“HER DEEPEST SECRET”

"You're so lucky, do you know that? At least you get to see him every day. You probably don’t know what it’s like to miss him because he lives in the same mansion," April said excitedly the next day during their free time at school.

Her voice was full of admiration, and Isla could hear the longing in her tone as she leaned back in her seat. It was a simple statement, but it carried so much weight. April had always been fascinated by Vincent, and Isla had heard her talk about him countless times since they were both in high school. But today, it felt different. There was a certain intensity in her words, a certain yearning that Isla couldn't ignore.

Isla, on the other hand, had mixed feelings about Vincent. Yes, she got to see him almost every day, but it wasn’t as glamorous as April seemed to think. Vincent was more than just someone she could gaze at from a distance. He was someone she had grown up with. They had shared childhood memories, grown up in the same neighborhood, and spent countless hours together before they even reached the age where feelings became complicated.

But now, she felt like an outsider in her own home whenever he was around. He was changing, growing distant in ways that were hard to understand. Despite the scholarship granted to her by the Del Carmen Foundation, allowing her to study at the prestigious school in their town, Isla felt the void between them getting wider. All she had to do was maintain high grades to graduate with a degree in AB-English, and she was now in her second year, but all her achievements seemed small compared to the distance that now existed between her and Vincent.

"Vincent’s not often at home because he's usually with his friends," Isla replied, trying to steer the conversation away from the subject that made her uncomfortable.

She absentmindedly turned the pages of the book she had pulled from the shelf, her fingers grazing the paper as she tried to focus on something else. She wasn’t ready to admit to April just how complicated things were between her and Vincent, and she certainly wasn’t about to share her own deep-seated feelings. Vincent was her childhood companion, but now he was the subject of everyone’s attention, and Isla wasn’t sure how to reconcile the two.

April let out a dramatic sigh. "Isn't his girlfriend the reigning Miss University? Tanya, right? She's so lucky because Vincent noticed her. As for us, when will we ever get noticed by him?" she continued, her voice tinged with jealousy.

Isla could tell that April didn’t really understand the depth of her relationship with Vincent. To her, Vincent was a prize to be won, something unattainable yet desirable. But Isla knew better than to wish for something that could break the delicate balance of their long-standing friendship. Tanya, the perfect Miss University, was everything Isla wasn’t—outgoing, confident, beautiful. And what did Isla have? A scholarship, high grades, and a heart full of love for someone who would never see her as anything other than the girl next door.

Isla’s fingers stopped moving on the page as she bit her lower lip, her mind racing. She had seen Tanya many times, and April’s words were painfully true. Tanya was beautiful, wealthy, and confident—everything Isla thought Vincent deserved. She wasn’t sure if she could compete with someone like Tanya. It wasn’t just the surface-level beauty that bothered Isla—it was the fact that Vincent had always been the one who could easily attract people like Tanya, people who seemed to have it all. Isla, on the other hand, was just the quiet, studious girl in the background. She had always been content to remain unnoticed, but now, as the distance between her and Vincent grew, she found herself wondering if she would ever have a chance with him. Would she ever be more than just a friend to him? Or was she destined to live in the shadows of his other relationships forever?

"You know, if I were in your position, and Vincent cooked dinner for me the way he did for you, I think I'd fall in love with him. Don't you? Aren't you in love with him?"

April asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she leaned closer. Isla wasn’t prepared for the question, and she froze, staring at her best friend for a long moment. The casual tone April used only made the question feel sharper, as though it had been waiting to break free for a long time. Isla felt a cold shiver run down her spine as her mind raced to process what she had just heard. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words didn’t come out.

"W-What did you say?" was all she could manage to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

April didn't seem to notice the discomfort that had crept over Isla. Instead, she laughed softly, shaking her head with a playful smirk. "I’m asking you, what’s your secret? Why are you so immune to Vincent's charm? Haven't you ever fallen in love or developed a crush on him?"

The question felt like an arrow to the heart, and Isla felt as though the weight of her unspoken feelings was too heavy to bear. How could she admit the truth? How could she tell April that she had been in love with Vincent for years, that the very thought of him stirred feelings she wasn’t sure how to handle? It wasn’t as simple as a crush. It was deeper, more complicated. But Isla couldn't bring herself to say it aloud. Instead, she nervously shifted in her seat, trying to hide the emotions that were threatening to spill over.

April’s question lingered in the air, and Isla struggled to find a response that would keep her feelings a secret. She couldn’t let April see the truth, not yet. She didn’t want anyone to know that she had silently harbored feelings for Vincent for so long. The more she thought about it, the more ridiculous it seemed. Here she was, sitting next to her best friend, pretending as if she wasn’t in love with someone who had been part of her life for as long as she could remember. She knew Vincent was out of her league, that he would never look at her the way he looked at others, especially someone like Tanya. But the heart doesn’t listen to reason, and her feelings for Vincent had only grown over the years.

With a sigh, Isla shrugged, as if the question didn’t really matter. "Maybe it’s because we’ve been together since we were kids. We grew up together, and that’s why I see him as a brother," she said, trying to sound indifferent.

Her words felt like a betrayal, even as they left her lips. It wasn’t the truth, not even close, but it was the story she had always told herself. She had convinced herself that her feelings didn’t matter, that she could keep them buried deep down inside, away from anyone who might judge her or make things awkward. But the reality was, every time she saw Vincent, it felt like a part of her was dying inside. She wanted to be close to him, but at the same time, she was terrified of what would happen if he ever found out how she truly felt.

Isla couldn’t meet April’s eyes as she said the words. The lie hung in the air between them, and for a brief moment, Isla felt the weight of her own guilt. She had tried so hard to keep her emotions hidden, but there was no escaping the truth. She had been in love with Vincent for a long time, but admitting it would change everything.

She wasn’t ready for that. It would destroy the friendship they had, and Isla wasn’t sure if she could survive that. So she kept it to herself, locked away behind a smile and a shrug. She wasn’t sure how long she could keep up the facade, but for now, it was the only defense she had against the overwhelming feelings that threatened to swallow her whole.

Just then, April opened her mouth to say something, her lips parting slightly as if ready to voice a thought, but she abruptly closed them when she noticed someone approaching. It was Renz, their classmate since their first year in college. His familiar presence and easygoing demeanor had always made him a favorite among their group, often lightening the mood with his jokes and effortless charm. As he drew closer, the playful grin on his face was already evident, signaling he was ready to strike up another conversation.

“Hi, girls! Have you eaten yet?” Renz asked, his voice warm and friendly as his gaze alternated between Isla and April.

His casual approach felt like a natural extension of their camaraderie, and his question, though simple, carried a sense of familiarity that made Isla feel at ease.

Both girls shook their heads simultaneously, a small smile tugging at the corners of their lips at his timing. “Not yet,” Isla admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of bashfulness. She wasn’t particularly shy around Renz, but there was something about discussing mundane topics like food with him that always felt lighthearted yet oddly intimate, as if he had a way of making even the most trivial exchanges feel meaningful.

“Honestly, I’m starving,” she added, placing a hand on her stomach for emphasis.

Her tone was playful, but the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her embarrassment at admitting such a thing. Renz chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he looked between the two of them. It was moments like these that made her grateful for his presence—a friend who could turn the mundane into something worth smiling about.

Renz smiled warmly, his easygoing charm evident in the way he carried himself. “Let’s go to the canteen. It’s on me,” he offered, his tone casual but undeniably sincere.

The gesture was typical of him—always thoughtful, always willing to go out of his way to make his friends feel cared for. His words, simple as they were, instantly brightened the atmosphere, and the girls couldn’t help but exchange a glance of shared appreciation.

“Wow, you’re so nice, Renz! Really, you’re the best!” April exclaimed, her smile so wide it looked almost too big for her face.

She playfully nudged his arm, her tone brimming with enthusiasm. It wasn’t unusual for April to heap such exaggerated praise on him—she always had a way of expressing her gratitude so openly.

“Yeah, we’re so lucky to have you as a friend,” Isla chimed in, her voice softer but no less genuine.

She gave him a small smile, her gratitude evident in the way her eyes met his for a fleeting moment before she looked away shyly. She often admired how effortlessly generous Renz was, as though it was second nature for him to put others before himself.

Renz, despite his unassuming demeanor, came from a well-off family. He lived with his grandparents, who doted on him endlessly, while his parents managed a successful rental apartment business. Their steady income afforded him a comfortable life, one where money was never a source of worry. But what made him stand out wasn’t his affluence—it was his humility. Renz never flaunted his privilege; instead, he used it to help those around him, like offering to treat his friends to a meal without hesitation. For Isla and April, his kindness and thoughtfulness were what truly made him someone special in their lives.

Renz had been raised by his grandparents, who instilled in him a strong sense of kindness and responsibility. Despite his privileged background, he remained humble and grounded, traits that endeared him to his classmates. Among his friends, Isla shared a special bond with him. Their friendship was built on countless hours spent as seatmates, sharing stories, exchanging jokes, and helping each other with schoolwork. It was a connection that felt effortless, as though they’d been friends far longer than their years in college.

When they arrived at the canteen, the usual lunchtime buzz was surprisingly absent. The tables weren’t packed, and the atmosphere was quieter than expected, with only the hum of casual conversations filling the space. Isla scanned the room, her eyes instinctively searching for a familiar spot to sit. It wasn’t long before something—or rather, someone—caught her attention.

At a nearby table, a group of male students sat together, their laughter punctuating the subdued ambiance. Among them was Vincent. The sight of him made Isla’s heart skip a beat, a reaction she couldn’t quite suppress no matter how hard she tried. Vincent looked up, his sharp eyes meeting hers, and offered her a smile so warm it made the room feel a little brighter. He followed it with a casual wave, as if acknowledging her was the most natural thing in the world. Isla hesitated for a split second before nodding and giving him a polite, restrained smile in return.

I could probably recognize him even with just the corner of my eye, Isla thought to herself as she averted her gaze. I wish I could live only in my dreams because in my dreams, you can be mine. At least there, you see me and notice me. The longing in her heart felt bittersweet, a quiet ache she carried with her. She knew she had no claim to Vincent in reality, but in her dreams, she allowed herself the freedom to imagine what it would be like to have his attention, his affection, even if only for a fleeting moment.

Isla’s heart skipped a beat as she caught the fleeting glimpse of Vincent still watching her, his gaze not entirely leaving her even after she had turned away. The fact that he seemed to linger in her peripheral vision, silently observing her, filled Isla with an unexpected rush of warmth. It was a small, quiet victory, something that gave her a sense of secret joy, even though she knew it was likely just her imagination playing tricks on her. She quickly shifted her focus, trying to brush off the lingering feeling, but her heart betrayed her, pulsing with a mix of hope and confusion.

Meanwhile, April, ever the open book when it came to her admiration for the male species, couldn’t contain her excitement.

"Wow, he’s so handsome!" she blurted out, her eyes wide with genuine admiration.

April’s words were loud enough to draw the attention of a few nearby students, but she was oblivious, too caught up in her own infatuation. Isla, though, snapped back to reality, realizing how out of place she was in that moment. Her thoughts were still on Vincent, but she tried to regain her composure, forcing a smile as she glanced at April’s excited expression.

After the brief moment of distraction, Isla and April made their way to the far end of the canteen, choosing a quiet corner to sit. The space felt distant from the rest of the crowd, providing a little solace from the overwhelming noise and activity. They set down their bags, and Isla pulled out her phone, scrolling absentmindedly as she tried to focus on something, anything, other than the swirl of emotions that Vincent had stirred up in her. It didn’t take long for Renz to return with his food, a tray full of his usual favorites. His easy smile and casual demeanor made Isla feel a little more at ease, even if her mind still wandered back to Vincent every so often.

Just as Isla was about to take a bite of her sandwich, her attention was drawn to the door. A familiar face had just entered the canteen. It wasn’t long before she recognized the person standing with someone Isla didn’t immediately recognize. Her curiosity piqued, Isla leaned in slightly toward April, who was engrossed in her phone.

“April, look, who’s that guy with Tanya?” Isla asked, her voice filled with a quiet sense of intrigue.

Tanya, a fellow student, was known to hang around with various groups, but the guy beside her was unfamiliar. Something about the interaction between the two seemed different, drawing Isla’s attention even more.

April's words caught Isla off guard. "So the rumors about cheating are true?" she whispered with a knowing tone.

Isla blinked, trying to process what April had just said. She hadn’t heard any rumors about Tanya or her relationships. Her mind raced to piece together the conversation as she looked back at April, clearly puzzled.

"Cheating?" Isla asked, her voice laced with confusion. "Who’s cheating?"

Her gaze shifted to the pair standing by the door, trying to make sense of the situation. She hadn’t seen anything that might indicate any sort of drama between Tanya and the guy she was with, but April’s tone was serious, almost sympathetic.

"Yeah, that’s Anthony, Tanya’s classmate," April said, motioning to the guy standing beside Tanya. "He’s apparently the one who’s been spreading rumors about them, and well, some people think Tanya's been hiding something."

Isla could feel the weight of April's words sinking in. The idea of cheating was never something she thought about when it came to Tanya, but seeing them together like that suddenly made her wonder if there was more to the situation. The air felt heavy, and Isla couldn't help but feel a tinge of discomfort at the thought.

Her attention, however, was quickly pulled away from the conversation when she noticed a change in Vincent. He had been sitting at his table, his usual calm demeanor present as he chatted with his friends. But suddenly, he stood up with an abruptness that startled Isla. His posture was tense, his face flushed with visible anger. The way his hands clenched at his sides and his eyes were locked on something—or someone—made Isla’s heart skip a beat. She couldn’t quite tell what had triggered his reaction, but she felt an unsettling sense of concern spread through her chest. Her occasional glances at Vincent turned into full-on concern as she observed his every movement, wondering what had happened to set him off.

Isla’s heart raced as she watched Vincent’s swift movements, her eyes wide with shock. In a blur, he walked over to Tanya and Anthony. Before anyone could react, Vincent’s fist connected with Anthony’s face, sending the guy stumbling backward and crashing to the ground. The canteen fell silent for a moment, the tension in the air thick and palpable. Isla’s breath caught in her throat, and she felt her knees go weak as she saw Vincent’s fury unfold before her eyes.

Tanya’s voice pierced the silence, full of disbelief and anger. “What’s your problem, Vincent?” she yelled, stepping between him and Anthony, trying to protect him.

But Vincent wasn’t backing down. His gaze was fixed on Anthony, who was now on the floor, nursing his face with one hand while the other tried to push himself up. Vincent’s body language was rigid, his fists clenched at his sides, ready to strike again. Isla could see that the situation was escalating, and her worry for Vincent grew with every passing second.

In a moment of instinct, Isla found herself moving without thinking. Before she could even process what she was doing, she was standing next to Vincent, her hand reaching out to grab his arm. The touch was meant to stop him, to ground him, but she couldn’t help the tremor in her hand as she felt the raw tension radiating off him.

“Vincent, stop!” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, but it seemed to cut through the chaos surrounding them.

She didn’t know why she was standing there beside him, but something deep inside told her that she needed to be close, to keep him from going further.

Vincent’s response was almost immediate, his body was still tense, but his words were loud and clear. “We’re done, Tanya! We’re breaking up!”

His voice was filled with rage, every syllable dripping with the weight of finality. Isla felt her stomach twist as she realized the enormity of what had just happened. It was clear that Vincent had reached his breaking point, and Tanya—who had always been at the center of his affections—was now on the receiving end of his anger. The emotional storm that was brewing in the canteen seemed to mirror the turmoil inside Vincent, and Isla could feel the intensity of the moment wrap around them, pulling them all into a space where nothing would ever be the same again.

“Fine!” Tanya’s voice rang out sharply, filled with indignation, as she stormed out of the canteen with Anthony trailing behind her.

The tension in the air seemed to linger long after the confrontation, leaving an uneasy silence in its wake. Isla stood there, frozen, her heart pounding in her chest, trying to process everything that had just happened. Her thoughts were scattered, and she couldn’t help but feel the weight of the situation pressing down on her. The intensity of Vincent’s outburst had left her shaken, and she could hardly believe the scene that had unfolded so quickly.

She turned her gaze to Vincent, whose face was still flushed with anger, his jaw clenched tight. His eyes flickered briefly to hers, but there was no softness, no sign of the Vincent she had known before. Instead, his gaze was cold, sharp, and filled with frustration.

“V-Vince?” Isla managed to say, her voice trembling slightly as she hesitated to speak.

The uncertainty in her voice mirrored the storm of emotions churning inside her. She had never seen Vincent so furious before, and she wasn’t sure how to approach him in this moment. Her instinct was to reach out, to help him calm down, but the intense anger radiating off him made her pause. Her mind raced with a thousand thoughts, but the right words eluded her. She stood there, feeling utterly helpless, her heart aching at the distance between them that had suddenly grown wider.

She wanted to comfort him, to offer some kind of reassurance, but the words stuck in her throat, unable to escape. The helplessness she felt in that moment was suffocating, as if the very air around her had thickened with tension. She saw the hurt in his eyes, but there was no way for her to bridge the gap between them. Isla felt torn—she couldn’t stand seeing him like this, but she didn’t know how to get through to him. Every time she tried to speak, the words felt inadequate, as if they would only make things worse. All she could do was stand there, watching him, wishing there was something she could do.

Vincent’s reaction was swift and harsh. “What?!” he snapped, his voice cold and sharp, cutting through the air like a blade.

The aggression in his tone made Isla flinch, her body instinctively recoiling. It was as if every ounce of patience and understanding had evaporated from him, replaced by raw, unfiltered anger. His words stung, and Isla felt a pang in her chest as though his anger was directed at her, even though she hadn’t done anything wrong. The intensity of his outburst made it clear that he was unraveling, and Isla couldn’t help but feel that she was powerless to stop it.His words stung, and the sharpness of his response made Isla flinch. Before she could even respond, Vincent yanked his arm away from her grip, his movements filled with anger and frustration. Isla stood motionless, her hand still outstretched in the air, feeling a mix of embarrassment and helplessness wash over her. She hadn’t expected him to react this way, and it hurt more than she had anticipated.

Isla’s gaze followed Vincent as he stormed out of the canteen, his figure disappearing from her view as he disappeared into the hallway. She remained standing there, rooted to the spot, her mind swirling with a whirlwind of emotions. It wasn’t until Renz’s hand gently touched her shoulder that she snapped out of her daze. He gave her a sympathetic look and guided her back to their table. As she walked with him, her thoughts were still with Vincent, the way he had snapped at her, and the unspoken tension between them. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed, and she wasn’t sure what to do next.