Joel sat quietly, staring into the distance. He was on the terrace, letting the cool air brush against him.
Yeah… she told me once. She gets intimidated easily.Her words echoed in his mind.
Now what am I supposed to do? She's scared of me because of what happened?
He sighed.
"Joel."
He heard the familiar voice behind him—he didn't even need to turn.
"What are you doing here?" Raymond asked.
"Nothing," Joel replied shortly.
Raymond narrowed his eyes. "You feel guilty, don't you?"
Joel sighed again.
"Hey, why don't you think of a way for me to talk to Nicole?" he asked.
"Why should I? You're the one at fault."
"That's why I'm asking you for help. Come on—help me out."
Raymond thought for a moment. "Yeah. I'll help you, but I want one confirmation first."
"You talk too much," Joel muttered.
"Why did you do that to Nicole? Have you decided?" Raymond pressed.
"Decide what?" Joel said, even though he already knew.
Because yes—he decided a long time ago.
She will be my girlfriend.
Raymond scoffed. "Stop pretending."
Joel exhaled. "Fine. I decided."
"Are you really serious about this? You know your ex-girlfriend is Dawn's friend."
"I know. But I want to try."
"Try? You're an idiot," Raymond said, sighing deeply. "Don't drag her into your mess. Fix your life first before adding another piece to it."
"How will I know if it won't work out unless I try?" Joel countered.
"Idiot. Don't even dare," Raymond warned harshly.
"I told you before—if I mess this up, you can punch me. Hard. I want her."
"Suit yourself. But when you hurt her again and regret it, don't expect help from me."
Joel smiled. "I know you'll help me."
"No. My help has limits," Raymond said flatly.
Joel chuckled. "Terrible experience," he muttered, looking at the sky.
"Yeah. But Jonathan handled it well," Raymond added, finally sitting with him.
Joel didn't reply.
Get a grip, Joel. If you really want her, pursue her—but don't mess this up.
"Hey," Raymond reminded him, "just don't add more to her terrible experiences."
"I know," Joel murmured.
Raymond shook his head.
♣♣♣
Raymond was still Nicole's temporary partner.
"Nick," he called.
Nicole turned to him, confused. They were about to start practice, and Dave had just mentioned a reshuffling of partners.
"Did you decide already?" Raymond asked.
Nicole understood instantly. She knew her partnership with him was only temporary. It had already been two weeks since Dave allowed it. She didn't want to take advantage of his kindness.
I don't want to burden Dave… he's already given me so much time, she thought.
Raymond gently ruffled her hair.
"It's okay. Just tell him how you feel." He meant Dave.
Nicole nodded. "Sorry you have to go through this because of me."
Raymond chuckled softly.
"Are you ready to talk to him?" Raymond asked—meaning Joel.
Nicole swallowed hard. "I—I'll try."
"Want me to call him for you?"
"I—I don't even know what to say…" she whispered, panic rising.
Raymond laughed. "Want to switch? I'll tell Dave you want to try."
He really is considerate…I don't know if it's for Joel's sake, or mine… but he's genuine, Nicole thought.
"I'll give it a try," she said. "I just… don't know how we'll talk."
"It's not a big deal. You're both dancers. It'll be fine," Raymond reassured her, ruffling her hair again. "You'll be okay. Promise."
Nicole nodded quietly.
"Nicky," Kelly suddenly called.
"Yes?" Nicole replied. Kelly sat beside her.
"I heard your conversation with Raymond. Are you sure about this?"
Nicole nodded. "Raymond isn't really my partner. Even if I wanted him to be, Kuya Dave said it was temporary."
"That's not what I meant. I'm asking if you're ready to face Joel again."
Nicole's eyes flickered toward Joel. He was quietly preparing for practice. She quickly looked away.
"I have to," she whispered.
Kelly shook her head. "I'm worried for you. And that's all you can say?"
Nicole chuckled softly.
Soon, the others arrived. Dave called for a meeting.
"Santibañez," Dave suddenly called out.
Nicole straightened. Everyone looked at her.
"Don't worry," Dave said. "After this competition, your partner will be Colonel again."
Shock washed over Nicole. She met Kelly's eyes—but couldn't form words.
"Y–Yes," she replied weakly before sitting down again.
"Why?" Kelly whispered, confused.
Nicole patted her shoulder lightly.She's overthinking again…
Before practice started, Raymond spoke with Dave—Nicole knew it was about her and Joel.
Dave called her over.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Y-Yes, sir. Raymond and I talked about it. I… want to give myself a chance."
"If that's your decision, I'll respect it. But if you feel uncomfortable at any point, return to Raymond. No pressure."
"Thank you, sir," Nicole said softly.
Dave nodded and called Joel.
Nicole lowered her gaze.
"What do you think, Joel?" Dave asked.
"If that's what she wants, it's fine with me," Joel answered calmly.
"Then it's settled."
Dave dismissed them.
Nicole exhaled shakily.This is really awkward…
She forced herself to reach out her hand.
"I'll be in your care," she said, cheeks burning.
Joel took her hand—then tugged her lightly forward.
"Yeah, you're really awkward," he whispered. "Relax. Practice is starting."
Nicole stayed silent. He wasn't wrong—she was tense. But once practice began, her mind shifted into dance mode.
They barely talked.Like nothing had ever happened.
He kissed you before. That's why you're tense. You're embarrassed, she reminded herself, trying to focus.
But she kept catching him staring…Was he smirking?
He really has beautiful eyes… he's handsome like Raymond, but his eyes…
"Are you comfortable right now?" Joel asked suddenly.
She blinked.She'd been staring at him again.
"I—I guess… a little," she stammered.
After practice, she finally got home.She collapsed on her bed, exhaling deeply.
So many things happened today…