"Rienne! Let's go for a walk at the shore," Claire told me.

We were currently at another beach resort na pinag-ambagan naming lahat kasi we're all going different ways after this pero siyempre magkikita kami sa kasal ni Claire.

We just want to have more time with each other kasi babalik na rin ako ng Pilipinas kinabukasan.

"Kumusta 'yang puso mo?" Tanong ni Claire sa akin noong nagsimula na kami maglakad. We were walking towards the stone formations kasi gusto rin naming mag-picture roon.

Natawa ako sa tanong niya, "Ano ba 'yang tanong mo? Okay lang naman!" I told her and she squinted her eyes, not believing what I said.

"You've been seeing Kaito for about three days straight now. Beside the fact that you both are still awkward with each other, pansin namin na may pagtingin pa rin siya sa iyo."

I scoffed before shaking my head, "Stop being delusional, Claire. We're just trying to be comfortable again with each other as friends... Just how we used to be," I pursed my lips.

Ngumisi naman siya, "Sus! Gusto mo pa rin 'no? Be honest with me."

I smiled a little, "Okay, fine! I may have a little crush on him right now. But that's because of his appearance! You know that I can't just simply open up my heart sa kaniya dahil nandoon pa rin 'yong kirot e."

"Kaunting kirot na lang?"

"Oo..." I laughed at binatukan naman niya ako.

"Malanding 'to!" Sabi niya bago tumalon-talon. Umiling naman ako sa kaniya. "Narinig ko sila kanina naguusap ah? Kaito's planning on coming back to the Philippines because of his Mom. He's also planning to stay for good."

Bumuntong hininga naman ako, "Sinabi niya rin 'yan noon e. Iniwan naman ako!"

She held onto my shoulders, "Maybe this time it's going to be different! Come on, Rienne. Uso ang second chances!" Hindi ko naman siya sinagot. "Sige ka, someone might go after your man. If I were you, I would've already marked my territory."

After our useless conversation, we took pictures before going back to the villa.

Habang nakaupo ako sa may buhangin, nakatingin sa mga alon na humahampas sa dalampasigan, naramdaman ko na may tumabi sa akin. I looked up and it was Kaito holding a strawberry shake as well as a barbeque stick.

"Eat up. I made that," he told me before giving me the food he was holding. Umupo naman siya sa tabi ko.

"Thanks," I said before tasting the smoothie he made. In fairness, it still tastes good! He usually makes me different kinds of smoothies whenever I feel down or just want to make me happy back then.

Pero ginagawa niya siguro ito para makabawi siya.

"Rienne, how are you? I haven't asked you that question yet," he said.

I smiled. "I'm doing fine, Kaito. Business has been doing great, thanks to you," I winked and he chuckled softly. "Lately, masaya naman ako dahil marami na akong pera. Halos nasa akin na ang lahat, I could never ask for more."

"Except you don't have a boyfriend," he said and I punched him on the shoulder as a joke.

"Okay! Hindi mo naman kailangan ipa-mukha sa akin na wala akong boyfriend. But you're one to talk," I rolled my eyes. "Ikaw din naman walang girlfriend e!"

"Hindi mo sure," he teased and I scoffed.

"Kung may girlfriend ka, then you wouldn't be out here flirting with me." Sambit ko but I instantly regret that dahil nakita ko siyang ngumisi.

"You think I'm flirting with you, Miss Anathasia Fleurienne Keller?" He asked at halos mapatalon 'yong puso ko dahil ang ganda pa rin ng pagkakabigkas niya sa pangalan ko. If only we can go back to how we used to be.

"I think you are," sinakyan ko naman ang kaniyang sinabi.

He smiled, "Then I guess you're right."

Hindi ko naman na siya pinansin at tumahimik lang habang nakatingin sa tubig. Tumayo naman ako at inaya siyang pumunta sa tubig. Hinubad ko 'yong maong shorts ko pati ang cover up at tumakbo papunta sa dagat.

Hinabol naman ako ni Kaito and I felt happy again. Napansin kong iba pa rin talaga ang pakiramdam kapag siya ang nagpapasaya sa akin. Hindi ko siya ma-explain, basta alam kong ibang iba.

He has a way in my heart, and I also have a way in his.

Habang naghaharutan kami sa tubig, bigla naman kaming tinawag ni Claire. "Hoy! Picturan ko kayo, ang sweet niyo e." Bigla naman akong nailang sa sinabi niya pero hinawakan ni Kaito ang aking balikat para hilahin ako palapit sa kaniya.

After taking the photo, we went inside the villa to change clothes. We're planning on doing land activities today so I decided to wear high waisted black denim shorts and a white tank top para presko.

I didn't wear pants because we might go ATV, e maputik pa naman 'yon.

Habang naghihintay kami sa mga kaibigan ko ay umupo muna ako ulit sa may buhangin dahil nakakapag-pakalma ito sa akin. Kaito was again right beside me and I ain't complaining.

"Would've you said yes to my proposal if I didn't leave you?"

Natulala naman ako sa kaniya habang sinusuri ang kaniyang mukha. I was confused and lost because of what he asked. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang isasagot ko sa kaniya. It took me long enough before answering his question, "You were planning to propose?"

Tumango siya bago humiga sa buhangin, "I was about to give you a promise ring after I told you about my feelings..." He stopped for a second before closing his eyes. "I already bought you your engagement ring and was planning to propose after six more months. I didn't want to rush you or make you think I was only doing that for the sake of my trust fund."

Hindi ako umimik sa tabi niya at pinaglaruan na lang ang buhangin para hindi ako kabahan. I was speechless. He must've really loved me, and I am just acting too naive about what happened.

"If you still don't believe that I really loved you... Then take this," he said. Inabot niya sa akin ang isang purple velvet box. I opened it, and I was surprised by the beauty of the engagement ring. It was a vintage rose gold engagement ring with opal stone. It was made out of real diamonds which cost a fortune!

"I bought you one of their expensive engagement rings... Because I know that you don't deserve something cheap. I actually wasn't sure of getting that, deserve mo ang buong mundo e. At alam kong hindi ko iyon maibibigay sa iyo."

Hindi ko na siya nabigyan ng sagot dahil tinawag na kami ng mga kaibigan namin. Sa loob ng van, katabi ko si Claire at Glen. It was a quick ride to go to the ATV place.

Ang mahal nga ng rentahan per ATV pero wala na akong magagawa. Nandito na ako, nakakahiyan naman kung tatanggi pa ako. Baka sabihin nilang kuripot ako! Well, totoo naman. Pero hindi puwedeng magpaka-kuripot ako ngayon.

Mayayaman ang kaibigan ko, hindi ako puwedeng magpatalo!

I wore a helmet and knee pads for protection just in case I drift too much.

"So, are we going to race?" Kaito asked.

We all nodded, "See you guys at the finish line," I said.

As I revved up the engine of my ATV and felt the wind rushing through my hair, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of joy. This is my second time riding one of these and it always made me feel alive and free, and being surrounded by my friends only amplifies that feeling.

As we raced through the rough terrain, kicking up dirt and laughing uncontrollably, I couldn't help but feel grateful for these moments. It's so easy to get caught up in the stresses of everyday life, but out here on the trails, nothing else matters.

When Kaito joined us, my happiness reached new heights. There's something about the way he rides that is so effortlessly cool, and being able to share this experience with him made me feel like the luckiest person in the world.

Pero hindi ko pa rin maitatanggi na magkaibigan na lang ang tingin ko sa kaniya. Yes, I have a small crush on him, but I don't see us working anymore.

Final na ba ito?

Siyempre hindi. Pero sana oo.

As we took a break and sat by the side of the trail, catching our breath and chatting about nothing in particular, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. This is what life is all about! Spending time with the people you love, doing the things that make you happy, and feeling fully alive in the moment.

"Let's go back now? Or should we continue?" Mia asked and we all looked at each other first before making a decision.

"Definitely continue," we all said at the same time.

After an hour more, we decided to go back to the villa and drink wine. Walang hard alcohol ngayon kasi ayaw naming lahat malasing. We don't want a hangover while we're in a plane. Ang hirap no'n!

"Karaoke time!"

Nagulat ako noong bigla nila inabot sa akin ang song book so I gave them questioning eyes. "Filipinos have great singing voices so you should sing first," Glen said.

"That's a fucking lie because I don't sing!" I shouted pero pinilit pa rin nila ako kumanta. I decided to just sing always by Daniel Caesar. I was feeling the song and I could feel Kaito staring at me.

"And I'll be here 'cause we both know how it goes... I don't want things to change, I pray they stay the same always," I sang.

"Shit! Kaito I think this song is for you," Glen's boyfriend told him at umiling lang siya.

"And I don't care if you're with somebody else... I'll give you time and space. Just know I'm not a phase. I'm always, ways, ways."

After the song, I was about to eat sushi that Kaito gave me when my phone rang and it was Kazuko. Agad ko naman nilapag 'yong mic pati song book sa lamesa bago tumayo.

"Hello? Hey! Where are you right now?"

[Looks like someone's excited to hear my voice. I'm near the office, I was wondering if I could see you. Krissha is here with me,] he said. [Hi Mommy!] Narinig ko naman boses ni Krissha sa linya.

"Hi baby, how are you?"

[I'm good! I heard you're leaving Japan, when will you be back?]

I sighed, "I don't know, Krissha. I have a lot of work to do when I come back to the Philippines. But don't worry, we're still going to see each other in a week at your Tita Claire's wedding. You're going to be a flower girl, right?"

[Really? Wow!] She squealed.

"Krissha, can you put your Dad on the line?" Narinig ko naman kung paano niya pinasa 'yong cellphone.

[Hmm?]

"Can you two come to my location right now? I think it's just a thirty minute drive. But if you can't drive that far I'll be the one to go there," I told him.

[Even if it's a four hour drive, I'll come to you.] Umiling naman ako, ang lakas talaga mang asar! [Okay, we're on our way. Krissha, say goodbye to your Mom.]

[See you there, Mommy! Mahal po kita!] Nanlaki naman mata ko noong narinig kong binigkas iyon ni Krissha. It was the weirdest accent ever but it was so cute!

"Where did you learn that, Krissha?"

[Daddy!]

"Okay. I love you too, baby."

After the call, I sat down again and joined the others and I saw Kaito looking at me with dark eyes. "Hey, is it okay if I invite Kazuko over? I need to bid my goodbyes to him and Krissha." I said to piss Kaito even more.

I almost laughed at his facial expression because that is how he always looked when he was jealous.

"Kaito, are you jealous right now?" Claire asked at muntik ko na siyang kurutin. Tarantado ba siya? Alam kong halata pero huwag niya naman i-point out.

Kaito scoffed, "What are you saying? I'm not!" He defended himself.

"Then why are you flustered right now?" Blake teased him and he rolled his eyes.

"Rienne, what's your input about this?" Mia asked and I just laughed.

I leaned back towards my chair before looking at him. "Why are you jealous, Kaito? You of all people should know that we're already history, and that we're only going to be friends. No more, no less."

I heard them tease Kaito even more which earned them a grin from me. After a while, we heard a car pull up in front of the gate.

I stood up and before I got outside they shouted that they'll have a bonfire kaya sinabi nila sa akin na dumiretso na lang kami sa labas kung saan naka-set up 'yong bonfire.

"Mommy!" Bigla namang tumakbo papunta sa akin si Krissha noong nakita niya akong papalapit sa kotse nila. Lumuhod naman ako para maging magka-level kami ni Krissha so that I can hug her tightly.

"Hello, Krissha!" Binuhat ko naman siya at itinuon ang atensyon kay Kazuko. "Daddy, you look so exhausted," I laughed at his messy hair and loose necktie. Guwapo pa rin naman siya,

Inirapan naman niya ako, "Did you just roll your eyes at me?" I said before walking towards him to flick my finger on his forehead.

"Ouch!" Sambit niya at napahawak sa noo niya. Bigla naman niya akong binawian pero imbis na gumanti ako, binaba ko si Krissha at sabay kaming tumakbo palayo kay Kazuko. Noong nakita na namin 'yong mga kaibigan ko ay humiga na kami sa buhangin.

"You both are too fast!" Kazuko said while panting as he slowly walked towards us. "Come here, Krissha." Tawag niya sa bata at sumunod naman ito. He whispered something to her, and I knew  that they were plotting something just by their wicked smiles.

"Don't even think about it, Krissha. Mommy's going to be mad at you," I warned her but she wasn't threatened. Nilapitan niya pa rin ako at nagulat na lang ako noong bigla niya akong kiniliti.

"K-krissha! Stop..." I said while laughing. Noong natauhan naman na kami, bigla ko na na-realize na hindi lang pala kaming tatlo ang nandito. Nakita ko na nakatitig silang lahat sa amin with their teasing smiles. Pero sa kabila nang mga nakangiti, nandoon si Kaito na naiinis na sa nangyayari.

I wish I could take a picture of his fucking face right now. Ang LT!

After they finished setting up the bonfire, hindi muna kami ni Kazuko umupo roon. We walked first near the shore with Krissha para antukin na 'yong bata. Hindi kasi kami makaka-inom ng beer kung hindi siya tulog.

"Are you coming back here in Japan?" He asked while we were walking.

"Of course. I will always come back here. Japan is like home to me, and you know that," I smiled. "But... You and Krissha can come and visit me any time in the Philippines. My condominium can fit up two more people, you know."

"I'll take note of that," he said.

After a few more minutes, nagpa-karga na si Krissha kaya dinala na ni Kazuko si Krissha sa villa para matulog. Ako naman ay sumali na sa kanila. Kumuha ako ng dalawang bote noong beer para may iinumin na si Kazuko pag-labas niya rito.

After a few minutes, lumabas na si Kazuko nang hindi na nakabutones ang unang tatlong butones sa kaniyang polo which exposed his chest. Inabot ko naman sa kaniya 'yong beer and we all proceeded into talking about random deep shit sa buhay namin.

"What do you guys think is your greatest win in life?" Jaidene asked at napa-isip naman ako. Greatest win? Hindi ako sigurado e.

"Having my own modeling agency," Alliyah said.

"Being a CEO as well as an influencer," Glen.

"Being a lover girl," Mia laughed before leaning on her boyfriend.

"Having a successful business with my cousin," inakbayan ako ni Claire.

"Having my daughter," Kazuko said and I smiled. He's really a great Dad, I'm gonna give him that. Lahat naman sila ay tumingin sa akin, at hindi ko pa rin alam isasagot ko.

"Hmm... Maybe showing the people that didn't believe in me that I am here." Tanging iyon lang ang aking nasabi.

After a few bottles of beer, we were already tipsy but not drunk. Hindi naman kasi nakaka-lasing 'yong beer.

"Kazuko, do you like Rienne?" Meila asked. All  of our attention turned to him and he looked at me before smiling.

"I like Rienne. But I know her heart belongs to someone else, and I can't do anything about it," he said before licking his bottom lip. I wasn't surprised when he said that.

Alam ko na may pagtingin siya sa akin at alam kong alam niya na alam ko. I also know that he knows I'm not into him which was  good because he's matured to think that way. Ayaw ko kasi 'yong pipilitin akong gustuhin 'yong isang tao.

"Belongs to who?" Alliyah asked.

He chuckled, "No comment."

The next morning, lahat naman kami ay  nag-basta nang umalis. Dinala ko na kasi rito lahat ng gamit ko para diretso alis na lang ako mamaya. My flight is at exactly 5 AM tomorrow at magsstay na lang ako sa condo ni Kazuko for the mean time.

Habang iniimpake ko 'yong maleta ko, naramdaman kong may pumasok sa kuwarto ko. Nakita ko naman na si Kaito iyon kaya tinigil ko na muna ang ginagawa ko para bigyan siya ng atensyon.

"Bakit hanggang magkaibigan na lang tayo ngayon? Hindi na ba natin p'wede subukan?"

I pursed my lips, "You are the only one who can cause so much damage, Kaito. I can't risk you hurting me like that again... Because I don't know how I'd be able to recover the second time." Tinalikuran ko na siya pero hinawakan niya pa ang aking balikat.

"Kaito... Kapag minahal kita ulit, hindi ko na alam kung paano ako titigil."