Two years later
Tokyo, Japan
With a heavy heart, he looked at the pictures that Irvin had sent to him. His eyes filled with sorrow as he contemplated the emotions captured on the faces of the two men holding hands. These images had been in his possession for two long years. It was no longer a surprise to see Theron and Syd, intimately intertwined, their hands entwined, embracing and kissing.
Yet, it still hurt Kith. It felt as if a thousand needles had been thrust into his heart. The night he received those photographs had brought about a wave of unsettling emotions and haunting dreams.
He couldn't match Theron's strength. Yes, it wasn't surprising. Why would he be surprised when Theron himself had confessed his love for Syd?
He vividly recalled the moment Theron had sprung that revelation upon him, catching him completely off guard. It was in that moment that he had finally gathered the courage to express his true feelings for his best friend.
His affection for Theron ran deeply, more profound than he ever imagined. Even Irvin, a mutual friend, was fully aware of his infatuation with Theron. Irvin cautioned him repeatedly that falling in love with his best friend would only lead to heartache and disappointment. Sadly, he ignored Irvin, and now he had lost Theron's friendship altogether.
Whenever those vivid memories resurfaced in his mind, particularly the one where Theron surprised him that memorable night, it felt like his entire world had come crashing down upon him. The earth seemed to shake and the skies to rumble. That night, he had stood in the shadows on the street, watching Theron situated across from him.
He yearned to go back to that moment, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. He allowed an hour to pass by, letting his tear-streaked face dry. After taking in a deep breath, he began to walk again, each step feeling heavy and arduous. However, at that precise moment, he stopped in his tracks. It was then that Syd appeared, and Theron tenderly kissed Syd on his cheek, crushing his heart even further.
In the darkness of the desolate street, he stood motionless, his body trembling with anguish, tears flowing freely down his face, while the relentless pounding of his heart drowned out all else. Kith, in the midst of his sorrow, bit his quivering lips, trying to contain the immense pain that gripped his soul. That night was far from ordinary; it unfolded as a heart-wrenching ordeal that would forever be etched in his memory.
Unwavering, he remained rooted in that spot, silently observing them, his tear-stained face illuminated by the faint glow of nearby streetlights. Even as the rain poured down relentlessly, soaking him to the core, he stood resolute. The rhythmic patter of raindrops blended harmoniously with the cascading tears that escaped his eyes.
A pained expression crossed Kith's face as he had a startling realization - Theron's love for Syd was profound and undeniable. It was unmistakably written on Theron Amherst's visage, adorned with an indescribable happiness that Kith had never witnessed before.
Yes, anger towards Theron lingered within him, but it paled in comparison to the overwhelming sentiment of longing he felt for his dear friend. He understood the delicate equilibrium between friendship and the complex array of emotions he harbored within himself.
However, over the course of the past two years, Theron had made no effort to seek him out. It seemed like his friend had vanished from his life. The thought weighed heavily on his mind, causing a single tear to well up in the corner of his eye, but he quickly brushed it away, conscious of the driver discreetly watching him through the rearview mirror.
Perhaps the driver had been observing him all along, wondering why he had suddenly fallen into such a deep reverie. With a slight quiver in his voice, he addressed the driver, struggling to communicate in English.
"Uncle Nam?"
"Y-yes, sir?" the driver stammered, displaying his evident difficulty with the language.
"Has Lyn prepared everything?" he inquired, referring to his Filipino helper whom he had instructed two days prior to gather his belongings and documents.
The driver nodded, redirecting his focus back to the road. Meanwhile, he cast his gaze once again upon the photograph in his hands. Letting out a deep, exasperated sigh, he frustratingly switched off his cellphone. Turning his attention to the world outside the car window, he couldn't help but release another prolonged, heavy sigh, his mind burdened by a complex mixture of emotions.
The streets were crowded. Foreigns, locals, and couples were busy talking to each other. While photographers and vloggers were busy too, taking the beautiful sight of of the streets.
"Turn left. Take the shortcut to the company. Dad is waiting for me in the office now."
The driver scratched his head in confusion, unsure if he had understood the instructions correctly.
"Doro wo wataru." (Cross the street)
Uncle Nam nodded, acknowledging the command without hesitation.
"Okinodokuni oji Nam, Watashi wa nihongo ga sukoshi shika hanasemase" ( I'm sorry, Uncle Nam. I can only speak a little Japanese) he apologized in Japanese, attempting to bridge the language barrier.
A warm smile formed on the driver's face as he glanced at the rearview mirror, indicating his understanding. Without any further delay, Uncle Nam expertly maneuvered the vehicle across Seunghwan Avenue, smoothly navigating through the bustling city streets.
After a journey of around ten minutes, the car came to a halt in front of a towering high-rise building. Kith's gaze was drawn to the electronic signboard that proudly displayed the name PRIME MARKET VEHICLES - the best automobile company. It was a testament to the success and reputation of the company, which Kith's father, Miguel Sylvester Prime, had founded and continued to lead.
As the CEO of PMV (Prime Market Vehicles), Kith had pursued his studies in commercial engineering, immersing himself in the rich culture and education system of the country. Unfortunately, the completion of his course at Humphrey University had eluded him due to the unfortunate events that had unfolded on that fateful night, forever altering the trajectory of his life.
After several days of feeling lost and consumed by the complicated relationship between Theron and Syd, Kith made the difficult decision to leave the Philippines. He believed that escaping to Tokyo would bring him the peace of mind he desperately sought.
However, the truth was that his initial months in Tokyo were far from tranquil. Thoughts of Theron continuously occupied his mind, leaving him longing for a chance to return to the Philippines and mend their friendship. But the daunting question remained—what face would he present to Theron, and how would he navigate the complexities of their new dynamic?
A deep sense of self-doubt plagued Kith. The raw vulnerability displayed through his admission of his true feelings had caused an unintended strain in their relationship. He couldn't help but blame himself, believing that his own emotions had paved the way for the dissolution of their once unwavering bond.
Yet, as time passed and the seasons shifted, Kith gradually began to embrace his destined path and accept his own journey. In process of self-reflection and growth, he discovered a newfound understanding of himself. Through this personal evolution, he came to realize that the love he had yearned for and fervently pursued was not meant to be his own.
"You don't have to pick me up later, uncle Nam." Earlier in the day, he had been feeling dizzy and unwell, prompting him to request a ride from their driver. However, he now felt slightly better.
Uncle Nam nodded affirmatively. "Yes, sir."
"Thank you. Ki wo tsukete." (Take care)