Tahimik lang akong nakaupo sa bench. It was almost 6 PM. Pinanood kong magpahinga at umalis ang mga tao. I don't know but... if feels very calming.

I looked up from staring at the ground when a paired of Nike shoes stopped in front of me.

“Hi,” Archi greeted as he sat beside me.

I smiled as our eyes met. His smile fell as he scan my whole face. Maybe he noticed my swollen eyes or the exhaustion on my face.

“What happened? Did you cry?” he muttered as he held my face.

“Dumating ka,” I almost whispered.

“Of course.” The corner of his lips lifted up. “You asked me to pick you up, so here I am.”

Silence enveloped us. Nagtitigan lang kaming dalawa at walang sumubok na magsalita. Kita ko sa mga mata niya ang kagustuhang magtanong ngunit pinipigilan niya ang kanyang sarili.

I couldn't help but bit my lower lip when I realized that he wanted me to willingly open up to him about what happened today. Not because he wants me to or because I'm forced to, but because I'm comfortable enough to be honest with him.

I averted my gaze from him. Siguro oras na din para pag-usapan namin ang tungkol kay Harvey. Not that it matters to our current relationship, as we are friends, but because he deserves to know that part of me.

I took in a deep sigh before I started speaking...

“Three months ago, I got out of a toxic relationship...” I started. Nakita ko sa gilid ng mga mata ko ang paglingon niya sa akin ngunit nanatili akong nakatingin sa harapan. Nag-aagaw ang liwanag at dilim sa langit.

“We started dating when were freshman. Madalas kaming magkita noon sa mga social gatherings even before that. Lalo na at nasa fashion industry ang family niya at ang stepmom ko. Before I thought that was destiny, you know.” I bowed my head as I started playing with my hands. “Dahil madalas magtagpo ang landas namin noon, I thought we were meant to be together. Before, I thought that he was just protecting me when he forbids me to wear clothes that are too revealing, or doesn't allow me to hangout with my guy friends alone. His parents and my family was also okay with our relationship. Walang tumutol, so I thought, wow, we're so perfect.” 

“So, imagine how my world collapsed when I caught him cheating.” I bitterly chuckled. Damn, that memory still hurts. “I forgive him the first time, because I thought he didn't really mean it and that he was just drunk. He was just a sweet talker kaya for the second time, pinatawad ko ulit siya. Hindi ko alam kung ilang beses kong balak magpakatanga kasi for the third time, pinatawad ko na naman siya.” My gaze clouded with tears.

“I caught him cheating with my own eyes. Hindi isa kung hindi tatlong beses, and yet, I let him gaslighted me. Hinayaan ko siyang paniwalain ako na hindi niya yun sinasadya. Kung hindi pa siya kinompronta nina Domino at nakipag-away, baka hindi pa din ako nagigising sa katotohan. Baka hanggang ngayon kinukuwesyon ko pa din yung sarili ko na baka ako ang mali.” I turned my head and saw Archi intently looking at me. I couldn't read his face, but I could see how the muscle in his jaw twitched.

“I was young and dumb, I was prone to do stupid things when it comes to love. But I didn't know that I'll come that far. I'm so fucking stupid.” I swallowed a sob that rose in my throat.

“You're not stupid, Kyedae. You just gave your heart to the wrong person.” He muttered as he gather me into his arms, he held me snugly. “Anyone who's in love will do the same. Because true love forgives, as much as it should be honest.” 

A hot tear rolled down my eyes as I buried my face in his shoulder. I was astonished at the sense of fulfillment I felt. When I'm with him, everything feels okay.