Chapter Two
1548 Words
Friends
I covered my mouth and yawned while walking across the school grounds, my steps slow and heavy. I was still sleepy. Good thing Mama woke me up earlier—if not, I probably wouldn't have gone to school today, and it would've been harder for me to explain things to my friends.
When I entered the classroom, I slumped down into my seat right away. The air felt thick with tension. I looked at my friends, but none of them even glanced at me. My chest sank.
They were still mad.
There were two seats per row. We were at the back—four of us, but with a small gap in the middle. I sat beside the window, next to Casthan. Across from us sat the couple, with a bit of space between us.
"Casthan..." I called softly, almost whispering.
He turned his head, his eyes cold and unreadable. I cleared my throat, trying to sound casual.
"Uhmm... a-are you guys mad at me?" I stammered. His stare made me uncomfortable, like he could see through me.
"Ask them," he said flatly, turning his gaze away. His tone was like ice.
A few seconds later, our professor arrived and started teaching.
I just stared at the whiteboard while he wrote random things. I couldn't focus—I was still out of it. But I did notice his spit flying around while he talked. I didn't know how long I spaced out until I felt someone tap my shoulder.
"It's already lunch break."
Still cold. Still him.
I nodded, grabbed my untouched bag, slung it over my shoulder, and followed him out.
We went down to the canteen and headed to our usual spot. The familiar noise of students filled the air, but for me, everything felt muted. The couple was already there—flirting, of course—but the moment they saw me, they suddenly went serious.
Casthan and I sat across from them. There was already food on the table, half-eaten. We were quiet for a moment.
"Now, talk," Chloe said with an eye roll. Her voice was sharp, but her eyes softened a bit. I sighed.
"You probably already know about my transfer, right?" I started.
"Duh! Since yesterday!" Chloe interrupted, rolling her eyes again.
I looked down, feeling guilty.
"I-I didn't know either—"
"That's impossible, Cai," Nathan cut in, frowning.
I swallowed hard, my throat tightening.
"B-but it's true, Nathan. I was also shocked. I asked Mama about it yesterday. She said she went to the principal and arranged my transfer because we're moving to Manila. I'll be studying there too. Nan—"
"But you could've said no, right?! You could've stayed here?!" Chloe yelled, her voice cracking. Other students turned to look.
"Let him finish, Chloe. Don't interrupt," Casthaniel said in a low but commanding tone. Chloe went quiet and bit her lip.
"I told Mama that too," I said softly. "But she refused. She said I'd be alone here, and she wants us to be complete in Manila. Daddy Reighan's business is there, and she doesn't want him to have a hard time traveling. I hope you guys understand."
Silence. The air between us felt heavy. Slowly, the anger faded from Chloe's face; Nathan nodded quietly. As usual, Casthan said nothing. Just... watched.
"Okay... so when are you leaving?" Chloe asked, her tone gentler now.
"S–Sunday..." I murmured.
"What?!"
"Why so soon, Cai?" Casthan asked, his voice low but surprised.
"Classes there start the week after next," I explained. "And since I'm a transferee, there's a lot to fix. I only have one week."
He just raised an eyebrow and looked away. Typical Casthan—so grumpy.
"Okay. But still! You're leaving us!" Chloe's voice cracked again, and her eyes glistened.
"I'll visit once in a while. I'll text you guys where we live, so if you have time, you can come visit me."
"Whatever! Just make sure you visit, okay?!" I nodded. My throat felt tight. I was hungry, but sadness weighed heavier.
After lunch, the four of us went back to the classroom. But right at the door, three girls blocked our way—seniors, judging by their ID color.
"Hi, Caius!" they greeted at the same time.
Their smiles were bright—almost blinding.
"H-hello," I replied with an awkward smile. I didn't want to be rude.
They squealed.
"We all have a crush on you! I'm Lyza," said the one in the middle. She was pretty—actually, all of them were. White cropped top, ripped jeans, black boots. Confident, stylish, and clearly used to attention.
"I'm Angel," said the one on the right—the fairest of them all. Midriff top, high-waist shorts, black boots too. Chic and sassy.
"I'm Marian," said the one on the left. Short, round eyes—cute. Oversized black shirt that said I'm the Queen in bold, paired with short shorts and, of course, black boots.
Black Boots Girls.
I couldn't help but let out a small laugh at the thought.
"He laughed!" Lyza squealed.
"He's so handsome!" Marian added.
"You're so pretty! You look like a girl!" Angel blurted out, and I froze. What?
"Girls, enough."
We all turned to Casthan. His face was dark, jaw clenched, eyes cold and dangerous.
The three instantly went silent. Clearly scared.
"Girls, sorry, but we have to go. Nice meeting you all," I said with a polite smile. "I'm Caius Hera Xaveria."
Their fear turned into excitement.
"Okay! Hope we see you again! You're so handsome!" they said all at once, bowing before running off—still squealing.
"Flirt," Casthan muttered coldly.
I turned to him. "What?" I frowned.
"Don't look at them, Cai."
There was something sharp in his tone—possessive, almost threatening.
My heart skipped a beat.
"Why?! What's your problem?!" I snapped. He sounded jealous or something.
He walked ahead into the room.
"Because you're mine," he whispered, almost too quietly to hear.
I froze. What did he just say?
But he went straight to his seat. I sat beside him, my heart pounding.
His face stayed the same—cold and unreadable. I shook my head. Whatever.
The rest of the day passed in a blur. I was still spaced out until class ended. While I was packing my things, I noticed the couple arguing again.
Chloe looked pissed; Nathan looked desperate.
"Baby..." I heard Nathan say.
"Heh! Don't call me baby! I'm not a baby!"
"Babe..."
"I'm not a pig either!"
I laughed quietly. Chloe's logic was unbeatable.
"Darling!"
"i***t! I'm not old!"
"Sweety!"
"I'm not a kid either! And I'm not sweet because I'm bitter! Bitter!"
I burst out laughing. They both glared at me. I made a peace sign.
"Bitter!" Nathan shouted.
"What?!" I tried not to laugh.
"Didn't you just say you're bitter? So that's what I'll call you now."
"NATHANIEL CASTRO!" Chloe yelled, chasing him.
"Ouch! Honey!"
"I'm not a bee!"
Poor Nathan—scratches all over, hair messy. Then Chloe accidentally kicked him—right where it hurt most.
"F*ck, Chloe!" he groaned, doubling over, face red from pain.
Chloe turned pale. "S-sorry, Nathan!"
"Don't cry," Nathan said, trying to calm himself down. He hugged her.
"I-I didn't mean it..." Chloe sniffled.
"It's okay," Nathan whispered, patting her head. "But it's your fault why we don't have a kid yet."
"PERVERT!"
I shook my head, laughing, and left them bickering.
Outside, I saw Casthan in the parking lot, leaning on his Ferrari—yes, Ferrari. So show-off.
"What took you so long? Where's the alien couple?" he complained.
I laughed. "Making a baby."
He rolled his eyes and got in the car. I took the shotgun seat.
"Aren't we waiting for them?" I asked.
He just looked at me, then turned away. He started the car. I always went home with him; Chloe and Nathan rode in Nathan's car.
"Casthan..." I called.
He raised a brow but didn't answer.
"Something bothering you?"
Still silent.
"You didn't score with your girlfriend, huh?" I teased.
His gaze snapped to me, sharp and dark. "Shut the f*ck up, Cai," he said firmly.
"You're so grumpy, Castro," I muttered, looking out the window.
When we reached my house, I thanked him, but as usual, he didn't reply. Typical Casthan. I shook my head and went inside.
It was quiet, clean, empty. Mama wasn't home—probably out with Daddy Reighan.
I passed by the kitchen. There was food on the table with a note on top. I read it:
Baby, I went on a date with your Daddy Reighan, so I'm not home.
I cooked your favorite dish. Finish it all, okay? I love you!
— Your most beautiful Mama ever.
I smiled and laughed a bit. That's so her.
I went upstairs to freshen up, then came back down to eat. Kare-kare—with the bagoong shaped like a heart.
She really is the sweetest mom ever.
I brought the food to the living room, turned on the TV and DVD player—movie marathon, solo edition. But halfway through, I got sleepy.
I washed the dishes, turned off the TV, and went up to my room.
I dropped onto the bed, closed my eyes, and let sleep take over.
- Writer
