Joel quietly walked toward their classroom. His eyes drifted over the students passing by until he finally reached the door.
"Looking for Miss Villa?" Dennis suddenly asked.
Joel glanced at him but continued to his seat.
"And why would you ask that?" he replied once he sat down.
Dennis sighed. "It's obvious, Joel."
Joel didn't respond.
"I heard we're joining a competition," Dennis added.
"Yeah. I heard too."
Joel's eyes caught Julie sulking at her seat. The moment their gazes met, she immediately frowned and turned away.
She ignored them and ended up falling asleep.
Raymond entered the room and banged on her desk.
"So early and you're already asleep?"
"What's your problem?!" Julie snapped, glaring at him. Joel only shook his head.
Raymond laughed and returned to his seat.
Students began filling the room. Joel spotted Melissa, and his cousin waved at her.
Soon, a message popped up in their group chat:Competition meeting this afternoon. Mandatory.
Later that afternoon, Joel crossed paths with Jonathan. Jonathan smiled at him normally, but Kelly followed behind, raising her eyebrow at him with that same unreadable expression.
Dennis tapped Joel's shoulder as they entered the dance studio. Their members waited inside. Everyone was present except Jonathan's sister.
Dave knew why she was absent—and he accepted it. Dave was strict about attendance, especially close to performance dates, yet this time he didn't question it.
As leader, he began explaining the criteria for the competition.
Dance partners, Joel thought. New choreography would be needed, although Dave usually handled that. Not a problem—he always trusted Dave's leadership.
"Jonathan, does your sister know about this?" Dave asked.
Jonathan nodded. "Tomorrow she'll come to school."
"What about tomorrow? Auntie said—" Kelly stopped mid-sentence as Jonathan immediately covered her mouth.
"Kelly," he said firmly, "Mom talked with her doctor. Nicole agreed to return tomorrow."
Kelly raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? If Nicole were my sister, I wouldn't let her come yet."
Someone smacked her head.
"Good thing Nicole isn't your sister—because you'd spoil her. Actually, you already spoil her."
Kelly glared. "Did you have to hit me?! And seriously, Jonathan—will she be okay seeing the person who hurt her?"
Jonathan sighed. "You're tactless. Go sit with Kevin." He dragged her aside. "Kev, take care of her."
Jonathan returned to his spot and looked at Joel.
"I'm sorry about that. Kelly's too blunt sometimes."
"No, it's okay. It's… my fault," Joel said quietly.
"But Kelly has a point," Dave replied.
"Let my sister choose for herself," Jonathan answered firmly. "I let her decide. Always."
"He's calm even when his sister is involved…" Dennis whispered to Joel.
Joel didn't respond. After the meeting, they all went home.
Maybe I just need to accept whatever she decides, Joel thought.But Kelly's behavior confuses me. She's Jonathan's childhood friend, but she acts like… like something's off. Jonathan isn't the type to cheat on his girlfriend. Maybe they were just close when they were kids.
How should I approach her tomorrow?
♣♣♣
Nicole walked down the hallway anxiously. Jonathan had gone to school early for his officer duties.
"Nicky."
She jumped.
"Yes?" she asked.
Jonathan ruffled her hair. "Are you sure you're okay? You don't have to come yet."
"I… I didn't want to, but I can't keep running forever. And at home… the memories come back when I'm alone," she admitted.
Jonathan nodded slowly. "Are you ready to see him?"
Nicole couldn't answer.
She knew Joel had reasons. She knew he didn't intend to harm her. But fear didn't always listen to reason.
"Don't worry. Just call me if you want to go home," her brother said.
She nodded and entered their classroom. She scanned the room hopefully.
He wasn't there.
Nicole let out a sigh of relief and sat down. She wore a jacket, still recovering from her fever.
I hope Julie comes soon… she thought.
The classroom lights were off, so she stood to turn them on. Out of habit, she erased scribbles off the board.
Then—footsteps.
Maybe it's Julie! She peeked through the window.
Her heart dropped.
It was Joel.
Panic surged. Without thinking, she hurried behind a cabinet and crouched, hugging her knees.
Why am I hiding?Her body knew the answer before her mind did:
I'm scared.
"What are you doing there?" Joel's voice came from above her.
She looked up—he was already standing in front of her.
"Yeah," Joel said quietly. "You're scared."
Nicole tried to stand but her knees gave in. Joel caught her immediately.
"S–Sorry… I'm sorry," she whispered shakily.
He brushed her cheek softly—then pulled her closer and kissed her.
Her mind shattered into silence.Heat. Fear. Confusion.Memory and emotion tangled together.
His kiss deepened, slow and burning.
"I told you before," he murmured, his thumb tracing her lips, "when it's just the two of us… be careful. Because I'll devour you."
Her breath trembled.
"I won't hurt you. And I'll accept whatever decision you make," he whispered into her ear.
She blushed, overwhelmed.
Why do his sharp eyes—the ones that used to terrify me—look beautiful now? Am I… am I feeling something for him?
"If you're uncomfortable, that's fine," Joel said, gently ruffling her hair.
He leaned in and kissed her again—just as footsteps echoed down the hall.
"Go. Don't hide anymore," he whispered.
Nicole nodded and moved to her seat. Joel quietly returned to his.
Her face burned.
"Ah! Nicky!"Julie rushed in and hugged her tightly.
"You're uncomfortable, right?" Julie whispered. "It's okay. I'm here now."
Nicole smiled.
She's so considerate… she thought, hugging her best friend back.
"I missed you, you idiot!" Nicole laughed, trying to forget what had just happened—because her heart was confused all over again.
Classmates began arriving. Soon, Dave called Nicole for a talk.
She sighed.
She had no choice.
She had to be honest.