#i'm just surprised i even knew lagi

[causenessus]

I hope this silly kitty brightens up your day/night 🫶

THE KITTY IS SO TINY :((( OMG HE DEFINITELY DID THANK U SM <3333 i hope your day/night has been well <3

[alasijia]

MUAK (FED UP)

ft. itoshi sae

summary : highschool sweethearts that quickly grew out of each other.

wc : 683

notes - whenever i think of sae i only think of angst sorry 🙏 + i love this song sm

masterlist

Tahukah sakit yang tak terobati? (Have you known of incurable pain?)

Itoshi Sae was a stoic man. Everyone knew of that. So it was a surprise when you'd melt the barriers to his heart, and managed to get him to fall for you.

You two were known as the "iconic couple" all throughout high school. Everyone praised you, said you were lucky for being able to date such a prodigy. And it was true, you were lucky to be with him.

Yet, it seemed your luck ran out the day you had one specific fight with him. Fights were nothing irregular for the two of you, only, they'd never been of such intensity.

His words left an emotional scar on you, on that you figured would never heal.

Belum sempat sembuh, tertikam lagi. (Didn't manage to even heal, before I got hurt again.)

After days of giving him the silent treatment, you figured enough was enough and decided to come home to him. His apartment was empty, as he was away for practice. You decided to cook him dinner, waiting for his arrival.

But when he did, he said things to spite you for your dissapearance.

"So, you decided to crawl back to me?" He'd scoffed, eyeing the plate of food you prepared for him. He merely spared it a glance before walking away. You thought he'd eat it after his shower, but no, he never even stepped foot into the kitchen after that. And that night, you found him fast asleep in bed after a short interaction with you, while you waited nearly hours for him.

Muak, aku muak... (Fed up, I'm fed up...)

Since that day, the two of you barely spoke to each other. When you got up, he had either left for practice already, or was still fast asleep and refused to be woken up.

Even when you did interact, only more arguments would arise between the two of you.

You were sick and tired of this. You've lost count of the nights you've cried over him.

What happened to the iconic couple you two were before?

Katanya cinta sedalam samudra (You said you loved me as deep as the ocean)

You remember the day he first told you he loved you, the promises he made that one day, he'd put a ring on your finger. You believed him.

4 years of being with Itoshi Sae, waiting for him to fulfill his promise.

4 years of being hung up on his words of, "I love you more than anything in the world, heck, you are my world."

Bohong nyata kita berakhir juga. (You lied, because we ended anyway.)

And now, those same words and promises, were ones you despised.

The day he said, "Let's break up." You hated those words and promises that turned to be empty. You hated him, and primarily, yourself, for even believing in his words.

You remember how you packed up your things, leaving his apartment, with him not even sparing you a single glance, not even bidding you goodbye, like it was yesterday.

Muak, aku muak... (Fed up, I'm fed up...)

Since then, when he'd inevitable pass by you in the streets or public spaces, he'd never spare you a glance.

You knew this, yet you were still hoping that maybe, he still wanted you, and everything was just a heat of the moment thing.

But for years had you waited, and that wish never came to be true.

Bila ujungnya berakhir juga. (what was the point, if in the end, we ended anyway?)

For 4 years of your life had you been known for being Itoshi Sae's significant other. Now, you were just a stranger to him. It's funny how things can change so easily.

4 years you wasted your time with Itoshi Sae, and another 2 years had you waited for him to come back to you and end up in your arms again.

6 years. 6 years of your life was spent, for one man who threw you away so easily.

You wondered, what did the relationship even mean to him?

Maybe he never really cared for you, but what does it matter now?

[pandoa]

"say you love me but make it sweeter"

you tell rook you love him. in a language he doesn't quite understand.

~rook hunt x gender neutral reader~

warnings: slight cursing; reader speaks tagalog. as i’ve said before, my tagalog is a tad rusty, so if there are any fluent tagalog speakers out there who can check my grammar, i’d appreciate it very much!! i’m too embarrassed to ask my irl filipino friends lol

just something short i wrote that’s purely self indulgent; happy birthday to meEeeEEEeEe~

“Mahal na mahal kita, Rook. Ikaw ang aking puso at aking buhay. Ang ilaw sa pinaka madilim ng gabi ko. Hindi ko kayang mabuhay nang wala ka, aking sinta.”

“(Y/n),” Rook’s voice rang throughout the golden-accented room of the Pomefiore huntsman. “What did you just say?”

You gave your eccentric boyfriend a knowing smile that reached the corners of your eyes in mischief, “Not telling~”

“Ah! You wound me, mon ange!” The shining blonde cried as he clasped his heart, feigning agony at your pixieish stunts. “How can one live in mystery after their beloved has spoken such lyrical words?” Rook, playing along with your indifference, sighed as his mind ran miles—pondering the meaning behind your native language. There was something so warm about each poetically bewitching thing you said. He could feel the sincerity and passion within your unknown words and was determined to pull the hidden meaning out of your wonderous mumbling. The man was curious, could you blame him?

“Well, continue to suffer because I’m still not telling you what I just said,” you laughed, beaming at the hunter.

The young man glanced at you anticipatingly, “Tell me what it means.”

“No.”

“Please?”

“No.”

“What if I knelt down on one knee right this instant, reached out for your hand, and declared my love just for you?”

You paused for a moment, contemplating his tempting offer, “...Never.”

“Trickster, I beg of you!”

“Oh, Rook—I already said no,” you said, giving him a sympathetic grim—almost pitying Rook’s desperation. “It’s more fun this way; like a small little secret only I know out of everyone in Twisted Wonderland~”

Rook, giving you a subtle pout, then promptly placed a gentle grasp onto your unknowing shoulders as you both sat atop the cotton covers of the vice housewarden’s mattress. “Mon tresor, if you refuse to tell me what it means, then please at least say it again. I wish to engrave your lovesome, enchanting voice into my mind.”

You looked his way again, baffled at his surprising request. “But… You knew nothing of what I had just said? Why would you want to hear it again?”

“Because your voice alone is so beautifully ethereal,” he replied with a certain tenderness gracing his tone, “however when partnered with the harmonious words of your home’s language, I cannot help but adore each syllable that comes from your angelic self.”

“I could have easily just insulted you and called you a bitch, you know,” you jokingly commented.

“Even that is beautiful in itself, mon amour.”

“...”

“You're hopeless, Rook.”

“Aha!” The man you called your lover laughed at your amusing reactions. “But you love me just the same, do you not~?”

You stared at the blonde—deadpanned—before sitting up and making your way out of the Pomefiore dorm room, away from the said third-year. “No comment.”

“Ah—Trickster! Wait!"

✧ ･ﾟ : ˚ · . ✧ ･ﾟ: ✧.* .ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐ ✧.* ✧ ･ﾟ : ˚ · . ✧ ･ﾟ:

“I love you very much, Rook. You are my heart and my life. The light of my darkest night. I cannot live without you, my dear.”

✧ ･ﾟ : ˚ · . ✧ ･ﾟ: ✧.* .ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐ ✧.* ✧ ･ﾟ : ˚ · . ✧ ･ﾟ:

a/n: IKAWWWW LAMANGGGG ANG TANGI KOOONG MINAMAHAL~ ANG LAGI KONGGGG DINARASAL~~~ also yes that last quote is a translation of what reader said- i'm cringing lmao

[welldonekhushi]

To Love An Indian | Tony Stark x Desi!Reader

Summary: The reader is a desi woman who was appointed as an assistant by Tony Stark. How will your relationship with the billionaire genius go?

Warnings: All fluff, used Hindi language! Translations are available.

Word Count: 2,914

The special fact about you was, being an Indian was something common about when you live in a western country.

Mostly migrate to other places for finding a job, same as you. Never believed once in your life, you're going to get a job of an assistant. For a billionaire genius, and a superhero.

Everyone in your family was so happy about it, at least they have expectations that their daughter will finally make her name and earn. Maybe find someone special that you find to be perfect in your life?

Your mom and dad always worked hard for you for a better future and lifestyle. They never been so happier when they found out you were being appointed for a job in America. They felt so successful and proud for making their daughter educated enough to send her further.

Your flight was tomorrow, but the nervousness just kicks inside that how would your interview go. It was actually Tony Stark, the genius, billionaire, playboy and philanthropist. You can't even mess up with him. But, there was one thing which bugged you about, a tingly feeling.

You remember him since the day when the world was saved from the Chitauri invasion, and everyone was celebrating about the victory of heroes. It filled throughout the Indian media, about the new superheroes, named as the Avengers, who fight the inside and outside evils. The moment Iron Man showed on the screen, you were left surprised. You kept staring at the hero saving others and making sure if they're secure.

Mostly! When he opened his mask, and revealed his face, everyone held such shocked faces, like they never knew Iron Man was basically a human inside controlling the suit.

"Lo, hum joh isse robot samaj rahe the, yeh toh insaan nikala!" Your grandmother exclaimed. (Wow, we thought he was robot, but he turned out to be a human?)

"Chodo na, dadi. Hai toh hero, na?" You replied, turning back to the television. (Leave, grandma. At least he's a hero, right?)

But, you kept looking at his face. The way he spoke, the way he actions, and everything. You were lost into the man, that suddenly you revealed your smile, your sister noticing it.

"Didi, kya hogaya?" Your sister broke your contact, making you jerk in an instant. (What's wrong, sis?)

"O-oh, k-kuch nahi. Bas me usse dekh rahi thi, baat karte hue." You stammered, looking back. (Oh, it's nothing. I was just looking at him, talking.)

"Oho, pyaar me toh nahi pad gaye na?" Your sister teased, making you blush. (Oh, are you falling in love, huh?)

"Aree! Pagal toh nahi ho? Of course nahi! Hero hai, respect karti hu." (Hey! Are you crazy? Of course no! He's a hero, and I respect him.)

You did appreciate him, but this kind of respect leading to somewhere else.

It was morning, and the time for your flight. Bidding everyone a heartwarming farewell, hoping to see your family soon again.

"Beta araam se jaana. Maine tere liye bahut saari kheer banayi hai. Kha lena agar bhuk lagi toh, thik hai?" (Dear, go easy while you leave. I made lots of pudding for you, so eat it if you feel hungry, alright?)

"Haa maa, ghabrao nahi. Me araam se jaaungi. Ashirvad do bas." You kneeled down to take blessing from your mom and dad, them giving it back. (Yes, mom don't worry. I'll go easy, just give me your blessing.)

"Khush raho, beti. Kaam karna aur naam roshan karna." Your father removed his spectacles, crying tears for her daughter leaving. (Be happy, my daughter. Work hard and make your name bright.)

You hugged your dad, weeping because he wasn't ready to accept the fact you were now leaving him for a long time. After breaking the hug, you wiped his tears, giving him confidence.

Stepping in the taxi, you bid them goodbye, waving your hand and leaving for the airport.

Your new life now began, the moment you entered America. Landing, you then stayed in the hotel for the night, tired and exhausted. But, along that you wanted to remember your lines, so you quickly revise and go to sleep. In the morning, you hurriedly reach Stark Tower for the interview, since the time was running a bit fast.

Entering in the huge interior, looking at a lot of people working in. It did made your nervousness kick in again, but behaved like a strong woman, just wanting to complete the interview as a badass.

You reached the receptionist. "Excuse me, can you tell me where will Mr. Stark take the interview?"

"Oh, on the 15th floor, meeting rooms."

"Thank you." You smiled, reaching the elevator and waiting for the floor to arrive. Checking your watch, you were two minutes late, but hoping they'll just manage. Entering the room, feeling the slight cold air hitting your skin. It seemed empty, but hoped he was waiting for a while.

"Uhm, Mr. Stark?" You called out.

"Come in, Miss (L/N)." A deep, masculine voice filled through the room, knowing someone was actually in. Stepping inside, and closing the door, you seat yourself, trying to hide away your nervousness. It seemed you were slowly forgetting your lines but, being a strong woman is your passion right? Who even can—

The moment the chair turned around towards your direction, you lost it. It looks like you totally forgot the lines now.

Because Tony Stark just faced in front of you.

Did you just, blush? No, it might be embarassment. But, he too stared at you for a while. It was like an awkward staring contest, but remembering you were here for an interview, you brought yourself back.

"Good morning, Mr. Stark. Sorry for being so late." You wipe off the flick of hair on your face.

"It's okay. At least you were on time." He replied, giving a smile. Damn, it was cute.

"So, Miss (L/N). You're from, India right?" He asked, looking at your documents.

"Y-yes! I'm from India, also fully graduated from college."

"What really made you accept this assistant job?" He started asking questions.

"I just don't want to work for money, but I want to find what better I can do while I'm by myself."

"That's everyone's expectations. We should really try something new, and it's a fact of finding your true self."

"Right." You nodded.

"Alright, I have appointed you, congrats." He closed the document and gave a grin.

You widen your eyes. "What? I-I thought you were going to ask more questions..?"

"I don't ask many of them, I know you're capable for everything so, no need." He shrugged.

"W-wow.. I mean, it's way different back there.. haha. What a prick I am." You chuckled.

"You shouldn't actually be uncomfortable or nervous around me, okay? I'll always be available for your problems." He stood up from his chair, and you also too. Offering his hand for a handshake, and you happily accept it.

"Congratulations for the job, Miss (L/N)."

"Aapka bahut, bahut dhanyawad." You accidentally speak in your language, making you cover your mouth in surprise. (Thank you very much.)

He raised his eyebrow in confusion, not sure what you really meant. "Excuse me?" He tilts his head, smirking.

"I-I meant, thank you for accepting me as your assistant, Mr. Stark.. I'm sorry about that." You replied, trying not to fluster from embarassment. But, it didn't seem to make him feel weird, he was like.. more interested?

"No no, it's fine. Accidents happen, but your language is just beautiful. Just tell me whenever you're about to speak Hindi, JARVIS, my AI will help me translate it." He chuckled, and you laugh back.

"Mr. Stark you're so funny." You shook your head and continued to laugh. He sees you smile, which somehow warmed his heart. You might not notice it, but something was being created in between.

And time actually told that, when you both worked together for a long time.

"Please, call me Tony."

✧

Years while working with Stark, you really enjoyed the job. He was a sweet, generous person who will look after you, hoping nothing worse happens. It kind of made you both like good friends, later on. Everytime you looked at him, some strange feelings always attacked you. You can't even guess what it means, but maybe because you really appreciate him.

One day came, when you even noticed about his weaknesses. It made you worry when he never came upstairs to sleep, so after a lot of convincing, he accepted your plead and slept. Even it became more forward, when Tony faced nightmares, and wanted to sleep with someone by his side.

He had been lonely, and it hurts.

His tired face made you want to rub it gently, and relax him to sleep. But, it looks like, you weren't friends anymore.

The way he became more protective and caring throughout your job in his mansion. Like a boyfriend.

But, the question came, does he even love you back, that you're feeling it all?

In the morning, Tony woke up to see the side of the bed empty. Maybe you were up early and started working. He got up and rubbed his hair, went downstairs to get some coffee. While drinking, he suddenly heard someone.. singing?

It didn't seem like an English song. It was foreign.

He could even hear the feminine sound softly, coming from the othe room.

Main tainu samjhawan ki, na tere bina lagda ji,

Main tainu samjhawan ki, na tere bina lagda ji,

Tu ki jaane pyaar mera, me karu intezaar tera,

Tu dil tuhiyo jaan meri

Main tainu samjhawan ki, na tere bina lagda ji,

When he slowly entered the room, you were the one singing while cleaning up the documents. Seriously, he never knew you sang so well. It literally made him feel so surprised, by seeing your other talent. He leaned on the door ledge, hearing you sing beautifully without noticing, like he was lost into it.

Everyday, whenever you used to sing this song while working, he secretly saw you and always adored your voice. It just made him fall in love.

On a particular day, he heard you sing the same song again. He stepped in the room, seeing your beautiful face and voice again.

In midway of your song, you turn around and see him on the doorway, and you gasped. "O-oh, Mr. Stark! G-good morning!"

"Good morning." He replied in his groggy, morning voice. "I never knew you sang so well. You never told me you even sing." He chuckled.

"Really..? I uhm, used to sing but, I had different plans.." You rub your hair, looking embarassed.

"But you sing so well.. I'm amazed." He smiled. "Problem is, I didn't understand because, that's a different language. God, I need to take Hindi classes from you, dang. What does it mean?"

You both laughed. "This song.. uhm actually is about, a lover, explaining his.. other lover that, he can't live without her, because they're deeply attached to each other. It's my favorite song, by the way."

"Oh really? You're into romantic songs, it seems." He raised his eyebrow and smirked, finding a seat.

"Yeah but, uhm.. because they show a lot meaning, even after I'm just a single-pringle, haha. Weird isn't it?"

He stared at you for sometime, it wasn't serious, but gentle. "It's not."

You blushed, don't know why but the tone of his voice dragged into it. Both kept staring at each, and had no idea about the surroundings.

You were the one to break through, coming back to reality. "Oh! S-sorry I just got lost.. a while back."

He got up from his chair, and went closer to your direction. Looking at each other's eyes, he found yours the most beautiful. Felt like he can swim in it. Caressing your cheek and rubbing it with his thumb, you started to panic inside, not able to notice what's happening now.

"Y/N.." He said, in a soft voice. "I.. wanted to ask about something."

You gulped, still flustered. "W-what is it?"

He realised something else, and then cleared his throat. ".. can you, teach me Hindi?"

"Huh?" You looked surprised.

"Yeah, I told a very while back, that I will once ask you to teach me Hindi. I'm very interested, can you please?" He flashed a grin. Like, there was no problem for you to teach him your language. It's good to make others know about your culture.

You gave him a nod as a reply, and he became excited. "Thank you, I'll gladly be your student, Miss Y/N."

✧

For weeks, Tony had been taking Hindi classes from you. I swear, it could have been tough for him, but he was just so interested to learn the language. All you know he was just keen so you were teaching him all that. Giving him assignments and worksheets with grammar, you helped him through everything.

"Maine khana khaya.." You said the words, and waited for him to recite back. (I ate my food.)

"Maine khana.. khaya? Did I say it right?" He replied, in a weird way because his American accent was also mixing in between.

"No no, you're going correctly! Now say it again."

"Maine khana khaya." Tony said it properly.

"Good! I'm proud of you. Damn, Tony. You're going good in this language."

"For you, I can do anything, even learning a tough language."

The moment which left you blank again. He still fixed his soft eyes with yours, clearing your throat to break the tension.

"Okay so, do you have any doubts so far?

"Well, uh. I have a doubt, many of them." He rubbed his nose.

"Ask me."

He first rubs his hands nervously, then looks back at you. "How do you say.. love in Hindi?"

"Oh, well.. pyaar." You replied, being straightforward.

"Okay.. now how do we say, you're beautiful in it?"

You felt a tingly feel in your stomach, but still continued. "Tum khoobsurat ho."

He chuckles. "Alright. Now, if I ask my final doubt.. how do I say.. I love you?"

You gasped. Did he really mean it? Clenching your pen, you became nervous.

"Tell me, my love. I want to know about it."

".. me tumse pyaar karta hu."

"Yes, that is what I wanted to hear." He skids closer to you, growing close to your face.

"Mujhe tumse pyaar hai." He said, properly in Hindi. You felt like to explode. Tony Stark.. loves you?

Suddenly, he gets up from the couch, offering his hand. You grab it and get up, till a familiar song plays in the room.

Tony grabbed your waist from one arm and your hand from the other, swifting to the movements as if they're dancing.

He started singing the song, when the verse began.

- play it now! -

"Main tainu samjhawan ki, na tere bina lagda ji.." He sang the line so perfectly. You were just shocked and surprised. Both were dancing like a couple on stage.

Main tainu samjhawan ki, na tere bina lagda ji..

Tu ki jaane pyaar mera, me karu intezaar tera,

Tu dil tuhiyo jaan meri

Main tainu samjhawan ki, na tere bina lagda ji..

While he was singing your favorite song, you were about to burst in tears. You never believed it. The billionaire genius, actually loved you this whole time. Happily resting your head on his chest, he continued to dance while holding you close. When the song finished, he still saw the tears in your eyes.

"D-did you wanted to learn Hindi.. b-because of all this?" Your voice cracked.

"Yes, my love. Just for you. I have to tell this but.. I fell in love the moment I saw you for the first time. Your smile, laugh, voice, behavior, eyes.. and your.."

"And your.. what?"

He sighed, and then leaned to close the gap between your lips. The kiss was sweet yet passionate, like he waited for this moment.

He pulled off for air, both of your gazes neutrally looking. "I'm surprised that I fell in love with an Indian, like you. But, you're pretty, no matter what nationality you belong to. You changed my life Y/N. Trust me, the way you took care of, pampered, and worried for me.. I can never forget that. I really love you for that, my love. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you.. d-do you accept me as your boyfriend?"

You started to sob, clenching his shirt tight. Maybe she wasn't happy about it. "L-look, if you don't accept, it's okay.. you deserve. Alot better than—"

"Yes, yes and a million times yes!" You said excitedly, and he sighs in relief. "Did you like.. learn the entire song?"

"Yeah, I even did take help from JARVIS for the translation, also from your teachings, never forgetting that." He winked.

"Oh god.." You laughed.

"But come on, you didn't like it? Tell me!"

"I did, Tony. And I want to thank you for it, a lot."

He gently wipes off your tears, and kisses your forehead. "Now, do you want to celebrate for our engagement?"

"Like where, Mr. Stark?" You said, flirtatiously.

He darkens his eyes, and picks you in the bridal style. "Right in our shared bedroom, sweetheart." He takes you in the room while giggling, shutting the door from inside.

[iwouldhavelovedyoustill]

EP6: Checkmate

She’s the queen.

At least to the chess club’s knowledge. Em Parreño had never lost a chess match… ever. The only people who had beaten her in her life are her father and her uncle. According to university records, she’s been really consistent in getting the gold place every year. Even male players can’t win against her and it’s a wonder she hasn’t competed for national titles yet.

Although she wears an imaginary crown only other people could see, Em doesn’t mind any of it, actually. She genuinely enjoys playing and learning from her opponents and the reason why she hasn’t participated in national competitions is that she wants to focus on her studies. “Ang bobo ko kasi,” she’ll always say. “Baka bumagsak ako.”

This is far from the truth because her grades are also exemplary.

It happened on a Thursday, though.

Her first loss.

She didn’t mind staying behind when someone challenged her to a fight and they even have a few audience members. Other students were all glued on the chessboard and perhaps, they were more focused than her.

Because she lost.. and not winning feels foreign to her taste.

On a Thursday evening, at exactly 7:48 PM, Em Parreño of BA Communication Arts lost to Miguel Lopez from BS Architecture.

No one could believe their eyes. The sports fest is only a few weeks away and here is another competitor who never came to light. There are separate categories for males and females in chess, but the thought of Em losing is new to everyone. Even if she’ll be able to bag the gold place again this year, they can’t erase the fact that someone is better at her in the game.

He stood up from his seat and offered his hand. It took her a while to take it and with a determined look on her face, she asked him if they could eat dinner together.

Miguel burst out laughing. “Ha?”

She shrugged. “Maybe we can talk about things… or maybe how I lost to you.”

“Anong how?” He shrugged and took back his hand. “You made a few wrong moves. Wala namang explanation na iba.”

Before they knew it, they’re walking to the school cafeteria. “Transferee ka ba?”

“Hindi.”

“Lower year?”

“Hindi rin.”

“E ano?”

“Fourth year.”

She’s in her third. “Mas matanda ka sa akin?”

“Yes, genius?”

“Bakit ngayon lang?”

“Na ano?”

“Mo ako inaya maglaro.”

“Busy sa plates.” He pointed at the bistek and asked for two cups of rice. “Hindi naman sa chess umiikot buhay ko.”

“E ngayon?”

“Anong ngayon?”

She opted for ginisang kangkong and she swore she did not miss the way he cringed. “Busy ka pa rin?”

Miguel looked at her suspiciously. “Bakit mo tinatanong?”

“Wala lang,” she took her first bite. “Gusto ko lang magpa-train.”

“Bakit? Yearly ka naman nananalo.”

“Eh baka may iba rin na hindi lang naglalaro kagaya mo,” Em confessed. “I’ve always wanted to find someone I can learn from.”

“Busy pa rin naman,” he answered, but the idea doesn’t seem so bad. “Try ko i-singit.”

She clapped her hands like a kid. “Pwede twice a week?”

“Ang dalas naman,” he declined. “Thrice?”

She obviously brightened up but tried to hide it. “Hala, sabi mo busy ka?”

“Dalawang araw lang klase ko,” he finally admitted. “Kaya kitang i-singit sa schedule.”

They agreed to meet in the library thrice a week and a week before the sports fest, they decided to meet everyday so she could focus. “Laging E2 to E4 opening move mo. Ayaw mo ng iba?”

“Sabi ng tatay ko e,” she honestly answered. That move stuck with her and she never bothered changing it.

“That’s the problem with you. You stick to counter moves. Need mo ring umatake.”

“E specialty ko sya,” Em reasoned out. “I just wait for my opponents to make a mistake.”

“That’s precisely why you lost to me,” Myk playfully tapped her head with his pen. “Inintay mo lang ako magkamali. I’m a careful player and I rarely make mistakes. Kung hindi ako umaatake, I just stick to the plan. There are other players like me.”

“So I need to be aggressive?”

“No,” he shook his head. “You need to take the lead. You always need a move to respond to and you slip away kapag mema lang ‘yung tira ni opponent. Kaya lagi kang nagpaparaya sa white e at puro ka black. Laro ulit. Ikaw naman white.”

Em was completely amazed. He was able to analyze her playing behavior within a few weeks. During the time they spent together, she realized a few things about him: He’s patient, kind, and cute. Miguel rarely smiles but he laughed tremendously when she slipped a fart. From then on, she stopped being embarrassed and just farted whenever. He got really annoyed because of it and reprimanded her several times.

She played D2 to D3 this time. “Hey,” she fidgeted with her hands. “Don’t you think you should give me a reward if I bag first place again?”

“Bakit naman?” He didn’t even look at her. “You always win.”

“Walang kasiguraduhan ha! A few months ago I’m really certain I would win but people like you exist pala. Sure bang wala kang younger sister?” G1 to F3.

“Wala,” he shook his head. “Brother lang.”

Ooohhh. “Bakit ka nag-Archi?”

“Masaya.”

"E ngayon?"

He chuckled. “Medyo na lang.” They both had a good laugh. “E Comm Arts?”

“Masaya rin,” Em smiled. “Marami lang attitude. Daming pa-queen behavior e.”

“Parang ikaw?”

She frowned. “Hindi ah.”

“Biro lang,” he looked away, a bit… embarrassed? “You’re actually nice.”

Her eyes lit up. “Really? You think I’m nice?”

“M-medyo,” he stuttered and she instantly knew that talking isn’t his forte. “Okay ka kasama.”

“I knew it!” She stood up and toppled the chessboard over.

“Teka anong ginagawa mo -”

“Would you give me a reward if I win first place?” She pouted. “Please?!”

“Tumahimik ka nga,” Miguel tried to calm her down. “Ang sama na ng tingin sa atin nu’ng librarian.”

“Oo ka muna?”

“Oo na, oo na. Ano ba 'yun?"

"If I win..." her voice trailed off a bit. "Can you.. see me as a girl?"

He gave her a confused look. "You're a girl."

"No! Like, like... a girl you can date?"

Miguel got speechless. "Ha?"

"I'm wondering lang if I stand a chance with you?"

"Ha?"

"Hotdog!" She picked up her things in an instant and headed for the door. "Basta pumayag ka ha!"

The only problem is.. she lost.

Everyone in the hall got really surprised. Em gave it her best while thinking of Miguel's reaction once she wins but her premonition became true. A transferee this year had beaten her for the last two games and she never recovered. The chess club members even tried to console her because she looked so sullen.

If only they knew why.

Miguel only texted her once, on the day of her final match. He said good luck and never bothered reaching out the next day. Word must have reached him and he might be feeling ashamed because their training went to waste. He shouldn't have spent time with her and took time off his schedule.

Em wouldn't blame him if he wouldn't want to associate himself with her.

And again, on a Thursday, she saw him walking towards her near the gate. She quickly pretended like she wasn't even there to begin with and started to walk in the opposite direction.

"Oy!"

Oy?! It's a good thing that Em wasn't facing him or else he'd see her offended face. Oy na lang ngayon?! I have a name!

"Oy, girl!"

She stopped in her tracks and turned to face him. "Girl na lang ngayon?! May pangalan ako kaya?!"

He shrugged. "Ikaw nagsabi ah."

"Wala akong sinasabi -"

"I'm a simple man," he pointed at her. "I see a girl, I try to call her attention."

She pouted. "But I didn't win."

"Kaya mo ba ako iniwasan?"

She refused to meet his gaze, but they're walking side by side now. "Oo. Akala ko kasi hindi mo na ako papansinin."

"Eh ikaw nga 'yung hindi namamansin."

"Hindi ka nag-text?"

"I thought you needed time," his voice was gentle. "To process your loss."

"Okay lang naman sa akin 'yun," Em admitted. "Sa'yo kaya ako mas nahihiya. Kasi tin-rain mo pa ako and all tapos ganito result."

"Okay lang 'yun. Madami pa naman chance, may next year pa para bumawi."

"Buti na lang Archi ka."

"Bakit?"

"Para matuturuan mo pa ako next year."

"Hindi naman libre pag-mentor ko."

"Ehh," she whined. "Need ko manalo next year."

"Akala ko lang okay lang matalo?"

She stomped her feet. "Sabi ko nga.. I want you to see me as a girl you can date. I can't just ask you that out of nowhere because I'm afraid of rejection. So I want to place a bet para wala kang choice."

"I think that's rape."

"Rape ka dyan!"

"Anything forced is rape." He patted her head and she found their height differences cute. "Hindi mo naman kailangang manalo. I already see you as a girl."

"But not someone you could date."

"Sino may sabi?"

"Tsaka - " She stopped in her tracks. "What?!"

"Let's play again after dinner. White ka ha."

"Wait lang ano ulit 'yung sinabi mo! What do you mean?! Paki-clarify naman!!"

"If you win," he winked at her. "I'd tell you."

She lost to him again, and again, and again... until she reclaimed her title next year.

The only difference is her reward came in advance.