(KARINA)

"Guys, Sir isn't here, so we don't have class," announced Josh. While he was making the announcement, someone called Winter.

She was asked to go to the booth after class. Their president, Jaemin, said I could join, and it would be even better because more people would be encouraged to participate in their book week.

Nagpunta kami sa booth dahil walang pasok. Hindi sumama si Elle dahil may gagawin daw siya, pero alam kong umiiwas lang siya. Mamaya kakausapin ko si Elle. Kami naman ni Ning ay support sa event ng org ni Winter.

"Thank you, Karina and Ningning. I'm sure the book event will be a success with your help too," expressed Jaemin.

"By the way, we lack knowledge in literature and are unfamiliar with books and reading. We just decided to accompany Winter and offer support. How can we help?" I asked.

"No worries! Your presence alone is a significant contribution. You can help by engaging with the students, encouraging them to donate. Also nandito naman kami nakaguide," ang sagot ni Jaemin.

Then, I noticed Jeno hovering around the booth as if waiting for something.

"Sana, like, kahit isang word lang ni Jaemin, man. I've been waiting for weeks, and it's like, super serious naman yung feelings ko for him," ang basa ko sa thoughts ni Jeno.

As I read the thoughts of Jeno, I couldn't help but feel a bit of satisfaction that his douche moves were finally catching up with him. I then delved into Jaemin's thoughts, "Bahala ka diyan. I'm tired of trying to understand you and fed up with your dismissals. Kahit gusto pa kita baka saktan mo lang ulit ako."

The lesson here is clear—actions have consequences, and sometimes, the tables turn when someone decides to get serious. Jeno needs to learn that being an has its limits. Even though I know Jaemin might still have feelings, there are things I shouldn't meddle with. So, like, I looked at Jeno again, and he seemed super pitiful and serious. But, I'm not gonna get involved because it's not my business. But, like, if I see him really putting in effort and, like, genuinely changing, maybe I'll help him out with Jaemin.

Back to event, I'm so annoyed. Yeji is like super close to Winter and she's baiting her with the whole Omniscient Reader Viewpoint and Monopoly Things. I know she likes Winter, but sorry, Winter is mine.

Whatever, Yung ORV merch set na binili ko for Winter is on its way naman na. Also kaya ko ibigay lahat ng stickers kay Winter na need niya sa Monopoly Go. I approached them and positioned myself between them.

"Yeji, what are we supposed to do?" I asked, catching Yeji's attention.

"Just sit down here then nandito kami nakaguide then sasabihin namin na nandito kayo para manghingi ng book recommendations na pwede mabasa niyo," Yeji replied.

The three of us—Ning, Winter, with Winter seated in the middle—sat and waited. In a snap, we couldn't help but notice the growing crowd of students eager to contribute and explore the cozy reading corner.

"Hala ang daming tao. Para kaming artista or author na akala mo may book sign amputik. Tapos may pila-pila pa. Nahihilo ako sa dami ng tao. Sana kayanin ko."

I nudged Frosty and whispered to her, "Huwag kang kabahan. Magenjoy ka lang. Tapos if hindi na kaya tumingin sa mga tao sa akin ka tumingin."

She looked at me, and I smiled at her, tapping her shoulder. Nagstart ng may lumapit and nagtanong.

At first, Winter was hesitant to engage in conversation, but eventually, she became comfortable. She met fellow book enthusiasts, and it turned out to be an enjoyable experience for her. Meanwhile, Ning and I were guided by Jaemin and Yeji. We asked for book recommendations, and some even gave us gifts. It felt like a book event turned fan meeting.

I felt thirsty, and there was a water bottle in front of the table. I was about to grab it to open, but Winter took it, opened it, and handed it to me, even while she was talking to someone else. Even with that small gesture of hers, it made me flutter. Others might see it as a simple act, but there's something special about her.

Most of the time during book events, even with many boys and girls around adoring me, of course, there are people whose attention is surface-based, filled with dirty thoughts. But I don't care because my attention is always on Winter, as Winter's thoughts are cute.

"Kadiri ampota, nagpunta lang dito para magpapansin kay Rina. Panget naman ng nirecommend na book. Halatang clout chaser at nalaman na nandito si Karina. Doon ka nga sa far away."

Pagkaalis nung lalaki ay bumulong si Frosty.

"Huwag mong basahin yung nirecommend niya pangit yun."

"Okay."

She becomes even more fine when she's confident with herself. She's calm, gentle, and speaks softly. Her expressions are minimal, but she smiles pa rin. She becomes enthusiastic when the topic is interesting.

I realized that it's not just that I like her – I'm falling for Winter. I won't deny it. She's not my type or what I thought I wanted, but she's my need.

Her presence makes me incredibly happy. When she arrives, it's like my life becomes lighter na okay naman mas naging lighter nga lang talaga. Kasi mostly problem ko is my mind-reading ability na sometimes my mind gets clouded, and I get headaches. Maybe it's not a curse but a gift because without it, I wouldn't have noticed Winter. I wouldn't have entered her super interesting thoughts.

"Pinakalike ko na binabasa ay dystopian novels like Hunger games, divergent, maze runner and Ready player one. Sobrang nageenjoy ako sa ganun. Kung sa filipino naman gusto ko yung kwento ni Bob Ong lalo na yung mga kaibigan ni mama susan." Winter's response to the girl's question was satisfactory, but I didn't like the way the girl looked at her.

"Like, Winter is seriously cute. She's, like, my type – a cute book girl. Gonna make papansin to her."

Girl don't you dare na magpapansin kay Winter.

(⇀‸↼‶)💢(⇀‸↼‶)💢

The persistent girl continued her flirty remarks, trying to prolong the conversation with Winter, who remained polite but reserved.

"We have the same taste in books. Dystopian novels. It's So cool kasi they transport you to a different world, you know?"

"Oo," Ang sabi ni Winter and nodding with a polite smile.

( •̀ ᴖ •́ ) ( •̀ - •́ ) (•̀⤙•́ )

Bakit kasi ang cute and attractive ni Winter? Kaya hindi maiiwasan may maattract sa kanya.

"I still have more dystopian novels to recommend to you that are really good," the girl persistently flirted with Winter.

I intervened because there were still many people waiting.

"Miss, sorry to interrupt, but there are others waiting in line. We need to keep it moving," I said firmly.

The persistent girl, sensing My assertiveness, reluctantly stepped back.

"Oh em gee, like, may rumors pala na swirling that there's something going on between them. Mahirap kalaban si Karina."

Buti alam mo. <( •̀ᴖ•́)>

As she left, I turned to Winter, giving her a supportive smile. Then nakita ko si Ning na tumatawa.

"Karina is, like, so funny when she gets jealous. Total captain mode, ordering that girl around. Scared her off big time. And Winter ay clueless sa nangyayari."

Nagpunta rin sila Yunjin at Chaewon para supportahan si Winter.

"Artistahin na pala ang kambal ko. Paautograph nga."

"Ning, I really like the color of your hair. I think I might want that too. You look so pretty," Yunjin complimented Ning, clearly captivated by Ning's beauty.

As the event progressed, it became smooth with the help of Lumina Lectors Book Org officer. Engaging with students, recommending books, and fostering a vibrant atmosphere, we also managed to raise a significant amount of money and collect numerous books and materials for the organization's cause.

"Thanks talaga Ningning and Karina. Lalo sayo Winter," ang thanks ni Yeji.

Habang nagliligpit na sa booth ay sobrang makadikit si Yeji kay Winter. Kaya lumapit ako para tumulong at pumagitna ako sa kanila. Tinawag ni Jaemin si Winter at naiwan kami ni Yeji.

"You liked Winter?" Yeji asked.

"Yes, and I know you like Winter. But you should be aware that Winter is interested in me," I said seriously.

"So, if you don't mind, tone down the approach and subtle signals you're giving her. I'm just waiting for her to make the first move," I assertively stated.

She laughed sarcastically.

"Wow, bakod agad? Wala pa naman kayo. But why, you think you're so sure Winter will pursue you? Yes, I feel she's into you but things can change, right? What if I change that, Karina?"

"Don't try, Yeji. Huwag subukan baka pagsisihan mo," I warned, my voice low and intense, eyes fixed squarely on hers. "Don't start a fire you can't put out." My lips curled into a sly grin, hinting at the wildfire that lurked beneath my composed exterior. "And trust me, I can be a wildfire that you don't want to ignite."

Leaning in slightly, I added, "So, how about we keep this friendly, hmm?" My tone softened, but the warning lingered in the air. "Because trust me, you don't want to see the other side of me when things turn unfriendly."

(WINTER)

Done na rin. Nakakapagod makipagusap at nagenjoy ako naman ako. Pero need ko na magrecharge at ubos na social battery ko. Sobra na yung stimulation ko at babagsak na ako. Habang papunta kami sa tambayan ay kita ko yung pagkabahala sa mukha ni Ning.

"Where kaya si Elle? Hindi nagrereply."

"Kaya nga. Where's Elle na kaya?"

Dahil binanggit nila Ning at Rina si Elle ay naalala ko naman yung inis ko sa kanya. Nagpaalam lang ako magbanyo para umihi. Paglabas ko ng cubicle at naghuhugas ako sa lababo ay pumasok si Giselle.

"Elle, nandito ka pala. Hinahanap ka nila Ning at Rina." ang pagpag ko sa kamay ko at kuha ng tissue para ipunas sa kamay ko.

"I know," ang masungit na sabi sa akin at iwas niya sa akin.

Lalabas sana siya ng pinigilan ko siya. Kasi feeling ko may problema siya sa akin. Ayaw ko naman magkaroon ng conflict between sa amin at madamay sila Rina at Ning.

"May problema ka ba sa akin?"

"Wala."

"Bakit ganyan ka sa akin?"

"Wala nga. Bat ang kulit mo?"

"Mayroon, Elle."

"Sabing wala nga," ang bwisit niyang sabi.

"Okay pero bakit ba hilig mong tirahin yung board ko? Noong nakaraang linggo ko pa halata."

"Because your account always appears, so I have no choice. Are we going through this again? It's just a game, Winter, don't make a big deal out of it," ang sabi niya sa nakakabwisit na tono.

"Besides, why is it called Monopoly Go? It's called Monopoly because you monopolize. Are you a communist ba?" ang pilosopong sabi ni Giselle.

Kalma Winter pero masasapak ko na talaga si Giselle. Ginigigil talaga ako. Ramdam kong may problema talaga sa akin ito.

"Nagseselos ka ba sa akin?" ang mahinahon kong tanong.

"What?"

"Dahil kay Ning? Akala mo hindi ko pansin dahil close kami? Bakit close pa din naman kayo? Nandyan pa rin si Ning despite na nireject mo siya. Hindi ba't nandiyan pa rin si Ning, kahit na nireject mo siya? Magkaibigan pa rin kayo, at nag-aalala pa rin siya sa'yo. Dahil alam niya wala ka naman kasalanan. Naiintindihan niya hindi mo siya kayang mahalin na more than friends. Mahalaga ka rin sa akin dahil alam kong nasaktan ka sa ex mo. Kaya hindi mo ko need pagselosan. Hindi ka naman ganyan pagdating kay Rina. Kapag magkasama kami ni Rina ay ok lang. Pero pagdating kay Ning, parang ang sungit mo."

"Hindi ako nagseselos. Wala naman akong pake kung close kayo ni Ning."

Sakit sa ulo ni Elle.

"So kung wala kang paki bakit ka ganyan?"

"Wala."

Ang huling sabi niya na lalabas sana pero gusto ko talaga maayos yung samin kasi wala akong alam. Maayos naman kami dati ni Giselle.

Hinabol ko siya pero tinulak niya ako. Malakas din yun at naiwan ako sa banyo.

(KARINA)

"Ning asked Elle, 'You're here now. Where were you?' Elle replied casually, 'Just somewhere, had something to do.'

Then Winter followed, and there was this tension between them, a silent exchange of looks.

"Tangina nito ni Elle. Toxic ang pota. Ano ba problema mo? Parang kang tanga sa kinikilos mo. Halata naman nagseselos ka sa friendship na mayroon kami ni Ning. Ang toxic ng ganyan Giselle at wala akong balak manira ng friendship. Pakaltok nga ng isa para umayos yang utak mo," ang basa ko sa thoughts ni Elle.

"Ugh, Winter's face annoys me. Like seriously, I know I rejected Ning's feelings, but that doesn't mean our friendship has to disappear, right? I mean, I love Ning as a friend, but ever since she came into our trio with Rina and Ning, it's like she's stealing the spotlight. Rina's attention is always on her, for crying out loud! It's just so irritating how everything revolves around her now," ang basa ko sa thoughts ni Elle.

As the tension thickened between Winter and Elle, I felt the need to intervene and resolve the brewing misunderstanding.

"Hey, guys, what's going on?" I interjected, trying to ease the tension that hung in the air like a heavy cloud.

Elle sighed softly, her expression softening. "Nothing."

Ning looked puzzled, her brow furrowing. "Why? What's going on?" She glanced at Winter, who remained quiet.

"What's happening between you two, Winter?" I asked, my tone firm yet gentle.

Winter shrugged, her response terse. "Wala."

The atmosphere was thick with unresolved tension, and it was clear that a cold war was brewing between Winter and Elle. I knew I had to step in and address the underlying issues before they escalated further.

"Look, guys, it's obvious there's something bothering both of you," I said, my voice steady. "Let's not pretend like everything's fine when it's not. We're friends, and friends talk about their problems. Elle, Winter, can we please discuss what's going on?"

Despite my efforts to bridge the gap between them, Giselle remained adamant, her arms crossed defensively over her chest.

"Giselle, we need to talk about this," I insisted, my tone firm yet pleading.

But Giselle shook her head, her expression stubborn. "I'm done talking about it. I've said what I needed to say."

Ning and I exchanged concerned glances, realizing that Giselle wasn't budging. The tension in the air grew thicker, suffocating us with its unresolved weight.

"Giselle, please," Ning pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation.

"She's makulit kasi about the monopoly game. Lagi ko daw siyang shinashutdown."

"Totoo naman." ang sabat ni Winter.

"Shhhhh, Winter. It's not your turn to talk yet," I assertively said, giving her a stern look

Tumahimik si Winter.

"Hindi ko gets? Nagaaway kayo because of game? Ok naman kayo kanina," ang confuse na sabi ni Ning.

Elle blinked multiple times, knowing she was lying because the truth was she was jealous of Winter. Dahil sa nangyari hindi namin namalayan nastart na ng next class kaya natigil paguusap namin.

*****

"Elle!" Ang habol ni Ning kay Elle na nagmamadaling umalis dahil tapos na yung last class namin.

"Ano bang nangyayari sayo? Nandito naman tayo na napakastubborn mong kausap," ang frustrated na sabi ni Ning habang nasa hallway kami.

May ugali talaga si Elle na ganito na may pagkastubborn and defensive. Sometimes may unwillingness din iaddress yung conflicts or communicate openly about her feelings. Minsan nahihirapan kaming ihandle ni Ning.

"Okay, fine. I'm jealous. I'm jealous of Winter," Elle finally admitted, speaking the truth.

"Why? For what?" Ning asked.

"Wait doon tayo sa gilid magusap," ang hila ko sa kanilang tatlo para mapagusapan yung dapat pagusapan.

"Sayo, Ning. Nagseselos ako na kinukuha niya attention mo, na inaagaw ka niya sa akin na friend ko. Nireject kita, pero kaibigan pa rin kita. Nagseselos ako na yung mga dati nating ginagawa, kayo na ni Winter ang gumagawa. Yung pagsama sayo magpoop at hihilain mo kung saan-saan, na dati ako ang kasama mo. I know you've been avoiding me because I hurt you when I rejected you. I understand that pero nasasaktan ako nawawala yung best friend ko kahit si Rina dahil puro kayo Winter," Elle confessed.

"Hindi mo kailangang magselos sa akin, Elle," Winter said softly, her tone gentle yet firm. "Wala akong intensyong agawin sila sa'yo. Sa totoo lang, masaya ako na kahit bago pa lang ako sa Kwangya U, ay nakahanap na ako ng mga kaibigan tulad niyo. Natutuwa ako na naging parte ako ng circle niyo. Mahirap kasi talaga para sa akin makipagkaibigan. Kung sakaling nakakaapekto ako sa circle niyong tatlo, aalis na lang ako."

Winter's words were sincere, carrying a sense of gratitude and understanding. She aimed to reassure Elle of her intentions while also expressing her appreciation for the friendship we shared.

"Hindi ka aalis," ang parehong sabi namin ni Ning.

"Ugh, Giselle Mae Franco! My ghad!! Hindi mo kailangang magselos, okay? Yes, masakit sa part ko na friends lang tayo. Huminga lang  ako saglit kaya lumayo ako," Ning said, rolling my eyes dramatically, but with a hint of exasperation. "But that doesn't mean I'm gonna ditch our friendship."

She paused, my expression softening as I continued, "I'm sorry if I made it seem like I was pulling away. I was hurt, you know?" Ning brows furrowed slightly, conveying a mix of pain and understanding. "But I realized I'd be more hurt if I lost the friendship that came first before my feelings for you," A sense of sincerity and vulnerability reflected in her eyes as she spoke.

"Hindi naman kami kinukuha ni Winter sayo," I began, wrapping my arm around Giselle's shoulder as we stood together, facing our friends. "In fact, her presence has only added to the joy of our friendship. We've become a stronger and happier group with her around, and our dynamic hasn't changed," ang tingin ko kay Winter kasi ayoko rin niyang isipin na dahilan siya na masira yung friendship namin tatlo ni Elle.

"Wala akong balak mangagaw kasi hindi naman ako si Da Kyung of a world of married. Kaya tigilan mo na yung landmarks ko sa monopoly. Yun lang naman problema ko sayo," ang dagdag na sabi ni Winter.

Natawa si Elle kasi hindi talaga nalilimutan ni Winter yung monopoly niya.

"Winter, I'm sorry sa pagtulak ko kanina sayo because of my jealousy, which shouldn't have happened. And about shutting down the landmarks in Monopoly, that was a petty move on my part. We're still friends, diba?"

"Oo naman," sagot ni Winter.

"Dahil sa ginawa ko treat kita masarap na food."

"Sayang may pupuntahan ako. Pwede pa naman bukas diba?" ang tanggi ni Winter.

"Nagchat na si Minju na nandyan na. Nagyes ako sa kanya kaya need ko makipagkita," ang basa ko sa thoughts ni Winter na hindi niya nabanggit yun.

(WINTER)

"Karina, mauna na ako ha. Hindi kita masasabayan sa paguwi kasi kikitain ko si Minju. Nag-yes kasibako sa kanya. Hindi ko pala nasabi na makikipagkita ako kay Minju. Nandito na siya sa malapit na cafe," ang paalam ko.

"Okay," ang simpleng sagot ni Rina.

Umalis na ako at nakipagkita kay Minju.

"Hi, Winter," bati ko nang umupo kami, ngunit hindi ko alam kung ano ang sasabihin.

"Order na muna tayo, diba sabi ko treat ko."

Nag-order kami ng frappe at waffles. Nagsalita na rin ako dahil naisip ko na kailangan kong sabihin.

"Huwag ka na makonsesya sa nangyari kasi okay na ako. Maging lesson na lang siguro sa atin yung nangyari. Weeks na yung nakalipas mula nung mabangga ako at so far so good naman ako. Siguro mas malaki ang porsyento na baka mamatay ako sa engineering kaysa masagasaan."

Natawa si Minju sa sinabi ko.

"Well, engineering can be legitimately deadly. Kasi aeronautical engineering kinukuha ko. ME ka right? So classmates mo sila Karina?

"Oo at double degree kasi may major pa na Mechatronics. Also yung sayo pwede ka magpilot after niyan," ang sagot ko.

Dumating food namin at nagpatuloy yung usapan namin ni Minju.

"It's actually funny, right? Because your friends are my rivals on the court, but that's just on the court. What a small world, huh?"

"Totoo 'yan. Hindi rin ako nag-expect na makilala kita kasi usually lang kita nakikita kapag naglalaro sa court. Sobrang galing mo rin kaya nga rival kayo ni Rina."

Bigla ko nakita yung spark sa mata ni Minju sa sinabi ko.

"Nanonood ka ng volleyball play ko?"

"Actually nanonood lang ako ng play kapag kalaban mo sila Rina," ang honest kong sabi.

"I see," ang tango niya na makikita sa mukha niya yung dismaya.

"May something ba kayo ni Karina?"

Napatingin ako sa kanya at seryoso ng tanong "Bakit may gusto ka ba kay Karina?"

"Of course wala."

Good. Pinalagpas ko na yung pagbangga ng driver mo sa akin. Baka ilagay kita sa gitna ng riles at ipasagasa sa tren.

"Okay, let's cut the small talk. I'm getting bored, so I'll just be straightforward. I'm interested in you, that's why I was happy when you responded to my message after weeks. I want to get to know you better, Winter. You're cute and have this reserved and nonchalant vibe, which is the kind of girl I'm into. Are you single?" Ang straightforward niyang sabi na leaned sa table.

"Single ako pero hindi ako available," ang honest kong sabi.

"But single ka pa rin so walang magagalit. Single ako at single ka so let's date," ang insist niya.

"Mukhang date to fun yung tipo mo, Minju. Hindi kasi ako ganun. Date to marry akong tao. Ayoko kasi magsayang ng oras sa taong hindi naman para sa akin. Siguro friends pa maibibigay ko sayo kasi feeling ko good ka pero idate ka pasensya na hindi tayo aligned," ang tanggi ko.

"It's more like dating who you actually like and see where it takes you. Maybe it takes you to marriage, and maybe you break up. Kasi yung date-to-marry na person, parang ang pressure kasi kaya nagfa-fail kadalasan. And besides, we're still young, like 19 turning 20? Don't be old school, it's better to meet a lot of people. Don't confine yourself to a bubble."

"Hindi ko kinukulong yung sarili ko, Minju. Old school na kung old school but stick ako doon. Gusto ko ng established relationship na alam kong akin yung taong yun. Also may nagugustuhan na ako."

Nauwi na seryoso yung usapan namin ni Minju na hinahanda ko pa yung sarili ko. Mabagal kung mabagal basta handa ako kapag humarap kay Karina.

*****

[Giselle Franco]

[Win] 
[sorry ulit, ha ] 
[done thinking na] 
[was wrong to push you kanina, srsly] 
[you busy rn?] 
[you're from QC din, right?] 
[let's meet?] 
[still early pa naman] 
[my treat] 
[just as a peace offering]

Nag-meet kami sa UP Town Center with Elle, kasi open pa naman siya. "Saan mo you want?" yung tanong sa akin ni Elle habang naglalakad kami. To be honest, okay naman sana, pero bigla niya akong tinempt with food, eh weakness ko 'yun eh. Legit, mapapa-yes talaga ako sa usapang food. Pag libre, especially pagkain, go lang ng go, HAHAHAHA. Dahil nagcacrave ako sa ramen ayun nagramen kami.

"Takot lang talaga ako na mawala sila Ning at Rina sa life ko. Lalo na si Ning, kasi kilala ko na siya since SHS years, parang she's my bestie talaga. Kaya nung naramdaman ko 'yung feelings niya for me, super scared ako na baka pag ni-reject ko siya, iiwas siya. Kaya nung super feel ko na, kinausap ko na siya agad. Exactly 'yung fear ko, yung iiwasan niya ako, and ikaw, lagi niyang kasama. Healing pa rin ako from my ex, and ayokong itake advantage ng feelings ni Ning. Ayokong mag-cause ng trauma, kasi been there, done that. Plus, I come from a broken family, and she's been there when I was at the edge of life, so losing her scares the hell out of me, bro. That's why I saw you as competition for Ning's attention," ang share ni Elle sa akin habang kumakain kami.

"Sabi ko nga, hindi mo kailangang matakot o magselos kasi wala akong balak agawin si Ning dahil pareho na kayo mahalaga sa akin. Alam mo, thankful ako sa inyo dahil nahihirapan ako makipagkaibigan at iniisip ko noong lumipat ako sa Kwangya kung magkakaroon kaya ako ng mga kaibigan? Hindi ko inaakala na kayong tatlo, sina Rina at Elle, magiging mga kaibigan ko. Lalo na yung unang impresyon ko sa inyo. Thankful ako sa inyo dahil naranasan ko magkaroon ng mga kaibigang gusto kong itreasure."

Natawa si Elle sa sinabi ko at sabi niya na pinagtalunan pa nila ako dahil si Ning ay bwisit sa akin dati, na halata naman. Ayun, dami pa naming pinag-usapan at sa huli, mas naging close pa kami ni Elle.

"Also, Ning and I are okay now. Nagusap na rin kami. I thought I might lose her.

Hindi ko masabi sa kanya na umiyak si Ning dahil sa kanya dahil nangako ako kay Ning na samin lang 'yun. Ayoko rin sirain yung tiwala niya at baka masira pa ako na mukha, okay na ulit sila ni Ning.

(KARINA)

I'm working on school stuff when I glanced at my phone. Winter hasn't messaged yet. I leaned back on my chair. Why am I annoyed? Why didn't Winter mention meeting up with Minju? We talk every day. She keeps me updated.

"Damn Karina, stop that," I muttered as my phone dropped onto the table. Tapos nagvibrate yung phone ko at agad kong kinuha yung phone ko.

[Frosty☃️]

[Captain]
[pwede pahelp sa part na ito]
[sent a photo]

[sure thing]
[btw, you home na?]

[yes]
[kanina pa]

Kanina ka pa nasa bahay then hindi ka nagchat. Damn Karina bakit ka ba nagkakaganyan?

[Frosty☃️]

[okay]

[pwedeng magcall ako, capt?]
[hindi ka ba busy?]
[pwede paexplain sa akin yung part na yan?]

[okay lang]
[call me]

Frosty☃️ is calling...

"Hi Capt. Salamats sa pagentertain ng call ko. Ask lang ako sa part na yan. How gagawin?" Ang deep but gentle na sabi ni Winter pagkasagot ko.

I explained na yung tinanong niya, which is like, super normal na, 'cause lagi siyang tumatawag for help. Then after, we just end up chatting and stuff.

"Thanks Capt. Getchu ko na. Galing mo talaga kahit kailan and tama talaga yung ginawa ni Tita Tiff na ilipat ako sa Kwangya," her smile to me, and always gives me those compliments na sobrang gusto ko coming from her.

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