Chapter Ten

I was standing on the same spot, unable to move. I wiped my remaining tears away.

It was strange. The way he looked at me made me feel like this. I placed a palm over my chest. My heart was pounding like crazy.

I flicked my nose.

Ouch. That hurt.

"Come on, CJ. Stop acting like this."

"What are you doing?" he asked. "Where did Angelo go?"

I turned around and saw Seth. Even though I haven't worn my glasses again, I knew it was him. He was leaning on the door, smiling at me.

I nervously tuck a lock of hair behind my ear.

"I... I'm not sure," I replied. Seth took a few steps toward me, chuckling.

"What's funny?" I asked.

He merely shrugged. I wore my eyeglasses again so I could see him clearly.

"You look prettier without your glasses on."

I gulped, my cheeks turning hot. Angelo also said the same thing. I wonder if they're only trying to make me feel better.

"I don't think so..." I replied. "Why are you here? We still have ten minutes left."

"I was bored," he answered.

I nodded, suddenly recalling what Angelo and I talked about a few days ago.

Should I ask something about Jessa? Should I confirm what Angelo said?

I bit my lower lip. I really want to know if they're still together, but it's also embarrassing to ask him. He might think that I'm prying.

"Umm..."

"What?"

But I really want to know the truth.

"Well... How are you and Jessa?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "We broke up."

"Really?" I asked, my tone rising a little.

"Yes. Why?"

"Angelo said that you're still together."

He shook his head, grinning.

"Nope. We're over."

My heart fluttered. I know I shouldn't feel happy over their break up, and I am also an idiot for thinking that we might have a chance.

But I can't help it. I like Seth. A lot.

Seth looked over my shoulder.

I panicked and crouched next to the arch.

"It got damaged. I'll fix it," I mumbled, frantically trying to clean up the mess Myka made.

"It looks good," he said. "Anyway, do you want to enter the dating booth with me tomorrow?"

I raised my head, lips parting.

"Are you serious?"

Seth burst out laughing.

"Nah," he said. "Just messing with you."

I rolled my eyes.

"But if you want to..." he uttered, leering at me. I scowled at him, though my heart was pounding.

"I don't."

Our gazes interlocked with each other, then we laughed. I stared at Seth's face the whole time, and I felt the desire growing within me.

He stopped laughing and then he knelt in front of me. He reached out and touched my cheek. I flinched.

"S-Seth?"

"You're cute."

I laughed nervously. "That's a good one... I know I'm not cute."

He clicked his tongue.

"I'm not joking," Seth said. "I just want you to know."

I froze, unable to look away. Seth's fingers grazed through my skin, sending chills down my spine. It was as if time had stopped.

And then I made a choice.

ANGELO'S POV:

I was sitting on the bench after I talked to Myka. I just couldn't take it anymore. I already told her before that she should stop messing with CJ, but she never listened to me. This time, however, I didn't hold back.

I told her that CJ is important to me.

Myka cried. I know I'll probably get scolded by my Dad, but I'll cross the bridge when I get there.

"Angelo!"

I spun to look for the person who shouted my name. It was CJ. She was running toward me, panting.

"CJ? What's going on? Why are you running?"

"A-Angelo..."

CJ sat next to me, her knees shaking. She was beet red.

"What? I was just about to go back to the classroom--"

"I've decided, Angelo!" CJ told me, her lips breaking into a smile. I cocked my head to the side.

"What? What do you mean?"

"I'll confess my feelings for Seth tomorrow!"

CJ'S POV:

After what happened with Seth in the classroom, I made up my mind. I wanted him to know what I truly feel for him.

I have to get this out. I didn't know that this is what it feels like to like someone. I think my heart is going to explode.

"What?" Angelo exclaimed, his eyes widening in shock. "You will confess?"

I nodded.

Angelo flicked my forehead.

"Ouch!" I shrieked, rubbing the spot he hit.

"How sure are you that you like him?" he asked, his facial expression hardening.

"Why would you ask that?"

"You've only known him for almost two months, CJ. How sure are you that you like him that much?" Angelo sounded so upset. He also refused to look at me.

"Time doesn't matter, Angelo."

"You don't know him well enough. You just have this image of him in your head, CJ."

There was a painful tightness in my throat.

"Can't you just be supportive? You talk as if you've gone through the same thing. Have you fallen in love, Angelo?"

His jaw clenched.

"Yes, I have," he said.

I blinked rapidly.

"What? Really? Who--"

"You'll only get hurt, CJ. I'm only worried about you," he murmured, shoulders slumped. He finally lifted his gaze to meet mine. "I know Seth. He doesn't plan to commit to anyone."

I pressed my lips together.

"I just want to try, Angelo," I answered, my eyes welling up. "I want to hear it from him."

Angelo let out a sharp breath.

"Fine. Do what you want, CJ."

"Angelo..."

"But if you ever need me tomorrow, I'll be at the gym."

My lips broke into a tender smile.

"Thanks, Angelo."

But he only stared down his feet.

It's okay. Everything will be okay.

That night, I tossed and turned on my bed, thinking about Seth. I even practiced my lines in front of the mirror. I was confident.

In the morning, I wore jeans and my best blouse. I combed my hair nicely, and I even tried to straighten my bangs.

"We're planning to get you contact lenses tomorrow, CJ," Tita Maya said as we were eating breakfast.

"Contact lenses?"

"Yes, it will suit you better."

I chewed my food and swallowed. "I don't think it's necessary. I'm used to wearing glasses."

"Are you not having a hard time?" Ate Jenny asked.

"Nope. I'm okay."

Tita Maya cringed. "Let's just get you contact lenses. Don't you want to look pretty?"

I remember what Angelo and Seth said about me looking better without it.

Maybe I should try it.

"Okay."

As expected, the Feast Day was busy. Music played from large stereos, and all of the students were busy putting up booths and decorations. I was glad not to have any tasks because I really wanted to talk to Seth.

I was walking along the hallway searching for him, but I couldn't find him anywhere. Angelo wasn't around either. I checked even the other classrooms. I reached the fourth floor, but he wasn't there.

I was getting tired.

But no. I have to talk to him. I made up my mind.

I climbed the stairs again and finally, I reached my last stop. The rooftop.

I pushed the door open, and there, I saw him. My heart started racing again.

"Seth--"

I stopped. Jessa was there with him.

I was stunned.

Jessa wrapped her arm around Seth's, then they smiled at each other. Jessa whispered something to him, and he laughed.

That same laughter that had always made my heart flutter.

I felt as if my heart was ripped into shreds. I instantly hid when I saw Jessa walking toward my direction.

Why was she here? Why was she close to Seth?

He said they were over...

I lost my balance and hit the potted plant behind me. I winced.

"Who's there?" Seth asked.

I had no choice but to show myself.

"H-Hi..." I uttered, waving my hand awkwardly.

"Oh, CJ. What are you doing there? Come here."

With my pulse racing again, I slowly sauntered toward him.

"Why are you here?"

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

"What is it?" he asked, raking a hand through his hair.

My mouth dried up.

I have to tell him how I feel about him. Even if he was just with Jessa a few seconds ago, I need to tell him or I wouldn't be able to be at peace.

I took a deep breath, and with my eyes squeezed shut, I said what I needed to say.

"I like you, Seth!"