Jason arrived early that day and immediately spotted Julie, quietly listening to music through her headset.
He had wanted to talk to her yesterday, but she had been deep in conversation with her friends, so he decided not to approach.
Softly, he tapped her shoulder. Julie turned, startled at first, then offered a small smile. He waved.
She removed her headset.
"Did I disturb you?" Jason asked.
Julie shook her head. "Not really."
"I'm really sorry about what Kenneth said to you," he added, scratching his head awkwardly. Kenneth could be insistent at times, Jason thought with a sigh.
"It's fine," Julie replied softly.
Ever since he arrived at the school, Cielo had warned him that Julie resembled Crisha. Still, despite his best efforts, Jason sometimes called her by that name by accident.
"Are you talking to me just because I look like Crisha?" Julie asked, her eyes searching his.
The question caught him off guard. "N—No. I'm sorry if you think that, Julie."
"No, don't apologize. But it's not like I chose to look like her." Sadness lingered in her eyes, the weight of rumors and misunderstanding clear.
"I'll sit here, then." Jason forced a smile, trying to ease the tension. He didn't want her to bear a burden that wasn't hers.
"Wait," Julie called softly.
He turned back.
"It's nothing… I shouldn't have asked," she admitted quietly.
Jason nodded. He didn't want to push further.
"I know how painful it is to be left behind by someone you love. My father… he left me when he died. But while we're still alive, we should try to live happily. That's what they would have wanted." Her voice carried quiet strength.
Jason was silent, taken aback.
"Sorry if I said too much," she added apologetically.
He chuckled softly. "You caught me off guard. But you're right—we should move forward, slowly, for those no longer here."
"Hope we can become good friends," he added.
Julie nodded faintly, offering a small smile.
Jason sat down.
"Good morning, Pres," Julie greeted.
Cielo didn't respond, walking straight to his seat.
"Good morning," Jason said instead.
"Yeah, good morning," Cielo replied flatly.
"You should at least greet someone who greets you," Jason muttered.
"Why would I?" Cielo asked.
"That person greeted you—you should respond," Jason said, shaking his head.
Cielo simply sat down. This guy… honestly, he thought.
*******
Yesterday, Cielo had seen the three of them checking out another club. Now they were looking at the Musical Theatre Club.
Who's planning to audition there? he wondered.
As usual—none of your business, he reminded himself. He sighed. Focus.
"Hey, good morning," Kenneth's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Yeah, good morning," Cielo replied.
Kenneth patted him on the shoulder, eyes drifting toward Julie again.
"You know, I've noticed you always stare at Miss Navares," Kenneth remarked.
"Hey, wasn't she your childhood friend?" Kenneth pressed.
Cielo glanced at him. "No."
"You just don't remember."
"Exactly. That means she wasn't my childhood friend."
"Gods, Cielo, why reject her like that? She was part of your life back then."
"What kind of question is that?" Cielo asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Damn, you really can read me," Kenneth grinned.
Cielo shook his head.
"Say, she has a talent for singing, right?" Kenneth asked.
"I don't know. And I don't care," Cielo replied. "Why do you always call her Pop Princess anyway?"
The first time Kenneth had shown him her photo, he had dubbed her Pop Princess, not Crisha.
Kenneth smirked. "Because she doesn't really look like Crisha. Her vibe… her presence—it's more like a pop princess."
"Are you really that obsessed with her?" Cielo asked.
"It's not obsession. I just want to know who she really is," Kenneth said. "That's why I keep pestering her to guest with our band. Just once."
Cielo sighed and shook his head.
"And you? You're curious about Julie too, aren't you? She's a mystery. You've probably wondered why she doesn't join clubs or what she's capable of." Kenneth's gaze was sharp.
Cielo stayed silent.
"See? You are curious. She was your childhood friend, but you don't really know her. And she looks like Crisha."
"I'm not like you—obsessing over someone," Cielo replied.
Kenneth laughed. "Yeah, yeah. But remember—we share the same blood." He patted Cielo's shoulder.
Cielo ignored him. Well… half of that's true. We both crave uncovering mysteries, he thought.
He also noticed Jason and Julie exchanging occasional smiles.
Deciding to intervene, he called out. "Hey, Navares."
Julie looked up.
"I need a word with you," he said firmly.
She waited silently.
"I don't know what's going through your mind," he began. "But don't give false hope to someone who's already been hurt in love."
Julie frowned, about to respond, but Cielo had already walked away, leaving no room for reply.
There's nothing wrong with warning her. She's Chris's sister, after all. Who knows what she's planning?