The Dreamer (GxG)

Chapter 2

Today is the university's opening, or as they call it, Salubong. My classmates weren't particularly excited, and I get it—events like this are usually for the freshies.

But since I'm new here, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited.

After my first week at Altiora University, I finally got my hands on the school uniform. The freedom to choose between a skirt or pants was a refreshing change—one of those small perks that actually makes a big difference. Today, I decided to go with the charcoal gray pleated skirt, but I have to admit, I might have made a mistake by choosing the white button-down oxford-style shirt.

I can see myself having this as my go-to uniform combination, but today, with the air-conditioned auditorium packed with people, it felt like a furnace lalo na parang kabubukas pa lang ng mga AC. I can feel na agad na pagpawisan ako despite the cool air, and the long sleeves didn't help one bit. I should have worn the polo shirt instead.

"Ms. Boss Madam Eski!" Eto nanaman siya. Hindi ko alam bakit napagtripan niya akong tawagin Eski.

"Boss Eski, mangoberry shake oh!" She handed me a cup with a big smile, practically bouncing with energy.

"Thanks. How much?" I asked.

"Para ka namang others! Libre ko 'yan!" she said, waving her hand dismissively. "I couldn't just let you suffer in this heat without something refreshing!"

I replied with a short, "Thanks."

"By the way, the poll finally updated. Have you checked your ranking again? Balita ko tapos na si Ms. Almazan sa pag-input ng files mo," she added, her voice full of excitement and curiosity.

"I'll check later." I took a sip from the drink. I hate how Sienna already observed na favorite ko ang mango-strawberry combination, ganoon ba kahalata?

Anyway, last time I checked the leaderboards, I was still ranked at 1130, some of my classmates even nicknamed me T-1130, temporarily ranked at 1130.

Since both fashion and communication are under the same department, I'm guessing na I might at least be in the top 20. The overall percentage is what counts, so it doesn't matter if I'm juggling two degrees. In fact, it's actually harder to top the list with a dual degree kaya ang expected rank ko ay 20-30 lang. Pero who knows, the dual degree might give me bonus points on the effort leaderboard.

For a week, I've learned and observed a lot about the university and its people. The rumors about Altiorians having superiority complex are true, but I think it's justifiable. The university's system itself pushes students to excel and be better.

It's not just grades and popularity that determine rankings here, which makes it better.

Sienna was rambling about Yves and her latest post. "Kita mo 'yung bagong post ni Yves? I swear, that girl is everywhere! She's been holding the top spot since we were in high school. If meron lang leaderboard as kinder at elem, feel ko siya rin mangunguna dun. It's like she's got this magical charm or something."

She paused, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "You know, Yves has been the top student since high school, only falling to second place when a member of the Esquivel family was in the same category. That happened twice pa lang, like with Haliya Esquivel—" Sienna suddenly froze, realizing something. "Oh right, ate mo nga pala si Haliya. Sorry, I didn't mean to—"

I glanced at her, not really bothered. "It's okay."

It's been almost a year since it happened and di naman ako gaano ka-apektado since di rin naman kami close ni ate.

Sienna looked visibly relieved. "I was just curious, and I didn't mean to bring up anything awkward. I'm sorry if I stepped on any toes. I just get carried away with these things. You know how it is."