Congrats

“Congrats.” Smiling, she tells me, forcing the smile I gave it because I don’t know what I should feel.

Toci approached me, held my right hand then smiled at me before looking at the crowd watching us.

“Ladies and gentlemen, The queen and king of the night!” Mrs. Tanggol said cheerfully.

“Whooo!” People applauded but some did not.

“Clear the center for our queen and king, so that they can dance first to the sweet song and you can join after, students.” Command by Mrs. Tanggol what the students did.

I didn’t realize that Toci was holding my hand and we were already on the center floor. He pulled my waist closer to his, he let his hands in there.

Traces of joy on his face, I could see the joy especially in his eyes.

“Don’t you know your beautiful Celiza?” he said as we started dancing.

My eyebrow raised. “I thought you loose your trust in my beautiful Toci.”

“I didn’t. I just complimented someone.”

I rolled my eyes.

“But you’re the most beautiful girl in this room.”

“I don’t need your recognition and compliment Toci.” I smirked.

Its face is serious.

“I’m sorry for what I have done, Celiza. Give me another chance to prove that I regret everything. For being a fuckboy and bad boyfriend to you.” It says softly.

I don’t understand. Why does he apologize for what he did?

He is not like this.

I have no choice of words to say. I remained silent.

In the depths of my heart, a battle raged, tearing at my emotions and clouding my judgment. I found myself standing at the crossroads of uncertainty, grappling with the question of whether I should give that arrogant guy a chance. Conflicting thoughts and emotions swirled within me, leaving me torn and hesitant.

On one hand, there was undeniable charisma in his every gesture, a magnetic pull that drew me towards him despite my better judgment. His confident demeanor and self-assuredness were alluring, casting a spell that beckoned me to venture into uncharted territory. I couldn’t help but wonder if beneath the layers of arrogance, there lay a complexity and depth that I had yet to uncover.

But on the other hand, his arrogance and disregard for others left a sour taste in my mouth. The way he effortlessly dismissed the opinions and feelings of those around him, treating the world as his personal playground, gave me pause. It raised questions about his capacity for empathy and genuine connection. Was I willing to risk my own emotional well-being for the possibility of something more?

I grappled with the fear of being swept away by his charms only to be left broken and disillusioned. I knew all too well the pain that could accompany investing in someone who lacked the capacity to reciprocate genuine care. The thought of opening myself up to that vulnerability again filled me with trepidation.

Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there was a flicker of hope. Perhaps there was more to him than met the eye. Perhaps his arrogance was merely a façade, a defense mechanism masking his own insecurities and fears. Could I find the strength within myself to look beyond his flaws and discover the potential for growth and change?

I yearned for the assurance that he was capable of growth, that he could learn from his mistakes and evolve into a person capable of genuine connection. I contemplated the possibility that maybe, just maybe, I could play a role in his transformation, that our paths intersected for a reason. Perhaps I could inspire him to embrace humility, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world around him.

Yet, as uncertainty gnawed at my resolve, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I deserved more. I deserved someone who would cherish and appreciate me without the need for transformation or compromise. I deserved someone who would lift me up rather than tear me down with their arrogance.

In the end, the decision lay in my hands alone. I had to trust my instincts, my intuition, and the lessons I had learned from past experiences. I needed to listen to the whispers of my heart, urging me to choose what was truly best for me.

As I stood on the precipice of that decision, I recognized the power within me—the power to set boundaries, to demand respect, and to choose happiness. And so, I took a deep breath, summoning the courage to embrace the uncertainty, knowing that whatever path I chose, it would be a reflection of my strength and self-worth.

In the midst of my contemplation, I realized that this decision was not just about him, but about me—my own growth, my own journey. And with that realization, a newfound sense of clarity emerged, guiding me towards the choice that resonated deepest within my soul.

Whether I ultimately gave him a chance or not, I vowed to prioritize my own well-being and happiness above all else. I would not settle for anything less than what I deserved—a genuine connection built on mutual respect, kindness, and understanding.

And as I embarked on my journey, uncertain but determined, I would remind myself that the power to shape my own destiny resided within me. It was up to me to choose the path that would lead to personal growth and fulfillment, whether that path included him or not.

“I know you need time and I’m willing to give you that time, Celiza.” He lifted his head and stared straight into my eyes.

“I-I ----”

“I’m sorry, Celiza I need to take this call.” He cut me off with the speaker I should have because suddenly his cell phone rang in his pocket.

What’s that?

He left me in the middle of the dance floor for a call?

I was just shaken.

I decided to sit down first because it was over five minutes without Toci.

“It looks like you’re pretty okay now? Hmmm?” Bea asked smiling

“Nope. You know him, it’s all for the show. You’re the one, you’re so excited about your date.” I laughed and said to him.

The smile on his lips could not be erased, it was very obvious that he was very happy, just look at his eyes as if they were sparkling.

“Oh, stop! I know that my eyes are shining right now because of him!” His answer was laughable.

I sighed.

“Let me air out first.” I said.

“S-are you sure?”

“Yep. Too crowded here.”

He nodded so I left. As I was walking not far from the campus gym I saw two people kissing not far from where I was.

My eyes narrowed.

My eyes widened when I recognized them. I stiffened on the stand.

Instead of chasing them, I quickly walked away from where I was standing when I saw that. I didn’t let that long, painful to the eye. Not just in the eyes but in the chest.

What is he doing with that ugly guy?

Bwiset siya!

The bottom of my eye heats up. I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down.

Why does he need to apologize for the sins he repeatedly commits.

Fury simmered within me as I stood there, witnessing yet another relentless attempt by the same guy to persuade me, to win me over with his superficial charm. The audacity of his persistence was infuriating, the way he presumed he could manipulate me into succumbing to his advances. But little did he know that I was not one to be swayed by empty words or insincere gestures.

With every smooth line and calculated smile he directed my way, my frustration grew, morphing into a fiery determination to stand my ground, to resist his shallow advances. I was not a prize to be won through empty flattery or deceitful tactics. I craved authenticity, genuine connections that transcended mere appearances.

As the evening wore on, my irritation reached its peak when I noticed him making his way toward the nerdy girl, the same girl he had barely spared a glance for throughout the entirety of high school. A sense of incredulity washed over me as I watched him approach her, his demeanor transforming from smug confidence to feigned interest. It was a sickening display of hypocrisy.

And then, to my astonishment, their interaction took an unexpected turn. He leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a surprising display of affection. Anger surged through me like a tidal wave, for it was in that moment that I realized the extent of his duplicity. All his sweet words and flirtatious gestures were merely a charade, a means to an end. He had used me as a pawn in his game, a tool to boost his own ego, only to discard me for someone he had previously deemed unworthy of his attention.

As my eyes locked onto the nerdy girl, I saw a flicker of surprise and uncertainty in her gaze. She, too, seemed taken aback by this sudden shift in his behavior. But amidst the confusion, I detected a hint of vulnerability, a rawness that resonated with me. It was a poignant reminder of the power dynamics at play, the way society often elevates certain individuals while disregarding others based on superficial standards.

In that moment, I realized that my anger was not solely directed at him—it was directed at the societal pressures that conditioned us to believe in false ideals and perpetuated a toxic culture of manipulation and objectification. I was mad at him for his deceit, but I was equally mad at myself for allowing his advances to affect me, for momentarily doubting my own worth in the face of his persistent persuasion.

But as the initial wave of anger subsided, a sense of liberation overcame me. I recognized that his actions were not a reflection of my value or desirability, but rather a testament to his own shallow character. The nerdy girl, in all her perceived “nerdiness,” had been spared from falling victim to his deceit, while I had unknowingly played a part in his game.

In that moment of revelation, I found solace in my anger, transforming it into a fierce determination to no longer allow such individuals to manipulate or diminish me. I vowed to prioritize authenticity, to seek connections built on mutual respect and genuine affection. I realized that I deserved someone who saw beyond the surface, who appreciated the complexities of my character rather than reducing me to a conquest.

As I turned away from the scene, a newfound sense of empowerment surged through me. I walked away with my head held high, leaving behind the charlatan who had tried to ensnare me with his empty promises. In the end, it was the nerdy girl who had emerged victorious, not in winning his attention, but in escaping the clutches of someone unworthy of her time and affection.

And as I moved forward, liberated from the shackles of his persuasion, I couldn’t help but feel a glimmer

Unexpectedly I spotted Magnus also entering the gym.

The two of us met eye to eye. My foot moved quickly, towards him.

I stopped in front of him.

As I watched from a distance, my heart ached with a profound sense of pity for the nerdy guy who stood unknowingly in the shadow of betrayal. His genuine kindness and unwavering loyalty were the very qualities that had endeared him to me, and yet, they seemed to be taken for granted by his so-called friend, who was now shamelessly cheating on me.

The waves of empathy crashed against my heart as I witnessed the pain etched on his face, oblivious to the deceit that unfolded right before his eyes. It was a devastating scene, where innocence collided with deception, and the consequences of another’s actions threatened to shatter the fragile trust he held so dear.

I couldn’t help but wonder how he would react when the truth eventually revealed itself, how his heart would break as he realized the magnitude of the betrayal. Would he retreat into his shell, shielding himself from future pain, or would he find the strength within him to confront the situation head-on?

In that moment, I felt an overwhelming urge to protect him from the harsh realities of the world, to shield him from the pain that lay ahead. But I knew deep down that it was not my place to interfere, that he had to navigate this treacherous path on his own. All I could do was offer a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on when the time came.

My pity for him was not rooted in a condescending view of his nerdy persona, but rather in the recognition of his inherent worth and the injustice of his situation. It was a reflection of my belief that no one should be subjected to such heartache, especially someone as genuine and caring as him.

I understood the depth of his loyalty, the way he had stood by his friend through thick and thin, never questioning their motives or actions. And yet, in return, he was met with deceit and betrayal. It was a stark reminder of how fragile trust could be, and how the actions of others could tarnish even the purest of hearts.

In the midst of my own pain, I found solace in the fact that my experience had granted me the clarity to recognize the true worth of the nerdy guy. I saw beyond his outward appearance, beyond the labels and stereotypes that society had imposed upon him. I saw the depth of his character, the kindness that radiated from within, and the potential for a love that transcended superficiality.

As I continued to observe him from a distance, I hoped that he would find the strength to confront the truth, to demand the respect and honesty he deserved. I yearned for him to rise above the circumstances and embrace his own self-worth, knowing that he deserved so much more than the pain he was currently enduring.

And if the day ever came when he would seek solace in my presence, I would be there with open arms, ready to offer him the empathy and understanding he needed. For in that moment, when his world crumbled around him, I would be a beacon of support, a reminder that he was not alone in his pain.

For now, I could only hope that he would find the strength within himself to emerge from this ordeal stronger and wiser. And as he navigated the tumultuous waters of heartbreak, my pity transformed into a steadfast belief in his resilience, his ability to rise above the trials that life had thrown his way.

I wished him the courage to heal and to move forward, knowing that somewhere along the path, he would find someone who cherished him for the incredible person he truly was—nerdy, kind, and deserving of a love that was pure and unwavering.

It dodged, even before he could get away I grabbed its wrist.

He frowned at me. His eyes remained on me.

“Let’s leave this place. Take me away, Magnus.”

I did not hear any moan from him. He left me.

We got to the parking lot, I immediately looked for his car, he immediately understood what I wanted to happen so he went inside and I did the same.

I hovered over it with the thought of it starting to drive. She is wearing a nice coat, it suits her even if she is thin. What if his body grows like Toci’s? He will probably pretend to be a fuckboy too.

I will not let that happen. There should be no more fuckboys in the world.

“What’s your address ---”

“We’re in your condo.” I said as he stopped the car and looked in my direction.

Does this man have a car? Why doesn’t he use it?

Nevermind. Im furious right now.

It followed what I said. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes.

Why Toci ?! Why do you have to apologize if you are going to do this stupid thing over and over again ?!

I glance at him.

Does he like her?

Somewhere my brain took me to the thought, so I didn’t realize that the car had stopped at its condo.

I remained quiet since we arrived and we were able to enter his condo.

He also doesn’t speak so we don’t talk.