No Longer

n

It has been a year since then. At first, I thought I'd only leave his unit, but later on, I also left him. Nagpakalayo-layo ako. Kahit si Kuya hindi alam kung saan ako pumunta. I know it was such a bad decision. I could've stayed, but maybe it was for the best. Looking at him now... I don't regret anything.

"She no longer needs me," the chorus started.

"The more I want you."

"My reality is getting heavy."

"I'm afraid everything will be difficult with my impatient confession oh," our confessions, our feelings... that made it difficult. If he didn't confess, if I didn't... maybe we're still friends now? But it's all in the past.

"But I can't stand it."

"I want to run to you right now."

I actually want to... but I can't. And I won't.

"All my moments want you."

"If we can take out all the emotions in our mind."

"There must have been no fear of misunderstanding and understanding."

"You who filled my day without fragrance."

"Don't take a break."

"Stay here," it felt like he was talking to me.

"She no longer needs me."

I don't know why but when he was singing the last line his eyes focused on mine. Ewan ko ba kung namamalikmata ba ako o ano.

I immediately walked away when their concert ended.

Ang daming nangyari sa loob ng isang taon. Kuya Ares has his own cafe now. Sheena, well she's still Sheena but a lot prettier I guess? Cholo and Andy are now famous vloggers. Thanks to their 'Chody this and that'. Mark, Donny, James, Jeno, and Raven have their own successful businesses, too. U are now known internationally, same as 2Mi.

Their lives go on without me, same as mine goes on without them. Pero iba pa rin yung saya kapag sila ang kasama.

I have my own restaurant now. Thanks to my old bosses and to Simon. We've been close friends since I ran away from everyone. He's been nothing but helpful.

I was about to call for a taxi when...

"Aerielle!"

What in the world is he doing here?

"Wait up. Don't move," Justin demanded.

As much as I want to run, my feet are glued already. It was like there's a magnet that's pulling me to him.

"So it's really you," he said.

I looked at him. I can see sorrow in his eyes. He should be happy, right? He's now on top. He's very successful. And to top it off, he has a girlfriend that his crazy fans approved.

"Wala ka bang balak magsalita?" tanong nya.

I shrugged.

"It's been a year, Ae. Wala ka man lang sasabihin? Kahit simpleng explanation? O kahit sorry man lang?" I can't read his emotions now.

"Why would I say sorry when I did nothing wrong?"

"You left me. You left me without even saying goodbye. Akala ko lilipat ka lang, na sa unit ko ka lang aalis. 'Di mo man lang sinabi na pati pala sa buhay ko," naiiyak nyang sabi.

"Why are you about to cry, Justin? You're supposed to be happy now. You just finished a concert."

"How am I supposed to be happy when the girl I love left me. And now she's back. But it feels like she's a different person now. Tell me, how?"

"Just go on with your life. Hindi ako pumunta dito para manggulo. Mauuna na ako," paalam ko.

I was sure I'm gonna get off him but he pulled me and caged me in his arms.

"It's been a year, but damn, I still love you," he whispered.

"Angel, please. I can't live without you."

"You can. I'll only destroy you and the things you've worked hard for so please do yourself a favor and let me go. Besides, you have your girlfriend."

"Mia's not my girlfriend. We're just friends," he looked so frustrated.

"Sure. That's what those photos say," I rolled my eyes.

It was a week after I went to that province when I saw a picture online of Mia and Justin kissing on a club.

"That was one time and that's a mistake. I was so drunk coz I've been drinking to numb the pain of you leaving caused me," he explained.

"That doesn't matter now, Justin," I said fiercely even when my legs felt shaky.

"But it does to me! I still love you!" he shouted.

"But I no longer love you," I said. But as I said that, my heart felt like it was stabbed multiple times 'til it's numb.

His tears continuously flow from his swollen eyes. I can't take this anymore.

His grasp loosened so I had the chance to be free from him.

"Bye, Justin. I hope you'll be genuinely happy soon."

"Do you really mean it, Ae?" he asked to which I nodded.

"But why are you crying now?"

I... I didn't notice I was already crying until now that he mentioned it. How dumb I am.

"It's nothing," I answered.

"Really, Ae?"

"Really."

"Okay, fine."

"Bye again, Justin. Please take care of yourself and be genuinely happy," I love you.

"Bye, Aerielle. I still love you but maybe you're right. We no longer need each other."