Chapter 3: Mio's Dilemma
Meeting someone for the first time and immediately feeling like you were meant to be together forever—yeah, it feels great. But trust me, it gets complicated before you even realize it.
How do I know this? Well… probably because I'm experiencing it right now.
So, here are the details.
My name is Mio Cruz, and I'm currently a third-year high school girl. I'll be turning eighteen in two months—but that's not important right now. The real issue is that, about fifteen years ago, I felt the strangest connection for the very first time in my life.
What was it, you ask?
It all started on an ordinary day at the park. I was barely three years old when I noticed a boy sitting all alone. For some reason, I felt drawn to him. I walked up and asked, "Hey! Why are you alone?"
Without hesitation, he looked at me and said, "Well, you're finally here, so I won't be alone anymore. Will you be my friend?"
Of course I said yes. I asked for his name, and he told me: "Mike."
Hearing that, I grinned wide. "Wow! Mikey! That's so cute. Well, my name is—"
"Mio, right?" he cut me off.
I should have thought it was strange, but I didn't. Instead, I laughed and said, "We're gonna be friends from now on, Mikey!"
From that moment, my world felt brighter.
As fate would have it, my mom and I moved in next door to Mike's house shortly afterward. Since both our mothers were single parents, they quickly became close friends, and so did we. We grew up sharing almost everything. We were like siblings—but as we got older, things changed.
Emotionally. Physically.
But nothing ever weakened our bond. If anything, it only grew stronger.
Mike was always so passionate, considerate, and strangely mature for his age. He didn't act like a kid—he always seemed like a cool adult. Maybe that's why I fell in love with him. Honestly, I think I loved him before I even knew what love was.
There's one day in particular I'll never forget.
It was eight years ago. We were both just ten, sitting in the same park where we first met. My feelings had grown too strong to keep hidden.
"Hey, Mikey… what do you think about us getting married when we grow up?" I asked nervously.
His reply was instant. "Whoa! I think it'd be awesome. In fact, it'd be the most amazing thing ever."
Hearing that, my heart nearly leapt out of my chest. He felt the same way.
"Really?! Then let's make a promise. Let's be together forever and get married when we're older."
He smiled. "Okay. I promise to be with you throughout our lives."
"Pinky promise?" I asked, holding up my finger.
He linked his with mine. "Pinky promise."
I was so happy that day I could barely sleep. I thought about him all night, imagining our future together.
But the next morning, everything changed.
When I rushed over to his house, he was gone. My mom told me he and his mother had left suddenly, and wouldn't be back for a year. I cried so hard I could barely breathe.
Why didn't he even say goodbye?
My mom explained, "He tried to. But you'd been asleep for three days straight, and his family had to leave urgently."
Three days? Why? No one could explain it.
Still, I promised myself I'd wait for him.
And when that year finally passed, I was at the airport, waiting with my mom. The sunlight was bright and warm, like the whole world wanted to mark that day as special.
Then I saw him.
A boy dragging his luggage, looking mysterious… and more handsome than I remembered. My heart raced. He was my prince, my long-awaited Mikey.
I ran up to him, all the words I'd prepared over the past year suddenly vanishing.
"Hey, Mikey!!"
He looked at me, startled. "…You're Mio, right? I've heard about you. Nice to meet you."
The world stopped.
Was he… serious? Did he forget me? Or was he just joking?
I froze, unsure of what to say, and simply stammered back, "N-nice to meet you too, Mikey."
Later that night, I told my mom everything. She gave me two possibilities: either Mike had truly lost his memories, or he was pretending.
"Which do you think it is, my little storm?" she asked gently.
"I… I don't know. I'm so confused."
She hugged me, whispering words I'd never forget.
"Sometimes, you must reach out and hold on to what you desire before it's taken away. If he truly forgot, then help him remember. If he's pretending, be patient. Either way, protect what's yours. Show him you're strong. My little stormy, I believe in you."
Those words became my anchor.
---
The next day, I decided to test him.
At lunch, we sat together in the park. I opened my lunchbox and deliberately reached for a mushroom.
Instantly, Mike smacked it away. "Mio! Aren't you allergic to mushrooms?! Why would you try to eat that?!"
Relief flooded me. This was proof. Only the real Mikey would know that.
I jumped up, pointing at him. "Aha! I knew you were pretending all along! You tricked me, didn't you?!"
He blinked at me, confused. "What are you talking about? Pretending? I just—wait, why would you eat something dangerous? You could've had a reaction—"
"Then how do you know I'm allergic if you don't remember me?!" I snapped.
His face twisted in pain. He held his head, trembling. "I… I don't know. I just know somehow… Stay away—it hurts. It hurts so bad."
And then… he ran.
His mom later told me he'd suffered memory loss in an accident during their trip. She begged me to be patient with him.
So I tried.
But things only got more complicated.
---
Mike was tall, light-skinned, and handsome, with that striking black hair tipped in silver. I should have realized other girls would notice him too.
And when I saw one of them—Linda—handing him a love letter after school, my chest burned with a new, ugly feeling.
Jealousy.
Mom's words echoed in my mind. Protect what you love.
So I did.
I ripped the letter apart, grabbed Mike, and sent him home with a flimsy excuse about his mother waiting for him. Then I turned to Linda.
"Listen carefully. Stay away from Mike. If you or your friends go near him, I'll make your life here miserable. Mike is mine. Do you understand?"
Terrified, Linda nodded and ran.
I didn't know why I was so harsh—but I didn't stop. Even as Mike started seeing me as a bully, I didn't care. As long as I kept him safe.
That worked… until she showed up.
Chloe.
A transfer student. Pretty, stubborn, and bold enough to flirt with Mike on her first day. I couldn't believe it.
But the worst part? Mike saved her once, moving faster than anyone should have been able to. It reminded me of the strange day I almost got hit by a bus, and he somehow pulled me away. There was something supernatural about him—I was sure of it.
But before I could unravel that mystery, I had to deal with Chloe.
So, when Mike left her alone on the rooftop, I cornered her. Threatened her. But she wouldn't back down.
And in my anger… something inside me awakened.
Wind. Power. A storm answering my emotions.
I didn't understand it yet. I only knew it scared me.
When I finally made it home, Mom wasn't there. Just a letter.
---
My little stormy,
There are things I wanted to tell you before I left, but I'll explain when I return. Mike's mother and I are going on a business trip for a few months. I sold the house, so you'll have to move in with Mike. I've transferred enough money for your living expenses—it should last over a year.
Stay close to Mike. Protect each other. I know you might be going through changes, but don't be afraid. In time, you'll find the answers.
Take care, my little stormy. Mommy loves you ❤️
---
I clutched the letter, panic and longing swirling in me.
I rushed to Mike's house, only to find him collapsed on the living room floor, burning with fever.
My heart tightened.
All I could think was: Don't leave me, Mikey. Not again.