As days passed, Julius and Tracy grew even closer.
What once started as simple teasing now carried hints of affection and genuine concern. Wherever Julius was, Tracy was sure to follow. During group activities, they were inseparable. And whenever Tracy faced problems, Julius was always the first to notice—even if she wasn't aware of it at first—and he'd quietly find ways to help.
Slowly, people around them began to notice the unexplainable bond they shared.
---
AT THE CANTEEN
Inside the campus canteen, the group of friends sat together for lunch. Julius stood up to fetch a pitcher of water.
As he walked away, Tracy couldn't help but watch him. Sarah noticed and teased,
"Tracy, admit it. There's definitely something going on between you and Julius."
"There's nothing like that," Tracy denied, but her cheeks turned red.
"Oooh, you're blushing," Erick chimed in teasingly.
"Okay, fine. We're just friends. Best friends, okay?"
But Sarah laughed, "Yeah, but you act differently when he's around."
Tracy smiled and said nothing. In truth, even she was confused about her feelings. Sometimes, she found herself longing for Julius's presence. Other times, she waited just to see if he was online. And every time he messaged her, a warmth bloomed in her chest.
---
AFTER CLASS
It was getting dark when Tracy's class ended—they had rushed to finish a project due that day. She and her friends walked out of the campus, tired but relieved.
"Finally, Saturday tomorrow! I'm sleeping in until noon," said Sarah with a stretch.
"I wish," Tracy sighed. She had to help out in the rice fields the next morning. They were harvesting, so she needed to get up early to avoid working under the scorching midday sun.
"Guys, want to come with Erick and me? We're going on a quick date—just grabbing some street food then chilling at the plaza," Sarah invited.
"Wait, you two are a couple now?" Julius asked Erick with a grin.
"Yup, she's too in love with me so I had to give in," Erick joked, earning laughter from the group.
"Cocky much," Sarah said, pretending to sulk.
"Better shape up now, man," Julius teased.
"Hey Tracy, want to come with us?" Sarah asked.
"Umm… I didn't ask permission from my parents," Tracy said softly.
"Don't worry, bestie. I just chatted with your mom. I already asked for you, and she said it's fine!" Julius said cheerfully.
"Wow, since when did you get close to my mom, huh?" Tracy teased with a smile.
---
AT THE PARK
They bought street food from the night market and even got milk tea—the same one Julius first treated Tracy to. Afterward, they found a bench at the park and sat down to enjoy their snacks.
Sarah and Erick were clearly enjoying each other's company, laughing and whispering like new lovers.
"Hey Erick, don't you dare hurt my friend. You'll answer to me," Tracy said playfully.
"Of course not. I love her too much. Wait—we love each other too much," Erick replied, stammering slightly, making everyone laugh.
"Come on, Erick. We forgot to get drinks," Sarah said. "We'll be right back, you two just chill. It's our treat."
Now, Julius and Tracy were left alone. They chatted, laughing softly.
While Tracy was munching on some calamari, Julius took out his handkerchief and gently wiped the corner of her mouth.
"You're such a messy eater," he teased.
Tracy blushed a little. Julius looked into her eyes—there was something unspoken there.
"You know," Julius began, "I never thought we'd be this close."
"Why not?" Tracy asked, meeting his gaze.
"Well, at first, I thought you were a snob. Quiet. Serious all the time."
"Wow! That's your first impression of me?" she laughed.
"Yup. But I was wrong. You're kind. Funny, but fierce. You listen, but you don't let anyone walk all over you."
"And I thought you were just a happy-go-lucky guy. But it turns out, there's depth in you too. You're not just all jokes."
They fell silent for a moment. The only sounds were the wind and the crickets. Above them, the moon shone brightly, surrounded by twinkling stars.
Julius looked up.
"The stars are beautiful, aren't they? Kind of like you."
Tracy smiled, following his gaze.
"You're such a smooth talker. No wonder my mom said yes to you so easily."
"Hey now, I think your mom's prettier than you," Julius teased with a wink.
Tracy playfully tapped his shoulder. "You're impossible."
"See those three stars up there? Lined up and close together?" Julius pointed to the sky.
"Yeah, I noticed them the other night when you visited."
"Those will be our stars. They'll be our guide."
"My grandfather once told me—if I ever see those three stars, I should remember the people who matter to me. And if I ever get lost… those stars will guide me back."
Tracy swallowed hard. It was the first time she had heard Julius speak with such sincerity.
"When you're sad… or when you feel alone, just look up at those three stars. And think of me—right there, beside you. I'll show up when you least expect it, to hold you close, bestie." Julius's voice was calm but firm, like every word was etched straight into Tracy's heart.
"You're so dramatic," Tracy said with a laugh, but she couldn't deny the way her heart skipped a beat.
"This isn't drama. That's a promise."
Julius looked at her deeply. There was something in his eyes—something he couldn't quite say.
Tracy met his gaze. There was something she wanted to say too, but chose to hold back.
"That was touching, bestie," she said softly, her eyes a little misty.
Just then, Sarah and Erick returned and saw the quiet intensity between the two.
"You two seem deep in conversation," Sarah smiled.
"Let's go. I have to wake up early tomorrow," Tracy said, standing up.
"Alright, we'll go ahead. Julius, take care of Tracy, okay?" Erick said.
"Sure, man. Take care," Julius replied.
Julius walked Tracy home.
"Thanks for walking me home, bestie. Get home safe," she said with a soft smile.
---
AT TRACY'S HOUSE
She entered the house and saw her family having dinner.
"Ma, Pa, I'm home."
"Hey sweetheart, how was the outing? Julius messaged me that you were just having a small picnic at the plaza, so we said yes," her mom said.
"Hi Pa, how are you feeling? Did you take your meds?"
"Yes, I feel great now! I'm ready for harvesting tomorrow," her father beamed.
"Do you know who helped me the other night when I got sick? You'll be surprised—it was Julius."
"What?! Really?" Tracy gasped.
"Yes, I asked for his name. He said he's Julius Romero."
"That boy is amazing. He didn't even know me, but he didn't hesitate to help. He even paid the hospital bill and brought me home."
Tracy's heart melted again at what she heard. She took a seat and grabbed some food, smiling to herself.
"Unbelievable, bestie. You just keep surprising me. What other things are you hiding that could make me admire you even more?" she whispered to herself.
---
IN HER ROOM
After dinner, she went up to her room. She approached the window and looked up at the sky. She saw the same three stars again.
"Three stars… is that you, Julius?"
She didn't know what this feeling was or where it was leading. But one thing she knew:
Every night she saw those three stars, she would remember Julius's promise.
And in her heart, she hoped it would never change.
She recalled his words: "When you see those three stars… everything will be okay."
She lay on her bed, her heart filled with a mix of joy, excitement, and hope. Without realizing it, she fell asleep.
Julius's words echoed in her thoughts, like a cryptic promise… and a quiet dream.
---
TRACY'S DREAM
In her dream, she and Julius walked along the beach under a bright moonlit sky. They were holding hands, carefree and happy.
They looked up at the stars together and pointed at the same three stars in unison.
But soon, Tracy saw those three stars begin to fade.
Worry and confusion filled her face. She turned to Julius, who was smiling at her.
But just like the stars, Julius began to fade.
He held her hand as his figure slowly disappeared. Tracy's tears began to fall.
She looked around, calling his name, searching—but he was nowhere to be found.
"Julius! Julius! Ju…Julius!" she cried, waking up suddenly in tears. Her chest was heavy.
"Just a… just a dream. Thank goodness," she whispered, wiping her tears.
"What could that dream mean?" she murmured softly to herself.
She couldn't fall back asleep until almost 4 a.m.
Was there a deeper meaning behind Tracy's dream?
And what lies ahead for these two hearts growing closer each day?