Chapter 1
Chapter 1: A New Semester
The second semester started with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. The campus was alive with students bustling to their new classes, laughter echoing through the halls, and the slight chill of Baguio’s morning air settling over everything.
For me, it was a fresh start, not just academically but personally. The first semester had been a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. JM and I had navigated the complexities of our relationship, and now, I felt more secure about us.
But there was still one thing lingering at the back of my mind: I hadn’t told anyone about us.
Well, except for Carla and Mark.
“Junno!” Carla’s voice rang out from across the courtyard, her bright smile cutting through the crowd. Mark trailed behind her, carrying his signature iced coffee.
“Hey, guys!” I greeted, feeling a warmth settle over me. Over the last semester, these two had become my closest friends. We had survived group projects, late-night study sessions, and even that chaotic group roleplay.
“So,” Carla started as we walked toward the Strawberry Hall cafeteria, “any interesting stories from your break?”
Mark chimed in, smirking. “Or did you just hibernate the entire time like I did?”
I laughed nervously. This was it. The moment I had been avoiding. But if I was going to share my secret with anyone, it was going to be these two.
“Well...” I began, scratching the back of my neck, “there’s something I need to tell you.”
Carla’s eyes widened with curiosity. “Ooh, do tell!”
Mark raised an eyebrow. “This sounds juicy.”
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “I’m in a relationship.”
Silence.
Carla’s jaw dropped. “What?! Since when?”
Mark looked genuinely shocked for about half a second before his expression shifted into something more knowing. “Wait a minute... is it who I think it is?”
“What do you mean?” I asked, frowning.
Mark shrugged, a sly grin forming on his face. “Come on, Junno. We’re not blind. You’ve been glowing for months now, and we’ve seen how Professor JM looks at you.”
My eyes widened. “You knew?”
Carla clapped her hands together, her excitement barely contained. “Not knew, but suspected. Oh my gosh, it’s really him, isn’t it? The mysterious professor with the perfect hair and serious demeanor?”
I nodded sheepishly, feeling my cheeks heat up. “Yes. It’s him.”
Carla let out a squeal. “I knew it! I knew there was something going on between you two! The way you talked about him, Junno, it was so obvious.”
Mark chuckled, shaking his head. “I gotta admit, I didn’t see this coming at first. But honestly? It makes sense. You two just... fit.”
I exhaled, relieved at their reactions. “I was nervous about telling you guys, but I’m glad you’re okay with it.”
“Okay with it?” Carla repeated, her grin widening. “Junno, I’m rooting for you two! This is like a real-life drama!”
Mark nodded in agreement. “As long as he treats you right, I’m cool with it. But,” he added, his tone turning serious, “if he ever hurts you, Junno, you let us know. Carla and I will take care of him.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at their protectiveness. “Thanks, guys. That means a lot.”
As we settled into our new routine, I felt a newfound lightness. The weight of keeping my relationship a secret from Carla and Mark had lifted, and now I had their unwavering support.
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. With the new semester came new challenges, new dynamics, and the ever-present risk of campus gossip. But for the first time, I felt like I wasn’t facing it all alone.
With Carla and Mark by my side, and JM in my heart, I knew I could handle whatever came next.
