This story is an adaptation of my other story, "Unrequited Love."

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"Narda, nasaan ka?"

I had been fixated on her message for approximately a minute, yet I opted not to reply, choosing instead to disregard it. I have been avoiding any form of communication with her for several weeks, yet she persistently attempts to reach out to me through text messages and phone calls.

"I'm looking for you; I'm in your coffee shop, but you're not here."

I let out a sigh as I redirected my attention to her text message. My current demeanor is a result of discovering that they are now in a relationship: the guy whom I disapprove of for her. My dislike towards him is not solely because Regina chose him, but also due to the fact that he has been engaging in infidelity. He has proven himself to be unfaithful, as I personally witnessed him kissing another girl last Friday night.

I have grown weary of advising her against being with him, as I firmly believe she will only experience heartache in the end. However, she consistently disregards my warnings, asserting that he would never cause her harm.

Parang naniniwala na ako sa sabi-sabing nakakabulag at nakakabobo ang pag-ibig.

"Narda, galit ka ba saakin?"

Tinatanong paba 'yan. Oo, galit ako. I am experiencing a profound sense of anger towards you. It is disheartening to witness your inclination towards believing him rather than placing trust in me. So sinong Poncho Pilato ang hindi magagalit.

I'm so tired and hurting all at the same time, Regina. Di mo ba pansin? Bulag ka ba?

"Narda naman, reply kana, please."

I find myself at a loss for words in formulating a response to her message. My mind feels devoid of thoughts, leaving me in a state of blankness.

The continuous recurrence of this situation has left me feeling weary and exasperated. I yearn to disappear indefinitely, with no intention of ever returning.

Despite my earnest efforts to support her, it has become evident that all my endeavors were ultimately futile. In the end, she continues to choose him over any other option. Ayon nga sa kanta ni Juan Karlos, "Oh, 'di ba? Nakakaputang ina."

"I'm still here waiting for you. I'll wait for your response."

I berated myself inwardly as I found myself compelled to meet her once again, despite having deliberately ignored her for an entire week.

Uncertainty clouded my mind as to whether I am truly prepared for this encounter. It is difficult to ascertain whether I am ready or not, or perhaps neither. My level of certainty remains uncertain. Nevertheless, this is the moment I must face, as I have no alternative but to meet her.

After a brief drive, I arrived at my coffee shop and parked in my designated private area. Observing her seated in the center, sipping her coffee, I couldn't help but acknowledge her enduring beauty. Whether adorned with makeup or not, she remains captivating in my eyes.

Despite her current involvement with someone else, she remains the same woman I have loved from the very beginning. My feelings for her have never wavered.

As I entered the premises, my employees warmly greeted me, and I responded with a simple smile. Regina's face lit up with a smile upon spotting me, yet I refrained from reciprocating.

Without delay, I took a seat, donning an expression that conveyed my lack of enthusiasm or mood.

"Narda, thanked God you showed up. I miss you."  A radiant smile adorned her face, a smile that holds a special place in my heart, one that I yearn to cherish exclusively.

Tapos napagtanto ko nalang bigla na, the woman I am currently gazing upon, and whom I have harbored deep affection for, is the very same person who has already developed romantic feelings for another individual. Describing her as simply having fallen in love with someone else would be an inadequate portrayal; she has already committed herself to another person, a man.

"Hey, are you alright?" She inquires, concerned.

"Of course, I am, and I will always be fine, Regina."

"No, I don't believe so. Tell me what's wrong so I can help you, Narda."  You can't help me, Regina; there's nothing you can do.

"Kailangan ko pa bang ulitin Regina, I said, I'm fine," I stated, with a slight increase in volume, causing her to flinch.

"N-Narda, galit ka ba? May nagawa ba akong masama?" I know I'm being harsh to her, but I have no choice.

"No, Regina, you are not at fault, and there is no justification for me to be upset with you," I responded, crossing my arms and reclining in my chair..

"Iyon naman pala, pero bakit parang hindi tayo okay. Kasi when I texted you, you didn't respond, when I called, you didn't answer, and when I wanted to meet up with you, you didn't show up. Please, Narda, just tell me what's wrong."

I bear a sense of guilt, and it pains me to witness her sadness as a result of my actions. She displays genuine concern for me, yet I persist in treating her with indifference. However, I am aware that I will be the one to endure the consequences if I fail to fulfill my obligations in this matter.

"My focus has been consumed by my work, which is why I have been unable to respond to your messages or meet with you. While I have addressed all of your inquiries, I must excuse myself now as I still have pressing priorities to attend to." I conveyed this in a monotonous tone.

I stood up from my chair, intending to depart, but she abruptly seized my wrist, causing me to halt and direct my gaze towards her..

"W-Why are you treating me with indifference? You... you have changed," she uttered, her voice trembling with emotion, indicating her impending tears. Though I longed to embrace her and offer my apologies, I hesitated, unwilling to take any risks. The turmoil within me was already overwhelming, and I deemed it best not to add further complications.

I chose not to respond to her, swiftly departing without retrieving my car. Striding with increased pace, as if my very existence depended on it, I disregarded any inconvenience. My sole objective was to escape from that place.

The tears that I had restrained earlier are now cascading down my cheeks. Sobrang sakit, that's how I was feeling right now.

This dreadful feeling, I wish it would just go away.

After a few minutes of walking I just happened to be in the park— the park where Regina and I met for the first time! Pag minamalas ka nga naman, sa lahat ba naman ng lugar, rito pa talaga ako napadpad.

This is where it all started. Parang kahapon lang.

The memory of witnessing her enjoy her Kwek-kwek remains ingrained in my mind. Seated on one of the benches, she emanated an undeniable charm as she savored her meal.

I vaguely recall approaching her with a smile and requesting permission to join her, to which she graciously consented. She even extended the kind gesture of offering me some of her food.

I can still envision the captivating beauty of her eyes as she introduced herself, and the way they crinkled with laughter in response to my cheesy jokes. Despite it being our initial encounter, there was an inexplicable familiarity, as if we had known each other for an extended period of time.

I retain vivid recollection of every aspect, every intricacy, and I hold it dear. Although it may sound trite, I experienced love at first sight.

Over the course of two years, characterized by lengthy phone conversations, playful banter, witnessing each other's vulnerabilities, motivating personal development, and wholeheartedly supporting one another,

my love for her deepens even further.

I am aware that it may be deemed inappropriate, yet I find myself unable to resist. Despite my best efforts to move on, I have pursued various avenues to distract myself from these emotions. I immersed myself in the company of friends, indulged in social gatherings and travel, dedicated myself to my professional endeavors, and even deliberately distanced myself from her for a period of three weeks. Yet, to my dismay, all these attempts proved futile as the feelings I harbored for her persisted steadfastly.

"Narda!" she called out, but I didn't turn around. Akala ko pa naman hindi na niya ako masusundan pa; pero here she is, calling my name.

Regina naman, hindi ka nalang sana sumunod pa. You're making it more difficult for me to let you go.

"What are you doing here? "

"I'm worried, which is why I'm following you."

"There's no need for you to follow me, Regina."

"Narda naman, sabihin mo na, please enlighten me about the issue at hand. You cannot comprehend the immense pain that accompanies the mistreatment from someone who holds significance in your life. I implore you to disclose what is troubling you so that I may have the opportunity to make amends and rectify the situation." She pleads earnestly. As I turned around, I noticed tears streaming down her face.

Witnessing her in such distress tugs at my heartstrings. The strong desire to embrace her and offer my heartfelt apologies for causing her pain arises within me, yet I restrain myself from doing so.

"Narda naman, I begged you, just tell me what's the problem, I'm your bestfri─" This time, I interrupted her, and the tears that I had been suppressing earlier now flow freely down my own cheeks.

"Yun na nga ang problema, bestfriend. Best-friend mo lang ako. Iyon lang ba talaga ang papel ko sa buhay mo, Regina?"

"I... N-Narda, w-what exactly do you imply?" she inquired, her speech marked by a noticeable stutter.

"Gusto kita Regina, matagal na." She gazes at me, visibly taken aback.

"My feelings for you are undeniable, Regina. Wasn't it evident from my action? This is something that I've been meaning to share with you, and I believe it's time for me to gather the courage and be open about my feelings. —

Over the course of our friendship, you have become an incredibly significant person in my life. Your presence brings me joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging. I have come to realize that my feelings for you extend beyond friendship. You are the reason I responded to your messages promptly, stayed awake late into the night, expressed concern when your attire seemed too revealing, confided in you with things I rarely share with others, and felt a tinge of jealousy when others sought your attention. Regina, you are the very reason behind my constant smile. So, yes, I not only like you but love you."

Following my confession, she remained silent, seemingly immobilized in her position.

A bitter laughter escapes me as I interpret her silence as an indication that she does not reciprocate the same feelings I have for her. The sensation in my heart resembles being stabbed countless times with a knife. Although I anticipated this outcome, the pain persists, leaving me questioning why it still affects me so profoundly.

Of course straight siya, halata naman. May boyfriend nga diba. Kung pwede lang talagang ibalik ang oras ginawa ko na. 'Yong oras na kung saan pwede ko mabago ang pangyayari. Hiniling ko na sana hindi ko nalang siya nakita.

"N-Narda..."

"A-Alam ko, Regina," I express, yet the bitter laughter that escapes me serves as a poignant reminder of my own foolishness in harboring romantic feelings for a girl whom I am fully aware I stand no chance with.

"Alam kong  hindi mo ako magugustuhan. At least nasabi ko na ang dapat sana'y sinabi ko noong una palang. Kaya no worries, I'm fine." Despite the pain, I smile.

As she approached me with the intention of embracing, I gestured for her to halt while gradually stepping back. "P-please, please refrain from doing so. I implore you not to exacerbate an already challenging situation."

"Narda naman, pag usapan natin to-

"We don't have anything to talk about, Regina. That being said, mauuna na ako, may gagawin pa kasi ako." I preemptively departed without waiting for her to conclude her impending statement.

Despite the persistent repetition of her calling my name, I refrained from mustering the courage to face her by refusing to turn around.

Never again

Regina's Point of View

The passage of time, encompassing days, weeks, and months, transpired without any utterances from you. I observed the gradual transformation of our once cherished bond as best friends into a mere acquaintance. This heart-wrenching development cannot be attributed to you, for the fault lies with me.

It pains me to acknowledge the complete disappearance of the radiant presence you once embodied. I failed to recognize and appreciate your value and affection for me when you expressed interest. Instead, I foolishly allowed someone else into my life, while neglecting the depth of my feelings for you.

Regret consumes me as I realize my love for you only after witnessing you with another person. It is an irreversible loss, as you have already moved on, and I have missed my chance. I wish I could wholeheartedly rejoice in your newfound relationship, but my own sadness prevails. I am disappointed in myself for lacking the courage to choose you when I had the opportunity. The anguish I feel is profound, knowing that I could not embrace the possibility of a future with you until it was too late.

I  was too late.

As the adage suggests, it is often only in the absence of someone that we come to fully comprehend their significance in our lives.

I had my chance, but I squandered it, and now you belong to another, as you rightfully deserve.

Narda, you deserve to be with someone who can bring you happiness, even if that person is not me.

♡