Arrange Hearts

CHAPTER 3

The next morning, I woke up feeling a bit excited. I decided to head to school earlier than usual—not because of a project or deadline, but because I wanted to see someone.

When I arrived on campus, it was still quiet. The usual student hustle and bustle was nowhere in sight. I made my way to my favorite spot, a bench under a large tree with a perfect view of the entrance.

I sat down and pulled out my phone, pretending to scroll through it while occasionally glancing at the gate. I tried to act relaxed, but I couldn’t hide my excitement.

After a few minutes, I saw Felix approaching. He was casually dressed in jeans and a hoodie, looking effortlessly cool even from a distance. I tried to stay calm as he got closer.

When he reached the bench area, he spotted me and gave a friendly wave. “Hey Ada! Ang aga mo yata. Did you get lost or something?”

I smiled, trying to sound casual. “Oh, hi Felix. No, I just wanted to enjoy some quiet time before everyone else shows up. Plus, it’s nice to see a familiar face.”

Felix raised an eyebrow with a grin. “Familiar face, huh? Well, I’m flattered. How about we grab a coffee?”

I tried to hide my excitement. “Sure, that sounds great.”

We walked together to the campus café, We found a table after ordering our drinks, and I couldn’t help but smile as Felix took his first sip of black coffee and immediately winced.

“Wow, that’s… strong,” he muttered, shaking his head. “Parang kaya kang ipaglaban ng kape na 'to.”

I laughed. “Serves you right for being all ‘classic and simple.’ Told you to try something sweeter.”

He raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Sweet? Like your drink or you?”

I rolled my eyes but felt the heat rise to my cheeks. “Please, ikaw na ang mahilig sa bitter.”

“Not really,” Felix replied, leaning back in his chair, grinning. “Baka lang hindi ko kailangan ng sugar rush para lang mapansin mo.”

“Wow, subtle ha,” I shot back, trying to keep it light even as my heart did a tiny flip. “Hindi pa ba napapansin na lahat ng girls may crush sayo? Hindi ka na nga kailangan mag-effort.”

Felix chuckled. “Eh, ikaw? Do I need to?”

I paused, playfully narrowing my eyes at him. “Ewan ko. Try harder, maybe?”

He laughed, leaning forward a little. “Maybe I’ll just start ordering caramel macchiatos like you. Baka sakaling ma-impress ka na.”

I couldn't help but grin. “If you start ordering caramel macchiatos, it’s official. You’re whipped.”

Felix raised his cup again in mock toast. “Whipped by coffee, sure. Or maybe by someone who likes extra caramel.”

I shook my head, trying not to blush even more. “Well, good luck with that. You might get a cavity.”

Felix just grinned, his eyes twinkling. “Worth it though, right?”

I sipped my drink, hiding my smile behind the cup. The banter was light, fun, and just a little bit sweet—perfectly low-key but enough to leave me feeling kilig as I glanced at him.

After our coffee break, Felix and I packed up and started heading to our next classes. The campus was buzzing with students rushing around. As we reached our classroom, we stopped just outside the door. Felix looked at me with a grin. “Well, here we are. Don’t worry, next time I’ll make sure I’m extra sweet for you.”

I smiled, feeling a little flutter of excitement. “I’ll be looking forward to it. And don’t be late next time, or I might have to come looking for you.”

Felix gave me a playful salute. “Deal! Good luck sa class!”

“Thanks! Good luck din sa iyo!” I said, smiling as we both headed inside.

Pagpasok namin sa classroom, hindi ko maalis ang ngiti sa mukha ko. Felix’s playful banat and the kilig moments we shared definitely made my day better. I was already looking forward to the next class and the next time we’d hang out together.

As Professor Martinez began explaining the latest topic, I struggled to keep my focus. My mind kept drifting to our coffee date earlier with Felix—the way he smiled, our playful banter, and how easy it felt to be around him.

I was absentmindedly twirling a pencil in my hand, barely registering the equations on the board. I kept glancing at the empty seat next to me, imagining Felix sitting there, laughing at my jokes or sharing one of his.

Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Professor Martinez looking at me with a raised eyebrow. “Ada, is there something you’d like to share with the class?”

My face turned red. “Uh, no, Professor. Sorry, na-distract lang po ako saglit.”

Professor Martinez gave me a knowing smile. “It’s important to stay engaged with the material, especially during discussions. If you have any questions or need clarification, just let me know.”

I nodded quickly, trying to regain my composure. “Yes, Professor. I’ll focus more.”

As Professor Martinez continued with the lecture, I did my best to concentrate on the topic. However, the image of Felix sipping coffee across from me kept popping into my mind. I could still hear his laugh and see that playful glint in his eye.

Despite my efforts to focus, I found myself smiling faintly.

After all my classes, I dragged myself back home, dreading the evening ahead. The thought of the fancy restaurant dinner with the Ellis family—whom my parents were trying to set me up with—was not exactly thrilling.

Pagdating ko sa bahay, I made a beeline for my room. I pulled out the first semi-decent outfit I could find—a simple black dress—and threw it on without much thought. I wasn’t in the mood to fuss over my appearance, so I skipped the makeup and just brushed my hair into something presentable. Downstairs, my parents were busy making last-minute adjustments, looking as polished as ever. My mom glanced at me with a hint of disapproval. “Hindi ka pa ba ready, Ada?”

“Ready na po,” I replied with a sigh, trying to hide my irritation. “Sana ayos lang ito.”

In the car, my dad was already discussing the evening’s agenda, but I could barely concentrate. I slumped in my seat, staring out the window as the city lights blurred past.

Pagdating namin sa restaurant, I barely glanced at the opulence around me. The place was classy and elegant, but I was too preoccupied with my own frustration to appreciate it. As we were seated at the table, I didn’t bother to hide my lack of enthusiasm.

When the Ellis family arrived, I greeted them with a curt nod, feeling a mix of irritation and indifference. The evening was a blur of polite conversation and forced pleasantries, with me doing my best to stay composed despite my lack of interest in the whole affair.

Throughout the dinner, I couldn’t help but feel resentful. The contrast between my casual appearance and the formal setting of the restaurant was glaring, but I didn’t care. I just wanted the evening to be over.

As the dinner progressed, I was starting to get more uncomfortable with each passing minute. The formalities were endless, and I was struggling to keep a polite expression on my face. Then, I saw him—Evan, my fiancé. This was our first official meeting, and honestly, I was dreading it.

When Evan arrived with the Ellis family, I couldn’t deny that he was undeniably handsome. He had an effortless charm about him—tall, well-dressed, and with a warm smile that made him look approachable. Despite my irritation, I found myself momentarily distracted by how good-looking he was.

Feeling suffocated by the endless formalities, I abruptly stood up, muttering something about needing some air. I pushed through the restaurant’s door, desperate to escape the stifling atmosphere.

As I stepped outside, I heard Evan’s voice behind me. “Ada, right?”

I turned around, barely hiding my annoyance. “Yes, What do you want?”

Evan approached, his expression a mix of concern and confusion. “I noticed you seemed upset. okay ka lang?”

I crossed my arms and shot him a cold look. “Well, I’m definitely not okay with being forced into this ridiculous dinner or with the idea of marrying you. But I guess you wouldn’t understand that, would you?”

Evan’s face fell, and he looked visibly hurt by my harsh words. “I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. I know this situation isn’t ideal, gusto lang kitang tulungan.”

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “Tulong? From you? Look, Evan, I don’t want your pity or your attempts at being ‘understanding.’gusto ko lang mapag isa. So, Please? Leave me alone..”

He took a step back, clearly stung. “Woah, Alright. Chill.”

I didn’t respond, turning my back to him as I leaned against the wall outside. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the oppressive atmosphere inside. I heard Evan retreating back into the restaurant, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt for how harsh I’d been. But in that moment, my frustration and anger overshadowed any remorse.

As I took a deep breath, I tried to calm my racing thoughts, focusing on the solace of being alone. I knew I was being unfair, but right now, I was too overwhelmed to care.

The dinner ended and as we drive home, I stares out the window, my thoughts racing. I met my future husband, and he’s not terrible. But he’s not Felix.

At kahit anong pagkiki usap ko sa parents ko di ko na sila mapipigilan pa, I can’t shake the feeling that I am heading down a path I doesn’t want to follow.