CHAPTER 2

“Here we are!” Sean declared proudly as they came to a stop in front of a tall, modern building with wide glass doors and bold signage that read Performing Arts Building. The afternoon sun cast a soft glow on the structure, making it appear even grander.

“This is the Performing Arts Building,” Sean explained, gesturing toward it. “Each floor is assigned to a specific year level. Since you’re both freshmen, your classes will be on the first floor. Convenient, huh?”

Lareina’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she took in the sight of the building. Before she could ask more, Sean extended a hand toward her expectantly. “Let me see your schedule.”

Without question, Lareina dug into her bag, pulled out her neatly folded schedule, and handed it to him. Sean glanced over it quickly, nodding with familiarity at some of the course codes and rooms.

“Let me take a photo of this so I’ll know your schedule. That way, I’ll know when to pick you up,” he said, already raising his phone and snapping a picture before she could respond.

Lareina chuckled. “You didn’t have to, but thank you.”

Turning to Yvo, she asked eagerly, “What about you? What’s your class? Maybe we’re classmates.”

Yvo glanced at his schedule tucked in his pocket and replied coolly, “I’m in the first class of the day.”

The moment she heard this, Lareina clapped her hands together, bouncing slightly on her feet. “We’re classmates! Finally, I know someone!” she squealed with excitement.

Sean crossed his arms and watched her antics with a mixture of amusement and irritation. To him, she was utterly hopeless when it came to making a fuss over small things, especially when it involved Yvo.

“That’s good,” Sean muttered, his gaze flicking sharply to Yvo. “Do me a favor and accompany her today, will you? If anyone tries to bully her or if she’s the one causing trouble, let me know. She can be a bit bratty sometimes.”

Sean’s teasing earned him a playful glare from Lareina, who crossed her arms in mock offense.

Yvo, however, raised an eyebrow at Sean’s words.

“Girl of mine?” he thought, replaying the subtle possessiveness in Sean’s tone.

“I thought they weren’t a couple.”

“By the way,” Sean added, pointing to a classroom nearby, “that’s your room.”

“Thank you,” Yvo responded, still wearing his unreadable expression.

“No problem,” Sean replied. Then, catching sight of the time on his wristwatch, he gasped. “Oh no, crap! I’m late! I have class now. Lareina, call me later, alright? Bye!”

Without waiting for a reply, Sean dashed off, disappearing around the corner and leaving Lareina and Yvo standing together.

“Well then, I guess we should head in, too. Come on!” Lareina said cheerfully, motioning for Yvo to follow as she skipped ahead.

Yvo followed quietly, his footsteps light and measured.

By lunchtime, the agreement was for Lareina and Sean to meet at the cafeteria, just like old times. But on a whim, Lareina decided to bring Yvo along with her. She hated seeing people eating alone, and besides, she thought it would be fun for Yvo to meet Sean properly.

When they found a vacant table, they settled down to wait.

It wasn’t long before Sean arrived, spotting them instantly. His pace slowed as he approached, eyes narrowing slightly at the sight of Lareina and Yvo sitting together.

“Oh? Best friends already?” Sean remarked dryly, sliding into the seat across from them. His tone was light, but there was no mistaking the undercurrent of jealousy lacing his words.

Yvo caught it immediately but remained indifferent. He wasn’t there by choice anyway — a certain persistent girl had dragged him along.

Lareina, blissfully unaware of Sean’s jealousy, flashed him a bright smile. “Yep! He’s going to be our new best friend. Right, Yvo?”

Yvo shrugged, noncommittal. Sean sighed, shaking his head, internally bemoaning how clueless his best friend could be when it came to the feelings she stirred in others.

“Whatever. Let’s just eat,” Sean muttered. He looked around and asked, “Did you two order already?”

Both juniors shook their heads sheepishly. Lareina scratched the side of her nose — a telltale habit Sean recognized instantly.

“Well... I thought you’d arrive first, as always,” she admitted. “But since we got here before you, we decided to wait... and kind of forgot to order. Oops. Sorry!”

She blew him a playful kiss, her lips puckered in an exaggerated gesture, causing Sean’s cheeks to flush. He quickly averted his gaze, trying to suppress the flutter in his chest.

Yvo, meanwhile, watched the interaction with mild irritation. “Dog food,” he thought to himself, using the slang term for public displays of affection that made onlookers feel single and awkward.

Sean cleared his throat and stood up. “Aiya, what would you two do without me? Sit tight, I’ll go order. You coming?” he asked, glancing at Yvo.

“I’ll go too,” Yvo replied, rising to his feet and heading off first.

Sean watched his back for a moment, noticing Yvo’s ever-present stoicism. “Does he ever change his expression?” Sean wondered before following after him.

Eventually, Sean caught up to Yvo in line.

“Do you like her?” Sean asked suddenly, his voice low but direct.

Yvo glanced sideways, his face impassive. “Who?”

“My best friend,” Sean pressed, his eyes sharp. “Why are you always around her? No offense, but... It’s always been just the two of us.”

Yvo turned to face him fully, noticing the tense set of Sean’s jaw and the stormy glare in his eyes. He chuckled under his breath.

“You should ask your friend, not me,” Yvo said plainly. “She’s the one who dragged me here.”

Sean was struck speechless for a moment, caught off-guard by Yvo’s blunt honesty. Yvo studied him briefly before smirking, a mischievous glint flickering in his usually dull eyes.

“Tell you what,” Yvo said, leaning in slightly. “I’m tired of dealing with your obvious jealousy. Why don’t you just confess to her already? If you’re scared, then do it scared. Love doesn’t wait.”

Sean stared at him, wide-eyed. Then, something unexpected happened — Yvo smiled. A genuine, albeit sly, smile. It was fleeting, but real.

Sean blinked, dumbfounded. “Did he just... smile? Holy crap, he’s human.”

Yvo turned back to face the counter, leaving Sean standing there with goosebumps on his arms, unsure if it was from irritation, surprise, or both.

Sean chuckled to himself, shaking his head. “Aiya, and here I thought he was made of stone.”

But deep down, Sean knew that Yvo’s words had struck a nerve. Maybe it was finally time he stopped being afraid because if he did not confess, someone like Yvo might just steal Lareina away for real.