The next day, Brandon, Fredrick, and Fransisco sat together as Juan and Moon walked by. "Juan!" Brandon called out, causing Francisco to interject, "Who said you can talk to them?"
Fredrick chimed in, "How long are you going to keep this up?"
Brandon pleaded, "We can't disband F4 like this."
Just then, Jeremy joined them, standing beside Moon.
"Who said we're disbanding? He's going to be the F4 member," Fransisco declared, pointing at Jeremy.
As Fransisco attempted to walk away, Moon stepped in front of him, halting his departure.
"What happened was my fault, so don't blame Juan," Moon asserted, offering an apology.
"You've been bullied many times but never backed down. But you're apologizing because of him," Fransisco remarked, his tone accusing.
"Francisco, if you're going to punish someone, punish me," Juan interjected, taking responsibility.
"Fine, let's play for it," Fransisco declared, walking away and tossing a joker card to Juan, leaving the fate of their friendship hanging in the balance.
Moon, determined to salvage their fractured relationship, sought out Fransisco's sister, Isabella, hoping she could intervene. However, Isabella's refusal dashed Moon's hopes, leaving her crestfallen as she departed. Yet, to her surprise, she encountered Fransisco himself outside his house. "
Listen up, Francisco, don't think I'm scared. I didn't come here to surrender," Moon asserted, her resolve unwavering. Francisco remained silent for a moment before pulling Moon into an unexpected embrace.
"Just say you like me, and I'll cancel the bet. Just say it," he pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation. Moon pushed him away, shaking her head.
"Stop it, let go," she insisted, her emotions in turmoil.
Fransisco's grip tightened as he implored, "Do you hate me that much?"
Why are you asking me questions I don't have the answer to?
"Why must it be Juan? Why did it have to be my friend? I must be stupid. Why do I have to like you? I won't go easy on you," Fransisco lamented, his voice heavy with frustration as he turned to leave.
"Francisco! Don't expect me to back down," Moon retorted, her determination shining through despite the turmoil.
Fransisco paused, his gaze meeting hers one last time. "That's the Moon I know."
There might come a time when I will regret what I did today. But right now I don't want Juan to face this alone.
As Moon and Juan immersed themselves in practicing Bridge, unaware of the conversation unfolding at the cafe, Jeremy stood up with determination etched on his face.
"If Moon leaves the university, I'm leaving F4," he declared, his voice unwavering.
Fransisco's brows furrowed in concern as he responded, "Do you know what you're saying?"
Brandon interjected dismissively, "Jeremy, you're not that important. Moon doesn't even like you."
Jeremy's gaze remained steady as he countered, "That doesn't matter. If I expect the person I like to like me, that's not manly at all. Fransisco, if you like Moon, you have to treat her well. Even if she doesn't like you, you should be happy enough to see her happy."
Fredrick, ever the peacemaker, offered a solution, "Jeremy, I think you do have potential to be in F4. You should start practicing Bridge; that way, we still have a full team if we do lose Juan."
From the first day I entered university, I heard all kinds of bets when playing with F4. I'd never imagine I'd receive a joker card from Fransisco with Juan by my side freshman year.
As Moon and Juan stood in front of the bridge room, tension hung thick in the air as they prepared to face off against Francisco and Brandon. The stakes were high, with Moon's future at the university on the line if she lost, and forgiveness for Juan if they emerged victorious. As the game neared its climax, with only one card left to play, doubt crept into Brandon's mind.
"Francisco, are you sure you'll win?" he questioned, voicing his concern.
"We can't be too sure. Maybe the stakes are too high because we'll surely win. Which means Juan and Moon will leave this school," Brandon reasoned.
Fransisco's frustration was palpable as he glanced at Moon, his resolve wavering. In a moment of desperation, he mixed up the cards on the table with the one in his hand and abruptly walked away, forfeiting the game.
Brandon approached Moon, his expression somber, and revealed the card Fransisco had, the card that would've secured their victory. "I never forget," Brandon stated solemnly, implying that Fransisco's actions wouldn't be easily forgiven or forgotten.
As F4 and Moon headed to Isabella's to celebrate, the atmosphere was filled with jubilation and camaraderie. Isabella, always the gracious host, welcomed them with open arms, eager to share in their joyous occasion.
Sensing the need for privacy, Isabella suggested that Moon and Juan retire to the guest room. However, instead of seeking solitude, the two friends found themselves engrossed in conversation, their bond strengthening with each passing moment.
Meanwhile, Fransisco returned home as he learned of Moon and Juan's prolonged discussion in the guest room, he feigned indifference, masking his true emotions behind a façade of nonchalance.
As Fransisco sat by the window in the early hours of the morning, Fredrick stirred from his sleep and noticed his friend's solemn demeanor.
"Why are you up so early?" Fredrick inquired
Fransisco took a deep breath before continuing, his voice heavy with regret. "Fredrick, do you remember when I took Juan's favorite toy when we were younger?" he asked, a hint of vulnerability in his tone.
"When was that?" Fredrick replied, curious about the memory Fransisco was dredging up.
"When we first entered grade school. I was jealous, and I wanted it even though my dad could've gotten me one. The more he treasured it, the more I wanted it. I know I made a mistake when I broke it. I still feel like I owe him. I think it's time to make it up to him," Fransisco confessed, his admission hanging heavy in the air.
Fredrick's brow furrowed in understanding as he processed Fransisco's words.
"Are you talking about Moon?" he questioned, recognizing the parallel Francisco was drawing between his past actions and his current behavior towards Moon. Fransisco nodded solemnly.
"I shouldn't torment her anymore," he admitted
