"Alright, class dismissed. Proceed to the orientation hall after lunch," said Ma'am Gutierrez, our adviser who seemed like she drank three cups of coffee for breakfast. Super hyper.
I left the room, carrying a tray of emotions—nervousness, embarrassment, and a little longing for my old school's cafeteria. Because here? It's like a buffet, girl. There's sushi. There's salad. There's even an ice cream station.
After lunch, I looked for a spot at the back of the hall so no one would notice I didn't have any friends—loner vibes, you know? But no matter what I did, I could feel the stares. The kind that said, "Is that the rumored genius? Why does she look lost?"
Right on cue, I overheard:
"They said she didn't take the exam."
"Yeah, it was some kind of super special admission."
"Maybe she's the president's daughter?"
What?! Who's spreading those rumors? President's daughter? Maybe of a sari-sari store!
I tried to act cool. Pretended to be busy on my phone even though I didn't have any load. Just offline games.
"You look like you've got a whole group chat in your head," said a voice from my right.
I turned. River. Yep. Hoodie boy from earlier. Same chill-slash-arrogant stance, leaning on the wall like he wasn't required to listen to orientation.
"Excuse me?" I replied, a little defensive.
"You're quiet but your face... it's like there's a group chat going on inside your head."
Oof. He's right. I was getting exposed.
"Aren't you supposed to be listening to the orientation?" I deflected.
"Already heard it last year."
"Huh? But today's the first day."
"Exactly," he smirked. "I already memorized the syllabus. Twice."
I blinked. I had nothing to say. So he really is a genius, huh?
But deep inside: Why do I already want to unfriend him even though we're not even friends?
Before I could respond, Kairo passed by. Carrying his laptop and books. Quiet. Focused.
But before he walked past, he looked in my direction again. Straight, no emotion, like he was reading my soul using the scientific method.
Then he walked away. Deadpan.
River chuckled beside me. "Hey, Genius Prince noticed you."
I raised an eyebrow. "So? He just looked."
"In this school, if Kairo looks at you, it means he found something interesting."
I bit my lip.
Crap. I don't want attention. I'm sure Kairo has tons of fangirls, so if what this bad boy says is true... I'm screwed.
Because I was getting too anxious from what hoodie boy River said, I left him. Better to avoid than be in trouble.
-
The hall was packed now. Everyone was focused on the stage where the headmaster was talking like a narrator in a documentary.
Me? I was focused on not dropping the tray of drinks that a student council member suddenly handed me. Why me? Because I'm the "special student."
Special, huh? Then why am I already the server?
While holding the tray of orange juice for the guest speakers, I could feel my hands trembling. Girl, you're already mentally exhausted. Don't pressure yourself to become a caterer too.
"Once again, let's welcome the top students of the Star Section!" said the host.
And there they were—four student representatives walking to the stage. And of course, one of them was—tada!—Kairo.
The whole hall went quiet as he started speaking. Confident. Calm.
"My name is Kairo Drevan Salcedo, and I believe intelligence isn't about memorizing facts. It's about understanding life."
Boom. Handsome and brainy. I can't help but wish for that kind of combo.
Then he turned to the side, like he was looking for someone. And guess what? Our eyes met again.
Hey, don't. Don't look at me like that, Kairo. I'm holding a tray. This isn't a K-drama and I might—
SPLASH!
"AHH!"
I dropped it, girl. Right in front of the stage. Orange juice splashed on the floor, some on a guest's clothes, and yes—some hit Kairo's shoes.
Dead silence.
Oh my god, what do I do?
Okay, Yeli. Just run. How many years in prison for this, huhu!?
~•~•~