Colliding Hearts

One

Greggy

The auditorium was packed, buzzing with students from every program, all eager for the much-anticipated debate. Originally, the topic was supposed to be financial literacy—neutral, safe, something I could've argued in my sleep. But somewhere along the line, someone decided to switch it to something...personal. Marriage: duty versus love. It felt like bait, and I couldn't help but wonder if Irene would take it.

There she was, Irene Marcos, sitting across from me with that sharp, unyielding look of hers. Representing the Financial Management program, naturally. And here I was, the so-called Business Administration favorite, about to go head-to-head with the one person who never seemed to back down from a challenge—especially if that challenge was me.

I opened, keeping my voice steady, smooth. "Marriage isn't always about love, Irene. It's a commitment that goes beyond fleeting feelings. You need something concrete, like duty and responsibility. Love alone doesn't build a strong foundation."

She scoffed, a touch of mockery in her tone as she leaned forward, calling out to the audience with a dramatic flourish. "Oh, so marry someone because it's convenient? Because it's expected of you?" Her Financial Management friends cheered, amping her up even more. "Sounds like a quick way to ruin the rest of your life."

I rolled my eyes, smirking as I crossed my arms. "Convenient?" I shot back. "That's simplifying it. Practicality matters, Irene. It's what holds relationships together when all that passion you seem to idolize fades."

She leaned closer, unphased, her gaze unwavering. "But that's the problem, Greggy. You'd settle for a marriage without love, thinking it's about survival. But marriage should be about choosing someone, not because you have to but because you want to."

Her words struck me for a second, and I felt my jaw tighten before I masked it with a laugh. "And what happens when that feeling fades? When things get tough, what's left? A partnership built on duty is stable. But love?" I shook my head. "Too fragile on its own."

Irene's laugh was sharp, her tone filled with exasperation. "You know, that's exactly what I'd expect you to say—thinking love is just a phase. Not everyone walks away when things get tough, Greggy. Real love means you choose to stay, even when it's hard."

The room was roaring, my classmates chanting, "Greg-gy! Greg-gy!" while hers countered with, "I-re-ne!" The energy was through the roof, but beneath all the noise, it felt like the two of us were alone, debating something neither of us fully understood yet.

I leaned back, shrugging. "Didn't know you were such a romantic, Marcos. Explains the fairy tale you're describing."

She shot me a glare, cheeks flushed. "And I didn't realize you'd marry someone just to keep your family happy, Araneta."

The room quieted, an audible shift as we hit something deeper. I softened, just slightly, letting my guard down. "For the record," I said, meeting her eyes, "if I ever did marry, it wouldn't just be to make my family happy. It'd be someone who drives me crazy, who challenges me, but who I'd want by my side no matter what."

Her expression flickered, just briefly, before she raised an eyebrow. "Well, it's convenient that we're on opposite sides of this debate, then, isn't it?"

I shrugged, letting a smirk take over. "Maybe. But who knows—one day, you might just come around."

Laughter filled the auditorium, and we exchanged one last look, something in her eyes sparking with defiance—and something else.

Backstage, as the crowd's energy faded, I caught her talking to her friend, Natalia, still reliving the debate. I made my way over, hands in my pockets, stopping just close enough for her to notice.