At 10:00 p.m., Ashanti realized that she needs to create digital art for her performance task that is due at midnight.
At 10:10 p.m., Joaquin an aspiring UST leapmed student posted his digital art entry for his science research club.
A slow-witted...
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Paris:
I've heard that you're staying at your grandparent's house. Aren't you lonely there?
Ashanti:
It's better to stay here for a while.
I'll much more overthink if I stayed in our house.
Paris:
What truly happened between you and Joaquin? You were trembling when I last saw you.
Ashanti:
I don't know how to explain it
I've ruined what we built with my temper, just like I've ruined things before. I'm sure things will never go back the same way as before.
Paris:
Don't you think you're blaming yourself too much without thinking about what he has contributed?
I doubt that a mistake you have made would deter a sincere person.
Ashanti:
I don't know.
Paris:
Joaquin is coming to my debut this weekend.
Ashanti:
Is he?
Paris:
Abi invited Stephen a few days ago, and he's too timid to come alone, so Joaquin will accompany him.
Ashanti:
That's great, then.
Paris:
Are you comfortable with his presence? Kaya ko namang sabihin sakanila na hindi na tuloy yung debut.
Ashanti:
No, it's okay.
You have the right to invite whoever you want naman.
Paris:
Are you sure?
Ashanti:
You know I never really experienced what genuine love feels like before, right? I'm comfortable with my solitude, but I can't help to wonder about the art of slowly falling into someone in any form with the only motive of wanting things with them.
Like, the idea of wanting to be around someone just because you love them and not because you're waiting for something in return. I wanted a shoulder to lean on every time I fell asleep on public transportation or even someone that could open a bottle of water for me whenever I was having a hard time doing so.
Paris:
Offering your should when someone is sleepy or even opening a bottle for someone is only a bare minimum, Ashanti. Everyone could do that to their friends.
Ashanti:
I know, but it's better than not being treated at all.
Paris:
THAT SLAPS
Ashanti:
I badly wanted to prove that love is something to cultivate, and I knew I was ready to walk into love with someone with my eyes wide open.
But why did I realize that I love my liberty too well to be in a hurry to give it up?
Paris:
Do you love Joaquin?
Ashanti:
If I were in a movie, things wouldn't be this complicated.
I would give up every barrier I've made and tell him that I love him too, even if he screams otherwise.
Paris:
Wait, hold on. Did he scream at you?
Ashanti:
Don't get him wrong. Joaquin did that unintentionally. He had an episode when I chose silence than answer his confession.
Paris:
Did he hurt you somehow?
Ashanti:
No, he told me to go, so I followed him and left.
But soulmates should be with each other even at their lowest because love is a steady progression of growth set with setbacks.
Am I a hypocrite for thinking that running away and leaving him standing was the best option for both of us?
Paris:
You don't need to blame yourself just because you weren't ready to face something foreign. The best option is to become straightforward to Joaquin the next time you see him.
Ashanti:
But what if I love him, Paris?
Paris:
Really? Don't you think you cared more about being loved?
Ashanti:
SAY WHAT
You never failed to make me feel speechless.
Paris:
You have to figure it out soon because if "yes" is your answer to my question, know that it's not the same as loving nor what you call love.
