"Bro, let's grab some drinks..." Lacson came over to where Magnolia, Bernard, and I were chilling. Bernard's like my right-hand man, and Magnolia never left our side. The peeps I splashed with dirt earlier were nearby too. We were all nodding to each other, no tension, no worries. Every time someone called my name, I'd give a high five. It felt like a fiesta, just good vibes all around. We started munching, and soon enough, I heard the familiar hiss of beer bottles popping open. All us dudes had a beer in hand. I seized the moment and felt like speaking up.
"CLASSMATES!! I'M ONLY GONNA SAY THIS ONCE! TO THOSE I'VE WRONGED, FIRST OFF, I WANNA SAY SORRY." My heart pounded as the room fell silent.
"... TO THOSE WHO HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST ME, EVEN IF I DON'T KNOW WHY, SORRY TOO, I DIDN'T MEAN TO OFFEND YOU..."
Still, silence.
"FOR THE FIRST AND LAST TIME, I WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW, I HAVE NO BEEF WITH ANYONE HERE. YOU HAVE NO REASON TO BE ARROGANT TOWARDS ME; YOU CAN APPROACH AND TALK TO ME ANYTIME! LET'S STAY SOLID AS CLASSMATES TILL THE END OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR 1994!"
Some started clapping and whistling!
"SO EVERYONE, BROTHERS, LET'S RAISE OUR BOTTLES!"
They all listened... you know, because they actually raised their bottles!
"LONG LIVE SOPHOMORE, SECTION ELEVEN!"
"WWWHHHHHHOOOOOOAAAAAHHHHH!!!"
"LONG LIVE, LONG LIVE, LONG LIVE....."
Some were sneering, eaten up by jealousy, but my classmates had my back! It was a blast for all of us! People started sharing their thoughts and feelings too. My fiery speech seemed to radiate, and after saying it, I felt like a new person. Magnolia was smiling, her cheeks flushed.
I placed my hand over her palm, giving it a gentle squeeze while looking at her face, resting her chin on her hand. I don't know, but we both looked teary-eyed. I scooted closer to her. No one would probably notice since everyone was standing and cheering. I moved closer, and she adjusted her position, moving her right hand to her neck to shield her face. She closed her eyes, and so did I, and our lips met. In that brief stolen moment, we shared three "Ohm---tsup" kisses - the "Ohm" from our closing lips, and the "tsup" from the light smacking sound as we parted.
We finished without anyone noticing. She brushed some hair behind her right ear, took my right hand, placed it on the table, our fingers interlocked, and covered it with her other hand. She gently pinched my skin and sometimes the hair on my arm. Magnolia's small gestures hinted at something, and I noticed her taking a deep breath.
She raised my hand along with hers and playfully bit my knuckle. It was quick, then she hid it under the table and caressed it. It was the first time I felt nonsexual affection from a girl. Magnolia was so affectionate and caring; she showed me that part of herself. I thought to myself, I need to tell her how I feel first; I know I love her. It might be the surge of emotions from how she made me feel, but it's different when a guy confesses first. It's like validating her efforts to show her feelings. It's tough to suppress that because girls have complex emotions. It needs to be reciprocated. I need to catch her before this day ends.