The One Thing I Couldn't Organize

Hazel’s POV The van rattled along the narrow road leading to Lola’s house in Palawan. Outside the window, the tall coconut trees and lush greenery passed by, illuminated by the warm afternoon sunlight. It was beautiful, honestly. But I was too busy checking my notebook to appreciate the scenery. The itinerary? Done. The luggage? Counted. The groceries? Listed. The sleeping arrangements? Discussed seventeen times in our group chat. Everything was perfectly organized. Well, almost everything. There was just one tiny problem. Rhett. The guy I had secretly liked for two years. “Hazel,” Marilyn called beside me. I ignored her. “Hazel!” “What?” “Are you planning our vacation or solving a national crisis?” I frowned. “I'm checking if everything is ready.” “Right. Everything except your love life.” I immediately turned toward her. “Marilyn!” She burst out laughing. “What? I'm just saying! We're going to Palawan, girl. Beautiful beaches, clear water, and handsome guys—” “Finish that sentence, and I'll throw your bag out the window.” “Violence! So early in the morning!” I rolled my eyes and returned to my notebook. The truth was, I wasn't nervous about the trip. I was nervous because I would finally meet Rhett in person. I had seen his pictures countless times, and I knew what he looked like. But meeting him face-to-face? That was an entirely different problem. I could already imagine myself embarrassing myself in front of him. “Kinakabahan ka ba?” Marilyn asked, suddenly sounding serious. I hesitated. Of course I was nervous. I had liked the guy for two years without even talking to him properly. Now, I was about to see him in person. But admitting that to Marilyn would be the biggest mistake of my life. “I'm worried about the luggage arrangements,” I answered. She stared at me before slowly nodding. “Of course. The luggage arrangements.” “Exactly.” “Whatever you say, Miss Secretary.” Before I could respond, Jessica turned around from the front seat. “Can you two stop fighting? We still have to organize the ingredients when we arrive. Hazel, do you have the shopping list?” I immediately lifted my notebook. “Yes! I separated the ingredients for Lola's birthday dinner from the groceries for breakfast.” “Good. At least someone is prepared.” “Excuse me!” Kristine protested. “I'm prepared to swim. That's an important life skill!” “Not when you scream every time a wave touches you,” Niña replied. Everyone burst into laughter. I couldn't help smiling. My friends were chaotic, loud, and sometimes unbelievably annoying, but I loved being around them. Even when they made me question why I agreed to travel with them in the first place. Soon, John announced that we had arrived. Lola's house stood on wooden stilts, surrounded by tropical plants and a huge mango tree. Beyond the yard, I could see the sea shimmering under the afternoon sun. The place was beautiful. Before I could admire it any longer, everyone started unloading the luggage. “Finally!” Kristine shouted. “Someone get the cooler!” Ed called. “Not me,” Niño answered immediately. I shook my head, grabbed my bag, and approached the porch where Lola was waiting for us. “My grandchildren!” she exclaimed happily. John rushed toward her and wrapped her in a tight hug. “Lola! I missed you!” “Did you miss me or my cooking?” “Both!” “Liar!” I laughed before approaching her. “Hello, Lola. I'm Hazel.” “Oh, you're Hazel!” She held my hands warmly. “John told me you're the responsible one in your group.” I glanced at John, who was grinning like he had just assigned me another responsibility. “Yes, Lola. I'll help with the preparations.” “Good! But eat first. You can work later.” I smiled politely and turned toward the luggage. Then I heard John call out. “Rhett! Geo! Nathan! Come here!” My heart nearly stopped. Slowly, I turned toward the mango tree. And there he was. Rhett. Tall, broad-shouldered, and moreno, wearing a simple linen shirt with its sleeves folded to his elbows. His dark hair was slightly messy, and his glasses rested perfectly on his face. He was just standing there, talking to his friends. Nothing extraordinary. Yet somehow, I forgot how to breathe. Oh, no. It's actually him. The guy I had admired through photographs was standing right in front of me, and somehow, he looked even more handsome in person. “Hazel?” Marilyn whispered beside me. I didn't answer. “Girl.” Still nothing. She followed my gaze and immediately understood. “Oh.” “Don't,” I warned quietly. “That's him, isn't it?” “Marilyn.” “That's the guy you've been—” “MARILYN!” She covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. Before she could embarrass me any further, John called the three men over. They approached our group, and suddenly, Rhett was standing right in front of me. He greeted everyone with a friendly smile before his eyes settled on mine. For one terrifying second, I forgot how to look away. Then he smiled. “Hi. I'm Rhett.” Say hello, Hazel. It's just a greeting. You can do this. “Ha—” I cleared my throat. “Hazel.” Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. He smiled wider. “Hazel,” he repeated. Why did my name sound different when he said it? “John mentioned you're the organized one,” he continued. “Really?” He glanced at the notebook I was clutching against my chest. “You're holding that notebook like it's protecting you from the world.” Everyone laughed. I looked down and realized he was right. “I use it for the itinerary,” I explained. “Of course.” “And emergency information.” “Very responsible.” “And schedules—” “Hazel,” he interrupted gently, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “I'm teasing you.” I immediately closed my mouth. Lord, please take me now. Aira suddenly joined the conversation. “So you're the tall, handsome guy John promised us!” “Ate Ai!” I exclaimed. “What? I'm welcoming our guest!” “We're the guests!” “Details.” Rhett chuckled, and I hated how much I liked the sound of it. No. I didn't hate it. That was the problem. Eventually, Gab reminded everyone to bring the luggage inside. I quickly grabbed my suitcase, hoping to escape the embarrassing conversation. But before I could lift it, another hand reached for the handle. “I've got it,” Rhett said. “Oh, no. It's okay. I can carry it.” “I know.” “Then—” “But I can carry it, too.” He lifted my suitcase effortlessly. Of course he can. As if being handsome wasn't enough, he also had to be helpful. “Thank you,” I managed to say. “You're welcome.” Our eyes met again, and I immediately regretted every decision that had led me to this moment. Then he tilted his head. “By the way, Hazel?” “Yes?” “Try not to hide behind that notebook the entire trip.” I blinked. “Why?” His smile turned playful. “Because I'd like to get to know you.” And just like that, my entire world stopped. He walked away carrying my suitcase, leaving me frozen in place. Marilyn appeared beside me almost immediately. “Girl.” “No.” “GIRL!” “Please.” “HE WANTS TO GET TO KNOW YOU!” “I HEARD HIM!” She squealed and pulled me into a hug while John laughed from across the yard. “Hazel! Why are you blushing?” “Kuya John, I swear—” “What are you going to do? Put me in your itinerary?” Everyone burst into laughter. I covered my face with my notebook. I had barely arrived in Palawan, and my carefully planned vacation was already falling apart. My composure was gone. My friends were enjoying my suffering. And the guy I had secretly liked for two years had just told me he wanted to get to know me. The worst part? I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to run away. I lowered my notebook slightly and glanced toward the mango tree. Rhett was talking to Geo, but somehow, he seemed to sense me looking. He turned, caught my gaze, and winked. I immediately hid behind my notebook again. Okay. This trip was going to kill me. And the worst part? It hadn't even properly begun.