C9 CHAPTER 9: Unexpected Connections

The following days were filled with group meetings, brainstorming sessions, and research. We spent countless hours in the library analyzing market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor strategies. It was challenging but rewarding work, and I was grateful to be part of a team that was equally dedicated and motivated.

Throughout the week, we communicated constantly, sharing updates and seeking feedback from one another. There were moments of brainstorming, revisions, and last-minute adjustments, but our dedication and teamwork kept us on track.

On this Saturday, I was looking forward to a day of rest and relaxation. However, my plans suddenly changed when I received a message from my group mates for a group project. They informed me that we needed to meet up at a specific location to continue our project, which we had already started.

I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed, as I had hoped for some free time on this day. But I knew how important this project was, so I had no choice but to go.

We decided to start by refining our market research and conducting additional surveys to gather more data. Ryle offered to work on the visual elements, creating eye-catching graphics and a captivating presentation layout. Meanwhile, Sabby, Kaira, and I focused on crafting the marketing strategies and ensuring that they aligned with our target audience's preferences.

Sobrang dami namin napag-usapan, dahil 1-day nalang pala ‘yong natitirang days. Medyo kinakabahan pa ako dahil hindi ako confident sa ginagawa namin, pero, siguro mas naniniwala ako sa effort na binibigay ng grupo. Happy na rin siguro dahil matitino ang mga napunta sa kin na grupo, especially Ryle.

After we finished the meeting, we decided it was time to go home. I left the cafe and tried to call my older brother and ask him to pick me up, but he wasn't answering his phone. Suddenly, Ryle insisted on giving me a ride home, but I politely declined his offer. I appreciated his kindness, but I didn't want to inconvenience him or impose on his plans for the day. Besides, I was already used to commuting, and I didn't mind the short trip back home.

"Sure ka? Basta mag-iingat ka ha," sabi niya.

I smiled, "Sige, salamat. Mag-iingat ka rin." Kumaway na ako sa kaniya, habang naglalakad na siya patungo sa kotse niya.

Nang naka-alis na si Ryle, I walked to the transportation stop. I couldn't help but feel a bit frustrated and worried about Kuya not answering my calls. Nakailang dial na ako sakaniya, pero hindi niya pa rin talaga sinasagot, ring lang ng ring. I wondered if something urgent came up or if he simply forgot his phone.

"Ba’t naman kasi ayaw sagutin?" Inis kong sabi ko sa sarili

As I waited for the taxi, I took out my phone again and tried calling Kuya one last time. Still, there was no response. I decided to send him a text message, asking him to call me back as soon as he could. With a heavy sigh, I put my phone back into my bag and tried to focus on the present moment.

As I waited for a taxi, I was startled when a familiar face approached me. It was Orion.

"Luna,"

My heart skipped a beat, and I couldn't help but smile.

As Orion approached me, I felt a mix of surprise and delight. "Hey, Luna! What are you doing here? Why are you alone, and where's Alhena and Maegan?" he asked with genuine concern.

"O-oh, hi Orion! I'm just waiting for a taxi to go home. May group project kasi kami, and magkakahiwalay kasi kami ng grupo kaya ‘yon…" I explained with a small smile.

Orion nodded understandingly. "Edi, hatid na kita,"

Napatawa naman ako ng konti, "U-um, hindi na I appreciate the offer, but it's okay. I can manage on my own," I replied, feeling a bit flustered."

He chuckled and shook his head. "Come on, Luna. It's not a big deal. I genuinely want to make sure you get home safely. Mamaya iniwan kita dito, tapos isumpa pa ako ng Kuya mo if something happened to you while you were alone."

Napatawa naman ako at ngumiti. His concern for my well-being warmed my heart, and I could see the sincerity in his eyes. I knew he meant well, and I didn't want to offend him by declining his offer.

"Okay, thank you, Orion. If you really insist, then I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I relented, giving in to his persistence.

He smiled brightly, happy that I agreed. "Great! Let's go then. Don't worry; it won't take long."

As we walked towards his car, I couldn't help but feel grateful for having a friend like him. Orion's caring and protective nature made me feel valued and safe. While driving, we continued chatting about various topics, and I found myself enjoying his company even more.

"So, how was your group meeting?" he asked, starting a conversation to pass the time.

"It was okay. We discussed our project, and everyone seemed to be working well together," I replied, grateful for his interest in my day.

"That’s good,"

I couldn't help but smile when I noticed the anime figures of Mini Demon Slayer and Hero Academia displayed in Orion's car. It was an unexpected yet delightful surprise. "Wow, you're into anime too?" I asked, genuinely interested.

His face brightened as I nodded. "Yes, I do! Demon Slayer and Hero Academia are among my favorites."

"Oh, I love that anime too!" I exclaimed, pointing at the figures. "Demon Slayer and Hero Academia are some of my favorites!"

Orion chuckled, clearly pleased with my reaction. "Really? That's awesome! I'm a big fan of anime and manga. It's one of my favorite hobbies, and I love collecting figures like these."

"Why, are you a fan too?" Tanong niya

"No, but I love Demon Slayer. Si Kuya fan siya ng anime, nagco-collect din siya tulad mo."

"I know, diyan nga kami nagkakilala ni Arche eh. I remember bumibili ako sa store dahil nga isa ‘yong Demon Slayer sa gusto kong i-collect and then pumunta ako sa store para bumili kaso isa nalang ‘yong Demon Slayer sa store na ‘yon, nagkainitan pa kami no’n,"

Tahimik lang akong nakikinig sa kwento niya.

As Orion continued his story, I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of him and Kuya Arche getting into a friendly rivalry over the last Demon Slayer figure at the store.

"We were both so determined to get that figure, and we ended up finding out that we had similar interests in anime," Orion said, smiling at the memory. "That's how our friendship started, and we've been collecting anime figures together ever since."

"Grabe pala si Kuya,"

"Naalala ko pa nga kinuwento niya na sinira mo raw ‘yong dalawa niyang anime figures kasama na ‘yong Demon Slayer,"

Nagulat at nahiya ako nang malaman kong pinag-usapan pala nila ni Kuya Arche ang insidente na yon.

"Ha?" napaiwas naman ako ng tingin sa kaniya at napakamot ng ulo.

Nahiya tuloy ako, "wala siya dito, pero pinapahiya pa rin niya ako," sabi ko lang sa isip ko.

"A-actually, s-si Kuya talaga may kasalanan no’n kung sana hindi niya ako ginulat no’n edi sana hindi ko nasira ‘yong anime figures niya. Napaka OA niya kasi nagpapadala agad sa galit, kaya…" sunod sunod kong sabi, habang may sama ng loob

Napahinto naman ako sa sinasabi ko, dahil sa pagtawa niya. Parang ang OA ko na yata do’n

Orion's laughter caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but feel embarrassed by my outburst. "S-Sorry, I didn't mean to laugh," he said, trying to stifle his chuckles. "It's just that Arche can be a bit over the top sometimes, especially when it comes to his anime figures."

I couldn't help but smile too, realizing how silly my rant must have sounded. "Yeah, sobra pa, mas mahal pa nga yata niya ‘yong mga anime figures niya kaysa sa akin na kapatid niya. I guess he's really passionate about them," I admitted.

Orion chuckled softly, understanding my sentiments. "Well, I don't think it's about loving his figures more than you. It's just that he values both his collection and his relationships with equal passion. And when something happens to his figures, he's just really protective.

Dagdag nito. "And he really is, but deep down, he understands that it was an accident. He just couldn't help but be a bit dramatic about it at first." He paused for a moment before continuing, "You know what, Luna. Arche is actually a big softie when it comes to his family. And you know, despite his quirks, he really cares about you as his sister. He might have his dramatic moments, but he has a big heart, and he'd do anything to support and protect those he cares about. He might come off as serious or strict, but he cares a lot about the people close to him."

I appreciated Orion's insight into Kuya Arche's personality. It made me see my brother in a different light, understanding that his passion and protectiveness were simply expressions of his love and devotion to his family and friends.

As we continued talking, I felt a sense of camaraderie building between Orion and me. It was refreshing to find someone who understood my brother and appreciated his unique qualities.