*1st week of October*

josh asked as he took a bite of the egg sandwich that he ordered. we're currently chilling by the grandstand as i wait for my next class to start.

i shook my head.

josh crossed his arms. and i nodded enthusiastically.

oh, shit. here we go.

fortunately, josh just nodded and stopped asking questions. hindi pa yata ako ready na sabihin sa kanila.

after a few more minutes, my next class is about to start so i bid goodbye to my friend and went back to my building. i saw the faculty from afar and realized that i am only a few meters away. i mentally cursed myself, hoping he's not here and i won't see him.

unfortunately, destiny's not on my side today as the door swung open, revealing my person who i haven't talked to, in a while. stell.

we still do talk but only for academic stuff because i always avoid talking to him about any other things. he also stopped driving for me or visiting me in the cafe as i told him to. i'm glad he respects my personal space and my decisions, even if he doesn't understand why. it's been a month and everything's been really hard for me, and i know for him as well.

he stopped in his tracks when he saw me and i saw a glimpse of happiness in his eyes. i'm sorry, stell. i continued walking as if i didn't see him but before i could walk past him, he held my arm, stopping me.

he softly said.

i faced him. his eyes were pleading.

i saw how his face dropped as he held my hand instead.

i tried to pull my hand away but he only tightened his hold, slightly annoying me.

like always.....

ang hirap naman tumanggi sa'yo...

i sighed. maybe i can't run away from this just like that. maybe we really have to talk.

that's the last thing i said before he finally let me go and i walked briskly to my next class with a heavy heart in hand.