25 #2
Bukidnon. Jude read the wooden signage beside the road.
That explained why the place felt oddly familiar to him.
He had seen it countless times in photographs he collected and pinned on his small board back in his room.
Images of a place he had always wanted to visit, or perhaps even live in someday.
If he remembered correctly, it would take around five to six hours by bus, or two to three hours by taxi or ride-hailing service from where they lived just to get here.
This was also where the famous Chocolate Hills could be found, and where one of his dream schools was located—Bohol Wisdom, an institution known for only the most intelligent wizards, gifted scholars, and a handful of overachievers allowed to enter.
Jude watched a boy around the same age, in a white long-sleeved shirt and red pants, a black shoulder bag slung at his side, while riding a bicycle.
Jude presumed the boy was going to school.
The idea of studying at Bohol Wisdom felt almost unreal, far beyond anything he could easily imagine.
And if someone asked Jude why he was drawn to a remote place like this, away from the chaos of the city, it was simple: he loved how peaceful it was.
He had often pictured it before—living alone in a quiet, uncrowded place like this.
A small, cheap apartment. Late nights spent studying.
Going to school on a bicycle. Excelling in school while balancing a part-time job at a bakery.
Fewer people around, more space to breathe, and more freedom to figure himself out and do whatever he wanted.
He had always wanted peace. To be alone.
And more than anything, he had always preferred it that way.
This town was beautiful, untouched, peaceful, and far from the Renaissance.
Jude was mesmerized by the vintage charm of his surroundings.
Only then did he realize Sky had slowed his pace.
Jude did the same every time, making sure to keep a distance between them.
Minutes passed before Sky turned around, irritation clearly written across his face.
“What the fuck? Walk faster!” he snapped.
Jude immediately lowered his head in embarrassment. His heartbeat quickened in nervousness, and he could feel heat rising to his cheeks.
“Get in first,” Sky said firmly as he opened the restaurant door.
Jude quietly complied, stepping inside.
Sky was not the most respectful person he had ever known.
Jude knew the waiter did not like him the way he sounded, and Sky shut him out just like that.
Jude still felt bad for the waiter, especially since he could sense that he obviously liked the cockiest and grumpiest person sitting right in front of him.
Jude silently wished the ground would split open and swallow him whole, vanishing without a trace, the moment he accidentally burped.
Honestly, it was not entirely his fault.
Sky had practically fed him like he had not eaten in days.
Jude had no idea how all that food had managed to fit into his small stomach.
But after Sky had set the knife and fork down in front of him and given him that piercing look, it was clear he was not allowed to complain.
He had no choice but to finish everything placed before him, something he had eaten not more than three times in his entire life.
Jude could not bring himself to meet Sky’s eyes after that embarrassing moment, so he simply trailed behind him when they left the restaurant half an hour ago.
At first, he assumed they were heading to a bus terminal or maybe booking a ride back home.
But after several minutes of walking, confusion slowly crept in as they moved away from the heart of the town altogether, deeper into an area with no houses, buildings, or vehicles in sight.
Soon, they reached the edge of the woods, where the path turned rough.
They began climbing uphill terrain, stepping over jutting rocks as they marveled at the forest.
Fallen brown leaves, the sound of birds chirping, crickets calling, and the quiet hum of the forest welcomed them.
It felt refreshing and calming, yet at the same time, chills ran down Jude’s spine.
The air was noticeably colder beneath the trees, with the sun hidden and gray clouds stretching across the sky.
The atmosphere felt heavier and more uncertain than earlier.
Jude’s feet began to ache as they walked on, until the distant sound of splashing water reached them, sparking his curiosity.
He glanced at the man who had brought him there, his hoodie pulled over the back of his head.
A sudden worry crept into Jude’s mind; he was afraid that the moment Sky turned around, he might no longer recognize Sky Granger at all.
“W-where are we going, Sky?” Jude asked hesitantly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Fear crept into his thoughts. He could not help imagining Sky abandoning him here, or worse, leaving him to whatever wild animals might be in the forest…or even ghosts and monsters lurking around.
Sky did not respond as he continued clearing branches and thick plants blocking their path, forcing a way forward while Jude trailed behind him grudgingly.
“I t-think it’s going to rain,” Jude added tautly. “M-maybe…we should head back?”
Sky did not respond again as he continued clearing the path ahead.
Out of breath, Jude forced himself to follow, taking a shaky step forward as he climbed over a rock.
He carefully placed his feet where Sky had stepped, his eyes scanning the ground and surroundings warily, afraid of accidentally stepping on something hidden beneath the dead leaves.
Snakes. One of his greatest fears kept lingering in the back of his mind. Gasping for breath, Jude found a small twig on the ground and picked it up, using it as a makeshift cane for support.
“C-can we rest for a minute, Sky?” he asked between pants.
Jude felt like he had already walked a thousand miles. His black shoes felt painfully tight, as if they were squeezing his feet with every step.
But still, Sky did not answer. Not even a glance back.
The farther they went, the louder the sound of rushing water became.
But at the same time, Jude’s legs grew numb with every step.
He could not go on anymore. Exhausted, he finally gave in and sank onto the ground covered in dry brown leaves, needing a brief moment to rest. But still, Sky continued walking ahead, leaving Jude behind.
It was not until he was several meters away that Jude finally noticed him stop.
“Come on, we’re here,” Sky said in an unusually calm tone, still not looking back at him.
Jude’s heart nearly leapt out of his chest when Sky turned around, his mind briefly flashing the image of something far more terrifying, like one of those “wrong turn” horror figures. He exhaled shakily in relief and pressed a hand to his chest, trying to steady his breathing.
“What the fuck are you still waiting—oh shit! What the hell is that behind you?!” Sky shouted; his tone dead serious.
In an instant, Jude felt like his soul had been ripped right out of his body.
Pure terror shot through him, and he let out a sharp shriek.
He shot to his feet without even daring to look back, his glasses slipping off as he bolted forward in blind panic.
He ran toward Sky as fast as he could, nearly stumbling in his haste.
It felt like his heart had been left behind in his chest, pounding violently as he closed the distance.
Without thinking, he threw himself into Sky, burying his face against his chest in search of safety.
His body trembled uncontrollably, and he felt like he could cry at any moment.
His shaking hands clutched tightly at Sky’s shirt beneath the gray hoodie, and before he could stop himself, he started weeping.
“What the… hey, I was just joking,” Sky said in a low, hoarse voice.
Jude was not entirely sure, but he thought he could detect a hint of concern underneath it. But still, knowing Sky, he doubted he was truly worried at all.
Jude continued sobbing and sniffing, struggling to steady his breathing. He was genuinely terrified.
“D-don’t…” he hiccupped through tears, wiping his face with the back of his hand. “S-scare m-me…” sobs. “L-like that.” sniff.
When he finally looked up at Sky, though blurry, Jude could have sworn he caught the faintest curve at the corner of his mouth, something like a sneer he was clearly trying to hide.
And he did not like that.