Chris let out a deep sigh, his thoughts still circling around his younger sister. They had argued again that morning before he left for school.
That spoiled brat, he thought, shaking his head. Julie…
"What's wrong?" Dave asked when he noticed Chris staring off into space.
"Nothing," Chris replied shortly. "Just something I need to fix."
Dave chuckled. "Let me guess—did Tito give you another lecture?"
"Not me. My sister," Chris muttered. "She argued with Dad, and when I scolded her, she dragged me into it. Now Dad wants me to buy something to make up with her. She really is a brat."
Dave laughed. "You always say that, but you're the one who takes care of her the most."
Chris didn't deny it. "She's my spoiled, daddy's girl sister."
"Relax. You'll make up soon," Dave said, patting his shoulder. "I still want to meet her again. Why didn't she study here?"
"Dad let her choose," Chris replied. "She picked another school."
"Julie really is Daddy's girl," Dave teased.
"Yeah."
Just then, a student passed by—quiet, observant, unfamiliar.
Chris stopped walking.
His eyes locked onto her face.
Julie?
No… that wasn't possible.
The girl quickly lowered her head, as if avoiding his gaze.
"Hey," Chris called instinctively. "What's your name?"
The girl froze, startled. Even Dave looked surprised.
"C-Crisha," she answered softly.
Chris nodded—but before he could say anything else, she hurried away.
"What was that about?" Dave asked.
"She… she really looks like my sister," Chris admitted, frowning.
"What?" Dave blinked.
"Maybe it's just my imagination," Chris said slowly. "But she really does look like Julie."
"Crisha…" Dave murmured. "I should ask my brother if they have a new classmate."
"She's in the pilot section," Chris said after seeing her enter a classroom.
"You're sure?"
"Yeah."
Dave let it go, but Chris couldn't.
That face stayed with him the whole day.
That evening, Chris found Julie sitting quietly in the living room, watching TV.
"Ah, brother," she greeted.
"I bought a cake," he said, placing it on the table. "I'll put it in the fridge. Eat some later."
Julie hesitated. "S-Sorry…"
Chris only ruffled her hair before heading upstairs.
Still, the image of that girl lingered in his mind.
He shook his head.
Must be my imagination.
****
Two weeks had passed.
Jason watched Crisha sitting quietly in class, her gaze wandering over their classmates. She still kept to herself, never joining conversations, never lingering outside the room.
Maybe she's still adjusting, he thought. Or maybe she's just shy.
At least now she wore her uniform.
"Hey, Crisha. Good morning," he greeted.
"Ah—good morning, Jason," she replied politely.
He sat behind her. "Are you doing okay here?"
She flinched slightly.
"I mean," he added quickly, "you're always alone. I just wanted to check."
Crisha hesitated. "Maybe… our classmates don't like someone like me."
"What?" Jason frowned. "You won't lose anything if you try."
"They probably have their standards," she said softly. "I know my place. I'm not rich like them."
Jason blinked.
She really thinks that way…
He sighed. "Then… do you want me to be your friend?"
Her eyes widened. "R-Really?"
He laughed. "Of course—if you want to."
Her face lit up. "I'm so happy! I finally have a friend!"
Jason laughed with her and gently ruffled her hair. "Nice to meet you again, Crisha."
She nodded eagerly, eyes shining.
She's a bit odd, Jason thought. But honest. And I like that.
"Good morning," Kenneth greeted as he approached.
"Morning, Ken."
Kenneth glanced at Crisha. "Doesn't she look like that pop princess who went viral online? The singer?"
Here we go again, Jason thought.
"Ah… I don't really use social media," Crisha said shyly. "I don't even have an account."
"What? Seriously?" Kenneth blinked.
She nodded.
She's not lying, Jason realized.
Kenneth pulled out his phone. "Look."
Crisha glanced at the picture and smiled faintly. "She's beautiful—but that's not me."
Jason studied the image.
They really do look alike…
"Do you think she's lying?" Jason asked.
"No," Kenneth replied. "She isn't."
"Do you like singing?" Kenneth suddenly asked.
Before she could answer, the bell rang.
"Well," Kenneth muttered, "guess I'll head back."
He paused. "Your name's Crisha, right?"
She nodded.
"I'm Kenneth Villanueva."
"Villanueva?" she repeated.
"Cousin of our student president," Jason explained. "Mark Cielo Villanueva."
"Oh… nice to meet you," Crisha said.
Kenneth nodded and walked away.
Jason glanced at her. "Happy you met him?"
She nodded, smiling brightly.
Seeing her smile, Jason smiled too.