Tiara's POV
I arrived at school that morning, having spent my Sunday cooped up in my room, studying and trying to focus on my studies. I needed the distraction after the emotional rollercoaster of the weekend. As soon as I walked into class, our math teacher entered and announced an impromptu test. The whole class groaned in disappointment, but I wasn't bothered; I had studied for this.
After the class, Paula complained to me. "Ugh, that test was brutal. Especially that question on trigonometric identities. I just don’t get it."
I smiled sympathetically. "I thought it was okay. I can help you with it if you want."
Paula sighed. "Why don't we bring it up during the group study, Jason can tutors us together. He’s really good at math, better than you. After all, he did beat you in that last quiz."
I tried to keep my expression neutral. "Maybe we can do the group study without the others this time."
Paula looked at me carefully. "Is this because of what Folu said?"
I shook my head. "I'm just not comfortable studying with them. I want to focus on my studies and avoid distractions."
Paula remarked, "That's boring. Don't be a nerd Tiara. Folu is like the second most handsome and popular guy in school, dating him would make you popular and cool, you should be happy he likes you, I'm actually envious."
"And you think I care about being popular and cool, I have absolutely no problem being an unpopular and uncool nerd" I said honestly.
"Like you can be unpopular and uncool" she said as we both stood up to go to the cafeteria
"I'm curious though, who’s the most handsome guy in this school if Folu comes second?" I asked.
Paula blushed and muttered, "Jason," before quickly walking ahead of me.
I stood still, watching her go. If I wasn’t sure before, I am now—Paula has a crush on Jason. I’ve had my suspicions for a while. It explains all the extra effort she puts into looking good for our group study sessions, always trying to be close to him and supporting whatever he says, even at my expense.
I felt conflicted. If Jason asked me out, would I be willing to say no because of Paula? I had no problem stepping aside for Janet, as I obviously have no feelings for Folu. But does this mean I have feelings for Jason? Is that why it hurt so much when Folu warned me that Jason would go back to Sharon? The realization made my heart ache a little, but it also brought some clarity. I have feelings for Jason.
I hurried to catch up with Paula. When we got to the cafeteria, we saw Janet sitting alone, sometimes I wonder if she has any friend in her own class. She waved to us to come over to join her table. It felt a bit awkward at first, but Janet seemed like her usual self. We chatted and ate, and after we finished, I asked Janet if we could talk privately.
"How are you?" I asked her.
Janet gave a wry smile. "Well, considering that my crush is in love with my best friend, I'm feeling just peachy"
I felt a pang of guilt. "I'm really sorry, Janet."
She nudged me playfully. "I'm kidding. I was upset at first, but I love you a lot, Tiara. I'm not going to let a guy come between us."
I smiled, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "That's so sweet. And I love you a lot too."
We hugged, After a moment, she pulled back and asked, "So, how are things with Folu? What do you plan to do now that you know he likes you?"
I'm going to turn him down," I said firmly.
Janet looked at me intently. "Just make sure you're rejecting him for the right reasons. If you're worried about me, don't be. I'm okay with it."
