Colet's POV

I am counting the days before our 1 month intensive training. My team will compete for Palarong Pambansa. As much as I don't wanna leave school for a month, I don't have a choice. After all, we will be representing NCR and our school as well.

I sighed.

"What's the matter?" Sheena worriedly asked.

"Nothing. It's just that, I don't wanna be away from you guys for a whole month." I replied. They laughed but I can notice their sad faces.

 
"Bro, chill! You have the remaining weeks to enjoy." Mikha butted in while tapping my back.

"We'll guard Jhoanna for you." Maloi teasingly told me while wiggling her eyebrows.

With that, I remembered something. I know for a fact that Jhoanna is a catch that's why many guys have attempted to approach her or get to know her more.

There was this one time, we're all sitting at the cafeteria when a group of guys approached her. They gave her chocolates but she ended up giving it to us.

I had to hide my smiles. Dimwits, she's more into mojos!

"Speaking, the girls are here!" Maloi whispered, waving her hands to them. They all smiled as they walk towards us. Gwen seated beside Sheena, Stacey beside me and surprisingly, Jhoanna moved the unoccupied chair to sit beside me too. I saw my friends wearing their teasing smiles. I shook my head.

"Guys are irritating! Especially to those who kept getting Stacey and Jhoanna's attention." Gwen ranted.

"You're just jealous because no one approaches you." Sheena jokingly said.

"How can they approach me if the campus knew that I'm your girlfriend, you idiot?" Gwen rebated. The latter raised her two hands indicating like surrendering the battle. That made us laugh.

"But since we're talking about it, Jhoanna what's your type?" Stacey suddenly asked her.

"You." Jhoanna chuckled.

"Kidding! I'm into tall, not too dark but handsome. Someone who's smart and sporty. Someone I am comfortable with. Someone who's family oriented." she added.

I looked down. Her ideal type, I feel like I'm way different from what she described.

"Colet, are you close to your family?" Jhoanna whispered. Huh?

"Yes." I shortly replied, whispering too.

"What are you guys talking about?" It's Mikha who probably noticed us talking.

"Mind your own business." I told her which made everyone laugh.

—

After my training, I saw Sheena waiting for me. She went straight to the gym after their rehearsals. I invited her to have a dinner with me.

We are walking to the gate when suddenly, Sheena pointed to someone.

"Is that Jho? Oh fuck, is she crying?" she said.

I look at the girl and Sheena was right. The girl is crying. I immediately get my handkerchief and grab one student passing by.

"Hi! Can you give this to her?" I begged to the student who passed by. He nodded and went to Jhoanna.

 
"Are you crazy? Go to her!" Sheena said, with a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"Shee, I'm shy. Also, I invited you to dinner." I honestly told her.

"Col, look at me, I'm okay but Jhoanna, she seems devastated." Sheena said, assuring me. I, then, smiled at her and wave my goodbye.

I walked towards Jhoanna. I can hear her sobs.

"Jho? Are you okay?" I asked worriedly. She looked up and I saw those puffy eyes and red cheeks. "Can I sit beside you?" I calmly added.

 
She smiled and nodded.

 
"What's the problem?" I asked.

"Our coach from the broadcasting scolded me." she cries. I gently guided her head towards my shoulder.

"I was so scared, Colet. I feel like she's disappointed. I don't wanna disappoint anyone, not her, not my parents, not even you guys." she added.

"Hey! You don't need to go in details, alright? Just let it out. Friends do not need to know everything to share the same pain with you, right? I'm just here." I assured her. I felt her head nodding. I smiled even if she can't see my facial expressions. She's so soft.

After some time, she calmed down. I look at her and saw her looking at me too. She hugged me and whispered "thank you."

I stood up and guided her. I look into her eyes and said the words, "Jhoanna, I'm proud of you. I know you're doing great. As long as I'm here, you'll always have someone who's proud of you in everything."

I kissed her forehead and embraced her.

—

I went home after her driver fetched her. I'm done with my night routine but I'm still here, worrying about her. I decided to call Sheena.

"Hey!" she greeted.

"Hi, can you ask Gwen for Jhoanna's number and address?" I simply said.

She interrogated me before agreeing to my favor. I waited for Sheena to send me the details. I quickly changed, wore my white windbreaker, shorts, and dunks. I also borrowed dad's car.

I parked in front of a huge house with a rustic design. I, then, dialed Jhoanna's number. After 5 rings, she answered.

"Hi! Who's this?" her voice sounds sleepy.

"Hello! This is Colet, are you preparing to sleep already?" I asked shyly.

"Oh, not really. I just done studying." she replied.

"Do you have time? Come outside, I'm here!" I told her, I heard footsteps on the phone and saw a curtain opening, revealing Jhoanna. I smiled and waved my hand.

"Alright, give me a minute." she asked.

After a few minutes, I saw her wearing a hoodie that matched my windbreaker.

"Nice car!" she greeted.

"This is my dad's. Let's go roadtrip!" I told her while reaching for her hand. She then, nodded and reached for my hand too. I opened the door for her before walking to my door. I look at her to make sure she's seated comfortably. I, then, grab the snacks and drinks at the backseat and gave it to her.

"Thanks! I didn't know this side of you." She teased. I just smiled and started the engine.

We drive around antipolo. A peaceful place where you can see the city lights and stars up there. I parked and invited her to come outside.

She look around and saw her looking amusingly to our view.

"Thank you, Colet. I appreciate what you're doing to make me feel better." She said. I just nodded and smiled.

I invited her to sit at the back of the car. We enjoyed the view and talked about random stuffs. We are laughing and joking around. We are so comfortable.

"What time is it?" I asked.

"It's 12 midnight." She replied, closing her eyes.

 
"Hey! I think we should go. They might noticed you're not in your bed this late." I panicked and was about to come down when she stopped me.

 
"It's fine! I'll just sneak inside our house later." she laughed. Damn, music to my ears.

Seconds later, I heard her singing. Her eyes were close so I took the opportunity to look at her. Fuck, I'm falling. Fast. I don't want to stop.

Huwag muna tayong umuwi
Mundo'y tahimik sa iyong tabi
Dito muna, muna
Maaga pang hatinggabi
Naglalaho ang dilim
Sa iyong ngiti
Dito muna, muna
Ako, ako
Dito muna, muna
Tayo, tayo

I found solace in books growing up. The made up world and its people brought a different kind of euphoria to me. I absolutely adored imagining myself in the same place as my favorite characters. It was an escape from my boring and cruel life. I read and read and read until the line between my reality and my imagination blurred.

Nowadays, my solace rests someplace else in you.

For the first time in my life, I do not want to imagine myself in another world, not when I am with you here. You make life worth putting a book down for.

You are my solace and my serenity.

And Jhoanna, I will move mountains just to have midnights like this with you.