Talia and Lou stood at the front of the classroom, presenting their report task. Everything seemed to be going smoothly, until one of their classmates raised his hand.
"You two are… kind of mid," he said honestly, hesitating. "I just didn't really get it."
My eyes widened at his words. We really hadn't had enough time to explain everything fully, while Lou just laughed, brushing it off as if it were no big deal.
"It's not that I don't like your presentation," he continued. "I just… don't really understand it, to be frank."
The professor stepped in, smiling kindly. "Thank you for saying that. That's the point of being honest. I know the topic I gave them was much harder than the others, but still, they managed it well. Don't worry, I'll make it more understandable."
As we returned to our seats, my chest sank a little, still replaying the moment. Then I heard someone call my name.
"I'm… I'm sorry about that," Val said quietly. "I just didn't really understand where it all went."
I smiled warmly at him. "No, there's nothing to apologize for, Val. I'm actually happy you were honest. Besides, we didn't have much time to explain everything especially with your groupmates asking so many questions. But it's fine," I reassured him.
"You sure?" he asked, looking at me with a hint of doubt in his eyes.
"Yeah… I am," I said, giving his shoulder a gentle tap. "Really."
I glanced at Lou, who was lounging in his seat, completely unaware of the small tension I was smoothing over.
"And you should check out my cousin too," I said jokingly, nudging the conversation toward him.
Val shook his head, grinning. "Nah, I don't care about his feelings."
I laughed aloud, letting the sound fill the space, though a small pang of hurt lingered deep inside. I pushed it down, accepting it quietly. It wasn't the first time I had to hide little disappointments behind a smile but somehow, it felt easier to let it go this way.
Even when honesty stings, I reminded myself, grace makes it bearable.
As class ended, I quickly gathered my things, eager to finally go home.
Walking through the hallway, my mind wandered, turning over the thought that honesty can hurt more than a lie. I was lost in reflection when I slowly lifted my eyes and froze.
There he was.
A tall figure, fair-skinned, with those slightly squinty eyes, looking straight at me. For a moment, all my thoughts vanished, leaving only the sudden, inexplicable pull of the moment.
When I realized I had been staring at him, I immediately turned and walked away, my heart racing as he continued down his own path.
What kind of fool am I, just staring like that? I slapped my own cheek, trying to snap out of it.
Keep it together, Tal! Don't let this get to you. He doesn't even know you anymore so forget him and focus! I muttered to myself, quickening my pace, forcing my thoughts back to the present as I hurried down the hallway.
My feelings for him… they're supposed to be long gone. It's been eight years.
I admired him back in fourth grade, three full years of quiet admiration. It ended when I left my elementary school and he stayed behind. Even after I moved on to a new school, I never truly forgot him. I admired others, sure, but it never compared to him.
And then… transferring here at Aurelius University of Science and Humanities, I encountered him on my very first day. I recognized him immediately. My heart skipped a beat. All the memories I had tried so hard to forget came rushing back the moment I saw him.
He didn't recognize me. I accepted that, I truly did. But still… why him?
"Damn you, Chez Villanueva," I murmured, gripping my chest as a wave of emotions hit me. I took a deep breath and forced myself to exit the campus, trying to leave the chaos of my heart behind.