"Hi, miss... are you alone?"
I jumped slightly. A broad hand gently rested on my shoulder. I turned and saw him—the same guy who had saved me at the market earlier.
"Ah... ehh, yeah... I'm alone," I stammered, feeling my cheeks heat up as he sat down beside me.
"What are you doing here? Why are you all by yourself?" His questions came fast, curious and friendly.
"Nothing really... I just wanted some time to myself," I replied softly.
"Hmm... is something wrong? A girl as pretty as you shouldn't spend so much time alone," he teased gently.
I felt my cheeks burn again. He smiled at me—and I swear, it was like one of those K-drama moments. Heart-thumping and impossible to ignore.
"I'm Oliver," he said, extending his hand. I hesitated for a moment, then shook it.
"A-Alice," I answered, still a little shy.
All my life, my only friends were Bryle and Kianna. No one else ever approached me—people thought I was weird, or too quiet. But here was Oliver: tall, handsome, kind... just wanting to talk.
"Nice name, Alice. I live just around the corner. How about you?" he asked casually.
"Ah, over on Devor St.," I said.
"Close, huh? Mind if I walk you home sometime? We're probably at the same university anyway."
Why did I feel so... at ease with him already?
"That would be okay," I said quietly, standing and stretching a little. I grabbed the basketball he was holding—and suddenly, it felt like we had known each other for a long time.
"Game?" he asked, that same infectious smile on his face.
______
Meet Oliver. Half-Mexican, half-Filipino. Tall, lean, with fair skin and a sharp nose. He wears glasses that frame his slightly mysterious eyes, but he has a strong, athletic build. Once a campus heartthrob at his former university, he transferred schools after being dragged into a conflict he didn't cause.
He had liked Alice from the moment he first saw her—her simplicity, her quiet strength. He never understood why people teased her when she had nothing but good intentions. He never had the courage to approach her before—until now.
______
Hours passed as we played basketball, laughing and joking. I forgot all about Camille, the humiliation, and the tension at home. It was just me, him, and the court.
"Nice shot, Alice!" Oliver cheered as I sank a clean basket. "You're outplaying me! Were you a league player before?" he teased.
"Smooth talker! It was just luck!" I laughed. Then he grabbed a towel and some water from his bag, stepping closer to wipe the sweat off my forehead.
"Oh... th-thanks," I stammered, flustered, taking the towel from him to pat myself dry. It felt... different. Comforting. A little electric.
But then, from across the court, I saw Bryle. Watching. Silent. Observing. My stomach tightened. He was walking toward us faster than I expected, and before I knew it, he grabbed my arm.
"Bryle! What are you doing here?" I asked, surprised, staring at his stony face.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that? What are you doing here... with him?" Bryle snapped, his voice sharp.
"Wait! Bryle, you're hurting me!" I protested as he gripped my arm tighter.
Oliver immediately stepped forward. "Bro, chill! You're hurting her—stop it!"
Bryle's glare shifted to Oliver. "It's none of your business. Back off!" he barked.
"Bryle, just go! Please. I don't want any trouble," I said, my voice trembling.
Oliver tried again, gently trying to pull Bryle's hand off my arm. "Please, bro... she's in pain."
But Bryle shoved him back. "Stay out of this!" he yelled. "Alice, let's go home," he added, dragging me along despite my struggles.
"Sorry, Oliver," I whispered, frustrated and hurt, trying to push Bryle's hand away. Once we were a safe distance away, I stopped struggling, panting for breath.
"Bryle... what is your problem? He didn't do anything! Why are you acting like this?"
Bryle's face softened slightly, but the tension in his jaw remained. "I was looking for you... and then I see you with someone else! Who is he... to touch you like that?!"
I froze.
"What do you mean, 'someone else'? We're just friends! Nothing is happening! You... you can't act like this everytime you wanted, Bryle!" I shouted, turning to walk away.
He grabbed my arm again. "Wait, Alice."
I faced him, my heart pounding. Tears were already welling up in my eyes. Bryle didn't know what to say—and neither did I.
"S-sorry," he finally muttered, releasing me.
"Fine... I'm going home," I whispered, brushing away my tears, my chest still aching from the tension.
Why does it feel like I'm not allowed to have any other friends?!