Yannie Ace RuizJomar burst into laughter at Josh's words. "Are you kidding? You? Yannie's boyfriend?""Who else do you think?" Josh said seriously to Jomar, then turned his gaze to me. "Let's go and talk," he said and was about to take my hand. However, Jomar quickly pulled me away from Josh and slightly hid me behind him."Is what he's saying true, Yannie?" Jomar asked me seriously, looking at Josh with a sharp gaze."H-Huh?""Is it true... that this guy is your boyfriend?" Jomar repeated the question, still staring intensely at Josh.I glanced at Josh, meeting his eyes. His throat moved as he swallowed, and his eyes pleaded with me."You can't answer, which means what this guy is saying is not true. He's not your boyfriend, and he's just here to cause trouble. Am I right, Yannie?" Jomar said when I didn't respond."Yannie, please. Let's talk—""Leave," Jomar quickly cut Josh off. "Can't you see? Yannie doesn't want to talk to you.""Who are you to kick me out?" Josh snappe
Yannie Ace RuizMy heart skipped a beat when I saw that Josh was online, and he replied to my chat.Josh Rain: I’m home. (smiley emoji) Thank you for today, yeobo.I couldn't help but smile at the endearment he used.Me: Rest well. You mentioned you have practice tomorrow."Ate, where's my phone?" Yuri complained. I had her phone since I borrowed it to chat with Josh.I left my bag and belongings at Chelle's house, where we practiced for our P.E. class. Josh suddenly took me somewhere, and I completely forgot about my things. Veron messaged me that she would bring my bag here."I'll return this to you later. Just wait a moment," I told Yuri and shifted my focus back to her phone.Josh Rain: Later. I still want to talk to you. Besides, you are my rest.His words made me smile again, and I paused for a moment."Who are you chatting with?" Yuri asked, trying to snatch her phone back. Fortunately, I quickly moved it away from her."Stop being nosy," I scolded her."It's my phon
Yannie Ace RuizI woke up early to prepare for work at the convenience store. I've been absent a few times for various reasons, but Mrs. Maricel has been understanding and given me chances, which I appreciate.As soon as I checked my phone, I saw a message from Josh.From Josh Rain: Good morning, yeobo.His simple good morning message made me smile.To Josh Rain: Good morning, too. What time is your practice later?I replied before heading out for breakfast. Shortly after, my phone vibrated again with another message from Josh.From Josh Rain: It's after lunch. I'll pick you up after your work.Yuri, my nosy sister, suddenly joined me at the dining table."Are you chatting with your boyfriend again?" she asked. I gave her a stern look, relieved that Mom wasn't around to hear."Keep it down, Yuri! You'll be in trouble if Mom hears you," I warned her.She just chuckled and whispered, "Don't worry, Ate. Your secret is safe with me. Just buy me a new dress.""Since when did you
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Yannie!" Veron called out to me loudly, happily approaching with Ivory and Jenny. "Where's our birthday boy?" Veron asked me.Veron, along with Jenny and Ivory, came to the store to pick up Jomar, and we were all planning to go to Jomar's house together. It's Sunday today, and it's Jomar's 22nd birthday. Mrs. Maricel graciously allowed us to close the store early to attend Jomar's small and simple birthday celebration."I'm here!" Jomar cheerfully announced to Veron as he exited the staff room. "Where are my gifts?" he jokingly asked the three of them."Gifts are no longer a thing during birthdays, Jomar. We'll take care of the snacks later," Ivory said, and they all laughed happily.While they were busy chatting, I sneaked a glance at my phone to check if Josh had replied to my text. My heart was pounding because we were having a little disagreement through text – he didn't want me to go to Jomar's celebration, which I strongly opposed.After a while, my phone r
Josh Rain MontezSilence envelops Yannie and me as we both sit quietly inside the car parked near their house. Throughout the journey, neither of us uttered a word. I may appear calm, but I can sense her nervousness. Fortunately, I managed to restrain myself earlier, despite the strong urge to confront the guy who irked me. Though I dislike him, I respect their friendship. Still, I can't help but worry whenever I learn that they're together."I-I’m sorry," Yannie softly apologizes."Why are you sorry?" I ask calmly."I know you’re mad. After our phone conversation earlier, you didn't reply to any of my texts or messages," she responds."That's because I'm driving," I explain."Huh?" she says, followed by a gulp. "H-How did you... find out where I was?" she asks.I recall what happened earlier. Frankly, I was annoyed because, despite my reluctance, she insisted on celebrating at that guy's house. Luckily, I benefit from my connection with Ramil. He informs me about Yannie's where
Veron Velaz"Are you sure you don't want us to accompany you?" Yannie asked from the other line."I'm fine, Yannie. Just lend me your notes for tomorrow's classes that I'll miss," I replied."Veron, why didn't you tell us about this sooner?" I heard Jenny complain."Yeah, Veron, we could have joined you in Parañaque to find your boyfriend, who seems to be missing in action," Ivory added.Even though I couldn't see them, I knew the three of them were gathered together while talking to me on the cellphone."It's okay, Girls. I don't want to involve you in my problems," I said, sipping on the straw of the milk tea I ordered at the coffee shop where I'd been waiting for over two hours for Kevin to come out of his workplace. It's been three weeks since he last contacted me. After three weeks of silence and ignoring me, so I decided to visit him at his workplace."What do you mean, Veron? Don't you see us as friends that you don't want us to support and help you?" Jenny asked, a hint
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Yannie, do you really think it's okay for Josh if we join you and Veron?" Jenny asked as we walked towards the school library. Veron and Ivory were with us."Of course. Why would you even ask?" I replied."Just checking. We haven't met your boyfriend yet," Jenny explained. We all paused at her statement. My eyes widened, and she covered her mouth. "Oh my gosh. This is really happening. You really have a boyfriend," she continued, her excitement palpable."Even I can't get over the fact that Yannie has a boyfriend!" Ivory chimed in with a laugh."Mission accomplished because finally, our friend is not NBSB anymore," Veron teased, wrapping her arm around me.They couldn't resist teasing me about the revelation of Josh and me. I had shared the news with them earlier, and now they were having a field day teasing me about it.I couldn't keep it a secret from them for long. Josh had invited me to attend his basketball game at their school this coming Friday, and I nee
Yannie Ace RuizI was startled when my cellphone suddenly rang loudly while I was in the middle of choosing vegetables in a supermarket. I took it out of my pocket and smiled when I saw Josh's name on the screen."Hello?""Have you arrived home? Why haven't you texted or chatted with me?" Josh's opening question when I answered his call."I'm not home yet. Mom asked me to stop by the supermarket to shop," I replied to him."Who are you with?" he asked again."Just me," I replied. I heard him exhale deeply on the other line."Sorry," he said softly."Huh? For what?" I asked, furrowing my brow."For not being able to accompany you. Sorry for being so far away from you," he replied heavily.I took a deep breath before speaking, "Come on, it's not your fault if you're far away from me. So you don't have to apologize," I replied, biting my lower lip. "And you? Is your practice over?""Not yet," he replied simply."How late will it be?""Maybe we'll finish around 8," he said.I
"Oh my gosh! This is it, girls! Finally!" Ivory exclaimed happily as she approached us."Yes, finally! Can you believe it? We all made it here," Jenny added."I'm so proud of us, girls! Finally, this is it! Congratulations to all of us!" Veron chimed in joyfully.I smiled sweetly at my friends. "Congrats to us. I'm so happy and proud of all of us," I said as we gathered for a group hug.Two fast-paced years have passed, and finally, one of the most awaited days has arrived. The day when we would march together to mark the end of our studies. Yes, today is our graduation day, and my heart is bursting with overwhelming joy. All the exhaustion, sleepless nights, hardships, and sacrifices are finally paying off.I still remember the part-time jobs my friends and I took on just to support ourselves and our families. And now, the day we've all been waiting for has finally come.In a few moments, the line where we stood started moving, as they began letting us in one by one into the venue."
"Yannie..." Ramil uttered my name with a hint of concern when he saw me entering Josh's room.I looked at him questioningly until my gaze landed on Josh's empty bed. My brows furrowed slightly."Where's Josh?" I asked Ramil and Byron. The two took a deep breath, and I could see the worry and concern on their faces. It seemed like they had something to tell me but were hesitant. "Why? Did something happen? Where is Josh?" I asked again.Before answering, the two exchanged glances, seemingly urging each other to respond. Eventually, Ramil met my eyes and spoke. "Josh left. We caught up to him, but... he wouldn't be stopped.""Huh? What do you mean he left? Where did he go? Did he go home? Was he discharged?" I asked, confused and bombarding them with questions."He insisted on being discharged by his doctor. He left and went to the airport... to chase after Arriane," Ramil replied."H-Huh?""Arriane told him she was continuing her studies abroad. So, he hurried off to the airport to cat
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Nice! Nice try, bro. But drop that joke," Ramil broke the silence that enveloped us after Josh asked who I was."What try? What joke?" Josh asked Ramil, confused."Bro—""I'm serious. Who is she? Who are they?" Josh pointed at me and Veron."Get it together, bro. This isn't funny—""You get it together," Josh quickly interrupted Byron, then looked at me again. His gaze was far different from how he used to look at me. It was as if my presence confused him deeply. It was as if he had forgotten everything about me—everything about us.Because of those looks, my heart immediately grew heavy. I couldn't explain what I felt at first."Son!" Josh's parents suddenly arrived. "How are you, son? How are you feeling now?" his father quickly asked."I'm okay, Dad. I just... don't understand why I'm here," Josh replied to his father."You don't remember... what happened?" Josh's mother asked in confusion."I can't," Josh answered simply, which made my heart feel even heavier and
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Rhiana..."I quickly wiped away my tears and just as quickly let go of Josh's hands when I heard Ate Rica's voice.My heart immediately pounded with anxiety as I slowly straightened up and turned to face them. There, I met the gaze of Josh's mom. I struggled to swallow because it felt like the words I wanted to say were fighting to come out of my lips. I didn't know how to start apologizing to her for being here now.I knew I had promised her before that I would never show myself to her son again. I had promised her before that I would disappear from Josh's life, but... here I am now, crying in front of her son. It was as if, in an instant, all the promises I had made to her and my determination back then had suddenly crumbled. I wanted to kneel before her again and beg for her to let me be with Josh.I struggled to swallow again before starting to speak. "S-Sorry," I said weakly while trying to hold back my tears. "I just wanted to make sure Josh is okay." I looked d
Yannie Ace Ruiz"No! No, Yannie! No!" Josh cried repeatedly, holding me tightly in his arms."J-Josh..." I managed to say with difficulty. I forced myself to utter his name despite the intense pain caused by the bullet wound."Don't leave me, Yannie. Just hang in there, okay? You can do it, Yannie. Please, don't give up!" Josh kept crying to me."D*mn it! How did she get away from you? You idiots!" I heard the man who shot me yelling at his men."You bastard! I'll kill you!" Josh shouted angrily at the man."I'm the one who's going to kill you! Thank your girlfriend for taking the bullet that was meant for your head! If she hadn't done that, you would be dead by now, and she would be crying over you. But don't worry, you won't be around much longer because I'm going to finish you off too." The man pointed the gun at Josh again.I swallowed with difficulty, feeling my breathing become labored."D-Don't..." I whispered weakly, trying to protect him."Wow. That's touching. You love this
Yannie Ace RuizMy tears continue to flow incessantly while my chest keeps rising and falling with the intense anxiety I'm feeling right now. I hold my breath as if exhaling freely might bring something wrong upon me, even though I'm just sitting inside this car.I don't know how many minutes or hours have passed since these men took me. I don't know who they are or why they are doing this to me. Over and over again, I replay in my mind if I have wronged someone."We're here," said the man in front of his companions. He stopped the car, and they got out one by one.The man beside me opened the car door and stepped out, giving me a sharp look. "Get out," he commanded.I struggled to swallow and looked around at where we were. It was dark surroundings, but I could see tall grasses around us, with a large warehouse in front of us."Get out, I said," the man repeated his order."Who are you? Where are you taking me? What are you going to do to me?" I asked fearfully, one question after an
Josh Rain MontezArriane stood quietly in front of me after seeing whoever arrived inside the coffee shop where we were."Aunt..." she said as the footsteps approached us.I lifted my emotionless gaze to the person who came closer and faced me. I could see the deep concern on her face as she looked at me, as if afraid of what I might do after learning the truth from Arriane. Her throat moved repeatedly as tears seemed about to fall."I'm sorry, Aunt," Arriane broke the silence. "I did everything, but... he's truly, madly, and crazy in love with that girl. With Yannie," she said to Mommy, then sadly walked out of the coffee shop, leaving us behind.I avoided looking at Mommy and lifelessly stood and turned away from her. I was about to step away, but she quickly stopped me and blocked my path. "Josh..." she said my name. I didn't respond and instead continued walking past her. But I stopped when she spoke again. "Aren't you going to ask me about what you've learned?"I smirked sarcasti
Josh Rain Montez"Bro, that's enough. You've had way too much to drink," Ramil interrupted me as he reached for the alcohol I was drinking. But I quickly pulled it away from him."I'm okay, Bro. I'm not drunk yet.""But, Bro, you've been here drinking for a while now. And you've been doing nothing else but drinking for days. You might get into trouble.""Yeah, Bro. Who knows what might happen to you with all this," Byron added.I took another sip of my drink and replied to them, "Whatever happens to me, it's probably better than this.""Bro, that's enough. You're drunk," Ramil intervened again, successfully taking the alcohol away from me this time."What the heck? Why are you so persistent? Why are you meddling?" I snapped at him, getting annoyed as I stood up."Easy, Bro!" Byron said to me."You're already drunk, so stop drinking—""Damn it! So what if I'm already drunk? Why do you have to interfere? Can't you just leave me alone?!"Ramil took a deep breath and looked at me wearily
Josh Rain Montez"Are you drunk again?" Mom started as soon as I walked into the house. But I ignored her and continued walking past her. "Seriously, Josh? Until when are you going to behave like this just because of that worthless girl?!" I stopped walking after she said those words. "She's gone, Josh. She left you, but you're still wallowing because of her!"I slowly faced Mom. "Have you been in love, Mom?" I asked gently, which seemed to stun her momentarily."What?""You know what, Mom? I've always wondered if you've ever been in love with Dad. Because every time I look at both of you, I don't see love between you."Her jaw clenched. "Stop talking nonsense, Josh. Don't drag me and your Dad into your drama.""I guess you've never been in love. That's why you're like this, maybe because you've never experienced loving someone, especially getting hurt." My vision started to blur as tears threatened to escape from me.Several days have passed since Yannie blatantly rejected me, but un