Taming The Casanova

Ethan Villareal, this is your last warning. Another failing grade and you’re out of the university.” Tahimik ang buong dean’s office habang nakayuko si Ethan, suot ang half-buttoned polo at may ngiting parang walang pakialam. “Yes, Dean,” he said coolly, leaning back on his chair. “But maybe if my professors weren’t so boring—” “Enough!” singhal ng dean. “You’ll be assigned a tutor. She’ll help you raise your grades or say goodbye to your scholarship.” “Great,” Ethan smirked. “Another girl fan, I bet.” The dean sighed. “Actually, no. She specifically requested not to work with you. But she’s our best student. Miss Liana Ramos.” At that exact moment, the door opened. A girl walked in — neat ponytail, glasses, confident stride. Liana Ramos. Ethan’s grin widened. “Wow. The university’s pride and joy. Didn’t think the top student would be this... cute.” She crossed her arms. “Don’t even start. I’m here to make sure you pass, not to feed your ego.” “Ouch.” Ethan chuckled, standing up. “You talk like you already hate me.” “I don’t hate you,” she replied sharply. “I just don’t like guys who think the world revolves around them.” The dean cleared his throat. “You’ll meet three times a week. Miss Ramos, your job is to help him review. Mr. Villareal, behave.” “Yes, Dean,” Liana said professionally. Ethan winked. “No promises.” --- Later that afternoon — Library. “Okay,” Liana said, flipping through Ethan’s notes. “You failed three quizzes, skipped two exams, and you wrote ‘Because I’m bored’ as your essay answer.” Ethan laughed. “At least I was honest.” “Honesty won’t make you graduate,” she muttered. “Open your book, page 45.” “Bossy,” he teased, but obeyed. “Focus,” Liana said. “Let’s start with basic economics.” But Ethan’s eyes weren’t on the book — they were on her. The way she bit her lip while reading, the slight crease on her forehead when she got annoyed — she was… interesting. “Ethan, are you even listening?” “Of course. Supply and demand,” he said lazily. “You demand I study, I supply my attention.” She glared. “Funny. Try that again in your exam and see if you pass.” “Why so serious, tutor girl?” “Because your future’s at stake,” she shot back. “And believe it or not, I actually care if my students succeed.” Ethan leaned closer, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “Then you’ll have to spend a lot of time with me, Liana.” Her heart skipped, but she rolled her eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself. I’ve handled worse.” “Worse than me?” he smirked. She smiled sweetly. “Oh, you’ll see.” --- As they continued, Liana noticed something. Behind Ethan’s confident smirk, may lungkot sa mata niya — something hidden. But she shook it off. He was still trouble, and she wasn’t about to fall for another heartbreaker. Ethan, on the other hand, couldn’t believe someone actually talked back to him — and meant it. When Liana finally packed her things, she stood and said, “Same time tomorrow. Don’t be late.” “Yes, ma’am,” Ethan said with a mock salute. As she left, Ethan watched her go, lips curving into a grin. “She’s different,” he murmured. “And I think… I like that.”