𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 // 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚗 𝚍𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚜

viii. remember when?

“Personal experiences or problems you wish to tell will inspire many people who will watch the series. I mean, you five have shared numerous struggles throughout your trainee days.” I spoke carefully before turning to look at Justin, who was busy staring down at the page where I had written some ideas for their miniseries project, and added, “Like you, who struggled a lot during your trainee days as you were still studying at the time.”

When I helped Justin in completing his dishwashing task as part of his punishment, he told me that since I had done so, he wanted to help with the script. Similar to when we were in college, as long as we can help, if he helped me, I'll help him, and vice versa. Although I already have some thoughts, I still want to hear his.

A wonderful place to be is in Justin's head. He comes up with a ton of original concepts that no one else could ever come up with in a short period of time. Like he and the other members of SB19 accomplished in each of their music video teasers, they have the ability to connect everything with anything, and the results are mind-blowing.

Now, how could anyone assume that SB19 will succeed as SB19 itself if Justin, Stell, Josh, Ken, and Pablo weren't in the group? It's always and forever will be Mahalima, mahal ka ng lima.

My thoughts about their group were interrupted by Justin's voice, “Does that mean you will share yours too? It would be fantastic if you did, though. Besides kasama ka naman talaga sa college life namin nila Xi e.”

I smiled, appreciating the thought that he wants me to share my experience in addition to his in order to encourage others. “Sure, why not, though.”

We continue brainstorming for the script, and it's like the old us that used to work together on some projects of our respective uni. Then it occurred to me that, it doesn't have to be awkward for both of us, we can be civil and back to our usual approach. I'm just really overthinking everything.

“Thank you, Kie,” he said quickly, leading me to glance up directly into his eyes, which screamed plenty of emotions I couldn't quite catch, especially when he blinked them away and flashed his gummy smile.

“Hmm, for what?”

“For doing this…” he trailed off, staring down at the page in front of us before returning to me. “Malapit ka na bumalik sa LA pero hindi ka pa rin nakakapamasyal nang maayos bukod sa mga pinupuntahan namin tapos dinagdagan pa ng paggawa ng script.”

I was surprised by his statements; I had no idea he was thinking about it. He's right, I should be traveling around the Philippines right now, but instead I'm stuck in Baguio with them, which I don't mind. So, long as I'm spending my time in the Philippines with them.

I gave a shrug. “Pfft. Wala naman sa'kin 'yon at least mas maraming time na nakakasama ko kayo.” Nakakasama kita.

“I'm glad that's how you feel,” he grinned, leaving us both in a relatively comfortable silence as I continued writing for the script while he did the same, although his has a little representation on it, as he's drawing certain bits in the scratch mood board.

Sana lahat magaling mag-drawing.

“Nasaan na nga pala si Chord?” he asked a minute later, while continuing to draw some scenarios that came to his lovely imagination.

“Chord?” I said again, and he nodded without looking at me. “Oh! right now, I'm not sure, but Stell invited him to come tomorrow to see the strawberry farm because we're leaving the next day na 'di ba. Gustong-gusto pa naman niya pumunta dito kaso bigla namang tumawag yung manager niya sa kanya kaya ayun 'di pa makapunta.”

“Hmm… Close pala talaga kayo ni Chord 'no?”

Even though what he said was not amusing, I laughed. “Of course, he's my best friend in LA; he's the only friend I've ever had since I moved there,” I teased, “but don't worry, you're still my bestest best friend, and you know that.”