Chapter 6: The City Comes Alive

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air in the cozy coffee shop. It was bustling with customers, their chatter blending with the hum of the espresso machine. At one of the long stalls sat a man who exuded sophistication. He was tall and lean, his sharp, defined features giving him an effortlessly polished appearance. His smooth, clear skin and neatly styled jet-black hair complemented his Korean-inspired look. Brad always carried himself with an air of confidence, his posture impeccable, and his movements deliberate. His tailored suit, crisp dress shirt, and muted tie spoke volumes of his corporate lifestyle.

Nearby, Wes lingered, sipping on a lukewarm cappuccino, nervously eying the man. Gathering courage, he approached him.

"It was you," Wes said firmly.

Brad looked up, confusion flickering across his face. "Do I know you?"

Wes nodded, his confidence unwavering. "We went to high school together. You were the popular one, remember? Brad, the star of everything."

Brad's brows furrowed as he tried to recall, then his expression softened as recognition dawned. A smirk played on his lips. "Wait… are you the guy who cried during the exam because you went blank?"

Wes's face flushed. Embarrassed but honest, he admitted, "Yeah, that was me." He quickly added, "But hey, I was the one who always designed the banners for school events. Remember those?"

Brad chuckled, and the tension between them dissolved. Their conversation became more comfortable, memories flowing freely.

Brad leaned forward, his voice sincere. "So, how have you been, Wes?"

Wes hesitated before answering, his tone candid. "Honestly, I've felt lost lately. My apartment burned down in a fire last month, and I'm just trying to figure things out."

Brad's expression softened. "I'm really sorry to hear that. If you're ever looking for a place again, let me know. I own a few units in the area. Just mention we're friends, and I'll give you a discount."

Wes's eyes widened. "You don't have to do that."

Brad shrugged, his smile kind. "I insist."

Before parting ways, they exchanged numbers. Wes extended an invitation. "If you're free tonight, come to Tropical Sunset. Diego's performing, and I'll be there chilling."

Brad nodded. "Sounds good. I'll see if I can make it."

Meanwhile, Diego was in his modest room, hurrying to get ready for his gig. His iron hissed as he pressed out the last wrinkle in his shirt. He sprayed on deodorant, fixed his hair, and buttoned up his sleeves. A glance at the clock told him he needed to leave soon.

Before stepping out, he peeked onto the balcony where his lolo sat napping peacefully. Diego hesitated, wanting to say goodbye, but he decided not to disturb the older man's rest. Quietly, he left for the bar, blending into the evening crowd.

In a nearby apartment, Rich lay sprawled on his bed, flipping through photos on his camera. One image made him pause—Olivia. Her striking features and enigmatic smile captivated him. He wondered how she was doing, wishing he'd gotten her number.

"Maybe fate will make us cross paths again," he muttered to himself, setting the camera aside.

Across town, Olivia struggled to dress herself. The pain in her left leg from a recent incident made every movement agonizing, but she refused to let it stop her. She craved a drink and the cold, crisp air of Baguio City. Despite the discomfort, she pushed through, determined to step out for the night.

As the sun set, Baguio transformed. The streets buzzed with workers heading home and others venturing out to enjoy the city's nightlife. Diego, moving with the crowd, quickened his pace. Walking was his preferred mode of transport—not just for the savings but also because he believed it was faster in the city's traffic.

When he arrived at Tropical Sunset, the staff were still setting up. Diego greeted the owner with a polite nod and a warm smile. Relationships mattered in his line of work; being on good terms ensured he'd be hired again.

Soon, he was ready, comfortably seated with his guitar in hand. He opened his set with classic OPM songs, adding a modern twist to beloved melodies. The crowd trickled in, their nostalgia evident as they sang along.

The bar grew louder as more people arrived. Wes was among the first to enter, immediately spotting Diego on stage. He grabbed a seat near the front. Moments later, Rich walked in, scanning the room until he saw Wes. They exchanged greetings and settled in to enjoy the performance.

Brad arrived not long after, his tailored attire standing out in the laid-back atmosphere. Wes waved him over to their table. Despite the noise, their conversation flowed easily, laughter punctuating their words.

Then, the door swung open again, and the atmosphere seemed to shift. Olivia walked in, her presence commanding attention. The boys turned in unison, their gaze locking on her. Time seemed to slow as she moved gracefully across the room, her punk-inspired outfit and confident stride mesmerizing them.

Oblivious to their stares, Olivia chose a secluded table on the opposite side of the bar. She seemed content being alone, sipping her drink while observing the lively crowd.

Rich couldn't take his eyes off her. Driven by impulse, he stood, intent on approaching her. But just as he made his move, another figure appeared—a woman with a striking, commanding presence. She walked straight to Olivia, and the two embraced warmly. Their kiss was brief but unmistakable.

The boys froze, their jaws dropping in unison. Wes broke the silence first. "Well, that's unexpected."

Rich sat back down, trying to process what he'd just seen. Brad raised an eyebrow, his composure intact. "Guess she's taken."

Diego, unaware of the unfolding drama, continued to serenade the crowd, his voice a comforting backdrop to the swirling emotions at the table.

As the night wore on, the bar grew livelier, but the boys remained pensive. They exchanged knowing glances, silently agreeing to let things be. Olivia, engrossed in her conversation with her companion, remained unaware of the trio's earlier interest.

Rich, though momentarily deflated, couldn't help but smile. "Life's full of surprises," he muttered.

Brad chuckled, raising his glass. "To surprises, then."

Wes joined in, his grin widening. "And to new beginnings."

Their glasses clinked, the sound blending seamlessly with the music and laughter around them.