I seriously don't know how I and Terrence have managed to be productive last night after dampening our spirits to the drain. Nonetheless, the dark circles that cannot even be covered by applying a heavy layer of concealer, somehow prove the efforts I spent last night.

Efforts I'm about to dump in the trash.

The several sketches I've done are now crumpled into distorted spheres.

"It's only Tuesday but you already look haggard, Remybear. Just what time did you sleep?" Maize mutters as she dresses up for class.

I raise my index finger.

"One? But I was still awake. I honestly thought you won't go home if you haven't messaged me. Took me by surprise that you remember you have a phone."

"No," I answer, shaking my head. "I only have an hour of sleep."

"OMG! Better take a half-day then."

"Can't."

Her lips quickly form into a teasing arc. "Can't get enough of Terrence even after spending the whole night with him? You two progress so fast!"

"Urgh, of course not. We have a summative quiz for Design, remember?"

"What?"

My brow rises as her eyes turn to saucers, appearing dumbfounded. "What?"

"Oh my god! It's today?"

Bobbing my head, I shoot the paper to the bin. I grab my bag and head to the doorway. "Yeah. Come on."

"Oh no, oh no, oh no. I haven't studied a single thing. I thought it was supposed to be next week!"

"Hurry up then. It's still in the afternoon so we can have time to review." Somehow, I perfectly manage to divert her attention and get ready to class.

After submitting the papers, those who are done can leave. Inside, only two people are left. One is clearly Maize looking like she's calling all the gods she knows.

Though I already studied for the weekend, I can't guarantee to be the top. Nevertheless, my grades are average at best, It's much better than failure.

Whatever I do, it's always double the effort but no matter what, it's still the same. How can there be people who barely do the minimum and can still ace it? How lucky.

When the bell rings, Maize finally hands her paper. Her shoulder slumps as she makes her way toward me.

"I'll treat you," I say.

Her head quickly whips to my side. "Sure!"

Now beaming, we head to the nearest café. We just finished our order when my phone vibrates in my pocket.

Leo's name pops up, making me answer right away.

"Give me a sec." I exit the crowded store before answering. "Hello, what is it?"

"Where are you?"

"At the café near the school. Why?"

"Oh? Don't tell me you forgot. You're only halfway through the semester and you're that occupied to forget?"

My brows wrinkle visibly. "What do you mean? I'm not in the mood, Leo."

"It's Vincent's birthday."

"What?" I instantly put down the phone and check the day. It is indeed Vincent's birthday and there's even a notification.

My whole mind was all about school that I forgot my baby's birthday. I even bought a gift already but still forgot about it.

"Then, can you fetch me—"

"I can't. I'm still running some errands for Mom. Just go with Terrence. He knows where the hotel is."

"Huh? Why do I have to bother him?"

"Vincent is friends with his niece, right? Isn't he already lifted from the ban? He — the one that shall not be named — can already be mentioned without you going ballistic. I guess, you're all chummy again. Maybe it's true that first love never dies."

"Are you crazy?" I shriek, not believing the nonsense he's spewing.

His loud laugh echoes on the other end of the phone. "Anyway, I already called him beforehand so he can drive you home. Though if he does anything, let me know."

He ended the call without my reply. Fuming anger painted my cheeks as I return to the shop.

Maize is sipping her milk tea when she notices my presence. "What happened?"

Before I can answer, a message alert passes between us.

It's from Terrence and I open his chat.

'Leo said we'll go together to the hotel. Where are you?'

I reluctantly sent my location. If not for the fact that I have no idea where the hotel is, I will surely disagree. Nonetheless, beggars can't be choosers.

"I have to go," I say as I sit down.

"What happened?"

"It's Vincent's birthday," I tell her. "Do you want to come?"

"Really? I can't. My buddy just told me to meet up so we can check the progress of our paintings together."

With that reminder, my mood wavers to its depressing range.

"By the way, how old is he?"

"Turning seven."

"Oh, nice. What time are you going though?"

"Anytime soon. Terrence will come and fetch me."

Mischief glistens in her eyes in a second. "Say... You always change the topic when it comes to him but you're even leaving me for him..." She makes a dramatic pause, her lips pouting. "What happened to sis before shits?"

I almost choke from my saliva. "What?"

"Nothing, I say enjoy. Just abandon your poor friend," she says rolling her eyes with a wide smirk.

"I told you, you can come with us."

"No. I don't want to be a third wheel. But what does it get to do with Terrence?"

"His niece is my brother's friend. Mom probably persuaded him to come along. He can never say no to her, probably why he avoided going to our house," I answer, glancing at my phone that has not received any reply.

Slamming down her drink, she gasps. "What, your mom knows him? This is way too fast for your relationship! Are you kidding me, Rembrandt Evans?" 

I wince, both from her overreaction and calling me by my full name.

"It's not that. Mom knows him since before because our moms are best friends."

"Wait, so technically, you're like childhood friends?"

I already explained using the most tone-down version but Maize is quick on these kinds of things that I can't help but nod.

"What?" She stands up from shock "How come you never told me this!"

I pull her down but when I do, just like a perfect coincidence, Uriel enters the cafe. Noticing my gaze, Maize let out a sigh.

"So it's really a tough competition from the start. It's too bad Uriel can't fight in fairgrounds because of his stepfather. After all, Terrence is already too perfect and has too many advantages."

"What are you saying?"

"His father had an emergency recently. I heard his doing more part times and accepting commissions."

"Really?"

We watch him grab some coffee but maybe he felt our gazes so he snaps his head in our direction.

He skids to a halt and our eyes lock. I can't clearly see from a distance but he seems to hesitate to approach us. Instead, a small smile appears on his face, not the usual cheerful one I know him for.

I try to return the smile when I hear Maize's words.

"Oh. I remember it was during Sid's birthday that's why he has to go back."

"What?" My gaze falls on her.

'wasn't it the day of my confession?'

"Oh my god, oh my god. Look again. At the entrance."

I do what she says and I gape at the scene. Not to be overdramatic but what's with the timing? As Uriel exits, Terrence enters.

Terrence quickly spots us and Uriel seems to follow his line of sight. Our eyes meet once more before I pull away.

On the other hand, Terrence reaches our table, greeting us with his business smile.

"Let's go? Is Maize coming too?" he says, peering at Maize beside me.

"No. I need to go to my buddy for Painting I since it's almost the deadline," Maize answers.

Terrence glances at me with a comforting look that the pressure burdening before has decreased under his watch. Maybe I was too prejudiced and shut the idea that a person can change, that even an insensitive person can now easily empathize. And the fact that this guy can like me.

I doubt my younger self can ever imagine it will be mutual all along.

"Alright, we'll go ahead," he says.

I nod and also wave my goodbye. We head to the parking as he looks for his car. He guides me to the side and even opens the door for me, making my brow rise to my hairline.

"Okay... What are you up to?"

He shrugs. "Nothing. Just go inside."

I watch him go to his side as I step into the passenger seat. With my seatbelt on, he turns on the radio.

The strumming of electric guitar fills the car and I find myself humming. We're in front of the red light, and our gaze clash. A grin forms on my face until the beats of the chorus follow.

"I'm on my way! Driving at 90 down those country lanes!"

Our voices echo as we jam to the whole song until the end.

Even though he is not as loud as me, when it comes to Ed Sheeran songs, it is so easy to make Terrence sing.

"Ah, I so love Castle on the Hills. By the way, have you listened to his new album?"

He nods.

"What's your favorite? Mine is Eyes Closed. I just find myself jamming it."

"I like Stoned."

"Wait I haven't heard that"

"It's part of the Deluxe album."

"For real?"

He hands me his phone. "You can play it if you want."

"Great!" I scroll down his phone, looking for it.

I play the whole album while occupying myself with the lyrics. When my brother's name appears, I answer it without thinking.

"Hello?" The music stops and Leo's voice replaces it.

"What is it?"

"Remy? Why are you the one answering?"

"Why not—" That's when I realize I've been holding Terrence's phone. My mind quickly comes up for an excuse but I only end up with a rattled brain.

"I'm driving," Terrence inserts.

"What? It's only a fifteen minutes drive from the university!"

"We're at the parking." Terrence lies without blinking when we're still obviously on the road.

"They have a valet for that," Leo busts him real quick. "Anyway, your family is already here."

"Got it. Bye." Terrence ends the call and that's when I hand him back his phone.

"Just hold it. I'm driving,"

"... Whatever," I mumble and still place it between us.

It takes a few more minutes before we arrived. At the entrance, he gives his key to the valet and we enter the lobby.

The hall rented is on the 12th floor and there are already many guests. Even if it is a children's party, those who came are my parent's friends along with the kids in their house.

Scanning the room, the brightly lit hall is decorated with white and different shades of blue balloons. The overall theme is a compromise between an elegant gathering event for adults and a not-too-boring place for children. However, it was as if only me and Terrence are in the same age range.

Leo notices us and brings us to Vincent. My little brother is surrounded by his friends and even Natalia is there.

I give him my gift and leave him alone to enjoy. Leo already get back to whoever he was talking with while Terrence and I separated ways to search for our parents.

Mom and Dad quickly hug me as soon as I get to them.

"How is my baby girl?" Mom says.

"Good. It's almost the end of the semester."

"That's good to hear. We need to have a vacation, right Hon?"

"Of course. It's been a long time since we went out of the country," Dad agrees right away.

"Did I hear it right? Are you going out of the country?" I turn back to see Terrence's mom.

"Most probably during the children's summer break," Mom replies.

"Oh, that's a brilliant idea. What if we all go together? Now that Terrence and Remy are on good terms, we can definitely travel with our families now," Aunt said, so enthusiastically that I can almost see her brain spinning from excitement.

"Indeed. We used to do it before too." As the two women gush over the plans. Uncle and Dad step aside to talk as well.

I peek at Terrence and gesture him to the buffet area.

We grab our food before looking for a table. There are also some servers handling drinks. I signal one of them but as the man draws nearer, Terrence puts down his utensils — his atmosphere becoming colder.

"What would you like, Ma'am?" the server says while lowering the tray.

"Red wine, please. How about you?

Terrence has not replied but his expression becomes stiffer. I nudge his side before he gets pulled out from spacing out.

"Same."

As the server places our drinks on the table. He inhales, turning to Terrence. "Terrence Wright?

He simply nods, his lips thinning,  as the other guy grins.

"It's only been a few months since graduation but how can I forget our school's golden child?" he chuckles, almost sarcastically, making me frown. "Did you get another scholarship?"

The sharp tone does not pass my ears plus the fact that Terrence just sits there, not with his usual aloofness but with guilt tracing his face.

"You're at work, are you allowed to slack off?" I say and the server seems to remember they are not alone.

He backs away but I catch him glaring at Terrence.

"Do you know that jerk?" I turn to him.

It takes a couple of seconds before he responds. "Remember I'm opposed to you going to South High?"

Of course, I do. That has been the reason for our feud, after all.

"What about it?"

"I'm glad I did." He sips the wine, staring into emptiness.

"What do you mean?"

"That school is known for the quality of their students. It is a school for everyone who is deemed intelligent and has what it takes. I'm not saying you are worse but the environment there is something you may not stand."

I scowled,  thinking how weak he thinks I am.

"How do you know, huh? Maybe I'll grow in that kind of place," I counter.

His gaze sweeps back to me. "You're already shouldering insecurities, Remy. Do you really think you won't take a toll on that?"

That shut me up, but only for a second.

"How can you be so sure?"

A moment of quietness passes between us. It's as if all the background noise has been muted as I wait for his answer.

"Because I broke, Remy." He takes in a heavy breath as if reminiscing. "That school made me realize how meager I am. How there are so many talented people who just lack my kind of resources. And he's one of them. He's a talented artist but he has to pursue a different field to help his family."

"But still, that doesn't mean I will," I rebut, unyielding.

He simply looked at me, after all, we both know I'm just lying. But then again, why should he decide for me? I know my limits but how can we know if I haven't even given it a try? If I break or fall, at least I know I have strived rather than me avoiding it.

I clear my throat while I attempt to voice out my thoughts. "What if I can, Terrence? I know I'm not the best out there but you know what's worse? Knowing that I didn't even try. The guilt of what ifs are the hardest to swallow. So how can you say that I can't? It's up to me to decide."

Silence stretched between us once more.

He avoids my wilful gaze but I still manage to catch the redness that tinges on his glassy eyes.

"You're right. It's just me. You've always been strong and supportive, even when you're the one that has been hurt the most. This just proves I'm unworthy of what I have."

I come closer, reaching to pat his shoulder."How can you say that? You still manage to win every single time."

"Because I'm a fraud, Renmy. If I lose, that only means they're right. That I only got here because of my background. That if not for it, I will just be a no-name painter." He pauses before turning back to me. "Having no one to talk to only worsens because I can never share this kind of weakness with anyone."

"But you're saying It to me," I point out right away.

"You're different. You have always been on my side. I thought we can reconcile in college. That I finally have someone who believes in me but I'm wrong. I've been fighting this for long and maybe I just want to give up."

The tiredness in his voice that it becomes too evident. I want to see Terrence lose but not this down. The burst of emotions in his voice always catches me off guard.

How can he say things that clearly explain my deepest thoughts?

Maybe I was wrong right from the start. He is not emotionless as I perceive him. He's not so insensitive either. It's just that we are both at fault.

I, who is clueless about his true feelings and his failure to show his real emotions.

Note: Helloooo, cutiefriessss. If you know, I sometimes promote songs in my stories and while I am editing this, Ed Sheeran's album came out and I just have to segway here lol