Words Betray Meaning
Reign Jamisal
She was so strong that no one could ever break. A woman whose foundation is herself — cold, smart and always ten times ahead, meet a charismatic, logical and impossible to outsmart guy she never imagined.
When people around them find them "perfect imperfect couple" which they were trapped in a wit of game, pride & calling found themselves in a match made in heaven.
Not every puzzle is meant to be solved. They are meant to fall in love.
Chapter 11: the legendary LBM was born
Gabriel's POV
A week had passed since our last meeting, and I was assigned a new training class to focus on. Hearing that Reese would eventually become their Team Leader once they were certified made me smile. I knew they'd be in good hands.
As the session began, I started checking the attendance.
"Brianna Sofia Vergara Lopez," I called.
I expected a lady to raise her hand.
Instead, a man answered.
"Sir, I do."
A small smile escaped me.
"Just say 'Present' or 'I'm here' after I call your name," I reminded him.
He grinned without hesitation.
*"Kapag ganito kapogi ang trainer namin, laging present, Sir Gabriel."*
The room was immediately filled with laughter.
I glanced back at the attendance sheet, wondering if the name listed was simply his preferred name. Before I could ask, he answered the question I hadn't even spoken to.
*"Brian Vergara Lopez is my real name... pero 'Briana' sa gabi."*
That earned another round of laughter.
A few moments later, he timidly raised his hand again.
"May I ask something?"
"Sure. What is it?"
He hesitated for a second before asking,
"Are you single?"
He was blushing so hard that even his classmates started teasing him.
"Yes... but mentally taken."
The answer slipped out before I could think. Ironically, there wasn't even anyone on my mind.
He smiled.
"Best answer. Pero kung may crush ka, Trainer, sabihin mo lang. Palalayain kita."
His sincerity caught me off guard.
I laughed.
"Relax. I'm kidding. I'm completely single—no stress, no drama."
Almost instantly, the entire class shouted,
"Weh!"
Clearly, nobody believed me.
I simply shook my head.
"Alright, class. There's only one thing I'm committed to."
The room suddenly fell silent.
"Your Trainer Gabriel is only taken by Wave 7. Understood?"
The classroom erupted with cheers.
A few of the girls blushed while the guys jokingly groaned and threw teasing looks my way.
As I looked around the room, I couldn't help but smile.
I wanted to give them the best journey possible.
Because what they signed up for wouldn't be easy.
---
Our lesson for the day was about the 50 states of the United States.
As expected, Brianna became the most active participant. Her curiosity and enthusiasm made the discussion more engaging.
She raised her hand.
"Trainer, what's the richest state in the U.S., and how much is the cost of living compared to the Philippines?"
Before I could answer, someone suddenly interrupted.
"California ka ba, Trainer?"
I looked at him.
"Why?"
He flashed a proud smile.
"Kasi kahit crush kita, hindi kita afford."
I laughed.
Fair enough. That was actually a good one.
Once the laughter settled down, I continued the discussion.
I explained that California is one of the wealthiest states in the U.S., but it's also among the most expensive places to live. I added that in the Philippines, the cost of living largely depends on where you live. Metro Manila generally has higher rent and daily expenses, while living outside the metro is usually much more affordable.
---
As I dismissed the class, three trainees approached me together.
Something about them told me they were inseparable.
"Nice meeting you again, Sir."
One by one, they introduced themselves.
"My name is Lea."
"I'm Brianna."
"And I'm Maria."
Although we'd already met during our orientation, I appreciated that they stayed behind just to introduce themselves properly. It was a simple gesture, but one that made our second meeting feel more personal.
I smiled.
"So... what's your group name?"
The three of them exchanged confused looks before laughing.
"We don't have one yet, Sir."
"Then let me give you one."
I looked at each of them before speaking.
"How about LBM?"
"Lea. Brianna. Maria."
They burst into laughter.
"Sir, pwede!"
And just like that, Team LBM was born.
Before leaving the room, the three of them suddenly looked at one another.
Without warning, they spoke in perfect unison.
Utot man sa paningin... nakakapuwing din!"
I couldn't help but laugh.
I had no idea whether they had planned it beforehand or if it was simply one of those perfectly timed moments.
Either way, their chemistry was contagious.
Watching them joke around reminded me that training wasn't just about teaching processes and passing assessments.
Sometimes...
It was about creating memories that people would carry long after the lessons were over.
A week had passed since our last meeting, and I was assigned a new training class to focus on. Hearing that Reese would eventually become their Team Leader once they were certified made me smile. I knew they'd be in good hands.
As the session began, I started checking the attendance.
"Brianna Sofia Vergara Lopez," I called.
I expected a lady to raise her hand.
Instead, a man answered.
"Sir, I do."
A small smile escaped me.
"Just say 'Present' or 'I'm here' after I call your name," I reminded him.
He grinned without hesitation.
*"Kapag ganito kapogi ang trainer namin, laging present, Sir Gabriel."*
The room was immediately filled with laughter.
I glanced back at the attendance sheet, wondering if the name listed was simply his preferred name. Before I could ask, he answered the question I hadn't even spoken to.
*"Brian Vergara Lopez is my real name... pero 'Briana' sa gabi."*
That earned another round of laughter.
A few moments later, he timidly raised his hand again.
"May I ask something?"
"Sure. What is it?"
He hesitated for a second before asking,
"Are you single?"
He was blushing so hard that even his classmates started teasing him.
"Yes... but mentally taken."
The answer slipped out before I could think. Ironically, there wasn't even anyone on my mind.
He smiled.
"Best answer. Pero kung may crush ka, Trainer, sabihin mo lang. Palalayain kita."
His sincerity caught me off guard.
I laughed.
"Relax. I'm kidding. I'm completely single—no stress, no drama."
Almost instantly, the entire class shouted,
"Weh!"
Clearly, nobody believed me.
I simply shook my head.
"Alright, class. There's only one thing I'm committed to."
The room suddenly fell silent.
"Your Trainer Gabriel is only taken by Wave 7. Understood?"
The classroom erupted with cheers.
A few of the girls blushed while the guys jokingly groaned and threw teasing looks my way.
As I looked around the room, I couldn't help but smile.
I wanted to give them the best journey possible.
Because what they signed up for wouldn't be easy.
---
Our lesson for the day was about the 50 states of the United States.
As expected, Brianna became the most active participant. Her curiosity and enthusiasm made the discussion more engaging.
She raised her hand.
"Trainer, what's the richest state in the U.S., and how much is the cost of living compared to the Philippines?"
Before I could answer, someone suddenly interrupted.
"California ka ba, Trainer?"
I looked at him.
"Why?"
He flashed a proud smile.
"Kasi kahit crush kita, hindi kita afford."
I laughed.
Fair enough. That was actually a good one.
Once the laughter settled down, I continued the discussion.
I explained that California is one of the wealthiest states in the U.S., but it's also among the most expensive places to live. I added that in the Philippines, the cost of living largely depends on where you live. Metro Manila generally has higher rent and daily expenses, while living outside the metro is usually much more affordable.
---
As I dismissed the class, three trainees approached me together.
Something about them told me they were inseparable.
"Nice meeting you again, Sir."
One by one, they introduced themselves.
"My name is Lea."
"I'm Brianna."
"And I'm Maria."
Although we'd already met during our orientation, I appreciated that they stayed behind just to introduce themselves properly. It was a simple gesture, but one that made our second meeting feel more personal.
I smiled.
"So... what's your group name?"
The three of them exchanged confused looks before laughing.
"We don't have one yet, Sir."
"Then let me give you one."
I looked at each of them before speaking.
"How about LBM?"
"Lea. Brianna. Maria."
They burst into laughter.
"Sir, pwede!"
And just like that, Team LBM was born.
Before leaving the room, the three of them suddenly looked at one another.
Without warning, they spoke in perfect unison.
Utot man sa paningin... nakakapuwing din!"
I couldn't help but laugh.
I had no idea whether they had planned it beforehand or if it was simply one of those perfectly timed moments.
Either way, their chemistry was contagious.
Watching them joke around reminded me that training wasn't just about teaching processes and passing assessments.
Sometimes...
It was about creating memories that people would carry long after the lessons were over.
Chapter 11
— Chapter 11: the legendary LBM was born of 11