JANE
Jane Aguamente.
So that's your real name, Burgundy.
A third-year accounting student and third runner-up in the recent Mister & Miss Intramurals. I admit, I was biased back then, but I realize now that you deserve the crown, and I want to protest your loss.
Modesty aside, I'm somewhat of a notable figure at LeCentral University. As the child of a prominent haciendero and socialite, I've made a name for myself in motocross and music. Yet, despite the long line of admirers, my heart remains unclaimed.
As I entered the accountancy building, I was greeted by hushed whispers and curious gazes. Being an architecture student, I seldom venture into this building. My primary intention was to see you, although I also wanted to visit my friend Ruel-Blue, a fellow motocross enthusiast.
While exploring, I didn't catch sight of you, and you weren't accompanied by anyone with your distinctive hair color. That was until I stumbled upon Ruel-Blue, sitting solo in a study area, emitting an air of seriousness and enigma, with his laptop at the ready. Recognizing my signature scent, he greeted me with a warm smile upon noticing my presence.
We shared a casual fist bump, and as we sat facing each other, it seemed he had something on his mind.
"I'm not accustomed to you dropping by. Are you missing me, bored, or need something?"
"Is it wrong to visit my good friend? Also, checking if aliens abducted you or something."
"I was expecting aliens to beam me up, but maybe they chose someone more attractive, so I wasn't picked."
"Hang in there! Someone cares about you too."
"By the way, you suddenly vanished yesterday at the festival. Where did you go?" I forgot to tell you, I was hanging out with Ruel-Blue at the festival yesterday. He was calling out my name, but I snuck off to catch up with you, Burgundy. Luckily, he didn't chase after me!"
"I had to find a bathroom. I was bursting!"
"Take a cue from other partygoers who wear adult diapers for a hassle-free experience."
"You're really smart at giving advice. I wonder if you actually follow it yourself."
Ruel-Blue and I shared a laugh, exchanging lighthearted jabs. When he excused himself to quench his thirst at the cafeteria, I remained seated. Left alone, I found myself anticipating your arrival, expecting every passing student to be you.
"Girls, is that really Boomslang on the bench? Pinch me!"
"That's him, Carlyle! The famous motocrosser! Guys, can we get a photo with him?"
"Gosh, Rosie, how many pictures do we need with Boomslang? I'm sure he's already cringing with us taking non-stop photos. But if I find out his girlfriend is here, watch out because I'll mess up her long hair!"
"Calm down, Cesshe. He must have a friend here, that's all."
The last voice I heard was so sweet and delicate, but later my ears felt like they were pricked by rose thorns. I got curious and turned around, and there you were, Burgundy! I finally saw you, and that voice I heard was yours? Our eyes met, but you seem to be giving me a cold vibe?
You're with three other girls: the tough one - Grungy, the gentle one - Fluffy, and the sassy one - Slutty. Among the four of you, you stand out. Your group sat in the adjacent study area. While you're three friends looked like they were giddying, you remained courteous.
"How are you and Sir Grewean doing?" Fluffy asked you a question.
"I don't get him, Rosie. I'm not ready to talk to him yet. I'm still upset."
"If only I was with you yesterday, your argument wouldn't have escalated that far. Mommy was rushed to the hospital and she needed my care."
"No need to feel guilty. I'm fine. How's Tita, anyway?"
"She is feeling better now."
You have a way of understanding your friends, and I don't think you're one to judge. I consider myself kind, Burgundy - kind, yet uncertain if I'm authentically good-hearted.
"If I were in your shoes, I'd be wise. I'd listen to Grewean and avoid causing him any trouble." Slutty thinks you should follow her advice.
"You can talk like that because you're not living with him. You don't really know what he's like."
"Grewean is the whole package- rich, reliable, and protective. He'll treat you like royalty! What woman wouldn't love that? And let's be real, he's also got a big gun and is pretty tough." What she meant about the word 'GUN' is 'DICK.'
"Tell me the truth, Cesshe. Do you like him?"
"He's not the kind of guy I'd be interested in. He's older than I prefer."
Honestly, she has genuine feelings for Sadboy, but why are we drawn to those who don't return our affection, Burgundy? And why can't we appreciate those who truly care for us? Currently, I'm just a fleeting presence in your life - insignificant yet palpable.
"Is Rigolos aware of the issue between you and Kuya Grewean?" Grungy asked.
"I won't tell him. He'll hear about it anyway, even if he's not on social media. There are people who can't resist spreading rumors."
"So, what's your status with Rigolos now?"
"Rigolos is a loyal friend. He's always been there for me, and I don't want to jeopardize our friendship."
Rigolos. That's BoRat's name, fitting for someone who looks like a literal 'Burat,' an ugly and Filipino term for 'manhood.' You two have a long history, and his significance in your life is evident. However, I'd rather not hear his name from you right now. Let's cherish this moment, Burgundy. I want you to sense my presence, so I took the initiative. I stood up and came closer to you.
"Pardon me, I'm having trouble navigating this building. Could you please direct me to the restroom?" I'm asking you, being my usual nice self.
"Just go straight ahead, then turn right, and you'll see the restroom sign there." Slutty responded. So presumptuous, and I dislike her existence.
"Thank you. By the way, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Kintsugi Larkansas."
"I'm Princesshe Phoetlockes." Slutty's palms are soft, but I won't generalize, though it's obvious she's apathetic. Among the three, she's the most loquacious, thick-skinned, diva-like, and acts like a queen bee, with an arrogant face.
"I'm Rosie Bernhard." Fluffy's palms are sweaty, clearly anxious. Among the three, she's the shyest, but approachable, understanding, and the most intelligent. And the traitor in the group.
"I'm Carlile Ernevel." Grungy's palms are tough, like bronze. Among the three, she's the hazardous and moves like an action star. Tough but incredibly soft-hearted.
And finally---
"Jane." Your rough hands show you've been through a lot in life. You're hardworking and determined. Your introduction lacks enthusiasm. I know you're sweet to me, but I won't let you take me for granted.
"Jane---" I'm waiting for your response. Say your name, or I'll hyphenate it with my surname, do you want that?
"Jane Aguamente." And we shook hands.
I don't want to let go of your hand, but I have to. I forgot, I still need to go to the bathroom. And where's Ruel-Blue? He left a while ago, but hasn't returned yet. He even left his laptop open. Luckily, your group is here, Burgundy.
As I walk, I still feel your touch, your skin as coarse as sandpaper. All day, I've been thinking about your touch, your luscious eyebrows, your velvety eyelashes, your chiseled nose, and your sultry lips. Just because you bleached your hair, does that make you too snobbish for me?
Afternoon, and Ruel-Blue and I were outside a convenience store playing The Smiths' music. You know, Burgundy, I was supposed to drive you home? We sat at a table, drinking canned root beer. He handed me a flyer. It announced an upcoming motocross event.
"Want to enter the contest, bro? Look, the prize is substantial too."
"Do you think this is legitimate or a fraud? Listen, it says here that to join, you need to make an online appointment and pay a registration fee through credit card. Sounds like a hoax to me."
"This is legit, I assure you. The organizer is my godfather, so I trust him. Even if he tried to scam us, I know where to find him. Money's never been an issue for us, and this price is just pocket change. The registration fee's no biggie."
"You know me, I don't bother with things that don't matter."
"Come on, join already. Don't be modest!"
Ruel-Blue is really persistent. Eventually, he convinced me. And when fate brought us together, I saw you, Burgundy. You were across the street, at the refilling gasoline station, riding a motorcycle, and even wearing a helmet, I recognized you by your attire and physique.
"I know you're staring at Jane Aguamente. She's the one with a reputation, and rumors about a sugar daddy." Ruel-Blue caught me staring at you and BoRat being very touchy with each other, and you two were even joking around.
"Seriously?"
"Truth is, he's not her sugar daddy; he's actually her twin sister's husband."
"She has a twin sister?"
"Jane has a twin who went missing years ago. Her sister was last spotted at a concert. After searching for so long without finding her, they eventually lost hope and presumed her dead."
"How did you find out all of this?"
"You're aware I have lots of female friends, aren't you? They're great at digging up info and love sharing gossip."
"Don't you think the guy she's with, who resembles a pin-up boy, is her boyfriend?"
"I'm not certain, but I heard they've known each other since childhood. His name is Rigolos Montevallo; he's a third year mechanical engineering student and on the Dean's list."
"Do you think they're a good match?"
"Why? Do you think you're a better match for Jane?"
I smiled at what Ruel-Blue said. I was taken aback by what I heard, especially about you, Burgundy. But I'm not easily convinced, especially when the information comes from people who speak freely, gossipmongers, and rumormongers - and Ruel-Blue is not among them.
I need to excuse myself from Ruel-Blue since I'll be following your and Borat's tracks, but Ruel-Blue thinks I have a guitar lesson.
BoRat brought you safely home, and I have a problem. It's too early. Too early to snoop around. Someone might see me if I position myself on the balcony, BoRat might catch me, or your neighbors might spot me and report me to you, the village council, or the police, and I'm not stupid.
So I decided to enter the derelict house. Besides the front door, I searched for other entrances to this abandoned house, only to end up disappointed in the end. Everything was locked.
I saw a nearby hatchet and used it to smash the boarded-up window. I looked around cautiously, worried someone might have witnessed my actions. But there was no one. Finally, I managed to enter the abandoned slash condemned house.
I'm in the kitchen, but I suspect I've made an error, Burgundy. Upon examining the sink, I found a plate with fresh spaghetti sauce stains and detected the scent of recently consumed beer.
A gun was trained on me from behind. I released the hatchet and slowly raised my hands in surrender.
"Who are you? What's your business?"
"I mean no harm."
"Really? And who would believe you? You entered my house without permission, broke the window, and do you think I'm idiotic?"
"You're the smarter one here."
"Shut up or you're dead!"
This woman, with her shrill voice and gun pointed at me, is unaware of the opponent she's facing.
I swiftly approached her and seized the Winchester Model 70 rifle from her grasp. She fell to the ground, and upon assessing her state, I discovered she had succumbed to unconsciousness.
I almost got killed, Burgundy. If only she had used her brain, if she had just pulled the trigger, I'd probably be lying on the floor with blood from my head flowing continuously.
In a moment of error and deception, I lashed out and kicked the woman's stomach. Stinky, with her unkempt hair, oily skin, and overpowering stench, was lifted into an armchair. I restrained her hands and feet, and her grimy, overgrown nails made me nauseous.
Overcome with revulsion, I spat in her repulsive face, silencing her with a bandana before she could utter a vile remark. I temporarily left Stinky in the kitchen, and upon regaining consciousness, she'll remain helpless, while I'll be armed and ready to act without hesitation.
I walked into the living room and noticed a window. I drew the curtains, and from here, I see you and BoRat together.
You're embracing each other, and your hair is bleached.
BERSERK PHANTASMS
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