Maybe, Someday

Chapter 17

Serene's POV

It had been a week since the fight with Aki, and every day felt like a heavy weight on my chest. I could hear her soft knocks on my bedroom door, her gentle calls for me to talk.

Each time, I turned my back to the door and tried to ignore her. I felt so hurt and confused, and I didn't know how to face her after everything that had happened.

Aki didn't give up. She visited me every day, bringing flowers and little gifts—chocolates, cute notes, and even a plush toy that I had mentioned liking once.

She would leave them outside my door, hoping that I would come out. But I stayed inside, wrapped up in my sadness, unwilling to let her see how much I was hurting.

I could hear her sitting outside my room, talking softly to herself or sometimes calling my name. "Serene, please, I just want to talk," she would say, her voice full of longing.

I knew she was trying, but I couldn't find the words to respond. I felt trapped in my own emotions, unable to sort through the mess in my heart.

My parents noticed the change in me. They would ask questions, their faces filled with concern.

"What happened between you and Aki?" my mom would say, her voice gentle. "You two were so happy together."

"It's just a misunderstanding," I would reply, forcing a smile that didn't reach my eyes.

I didn't want to burden them with the details of my pain.

They didn't need to know how much I was struggling or how broken I felt.

As the days passed, I could see Aki's determination. She never left for long, always coming back in the evenings.

I could hear her pacing outside my door, her footsteps a reminder of her presence. Sometimes, I caught a glimpse of her through the crack in the door.

She would be sitting on the floor, looking tired but hopeful, her head resting against the wall.

One evening, I finally gathered the courage to peek out. Aki was there, her eyes closed, and I could see the dark circles beneath them.

It broke my heart to see her like that. I wanted to reach out, to comfort her, but the hurt still lingered inside me.

I thought about the moments we had shared—the laughter, the late-night talks, the way she made me feel safe. I missed her, but the fear of being hurt again held me back.

Each time I closed my eyes, I could hear her voice, feel her warmth.

But I also remembered the pain of that day. It was hard to reconcile those feelings, and I didn't know how to move forward.

As I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, I wondered if I would ever be able to forgive her. I wanted to, but I was scared.

Scared of being vulnerable again, scared of the possibility of losing her for good.

With each passing day, I felt the distance between us grow, but I also felt the love I had for her lingering in my heart.

I knew I had to decide soon—either to open the door and face her or to let this silence stretch on, leaving us both in pain.

Until one evening, my parents invited Aki's family over for dinner. I felt a knot tighten in my stomach when I heard the news.

I knew I couldn't avoid Aki forever; eventually, I would have to face her. Still, the thought of seeing her again filled me with anxiety.

As I came down the stairs, I took a deep breath. When I reached the living room, I spotted Aki standing there, holding a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates.

She looked hopeful, but there was also a sadness in her eyes that made my heart ache. Seeing her like this was painful; she had lost so much weight in just a week, and it was clear she was struggling.

"Aki..." I whispered, but I didn't know what else to say. I felt a mix of emotions—love, anger, and worry. I wanted to reach out, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.

She went closer to me and handed me her gifts.

"For you, baby." she smiled weakly. Her gaze was telling me to accept it, but I didn't.

I just stared at her.

"It's okay, I'll just leave it here. You look beautiful, my love. I missed you." she tried to hug me but I took a step back.

I saw pain flickering on her eyes.

Instead of talking to her, I turned away and ignored her attempts to talk.

Throughout dinner, Aki tried to take care of me. She filled my plate with food, insisting I eat. I could see how hard she was trying, but it only frustrated me more.

I didn't want her pity; I wanted her honesty. Each time she put more food on my plate, I felt a storm of emotions brewing inside.

"Here baby. It's your favorite."

"Drink some water also or do you want some juice?"

Finally, I couldn't hold it in any longer. "Stop!" I shouted, my voice echoing in the room. Everyone turned to look at me, shocked by my sudden outburst.

My heart raced as I continued, "Mom, dad, tito and tita, everyone, I want all of you to know that I'm breaking up with Aki!" The words spilled out before I could think, and I felt a mix of relief and dread.

All of them gasped, shocked with my sudden outburst.

"What did you just say, princess?" my dad asked.

"Serene, dear. Aki won't do that to you. She can't." Aki's mom uttered.

I turned to her and smiled painfully.

"I wish too, tita, but she just did. You can ask her how and why because I wouldn't be able to give you any answers for I too, don't know" I answered.

"Explain yourself, Zyd. Is that true?" Her dad asked.

Aki didn't say anything. She just cried beside me, begging me to stop.

"Why don't you answer them, Zyd. Tell them the truth!" I told her.

She held my hand and caressed them, "baby please, let's talk. Please take back what you just said. I can't live without you, Serene."

She cried and cried but I just took back my hand.

"From now on, I don't want to see your face anymore." I said harshly and I was about to leave the room when my brother grabbed Aki to stand up.

He punched Aki in the face, making her fall down.

"Fucking asshole! I trusted you because you were my best friend! But you still cheated on my sister?! Fuck you!" Richie shouted and landed another punch.

He did that until I saw Aki's lips were already bleeding.

She wasn't even trying to fight back.

She just let my brother punch her while looking at me sadly.

I wanted to stop him but I couldn't.

Everything was too much for me.

Good thing my parents were able to stop Richie before he could even do more.

With that, I left the dining room and ran away from them.

Away from her.

Away from my Aki.

Away from the person I loved the most.

Away from the person who hurt me the most.

Away from the person who once was my home.

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Author's note: Hi! I'm baaaaaacckkkk.