Over a Cup of Coffee: Mellow Hues

Prologue

The day held a certain warmth. Cumulus clouds were seen up high, shielding the little girl and boy that were running around playfully in a field. Makikitang talagang masaya ang dalawang bata habang naghahabulan. They continued playing tag until the boy leaped and caught the girl, tumbling and rolling on the damp grass. Tumawa lang ang dalawang bata, enjoying each other's company and making the most out of their youthfulness. They both calmed down and laid on the ground.

"Jo, may sasabihin ako, pero 'wag kang malungkot, okay?", tanong ng batang babae sa kanyang kasama.

The young boy looked at his companion, confusion tugging at him, albeit curious. What kind of news could have the possibility of saddening him?, he asked to himself.

"Ba't naman ako malulungkot sa sasabihin mo, Yona?"

The girl he called Yona then answered, "I'm moving away, 'yan ang sinabi ni mama sa akin kanina. We're leaving tomorrow kasi, and I-".

She couldn't bring herself to continue, she loved being with her playmate, he was like the brother she never had, although her love for him surpassed the limits of a sibling's. The thought of leaving him made her tremble, as tears began to dampen her eyes.

The boy she gave the nickname "Jo" was her companion ever since her father passed away from a car crash accident. Yona was there for him when he was at his lowest. Lumaking inaabuso ng kanyang amang lasinggero ang batang lalaki. It was her who made him feel whole again. They both were there for each other, and eventually became inseparable. That's what they thought.

Jo choked up on tears, but wiped them off his cheeks. He went near Yona and hugged her tightly and brushed off her tears. He forced himself to laugh and smile.

"Okay lang 'yan, Yona. Susundan kita 'pag malaki na ako!", he proudly announced, though he sounded upset.

Yona was shocked, taken aback by his response. She thought about what he said and chuckled. Inalok niya ang kanyang hinliliit kay Jo.

"Promise?"

Inabot rin ni Jo ang kanyang hinliliit bilang tanda na tutuparin niya ang kanyang pangako.

"Promise!"

"Ah, Yona, may ibibigay nga pala ako sa'yo," sabi ni Jo, habang dinadampot ang kanyang bulsa.

Sa kanyang kamay ay isang singsing na hango sa papel. May nakasulat pang "JO + YONA = <3" sa loob nito. Kinuha ni Jo ang kamay ni Yona upang isuot sa kanyang daliri ang singsing.

Isang ngiti naman ang ibinigay ni Yona sa kanyang kaibigan, bago siya ay niyakap nitong muli. This time, Jo made sure to inhale her scent. Though she was sweating and was dirty from laying on the ground, she smelled of vanilla with a hint of coffee. He stayed there clinging onto her, growing aware of the time they had left together. Jo thought that with Yona, it felt cozy, homey even.

They continued to talk about other things, ignoring the heartbreaking moment they shared just a while ago. Ninais nila pareho na namnamin ang huling mga oras na magkasama sila. They continued to stay like this until Yona asked Jo a question.

"Jo, what would you do after I leave?

"Nakalimutan mo na ba 'yung sinabi ko kanina? I'll follow you, wait for me.", he said as he faced her.

The dream shifted and Jo dissolved into mist. Yona tried calling out to him, begging him to stay with her. Pilit niyang isigaw ang pangalan ng batang lalaki, ngunit walang tunog na lumabas. She fell on her knees, envisioning the face of the person she loved the most.

Jo, miss na miss na kita.