"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."
"HEY, Yannie!" I was startled by Belle, who was beside me, loudly calling me."Seriously? Am I deaf for you to shout like that?" I commented to her while clutching my chest due to surprise."I've been calling you several times, but you've been ignoring me. Kris might just melt with how much you're staring at him," Belle said angrily to me. I immediately felt my cheeks flush from what she said. "You know, friend, it's so obvious that you're in love with your suitor. Why haven't you answered him yet?" she continued, repeatedly fanning herself.We are currently in our school gymnasium to watch a basketball game. It's our school's intramurals, and Kris is one of the basketball players playing today.Kris has been courting me for over two months now. Although I have developed feelings for him, I can't find the right time to tell him. Additionally, I'm concerned about how my parents would react if they found out I have a boyfriend. My father often reminds me that it is not the right time to
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Veron, hurry up, we might be late! Come on!" I shouted loudly from the living room of Veron's house. After a few moments, Veron hurriedly came out of her room with her messy hair still soaking wet."Okay, fine. Jeez! Can't you wait?" she said, rolling her eyes at me."Hurry up! We might be late, and we could end up at the back!" I urged her, quickly passing by her on my way out of her house."Wait! I haven't combed my hair yet!" she complained, but I continued pulling her out."Auntie, we're leaving!" I bid farewell to Veron's mom, who was currently busy sweeping in front of their house."Oh, okay then. Take care, both of you. Manila is far, and you might get lost!" We heard it shout.Veron and I quickly hailed a tricycle to ride. After a few minutes, the driver dropped us off at the highway. Then, Veron and I promptly walked towards the jeepney terminal behind Central Mall."You're really something, Yannie. Your 4SBLUE press conference starts at one o'clock, and it's
Yannie Ace Ruiz"I'm Yannie Ace. But you can just call me Yannie," I politely responded to the girl. Her appearance shows that she's not a student like Veron and me. She looks a bit older, a few years ahead of us.Ate Rica smiled and shook hands with me. Later on, other girls with her approached us."Hi! I'm Renalyn.""I'm Becca.""Hello, I'm Christine!""I'm Jan."Ate Rica's companions introduced themselves to us. I shook hands with each of them and introduced myself in return. Before Veron and I headed home, we joined their group for dinner."So, how old are you, Yannie? Are you already working?" Becca asked me."I'm 20 years old. I'm in my second year of college. Veron and I are classmates," I replied."Really? What's your course?" Rica asked."I'm taking BSOA, Bachelor of Science in Office Administration.""Oh, which school? Where are you from again?" Rica asked while twirling pasta on her fork."I go to PUP Biñan. We're from Biñan, Laguna."Our cheerful conversation continued as
Yannie Ace Ruiz"I loved you, Yannie. I loved you genuinely."I took a deep breath as those words echoed repeatedly in my mind. Why do some people find it so easy to say the words 'I love you' without being able to stand by them? Because of people like them, those words lose their actual value. It is as if those words are only used to deceive others.When I saw Kris earlier, I didn't feel anything anymore. Except for irritation after he told me that he supposedly loved me. Why did he even need to tell me that? Who did he want to deceive after all? He loved me, but they hurt me. Just wow!Although we never officially became a couple, they still deceived me. The two months he pursued me in the past were swiftly overshadowed by a single day with Bella. It’s funny, isn’t it?I quickly shook my head to remove Kris and Bella from my thoughts. I don't want to think about them anymore. Two years have passed, and hopefully, I won't see them again. It just happened earlier, and hopefully, it wo
Josh Rain MontezI quickly caught the ball that Ramil threw at me and promptly shot it into the basketball ring. As expected, it went in smoothly, and my game today was flawless."Whoa! You're really amazing, Papa Josh!" Ramil exclaimed with a teasing smile as he high-fived me. I chuckled and sat on our team's bench because the head coach of the opposing team called for a timeout.I grabbed a bottle of water and took a sip. While doing so, I heard my phone making a noise inside my bag. I retrieved it and saw Sissy's name—my cousin Ate Rica—on the screen. Before the game could resume, I quickly answered."Why—" I started, but Sissy immediately cut me."Where are you now?" she quickly asked."Why—""We're going to Laguna. Join us," she cut me again."What?!" I asked in surprise."Hurry up, Josh—""I can't. I'm in the middle of a game right now, Sissy," This time, I cut her off."What time does it end?" she asked."It will be over later.""Alright, we'll wait for you to finish." If she d
Josh Rain MontezSissy burst into laughter at what I said. "Don't worry, Josh. Soon, you'll also meet her," she assured me.Sissy wasn't aware that her best friend, Aika, was my first love. I also didn't want to disclose it to them because I was happy and content with our friendship. I just really dislike seeing her being treated that way by other guys because she doesn't deserve it.Since it was already late on the road with Sissy, we opted for a drive-thru for our dinner. Later on, I noticed that Sissy was busy typing on her phone, and it kept ringing while she held it."I thought Rodnie still has a flight today?" I asked Sissy, referring to her pilot boyfriend."He does. I'll talk to him later," she replied to me."Then who are you talking to? Is it Aika?" I asked her again."No. She's busy with her boyfriend because they're together now," Sissy answered with a laugh, which I didn't find amusing. "I'm talking to Yannie. I told her you're upset because we didn't get to visit her.""
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Huh?" my surprised reaction to Jomar.Jomar walked towards me and took the store's padlock. After that, he headed straight outside. "Aren't you coming out?" he asked me, and I quickly moved. I grabbed my bag and followed him.This convenience store only opens in the morning because Mrs. Maricel is still busy taking care of family matters. According to Jomar, it used to be open 24/7, and Mrs. Maricel would watch over it at night or whenever he couldn't make it.Jomar was busy closing the store. It was a good thing he arrived because I would have struggled to lower the rolling steel door of the convenience store. While waiting for him to finish, my cellphone suddenly rang. I checked it and saw Josh's name appearing on the screen. He is calling! I didn't know what to do because it was the first time he called me. I haven't heard his voice yet, and I really don't know why I'm feeling so nervous right now."Who's that?" Jomar asked me, and I didn't realize he had appro
"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