Not At Bad Idea

Meliza's POV

Saturday arrived, and I hadn't gotten much sleep the night before. My mind kept racing, consumed by thoughts of my date with Ethan. I had promised Vince I would reject him right away, but deep down, I wanted to spend more time with Ethan. Despite his bad-boy image, I sensed there was more to him—something worth uncovering.

I longed to see that side of him, but I knew Nicole and her friends would never let me have peace if I made Ethan my boyfriend. It would be easier to reject him now while I still had the chance. It was the safest choice, the right thing to do.

As I walked through the hallways, I ran into Jonathan, and his unexpected concern caught me off guard.

"Meliza, I know I'm not in a position to say this, and I'm not saying it because you rejected me, but Ethan seems different. I feel like he's hiding something. I'm not sure, but I wish I could figure out what," He muttered. I shook my head.

"I knew he could be a jerk, but he's just trying to prove himself. Don't worry, Jon. I don't think he'd hurt me physically. I appreciate your concern," I replied.

"I'm not talking about physical pain, Iza," he said quietly. "I've heard he could hurt you emotionally. He's a renowned playboy." I couldn't help but laugh.

"It is not a date, and I am not planning on making Ethan my boyfriend," I replied, his face lit up.

Jonathan is a good man, but I only see him as a friend. What I feel for Ethan is entirely different—and terrifying. While I can still control myself, I need to avoid him and stick to my plan: focus on work and steer clear of distractions, especially someone like him.

"Thanks for your concern, Jon. I really appreciate it," I said with a small smile before heading to my room.

I remind myself there's no need to impress him, yet I still take an early shower, shave, and slip into a floral dress. Light makeup completes the look, even though I'm not sure who I'm doing it for.

I hate that I'm putting in so much effort for a boy, but I can't help it. I want Ethan to see the best version of me, to know the real me, even if it's just this once.

Ruby picked me up from my room, and her excitement was obvious when she saw me.

"Oh! I thought you didn't like him, but you even put on makeup," she teased, making me blush.

"Just because I don't like him doesn't mean I have to look bad in front of him. It's just a friendly date, Ruby. Don't read too much into it," I said, trying to downplay it.

"What is wrong with you all? Vince and Jonathan, including you, pushed me to be friends with Ethan, and now that I'm trying, you're all reading too much into it," I said with a soft sigh.

"I just want you to be happy, Iza," my best friend replied gently.

"Come on, I don't need a man to be happy. I'm perfectly fine being with you. Besides, having a boyfriend would only complicate my life," I argued.

Her face lit up when I added, "You don't have to worry because I'll help you with Vince." A wide smile spread across her face, and for a moment, the tension melted away.

"Really? You'd do that for me?" she asked, her eyes lighting up.

"Of course! You're my best friend, Ruby. I just want you to be happy," I replied, smiling warmly at her.

"Oh, I'm so excited! But for now, we have to go—Ethan's waiting for you downstairs," she teased. The mention of his name sent butterflies swarming in my stomach, and I couldn't stop the blush from creeping onto my face.

"By the way, Nicole and her friends are out on the porch, ogling Ethan. They're clearly jealous because he chose you. Everyone likes him and wants to be his date, but you're the lucky one," Ruby added with a playful grin.

She took my hand, and we walked out of my room together. My nerves buzzed as she opened the front door. I held my breath when I saw Ethan leaning casually against Vince's car, his hands tucked in his pockets.

The moment his eyes met mine, he smiled, and my heart skipped a beat. His intense gaze sent a shiver down my spine. Ethan was wearing board shorts and a gray T-shirt that hugged his frame, effortlessly emphasizing his masculinity. With his fresh haircut, he looked even more boyish—and undeniably attractive.

"Wow, he's so hot, Iza. I bet you're getting your first kiss today," Ruby whispered, unlinking her arm from mine as she giggled. She waved at Ethan and stepped aside, leaving me standing there, completely exposed to his gaze.

As Ethan walked toward me, his panty-dropping smile lit up his face, showcasing perfect teeth and deep dimples. His nearness, combined with his intoxicating scent, made my knees feel weak, and my heart raced uncontrollably.

I struggled to keep my balance, knowing that tripping would only give the girls another reason to laugh at me.

They lingered on the lawn, pretending to chat and have fun, but they obviously wanted to witness whether Ethan and I were really going on a date.

Ruby was right—my biggest enemy, Nicole, was burning with envy. Deep down, I had once hoped we could repair our friendship, but as I caught her glaring daggers at me from the corner of my eye, I realized it was too late. That dream was long gone.

I could feel their stares piercing through us, but I refused to let it affect me. Instead, I focused all my attention on the handsome young man standing before me, his presence making the rest of the world fade away.

"Wow, you look so beautiful, Iza," Ethan said, his voice warm and sincere. "Right now, I just want to take you away somewhere we can be alone." His words made my cheeks flush, and I could feel the heat rising.

"Thank you. You look good, too," I replied, relieved I managed to speak without stumbling over my words. When he took my hand, a spark of electricity shot through me, but I quickly dismissed it, reminding myself this was just one date—nothing more.

"Did you borrow Vince's car?" I asked, trying to change the subject. It took him a moment to respond as if carefully choosing his words.

"Yeah, he let me borrow it," Ethan admitted, then paused before continuing. "I know Vince likes you. You probably think I'm a jerk for going behind my best friend's back to ask you out, knowing he's interested, too. But I'm not giving up, Iza. I'll do whatever it takes to win your heart."

His confession left me speechless. I already knew my answer but didn't want to ruin his moment. Instead, I forced a weak smile, unsure of what to say next.

After saying goodbye to Ruby, Ethan took my hand and guided me to the car. He opened the door and helped me buckle my seatbelt, leaning in close enough that I could feel his breath. I quickly closed my eyes, hoping it would help me avoid staring at his handsome face.

"Are you ready?" he asked, his voice brimming with excitement. I nodded, unable to trust my voice.

As the car started moving, I turned to look out the window, only to catch sight of Vince standing on the balcony of his room. Guilt tugged at me when I saw the sadness on his face before he turned and disappeared inside.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked, noticing we weren't heading toward San Fernando's capital. Instead, he took a different route—one I'd never been down before.

"It's a secret for now," Ethan said, glancing at me with a playful smile. "But I promise you'll like it."

I fell silent, letting his playlist fill the car. To my surprise, it was all ballads. I couldn't help but smile to myself—something about it made him feel more human, more real.

Do you like my music? I heard you enjoy listening to love songs. I hope my playlist is your style," he said, glancing at me with a hopeful smile.

"You did your research on me?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. He nodded without hesitation.

"I'm interested in you, Iza. I want to make this date perfect," he replied, his excitement evident. I didn't know how to respond, caught off guard by his sincerity.

Even though Ethan had infuriated and hurt me with his harsh words countless times before, sitting beside him now, I could sense something more profound—a sadness buried beneath his confident exterior.

"Wow! I didn't expect you'd bring me here!" I exclaimed, my eyes lighting up as the ocean came into view along the road.

"I'm glad you like it," he said, his tone soft and genuine.

"Are you kidding? I've always wanted to go to the beach and just have fun," I replied, unable to hide my excitement. Then I added with a small laugh, "I never got the chance, though—too busy juggling part-time jobs in the city."

"I should thank Ruby later for helping me find the perfect spot for our date," he said, and I had to give him credit for the effort he'd put in. I smiled as he rolled down the window on my side.

The salty scent of the ocean filled the air as I leaned my head out, letting the summer breeze kiss my face. At that moment, I realized maybe going on a date with Ethan wasn't such a bad idea after all.