Chapter 1: Gilbert Mosca

 In the vibrant and busy streets of the City of Tacloban, Philippines.

 Lived a young man named Gilbert Mosca. He was a 3rd-year student at a public university, studying Business Administration, a four-year degree course.

 To be honest, it wasn't his first or second choice; it was actually his third. Initially, he enrolled in an engineering program, but fate had other plans. His second choice was architecture, but again, fate didn't approve. He chose Business Administration because, well, he had no other choice. He accepted it with honor, believing it was God's plan for him.

 But that's less an important...

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 Gilbert was a cheerful and friendly person, though not a very talkative.

 He had a distinctive ash-gray dyed with shady hairstyle and a black eyes. His features included a decently long nose, a height of around 5'7", and a normal teenage body.

 Despite his handsome appearance, he wasn't particularly popular in school. — No.no.no. I'm sorry, I'm just assuming it.

 He was just a normal, friendly guy living a fulfilling life as a teenager.

 Gilbert's life was influenced by his friends, who often invited him to explore new places. They would visit natural wonders in their province, nearby provinces, and even man-made tourist attractions.

 However, Gilbert wasn't an addict when it came to liquor and cigarettes; he simply enjoyed exploring and enjoy with his friends. They made their teenage years memorable and fun, creating experiences worth treasuring.

 Gilbert may seems a free person, however he still needs a permission to his Grandma. Of course, he's a very respectable and disciplined person. And that's the reason why some travels of the gangs, he is not present.

 It's only natural for the guardian to care and know where they children's go to. And to Gilbert, he doesn't want to see his Grandma worrying about all things.

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 Gilbert lived with only his grandmother, his mother's mom. Their house is located in-between of two business establishment at the back road of the national highway.

 The house had two stories, with a square-shaped window facing the highway. Although it seemed small from the outside, the interior was spacious. The house was centered between two three-story private business establishments and featured various flowers like roses, gumamela, and orchids at the entrance. A red-painted gate and a 5-foot tall concrete wall surrounded the property.

 The living expenses of their living is supported by his Mom. They always and/or sometimes received their monthly expenses to support they're daily financial needs.

 His grandmother, Lily, was 65 years old, energetic, and cheerful. She had a men-like hairstyle, white-colored hair, and a 5'3" height, with a thin, fit body. Despite her age, she had no major health issues and took vitamins regularly. She even had her morning jogging, it's her daily routine.

 Moreover, she is also the one responsible for cooking and even at going to the market, she also doing it. That's the reason why, all foods she serve was green leafy vegetables. Even our table has different fruits. Amazing right? Its just Grandma whose fully concerned of our health.

 However, Gilbert hate that part when it comes to food. He sometimes cook for his own than eating a bland dish that served and cook by his Grandma.

 ["Prevention is better than cure. So you eat that, no rant. And get an exercise."] its Grandma's repetitive words whenever I do rant.

 And my repetitive answer was always. ["Ahhhhhh. Healthy food is bland and exercising is It's boooo-ring..."]

....

 Gilbert — also, is not just a student . He had a part-time job at a nearby fast-food restaurant for at least 8 months already, as the money sent by his mom wasn't enough for both of them.

 He seemed like a spoiled grandson, but he was actually responsible, kind, decipline and hardworking.

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 I woke up early, and my day started at 5 A.M.

 A crazily nostalgic dream had forced me to wake up. It was weird, and I felt like I knew the girl in that dream.

 Déjà Vu?

 Hmmm...

 I didn't recall having that sense of memory or even a fragments of the past upon me.

 I have no experience of having a girlfriend in my entire life — I'm a NGSB. Adding this scenes is just weird for me.

 But wait, why was the dream slowly vanishing?

 I tried to remember, but it was fading away...

 I am still at the window, with my mind wandering.

 Until I recall what I done last night.

 'Dream?, Did I dreamt something?....'

 "Ahhhh I guess this is the hallucinations of my late or a very late game before I sleep."

 I looked at the wall clock, but it was broken. I smirked.

 As I went about my day, I couldn't shake off the feeling that the dream was trying to tell me something.

 "Hmmm"...

 Although Im convincing myself it was just about the game, I found it hard.

 I decided to take a walk, clear my head, and maybe, just maybe, remember something about the girl in my dream.

 I slapped my faced to control my senses back.

 "Okay, back to senses, I have things to be done this day."

 I have something to do after all, like doing laundry, ironing some clothes, cleaning and going to marke-...

 Ohhh, what's...that dead stare?... Hmmm? Ahhh. Okay okay... Alright, alright.

 My day, to be brutally honest. *Sobs*

 For your information guys, may essential or not. Gonna tell you that 'I'm not overreacting' okay!?

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 The next day.

 I never had a single dream. Only a dark, dreamless sleep.

 My day always start at 5 A.M. Yes!,... I'm telling you the truth. Im waking up early in the morning if... I... am... *heavy sigh* going to school and waking up 10 A.M if I have no plans like, this day — Saturday. But hey, don't judge me if you don't know my story. *smirked*, feeling a bit defensive.

 "E...yaaaaa" words came out of my mouth after doing a single bed stretch.

 'Hmmmm?. It's morning already? That's kinda fast'. Having a morning inwardly thoughts.

 Realistically, it's already noon. And I can hear the outside noises of dogs barking, vehicles that running by and our area cctv — the neighborhood gossips.

 'I think I spent too much time again playing games in my pc again.'

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 I stood up and looked out the window. "I see, the streets are now busy as usual," I thought to myself. Outside my window, I see different and multiple vehicles passing by on the highway. After taking in the view, I walked away and proceeded to my favorite spot in the room: my Desktop.

 'Yeah, time to play. I think Grandma is now at the seawall having her daily routine. Hehehe. Let's go...'

 As I settled into my chair, I felt a sense of comfort and familiarity.

 My desktop was more than just a computer station; it was my companion, where I spent countless hours studying, gaming, and exploring the Internet. I ran my fingers over the keyboard, feeling the worn keys beneath my fingertips. The soft hum of the computer and the gentle glow of the screen were soothing, and I felt my mind begin to clear.

 I am planning to stay at my room this whole day, playing games...

....

 Oh before I proceed, allow me to guide you to my room.

 My room has one comfort cotton bed, one box-shaped table and above it is a shelf full of different books such as academic, light novels and mangas. I love reading manga's and light novel's especially isekai fantasy genres. I had no interest in drama or romcom whatsoever. I have my cellphone which I rarely use and a desktop computer where I should spent my day-off. And a one black 5 feet stand fan, a very reliable companion in my every fiendish battle against, Humidity.

 My room isn't decent as you think, it's actually horrible.

 With the remains of empty bottle cans of softdrinks, packages and/or sachets of snacks, leftovers, paper scratches, and clothes. Even fixing my bed every morning is not in my dictionary.

 Well... you see. I will sleep on it again later so no need to fix it since it be another pain in ass fixing again. Hehehe, I'm sorry for that kind of mindset I have. It's just... it's part of me being myself. An identity perhaps but I don't want people to know me as that though.

 'Ah-hahahaha. Look, im not proud of it.' with a smile, feeling a bit defensive.

 Continued having inwardly thoughts. 'I'm just... You see, Lazy. But im not always like this, you know.'. Well...

 When my friends come over, I tidy up and organize everything that's scattered around. I make sure to put away any clutter, fluff up the cushions, and wipe down the surfaces.

 It's my way of showing respect for my friends and creating a welcoming atmosphere. I take pride in being a good host, and it's always worth the extra effort to see my friends smile when they walk in.

 With everything in its place, we can focus on having a great time together, whether that's gaming, watching movies, or just hanging out. Importantly— of course, I want my friends to expect me less of a lazy "Oldteen".

 Shocked of the New-Gen Slang? Be educated people, yeah be educated. So then, allow me teach you.. Its just a combination of "Old" and "Teenager". My friends invented it.

 Wait, it's not a new word? Hmmm, maybe it is another word that rarely use.

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 On days when I intentionally take a break from work or classes, I usually confine myself to the comfort of my home. I spend my time playing RPG games on my PC, teaming up with friends or other online players. It's a great way to unwind and socialize without leaving the house.

 However, when I'm not in the mood for gaming, I am at my work. 

 I miss the gang.

 Joining my friends on their trips and adventures. We enjoy a variety of recreational activities together, such as playing basketball, badminton, or exploring the great outdoors. We often visit beautiful beaches, resorts, waterfalls, and rivers, taking in the breathtaking scenery and creating unforgettable memories.

 Whether I'm at home or on an adventure, I always make the most of my free time.

 "Ugh, just imagining this memories made me absentminded."

 This mere thought made my mind wandering. I found myself lost in daydreams of freedom and adventure, my responsibilities and obligations momentarily forgotten. My imagination ran wild with possibilities, and I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement at the prospect of breaking free from routine.

 Additionally, all of us in the gang were surprisingly single. We had even made a ridiculous pact: "No girlfriends until we die." It was a silly rule, but we took it seriously.

 Or so we thought...

 According to our rules, if anyone got a girlfriend, they would be banished from the gang. But, ironically, our squad leader had a girlfriend and he even with us, joining us on every single trip.

 It was a bit annoying to be honest, but we didn't mind. We had grown accustomed to having him and his girlfriend around. In fact, she had become an honorary member of our group, and we enjoyed her company almost as much as we enjoyed teasing our squad leader about his relationship.

 However that was before. It's almost 4 years and now we had different things to be done.

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 I opened my PC to play my favorite game, however...

 "Gilbert, can you come downstairs for a bit." It was grandma whose calling me.

 "Yes Grandma, just a second."

 'Ahhhhhh. When just when I got login. Ah wait... She's already at home?. I thought no one is at home.' I am having a self thought of disappointed nor shocked.

 I have no other choice but to logout the game. I turned off the fan and unplugged the appliances.

 I stand up and hastily proceeds downstairs to meet Grandma at the kitchen.

 'Why is she at the kitchen? Does Grandma late for cooking?'

 I don't exactly know what he wanted to me, but hopefully Its just some interior house cleaning. My laziness occurs today, Saturday. Its not like I always wanted to slack-off just today is different since I purposely absent in my job and no calls or invitations from my friends, probably still busy.

 As I reached in the kitchen I saw Grandma searching for something... Hmmm I think, it's not. As I getting closer, I can clearly see Grandma listing something, I guess ingredients or supplies that are already out-of-stock.

 "Hi Grandma, good morning. Something wrong?". As I approached I asked Grandma.

 "Ahmm, it's already noon. Well, we had limited supply of this ingredients, can you go to the market for me?". Grandma whose holding and checking the bottle of sugar asked me.

 "Ah yes, sure.". I replied

 And then proceeds to give me her written list and an ecobag. And then she get her wallet from her pocket and...

 As I stare at her she seems hesitant...

 "Something wrong Grandma?" I questioned.

 I received no reply to her and then she took back from me her written list of the supplies that needed for our daily foodstuffs.

 She checked some forgotten supplies on her written list or should I say... She's removing some supplies written in it. There's probably something wrong that my Grandma seems hesitant to to tell me.

 "Does Mom didn't sent us for the month expenses again?"

 Grandma whose removing some on her list stopped for a second and looked at me.

 "Ahmm, your mom is saving money. And I know, I already told you about her plan of building a business here, right?"

 I am fully aware of it and it might be a so good to be true, but I'm not sure if she will come home for her planned business or does she expected me or Grandma to manage it.

 As for myself, I don't want to manage it. I want to be as free as I am now. I want to explore things and have fun enjoying my youth. Since I'm now at my 22, my youth is slowly fading. I don't want to be confine for now and focus on real life. I already set myself at the age of 30 that I will be serious in my life. Just of now, I want to use this time for joy and happiness.

 As for my Grandma. I think it's nearly impossible for her to manage the business. My Grandma was only an Elementary Graduate, she didn't even know how to properly manage the business much more about competing to other businesses. So, its a Big No.

 I don't know what my Mom is thinking. She never even told us if she will come home or extend again her contract for another 5 years.

 I am really happy that Grandma is still strong than other old people. If she's not, I don't think I can attend school or even providing happiness for myself.

 My Mom went to Dubai as a Domestic Helper for almost 10 years.

 She was 18 years old when she give birth to me. I was only 8 years of old when Mom went abroad. For my Father, I don't want to talk with him, I really wanted to deformed his face with my fists. Enough with that...

My Mom chosen to work abroad. And then she entrusted her Mom, Grandma, of me. To take care of me, my Mom will be sending us some money for our monthly expenses. And some details regarding to my story began...

 My Mom has a black hair with golden yellow dye-edged hair color with up to shoulder hair. Not short hair like you may imagine. Has black colored eyes, at extra-mediumed asian body size — a regular body size of a regular Asian/Filipino Mother. And around 5'3 height.

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 "You know Grandma, you should not hesitate to tell me something like this." I told Grandma while I reached my hand — opened palm, to her.

 Grandma noticed my intentions so she give me back again her written list.

 I noticed some erased supply written in her list and some of it is still readable enough to me, however...

 I gave back the list to Grandma. And questioned her discreetly. "What's the purpose of having a job and a money if I didn't use it in times like this, right?. Just tell me or rewrite some of those erased supplies, Grandma. I have enough money to use."

 "Ahmm, you should spend your money for as you please..."

 "And you know that I will not do that. Well... I spend some but I save much than I spend." Proudly tell Grandma.

 Grandma was now rewriting those all erased supplies that she written a while ago. And then after, she give me back her now complete and revised written list.

 Along with it, Grandma also given me a 200 Pesos. It's not enough for the fact of the amount and prices of the needed supplies, however I have my own money as I proudly discussed. For now, I totally had 5,000 Pesos in my foldable wallet and have a change of 274 Pesos in my small pouch. Basically, I have 2 wallets in different use.

 And I received it then, I "Mano po"

 [ Mano po is an act of respect and gratitude to elderlies here in the Philippines. ]

 "I'll be back fast Grandma."

 Then I had my exit.

 'I think he noticed that I am hiding something to him, it's probably be best if I'm not the one who should say it.' Grandma who is talking to herself silently as after I leave.

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 I just had my leave after my conversation with Grandma. I am here outside of our gate patiently waiting for a "Motorcycle".

 [ A "Motorcycle " is a Filipino Three Wheeled Vehicle. It's basically just a motorbike with a sidecar.]

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 "It's been two months no financial support sent by Mom. I hope she's okay". Words spit out my mouth as I look at the sky.

 *Different noises of vehicles running by*

 'It's not like I don't trust my Grandma for what she said about Mom plans of building a business. However,' *I lowered my head and have a crossed arms then closed my eyes*. 'The way Grandma talk... seems hesitant. I wonder why.' Hmmmm....

 As I am having an absence of mind.

 One motorcycle passing by is honking.

 And so, I'm back at this world, then I quickly stretched my arm to get the attention of the driver. The driver stopped at my front. Then I stated my destination — to the Public Market, and get myself on the sidecar. Then as the driver seen me comfortably sat, he then proceeds to start the vehicle...

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 There's a man in the streetwalk whose walking hastily. His destination is unknown.

 This man in either a 22-25 years old of age, a rather same body posture to Gilbert however he's kinda taller for about a 3 inches, with a light wooden brown dyed hair and a hairstyle called French Crop — a thin shaved in opposite sides and also at the back. He's wearing a plain white polo shirt and having a black jeans and a blue tennis shoes — a thin and small shoes. He also had a watch on his left arm and a piercing in his left ear.

 He's posture is perfectly amazing, it is like he is doing some Modeling.

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 As I reached the Public Market, I checked every stalls.

 I don't know to whom Grandma buy always, so it's now up to me to scanned this wide market.

 As I scanned the crowded market, I caught sight of a familiar face.

 Time seemed to slow down the moment I laid eyes on her. She was standing at the fruit section, perhaps about a 10 meters away from where I stood. To my right, I could see her clearly, her presence suddenly making the bustling market feel still.

 A jet blacked, smooth hair that dancing to the breeze. In a bright white dress. With a very gentle movement. Although I can't see her face totally however, when you know a person. Whenever she's front or back you will recognize her. Same to what is happening today to me.

 I don't recognized this lady, however my braincells who are secretly working for me, gave me a clue. That lady, whose now choosing fruits in the fruit stand, resembles the girl whom I dreamt last night.

 So I hurriedly towards her, however there are ton of people in this market and I can't get through.

 "Excuse me. *Arghh* Mi... miss.... Miiisss!" I accidentally shouted.

 Some people looked at me, they we're confused. It's embarrassing... I choose to ignore them and continued to follow the lad