CHAPTER 16: DON'T DWELL ON PAST TIMES

Ferns enjoyed the movie so much that he keeps on talking about it while they are walking out of the cinema. Andro pretends to listen but it is very obvious from his face that he was still distracted from the sudden show-up of Ken during their dinner earlier and could not wait to tell Ferns about what it is that its been bugging him and has been wanting to tell Ferns.

Andro quickly interrupts Ferns about his thoughts about the movie.

"Ferns, can I tell you something about earlier, in the dinner?"

"Before you say that, can I ask you 2 questions first?" Ferns' seems very prepared that Andro will be bringing up about the topic again.

"Okay, Ferns!"

"Whatever you're going to tell me does it something to do from the past?" Ferns' immediately throws the first question.

"Yes!"

"Is this related or something to do with me?" Ferns' second question

"Not really!"

"I see, I guess you don't have to tell me about it because frankly speaking it doesn't really concern me at all. Unless, you killed someone before?" Ferns' laughs

Andro's face turns clueless because he doesn't know how to react or what to response to what just Ferns said. Suddenly, he realizes that Ferns has a point and whatever happens to his past got nothing to do with Ferns at all.

"C'mon it's very late already and you still have to travel far to your home." Ferns' puts his arm to Andro's shoulder, as he wants to assure him that he needs to stop worrying.

"Text me when you get home safely!" Ferns' parting words to Andro as they wave goodbye from each other outside the mall and walk away in a different direction.

Ferns' had a quick shower and is ready for bed when he heard a text message from his phone. The message is from his facebook messenger. He opens it but he doesn't recognize the person who sends him a message because the person is not in his friend list.

The message said: "Is this Ferns? This is Ken; hope you still remember me from earlier? I met you and Andro when you were having your dinner."

"Yes I do. Can I help you with anything?" Ferns responded politely.

"Can I ask you something, please?"

"Sure you can!"

"May I ask what is your relationship with Andro?"

"We're workmates and friends, why do you ask?"

"Can I just warn you?"

"Warn me about what?"

"Don't let yourself fall for him. Once you fell for him, he will just leave you hanging in the air."

"Sorry, I didn't understand what do you mean by that?"

Ken did not respond and went offline.

Ferns did not bother to wait for the response anymore and put away his phone and just said, "What the hell?" And he turned off his light and closes his eyes.

After a few minutes, he receives a text message from Andro saying that he is already home but Ferns is already sleeping.

It's workweek again, as usual; the group is altogether during their lunch break. Every time the group is together every one is talking at the same time and nobody listens. Either they are teasing one another, throwing jokes at each other or gossiping about their bosses. But Jovs needs to say something first before the lunch break ends.

"Quiet everybody, please!!!!" Jovs loudly stops everybody from talking.

"It's going to be my boyfriend's birthday on Friday. He said he wants to have a drink with everybody in the evening after work. Can you all come, please?" Jovs excitedly invites the group.

"Of course, count us in!" Mhy as usual first to answers as she and Jovs are best of friends.

"Sure, can we bring anything?" Jhing asks.

"We should feed ourselves first before having a drink!" Ogie follows up.

"That is very true or else we will get drank quickly if our stomach is empty" Ricci agrees, typical of her as being in the health profession.

"Well, Randy & I will just take care of the beverages and alcohol and you guys just talk and take care about foods, is that okay?" Jovs proposes.

Everyone agrees!

"Are you going?" Andro softly whisper at Ferns.

Mhy overheard Andro and before Ferns answers Andro back, she interrupts quickly, "Of course, Ferns is going! Why? Aren't you going if Ferns is not coming?"

Everyone laughs and starts to tease Andro and Ferns. They just stop when one of the senior staff in the cafeteria reminded them to lower their voice down as they are starting to disturb other people.

Andro wants to get even with Mhy so he pointed out something to her other side. But she did not see anything so she turns her head back again at Andro to ask him what is it about but its too late because Andro point finger already touches Mhy's cheek with a bit of a ketchup and everybody laughs so loud and they all starts to leave the table because they all know for sure that they will be scolded again by the senior employees. Andro however is the first one who quickly leaves the table because he knew Mhy would be chasing after him after what he did to her cheek.

It's Friday, start of the weekend and the group is very excited for what is going to happen tonight. Jovs already assigned each one of them of their respective tasks to do. Some will bring snacks and foods, others will bring drinks but she herself will be getting her boyfriend's a cake. She asks the girls to help her about it. She gave everybody the exact location of her boyfriend's house so that they could just go there as soon as they are finished with their work and doesn't need to wait for each other. She left from work earlier with the girls so that they can buy the cake and organize the place before everyone arrives.

Before Randy arrives from his work, everyone is already in his house and have arranged and organized everything. Randy lives with his mom and sister and they agree to be a part of the surprise birthday party. Randy knew that they will be having a drink only but he never expects that there will be foods, balloons, cake and other treats for him. Thanks to his loving girlfriend Jovs for organizing the party for him.

The night is filled with so much fun, joy and love. Of course, Randy is very surprised especially when everybody sings him a Happy Birthday song while Jovs presented him his birthday cake. They had so much food and activities going on especially karaoke singing. They started to drink alcohol and booze a few hours after they have eaten.

But since it is getting late, Randy's mom and sister says farewell to his friends and go to their room and leave everyone to stay and enjoy the rest of the night. Renan and Ricci decided to leave and did not join the drinks since both of their family are also waiting for them to get home. So that leaves Randy, Jovs, Mhy, Jing, Paul, Ogie, Andro & Ferns stay for the drinking session.

They have a mixed of everything. They have beers, brandy and some leftovers of vodka punch. Some were still doing karaoke singing and while waiting for their turn to sing, they are playing cards and board games.

Later on, they all decided to play a game. A card game called lucky nine. And whoever wins will have the opportunity to give question or punishment to loosing player. Everybody knows how to play the lucky nine games so they start as soon as they agree with the terms of the question and punishment.

The birthday boy is in-charge of controlling and distributing the cards to the player.

The winner and looser of the first round is Ogie and Jovs respectively. So Ogie wins so he will have the opportunity either to ask or punish Jovs depends what she chooses. Jovs choose to be punished. So Ogie orders Jovs to give Randy a kiss. Jovs without second thought kisses Randy on his lips and everybody were so excited to see it.

Next round of winner and looser is Ferns and Andro. Andro choose to be punished. So Ferns orders Andro to drink his turn of his brandy shot so that he could skip his round. Everyone is teasing Ferns and making fun of his punishment and saying he is being a smart ass.

Next round of winner and looser is Mhy and Ogie. Ogie choose question instead of punishment.

"Do you have a crush on Jing?" Mhy asks Ogie.

Everybody was shocked with the question especially Jing. Her face turns red quickly. Actually, a lot of them never thought that there is something between Ogie and Jing.

"Yes!" Ogie hesitatedly responds.

Most of them do not expect a "yes" answer from Ogie because everybody knows Ogie has a live in partner at the moment. But maybe, Mhy knew something because of the special treatment Ogie always give Jing.

It seems the game has officially started to get more exciting because someone already break the ice.

Next round of winner and looser is Paul and Jing. Jing choose to be asked.

"Do you also have a crush on Ogie?" Paul asks Jing.

"No!" Jing replies with no hesitation.

Again, everyone was a bit shock because they were expecting the feeling is mutual. Ogie was just quiet though

Next round of winner and looser is Andro and Mhy. Mhy choose to be punished. Andro is very closed with Jing and he wants Jing to get even with her. So he asked Mhy to say sorry to Jing for misinterpreting the relations between her and Ogie. Mhy apologizes to Jing right away.

Next round of winner and looser is Jovs and Ferns. Ferns choose to be questioned.

"Is it possible for you to be in love with someone regardless of their gender?" Jovs asks Ferns while quickly glance at Andro.

"Maybe!" Ferns answers.

But Jovs and the rest disagree with Ferns answer. Jovs emphasizes that the answer should only be Yes or No. And everybody agrees.

So they waited for Ferns to answer again and they had to wait for a minute for it.

"Yes!" Ferns final answer and everybody were thrilled.

Next round of winner and looser is Jing and Randy. Randy chooses to be questioned.

"Are you and Jovs lives in the same house?" Jing asks Randy.

Before Randy responds, he looks at Jovs while Mhy holds Jovs hand.

Again, nobody expect the question especially Ferns who is understandably new the group so he doesn't really know what is really going on with the group before he became part of it.

"Yes!" Randy bravely answers the question.

Mhy let go of Jovs hand and with teary eyes hugs Randy. She never expects that Randy will admit it.

Next round of winner and looser is Mhy and Andro. Andro chooses to be questioned.

"Do you like, Ferns?" Mhy with no doubt eagerly wants to know the real feeling of Andro.

Everyone was again quiet and do not expect the question. Everybody must be wondering what is going on. Why is everything so personal?

Ferns and Andro is seating besides each other. While everybody is staring at Andro waiting for his response, Ferns does not and just staring at his card.

It's been over a minute now and Andro has not responded yet.

Randy and Andro are a little bit closed. And Randy doesn't feel like putting his friend in a spot or embarrassment so he answers.

"Guys, since it's my birthday can I just save Andro from answering the question?" Randy nicely asks everyone.

"Sure, but you need to answer it for him!" Mhy insists.

A moment of silence but Randy agrees.

"Sure, if I were my friend Andro, my answer is, Ferns is likeable. And since Ferns said that it is possible for him to love someone regardless of gender, I would say yes!" Randy's very well explained answer.

Everybody claps and Randy extends his hand to Andro as a sign that he doesn't need to answer it anymore and he is now saved.

Everybody hand over their glass of alcohol in the air and cheers each other's glasses.

It has been a long night and intense so everybody decided to stop the game and continues to enjoy the rest of the night by singing karaoke, eating desserts especially the birthday cake, the girls cut the cake and put it in the small plates and distribute it to everyone. Andro decided to get some fresh air and it has been a few minutes that he has not come back yet to join the group. Randy and Ferns noticed it so Randy gave Ferns some signs (secretly) to follow Andro outside. Ferns understood the signs so he get up from his chair and walk outside the house.

Andro is in the balcony of the house standing with his arms resting in the steel barrier of the balcony. He seems enjoying the view and some little wind that freshen up his face that he did not notice Ferns is already behind him.

"Wow, this is a very nice view!" Ferns changed his mind to surprise Andro by poking him from behind as soon as he saw the view was indeed really nice. Instead he stood beside Andro.

But still Andro was startled when he heard Ferns voice.

"Yes the view is really nice. And the wind is getting colder too. Do you feel it?" Andro said.

"I do!"

"You have been for a while, you missed your turn in the karaoke."

"Am I?"

"Yes, its twice already. And they are now serving the cake as well. We should come back inside, Lets go!"

Before Ferns made his first step to go back inside, Andro stops him.

"Ferns?"

"Yup?"

"About the game earlier?"

"What about it?"

"I didn't see it coming. I am just very shocked and surprised about the question and don't know how to response to it. I didn't mean to..."

"It's okay. Nobody is really expecting that kind of question would come out in a fun game like that. Although, everybody knows how cheeky Mhy is so I guess will just have to deal with it and do not take it seriously."

"But I wanted to answer it myself."

"As you have said, you were not expecting it and I guess you are neither prepared to answer it."

"But I thought I left you hanging in there."

"Huh? Why should you? Trust me, I really don't feel that way, that you left me hanging by not answering Mhy's question. I thought the question is too personal and you are not obliged anyway to answer it."

"But I somehow feel guilty..."

"Guilty about what? Okay here's the thing. I want to ask you something and please give me a straight answer."

"Anything, I will honestly answer you!"

"When Randy answered in your behalf, do you agree or not with him?"

"I agree with him!" Andro with no hesitation quickly respond to Ferns.

Ferns' looks at Andro's eyes and gave him a sweet smile.

It was a very quick sweet moment for both because the whole groups come out and join them in the balcony. They all brought with them their piece of cake and handed Andro and Ferns their share of cake as well.

They all enjoy the rest of the night in the balcony eating their cakes with so much laughter and telling funny jokes and stories.

It's already half past midnight and everybody is exhausted and a little bit drunk. Randy offers his friends to stay over and wait in the morning to go home. Everyone agrees because it is much safer to stay back than to go home in the middle of the night especially for the girls.

The girls slept in Randy and Jovs room while Randy and the boys slept in the lounge room. The girls prepared the bed of the boys in the lounge before they went up to their room.

Ferns slept in the middle of Rand and Andro while Paul and Ogie slept in the sofas. As soon as the lights went off and because of tiredness and drunkenness, they all slept right away.

After an hour while in the middle of their sleep, Ferns was suddenly woken up because he felt there is something under his neck and shoulder. He tried to check it although it was a little bit dark but he can sense that something is an arm, someone's arm. He asked himself whose arm was it. During that time, he was sleeping on his side facing Randy and Randy is also sleeping on his side not facing him. So, he is definitely sure it was not Randy's arm. He is guessing that arm is from someone behind him. Actually, he is not sure who is sleeping with him in the same bed because he did not wait for everybody to go to bed because as soon as the girls fixed their bed and he jumped to it and started to sleep.

Ferns' slowly moves his body to other side so that he could check whose arm was it. As soon as he settled himself, he saw Andro and he was very close to him and their faces were very close with each other. Ferns saw Andro's eyes are open and he was actually waiting for Ferns to turn around while his arm is still resting under his neck and shoulder.

Ferns didn't actually get the chance to double check if it was Andro or not because Andro quickly kissed Ferns in his lips.

Everything happens very quickly. When their lip touches, Ferns did not show any resistance. Andro starts to open his mouth and Ferns opens his as well and they both feel each other's warm breath and continue smooching each other's mouth. Andro held Ferns face while Ferns held Andro's hand.

They kiss as long as they can and when they stops Ferns turns around and moves closer to Andro and take Andro's arm and let him wrap his arm in each other's warm body and they continue sleeping.

It was an evening of romance and reciprocity of affection they have with each other. They just made it clear in their thoughts and in their feelings that whatever is between them is not just friendship and neither a mutual understanding but a confirmation that they are in-love.

Now the question is what are they going to do after that? Will they able to sustain and keep the fire burning? Do they fully understand the feelings they have with each other? Are they both willing and accept the challenges that is definitely waiting for them?