The sun's bright up high, students laughing and talking in the hallways, teachers preparing for classes and most of all, the excitement of having the first day in school again. Everyone entered the campus, hugged their friends, or even had small talks with each other—except one. Theo was standing beside the entrance while fidgeting around.

Theo: Phew..... You can do this Theo! Trust yourself. All you have to do is give this to her and ask is she's interested to hang out with you later....easy.

(Finally the girl he's been waiting for finally arrived in front of the school.)

Theo: S-she's here! Get ready.

(He starts walking towards her, but as soon as she looked at him, he turned and went back his way.)

Theo: I-I can't do it. Maybe later, there's always another time. We can talk to her later, right Theo?

(He embarrassedly went inside, talking to himself. Finally, he stopped and turned around to look at her from a distance.)

Theo: Why can't I just finally express my feelings? Why? This is so—frustrating!

(He started walking again with sadness all over his face. By the time he was already in the hallway, he bumped into his friends: Christian and Masha.)

Chris: Woah! Watch where you're going Theo. Where have you been?

Theo: Oh! I-I was just walking around.

Masha: What's that in your hand? A gift for your crush? Haha!

(Theo looked away and looked gloomy.)

Masha: It actually is? Did you chicken out and fail again?

Theo: What!? No way. I just... thought it wasn't the perfect time, that's all.

Chris: You've been waiting for that 'perfect time' for years bro.

Masha: We've known you for so long Theo, that excuse won't work. But seriously, you failed? Again?

Theo: Oh come on, don't make it sound like I've failed a lot.

(Masha and Christian looked at each other and started laughing.)

CHRIS: Do we actually have to remind you Theo?

MASHA: Two years ago, you wrote a letter and placed it on Celine's locker, but immediately after class, you took it back and ran away.

Theo: My letter was full of errors—

CHRIS: Last year's Christmas party, you bought her a really nice gift but instead of giving it to her, you just stood there, looking at her from a far.

Theo: That's because she was talking to—

MASHA: Last month, you ordered a bunch of cupcakes but—

Theo: Alright, alright! Enough you two.... You're making me feel worse.

CHRIS: Come on Theo, it's a new school year and it will be our last year in high school too, don't you think you should gather your courage and finally tell her?

Theo: I guess... but I still can't.

MASHA: Let's continue this conversation later shall we boys? Class starts in 10 minutes and we have to go.

CHRIS: Right, I didn't notice the time. Let's go Theo.

Theo: Alright...

(As they were walking towards their classroom, Theo saw Celine on the other side of the campus talking with her bestfriend.)

Theo: *sigh* I hope someday I'll be that close to you....

[ LUNCH TIME ]

Everyone else started walking towards the cafeteria or out of the campus to buy some food while Theo and his friends stayed behind the classroom to eat.

CHRIS: Here you go. I bought this from the new fried chicken place outside.

MASHA: Amazing! Thanks Christian!

CHRIS: Bro, aren't you going to eat?

Theo: Y-yeah? I will. Thank you Christian.

MASHA: Are you still thinking about earlier?

Theo: Yes.

CHRIS: Why don't you try again right now?

Theo: What? What right now? Are you crazy?

CHRIS: I'm serious bro, I mean we'll be there to support you.

MASHA: Yes! We'll come with you to find her.

Theo: I-I can't guys. Just how many times have I failed? I'm sure it'll be no different this time.

MASHA: Just around 34 times but does that matter? Atleast this time you have more experience.

CHRIS: Seriously Masha? Do you think that'll help?

MASHA: Why? Doesn't it?

CHRIS: *sigh* Theo, bro, think about it.

(Chris placed his hands on Theo's shoulders and looked straight in his eyes.)

CHRIS: You're wasting all your time. You've liked her long enough and kept you distance from her, but haven't you thought that you'll only hurt yourself if you keep your feelings longer? What if someone finally takes her away? Would you want that?

Theo: No..

CHRIS: Don't you want to be with her? Don't you long for her to finally notice you?

Theo: I want to!

CHRIS: Then go ahead and tell her how you feel!

Theo: Let's go!

(Theo picked his gift and immediately went out with Christian to find Celine.)

MASHA:*chewing* Hey! How about the fried chicken! W-wait! Theo! Christian! Ughh... but I want to eat some more..

[A FEW MINUTES LATER ]

Theo, along with Christian and Masha, walked around the school to find Celine. They asked around to easily locate her. Theo felt really nervous along the way but his determination to be with her was greater.

CHRIS: Someone said they saw her outside, at the bench.

Theo: Alright, let's go.

(Finally, they arrived behind the school and found Celine sitting on a bench beside the fountain.)

MASHA: There she is...

Theo: Yes... Then..

(Theo slowly walk towards her, calmed himself down then finally smiled.)

Theo: Hi.

(Theo felt really happy that for the first time, he gathered his courage and finally said a word without stuttering in front of her. Celine looked up from her phone and saw Theo.)

Celine: Oh, hi!

Theo: I'm Theo, nice to meet you.

Celine: Hi Theo. I'm Celi—

Theo: Celine, yes. I know you very well.

Celine: You do?

Theo: To be honest, I.....

(Amidst his confession, someone suddenly approached them.)

GUY: Celine!

Celine: Oh! You're here.

GUY: Let's go. I already reserved a table for later's dinner.

Celine: But he's—

GUY: Oh... Sorry, I didn't notice you. You can continue.

Theo: I......

(Theo look disturbed and sad. Celine looked at him with curiosity.)

Theo: Nevermind. It can wait, you guys go ahead.

(He smiled but in his eyes, you can see how miserable he felt as he watched the guy hold Celine's hand and leave with her.)

Celine: Goodbye!

Theo: Bye...

(He glanced back to look at his friends who was behind him and smiled. Theo walked towards them still with the gift on his hand.)

Theo: I failed... Again.

MASHA: Hey it's alrig—

Theo: I need to get ready for the next class. I'll go first.

(Theo smiled before he left but it was obvious how he felt so down. Masha and Christian looked at each other worriedly.)

CHRIS: I shouldn't have encouraged him.

MASHA: You did nothing wrong Christian, maybe it's certainly not the perfect time yet.

CHRIS: Poor Theo. How can we help him now? Will he give up?

MASHA: We should not let that happen. He liked her for years and we should not let his efforts and feelings go to waste.

CHRIS: If only we could find someone who could help him get closer to her, because certainly that won't be us since we have also failed after all these years.

MASHA: Closer....someone who knows Celine the best... That's it!

CHRIS: What's it?

MASHA: We should find someone close to Celine to help him get to know her better and with that, maybe he'll finally get closer to her too.

CHRIS: Brilliant! But who?

MASHA: Her bestfriend,of course! Who else would it be dummy?

CHRIS: Hey! I'm not—

MASHA: Fine, stay here and blabber all you want. I'll find her myself.

CHRIS: Okay, wait up!

[ A FEW MORE MINUTES LATER ]

Masha and Christian are again looking for someone—but this time, not Celine but her bestfriend, Akiyo. They easily found her as everyone knows how a bookworm she is, they found her sitting in the library.

CHRIS: She's there... Come on.

(They quietly walked towards her.)

MASHA: Hi!

(Akiyo, who was reading,glanced towards the voice and then immediately closed her book.)

Aki: Hello!

MASHA: I know you might not know us so let us introduce—

Aki: No need, I know you guys already. You're Masha, and he's Christian, and you also have a friend called Theo right?

CHRIS: How do you know that?

Aki: It isn't that hard to recognize people who constantly watches us from a far. *giggles*

MASHA: You guys noticed? Does Celine know too?

Aki: No... Celine is smart but she rarely notices stuff like that.

CHRIS: Anyways, we're really sorry but.... Can we ask for a favor?

(At that moment, Theo came in the library and saw them. He walked towards them and accidentally overheard what they said.)

Aki: Yeah, sure!

CHRIS: You see, our friend Theo likes your bestfriend, Celine. He has liked her for years but despite that time, he couldn't confess to her or anything.

Aki: I see...

CHRIS: Would you mind helping him?

Aki: Help him?

CHRIS: Help him finally get Celine's attention.

Aki: I would love to help, but how should I?

(Theo stepped in and finally joined their conversation. They were shocked but he simply looked at Akiyo and went closer to her.)

Theo: Be my love adviser, Akiyo.

Theo: Be my love adviser, Akiyo.

(The three of them had their eyes widened. Akiyo stood up and looked at him.)

Theo: I know we just had this conversation and that you don't know me well. I also think you'll be able to help me get to know her better and finally get her attention. As her bestfriend, I know that this favor I'm asking is too much but I'm really desperate to get her. So will you please help me? I'm begging you..

Aki: I don't know...

Theo: Please? You're Celine's bestfriend, you know her the best. I'm not trying to ask you to tell us her private informations or anything, I just want your advices on how to win her heart since you know her preferences.

(Akiyo stood there with her arms crossed. It was really quiet for a few seconds. )

Aki: I've finally decided.

Theo: Anndd...?

Aki: I'll help you Theo.

(Theo smiled at her and was too excited to finally have the chance to be with Celine.)

Aki: But on one condition.

Theo: What is it?

Aki: I don't want you to act too much such as following her everywhere, stalking her or even disrespecting her feelings. If she rejects you despite everything, please respect that. I'll help you, but I can't guarantee she'll like you back as it is her choice.

Theo: I'll keep that in mind. I won't go that far, I promise. So when shall we meet?

Aki: Are you available tomorrow afternoon?

Theo: Yes, I think so.

Aki: After class at the fried chicken place. See you tomorrow!

Theo: A-alright. See you!

(Akiyo brought her books and left.)

CHRIS: What gave you the guts to ask her that bro? We were just supposed to ask her some of the things Celine likes so it'll help you.

Theo: I just thought it isn't time for me to act all shy and be a coward. It's time for me to finally take action and maybe she'll help me achieve my goal. I just need some advice, that's all.

CHRIS: I know Akiyo is a really nice person, but why did she agree to your idea even though you asked her in that way?

Theo: Maybe because I was really desperate.

CHRIS: Maybe..

Theo: Was I really that shameless?

CHRIS: You even dared to ask? You probably had a bad first impression to her, and maybe she'll even tell Celine about it.

(Theo started imagining scenarios in his head such as Celine rejecting him, Akiyo and Celine laughing at him and many more crazy ones.)

Theo: I-I did wrong. Oh no! What should I do? Should I say it was a prank? Should I take it back?

CHRIS: Too late Theo.

Theo: Oh no....

MASHA: Wait, I remember you guys saying you'll meet at the fried chicken place. Theo, bring me with you please? You guys are going to eat fried chicken! Bring meeee!

CHRIS: *sigh* Masha...

MASHA: Take me along with you okay? Okay Theo? Right? You'll take me, right?

Theo: Masha!

(Everyone looked at him as he screamed inside the library. Masha immediately kept a distance from him and acted as if he's a stranger.)

STUDENTS: Shhh! Quiet will you?

Theo: Y-you—

[ THE NEXT AFTERNOON ]

Students bid their goodbyes to each other as the day finally ends. Some ran, walked and even rode their skates outside the campus. Theo however, was walking towards the fried chicken place outside to meet Akiyo. He finally enters the restaurant and sits on a vacant seat.

Theo: What should I tell her? I think I should explain what happened yesterday.

(Akiyo arrives with her backpack.)

Aki: Sorry I'm late, I had to talk to Celine first.

Theo: You didn't....

Aki: Don't worry Theo! *laughs* I'll keep your feelings a secret since you'll have to tell her yourself someday.

Theo: Right, thank you. By the way, I'm really sorry about yesterday, I wasn't thinking straight. I was just so desperate since I saw another guy hold her hands and take her away. I guess that made me disrespectful enough to ask you that way. I'm sorry Akiyo, I guess you think I'm not good enough for Celine anymore.

Aki: No, no,no! It's fine Theo, really. You must really like her which made you act that way. I understand.

(Theo smiled at the thought that was Akiyo was really nice.)

Aki: So shall we start? What do you wanna ask?

Theo: First and foremost, is the guy the the other day his boyfriend?

Aki: Ex-boyfriend that is.

Theo: W-what?

Aki: Well, she found out he cheated on her so yeah.

Theo: I see.

Aki: Alright, so I have to tell you this one honestly.

Theo: What is it?

Aki: She likes calm, serious, composed but also sweet guys.

Theo: You're literally saying I'm way too far from her type.

Aki: *laughs* Yeah, sorry. But maybe if you stay true to yourse—

Theo: Then I'll change for her. No matter what.

Aki: Your determination is so.... But are you sure? Isn't it like faking your personality just for someone?

Theo: Yes, I'll do anything to be with her. I'll change starting from now on.

Aki: Well, it's your decision anyway. So what's next?

Theo: What does she like to do? Maybe I could ask her to hang out and do something she likes.

Aki: Well....

[ A FEW HOURS LATER ]

Akiyo and theo talked about Celine the whole time. They talked about her hobbies, favorite stuff and even the things she dislikes. It was pretty late when they were about to go home.

Theo: I didn't notice the time... I'm sorry you had to stay this long.

Aki: No, it's fine. I enjoyed the talk anyway.

Theo: Let me send you home.

Aki: It's alright! I can manage by myself.

Theo: I can't let you walk on your own at this time. Take it as a payment for today's advices.

Aki: *giggles* Alright, if you say so.

(They started walking towards Akiyo's home. They chatted along the way. It was pretty quiet around the neighborhood and only a few cars passed by, so they had to talk to avoid the awkwardness.)

Theo: It seemed like it rained in this area.

Aki: Right, the road is pretty wet.

Theo: By the way, I noticed.... You smile a lot huh?

Aki: Yeah, I get that a lot. I just can't help it.

Theo: Celine must be lucky to have a friend as cheerful as you.

Aki: No... I think I'm lucky to have her. She—

(At that moment a car went by and splashed water towards their direction, but Theo quickly held Akiyo's shoulders and covered her. Akiyo was startled and she simply looked at him. Theo glanced back at her and realized how close they were. He immediately let go of her.)

Theo: A-Are you alright? Sorry for that.

Aki: Yes, I'm fine. Why do you have to be sorry, you covered for me and now your clothes are dirty... What are we going to do?

Theo: It's alright, I can wash this at home.

Aki: You shouldn't have done that. But thank you, really.

Theo: No worries Akiyo. So shall we go now?

(Akiyo nodded and smiled. They started walking to reach home.)

[ TWO DAYS LATER ]

Another cloudy and beautiful it is, students chit chatting and teachers getting ready for another day. It's still 30 minutes away from class but Theo and Akiyo are already inside the campus, waiting for Celine.

Aki: Are you ready Theo?

Theo: *exhales* No... but I have to be.

Aki: *laughs* But seriously, do you have to change the way you dress too? Isn't it tiring enough to change your personality?

Theo: I can do anything as long as it is for her.

Aki: Love, love, love. It's still early in the morning and you're already being cringey.

Theo: You have to get used to it after all, you'll help me until I finally confess to her.

Aki: I hope you do confess to her sooner.

Theo: Aww c'mon, it's not that bad to be with me.

Aki: *laughs* Seriously, I'm kidding!

Theo: But after all this I promise I'll return the favor. You can wish for anything then I'll make it come true.

Aki: Really?

Theo: Yes, but of course make sure it's in my budget. *laughs*

Aki: Aww man!

(In the middle of their conversation, a ladybug landed on Theo's hair.)

Theo: A bug! A bug is on my hair.

Aki: What!?

(Theo struggles to get it, finally the bug flew away but his hair was now a mess. Akiyo started laughing with the look of his hair.)

Aki: *laughs* Now it's all a mess!

Theo: Stupid bug. Out of all the places it could have landed, why should it be on my hair?

Aki: Wait, let me help you.

(Akiyo walks towards him, stands on her toes and reaches for his hair. She starts fixing it.)

Aki: Gosh, your hair is so messy.

(Theo stood there silently as she was too close to him. He couldn't breathe properly because of their closeness.)

Aki: Why are you so quiet?

(They stared at each other all quiet. Theo felt his heart beating faster and faster.)

Theo: You're.....

Theo: You're.....

Aki: W-what?

Theo: Too close...

(Akiyo quickly stepped away from him then Theo finally was able to breathe properly. )

Aki: Ah! I'm sorry.

Theo: It's fine... So—

(Celine finally arrived and ran towards Akiyo. Theo was about to leave because he felt shy seeing her but immediately calmed himself and got into character.)

Celine: Aki!

Aki: Celine!

(They both hugged each other tightly as if they didn't see each other for years.)

Celine: I missed you so much! How did your weekend go?

Aki: Me too! It was great.

Celine: Anyways I— Oh! Sorry, I didn't see you there.

(Celine faced Theo and he smiles shyly.)

Celine: Wait... you look familiar.

Theo: I-I do?

Celine: Yes! You were that guy from the fountain last time! Theo.

Aki: You've met him before?

Celine: Yes,once. What were you going to say that day?

Theo: It's nothing.

Celine: Oh, alright. By the way, you look different now from last time.

Theo: Yes, I decided to change my style. How different is it? In a good way or not?

Celine: In a good way! You look good!

(Celine gave him a thumbs up and winked. Theo's heart was about to burst and his mind just couldn't process what was happening. Talking to her was already a big achievement, what more getting a thumbs up and a wink from her. Despite that, he remained calm.)

Theo: Thank you very much.

Aki: So, do you guys wanna go to class together?

Celine: What's your first period?

Theo: I got Math.

Celine: Oh, mine's Science.

Theo: Then our classrooms are just beside each other, do you want to walk there together?

Celine: Uhh... sure! Will you come, Aki?

Ako: Nope! I have to go the the restroom. You guys go first.

(Akiyo pushes them away and they finally start walking. Theo looked back and smiled at Akiyo as a thank you for what she did.)

Aki: Finally.... My first job here is done.

(Meanwhile, Celine and Theo talked about each other.)

Celine: So, you're Aki's friend?

Theo: Yes, I recently got to know her.

Celine: That's great. Anyways, I'm really sorry for last time. You couldn't finish what you said because my ex suddenly came.

Theo: N-no, it's fine. It wasn't that important anyway.

Celine: That's a relief.

Theo: So, I heard you like picnics.

Celine: Yes, I do! How'd you know that?

Theo: I just heard it from somewhere. Maybe we should have some picnic some time!

Celine: That's a great idea, we'll bring Aki too!

Theo: Of course!

(Theo and Celine passes by the hallway, and at that very moment Masha and Christian came out of a classroom.)

MASHA: Hey, I just saw someone who looks like Theo talk to Celine.

CHRIS: Yeah me too.

(They were about to walk away when suddenly they realized and turned back.)

CHRIS: It's actually Theo! H-he's talking to Celine!

MASHA: But that's impossible! He couldn't be Theo. He dresses differently and acts differently too.

CHRIS: But he actually is Theo! Just look at his hair and face. It's exactly him.

MASHA: What has gotten into him? How could he finally talk to her? Could it be that he got possessed by a handsome ghost?

CHRIS: Seriously Masha? You better read and study some more if you want believable reasons.

MASHA: But really! It's been years and Theo just keeps chickening out.

CHRIS: What other reasons could there be? Right! Akiyo! Akiyo probably helped him.

MASHA: Helped him what?

CHRIS You know what, figure it out yourself. I'm going to buy water.

MASHA: Hey! Wait!

(Meanwhile, Theo and Celine was almost near their classrooms when suddenly a guy blocked their way.)

GUY: I guess me cheating wasn't the only reason you broke up with me huh. It seems like you have found another guy already.

Celine: Get out of the way Felix.

FELIX: I won't, not until you tell me who he is.

Celine: I don't think I should explain my relationship with people to you, after all we have already broken up. So now get away!

(Celine attempted to walk away but Felix grabbed her arms. Theo felt angry and immediately moved his hands away from hers.)

Theo: She said GET. AWAY.

FELIX:Who the heck are you anyway!? Are you really her boyfriend?

Theo: And if I am? What would you do?

(Felix grabbed his collars and looked at him straight in the eyes. He was burning up with anger.)

FELIX: You idiot! Then fight me!

(Theo scoffed and smiled at him. He still stood up calmly with his hands on his pockets.)

FELIX: Did you just smile? Do you think I'm an easy opponent?

Celine: Stop it Felix! Let go of him!

(Felix held onto his collar tightly.)

FELIX: I said fight!

(He punched Theo in the face and everyone else gasped. He fell down the floor and Celine quickly went to help him)

KAGAMI: Theo! Are you okay!?

Theo: Yes, I'm fine.

(His cheeks were swollen but despite that, he still stood up and looked at Felix.)

FELIX: What? Aren't you gonna fight? Ha! What a coward.

Theo: I don't want to fight you.

FELIX: See everyone? Celine replaced me for a chicken! But seriously why? Is it be—

Theo: Because I don't want to look pathetic like you are. I'm way better and ahead of you, so why should I stoop down to an idiotic level where you are in?

FELIX: W-what!?

(Felix was about to punch him again when finally the teacher arrived. They were both sent to the principal's office.)

[ A FEW MINUTES LATER ]

Theo finally went out from the office and saw Celine waiting for him. She quickly approached him with a worried face.

Celine: How did it go? Are you alright?

Theo: Everything is fine Celine. He'll get suspended for a few days because of his behavior.

Celine: That serves him right. Your face is already swollen, let's go to the clinic.

Theo: No, you better go to class now Celine.

Celine: But I caused this and—

Theo: I swear, I'm alright. Go ahead or you'll miss class.

Celine: A-alright.

(She walked away but suddenly she stopped and looked at Theo.)

Celine: Thank you for what you did Theo. Thank you.

(She smiled and went on her way. Theo felt so happy after Celine smiled at him.)

Theo: S-she smiled at me. W-we talked and I didn't stutter. I was able to walk by her side and— YESSS!!

(He started jumping around happily until he accidentally hit his face.)

Theo: Ouch! I forgot, I still have this one.

Aki: What a day Theo. It's still the first day of you talking to her and you got hurt already?

(Akiyo came from behind Theo.)

Theo: Akiyo! You're here. Did you see that? She was awesome~

Aki: I know, your voice can be heard throughout the hallways and you were jumping around like a kindergartener.

Theo: I can't believe this. I'm not dreaming right?

(He smiled and smiled as he starts recalling every moment with Celine. )

Aki: Your face must be treated. Let's go to the clinic.

Theo: It's fine—

(Akiyo dragged him towards the clinic and got him treated.)

[ A FEW MINUTES LATER ]

They walked out of the clinic and to their classrooms. Along the way, they planned their next step for Theo.

Theo: So, what should I do next?

Aki: How about asking her to teach you a certain subject?

Theo: But that's boring! I hate studying.

Aki: Well... don't you think it'll be nice for the two of you to study in the library where it's quiet. Then as she teaches you she looks you in the eyes and maybe intimacy might be formed..... But, since you don't like it,let's not—

Theo: I-I'll do it!

Aki: Okay! Make sure you don't get into any fights anymore. Right, how did you remain all calm during the fight earlier?

Theo: To be honest, I wanted to run away and act all scared. But I simply looked at Celine and that gave me the inspiration to act like you said is her type.

Aki: Woah, your feelings are way more deep than I thought so.

Theo: *chuckles* Yeah.

[ LUNCH ]

Theo asked Celine if she would help him on his History homework since he doesn't understand it. Celine agreed and they both went to the library.

Celine: So as you can see here...

(Theo just stares at Celine lovingly and smiles.)

Theo: Beautiful....

Celine: What was that?

Theo: N-nothing.

Celine: *laughs* Focus Theo.

Theo: A-alright. Sorry.

Celine: Wait, we need one more book as a reference. I'll go get it.

(Celine stood up and went to find the book. Theo followed her. They finally found it and it was on the upper part of the shelf, so Celine had to climb up the ladder to get it.)

Theo: Be careful. Are you sure you can handle it?

Celine: Of course! I do this all the ti—

(She was out of balance and was about to fall. She fell, but luckily Theo caught her within his arms. It was more like a princess hug actually. At that moment, Akiyo came in to look for Celine)

Aki: Where is she? Are they still not done?

(She looked everywhere and finally found them in that position.)

Aki: You're......here..