Steal His Innocence - Completed

Chapter 12 : Fake Girlfriend

ASHER'S POV

"Have you found her?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady while talking to Symone on the phone.

"Hindi, pare. Ano ka ba? Matanda na 'yun. She can manage," he replied, clearly irritated.

It's almost 2:00 a.m.

She was sleeping on my sofa at ten. I remember adjusting the blanket over her. I remember telling myself I'd just rest my eyes for a while.

When I woke up, her bag was still there.

But she wasn't.

"Yeah, she can manage," I muttered, stepping out of my building, keys clenched in my fist. "But she's still a girl. I don't want her to experience what I saw online now."

The words tasted bitter.

I thought I was over that fear. Apparently not.

"For god's sake, Asher, calm down. Where are you?" Symone asked.

"I'm at 7-Eleven." I didn't even remember deciding to walk there. My body just moved.

Neon lights flickered above the entrance. The street was quieter than usual, but not empty. Still dangerous enough at this hour.

"uyyy eto yon!!"

I froze.

That voice.

Loud. Tactless. Familiar.

I turned my head and saw her running across the sidewalk, clutching a plastic bag like she had just stolen something.

"VIANA!" I shouted, sprinting toward her.

She stopped abruptly. "Asher?"

Relief hit me so hard I almost felt dizzy. I grabbed her wrist before she could even react.

"What are you doing out here at this hour? Why are you here? You're making me paranoid!" My voice came out harsher than intended.

She blinked at me, confused. "Bumili lang naman ako ng pagkain. Gusto ko ng chocolate at noodles."

I stared at the convenience store bag in her hand.

Chocolate.

Noodles.

At two in the morning.

"Then you should've woken me up!" I snapped.

"Fotah! Ang himbing kaya ng tulog mo. Tara na nga, uwi na tayo," she said, pulling me as if I was the one being unreasonable.

I let her drag me for a few steps before I found my footing.

Why did I even meet this girl? She's exhausting.

"Asan 'yung car mo?" she asked.

"I didn't bring it."

She stopped. "Tangina. Napagod na nga ako kakatakbo. Nerd ka ba talaga?"

There it is.

That word again.

"Hey, wait," I called out when she started walking too fast. She shot me an annoyed glance as if I was the problem.

Girls.

"Asher?"

We both turned.

Hara.

My chest tightened instinctively.

She walked toward us, arms crossed lightly, expression unreadable. "Hi. Seems like magkasama ulit kayo?"

"Yeah—" I began.

"Nag-alala kasi siya nung bigla akong umalis sa condo niya," Viana cut in smoothly. Her tone shifted—sweet, almost delicate. "I didn't say goodbye. He's kind of possessive, you know?"

I stared at her.

Just seconds ago she was cursing at me. Now she sounded like an entirely different person.

How does she switch like that?

"Babe?"

Grey appeared behind Hara, sliding his arm around her waist. My jaw tightened.

"Don't tell me kinukulit ka rin ng nerd na 'to, Viana?" Grey laughed. "Brad, you'll just be another toy for her."

I looked down.

He's right, isn't he?

I'm not like them. I don't party. I don't drink. I don't have that effortless charm. Hara used to look at guys like Grey, not someone like me.

"Excuse me," Viana suddenly said.

Her voice wasn't sweet anymore.

It was sharp.

"Grey, di ba naka-three tries ka sa calculus?" she continued calmly. "You know Asher is an honor student. With one word to the principal, he can get you dropped. Want to try?"

I stared at her.

She stepped forward, chin lifted. "Hoy, Grey. Lawyer tatay mo, 'di ba? High expectations. Paano na lang kung ma-drop ka? Kamusta ka na lang?"

Grey scoffed. "Weak shit."

But he didn't look as confident anymore.

Hara tugged at his arm. "Grey, tama na."

He rolled his eyes but didn't argue further.

Then he looked at me again. "Why are you even with this guy? He's possessive kay Hara."

The word possessive echoed in my head.

Viana smirked.

And before I could even process what she was about to do, she slid her arm around mine and held on.

"Isn't it obvious?" she said casually. "Girlfriend niya ako. Right, Honey?"

My brain short-circuited.

Last time she denied me in front of Harry.

Now this?

Grey's eyes narrowed.

I swallowed and forced myself to stand straighter. "Yeah," I said evenly. "I got this girl."

And then—

She kissed me.

Not a quick peck.

Not accidental.

Hard.

Deliberate.

Her hand tightened slightly against my chest as her lips pressed against mine. My entire body went rigid. I could feel her breath, warm and steady. The faint sweetness of chocolate lingered on her lips.

Grey muttered something under his breath. "Let's go, babe."

They walked away.

But Viana was still kissing me.

For a second too long.

I didn't move.

Didn't pull away.

Didn't kiss her back either.

I just stood there, stiff as a board, heart pounding like I'd just run a marathon.

When she finally pulled back, her face was inches from mine.

And I realized something terrifying.

That kiss didn't feel fake at all.