In the end, I'm going to school.
I did try to skip today, but as soon as I fell asleep, Mom came in and woke me up.
I couldn't argue back, so I gave up on the idea entirely.
So feeling unmotivated, I got out of bed, ate, took a bath, and got ready to leave.
My school isn't that far, so I usually just walk.
As I strolled through the neighborhood, I could already feel the atmosphere of Valentine's Day, where shops had started putting up discount signs for couples.
Ugh, this is making my mood even worse.
I decided to ignore everything around me and walk faster.
But as I picked up the pace, I kept bumping into people.
"Um, sorry," I muttered before quickly continuing.
Why are there already so many couples out? It's only 7 a.m., and they're already holding hands, drinking coffee together at cafés… My mood just kept sinking with every step.
Fine, I'll just look at the ground. So I did—and walked even faster.
After weaving through the crowd of couples in the neighborhood, I finally reached my destination.
Luna High School. Or as everyone casually calls it—Luna High.
I've been studying here for almost six months as a first-year student. By January, we had already entered the second semester. And today is February… 14.
Why did I remember the date again? Was it because of that dream? Could it have been a premonition? Now I'm starting to feel nervous about what might happen during break.
But I can't back out now, can I? I'm already here, and skipping school would leave a mark on my record. That means Mom would find out—and I can't risk getting scolded.
Nodding in defeat, I stepped through the campus gate.
Almost immediately, a pair of students caught my eye. Off to the side of the walkway, under a tree, a boy and a girl were sitting on a bench. Then the girl pulled out a chocolate from her bag and handed it to the boy.
Seriously? Right at the entrance? I just got here, and I'm already witnessing this?
Sighing, I looked away and kept walking.
As I passed by, a thought crossed my mind—I felt like I recognized those two. But since it was Valentine's Day, I decided not to think too hard about it.
***
The first subject was homeroom.
The lively energy in the classroom instantly died down when our homeroom teacher entered.
She walked in like a zombie, headed straight to her desk, dropped her bag beside it, and slumped into her seat.
She looked dead inside.
As if sensing our stares, she straightened up, looked at us, and forced a painful smile before speaking in a low voice:
"Today is Valentine's Day…"
Yeah. We know.
"And… and… I still haven't found anyone…"
As usual, she started ranting about her relationship status—or as she calls it, the curse of being single.
She's Mary Jane Vergara, our homeroom teacher. Age: 27. Status: Single. Past relationships? None.
Based on what she told us last semester, she's never been in a relationship—not even once during her youth.
Oh, and besides homeroom, she also teaches science. For some reason, she insists on wearing a lab coat during her classes. No one knows why.
"After… after being an earnest student, dedicating myself to my studies… now, I'm the one being left behind," she said, emitting a gloomy aura surrounding her. Then she continued, "My classmates and friends have already found their destined partners. Just last year, I attended one of their weddings. It was a wonderful ceremony…"
As if recalling the memory, she let out a self-deprecating laugh.
Hearing about my teacher's pitiful youth made me realize something.
I wouldn't end up like her, am I?
No… It's not too late. I'm still in my first year—there's still time.
At least, that's what I told myself.
But the truth is… I haven't interacted with any of my classmates throughout the entire first semester. And now we're already in the second semester. The school year ends in June. That's just four months left.
And by now, everyone already has their friend groups or social circles, so trying to reach out now… might be too late.
I sighed.
It's always like this. Even in middle school, I didn't talk to anyone. At this rate, I'll be alone for the rest of my high school life.
Having such a thought made me gloomy, as if I'd caught Ma'am Vergara's aura.
While my mind was stuck in those worries, I heard Ma'am Vergara's voice.
With both hands on the table, she looked at us firmly.
"Don't waste your youth. It's okay to focus on your studies. It's okay to think about your future. But this moment…" She paused, then gave a warm smile. Looking at us with a hint of nostalgia, she said, "These three years will pass in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, graduation will be here. So here's my advice—as a teacher, no, as a senior—spend your youth fully, with no regrets."
No regrets…
This is coming from someone with experience. Just, though, she often complains about being 'single' during homeroom. Despite that, she sometimes gives the most valuable advice. Well… just sometimes.
Alright, feeling a bit motivated, I've decided in my mind. I'll try making friends. Yes, I'll try talking to my classmates. Yes, yes, I'll try… next year, in my second year. That's right, next school year.
It's not that I'm a wuss—it's just that first-year is already too late. Yep.
Not wanting the silence to linger, Ma'am Vergara ended homeroom.
"Alright, that's all for homeroom today. And… spend your Valentine's Day—augh…"
With that, she shuffled out of the classroom like a zombie.
***
Thanks to Ma'am Vergara's rant—life lecture—and the morning classes, I forgot today's date. But once the break came, I was reminded of what day it was.
Break time had just started, yet the room already had that awkward atmosphere.
I could sense the girls' eyes filled with intent. As for the boys, despite acting normal, they sneak glances at the girls with a hint of anticipation.
Without even trying, I could already guess what was about to happen in the classroom. So, before I had to witness it, I decided to leave.
Doing so, I stood up and walked out into the hallway.
As I made my way along, I suddenly remembered the dream I'd had earlier. Now, looking around, Valentine's Day at Luna High didn't seem worse than the dream—the nightmare—I'd had.
I imagined the whole school emitting hearts already, but that wasn't the case at all.
Sure, I saw some girls handing out chocolates, but that was it. No dramatic developments whatsoever.
This vibe was acceptable… or so I thought, before going downstairs toward the cafeteria.
"What's this…?"
I take back what I said. This is worse than my nightmare. The moment I stepped inside the cafeteria, I was met with a reddish scene.
The cafeteria had turned into a dating spot. Paper hearts and balloons decorated the place, and even the tables were covered with red cloth.
Then, near the entrance stood a small booth selling flowers and chocolates.
Some students were already enjoying the setup, as I spotted couples—or soon-to-be couples—taking their time together.
The corner of my mouth twitched as I muttered, "Didn't know Luna High also pulled stunts like this."
I praised the school in my mind… or not at all.
Without wasting any time, I hurriedly bought a sandwich and left before the atmosphere got any warmer.
I don't usually eat in the cafeteria, since I'm not good with crowds. Plus, I already have a spot where I like to spend my break.
So, after buying my lunch, I went outside the school building.
The scene outside was exactly as I had imagined. I recalled the dream I had—it was just like that. Couples sitting on benches or walking hand in hand along the walkway. In the garden, a confession was taking place.
Seeing the scene from my dream come to life, I looked away and headed to my usual lunch spot.
Keeping my focus ahead, I ignored my surroundings.
Luckily, there were only a few couples around, so I reached my destination without bumping into anyone.
The spot I was talking about was behind the gym building.
For some reason, there's a bench back there. The place is secluded—no walkways, no students passing by—and all you can see are trees, bushes, and hear the noise coming from inside the gym.
Although there's a door there, it's not a problem since the other side is a storage room, already blocked by boxes.
It was the perfect spot for a loner like me.
Just as I was starting to feel comfortable after reaching the spot, I suddenly froze when I turned the corner.
Why did I stop? Because on the bench where I was supposed to eat my lunch, a girl was sitting with her head facing down.
Is there someone else who knows about this place besides me?
Well, this spot isn't exclusive, so it makes sense that someone else might come here. But… I've been eating lunch here every break since the first semester, and this is the first time I've seen anyone else at the back of the gym.
Now that someone got here before me, should I wait or find somewhere else to eat?
While I pondered my options, suddenly a tear slipped down her cheek, followed by a sniffle.
"Eh? Is she crying?" I blurted without thinking.
Hearing my voice, the girl turned toward me.
Seeing her face now, I noticed her teary eyes.
She's really crying… I thought to myself.
Noticing someone was watching, she quickly rubbed her eyes.
Okay, while she's distracted, I'll sneak away.
I don't know why she's crying, but I have a feeling trouble might follow if I get involved. So, I decided to just run.
But as I turned to dash off, I felt a hand grab my shoulder.
"Hey."
Hearing a girl's voice behind me, I turned around. It was the girl from the bench, now standing right in front of me with her hand on my shoulder.
She's fast! I thought.
The bench isn't that far from here, but it's not exactly close either. Yet, she reached me in no time.
As I panicked internally, the girl spoke;
"You're Dalino, right?"
Eh?
"You know me?" I asked in surprise.
"Jeez, you don't even know your classmate."
Classmate? Looking at her more closely, she did remind me of someone from class.
"Are you Camille Escuro?" I asked to be sure.
"Oh, so you do know me," she smiled. "But saying my full name is a bit much, you know? Just 'Escuro' is fine. Also, how did you know my first name?"
How did I know? It was simple, so I answered casually:
"Well, didn't we introduce ourselves on the first day?"
Escuro looked surprised.
What? Did I say something wrong?
"Did I say something wrong?" I repeated the question in my mind.
"It's just… You said you remember my name from the first day."
"Yes. Is there a problem with that?"
"Nothing wrong with it… It's just that it was last year, you know? So, to still be able to remember it today is kind of creepy…"
Creepy…
Something I never thought I'd hear. It hurts to hear that—especially from a girl.
As if sensing my mood had just dropped, Escuro frantically said;
"Ah! Remembering it to this day is a good thing! That means your memory is in good shape!"
Was she trying to cheer me up, or was she just trying to repent? Either way, it didn't lighten my mood.
"Nice knowing you. I should be going now…" I said in a low tone.
But before I could turn around, I felt a hand grab mine.
"Wait!" It was Escuro. "... Can we talk a bit? We can sit over there."
What's this? Is she inviting me?
My heart fluttered, but I sensed trouble, so I would decline it.
Just when I am about to open my mouth to say no, she dragged me toward the bench. Sitting down, she tapped the spot beside her, urging me to sit.
The chance to run or refuse was gone. She just stared at me, waiting.
So, I gave up and sat beside her.
Seeing me sit, she sighed in relief. Then, facing forward, she scratched her cheek and said;
"You saw me cry, didn't you?"
"... If I said I didn't, would you believe me?"
"So you did see me." She gave a sheepish smile, clearly embarrassed.
"It was an accident—or rather, a coincidence," I clarified. After being called creepy, I didn't want to be labeled a stalker next.
She giggled softly at my reply.
"I know," she said before continuing, "Say, do you often come here?"
"Well… yeah," I answered honestly.
I didn't want to admit it, but I wanted to make it clear that I'd been hanging out at this spot long before her. So she wouldn't think I followed her here.
"So, this is the place you always hang out during breaks," she said, looking around before turning to me. "It's quiet and secluded. No one comes here. Don't you feel lonely?"
If only I had friends—I wouldn't be here. But sadly, I have none.
"I don't mind. Plus, I like the quiet atmosphere," I said casually.
"Is that so…"
She accepted my answer without pressing further.
Then, as if calming down, she looked in front and said;
"Do you want to know why I cried?"
Suddenly, she said something surprising.
The reason she cried, huh?
Do I want to know? Not really.
It's not that I'm not curious; it's just that my instincts tell me hearing her will bring me trouble. So, sorry Escuro, but you'll have to keep it to yourself.
But I couldn't say that outright. I didn't want to be rude, so I needed to find a polite way to decline.
"Hey, you don't have to force yourself. You don't need to tell me—I'm just a nobody, after all."
Hearing this, Escuro turned around in shock.
"You're surprisingly nice…" she said.
Surprisingly nice?
I felt insulted, but I didn't know why.
What did she mean by that? Especially the 'surprisingly' part.
While I was contemplating that, Escuro continued;
"You're no nobody—we're classmates, after all. Plus, since you already saw me, I wouldn't mind telling you."
Is that so? Even for a classmate?
Before I could ask, she took a deep breath and spoke first;
"There's a boy I like…"
A boy she likes?
"Since today is Valentine's Day, I finally gathered the courage to give him a chocolate this year. But…" Shaken, she tightly grasped her skirt before continuing, "Earlier, at the campus gate, when I gave him the chocolate, he rejected it."
Wait a minute—her story sounded oddly familiar. When she mentioned the 'campus gate,' a certain scene popped into my mind.
"Is the boy you like… perhaps Manzano?"
After I said that, Escuro looked at me with eyes wide open.
Shit, I shouldn't have said that!
"H-how did you know?!"
"Ah, well… about that… you could say I was just normally going to school and happened to coincidentally see you guys."
That's right, just a coincidence. The two students on the bench near the entrance gate were indeed Manzano and her—my classmates.
"But that's the south entrance. I thought fewer people used that side."
"Haha, I go in there once in a while for a change of pace."
"I see… I already had my head down in embarrassment at that time, which is probably why I didn't notice you."
It's not like I wanted to see you guys. Besides, the only reason I took that side was to avoid witnessing something like that.
Not wanting to think too deeply about it, I cleared my throat and said;
"So… you cried because Manzano rejected your confession?"
"Confession?" She showed a confused look. "I didn't confess to him. I just gave him the chocolate, and he rejected it."
What?! Now it was my turn to be confused.
She cried because her chocolate was rejected? I don't understand it.
"So you are saying you cried over a chocolate being rejected?"
No way, right?
After hearing my words, Escuro frowned.
"You don't understand us girls. Giving a boy chocolate is hard—especially if that boy is someone you like. The chocolate represents our feelings, and it takes courage to give it to someone special."
She started lecturing me, but I didn't fully get it, since I'd never received or given chocolate to anyone.
"Is that so…? Please forgive my ignorance."
"...as long as you understand us girls."
It looks like she calmed down.
Putting that aside, Escuro continued her story.
"The chocolate I gave Manzano was homemade."
Hmm? Homemade chocolate?!
Usually, those things are just bought from a store, and what matters is who gives them. But Escuro really went all out by making hers herself. How deeply in love is she?
Manzano is really lucky to receive such a chocolate, but in the end, he rejected it. After putting so much effort into making it, Escuro must be hurt…
Now I understand what she meant by chocolate representing their feelings. Seeing your courage and effort go to waste is pretty painful.
The words I said earlier—I want to take them back now.
"I see… so that's why you cried."
"Hmm…? You're wrong… well, partially right. I can't deny I was sad about it, but that's not really the reason."
Is it not? This girl is complicated.
"?! Then what was it?!" I asked.
"It was back then, when break time had just started. Cardano began handing out obligatory chocolates to everyone in class, and Manzano got one too."
Cardano is giving chocolates? I haven't received one at all!
"... I didn't get one." Disappointed, I blurted it out.
"Hmm…? You left the classroom as soon as break started, you know."
"Ah, that's right!"
I just wanted to avoid the Valentine's Day atmosphere, so I ran away. But I didn't expect to miss the chance to get a chocolate, even if it was an obligatory one.
Feeling frustrated, I gripped my head with both hands.
While fretting over such a small thing, I suddenly heard a giggle from beside me.
With her hand over her mouth, Escuro seemed to be laughing.
"Sorry for laughing. I just find you funny, Dalino," she said.
What's so funny? Is it my patheticness?
I wanted to complain, but she wasn't done speaking yet.
"Now that I think about it, this is the first time we've talked, isn't it?" she suddenly asked.
"Huh? Yeah, it is."
"After talking with you today, my impression of you has changed."
Impression? I don't think she's insulting me, but something felt off. But this was the perfect opportunity to find out where I stand in the class.
"Hey, Escuro… what kind of impression do you have of me as a classmate?"
"... Well, I'd say you're weird."
Weird?!
"There's an odd vibe around you that makes it hard to approach you. You don't talk to anyone, and you're always fixated on your phone, grinning and sometimes muttering to yourself. Because of that, the girls find you creepy."
Is that what I look like from the outside?
Muttering and grinning is a bad habit of mine whenever I read web novels. That's another reason I chose this spot to spend my time. And yet they've already noticed it. Probably because I sometimes remember scenes from the novels and, without thinking, show my bad habit to my classmates.
Feeling embarrassed by my slip-up, I suddenly remembered:
Why did the conversation shift to me?! Weren't we just talking about her rejection a little while ago?
I needed to remind her.
It's not that I wanted to run away from my embarrassment, but to steer the conversation back on track.
So, straightening up, I let out a fake cough.
"So anyway, about Manzano receiving that chocolate—did that bother you?" I asked.
At my words, as if returning to reality, her smile vanished, replaced by a sad expression.
"I can't deny that…"
Seeing her like that made me feel bad.
Sorry… I apologized silently.
"But is that really such a big deal? Like you said, it's just an obligatory chocolate, and everyone got one."
Shaking her head, Escuro replied;
"I've known Manzano since middle school. In those three years, he never accepted chocolate from anyone on Valentine's Day—not even obligatory ones. He said it was a principle for him. So when he accepted Cardano's chocolate that time, it shocked me so much I cried. After that, my body just moved on its own, and I ran away from the classroom until I reached this place."
So that happened after I left the classroom.
I thought the classroom would be filled with floating red hearts, but I never expected that among those hearts, there would be a dark, broken one.
"But maybe he changed his mind? That's why he accepted it."
"I would think that too—if he hadn't rejected my chocolate."
"Ah, right! Yours was rejected."
Thinking about it, why would Manzano accept Cardano's chocolate but not Escuro's? Even for a clueless guy like me, it's not hard to guess.
"Could it be… Manzano likes her?" I said casually.
I wish I hadn't said that out loud, because when she heard it, her eyes welled up.
Wanting to cry again, she held it back when she realized she wasn't alone.
"Y-yeah, Manzano has feelings for Cardano. I could tell by the strange look he had after receiving her chocolate…"
Saying that seemed to hurt her deeply—a kind of self-inflicted pain.
But knowing your crush likes someone else—what did Escuro think about it?
"Then, what about you?" I asked.
"Me?"
"Someone you like likes someone else. I know you're heartbroken, but what will you do now?"
"What am I going to do? Well… I don't know." She paused, but it didn't take too long to continue, "I thought him rejecting my chocolate was painful enough, but seeing him look at someone else really broke my heart. Even so, my feelings for him haven't changed."
Well, that makes sense since it's not even been a day. Technically, it's just a few hours ago.
"However, I can't just force my feelings on him. I have to consider his feelings. Now, seeing his gaze fixed on her, I can't stand between them. Even if I try, his eyes won't turn to me. So after some thought, maybe I should keep my feelings to myself."
"You…"
What is she saying? Keeping feelings to herself is a typical trope in romcoms. I've read many stories about girls hiding their feelings just because the person they like is interested in someone else.
That doesn't make sense to me. Sacrificing your feelings for others? I don't like that plot line.
Feeling a bit annoyed, I said;
"Hey! Don't just kill your feelings like that!"
"Huh?"
"You're moving on too fast. The day's not even over. You didn't even confess to him—you just gave him a chocolate. So don't assume it's already over."
"B-but like you said, he likes Cardano."
"That's just my guess, since I wasn't there. And you say you'll consider his feelings, but what about yours? Will Manzano consider your feelings?"
"..."
"That's not fair, right? He doesn't know how you feel because you never confessed."
"So you're saying I should keep hoping until he notices me?"
"Exactly. But I'm not saying you should just wait. You need to do something to get him to notice you."
"D-do you think I have a chance?"
"That's not for me to say—it depends on you and your efforts. From what I see, Manzano's feelings for Cardano are one-sided. So I believe you at least have a chance."
Okay, that's enough of me lecturing today. Maybe I'm meddling too much.
"... Thank you," Escuro suddenly said that.
"Huh? For what?"
"After hearing you out, a little bit of my confidence has returned."
"That's good."
"But can I really do it? After rejecting my chocolate, it's awkward to even talk to him now. Plus, I ran away from the classroom—I'm sure he saw that."
"I think… that's alright."
"Huh? How is that, alright?"
"You see, that awkwardness means he'll be more conscious of you. So you can be more assertive."
"Me, being assertive? I don't know if I can do that alone. Unless…"
As if an idea just popped into her mind, she looked at me with intent.
Without me even trying to guess, I already knew where this was going.
Escuro grabbed both my hands, looked me in the eyes, and said;
"Please, Dalino, can you help me?"
There it was. I knew she would say that.
The dream I had earlier still haunted me, but now it was happening for real. What could I do?
"Um… can I say no?"
Hearing my words, she let go of my hands.
Looking disappointed, she sighed and said, "It's okay to refuse. I don't want to drag you, an outsider, into this."
I didn't want to get involved in something troublesome, so I was glad she understood.
Just as I praised her silently, she added;
"After you've said all of that, I thought you were admirable and would be willing to help me… but in the end, it's just all talk."
"Urk!"
Her words stabbed sharply at my heart.
I wished I hadn't said those things. Now it was coming back to bite me.
If this were a romcom, the protagonist would step up and help her. But in reality, I'm no protagonist—but just a background character.
I have no girlfriend or friends. I spend my breaks alone behind the gym. So what could someone like me, with no experience, do to help?
But as a man, I couldn't run away—at least not now.
After thinking it over, I finally decided to help her.
"Fine, I'll help you," I said.
"Thank you."
After saying that, she raised her head and looked at me.
?!
When I saw her face, she gave me a smile—no, it was a devilish smile.
This girl…
She had me right where she wanted. Using my own words, she knew I couldn't refuse. This wasn't a request anymore—it was a demand.
What audacity.
"I knew it—you're a kind person, Dalino. So, once again, thank you."
I wanted to retort, but Escuro beat me to it.
Looking at her phone, she said, "Oh, break time's almost over. Let's continue this conversation later."
With that, she stood up and walked away.
What about me? I was left behind.
My mind was stuck on what had just happened. Break time was already over, and I hadn't even eaten my sandwich because I'd been caught up in Escuro's matters.
All of this felt like a nightmare. No— I wished it were a nightmare. A dream. I wanted none of this to have happened.