In the vibrant city of Quezon City, a chance encounter on the bustling streets of Katipunan Avenue brings Carl, a passionate aspiring Fine Arts student, and Haruki, a Japanese exchange student, together. Their connection is immediate and profound, leading them to the serene beauty of the Sunken Garden at UP Diliman, where they begin to unravel their dreams and share their lives.
Carl and Haruki explore the rich tapestry of Manila's history, culture, and cuisine, discovering not only the city's hidden gems but also the depth of their growing friendship. As they bond over art, laughter, and sunsets, Carl harbors a secret that he keeps close to his heart.
As Haruki's stay nears its end, their time together takes on a poignant quality. A sudden silence and the unfolding truth bring an unexpected twist to their story, revealing the fragility of their moments and the enduring impact of their connection.
This story is a tender and bittersweet exploration of love, loss, and the beauty of fleeting moments shared under the Philippine sky. Through heartfelt conversations and unspoken truths, the story delves into the warmth of human connection and the memories that linger long after the sunsets fade.
Karl and Axel are destined to become best friends since their first day of classes at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Straight out of the province, Karl prefers to do things alone, while the charismatic city boy Axel never runs out of stories to tell and polos to wear.
Long after their graduation, the inseparable duo becomes strangers with memories. Karl hides something from everyone, and Axel is left with questions about their friendship and everything in between.
This is a journey of being lost and eventually found. Each one has their own story to tell--from Karl's misadventures in the university to Axel's efforts on finding normalcy in his bustling city life. In their attempts to find their way back to where they started, they are given another chance to reconnect--to fix the past and recreate the present.
This novel is written in English. Completed.