Nicole sat quietly in their classroom, waiting. Her brother had gone to school early to take care of something, leaving her alone and still half-asleep.
Footsteps echoed from the hallway.
"Hey. You're early."
She turned and saw Joel walking in. She stared at him for a second before nodding. "Ah—y-yeah. My brother came in early."
He placed his things on his desk."It's only 6:10 a.m.," he remarked.
Nicole scratched her head awkwardly. "Aren't you supposed to be in the office?"
"Nope. Not my turn today."
"Then why are you here so early?" she asked.
"My body clock," he shrugged. "Sometimes I stay in the literature room. Since there's nothing to do yet, I came here."
She nodded—but her heart began to race.
It was just the two of them.
Suddenly, Joel reached out and ruffled her hair. She looked up, startled—and before she could react, his lips brushed against hers.
Nicole froze, eyes wide.
He pulled back, smiling softly. "Do you want to talk about something?"
Her cheeks burned. "I—I don't really have anything to say."
She knew Jonathan must have told him—about her past, about the things she still carried.
Joel sat beside her and sighed quietly. "You're not afraid of me?"
"N—not so much anymore," she admitted. "B-because you always talk to me calmly."
It was true.
"I'm glad," he said. "But I still owe you an apology." He exhaled. "I was busy back then. Careless. It was impulse—and I regret it. I'm really sorry."
Nicole hesitated, then asked softly, "D-do you… like hurting girls when you're angry?"
He blinked, startled. "No. Never." He shook his head firmly. "I get reckless sometimes, but hurting someone on purpose—especially a girl? No." His voice softened. "I hurt you once. I won't ever repeat that."
She studied his face. "Was it because of my situation?" she asked gently. "It's okay… you don't have to treat me differently just because of that."
"I'm not changing who I am," Joel said quietly. "I just want you to feel safe with me."
She smiled faintly. "I know. You still tease me. You didn't change—you just showed me who you really are."
"Don't smile like that," he warned playfully. "I might kiss you again."
Her cheeks flushed. "Why not? You once said you'd only kiss me when we're alone."
"Nicole," he muttered, turning away slightly, "don't say things like that. I'm trying to behave."
She met his gaze. "Joel… has anyone ever told you your eyes are beautiful?"
He laughed under his breath. "What kind of question is that?"
"They're expressive," she said softly. "They're scary when you're angry—but when they soften… I love looking at them."
"So that's why you stare at me?" he teased.
"Yes," she nodded. "Your eyes don't lie."
****
Joel couldn't hold back anymore.
He kissed her again—longer this time—pulling her gently into his arms.
"Nicole," he whispered, "you drive me crazy."
She touched his cheek, trembling but certain. "My lips are yours, Joel. I accept that."
Their kiss deepened. This time, she responded—no longer hesitant. Joel felt himself give in completely.
"Do you know why I kissed you?" he asked softly.
She shook her head. "I—I don't know. I just… answered because I like you." Her voice shook. "I always expected it. I… I fell in love with you."
Joel froze—then laughed quietly before pulling her into a tight embrace.
"Damn. You beat me to it." He rested his forehead against hers. "I love you too. And I really want you, Nicole."
She smiled shyly. "Your eyes don't lie. That's why I could never stay mad at you. I feel the same."
"Silly girl," he murmured. I really love her. I want her.
"Joel…" she whispered. "Please… take care of me."
He cupped her cheek gently. "Always. I'm glad I get to take care of my girlfriend."
Her face turned crimson as she hugged him tightly. Joel hugged her back, laughing softly as he messed up her hair.
"Should we announce it?" he asked.
She panicked instantly. "W-wait! I—I can't even process that you're already my boyfriend!"
He laughed. "Okay, okay. We'll take it slow." Then he smirked. "But I'll still court you."
"Why?" she asked innocently. "You already are my boyfriend."
"Because I want to win you again and again."
She whispered, "You're handsome when you smile."
"You think so?"
She nodded.
As footsteps began filling the hallway, Joel reluctantly let go.
"Nicky," he said gently, "when you're ready… will you tell me your story?"
She hesitated—then nodded.
Joel kissed her briefly, ruffled her hair, and returned to his seat.
The room soon filled with chatter as students arrived. Joel watched Nicole quietly, a secret smile on his face.
I'll take care of her. No matter what.
Raymond elbowed him knowingly. Joel only grinned wider.
I'll tell him later, he decided.