HEART FLIP

Chapter 1: Unexpected Encounters

The halls of Northford High buzzed with excitement as graduation day approached. The air was filled with anticipation, and dreams of the future hung like a tangible mist over the students. Among them were two seniors, Archimedes Aguerro and Roxanne Cristobal, whose paths were destined to cross in ways neither could have predicted.

Archimedes, known as Archie to his friends, sauntered through the crowded halls with an air of nonchalance. His disheveled hair and carefree demeanor were a stark contrast to the atmosphere of impending final exams. While his peers fretted over grades and post-graduation plans, Archie appeared immune to the pressures of academia. He had mastered the art of indifference, a self-imposed shield against the expectations that hovered around the senior class like a persistent cloud.

Roxanne, on the other hand, navigated the sea of students with purpose. Her sharp mind and unwavering dedication to her studies set her apart. Roxy, as she preferred to be called, was on a quest for success, fueled by ambition and determination. Her every step echoed the rhythm of someone racing against time, trying to prove something to herself and the world.

Their worlds collided unexpectedly during the chaos of a supposed to be 'night to remember' - the senior prom.

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The night of the senior prom at Northford High unfolded with an air of enchantment. The gymnasium sparkled with fairy lights, and the students swayed to the rhythm of the music. Amidst the magical ambiance, Archie leaned against the gym entrance, his eyes scanning the room with a nonchalant gaze. Roxy, on the other hand, glided through the crowd, a vision of grace in her elegant gown.

As fate would have it, an unexpected introduction unfolded. A mutual friend, Kenjie, sensing the potential for an amusing twist in the tale, approached Archie and Roxy, bringing them together in a collision of contrasting worlds.

"Archie, meet Roxy. Roxy, Archie," Kenjie introduced them to each other with a mischievous grin as if he knew something they didn't.

Archie's casual charm met Roxy's guarded demeanor in an awkward exchange of glances. Roxy, unimpressed by Archie's indifferent attitude, couldn't help but roll her eyes at his lack of enthusiasm for the evening.

"Di maipinta yung mukha mo ah. Di naman masyadong obvious na napilitan ka lang umattend ng prom." Roxy observed, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Archie flashed a half-smile, "Proms aren't really my thing, so baduy. I'd rather be elsewhere, to be honest."

Roxy raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Ang KJ naman pala neto eh. Yung prom nga ba yung baduy o ikaw? Wala ka lang date eh."

Archie chuckled, sensing the challenge in her words. "KJ? Yeah, guilty as charged. Date? I've never been one for romantic illusions. That's just not.. me."

As the night progressed, they found themselves unintentionally drawn into a conversation that transcended the usual small talk. The clash of their personalities created a dynamic tension, and yet, beneath the surface, there lingered a subtle intrigue.

"So, bakit ka nga allergic sa love?" Roxy asked, teasing but genuinely curious.

Archie shrugged, his gaze wandering the room. "Love just seems.. like a distraction, you know? I've got more important things to focus on. Besides, love makes people do stupid and weak things. Not cool."

Roxy couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance at his dismissive attitude. "Not cool ka dyan. Ang babaw mo naman. Ang love inspiration hindi distraction. Magiging distraction lang naman yun kung.."