Ah… a new week. Same old high school, same old teachers, same old students.
But today, the atmosphere feels different—everyone's restless. I ignore it and sink into my chair.
Sigh. Another sigh. And another.
I can't stop thinking about Jace's words: "I just wanted to see you."
Ugh. Does this mean… I like Jace Ramos?
I don't know, and it freaks me out. I can't lose the bet. Hihi… what should I do?
So I grab my phone and type: how to know if you're crushing on someone.
And boom... I stumble upon an account called Lili's Love Tutos. Apparently some kind of love expert with endless tutorials, tips, and advice.
I open one of her posts:
*"Hey my babies! Today's topic is:
How do you know if you're crushing on someone?
It's simple. Just bump into the guy or girl again.
If your heart skips a beat and you feel those wild, crazy palpitations… babe, that means you're in a cruuuuush! (●♡∀♡)
For more tips and love hacks, just type 'Lili's Love Tutos'.
Bye my cuties!"*
Seriously? Eww. What is she even saying?
But then… I notice the reactions. Tons of people swear by her advice.
Could it be true? Should I test this with Jace? No way. I don't crush on him. Nope.
While I'm still staring at my phone, bam, Jonas pops up.
— "What are you looking at?"
I panic and shut my phone off immediately.
— "Nothing. Why?"
— "Because I literally just saw you..."
— "Come on, guys, let's eat! I'm starving!" Tamara cuts him off.
Phew. Saved. Thank you, Tami. Jonas is way too nosy.
On the way to the cafeteria, I can't stop thinking about that Lili's Love Tutos post. Ah, Hiyas…
— "Hey, Tami, do you know Lili's Love Tutos?"
— "Oh, yeah! She's a..."
— "Lili's Love Tutos? I love her!" Jonas interrupts. "That girl is a genius."
— "Big gossip, did she ask you the question?" Tami snaps back.
— "Hey, but..."
— "Anyway," Tami continues, "everyone says her tips work. Her advice is always on point."
— "Oh."
— "I even follow her on Instagram," Jonas adds proudly.
— "Oh, so she's the one who taught you to get someone else to flirt with a girl for you?"
— "Hey! I told you not to bring that up!"
And there it goes again... their endless bickering.
Then Jonas suddenly blurts out:
— "Hey, Jace is here."
What?!
My heart leaps.
It's racing like crazy... wild palpitations.
I haven't even looked at him yet, and my chest is already exploding.
— "Perfect timing," Jonas grins. He grabs my hand, and before I know it, I'm standing right in front of Jace and his friends.
And for the first time ever… I can't say a word.
— "Hey everyone! Hiyas wanted to sit with Jace today, so here she is. Bye!" Jonas announces.
— "Huh?! Wait!"
Did he seriously just leave me here? Just to win the bet?
And me… with a heart going wild at the sight of Jace… oh no.
Tami shakes her head like, "that Jonas is impossible", then gives me an encouraging smile: "Go, Hiyas."
— "Hey Hiyas, sit down," Alex says.
I sit timidly next to Jace. And yup. No denying it. Lili was right.
I'm crushing on Jace Ramos.
— "We're ordering. What do you want?" Jace asks, his voice low, almost inaudible.
Hihihi. For once, I can't answer. I just… stare at him.
— "Hiyas? Not ordering anything?" Felix asks.
— "Oh! Uh...fries. I'll take fries."
We place our orders, and within minutes, the food arrives. We eat, we chat. Jace's friends are actually really cool.
— "So, Hiyas, are you coming tomorrow?" Alex asks.
— "Huh? Where?"
— "The match," Charles explains. "We're playing tomorrow at another school across Manila. Jace didn't tell you?"
Ah… so that's why everyone was buzzing today.
— "N-no. He didn't."
— "Why would I? You don't know anything about it anyway," Jace says flatly.
— "Hey, Jace..."
— "Doesn't matter," Alex interrupts. "We're expecting you. You're not just anyone... you're the captain's girlfriend."
The lunch goes by in a surprisingly good vibe. Classes too.
Later, before splitting up, Tami and Jonas promise to come by my place tomorrow before the match. They leave… and I'm stuck waiting for Ezekiel. Thirty minutes. Still no sign of him.
— "Where is Ezekiel? I'm exhausted… I just want to go home."
I check the time: 6:54 PM. I decide to call Mom. If I call Dad, he'll blow up.
Just as I'm about to dial…
A car stops in front of me.
It's Jace.
Woooah. Too handsome. Too cool. I swear he looks like he's moving in slow motion.
— "Get in. I'll drive you home," he says.
Oh no, Hiyas… let's be real.
You're definitely crushing on Jace Bryan Ramos.