The Mentor's Secret

New Challenge?

Blake's POV

Late na ako. Tangina, hindi ko na talaga kayang sumabay sa mga rich kids na 'to. Jeep lang naman yung sinasakyan ko, pero grabe ang traffic. Pagpasok ko sa classroom, ramdam ko agad yung tension. Ang tahimik. Iba na pala 'to—first day of the new semester, tapos bagong professor pa.

As I walked towards my seat, I caught a glimpse of her. Siya na ba yun? Professor Morgan Robles. Ang tahimik ng mga estudyante, which was weird, kasi usually, maingay 'tong klase namin. Pero ngayon? Parang lahat nagmamasid, nag-aabang.

Iba yung aura niya, parang hindi basta-basta. May pagka-cold, pero hindi intimidating in the way na makaka-turn off ka. More like... respeto agad. She stood there, composed, with her black blazer and sharp gaze, as if she owned the entire classroom—which, technically, she probably did, knowing na yung family niya may-ari ng school. Ang yabang naman ng dating niya.

Umupo ako sa likod. I usually keep my distance, mas tahimik sa likod, pero kita ko pa rin siya from where I sat. Anong meron sa kanya na parang ang laki ng gap sa lahat ng naranasan ko?

"Okay, let's start with introductions," sabi niya in a firm voice. "Tell me your name, year, and why you're in this class."

One by one, nagpakilala na yung mga kaklase ko. Some were fidgeting, others barely spoke loud enough to be heard. Kinakabahan silang lahat, grabe. I smirked a little. Ako? Hindi ako kinakabahan. This was my turf. Kaya ko 'to.

When it was my turn, I stood up, making sure na diretso ang posture ko. "Blake Kylie Vergara. Second-year college, Business Administration" Simple lang. Diretso. Walang arte. Ang angas angas ko para mag inarte pre

Tumingin siya sa akin, those sharp eyes scanning me. Hindi ako umiwas ng tingin. If she was expecting na mababaliw ako sa pressure like the others, she was wrong. I've worked too hard to be here. She doesn't know me yet, but she will. That's for sure.

For a moment, parang may napansin ako sa expression niya. Parang nagduda siya kung kilala niya ako o hindi, pero sandali lang yun. Then, her face went back to that same unreadable look. Okay, I thought. This is going to be interesting.

Pagkatapos ng introductions, tuloy lang ang klase as usual, pero alam ko na she was watching me. She didn't say much directly, pero ramdam ko yung presence niya. Wala akong balak magpa-intimidate. She's just another challenge, another professor I have to prove myself to. And takti bhe, ngayon ko lang narealize na ang ganda ganda pala ng babaeng to. Ansarap ibulsa, pero magagawa ko lang yan kapa square na yung buwan. Kasi malabong malabo talaga

"That's all for today," she finally said, dismissing us with a wave of her hand.

As I packed my things, tinignan ko siya ulit. Ang dami kong naririnig na kwento about her—how strict she was in London, kung paano takot sa kanya yung mga estudyante dun. Pero I wasn't like them. I was different.

This was my chance to prove that it didn't matter kung saan ako nanggaling, o kung gaano kalayo yung buhay namin sa buhay ng mga kagaya ni Professor Robles. I belonged here, just as much as anyone else.

As I left the classroom, Midnight and Gwendoll were already waiting for me outside.

"So, kamusta?" Midnight asked, a teasing grin on her face. "Naramdaman mo na ba yung Robles effect?"

I shrugged. "She's alright. Kailangan niya pa akong kilalanin."

Midnight chuckled. "I like that confidence."

"Confident o cocky?" Gwendoll teased.

"Both," I smirked, walking past them. "Let's see who's really in charge."

Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam kung ano ang mangyayari sa sem na 'to, pero I knew one thing for sure—this wasn't just about academics anymore. It was about showing her, and everyone else, that I was more than just another scholar. Na hindi ako tulad ng ibang estudyante dito.

Blake Kylie Vergara—hindi ka basta-basta magugustuhan, pero hindi rin ako basta-basta bibigay.
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After lunch, naglalakad ako sa hallway nang biglang tinawag ako ng office staff. "Blake Kylie Vergara, please proceed to the administration office."

Bakit ako? I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. It was unusual for them to call me out like this. Maraming estudyante sa school, pero parang ang dami kong narinig na nakakabahala about this Morgan Robles. I shook off the nerves and walked toward the office.

Pagdating ko sa office, I was greeted by Mr. Salcedo, the school's principal. "Ah, Blake! Good to see you," he said with a warm smile. "Please, have a seat."

Umupo ako sa harap niya. "Sir, anong kailangan niyo po?"

"I have a special task for you," he said, leaning forward. "We want you to take Professor Robles on a tour of the entire campus this week. It's her first time here, and we believe you're the perfect student for the job."

My heart raced. Touring her? This was a big deal. "Sure, sir! Pero bakit po ako? Maraming iba pang students na pwede."

"I know," he said, nodding. "But you're not just any student. You're the president of the campus, and we trust you to make a good impression. Plus, we need someone who can handle... well, her." He paused, and I could tell he meant more than just giving directions.

"Are you up for it?" he asked, eyes gleaming with expectation.

"Definitely!" I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. Inside, I felt a rush of determination. Ito na ang chance ko. This was my opportunity to show not just Professor Robles but everyone in the school that I was capable of taking on big responsibilities.

"Great!" Mr. Salcedo said, clapping his hands together. "She'll be expecting you tomorrow. Make it exciting for her. Show her what this school is all about."

I nodded, my mind racing with ideas. Exciting? I had a few tricks up my sleeve. I wanted her to see the heart and soul of the campus, the vibrant life beyond the classrooms. It was more than just a school; it was a community, and I was going to make sure she felt that.

As I left the office, I couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and exhilaration. I was about to spend the day with a professor who had the power to influence my academic journey. I had heard the stories—how she was strict, no-nonsense, and the kind of person who demanded respect. But I was determined to show her that beneath that cold exterior, there was room for understanding and connection.

What if she sees the real me?

On my way back to class, I could feel a rush of excitement coursing through me. This was going to be different. I was going to make this tour memorable. My friends, Midnight and Gwendoll, would definitely have my back.

"Are you okay, Blake? parang ang ganda ng mood mo ah" Gwendoll asked when I found them in the cafeteria.

"Yeah! I just got a big assignment," I said, trying to keep my cool.

"A big assignment?" Midnight raised an eyebrow, teasing me. "Ano na naman 'yan? Pagsayaw sa harap ng buong campus? Para kay Robles?"

"Baka mas malala," I replied, smirking. "I'm giving Professor Robles a tour of the school."

"What?!" They both exclaimed in unison.

"Wag kang mag-alala, kaya ko 'to!" I said confidently. "Kailangan niyang makita ang school natin. It's more than just academic pressure; it's about our spirit. I'll show her everything."

Damn, I can't wait to see her reaction!

As the afternoon wore on, I could feel a growing determination in my gut. I was ready to prove myself not just to Professor Robles but to the entire school.

This was my moment.

Tomorrow was going to be thrilling, and I was prepared to take on whatever challenges lay ahead. Bring it on, Morgan Robles. You won't know what hit you. 

Binago ko lahat lahat, Let's see what's coming next! Keep safe! XOXO!