When Stars Collide (INCOMPLETE)

Chapter 3: Unwritten Rules

Chapter 3:

The following day at Westwood High started like any other, with students trickling into the school in waves, conversations echoing through the corridors, and the faint rustle of textbooks being shuffled around in lockers. But for Maloi Ricalde, there was a subtle change in the air—an undercurrent of excitement that she couldn't quite shake.

As Maloi made her way to her locker, she spotted Colet Vergara near the entrance, talking and laughing with Aiah Arceta, Gwen Apuli, and Jhoanna Robles. Colet caught Maloi’s eye and waved, her smile bright and welcoming. Maloi waved back, a small grin tugging at her lips.

"Hey, Maloi!" Sheena Catacutan called out, her voice full of energy as she appeared by Maloi’s side. “Ready for another day of endless classes?”

“Not really,” Maloi replied with a chuckle. “But at least we have our new hangout plans to look forward to.”

Sheena’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “Oh, absolutely! We should all hang out again after school today. I think everyone really hit it off yesterday.”

“Sounds good to me,” Maloi said as she gathered her books. “But maybe we can do something different this time. Any ideas?”

Stacey Sevilleja, who had just arrived at her locker nearby, chimed in. “How about we go to the park after school? The weather’s supposed to be nice, and it could be a good place to relax and chat.”

Mikha Lim, ever the practical one, nodded in agreement. “It’s a good spot for everyone to just chill. Plus, it’s close enough to grab snacks if we get hungry.”

“Great idea,” Maloi agreed, feeling a surge of anticipation. “Let’s invite Colet and her friends.”

The bell rang, signaling the start of the first period. Maloi, Sheena, Stacey, and Mikha made their way to class, discussing the plan for the day as they went. When they arrived in English class, Maloi quickly spotted Colet in their usual spot at the back. She and her friends were already chatting animatedly, and Maloi felt a warm sense of belonging as she approached.

“Hey, Colet,” Maloi greeted as she took her seat next to her. “We were thinking about hanging out at the park after school today. What do you think?”

Colet’s eyes lit up with excitement. “That sounds awesome! I’ll definitely be there. I’m sure Aiah, Gwen, and Jhoanna will be up for it too.”

“Perfect,” Maloi said, glancing over at Colet’s friends, who nodded in agreement. “We’ll meet at the park after school, then.”

As Ms. Thompson started the lesson, Maloi found herself once again struggling to focus. Her thoughts kept drifting to the afternoon, imagining the fun they would have at the park. She had always enjoyed spending time with her core group of friends, but the addition of Colet and her friends added a new dynamic—one that made the days feel more vibrant and full of possibilities.

When the final bell rang, Maloi quickly packed up her things, eager to get to the park. As she and her friends made their way out of the school, they found Colet and her group waiting near the entrance, chatting and laughing as usual.

“Ready to go?” Sheena asked, her usual enthusiasm evident in her voice.

“Yep, let’s go!” Colet replied, her smile wide as she fell into step with Maloi and the others.

The group made their way to the park, their laughter and conversation flowing easily. The park was only a short walk from the school, and when they arrived, they found a spot under a large tree where they could all sit comfortably.

Aiah, ever the comedian, flopped onto the grass dramatically. “Ah, sweet freedom! No more boring classes for the day.”

“Thank goodness,” Gwen added with a grin, sitting down next to Aiah. “I was starting to feel like my brain was going to melt.”

The group chuckled, and soon enough, everyone was settled in, enjoying the fresh air and the relaxed atmosphere. The conversation naturally flowed between different topics, from school gossip to weekend plans and even a few inside jokes that had everyone in stitches.

As the afternoon wore on, Maloi noticed how easily she had slipped into this new routine with Colet and her friends. There was a comfort in their presence, a sense of familiarity that had developed quickly but felt completely natural. She glanced over at Colet, who was mid-conversation with Mikha about their favorite books.

“What do you think of that new dystopian novel we talked about yesterday?” Colet asked, her hazel eyes sparkling with interest.

“I’m loving it so far,” Mikha replied, her usually stoic expression softened by a genuine smile. “The world-building is amazing, and the characters are really well-developed.”

“Agreed,” Colet said with a nod. “We should all read it and discuss it together. Maybe start that book club we talked about.”

“That sounds like a great idea,” Maloi chimed in, feeling the excitement of a new tradition taking root.

As the conversation continued, the group started to plan their next hangout, tossing around ideas for future activities and places to visit. The more they talked, the more it became clear that this group of friends was forming a bond that went beyond just casual acquaintance.

After a while, the conversation shifted to more personal topics. Sheena shared a funny story about her family, and Aiah followed up with a tale of an embarrassing moment in gym class that had everyone in tears from laughter. Even Stacey, usually more reserved, opened up about her dreams of pursuing a career in journalism, prompting a round of supportive comments from the group.

Eventually, the conversation turned to Maloi and Colet, and the group grew quieter, sensing the importance of what was about to be shared.

“So, Maloi,” Colet began, her tone thoughtful, “I know we’ve just started getting to know each other, but I’m curious—what’s something you’re passionate about? Something that really makes you feel alive?”

Maloi hesitated, not because she didn’t have an answer, but because she wasn’t used to talking about herself in such a deep way. But as she looked around at the group, seeing the genuine interest in their eyes, she felt a sense of safety—a feeling that she could share and be understood.

“Well,” Maloi began slowly, “I guess I’m passionate about connection. I love getting to know people, really understanding who they are, and finding that common ground where we can relate to each other. It’s why I value friendships so much. It’s like… every person you meet is a new story, and I love being part of that story, even if it’s just a small chapter.”

The group listened intently, nodding in understanding. Colet smiled, her eyes soft with empathy. “That’s beautiful, Maloi. I think that’s why we’ve all connected so well—you’re the kind of person who brings people together.”

“Yeah,” Sheena agreed, her voice full of warmth. “You’ve got that vibe that makes everyone feel welcome.”

Mikha and Stacey nodded in agreement, and even Aiah, always quick with a joke, seemed touched by Maloi’s words.

“What about you, Colet?” Maloi asked, wanting to hear her friend’s thoughts.

Colet took a moment to gather her thoughts, her gaze distant as she considered the question. “I think… I’m passionate about making a difference, no matter how small. Whether it’s helping someone with their homework, being there for a friend, or just trying to make someone’s day a little better—I want to leave a positive impact on the people around me.”

Maloi smiled, feeling a deep sense of connection with Colet’s words. It was clear that they shared similar values, and that only strengthened the bond between them.

The group fell into a comfortable silence, each of them reflecting on the conversation. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the park, and the air was filled with the sounds of birds and distant laughter from other park-goers.

As they all sat there, watching the sunset together, Maloi felt a profound sense of peace. She knew that these friendships were only just beginning, and that there were many more chapters to be written in their shared story. And as she glanced at Colet, who met her gaze with a smile, Maloi felt certain that this was the start of something truly special.

End of chapter 3.