The Idea Of Us (English Version)

13

Months before the Championship Game.

I sat beside him after our meeting with the Creative Committee in preparation for the upcoming event. We were so busy that sometimes I ended up snapping at everyone.

I just stared at the paper Isaac was writing on. This would be our last semester in the same subject since we wouldn't be taking any minors next year.

Sharp-tongued but too afraid to say no, like an idiot!

Calvin Villaverde.

"Shouldn't it be your full name?" I asked, curious.

He shook his head, fully focused on whatever he was doing. "Nah."

"You don't like it? Your second name?"

"It's too biblical. Not that I dislike it, I just don't think it suits me well," he laughed.

"But it's cute!"

"You remind me of someone who also said that," his eyes narrowed when he smiled.

—

"Hi,"

It was a good thing Luna lent me a book before dropping me off here, even though reading isn't really my thing. I forced myself to read so I wouldn't think about what happened last night. I could already feel the tension in my chest just remembering it—I might break down mentally if I did.

It all happened so fast. I was just looking for the pandesal, and then I smiled at the sticky note, but destiny, being bitter as usual, took it all away. My stomach twisted in frustration. She showed me right in front of my face... I just shook my head, trying to focus on what was written in the book. Trying to block out that sting of disappointment.

That's why I'm reading, right? To push away the frustrating things that happened last night—because it's easier to escape into a book than deal with the mess.

I got here at the café by 6:00 AM, not to work, but just to read. She also told Tito that I'll be staying here until 8:00, and thankfully, he agreed. It felt like a small win, the café doesn't open until 8:00 anyway, so he sent a guard outside just in case I decide to leave earlier.

I could be at home sulking, but Mama's working, and Naya's in class. The thought of being cooped up at home makes me feel trapped—I'd just feel suffocated, so it's better to be here.

I was sitting near the glass window, so I could see the sunrise, people walking by, and cars that weren't too many. At least there's peace—no traffic.

At least here, it feels like there's more space to breathe. Like I can finally think clearly again.

I just continued reading, trying to ignore his presence, even though I wasn't really understanding anything I was reading. All I knew was that it was a fantasy.

"Pandesal?"

I glanced at the warm pandesal he calmly placed in front of me. I looked at him briefly, smiling, waiting for me to say something.

Thank you? Why? Did I ask for it? Is this payment for what happened last night? He really seemed to enjoy himself.

I took a sip of my coffee and glanced at the pandesal again. This time, the plastic was smaller than yesterday. I also realized that the pandesal from last night wasn't finished, it's still at home. Naya even brought two more, filled with chocolate, and I told her not to put too much since there would still be others eating it—like the... Dogs.