Heavenly University

Ika-dalawampu't-limang Kabanata

Katana's P.O.V

The cafeteria was a total circus, as usual. But our table felt like there's a heavy and eerie tension building up. Val and I had been hearing rumors in the hallways since our last period. The other students were gossiping about a girl who suddenly became Atticus's personal secretary. We didn't think much of it until we saw big sis Candy. She was looking down at her lunch, looking completely drained.

Val slammed her hands on the table and leaned forward, her eyes wide with shock.

"Ate Candy! Is it true? Ang daming nagchi-chismisan sa paligid ng campus! Are you really the Supreme Student Council President's new secretary?!"

Big sis flinched at the sudden loudness. Her cheeks instantly turned bright red. She looked away, awkwardly playing with her fingers under the table. She looked so incredibly shy, like she wanted to disappear into the floor right then and there.

Seeing her look so flustered made my annoyance vanish. My protective instincts immediately kicked in.

'Seriously, how can someone look so beautiful even when they are stressed out?'

"Sugoi...anata wa hontōni utsukushīdesu!" I gasped, completely forgetting about our interrogation for a second.

Translation: Wow...you are really beautiful!

"Katana, stop it!" Val hissed, nudging my arm hard.

"'Wag mo nga akong ini-alien language d'yan ngayon! Hindi kita maintindihan! We need her to confirm the rumors!"

I cleared my throat, trying to look serious again, but I couldn't take my eyes off big sis's pretty face.

"I mean, look at her, Val! Even when she's awkward, she looks like a literal goddess. Kanojo wa totemo kawaī-If Atticus did appoint her, he probably just wanted someone beautiful to look at in his boring office!"

Translation: She's so cute!

"Katana, focus!" Val groaned, rolling her eyes before turning back to our blushing big sis.

"Ate Candy, seryuso, tell us the truth! Totoo ba yung mga chika?"

Big sis nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her voice dropping to a soft, hesitant whisper.

"Uhm...hindi ko naman sinasadya. He just handed me an official excuse letter earlier."

"Wait, what did she say?" I asked, looking at Xion. My Tagalog wasn't perfect, especially when I'm panicking.

"Xion, translate it for me."

Unlike his usual calm self, Xion looked completely serious now. He crossed his arms, his sharp eyes fixed on our big sis.

"She said she didn't mean for it to happen, and that the President just gave her an excuse letter. Seriously ate Candy, hindi magandang biro 'yan! Hindi ko nagugustuhan ang paraan ng pagpapatakbo ng Presidente na 'yan, masyado siyang mapilit. Tsk!"

"What does 'mapilit' mean?" I interrupted him, frowning.

"It means he forces things, Katana." Xion explained in English, his tone heavy and cold. He turned his attention back to big sis Candy, leaning in closer.