CHAPTER 24

Chapter 24: A Trip to Remember

The semester break had finally arrived, and with it came a welcome pause from the usual hustle of college life. For the first time in months, I had nothing pressing on my schedule, and the freedom felt almost surreal. But there was one thing I knew for certain: I wouldn’t be spending this break alone.

It was a Thursday afternoon when I received a message from JM.

JM: Hey, Junno. How about a trip to Vigan? I thought it’d be nice to get away and relax for a few days. What do you think?

I couldn’t help but grin at the message. Vigan—famous for its historical charm and beautiful landscapes—sounded like the perfect place to unwind. And more than that, the idea of spending time with JM, just the two of us, away from everything, felt like a dream come true.

Junno: That sounds amazing. Let’s do it! When do we leave?

JM: How about tomorrow? I’ll make the arrangements. Just pack light.

I quickly set aside my books and focused on getting everything ready. A trip to Vigan with JM—this was more than just a getaway. It was a chance for us to be ourselves without the weight of the world watching us, a chance to explore what was slowly growing between us.

The next morning, we met at the bus terminal. JM was already there, waiting by the entrance with a small duffel bag slung over his shoulder. He looked casual but undeniably handsome, wearing a simple white shirt and dark jeans. His smile when he saw me was enough to make my heart skip a beat.

"Ready for an adventure?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

I nodded, a grin spreading across my face. "Absolutely. Let’s go."

The journey to Vigan was long but scenic, the bus weaving through picturesque landscapes as we moved farther from the city. We talked about everything—school, life, and even some things that were still unspoken. The conversation flowed naturally, and it felt like time was moving slower, just for us.

When we arrived in Vigan, the town’s old-world charm immediately swept us away. The cobblestone streets, the Spanish-era architecture, and the quiet beauty of the place made it feel like we had stepped back in time. We checked into a cozy guesthouse and spent the afternoon strolling through the town, visiting historical landmarks, and sampling local delicacies.

Later that evening, we found ourselves at a quiet café overlooking the picturesque streets of Vigan. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the town. It was peaceful, and I could feel the weight of the semester lift off my shoulders with every passing moment.

As we sat down with our drinks, JM leaned back in his chair, looking over at me. The air between us felt different now—gentler, warmer. His gaze was steady, and for a moment, neither of us spoke. The silence felt comfortable, like two people who had found a place to simply be together.

"Junno," JM began, his voice low, almost hesitant. "I’ve been thinking a lot about us. About how this has been… growing between us."

I felt my chest tighten at his words, but it wasn’t from fear. It was something else. Something deeper. "I’ve been thinking about that too," I replied softly, looking into his eyes. "I don’t want this to end."

A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Neither do I. I never thought I’d feel like this again, not after everything. But with you... it feels different. Like I finally found something that makes sense."

I reached across the table, taking his hand in mine. The warmth of his touch sent a surge of emotion through me, and I squeezed his fingers gently. "I feel the same way. I didn’t expect any of this, but I’m glad it happened. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way about anyone before."

His gaze softened, and I saw something vulnerable in his eyes that made my heart ache. "Junno, I don’t want us to just be a secret anymore. I want to be with you. All of you. And I’m willing to take things slow if that’s what you want, but I need you to know that I’m all in."

I smiled, my heart swelling with affection for him. "I want that too, JM. I want to see where this goes. I want us."

The weight of the moment lingered, and for the first time, I felt a sense of certainty that I had never known before. Whatever came next, we would face it together. And it felt like the start of something beautiful.

As the evening wore on, we walked through the quiet streets of Vigan, enjoying each other’s company in the calm of the night. The lights of the old town twinkled in the distance, and the cool breeze carried the scent of the sea, mixing with the sweet aroma of freshly made empanada.

We returned to our guesthouse just as the night sky stretched out above us. The dim lighting in the room created a peaceful atmosphere, and I could feel my exhaustion from the day’s activities catching up with me. But I didn’t want the night to end just yet.

As we stood in the doorway of our room, JM turned to face me, his expression serious yet tender. "Junno," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don’t want to rush anything, but I want to be close to you. I don’t want to leave this moment."

I nodded, my heart racing. "I don’t want to rush either, but I want to be close to you too."

Before I could say another word, JM closed the space between us, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that was soft and slow at first, but soon turned more intense. It was like everything that had been building between us was finally released, and I let myself fall into the kiss, feeling the heat of his touch as he gently pulled me closer.

The kiss deepened, and I could feel the desire between us building, an unspoken need that neither of us could deny anymore. When we pulled away, breathless and flushed, I knew that this was no longer just about attraction. This was something deeper. Something real.

"Are you sure about this?" JM asked, his voice low, his forehead resting against mine.

I nodded, my fingers brushing against his jaw. "Yes. I’m sure."

That night, we shared something more than just a physical connection. It was a moment of vulnerability, of trust, as we allowed ourselves to fully be with each other. And in the quiet of the room, under the soft glow of the night, I knew that our feelings for each other had grown deeper, turning into something that felt like love.

The road ahead wouldn’t always be easy. We both knew that. But in that moment, as we lay side by side, our hearts beating in sync, it felt like everything was finally falling into place.

And for the first time, I felt truly at home.