My Ex-Boyfriend Is My Professor (New Version)

EPILOGUE

My mother once told me something profound during my childhood. I can still vividly remember her words.

"Sometimes, you might connect with someone who faces a significant moral challenge in life, and it may seem impossible for that person to overcome it. Yet, you too will have your own challenges, and sometimes, you can't see how you can overcome them either. Each person has their own battle to fight, unique and separate from the others."

"What should I do?" I asked, my innocent curiosity evident in my voice.

"You fight the battles you can win, including those that the other cannot handle," she replied with a gentle smile. "In turn, that person will fight their own battles. Eventually, you will both realize that the seemingly impossible battles have become possible." Her words echoed in my mind, rich with wisdom. "After all, we are but a single being—all of humanity."

As I reflect on her words now, they resonate deeply within me. This world gave me an equal chance to claim love in its purest form. I cannot blame my youthful naïveté or that time when my heart first stirred. Even in my innocence, love swept in with her gentle smile. If I failed to recognize it sooner, that is a fault I must bear.

I remember the first time I met her. She was only four years old, lost and in tears. I introduced myself, guiding her towards safety, fulfilling my instinct to help. I understood her fear and confusion. Yet, the disappointment stings as I realize she no longer remembers that moment, that connection we once shared.

"Tara na! Draven! Sama ka na sa canteen!" Luke urged, his grin infectious, with Leo eagerly at his side.

Both boys were in the STEM program, and I couldn't comprehend why they felt the need to invade my space in the business department. I had enrolled in business begrudgingly, unable to refuse my parents' wishes.

"I'm not hungry, and why are you two in my department?" I grumbled, rubbing my temple in frustration. "Are you betraying STEM? Seriously?"

Leo chuckled. "This is the only time we sync up in school; come on, let's bond!"

"Where's the bonding in this? You've been at my house so often that you barely go home unless I shoo you away!" I snorted in disbelief.

Luke laughed heartily. "What Leo means is, this is our only shared time in our busy schedules. We aren't used to hanging out without you."

"Isn't it true you can still eat if I'm not around?" I shot back.

They simply laughed and dragged me along, despite my protests. Annoyed, I remained quiet, even as they led me to a farther canteen when a closer one was clearly within reach.

"Why go so far?" I exclaimed in exasperation.

"For the thrill!" Leo smirked as he confidently marched forward, and when we finally reached the canteen, my heart froze.