"What?!" Aya practically screamed when I told her what happened yesterday.
"Kei actually said that?!"
"Yup. She said she wants to be the first girl Drake ever takes seriously. That's why she's acting that way."
"Wow. So basically, she's just challenged by Drake…"
"Pretty much." Ugh! Why does Kei even want a challenge?!
She should've just joined Survivor.
What a cursed life =___=
"So, what now, Ms. Alys Perez? What's the plan this time?"
"I don't know. Maybe… get back together with Drake?" I muttered, lowering my head.
Aya suddenly burst out laughing.
Like, seriously?! Was that supposed to be funny?!
"Wahaha! Besh, the way you said that like you're actually getting back together—
as if you guys were really a legit couple! Hahaha!"
And she kept laughing. Besh really.
"Why not? Technically speaking, we were a thing.
And may I remind you—I was the one who broke up with him. ME. I did!"
I still have pride, okay?! Wahaha!
"Maybe you didn't even let him speak.
You just started rapid-firing like a machine gun."
"Can you try being supportive for once, Aya? Just once."
I rolled my eyes.
I swear, I'm surrounded by a brokenhearted guy best friend, a chaotic girl best friend, one autistic Drake Palma, and me—the certified clown.
"Fine, fine. Okay, what do you plan to do now?"
"I don't know! Does this face look like someone who knows what to do?"
I leaned in closer.
She grabbed my face.
Take note: she grabbed it. Rude!
"Hmm. Based on this face… yeah, no. You clearly don't know what you're doing.
Your face screams: 'I'm failing this semester.'"
She said it completely serious.
"Aya, do you want a flying kick?"
"Ah—uh—hehehe! Chill, besh! Can't take a joke?
Your face actually says: 'I'm a beautiful and highly intelligent creature.'
So? Are you gonna treat me now?"
"Tss. You're always asking for a treat.
I'm telling your mom."
"Hehehe."
Then we bought fries and soda.
We sat there quietly, planning how I could win Drake back.
Sht.*
This is gross.
Me? Planning to win him back?
Drake?
Ohmyfreakinggod.
Disgusting thought =___=
After break, we went back to the classroom.
Lucky me—he's our classmate.
But then again, he's always asleep, so I don't feel awkward at all.
Does he even remember I was his ex?
Eww. What a disturbing thought.
"Ms. Perez! Are you even listening?!"
Our teacher screamed.
Oh noes.
The gremlin's mad.
I'm definitely ending up in detention.
"Y-yes, ma'am," I stammered.
"If that's the case, then tell me—what was I just saying?"
She stared at me with bulging eyes.
Teachers like this are the reason kids are afraid to go to school. =___=
"I'll just take the detention slip now."
I bowed my head.
I mean, I already admitted I wasn't listening. Whatever.
The whole class started laughing.
Haaay.
Sheen's probably gonna be even more turned off by me.
Why couldn't I inherit my parents' brains?
Everyone in the family is smart—like Kuya Clarence.
How am I even gonna get into St. Claire's Academy with grades like this?
=___=
"Ms. Perez, I really don't know what to do with you anymore."
She handed me the detention slip.
I hope she just makes me clean the library.
The whole class ended with me staring down at my desk.
Ugh, Alys. We've barely started the school year and you're already collecting problems.
"Good luck at detention, Besh!"
Aya gave me a look. I just stared at her.
"Ugh. Just go home already!!"
She burst out laughing again. Why is my best friend like this? Why is she such a weirdo?!
Anyway, I headed straight to the OSA to submit my detention slip.
Haay, life.
Thank goodness Sheen isn't my classmate—
At least I'm spared a little humiliation.
He already sees me as a failure!!
"Ms. Perez, what brings you here?" the secretary asked.
"Detention," I said, sighing.
She checked the record to assign where I'd be sent.
Lord, please let it be the library!!
Anything but the cafeteria.
I am not about to clean tables touched by other people's mouths. Ew.
"Computer lab," she finally said. "Yes, you'll be cleaning in the computer lab—together with Mr. Sheen Mendoza."
I immediately looked up at her. "Wait, seriously? Sheen?!"
Because what the heck?! That's a first! Sheen never gets detention!
He's the freaking Student Council President!
Oh no. What if the principal scolds him? =___=
"Yes, Ms. Perez. He got caught cutting class.
Now go on, head to the lab so you won't be staying late."
'Haaay. I wouldn't mind staying all night as long as it's with Sheen O'
Gosh, I'm so flirty. Hahaha!
But seriously, I actually feel bad for Sheen.
Because of that Kei!!
How can she not see that Sheen loves her so much?
And there she is, wasting everything over that Drake Palma!!
Ugh, I'm pissed.
I walked up to the third floor, where the computer lab was.
When I opened the door, most of the computers were still on.
Huh? Where's Sheen?
I stepped inside and looked around.
Then I saw him. Off to the side, head down.
I walked over and sat next to him.
"Sheen…"
He didn't say anything.
But then, he hugged me.
His head rested on my shoulder, and I felt his tears fall.
"Sheen…"
I just said his name again. I didn't know what else to do.
I'd never seen him like this.
My best friend—
He's always the happy one. Always smiling.
But now?
He looked like someone who just lost everything.
Damn you, Kei…
We stayed like that for several minutes.
I didn't say a word. I just let him cry it out.
"What time is it?" he suddenly asked.
I tensed a little and checked my phone.
"5:30."
He reached into his bag. "Oh."
Then he took my hand and slid something onto my wrist.
"H-hoy! What's this?" I asked.
"A wristwatch, Alys," he said.
"You're in fourth year and still don't know how to read the time. Tss."
He stood up and brushed off his pants.
"Get up already. We still have to shut the units down."
Then he grabbed my hand again and pulled me up.
SHEET. I'M BLUSHING.
He held my hand—twice! :">
I don't even care if he insulted me again.
Lucky me I don't know how to read clocks.
At least I got to hold his hand O
We finished shutting down all the computers just before 6.
We walked out of campus together.
We were just walking when we saw Kei with her cheerleader "friends."
"Kei, aren't you gonna follow Drake?" one skinny girl asked.
"No need. I'll make him mine tomorrow," she said, then smiled smugly.
As if! He'll dump you too, girl!!
"You sure, girl?"
"Never been this sure.
What Kei wants, Kei gets."
I looked at the person beside me.
Damn it!! His tears were welling up again.
Sheesh! Why are you always so emotional??
"Ah–uh, Alys. I'll go ahead?
Sorry, I can't walk you home.
Mom asked me to buy something, I totally forgot. Sorry, okay?"
Then he left right away.
Sheet, Alys. What do we do?!
Even though I love Sheen so much,
I'd rather he get back together with Kei
than watch him stay this sad and broken.
I headed out, but passed behind them
because I didn't want them to see me.
What if they bully me again? =___=
They totally would!!
I was walking out of campus when I saw...
Drake Palma?!
Being Alys Perez,
of course I followed him again.
Ugh, I'm exhausted!
This guy's house is way too far!
Whatever. I'll just ask Kuya Clarence to pick me up :">
I hid behind a post and observed.
Sheet. James Bond mode, once again. =___=
Then suddenly, this super gorgeous girl came out of his gate!!
Wait... does Drake have a live-in girlfriend?! OMG!!
Never mind. False alarm =___=
A car had just pulled up and a man came out—probably Drake's dad.
And then the gorgeous girl kissed the man?
So yeah. That must be his dad's girlfriend.
Then Drake started walking toward me—
TOWARD ME?!!
"Come out."
I looked behind me but...
there was no one else there!!
He suddenly came closer and pulled me?!
"H–hey!! Let me go!!"
I was struggling to get his hand off my shirt
because seriously—what the heck!!
"Drake, who's she?"
asked the really gorgeous girl.
Drake just looked at her, and then—
I spoke.
"I'm his girlfriend! Hi there!"
I even bowed and smiled.
Sheet, Alys! You got this!!
Just go for it!
Kei might beat you to him tomorrow!