I kept staring at Tyler, my face contorted with shock and disbelief.I can't believe what I'm seeing right now. I had to blink a couple of times and covertly pinched my thighs to be sure I wasn't seeing things and that what I was seeing was really Tyler. And when I came to believe it was Tyler, the uneasiness filled me up.Tyler Gonzaga is the boy I dated while trying to get over Caesar.Yes, he was the boy Raine was talking about."Hi, Raine," Tyler said while looking at Raine with his same friendly and warm smile.Raine was so astonished to see Tyler that she couldn't answer immediately and just stared at him.Tyler finally looked at me, his warm smile remaining on his face. "Hello, Brae. It's been a while."I was speechless, just like Raine. But my emotions are more than just being surprised to see Tyler again. I also felt ashamed and awkward. After all, I had wronged him.The relationship I had with Tyler lasted only three months. But even in that short time, I knew he sincerely l
When the principal abruptly called our subject teacher out of the classroom during our second subject, we had nothing to do and were still unable to leave our classroom. Since I had nothing better to do and didn't want to talk to my classmates, I was immersed in reading my favorite manga when Caesar turned around to my seatmate and requested that she switch seats for a moment, to which my seatmate readily consented.Caesar was already sitting alongside me in an instant.I didn't glance at him and pretended to be reading, although my focus had shifted away from the manga I was reading when he asked my seatmate to move seats.Caesar tapped me on the shoulder. "Hm?" That's all I said, still not looking at him."What are you up to these days?" He probed.I can feel him staring at me, but I try not to notice, even though my heart is racing."Not much at all. The same as before. Just going to school and coming home." I responded.Caesar hummed in response before rising slightly from his sea
"So, this is your school." Tyler made a remark as we walked down our school's hallway.We just returned from the library, and I just completed showing him around campus. Because I am the class representative, I was asked to show him around our school to familiarize him with it.And, while I was still embarrassed, I tried not to let it impair my duties as his tour guide. While guiding him and discussing facts about our school, I acted casually. I've also formally responded to all of his questions. And I was relieved that Tyler didn't bring up anything about us or our history because if he had, I would have lost my cool."Definitely an elite school," Tyler said as he fixed his focus on me."Hmm..." was my only response.Following that, silence engulfed us. I didn't dare to speak since I didn't know what to say. I can't even look at Tyler. Since it was recess, I focused on people entering and exiting the cafeteria.But Tyler broke the hush that had engulfed both of us. "I'm sorry."His a
Rhea’s POVMy brow furrowed, and I couldn't take my gaze away from Caesar, who appeared to be in another dimension.He was with me, but his mind seemed elsewhere, and he wasn't even paying attention to what I was saying.He's been acting strangely since he saw Braelyn and that unfamiliar guy at the cafeteria.His keen stare never left Braelyn and the person she was with for the rest of our time at the cafeteria. I tried to refocus his attention on me, even asking him if he knew who the guy Braelyn was with, but I failed. Not only did he not respond, he also did not look at me, not even a glance, and instead continued to stare at the two, particularly at Braelyn. It was as if he was ensuring he didn't miss a single look on Braelyn's face, which irritated me.How can he focus on someone else when I'm beside him?Even though we were already on our way to our classrooms because recess was ending, Caesar still appeared to be in a fog and wasn't paying attention to me."Braelyn and that guy
"What did you and Tyler talk about?" I inquired as I stormed into Caesar's room, needing to remember to knock.Thankfully, he wasn't naked and once again lying comfortably on his bed, reading a book."You've completely forgotten how to knock after not coming here for a few days," he commented, which I ignored.I stepped closer to his bed and stood alongside it, closing the door behind me. "Tell me now what you guys talked about. You two did not fight, right? No one has been punched or kicked, right? You did not do anything to harm Tyler, didn't you?" I blurted out.I've felt restless ever since Caesar asked Tyler to come with him.I wanted to join them earlier, but Caesar wouldn't let me, pushing me away and urging me to go home, claiming that he needed to talk to Tyler alone. Despite my stubborn resistance and brave attempts to join them, I still did not win against Caesar. Ultimately, I just made him promise they would not cause any trouble. I don't want them to be sent to the POD (P
As I stated, Caesar will undoubtedly be my demise, and what he is doing now is proof.He's been clinging to me since this morning and hasn't let me go. It started this morning when he came to my house unexpectedly and told me that we were going to school together, which has become an uncommon occurrence since he began seeing Rhea. Even when we arrived at school, he never left my side. During the morning assembly, he ensured that we stood side by side even if we were on different lines because males and girls had other lines. And every time a subject ended, he would always look at me and have a chat with me, not allowing anyone else to speak to me. It's as if he was my personal bodyguard. And the way he appears to be watching and guarding me grows more intense with each attempt by Tyler to get close to me. He'd do things just to make sure Tyler wasn't near me.It's already recessed, and he's still clinging to me.Now, I'm not going to be a hypocrite and claim that I don't like the atte
Rhea’s POV"And here we thought you'd finally started missing us, which is why you want to be with us today. It turns out that you and your Caesar simply had a love feud." What my friend Lara said drew my attention away from Caesar and Braelyn.I smiled at Lara as I stared at her. "Well, we really did quarrel, but I also missed you guys, which is why I am here."It was Justine's chance to talk. "Oh, please, Rhea. You don't have to lie to us. We already know. We know you've come to see us today because you and your beloved Caesar aren't doing well. Didn't we ask and invite you to be with us countless times in the last few days, but you always declined since you preferred to be with Caesar? And now you're going to tell us you miss us? Who are you trying to fool?"I can hear Justine's anger and resentment in her voice when she utters those remarks.I can't blame her for being upset with me because what she said is true. I didn't respond because there was nothing wrong with what she said.
Caesar's POV When I heard Rhea's voice, I spun around in surprise. And I'm not the only one who gets taken aback. Even Brae and Tyler were surprised by Rhea's abrupt entrance. "Can we talk?" Rhea asked again a few minutes later, when I didn't say anything and just stared at her in surprise. I had a peek at Brae and Tyler. I was hesitant to leave Brae with Tyler because I knew he'd do anything to be near Brae again or, worse, make a move on her, which is the last thing I'd want to happen right now. "Go, Caesar." Brae suddenly said, which drew my attention to her. I arched an eyebrow, silently asking her what and why. Brae kept speaking as if she were answering my mute queries. "Rhea seemed to want to tell you something important, so go. Tyler and I will be okay on our own." She and Tyler will be fine on their own. That doesn't seem reasonable to me. Tyler then stepped in. "Just go, man. Don't keep your lady waiting. Be a gentleman." I looked at him and was once again irritated whe
After reaching the park, I immediately went to the gazebo, not minding the curious stares that the people in the park were giving me because of how I was walking so fast and was frantically looking around, looking for Caesar just in case he hadn't reached the gazebo yet. Adding to that was how I looked. From my hair and make-up, down to the dress I was wearing—it all screams I just came from a wedding.It did not take me long to reach the gazebo, and just as I thought and hoped, Caesar was there, sitting on the stairs with his head down and staring at his shoes.I stopped my tracks when I was already in front of him, and with an intense gaze, I asked him in a shaky voice, "Is it true?"Caesar flinched a little before he slowly lifted his head and looked at me. "You're here," he murmured while staring at me, looking so surprised to see me in front of him.I did not pay attention to what he said and instead asked him again. "Is it true that you're leaving?"The surprise on his face was
"Are you alright?" Raine suddenly asked me, which made me flinch a little out of surprise.Looking at my own fingers, I raised my head to meet my cousin's questioning gaze. I smiled at her. "I should be the one asking you that. Are you alright? Do you not feel nervous?"Raine smiled back as she sat beside me. She was already wearing her fabulous and extravagant wedding gown, and she was done with her hair and makeup as well. She was all ready for her wedding, which was about to start in just twenty minutes."I would be lying if I'd say I am not nervous because I am. But the nervousness I am feeling cannot be compared to my excitement." Her eyes started twinkling. "I can't believe I am really getting married today! And it'll be with Tyler, which is something I have never even dreamed of before. I have always thought that the two of us would just remain as best friends. I never knew that we would end together like this."I smiled at what she said. Even I was shocked when I learned that
Shocked, surprised, bewildered, dumbfounded, flabbergasted—I could list all the adjectives I know, but they wouldn't be enough to describe how I felt.Caesar's lips are soft, and I could feel it very well. I could also feel how starving his mouth is for me to respond—from brushing my lips with his to gradually biting them, wanting me to open them and accept his tongue's fiery attacks.I don't remember anymore how long I just stayed still and let Caesar taste my lips as much as he wanted. But what I do remember is how my body reacted, gradually heating up as his hands that were on my cheeks moved to my neck, shoulders, and back before he slowly pulled me close to him to the point where I was already almost sitting on his lap.My heart, which was already beating fast, went even faster, but it wasn't because of nervousness anymore. It was because my body was slowly turning on.I clenched my hand tightly. My mind was telling me to push Caesar away, but my body did otherwise. Because inste
In front of us is the magical sight of bioluminescence plankton, which I have only seen in pictures.My eyes and mouth widened in amazement as I looked at the beautiful sight right in front of us."Oh my God! It is so beautiful!" I exclaimed in pure wonderment as I couldn't take my eyes off it."Do you want to come closer?" Caesar asked, to which I quickly answered with a repeated nod while smiling from ear to ear, causing Caesar to chuckle."Give me the bags then. I'll hold them for you," he said. And due to my excitement, I did not hesitate anymore to give him the bags I was holding. He then added, "You could also walk and swim on them if you want.""Nah. I'm not comfortable walking on them, and I think they wouldn't be comfortable with it either," I replied to him before I started walking closer to the plankton and stared at it in amazement once more.I can feel my eyes twinkling as I keep muttering the same word, 'wow'.I have never seen something as magical and enchanting as this
“Would you like to go somewhere with me tonight?” Caesar asked me, which took me aback for a little.After everything that had happened between us, that was the last question I expected him to ask. I assumed that despite our reconciliation, he would still distance himself a little from me, at least for a little while. But I guess I was wrong.Well, if he was able to be romantically involved with another woman just a few days after I rejected him, then I guess asking me to hang out is not that much of a big deal for him. And since it seems that he's okay with everything now, I don't see any reason why I should decline his invitation. This could also be a way for us to clear up even the tiniest awkwardness that will suddenly surround us from time to time, just like now. Also, it would be a good opportunity for me to ask what the real score is between him and Mara, and why did he deny that they were on a date when that was clearly what he was implying when I asked him yesterday?"Tell me
Caesar’s POV After the work-related call ended, I quickly went back to our table. My feet have been itching to get back to the three girls I was with. I was worried that the moment I left, they'd start fighting violently. I definitely doubt Brae would stoop that low, but I'm not sure about Raine, especially Mara, whom I've only recently met and am unfamiliar with her attitude. But one thing is certain about Mara: she is not the sweet and kind girl she tried to portray. The way she stared and the words she told Brae from the very first time they were introduced, I could already tell that she's trying to be someone she is not. So I can't really blame Brae for showing the same behavior to Mara. She was just letting her have a dose of her own medicine. As to why I was putting up with her, letting her get close to me as much as she could, and even accompanying her, it’s simply because I don’t want to be rude to her and also because I have a hidden agenda. This might sound cliche and som
I couldn't help but throw a couple of glances at Caesar and Mara's sides.They were sitting side by side, while I and Raine were sitting together. Mara, as usual, was being extra attentive towards Caesar again. I bet if Caesar allowed her, she would spoon-feed him.Thankfully, they haven’t gone there yet, or I might really end up throwing up all the food I ate due to disgust.“Is there a problem, Brae?” Mara asked when she suddenly looked at me and caught me stealing a glance at them. Caesar and Raine stopped eating to look at me in curiosity. “Or are you finding something funny about me to laugh at again?” Mara then added, her voice still filled with hostility directed not only towards me but only towards my Raine, who immediately turned her attention back to her food and ate again, acting as if she didn’t feel the animosity Mara has been giving the both of us.I sat straight and finally looked at her properly. I smile at her insincerely. “Look, Mara, I am sorry for offending you. I
"What are you doing here? I thought you planned to stay at home all day?" Caesar asked me, surprised but smiling. I gave Caesar a forced smile. I was suddenly confused and nervous, and my brain also seemed to go blank, which is why I couldn’t immediately come up with something to answer him. I remember telling him yesterday, after he dropped me off, that I had no intentions to leave and would simply stay at home. I also told him that Raine and I had no plans to go out, but now he saw me in the same mall as he and Mara, who were out on a date. I was still trying to construct a lie when Raine came to my rescue. "Ahm, hi, Caesar? I'm here if you haven't noticed." Caesar was surprised again, and it wasn't until then that he looked at Raine. He appeared to have just noticed Raine was with me. "Oh, Raine!" He exclaimed, startled. "I didn't recognize you." Raine lifted an eyebrow. "You noticed Brae even though we were both wrapped up, but you failed to recognize me? It's not very obvio
"Ahm, can you remind me again why we are doing this?" Raine asked me as we were secretly looking at Mara and Caesar, who were inside a boutique, looking at clothes while having a conversation with smiles on their faces.We are currently in a mall, sitting near the escalator and only a few steps away from the boutique where Caesar and Mara are."We are just purely doing this out of curiosity." I answered her in a weak voice without even looking at her because I didn't really separate my gaze from the two.Raine lifted one of her eyebrows as she stared at me. "We? You mean to say: out of your own curiosity?" She snarled before adding, "And we're not really sure if we're really just doing this because you're curious."I was still staring at Caesar and Mara when I answered Raine. "Be quiet, Mara. I didn't force you to come with me. You're the one who insists on coming because you just want to catch gossip.""Hey, that's such a mean thing to say. What are you saying that I just want to cat