Not too long ago, the rain had started, but the weather said otherwise with the heavy pour and cold breeze. It was dark and cloudy, and everyone was busy running to find shelter. Jon, soaked in his black jacket, ran as fast as he could, his hands over his face, trying to shield himself from the blowing raindrops. Reaching the entrance of the most popular restaurant in town, he rushed in, pushing through the door with all his strength. He was greeted by warm air mixed with the pleasant aroma of different delicacies. The chairs were all filled up, and all eyes were fixed on him, annoyed by his unexpected entry. Smiling, he looked around until he spotted his two friends sitting deep, close to the counter. He hastily sat on a vacant seat that seemed to have been kept for him..

"Just as I want," The voice from the right seat spoke revealing Raphael's presence. He was a tall and dark student in his fourth year, majoring in Economics. Stared at Jon, who had just arrived and apologized for being late, took off his jacket and placed it over his lap, revealing a white sleeveless top.

"Only if I had gotten my bike," he lamented, "I would have been here minutes before..."

"Why wait till graduation?" Raphael interrupted, his tone insistent.

"It's a personal gift to myself," Jon replied with a smile. "I prefer to wait until graduation. No rush." Raphael, paying no attention to Jon, signaled a passing waiter. "We would like to place our orders now. Please check table 17."

Jon quickly picked up the menu list on the table and asked, "What is it that you ordered?" Meanwhile, Nathan had been silent, watching. Jon knew Nathan had only wanted an argument. Back in high school, the three of them were known as the best of friends; barely would anyone see them separately - they did everything together, even though Jon was in a class ahead of them. Jon was the popular, handsome guy who every girl had a crush on. Nathan was the son of a rich man who wanted the attention Jon got, always there to criticize his every move. However, it was never in a negative way, as they still got along well.

“whatever it is, bills on you.” Nathan frowned, He was also a year 4 philosophy student. Three plates of spaghetti were served to them. Nathan and Raphael were left in a disgusted situation as they watched Jon gulp down the food rudely. Despite his known hatred for spaghetti, Jon was obviously hungry. His mouth made a clutching and grinding noise, causing Raphael and Nathan to feel embarrassed.

"Sorry about that, but I'm hungry," with remorse in his voice, Jon nervously apologized to his friends for his sudden interruption, he confessed, acutely aware of the stares directed toward him. Hastily, he grabbed a tissue sheet to wipe off any remnants of his meal that might have clung to his mouth. Time seemed to stand still as he finished eating right before their eyes. "I haven't had a proper meal since last evening..." he admitted.

"You haven't changed a bit. This session is going to be worse than I imagined." Nathan, uninterested in Jon's eating habits, retorted. The disconnect between Jon and his friends had grown, and the reunion was tinged with uncertainty. Despite being distant from his best friends for over a year, Jon mustered a smile, acknowledging his role as the one who had cut himself off. He was now in his fifth year of engineering studies, an arduous path that had tested his ability to maintain his friendships.

Raphael, reminiscing about their past times together, chuckled when Nathan asked if Jon remembered. "He was always so busy! I wonder what will happen once this year comes to an end," Raphael mused, curious about the future dynamics of their friendship.

"I understand, guys. I would have..." Jon attempted to explain but Raphael interjected, eager to understand Jon's reasons for his absence.

"What's your excuse? It's not just that you've ignored us, but your entire lifestyle has changed since you left. I can't help but wonder if something went wrong with you," he questioned, concern lacing his voice.

Feeling a mix of guilt and uncertainty, Jon struggled to find the right words. "I don't know what to say, but I'm sorry," he finally admitted, hoping to bridge the growing divide between them. Nathan couldn't resist a jab, sarcastically remarking, "But he could find time for his new girlfriend." Laughter followed his words.

"Oh! We've heard about you and young Gladys," Raphael confessed, exposing the topic that had been buzzing through their social circles.

"We weren't surprised to hear about you two dating. Everyone now knows the kind of tricks you're capable of," Nathan added, a hint of teasing in his tone.

Back in high school, Jon was known as a Casanova. He dated every kind of girl, regardless of their physical appearance. Some made fun of how he had no taste in his choice of women. It was a chubby girl one time, then a slim girl, or even an hourglass girl. Nothing seemed common in his taste aside from his method of approach. He would either become their tutor or reading partner before dating them, and this method always seemed to work out well. However, he never exceeded 5 months in a relationship, nor did he ever date a girl more than once.

"Just because he acts that way doesn't necessarily mean anything. It could have helped him find the right person," Raphael commented, his disapproval of Nathan's mocking of Jon evident.

"The right person? That's hardly the case considering he has had numerous exes," Nathan's expression shifted, putting Jon on guard. "You don't understand, those girls and he seem completely incompatible. They embody everything he claims to hate..."

"Wow!" Raphael exclaimed, reaching out to touch Nathan's shoulder, sensing the tension in the room. It was clear that the atmosphere was far from accommodating.

"What's the point of dating someone who doesn't fit your style but is your total opposite?" Nathan pressed on.

"He's just showing off," Jon offered a smile, knowing full well of Nathan's tendency to compare lifestyles. In fact, he vividly remembered how he had described his ideal type back in high school, he described someone who was nothing like the girls he had dated. Nathan had made it his mission to hold that against him.

"I'm not showing off. Felicity and I have a fantastic relationship. We rarely fight because we truly understand each other. And how many years has it been now?" Nathan's tone turned haughty.

"You're still her boyfriend only because she wants it to be that way. We both know it won't last forever," Raphael retorted, giving him an annoyed look.

"You find this amusing, don't you?" Jon frowned.

"Well, maybe you should stop dating women who are desperately seeking marriage. I mean, I know courtship is a part of the process, but dating someone now shouldn't be a mere test run to pass the time," Nathan continued.

"A test run?! You never cease to amaze me..." Jon laughed. Although he had gained a reputation as a Casanova, Nathan had surpassed even him, casually engaging in numerous friends-with-benefits relationships.

Felicity's parents had always been Jon's neighbors since they were little. They shared the same school and many shared the same classes, yet Felicity seemed to fade into the background, never becoming a topic of conversation. Perhaps it was because she preferred walking to school and back home alone, her solitary figure passing by without much notice. Or maybe it was because she was often seen eating together with Jon, who was quite popular among their high school peers. Although rumors began to circulate that Jon and Felicity were dating, they were just thatmere rumors. Meanwhile, Nathan, one of Jon's closest friends, saw an opportunity in Felicity's lesser-known status. He took advantage of the situation and began dating her in secret, relishing the fact that she was the girlfriend of all three best friends.

"About whiling away time, is the connection between you and Felicity merely a test run or could it potentially develop into a courtship?" Raphael's voice intruded into their conversation, his tone suggesting intrigue.

"I must admit, I'm actually starting to believe that it could evolve into something more serious. I find myself contemplating a genuine relationship with her in the near future." Nathan pondered the question, carefully considering his response.

"You must be cautious, Nathan. If Felicity were to hear these words, it may break her heart." A look of concern flickered across Jon's face as he interjected, his voice tinged with sincerity.

“then all are lust not love.” Raphael concluded. Nathan frowned, his features displaying a mix of frustration and defiance. "Whether it's love or lust, I would rather have one than have none, unlike you, Jon." His response seemed to strike a nerve with Raphael, causing him to recline into his chair, visibly deflated.

"That statement cuts deep," Jon muttered, a tinge of hurt in his voice. Raphael story was different. He stood out not only for his towering height, but also for his strikingly handsome features and his captivatingly dark complexion. He had captured the attention of many, particularly the members of the basketball team, who admired his skills on the court and coveted his friendship. Girls would often gather around his desk, yearning for his attention, hoping that he would ask them out on a date. However, much to their disappointment, Raphael seemed to be oblivious to their advances. It became a topic of speculation and gossip among the students, with some whispering that he might be gay. Despite his popularity, Raphael's social circle remained small. He surrounded himself with only three close friends: Nathan, Jon, and Felicity. They shared an unbreakable bond and were always by his side, offering unwavering support and companionship. The rumors and whispers continued to circulate, but Raphael paid them little heed. He was secure in his own identity and comfortable with his own choices, regardless of the assumptions others made about him.

"I'm not ready for it," Raphael explained, his voice filled with uncertainty.

"So, you still believe in true love?" Nathan, with a smirk on his face, responded.

"Love is not all you need for a healthy relationship. Understanding, commitment, patiencethese are essential too." Raphael shook his head, a hint of sadness in his eyes.

"And God leads too." Jon chimed in, his voice filled with conviction.

"Religion is like a bondage, you know?" Nathan frowned, disagreeing.

"Nathan!" Jon's voice rose, his tone filled with frustration.

"And how has that helped your past relationship, especially with your beloved Rebecca?" Nathan's words took a sharp turn, as he aimed a cutting remark at Jon. Jon's expression hardened, his gaze locked with Nathan's. After a few moments of tense silence, Jon finally replied, his voice tinged with regret. "I'll take the blame for that, especially with Rebecca.

"I only pity Gladys more." Nathan smiled.

"Enough! Gladys will be different," Jon yelled, his voice filled with defiance. His words hung in the air, the weight of his past mistakes palpable. But he couldn't bear to hear any more.

Nathan, persistent as ever, challenged Jon further. "And how do you know that?"

Jon stood his ground, unwavering in his belief. "She's different from others, and I've been different too."

"Oh! Now you're comparing her to your ex?" Nathan's voice dripped with sarcasm.

"The rain has subsided. Let's leave now." Jon's patience wore thin, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "Enough," he said in a soft, strained tone. He couldn't bear to entertain Nathan's insinuations any longer. He was indignant at the audacity of Nathan's claims, determined to prove him and his past wrong.