(Meanwhile)

Eddie and Ian strolled through the school grounds on their way to the other building for their club meeting. The air was warm, with a light breeze rustling the leaves of the trees. They were in the middle of a casual conversation when Eddie suddenly stopped in his tracks, nudging Ian with his elbow.

Eddie: grinning "Well, well, would you look at that."

Ian followed his gaze and spotted Lychie and Kent sitting under one of the big trees, Kent's chessboard lying open beside them. Lychie had her notebook in hand, gesturing as she explained something, while Kent was leaning slightly toward her, listening attentively. Every so often, he would make a remark that made Lychie laugh, the sound light and genuine.

Ian frowned. He didn't know why, but the sight of them sitting so comfortably together made something in his chest tighten.

Ian: looks away "Tch. What's so great about that scene?"

Eddie: chuckling "Ohhh, someone sounds jealous."

Ian: nonchalantly "Jealous? Of what? Kent getting free poetry lessons?"

Eddie: smirking "Mhm, sure. That's totally why you're glaring at them like you wanna flip that chessboard over."

Ian clicked his tongue and looked away. It wasn't like Lychie hadn't talked to Kent before, but something about seeing them this comfortable with each other bothered him. He'd never seen her so patient with Kent, and Kent, that guy who seemed to take anything seriously was having fun, and was actually taking an interest in her hobby, or maybe 'her' directly.

Eddie: teasing "Look at them. It's kinda cute, don't you think?"

Ian shot him a glare.

Ian: flatly "No."

Eddie: laughing "Oh, you're so mad. This is hilarious."

Ian clicked his tongue again and started walking ahead, trying to ignore the bubbling annoyance in his chest.

Ian: grumbling "I just don't trust Kent. He's a flirt."

Eddie: mocking gasp "Oho, so you're worried about Lychie now?"

Ian: gritting his teeth "Shut up, Eddie."

Eddie only grinned wider as he jogged to catch up.

Eddie: singing under his breath "Ian's jealous~ Ian's jealous~"

Ian groaned in frustration, but for some reason, he still couldn't stop himself from sneaking another glance at Lychie and Kent before heading into the other building.

As Ian and Eddie continued toward their club meeting, Anya and Cale happened to be heading the same way. They walked in from the opposite direction, chatting about festival preparations when Cale suddenly stopped in his tracks.

Cale: grinning "Wait, is that Lychie?"

Anya followed his gaze and gasped dramatically. Kent and Lychie were still under the tree, her notebook open between them. She was pointing at something on the page while Kent leaned in, nodding thoughtfully, and they seemed to be having fun.

Anya: smirking "Ohhh, now this is interesting."

Cale: teasing "That's Lychie, alright. And she looks pretty cozy with Kent."

Eddie snickered, clearly enjoying the reactions, while Ian clicked his tongue and looked away, his patience wearing thin.

Ian: grumbling "Why are we even talking about this?"

Anya: mocking gasp "Oh my gosh, Ian, you look pissed. Do you need a hug?"

Cale: grinning "Nah, he needs a reality check. Dude, you're seriously jealous right now."

Ian shot Cale a glare, but that only encouraged them further.

Eddie: laughing "I told you! He's been acting like this since we saw them."

Anya: pretending to be concerned "Oh no, poor Ian. How will he ever recover from seeing Lychie actually enjoying someone else's company?"

Ian scoffed and crossed his arms tightly.

Ian: muttering "I don't care. She can talk to whomever she wants. Besides, I'm not interested on such useless things"

Cale: grinning "Right. That's why your eye is twitching."

Anya nudged Eddie before smirking at Ian.

Anya: innocently "You know, I don't think we've ever seen her teach anyone poetry before. Must be special treatment."

Ian groaned in frustration.

Ian: gritting his teeth "Can we go now?"

Eddie: grinning "Sure, sure. But this is definitely going in the memory bank." took his phone and capture Lychie and Kent's moment

As they walked away, Ian clenched his jaw, trying to shake the irritation creeping up on him. He wasn't jealous. No way. But still... he found himself stealing one last glance at Lychie and Kent, just as she smiled at something Kent said.

And for some reason, that only made him more annoyed.

----------------

The weekend arrived, and Lychie found herself at the mall with her parents. Shopping bags from a few high-end stores were already in her hands, courtesy of her mother, who always insisted on getting her whatever she wanted, even when she didn't ask for anything.

Despite being an only daughter, Lychie never let the privilege get to her head. She had everything she needed and more, but she also knew the value of humility, thanks to the way her father raised her.

After a bit of browsing, the three of them stopped at a fancy restaurant for lunch. As they settled into their seats, her mother was busy checking her phone, likely handling business matters, while her father leaned back in his chair, observing Lychie with a thoughtful expression.

Dad: smiling "So, how's school been? You've been pretty busy with the festival preparations, right?"

Lychie: nodding "Yeah, there's a lot to do. We're finalizing the debate topics, and I've also been teaching someone poetry."

Her father raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

Father: teasing "Oh? Someone special?"

Lychie: rolling her eyes "Dad, no. It's just Kent. He's teaching me chess in return."

Her Dad chuckled, taking a sip of his coffee. He knew his daughter well, she was sharp, intelligent, and rarely let anyone fluster her. But the way she was suddenly focused on her plate made him suspect that maybe, this Kent boy had managed to get under her skin.

Dad: grinning "I see. And how's chess treating you?"

Lychie: grumbling "I lost three times in a row."

Her Dad laughed at that.

Dad: teasing "Ah, so that's why you look frustrated. You're not used to losing, huh?"

She pouted, stabbing at her food while her mother glanced up from her phone, amused.

Mom: smirking "You better learn fast then, or this Kent might keep winning."

Lychie: muttering "Not for long. I'm studying strategies."

Her Dad shook his head fondly.

Father: smiling "That's my girl. Always up for a challenge."

They continued eating, the atmosphere warm and familiar. Lychie had always been closer to her father, he understood her in ways her mother sometimes didn't. He let her speak freely, encouraged her ambitions, and never made her feel like she had to act a certain way just because of their status.

Before they left the restaurant, her Dad casually asked,

Father: curious "So... this Kent, good kid?"

Lychie paused, thinking about it.

Lychie: softly "Yeah... he is."

Her father only smiled knowingly, but didn't push further.

Some things, he figured, Lychie would realize on her own.

Lychie returned home to the grand Fajardo estate, a sprawling mansion that radiated elegance and wealth. Despite the luxury surrounding her, she never let it define her. As she stepped inside, one of the maids greeted her warmly, offering to take her shopping bags, but she simply waved them off with a small smile.

During their mall trip, her father had been particularly chatty, discussing business, future plans, and even casually asking about her school life. Lychie cherished these conversations, he was the one who always made time for her, despite his demanding schedule. Her mother, on the other hand, remained caught up in meetings, rarely home, but that was nothing new.

Letting out a quiet sigh, she made her way to her room and flopped onto her bed. The weekend was a brief escape from school, yet her mind kept wandering to Kent, to the festival preparations, to Ian's odd behavior the other day. A part of her wished time would slow down, yet another part couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement for what lay ahead.

---------------

It was a quiet Sunday morning, the kind where the air felt fresh, and the world moved a little slower. Lychie decided to take a walk with her cat, Summer, who lazily followed along on a leash, not in a hurry to go anywhere. She enjoyed these peaceful moments, away from the usual buzz of school and responsibilities.

Feeling a bit thirsty, she headed to a nearby convenience store. As she reached for a bottle of water, she paused mid-motion when she spotted a familiar figure near the refrigerated drinks section. Ian.

But what really caught her off guard wasn't just seeing him, it was what he was wearing. A sleek, fitted gym suit, the kind that didn't expose much skin but still somehow made it obvious that he worked out. Lychie blinked, momentarily stunned. Ian? In the same village as her?

Ian, noticing her staring, raised an eyebrow. "What?" he asked, opening his drink.

"You-" Lychie gestured vaguely at him and then at the store. "What are you doing here?"

"Buying a drink?" Ian replied flatly before tilting his head. "Why do you look so shocked?"

Lychie: crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. "Because this village is kinda exclusive and seeing my classmate here was the very least thing that I expected. How are you here?"

Ian: scoffed, taking a sip of his drink. "What, did you think I lived in some tiny apartment on the outskirts of town?"

Lychie: "Well... yeah."

Ian: let out an amused chuckle. "Hate to break it to you, princess, but I've lived here since I was a kid."

Lychie: eyes widened. "Wait. You're rich?"

Ian: smirked, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Same level as you, apparently."

She stared at him, trying to process this new information. Ian had never once flaunted wealth, never hinted at it. Unlike her, who was used to luxury but stayed humble, Ian carried himself like someone who had never cared about money to begin with.

Lychie: "So all this time..." she muttered, shaking her head. "You could've just told me. Us? Your friends?"

Ian: "Would you have treated me differently?" 

Lychie: paused, then huffed. "No. But it's still surprising."

Ian: shrugged. "Then it doesn't matter." He glanced at Summer, who was watching their exchange with a lazy flick of her tail. "Anyway, nice cat."

"She's named Summer," Lychie said, finally relaxing.

Ian: bent down slightly, offering a hand, but Summer merely blinked at him, unimpressed. He chuckled. "Figures she'd have your attitude."

Lychie rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile forming on her lips. Despite the unexpected revelation, the moment felt oddly natural, like learning something new about a person she thought she already knew well.

Lychie and Ian lingered a little longer inside the convenience store, the cold air from the refrigerators offering a brief escape from the morning sun. She absentmindedly tapped her fingers against her water bottle while Ian leaned casually against the counter, sipping his drink.

"So," Ian started, eyeing her with a knowing look. "You and Kent seem pretty close these days."

Lychie: nearly choked on her water. "W-What?"

Ian: smirked, clearly amused by her reaction. "I mean, I've been seeing things, you know. You two under the tree the other day, all smiles and deep talks. Kinda new for you."

Lychie: looked away, feeling a small twinge of nervousness. "We're just talking about the festival. He wants me to teach him poetry."

Ian: made a face. "Poetry? Seriously?"

Lychie: rolled her eyes. "Yes, Ian. Poetry. Not everyone only cares about video games and roasting their friends."

Ian: chuckled, shaking his head. "Still doesn't explain why he looks at you like that."

Lychie: made her freeze. "Like what?"

Ian: shrugged. "Like you're interesting."

Lychie opened her mouth to retort but found herself at a loss for words. Was Kent really looking at her like that? Or was Ian just messing with her? Either way, she suddenly felt a little warmer.

Lychie: quickly changed the topic. "Anyway, why do you care?"

Ian: took another sip of his drink, his expression unreadable. "Just curious."

Lychie wanted to press further, but there was something about the way Ian said it, so effortlessly dismissive, like he had no idea what he was making her feel right now, that made her stomach twist. Because the truth was, she had liked him for five years. Five whole years. And in all that time, he had never once noticed.

She had accepted some days ago, tucked those feelings away, and buried them beneath their banter and friendship. But being around him like this, alone in a quiet corner of the store, she could feel it bubbling up again, the nerves, the unspoken words, the way her heart raced just a little faster around him.

And Ian? He was completely unaware.

Lychie: let out a small laugh, though it felt a little forced. "You're overthinking it. It's not like that."

Ian: raised an eyebrow but didn't push. "If you say so."

They stood there in comfortable silence for a moment before Ian finally sighed. "Anyway, I should get going. Gym, you know."

Lychie: nodded, gripping Summer's leash a little tighter. "Yeah, I should head back too."

Ian: gave her a lazy salute before turning to leave. "See you, rich girl."

She rolled her eyes at the nickname but didn't argue. Instead, she watched as he walked off, her heart still slightly unsteady, knowing that no matter how much time passed, no matter how much she tried to move forward, Ian would always have this effect on her.

---------------------

The day before the school festival, Lychie walked into the classroom, ready to check on the final preparations for the debate. Her eyes scanned the list of participants posted on the board, and when they landed on her name, she froze. Opposite her was Kent. She blinked, unsure whether her eyes were playing tricks on her.

Lychie: softly muttering "I'm paired with Kent?"

She stared at the list for a moment, trying to process the surprise. Why was she debating against Kent? After everything that had happened between them lately, she never imagined being paired with him.

Her mind was racing, but she shook her head, deciding to talk to Anya and Joyane for some clarity. As she walked over to the corner of the room, she noticed they were busy discussing the final touches for their booths.

Lychie: holding up the paper "Hey, look at this," she said, pointing at the names on the list. "I'm supposed to debate against Kent tomorrow."

Anya raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a playful grin.

Anya: teasing "Ooh, looks like someone's about to get the spotlight," she said, nudging Joyane.

Joyane chuckled, her eyes glinting with mischief.

Joyane: smirking "I didn't think you two were the debate type, but this is gonna be interesting. Are you nervous?"

Lychie frowned, clearly uncomfortable with the teasing.

Lychie: fidgeting "I mean, it's just a debate, but you know Kent... he takes everything seriously. I don't want to mess this up."

The teasing continued, and Lychie couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious. Anya and Joyane meant well, but the more they joked, the more nervous she felt.

Anya: with a sly smile "Are you sure you'll be okay with this? I mean, Kent might be tough, but I think you'll do fine. Besides, it's just a debate, right?"

Lychie let out a deep sigh, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She didn't want to admit how much this pairing was getting to her. She could already feel her stomach doing flips just thinking about facing off against Kent.

Lychie: half-smiling "Yeah, I guess you're right. It'll be fine. I just don't know why I'm paired with him."

The teasing finally died down, but Lychie couldn't shake the uneasy feeling lingering in her chest. Tomorrow's debate felt like more than just a contest of arguments, it was a reminder of the awkwardness between her and Kent, and she wasn't sure she was ready to confront that just yet.

As Anya and Joyane continued to chuckle, Lychie stood there with her arms crossed, the realization slowly dawning on her. They had planned this whole thing. The teasing, the pairing with Kent, everything. A blush spread across her cheeks, and she couldn't help but feel embarrassed. They'd been setting her up for this moment, and now they were enjoying it far too much.

Lychie: sighing with exasperation "You two are unbelievable."

Without warning, the irritation bubbled over, and Lychie found herself chasing after Anya and Joyane down the hallway, hands flailing dramatically.

Lychie: mocking death threats "You're both dead when I get my hands on you!"

The laughter from Anya and Joyane grew louder as they darted down the hallway, weaving in and out of students. They weren't taking her seriously, but the chase was only making them laugh harder.

Cale and Nial watched from a distance, snickering at the scene unfolding in front of them.

Cale: grinning "This is gonna be good."

Nial: teasing "Someone's gonna get hurt."

Just as Lychie was about to catch up with Anya and Joyane, Ian and Eddie rounded the corner, both stopping to watch the spectacle. Ian, with his arms crossed, raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing on his lips as he observed Lychie's determination.

Eddie: chuckling "Guess we know how to get her riled up now."

Ian: nodding "Yeah, but we also know who's winning this chase."

Lychie finally caught up to Anya, grabbing her by the arm, but Joyane quickly ducked out of reach, causing Lychie to stumble forward, her face flushed with laughter and frustration.

Lychie: panting "You two... I swear..."

Anya and Joyane giggled uncontrollably, both clearly enjoying their little game. Despite the teasing, Lychie couldn't help but let out a soft laugh too, knowing they weren't being serious.

With the four of them still laughing and bickering in the hallway, it felt like a moment of carefree fun, one that eased the tension she'd been feeling all day. Still, she would never forget the look of satisfaction on their faces when they plotted this little prank.

_____________

After her energetic chase down the hallway, Lychie found herself at the school's drinking fountain, her chest rising and falling with each breath as she took a moment to cool down. She sipped the cold water, letting it refresh her and wash away the flush of embarrassment from chasing Anya and Joyane.

Despite her small size, only 144 cm, and the teasing she often faced about it, Lychie had always been determined not to let it hold her back. Her small stature might have made her a target for teasing, but she didn't mind. After all, she had a fierce side, one that made her as tough as any of her taller peers. Eddie had even called her a "fierce little cat" once, and she liked that comparison. It fit her well.

As she finished her drink, she heard footsteps approaching. Kent appeared in front of her, looking slightly surprised to see her standing alone by the fountain.

Kent: raising an eyebrow "You okay? You look a little winded."

Lychie: wiping her mouth with the back of her hand "I'm fine. Just had a little... chase."

Kent: grinning "I can tell. You're definitely not the type to give up easily, huh?"

Lychie: rolling her eyes "Some people don't know when to stop teasing."

Kent chuckled, clearly amused by her frustration, but he quickly got to the point that had been on his mind.

Kent: casually "So, I just found out I'm your opponent for tomorrow's debate."

Lychie froze for a second, not expecting him to bring it up so casually. She had already been feeling the pressure of the debate, and now hearing him mention it only added to her nerves.

Lychie: frowning "Yeah, I saw that earlier. I didn't expect it either."

Kent: shrugging "Honestly, I'm surprised too. But I guess it'll be interesting."

Lychie: smirking "I just hope I don't mess up. You take these things seriously."

Kent: teasing "You think I won't give you a challenge?"

Lychie: grinning "It's more like I don't want to be defeated by you again."

Kent: playfully raising an eyebrow "Is that a challenge?"

Lychie: shaking her head "You're always challenging me."

They both laughed at that, the tension between them easing slightly. Even though they had been debating back and forth about the upcoming event, there was an unspoken understanding between them. Both were serious, yet not entirely hostile. A bit of competition, mixed with respect.

As the conversation shifted to the festival preparations, Lychie couldn't help but feel a little less nervous about the upcoming debate. Whether it was his teasing or his calm demeanor, Kent had a way of making everything seem more manageable, even if just for a moment.

Lychie: sighing "I just hope I don't embarrass myself in front of everyone."

Kent: grinning "Trust me, you won't. You're smarter than you give yourself credit for."

His words, simple yet sincere, made Lychie feel a little more confident. Maybe this debate wouldn't be as bad as she'd imagined.

 Kent had invited her to eat, and she was eager to enjoy the break, away from all the festival planning and debate worries.

They were walking down the hallway, casually talking about their plans for the day, when suddenly, out of nowhere, a bucket of water came crashing down from the window above.

Lychie gasped as the cold water splashed over her, drenching her completely. The shock of the moment froze her in place. Her hair clung to her face, and her uniform, a white top, became translucent from the water, exposing her camisole underneath.

She stood there, blinking in disbelief, as the surrounding students began to laugh. Kent, who had been walking next to her, stopped in his tracks. His eyes widened in shock.

For a moment, time seemed to slow. Lychie stood there, drenched and humiliated, while Kent remained frozen, his gaze flickering over her drenched uniform. He hadn't expected anything like this, especially not to see her in such a vulnerable state.

Kent: stammering "L-Lychie... I-I didn't... I wasn't expecting...."

Lychie, now realizing how embarrassing it all was, could feel her cheeks burn with humiliation. The water had soaked through her white top, and her camisole was clearly visible beneath. The laughter from other students around her made the situation worse.

Without saying another word, Kent quickly turned away, panic written all over his face. His eyes couldn't meet hers as he rushed off, clearly unsure of how to handle the awkwardness of the situation.

Kent: muttered under his breath "Sorry... I just... I can't..."

He left in a hurry, the sound of his footsteps fading down the hall.

Lychie stood there, drenched and shocked, her heart racing. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. The water was cold, and the embarrassment of the moment hit her all at once.

Her mind raced as she tried to process what had just happened. The entire ordeal felt like a surreal nightmare. Kent hadn't even known how to respond, and he had just run away.

Lychie: quietly to herself "Great. Just great."

The student who had thrown the water bucket from above quickly rushed down the stairs, panic in their eyes. They barely had time to apologize, their voice trembling with guilt.

Student: nervously "I-I'm so sorry! It was an accident, I didn't mean to, "

Lychie barely heard the apology over the rush of emotions flooding her mind. She was too focused on the embarrassment, the cold water dripping from her clothes, and the helplessness of the moment.

Before she could respond, Cale, who had been walking nearby, noticed what had happened. His eyes widened with concern when he saw her soaked and flustered. Without a second thought, he immediately took off his school blazer and rushed over to her.

Cale: gently, but with urgency "Lychie, here, let this cover you."

He draped the blazer over her shoulders, shielding her from view. Though Cale knew well that Lychie was gay, he understood the unspoken discomfort of the situation. This was about more than just the soaked uniform, it was about protecting her dignity in front of everyone.

Cale: softly "Are you okay? Don't worry, I've got you."

Lychie, still in shock but grateful for Cale's kindness, gave a small, appreciative smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. She felt her heart settle slightly, knowing that she wasn't alone in this awkward moment.

Lychie: quietly "Thank you... I don't even know what happened..."

Cale: nodding "It's okay. Let's get you to the bathroom and you can change. I'll stay outside in case anyone else has something to say."

He helped her walk toward the restroom, and though Lychie felt embarrassed, she appreciated how Cale was there for her. No teasing, no making light of it, just the kind of care she needed in this moment.

As they walked, Lychie couldn't help but think about Kent, how he'd run off so quickly. A strange mix of feelings swirled inside her. Kent had been caught off guard, but the fact that he left her standing there alone still stung.

Lychie: muttering "I guess... I guess I wasn't expecting that from him."

Cale, sensing her discomfort, offered her a reassuring smile.

Cale: softly "People react differently. Don't let it bother you. You're stronger than that."

As Cale helped her to the bathroom, Lychie was grateful for the warmth of his presence. It wasn't just about the physical comfort of the blazer, but the way Cale made her feel seen and protected when the rest of the world seemed so ready to point and laugh.

---------------
Kent's POV

Kent rushed to the bathroom, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't believe what had just happened. One minute, he was inviting Lychie to lunch, and the next, she was standing there, drenched in cold water, with her uniform clinging to her body. His mind had gone completely blank in that moment, his usual composure slipping away.

He didn't know what came over him when he saw her like that. It was like time had stopped, and all he could think about was how exposed she was. Not just physically, but emotionally, too. He knew she must have felt humiliated, but he had frozen. The awkwardness of it all made his stomach churn.

He sighed and leaned against the bathroom sink, staring into the mirror. He could still see the image of Lychie standing there, her face flushed in embarrassment, her eyes wide with confusion. He could've been there for her, helped her, said something comforting, but instead, he'd panicked and walked away.

Kent: muttering to himself "What is wrong with me? I just... left her there."

His usual confidence was nowhere to be found. People saw him as the guy who had it all together, smart, popular, composed, but he knew the truth. When it came to handling awkward situations and reading people's discomfort, he was completely useless. This was one of those moments where he had failed. He could feel his hands shaking, and his thoughts were racing, torn between guilt and frustration.

He couldn't believe he had just let her stand there alone, embarrassed in front of everyone. He liked her, he'd liked her for a while now, and all of a sudden, he'd made a fool of himself. This could've been the chance to show her that he cared, but instead, he ran.

Kent: sighing deeply "I'm an idiot."

He could already imagine what Lychie must think of him now. She probably hated him for leaving her in such a vulnerable state. He could already see it, her dismissing him the next time they crossed paths, her eyes filled with that quiet disappointment.

But Kent wasn't about to let this moment define everything. He couldn't. He liked Lychie too much to just give up. She had already seen his flaws, and if there was one thing he'd learned over the years, it was that sometimes you had to face your mistakes head-on.

Kent: determined "I'll fix this. I'll find a way to make it right."

He didn't know exactly how, but Kent was sure he could find a way to approach her again. He just needed to calm down, gather his thoughts, and figure out how to be the guy Lychie deserved. one who wouldn't freeze up when it mattered most.

As he left the bathroom, he took a deep breath. He was going to make it right. Somehow.