Beyond The Rules (𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙋𝙇𝙀𝙏𝙀𝘿/Under Revision)

CHAPTER 44

Yoshio's Point of View

I haven’t opened my social media accounts for a few days. Ang daming texts at tawag, pero wala akong balak sagutin ang mga 'to.

I'm so depressed that I almost want to die. I've even quit from the school where I used to teach because it no longer serves a purpose. Everything has changed since Nalu and I separated due to that stupid school policy.

Ang mga bata, simula nang iwan sila ng kanilang ina na si Davina, ako na ang nag aalaga sa kanila. I took them to my mother’s house in Camarines Norte para mas mabigyan sila ng maayos na pangangalaga.

And here I am, alone in the apartment in Laguna, surrounded by silence. I try to stand up, but the weight of the world feels heavier.

I glance into the big mirror in my room. My hair is a tangled mess, and my eyes have that heavy, sluggish look from lack of sleep over the past few days.

I close my eyes and fold my hands, hoping to find some semblance of peace.

Suddenly, my cell phone rings again, interrupting my moment of musing. I look at the screen, a familiar name making my heart race.

“I’m heading to Cloudscape International Airport. I’m flying to Ireland.” — Nalu

Why is she going there?
Will she leave me for good?

The thought hits me like a punch to the gut. In a daze, I quickly get ready, grabbing my file case.

I have to see her; I can’t let her go without seeing her.

As I get into my car, I feel an overwhelming sense of urgency. The trip to that airport takes roughly four hours, but I won't let that stop me.

I check my cell phone again—there are tons of messages, and missed calls. My heart races as I reread the last text she sent. “Sana hindi pa huli ang lahat para sa ‘tin, Yoshio.”

I swallow hard, tears beginning to blur my vision. “I’m going to you, Nalu. Please wait for me.”

As I drive, the streets of Laguna feel strangely empty, just like I do inside. I can’t help but remember the laughter we shared, and her smile that lit up even the darkest days.

"Nalu, nandito na ang matagal na natin’ inaasam asam. Maantay mo pa kaya ako?" I whispered while holding the brown envelope.

I struggle with the painful memories; Nalu's laughter echoing in my ears, the nights we spent talking until dawn, sharing dreams and secrets.

Despite everything, I can't stop thinking about her and what she's up to in Ireland. I speed up, hoping to reach her in time.

I can see her silhouette in my mind, standing at the airport, just like the first time we met.

“Nalu, sana pang hawakan mo ang pangako natin sa isa't isa. Oite ikanaide kudasai. (Please don't leave me.) ” I can’t help but plead with the universe, gripping the steering wheel tighter.

Fast forward to an hour later, the sight of the airport comes into view.

Bawat segundo ay parang taon.

I park my car hurriedly, my heart pounding in my chest. I run towards the entrance, desperately scanning the crowd for her familiar face.

"Nalu!" I call out, my voice wavering slightly as I make my way through the throng of travelers. I glance at the departure board; time is running out.

“Sir! Bawal ho kayong pumasok, unless may passport po kayo at ticket.” Hinawakan ako bigla ng isang security officer at pilit na inilalabas sa airport entrance.

“Parang awa niyo na, Ma'am. May importante lang po akong tao na gustong makita.” Nagsusumamo kong sabi, ngunit isang iling lamang ang naging tugon sa pakiusap ko.

As I turn the corner, I see her. She’s standing there, at the edge of the boarding area, a suitcase in tow.

“Nalu!” I yell, my heart pounding with hope.