CAPTURED UNWILLINGLY BY HEART Season 1

Chapter 37

Carlo's POV

I've been searching everywhere for Ron for what feels like forever, almost 30 minutes passing by with no sign of him. I've tried calling and messaging him over and over, but he hasn't replied, making me more and more frustrated.

I'm scratching my head in confusion, wondering where on earth he could be. Each minute that goes by makes me more anxious and puzzled.
As I walk towards the cafeteria, lost in my thoughts, I suddenly see movement out of the corner of my eye. Looking across the field, I see Zen and his friends hanging out in the cabin, chatting away. This catches my interest, so I pick up my pace, feeling both curious and a bit worried.
As I get closer, I'm surprised to see some of Franzheska's friends among Zen's group. It's a mix of emotions for me—I'm shocked, confused, and a little uneasy as I try to make sense of what's going on.

Napakunot naman ako ng noo. Napapaisip na lang ako kung nagkabati-bati na ba sila. Pero kasi imposible iyon dahil halos lagi-lagi silang nagbabangayan at nag-aaway rito sa campus.

Napadaan naman ako pero hindi man lang nila ako napansin. Dumiretso na lang ako sa office baka sakaling nandoon nga si Ron.

"Carlo!" Someone called me.

Napatingin naman ako sa likod ko. Mga classmates ko sila, but I don't know their names.

"Hello! Magtatanong lang sana kami. Nakita mo ba sila Zen?" the girl with a curly hair asked me.

"Hanapan ba ako ng taong nawawala?" walang gana kong sagot sa kaniya.

"A-Ah, sorry. Hehehe."

Tumalikod na ako but I can still hear their mumbling.

"Sabi ko naman sa'yo, Khen, na huwag ka nang magtanong diyan, e."

"Alam mo namang masungit 'yan."

"Gwapo sana kaso napag-iwanan ang ugali."

I faced them again. Shocked was written on their faces kaya naman tumakbo sila papalayo sa akin.

Before I see myself on the office, I saw Ron holding a lot of books. Maybe, he went to the library to borrow some of it.

Tsk. Bookworm.

I go to him immediately. Nang makalapit ako sa kaniya ay agad ko naman siyang tinanong.

"Where have you been? I've been looking you?"

"Nanghiram lang ako ng libro sa library."

"For what?"

"Finals na ng NUSPC sa Monday."

"Ah, 'yun ba?"

Slight twitch was written on Ron's face.

"Wala ka bang balak mag-review?"

"I don't know. Maybe later."

"Hahaha!"

"Let's eat first. Nagutom ako kahahanap sa'yo."

"Arat." Gulat naman akong napatingin sa kaniya.

"A-Arat? What does it mean? Slang words?"

"Tara ang ibig-sabihin no'n. Binaliktad ko lang. Uso, e."