AWAKENED IN LOVE(HIGH SERIES #01)

CHAPTER 1

“PUPUNTA KA BA?”

“Huh?” I furrowed my brow, glancing up from my notes. “Saan?”

“Sa party, malamang!” She huffed, her eyes rolling. "Nakikinig ka ba kanina?"

“Sorry, may ginagawa lang.” I tried to get back to my writing, but she snatched my notes, nearly ripping them. “What?”

“Mamaya na ‘yan, bes, okie?” she said, giving my notes a gentle pat as if tucking them to sleep. I sighed, crossing my arms. “Sagutin mo muna ako...are you going or not?”

I did catch bits of their conversation earlier—sa lakas ba naman ng boses nila.Sino'ng hindi? But I shrugged, acting unbothered. “No, I'm not going. May lakad ako after class.”

“Saan naman, aber?” Her curiosity was relentless.

“Maghahanap ng pwedeng pagkakitaan.”

Ang totoo kase niyan. I wanted to repay Auntie Jane, who had taken care of me and my sister me after my mama passed away, nurturing us, putting us through school. The longer we lived with her, the more I felt the weight of gratitude, a quiet urgency to give back.

Janine's expression softened, but her eyes twinkled with a mischievous glint. “Alam mo, may alam ako…”

My brow lifted. “Anong alam mo?”

She leaned in closer, grinning like she had the world’s best-kept secret. “Pagkakakitaan. Pero may kondisyon ako.”

“What is it?”

“Sumama ka muna…”

As evening fell, I found myself facing the mirror, adjusting the bold red blouse I’d chosen—a silky, fitted top with puffed sleeves that hinted at elegance but radiated confidence. Tucked into a high-waisted black skirt, the whole look gave off a ‘cute but bossy’ vibe. Perfect.

I added a cropped blazer, its structured lines sharpening the ensemble. A simple belt, hoop earrings, and a sleek watch completed it, grounding the look with a touch of sophistication. Lastly, my pointed-toe ankle boots, each step in them boosting my height—and my attitude.

I smiled when I saw that my apperance was presentable. "You can do this,Savi."

At the party, fairy lights twinkled like stars overhead, casting a warm glow across the venue. Music drifted through the air, blending with laughter and vibrant conversations. I took a breath, the lively atmosphere making my nerves dance. Did I even belong here?

“Savi!” I  turned at the sound of my name.Janine rushed  up to me, smiling before giving me a warm hug.“Glad,you came!”

“Yeah…” I tried to hide my nerves, but she noticed. With a reassuring grin, she pulled me into the crowd, introducing me to her friends.Ang iba ay schoolmates lang namin kaya hindi ako nahirapan sa pakikitungo.Panay ang ngiti at tango naman ako sa mga lalaking sinusubukang makikipagkilala.

“Magandang gabi sa inyong lahat! Maraming salamat sa pagdalo sa kaarawan ng aming anak!”Lahat ng atensyon namin ay napunta sa may entablado nang may magsalita.

Standing on the small stage was a couple, their smiles wide and welcoming. Cedric's parents. His mom, radiating warmth, continued, “We’re thrilled to celebrate with friends who mean so much to our son. Thank you for being here!”

His dad, grinning proudly, added, “You all make this day even more special.Huwag na nating patagalin pa--- let's the party beggin!"

Biglang namatay ang mga ilaw at kasabay nito ang tila unti-unting paglabas ng nagkakapalang mga usok mula gilid ng entablado.Isang grupo ng boyband ang unti-unting lumitaw.Nakapurong itim silang lahat. Para  naman akong mabibingi dahil sa lakas na hiyaw ng mga kasama ko.

"Go! FourB's!"

FourB's? Pangalan ba'yon ng grupo nila.Napatunayang tama ang hinala ko nang bigla akong kalabitin ni Janine.

"Sila 'yung head ng BS Club sa school." She whispered."Wala diyan si pres.,Siguro nandito lang siya ...Ipapakilala kita sakanila mamaya."

I searched the crowd and I  think I found him. His gaze locked onto mine, and suddenly, the rest of the world blurred. In his eyes, there was something warm, almost… different. My breath caught, and I quickly looked away, feeling my cheeks heat up.

The song flowed on, pulling everyone into its rhythm, and I swayed along. Then, just as I was getting lost in the music, I felt strong arms circle my waist from behind, making me freeze. A warm breath grazed my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

“I thought you wouldn’t come…”