Heartstrings of Destiny

Harmony Unleashed: The Friend Connection

The week passed without any sign of Jasper in my class, and the issues at home persisted with my cramped living situation. Sleeping arrangements involved Sister Aly on the floor with a spread-out comforter since my bed only accommodated one, while brother slept in the living room, having invested in a mattress for himself.

They expressed intentions to leave once they secured jobs in Newham, but their strong bond and long history together made it seem unlikely. No malice existed towards brother, as he remained oblivious to any feelings for Sister Aly. Unfortunately, this situation hindered my ability to talk to Poopy at home.

Conversations with him in school also raised concerns of being perceived as lacking or crazy, slowing down any progress. Fortunately, on the following Tuesday, Jasper returned to class, though he remained in a foul mood, avoiding interaction.

"Glad you can join the class, Mr. Cruz," I greeted him with a forced smile, dealing with his apparent attitude problem. I shifted my focus to the day's lesson on protagonists and antagonists, encouraging student participation.

When discussing preferences, students had varying opinions on being protagonists or antagonists. Jasper, in particular, preferred being a protagonist for the hope of a positive outcome, while Krisha expressed a unique viewpoint, appreciating the complexity and relatability of villains.

The class fell silent after Krisha's insightful response. I thanked her and decided to explore the topic further.

I joined my fellow teachers for lunch, a mix of part-timers and regulars, as we anticipated the introduction of a new teacher in our department. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as we chatted. Suddenly, our college dean walked in with an exceptionally handsome man – perhaps an actor or model. I couldn't help but be awestruck by his looks.

The dean enjoyed our stunned reactions, and we quickly closed our gaping mouths. "Teachers, this is Josh. He is replacing Mr. Aranza," the dean introduced him. I was taken aback. Could he really be a teacher? If all teachers looked as good as him, nobody would dare to skip school.

The dean inquired about Ms. Cortado's absence, and someone explained that she would be a little late. Late? Oh, please. She didn't need to worry; she had more than enough admirers. I had harbored resentment towards her for a while because of her beauty. Now, she effortlessly juggled five lovers who took turns picking her up. Life seemed unfairly easy for her.

'What a beauty! Not a surprise she has so many admirers,' Poopy's voice rang in my mind, and I shot him a confused look. 'Surprise!' he grinned lopsidedly.

'Wait, are you reading my mind?' I mouthed to him. He nodded. 'I can read your thoughts as clearly as if you were speaking them.'

'Hold on! Isn't that against the rules? What happened to your whole "free will" speech?' I questioned him, feeling a bit indignant.

"It applies only to the prospects, Candice. Matchmakers are the exemptions," he explained. I saw him slowly disappear into thin air from across the table and then I felt him behind me as he stooped down to whisper, "This is one way you could communicate with me in case you can't freely open your mouth."

'Why didn't you say this earlier?!'

He chuckled. "It wouldn't be fun communicating like this.

I'm going to sweat."

'And I look like a fool when I talk to you normally!'

"That's okay. Anyway, who is this Sammy you were so angrily thinking about?"

Just as I was about to answer him, someone opened the door and entered. There stood on the doorway, the very cause of my angry thoughts. Clad in satin blouse and pencil skirt so tight I could feel her hips choke was Sammy.

I heard Poopy whistle. "She's hot," he commented.

I rolled my eyes. 'Yeah. It's hot. I hope he is fine.

He's leche.'

Poopy laughed. "Why are you so mad at him?" he asked.

'She stole someone from me.'

+

I was only in my seventh month at the university as a teacher when Sammy arrived. At that time, my co-teacher Rommel was courting me. I loved Rommel and he loved me.

But when Sammy came, he immediately lost that liking.

It's late for him to give me flowers. He doesn't take me home anymore. We don't even have lunch together anymore.

Then one day, I was surprised when I found out that he was dating Sammy. I cried for a week because of that.

It's a good thing he didn't answer. It's good for him.

"Sammy, this is Josh. The replacement for Sir Aranza."

"Hi," Joseph greeted with a smile. He reached out and shook her hand.

"They're good," Poopy said.

'Neither,' I disagreed. But what I think doesn't matter. They are a thing. According to fate... they fit.

I was still mumbling because of what I saw earlier when I suddenly stopped walking. I noticed that no one else was moving on the pathway but me.

"Why?" I asked Poppy wonderingly.

Instead of answering, he pointed in front of us. I saw Jasper's back as he walks away. His left hand is clenched while one hand is holding the strap of the bag hanging on his right shoulder.

He bumped into a woman who was blocking the way.

She was frozen in time and ever so slowly, she started to fall. I started walking to her to prevent her from falling but Poppy stopped me on track.

"Don't," he scolded me.

"But she's falling!" I complained to him.

"But she's falling!" I complained to him.

"You're not the one who's supposed to catch her. Look."

I turned my attention to the woman who still hadn't fallen to the pavement. Near where she was falling, I saw one guy looking. And I saw something else too.

Their strings are connected.

"Don't mess with the bigger plan Mina. Let things happen."

"Sorry."

He just nodded as if acknowledging my apology. We continued to follow Jasper. Finally, he stopped near the stairs. Krisnel was sitting there and was currently reading a book. Without saying a word, he told her.

Krisnel was surprised and frowned at Jasper.

When their eyes met, he blushed slightly. "W-Do you need something?"

Jasper put his arms on his knees and then spoke, "What you said about the antagonist, did you really mean that?" he asked the girl.

Krisnel smiled and nodded. "Why did you ask?"

Jasper shook his head. "Nothing. I'm just in love with you."

They both smiled.

"It's fun to be weird," Krisnel reasoned.

"It's okay. I'm sorry too."

"Friends?" She held out her hand to him.

Jasper accepted that and smiled. "All right.

Call me JL, by the way. That's my nickname."

Krisha nodded.

"In that case, call me Pepay."