The Unbroken But Impure

CHAPTER 05 THE CRUSH

More than a week passed after the Ravermaya concert.....

Mae couldn't get John out of her mind. She kept replaying those few moments they shared, wishing he would call—but he never did. In her quiet daydreams, she even forgot about Michelle and Kryztal.

That kiss had awakened something deep within her. A warmth she had never known before began to stir, a restless energy that seemed to ignite every corner of her being.

At eighteen, Mae was just beginning to embrace the mystery of womanhood, and John's kiss had unlocked emotions and longings she never imagined existed.

She realized then that the thing between her legs was not merely bound to its natural rhythms, but created for something more profound, something tender and intimate, an unspoken promise of love.

"Hey girl! What are you daydreaming about? I heard your dad hired your crush to be your tutor!" Mae's friend teased as she walked into the house.

"Shhh! Don't say it so loud—someone might hear you!" Mae whispered, though her smile gave her away. "Yes... my father and Bruce's dad are close, so he hired Bruce to tutor me."

"I'm jealous! All of us girls like him, but you're the lucky one. He's going to be your tutor! What if he flirts with you?" her friend teased again.

"Hey, I'm only eighteen. It's not time for me to have a boyfriend yet. Let's just wait," Mae said, though her excitement was obvious.

"Bruce is graduating this October. I heard he plans to teach at the community school. I really thought he was headed for Manila."

Mae's eyes lit up. "I'm really excited for our first session! But Jenny, promise me—you won't tell anyone I have a crush on Bruce. Especially not my dad. If he finds out, he might cancel the whole thing!"

"Relax, your secret's safe with me. So... what subject is he teaching you?" Jenny asked with a sly grin.

"Love, of course," Mae joked, laughing.

"I thought you were gonna say lovemaking! I wouldn't mind learning that from him," Jenny teased.

"You're so naughty!" Mae burst out laughing as they started clearing the table together.

Meanwhile...

"John, you've been off all week. What's wrong with you?" one of his bandmates asked.

"Looks like he's in love," the bassist cut in. "I saw him walking with a girl after our concert."

John froze at the memory. It had been over a week since he kissed Mae, and he still couldn't get her out of his head.

"Hey, it's not like that," John said quickly. "I'm just thinking about my future. Should I work abroad or stay here in the Philippines? You guys know how much I love the band—I don't think I could survive without playing."

"Uh-huh, sure," the vocalist said with a smirk. "Anyway, let's rehearse. We've only got two hours before tonight's set."

But even as John strummed his guitar, his focus drifted. He regretted not remembering Mae's number that night.

The next morning, at Mae's house...

Mae had just stepped out of the shower, wrapped only in a towel, when she heard voices in the living room. Assuming it was just her parents, she walked out casually—only to freeze. Sitting there with her father was Bruce.

"Mae! Go get dressed first! We have a visitor," her father scolded, clearly embarrassed.

Flustered, Mae rushed back to her room. She couldn't believe Bruce had seen her like that. Even though she was covered, she knew how revealing a towel could be. Her cheeks burned.

A few minutes later she came back, properly dressed.

"Mae, from now on Bruce will be your tutor so you won't struggle in math," her father explained. "I'll leave you two to start."

Mae's heart skipped. She'd had a crush on Bruce since high school, and now here he was—sitting across from her as her tutor.

"How are you, Mae? You'll be a sophomore next semester, right? Just a few more years until you graduate," Bruce said warmly.

"Bruce, are we really starting today? I thought lessons begin tomorrow," Mae asked shyly.

"Your dad wanted us to start now. Just for an hour, then we'll continue tomorrow," he said with a smile.

Mae nodded. "Alright."

For the next hour, Bruce walked her through math problems. His explanations were clear, much easier than her teacher's methods.

"That's it? Why do my teachers make it sound so hard?" Mae groaned.

Bruce chuckled. "That's just their style. I use a different approach. By the way... do you have a boyfriend already?" he asked suddenly.

Mae froze. The question caught her off guard. Bruce wasn't as polished or magnetic as John, but she'd admired him for years. Her heart raced.

"Bruce... of course not. I'm only eighteen," she said softly.

"You're eighteen—you can already have a boyfriend," he said with a smile as he packed his things. "Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow."

After he left, Mae lay in her room, torn. Why was John still haunting her thoughts, even with Bruce sitting right in front of her? Was this what love really felt like?

In the following days, Bruce came regularly, and the awkwardness between them faded. They saw each other so often that John slowly slipped to the back of Mae's mind. Still, her heart sank every time her phone stayed silent. No texts, no calls.

Two weeks later, Bruce noticed Mae's progress. Her father was pleased.

"Mr. Karding, may I bring Mae to my sister's birthday in Manila tomorrow? She misses Mae—it's been a long time since they last saw each other," Bruce asked politely.

"Of course. Just take care of her," Mae's father replied. "And make sure no other man approaches her, alright?" he joked.

"Don't worry, sir. Mae will be safe with me."

The next day, Bruce and Mae arrived at a lively restaurant in Bonifacio Global City for Brianna's birthday. As soon as they entered, Brianna squealed and hugged Mae.

"Happy birthday, Brianna! It's been almost a year since we last saw each other," Mae said.

"Good thing your parents let you out—I thought they'd keep you locked up forever! Come on, let's eat. Later, you have to sing for me," Brianna laughed.

After dinner, the emcee called Mae up to the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our special guest for tonight. She's a crowned Miss Bulacan, and a dear family friend. Please welcome Miss Mae Hermosa!"

Mae smiled, a little shy but graceful, and whispered to the band what she would sing. As the music started, her angelic voice filled the venue. By the time she finished, the whole place erupted in applause.

"You were amazing! I'm so proud of you," Brianna gushed.

By 8 p.m., the party was winding down. Mae and Bruce said their goodbyes and headed to the parking lot. They didn't notice the man trailing a few steps behind them.