"Do you still remember our first dance?" Tanong sa akin ni Lev.Kumunot yung noo ko. "It's the day that we met."What's a party without a dance, right? These people surrounding me loves to dance kaya tuwing may party ay hindi mawawala ito. I rested my hands over Lev's shoulder while he wrap his arms around my waist. "Naalala mo ba kung ano yung una mong tinanong sa akin?" He asked, half-laughing."Ano?" I giggled. "I hope it's not humiliating.""It's not. It was rather odd.""Bakit? Anong tinanong ko?"Yumuko muna siya at tumawa nang mahina. "You asked if I was in it for love?""What?" Hindi makapaniwala kong tanong. "Seryoso? Tinanong ko yan?"He nodded. "Yes. Kaya hindi ko makakalimutan. I was expecting you ask anything about me but you asked that instead."Napatango ako. "Ah! Alam ko na kung bakit ko natanong yun. I was looking for someone to make a ruse with.""I guessed that the second time we meet up," iling niya. "Hindi lang ako makapaniwala na may magtatanong sa akin ng ganya

"What are you doing here?" Tanong si Sebastian kay Lev."I should be the one asking you that question. Anong ginagawa mo dito?" Tanong ni Lev pabalik. "I'm here because I was worried for Kaia," sagot ni Seb. "You don't have to, dude. Nandito naman ako," seryosong sabi ni Lev. "I'm here as her friend--""Huwag na kayong mag-away," I sighed. "Kung gusto niyong pumasok, pumasok lang kayo. But if you want to continue whatever you are doing then sa labas niyo na gawin yan."Tinalikuran ko silang dalawa at dumiretso sa kusina. Tutulungan ko nalang si Kali. I'm not sure if she can cook but mas maganda if I am there to help her. "Sino yun?" Tanong ni Kali habang naghahanap ng ingredients sa ref. "I'm planning to remake your adobong baboy. Namiss ko yung recipe mo."Napangiti ako. Noon pa man ay gustong-gusto na niya yung adobong baboy ko. When we were in college, pumupunta lang yan sa apartment na tinutuluyan ko para lutuan siya. We went to different schools kasi kaya hindi na kami nagsam

"Kali, stop it," sita ko sa kakambal na nasa harapan ko.We are currently sitting on the floor with a mini table between us. Four-cornered yung table at each side ay nakaupo kaming apat. Nasa right side ko si Lev, left side si Seb, at nasa harap si Kali."Last nalang, please?" Kali begged. I told Kali na hindi siya iinom. I remembered the last time he drank. Hindi niya kayang control-in yung alcohol. She's not tolerant and I don't want her to have headache tomorrow morning."Last na yan."She nodded. "Yes!"Pinabayaan ko nalang siya at inabot yung baso ko. I was about to drink my alcohol when Lev took the glass from me."What the heck?" "That's enough din, Kaia." Sabi niya at nilagok yung alak.I scoffed. "You know that I can handle my alcohol, right?""Yes," he nodded. "But not this time.""Let her drink, dude." Sabi ni Sebastian. "Malaki na si Kaia. Wala ka bang tiwala sa kanya?""Yes. Thank you," Sabi ko kay Seb. He handed me another glass pero kinuha ulit ito ni Lev at siya mis

Under the soft glow of the moonlight, Lev and I strolled side by side through the tranquil park. The whispering leaves and distant chirping of crickets filled the air. We made sure to have space in between us. I mean, we are not lovers to begin with. Ewan ko lang kung ano yung naisip niya para lumabas hating-gabi. We just have to make sure that we won't get caught by authorities dahil sa curfew.Pumikit ako nang madiin bago binalik yung mata sa daan. I'm a little tipsy but I still know what's going on. I'm conscious and that is enough for me to make sure I'm safe.The park, normally bustling with daytime activity, now belonged to us alone. As we wandered along the dimly lit paths, we found a secluded bench and settled in. I needed to sit. Kanina pa kami lakad nang lakad at kahit isa ay walang nagsasalita. Bumuntobg-hininga ako at nilingon siya. Nakatingin lang siya sa malayo na para bang malalim yung iniisip."What are you thinking?" I asked.Napakurap siya at umiling. Lumingon siya s

"I'm fine, Lev.""No. Dito ka lang," he said as he tucked me in bed.Nang malaman ko na I am on my period, I got so embarrassed. Nakakahiya ka talaga, Kaia! Ang oa ko pa kanina. Sobrang dramatic that I blurted out things that I shouldn't have. I'm in my room right now and Lev is currently taking care of me. Medyo oa lang yung act of service niya."I'm not sick, okay? Nireregla lang ako.""You are still sick. Nakikita ko sa internet kung gaano kasakit yan. Period cramps hurts like heart attack daw. Hindi lang puson yung masakit, pati na rin yung lower back, legs, even your chest feels heavy and swollen."Napakurap ako. Andami naman niyang alam. "How did you know?""Come on, Kaia. I live with my sisters and my mom. Of course I know these things." He said in a matter of fact tone."Okay, let's say they are true. Pero hindi naman all the time sumasakit yung katawan ko. Well maybe nasanay na ako," I shrug my shoulders."That's why I'm here with you in case you need me," he said. "Anyway, d