In the bustling halls of **San Ignacio University**, the chatter of students filled the air as they scurried through the corridors to their respective classrooms. Among the crowd was **Tessia Manalang**, a girl known for her intelligence, reserved demeanor, and striking beauty. She had long, dark hair that fell in soft waves down her back, and her almond-shaped eyes always seemed distant, as if she was lost in thought. 
Despite her cold and aloof exterior, Tessia had a secret—a secret she had kept hidden for the past three years. Her heart pounded in her chest every time she was near **Lucas Monteverde**, the school's top student and her biggest rival. Everyone assumed their relationship was purely academic, marked by mutual competition. No one knew that deep inside, Tessia harbored feelings for Lucas that she had long kept locked away.
Today, as usual, Tessia walked into her classroom, her eyes scanning the room quickly before they landed on Lucas, who was sitting by the window, deep in conversation with his friends. She took her seat quietly, maintaining her usual composure. 
"Tessia!" a voice interrupted her thoughts. It was her best friend, **Mia**, who plopped down beside her. "You're spacing out again. Nasa malalim na naman 'yang iniisip mo ah."
"Ha? Hindi naman," Tessia replied, shaking her head as she straightened her posture. "Baka ikaw ang may malalim na iniisip."
Mia grinned, leaning closer. "Si Lucas na naman 'no? Nakita ko yung tingin mo sa kanya kanina."
Tessia's cheeks warmed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "Wala akong tinitignan," she said firmly. "Magka-klase tayo. Ano bang inaasahan mong makita ko dito?"
Mia smirked, clearly not convinced. "You always say that, pero ang obvious kaya. Akala mo ba hindi namin napapansin yung mga pasulyap-sulyap mo kay Lucas? Crush mo siya, aminin mo na!"
Tessia shot her a glare. "Mia, tumigil ka nga diyan. Hindi ko siya crush."
"Liar," Mia teased, poking Tessia’s side. "Ako pa ba ang lolokohin mo?"
Before Tessia could retort, their professor walked in, signaling the start of class. The students settled down, and the room fell into a hushed silence. Tessia took a deep breath, her mind racing. She hated how easily Mia could read her, but there was no way she would admit her feelings. She had worked too hard to build her image as a serious and focused student. Admitting that she had feelings for Lucas would only complicate things, especially since he was her rival.
---
The class passed by in a blur, and Tessia found herself staring at her notebook without absorbing much of the lecture. Every now and then, her eyes drifted toward Lucas, who was sitting just a few seats away, completely oblivious to her gaze. She sighed internally, frustrated with herself for being so distracted.
As soon as the bell rang, Tessia packed her things and headed for the door, hoping to escape before Mia could bombard her with more teasing. But just as she reached the hallway, she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"Manalang, wait up."
Tessia froze, her heart skipping a beat. She knew that voice all too well. Slowly, she turned around to find Lucas walking toward her, a casual smile on his face. 
"May kailangan ka ba, Monteverde?" Tessia asked, her voice steady despite the way her heart was racing.
"Yeah, actually," Lucas replied, stopping in front of her. "I wanted to ask if you're free later. I need help with something for the debate next week."
Tessia raised an eyebrow. "You? Need help? That's new."
Lucas chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, I know it's weird, but I figured you'd be the best person to ask. You're pretty sharp when it comes to debates."
Tessia's heart fluttered at the compliment, but she kept her expression neutral. "I’m surprised you’re asking me of all people. Akala ko ba we're rivals?"
"Rivals can still help each other, right?" Lucas said, flashing her that charming smile that made her knees feel weak. "Besides, I respect you as an opponent. You're the only one who can keep up with me."
Her breath caught in her throat. Lucas Monteverde, the guy everyone admired and looked up to, had just said that he respected her. It took everything in her not to let her emotions show.
"Fine," Tessia said, crossing her arms. "Ano bang kailangan mo?"
"There's a section of the argument I’m struggling with. Baka you can give me some pointers," Lucas explained. "We could meet up after class? Or if you're busy, we can find another time."
Tessia hesitated. This was dangerous territory. Spending time alone with Lucas was something she avoided at all costs. It would only make it harder for her to keep her feelings hidden. But at the same time, she couldn’t refuse. It would seem too suspicious, and she didn’t want anyone, especially Lucas, to suspect anything.
"I guess I can spare some time," she finally said, keeping her tone nonchalant. "We can meet at the library after school."
"Great," Lucas replied, his smile widening. "I'll see you later then."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Tessia standing there, her heart pounding in her chest. She quickly shook off the strange feeling and headed to her next class, trying to focus on anything other than the fact that she would be spending time alone with Lucas later.
---
After school, Tessia made her way to the library, clutching her books tightly to her chest. She felt nervous, which was unusual for her. Normally, she was calm and composed, especially when it came to academics. But Lucas had a way of making her feel things she didn’t want to feel—things she had worked hard to suppress.
When she arrived at the library, Lucas was already there, sitting at a table near the window, flipping through some papers. He looked up when he saw her and waved her over.
"Hey, glad you could make it," Lucas said as she sat down across from him. "I really appreciate this."
Tessia shrugged, trying to act casual. "Wala ‘yun. So, what’s the problem?"
Lucas handed her a paper with notes scribbled all over it. "It’s the rebuttal section. I’m not sure if I’m framing it right."
Tessia scanned the paper, her mind quickly shifting into debate mode. She nodded as she read, already seeing where he could improve.
"Your argument is solid," she said, pointing to a section. "But here, you need to strengthen your counterpoints. If your opponent brings up this particular issue, you need a stronger response."
Lucas leaned in, listening intently as Tessia explained. For the next hour, they worked together, discussing different strategies and refining his argument. Tessia was surprised at how easy it was to talk to Lucas when they were focused on something academic. It almost made her forget about the feelings she was trying so hard to hide.
"You're really good at this," Lucas said after a while, looking at her with admiration. "I can see why you're always at the top."
Tessia felt her cheeks warm again, but she quickly looked away. "I just work hard. That's all."
Lucas smiled softly. "You're humble too. That’s another thing I like about you."
Tessia’s heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to stay composed. "Don’t get too comfortable, Monteverde. We’re still rivals."
Lucas chuckled. "Yeah, but rivals can still be friends, right?"
Tessia didn’t know how to respond to that. Friends? She had never even considered the possibility. She had always kept Lucas at a distance, convinced that her feelings for him would only complicate things. But now, hearing him say that, she wasn’t sure what to think.
"Maybe," she said quietly, her eyes flicking up to meet his. For a brief moment, their gazes locked, and Tessia felt her heart skip again.
But before she could dwell on it, Lucas stood up, gathering his things. "I should get going. Thanks again for the help, Tessia. I owe you one."
Tessia nodded, still feeling a bit dazed. "Sure. No problem."
As Lucas walked away, Tessia sat there for a moment, staring after him. She had been so careful all this time, so determined to keep her feelings hidden. But now, she wasn’t so sure she could keep pretending. Maybe Mia was right—maybe it was time to stop hiding her feelings.
But for now, she would keep her secret. Because no matter how much she tried to deny it, Tessia couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if Lucas ever found out the truth.
The next day came too quickly for Tessia. As she sat in her usual seat, her fingers traced idle circles on the surface of her desk. She was still thinking about her study session with Lucas yesterday. His comments, his smile, the way he looked at her with admiration—it all replayed in her mind like a song stuck on loop.
"Uy, Tessia!" Mia's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "Nandito ka na naman, nakatunganga. I'm starting to think may boyfriend ka na at hindi mo sinasabi sa’kin."
Tessia rolled her eyes and leaned back in her seat. "Mia, stop it. Wala akong boyfriend, and you know that."
Mia grinned and wiggled her eyebrows. "Eh bakit mukha kang kilig na kilig? Don’t tell me you and Lucas—"
"Anong Lucas?!" Tessia cut her off, a bit too quickly.
"Ha! So it *is* about Lucas!" Mia exclaimed, laughing as Tessia's face turned a light shade of pink. "You can't fool me, Tessia. You’re always thinking about him."
Tessia groaned, rubbing her temples in frustration. "I told you, we just studied together. Nothing more."
Mia leaned in, her expression now more curious than teasing. "But you like him, don’t you?"
Tessia paused, her heart racing as she thought about how to respond. The truth was complicated, and she wasn’t ready to admit it—not even to herself. "It's not like that. We’re just rivals. I don’t… I don’t like him like that."
Before Mia could press further, the door to the classroom opened, and in walked Lucas, his presence instantly commanding the attention of the room. His tall frame, confident stride, and the easygoing smile he always wore made him stand out among the other students.
He glanced around, and for a split second, his eyes met Tessia’s. He smiled at her, a soft and friendly smile that made her heart skip. Tessia quickly looked away, feeling the familiar heat rise to her cheeks.
"See? Even *he* smiles differently when he looks at you!" Mia whispered, nudging Tessia's arm. "Come on, Tess. It’s so obvious he’s into you."
Tessia glared at her friend. "Mia, if you don't stop, I’m seriously going to—"
"Tessia," Lucas’s voice interrupted their conversation as he approached their desk, much to Mia’s delight. "Can I talk to you for a second?"
Mia flashed Tessia a knowing smirk before standing up and giving Lucas her seat. "Go ahead, Mr. Charming. I’ll just be… over there," Mia said, her voice dripping with amusement as she walked away, leaving Tessia alone with Lucas.
Tessia crossed her arms, trying to act casual despite her heart pounding in her chest. "What do you want?"
Lucas chuckled at her no-nonsense tone. "I just wanted to thank you for the help yesterday. I really appreciate it."
Tessia waved her hand dismissively. "It’s nothing. I just did what I would do for anyone."
Lucas raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "Really? I don’t think you’d give *anyone* that much of your time."
Tessia narrowed her eyes, refusing to give in to his teasing. "You’re overthinking it, Monteverde."
Lucas grinned, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth. "Am I? I don’t know, I think there’s more to this."
Tessia huffed, exasperated. "Look, if you came here just to tease me, I’m not interested."
"I’m not teasing," Lucas said, still smiling but with a hint of sincerity in his eyes. "I’m serious. You’re one of the smartest people I know, and honestly, it’s a privilege to study with you."
Tessia blinked, momentarily thrown off by the compliment. It wasn’t like Lucas to be so… earnest. Usually, they exchanged light banter, with both of them maintaining a sense of competitiveness. But this felt different.
"Why are you suddenly being so nice?" Tessia asked, her voice softening despite herself.
Lucas leaned back, his smile turning playful again. "Because I can’t always be the arrogant rival, right? I figured I should mix things up a bit."
Tessia rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t stop the small smile that tugged at her lips. "You’re impossible."
"And yet, here you are, still talking to me," Lucas replied with a wink.
Tessia was about to respond when their professor walked into the room, signaling the start of class. Lucas gave her one last smile before heading back to his seat, leaving Tessia to wonder what exactly was going on with him. He was being unusually charming today, and it was making it harder for her to keep her walls up.
---
The rest of the day passed without much incident, though Tessia couldn’t shake the lingering feeling of her earlier conversation with Lucas. His words echoed in her mind—*“It’s a privilege to study with you.”* Why had that simple sentence made her feel so… warm inside?
As the final bell rang, Tessia gathered her things and made her way out of the classroom, only to find Lucas waiting for her by the door. 
"Heading home?" he asked, falling into step beside her.
"Obviously," Tessia replied, though she couldn’t help but smile at his persistence.
Lucas glanced at her, his expression serious for a moment. "You know, you’re always so guarded. You don’t let people get close to you."
Tessia stopped walking, caught off guard by the sudden change in tone. "What are you talking about?"
"I’m saying… it’s okay to let people in sometimes," Lucas said, his gaze soft but unwavering. "You don’t have to carry everything on your own."
Tessia felt a lump form in her throat. She wasn’t sure if Lucas was talking about academics or something deeper, but either way, his words hit close to home. She had always been independent, always prided herself on not needing anyone. But now, hearing Lucas say that, she wasn’t sure if she could keep pretending that she was fine being alone.
"I’m not… carrying anything," she finally said, though her voice lacked conviction.
Lucas smiled gently. "If you say so. But just know, if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here."
Tessia stared at him, unsure of how to respond. She had never seen this side of Lucas before—so sincere, so open. It made her want to trust him, to let him in. But at the same time, she was terrified. Letting Lucas get close meant risking her carefully constructed facade, and she wasn’t sure if she was ready for that.
"Thanks," she said quietly, her heart racing as she turned away and started walking again.
Lucas didn’t push further, simply falling into step beside her once more. They walked in silence for a while, the tension between them palpable but unspoken. It wasn’t until they reached the campus gates that Lucas finally broke the silence.
"Do you want to grab a coffee or something?" he asked, his tone casual but hopeful.
Tessia hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. Every part of her wanted to say yes, to spend more time with him, to let herself enjoy this rare moment of closeness. But her fear held her back.
"I… I don’t think that’s a good idea," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lucas looked at her, a hint of disappointment flickering in his eyes, but he didn’t press. "Alright. Maybe next time."
Tessia nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. She knew she was pushing him away, but it was the only way she knew how to protect herself. She couldn’t afford to let her guard down—not with Lucas.
"Yeah… maybe next time," she echoed, though deep down, she wasn’t sure if she would ever be ready for that.
As they parted ways, Tessia couldn’t help but glance back at Lucas. He was already walking in the opposite direction, his hands in his pockets and his head slightly bowed. For the first time, Tessia realized that maybe, just maybe, Lucas felt the same way she did. 
And that terrified her more than anything.
---
Later that night, Tessia lay in bed, staring at the ceiling as her mind replayed the events of the day. Lucas had been so sweet, so thoughtful, and yet she had pushed him away. Why? Because she was scared. Scared of what he might think if he ever found out how she really felt.
*“You’re always so guarded. You don’t let people get close to you.”*
His words echoed in her mind, over and over, until she couldn’t take it anymore. She grabbed her phone and, before she could talk herself out of it, sent him a message.
**Tessia:** *Thanks for walking with me earlier. Sorry if I seemed cold. I just… have a lot on my mind.*
She stared at the screen, her heart racing as she waited for his reply. It wasn’t long before her phone buzzed.
**Lucas:** *No worries. I understand. Take your time.*
Tessia smiled softly to herself, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Maybe, just maybe, she could let her guard down a little.
But not yet.
Not now.
Because for now, she still had to hide her feelings.