" I huffed before walking away, leaving them laughing their heads off. So embarrassing—especially in front of Georje!

"Hey, Lui! We were just joking!" one of them called out.

"Please, I'm really tired!" I shouted back without looking at them. I just kept walking toward the jeepney stop, desperate to go home and rest.

"Whatever! Freeze there for all I care! Lose your voices calling after me, I'm not turning back," I mumbled to myself.

People waiting for a ride were already staring at me. Ugh, this is so annoying!

By the time I got home, I was in a terrible mood—only to find yet another fencing match happening with kitchen utensils. Of course, who else would it be? Nika and AC were arguing again over who should wash the dishes and clean up. It seemed like fencing with spatulas had become their hobby every time they were on kitchen duty together. Oh well, if that's what makes them happy, I'll just let them be.

I immediately freshened up and went to bed. I had a lot to do at school tomorrow. Only a few days left before the opening of the intramurals. We still had to build our department's booth, where we would display our featured photos for the event.

The next morning, I arrived at school at eight a.m. I was the first one at the student lounge, our meeting place. That's where we planned to set up our booth since it was close to an electrical outlet. We had a few surprises planned for the booth at night to make it more attractive. There weren't many classes anymore, except for those who weren't participating in the intramurals. Most of our minor subject professors just assigned us term papers to submit once regular classes resumed. So those of us involved in intramural activities weren't required to attend classes.

In our department, the video coverage and the booth were our assigned projects, so we had no classes at all.

At lunchtime, we had to go to the mall to buy some things we still needed. I went with Zette, my classmate and fellow dance troupe member, to get supplies from the bookstore. Since it was nearby, we just walked there. Then, all of a sudden, we ran into Georje.

Seriously, what's with this guy always popping up out of nowhere?

He wasn't smiling—just staring at me—so I thought he wouldn't even acknowledge me.

"Lui? Hi." His tone was completely flat, emotionless.

"Oh! What are you doing here? Don't you have class?" I asked him.

"I do. I just stepped out for lunch. I'm waiting for my friends—they had to run an errand first," he explained.

"Oh, I see. By the way, this is Zette, my classmate. Zette, this is Georje, a friend of my friends," I introduced them.

They exchanged a quick "hi."

"Did I say that right? Because why does Mr. Grumpy look like he's frowning? Whatever."

Then there was silence.

Before we could all grow roots from standing there awkwardly, I decided to break the tension.

"Alright, Georje, we'll go ahead. We're in a hurry—our professor sent us to the bookstore," I said.

He just nodded.

We had already taken a few steps away when—

"Lui! Are you free later?" he suddenly asked.

"Huh? What?"

I turned back and saw him scratching the back of his head.

"Huh?" was all I could say.

"I can't believe this! Why is he suddenly asking me that? What's going on?"

"Well, I wanted to tell you something. If that's okay… and if you're free?" he said quickly.

"Think, Lui."

I suddenly felt nervous and started wondering what we were going to talk about. I looked at Zette as if asking for help on what to say, but she just gave me a small nod.

"Ah, um… I'm not really sure what time we'll finish since we're busy with the preparations for the intramurals," I explained.

"Oh, I see. That's why you're not wearing your uniform."

"Oh wow, he actually noticed that? Impressive."

"Would it be okay if we talked after the intramurals instead? I'll just call you to make sure I'm free. Is that alright?" I asked.

"Okay," was all he said.

We quickly left since our stomachs were already growling. We had to get to the bookstore to buy what we needed and then head back to school for our 3 p.m. dance practice.

At 4 a.m., my alarm went off. I had to wake up early to go to school for the video coverage of the school mass, then the parade, followed by the opening program. I left before VM, Yara, and Nika since the mass wouldn't start until 6 a.m., but we had to set up the equipment at the gym earlier.

I arrived at school before 5 a.m. and saw my teammates already carrying the equipment for the coverage. They were heading down from our building to the gym. Luckily, all my things fit inside my duffle bag, which I slung over my shoulder since my backpack wasn't big enough. I grabbed whatever else I could carry to help out. I'd figure out later how to store my stuff in our assigned quarters. Each team had been given a designated space where we could rest, leave our belongings, eat, and change if needed.

Everything happened so fast. After the parade, my team rested in our quarters while another team covered the next event. Our booth duty was scheduled for the afternoon. I was exempted from booth duty that day since we had dance practice—our competition was the next evening.

We all took a short nap after lunch since participants were given free meals, so we didn't have to go to the cafeteria. We were woken up by one of our department officers, who told the team to head to the booth. I stayed behind since someone was on their way to deliver our costumes for the competition. We had to do a full-dress rehearsal that night.

As usual, it had been a long day. Around 7 p.m., I finally met up with VM and Nika. Yara had already gone home right after the parade since she had nothing else to do. So, it was just the three of us.

As we stepped out of the school gates, we ran into AC's group and some of our fellow mountaineers. They invited us to have dinner together, and we didn't hesitate to join them since we all knew each other.

It was loud but fun—lots of teasing, especially when everyone found out that VM had finally said yes to David.

"Wow, I must be the last to know since I haven't been hanging out with them these past few days."

By the time I got home, I was exhausted and immediately passed out. Meanwhile, the guys had placed bets on which department would win the intramurals this year. I didn't join in—I wasn't into that kind of thing. I was just happy to be with these goofballs. Somehow, they helped ease my exhaustion.

We had a little drinking session—not to get drunk, just to help us sleep. I didn't mind; I was used to it. But don't get me wrong—I'm not a heavy drinker. I only drink occasionally with my friends.

I just laughed along at the guys' antics while a few of the girls joined in the fun. Until, unexpectedly, everyone's attention shifted to me.

It felt like a sudden Q&A session.

Apparently, a lot of them were curious about my gender identity. I wasn't offended since I was used to that kind of question. They said they always saw me out of uniform, usually wearing a t-shirt and jeans, with no makeup and either boy shoes or sneakers.

Well, I said:

"I'm a certified girl—a young lady. I just prefer wearing t-shirts, jeans, and sneakers because that's what I'm comfortable in. Most of our major subjects require fieldwork outside the campus, so the admin allowed us to wear comfortable clothes."

"Whew, that felt like a speech!" I thought the next question would be serious, but then…

"That's good news for my friend! Cheers!" AC suddenly shouted.

David burst out laughing and shook his head. Hmm, something's fishy here.

Especially when I saw VM elbow David.

The guys immediately raised their glasses in unison.

"Good luck, friend! Cheers!"

"Cheers? For what? I feel like I'm the only one clueless here. How long have I been gone to be this out of the loop?"

"Lui," AC called out. He seemed a little drunk.

I looked at Nika, silently pleading for an explanation. But she just gave me a knowing smile. Seriously, what's happening?

Then I turned to AC, who was now standing while still looking at me.

"Lui, we're friends, right?" he asked cautiously.

"What kind of question is that, AC?! VM, what is this? What's going on?"

VM just smiled at me and shook her head. Oh great, they're ganging up on me.

"Maria Luisa 'Lui' Demiranda," AC said as if he was about to make a big announcement, but then he stopped.

"Wow, did you really have to say my full name out loud? What is it, AC?! You know what? You're drunk. VM, drag your brother home—he's wasted! I need to get some rest too; our competition is tomorrow!" I pouted as I grabbed my bag and was about to stand up when AC spoke again.

AC just kept grinning but wouldn't look me in the eye, like a kid hiding behind his boyfriend, David.

"Ugh, so annoying!"

"Lui, hold on. I just have something important to say. But don't worry, tomorrow, all of us here will be cheering for you! What are friends for if we don't support you in your competition?" he said, trying to sound reassuring.

He was standing behind our close friends from the mountaineering org. There were almost 20 of us in total, making so much noise that other people around us were already staring.

"What exactly is it"" I asked irritably.

"This is about our bet on which department will be the champion after the intrams, right?" he began.

"Huh? So what? I didn't place a bet. And I don't plan to because I don't gamble, and FYI, I hate gambling! Okay?" Everyone kept looking back and forth between AC and me as we exchanged words.

"Yeah, I know you didn't bet. But there's something else I want to say that's still related to the intrams," he quickly responded.

I was clueless and speechless, trying to figure out what he meant. I just stared at AC, then glanced at VM, who was on my left, positioned between me and David. I had a feeling he was in on this because, strangely, he hadn't been sitting with Nika and me like he usually did. When I turned to Nika, who was on my right, she raised both hands as if to say she had nothing to do with this.

"Ugh, what is this?" I thought I was just here to have fun with them, but I guess I was wrong. My head started to hurt from overthinking what they were up to. I couldn't take it anymore.

"AC, stop beating around the bush! I don't have the power to read what's on your mind. I'm tired, and I wanna go home," I groaned, annoyed at his vagueness.

"Oh no! We have a winner! SOS, bros, my English skills are running low—I might get a nosebleed from this!" AC joked, making the others burst into laughter. Suddenly, one of their friends, whose name I couldn't remember, stood up.

"Lui, I'll be straightforward with you. Don't get mad or take this the wrong way. We're all here because one of our bros needs help," he interrupted.

"Huh? And what does that have to do with me? I can't help! I'm so busy with so many things! So, pass," I quickly responded.

"It has a lot to do with you because he doesn't know how to court someone, but he liked you for a long time. The problem is, he hesitates to approach you because he always sees you busy or looking mad. It's hard for him to come near you."

I was caught off guard by what I just heard.

"What? Since when? How come I never noticed or even had a clue about this?"

Everyone went quiet as if waiting for my reaction. I looked at the glass I was holding, then at the beer bottle in front of me to check if there was still some left. I gulped down the remaining beer in my glass, then lifted the bottle and drank the rest of it in one go to gather my courage.