"And so?" I shot back at him, although I was struggling to hold back my laughter.
"I'm just kidding," he said with a grin. "I want you to cook our dinner. I'm starving and way too tired to whip something up myself. Since you're the girl here, it’s only fair that you cook for me, right? Especially since our housekeeper is away in Batangas with her family." He leaned against the door, arms crossed, a smug expression plastered on his face.
Wow! Isn’t that just amazing? How presumptuous! I thought they were breaking up, and I was secretly planning a party to celebrate—MWHEHEHEH!
"So, am I really supposed to cook?" I raised an eyebrow, still incredulous.
"Are you f*cking stupid or something?" he snapped, irritation coloring his tone.
"Wow! I'm feeling so embarrassed here," I said, rolling my eyes as I brushed past him, finally making my way to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
Hmm? Suddenly, it hit me what I was going to cook—oh, this would be a bittersweet revenge. 
After what felt like an eternity of preparation, punctuated by exaggerated fake sighs and dramatic timelines ("After ten thousand hours and ten thousand more—charot!"), I finally presented him with my masterpiece.
"Is that even food?" he grimaced, taking a step back as if to distance himself from my culinary creation.
"Oh yes, Mr. Valorous, it's Ampalaya with egg! Don’t tell me you’ve never had it throughout your entire existence?" I couldn’t help but chuckle as I devoured my creation, the flavors dancing on my palate.
"It looks disgusting, and I’m not eating that," he replied coldly, turning away.
“HOPIA, MANI, POPCORN! HOP IN! Here, I made you adobo, which is perfect for liars!” I muttered the last part under my breath, not wanting him to hear me call him a liar. I had the feeling that I might regret it later, but that was just the spice I enjoyed adding to our exchanges!
He let out an exasperated sound, but to my surprise, he sat down to eat. So, he would eat after all! What a drama king.
I stood up for a moment to refill my water, only to return to find my plate empty, save for a few remnants of the adobo. Hmph! He pretended to dislike my cooking, yet somehow managed to finish it all. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his antics before washing the dishes and heading upstairs to unwind.
The next day, I woke up early, eager to get to school. I couldn't allow that annoying girl to beat me there; who knew what traps she could set? I had half a mind to drown her face in the mud if I could!
"BESSSYYY!” I turned around to see Joy rushing toward me.
“Ugh!” I huffed, feigning annoyance, as if I were still sulking from yesterday. 
“Why are you acting like that?” she asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
“Ask yourself,” I shot back coldly as I began to walk away.
I wasn’t quite sure whether I should be angry at her for leaving me hanging or just enjoy the moment. It was all part of the playful banter we shared. 
“Bessiiii! Please forgive me; can we just be friends already?" Her tone was suspiciously childlike as she hounded me down the hallway.
“Look who’s here, two giant trash cans!” Cheska quipped sarcastically, blocking the way. 
They were acting like fools! Once again, her antics were getting under my skin. If I lost my cool, she would end up bruised from head to toe!
"I know I’m beautiful from head to toe, so don’t stare," she declared coolly, crossing her arms with a sharp glare that could pierce through steel.
"Oh, I thought you resembled a foot from head to toe," I retorted, smirking at her.
"W-What?!" She couldn’t believe my audacity.
“I won’t repeat what I said; just talk to my hand,” I replied dismissively as I dragged Joy away.
"Whoa! You finally stood up to that mean girl! If I were your husband, she wouldn't be able to talk again because of embarrassment!" Joy exclaimed proudly as we walked toward our classroom.
As we approached, we heard the boys singing in the corridor:
“Others throw away what is my dream  
In the thousands of moments we’ve shared,  
Only a few times have I seen you genuinely happy,  
It frustrates me to think that he treats you that way,  
Doesn't he know your true worth?”
It was sweet but comically exaggerated. They had this beatbox sound made from teachers' desks, using brooms as guitars and makeshift drums—it was all too cute!
“Hey! Chian!” Jeremiah greeted me with a bright smile.
“Morning,” I responded, returning his grin before heading straight for my desk.
Joy, ever the exaggerated comedian, elbowed me and pointed suggestively at Jeremiah as she settled next to me. 
“What’s going on here? YIEEEEE! Team JERA or Team ELLIRHAJ? I’m still with Team Elliraj! WAHAHAHA!" She teased.
“Shut it, Joy, or I’ll use you as my dishcloth, CHAROT! Love you!” I said, chuckling as I playfully poked her side.
“ALRIGHT CLASS!” Our teacher’s shout made everyone jump to attention as the others scrambled back to their seats. “I have an important announcement: your performance task will be moved to the next day."
“WHATTT!” The classroom erupted in gasps and shouts.
“I know! It’s frustrating, but it’s final. So, good luck! You have the last two hours to rehearse your dance. Mr. President, please assist your classmates and don’t leave without permission!” Our teacher explained as we all processed the news, before she stepped out.
Oh my goodness! Why does it have to be tomorrow? Ugh!
“Let’s practice?” Joy suggested eagerly, looking at the group.
We gathered, waiting for Venn, who seemed to be notoriously late today. Why did he always wander off? I chose not to inquire further, focusing instead on Jeremiah, who was taking charge. Why look for someone who wasn’t seeking me? He could remain with his distractions for all I cared.
“Sorry I’m late,” a voice interrupted. 
“Yeah, you should be apologizing for showing up late, Vanicris,” Kythe remarked, shooting a glance at the latecomer.
“And who do you think you are?” Cheska raised an eyebrow crossing her arms at Vanicris. 
 "Ms. Sexytary here, why? Do you have a problem with that?" Vanicris shot back defiantly.
"You’re here!" Our advisor, Ms. Galario, exclaimed, alleviating the tension.
“Sit down, class; I have a few reminders,” she began, and we quickly settled into our seats, paying attention. “This is Kythe Rhea Mea Arcenal, our new vice president in class and in SSG. Vanicris Tan Suave is the new secretary, so please treat them as you would like to be treated.” Ms. Galario smiled before moving on with her agenda.  
“Let’s practice, everyone. We have to finish our performance today, alright?” Venn said, coldly.
He took his place at the front of the room, seated next to me on one side and Jeremiah on the other.
“We probably shouldn’t practice right now, yeah? We haven’t really discussed anything. Why don’t we just go to your place, Rhaj?” He suggested in a hushed voice.
The rest of us shot him puzzled looks, clearly taken aback.
"Sure! Let's just go to my house," Jeremiah chimed, clearly on board with the idea. 
“Uh, um, because... maybe…” I was at a loss for words. What should I say—OH MY GOD!
"Yeah, let’s do it at yours, CHIAN," Venn declared suddenly, rising from his seat.
"Alright, I guess," I replied hesitantly.
*AFTER 2 HOURS*
“Okay, class dismissed,” Venn called out from the front, and we all jumped up to leave.
“Babe, we can’t walk home together today. I have practice!” Cheska said, leaning in to Venn with a smirk on her face as they flirted. 
“Ewww!” Kythe gushed jokingly.
“My goodness, even in school they can’t help but flirt. It would be satisfying to slap them, wouldn’t it?” Vanicris chimed, trying to lighten the mood.
“Shut up, twinnies. Just mind your own business,” Venn snapped back, clearly irritated.
“Yes, girl! I can’t wait to slap that guy down, my goodness,” Kythe echoed, agreeing mischievously.
“NYENYEEE!” both of them chorused at Venn, who had his arms crossed in annoyance while giving Cheska his full attention.
"Hey, Bessy! We have a new teammate!" Joy whispered excitedly.
“Shhhh, let’s go!" I hushed Joy as I grabbed her and Jeremiah and we ventured out.
“Let me help you with your books,” Jeremiah offered cheerfully, reaching for the pile of thick textbooks I was carrying.
“AYIEEEEEEE! Something is brewing there! HAHAHAHA! Growing feelings, CHAROT!” Joy teased at our friendly exchange.
“Hey, b*tches! Don’t even think about flirting with my BOYFRIEND! Back off!” Cheska shouted, irritation etched on her face.
“Let’s go, girls,” she said, rolling her eyes at us.
“Why don’t you just take your boyfriend away, huh? I mean, aren’t you single too, Rhaj?” Jeremiah asked, arching an eyebrow. 
"That girl is just jealous!" Joy whispered to Jeremiah, obviously audible since I was in the middle of the two. 
“Hmm, let her be. Come on, let’s go?” I suggested, eager to leave the scene.
*Brisskk*
My phone vibrated suddenly, making me check who texted me.
FROM DAMUHO:  
"Bawal sa bahay, sa park na lang."
I glanced at Venn, who had just finished typing something.
Yes, I named him “damuho” on my phone for the sake of a playful joke—let’s keep that a secret!
“A-Ah! So they’re doing something at home, shall we go to the park? It’s fresher and spacious there,” I proposed.
They nodded in agreement, and we all walked toward the parking lot together.
“Hop in, girls. Venn can drive since he has a car. Is that alright, Venn?” Jeremiah asked casually.
“Yeah, drive safely,” Venn replied, and he took the lead in escorting us.
“I-I have a bike here, so you and Joy can ride together,” I said nervously, elbowing Joy to give her a heads-up.
"Great! Have fun! Hopefully, we’ll meet you guys there!" Jeremiah laughed as he saw me striding toward my Ducati.
When I reached the park, I noted that Venn's car was parked nearby, but Jeremiah hadn’t arrived yet. Was he on a date with Joy or something? Joking!
"Where are they?" Venn asked me, raising an eyebrow as I approached the bench.
“They’re together—let’s just wait for them.” I shrugged and sat down.
"Hmmm, I’ll just run home to pick up the Bluetooth speaker," he said, standing up with purpose.
"Please grab some snacks on your way!" I yelled after him, and he nodded before leaving.
Not long after, Jeremiah appeared with Joy, who looked upset and returned to my side immediately.
“What happened?” I asked, concerned.
"He's so quiet; it seems like I've been talking to myself for too long!" she mumbled as Jeremiah began to sit beside us.
“Oh, where’s Venn?” Jeremiah inquired casually, leaning against the nearby pole.
"Right over there," Joy pointed out. 
“Snacks and drinks! You’re the best, Venn!” she cheered as he approached, beaming with bags in his arms.
"Your house is close to here?" Jeremiah asked, surprised.
“Uh-huh, it’s a Zen model home,” I replied shyly.
“Alright! Now stop the chatter; let’s get started. So, what dance song are we using?” Joy asked, eager. 
“Wait, how about we do a mash-up of some songs?” I suggested, excitedly.
They nodded, and I couldn't help but beam—I'd been waiting for this moment to introduce a mash-up I'd crafted, blending our favorite tracks.
“CHARAAAAAN!” I exclaimed, quickly connecting my phone to the Bluetooth speaker.
“WHAT? NO?!” Jeremiah and Venn shouted in unison, hearing my song choice. 
Joy and I laughed heartily at their shocked expressions.
After practicing for a couple of hours and perfecting our routine, we decided it was time to head home.
The next day, I descended the stairs feeling optimistic after completing my daily routine, only to find out that my energy was cut short when I saw Venn, who looked far from cheerful, putting on his shoes.
“Ugh!” he grunted as he stepped outside.
I couldn’t resist a small smirk as I locked the door and rode my Ducati to school, arriving just in time.
"So, tomorrow will be your performance! Of course, we’ll have some special guests: Mr. Elijah and Mrs. Valorous. They’re major shareholders of this school, so make sure to prepare yourselves," Professor Vernal announced after everyone settled down.
"Bessy, I’m excited but nervous! I can’t stop laughing just thinking about tomorrow’s performance! HAHAHA! And with the visitors there too! HAHAHAHA LT!" Joy teased on our way down to the cafeteria.
After classes, we headed home to grab our costumes—a plan we had made in advance.
I CAN'T WAIT! HAHAHAHA