CHAPTER 15

Chapter 15: Sunday Coffee and Street Food

It was a lazy Sunday morning, and the campus was unusually quiet. Most students had gone home for the weekend or were busy catching up on assignments, but I needed a break from the overwhelming pressure of upcoming exams. So, I decided to head to a nearby café to study. It wasn’t too far from my apartment, just a cozy spot with comfortable chairs and a warm atmosphere. I ordered my usual—a cup of Benguet coffee and a pastry—before settling into a corner booth with my textbooks and notes.

As the hours passed, I found myself distracted more than I’d like to admit. My mind kept wandering, not to the piles of assignments and upcoming deadlines, but to the odd connection I seemed to have with Professor JM. I had tried to put it out of my mind, focusing on my studies, but no matter how hard I tried, the thought of him kept creeping in.

Just as I was sipping my coffee, trying to force myself back into studying, I heard a familiar voice.

"Junno? What are you doing here?"

I looked up to find Professor JM standing in the doorway of the café, his usual calm expression mixed with a hint of curiosity. He had on a black jacket, his hair tousled slightly as if he had just come from a jog or a walk.

I froze for a moment, unsure of how to react. After everything that had happened, I wasn’t sure where we stood—still, seeing him there felt oddly comforting.

“Professor JM! I didn’t expect to see you here,” I said, gesturing to the empty chair across from me. “Come sit down. I’m just... trying to get some studying done. But I’m not very focused, to be honest.”

He smiled, that familiar glint in his eyes, and walked over to my table. “I can relate. I’m not here for studying, though. I just wanted a break from all the work. A little coffee wouldn’t hurt.”

He sat down across from me and flagged down a barista. As the coffee was brought over, we exchanged a few pleasantries, the conversation flowing easily between us despite the lingering tension that still clung to the air. It wasn’t awkward, not exactly, but it was clear we were both still figuring out the new dynamic.

“I’m glad I ran into you today,” Professor JM said after a sip of his coffee, setting it down with a soft clink. “It’s been a long week, and I could use some good company.”

I smiled, feeling the weight of the moment lift slightly. “I’m happy you stopped by. It’s nice to get a break, even if I should probably be studying more.” I gestured at the textbooks scattered across the table. “But, honestly, it’s been hard to focus today.”

He nodded in understanding. “I get it. Sometimes the best way to recharge is to step away from all the stress, even if it’s just for a little while.”

I thought about that for a second before an idea popped into my head. “Hey,” I said, leaning forward a little, “if you’re looking for something a little more fun than coffee, I could show you around the area. There’s this spot near my apartment where they sell some of the best Filipino street food. It’s a pretty casual place, but it’s really popular. I go there sometimes when I need a break from cooking.”

Professor JM raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Street food? That sounds interesting. I haven’t had much of that since moving here. I’ve heard about the food scene in the area, but I’ve never really explored it.”

“Well, it’s not fancy,” I chuckled. “But it’s definitely authentic. You can get everything from fish balls to kwek-kwek, which is boiled quail eggs dipped in batter and fried. If you’re up for it, I’ll show you.”

He leaned back in his chair, considering the offer. “You know what? That actually sounds like a great idea. I’m in. Lead the way.”

---

We finished our coffees, and after paying, we made our way to my apartment. The weather was perfect, cool with a light breeze, and the walk was relaxing. As we turned onto a quieter street, I led him to a small outdoor vendor selling a variety of Filipino street food. The smell of frying food, soy sauce, and vinegar filled the air, making my stomach growl.

The vendor, an older woman with a wide smile, greeted me as I approached. “Ah, Junno! Back again for your favorites?”

“Of course,” I said with a grin, then gestured to Professor JM. “This is Professor JM. He’s never tried street food around here, so I’m showing him the ropes.”

“Welcome, welcome!” she said cheerfully. “You must try everything, sir. It’s all delicious.”

I motioned for JM to pick whatever he wanted, but he seemed a little overwhelmed by the choices. “I don’t even know where to start.”

I chuckled. “It’s all good. I’ll help you out. How about fish balls, kwek-kwek, and maybe a few isaw?” I suggested, pointing to the skewers of grilled chicken intestines.

Professor JM’s expression shifted slightly at the mention of isaw, but he nodded. “Alright, I trust you. I’ll try anything once.”

I watched him carefully as the vendor prepared our order, and I couldn’t help but feel a little excited to share a part of my life with him. Street food was such a big part of my childhood, and introducing someone new to it felt like a little personal victory. When the food was ready, we sat at a nearby bench, chatting as we dug into the delicious spread.

I watched as Professor JM took a tentative bite of the kwek-kwek, his face scrunching for a second before he smiled. “Okay, I’ll admit it. This is pretty good.”

“I told you!” I grinned, feeling a little proud. “It’s like the perfect snack—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.”

He laughed, clearly enjoying himself. “You were right about the fish balls, too. There’s something about the sweet and spicy sauce that makes it so addicting.”

The conversation flowed easily between us as we ate, and for the first time in a while, the tension I had felt seemed to vanish. It was just the two of us, sharing food and stories, with no pressure.

By the time we finished, the sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the city. We stood up, stretching after the long, relaxing break.

“Thanks for this, Junno. I needed it,” Professor JM said, his eyes reflecting the fading light of the evening. “I didn’t realize how much I needed a simple day out, just to enjoy the small things.”

I smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. “Anytime, sir. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

As we walked back toward my apartment, the evening sky turning shades of pink and purple, I realized that maybe this was the start of something new—a friendship, a bond, or something deeper. Whatever it was, I was beginning to feel more at ease with the whole situation. With Professor JM, everything seemed less complicated.

For the first time in a long while, I felt like I was exactly where I needed to be.