Steal His Innocence - Completed

CHAPTER 16: Anything For You

ASHER'S POV

I had a vacant period that afternoon, and instead of going to the library like I usually do, I found myself sitting on a bench near the garden. From where I was, I could see Hara and Grey standing under a tree, talking like nothing in the world could interrupt them. Grey leaned a little too close when he laughed. Hara tilted her head the way she used to when she was genuinely amused.

A few weeks ago, that sight would have ruined my entire day.

Now, I just watched.

Not because it didn't hurt—but because the pain felt... distant. Manageable. Like an old bruise instead of an open wound.

"Pare!" Symone's voice snapped me out of my thoughts as he dropped onto the bench beside me. He's with Paolo eating snacks.

I nodded at him. "Hmm."

"Kamusta tulog? You look exhausted. Parang puyat na puyat ka."

I scratched the back of my head. "It's because of Viana."

Their head whipped toward me so fast I almost laughed. "Aba? Magkasama kayo natulog?"  Paolo asked

I sighed. "Yeah. She stayed over. We reviewed until late."

they grin widened dangerously. "WOAAAHH!"

Several students turned their heads toward us.

"Shut up," I hissed, lowering my voice. "Nothing happened. She snores, by the way."

They stared at me like I had just revealed state secrets. "Snore? Si Viana?." symone said

"It's subtle," I muttered defensively. "But noticeable."

Paolo leaned closer, eyebrows wiggling. "Nakailang rounds kayo? Did you shoot properly? Share naman d'yan."

I blinked. "Shoot? "

Paolo groaned. "Pare naman! I'm talking about your—" he gestured with his fingers in a kiss shape.

I smacked his arm. "Ang dumi ng isip mo. She just slept. That's it. I'm not used to having someone beside me, so I barely slept."

That part was true. I kept waking up because I could hear her breathing. Because I was hyper-aware that she was there. Because every small movement she made felt amplified in the quiet of my room.

They laughed, hands up in surrender. "Sorry na." symone said.

Then his expression shifted. "Uy. Si Viana ba 'yon?"

I followed his gaze.

She was running along the pathway, holding her bag, hair bouncing slightly with each step. She was wearing a balloon skirt. A balloon skirt—and she was running like a child chasing an ice cream truck.

Half the guys in the garden were openly staring.

I felt something tighten in my chest.

Suddenly she tripped slightly, probably on uneven pavement, and her things spilled across the walkway. Within seconds, at least seven guys rushed to help her.

She crouched down, laughing it off, brushing her hair away from her face. Effortless charm. Natural magnetism.

"Think about it," Symone said more quietly this time. "The whole campus envies you. But do you really know her? What if she's just playing?"

His words lingered longer than I expected.

Do I really know her?

I know she curses when she's frustrated. I know she yawns after eating. I know she pretends to be fearless but hesitates for half a second before asking for help.

But do I know her depths?

"Does it matter?" I said finally. "Bad or not... she's fun to be with."

The words slipped out before I could filter them. "And I think.. " i paused and whispered " Im starting  liked her."

Silence.

Even I heard the weight of that sentence.

Dug-dug. Dug-dug.

My heartbeat suddenly felt too loud.

Symone leaned closer. "Ano 'ng sabi mo?"

"Nothing," I said quickly, staring ahead.

But it was too late.

I heard myself.

And for the first time, the word like didn't feel like something I was forcing.

"Babe!"

Her voice cut through my thoughts before I could drown in them.

She jogged toward us, slightly out of breath, strands of hair sticking to her cheek. One of the guys who helped her earlier was still watching her walk away.

I stood up before I even realized it.

"Pasok na tayo?" she asked, smiling up at me like she didn't just cause minor chaos five minutes ago.

" Hi sy and pao!" they waved back to viana and smiled and I tapped Symone's shoulder and left with her.

Without thinking, I placed my arm around her shoulders as we walked down the hallway. The stares followed, but she didn't seem to care. Neither did I.

"Nakaakbay ka, babe, ah? Crush mo na 'ko noh?" she teased, tilting her face up toward me.

I laughed softly. "Hindi."

I just love you??

I didn't say it.

She started talking about a new martial arts club opening on campus. "Ash, mag-enroll ka. It'll be good for you."

"I don't think I'm built for that," I admitted. Physical combat isn't exactly my comfort zone.

"Face your fear," she insisted. "Kung ayaw mo sa school, humanap tayo ng private tutor. Gusto mo?"

I looked down at her. Her eyes were bright, excited—not mocking. She wasn't pushing me to change because she was embarrassed of me. She was pushing because she wanted me to grow.

"Okay," I said.

Her smile widened.

From now on, I want to be strong for her.

Strong enough that she won't have to look for protection somewhere else.

Strong enough that if someone tries to look down on me again, I won't feel small.

"Anything for you," I whispered under my breath as we continued walking.

She was busy talking about schedules and uniforms. She didn't hear me.

Maybe that's good.

Because I'm not sure I'm ready for her to hear it yet.