The Verdict: Bound by Destiny

THE VERDICT

Maria Christina Buenafranca

The sun was blazing as I stepped out of our black Mercedes-Benz, feeling a mix of excitement and determination. "Gosh, ang init talaga," I muttered to myself while adjusting my sunglasses. The start of another school year at National University meant another year of proving myself and staying on top.

"Welcome back, Miss Ria," greeted Manong Tomas, our loyal driver, as he handed me my designer bag.

"Thanks, Manong," I replied, flashing him a smile. "Kita tayo later."

Walking into the main hall, I couldn't help but feel a surge of energy. The familiar buzz of students, the smell of coffee—these were the things that made me feel na dapat I should live longer.

"Ria!" a familiar voice called out. I turned to see Blue, my best friend and partner-in-crime, at kumakaway na naman siya nang walang tigil. Pinagtitinginan at pinapalibutan na naman siya ng mga estudyante just to catch her attention. As usual, she looked fabulous, her outfit on point, at ang nakakahawa niyang ngiti. Mix and match combo nga naman parang Jollibee.

"Blue!" I squealed, rushing over to give her a hug. "I missed you, girl! Kamusta ang summer?"

"Super fun, as always," she replied, flipping her hair. "At ikaw?"

I shrugged, trying to hide my boredom. "Same old, same old. Just a lot of family stuff and preparing for this year. Kilala mo ko, always ready to conquer."

As we walked through the crowded hallways, I noticed the usual mix of familiar at mga bagong mukha. My eyes landed on Jasper Helix Guevarra, or Lix, standing by the bulletin board with his signature nonchalant expression. He was surrounded by his friends, his tall frame and confident aura na imposibleng hindi mo talaga siya mapapansin.

"Look who's here," Blue whispered, nudging me. "Ang paborito mong kaaway."

"Ugh, huwag mo ng ipaalala," I said, rolling my eyes. "He thinks he's so great just because magaling siya sa lahat."

Blue laughed. "Well, you're not exactly modest either, Ria. And admit it, you love the competition."

I smirked. "Maybe just a bit."

Nang makapunta na kami sa lockers, we were greeted by the rest of our squad. Hannah Claire Ng, we call her Han, with her fox cut hairstyle and serious expression, was already deep in conversation with Vivien Canaries Buenaflor, we call her Viv, who was cracking a joke. Cyril Mea Herrera, we call her Yri, the youngest in our group, looked up from her phone at ngumiti sa amin.

"Hey, girls!" I greeted them.

"Ria, you're back!" Cyril exclaimed. "Kamusta break mo?"

"Good, but it's great to be back," I replied. "Na-miss ko kayo lahat!"

"Same here," Hannah said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Ready to dominate this year?"

"Always," I said confidently.

Just then, tumunog na ang bell, meaning to say na it's the start of our first class. We hurried to Criminal Law with Professor Darlene Kaye Roxas. The room was already half full nang makarating kami, and I quickly spotted Lix in his usual seat. He glanced up at nagtama ang mga mata namin for a brief second before I looked away, determined not to let him get under my skin.

As Professor Roxas began her lecture, I focused intently on her words, jotting down notes and ignoring the occasional glances from Lix. But as the lecture progressed, it became clear na ang araw na 'to was not going to be just an ordinary day.

"Alright class," Professor Roxas said, her voice cutting through the murmurs. "We're starting the year with a debate. I've already selected the pairs."

My heart skipped a beat. Debates were my forte, but the thought of facing off against Lix in front of the entire class was both thrilling and nerve-wracking.