THE MAN WO CAN'T BE MINE

Chapter 1

Cheska.

I was just staring out the window as my brother's car moved forward. Today is my first day as a senior high school student, and I have no idea what kind of environment will greet me. I'm also nervous about the supposedly strict teachers in the STEM Department. I don't even know why I insisted on this strand. I just want to become a doctor someday. My goodness!

"What are you thinking?" my older brother asked when he noticed my silence.

"Nothing, Kuya Justin," I answered briefly. I quickly pushed away my thoughts as we arrived at the school I would be attending.

As soon as I stepped out of the car, the massive NEU campus greeted me. My dream school…

He is Justin—my older brother and one of the campus heartthrobs. But he's not like other guys who just play around. He's kind, especially to me, since I'm the youngest. He is five years older than me and is now about to graduate.

"You've been so quiet," he commented. I just ignored him until I suddenly realized that we had already reached the university.

"We're here, Cheska." I got out of the car and left my brother in the parking lot. He was probably going to wait for his friends anyway.

While walking, I spotted a familiar face.

"Clarisse?" I called her name softly.

"Hey, Cheska." She smiled before approaching me, greeting me with a kiss on the cheek, and wrapping an arm around me.

"Where's Minchie?" I asked. Minchie is another close friend of mine.

"I'm here, sissy."

I turned toward the voice and smiled when I saw Minchie. But my smile quickly faded when I noticed the girl she was with. Who the hell is that?

"Uhm, by the way, this is Coleen Ferrer, my childhood friend," she introduced the girl, probably noticing our curious stares.

"Hi, I'm Coleen," she said with a bright smile, extending her hand toward me. I wasn’t going to shake it, but I felt bad. So, I forced a smile before finally taking her hand and introducing myself.

"I'm Cheska." I quickly withdrew my hand, and I noticed the slight shock in her eyes. But she recovered quickly and smiled again.

Our conversation didn't last long because the bell rang, signaling us to head to our respective classrooms. I thought we'd be in different classes, but according to the class listing she showed me, we were actually going to be together—except for Clarisse, who was already in Grade 12.

While walking, we crossed paths with Jacob and Jack. Jack was the only one I was close with, so I only acknowledged him. He slung his arm around my shoulders, which I didn’t mind since it had no malice. But the person beside me? He was rolling his eyes. How mature of you, Villanueva.

"I heard we already have an assignment for our first subject. They say our Biology teacher is really tough," Jack shared.

"I doubt it. It’s only the first day." I pouted. If it were true, I might as well give up now and just be a patient instead of a doctor.

"Biology is easy, bro. It’s just the study of life, and you're already nervous?" Jacob smirked arrogantly, which irritated me.

"Conceited," I muttered, but he still heard me because he gave me a glare. I didn’t care. I even stuck my tongue out at him to annoy him further.

"Mature," he muttered as well, clearly wanting me to hear it. Let's see how arrogant you still are if I punch you.

When we entered the room, it was still a bit chaotic, so we just chatted. I was just observing my surroundings when my eyes landed on Jacob, who was completely focused on his phone. Even with his phone, does he have to be so serious? Maybe he's having an argument with his girlfriend.

Then, I glanced at Coleen and raised an eyebrow at how she was sneaking glances at Jacob.

She likes Jacob? Wow. What a terrible taste.

I’m not mad at Coleen; I just don’t like her. That happens, right? Sometimes, you just dislike someone from the moment you meet them.

"Good morning."

My thoughts were interrupted when a tall man entered the room. Judging by his appearance, he was probably in his 40s. He must be our Biology teacher. He didn’t seem strict; in fact, he looked kind.

"Group yourselves into two," he commanded with authority. Okay, I take back what I said earlier.

"Partner up, liit," Tyler said.

What the hell?! Why with Coleen?!

"Cheska, do you have a par—" Jack started, but Jacob suddenly sat beside me.

"I got her first, bro," Jacob said casually.

"What?!" I couldn’t help but exclaim, and I immediately covered my mouth when the teacher shot me a sharp look. "I'm sorry, Sir."

How did Coleen end up being his partner? They barely even know each other! Tyler was always my partner in high school, so I expected him to approach me first. We were always together so much that I ended up falling for him. I know my feelings were obvious through my actions. Even our friends knew I liked him—he was just too dense to notice.

"Don't take out your anger on me," Jacob said in a cold tone.

"I don’t want to be your partner," I retorted.

"As if I want to be yours," he scoffed, smirking. If only our teacher wasn’t in front of the class, I would have punched him already.

"There are others you could have chosen. Why me? I want to be with—"

I was about to stand and go to Jack instead when Jacob suddenly grabbed my wrist to stop me. What is this guy’s problem?!

"You know what? F*ck you," I hissed at him, yanking my hand away. I turned my attention to the front, pretending to focus on what the teacher was writing.

“How about revenge?” he suddenly whispered.

I turned to him, momentarily stunned by his words. I wasn't stupid; I understood exactly what he meant. Is he suggesting I use him to get back at his friend?

"Shut up, Jacob."

"Make me," he said in a suggestive tone. I nearly gagged at how disgusting he sounded. Gross!

"Biology is a major subject, so please pay attention," our teacher said. "I can see the nervousness in your eyes, but don’t be. Just listen carefully, and you’ll be able to answer correctly." He glanced around the class before continuing.

"You might be wondering why I had you find a partner so soon. Your partner will be with you until the first semester ends. They’ll be your partner for reports, recitations, and other activities. They are your study buddies, but I advise you not to rely too much on each other. Learn to be independent. Because what if you have a report and your partner is absent? See?"

So, I’m stuck with Villanueva until the end of the semester? I don’t mind his looks—he's handsome. I even used to have a crush on him. But he’s an arrogant jerk. I would’ve preferred Tyler! What was Jacob thinking when he chose me?!

"Quit staring," he said calmly.

He noticed that? Wow. His senses are sharp. I wish he could also sense that I don’t want to be his partner.

To be continued...