Five years ago, I'm a normal college student.
I study whenever I needed, I eat whenever I wanted to, and I sleep whenever I can. I work for my projects a day before the date of submission because I work well when put under pressure. I have lots of friends but I also prefer being alone most of the times. I hate gossips and I stay away from gossip girls. I have my favorite teachers and teachers I don't like to deal with. I sneak candies while there are classes because I feel sleepy most of the time. I always look at the clock to see if it is dismissal time already. I like to go home rather than hang out with friends because there's no place like home. I prefer the comfort of my bed more than any place else. Yes, I've been every bit of a student like you.
Five years ago, I'm a normal hormonal teenager.
I have crushes, lots of them. Mostly are not because of their looks but of their brains. Yes, I like people who knows a lot. Plus points if you're good in Math. I had a boyfriend who is also my classmate at the same time. We broke up. Nope, I'm not hurt. We fell out of love and stayed friends after. There are also some students from other courses who showed motives for me but did not seriously court me, not that it matters at all. I also flirt casually with my best friend because we know we won't fall for each other. And yes, I have sort of a suitor. We go out once in a while, dates in Starbucks, small talk in McDonalds. We have the same interests in music and films. We talked to each other comfortably. Yes, I thought he is the one for me. Then you came.
Five years ago, I'm a member of the student body of our campus.
I was voted as Math and Science Club president. My classmates teamed up to make me an officer so I will not go home earlier than them. I won a landslide victory thanks to them using their charms to make other students from other courses vote for me. Yeah, I'm not fond of going home late. I have to attend meetings which I really am not fond of. I have to join planning for the upcoming Foundation Day celebration. I was bored and there you are. One of the school officers. One of my crushes. The boy I met in front of the school library. The boy who stared at my eyes and when I stared back smiled at me. Yes, we met through a common friend. I liked you ever since the first time I talked to you. You are smart, knowledgeable, and friendly. You always have a smile for me. And then in the meeting, I saw you in the midst of the boring crowd...with your girlfriend.
Five years ago, I marked you "Restricted".
Yes, I like you. A lot. But you already have a girlfriend. We're just friends. I'm not someone who will destroy a relationship just to be happy. Whenever I saw you with her, it seems like you love her so much. And yes, I'm jealous. That should be me but I know I'm not your type because if I am, then maybe you already court me. Then you messaged me on FB. I was bothered when you tell me you like me. I know you won't lie but I know things will be complicated if I will entertain you. I don't like anything to deal with you but I know I'm starting to like you more. And it's toxic...it's bad. I shouldn't want someone owned by another girl. I don't like to make a girl cry. And I made my resolve. I will avoid you even if I can't because we belong in the same world.
Five years ago, we danced.
You asked me in the acquaintance party to dance with you. The first try was comedic because from love songs, the music changed to loud dance songs and we decided not to continue. You told me you're going to return and we will dance. I thought you already forgot about that dance because it's been so long before you approached me again. And then we danced. You asked me if you can kiss me. I was surprised but I said yes. We were carried away by the music. You kissed my forehead, then my cheeks and my nose. Then you kissed my lips. Everything was in slow motion. Everything was magical. Everything else don't matter except you and me. Then we stopped. And after that dance, I know I am in love with you. And it's wrong. It was a Friday the 13th.
Five years ago, I made a girl cry.
Someone saw us. Your girlfriend learned about it. She cried and we're both guilty. I apologized to her. She's mad, as expected. I logged out of my Facebook after apologizing. I'm not expecting you to choose me over her. After all, she's your girlfriend, I'm not. You also apologized to me for what happened but I told you it's okay. We both wanted what happened. I tried my best to avoid you which is not easy because we belong to the same campus. People learned about what we did and started rumors about us. I tried my best to ignore them. Good thing I have my friends to defend me. Everything was falling into place. I thought I'll be okay. Even if you choose her over me, I will be okay. Then I saw you. Talking to her seriously. And I know for real I lost the battle. I thought I can accept the fact that you will choose her. And it hurts a lot knowing I love you and you still want her.
Five years ago, we took a gamble.
You saw me going home. You told me if we can dine out, your treat. I said yes. You held my hand all the way to the mall. We went to Mang Inasal. You asked me how I am. I told you I'm okay. You told me you broke up with her. I was surprised and relieved at the same time. If it's wrong to feel happiness after hurting someone else, so be it. I'm sorry but I'm in love, my mind is no longer logical. Yes, I hurt her and I'm guilty but still, I felt so happy. We talked as friends and walked out to sit by the cinemas. There, you asked me to be your girlfriend. It took me a long time to answer. It was too sudden. We still have an issue going on. Your classmates and mine will make more stories. And then I decided why not? I decided to take the risk. Five days after the issue of us doing something illegal, we became a couple. You looked so happy when I said yes. It was August 18. We are officially in a mutual understanding. We became a couple.
And I have no regrets within all those five years. People keep saying we will not last for a long time but we proved them wrong. You are my best friend that I can talk without any pretenses. We travel together, watch films, and eat out a lot. We discovered more about each other every moment that we are together. You show me love at its best. You love me even if I am in my worst. You made me realize you are worth the risk. We fall in love again and again with each other. Yes, we fight most of the time but we always settle things to let love be the priority. We made promises for our future. We are in love, we are indeed suited for each other. And even if we started not in a good way, we made it right by staying by each other's side. You're the best thing that ever happened to me. Mahal ko, I love you.
And this is how we started loving...five years ago.
