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Chapter 1 - I'm the one, gagged in our past!

**A thousand men may come close, but for me, only one is irreplaceable.**

**My first love.**

**His name was Mario.**

**My name is Bey.**

**My first love disappeared.**

**This is my story.**

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It was dusk at a small side-street café, quite crowded for the hour. Bey and Willa sat at a table, waiting for Dina, who was late for their planned meet-up. They had already finished off a slice of red velvet cake and fresh drinks.

Bey, Willa, and Dina had been best friends since high school.

Finally, Dina arrived—hand in hand with a man.

"Bey, Willa, this is Sammy," Dina said warmly, walking over to their table while holding the man's arm affectionately.

Bey and Willa immediately stood to greet her.

"I'm Bey," I introduced myself first, shaking Sammy's hand.

"Willa," said the friend beside me, nudging my shoulder playfully as she eyed Dina's boyfriend with teasing eyes.

"Hello, Sammy," replied the man, dressed in neat and stylish clothes. He had a good height and an athletic build.

"Oooh, so *this* is the guy Miss Dina was bragging about—handsome and hot!" Willa teased, bumping my shoulder again.

I could only smile at the sight of this new couple, glowing in the blush of early love. Dina and Sammy looked a little embarrassed, their cheeks turning red.

"Go ahead, order anything! My treat today," Dina said cheerfully.

Willa lit up at the offer, while I just responded with a faint smile.

Trying...

"Wait a sec, Vino's calling…" Willa said, quickly picking up her phone. "Yes, honey, we're already at the café... Dina brought her new boyfriend. Oh, and Bey is here too—yep, still single."

Dina and Sammy chuckled at Willa's comment. Were they laughing at me?

We all understood the meaning behind Willa's words. I pouted slightly, pretending to be annoyed, though it was all just a joke.

"Hehee… I was just kidding," Willa whispered with an apologetic face.

"Willa! Look at Bey's face!" Dina joined in the teasing.

I lightly smacked Dina's arm. These two… always the same.

Everyone laughed—at my expense.

But I couldn't be mad at them. Willa and Dina were my oldest friends, the ones who always managed to make me laugh, even when I didn't feel like it.

Lately, we rarely saw each other like this. Since entering different universities, our lives had become busy.

Seeing them again now, they had changed a lot.

Willa looked even more stylish, and her relationship with Vino seemed sweeter than ever.

Dina still had that goofy, humorous side—but now she had grown into a more confident woman.

It was no wonder a cool, popular guy like Sammy fell for her.

I watched as Willa smiled brightly, waving toward the parking lot. Her boyfriend Vino was approaching. Her eyes sparkled with joy.

"Over here, honey!" Willa called out excitedly.

I teased her for being so eager, and she hissed back at me, clearly embarrassed.

"Shhh… Vino's cold. I'm still figuring out how to melt his frozen heart," Willa whispered, making me chuckle in confusion.

Dina turned to look at Vino too. There was something commanding about his presence—the way he walked, the way he dressed. His mature aura was undeniable.

And then there was his car.

A luxury, limited-edition ride—polished and impressive. My jaw dropped.

Where on earth did Willa find a gem like *him*?

My eyes stayed locked on Vino's cold, handsome face until—

"See, Bey? That's why you need to get yourself a boyfriend!" Dina nudged me out of my trance.

Caught staring, I blinked and snapped back to reality.

Sammy reached over and rubbed Dina's cheek to make her stop teasing me.

"Don't be mean," he whispered to her.

"It's okay, she's used to it," Dina replied with a playful smirk.

Sammy looked a little annoyed. He tugged gently at the tip of Dina's nose. The two of them giggled, pinching each other's cheeks like a cheesy couple.

Were they… showing off in front of me?

I felt like the third wheel.

"I think I'm gonna go," I said, rising from my seat and hugging both Willa and Dina.

It was their double date after all—I didn't want to intrude.

The bookstore across the street felt like a much better place to be.

I grabbed my drink and left, their laughter still echoing behind me.

**I'm happy for them.**

**Truly.**

---

Willa and Dina were my oldest friends from high school—girls who'd always been there for me.

But there was a secret I had never told them.

Not yet.

Seeing them in love like that did make me happy… but also reminded me of what I once had.

I took a deep breath.

I had to forget him.

I crossed the street, heading toward the bookstore.

**Triiiiing...**

A message from Dina.

\~ *Bey, I gave your number to Sammy. He has a friend he wants to introduce to you!* \~

I replied with a simple smiley emoji.

They'd tried to set me up many times before, but none had ever felt right.

I looked down and noticed my sneaker was untied. I crouched on the sidewalk to fix it.

Even now…

**I still remember you clearly.**

**Mario.**

Your tall figure, broad shoulders, strong back…

Your smile. Your eyes. The mystery behind your quietness.

Your touch. Your kiss.

Your hug.

I got goosebumps just remembering you.

In the past, I would cry at night, my chest aching from the memory of our short time together.

But now…

I can smile.

I can enjoy the sunset and feel the breeze in my hair.

I feel… okay.

I caught my reflection in a shop window.

I'd changed.

No longer a little girl.

I was 22 now.

Longer hair. A firmer face. More grown-up.

My lips looked a little pale, though. Maybe some lip tint would help.

I pulled one from my bag, dabbed it on, and gave myself a smile.

A man inside the shop waved at me.

Wait—was he watching me the whole time?

Oh no.

He grinned as if entertained by my mirror performance.

My face burned. I quickly covered it with my hands and rushed into the bookstore.

"So embarrassing…" I muttered, ducking between shelves.

Just a wave from a stranger and my confidence crumbled.

I shook my head, trying to forget the whole thing.

"Books. Let's just find books," I whispered, calming myself.

I scanned the shelves for my favorite—romantic teen fiction.

Then a message popped up on my phone.

**\~ Hey Bey, I'm Milo—Sammy's friend \~**

I ignored it. Sorry, Dina.

I went back to browsing, pulling books off the shelves, putting others back.

I accidentally dropped one.

As I reached down to pick it up—

**Someone beat me to it.**

All I saw at first were polished leather loafers.

My gaze moved upward—slick black pants, a tucked-in blue shirt, strong forearms with visible veins.

I reached for the book he was holding, still avoiding his face.

"Thank you," I said softly.

"You're welcome," he replied in a low voice.

He leaned in closer, repeating it near my ear.

**"You're welcome."**

That voice.

My head snapped up.

My eyes widened.

**No. No way.**

I stumbled back, bumping into the bookshelf behind me.

That face… That voice...

**"Mario..."**

I whispered, my voice trembling.

Before he could answer, a woman at the cashier waved at him and called his name in a sweet tone.

I turned around.

And for the second time...

(Story to be continued...)

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