01

Shi, Line, and Isiah decided to eat at the Alley by Vikings, one of their favorite spots. The
atmosphere was cozy and familiar, a place where they had shared countless meals and memories.
As they sat down, the waiter greeted them with a warm smile, already knowing their usual orders.

"Kain na tayo," Shi said, glancing at the menu out of habit. She didn't need to look—she always
ordered the same thing.

Line nodded, his eyes meeting Shi's briefly. He didn't say anything, but his smile was enough to
convey his agreement. Isiah, on the other hand, was already pouring water into their glasses,
knowing how Shi liked her drink chilled and how Line preferred his at room temperature.

As the conversation flowed, there was an unspoken understanding among them. Shi and Isiah were
particularly careful not to bring up Line's ex, Juls, knowing it was still a sensitive topic. Instead, they
kept the mood light, sharing funny stories and inside jokes.

"Remember that time we got lost trying to find this place?" Isiah said with a chuckle. Shi and Line
laughed, the memory of their misadventure bringing back the bond they shared.

Their friendship was built on years of understanding, where even the things they didn't say out loud
were already known. A simple glance, a subtle gesture—each action spoke volumes. When Line
pushed his plate slightly towards Shi, she understood he wanted her to taste his dish. When Isiah
leaned back in his chair and stretched, Shi knew he was content and relaxed, a silent signal that
everything was going well.

Just as they were settling into a comfortable silence, someone called out, "Yo, Zoren!" The group
turned to see a handsome, tall man with a strong aura walking into the restaurant. He was wearing a
jacket and grey jogging pants. This was Thaddeusse.

Following Thaddeusse was a tall moreno who waved energetically, clearly happy to see Zoren and
his friends. He was wearing a black jacket and jog shorts. This was Maximilian.

The last one to follow shocked everyone. He wore glasses and a white t-shirt that fit him perfectly,
paired with joggers. This was Cristobal. Everyone in the store, including Shi, seemed to be watching
a runway fashion show.
The three of them sat beside Zoren, who introduced his friends. "Guys, these are my friends
Thaddeusse, Maximilian, and Cristobal. Thad, Migs, Cris, meet Shi and Isiah."

"Hey," Thaddeusse said, his voice warm as he shook hands with each of them.

Maximilian grinned widely. "Nice to meet you all."

Cristobal nodded politely, his glasses catching the light. "Hi," he said simply.

As they settled down, Zoren, Thaddeusse, and Maximilian started talking animatedly about playing
League of Legends and catching up on life. "How have you been, Thad?" Zoren asked.

"Busy, but good. You?"

"Same here. Migs, have you been playing much LoL lately?"

"Yeah, trying to get back into it."

Meanwhile, Shi, Isiah, and Cristobal were mostly silent, just listening to the lively conversation
around them. Shi noticed how Cristobal seemed to take in everything quietly, a slight smile playing
on his lips as he observed his friends.

Shi discreetly placed her phone on the table as she tuned into the conversation around her. The
mention of "Juls" caught her attention, instantly making her tense. Zoren and his friends were
discussing how Juls hadn't been feeling well earlier, and Zoren had taken on the responsibility of
managing the performance task to ensure it was completed, given his role in the student council.

Shi exchanged a quick glance with Isiah, both of them silently acknowledging the sensitive nature of
Juls' topic. They had been making a conscious effort not to bring up Juls, knowing how much Zoren
still cared for her. It wasn't just about respecting his feelings; Juls had been an integral part of their
group, and her absence was palpable.

Despite their efforts, Shi felt a pang of annoyance. They had been careful, yet here they were,
inadvertently discussing Juls. She could sense Isiah's discomfort too, reflected in his furrowed brow
and the way he nervously played with his fork.

Zoren noticed the change in atmosphere and quickly shifted the topic, steering the conversation
towards lighter matters. "So, have any of you tried the new game that just came out?" he asked,
trying to ease the tension.

Thaddeusse and Maximilian jumped in enthusiastically, sharing their opinions and experiences.
Cristobal listened intently, occasionally nodding or offering a brief comment. Shi and Isiah joined in,
grateful for the diversion.

As the evening progressed, Shi couldn't shake off the unease caused by the mention of Juls. She
made a mental note to check in with Zoren later, perhaps privately, to see how he was truly doing.
Isiah caught her eye and gave her a reassuring smile, silently reassuring her that they were there for
each other, no matter what.

04

After their lively conversation and meal, Zoren, Shi, and Isiah decided it was time to head home.
They stood up, exchanging goodbyes and promises to meet up again soon. As they did, Shi found
herself stealing glances at Cristobal. His presence had captivated her, and she couldn't help but
admire his handsome features and calm demeanor.

Unbeknownst to Shi, she had been staring longer than she realized, and Cristobal caught her gaze.
Their eyes locked for a moment, a silent exchange passing between them. Shi quickly looked away,
feeling a blush rise to her cheeks. She silently scolded herself for being so obvious.

On his part, Cristobal couldn't help but smile to himself. He found Shi both beautiful and endearing,
with her long hair and the way she interacted with her friends. As the three friends finally left,
Cristobal turned to Thaddeusse and Maximilian.

"Hey, what's the name of that blonde girl again?" he asked casually.

Thaddeusse chuckled. "That's Shi, short for Shilothy."

Cristobal nodded thoughtfully. "Shilothy," he repeated, committing the name to memory. Suddenly, a
thought crossed his mind. He remembered his friend on Telegram, who had mentioned a Shi. Could
it be possible that Shi, the friend of Zoren he just met, and Shi from Telegram were the same
person? Shaking his head at the unlikely coincidence, Cristobal dismissed the idea.
The morning was swallowed by a heavy deluge, transforming the lobby into a bustling refuge
teeming with drenched figures seeking solace from the relentless rain. Shi stood at the heart of this
chaotic scene, clad in a snug grey hoodie that shielded her from the chill. Her hesitation to brave
the downpour was evident; she glanced warily at the torrent outside, calculating the risk of getting
drenched and muddy.

Just as she gathered the courage to dart through the rain, a sudden, firm grip at her back startled
her. A quiet curse escaped her lips as she spun around, heart racing with adrenaline. Facing her was
a tall figure, also in the familiar uniform of their shared residence—Migs.

"Migs?" Shi gasped, her voice betraying a mix of surprise and confusion.

"Where do you think you're going?" Migs asked, his tone laced with a hint of amusement at
catching her off guard.

"Bro, I've been calling your name," Migs said, his voice cutting through the cacophony of the
crowded lobby.

Shi blinked, snapping out of her daze. "Sorry, I didn't hear you," she admitted, her cheeks flushing
slightly.

Migs smiled, a mix of understanding and patience. "It's okay. Do you want to come with me to
school? Thad is picking me up."

Shi stood there, still processing the situation. The reality of Migs standing before her and talking to
her felt surreal. Just as she was about to respond, Migs gently grabbed her arm again, pulling her
back to the present.

"Thad is here. Sabay na, baka ma-late ka pa," Migs urged, letting go of her arm to wave his hand
above her head.

Shi followed Migs' line of vision, her eyes landing on a sleek black Audi pulling up to the curb. The
rain hammered down on the car's roof, the sound muted but persistent.

She glanced at Migs, his expectant look making her decision for her. She knew she didn't have
much of a choice—if she didn't go with them, she'd definitely be late. With a resigned sigh, she
nodded.

"Okay," she said, trying to hide her nervousness.

Migs smiled reassuringly and led the way, navigating through the throng of people with ease. Shi
followed closely behind, her heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and excitement. As they
approached the car, the driver-side window rolled down, revealing Thad's friendly face.

"Hop in, guys," Thad called out, unlocking the doors.

Migs opened the back door for Shi, shielding her from the rain with his body. She slipped inside, the
warm, dry interior of the car a stark contrast to the storm outside. Migs followed, closing the door
behind him.

As the car pulled away from the curb, Shi glanced at Migs and Thad, still in disbelief that she was
sharing a ride with them. The reality of the situation slowly sank in, and she couldn't help but feel a
small spark of excitement at the unexpected turn her morning had taken.

After Migs and Thad left the condo, it was just Juls and Gio remaining. The silence was palpable,
neither of them knowing quite what to say. Finally, Juls broke the tension, his voice soft but steady.
"Please tell Zoren that I appreciate him for taking care of the work that I should have done."

Gio nodded, understanding the gravity of Juls' words. The room fell silent again, the weight of
unspoken thoughts hanging in the air. After a moment, Gio spoke up, his curiosity getting the better
of him. "What happened between you and Zoren? Why are you two suddenly so distant?"

Juls didn't answer immediately. Instead, he took a sip of his juice, avoiding Gio's gaze. His friends
had no idea about his past with Zoren—that they once had something special, a relationship that
ended quietly and painfully. Gio watched him closely, waiting for a response that never came.

Shifting topics, Gio asked, "When are you coming back to school? You've been absent for two
days. You might get failed if you keep this up."

Juls finally looked at Gio, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Don't worry. I've been a top student
since grade school. I won't let a couple of absences ruin my record."
Gio laughed, the tension easing slightly. But as Juls' thoughts drifted, he couldn't help but think of
Migs and Thad, wondering if they were still out eating.

For some inexplicable reason, a vivid image flashed through his mind—a blonde-haired girl with a
pointed nose.

Shilothy Reyes

The thought of her brought a strange mix of emotions, adding another layer of complexity to his
already troubled heart.

Gio admits to living in a bubble, satisfied spending his days with three close friends and
occasionally being dragged to parties by the more sociable Migs and Thad. Still, he chides himself.
He can't believe that after four years at the university, he doesn't remember Shilothy Reyes—
especially with an unforgettable face like that.

“What are you thinking about?” Juls suddenly asks.

The sudden question from Juls surprises Gio. He looks up from his food and blinks in confusion,
caught off guard.

“You’re smiling, Gio. Ano meron?”

“Nothing,” Gio replies quickly, trying to brush off the question.

“No, it’s not like nothing. Sabihin mo na yan. What’s up?” Juls insists, his curiosity piqued.

“Seriously, nothing. I just remembered something that happened,” Gio says, attempting to sound
casual.

“Which is…?” Juls presses, not willing to let it go.

Gio sighs, defeated. “Remember when you got sick and the three of us decided to eat outside?
We met someone. Apparently, one of them lives in the same building where Migs lives.”

“That’s nice. I’d like to meet that someone then,” Juls says, his interest clearly growing.
“I think you already know her,” Gio says, poking the lid of his Liberta cup with a paper straw.
“She’s friends with an acquaintance of yours.”

“Huh? Really? Sino?” Juls asks, leaning forward, intrigued.

“Line Zoren,” Gio replies, watching Juls closely for his reaction.

Juls' eyes widen in recognition, and he leans back, processing the information. The mention of
Zoren brings back a flood of memories, and he can't help but feel a pang of nostalgia mixed with a
tinge of regret.

04

It was their two-week break from classes, and Shi found herself at the mall, scrolling through
various shops in search of the perfect gift for her best friend, Zoren. His birthday was coming up
next week, and she still didn't have a present. After hours of wandering the aisles and scrutinizing
potential gifts, she decided to head home empty-handed.

As she stepped out of the mall, she was greeted by the heavy downpour. Raindrops pounded the
pavement, and the sky was a dark, brooding gray. She sighed, realizing she would have to wait until
the rain stopped. Standing under the mall's overhang, she tried to shield herself from the wind-
swept rain.

Suddenly, a sleek black car pulled up in front of her, and the passenger window rolled down. She
was startled when she saw who was inside. Their eyes met, and she froze in place.

Giovan Cristobal

“Hey, hop in,” Cristobal said, his voice smooth and inviting.

Shi stood there, as if rooted to the spot, mesmerized by his beauty. He was the epitome of a perfect
man—sharp eyes, a pointed nose, and a jawline that could cut glass. She couldn't believe how
stunning he looked up close.

“Hey, are you okay?” Cristobal's voice snapped her back to reality. “Shi, sumabay ka na sakin.
Ang lakas ng ulan, baka mapano ka pa.”

With a mixture of hesitation and shyness, Shi approached the car. She felt a bit nervous but also
grateful for the offer. She opened the door and slid into the passenger seat, trying to steady her
racing heart.

As she settled into the plush leather seat, the warmth of the car enveloped her, contrasting sharply
with the cold rain outside. Cristobal smiled at her, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop. His
presence was overwhelming, yet comforting.

“Thank you,” Shi managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

“No problem,” Cristobal replied, his smile widening. “I couldn’t leave you out there in this
weather.”

As they drove off, the sound of the rain faded into the background, leaving only the quiet hum of the
car’s engine. Shi glanced at Cristobal, still in awe of his flawless features. She couldn’t help but feel
a spark of excitement mixed with a hint of nervousness.

05

PART FIVE:

Shi was already inside Xylo, a popular bar known for its electrifying atmosphere. The heavy bass of
the music thumped through the air, making the floor vibrate beneath her feet. Colored lights flashed
rhythmically, casting an array of hues across the crowd. Everyone was immersed in the pulsating
energy, dancing and jamming to the beats.

As Shi navigated through the sea of people, she spotted familiar faces. “Omggg hi babes!!!” Yanna
exclaimed, her voice barely audible over the music. She rushed forward, wrapping Shi in a tight hug,
pulling Lily into the embrace as well.

Shi grinned, feeling the warmth of friendship amidst the chaotic environment. Aside from Line and
Isiah, Yanna, Lily and Yso were her friends since high school. The familiarity brought a sense of
comfort.

The interior of Xylo was a blend of modern and edgy. The bar counter stretched long, adorned with
colorful bottles and illuminated by neon lights. Bartenders skillfully mixed drinks, their hands
moving in a blur of motion. The walls were covered in graffiti art, adding a rebellious charm to the
place.

Shi took in the scene, appreciating the vibrant energy around her. She was grateful for the presence
of her friends, both old and new. Tonight was about letting loose and enjoying the moment, and she
was ready to dive into the experience.

As the night continued, Shi found herself dancing with Yanna and Lily, their laughter mingling with
the music. Every now and then, she’d catch a glimpse of Line and Isiah, who were also lost in the
rhythm.