It was early morning when Jhoanna was walking inside her new school. Looking around she never imagine herself being in this University if it wasn't because of her scholarship.

As she walked by, observing the people around her, a wave of insecurity washed over her, making her question if she truly belonged there. However, she reminded herself that she was Jhoana Robles, and she was here for a reason.

-- Kaya ko to! Jhoanna thought to herself.

As she continued walking among the sea of unfamiliar faces, Jhoanna eventually located her designated room J102, Media Law and Ethics.

"Alright, here we go." Jhoanna inhaled deeply before slowly opening the door and peeking inside.

As she scanned the classroom, she noticed everyone finding their places. Looking around, she spotted an empty seat towards the back on the right side, by the window.

Without a word, she made her way there, walking slowly and feeling a sense of relief as she approached the vacant spot.

As Jhoanna settled into her seat, she absentmindedly arranged her things on the desk. Suddenly, a bright voice startled her from the front. A girl with a vibrant smile greeted her enthusiastically.

"Hi!" the girl exclaimed, waving with a wide smile that accentuated her dimple.

Parang kamukha niya si Jolli—Jhoanna's thought was interrupted.

"Akon ga pala si Sheena. And you are?"

Jhoanna was taken aback for a moment by the unexpected greeting but managed a polite smile. She looked at the girl in front of her and replied, "Hello, I'm Jhoanna."

"Jhoeyna! Eeey..." Sheena gestured with a hang loose sign, prompting both to share a chuckle.

"Oh, and this is Stacey. Mag hi ka naman!"

Sheena added, tapping Stacey on the shoulder to introduce the girl sitting beside her to Jhoanna, diverting the latter's attention.

"Hey there! I'm Stacey, but you can call me Staku,"

Stacey said with a smile, taking a quick break from powdering her face before resuming her activities.

Jhoanna couldn't help but notice the girl sitting next to Sheena. Stacey seemed to embody everything pink. From her pink cardigan layered over a white top to her matching pink skirt and bag, it was clear what her favorite color was without Jhoanna needing to think twice.

"And over there is my Gwenny..." Sheena said, her eyes sparkling as she glanced to her side, but then she cleared her throat and seemed to shy away.

"Uh, I mean, it's Gween." She offered a sheepish smile and looked back at the other girl.

Gwen turned her head towards them and gave a brief nod, while Jhoanna responded with a light wave and a smile. Gwen then resumed browsing on her phone, sitting with a composed posture.

If Jhoanna were to describe Gwen, she would say Gwen exuded a relaxed, nonchalant vibe. She seemed indifferent to most things. Despite this attitude, Jhoanna couldn't help but notice Gwen's physical appearance.

Mukhang siyang model -- Jhoanna nodded to herself in acknowledgment.

"I see, magkaka kilala kayong tatlo kahit freshies palang." Jhoanna remarked, turning her attention back to Sheena, hinting at their familiarity.

Sheena nodded in agreement.

"Yes, we all graduated on the same high school. Wala eh, hindi kami mapaghiwalay tatlo, palihabsa mamimiss ako ng dalawang yan pag lumayo ako, kaya ayun sumunod." she said with a shrug and a smile, causing the other two girls to glare disapprovingly at Sheena's playful exaggeration.

Observing the scene, Jhoanna couldn't help but stifle a light giggle at Sheena's antics.

Later, the door opened, revealing the teacher assigned to their class. Jhoanna watched as a man, possibly in his early forties, entered wearing a polo shirt and holding only a tablet.

"Okay, settle down, everyone," the man at the front said, commanding their attention.

"I'm Mr. Ramirez, and I'll be teaching your Media Law and Ethics," he announced. Jhoanna nodded along with the rest of the class, taking note of Mr. Ramirez's introduction.

He continued, setting a rule before beginning the class.

"Let me stress one rule before we start. Please be on time. Just like you, I value my time," Mr. Ramirez said firmly, scanning the room with a serious expression.

Jhoanna made a mental note of that. Okay bawal ako ma late.

As if timed perfectly with Mr. Ramirez's mention of his golden rule, the door suddenly burst open, catching Jhoanna's attention instantly.

Grabe naman yung timing, Jhoanna muttered, looking apprehensively for the person now standing at the door.

"Sir, I'm sorry po, I'm late," the newcomer immediately apologized, clearly aware that she was almost ten minutes behind schedule.

"Do you belong in this class? What's your name?" Mr. Ramirez asked, his expression unreadable. If Jhoanna were in the same spot right now, siguro umiyak na siya at umuwi.

The stranger at the door bit her lip and nodded. "Yes sir, Vergara po. Colet Vergara."

Colet Vergara, Jhoanna repeated the name silently to herself as she studied the person. She couldn't help but notice her mesmerizing eyes, pointed features, and curly hair.

Mr. Ramirez nodded, gesturing for the newcomer to enter. "Get in, and find your seat."

Jhoanna watched as Vergara finally entered the room. She scanned the class, seemingly searching for an empty spot, and by luck, the only vacant seat was beside Jhoanna. Their eyes met, and Vergara walked straight towards her.

Jhoanna continued to observe her as she approached. 

"Hi, pwede bang maupo dito, wala na kasing ibang bakante eh," Colet asked, sounding distant. 

Jhoanna silently nodded in response. Colet muttered a quiet thank you and settled into the seat.

Glancing at her briefly, Jhoanna noticed the furrowed brow on Colet's face, leading her to conclude that she wasn't having a good day.