Absinthe

Before Robert and Jiwoo's argument got any worse, I volunteered to call it a day and tried to drag Jiwoo and Derrick away. Rob had a different idea, so we ended up going together and leaving my previous companions at Faye's.

"I'll pick you up after work tomorrow," Rob said as he parked the car in the guest parking slot of our building.

"Huh?" I said with a slight frown. "What about my car? If you're picking me up, who's driving my car back home?"

"Right," Robert said, scratching his head. "I did not think about that."

I laughed. "There's nothing to worry about, Rob. Jiwoo's straight."

"Are we talking about the same guy?" Robert chuckled. "There's no way that man's straight."

"He is," I answered back. "Trust me. He's just joking around saying those things. But he really is straight."

"I'm not convinced," Robert said, still eyeing me suspiciously.

"Even if he weren't, are you seriously threatened by him?" My question seemed to catch Robert off guard. And, as expected, he answered by dismissing Jiwoo's threat.

"Not really. Sure, he's handsome, but I'm hotter, right?"

I laughed and gently pinched Rob's cheek. "Yes, attorney. You're way hotter."

The following week was one of the most exhausting ones I'd ever had. Chef Maxwell's classes were slowly turning more and more into technique refining tutorials. We were repeating dishes over and over again, trying to master certain skills or the subtle changes we had to make on account of the subtle differences in the quality of the ingredients.

"Culinary contest season is right around the corner," Chef Maxwell began. It was a Friday, and I could clearly see from everyone's faces that they were ready to hibernate over the weekend. "And of course, what better way to hone your skills than to face off with other up-and-coming chefs in the country?"

I caught Nico and Jiwoo exchanging excited looks. Vivi, on the other hand, looked disinterested.

"But before that, I have a treat for all of you," Chef Maxwell announced. "I want all four of you to visit our one and only supplier farm in Benguet next week."

Um, no, thank you? Did he have any idea how hard it was to live on a farm? I did because Faye and I have one. We tried spending one weekend there, but we ended up staying in a hotel. Don't get us wrong— Faye and I have humble roots—but once we started earning money and experiencing whatever comforts it afforded us, we couldn't be bothered living that way anymore.

"It should be fun," Chef Maxwell continued. "It's an opportunity for you guys to understand how food is grown, get your hands dirty, and be intimate with food."

Nico and Jiwoo both laughed audibly at Chef Maxwell's choice of words.

"Besides, I'm sure you need all the relaxation you can get. It's a farm, yes, but it's also a posh resort."

"Okay. We're sold, Chef," Nico said, smiling. "Should be awesome."

At the parking lot, Nico acted like the leader and tried to make sense of how we were going to spend our week in Benguet. "Maxwell said we're getting two rooms. I say us boys can share one, and Vivi gets the other."

"Or, being the gay guy that I am, maybe I can share the room with Vivi and not crowd you two up."

"Will you be okay with that, Vi?"

you're giving me considerations because I'm female. There's an option for two single beds, you

feel Nico rolling his eyes, but he remained the

Vivi answered. "That way, everything's

Jiwoo added. "Let's

As and two Bs. He

folded papers in his palms.

got A,"

a room with Jiwoo. Imagine the kind of torture I'd be subjected to should we become roommates.

Nico said. "I guess

okay with this?" I asked Nico, afraid that he might

Nico said. "Why would I pass up the chance

you're really straight," I told

all," Vivi said with a grin. "So what about transportation

suggested. "I think we can all fit

and we can take turns

my car then." Nico said.

to eat on the

Nico asked Vivi, who nodded. He told me he was picking me up

far from yours. I'll go to BJ's place and wait

It's settled then."

guys soon!"

with the exception of Jiwoo. Vivi and Nico sped out of the parking lot, and I felt bad about the guy who was always

rolled down my windows and called out, "Hey, I'm going shopping for

jumped into the

minutes left before closing time. Fortunately, Jiwoo had this way of talking to the security guards that they allowed us to

persuasion. "I

you don't know about me," Jiwoo said with a wink. "If only you took the time to find out what

rolled my eyes in mockery. "Whatever, Mr. Garcia. Anyway, won't it be too early for you to come to my

is," he answered back. "But I don't really have a choice, do

sleep in my place," I offered, unsure why I was doing it. "I have a pretty big couch. Or we can pull out

asked. "Won't your

wrong. You're just sleeping over. Besides, Derrick's there. It's not like it's only going to

you're worried that something might happen if we were

regretting inviting you over,"

hair. "Just kidding. You mind if we pass by

"Not at all."

finished loading up the groceries into the back

back to Makati was quick as there were fewer cars at that time of night. Jiwoo started giving me directions as soon as I had driven past the business districts along Ayala Avenue. I noticed the roads getting considerably narrower and narrower. The cars beside me were soon replaced by tricycles and motorbikes,

by stacks of houses in varying stages of neglect. Electrical wires that had been expertly hidden from the skyline of the city were visible here in

a talipapa and dozens of provision stores and eateries. The road was also filled with parked taxis— it was safe to assume that

over there. There won't be any place to park in front of