The Idea Of Us (English Version)

4

Oh, that was just my imagination, thinking my classmates were all staring at me. But when Calvin looked at me, that part was definitely real. He was watching me, grinning like he found this all amusing, his expression almost blaming me. But honestly, it was his fault. If he hadn't been in such a rush, none of this would have happened.

"Sit down!"

He just nodded to Miss Sanchez, making his way to his seat. But even as he walked, his mischievous grin and his gaze stayed on me before he finally looked away, shaking his head.

"Where are you going?" Ella asked just as I was about to stand.

"To fix myself," I replied, grabbing my sling bag and heading out of the room. Since the women's restroom still didn't have a mirror, I didn't have much choice but to head to the men's room to find one.

And that's exactly what I did. I went inside, took out my lipsticks, and started reapplying it along with touching up my eyebrows.

"Hurry up, Maya!" I whispered to myself as I carefully lined my lips with the matte lipstick. "It would be so embarrassing if any guys walked in here."

While checking to make sure my blush was just right, a wave of sadness crept over me as memories of our old life flooded back—how happy we used to be.

As I continued fixing my makeup, a heavy feeling weighed on my chest. Those days, when mornings were carefree, filled only with laughter and breakfast, felt like a lifetime ago. Now, everything had changed, and no amount of pretending could bring that comfort back.

I shook my head, forcing myself to focus on my reflection. There was no point dwelling on what was gone. But just as I put my lipstick back into my bag, the door to the men's room creaked open, and my heart skipped a beat.

I was about to cry when I suddenly saw from the corner of my eye someone leaning against the door, staring at me. I immediately felt nervous and turned to face him.

"Please go out," I pleaded, putting my things away in my sling bag one by one.

"You should be the one leaving," he smirked and put both hands inside his pockets, still leaning at the door. He was wearing a shirt when he was supposed to wear their designated uniform. The men's uniform consists of a thick white polo shirt with buttons, burgundy slacks, a pair of black shoes, and a necktie embroidered with the word of their chosen program.

"Just let me finish everything, and you're free to do whatever you want here in the restroom,"

Here he goes again with that mischievous smile. He slowly walked towards me, wearing a smile that made me want to puke.

"Don't you have any other smiles?" I philosophized, but he didn't budge, continuing to walk closer while grinning mischievously. I kept backing up until we were pressed against the wall. He was so close to me. We were the only two here; I couldn't understand why no other students had passed by outside.

"Don't get ahead of yourself; I'm just going to wash my hands!" he laughed. I realized how funny my reaction was; I even had the audacity to pant, but honestly, I was nervous with a hint of excitement.

He returned to the sink and started washing his hands, so I followed suit and fixed myself in the mirror.

I was surprised when he suddenly spoke, and even more startled when he turned serious. I was used to his playful smile. I stared at him for a while. His hair was in a buzz cut, and I could simply say he wasn't really the type of person I thought he would be.

"I'm new here, so I need to find my classroom right away. I came early, but I got really confused, and to make matters worse, I got lost, so I was just running until I bumped into you. I'm really sorry. Isaac!"

He extended his right hand, and my eyes shifted between him and his outstretched hand.

"Maya."

"Is that your real name, or is it just a nickname?" I asked.

"Real name!" He replied.

I tucked my hair behind my ear, unsure why he had been lathering his hands for a few minutes now. I glanced at him with a frown, but he responded with a smile—not a mischievous one, but a melting one. Ugh!

"Are you really washing your hands, or do you just enjoy doing it for almost half an hour?" I asked seriously while applying a little foundation to the small pimples popping up near my forehead.

"No? By the way, your lips taste good!" He chuckled softly, which made me roll my eyes at him. Then I noticed what he was wearing: a familiar white shirt with a checkered design near his chest.

Shut up! I might use yours as lip balm!

"Wait, is that my shirt?"

"Yes?"

"How did it end up with you?"

"Really? Ella said it was hers."

"She's such a witch," I scoffed.

"I'll just take it off."

"And? Are you going to walk outside without a shirt? Nonsense, just return it tomorrow."

He suddenly grew serious, but then that mischievous grin reappeared on his lips.

Is he for real?

I just grimaced while he shook his head, clicking his tongue, but his playful smile didn't fade, which made me smile back until we both ended up laughing here inside.

"You laugh too!" he said with a smile.

—

The air on the rooftop is cool and fresh today. It's my first time back here since my friends held their Christmas party. But I still haven't fully appreciated how beautiful the surroundings are.

Since I'm not afraid of heights, I looked out at the entire Saint Cecelia University—the soccer field, the gymnasium, and the people who looked like ants because they were so tiny.

Where can I find a job now? Now that I have competition—Kim Manzano, I really need to find work quickly. I don't know where, but I'll try my best. I glanced at the contents of my sling bag. My lip matte is almost gone; Ella really goes through it fast. Even my eyeliners are running out, and my foundation is practically dying too. My sling bag is begging for mercy.

So that I can maintain my role in the classroom as someone wealthy, just like Kim. They praise me, and they will continue to do so.

"Hi!"

I was expecting it to be Isaac again behind me since he's the only one following me today, but guess what? It was a woman's voice.

I turned to see who spoke. It was Luna, our classroom president. We're not very close, so it feels a bit awkward when she's in front of me. I can't even look her in the eye.

"Luna?" I asked; she looks familiar, but I just can't remember where or when I've seen her.

"This might help you!" she said with a smile, handing me a small polaroid. It looks old, like it had been brushed off to get rid of the dust, as if it had been hidden away in a cabinet for a long time.

I took the polaroid from her, looked at the picture, and was taken aback. I shifted my gaze between Luna and the polaroid in my hand.

"You?"