Dying Embers

Chapter Twenty Five

Chapter Twenty Five: End Call

It's only been a week. For the past seven days, Chance and I have spent nearly every afternoon together after his practices. Sometimes, I'd wait for him in the gym or catch him by the stadium after my classes wrapped up, and from there, we'd head out on some kind of date. Whether it was a quick stop at our favorite café or just walking around the park, it became our routine. And honestly, I'd gotten used to it—maybe too used to it.

Now, with him and his team heading to the next town for intensive training, the change feels unsettling. The City Meet is right around the corner, and after this week, the whole school will be buzzing with preparations. Teachers will get caught up in the hectic schedules, having to prepare for the competition as well.

Even the cheer dancers are practicing nonstop, gearing up for their routines. The sports writers and photojournalists—the entire CSU journalism team, really—will be there to cover everything. And as officers, we're expected to help out too.

But for now, with Chance away, I already feel the shift. The days ahead will be busier, filled with responsibilities and people—but somehow, a bit emptier without him around.

Sa week na ito, busy ang ilan sa mga estudyante. Halos bilang nga lang ang mga estudyante rito sa section namin. Some of our teachers just handed us reading materials and worksheets to do. I let out a sigh.

"God, I just want to go home already," I mumbled as Jilliana and I finally made it to the cafeteria. The place was unusually quiet since there weren't many students around.

We walked over to the farthest, quietest corner and took a seat. "What do you want to eat?" she asked.

"Anything. I'm not that hungry," I replied.

She headed to the counter to order, leaving me alone at the table. I leaned my chin on my hand, my mind wandering. What was Chance up to right now? I hoped he wasn't exhausting himself with training. I bit my lip, and before I knew it, I was absentmindedly typing on my phone.

No messages from him. Maybe he was just that busy.

To Chance:

I miss you...

I stared at the message for a moment. Ugh, that sounded way too desperate. I quickly erased it and typed a new one.

To Chance:

I hope you're doing okay. Message me when you have time, please.

But even that sounded too needy.

I groaned inwardly, my thumb hovering over the send button. Every message I tried felt wrong—either too clingy or too cold. Why was it so hard to find the right words with him lately?

After a moment, I gave up and locked my phone. I leaned back, letting my eyes wander over the nearly empty cafeteria. There was something so unsettling about not hearing from Chance. We'd gotten so close these past months that even a day without a text felt like forever. I shook my head, trying to push him out of my mind. Maybe he really was just that busy. After all, malapit na ang City Meet. I just need to trust him.

Jilliana came back, setting down a tray with two plates. "I got us both a sandwich. Figured you'd need something, even if you're not that hungry."

"Thanks," I murmured, unwrapping my food slowly. I took a small bite, trying to focus on the simple taste rather than the knot forming in my stomach. Jilliana watched me, eyebrows slightly raised, and I knew she'd noticed something was up.

"You've been acting weird lately," she said, picking at her food. "Si Chance ba?"

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin, hindi ako sure kung sasagutin ko ba ang tanong niya. "I guess... I mean, we haven't talked much lately. He's been so focused on training."