Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Calvin Enzo POV

I opened the car door for her and helped her get out.

"See you at the school, Marinel. I really enjoyed the night with you," I said.

And again, she stammered.

"Huh? Y-yeah! T-thank you..."

She's too pretty and cute.

"See you tomorrow," I said with a smile before getting back in my car.

I really did enjoy being with her, even if she was a little quiet and awkward.

What about Ms. World? My brain interrupted.

I sighed. Andy was right. Maybe Nel could really help me, but I changed my mind. It’s better to win Moana back on my own than ask someone else for help.

When I got home, I grabbed a can of root beer and flopped down on the couch. I scrolled through my phone.

"Babe," I said, calling her.

"I'm busy, and stop calling me that!" Moana ended the call abruptly and left me hanging.

What the hell!? Why is she so mad at me? I don’t even know why she broke up with me in the first place. My only guess is that it had something to do with those rumors. But the truth is? I really have no fucking idea!

My phone beeped again, and when I looked, it was a text from Marinel. I got her number earlier, and I gave her mine too.

"Ahm… Thanks again, Enzo. Goodnight." —Nel

I called her instead. It rang a few times before she finally picked up.

"Hey, Nel?" I said.

"You called?" she asked.

I grinned. "I just wanted to say goodnight too."

Then I heard someone shriek in the background, and Nel scolding them.

"Who's that?" I asked, curious.

"My crazy friend. Anyway, Enzo, thanks again. Night!" she said, then hung up.

I couldn’t help but smile as I stared at my phone.

"I guess… I should start moving forward now," I mumbled to myself.

"YAHOO! Bro, wake up!"

I covered my face with a pillow.

"Go away, Andy!" I kicked him off my bed.

"Son of a fish, bro! You think falling on the floor feels nice?" he grumbled and flopped back beside me.

I was still half-asleep.

"I saw Ms. World jogging at the park earlier, bro," Andy said.

I immediately sat up. Andy always called Moana “Ms. World” because, according to him, my world revolved around her.

"Fuck, my head," I groaned, holding my forehead.

"Hangover again?"

I smacked Andy with a pillow, and he sat up.

"I’m changing my passcode next time," I grumbled.

"I’ll still ask the agency anyway," he replied with a smirk. Tsk!

"She’s still jogging?"

"She’s at the gym now. And the flowers? I already sent them," he said, grabbing the pillow from me.

"Bro, how was your date with Miss Universe, huh?" His eyes sparkled as he teased me.

"Miss Universe? Who's that?" I asked with a frown.

"Who else? The one with Miss Universe beauty, bro! That body, that poise—even if she’s super simple, you’d go oh-my-damn just seeing her. Marinel Gomez Magtalas, bro!" he said, grinning like an idiot.

What the— I smacked him.

"You jerk! Try adding Nel to your list and I’ll hang you upside down!" I warned him and stood up.

He raised both hands like he was surrendering to the cops.

"I swear, Master! She’s not my type. Promise!" he laughed. I couldn’t help but laugh too.

"Go order breakfast," I told him.

"Yes! Spicy lobster, baby!" he cheered and ran out of my room.

He’s really hyper, but if Andy wasn’t around, I’d be a loner drowning in my thoughts—especially about my buddy. I shrugged and headed to the shower. After getting dressed, I came out and found Andy sitting cross-legged on the sofa bed, chowing down on his food while watching Cartoon Network.

I sat across from him and grimaced.

"You’re the only playboy I know who’s addicted to Cartoon Network, you big kid," I teased.

He pouted.

"That’s why I love you too, bro!" he said, wiggling his eyebrows. I shook my head.

"You’re not going with the plan I gave you anymore?" he asked.

I nodded. "I want to do it my own way."

He clapped suddenly. "You're the man, bro!"

Tsk.

"Bro! I’m heading out," Andy called as he left.

"Don’t forget the flowers every day," I reminded him.

Andy gave me a salute.

"Of course," he replied with a grin and left the condo.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed. It was Marinel's text message.

"Veronica! For goodness’ sake, come home! You fell in love and now you won’t come back? The rent! Why did you even take the money with you? Damn it! I got kicked out just like that! Come home already!" – Marinel

I frowned, grabbed my car keys, and rushed out of the condo—didn’t even bother changing clothes. I didn’t even know why I was doing this. We don’t really have that kind of connection… But she needs my help.

Marinel’s POV

I looked like a fool, staring at my phone. I wanted the ground to swallow me whole. My things were scattered at my feet from when I dropped them. I think even my soul escaped. I sat down, covering my face, stomping my foot out of sheer stupidity. The message that was supposed to go to Veronica got sent to Enzo instead. That’s because I saved his name as “Villaraza” in my contacts. I’m doomed! I immediately typed another message to apologize, but before I could hit send, a red BMW sports car suddenly pulled up in front of me.

He stepped out wearing brown shades and a red tank top that showed off his ridiculously fit body. He paired it with cargo pants that suited him perfectly. What a panty-lace-tearing hot! He walked closer and closer to where I was sitting, flashing a killer smile. Just for me! I didn’t know whether to pee from nervousness or… you know. Sorry! He stood in front of me, hands on hips.

“Hey?” he greeted me with a big grin.

I dropped my phone. Dang it! I know my phone’s ancient, but it can still call and text, so it's fine. I quickly picked it up and stood straight, bowing my head in embarrassment.

“I’m really sorry! I didn’t mean it. That message was for Veronica!” I explained, on the verge of tears.

Just then, Landlady Mrs. Lukring cut in. Tsk!

“So, you’re Nel’s boyfriend? Are you here to pay their rent? It’s quite a bit—ten thousand and five hundred pesos!” she said, both hands out.

Enzo just smiled—so wide! I smacked my forehead. Unbelievable!

“Ma’am Lukring, he’s not my boyfriend. I promise, when Veronica gets here, we’ll pay,” I pleaded and lowered her hands.

She waved her chicken-feather fan, and one of the feathers flew into my mouth. Ugh! Enzo then handed her some money—looked like a lot. Mrs. Lukring’s eyes nearly popped out at the sight of the crisp bills, probably fresh from the bank or ATM. I tried to snatch the money from Enzo.

“Just give it to her, Nel,” Enzo said.

“No way!” I protested.

He suddenly wrapped his arm around my waist, surprising both of us, and managed to snatch the money back from me, giving it to Mrs. Lukring, who counted it with sparkling eyes.

“Your boyfriend’s so generous, Nel! Hmph! That should cover over five months. I’ll be off then.”

And just like that, the she-demon left. She even handed Enzo the keys herself. Ugh! I plopped down on our apartment stairs, covering my face and stomping my foot. I was so annoyed I could cry! I glanced at Enzo. The jerk was casually opening the apartment door and bringing in Veronica’s and my things one by one.

“Come on, Nel. Stop pissing yourself and move,” he said with a grin.

He’s lucky he’s hot! Hmph! I stood up with a huff and helped him organize our stuff again.