Oblivious (A short SamVon FanFiction) - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

I woke up feeling hot; literally, no pun intended. I got up from bed with a splitting headache and went out of my room. Cradling my head with my hand, I made my way to the stairs and into the living room. I found my mother sitting in the sofa and watching tv.

“Ma, mura kog ghilantan.” I said in my hometown dialect. (Translation: Ma, parang nilalagnat ako.) 

My mother turned to me concernedly and stood up, feeling up my forehead.

“Init jud ka. Balik sa imong ug katulog balik. Musunod rako, magkuha sa ko ug tambal.” She answered. (Translation: Mainit ka nga. Bumalik ka sa kwarto mo at matulog ka ulit. Susunod ako, kukuha muna ako ng gamot.)

I went back to my room and plopped in my bed. I closed my eyes and let myself relaxed. This fever was the result of yesterday’s damn (excuse me for the language) rain. Sighing, I waited for my mom when I heard my phone buzzing. I reached for it on my bedside table and looked at the caller I.D.

SAM.

I pressed accept and pressed it into my ear. “Hello.” I weakly greeted, my eyes still closed.

“Hi Jejevon.” He greeted cheerfully.

“Ba’t napatawag ka?” I croaked. I winced.

“Susunduin sana kita pero parang hindi ka okay. Anong nangyari?” He asked. I smiled. I can hear the concern dripping from his voice.

“Unfortunately, hindi ako okay. May lagnat kasi ako.” As I said it I realized my mistake.

“Ha? Dahil ba ‘yan kahapon. I’m sorry Devon. Hindi ko nag-iisip. Hindi nalang sana tayo tumuloy…” He was babbling and I decided to end up his misery.

“Sam.” He became silent and I continued,” it’s okay.”

“Pero –“

I cut him off, “Sam, Wala to. Kontin lagant lang to. Malakas naman ako diba?”

I heard him laugh. “Oo nga pala. Siga ka nga pala.”

“Anong siga?! Sabi ko malakas hindi siga. Ginawa mo naman akong basagulera niyan.” I said indignantly but I couldn’t hide the laughter in my voice.

He laughed again then became silent. I knew he turned serious again. “But Devon, are you sure? Nagi-guilty talaga ako. Is there something I can do? I can go there.”

“Huwag na Sam, ok lang talaga ako at huwag ka nang maguilty. Wala kang kasalanan. Pakisabi na lang sa lahat na hindi ako makakapractice ngayon.”

“Sige. Magpahinga ka na at uminom ka na ng gamot para bukas okay ka na.” Sam ordered. I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Yes father.” I joked. He laughed.

“Sira. Sige na. Bye.”

“Babye.” I was the first to hang up. That was the rule when hanging up; he wanted me to be the first one to hang up, said it was a gentleman thing. Thought he was just being nice.

After hanging up, I heard my door closing and turned to see my mom bustling in my room.

“Si Sam ba ‘yon” She asked as she handed me a tablet and a glass of water. I nodded at sat up. I put the tablet in my mouth and drank water, swallowing down the tablet with the water.

“Ang bait naman nang batang ‘yon.” She smiled at me in an I-know-your-secret smile and I instantly blushed.

Was I really that obvious? I chose to remain silent and quickly downed the remaining water.

“Okay. Matulog kana ulit.” She was still smiling that smile so I turned to my side so my back faced her. Then I heard the door clicked shut. Sighing, I turned to my back once again and tried to sleep again. There was one question that kept me awake though.

How was it my feelings were that obvious to everyone, everyone but him?

My head throbbed from the thinking so I finally decided to sleep, dreaming the most wonderful dream where I was finally with him.

~*~*~*~*~*

My fever was gone when I woke but I was still tired so I decided to watch movies. I picked a random DVD and put it in the DVD player. It turned out to be Beastly, one of my favorite movies. (Author’s note: The movie is one of my favorite movie. I don’t know about it being one of Devon’s favorite movies but it’s the first movie that came in my mind.) There was just something about Alex Pettyfer that reminds me of Sam. I don’t know what but that’s what I think.

I was halfway through the movie when my mom announced that I had a visitor. I wrinkled my nose at the disturbance. Pausing the movie, I made my way out of my room and into the living room. I was surprised to see Sam smiling sweetly at me.

“Anong ginagawa mo dito?” I was staring at him incredulously, unable to believe he was here. It was still 3:30 in the afternoon and by what I knew, rehearsals don’t end ‘till 6:00 PM. “Diba mamaya pang six PM ang off niyo?”

 “Maaga kaming natapos kanina kasi kulang. Wala ka at sina James at Yen.” He stood up and stood up in front of me. Putting a hand in my forehead he asked, “Ano, okay ka na ba?”

I briefly closed my eyes at the feel of his warm touch and opened them just to get drowned by his eyes. I didn’t know how long I was standing there, staring at him, but I was brought out from my stupor when he patted my cheek softly.

“Huy, natahimik ka yata diyan. Ganyan ba talaga ako kagwapo ha at natulala ka ha?” He teased while chuckling.

I laughed nervously and strucked him in the shoulder. “Ang kapal!” Muntik na ako dun ah… I thought.

He was rubbing his shoulder and said, “Jejevon naman, naka ilang sampal ka na ah.”

“Kaw kasi eh.”

“Totoo naman ah. Gwapo talaga ako kaya maraming babaeng nagkacrush sa akin.” He said.

“Ang lakas ng hangin,” I said and to tease him further I put both my hands in front of me, palms facing him, shielding me from the so called ‘strong wind’ he was producing.

Our laughs faded after a few seconds and we were both smiling at each other when he suddenly cupped my cheeks and said, “Devon, are you really okay?”

Knees weak at his touch, I tried hard to not let my voice tremble when I answer, “Ano ka ba, okay lang kaya ako. Sabi mo pa nga, siga ako kaya huwag kang mag-worry diyan. Malakas ako.” 

“Seriously, I feel guilty so just humor me.” He creased his forehead and sighed. He dropped his hands and sighed.

My face softened when I saw how troubled he was because of me so I hugged him tightly and then broke the embrace. He seems surprised. I touched his cheek and I looked him in the eyes. “I’m okay, really. Fever lang yun at ngayon wala na. And if you’re guilty, don’t be. I don’t blame you.”

I saw relief flashed in his eyes and his mouth curved into a smile. Then I added, “Pero thank you ha. Thank you sa concern. Grateful at naging kaibigan kita.” I grinned as I saw his smile turned into a full-blown grin.

“So, gusto mong kumain?”

He laughed richly and said, “Ano bay an Jejevon, kahit nagmo-moment tayong dalawa, pagkain pa rin ang nasa isip mo.”

I blushed and playfully punched his shoulder again. “Hindi kaya ako nakakain kanina.”

“Ganun ba?” He laughed again. “Swerte at naisipan kongmnagtake-out ng Jollibee. Halika na nga.” Walking ahead as if he owned the house, he made his way to the dining room and I stood there smiling. But my smile faded when I remembered something. We were only friends and will never be more. I decided it was worse than having a fever.

Oblivious (A short SamVon FanFiction) - Chapter 3

Chapter 3

As soon as I entered my room and lay on my bed, my sister barged in and dumped herself in my bed, startling me from my thoughts.

“Kakagulat ka naman te!” I exclaimed while I was trying to calm down my beating heart.

My sister gave me an incredulous look. “Ang O.A mo naman!”

“Eh, ginulat mo nga kaya ako!” What is it with people scaring me half of my wits? I decided to ask her then. “Ano bang meron ngayon nagging paborito akong gulatin ng mga tao ngayon?”

My sister laughed at me and made herself comfortable by grabbing my pillow and put it under her head.

She ignored the look I gave her and asked, “Si Sam na naman ang naghatid sa’yo?”

I nodded and avoided her knowing look. My sisters didn’t know my feelings for Sam but I think they suspected a thing or two.

She continued, “Napapansin ko lang ha, madalas na yata ang paghatid niya sa’yo. Aminin mo nga, nanliligaw bay an sa’yo ha?”

I turned red. Even redder than Elmo. “Ate naman!”

“Anong ate naman?” She sat up eagerly and sat cross-legged in front me, narrowing her eyes at me. She had a big grin on her and I groaned inwardly. She resumed talking. “Ano, nanliligaw ba siya sa’yo?”

I wished.

“Ano?” I started when my sister spoke and that’s when I realized I had mumbled it silently but loud enough for her to hear.

I was speechless. She was now grinning from ear to ear and I cringed at the sight of it. I cleared my throat and said,

“Malakas ba ang pagkasabi ko?”

She happily nodded her head that I nearly thought it was going to be disconnected from her neck. I slumped my shoulders for the second time this day. She eventually took pity on me and soften her expression. I decided to tell her my pathetic love life or lack thereof.

“Sabihin mo na lang kayasa kanya.” She suggested and I immediately scoffed at the idea.

“Paano ba naman niya magugustahan ang isang katulad ko. Hindi man ako panget pero hindi rin ako ganun kaganda.

Tingnan mo kaya yung mga ka love teams niya, sina Yen, Coleen, Cheska, ang gaganda nila at ang puputi pa.”

“Ang low naman ng self-esteem mo Devon.” She said, making a face.

“Bakit? Totoo naman ah. I’m just a plain Jane.” Halfway through my speech, my eyes were becoming wet and I’m now blinking profusely to stop them from falling.

“Devon, give yourself some credit will you?” She exclaimed heatedly. “Hindi ka nga maputi pero imporatnte ba yun? You’re pretty and cute and caring. You’re very talented and smart. The list could go on and on. Don’t look so lowly of yourself.”

My heart swelled at hearing my own sister praising me. I know, I’m not being fair to myself but I can’t help feeling insecure when it comes to his other love teams.

“Aw, and sweet naman ng ate ko!” I joked to make conversation lighter.

She laughed and hit me in the head with my pillow. I laughed with her.

“Hanggang ngayon hindi ka pa rin marunong magseryoso.” We laughed again. We rarely have this sister talks and I must admit, I’m missed it.

“Pero sa totoo lang ha, parang gusto ka rin niya.” She continued.

“Bakit mo naman nasabi yan?” I laid down again and closed my eyes.

She pinched my nose and said, “Hindi yan mag-ooffer na ihatid ka pauwi kung hindi ka niya gusto. Alam naman niyang pwede kang tumawag dito at magpasundo kay manong.”

“Ano ka ba ate, nagmamagandang loob lang naman yung tao eh. Hindi ko na tinanggihan, makasama ba naman siya kahit ilang oras. Happy na ako jan.”

“Naku, bahala ka na nga jan.” She stood up and headed to the door. “Basta sa maniwala ka o sa hindi, gusto ka rin niya. Oblivious lang kayong dalawa.”

As I heard the door clicked shut I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling. This day had been the most awkward day of my life. I changed out of my clothes and remembered that I was wearing Sam’s jacket. I smelled it and it wonderfully smelled of him. I smiled and hang it at the back of a chair. I laid down in my bed and stared at the ceiling again. I thought of what Ate said and I smiled sadly.

Sana nga. Sana nga totoo yun ate.

That was my last thought before sleep had taken me.

Oblivious (A short SamVon FanFiction) - Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The ride home was filled with laughter and I can’t count how many times I’ve hit him. In the middle of the car ride, rain splattered in the on the window. The laughter faded from my lips.

“Ay ano ba yan’? Wrong timing naman, wala akong dalang paying.” I said with a sigh, watching the window obscured by droplets.

“Wala rin akong dala.” Sam said, glancing at me for a moment then his eyes return to concentrate on the road.

“Pano na yan?” I asked with a frown. I have to walk a good distance from the car to my house and I have to get wet in the process.

“Well, it’s still early. It’s only – “ he glanced at the digital clock, “6:25. I can see a near café, magpalipas na tayo ng oras doon. Hintayin nating tumigil ang ulan.” He smiled mockingsly and added, “Sige na, treat ko.”

I laughed. “Sige, itetext ko nalang si mama na matatagalan tayo.” I rummaged inside my bag, looking for my phone while he was parking the car.

After I finished texting my mother, I looked up to see him leaning in the backseat and sat back with a jacket in his hand, smiling. I made a face and laughed. He opened his door, holding the jacket above him and went to her side. Opening her door, he stretched the jacket wide enough for both of us and we ran to the door.

We went inside and chose the table in the corner, far from prying eyes, laughing all the time. Sitting down, cold air from the aircon hit me and I shivered since the jacket didn’t cover us completely. Sam noticed it and held out his jacket.

“Here. Nilalamig kana.” Concern etched on his face.

“Huwag na, baka ikaw pa ang lamigin eh.”

“No, Doble naman yung suot ko tsaka hindi ka nakaiwas sa ulan, kaw tong nabasa ng lubos.” He smiled, indicating my wet hair and the back of my t-shirt which was plastered to my skin.

“Eh sa sinolo mo yung jacket. Sige na nga, pero kung magkakasakit ka wag mo akong sisihin.” Grabbing the jacket from hi, I quickly made my way to the restroom and into a cubicle. I lifted the shirt and changed into his jacket which was dry on the inside and zipped it closed. I went out and watched myself from the mirror. I combed my hair with my fingers and when I felt satisfied with the way I looked, I went out.

From the door, I saw Sam talking to a fan. I smiled at the way he handled the giggling girls, signing autographs with a smile and taking pictures. Something pinched my heart when I saw one of the girl kissed his cheek. He just laughed and waved at them when they went away.

“Ano ba yan, pati sa mga fans niya nagseselos ako. Ang lakas ng tama mo sa kanya Devon!” I told myself. I was pulled out from my self-talking when someone exclaimed.

“Uy si Devon o!” I started and smiled when I saw the same giggling fans of Sam coming near me.

“Hi.” I greeted them. I smiled to myself, grateful and happy to know that some of Sam’s fans liked her too.

“Pwede papicture?” One of them asked.

“Oo naman.” I smiled at the camera while the three of them take turns. I didn’t notice Sam watching us when one of them mentioned it.

“Uy, makatingin si Sam dito o.” She turned to me. “Pwede ba kayong picturan magkasama?” She asked, her grin widening.

“Sige.” We walked to our table and I sat down on the chair beside him. He raised an eyebrow at me.

“Gusto raw nilang picturan tayong dalawa. Okay lang ba sayo yun?”

“Why not? Kung ikaw ba naman yung kasama ko, sino pa ba ako para tumanggi. Sikat ka yatang artista.” He joked. I punched his stomach lightly as to not cause him pain and he laughed, clutching his stomach.

“Ang cute niyong tingnan. Bagay nga kayong dalawa!” One of the girls said. Giggling.

“Ang kilig pala ng SamVon. Change love team na ako.” The second girl said.

“Ako rin. Sige, picturan ko na kayong dalawa,” said the third girl. After a round of taking pictures, the three girls left them and went to their table while the two of us ordered something to eat and a hot coffee.

While waiting for our order, Sam nudged me and said, “Pano ba yan, bagay raw tayo.”

I just laughed. “Sira!” I said, but the foolish grin which was indicating that I was super ‘kilig’ by the comment stayed in my face. I pretty much wanted to slap myself for giving myself away.

Sam noticed me smiling stupidly and asked, “And sarap ng ngiti Jejevon ah, may kumikiliti ba sayo?”

“Yung mga alaga ko sa tiyan ayaw tumigil sa paggalaw, masaya kasi dahil nabubusog na sila.”

He laughed. I mentally patted myself in the back, congratulating myself for saving myself and making him laugh.

“You’re crazy.”

Then the music inside the café changed and the song “Crazy For You” by MYMP played. I cringed at the 

irony of it. The passing thought that whoever was in charge of the music seems to be reading my mind went through my mind and it went out my mind as quickly as it came when I saw Sam staring at me intensely.

I embarrassedly focused my eyes on my plate and bit my bottom lip, worried that when he saw my eyes, he’ll see through me and see my hidden feelings for me.

I continued to eat my half-eaten food even though my appetite was no longer there. I didn’t dare raise my eyes again. We ate in silence, the type of silence that makes your ears ring. After I finished eating, I still avoided his eyes and found myself staring at the glass mirror and what I saw made me turn my head to him.

“Tumigil na pala ang ulan.” I felt like pinching myself for stating the obvious. He looked up at me.

“So tara na? I’m sure kanina ka pa gustong makauwi.” He smiled and stood up, offering his hand to help me.  I took his hand and stood up. We made our way out of the café; he even opened the door for me. I just smiled at him. For the rest of the way to my home, I didn’t say anything. I didn’t know why but his last sentence bothered me so much.

“I’m sure kanina ka pa gusting umuwi.” He’d said. Did he think that I didn’t enjoy his company? Or maybe he wasn’t happy being stuck with me. I knew that he didn’t feel the same about me but I can’t help but feel sorry for me. Dropping my shoulders, I slumped in my seat while I waited for us to reach my home. I kept sighing every single minute and after my fifth sigh, Sam spoke.

“Panay ang buntong-hininga natin jan ah, may problema ba Jejevon?” I turn my gaze from the window to look at him annoyingly.

“Nakakailang Jejevon ka na ngayon ah. Diba sabi ko sa’yo ayaw ko yang pangalang yan!” I slightly pouted and furrowed my brows to show him that I was mad but deep inside I was secretly kilig. I didn’t really mind him calling me that but I pretend to hate it to not to let him see how affected by him calling that.

He laughed and pinched my cheek, “Ang cute mo talaga.”

“Ano bah!” I slapped his hand away and rubbed my pinched cheek. “Ang sakit nun ah!”

“Sorry.” He said, sounding the least bit apologetic and flashed a smile my way. My heart again fluttered at the sight of his crooked smile. I looked away and watched the houses we passed. I was startled at hearing him speak.

“Hindi mo pa nasagot ang tanong ko Jejevon.”

 “Anong tanong ba yun?” I replied innocently, pretending to forget it.

“Tinanong kita kung may problema ka ba?” He answered, his eyes still focused in front.

“Pano mo naman nasabing may problema ako?” I replied, still avoiding his question.

“Kanina ka pa hindi nagsasalita and you’re always sighing.”

“Ah wala.” I didn’t continue and when I saw him opening his mouth to speak, I quickly spoke, “Andito na pala tayo. Gusto mo bang bumaba at pumasok muna sa amin?”

He looked disappointed but he answered, “Ah hindi na. Late na din.” Even as he said it, he still went out of the car and escorted me to the door. My mom opened the door and her face lit at the sight of Sam. He was a favorite of hers because every time she saw him, he never failed to make her smile.

“Oh anak, andiyan na pala kayo. Pasok kayo. Sam, magkape ka muna.” Mom offered and opened the door wide to let us in.

“Ah, hindi na po tita pero thank you po sa alok. Kaka kape lang naming kanina at late na rin kaya uuwi na ako. Traffic pa man din.”

“Ah ganun ba iho, sige pero sa susunod hindi na ko tatangap ng hindi.” My mom joked.

Sam laughed. “Sige po tita.”

“Sige, maiwan ko muna kayo.” And she went inside and left us. I turned to him.

“Sam, salamat sa paghatid ha.” And I laughingly added, “At sa libre.”

“Wala yun. Basta ikaw.” He smiled and continued, “So, alis na ako.”

“Sige. Bye. Slamat ulit.” He turned and headed to his car. When he opened his window and shouted, “Bye Jejevon!”

I laughed and didn’t bother to scold him for using that name again. I gave him a wave and he waved back. He closed the window, started the engine and sped away. I stood there at the door until his the sight of his car faded from view. I sighed and went inside, closing the door silently.

Oblivious (A short SamVon FanFiction)

Chapter 1

I’m staring at him. Again.

I sighed. It seems that’s all I’ve been doing for the past few weeks. I felt like banging my head on the wall to stop my mind from thinking about it or maybe sewing my eyes shut to stop them from staring at him and giving her feelings away.

In case you’re wondering who I am, well, here it is. I’m Devon Seron, Devs for short. You all know where I came from so I wouldn’t go into details about it. Why am I having a pity party for myself, you may ask? I think it’s obvious. It’s because of him.

Him who is a versatile singer (even in a young age).

Him who is a great dancer.

 Him who is a famous teenage actor.

 Him who is definitely a heartthrob.

 Him who is Samuel Concepcion.

Yes, him. The one and only Sam Concepcion.

I sighed again and turned my gaze away from him.

I looked around the room and locked my gaze at the other GV crew practicing their routine. I should have been practicing with them but our choreographer told me to sit down and rest, maybe noticing my haggard face and the dark circles under my eyes. I didn’t argue with her, after all, she is our choreographer and besides, I practiced and memorized all my steps. So I sat on the floor beside my bag, took my water bottle out and drank half of the water in it.

Leaning back on the wall, I closed my eyes and combed my hand through my hair. I grimaced at how wet it was. Opening my eyes, I found myself staring at him again. Trying to be discreet about it, I watched him while he moves to the beat of the music.  His eyes were closed so I took the chance to study him from far away knowing that he would never know that I was staring at him.

He was gorgeous. Him wearing a t-shirt and a sweatpants, sweat on his forehead, his face scrunched in concentration; I couldn’t help myself from thinking that. I don’t know why, but there something about him wearing t-shirts and sweatpants. Maybe because he looked simple or maybe because he looked even manlier, she wasn’t sure. All that I know is that I like him like more than the Sam I see on the television.

I looked away when he stopped and opened his eyes. My eyes immediately clashed with those of Enrique, my best pal. I knew he noticed me staring at Sam when he smirked and raised an eyebrow at me. I glared at him to keep him silent. He raised both eyebrows in return and grinned at me. I answered him by raising my closed fist in front of my face, letting him know that I will really beat him when he didn’t stop teasing me. He raised both his hands in mock surrendering, I let it go. The practice was finished and he immediately made his way to me.

“Nakatitig ka na naman Devs. Hinay-hinay lang, baka matunaw na si Sam niyan.” He sat beside me and I immediately punched him in the arm.

“Ow!”

“Tumigil ka nga! Baka marinig ka niya! Papatayin talaga kita pagnangyari yun!” Punching him in the arm again, I looked around and saw that everyone was either packing up or talking with each other. He was one of the people who were packing up, listening to his iPod while nodding his head to the music blaring in his ears. I sighed with relief; no one was paying them any attention.

Noticing me watching Sam again, he chuckled and softly whacked my head, “Natatakot kang malaman niya ang sikreto mo pero titig ka nang titig. Sa ginagawa mong yan, talagang mapapansin nila yan.”

“Ang gwapo niya kasi eh. Hindi ko amiwasang titigan siya.” I can’t help but smile at what I’d said. You can’t blame me for saying that, right? No?  Thought so.

“Gwapo din naman ako ah, ako na lang kaya titigan mo.” I stared at him like he has two heads. I know he’s handsome but there is no one who can replace him in my eyes.

“Kapal mo!” I said at the same time I whacked his stomach with my water bottle. “Baka mahuhulog yung mga mata ko kapag tinitigan kita.”

“Aray naman Devs! Totoo naman ah.”

“Gwapo ka nga pero para sa akin, wala nang mas gwapo pa sa kanya.” He made a face and I stuck my tongue at him.

“Sinong gwapo?” A voice I know so much said. I was so concentrated in teasing Enrique that I didn’t notice Sam sitting beside me. I jumped and turned to look at him.

“Uh, kanina ka pa ba jan?” I frowned. I hoped he didn’t hear everything. I would kill myself when he did.

“Bago lang.” He looked at his watch”30 seconds pa lang ako nakaupo dito. Bakit?” He stared at me and I felt like my heart would be jumping out of my chest.

“Ah, wala lang.” I inwardly sighed in relief. He didn’t hear us having a conversation about him. Saving myself, I smacked him in the arm.

“Ow. What was that for?” He rubbed his arm, pretending to be hurt, even though I didn’t hit that hard.

“Eh ginulat mo ko eh! Alam mo naming ayaw kong gingulat ako.” I crossed my arm in my chest and stared ahead to prove my point. He chuckled and put his hand on my head, mussing my hair.

“Sorry na. Masarap ka kasing asarin eh. I’ll try not to do it always.” He said, laughing when I held his hand and pushed it no gently from my head.

“He! Sinasabi mo lang iyan!” I was still pretending to be angry but I was betrayed by the quirking of my lips. Stupid lips. Couldn’t help it, his laugh is contagious.

“So, who were you talking about?”

Hearing his question, I inwardly cursed at myself. “Ah..”

“Ah yun, inaasar kasi ako ni Devs. Sinasabi niyang mas gwapo para sa kanya yung kapatid ko kaysa sa akin eh alam naman nating hindi totoo yun. Diba Devs?” Quen was so silent during our conversation that I forgot that he was still there. I felt guilty about that but the relief that I felt overwhelmed it. I guess I owe you one Quen.

I didn’t realize I was holding my breath when Quen nudged me with his elbow.

 “Ah oo.” That was all I could say. I watched his face twist in confusion on the way I was acting so I laughed to save myself. Unfortunately that laugh didn’t save me, in fact, it made the situation worse. Sam was staring at me intently and I was instantly drowning in his eyes. I became oblivious of what was happening around me.

There was a loud clearing of throat behind me which brought me out of my trance. I broke my gaze from his eyes and that seems to bring him out of his stupor as well. We faced away from each other, avoiding the ‘moment’. I studied my leggings and picked invisible lint off from it. From the corner of my eye, I can see Sam doing the same to his shoulders. An amused smile appeared on my face. I realized that I wasn’t the only one embarrassed by what happened and an amused smile appeared on my face.

Enrique seemed to read my mind as he chuckled beside me. Turning my head towards him, I narrowed my eyes. He just grinned cheekily while I glared at him malevolently. He only produced a peace sign with his hand then he proceeded to stand up, dusting his jersey shorts, and said, “Makaalis na nga baka mabugbog pa ako dito.” I raised my hand and swatted his leg which he quickly moved it out of the way, stumbling in the process. A few of the people in the room laughed, me and Sam included.

“Do it man or else you’ll end up with no foot.” Ivan shouted from the other side of the side.

“Oo nga! Kilala mo naman ang metal hands ni Devon, walang pinipili.” That was from Aaron. Everyone laughed.

“Mga sira!” I shouted playfully at them. “Inaasar nyo na naman ako!”

“Pero Devon, it’s always fun to tease you.” James joined in his rich aussie accent.

“So ano, clown lang ba ako dito?” Joining the teasing, I noticed Sam shaking with laughter beside me. I grinned from ear to ear. At least I’m making him laugh.

Enrique, Aaron, Ivan and James have identical grins on their faces when Enrique said, now sitting with the other boys, “Parang ganoon na nga.” I threw the first thing that my hand touched at him and it was my face towel. It fell down halfway and everyone laughed again. I dropped my pretense and laughed with them.

While everybody was laughing, I felt a nudge beside and turned to find Sam staring at me. He was giving me his smile that always made my bones melt, good thing I was sitting instead of standing.

“What?” I smiled back at him.

He shrugged and smiled again. I felt like smacking him for smiling like that. No one bothered us; the boys are now teasing Yen so he leaned closer and whispered into my ears. “Di bale nang clown basta sexy’t maganda ka, kuntento na ako.”

I laughed out loud and punched him on his shoulders and exclaimed, “Buang! Bolero ka talaga noh?”

“Aray naman Devon!” He rubbed his shoulders and looked at me seriously for a long time. I consciously twitched in my place and avoided his gaze.

When I couldn’t take it any longer, “Sam, tumigil ka nga sa pagtitig mo kundi matitikman mo ulit ang mga metal hands ko.”

Laughing, he stood up and offered his hand to me. I took his hand and stood up. “Tara na nga at magpack-up na tayo, baka pagalitan ka pa ng mama mo kasi late kanang umuwi.” That’s when I realize that everyone was readying to go home and we were still there standing and I’m nowhere near ready for home. Then I started to panic and quickly packed my things.

Sam just laughed and went to me, “Don’t worry, I’ll take you home para naman hindi na maabala ang mama kapag magpasundo ka pa.”

I smiled at him. “Thanks ha, matutuwa mama ko nyan. Alam mo naming crush ka nun.”

“Patay tayo jan!” He laughingly told me.

“Bakit naman?” I turned to him, confused.

“Crush ko kasi yung bunso niya eh.” He smiled and scratched his neck.

I blushed. “Tumigil ka nga.” I hit him in the stomach while he guffawed. When I finished packing, we said goodbyes to the people left in the room, earning some teasing from the boys, squeals from the girls and Enrique giving me a knowing look. I just gave him the darkest look I ever made.