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 4th-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 important...

*****

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

 He had a distinctive ash-gray dyed with a 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 enjoying with his friends. They made their teenage years memorable and fun, creating experiences worth treasuring.

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

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

*****

 Gilbert lived with only his grandmother, his mother's mom. Their house is located in-between of two business establishments on 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 receive their monthly expenses to support their 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 the foods she served were green leafy vegetables. Even our table has different fruits.

Amazing right? It's just Grandma who is fully concerned about our health.

 However, Gilbert hates that part when it comes to food. He sometimes cooks for his own rather than eating a bland dish that is served and cooked by his Grandma.

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

 And my repetitive answer was always. ["Ahhhhhh. Healthy food is bland and exercising is 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, deciplined and hardworking.

...

..

.

 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 fragment of the past upon me.

 I have no experience of having a girlfriend in my entire life — I'm an NGSB. Adding these 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 have 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 smiled.

 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 that 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 face 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 be essential or not. Gonna tell you that 'I'm not overreacting' okay!?

...

..

.

 The next day.

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

 My day always starts at 5 A.M. Yes!,... I'm telling you the truth. I'm 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 on my pc again.'

 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 in my room this whole day, playing games...

*****

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

 My room has one comfortable cotton bed, and 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 novels, 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 spend 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 as 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 is another pain in the 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, I'm not proud of it.' with a smile, feeling a bit defensive.

 Continued having inwardly thoughts. 'I'm just... You see, Lazy. But I'm 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 by the New-Gen Slang? Be educated people, yeah be educated. So then, allow me to teach you.. It's 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 is rarely used.

 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 and 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 these memories made me absentminded."

 This mere thought made my mind wander. 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 was 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 have different things to be done.

...

..

.

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

 "Gilbert, can you come downstairs for a bit." It was Grandma who is calling me.

 "Yes Grandma, just a second."

 'Ahhhhhh. When just when I got login. Oh, wait... She's already at home? I thought no one was at home' I am having a self-thought of being disappointed or shocked.

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

 I stand up and hastily proceed downstairs to meet Grandma in the kitchen.

 'Why is she in the kitchen? Is Grandma late for cooking?'

 I don't exactly know what he wanted for me, but hopefully It is just some interior house cleaning. My laziness occurs today, Saturday.

It's not like I always wanted to slack off but today is different since I was purposely absent from my part-time and have no calls or invitations from Ryan, probably still busy.

 As I reached the kitchen I saw Grandma searching for something... Hmmm, I think, it's not. As I get 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 a limited supply of these ingredients, can you go to the market for me?" Grandma who is holding and checking the bottle of sugar asked me.

 "Ah yes, sure" I replied

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

 As I stare at her she seems hesitant...

 "Something wrong Grandma?" I questioned.

 I received no reply from her and then she took back from me her written list of the supplies that were 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 tell me.

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

 Grandma who is 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 expects 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 confined 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 with other businesses. So, it's a Big No.

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

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

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

 She was 18 years old when she gave birth to me. I was only 8 years old when Mom went abroad.

For my Father, I didn't want to talk with him, I really wanted to deform his face with my fists. Enough with that...

My Mom chose 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 as you may imagine. Has black colored eyes and an extra-medium asian body size — a regular body size of a regular Asian/Filipino Mother. And around 5'3 height.

...

..

.

 "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 gave 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 had written a while ago. And then after, she gave me back her now complete and revised written list.

 Along with it, Grandma also given me a 200 Pesos. It's not enough to 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 have 5,000 Pesos in my foldable wallet and have a change of 274 Pesos in my small pouch. Basically, I have 2 wallets for 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 from him, it's probably best if I'm not the one who should say it.' Grandma is talking to herself silently after I leave.

...

..

.

 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.]

 "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's plans of building a business. However,' *I lowered my head and crossed my 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 in 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 inside of the sidecar. Then as the driver saw me comfortably sit, he then proceeded to start the vehicle...

...

..

.

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

 This man in either 22-25 years old, has a rather similar body posture as Gilbert however he's kinda taller by about 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.

 His posture is perfectly amazing and refined. It is like he is doing some Modeling or Pageantry.

...

..

.

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

 I don't know to whom Grandma buy always, so it's now up to me to scan 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 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 as what is happening today to me.

 I didn't recognize this lady however, my brain cells who are secretly working for me, gave me a clue.

That lady, who is now choosing fruits in the fruit stand, resembles the girl whom I dreamt of last night.

 So I hurriedly run towards her however, there are a ton of people in this market and I couldn'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 chose to ignore them and continued to follow the lady.

"Excuse me. Sir, ma'am!" I politely asked to pass through and to continue following her and something happened.

*****

As I am following the girl in this crowded place. I locked my sight on her but things went south. The girl instantly disappeared in this crowded place.

"Shit!" I spit words out of disappointment.

I scoured the crowded area, determined to find her. I refused to give up, driven by a sense of curiosity and wonder.

There were so many unanswered questions swirling in my mind. The fact that she had appeared in my dream simultaneously with my waking life hinted at a deeper connection. I am desperate to know more. I am desperate to talk to her.

Did she know me?

Had we met before?

These questions haunted me, and I couldn't shake the feeling that our encounter was more than just a coincidence or almost a fate.

Then I released a big sigh.

As I finally accepted that I wouldn't find her, I refocused on completing the task at hand. With a sense of resignation, I finished what I had started.

 After things sets done, I will remember this day and time. And be back again in here, in this public market. Dedicated to meet her again and have a little talk.

Why do I feel like this?

This feeling, this isn't just a sense of wandering.

 Is this what they call.... LOVE?

I shook my head. 'No. No. No, I'm just curious. Yes, curious.' I released a sigh, sitting at the pedicab and heading home.

 The driver looked at me in a confused sight.

 Perhaps thinking I am a fool.

 *Sigh*. 'Just what is happening to me? This isn't me.'

...

..

.

As I reached our house and stepped out of the motorcycle after I paid. I saw a man wearing a polo shirt and a jean leaning on the wall of our gate. In a fine-tuned and perfect posture, he seems like a model of our house. It was Ryan.

 "Oh, Ryan. What are you doing here?" I asked him.

"Men, I've been waiting for you for about a whole hour." In a rather dismay tone.

I am now walking to the gate.

 "Oh, maybe by the time I leave, you came. I was at the market, Grandma ordered me to buy some supplies."

"Yeah, I chatted with Grandma Lily a while ago."

"So, what do you want?"

 *Sigh* I exclaimed, as he swayed and brushed his hair. Looks like a girl swaying their hair to the back like an ambassador of a shampoo. Gets?

"Ehh!?" Feeling annoyed, I released a sigh.

 Just how many sighs have I already released this day? I may go bald because of this stress.

 "The gang are now assembling next week at the opening of the new restaurant near the Baywalk".

"Baywalk? Here in Tacloban?" I asked.

 "Yeah, men."

 I opened the gate and was about to go inside. I looked at him and questioned again.

 "Free or not?" I said in a serious tone.

 "Alex insisted it was his treat." Casual tone with a shoulder shrug.

"And do you think I will believe?" My eyebrows shot up at his response to my question.

 He walked alongside me and gave my back a friendly slap. The gentle push propelled me forward, and I stumbled slightly from the playful nudge.

"Come on men. Alex got a cash on himself. I vouch for you that since I was with him when he got his money from the bank." He got his phone in his pocket and showed me a photo.

 I looked at the evidence and it seems legit.

"When? I'm sure you're aware that I need to ask Grandma for approval right?.."

 "No need men. Your Grandma already agreed."

"Be sure to your words." As I after said it, I proceeded to go inside then Ryan followed me.

*****

As we got inside, Ryan took the remote and then opened the TV in the living room. And for me, I headed to the kitchen to properly arrange the things I bought.

 Since our living room and kitchen are adjacent and not separated by any walls, they are directly connected.

Ryan, who has grown comfortable enough to treat the house as his own, is now lounging on the sofa, watching TV. He's always felt at ease doing this every time he enter, thanks to Grandma's warm hospitality — she's treated him like one of her own grandsons.

To be honest, it's not just Ryan who feels this way — the entire squad has grown comfortable here.

"So, will you join us?" He asked while changing the channels of the TV.

"When? I may have classes or work on that day"

 "I told you, Next week. Same day and same time."

 "I have a job next week"

 "Men just absent again."

 I stopped at what I am doing then stared at Ryan, then lectured him. "I need money you know. Lucky you, you don't need money since your family is rich already."

Ryan stared back at me and answered. "Common men, your Grandma agreed and I texted Alex that you will come."

He ignored me.

"The heck, just deciding your own."

 "I received permission from your Grandma, common on men. 5 PM is our planned meet up, here in your house of course. And then we will go to the opening of the new restaurant near the Town Hall and after that, we will go to the park. We will walk in this seawall till we reach the park. The sunset will be quite fabulous later since the clouds won't distract the shine of the sun setting in a romantic..."

 "Stop!" I exclaimed.

 I let my guard down. Ryan's mind suddenly floats and gives an annoying speech.

 "Ahem. You may also meet your girlfriend there."

 "Huh!? I'm not interested, wait.. wha-what do you mean by "May"? Don't tell me..."

 "Yeah men, hahaha. I got a girlfriend, it's not shocking, right? With my beautiful face and my sexy posture. I will introduce him to you if you come with us. Also, Richard had a girlfriend, too. Only Orly and you are now lonely.... Or only you since Orly is currently courting A... No no no, excitement will be discussed if we see each other." He proudly told me.

 Another annoying speech. Do girls easily fall in love with a guy who talks so much?

 I couldn't help but think about our old rule: No Girlfriends Allowed. Yet, here we were, surrounded by this sudden change in atmosphere.

 What had happened in the past year?

 I'd been busy with work, school, and gaming, and as the youngest member of the group, having a girlfriend was never on my radar. To me, it seemed like an unnecessary distraction from my happy daily life.

 "Okay fine, as long as it's free."

 "Hmmm.. feeling jealous are we?" He annoyingly smirked.

 "The heck are you talking about, I have no plan for that." I answered him in a serious tone.

 "Come on men. Having a girlfriend is a blessing. You have a girl with you cuddling all the time, supporting you and chatting with you if you're alone. I'm tired of imagining men, I am jealous of Alex having Dianne with him and proudly showing it to others. I wanted to experience having one. My handsomeness will be useless if I don't use it right? Then god hears me, he sent a goddess for me then..."

 "Back to senses. Good for you then. Stay strong." I interrupted him in a dead tone.

 "Thank you for the veeeery lively compliments"

 As we were having a conversation or rather an argument, Grandma entered.

 "Ahmmm, are you both having some arguments? I can hear your ruckus outside."

 "Grandma." I shouted then left what I was doing and headed to Grandma then I "Mano po". Ryan who was lying on the sofa heard Grandma and also hurriedly came to show respect.

 "Grandma Lily, Good afternoon."

 "God bless you, Ryan. So what's happening?"

 Grandma looked at me and I shook my head "Nothing Grandma, just..." Ryan interrupted me.

 "Grandma Lily, can you please confirm Gilbert about your approval" he asked.

 Grandma looked at Ryan then, "Ahhhm, yes. Gilbert, Ryan was here a while ago. And asked me if you could go with them. So I agree"

 "Well... Thank you, Grandma".

 "Are you finished with your tasks?"

Grandma asked.

 "Ah, yes." I said, pointing at the supplies on the table.

 Grandma and I walked to the kitchen while Ryan was heading to turn off the TV.

 "Ah. Excuse Grandma Lily."

"Hmmm? Yes, Ryan?"

 "I will be heading now. Thank you for the time." He said politely.

 Grandma nodded. "Sure, keep safe."

 "Thank you, Grandma Lily. Bye Gil, see you next week." He said, waving at us.

 'tssk.' I muttered, exasperatedly.

 Ryan beamed with pride as he stood up to bid us farewell.

 I threw a banana peel on his way in secret that even Grandma and Ryan, aren't aware.

 Then, he headed for the door, waving at us without turning around. Grandma, however, wasn't looking, so only I returned the gesture.

 Just as Ryan was about to exit, his feet flew out from under him, and he landed on the floor with a resounding thud.

 The sound echoed through the house, and I rushed to his side per Grandma's order. Ryan is laid back on the floor, his arms and legs splayed out in a dramatic pose.

 "Are you okay?" I asked concern etched on my face.

 Ryan sprang to his feet, a proud grin spreading across his face.

 "Yes, I am, the floor is slippery, but it gave me a fabulous pose. Perfect for me, the best model in the world!"

 I struggled to stifle my laughter, forcing a smile onto my face instead. Ryan, still beaming with pride, continued on his way, leaving Grandma and me to exchange amused glances.

 Ryan, who is now standing on his feet again with a banana peel on the back of his pants — at the butt. It's sticking there and no sign of falling so I didn't tell him and waved again.

 Ryan continued to depart, I turned to Grandma, who was in the kitchen. I walked to her, curiosity getting the better of me.

 "Grandma, why do you approve of Ryan? You know I have a work next week, right?" I questioned while giving a can of sardines to her.

 Grandma turned around. "Ahmmm. Don't pressure yourself, have some fun at least."

 "But I'm always having fun..."

 "Ahmmm. It's over 4 years, perhaps. After your last trip with your friends. You all became busy, I guess they all missed each other that they planned a reunion." Grandma happily tells me.

 I've indeed missed the gang and our hilarious adventures together.

 Initially, I thought I wasn't looking forward to this reunion, but the opposite is true - I'm actually, excited to see them again.

 Now that they're back, I wonder what surprises await us, aside from the unexpected addition of their proud confessions of their girlfriends.

 With classes ending soon, I'm also looking forward to a three-month break before enrollment starts.

 As for Ryan spitting words about having a girlfriend...

 Although we'd run into each other occasionally, since he lives and works here in this City, unlike the others. I was taken aback when he announced that he had a girlfriend. I'd never seen him with a girl before, despite often spotting him walking home.

 My main concern, however, is that prioritizing my happiness might be seen as selfish. I need to focus on completing my studies and securing a decent job to support not only myself but also my grandma and mom, who would rely on me.

 Still, since Grandma has given her seal of approval, I'll reserve judgment for now. I'm curious to see what this gathering has in store for us.

 After helping Grandma organize the supplies I'd purchased, I headed back to my room. Meanwhile, Grandma was busy preparing for today's menu — Mechado.

*****

In the most iconic and breathtaking stretch of the Baywalk, the atmosphere is majestic.

 As the sun began its descent, the crowd's anticipation grew. People scrambled to ready their phones and cameras, eager to capture the sunset's splendor.

 Amidst the bustling throng, Ryan made his way to a group of friends standing. They were having conversations and perhaps, waiting for the perfect view.

This area is always crowded when time as this came since the view is superb. The mountain, the sea breeze and the sun setting. Astonishing.

 Ryan is walking...

 All the people who look at Ryan are laughing.

Curious about what's wrong he chooses to be ignorant and wave them with a smile and a flying kiss at the girls. He also rearranged his hair to look cool.

As Ryan approached to this said group, he leaned on the bars...

"Man, people are happy to see my astonishing handsomeness" In a proud tone. He arranged again his hair.

 All of them choose to ignore this prideful and dramatic, Ryan.

"So what, do you slide your tongue again?" The red long-haired man, with a packed of muscles. Clearly, he is having a gym, asked in a bossy tone.

 "Yeah, but I made it to suspense" Ryan replied flexing his hair.

 "You also told me that I had someone courting with?" A man, a rather smallest in the group raised a question to Ryan. He had a thinned hairstyle in black colored hair.

 "Yeah, men. I said it to him. A give him a false hope."

A man same body posture as the bossy one but much higher. His hairstyle is similar to Korean thinned sides. Speaks. "Is it kinda harsh for him, why not let him as he pleased?"

 "What do you mean? We will help our abandoned friend to have a girlfriend. That's our mission now, to help our pitiful friend." The bossy one interjected.

"I agree, it's a perfect time for Gilbert to find a couple. We are not kids anymore, we are slowly becoming older now." A short man, speaks.

*****

As they wrapped up their discussion about Gilbert, the conversation seamlessly shifted to a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

 They delved into reminiscences of their past, sharing stories of their high school escapades, and the memories they had created together.

 The conversation then transitioned to their present lives, with each friend updating the others on their current pursuits, accomplishments, and experiences.

 As Ryan approached the group, it was evident that they were no strangers to him.

 These were his old friends, reunited and reminiscing, their faces aglow with warm smiles.

 The air was filled with the sound of their laughter and conversations, as they exchanged stories and shared memories, their camaraderie and joy palpable.

...

..

.

 As I reached my room. I started to study for this week's lessons.