Hook: The Novel (English)

Chapter 5: Conflict

Ford's P.O.V.

"Ford, is your shift over?" my coworker asked me. I'm currently here at my part-time job as a cashier.

"I told the manager that I'll be leaving early because we have midterm exams next week, so I might not be able to come in for the next few days," I explained.

"Oh, is that so? Alright, take care, and good luck with your exams," he replied.

"Thanks," I said and left. I was wearing my uniform, unable to change it earlier because it got dirty.

"Oh, I need to buy something," I suddenly remembered that I needed to pass by the National Bookstore (NBS) because I'm running out of tracing papers, and I need a new mechanical pencil.

I immediately went to NBS and looked for the things I needed. I checked the prices to see if they fit my budget, and I was grateful to find that I had more than enough money. I headed to the cashier to pay.

While waiting in line, the guy in front of me seemed familiar, so I tapped him, and he turned to face me. I couldn't help but smile when I realized who he was.

"You're here?" I asked Gadiel.

"Obviously," he whispered, but I heard it. Grumpy again.

"Don't we seem to meet quite often? What if Destiny is really crossing our paths?" I asked him, and he was about to furrow his brow, but I stopped him by touching it. "There you go again, furrowing your brow. Tsk!," I said, smiling.

He brushed off my hand and took a step back, avoiding eye contact. I chuckled at his reaction.

"So, what did you buy?" I asked. He showed me some books, and I thought they were related to medicine—typical med student materials.

The headache-inducing world of science.

"And you?" he asked, showing me the materials I was holding.

"I ran out of my other materials," I explained. He nodded in response, then suddenly looked at what I was wearing.

"Do you work at a fastfood chain?"

"Yeah, part-time student moments," I said as I chuckled. "My mom's business earnings aren't enough for our daily expenses, so I need a part-time job."

We're not wealthy, my mom has a small business, and it doesn't generate sufficient income. I also have a younger brother in senior high school, and our financial status is not enough.

My mom initially didn't want me to work part-time, thinking it might interfere with my studies, but I convinced her that I wouldn't neglect my education.

"Hey, it's your turn now," I said to him.

He quickly approached the cashier, punched in his purchase, and then looked at me with a puzzled expression. I chose to ignore him for a moment because I noticed that the cashier lady seemed in a bad mood.

After I paid, I glanced around, and Gadiel's silhouette was nowhere to be found.

"Hindi man lang nagpaalam," I whispered to myself. I walked out of NBS, but I felt a presence beside me. I looked to my side, and there stood Gadiel.

"Akala ko umalis ka na?" I asked, surprised. He didn't respond, so I kept quiet as well. I was tired from work and didn't know what to say.

But then, Gadiel suddenly spoke.

"Is it difficult to be an architect?" he asked me.

"Well, that depends on the person. Even intelligent individuals find it challenging. As for me, I can't say it's hard, but it's not easy either. There's nothing easy in life. I can only say that with perseverance, you'll reap rewards," I replied.