All the Other Things We Missed

Chapter 1

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In the grand symphony of existence, life is a pulsating rhythm that thrums with exhilaration and adventure. It is a wild and untamed journey, where each moment crackles with the promise of boundless possibilities and electrifying encounters.

But picture this: a life stripped of the electrifying energy of friendship. It's like a thrilling dance without a partner, a heart-pounding adventure with no one to share it with. The world becomes a dull monochrome landscape, devoid of the vibrant hues of camaraderie and connection.

Friendship transforms the mundane into the magnificent, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. It's the adrenaline rush of a rollercoaster ride, the spine-tingling excitement of a daring escapade. In the blazing tapestry of life, friendship is the fiery spark that ignites our souls and propels us towards unforgettable horizons.

"F*ck. I am late!"

Hey there, I'm Emma Roe, waving from the bustling streets of Manila! Known for my adventurous spirit and infectious laughter, I have a knack for seeing the world through rose-tinted glasses. Some might say I'm gullible in a quirky and endearing way.

"Emma, eat before you go." Mom shouted.

Now, let me paint a picture of my eclectic family background. Imagine a chaotic but loving blend of personalities, where dinner conversations range from conspiracy theories to the latest celebrity gossip. My mom Niña is a free-spirited artist who sees the world as her canvas, while my dad Emmanuel is a tech-savvy engineer with a penchant for dad jokes that never fail to make me groan and grin.

"Sure thing, Mom! Maybe I'll rustle up some breakfast magic in a bit. Catch you later!"

As for college life, imagine me, the eternal optimist, venturing through the labyrinth of academia with a blend of boundless enthusiasm and a sprinkle of naivety. You can almost picture me skipping through the hallways, my curiosity leading me to unexpected discoveries and delightful detours.

Oh, and let's talk about my love for art! It's like a secret language that speaks to my soul. I often find myself lost in the swirls of paint and strokes of creativity, dreaming of a canvas as vast as the night sky. Maybe, just maybe, you'll spot me in a cozy studio, surrounded by colors and inspiration, trying my hand at bringing my imaginations to life. Who knows, right? Perhaps I'll surprise myself with a hidden talent waiting to bloom.

Yeah. Welcome to the story of my life.

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"Seriously? Running fashionably late this morning, Emma?" Justin teases with a playful twinkle in his eyes, leaning back on the bench as he waits.

Emma lets out a soft chuckle, a sheepish smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Sorry, okay? I was just a tad bit stressed last night. You know, the dreaded assignments haunting my dreams."

Justin nods sympathetically, his expression turning understanding.

"Ah, the infamous last-minute assignment hustle. It's a rite of passage in college, isn't it? But hey, you made it, and that's what matters. Ready for another day of conquering the academic jungle together?"

Emma's eyes light up with determination, her earlier worries melting away.

"Absolutely! With you by my side, Justin, I'm ready to take on whatever challenges come our way. Let's rock this day like the unstoppable duo we are. Because... Why not?"

"Uhuh. Lets cancel." Justin casually suggests canceling the plans.

"Wait, what?" she exclaims, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected change of events.