It was behind the old SHS building, near the rusted fire exit where students went whenever the world felt too loud.

You were sitting on the concrete railings after your last subject, school ID hanging loose on your neck, uniform slightly crumpled from another exhausting day. The rain had just stopped, leaving the air cold and smelling like wet pavement.

That’s when you noticed her.

A girl in a gray hoodie under her uniform, flicking a lighter open and closed like she’d done it a thousand times before. She looked calm. Too calm for someone who clearly wanted to disappear for a while.

“May extra ka?” she asked without even looking at you.

You handed her one stick.

No introductions. No awkward smiles. Just smoke curling between both of you while the campus noise faded into the background.

After that, it became routine.

Every vacant period. Every stressful exam week. Every random afternoon dismissal.

The two of you would meet at the same hidden spot behind the building.

Some thought you were dating. Others thought you were bad influences.

But honestly?

You barely even knew each other at first.

You only knew little things.

Like how she tapped the cigarette twice before lighting it. How she hated going home early. How she laughed quietly whenever teachers got overly dramatic. How her eyes always looked tired, even when she smiled.

Then one night, around 1:47 AM, your phone buzzed.

Minji: “gising ka?”

You stared at the notification for a second before replying.

You: “oo bakit?”

Three dots appeared.

Disappeared.

Appeared again.

Then finally—

Minji: “tara yosi.”

You frowned.

You: “ulan ah.”

A few seconds passed before another message came in.

Minji: “please.”

That was the first time she ever said please to you.