Chase more sunsets with you

Chapter 5

Carl's POV

The fifth day of our time together dawned bright and clear, a welcome change from the previous day's rain. I was excited for today's plans—an exploration of UP Diliman, the campus that had become such a significant part of my life. I hoped Haruki would enjoy seeing more of the university and getting a deeper sense of the place I'd come to love.

I arrived at our meeting spot, the Sunken Garden, a bit earlier than usual. The morning air was crisp, and the sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a warm glow over the garden. I looked around, taking in the familiar sights—the lush greenery, the tranquil pond, and the distant sound of students chatting and going about their day.

Haruki arrived right on time, his enthusiasm evident in the way he bounced on his toes. "Good morning, Carl!" he greeted, his eyes shining with curiosity.

"Morning, Haruki!" I said, smiling. "Ready for a tour of UP Diliman?"

"Absolutely!" he replied, his excitement palpable. "I've been looking forward to seeing more of the campus."

I led him out of the garden and toward the heart of the university. As we walked, I began to explain the significance of various landmarks and traditions associated with UP Diliman.

"So, first up is the Oblation statue," I said, pointing ahead. "It's one of the most iconic symbols of UP. The statue represents the university's commitment to serve the nation. It's a powerful symbol of selfless service."

Haruki looked ahead with interest as we approached the statue. The Oblation stood tall and proud, a figure with outstretched arms, facing forward as if ready to embrace the future. Its serene expression and imposing presence were both awe-inspiring and humbling.

"It's impressive," Haruki said, his gaze fixed on the statue. "I can see why it's such an important symbol."

"Yeah," I agreed. "It's a reminder of the university's mission and the ideals we strive to uphold."

We continued our tour, making our way to various academic buildings. I showed him the College of Fine Arts, where I had often imagined myself studying, though it remained a dream. I spoke about the different departments and the vibrant academic life that characterized the campus.

"This is the College of Engineering," I said, gesturing to a modern building with sleek lines and glass windows. "It's one of the busiest parts of the campus. The engineering students are always hard at work."

Haruki took in the surroundings, his eyes wide with curiosity. "It's fascinating to see the variety of buildings and the different areas of study."

As we walked, I pointed out the quirky traditions of UP. "One of the fun traditions is the annual 'Paskuhan' Christmas celebration. The campus transforms into a festive wonderland, with lights, music, and food stalls. It's a big event that everyone looks forward to."

Haruki grinned. "That sounds like a lot of fun. I'd love to experience something like that."

"Maybe you will," I said with a chuckle. "Who knows? Maybe we'll both be here during the holiday season someday."

We made our way to the main street of UP Diliman, where the iconic "ikot" and "toki" jeepneys made their rounds. These brightly colored, decorated jeepneys were a unique and beloved mode of transportation in the area. I pointed out their various routes and explained their significance in the local culture.

"These jeepneys are like a symbol of the city," I said. "They're not just a way to get around; they're a part of the culture and a reflection of the community spirit."

Haruki looked fascinated as we watched an ikot jeepney pull up, its sides adorned with vibrant artwork and slogans. "They're so colorful and lively. I've never seen anything like them before."

"They're a lot of fun," I said, smiling. "You can ride them around the campus and get a feel for the place."

As we continued our walk, we encountered a group of the campus cats, affectionately known as the "isCats." These cats were a beloved part of the UP Diliman community, and their playful antics and friendly nature had made them famous among students.

"Look, there they are!" I said, pointing to a cluster of cats lounging in the shade. "The isCats. They're pretty much a staple of campus life."

Haruki crouched down to greet them, and the cats responded with curious meows and gentle nudges. "They're adorable!" he said, scratching one behind the ears. "It's nice to see how they're part of the campus."

I laughed, watching as Haruki interacted with the cats. "They're very friendly. They've become quite the unofficial mascots of the university."

As we continued our exploration, I decided it was time to teach Haruki some more Filipino words. "Since we're on the topic of local culture, let's go over a few more phrases. How about 'delicious'?"

Haruki looked intrigued. "Sure, I'd love to learn more."

"'Delicious' is 'masarap,'" I said, pronouncing the word slowly. "It's often used to describe good food."

"Masarap," Haruki repeated, practicing the pronunciation. "I'll have to remember that for when I try more local dishes."

"Definitely," I said with a grin. "And if you want to say 'thank you very much,' you can say 'maraming salamat.'"

Haruki practiced the new phrase, his efforts bringing a smile to my face. "Maraming salamat. I'm really enjoying learning these words."

We continued to exchange phrases and practice our pronunciation as we made our way through the campus. The day was filled with laughter and discovery, and I felt a growing sense of connection with Haruki. The more we explored together, the more I realized how much our shared experiences were deepening our bond.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, we made our way back to the Sunken Garden. The light was soft and golden, casting a warm glow over the campus. We settled down under the familiar tree, our steps slow and leisurely as we reflected on the day.

"Today was amazing," Haruki said, looking around with a sense of contentment. "I feel like I've really gotten to know the campus better. Thank you for showing me around."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," I said, feeling a sense of fulfillment. "It was fun sharing my world with you. There's so much to see and experience here."

We talked about the day's highlights, our conversation flowing easily as we relaxed in the garden. The playful chatter of the isCats nearby added a comforting background to our discussion.

Haruki looked thoughtful. "I've really appreciated these days we've spent together. It's been a chance to see things from a different perspective and to experience a part of your life that I wouldn't have otherwise."

I felt a warmth in my chest at his words. "I've enjoyed it too. It's been wonderful getting to know you and sharing these moments."

As the evening settled in, we packed up our things and prepared to leave. Haruki and I walked back toward the campus entrance, the sky darkening and the first stars beginning to appear.

"I'm looking forward to tomorrow," Haruki said with a smile. "I'm curious about what we'll do next."

"Me too," I replied, feeling a sense of anticipation. "We'll find something fun and interesting, I'm sure."

As we said our goodbyes, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the time we'd spent together. The exploration, the laughter, and the shared experiences had made our connection even stronger.

I watched as Haruki walked away, his figure gradually disappearing into the night. As I turned and headed back to my own place, I felt a sense of contentment and excitement for the days to come.