Unbooked Heart

I Will Survive

Eli's POV

The following weeks flew by in a blur of assignments, exams, and hanging out with my new friends. My routine had settled into something familiar, and although I was still adjusting to life in Manila, I found comfort in the little things.

Like the way Basti would wave at me as we entered class together, or how Trina always seemed to make me laugh, even when I was stressed about school. My life here was slowly taking shape, and with each passing day, it felt like I was becoming a part of something bigger than myself.

It wasn't just the academics that kept me busy—it was the friendships that were blossoming around me. What had started as casual lunch breaks and quick hangouts after class had grown into something much deeper.

Even though we were mostly in different paths, we always had time to hangout. I never imagined that, within a few months, I'd form such a tight-knit bond with people I had just met. But that's exactly what happened.

One afternoon, after a particularly long class on hospitality law, we were hanging out at our usual spot in the university's food court. It was humid outside, as usual, but inside, it was cool, and the atmosphere was relaxed. We'd fallen into a routine of meeting up after class to catch up, vent about school, or just joke around.

"So, Eli," Sophie said, poking at her salad with a fork. "You've been here for a while now. How are you really settling in?"

I took a sip of my iced tea and shrugged. "It's been okay. I mean, it's not like back home in San Isidro, but I'm getting used to it. I'm still trying to figure out how to survive on my own, but I'm not complaining."

"Surviving on your own? Dude, I thought you were killing it," Jill teased, giving me an exaggerated wink. "You've been handling everything like a pro. You're making it look easy."

I laughed, shaking my head. "I don't know about that. Sometimes I feel like I'm just pretending to have my life together."

I was taught by my parents to be independent. I've always wanted to live alone but there's some part of me that longs for having someone who would take care of me whenever I'm tired and lonely.

Trina, always the cheerleader, smirked. "It's okay to pretend! We're all faking it until we make it, right?"

That fake it till we make it mantra has been the source of motivation of our group.

I chuckled, feeling a warmth in my chest. "I guess that's true. I mean, you guys make it seem so easy."

Basti, who had been quietly listening, leaned forward and gave me a knowing look. "Eli, don't put too much pressure on yourself. You're doing great. Just don't forget to have fun along the way."

I smiled at Basti's words. For some reason, hearing that from him made everything feel a little less daunting. He had this easygoing way about him, a natural charisma that made him easy to talk to. He was the kind of person who made friends without even trying, and I'd quickly learned to appreciate his presence.

"I'll try," I said, glancing around at everyone. "I've been so focused on making sure I don't fail everything that I sometimes forget to enjoy things."

"You're allowed to have fun, Eli," Sophie said with a soft smile. "School is important, but life is too, you know? You're only in college once. You don't want to miss out on the moments that actually matter."

Jill nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! And, besides, we're here for you. You don't have to do it alone. We've got your back."

I felt a lump form in my throat, but I quickly swallowed it down. I didn't want to get sentimental in front of everyone. "Thanks, guys," I said, my voice softer than I intended. "That means a lot to me."

For a brief moment, we all fell into a comfortable silence, each of us sipping our drinks and looking out at the bustling food court. It was a rare moment of calm in the middle of our chaotic lives. Despite the work, the pressure, and the uncertainty that came with adjusting to a new life, I had found a sense of belonging here—among these people who didn't expect me to be anything other than myself.

After a few moments, Basti stood up and stretched, breaking the silence. "Okay, enough of the deep stuff. I think we need to do something fun for a change. Who's up for karaoke this weekend?"

Everyone looked up at him, and I could tell that, despite the casual nature of Basti's invitation, he had planned this for a reason. We all needed a break from the grind of school.

Trina grinned. "I'm in! I've been dying to show off my singing skills. Watch out, guys. I'm about to blow your minds with my rendition of I Will Survive."

Jill rolled her eyes dramatically. "Girl, I'm already cringing at the thought. But sure, I'll go. It's not like I can resist the karaoke magic."

Sophie laughed softly, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "I'll join, but only if Eli sings with me. We can duet."

I raised an eyebrow. "Uh, I think you've got the wrong person. I don't sing."

"Oh, come on," Sophie teased. "You're telling me you don't know the classics? You're not getting away that easily, Eli."

"Yeah!" Trina added, grinning. "We're making this happen. You don't get to hide, mister."

I laughed nervously. "I don't know if I'm ready to embarrass myself in front of you guys."

But Basti, who had been listening with a teasing glint in his eyes, chimed in. "Don't worry, Eli. We'll all be embarrassing ourselves together. It's about having fun. You'll see."

I smiled, feeling reassured by the light-hearted teasing. Maybe I wasn't ready to sing just yet, but the thought of going out with my new friends and enjoying some karaoke sounded like exactly what I needed.

---

That weekend, we all met up at a popular karaoke bar in Quezon City. The neon lights of the place gave it a lively, almost surreal atmosphere. People of all ages filled the small private rooms, singing their hearts out to their favorite songs.

When it was our turn, Basti led the way, dragging everyone into one of the private rooms with a laugh. The mood was casual, yet there was an undercurrent of excitement as we settled in.

As the first song started, Trina immediately took the microphone, belting out a dramatic version of I Will Survive. True to her word, her performance was a mixture of over-the-top theatrics and surprisingly good vocals. The whole group cheered her on, and it was clear this night was going to be full of fun.

When it was Sophie's turn, she picked a classic ballad and sang it with unexpected grace, her soft voice filling the room. I watched in awe, impressed by how easily Sophie seemed to embrace the spotlight.

Then, it was my turn. I stood up, holding the microphone, my heart racing. My friends cheered me on, but I could feel the pressure mounting. I had no idea how to sing in front of anyone—let alone these new friends who already had their expectations.

"Come on, Eli!" Basti yelled, giving me a thumbs-up. "Just have fun with it!"

I took a deep breath and glanced at the screen. All of Me by John Legend was the song on deck. I knew the words, so I decided to give it a shot. At first, I sang softly, unsure of myself. But as the song continued, something shifted. I let go of my nerves and found a rhythm in my voice. By the end of the song, I was surprised at how much fun I had, and when I finished, my friends burst into applause.

"Not bad, Eli!" Trina shouted, her eyes wide with excitement. "I didn't know you had it in you!"

Jill grinned. "Okay, now I'm jealous. That was amazing!"

I laughed, relieved. "I still can't believe I actually did that."

Basti clapped me on the back. "Told you. Karaoke is the best way to loosen up."

As the night went on, we all took turns singing, laughing, and making memories. I felt lighter than I had in weeks, the weight of school and adjusting to my new life slowly fading away. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I truly belonged, not just in my classes, but in this group of friends.

By the end of the night, I realized this was just the beginning of something special. These people, who had once been strangers, were quickly becoming my second family—my support system. And for that, I was truly grateful.