His Ephemeral Signs

Chapter 07

07 : Shifted

JULIAN

A couple of days had passed since the birthday night, but every time I closed my eyes, the memory of Austin lingered, impossible to shake off. His words, his actions—they kept playing over and over in my mind, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t seem to let go.

Today was the weekend. I'd come to the mall to pick up some supplies for a school project, hoping that keeping busy would help me forget about everything. But even while I browsed through aisles and gathered what I needed, Damien’s words haunted me.

Was Damien right? Should I start being wary of Austin too?

The thought made my stomach clench, as if I was trying to swallow something too bitter.

I mean, I truly believed that Austin must've done that just because of the drinks... But I already told myself to stay away from people like him. That I shouldn't involve myself to people with such a large circle too much.

Kung ayaw kong maulit ang nangyari noon...

I’d paid at the cashier and was on my way out when, suddenly, out of nowhere...

I saw him.

Damien, walking a few steps ahead, his shoulders hunched, hands deep in his pockets. His expression was distant, as if his mind was far away from the bustling crowd around him. My heart skipped a beat, unsure if I should call out to him or simply let him go.

Before I knew it, my feet moved on their own, following him until I found myself at a small food stall. Saglit naman akong natigilan at napakurap sa harapan. Ano ba ‘tong ginagawa ko?

I bought a cup of warm binatog, clutching it as I hurried outside. And there he was again, just outside the entrance.

Ang sabi ko... lumayo sa mga taong katulad nila...

“D-Damien!” My voice came out in a shaky breath, and he stopped, glancing over his shoulder. The surprise in his eyes was fleeting, and for a moment, he seemed hesitant, as if unsure of what to say.

Huminga ako nang malalim bago tuluyang naglakad patungo sa kanya habang dala-dala ang binatog na binili ko. Nang makalapit ay nahihiyang ngumiti ako at inilahad ang hawak.

Pero bakit... kahit anong pilit ko, ang tadhana mismo ang gumagawa ng paraan upang kami’y magkita?

“Binatog...?” I said, trying to keep my voice light.

He stared at the cup for a second before finally taking it, murmuring a soft “Thanks.”

We stood there in silence, the noise of the mall fading into the background as we shared a quiet moment.

Damien’s gaze drifted to the side, his voice low. “I thought... you’re distancing yourself.”

Muling napangiti naman ako sa sinabi niya at yumuko.

“Oo... tama ka.”

His eyes softened, but he said nothing, just gave a small nod before turning his attention back to the binatog. Something about the way he looked reminded me of someone trying to hold it all together, even when it felt like everything was falling apart.

“Sinusubukan kong... lumayo sa lahat ng tao,” pagpapatuloy ko. “Because every time I get closer to everyone... I always think that I’m giving them bad luck.”

Napalingon ito sa direksyon ko matapos kong sabihin ang mga salitang ‘yon.

“What...”

“Dahil ba... n-naiiba ako?” Hindi ko alam kung bakit akong natawa nang mapakla sa sinabi ko. I guess I always try to laugh it off so the pain would be bearable enough.