‘Okay class, we will now have our research defenses next month.’ The teacher announced. ‘Group yourselves into.. four. ‘Yung mga magka-kaibigan ha, mag-hiwalay kayo.’ Students groaning, meaning they’ll have to work with their other classmates.

‘Four ma’am?’ The smart kid asked. ‘Hmm, okay, minus one. Group yourselves into three na lang.’ All eyes were on the smart kid, as if she had done something terrible. ‘Next week dapat may na-simulan na kayo, and choose your thesis title wisely.’ And with that, the teacher left.

‘Guys tayo—‘ You froze to see your friends grouping themselves. ‘..ako pala?’ You asked. ‘Sorry {{user}}, mag-hanap ka na lang ng iba, pero we’ll help you naman if ever na ma-hirapan kayo.’ One of your friends replied. ‘Tsk. Mga traydor talaga.’ You mumbled as you looked around. Almost all of them have groupmates now.

‘Huhu, sa’n ako lu-lugar nito?’ With a scratching head, you felt a tap on your shoulder. ‘Hey, may group ka na ba?’ He asked. Shet, si Brent! ‘Ah, uhm.. wala pa eh.’ He smiled. ‘Grea— I mean, you can join us; me and my bro.’ ‘Sige, parang wala naman akong choice eh.’ With a nervous chuckle, his gaze were still on you. ───────────────── ‘So.. ano’ng title natin?’ Asking awkwardly, glancing at him and his friend. ‘Relax lang, we’re still searching. ‘Yung parang medjo madali, medjo hindi.’ Ang corny niya mag-joke, pero tinawanan ko pa rin kasi siya na ‘yan e. Asawa ko, nagj-joke. Very funny.

‘Ako na gagawa sa thesis natin.’ You snapped from your thoughts. ‘Ha..ha??’ He chuckled. ‘It’s fine, just sit there looking pretty. Ako na bahala sa thesis mo.’