The Love We Never Expected

Chapter 6 — The Distance Between Us

Alessandra's POV

Sometimes, the worst kind of heartbreak doesn't come from losing someone you love.

Sometimes, it comes from watching someone slowly become a stranger when you were just beginning to know them.

And the most painful part?

You don't even know what you did wrong.

Three days.

It had been three days since Sebastian Villareal last sent me a proper message.

Three days since he called me Coffee Girl.

Three days since he teased me about my terrible habit of running late.

And three days since he looked at me the way he used to.

I stared at my phone.

Our last conversation was still there.

Me: Good morning! Have you finished the final layout?

Sebastian: Yes. Sent it to your email.

Me: Thank you! Are we still meeting later?

Sebastian: Ethan will handle it.

Me: Oh, okay. Are you busy?

Sebastian: Yeah.

That was it.

One word.

Yeah.

I sighed and placed my phone face down on the table.

"You're doing it again."

I looked up.

Kiara was sitting across from me in the university cafeteria, slowly stirring her iced chocolate.

"Doing what?"

"Looking like someone just canceled Christmas."

I rolled my eyes.

"I'm fine."

She raised an eyebrow.

"Alessa."

"What?"

"You're stabbing your spaghetti."

I looked down.

My fork was buried in the pasta.

Oh.

I slowly placed it down.

Kiara sighed.

"Is this about Sebastian?"

I didn't answer.

She leaned forward.

"Did something happen between you two?"

I shook my head.

"That's the problem. Nothing happened."

"What do you mean?"

I looked out the window.

"One day, he was talking to me like I was someone important. Then suddenly, he started acting like we barely knew each other."

Kiara's expression softened.

"Maybe he's just busy."

"That's what I thought."

"But?"

I swallowed.

"But he's not busy enough to avoid everyone else."

I had seen him yesterday.

He was standing outside the Architecture Building with Ethan and Daniel.

Laughing.

Talking.

Looking perfectly normal.

Until he noticed me.

His smile disappeared.

And before I could approach him, he turned around and walked away.

As if seeing me was something he needed to escape.

I looked down at my hands.

"Maybe I misunderstood everything."

Kiara frowned.

"Misunderstood what?"

I laughed quietly.

"His kindness. The messages. The way he looked at me."

"Alessa..."

"Maybe he was just being friendly, and I made it into something more."

Kiara reached across the table and squeezed my hand.

"Or maybe he's dealing with something he doesn't know how to explain."

I nodded.

Maybe.

But that didn't make it hurt any less.

### 10:15 AM — Architecture Building

I wasn't planning to confront Sebastian.

Really.

I had promised myself I would focus on my studies and stop overthinking his behavior.

Unfortunately, our project had other plans.

Project Liwanag's first school visit was scheduled for tomorrow, and we still needed to finalize the observation forms.

Which meant I had to talk to him.

Wonderful.

I knocked on the door of Room 405.

"Come in," a familiar voice answered.

I opened it.

Sebastian was sitting at the large table, surrounded by architectural sketches and building plans.

He looked up.

For a brief second, something flashed across his face.

Surprise.

Then hesitation.

Then that familiar cold expression.

"Alessa."

I forced a smile.

"Hey."

He glanced at the papers in my hands.

"Is that the observation checklist?"

"Yeah."

I approached the table.

"I made a few changes based on Professor Miranda's suggestions."

He nodded.

"Leave it here. I'll review it."

I stared at him.

"That's it?"

He looked up.

"What?"

"You're not even going to discuss it with me?"

"I'll send you my comments."

I took a deep breath.

"Sebastian, we're supposed to work on this together."

"I know."

"Then why does it feel like I'm working with your email address instead of you?"

He paused.

For a moment, I saw the corner of his mouth twitch.

Almost a smile.

But it disappeared.

"I'm busy, Alessa."

There it was again.

That word.

Busy.

I nodded slowly.

"Right."

I placed the papers on the table.

"Well, sorry for bothering you."

I turned toward the door.

"Alessa."

I stopped.

My heart betrayed me by immediately hoping he would say something different.

Something familiar.

Something that sounded like the Sebastian I knew.

I looked back.

"What?"

He hesitated.

Then said, "Don't forget tomorrow's school visit. Seven-thirty at the main gate."

I stared at him.

That was all?

I swallowed.

"Don't worry. I know how to read a clock."

Usually, he would have laughed.

Usually, he would have said something sarcastic.

But this time, he only nodded.

"Good."

I smiled.

Not because I was happy.

But because I refused to let him see how much that hurt.

"See you tomorrow, Sebastian."

Then I walked away.

And for once, he didn't call me back.

### Sebastian's POV

The moment the door closed, I dropped my pen.

"Damn it."

I leaned back in my chair and covered my face.

I hated this.

Every second of it.

I hated the way Alessa's smile disappeared when I answered her.

I hated how she tried to act like she wasn't hurt.

And most of all, I hated knowing I was the reason.

My phone vibrated.

Dad: Remember our conversation. Focus on your responsibilities.

I stared at the message.

Three days ago, my father had threatened to stop supporting my education if I continued refusing the arrangement with Isabella.

But that wasn't the only thing he said.

He had also warned me to stay away from Alessa.

He didn't know her.

He didn't know how hardworking she was.

He didn't know she spent her evenings serving coffee so she could help her family.

And yet, he'd already decided she wasn't someone I should be spending time with.

I could handle my father being angry at me.

I'd been doing that for years.

But the thought of him interfering with Alessa's scholarship, her reputation, or her future terrified me.

Maybe he wouldn't go that far.

But I didn't want to find out.

So I made a decision.

I would keep my distance.

At least until I figured out what to do.

There was only one problem.

Every time I saw her, I wanted to forget that decision.

"You're an idiot."

I looked up.

Ethan stood in the doorway.

I sighed.

"Good morning to you too."

He entered the room.

"I just saw Alessa."

I looked away.

"Okay."

"She looked upset."

I remained silent.

Ethan placed his bag on the table.

"What did you do?"

"Nothing."

"Exactly."

I frowned.

"What?"

He crossed his arms.

"You went from talking to her every day to acting like she's a stranger."

"It's complicated."

"Then explain it."

I shook my head.

"You wouldn't understand."

Ethan stared at me.

"Try me."

I hesitated.

Then told him everything.

The dinner.

The announcement.

My father's threats.

And his warning about Alessa.

By the time I finished, Ethan was no longer smiling.

"That's messed up."

I laughed bitterly.

"Tell me about it."

He sat across from me.

"So your solution is to hurt her before your father gets the chance?"

I looked at him.

"I'm trying to protect her."

"By making her think she did something wrong?"

I didn't answer.

Ethan sighed.

"Seb, I get why you're scared. But Alessa deserves to know what's happening."

"I can't drag her into this."

"She's already involved emotionally, whether you admit it or not."

I looked down.

He continued.

"You don't have to tell her every family secret. But at least be honest about why you're acting differently."

I rubbed my forehead.

"I don't know how."

Ethan gave me a sad smile.

"Then start with the truth."

### The Next Morning — 7:20 AM

Alessandra's POV

"Everyone, please check your materials before we leave!"

Professor Miranda stood near the university bus, holding a clipboard.

Our team was preparing to visit Mabini Elementary School, a small public school in a nearby community.

The school had limited learning resources, and our project aimed to help improve one of its classrooms.

I was genuinely excited.

For the first time in days, I had something to focus on besides Sebastian Villareal.

I checked the materials inside my bag.

Observation forms.

Pens.

Student activity sheets.

Notebook.

Water bottle.

Everything complete.

"Alessa!"

I turned.

Ethan was approaching with Daniel.

"Good morning!" I greeted.

He smiled.

"Ready to meet the kids?"

"Absolutely."

Daniel laughed.

"You sound excited."

"Of course! This is the best part of the project."

Ethan grinned.

"Well, our fearless leader should be here soon."

I pretended not to care.

"Good for him."

Ethan raised an eyebrow.

"Still mad?"

"I'm not mad."

"Sure."

I crossed my arms.

"Ethan."

He laughed.

"Okay, okay."

A few minutes later, Sebastian arrived.

He wore a plain white shirt, dark jeans, and a black backpack.

His hair was slightly messy.

He looked tired.

But still annoyingly handsome.

I immediately looked away.

Nope.

Not today.

"Morning, everyone," he greeted.

The group responded.

His eyes briefly met mine.

"Morning, Alessa."

I nodded.

"Good morning."

Nothing more.

Nothing less.

I turned toward Camille and continued our conversation.

For once, I wasn't going to chase his attention.

If Sebastian wanted distance, I would give him distance.

Even if it hurt.

### 8:30 AM — Mabini Elementary School

The school was smaller than I expected.

Its classrooms were painted in faded shades of yellow and green, and colorful student artwork decorated the walls.

A few children were playing near the covered court.

Others stood by their classroom doors, watching us curiously.

The moment we entered the school grounds, a little girl waved at me.

"Good morning, Teacher!"

My heart melted.

I smiled brightly.

"Good morning!"

She giggled and ran toward her classmates.

I looked at Kiara, who had joined the Education Department volunteers.

"Did you hear that?"

Kiara laughed.

"Teacher Alessa!"

I smiled.

"I love it already."

Professor Miranda introduced us to the school principal, Mrs. Teresa Ramos.

"Welcome to Mabini Elementary School," she said warmly. "We're grateful that your university chose to help our learners."

Sebastian stepped forward.

"Thank you for having us, Ma'am. We're excited to work with your school."

I glanced at him.

His voice was professional.

Confident.

Completely different from the boy who used to tease me about coffee.

Mrs. Ramos led us toward the classroom we would be improving.

Inside, there were old wooden chairs, a small bookshelf, and a reading corner with worn-out mats.

The walls were decorated with alphabet charts and student drawings.

I looked around carefully.

The classroom wasn't perfect.

But it was full of life.

And potential.

"This is where our Grade 1 pupils usually have their reading activities," Mrs. Ramos explained.

I nodded.

"May we observe their learning activities today?"

"Of course."

Sebastian opened his notebook.

"Alessa, you can lead the classroom observation."

I looked at him.

For a moment, I was surprised.

Then I nodded.

"Thank you."

He gave me a small smile.

It was brief.

Almost invisible.

But I noticed.

And I hated how much I missed it.

### 9:15 AM — The Reading Activity

"Good morning, children!"

"GOOD MORNING, TEACHER!"

I smiled.

"How are you today?"

"We're fine, thank you!"

Their enthusiasm made me laugh.

I knelt beside a small table where four pupils were sitting.

"What's your name?" I asked a little boy.

"Marco!"

"Hello, Marco! Do you like reading stories?"

He nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes, Teacher!"

"That's wonderful!"

A little girl beside him raised her hand.

"Teacher, I like princess stories!"

I smiled.

"Really? What's your favorite?"

"Cinderella!"

"That's a beautiful story."

Behind me, the Architecture students were measuring the room and examining the furniture.

I barely noticed.

I was too busy enjoying the activity.

I showed the children a colorful picture book.

"Okay, everyone. Look at this picture. What do you see?"

"A CAT!"

"Very good!"

"What color is the cat?"

"ORANGE!"

I laughed.

"Excellent!"

One little boy near the corner remained quiet.

I noticed he was looking at the book but wasn't participating.

I moved closer.

"Hello. What's your name?"

He looked down.

"Liam."

"Hi, Liam. I'm Teacher Alessa."

He gave me a shy smile.

I pointed at the picture.

"Do you like cats?"

He nodded.

"Me too."

I lowered my voice slightly.

"Can you help me find the cat's tail?"

He looked at the picture.

Then slowly pointed.

"There."

I smiled.

"Very good, Liam!"

His face brightened.

And in that moment, I remembered exactly why I wanted to become a teacher.

Not for recognition.

Not for awards.

But for moments like this.

When a child realizes that they can do something they were afraid to try.

### Sebastian's POV

I was supposed to be measuring the windows.

That was my task.

Simple.

Professional.

Important.

But somehow, I kept looking toward the reading corner.

Toward Alessa.

She was sitting on the floor with a group of children, smiling as she helped them identify pictures.

Her voice was gentle.

Patient.

Warm.

She wasn't pretending.

She wasn't trying to impress anyone.

She was simply doing something she loved.

And it showed.

"You're staring again."

I looked at Ethan.

"Shut up."

He grinned.

"You know, for someone who's trying to avoid her, you're doing a terrible job."

I returned my attention to the measuring tape.

"I'm working."

"Sure."

He glanced toward Alessa.

"She's really good with kids."

I looked at her again.

A little girl had just handed her a drawing.

Alessa reacted as though she'd been given the most beautiful artwork in the world.

"She is," I admitted quietly.

Ethan smiled.

"Then stop acting like you don't care."

I didn't answer.

Because the truth was...

I cared too much.

### 11:40 AM — The Unexpected Moment

Alessandra's POV

After the classroom observation, we helped organize some of the learning materials.

I was carrying a box of storybooks toward the storage area when I noticed a little girl standing near the doorway.

She looked upset.

"Hello, sweetheart," I said gently. "What's wrong?"

She pointed toward a paper decoration hanging above the reading corner.

"My star fell, Teacher."

I looked up.

A colorful paper star had become detached from the display and was hanging loosely.

"Oh, I see."

The girl looked disappointed.

"I made that."

I smiled.

"It's beautiful. Don't worry. We'll ask someone to help us fix it."

I placed the box on a nearby table.

Just then, Sebastian entered the classroom.

He was carrying a folder.

I hesitated.

Then called him.

"Sebastian?"

He looked up.

"Yeah?"

I pointed toward the decoration.

"Could you help us fix that star?"

He glanced at it.

Then at the little girl.

"Of course."

The child smiled.

Sebastian asked Daniel to bring a stable step stool and some tape.

A few minutes later, the star was securely attached to the display.

The little girl clapped.

"Thank you, Kuya!"

Sebastian smiled.

"You're welcome."

She looked at him.

Then at me.

And suddenly asked, "Teacher, is he your boyfriend?"

I froze.

Sebastian froze.

The entire universe froze.

"What?" I squeaked.

The little girl pointed at Sebastian.

"Your boyfriend!"

I immediately shook my head.

"No, sweetheart. He's my project partner."

She tilted her head.

"What's a project partner?"

I opened my mouth.

But before I could answer, Sebastian crouched beside her.

"It means we work together to help your school."

She nodded thoughtfully.

Then smiled.

"Oh! Like Mommy and Daddy!"

I nearly choked.

Sebastian laughed.

A real laugh.

The kind I hadn't heard in days.

I stared at him.

He looked at me.

And for one brief moment...

Everything felt normal again.

He smiled.

"Don't worry, Alessa. I think she likes you more."

I rolled my eyes.

"Obviously. I have better manners."

He laughed again.

And my heart betrayed me.

Because I had missed that sound.

More than I wanted to admit.

### 12:30 PM — Behind the School Building

After lunch, I stepped outside to get some fresh air.

The school grounds were quiet.

Most of the pupils had returned to their classrooms.

I stood near a small garden, looking at the mountains in the distance.

"Alessa."

I closed my eyes.

I knew that voice.

I turned.

Sebastian stood a few feet away.

"Can we talk?"

I looked at him.

Then laughed softly.

"That's new."

He frowned.

"What?"

"You actually want to talk to me?"

His expression changed.

"Alessa..."

I crossed my arms.

"Because for the past three days, you've been acting like I don't exist."

He looked down.

I continued.

"Did I do something wrong?"

His head immediately lifted.

"No."

"Then what happened?"

He sighed.

"It's complicated."

I felt something inside me tighten.

That word again.

Complicated.

Busy.

Family stuff.

Always something.

Never an explanation.

I looked away.

"You know what, Sebastian? It's fine."

"It's not."

I laughed quietly.

"Then why won't you tell me what's going on?"

He remained silent.

And that silence hurt more than I expected.

I took a deep breath.

"Look, I understand that you have problems. Everyone does."

He watched me.

"But you can't keep treating people differently and expect them not to notice."

His expression softened.

"I know."

"One day, you're making me laugh and checking if I've eaten. The next, you barely look at me."

I swallowed.

"Do you have any idea how confusing that is?"

He looked at me.

And for the first time, I saw something in his eyes that frightened me.

Regret.

Real regret.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

I blinked.

Sebastian Villareal.

Apologizing.

Without sarcasm.

Without teasing.

Just two words.

And somehow, they made my chest ache.

"Then tell me why," I said softly.

He looked away.

For a long moment, neither of us spoke.

Then he finally said, "My father doesn't want me spending time with you."

I froze.

"What?"

He looked back at me.

"He found out about us."

I frowned.

"Us?"

He hesitated.

"About how much time we've been spending together."

I stared at him.

"Why would that matter?"

"Because of the arrangement with Isabella."

I felt my stomach drop.

Oh.

Of course.

Isabella.

The engagement.

The perfect girl from the perfect family.

I laughed bitterly.

"So that's it?"

He frowned.

"What?"

"Your father wants you with Isabella, so you're avoiding me?"

"Alessa, it's not that simple."

I stepped back.

"Then explain it."

He ran a hand through his hair.

"He's threatening to cut off my financial support."

I froze.

That wasn't what I expected.

Sebastian continued.

"And he knows you're a scholarship student. I don't know how far he'll go to interfere with things."

My expression changed.

"Sebastian..."

"I don't want you getting dragged into my family's problems."

I stared at him.

For a moment, I didn't know what to say.

Then I asked quietly, "So you decided to push me away?"

He looked down.

"I thought it would be easier."

I laughed softly.

"Easier for who?"

He didn't answer.

I swallowed.

"Because it wasn't easier for me."

His eyes lifted.

I immediately looked away.

I hadn't meant to say that.

But it was too late.

The words were already there.

Between us.

Honest.

Unavoidable.

Sebastian took a slow breath.

"Alessa..."

I shook my head.

"No. Let me finish."

He remained silent.

I looked directly at him.

"I don't need you to protect me by making decisions for me."

His expression changed.

"I'm not a child, Sebastian."

"I know."

"And I'm not someone who will disappear just because your life gets complicated."

He stared at me.

I continued.

"If you need space, tell me. If you're having problems, tell me. But don't make me feel like I did something wrong when I didn't."

For a long moment, he said nothing.

Then he nodded.

"You're right."

I blinked.

He gave me a small, sad smile.

"I handled this badly."

I looked down.

"Yeah. You did."

He laughed quietly.

"Fair enough."

Silence settled between us.

Then he spoke again.

"Can we start over?"

I looked up.

"What?"

He stepped closer, leaving enough space between us.

"Not from the beginning. I don't think I could survive another coffee incident."

Despite everything, I laughed.

He smiled.

"But maybe we can try being honest with each other."

I studied him.

"Honest?"

He nodded.

"No more disappearing without an explanation."

I hesitated.

Then smiled faintly.

"That's a good start."

His shoulders relaxed.

"Good."

I crossed my arms.

"But I'm still mad at you."

He chuckled.

"I figured."

"And you owe me coffee."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Again?"

"Emotional damages."

He laughed.

"Fine."

I smiled.

And for the first time in three days...

The distance between us felt a little smaller.

### 2:15 PM — The School Courtyard

Our team was preparing to leave when Liam, the shy little boy from the reading activity, approached me.

"Teacher Alessa?"

I smiled.

"Yes, Liam?"

He held out a folded piece of paper.

"For you."

My heart melted.

"For me?"

He nodded.

I carefully opened it.

It was a drawing.

A girl standing beside a boy.

Both were smiling.

Above them were the words:

THANK YOU, TEACHER ALESSA AND KUYA SEBASTIAN!

I laughed softly.

"Oh, Liam. This is beautiful!"

He smiled shyly.

"Kuya helped fix our star."

I nodded.

"He did."

Liam pointed at the drawing.

"You're both nice."

My heart warmed.

"Thank you, sweetheart."

He waved goodbye and ran toward his classroom.

I stared at the drawing.

Then heard a familiar voice behind me.

"That's a masterpiece."

I turned.

Sebastian stood beside me.

I smiled.

"Isn't it?"

He looked at the drawing.

Then at me.

"Can I see?"

I handed it to him.

He studied it carefully.

A small smile appeared on his face.

"Not bad. He made me taller."

I laughed.

"You're already tall."

He looked at me.

"Was that a compliment?"

"Don't get used to it."

He grinned.

"There she is."

I frowned.

"Who?"

"The Alessa I know."

My smile softened.

For a moment, we simply looked at each other.

Then Professor Miranda called everyone toward the bus.

Sebastian handed the drawing back.

"Keep it."

I nodded.

"I will."

As we walked toward the bus, he quietly said, "Alessa?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you."

I glanced at him.

"For what?"

"For not giving up on talking to me."

I smiled faintly.

"Don't make me regret it."

He laughed.

"I'll try."

### 8:45 PM — Alessandra's Room

I had just finished organizing my notes when my phone vibrated.

Sebastian: Home?

I smiled.

There it was.

That familiar message.

Me: Yes.

Sebastian: Ate dinner?

Me: Yes, Mom.

Sebastian: Good.

I laughed softly.

Me: You're back to being annoying.

Sebastian: Missed me?

I stared at the screen.

Then typed:

Me: Unfortunately.

Three dots appeared.

Disappeared.

Then appeared again.

Sebastian: I missed you too.

My heart skipped.

I read the message again.

Then again.

No sarcastic emoji.

No joke.

No teasing.

Just four words.

I missed you too.

I swallowed.

Me: Sebastian?

Sebastian: Yeah?

Me: Are we okay now?

His reply came almost immediately.

Sebastian: We're getting there.

I smiled.

The same words he'd used when Nathan asked whether we were close.

But this time, they meant something different.

Something hopeful.

Me: Goodnight, Sebastian.

Sebastian: Goodnight, Coffee Girl.

I laughed.

Then placed my phone beside my pillow.

For the first time in days, I fell asleep without wondering what I had done wrong.

### Sebastian's POV

I sat at my desk, staring at the architectural sketch in front of me.

The classroom layout was almost finished.

The reading corner.

The activity area.

The colorful shelves.

Everything Alessa had suggested.

I smiled faintly.

She had been right about the design.

About the children.

And about me.

I'd made a mistake by pushing her away.

But I wasn't going to repeat it.

Not if I could help it.

My phone suddenly rang.

Isabella.

I hesitated.

Then answered.

"Hello?"

"Sebastian."

Her voice sounded serious.

"Isa? What's wrong?"

She was quiet for a moment.

Then said, "I need to tell you something."

I frowned.

"What?"

She took a shaky breath.

"Your father met with mine again."

My stomach tightened.

"And?"

There was a pause.

Then she whispered:

"They're planning to make the engagement official next month."

I froze.

"What?"

"Sebastian, I tried to tell them we hadn't agreed."

I stood.

"Then why are they still doing this?"

Her voice trembled.

"Because they think you'll eventually give in."

I closed my eyes.

Unbelievable.

Absolutely unbelievable.

Then Isabella said something that made everything worse.

"And Sebastian?"

"What?"

"Your father knows about Alessandra."

I went still.

"He knows her name. Her course. Even where she works."

My heart dropped.

"How?"

"I don't know."

I gripped my phone.

"Isa, listen to me carefully. Did he say anything about her?"

There was a long silence.

Then Isabella whispered:

"He said that if you won't stay away from her..."

She stopped.

"Isabella."

Her voice broke slightly.

"...he'll find another way to make you understand."

I stared at the wall.

Suddenly, everything felt cold.

Because this wasn't just about my future anymore.

It was about Alessa's too.

And for the first time, I realized that keeping my distance might not be enough.

I needed a better plan.

One that didn't involve hurting her.

One that didn't involve surrendering to my father.

And one that would finally allow me to make my own decisions.

But I had no idea where to begin.

End of Chapter 6.