The One That Got Away

What is your life's goal? Is it solely about achieving success and realizing your dreams, or could it possibly extend to experiencing the overwhelming emotions of falling in love? While the ambition of success and the fulfillment of goals are undoubtedly important, the complicated dance of love is a captivating aspect of human existence that often intertwines with the path we take.

Yes, we all want to understand every aspect of love and be surrounded by its warmth. However, there is one bothersome concern: what if love, with all its passion and promise, fades away after only a few months or a year? This uncertainty complicates our wants, leading us to ponder the short lifespan of love relationships.

Yzandra Khrystine Torres, 17, found herself on the side of those left behind after an unexpected turn of events. How did she get there, you might wonder? It takes us back to where it all started: the gymnasium.

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11 MONTHS AGO; May 27

"WOOHHH!!" My eardrums nearly burst when I entered our school's gymnasium. There's a basketball game going on here, and I don't want to watch, but my best friend is a basketball player, so I can't say no.

St. Jules
↪50 POINTS

Dominique High School
↪56 points

As expected, our school is currently leading the game. Dahil walang palya ang pagiging champion ng school namin sa larangan ng Basketball. Of course, our school has the best players in Manila, and they're well trained.

Nakita 'kong lumingon si Kaizer – my best friend – sa gawi ko, agad akong ngumiti at kumaway na sinuklian nito nang matamis na ngiti. I can see na pagod na siya but still he's doing his best.

"He's one of a hell player, I mean siguradong MVP na naman siya." I smiled at Fiona, my other best friend. At tulad nang sinasabi niya, hindi nga malayong si Kaizer na naman ang MVP.

"I'm already expecting that," I said then we both laughed. I can see some girls glaring at us, nakaupo kasi kami sa upuan ng mga players at sobrang big deal 'non sa school na ito. Even if they know what's the real score between me and Kaizer they won't stop. Hindi ko nga alam kung anong napapala nila sa mga ginagawa nila.

Halos sabay na kaming lumaki ni Kaizer dahil business partners ang mga magulang namin. Pero kahit once hindi ko siya tiningnan more than a friend, siguro kuya oo pa. I am actually rooting for him and Fiona in the future.

"KYAHHHH!!!!" Halos mabingi ako nang biglang lumakas ang sigawan.

"GOSH!!! YZA!!!"

I stared at Fiona with disgust on my face.

"What? Don't tell me na nakikisigaw ka para kay Kaizer? I mean you like him?" She pinches my nose, which causes my head to heat up with annoyance.

"Ouch– stop!" Sabay himas ko sa ilong ko.

"It's not Kaizer! Look, St. Jules' most vulnerable player already entered the court!"

Ako naman ay agad na tumingin sa mga players.

"Sino diyan?"

Agad namang itinuro ni Fiona ang lalaki na may panyo sa ulo, yung parang sa mga gangster noon. Wala din itong kapawis-pawis kahit kaunti. Yes, he's cute. I cannot deny it. His skin is brilliant, and his face has a smooth, glass-like appearance that complements his thin, almost red lips. Plus, his thick brows and high arched nose make him appear intimidating. But, to be honest, he doesn't exactly fit my expectations of the type of guy I'm looking for. Looks aren't everything, and while he may capture my attention with his excellent looks, there's more to what I like about a man than just his appearance. Everyone has different preferences, and he simply does not fit my type. He looks so mayabang!