ღ Hello, Ex ღ

After our quick meal at a nearby restaurant, Cyrus left me. Apparently, a girl had asked him to accompany her to Las Nieves for some reason. I honestly wanted to protest. I was hoping he'd come home with me so we could rest together. But no—rest didn’t seem to be on his agenda. You’d never guess he just got back from overseas. Love really is something else.

So, I ended up heading alone to that late-night dinner. I was already running super late, but whatever—I’d come up with an excuse. He’s pretty easy to fool anyway.

When I arrived at the restaurant, my eyes immediately searched for him. I raised an eyebrow, half-expecting him to be with someone. But I was wrong—my bad, friends. There he was, sitting alone in a corner, downing his third glass of water like a dehydrated soul. Poor guy. Okay, maybe I’m a little mean—but just sometimes. Let me enjoy this moment.

“Sorry, did I keep you waiting long?” I asked as I approached.

“Not really. Are you hungry?”

Shouldn't I be the one asking that? His table was completely empty—he hadn’t even ordered yet. Meanwhile, I just ate, so no, I didn’t need another round. I’m watching my weight. Priorities.

“No, I’m good. I just had a snack earlier. Cyrus just got back from France, so we spent some time together. Got stuck in traffic too, so it took longer than expected. Sorry,” I added, with my best fake smile. Honestly, I deserve an award for acting. I’ve been doing this all day. Haha!

He waved over a waiter, who nodded and left. A few minutes later, a full dinner spread was laid out on the table. Honestly, that waiter might be part magician—the way the food appeared so fast, you'd think they had practiced this moment for weeks.

“You still like salmon, right? It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” he asked, watching me with a nostalgic smile.

I barely resisted the urge to grimace. What is he even talking about?

“It’s been a long time since we had dinner at a place like this. How does it feel?” he added.

I forced a polite smile and glanced around. This isn’t new to me. I’ve had more than enough of fancy restaurants. “It’s not really been that long,” I replied vaguely.

“The night’s nice, right? I should’ve taken you somewhere better.” He cleared his throat awkwardly. “Sorry, my throat’s dry.” Then he took another sip of water—for what must’ve been the fifth time.

Maybe eat something instead of drowning yourself in water, genius.

“You look really pretty tonight,” he suddenly said, changing the subject.

“Ah, well… born with it.” I flipped my hair dramatically. That one wasn’t even fake—just facts.

He chuckled. “So, uh… who’s your boyfriend now? Does he treat you well? Is he nice? Does he drink a lot? Does he—”

“Where are you going with this, Mhyko? Just get to the point.”

“Sorry…” He poked at his food, then glanced back up at me. “The food here is great. Took me forever to get a reservation—”

That was it for me.

I stood up.

“W-wait! Where are you going?” he asked, startled.

“Comfort room,” I muttered without interest.

He didn’t stop me, which was a relief. I stayed in there for quite a while. Sang a few songs. Had a mini concert, really. I was enjoying myself.

When I finally emerged, I nearly screamed when I found him standing right outside the ladies’ room.

“Good grief, what are you doing here?” I snapped.

“You were taking too long, so I came to check. I thought maybe… you left.”

Left? Please. The real drama hasn’t even started.

“I’m not that kind of person. I was just, uh, fixing my makeup.” I watched his face light up, pleased I hadn’t ditched him—yet.

“Come on, the food’s getting cold.” He gently took my arm and led me back to the table. Right, the food. I had completely forgotten about it. Sorry, Lord, if I wasted the blessings—but the CR was really fun. Hehe.

Back at the table, he pulled out my chair for me. Huh. That’s new. He never used to do that—not even when we were together. Maybe he’s just trying to play the sweet guy now. Nice try.

“Let’s enjoy dinner. After our breakup, do you think we really forgot each other? Because I don’t think I have,” he said, staring at me.

Here we go again.

“I forgot someone like you a long time ago, Mhyko,” I replied flatly. “There’s nothing left in my storybook about us. Completely erased. And you saying you never forgot me? Of course, you didn’t. I’m the girl you tricked into believing you actually loved her.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “What a show, right? You treated me well, but the girl you truly cared about? Total opposite. I’m not even going to dignify that with a reaction. Are you really this person, Mhyko? This is all you can be?”

He looked down, as if ashamed.

“I lied when I said I never loved you. I did.”

“Please. Don’t say that,” I cut him off, raising my hand. “Then why did you do it? Why did you lie? Why did you leave if you loved me? Tell me.”

“I’m sorry. I just… I can’t tell you.”

“Love is easy for you. Breaking up is easy too. But not for me. I wasn’t ready. And now what? You think I’ll fall for your drama again? I’m not the same Cyline you once knew. I’m done falling for your excuses. We’ve been over for a long time.”

“I’m sorry,” he said again.

I looked away. Tears welled up, not from heartbreak, but from anger. Sorry—again? That’s all he ever says.

“Cyline,” he whispered. “Just for tonight. After this… I won’t be able to see you again.”

“You won’t. But before we truly go our separate ways, I need to know your reason. I need to hear it, Mhyko. Just this once.”

He shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I really can’t. I don’t want to hurt you—”

“Hurt me? You already did. Ages ago. What more damage could you do now? Come on. Just say it. I think I’ve cried enough. I’m not falling for anything anymore. So go ahead.”

“I can’t. Not now. But someday… when the time comes, I hope you’ll forgive me.”

“I doubt it, Mhyko. I haven’t even forgiven you yet for what you did back then. What more if I found out why? I’m leaving. And I hope we never see each other again. Tell that to your snake too. Total mood killer.”

I stood to leave.

But before I could take a step, I felt his hand grab my arm. I turned, one brow raised.

“What now?”

“Thank you,” he whispered. “I can finally let you go. Goodbye, Cyline.”

He slowly let go of my arm, and I watched, speechless, as he walked away.

Was this really the end? Was this truly what I wanted?

Then why did part of me still hope he’d turn back?

Why did it still hurt?

Why did I still feel... empty?

ღ To Be Continued ღ