AMARA'S POV

"'From now on, I'll protect you. I won't ever leave you, Amara...'

The words kept replaying in my mind. I let out a smile, and for some reason, memories of the past flooded back – the day my life was in danger and the day my friendship with Sebastian and Kolin began.

Thinking about what happened earlier, I don't know how I overcame it. I developed a phobia and became wary of people, especially making new friends. But because of Sebastian and Kolin, I gradually overcame it. I got back to being myself and started anew.

Maybe I'm just bored because I have nothing to do. I've finished all my assignments, so my mind is wandering.

Then, I felt someone tug my shirt. I looked up, distracted, and saw Jazz beside me, handing me something with a puzzled expression.

"Stop daydreaming, Amara."

I raised an eyebrow at him as he handed me a bottled water, which I didn't take.

"Here, this is for you," he said, seemingly noticing my questioning expression.

"Huh? Who's it from?" I asked curiously.

"Who else? It's from your hot and handsome boyfriend," he said with a while biting his lips.

I winced at his words. I don't even have a boyfriend, so how could it be from him? What is this guy talking about?

I wasn't sure if I heard him right. The noise around us made it hard to tell if I heard him right, but I didn't want to ask him to repeat it. I might draw more attention. Gossip spreads fast, even in a chaotic environment. I pouted and leaned in closer to him.

"The last time I checked, I don't have a boyfriend," I said, rolling my eyes at him.

"What about your Sebastian, then? Hmm?" he asked, waving his hand in front of my face unnecessarily. It's not even hot in here.

I froze at his words. I couldn't explain why, but my heart suddenly pounded loudly when I heard the name he mentioned. "Seb?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"Yeah! There he is!" He pointed outside.

I followed his gaze and was met with Seb's serious eyes, which softened into a smile when he saw me. I raised my hand in a wave, and he raised an eyebrow but smiled back.

I gestured for him to wait, and he nodded. Then I remembered my phone – he had messaged me.

From: Seb

"I'm heading to your room."

That must have been the text from Seb. I hid my phone and turned my attention back to Jazzy.

"Jason, Seb is my friend. My best friend," I clarified. How many times did I have to tell him that?

He made a face and looked around.

"Shh... Jazz, call me Jazz," he said softly but firmly. He hated being called by his real name.

Jazz's real name is Jason, and despite being a guy, he had a feminine side and chose to express himself as a girl. Fortunately, his parents heartily accepted him. Kolin and I did too.

"You started it. Now look what's happening."

"Everything starts that way. People say it's just friendship, but in the end, they usually end up falling for each other."

"Jazz, Seb and I are just friends, okay?"

"Whatever. Why does he only talk to you? What about the rest of us girls?" he said with a pout, flipping his hair that wasn't even long.

"I don't know, try asking him," I said.

He shook his head. "No way, he'd probably punch me. I'm not brave enough for that, girl."

I just laughed at his response. Then I took out my phone to text Seb to wait for me.

As soon as I heard the bell, I quickly went out and headed outside.

"HI," he greeted me.

When I was close to him, he reached out and kissed me on the cheek. My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a little flustered by his gesture. I was used to his affectionate ways, but I never used to think much of it before. Now, I'm not so sure.

"Hi, why are you here? Didn't you have class earlier?" I asked to divert the awkwardness.

"I wanted to see you, and we had a free period anyway," he said nonchalantly.

"We'll see each other later, though. You shouldn't waste your time waiting for me," I said.

"It's okay, Amara. I told you, I want to see you," he replied seriously, his words making my cheeks flush.

I felt like I was suffocating, my face burning. So, I suggested going to the garden.

"Let's go to the garden?" I suggested.

He nodded, and I felt a bit awkward, so I walked ahead. I could sense him following me, but as usual, Seb caught up to my side. He wrapped his hand around my waist, and I looked down, embarrassed by the curious glances.

Who wouldn't stare when Sebastian Laqueza was walking with a girl, and to make matters worse, with his arm around my waist? We looked like a couple, and I could tell we were turning heads.

"So, are we having lunch together later?" Seb asked as we reached the garden.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you that I'm having lunch with Kolin later," I said apologetically. I really had forgotten to mention it to him. Kolin and I had made plans the night before.

"No, it's okay. I understand. You guys need to catch up sometimes," he said.

I knew he'd understand. We hadn't hung out with his cousin in weeks due to our hectic schedules, and finals were approaching for the last quarter.

"Why didn't you bring her along?" I asked. If he could come, surely Kolin could too, since they're in the same course. They're both studying Business Management, while I'm in Education.

"I told her I'd see you. She just grinned... I guess because you already had plans," he said, shaking his head.

"You don't know your cousin very well, do you? She always likes to tease you." They're like that with each other, but I know they care about each other deeply.

"Yeah, that little brat."

I smiled at his words. Suddenly, I remembered something and gasped. "Oh, I almost forgot, Grandma asked me to give you this," I said, handing him the paper bag.

It was a bit crumpled from being stuffed in my bag, but I didn't want to carry it separately.

"What's that?" he asked curiously, eyeing the bag still held out in my hand, which was starting to ache.

"Cookies? Grandma baked these for you. Just for you, she didn't give me any," I said with a mix of jest and seriousness.

"If that's the case, we'll share," he said, taking the cookies from me.

"I'll thank Grandma later," he added. He broke off a cookie and held it to my mouth. I knew what he wanted. Without hesitation, I opened my mouth.

"Why are you so messy when eating?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, almost grinning.

I wasn't annoyed, but I took the cookie from him, even though I hadn't finished it.

"I'll finish it, thanks," I said.

He grabbed another cookie and took a bite. As I watched him chew, time seemed to slow down, and my throat went dry. I looked away, caught staring at him.

'What do you think you're doing, Amara?' My inner voice scolded.

"I t-think I should leave since our next subject was about to start." I avoided his gaze as I spoke. He caught me staring, and I was mortified.

"Okay, I'll call you later," he said.

I just nodded and left without looking back at him.

Instead of heading to the room, I went to the restroom first. I immediately checked my face in the mirror. I was shocked to see my flushed cheeks and the warmth spreading across my face.

I bit my lip, knowing I shouldn't feel this way about him. But every time he did those things, I couldn't help but feel this way. For three years, I suppressed my feelings whenever he kissed, touched, or looked at me. Because I knew it wasn't possible - he's my friend.

"What am I going to do?" I muttered, staring at my reflection.

Just then, I heard a voice behind me.

"I didn't know you had a habit of talking to yourself when you're alone."

I almost rolled my when I saw who was speaking.

"Is it forbidden to talk to myself?" I asked innocently, though my tone was laced with sarcasm.

She walked over and stood beside me, and now we were both staring at our reflections in the mirror. "You look crazy," she said.

"It's fine, just don't mind me," I replied nonchalantly. I thought she'd stay quiet for a while, but I was wrong.

"Stay away from Sebastian, Amara," she said bluntly.

I looked at her, and her expression was unwavering, with a hint of desperation in her eyes.

"Why would I stay away from him?" I asked, annoyed by her bossy tone.

"Because I'm telling you to. You're not stupid, you know what I want," she said, her calm demeanor giving way to frustration. Her voice was almost a shout, and her words were laced with insult.

"Who are you to command me? Seb is my friend, and I won't stay away from him. If you want him, why don't you tell him yourself?" I said irritatedly.

What right did she have to order me around and insult me?

"I can't because you're always clinging to him. I don't exist to him because all he ever sees is you," she said dramatically.

I opened my mouth to retort but closed it again, unsure of what to say. Should I correct her or just let her feel what she felt?

"I need to go," I said finally, trying to end the conversation. But before I could turn around, she grabbed my arm.

"Wait, we're not done yet."

"Let go of my hand, Claire. My class is about to start," I said, trying to pry my hand loose. I hope she's not another Emmy.

"I won't. Promise me you'll stay away from him first, then I'll let you go," she said desperately.

That was the last straw.

"If you like him that much, tell him. Be honest," I said, yanking my wrist free. I bit my lip, regretting my words. I shouldn't have said that.

"Why don't you tell it to yourself too? I know you like him too, Amara," she said firmly.

"Maybe if anyone should be honest here, it's you."

I stared back at her, looking her straight in the eye. She pushed me to say these words.

"What if I say yes? But I know my limitations well, Claire," I added, my voice steady.

Sorry, but I'm not as brave and desperate as you are.