The house was still and peaceful when Rainan stepped into his old bedroom. It was just as he had left it—clean, simple, and familiar. The old bookshelf stood by the window, filled with textbooks, sketch pads, and trinkets from his younger years. He sat on the edge of the bed and let out a breath, the emotional weight of the day finally settling into his bones.
He reached for his phone, opening a new message.
Rainan: Hey... I’ve been meaning to ask. How’s Angelo these days?
A few minutes passed before Mikaela replied.
Mikaela: He’s doing okay. Still as quiet and stubborn as ever, haha.
Rainan: That doesn’t sound too surprising.
Mikaela: Why? Planning to run again when you see him?
Rainan smiled bitterly at her teasing.
Rainan: No. Not this time. I want to see him. I owe him that much.
There was a pause—long enough for Rainan to think she might not reply. But finally:
Mikaela: You do. And I think… he deserves to know you’re back. But Rainan, don’t hurt him again.
Rainan: I won’t. I just don’t know how to start.
Mikaela: Start by showing up. The rest will follow.
He stared at her last message for a while before locking his phone. Outside, the soft chirping of crickets filled the air.
There was a knock on his door.
“Come in,” he called.
His mother peeked inside, a warm smile on her face. “Can I come talk to you for a minute?”
“Of course, Ma.”
She entered and sat beside him, her hands resting on her lap. “You’ve been quiet since dinner. Are you okay?”
He nodded. “Yeah. Just… tired. It’s been a long week.”
His mother studied him for a moment, then reached up and brushed a strand of hair from his forehead—like she used to when he was a child. “We’re really happy you came home, anak. Your father, too. He pretends to be tough but he’s missed you more than he says.”
“I missed you both,” he whispered.
She nodded, her eyes growing soft. “You know, this house always felt a little empty without you.”
Rainan swallowed the lump rising in his throat. “I’ll be around more now.”
His mother smiled and stood up, kissing the top of his head. “Just don’t forget to rest. You look thinner than before.”
After she left, Rainan laid back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. His mind kept drifting to Angelo. The way his name felt heavy and tender all at once.
Minutes passed before he sat up again and picked up his phone. This time, he tapped the call button.
Mikaela answered on the second ring. “You just can’t sleep, huh?”
“Nope,” Rainan said with a quiet chuckle. “Hey… where’s Angelo staying these days?”
There was a beat of silence. Then: “Why? You’re really going to look for him now?”
“I think… I need to. I can’t keep putting it off.”
“He’s staying at our old family shop. You remember the one? Near the old rice mill?”
“Yeah, I remember. Is he usually there this late?”
“Knowing him, yes. He likes working at night.”
Rainan grabbed his keys and stood up. “Thanks, Kai.”
“Rainan…” Her tone softened. “Be kind. Whatever happens, just be kind.”
“I will.”
The air outside was cooler now, the streets of San Felino quieter than earlier. As he drove, memories surfaced at every turn—bike races along narrow roads, stargazing at the hill, walking side by side with Angelo after school.
The old shop came into view—a small, two-story structure with a tin roof and a faded sign above the door. The lights on the lower floor were still on.
Rainan parked nearby, his palms slightly sweaty. He took a breath, then another. His heart raced faster than he’d expected.
He approached the shop slowly and peeked through the open window. Inside, Angelo was working at a table scattered with tools and small mechanical parts. His brow was furrowed, his hands steady.
“Still a night owl,” Rainan muttered to himself.
He knocked gently on the doorframe.
Angelo looked up.
And for a second, everything stopped.
Angelo’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Rainan?”
Rainan stepped forward, offering a small smile. “Hey…”
There was silence.
“I—uh…” Rainan rubbed the back of his neck, his voice faltering. “Didn’t mean to surprise you. I just thought… maybe it’s time I saw you.”
Angelo stood slowly, arms crossed. “You’re back.”
“I am.”
Another pause.
“You left without a word,” Angelo said, his tone calm but unmistakably cold.
“I know. And I’m sorry.”
Angelo looked away for a moment, then back at him. “Why now?”
“I don’t have a clear answer yet,” Rainan replied. “But if you’ll let me… I’d like to try making things right.”
Angelo narrowed his eyes. “I don’t know if you can. It’s been years, Rainan.”
“I know. I know it’s been a long time. But I—”
“I don’t need you to explain yourself, alright?” Angelo snapped, stepping toward the door. “You’ve made your choice already. You left.”
“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Rainan insisted, his voice cracking slightly. “I didn’t mean for it to be this way.”
“I don’t want to hear it. I don’t want to hear your excuses,” Angelo said, his voice rising with frustration. “I’ve spent enough time being angry. I’ve had to deal with it on my own. So you can go now.”
Rainan stood still, stunned, as Angelo’s words cut deeper than he expected. His throat tightened, but he knew this wasn’t the time to argue. It wasn’t the moment to push too hard.
With a heavy heart, Rainan nodded. “Alright… I’ll go.”
He turned around, his hands clenched into fists. The drive back was quiet, his thoughts loud in his mind. He knew he had to give Angelo time, but it didn’t make the ache in his chest go away.