CHAPTER 3- Little Shifts, Louder Hearts
They both stepped into the bus.
Janet slid into the window seat without a word. Clint followed, sitting beside her — not too close, not too far. Just enough space to keep the silence between them comfortable.
For a few seconds, neither of them spoke.
Then Clint glanced at her.
A small smile played at the edge of his lips — quiet, almost unsure. He reached into his pocket and checked his phone.
The screen lit up.
June 09, 2025.
He stared at the date for a moment longer than necessary, then turned his eyes to the window, gaze drifting far past the glass — past the street, the bus, and even the noise.
Janet, sensing something shift in the air between them, glanced sideways. Her eyes lingered on him for a quiet beat.
But she didn't speak.
She didn't ask.
The engine gave a low hum.
And just like that, the bus began to move.
The moment passed.
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SCENE — CLINT'S CLASSROOM | MORNING
The classroom buzzed with the usual noise. But this time?
Clint was right in the middle of it. Smiling. Talking. Even laughing.
"Ayos 'yan, Clint! Hindi ka pala boring, bro!" a classmate called out across the row.
Clint smirked. "Sabi ko nga eh. Di lang talaga ako mahilig sa recitation. Pero mahilig ako sa recess."
Laughter followed — real laughter. From the room. And from him.
At the back, Janet walked in with her two friends. They were chatting, carefree — until she caught a glimpse of him.
Clint.
Laughing.
Talking.
Alive.
Her steps slowed.
Huh?
Bakit parang… ibang tao 'to?
She stared — not in shock, but like she was waiting for the old version of him to reappear.
"Oii Janet, di ka na nakikinig ha?" one of her friends teased. "Si Clint ba 'yung tinititigan mo?"
"Wooo. Crush reveal ba 'to?" the other one giggled.
Janet snapped out of it, eyes wide. "H-Ha? Hindi ah. Ang ingay niya kasi. Nakakagulat lang."
But her heart? Still processing.
Bakit biglang ganito ka?
And bakit parang… gusto kong mas makilala ka ngayon?
Clint glanced her way. Quick. Brief. But with a grin — like he knew someone was watching.
Janet panicked and quickly looked away.
But the corner of her lips lifted.
Just a little.
---
DAY 10| BUS STOP | JANET'S POV
The breeze was cooler today. Janet hugged her arms as she made her way toward the stop, still half-asleep and yawning under her breath.
Then she saw him.
Clint.
Same spot. Same silence. Same calm stare into the distance.
She stepped beside him. Not too close. Just close enough.
Andyan na naman siya. Parang routine na…
Clint turned.
"Hai, Janet. Good morning," he said in that low, quiet voice.
But the way he said her name?
It landed.
"Hai," she replied with a soft smile.
She looked forward. Her cheeks warmed. Her heart twitched — just slightly.
Bakit parang ang smooth niya ngayon?
At kailan pa naging normal 'to?
The bus arrived, brakes squeaking and doors hissing open.
Before she could even step forward, Clint raised his hand subtly.
"You first."
Janet blinked at the gesture, then nodded politely.
"Thanks…"
She stepped inside and headed straight for the window seat.
A moment later, Clint sat beside her. Not too close. Not too far.
Just enough for the silence between them to feel… comfortable.
She glanced at him.
He looked out the window.
Okay… Clint. What are you trying to do to me?
Clint glanced at his phone again.
June 10, 2025.
He stared for a moment, eyes unreadable.
Beside him, Janet noticed.
She frowned slightly, confused.
"What's with that date?" she wondered, but stayed quiet.
The silence lingered between them…
but something about it felt heavier than usual.
Skipp....
CLINT'S HOUSE | AFTER CLASS
The doorbell rang.
Clint's mom opened the door with a warm smile already forming on her lips.
"Hai po!" Janet greeted with a shy wave and polite bow. "Is Clint home?"
"Oo,eha! Come in, come in — he's still in the shower. You don't have to wait outside, nak. Halika na."
Janet chuckled softly. "Ah… I'm okay po. I'll just—"
But Clint's mom was already tugging her gently inside.
"You're already here. Might as well sit down. Ako na bahala sa'yo."
Janet stepped in, smiling awkwardly.
"Mom! Where's my—" Clint's voice called from upstairs, but it stopped abruptly.
At the top of the stairs, Clint stood shirtless, towel around his neck, hair still damp. His eyes locked instantly on hers.
"…What the hell," he muttered.
"O, anak… may magandang naghahanap sa'yo," his mom grinned as she passed him.
Then she turned back toward Janet and whispered teasingly, "Hindi mo naman sinabi na may gi—" She caught herself just in time. "May bisita ka pala."
She winked and walked away.
Clint stood frozen.
Janet stared back, amused by the awkwardness.
"…What was she about to say?" Clint asked under his breath, barely meeting her gaze.
"I don't know…" Janet smiled, head tilted playfully. "Maybe something sweet?"
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