Today is March 4. It's Monday—every student's most hated day.
Why is Monday hated? Because it's the day we return to school.
Two days off aren't enough. That's my complaint after spending the weekend outside. Because of that, I haven't rested enough. So when Monday came, I felt like not going to school.
I don't want to leave my cozy bed yet. This weekend was really exhausting. Can't I just skip school today?
Well, I could… but despite how I act, I'm actually a well-behaved student. Although I don't understand why such bad rumors about me are circulating.
Another reason I can't skip school is that Mom would find out—and she would scold me. Not wanting that, I dismissed the idea and forced my lazy body to get up.
***
Our homeroom began with the same ol' rant from our homeroom teacher, Ma'am Vergara.
She was going on again about how lucky we are, students, to have two days off. Her complaint today stemmed from their busy weekend: they had meetings, tasks to finish, and at night, she had to prepare lessons.
"Being an adult is not what you think it is. Once you reach adulthood, there are responsibilities—like a job, rent, and even daily meals. And if you think you can have fun with the freedom adults have… trust me, you can't. Your time is too busy. That's the responsibility of being an adult."
She was sharing her experience, telling us to enjoy high school life while we still can. As a senior and former student of this school, she said it as advice.
Ma'am Vergara's rant continued until the end of homeroom, even running overtime. Realizing this, she packed up her things and headed for the door. Once outside, she looked to the right, then smiled at the next teacher waiting, and said, "Sorry for the overtime," before leaving. Shortly after, the next teacher entered our classroom.
***
It was finally break time.
Once the teacher left, the room became noisy. One by one, my classmates left, probably heading to the cafeteria. As for me, I stayed in my seat, waiting. But no one came. Looking around, they were still at their desks, not planning to leave.
It looked like we weren't eating together.
Seeing that, I stood up and left the room alone.
Before I left, I could hear whispers among my classmates. First, they seemed confused and curious about what had happened to the trio (I wasn't included), since those three (again, I'm not included) are distant today. Second, they were speculating that it was my fault that the situation was like this. Really? Are they gonna just blame me without any proof?
Before I could hear any more absurd speculation, I quickened my pace to get away from the classroom.
Since yesterday's celebration, the group chat has been quiet—last night and even today. Maybe they were just tired from the outing and went to bed early. I hoped that was it, but what I saw yesterday didn't suggest otherwise.
Yesterday, when Ponce and I returned from Jollibee and arrived at the park, we sensed something unusual between Escuro and Manzano. At first glance, nothing seemed wrong. But once we talked to them, their conversation felt forced, like they were hiding something. It became even more obvious when Escuro spoke excessively, even accidentally biting her tongue. I also noticed she avoided looking at Manzano.
Seeing them like that, it hit me: Did Escuro already give the present? And if she did, what happened afterward? Based on her behavior, was she rejected again? I wanted to ask, but if she had really been rejected, I couldn't just ask her directly—not like now. Thinking so, I decided I'd ask later.
For the rest of the time, we spent the afternoon eating amid that awkward situation.
Now, in the current situation, have I found out the result? No. Funny enough, I actually forgot to ask her. When I got home, I was too tired and went straight to bed. And earlier today, I missed the chance to talk to Escuro because of the classroom situation.
So at this moment, I still don't know if Escuro gave the present or not. But… if she were rejected, would she lose hope and give up? And if she gave up, then my assistance wouldn't be needed anymore…
…
...
...…
No, there's no point in worrying about it. Since, wouldn't this be great for me? Didn't I want to stay out of Escuro's problem? Then this situation is no longer my problem. Although… unless…
Here I was, thinking about it again. My curiosity was really killing me.
Telling myself not to overthink it, I went to the cafeteria and bought my lunch.
After getting my usual sandwich, I left the main building and headed to my spot at the back of the gym. It had been a while since I ate alone there; because of the Escuro situation, I'd been spending more time eating with them in the cafeteria.
When I arrived at the location, I sat on the same bench and unwrapped my sandwich I had bought. Taking bite after bite, I stared blankly at nothing but the bushes and trees. The surroundings were quiet, with only faint sounds coming from inside the gym. Being here again reminded me how peaceful this spot was.
Halfway through my sandwich, she appeared.
"I know you'd be here."
"Escuro? Why are you here?"
"There's something I want to talk about."
"W-what is it?"
Will it be that, after all? Is she going to tell me I'm no longer needed?
I waited for her to say that, but what came out of her mouth was different.
Escuro sat beside me casually and said, "It was a success."
"What?"
"The present, he accepted it." She smiled, saying that.
Was it a lie just to mask her sadness? No, her joy felt genuine.
She told me what happened after Ponce and I left them. Escuro had mustered her courage and given the gift to Manzano, and he accepted it wholeheartedly. She also explained that the distance between them had only been because she felt embarrassed to look at him.
"It was thanks to you that I was able to give it."
"Right…"
Although it wasn't really me, it was Ponce who set it up.
I don't want to admit it, but seeing the result, what Ponce said is right: I really do lack an understanding of the atmosphere. That's why this credit shouldn't belong to me.
But does that mean I should tell Escuro that Ponce was the one who actually helped her? No, it's better if I don't. Telling her would only lead to more trouble, and I'm pretty sure Ponce wants to keep it a secret too.
…Also, there was something I was uncertain about.
"Oh, right, before I forget," she said, taking something from her pocket and handing it to me. "Here."
"What's this?"
"It's chocolate. I made it from leftover ingredients."
"I know what it is."
I could see it clearly through the transparent plastic.
"But why are you giving me one?"
"I've realized you've been helping me a lot, so I want to thank you. Consider this a little compensation from me."
I was surprised. I never thought anyone would appreciate my help—even at this small level. Not like there was anyone else I'd helped besides her.
Escuro stood up, signaling she was going back to the classroom. But before leaving, she spoke, "Also, another thing." Then, turning to me, she said, "I'll be counting on you again next time, my cupid."
After saying that, she faced forward and walked away, leaving me alone.
Really, when did I become a cupid?
I chuckled a little.
Holding the chocolate in my hand, I opened the plastic and tasted it.
"Bitter."
It was nothing like the ones we'd made for Manzano. But at the same time, it wasn't as bad as the first one I'd tried. In fact, it suited my taste.
Thinking this to myself, I took another bite.
The chocolate melted in my mouth, a bittersweet taste that lingered.