I walked into class this morning and immediately knew something catastrophic was about to happen.
There were signs. Strange ones.
Anto's gang was huddled in the back corner.
Juke was holding a DSLR camera, complete with a flash.
Tian had a tripod.
Kane was holding a checklist.
Tey was holding... plastic flowers.
And Anto? Anto was standing tall, looking like he was trying to memorize the national anthem.
I instantly regretted showing up to school.
"What is this...?" I muttered.
Tey cleared his throat dramatically. "Rina, today... is a BIG DAY!"
"Is someone getting married?" I asked flatly.
"NO!!" they all shouted in unison.
Kane flipped his notebook open.
"Romantic Mission Level 3:
Mandatory Couple Photos!
To prove your fake relationship status on social media!"
I closed my eyes. "Don't tell me you guys want to—"
Tey cut me off. "Exactly! WE WANT A COUPLE PHOTOSHOOT!"
I seriously considered jumping out of a second-story window.
📸 Anto Tries to Stay Cool... But FailsAnto tried to look suave. "Rina... if you're uncomfortable... we can do a formal photo... like a National ID photo..."
I glared at him. "To... what on earth is a 'couple' ID photo?"
He stared at the floor. "...I don't actually know."
Kane patted his back. "To, relax. Lean into your feelings."
Anto immediately clutched his chest. "But my feelings for Rina are so big, I'm afraid I'll explode."
Tian stifled a laugh. Juke prepped the camera.
I just wanted to die.
📷 Scene 1 — The Hand-Holding ShotTey barked out an order. "Okay!! First pose! Hold hands!"
I instinctively stepped back. "No."
Anto panicked. "Why?! My hands are clean! I washed them! Twice!"
"Anto, we aren't—"
"RINAAA~ HOLD MEEEE~~"
I slapped my forehead. "Fine. But make it quick."
Anto reached out and grabbed my hand. And—
HIS HAND WAS VIBRATING LIKE A WASHING MACHINE.
"To... you're shaking."
"I'm... nervous. Because I... I love—I love morning exercise!!"
I snorted. Juke started snapping away.
Click-click-click-click-click— he was like a paparazzi nobody invited.
🌸 Scene 2 — The Close-Sitting ShotNext pose: sitting together on a long bench. Anto sat down first. I sat beside him... with a generous gap between us.
Tey yelled, "CLOSER! CLOSER!"
Anto slid over instantly... until my thigh bumped his knee.
I glared at him. "Anto. Take it easy."
"SORRY—I HAVE TOO MUCH LOV—I MEAN, ENERGY!"
I wanted to throw the camera at someone's head.
Click. Click. Click. Juke caught every awkward second.
🤦♀️ Scene 3 — The Peak of EmbarrassmentTey pulled out the plastic flowers. "To, give these to Rina. With the expression of a romantic lead."
Anto held the flowers like he was holding a live bomb. He stood up. Turned to me. And said:
"Rina... these are flowers. I bought them—wait, no, I didn't—I got them from Tey—but I'm giving them to you because I... I..."
The whole gang held their breath. I waited. Anto turned a deep shade of purple.
"...I like the color."
Tian fell to the floor. Juke's camera went blurry from laughing. Kane noted: "Confession failed."
I just sighed. "Anto... just give me the flowers."
He handed them over immediately, his hands still trembling. And for some reason... my heart felt a little warm.
Why does he look so cute IN HIS STUPIDITY?
💥 Adrian's Impeccable TimingAs the photoshoot ended, I tried to make a break for it. But Adrian appeared in the hallway, carrying books. He spotted the plastic flowers in my hand.
"Rina... who are those from?"
Before I could answer, Anto stepped forward like a human fire alarm. "FROM ME!! SHE'S MY GI—"
I covered his mouth quickly. "He's joking."
Adrian gave a small, knowing smile. "You two are getting closer, aren't you?"
Anto froze. I almost froze, too.
Adrian looked at me softly. "If you need help with your homework, just let me know."
I nodded. Anto held his chest as if he were about to faint.
⚠️ Rina Realizes She's JealousOnce Adrian left, Anto was still fumbling. "Rina... why are you being so quiet?"
I looked at the plastic flowers. Suddenly... I felt annoyed. Not at Adrian. But at Anto.
"To."
"Yes, Rina?"
"You... why did you give me plastic flowers? Why couldn't they be real ones?"
Anto's Gang: GASP
Anto: FREEZE
"...Because... I was afraid you'd find out the real reason..."
"What reason?"
"E... euh... that... that's a state secret."
I glared at him. Why was I jealous? Why did I care that the flowers were plastic? Why was I mad that he wasn't being serious?
What is happening to me?
❤️ Rina Won't Admit It... But We KnowAt home, I thought about everything. I looked at the plastic flowers. They were ugly. Cheap. Worthless.
But... why did I keep them?
Why did I put them on my desk?
Why am I smiling?
I face-planted onto my bed and buried my head in a pillow.
"Why am I like this...?"
Dammit.
I'm starting to like that idiot.