Chapter 5 Fragments of Forgotten Heart

Chapter 5: Fragments of Forgotten Heart

The mysterious man's intense gaze held me captive after his pronouncement, before he turned his back and walked away.

I hurried after him, but he moved with an unnerving speed.

"Wait! Why are you angry? Are you... jealous?" I called out, but he offered no response. A growing unease settled in my stomach.

Then, he vanished, and I felt myself plummeting as if down a deep well.

I was still dreaming, yet the sensation was terrifyingly real. I fell and fell, a knot of fear tightening in my chest, until I finally hit solid ground.

The impact should have been devastating, considering the apparent height of my fall, but miraculously, I was unharmed.

To my surprise, the surroundings had completely changed. I now found myself in what looked like a schoolyard, filled with high school students.

In the distance, I heard the hushed whispers of teenage boys teasing one of their classmates.

The boy suddenly exclaimed, his voice tinged with embarrassment and defiance:

"Fine! Yes, I like her! I have a crush on her, okay? Just shut up and don't tell her!" His friends erupted in playful jeers, and the boy, his face flushed crimson, turned and ran.

As he fled, the scene shifted again, and I was now in an apartment.

It was clearly the living space of a couple. Their faces were blurred and indistinct, but I could clearly see their affectionate interactions.

"Love, work was so exhausting. Can I recharge with a hug?" the man said to his girlfriend, embracing her tightly.

"Oh, come on, you're being such a baby again," the woman replied playfully, returning his embrace. "Come here."

"Love," the man said, a tender look in his eyes, "if you blink many times, it means you love me and we'll get married." Their playful intimacy felt almost intrusive to witness.

Even with her blurred features, I saw the woman blink repeatedly.

"I love you so much, my love. You don't need to test me anymore, because I love you deeply... no matter what happens, you're the only one I'll ever love and marry," she said softly to her boyfriend.

He gently cupped her face, and they kissed right in front of me, seemingly oblivious to my presence.

Yuck. Gross. It was sickening.

Why am I here? Just to suffer?

Didn't they know there was someone else in the room?

Moments later, the scene dissolved again, and I found myself in a garden.

It was the moonlit garden, the recurring setting of my dreams.

Once again, I saw two couples slow dancing under the full moon, their movements fluid and graceful. They looked blissfully happy and deeply in love.

A throbbing pain erupted in my head at the sight, a wave of disgust and nausea washing over me. It wasn't bitterness, just... yuck!

I turned and ran, desperate to find a way out, but the surroundings darkened, and I saw the mysterious man leaning against a tree, his gaze fixed on me, serious and intense.

"Rain..." he called out, his voice a low murmur.

"Who are you? Who are you really?" I asked, my voice trembling with confusion.

He didn't answer. A sad smile touched his lips, and a single tear traced a path down his cheek.

"I will do everything to make you love me again and remember me again. I will find you, Rain..." he said, his voice fading before he vanished completely.

Suddenly, I saw a woman weeping uncontrollably. It was the same woman from the apartment scene, her body wracked with sobs.

Her face remained indistinct. I couldn't understand why she was crying, but a heavy weight settled in my chest, and a suffocating sadness enveloped me as I listened to her heart-wrenching cries.

It was as if she was chasing after something she desperately didn't want to lose.

I jolted awake, my eyes snapping open to the familiar sensation of a tear-soaked pillow.

Why was I crying?

I had no idea. Should I see a psychiatrist? I felt like I was losing my mind. Nothing made sense anymore. My thoughts were a tangled mess.

The clock read 3:49 AM.

I got out of bed, deciding to get some fresh air in our yard.

I was standing there, the cool night air on my skin, when I was startled to see Adrian sitting alone.

"Adrian, why are you still awake?" I asked him.

"Just... nothing," he replied curtly, his tone cold and distant.

I sat down beside him. He remained silent, staring into the darkness.

"Adrian, did I... did I have a boyfriend before?" I asked him hesitantly.

He looked visibly surprised by my question, a beat of silence passing before he finally responded. He took a deep breath, a sigh escaping his lips.

"Why would you suddenly ask that?" he said, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"No reason, really. But yeah, it sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? I know I haven't had a boyfriend, I don't remember anything like that... but I have this feeling, this weird feeling that I have had a boyfriend before. Strange, right?" I confessed.

"Yeah, you're being weird. Just go back to sleep," he said coldly.

"Seriously, every night I dream about this guy. It's always him. He always tells me he loves me and that he'll find me. But whenever I ask him who he is, he just says I'll know someday. Then, earlier, my dream was different. I don't understand what it was about, I'm so confused," I recounted Adrian, my voice filled with bewilderment.

Adrian fell silent, several long seconds ticking by before he finally spoke.

"How do you feel whenever you dream about him?" he asked seriously, his gaze now fixed on me.

"Honestly, I'm so confused. I feel like I've known him for a long time, he feels familiar. I long for him, but there's also this underlying sadness... and every time I wake up, there are tears in my eyes. I'm so lost, I don't understand why I feel this way," I confessed, my voice laced with confusion.

"That's just from reading too much Wattpad and watching too many romance anime," Adrian said dismissively, a faint chuckle escaping his lips.

"I'm being serious here, you know," I said, a touch of irritation in my voice.

"But seriously, what's happening to you is weird. Maybe you should go see an albularyo?" Adrian suggested.

"It sounds more like I need a psychiatrist, Adrian, because I feel like I'm losing my grip on reality," I admitted.

Adrian looked at me with a mixture of pity and concern.

"But you know, thank you anyway. Even though you can be a bit... difficult... sometimes, you're still kind to me. At least I have someone to talk to about this, because it's really hard to open up about it. So, even if you're not the best listener, thank you," I said to Adrian, my tone surprisingly earnest.

"Yeah, it's obvious, because what you're experiencing isn't normal. If you told Yana, she wouldn't understand any of it because she's... not the brightest," Adrian said, his bluntness making my eyes widen.

"Hey! You! You have a crush on Yana, don't you?" I accused, pointing a finger at him. He simply stared coldly at the sky.

"That girl is ugly. That's why I'd never like her," he declared.

"Hahahaha, you're crazy! You must be blind, Yana is gorgeous!" I exclaimed.

"You're prettier than her. That girl just has big boobs," Adrian retorted.

I playfully swatted his arm, but he didn't even flinch, acting as if nothing had happened.

I just shook my head, a smile playing on my lips.

"You're unbelievable! You're so harsh to Yana. If you two ever end up together, I'm going to tease you endlessly," I said, laughing.

"Just go back to sleep, Rain. It's just a dream. Go on, good night," he said coldly, standing up and walking towards his room.

"I will find you, I won't give up, my love..." I heard a familiar voice whisper. I looked around, trying to locate the speaker, but I saw no one.

I simply went back inside to rest.

Maybe I was just tired.

I didn't dream again that night, and soon, we woke up to prepare for school.

I cooked breakfast for my step-siblings before preparing my own things for school.

My mind felt foggy throughout class.

While the professor lectured at the front, my thoughts seemed to drift aimlessly, and I struggled to comprehend anything. I had to consciously force myself to stay awake and try to focus on studying.

After class, Adrian texted me, saying he'd go home later because he was busy with the basketball club.

"Girl, this is our chance! Adrian's not here. Let's go hang out!" Yana said excitedly, grabbing my arm.

"Okay," I replied.

"Ay, you're so cold! Are you heartbroken, sis? I noticed you zoning out earlier. What happened?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

"I'll tell you later, let's go," I said.

"Count me in! That's not fair, why just the two of you?" Devan said like a child.

He had apparently been following us as we walked down the hallway towards the school exit.

"No! No boys allowed! It's just Rain and me time!" Yana declared.

Devan suddenly pouted, his face falling.

A strange sensation washed over me, and an image of an unfamiliar man flashed through my mind. A headache began to throb behind my eyes, but I tried to ignore it.

"That's not fair! Come on, let me join-" Devan's sentence was cut short as his male friends suddenly draped their arms around his shoulders.

"Hey, dude! We need help! Ma'am wants us to print and edit something," one of his friends pleaded.

"Yeah, come on, man! You know how to edit, right?" another urged.

"Huh? Oh, okay," Devan said, looking at Yana and me with a disappointed expression. He bid us goodbye, looking like he really didn't want to leave.

Yana and I went to the mall after school. We indulged in waffles and ice cream at a shop there. Yana ate with gusto, while I remained quiet, lost in my thoughts.

"You're so quiet, girl. Spill the tea already! What's bothering you?" she asked, chewing on her waffle.

I wasn't entirely comfortable opening up about something so strange, something that not everyone would understand. But I trusted Yana, and I knew she would listen.

"I don't know when it started, but every night I dream about this guy. I don't know him, but he always says he loves me and that he'll find me. I don't understand him, I'm so confused," I confessed to Yana, my voice serious.

"Oh? Maybe he's a past lover from your past life! What does he wear? Is he handsome?" she asked curiously, taking a sip of her strawberry frappe.

"He always wears the same thing: a white polo shirt and white pants. He's good-looking, handsome, tall, and seems kind... I'll even admit that I have a bit of a crush on him. But... the more time passes, the more confused I get. There are so many questions he doesn't answer," I said to Yana.

"That's so interesting and mysterious! What if he shows up in real life? What would you do?" Yana asked, her curiosity piqued.

"I don't know. All I know is... I'd be happy because I want to see him and be with him... I can't explain why, what is it? I just hope my questions get answered," I replied earnestly.

"Your love story is so interesting, girl! Out of this world! I bet he's your lover from a past life. I hope he gets reincarnated so you can be together again, hehehe," Yana said with a smile.

"I don't know either. Last night, I dreamt about memories and all sorts of things. I can't remember every detail. But because of it, I'm even more confused, especially since he seemed angry at me," I said sadly.

"Angry? Who? The mysterious guy?" Yana asked.

"Yeah," I replied, looking down.

"Oh no! Why? Did you do something?" she inquired.

"I don't know either. He's so vague, I can't understand him. He's starting to annoy me," I admitted.

Yana chuckled.

"That's cute! You're already having a lover's quarrel! Amazing! Even though you only met in a dream, you already have a fight. Don't worry, he probably can't stay mad at you, and I'm sure there's a reason for everything that's happening to you, Rain," Yana said, looking directly into my eyes.

"Thank you, Yana. Thank you for being here to listen. I appreciate it. You're truly genuine," I said with a grateful smile.

"Of course! Like I always say, who else will help us if not us beautiful people? Besides, we're friends, Rain. I'll always be here to listen to you," Yana said kindly.

"What about you? Have you ever had any relationship experiences, Yana?" I asked her.

"Yeah, I used to be a martyr and a fool when it came to love. But now, I'm a man-hater, babe! I'm angry at all men!" she declared seriously, glaring at the male customers inside the store.

"Why? What happened?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"I used to love someone seriously, I really loved that guy. But it turned out he was just using me for his image and academics... I used to be smart, babe, I don't know what happened... and yeah, I found out he had a lot of girls, and one of them was the one who bullied you. And he even accused me of being the other woman! He's such a fool, making up stories. He doesn't know the truth," Yana said, her voice serious as she seemed lost in thought.

"What? That guy cheated on you? With someone as beautiful as you? Seriously, Yana, you're gorgeous. If I were a guy, I'd totally date you and never do anything like that to you," I said earnestly. Yana suddenly hugged me tightly.

"Omg! Should we just be together, Rain? I don't want those guys anymore! They're all perverts and cheaters!" she exclaimed dramatically, pretending to cry.

"Hahahahaha, you're crazy. But we could, you know? Are we together now?" I played along with her joke.

"Hala! If I actually went for that, hahahaha! But sis, I have something to tell you about Devan. Don't gossip about it, okay?" she said.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Have you noticed anything about him?" Yana inquired.

"Nothing really, why? What have you noticed about him?" I countered.

"Hmm, there's something about him... something different. You know, his energy or aura feels different from us normal people. I don't know, it's hard to explain. And I think he likes you," Yana said.

"Ha? Likes me? Why would you think that, Yana? Devan is handsome, he wouldn't like someone like me," I said shyly, my cheeks flushing.

"Stop putting yourself down, girl! You just don't see it, but you're beautiful. You have a different glow, girl. You're so Latina and look like a soft girl. Even I, if I were a guy, I would fall for you," she declared.

"Here we go again! We're going to become lesbians again, girl! So, are we together?" I joked.

"Crazy! But seriously, Devan likes you," she said, sounding absolutely certain.

"Hay nako, how can you tell? We're just friends. Devan only sees me as a friend. And besides, did he tell you he likes me?" I asked.

"No, but I see the way he looks at you. It's different. There's just something there. And there's also something different about him, I can't quite put my finger on it. Just be careful, girl," Yana said seriously.

"What about you, girl? Do you like anyone in our class?" I asked, and she suddenly looked away. Gotcha!

"Ha? No way! Our male classmates are so ugly. Devan is the only one who's even remotely good-looking," she said, her cheeks turning red.

"So, you like Devan?" I asked curiously.

"No," she replied quickly.

"Who do you like then? Wait... is it Adrian?" Her cheeks flushed even more at my words. Gotcha! Hahahaha.

"No way! Me, like Adrian? You're kidding, girl! I would never like that ugly guy!" she exclaimed.

I couldn't help but laugh at her vehement denial.

"You're being way too defensive. Hahahahaha. I'm officially Team Adriyana! That's your love team name," I said, still laughing.

"Ugh! Don't even say that, girl! You're such a mess! That guy is disgusting!" she said with a shudder, acting repulsed.

"Oh come on! If you two end up together, I'm going to be the godmother of your kids, okay?" I teased Yana.

"Hay nako, Rain! Stop it! You're driving me crazy! Let's go!" she said, exasperated, standing up and walking away. I just continued to laugh at her. Confirmed!

Yana pretended to be annoyed, but her face was as red as a tomato.

I continued to tease her until we exited the mall, where a familiar figure stood outside, looking like he had been waiting there for a long time.

It's Devan.

An image suddenly flashed through.

My mind, a fleeting scene of a man waiting outside a building, being greeted by a woman.

"Love? Have you been here long? Did you really wait for me?" the woman had asked in surprise, embracing the man.

"Yes, love. About four hours, but it's okay, it's you," the man replied with a smile.

"You're crazy, love. Weren't you bored? Here, I brought some food for us. Let's eat first, my love," the woman said, smiling.

"Just seeing you happy fills me up, love," the man responded sweetly.

"Hay nako, you're such a smooth talker, love! Let's go already."

A slight throbbing returned to my head. That couple again. They were the same ones I had dreamt about last night. Even in my memory, their faces remained blurred.

Who were they?

I snapped back to reality, noticing Devan standing in front of us. Who was he waiting for?

"Uy, baks, it's you! What are you doing here? Who are you waiting for?" Yana asked directly as soon as she saw Devan.

"You guys, obviously! Didn't I say I wanted to join you earlier? I rushed to finish what Ma'am asked us to do and ran away to find you here," he explained.

"Have you been here long?" I asked him.

"Not really, I just arrived a little while ago," he said, avoiding my gaze and rubbing the back of his neck.

"And why exactly did you come looking for us, huh? What's your deal?" Yana asked him, her tone playfully sharp.

"You know Rain has a lot of bullies, right? Adrian isn't here yet, he's busy with the basketball club. She needs someone to protect her," Devan said seriously, looking at me.

Yana smirked, nudged me lightly in the arm, and whispered,

"Told you, hehehehe," teasing me with a mischievous wink.

"You don't need to do that, because I'm here to protect Rain, the female lead of this story," Yana declared to Devan.

"You're both still girls. It's different when there's a guy's protection," Devan replied earnestly.

"Oh, fine, you're so persistent! I'm going home. You walk Rain home. Bye, people!" Yana said, waving at us before quickly walking away, already quite a distance from us.

I didn't say anything, and Devan and I were left alone together.

"Hmm, you really don't have to walk me home, Devan. It's okay. It's a bit embarrassing," I said shyly.

He looked at me seriously, a slight frown on his face.

"You're acting like we're strangers, Rain. We're friends. It's only right for a guy to walk a girl home, especially now that there are people bullying you," he said earnestly, and we started walking.

I didn't protest further. That was just Devan. He could be quite stubborn, and once he made up his mind, it was hard to change it.

We were inside the jeepney when something from Psych Stats suddenly popped into my head.

"Devan, are you busy later? Could you tutor me in Psych Stats? I'm still having a bit of a hard time with it," I asked shyly, sitting next to him in the jeepney.

"Sure, no problem. Where to?" he asked.

"Maybe at the public library near our place? It's cooler there," I suggested.

"You don't want to study at your house?" he asked.

"No, it's embarrassing. My step-siblings might be there," I replied.

"True, those guys are intense, especially that girl. She seems to have a lot of anger towards you," he said seriously.

"I don't know. Let's just leave her be," I said.

We got off near the public library and reviewed our notes there.

The library was beautiful and spacious, filled with countless books and theses. It was also pleasantly cool inside thanks to the large air conditioners.

He patiently explained the formulas he had learned.

Devan was a really good teacher. I understood his explanations quickly.

Why was it that when our professor taught, I was so slow to pick things up? But with Devan, I grasped everything so easily.

I noticed his Nezuko keychain attached to his phone, which was lying on the table. It was so cute!

"Devan..." I called out to him softly.

"Hmm?"

"I like you..."

He froze for a moment, an