It was September 2021 when Khent walked into Bacolod City College at Taculing Campus, a mixture of excitement and anxiety swirling in his chest. As he settled into his seat, he couldn't help but glance around the room. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, students chatting, and the scent of fresh paper and ink hung in the air. Khent was an average, slim guy, known for his humor and infectious smile.
Today, he wore his black pants and a light green polo emblazoned with the Bacolod City College logo, ready to take on the new semester.As the teacher began the lecture, Khent tried to focus, but his mind drifted. He had always been a social butterfly, and the thought of making new friends excited him. He stole a glance at a girl a few seats away—Baby Joy. She had a short stature but a fierce demeanor, her expressive face often reflecting her quick temper. He had heard stories about her fiery personality, but there was something captivating about her. When the class ended, Khent approached her.
"Hey, I'm Khent. Mind if I join you for a bit? She looked up, a spark of surprise in her eyes, but then her expression softened.
"Sure, why not? I'm Baby Joy.
They started talking, and Khent quickly learned that Baby Joy was passionate and determined, with a love for music that matched her vibrant personality. Their conversation flowed easily, laughter punctuating their words. It felt natural, like they had known each other forever.Over the next few days, the two became inseparable.
They shared lunch, attended classes together, and supported one another through the ups and downs of college life.
It was during one of these lunches that they first met Kelly, affectionately dubbed "Manang" by their group. Kelly was the calm in the storm, always ready with practical advice and a gentle laugh. She had a nurturing spirit that made everyone feel comfortable, and her presence balanced Baby Joy's fiery nature.
"Isn't it nice to have some company?"
Kelly remarked one day, watching Khent and Baby Joy bicker playfully over who would pay for lunch.
"Definitely," Khent replied with a grin.
"It's like a sitcom in here.As the weeks passed, Khent and Baby Joy expanded their circle.
They met Alvicca, the group's energizer. Alvicca had a contagious enthusiasm that brought life to any situation. She was known for her quick wit and ability to rally everyone for a spontaneous outing or study session.
"Let's go to the arcade after class!" Alvicca suggested one afternoon, her eyes shining with excitement.
"I need to blow off some steam! "Count me in!" Khent exclaimed.
Baby Joy shrugged, a reluctant smile appearing on her face. "Fine, but I'm not going easy on you!
Their dynamic grew even stronger when John Paul entered the scene. Tall and laid-back, he was the perfect counterbalance to Baby Joy's intensity. With his relaxed demeanor and knack for making everyone laugh, John Paul quickly became Khent's go-to buddy.
"I've got a new game strategy that will definitely win us some tickets!" John Paul claimed one day, looking at Khent with mock seriousness.
"Alright, buddy! Let's see what you've got," Khent replied, accepting the challenge.
The last piece of their group was Cheryl, a volleyball enthusiast who brought a competitive spirit to their outings. Cheryl was quiet but passionate, often drawing others in with her enthusiasm for the sport.
I'll teach you all how to serve!" she declared one afternoon as they lounged at the campus café.
"It's all about the technique!
The group quickly became a family. They spent late nights studying, tackling assignments, and comforting one another during tough times.
Khent often found himself in the role of the comedian, using humor to diffuse stress and keep everyone's spirits high.
One day, as they gathered at the campus café, the topic of discussion turned serious.
"What do you all want to do after college?" Baby Joy asked, her expression thoughtful.
"I want to be a comedian," Khent confessed, his voice steady.
"Making people laugh is what I love most.
"That's awesome!" Alvicca encouraged, her eyes bright.
"You'd be great at that! "I think I want to open a bakery," Kelly added with a smile.
"I love baking. It would be fun to share that with others.
"I just want to travel and explore," John Paul chimed in.
"The world has so much to offer. Cheryl nodded, her competitive spirit shining through.
"I want to play volleyball professionally. I'm going to push myself to get there! Baby Joy sighed, looking at her friends.
"You all have such clear goals. I just want to figure things out, maybe pursue music seriously.
Khent leaned closer, a supportive smile on his face.
"You'll find your path, Baby Joy. We're all here to support you.
The conversations deepened their bond, and they began to see each other not just as friends but as a support system. They spent evenings sharing dreams and fears, often culminating in laughter and the occasional light-hearted argument.
As the semester progressed, the group faced the typical challenges of college life—stressful exams, group projects, and the struggle to balance study and social time.
One evening, after a particularly grueling day, Khent invited everyone over to his house for a movie marathon."Come on, it'll be fun! Popcorn, pizza, and our favorite flicks!" he insisted, his excitement contagious. Baby Joy crossed her arms, feigning reluctance.
"I'll only come if you promise not to pick a cheesy rom-com."Deal!" Khent replied, throwing a playful wink in her direction.
The night of the movie marathon arrived, and the house was filled with laughter and the smell of freshly popped popcorn. They settled in, the couch overflowing with friends, each grabbing snacks and getting comfortable.
"Okay, who picked this movie?" John Paul groaned as a dramatic scene unfolded on screen.
"Me! It's a classic!" Khent declared, grinning widely.
"Classic or not, I still think it's terrible!" Baby Joy laughed, throwing a pillow at him.
As the night wore on, they shared stories, jokes, and even a few embarrassing moments from their pasts. Khent took center stage, imitating a few of their teachers, his comedic timing flawless. Laughter echoed through the room, and for a moment, they all forgot the stresses of school. When the last movie ended and everyone began to disperse,
Baby Joy lingered behind.
"You know, I'm really glad we met," she said, her voice softening.
"You guys have made this semester so much better. "Same here," Khent replied, sincerity flooding his tone.
"I never thought I'd find such an amazing group of friends. As the months rolled on, their friendship grew deeper. They celebrated birthdays, cheered each other on during volleyball games, and even formed study groups to tackle challenging subjects.
Each day felt like a new adventure, filled with laughter and support.One evening, as they sat in their usual spot at the café, Alvicca brought up a new idea.
"What if we start a tradition? Something we do together every semester?
"Like a yearly trip?" John Paul suggested, excitement sparking in his eyes."Exactly!"
Alvicca replied, nodding enthusiastically. "We could explore new places and create memories!
Cheryl added, "I'm all in! We could visit beaches, hike, or even go to festivals.
They spent the next hour brainstorming ideas, their faces alight with excitement. Khent couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment—surrounded by friends who were not only companions but a family.As the semester came to a close, they faced the reality of upcoming exams. The atmosphere turned serious, but their bond only strengthened. They promised to be there for each other, motivating and supporting one another through the stress.
On the last day of exams, they gathered for a celebratory lunch, relief washing over them.
"We did it!" Khent cheered, raising his glass.
"To friendship!" Baby Joy added, her eyes shining."To new adventures!
" Kelly chimed in, smiling at each of her friends.
As laughter filled the air, Khent looked around at the faces of his friends. They had become his support system, his family away from home. He knew that together, they could face anything the future held.Little did they know, their journey was just beginning. The bond they had formed would guide them through the challenges of life ahead, each moment shared a testament to the power of friendship.