Tease Me, Love.

principal office

Alice Guo, a student, and Risa Hontiveros, a principal, called Alice to the principal's office to talk about her grades and what happened to her.

She normally got high scores, but now? She was the one who got low scores. Why though?

Did she sell her body to the teachers to get high scores? Let's see.

Alice Guo sat on the worn-out bench outside the principal's office, her leg bouncing restlessly.

Students passing by threw curious glances her way, whispering as they moved along. “Ano bang ginawa mo, Guo?” she muttered under her breath.

The door creaked open, revealing Principal Risa Hontiveros, her glasses perched on the bridge of her nose. She motioned for Alice to come in.

“Ms. Guo,” Risa began, her voice steady but with a tinge of concern. “Have a seat.”

Alice slumped into the chair, crossing her arms defensively. “Ano na naman po, ma’am?”

Risa raised an eyebrow at the attitude but chose to ignore it. She slid a stack of papers across her desk. “I reviewed your grades, and I have to say, I’m concerned. You’ve always been a top performer, but this term, your scores plummeted.”

Alice glanced at the papers briefly before looking away. “Mababa lang talaga siguro ako ngayon, ma’am. Pagod, ganun.”

“That’s not what your teachers think,” Risa said pointedly. “Some of them... suggested something else.”

Alice stiffened, her hands clutching the armrest. “Ano pong ibig niyo sabihin?”

“They suspect you’ve been... offering favors to raise your grades.” Risa’s eyes softened slightly as she leaned forward. “Is there any truth to this?”

Alice’s jaw tightened. “Do you really think I’d do that, ma’am?”

“I don’t want to believe it, Alice. That’s why I called you here—to hear your side,” Risa replied calmly.

Alice let out a sharp laugh, her gaze defiant. “Kahit kailan, ang dali lang talaga maghusga. Hindi niyo ba naisip na baka may pinagdadaanan ako? Na baka hindi lahat tungkol sa grades o sa kung ano'ng ginagawa ko sa mga teacher?”

Risa studied the girl for a moment, noting the dark circles under her eyes, the tension in her shoulders. “Then tell me what’s going on, Alice. Help me understand.”

For a long moment, Alice said nothing. Then, her voice came out softer, almost a whisper. “Hindi lang po ako okay. ‘Yun lang. Kung ‘di po enough ‘yun, sorry na lang.”

Risa sighed, leaning back in her chair. “If something’s wrong, Alice, I can help. But I need you to be honest with me. This behavior, these rumors—they’re not you.”

Alice stood, her chin held high. “Thanks for your concern, ma’am, pero wala akong sinasabi na dapat niyo pang pakialaman.” She headed for the door but paused, turning back. “And for the record, hindi ako gano’n kababa para ibenta sarili ko para lang sa grades.”

As the door clicked shut, Risa leaned forward, her hands clasped tightly together. There’s more to this than she’s letting on, she thought. But what is it?

Alice stormed out of the principal’s office, her face a mask of frustration. She didn’t care if anyone saw her right now—let them whisper, let them judge. Her usual confidence was cracking, but she wouldn’t let it break. Not here.

She headed to the cafeteria, hoping to find her friends. Sure enough, Migs, Donya, and Cassandra were at their usual spot near the back, laughing over something on Migs’ phone.