Do you ever get that strange feeling that you've forgotten someone important? Like there's an empty space in your memory where a person used to be, but no matter how hard you try, you can't reach them. I feel that all the time. It's as if a few years of my life just disappeared—like I didn't exist during those years. Sometimes I wonder if it's just my mind playing tricks on me… or maybe it's something else. Maybe it's fate.I once met someone who felt like my other half. My soulmate. But the harder I try to remember, the more their face fades. Even their name—gone. All that's left is a feeling, and it hurts not knowing why.
"Congratulations, David Liciente and Gwen Dio, for getting the highest scores in this quarter's examination!"
The class applauded as the professor handed them their papers. David stared at his test results, his expression unreadable. The paper trembled in his hand as emotions swelled inside him.
"This is bullshit!"
The students around him flinched as he stood abruptly.
"This is stupid!" he shouted, anger and anguish twisting his voice.
"Watch your mouth!" the professor snapped. "Mr. Liciente, where are your manners?!"
Everyone turned to him, shocked by his outburst.
"What's your problem?" the professor asked, walking toward him.
David met her eyes with a glare sharp enough to cut through the silence. "Why don't you ask yourself? Do you want me to tell them—"
"Don't make a mess, Mr. Liciente," the teacher warned coldly.
He fell silent. There was nothing left to do but swallow his rage. Lowering his head, he took a shaky breath and let out a bitter laugh. "Yeah," he murmured. "I can't do anything."
"Class, return to your seats," Gwen said softly. Her calm voice broke the tension in the room, and one by one, the students sat down. The lesson continued until it was finally over.
By the time class ended, the sky had darkened, and heavy clouds loomed above. As soon as the bell rang, David ran to the rooftop.
"I don't want to live like this anymore," he whispered, tears spilling freely. "They left me… everyone left me. I just want this to end."
He sobbed, his chest aching under the weight of everything he carried—grief, confusion, loneliness. It was as if his heart had been shattered, and he was forced to hold the broken pieces together.
"David!" Gwen's voice echoed as she reached the rooftop. She ran to him, wrapping her arms around his trembling body. "It's okay, please stop," she pleaded, her voice shaking.
He pushed her away. "Get away from me! Don't come near me!" His eyes burned with pain and anger. "You—"
Gwen's voice rose, breaking through his rage. "You're always looking for them, always thinking about someone you can't even remember! What about me, David? Do you ever think of me? Do you even love me?" Her voice cracked, and tears streamed down her cheeks.
"I don't know how to give a comfort you wanted," she said between sobs. "I've tried to make you smile, to make you happy, but you're always lost somewhere else—with someone else. I was there when you were in the hospital. I took care of you as your lover, as your family. But I can't keep doing this." She paused, her voice barely a whisper. "I'm sorry, David… but I think it's over."
David said nothing. He didn't even look at her as she turned and walked away. The silence left behind felt heavier than the rain that began to fall.
He tilted his head up to the sky, eyes wet and red. "Why… why are you crying for me too?" he whispered. "Don't rain, please. Thousands of people will suffer flooding, and you'll weep just because of me? I'm not worth your sadness."
He laughed softly, almost madly. "So stubborn, huh? Fine… let's end this."
The thunder roared. The wind howled.
And without hesitation, David stepped off the edge.
As he closed his eyes, memories flooded back—the warmth of a smile, the touch of a hand, a name whispered under moonlight.
Finally, he remembered.
"Xinhua…" he breathed, as the world went still.
[FLASHBACK]
"What do you think of me?" David asked the person standing in front of him.
"S-soulmate," the person replied shyly.
Before either of them could say more, a girl came running toward them, holding up three bottles. "Aji! Wen!" she called out with a bright grin. "Whooo—the store was so far, but I got the alcohol!"
She handed the bottles to them, laughing. The three of them shared that moment together—carefree, happy, and full of laughter.
[END OF FLASHBACK]
"Wake up! David, wake up!"
David's eyes snapped open. The classroom came slowly into focus, the familiar rows of desks, the green chalkboard smeared with yesterday's lessons. He was still in class, safe, but the remnants of the nightmare lingered on his skin like a chill.
"Dude—are you crying?!" Tricio doubled over, laughing. "Bro, you were totally having a nightmare! Wake up before Ms. Trillanor sees you drooling again." He leaned closer, grinning. "We've got an exam today, remember? Did you even study? 'Cause me…" He winked, blowing a cheeky kiss. "…I've got you."
David groaned, flopping back in his chair. "Shit! I forgot!" He spun around, frustrated. "Oi, Tricio! I didn't study at all. I was dead tired last night—and she didn't even remind us!"
Tricio's grin widened, as if he'd just discovered a treasure map. "Then it's time for the Ninjacky Method!"
David froze. "What? We tried that last quarter. We got… ten points. Out of a hundred."
"Hey, that's still double digits!" Tricio said proudly, chest puffed out.
David buried his face in his hands. "I swear, you're hopeless."
"Or maybe I'm just lucky," Tricio replied with a wink.
Before David could snap back, Gwen leaned over her desk, arms crossed, eyes sharp. "Are you two seriously planning to fail again? You've been in this class for how long, and you still can't remember a single lesson?"
David and Tricio exchanged a look, shrugged simultaneously, and laughed quietly.
The classroom door opened, and Ms. Trillanor walked in, a new student beside her. The room fell silent.
"Good morning, class! We have a new student joining us today," she announced.
Every boy immediately sat a little straighter, their curiosity piqued.
"Tricio," David whispered, leaning closer. "I'm calling it. She's sitting beside me."
Tricio smirked. "Dream on, bro. She's mine."
David pointed at the empty chair. "Vacant seat. My luck."
Tricio groaned. "Luckmy ass."
Gwen smacked him lightly on the arm. "Ow!"
"Don't worry," she said, flashing a folded piece of paper. "You've still got me."
Tricio blinked. "Is that—?"
"A cheat sheet," Gwen said with a grin.
"You're a lifesaver," he whispered, shooting her a playful kiss.
"Ew," Gwen muttered, rolling her eyes but smiling anyway.
The new girl spoke softly, her voice carrying across the room. "Hi, I'm Milk Flores. I like photography. Please take care of me."
Her fair skin, short silky brown hair, and cat-like eyes immediately drew attention. She had a quiet confidence, a gentle warmth that made everyone pause just a little longer than usual.
"Alright, Milk," Ms. Trillanor said. "You can choose any seat you like."
David's chest tightened as she walked toward him, stopping at the empty seat beside his.
"Hi," she said softly. "Do you mind if I sit here?"
"O-of course yes!" David stammered, his voice cracking just a little.
Before she could sit, a voice called from the back. "Milk! Sit here!"
She turned with a polite smile and walked toward the other student.
David slumped in his chair. "Nuisance," he muttered under his breath.
Tricio snickered. "Tough luck, Romeo David."
Ms. Trillanor clapped her hands. "Alright, class! Pass your papers to the back. Good luck on your exam!"
Two days later, things had settled down, and somehow, David found himself talking to Milk more often. His chest felt lighter when she laughed, his heartbeat slowed when she smiled, and a warm glow spread through him whenever she simply nodded at him.
Things had settled down, and somehow, David found himself talking to Milk more often. His chest felt lighter when she laughed, slower when she smiled, warmer when she simply nodded at him.
"Milk," he said softly, holding out a small box. "Here—this is for you."
She blinked. "For me?"
David revealed a delicate hairpin inside. "Yeah. Thought it might suit you."
"David, I—"
He stepped closer, gently sliding the pin into her hair. His fingers brushed her temple, and for a moment, the world narrowed to just the two of them.
"You're beautiful," he whispered, half to himself, heart racing as his chest tightened. It really does suit her, he thought.
"That's for you," he added, smiling softly. "No need to thank me. I should be the one thanking you for helping me the other day. Consider it as my gift."
Milk's lips curved in a shy smile, her eyes sparkling. "You're so weird," she said, but the warmth in her tone made him feel like he'd won something precious.
David laughed quietly, letting his gaze linger a moment longer than he probably should have.
[FLASHBACK]
David walked toward the school gate, a small smile tugging at his lips. He was ready to start the day when a sudden realization hit him his ID wasn't in his backpack. Not today, please…
Before panic could fully set in, Gwen appeared at his side, holding the ID. "I don't think so," she said, handing it to him. "Yah! You should be more careful next time. I noticed it fell from your bag as you were heading here."
David stared at her, speechless. He hadn't expected anyone to notice or care especially at a moment like this. "T-thank you," he finally managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.
"You don't have to thank me. It's nothing," Gwen replied lightly. She handed him the ID with a small smile and walked into the school, leaving him stunned in the morning sunlight.
Later that day, after class, David wandered through the nearby shops, looking for new clothes for his upcoming trip to Canada. His eyes caught a small, delicate hairpin glinting under the store lights. Without overthinking, he bought it, thinking of Milk. I want to give it to her…
[END OF FLASHBACK]
Tricio and Gwen watched from the side, leaning against the table.
"Gwen, do you think they're perfect for each other?" Tricio asked.
"Perfect? Your ass!" Gwen rolled her eyes.
"Why? They look good together, sure, but I ship them way too hard."
"Look at David," Gwen continued, voice dripping with mock exasperation. "He's trying so hard to get Milk to like him, and she's acting all aloof. And honestly… it doesn't even make her cute."
"You're so mean to her," Tricio pouted. "At least she's prettier than you."
Gwen smacked him on the arm. "Hoy! You're right, I'm not pretty… but I am GORGEOUS!" She threw him a dramatic wink.
"Can you two take a break from fighting for, like, one day?" David interjected as he slid between them.
"I'm going to court her," he announced.
Both Tricio and Gwen froze. "Wait… what?!" Gwen exclaimed. "Seriously? Are you…?"
David laughed, shaking his head. "Relax, I'm just teasing. You know I like pretty girls, but I don't take it seriously… usually."
Tricio frowned. "Why this one then?"
David hesitated, his voice quieter. "I don't know… there's just something about her. I'm… into her."
"Jusko ginoo!" Gwen groaned, patting his back. "Just tell us you're not scared of commitment this time."
Tricio leaned back, a small smile tugging at his lips. He could feel David's sincerity for the first time—smooth, deliberate, like butter sliding into place. "Yeah… I agree with her, dude," he said.
Even though David was happy to meet her, there was an emptiness he couldn't shake. I'll do my best to get to know her… to build something real, he thought, Gwen's words weighing on him.
He stood, smirking. "But hey… at least I have her number." He gave a wink, then left the table.
Over the next few days, David and Milk grew closer. They shared lunches, walked together to school, and even small gestures, her laugh, a smile, a nod made him feel alive in a way he hadn't before.
I feel… happy. I want to make her smile, never hurt her, never cross her boundaries. I can't imagine life without her.
After two days of subtle courtship, Milk finally answered one of his messages. David walked her to the bus station, a grin plastered on his face.
"Thanks for today, Milk."
"I'm grateful for you, too, David," she replied, their fingers brushing briefly as they exchanged a quick, shy kiss.
"See you tomorrow," she added, boarding the bus. David watched her go, his heart still fluttering.
Tricio appeared out of nowhere. "Bahhhh! Wait, are you already together?!"
"What the—?!" David stumbled, confused by his friend's excitement. "Jdebhge you afsjjk hell?"
"I said—what?" Tricio repeated.
David ignored him and started walking home, trying to calm his racing thoughts.
"Wait for me!" Tricio called, jogging up. "I just want to surprise you!"
David smacked him lightly on the head. "Ouch!"
"She said yes," David said finally, grinning.
"Hala, seriously? When?! You only asked her two days ago!" Tricio gasped.
"Not joking. She said yes a while ago," David replied.
"Not bad… for two days," Tricio said with a laugh, giving David a friendly smack on the head.
"Let's celebrate! Call Gwen—she has to join us!" Tricio shouted jokingly.
David dialed Gwen, but she didn't pick up. After a few tries, she answered, breathless and hurried.
"H-hell—uh… hi? I'm at my family dinner. Can't—ah! Sorry, gotta go!" She hung up before they could respond.
"I think she's busy with her family again," David said, exhaling. "Alright… let's go."
Later that night, around nine, David lay in bed, phone in hand, staring at Milk's contact. Should I text her?
He typed, hesitated, deleted, typed again.
[Good evening]
[Are you free tomorrow?] No… too much.
Suddenly, a message popped up. Milk?!
[Are you free tonight?]
"Tonight?! I'm not ready," David muttered to himself, cheeks burning red. He stood and checked himself in the mirror. Okay… this is it.
David arrived at the address, his heart hammering in his chest. The street was silent, shadows stretching long under dim streetlights. The gate was slightly open, creaking as he pushed it, each step echoing in the empty yard. He knocked three times on the door.
Milk appeared, her expression blank. She didn't smile. She didn't move.
"H-hi…" David stammered, unsure what to do. He waved nervously. "H-how are you?" Why did I even ask that?
Her eyes were sharp, cold, unblinking. The warmth he had grown used to over the past days was gone. David's stomach twisted as he noticed something in her hand behind her back. A knife.
"Milk… what are you doing? Put that down," he said, voice shaking.
She didn't answer. She stepped forward, slow, deliberate.
"D-don't," she whispered.
They stumbled backward toward the gate but it was locked. Panic surged. I left it open!
Her voice, barely audible, broke the silence. "I don't want to live."
Before David could react, the knife flashed. Blood. Red, hot, terrifying. He rushed to her side, desperate, hands trembling as he tried to stop the bleeding.
And then it hit him. Memories he had buried deep resurfaced violently.
[FLASHBACK, 2 YEARS AGO]"Mom… Dad… why are you holding a knife?"
"Mom! Dad! Don't—"
Before his eyes, both of them slashed their own necks.
A chilling, hollow voice whispered in his memory "Because they went bankrupt… couldn't even feed you… they sacrificed themselves for money. Ugh… what a tragic story."
David's chest tightened with disbelief and rage. "How… how could you do this to us? We've been a family, friends for years—and you just… killed my parents?!"
[END FLASHBACK]
The flashback faded, but the horror lingered as Milk slashed her own throat.
"Milk!" David screamed, rushing to her side, trying desperately to stop the bleeding. "Wake up! Wake up!!! Someone—help!!!"
Time stretched. Her lifeless eyes stared up at him, blood congealing. He couldn't comprehend it, someone he cared for… gone in front of him.
A shadow moved inside the house.
"Enjoying the view?" The voice was familiar, sinister.
The figure stepped closer—eyes dead, lips blackened, jacket thick and imposing.
"Remember your parents' deaths? Did they do the same?" It whispered, close to his ear. "Déjà vu, isn't it?"
David froze, trapped between past trauma and present terror, every heartbeat echoing in his chest.
The blood on the floor still smelled of iron. Milk was gone, and David's chest felt like it would split open from grief. Rage coiled inside him like a living thing, sharpening every thought, every movement.
The figure in front of him, the one who had caused all this, smiled with cold amusement. "Now you understand," she hissed, knife gleaming in her hand.
David didn't answer. He didn't hesitate. Fury took over. He lunged, grabbing her wrist before the knife could strike. She yanked, screamed, tried to stab, but David's grip was iron.
Pain. Anger. Loss. He slammed her into the wall. Fists rained down, every blow a scream against the unfairness of it all. Her knife clattered across the floor, useless now, as he forced her to her knees.
"You killed her!" he shouted, voice raw. "You had no right!"
She spat at him, but David didn't falter. Every kick, every punch, every strike was precision fueled by heartbreak. She tried to crawl away, tried to fight back, but she was slower than him, weaker than his wrath.
He pinned her to the ground, hands gripping her shoulders, and slammed her again. Her eyes widened, fear and disbelief mixing as the fight drained out of her. No more smirks, no more taunts just survival instincts failing against David's unstoppable fury.
When he finally stood, panting, bruised, and bloodied, the killer lay battered and broken, unable to move. The room was silent except for his ragged breathing and the distant hum of the city outside.
David's voice was low, trembling, but sharp as a blade. "It's over. No one else will ever hurt anyone because of you."
"I regret meeting you! Gora"
He stepped back, shaking with grief and rage, staring at her broken form. Milk's absence pressed down on him, heavy and cruel, but in that moment, at least he had justice. At least he had done something.
He wiped his bloodied fists on his shirt and sank to the floor, the weight of his loss threatening to crush him. The world was quiet, except for the memory of her laugh, her smile, the warmth that was gone.
And still, he whispered, more to himself than anyone else, "I'll make it right, Milk… I swear I'll make it right."
"This ends now," he muttered, trembling with rage and sorrow. Clutching the last shred of his shattered heart, he pressed the knife to his own chest. "I can't go on… not without her." And with that, he plunged it in, ending his miserable existence.
Does everyone know how it happened?
David lay on the ground, his chest rising and falling with shaky breaths. His eyes stared blankly at nothing, tears streaming down his face as his body trembled from exhaustion and grief.
A voice echoed around him, neither fully inside nor outside.
"You are living in me, David.""Let's combine our lives. Reality exists here, in my world.""You are now living inside of me.""Take my world… take my life. I am living in mystery."
This is the reality where magic lives. He will witness the life of the living person he has taken. His life is full of mystery; he exists in mystery itself.
Suddenly, a familiar yet distant voice shouted from somewhere nearby, breaking the tension. "Gumising ka, iho! Iho, gising na! Nakakaabala ka sa daanan!"
"Nako, kay gwapong binata… walang magulang, walang tirahan."
David's eyes shot open.
"NASAAN AKO?!"
TO BE CONTINUED