No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 38- Welcome back

Ethan gave my hand one last squeeze before we stepped forward, handing our tickets to the attendant.

As we walked toward the plane, I stole one last glance around the terminal. Cebu had been my refuge, my home when I needed to find myself again. And now, I was leaving-not to run, but to face the future head-on.

I didn't know if the past would ever cross paths with me again. But as I boarded the plane with Ethan by my side, I knew one thing for sure-this time, I was choosing myself.

As I settled into my seat by the window, I watched the city I had called home for the past five years slowly fade into the distance. Cebu had given me so much-peace, clarity, and the strength to rebuild myself. But now, it was time to move forward.

Ethan sat beside me, casually flipping through the in-flight magazine, but I could feel his eyes on me. Alam niyang marami akong iniisip.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice soft.

I nodded, forcing a small smile. "Yeah. Just... processing everything."

He reached for my hand again, his touch grounding me. "Whatever happens, I'm with you. Manila isn't just a place-it's what you make of it this time."

I sighed and leaned back. He was right. This was my second chance-not to rewrite the past, but to build something new.

As the plane took off, I closed my eyes, letting the hum of the engines lull me into deep thought.

I didn't come back for her.

I reminded myself of that.

I didn't come back for the ghosts of what once was.

But Manila had a way of bringing people together-whether they were ready for it or not.

I glanced at Ethan, who was now focused on his magazine, his fingers lightly drumming against his knee. Napangiti ako. If someone had told me five years ago that I'd meet someone like him, I wouldn't have believed it.

We met in the most unexpected way-when I was at my lowest, still picking up the pieces of my life.

It was three years ago, during one of those nights when I buried myself in work just to avoid feeling anything. I had just wrapped up a big project for a luxury resort in Cebu, and to celebrate, Stacey dragged me to a networking event at a high-end bar.

I wasn't interested. I had no patience for small talk or forced socializing. But then, Ethan walked in-confident but not arrogant, charming but not overbearing. He was different.

Nasa bar ako noon, stirring my drink absentmindedly, when he slid onto the stool beside me.

"Rough day?" he asked, motioning to my untouched glass.

I barely looked at him. "Something like that."

Instead of pushing the conversation, he just nodded and ordered his own drink. I expected him to walk away after a while, but he didn't. He just sat there, comfortable in the silence between us.

It was strange, but oddly... nice.

Minutes passed before he spoke again.

"You don't like crowded places, do you?"

That caught my attention. I finally turned to look at him. He had a knowing smile, like he had figured me out in one glance.

I sighed. "Not really. I prefer quiet places."

"Same," he said, taking a sip of his whiskey. Then, with a teasing grin, he added, "But you let your friend drag you here anyway."

I smirked. "And what's your excuse?"