This is the end of Never Really Over. Thank you for sticking through from the first up to the second installment of New Classic Series. Writing light romance stories has been a huge help to me in order to de-stress myself in these trying times and calm my anxious mind. I hope that through reading the story, you also find your own peace of mind.

#NewClassicNRO
#NROWillNeverBeOver

Epilogue

"Cloe!"

My mother approached Cloe with a huge smile on her face. She looked so happy to see her again after years. While on the other hand, Cloe was a bit shocked to see how my mother acted.

While preparing for Ivory and Brad's wedding the night before, she expressed that she was worried meeting my parents again when I told her that they would be attending the wedding as one of the sponsors. Hindi niya alam na wala siyang dapat ipag-alala talaga.

"I missed you!" Mom hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.

Pinanood ko si daddy na naglakad palapit sa amin. Nakataas ang kanyang kilay. I knew exactly while he had that smug look on his face. Aside from the members of New Classic, he's the only one who knew what really happened between me and Cloe.

"Ang tagal bago ka nakabalik!" malambing na pagtatampo ni mommy kay Cloe. "I told Jirro that we should visit you on your province, but he didn't want us to disturb you and your family. I'm so glad that you're back now! Madami tayong pagku-kuwentuhan."

Cloe was looking confused. Ilang beses niya akong sinusulyapan habang ngumingiti at tumatango kay mommy. With just a brief conversation, madami na kaagad naplano si mommy na mga lakad kasama siya.

Mabuti na lang at hindi nagtagal ang kanilang pag-uusap. The wedding organizer called for my parents' attention. Nang kami na lang ulit dalawa ang naiwan ay nilingon niya ako.

"Hindi alam ng mommy mo na naghiwalay tayo?" bungad niyang tanong sa akin.

I just smiled without giving any answers.

"Sinabi rin sa akin ni Ivory dati na sinabi mo sa kanyang hindi naman tayo naghiwalay," pag-alala niya.

Nagtaas ako ng kilay. "Akala ko ba ay walang ibang sinabi sa 'yo si Ivory?"

She turned slightly irritated. "That's not important anymore," she stated. "Gusto kong malaman kung bakit hindi mo sinabi sa kanila ang totoo?"

Mapaglaro akong ngumiti. "Ano'ng totoo?"

"That we broke up before!"

"We didn't break up, babe," I told her and gently touched her head. "Did you hit your head?"

Iniwas niya sa akin ang kanyang ulo. "Nagbreak tayo," pilit niya. "Bago ako umalis nagbreak tayo."

"Yes, you left but we didn't break up."

"Nakipagbreak ako sa 'yo noon!"

"And did I agree?" I argued which stopped her from talking back. "I just told you that if you want to leave, then leave. But it didn't mean that I agreed breaking up with you. Kaya nga hindi ko hinayaang ibalik mo sa akin ang camera, 'di ba?"

"Ha?" Mas lalo siyang naguluhan sa pinagtatalunan naming dalawa.

"Why are we arguing about this?" I tried to change the topic and wrapped my arm on her waist. "Tayo naman na ulit kaya huwag na nating pag-usapan 'yon."

Although it seemed like she still wasn't over our silly argument, she just let me dragged her to our seat as the wedding's about to start.

And as she played a huge part in our lives, the moment Ivory entered the church and began walking down the aisle, I remembered how the cinematic story of Cloe and I started back when we were still in high school.

With a low chuckle, I wrapped my arm on Ivory's shoulders and ruffled her hair after she just scared of one of my admirers. I didn't know how many times she did it every time she would feel like a girl's trying to get my attention.

She turned to me, frowning. "Ang dami namang nagkakagusto sa 'yo, Jirro."

I chuckled again. "I don't think that's my problem anymore."

Mas lalo siyang sumimangot. Nakuha niya pang umirap sa akin bago naglakad palayo.

In all honesty, I was thankful that I didn't have to be cruel to those girls who were crushing on me. I didn't want to hurt their feelings by telling them personally that the feelings they had for me weren't mutual with mine. Kaya okay na rin sa akin na si Ivory na ang gumagawa ng paraan para iwasan at layuan nila ako.

I didn't have time for puppy love or teenage relationships which wouldn't probably last. I told myself that it was just a waste of time, and I should just focus on becoming a better musician while outlining my goals in the future.

However, Cloétte Escolano made me eat those words.

I never thought that I would fall in love at a very young age―but I did. I fell in love with music, and then I fell in love with her.

I thought it was just a casual interest―an infatuation! I kept telling myself that she only piqued my interest because of what Kuya Donovan showed me.

We had a small family gathering that night. It was an intimate celebration hosted for one of my cousins who graduated from college. Hindi kami gaanong kalapit ni Kuya Donovan dahil sa agwat ng aming edad, ngunit nilapit niya ako noong gabing 'yon.

"Jirro, may ipapakita nga pala ako sa 'yo," sabi niya sa akin matapos akong kumustahin sa aking pag-aaral.

He pulled out his phone from his pocket. I wasn't interested in what he was about to show me. We have different hobbies so I expected that it wouldn't concern me.

"A student of mine filmed and edited this video where you're the main character," he gave me a brief about it and played the video.

Napataas ang aking kilay. I had to admit that he slightly got my attention when he told me that. Although, at the same time, I thought that his student was just another admirer of mine. I didn't have any high expectation.

But the moment the short clip started playing, it felt like I was slowly being sucked into a black hole. I found myself engrossed in it. I admired that she didn't focus on my face too much. Rather, she focused on the music and how I played my guitar. She even got a close up shot of my fingers changing from a chord to another chord, and plucking or strumming the strings.

We were told that day that we would have visitors from the Young Directors Club for their club activity. Ang sabi ng moderator namin ay huwag na lang silang pansinin kaya ayon ang ginawa ko. I didn't bother myself with their existence inside the music room. Siguro ay iyon ang dahilan kung bakit hindi ko napansin ang paglapit niya sa akin para ifilm ang aking pagtugtog. Or maybe, I was just really into playing music that I didn't care about my surroundings at all.

"What's her name, Kuya?" I asked while my eyes were still fixed on the video.

"Cloétte Escolano."

I pursed my lips tight. She has a unique name.

"She's one of the promising students I have on our club," Kuya Don told me. "Freshman pa lang, gaya mo, pero nakikita kong may talent talaga siya sa filmmaking. I can also see that she's very passionate for her craft. Isa siya sa mga alam kong sumali talaga sa club dahil iyon din ang gusto niyang direksyon na puntahan paglaki. I have high hopes for her and her talent."

Kuya Donovan spoke highly of her throughout the rest of the night. I had never seen him that amazed with a student whenever we were talking about film. He has high standards. And I also couldn't believe that I stayed with him just to keep talking about it. Ilang beses ko ring nireplay ang video. I even asked him to email it to me.

I tried searching her name that night on social media. She has an account but I had a feeling that she barely used it. Walang kalaman-laman ang kanyang timeline. She shared posts and reviews about films or series. But other than that, I didn't get more information about her.

I pressed on her profile picture to view it properly. She looks very simple but beautiful. I could immediately differentiate her visual from our batchmates. In my opinion, her looks matured early. Kaya nga lang, hindi ako ganoon masyado humahanga sa pisikal na anyo ng isang babae. Her face didn't make a striking impression for me.

However, it seemed like Cloé has a habit of making me eat my own words. I often saw her from afar during assemblies and breaks, but the moment I got a close look of her face in person, I felt a hard pang in my heart.

Her eyes were wide open from the shock as she fell into my arms. She stared at me, and I stared back. For a fleeting moment, I couldn't look away like she was pulling me in to her world where I briefly experienced something I never had before.

Hindi ako agad nakakilos. I was still lost inside her eyes until she averted her gaze and pulled herself away from me. Doon lamang ako natauhan.

"I'm sorry," I apologized for giving her a shock. "I just wanted to help you because you look like you're having a hard time."

"Uhm, a-ayos lang."

Kusang umangat ang aking mga labi nang madinig ko ang kanyang pagkautal. Dama ko rin ang kanyang nerbiyos habang pinipilit ang sariling tingnan ako nang diretso. It only meant that I wasn't the only affected from our very close encounter.

It was just a brief interaction from her. However, I couldn't forget how it felt looking straight into her eyes which were beaming with innocence and purity. I wanted to experience it again. I wanted to stay in the whole new world I discovered inside it, but I also wanted to be cautious.

Hindi ko na nga lang napigilan ang nararamdaman ko nang makilala ko siya nang lubusan. Gusto ko siyang nakikitang nakangiti lagi. The desire to make her smile got intense each passing day. I kept looking for her around the campus. Sinasadya kong makasalubong siya lagi. I knew I got it bad. Mas lalo lamang iyon napatunayan nang madatnang kong hawak ni Ivory ang aking camera na iniwan ko sa kanya.

"Jirro, ang galing ninyo!" Ivory cheered enthusiastically after our performance.

Wala nga lang sa kanya ang aking atensyon kung hindi nasa aking DSLR.

"That's my camera," I pointed out.

Her smile trembled a bit, but she managed to regain composure right away. "It is!" she replied with confidence. "Your friend, I think, gave it to me earlier."

"Okay..." Even though I was a bit skeptical with the way she acted and her reply, I just nodded and let it pass. Kinuha ko mula sa kanya ang camera.

I sent Cloe a message that time and asked her why she left without saying goodbye. I was a bit disappointed that she didn't get to film my performance. She told me she suddenly felt sick, so I didn't push her. Naisip ko na baka totoong sumama nga ang pakiramdam niya.

I realized I should've relied on my intuition more, though. Tama ang hinala ko. Ivory had got something to do why she started avoiding me after that day. It was obvious that she was trying not to make me notice her actions, but I knew she was acting unusual around me. She thought that I was in a relationship or romantic mutual understanding with Ivory. I didn't want her to have the wrong idea, so I had no choice but to admit my feelings for her and decide that I really had to draw the line between me and Ivory. I didn't want her to misunderstand anymore.

"Grabe, Jirro! Hindi ka man lang ba talaga magso-sorry sa akin?"

Ivory suddenly barged in straight to our garden. I was playing guitar when my peaceful moment with my music got disrupted by her.

"Magsorry tungkol saan?"

She looked more furious. "Dahil hindi ka sumabay kumain sa akin!"

Nang maisip ko kung ano ang kanyang tinutukoy ay medyo nakaramdam na rin ako ng kaunting iritasyon. I still had not talked to her about misleading Cloe and pushing her away from me.

"I think I already apologized that time to you," I reminded her. "Paanong pagsosorry pa ba ang gusto mo?"

"Why are you suddenly being like that, Jirro?" She sounded frustrated.

Napabuntonghininga ako. I really didn't want to be harsh to her. She's special to me. She's like my sister.

"Look, Ivory, hindi pa kita nakakausap tungkol sa mga sinabi mo kay Cloe. Kaya sana ay kumalma ka muna. Let's talk properly," I tried to coax her.

"Oh, so are you acting like that because of her Jirro? Galit ka sa akin dahil sinubukan ko siyang palayuin sa 'yo?" Sinabayan niya pa lalo ang aking numinipis na pasensya. "Ganoon naman talaga ang ginagawa ko noon pa, ah! Gusto mo rin naman 'yon! I'm helping you out here, like what I always do!"

"But she's different, Ivory!" I couldn't help but raise my voice which struck her. "I don't want her to be pushed away from me..."

Ilang sandali pang nanatiling tahimik si Ivory. I saw tears started to form inside her eyes as it turned bloodshot. It pained me to see those tears because she's a very dear friend to me.

Sa kabila ng kanyang pagluha ay bahagya siyang natawa. "So, totoo pala talaga iyong kumakalat na gusto mo nga siya?" she said bitterly. "Is that it, Jirro? Do you really like her?"

A nod naturally came out of me. I looked straight into Ivory's eyes. "I like her," I confirmed. "I like her a lot."

Napaawang ang kanyang mga labi. Her eyes pooled with tears pierced through me. "I hate you, Jirro," she said before walking out.

I watched her walked away until she went inside our house and disappeared from my sight.

We've been friends since we were kids. We grew up together just like siblings that I could even say we're closer than how I am with my older sister. And that's why I could understand why she was possessive of me. I was with her since day one. She was still dependent on me, thinking that she wouldn't be able to go through a day without me.

That time, I wanted her to sort out her feelings. I believe that the feelings she has for me are familial. Alam kong tama ang aking desisyon na aminin sa kanya ang nararamdaman ko kay Cloe. That was the only way she could untie herself from me and live on her own. And besides, I was also confident that Brad would always be there for her. I have nothing to worry about.

Ang tanging inaalala ko lang noon ay kung paano ko mapapasagot si Cloe. I knew I shouldn't rush. My father told me to be patient when it comes to courting the girl I'm very serious about, but I couldn't keep myself away from her. I showed how serious I am with her through actions. I was lucky that she didn't make it hard for me, though.

Tuwing inaalala ko kung paano kami naging opisyal ay hindi ko maiwasan ang hindi mapangiti. It was unusual. Not very ideal. A casual but genuine way to make our relationship official―and that's one of the most memorable nights in my life.

We often got into petty fights, minor disputes, and small misunderstandings, just like any other couples out there. We didn't have a steady relationship, but it's perfect for me. It's like an indication that what we have is real.

However, I seemed to overlook an aspect in our relationship. I was confident that we could overcome any challenge which we would meet along our journey. I got too complacent that I would be able to keep her beside me all the time.

"Gusto kong makipaghiwalay, Jirro..."

Para akong nabingi sa aking nadinig. It was like my heart stopped for a moment. I pursed my lips as I hitched a breath. The corners of my eyes heated up when it started collecting tears.

She's just joking, right?

"Mas makakabuti 'yon para sa ating dalawa lalo na't magkahiwalay tayo―"

"That's bullshit, Cloe!" I couldn't keep my silence anymore. I wanted to stop her from thinking about making these ridiculous decisions such as breaking up with me. "Well, maybe, it would for you. But I knew it wouldn't fucking do me any good."

I love staring at her eyes because that's where I could find all her truths. Contrarily, at that point, I hated it so much that I couldn't bring myself to look straight. I saw how much she was struggling. I saw her hurting, but I just couldn't ease her pain. Alam kong ako ang nagpapahirap sa kanya. Ako ang dahilan kung bakit siya nasasaktan.

"Jirro, please..." Her pleading voice tore my heart apart. She was begging me to let go of her. It hurt me how desperate she sounded. Ganoon niya ba talaga kagusto makipaghiwalay sa akin?

Is that really what you want me to do, Cloe? Do you really want me to let go of you? Will that make you happy? Kapag ginawa ko ba 'yon ay hindi ka na masasaktan?

"Did you even think of how I would feel about this, Cloe?" I braved myself to ask her the question I caged inside my heart. "Did you ever think about considering my opinion when it comes to our relationship?"

Because if that would make you happy, then what about me?

"Cloe, puwede bang kahit ngayon l-lang..." Bahagya akong natigil nang mayroong bumara sa aking lalamunan. Trying to hold back my tears was preventing me from speaking clearly. "Kahit ngayon lang, hayaan mo namang ako ang magdesisyon sa ating dalawa."

Kaya naman nang dinala ko ang kanyang kamay sa aking labi upang halikan, hindi ko na napigilan ang aking luha sa pagbagsak. And the moment she pulled her hand from my hold, my tears stopped abruptly. I was dumbfounded as I stared at her in shock.

"I'm going to give this back to you," Cloe didn't hesitate at all even when I did my best to try and persuade her. Sinubukan niyang ibalik sa akin ang camera na ibinigay ko sa kanya.

Without bothering myself to take it from her, I just stared at it. It was like she was returning my feelings. Pakiramdam ko ay kapag tinanggap ko 'yon ay tinatanggap ko na ring wala na kaming dalawa. I didn't want that. I was hurt, angry, and feeling betrayed, but I still didn't want to break up.

"I'm really sorry, Jirro..." she apologized because she couldn't stay by my side any longer. "I love you but―"

Those three words automatically pushed out a chuckle without humor from me. "You love me? Don't make me laugh, Cloe."

Hindi ko maintindihan. Kung mahal niya ako ay bakit napakadali sa kanyang iwan ako? Bakit kayang-kaya niyang makipaghiwalay sa akin? Bakit hindi niya ako kayang pagbigyan?

I knew she had problems with her family. But I was willing to go through it with her. I wanted her to share me her pain and burden. I wanted her to realize that it's okay to rely on me, instead of taking everything alone.

Having her in my life completes me. It's like I can go through any tunnel because I know she's right by my side, glowing until we passed through that dark and underground path. I rely too much on her to gain more strength and courage. I work hard for a future that she deserves to have.

I wanted her to do the same. I wanted her to turn and lean on me, too. I wanted her to see me as a person who could give her the strength that she needs and push her to keep going―but Cloe couldn't see that at all.

"I'm really a fool. Why did I even try to make you stay?" I whispered to myself. "I should've known better that my words would never mean a thing to you. I should've reminded myself that I don't matter. That's why you can easily throw me away, right?"

She shook her head. I knew she wasn't lying, but it just got me feeling more frustrated. I still couldn't understand. Hindi ko alam kung ano ba talaga ang gusto niyang mangyari sa aming dalawa.

"I don't want that back. I don't want anything from you." I will never take it back from you. I will never take my feelings back. "You can do whatever you want, Cloe. If you want to leave, then leave. I don't care anymore. I won't care anymore."

Before I completely exploded, I turned my back on her and walked away.

I thought it was just one of our disagreements and arguments. I thought we could talk again once we both thought things through, and we weren't driven by our intense emotions. But in the end, I regretted everything because the chance I had been holding on to was just an illusion. The moment I walked away that night, I already lost it.

Kaya nga lang ay alam ko sa sarili kong kailangan kong umalis noon. I didn't want to hurt her more. Nagawa ko na siyang saktan nang hindi ko mapigilan ang aking sarili na sabihin ang aking hinanakit. My emotions and feelings were all over the place. I couldn't collect myself even if I tried to. I was ruled by pain and the feeling that I was being treated unfairly.

Before I met her that night, I was over the moon because of the offer we received from a well-known recording company. I wanted to share the happiness with her. But when she brought up about moving to a faraway place and breaking up with me, it was like I fell from the moon down to the earth―that was how broken I was.

I tried to get over it and focus on music and New Classic. I successfully deceived myself. I was so busy that I didn't have time to think about other things. I thought when we became the top OPM band and received acknowledgements globally, I already achieved my dream. But when I saw her again, my heart wrenched painfully, telling me that I missed someone; that my dreams weren't fulfilled yet; that the puzzle I had been building was missing a piece―and that piece is her.

I still got her all over me, and I'm so thankful that the Heavens gave me another chance to be a part of her life. I'm happy that it's not yet the end for the both of us; that we're not really over.

"Miss na miss kita... Alam mo ba 'yon?" Her voice was husky, trying hard to keep herself awake, even when she was drunk and sleepy.

Napaawang ang aking mga labi. Just like before, her eyes told me that she was telling the truth. Hindi niya lang 'yon sinasabi dahil lasing siya, kung hindi dahil iyon ang totoo.

"Walang araw na hindi kita namiss habang nasa Talavera ako." Tears started to form in her eyes as she confessed her feelings. "If only I could stay without abandoning my family, I would... If only I could let you come with us without being selfish and rub you off your dream, I would."

Kinagat ko ang aking ibabang labi. Hinawakan niya ang aking kamay nang sobrang higpit. It was like she was pleading me to see her reasons.

"Pero hindi ko kaya, Jirro..." she cried. "I'm sorry because I had to sacrifice you... us."

When I felt that my feelings were getting out of control, I exhaled heavily and renewed the way our hands were intertwined.

"Rest now... You don't have to say more," I comforted her. "Let's talk once you're sober, okay?"

Mukhang agad niya naman akong sinunod. Medyo pumipikit-pikit na ang kanyang mga mata. "Will you stay here with me tonight?"

"I will not leave you. Don't worry."

She smiled as she finally closed her eyes to sleep. "Thank you... Good night."

"Good night..."

Nanatili ako sa kanyang tabi. I watched her drifted to sleep when another drop of tear rolled down her cheek. Mabilis ko iyong pinunasan gamit ang aking kamay na hindi niya hawak-hawak.

"Don't cry anymore..." sabi ko sa kanya kahit na alam kong hindi niya na ako naririnig. "I understand now... It's okay... I love you..."

Alam ko na 'yon... Naiintindihan ko na kung bakit niya ako kailangang iwan. I was just really blinded by pain back then. But for her, I want to be a better man this time.

"I still love you..." ulit ko habang nakatingin sa kanya na mapayapang natutulog.

I didn't know if she heard me, but I saw the corners of her lips rose slightly when I admitted my feelings. Napangiti ako nang dahil doon bago dahan-dahang humiga sa kanyang tabi. Agad siyang sumiksik sa aking katawan. Ang kanyang ulo ay umunan sa aking braso. Mas lalong lumapad ang aking ngiti. I placed her arm over my body and kissed the top of her head.

I promised myself that I would never let her slip away from my hold again. That's why I did my best to be more understanding. And even though I didn't want to send her back to Talavera, I gave her all my trust. I didn't want to lose her again by chaining myself to her. I learned my lessons the hard way. And so, I forced myself to believe her when she told me that it was for her father.

That was why I felt slightly disappointed and hurt when Mr. Joel opened up about his talk with Cloe. She did a great job hiding the truth from me. I knew she made those decisions because she cared for me. Ngunit pakiramdam ko ay hindi siya nagtitiwala sa akin na kaya ko.

"Hindi ninyo na po dapat kinausap si Cloe tungkol dito." Pinilipit ko ang sariling huwag pairalin ang iritasyon habang kausap si Mr. Joel. "Sa akin ninyo na lang po dapat idinirekta."

"At alam ko ring walang mangyayari kapag ikaw lang ang kinausap ko, Jirro," agad niyang balik sa akin. "Kilala kita. Parehas kayong mag-isip ni Isaiah," dahilan niya. "I have to do my job. Pero dahil mukhang wala na ngang makakapigil sa inyong dalawa, bahala na. Sige na. Kayo na ang bahala."

Problemadong-problemado si Mr. Joel at halatang suko na sa amin. Hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili na bahagyang matawa. Panandalian nga lang 'yon nang maisip kong kailangan ko nang maghanda dahil susundan ko si Cloe sa Talavera. Hindi ko na kayang hintayin pa na siya mismo ang magdesisyong bumalik dito. Ako na mismo ang pupunta sa kanya.

While holding a bouquet of flowers, I ignored the guests who were taking pictures of me. My eyes were fixed directly on the woman enjoying taking pictures with some of her batchmates. She's pretty popular in CSB, not because she's known as my fiancée but because of her talent.

The film that she and her groupmates submitted for their thesis even made it to Cinemalaya. They got a lot of high ratings and positive reviews from the public. As the head director, she even got offers from top production companies and film distributors in the country.

I'm happy that everything's going as planned. I'm proud that more people recognized the talent she has. My heart just melts every time I see her smile because she's finally reached her dreams.

Matapos magpapicture sa mga kaibigan, sa wakas ay nahagip na rin ako ng kanyang mga mata. Her smile reached up to her eyes. She excitedly jogged on her way to me, forgetting she was wearing heels.

Still being clumsy sometimes, she almost tripped from that excitement. Luckily I already predicted the consequence of her careless actions. I approached her in the middle and caught her, saving her from falling on the ground.

"Careful..." I chuckled as I tightened my grip since I was only holding her using one arm. Iniwasan kong masira ang bouquet kaya inilayo ko iyon sa aming dalawa gamit ang aking isang kamay.

She smiled at me sheepishly. "I did it," she said, and then suddenly, she pulled herself up to give me a big embrace that I wasn't expecting. "I finally graduated, Jirro."

A genuine smile flashed on face. "Yes, you did..." I said softly. "And I'm so proud of you. Congratulations."

Lumayo siya sa akin matapos ang aming pagyakap upang maharap ako nang maayos. Iniabot ko ang bulaklak na hinanda ko para sa kanya. She checked the flowers and even read the simple note attached on it.

"I hope you didn't forget your promise, though," I refreshed her memory about the promise we made two years ago.

When she looked up at me again, her eyes twinkled as she laughed and showed me her engagement ring. "Paano ko makakalimutan kung lagi ko 'tong suot?"

I grinned and shrugged my shoulders. "I'm just making sure."

She took a step forward to get even closer. She grew bold interacting with me even when we were surrounded by other people. Gaya ko ay wala na rin siyang pakialam sa mga taong nanonood sa aming dalawa.

"Handa na akong pakasalan ka, Jirro..." she sincerely said.

Trying to hide the overflowing happiness I was feeling inside, I just smirked and held her free hand. "Kahit sabihin kong bukas na agad?"

She laughed and lightly hit me on my chest using her bouquet and diploma. "Huwag naman ganoon kabilis! I want to do a prenup video with you. I want to direct it, too!"

Hindi ko na napigilan ang sariling hindi ipakita kung gaano ako kasaya. "I'm just joking," I told her and smiled wider. Pakiramdam ko ay mapupunit na ang aking labi sa pagngiti. "But aside from a prenuptial video, I also want our wedding to be filmed so we need to prepare for a grand one."

It was obvious that she liked the idea. She immediately nodded and enumerated the ideas inside her head. She completely forgot that we were still inside the hall while talking about something she's passionate of.

It reminded me of the time I fell in love with her. She was also talking about how much she loves filmmaking.

"Babe, calm down..." Natawa na ako dahil sa ipinapakita niyang excitement. "Your parents are still waiting for us." I pointed her parents waiting upstairs using my head.

Nilingon niya iyon agad at natawa sa sarili.

"And the band is also waiting for us at the lounge," dagdag ko dahil doon naisip ni Cloe na i-celebrate ang kanyang graduation kasama ang banda, pagkatapos naming kumain sa labas kasama ang kanyang mga magulang.

Her eyes lit up more. "Oo nga pala!" she exclaimed. "Did Sic bring his girlfriend, too?"

Tumango ako. Medyo nahirapan nga lang si Sic na imbitahan dahil madalas ay hindi sumusunod sa kanya.

"Tara na!" she excitedly pulled me to her parents.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit gustong-gusto niyang makilala ang girlfriend ni Sic. She's already established a great friendship with the other girls but she looked more excited to meet Sic's girl that she wouldn't slow down.

"Be careful," I reminded her again, feeling a bit worried. "You might trip again."

Cloe just turned to me with a reassuring smile on her face and secured our intertwined hands even more. "I won't trip," she confidently said. "I know you're there to catch me right away."

Her confidence brought a smile to my face. It melted all my worries.

She's right, though. I will always be there for her. We will never be over.