Our Destiny Is To Be Together

Chapter 2: Jake

Ever since the beginning of 1st year of high school, I discovered that I had a deep admiration for a fellow student named Jake. He appeared to be flawless in my eyes - admired by all, extremely attractive, academically talented, and a standout volleyball player. Each time I caught sight of him, I couldn't resist observing him from afar, captivated by everything he did. However, my shyness prevented me from ever finding the courage to approach him and start a conversation.

I remember the first time I saw him, walking confidently down the hallway with his group of friends. They were all laughing and joking, and Jake was at the center of it all. I couldn't take my eyes off of him. He was like a ray of sunshine in a sea of grey.

One day, as I was daydreaming about Jake in class, I suddenly got an idea. What if I could get to know him better through my writing? I began to imagine an entire world where Jake and I could interact and get to know each other without the fear of rejection or judgment.

In my imaginary world, Jake and I were classmates and partners for a school project. I would write about how he would help me come out of my shell and bring out my creative side. Together, we would explore new places, share our thoughts and ideas, and gradually, I would open up to him.

As I continued to write, my feelings for Jake only intensified. I couldn't help but fall deeper in love with the version of him in my imagination. But it wasn't until our 1st year of high school that my imaginary world and reality collided.

*Back to reality*

I sat in my usual spot in the classroom, my notebook and pen in hand. The last period of the day felt like it was dragging on forever. The teacher droned on about math equations and my mind drifted off to a world of my own creation.

As the last bell of the day rang, signaling the end of class, I let out a sigh of relief. It had been a long day and I couldn't wait to head home and relax. But just as I was about to pack my bag and leave, an announcement came on over the intercom.

"Attention students, there will be a club register after school today. Please pick up a list of available clubs from the front office and choose your preferred club. Thank you."

I felt a rush of excitement as I thought about all the different clubs that would be available. I turned to my friends, my eyes shining with anticipation.

Azami: "What club are you both planning on joining?" I asked.

Lily: "Well, I'm definitely joining the Fashion Club" replied with a smile.

She had always been interested in fashion and modeling, and I knew she would excel in that club.

Dorothy, on the other hand, was more interested in sports.

Dorothy: "I think I'll join the Sports Club" She said confidently.

I nodded, knowing that she was a talented badminton player and would thrive in that club.

As I looked through the list of clubs, my eyes landed on one that immediately caught my attention - the Creative Writing Club. I had always loved writing, whether it be short stories or poetry. My friends had always encouraged me to pursue it, but I was too shy to share my work with anyone else.

But this time, something in me urged me to step out of my comfort zone. I made up my mind and wrote my name next to the Creative Writing Club on the registration sheet.

After the club registration, I gathered my things and headed out of the classroom with my best friends Lily and Dorothy. We were walking down the campus hallway when we spotted Jake with his group of friends.

Lily and Dorothy knew Jake and with his best friend Rio from middle school and they wanted to say hi. I was a bit hesitant at first, but I didn't want to miss the chance to meet my crush.

Lily and Dorothy: "What's up guys"

Jake: "Oh, what's up" replied with a smile

Rio: "Hi Lily and Dorothy"

Jake: "I was surprised that we both study at Magsaysay High School. I can finally see you around campus."

Dorothy: "Of course I want to choose to study at this high school because it is near my house, you know."

Lily: "By the way, guys, what club are you joining?"

Jake: "Me and Rio, we choosing Sports Club"

Dorothy: "Oh, that's awesome. I bet you guys are going to be the best volleyball players in this high school journey."

Dorothy: "By the way, I joined the same club as you guys."

Jake: "That's awesome Ms. badminton player"

Dorothy: "HAHAHA thanks"

Jake: "What about you Lily?"

Lily: "Oh, I am joining a fashion club because there is a position available for someone who wants to be a fashion model"

Jake: "That's suits you a lot"

Lily: "Thank you"

Jake: "I remember you that time in middle school when you got an award as the best photographing model, but I hope you recognize yourself as a model in this high school journey soon."

Lily: "Thank you, Jake"

Lily and Dorothy were both classmates with Jake and Rio in middle school.

So they were quick to introduce me as their new friend.

Lily: "Let me introduce my new friend, Azami Lozano"

Dorothy: "Azami, this is Jake and Rio, there are both Volleyball players"

Azami: "Hi Jake and Rio"

Jake: "Hello, Azami, nice to meet you," he replied with a smile. "I am Jake Mercado, and this is Rio Gonzales, my best friend since middle school, we are both in class of A1."

Rio: "Hello Azami, nice to meet you"

Azami: "Oh, me, Lily, and Dorothy, we are a class of A10."

Jake smiled at me after our conversation. 

My face turned red with embarrassment and I could feel my heart racing as Jake smiled and said hi. I could barely manage to say hi back as I shook his hand. He then introduced me to his best friend, Rio, who was quiet and observant.

As the conversation came to an end, we all headed out to go home together. Me, Lily, and Dorothy are chatting together about how school today is...

As soon as I got home, I headed straight to my room, still giddy from the small interaction I had with Jake. I plopped down on my bed and let out a scream of excitement, giggling like a schoolgirl. I couldn't believe that I actually got to talk to him. It may have been a short conversation, but it meant the world to me.

As night fell, I found myself sitting in front of my computer, scrolling mindlessly through social media. Suddenly, a thought popped into my mind.

"Did Jake have a social media account?"

"I mean, everyone did, right?"

After a few minutes of scrolling, I finally found his account. I hesitated for a moment, wondering if it was a good idea to stalk my crush's social media. But my curiosity got the better of me and I clicked on his profile. His profile picture was of him holding a cute little kitten.

"Awww, how cute the cat is, and how handsome my crushie is."

I couldn't help but smile at the sight. I had no idea he had a pet cat.

As I closed my laptop and got ready for bed, I couldn't stop thinking about the possibility of Jake liking me back.

"What if we could bond over our love for cats, or what if we could go on a date and get to know each other better."

"Oh gosh... Azami, stop the "what if" it will give me bad luck."

"Anyway, I am going to sleep."

With a smile on my face, I drifted off to sleep, dreaming about the endless possibilities with my crush.

To be continued...