I'm in Love with My Enemy : A MaColet's Journey

01

DISCLAIMER: This story is a work of fiction. The characters and events depicted are purely imaginary and are not intended to represent any real individuals or situations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

The sound of squeaking sneakers and hurried chatter filled the gymnasium as students filed into their seats for the weekly assembly. Colet Vergara stood near the stage, her mind racing through her speech for the last time. She tugged at the hem of her perfectly pressed uniform, making sure everything was in place. As student council president, she prided herself on being flawless. But today, a strange unease settled in her stomach—a feeling she couldn't quite shake.

Across the room, Maloi Ricalde sat in the front row, leaning back in her chair with her usual calm composure. She was flipping through her notebook, seemingly unbothered by the chaos around her. Colet knew better than to mistake that for indifference. Maloi was always watching, always thinking, always preparing for their next confrontation.

Colet couldn't explain why Maloi got under her skin so much. Maybe it was the way Maloi seemed unfazed by everything, or how she could always find a way to counter Colet's every move. They were both competitive, yes, but with Maloi, it was different. There was something more personal about their rivalry—something that made Colet feel like she had to prove herself over and over again.

"Colet, it's time!" one of her council members called out, snapping her back to reality.

"Right," Colet said, straightening her shoulders. She flashed a confident smile, even as her mind drifted back to Maloi. They'd be facing off in the upcoming inter-school debate competition, and Colet wasn't about to let her guard down. This was her chance to show everyone that she could beat Maloi at her own game.

As Colet stepped up to the podium, the entire gymnasium fell silent. She scanned the crowd, her eyes briefly landing on Maloi, who was now watching her with that same unreadable expression. Colet's heart skipped a beat, though she quickly brushed it off. She wasn't going to let Maloi rattle her.

"Good morning, Sapphire High," Colet began, her voice smooth and composed. "Today, we're here to discuss the upcoming school events, including the highly anticipated inter-school debate competition."

She didn't miss the way Maloi's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of the debate. A small smirk tugged at the corner of Colet's lips. Maloi may have been the reigning champion, but Colet was ready to challenge her in ways she hadn't before. This was more than just a competition now—it felt like a showdown of their very identities.

As she continued her speech, Colet noticed that Maloi wasn't just listening passively; she was analyzing every word. The intensity of Maloi's gaze unnerved her, but it also ignited a fire within her. For years, they had been at each other's throats, constantly pushing and testing each other. And yet, there was a part of Colet that wondered if there was something else hidden beneath their rivalry.

When the assembly finally ended, Colet stepped down from the stage, her heart pounding in her chest. She walked through the crowd, nodding at the compliments and waves from her peers, but her mind was elsewhere. She could feel Maloi's presence, even though she hadn't looked back.

As she reached the exit, Colet couldn't resist the urge to turn around. Maloi was still sitting in her seat, her eyes fixed on Colet with a look that sent a shiver down her spine. It wasn't anger or resentment—it was something else, something that Colet didn't know how to name.

For a moment, time seemed to freeze. The noise of the gymnasium faded into the background, and all Colet could focus on was Maloi. There was a flicker of something in Maloi's eyes, a spark that mirrored the one Colet felt within herself. It was as if, for just a split second, they both realized that their rivalry wasn't as black and white as it seemed.

But then, the moment passed. Colet turned away, forcing herself to focus on the tasks ahead. She couldn't afford to get distracted. Not now. Not by Maloi.

Yet, as she walked down the hallway, Colet couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. Something was changing between them—something that neither of them could control. And whether they liked it or not, it was going to force them to confront the truth they had been avoiding for so long.

Their rivalry wasn't just about winning or losing anymore. It was about something much deeper, something that could either tear them apart or bring them together in ways they never expected.

As Colet disappeared into the crowded hallway, Maloi sat back in her chair, a small, thoughtful smile playing on her lips. The sparks had been flying for a while now, and Maloi could sense that the game was about to change.

She wasn't afraid of the challenge. In fact, she welcomed it. Because if there was one thing Maloi knew for certain, it was that facing Colet was never boring.

And maybe—just maybe—there was more to this rivalry than either of them realized.