I never thought the day would come where I would see her again.

Actually, I was expecting it. I stayed friends with her friend's boyfriends. Wala akong magagawa roon. Lagi kami nagkikita noong mga 'yon at wala silang ibang pinag-usapan kung hindi ang mga girlfriend nila.

I didn't have any choice. There was never a time na hindi nasasama si Fleurienne sa usapan.

Kaya ako hindi maka-move on sa kaniya e.

It's been months since I left her without a goodbye. I still fucking hated myself for that.

I never thought I would see her again, pero noong nakita ko ang kaniyang mukha sa mall na may kasamang lalaki... Si Kazuko. They had a child together, and it crushed me.

It looks like she's happy.

I guess she deserves that. Sinaktan ko siya e.

"Is it true that Rienne is married with a kid?" I asked Blake, and he immediately laughed at my facial expression.

"Are you jealous, Kaito?" He asked, and I rolled my eyes before standing up, walking towards the door. "If you really want to know then you should clear your schedule for our reunion!" He shouted. Agad ko naman siya ulit nilingon.

"When? Is she going? Is she taking her boyfriend, husband, fiance?" Tuloy tuloy kong tanong, and he just laughed at my face.

"You're still fucking in love with her," he concluded and I scoffed.

"Stop speculating!" I shouted, and he even laughed more.

He told me that he was  just going to send me the details through text. I found out that it would be tomorrow, and it's about their important announcement. Alam ko naman na ikakasal na rin si Alliyah, they're just going to announce it tomorrow.

Hindi ko lang maintindihan kung bakit kailangan pang magkita-kita when they can just say it in each other's group DMs. Our group chat with everyone has been dead ever since Rienne and I stopped seeing each other.

But the bros and I still communicate with each other.

Hindi ko alam kung handa na akong makita siya ulit. I just know that once I see her again, I'll just fall back in her charms.

As soon as I saw her again, my heart skipped a beat. It had been months since we last saw each other, and now here she was, standing right in front of me. I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions - sadness, fear, and longing.

I couldn't help but wonder if she was happy with her new life. Was she really married, and if so, was she happy with her spouse? The mere thought of her being in love with someone else made my heart ache.

But as I looked at her, I couldn't help but realize how beautiful she still was. Her eyes sparkled, and her smile was as radiant as ever. It was then that I realized that I still had feelings for her, despite everything that had happened.

As she approached me, I couldn't help but feel a sudden rush of nervousness. What would she say? Would she even want to talk to me? The uncertainty was almost too much to bear.

But as she greeted me with a warm hug, I knew that everything was going to be okay. Even though we had gone our separate ways, there was still a connection between us. And for that moment, all my fears and worries fade away, and all that mattered was the—

"Kaito, wake the fuck up!" I jolted up, when I felt cold water on my face.

That was a fucking dream? What the hell?

Ngayong araw na kami magkikita ni Fleurienne so I dressed up nicely para naman mabighani ulit siya sa kaguwapuhan ko.

This is going to be an indicator if there's a chance for us to reconcile. I know I fucked up too many times months ago, and I'm ready to apologize to her for everything I did. She deserves an explanation.

Umamin ako sa kaniya tapos pagkatapos no'n ay hindi na nagparamdaman. I straight up ghosted her after telling her how I feel. I even failed to give her the promise ring I was supposed to give noong umamin ako.

It had slept my mind that I bought her one.

Here I was, standing in front of the restaurant. Hinihintay ko lang 'yong mga kaibigan ko bago ako pumasok para naman may dramatic entrance kami.

Noong pumasok ako, nakita ko agad si Rienne na tumatawa kasama ang kaniyang mga kaibigan. Her voice still... Sounded the same. Given na 'yon dahil hindi naman kami gano'n katagal nawala sa buhay ng isa't isa.

Nawala agad ang kaniyang ngiti noong nakita na niya ako, and fuck... Her eyes were still perfect. Ngunit nakita ko 'yong galit, at lungkot sa kaniyang mga mata. I wanted to walk towards her. Pero nakita kong kasama niya si Kazuko pati 'yong anak nila. But, I still have to confirm that to her friends kung anak niya ba iyon o hindi.

She was the one who broke eye contact first. I wanted to laugh because I know na tiklop pa rin siya sa akin.

"Huwag mo nga ako tingnan sa mata." Iniwas ni Rienne ang aking mukha at natawa naman ako sa kaniya dahil namumula na ang kaniyang tainga.

"Bakit?" Tanong ko sa kaniya at umiling lang siya sa akin. I forced her to look at me, at nararamdaman ko ang kaniyang kaba habang nakatitig kami sa isa't isa.

"Your eyes are just... They make me fold. It always does," she said before bitting her bottom lip. She's to cute! What the fuck? I feel my something on my pants twitch at naramdaman iyon ni Rienne dahil nakaupo siya ngayon sa aking mga hita habang nagbabasa kami ng libro.

"I think someone else wants me, hmm?" She teased, and I just disregarded what I said before standing up to deal with my situation.

How I miss everything.

It was bothering to see Kazuko, and Rienne being lovey dovey. Hanggang ngayon 'di ko pa nga rin alam kung ano ba talaga sila e.

Nalaman namin na engagement party bukas ni Alliyah sa isang yacht, and I don't know how I should feel about it. I know that alcohol would be involved, at sigurado akong malalasing si Rienne.

I don't want to see her wasted, crying over the shit I did to her. Hindi ko kakayanin 'yon.

"Mommy! Let's go buy toys." Nagulat ako noong lumapit 'yong bata kay Rienne. Doon ko na-kumpirma na anak nga ito ni Rienne. How could she replace me that fast? At kay Kazuko pa talaga?

Pero ano naman kung nagkaroon na siya ng boyfriend? Hindi naman naging kami. Noong nakita kong pinatong ni Kazuko 'yong blazer niya kay Rienne, I lost it. I was praying that this would already end, and fortunately, my phone rang. It was a reason for me to excuse myself.

I took the call outside, at 'yong secretary ko iyon. I couldn't even focus on what he was saying because I was busy thinking of her.

"Are you going to bring your guy tomorrow?" Tanong ni Meila kay Rienne noong lumabas si Kazuko.

"I don't know yet," she answered. Gusto ko na magpalamon sa lupa. I don't want to see them together. Mas bagay kami.

"Tsk, I doubt that. He's such a pussy back in highschool," I said before looking away at hindi naman ako pinansin ni Rienne.

"I'll ask Kazuko. He's such a busy person, he usually doesn't have time for drinking or even just do stupid things," she said. Alam kong pinatatamaan niya ako sa sinabi niyang stupid things pero hindi ko na iyon binigyan ng paki.

When Kazuko said he had to go, I was excited. Maybe I can finally talk to her? Pero hindi. A few minutes after he left, nagpaalam na rin siya.

I have to somehow make a conversation with her kaya sinundan ko naman siya. I also texted my driver to pick me up at the front already.

I stood five feet away from her, pero hindi ko alam sasabihin ko. Nablanko ako.

"Where's your husband?" I asked her to see if she'll deny it or not.

"He had to bring Krissha to her grandmother," ngumiti siya sa akin pero hindi ito 'yong usual na ngiti niya. It was forced.

Hindi ko naman na siya sinagot at sumakay na sa kotse na nasa harapan ko.

Seems like wala na talaga akong pag asa pa para ayusin ang dating kami.

It would be hell today. Hindi ko alam kung paano kami mag-iiwasan ni Fleurienne but it seems like it's working. Not until she got completely wasted, and saw me with a girl. She broke the bottle of liquor she was holding, and ran away immediately.

Agad naman ako nag-explain sa kaniya kahit walang punto para sabihin sa kaniya na hindi ko hinalikan 'yong babae. I thought I'd just be taking her to her room pero nawala ako sa sarili ko noong may sinabi siya sa akin.

"You left me hanging, Kaito... You left without any goodbye, any proper reason. Nagdesisyon kang iwanan ako noong panahong... Hindi ko kaya saluhin lahat ng problema ko dahil sinanay mo 'kong kasangga kita. Iniwan mo 'ko noong panahong napagtanto ko na mahal na kita!"

Nagulat ako. I was also confused dahil alam kong gusto niya si Kazuko... Pero her saying those things to me, and seeing her in so much pain right now gives me hope.

Sana ako pa rin.

Nakatulog na siya sa sahig kaya wala akong choice kung hindi buhatin siya patungo sa aking kuwarto. Kinuha ko na rin ang gamit niya galing doon sa kuwarto niya para pagka-gising niya ay 'di na siya mahirapan lumipat lipat para isipin kung nasaan ang gamit niya, at subukang alalahanin ang nangyayari ngayon.

While I was observing her sleep, I couldn't help myself but kiss her forehead. I really fucking missed her so damn much, and it hurts to know that she's with someone already.

I was planning to explain to her what really happened months ago. She deserved an explanation. Maybe it would help me move on if I remove something that's been bothering my system for a long time now.

"Gising ka na pala. How's your hangover?"  Tanong ko sa kaniya noong napansin kong gising na siya. Nakita ko naman na tinakpan niya ang kaniyang mukha kaya nagtaka naman ako sa kaniya. "What are you doing?"

"Bagong gising ako!" She shouted, and I couldn't help but stifle a small smile. It's not like I haven't seen you like that yet.

"Kaito..." She said softly, and oh boy... The way she said my name gave me butterflies! Para akong teenager na na-in love.

"Hmm?"

"May nasabi ba ako kagabi?" Tanong niya sa akin. And instead of answering her question, binato ko sa kaniya ang isang towel.

"Alam kong maraming mga tanong ang mga tumatakbo sa isip mo tungkol sa nangyari sa gabi pati ang mga... Nagawa ko noon sa iyo. Pero maligo ka muna at magbihis, we're arriving at an island. Mamaya na natin pag-usapan ang mga ito."

I told her everything, and she understood. Nalaman ko rin na may kung anong sinabi ang aking ama sa kaniya which made her even more angrier sa akin. Pero naintindihan niya ang lahat.

I didn't want her losing her business because of my stupid father. So I risked losing her than her losing her dream.

It was all for her.

When she joined her girl friends again, lumuwag na ang pakiramdam ko, knowing that I got the truth out of my chest already. Masaya ako para sa amin.

Siguro may chance pa kami... Pero hindi muna sa ngayon.

But I promise that I would prove her that I still in love with her. I never stopped loving her.

Her girls went for their man while Rienne walked towards me. Oh how I wish I was really her man. Kaya lang naman niya ako nilapitan dahil alam niyang ako lang din naman ang natitirang single rito.

She was so pretty when she was wearing a flower crown. Kaya noong nagtama ang tingin namin, agad ako umiwas ng tingin. "Ano problema mo?" She asked.

I swear, I was blushing. "Can't look at you."

"Why?" She asked.

"Too pretty," I answered.

I started to treat her the same way I treated her a year ago. It seems like she was completely fine with it kasi sinasakyan niya mga banat ko, at ngumingiti na ulit.

I already found out na she didn't like Kazuko nor she has a child with him which is great news! May pag asa talaga ako ngayon sa kaniya kasi she's single.

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

I finally asked her. It took her a while before she answered, and just stared at my face. I wanted her to see that I was really genuine about my feelings for her back then... Until now.

"You were planning to propose?" She asked. I nodded before laying down on the sand. I told her I bought the ring to let her know that I really was ready to commit to her if it weren't for my fucking father.

He has no control over me now because I earn twice as much as him. Tinalikuran ko agad ang kumpanya niya para magtayo ng sarili kong kumpanya to show him that I could live without his presence. My Mom just supported me with what I want because she also wants me, and Rienne to be together.

"If you still don't believe that I really loved you... Then take this," I gave her the purple velvet box. Inside was the engagement ring. "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."

I thought I would spend time with Rienne on her last day just thinking about us, when I found out that she invited Kazuko over to the villa we're in right now.

"Kaito, are you jealous right now?" Tanong ni Claire, and I of course denied it. Pero siyempre nagseselos ako kahit wala akong karapatan! Lagi naman akong walang karapatan kay Rienne kaya okay lang siguro 'to.

I was even more triggered when they asked Kazuko if he likes Rienne. His answer was, "I like Rienne. But I know her heart belongs to someone else, and I can't do anything about it."

Doon ako nagtaka. Sino kaya iyon? Sana ako! Ako na lang please.

"Belongs to who?" Alliyah asked.

He chuckled, "No comment."

I tried asking her if we had a chance... Ang sabi niya lang ay wala pa sa ngayon dahil kapag nasaktan ko siya ulit, hindi na raw niya alam kung paano siya makaka-recover.

I followed her to the Philippines, and this time... I'm staying here for good.

For her.

There was never a day where I wasn't thinking of Fleurienne. I can't help but feel my heart flutter at the thought of her. It's the little things she does that make me fall for her all over again. The way she laughs at my jokes, the way she twirls her hair when she's nervous, and the way she always listens to me when I talk. It's these simple acts that make me realize just how much I love her.

I know we've had our ups and downs in the past, but I'm ready to pursue her again. I'm ready to show her just how much she means to me and make her fall for me all over again. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make her happy and be the man she deserves.

I can't help but smile as I imagine her beautiful face and how happy she would be if we were together again. I know it won't be easy, but I'm willing to put in the effort to make it work. I just hope that she's willing to give me another chance and see how much she means to me.

I took her out on a date, and we went to her parent's grave. I always was consistent on putting flowers there every single week. Inuutusan ko lagi ang mga kakilala ko rito just to put flowers on their tombstone.

I wanted to apologize to her parents once and for all. Hindi ko pa kasi iyon nagagawa at gusti kong makita ako ni Rienne humingi ng tawad.

I stand before the graves of Rienne's parents, my heart heavy. I know that I have no right to be here, but I cannot help myself. I need to ask for their forgiveness for hurting their daughter.

I remember the day I met Rienne. She was so beautiful, so full of life. I was immediately drawn to her. We fell in love quickly and deeply. We were inseparable.

But then, I changed. I became distant and cold. I started taking Rienne for granted. I hurt her in ways that I can never forgive myself for.

I know that I am not a good person. I have made many mistakes. But I am not asking for Rienne to take me back. I am simply asking for her parents' forgiveness.

I know that I cannot undo the pain that I have caused. But I hope that they can find it in their hearts to forgive me.

I kneel down in front of the graves and close my eyes. I take a deep breath and begin to speak.

"Mr. and Mrs. Rienne," I say. "I am so sorry for what I have done to your daughter. I know that there is no excuse for my behavior. I was a selfish and immature man. I took Rienne for granted. I hurt her in ways that I can never forgive myself for."

"I know that I cannot undo the pain that I have caused. But I hope that you can find it in your hearts to forgive me. I am truly sorry for all of the wrong I did to your daughter," I cried.

"I still love Rienne very much. I would do anything to get her back. But I know that I do not deserve her. I am not a good man. But I am trying to be better. I am trying to be the man that Rienne deserves," I continued.

"I hope that one day, you will be able to forgive me. I hope that you will be able to find it in your hearts to love me again. Thank you for listening."

I open my eyes and look up at the sky. I take a deep breath and stand up. I turn and walk away, leaving the graves of Rienne's parents behind.

I know that I will never be able to forget what I have done. But I am determined to be a better man. I am determined to make things right.

I know that it will not be easy. But I am willing to do whatever it takes to earn the forgiveness of Rienne's parents. And I am willing to do whatever it takes to win her back.

I was consistent with her... And was already planning to propose. I took her to a beautiful mountain view, with a very romantic ambiance.

I was ready for it when I knelt down, and showed her the ring I bought a week ago. "Palitan na natin last name mo?" I asked, hopeful.

She looked very shocked with what I just asked. Mukhang hindi niya alam ang sasabihin niya but I was just there... Waiting patiently for her to give me an answer.

I thought she would feel the same, but it turns out... She had other plans in mind. I watched her take a few steps back after I proposed. I felt a sharp pain in my chest. Nakita ko rin ang pagkalito sa kaniyang mukha. I had hoped that she would feel the same way I did, but now I wasn't so sure.

When she turned and ran away without giving me an answer, it felt like a knife had been stabbed on my body. I had put my heart on the line, and she had rejected me without even saying a word.

So ito pala ang feeling ng pain? Putangina.

I felt a mix of emotions, sadness, disappointment, and even anger. Why couldn't she have just given me a straight answer? Did she not have the courage to tell me how she really felt?

But deep down, I knew that it wasn't her fault. We were still in deep shit, ironing things out. I was stupid enough to rush her into this. Still, it didn't make the pain any less real.

As I stood there, watching her disappear into the distance, I felt the tears running down my cheeks.

Oh Rienne... Baka bukas mabigyan mo rin ako ng explanasyon.

On the day of Claire's wedding, wala akong ginawa kung hindi tapunan siya lagi ng tingin. Who wouldn't? She looked like a goddess in her maid of honor dress.

Iyon dapat ang mukha ng mapapang-asawa ko e. Kaso putangina, nireject 'yong proposal ko. I needed a reason... Kasi kung walang tamang rason baka magtanim ako ng galit sa kaniya.

The wedding ended, as well as the reception. Lahat sila ay bumalik na sa kaniya kaniyang mga hotel room, and I too was about to leave when I noticed that Rienne didn't leave the location.

I looked for her, at nakita ko siyang naka-upo sa tabi ng pool, holding the bouquet of flowers that she caught earlier. Ang ibig sabihin no'n ay siya ang susunod na ikakasal. Pero mukhang malabo pa 'yon mangyari.

We're not engaged yet e.

"What are you still doing here?" I asked coldly, which startled her. I sat down next to her waiting for a reply.

"Thinking."

I couldn't help myself to not ask her about last night. "Do you always do that?"

"Do what?" She asked, and I swear... It pissed me off. But at the same time, I wanted to kiss her already. I was supposed to kiss her last kight after she wore the ring. Pero hindi natuloy e.

"Act like nothing happened." Sambit ko at hindi naman na siya nagsalita pa. "Rienne, alam kong nasaktan kita... Pero tangina ginagawa ko na lahat para sa iyo. Hindi ba iyon enough? Am I not enough?"

After a long moment of silence, nagsalita na siya. "You're more than enough, Kaito. You always have been," she said softly. She helf my cheek, and pulled me in for our foreheads to touch.

Sobrang sakit.

"So why did you ran away—"

"Yes." Putol niya sa akin.

"Yes?" Naguguluhang tanong ko.

She smiled.

"Pakakasalan kita, Kaito Ren. Mamahalin kita ng sobra sobra."

Doon ako napatalon sa saya. I finally gave her a kiss, the one I wanted to do for so long before getting the ring from my pocket to give to her.

"I love you, Rienne."

"You're the best thing that has ever happened to me, Kaito. You complete me."

Those are the words I never expected to hear from her.

Back then, it was only a dream to be with her. Now... I am happily engaged with the woman I fell desperately in love with.

Siya at siya lang hanggang dulo.

"I didn't think that I would be this happy with someone under a Cherry Blossom Tree,"she said as we observed the leaves swaying because of the wind. Kasulukuyang naka-upo kami sa ilalim ng paborito niyang puno.

I planted a lot of Sakura Trees in our backyard para kapag kailangan naming huminga, dito lang kami pupunta.

It's been almost a year since I proposed. We still are not yet ready to get married because we still have to finish more work. Wala pa kaming mga bakanteng schedule.

"Let's go?" I asked her, and she smiled before nodding.

Habang naglalakad na kami papasok ng airport, nakasalubong ko si Silas. He's the person I met at a party back then in LA. He was a playboy, and I think he's with one of his chicks right now.

"Kaito!" He shouted, bago lumapit sa akin bago makipag-kamay. "Is that the girl you told me about last year when you were drunk, wasted sa party ni Alejandro?" Tanong nito at nilingon ko naman muna si Rienne bago tumango.

"Nakuha ko naman na siya ulit," I said before pulling Rienne by the waist. "You must be?" I asked the girl he was with.

"Clementine," she answered. Tumango naman ako sa kaniya at nagulat na lang ako noong biglang hiningi ni Rienne ang Instagram ni Clementine. This girl!

Ibang iba na talaga siya sa dating siya. She became more like herself. No more useless facade.

Noong magpapa-alam na kami, tinginan ko agad si Silas. "Don't fuck up, dude." I told him in a monotone.

"I promise I won't." He said, and I smiled at him before leaving. Noong naka-lagpas na kami ng immigration, agad naman ako kinausap ni Rienne.

"I like Clementine. She's an interesting person," she told me, and I just shook my head.

"You literally met her ten minutes ago, love," I softly chuckled.

"Her IG posts are interesting though. She's a strong, and brave woman, who knows her ethics, and moral principles. Magaling pumili 'yong kaibigan mo na iyon," she even complimented Silas. Little did she know that he's a fucking manwhore.

But I guess everything can change.

My love for the woman I am with won't though.