As the break ended, the energy in the room shifted, anticipation lingers in the air like static. Students filled the seats, their murmurs blending into an excited hum. This was the debate everyone had been waiting for.

Standing at the podium, Joyane smiled as she took the microphone, her voice carrying over the crowd.

Joyane: enthusiastically "And now, we've finally arrived at the most awaited round of today's debate! Our final pair will be tackling a topic that has sparked endless discussions throughout history. Representing HUMSS, we have Lychie Fajardo, and from STEM, Kent Alcantara! Their topic, 'The Logic of Love', will analyze love through the lenses of English and Mathematics!"

The room was filled with applause, a few cheers echoing from the audience. Some students were genuinely excited about the intellectual showdown, while others were just looking forward to the inevitable tension between the two debaters.

Lychie and Kent stepped forward, taking their places at the opposing lecterns. Lychie, composed yet undeniably aware of the weight of this moment, adjusted her posture. Across from her, Kent, who was usually confident in academic settings, looked uncharacteristically stiff, his gaze flickering for a brief second before locking onto hers.

Joyane continued, keeping the momentum going.

Joyane: grinning "Now, let's set the stage. Lychie will argue from the perspective of English, analyzing love as an abstract, poetic, and emotional concept, something that cannot simply be defined by formulas. On the other hand, Kent will take the Mathematical standpoint, debating that love follows patterns, probabilities, and logical structures that make it predictable and explainable."

A mix of intrigued chuckles and impressed murmurs spread through the crowd.

Joyane: excitedly "With that, let the final round... begin!"

The applause settled, leaving only the focused, expectant silence as Kent prepared to speak first.

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

The debate hall was silent, all eyes fixed on the two debaters standing at their podiums. Kent Alcantara, popular, brilliant, and confident, held his usual composed demeanor, yet there was a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. Across from him, Lychie Fajardo stood calm and poised, her expression unreadable, yet the sharp glint in her gaze hinted at something more.

Joyane gave them both a nod.

Joyane: "Kent, as per the rules, you will begin."

Kent exhaled subtly before adjusting his microphone.

Kent: firmly "Love, at its core, follows logic. It is not some unexplainable mystery but a sequence of patterns, predictable, measurable, and even solvable."*

He glanced at the panelists before continuing.

Kent: "Mathematics governs the world, and love is no exception. Probabilities, compatibility ratios, behavioral psychology, all these prove that attraction and relationships function systematically. Algorithms determine dating matches, studies show that people with similar interests or complementary personalities have a higher chance of lasting together, and even emotions have scientific explanations. Love may feel abstract, but it follows logic."

A murmur spread through the crowd. His argument was precise, data-driven, and undeniably persuasive.

Now, it was Lychie's turn. She leaned slightly forward, her voice smooth but laced with an almost unsettling confidence.

Lychie: "Love is not a formula. It is not an equation to be solved nor a pattern to be predicted. Love is irrational, chaotic, and beautifully unpredictable."

She let her words sink in before continuing.

Lychie: "If love were as logical as you claim, then why do people fall for the wrong person? Why do relationships end despite 'perfect compatibility'? Why do emotions, arguably the very core of love, defy reason?"

Kent's brows furrowed slightly, but he remained composed as she pressed on.

Lychie: "Your probability models and equations may explain trends, but they fail to grasp the essence of love itself. Love is expressed in poetry, in art, in music, not in numbers. Even the most calculated minds fall victim to it. Mathematicians, scientists, people who understand logic deeply, tell me, Kent, are they immune to heartbreak? Do equations protect them from pain?"

The audience was hooked. Even the panelists exchanged glances, intrigued by her approach.

Kent, not one to back down, adjusted his stance.

Kent: "I'm not saying emotions don't play a role, but even emotions have logic behind them. Neurological studies have shown that love activates specific areas of the brain, triggering chemical reactions that influence our decisions. Patterns exist in human behavior, "

Lychie tilted her head slightly, her voice steady but cutting.

Lychie: "Then tell me, Kent, if we were to apply logic and probability to love... would you be able to predict your own feelings?"

For a split second, Kent faltered. It was almost imperceptible, but Lychie caught it, and she knew the audience did too.

She smiled, a quiet, knowing smile.

Lychie: "Love is unpredictable, even to the most logical minds. You can analyze it all you want, but in the end, love isn't about probability or formulas. It's about choices, emotions, and experiences that defy reason. That is why English, through literature, through words, through stories, captures love far better than any equation ever could."

A beat of silence. Then, the crowd erupted. Even Joyane looked momentarily speechless before regaining her composure.

After a brief deliberation, the panelists gave their verdict.

Mrs. Santiago: smiling "Both arguments were well-structured, but Lychie's delivery had a unique emotional depth that was hard to ignore. She didn't just present a case, she challenged the very foundation of Kent's logic, forcing him into a position where his own argument contradicted itself."

Sir Martin: nodding "Kent made excellent use of data and logical reasoning, but love is a subject that cannot be quantified alone. Lychie skillfully dismantled the rigidity of logic by introducing the human element, something numbers cannot always account for. That's what gave her the edge."*

Sir Lambad: adjusting his glasses "Mathematics is built on precision, yet even the most complex equations cannot predict every outcome. Lychie demonstrated that love is one of those unquantifiable aspects of life, making a compelling case beyond formulas. Her reasoning was both ruthless and poetic, she wins this round."*

Joyane: smiling "And the winner of the final round is... Lychie Fajardo!"*

Applause filled the hall as Lychie gave Kent a small nod, victorious yet composed. Kent, though defeated, exhaled with a lopsided smile, part frustration, part admiration. He had lost, but deep down, he knew she had won the argument fair and square.

Lychie had not just debated. She had dismantled his logic with quiet ruthlessness. And somehow, that made her victory all the more stunning.

As the debate concluded and the applause settled, Joyane took center stage once again, a bright smile on her face.

Joyane: "Before we officially close this session, let's call on our victors to the stage to receive their medals for their outstanding performances!"

The crowd noised into cheers as Nial Mendoza, Samantha Dela Cruz, and Lychie Fajardo were invited onto the stage. Nial stood tall, a proud smirk on his face as he walked up first, his victory well-earned after a strong debate in the first round. Samantha followed next, composed and confident after securing her win against Cale. Lastly, Lychie stepped forward, her calm demeanor unwavering despite the overwhelming applause.

One by one, the panelists presented the medals.

Mrs. Santiago placed the first medal around Nial's neck, shaking his hand firmly.

Sir Martin handed Samantha her medal, nodding in approval.

Then came Lychie's turn. Sir Lambad approached her, his expression proud before he finally smirked.

Sir Lambad: "Ruthless yet poetic. That was quite the performance."

Lychie gave a small smile in response as he placed the medal around her neck.

The audience cheered once more, and as the victors stood side by side, Joyane clapped her hands together.

Joyane: "Let's give them another round of applause, everyone! They have truly given us a debate to remember!"

Among the crowd, Kent watched, hands in his pockets, his expression faint. He wasn't bitter, if anything, there was a strange admiration in his eyes as he looked at Lychie. He had lost, but he couldn't deny that she had bested him fair and square.

As the applause filled the hall, Lychie glanced Kent's way. For a fleeting second, their eyes met.

She tilted her head ever so slightly, a silent acknowledgment of the battle they had just fought.

And Kent, despite everything, found himself smirking back.

As the applause died down, Joyane stepped back to the microphone, still radiating excitement from the intense debate. She glanced at the audience, then at the victorious debaters standing on stage, before clearing her throat.

Joyane: "And that officially concludes our debate session for today! Let's give one last round of applause for all our participants and winners!"

The crowd cheered once again, some students even whistling in admiration at the intense battles that had taken place.

Once the noise settled, Joyane shifted her tone to a more formal but enthusiastic one.

Joyane: "But the excitement doesn't end here! As part of our school festival, we still have our much-awaited Poetry Session coming up this afternoon. So, for all literature lovers and aspiring poets, get ready to witness a showcase of creativity, emotions, and artistry through words!"

She shot a knowing glance toward Lychie, who would also be handling the poetry segment, before continuing.

Joyane: "We encourage everyone to stay and support their fellow students as they bring poetry to life. So, grab your lunch, take a break, and we'll see you all back here in the afternoon!"

With that, the crowd gave another enthusiastic cheer, excitement already buzzing for what was to come. Joyane smiled, satisfied with how the debate had gone, and officially dismissed everyone.

As students began dispersing, eager to discuss the highlights of the debate while preparing for the next event, the atmosphere remained electric, proof that this year's school festival was already one to remember.

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

The group of friends made their way to the cafeteria, their conversations a mix of excited chatter and teasing. As they sat down at a large table, they immediately began to share their thoughts on the debates.

Eddie: laughing "Man, Lychie, you totally owned Kent back there. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. You were so calm, but your words were like daggers!"

Nial: grinning "Yeah, it was brutal. You took his logic and flipped it on him. I honestly thought Kent was gonna break a sweat there for a second."

Lychie chuckled, trying to keep her composure.

Lychie: teasing "It wasn't that intense, guys. I just said what I had to say. But Kent was a tough opponent, I'll give him that."

Ian, who had been quietly observing, leaned forward with a smirk.

Ian: teasing "That was something else, Lychie. Who knew you had it in you to be so ruthless? You've definitely got some tricks up your sleeve."

Lychie shot him a playful glare, but she couldn't help but smile at the compliment.

Lychie: muttering "I didn't mean to be ruthless... just, you know, effective."

Cale: laughing "Effective? That was a total knockout. You could hear the silence when she hit Kent with that last point about love being unpredictable."

Joyane, always the supportive friend, raised her drink and made a toast.

Joyane: grinning "To Lychie, the true debate champion. You made all of us proud today!"

The group raised their aquaflasks in agreement, a few playful cheers exchanged.

Nial: smirking "So, now that the debates are done, you guys ready for the poetry session this afternoon? It's gonna be interesting, right, Lychie?"

Lychie's expression softened a little, her confidence still shining, but there was a quiet excitement behind her eyes.

Lychie: nodding "Definitely. I've got a few pieces ready, and I'm looking forward to hearing everyone else's work. It's going to be great."

Eddie: laughing "Look at you all serious. Don't worry, you'll do great. Just like you did in the debate."

The group laughed, and the conversation shifted as they enjoyed their meal, talking about everything from upcoming classes to their plans for the rest of the festival. The camaraderie and laughter filled the cafeteria, a welcome break before the next event of the day.

As they finished their lunch, the buzz of the school festival continued to hum around them, and Lychie couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for how far she had come, not just in the debate, but in how supported she felt by her friends. The afternoon would bring a new set of challenges, but for now, she was surrounded by those who truly had her back.

Kent approached the group of friends, his steps a bit hesitant but determined. He cleared his throat and looked at Lychie, making sure to keep his composure despite the nervous energy inside him.

Kent: politely "Hey, Lychie, can I borrow you for a moment?"

Lychie glanced up at him, a faint smile tugging at her lips. Her friends immediately picked up on the tension, and teasing expressions formed on their faces.

Cale: grinning "Ooh, looks like Kent needs a moment alone with Lychie."

Nial: teasing "Careful, Lychie. He might ask for a rematch on the debate."

Eddie: laughing "Yeah, maybe this time the topic will be 'How to Win Over Lychie Fajardo.'"

Lychie rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the small amused smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth. She stood up, glancing at her friends before following Kent.

Lychie: mockingly said "Alright, alright. I'll be back in a bit. Don't miss me too much."

As she walked away with Kent, the teasing from the group intensified, and they exchanged amused glances.

Ian: smirking "So, when do you think Kent will actually make a move? You know, ask her out or something?"

Nial: grinning "It's happening. I can feel it."

Cale: laughing "No doubt. The guy's been under her spell since that presentation day"

As Lychie stood up from the table to walk with Kent, her friends exchanged knowing glances. The teasing started immediately after she left their side.

Eddie: laughing "They're both a mess, but they'll figure it out... eventually."

Meanwhile, Kent and Lychie walked a little ways from the cafeteria, away from the loud chatter of their friends. Kent, ever the composed one, cleared his throat as they reached a quieter spot, feeling both nervous and unsure of how to approach the situation.

Kent: softly "Hey, uh... I just wanted to say, you were incredible back there. I didn't think you'd turn the tables on me like that... I guess you really know how to make a point, huh?"

Lychie turned to face him, a small smile tugging at her lips, though her expression remained neutral.

Lychie: calmly "It's nothing, really. You did well too. You're just too logical for your own good."

Kent chuckled, but his eyes were filled with something deeper now, an admiration that wasn't just for her debating skills anymore.

Kent: a bit nervously "I was hoping you wouldn't... I don't know, think I was trying to overshadow you or anything. I've got a lot of respect for you. Not just as a debater."

Lychie's eyes softened, but she kept her cool.

Lychie: teasingly "I'm not that easily overshadowed, Kent. But I appreciate the compliment."

Her words held a quiet power, and for a moment, Kent couldn't tell if she was being playful or serious. Still, he felt a little relieved by the way she spoke.

Kent: smiling "Good. Just making sure."

They stood there for a few moments, the air between them filled with an unspoken tension, but Lychie's calm demeanor seemed to keep things grounded.

In the meantime, back at the cafeteria, the teasing had only gotten louder.

Nial: grinning wide "They're probably having a deep conversation about the 'logic of love' right now, huh?"

Cale: "Watch out, Lychie's gonna win this one too. If Kent can't beat her in a debate, what chance does he have in love?"

Eddie: laughing "Just don't make him nervous! Let him figure it out at his own pace. No pressure."

The teasing continued, but the air around their table was lighthearted, all eyes on Lychie and Kent as they walked away from the group, the beginnings of something new between them quietly starting to take shape.

As they continued walking, Kent glanced at Lychie with a hint of hesitation in his eyes. Despite the playful banter and lighthearted moments they'd shared, there was something heavier on his mind, the incident yesterday. He had seen her drenched, and though he had panicked in the moment, now that they were walking together in a quieter setting, he couldn't shake the feeling that he owed her an apology.

But the words didn't come easily. He wasn't sure how to address it or if it even needed to be said. He couldn't deny it was an awkward situation, but was it something that required an apology? He glanced over at Lychie, who was walking beside him with that same composed, calm demeanor that made it so hard to read her.

Kent: smiling lightly, trying to push the awkwardness away "Honestly, I didn't expect you to make it so... decisive. You were flawless up there."

Lychie smiled, her eyes softening with appreciation.

Lychie: playfully "I wasn't expecting a math guy to be so convincing with his arguments, but I guess you proved me wrong."

Kent chuckled, his nervousness slightly easing. Still, the weight of yesterday hung between them like an unspoken cloud. He could feel the words hovering on the edge of his tongue, words he knew he should say, but something kept him from speaking them.

Kent: pausing for a moment, voice a little quieter "I, uh... really enjoyed the challenge. It's not often I get to face someone who makes me rethink my stance on things."

Lychie gave him a side glance, clearly aware of his subtle shift in tone. She slowed her pace slightly, sensing the undercurrent of tension.

Lychie: teasingly "You're sounding a little too serious now, Kent. Don't worry, you won't have to apologize for losing."

Kent's expression faltered for just a second, his thoughts racing. Lychie's lightheartedness helped to diffuse the tension a bit, but it didn't change how he felt about what had happened the day before.

Kent: shaking his head slightly "It's not that. It's... about yesterday. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable, but..."

Lychie raised an eyebrow, sensing the shift in his words. She looked at him more intently now.

Lychie: curiously "You're apologizing for yesterday, aren't you?"

Kent hesitated. He wasn't sure if it was something he even needed to apologize for. After all, she hadn't said anything about it, and she seemed okay now. But there was still that nagging feeling that he should've done something differently.

Kent: uncertain "I just don't know if I should've said anything, but I,"

Lychie smiled softly, her usual calm presence settling the moment. She stopped walking for a second, turning to face him directly.

Lychie: gently "Kent, don't overthink it. Yesterday wasn't as big a deal as you think. I'm fine."

Kent looked at her, his tension easing just a little, though he still wasn't fully sure what to make of the situation. He'd been worried about the way things might have appeared, but Lychie's reassurance helped him relax.

Kent: softly "I just... didn't want to make things weird between us."

Lychie shrugged, her eyes brightening with a hint of amusement.

Lychie: "I know"

For a moment, there was silence between them, but it was a comfortable kind of silence—one that meant they had moved past the awkwardness.

Kent: smiling "Alright, then. Thanks for that. And again, you did great today. Seriously, you deserved that win."

Lychie nodded, her expression softening again.

Lychie: with a small smile "Thanks, Kent. It means a lot."

The moment passed, and as they rejoined the rest of the group, Kent's mind was still a little preoccupied, but he felt lighter than he had before. It wasn't perfect, but sometimes, things didn't need to be perfect to be okay.

As Lychie started to walk away, she heard Kent call her name, his voice a little hesitant but still clear. She turned back, giving him a curious glance.

Lychie: raising an eyebrow "Yes?"

Kent hesitated for a moment, his usual confidence wavering as he found himself wanting to keep the conversation going, though unsure of how to ask.

Kent: a little nervously "Are you going to watch the poetry session later? I mean, since you're not participating, I thought... you might be interested in seeing it."

Lychie smiled lightly, her gaze softening as she nodded.

Lychie: calmly "Yeah, I'll be there. I'm not participating, but I'll be one of the judges for it."

Kent blinked, caught slightly off guard. He hadn't expected her to be one of the judges. Something about that made him feel a little nervous, and he instinctively shifted his weight from one foot to the other. The idea of being judged, by her, no less, seemed to unsettle him more than it should have.

Kent: trying to play it cool, but failing a little "Oh... judges, huh? That's cool."

Lychie caught the shift in his demeanor, her gaze narrowing slightly with curiosity. She tilted her head, sensing that something was off.

Lychie: teasingly "You seem a little... nervous about it. Why?"

Kent chuckled nervously, running a hand through his hair as he forced a smile. He didn't want to admit it, didn't want to show her that the idea of being judged by her made him self-conscious. But there was no easy way to hide it now.

Kent: shrugging "It's nothing."

Lychie raised an eyebrow, her smile widening in amusement as she caught on.

Lychie: playfully "Are you okay Kent?"

Kent's face flushed slightly, and he quickly tried to downplay his nervousness, though it was obvious that he was struggling to maintain his composure.

Kent: laughing awkwardly "Yeah...I-I'm fine, it's just  it's good to know that you'll be one of the judges"

Lychie simply smiled at him, finding his unease amusing but also endearing. She could tell that he was trying to keep things light, but the nervous energy around him was hard to miss.

Lychie: with a teasing smile "Yeah, I agree, I just hoped the participants won't get too nervous."

Kent glanced at her with a mix of disbelief and relief, grateful for her teasing but still feeling that knot in his stomach. He wasn't sure if he was more nervous about her judging his work or just about the fact that she had such a sharp eye for detail.

Kent: sighing, but with a small grin "I hope so. Anyway, I'll see you there, then?"

Lychie: nodding "Of course. I'll be there."

With that, Lychie turned to join her friends, leaving Kent standing there, still feeling a little out of his element. Despite his nerves, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to his unease, something he wasn't quite ready to admit to himself just yet.