Tears of Dream

Sudden Changes

If my hunch is right, my dream is going to happen any minute now.

I just could not go to the rooftop to avoid it.

Right! What if I don’t go? Will that change what’s going to happen? Will we still meet somehow in some other way?

Ugh, my head hurts! This is my first time encountering something like this. I didn’t even think it would really happen. I never expected to get involved with people who, before, only existed in my dreams.

I thought of Khana. How would she feel if she found out her best friend likes her? That would definitely hurt.

Suddenly, my head felt hot with anger. How dare that guy date best friends at the same time? He could just turn Jomari down, but couldn't he? What a flirt!

I stood in my seat and packed up my things. I even noticed the shocked reaction of the classmate beside me, Mary. We have a vacant period right now. While there’s no class, I’ll talk to that guy! He needs to stop what they’re doing because I’m sure that’s one of the possible reasons Khana could get hurt—just like I saw in my dream.

“Where are you going, Rai? I’ll just come with you. It’s so boring here!” Vale asked, ready to follow me. She can’t come. I’m heading to the rooftop.

“No need, Vale. I plan to go home, I’m not feeling too well,” I reasoned. Sorry, guys, but I don’t want them to get involved in this. Besides, they don’t know anything about my ability.

“Are you okay, Rai? We have a major subject later,” Mary asked in a concerned tone.

“I’ll try to attend the class later. Anyway, I’ll head out first,” I said. Good thing my house is just ten minutes away by commute—they won’t suspect I’m going somewhere else.

I left the room and started walking down the hallway. I climbed to the third floor, heading to the rooftop to get some fresh air. Aside from wanting to confront that guy, I really do want to feel the breeze up there. It’s my usual spot here in the university.

I didn’t really mean to overhear them, right? Or maybe I did, since I already knew it was Jomari? I don’t know. I’ll just stick to the claim that it wasn’t on purpose.

But he saw me? Why did he react like that? It didn’t even seem like he was surprised to see me earlier or to know I overheard them. Maybe he wasn’t surprised because he doesn’t know me? Then he’s wrong! If he’s going to hurt Khana, I’ll do my best to get close to her so I can erase from her life the man who’s going to cause her pain.

I know I shouldn’t get involved with them because it will only make my life harder. But I can’t help but interfere, especially since I know what could happen to Khana. Her life will be ruined.

Finally—fresh air. I’m on the rooftop now. Good thing not many students come here. I walked straight up without even looking around. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. The fresh air feels so good. I know it’s going to happen. In just a few seconds.

I kept my eyes shut.

I only opened them when I heard a ringtone. I didn’t even bother checking my own phone like I did in my dream because I already know who it’s from.

I glanced around, and when I confirmed he was here, I suddenly wanted to leave. I knew this would happen, but I still couldn’t avoid feeling nervous.

Our eyes met. Just like before, his gaze was full of questions.

“Are you stalking me?” As expected—he really did ask it! Me, a stalker? Well, if I hadn’t dreamed about seeing him here, I wouldn’t be a stalker. So technically, I’m still not one, because in the original scene, I didn’t even know he was here.

Our eyes met only for a few seconds before he looked away and rejected the call. After that, he looked back at me.

“No way!” I defended myself. Because I’m really not. Like I said, in the original scene, I didn’t know. I’ll stand by that!

He chuckled, clearly not believing me.

“Earlier, you were eavesdropping on us, and now you’re here on the rooftop?” He even crossed his legs and arms. He was sitting and leaning against the far side of the rooftop, which is why I didn’t notice him right away when I came up.

“I’m not a stalker! As for what I heard, I didn’t mean to! And coming here to the rooftop? That’s a habit of mine,” I repeated the exact line I said in my dream. I still remember it all.

“You didn’t mean to hear us talking there. But listening? That, you meant to do.”

He became serious. Well, I am guilty. When I saw who they were, I became curious. I normally wouldn’t care, but… they’re cheating on Khana!

“You’re a cheater.”

His eyebrows shot up. It seemed like he couldn’t accept hearing that from me. But based on what I heard, he’s cheating. They’re cheating. And with Jomari? His girlfriend’s best friend?

“Really?” He smiled slightly. His face looked calm, but his eyes told another story.

“How do you say so?”

Wait? That’s not what he said in my dream. Why is it different now? That’s the line I wanted to hear! In my dream, he denied being a cheater but never finished his sentence!

But I can’t question that now—he might think I’m super weird.

“You have an affair with Jomari, right? And you’re Khana’s boyfriend, and she’s Jomari’s best friend! Didn’t it ever cross your mind that she’ll get hurt?” My voice rose a little.

I saw his face show a bit of shock, but it was quickly replaced by curiosity and confusion.

“Do you know us?” he asked again.

Right, Railey—these people don’t even know you, and yet you know them. You’re trying to avoid seeming weird, but you’re not being careful.

I couldn’t answer him. I just stayed silent and looked down. What am I supposed to say? I can’t exactly tell him I know them from my dream.

“And yet you say you’re not a stalker.” He shook his head after saying that. Stalker, but only in my dreams! I didn’t mean it.

“I don’t know how you know us. But you’re wrong.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

He sighed, looking at me, as if debating whether to answer.

“It’s weird that I even have to explain this to you. But I will. I don’t want Khana to hear the wrong story.” His tone annoyed me.

“I saw your reaction.” He pointed with a frown.

“You’re wrong. I’m not having an affair with Jomari, or with anyone else.” His face was calmer now, less serious.

“How will you explain what I heard?” I asked.

“Why do I need to explain? That’s it. I’m not a cheater.”

Why won’t he just say the reason? I don’t understand why this conversation is going differently from my dream. In my dream, he was supposed to tell me the reason—only interrupted when Ashley woke me up.

“Why won’t you say it? Tell me so I can believe you!” I said. What if he really is cheating? I’m not easily convinced.

I know he doesn’t owe me an explanation, but still… why isn’t my dream happening exactly as it should?

“I’ll go now. Don’t tell this to others. Whatever you’re thinking, that’s not it.” He was about to leave.

No way—is this really how it ends?

“You don’t tell me what to think. You can’t even say the reason.” My words stopped him from walking away.

He turned back.

“Why are you desperate to know?” His brows furrowed.

“J-just… so I can be sure!”

“I’ll assure you. I’m not a cheater.” He seemed desperate to make me believe that.

Why? Why is he so insistent?

“Why? How are you not a cheater? You were hugging, and Jomari told you she loved you! You didn’t even deny it. So tell me, how is that not cheating on your girlfriend?”

I don’t know why I’m like this. I know I’m crossing a line. But I can’t help wondering—why are his words different from my dream? He should have told me the reason by now!

If he had, this would be over already! I just don’t want him to get away with it. I’m ready to meet Khana if I can prove he’s cheating.

“I’m done here.” He shook his head and turned away.

“Why, though? You said you’re not a cheater. You even said the reason before—you just got interrupted, so I want to know!”

I lowered my head and shut my eyes, unable to stop myself from blurting it out. Damn my mouth! He probably thinks I’m the weirdest person alive.

He turned back again, looking at me curiously.

“What do you mean?” he asked in confusion. Seriously, why did I say that?

“Ahhh… Never mind. I-I’ll go first.” I pointed toward the exit, but he suddenly brushed my hand aside—gently.

“Now you’re the one avoiding me?” His brows furrowed.

I looked away. I’m just making this worse! If I tell him I dreamed about all this happening, he’ll think I’m crazy.

He sighed, crossed his arms, and looked at me.

“Tell me, what do you mean?” His face showed he was waiting for my answer.

What do I even say? Should I tell him it was just a test? That I was just fishing to see if he’d bite? I wish teleportation was my ability—I’d use it to escape moments like this.

I heard him chuckle softly. I stood looking down at my shoes.

“Never mind, I’m not like you.” I looked up at him when he said that. What does he mean, we’re not alike?

“I’m not annoying. I won’t force you.” He smiled. But that smile! He’s clearly teasing me—so irritating!

“I’ll go ahead now. About the reason—” he paused. Was he finally going to tell me?

“I could tell you.”

So he was going to say it after all.