Please, wake me up.

Chapter 1

University of Santo Tomas - College of Architecture, School Year 2024 - 2025.. Nathaniel Perez Magna Cum Laude - Bachelor of Science in Architecture Interior Design.

It is the graduation of BS Architecture in University of Santo Tomas held at Philippine International Convention Center. Attending my best friend's biggest moment is an important occasion, it's more likely a tradition to attend when someone is having a celebration. At the moment, I am so proud of my best friend graduating with a title of Magna Cum Laude in Architecture. Looking at him or any of my friends become successful made me more competitive and strive for more success.

"I survived!" his very first word after leaving the stadium.

"Yes, you are and we are very proud of you, my dear Architect Nathaniel Perez." his mother replied with tears of joy, mostly crying in front of her son for being a very proud mother.

"Ma, this is just the beginning of my success, I still need to strive more. But, anyway, thank you for your support and for being here!" he replied.

"We should take a picture. For remembrance" his father said with a very proud smile.

As I offered myself to do the honor of taking the picture of them, Nat pulled me and asked a guy who was passing by to capture the moment. Whilst I was being pulled by him, I simply looked up to him with a shock and surprised. My heart pounded because of the scene I experienced.

Later on the stranger signaled us to smile and took a picture. His Mom is hugging him, his father is behind us with an open arms pose, and I am beside him. To be part of that photo makes me feel I am a member of their family, in fact I am substituting his sister in the photo.

In the middle of nowhere, discussing where we'll have dinner to celebrate the success of Nathan. "Next is your graduation, right Zea?" Auntie Laura, mother of Nat, asked me proudly.

It's a little bit awkward for me, it's Nathan's graduation and I already took the attention of his family. I feel sorry for the situation, but I need to answer because of good manners.

"Yes, Auntie Laura. Supposedly next week in the Amphitheatre." I replied very lively but ashamed inside .

"That would be great Zea. Nat will be present on that day, we'll pass our congratulatory to him." Uncle Mike, his father, replied with a huge smile on his face.

In the meantime, I am grateful that my best friend is going to attend my graduation ceremony. Also, for experiencing the love and support of my Bestfriend's family. This kind of gathering or bonding is my all-time favorite.

At that very moment, while we wait for the car to arrive, I still don't have a chance to congratulate Nat personally. So I gave up on that day. Yet, my hands were grabbed by someone and pulled away from his family. I am shocked when I slowly look at the man's face, it was Nathan and he is pulling me away from his family.

Now the tension on my head is freaking rising, I overthink for 5 seconds and it is so freaking not helping the situation. I have to break the ice. We stop not so far from his family, we're standing beside the exit of Philippine International Convention Center.

"I am sorry, for stealing the attention of your family from your big day. I didn't know that it'll be.. uhhh.. In fact I want to congr..!" I rushed with a cracking voice, he covered my lips and stopped me from talking.

He is laughing and looking at me straight at the eyes. To be honest, I was so nervous that time. It is my first time being pulled by my best friend with serious looks. But then again I was relieved when he talked to me.

"Shhh.. I just want to thank you, for coming and supporting me." he chuckled.

I don't know what is happening to him right now but I only suspect that he is teasing me and happy and proud of himself for surviving the course of his dream.