05

"Aray naman, Anais! Gago ka ba?!" sigaw ni Kai habang pinapalo siya ni Anais pagpasok namin ng unit niya. 

"Can't we not celebrate? Malapit na magkajowa tong friend natin dito!" tanong ni Anais habang dumiretso sa kusina para kumuha ng maiinom. 

"Pwede naman pero wala man lang bang 'hi hello' diyan? Pwedeng mangamusta muna? Pwedeng magpaalam rin bago kumuha ng kung ano ano sa ref? Condo mo toh ha? Condo mo?" pang-aasar ni Kai kay Anais. 

At ayan nanaman, nagsimula na ulit ang bangayan. Pag itong dalawa talaga ay nagsama, kakailanganin mo ng ear plugs. Halos magsigawan na sila pag nag-aasaran. Hindi man lang mahiya sa mga kapitbahay. Di pa naman ata soundproof dito. They actually also have a love-hate relationship with each other kaya di ako magtataka kung magkatuluyan sila in the future. 

Hindi pinansin ni Anais si Kai at umupo nalang sa sofa habang tumitingin ng pwedeng mapanood na movie sa netflix. Pumunta naman ako sa kusina para ayusin ang mga nabili kong pagkain namin. Tinulungan ako ni Kai ilagay sa mga plato ang pagkain habang titig na titig sa akin. 

"Ano yung sinasabi ni Anais na malapit ka nang magkajowa?" bulong niya sakin. 

"Chismoso ka rin pala noh," I scoffed at him. "Kanina kasi nakita ko si Dee sa La Salle. Remember the guy I met nung birthday ni Anais? He fucking asked for my number!" masayang kwento ko sa kaniya habang tumitili na ewan. 

"Saya ka na niyan?," he asked me annoyingly.

"Ano ba! Minsan na nga lang akong makaranas ng ganitong feeling, ang kj mo pa. Grabe talaga sobrang matching ng names namin then same music taste pa kami tapos mukha pa siyang anghel na hulog ng langit. Shet, sana siya na talaga," I said dreamily. 

Kai looked up and said "Tita oh, ang landi ng anak niyo." 

"Gago ka talaga" 

Anais was just quiet the whole time so I left Kai in the kitchen and joined her in the living area. She was sitting down on the floor drinking the can of soda she got from the fridge earlier while her eyes are focused on the show she's watching. I glanced at the TV. Nagulat ako nang makita kong nanonood siya ng Fifty Shades of Grey. Agad kong hinablot sa kamay niya ang remote at nilipat ito sa netflix kids. 

"Hey, they were just getting to the good part! Bakit mo nilipat?" she said while giving me an innocent look. 

Anais is the type of person na maamo ang mukha pero pag nakilala mo, may kulo rin sa loob. Out of us four, siya ang pinakamakalat sa amin. Makalat na conyo.

"Aren't you uncomfortable to watch this with your friends? Just watch it later pag-uwi mo sa bahay," I scolded her. 

We heard the doorbell rang. Kai asked me to open the door since he was setting up the food in the dining table. I played boss baby on netflix before I went to the door to open it. As usual, Lili arrived with books on her hand. She was also still wearing her white uniform. Nothing new. Pero ang ikinagulat ko ay ang lalaking nasa likuran niya. He looked tall compared to Lili whose height is just below the guy's shoulders. Naka white uniform din siya pero UST yung ID lace niya. At paano naman nabingwit toh ni Lili? The last time I checked, she's not interested in dating yet.  

"Dani, pwedeng sumama muna siya sa atin?" she asked me with pleading eyes. 

"Uhh, sure, pasok kayo?" I said while eyeing the guy.

"Hi, uhm, I'm Blaze. Nice to meet you," he said nervously. 

"Nice to meet you too. I'm Dani."

"Dani, isara mo yung pinto! Lalabas ang aircon!" sigaw ni Kai.

"Walang legs ang aircon! Bobo!" I heard Anais shout at him. 

Pinapasok ko na sila Lili at Blaze. Napanga-nga si Anais sa pumasok na lalaki. She stopped what she was doing at pinagpalit-palit ang tingin niya sa dalawang kakarating lang. Kai wasn't even surprised as if alam niyang may isasama si Lili ngayon. 

"Hey bro," bati ni Kai kay Blaze.

"Wait, wait, wait. You guys know each other?" tanong ni Anais.

"Oo nga, bakit kilala mo siya, Kai?" I said while looking at Lili. 

"Ay nako, hindi niyo lang alam. Nakikita ko yang si Lili minsan sa UST pinupuntahan si Blaze kaya ko nalaman yan", sumbong ni Kai. 

Pinandilatan siya ni Lili. "Napakaingay mo talaga kahit kailan."

We all sat down at the dining table and started eating our food. May dala rin namang pagkain si Blaze kaya hindi na siya nakihati sa mga hinanda namin. We were all just quiet while eating. Matalim parin ang tingin ni Anais sa katabi niyang si Blaze kaya naman hindi rin ito mapakali. Lili was looking at our reactions habang si Kai naman ay parang walang paki. It was awkward the whole time Blaze was there. I tried to make the atmosphere light by talking to him while trying to avoid asking questions about Lili. I know she wanted to tell us herself so I did not interfere any further. 

Nang sumapit na ang gabi ay nagpaalam na si Blaze sa amin. Hinatid muna siya ni Lili sa lobby. Pagkabalik niya ng unit ni Kai ay nakaabang na kaming tatlo sa kaniyang kwento. 

"We met sa coffee project. Kasama ko kaklase ko that time which is kakilala niya. Walang nangyari nun kasi umalis din agad siya. Pero after two days, pumunta ulit ako dun mag-isa para mag-aral. Siya ang unang nakakita sa akin kaya nilapitan niya ako. Nag-usap kami at nag tuloy tuloy na," she said while blushing.

"Uy, may stubu na siya," pang-aasar ni Anais. 

"Med tech din?" tanong ko. 

"1st year med student na," she said shyly. 

"Takte, may personal tutor!" sabi ni Kai. 

"Dani has a Dee. Lili has a Blaze. Napag-iiwanan na ako!" Anais said while fake crying. 

"Excuse me? I'm still here. Aminin mo na kasi Anais ako lang talaga hinihintay mo," pang-asar ni Kai.

"What the fuck?! Never in a million years, Kai. Mamamatay ako ng maaga sayo," bwelta ni Anais.

9:30 pm na. Naunang umuwi si Lili dahil may curfew sa tinutuluyan niyang dorm. May pasok pa siya kinabukasan kaya hindi muna siya sumabay saking umuwi. 10 na kami nakaalis ni Anais. Hinatid ko muna siya sa bahay niya na hindi gaanong kalayuan sa amin. 

I was getting ready to go to bed when I heard my phone's notification. 

From: Unknown number

Hi Dani! It's Dee. Sorry for messaging you late but here's my number. I hope I did not disturb you tho :))

Muntik ko nang mabitawan phone ko sa kilig. Gabi na pero nabuhayan ako bigla. Parang napawi lahat ng pagod ko ngayong araw. I immediately saved his number to my contacts. 

To: Dior 

Hey. It's okay. Kakarating ko lang naman sa bahay. How are you? 

From: Dior

Something came up. Family matters. Ok naman na. I was listening to piano covers when I suddenly remembered you. 

Nagtatatalon ako sa kama at pinalo-palo ko pa ang aking unan. Mukhang hindi ata ako makakatulog ngayon. 

To: Dior 

Ohh that's interesting. What are you listening to right now? 

From: Dior

All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera. I was actually thinking of inviting you to watch it with me on Sunday. I have an extra ticket. Hindi kasi makakasama si mama so sayang naman. I'd also want to get to know you more so yeah :)

I got really excited when he mentioned Phantom of the Opera. I have been wanting to watch that simula nung sinabi nilang magkakaroon sila ng show dito. My mom and I used to binge watch their performances on youtube and we would try to play the songs on the piano. All I Ask of You is my favorite track from that musical. 

To: Dior

Are you kidding me? I'd love to! I've been planning to watch that with my friends but they're not really fond of operas. 

From: Dior 

It's a date then, I guess haha. I'll pick you up at 7? Just text me the address. 

To: Dior

Sure. See you! Good night :)

From: Dior

Good night and sweet dreams :))

Sumapit na ang linggo. Kumain muna ako ng dinner bago nag-ayos. I wore a black off shoulder cropped top and beige pleated midi skirt paired with my black Steve Madden ankle strap heels. I wore a Chanel necklace with its matching earrings and brought my black Hermes mini Kelly bag na minana ko kay mommy. I curled my medium length hair and tucked its sides behind my ears. My make up was just a simple brown eyeshadow on the crease of my lid with a nude lipstick and gloss. 

Bumaba ako ng hagdan at nagulat ako nang nakita kong nakaabang si Lili at Nay Fellie sa dulo habang pumapalakpak. 

"Naghihintay na yung prince charming mo sa labas," sabi ni Lili. 

"Ang ganda mo, nak. Manang mana ka talaga kay Carol," Nay Fellie said, teary-eyed. 

The Chanel necklace I'm wearing is actually a gift from my mom during my 18th birthday. I wore it today so that she could at least be with me in spirit while watching our favorite musical. 

"Thank you, Nay Fellie, Lili. Alis na ako."

Paglabas ko ng pinto ay nakita ko na agad si Dee. He was leaning against his silver BMW sedan while his hands are tucked inside his pockets. He was wearing a black suit, polo, and ankle pants paired with his loafers. He was also wearing specs and a black leather strapped Rolex watch. His hair was brushed back and parted on the side with loose strands hanging in front of his forehead. Even from afar, I could see how his eyes glinted under the moonlight. He was looking at the sky so he wasn't able to see me right away.

I went out our gate and I could tell he was startled when he saw me.   

"H-hey. You look gorgeous," he smiled at me. 

"Thanks. You too. You look so dapper," I replied. 

"Shall we?" he said while extending out his hand. I took it and he lead me to the shotgun seat of his car. He put his hand on top of my head making sure I wouldn't bump it. 

He drove us to The Theatre at Solaire where the show would be held. He placed my hand on his arms and we both went to the guests' holding area. There were lots of wonderful backgrounds where we could take our photos and so, we took a couple of them. 

"Ok, you stand there. Put the mask on your face and hold the rose as if you're smelling it," he instructed me while handing me the phantom of the opera mask and rose props that were available there.  

"Ok, alright. Beautiful. One more. 1, 2, 3," he said while taking pictures on his phone. 

"Excuse me, sir. Samahan niyo na po girlfriend niyo. Ako na po magpipicture sa inyo," a member of the staff told him. 

He just smiled, gave the man his phone, and approached me.

"I'm not your girlfriend," I whispered. 

"I think he thought we were a couple kasi parang bagay tayo," he told me causing me to blush. 

"Ma'am, sir. Medyo lumapit pa po kayo sa isa't isa. Ang layo niyo po kasi para ho kayong nag-away. Akbayan niyo po si ma'am," the staff said. 

Dee went closer to me and asked "Is it ok?" 

"Yeah, it's ok."

He immmediately wrapped his hand around my waist when he heard my response. We were so close, I could feel my heart racing. Feeling ko umakyat lahat ng dugo sa katawan ko and I felt my cheeks heating up. I could also smell the Jo Malone perfume he bought in Greenbelt. We both smiled at the camera and did a wacky pose right after. 

The doors of the theatre finally opened and we went to our seats in the middle. The stairs in between the seats were so steep that I almost lost my balance. Dee readily caught me in his arms. His eyes were locked on mine. 

"Ok ka lang?" he asked me with a worried look on his face. 

"Yeah, I'm ok," I said while he helped me stand up. Nahuhulog na yata ako sayo, Dee. 

He guided me towards our seat. I took photos of the stage as that was the only time we could bring out our phones. I posted it on my IG stories and captioned it with 'Close your eyes and let the music set you free' which is a quote from the play. 

My phone's notification popped up. 

@diorlouis reacted to your story. 

I immediately looked at him and he was just laughing at me. 

"Ang cute mo," he said while chuckling. 

My eyes widened with what he said. I was trying my best not to smile but I just couldn't help it. Para akong tangang naiihi dito sa kilig. 

"How did you know my IG tho?" I asked him.

"Hindi ka naman mahirap hanapin when you're a famous fashion designer here." Oh right, my account just got verified the other day. 

I checked his profile only to see that he already followed me. I followed him back. Mamaya ko na titignan mga posts niya pag hindi ko na siya kasama hahaha. 

The show already started and from what I heard it'll run for three hours. The music, lighting, stage presence of the actors, wardrobe, and set up were all so spectacular. It's just like what I've watched on youtube but better. There was a break in between the show so I was able to go to the restroom and fix myself. 

The story just got more emotional on the second half of the show. I got more goosebumps when All I Ask of You was sung. 

Say you love me every waking moment 

Turn my head with talk of summertime

I was already tearing up just by listening to it. Dee's eyes were closed and he was just feeling the song. This part was where Raoul, the second guy lead, proposes to Kristine who in turn chose him instead of the Phantom who had deep feelings for her. This is an accurate representation of how sometimes we should think of our own happiness first instead of worrying about others' feelings. After all, it is our life that will be affected. Always go for what your heart wants. Pity is not and will never be enough to reciprocate the love you are receiving from a person when you know that it's not what you truly desire. 

Love me, that's all I ask of you

The song finally came to an end and that last line really made me burst my tears. Dee smiled at me while handing me his handkerchief. That reminds me. I haven't even returned the handkerchief he lent me sa club. It was placed inside my drawer. I'll just give it back to him when we meet again. 

The show ended around 11. Lahat nag standing ovation nung curtain call. It was the best musical I've ever seen. Nagutom kaming dalawa ni Dee pagkatapos ng show so we decided to eat at a nearby 7-11 store sa Macapagal Blvd. We both laughed when we realized that we were eating cup noodles in the store wearing our semi-formal attire. 

"Thank you talaga Dee! This experience is so great especially because it's also my mom's favorite musical," I said habang humihigop ng sabaw sa noodles ko. Grabe ang dugyot ko talaga kapag kumakain. 

"I meant what I said earlier," he said. 

"Yung ano?"

"I find you cute." My cheeks started to heat up again. "Besides you being so elegant and a woman of poise, I'm so grateful I also get to see this side of you."

I smiled at what he said about me. Hindi naman talaga kasi ako maarte. People find me so intimidating by the way I dress but my personality is actually the opposite. May kadugyutan rin minsan. 

After eating, hinatid na niya ako pauwi. When we arrived home, he opened the door of his car for me. I stepped out and faced him.

"Thank you so much for today, Dee. You made me happy." I gave him a sweet smile. 

"No. I must be the one thanking you for accompanying me. I know you're a busy person." He looked at me intently in the eyes. 

Nakita kong nakaabang na si Lili sa may pintuan habang todo ngiti sa amin ni Dee. At talagang hindi pa siya natutulog ah. 

"I should go inside now. May chismosang nasa pintuan eh. Just message me when you arrive home safely," nilakasan ko ang boses ko para marinig ni Lili. 

"Ok. Thank you, Dani. Good night." 

"Good night." I approached the gate and was heading to the door when he called my name again.

"Dani!"

I turned around to see him beside the door of the driver's seat. He smiled at me before talking. 

"Let the music set you free."

And with that, he left me there smiling from ear to ear.