Curiosity is different on being interested.

Chapters 6

I was at the cafeteria lounge, sitting on one of those steel chairs with matching steel table. Since I went early, I decided to go here to have a quick breakfast. I didn't want to disturb Ate Serene's sleeping hours since she went home around 4 am. She deserve to have a rest.

I already told my ate not to abuse herself just to gain money but she's just keeping say the words, ‘I'm okay’ like as if I am blind.

Ate is a good singer. She has a lot of gig's every night. In the morning, she has a work in a company. Around 11 am is her duty while 7:30 pm is her out.

Most of the time she's just going at home just to eat a dinner with me and then right after she will work again. If it's not because of Jane — a friend of her, I wouldn't be aware that she's also accepting a work as a waitress if she's done early on her gig's.

It's so hard for me to see her abusing herself just for me. I am a freelance singer, but because ate didn't want to see me working, I'm just keeping it as a secret.

I grew up with a musician family, that's why no doubt if I also had this talent.

I used to sing on weddings, birthdays, or any kind of events. But of course, I can't give my own money to her. For sure, she will ask me if where I get it.

“Hey Benj!” I almost threw my paperwork's when Giljean abruptly appears.

This girl really wants to get me a heart attack. Haist, I think it's her habit to appears out of the blue.

“What do you need?” I said without giving her any glance.

“Psh! Do you really think that I'm just talking to you because I have a needs.” she said. I bit my lower lip to prevent from smiling. I imagine how she made face because of what I've said.

“What do you want to make me think of? That you're here just because you had a crush on me?” I teasingly said. This time I put down those papers that I am reading.

“W-What!?” she said with disbelief.

“Why are you laughing, huh?” she said while trying to avoid my gaze.

“You're blushing.” I said and left her hanging.

“You! Jerk!” I heard she shouted. I know she followed on me.

“Hey! I don't like you!” she said when she finally level with me.

“As you said so.”

“I'm just here to say that I already have a second dare.” she said.

I sighed and give her a glance. “Not at this early please. ”

“It's easy, promise.” she said.

“Fine!” I said, totally defeated.

“Be my friend.” I looked at her trying to figure out if she's serious.

“So?” she said when I am still not giving a response on what she said.

“I already consider you as a friend since the day one we met.”  That's true. Because I'm that kind of person who don't talk a lot if you are not a friend to me. I don't want to waste my time talking with those  people who's not important to me.

“So...you mean, we're already friends? ” she said with a glee.

I nodded.

“Yes! I have already friend here in Manila!!!” she was almost shouted it.

“Why? You didn't grew up here?” I curiously asked.

“No. I came from a province.” she said. I saw how her mood changed.

“Wanna talk about what happened? Why you need to go there so?” I know it's a private thing but, yeah, I'm just curious.

“I broke up with my boyfriend last month. He cheated on me. And worst thing here is, my best friend is his girl.” she said, trying to hold on her tears.

“Sorry, I didn't know.” I said sincerely.

“It's okay. That's why I don't want also to have a girl friend here. I'm afraid to be betrayed again.” I saw how sad her eyes while uttering those words.

She's still in pain. I don't know why, but it gives me an unfamiliar pain on my chest.

“Sorry for that dramatic scene. ” she said trying to be sounds happy.

“It's okay.”

“PEJI!” We both look on the right side where there's a couple who's now are fighting.

I thought it's Peji that I know, but he's not.

I remember what I am thinking awhile ago about his course. Maybe is it really okay if I ask her right?

But I can still know it if I ask on her buildings or maybe, through following her on her building.

No. No, Benj! You will look like her stalker. You should ask her instead.

“Ahh...Giljean—”

“Just called me Gilj, that's my nickname.” she said as she cut me off.

“Ahh, Gilj...may I ask you?” I really tried my best not to sound nervous. I don't understand why I need to be nervous like this, I am just going to ask.

“Yes you can, except about math.” I didn't controlled myself from laughing because of what she said.

“No, it won't be.” this time she turned her glance at me.

“Then what is it?” she asked.

“What is your course?” Yes! I made it!

“Oh my gosh! ” she said with a shocked face.

“No..it's..you misunderstood it. Don't assume.” I said, trying to defend my side.

“Assume of what?” she asked. Now, she look so curious.

Damn, Benj! What are you doing!

“That...” I tried to find an alibi.

“That?” she repeated.

“That I am interested on you... I mean, I am just asking because I wanted to know, that's it.”

I don't know if I look so defensive, but that's my only reason why I want to ask her.

“You find me interesting?” she asked with a teasing smile.

“No. I already explained. Stop that kind of assumptions of yours.” this is the reason why I don't want to ask.

“Actually, I never think about that things. I just became shocked when you asked because I remember that we have a receit on my major course.” I feel so relief when she uttered those words.

“But... You are the one who really have that kind of assumptions on us. Better to stop that.” she said and began to walk.

“Hey! It's nothing!” I shouted.

She turned around. “Okay, as you said so.” she said and turned back. “Computer Engineering!” I heard she added.