The next pictures were from our junior and senior prom. All of us were glam up during our prom but I could still see the differences of how we looked like back then and now. Even with make-up on, some of us still had baby faces.

A picture of me and Vino showed up, our arms linked together. We looked more comfortable in it compared to our earlier shot with Jeff before the party started. It was followed by more pictures from our prom but I noticed Jeff had included more photos from our junior year prom than in senior year.

The last part of the presentation was a collection of our graduation pictures. There was a shot during the procession and I also spotted our group photo, with all seven of us wearing our red togas, among the bunch of groupies. It also showed a few photos were the teachers and students were emotional during the graduation song.

Everyone was mostly silent during the entire presentation with only occasional cheers and laughter. Maybe we were all just savoring the moment captured through the lenses, mostly Jeff's.

When the presentation ended, we all stood up and applauded Jeff. I looked around and there were a few who were dabbing their eyes. Bianca and I giggled as we locked eyes. She was also teary-eyed.

"I have no idea Jeff can ever make me cry," she laughed as she wiped the corner of her eyes.

I smiled and took one last glance at the screen before it turned empty.

"I knew Jeff was going to make an excellent presentation but he still exceeded my expectations," I commented.

"Wow... just wow," Lily's voice boomed from the sound system. "If that didn't make you miss our high school days, I don't know what will."

"That was so good," Brian commented. "Let's give another round of applause for Jeff. You did great, man."

"Always exceeding our expectations."

"Indeed. And now, it's time for another intermission number."

Brian called The Band on stage. The boys of the band took their spots on the stage but Lily remained on the sideline as she gave way for the three to serenade us.

"Kane, can you come with me to the restroom?" Bianca asked.

"Sure," I answered, and we both got up and walked to the restroom.

When Bianca entered one of the stalls, two of our classmates entered the restroom.

I opened the faucet to wash my hands.

"Hi Kane," one of them greeted me as the other went into the vacant stall. "I loved your speech."

"Thanks," I answered, feeling a little bit weird with her enthusiasm because we weren't close in high school.

"By the way, how are you and Vino? Aren't things awkward or weird?"

"What do you mean?" I asked as I looked at her reflection in the mirror.

"You know... are you still friends? Or are you just civil towards each other?"

"What?" I asked, confused.

She chuckled. "Because of what happened in our senior year."

I furrowed my eyebrows. I didn't like where our conversation was going.

***

6 years ago

It had been a normal busy day at school but something was off. I hadn't notice it right away because I was preoccupied by the load of school works that I had to get done for the day but Vino was unusually silent. I had no idea why he seemed distant and cold to me.

Miguel sat beside me as Vino had been sitting a few chairs away from mine.

"What's going on? Did you two argue?" Miguel whispered.

I took another glance at Vino and he was busying himself with his calculus textbook, thumbing the corner pages of the book as he read.

"I don't know. We haven't even spoken since recess."

"What? That's strange," he muttered. "He left as soon as he finished his sandwich. He even bought you your favorite lychee juice because he knows you're stressed out."

"But he didn't return to our room. I only saw him in the science lab, and we weren't able to talk."

Miguel glanced at Vino, now baffled about what had happened.

Jeff and Brian entered the classroom and the latter immediately noticed something was going on.

"What is wrong, love birds?" Brian asked.

But Vino didn't mind him, so I just shrugged.

"You okay, bro?" Brian asked Vino, but still got no response.

After our class, the bell rang as a reminder it was already time for lunch. Everyone cleared their desks and packed their things in their bag. I hurried packing my things because I wanted to talk to Vino. As soon as I sling my bag on my shoulder, I turned around to see the empty chair where Vino had sat. I looked at Jeff and he pointed to the direction the door.

I sprinted out the room so I could catch Vino. I wasn't used to him acting this way. Sure, he had some problems managing his anger but he was never angry at me. I reached the landing of the stairs and saw him entering the men's restroom so I sat and waited for him at the foot of the stairs.

Students were walking past me and I realized I was blocking their way so I entered the ladies' restroom. When there were no longer voices and footsteps outside, I leaned against the wall and patiently waited for Vino to get out the restroom.

Finally, I heard footsteps.

I slowly walked out of the restroom and saw Vino climbing the stairs.

"Vino."

He stopped in his tracks and I noticed his grip on the railing of the stairs. His knuckles turned white before he released it. He turned his head to look at me.

"Yes?" he asked in flat tone.

"What is going on with you?"

I walked up to reach him.

"What do you mean? I'm fine."

I tilted my head and gauged the situation. I wasn't cut for this kind of situation. I noticed his jaw tightened and he took a deep breath.

"You don't look fine."

"Why do you care?"

"Excuse me?" I scoffed in disbelief of how he was talking to me.

"I'm sorry," he muttered. "I'm just not feeling well."

I took two more steps up the stairs and reached for his forehead, and he was cold.

He backed away and tilted his head away from me.

"I didn't mean I'm sick, alright?"

"What is wrong with you?" I asked. I was concerned about him but I was also growing impatient.

"I'm just not in the mood," he answered, looking away from me. "Can you just leave me alone?"

I was stunned for a few seconds and he didn't wait for a response. He turned his back to me and started walking again but I followed him until we reached our classroom's door.

He stared at the door before turning around to face me.

"I'm not in the mood to talk to you right now." He sighed. "Or to anyone really."

"But Vino... I just—"

"Just leave," he muttered.

"I just want to know—"

He took a sharp deep breath with his eyes closed, and when he finally opened them, I could swear he glared at me for a second.

"Why don't you just do what you're told?"

I furrowed my eyebrows and opened my mouth to speak. But my pulse was racing and I couldn't think of anything to say.

"I need some time alone, Kane. Is that so hard to understand?"

I watched him as he heaved breaths. He ran his palms on his face and sighed. "I'm sorry, please just leave."

Then he turned around and walked into the room, leaving me speechless and dumbfounded outside.

***

Days went by and Vino finally started acting more like his usual self again. He was no longer irritable and I could see him smiling and goofing around with the boys. But there was still something strange. I felt like he was only faking it. I tried talking to him about what happened but he never told me the reason so I gave up on asking. Instead, he just apologized to me and said he wouldn't snap on me again.

"Okay, get one and pass the papers to the person beside you," Ms. Ocampo instructed.

Vino quickly took one from the top of the pile after Brian handed it to him. Then he placed the papers on my desk.

"Don't forget to write your name, year, and section," Ms. Ocampo reminded.

I took one and passed the remaining papers to Lily.

"Hey, good luck," I whispered to Vino.

He was already writing his surname and stopped midway to give me a quick glance. He mumbled, "Thanks, you too."

He had started sitting beside me again but his behavior was still puzzling me. He no longer ruffled my hair or checked on me how my review went or talked to me the way he used to.

I wasn't sure if I was just too clingy and ended up over thinking his every action, but I couldn't help it. It seemed like something was still off. He was different and I missed him.

I didn't know it was possible to miss a person even if he was right beside you.