Patience and Affection

#44 - ❝Cooling Down❞

The finals had finally come to an end, leaving the campus with an air of relief and exhaustion. Maxwell, Wayne, Scarlett, Isabel, and Andrea found solace in Rhiannon’s SSG office, the cool air from the air conditioner a welcome escape from the heat and stress of exam week.

"Nakakainis na 'tong finals na 'to," Isabel muttered as she leaned back on a chair, stretching her arms. "Buti na lang tapos na."

"Oo nga," Andrea agreed, slumping on the couch beside Scarlett. "I feel like my brain’s been fried."

Wayne, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke. "Maxwell, you’re too quiet. Everything okay?"

Maxwell smiled, looking up from his phone. "Okay lang, tinatamad lang mag-isip ngayon."

"Ang daming ganap kanina, kaya naman pala," Scarlett added, her voice calm and steady. "We all need this break."

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

Suddenly, the door swung open, revealing Jaxxon and Sébastien. Their presence immediately changed the mood in the room. Isabel and Rhiannon exchanged looks of annoyance, their expressions hardening.

"Anong ginagawa n'yo dito?" Rhiannon asked, her tone cold as she glanced at the two troublemakers.

Jaxxon grinned, unbothered by the hostility. "Chill, we're just here to see how everyone's doing. Mukhang masama ata ang tingin n'yo."

"Masamang tingin?" Isabel scoffed, rolling her eyes. "E ikaw kasi, Jaxxon. You’re always causing trouble. Hindi ka ba napapagod?"

Jaxxon simply chuckled, unfazed by her words. "Relax, Choi. I’m just here to see you."

"Well, hindi ka namin kailangan dito," Rhiannon interjected sharply. "So kung wala kayong gagawing matino, you should leave."

"Oo nga, Jaxxon. We’re trying to relax here," Maxwell added, his voice calm but firm.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

Sébastien, who had remained silent until then, stepped closer to Rhiannon. Unlike his companion, he carried himself with more restraint. "I’m just here to help out," he said softly, addressing Rhiannon directly.

Rhiannon eyed him suspiciously but eventually sighed. "Fine. You can stay, Sébastien. But make yourself useful. We’re cleaning up for the next school year."

Sébastien nodded and immediately began helping Rhiannon with some paperwork on her desk. He wasn’t like Jaxxon; he didn’t cause as much trouble, and though he could be annoying, he wasn’t a playboy like Jaxxon. That was probably the only reason Rhiannon tolerated him.

"At least he’s trying," Scarlett murmured, her gaze following Sébastien’s movements.

Jaxxon, on the other hand, made a beeline toward Isabel, a playful smirk on his face. "So, Isabel, you got any plans after this? Maybe we can hang out?"

Isabel shot him a withering look. "No, thanks. I’d rather not waste my time."

"Oh, come on," Jaxxon teased. "You’re too uptight. Learn to have some fun!"

"Paano ako mag-eenjoy kung kasama kita?" Isabel retorted, crossing her arms.

Rhiannon shook her head and turned her attention back to her work, clearly irritated by Jaxxon’s presence. "Kung wala kang gagawin na makakatulong, lumabas ka na, Jaxxon," she ordered.

"Alright, alright. I get it. I'll go," Jaxxon finally conceded, raising his hands in surrender. "Pero, Isabel, I’m serious. Maybe next time?"

Isabel didn’t bother replying, and with a frustrated sigh, Jaxxon exited the room, leaving behind an air of relief. The atmosphere immediately lightened once he was gone.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

"Finally, some peace," Andrea muttered, sinking further into the couch.

"Thank God," Rhiannon murmured, focusing on her paperwork. Sébastien remained by her side, quietly assisting her, occasionally glancing at her with what almost seemed like admiration.

Wayne, who had been watching the exchange silently, leaned closer to Maxwell. "Akala ko ba tapos na ang finals? Bakit parang may stress pa rin?"

Maxwell chuckled softly. "Finals are done, but the drama never ends, palagi."

"Typical," Wayne murmured, shaking his head.

As the group settled back into the room’s previously calm atmosphere, Rhiannon couldn’t help but notice how Sébastien worked diligently beside her. Despite his reputation, he wasn’t as bad as Jaxxon, and there were moments when he showed a glimpse of sincerity.

Maybe he wasn’t all that bad, after all.

For now, they all relished the rare moment of peace, knowing that once the new school year began, the chaos would inevitably return. But for tonight, in the cool air of Rhiannon’s office, they were content to simply be.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃