Being Poor is Not Easy

CHAPTER 2: THE FEELING HE NEVER EXPECTED

As the months passed, Lester slowly became more comfortable in school. He was still quiet compared to most students, but he was no longer alone.

That was when he met Rico.

Rico was cheerful, talkative, and the complete opposite of Lester. While Lester often kept his thoughts to himself, Rico always had something to say. Despite their differences, they quickly became close friends.

They spent lunch breaks together, walked home after class, and shared stories about their families and dreams.

One afternoon, while they were sitting under the mango tree behind the school, Rico suddenly became unusually nervous.

"Lester, can I tell you something?" Rico asked.

"Sure," Lester replied.

Rico looked around before speaking.

"I like someone."

Lester laughed softly. "That's normal."

"No, seriously," Rico said. "She's from the higher year level."

For the first time, Lester saw his friend blush.

Rico told him everything—how he admired the girl from afar, how he wanted to talk to her, and how he became nervous whenever she passed by.

The problem was simple.

Rico was too shy.

And so Lester became the bridge between them.

Whenever Rico wanted to send a message, Lester delivered it. Whenever Rico wanted to know something about her, Lester would help. Sometimes he would even start conversations just so Rico would have a chance to talk to her.

At first, Lester thought nothing of it.

He was simply helping a friend.

But as days turned into weeks, he found himself talking to the girl more often.

She was kind.

She smiled easily.

And unlike many people, she never looked down on anyone.

Little by little, Lester found himself looking forward to their conversations.

He told himself it was nothing.

Just friendship.

Just kindness.

Nothing more.

But deep inside, a feeling was quietly growing.

A feeling he never wanted to admit.

One afternoon, while walking home, Lester realized something that made his chest feel heavy.

He liked her too.

The same girl his best friend was trying to win.

He stopped walking for a moment.

The setting sun painted the sky orange as countless thoughts filled his mind.

"What am I supposed to do?" he whispered.

For the first time, Lester found himself trapped between two things he valued deeply.

His friendship.

And his heart.

And he knew that sooner or later, he would have to choose.

What he did not know was that this choice would change everything.