See You Never

01

— Beginning —

"Congratulations, sol!"

We were at the coffee shop, celebrating my victory in the debate club. I leaned in and planted a sweet kiss on Astrid's cheek. Irene handed me a bouquet of flowers and gave me a tight hug. Noah and Theo were busy taking our orders, while Xynthia's watching on her phone and damon was reading on his book.

"Matcha yung akin!" Inis na sabi ni noah nang kunin ni theo ang matcha flavor na drink.

"Eh, bakit? Ako ang nag order dito." Nagsalubong ang kilay ni theo.

"Ano ba yan..." Sumimangot si noah at kinuha ang kitkat flavor na milk tea.

"Look in the other table." Bulong ni Irene, lahat kami ay napalingon sa mga kalalakihan na nagtatawanan.

"Ang pogi!" Nakangiting sabi ni noah.

"Malandi." Pang aasar ni theo.

"May natitipuhan ka na ba, sol?" Tanong ni xynthia habang umiinom sa kape niya.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Feel ko, wala naman."

"Hanapan kita, you want?" Irene suggested.

"Sol don't dates," Astrid shrugged.

She is right. I don't do dates. Mas gugustuhin ko pa ang magbasa buong araw kaysa makipag kwentuhan sa lalaki. Isa pa, distractions lang ang mga ganyang bagay.

Dating won't lead me down the path of success. It won't grant me a degree or enable me to pursue my educational aspirations. The love and dedication I have for my education cannot be diverted to a romantic relationship.

"Corny mo naman," Noah made a face.
"Ano na lang type mo sa lalaki?"

"Academic achiever din, for sure." Irene answered for me.

"Ikaw si sol, ikaw si sol?" Pambabara ni noah.

Inirapan siya ni Irene at uminom na lang sa drinks niya. I was at a loss for words when noah asked me, and all I could honestly say was, 'I don't know.' The truth is, I'm still trying to figure out what I truly like in a man.

"Mysterious, ah!" Pabirong sinuntok ni theo ang braso ni damon at tumawa. Damon just shook his head and drink on his coffee.

"Damon, do you have a girlfriend?" Irene asked him, which made him stop reading.

"Yes." Tipid na sagot niya at pinakita ang libro niya. "Sorry, quality time." He shrugged and start reading again.

Damon is just like me. We are married to our studies. For me, studying is like being in a loving relationship, and I couldn't ask for anything better. It fills my heart with joy and contentment.

Gabi na rin nang makarating ako sa condo. Tomorrow was another debate, and I was determined to ace it. My fingers danced across the keyboard, typing out notes and key arguments. The room was filled with the sound of my thoughts pouring onto the screen. I meticulously reviewed my previous debates, analyzing my strengths and weaknesses, determined to learn from my past experiences.