Chapter 2
**
It’s been two weeks since Serafine and Hero ended their relationship. The days have been a blur of mixed emotions—she misses him more than she cares to admit, yet a part of her is thankful that they aren’t seeing each other around campus. The absence of Hero’s familiar face in the crowded hallways is a bittersweet relief. While the silence between them feels heavy, it’s also given her the space to reflect on their relationship and the reasons it came to an end. As much as she longs for the comfort of his presence, Serafine knows that the separation was necessary, even if the ache of missing him still linger.
It was a Monday afternoon when Serafine’s friends, eager to shake off the monotony of the week, decided to check out the new café near their university. The small, cozy spot had been buzzing with rumors of delicious pastries and an ambiance perfect for studying or catching up. Though Serafine wasn't in the mood for socializing, her friends insisted, hoping a change of scenery would lift her spirits.
Wala naman talaga siya balak na sumama sa mga kaibigan niya pero wala na siyang takas ng inabangan siya nito sa last class niya. Alam niya na gusto lang ng mga ito na kahit papaano ay malibang siya.
When they arrived at the café, the warm, inviting scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries filled the air. Serafine’s friends chattered excitedly, but she was focused on the menu in front of her. Without hesitation, she ordered her usual—a matcha latte with coconut milk and just one pump of white mocha. It wasn’t her favorite drink at first, but ever since Hero had introduced it to her months ago, she couldn’t resist. He’d been so insistent that she try it, claiming it was the perfect blend of flavors. At first, she’d been skeptical, but after just one sip, she’d found herself addicted.
Now, every time she ordered the drink, it reminded her of him—the way he had smiled when she took her first tentative sip, the way his eyes lit up as she confessed she liked it more than she thought she would. It was strange how something as simple as a drink could bring back so many memories, but here she was, once again, holding onto the small things that tied her to him.
She sighed, trying to shake off the thoughts swirling in her mind. Her friends were laughing, sharing stories about their classes and the latest campus gossip, but Serafine couldn’t fully immerse herself in the conversation. No matter how hard she tried, her mind kept drifting back to Hero. She wondered what he was doing, whether he missed her, or if he had already moved on. The café felt so familiar—too familiar—and it only made her wish that things hadn’t ended the way they did.
Every time she glanced down at her matcha latte, she was reminded of him. The bitterness of the drink mixed with the sweetness of the white mocha felt like a reflection of their relationship—flawed, yet somehow comforting. She couldn’t help but feel a pang in her chest, wishing for just one more moment with him, even if it was just to say goodbye properly.
Her friends noticed her distant expression, but they didn’t ask. They probably thought it was just another quiet moment for Serafine, something she often had when lost in her thoughts. They didn’t know the turmoil she was trying to hide.
"Sage, may balita ka ba kay Hero?" there she goes... hindi niya na napigilan pa na tanungin ang kaibigan niya
"Last week ang sabi ni Tita Lilian eh hindi daw pumapasok si kuya. Tinanong nga ako kung may alam ba daw ako na problema nun, eh sabi ko wala akong alam. Ayoko naman na ako ang magsabi ng sad news kay Tita. Alam mo naman na gustong-gusto ka nun" sagot ni Sage sakanya tsaka humigop ng spanish latte na inorder niya
Bago pa siya magsalita sumabat na si Amara "Sera, i know that you felt guilty lalo na pinapabayaan ni Hero ang pag-aaral niya. Pero wag mo naman sisihin ang sarili mo ng sobra, tao ka lang din nasaktan at napapagod. Ginawa mo naman lahat sa relasyon niyo, you were brave enough mag let go kahit masakit and we are proud of you. Mahirap pero makakausad din kayo pareho." last words from Amara hit her. Makakausad din..pero hindi pa sa ngayon
"Oo nga Serababes, miss na miss na namin yang kaingayan at kaaretehan mo kaya wag ka na saaaaad" bumanat si Jill kaya natawa kaming lahat.
"Wow ha Jillian! Mas maarte pa si Margaret saakin" and for the first time in two weeks ngayon na nalang naman siya nakipag biruan sa mga kaibigan niya
"Sabi ng nakakailang spray ng alcohol pag may nanghihiram ng ballpen niya sa class" rebat naman ni Marga. Hindi niya mapigilan matawa kasi totoo ang sinabi nito.
As she sat there, half-heartedly listening to her friends, Serafine felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She was thankful for the four girls in her life—each one of them offering something different, but all of them there when she needed them the most.
Sage, with her infectious laughter, always seemed to know how to make Serafine smile, even on the toughest days. Amara, the quiet one, was always there to listen when Serafine needed to vent, without judgment. Margaret, the adventurous spirit, had a way of dragging Serafine out of her shell when she needed a distraction. And then there was Jill, the one who always seemed to see right through her—she knew when Serafine was pretending to be okay and would gently remind her that it was okay not to be.
With them around, Serafine didn’t feel as alone. Even if her heart still ached for Hero, she knew that these girls had her back, and that meant everything.
Amara received a call from their SGF adviser while they are eating, halatang stressed ang kaibigan niya sa pagiging SGF president at papalapit na ang foundation day kaya lagi itong busy "God, I hate this day. It was too tiring," Amara groaned, sinking into her seat and letting out a dramatic sigh. She rubbed her temples, clearly worn out from whatever had gone down in her latest meeting.
She glanced over at her, grateful for the distraction. "What happened in the SGF meeting?" she asked, leaning in a little, eager for any topic that could pull her away from her thoughts about Hero.
Amara rolled her eyes, her exhaustion evident. "Don’t even get me started. They spent the entire time arguing over budget allocation, and I swear, we didn’t get anything done. I’m so over it."
The other girls laughed, but Serafine’s mind was still partially elsewhere. Amara’s complaints, though relatable, felt like a breath of fresh air—something that wasn’t about relationships or unspoken feelings. It was just life, messy and stressful in its own way. Maybe, just maybe, Serafine could start focusing on the chaos of everything else rather than the quiet storm of thoughts about the ex-boyfriend.
"Sali kaya ako sa sports?" halata naman ang gulat sa mukha ng mga kaibigan niya ng sabihin niya ang ideya sa isip niya. It's not a bad idea afterall.
"Weh? Ikaw? Sa arte mong yan? Bawal ang pabebe sa sportsfest atecco" She gave a death glare to Sage. Real talk amp
"Eh kesa cheerleading o pageant na naman salihan ko, i want to try something new" at para na rin mabaling ang atensyon ko sa iba.
My frustration melted into a playful smile as I looked around at my friends. “People will always see me as kikay and maarte,” she said with a dramatic pout. “That’s why I don’t try something new, di ba? It’s like they already have me figured out. But, like, I do have other skills, you know?”
Margaret and Sage looked at each other “What, like volleyball” they teased.
I nodded confidently. “Yeah, may alam naman ako sa volleyball eh! I used to play all the time back in high school, but now... I don’t know. People wouldn’t take me seriously if I showed up at practice with my usual style.”
Amara, always the one to encourage the group to break boundaries, leaned forward. “Sera, who cares about what people think? You’re talented. You should totally join a team again. Show them that there’s more to you than just the ‘kikay’ image.” Nag-agree naman yung tatlo sa sinabi niya
"Eh kayo Jill ano sasalihan niyo?" tanong ko sa tatlo. Eh for sure si Amara busy siya sa pag organize ng programs kaya hindi siya sasali sa kahit na anong event.
"Battle of the bands kami ni Marga" sagot ni Jill tapos nakipag apir siya kay Marga
"Ako naman sa dance compe sasali" ani ni Sage. Apaka talented talaga ng mga kaibigan ko. Third year na kami kaya susulitin na namin ang huling beses na mag eenjoy kami sa foundation. Alam kong magiging hectic na ang sched pag graduating.
The afternoon drifted by with long stories and excited chatter about their plans for the upcoming foundation week. Everyone was talking over each other, throwing out ideas for events, outfits, and all the fun things they hoped to get up to. It was a welcome distraction for Serafine, as the energy from her friends lifted her spirits, even if only for a little while.
As the sun began to set and the café started to empty, the group reluctantly wrapped up their conversation. They exchanged laughs and promises to meet up again soon, knowing that the busy week ahead would bring more moments like this—moments of laughter and support.
"Okay, I think we all need to crash now," Sage said with a yawn, stretching her arms. "See you all tomorrow, yeah?"
"Definitely," they all replied, feeling a little lighter than she had earlier. "Take care, guys."
One by one, they said their goodbyes, each girl giving me a hug before heading off in different directions.
Way to go Sera, kaya mo yan... I reminded myself before starting my car and drive my way home.