Donnetia and Javier first met in 7th grade when they competed against each other in a quiz bee. Javier just joined the competition because his classmates and teacher pressured him, and there was no other choice since the student who was supposed to compete was sick. He wasn't as bright as the other competitors, so he struggled to keep up with them, especially with Donnetia, who beat him mercilessly.
Donnetia was the type of student who was persistent and tenacious. She held high expectations for herself and expected the people around her to keep up with her. That was why, she sometimes found herself distant from everyone. She felt like there was a tall barrier placed between her and the people. But she couldn't care less about it because she was focused on her own personal growth. She always did her her best to fill her heart with a sense of accomplishment in her academics, and she always succeeded. However, at the end of the day, she always found herself discontented.
She was seated as she looked at the certificate and medal on her lap. She didn't want to be ungrateful, but she felt unsatisfied while looking at them. The first time she won an academic award was in 6th grade when she became the top 6 in her class. The small gold medal she received brought great joy to her, so she decided to earn more because she believed that gaining more would bring greater happiness to her, and it did. But it was only temporary.
"Ang first placer, ba't mukhang hindi masaya?" She heard a deep and soft voice beside her. It was her friend, Jocelyn. Her real name was Jose, but she preferred to be called Jocelyn for its more feminine ring. Dressed in her white polo and black pants uniform, she was sitting beside Donnetia with her legs crossed. She constantly flashed a seductive smile, intently looking at each guy passing by with her almond eyes. The guys would smile back at her and congratulate her for winning 3rd place. With her combined masculine physique and gentle, refined demeanor, she naturally draws the attention of people to her.
"Kasi sanay na sanay na 'kong manalo." Donnetia answered. It was sarcastic but still sounded conceited, although her intention was still to brag.
Jocelyn made a sarcastic laugh. "Oh, edi ikaw na? Kainin mo na 'yang gold medal mo!"
Naging agresibo ang pagsasalita nito kaya napairap siya. "Nakakabagot na rito." Maarte niyang sambit bago lumingon sa paligid. Sumusulyap sa mga lalaking nasa bawat sulok ng classroom.
Ngumisi si Jocelyn at dumikit sa kaniya. "Ano ang hanap mo today?"
"Nakakita na 'ko ng dalawang pogi." She mumbled while nodding slightly, her eyes slightly narrowed as she continued to scan the place.
"Ang dami ng lalaki rito, dalawa lang ang nakita mo?"
"'Di pa kasi ako tapos."
"'Yun pala si Tristan, oh!" Jocelyn grabbed the sides of her head and turned it in the direction she was looking.
Nang mapadpad ang tingin niya sa lalaking tinutukoy nito ay nagtanong siya. "Oh?"
The feature that she most noticed about this guy was his small monolid eyes that peered out from behind his rectangular glasses. Towering over the crowd, his tall form and confident posture made him stand out even more. As he spoke, his steady hand gestures and unwavering gaze delivered a sense of integrity and confidence, leaving a lasting impression on those around him.
"Pogi, 'diba? Half Chinese 'yan."
"Chinese?" Mabilis na inalis ni Donnetia ang mga kamay nito sa ulo niya. "Nako, pass. May bad blood si Mommy sa mga Chinese."
"Ano ba 'yan?" Jocelyn uttered in disappointment, then her gaze turned somewhere else. "Kita mo 'yong lalaki sa grupo nila Jacob?" She asked, subtly pointing at the guy standing by the fan.
