February 08, 2030
One and a half years, then I’ll go back, that is the initial plan.
I let out a deep sigh as I sank into the sofa, reclining and gazing up at the ceiling for what felt like ages. My mind was racing, trying to piece together how I was going to navigate life here in the Philippines for the next year and a half. The reason for my return was business, and I had done so without anyone knowing. Only a handful of people back in Canada are aware that I'll be staying here for a while. Once my business matters are wrapped up, I’ll return to Canada and resume my life as if nothing ever changed.
My phone buzzed, interrupting my thoughts and bringing me back to the present for a brief moment. It’s a message from my Mom.
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIw2Yw7xIY0
Mom | 11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzI4ctmPyGe
Have you arrived in your apartment?
Me |11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUboCFapoeM
Yee
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCuYylDdWR
As soon as I replied, I closed my eyes and let my phone slip from my grasp, allowing the moment to settle in. Adjusting to living alone, even for a while, felt like a huge shift—especially since I was so accustomed to being with my parents. But despite the challenges, there was a sense of excitement in the air. The uncertainty of what the future held made it feel like a new adventure was just beginning, and I couldn't help but wonder what experiences awaited me along the way. As I drifted deeper into my thoughts about what the future might hold, a heaviness settled over my eyelids. Slowly, the weight of exhaustion took over, and before I knew it, I had dozed off on the sofa, the quiet of the night wrapping around me as I slipped into sleep.
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnLzIGGjfB
***
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1kmA9hA4w
7:45 am
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4ljdfmmw7
“I’m on my way,” I said as I stepped out of the car, talking to Architect Valeria on the phone.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9WaGcAwC0
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSohNyhDnJ
“Kuya, I’ll be off by an hour. I’ll just message you po once I’m done.” I let my driver know before fully closing the door. Today marks the first day of managing my mom's business—taking the reins to build and open a restaurant. It's a huge responsibility, but also an exciting new chapter. There's a lot to plan and oversee, from the concept to the daily operations, but I’m ready to dive in and make it a success. The journey ahead is daunting yet thrilling, and I'm eager to see how everything unfolds.
I’m meeting up today with the Architect and Engineer we've selected for the restaurant project. I knew I had to hire both to ensure the right balance of aesthetics and professionalism in the design. The Architect will help bring our vision to life, making sure the space is not only beautiful but functional, while the Engineer will ensure everything is up to code and structurally sound. It's a big step, and I'm excited to see how our ideas start to take shape with their expertise.
“My apologies for making you wait, I hope you didn’t wait for long.” I greeted Architect Valeria as soon as I reached our meeting place, apologizing for making her wait. “No problem Miss, you're right on time.” She answered smiling.
“Engineer Cortez seems to be running late?” I asked before sitting at the empty seat beside her.
“Sorry for the inconvenience but a different Engineer was assigned for you.” She answered.
“But isn’t Cortez handling the blueprint?”
“He had an emergency at Legazpi, their company specifically asked for him so Engineer Cortez sent his trusted partner as his replacement.” She carefully explained.
“Is he good? The new Engineer?” I asked.
“He is Miss, I assure you. I’ve worked with him before.” I nodded as a sign of response and checked the time.
A good Engineer huh? How come he is five minutes late?
I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. He has five more minutes to make it to the meeting but if not, then I am afraid I’ll find another Engineer to work for me.
While waiting, I opened my laptop and began working on the documents needed for the restaurant files. I became so absorbed in my tasks, typing away and organizing everything, that I didn't even notice when a stranger sat down in front of me. It wasn’t until I looked up, startled by the presence, that I realized someone had quietly taken a seat across from me.
“Sorry, I’m nine minutes late.”
Taking my gaze off my laptop, I saw a man neatly dressed professionally; neat styled hair, spectacles that matched his features perfectly. I froze when our eyes met. There was something so familiar about him—cold, yet heavy with a tiredness I couldn't ignore. His thick brows, tall, pointed nose, and those pink, plum lips. Every detail felt etched into my memory, and in that moment, I realized those features could only belong to one person I knew all too well.
“Engineer Nuñez, you’re finally here.” Architect Valeria's voice was mumbling in the background but I honestly didn't understood what she was saying--my eyes fixated on the man sitting right in front of me.
“He is Engineer Cortez's replacement.”
I never imagined our paths would cross, he was the last person I expected to be working with. After everything, I thought our lives had moved in completely different directions, and that meeting him here, of all places, was the last thing I could have predicted. 11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSGUvDFSR3
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOhLQnfipM
A soft smile tugged at my lips as I watched him. Seeing him right in front of me, looking so professional, made my heart skip a beat with happiness. He had finally earned the title he deserved, after all the hard work and dedication he’d put in.
The sight of him now, so professional and poised, was like a cruel reminder of everything we’d been through—how time hadn’t softened anything between us. I should have expected something like this to happen, but seeing him here, now, made my heart race in ways I couldn’t ignore.
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8fxpAOOr9
December 202411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGELMgnFkSc
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVoQi4mGzg
I can’t wait for us to meet one day. I can’t wait for him and I to go out and do the things we planned. I can’t wait for us to talk in person, for me to be able to hold him close.
I can’t wait to see him.
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiWf4MVgJQ
"Miss, are you listening?"
“Y-yeah.” I stuttered. “It’s nice to finally meet you Mr. Nuñez.”
Despite everything that’s happened, I never imagined I’d cross paths with you. Out of all the possible circumstances, could it be that fate brought us back together? Part of me feels an overwhelming sense of joy seeing you, but at the same time, I can’t help but remind myself to keep things professional. The last thing I want is to relive the same mistakes, the same pain, that we once endured. It’s easier said than done, but I need to guard my heart and keep my emotions in check, no matter how much I want to let them run free.
“Nice to meet you, Dap.”
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1WhVxZi7D
***
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsN95WAUSo
8:00 pm
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49EUFyCwxc
"Kuya do you need something?" I asked my driver as he parked the car beside the grocery store, unbuckling my seatbelt in the process before stepping my way out of the vehicle.
"Nothing Ihja, I'm good. Do you want me to come with you?"
"Kuya it's okay po, I'll just message you once I'm done."
I smiled at Kuya Caloy before making my way to the grocery store. I’m planning to buy groceries for the next two weeks since I’ll be living on my own. It’s the perfect opportunity to take care of my own errands and not just focus on work-related tasks. I’m looking forward to handling the daily responsibilities, like shopping and meal prepping, so I can get into a routine that’s more self-sufficient while I manage my personal life alongside my business commitments.
As I grabbed a shopping cart, I pulled out the list I had carefully prepared earlier that day. I organized my list to stay focused and avoid overspending. It felt good to have a clear plan in place, ensuring I’d pick up everything necessary for the next two weeks while resisting the temptation to grab extra items that weren’t essential. I need to learn how to save.
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARnCFxnGgt
8:45 pm
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1Y5YalcAW
Me |11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEtYUlj4kK
Kuya I'm done po:)
Kuya Caloy |11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34uu88oRan
Okay.
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3y2JDdlor3
I tucked my phone back into my pocket and glanced around, settling into a comfortable stance as I waited for Kuya to pick me up at the entrance. The minutes felt like they were dragging on, but I didn’t mind too much. It gave me a moment to relax and reflect on the errands I’d just finished, knowing I had a little while before he arrived.
I was busy admiring how the city was still awake at this hour, as if people here never believed in rest. Vendors were still outside, waiting for customers to buy their products. Tricycles were parked just around the corner, each driver sitting on their own designated vehicle, waiting for passengers to arrive. I leaned against the cool metal pole, the hum of the city surrounding me. The air smelled faintly of smoke and street food, and I couldn’t help but wonder how life had kept going without me here for so long.
I was startled and quickly turned around when I heard a group of men who sounded like they were arguing.
“Damn, you’re so slow!” I heard one of them complain.
“It hasn’t even been five minutes,” one of them replied. Since I was alone and it looked like Kuya would take a while to get back, I picked up my grocery bags and took a few steps away from them. I didn’t want to get caught up in any boy drama. A moment later, I heard someone call out to me.
“Chardmyle?” I glanced around to see if anyone I knew was nearby. “Syem!”
“Karl?” A confused yet amused smile spread across my face. “Karlota?”
It took me a moment to process everything, but when it finally sank in, I greeted him warmly. “How have you been?” Then my eyes shifted to the people he was with. Of course—it was the same four who were always together: him, Vince, Justine, and… Jyrus.
“Hi,” I greeted them. Both Vince and Justine returned the greeting, while Jyrus simply smiled. “I'm doing okay,” Karl said. “Wow, you’re back and didn’t even tell anyone.”
“It was sudden, and I didn’t really come home for a vacation,” I replied. “You’re being so dramatic—we talk all the time online,” I added with a small smile. “Where’s your boyfriend?” I asked, teasing. “Doesn’t look like he came with you?”
“On duty. It just so happens we’re not busy right now, so this is the only time we get to hang out again,” Karl replied. I nodded in response.
“Siem Ihja,” our conversation was interrupted by Kuya Caloy’s voice in the background. Looked like he had just finished refueling the car. I turned back to Karl and gave him a small smile as I got ready to leave.
“Sorry, my driver’s here. I have to go,” I said. “Message me later—or don’t. Either way, it was nice seeing you, Karl Daniel.”
"Okay, okay!"
As they say, expect the unexpected. I certainly didn’t anticipate running into them today, especially him, or the possibility of working alongside him. The encounter, though unplanned, gave me a sense of excitement and a little extra positivity, something I hadn’t quite expected but was definitely welcome. I couldn't stop myself from feeling a mix of excitement and dread. Seeing him again after all this time, so much had changed. But had I? Could I keep my distance, or would the memories come rushing back? I couldn’t afford to get lost in the past. Not now.
As I drove off into the night, I couldn’t shake the thought of seeing him. Funny how the most unexpected encounters can still stir something inside. The question lingered: how would the next year and a half unfold now that fate had thrown me back into a world I thought I left behind? 11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKer9rxWHtZ
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FR7C88m9q
***
Tagalog words used on this chapter:
Kuya is a Filipino (Tagalog) term that means "older brother." It is used not only to refer to one's actual older brother but also as a respectful and affectionate way to address or refer to an older male, especially someone who is older and/or in a position of guidance or authority. 11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmvuBDhD7Y
Po is a Filipino (Tagalog) particle used to show respect, politeness, and formality when speaking, especially to elders, authority figures, or anyone you want to be polite to. 11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CnK1QlDqo
Ihja is a Filipino (Tagalog) slang used to addressed a young lady. 11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9u82JCsOs
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmUWPx4p8v
