I won't Let Go

Out in the Real World

It was May and Rainard just graduated from college for a bachelor's degree in engineering. He's not the most brilliant guy in the room but his not that dumb too although he finished his 5-year course within a span of 6 and a half years. Since he graduated as an irregular student, a summer grad, his graduation rites would be with those who will be finishing their course on the second semester on October which is five months away. That is much a waste of time being stagnant and doing nothing. He can take the board exam for his course which would be on August but since he graduated on summer, the review course already started on March and it was too late for him to join into it. Rainard decided to find a part time job but unfortunately most of the jobs he was eyeing for needed either the engineer's license or years worth of experience; and the fact that it was his first time looking for a job, he had no idea of how to proceed. He then realized that there was more to finding a job than meets the eye. He had to process valid IDs since he only had his alumni ID on his pocket. It was such a hassle for him but in the end it made him feel fulfilled since he took it as a stepping stone towards adulthood. Around July and Rainard landed on a BPO job and started his journey as a trainee. Still he felt nervous since he landed for a job which he knew nothing about. He fit quite well with the workplace though since it demanded a conversational attitude and Rainard known to be very friendly got the hang of it in no time. He made friends along the way until his gaze was focused on a girl whom he'll eventually be broken-hearted with; Heather. Heather was every otaku guy such as Rainard's dream; Anime lover and a manga reader. They even share the same craving for ube hopia. Rainard did everything he could to please Heather. He studied everything about her from her favorite color and other favorite food to anime genre and author. Unlucky for Rainard this did not sway Heather's heart. Heather sees Rainard only as a little brother and according to Heather's close friend Lenny, what Rainard did to impress Heather seemed creepy that Heather wanted him to stop but he can't tell it directly to Rainard since she did not want to hurt his feelings. This was also noticed by Rainard's friends but continued to support him giving him false hope. Rainard can't blame his friends for doing so since they also wanted him to be happy as he made them feel when he is around. He is not such a bad guy after all; just stupid sometimes. Rainard laughed at this notion then realized it for himself and stopped the overly-calculated efforts. Even though he stopped he can't help but think about her and the person whom he talks about this was the last person whom you can think. Yes that is right. The person who also thinks that Rainard was creepy towards Heather, her close friend Lenny. Rainard would talk for hours about Heather and Lenny was there to listen. They became close friends after some time and started to talk other things aside from Heather ignoring his feelings. Since they are also workmates, they see each other often too. One day at work, the air conditioner was blasting across the room and everyone was wearing their coats and warmers. One person caught Rainards big otaku eyes; a lady wearing a cute-eared hoodie. He can't help but stare at it and when impulse drowned his normie self, his otaku driven feet rushed towards the person and touched the eared hoodie and to his surprise, it was Lenny who was wearing the hoodie. His heart throbbed so fast with the adrenaline rush and his mind went blank after seeing Lenny's cherry-red face looking at him clueless as to why he was touching her hoodie. This would be the spark to a colorful journey of friendship and love.