SHAN
“Hiro, stop it, man!
What the fuck!” I tried so hard to stop Hiro from grabbing Haze’s collar but he was too mad to listen.
Haze was just looking at him with no emotion on his face while leaning on the wall.
Hiro was cornering him there.
“What did you do to Acel?!” Hiro asked with so much anger.
This was why I didn’t want to tell Hiro about Acel’s little crush on his brother.
I knew he would react like this because he probably thought Haze made Acel fall purposely and then rejected him…
Like what he always did with other people.
Somehow, Hiro knew through Acel.
He was crying the other day.
“I didn’t do anything,” Haze said in a low voice.
“Bullshit.
You can play with other people, Haze, but I told you!
Not my friends!
Spare my friends!
Why did you do this?!”
I walked towards them to pull Hiro’s wrist away from Haze.
I can’t believe I was witnessing them fighting.
They never fought like this before.
Hiro was really just protective of his friends.
Our friends.
“I told you, I did not do anything.” Haze single-handedly pulled Hiro’s hand away from his collar and fixed it calmly.
“I rejected him already.
Twice.
What more do you want?”
When I looked at his eyes, I saw the pain he was trying hard not to show by having an emotionless expression.
“You’re saying it as if you were forced to reject him.
By now, shouldn’t you be good at that already?” Hiro scoffed and shook his head, disappointed.
“Don’t ever touch my friends, Haze.
Of all people, I know you the most.”
“Of course.” Haze nodded.
His voice was almost a whisper.
Hiro just glared at him for the last time before walking out of the house to get some fresh air.
He was probably starting to calm himself.
I put my hands inside my pocket and looked at Haze when he sighed.
He sat down on the couch and put both hands on his face, stressed out.
“What?
Are you mad at me, too?” Haze asked me when I sat down on the other chair.
I just smiled and shook my head.
“Just try to understand him.
He’ll calm down later.” I looked outside to where Hiro was.
“He’s just really protective.
He doesn’t want Acel to end up with his heart broken…
especially by you.”
“Am I not distancing myself already?
I don’t get it.” Haze sighed again, massaging his temple.
“I did not purposely make him fall.
I helped him a lot of times when he needed help, just like what Hiro asked me to do.
I had no idea he liked me until he confessed, and I rejected him already like what Hiro would have wanted.”
It went on for days.
The Juarez brothers refused to talk to each other, and it became more and more awkward for me to hang out with them.
I visit Hiro’s house often, but the atmosphere there is starting to feel heavy.
Their pride wouldn’t let them approach the other first, so I did it myself.
I asked the both of them to go out for a drink without them knowing that the other will be there.
I arrived first at a rooftop bar, then Hiro followed.
We were already drinking when Haze arrived.
Haze was just about to leave when he saw Hiro seated in front of me, but I called him.
“You’re here already.
Just drink…
unless your alcohol tolerance went low already.” I provoked him.
Haze didn’t even think twice and sat on a rounded table between Hiro and me in the middle chair.
He silently poured himself a shot and then drank it.
Hiro did the same.
Both of them were so quiet I started thinking if this was really a good idea.
Both of them already had three fucking bottles, and they were still not saying anything to each other.
No one was also getting drunk.
Well, I didn’t expect us to get drunk.
The three of us can stay here until tomorrow and still be sober.
“Just say something.
I’m getting fucking bored here.” I told them.
It was about time to hear something from them.
Haze sighed and shook his head.
“Fine.
As the bigger person, I’ll talk first…”
“Oh, hell, no…” Hiro sounded so done with his brother.
He just drank another shot and shook his head.
“I don’t understand why you’re still mad when I already distanced myself from your friend the moment he confessed to me because I honestly didn’t like him at all.
I also went out with other people, so why are you still mad?” Haze was so calm, but it still sounded like a complaint.
“I’m not mad anymore.
I’m sorry for what happened the other day.” Hiro said, looking away.
“I just got mad because Acel was crying then.”
Upon hearing that, the look on Haze’s face changed.
He refused to talk and just took continuous shots.
It was so obvious that it bothered him.
“He was crying because he likes you, and it hurts him seeing you go out with other people.
He also said he thought you liked him too because you were treating him so nicely, but apparently, it wasn’t the case…
that you were just nice to him because he was your brother’s friend.” I explained because Haze couldn’t manage to ask why.
“Fact.
That’s a fact.
I was nice to him because Hiro told me to help him out.
You were the one who told me to be nice, brother,” he blamed Hiro.
“How could you complain now?”
“I told you to help him out, not flirt with him.” Hiro glared at his brother.
I knew they were going to start again.
“If being nice is what you call flirting, then you’re a fucking flirt, too.” Haze hissed, which made me massage the side of my head.
Why can’t they just talk properly?
“I never flirted with him.
I would never do that.”
There was complete silence again, so I sighed and ordered another bottle of whiskey.
If they wouldn’t talk, then they should just drink it out.
Their anger towards each other motivated them to get into a drinking competition without actually saying that they were trying to compete.
They just started drinking more.
When one of them drinks, the other drinks too.
They were even glaring at each other.
“Both of you are kids.” I said, shaking my head.
Five bottles of gin down and two more bottles of whiskey, and they still won’t stop.
I walked to the edge of the rooftop to lean on the railings and smoke, leaving both of them.
I just looked at the buildings while smoking.
When I came back, they were still going at it.
Haze paid the rooftop bar more, so they would let us extend our stay there.
They were fucking monsters in drinking.
I was already getting sleepy while they were still drinking.
I just stood up again and lit a cigarette.
I even got the chance to get a nice view of the sunrise while smoking.
“The sun is already out.
Let’s go home,” I told them when I came back.
“Both of you should stop.
That’s not water-”
“I like him now,” Haze suddenly said, putting the shot glass down on the table.
“I didn’t before…
but I do now.”
Hiro glanced at him for a moment before closing his eyes and letting out a heavy sigh like he expected his brother to say that.
After that, he took one last shot before he stood up.
“You better mean that.” He said before walking away.
Haze took another shot before he left bills in the table.
We stepped out together and followed Hiro down from the rooftop bar.
“Do you guys want to have breakfast?” I asked the two of them.
Good thing both of them nodded.
We suddenly decided to go to Tagaytay to have our brunch while we were at it.
They started talking casually while eating, which was a good sign that they already made up.
I thought Hiro will be more stubborn about it.
When we went back, we saw Acel waiting outside the Juarez residence.
The three of us exchanged glances, but I was the first to step forward and put my arm around him.
“You didn’t say you will visit.” I said, dragging him with me inside.
Haze walked past him and went straight upstairs as Acel watched him go away.
When he looked back at me, I just smiled at him and sat down on the couch.
“I haven’t slept a wink.” I closed my eyes while leaning on the couch.
“Those two just can’t be stopped.”
“Did they drink a lot?” He sat down next to me and followed Hiro with his gaze as he went to the kitchen to get a drink of water.
Acel looked worried for the brothers.
It’s as if he even knew the two of them had a fight.
“Until sunrise.”
I looked at my phone when it rang and I saw Elyse calling.
I was incredibly sleepy, but I still stood up and said goodbye to Acel.
I told him I’d be back after going to my sister to pick her up.
When I dropped Elyse off at the mansion, Tita Erin asked me to join them for dinner.
I didn’t even realize it was almost dinnertime.
The traffic in Manila is terrible.
“I haven’t slept, so I really need to go home.” I turned her down.
“Kuya, please?
Daddy is gone, you won’t join us yet!” When I heard that Alfred wasn’t around, I considered joining them because I haven’t been able to visit Elyse often lately.
That wasn’t what I promised her.
I got down the car and walked with them to the dining area.
No matter how awkward it was, Tita Erin still tried to make me feel welcome.
I just remained silent while eating dinner.
“Mommy, maybe you can convince Kuya to join Dad’s birthday party!” Elyse told her mom.
Tita Erin parted her lips and didn’t know what to do.
“Elyse, don’t say that, sweetheart,” she scolded her and gave me an apologetic look.
“If your brother doesn’t want to, do not force him, okay?
Don’t do that next time.”
I just gave her a small smile to give my thanks, then finished my food.
I kept on looking at the time because Alfred might be coming home in a moment now.
So, I hurried through my meal and stoop up to say goodbye.
I honestly didn’t know what to feel about Tita Erin’s kindness.
Whenever I saw her, I was just reminded of my memories when I was a child, seeing them talk behind my mother’s back.
I was so damn sleepy I already passed out when I got home.
I woke up around noon with Acel sending me lots of messages to ask if I arrived home safely.
Fuck, I forgot that I told him I’d be back.
I was about to text him back when his last messages caught my attention.
From: Acel
What do I do?
I heard Hiro and Haze talking about me.
Yes, I’m still here i slept in the guest room.
From: Acel
WTF DUDE I HEARD HIM SAY HE LIKES ME.
From: Acel
I’m scared.
I’m omw to u.
As soon as I read that last message, I heard a doorbell.
I stood up immediately and opened the door for Acel.
He looked completely out of it.
He just sat on the couch, staring blankly, without saying a word.
“What do I do now?” He whispered.
“I…
haven’t been in a relationship before.”
I laughed at him and handed him a glass of water.
“You should be happy that he likes you back now.”
“Huh…” He whispered, shaking his head.
“It’s so awkward.”
KIERRA
“Why are you feeling so awkward, Ke?
I thought you guys already knew each other.”
Awkward.
So awkward.
I still avoided looking at him while Ciandrei stood in front of our table, not knowing what to do.
I… certainly did not want to remember what I had just remembered.
So that’s why I forgot it, because it deserved to be forgotten.
Why?!
Just why would I say that?!
How embarrassing.
That wasn’t me.
I wasn’t raised to be like that.
I was just drunk!
I didn’t mean that.
Right… Right!
I can just act like I couldn’t remember since I was drunk!
“Hi,” I said.
My voice even broke, which made Sam laugh.
I bit my lower lip and looked away, feeling so embarrassed now.
“So, this is where you live…”
“I stay here when I have classes.” He told me.
I forgot that his law school was located in Taguig.
“I thought you lived in Taft.” Because that was the address his staff at the coffee shop gave me when I left my plates behind.
I didn’t know he had another condo.
“I have three condos.” He said, laughing a little.
“I’m staying here more often now since I don’t go to the café anymore.”
Why did he suddenly decide not to go?
Was it because of me?
Because I said I wanted to get to know him more and I scared him?
Damn it!
I didn’t want to ask because he might think I remembered.
I should just forget about that.
“I’ll just pay at the counter.” Sam suddenly stood up.
I looked at her, silently begging her not to leave me, but she only smiled at me.
“You can sit here, Shan, while waiting for your order.”
And just like that, she left the two of us alone!
Ciandrei sat down across from me and avoided my gaze.
He was looking everywhere but at me.
It just became even more awkward between us.
Why… Why did I even say that?!
“About what happened last time…” I brought it up.
He immediately looked at me, waiting for what I was going to say.
“I can’t remember, but if I said anything… I didn’t mean that.”
He stared at me for a few seconds before laughing and looking away again.
“You’re not a good liar.” He said, smiling.
“I really don’t remember!” I tried to stick to my lie, but he still didn’t believe me.
The two of us fell silent, and the only things I could hear were the people passing by and the vehicles.
I also kept looking everywhere just to avoid him.
It became more and more awkward as time passed by.
“I’ve been busy with law school.” He said after a long silence.
“That’s why I don’t go to the café anymore.
It’s not about something you said.”
“I didn’t say that.” I denied immediately.
“You were assuming that.” He said as if he knew everything going on inside my mind.
The corner of his lips rose into a smirk when he looked at my face.
“Thanks for the follow back.”
“I was drunk when I did that.
It doesn’t count,” I defended myself again.
Busy, huh… “Busy, but on his Instagram story, he was partying.” I stopped when I realized I had said that unconsciously.
I heard him laugh at what I said.
“It was my friend’s birthday.” He explained.
“I think you actually missed me.”
I immediately frowned and looked at him in disgust.
“You know, it’s actually better that I don’t see you at the café.
My day gets better.”
“I heard from my staff that you don’t even go there anymore…” He played with his lower lip using his finger.
“Were you also busy?”
“With what?” I raised an eyebrow at him.
“Dating?” He raised a brow too, refusing to be outdone.
I couldn’t believe those words came out of his mouth.
Dating?!
Me?!
Who would I even date?!
“That’s not in my plans.” I rolled my eyes at him and looked toward the restaurant to find Samantha.
Why was she taking so long?
There she was… No wonder she was taking so long because she had run into a friend and they were talking now.
She had really left me here.
“How about today? The source of this chapter is g.com.
Do you have plans today?” He asked, sounding hopeful.
“No.
Why?” I asked in confusion.
He stood up to get his order and even talked to Samantha.
After that, he suddenly gestured for me to stand up.
I followed him like an idiot, still wondering why.
“Let’s go.” He invited me.
“Huh?
Where?!” He grabbed my wrist to pull me along.
I asked Sam for help, but she only waved at me and left me alone!
“Hey, where are you taking me, huh?”
“We’re going on a date.” He said.
My lips parted as his hand slid down and gently held my hand.
He intertwined my fingers with his and walked more slowly so I could catch up.
I could only stare at him and couldn’t complain as we walked because he was holding my hand!
I felt something in my stomach that I didn’t want to feel!
What is this?!
Why am I feeling this?!
______________________
I sat on one of the benches at High Street while he bought ice cream.
When he came back, he handed one cone to me and held my hand again to help me stand up.
I was still so confused!
What is happening?
“You have five questions.
You can ask me anything.” He let go of my hand when we started walking again while eating our ice cream.
“You own Yesterday’s Coffee?” That was the first thing that came out of my mouth.
He nodded.
I already knew the answer, but I just had to confirm it!
I still couldn’t believe it.
“How?”
“My mom owned it and transferred it to me.” He explained.
“Sam said you’re a Lopez-Ledezma, but you’re only using Lopez… Why?”
That was also what I saw on his law school ID.
Even on Instagram, that’s what he uses.
“Because my mom and Alfr—” He stopped and cleared his throat.
“Because my mom and dad separated when I was a kid.
I lived with my mom, so I’ve been using her surname until now.”
I nodded, thinking of what to ask next.
“Why Psychology?”
“I’m interested in the mind.
You only have one more question left.
You better make it a good one.” He reminded me.
“Have we met before?” I suddenly asked.
He stopped walking and turned to face me, looking surprised by my question.
The more time I spent with him, the more I realized that he seemed pretty familiar.
He looked like he didn’t know how to answer.
“I’m not sure…” He looked up, thinking.
“It’s a small world.
We might have already met.”
Well, he was right, especially since we apparently had mutual friends.
We probably already existed in the same place at the same time.
Maybe we had even been at the same party before.
He had only given me five questions.
Only after I had used them all did I think of better ones to ask!
Seriously!
“Can I ask you questions too?”
I finished the last piece of my cone as I turned to look at him.
“Five,” I answered him.
“You only have five questions.”
“Why were you eating alone the night we first met?” He was referring to our one-night stand.
“And second, why did you agree to have sex?
You don’t seem like the type to make that kind of decision.”
I spotted a milk tea stall, so I walked over and bought drinks while thinking about my answer.
I paid for them since he had paid for the ice cream.
“I was lonely,” I answered as I handed him his cup.
“I wanted to feel brave that night.
That was all.
I regretted it the next day anyway.”
“Why did you pay me?” There even seemed to be a hint of anger in his question.
“Did you think I do that for a living?”
“Huh?” I frowned, not understanding what he meant until I remembered the money I had left behind.
“Ah, the money?
Idiot, that was for my food!” I laughed, finally understanding why he had gotten mad back then.
Did he really think I had paid him?
I kept laughing and almost choked on my drink as we walked.
He could only shake his head at me, waiting for me to stop.
It really was funny!
“Last question… Who was it?
The one you’re seeing in your dreams.
You don’t have to answer.”
I stopped laughing when he asked that.
I knew… At some point he would ask that.
Actually, he should have asked it much earlier.
“My ex.” I gave him a small smile before stretching, acting as though it wasn’t a big deal.
“Hayy… I just finished working out, and now all I’ve been eating is stuff like this.”
“I actually don’t drink this…” He showed me his cup.
Huh?
He had already finished half of it!
“It’s too sweet.
I can make it better.”
“Then why did you drink it?
Give it to me.” I tried to take it from his hand, but he raised it so I couldn’t reach.
“Let’s just switch.
Here, this one isn’t sweet.” I handed him mine, and he accepted it.
I even switched our straws before giving it to him.
“You do realize that we already made out, right?” He raised an eyebrow, though he still agreed to switch.
There still weren’t many stores open since it was still early, so we stayed at the seating area for a while.
After some time had passed, I went to an art shop to look for some art materials and then went to the bookstore.
“When’s your next shift?” I asked curiously.
“So I’ll know which day to avoid.”
“Come on, Kierra.
If you miss me that much, you can visit my unit here in BC.” He said with a laugh while browsing through books.
“I’m just finishing some readings.
You can have me back in a week, princess.”
I cringed so badly and just left him there because of what he said.
He immediately followed after me until we got out of the bookstore.
“I’m going home now.
My cousin is probably looking for me.”
“How are you getting home?” He crossed his arms over his chest, grinning again.
“I think your friend already left you…”
Damn, that’s right, isn’t it?!
Samantha really had left me after bringing me here!
I just took out my phone to book a ride, but he held my hand to stop me.
“I’ll take you home.” He offered.
“Huh?!
Home?!
To your condo?!” I was completely shocked, not expecting him to invite me to his condo so soon!
I knew it—he had ulterior motives!
“It’s still so early, Ciandrei.” I even pointed at the sun.
“Your home, not my home.” He corrected, trying to stop himself from smiling.
“I mean, if you want to come live with me, I’m also down for that…” He playfully winked.
I was so embarrassed that my cheeks grew warm, and I looked away.
Why do I always end up saying the wrong thing?!
I’m just embarrassing myself.
This isn’t like me anymore.
“You want to see my unit?” He suddenly offered.
“I’ll also get my car there.”
I shook my head.
“I don’t want to.”
“Why?
Because it’s still early?” He teased, even looking up at the sky while shielding his eyes with one hand.
“That sucks.
We have to wait until evening then…”
“Fine, let’s go already!” I said irritably, walking ahead as if I knew where I was going.
“Jerk… This is probably how you invite your friends-with-benefits too…” I muttered.
“You’re the first woman I ever invited there, though.” He said proudly with a smirk.