After Milo finished eating, he jumped onto Mang Kido's lap. "Oh, my sweet kitten," Mang Kido sighed. "I wish our life could be better, so I wouldn't have to worry about finances. Hayst," he sighed again. Little did Mang Kido know that his cat was magical. Milo had an idea to fulfill Mang Kido's wishes.

Later that night, as Mang Kido slept peacefully, Milo thought about a box full of money. Suddenly, a light shine on the box, as the money appeared. When morning came, Mang Kido woke up and saw the box and the money inside it. He was shocked. "Who could have left this money here?" he wondered. He thought and thought, but he had no idea. "Well, this box was in my house, I guess I can keep it. But who could have left this box full of money?" Mang Kido questioned himself. Then, Milo meowed. Mang Kido took this as an answer that he should keep the money, so that's what he did.

Mang Kido decided to take some of the money and hide the rest. He went to buy some food for both of them. As he walked back home, Mang Kido's back was hurting. He sighed. "Hayst, I wish I was strong like before, so I wouldn't feel this pain. Maybe this is normal when you get old and weak," Mang Kido said to himself. Then, as he opened the door to his house, Milo greeted him with a meow. "Oh, my sweet cat, I'm so glad I have you," Mang Kido said, picking up Milo. But Milo noticed that Mang Kido kept saying his back hurt, so he decided to come up with a solution again.

As night fell, while Mang Kido slept peacefully, Milo jumped onto his bed and stood like a normal human. He positioned his paw on Mang Kido's back, as if he were massaging it. Mang Kido suddenly felt something touching him. He screamed, "Ahhh! Oh, my dear cat, I thought it was someone else!" Mang Kido said, realizing it was just his cat, Milo. But when Mang Kido stood up, he suddenly felt strong, as if Milo had done something to him. "Maybe that was my Milo all along," he thought. "Hayst, I'm going to look forward to tomorrow."

As morning came, Mang Kido loudly said, "Oh, I wish this flower grew just this afternoon!" He said it loudly so Milo could hear. He left the kitchen and hid behind the cabinet. Then, he saw Milo jump up to the flower and position himself again. He started making the flower grow. Mang Kido said, "So, my kitten was responsible for all of this, huh?" Milo was shocked and meowed nonstop. Mang Kido carried Milo. "Don't worry, my dear, it's fine. And thank you for your gifts. I promise I won't abuse your abilities to get my wishes done." Then, out of nowhere, Milo spoke. "Thank you, my owner, I appreciate that." Mang Kido was shocked because he didn't know that Milo could also speak. "Oh my! So you can also speak? Oh, I love you very much, Milo!" And then, after that, Mang Kido and Milo lived happily ever after.

In a quiet town, Heor admired a girl named Angel from afar. She was kind, smart, and had a smile that lit up his world.

They shared classes and friendly conversations, but Heor never found the courage to confess his feelings.

As the school year progressed, Heor noticed Angel growing closer to Jake, a charming classmate.

Watching them laugh and flirt felt like a dagger to his heart.

One day, Angel texted him, asking to talk.

When they met at the park, Angel looked nervous.

Angel:“What do you think about Jake? I really like him,” she confessed. Heor’s heart sank, but he forced a smile.

Heor: “I think he’s a great guy. You should go for it.”

Angel’s face lit up with relief, and they continued to chat, but Heor felt a bittersweet ache inside.

As Angel and Jake grew closer, Heor tried to push his feelings aside, convincing himself that supporting Angel was more important.

One evening, he wrote Angel a letter expressing his feelings but ultimately decided not to send it, fearing it would ruin their friendship.

Over time, Heor learned to accept the situation, finding solace in his friends and hobbies.

Though he would always hold a special place in his heart for Angel, he realized that unrequited love was part of growing up.

As he walked through the halls of high school, he carried his feelings like a quiet secret, a reminder that love can be beautiful, even when it isn’t returned.

Caroline loved the quiet hum of the shop, the comforting presence of shelves packed with stories. But her visits weren’t just about books—they were also about the tall, dark-haired man behind the counter. His name was Felix Draven, and he had a habit of pushing up his glasses when he read.

Caroline first noticed Luke three months ago when he recommended a poetry collection. "This one’s beautiful," he had said, handing her a slim book. She bought it on the spot, though she barely heard his words over the nervous pounding of her heart. Since then, she'd been coming back weekly, trying to muster the courage to talk to him beyond polite exchanges.

One Saturday, the universe seemed to nudge her forward. The store was nearly empty, save for Caroline and Luke. She reached for a novel on a high shelf just as Luke walked by.

“Need a hand?” he asked, his voice warm.

Caroline nodded, her cheeks heating. He grabbed the book effortlessly, their fingers brushing as he handed it to her.

“Thanks,” she said, clutching the book like a lifeline.

“Jane Austen fan?” Luke asked, glancing at the title.

“Big fan,” she replied. “But I think I’ve read this one a dozen times.”

Luke tilted his head thoughtfully. “Then let me recommend something. Wait here.”

He disappeared into the back and returned with a worn, leather-bound book.

“This is my favorite,” he said, handing it to her. “It’s a love story, but not a typical one. I think you’ll like it.”

Caroline turned the book over in her hands. The cover was blank, the pages slightly yellowed.

“It’s beautiful,” she murmured.

“Tell you what,” Luke said, leaning casually against the counter. “If you don’t like it, bring it back, and I’ll buy you coffee to make up for it.”

Caroline blinked. “And if I do like it?”

Luke’s smile widened. “Then you can buy me coffee.”

Her heart fluttered. “Deal.”

Over the next week, Caroline devoured the book, laughing and crying at all the right moments. When Saturday came, she returned to the bookstore, clutching the novel to her chest.

Luke looked up from the counter, his glasses slightly askew. “So?” he asked.

Caroline smiled, feeling braver than ever. “I liked it. Looks like coffee’s on me.”

As they left the store together, Caroline realized that sometimes, the best

stories are the ones you don’t see coming

After a few years, A bright Sunday afternoon, Theo, who was driving, on his way to a restaurant where Avery is. He’s about to propose his love to show he’s ready to face life hardships as long as they’re together. But the unexpected happened. Theo slipped his hand and hit the car. Hours later, Avery heard about it. She also heard it has a high chance of Theo losing his memories. Avery was devastated.

After a week, Theo woke up in a comma. Avery, who was always by his side was the first person he saw. “oh my, Theo?! ”said Avery while in complete shock. “who are you..? Get away from me please? Or at least just help me get outta here? ‘cause I need to go and fetch my girlfriend Yana from her work. She must’ve been so worried”Theo replied. “Huh? I am your girlfriend Theo, what are you saying?”Avery continued the conversation, confused. “You are not my girl and will never be. I will propose to her so please, don’t try to get in my way and ruin us. I totally don’t know someone like you. ”Theo expressionlessly said. Avery knew Yana was his ex. She was wrecked. She felt like a rock was thrown at her and her heart was shattered into millions of pieces until tears were coming out of her eyes.

Theo never got his memories back as their lives continued. Avery’s wound was not healed yet. A person she once felt home, was now a stranger. But Theo’s presence when they were still together made her better. He changed her mindset to be full of positivity and tenderness, eliminating all negativities. Avery also found out that the memories Theo gave her, their quality time that built their fondness to each other was all she needed and now Theo is gone, she can be independently be alone and give time to herself.

Theo, who was now discharged at the hospital at the morning, migrated to another country, Germany and resumed all of what he’s started. Turns out, Avery’s parents was all against this. Theo was forced by her parents to pretend he forgot everything — years later, he wished he was more brave to fight his deep love inside him and show how he was worthy, not realizing that because of his sympathy, Avery recognized who she really is and was built stronger. Yet can’t still find a guy like Theo, who was her “unrequited love.”

Note: To all readers, finding solace to make time for yourself and courage is always a solution to any situations you are struggling. Good luck ! < 3 (≧∇≦)

"Hey, Alexa, make sure to come to my boyfriend's birthday party, okay?" said my only sibling.

There was a feast on the table with a variety of dishes and plenty of drinks. I greeted my sister's boyfriend, "Happy birthday." That day was joyful, especially because it was also the day I reunited with my childhood friend.

"Hey! You're here! It's been going on for a while; glad you made it," I said to David, my childhood friend.

He smiled and said, "Yeah, I had to finish something at home first."

We started chatting, catching up after not seeing each other since we were kids. As days passed, we continued talking on the phone and texting each other. We developed a deep connection, and I felt a happiness I hadn’t expected to feel again. Every moment we talked or spent together, I wished time would stand still. I loved him in ways I didn’t know were possible, though it later became clear that it wasn’t healthy anymore. One day, his behavior towards me turned cold.

I was deeply saddened, wondering if I had done something wrong. Was there something wrong with me? What more could I have done? My mind was filled with questions, and I longed for answers. I eventually thought to myself, maybe everything happens for a reason.

One day, my sister's boyfriend's friend, Donato, approached me.

"Hey, Alexa, you look so serious and quiet. What's wrong?" Donato asked.

I forced a smile and said, "Nothing, I just have a lot on my mind."

Donato offered comfort I never expected, and he became my closest friend. He was there for me during my darkest days. Donato, with his kind heart, became the small light that guided me to realize my worth and the mistakes I was making.

As time passed, I started to rise again. I realized the events that happened to me were not obstacles but stepping stones to achieving my dreams for myself and my family.

We grew closer until we both fell for each other. Donato waited for me patiently, and now the moment I had long anticipated came: the day I said yes to marrying him.

"Hey, pangga (love), I have something to tell you. I’ve decided... I’ll marry you," I said to him.

Donato was speechless, overwhelmed with joy. He hugged me tightly and said, "I love you so much, pangga."

Donato and I finished our studies together, and eventually, we decided to get married. Our life together was filled with happiness, blessed with two cheerful and beautiful daughters, Chin Chin and Cheche. Time flew so quickly—it seemed like just yesterday he was comforting me in my struggles. Now, we are parents. I work as a teacher in a public school, while Donato is an engineer.

Life wasn’t easy, especially as Chin Chin and Cheche were growing up. Then came the day I feared the most.

"Pangga, I’m sorry; this is all I earned," Donato said.

"What are you saying, pangga? That’s a big help for our daily needs," I replied.

But even with both our earnings, it wasn’t enough to cover our expenses. Despite his reluctance, Donato accepted a job offer abroad for the sake of our family. He worked hard and eventually got promoted, allowing him to save money little by little.

He and I stayed connected through video calls.

"Pangga, how are you? I miss you so much," I said to him.

He turned his phone to show Chin Chin and Cheche.

"Hi, Papa! We miss you! When you come home, I’ll show you all the awards I got at school—I have so many medals!" Chin Chin exclaimed.

"Papa, please come home soon. I miss our stories and the way you rock me to sleep," Cheche added.

Donato was moved to tears, missing his family terribly, though he didn’t show it. Instead, he smiled and said, "I’m doing well here, pangga. I miss you so much! My daughters, Papa misses you both so much! Just a little more patience, and I’ll be home soon. I promise, we’ll go out and eat together when I return."

Finally, the day I longed for arrived—Donato came home. It was one of the happiest days of my life because we were together again.

Life is like a roller coaster—sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down, and other times you’re lost and confused. I reached a point where my life was dark, but someone became my small light

showing me the beauty of life.

Clouie, a free-spirited and vivacious girl, was oblivious to Fian's affections. Her heart belonged to Miguel, a quiet and thoughtful boy who, unbeknownst to her, held a secret admiration for Yve.

The tangled web of emotions created a complex dynamic within their group of friends. Yve, despite her unrequited love, continued to support Fian and Clouie, hoping that their happiness would eventually bring her own. She often found herself caught in a whirlwind of mixed feelings, longing for Fian's love while secretly harboring a soft spot for Miguel's gentle nature.

One evening, as they gathered at their favorite café, the tension in the air was palpable. Yve, trying to mask her disappointment, forced a smile as she watched Fian and Clouie engage in lighthearted banter. Miguel, noticing her subdued demeanor, approached her cautiously.

"Yve, are you okay?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Yve hesitated, her eyes welling up with tears. "I just wish things were different," she confessed, her voice trembling. "I wish I could feel the way Fian feels about Clouie."

Miguel, taken aback by her vulnerability, reached out and gently took her hand. "I know how you feel, Yve," he said softly. "I've been feeling the same way about you for a long time."

Yve's heart skipped a beat. She had never considered Miguel in that way before, but his sincerity and understanding touched her deeply. As she looked into his kind eyes, she realized that perhaps love could take unexpected turns.

In the days that followed, Yve and Miguel began to spend more time together. They discovered shared interests, deep conversations, and a growing connection that transcended friendship. Fian, meanwhile, continued to pursue Clouie, unaware of the budding romance between Yve and Miguel.

One fateful evening, at a small gathering, Fian confessed his feelings to Clouie. To his surprise, she gently declined, explaining that her heart belonged to someone else. Devastated, Fian retreated into himself, his world crumbling around him.

Yve, witnessing his pain, approached him with a compassionate heart. She offered him solace, reminding him that love could take many forms. She shared her own story with Miguel, explaining how their unexpected connection had brought her happiness.

Fian, touched by her kindness, began to see things in a new light. He realized that his pursuit of Clouie had blinded him to the genuine affection Yve had always held for him. As he pondered his feelings, he couldn't deny the warmth he felt whenever he was around her.

In the end, love found its way, not in the expected paths, but in the most unexpected of places. Yve and Miguel, once caught in the crossfire of unrequited love, found solace and happiness in each other's arms. And Fian, though his heart still ached for Clouie, began to appreciate the love and friendship Yve had always offered him.

End.

One bitter winter night, a strange storm engulfed the village. The winds howled with voices, and snow swirled in impossible patterns. From the storm emerged an old woman cloaked in ice-blue robes. She approached Nicolas with urgency in her eyes.

“You are the one,” she said, her voice trembling like the frost-laden trees. “The one destined to wield the power of the Ice Shard and stop King Malakos.”

King Malakos, an evil sorcerer who had long since conquered the lands, was now seeking to enslave the elemental forces Fire, Earth, Air, and Water to bend the world to his will. But one force eluded him: Ice, the most stubborn and pure of them all.

The Ice Shard, an ancient relic tied to Nicolas’s bloodline, had chosen him as its bearer. He had to journey to the Heart of Winter, deep within the Frosted Abyss, to unlock its full power and challenge Malakos.

Nicolas's quest was filled with perils. His first hardship came when he crossed the Whispering Woods, where treacherous trees whispered lies to turn travelers against each other. Doubting himself, Nicolas almost gave up until he remembered the old woman’s words: "Victory is not for you alone but for all people."

Later, he ventured into the Molten Canyons, where rivers of lava hissed beneath narrow paths. There, he met Kael, a rebellious fire wielder who had fled Malakos’s tyranny. Despite their opposing elements, they became allies, learning to balance each other’s strengths.

In the Windswept Plains, they encountered Selene, a cunning air spirit who initially tried to steal the Ice Shard. Impressed by Nicolas’s resolve, she joined their cause, teaching him how to think quickly and adapt.

With every trial, Nicolas grew stronger, both in power and character. His connection to the Ice Shard deepened, granting him abilities to summon blizzards and freeze entire rivers.

The Final Confrontation

At last, Nicolas and his companions reached Malakos’s black fortress. The dark sorcerer, cloaked in shadows, mocked the boy. “A child? You think you can stop me?”

But Nicolas wasn’t alone. Kael unleashed a fiery onslaught while Selene whipped up tornadoes to distract Malakos. Nicolas focused all his energy into the Ice Shard, creating a massive glacier that surged toward the sorcerer.

Malakos laughed as he shattered the glacier with dark magic, but Nicolas had a final trick. He tapped into the Ice Shard’s ultimate power, freezing time itself for a brief moment. In that sliver of eternity, he struck Malakos’s heart with the shard, shattering the tyrant into shards of darkness.

The Twist

As the fortress crumbled and light returned to the land, Nicolas felt an unbearable chill in his chest. Selene gasped as frost spread from his hands to his body.

“The shard… it’s consuming him,” she whispered.

Kael tried to melt the ice, but it was futile. The Ice Shard, now drained of its power, demanded a price. Nicolas would become its new guardian, frozen in time to prevent its misuse.

As Nicolas’s body turned to crystal, he smiled. “Victory for the people,” he said softly, his voice echoing in the icy wind.

Years later, villagers whispered of the Frozen Guardian, a boy encased in ice who protected the world from harm. On the coldest nights, they claimed to hear his voice, promising that as long as he stood, no evil would rise again.

And so, Nicolas’s name became more than a joke, it became a legend.

"Babe, can we talk about our relationship?" Mia asked, her voice soft but firm. She fiddled with the hem of her shirt, nervously.

Daniel looked up from his phone, a flicker of apprehension in his eyes. "Sure, what about it?" he responded, his tone a little guarded.

Mia took a deep breath. "Are we still okay? Are we still…fine? Is our relationship still important to both of us? It feels like things have changed. We used to… I don’t know… we used to laugh all the time, and now it feels like we're just going through the motions." She paused, her eyes welling up slightly. "Let's face it; our relationship is slowly fading, losing its spark. We're both so focused on our individual dreams, we've forgotten about us."

Mia said, "I know we both love each other, and I also know we have dreams—dreams we want to reach. But I guess the love we've built isn't enough to make us stay while focusing on each other's dreams."

Daniel replied, "Maybe we should focus on our individual dreams, and maybe, if the right time comes, we can still continue our strong and unforgettable love."

They bid each other farewell, pouring out all the love they had shared in their relationship, their last words a testament to their bond before they parted ways

Ultimately, she accepted the painful truth: letting go of the person she loved was better than forcing a relationship that was slowly fading away

One day, while exploring a hidden cove, Lila stumbled upon a beautiful, shimmering pearl nestled inside a giant clam. As she picked it up, the clam suddenly closed, and to her surprise, a gentle voice echoed from the depths of the sea. "Thank you for freeing me, dear child," said the voice. It belonged to a mermaid named Marina, who had been trapped in the clam for centuries.

Marina explained that the pearl was a magical gem that granted one wish to its finder. Lila, filled with excitement, thought long and hard about her wish. She could wish for riches, fame, or even to be a mermaid herself. But in her heart, she knew what she truly wanted: to protect the ocean and its creatures.

With a determined smile, Lila made her wish. Instantly, the pearl glowed brightly, and Lila felt a surge of energy. She was gifted with the ability to communicate with sea creatures and understand their needs. From that day on, Lila dedicated her life to preserving the beauty of the ocean, organizing beach clean-ups, and educating her village about marine conservation.

As time passed, Lila became a beloved figure in her community, inspiring others to care for the environment. And every time she visited the cove, she would see Marina swimming gracefully, a reminder of the magical day that changed her life forever.

And so, Lila's story became a legend in the village, a tale of adventure, friendship, and the importance of protecting the ocean that they all cherished.

The kitten looked at Chloe and meowed, "Help! i can't find my mom"

Chloe gasped! She understood the little kitten!

She helped the kitten find its mom, and that's when she found out that she could talk to animals!

Chloe kept her secret and used it to help other animals like another kitten that she found stuck on a tree, Chloe talked to it and told the kitten's mom. A abandoned dog that was hungry, Chloe fed the dog.

One night at Chloe's house, a big storm came, Chloe could hear her family dogs barking because they were scared of loud noises. She went to them and assured them that they were safe and that the storm will go away soon.

All the animals loved Chloe. Chloe lived to help. She knew her secret was special, and made it an opportunity to make the world a better place

for everyone.

Written by: Edgardo R. Custodio Jr.

Many students struggle with their studies due to a lack of gadgets. I can relate to this situation, as I and my siblings grew up in poverty. We, as a family, have overcome many challenges, including the time when my parents lost their jobs during the pandemic. Almost everyone faced this hardship, but it was the most difficult trial we had to endure because we had no savings and our studies were affected. We were four siblings studying during the pandemic: three of us were in elementary school, and my older sister was in high school. We struggled during that time because we had to juggle our studies, especially since we shared one gadget. We almost considered dropping out because of our situation, but we never lost hope that we could overcome this obstacle. We knew that whatever challenge we faced, we would find a solution. We all continued our studies, even though we knew it was hard.

To make matters worse, there were times when we had no food. We were forbidden from going out, visiting places, and going out at night because it was dangerous to be infected with the virus. However, there were nights when barangay rescue teams went around distributing aid, called "relief goods." This was a big help because we could eat three meals a day. Sometimes, we couldn't sleep because of brownouts, and we had to catch up on school activities. Instead of online classes, we opted for modular learning because we lacked gadgets. Two years passed, and we overcame the challenge of the virus. However, a few months later, we were evicted from our relatives' house because the land was sold. We had no choice but to move. After settling in our new home, we started our lives anew. We continued our studies in our new location and graduated elementary school there. Through my hard work and perseverance, I graduated with honors and received many certificates. My family was so proud of me because they felt that all their sacrifices had paid off.

However, when I started high school, I struggled a bit because the curriculum was new to us. It was inevitable that I would get scolded by teachers for being mischievous and noisy. I was also called out by my teacher for not being able to answer questions. There were times when I knew the answer but had to answer in English, and I just let those situations pass because they were part of the learning process. I also encountered people with bad attitudes because they knew I was gay. They would make fun of me, but I just ignored them because they weren't the ones who could help me. I continued my studies because, as Jose Protacio Rizal said, "The youth is the hope of the nation." I will not disappoint him. I will graduate with respect, fear of God, and compassion for others. I will study hard to be an example for young people who are fighting for their dreams, even though they know it's difficult, so they can be rewarded for their parents' sacrifices. I will be a good and hardworking child so I can give my family and parents the good life they never had.

To all the young people fighting for their dreams and their parents, remember that God is guiding us. Never lose hope because you are the only ones your family can rely on."

Benjamin was a master of disguises and knew how to charm women.

The day had come, and he started his plan. In the club, he greets the woman in a flirty manner,"Hi gorgeous, you seem lonely." *Luna raises her eyebrows and replies, "So? What do you want? ".

*Benjamin chuckles and says, "Come on, don't be grumpy. It just happened that your presence and pretty face caught my attention."

Luna rolls her eyes and says, "Whatever, just leave me alone, okay?"

*Benjamin replied, "But i-*Luna cuts him off, "No buts and let me drink in peace, jeez."

*Benjamin walks away* His first plan doesn't seem to work; a charismatic presence and flirty personality didn't seem to catch Luna's attention, so he came up with another plan.

A few hours later, Luna walks alone through a dark street at midnight. Suddenly, a man appears in front of her and begins harassing her, making her feel uncomfortable and scared. Luna tries to walk away, but the man continues to follow her, getting more aggressive and threatening. *A familiar voice speaks* "Leave the women alone and don't you dare touch her again" (Luna was surprised by his sudden appearance). You? You again? Benjamin replied, "Yeah, because you can't live without me,*he said in a teasing manner.*

The man glares at him and yells,"Who the hell do you think you are, huh?!"

Benjamin punches the man, and the man's face was almost entirely covered with blood in just a short period of time. The man runs away. "DON'T YOU DARE COME BACK AND SHOW YOUR UGLY FACE TO HER AGAIN!!" *Benjamin yelled*.

*Luna was surprised and very thankful at the same time.* "Um, thank you for saving me. I uh-, how can I repay you?

Benjamin replied, "Well, no problem, but there's one thing I really want from you."

Luna asked, "What is it?

Your number. *Benjamin replied*

*Luna blushes slightly. "Yeah, sure." *she gave her number. Benjamin was happy and excited because his first plan succeeded. Have access with her. * "Let's go out sometime?

"Sure, how about Saturday? Luna replied.

*Benjamin talks back* Wait, wait, really?! Ofc!! But first, let me take you home because there's a lot of jerks surrounded here, especially at night.

*Luna replied, "Thank you. I appreciated it."

His plan succeeded, and the man who harassed her was just an act that was paid for by Benjamin in order to look like a hero in front of Luna and to catch her attention.

Benjamin takes her to a lot of fancy dates and courts her. Luna, on the other hand, starts to develop feelings for Benjamin because of his looks and calming and genuine personality. They ended up being together, and she was falling too hard. Benjamin also realised that he was also falling for her, even though he was not able to maintain professionalism and accomplish his mission. He keeps to disregard his feelings and chooses to focus on his mission.

Saturday, in the morning. This is the assigned date for accomplishing his mission. As the day of the hit approached, Benjamin felt strangely conflicted. He had grown to care for Luna and had genuinely enjoyed spending time with her. He tried to remind himself that he was an assassin and that this was just a job, but the thought of hurting her... It feels so wrong.

Despite his conflicting feelings, Benjamin knew he had to carry out the assignment. He decided to try to make her last day as enjoyable as possible, taking her on a beautiful picnic in a scenic spot and enjoying a romantic meal together.

Hey, you know I care for you, right? *Benjamin says*

Aww ofc! *Luna says*

But there is one thing I needed to tell you...

What is it? *Luna replied*

Benjamin took a deep breath and blurted out the truth. He told Luna that he had been hired to kill her and that he couldn't go through with it. He explained that he had genuinely fallen in love with her and couldn't bear the thought of harming her.

*Sophia tears up*

Benjamin: Please don't cry. I hate seeing you cry. I don't deserve your tears. I promise you will not die tonight, hm?

Sophia:you promised? *says in a shaky voice*

Benjamin: I called the police so that if they come here, the police will arrive. Don't worry, hm? *Wiped her tears*

Benjamin knows that's the only thing that can save Luna's life.

Benjamin: I hope you find one true love soon. I will never forget you. I love you so much, and I always have. *His tears streamed down his face, and he put her face closer to his.*

Luna:wait what?? Are you going to kill me now-?

And Benjamin kisses her deeply. They tasted the sweetness from the cake they made and ate and the saltiness from each other's tears, and they both pulled away.

Benjamin: This is the first time I truly love a woman, and I'm so glad that it was you. I never regret being with you.

A gunshot rang out from a distance. Benjamin hugged Luna to protect her and got shot in the back by the client.

Luna: Benjamin! Please don't leave me like this! Stay with me, okay? Don't leave me!!

Benjamin: Thank you for the wonderful memories. I love you. *Tears streamed down to his cheeks and slowly closes eyes*

Luna:No!!! wake up! Please stay with me, Benjamin! I hate you! You promised me you would stay with me forever!! Why did you ended up like this?? *is crying uncontrollably*

A police officer burst into the clearing, shouting at the client's men to drop their weapons and surrender. As the police officers handcuffed and escorted the men away, Luna was still crying inside the rescue car.Both of them teach each other how to love,lies turns into real ones and this type of love is so unreal yet dreamed by everyone.

“ Hey Marcyn, i made a stanza for you ” Max said with a delightful voice

“ Wow, really? Thank you Max ”

“ My pleasure ”

After i got home, i opened the paper.

A beautiful stanza wrote by her greeted me

“ Hindi ko maikubli

Iyong sinag sa gabi

Ang iyong mga ngiti

Na kasing ganda ng baghawi ”

I don’t know why is she doing and giving stanzas to me, even though i didn’t even asked her. But i gues that's the way she show her love to me or it's something else that i do not know?

....

“ Good morning Zai! i made a stanza for you again. ” Max greeted the girl

“ Aww, thank you for this again Klei. ” Marcyn said with a bright smile painted on her face

As she got home, she opened the paper quickly and read it

“ Ikaw lang ang minimithi

Oh ‘kay gandang binibini

Para sa aking sarili

Ikaw ay magandang bahagi ”

Marcyn got butterflies on her stomach

“ She’s so good at words when making a poem ”

On the third week of October, Maxxi greeted Marcyn with a hug

“ Marcyn, a stanza for you again, i hope you’ll like it. ” and give the paper to the girl

“ Thanks Max! ” waving her right hand to Max

Marcyn thought

“ Isn’t she tired yet? ”

As usual, Marcyn read the stanza as she got home

“ Labis ang iyong hiwaga

Sadyang napakaganda

Sana’y ika’y makasama

Sa huling kisap-mata ”

The girl startled when she realized those words, she don’t know what to think after she read the stanza

Marcyn said to herself

“ What does Maxxi mean? ”

On the last week of October, Max called Marcyn along the hallway

“ Zai, here is the stanza for this week. ” she shyly said

“ Oh stanza again, aren’t you tired yet? ” she asked the girl

“ No, i would not. But i hope you’ll like it, see you around Marcyn. ” and smiled to the girl infront of her

....

Marcyn thought again

“ I’m not used to this kind of Maxxi. ”

The bell rings, Marcyn prepared her things and also herself to go home. But someone called her

“ Hey Ms. Garcia ” Lino called the girl

“ Why do you need to call me like that? ” Marcyn cried

“ We are just want to ask you, why does Max giving you something every lunchbreak? ”

“ Uhm.. She is giving me some paper with a stanza written on it. ”

“ Girl?? why? ” Morgan asked Marcyn

“ I don’t know Morgan, maybe one day that will be answered, let’s just wait. ” she assured them

After the conversation of the three, Marcyn go straight to their home and opened the paper

“ Mga matalinhagang salita

At halo-halong ideya

Iba’t-ibang pag unawa

Ngunit ako ba’y may pag-asa? ”

Marcyn asked herself

“ What? A chance? ”

At the end of the stanza, my mom approached me saying

“ What’s that my daughter?”

“ It’s just a paper mom, do not worry. ”

“ Alright, by the way we’ll be going to the States after you graduate. ” My mom said all of a sudden

“ What? Why all of a sudden? I’m not ready yet mom! ” i explained with a worried voice

“ Then be ready with it, you’ll going to study to the US for you to become a professional Doctor. ”

Marcyn lied on her bed with a heavy heart, she wasn’t ready yet to have a new life on the States, and also leave her best friends and also Maxxi

On the other hand, Maxxi and her friends Kyle and Nicole are talking on a phone call. Talking about what Maxxi has been doing these weeks

“ Max, aren’t you tired yet giving those papers to Marcyn? ” Her friend Kyle asked

“ Why? I give those papers every single week, not days. And she is just a friend of mine and also your friend. ”

“ Really? A friend? Just a friend?? ” Nicole asked rapidly

“ Uhm.. I guess? ”

The first week of November, Maxxi called Marcyn showing the paper on her right hand

“ A stanza for you again. ” She chuckled

“ You really determined from giving me stanzas huh? ” Marcyn seemed amaze to Max

“ Of course Zai, enjoy reading. ” and left me on the hallway

Once again she open the paper again and met another stanza

“ Ako’y iyong narahuyo

Sa ‘yong ngiting

misteryoso

Mahal kita totoo ‘to

Sana’y paniwalaan mo ‘ko”

And after 20 minutes, Marcyn regain her sense. She was speechless on every word Maxxi made.

“ She’s unbelievable ”

Marcyn asked herself

“ She is really telling the truth? ”

On the 6th week, Max had another paper on her hand

“ Marcyn, hi this is for you again. ” Max handed the paper

“ Thanks, but can we meet next week on the seaside? I just want to talk to you. ”

“ Okay then, see you Cyn. ”

When she got home, the girl opened the paper as she used to

“ Ang pagtibok ng puso

Ay para lang sa iyo

Sa mundong puno ng gulo

Ikaw lang ang tanging gusto ”

Marcyn said

“ She’s so expert at this ”

....

It’s time for students to go home but the two weren’t going, they met on the place that Marcyn mentioned

“ Are we going to talk about the stanzas? ” She asked Marcyn

“ Yes, i have been thinking about it

since you gave the first stanza. ”

“ I admit that, yes i'm inlove with you but it's not really what you think, i'm inlove with you because you are kind, true, smart, beautiful, and talented. I've been admiring you since we are in high school. I don't have any plans to confess my feelings to you but when i realized my life would be so boring if you’re not on it. So i took the risk to confess to you by giving you some stanzas. ”

“ I’ve been admiring you when we are in high school too as a friend. And now we are graduating in just two weeks. Anyways should we run through the seaside? ”

After that beautiful night, they been talking to each other every afterschool on the same place.

And the 7th week has come, only one single week before the graduation.

Max handed the paper to Marcyn again, later that day the two are in the sama place again. Walking through the sands with waves touching their feets.

“ It feels so good when you are with your beloved. ”

After that night Marcyn read the stanza

“ Mga yapak sa dalampasigan

Na may kasamang tawanan

Ngunit ito’y may katapusan

Sana’y huwag nang lumisan ”

Marcyn thought again,

“ What does she mean again? ”

And after a tiring year with lots of fun, enjoyment, stress, and confession,

Finally the day has come.

The day that they will be graduating.

“ LJ, MJ, i’m not ready yet ”

Marcyn starting to sob

“ Me too, i don’t want to loose you. ” Morgan cries

“ Hey quit doing that, you’re overreacting. Let’s just be ready for the graduation later. ” Lino said

“ Max, are you ready? ” Kyle and Nicole said

“ Of course, i’m always ready. ”

The graduation started and ended with lots of tears and happiness.

Maxxi walk toward to Marcyn and give the last piece of paper with a stanza written on it

“ Can you please read that before you go and leave us? ” with a tears coming from her eyes

“ I will, Maxxi. ”

Marcyn says her goodbyes to her friends and to Max

“ Thank you Klei. ”

“ Thank you too Zai ”

While crying heavily, Marcyn get to their car

And then she opened the paper

“ Sa ilalim ng buhos ng ulan

Kasabay ng iyong paglisan

Maari mo ba akong tingnan

Oh aking kalakasan? ”

Marcyn looked at Maxxi with full of tears

And Marcyn questioned her

“ Would you wait for me? ”

“ Yes, even if in the fields of green. I will wait for you. ”

THE END

In the distant valley of Arundel, nestled between towering cliffs, lived a young girl named Elara. She was known for her love of the stars and her curiosity about the world beyond the village. Every night, she would climb to the highest peak of the mountain, where the sky stretched out like an endless ocean, sparkling with constellations.

But the villagers whispered of a curse that haunted the mountain. They said that centuries ago, the mountain had been home to an ancient, powerful being who had harnessed the light of the stars to guide the world. But when the being grew too greedy, seeking to control the stars themselves, the light vanished, leaving the mountain dark and cold.

Elara had always wondered if the curse was true. The mountain was beautiful, but it was also shrouded in mystery. The higher she climbed, the more the air seemed to grow thick with an unsettling silence.

One evening, as Elara reached the peak, she saw something strange. The stars above seemed to flicker, as if a heartbeat was pulsing through the sky. In the center of the highest plateau, she found a stone altar, half-buried in the dirt. As she stepped closer, the ground beneath her feet began to tremble, and the altar glowed faintly.

Curious and unafraid, Elara placed her hand on the altar, and suddenly, a rush of warmth spread through her body. A voice, ancient and wise, whispered in her mind.

"The light is lost, but it can be found. You, child of the stars, are the key."

Startled but determined, Elara closed her eyes, letting the warmth of the voice guide her. She focused on the stars above, their light now pulsing in rhythm with her heartbeat. Slowly, the stone beneath her hands began to glow brighter, until a brilliant beam shot into the sky.

The sky erupted in a cascade of light, and the mountain trembled once more. Elara stepped back, her heart racing as she watched the beam grow, splitting the darkness and reaching toward the heavens.

In that moment, the stars seemed to recognize her, their light flickering brighter as if in greeting. The curse was broken.

When Elara descended from the mountain the next morning, the village was no longer shrouded in shadow. The sun rose over Arundel in a sky that was clearer than anyone could remember. The villagers looked to the mountain and saw its peak, once dark and ominous, now bathed in a gentle glow.

Elara had brought back the light

The villagers spoke in hushed tones about the forest, calling it enchanted. They said it was filled with creatures who could talk, trees that had witnessed centuries pass, and streams that held secrets of forgotten times. Most of them feared the forest, warning children not to venture too deep for fear of losing their way or angering the spirits that lived within.

But to Elara, the forest was a place of wonder, not fear. Every morning, she would stand at the edge, watching as sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting patterns of gold and green on the forest floor. She had always felt a strange connection to the woods, as if it was calling to her.

One crisp autumn morning, Elara decided it was time to venture deeper. She told her parents she was going for a walk, though she didn't mention her true destination. She slipped quietly through the village, her heart pounding with excitement, and made her way to the edge of the forest.

As she stepped into the shade of the towering trees, she felt an odd sense of belonging, as if the forest had been waiting for her. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves seemed to whisper secrets.

Elara walked for hours, following the winding paths, her senses heightened. She noticed the small things: the way the mushrooms grew in clusters at the base of trees, the patterns in the bark, and the delicate wings of butterflies that fluttered past her. The deeper she went, the more it felt as though the forest was alive, watching her every move with curious eyes.

Eventually, Elara came to a clearing. In the center stood an enormous tree, its trunk thick with age and its branches stretching high into the sky. Its leaves shimmered in shades of silver and gold, and a soft glow seemed to emanate from the tree itself. Elara felt an overwhelming sense of awe.

As she stepped closer, a voice, gentle but powerful, filled the air. "You have come," it said. Elara looked around, but there was no one in sight. The voice seemed to come from the tree itself.

"I have," Elara said, her voice trembling. "I’ve always felt… something calling me here."

The tree’s branches swayed in the breeze, and the voice spoke again. "The forest has chosen you, Elara. You are the one who will protect it, for it is tied to you as you are tied to it."

Elara felt a surge of warmth in her chest, as though the very earth beneath her feet was embracing her. "I don’t understand. How can I protect the forest? I’m just a girl."

"You are more than that," the voice replied. "The forest has watched you, felt your heart. Your love for the land is pure, and in return, the forest has chosen you as its guardian."

Suddenly, the ground beneath her feet trembled, and from the roots of the tree, a small, glowing stone rose up. It floated gently into Elara’s hands, its light soft and warm. "This is the Heartstone," the voice explained. "It holds the power of the forest. With it, you will be able to communicate with the creatures of the woods, heal what is harmed, and protect the balance of nature. But remember, the forest does not give its power freely. You must listen to it, understand its needs, and never take more than it is willing to offer."

Elara gazed down at the Heartstone, feeling its warmth seep into her skin. It was heavier than it looked, but it also felt like it belonged to her. She held it close to her heart, a promise forming in her mind.

"I will protect it," she whispered. "I will protect the forest."

The tree’s voice softened. "You are the bridge between the world of humans and the world of nature. Go now, Elara, and remember: the forest is always with you. Trust in its wisdom, and it will never fail you."

As the voice faded, Elara stood in silence for a moment, feeling a deep peace settle over her. She carefully tucked the Heartstone into her satchel and turned back toward the village, knowing her life had changed forever. The forest had chosen her, and she was ready to fulfill her role as its protector.

From that day on, Elara became the Girl in the Forest. She visited the woods often, speaking to the animals, tending to the plants, and ensuring the harmony between the village and the land. And every time she walked among the trees, she could feel the Heartstone’s warmth, reminding her that she was never alone. The forest, with all its magic and mystery, was part of her—and she was part of it.

I was so shocked because it is my first time to catch a puffer fish and we go to the sand to dig and cath clams i got many clams and took it home to keep as a pet the next day we go on a pond where milkfish and tilapia was keep i started fishing and. I got little tilapia and then i caught a big tilapia i was so happy to catch many kinds of fish

Then an idea came to him. Picking up some small pebbles, he dropped them into the pitcher one by one. With each pebble the water rose a little higher until at last it was near enough so he could drink.

The silence wasn't tense, not exactly. It was more like a shared weariness, a collective exhale after a long day. The house, usually a vibrant hub of activity, felt subdued, the usual clatter of dishes and playful arguments replaced by a gentle hum of quiet contentment.

My dad finally looked up, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Tough day at the office," he murmured, his voice raspy. He didn't need to elaborate; the exhaustion etched on his face spoke volumes.

My mom, sensing his need for comfort, gently placed her hand on his arm. "Want me to rub your shoulders?" she asked, her voice soft.

He nodded, a small, grateful smile playing on his lips. Maya, without looking up from her book, reached for the remote, turning on the fireplace, the flickering flames casting a warm glow across the room.

There were no grand gestures, no dramatic pronouncements. Just the quiet comfort of a family sharing a space, a shared understanding of the day's trials and tribulations, and the unspoken bond that held them together. It was an ordinary evening, unremarkable in its simplicity, yet profoundly beautiful in its quiet intimacy. The tick-tock of the grandfather clock continued its steady rhythm, a gentle reminder of the passage of time, and the enduring strength of family.

Translate mo sa tagalog

The silence wasn't tense, not exactly. It was more like a shared weariness, a collective exhale after a long day. The house, usually a vibrant hub of activity, felt subdued, the usual clatter of dishes and playful arguments replaced by a gentle hum of quiet contentment.

My dad finally looked up, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Tough day at the office," he murmured, his voice raspy. He didn't need to elaborate; the exhaustion etched on his face spoke volumes.

My mom, sensing his need for comfort, gently placed her hand on his arm. "Want me to rub your shoulders?" she asked, her voice soft.

He nodded, a small, grateful smile playing on his lips. Maya, without looking up from her book, reached for the remote, turning on the fireplace, the flickering flames casting a warm glow across the room.

There were no grand gestures, no dramatic pronouncements. Just the quiet comfort of a family sharing a space, a shared understanding of the day's trials and tribulations, and the unspoken bond that held them together. It was an ordinary evening, unremarkable in its simplicity, yet profoundly beautiful in its quiet intimacy. The tick-tock of the grandfather clock continued its steady rhythm, a gentle reminder of the passage of time, and the enduring strength of family.

As they unpacked their bags, the sky suddenly darkened. The once clear blue expanse turned gray, and an eerie hush fell over the beach. The first rumble of thunder echoed in the distance, followed by a sharp crack of lightning that startled everyone. Within minutes, the gentle sea breeze had transformed into a gusty wind, and the clouds gathered into a thick, threatening blanket overhead. By noon, the resort was drenched in a torrential downpour, with the beach barely visible behind sheets of rain. The resort staff quickly advised all guests to stay indoors for safety

Thea's heart sank. The vacation she had been dreaming about seemed to be slipping away, washed out by the storm. She stood by the window, watching the rain pelt the glass, her excitement fading into frustration. But Uncle Rico wasn't about to let a little rain ruin their fun. "Who says we can't have an adventure inside?" he said, grinning. "Alright, everyone-let's make the most of this day! Who's up for some indoor games?"

The kids hesitated at first, but soon, laughter erupted from the living room as the family gathered for a lively game of charades. Even Aunt Lani, with her ukulele in hand, led everyone in singing cheerful songs. Thea's mom prepared hot chocolate, filling the room with its sweet aroma, and everyone cozied up, trading stories and enjoying each other's company. The storm raged outside, but inside, the warmth and laughter drowned out the thunder.

The next morning, the rain had stopped, leaving the air feeling fresher than ever. The sun was back, and the beach was once again inviting. Thea's dad, always the adventurer, suggested they go for a hike and explore the area. As they walked along a trail, Luis, ever the curious one, spotted an overgrown path that seemed to lead somewhere. His eyes lit up. "Hey, this way!" he called to the family.

Intrigued, everyone followed him down the path, carefully making their way through the dense trees. To their amazement, the path opened up into a hidden cove, a secret paradise tucked away from the world. The water sparkled under the golden sunlight, and the cove was surrounded by towering cliffs adorned with colorful wildflowers. It was a scene straight out of a dream.

Thea and her cousins were the first to dive into the crystal-clear water, their laughter echoing across the cove. They swam, splashed, and explored the underwater world. Mia and Carlo found a school of tiny fish darting between the rocks, and Thea even spotted a small starfish clinging to a coral. She gently picked it up and placed it back into the water, watching as it disappeared into the depths.

Meanwhile, the adults set up a picnic on the soft sand, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The family spent the entire day at the cove, snorkeling, swimming, and soaking up the beauty of their hidden gem. It became their secret spot, a place they would return to every day for the rest of the vacation.

As their time in Batangas came to an end, Thea reflected on the unexpected turn of events. The storm had felt like a disappointment at first, but it had brought the family together in ways they hadn't imagined. They had laughed, played, and even discovered a hidden paradise-something they would never have found if the weather had been perfect.

"This was the best vacation ever," Luis said with a wide grin as they packed up to leave. Everyone agreed, knowing that the memories they made, from the charades and songs to the secret cove, would stay with them forever. The storm had turned their plans upside down, but in the end, it brought them closer than ever. As the car pulled away from the resort, the family looked out at the sparkling ocean, a bond stronger than ever, and a story they would tell for years to come.

entire day at the cove, snorkeling, swimming, and soaking up the beauty of their hidden gem. It became their secret spot, a place they would return to every day for the rest of the vacation. As their time in Batangas came to an end, Thea reflected on the unexpected turn of events. The storm had felt like a disappointment at first, but it had brought the family together in ways they hadn't imagined. They had laughed, played, and even discovered a hidden paradise-something they would never have found if the weather had been perfect.

There you are" I said in a low voice. I took my camera and took a picture of him. My dear Elliot you look the same since the last time I saw you, just like my love for you nothing has change babe. after I took many pictures of him I instantly ran to my car and check the pictures I took of him.

I drove to my condo unit and go to my study room. there you can see a whole board that is only dedicated to my one and only Elliot. you can say that i'm obsessed with him but this just how much I love him.I pasted his pictures on the board and looked at it"someday you'll be mine,my love". I went to my room and look at the teddy bear he gave to me when we we're on college, I placed it beside my bed table and went to sleep.

It's 6;30 in the morning when I woke up then went to my closet and take a black sweat pants and black hoodie.Another day another day to see my Elliot. After I took a shower I took my camera with me the went outside my unit."Shoot I forgot my keys" GOSHH i'm gonna be late his fan meet will start at 9:00am and it's already 7:30.

I went to my unit and take my keys and ran to the parking.There is something weird i'm feeling right now-I looked behind me to check if someone is following me and there's no one. I'm here at the locatoin of his fan meeting place, I took a picture of him and while taking pictures I was startle because he suddenly look at my direction, and stared at me.Shoot did he saw me? I need to get out of here. I went to my car and drove to a restaurant, this is his favorite restaurant so I just know that he will go here after hs fan meet after waiting for over 2 freaking hours he finally came, he sat on the table beside me.

"Gosh, he's so close to me" I whispered. It's like I forgot how to breathe. I ate the food I ordered but I waited for him to leave first before I leave too. while i'm on the parking looking for my car someone tapped my shoulders, panick hits me. It's Val... "You shocked me Val" I said, gosh this girl "sorry Cel, by the way why are here?" she asked me "he's here duhh" I said in response "oh... So you're still not over about that Elliot guy? it's been years Cel moving on is a thing you know?" "well it's not that easy to move on-on someone you liked for 7 yearsyou know" i said "WHAT?! Seven freaking years?! you liked that guy for seven freaking years?!" she exclaimed.This girl is so OA. I ignored her and went to my car "I need to go now Val." I said to her and drove off.

CHAPTER 2

I woke up in the sound of my phone filled with notifications, I oppened my X app and saw a news article about my Elliot.The head line says 'A well known artist Elliot Giorgion Zamora and famous model Casey Nikolai Fernandez are confirmed dating.' "WHAT?!" I clicked the article and read it 'Both confirmed the issue spreading about them last night in their interview. WE ARE ROOTING FOR THE BOTH OF YOU!' what my Elli is now with someone that is not me? No... "NO!... no this can't be real" "ARGH!!!, NO!" I threw the vase across the room out of anger. "YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS! YOU WILL NEVER BE HAPPY AGAIN CASEY!"she will pay for this, so many fish at the ocean why take mine?. I went to my study room and planned what am i gonna do with this peice of crap right here.I called Ysmael for him to help me in this plan "[Hello? Who is this?]" " hey there Ysmael long time no talk" I said "[Ohh, hey there anything i can do for you Cel?]" "uhmm.. Can you come here at my unit? I need you to help me for my plan you know?" "[Is this about that guy Elliot again? I just saw the news about him a famous model, Casey was it?]" he said "[well I guess you really have no chance to him huh?]" He added, if this guy don't stop i will freaking kill him "Shut up Ysmael do you want me to end you right now? and isn't Casey your ex that you still love?" this guy is relly getting on my nerves. "[Easy Cel I'll be there in 20 mimutes, wait for me.]" I can't with this boy. while waiting for Ysmael I thinked for a plan t destroy that Casey girl.While scrolling to my phone investigating and finding issues and backgrounds about Casey, someone knocked at the door. I opened the door and saw Ysmael with foods on his hands. " Why the heck do you have so many food?" I asked him because why the hell would he buy 3 bags of food? " well I figured that we will work until morning so I bought snacks and coffee." We worked all night long until we find a good plan.

CHAPTER 3

I dressed up as Elliot and Ysmael did the same thing.We went to the parking of Elliot and Casey's events place we saw Elliot getting on his car and drank the water that has sleeping pills in it-as soon as he passed out I knocked at their window the driver got out of the car I knocked him out and got inside the car. I looked at the mirror and look at my Elliot's reflection in the mirror. I told you babe you will always be mine. MINE ONLY. I bought a House in batangas city that's where I will keep my Elli. we're finally here. Elli will stay at the other room on the house.his been sleeping for hours now, i'll prepre his food now, I cooked his favorite, sinigan na baboy.I enterred his room and gave him his food "Cell?" he asked. I turned around and face him "you know me baby?" o my gosh my Elli knows me i'm over the moon right now. "yes of course i know you-you're my first love you know? i've been looking for you everywhere." he said while he approaches me.He put his hand on my cheek as he approached me. I removed his hand on my cheek and pushed him "eat your food now Elliot" " 'Elliot'? not 'my Elliot' anymore hmm?" I didn't reply and left the room, gosh this guy is a total flirt.

CHAPTER 4

"[Cel?]" Ysmael said when I answered the phone "Yes? Why did you call me aren't you happy that you can be with your ex without anyone stopping you both?" i said because before when they're still a couple casey's parents don;t want Ysmael to their in law. "[i'm not going to talk about that]" he said , well I guess i'm to advanced thimker HAHA "Why did you call then? "[ be carefull with him.]" he said firmly.Why so serious bro? "why?-" "Just be careful with him Casey told me everything" what the heck is he talking about?? " what do you mea-" I didn't finish what i'm saying because Elliot suddenly took my phone away. "Elli.." how did he got out? But I remembered locking the door of his door "what are you doing here?" "nothing, you kidnapped me then but you will just let me locked up there?" he said and pout. what the... there is defenitly wrong here " your mine CEL."

LAST CHAPTER

(Elliot's POV)

Here I am still admiring her i've liked her since highschool unti now on college.I saw Sevi flirting with her so after school I waited at him and beat him up and told him to never ever come close to my Cel.

Now it's valentines day I gave her a teddy bear with a camera on it's eyes, it sounds weird but I just realy love her so much that I want to see her everyday.

i opened the app that is connected with the camera and take a look at it, I saw her doing her homework on her computer insde her room "Aww my baby is really hard working" I said while watching her. i watched her for hours,Gosh this girl is really is hardworking and smart but not smart enough to know how much I liked her.

it's our graduation but I really can't see my self talking to her and asking her out so i'm here now finding mysself staring at her from a far "I will find youalways Celest."

i'm here at my fan meet and while talking to a fan I looked up and find her there.My Cel taking a picture of me. I saw her ran off but I just know that she's just gonna go at a restaurant, just like expected there she was still beautiful. I sat at a table beside her and I can hear her murmoring but I can't understand what she's saying.

I'm now at a events place after me and Casey's relationship is announced this is the only way I know for my Celest to make a move you know?You can't blame me I missed her so bad.Someone gave me a water bottle and I just know that this is from my baby, as I get in the car I drank the water but didn't swallow it.seconds later I already here someone getting in my car, and there she was my beautiful baby She really do love huh? doing all this just for me, isn't that so sweet hmm? "You're mine CEL." I said with full of emotion in my voice anger,sadness and even happiness.

Jordan and Tammy train rigorously at the Maplewood Recreation Center every evening. Coach Ramirez offers guidance. Jordan's competitive nature drives him to push harder.

The big unveiling of the summer basketball tournament arrives, and Jordan's team matches up against Ethan's team in the semifinals. The game is close and as the clock winds down, Jordan has a chance to tie the game.

With only ten seconds left and the score tied, Coach Ramirez calls a timeout. He emphasizes teamwork and believing in oneself. Inpired by his coach, Jordan decides to take the last shot himself. As the buzzer rings, he releases the ball, and it sinks through the hoop at the last second.

Jordan's winning shot not only secures victory for his team but also reignites his confidence. He learns that its not just about individual glory, its about teamwork and perseverance.

The End

One day,while tending to his chores,Kael stumbled upon an old, weathered map hidden in Lolo Agon's wooden chest.The map was marked with cryptic symbols and a path leading deep into the jungle.At bottom,in shaky handwriting,was a Note:"The Last Peaks of Gintu

-For the brave of heart."

When Kael showed the map to Lolo Agon,the old man's eyes widened."This map...it belonged to my father,"he said."He disappeared searching for Gintu when I was a boy.If you go,you must tread carefully,apo.The jungle tests no only one your strength but also your spirit."

Determined to uncover the truth,Kael packed his bag with essentials and set off the next morning.His journey began with narrow path that soon disappeared into the thick foliage.The air was humid and the calls of unseen creatures echoed around him.

*panting*

"Try And fire your strongest power at me, commoner"

*Fired power but it was so weak that it got destroyed by the breeze*

"Hahahahaha what weak sorcery magic you have, don't worry I won't make you suffer anymore I'll end it right here and now"

"Sun's Death flare"

"Ahhhhhhhhhhh"

"It the beginning I can still bare with the pain and suffering they caused me, but the bullying worsened and got to the level that the method they used can kill people for the sole reason I was weak and have no family background, wait... Is my life flashing before my eyes, wait... Aren't I supposed to be dead what am I seeing...

*Reincarnates*

*Gasp*

(What is going, what happened, how am I alive, aren't I supposed to be dead)

Fukushu Shigumi sat upright, gasping for air. His heart pounded as he scanned his surroundings. The dimly lit room felt unfamiliar, yet a strange warmth spread through his body. It was as if his soul had been reborn into a new vessel.

He staggered to his feet, his limbs trembling. His reflection in a cracked mirror across the room caught his attention. His once frail and bruised body was now lithe and muscular. His eyes, which used to be dull and lifeless, now glowed faintly with a silver hue.

"Reincarnation..." he whispered. A grin crept across his face. The word didn't bring fear — it brought purpose. Memories of Hokori Toire's mocking laughter and the fiery torment of the Sun's Death Flare flashed in his mind. His hands clenched into fists, and his grin twisted into something darker.

"You thought you could erase me, Hokori?" he murmured, voice cold. "You’ll regret leaving me alive."

Over the next months, Fukushu trained with a single goal: vengeance. His new body carried an affinity for shadow sorcery, a forbidden and dangerous branch of magic. Under the cover of night, he explored its depths, drawing power from his rage and despair. Every spell he learned was designed not to defend but to destroy.

Meanwhile, Hokori Toire thrived in the Sorcery Academy, his cruelty unchecked. Teacher Kyoshi’s attempts at discipline faltered in the face of Hokori's influential family, leaving the rest of the class to suffer under his tyranny.

But whispers of a shadowed figure began circulating. Rumors of a cloaked sorcerer stalking bullies at the Academy, leaving them broken and humiliated, filled the air. Fear spread like wildfire.

Finally, Fukushi Shigumi has made it back to the academy, and Hokori, arrogant as ever, stood poised to claim victory. But when Fukushu entered the arena, the air froze. Clad in black robes that seemed to drink the light, he strode forward, his silver eyes locking onto Hokori.

"You should have killed me properly, Toire," Fukushu said, his voice dripping with venom.

The their battle began, and Hokori unleashed his Sun's Death Flare without hesitation. But Fukushu absorbed it with ease, his dome of shadows devouring the flames.

"You haven’t changed," Fukushu sneered. "But I have."

Dark tendrils erupted from his body, wrapping around Hokori. The crowd gasped as the once-dominant sorcerer fell to his knees, writhing in pain.

"Feel the despair you gave me, tenfold," Fukushu hissed. His shadows crushed Hokori’s pride and power alike, leaving him broken and humiliated.

As Hokori lay trembling, Fukushu leaned in. "This is just the beginning."

Fukushu turned to the silent crowd, his silver eyes glinting with cold resolve.

"Let this be a warning," he declared, his voice echoing through the academy. "The weak may rise, and the powerful may fall. Fear the shadows, for they remember."

As he walked away, Hokori’s broken cries faded into the growing darkness.

Theme: The Temptation of Forbidden Knowledge, The Unseen Price of Deals, and the Corruption of Innocence

Story:

Clark Hill was always the curious type—obsessed with discovering the truths of the world that no one else seemed to care about. At 17, his thirst for knowledge led him to a forgotten town that most had long since abandoned. The sun stood high at noon, casting an unnerving light over the crumbling buildings. Clark felt an irresistible pull toward an old theater at the end of a desolate street. Its doors were ajar, as if waiting for him.

Stepping inside, the air was thick with the scent of dust and decay. The theater was empty, save for a single figure sitting motionless on stage. A man in tattered clothing, his face hidden behind an intricately carved bone mask. The marionette puppets surrounding him dangled lifelessly from strings that seemed to hang in mid-air.

Clark's heart raced with both excitement and unease. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice echoing through the hollow theater.

The figure remained still for a moment before slowly turning his head. His hollow eyes behind the mask met Clark’s gaze, sending a chill down his spine.

"I am the Masked Puppeteer," the man said, his voice soft but deliberate, like a whisper carried by the wind. "And I see you've come looking for something... the truth, perhaps?"

Clark took a cautious step forward. "Yes, I’ve been searching for answers. For the truth about everything. What’s beyond this world, beyond what we know."

The Puppeteer tilted his head as though considering the boy's words. "Truth is a dangerous thing, Clark. It is not always what you expect, nor is it ever without consequence. But, I offer you a deal—a simple one. Knowledge, the truth you seek, is within your reach. All you need to do is agree to my terms."

Clark's mind raced. The chance to know the secrets of the universe was too tempting to ignore. He nodded eagerly, already feeling the weight of the opportunity. “What’s the deal?”

The Puppeteer’s voice grew lower, colder. “It’s simple. You will be given what you seek. All the truth you could ever desire. But the price will not be revealed until after the deal is made. Are you willing to take that risk?”

Clark, driven by his obsession, didn’t hesitate. “Yes. I’ll take the deal.”

The Puppeteer smiled, his expression hidden behind the mask, but Clark could feel the subtle shift in the air. The deal was done.

“You will have the truth,” the Puppeteer whispered. “But remember—every truth comes at a cost, and this one... will change you.”

In an instant, the theater seemed to warp. The walls bent, shadows stretched unnaturally long, and Clark felt his body grow heavy, as if something was pressing down on him. His mind flooded with visions—knowledge beyond human comprehension, glimpses of the universe's deepest secrets. But as the truth filled him, he felt something else—something dark, cold, and terrifying.

Suddenly, the Puppeteer’s voice echoed again, low and taunting. “The price, Clark... is your soul.”

Clark staggered backward, the weight of his new knowledge suffocating him. But the real horror came as the room seemed to distort further. He saw it then—the souls. Hundreds, maybe thousands, floating in the shadows of the theater, their forms twisted and writhing in torment. Their eyes were wide with fear, faces contorted in silent screams. Some were still wearing their masks, the same bone-white masks that the Puppeteer himself wore.

These were the souls that had made the same deal as Clark—curious, desperate souls who had come seeking the truth, only to be deceived and bound by the Puppeteer’s curse. They were trapped, their minds lost, their bodies nothing but empty shells controlled by unseen strings.

Clark’s breath caught in his throat. He tried to move, but his body refused to obey. He could feel the invisible strings tugging at him, the same ones that controlled the souls around him. The truth he had so desperately sought had come at an unbearable cost, and now he was bound to the Puppeteer’s game.

The Puppeteer’s voice echoed one last time, filled with cold amusement. “You wanted to know the truth, Clark. Now, you are part of it. You will join the others, your soul a puppet in my collection. All for my master... the Devil.”

Ending: As Clark's vision began to fade, he felt himself becoming one with the others—lost souls, their forms and minds controlled by the Puppeteer’s cruel strings. The truth he had uncovered was far more than he could bear, and as his consciousness slipped into darkness, he realized the horrifying truth: the Puppeteer was not just offering knowledge—he was offering damnation. And now, Clark had become just another puppet in his endless, twisted performance, bound forever to the Puppeteer’s master—the Devil.

Clark was no longer the curious, eager boy who had sought the truth. He had become another victim, tortured endlessly like the fallen souls the Puppeteer had tricked before him. His mind, his soul, and his very being were now bound in eternal torment—twisted, writhing, and forced to dance like a puppet for the amusement of the Devil, the Puppeteer’s true master. The price had been paid, and Clark would never escape the dark truth he had sought.

Not everybody has a happy ending.

One morning a dog woke up, he felt something. "Strange", the dog said to himself. But he ignored that feeling. He looked around his room. He was shocked to see a man in black standing beside the door. "Who are you?!" The dog barked at the man in black. "Calm down Billy," the man in black replied, "don't worry I'm not gonna hurt you", Billy was relieved about what he heard. "Ok, So who are you?" Billy asks,

the man in black replied, "I'm a friend Billy", "By the way good morning to you", the man in black said, Billy replies, "Good morning to you too, friend." Billy gets up from his bed and began walking down the stairs, he goes to the kitchen and there he greeted his owner: Josh, Josh feeds Billy some dog food, while billy is eating he noticed that the man in black is watching him while his eating, he asks the man in black, "Are you hungry? You can ask my owner for food". The man in black replies, "Nah friend I'm not hungry, besides, I've already eaten." Billy did not say any word, he continued eating, after eating, he played with his owner, while playing with his owner he noticed the man in black watching them play, Billy asks the man in black, "Hey friend, wanna play with us, it's fun." The man in black smiles and says "Nah friend I'm fine." After playing with his owner, Billy goes outside, the man in black followed him there. While walking, he saw another dog, Billy asks the dog: "Hello friend, What's your name?." The dog answered: "Im Lisa." Billy liked her name, so he told Lisa: "Your name is beautiful." Lisa smiles and replies, "Thanks, what's your name?" Billy answers, "It's Billy." Lisa invited Billy to play with her on the park, Billy accepted her invitation. So they went ot the park and played there for a while, the man in black was watching them while they are playing. It was afternoon when they finished playing, Billy said goodbye to Lisa and Lisa said goodbye to Billy. Billy went home and sat on the layed on the couch the man in black sits on the couch and asks Billy: "So did you have fun?" Billy replied "Yes! I've had a lot of fun." The man and black just smiled at him. Billy asks the man in black: "Hey friend, can I ask you something?" The man in black replies with a smile on his face: "Yes, you can ask me anything." Billy replies: "So friend, what are you really doing in here? Because you seem to not do anything, but to watch me do things." The face of the man in black became serious, and the whole place became very silent, and then the man in black says: "You see, not everybody has a happy ending." Billy replies "What? What do you mean?" The man in black replies: "Friend, I know it's going to sound weird but you time is up". Billy replies: "What?" The man in black replies: "Friend, you're about to die." Billy replies: "Impossible! But I'm not sick, I'm fine!"

The man in black replies: "Yeah but you're still going to die, and this, this isn't even real, you're on a dream, your dream," Billy replies: "What? What doyou mean I'm on a dream?" The man on the black replies: "You're dead, The vet: Lola Annie injected you with pentobarbital to put you down." Billy replies: "Why?" The man in black replies: "Because you're sick and Josh couldn't handle seeing you suffer in pain, that's why he had to make a decision to put you down." Billy replies while crying: "Can I atleast say good bye to him?" The man in black answered: "You already did. You have to go now, you're time has ended." Billy replies: "Is Josh going to be okay?" The man in black replies: "Yes, He's going to be fine." Billy replies: "Well I guess, It's time to go. Where do I go now?" The man in black replies: "I'll take you there." Bilky replies: "Where?" The man in black replies: "Somewhere." The man in black told Billy to follow him. Billy didn't know what to do but the man in black knows. Billy felt sadness but he knows his time had come and he had to go. Billy followed the man in black. And that's where this story ends.

Not every story has a good ending.

Not every story has a good ending.

Then, one day a city boy named Ash decided to visit the island for summer break, he was on call with his friends when he saw Erethya, he thought that she was gorgeous and showed her to his friends, his friends thought that Erethya was a girl that had no brains so they decided to play a prank on her, they told Ash to act as if he was interested in her, and Ash agreed, thinking of it as a harmless prank.

Ash strikes up a conversation with Erethya, Erethya’s heart was quickly got by his charm and how he talked so smoothly.

They talked every day and walked towards the beach to surf and pick up seashells. Then, one day while Ash was talking to his friends, Erethya was walking towards him, but decided to stop and listen to their conversation.

Ash said to his friends “She’s just a toy for me to play with before father takes me back to the city, you better give me a hundred dollars for making me spend time with this freak.”

Erethya’s heart was shattered into pieces, she held back her tears and quickly retreated to her hut, where she cried all day.

Erethya began avoiding Ash, Ash was very confused, not knowing the reason why, he decided to ask her. Ash asked her “Erethya, why have you been avoiding me these days? It’s as if we’re strangers.” Erethya glared at him and said, “You think I don’t know? I was just a— bet?! A game to you?! You talked to your friends that night, asking them for a hundred dollars because I fell for you! Ash— were all of those promises nothing to you? Were all of the things we shared were casual?! Was being my first kiss casual?!” Erethya cried, her bottled emotions spilling out.

Ash was shocked, his heart filled with up with guilt and regret, he thought that it was all just gonna be a harmless prank, but here he is, watching Erethya break down.

They decided to part ways and after about a month, Ash went back to the city, as Erethya continued her royal duties.

After ten years, Ash is a CEO of a prestigious company. One day, he saw Erethya at the bakery, buying pastries, his heart was pounding when he looked at her, she looked so gorgeous and jaw-dropping, Ash quickly fixed his tie and went up to her, trying to start a conversation.

Ash said “Heyyy.. Erethya, long time no see.”

Erethya just looks at him and nodded, “Yeah.. how are you.. Ash?”

Ash smiled and boasted about how he is a CEO at a prestigious company, he thought that Erethya looked as beautiful as ever, regretting that he ever played her.

He felt that he was developing feelings for her, but then, Erethya’s husband, Nolan went to get her. Nolan smiled at Ash as they Erethya said her goodbyes and parted ways with Ash. The end.

Sometime during lunch, Delilah was eating lunch alone as usual. Hailey then walks up to her which startles Delilah. "Hello!" Hailey started, she then grabs a seat next her- surprising Delilah. "My name is Hailey, what about yours?" she asks, as she carefully places her food down on her desk. "My name is Delilah.." She replies hesitantly, with a quiet voice. "Your name is very pretty! Would you like to be friends?" Delilah gets flustered and surprised at the sudden request. "Sure! I've never had a friend before." Delilah exclaims, "Well I'm glad to be your first!" Hailey says excitedly. They both eat lunch together and laugh as they talk about whatever comes to mind.

From that day on, they became inseparable. They did everything together, walking to school, eating lunch, doing homework, to even hanging out every single day. For the first time ever, Delilah actually felt warm around her new friend, she felt as if she finally belongs somewhere, and its all thanks to Hailey's kind heart. Hailey however, quickly noticed that Delilah barely speaks to other people, she never speaks up in class.

One afternoon, as they were hanging out, Hailey strikes a question, "Delilah, how come you never speak up in class?" she starts, "You're very smart, I've seen how quickly you can solve questions, you should really speak up more!" Hailey adds, with a smile on her face. Delilah seemed hesitant to answer, but does so anyways, "Honestly, I'm not even sure myself. I guess I just get scared of making a mistake." Delilah replies, Hailey puts a small frown on her face, "Don't be like that! You should put more confidence in yourself!" Hailey says, putting on a more reassuring smile, "Even if you do make a mistake, so what? Everyone makes mistakes, even I do! Mistakes are necessary for a person to grow, if anything, it's just a part of life!" Delilah smiles softly at Haileys generous words, realizing she was right. "Thank you Hailey, you're very kind."

The next morning in class, Delilah decided that she was gonna take Hailey's advice. The teacher strikes up a question, and to everyone's surprise, Delilah raised her hand. Everyone seemed shocked, this was the quiet girl who never spoke. To Delilah's relief, her answer was correct. Hailey looks at her friend with a bright smile, giving her a thumbs up.

The following weeks, Delilah started to open up more, answering the teachers questions, participating in group activities, and talking to her classmates more often. She never thought she would enjoy this, she's glad she was able to change.

One day, as they were sitting under a big oak tree after school, Delilah turned to Hailey. "Thank you, Hailey," she said. "For what?" Hailey asked, tilting her head. "For being there for me when I needed it, for being my first ever friend, and for changing my life." Hailey grinned. "That's what friends are for, right? And no matter what happens, I'll be your friend forever." Delilah smiled, a warmth spreading through her chest. From that day forward, Delilah carried Hailey's words with her. Though challenges came and went, the bond they shared remained unshakable—a friendship that truly lasted forever.

End.

One day, the king and queen of this magical forest, or Dahlia’s parent, summoned her to their grand, luminous tree. They had important news, the prince of the neighboring magical forest, Oleander, was visiting to discuss about an alliance. Dahlia, curious to meet him, agreed politely.

The next day, Dahlia and her parents were wearing extravagant and floral clothing, made by the elder fairy of the forest, the queen was wearing a gown with cascading roses, vines were snaking around her waist, adorned with dew-like crystals which glistened in the sun. A chrysanthemum headpiece and a staff which was filled with fuchsia finished her look, while the king was wearing a majestic cloak, woven from the finest oak leaves in the forest, the fabric shimmered in the sunlight whilst his suit was made from the finest cotton in the forest, which was finer than silk. The suit fit him perfectly, making him look vibrant and elegant. Dahlia was wearing a pink dress, made from the fuchsias and bleeding hearts of the forest, in which it glowed an other-worldly light, her skirt had a train, stitched with the different kinds of flower in the magical forest, and to finish her look off, she wore a floral neck piece, with rare crystals which were only found in the magical forest, making her look so ethereal and graceful

The prince and his family finally arrived at the forest, Oleanders heart was instantly caught when he glanced at her, he was at a loss for words, in awe of Dahlia. His parents chuckled, and his father said to him, “It seems she’s got you wrapped around her finger my son, take this chance to impress her or you may lose her.”

The queen, ever so with a gracious wink remarked to him “Oh yes, my son, Dahlia is not just a girl with looks, she’s also got a good heart. She’s truly one in a million.”

The prince was determined to marry the girl and make her his, his heart was set. As they sat at the dining table, Oleander took the seat right next to Dahlia, striking up a conversation. They were talking about their preferences, hobbies, and what they do with their royal duties, after dinner they said their goodbyes and parted.

Oleander was filled with thoughts of Dahlia, while Dahlia was filled with thoughts of Oleander. They sent letters to each other every day, and met each other at the river, where they watch the sunset and feed the koi fish.

It was about a year since they met, their connection growing every day, their love for each other was very strong and it was blooming everyday like the flowers in the forest. Every moment they spent deepened their bond, and their hearts were now intertwined. They knew that they were made for each other, and they were soulmates.

Then, the day finally came. They were at the grand ball, a magnificent gathering held for the queens and kings of each forest. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow whilst everyone danced, Dahlia was dancing with Oleander, their eyes filled with love for each other, in Oleanders left pocket, there was a ring box, inside a sparkling and exquisite engagement ring, its gem was a rose quartz, which was Dahlia’s favorite gem. After the dance, the guests were minding their business as Oleander and Dahlia stood up on the stairs, capturing everyone’s attention. Dahlia was very confused, and then, Oleander got on one knee, and said “Dahlia, my precious flower, I take this night in hand to make you mine. You made me feel so special and you caught my heart when I first saw you, I knew then and there, I wanted you to be my wife, my forever partner, Dahlia Lysandra, my ineffable partner, will you marry me?”

Dahlia teared up with tears of joy, and nodded as she hugged Oleander, everyone in the ball cheered for the couple, the grand ball became a celebration of not just a ball, but the future of Dahlia and Oleander would build together. The two forests, which were once separated, now bound by the love of their two leaders. And as the night drew to a close, the stars above twinkled as bright than ever, a symbol of the endless possibilities that waited for them, and they lived happily ever after. The end.

John had always been fascinated by the stories of lost treasures and ancient artifacts. It was a passion that sometimes led him down dusty aisles of old bookshops and occasionally into forgotten antique stores. One rainy afternoon, as he browsed through a small, cluttered shop at the edge of town, his fingers grazed over an oddly shaped object tucked away in the corner. It was an intricate, bronze compass, its surface adorned with strange markings.

"Ah, you have a keen eye!" said the store owner, an elderly gentleman with twinkling eyes. "That piece has a story of its own. They say it's a relic from the lost civilization of Eldoria, accompanied by a map leading to unimaginable treasure."

Intrigued, John purchased the compass and hurried to meet his best friend, Alex, at their favorite café. Over steamy mugs of coffee, he spun the tale the old man had told him. "A treasure map! Can you imagine, Alex? We could go on an adventure!"

Alex leaned back in his chair, a skeptical look crossing his face. "You mean a treasure hunt? Come on, John. This is probably just some elaborate hoax."

But John was undeterred. As soon as they were done, he pulled the compass from his bag. The bronze surface gleamed under the café’s warm light, and the strange markings seemed to dance in front of them. It felt real, pulsing with history and mystery.

"Let's check it out," John challenged, determination fired in his eyes. "What do we have to lose?"

After some convincing, Alex agreed, rolling his eyes but secretly excited. They set off the next morning, armed with nothing but the compass and their shared sense of adventure.

As they followed the compass through the town, John noticed how it spun wildly in the presence of modern structures, only to stabilize when they were near nature—the old woods just outside the town’s edge. With each step, it became clear they were leaving behind the comforts of their familiar world and stepping into the wild unknown.

They trekked through thick underbrush, their laughter echoing as they climbed over fallen logs and ducked under low-hanging branches. Hours passed, and the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden hue around them. Finally, they stumbled upon an ancient stone ruin, moss creeping over crumbling walls—an unexpected find that seemed to pulse with the history they sought.

"Could this be it?" John’s breathless whisper echoed in the silence. The compass pointed resolutely toward the ruin, sending shivers down their spines.

They approached cautiously, weaving through the rocks until they found a faded mural depicting a great treasure—a gigantic golden chest surrounded by mythical creatures. Next to it lay a series of symbols that matched those on the compass. John’s heart raced; this was it. The map wasn’t a paper thing but rather a puzzle laid into the stones.

After hours of deciphering the mural, they discovered a small entrance hidden behind a thicket of vines. With just a flashlight and an overwhelming sense of excitement, they entered the gloom of the ruin, the air thick with secrets.

Inside, the walls seemed to close in, but the compass led them deeper into the darkness. The path twisted, each turn revealing surprising tessellations in the stonework that may have once served as markers for ancient travelers. At last, they reached a vast chamber where an ornate chest lay waiting, its edges encrusted with gems that glinted in the flashlight’s beam.

"Can you believe it?" John whispered, scarcely daring to breathe. They approached the chest together, feeling the gravity of a thousand stories resting on their shoulders. John knelt to inspect the mechanism locking the chest shut, realizing it mirrored the markings on the compass.

With shaking hands, he traced the symbols and pressed in sequences just as they had on the mural. With a loud click, the chest unlocked, the lid creaking as they pushed it open.

Inside, they found not gold or jewels, but scrolls wrapped in aged leather, revealing the knowledge and history of Eldoria—maps of other worlds, stories of ancient peoples, secrets lost to time. It was the treasure of wisdom, a legacy of understanding that had been buried for centuries.

John and Alex exchanged glances, awe washing over them. They had not discovered mere riches but a treasure that would lead to countless adventures ahead.

As they made their way back to the surface, smiles plastered on their faces, John felt a swell of gratitude. They hadn’t just found an artifact and a map; they had unearthed a new path in life—a call to explore the stories hidden beneath the surface of the world around them.

Their adventure had only just begun, and they knew that together, they could uncover even more mysteries waiting to be revealed.

Years later, the scent of cordite and fear replaced the smell of paint thinner. The trenches of the Western Front were a far cry from the Vienna art studios. He fought with a ferocity born of desperation, a desperate attempt to prove his worth in a world that had consistently dismissed him. The Iron Cross, a medal pinned to his chest, felt cold and hollow, a stark contrast to the warmth he craved.

Back in Germany, the post-war chaos was a fertile ground for his bitterness. The humiliation of defeat, the economic hardship, the simmering anger – it was all fuel for his fiery rhetoric. He spoke of a glorious past, of a nation betrayed, of a people wronged. He painted himself as the savior, the strong leader who would restore Germany's pride. The beer hall putsch, a reckless gamble, ended in prison, but it gave him time to craft his poisonous ideology in Mein Kampf.

The book, a testament to his twisted worldview, became his bible, a blueprint for a world cleansed of those he deemed inferior. He spoke of racial purity, of Lebensraum, of a thousand-year Reich. His words, laced with hatred and promises of power, resonated with a nation desperate for hope. He rose through the ranks of the Nazi party, a charismatic demagogue who captivated the masses with his mesmerizing speeches.

The roar of the crowds became his symphony, the cheers a testament to his power. He became Chancellor, then Führer, his grip on Germany tightening with each passing day. The systematic persecution of Jews, the systematic dismantling of democracy, the unchecked ambition – it all unfolded with chilling efficiency.

The world watched in horror as his armies marched across Europe, leaving a trail of destruction and death in their wake. The war, a monstrous creation born from his twisted vision, consumed millions of lives. The sounds of bombs and gunfire replaced the whispers of his early frustrations.

In his final days, surrounded by the rubble of his crumbling empire, the Führer sat alone in his bunker, the echoes of his past failures and present horrors his only company. His dreams of glory turned to ashes, his legacy a chilling testament to the destructive power of unchecked ambition and hate. The once vibrant dreams of an artist were replaced by the darkness of a dictator, a stark reminder of the path paved by resentment and a thirst for power.

The end

Her name is Amara—blessed with dazzling looks, and is a multi-intrumentalist; She can play Violin, Piano and Viola with few or no mistakes at all.

Although with all those, she's humble and kind—who always want to help others in need of help without waiting something for an exchange to her kindness.

Being a princess, of course you would meet various princes from different kingdoms, being one of them whom she has fallen for—Prince Jerome.

Prince Jerome, he is known for his gentle nature, care for close ones and quick-witted. Born in a powerful and influential family, who holds one of the strongest army that have withstood tons of battles.

They had met at the Grand Royale Ball, bumping into each other by how many influential people are presented at the occasion. It's surprising.

Since then, they have grown close, especially Amara, who have grown attach to him. With every conversation, she can't help but fell deeper as she discover more about him and his personality—He was like the perfect guy to be with.

One night, The two were sitting under the sky in its usual color; Midnight Blue, With the shining silver moon adding a more serene and quiet vibe. The sky was filled with radiating stars, with the cloud creating a wave like the ocean. What you would wanna see—A breathtaking sight and supposedly addictive to look at.

"What a view, am I right?" Amara said.

"Definitely, it's such a beautiful view to look at." Jerome said casually.

Soft breeze washed over them, the night was peaceful.

Amara was looking at Jerome for a while now, admiring his side profile. It made her heart beat raced.

The night went well as planned—serene with no one to bother them.

Until one day, an arrange marriage was considered by both Jerome's Father and another King. An arrange marriage between Jerome and another princess who have grown feelings for Jerome, not the same reason as Amara. It's for the looks and power he holds.

Jerome's Father was not privy of the other King's desire for power, and her daughter, Lara. Who only fell for Jerome's looks, not his personality.

After Amara heard the news, her heart aches greatly, in denial she was not dreaming.. It just doesn't hurt because of hearing the person you're interested with was married to another princess through papers, it's because you will need to act happy for them and support them and seeing them get married with your own two eyes.

Amara decided to hang out with Jerome, acting like she had never heard the news, but her heart still aches for him. Holding on to hopes tightly that he wasn't happy with the arrange marriage.

They were having a casual conversation until she heard a female voice.

"Prince Jerome! Your Father have asked you to come with me to look for wedding gown, the wedding has been moved more early than discussed!"

Amara's eyes widened when her eyes landed on Lara, the princess Jerome was marrying.

Jerome looked over to her, with a uninterested and hollow expression before giving a small nod, he forced a small smile before going over to her and walking away with her.

Amara reluctantly extend her hand towards them as they walk away while she was there, sat on the ground, her heart ache once more but she retracted her hand before mumbling.

"I'll be waiting for you to appear in my love story. Until my last breath, Jerome."

One day, their parents did a meeting and decided to arrange a marriage for them. When Luna and Jay asked their parents why, they said that it is for their company to be much more successful and to grow their business.

After a couple of days, Luna and Jay with their parents went and met at the café to sign the contract. Even if it's against their will, Jay and Luna just agreed and accepted the marriage for the satisfaction of their parents.

After they got married and bought a house for both of them, Jay is always abusive to Luna. When she just made a little mistake that made Jay feel irritated, he always hurt her. But still, Luna accepted his behaviour and did not tell others about her problems with him.

The other day, Luna felt something bad in her body. So, she immediately went to the hospital without Jay's permission. When she arrived and asked the doctor about what she felt, she just knew that she was pregnant.

When she arrived home, Jay was looking at her madly, and he hurt her again. He always does hurt her again and again until Luna can't resist but to go to Jay's mother and tell her everything about Jay's behaviour and about their daughter. Jay's mother, Julia, understood everything about their relationship and agreed with her plan to leave his son.

When she left and called a taxi for a ride, she had no idea that the driver was about to do something bad with her. And, the unwanted thing happened. Before she got killed, she tried to message Jay and his parents, and especially her parents, but she failed..

While Luna is in danger and trying to text his husband, Jay is cheating and dating another girl over her.

When she arrived home, he got angry again because Luna was not home yet. He waited for a long time but she hadn't arrived yet. So, he decided to go to her mom's house, thinking that maybe Luna was there. He arrived and asked her mom, "Mom, is Luna here ba?" he said worried and curiously. Her mom thought for a moment and explained to him everything. Jay felt conscience and regret all of the bad things he did to his wife and his child.

The next day, they heard the news about what happened to Luna. All of Luna and Jay's relatives and friends are crying and sympathetic with Jay. Meanwhile, Jay got more depressed about it.

5 years passed, and Jay still can't get over with his mistakes before. He decided to go to the park to entertain himself.

While he's walking, a kid bumps into him.

"Oh, are you okay?"

"Uhm, yes! I'm fine naman po, but im sorry about it po!"

The kid said nervously. Then, her mother called her,

"Kim! Where are you anak?"

Jay thought for a moment and remembered what his mother told him.

"Pag nagkaanak kayo, name him or her Kim ha?"

Then, he began to cry, but he's trying to hold it back. Then, Kim's mother come to them.

"Andiyan ka lang pala, kanina pa kaya kita hinahanap, are you okay lang ba?"

"Yes po mama Lila!"

Jay looked at Lila and gazed to her eyes. He saw Luna's face on hers, and then he said,

"You looked familiar ah? Have we met before?"

"Uhm, sorry, but no.."

She said curiously, then a guy approached them.

"Oh Babieee! You're here lang pala with Kim eh."

Then, Jake looked at Jay curiously and asked Lila,

"Do you know each other? Ngayon ko lang siya nakita eh"

"Uhm no, actually nabangga lang siya ni Lila kaya andito ako."

"Ahh, I see, let's go na?"

Lila and Kim looked at Jay and smiled, symbolizes that they're leaving. Then, they looked at Jake again.

"Daddy! Nakabili ka po ng ice cream?"

"Ah oo, eto oh!"

"Eh bat dalawa lang binili mo?"

"Para hati nalang tayo sa isa"

He teasingly said and winked.

"Hayss! Nang bola pa nga!"

They're still chatting while walking away until they leave Jay alone.

Jay started to cry, remembering all of his mistakes. But, he still smiled and looked at them happily walking away, knowing that Luna and his child were in the right man and in the better place now...

-The End-

One fateful evening, Dionysus, God of Wine and Festivity, stumbled upon Theodore's performance. Envious of his talent, Dionysus stole the lyre, leaving Theodore devastated. Sophia, witnessing the humiliation, distanced herself.

Desperate, Theodore sought Athena's guidance in Delphi. The goddess prophesied: "Find Apollo's Golden Lyre, crafted with divine melodies, to reclaim your musical destiny." Theodore embarked on a perilous journey to Mount Olympus.

Upon reaching Mount Olympus, Theodore challenged Dionysus to a musical duel. Initially struggling, he drew upon Athena's wisdom, improvising brilliantly. Apollo, impressed, acknowledged Theodore's potential.

Apollo awarded Theodore the Golden Lyre, saying: "Your perseverance and creativity prove your worthiness." With the legendary instrument, Theodore returned to Athens. Theodore's triumphant performance mesmerized the Athenians. Sophia's heart melted. His music inspired generations. Apollo's blessing solidified his legacy. Theodore became Athens' revered musician, forever changing the city's musical landscape.

This is Seung-hyo’s firm? she thought, her heart beating faster. She had known Seung-hyo all her life, from running around the neighborhood together to spending countless hours talking about their futures. But now, seeing him in such a prestigious place, she couldn’t help but feel a little lost in the difference between their lives. Her own life felt like a whirlwind of mistakes—her broken engagement with Hyeon-jun, the high-pressure corporate job she’d quit at Greip, and the uncertainty she felt about everything.

Her phone buzzed in her hand, and she quickly glanced at the screen. It was a message from her mother: “We’ll be home soon. Can’t wait to see you! We’ve missed you so much.”

Her heart clenched. Her return home was meant to be a surprise, and she had planned everything down to the smallest detail. But now, standing in front of this high-rise office, she was on the verge of being discovered. What am I supposed to do now?

Before she could panic further, a voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Seok-ryu?”

She spun around, wide-eyed, to find Seung-hyo standing right behind her. His tall, confident frame was unmistakable, but it was his warm, familiar smile that made her heart flutter. It had been years since they’d last seen each other, and though time had passed, he looked the same—his eyes still held that mischievous gleam, and his smile still made her feel at home.

“I—uh—I didn’t expect to run into you here,” Seok-ryu said, her voice slightly shaky, unsure of what to say.

Seung-hyo chuckled, looking her over with a mix of surprise and amusement. “I didn’t think you’d be here so soon either. You’re back earlier than expected. How have you been? You look a little…” He trailed off, noting her obvious unease.

“I’ve been better,” she replied with a forced smile. “Just, uh, adjusting to being back.” She glanced over her shoulder and saw her parents walking down the street, their heads bent in conversation, unaware that she was just a few steps away. The last thing she wanted was to confront them before she was ready.

Seok-ryu's heart raced. She had hoped to sneak into her parents' house without any fanfare, but now it seemed impossible. Her return was supposed to be a quiet one, but with her parents so close, she couldn’t escape their attention. Desperation filled her chest, and before she could stop herself, she blurted out, “Seung-hyo! Can I hide in your office for a while? My parents are just around the corner, and I don’t want them to see me yet. Please?”

Seung-hyo raised an eyebrow, his smile deepening as if he understood more than she was letting on. “Of course. Come on, let’s go inside.”

Without hesitation, he gently guided her into the building. As they passed through the sleek glass doors and into the cool interior, Seok-ryu couldn’t help but be impressed by the firm’s modern design—open spaces, minimalist furniture, and a sense of forward-thinking ambition. She was awestruck. This place wasn’t just a building; it was a testament to Seung-hyo’s hard work and vision.

“I didn’t know you were doing this well,” Seok-ryu said, her voice full of awe. “This place looks amazing, Seung-hyo.”

He grinned, clearly pleased by her reaction. “Thanks. It’s been a lot of work, but it’s been worth it. I wanted to create something that felt... like home, but for the future. A place where people can create new ideas.” He glanced at her. “Kind of like what you’re doing now, right?”

Her throat tightened at his words. What was she doing now? Coming back home wasn’t part of her grand plan, and she had no idea what her next move was.

“Hey, don’t think too much about it,” Seung-hyo added gently, as if sensing her thoughts. “You don’t have to have everything figured out immediately. You’re here now, and that’s enough for today.”

Seok-ryu exhaled a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. There was something about Seung-hyo’s presence—steady, calm, and always so reassuring—that made everything feel more manageable. She smiled, grateful for his support.

For the next few minutes, she sat in one of the plush chairs near the lounge area, her thoughts drifting as Seung-hyo stepped away to attend to some work. The soft sound of typing on a keyboard filled the room, and she couldn’t help but reflect on everything that had brought her back to Seoul. The pain of her breakup with Hyeon-jun and the whirlwind of her departure from Greip had left her lost, but here, in the quiet of Seung-hyo’s firm, she began to feel like maybe it wasn’t too late for her to find her way.

After a while, Seung-hyo returned, offering her a cup of coffee. “Your parents just went into the café across the street. I think you’ve got some time to relax.”

Seok-ryu took the coffee gratefully, her hands warming from the mug. “Thank you. I really don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”

Seung-hyo shrugged nonchalantly, though there was a twinkle in his eyes. “You know I’ve always got your back.”

For the next few hours, they sat and talked, catching up on everything from childhood memories to their current lives. They laughed and reminisced about their school days, and for the first time since arriving back in Seoul, Seok-ryu felt a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Later that evening, after her parents had returned home and she’d managed to finally surprise them, Seok-ryu found herself standing in front of her childhood home. As she took in the familiar sights of her neighborhood, her mind wandered back to her conversation with Seung-hyo. Maybe, just maybe, returning here wasn’t as much of a setback as she’d thought.

With Seung-hyo’s encouragement and the comforting presence of her parents, Seok-ryu realized that she could rebuild her life on her own terms—one step at a time. She didn’t have to have everything figured out right away, and it was okay to take a break and find her own path again.

As the weeks passed, Seok-ryu began to work with Seung-hyo, offering her creative ideas to help with some design projects at the firm. Slowly, she rediscovered the part of herself that she had lost during her years in the fast-paced world of corporate life. Seung-hyo, ever patient and supportive, helped her navigate the challenges, and together, they created beautiful designs that reflected their shared vision.

It didn’t take long before Seok-ryu realized that her feelings for Seung-hyo had evolved, from childhood friendship to something deeper, something that felt right. One evening, as they walked through the city streets after another successful project presentation, Seung-hyo stopped and looked at her with a soft smile.

“I’ve always known you were special, Seok-ryu,” he said quietly, his voice sincere. “And I think I’ve always been waiting for you to realize that, too.”

Seok-ryu looked up at him, her heart swelling with warmth. "I've realized it along time ago, I just didn't have the courage to tell you. Seok-ryu said as she smiled at him.

And with that, their paths—once separate—came together, not only in friendship but in love. It was the start of a new chapter for both of them, one filled with new beginnings, shared dreams, and a love that had always been right next door.

P. S

BHWJWHSJABDJ this was all inspired by the k-drama " Love Next Door " 😓

In a faraway land, nestled between emerald mountains and endless meadows, there existed a village where everyone lived in harmony, believing in a single, comforting belief—the village’s prosperity was a gift from a magical, unseen force. They had always been told this by their elders, a tale that seemed to hold everything together, making the villagers feel safe and hopeful.

But the village was built on a secret. A lie, as beautiful as it was comforting.

There was a young woman named Lyra, who had grown up hearing the tale of the magic that blessed their village. Her mother, an elder, would always smile and say, "This is the gift of the gods, my child. Never question it." And so, Lyra didn't. She grew up believing the lie with all her heart, just as everyone else did.

One day, a mysterious traveler arrived in the village. His name was Kiran. He was a wanderer who had seen the world and carried with him a deep knowledge of many things. Kiran was not swayed by the tales the villagers cherished. He walked the meadows with eyes that saw through the surface, seeing patterns others missed. After a few days of quiet observation, Kiran approached Lyra, who was tending to the fields.

"Tell me," Kiran asked, "Have you ever wondered why the crops are so bountiful here, while other places struggle? Why the weather is always perfect, and the river never runs dry?"

Lyra smiled, a sense of pride swelling in her chest. "It's the magic. It's a gift from the gods."

Kiran studied her for a moment, his expression serious. "But have you ever wondered if it’s not magic at all? What if it's something else?"

Lyra laughed lightly, almost pitying him. "You don't believe in the gods' gift, do you? You're new here. You don't understand how we do things."

But something in Kiran's gaze made her uneasy. There was an intensity in his eyes, as if he knew something she didn’t. Over the following days, Kiran continued to challenge the stories the villagers told, pointing out oddities that Lyra had never considered. He questioned the source of the village’s wealth, the strange absence of illness, and the way no one ever seemed to suffer. Slowly, Lyra's peaceful world began to crack.

One night, Lyra could no longer sleep. Her mind raced with questions. Was it really magic, or was there something more to this perfect village? She had lived her whole life thinking the village’s peace and prosperity were a gift, but Kiran's words gnawed at her, awakening doubts she could not silence.

The next morning, Lyra set off with Kiran to uncover the truth.

They ventured beyond the village’s borders, into the forbidden woods where no one dared to tread. Kiran led her to a hidden cave, its walls marked with ancient symbols. Inside, the air was thick with mystery. At the center of the cave, they found something that shattered everything Lyra thought she knew.

A large, glimmering stone pulsed with a strange energy. It was not a gift from the gods. It was an artifact of great power, one that controlled the weather, the crops, the health of the people. It had been buried centuries ago, and the village's founders had discovered it and decided to use it to ensure their prosperity. But to keep the village ignorant of its true source, they had fabricated the tale of divine intervention, weaving the lie into every corner of their culture.

"This," Kiran said quietly, "is the truth. The gods didn’t bless this land. The village has prospered because of this stone, which controls everything you’ve been told is magic."

Lyra felt her stomach twist. The beauty of the lie she had lived by her entire life collapsed into a cold, ugly truth. The village's prosperity wasn’t a miracle—it was a manipulation.

"But what now?" Lyra whispered. "If they know, the whole village will fall apart. The lie holds them together. Without it, there will be nothing left."

Kiran sighed, his voice filled with a deep sadness. "The truth is not always beautiful, Lyra. But it is real. And sooner or later, the truth will always come to light. You cannot build a life on a lie, no matter how pretty it seems."

Lyra stood silently for a long time, the weight of her discovery pressing down on her. The ugly truth was overwhelming, yet it was also freeing. No longer would she be a prisoner to the beautiful lie.

Together, Lyra and Kiran returned to the village. It was time to face the consequences of revealing the truth. She gathered the elders and the villagers, the ones who had built their lives around the comforting illusion of magic. With trembling hands, Lyra spoke the truth to them, her voice firm but filled with compassion.

“The stone," she began, her voice catching slightly, "is not a gift from the gods. It is what has given us everything. But we have been living a lie, thinking that it was something divine.”

The villagers gasped, disbelief and fear spreading among them. The elders, who had clung to the lie for generations, looked down, unable to meet Lyra’s eyes.

“What will happen now?” one of them asked.

The silence was heavy, and for a long moment, no one knew how to respond. But then, Lyra spoke again, more confidently this time. “We will rebuild. We may not have magic, but we have each other. And now, we can live with our eyes open, facing the future without fear of the unknown.”

It wasn’t easy. The village had to adapt. Some left, unable to accept the truth. Others stayed, and together, they learned to grow, not through magic, but through their own hands. The weather no longer came in perfect harmony, and the crops didn’t always grow in abundance. But the villagers, now living with the weight of truth, found strength in their unity, in the knowledge that they were no longer hiding behind a lie.

In the end, the ugly truth proved to be more beautiful than any lie could ever be. And Lyra, though her world had shattered, found peace in knowing she was no longer a prisoner to a beautiful, false belief. She had learned that only the truth could set her free.