Chapter 1
Peace, Flan, and a Big Decision
Saijin sat quietly, her gaze blank as she watched the steady stream of customers filling the restaurant owned by her best friend’s parents.
“You’re thinking way too deeply again!” Yazi said suddenly, plopping down across from her with a tray of food in hand.
“Oh! Sorry about that,” Saijin replied, startled.
“Haha! Girl, you still haven’t moved on from your epic confession to my brother Aizen, huh?” Yazi teased with a laugh.
“Ugh, stop it. Don’t start acting like Cara Ayazin Fajardo,” Saijin groaned, rolling her eyes.
“Okay, okay, I’ll stop. Here—Mom made this just for you. A stress reliever,” Yazi said, handing her a bowl of leche flan, Saijin’s favorite dessert. A small smile formed on Saijin’s lips. Her best friend really knew her well—especially what could calm her down in moments like this.
“So, what’s the plan? Where are you enrolling next school year?” Yazi asked, her tone casual but with a hint of expectation, as if she already planned to follow Saijin wherever she went.
“Ugh, I’m still dying from the embarrassment of what I did, and now you’re asking me about school?” Saijin started to reply, but her words trailed off as an idea suddenly hit her.
If she wanted to avoid Aizen... maybe studying abroad was the answer.
“You’re a genius, girl!” Saijin exclaimed, excitement lighting up her face.
“Huh? What are you talking about? I literally just asked where you're going to study!” Yazi said, hands on her hips, clearly lost in the whirlwind of her friend’s thoughts.
“No, I mean... I just thought of something. And it’s brilliant!” Saijin grinned, a spark of hope igniting inside her.
“What? Wait—Saijin?! Where are you going? Are you seriously okay?” Yazi called after her as Saijin suddenly stood up, looking like she’d been hit by lightning. A few customers turned to stare at the commotion.
Saijin just smiled, flashed a peace sign to the onlookers, and turned back to Yazi.
“I’m going to study in New York.”
“New York? That far?” Yazi asked, confused.
“Because that’s where my parents went to university.”
“Oh really? Is that the only reason?”
“Fine. I also want to escape the most humiliating moment of my life,” Saijin admitted bluntly, hoping it would end her friend’s interrogation.
“Well, that settles it then! I’ll talk to Mom later. I’m going to New York too!” Yazi beamed, ever the loyal sidekick.
“You’re unbelievable...” Saijin muttered, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Did you say something, bestie?” Yazi asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Nothing. Anyway, I’m heading home. Tell your mom and dad I left, will you?” she said as she turned to go.
“Sure thing. Take care!”
Saijin raised her left hand in a casual wave as she walked out of the restaurant—completely unaware that this decision would become the very spark that would ignite the chaos waiting ahead.
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