You've Been in My Mind (English)

Heartstrings in Uniform

Elleri stood outside a restaurant, hesitant to step inside. After getting out of the taxi, she lingered by the entrance, uncertainty creeping in. How was she supposed to explain to their families that she came home alone—that she wasn’t with the person she was supposed to pick up?

"Why didn’t anyone tell me he was getting out early? Is military camp some kind of phone-free zone? Would it have killed him to at least send a message? Just a little courtesy so I wouldn’t end up standing outside the gate like an i***t for hours," she grumbled, crossing her arms.

"He really hasn’t changed one bit. Two years. Two whole years of being away, and he never even bothered to write or call—not even during the holidays. Now, on the day of his discharge, he still won’t show his face. What does he think this is, a seminary? Seriously, it’s infuriating."

She sighed, shaking her head, frustration clear in her voice.

"Does he even know how to use a phone? A simple call to let his family know he was leaving early would’ve saved me all that standing around. My legs are killing me."

Unbeknownst to her, two people had been silently listening to her tirade—a young girl in a high school uniform and a tall, broad-shouldered man clad in a military uniform. The girl turned to the soldier beside her, curiosity in her gaze at the scene unfolding before them.

The soldier, on the other hand, simply chuckled and shook his head.

"Two years, and you haven’t changed at all—except now, you’re picking a fight with a door," came a deep voice from behind Elleri.

The moment she heard it, she froze, then quickly spun around—and her breath caught in her throat.

Standing before her was a soldier—a very familiar one.

For a second, she was speechless. It had been two years, but somehow, he looked even better than she remembered. Tall, sharp-featured, and striking in his military uniform—it suited him almost too well.

She stared at him, her heart hammering against her chest, as if it were desperate to leap out.

"Kuya, I’ll head inside first," the young girl whispered to the soldier before flashing a polite smile at Elleri and hurrying into the restaurant, leaving the two of them alone outside.

Elleri just stared at the man in front of her, still struggling to believe that the person she had been waiting for all day was finally here.

"Two years. We haven’t seen each other in two years," Adrian said, his gaze fixed on her. "So, tell me—why are you picking a fight with the door? If it talks back, I bet you’d run for your life." He smirked, stepping closer. "Are you just going to keep staring at me? Did your tongue forget how to work?"

Without warning, Elleri kicked him in the shin.

"Ow!" Adrian doubled over, rubbing his leg in exaggerated pain.

"Is this what you learned in the last two years? I didn’t know military training turned you into a street thug," he said, still gripping his leg while throwing her a playful glare.

"Oh, please. Who’s going to believe you actually got hurt?" she scoffed, crossing her arms. "Did two years of service make you weak?"

Adrian immediately stopped pretending, standing straight again with a grin.

"Where have you been, huh?" she suddenly demanded, shifting topics. "Do you even know how long I stood outside the military camp waiting for you? If you were leaving early, you could’ve at least told me! My feet are killing me!"

"Who even told you to go there?" Adrian replied, raising a brow. "I’m not a lost kid who needs picking up. I have my own plans, my own things to do. I don’t have to report my whereabouts to you, do I?"

"I never said you had to," she huffed. "I just wish you had told someone—your mom, at least. So they wouldn’t have sent me there like an i***t. I waited for hours, only to find out you were gone this morning."

"You two—are you just going to argue all night? Everyone’s been waiting, and we’re starving," an older woman called out as she stepped out of the restaurant. She had spotted the pair deep in conversation, and knowing them, what started as a simple exchange had probably turned into another heated debate.

"We’re coming in," Adrian replied quickly before slinging his arm around Elleri’s shoulders. "Let’s go. I’m starving."

"Don’t put your arm around me! People might think we’re actually close!" Elleri grumbled, trying to push his arm off—but Adrian held firm, keeping her close as they walked into the restaurant.

Inside the VIP room, both families were gathered. Adrian’s parents, his younger sibling, Elleri’s grandmother, her parents, her older brother, and his child—all of them were waiting.

They had planned this dinner to celebrate Adrian’s return from military service, but Elleri’s mother had also mentioned that there was something important to discuss.

Then, without warning, Elleri’s grandmother spoke. "Now that Adrian and Elli are of age, I believe it’s time to proceed with their wedding."

"Wedding?!" Adrian and Elleri echoed in complete shock. All eyes turned to them, as if surprised by their reaction. Judging by everyone’s expressions, it seemed like the two of them were the only ones completely unaware of this arrangement.

"Why am I only hearing about this now?" Adrian asked, shifting his gaze to his father.

"Because we didn’t tell you," his father replied matter-of-factly.

"We are living in the 21st century! Why is this still happening—" Adrian started, but his mother cut him off.

"This is the family’s decision. And besides, Elleri is not a stranger to you. You’ve known each other since childhood. More importantly, this was your father’s final wish. Are you really going to ignore his last request?"

Adrian stayed silent. This wasn’t something he could easily refuse. Even his decision to enter the military had been because of his father’s final wish. His father—a former soldier and firefighter—had died saving Elleri’s family. Since then, their families had remained close.

The man he called father now had once been part of the rescue team alongside his biological father. Two years after his father’s passing, he married Adrian’s mother. Thankfully, Adrian never felt out of place—his stepfather treated him well, supporting him in everything, including his studies. He had also grown close to his half-sister, who always looked up to him.

"What do you think, Mama? Should they proceed with the wedding?" Elleri’s mother asked, turning to the elderly woman.

Elleri’s grandmother shifted her gaze to Adrian.

"I’ve known this young man since he was a child," she said thoughtfully. "I believe they will make a good match. They’ve known each other for so long." She paused before continuing. "This arrangement has been set for years. I don’t see any issue if you all want to go through with it. However, Adrian should decide for himself whether he truly wants this. His father has long since passed."

She turned fully to Adrian.

"My family will always be grateful for what your father did to save my child and our family," she said gently, referring to Elleri’s father. "But this is not your burden to carry—"

"I’ll think about it," Adrian suddenly cut in, his tone unreadable. His eyes flicked toward Elleri, who sat quietly, clearly stunned by the conversation unfolding around them.

"I have no objection to their marriage," Elleri’s mother spoke next, "but Adrian and Elli are still young. They haven’t even finished college yet. I think it would be best to wait until they graduate."

"Why should we delay it?" Elleri’s father interjected. "They’re old enough."

"There’s no reason to rush them," his wife countered, turning to him.

"And there’s no reason to postpone it either," he argued.

Elleri turned toward Adrian. His expression was composed, but she knew him well enough to sense the reluctance beneath his calm demeanor. It was clear he wasn’t thrilled by the idea of marriage.

She had known for a long time that his heart belonged to Ester.

And if this marriage really did happen… what would become of them?