Episode 2: Unspoken Words
631 Words
Aerin Dela Vega had never imagined how a simple change in seatmates could throw her whole routine into chaos. It had been a few days since she met Raven Alcantara, the aloof, sharp-eyed boy with a mysterious aura. And in those few days, she found herself staring at him more than she cared to admit.
Their conversations were limited—barely five words each day—but the silence between them always felt... heavy. Not uncomfortable, just full of something unsaid.
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Scene 1: The Morning Routine
Aerin rushed to the gate of North Haven High, hair slightly damp from the morning bath, bag swinging over her shoulder. She hated being late—especially now that she shared a seat with Raven. He was always early, always seated, and always… reading.
She entered the room.
"Late ka na naman," Raven mumbled, eyes still on his book.
"Eh traffic," she replied, catching her breath. "Bakit, namiss mo ko?"
Raven glanced at her sideways, expression unreadable. "In your dreams."
Ang arte. Pero kinilig ako, tanga, Aerin thought, chuckling to herself.
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Scene 2: Lunch Table Secrets
At lunch, Aerin sat with her usual group—Yumi, Carl, and Joanna—but her eyes drifted to the other table.
There sat Raven, eating alone as usual.
"Bakit mo lagi tinitingnan si Alcantara?" Yumi asked, raising a brow.
"Ha? Hindi ah," Aerin denied, too quickly.
"C’mon girl," Joanna leaned in. "Don’t tell me may crush ka sa mystery guy na ‘yun?"
Aerin’s cheeks turned pink. She bit into her burger to hide her smile.
But somewhere deep inside, she knew there was something about him.
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Scene 3: Accidental Encounter
After school, Aerin decided to drop by the library to borrow a novel for their English project.
She turned a corner and—thud!
Books fell. Her bag hit the floor.
"Ay sorry!" she gasped.
Then her eyes met Raven’s.
He had bent down to help pick up her books. Their fingers brushed. Time seemed to stop.
For a split second, Raven actually smiled.
"Read ka rin ng The Little Prince?" he asked, picking up her book.
Aerin stared. "Oo… bakit? You like it?"
He handed the book back. "I read it every year. Reminds me of things I forget."
And just like that, he walked away, leaving Aerin frozen in place, heartbeat racing.
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Scene 4: Rumors and Rain
The next day, whispers floated in the hallway.
"Alcantara? May ka-date daw kahapon sa café!"
"Yung bagong transferee? 'Yung mahilig mag-book?"
Aerin’s chest tightened. She pretended not to care, but the knot in her stomach said otherwise.
Rain started pouring as the last bell rang. Aerin had no umbrella.
She waited by the gate, hugging her bag. Cold, damp, disappointed.
Then, without a word, Raven appeared beside her. He held up an umbrella—black, simple, large enough for two.
"Wag kang matagal diyan. You'll get sick," he said quietly.
Aerin looked up at him, eyes wide. "Di mo naman kailangan gawin ‘to."
"I know," he replied, expression unreadable. "But I want to."
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Scene 5: The Ride Home
They walked side by side under the soft patter of rain. For once, the silence was peaceful.
"You believe in destiny?" Aerin asked out of nowhere.
Raven looked thoughtful. "I believe in… moments. Yung mga sandali na binibigay sayo para magbago ang takbo ng buhay mo."
"Like meeting someone out of the blue?" she asked, voice barely above a whisper.
He glanced at her. "Yeah. Something like that."
The jeep arrived. Raven helped her in and handed her the umbrella.
"Akin na. Baka mabasa ka," she protested.
"Keep it," he said, hopping off. "You'll need it again."
As the jeep drove away, Aerin watched him disappear into the crowd, heart pounding in the rain.
- Writer
