Chapter 2: Eric Evans

Stephen's POV

Time slipped through my fingers like sand in an hourglass. It feels surreal to think that I'm already stepping into the realm of college, a freshman with a four-year journey ahead of me before I can finally chase my dreams in the captivating enclave known as Bonifacio Global City, or simply BGC.

This place is the epitome of a collision between the future and the present, where towering skyscrapers reach for the heavens, while serene park offer solace from the city's relentless rhythm. BGC is a constellation of shimmering lights that rival the stars, and the very air resonates with the pulse of progress. Here, cultures, cuisines, and ideas blend together, where modernism intertwines with tradition and the East harmonizes with the West.

It's a city that breathes dreams, where ambitious young professional race towards their lofty offices in high-rise buildings, and families amble along tree-lined avenues, savoring the artwork and soaking in the dynamic vitality that courses through the city's veins. Whether I seek opulent shopping malls, street-side food vendors, trendy cafes, or traditional restaurants that serve up rich tapestry of local flavors. BGC holds within its embrace a universe of possibilities.

The canvas of opportunities knows no bounds. This city never sleeps, never relinquishing its vibrant energy and infectious excitement. It's a place where desires find their wings, and the future radiates with a brilliant glow.

Apart from merely working in this marvel, I yearn to make it my home. Living in a condominium, basking in the warmth of my independence and relishing solitude, may sound lonesome to some, but for me, it is a respite I desperately need. Home no longer exudes the tranquility it once did.

But enough of the wistful contemplation. It's time to anchor myself in reality, to focus on the present. If I fail to toil relentlessly this semester, my aspirations for a prosperous future will fade into obscurity.

It's time to reinvent myself, bid adieu to the basketball team, and, most importantly, bid farewell to the clutches of "Stan the Bully." It's time to forge connections with new souls, individuals who will stand steadfastly by my side, unconditionally.

Since I left home early today and the Starbucks near the university beckons, I decided to spend some time there before classes commence. This sanctuary of caffeine and camaraderie has become a sanctuary for me. As I enter, I order my usual indulgence – a cool, refreshing Iced Grande Caramel Macchiato, accompanied by two delectable slices of their renowned banana bread, a treat I save for later. With my order in hand, I find a seat just outside Starbucks, relishing the gentle caress of the morning breeze.

This spot, from where I now sit, feels like my personal oasis. The towering university building stands tall within my line of sight, while a soft zephyr weaves its way through the foliage, creating a symphony of rustling leaves. The ambient conversations are hushed, granting a serene ambiance that calms my senses. It's a haven of tranquility that resonates with me.

And so, like every fresh-faced freshman embarking on a new chapter, I capture a moment. I snap a photo of my meticulously crafted drink, adorned with the verdant trees, the cerulean expanse of the sky, and the backdrop of the majestic university building. With a befitting caption, "I'm ready to be a Tamaraw!" the image finds its place on Instagram, shared with the world.

As I watch people pass by, huddled in groups, a pang of longing tugs at my heartstrings. How I yearn for the company of someone who truly comprehends me. And then, out of the recesses of my mind, the name Eric Evans emerges, unbidden.

I helped Eric find his voice against the torment of Stan, yet despite sharing a class, we never truly connected nor had the chance to bond. Perhaps my fear of losing my standing among my so-called "friends" and teammates stifled any attempts at friendship. But now, with college embracing me and leaving those shadows behind, the time has come to explore new avenues.

I still puzzle over the enigma of Stan's relentless bullying of Eric. Why would he randomly single him out? Could it be because Eric effortlessly rose to become the most popular student within a month, courtesy of his striking good looks and genuine kindness?

It's as if the era of girls swooning over athletic bad boys ended abruptly with his arrival. It's an anomaly, considering he's the first of his kind, a Canadian who fluently speaks English and grasps Tagalog with ease. Why would he relocate here so suddenly?

Such questions may forever remain shrouded in mystery unless I summon the courage to ask Eric himself. Though we are not yet friends, though we barely know each other, I aided him in his battle against Stan.

Perhaps I should try reaching out to him, foster a connection, and build a friendship. I contemplate sending him a message on Instagram, but will a simple "Hi" suffice? I doubt it.

Who starts a conversation with a complete stranger by uttering a solitary word? How am I to engage in a dialogue with him? Perhaps I could inquire about his well-being, but then what?

The intricacies of initiating contact with someone I barely know suddenly loom before me like an insurmountable wall. Yet, I yearn for genuine friendship, an authentic bond that has eluded me thus far. I want to know that I am capable of fostering connections with those who possess sincerity, and not be shackled to those who wear masks, ready to betray at a moment's notice.

If only Eric had enrolled in the same university as me, our paths would intersect more easily, facilitating communication and the chance encounters that bring people closer. But he's probably attending a prestigious international institution reserved for the affluent or the cream of the crop.

After scrolling through Instagram for what feels like ages, my eyes abruptly fixate on the time displayed on my phone. "Crap! I'm going to be late for my first class!" I exclaim, hastily gathering my belongings. Racing against the ticking clock, I bolt out of Starbucks, sprinting as if my life depended on it, praying that tardiness won't mark the beginning of my academic journey.