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Tapos na ang graduation. Their families gave them a chance to bond and talk about what they needed to let out. It was just them, the three of them, again.
Achilles explained to Shan and Yuan the reason he left. Everything, with all honesty.
“I didn't want to go because I knew it would hurt the two of you, but I had no choice. Alam niyo naman na matagal na akong niyayaya ni Mama, 'diba?”
The two nodded. Noon palang naman talaga, kinukuha na si Aki ng mama niya sa states pero ayaw nito sumama dahil sakanila. Noon palang, nilaban niya sa mama niya na may maiiwan siya.
“But when she came back, inayos na pala niya lahat ng papers ko. And I was so devastated that day too. I kept thinking that it would be best to just go with her. Dahil paano pa ako haharap sa'yo—sainyo?” He looks at Yuan first, and then Shan.
“I know I ran away. It was selfish, indeed. I thought it was what I needed. But, it wasn't. Hindi kayo nawala sa isip ko. I tried hard to distract myself by studying—but it didn't work out well.”
It was right there and then that they knew that it wasn't just hard for them, but it was also hell for Aki.
And again, the trio promised to be one. Just like before, like the old times.
Yes. Conflicts can be easily resolved through communication, but they knew they had wounds to heal overtime.
Shan bid his goodbye and went inside his apartment, he was the first to reach home.
So, it was Aki and Yuan left.
They weren't able to talk about them earlier because none tried to start. Shan knew this. Because just like what Mako had said, he was just there to guide them—not solve their own issues.
They walked home. Both are quiet.
But it was not awkward. It was a comfortable silence that they always used to share.
'Til they reached Yuan's home.
He turns to Aki and smiles, “I'm glad you went back. I'm really... really glad that you're here, with us.”
Achilles smiles back. “Still, I apologize. I apologize that it had to be months—or maybe—almost a year before I come.”
“Okay lang. Hindi naman madali eh. Lahat tayo nahirapan, lahat tayo may sariling tanong na hindi nasagot. Don't invalidate yourself, Aki.” Yuan responds.
“Ikaw rin—at—uh, I just want you to know that you can stop blaming yourself now. You've been a good friend, Yuan.”
Yuan flashes a quick but faint smile, again. It was definitely something he needed, those words.
He was about to respond but Aki spoke again.
“You... You didn't deserve to love me in secret. I know it was so hard for you to endure, all alone. Though, I understand why you had to hide it.”
Yuan clutches the hem of his shirt.
It's time. It's time for the closure he needs.
“But, I wish you didn't.” Aki continues. “I wish you didn't hide it and told me. Because.. hindi lang mga tanong mo ang masasagot, kundi 'yung mga pansarili ko rin.”
A confession.
“Maybe I wouldn't have realized it late if we only uttered the words we've been meaning to say.”
That's the answer.
“But still, I'm sorry if I wasn't able to see you the way you saw me. I'm sorry that I looked away in times that you stared at me, all lovingly. God—when I look back, I feel foolish.” He chuckles feebly.
Yuan was there again, his tears slowly rolling on his cheeks.
He felt the same.
But when he did, it was too late.
“Thank you for choosing our friendship, though. Because after awhile, I understood what life wanted to teach me, us two.” Aki extends his hand to wipe Yuan's tears. “I don't deserve you, someone else does.”
Yuan breaks down and could only mutter one word—his name. He embraces Aki and the latter did, too.
Painful, but it's what they had to hear after years of lying to themselves.
“Migo—I think, he deserves you.”
In between his sobs, Yuan manages to say, “Thank you... Thank you, Chi.”
Was it worth it?