– Prologue –
Steinz University—one of the most prestigious schools in Cagayan de Oro City. Only around two thousand students get accepted each year, and I'm one of them.
I got in with a scholarship, determined to become a future architect and maybe an influential student along the way. With "scholarship" and "school popularity" already checked off my list, I assumed everything would be smooth sailing from here.
"Will you go out with me, Abigail?"
Or so I thought.
On the first day of school, before I even found my classroom, someone was already confessing to me.
I mean, I get it. Dark blonde hair, decent face, 5'2 ft tall which is acceptable—I can't blame people for looking. But after a week turned into two, then into a month of daily confessions, whispered love letters, and random boys blocking my way to class... it got exhausting.
And so, after the hundredth confession, I decided to end it.
"Please go out with me!" a first-year begged.
"I'll buy whatever you want!" another added, kneeling with a bouquet that didn't even match my outfit.
I stopped, took a deep breath, turned to them with a gentle smile, and said two words only.
"I'm lesbian."
Silence. Then a collective, dramatic gasp.
"What—what?!"
Within hours, everyone knew. My department, the other departments, the cafeteria lady. It spread faster than exam rumors. But honestly, I wasn't embarrassed. Being gay isn't a scandal—it's 2025. The confessions from boys dropped after that, except for a few persistent ones from other departments who clearly hadn't heard the news. Meanwhile, a few girls started confessing too—not as dramatically, thankfully—but none of them caught my interest.
Five months passed. And then, on October 21, I met someone who changed everything.
-Chapter 1: The Wide Smooth Road-
Ring, ring!
I answered my phone while stepping out of my apartment. "Hello?"
[Girl! Where are you?!]
Just from Juliana's tone, I already knew she was mad.
"I had to organize my plates! But don't worry, I already bought the barbecue sticks we need, and I'm on my way now. Classes start at 8 a.m.," I said, jogging toward campus.
[Yeah, which starts in like an hour?]
I laughed softly. "You're only panicking because you got an 80 on the last group project. Relax, you've got me this time."
[Yes, yes, I know. But better early and safe than sorry! We're already doing a practice run here with our other two teammates—and it's not going well. Hey! You two, do it properly! F*ck!]
I couldn't help laughing more. As the school gates came into view, I noticed a newly opened café nearby and an idea popped in my head.
"Hey, before I get there, I'll buy you coffee. You clearly need it."
There was a pause.
[Umm... it'll be quick, right?]
"I'll be fast. I'm going now, okay?" I hung up and pushed open the café door.
The place was small but cozy—warm lighting, wooden tables, European-style décor.
"They could've added more plants though..." I mumbled.
"Then I'll take note of that," a voice said beside me.
I turned. A tall guy stood there—wearing a mask, sunglasses, cap, and an apron.
Is he going incognito or what?
Even with most of his face covered, I could tell he was tall—around six feet—and definitely worked out. His arms said enough.
"Ah—sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. Are you the owner?" I asked.
"Yes."
His voice sounded young, early twenties maybe.
"Well, whoever designed this place did an amazing job. The 'Stille Brew' sign outside gave European café vibes, and this interior fits perfectly."
"I'm glad you think so. But from how you said it... architecture student?"
I scratched my cheek. "Yeah. Well—almost. I'm still studying, so my opinions don't really count as professional."
He looked at the spot I mentioned earlier. "Still, you're right. Plants would go well there."
Wait, is he actually considering it?
"I'll ask my architect about what plants to place. But thank you—you noticed something I didn't."
He said it so genuinely that it made me smile.
"How about I buy you a coffee? For the suggestion."
My eyes widened when I glanced at my watch.
Thirty minutes left.
"I'd love to, but I'll be late. I'll bring my friends next time—promise!" Before he could reply, I hurried out of the cafe.
As I stepped off the curb—
BAM.
A bicycle clipped my arm, knocking my bag to the ground. My materials spilled across the street, and the barbecue sticks rolled onto the road—crushed by passing cars in seconds.
"No, no, no! Sh*t! Juliana is going to kill me!"
I looked around desperately. No stores. Twenty minutes left.
What do I do?! D*mn it!
"Need a hand?"
I turned around.
A girl stood there—slightly taller than me, smooth light brown skin, soft brown hair glowing under the sun, and striking yellow contact lenses.
She glanced at the broken sticks. "You're in trouble. You need those right now?"
I nodded quickly. "Yes. No stores around sell these and I only have twenty minutes left."
"Okay! Stay here. Don't move."
"W-wait—!"
But she was already running.
I gathered the few sticks that weren't broken. In less than five minutes, she came back—panting, sweating, holding a whole new bundle of barbecue sticks.
"Here. Hope this is enough."
I stared at her. When I first saw her, she looked calm and elegant. But now—sweaty, breathless, cheeks flushed—
Still so incredibly pretty.
Badump.
I snapped out of it. "T-thank you so much! How much are these—"
She waved her hand dismissively. "No need. Just go or you'll really be late."
I bowed slightly, then checked the time—ten minutes left.
As I ran toward campus, I turned back and shouted, "What's your name?!"
She smiled. "Cassy! From College of Medicine!"
I couldn't help grinning as I ran. I made it to class with four minutes to spare—and a racing heart.
Before entering the classroom, I wiped the sweat off my forehead and fixed my makeup. No way was I walking in looking like I wrestled a storm.
The moment I opened the door—
"Abigail!" Juliana screeched and sprinted toward me. "What took you so long?!"
"U-Umm... I ran into some trouble," I said, avoiding her gaze.
Juliana eyed me suspiciously, then glanced at my hands. "And the coffee?"
"The... coffee?" I tilted my head.
Wait.
The coffee.
...
Later that day, after class
Juliana stretched and grinned. "We got a 97! That's Abigail for you."
I smiled, but guilt still lingered. I didn't buy the coffee.
Juliana noticed. "It's fine. You gave us a 97. That makes up for it."
"I'm still sorry..." I pouted.
We walked out of the classroom together. My mind drifted—back to a girl in a white top and jeans, smiling even while out of breath. Her golden eyes like sunlight...
Cassy.
A grin crept onto my face.
"D*mn, wait—why are you smiling like that?" Juliana squinted at me.
"Huh?" I snapped out of it, trying to act normal.
"Hey guys!" our classmate ran up to us.
"Hey, Chibi! Still short as ever!" Juliana teased.
"What did you say?! I'm only 4'9!"
"Still short."
Chibi smacked her repeatedly. Juliana just laughed at how weak the hits were.
Her real name is Alizha, but because she's small, we call her Chibi. She has silver hair and fair skin—like an anime character brought to life. Juliana, on the other hand, is my height, 5'2, with tan skin and dark brown hair. She's rough but popular with boys.
We're known as the three most popular first-year girls in the College of Architecture. And another funny thing—we all like girls. Except I'm the only one who's fully into girls.
"Abigail! This f*cker being evil to me again!" Chibi whined.
Juliana laughed. "Sorry, sorry. But hey, Chibi—" she pointed at me with a sly grin. "I saw Abigail smiling like a lovesick cat earlier."
"HUH?!"
This girl!
"Oho~ mind explaining why?" Chibi smirked.
"Come on, spill!"
They cornered me. My cheeks burned.
"O-Okay! I'll tell you!"
We moved to an outdoor table and sat.
Here goes nothing...
"I... think I have a crush on a girl."
Silence.
"REALLY?!" both of them shouted.
I nodded shyly.
"WHO?!" Juliana leaned in, her eyes sparkling.
"She said her name is Cassy. She's from the College of Medicine."
"She's pretty?" Chibi asked.
"She's... beautiful."
Juliana tapped her chin. "I think I've heard of her. Maybe first-year too?"
"You've heard of her?!" I asked eagerly.
They exchanged looks and giggled.
"Someone's in love," Chibi teased.
"Y-You guys..." I hid my face.
Juliana grinned. "So, do you have her Mingle?"
"No... I was in a hurry."
"She didn't recognize you?" Juliana asked.
"What do you mean?"
"You're kind of famous, you know? It'd be weird if she didn't know your name..."
My name...
Wait.
"My name! I never told her my name!"
Both of them stared. "You what?!"
Chibi facepalmed. "F*ck... How can someone so smart be so dumb at love?"
I sighed internally.
Juliana flicked Chibi's forehead. "Hey, cut her some slack. It's her first crush since... that."
My eyebrow twitched. "You wanna die? You piece of sh–"
"Sorry, sorry!" Juliana laughed. "Anyway—what do you like about her?"
I fell quiet. I remembered her standing in the sun... eyes bright, her smile soft.
"She looked... radiant. Like the sun."
A soft silence settled. Then the girls smiled gently.
"Then you better go see her," Juliana said.
"Huh?"
Chibi grinned. "We'll help you get her contact. Operation 'Get Cassy's Mingle' starts now!"
I couldn't help laughing. "You guys..."
Classes finally ended at 4 PM. As I stepped out of the classroom, I took a deep breath.
Juli patted my back with a smile. "You can do it. Update us, okay?"
Chibi gave me a thumbs-up. "It'll be fine, Abigail. You're just asking for her contact info, not proposing."
"Yeah, you're right."
Yeah, Abigail, it's just her Mingle account. Calm down.
"Wish me luck, guys!"
After waving goodbye, I headed toward the College of Medicine. The moment I entered, I felt eyes on me—boys and girls.
I guess I'm kind of known here too.
It's normal for students from other departments to be here—some classes are held in this building, plus there are clubs like the science club. But right now, the way they're looking at me—yeah, it's definitely me they're staring at. The pressure is real. Not that I hate attention—as long as no guys confess. So far, none have. Good. News must've spread that I like girls.
I looked around for her. No luck. So I stopped a student walking by. "Hi, excuse me... do you know a first-year named Cassy?"
"Oh, Cassy? Yeah, I'm a first-year too. I've had some classes with her." He turned to his friend. "It's Tuesday, right? She has practice today?"
"Yeah, she should be at the club room now," his friend said.
The first student turned back to me. "She's probably in the music club room practicing. She always goes after class."
The music club...
A strange wave of nostalgia hit me. A memory tried to surface.
Stop. That's the past, Abigail.
"Thank you," I said.
"She looks so f*ching hot," the guy muttered as I walked away.
I heard that!
I started checking every building nearby. No music club room.
Where the f*ck is it?!
Time was ticking and so was my patience.
"I should've listened during the club orientation..."
"Hey," a voice called out. A tall guy, maybe a third-year, walked toward me with way too much confidence. "You're that d*mn famous girl from the sketching building, right?"
Sketching?
"Wanna go out for a drink? I'll pay," he smirked.
I forced a polite smile. "I'm sorry, I'm busy right now."
His tone turned irritated. "Busy, huh?" He scratched his head. "Oh yeah, I heard rumors—you're into girls now. What funny crap that is."
My eye twitched.
"Guys aren't good enough anymore? Trust me, I can make you—"
Disgusting.
He stepped closer. I froze.
Should I run? But if I do, I might miss Cassy...
"What's wrong, little missy?"
Oh no. He's getting closer—
"Oh, there you are!"
Huh?
A tall guy walked up beside me. Black hair, sharp jawline, calm dark brown eyes.
NATHAN FILL?! Sh*t! Sh*t! Sh*t!
What the f*ck is happening?! Nathan Fill—2nd most popular guy in the business department, second-year scholar, top student, known for being disciplined and kind—and he's standing beside me?!
He glanced at me as if making sure I was okay, then turned to the other guy.
Feeling pressured, the guy blurted, "W-What? I didn't do anything wrong!"
Nathan tilted his head. "Are you upset, senior?"
"So what if I am?" the guy muttered.
Nathan stepped closer calmly.
Is he... going to fight him?
"W-Wait—"
Nathan pulled something from his bag. "Here, have some chocolate bars." He smiled.
"Huh?" the guy blinked and took them anyway.
"Sometimes people get upset because they're hungry," Nathan said gently. "Eat those and think about how you talk to girls next time. You're good-looking, but bad behavior ruins it."
The guy actually blushed. "T-Thanks..."
Handsome? Where? How is that f*cker handsome?!
Nathan patted his shoulder. "Take care, senior. We'll be going now."
The guy left.
Nathan turned to me. "Are you okay?"
I was surprised. "Yeah... thank you."
"No problem. You seem like you're looking for something. Need help?"
He really had this calm, easy-to-approach atmosphere around him.
"Actually, I'm looking for the music club," I said.
"Oh. That explains why you're here in the Fine Arts building. They moved the music club near the business department because it has a bigger room."
I should've paid attention during orientation...
"You want me to show you?" he offered.
Huh?! If someone sees us together, rumors will explode—but... Cassy.
"Thank you... I'd appreciate it," I said with a small bow. "And... thanks for earlier too."
"Anytime."
We walked side by side.
"By the way, I'm Nathan Fill from the College of Business—but I think you already knew that," he said teasingly.
Of course I did. Who wouldn't?
"How about you?" he asked. "What's your name?"
What?
It was 2025. If you're popular, you know other popular students. That's just how it works. But this guy—
HE. DOESN'T. KNOW. ME.
I stared at him, shocked.
Is my popularity fading already?!
Calm down, Abigail. Maybe this is good—someone who doesn't know everything about you.
"I'm Abigail D. Edgar, College of Architecture," I said.
"Abigail..." he repeated softly. "That's a beautiful name."
What's that supposed to mean?
For a second, his warm smile caught me off guard.
Stop overreacting. It's just a name.
"Are you planning to join the music club, Abigail?" he asked.
"Still thinking about it..."
Nope. Never.
"What about you? What do you play—uh, Senior Fill?"
He laughed. "Just call me Nathan."
"Y-You sure?"
"Yeah."
"So... what instrument do you play, Nathan?"
His smile softened even more.
"I play almost everything, but the piano and guitar are my favorites. You?"
"Oh, me? I... don't really play anything."
"I see."
I was lying, since I knew how to sing and play a guitar.
After a while, we reached the club rooms. As we got closer, I heard a violin. Soft... emotional... beautiful.
Nathan opened the door.
And there she was.
Brown hair flowing gently, golden eyes focused, her body swaying with the music.
Badump. Badump.
Beautiful.
"Beautiful, isn't she?" Nathan said beside me, his voice low and earnest. "Cassy T. Lee—one of the best musicians of our generation. She placed second in the national competition last summer."
His eyes were shining with pride as he watched her.
"I... didn't know she was that incredible," I whispered, completely in awe.
Nathan smiled softly. "She may act goofy sometimes, but when it comes to music, she gives it everything."
Do they... know each other?
"She's amazing," I found myself saying. "I mean—still practicing this hard while studying medicine? How does she even do both?"
One of the reasons I never joined the music club was because of... my past. But also of the fear that music would take over my life and affect my grades. So I stayed in the literary club instead.
While I was lost staring at Cassy play, Nathan stepped slightly into my view. "Thank you for saying that, Abigail."
I blinked back to reality. "W-Well, it's not really a big deal. I just... get how hard it is to juggle two things at once, that's all."
He gave a soft chuckle. He's weird—but in a strangely gentle way.
"What are you guys talking about?"
My heart dropped.
Cassy was suddenly right in front of me.
"W-W-W– C-Cassy!" I stuttered, face heating up like a toaster.
"Hahaha! Didn't mean to scare you," she laughed, hand over her mouth.
Kill me now.
She turned to Nathan with a smile. "Hi, Nathan!"
"Hello, Cassy." He reached out and patted her head. "Practicing alone today? Where's your partner?"
Partner? ...Boyfriend?!
"Oh, him?" Cassy giggled. "He hurt his wrist playing basketball, so he couldn't come for our duet practice."
Oh. Duet partner. Not romantic partner. Thank God.
Nathan walked to the organ and sat down. "Then how about I play with you today?"
Cassy's eyes lit up. "Seriously?!"
He nodded. "Let's do our best—we even have an audience today." He glanced at me.
"M-Me?" I choked. "I... uh..."
Cassy turned to me, grinning. "So your name is Abigail, huh? What college?"
She doesn't... know me?
A little sting hit my chest. I forced a smile. "Architecture."
"Nice! I hope you'll enjoy the performance," she said, stepping beside Nathan.
And then they played.
The music started heavy—tense—but not in a bad way. It filled the room, rising like a storm, but landing softly on my skin. Cassy's violin danced, her fingers flying across the strings, eyes sharp, body moving with rhythm.
It was like the music was talking directly to me.
So this is Cassy's music... the kind that makes you want to hear more.
I smiled without realizing.
Ahh... my heart won't stop. I really am in love with this girl.
But then—
A single shift. A key change.
My eyes moved—not to Cassy—
but to him.
"Nathan is..." I mumbled.
His fingers moved gently across the keys. Each note was clean, precise, and full of emotion. Cassy and Nathan blended perfectly—but the longer I listened, the more I realized—
He was leading.
He wasn't just playing. He was the music.
"Incredible," I whispered. And I wasn't even looking at Cassy anymore.
Where Cassy's music sparks excitement—
His feels like understanding. Like he's inviting you into the song, letting you feel what he feels.
And for a moment—
I remembered.
"I want to sing to a lot of people. I want them to hear my voice."
That old dream.
The piece ended. Silence. They both stared at me, confused.
Cassy scratched her cheek. "W-Was it okay?"
"Huh—? Oh!" I clapped awkwardly. "It was amazing! You were both so in sync!"
Cassy smiled shyly. "Thanks... but honestly, Nathan won this time. He was totally leading."
So she noticed too. Of course she did.
"You were incredible too, Nathan," I said.
He simply replied, "Glory to God."
...
Did he just—?
I blinked. No one ever says that. But his expression... was completely sincere.
"Same here," Cassy smiled, gently placing her violin back into its case. "Hey Nathan, are you free later? Want to grab some kwek-kwek?"
"Oh, sure. I don't mind," Nathan answered casually.
I glanced at Cassy's face—and yes. I was able to notice.
She likes him.
"You two... know each other?" I asked.
"Mm-hmm. My Kuya and Nathan have been close since junior high. So me and Nathan are close now too."
"O-Oh... I see..." My smile faltered a little.
Nathan turned to me. "By the way, Abigail—you said you needed to come to the music club. Since you're not planning to join... are you here looking for someone?"
Ahhh—right. I did say that. If I just leave now, it'll be super suspicious. Should I give up on Cassy?
"Give up, Abigail. Nothing ever goes your—"
No. I am not giving up. I will make Cassy like me, even if she likes someone else.
"Oh, Cassy," Nathan said suddenly. "You finished preparing for Bible study? It's my turn this Friday."
Bible study?
"Yep! You know I read the Bible every day, Nathan," Cassy grinned.
Wait.
F*ck! She's... religious? Is she—straight?!
Should I really just give up?! No. I know religious girls who also like girls. There's still hope!
"Hey Abigail," Nathan called me back to reality. "What club are you in?"
"The literary club..."
"Just that? You know you can join one more. Are you sure you don't want to join the music club?"
I hesitated.
I can sing—but I don't want to. And I only know... guitar.
Then I looked at Cassy's violin. And an idea sparked.
What if I learn piano from Nathan? I can talk to Cassy more. Get close to her. Learn why she likes Nathan... and slowly turn the tides.
I put on my best shy-act voice. "I would join, but... I want to learn piano, and I don't know how..."
Perfect. Now I just need Nathan to—
"Oh, that's easy!" Cassy cut in cheerfully.
...What?
"Why not let Nathan teach you?"
HUH?! She's literally handing me her crush like a gift. Is this a sign from the universe? Thank you, universe!
"You don't mind, right, Nathan?"
"No, it's fine. I could use another reason to actually show up at the club," Nathan chuckled. Then he looked at me. "You free Tuesday to Thursday, Abigail?"
"Yes—my classes end around four on those days."
"Great." He took out his phone. "Can I add your Mingle? Just so I can update you."
"Oh—umm..."
He's not one of those creepy guys, so... fine.
I took out my phone and shared it with him.
"Me too!" Cassy said happily, holding her phone toward me. "I want to keep in touch with you too, Abigail."
...F*ck!!!
I swear my heart almost f*cking exploded.
Stay calm, Abigail. Step one... success.
I glanced at Nathan who was looking at Cassy and mouthed a quiet thank you.
He looked at me and blinked, confused. "We'll start tomorrow then. And don't worry about payment—it's my duty as music club vice president to help members."
"You're sure?" I asked. Wow, top student, vice president, and now he's tutoring me? I'd feel bad.
"It's fine. Gives me an excuse to go to club," he said with a smile.
"Thank you," I said softly.
"No problem." He gave me a thumbs-up.
"I'll help too!" Cassy chirped, wrapping her arms around both of us.
Me and Nathan almost jumped, then just... started laughing.
At night, in my apartment.
I lay on my bed in pajamas, phone propped up, in a group video call with my best friends.
[Wow! Amazing sh*t, Abigail! You got her Mingle so fast!] Juliana cheered through the screen.
"It wasn't really me... it was mostly thanks to Nathan."
[Nope. You still made it happen. If you didn't force yourself to meet her, none of this would've happened.]
"I guess..." I stared at the ceiling, cheeks warm.
But still... he helped. Even if he didn't know he did.
Chibi piped in while wiping makeup off. [I'm still surprised the famous 'Good Student' helped you. But honestly, I heard he really is a good guy.]
"He is... just like the rumors. He's nice. Though—" I hesitated. "He feels kind of... religious?"
Chibi and Juliana stopped and stared at the camera—then burst into laughter.
I frowned. "What? Why are you laughing?"
Juliana tried to breathe. [It's just funny. You didn't know? But it makes sense—he doesn't get into drama.]
Chibi nodded. [Actually, Abigail, he has another nickname.]
"And what is it?"
['Mr. Boring.']
I blinked. ...Huh?
"What do you mean boring?"
Chibi shrugged. [Yeah, he's good-looking, smart, nice—but he doesn't drink, doesn't go out, and I heard some of his so-called friends talk sh*t about how he's no fun.]
Juliana added, [But they can't hate him. They need his help. He's top 1 for a reason.]
I frowned slightly. "Does Nathan know about people calling him that?"
Juliana paused. [I heard he does.]
"So... what did he do?"
[Nothing.] She shrugged. [Apparently he just responded positively. So no one really gives a f*ck about it anymore. But he is boring. If I had a friend like that, I wouldn't hang out with him either. Imagine him preaching about everything you do—ugh. Right, Abigail?]
I stayed quiet for a moment. I mean... I'm an atheist. So I don't really care about religious stuff. But... something felt off.
Would I feel uncomfortable if I accidentally swear in front of him?
Chibi noticed my silence. [If he ever criticizes you for something, don't mind him. You don't need anyone to tell you what's good or bad.]
I smiled a little. Yeah... I'm Abigail. Who cares if he judges—
I paused again. For some reason... a little uncomfortable.
Juliana leaned in. [Oh! By the way, Abigail—what's Cassy's last name?]
"Umm... I think it was 'Lee'?"
[WHAT?!] Juliana almost screamed. [Yeah... this is going to be harder.]
My heart dropped. "What? Why?!"
Chibi sighed. [Okay. Let me explain. You said Cassy got close to Nathan because her brother and Nathan are friends, right? And you said her last name is Lee...]
"Yeah?"
[Then her brother is Juan Julio Lee. He's not as popular as Nathan, but among basketball players—very known.]
Juliana sighed dreamily. [And very handsome. Thank god he's not super popular.]
"You met him?!"
[Yeah. Me and Chibi saw him during a friendly match between our department and Business department. We actually went to see Nathan because we were curious about him... and we ended up seeing a fight between the team captains.]
I sat up. "You saw a fight?! How did I miss this?!"
Chibi groaned. [We live in this country, so of course the school is religious. But what happened next was... wow.]
"What happened?!"
Juliana reenacted it dramatically. [Nathan stepped in and said, "Guys, stop. Do you think God is happy seeing you fight? Let's just accept we're both wrong and pray this won't happen again."]
They both wheezed with laughter.
I covered my face with my hands. "Oh my god..."
Juliana wiped her tears. [Everyone just stood there... quiet. And the fight ended because it was too awkward to continue.]
I sighed. Okay... I get why he's called Mr. Boring.
But...
My mind flashed back to him playing the piano. The way he listened. The way he smiled.
"...He doesn't feel that boring," I mumbled without thinking.
[Huh? What was that, Abigail?] Juliana asked.
"O-Oh! Nothing!" I sat up quickly. "So... about this 'big problem' you guys mentioned?"
[Right!] Juliana fixed her hair dramatically. [Nathan is religious. Cassy is too. And her family is strict, especially her brother.]
It started to click in my head.
"Oh sh*t... this might be hard."