That same night, Kairo dreamt of Gavin. The dream brought Kairo back when he was eighteen, and Gavin was a freshman at John Luna University.

He swept a glance at the set-up he painstakingly prepared with the help of Patricia. He’s been planning this for a week now, carefully keeping it under wraps from Gavin. Kairo’s not so sure about the surprise but it was highly recommended by Gavin’s best friend. He has absolutely zero experience on how to pursue a guy, Gavin being the first guy he liked.

He stood behind the door with bated breath, clutching a bouquet of blue roses in his clammy hands. Patricia sent him a message that Gavin is on his way to the rooftop where he’s at. Kairo has no idea how she managed to convince Gavin. All he could do was wait.

He’s been waiting here since five o’clock in the afternoon. His set up was finished a quarter of an hour ago. The bribe for the janitors in charge of the building was paid by Patricia for this surprise happen. And Kairo’s been ready, even if Gavin’s answer is a big fat no.

He’s been simulating all the possible worst scenarios in his head as he stood there waiting for Gavin to show up. It’s his way to prepare himself for the rejection. Funny, he readied himself for rejection but not for Gavin’s yes. Honestly, he wouldn’t know how to react if ever Gavin says yes.

By the time Gavin came, the sky has turned orange as twilight gradually crept inward.

“Patricia? What’s going----Kairo?”

“H-Hi Gav,” Kairo stuttered, a silly smile on his face. He extended his hands if offering. “This is for you.”

Gavin looked at him in puzzlement. Nevertheless, he accepted the flowers, his fingers briefly brushing against Kairo’s.

“What’s this? Where’s Patricia?” Gavin asked.

“She’s not here.”

Gavin chuckled. “Obviously.”

It was then that Gavin turned to look around. His eyes landed on the spot where Kairo arranged a circle of candles, bordering a pile of red, pink and white rose petals. Amid the rose petals sat a velvet box in blue. Gavin turned a questioning look at him. Kairo smiled and guided Gavin towards the set-up.

“I’ve been racking my brains for the whole week how to do this right. This is what I came up with. You’re already aware that I like you. It wasn’t a joke. I really like you. All of this is me asking if you would be my boyfriend. And regardless if you say yes or no, it won’t change the way I feel for you. So, Gavin, yes or no?”

The silence between them stretched like forever. Kairo’s chest thundered, unable to peel his eyes away from Gavin’s face as the latter stared at the velvet box.

Gavin turned to him and smiled.

“Yes.”

Kairo felt happiness sucker punched him, his eyes blurred with tears.

***

Love, lunch date? My treat.

Kairo ignored Patricia’s text. He deliberately withheld his schedule from her when she asked that time they met at the coffee shop. The two years he was away, the guilt from cutting her off stacked up. And he needs time to sort out his feelings so he can face her with a light heart.

He waited in line, chose a seemingly secluded spot and ate his food in silence. He prefers it that way while mulling over some things that kept his mind occupied. It’s the first day of the week and the official start of classes, and yet Kairo’s energy levels are close to depletion already.

After lunch, he went to register at the SBU Cinema Arts Guild. His professor in the course Narrative Film encouraged transferees like him to join film organizations in the university. Participating in the guild’s projects will easily earn him additional points in his final grade for the course. Plus, it won’t hurt his chances to be eligible for an academic scholarship next term if he delivers a good performance.

There has been not much money left by his parents. He estimated that it was just enough to tide him over for the next couple of years or so. As early as now, Kairo has plans to scrimp on things to ensure his finances won’t run dry. Studying film burns money. And an academic scholarship is a sure-fire way to lighten his financial burdens.

“Transferee?” the secretary of SBU Cinema Arts Guild asked after skimming over his application form. Her smile was friendly, putting Kairo at ease.

“Yes.”

“Cool. So why did you choose SBCAG among the many organizations in the campus? Well, aside from the obvious fact that you’re a film student, that is.”

“You’re one of the oldest organizations in SBU. Two of the school’s famous film alumnus which I admire were members of the guild. And becoming a member of this guild and participating in your projects for the semester will easily earn me additional points for my final grade in the course Narrative Film.”

He has no reason to hide the fact that the additional points on top of his final grade is what attracted him to join. Kairo somehow felt the need to be frank and transparent to this woman in front of him. He chose to be honest from the very start.

But to his surprise, the woman’s smile widened. She then stuck out a hand towards Kairo which he accepted with a little reluctance. The woman’s quick change of disposition took him by surprise. He was half expecting to get rejected because of his candor.

“We will be having an orientation meeting for new members tomorrow at six o’clock in the evening. Is the schedule alright with you?”

Kairo nodded.

“Good. Welcome to the guild, Mr. Lee. I am Divine Johnson, guild secretary. Pleased to meet you.”

“Thanks.”

Divine tossed a booklet at him. “Read this to know what to expect.”