Josh Rain Montez"Why didn't you tell me that you guys were coming? I could have picked you up," I said to Sissy and Patty while they were both busy eating. I reached for my bottled water on the table and took a sip. We had just finished our basketball practice when they suddenly called me to say they were here on campus."It's okay. Don't worry about it," Sissy replied, taking a sip of her milk tea. We were currently at the campus food court, having snacks. They quickly entered because the guards and professors here already knew them through me.I grinned at Sissy after placing my bottled water on the table. "What's up? Especially when you hate driving, so you always bother me every time you need to go somewhere, right?" I teased Sissy. "You constantly beg me to be your driver," I added."Yeah, I know that, Josh. But we had to pass by somewhere earlier with Aika," Sissy replied. "And besides, it's been a while since the two of us went out alone, right, Aika?" she added, glancing a

Josh Rain MontezI yawned several times as if something was pulling the corners of my eyes, urging them to close. Despite the temptation to shut them, I resisted, repeatedly blinking until my cellphone rang, interrupting the quiet moment. I quickly answered the call while driving."Why?" I asked Sissy as soon as I picked up."Where are you?" she inquired."I'm on my way to pick up Patty," I responded."You're probably late in leaving home earlier," she blamed."The party doesn't start until later tonight—""Did you think I wouldn't know? You came home in the wee hours last night with Ramil. That's why you're sleep-deprived now," she continued with her sermon.I sighed. Ramil was always so loyal to Sissy that I ended up taking the fall. "And you believe too much in what Ramil—""Oh, Josh. I'm telling you. You might have an accident on the road because of your drowsiness. Call me when you reach Aika's place. I'll have Rodnie pick you up—""No need, Sissy," I quickly cut her off

Yannie Ace Ruiz"H-Huh?" I was completely stunned and speechless in front of Josh while we were close to each other, and he was holding one of my hands. Suddenly, I felt weakness in both knees, unsure if the beating of my heart inside my chest was still normal. I worried that he might hear the loud thumping noise it was making.Josh cleared his throat, meeting my gaze with a penetrating look. Finally, he spoke again, "This is your room, so I should be the one to leave." He said softly, releasing my hand gently. He slowly moved away from me and then quickly turned around and exited the room.Once he left, I could finally breathe normally. It was as if I had just released a breath I didn't know I was holding. I didn't understand why he was here inside. I was surprised when I entered, finding him lying down and asleep on the bed. I didn't intend to wake him or disturb his rest, but seeing him here caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but let out a loud gasp.I gently tapped my for

Yannie Ace Ruiz"Yannie, is your shoulder still hurting?" Veron asked as she sat beside me.I gave her a small smile and replied, "It's fine now. I'm okay, don't worry."Veron sighed. "Sorry, huh. Maybe I shouldn't have insisted on bringing you here.""Huh? Why?" I asked with confusion."Because I'm annoyed with Josh. Since we arrived here earlier, he didn't even bother to approach or talk to you. I pushed for it, thinking there might still be a chance for you two. Now, look at what happened..." Veron said, sounding guilty."Don't worry about it. Maybe that's just how he is towards me, so it's fine if he doesn't want to talk to me," I replied, with a hint of sadness in my voice. "But let's not dwell on that. Let's just enjoy ourselves here.""That's a good idea!" Veron agreed, pulling me up from my seat. "Let's go!""Where are we going?" I asked, curious."The party for Ate Rica is not until this afternoon, right?" she inquired, and I nodded."Yes, not until this afternoon,"

Yannie Ace RuizI can't understand myself why I'm hurting so much from what I saw earlier. I know I have no right to feel this way, but I can't help but dismiss my own feelings.I continued walking even though I didn't know where my feet were taking me. It's as if they had a mind of their own, just wanting me to get away from there. As if doing so would somehow ease the pain I was feeling.I came to a stop in my walk when tears suddenly fell. I didn't want to cry, but the tears flowed involuntarily. I slowly lifted my gaze and surveyed my surroundings. I saw the shoreline and the bright moon surrounded by stars. I hadn't realized that my feet had led me to the beach.From where I stood, I sat down on the soft sand. The surroundings were quiet, although there were still a few people around. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore seemed to provide comfort during those moments.I admit that one of the reasons I came here was in the hope that Josh and I might still reconcile. Bu