Yannie Ace Ruiz"Happy birthday!" I was startled when mom and dad greeted me with a birthday cake as I stepped out of my room, along with my siblings who all greeted me at once."Mom, Dad..." I could only utter in overwhelming joy."Happy 21st birthday, my daughter!" mom smiled as she looked at the cake they were holding with dad."Thank you, mom," I replied, then closed my eyes briefly to make a wish. I didn't want anything else but the everyday happiness of my loved ones. After making my wish, I blew out the candle on the cake.Mom and Dad gave me tight hugs. Meanwhile, my siblings happily went to the kitchen to set the table. I didn't know they had prepared food early for my birthday. It was only 10 in the morning, but they already cooked pancit, sopas, spaghetti, and lumpiang Shanghai, our favorite dishes."We cooked and prepared early because you said you were leaving today," mom explained to me as we approached the table.Today is also the exclusive concert of 4SBLUE that
Yannie Ace Ruiz"See you later, my Yeobo.""See you later.""Don't forget my reminders, okay? It's fine to talk to him as long as it's about work—""Josh..." I gently called his name, causing him to pause in his words. He's been telling me about this repeatedly. Not to approach Edric or any male colleague at work. And it's okay to talk to them as long as it's about work.He cleared his throat. "I'm just reminding you.""Don't worry because I'll never forget that I have a jealous boyfriend," I joked with him, making him grin."It's only right," he replied, pulling me close to him by my waist and surprising me with a quick kiss on my lips."Josh!" I scolded him, blushing, as we were in the middle of a crowd, and some people saw what he did."Why? You're mine anyway," he said with a grin, making my cheeks turn even redder."You're such a troublemaker. Alright, you might be late for your office," I chuckled, shooing him away."Alright. I love you, my Yeobo," he smiled at me."I
Yannie Ace RuizMy knees weakened as Josh's messages flooded my cellphone, along with messages from my mom, dad, and even Veron asking where I was. I tried to recall what happened yesterday, and all I could remember was eating with Bam at the coffee shop. I was sure I didn't drink anything and didn't get drunk. So how come I couldn't remember anything after that?I let go of my cellphone and held my head. What happened? That question kept repeating in my mind. I looked at myself and checked my belongings. Nothing seemed missing. I glanced around the room. Where am I?Finally regaining some composure and gathering my strength, I forced myself to walk out of the room. As I stepped out, I was surprised to see a beautiful and clean hallway lined with doors and rooms. It felt like a hotel. My suspicion was confirmed when I saw a woman."Excuse me, Miss. Can I ask something?""Yes, Ma'am, what is it?" She politely responded."W-What place is this?""Sorry?" The woman seemed confused.
Yannie Ace RuizMy tears continue to flow unabated despite my efforts to hold them back. They persistently trickle down as I sit in a public jeepney. I'm aware that people are staring and talking about me because of my continuous crying. But I can't help but continue to shed tears because of the intense pain I'm feeling right now. I struggle to breathe, feeling the heaviness in my chest. Additionally, my heart burns as if someone is literally cutting it inside me. Just the other day, Josh and I were so happy. We were so happy that it felt like there was no limit to the joy in my heart. But now, I can't believe that in an instant, we've come to this. I never imagined that we would hurt each other in ways we didn't intend or expect."Miss, are you okay?" I sniffled as a woman beside me asked. I nodded slowly without lifting my gaze. "Are you sure, Miss?" she asked again, to which I just nodded again. After a moment, she handed me a white handkerchief.Because of that, I slowly lifted
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Ate Yannie, dad is calling you. He said it's time for us to eat," Yuri gently told me."I'm not hungry yet, Yuri.""But you haven't eaten since yesterday, and you're still not hungry now?"I remained silent, keeping my eyes closed while lying on my bed. After a while, I heard Yuri's footsteps leaving the room and the door closing shut.It's been two days since Josh and I broke up. And for two days, I haven't been able to talk to him because his phone is off, and his social media accounts are deactivated. I tried asking Ramil and Byron, but they haven't seen Josh for almost three days because he hasn't been going to his internship. I also reached out to Ate Rica to see if she's been in touch with Josh, but she's not getting any response to her messages either, and because she's busy with work, she can't visit him at his house or his condo.Because of that, I couldn't help but worry about Josh. He was so angry the last time we saw each other, and I could see the de
Josh Rain MontezI woke up with a heavy head, evident from my weak groans and moans while keeping my eyes closed and massaging my head. After a few moments, I slowly opened my eyes. The white ceiling greeted me as I glanced around. I wasn't familiar with this place.Where am I?As much as I wanted to hurry and get up, I couldn't due to the intense pain and heaviness in my head. I closed my eyes again, trying to familiarize myself with the place. Where am I?I closed my eyes again, the sudden throbbing in my head causing discomfort, along with a few memories of what happened last night.“Hi, handsome. Are you alone? Do you want me to join you tonight?”“No, thanks.”“Are you sure you don't want to? You know, I can really make you happy and horny now.”“Shit!” I cursed vehemently as memories of what happened at the bar last night came flooding back into my mind.I lowered my gaze to myself to check, and I breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing that I was still fully clothed. It m
Josh Rain MontezI quickly sped up my car as soon as I got in. With one hand, I hurriedly grabbed my cellphone to call Yannie, but I received a call from Ramil first, and I had no choice but to answer it."Hello—""Thank goodness we finally reached you," the voice on the other end quickly interrupted me. "Damn it, Bro! What the hell are you thinking? Why did you do that?""What?" I asked irritably, trying to make sense of Ramil's abrupt statements."We don't know what's going on between you and Yannie, but I don't think what you're doing is right." I could sense the anger in Ramil's voice, and knowing him, he wouldn't be this serious if the reason wasn't important."Ramil—""Is that Josh? Where is he?" I paused as I heard Byron asking Ramil about me, and then soon enough, Byron was speaking to me. "Hello? Josh? Where are you?""I’m on my way to see Yannie.""What? Now, of all times, Bro? Do you really think she'd want to see you after what you did?" I took a deep breath. Byron
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Dear!" I quickly turned to my mom when she entered our room, looking happy and excited."What is it, mom?" She sat beside me with a broad smile on her face."I have good news for you. Look!" She showed me my cellphone, which amazed and delighted me. I quickly put my finger to my lips. "Your dad gave it back. I don't think he's angry anymore," mom added."Thank you, mom!" I happily said, taking my cellphone from her and giving her a tight hug. "What did Dad say?" I asked after separating from her."I talked to him, dear. He was just really worried about you, that's why he got angry like that. Just don't do it again, okay? Always ask permission from me and your Dad.""Yes, mom. Sorry again. I won't do it again." Because I won't easily trust others, especially those I've just met. Bam was a big lesson for me, someone I considered a friend.Our conversation was interrupted when Yuri knocked and entered the room. "Ate! There's someone outside looking for you.""Huh?
"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