1 - Bet

HIRAYA ALMENDRAL

I felt happy as I gazed at Klaude while we walked hand-in-hand in the park. I was glad he thought of taking me out since we hadn’t seen each other for almost two weeks due to our busy schedules with the upcoming OJT.

We wandered aimlessly, enjoying the crisp air and the blooming flowers, but everything changed when Klaude suddenly stopped and took a seat on a nearby bench, so I sat beside him. My smile faded instantly when I saw the sad expression on his face.

“Klaude,” I said, trying to draw his attention. He looked up at me, his eyes clouded with confusion and sorrow. I could sense something was terribly wrong, but I couldn’t place what it might be.

“Klaude,” I called out to him. He looked up at me, his eyes filled with confusion and sadness. I couldn’t understand what was going on.

“I’m sorry, Hira,” he said with a sorrowful tone. My forehead furrowed as I looked at him, feeling a growing sense of anxiety in my chest. The longer he stayed silent, the stronger my heartbeat became.

“W-what’s happening?” I asked, my voice trembling with worry.

“I cheated, Hira. I’m so sorry,” he confessed, his eyes brimming with tears. I was paralyzed by his words. Cheat? The word echoed in my mind, refusing to sink in.

My brain struggled to make sense of his statement. “Cheated? What do you mean?” I asked, a nervous laugh escaping my lips. I was desperately trying to find some rational explanation, something to hold on to.

I couldn’t understand anymore. Is this why he hadn’t been seeing me? Why he hadn’t been chatting or calling me? I thought we were both just busy with graduating and our OJT.

But cheating? All this time, he was lying to me?

But now, everything seemed to fall apart. All this time, while I had been so focused on our future and our mutual commitments, he had been lying to me. The betrayal stung deeply, leaving me feeling disoriented and heartbroken. I couldn’t believe that he had been unfaithful, and the realization that our relationship had been compromised in this way felt like a punch to the gut.

“Imori,” he said, and with that, my world shattered.

I slapped him with all the anger and hurt I felt. “Out of all the women, Klaude, why Imori? Why my half-sister? Damn it.” I struck him repeatedly on the chest, my fury overwhelming me. He let me hit him, offering no resistance.

The pain was unbearable. We had been together for two years, and now I was learning that my boyfriend had been unfaithful with my half-sister? It felt like my entire world was collapsing.

“When did this start?” I demanded, my voice breaking as I continued to hit him.

“Last year,” he stammered. “I thought it would just pass. It was just a fling. Then it turned into a dare from friends. I wanted to end it, but Imori kept coming closer... Eventually, I fell for her too...” He trailed off, his explanation only adding to my torment.

I laughed hysterically at his words, my stomach aching from the force of my laughter. I didn’t care if people around us were staring or laughing at me. The pain I felt was like being repeatedly stabbed with a knife.

“Damn it, Klaude. A fling? You had a girlfriend! Why did you need someone else?” I laughed again, a harsh, bitter sound. “Is she better than me?” He didn’t answer, his face paling as if all the blood had drained from it.

“Fuck you,” I spat, grabbing my bag and the books I had left on the bench. I started to leave, but Klaude grabbed my arm.

“Let me go!” I shouted, trying to wrench my arm free.

“Hira, I’m sorry! I love you, please, don’t leave me,” he pleaded, his voice choked with tears. He was desperate, tears streaming down his face as he clung to me.

The raw pain in his eyes was almost too much to bear. My heart ached at the sight of his brokenness, but it didn’t change the fact that he had betrayed me in the most unimaginable way.

The pain was excruciating as I watched Klaude’s anguish. It was a sickening reminder of how deeply I was hurting. Damn. I was hurting too. But did he ever think of me while he was involved in that sordid affair? Did he consider how I would react when I found out?

“Love? If you really loved me, Klaude, you wouldn’t have sought someone else, especially not my sister. You’re such an idiot! You’re disgusting!” I pushed him forcefully, making him release his grip on my arm.

He bowed his head, tears streaming down his face. Seeing him like that only made the situation more painful for me.

“Now you’re regretting it, Klaude? You were supposed to be smart, but you acted so foolishly. For what? Because you were itching? Damn it. Shit!” My curses were sharp and biting, fueled by my anger and betrayal.

I wanted to hit him with my heavy books, but I valued those books more than I did him.

“Fuck you, Klaude. Don’t ever show your face to me again, or I might just kill you,” I said through gritted teeth and walked away from him.

I could feel the judgmental stares of the people around us, but I didn’t care.

I was in a daze as I boarded a jeepney home. It was a miracle I made it back without completely losing my way; otherwise, I might have ended up at the far end of the Philippines in my confusion.

“Oh, Hira, what happened?” Ayane asked with concern as she applied makeup to her face. She was getting ready for another night out, dressed in a cropped satin top and black leather pants.

“Oh, why do you look like you’ve been hit by the heavens and the earth, dearest Hira?” Nadine asked, tying the laces of her boots. She wore a sexy red fitted dress that barely reached her knees.

“Did something happen?” Mira asked as she stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel with another one covering her wet hair.

“We broke up,” I said flatly as I flopped onto my bed, feeling utterly drained.

“What?!” They all exclaimed in unison, causing me to cover my ears reflexively.

“Good for you,” Nadine said with a smirk, barely hiding her satisfaction. She rolled her eyes and let out an exasperated sigh.

“Come and join us at the bar,” Ayane suggested in her usual calm tone, clearly unfazed by my mood.

“Let’s find you a new guy,” Mira said with a chuckle, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

“We’ve been telling you he was cheating on you, but you never listened, my gosh, Hira,” Nadine said with a hint of frustration and concern in her voice.

“Just go without me; I’m really not in the mood to party,” I replied, turning away from them. But despite my reluctance, I felt them pulling me off the bed.

“Babe, it’s not worth crying over that guy,” Ayane said, trying to be practical.

“He doesn’t deserve your tears! Get up, we’re partying tonight!” Nadine insisted, her enthusiasm unrelenting.

Nadine Gomez is the quintessential wealthy, glamorous friend who often ignores academics because her family’s wealth makes it unnecessary. Her appearance always catches eyes, and she has a way of making everything seem effortless. Ayane Yosida, on the other hand, is laid-back and appears indifferent, but underneath her casual demeanor lies a surprisingly flirtatious nature. Miracle del Vera, or Mira, is the quintessential playgirl with a new boyfriend practically every week, always bouncing from one to the next with effortless ease.

I wasn’t sure how I found myself entangled with this trio. Each one of them had their own quirks and charm, but somehow, we had bonded over time. I remember thinking, at first, that our friendship was a strange combination of personalities. Yet, despite our differences, they had become my closest friends. They were my rock in times of trouble, even if their ways of dealing with things were often loud and over-the-top.

As I lay there, feeling utterly defeated, their persistent attempts to drag me out and cheer me up were both infuriating and comforting. I realized that despite my current heartbreak, having friends who cared enough to push me out of my misery was something I needed.

Even though their personalities and approaches to life were so different from mine, they were a crucial part of my support system. They were the ones who would help me pick up the pieces and find a way to move forward, even if it meant dragging me out of my comfort zone.

I trailed behind the trio, scowling as the deafening music hammered my eardrums. Blinding lights flashed erratically, casting wild shadows that mirrored the chaotic energy of the crowd.

The pulsating beats and flashing lights turned the crowd into a wild, unrestrained mass. Bodies moved and twisted, voices blending into a chaotic symphony. It felt like the entire world was caught in the intoxicating frenzy, lost in the euphoria of the music and the collective energy.

“Woah! This is life, Hira! Come on!” Mira shouted in my ear, her voice barely audible over the music as she danced on the stage.

Ayane grabbed my hand, leading me through the throng of people. I followed, not really paying attention to where we were headed. I was far from in the mood for this kind of scene.

Before I knew it, I was seated with Nadine, Jared, and Dyson. The pulsating beats and flashing lights continued to assault my senses. I groaned inwardly when I saw Jared and Ayane locked in a torrid embrace, their lips fused in a passionate kiss. Great. Was this why I had come here? To watch their public display of affection?

Feeling a surge of frustration and discomfort, I averted my gaze, suddenly feeling like an unwelcome spectator in their intimate moment. The sight of them entwined only amplified my own sense of longing and isolation, a painful reminder of what I didn't have.

Nadine passed me a glass of alcohol, and I took a gulp, grimacing as the burning sensation hit my throat. The bitterness nearly made me gag. I heard Ayane and Dyson laughing at my reaction. Damn it. This was exactly why I hated these kinds of places.

“I’m a schoolgirl, not a party girl! Why did I even come with them? I’m just getting more annoyed,” I thought to myself as I tried to drown out the chaos around me.

“My gosh, Mira. That’s not supposed to be drunk straight! Look at you, you’re so red already!” Dyson laughed at Nadine’s comment.

I ignored them and poured more alcohol into my glass, taking another swig. The bitterness made me grimace, and I muttered under my breath, “Fuck, why did he have to cheat on me? Damn it.”

I could hear Nadine laughing at my frustrated outburst. I kept rolling my eyes and sighing in annoyance because I wasn't like them—playful and carefree.

“Who did he cheat on you with?” Aya asked, chugging her drink and giving me a provocative look. She was getting wilder as the night went on.

“With Imori,” I answered lazily, taking another gulp of my drink.

Nadine and Aya exchanged glances, their expressions shifting to shock. “You mean your half-sister? Oh my gosh, that’s so disgusting!” Nadine said with a mock horror that only irritated me further.

I shot her a glare. “Yeah, well, it sucks.”

“Did anything happen between them?” Aya asked, her voice slurred as she took another drink. I nodded, feeling the effects of the alcohol hitting me. My third glass was making me dizzy.

“Yeah, that jerk is such a cheat,” I said, chuckling bitterly. Nadine and Aya laughed at my statement, which only added to my frustration.

“That’s gotta hurt,” Jared said with a smirk.

“Be afraid if Aya ever suddenly drops you. That would hurt too, Jared,” I said seriously, making Aya laugh and give a playful “shh” as she playfully teased Jared. Aya was known for her playgirl ways too, but unlike Mira, she only switched partners every few months or whenever she was bored.

“Hira, there you are, let’s dance, babe!” Aya pulled me towards the dance floor as Mira started dancing with a beer in hand. I moved to the rhythm but not as energetically as Mira.

As a waiter passed by, I grabbed another beer and chugged it down. “Hey, Hira! Take it easy!” Mira laughed as she saw me drink.

I continued to drink until I started to feel high. I danced more freely now, letting the rhythm take over. Cheers and shouts from the crowd fueled my movements, and for a moment, I felt like I was part of something larger, lost in the music’s euphoric embrace.

Nadine and Aya joined us on the dance floor. I could hear their cheers and laughter over the music. When someone approached me to dance, I pushed them away. “Woah, you can’t push a sexy man like that, Hira,” Mira laughed.

“My body, my rules!” I shouted back, but my mood soon shifted, and I found myself retreating to our table where Jared and Dyson were chatting.

The cheers and laughter of my friends grew louder as they approached us. Nadine, with a mischievous grin, said, “Babe, we have a dare for you.”

I groaned, knowing all too well that their dares were never simple. It seemed like whenever we got together, they always came up with something outrageous.

“Twenty thousand,” Nadine said, raising her eyebrows with a provocative grin. I stared in disbelief at the amount. Each of them was willing to contribute that much? It was staggering to think that such a large sum of money seemed like pocket change to them. But then again, given their wealth, it wasn't entirely surprising.

With a resigned sigh, I knew I wouldn't be able to refuse their offer, no matter how ridiculous it might be.

“Are you still not bothered by sixty thousand, Hira?” Mira taunted, her grin widening. Damn, it was hard to turn down. Sixty thousand was a significant amount for me. It could cover three months' worth of salary.

“What’s that about?” I asked, irritated, and took another swig of my drink. The warmth in my throat was a reminder of the frustrations that brought me here. Fuck that Klaude! It was his fault I was in this mess!

“See that group of young, hot guys?” Nadine pointed out. Despite the crowd, I immediately spotted the group of attractive men sitting in front of us.

“What now?” I asked lazily.

“That guy in the black leather jacket,” Nadine said, following with a mischievous smile. My vision was starting to blur from the alcohol, and I had lost track of how many drinks I had. Miraculously, I was still somewhat coherent.

“So what?” I asked again, taking another gulp of my drink, searching for something to hold onto to face their shameless dare.

“Kiss him. Hard. Torridly. Brutally. You can do whatever you want,” Mira said with a teasing grin. Aya and Nadine were practically bubbling with excitement, clearly thrilled at the prospect.

"You guys really have some interesting ideas," Jared remarked with a chuckle, clearly amused by the dare.

"Once you've completed the task, the sixty thousand is all yours," Aya added with an infectious grin, her enthusiasm contagious. Damn, the thought of the money was certainly tempting.

I took another swig of my drink, feeling the dizziness but determined as I walked straight towards my goal—to kiss that man.

As I approached them, I was relieved to find that the guy Nadine had pointed out was seated at the far end of the group. I didn't need to maneuver through the crowd to reach him.

I bent down, anticipation thrilling through me as our lips met. His initial surprise quickly melted into a heated response, and I reveled in the warmth of his lips against mine. The kiss deepened, sending a rush of exhilaration through me. His taste was intoxicating, making me lose track of time in the blissful haze. His hands pulled me closer until I was practically melded against him.

Fueled by boldness and the moment's energy, I slipped my tongue into his mouth, exploring his taste and desire. He responded eagerly, matching my intensity. As he guided me onto his lap, the heat between us ignited a growing fire. Wrapped in his arms, I lost myself in the passionate kiss, savoring every electrifying moment.

Locked in a torrid embrace, our intense kisses left me breathless. His skilled, passionate lips made me want more. Damn, he's good at this.

It was only when I heard the teasing comments from his friends that I snapped back to reality. I quickly tried to pull away, but he grabbed my hand.

“Do you plan to leave me hanging, miss?” he asked with a playful smirk, pointing down at his lap.

He was getting hard, shit. I bit my lip, feeling a rush of embarrassment and confusion.

I immediately averted my gaze and pulled my arm away from his grasp. I quickly left the bar and got into a taxi. Damn.

I was fuming as I packed my things, while the trio kept laughing. They even sent me a video of the kiss I shared with that guy. Damn. I could still remember how hard he was. Fuck. I really hope I never have to see them again.

Sure, it was dark in the bar, so he probably won’t recognize me, but shit! I could clearly see how handsome he was even in the dark, so I know he might recognize me too.

“What? Are you just going to keep laughing over there?” I asked them. They quickly stood up and fixed themselves.

Today is our first day as interns at Sierra Medical Hospital. We’re all nurses. I still don’t get why these three chose nursing. It’s not exactly an easy course, so I’m puzzled by their choice. We’ve been friends since high school, so wherever I go, they insist on coming along. And here they are, following me to Manila and studying nursing too.

They kept laughing until we entered the hospital, which is right across from our dorm. We moved here before our three-month internship as nurses started.

We were at Station One, waiting for the nurse who would give us instructions. There are eight of us interns from the same school, while ten others are from a different school. We’re on the afternoon-evening shift.

Ms. Cha, the nurse in charge of us interns, arrived and started giving instructions. Afterward, she began assigning us to different departments.

While I was busy writing down the tasks, my attention was suddenly diverted. I looked up and saw a tall man in a lab gown, though I couldn’t make out his face because he was busy reading a patient’s chart.

I went back to writing when the doctor drew Ms. Cha’s attention, so I looked up again, but this time I felt a chill when I saw his face.

I wasn’t mistaken. It was him.

I could feel my heart racing as our eyes met. Damn. Is this for real?

He smiled at me and continued talking to Ms. Cha. Damn, why do I feel like I won’t like what’s about to happen?

Ms. Cha glanced at us several times, especially at me. What now? Why does it feel like I won’t like what she’s going to say?

“Miss Hira, you’ll be assisting Doc Yasmir from now on,” Ms. Cha said. After she spoke, the doctor gave me a smiling glance and left.

“What are you waiting for, Miss Hira? Go.” I hurriedly followed the doctor, flustered.

He suddenly stopped and turned to face me, causing me to back up, but his hand quickly landed on my back, pulling me closer to him.

“Hi there, little kitty.” I swallowed hard at his words. I’m doomed.