Yannie Ace Ruiz"Time flies so fast, right? It's already summer, and we'll be in our 3rd year next semester!""Yeah, it feels like we just enrolled for the 2nd semester. Now, we're already in our 3rd year!""So, what are your plans for this vacation? Are you going home to your provinces?""Hmm. I might not go home yet. I might look for a summer job first. How about you guys?""Oh, I like that idea!""Count me in too. I heard there's a fast-food restaurant that's hiring part-time students this summer!""Nice! Where is it? Let's apply. What do you think, Yannie?""Yannie?""Hey, Yannie!" I was startled when Veron shook me gently."H-Huh?""Are you okay? Why do you seem to be lost in thought?" Ivory pointed out."Huh? Uhm... y-yes, I'm okay.""Are you sure? You seem not okay. We've been chatting here for a while, but you've been quiet the whole time," Jenny said."What's wrong, Yannie? Tell us about it," Veron urged.I let out a deep sigh followed by biting my lower lip. I

Yannie Ace RuizI carefully looked at a beautiful sky blue dress in front of me and the matching white sandals. Just by looking at them, it was obvious that they were expensive, almost as if they didn't suit someone like me.A few moments later, my phone rang with an incoming call. Josh's name appeared on the screen, so I quickly answered it."Hello?""Hello, my love! Have you seen it? Do you like it?" he greeted me cheerfully with a series of questions."Of course, I like it. But, Josh, you didn't have to buy me such an expensive dress—""Why not?" he interrupted. "I like that dress and the moment I saw it, you were the first person that came to my mind. I'm pretty sure it will suit you. It's like it was made just for you," he replied sweetly.I took a deep breath. "You're something else.""Just wear it tomorrow, okay? Please?""Okay. I'll wear it. How could I refuse the birthday boy?""Thank you, my love!" he said happily."I'm the one who should be thanking you," I replie

Yannie Ace RuizAfter Josh faced his guests, he started to walk away from that place while holding my hand.We heard his Mom calling him several times, but Josh didn't bother to pay attention. Instead, he continued walking as if he were deaf, while still pulling me along.Josh quickly opened the door of his car when we arrived there, and he carefully helped me get inside. After that, he swiftly moved to the other side to get in himself, then he started the car.Silence enveloped us as we headed somewhere. I was too surprised by the events, and until now, my mind was still processing everything.Earlier, Josh's Mom announced in front of many people that they would marry Josh to Arriane, Josh's ex. But then Josh kissed me in front of everyone and boldly declared that I was the one he loved. It deeply touched my heart. I couldn't tell if all of this was real because it felt like I was in a dream.I glanced at Josh, who was now driving seriously. It seemed like he was deeply lost in

Yannie Ace RuizI quickly grabbed my phone when it vibrated with a message from Josh.Josh Rain: I'll see you later. Take care. I love you!A sweet smile formed on my lips as I typed a reply to him.Me: I love you too. Take care as well."That smile is so sweet," Ivory commented as she and Jenny approached me."It seems like you're meeting Josh quite often. He picks you up and drops you off at home from your part-time job every day," Jenny remarked.Three days had passed, and Josh remained consistent in picking me up from my part-time job and escorting me home. Sometimes, he even swung by to have lunch together. It seemed like he had nothing else to do but to be with me.Whenever I suggested that he take a break and not come to see me for a day just to rest, it always led to an argument. He insisted on seeing me and asked why I was stopping him from doing something he wanted to do for me. Whenever I asked about his parents, he would change the topic. He would just say they're o

Yannie Ace RuizI couldn't get Josh and what I learned from Arriane out of my mind. So, holding the card with the address of Josh's workplace, I finally decided to go there.I quickly left the house after telling my parents I was going to see Josh. Since they had accepted our relationship, they were no longer strict with us.A few minutes later, I arrived at the resto-bar where Josh works. It was close to my part-time job.I carefully peeked inside to see if he was there, but I didn't see him. I wasn't sure about his work hours, but I wanted to take a chance. So, I stayed and went inside. I sat at an empty table in the corner and continued to observe the surroundings until I spotted a familiar figure busy cleaning a table.My heart ached as I watched him. He was wearing the resto-bar's uniform and seemed hurried as he cleaned the tables. His face showed signs of exhaustion, indicating that he had been working hard for a while. The sweat on his forehead was evidence of his effort.