This is a prequel(?) to “Reunion.” The two stories are connected but each one may be read on its own without reading the other. You may or may not read both. But if you plan to read both, read Reunion first. Or whatever. Anyway, enjoy reading “Introduction.“

Related Link: Read REUNION

Note: This flash fiction may or may not be based on real-life events. Please do not copy or reproduce without the explicit permission of the author.

First Day of Classes
June 2, 2008, Monday
Classroom

Caloy: “Good morning! I am Haechan Carlos Jose. You may call me Carlos or Caloy. My favorite subjects are Math and English. I do not really have a hobby but I love singing and playing the piano.”

Migz: “OY! Perfect. Jose Mari Haechan pala yan. Kanta ka sa Christmas Party ha.”

Caloy darts Migz with an annoyed look. He picks up his pen and almost throws it. But he is interrupted…

Ms Kim: “Dahil maingay ka, transer here in front. Introduce yourself next.”

Migz excitedly gathers his things and takes his spot next to Carlos.

Migz: “Hi, seatmate! Hi, classmates! I am Mark Miguel Lee. Migz na lang. Wala akong favorite subject kasi magaling ako sa lahat. My hobbies are chess and playing video games.”

Caloy rolls his eyes. “YABANG!”

Freshman Year
September 1, 2008, Monday
Classroom

Migz enters the classroom. It’s 7:15 am. He is early. He is always early. He goes directly to his spot and sits down. He waits for his seatmate.

When Caloy arrives, Migz greets him, “Happy September 1. Merry Christmas, Jose Mari Haechan! Favorite season mo na! Isang Christmas in our Hearts naman dyan.”

“HMPH!” Caloy does not even spare him a glance. Instead, he absentmindedly slaps Migzs’ arm. “SHUT UP!”

“Awww…” If Migz was being honest, it was quite painful. But he smiles anyway.

Sophomore Year
September 1, 2009, Tuesday
Classroom

Migz is extra early today. It’s only 7:00 am. Their first class starts at 7:30 am. He enters their classroom and puts his things at the back where his designated seat is located. He waits. When James arrives and takes his seat in the front row, Migz stands up to sit beside James. They are talking about their group project when Caloy enters. Caloy frowns when he sees who is in his seat.

Migz smirks when he sees Caloy and starts to sing “Whenever I see girls and boys…”

“SHUT UP! It’s too early to piss me off.” Caloy pushes him to force Migz out of the chair. Migz stands up smiling brightly.

“Merry Christmas, Jose Mari Haechan! Maaga pa nga pero nakasimangot ka na. Ayaw mo bang binabati kita?”

Caloy does not even answer. Instead, he stares intensely at Migz with his brows furrowed, frowning.

Migz goes back to his seat while laughing softly.

Junior Year
September 1, 2010, Wednesday
Classroom

It’s Casual Wednesday. The weather is hot and humid but Migz is wearing a red sweater with a Christmas Tree design on it. His friends — Jacob, James, Karl, Harold, Jake, Charles, and Antonio — are all wearing holiday sweaters, as well. Most of their classmates are wearing sweaters or something red and green.

As soon as Caloy enters the classroom, Jake starts playing his guitar and they start singing “Whenever I see girls and boys…”

“ARGH!” Caloy groans. He leaves his things in his seat and approaches Migz. He punches him in the shoulder. “I bet you planned all this.”

Migz only grins and continues singing. After the song is done he yells “Merry Christmas, Jose Mari Haechan!”

Senior Year
September 1, 2011, Thursday
Classroom

Caloy already knows it. He anticipates it. But there is only the usual busy chatter of his classmates when he enters their classroom. He feels relieved. It is only when he reaches his seat that he notices there is a small package on top of his armchair.

“Galing kay Mommy yan,” Migz yells from the back. Caloy turns to Migz with a puzzled face.

“Walang lason yan. Wag mo itapon ha. Isusumbong kita kay Mommy pag di mo kinain yan.”

“K.” Caloy replies curtly and rolls his eyes. He takes a peek at what is inside the package and smiles when he sees Bibingka. He smiles a little.

A few weekends ago, they spent the entire Saturday at Migz’s house for a class project. Migz’s Mommy prepared afternoon snacks for them. Caloy asked Migzs’ Mommy where she bought the kakanin. She told Migz the name of the store where she bought the kakanin. Except for the Bibingka which she made herself.

Caloy approaches Migz during break time. “Tell Tita I said ‘Thanks!’ Give her this note I wrote.”

“Favorite mo talaga Bibingka noh? Siyempre… pang Christmas. Baka Jose Mari Haechan yan. Merry Christmas!”

Caloy grits his teeth and clenches his jaw. “ARGH! I KNEW IT!”

Migz looks at Caloy fondly as the latter turns his back and returns to his seat.

College Freshman Year
September 1, 2012, Thursday
Unit 916

It is midnight. Caloy is almost done reviewing for his Calculus exam the next day. He is tired. He checks his phone calendar app. It is September 1. He lets out a quiet “ARGH!” And thinks to himself “Glad we did not go to the same college. Won’t see his annoying face today.”

He receives a notification on his Facebook Messenger.

Migz: Hellooooo!

Haechan Carlos Jose has blocked you on Facebook Messenger.

—END.—

Want to find out what happens next? Read REUNION at this link.

Playlist: LINK

Acknowledgent: “Mark Miguel” aka “Migz,” “Haechan Carlos Jose” aka “Caloy,” and the “Jose Mari Haechan” joke are from #neochismisan Spaces on Twitter.