She's the girl I met at school, who exuded an air of danger and rebellion. No one dared to cross her path; everyone feared her, and no one dared to approach her. She was like a powerful force of nature, capable of bringing anyone down, even my heart...
~~*
(His POV)
I am Mikael Ortega, a timid second-year high school student, and on the first day of school, fate seated me next to the most intimidating and assertive girl in the entire school.
Aubrey Dela Rosa, a girl I had noticed earlier that day, radiating a mix of beauty and danger as she stepped onto the school bus. The male classmates, usually the bullies, were taken by her allure, but I remained uninvolved, trying to avoid trouble and conflict.
She showed her true colors when a guy attempted to harass her on the bus. Without hesitation, she dealt with him swiftly, using her fists and spitting fire. When she disembarked, I couldn't tear my eyes away from her, a mix of fascination and fear captivating me.
In class, I noticed she had no books with her, which struck me as peculiar since everyone else did. As fate would have it, the teacher ordered those without books to stand up, and I found myself in a dilemma. To protect her, I claimed I didn't have a book, secretly gave her my book, and was forced to endure a punishment I didn't deserve.
TEACHER: Anyone without a book, stand up!
MIKAEL ORTEGA: (nervously) Sir, I don't have a book.
TEACHER: (shocked) Mr. Ortega?! Are you trying to prank me?
MIKAEL ORTEGA: (resigned voice) I genuinely don't have any book, sir.
TEACHER: (angry) Come up front!
MIKAEL ORTEGA: (whispers) Is this true, Mr. Ortega?
MIKAEL ORTEGA: (nervously) Yes, sir.
TEACHER: (disbelief) Then squat for 30 minutes!
To maintain my dignity, I decided to endure the punishment, squatting in the hallway near the classroom window, enabling me to listen to the lecture while carrying out the penalty. It was then I noticed her gaze, puzzled and inquisitive, as she observed my peculiar ordeal.
Days passed, and the situation repeated itself. Each time, I handed her my book and took the punishment on her behalf. Thursday, I mentally prepared myself to endure the punishment once more, ready to stand when she unexpectedly tugged at my shirt, waving her book in front of me with an angelic smile that ignited a flicker of hope within me. Her smile was enchanting, and her hair, seemingly caressed by a mysterious breeze, added to her mystique... She was an ethereal beauty, seemingly beyond my reach. I dismissed the notion as mere fantasy.
Little did I know that these moments would lead to a friendship that would shape my life forever. As weeks turned into months, I got to know Aubrey better, and she slowly revealed her vulnerable side to me. The bond between us grew stronger, and my feelings for her deepened. I realized that I was in love with this mysterious and enigmatic girl.
Over the course of three years, I hoped that my affection for her would wane, but it only grew stronger. I found myself deeply in love with this enigmatic and formidable woman. For three years I did my best to bury the feelings I have for Aubrey, fearing the intensity of my feelings for her, and after all, she had Kyle – her boyfriend.
Kyle, a notorious gang leader who was one of the people that tried to mess with Aubrey on the bus that first day of school. Despite their relationship, my feelings for her persisted. I wanted to confess my love to her, but I was afraid of losing the precious friendship we shared.
