I'm Ian, 22 years old, and I want to share my story, which sometimes feels like a teleserye, sometimes like a prank—but it's all true.
When I was in my third year of college, Trina and I became friends. She was a nursing student at another university. We met at an org event. She was simple but had the power of a date—smart, soft-spoken, and had a killer smile. It was like I won the raffle when we became friends.
He said he's a working student, so our time is often limited. I understand. We only see each other once in a while, but when we do get together, it's worth it. He likes k-dramas and milk tea, and I'm happy as long as I'm with him.
We lasted three months. But little by little, he changed. He was often unavailable, difficult to talk to. He always said he had exams, duties, and things to take care of.
I asked him once if there was a problem. He just said he was tired. So I held back. I loved him, so I understood.
The day of Papa's reunion at his old office arrived. He invited me to come along so he could chat while he ate. I went along—free food, plus I wanted to see Papa's other friends.
When we arrived at the venue, the atmosphere was fun. Senior citizens but with the energy of a high school reunion. While we were eating, Papa suddenly stood up.
"I want you to meet someone special to me," aniya. "Ian, this is Trina."
I immediately turned around. And then, my whole body went cold.
Trina.
Yes. Trina, my ex.
Her hand was wrapped around Papa's arm. They both looked happy. I seemed to be trying to understand what was happening. Trina looked frozen. It was like she had seen a ghost — or maybe she was even more stunned than I was.
Trina didn't speak right away. She pretended not to know us. Papa was still speechless.
The next day, Trina came to see me. She said she wanted to explain everything. That's when I learned that she and Papa had known each other for a long time—before we were even friends. She said she didn't think I was the daughter of "Kuya Tony" who was helping with his tuition.
What's worse, he didn't know how to admit it to me. So when we met, he chose to hide everything. And now, we've just found out the truth in the most awkward way.
She was crying as she spoke. She said she didn't mean to fool me. As painful as it was to admit, I believed her tears were real.
As for Papa, I can't blame him. He's a widower. It's been a few years since Mama passed away. If he thinks he'll be happy again with Trina, who am I to stop him?
Hurtful? Yes. Funny at times? A little. But I didn't let it ruin my respect for them. Now, they've been together for almost a year. And me? Still single. But that's okay.
