Julie's heart hammered against her chest as she walked toward the place where she and Cielo had agreed to meet. Every step tempted her to turn back, but the thought of him waiting alone pushed her forward.
Just calm down, Julie. Just breathe, she told herself again and again.
Soon, the familiar garden came into view.
This was her secret place—her refuge whenever her thoughts grew too loud.
But how does Cielo know this is my place? she wondered, her nerves tightening.
She spotted him standing beneath the streetlights, quietly gazing at the garden as if lost in thought. The soft glow bathed the night in gold, making it feel as though the world itself had paused for them.
He turned and smiled when he saw her."You're here. For a moment, I thought you wouldn't come."
His teasing tone made her chest flutter.
Julie frowned as she approached. "I almost didn't," she admitted. "But I didn't want to leave you hanging."
Cielo chuckled softly, and just like that, her heart skipped.
"So," she asked, forcing herself to sound calm, "what did you want to talk about?"
"You're really impatient," he said with a smirk.
"Impatient? If you don't start taking this seriously, I swear I'll kick you," she snapped, cheeks heating.
He laughed quietly, clearly enjoying her reaction.
Stop laughing… my heart can't handle it, she screamed inwardly, her pulse spiraling out of control.
Then his expression shifted.
"I'm serious about what I asked you this morning," he said gently. "Do you like me?"
Julie froze.
"Why… why do you want to know?" she asked, struggling to keep her emotions from spilling over.
"I'm just curious." His gaze never left her.
He won't stop until I answer…She swallowed hard and stole a glance at him.
"And if I told you…" she whispered, "would you even believe me?"
"I'm listening."
Julie inhaled shakily, gathering every fragment of courage she had.
"Yes… I—I do like you."
Her face burned, her chest tightening as she met his eyes.
"M-More than that…" Her voice trembled. "I love you."
Tears threatened to fall as the words finally escaped—the truth she had held onto for so long.
But Cielo's expression gave nothing away.
"S-Say something," she begged, her chest aching.
Why would he? He already loves someone else… her thoughts whispered cruelly.
"I'm… sorry," she murmured, shame flooding her. She turned away, tears spilling freely. "That's all. I should go."
She moved to leave—
—but suddenly, his hand caught hers.
He pulled her back, their eyes locking as her tears fell.
"Why are you leaving?" he asked softly, brushing her tears away. "We're not done talking."
"What else is there to say?" she cried. "It's embarrassing to confess when I already know you can't return my feelings."
Cielo sighed—and flicked her forehead.
"Ow! What was that for?!" she yelped, rubbing the spot.
"Are you really sure you love me?" he asked.
She hiccupped through her tears. "Believe what you want. But yes—I love you. I love the childhood friend who drives me crazy!"
Her words broke into sobs.
Then, quietly, he said,"I love you too, Julie."
Her world stopped.
The only sound left was her heartbeat, pounding so loudly it drowned everything else.
"Y-You… love me?" she stammered. "C-Cielo, don't say that unless you mean it. Don't give me hope if it isn't real."
He stepped closer. "I mean it. That's why I asked you to meet me here. I want you, Julie. I've fallen for you—your temper, your stubbornness, everything."
He smiled softly."And Crisha? She was always just like a sister to me."
Julie searched his eyes.
There were no lies.
"When I realized my feelings, I accepted them," he continued. "I love you for who you are. And I know you love me for who I am… right?"
She nodded through her tears. "I love you. But… don't you already have a girlfriend?"
"A girlfriend?" he blinked. "You will be—if you'll accept me."
"B-But Dawn," she said. "I heard you two were in an arranged marriage."
"That?" He exhaled. "It was canceled by our families."
Then he smiled faintly."And if I remember correctly… you and I were once arranged too."
Her mother's words echoed in her mind, and slowly, she nodded.
"I didn't expect this either," he admitted, pulling her closer. "Julie—be my girlfriend."
His voice brushed her ear.
Her face burned. "W-What about Dawn?"
"I'll explain everything. But first…" His fingers slid through her hair. "Let's make this official."
"How could I say no?" she whispered. "I love you."
His smile widened. "Glad to hear that."
Before she could react, he kissed her.
Julie stiffened, eyes wide.
Warm. Gentle. Her first kiss.
When he pulled away, he grinned. "Sorry. I couldn't help it. I've wanted to do that for a long time. And yes—I know it was your first kiss."
She covered her face. "C-Cielo! T-Time out! I'm not used to this side of you!"
"You'll get used to it," he said, holding her hand.
Overwhelmed, she wrapped her arms around him. "It's too much… I can't believe this is real."
"I know," he murmured, hugging her back.
This warmth… I really love this man.
"I love you," she whispered.
"I love you too," he replied, kissing her forehead—and then her lips again.
"It's settled," he said. "You're my girlfriend now."
Julie could only nod, her face burning.
A throat cleared behind them.
Nicole and Melissa stood grinning, with Raymond and Joel just behind.
"We're happy for you," Nicole teased. "And proud you finally confessed, Julie."
Julie turned red.
"Rule breaker," Raymond smirked. "We saw that kiss."
"Shut up! Why are you even here?!" Julie cried.
"We were worried," Joel said calmly. "Looks like everything turned out fine."
Cielo slipped an arm around Julie. "Yeah. Mind your business."
Julie glanced up shyly. "Ciel… how did you know this was my favorite place?"
"I always noticed you coming here when you wanted to be alone," he said simply.
So observant… as always.
"Before my mom and brother find out," she said nervously, "can we talk later? Just us… minus the audience?"
He chuckled. "They already know my plan. And I think your brother does too."
Her face heated again.
"Come on," he said, taking her hand.
Later, as she slipped into his car, he leaned in and kissed her once more.
"See you. I love you."
"I love you too. Take care."
That night, Julie buried her face in her hands, heart racing.
He's my boyfriend now.
And under the glow of the streetlights, her heartbeat finally found its answer.