Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56“I wonder if you could ever make any friends when you’re there. I’m worried.” JH said, throwing pebbles one by one to the calm and placid ocean.
The sun was setting down, and so everything that could be seen by the eyes were only orange and pink. The villagers were beginning to gather off the coast, for any moment by now, their fishing vessels would arrive with a huge amount of catch. Everyone was busy; some were preparing the nets, some were readying the basins, and some were working on their fishing boats to sail when the vessels arrive. But despite all the back-and-forths of the Coast Ville people, in the very corner of the sea wall, not so far away from the Smith’s Coffee Shop on the port, the two best friends JH and Well found themselves sitting on the fine and cold sands of the shore. It wasn’t their typical bond. It wasn’t their usual moment. But given the fact that Well will be leaving the next day, the two friends had no choice but to spend the remaining hours in whatever way possible to make memories that Well could keep as he venture towards the very first step of his youth.
“I’ll be there to study, not to make friends. And besides, I already have you. What’s the point of having more?” Well said, wishing he was looking into his best friend’s eyes so he would understand how truthful he was to his words. But moments like this was not the best time for eye contacts. Especially that Well's eyes were fragile; they easily burst into tears.
JH, ever since they were young, was the only friend Well had ever known in his life. He didn’t like meeting people. To him, starting a conversation with a complete stranger was the hardest thing to do in the world. If not because of JH who stood for him when he failed his recitation on second grade, their friendship would’ve not blossomed and reached this far.
The rolling of baby waves fondled on the soft surface of Well’s feet. He felt the serenity of the ocean creeping through his skin.
“You’re going there to study for four years. FOUR LONG YEARS. It’s not four days, or four weeks, or four months. IT’S YEARS. And we both know how long this period of time is going to be. It’s like waiting for forever to end.” JH was centimeters shorter than Well, so he really had to tilt his head a little and look up just to establish an eye-to-eye contact with him. But unfortunate for him, Well didn't want to. He kept on staring away and dodging his gaze.
“Yes, I’m leaving for four years and yes, four years is long. But I’m not scared. You’ll be waiting here for me, won’t you?” Well flashed a smile on his face. On his eyes, a vivid image of the fine ocean was reflecting.
“Right.” JH nodded. It was the only thing he could do. He couldn't say anything in return because his eyes were starting to get wet.
As the cool breeze of the Coast Ville wind brushed off the bangs of Well and off the beanie hat of his best bud, JH, the two remained sitting tight; their eyes looking up to the clean sheet of canvass, witnessing an act of overtaking of darkness over the fading twilight.
On a spur of a moment, Well dissolved into laughter. “Quick question. Where am I moving again?” His thin eyebrows converged at the center of his forehead as his stare narrowed down without him knowing it.
“West Burg in New Bill, you said.”
“Indeed. It’s only cities away from here but you’re making it sound like I’m going abroad. Besides, I have your number on my phone. I can call you anytime I want.”
“Promise me you’ll call.”
“Of course! That, I swear.”
“6:30?”
“6:30.”
Those were the last words from their mouths—the last words they had to let go before they finally bid goodbyes to each other. No one may have seen them, but the moon was out and its sure enough that it heard all the promises their mouths had said. If only the moon had feelings, surely it will burst into tears when it saw how emotional the final moment of the two was.
They were meant to be the best of friends—like of the waves and the sands. But unlike the waves which would return after leaving, its doubtful if Well would ever do the same.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
The Good Upclass Chapter 5: Paintings And A Surprise
“Your—your boyfriend?” Sitting on the mattress where a bloody blanket was being laid, Joross replied in his trembling tone. “Uhm, yes. My boyfriend.” With his jaw jutting out into an underbite, he shot his gaze past Well to avoid seeing his eyes. It was a total awkwardness, the two could feel it. “Whatever it is that you’re thinking, it’s all true. You don’t really have to keep your words, though. You can say them if you want, I’m used to everyone saying the same thing anyways.” The dropping of Joross’ shoulders went in-sync with the shrinking of his lips. Well waved his hands rapidly before him. “No, not that I’m judging you. I’m just, you know, a little bit shocked.” He then withdrew them back. “We’re not the typical type of gay couple, for your information. We are unique. And I hate it. Only if we were not, he might have stayed alive today.” “I am so, so sorry for your loss. I really mean it!" Well sighed. He wanted to comfort his new friend, but he was a socially awkward pers
The Good Upclass Chapter 6: Beware Of The Cops
Both Well and Joross couldn't believe what they just saw. A tongue? In a pouch? Tied with a white ribbon? Who in the world would dare to do something as gross as that?Well carefully placed the pouch down on the bed. Their faces were crumpled like wet paper; foreheads were creased at the center. The room became so silent that the thumping of their hearts could be heard from across the room. None of them thought of saying a word. None of them thought of moving a nerve. Only an exchange of stares took place between the two trembling guys; one was crying due to fear, while the other was grieving due to a sudden realization."That... That thing. There's no way it belongs to him, right?" Well asked. He swallowed every after of each of his words. He couldn't believe what he saw as much as Joross couldn't believe what he just realized.The sobbing boyfriend closed his eyes and squeezed them intensely, forcing the dwelling tears on the corners of his eyelids to drip down. "I— I don't know. I
The Good Upclass Chapter 7: The Curious Case Of The Fire Woman
Yes. The cops. Although they were treated by the many as bearers of justice and beacons of light, they were actually only as crooked as the suspects they were after for the entire time. The modest of the elites would think that the cops of New Bill would have been the greatest security personnel to ever exist. The close-to-perfect government would have thought of the same thing as well. But as for those people who surrendered their innocence in the face of atrocities, all of those godly behaviours showcased by all of those godly cops were only up for a show. CROOKS. When anyone from the fine line of poverty was asked how they would describe the national police of New Bill, that was always their answer. It never changed. It was always the 'Crook,' and often the 'Crooked.'"Would you mind if I ask for an elaboration of why you believe cops are the last person we should ask help from during situations like this?" Well asked. At this very moment, he was now at the edge of the bed. His as
The Good Upclass Chapter 8: Then So be It
Well couldn't help but think of the last statement that Joross had said. "Things are different here in New Bill. You need a lot of friends. And once you start your day at West Burge, you'll understand why." The way it sounded to Well, it seemed like it was some kind of a warning. Or a threat. Or anything that would really cause his heart beat to skyrocket. "All right, I will try my best. But I will tell you in advance, I am really not good at making friends," Well told Joross as they started to cross the pedestrian lane just in front of The Mansion building. "I don't even know how to initiate the first move," he added by the time they reached the other end of the road. "It doesn't really matter. You don't have to make the first move. Actually, you don't even need to say anything first in order to be discovered. You just have to be yourself, smile when other people smile at you, and then there you have it. The upclass are friendly people. More often than not, they are usually the fir
The Good Upclass Chapter 9: A New Acquiantance
"Where are you taking me?" Well's eyes were a little too anxious to be in a crowd as full as where they were right now, but he had no choice but to tag along with his new friend, Joross. "Chill. Just trust me. I am only trying to give you a good tour of the place because you deserve it. As an old student here, it is now my primary obligation to make sure that the new students get the good service they deserve. And by saying good service, it also means a free tour of the city, of the school, and of the building where you will be staying for the next four years of your college life," Joross was saying it with great enunciation like he had been taking quite some time to memorize it. "Wait." He paused for a while, looking back to Well like he had suddenly suspected him of something. "Hold on for a sec. Are you trying to suspect me of kidnapping you?" Joross' eyes were like a pair of darts shooting through Well. They both knew that he meant it only as a joke, but it was too real to be dee
The Good Upclass Chapter 10: Acquaintance Refusal
When both Joross and Well entered the room, a very warm welcome from their upclass surprised them. There are at least ten people inside the bar (which is technically a restaurant right now because it's still day), and all of them had this common but delightful smile plastered on their faces. You know, the kind of smile you would make once your favorite puppy was waiting for you at the door after a long and tiring work; or the one that just voluntarily blossomed on your face once your most favorite dish had been served on the dining table. That, sure enough, was one of some things that were common among all of them right now. Except for the colorful balloons, and the confetti, and the heavily decorated walls and ceiling, nothing else seemed normal. They had been preparing for this for a long time, that was a fact. "Hey," Joross said in the most awkward way possible. He looked like he was about to pass out but could not afford to because Well was with him and he had to let him know tha
The Good Upclass Chapter 11: The Hopes For Frienship
"Hey, wait!" Daniel called Well as he tried to escape from his inevitable acquaintance. "You have not introduced yourself yet," he added as he tried to belt down the remaining liquid inside his bottle. "I said I don't have any plans of introducing myself. I don't even need some new friends, so yeah, that means I don't want to meet you as well. The rumors about me are true. Live with it.” Whatever it was that Well said, he meant it all. He was not here in this place to meet friends. He did not even want to go here in the first place, but he was left with no choice but to tag along because his new friend (the only friend he made so far) insisted him to do so. And since Well felt like his friend, Joross had been so open and comfortable with him so far, so he just did what he was supposed to do. After all the secrets that Joross had revealed to Well, it was really reasonable for Well to just follow him.“Wow, you are indeed a snob, they are right,” Daniel confirmed, but there was no sign
The Good Upclass Chapter 12: Wise Choice
Well was already on the peak of his patience because of Daniel. He had never felt this annoyed his entire life, and he thought, if only there was a way for him to escape this bar full of crazy, lunatic, and socially attention seekers, he would have done it already. Well looked around to find Joross. While his eyes were scanning the bar full of grooving, drinking, singing, and dancing people, a thought was lingering in his mind. No one knew what was it, but it was most likely a script or a line he was practicing in his head when he would finally see Joross and tell him that he wanted to go back to his hotel room already.“Are you looking for somoene?” Daniel chimed in, after about three minutes of staying silent.Well thought he was gone already because he ignored him. But no, he was still there, behind him, waiting for his perfect time to open up a conversation again. “Oh, wow. You are unbelievable,” Well mentioned.“I know,” Daniel confidently spoke back, tossing a glass of champagne
Latest Chapter
- The Good Upclass
Chapter 160: Prisoners of the Deep
“Nowadays, it is not only tangible things that are stolen. Culprits and stalkers like them are often sent out in the world to steal impossible things like information and codes. I believe that is the thing that keeps them from running after us. Because if it is only a material thing, they could have stolen it long before already. But it’s different. They are needing a piece of information, and only the best of the best spies and culprits can do it. Only those who are willing to risk their lives and last breath only to get their ears closer to the information that their bosses need,” Binsent Anchorman explained. “Okay, okay. Hold on, why are we here again? Because, technically, since I am now an official member of the alliance, am I not right to know the basics of this group? Like, what are we working for? And who? And why? And basically all the questions you think I need the answer from?” Arjay chimed in, standing by the end of the bleacher together with Allen Mar. Even up until this
- The Good Upclass
Chapter 159: Devil's Den
Binsent Anchorman, together with Well, Arjay, and Allen Mar gathered all together onto the bleachers that were lining up outside of the church. “It has come to my attention that you are being followed. Now that we are here, somewhere that is least expected by the people to see us being gathered, I doubt if stalkers will still come after us,” Binsent Anchorman said as he laid down his suitcase on the ground. He was the first among them four to sit on the bleachers. This time, he was wearing a funny, little hat that did not match his tuxedo outfit at all. However, one thing that Allen Mar and Well could assure was that, in that outfit, he looked like their late friend, his twin brother, Detective Deib Anchorman. Well slouched down next to Binsent Anchorman; his eyes had been wondering around as if they were two little footage cameras scanning for possible threats around them. “I am now starting to question our presence in this city. Us being stalked remains a mystery to me. But one th
- The Good Upclass
Chapter 158: Binsent On The Lead
Binsent Anchorman, together with Well, Arjay, and Allen Mar gathered all together onto the bleachers that were lining up outside of the church. “It has come to my attention that you are being followed. Now that we are here, somewhere that is least expected by the people to see us being gathered, I doubt if stalkers will still come after us,” Binsent Anchorman said as he laid down his suitcase on the ground. He was the first among them four to sit on the bleachers. This time, he was wearing a funny, little hat that did not match his tuxedo outfit at all. However, one thing that Allen Mar and Well could assure was that, in that outfit, he looked like their late friend, his twin brother, Detective Deib Anchorman. Well slouched down next to Binsent Anchorman; his eyes had been wondering around as if they were two little footage cameras scanning for possible threats around them. “I am now starting to question our presence in this city. Us being stalked remains a mystery to me. But one t
- The Good Upclass
Chapter 157: Their Own Shadows
In the taxi, nothing much had happened other than a small conversation involving Well, Binset Anchorman, and some interesting and trivial things about the late Detective Deib Anchorman, his twin brother. It was surely a wholesome moment. It was surely a wholesome conversation. But if not for the fact that Well was the one that initiated the conversation, none of those would have ever existed. “I only met Detective Deib Anchorman for like a couple of days,” Well started two minutes just when the engine started. “And just like you, he started as a taxicab driver, too. I met him when I asked for a taxi who can send me to the nearest ATM station because I just lost my phone and I needed to buy something. He was the one who accompanied me to the Octagon Shop where I was able to find myself a new phone. He was a good man, indeed. I don’t think if I have said this earlier, but this is something that I was not able to tell him. I was too selfish to even inform him how good of a man he was,” We
- The Good Upclass
Chapter 156: Everthing's Off, Everything's Improper
Just when Well arrived at the ground floor, he noticed some coalition of people not far from where he was standing. Intrigued by the on going noises, he went to see what was happening over there. After a few more meters of walking, he finally figured out what that mess was all about. Simple. It was primarily because over there was a food hall and the reason why he could hear metals banging against each other was because they were spoons and forks, and noisy people who were trying to satisfy themselves with the food that they eat. Apparently, it triggered the growling of Well’s stomach. All of a sudden, he wanted to dive into the line too to get himself something to feed for his angry tummy. Convinced that there was no time for his social anxieties anymore, he absentmindedly fell in line. He tucked his wallet out of his pants’ left pocket and draw out his credit card. Finally, he could eat now. It took him roughly ten to fifteen minutes to finally make it to the counter. There, he ord
- The Good Upclass
Chapter 155: Well's Convincing Lines
With both of his hands clasping against each other, Well shot a gaze through the busy hallway. He saw nurses in the rush, assistants going back and forth and to and from different rooms, doctors running with their shoelaces untangled, and other more disturbing and unusual things for Well but were considered normal and part of the routine in any hospitals. Well decided to go for a stroll outside the hospital and find something to eat. He had not eaten anything since lunch time, and he barely even finished his food back in the tavern because of Allen Mar’s intuitive conversation with the bloke man about the three suspicious men in suit initiating a negotiation talk with the secret society’s leader. Time check, it was already ten minutes past seven in the evening. Around this time, Well should have had in his bed already– ready to sleep because tomorrow was going to be another day full of unwanted surprises– but here he was now, in the hospital, with someone he only knew less than ten hou
- The Good Upclass
Chapter 154: Discombobulated
His nerves had never been feeling this tight. The flowing of blood all over his body had been insufficient, but the only thing he ever had in his mind was Allen Mar. He kept thinking of him. He kept thinking and thinking and thinking of him. Questions spun around his brain; ‘How was the operation?’ ‘Will he be okay?’ ‘Will he survive?’ ‘What are the odds of him dying?’ ‘Was the doctor not joking when he said that Allen Mar’s injury was serious and could even bring up his death if certain actions had not been taken immediately?’ With both of his hands clasping against each other, Well shot a gaze through the busy hallway. He saw nurses in the rush, assistants going back and forth and to and from different rooms, doctors running with their shoelaces untangled, and other more disturbing and unusual things for Well but were considered normal and part of the routine in any hospitals. Fully convinced that the operation will take longer than expected, Well decided to go for a stroll outside
- The Good Upclass
Chapter 153: Media Man
Detective Deib Anchorman was the first to make it close to the manhole. When he got there, he drew his ear closer to the ground floor. “I don’t hear anything,” he said after five seconds of focusing all his hearing senses on the ground. “I am supposed to be hearing footsteps and cranking guns and indistinct chatters coming from the soldiers, but I don’t hear anything right now. “Is that supposed to be a good thing or a bad thing?” Well asked, his heart had been pounding so fast and so strong it was no different compared to a jack hammer used in smacking a hardened soil. Allen Mar chimed into the conversation and then corrected Well, “It is supposed to be a good thing, I believe. The detective not hearing anything from above only means that the soldiers have not returned from the search yet. That means we will have enough time to make it out here and perhaps even out of the vicinity as well. Although the latter would be so dangerous, and I don’t think our chances of success are that
- The Good Upclass
Chapter 152: Too Impossible To Be True
Different scenarios had been playing in his head to the extent that he was lost already and could not distinguish the reality from the hallucinations. Hope had been the only chance he had. And although his abdomen churned in fear, and the back of his neck had been filled with goosebumps, Well only braved the situation and sat on one of the chairs at the waiting area, believing in his friend, Allen Mar that he would survive the operation no matter what. Prayers came out of his lips unconsciously without him knowing it. Fully convinced that the operation will take longer than expected, Well decided to go for a stroll outside the hospital and find something to eat. He had not eaten anything since lunch time, and he barely even finished his food back in the tavern because of Allen Mar’s intuitive conversation with the bloke man about the three suspicious men in suit initiating a negotiation talk with the secret society’s leader. Time check, it was already ten minutes past seven in the ev
