"Are you staying up late here again?" Joel heard Dave ask as he stepped into Cielo's workroom.
With the school publication deadline approaching, everything had to be finalized that night.
"Yes—sorry for the intrusion," Joel replied politely.
"Nah, it's fine. Just tell me if you need help," Dave said easily.
"Thanks, Dave," Dennis added.
"Alright, I'll leave you to it," Dave said before heading out.
The room settled into silence as everyone focused on their work. Raymond—Joel's cousin—was there too, helping out.
I still need to make it up to Nicky, Joel thought, sighing inwardly. But she understands.
He glanced at Cielo, who was focused on his laptop.
"Ciel," Joel called.
"Yeah?" Cielo looked up briefly. "Give me a second—I'm fixing something."
"It's fine. Just a random thought," Joel said. "Listen if you want."
Cielo leaned back. "A random thought? Should I be worried?"
"If you want," Joel repeated calmly.
Cielo gave him his full attention. "Alright. What is it?"
"What's your opinion about Julie?"
"My opinion?" Cielo frowned slightly. "What do you mean? I already told you—she's my childhood friend, and—"
"No, not that," Joel interrupted. "We all know that part. What I mean is… aren't you attracted to her?"
Cielo froze.
"Good grief," Dennis muttered, shaking his head.
"What?" Joel defended himself. "I'm just asking. I've noticed how close he's been to Julie lately."
"Cielo treats Julie the same way he treats Crisha," Dennis reasoned. "You know he's not into relationships."
"Attracted?" Cielo repeated quietly.
The room went still.
"Yes," he finally said. "She's beautiful. I asked myself that question last week—right after Dad's birthday. And the truth is… I am attracted to her. Not because she looks like Crisha—but because of something else."
Dennis' eyes widened. "You really said that out loud?"
"Or maybe you're just into Pop Princess," Raymond teased. "Julie looks exactly like her. Which one is it—Julie or Pop Princess?"
"Julie," Cielo answered without hesitation. "There's something mysterious about Pop Princess—something that feels connected to Julie. But my feelings?" He paused. "They're for Julie."
Dennis half-smiled. "It's rare for you to admit attraction. And honestly, Julie's genuine. You look like someone who could actually handle her flaws—and her tantrums. Seems like you want to win her heart this time."
"I'm not her first boyfriend," Cielo remarked quietly.
"Don't jinx it," Raymond laughed. "Maybe you'll be her first real one."
"Wait," Dennis cut in. "Aren't you tired of playing detective with Miss Navares? You've been trying to prove Julie is Pop Princess, right?"
"No," Cielo replied. "We're done with the games. Kenneth and I already have proof. Even if she keeps hiding it—it's obvious. They're the same person."
"Are you sure?" Joel asked.
Pop Princess is Julie, Joel thought silently.
"Yeah," Cielo said with a sigh. "I just wish she'd tell us the truth herself."
*****
Later, Raymond nudged him. "So… do you want to pursue her?"
Cielo hesitated. "Should I?"
"You can—if you really want her," Joel said. "Besides, Julie likes you."
"Yeah," Cielo chuckled. "She just doesn't show it. That's why I tease her."
"So what's your plan?" Dennis pressed. "Do you want her or not?"
"I do," Cielo admitted. "But…" He exhaled slowly.
I need to settle things with Crisha first.
"There's something I have to prioritize."
"Crisha?" Raymond guessed. "You can handle that."
"I don't want to hurt her," Cielo said honestly. "And you all know the rumors about me and Dawn. Julie doesn't show her feelings because she knows people think I'm with Dawn."
Raymond sighed. "Ciel, Julie's a genuine girl. And I can feel it—Dawn will go after her next, just because she's close to you. Why not tell Julie the truth? She'll understand."
"I know she will," Cielo said quietly. "But I want to protect her—no matter what."
"And how?" Dennis asked. "Honestly, I agree with Raymond. You could even keep things discreet for now."
"Yeah," Raymond added. "If Julie finds out, she'll understand."
"What relationship?" Cielo chuckled. "She hasn't even said yes to me."
"She will," Dennis said confidently. "But you need to act soon—so you can deal with Dawn once and for all."
"Exactly," Joel added. "While Dawn thinks she's trapping you, you'll show her you're already in love with someone else."
Cielo laughed softly. "I didn't realize your minds were worse than Kenneth's. But fine—I'll think about it."
He waved them off. "Enough about my relationship status. We still have work."
"Right."
They worked late into the night.
The next morning, they headed to school. Joel went straight to the office with Dennis, while Cielo walked with Raymond.
"I'm so sleepy," Raymond groaned.
Cielo barely heard him. His eyes had already found Julie, standing quietly nearby.
"Good morning, Julie," Raymond greeted.
"Morning," she replied lazily—then turned. "Good morning, Cielo."
His heart skipped.
Ever since the dance. Ever since he admitted it to himself. His heart reacted every time she was near.
"Morning," he said lightly. "Wow—you're actually awake early today."
"I'm not sleepy," Julie replied flatly.
"Is that so?" Cielo set his things down and stepped closer, studying her face.
Julie stiffened as he leaned in.
That troubled look again, he thought, watching her cheeks slowly redden.
"What's going on in that head of yours?*You're adorable.
"W–What?" Julie stammered.
"Nothing." He smirked. "But you still haven't answered my question from before—do you like me?"
Her face burned. "W–What are you talking about?!"
He chuckled and finally leaned back. Reaching out, he gently twirled a strand of her wavy hair between his fingers.
Yeah… I really do find this attractive.
"Hey, Julie."
"What?!" she snapped, flustered.
"Can I talk to you later—privately?"
"H–Huh? Why private? You can talk to me anytime—even with Raymond around!"
"No," he said firmly but gently. "Just the two of us. Is that okay?"
She hesitated. "If this isn't one of your jokes… fine. When?"
"This afternoon. I'll let Chris know." His voice softened. "It's important—for both of us."
"W–Where?" she asked.
He leaned in, whispering near her ear. "The old building. Your favorite place, right?"
Her cheeks burned even redder.
"After class," he said, ruffling her hair before pulling away. "See you there."
"Are you sure about this?" Raymond whispered.
"Yeah," Cielo replied simply.
Julie glanced at him—but quickly looked away when their eyes met.
As more students filled the room, Cielo let out a quiet sigh.