It Was Always You [BxB]

Julian's mouth opens. Then snaps shut. He tries again. Nothing. His breaths turn rapid. Didn't he just say that the odds are in his favor? He'd spoken his wishes to existence!

"Joaquin," he manages to croak out.

Behind Joaquin's glasses are the familiar hooded, brown eyes, staring at Julian like that first day at the beach. Uncertain, yet relieved to be recognized. Seen.

Joaquin stands up, clearing his throat awkwardly. The words won't come to him. During the last hour, he'd agonized about what he was supposed to say, but now, he still doesn't know.

"Do you... Do you remember me?" Julian asks, voice thick with hope. "It's me, Julian."

Remember him? Such a laughable question. Like he could ever forget.

"What..." Joaquin murmurs weakly, concealing the panic and confusion swirling within. "What are you doing here?"

"Mama and Tito Randy got married. I've been residing in Manila for a while now."

So it did work out. That's great. But... A while now? The revelation stings, and Joaquin inevitably mourns wasted opportunities and lost time. But he's not supposed to feel that way. He's the one who decided to cut him off—he has no right to feel horrible. No right to miss him.

"I see," is all Joaquin could say.

Julian cocks his head to the side, baffled by the coldness of Joaquin's reaction. "I guess... you didn't get to read my letters?"

He didn't. They're tucked away.

Joaquin only averts his gaze, shame pressing on him.

The lack of response makes Julian's heart drop. Still, he's determined to reconnect, not ready to give up. It's probably not the best timing to reproach Joaquin. They'll catch up first to break the ice before diving into all that.

"Anyway! W-What about you? How have you been? I thought I'd find you here. I didn't think it would be this easy!" Julian's hand reaches out, grabbing Joaquin's sleeve in an impulsive move. "I've missed you."

Joaquin's mouth twitches subtly, his chest thumping so hard he starts to get the urge to flee. He's not the type to react like this anymore. Ever since he moved and climbed up the ladder, he'd reorganized himself, and his attitude towards things. Anything that doesn't align with his goals can be tossed aside. Or limited. Such as emotional attachment.

"Hey, Joaquin, you don't need to look so shocked," Julian comments softly, noticing his discomfort. He ignores his own nervousness and attempts to wave it off. "You thought you could get rid of me that easily, huh?"

Shocked is an understatement. Joaquin has no idea where to go from there.

Julian releases Joaquin, smiling wavering. "Do you have time? I don't have a class until 1—"

"I'm busy."

"Oh," he mumbles, deflating. "Maybe dinner? We could exchange contact information? It doesn't have to be an email address."

Joaquin turns away, his back stiff. "Julian." Even saying his name out loud feels strange. "Good luck with your classes."

And with that, he starts to walk away, squeezing through the tight space like he can't escape fast enough.

"Joaquin, wait," Julian calls after him, trailing behind. But he doesn't stop, depriving Julian even the slightest glance.

Why's he acting so aloof? Has Julian done anything wrong? Were his letters too much?

"I said wait!" He yanks his bag, forcing Joaquin to stop.

"Julian, what do you need?" he deadpans, a tinge of irritation bleeding into his tone. The events are all too familiar—Julian's stubbornness hasn't changed one bit.