Magnetic Hearts

Here's to our high school sweethearts who we didn't end up with but will always be in our hearts.

Hi! This is my first story, so please bear with me. I've been thinking about writing a story for so long, but I've been hesitant. Here's to taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones. I hope you enjoy this journey as much as I do. Thank you!

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Chapter 1 - Akinari

I've always been a hopeless romantic.

Specifically, for the epic love type.

As a child, I watched princesses falling in love with princes, thieves, and beasts. As a teenager, I read about heroines fighting side by side with the love of their lives and villains turning into heroes for the person they love.

I haven't found mine, but I'm on the hunt for my prince charming who will save me from my tower. Or the villain who would burn down the world if that's what it would take to have me. Whoever comes first.

I take comfort in the fact that there's always a person for everyone. A soulmate specifically made just for you. One that could understand your flaws, your deepest thoughts—your soul. Sometimes, I like to imagine mine. He's tall, nice, smart with intoxicating eyes and a blinding smile. He also loves literature, food, and music as much as I do.

I clutched my book with one hand and held the railings of the stairs with the other. Paakyat na ako papunta sa classroom namin ngunit hindi ko maibaba 'yung binabasa ko dahil nasa climax na ako. I almost gasped out loud when I read the plot twist nang bigla na lang akong sumubsob sa hagdan.

"Hala, sorry!"

In panic, I checked the condition of my book. It's hardbound kaya safe naman ang libro, pero may kaunting gusot ang page na binabasa ko. I cursed under my breath as I tried my best to smooth the pages.

Napatigil ako nang may biglang tumawa.

"Mas priority mo pa talaga ang libro mo kaysa sa sarili mo?"

It was only then I realized that I was still slumped over the stairs. My cheeks were burning hot when I supported my weight through the railing and quickly stood up. I winced when I felt my knees ache. Mukhang magkakapasa nanaman ako nito.

I smoothed down my uniform and hair before I looked at the person talking to me. Bahagyang nagulat pa ako dahil hindi ko kilala ang lalaki.

Maliit lang naman ang private Catholic school namin. Roughly 30 students lang per section at kada batch, dalawang section lang ang mayroon. Karamihan pa ng mga estudyante, mula kindergarten o elementary pa nandito, kaya magkakakilala talaga kaming lahat. Lalo na ang mga magkakalapit na batch.

I stared up at the boy towering over me. He looks my age or maybe a bit older. He's wearing a pair of silver glasses with his curly hair framing his face. He's got moreno skin and his body is built just right for his height. Ngumiti siya nang alanganin sa akin.

"Hi, I'm Jeremy. Sorry for bumping into you like that." He scrunched his nose. "Nagmamadali na kasi ako, so I really have to go. I'm kind of running late." He rambled.

He slung his backpack to his other shoulder. "Kailangan mo bang magpunta sa clinic? Gusto sana kitang samahan, kaso..." He trailed off. He looked at his watch, causing his eyes to widen. "Sorry talaga. I'll see you around!" He ran off the stairs and left me gaping.

Wow.

Ayun lang ang nasa isip ko ngayon. Wow.

I shook my head, closed my book, and went up the stairs. Pagdating ko sa classroom, nakita ko ang mga kaibigan ko na pinaglapit ang mga armchair nila sa likod at nagbubulungan. Binaba ko ang bag ko at nakisingit sa kanila. "Ano ang breakfast natin for today?"