2. How it get develop

The warm glow of the coffee shop's lamps spilled out onto the sidewalk, beckoning passersby to escape the chill of the evening air. Inside, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped the cozy space, mingling with the soft hum of conversation and the occasional clinking of cups.

Through the steam-kissed windows, the city outside seemed to fade into the background, its sounds and worries muffled by the comforting atmosphere within. The coffee shop's rustic wooden accents and vintage decor added to the sense of warmth and welcome, making it the perfect haven for those seeking refuge from the world outside.

As I settled into my favorite corner table, cradling a rich, aromatic coffee in my hands, I felt the stresses of the day begin to melt away. The coffee shop's gentle bustle and soothing ambiance wrapped around me like a soft blanket, inviting me to linger and let the world slow down for a while.And that's when I noticed him – a stranger sitting across the room, his eyes fixed intently on a book, his presence as intriguing as the stories that filled its pages...

Jarred.

It's been a week since our first conversation, and I must admit, I've developed a tiny crush on him. I find him incredibly attractive. I even tried to sneak a peek at his social media, but his accounts were private. He's a very private person.

As I continued to observe him from afar, he suddenly looked up, and our eyes met. We engaged in a silent stare-down, waiting to see who would blink first. I noticed his hair was styled in its usual sleek manner, and his expression remained cold and intimidating. However, there was something different - he was wearing glasses.

My heart skipped a beat when he stood up and walked towards my table. He glanced at the empty chair, asking if it was taken. I hastily shook my head and gestured for him to sit. He sat quietly and resumed reading.

I broke the silence with a hesitant "Hi?" Unsure if I should greet him or not.

He looked up from his book, and I forced a smile, trying to think of a conversation starter.   Before I could come up with something,

"Do you come here often?" he asked.

I replied with a simple "Yes."

He nodded and gazed out the window.   I took this opportunity to admire his face. How did the universe create someone so breathtakingly handsome? He appeared intimidating and soft at the same time.   My eyes wandered to his left hand, which was resting on the table. That's when I noticed something that made my heart flutter -

Shit!! Ang linis ng kuko.

"BS Accountancy?" he asked, still gazing out the window.

"Yes," I replied, and we fell into another awkward silence. The only sounds were the gentle hum of the coffee shop, the muted chatter of other patrons, and my own rapid heartbeat.

He broke the silence again, "Why accountancy?"

I hesitated, unsure how to respond. I usually gave a practical answer, citing the demand for accountants in the Philippines and the security of having a license. But something about him made me want to share the truth.

"My mom's dream," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. It was the honest answer. I never envisioned myself as an accountant; I saw myself holding a pen and paper, crafting stories and imagination. But life had other plans. I don't have the luxury of living in a land of opportunity, where hard work alone can guarantee success. I'm not the privileged child of a wealthy elite, shielded from the harsh realities of life. Instead, I'm stuck in a country where meritocracy is a myth, and only those with deep pockets and influential connections can truly thrive.

He asked, "You got forced into your course?"

I shook my head vigorously. My mom never forced me; she just convinced me to pursue a practical path.

"No, it was a practical choice," I explained. "It's also her dream. She's the eldest, and they grew up in poverty."

Memories of my mom's struggles flooded my mind – how she supported her siblings financially while taking care of us, how she worked tirelessly abroad to provide for two families.He asked again, his full attention on me,

"So, you're fulfilling your mom's dream?"

I took a deep breath, my voice filled with emotion.

"My mom poured her blood, sweat, and tears into providing for our family. She's still supporting them even after she got married and had her own family. This is my way of saying thank you to her."

Even after marrying and having her own family, my mom remained the breadwinner for her own family.

As the eldest of five siblings, she was the only one with a stable job. Her second sibling, Tito, had a troubled past as a drug addict who'd been to jail. Though he was trying to turn his life around, his criminal record haunted him, and people judged him harshly, making it impossible for him to find work.

Their third sibling didn't finish school due to an early pregnancy and was now drowning in debt. To make matters worse, her live-in partner was an alcoholic, and they struggled to make ends meet.

The youngest two siblings, twins, were still in college.

My mom's story was one of resilience and sacrifice. Despite the challenges she faced, she continued to support her family, working tirelessly to provide for them. Her selflessness inspired me to pursue a stable career, to make her proud and repay her for all that she'd done for me.

"That's nice," he said, his voice sincere. "Your mom deserves every blessing in this world."

His words touched my heart, and I smiled, feeling a warmth in my chest.

"Uhm.. are you fre-

Just as he was about to say something else, my phone rang, shrill and insistent. I apologized and signaled to him that I needed to take the call. He nodded understandingly.

I answered the call, expecting to hear Ashley's voice, but instead, a stranger's voice sent a shiver down my spine. "Are you related to Ms. Hudson?" they asked.

My heart skipped a beat as I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "She's my friend, why? Something happen?"

The stranger's words made my blood run cold. "She's in the hospital. She fainted earlier." Panic set in, and I quickly gathered my belongings, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

"Okay, I'll be there in a minute," I said, trying to keep my voice calm before hanging up the phone.   I turned to Jarred, feeling a pang of regret for leaving our conversation unfinished.

"I'm sorry, I need to go." He nodded, his expression sympathetic.

"It's alright. Take care." I gave him a hasty smile before rushing out of the cafe, my heart heavy with worry.

I rushed to the hospital lobby, anxious to find out about Ashley's condition. "Ms. Guiterrez?" I asked the nurse, but before she could respond, I heard Ashley's voice.

"Clyde"

"Ashe, an'yare?" I asked, scanning her from head to toe. She looked okay, aside from her disheveled clothes. That's when I noticed the guy standing beside her, carrying her bag.

Who was this stranger? Her new boyfriend?

Ashley caught me staring and quickly introduced us. "Uh, Clyde, this is... a stranger who saw me faint." She couldn't even look me in the eye. The guy raised an eyebrow, smirking at her.

"Stranger," he repeated, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Ashley panicked, and I saw the guy chuckle to himself.

I raised an eyebrow, suspicious. "Really? You don't know him personally?" Ashley shook her head firmly, but I knew she was lying. The guy smirked again, and I saw Ashley's face turn bright red.

"Alright, I'll go now, Ms.," he said, his voice still laced with sarcasm.

"Thanks ulit," Ashley replied, still avoiding our gaze.

The guy walked closer to Ashley, his voice taking on a menacing tone.

"A reminder before I leave... don't get mad if I kiss someone else in the bar while I'm drunk." Ashley's eyes widened in fear, and she took a step back.   "I might even do more... deeper than a kiss," he whispered before he left.

Ashley's face turned beet red, and anger flashed in her eyes.   I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Ano 'yun?" I asked, but Ashley just glared at me, her eyebrows furrowed in anger.

Ashley muttered under her breath, "Isang peste!" clearly still fuming.

I just chuckled and didn't press her further, knowing she'd share more when she was ready.As we left the hospital, I asked, "Ano bang nangyari sa 'yo?"

We hailed a taxi since Ashley didn't have a ride. "Over fatigue," she replied. "Tambak sa task kaya laging  puyat, wala pang kain, wala ding sapat na pahinga, may practice pa sa dance troupe." Ashley's a talented dancer and singer, dreaming of becoming a Philippine pop star.

I teased her, "Procrastinate pa" knowing it was one of her unhealthy habits. She worked well under pressure, but procrastination was a toxic trait.

She asked, "Pa'no mo pala nalaman na nasa hospital ako?"

"The guy called me using your cellphone." Ashley looked stunned.

After a short ride, we arrived at our condo. As I reached for my wallet to pay the fare, I noticed something inside my bag – a paper cherry blossom. My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a shiver in my stomach.This was the second time I'd seen a paper cherry blossom, and I was certain it was no coincidence. He must have slipped it into my bag when I wasn't looking. The first time we met, I found a paper cherry blossom on the table, and now, another one appeared. It felt like a secret message, a subtle connection between us.

As I sat in our living room, laptop open, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. I was searching for someone, but it wasn't easy. However, my search led me to a photo that caught my attention. Jarred was tagged in it.

Clint Monteverde.

The caption read, "A night before leaving this shit country." The post was from three years ago.

As I gazed at the picture, I saw Jarred holding a bottle of soju, with a girl leaning on his shoulder. He was smiling widely. I couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort. Girlfriend niya siguro.

I scrolled down to the comment section, and what I saw made my heart sink. Caleb's comment was dismissive, but The comment section caught my attention.

Caleb: 'Wag kanang bumalik, para naman mabawas-bawasan mga pabigat sa Pilipinas.

Nadine: Tumigil lang sa paghabol sa 'yo, aalis agad ng bansa.

Kate: Nag abroad para mag aral or para mag move on?

Jarred: Iniyakan 'yung cherry

Clint:@Jarred gago. Mag hiwalay sana kayo."

Jarred's response was cryptic, but it seemed like he was referring to someone or something else.

Jarred:@Clint prutas 'yung tinutukoy ko pre, pahalata masyado."

I couldn't help but laugh at the comments on Jarred's photo. I took another glance at the picture, and my heart skipped a beat. Jarred was undeniably attractive.

Just as I was admiring the photo, I sensed Ashley's presence behind me. "Stalker," she teased, smirking at me.

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. "Sino ba 'yan?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

As she glanced at the photo, her eyes widened in surprise. "Gago, siya 'yun!" she trailed off, her voice laced with shock.

I looked at her, confused. "Do you know him?" I asked, and she nodded vigorously.

"He's the guy I kissed at the bar that night," she revealed, a mischievous glint in her eye.

My eyes widened in shock, but before I could process the information, Ashley darted back to her room, leaving me reeling. I shrugged it off, trying to brush off the surprise, but my mind was already racing with questions.

As I browsed through the bookshelves in our school library, my eyes landed on a familiar figure. Jarred was sitting on the floor, his back against the shelf, completely absorbed in the book he was holding. His headset was on, and he seemed oblivious to his surroundings.

I stood there, frozen, watching him. He looked so handsome in our school uniform, his glasses perched on his nose, his hair slicked back in its usual style. My gaze drifted to his jawline, and I couldn't help but notice the way his Adam's apple moved as he swallowed.

My heart skipped a beat as I took in the sight of him. He was my husband, and yet, in this moment, he looked like a stranger - a stranger who was incredibly attractive. I felt a flutter in my chest, and I couldn't help but smile at the sight of him, lost in his own little world.

"You really enjoy watching people, don't you?" Jarred suddenly spoke up, catching me off guard. I jumped back, my face flushing with embarrassment. He gazed at me with his piercing cold eyes, making me pout.

I quickly grabbed the book I needed and sat down next to him. "What are you doing here?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

He looked at me, blinked, and then looked away. "I like it more here," he said simply.

I nodded, curious. "Why?"

He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're such a curious girl."

I chuckled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Mas tahimik," he added, returning to his book.

I thought maybe I should leave, not wanting to disturb him. But just as I was about to get up, he offered me his headset. I looked at him confused, but he just gazed at me blankly.

"Baka magselos girlfriend mo." I teased.

He raised an eyebrow. "Don't worry, I don't have one."

My eyes widened, and before I could stop myself, I blurted out, "Wala? Eh sino 'yung babaeng katabi mo sa post nung Clint ba 'yun."

I quickly covered my mouth, realizing my mistake. Jarred's smile grew, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"So, you're stalking me?" he asked, his voice laced with humor.

I panicked, trying to defend myself. "No, ano lang... Ano nakakita ko lang.''

Jarred chuckled, offering me his headset again. This time, I hesitated for a moment before accepting it.

"Listen to the lyrics." He said and he played a song.

I leaned back against the bookshelf, Jarred by my side, as we sat on the floor together. His headset played softly, the lyrics of the song whispering sweet nothings in my ear.

"There are so many things I wanna say, but I can't tell you anyway..." The words resonated deep within me.

I glanced at Jarred, his eyes closed, a gentle smile on his lips. My heart skipped a beat as I gazed at him, the lyrics echoing my own feelings.

"I love the way, I love the way you smile... I love the way, I love the way you make me feel."

My eyes drifted back to the floor, my mind wandering to the moments we'd shared. The song's melody was hauntingly beautiful, the lyrics speaking directly to my soul.

As the song continued, I felt Jarred's hand brush against mine. I turned to him, our eyes meeting, and for a moment, time stood still.

The song faded into the background as I got lost in Jarred's gaze. It was as if the lyrics had become our own secret language, a way of expressing the emotions we couldn't verbalize.

In that moment, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be – beside Jarred, with the soft melody of the song wrapping us in its gentle embrace.

Just as Jarred and I were settling into a comfortable silence, a girl appeared out of nowhere, interrupting our moment. "Jarred, you're here," she said, her eyes scanning the area before landing on me. She smiled, and I returned the gesture.

"Tin," Jarred called out to her, his voice neutral.

"I've been looking all over for you," she said. "Sir called for you."

Jarred nodded, his eyes flicking to me before standing up. My gaze followed him, and I found myself looking at the girl, who was still smiling at me. I raised an eyebrow, and she quickly shook her head.

"No, no, you've got it wrong," she said. "We were just blockmates, and I'm not straight. Nothing to worry about."

I hadn't said anything, but she seemed to think I was concerned. "I didn't say anything," I pointed out, standing up.

Just as I was about to leave, my eyes landed on a delicate paper cherry blossom on the floor. It was exactly where Jarred had been sitting. I felt a flutter in my chest as I picked it up, wondering if it was a coincidence or something more.

The girl's voice broke the silence. "So, sa 'yo pala niya binibigay 'yan."

I didn't respond, my mind racing with thoughts. Instead, I quickly tucked the cherry blossom into my pocket and rushed out of the library, hoping to catch a glimpse of Jarred. But he was nowhere to be found.

And a realization hit me. Sinasadya mong iiwan 'to, dahil ginawa mo talaga 'to para sa 'kin.

After that encounter in the library, Jarred seemed to vanish into thin air. We attended the same school, but I never caught a glimpse of him again. Yet, despite his physical absence, I couldn't shake off the feeling that he was still around, watching over me.

The cherry blossoms kept coming, each one a subtle reminder of his presence. Like during the sport fest, when I was cheering on Ashley, our school's volleyball player. I was seated on the bench, feeling parched but reluctant to leave my spot.

Just as I was starting to feel desperate, a freshman student approached me and handed me a bottle of water. "Ate, pinapabigay po sa 'yo." she said with a gentle smile before hurrying off.

As I looked at the bottle, my eyes landed on a delicate paper cherry blossom attached to it. In that instant, I knew who had sent it. My heart skipped a beat as I scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of Jarred. But he was nowhere to be found.

Ashley groaned, "Kainis, wala pa naman akong payong." The rain was pouring down, and we had both forgotten to bring an umbrella. We huddled together in the waiting shed, waiting for the storm to pass, but it showed no signs of letting up.

"May bagyo ata," I said, resigned to our fate.

Just as we were starting to lose hope, a young boy appeared out of nowhere. "Ate, sa inyo nalang po 'tong payong ko," he said, offering us his umbrella. I was taken aback,

"Huh? Pa'no ka?" but he just smiled and insisted we take it.

As he handed over the umbrella and walked away, I noticed he had another one for himself. Ashley grabbed one of the umbrellas and exclaimed, "Kung sino ka man, thank you!"

She then noticed something attached to the umbrella and asked, "Ano 'to?"

I smiled as I took the cherry blossom from her, knowing exactly who was behind this small act of kindness. "Thank you, Jarred," I whispered in my thought, feeling a warmth in my heart.

Ashley looked at me with confusion, but I just smiled and said, "Tara na nga." We started walking, the umbrellas shielding us from the rain, and the cherry blossom a reminder of Jarred's thoughtfulness.

The summer days blended together, and before I knew it, the season had slipped away, leaving behind a trail of memories and what-ifs.

I never saw him again, and it was as if he'd vanished into thin air.I scanned the familiar haunts – the library, the cafe, the campus corridors – but there was no sign of him. It was as if he'd never existed, leaving me wondering if I'd imagined the whole thing.A month had passed since our last encounter, and the ache of disappointment had dulled into a nagging sense of longing. I'd thought, foolishly perhaps, that we might have had a connection, something that could have blossomed into something more. But now, it seemed like nothing more than a fleeting fantasy.

I wandered through the National Bookstore, scanning shelves stacked high with novels, searching for the perfect birthday gift for my book-loving friend. Her special day was just a week away, and I was determined to find something that would make her heart skip a beat.

And then, I saw it – the one book I knew she'd adore. "Yun!" I whispered to myself, my eyes shining with excitement.

But, just as I was about to grab it, a hand reached out and snatched it from the shelf.My heart stuttered as I turned to face the culprit.

Jarred.

The same guy who'd left me bewildered and intrigued.

"Uhm...bibilhin mo 'yung libro?" I asked, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil brewing inside me.He nodded curtly, his expression cold and unyielding.

"Yes." I felt a pang of disappointment, but I refused to give up. I searched for another book, my eyes scanning the shelves with renewed determination.

But, Jarred was far from done with me. I felt his presence behind me, his eyes boring into my skin. I spun around, my heart racing, and our gazes clashed. The air was electric, charged with an unspoken tension.

He walked towards me, his long strides eating up the distance between us. I stepped back, my hands brushing against the bookshelves behind me. He loomed over me, his hand reaching out the books behind me.

"Excuse me," he whispered, his breath dancing across my skin.I shivered, my pulse pounding in my veins. He was so close, his eyes burning with an intensity that left me breathless. And then, just as suddenly, he was gone, leaving me shaken and bewildered.

As I caught my breath, my eyes landed on a familiar object – the paper cherry blossom, stuck between two books. I plucked it out, my heart racing with excitement. It was the same one he'd left me before. And, attached to it, was a small arrow sticker, pointing to the center of the blossom.I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized the significance.

This was more than just a coincidence. Jarred was trying to tell me something. I hastily disassembled the paper, my heart pounding in anticipation.

I rushed back home, my mind racing with anticipation. My hands trembled as I searched for the paper cherry blossoms Jarred had given me. I felt like a detective unraveling a mystery, my heart pounding in my chest. Finally, I found the delicate papers, tucked away in a forgotten corner of my room.

I carefully unfolded them, just as I had done with the third one. And, there it was – a message, hidden in the intricate folds of the paper. My eyes scanned the words, my breath catching in my throat. The messages were cryptic, yet tantalizing.

They seemed to hint at a deeper connection, a secret understanding between Jarred and me. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized the significance.

These paper cherry blossoms were more than just a quirky gesture. They were a trail of breadcrumbs, leading me deeper into a mysterious world, one that Jarred had carefully crafted.

As I delicately read the paper cherry blossom Jarred had given me, a tender message was revealed, penned in elegant handwriting that exuded a sense of refinement and thoughtfulness. I felt my heart stir as I read the words, my eyes tracing the gentle curves of Jarred's handwriting.

"Meet me at the Khai's café at 5 pm. Come alone."My heart skipped a beat as I read the message. It was from Jarred, and he wanted to meet me in secret.

As I reflected on our encounters, I realized that our second meeting at Khai's cafe wasn't a coincidence. It was exactly 5 pm, a precise timing that hinted he was expecting me. But what caught me off guard was the realization that our first meeting was on a Monday, and the second was on a Saturday. Was it possible that he'd been waiting for me all along?

My mind whirled with questions as I turned my attention to the second paper cherry blossom. Unfolding it revealed a simple yet intimate message - his phone number. It was as if he'd been inviting me to connect with him, to bridge the gap between us.

As I carefully opened the remaining cherry blossom figurines, I was surprised to find that each one had a hidden message. It was as if Jarred had intentionally concealed these notes, waiting for me to discover them.

My heart swelled with emotion as I read the messages, each one revealing a piece of Jarred's heart. The notes spoke of his love, his fears, and his dreams. They were intimate and raw, giving me a glimpse into his innermost thoughts.

And then, there was the last paper cherry blossom, the one with the poem. His confession. My heart skipped a beat as I read the words, each line a gentle whisper of his feelings. It was a vulnerable and beautiful expression of his emotions, one that left me breathless and wondering what lay ahead.

In hushed silence, I sit and adore

The beauty that unfolds, a gentle score

Every step, every glance, a smile so bright

A soft allure that lingers, pure delight

As I read these words, I feel my heart unfolding like a lotus flower, its petals slowly unfurling to reveal the tender beauty within. It's as if the poet has whispered a secret in my ear, a secret that only my soul can hear.

Her skin, a canvas of moonlit glow

Shines with an ethereal light, for all to know

Her eyes, pools of depth, reflecting my soul

A window to the heart, where love makes whole

She radiates a gentle, golden light

A presence warm, like dawn's first tender sight

The air hums softly, attuned to her vibe

A symphony of serenity, a heart that thrives

Every line, every phrase, resonates deeply within me, like the gentle hum of a harp string. I feel the vibrations of the words, the way they tremble with emotion, and I am transported to a world of wonder and awe. I imagine myself standing in a moonlit garden, surrounded by the soft scent of blooming flowers.

In her calm demeanor, I find peaceful nest

A refuge from life's turmoil, where love finds rest

She listens with patience, a soothing balm to my soul

Accepting me, quirks and all, making me whole

The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of love, and I can feel the gentle touch of the one I adore. The poet's words have conjured up a world of enchantment, a world where love is the only reality that matters.

Though she shies from praise, her modesty shines bright

A subtle glow that illuminates, banishing the night

I yearn to celebrate her beauty, to sing her praise

For in her quiet strength, she holds the world in gentle ways

I am struck by the beauty of the language, the way the poet weaves together words to create a tapestry of love and devotion. It's like a masterful painter has taken up his brush, and with delicate strokes, has created a work of art that transcends the ordinary.

Her presence is a reminder, of beauty that's divine

A humble, profound gift, that touches heart and mind

And so I'll linger, watching from the shadows, grateful and true

For the gift of her presence, a quiet bliss, shining through.

I hesitated for a moment, my fingers hovering over the screen of my phone. The paper cherry blossom, with its delicate petals and hidden message, lay on the table in front of me, a tangible reminder of the mysterious connection I shared with Jarred.Taking a deep breath, I picked up my phone and carefully typed in the number he had given me.

My heart skipped a beat as I hesitated, my thumb hovering over the send button.What would I say to him? How could I possibly put into words the tangled emotions that had been building inside me since our first encounter?I took another deep breath and let my fingers fly across the keyboard, typing out a message that was both simple and profound.

"Meet me at the Khai's café tomorrow at 5 pm.

As I sent the message, a shiver ran down my spine. I felt like I was stepping off the edge of a cliff, into the unknown. But I was ready to take the leap, to see where this mysterious connection would lead me.I set my phone down, my eyes fixed on the screen as I waited for his response. The silence that followed was like a held breath, a pause in the rhythm of the world. And then, suddenly, my phone buzzed to life, a message from Jarred illuminating the screen...

"Okay, i'll be there, see you."

And that's the moment when the threads of my emotions began to weave together, forming a tapestry of feelings that would forever change the way I saw Jarred.It was as if the message I read had unlocked a door, allowing a flood of emotions to pour in.

With each passing moment, my curiosity blossomed into fascination, and my fascination deepened into something more. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of a journey that would take me to the depths of my own heart, and back again.