---
**Kylie’s POV**
Minsan ang panahon talagang unpredictable. Kanina lang, sunny and bright ang sky, and suddenly, dark clouds rolled in, bringing with them a heavy downpour. Parang ang tamang timing, nakaka-stress na week na ito sa school. I was just about to head home, carrying my backpack full of assignments, when I heard the unmistakable sound of raindrops hitting the pavement.
“Perfect,” I muttered to myself, looking up at the darkening sky.
Naisip ko na sana, huwag nang umulan, pero malapit na akong magdesisyon kung ano ang dapat gawin. As I stepped outside the school building, the rain started to pour harder. Sa sobrang bigat ng ulan, wala akong choice kundi maghanap ng masisilungan.
“Ugh! Bakit ganito?” I groaned, trying to shield myself with my backpack. “I just want to go home!”
As I stood there, trying to figure out my next move, I noticed a familiar figure at the entrance of the school. It was Ace, and he was standing there, looking at me with an amused expression.
“Hey, Kylie!” he called out, his voice barely audible over the rain.
“What?” I shouted back, trying to keep my voice steady even though I was soaked.
“You need a ride?” he asked, tilting his head toward his car parked nearby.
I hesitated for a moment. “Are you serious? Do you really want to give me a ride?”
“Why not?” he said, shrugging. “I wouldn’t leave you here to get soaked.”
Kahit na nagdadalawang isip ako, I nodded. “Okay, fine. Thanks!”
---
**Ace’s POV**
I couldn’t help but chuckle as I watched Kylie struggle to keep herself dry. I mean, she looked ridiculous, her hair sticking to her forehead and her hoodie drenched. When she agreed to take a ride, I felt relieved. It wasn’t every day you got to play the knight in shining armor, and honestly, I was curious to see her without the usual hoodie that she always wore.
As she approached my car, I opened the passenger door and gestured for her to get in. “Here, hop in.”
She climbed inside, shaking off the excess water like a wet dog. “I can’t believe this is happening,” she said, rolling her eyes.
I grinned. “What, you don’t want to ride with me? I promise I don’t bite.”
“Yeah, right,” she shot back, but I could see a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “Thanks, anyway. I appreciate it.”
I started the car and turned on the heater, hoping to warm us up a bit. “So, what’s your plan for the rest of the day?” I asked, glancing at her.
“I don’t know. Probably just go home and drown in homework,” she said, leaning back in her seat.
I chuckled,"well we are senior high school"
She gave me a sidelong glance. “Oh, I’m sure it is.”
---
**Kylie’s POV**
As Ace drove, I tried to shake off the chill from the rain. Nakaka-distract ang sinasabi niya. I mean, I never expected him to be so easy to talk to. I had this image of him as the perfect, put-together student council president, but here he was, joking around with me like we were old friends.
“So, do you always offer rides to people in the rain?” I asked, trying to keep the conversation going.
“Only to pretty girls,” he replied, winking at me.
I rolled my eyes, trying to hide the blush creeping up my cheeks. “Yeah, right.”
“Seriously,” he continued, “I can’t just leave you out there in the rain. What kind of guy would I be?”
“A nice one?” I shot back, laughing a little.
He smirked. “Exactly.”
---
**Ace’s POV**
I could tell Kylie was warming up to me. Sa mga sinabi niya, nakikita kong may humor din siya sa likod ng tough exterior. It was refreshing to talk to someone who didn’t take everything so seriously.
As we drove through the rain, I couldn’t help but steal glances at her. Her hair was a mess, but somehow, it made her look even more adorable. There was something about her, something that intrigued me.
“So, how are you liking Rosewood so far?” I asked, trying to keep the conversation light.
She sighed, leaning her head against the window. “It’s... different. But I guess I’m getting used to it. Junna’s making it easier.”
“Your friend? She seems fun,” I said, recalling how bubbly and carefree she was.
“Yeah, she is. I’m just worried that she might get herself into trouble here,” she admitted, biting her lip.
“Why’s that?” I asked, genuinely curious.
“She’s... well, she tends to attract attention, you know? And not just the good kind.”
I nodded, understanding what she meant. “Gotcha. Just keep an eye on her. I know how people can be in schools like this.”
Kylie looked at me, a small smile playing on her lips. “Thanks, Ace. I appreciate it.”
--- **Kylie’s POV**
When we finally arrived at my house, I felt a little reluctant to get out of the car. I was enjoying our conversation too much. But the rain was still pouring, and I had to face the reality of being soaked to the bone.
“Thanks for the ride,” I said, opening the door.
“Wait,” he said, stopping me. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” I replied, turning back to him.
“Why do you always wear hoodies? I mean, I get that it’s your style, but don’t you get hot in them?” he asked, genuinely curious.
I laughed nervously. “Well, it’s... comfortable? Plus, it kind of shields me from everyone else.”
“From what?” he pressed.
I hesitated, considering my answer. “I guess I just don’t want to deal with anyone’s judgment. It’s easier this way.”
He nodded, his expression serious. “I get it. But you shouldn’t feel like you have to hide, Kylie. You’re cooler than you think.”
That caught me off guard. “Thanks, Ace. That means a lot.”
I climbed out of the car, and as I closed the door, I glanced back at him. “See you tomorrow?”
“Definitely,” he replied, flashing that charming smile again.
As I walked toward the house, I couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, I was starting to see a different side of Ace Fronda.
---
# **Ace’s POV**
Watching her walk away, I felt a strange mix of emotions. There was something about Kylie that intrigued me. She was tough on the outside but had this vulnerability that made me want to know her better.
As I drove away, I found myself smiling. Maybe this rainy day wasn’t so bad after all. I had a feeling that things were about to get a lot more interesting at Rosewood Academy.
---
**Kylie’s POV**
When I finally got inside the house, I couldn’t help but replay the moments from earlier in my head. The way Ace looked at me, the way he made me laugh despite the rain—everything felt different.
“Hey, you’re soaked!” my mom exclaimed as I walked into the living room. “What happened?”
“Just got caught in the rain,” I replied, shaking my hair like a wet dog. “But I got a ride home from Ace.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “Ace Fronda? The Student Council President?”
“Yeah, that guy,” I said, shrugging it off. “No big deal.”
“Sweetie, that’s a big deal! He’s one of the most popular guys in school!”
I rolled my eyes. “Mom, it’s not like that. He was just being nice.”
“Still, it’s nice to see you making friends,” she said, a smile spreading across her face. “And he sounds like a good influence.”
I smirked. “We’ll see about that.”
---
**Ace’s POV**
After I got home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that today had changed something. I thought about Kylie and how she had this fierce attitude mixed with a touch of vulnerability. It was refreshing, and I was starting to realize I wanted to get to know her better.
As I sat in my room, I decided to text Ethan.
Hey, you won’t believe who I gave a ride to today.
A few moments later, my phone buzzed.
Who?
Kylie. She got caught in the rain.
Nice! I told you she was cute. How was it?
Surprisingly cool. She’s different from the others.
Sounds like you’re into her!
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t deny it. There was something about Kylie that drew me in, and I was curious to see where this would go.
---
**Kylie’s POV**
That evening, as I sat at my desk trying to finish my homework, my phone buzzed. It was a text from Junna.
Hey! How was your first day at Rosewood?
I smiled, thinking back on my day.
Pretty good! Got caught in the rain but Ace gave me a ride
Oh, wow! That’s awesome!
Yeah, it was. He’s actually nice.
You like him?
I hesitated for a moment before