My Paradiso

Chapter 9: Saturday Contemplations

Chapter 9: Saturday Contemplations

The morning sun, a bit too bright for his taste, streamed into Marcus's dorm room. He was tucked away in his usual corner, a textbook open in front of him, but his focus was anywhere but the page.

Celestia's offer from yesterday kept replaying in his mind. Teach her to cook? It was still surreal. Celestia Rivera, the Celestia Rivera, had asked him. He, Marcus Sebastian, the quiet guy who preferred the back of the classroom.

He recalled her words, her slightly pleading tone. "I'll pay you, or I'll help you with anything you want. Tutoring, connections, anything."

His mind drifted to his struggles with one of his other subjects. Maybe... maybe he could actually get some help. Tutoring from Celestia wouldn't be bad.

He shook his head, dismissing the thought. It was ridiculous. He was overthinking it. She was just being friendly... probably. Or maybe she felt sorry for him?

Who am I kidding? he thought, a wave of shyness washing over him. She's Celestia Rivera. She probably has a million other things to do than tutor some random guy.

He sighed and let his gaze drift around his room. It was small and functional, a far cry from the elegant house he imagined Celestia lived in. A place to sleep, study, and escape the world.

With a defeated sigh, Marcus picked up his phone from his desk. He had a few messages, mostly from group chats related to school. He scrolled through them absently, his mind still occupied with Celestia's offer.

He typed her name into the search bar, his thumb hovering over the screen for a moment before he chickened out and quickly closed the app.

The idea of spending time with her, of being in her world, was both exhilarating and terrifying. He didn't belong there. He was the guy who watched from the sidelines, not the one who stepped into the spotlight.

But the offer lingered, a tiny seed of possibility planted in the quiet corners of his mind.

The morning sun streamed through the large windows of the café, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. Celestia, Aira, and Mika were huddled around a small table, the remnants of their frappes and pastries scattered between them.

For Celestia, Saturdays like this were a lifeline. Aira and Mika weren't just friends; they were her barkada—her closest confidantes, her chosen family.

Aira, with her long, dark hair and sharp, witty remarks, was the most outspoken of the trio. Today, she was dressed in a stylish, slightly edgy outfit, a stark contrast to Celestia's more classic look. Mika, softer in both appearance and demeanor, had a kind smile and a calming presence. Her style was more relaxed and bohemian, with flowing fabrics and delicate accessories.

Both girls were undeniably beautiful, with the flawless skin and striking features that turned heads. Yet, as Celestia often thought with a pang of guilt, they existed slightly in her shadow. It wasn't that they were any less attractive, but Celestia possessed a kind of effortless radiance that seemed to draw all eyes.

"So," Aira began, leaning forward with a mischievous grin, "tell us everything about yesterday."

Mika nodded, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "We want details. All the juicy details."

Celestia sighed, a small smile playing on her lips. "There are no juicy details. We just cooked together. For class."

"Uh-huh," Aira said, drawing out the word. "And he just happened to make restaurant-quality adobo while you... supervised?"

Mika giggled. "Supervised from a safe distance, probably."

Celestia rolled her eyes. "Okay, fine. I didn't do much. But it was still good. He's good. And that's all there is to it."

Inside, however, Celestia was replaying the scene in her head. Marcus's quiet focus, the way he moved around the kitchen, the surprised look on Chef Ramirez's face... There was something about him that she couldn't quite figure out. He was different from the guys she usually hung out with.

"But seriously," Mika said, her tone softening slightly, "are you going to take him up on that offer?"

Celestia hesitated. She glanced down at her phone, the screen displaying the date: Saturday, August 10, 2024. "I don't know," she admitted. "It's just... cooking lessons. But..."

"But?" Aira prompted, her eyebrows raised expectantly.

Celestia took a sip of her iced coffee, gathering her thoughts. "It's just that I've never really... connected with anyone like that before. He's quiet, and kind of mysterious, and yes, I find him intriguing. But it's more than that. He seems... genuine. And he's a good cook. Really good."

Aira grinned. "Intriguing and a good cook? Sounds like a good start to me."

Celestia groaned and leaned back in her chair. "I don't know what it is. I just know I'm a disaster in the kitchen, and he's the only one who might be able to help. But I also don't want to make a big deal out of nothing."

The three of them spent the rest of the afternoon wandering through the town, browsing the local shops, and laughing about everything and nothing. They talked about school, their families, their dreams, and their fears. It was a comfortable, familiar rhythm, a reminder of the bond that held them together.

As the day drew to a close and the sky began to turn a soft shade of pink, they found themselves in the town square, watching the people pass by.

"You know," Aira said, breaking the comfortable silence, "you should do what feels right."

Celestia turned to her, surprised. "About what?"

"About spending time with Marcus," Aira clarified. "You don't have to decide everything right now. Just see where it goes. If you enjoy his company and want to learn to cook, then do it. Don't overthink it."

Mika nodded in agreement. "Aira's right. Just take it one step at a time. Enjoy getting to know him."

Celestia looked at her two best friends, their faces filled with genuine care and support. For the first time, she allowed herself to truly consider the possibility without pressure.