Chapter 6

...Chapter Six: Morning Hues and Midday Conversations...

Selene had a habit of waking up at 3 AM, an hour that most found unusual. For her, it was a cherished time of solitude. She enjoyed the cold showers, her workout routine, and the serenity of the terrace, where the night still lingered, and the stars shone brightly.

"The sky looks so tranquil, as if it's still night. The stars are breathtaking," she murmured to herself, feeling the chill of the air against her skin.

"The cold breeze, the silence... it's all my favorite. There's something so light about this time of day. A mix of cold and warmth—how ironic," she added with a soft chuckle.

This routine was her anchor on weekdays, preparing her mentally and physically for another day of school. After finishing her morning rituals, she checked her phone, secretly hoping for a message from Joven. Her heart lifted when she saw a notification.

"Good morning, sunshine. Did you sleep well?" read Joven’s message.

A smile crept onto her face as she replied, "Thank you, Joven. Have a blissful day, dear."

Their year-long exchange of messages had fostered a unique bond. They acted like a couple, even though they weren’t officially together. It was a low-key, supportive relationship that neither distracted from their academics nor demanded public acknowledgment.

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As time flew by, the third quarter of the school year arrived, bringing the promise of Christmas and a much-anticipated holiday. During lunch break one rainy afternoon, Selene sat by the window, gazing outside at the overcast sky.

Her friend Gelly pointed out someone below. "Selene, look!" she exclaimed.

Selene followed her gaze and immediately spotted Joven. Despite trying to maintain her composure, a smile tugged at her lips. 'Oh, please, don’t show your real emotions,' she thought, her cheeks warming.

"Wh-what is it about?" she stammered, feigning ignorance.

Gelly smirked knowingly. "You haa... HAHAHA!" she teased, her laughter ringing through the classroom.

"Stop that, Gel!" Selene warned, flustered. Their group of friends perked up, listening intently to the exchange.

"Are you really planning to settle for that guy under the tree?" Jarline asked with a raised eyebrow.

Selene tilted her head. "Eh? Why do you ask?"

Jarline sighed, her tone firm. "Look, Selene, you’ve shared before how his behavior sometimes bothers you—how he makes you feel unseen or hurt. I’m not saying you should stop liking him, but you deserve someone better. Someone who truly values you."

Selene nodded hesitantly, not knowing how to respond. Deep down, she knew Jarline had a point. Joven’s attitude had shifted lately, but her feelings for him lingered, undeniable and bittersweet.

She sighed, stealing another glance at him outside. Gelly broke the momentary silence. "I think the seniors are busy with their research projects," she commented.

"Yeah," Jerly Jane chimed in, "but do you know what I like the most?"

"What?" Rihanna asked without looking up from her phone.

Jerly grinned dreamily. "Their teacher is hot!"

The group turned to her, puzzled. "Who are you talking about?"

"Sir Damian," Jerly replied, her voice dripping with admiration.

Selene furrowed her brow. "Huh? Who’s that?"

Gelly rolled her eyes. "Girl, you’re so focused on Joven that you haven’t noticed the most popular teacher in school."

Selene chuckled nervously, embarrassed by the truth in Gelly’s words. "Haha, don’t talk nonsense. Anyway, who is Damian?"

Jerly’s eyes lit up. "He’s tall, smart, cool, handsome, and the most intelligent man alive!" she gushed, exaggerating every word.

"Right..." Selene said skeptically, her interest waning.

"In short, he’s my Mr. Right!" Jerly declared dramatically, earning unimpressed looks from the group.

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