Chapter 6

I came back home after knowing of Jas' true condition. I shut myself up in my room's four corners. I can't image somebody being sick like that. If I were in his shoes, I'm not sure I'd be able to move past it. Now I understand why Baki is so upset with me. I'm a fucking idiot! I put him in danger twice! I'm not sure I can continue to live because of my guilt if something bad happens to him. I get a different kind of satisfaction and appreciation from Jas, but I take a chance. I despise myself because I caused him pain. "It won't happen again, Jas," I mumbled as tears streamed down my face. I simply want to cry right now. I hadn't cried in a long time since I had told myself that I would be strong in life. I am brave and tough, but there is a limit to how strong and courageous a person can be. I'm not going to cry to show that I'm weak. I cry because he is important in my life, and I am responsible for his current state.

It's exhausting to dwell on the things you're sorry for. I wish I could go back in time and fix my mistakes. I want to go back in time to correct the mistakes I made the day before that led him to suffer. I took the medicine in my pouch, like I always did when I couldn't control my thoughts. I'm tired and want to sleep. I'd like my brain to get some rest. It won't finish here because I'll be up again tomorrow.

• ••

Because it's Monday, my classes are in the morning. I'll go to the office and ask for permission to change my schedule.

I'll make good on my promise to Jas and return my shortcoming from my loss. I'll go to any mile to make him happy. I'm willing to take a chance to show him that I'm one of the persons he can count on. I am extremely grateful that I gained approval before leaving the office. My schedule will change to night classes starting tomorrow. As I intended, I shall always be with him. "Hi." I stopped walking down the hall to our building when someone stepped by my side. He stopped as well, so I looked him in the eyes with a puzzled expression. "Yes, please?" I didn't recognize him and didn't remember his face, but I managed to give him a simple grin. He laughed. I was taken aback, and my smile vanished from my lips. Are we close enough for him to make fun of me? 'I'm not familiar with him. "You don't know who I am?" he inquired, pointing to himself with his index finger. Why would people I've never met approach me just because they know who I am? What the hell is going on! Is that how I'll forget their names and faces? Yes, of course. Jas has a different take on things, and it's up to me to know. But what about this one? Who is he, exactly?


"I'm sorry. I don't know who you are. I guess you approached the wrong person," I said, smiling and bowing slightly before continuing on my way. What does he do, though? He kept up with me and eventually followed me into the corridor! I accelerated my pace, but he followed suit. He was so tall that he couldn't possibly miss me. When we reached the senior high floor, I stopped. He stopped as well, and when I confronted him, he smiled as my two brows furrowed in irritation. Isn't he aware that I'm not looking for a friend? Do you have a strong urge to get along? "Don't you understand? I don't know who you are, so please don't follow me." "I know you're acting, Miss," he said, smiling. "No one on this campus doesn't know who I am."

He is not only feeling close , but also arrogant; who is he for me to know, and how can he contribute to my life? Damn it! "You won't find any information on you even if you explore my intestines." I'm not familiar with you; maybe you're mistaken." I was about to turn away from him after saying that, but four men approached us. If you inspect them closely, they are clearly from a wealthy family. Include the guy who is making fun of me. They have a nice appearance and style, but it is not enough for me to like them. "Ivan, who's that, huh?" asked by the tallest of the four. They were finally close to us. They examined me from head to toe at the same time turning to Ivan based on calling him a friend. I can't leave even if I want to. They blocked my path. "Is she the girl you mentioned on the STEM strand?" enquired another of the four. I smirked. And I don't give a damn if people think I'm a brat. I will accept what they wish to say about me. "Excuse me, please," I said, referring to the path they were blocking and everyone except Ivan laughed. He tapped Ivan on the shoulder and said, "Looks nice but attitude, bro." "All well, we'll take the lead; good luck, bro; I wish you luck." After the four had left, I entered the room as well. Ivan was still following me, but I didn't turn around until I got to our room's door. I'm quite sure we're not classmates, so I doubt he'll come in. I took a seat in the chair and began massaging my temple. Someone touched my shoulder, so I raised my head after a split second. "Yes, please?" I asked of the young lady. Her face looks familiar to me; maybe she was a classmate of mine. She stammered, "S-someone is looking for you." I think she is either afraid of or bashful around me. Her hair was styled in a piggy tail and she wore glasses. I gave her a friendly smile. "Who?" "H-at he's the door," she said as she turned around. I followed her gaze to the door. I had a feeling who it was, and I wasn't mistaken. Ivan was standing there, smiling and staring in my direction, which made my classmates curious. Except for me, everyone seems to know who he is. I had no intention of approaching him, but he gave me the idea that if I didn't, he would shout. I returned his stare by conveying he can shout if he want but I was afraid when he winked. He ought to be punished!!! What is his sole intent? I stood up and walked to the door, irritated. All of my classmates' gazes were drawn to me. They were all curious about my relationship with Ivan. I noticed the brown folder he was holding when I crossed over to him. I remained silent and waited for him to say what he wanted. "You're so harsh," he said, pinching my nose. I slapped his hand right away. He has a burning urge to be close to you! He handed me the folder he was carrying and said, "Oh."

I approached him in a rage and whispered, "What am I going to do with that?" I didn't want him to embarrass me in front of my classmate, even though I was angry. "Can you please leave me alone? I don't know you and don't want to know you, you understand?" I take a step back. His smile widens as he pinches my cheeks. "You're so sweet, even sometimes you're a brat?" I almost hit him because of what he said in front of my classmates! What does he say?! Because of the thrill, my female classmates screamed. The boys were always yelling and tapping on the desk. I want to shout! Damn! Damn! Damn! If only I had the power to take him out! "What exactly do you needs?" I asked. He handed me the folder once more, but I ignored it and returned my gaze to him. "What is that?" I inquired once more. He replied, "Project." "I know how to do a project as well; thank you for your efforts," I said as I moved away. My classmates' sighs could be heard. They appear to feel bad for me, and they feel sorry for Ivan's wasted effort. "Wait, please take it," he said as he grabbed my arm. When I confronted him, he purposefully let go of his grip.


"I'll accept it, but I'll discard it; do you want it?" He smiled again. Not just ordinary because of its sheer extent. "All right, as long as you'll do it again." He winked. "Who are you to give me orders?" "Hey, it's you. You're going to toss away my project," he says. "I'm not suggesting this is your project; I'm simply asking for your help, Miss. Could you please submit my project to your professor?" My classmates were making a lot of noise. Someone was yelling, drumming, and screaming as if they had won the lotto! DAMN! DAMN HIM! Who is he to embarrass me? "Do I look like a servant?" "No. But I can give you a tip." The noise got louder. "I'm sorry, you're just talk to someone else." I turned my back on him and didn't look back even though he called me a few more times. I was very grateful and our General Chemistry teacher arrived so my classmates calmed down. My irritability persisted at the end of the day. My classmate was always tempting me. They were all feeling close, it's only now that they've talked to me since the first day of school. Well, that can't be called TALKED because I don't talk to them back. Not that I'm a snob person but I can't afford to ride their trip when it comes to Ivan. That man! He is a big plague on my day today! But I could bear it. After all, from tomorrow, my schedule is at night. I can no longer see him and there is no trouble. I promptly prepared the ingredients for my natural adobo and sinigang when I came home. I'll take it to Jas right away and check about his condition.

Even though I was having a rough day, I was able to relax and enjoy while cooking. I'm hoping he like my cooking. I'm hoping he'll crave my dish. I put it in the topping ware once it was done cooking. I was looking forward to delivering the food to his house. I can't help but speculate on what will occur. I was about to shout because I was so happy that I thought he would eat it all. But I felt the opposite when I approached him. Contrary to the happiness I have formed in the imagination because of what I currently see. Jas is teased by Baki. They're both laughing. Baki smiled as he continued, "Is it really tasty, Jas? I cooked that." "Oh? Really? You did it? It's so delicious, I can't believe you did it," Jas seemed to be startled. Baki's expression changed when he hit Jas, who was laughing at the time. "You cretin!" I simply turned around and bid older Bry farewell. I simply walked home after leaving the house. I passed a homeless man on the street and simply handed him the meal I had made. It's excruciating. I was sad at night after being annoyed all day.