That was fifteen years ago.
Justin collapsed on his chair while he recalls this unforgettable memory with his mother
At the time, he did not know that not seeing his string was a serious issue and had not thought of it before that day
After pointing out his concern to his mom the next day, his parents immediately took him to an expert about his problem
"What's wrong, sir? My son can't see his string. Is it normal?"
Gemma asked while trying to comfort her kid beside him by wrapping her arm around his small shoulder, but Justin wasn't aware of what's going on. But by the way how his mother acted and how his father, who also sat beside him on his left, continued to sigh, he knew that there is something wrong
The expert who kept checking the boy's hand, scanning its structure, and mildly grazing his fingers made the latter felt awkward and uncomfortable but he kept shut and waited. He is also curious about what's happening.
Finally, the man let go of his hand.
“Well, this type of thing isn't bizarre. Four out of 10 people experience this problem.”
The De Dios couple looked at one another before focusing their attention back on the expert to listen.
“The boy is still young, and not seeing his string isn't to be worried about. Perhaps his fate is not yet born, so the string is not activated. You can wait a few years, but do ask your son once in a while if he can already see it”
Both parents sighed, relieved after hearing the news.
“That's great. Right, Jah?” His dad said and patted Justin in glee. The man was worried for a second that his son has a problem with his fate and knowing that it'll be okay made him feel like a fishbone is removed from his throat.
Justin, who's still clueless on what is going on nodded in approval.
Although the small celebration of the family was suddenly stopped when the expert coughed to draw their attention.
“Though....”
"Though?" Gemma's smile suddenly faded after hearing a contradictory word, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.
Her husband's shoulders suddenly tensed.
"He might not have one in the first place"
"Excuse me?"
The expert leaned forward on his table, his eyes staring intently at the couple.
"There are two reasons. One is that his fate already died before he was even born."
"And the second?" Justin's father asked.
"His fate does not exist"
The four corner room went silent, except for the white wall clock ticking intensely.
With awkward seconds of staring at each other, the expert finally leaned back to his old black wheelchair and looked at Justin. The former's intense gaze made the young one shiver inside.
"Let's wait and see"
Justin took a couple of years before realizing he was different.
He did not know why his mother cried in silence after their return. Nor did he know why his father continued to comfort her, even though the man also had a bitter expression on his face.
But now he realized, and he feels sorry.
No parent would want their son to grow old alone and be different from society. Having no string is like not finding the half of you, in the society he lived, finding your destiny is a must. They believe happiness can only be obtained by finding your partner.
And so his parents waited. Maybe his fate has been just late. But fifteen years passed he still can't see that red line.
Should he feel disappointed?
Not really. But he feels sorry for his parents who kept waiting and hoping He will see that string line.
They waited for years before giving up three years ago and decided to accept the fact that their son will be alone forever.
Until now, he can feel their pity. It makes him puke.
Justin who is already leaning on his soft chair, looked at his right to check the scenery outside with a glass window as a boundary, though there wasn't any entertainment since it was already dawn.
The man is now at a small cafe with his older friend Paulo. Both decided to hang out at a cafe to talk about random things since they were bored.
Holding his cup of hot chocolate, Justin tried to shake off the thought by slowly sipping it, Feeling the sweetness of cocoa lingering on his tongue made him feel better somehow.
"Thinking something hmm?" The man looked ahead to see Paulo who sits in front of him. On his left hand holding a cup of black coffee, he ordered from the cafe.
"Nothing, just having nostalgia"
The older man hummed as an answer but still in disbelief
"You aren't the type to be quiet."
"Just thinking some stuff"
"Is it about the string again?"
Hearing Paulo's remark made him pout. His friend can read his mind, despite their personalities being opposites, their way of thinking intertwine with one another. And that's why maybe they became friends.
Justin wasn't sure how they became friends though.
He finally answered. "I don't care if I don't have a string. I can live without it"
Paulo raised his eyebrow "but?" he asked trying to squeeze out more answers from him that made Justin pursed lips.
"But my parents are always worried about me. Kuya Yani and Kuya CJ can see theirs except mine, so they kept paying extra attention to me. It sucks, to be honest"
"That's why you left and lived on your own, right?"
Oh yeah, he just left his home a week ago.
The feeling of leaving his home felt surreal. Justin did not think he would live alone, but his parents' attention prompted him to do so.
He felt ill just because of how his mother and father continued to be very kind to him.
He felt different. He knows his parents are only trying their best to ease his mood as he doesn't have an existing fate but the fact that they're acting too nice, considerate, and kept babying him made the young man felt even different as if they're rubbing on his face that he needs special attention because he lacks something.
And he's tired of it.
He loves his parents though, he only felt its right to leave the house to have peace of mind.
"Anyway, you done organizing your things?"
Justin's daydreaming was cut off after hearing Paulo's question. He quickly laid his chocolate drink and hummed in approval.
"Yep. I'm doing fine" He added.
The older man then checked his wristwatch attached to his right arm, after seeing the time, then swallowed his coffee in one go and rose.
"Where you going?" Justin asked
"Oh I gotta go, Stell and I have a dinner date in his apartment"
The former then made an "ooh" sound before nodding in understanding.
Stell is Paulo's soulmate. Their meeting was quite unexpected though.
In contrast to many people who wait or even find their soul mate, Paulo is different. He didn't think of waiting or even finding his fate. He was okay not meeting him.
But one day, on a summertime afternoon, while Paulo was reading in a public park, sitting on a wooden bench. A man came up close to him.
"Excuse me? Do you mind if I take a seat?"
Paulo who is engrossed in the book he's reading didn't bother looking up and said "yeah sure"
"Oh thanks"
As the man sits next to him, he noticed the string on his pinky finger twitched, as if being pulled in something.
Paulo was confused first for a minute but he quickly realized it.
He quickly looked to his left where the string was drawn and was blushed by what he saw.
A mesmerizing man sat beside him, beautiful dark brown eyes, his strong jaw visibly attractive, and perfect lips stretching out in a smile.
"An angel?" he thought to himself.
The angel Paulo thought raised his hand and what he saw was a string tied to his.
The older man gasped inside.
He found his fate.
"I believe you're my soulmate?" Stell chuckled in delight.
He never knew his friend would be so fond and cheesy after meeting his fate. But that's how love works. You can find your most unexpected self as you drown in its bliss.
“I gotta go” Paulo again added and left without a word leaving Justin all alone.
His seat became quiet and he huffed in boredom.
"Guess I gotta go also" he told to himself and stod up
×××
Justin returned to his condo, and without a word stormed into his room, opened his computer, and hit Instagram.
There he went to his notifications to check some comments.
The man is a freelance artist and manages an art account on Instagram where he posts his latest artwork.
He wasn't that popular though. He only has 500 followers but to him, it's already big and he's thankful to know that people appreciate his works.
It motivates him to do more.
While browsing through notifications, he saw a familiar account commenting.
Justin chuckled at the comment.
@swaggyboi or known as Ken (based on his display name) is his fan since he began posting his works on IG.
One of the few people who saw his improvement as years went by. And since they were already acquaintances they occasionally chat online.
Justin then replied.
He waited for a further response but minutes were up and his notification bell didn't ring. So he tried to distract himself by stalking Ken on his profile.
As he scrolls, he noticed that he can't see his actual face. Sure there are a lot of selfies but the man kept concealing his face. Is he a celebrity? Is he too handsome? Or is it just his way to look mysterious?
Wait why is he curious?
The notif then rang.
Justin rolled his eyes after seeing his reply. He doesn't know if the guy is a natural jejemon or he's doing it on purpose.
But he likes it.
Justin grumbled in frustration as he tries to calm down.
'Ken is such a smooth talker' he told to himself, his ears turning red.
The man denies but he enjoys chatting with Ken even if they're strangers. They've been talking to each other for three years, yet none took an initiative to show their true facade. Perhaps because they were both scared to show it. Well, Justin thinks so.
And he thinks it's for the best.
Is it?
He's lying to himself.
He likes his company.
Even if it's virtually that is.
He then took a deep breath and type his keyboard to make a reply.
And they went on all night.