Work Text:
Jayce’s POV
I was walking through the mall, on my way to buy a shirt, when a little girl caught my attention. She was sitting on the floor, crying her heart out, pointing at a giant teddy bear. The bear was easily twice her size, and I understood why her mother wouldn’t buy it for her. But she wasn’t giving up—she wanted that bear, even if it meant throwing herself on the floor and crying until she got it.
I couldn’t help but smile, not because of the girl’s tantrum (though I did feel sorry for her) and, definitely not because of the mother’s situation (I pitied her even more). No, it was because that huge teddy bear reminded me of something—someone. It looked just like the bear I once gave to Melanie Villaceran, the woman I thought I’d be with forever.
I laughed at the memory of that day, the day I found myself crying, throwing things, and punching walls until the teddy bear fell from the cabinet where it had been kept. I pulled that heavy thing close and hugged it like my life depended on it. Feeling its softness, I gave in, realizing how my heart had turned to mush. I needed that big, soft, cuddly bear, and in that moment, it felt like it was hugging me back, which only made me cry even more.
Damn, thinking about it now gives me chills. As I left the mall, trying to suppress a laugh, I couldn’t help but chuckle at myself.
—-
Third Person’s POV
Jason Collins, known in the gaming world as Jayce, is a young gamer and entrepreneur. In addition to competing in various esports tournaments with his team, he’s also developed his own games. This not only made him popular but also incredibly wealthy—filthy rich, even. But behind the smile he wears is a man with a broken heart. His girlfriend of eight years, and the muse for many of his game characters, left him to be with another man. No one knew as he’s kept it a secret from his teammates while they prepare for their upcoming match. To him, admitting it aloud would make it real, and deep down, he’s still clinging to the hope that Melanie will return. Without hesitation or doubt, he would welcome her back with open arms.
Jayce’s best friend, Justice Torres, watches him closely, sensing something is off. Though Jayce has his game face on, it’s clear he’s not truly happy. Justice, who has been best friends with Jayce since birth (thanks to their mothers being best friends), knows him inside and out—so well, in fact, that he can tell when Jayce has farted without even smelling it. Concerned but not wanting to disrupt their pre-game routine, Justice makes a mental note to ask Jayce about it later. He’s not worried about losing the game, though; he knows that no matter what’s going on, Jayce will give 100%. For now, he pushes his concerns aside to focus on winning.
Known as Ice to his friends, Justice is not only the team’s manager but also Jayce’s business partner. He handles the financial side of their ventures while Jayce takes charge of game development. During the match, Ice notices Jayce slacking at times, which confuses him. He moves behind Jayce, giving him occasional taps on the shoulder to refocus him. This only confirms that something is indeed wrong with his friend. As the game progresses, Jayce returns to his usual form, and as expected, they win!
After exchanging high-fives with his teammates, Jayce approaches Ice and lifts him into a bear hug, holding him longer than usual. Ice is taken aback—it’s the longest hug Jayce has ever given him. Normally, after putting him down, Jayce would rush to his muse, Melanie. But this time, she’s nowhere to be seen. Ice glances at Jayce and then scans the crowd, but no answers come. Not wanting to dampen the celebratory mood, Ice decides to wait until Jayce is ready to talk. They continue enjoying their victory until they’re called to the center stage to accept their grand prize as the tournament champions.
—-
To celebrate their win, the team decided to head to a restobar for food and drinks. Jayce declined, citing a massive headache, something the team was used to by now. They understood and went without him and Ice (who would never go anywhere without Jayce), deciding to celebrate with them another day.
Though Ice had been wanting to ask Jayce about Melanie’s unusual absence—something that had never happened since they started dating—he waited until they were alone. As they walked through the parking lot, Ice placed a hand on his best friend’s shoulder and gave him a concerned look. Jayce offered a half-hearted smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes, and quickly looked away. Ice kept his arm around Jayce as they walked together to his car. Jayce was puzzled when Ice asked for his keys, knowing Ice had his own car. Ice explained that he wanted to make sure Jayce got home safely, especially with a bad headache, and that driving in such a state wasn’t a good idea. Realizing Ice wouldn’t let him drive, Jayce handed over the keys. He knew deep down that Ice’s insistence wasn’t just about the headache—Ice knew something was wrong.
The drive was silent, with Jayce reclining his seat as soon as he got in. Ice understood that his best friend needed the quiet, so he kept his focus on driving. He wanted to be fully present when Jayce was ready to talk, so he didn’t push him. Ice was content to hear Jayce snoring softly—at least he was getting some rest, which had been rare lately. The dark circles under Jayce’s eyes suggested he hadn’t slept much at all. When they arrived at their destination, Ice gently woke him up. Jayce blinked in confusion, momentarily forgetting why Ice was driving his car, but quickly remembered as they reached his building. It hit him—home, or was it still home?
Jayce hurried to adjust his seat and stepped out of the car, realizing he hadn’t intended for Ice to come up to his place. Not tonight, not with the state it was in. He rushed after Ice, who was already heading to the elevator, trying to convince him to go somewhere else. But Ice wasn’t having it. When Jayce insisted they shouldn’t go to his penthouse, Ice refused to budge until he knew why. Resigned, Jayce gave up, knowing there was no hiding the mess inside. As long as Ice didn’t enter his bedroom, Jayce thought, he wouldn’t see the worst of it.
However, Jayce forgot that the excuse he gave Ice for staying in was his headache, and when Melanie wasn’t around, Ice always switched to big brother mode, taking care of him. Part of that routine involved preparing a bath for Jayce. Without hesitation, Ice headed straight for Jayce’s room to draw the bath, but what he found left him stunned. The room was in complete disarray—a level of chaos that didn’t match Jayce’s usual need for order. It looked like a disaster zone.
The most jarring sight was the giant teddy bear sprawled on the floor. Ice vividly remembered the struggle they went through to sneak that massive bear into the penthouse without Melanie finding out. It had been Jayce’s gift to her on their 7th anniversary, the day he proposed. Ice picked up the bear, holding it close as a wave of melancholy hit him. His thoughts were interrupted when Jayce suddenly yanked the bear out of his arms, his eyes burning with anger. Though confused, Ice knew Jayce’s fury wasn’t directed at him.
He gave Jayce the space he needed, but his heart broke as he watched his best friend collapse to the floor, cradled by the very bear that had been meant to bring joy. Jayce clutched the bear tightly, sobbing uncontrollably. When Ice placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, he heard Jayce scream into the bear, the sound muffled but filled with pain. Something was very wrong, and it clearly had everything to do with Melanie.
Ice began walking around the room, trying to make himself useful by tidying up the mess. He noticed Melanie’s clothes scattered everywhere—some torn, as if in a fit of rage. As he quietly picked up the pieces of Jayce’s broken world, tears welled up in his own eyes. All the while, he could hear his best friend’s heart-wrenching cries filling the room.
Although he was trying to focus on cleaning up the mess in the room, Ice couldn’t help but glance at Jayce. He continued tidying up until he heard the soft sound of Jayce snoring. His best friend had fallen asleep on top of the giant teddy bear, tears still wet on his cheeks. Ice didn’t want to disturb him, fearing that waking him would interrupt his much-needed rest.
Feeling exhausted himself, Ice decided to head to the other room where he usually slept during his visits. He knew he needed to be well-rested for whatever Jayce was going to share about what had happened with Melanie. As he settled down, he made a mental note to be ready for a conversation that would likely be difficult for both of them.
—-
Jayce’s POV
I woke up to the smell of food and the rumbling of my stomach. As I stirred, I realized I had fallen asleep hugging the giant teddy bear. Glancing around, I noticed that some of the things I had thrown around the room yesterday were now neatly piled to the side. I knew it was Ice who had done that, and I had no doubt he was the one cooking right now. He had probably turned off the kitchen's exhaust fan on purpose, letting the aroma drift into my room—his subtle way of “not wanting to wake me up.”
As I tried to stand, a dull pounding filled my head. Odd, I didn’t remember drinking last night. Could this be from crying myself to sleep? Does that leave you feeling like you have a hangover? I dragged myself to the bathroom and took a shower. I was still in yesterday’s clothes, and it didn’t feel good at all.
—--
Ice’s POV
I waited patiently for Jayce to come down so we could eat. I even turned off the exhaust fan to let the smell of food waft into his room, but he seemed to be in a deep sleep. Just as I was about to go upstairs and wake him, I heard him coming down. He had showered and changed out of his street clothes, but when I looked into his eyes, they still seemed hollow, like he hadn’t slept at all. He came over, gave me a side hug, and went straight to eating. I was hoping he’d start talking while we ate, but he kept his head down the entire time. I decided to wait, not wanting to push him. He deserved to eat in peace, and by how he was wolfing down his food, I could tell he hadn’t just missed dinner last night.
After finishing his meal, Jayce asked if I was done too. When I nodded, he took our plates to the sink and washed them. Once he was finished, I didn’t give him a chance to avoid the conversation. I sat him down in the living room and told him he could tell me everything—I was ready to listen. To lighten the mood, I jokingly handed him a box of tissues, which ended up being very useful during the entire conversation.
—--
Jayce’s POV
This is it. There’s no turning back now. I have to tell Ice what happened between me and Melanie. Saying it out loud will make it real. I have to face the truth—that there is no longer an "us" because Melanie has eloped with someone else. The memory of that moment still haunts me—the searing pain in my heart when Mel told me she was leaving, never to return.
—--
After not being able to contact Melanie for more than 24 hours, I was consumed with worry. I reached out to her family, hoping they knew where she was, but they wouldn’t give me any answers. It felt like they were hiding something like they knew something I didn’t. It wasn’t until I told them I was going to the police to file a missing person report that I finally got a response. To my shock, Mel came to the phone herself and told me she would come to the penthouse to talk.
The waiting was agonizing. She had been there all along but chose not to speak to me. When she finally arrived, I rushed to hug her, but she pushed me away. She made it clear she wouldn’t be staying long, that she was there just to tell me something she should have said a long time ago. The words that followed shattered me. It was the most devastating moment of my life. She said she had fallen out of love and found someone else. But the worst part? She hadn’t just started seeing someone—she had eloped with him the day before.
I stood there, completely stunned, barely processing her words. It felt like the ground had disappeared beneath me. I heard her say my name, not the affectionate "honey" she used to call me—just "Jayce."
Desperately, I grabbed her hand, trying to make sense of it all. "What happened to us?" I asked. "We were supposed to get married this year. How did you end up eloping with someone else?" All she could say was that she had found someone who gave her the love she needed, something she claimed she never got from me. With that, she left. No goodbye, no second glance.
I don’t know how long I stood there, staring into nothingness. I can’t even remember how I ended up in the room that Mel and I used to share. The next thing I knew, the room was in chaos, and I was clutching the massive teddy bear we once treasured, feeling like it was hugging me back. As I stared at the clock, I realized I had to pull myself together for our competition. If I didn’t, we’d be disqualified. So, like a robot, I went through the motions, preparing myself for the game, even though I felt completely hollow inside.
—--
Ice was in tears as he listened to me, and that moment reminded me that he was the brother I never had. I knew he was the right person to confide in during this difficult time. He sat directly in front of me, doing his best to hold back his own tears, but his efforts were in vain. Seeing him cry alongside me brought a sense of understanding and solidarity; it was comforting to know that someone truly grasped the depth of my pain. Although he admitted he could never fully understand my situation since he hadn’t experienced it himself, he promised to be there for me as I navigated my healing process.
But how does one truly recover from this kind of heartbreak? Melanie had stepped out of my life just a day ago, yet the dagger she had thrust into my heart remained, and my spirit continued to bleed. To find some solace, I decided to retreat to my house in Tagaytay for a few days, hoping to rest and reflect. Throughout this time, I stayed in constant contact with Ice, discussing business matters and checking in on each other. However, I chose to cut ties with the rest of the world. Ice reassured me that he would handle the room situation and, when I asked him to pack Melanie’s things, he confirmed that it was part of his plan.
This break from the chaos of city life provided me with the clarity I desperately needed. I found myself pondering what I might have overlooked that led Melanie to choose someone else. Over the eight years we had been together, I believed I had given her everything she desired. My friends often joked that I was under her spell, noting how she charmed me, commanding my attention. They affectionately labeled me "UNDERstanding." Even my relationship with Ice had suffered initially because Melanie was reluctant to share my focus. Thankfully, our shared business kept us connected, allowing us to navigate those early challenges together. Despite her possessiveness, I appreciated that Ice understood the dynamics at play, and they eventually grew close.
When I suggested that she move in with me, since she spent so much time at my place, she flatly refused. I respected her choice, wanting her to feel free in our relationship. For years, I hinted to her my desire to settle down, but she repeatedly expressed her unpreparedness for marriage. I understood her hesitation; it was a significant commitment that warranted careful consideration. As we approached our seventh anniversary, she began to drop hints that if I asked her again to marry her, she would say yes. Overjoyed, I realized that the moment I had long awaited was finally approaching. I searched for the perfect ring, enlisting my friends' help to orchestrate a proposal that aligned with her dreams—an intimate occasion shared just between us.
When the day came, I was elated to see her wear the diamond ring I had chosen for her. She had described her ideal ring in vivid detail: a stunning three-carat diamond set in a platinum band, accented with rubies. It was an exquisite piece, costing me over five million pesos, but for Melanie, I was more than willing to spare no expense.
When she posted a photo of the ring on social media with the caption, “My left hand seems to be heavier now,” and tagged me, a wave of joy washed over me. I suggested we celebrate with an engagement party, and we did! Surrounded by family and friends, we celebrated the joyous moment that marked the beginning of our next chapter. Watching Mel show off her ring filled my heart with pride, even though the engagement itself wasn’t a surprise to anyone; they had all been waiting for this moment.
Although she expressed a desire to hold the wedding the following year, I asked her to move in with me, to which she happily agreed. It didn’t require much effort on her part, as she had practically made my house her second home. When she finally updated her address, it felt like an official milestone in our relationship. While our dynamics didn’t change drastically, I was grateful to know she would be there waiting for me when I returned home.
Yet, despite all these cherished memories, I remained baffled by why she suddenly chose someone else and left me. Reflecting on the months leading up to her departure, I recalled how she had been coming home later than usual and was frequently sent out of town for work. Initially, I dismissed it, trusting her completely. I accepted her reassurances, believing everything she said. However, I couldn’t help but notice that she had started to shy away from my kisses. While we still shared moments of affection, they felt less frequent and lacked the same warmth.
One of the things I loved most about Melanie was her ability to navigate conflicts without making a fuss over trivial matters. Throughout our almost eight-year relationship, the few arguments we had were significant, not petty. Yet, recently, I had observed her getting upset over things like my leaving my socks in my shoes instead of putting them in the hamper. Our arguments had increased compared to the peaceful years prior. I didn’t want to escalate things, thinking it was just a phase. My love for her was unwavering, and I was willing to make adjustments for her comfort.
Moreover, our conversations had grown stale—both in texts and in person. There were times when she would simply nod or shake her head in response to my questions, mirroring a behavior she despised in me. It struck me that I had observed these changes for months but had chosen to ignore them, believing they were normal. Living together brought its share of conflicts, but now I understood: we weren’t clashing; we were drifting apart.
It takes two to tango, and I know she isn’t solely to blame for our separation. I must also acknowledge my part in causing her to fall out of love with me. If only she had voiced her feelings, I would have been more than willing to adapt. She means everything to me, and I would do anything to make our relationship work.
—--
The day Mel dropped that bombshell, I was immediately in denial. Even hearing it from her own lips, I didn’t want to believe it. But when I saw the engagement ring sitting on the coffee table in the middle of the living room, it hit me—she was truly gone and had found someone else. That’s when I went to my room, gathered her belongings, and threw them all over the place. I even grabbed a pair of scissors and started cutting up her favorite clothes. I bought them for her, so I figured I had every right to do with them as I pleased.
While I was at my house in Tagaytay, I went through the remaining phases of grief. In my solitude, I tried countless times to call or message Melanie. I even sent her one in the middle of the night but deleted it right after. I knew she saw I’d deleted something, but she never reached out. The next thing I knew, I was blocked from all her social media accounts. That’s when I started drinking. One night, I got so drunk that I tried to text her again, only to realize my messages weren’t going through. I called her, but the call didn’t connect either—she’d blocked me completely. I drank more until I passed out.
The next morning, I woke up to find Ice sitting at the foot of my bed, staring at me with dried tears on his face. He told me he’d come because my housekeeper had grown concerned after hearing me cry so hard the previous night. She said my sobs were so heart-wrenching that she couldn’t help but cry, too. Although I hadn’t told her why I was staying in Tagaytay for so long, she must’ve sensed that I wasn’t okay. She never pried, but hearing my cries pushed her to call Ice—and I’m thankful she did. Who knows what might’ve happened if Ice hadn’t come?
I didn’t say much when Ice told me he was taking me back to the city with him. I just watched as he packed my bags and went along with it. He told me he was taking me to see a trusted counselor, and I just nodded. I knew Ice wanted the best for me, and honestly, I wanted that for myself too. I went through counseling before returning to what should have been my “normal” routine—but what’s normal now? My normal used to be having breakfast with Mel while we talked about our plans for the day. No matter how busy we got, we’d always message each other to stay updated on where we were. Our days always ended with dinner together, whether at home or out. We’d share what happened throughout the day and laugh or vent about little things. But that’s not my life anymore. Mel’s no longer a part of it.
When I got back from Tagaytay, Ice showed me the boxes of Melanie’s things he’d packed. He asked if I wanted to go through them to make sure he hadn’t mixed up any of my stuff with hers. As I sorted through the items, I made a decision: I would return what belonged to her and donate everything I had given her. I figured it was better for these things to go to people who actually needed them. Call me bitter, and maybe I am, but I’ll allow myself that. When I saw the giant teddy bear, I noticed two boxes of stuffed animals, plushies, and specialty pillows—all things I’d given her. So, I decided to give them away too. There’s an orphanage I often visit, and I knew they’d appreciate those soft, cuddly toys. I also thought about a small thrift shop near my office, run by a couple just scraping by. They’d definitely be able to sell the designer clothes and shoes I had bought for Mel. As for the jewelries I’d given her, I wasn’t sure yet what to do with them. But the rest of my plan was set—I was giving it all away as soon as possible. I just didn’t know what to do with her personal belongings. I didn’t want to ask Ice to reach out to her, so I decided I’d drop them off at her house myself.
I woke up feeling lighter and even a bit excited. My plan was simple: I’d ring their doorbell, unload her things, and leave without saying a word. That’s exactly what I did. When Mel’s mom answered the door and saw me, it was like she’d seen a ghost. I greeted her politely and told her I was dropping off Melanie’s things. Before she could say anything, I started unloading the boxes and suitcases from my truck. Her shock was evident, and she called her husband and son outside to help. They all stood there in disbelief as I finished. Before I left, Mel’s mom grabbed my hand and whispered, “I’m sorry.” I gently tapped her shoulder and walked away, leaving them stunned.
Did I feel good afterward? Surprisingly, yes—I felt lighter, as though the weight of those boxes had been lifted from my own heart. Does that mean I’ll never miss Mel again or stop crying myself to sleep? Not immediately. But I’ve started the process of letting go, and in time, I’ll heal. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve wanted to show up at her house or workplace to beg her to take me back. I’ve made countless plans in my head to win her back. But then I remember the day she left the engagement ring on the table and told me she had fallen out of love. Why would I force myself on someone I gave everything to, only to find out it was never enough?
In the end, I’m just grateful we never got married or had children—because that would’ve been an entirely different story.
—--
Instead of dwelling on the pain of my broken heart, I decided to focus on things that mattered to me. I realized I had never gone out of the country with my parents without Melanie. They were always tag-along because we never really asked what they wanted to do in a certain country. When I invited them to go to the States with me since I’m going there for a conference, they were so happy about it. Especially after the conference and I asked them where they wanted to go. Boy, the list was pretty long, but I was just so happy to see them happy. I saw how my parents were still so sweet to each other when they had been married for more than two decades. As an only child, I got all the attention I wanted from both of them. We were not well-off but we had enough. Since both of them were working with good paying jobs, they were able to send me to a good school and allowed me a good life. When I got rich, I made sure I was able to give back to them. I remember hearing the song Mapa by SB19; encouraging me to give back to my parents. And this time that I have with them is just one of them. I have more plans ahead, especially I’m now single.
This time with my parents has given me a new perspective as well. It has allowed me to see the positivity of life. As I watched my dad stare at my mom while she animatedly told him how I got the stuffed Mickey Mouse while we were in Disneyland, I realized how whipped he still was with my mom. I know I'll find that kind of love someday as well, but for now, I’ll focus on the people who I know will never leave me.
—--
As soon as we got back to the Philippines, I had this overwhelming feeling that I didn’t want to return to my penthouse. The thought of selling it crossed my mind because it’s filled with so many memories of Melanie. Sometimes, I can still picture her there, and that’s the last thing I need during my healing process. So, I called my realtor friend, and he was more than happy to help me find a new place. I also asked him to list my current penthouse on the market.
Letting go of the first property I bought after earning my first millions is tough, but right now, it feels necessary. In order to rebuild myself, I need to free myself from the past and start looking forward. Since I didn’t want to return to the penthouse, I decided to stay with my parents for a while. They didn’t hide how thrilled they were with my decision. My room was all set when I arrived, and they’d moved my things to the guest room. I’ve lost count of how many times they’ve hinted—both subtly and not so subtly—that I should stay with them. As much as I love them, I know I can’t.
I don’t want to disrupt their lives with my lifestyle. In the esports industry, it’s normal to have people over frequently, and when I’m developing a game, I need time alone in my creative space. Living with them just wouldn’t be practical. For now, the best thing for me is to live on my own.
—--
The moment I stepped into my new penthouse, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and couldn’t help but smile. I realized that I had finally let go of Melanie, something that once seemed impossible without the support of those around me. What I saw staring back at me wasn’t just a reflection, but a better version of myself. Am I ready to love again? To commit to someone once more? I smirked at the thought, still looking at my reflection. Not quite yet. Right now, I’m thoroughly enjoying how spacious my California king bed feels with just me in it.