Kanalaa

"…as I close this speech, to all the women, men, and to my loving LGBTQ+ out here, I wanted to tell you that we've come along from a far place where we stumbled, doubted, and even degraded ourselves along our journey so, know your worth. May it be in your personal or professional life. Self -love and knowing self-worth will save you from abusive matters in your life — never ever settle for less. Whatever may your gender be, you matter and what you feel is valid. I'm including the "gender" here because I know how people use it as an insult like it is degrading. No, honey, if a person lacks understanding and they just want to see the things they want to see, you cannot do anything about that. Live your life the way you wanted it and never let anyone dictate you and control you. Like what most adult says, our life starts after college so, I want us to brace ourselves and stand sturdy in our ground. I want this speech to be the way to encourage you and drop university matters because we've devoted our years to it and today, this day is our day! I wanted you all to enjoy, relate, and learn somehow from the journey that I shared. I think you've noticed that and I hope I've done what I am here for. Congratulations to all of us! Good luck and God bless to our new chapter!"

Deafening claps rang around the whole hall and a big unfading smile rose from my lips. Today is our graduation and despite hard circumstances I managed to graduate Magna Cum Laude. It was nerve-wrecking yet precious moment of my life.

After years of hardship, hard work, and patience, we've reached the goal we're running into. I remember that I didn't know what kind of program I'd take in college that made me choose whatever there is and who would have thought I'd finish it with flying colors and so I did with my law school with my friends whom I leaned to all throughout the years.

My dad was waiting for me below the stage and welcomed me with a warm smile. He held me as soon as we've got close and planted a kiss on my forehead. His tight hugs what gives me comfort and warmth. I grew up loving tight hugs because of my dad. He's everything to me.

"You should go with your friends. They are waiting for you." He said because he knows that we've got some plans after the ceremony but what he didn't know is, we'll have dinner.

"No, pa. Let's have dinner first." I gave him a sweet smile like a kid.

He gave me a nod and let me join my friends for a while. It was a quick chat and photo op then I left them.

Our dinner tonight is different from our dinner dates because we're out tonight. We don't usually eat out on restaurants because dad wants to be hands on. It's okay for him if we don't get to eat together during breakfast and lunch as long as we do at dinner. My dad never failed me and have always been by my side since he's separated with my mom. He's a loving father. I didn't feel like I'm missing someone. Together with my grandparents, they raised and filled me with love.

"Pa, I declined the offer." I referred to the interview he arranged for me. He referred me but later, I realized that I don't want that.

"Why?" Confused, he asked me.

"I wanted to do it by myself. I don't want people's, "You only have power backing you up that's why you got in."

Stereotypes in our society doesn't change. They remained imprinted.

"But I didn't do anything except for recommending you. A recommendation doesn't necessarily mean you are hired. It's your credentials that worked, darling." He explained as a matter of fact.

I nodded as an agreement but it is not really the reason, I just don't want that company.

"I know, pa. But, the company where I had my internship, they are willing to take me in as soon as I graduate. I don't have to get my license, though I can't sign papers yet." I cleared.

"Big companies are after you, Kanalaa."

Right, latin honor's privilege. But I still have to take boards.

"Pa, it's a marketing strategy. Once I resigned to the company, they'd bid for my service." I joked but it will happen for real.

"That's not how I taught you, Kana."

"Pa, I have to study these big companies that wants me. My internship company, I know all its corners. Also, it has healthy working environment. I can pursue my career furthermore after some experience."

The night went by us talking about adulthood. It ended when my friends called me.

"You took your time, huh?" Chail when he saw me standing next to him.

"It was my dad, dude. Where's Rist?" I asked because I am afraid, she touched alcohol without me. Rist is a non-alcoholic friend. I don't even know how she befriended us.

Our college set up an after-party place for us who graduated. I wouldn't wonder if tomorrow we'll see a lot of people lying around because I'm sure this is going to be a rough night for us.

"She's with Liam, the guy next door." He gave me a look "you know who" and yeah, I know who it was. I nod in return.

"Our Magna is here! Bottoms up, Kana!"

Jaira, our program Mayor came with a beer mug, overflowing with beer. I downed the drink like it was nothing and they are all cheering me up.

The table we are sitting is now full of energetic people. It is like, we are all finally free.

"That's for the weak! Where are the tequilla and vodka?!" Jeya asked shouting.

They are all over the place but who cares right? This night should be memorable as it is meant to be that way.

"I'll fetch some. Let's play sink it, drink it." He said naughtily and laughed like he's hiding some more naughtiness beneath.

The crowd roar with that because who wouldn't? This game is a way to drunken someone — whose alcohol tolerance is too low. Apparently, our block is used to that. We're bunch of busy people but we can always slide alcohol into it. I'm just glad that they are good at hiding things because they've been sneaking alcohol in the university tons of times.

The game started with filling the huge cup and placed a shot glass on it. Chail, was the first one to pour liquor. All of us are currently calm because it's impossible to sink the glass this soon. When it was my turn, the glass if half filled.

The first round ended and no one sunk the glass yet. This is where the game begins, when the glass is starting to be fully filled.

A warm hand wrapped around my waist from behind, Kein.

"What's up?" He whispered right beside my ear that sent tingles that made me giggle.

"We're playing sink it, drink it. Wanna take my place?" I asked with a naughty smile around my lips.

"No, I'd love to watch you sink it and go with me after." He retaliates with a mischievous smirk.

I bit my lip as I turned around because it's my turn. I bend slowly not to concentrate but to tease Kein.

The crowd's roar is getting louder and louder as I carefully place droplets of the liquor however, despite my effort, I sunk the shot glass that earned louder cheers.

Kein's grip on my hips got tighter as he also cheers for me as he shows his perfect white teeth.

Without hesitation I emptied the glass full of liquor. After emptying it, Kein pulled me out of the crowd that made Jeya and the others to protest because they're about to lose a great drinking buddy.

"Where are we going?" I asked as we glide down on the hall.

He pulled and leaned me on the wall and crashed his lips on mine. Here, where there's no single soul, we make out.

Kein pulled me closer on his body leaving no space between us as if trying hard to feel my skin on his skin. While my hands are placed on different part of his body, one on his nape, deepening our kiss and the other one freely roaming around his well-built body.

His hand slipped under my shirt, making contact with my skin. It sent tingles all over my body that ignited the heat on my body.

Kein's kisses left my mouth and started to wander down to my jaw travelling down to my neck. It aroused my whole system craving for more touch and affection. I started to get dizzy with so much pleasure running through my body. I let my hand feel Kein's skin on my palm, feeling the heat emitted by his body meaning he's feeling the same as I do.

"My innocent eyes! Live porn! Live porn!"

Every bit of heat on my change into colds when I heard Chail's exaggerated claim that I immediately pulled my hand out of Kein's body.

Klein on the other hand, quickly wiped the smudged lipstick on my lips and fixed my shirt.

"What?" I asked aggressively without looking at him, still busy fixing myself and Kein.

Still with a teasing smirk on his face he answered, "After party at Bar de XXX."

"We'll go after you, bro." Kein answered while chuckling.

As soon as Chail left, I faced Kein.

"That was embarrassing!"

He teased, "They know how naughty you are, Kana."

I rolled my eyes jokingly and gave him a bratty look.

"I know but they don't need to see it, live."

He pinched my nose before caressing my hair like I'm kid.

"Okay, we will not do it on public the next time." He kidded.

"Not funny, Kein."