Chapter 1

AERA

WHATEVER HELL broke lose today must be really impressive if it managed to stir an entire neighborhood at three in the afternoon. People are usually napping. There should not be any sign of life apart from the obnoxiously loud motorcycles that pass through occasionally. At the moment, occasionally means every five goddamn minutes.

I sighed, putting down the book I was reading to take a peek at the balcony.

Familiar faces were lounging by the sidewalk. A couple of middle-aged women were having what seems to be a heated discussion in front of a sari-sari store. From the third floor, I was unable to make out what they were saying. So much noise, and for what?

A neighbor whose name I cannot remember suddenly looked up and met my eyes. That was my cue to step away.

Having lost the sweet silence I was enjoying earlier, I decided to get back inside. I switched on the television on reflex before realizing that I don't actually want to watch the repetitive crap that is the Philippine mainstream media. They just recycle the same concept every single time. It was always about lost children and third parties, as if those were the only topic of human interest.

I was about to turn it off when a familiar red and blue screen appeared just on time. Breaking news.

"The Office of the President officially declared the implementation of an Enhanced Community Quarantine. This is an absolute lockdown effective immediately over Luzon until the 12th of April."

Oh.

That was expected ever since the COVID-19 cases in the country started skyrocketing but I did not know it would be this sudden. Maybe they announced it earlier and I'm just not keeping up with the news. I stared outside at the vast open sky, listening half-heartedly to the guidelines. A plot like this were meant for books and movies, how did we even manage to create such a cursed reality?

When I said ‘we’, what I actually meant was everyone else except me. I have no part to play in this.

On a positive note, there will be less laundry and less expenses. I have all the time in the world to binge read and practice my sketching. Maybe I'll look for some good media series too. Oh wait, should I redecorate the apartment? What about our classes?

We haven't had our finals yet. I wonder if the university would be kind enough to implement mass promotion.

~And I don’t know how it gets better than this. You take my hand and drag me head first, Fearless~

One of the perks of living alone is that you can leave your stuff anywhere without worry. One of the downsides of leaving alone is that you always leave your stuff anywhere, and you can’t even remember where exactly. I looked around, trying to find where the sound was coming from. I have a vague idea on who might be the possible caller. I don't want to make her wait.

Where is it?

My gaze landed on the glass door to my left. I rolled my eyes and went back to the balcony.

"Got you." I picked the phone up from the coffee table.

It is, indeed, my mom. I am a genius.

I am actually not a genius. She is the only person who ever calls me. I am a loser.

"Hi Ma"

"Anak, I heard about the lockdown. Are you going to be okay?"

She caught wind of the news really fast for someone thousands of miles away.

"Yeah, you don't have to worry." I leaned on the railings and scanned the situation below once more. "They just told us not to go out. It's not as if I like going out."

What doesn't add up is the fact that there was a lot more people outside right when the quarantine was declared. Is it really that exhilarating to break the rules? Now that I think about it, could it really be possible to force every single person to stay at home? To be fair, a lot of these people are probably out to get groceries while it is not that strict yet.

"Oh, I'm sure your life will hardly change," she sighed. "Have you stocked up on food?"

I grinned. "I did, it will be enough for a month I think."

Australia implemented a lockdown some weeks earlier so she already gave me tips on what to prepare for. I was not that worried at first. The virus seemed so far away, with a literal ocean separating us from the danger, but here we are. I guess one should never underestimate the reach of human connectivity.

I tried convincing her to go home when they had the first case in there but she refused. My mother works overseas as a sales manager for a firm. I haven't seen her in years.

"That's good. Anyways, I just called to check on you. We still have a video conference. Stay safe and keep in touch okay?"

"You too, Mom"

"I love you, bye."

"I love you too." I hung up.

I rested my chin over my knuckles, casually staring at the nothingness in front of me as if it was a very normal thing to do. It's impossible for me to acquire that virus. There's no way I'm going to interact with anyone, especially now that there's a very reasonable excuse not to.

Suddenly, a black and purple blur crossed my vision. I whipped my head to the side, following its trajectory.

It was a butterfly.

I blinked twice in amusement and slowly reached out, only for it to fly over a potted hydrangea in the corner. I contented myself with watching from afar. It flapped its majestic wings elegantly— black etched with purple dots and an intricate pattern on the sides. Somewhere on the internet, someone pointed out that butterflies cannot actually see their wings. I wonder if it was actually true and what a shame that would be.

To be so beautiful and yet so painfully unaware.

I felt giddy for some unknown reason. It was at times like this, when you focus on the little things, that the world suddenly looks different, maybe slightly better. It was such a rare instance. Manila is a very crowded place, with barely any space for greenery. Among the tenants of this apartment, I was the only one who appeared to be interested in indoor gardening as well.

"You are a very lovely sight," I murmured. "But what brought you to this messed up city?"

• ••

Nine in the evening— six hours after the announcement of ECQ. I was making my fourth (or maybe fifth) cup of coffee when the stillness of the night was disturbed by a series of aggressive knocks at the front door. I was on the verge of panic when I recognized the landlady's voice.

"Aera, dear! Are you still up?"

I immediately went to open the door before it gets broken by sheer force. You would have expected her to be more careful, as someone who literally owns the property.

"Yes, Tita?" I asked the gracious owner of the three-storey apartment building I have been living in for three years.

Tita Linda is already in her 60s but is still as energetic as ever. We were not really related by blood but she’s very good friends with my mom and I have always addressed her as an aunt, a very kind one for that matter. She was wearing her pajamas and it looks like someone just woke her up.

Beside her stood a guy who looks just around my age. He is tall, with messy black hair that covers portions of his forehead. There was a camera hanging around his neck and a large bag on his back as if he was out for a vacation. He smiled warmly at me, the kind that reaches the eyes.

I ignored him.

"We’re really sorry for bothering you at this hour.”

"No it’s alright, I'm still up anyway. Please come in." I stepped aside to let them enter but she cut me off immediately.

"There’s no need, I wouldn't be staying for long. But I have a really big favor to ask."

I stared at her, waiting. I have zero idea as to what anyone could have wanted from me at this hour.

“Can you please let my nephew use the other room?”

Huh.

I don’t get it.

“I- uhh, I guess? I mean, this is your apartment. Why are you asking for my opinion? Would his unit be next to mine?”

Maybe he’s a loud guy, he does give off that energy. She knows I don’t like noises so perhaps that’s why she was informing me beforehand. He crinkled his nose, looking back and forth between me and the old woman.

“Aera, I mean the unoccupied room in your unit.”

“Oh, THAT room” I tried to form a coherent response. “Why?”

That was not a very coherent response.

The apartment unit I have was originally meant for two people. But I’m not a roomie type of person you know, I need my space. So it was my personal choice to keep one room unoccupied by covering the rent for two people. Tita Linda is very much aware of that, why would she do this to me?

“Everywhere else is occupied.” She sighed. “I know you would not love the idea but I figured I would ask because I couldn’t just drive this kid away. He would not be able to go home to the province.”

“Please?” I almost jumped when he suddenly spoke. “I’ve got nowhere else to go.”

I expected his voice to be deep but it was actually more light and pleasant. He was giving me the impression of a lost puppy.

“There is nothing to worry about. You would not have any problems with him, right Gian?” She managed to simultaneously sound reassuring to me and threatening to him.

“Right, of course.” His smile was still there like it was plastered permanently on his face.

They patiently waited as I process everything and think of the most polite way to decline. I would trust Tita Linda with my life, but I am honestly sensing a very annoying energy and I am not sure if I can vibe with it. This sucks, there is literally NO polite way to decline.

I held back a sigh, knowing I cannot actually say no. Not to the woman who acted like a parent figure to me while my own aren't around. I have a feeling that she will harbor some sort of resentment if I refused. Besides, at the end of the day, this is still her property.

I took a deep breath and responded with as much enthusiasm as I can muster (barely any) “Yeah sure.”

He would have passed as a toothpaste model with that smile. It was almost infectious. The landlady sighed with relief.

"Thank you, thank you Aera. I don't really know what this idiot was thinking, travelling on times like these." She turned to her nephew "Gian, you behave in here and don't bother her too much alright? Do not mess around."

He let out a small chuckle. "When did I ever messed around Auntie? I’ll be good."

The elder woman shook her head.  "Just be sure." She looked at me again. "If ever you're having any issues with him, tell me. But he does get along with people well so you children should be fine."

I just nodded in reply. She smiled at me and patted her nephew's shoulder before leaving. Now it was just the two of us. It was taking every ounce of my self-restraint to hold back the tantrum bubbling inside of me.

Sure, maybe he can get along with people. But they failed to consider the fact that I can't. 

What is this life? I just want to be left alone but now I'm forced to socialize every single day!?

"Come in," I invited and he immediately did.

I locked the door and followed him. For a while, none of us said anything. He just stood near the couch, looking around.

The unit isn't that big. The front door immediately leads to the living room where there is a couch and a tv set. A wooden divider separates it from the kitchen which also connects to the only bathroom. There are two bedrooms at the left of the living room and a small balcony on the right. The walls were painted white, with brown accents. It isn't much, but it's a very cozy home.

"Nice place," he commented. "Are you allergic to uhm... dust or anything?"

What?

"No?" I replied, uncertain.

He chuckled again before answering me. He just fills awkward moments with laughter.

"It's really clean. Everything is in order and it's just like no one lives here at all."

I am not sure whether to take that as an insult or a compliment.

"Yeah," I nodded, clearing my throat as subtle as possible before continuing because my voice is getting too quiet. "I don't like it when the place is messy."

He whistled and murmured something to himself.

"By the way," The voice went ten times more enthusiastic as he turned to face me again. "I'm Gian Alonzo." He extended his hand for a handshake but I just stared at it.

He noticed my hesitation and raised both hands as if a sign of surrender.

"Hey if you're worried about the virus, I definitely don't have it. I came from the province not overseas. And granted, I did talk to some strangers on the way here but they all look completely fine."

Gian talks in a very vibrant manner, as if you can feel the energy buzzing from every word. His argument has too many flaws and loopholes though so I'm just ignoring that.

"I'm Aera"

He waited for me to say more but I turned away and opened the first door on the left. Thankfully, I have extra pillows and blankets in here. It’s funny how I bought them even though I have never invited anyone over nor do I have any plans of doing so in the future.

I just see cute prints and goes fuck it, take my money.

"You can have this room. No one uses it but it's all clean and good."

And I would really appreciate it if you just stayed inside the whole time.

Or maybe I'll just stay inside my room.

"You don't want me here, do you?" I looked back at him, raising an eyebrow.

"It's just... obvious." He didn't sound offended at all, just genuinely curious.

I shrugged. "Yep."

He was a little taken aback by my straightforwardness but immediately recovered. I opened my mouth to explain but the guy is already on a roll.

"Listen, I'm not a bad person okay? You're totally safe with me and I can follow any of your house rules, I promise."

"Okay, but–"

"I've been to LOTS of places and I never had any issue with people I stay with. And we've had lots of fun! And I vibe with them! And–"

"Can I talk?" I said more firmly, glaring at him. He made an action of zipping his mouth and nodded.

"It's just that I prefer being alone. I'm not used with having someone else around. I don't really... interact with people."

I basically just implied the same thing thrice, making sure the point comes across.

He seems to be very amused by that. "You say the word people in a very weird way," He said before entering the room. "As if you weren't referring to your own kind."

I leaned on the doorway, crossing my arms in front of me. I was just waiting for him to settle so I can finally lock up on my room and contemplate my choices in life.

But he only dropped his stuff in the bed before returning right in front of me. I wanted to point out that we should be a meter apart but I refuse to speak in such a close proximity. I hate that I have to look up to him.

He has prominent jaws and cheekbones but somehow, when you add up all his facial features together, it comes off as soft. A gentle face with a boyish grin.

"Then maybe I can teach you how to interact with people. I am fairly good with that." He suggested in a small voice before backing away and going to the kitchen.

"I said I didn't want to, not that I don't know how. That's different." I snapped and followed him.

He paid no attention to my retort, now occupied in stirring the coffee I was making earlier. He turned to me and smiled once more.

"I'm having these, thanks." He raised the mug and then casually took a sip.

That's when I realized I made the wrong decision.