Heartstrings of Destiny

Navigating Relationships and Heartfelt Conversations

"I couldn't stop smiling. For the first time in months, I didn't even care about those red strings surrounding me. Finally, I wasn't bothered by the fact that I wasn't there before. Because the person I like also likes me. And I did it all without any matchmaking help," Candice reflected with a grin.

"You're making a mistake," Josh said, repeating himself for what felt like the hundredth time.

"I'm only human, bound to make mistakes," Candice reasoned, instantly regretting her words. She knew Josh had been touchy about the subject of mistakes lately, especially since he made one he wasn't supposed to. "Sorry," she added quickly.

"It's okay. It's alright for you to be tactless sometimes," Josh replied, his tone sounding somewhat judgmental. "Sorry," he added again, sensing Candice's discomfort.

Candice grunted, annoyed. "Stop reading my mind!"

"Are you okay?" Josh asked, interrupting their conversation.

Candice turned to smile at him. "Yeah. Where are we headed?"

Joshscratched his head sheepishly, flashing his trademark boyish smile. "I actually didn't plan anything. I didn't think you'd agree to come with me, so I didn't prepare. I'm sorry."

Candice felt a pang of confusion. Why wouldn't she agree to go with him? If he invited her, she'd go anywhere. "I'm just kidding," she reassured him when Josh faked a cough, giving her a forced smile in response.

Since Josh hadn't planned anything, Candice took the lead in suggesting activities. Despite the lack of plans, they had fun brainstorming where to go and what to do next. Being with Josh felt refreshing, his buoyant personality and easygoing nature making him enjoyable company.

"Am I not easy to be with?" Josh's voice intruded on Candice's thoughts. She sighed and flashed him a quick smile before she and Josh entered the movie theater.

Later, at school, they became the talk of the town. Candice had predicted it. Josh bombarded her with apologetic text messages, knowing that her colleagues and students were eager for details about their date.

"Ma'am, how was your date with Sir Marco?" one of Candice's female students asked eagerly as soon as she entered the classroom.

Candice hesitated, shooting a playful glare at Jasper, who grinned mischievously from his seat. "Good morning, class," she greeted, trying to deflect the attention.

"Good morning, ma'am! How was your date?" another student pressed.

Candice sighed. "That's a story for another time," she deflected. "But first, did you all review? We have a quiz today," she reminded them, trying to shift the focus away from her personal life.

"But please, ma'am, tell us!" the students insisted.

Candice chuckled, shaking her head at their persistence. "You're all such gossipers!" she teased, before opening her manual and starting to read out the quiz questions.

As the class settled down to work, Candice heard excited squeals from the girls sitting near the door. She glanced over and felt her heart skip a beat when she saw Josh peeking into the room.

"Ayeeeee! Look, he's got Chinese roots! What a smooth talker!" one of my students exclaimed, causing a ruckus in the classroom.

I hushed them and approached the door, holding my breath and putting on a smile as I asked Josh what he needed.

"Shall we grab lunch together later?" he asked, flashing me a charming smile that set off another round of cheers and laughter from the class.

"Sure, that sounds good," I replied, trying to maintain my composure despite the chaos.

"Okay, see you later!" Josh gave one final grin before bidding farewell to my rowdy class, who responded with even more enthusiasm. I felt a pang of embarrassment as I reentered the classroom. How was I supposed to carry on with the lesson now? My mind was a mess.

"Yay! No quiz today! Ma'am's so happy!" one student exclaimed.

"Hey, enough," I scolded Jason, but the laughter continued.

"Get a sheet of paper each," I instructed them, met with groans and complaints.

"Okay, fine. We'll do it tomorrow," I relented, trying to appease them.

"Cool! We hope you're in love every day, ma'am!" another student chimed in.

I smiled at their cheekiness, secretly hoping for the same. Maybe then I'd feel as beautiful as Sammy.

"You really need to stop this. You're driving me crazy!" Josh's voice broke through my thoughts.

I ignored him, deliberately tuning him out. It had become a habit lately. He kept insisting that what I was doing was wrong, illegal even. But did I always have to do the right thing?

His pained expression told me he was reading my mind again. I mentally sighed, feeling guilty for shutting him out. Then, suddenly, Josh fell silent, and the room grew eerily quiet.

I rolled my eyes at Poopy. Another time-warp, just what we needed.

"Why won't you listen to me?!" he snapped, his anger palpable for the first time.

"Why do you keep bothering me?!" I shot back. "Do I no longer have the right to make my own decisions?!"

"You know it's not right, Candice," he said firmly.

"I know, but there's a human saying that forbidden things are enticing. I'm enjoying this, so leave me alone, will you? You're the one who got me into this mess. If it wasn't for the mistake you made, I wouldn't be stuck dealing with this now!" I scolded him. "So don't lecture me on what's right and wrong. You have no authority to preach to me!"

He seemed taken aback by my sudden outburst, his ears turning pink at the edges. Whether it was from anger or embarrassment, I couldn't quite tell. I almost apologized on the spot but stopped myself. He already knows I feel guilty. It's like he's always invading my thoughts without permission - another thing I should be upset about.

He handed me a piece of paper from his pocket and pushed it into my hand. "Read this later. I don't want to see your reaction," he said curtly before standing up and leaving me alone.

Once he was gone, I unfolded the paper and saw a list of names written in beautiful golden ink - names of people I supposedly have to match.

At the very end were two names: one I despised and one I was just beginning to love:

Sammy Diana Cortado - Josh Neil Marco.

Days passed, but Poopy didn't return. He must have been truly hurt by what I said. Where could he be? I can't carry out this task alone. I need his help. But where could I find him?

"Mina!" Suddenly, I felt someone wrap their arms around me. I turned to see Fiify - I mean Psyche!

"Fiify!" I exclaimed. Thankfully, I didn't have school today. I was getting so bored, I was contemplating trying yoga. Ate Aly was away for work, leaving me alone at home. I was practically dying of boredom with no one to talk to.

As for Josh, I couldn't bother him every now and then because of his classes.

"Sorry, did I startle you?" he asked with a laugh. "I just missed hanging out with you. The guys up there are too busy with their duties. I have no one to talk to," he pouted, looking adorable. My sadness from Poopy's absence seemed to be fading away with Fiify's presence.

"It's alright," I assured him.

"How are you?" His tone hinted at a specific concern, and I knew exactly what it was.

"I'm okay," I lied. Truthfully, I didn't know how I was going to manage without Poopy. How could I fulfill my task properly without his guidance? "Where's Poopy anyway?" I asked.

"Taking a break," Fiify replied. "He sent me here to keep an eye on you."

"When will he be back?"

Fiify shrugged. "Beats me."

"Didn't he tell you?" I frowned.

He shook his head. "He's been quiet these past few days. He only talked to me when he asked me to watch over you while he's away," Fiify said, his expression turning concerned. "What happened?"

I glanced downward, feeling a sense of disparity between myself and the others. They're all so focused on doing good for others, while I can't help but be selfish at times.

"Fiify, can I ask you something?" I inquired.

He nodded, his expression open. "Of course, anything."

"Do you know the girl Poopy likes?" I asked, catching him off guard. It seemed like an unexpected question for him. Usually, with Poopy, I barely have to utter a word before he's already responding. Sometimes, he answers before I even voice my question.

"He's hesitant," I observed.

Fiify sighed before nodding. "Yes, I do."

"Do I know her too?" I pressed him.

He shrugged. "Perhaps," he replied, a faint smile playing on his lips.

I wrinkled my nose in playful annoyance. "Deceptive!"

He chuckled. "If I say no, you won't believe me. If I say yes, you won't stop asking until I spill the beans. So... perhaps."

"I won't pester you, I promise!" I insisted, even raising my hand as a pledge, but he just smiled and shook his head.

"You humans are far too curious for your own good. Let Poopy be the one to reveal it to you, Candice. I don't want to intrude on his personal matters. He might not appreciate it," Fiify advised.

I sighed in resignation. "Alright." Maybe Poopy will disclose it in due time. Angels are big on timing - they believe everything happens at the right moment. He'll reveal it when the time is right. The problem is, my patience isn't always reliable. "Fiify," I addressed him, seeking reassurance.

"Yes?"

"Do you think Poopy is alright?"

"He'll manage," Fiify assured me.

It's been nearly a week since Poopy disappeared suddenly. Fiify has been by my side, but he's not as helpful around others since he can't read my mind. We communicate through text messages or notes sometimes. Josh even teased me, thinking I was texting another guy because I was always on my phone, even when we were together.

I can't tell him I'm communicating with an angel, and he might sense something is amiss. Yet, I also miss Poopy. But how can I bring him back when I don't even know where he is? Then again, it's been enjoyable with Fiify, always smiling as we hang out.

Poopy can be a bit preachy at times, always lecturing about this and that. But despite that, I still miss him.

"Ma'am!"

I was startled by the sudden shout, snapping back to reality. It was just Jasper.

"Oh, what now?" Why does this boy always bother me during free periods? Is it because I'm also free, or does he think I have a crush on him? Scratch that, definitely not the latter.

Jasper took a seat beside me. We were at my favorite spot, the study area. I preferred not to be with Josh all the time. My long hair always gets stepped on in the crowded areas.

"Ma'am, I have a question," he said seriously.

I furrowed my brow. "What is it?"

"How do you know if a girl likes you back? Like, you're friends and then you develop feelings for her, but you're not sure if she feels the same way or if she's just being nice because you're her only guy friend," he explained.

I tried to suppress a laugh but ended up chuckling. "Don't tell me..."

He blushed slightly. "S-Someone's just asking," he stammered, clearly fibbing.

"Well, tell 'someone' that he won't know until he asks his friend directly about their feelings," I advised him.

He seemed deflated. "But, what if... I don't know, she wants him to stay away?"

"Is he sure she wants him to stay away? If she reciprocates his feelings, right?" I countered.

"What if she doesn't?" he asked, sounding unsure.

I shrugged. "Then he knows not to remain just friends. It's better to have clarity than to spend forever guessing."

"It's tough," he muttered.

"It's really tough. Trying to guess someone's feelings is just a waste of time, isn't it? You have to take risks and be proactive!" I urged Jasper, giving his shoulder a supportive pat. "Give it a shot, Jasper. Flirt with Krisha. You know he's interested in you too."

He stared at me, seemingly taken aback by my suggestion. Then, all of a sudden, he stood up. "That's not really my style, ma'am! But hey, you go ahead. You seem to know what you're doing," he said with a grin before walking away.

I couldn't help but chuckle at his response. It was amusing to see him walk off with a smile on his face.