The Forbidden Wish

CHAPTER I – The Second Chance Not all wishes are meant to be granted. There are things that are not given—not because they are impossible, but because they are strictly forbidden. In stories, there's a being that exists capable of changing fate. It can grant three wishes. No more. No less. It can make things possible that once seemed out of reach. Bring you closer to what you desire, change events, and bend the world in your favor. But it has limits. You cannot wish for love. It cannot force the feelings of others. You cannot wish for death or harm upon another. And you cannot add more wishes. But even if it is forbidden… There is always a way. Not through asking. But at a price. And as your desire grows deeper, The cost it takes becomes heavier. ~ The passengers inside the public vehicle were quiet, except for two troublemakers at the back. It was still early, and most people were half-asleep—but for Kyle and Kurt, it was probably already too late to work on the documents that would decide whether they could move on to third year college or not. “Bro,” Kurt said, “we’re in the third year now. We’re the kings here.” “No Bro, there's fourth year,” Kyle replied. Kurt laughed, but it sounded forced. “Whatever.” Outside the window, the Public Vehicle slowly climbed the uphill road toward a small mountain. At the top stood one of the most well-known schools in their area. A famous college, not just because of its quality, but because of its location: built on a high part of a low mountain. You couldn’t see the city because of the thick trees and grass, but you could hear the distant noise of vehicles. A place close to the city—but still feels far from everything. “We’re here!” Kurt shouted, as if he were the driver. While Kyle was just staring at the gate as the jeep slowed down. “Let’s go, i***t,” Kurt said cheerfully, trying to pull him along. “For the guaranteed third years. Cheers!” “For those who failed,” Kyle added flatly. Kurt went silent for a moment. “You’re hard to talk about today, bro.” “Yeah yeah, let’s go already.” At the terminal near the gate, they both got off. The ground was hot. The surroundings were bright, and students were everywhere. All of them were third years because this was their schedule. They were all there for one reason. Enrollment. To officially become third-year students. At the top of the main gate arch, the school’s name was engraved: KOLEHIYO DE AMOR “Bro,” Kurt said, “why is our school still named like a love story when we’re all failing right now?” Kyle didn’t answer immediately. He just looked up. “It really is a love story,” he said quietly. “The problem is… it doesn’t have a happy ending.” “Huh?” Kurt replied. They entered the gate. And walked toward the main building where the registrar was. The air was hot even in the morning. Registration hadn’t even started, but Kyle was already sweating while standing outside the registrar’s office. Kurt stood beside him, leaning on the wall, holding his paper like he wanted to tear it apart. “Bro,” Kurt said, “if I knew the line was this long, I should’ve come earlier.” Kyle didn’t respond. He just looked at the line of students—different faces, different stories, but all chasing the same thing. “Kyle,” Kurt said again, tapping his shoulder. “Are you even listening?” “Hm?” Kyle replied, like he just woke up. “Yeah, yeah.” Kurt shook his head. “You’re not listening.” Before Kyle could answer, someone walked past them. And his world stopped. Long hair. Beautiful girl. Confident posture. And a face that felt like something he had dreamed about many times before. “That… that’s Dana, right?” he said softly. Kurt peeked. “Yeah… bro, isn’t she your crush? I mean again now, since you just saw her again.” Kyle couldn’t respond right away. Something in his chest tightened—not pain, but memory. Not fast-forward, but fast backward. He remembered the simple glances. The moments he never approached her. The chances he let pass because he didn’t have the courage. And now— She was here again. In the same place. In the same environment. As if life had given him a second chance. “Bro…” Kurt smiled, “Maybe this is it.” Kyle couldn’t help but smile. “I don’t know if that’s really her,” he said, but his eyes were already smiling. “Let’s see.” They entered the registrar's office. The room was cold. The air conditioner was strong enough to make anyone wear every jacket they had. But not for Kyle. The atmosphere felt warm. Not because of the crowd—but because of nervousness. He kept fixing his hair and clothes, knowing that any moment, he might see Dona again. Ten minutes later… While waiting for their turn, Kel looked at the other line. At first, he wasn’t sure—she looked different now. But after looking again— it was her. Confirmed. It was Dana. Dana, whose beauty felt almost unreachable. Dana, desired by everyone. And Dana—the one he had always wanted to approach. Meanwhile, she stood quietly. Looking at her form. Completely unaware that someone had been waiting years for this moment. “Go talk to her,” Kurt whispered. “Talk to her,” A phrase Kyle felt like he was hearing for the first time. “Not yet,” Kel replied calmly. “When then? Graduation?” Kel scratched his head even though it didn’t itch. “I don’t know what to say.” “You i***t,” Kurt laughed. “Just say ‘Hi.’ That’s it. Done.” “That sounds like I’m a creep.” “You are a creep anyway. Just do it. It's now or nevers.” “Why is there an S?” Kyle asked. “Just do it already.” Kurt replied. Kyle went silent. He knew Kurt was right, but not everything that was right was easy. Moments later, his number was called. “Number 114!” Kyle approached the counter, filled out forms, answered questions. Usual routine. Nothing special. But in the back of his mind— She was here. When he stepped away, he noticed Dana was also leaving. Their eyes met for a moment. And suddenly— “Hi,” Kyle said, barely audible. “Hi,” Dana replied. Kyle smiled. “We’re in the same school, huh.” “Yeah. I transferred.” “Ah… okay.” He almost lost his voice. “See you,” Dana said softly. And just like that. Just like that. That moment should’ve ended there. For Kyle, it was already enough. He thought it was over. He thought it was just a simple meeting, just enrollment. Until— “Kyle Rose?” He turned. Registrar staff, holding a list. “Yes?” She looked at the paper. “You’re in Section A3.” He nodded. “Sure, Thanks.” As he walked away, he heard the staff again through the microphone. “Dana River.” “Yes, I’m here.” The staff checked the list. “You’re A3 as well.”