kundiman.

chapter 18.

*May, End of Freshman Year*

Jason and Clara keep talking as best friends, never having mentioned what Jason had said during the national championship. They hide their feelings for each other, though everyone around them can tell they love each other.

"When are you coming home?" Jamie asks Clara while on group FaceTime.

"Soon girlie, I gotta book my flight first. Maybe in July," Clara replies.

"We're so excited to see you," Tommy butts in. The three have decided to call the band quits. They feel as though they've outgrown it and decided to move on. Tommy is now a Twitch streamer, playing an assortment of games, but mainly Valorant. Ed now teaches the guitar to children. And Mike, oddly enough, started a podcast with Tommy and makes YouTube videos about Asian and Filipino Culture in New York.

"Don't worry you guys. Soon," Clara responds.

"Welp, I gotta teach these little gremlins how to make music with a wooden stick with strings on it," Ed says, the children playfully screaming.

"I gotta go too," Kyle says, his breath heavy lifting weights in the Penn State training facility.

"Me too," Mike says, his mouse audibly clicking as he edits his new video.

"Okay we'll just talk later then," Jason proposes.

Everyone agrees and says their goodbyes.

"See you later everyone!" Jamie exclaims. "Bye babe!"

"Babe, I'm in the next room," Mike replies to Jamie.

"I know but still," she says pouting.

The group laughs as they drop the call.

Jason proceeds to call Kyle.

"Bro, I'm working out right n-"

"I'm transferring to UCLA," Jason interrupts.

"What?" Kyle says. He feels like he didn't hear Jason correctly.

"I said I'm transferring to UCLA."

"I thought I heard that."

"You're upset."

"No, I'm not."

"Then you're okay with it?"

"No, I'm not."

"Kyle naman."

"Dude, I know why you're transferring and I'm all for it. Just, I'll miss you that's all," Kyle says taking a break and sitting on the bench.

"I know."

"Did you think about this thoroughly? Are you sure about this?"

"I mean, yeah."

"Do you love her?"

"I'm sure you know that already."

"I need to hear it officially. I'm not letting you go all the way over there without me being sure you're sure. Do you love her?"

Jason doesn't respond immediately. He becomes filled with hesitance. But for once, he lets his feelings go.

"Yeah. I do."

"Good. Live long and prosper buddy."

"That's it?"

"Bro, I told you, I'll support you in anything."

"What about you?" Jason asks.

"What about me?"

"I mean, you're staying."

"Yeah."

"Uh."

"See you in the championships," Kyle teases.

"Yeah alright."

"But be honest, you'll never make it without me. Who's gonna protect you?"

"Yeah but what's the worth protecting a QB when he's not me?"

"Shut up kid."

"No you."

They laugh and grin at each other.

"Thanks brother," Jason says.

"Anytime," Kyle replies.

//////////////

Jason talks about his desire to transfer to UCLA with his dad. His dad tells him how he did the same thing in college, transferring to Syracuse to be with his mom. He tells Jason that he supports him all the way.

Shortly after telling his dad, he tells the group about his plan. They all swoon in delight. They encourage him and tell him to go for it.

A week later, he notifies the coaching staff and the university board about transferring to UCLA, in which they allow him to. He thanks them for the opportunity to play as a Nittany Lion.

A month later, in June, he books his plane ticket to Los Angeles. He didn't tell Clara about it to surprise her. He makes it to UCLA, now officially a Bruin. He receives a call from Jamie.

"Hello?" Jason answers.

"JASON OH MY GOSH!" Jamie exclaims.

"HUH?!" he replies, still holding on to his luggage and backpack, standing in front of the UCLA campus.

"CLARA IS HERE! IN NEW YORK! SHE JUST SAID SHE TRANSFERRED OVER TO COLUMBIA! SHE'S STAYING HERE!"

"WHATTTT!?!?!"