It’s been three months since my breakup with Manuel. I haven’t seen him since that day.
Karl Cabral came into my life while I was still healing from the painful breakup with Manuel. Karl and I were both nineteen.
He was different—soft-spoken, kind, and thoughtful. He gave me the space I needed to heal, yet stayed close enough to offer comfort.
After the heartbreak with Manuel, I decided to focus on my studies, my career, and rediscovering myself. That’s when I met Karl—another extra on the same TV show where I first met Manuel.
“Jeremiah, let’s audition together later, okay?” he invited.
“Sure. It’s easier when someone’s with you—it’s less nerve-wracking,” I replied, smiling as he smiled back.
He was easy to talk to, and his smile had a way of melting away any fatigue or fear. We connected over our shared experiences in the industry, often trading acting tips and stories.
One morning, while we were walking, I suddenly tripped. I didn’t expect him to catch me, and we both fell. As we hit the ground, our lips brushed against each other.
“S-sorry, Karl. I didn’t mean to… That was embarrassing.”
“No worries. What matters is that you’re safe… and that felt kinda nice,” he teased with a playful tone.
“H-huh?” I responded in surprise.
“I said… you’re cute.”
“Did you know I’ve been wanting t–”
I cut him off, wincing. “Wait, my arm hurts.”
As he tended to my arm, he tried to continue.
“Jeremiah—” His voice trembled, but his words were bold and sincere.
“What is it, Karl?” I asked, confused.
“I like you. I’ve liked you since the day you gave me that coffee.”
His confession caught me off guard. For a moment, our eyes met, and it felt like time stood still.
Has this happened before? Is it going to happen again? Should I open my heart once more?
“You… like me?”
I asked in a curious tone, unsure. Then he kissed me—and I gave in, kissing him back, feeling his heartbeat racing against mine.
———
Days and months passed, and our relationship lasted for half a year.
As our bond deepened, we decided to move in together.
“You know, baby, I think people were right…”
“I think we’ll be happier living together,” I said as we arranged things in our apartment.
“As long as we help each other, baby. And trust one another… I promise to love you the way you want to be loved,” he said with hope in his voice.
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WHEN LOVE FAILS
RomanceJeremiah "Jeng" Ignacio has always believed in love, giving his heart fully despite facing a series of failed relationships, he retreats inward, focusing on self-love and finding strength in solitude. Through this, he begins to rediscover peace and...
