Alys's point of view
"What? Seriously? Sheen and Kei broke up?"
It was like the whole world brightened up around me. Wait—why did she find out first? I'm Sheen's best friend!
"It's true! I was super shocked too. Can you believe it? Those two actually broke up? They were almost perfect!"
Right. Almost perfect, ideal couple—every name in the book fit them.
Sheen was the captain of the football team, running for class salutatorian, handsome. Kei was a cheerleader and the title holder of Ms. St. Claire's High.
Right? They were super compatible.
"Why do you think they broke up?"
"How would I know? Geez, don't be such a gossip. Just be thankful they broke up instead of asking so many questions."
If this girl wasn't really my friend, I probably would've smacked her already.
"Sorry for asking, okay? I was just curious."
"Oh come on, Besh. Acting all dramatic. I heard they broke up because of that new guy, Drake Palma! Kei's unbelievable, right? She just saw someone hotter and dumped Sheen right away. She's so itchy."
Drake Palma? Psh. Sheen's more handsome than him. That guy doesn't even do anything in class except sleep. Take note, he just transferred and yet he already has the guts to sleep! He's my classmate, by the way.
"Tss. Whatever. She can do what she wants. I'm going to check on Sheen. He's probably being all emotional right now. Hahaha."
"You're so mean. The guy's heartbroken."
"Heartbroken, huh? I'll be the one to heal his wounded heart. Hahaha."
"Stop that. You're so gross."
"You're so annoying. I'm leaving."
Then I left and looked for Sheen. I already knew he'd be at the rooftop. That's the usual hangout spot for sentimental people. Hahaha.
"Sheen…" I said, then sat next to him.
He suddenly leaned on my shoulder.
'Don't do that, you're making me giddy.'
I wanted to say that, but Sheen was having a moment, so I let it go. Haha.
"We broke up…"
"I know."
"How do you know? We just broke up earlier."
"I'm good like that. Hoho."
"You're so corny."
"Stop being emo. It doesn't suit you."
"I want to be emo, okay? So what?"
I pulled out a cutter. I always have one in my bag. Don't even question it. Hahaha.
"What am I supposed to do with that?"
He asked because I handed him the cutter.
"Cut yourself. Aren't you emo?"
"You're so mean."
"No, I'm not. I'm helping you."
"Alys, seriously. I want her back."
Ouch. That really hurt.
"Help me..."
Why is it like this with best friends?
Always the one helping...
Always the one sacrificing...
Always the one secretly in love...
"Make Drake Palma your boyfriend..."
"What did you just say?!"
"Make Drake Palma your boyfriend."
"Am I going deaf or something? Is it the end of the world already?"
Seriously? What's this monkey's problem?
"You're so dramatic. All you have to do is make him your boyfriend. Easy as that."
Wow, huh. Like that's really as simple as one, two, three.
"What do you think you're asking me? Like I'm just buying candy at the store?!"
There. I'm yelling now. Damn it, what does he think he is? A matchmaker?
"You've had three boyfriends already—it should be easy for you. Come on, Alys. Please?"
Lo and behold—was my best friend actually trying to act cute with me?
"Fine… That's how it always is anyway…"
"Okay, okay. You're the best."
Processing…
Processing…
Processing…
Processing…
Processing…
Did I seriously agree to this?
Oh sh*t.
"Thanks, Alys."
Then he suddenly hugged me.
"You really are the best."
Oh crap. I'm blushing. What the heck! =___=
"Don't just say thank you—this comes with a price, okay!"
Not that I ever actually charge him, I just didn't know what else to say. I didn't want him to notice I was blushing. Ugh.
"Okay, okay. I'll treat you to lunch for the whole week."
"That's not enough. Snacks too."
"Hey! Now you're abusing it. I'll tell your mom."
"Psh. As if you could. I know you love me too much."
Then I stuck my tongue out at him.
And that was the start of our chasing game.
See? Sweet and romantic, right?
After we were done running around—
"Hey, tell me the truth…"
Pant, pant. I was catching my breath.
"Are you really heartbroken? 'Cause the way you chased me, wow."
"I'm broken, it just doesn't show."
Tch.
"Besides, you already promised you'd help me get Kei back, so why should I worry?"
So thick-faced. =___=
"What if I can't do it?"
"I know you will."
"And why are you so sure?"
"Because you're Alys Perez. When you want something, you get it—by hook or by crook."
Then why can't I have you? I like you, you know? But I still can't have you. Damn it.
"Whatevs, Sheen. You think you know everything."
"You know, Alys, I wonder… Aren't best friends usually the ones who turn into lovers? Why not us?"
Oh sh*t. Because ours is unrequited love. You look too much like Kei. Ugh.
"Well, I guess it's because you're not my type. You're too talkative, too clumsy, too childish, always failing tests, and—"
I smacked him on the head.
"Are you stupid?! Do you even want me to help you or not?!"
This guy! Did he really have to throw all those things in my face?
"I wasn't done yet,"
Then suddenly, he hugged me from behind.
"If you weren't like that, you wouldn't be Alys Perez.
And if you weren't Alys, what would happen to Sheen Mendoza?"
Crap. Why do you have to be so sweet? =___=
"Shut up already. Fine, I'll help you. You know too much."
Then I stood up and started walking away.
While I was going down the stairs, I suddenly remembered—I forgot my notebook!
But when I went back, I saw Sheen… crying.
Damn it, Kei.
The guy I really, really like—and all you do is make him cry?
That's just unfair.
Drake Palma, remember this… I'll get you.
By hook or by crook!