Chapter 8:Festival day 1

Celeste spent the rest of the day trying to convince herself that what had happened between her and Ryan was nothing.

The way his fingers had brushed against her skin. The way his eyes had softened for a split second. The way she had felt completely frozen, her heart hammering in a way it never had before.

None of it meant anything.

It couldn't.

Ryan Cruz was Ryan Cruz. He flirted for fun, teased people just to get a reaction. That was who he was. It had nothing to do with her.

Right?

Then why was she still thinking about it?

Why was her heart still racing when she walked into class the next morning and saw him sitting there, casually spinning a pen between his fingers, like nothing had happened?

Their eyes met.

Ryan smirked.

And Celeste?

She turned around and walked right back out of the classroom.

She was not dealing with this.

Unfortunately, avoiding Ryan Cruz was impossible.

Especially when their teacher decided to announce something that made Celeste want to disappear entirely.

"As part of the festival," Ms. Santos said, "each booth must have a pair of representatives for the opening day."

Murmurs filled the classroom.

Celeste already had a bad feeling.

Ms. Santos continued, "Since our café is inspired by elegance and romance, our representatives should fit the theme."

Celeste's bad feeling grew worse.

"We need a pair with good chemistry. Someone who represents both grace and charm."

At that, Celeste instinctively shrank into her seat, praying that her name wouldn't be called.

She should have known better.

"Ramos and Cruz," Ms. Santos said.

Celeste stiffened.

The entire class erupted into excitement.

"Oh my god, this is perfect!"

"They have so much chemistry."

"They're practically like a couple already—"

"We are not a couple," Celeste snapped, standing up.

Ryan, who had been leaning back in his chair the whole time, finally spoke. "Relax, Ramos," he said smoothly. "It's just for one day."

Celeste turned to their teacher, desperate for another option. "Ms. Santos, isn't there anyone else?"

But Ms. Santos simply smiled. "I think you and Cruz will be great representatives."

Ryan grinned. "I agree."

Celeste clenched her jaw.

She was going to kill him.

The worst part?

Their role as "representatives" wasn't just about standing there and looking good.

It involved dressing up.

"In traditional café uniforms," their class president explained. "You know, like those elegant European-style ones?"

Celeste stared in horror at the outfit that had just been handed to her.

It was a black and white dress—frilly, fitted, and way too flattering for her comfort.

Ryan, on the other hand, got a sleek black suit.

Which was totally unfair.

"Why do I have to wear this," Celeste muttered, holding the dress like it was poisonous, "while he gets to wear something normal?"

Ryan examined his suit and smirked. "Because you'd look cute in it."

Celeste shot him a glare.

"Don't look at me like that, Ramos," Ryan teased. "It's not my fault you got the short end of the stick."

Celeste huffed. "I'm not wearing this."

The class president gave her a sympathetic smile. "You kind of have to."

Celeste groaned.

This festival was turning into her worst nightmare.

The Day of the Festival

The school was buzzing with energy. Booths were set up all over the courtyard, decorated with bright banners and creative designs. Students ran around, excitedly preparing for their performances, games, and food stalls.

Celeste, however, was not excited.

Because she was standing inside the classroom-turned-dressing-room, staring at herself in the mirror in absolute horror.

The dress fit perfectly.

Which was the problem.

It hugged her waist, flared out slightly at the skirt, and made her look…

She didn't even want to think about it.

Someone knocked on the door.

"Ramos? You ready?"

It was Ryan.

Celeste groaned. "No."

The door opened slightly, and Ryan peeked inside.

And then he froze.

His usual smirk disappeared.

For the first time since she had met him, Ryan Cruz looked speechless.

Celeste crossed her arms. "Say one word and I swear—"

"You look…" Ryan trailed off, his voice softer than usual.

Celeste raised an eyebrow.

Ryan cleared his throat and stepped back. "Never mind."

Celeste narrowed her eyes.

She didn't know what was more annoying—the fact that he had almost given her a real compliment, or the fact that a tiny part of her had wanted to hear it.

Taking a deep breath, she grabbed the tray of drinks they were supposed to serve and stepped outside.

"Let's just get this over with."

Ryan chuckled, following her. "Whatever you say, partner."

During the Festival

Surprisingly, things weren't as terrible as Celeste had expected.

Their café was a success—people loved the setup, the decorations, and the elegant theme.

Celeste had been worried about interacting with customers, but Ryan, to her shock, was actually helpful.

"You're good at this," she muttered as he effortlessly handled a group of students ordering drinks.

Ryan smirked. "What, did you think I was useless?"

"Yes."

Ryan laughed. "I'm full of surprises, Ramos."

Celeste rolled her eyes but didn't argue.

For the first time, working with him didn't feel like a headache. It felt… easy. Natural.

And maybe, just maybe, a little bit fun.

But, of course, nothing ever stayed peaceful for long.

Because later that afternoon, a group of students from another section stopped by their booth.

Celeste recognized them immediately—specifically, the girl in the middle.

Anna Lopez.

She was one of the most popular girls in school.

And—unfortunately—one of Ryan's many admirers.

"Oh my god, Ryan!" Anna practically squealed. "I didn't know you were working here!"

Ryan gave a lazy smirk. "Surprise."

Anna giggled. "Can I get a special drink? Something just for me?"

Celeste clenched her jaw.

She didn't care.

She didn't.

Except…

Anna leaned closer, placing a hand on Ryan's arm.

And Ryan—that traitor—just smirked, like he wasn't even slightly bothered.

Something sharp twisted in Celeste's chest.

She hated this feeling.

Hated that she even had this feeling.

But before she could stop herself, she stepped forward and—very deliberately—linked her arm through Ryan's.

Anna blinked.

Ryan's eyes widened slightly.

Celeste smiled sweetly. "Sorry, but Ryan's busy working with me."

Silence.

Then—

Ryan chuckled. A low, amused sound that sent shivers down Celeste's spine.

"Yeah," he murmured, voice filled with something unreadable. "I am busy."

Anna's expression faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered with a fake smile. "Oh. Well, I'll just come back later then."

She turned and left, her friends following.

The moment she was gone, Celeste immediately unlinked her arm and stepped back.

Ryan was still looking at her, a slow smirk forming on his lips.

"Well, well, well," he said. "Jealous, Ramos?"

Celeste scoffed, crossing her arms. "As if."

Ryan leaned closer. "You sure?"

Celeste refused to meet his gaze.

Because if she did, she knew he'd see the truth.

And she couldn't let that happen.

To Be Continued…