Chapter 2: Waking Into Reality

Going back to the province from Manila, I finally arrived home to my mom. It was a long road from my dad's city, but the excitement made it worth it. It had been half a year since my last visit, and I could already feel the warmth of home. I bet my friends would be surprised—I told them I'd be coming after New Year.

As I walked toward our house, the familiar scent of home-cooked meals filled the air. My mom and grandma were busy preparing food for the feast later.

"What a nice smell," I said, taking in the moment.

"Oh, Kean! We're so happy to see you!" my mom greeted me with a smile.

"How was your Christmas, Kean? Happy New Year!" my grandma added.

"Happy New Year to you both! My Christmas was great, but I know tonight will be even better!"

"I know, right? Go find your cousins—they'll be surprised to see you here!"

"Alright! I'll see you at lunchtime."

I found my twin cousins lounging, glued to their computer screens—same as always. Yep, they were still the same. Aside from them, there was also a six-year-old toddler girl and a twelve-year-old mobile game addict. That made five of us—the next generation of our family here. Seeing them again, just being together, felt good. No matter how much time passed, bonding with them always made me happy.

"Ready for the noise later?" I asked with a grin.

"Yo! Look who's here!" Samuel exclaimed.

"Wait... is that a brand-new guitar, Kean?" Gabriel asked, eyeing the case I was carrying.

"Yep, it is. My first electric," I said proudly. "How's life been here?"

"Nothing much. Just the usual—playing and scrolling all day," Samuel said. "Look at Jerald. He hasn't even noticed you yet."

"Nah, I saw him," Jerald chimed in. "I even winked at Kean before you did."

Before I could respond, Rhian, the toddler, ran up to me excitedly.

"Kean! Look at my new coloring set!" she said, holding it up for me to see.

"It's cute! You're growing up fast, Rhian. You're getting heavy—I almost forgot you're already six. Time really flies."

"Oh, hey there, Kean. How are you?" my aunt Reggie greeted me as she walked over.

"Hey, Aunt Reggie! I'm good. Where's Uncle Giovan?"

"He'll be home later. Can you take this to your mom and grandma? It's for our Media Noche later. Be careful!" she said, handing me a container.

"I missed your espesyal puto—alright, I'll bring it to them!" I said, taking it carefully.

Aunt Reggie was Samuel, Gabriel, and Rhian's mother. Looking around, I realized—we were all here. It felt good knowing the family was complete this New Year. The excitement was building up, and I couldn't wait for later.

Maybe I should check on my friends and see how they're doing right now.

Walking around the street, I couldn't help but smile at a fun fact—my closest friends here were actually my neighbors, just a few meters apart. We've been together since 2016, making memories and having fun every chance we got.

Oh, look who's opening the gate—it's Shan. Alright, he saw me…

"What the hell, Kean?! I thought you weren't coming home until tomorrow!"

"Well, surprise! Happy to see me?"

"Man, who wouldn't be? Come on inside! We've got something to do. Say hi to my mama and lola first."

"Good morning! Nice to see you both again. It's been a while," I greeted them with a smile.

"Good day, Kean," his lola said. "Shan told us you'd be home tomorrow. It's a surprise, but a good one! We're glad you came back early. Go have fun with Shan."

"Thanks! We'll be upstairs!"

---

"So, how's life going?" I asked.

"Just chillin' like a villain. Been working on some music stuff here. You?" Shan replied.

"Do you have an amplifier?" I asked.

"Nope. Why?" Shan raised an eyebrow. "Wait… did you bring your guitar?"

"Now how are we gonna make some noise later?" I teased.

"Huh? Wait, don't tell me—"

"It's an electric. You know."

"DANG! YOU SHOULD'VE BROUGHT IT HERE! I'M EXCITED, BRO! I WISH I HAD ONE TOO!" Shan practically shouted.

"Haha. It's just at the house. I'll bring it later. So, what's the plan? And how's your girlfriend?" I asked.

"We're fixing this mixer for the speakers later. And it's a good thing we have an electric guitar now—we're gonna have a very loud concert tonight. Also, what girlfriend? I don't have one."

"Alright then, your chatmate?" I smirked.

"Ahh, she's just a friend. Actually, I just told her I'll be playing with my band later."

"And what's her name?" I asked.

"Look who's asking. You interested?" Shan grinned.

"Nah, never mind."

"Then stop sitting around and help me assemble these parts. After this, we'll have a delicious lunch, and I'll let everyone know you're back," Shan said.

"Yeah, yeah. Oh, and let's go to the plaza later. We shouldn't miss that place—it's full of Christmas lights," I said.

I wished our other friend was here. We used to be the main trio. But now, he's far away in another province, another region—our long-distance friend. Still, at least there were plenty of us left in the hood.

Our group chat suddenly became active after Shan sent his message. Now, everyone knew I was back in the neighborhood. After we finished fixing the mixer, Shan turned to me with a grin.

"Kean, check the group chat. They're all chatting now. I'll just change clothes, and then we'll head out with them later," he said.

"Alright, haha," I replied, unlocking my phone.

Mark: @Kean where are you, man? Are you really here?

Riel: Did he actually come home?

Me: Yep, I'm at Shan's. Look at him.

"Hey, Shan, say cheese."

I snapped a photo of Shan mid-change, shirt halfway on.

(Sent a photo showing Shan changing clothes.)

Mark: What the—hey @Kean, come get me downstairs at their gate.

Riel: Alright, I'll head out too.

"I'll go meet them at the gate. We'll wait for you there," I told Shan before heading outside.

The moment I stepped out, Mark practically tackled me in excitement.

"Hey, man! Long time no see!" he said, grinning.

"You're right, man. I've missed you! And look at you, flexing that new phone," I teased.

"Oh, come on, you want my old one?" Mark smirked.

"Nah, thanks, haha. I got something new too, but it's not a phone," I said.

"Oh? Then what is it?" Mark asked, curious.

"You'll know later. Wait, where's Vince?"

"Where's Shan?" Vince asked as he approached.

"Sup, Vince! Damn, you're getting taller. How's the crypto game you've been grinding?" I asked.

"I quit. Been busy these days," Vince replied with a shrug.

"But we're still taller than you. Haha." Mark added. Hey look Lawrence chatted."

Lawrence: Man, wish I was there. Thinking of coming home next New Year's Eve.

Keem: Hey @everyone, I'll be in the plaza later. Wait for me there.

Charles: Yeah, me too. I'm with Zander. We'll catch up later.

"Hey, look, it's Shan," Mark said, nodding toward him. "Shan, the others will follow later."

Mark: (Sent a photo of the four of us together.)

Lawrence: :<<

Me: Come home, man. We miss ya.

"Alright, let's head to the plaza. Walk trip, as always," Shan said.

"And food trip, as always," Mark added with a grin.

As we walked down the familiar highway of my hometown, I truly felt at home. Back in high school, from 7th to 10th grade, I used to walk this route every day, either before or after lunch. That was before the outbreak changed everything. We spent two years stuck in online classes and activities, but according to the news, it looks like I'll be facing college back to normal next year.

Same old vibes here. But for me, it's gold. The colorful parols, the never-ending scent of street food, the calming hum of the crowd—everything feels just right. Even though I'm often the quiet one in the group, I always have fun with them. I feel free. I wish every day could be like this.

"I smell some minane over there. Let's go grab some," Mark said.

"Man, last hours of 2020. Any last wishes?" I asked.

"I wish to have my own music studio soon," Shan said.

"Let's sit on the bench while eating," Mark suggested.

"Hey Riel, ask Keem and Charles where the heck they are now," Shan said.

"They're at the fountain," Riel replied.

"Then let's head to the fountain instead," Mark said.

And just like that, when we finally reached them, the group felt complete. Well, almost complete.

"That's my man right there! Sup, Kean?" Keem greeted.

"Still taller than us, huh? Hey, Charles, you're looking a little buffed," I said.

"Been working out! Soon, I'll be able to stand on my arms. And hey, I'm raiding all of your houses for food later," Charles laughed.

"Typical you, Charles. I won't let you finish all our food," Shan said.

"Come on, let's walk around and find a spot to chill after," Mark said.

As we walked, our laughter and chatter blended with the noise of the crowd. I really missed this. We're all growing older, but I can say our circle of friends is one of a kind. Despite our differences in age and status in life, we've always clicked—whether through dark humor, nonsense jokes, or just the way we are together. I believe we'll always be more than just friends. I just hope life and reality won't change us. That's my wish for the new year.

"It's time to head back to the hood and prepare for Media Noche," Shan said.

"Yeah, same here," I replied.

Walking home together, just like always—nothing has changed. This is my comfort. Unlike at my dad's place, where I often feel alone. Our group is loud and full of life in person, but online? We're not that active. That's why when quarantine hit, it was one of the loneliest times for me. Bad times… but we've moved forward, and now we're stepping into something new.

Back in our neighborhood, the excitement filled the air. Families preparing food, setting up fireworks, taking pictures—it all felt so nostalgic. The new year was almost here. A new beginning awaited.

"Say cheese!"

Happy New Year… from the Gordon Family.

The fireworks burst in the sky, filling the night with color and deafening cracks. The air buzzed with laughter, greetings, and cheers. Amidst it all, I was playing my electric guitar at full volume, while Sean sang along. Riel hammered the drums like there was no tomorrow. Mark had unexpectedly gone to visit his aunts in another town, but the energy of the night remained unshaken.

Was this it? The band I had envisioned before the outbreak? Back when I first developed my love for music?

The party was electric—pure chaos and fun. Shan, as always, blasted dance music, making even me sway to the beat. And yeah, maybe we were a little tipsy from the wine.

And then... the party was over.

The streets, once alive with celebration, now settled into a peaceful silence. The mess was cleaned up, and the echoes of laughter faded into the night.

It was 2 a.m. Time to head home.

Until—

"Wait... I forgot my guitar cable at Shan's."

As I walked past his house, I heard his voice. He was on a call with someone.

"Yeah, how's your New Year?" Shan asked, his voice carrying through the quiet night.

"It was okay. Kinda quiet here," the other person replied. "Guess the cold outside didn't let the fireworks light up properly."

"It's freezing over there, huh? Is it really below 20 degrees Celsius?" Shan asked.

"Yup. What did you guys eat earlier? And how was the band? Wish I could've heard you all."

That voice.

Who was he talking to?

His girlfriend?

Then why did I feel something strange about this?

Maybe it was just the wine, but my head felt light.

Oh right I'm just gonna walk past by and not disturb them.

"Uh, hey, excuse me, Shan—I forgot my, uh, cable. See you tomorrow! Uh... is that your—never mind, haha," I said awkwardly.

"Who was that? Is that your friend?" the other person on the call asked.

"Yep, that's my friend and my guitarist, hehe," Shan replied.

"Hey, Kean, come here and say hi to my friend," Shan said, waving me over.

I hesitated but stepped forward. Shan flipped the camera to show me. Dang, I felt embarrassed.

"Oh, uh, hey! Happy New Year!" I said, feeling shy.

"Heyy, Happy New Year!" she responded.

I glanced at her profile picture, and for some reason, I felt a strange sense of something I mean, she was a stranger, after all.

"Yeah, that's his face right there," Shan said, literally holding the camera to show my half-body.

"Oh, come on, haha. Aren't you guys sleepy yet?" I asked, trying to shift the conversation.

"I'm kinda sleepy. I think I'll get to bed soon—I need to prepare Lola's medicine tonight. She's been having strange headaches. Goodnight, Kaye."

"Alright, talk to you tomorrow, Shan! Praying for your Lola's healing! Goodnight! Nice talking to you this 2021!" she said before their call ended.

Shan turned to me with a smirk. "So, what do you think?"

"Uh, what do I think? I don't know... Is she really just a friend?" I asked.

"Yep, nothing more than that. Want her username?" Shan teased.

"Oh, nah nah, pass. I just broke up with someone recently," I said, shaking my head.

Still, Shan showed me her username and profile on the app. The moment I saw her, I knew it was just love at first sight—admiring her pretty looks. But something about it felt... strange. And just like that, the lightheaded feeling I'd been having disappeared.

"Uh, I'll think about it, Shan. What's the name of the app?"

"It's Lityear. Super underrated, only has a few thousand downloads," Shan said.

"Alright... but man, I feel sleepy. Let's have fun again tomorrow. And dang, I'll be heading home already on January 3rd. That's gonna suck," I sighed.

"I'll miss you, man. Goodnight," Shan said.

"Right. Goodnight, man. Thanks for tonight!"

As I walked home, exhaustion from the celebration hit me. But for some reason, I couldn't shake the thought of Shan's friend. Why did meeting her feel so... interesting? Nah, it's just my thoughts messing with me. I'll sleep it off and forget about it.