Tarah's POV

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The library was quiet, the kind of quiet that felt sacred. It was my favorite place to escape, a sanctuary where I could dive into my books and forget about the chaos outside. Today, I was on a mission to find an physics book, one that I needed for our subject.

I scanned the rows of shelves, my fingers trailing along the spines of books until I found the one I needed. It was on a high shelf, just out of reach. I stretched, trying to grab it, but it was no use. Just as I was about to give up and look for a step stool, a hand reached out from behind me and grabbed the book.

A man handed me the book, “Here you go. Need any more help?”

I turned around and found myself face-to-face with the most handsome guy I’ve ever seen, “Uh, thanks. I—”

He was close, too close. His scent was intoxicating, a mix of fresh perfume and something else I couldn’t quite place. My heart skipped a beat as I found myself lost in his deep, dark eyes.

“Are you done fantasizing about me?” He said, smirking.

I snapped back to reality, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment, “Excuse me? I wasn’t—”

Before I could finish, the librarian shushed us, casting a disapproving glare. My face burned with a mix of embarrassment and anger. I grabbed the book from his hand and turned to leave, but he followed me.

“Hey, no need to be so rude. I was just trying to help.” he whispered

I turned back to him, my brows furrowed, “Help? By being a smug jerk? Thanks, but no thanks.”

Our argument grew louder, and before we knew it, we were being kicked out of the library. I stormed out, fuming, and left him standing there. Who did he think he was?

By the time I entered our classroom, my anger hadn’t subsided. Cleai noticed immediately, her concerned gaze following me as I slumped into the seat beside her.

She asked me, “Tarah, are you okay? You look upset.”

I sighed, “I’m fine. I just had an annoying encounter in the library.”

I tried to push the encounter out of my mind and focus on the upcoming lecture. But just as I started to calm down, he walked in. The same guy from the library.

"Listen, class, Mr. Wade Alvarez will be observing today", sabi ng computer teacher namin.

He looked around the computer room, and to my horror, he took the empty seat next to another empty seat beside Cleai.

“What the hell? Is he really teasing me?” I murmured to myself.

Cleia noticed me, “What’s going on, Tarah? Do you know him?”

I gritted my teeth, “Sort of. He’s the guy I told you about."

The lecture started with introductions. My heart pounded as my turn approached. When I stood up, I tried to speak confidently, but all I could think about was him.

"Tarah Del Fuego, 14", As I finished and went to sit down, I suddenly felt the chair being pulled out from under me.

I fell hard onto the floor, my classmates’ laughter echoed around me.

He's laugh was the loudest, “Oops, didn’t see that coming.”

My blood boils. I shot him with an angry look and muttered under my breath.

“Damn you.”

The day dragged on, each minute feeling like an eternity. By the time the lecture ended, I was exhausted. I gathered my things, avoiding his gaze, and hurried out of the classroom. Cleai caught up with me, her concern evident.

“Tarah, what happened? Why was he laughing at you?” Cleia gently asked.

I sighed, “He’s just a jerk. Pulled my chair out from under me as a joke.”

I tried to push the encounter out of my mind, but it was difficult. His laughter, his smug face—it all replayed in my head. I couldn’t believe someone could be so cruel.

"Tsk. Students here are so rude."

I am nodding, though I'm still angry, “Yeah. I just need to cool down.”

As we walked out of the building, I saw him again. This time, he was leaning against a wall, waiting. I considered turning around and going the other way, but Cleai nudged me forward.

He straightened up as we approached, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

“Hey, I didn’t mean to upset you earlier. It was just a joke.”

“Some joke? I don’t find it funny.” I said, fuming.

He's holding up his hands in a mock surrender, “Okay, okay. I’m sorry, alright? I didn’t mean to make you fall. Truce?”

I glared at him, considering his words. Part of me wanted to tell him off again, but another part, the part that was tired and just wanted peace, decided to let it go.

I sighed, “Fine. Truce. Just don’t pull that crap again.”

“Deal. I’m Wade, by the way.” He handed me his hand smiling.

I accept it, “Tarah.”

We shook hands, an uneasy truce formed. As Cleai and I walked away, I couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of emotions. Annoyance, relief, and something else I couldn’t quite place.

“See? Not so bad.”

I just rolled my eyes, “We’ll see about that.”

As the day drew to a close, I reflected on the unexpected encounter. Sean was infuriating, but there was something about him that intrigued me. I couldn’t deny it. This day had been tiring, and I was ready for it to end. But something told me that this was just the beginning of something more.

Next day

The sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over my room. Today was going to be another busy day filled with classes and assignments. I stretched and took a deep breath, steeling myself for the day ahead. My thoughts drifted to yesterday’s encounter with Wade.

Wade was surprisingly nice to me today. Despite my cold demeanor, he approached me with a genuine smile and invited me for lunch. I refused, citing my workload as an excuse. I couldn't afford to be distracted, not by him or anyone else.

Wade, smiling warmly “Hey Tarah, would you like to grab lunch with me later?”

I keep my tone neutral, “I have a lot of requirements to finish. Maybe some other time.”

Wade, nodding, still smiling “Alright, let me know if you change your mind. By the way, I'll be out of the country for a week.”

"And? Why are you telling me this?" I said irritated.

"Nothing", he smirked.

I walked away from him, my heart pounding slightly. He was persistent, I had to give him that. But I couldn’t afford to let my guard down. Not after everything we’ve been through.

I made my way through the bustling campus, heading towards the cafeteria. My mind was preoccupied with thoughts of my next architecture project, and I barely noticed the group of girls eyeing me as I walked past.

I was lost in thought, planning out my next steps for my project, when I felt a sharp tug on my arm. Before I knew it, I was pulled into a deserted hallway, away from the prying eyes of other students.

Girl 1: Sneering, “You think you’re so special, don’t you?”

I was glancing around, trying to stay calm “What do you want?”

Girl 2: Glaring, “Stay away from Wade. He doesn’t need a girl like you hanging around him.”

I raised an eyebrow, and tone mocking “I can’t do that. We're friends?”

My words seemed to ignite their anger. Their faces twisted in rage, and before I could react, they started hitting me. I felt a punch land on my stomach, another on my face. Pain radiated through my body, but I kept my composure.

The hallway echoed with the sounds of their fists connecting with my body. I gritted my teeth, refusing to give them the satisfaction of seeing me break. They could hurt me, but they couldn’t break me.

Girl 3: Shouting, “Stay away from him, you hear me? He hates girls like you!”

Tarah: Smirking despite the pain “Is that why he’s been talking to me? Because he hates me?”

My taunt only fueled their fury. They continued their assault, but I knew they couldn’t keep it up forever. I just had to endure it, and then I would make them regret ever laying a hand on me.

Eventually, they grew tired and stopped. I lay on the ground, bruised and battered, but still defiant. They spat a few more insults at me before leaving, satisfied with their work.

I waited until I was sure they were gone before slowly getting to my feet. Pain shot through my body with every movement, but I forced myself to stand. I couldn’t show any weakness.

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