I could still remember the day when I first met Jho.
I was working that time as a part time chef at a restaurant which is managed by a Filipino family here in Osaka, Japan. My parents were against it at first but after numerous times of begging they had allowed me to.
Honestly, money isn't something that I lack. Not that I'm rich, but it is something I wanted to earn for myself. Sort off feeling of independence on my part.
She walked into the restaurant along with a group of females in which I could only recognize Kim, the daughter of my boss.
As my eyes landed on her, it was like a spot light was shone at her making everything disappear as she turned the world into slow-mo; silencing the usual busy shop.
The only sound I could hear is my throbbing heart making a rhythmic sync in the slow steps she makes as I follow her with my gaze.
"It was then when she made me realize that fictional cheesy romantic scenes do happen in real life."
She's wearing a wood brown parka and black jeans as she let her jet black hair fall unto her shoulders.
They sat at a reserved table nearby as she makes conversation with her friends.
I'll continue staring at her if it weren't for the smell of burning food catching my attention. I had totally forgotten that I'm in the middle of work. Something never had happened before.
With food I almost burned down I had to shake off my thoughts and resume my work.
Serving the food to my customers I glanced back at them, only to find her and few friends of hers staring at me. They quickly looked away when they I returned it.
I knew a faint smile drew on my face because of her startled expression. More so as the night continued and they had thought I can't understand them thus the beginning of
"Jowa desu"
I badly wanted to laughed at their remarks and so I stayed silent. But then it back slashed on me when she walked out of the restaurant.
Like my feet had it's own mind, I ran to catch her and nervously ask her number in hopes to know her more.
It's been two years since then. Two years that she and I became friends.
Friends.
Nothing more nothing less.
.
"Huy! Anuna?" she said snapping ayaw from my thoughts. "Beh!"
"Oh? Ano ulit?" I asked her
Jho put her hands at her waist and look at me oddly. "Sabi ko may bibilhin ako mamaya. Sasamahan mo ba ako?"
I scratched my head. "Ano kasi..."
"Ano. Busy ka na naman?" she said looking glum. "Lagi ka na lang busy."
The thing is I am not. It was just an excuse to avoid her. Yes, I am avoiding her.
You see since the day we met, she was more than a friend to me but turns out, the feeling isn't mutual.
I originally going to pursue college here in the Philippines with my parents recommendation. Since we lived our lives abroad, they thought of it would be much better if I finish my studies here instead. Plus I could play volleyball as a scholar.
