Risk It All

Year 2012 "Good morning, gorgeous!" "Good morning, Braelyn!""Hi, Braelyn!" "Hey, Braelyn!""What's up, Braelyn?" Those were the usual greetings I received from my classmates, schoolmates, and even the security guard when I stepped onto the school grounds. And, as usual, I replied, "Good morning," to them with a sweet smile, which has become a daily habit for me.I was already on my way to my classroom, my hands gripping the slings of my bag pack tightly, still smiling, when I noticed my dear and longtime best friend, and also my classmate, Caesar, standing on one of the benches near a particular classroom, staring at something, or more accurately, at someone.I slowly approached Caesar, sneaking from behind his back to surprise him. And when I was finally behind him, I tapped his left shoulder and greeted him very loudly, "Good morning!"Caesar slightly jumped and grunted, then turned to me with wide eyes. "Brae!" he exclaimed.Brae. That is my nickname. Only my parents, older bro

"She said what?" gasped my cousin Raine when I informed her about my conversation with Rhea yesterday. Today is Saturday, and there is no class, so I went to see my closest cousin, Raine, to chat with her and express my honest feelings. Raine was aware of my feelings for Caesar, which allowed me to tell her everything. So here we are, in her room, discussing the surprising events between me, Caesar, and Rhea yesterday. "So you're saying Caesar likes Rhea, and Rhea likes Caesar, and she wanted your help getting close to him?" Raine remarked, echoing what I said to her, to which I merely nodded. "Wow. What a surprising turn of events. Who would have guessed Ms. Perfect has a thing for your stoic best friend? I mean, I get why you fell for Caesar since you and he have been inseparable since you were kids, so you've probably seen something in him that I don't. But what about Rhea? That Rhea, whom you characterized as a saint and adored by many students and teachers at your school, has

"Hi, Brae!" I turned to face the source of the familiar voice that had called my name and saw Rhea approaching. On her lips was a broad, pleasant smile.I wanted to give her the same warm and pleasant smile, but both my thoughts and emotions were failing me. Nonetheless, I managed to maintain a tiny and casual smile on my face as I gazed at Rhea, who never failed to capture people's attention with her beauty.As I glanced at Rhea, time appeared to slow down, causing me to realize a few things.I haven't asked Caesar why he fell in love with Rhea, but one glance at her and I can tell why. Rhea is stunning, but that isn't the only reason people are drawn to her. Aside from her lovely features, she has a kind heart and is a very clever woman. Overall, she is well out of my league. "Hey!" Rhea, who I hadn't realized was already directly in front of me, called out to me again, which was what brought me back from my deep thoughts.Because I was seated on a cement bench with a table encirc

It's been more than two weeks since Caesar told me about the new status of his relationship with Rhea, and being with him has become even more unusual. I see him every day at school, but even in the classroom, he's always on his phone, and when it's break time, he's always with Rhea. Rhea would always accompany him on his walk to and from school. And because I don't want to cause more suffering, I've already decided to distance myself from Caesar even though he always invites me to be with him and Rhea. But separating myself from Caesar hasn't alleviated the sting of my heartbreak. I still find myself pining for him, and I still cry every night when I realize that this time, I really don't stand a chance anymore. I can't stand seeing them together, and I can't face the thought that, aside from his mother, I am no longer the most important girl in his life. Because Rhea has already grabbed that spot. Given how happy he is with Rhea, I'm unsure if he still thinks about me. The pain of

When the principal abruptly called our subject teacher out of the classroom during our second subject, we had nothing to do and were still unable to leave our classroom. Since I had nothing better to do and didn't want to talk to my classmates, I was immersed in reading my favorite manga when Caesar turned around to my seatmate and requested that she switch seats for a moment, to which my seatmate readily consented.Caesar was already sitting alongside me in an instant.I didn't glance at him and pretended to be reading, although my focus had shifted away from the manga I was reading when he asked my seatmate to move seats.Caesar tapped me on the shoulder. "Hm?" That's all I said, still not looking at him."What are you up to these days?" He probed.I can feel him staring at me, but I try not to notice, even though my heart is racing."Not much at all. The same as before. Just going to school and coming home." I responded.Caesar hummed in response before rising slightly from his sea