Puffing my cheeks, I give a few knocks before twisting the key. I don't really want to be here but who should I blame when I'm partnered with him on another report?

I've been thinking of trading with Maize or my other classmates. However, doing so will only cause questions I don't want to answer.

With a deep sigh, I hoist the books I've put down earlier and enter the room.

"Oh hey, Remy!" Sid greets right away. "What do you have?"

Terrence swivels on his stool before standing up and taking all the books I've been carrying.

"Is this for our report?" he inquires.

I only nod, still glancing at my empty hands and at the books he is laying down on the table.

"Our deadline's Monday so should we squeeze some time on the weekend?"

"I'd rather not," I say.

Not only do I want to keep my weekends free but I don't want to see him for two weekends straight.

Besides, I already plan to spend it on my project in Painting I.

"Oh, okay," he mumbles like a lost puppy.

I really hate how he keeps doing this — acting all pitiful like I've hurt him when we're in private space but becomes annoying in public.

Well, not that we're alone with Sid here. I turn to Sid.

"Why are you here, by the way?"

He smirks. "Am I not allowed in your love nest?"

And this is why these two guys are friends. I just want to strangle one or the other but most of the time, both. 'Who uses love nest anyway? That's so cringe.'

Before I can react, Terrence already smacks Sid's head. The latter just laughs it off while Terrence glowers at him.

"Anyway, have you eaten lunch, Remy?" Sid says.

"Done." I take a chair and pull out my laptop.

"Oh, we haven't eaten yet. Want to come with us still?"

"No thanks, I'll stay here and just start something," I reply.

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

With that, the two exit the room while I busy myself.

🎨 🎨 🎨

It hasn't even been an hour since they left when the door opens. But, only Sid arrives.

"Where's he?"

"Went to buy something." He shrugs and the corner of his lips tugs. "Probably for you."

My brow quickly arcs. "As if he'll do anything for me," I comment as I return to what I'm doing.

He simply chuckles and there's a creak on the stool beside me.

"Do you have a sec, Remy?" The sudden seriousness in his voice makes me look up. "I really don't want to meddle but I can't help it. I notice how prejudiced you are against him. I remember you're always the first one to clear any misunderstanding when others tend to get his words wrong."

This time, I pretend to be deaf. I focus back on my laptop but Sid refuses to let me go as he continues.

"You know him, even far better than me. He's all that but he means good. He's not just the best with words."

"So? Why do I have to adjust?" I bite back when I clearly tell myself I'm deaf.

He shakes his head, his tongue clicking. "When did you get so cold, Remy?"

I ignore him again but he's really on a roll.

"Actually, he's been down these past few days. It's his first loss, after all."

My eyes roll. "You're kidding. He's surely the same as usual. I don't even notice a change in his arrogant bearing."

"How will you when you don't even spare him a glance? Have you really seen him without that filter you've been wearing? You used to say it's his confidence but now it's arrogance? You two have been my friends for years and I can't bear to see you hating on each other. Well, the hate is mostly on your part while he—"

I get up, not wanting to listen anymore. But just then, the person we're just talking about appears in the doorway.

"Got a coffee and brownies for you," he says.

Sid's words come echoing inside me. Of course, I'm aware he can do things for me. If not, why was I able to misunderstand his actions in the first place?

"I'll leave first," Sid says and taps my shoulder, leaning a little closer to whisper. "Please be a little kinder to him. You're not the only one suffering."

My temper snaps. Why does he make me feel like I'm the bad guy here? What about the years I struggle to break free from the chains that bind me only to be tied again? And what suffering? He's clearly living his best life.

I push him back. "You're right. You should've just shut your mouth and don't meddle with things you don't know of."

Without looking back, I dash outside. I don't even know where I am heading until I find myself on the rooftop.

The languid breeze gradually calms my head. I realize I overreacted but did I really?

While I can always keep all the inhibitions to myself, hiding anger is never my best point. I don't like how Sid's words can be true.

Taking deep breaths, I think of all my actions since Terrence and I met in college. Sid's right that I never bothered to understand Terrence.

Why should I? We ended our friendship a long time ago. He's merely a nobody who has managed to hurt me.

As my thoughts become disarrayed, a shadow towers over me.

Peeking up, Terrence stands there with the paper bag in his hand.

"Sid says he's sorry." He states while taking out the coffee cup, and handing it to me.

Seeing that I won't accept it, he puts it on my side before sitting on my right.

"Remy..." His voice trails and maybe because of the serenity, I can clearly hear him swallowing breaths. "For everything I have done wrong, I'm sorry. Just please stop ignoring me. Are three years not enough? I've tried my best to avoid you but I just can't. Even if it means being a stranger in your eyes, I was willing. I know I promised you that I will never meet you but I can't bear it."

This time, confusion whirls in my brain. 'What is he saying?'

"You've always been dedicated to your art. You never let anything bother you but I'll never understand why you abandoned the name you are proudest of. Your art has always shown a kind of tranquility but now, emotions are more evident in it. They pull me into a void I cannot escape. I always wonder what is the cause of the chaos haunting your works. Is it me?"

"Of course not," I reply in an instant and I know my lie is quickly unveiled.

He exhales. "Didn't you say that your work 'Line Without A Hook' is inspired by your experience in middle school? You never elaborated on it, making me think of countless conclusions why you created a painting that exudes melancholy and anger at the same time when that years with you have always been the happiest for me. It is also not your usual color palette and the harsh strokes were so evident that it makes me think who hurt you."

While he talks, my mouth hangs open when I recall there is only one person who I told the reason for that particular artwork. I never plan to enter that piece but since they don't require a new painting, I decided to go for it. It was my third year in high school and by that time, I have already gotten accustomed to the hooded guy and even initiated talking to him on several occasions.

Opening up is hard so I never divulge anything not related to art but still...

"Y—you're the hooded guy?"

A helpless smile crosses his lips. "Hooded guy? I guess I am."

"B—but..."

The stutter remains while I try to digest everything. I thought it was Uriel, why did it suddenly become Terrence?

Though a stranger, that person has always shown his support. How can it be Terrence, the backstabbing liar?

"Then why?" I burst out. "Why did you have to say to your friends I'm a failure?"

"What? When did I?" This time, it's his eyes that reflect confusion.

"Middle school graduation, jerk!" I jump on my feet but he pulls me back in an instant.

"What do you mean, Remy?"

"I was freaking happy, you know. I'm so excited to tell you that we can go to the same school but only to know you've viewed me as a failure! I thought we were friends. I thought you were always there for me but why do you have to say it? Why can't you just be honest than giving me hope I can be better? Why do I have to hear it with your friends? I must look like a joke to all of you. Pursuing arts when I don't have an ounce of talent—"

A warm embrace surrounds me, interrupting my words.

"Stop crying, Remy."

That only made me cry louder after letting those things out.

"Just why, Terrence?"

He pushes me back, his hands on my shoulder. His gaze softens as it focuses on me. "You finally called my name."

I slap his chest, squinting, before repeating my words.

"I'm trying to recall it..." he says and his fingers caress my hair. "I know how you hate failure and you're always been conscious not to be a burden to your family. I won't ever say that about you. Maybe you misunderstood my words? I did not know you also took the entrance exam and I don't want you to pressure yourself too much. Besides, the environment there is not good for you when you enroll in that school with your previous state. It'll take a toll on you when you like to push yourself too hard."

I try to understand his words but there is still some skepticism. Why is he so easily cracking the elitist version of him in my head? I don't want to fall for his tricks anymore.

My lids narrow as our gaze lock. "Why should I believe you?"

With another deep breath and never leaving his sight off me, he speaks, "Because I like you, Remy. Not just a friend or a sister but I really like you for as long as I can remember, okay? I won't even think of hurting you when you've always been the most important person to me."

Silence ensues. My jaw slacks as my mind go blank. I try to open my mouth several times until I finally utter a coherent sentence.

"Aren't you dating Fleur?"

His eyes widen. "What? No."

"But the rumors?"

"They're rumors for a reason." He takes my hand, interlocking it with his. "I like you, Remy. I'm glad I'm finally able to say it. I'm willing to wait until you can fall for me too."

Redness creeps to my cheek as I take back my hand. All the following offenses and slick moves make my mind go haywire. 

"I—I have to go." I scramble to my feet, leaving without looking back, or else, I might be too weak to resist. 

Note: In tagalog, we have this term 'marupok' where someone is weak to those who they love and willing to be a pushover from what I understand and I think Remy is one of them lol