WHEN LOVE FAILS

Chapter 8: Learning to Trust Again

I and Wonnie meets together at the famous park he said last time. This Park being popular for its vibrant flowers in full bloom. As I walked through the pathways lined with colors, I felt my heart racing.

There he was, standing under a canopy of a tree, his expression soft and inviting. I couldn't help but smile as I approached, yet a flicker of nerves lingered. Would he feel the same way I did?

We strolled together, admiring the flowers, but I couldn't focus. Finally, Wonnie broke the silence, glancing at me with an earnest look.

"Jeng.." he said slowly, "I've wanted to tell you this from the very start...

My heart suddenly raced, and I could feel the sweat dripping from my nervousness.

"I want to get to know you better and hope you feel the same way."

His words hung in the air, and I felt my heart skip a beat. There was no turning back now.

"Wonnie" I started, my voice barely steady, "oo, nararamdaman ko rin 'yan. Pero minsan natatakot pa rin ako... dahil sa mga nangyari noon."

It felt like a weight had lifted off my chest just admitting it. I looked down, unsure how he'd react, but he gently took my hand, his touch warm and reassuring.

"I know, Jeng. I'm not looking for perfection; I just value you for who you are... I like every part of you."

His words melted away my fears, and I felt something shift within me, a spark of hope I hadn't felt in a long time. For the first time, I felt safe, as if my heart was ready to take a risk once more.

"Do you want to be my boyfriend?"

He asked me without hesitation, but I could clearly see in his eyes that he was sincere in what he said.

"Wonnie.." I don't know what to say or how do I response.

"I like you a lot." Then he kissed me.

---

After that day in the park, things between Wonnie and I, only grew stronger. We officially became boyfriends, and it felt surreal.

I found myself constantly looking forward to our time together, like those quiet mornings where we'd grab coffee and talk about anything and everything.

He'd bring his sketchbook, always doodling little flowers or characters. After that, it turned out that I was the one he was drawing, and he handed the sketch to me. It was simple, yet it made me feel special. I'd share to write this moment from my journal.

One afternoon, while we were out for a walk, Wonnie suddenly pulled me closer, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

He murmured "On a day like this, I just want to be by your side"

His words and gentle smile made me feel warm and calm in a way I hadn't felt before. It was as if he could sense my unspoken worries and was there to soothe them with his presence. We laughed and joked as we strolled, and every moment felt more natural than the last.

Our trust deepened with each day, but it wasn't always easy. There were times when my insecurities crept back, and Wonnie would notice immediately.

"Jagi, bakit ikaw tahimik?"
he'd ask, his voice full of concern.

"Natatakot lang ako na baka isang araw mawala ka sakin"

I'd open up, share my fears, and he'd listen without judgment.