Chapter 24: Cafe Chismis
Aria and her friends all set out and walked towards the new café near campus.
As they entered the café, the cool, air-conditioned atmosphere enveloped them which is a refreshing change from the warmth outside. Marcus glanced around, taking in the cozy ambiance and stylish decor.
"Wow, ang instagram worthy naman ng place na ito," Marcus commented, gesturing towards the minimalist artwork on the walls and the comfortable seating arrangements.
Aria and Emily nodded in agreement as they scanned the café for a suitable spot to sit. They spotted a staircase leading to a second floor and decided to check it out for a quieter spot to relax.
"Tingnan natin ang taas," Emily suggested, leading the way.
They climbed to the second floor and discovered it was less crowded, with a few tables offering a view through large windows.
They found a corner table with a view of the street below and settled in.
"This is perfect," Aria said, taking a seat and adjusting her bag.
"Yeah, perfect para sa chikatime natin mamaya." Emily replied as she placed her bag beside her.
Marcus joined them, pulling out a chair. "May chika kayo?"
"Oo pero mamaya na, order muna tayo," Emily replied with a smile.
They all headed downstairs to check out the menu. Emily approached the counter first.
"Isang caramel macchiato po," Emily ordered with a smile.
"I'll have a spanish latte, please," Aria then ordered. As she was placing her order, she turned to Marcus with a curious smile.
"Anong order mo, Marcus?" Emily asked.
Marcus considered the options on the menu briefly. "Hmmm... Same nalang din sa iyo Aria," he decided, nodding at the barista.
They also decided to order a pizza to share.
"Can we get a pizza as well?" Aria asked, looking over at Emily and Marcus.
"Here's your beeper po ma'am and sir," the barista said, handing it to Aria. "Your drinks and pizza will be ready shortly."
"Thank you po," Aria replied with a smile, taking the beeper.
They returned to their seats upstairs, chatting about their day and eagerly anticipating their orders. The cozy ambiance of the café provided the perfect backdrop for their conversation as they settled in to wait for their drinks and pizza.
They sat down, and Marcus leaned forward with a curious look. "So, anong chika?" he asked.
Emily grinned. "About kay Aiden," she said, glancing at Aria and Marcus.
Aria raised an eyebrow. "Ano naman about kay Aiden?"
Emily leaned in closer, her grin widening. "Well, parang iba lang siya sa first impression natin, di ba?"
Marcus nodded. "Oo nga. Remember nung after dance practice when we all went out for street food? Di ko inaasahan na susunod siya sa suggestion ko na kumain ng balut," and he continued, "tapos ang polite niya ha,"
Aria chuckled, recalling the memory. "Yeah, I was surprised too. I think na okay siya ma barkada pero in terms of love... parang ang red flag niya,"
Emily nodded thoughtfully. "True. Parang ang sarap niya maging kaibigan, pero ibang usapan na in terms of relationships."
Marcus leaned back in his chair, looking contemplative. "He's actually polite at ang fun niya kasama, pero parang may issues siya with commitment. Di ba nakita mo Aria na nakipag-break siya sa ex gf niya dahil nag cheat siya?"
Aria nodded, her expression turning more serious. "Oo, nakita ko yun. It was pretty messy. Kaya nga parang ang hirap magtiwala when it comes to Aiden,"
Marcus leaned forward again, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Baka he's just scared. Scared of getting hurt. Minsan yung mga taong may pinagdadaanan, they build walls around themselves para di na sila masaktan ulit."
Aria considered this, feeling conflicted. "Yeah, he does seem guarded. And honestly, Di ko alam kung anong mafefeel sa kanya. On one hand, I really enjoy his company, especially after that night we all had street food. Parang ang geniune niya non."
The beeper buzzed, signaling that their order was ready. Aria stood up, grateful for the distraction. "Ako na kukuha sa pizza and drinks."
Emily and Marcus nodded, watching as Aria walked away to retrieve their order.
Aria returned with the pizza and drinks and she set everything down on the table, trying to push her conflicting thoughts about Aiden aside for the moment.
"Thanks, Aria," Emily said, grabbing a slice of pizza.
"Yeah, thanks!" Marcus echoed, taking his drink. "Enjoy muna natin itong free time and not worry muna,"
Aria smiled, "Tama, let's just enjoy the moment."
As they began eating, the delicious aroma of the pizza filled the air, and the lively chatter of the café provided a comforting backdrop. They dove into their food, savoring each bite and laughing as they chatted.
After finishing their meal, they gathered their belongings and made their way back to USTP. The day passed in a blur of lectures, note-taking, and group discussions.
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