Back then, our friendship started unexpectedly. We were just classmates at first, sitting near each other because there were no other empty seats. I never thought those random seat arrangements would turn into something that would mean so much to me. Soon, we began talking, sharing snacks, and laughing at random things. Before we knew it, we became that group who always stayed together. Our teachers used to call us “the girls at the back” because we would always occupy the last row, quietly chatting or sometimes laughing too loud during discussions. It became part of our identity, and even though we sometimes got scolded for it, we never really cared. That small label, “the girls at the back,” became a special reminder of who we were back then.
Inside the classroom, we had our little world. We shared our baon, borrowed each other's pens, and passed notes whenever we got bored. Every quiz, project, and presentation felt lighter because we did everything as a team. There were times we failed, and there were times we succeeded, but what mattered most was that we faced everything together. During breaks, we would sit in our favorite spot, chatting endlessly about random things like crushes, future plans, and funny classroom moments. Even when we were tired, being together made everything better.
Outside of school, our friendship grew even deeper. We loved having sleepovers where we stayed up all night watching movies, listening to music, or talking about life until we fell asleep. Those nights were filled with laughter, secrets, and a kind of warmth that made me feel like I truly belonged. We also had spontaneous trips where we would suddenly decide to go out, whether it was a beach day, a food trip, or just hanging out somewhere new. We did not need a reason to be together because simply being with each other was enough to make our day complete.
I can still remember the excitement whenever we planned our next hangout. We would spend hours chatting about what to wear, where to go, and what snacks to bring. Even the smallest things became special when we were together. It was like every moment turned into a memory worth keeping. We would laugh until our stomachs hurt, take countless pictures, and talk about everything under the sun. Those were the times I felt the most alive, surrounded by people who understood me without me having to explain anything.
Then, senior high school came to an end, and everything started to change. We were all excited to graduate, but deep down, I was scared of what would come next. We promised to stay in touch, to visit each other, and to never drift apart. For a while, we did keep our promise. We would still meet up during weekends, message each other, and share updates about our college life. But as time went by, life became busier. Some of us moved to different cities, others got busy with work or studies, and slowly our meet-ups became less frequent.
We shared a lot back then. We witnessed each other’s growth and even our heartbreaks. I still remember how one of us would cry because of her boyfriend while the rest of us listened and comforted her. We used to rant to each other about everything, from our school problems to our personal lives. We knew every single detail about one another, even the smallest things. But now, I do not even know who they are dating or what is happening in their lives. It feels strange, like they have become strangers who are somehow too familiar to me.
They were once my constant companions now feel like strangers. Back in high school, they were the ones I went with in every school activity. Whether it was a classroom event or a school dance, we were always together. We cheered for each other, took pictures, and shared memories that I thought would last forever. But now, when I see them on social media or bump into them unexpectedly, there is this quiet distance that I cannot ignore. It feels like time has drawn an invisible line between what we were and what we have become.
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Sometimes I wonder if they feel the same way too. Do they also miss the days when we used to laugh until we cried? Do they think about our late-night talks, our classroom jokes, or our unplanned adventures? Maybe they do, maybe they don’t. But one thing I know for sure is that those memories are still alive in me. They remind me of a time when friendship felt effortless and genuine, when all we needed was each other to be happy.
Even though we have gone separate ways, I will always be thankful for that unexpected friendship we created during senior high school. It taught me the meaning of true connection, of being there for each other without judgment or expectation. It showed me that friendships do not always have to last forever to be meaningful. Sometimes, they come into our lives to teach us how to grow.
Now, whenever I think of them, I smile instead of feeling sad. I smile because I was lucky enough to experience a friendship like that. A friendship full of laughter, support, and countless memories that I will carry with me no matter where life takes me. Even if we rarely talk or see each other, they will always have a special place in my heart. They were, and always will be, my girls at the back.
Those were the best years of my life, and though things have changed, the bond we shared will always remain. I hope someday, when time allows, we will sit together again, share stories like we used to, and laugh until our hearts are full once more.