Yannie Ace RuizSince Veron and Ramil returned from scuba diving, I've noticed that they rarely argue now. Like at this moment, Ramil is helping Veron carry her belongings out of the room. It's already four in the afternoon, and everyone is busy preparing to leave."What happened?" I ask Veron as she distances herself from Ramil to retrieve her own things for the car."Huh?""Why did Ramil help you carry your stuff?""Oh, that? It's nothing. Maybe he just wanted to help," Veron replies. Just as I'm about to continue our conversation, she abruptly changes the topic. "By the way, Yannie, I think we might struggle with commuting home later.""Huh?""It's almost rush hour, and we might encounter heavy traffic.""Yes, I thought about that too. But we don't have a choice but to commute home, right?""Why don't you join us on the way home?" We both quickly turn as someone speaks from behind us. We see Ramil smiling at us."Yes, Yannie. I'll give you a ride and drop you off at Josh's

Yannie Ace RuizI woke up to the sound of my cellphone alarm. I groggily reached for it on the bedside table to turn it off. Once I had my phone in hand and silenced the alarm, I slowly opened my eyes. A sweet smile instantly spread across my lips as I saw the unread chat messages from Josh.Josh Rain: Good morning, Yannie (smiley emoji)Josh Rain: I've had breakfast. Heading to school now. Don't forget to eat. Take care (blushing smiley emoji)Who wouldn't have a good morning waking up to messages like these from someone they like? I bit my lower lip, smiling, as I read his messages. I quickly replied to him.Me: Good morning, Josh! Take care on your way to school (blushing smiley emoji)It's been three days since Josh and I patched things up—three days since he expressed his desire to start over. Of course, I wouldn't let that opportunity slip away, especially when it was something I truly wanted. Since that day, Josh and I have been chatting regularly, just like when we first

Yannie Ace RuizWith a smile, Josh opened the passenger's seat door of his car and looked at me, indicating that I should get in. I hesitated for a moment, glancing back at him. He continued to smile at me, so eventually, I moved and got inside his car.He carefully closed the door on the passenger's side and then walked around to the driver's side, getting in beside me. He started the car's engine and fastened his seatbelt. I followed suit, pulling the seatbelt from my side to secure myself. However, I was surprised when Josh suddenly leaned in to help me fasten my seatbelt."Uhm... I-I can manage," I said, trying to stop him. He paused for a moment, lifting his gaze to mine. My heart pounded loudly when our eyes met. He was so close that I almost held my breath."Even if you can, just let me do it for you," he gently replied, causing a flutter in my chest."H-Huh?" I stammered, feeling almost breathless. He flashed a sweet smile, continuing to fasten my seatbelt.Afterward, he

Yannie Ace RuizHeat surged in the corners of my eyes as I watched Josh slowly distance himself and fade from my sight with Ate Aika. I know I shouldn't feel anything because I was the one who insisted that Josh leave me and just accompany Ate Aika. I forced him to prioritize Ate Aika. But why is it like this? Why can't I help feeling something different because of that?Josh often stirs my heart, and I often feel from him that he likes me. But why is it different now? Why does it seem like he prefers Ate Aika when he looks at her?Before my tears could completely fall because of this, I quickly turned away from them and started walking. As I walked out of the mall, I could feel Jomar following me, so I turned to face him."Why did you do that?" I asked him, referring to what happened earlier."Huh? What are you talking about?" he feigned innocence and eventually gave up, realizing that I was still staring at him. He sighed before speaking, "Why did you even go to a place like tha

Yannie Ace Ruiz"So, do you have a date with Josh today?" Jenny asked me with a wide smile.Her statement slightly took me aback. "Huh? W-What date? He didn't mention anything like that.""You said he will pick you up from school today," Ivory interjected with a sly grin."Y-Yes, he is. He mentioned he just has something to tell me—""Come on, Yannie! That's it!" Veron quickly interrupted me."Huh?""If he just had something to say, he could have just chatted or texted you. Or maybe called, right? Why would he travel here just to pick you up and tell you something?" Veron stated."Veron is right. There's only one meaning to that, Yannie. He's about to confess that he likes you!" Jenny said, seemingly thrilled."Or maybe he's going to ask you if... he can court you!" Ivory added as they all giggled in excitement.We quickly exchanged glances as our classmates stared at us due to their noisy comments. So, I promptly hushed them because I felt embarrassed by their noise."Stop