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I regained my balance and looked right back at the person who pushed me. It was a nerd guy, tall with an average physique, and he had quite a refined face for a nerd. He looked at me, saying something which I didn't really hear but I think he was apologizing so I didn't care and went ahead into the cabin with open seats.

He too, sat beside me and I didn't really gave any thoughts, continued reading my book. I was immersed in the book, until I felt something or rather, someone beside me just laid on my shoulders. "Ugh, this guy's heavy." I thought. I didn't know what I should do, I tried pushing him with my elbow but he wouldn't budge. I kept my book and took one side of my earphone off, the train announced my destination, I should be getting off. I tapped him several times and there were still no response, giving up, I was about to stand when he suddenly jumped up awake and looked at me.

"Sorry. I fell asleep." he gave a shy smile. I just smiled lightly and nodded, thinking that I was lucky that i didn't have to do anything to embarrass him. I got up and walked out of the cabin. From the station to my apartment, it was about a 30 minutes walk, so I went to the convenience store to get a bottle of milk.

The cool night breeze was blowing onto my face and it feels great. Looking at a few others on the road on their way, I thought to myself, is everyone else going home or going to somewhere else? Silly of me thinking about these, while my thoughts wandered, my head suddenly hurt a little.

Suddenly, someone grabbed me to the sides. While it happened, I was still feeling giddy and saw a shadow past by quickly. "Must have been a cyclist, someone had helped me?" I thought. Someone was saying something but I couldn't really make it what he said so I just said thank you. Then my earphones were pulled out, and I hear the guy saying "Are you sure you're alright? Miss, you look really pale!"

"I'll be fine in awhile. Thank you." I replied, not looking at him since I still feel giddy and all. He didn't say anything and went off. I stood there for awhile breathing in and out. Then something warm was pushed into my hands. "Drink it, it'll help." the guy came back and said.

"Oh, don't worry, I just bought it from the convenience store, it wasn't expensive nor was it drugged." he said and laughed dryly. "Ummm, thanks." I replied. How weird is this to have such a kind person to go such lengths I thought to myself and drank a little. I drank a little and I remembered buying milk awhile ago. Where did it go? I looked at the guy still standing beside me, only realizing he was wet from the milk I bought earlier. Oh good lord, the poor guy.

"I am so sorry... I didn't realize the milk I bought earlier had splashed onto you. Thank you for helping me. Umm..." I apologized and looked at the guy only to realize it was the same guy in the train who slept ony my shoulder.

I must look shock or something since he explained, "I wasn't stalking you... It just happened that I had to come this way and this all happened." I just stared at the guy for awhile before I replied, "Alright, just a coincidence, thanks nice guy."

"Henry, name's Henry. Are you already better?" he said in a concerned voice. "Yes, very much. I am alright now. Thank you very much, Henry." I smiled replying. "So, what's your name? You already know mine." he said cheekily. What, maybe he isn't some nerd, he's some super player pretending to be a nerd. "Uhhhhh... Miya. Umm. Thanks again Henry, I'll be fine, really." I replied, trying to hint him that I don't need him to cling onto me.

"Sure, Miya. No worries on that." he cheerfully replied and was about to turn and leave. "Oh, by the way, I've recently moved into this area, do you mind if we walked together? I live by upfront 2 more blocks down the road." he suddenly stopped and said to me.

Same block as me? I've never seen him though, this is weird. I was thinking what to do when he said, "I'm not trying anything, seriously. The landlady's, Jeslyn. I've just moved in a week. So i'm sort of a new face around here." ".... ok." i replied while walking forward, since he was right with the landlady's name, but still wary of him.

On the way, we didn't bother to say anything else. Walking beside him, I felt a little intimidated as he was taller than me and it felt pressurizing since passerby keeps looking at both of us, or probably just him since his clothes were wet. We reached the building and I was going to have him go in first but it seems he actually knew that I lived in the block as well since he asked why I wasn't going in.

Again, I stared at him, puzzled. He probably saw that my face was written r-a-g-e, so he quickly said" Ok, ok. I'm sorry. I actually knew you lived here and I wasn't lying when I said moved in recently. I actually saw you a few times here already, so it wasn't any coincidence when we walked the same road. But it really was coincidence that I bumped into you in the subway and my walking back. So..."

I stared at him all the way, trying to digest what he said, so I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings since discharged from the hospital, huh. "Well, whatever. Good night." I just replied coldly to him. I didn't look back to him and went straight for the elevator. I could feel him still right behind me, so I asked him which floor he was staying. "Well, actually, I stay on the same floor as you, one door across yours." he replied.

"Huh, that close but I've never seen you before." I gasped with surprise. Awkwardly, he said "Well, I'm a nerd and I'm usually in my room. I've only seen you when you went out and we've never really made any eye contact so I guess it's common that you didn't notice me..." 

I must have hurt him I guess. Since he got quiet all the way when we reached the level, even to my doorstep. I turned and said," Good night, Henry. It's not your fault, its just me who don't notice my surroundings." Without waiting for him to give any answer, I opened the door and when I was going in, I heard him saying that he knows and bid me good night.

What was that? He knows? Somehow, that bugged me slightly but I didn't bother to give it some thought until much much later.

"Javier!" I shouted as I caught up with him by the entrance of the hospital.
He looked amazed and stood there.
"Thank you. Thank you for everything. I remembered everything in a flash so... I'm kinda confused myself. But I remember... It was you... The one who saved me... The one who held my hands... The one who called out to me..." I said to him.
"Yeah..." he replied simply with a smile.
I was reliefed and my heart was throbbing.
I knew I had fell for this guy.
I knew but yet I didn't know anything about him.
But I couldn't contain how I felt.
Without thinking, I reached for his face and kissed him.

Javier was surprised by my action.
He grabbed me by my shoulders and asked if I was joking around with him.
I looked straight into his eyes and shook my head.
"Why would I be?" I questioned.
He looked at me as if he was trying to see through me.
Then, like he gave up, he shrugged and said, "Nothing".
"Maybe it's only me, but I can feel it from you. And I hope to see you again..." I left those words and went back.
He didn't gave chase.
I told myself it was alright even if he didn't had the same feelings.
Additionally, I knew I'd see him again.

After that day, he didn't visit me.
So I was discharged, without seeing him again and not knowing any of his contact details.
I went back home which was quite a distance by cab.
Someone was home, who could it be?
It has been left vacant for sometime since my family were all independent and loved individuality, so I was the only one occupying the flat.
Thinking I might get the wrong house or something may be amiss, I pressed the doorbell.
"Who is it?" a voice came from the other side of the door.
I didn't know what I should say.
"Urmmmm... Excuse me. May I see the flat-owner please?" I asked.
"Hold on." the person said.
Immediately after that, the door opened.
"Hey! Look who's back?!" the girl exclaimed.
"Kaye! When did you move back?!" I said happily.
"Come in first, we'll chat over lunch." she said.
I went into the apartment, nothing much changed.
"Go put your things in your room and wash up first, I'm almost done making lunch." Kaye said.
I went to my room to see that it was neatly cleaned and organized.
I tucked my bag away and took my towel and sportswear out.
Just when I was going to walk out, I saw pictures lining neatly on the wall.
I browsed at each of the photos.
There were a few photos that was taken with a man.
Who was he?
I couldn't remember at all.
I'll ask Kaye later when I'm done showering.
It really is good to be home, warm and cozy.

"We're ready to eat, Miya!" Kaye shouted.
"Just the right timing! I'm done showering too." I answered as I walked out of the shower.
I sat in front of her in the dining room.
"Miya, are you all better already?" Kaye looked at me worriedly.
"Of course I am. If not, how am I able to be discharged and be home talking to you right now?" I laughed.
"Hahah. That's you alright. Anyway, I came back when I received the call from the hospital. You had me worried then. I thought you'd... Oh... seriously.." Kaye was upset.
"I'm fine now, so don't fret about what's happened. Oh by the way, there are some photos in my room that are taken with a guy. You have any idea who he is?" I tried to change the subject.
"You... don't remember him?" Kaye looked kind of surprised questioning me.
"Yea, I don't remember. I tried, but can't remember at all. Is he my boyfriend? 'Cause in the photos we were really kind of intimate." I told her truthfully.
"Well... He's a friend of yours. Yea... He was quite a close one... You were always together... " Kaye replied but it sounded like she was trying to convince herself as she spoke softer.
"Hey, what's up with you? Why are you talking like that if he was my close friend? So was he my boyfriend afterall?" I was curious to know.
"Oh... Hhahaahaha... Sorry, come on. You know, I was kind of jealous since he was quite a hot guy. And both of you hung around each other like honey and bees, so yea... But too bad he had to migrate and you were both busy that you lost contact." Kaye answered.
"Hmmmm... I see. Well, that's too bad then. Hahaha. But lucky! Let's dig in!" I was relieved to know that I was single.
"Lucky? Why? You have someone in mind?" Kaye was curious.
"Hahahah... well...." I explained to her over lunch.
Kaye was rather surprise and she told me she didn't know about the guy since she couldn't visit me often in the hospital due to her work.
And the time she went to visit was always after work or her off-days.
She said that the nurses didn't mention it to her either.
She told me that she was going to be back for good and that Dad and Mom are still at their plot of small land of farm, having a happy, relaxed retiree life.
She also mentioned that she was working and hasn't got a boyfriend yet.
But I could see she was doing well with her life.

As for me, I didn't think much of what I should do.
So I gave a call to my company which I was working then.
My boss said to go back to work as soon as I could if I wanted.
I told them that I would go back on the coming Monday, which was only like 2 days away.
My boss agreed with the arrangement and said to make sure that I'm feeling well.
Also, just to be sure, he would be asking a colleague to drive me over to the company.
I rejected the offer but he insisted that I go along his arrangement so I accepted it.
Now that I'm done with the arrangements for my work, I should go get myself some entertainment.
I called some of my friends up to date them. But only a handful could meet for dinner tonight, so I said to meet somewhere we frequented and nearby all of us.
The date's at around 6PM, so I still have about 4 hours.

Since my room was kept clean, I didn't have to tidy anything, so I checked out the fridge.
I was amazed at how empty the fridge was when I opened to check.
I went to call Kaye in her room and asked her whether she wants to go together to get some groceries.
So we changed out and went to the nearby supermart.
We bought alot of stuffs.
In fact, I think we bought food enough for a months' worth for 4.
We were pratically buying blindly which mostly were junk food and wine.
Anyway, we could finish all those food likely in less than a months' time.
When we were done with the groceries, we went to check out the music store, bookstore and then to the apparels.
We were spending like mad.
But both of us were happy since we really didn't do this in ages.
By the time we were done, it was already 5.30pm.
Luckily, Kaye drove or I'd be late for the dinner date.
I left the organizing to Kaye and I kept all the food in the cupboard.

It was almost 6 by the time I was done.
Luckily I was already dressed and as I was going out, Kaye said she had a date too and she'd drive me.
So I was saved.
When I got there, only a few of them had reached.
"Been waiting long?" I asked.
"No, we were just here lest than a minute." Frida spoke first.
Everyone was looking at me.
"What's wrong? I look like an alien?" I asked.
"N-no. Of course not, we all heard that you were in an accident?" Ginnie replied.
"Yea... Good to see ya." Kiyo smiled.
"You're as good as the last we saw you." Lynette said.
"You people, seriously. Did any of you even visited her when I told you all about it?!" Frida was a bit angry.
"Oh Frida. It's alright, everyone. It's nothing serious anyway. What matters is that I'm alright. Hahaha." I said, laughing.
Everyone smiled and gave me a pat like the old days.
"We're just missing 2 more person, right?" Frida asked.
"Yea, Beatrice and Carol. Said they'd be here but would be late." I answered.
"How about we go into the restaurant first. It'd get crowded if we are to wait for them outside." Frida suggested.
We all agreed and went into the restaurant.

Next chapter, Chapter 6: The Gathering

I regained my balance and looked right back at the person who pushed me. It was a nerd guy, tall with an average physique, and he had quite a refined face for a nerd. He looked at me, saying something which I didn't really hear but I think he was apologizing so I didn't care and went ahead into the cabin with open seats.

He too, sat beside me and I didn't really gave any thoughts, continued reading my book. I was immersed in the book, until I felt something or rather, someone beside me just laid on my shoulders. "Ugh, this guy's heavy." I thought. I didn't know what I should do, I tried pushing him with my elbow but he wouldn't budge. I kept my book and took one side of my earphone off, the train announced my destination, I should be getting off. I tapped him several times and there were still no response, giving up, I was about to stand when he suddenly jumped up awake and looked at me.

"Sorry. I fell asleep." he gave a shy smile. I just smiled lightly and nodded, thinking that I was lucky that i didn't have to do anything to embarrass him. I got up and walked out of the cabin. From the station to my apartment, it was about a 30 minutes walk, so I went to the convenience store to get a bottle of milk.

The cool night breeze was blowing onto my face and it feels great. Looking at a few others on the road on their way, I thought to myself, is everyone else going home or going to somewhere else? Silly of me thinking about these, while my thoughts wandered, my head suddenly hurt a little.

Suddenly, someone grabbed me to the sides. While it happened, I was still feeling giddy and saw a shadow past by quickly. "Must have been a cyclist, someone had helped me?" I thought. Someone was saying something but I couldn't really make it what he said so I just said thank you. Then my earphones were pulled out, and I hear the guy saying "Are you sure you're alright? Miss, you look really pale!"

"I'll be fine in awhile. Thank you." I replied, not looking at him since I still feel giddy and all. He didn't say anything and went off. I stood there for awhile breathing in and out. Then something warm was pushed into my hands. "Drink it, it'll help." the guy came back and said.

"Oh, don't worry, I just bought it from the convenience store, it wasn't expensive nor was it drugged." he said and laughed dryly. "Ummm, thanks." I replied. How weird is this to have such a kind person to go such lengths I thought to myself and drank a little. I drank a little and I remembered buying milk awhile ago. Where did it go? I looked at the guy still standing beside me, only realizing he was wet from the milk I bought earlier. Oh good lord, the poor guy.

"I am so sorry... I didn't realize the milk I bought earlier had splashed onto you. Thank you for helping me. Umm..." I apologized and looked at the guy only to realize it was the same guy in the train who slept ony my shoulder.

I must look shock or something since he explained, "I wasn't stalking you... It just happened that I had to come this way and this all happened." I just stared at the guy for awhile before I replied, "Alright, just a coincidence, thanks nice guy."

"Henry, name's Henry. Are you already better?" he said in a concerned voice. "Yes, very much. I am alright now. Thank you very much, Henry." I smiled replying. "So, what's your name? You already know mine." he said cheekily. What, maybe he isn't some nerd, he's some super player pretending to be a nerd. "Uhhhhh... Miya. Umm. Thanks again Henry, I'll be fine, really." I replied, trying to hint him that I don't need him to cling onto me.

"Sure, Miya. No worries on that." he cheerfully replied and was about to turn and leave. "Oh, by the way, I've recently moved into this area, do you mind if we walked together? I live by upfront 2 more blocks down the road." he suddenly stopped and said to me.

Same block as me? I've never seen him though, this is weird. I was thinking what to do when he said, "I'm not trying anything, seriously. The landlady's, Jeslyn. I've just moved in a week. So i'm sort of a new face around here." ".... ok." i replied while walking forward, since he was right with the landlady's name, but still wary of him.

On the way, we didn't bother to say anything else. Walking beside him, I felt a little intimidated as he was taller than me and it felt pressurizing since passerby keeps looking at both of us, or probably just him since his clothes were wet. We reached the building and I was going to have him go in first but it seems he actually knew that I lived in the block as well since he asked why I wasn't going in.

Again, I stared at him, puzzled. He probably saw that my face was written r-a-g-e, so he quickly said" Ok, ok. I'm sorry. I actually knew you lived here and I wasn't lying when I said moved in recently. I actually saw you a few times here already, so it wasn't any coincidence when we walked the same road. But it really was coincidence that I bumped into you in the subway and my walking back. So..."

I stared at him all the way, trying to digest what he said, so I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings since discharged from the hospital, huh. "Well, whatever. Good night." I just replied coldly to him. I didn't look back to him and went straight for the elevator. I could feel him still right behind me, so I asked him which floor he was staying. "Well, actually, I stay on the same floor as you, one door across yours." he replied.

"Huh, that close but I've never seen you before." I gasped with surprise. Awkwardly, he said "Well, I'm a nerd and I'm usually in my room. I've only seen you when you went out and we've never really made any eye contact so I guess it's common that you didn't notice me..." 

I must have hurt him I guess. Since he got quiet all the way when we reached the level, even to my doorstep. I turned and said," Good night, Henry. It's not your fault, its just me who don't notice my surroundings." Without waiting for him to give any answer, I opened the door and when I was going in, I heard him saying that he knows and bid me good night.

What was that? He knows? Somehow, that bugged me slightly but I didn't bother to give it some thought until much much later.

"Javier!" I shouted as I caught up with him by the entrance of the hospital.
He looked amazed and stood there.
"Thank you. Thank you for everything. I remembered everything in a flash so... I'm kinda confused myself. But I remember... It was you... The one who saved me... The one who held my hands... The one who called out to me..." I said to him.
"Yeah..." he replied simply with a smile.
I was reliefed and my heart was throbbing.
I knew I had fell for this guy.
I knew but yet I didn't know anything about him.
But I couldn't contain how I felt.
Without thinking, I reached for his face and kissed him.

Javier was surprised by my action.
He grabbed me by my shoulders and asked if I was joking around with him.
I looked straight into his eyes and shook my head.
"Why would I be?" I questioned.
He looked at me as if he was trying to see through me.
Then, like he gave up, he shrugged and said, "Nothing".
"Maybe it's only me, but I can feel it from you. And I hope to see you again..." I left those words and went back.
He didn't gave chase.
I told myself it was alright even if he didn't had the same feelings.
Additionally, I knew I'd see him again.

After that day, he didn't visit me.
So I was discharged, without seeing him again and not knowing any of his contact details.
I went back home which was quite a distance by cab.
Someone was home, who could it be?
It has been left vacant for sometime since my family were all independent and loved individuality, so I was the only one occupying the flat.
Thinking I might get the wrong house or something may be amiss, I pressed the doorbell.
"Who is it?" a voice came from the other side of the door.
I didn't know what I should say.
"Urmmmm... Excuse me. May I see the flat-owner please?" I asked.
"Hold on." the person said.
Immediately after that, the door opened.
"Hey! Look who's back?!" the girl exclaimed.
"Kaye! When did you move back?!" I said happily.
"Come in first, we'll chat over lunch." she said.
I went into the apartment, nothing much changed.
"Go put your things in your room and wash up first, I'm almost done making lunch." Kaye said.
I went to my room to see that it was neatly cleaned and organized.
I tucked my bag away and took my towel and sportswear out.
Just when I was going to walk out, I saw pictures lining neatly on the wall.
I browsed at each of the photos.
There were a few photos that was taken with a man.
Who was he?
I couldn't remember at all.
I'll ask Kaye later when I'm done showering.
It really is good to be home, warm and cozy.

"We're ready to eat, Miya!" Kaye shouted.
"Just the right timing! I'm done showering too." I answered as I walked out of the shower.
I sat in front of her in the dining room.
"Miya, are you all better already?" Kaye looked at me worriedly.
"Of course I am. If not, how am I able to be discharged and be home talking to you right now?" I laughed.
"Hahah. That's you alright. Anyway, I came back when I received the call from the hospital. You had me worried then. I thought you'd... Oh... seriously.." Kaye was upset.
"I'm fine now, so don't fret about what's happened. Oh by the way, there are some photos in my room that are taken with a guy. You have any idea who he is?" I tried to change the subject.
"You... don't remember him?" Kaye looked kind of surprised questioning me.
"Yea, I don't remember. I tried, but can't remember at all. Is he my boyfriend? 'Cause in the photos we were really kind of intimate." I told her truthfully.
"Well... He's a friend of yours. Yea... He was quite a close one... You were always together... " Kaye replied but it sounded like she was trying to convince herself as she spoke softer.
"Hey, what's up with you? Why are you talking like that if he was my close friend? So was he my boyfriend afterall?" I was curious to know.
"Oh... Hhahaahaha... Sorry, come on. You know, I was kind of jealous since he was quite a hot guy. And both of you hung around each other like honey and bees, so yea... But too bad he had to migrate and you were both busy that you lost contact." Kaye answered.
"Hmmmm... I see. Well, that's too bad then. Hahaha. But lucky! Let's dig in!" I was relieved to know that I was single.
"Lucky? Why? You have someone in mind?" Kaye was curious.
"Hahahah... well...." I explained to her over lunch.
Kaye was rather surprise and she told me she didn't know about the guy since she couldn't visit me often in the hospital due to her work.
And the time she went to visit was always after work or her off-days.
She said that the nurses didn't mention it to her either.
She told me that she was going to be back for good and that Dad and Mom are still at their plot of small land of farm, having a happy, relaxed retiree life.
She also mentioned that she was working and hasn't got a boyfriend yet.
But I could see she was doing well with her life.

As for me, I didn't think much of what I should do.
So I gave a call to my company which I was working then.
My boss said to go back to work as soon as I could if I wanted.
I told them that I would go back on the coming Monday, which was only like 2 days away.
My boss agreed with the arrangement and said to make sure that I'm feeling well.
Also, just to be sure, he would be asking a colleague to drive me over to the company.
I rejected the offer but he insisted that I go along his arrangement so I accepted it.
Now that I'm done with the arrangements for my work, I should go get myself some entertainment.
I called some of my friends up to date them. But only a handful could meet for dinner tonight, so I said to meet somewhere we frequented and nearby all of us.
The date's at around 6PM, so I still have about 4 hours.

Since my room was kept clean, I didn't have to tidy anything, so I checked out the fridge.
I was amazed at how empty the fridge was when I opened to check.
I went to call Kaye in her room and asked her whether she wants to go together to get some groceries.
So we changed out and went to the nearby supermart.
We bought alot of stuffs.
In fact, I think we bought food enough for a months' worth for 4.
We were pratically buying blindly which mostly were junk food and wine.
Anyway, we could finish all those food likely in less than a months' time.
When we were done with the groceries, we went to check out the music store, bookstore and then to the apparels.
We were spending like mad.
But both of us were happy since we really didn't do this in ages.
By the time we were done, it was already 5.30pm.
Luckily, Kaye drove or I'd be late for the dinner date.
I left the organizing to Kaye and I kept all the food in the cupboard.

It was almost 6 by the time I was done.
Luckily I was already dressed and as I was going out, Kaye said she had a date too and she'd drive me.
So I was saved.
When I got there, only a few of them had reached.
"Been waiting long?" I asked.
"No, we were just here lest than a minute." Frida spoke first.
Everyone was looking at me.
"What's wrong? I look like an alien?" I asked.
"N-no. Of course not, we all heard that you were in an accident?" Ginnie replied.
"Yea... Good to see ya." Kiyo smiled.
"You're as good as the last we saw you." Lynette said.
"You people, seriously. Did any of you even visited her when I told you all about it?!" Frida was a bit angry.
"Oh Frida. It's alright, everyone. It's nothing serious anyway. What matters is that I'm alright. Hahaha." I said, laughing.
Everyone smiled and gave me a pat like the old days.
"We're just missing 2 more person, right?" Frida asked.
"Yea, Beatrice and Carol. Said they'd be here but would be late." I answered.
"How about we go into the restaurant first. It'd get crowded if we are to wait for them outside." Frida suggested.
We all agreed and went into the restaurant.

Next chapter, Chapter 6: The Gathering