TWO WORLDS. ONE GOODBYE

....

Somewhat, somehow...

my heart beats for someone I don't know...

my heart aches for someone I don't know..

I tried to search for her...

I looked everywhere for her..

Yet, I couldn't find a single hint.

not even a ghost of her...

not even a figure.

It's been a while since it rained

"gosh! hindi kaba sasama maligo dito sa ulan? kasama ko? HAHAHA"

I don't know what does that supposed to mean..

but seeing her dance in the rain made me happy. And I'm contented with that.

They tell me you're here. Yet, you're not.

They tell me I'm dreaming. Yet, I'm not.

I waited for a million hours for you.

Lots and lots of tears have dried, and hearts have died.

"Makikilala ko kaya sya?"

I ran as fast as I could as I saw her in a flashing lights in a distance.

"I finally... surrender."

I thought I knew her.

I thought I saw her.

I thought I caught her.

But that's where I realize, I'm chasing a ghost.

akala ko...

Chapter 1

THE BEGINNING

I think- I think I know her....

"who is she?..."

"Mark!!! Gising na! first day of school malalate kapa! kain na!"

....

"what's her name?... I can't remember..."

"Mark?! papasok kaba o hindi?!"

"ARH! sino!?!!!"

Na gising si Mark sa isang bangungot

tungkol sa isang babae na palagi nyang nakikita sa kanyang panaginip. ngunit di nya ito kilala.

"oh? babangon kaba oh hindi? kain na, 7:12AM na oh"

"O-opo andyan na"

"hays... nakakatamad pumasok, pero, first day palang naman, kaya papasok nalang ako."

Naglakad si Mark papunta sa kanyang claasroom, may naramdaman sya na parang nakita nya ang babae sa kanyang panaginip. Ngunit hindi nya malaman kung sino...

"Hi! Gusto mo bang sumali sa club namin? Libre lang po sya!"

"Hi kuya gusto mo bang sumali sa music club?

"Music club?"

(He said to himself)

"Who even spends their energy on music, clubs and rose colored life? I don't think not all high-schoolers like to spend time on that. Me? I just want to have an average high-school life"

(He whispers to himself)

"Good morning class! My name is Mrs. Rosemie. I am your adviser, and A.P teacher"

"Good morning ma'am"

(The whole class chorused"

"Another year, another laziness and another conservation of my energy"

"Okay, since it's the first day of the school year, suit yourselves and enjoy the day. We won't be teaching you today"

"Yay!!!"

(The whole class shouted"

"Yay... very awesome"

"Yo Mark, musta? same old katamaran ka parin ah HAHAHAHA"

"Okay lang, tinitipid parin ang aking energy"

"Oh~ tinitipid ba, or tinatamad ka na naman?"

"Both"

"Sabagay, sabi mo nga sa motto mo... hmm....ano nga ulit yun?"

"Hayss... pag kailangan gawin, gagawin. Pag hindi, edi hindi"

"Teka ba't parang umiba na? ano nangyare?"

"Yan na yan dati pa, baka nakalimutan mo lang, antanda mona kasi.

Btw kamusta na kayo ng GF mo?"

"Anong gf? eh, barkada ko lang yun!"

"Hmm... suspicious human being..."

"Totoo nga kasi! si Ibara? sakin lang may gusto yun, pero di ko yun gusto!"

"Er..? Akala ko kayo na matagal na?"

"Hindi. Ang clingy nya lang kasi sakin kaua parang kami na, ewan koba sa kanya. Eh ikaw ba? may Gf kana ba?"

"Meh, I'm not interested in such things as that. I'm too lazy to love"

"Sabagay, walang nag kakagusto sayo antamad mo, welp, wala na akong magagawa, ganyan kana eh"

"Oo na, ngayon hayaan mona ako dito, matutulog ako"

"Tol? kulang paba yung tulog mo sa inyo? o hindi kalang natutulog?"

"Umalis kana nga~"

"Okay, sge, punta nalang ako canteen. Sge Mark una na ako, gutom na ako mhwhehehe"

"K"

"Join our club, it's free and cozy!!"

(Mark reads the invitation letter for a club)

"Club... huh?..."

"Maybe I'll try.."

"Pero... sino nga ba yung babae sa panaginip ko?..."

"Hays naantok na ako, mamaya kona pupuntahan yung club nayan"

*Fell asleep

....

"Oi Mark! 12PM na oh, tumutulo na laway mo sa gutom! HAHAHAHA di kapa ba kakain?"

"Mark?"

"Oi! Mark!!! Gising!!!!"

5:23PM

"Anong oras na? ~~"

"Oh? Gising kana pala Mark? Umuwi na mga kaklase natin, kasi mag si-six na, di kapaba uuwi?"

"Uwian na pala?"

"Ay hindi! tulog kalang dyan ulit! Bukas kana gumising HAHAHAHA"

"Tara na Tol, uwi na tayo, wala kanang ibang ginawa kundi matulog"

"Okay, tara uwi na tayo, pero bago yan may bibilin muna ako."

"Okay shiigeee"

A girl passed the room, and Mark stared at her like He saw a ghost.

"Uhm.. Tol? Sino yung dumaan ngayon lang?

"Hmm... Si April yata yun from class A"

"Ahhh, akala ko kung sino"

"bakit ba tol? crush mo? HAHAHA! Naku alam ko nayan Tol"

"Hindi, hindi sa ganyan, parang kilala ko kasi eh"

"Tama nayan, madilim na, umuwi na tayo"

"Okay"

Mark felt something strange with April. Does He know her? Or does she Know him?

"April... April... I think I know her... but where from?

Kinabukasan:

"Tol, sigurado kabang si April yung kahapon?"

"Tol, sabihin mo nalang kasi kung gusto mo sya, at ipapakilala kita HAHAHA"

"Hindi tol, may need lang ako iconfirm!"

"na ano? na gusto ka nya?"

"Tangeks, hindi nga! parang kilala ko sya pero..."

"Pero?"

"Pero hindi ko alam kung paano"

"hmm... Oo si April yun, at paano mo nasabing kilala mo?"

"Eh kasi nung dumaan sya parang na Deja Vu ako Tol, yung parang"

"parang feeling mo, nangyare na? tapos nakita mo in future? ganon?"

"Oo parang ganyan Tol, pero parang kilala ko sya nung dumaan sya, pero di ko alam kung paano"

"What if makipag close ka sa kanya? tapos tanungin mo kung sino ba talaga sya?"

"Try ko Tol. Pupuntahan ko muna yung club na sasalihan ko"

"Club?!!!! Mark?!! ikaw bayan?!!!! isang himala?! ano'ng nangyare sayo Mark? sinapian kaba or something?!"

"Hays, manahimik kana at samahan mona ako"

"Oh... Okay, pero yung totoo? ikaw ba talaga yan?"

"Oo nga~"

"Isa mopang tanong, tatamaan ka sakin"

"Tara na nga baka matamaan paako HAHAHA"

In the club:

"psst Mark... si April oh"

"Saan?"

"ayun oh nasa bintana! puntahan mona!"

"hays, okay"

"Uh... Hi Pril? tama?

"Hello, Oo, do you need something?

"Ahh wala lang, hmm... April nga talaga?"

".... Oo nga, bakit ba?"

"Ahh... ano kasi.."

"Ano?"

"Curious kasi ako about something... Hmm have you heard Deja Vu?"

"Wala akong time sa mga ganyan, hmm? what's your name pala?"

"oh! Mark! Yes Mark"

"wala akong oras sa ganyan Mark, busy ako sa Acads ko"

"ohh...sge... Mauna na ako April"

"Okay"

"Sabi sayo tol eh, wala nga talagang nag kakagusto sayo HAHAHA Pangit mo eh"

"Shhh manahimik ka. At sya siguro leader ng club..."

"tsk bukas nalang ulit ako pupunta sa club"

"Itry mo ulit, baka malamig na ulo nya"

Kinabukasan:

"Oh Mark, uh.. sorry nga pala kahapon, napag initan kita ng ulo, andami lang kasing nangyare"

"Oh HAHAHA, okay lang. di ko naman kayo masisising mga babae"

"Ano yun?"

"Ahh wala, sabi ko di ko naman kayo masisisi kasi ang init grabe"

"Ahhh, HAHA, Anyways Gusto mo sumabay kumain mamaya?"

"ehem ehem"

"sino yan?"

"Si Julius yan wag mong pansinin, may sakit yan sa ulo"

"Wow? grabe ka naman Tol? after mokong tanungin ano pangalan ni April? Gaganyanin mona ako?"

"Mark? tinanong mo kung sino ako? HAHAHA"

"Wag ka maniwala dyan! sinungaling yan!"

"Lagot ka sakin mamaya Jul!"

"Anyways Mark, alis muna ako, may class pa ako. Byebye!"

"Oi Oi Oi.... Julius... hays... ayaw kona mag sayang ng energy. Pero bat mo naman sinabi?"

"..."

"Jul? Okay kalang?"

"Ah! Okay lang tol, baka nagugutom lang HAHA..."

"Sigurado ka?"

"Yes tol! baka nagugutom lang ako"

Later that day:

"Jul nakita moba si April? malabo na kasi yung mata ko eh"

"Andun oh sa kabilang side ng field"

"Asan?"

"Hmm, ayun... naka.. puti na uniform.. tapos.. hmm naka upo sa.. malapit sa naka grey na polo na babae"

"Oh, I see, thanks, thanks"

"Nahulog na to sigurong si Mark"

(Julius whispered to himself)

Later that night:

"Oh mark, nakita kita kanina naka upo sa field"

(She texted Mark)

"Oh so, ikaw talaga yun?"

"Oo naman, bakit?"

"Akala ko kasi nag sisinungaling na naman si Julius"

"HAHAHA, bakit naman? eh nakikita mo naman ako"

"ayun lang."

"Bakit?"

"malabo mata ko."

"...."

"AHAHAHAHAHA, okay lang yan! naka low graphics kalang!"

"HAHA, very funny"

"joke lang naman"

"Btw April, akala ko nung una ikaw yung kaklase ni Ate ko, si... Si Ate Angel."

"ha? paano naman ako naging si Ate Angel ko?!"

"ihh kasi, wala lang. HAHAHA, What if tawagin kitang Ate?"

"K"

"De joke lang! ano nalang... Hmmm.... Aneki?"

"Ano na naman yan?"

"search mo nalang"

Mark changed your nickname to "Aneki"

"😃"

"gusto mong mamatay ng maaga?"

"HAHAHAHA, Okay nayan!!!"

"K. 😃. Bahala ka matutulog na ako! CHE!"

"Patawad AHAHAHA"

offline 1minute ago.

Lumipas ang buwan ng Marso at parang nag iba na ang turingan ni Mark at April sa isa't isa. At parang nahuhulog na si April kay Mark, ganun din si Mark. Ngunit, walang may lakas loob na umamin.

August 3, 2023. 6:23PM:

"Pril?

"oy, Good evening Mark, kamusta?"

"May gusto sana akong sabihin..."

"Ayy!! mamaya na Mark! kakain na pala kami, brb!"

"Oh.. Okay see you"

"Mas mabuting wag kona munang sabihin..."

(He talked to himself)

Naisip ni Mark na wag munang sabihin ang kanyang feelings para kay April..

Weeks have passed, pero hindi si Mark at April nag uusap since nung gabing may gustong sabihin sana si Mark...

"Arggg, ba't ang hirap ba nitong chord nato! hmm, index here..tapos.. dito... ARHG!! Di ko maabot!"

"Kamusta na kaya si Mark?"

"Try ko ngang imessage, mukhang minulto na ako ah"

"wait... Why am I craving for his attention?.."

"no no no! This is wrong! He's way out of my league! You can't fall for him April! He calles you Aneki for a reason!"

"So He only see me as a sister.. huh..."

"Sabagay hindi ko rin sya gusto!"

"Pero I kind a like him a bit though..."

"Pero what if hindi nya ako magustuhan pag nag confess ako?"

"Hmm..... ARGGGG! Di ko maintindihan!!!"

Kinabukasan:

"Wait... saan nga room ni Mark?"

"Hmm... let me take a walk and try na hanapin sya"

Minutes have passed...

"Hmm hmm hmm hmm~"

"Wait! teka! diba sya yun?!!

" Act normal April! Act normal..."

" Hmm... Is that April? "

" Haven't saw her in a while"

"meh, let her be"

"She's just passing by? maybe zoning out? I hope she's okay"

"Nakita nya ba ako?"

(sinabi ni April habang naeexcite)

Later that day:

"Yo Mark! Uwi kana? arat!"

"Yeah, Nakakapagod pumasok, hayss~"

"Well wala kanang magagawa tol, you need to learn din naman"

"Sabagay... Well I guess I need to get used to it, nasanay kasing modular kaya eto, tinatamad pag nasa school"

"btw tol, pakopya sa assignment sa Filipino tol ha"

"Okay. Sinasabihan mo akong tamad, tas ikaw din pala"

"Ehh... hayaan mona, libre nalang kita bukas HAHAHA"

"Btw kamusta na kayo ni April? is something happening naba? or zero padin?"

"wala naman masyado, di na kami masyadong nag uusap eh, gusto kong malaman if may feelings din ba sya sa'kin"

"Are you saying that, kasi curious ka? kung may nararamdaman sya sayo? Inlove kana tol!"

"Ewan ko Jul, di ko masabi... It's been a while din kasi nung may nakausap akong babae... at nagpaparamdam lang yun pag convenient"

"awts gege, pipol kam n gow HAHAHAHA"

"Mauna na'ako tol, dito na yung stop ko"

"I envy you Mark, you're pretty smart, pero di mo ginagamit"

"..."

"Jul... kaya moding maging matalino and isa pa hindi ako matalino."

"I'm just an Average high-schooler"

"sige... sabi mo yan eh, kwento moyan. Anyways, see you next week"

*Sigh....

April 16, 2023:

"Aneki? kamusta na?"

*offline 2h ago*

*unsent a message*

*typing....*

"Oh Mark! Kamusta? ano yung inunsent mo?"

"Mark? something wrong?"

"Uy???"

*offline 2min ago*

"Hays nako, tong si Mark nangmumulto na naman"

"Hmm... may nagawa ba ako? or busy sya? or... maybe ayaw nya na sakin, at wrong send lang yung message nya..."

5 hours later:

"Aneki?..."

"Oi Mark! it's been a while! Okay kalang?"

"oh... uh... Yeah..."

"sure? bat parang malungkot ang kapatid ko nayan?"

"kapatid? huh...?"

"AHH! Diba Ate mo ako? sabi mo ako si Aneki mo? diba?"

"Oh... Oo nga pala.. sorry.."

"btw Aneki?"

"hmm?"

"what if iwan morin ako? tulad ng iba?"

"ngek! ikaw ngatong di na nag paramdam! AHAHAHA"

"sorry.."

"uy! okay lang gagi! syempre di kita iiwan! ano kaba, kahit di tayo masyadong close di kita kakalimutan"

"btw Aneki? do you want to drink coffee? tomorrow?"

"jusq, tigilan mo nga ako sa kaka English mo, na nunusblid ako"

"eh... I'll try. Este Itatry ko!"

"san moba gustong mag kape?"

"Sa canteen? okay na siguro yan Mark"

"at dahil tinatawag mo akong" Aneki", teka"

"Ano yun Aneki?"

"...."

*searched the Japanese translation of "Younger brother" *

"Aha! teka"

*Aneki changed your nickname to "Oto"*

"Oy oto! AHAHAHA yan ganti ko sayo, Aneki Aneki kapa eh mas matanda ka sakin"

"Eh? kelan ba birthday mo?"

"Bukas na!"

"lah!? totoo? huii wala akong mabibigay sayo!"

"nu kaba, okay lang. Normal day lang naman bukas"

"eh.... libre nalang kita ng kape?"

"hmm.... wag na, ako na!"

"Sure???"

"Yes, sigurado"

"okay! see you tomorrow birthday girl!"

"Thank you!!!"

Kinabukasan at 3:00PM:

"Mark? asan ka ngayon?"

"Punta kana sa canteen Aneki?"

"yup"

"Okay papunta na'ako dyan, weyt for mi"

At the canteen:

"akow ay kinakabahan~"

"it's been a while since nagkita kami ni Mark~~"

(cries in excitement)

"Oy Aneki, kanina kapa?"

"di naman masyado, bago lang din"

"Okay so... what coffee do you want? you want some original? or you prefer creamy?"

"Hi"

"Ay Mark, si Nevi pala, best friend ko"

"Oh HAHA, hi Nev, Mark pala"

"hati nalang kami ni Nevi sa kape Mark, baka sumakit yung tyan ko"

"hmm? bakit naman?"

"ahh.. ehh.. wala lang baka lang"

"Agree ka don Nevi?"

"sure Mark"

"Okay so anong kape? ako bibili"

"Yung 3 in 1 lang Mark"

"Ohkiey, wait lang"

"..."

"here's your coffee Aneki and Nevi"

"salamatss"

"thanks"

"no worries"

"eto yung bayad ko Mark"

"Hindi na, dyan na Aneki, Birthday mo naman kaya sa'kin na'to"

"hindi! tanggapin mo"

"nu uhh"

"HAHAHAHA eto na kasi!"

(She insisted)

"Hayss, okay... if you insist, let me take the money"

"Uy Rammie! Andyan ka pala HAHAHA"

"Hello negah HAHAHA, I'm back"

"wth mennnn HAHAHAHA"

"Gusto mo mag kape?"

"tara Ram, kape"

"No no no, ang mga pogi daw ay hindi nag kakape so pass~"

"ebarg ebarg!"

"Joy, smile"

(Rammie took a picture of April)

"Uy! ano ba! delete mo yan!!!"

"hmm... 30 pesos~"

"ARGGG! bahala ka! Pahiram ng cellphone mo! mag pipic nalang tayo"

"Mark hali kana, wag kana mahiya men~)

"nu uh"

"bilis na Mark sumali kana"

"Nevi, ayaw mo?

"pass ako"

"Mark tara na!"

(She said while flustered)

"Hays... Okay"

"Say cheese ma negah"

*took hundreds of pictures*

"Mag fa-five na, di ka payo uuwi?"

"ay? 5 na pala? pwede naman, kung gusto nyona umuwi"

"oo eh baka kasi pagalitan ako ng sundo ko"

"I'm gonna miss him for sure"

(She said to herself)

"Nevi? Rammie? di pa kayo uuwi?"

"Oh sure pwede naman"

"Let's go mah men, let's walk together"

"grabe din pala to mag English"

"Kaya nga eh, kung di ko lang pinsan yan, nag ka gusto na ako sakanya"

"I mean pamangkin pala"

"Wait whut?"

"Joy, you're not my tita~"

"Yes I am, so you should give me some rispik"

"pero mas matanda ako sayo Joy~"

"it dasint matir"

"HAHAHA, sige bahala ka tita~"

"... sge ansaya mo sa tita titahan mo nayan"

"pag ako naka ganti"

"whatyougonna do? wid dat bigbig HAHAHA"

"Tama nayan Ram"

"Baka mapikon yung dragon, de joke lang Aneki"

"anyways maauna na'ko Mark andyan na yung sundo ko! byebye!"

"ingat Aneki"

"Ikaw din Nevi ingat kayong dalawa"

"Thank you"

"So? Tayo na men?"

"ehhh.... naka Bike ako Ram"

"pero sa samahan kita pauwi"

"paangkas nalang HAHAHA"

"Hop on"

"We're goin' on a trip in our favorite pis ob sh** going 45! we're gonna d** HAHAHA"

"so Mark? kelan ka aamin sa kanya?"

"hmm?"

"gusto mo naba talaga sya?"

"hmm..."

"Tutulungan kita sa kanya"

"You know! I'm your buddy, you can rely on me men"

"Hmmm..."

"hayss, I can't blame you for not trying to love again, Intidihan kita men..."

"welp! dito lang ako bababa"

"see you men"

"...."

"Hey, Ram..."

"I wanted you to help me."

As the days turned into weeks, Mark and April's connection deepened, their feelings growing stronger with each passing moment...

"so ngayon na medyo close na kayo ni Aneki mo"

"kaya mo naba?"

"have this happened before?

"happened what Mark?"

"I don't know.... It felt like it happened but I don't understand how..."

"hmm, you must be delusional because of the fear na mag confess"

"I - I think so..."

"welp, come on! Libre kita"

"Saan?"

"anywhere you want"

"Yeah.. let's go, pero libre mo ha, baka ako mag bayad, wala akong dala ngayon"

"dude, you know me naman"

"alright. Gusto ko softdrinks lang okay nayan"

"so cheap, choose something better"

"wow ha!? grabe ka. Softdrinks lang nga"

"alright, if you insist"

"uy redz!"

"men, si redz nga pala, kaibigan ko. Redz si Mark"

"Hi redz"

"btw redz ready ka naba sa exam?"

"ewan ko din men, pero no reviews na! bakit kapa mag rereview eh tinurua ka nga ng school para maging confident"

"HAHAHAH you got me there men"

(they all laughed)

May 2, 2023:

"Hey, oto, kamusta ang exam kahapon?"

"I think I failed the exam Aneki"

"oh hoho~ ikaw? sa talino mong yan? mag fefail? di ako sigurado dyan"

"I'm not smart. I'm just an Average high schooler"

"lol! the way ka mag English, na maparang dudugo na ilong ko sa kaka English mo, hindi kapa matalino?"

"We are grade 10 students Aneki, and besides, teachers taught us that, nasa estudyante nayan kung gusto nilang matuto"

"sabagay~ hehe, my bad"

"Btw Mark? magsesenior high ka paba?"

"yeah. I need to come to school even if I don't want to"

"eh~"

"Why does this girl seem so familiar, yet I couldn't quite place her, no matter how hard I tried to recall..." (He thought to himself)

"pero antalino mo talaga Mark, swerte yung magiging asawa mo HAHAHA"

"I wish that I could be that"

(She thought to herself)

"meh... I have no plan having a wife"

"I think I've lost interest in things like that"

"eh?! bakit naman?"

"I can't feel anything na magpapa hulog sakin sa pag-ibig nayan"

"because I tried to love, and it killed me slowly. I tried to trust, and it drained me"

"that's why, I don't think I can love"

"Oh... Ngayon naintindihan kona na parang di ka nakikipag-usap sa mga babae, except sakin"

"if I never talked to you that day, we wouldn't be talking right now, that's for sure"

"yeah..."

Naging mabigat sa damdamin ni April nang marinig niya ang mga salitang iyon mula kay Mark.

"Can I even make this boy fall inlove with me?" (She said to herself)

"I said that to keep her from knowing, but it was all true... until I met her." (He thought.)

CONFUSION

"hindi na ako mapakali... gusto ko nang sabihin kay Mark... but when..."

"will He even like me back?..."

"Is there even a part na magugustuhan ako ni AnekI?...."

"If I ever confess... will She like me back?..."

"I don't think I can do it..."

"malapit na ang moving up graduation... maybe that's the right time para sabihin kona kay Mark"

"am I stupid for falling in love with her?"

"nothing will change if I try right?"

"pag di nya na'ko papansinin... tatanggapin ko nalang lahat.."

"baka hanggang tingin nalang ako pag nag confess ako sakanya.."

"hindi ko talaga masabi ang nararamdaman ko sa kanya"

"nagiging... nagiging alipin na ako dahil kay Mark... ang taas ng standard ko pero... bakit sa kanya.. Argggg!!!"

"nakakakaba umamin! ang gwapo nya! naka ukit na talaga sya sa isip ko jusko! handa akong ibigin sya pag nagustuhan nya ako"

"Aneki....ikaw lang ang nag pailaw sa mundo ko.. simula nung nag ka pandemic walang wala talaga yung buhay ko... ang tahimik."

"maganda bang sabihin pag ganyan?

(He thought)

"But... I need to know who's that girl in my dream..."

"I need to find her, before telling my feelings for Aneki.."

"I need to find her. I want to find her"

"I think I'm ready sa graduation... sasabihin kona kay Mark. Or... maybe in the prom.. sound good!"

"whoo....." (She sighs)

"I'll try my pina ka best, kahit ma reject pa ako"

"That girl in my dream... who is she? I keep thinking about her, wanting to see her face, to know her" (He whispers)

May 12, 2023

THE NEARING GRADUATION...

"Yo Mark! wanna hang out?"

"Oy! good morning Aneki"

"sure? saan ba? at tsaka... libre mo?"

"obkors, ako na'to"

"sa hmm.... canteen lang mweshs"

"AHAHAHA! Oh sige, pancake lang akin"

"on it boss!"

5 minutes earlier...

"arggg, how do I even talk to Mark?! na hindi nahahalatang kinikilig!!!"

"girl, calm down, be the woman of the day."

"okay I'm calm na, let me.. find him"

(walks calmly)

"found him!"

"eh-ehmm. (clears throat) do I look good?"

"you're perfect girl!"

(She keeps talking to herself)

THE GRIEVE OF CONFESSION

Before the graduation day:

"YO! Aneki! Can we do this trend?"

"yung alin?"

"yung ano! yung mag ta-transition tayo like I'm gonna put my hands on your shoulder... like akbayan kita, tapos yuyuko tayo and then... trasition na sa graduation!"

"hmmp! sure?!!!!"

"teka, message ko si Rammie"

*typing...

"Ram punta ka muna sa field"

"why men? I'm busy"

"1mountain dew in return"

"I'm coming"

"HAHAHA! di talata to nag babago"

(He spoke to himself)

"papunta na si Ramie, Aneki"

"I-I'll wa-ait"

"okay kalang?"

"uh-uh yes!"

"parang kinakabahan ka ah?"

"uh! hindi ah..."

"wait... I'm gonna... put my hands.. on hee shoulder?... whatt!!??!!!"(He panicked)

"oh-uh! uh.. hmm..."

"Mark? okay kalang?"

"y-yes!! of course! never been better! HAHA!" (He said nervously)

"Wassup ma men!"

"oh hi Rammie"

"so? ano yung tinawag mo sakin?"

"ahh.... mag-mag papa video lang sana! HAHA! er...."

"okay, but payment first"

"mamaya na!"

"mabilis lang to!"

"Mark? let's do it, baka mahuli ako ng sundo ko! at baka isumbong!"

"oh uh... how do I do this..."

"uh... hmmm..."

"Mark!!"

"wait!!"

"uh-ermm!!!"

*Starts recording*

*puts his hand on her shoulder*

"....!!!!!!!"

"Ate?"

"Jerome?"

"uh..."

"nagkakamali ka Jerome!!"

"nag vivideo lang kami para sa graduation!"

"sumbong kita kay tita, Ate"

(He grinned)

"Jerome! uy!"

"uh.... Aneki..."

"are we in trouble?..."

*sobs*

"uy!!! I'm sorry!!!!!"

"Aneki!!! I'm really really sorry!!!"

"okay lang Mark... kakausapin ko sya..."

"so-sorry..."

The day of the graduation:

"oh Hi Mark! looking good, hehe"

"Mark?"

"Okay kalang?"

"oh uh.. yeah. I'm good, ikaw?"

"o-okay lang din! sino ba naman ang hindi magiging okay, eh ga-graduate kana"

"hmmm"

"well! mag sta-start na! see you later! aftee ng graduation!"

"see you"

Some time later...

"April Joy, with high honors"

*Takes a picture of her going up to the stage and receiving her certificate*

*Saw Mark taking a picture in a distance"

...

"Mark Alejandria" (The announcer)

*Goes up to stage to get his certificate*

"Congratulations"

"Thank you ma'am"

"Apaka pogi nya talaga nyehehe"

Some Time Later...

"Mark! congratulations! looking so good kanina ah"

"ikaw din, congrats"

*Shakes her hand*

"why isn't Mark letting go of my hand?

(She thought)

"Mark?"

"oh uh! HAHAH! nalutang lang!"

*smiles*

"anyways Mark picture tayo?"

"sure, sure"

"Men! pasali!"

"uy! Nev! arat! sali ka sa picture"

"Okay"

"Hays... Mark?"

"hmm?"

"Di na naman tayo mag kikita for 2months"

"summer break na kasi"

"yeah. Sayang nga eh"

"pero may graduation Ball pa naman!"

"Attend ka?"

"Wala akong partner eh"

"pwede namang ako?"

"I mean like, we should enjoy this last event!" (She giggles)

"Sabagay, pero I don't know how to dance"

"Okay lang yan! basta mag attend ka lang, pupunta din naman sina Ramie at Nevi"

"Sure! try ko mag casual attire, wala din akong masuot eh"

"HAHAHA, don't worry about your looks Mark. Kahit naka pambahay kalang pogi kana"

"hindi ako pogi"

"pogi ka nga!"

"hindi ako pogi, kase maganda ako"

"Ayy si bakla"

"HAHAHA joke lang"

"chosera kang bakla ka HAHAHAH. pero attend ka ha?"

"sge pouh"

"arat picture ulit"

July 13, 2023

The Graduation Ball Day:

"Mark? mukhang di yata ako makaka attend..." (She texted him"

"b-bakit? (He panicked)

"uh... di ako papayagan siguro... kase sumakit tyan ko dahil sa ulcer.."

"oh... pa-pahinga ka.... Aneki..."

"It's a prank! AHAHAH joke lang! pinayagan ako!"

"..."

"Uy! Mark! sorry na HAHAHA"

"Hays... I'm glad! pero yung ulcer mo?"

"kaya naman siguro Mark, di lang ako iinom ng softdrinks!"

"pupunta ka?"

"yes! malapit na ako sa gate"

"sunduin kita"

"See you Mark!"

"And I welcome everybody to our Graduation ball 2023 in Roxas City School for Philippine Craftsmen! Enjoy your night"

(The announcer"

"Saan tayo uupo Mark?"

"hmm... sa madilim lang na part"

"okay!"

"Uy Mark! andon sina Ramie sa kabilang side oh"

"pwede din tayo umupo doon"

"tara Mark"

*grabs her hand and she melted*

"AGEGEJJWHSB!!! My-my hand!! He's holding it!!!! WAHHHHH!!!!

"Hi men, It's me and Aneki pala, The duo"

"..."

"kilala ko kayo, you don't need to introduce yourselves men, kase basta pogi alam lahat"

"upo ka tayo Aneki"

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming to our graduation ball. You may now dance. And enjoy the night."

"Aneki?"

"hmm?"

"Wanna dance?"

"s-s-s-sure!"

They danced through the night, lost in the sound,

Laughter and music weaving all around.

Their feelings grew with every step and sway,

As the rhythm took hold, their hearts began to stay.

The beat slowed down, and they moved as one,

Their eyes locked, the world fading to none.

In the silence, their souls took flight,

Meeting in the darkness, a love so bright.

The music whispered secrets, their hearts beating fast,

In every step, a promise that would forever last.

The night wrapped around them, a gentle hush,

Their love shining bright, like a love-filled rush.

They swayed to a stop, and She wrapped her arms tight,

She leaned into his chest, the music fading into night.

The world stood still, in perfect silence deep, their hearts pounding loud, a secret moment to keep. She took a breath, her voice about to break, a confession on her lips, her heart about to make.

"Mark?"

"hmm?"

"You told me you couldn't dance?"

"oh.. Uh.. I practiced"

"I see, no wonder you're so good"

"but Mark?"

"There's something I wanted to tell you"

"what is it?"

"I..."

"I li-"

As she whispered her heart... fireworks danced in the night,

A symphony of sparks, mirroring the love in their sight.

Their hearts swelled with emotion, feelings bursting free,

In that moment, their love shone bright, wild, and carefree.

"Aneki?"

"..."

"I'm sorry Mark... I didn't mean to like you..."

"Aneki?"

"I'm really sorry Mark!"

"Aneki?"

"y-yes?..."

"hold me tight. Let's dance through this night without a disturbance."

*She grabbed him into a hug*

"Let's dance Aneki"

"tell me why?! I need to know!"

"Because I like you too" (He smiled)

Tears of joy spilled down her cheeks,

As she saw the love his eyes would speak.

In his arms, she felt a sense of home,

A place she'd stay, where she'd never roam.

With a heart full of love, she made a silent vow, To never let go, to stay with him somehow. In his warm embrace, she felt so free, A love so true, meant to be.

The night ended, with their heart racing. They made their promises to never let go of each other. They left the school with a smile, and a feeling that would never fade. Created a memory that will never leave.

Chapter II

AM I DREAMING?

After that confession nung Graduation ball... things went well, until sa unti-unti kong naa-alala yung babae sa panaginip ko... totoo ba talaga sya? kailan ko kaya sya makikita? o makikilala?... pero gusto ko lang na makilala sya... pero mamahalin ko parin si Aneki...

"Aneki, Good morning"

"Good morning Mark"

"how are you? kumain kana?"

"okay lang Aneki, hindi pa ako kumain eh"

"di kapa kakain?"

"mamaya na, wala akong gana..."

"bakit ano ba gusto ng bebeboi ko?"

"gusto ko sana itlog eh, kaso wala akong pambili"

"eh...antayin moko dyan"

"eh?!!!!!! Aneki?!! pupunta ka dito?"

"yes, and don't stop me"

"o-okay!!!!! ingat ka!!"

15 minutes later

"Mark?"

"Tao po"

"Hi!!! Aneki!!!"

"Hi Mark"

"pasok ka Aneki"

"mag-isa kalang sa bahay nyo Mark?"

"y-yep, umalis sila lahat"

"oh, okay. San kusina nyo?"

"bakit?"

"basta saan?"

"sama ka, turo kita"

"dito yung kusina namin"

"pagamit muna Mark"

"eh?!!!!!"

"b-bakit!!!?"

"magluluto ako"

"umupo ka don Mark and just watch"

"yes ma'am!!!!"

After 10 minutes:

"Kain na Mark"

"Aneki? before that... Thank you!!"

"Always"

"Anyway kumain kana, tapos mong kumain bili tayo ice cream"

"yayy!!!!!"

"Thank you Lord for giving me this meal"

"I'm digging in!!"

"btw Mark? pwede mona ichange yung call sign natin, since we're dating"

"anhiyyuhghoshthumou?"

"huh? ubusin mo muna yan"

"sabi ko, ano yung gusto mo?"

"ikaw"

"..."

"ayieee kinilig!!"

"hindi ah!!!"

"ayieeeee"

"ikaw Mark ano gusto mong call sign?"

"Ai"

"ay? bakit? ano meron?"

"hindi! I mean "Ai" na "A" tska "I" parang A.I"

"huh? ano meaning nyan?"

"love in English and "Ai" in Japanese"

"or should I call you "love"?"

"... "

"uy kinilig oh ~"

"ako'y kinikilig~"

"manahimik ka!!!"

"okay na yung "Ai"!!"

"masusunod po love~"

"jgghtfggh! isa pa! pipigain kita!"

"love?"

"hali ka nga rito"

"ops! kumakain ako! masama yan"

"tapusin mo yan Mark."

"mamaya ka sakin"

"oh? weh? I'm so skird"

"... mamaya kalang"

"I'll wait po"

"..."

"cute mo"

"shut up, or do you want me to shut you up?" (She grinned)

"what are you smiling for?"

"nothing. Mark."

"I just wanted you to know na crush po kita love ~"

"che! ubusin mo nayan"

"masusunod mahal na reyna, or masusunod mahal"

"HAHAHHA tama kana, kumain kana"

They were laughing together but as Mark closed his eyes and opened it, April vanished like it was a dream.

"Ai?"

"where did you go?"

"Ai?"

"you were in front of me just right now"

*He stood up and went to fine her*

"Mark? I'm here"

"Ai? where are you???"

"Mark andito ako!!!"

"Mark stop pranking me! it's not funny!"

"Ai?!! I'm not pranking you! you were just in front of me then you disappeared!!"

"Ai! please tell me this is a dream!! I don't wanna lose you!!"

"Ai? hindi ba ako patay?"

"anong patay pinag sasabi mo Mark?!!! tumatawa pa tayo bago lang!!"

"naririnig kita Mark pero hindi kita nakikita"

"naririnig din kita Ai, pero hindi kita makita..."

"anong gagawin natin Mark!!!!"

"okay, asan ka ngayon Ai?"

"uh... andito parin ako sa bahay nyo Mark! pero something changed!"

"pwede mobang sabihin sakin Ai kung ano ang nag bago?"

"hmm yung kusina nyo umiba, naging kwarto, tapos yung pintuan umiba ng pwesto"

"hmm... pwede kabang pumunta sa kwarto ko Ai?"

"...andito na ako Mark! ano gagawin ko?"

"can you describe ano itsura ng kwarto ko?"

"yung higaan mo is nasa sahig, may gitara kang brown, tapos..."

"tapos? Ai?"

"Mark?"

"why are you..."

"what Ai? please tell me"

"why are you hanging on the ceiling Mark!?!!!!!"

"what?!!!"

"Mark!!!!!!!"

"Ai?!!!! what happened?!!!"

"everything is glitching!!!"

"Ai?!!! Run Ai!!! go outside the house!!"

"Mark? gumising kana"

"umaga na Mark, kain kana"

He woke up feeling nervous and confused

"anyare ma?"

"wala, merong pumunta dito na nagbebenta ng mais, kaya bumili naako"

"hindi ma! meron bang babae na pumunta dito ma? na kasing edad ko?"

"anak kailangan monang itilig yang kaka isip mo sa babaeng nasa panaginip mo"

"hindi nga ma! totoo nga sya!! kaya lagi ko syang napapanaginipan kasi totoo sya!!"

"anak..."

"hindi nga ma! matutulog ako ulit! wala pa akong ganang kumain"

As He fell asleep again, He saw the girl in his dreams again.

"Who is she?!"

"I want to know!!"

"hey! wait! who are you!?

(He saw the figure running)

"Mark? can you hear me?"

"who are you? and how do you know my name?"

"Mark it's me *$#%*"

"what?!"

"you don't remember me? Mark?..."

(She cries in pain)

"no! I don't know you! and I want to know who you are!"

"..."

"Mark! gising na! umaga na! may pasok kapa! first day of school parang malalate kapa"

"again?"

"why am I here again?"

"I need to go to school and find April"

THE LOOP

"Hi? pwede po mag ask? may student po ba dito na ang pangalan po ay "April"?

"ah.. walang April dito anak... baka sa kabilang room tignan mo"

"sge po, thank you"

"Excuse me po, good morning, may student po ba dito na nag-nga-ngalang April?"

"wala"

"ah sge po, thank you"

He checked every section, but April wasn't listed anywhere.

A few days later...

"good morning class, I would like you to welcome our new transferee."

"everybody please welcome April to our class"

"you can introduce yourself anak"

"Hi everyone... I'm April Joy..."

Their eyes meet, but everything went dark and He was back in his bedroom again, sleeping.

"anak, gising na"

"ma? kilala mo po ba sa April?"

"yung gf mo?"

"gf ma?"

"ay naku nak, gf mo nakakalimutan mo"

"asan sya ngayon ma?"

"aba, bakit ako tinatanong mo? i message mo"

"sge ma"

"Ai?"

"good morning love!!"

"asan ka ngayon Ai?"

"nasa bahay Mark? bakit mo naman na tanong?"

"Can you go to school?"

"but summer ngayon Mark"

"oh... pero pwede kang pumunta sa school?"

"for what Mark?"

"I just want to see you"

"oh.. okay po love, pupunta ako ngayon! see you!!!"

"ingat ka..."

In the school:

"Mark, andito ako sa love, este LAB"

"papunta na ako dyan Ai"

"andito na ako Ai, asan ka?"

"naka upo sa likod Mark"

"Ai?"

"hello love!!"

He tries to hug her but, She vanished when their eyes met.

"no... not again...."

"Ai..."

"I have to save you..."

"no matter what."

"God... please give me another chance... I will make things right..."

WILL I EVER SAVE HER?

Time slips away... moments lost in space,

He's searching for answers, with a desperate face. To save her, he'd try anything, every way, but in each loop, April slips away.

In every turn, a new chance to try,

Yet she vanishes, and he's left to wonder why. He's trapped in this cycle, searching for a clue, to save April, before she's gone forever.

"Mark? kanina kapa nakatulog sa class"

"hmm?...." (He yawns)

"Ai?....

"is that you?..."

"ikaw talaga Mark... kung naaantok kapa, matulog kalang dyan... I love you~"

"hmm... (He fell asleep again)

Mark's world was trapped in a never-ending loop, and he was running out of options. Every time he tried to save April, fate seemed to intervene, pulling him back. It was as if the universe itself was conspiring against him.

In desperation, Mark replayed the moments leading up to April's disappearance, searching for a clue. But no matter what he did, the outcome was always the same. That was when he realized the key to breaking the cycle lay not in action, but in restraint.

The next time around, Mark made a conscious decision not to look into April's eyes. It was a subtle change, but it proved to be the catalyst he needed. The loop shattered, and Mark found himself facing a new reality.

"Ai?"

"good morning Ai!!"

"how are you doing?!"

"are you going to school Ai?"

"yes naman po"

"okay lang ako Ai"

"ikaw? how are na?..."

"ikaw naman, kung maka kamusta ka parang di tayo nag kikita araw araw"

"syempre okay lang ako"

"otw nako sa school Mark"

"otw na din ako Ai... pero Ai? I have one request."

"ano yun?"

"can we not make an eye contact?"

"huh? bakit?"

"for experiment lang Ai"

"hmm.... that feels so weird pero... sige.."

"okay lang Ai?.."

"yes Mark.. for your experiment."

"thank you... Ai..."

"you're welcome Mark"

In the school:

"Hi Mark! I'm not looking at you!"

"I'm gonna avoid looking at you!"

"Mark?"

*He fell to the ground*

"Mark!!!!!"

April was stuck in a loop, reliving the same moments. Every time she saw Mark, she'd try to escape, but it wouldn't work. Then, April did something different - She didn't talked to him. And just like that, the loop was broken. But there's a consequence. Mark doesn't know her.

"I know what I'm supposed to do. Dadaan ako sa room niya"

THE BEGINNING REPEATS

A girl passed the room, and Mark stared at her like He saw a ghost.

"Uhm.. Tol? Sino yung dumaan ngayon lang?

"Hmm... Si April yata yun from class A"

"Ahhh, akala ko kung sino"

Kinabukasan:

"pupunta dito si Mark sa club nato, tapos susungitan ko sya...it hurts to see him na hindi nya na ako kilala pero... this is the only way"

"psst Mark... si April oh"

"Saan?"

"andyan na si Mark. I need to pretend."

(She spoke herself)

"ayun oh nasa bintana! puntahan mona!"

"hays, okay"

"Uh... Hi Pril? tama?

"Hello, Oo, do you need something?"

"I'm your girlfriend dummy!"

(She spoke to herself)

"Ahh wala lang, hmm... April nga talaga?"

".... Oo nga, bakit ba?"

"ang kulit nya padin"

(She Spoke to herself)

"Ahh... ano kasi.."

"Ano?"

"Curious kasi ako about something... Hmm have you heard Deja Vu?"

"Yes Mark! That's why na dedeja vu ka kasi nangyare na lahat ng naisip mong feel mong nangyare na!"

(She thought to herself)

"Wala akong time sa mga ganyan, hmm? what's your name pala?"

"oh! Mark! Yes Mark"

"wala akong oras sa ganyan Mark, busy ako sa Acads ko"

"ohh...sge... Mauna na ako April"

"Okay"

"this is my first move, and bukas makikipag close ako"

As the loop broke, time replayed, and the beginning repeated itself. Mark and April met again, just like before. But this time, April knew what was coming. She saw the familiarity in Mark's eyes, but she also knew the secrets she'd uncovered in the loop.

With a hint of a smile, April navigated the rewind, aware of the moments that would unfold. And as they grew closer, she wondered... "would Mark notice anything different about me?"

"Ai?"

"Yes Mark?"

"there's something I want to tell you"

"hmm? what is it Mark?"

"there's a girl in my dream before... that's why I asked you if you knew about deja vu before..."

"a girl?"

"yes, like she's been showing up in my dream almost every single dream..."

"maybe that's me? Just in your dreams, de joke"

"no Ai... it feels like I've known her before, but I can't recall who and, when.."

"Ai? let's not talk about that girl okay?

(She said calmly)

"let's take a walk Mark"

"saan papunta Ai?"

"wala lang, HAHAHHA kahit saan"

"gusto kong ma enjoy na kasama ka lagi"

"ako rin Ai"

May mangyari na nakawan habang naglalakad sina Mark at April, ipinakita ni April ang kanyang tapang at pinigilan ang magnanakaw.

"hoy kuya! tumigil ka!"

"Ai? saan ka pupunta?"

"pigilan natin yung magnanakaw"

"Delikado! baka may kutsilyo yan Ai"

"Mark! kawawa yung matanda!"

"delikado Ai! wag monang habulin pa Ai!"

"bahala ka Mark!"

Pinigilan ni April ang magnanakaw ngunit masyadong mabilis ang takbo ng magnanakaw, kaya di nya ito naaubutan. Pero, sa kabilang daan umabang ni Mark, at na huli nya ito.

"At saan ka naman pupunta ha? alam mobang pinaghirapan yan ng matanda?" (Sinabi nya ng pagalit) "maibenta lang? tapos ikaw nanakawin mo lang?

"akin to!"

"anong sa iyo? ninakaw mo? tapos saiyo?"

"manahimik ka!"

"ibigay mona kasi, kung ayaw mong masaktan"

Kumuha ng patalim ang magnanakaw sa kanyang bulsa. Nag away si Mark at ang magnanakaw, at sa puntong nasuntok ni Mark ang magnanakaw, natamaan sya sa dibdib ng kutsilyo

"Arg...tignan mong ginawa mo. nasugatan pa ako, ibigay mona..."

Sumugod si Mark, at natamaan sya ulit sa balikat. Ngunit, dumating si April at nahampas nya ito ng kahoy, kaya nawalan ng malay ang magnanakaw at nahuli ito ng pulis.

"Mark? okay kalang?"

"ayos lang Ai. konting sugat lang"

"ikaw Ai? okay kalang?"

"ayos lang Mark wala akong sugat"

"wag kalang gumalaw Mark. tatawag ako ng rescue"

"kaya koto, may first aid naman sa bahay"

"dumudugo ka! wag kana maging pasaway"

THE REGRET

7:12AM

"Good morning love!" (she woke him up)

"gising na!"

"A-ai?..."

"yes po"

"... maya na... natutulog a...."

"Mark? gising na~"

"...."

"aba~ hindi moba ako namimiss?"

"hays... timplahan nalang kita ng kape, bangon kana dyan"

"...."

8:23 AM

"Ai?"

"akala ko andito sya kanina? I must be dreaming"

"uy may kape, kaso malabnaw na..."

"hmm... may naka sulat..."love? punta lang ako sa supermarket ha? bili lang ako ng ingredients.. gagawa ako ng grahams, yung gusto mo okay? kung may ipapabili ka, chat mo lang ako okay? bangon kana, may kape kana dyan" hmm... chat ko nga sya"

*99+ messages*

"Mark?... nabalitaan mo naba?"

"ang alin?"

"tol... wag kang mabibigla..."

"ano ba tol?"

"wala na si April..."

"nice joke, tol pero di nakakatuwa."

"sorry tol... nasaksak daw sya sa city... hindi kilala ang suspek... sorry talaga tol..."

"hahaha... nag jojoke ka diba tol?"

"hindi tol... tignan moto..."

"isang babae ang patay matapos masaksak sa kalye ng hindi kilalang suspek, ang biktima nagngangalang" ***** ***" buhay pa ang biktima nung isinakay sa ambulansya ngunit, hindi na ito umabot sa hospital. Ang saksak ay halos humigit 5 ang nakitang saksak sa tagiliran"

(from a news)

"...."

"...."

*drops his phone*

"tol? tol? mag reply ka tol! okay kalang tol?!!!"

*drops his coffee*

*He went to his bed again, feeling dizzy*

"men... I'm sorry for your loss..pasensya na men.. na hindi kita natulugan.."

"Mark.. I'm sorry dahil sa pag kawala ng kaibigan ko.."

He.... couldn't attend her funeral. He has no guts of showing up... He don't want to see her in a casket... He regret not waking up...

It felt that the world had ended. All I can think of now is her memory... it's all that is left to me... how? how could I be so dumb?

what can I do to save her?...

A year had passed, yet Mark remained unchanged, locked in his room, barely stepping out except to eat. The memories still lingered, and he seemed unable to move on.

"He checked the cellphone of April, and went browsing on every app trying find something.. He found a voice recording of April saying...

" Hi Ai, good morning! kain kana ha? wag ka mag papagutom! Ai.. I'm sorry... pero happy birthday Ai.. by the time you hear this... I'm probably dead. Thank you for those moments na binigay mo sakin Ai. I'm really grateful of what you gave, I'm sorry I couldn't save myself.. I'm also afraid of dying, but maybe there's a reason bakit wala na ako ngayon. it's okay Ai.. Makakaya mo na wala ako. so... even if I'm gone. live your life, okay? learn to survive na ikaw lang Ai, okay? Goodbye, Ai. Meeting you... and being with you in my remaining life... I don't regret it at all. Thank you Mark. Farewell."

He gasped aa teats roll down his cheeks. He sobs. He bursts into tears, couldn't resist. And couldn't accept what happened.

Moments passed and He visited her grave. Asked her why she died.

"Ai?.. if you're hearing me.. I wanted to tell you, I'm sorry I couldn't attend your funeral... wala akong lakas ng loob na pumunta... dahil kasalanan ko din naman.."

"alam moba Ai... Namimiss na kita..."

"siguro nga talaga, dapat di na kita nakilala... para di to nangyare sayo.. I'm really sorry Ai.."

"sorry Ai..."

"Uuwi na ako... Ai... paalam..."

Suddenly He felt something that called his name, yet nothing is to be seen.

"Ai?"

"must be my imaginationn..."

He Closed his eyes, fell asleep. But when He woke up, something changed.

July 13, 2023

"Mark? gising na! may graduation ball kapa! di kaba a-attend?"

"graduation ball?"

"Oo, nak. Graduation ball mo ngayong gabi"

"huh?"

"tulog kapadin siguro, tignan mo cellphone mo anong oras na"

July 13, 2023. 5:26PM

*wtf? why is it changed? is this some kind of prank?"

*1 message

"Mark?"

"wtf?"

"Ai?!!!!"

"Mark? are you experiencing what I'm experiencing?"

"what?"

"we're back in time, today is july 13, 2023"

"Ai?...."

"Mark?"

"are you really alive?...you're not joking right?"

"of course Mark! bakit mo nasabi yan?"

"you... you left me...."

"no I didn't! I will not Mark! I'm your girlfriend! now we need to fix this"

"I... I've missed you.."

"I know, and I've been trying to fix the timeline"

"Mark?"

"y-yes?..."

"remember that time? you were chasing me? I was only a figure"

"and remember that time I died? I got stabbed?"

"Ai?... was that all real?"

"You rushed to get me, you chased me... in the shadows"

"but I told you, you need to wake up. You need to let go."

"So you open your eyes, and you mother calls you again para pumasok ka"

"so you went again para habulin ako, pero hindi tayo pinag-tatagpo"

"Ai?..."

"that's why nag tataanong ka kung sino yung babaeng nasa panaginip mo?.."

"every night.. you have the same dream Mark.. but then gumigising ka at na realize mo yung katotohanan.."

"hindi totoo yung panaginip mo. pero na stuck ka parin sa past.. sa memory ko, bago ako namatay sa saksak..."

"you?... you.. were that girl after all?...."

"yes Mark... I didn't tell you because if I did, the reality will change again, and tear us apart"

"Ai?... I will save you. No matter what."

"Meet me in the first place we met"

"school?"

"yes Ai."

"... I'll see you there... Mark.."

Mark's desperate attempts to save April drove him to jump between realities. But what he didn't know was that April herself was guiding him, sending him through different worlds to give him a chance to change their fate.

Chapter III

THE END?

Mark and April stood side by side, and not looking each other, in the abandoned school. Its empty halls a haunting reminder of the storm that had devastated the town years ago. Thousands had lost their lives, and now, in this quiet future, only the two of them remained, bound together by a shared fate.

"Mark? are you there?"

"yes... but don't look at me"

"before we go to a different reality again... I wanted to tell you things that I wanted to.."

"I'm sorry Ai... for not waking up that day, and I couldn't save you.. but I promise I'll save you this time.."

"because you were that girl in my dream back then."

"Mark.. I'm sorry too, for not telling you that I was gonna die... I'm sorry for the pain I've caused you"

"the reality won't change if we didn't look at each other right?"

"yes."

"Don't move Ai.."

"Mark?"

Mark wrapped his arms around April, holding her close. Not looking in the eyes. "We'll change the past," he whispered. "We'll make a better future." April nodded, her heart filled with hope.

"Ai?.. if we ever meet again in another reality.. and everything is okay... can you love me again?..."

"I will Mark, no matter who you are in that reality. I will love you no matter what."

"M-Mark? I-"

"I know. I know."

"after all this, I wanted everything to be okay." (He whispered)

"I wanted to fix things badly, maybe that's why.."

"I'm sorry Mark.."

"you don't have to say sorry Ai.. you did your best"

"you did too Mark.."

"I know, we both did."

"so? no more going back now?"

"do you think we'll be able to see each other? do you think we're a couple again?.."

"We will Ai. We will."

"but what if we don't?"

"I'm still not gonna forget you Ai. You were the best thing that happened to me.*

" me too... Thank you Mark..."

" let's do this Ai? shall we?"

" for the future?"

" for the future."

" and for the love I gave you."

" all those time, you were that girl Ai... I wanted to say.. I reached my dream, of meeting that girl, You."

"I don't care if you try to make me fall inlove again mark, over and over again. I will still love you"

"All those lifetimes mark.. We lived through it"

"so maybe that's why... Ai... that I always knew you... thank you for telling me."

"I guess- i guess this is farewell Ai.."

"I guess so, love.."

"Farewell Ai..."

"Goodbye.. Mark.. the love of my life.."

"I love you..."

"you know the rest.."

"I think I do.."

Their eyes met, and the world changed,

Bright moments faded, memories arranged. Their love shone bright in fleeting glances, A universe of moments, sweet romances.

The world outside grew quiet and dark,

But in their hearts, love left its mark.

Moments blended, memories took hold,

Their love remained, a story to be told.

In memories, their love will forever stay,

A flame that burns, come what may.

Though apart, their hearts beat as one,

In love's gentle dance, forever won.

I'M GLAD I MET HER

....

Somewhat, somehow...

my heart beats for someone I don't know...

my heart aches for someone I don't know..

I tried to search for her...

I looked everywhere for her..

Yet, I couldn't find a single hint.

not even a ghost of her...

not even a figure.

It's been a while since it rained

"gosh! hindi kaba sasama maligo dito sa ulan? kasama ko? HAHAHA"

I don't know what does that supposed to mean..

but seeing her dance in the rain made me happy. And I'm contented with that.

They tell me you're here. Yet, you're not.

They tell me I'm dreaming. Yet, I'm not.

I waited for a million hours for you.

Lots and lots of tears have dried, and hearts have died.

"Makikilala ko kaya sya?"

I ran as fast as I could as I saw her in a flashing lights in a distance.

"I finally... surrender."

I thought I knew her.

I thought I saw her.

I thought I caught her.

But that's where I realize, I'm chasing a ghost.

akala ko... magiging kami sa huli...

Mark's eyes snapped open, and he knew exactly what day it was. With a surge of determination, he leapt out of bed. "I'll find her. I'll save her," he vowed. He sprinted through the rain-soaked streets, his heart pounding in his chest.

As he ran, his feet slipped, and he fell hard onto the wet pavement. Tears streamed down his face as he gazed longingly at April in the distance. "April!" he screamed, his voice hoarse with desperation. "Ai! Watch out!"

But it was too late. The accident replayed itself, and Mark's world shattered once more. Except this time, it was just a dream.

Breathless and shaken, Mark woke up with a start. He rushed to the school, his heart racing with hope. And then, he saw her. April, alive and well, but with a fate that was different from the one he knew.

"Hi... Ai?" Mark asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

April looked at him so confused. "What? What do you mean 'Ay'? And who are you?"

Mark's heart sank at her words. He pretended to compose himself, trying to play it cool. "Oh, uh, I meant... do you know about AI? Like Artificial Intelligence?"

But deep down, he knew the truth.. April might not remember him, but she was still the same person he'd fallen in love with. And in that moment, Mark's heart ached with a mix of longing and hope. And in the end, He accepted it.

6 Years Later

Six years had passed, and Mark's life was about to take an interesting turn. His friend teased him,

"Looks like you've got a crush going on, huh?

"I'm going on a date today."

"Some people just can't help but get attention, especially when they're as good-looking as you."

Mark chuckled and replied

"You seem pretty happy with your girlfriend, though."

Just then, Rammie's phone rang.

"Hey, Nevi? Guess what? Our Mark's got a date!"

"What a miracle! That guy's always been unlucky in love! HAHAHA"

Mark ended laughing and said

"I'm outta here, I've got a date"

Mark's own date arrived at the café. The girl's face was unfamiliar, adding to the awkwardness.

The date didn't go well, and Mark got dumped. But before that, an unexpected encounter took place. April crossed paths with Mark again, though only he recognized her.And She had no idea who he was. So they passed each other without a word.

Mark accepted his fate with a heavy sigh.

"Maybe the only way to keep her safe was to stay in the shadows, out of her life."

"Welp, I guess love isn't meant for me,"

he muttered to himself, resignation appeared on his face.

"Well I guess that's just it."

-THE END.