Being LOVED

Chapter 2 De ja vu

"Good morning, everyone. Today, I will be assigning individual reports to each of you. These reports are due by the end of the semester and will account for 60% of your initial grade. To ensure fairness, each of you will draw a topic to research and report on. Please begin by drawing your topics."
“Oh, I almost forgot, after all of you report your perspective topics, they will all be covered in your exam. Okay? Class dismissed.” The professor then left, and the class went to their respective friends to complain about how difficult the course was. Some of them left and decided to go home, while others started working on their topics. Then, a notification popped up in their group chat about the order of reporting next week, and Justine was first.

“Why on earth am I the first?” Justine replied. After their class, the three nursing students went to the canteen but decided to meet Dean and Three first so they could go together. “You know what, guys? Let's to the engineering department canteen. The food there is delicious.” All of them agreed.
 Upon their arrival, they were astounded by the exquisite cuisine available. "Remarkably, they serve Cordon Bleu in their cafeteria!" Justine exclaimed, contrasting it with their own canteen's offerings of blood stew and Sisig. "It's amusing how they find humor in our department's situation," Jaspher responded cheerfully as he admired the menu's offerings.

"It's typical of a university where engineering is the flagship program and one of the most expensive tuition fees; of course, they're treated like VIPs," Philip remarked, unsurprised by the situation. He recalled a heated argument with his father, the owner of the company, before deciding to become independent.

(FLASHBACK)
"Father, I must express my reservations regarding pursuing a career in engineering. My aptitude in mathematics is lacking, and I believe this field may not align with my strengths. Have you taken the time to understand my interests and abilities?" Philip inquired, his tone laced with frustration.

"My intentions are solely for your betterment. Engineering is a noble profession, and it runs in our family. I cannot allow you to make a decision that may jeopardize your future. As long as you reside under my roof, you will adhere to my wishes," his father responded sternly, his voice rising. "What would our relatives say if one of us became a nurse instead of an engineer?"
"Father, I implore you to allow me to explore my own path, at least for now," Philip pleaded.

"Very well! If you insist on following your own desires, then you shall no longer receive my financial support. However, I am confident that your intellect will secure you a scholarship," his father declared before turning away.
Philip made the decision to remove all of his clothing, from his shirt to his shorts, and stated, "This is from you, correct? Please allow me to keep my boxers for the sake of my dignity. I apologize if I desire to pursue my own desires for the first time in my life. I want to make my own decisions, not have them made for me." As tears welled up in his eyes, his father maintained a stoic expression, devoid of any visible emotion. "I am not significant to you, am I? I am merely a puppet for you to manipulate and control for the rest of my life." With those words, Philip turned and walked away, leaving his father speechless in the living room. That night, Philip departed from the house and never returned.
“"Philip!" his friends called out, snapping him out of his reverie. "We've been trying to get your attention for a while. Are you alright?" Justine inquired. "I'm fine," Philip replied, collecting his thoughts. "Just reminiscing." They proceeded to order their food and found an empty table.

The friends were enjoying their time together, teasing each other and discussing recent events in their class. Suddenly, Sean's group appeared. Sean noticed Justine and his friends laughing and decided to approach them. He stopped near Justine's seat and stared at him provocatively.

"Well, well, well," Sean said in a condescending tone. "What do we have here? And why is there a nursing student in our cafeteria?" He slammed his hands on the table, drawing everyone's attention. Justine looked at Sean with a mixture of annoyance and defiance. "Is there a problem?" he asked, his voice laced with challenge. Justine stood up with justine looking up at sean in provokingly. “heh you really stand out seeing a nuisance eating here ruined my appetite” he replied to justine “Really?  Then don’t eat at all, you could die for hunger for all i care” he clapped back. “hehe a feisty mouse”  sean smile,  still looking at justine in a teasing expression. While the other one is really annoyed.
In that moment, Charlie and Shon invited Sean to join them for a meal. "Sean, come over here," Shon insisted, interrupting the conversation between Justine and Sean. Justine muttered, "Jerk," and continued eating. Dean reminisced about their initiation experience in the engineering department on their first day, recalling how Sean, as a senior, had been particularly very cruel.
"Is the initiation truly necessary?" Jaspher inquired. Three responded, "Yes, it is a tradition that demonstrates the determination and resilience of the incoming freshmen in facing future challenges. Moreover, since we are affiliated with a Thai university and some of our professors are from Thailand, we adopt certain aspects of their customs." Three spoke while eating his meal with a hint of resignation.
“Senior Sean is renowned throughout the university, and it appears you are the only one who dares to confront him," Dean remarked. "Well, I suppose his reputation stems from his unpleasant and playboy behavior," Justine responded, noticing the cafeteria's students staring at him in astonishment after overhearing his bold words. "Why are they looking at me like that?" he inquired, glancing around before meeting Sean's gaze across the table. The senior student then smirked provocatively at him.The senior student then gave him a knowing smile.
Suddenly, Peer and her friends from the College of Education, Arts, and Social Studies arrived. All the male students noticed her and admired her beauty.
When she reached Justine, she hugged him and said in a soft voice, "Babe, I'm so sorry, but I won't be able to come to your place today. I have some important things to do."
Justine replied while eating and without looking at her, "Oh, okay, babe. I understand."
"Please, I'll make it up to you. I'm really sorry, babe." She then let go of Justine and happened to glance at Sean, who was also looking at her. She smiled and winked at him before rejoining her friends.
"Justine, there's something suspicious about her," Dean remarked.
"I agree," Philip said.
"Well, when you need her, she's always nowhere to be found," Dean added.
Justine didn't respond and continued eating. He then looked at Sean's table, which was in a commotion because Tight and Nine had arrived.
"Dean, who is the new individual accompanying Senior Tight?" Justine inquired. "Ah, that is Senior Nine, the esteemed President of the Music Club and a member of the renowned F4. He has achieved legendary status, having been dispatched to various universities in Manila to perform and compete," he explained in an admiring tone. "F4? Are you referring to the popular drama series, Meteor Garden?" Jasper responded with a chuckle. "In colloquial terms, yes, but within the department, it stands for Foundation 4 or 4 Pillars," he clarified. "Hmm, 4 Pillars?" Justine pondered. "It's akin to the Dean's List, but only the top four individuals are recognized. They excel in every aspect, making their signatures crucial during the initiation ceremony. They serve as exemplary role models, inspiring freshmen to strive for excellence," he elaborated, envisioning them in shining armor.
A new female individual joined the table occupied by senior students. "Whoa!" Three exclaimed in reaction while noisily consuming his noodles.