Our Love On Spring

Chapter 16

16

Enjoy! God bless! Have a nice day ahead! ♡(◕ᴗ◕✿)♡

JIRO

“Mom! I will be back before lunch!”

I didn’t wait for Mom's reply as I ran over the Cherry Blossom that didn’t bloom. We arrived where all trees are supposed to bloom! As in, all! No lates! Plus, we landed at seven am, so I guess it would be around eight now.

Then, realization hit me that made me stopped running excitedly. What—why would I be so happy?

First, I don’t know if Sanya would come. Secondly, I am excited to see the Sakura. Third, I've been so dramatic before we came here. I didn’t talked to Geoff ever since the incident. And I know, we both decided to cut our friendship. I do feel… good. Maybe because of the attitude he gave to me—he didn’t apologize even once.

My heart was beating of excitement, but I am readying myself to be disappointed. If ever Sanya didn’t come.

Well, I guess it would be much more better than her waiting for me, right?

When I arrived at the place, I first look at the… bench. But there’s no one. Am I late? Or she didn’t come at all?

I blinked furiously when… I looked at the Sakura beside the bench. I walked slowly… touching its body.

“W-why?”

It… didn’t bloom.

I glanced again on the bench. Did she saw it first? That’s why she wasn’t here?

I sighed and sat down with a heavy feeling. I groaned when I heard my tummy grumble. I didn’t bother eating, I was so excited, then… hays!

Did… she already left me? Well, we didn’t stay at each other for me to say that. We are nothing but a kababayan.

At my second day, I tried to divert my disappointment. Well, I got Shawn's room alone. They can’t come because of College.

Slowly by slowly, I am getting used of Ate's MIA after seeing Shawn and Shaun's eyebags, who both can’t come with us. Speaking of Ate, she greeted me Happy New Year first before I did—well, as if I would greet her.

At my third day, I was really disappointed. If she, Sanya, would come soon, should I get her phone number? Para naman hindi ako umaasa at mukhang tanga na nakatunganga sa Sakura na binantayan namin.

Well, being close to her at Philippines would be tricky. Knowing her, she would meet me up anytime and anywhere she or I will be.

I chuckled, “is she still childish?” I would be glad if she was not, but if she still is, then it's totally fine. Minsan lang ako mag-alaga ng bata.

I grunted when I realized that I have been thinking about her. What should I do? Own a pet named after her? Geez.

Well, I can’t blame myself. Though I don't have a lot of friends, I still do have a female acquaintances. From Manila to Cavite. I had know few, since Ate… geez.

Napairap na lang ako nang maalala kung bakit maraming kilala si Ate kahit na ba dayo lang siya doon. And… I don't wanna remember a thing about them! THEM.

Then, I remembered someone. I brought my phone in case Sanya didn’t show up. I, then, called a… well, friend? I really don’t know, it's been so long. Though, I always been the one calling or texting him, he didn’t made me feel I was a bother.

I picked my phone on the pocket of my ripped jeans. I am wearing a blue green long sleeve with a small pocket on the right chest. Then, I looked for the contacts and called him.

“Kuya Wency.”

[“Phone number, from Japan… nasa Japan ka?”] His soothing calm voice… I envy his voice, seriously. And if I were a girl, I would fall for him like a lightning.

I laughed, “nah, nasa Korea.” He also laughed.

[“Mag-co-college ka na pala next year, you'll be Grade 12 this year, right? Hope all, well good luck.”] I chuckled, said my yes, me being a grade 12 next year, and gave my thanks.

Speaking of college. “How have you been? No contact with Ate ever since my moving up, do you know what happened?” Well, aside of having a busy schedule, I know there is something else to worry about, or I just overthink things?

Sumandal ako sa bench. Since ngayon ko lang naalala… at ngayon lang ako nabored, ngayon ko na lang din siya kinausap at tinanong. He was the one so close with Ate, mula pa noong una akong umapak sa school nila, which is the same day Ate did.

[“Ah? Busy?”]

I tilted my head and become serious when I heard the tone of his voice. It's like, suffering. “You okay?”

[“K-kakatapos lang ng practice namin.”] 

I was hesitant to ask but I still did. “Gang?”

[“No, I left. Ever since your moving up, Jiro—no, early than that.”] His voice held frustration, sadness, and disappointment, well, just hoping I am wrong. I didn’t asked for further details. That's Kuya Wency! How would he… be angry? He's so calm like a calm sea… siguro nagka-tsunami—geez. Who am I again?

“You’re now fluent at English. Kasasama kay Ate?” I teased, hiding some awkwardness. He just stayed quiet, I guess I hit a wrong spot. I sighed, not knowing what to do. Yet, I want to tell something I have been keeping for him so long. “Kuya, I voted you for Ate, seriously. Though we didn’t have a great first impressions, after knowing you… I like you for Ate.”

I heard his chuckle, [“and why are you saying that?”]

I sighed happily, “just wanted to. Maybe a part of me wants to be… vocal of my past, so I can be vocal to my present and future.”

And, that's what I really felt.

[“Even you voted for me, I don’t stand a chance. And you, being vocal? Why? Nagbibinata ka na—GARCIA!”]

I almost stumbled on my seat by a sudden loud voice from the background. Geez, we're talking peacefully… when… someone barged, do that person needs to be loud?

Pinatay na ni Kuya Wency ang tawag, dahil na rin siguro sa gulat. Ack! I forgot to ask him if he is still seeing Ate.

I guess, perks of not having a lot of headaches these past few months, I have been so talkative. Would I still be the same if I saw Sanya? I mean, she drains my energy.

But, honestly, she is like a sun. I could have a vitamins from her.

Days went by, I am starting to feel drained. By waiting for her, always seeing the cherry blossom that failed to bloom this year.

If I could be happy the last week, now, my patience is going thin. Any moment, I will ask my parents to come back home.

I stopped when I realized Ate's birthday. My mood calmly goes gloomy. She supposed to be here. But yeah, I must understand that.. she can't come. Don't even know if they still celebrate Ate's birthday just like before—a lot of people who almost all put an effort to buy her a cake and celebrate happily.

I sighed, not knowing what to do anymore. One more reason for this be a bad day, I would totally forget her. Whole her.

I would really bury it at thirteen feet under my memory pack.

I wil forgot that I had an acquaintance who also shares the same interest of mine. I will forgot who is her! Really. I grumpily stood up. I put my hand on my pocket, when I suddenly heard a run.

Maybe kids playing. I just shooked my head and started walking. I gasped and stopped from walking and looked behind me as fast as I can when I heard my name being shouted.

“Jiro!”

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