BEST-Friend-Zoned (Book 2)

Prologue

It's been five and a half years since I left. Gosh, it's been years!

Ngayon, pauwi na ko. Finally, I'm coming home. Excited na kong makita ulet si Mama.

I'm even more excited to see my room. I brought few decorations I bought from one of my favorite stores near the university last week. Sinulit ko na dahil alam kong matagal-tagal din bago ako ulit makabalik doon.

I even had more souvenirs to display in. Gladly, may kapalit naman pala ang mga pinagbibigay ko sa kanila doon. Nahiya na nga lang ako dahil mukhang mga mamahalin itong mga binigay nila sa akin. While me, I only gave them things I once bought from a sale on the mall. But still, hindi naman mukhang nabili lang yun sa sale. Well, sa iba siguro...

Ladies and gentlemen, now we're approaching Manila where the local time is 14:23, temperature is 31°C.

For your safety and comfort, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until the Captain turns off the Fasten Seat Belt sign. This will indicate that we have parked at the gate and that it is safe for you to move about.

Please check around your seat for any personal belongings you may have brought on board with you and please use caution when opening the overhead bins, as heavy articles may have shifted around during the flight.

We remind you to please wait until you are inside the terminal to use any electronic devices or to smoke in the designated areas.

Thank you for joining us on this trip and we are looking forward to seeing you on board again in the near future. Have a nice day!

Right after the announcement, I immediately prepare my baggage and even, myself. This is it! I. Am. Finally. Home.

Kinakabahan ako. But yeah, I am way excited. I really don't know what to expect. Like, ano na kayang mga itsura nila ngayon? Hmm?

And Luga? How is he now?

Speaking of him...

The memory of that day is still fresh, up until now.

—

"Gulaman!" narinig ko ang muling pagtawag niya sa'kin.

Nilingon ko agad siya, pinipigilan na naman ang mga luhang gustong tumakas sa mga mata ko.

Hindi ako makagalaw sa kinatatayuan ko. Kung hindi lang nagsabi ang bantay doon na kung pwede umusod muna ako sa tabi para naman makadaan ang ibang papasok na, hindi pa ako gagalaw.

Hinihingal pa siya nang makatakbo na siya sa kinaroroonan ko.

Dumating ka, Luga. Dumating ka. Paulit-ulit na tumatakbo sa isip ko, na siyang nagbibigay sa'kin ng signal para mangiti.

Nakatingin lang ako sa kanya, inaantay ang susunod niyang gagawin.

Nagulat lang ako nang may iniabot siya sa'kin.