No Turning Back

Hinata's POV

I hugged the picture frame tightly to my chest and sat down at the edge of my bed. Our first encounter was such a fond memory. True to what he said on that first day, he made sure to pissed me off when he had the chance. I didn't know what he was up to, or maybe he was just bored with his life, because there's not a single day that he wouldn't show up in my face and annoy me. 

However, because of that, we became close with each other. Eventually, we became so close that we considered ourselves best friends. I was the one he would run to whenever he needed someone to cover up as his girlfriend because some chick was obsessed with him. I was the one he went to for help with his academics, even though he was taking civil engineering while I was taking elementary education. 

I was the one he called a sassy nerd whenever I gave him attitude, yet he called me "Yna" when he wanted something from me. I was not just his helper, but I was his best buddy, and that's he was also for me. He became my guy best friend 'cause despite all the not-so-good attitude he portrayed, he was a caring, loving, and committed friend. 

He was there when I went through one of the toughest times in my life. When my mother was hospitalized and fighting for her life, he was the one giving me motivation. He was there accompanying me during those hospital visits, offering support in any way he could. And I appreciated that a lot. 

That's when I really saw him beyond all his imperfections. That's when I fell in love with him. I loved the fact that he was not only giving his time, but sharing a part of himself with me. I loved that his serious about including me in his life and not just taking advantage of my intelligence and kindness towards him. I loved that he was showing me the parts of him that he refused to share with some people. He was gentle and warm. I love all his imperfections and all his perfects. 

Our relationship was running smoothly until it wasn't. There were times when I felt I was important to him. I didn't know what happened, but along the way, we had lost our footing. We were best of friends until we weren't. Or maybe it was because of that specific night. A night that changed everything between us. My heart ached for all the things we had lost. I missed the relationship we had. I missed the old Zeke. 

My thoughts were disrupted by a knock on the door. Moments later, my older brother, Clyde, emerged in the room. 

"Hey, li'l sis. Are you ready to go?" he inquired. 

"Not yet, kuya. Give me 5 more minutes to finish here," I answered.

"Okay. Just call me when you're done, and I'll be just in the living room." 

 I nodded. He patted my head before heading out. A gesture he would always make when he was trying to comfort me. A gesture that warmed some of the broken parts of my heart. 

I sighed. I carefully put the photo facing down on the vanity mirror. Then I resumed my pursuit of packing all my clothes. Zeke was not around because of some out-of-town projects, just in time for me to execute this plan. 

Once I was done, I took the envelope and felt it for the last time. It was featherweight, but it weighed the capacity of the decision I had made. Heavy. Painful. Heartbreaking. 

I put it beside the photo. I already signed that annulment paper, so it would be easy for him. He could continue the life he was meant to have before I came into the picture. He would be free. He would be happy, that's for sure. And I, I would move forward and start a brand new life. Yes, this is it, and there's no turning back.