NM

Why has Tanis been absent for the past few days?

I snapped back to reality when Sir Poy suddenly made an announcement about a new project. I sighed quietly. Can't we just take a break for once?

I had no choice but to follow all the tasks he gave, but I felt a little better when he mentioned that the project would be done in pairs. I was even more excited when he announced that our seatmate would be our partner for the project.

I nearly jumped when I felt a tap on my shoulder from Fuse.

"When are we going to work on it?" he asked.

"When is it due, and what exactly are we supposed to do?" I asked, which made him furrow his brow.

"I asked you, and you answer with a question. Thanks," he replied irritably, making me laugh.

Fuse turned to Renzo, who was sitting in front of him, and asked what they were supposed to do for the project. Fuse frowned as they discussed it, then turned back to me.

"It's an interview. I'll ask you about your life, and you'll do the same. Vice versa," he explained. Slowly, I nodded. This seemed like a good way to get closer to him—even if it's just as friends, that's fine. I know he's already got Tanis in his life.

"So, where and when are we doing this?" I asked.

"At my house. Friday evening," he answered curtly. I couldn't help but smile widely at the thought of spending time with him on Friday.

After class, I immediately went to Ally and told her about Fuse talking to me about the project.

"Should I come with you? So you don't have to do it alone?" she asked, laughing. I playfully smacked her arm.

"Hey."

I was startled when I heard someone behind me and turned to see Greco.

"What's your problem?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Geez. You're really grumpy with me," he complained.

I looked at Ally, who was avoiding Greco's gaze. I couldn't help but secretly laugh at how awkward the situation was.

"We can go home together," I said to Greco, then stole a quick glance at Ally. She wasn't expecting me to say that, which made me laugh to myself.

"Don't we have plans, NM?" Ally suddenly interrupted, so I grinned.

"Let's bring Greco with us," I shrugged, and Ally shot me an exasperated glare.

"Wait, you two have plans? I might get in the way—"

"No, it's fine. You can join us," I said firmly. I wanted Ally to see this, even if it was just a small opportunity.

***

"Is this place owned by Ally?" Greco asked quietly. I nodded in response.

"Ah, cool," he said, impressed.

"Didn't you court Ally before? How come you didn't know it was hers?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Greco scratched his head, clearly caught off guard by my question.

"I don't know much about Ally," he said, a bit embarrassed.

"We're fitting gowns today for Ally's brother's birthday. Kuya Carter."

"Ah, right. Carter," he said suddenly. That made sense. Carter was a swimmer too, so it's likely he knew him.

"Wait here, we need to fit our gowns first," I told Greco as Ally and I went into the fitting room with the dresses we had picked out.

Once I was in the gown, I looked at myself in the mirror and immediately frowned. I really don't think I look good in these kinds of dresses.

I stepped out of the fitting room, and the designer, who worked with Ally, immediately started clapping.

"Face to the left!" she said in a playful tone, and I scratched my head before turning my face to the left.

"Turn to the left again," she instructed, and I spun around again. I wasn't really prepared for this—didn't know I was joining a fashion show here.

"Turn to your left!" I gave her a scowl but spun around once more.

"Again!"

I sighed, getting dizzy from all the turns. When I turned around again, I locked eyes with Greco.

"Perfect!" the designer shouted.

Greco kept staring at me, slowly standing up.

"Why do you look so beautiful?" he asked, smiling at me. I froze, unsure how to respond. What's gotten into him?

I quickly glanced to my right when Ally emerged from the fitting room. She looked stunning in her gown; it was a perfect fit for her.

I noticed Ally look at me, then glance over at Greco. But she quickly looked away and focused back on me.

"Do I look good?" she asked, spinning around slowly. I grinned widely and gave her a thumbs up.