Love Genius

[Chapter 9]

(GARNETT POV)

"Thanks, ha." – George said.

"For what?"

"Because you agreed to eat with me." – He smiled, and he's even more handsome when he smiles. Yie!

"Did you know you look more handsome when you smile? No kidding, I promise." – I said.

He chuckled softly.

"Seriously, handsome? For me, I think I'm just average." – He said.

I smiled and took a bite of my burger.

"Glasses suit you more." – He said.

Yieee, I knew it. But, sigh, Raven once told me I look better without glasses. Tss! That guy was lying.

"How can you say glasses suit me better?" – I just asked.

"It's simple, because I know you're comfortable with them, and when you're comfortable, that's when you look the best."

Oh my gosh, Garnett! Green flag waving! But don’t fall for him just yet, because you know I don’t want to get hurt again. Maybe he’s just playing with me.

"Why?" – He asked.

I looked at him.

"Ha?"

"Why do you look sad all of a sudden?"

"Ah, nothing, I just miss my mom." – I lied.

"Me too, but actually, my mom's house is just nearby in Manila, but..." – His face looked a bit sad.

"But?" – I asked.

"She's mad at me."

I was shocked by what he said.

"Ha? Why?"

"Because my stepdad and I fought."

I went quiet. I wanted to ask more about what happened, but I didn't want to be too nosy.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's okay, but yeah... I miss her." – He said. "That's why I'm studying hard. I want to make sure one day I can make it up to her." – He added.

I sighed deeply and smiled at him.

"George, if you ever want someone to talk to, I'm here." – I said.

He smiled and nodded.

"So, does that mean you're alone right now?" – I asked.

"Yes, and I'm working now at the Alvarez company."

Oh my gosh?? Wow!

"Oh? Really?"

"Yeah, Sir Ravil hired me as his assistant, and actually, I was the one who suggested he not pay me for the job, so I can pay off my debt to them for all the help they've given me."

Wow, I'm so impressed by him! Huhu.

"Sir Ravil is really kind, huh?"

"Yeah, he's really kind. And even Ma'am Charlene, she's also really kind." – He said.

That made me remember something.

"That's strange though. I wonder where Raven got her attitude from." – I said. I just realized, where did Raven get that attitude? Tss, Sir Ravil is so kind.

"Sometimes, people's attitudes aren't inherited. Sometimes, it's their surroundings, or sometimes, their experiences."

"Ha? Like what in their surroundings?" – I asked.

He looked at Raven's group, and I followed his gaze. They were eating with their friends.

Our eyes met.

"For example, her friends, maybe bad influences?" – George said.

Aaaaaaahhh, that makes sense! He's got a point, Raven's friends are so arrogant.

"That's why." – I just said.

When I looked back at George, he was staring at me.

"Hmm?" – I asked.

I saw him swallow and quickly look away.

Gosh!

"Ahm... Garnett..."

"Why?" – I asked.

"C-Can you go out with me?"

I froze at what he said. He was being too fast.

"Ah... if you can't, that's fine." – He smiled.

I swallowed nervously and looked at my food.

"When?" – I asked without looking at him.

"Later? After dismissal."

I thought about it. After dismissal, Raven and I were supposed to get our report. But it won’t take long, right? Okay, sure! I looked at him.

"Okay." – I smiled.

He smiled back.

DISMISSAL!

While I was packing up my things...

"Yieeee, you were with the new guy earlier, huh?" – Elisha said.

"What's with the 'yieee'? I just met George yesterday at the charity event. And you've met him too, right?" – I said.

"I think he likes you." – Hazel said. I paused for a moment. I don't want to get my hopes up.

"I don't want to think that way, especially since I just met him." – I said.

I sighed deeply.

"Maybe it's just like what Raven did to me." – I said sadly.

"But I don't think George is like that. He’s really sweet with the way he looks at you. Ayiieeeee." – Elisha said.

"Tss, shut up." – I said.

"Hey, Sardoncillo!"

Raven walked up to us. Wow, she's really shouting "HEY"!

"Why?!" – I snapped.

"Hurry up! We need to get our report!" – She glared at me and left the classroom.

Tss, she’s something else! I looked at the others.

"Well? You go ahead, I might be late going home too." – I said.

"Alright, girl, take care." – Hazel said.

I nodded and left. When I looked at Raven, our eyes locked.

"Let's go." – I said and started walking ahead of her.

To my surprise, she walked next to me, and I looked at her for a moment.

"I want to say something." – She said.

"What?" – I asked without looking at her.

"You're ugly because you have glasses."

My eyes widened, and I looked at her.

"Ugly, huh?"

She started laughing a bit, and I glared at her. That’s annoying! George told me glasses suit me. Tss!

"Seriously ugly! So why are you wearing glasses?"

"What’s it to you?"

So annoying!

"You know, no one likes you because you’re ugly."

I stopped walking and faced her.

"You’re really annoying!" – I said.

"Oh, why are you mad? Because you're ugly?" – She laughed.

"I'm not ugly!" – I said.

"You’re ugly!"

"You’re uglier!"

She smirked.

"Really? Then why did you like me?"

I froze for a moment.

"H-Hit me now!"

"Really?" – I was shocked when she suddenly stepped closer to me.

She kept getting closer, and I kept backing away.

"T-True! I don’t like you anymore!"

I ended up backing into a wall. She blocked me with her arms.

"Really, really?"

[Play: 10,000 Hours by JB]

---

I couldn't speak anymore, his face was so close.

Do you love the rain? Does it make you dance

When you're drunk with your friends at a party?

What's your favorite song? Does it make you smile?

Do you think of me?

"What if..." - His gaze dropped to my lips, and I immediately closed them.

He looked into my eyes...

Slowly, his smirking smile faded.

"You know what..." - he whispered.

When you close your eyes

Tell me what are you dreaming?

Everything, I wanna know it all.

I swallowed.

DUGDUGDUG DUGDUGDUG DUGDUGDUG DUGDUGDUG

He gently placed his fingers on my lips...

"Y-You are my first kiss..."

I was shocked by what he said.

I'd spend 10,000 hours and 10,000 more

Oh, if that's what it takes to learn that sweet heart of yours

And I might never get there, but I'm gonna try

If it's 10,000 hours or the rest of my life

I'm gonna love you (Ooh)

LOADING...

LOADING...

LOADING...

Come on, Garnett!

I pushed him away.

"H-Hey, you can't fool me anymore, Raven!" - As soon as I said that, I ran up the stairs. Arrghhh! Garnett, you're blushing again! Huhuhu! But wait?? D-Did he mean what he said?

A-Are you my first kiss???

N-No... he's just playing with me! YES!!! That guy is just messing with me!

"You don't like me?" - He teased, I didn't even notice he was already behind me. Tss, I ignored him.

As we entered the faculty room, we saw Ma'am right away.

"Ma'am, we're here to get the report." - I said.

"Ah, yes, here. Marketing Business Behavior is your topic." - Ma'am said.

I took it.

"Okay, thank you, Ma'am." - I said.

"Sardoncillo, photocopy it first, then just return it to me." - She said.

"Okay, Ma'am."

As we went out, Raven snatched the book from me. I let him.

"It's very short." - He said.

"Ha?"

"Hakdog."

Tss, what a jerk!

"I mean, the report is really short, I can handle this." - He said, so full of himself.

"No way, what if I lose my grade?"

"No, I mean... I'll do it and we'll just report together."

I stared at him suddenly. Wow, is there some magic happening with him right now?

"Sure? You’ll do it?" - I asked.

"Yeah, I'll do it." - He smiled.

Whoooooaaaaa! I just saw that smile of his again!

"O-Okay." - I said.

"On one condition." - I was surprised by what he said.

Hays! He grabbed my wrist, and I stopped walking immediately.

"What now?" - I asked seriously.

"Don't stop." - He said, what?!

"What do you mean 'don't stop'?"

"You're so slow!" - He immediately got annoyed.

"Crazy! I don't even understand you!"

His brows met, staring at me.

"Garnett."

I immediately looked at him.

It was George.

He was almost at our place but stopped and looked at Raven. When I looked at Raven, his glare at George was intense. I shook my head and immediately let go of Raven's grip, walking towards George.

"George?" - I smiled.

"I've been waiting for you in the lobby."

I suddenly remembered he invited me out.

"O-Oh right, sorry, I kind of forgot. We just got the report."

"That's fine." - He smiled.

"So, what? Are you leaving?" - Raven asked.

I turned to him, and Raven walked up to us.

"Didn't you say you’d do the report?" - I asked.

"No, we’ll do the report together."

I was shocked by what he said.

"But you said---"

"I'll change my mind." - He said.

I sighed deeply. I looked at George, he was just giving me a slight smile. No, I can't just follow Raven’s wishes like this.

I looked at Raven.

"I'm going home first, we'll do the report later." - I said.

"What?!"

"The report is for next week, we still have plenty of time to do it." - I said.

He was speechless, looking at George. What’s this guy’s problem? Don't tell me he's jealous? JOKE! I know he doesn't like me! Tss.

"Fine, but at my house tonight."

My eyes widened at what he said.

"Huh?!"

"Yes, we’ll do it at my house tonight!" - After saying that, he turned and walked away, but turned back to face me.

"If you don’t come, you're dead." - He said and then left.

My goodness?! What happened to him?! Why is he so moody?!! When I looked at George, he was just staring at me seriously.

"A-Ah, sorry about that." - I said.

"It's fine, so, shall we go?" - He asked.

I nodded and smiled.

Since the park was nearby, we decided to walk. As we walked, I noticed how quiet he was.

I looked at him casually, he was staring off into the distance while holding his bag. Wearing a black polo shirt, simple and handsome. Hays!

BOGS

"Oh, Garnett??"

I grabbed my forehead, that really hurt. When I looked ahead, there was a big tree. Great, Garnett, you're so clumsy!

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." - No, it really hurts.

"Your forehead is turning red, let’s treat it."

"Huh? How?"

"Come on." - He held my hand.

I was a bit surprised and looked at our hands.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaa!!

We went to a store and he bought some ice. We sat down.

"Wait, here’s a towel." - He wrapped the ice in a towel and gently pressed it against my forehead.

He was smiling while doing this. Hays! Don’t do that, George, I’m so soft-hearted.

"Thank you." - I said.

"Why didn’t you see the tree? Now you bumped your head." - He laughed at me.

"Are you laughing at me?" - I pouted.

He looked at me.

"Not exactly."

"Tss, you’re laughing at me, stop pretending, George."

He laughed.

"You know, you're cute." - He said, and my face turned a bit hot. I just smiled.

"Does it still hurt?" - He asked.

"Not really." - I smiled.

He set the ice aside and then touched my forehead.

"Good thing you didn’t get a bump." - He said.

I laughed a little.

"It won’t get a bump, it's harder than a rock." - I said.

He laughed.

"Wait, do you want some?" - He pointed at the corn grilling near us.

"Yeah, is it free?" - I asked.

"You want it?"

I nodded and smiled.

"Let’s go." - He pulled me towards it.

"Do you eat this?" - He asked.

"Of course." - I smiled.

He smiled back.

"Ah, Manong, two please." - George said, then immediately took the two cooked ones from the side and handed one to me.

We added margarine and sugar.

Then we both took a bite of the corn.

"Hmm, this is delicious, right?" - I said.

"Yeah, the best grilled corn by Manong." - George proudly said.

"Ha, you're just flattering me, Jojo."

I looked at George.

"Jojo?" - I asked.

"Oh, yeah, it's my nickname." - He said.

I smiled and nodded.

"Thanks for treating me, Jojo." - I smiled.

He laughed.

"I'm not used to it, just call me George." - He laughed.

After eating the corn, we decided to hang out in the park. The fountain was now on since it was 6:30 pm.

"Ah, Garnett?"

I looked at him.

"H-Have you opened the box I gave you?"

"Actually, not yet, I’ll open it later when I get home." - I smiled.

He smiled and just nodded.

"What's inside the box?" - I asked.

"Secret." - He said.

"Hmp, I’ll see later anyway."

"Yeah, you'll see and read it later." - He said.

I was a bit surprised by what he said. Does that mean there’s a letter inside the box?

vibrate

I checked my phone; it was Elisha calling.

"Ah, George, I’ll just answer this." - I said.

"Okay."

"Hello, Elisha, what’s up?"

(Garnett, Raven is at our unit!)

My eyes widened.

"Huh? What is he doing there?"

(He said he won’t leave until you two finish the report tonight.)

I clicked my tongue.

(What should we do, Garnett? How about you just go home?)

He said we’ll do the report at his house, but now he's at the unit?

"Okay, okay." - I hung up the call.

"Is there a problem?" - George asked.

"Ah, George, I need to go home, there’s a problem at the unit."

"Is that so? I'll take you there."

"Okay."

---

When we arrived in front of the unit...

"Here, thanks for the ride."

"It's fine, thanks for your time." - he smiled.

"Alright, I’ll go inside." - I smiled and waved at him, then turned around.

"Ah, Garnett..."

I turned back to him.

"Hm?" - I asked.

"Think carefully about what's in the letter later when... you read it." - he said.

I smiled and nodded.

"Don't worry." - I said.

He smiled widely, I waved at him again and went inside.

Raven immediately confronted me when I entered.

He stood in front of me with crossed arms and furrowed brows.

"Tss?"

"What are you doing here?!"

"This." - he showed me a photocopy of our report.

"Are you sure we should do it tonight? It's already late, Mr. Alvarez." - I said.

He grinned.

"Because you’re late, Ms. Sardoncillo."

Oh?

"Why are you pushing for us to do it now? We could do it tomorrow."

"I want it now!"

Arrrghhhh, I'm getting frustrated.

"You guys are like a married couple when you argue." - Ami said.

"SHUT UP!!!" - both Raven and I said at the same time. Tss!

I swallowed hard and took a deep breath.

"Fine." - I said, then I went upstairs to pack up my things and change clothes.

"Madam? Don’t tell me World War 3 is about to start?" - Elisha asked.

"Crazy."

"Do you want me to call McArthur to be your defender?" - Hazel asked.

"Fine, I'll go down now so that idiot can go home." - I said, then I went downstairs again.

I saw him sitting on the sofa, his legs crossed.

"Feel at home?" - I asked.

I placed my notes on the table.

"Is there no food here? I'm hungry." - he said.

I gritted my teeth and looked at him.

"Is it my fault you're hungry?"

He frowned and stood up.

"You made me wait for so long, and this is how you treat me? How dare you?"

"Tss, how dare you too."

He sat down again.

"You’re my guest, so you should be ashamed. And when you're a guest, you should offer food. That’s good manners."

Arrgh, stop me! I might slap him!

I had no choice but to check the kitchen for food. Luckily, I found some tasty bread and hotdogs. I just made some juice, and as soon as I finished, I went out and placed all the food in front of him.

He was busy playing on his phone.

"ML again?" - I said.

"Excuse me? This isn’t ML."

I raised my eyebrows.

"Wow." - I said, then I sat down and checked the photocopy.

"Wow, hotdog." - he took one and ate it immediately.

I just shook my head.

I didn’t touch the photocopies yet, watching him eat first. He needed to finish eating before we did the report.

"Hey, aren’t you going to eat?" - he asked.

I just shook my head.

"Maybe you're full, right? You ate with George earlier, didn't you?"

"Tss, what's it to you?"

He stopped for a second but continued eating.

"Make it faster, we’ll be late." - I said.

He glared at me.

"Do you want me to dig out your eyes?" - I asked.

"If you dig out my eyes, then you won’t be able to see me?" - he grinned.

I thought, what the heck?! Seriously? Is he still teasing me?!

"Don’t act like you’re handsome."

He chuckled softly.

"Correction, Sardoncillo, I'm not acting. I really am handsome."

Suddenly, the wind blew stronger, literally because the window opened.

"Even the literal wind is blowing because of your charisma."

He smirked.

"Well, that’s how strong my charisma is. That’s why you like me, right?"

I raised an eyebrow.

"Excuse me? FYI, not anymore. I like someone else now."

(RAVEN POV)

"Excuse me? FYI, not anymore. I like someone else now."

The smile disappeared from my face. I swallowed and still smirked at her.

"Ah, I guess... that George, the cheesy one? Is he the one you like?" - I asked.

She hesitated and seemed unsure of how to respond.

Tss, this is annoying!

"Y-Yes, he is. And I think..." - she said.

I became serious and didn’t speak. I don’t know... I feel bad, my mood suddenly changed. I grabbed the photocopy and read it, then I tore a page and handed her the half.

"Wait, why did you tear it?" - she asked.

"I need to go. I tore it so you can do your part." - I said, then stood up and grabbed my things.

(GARNETT POV)

She stood up and grabbed her things abruptly. I was shocked by what happened, so I stood up too.

"Wait, are you leaving?" - I asked.

"Yeah." - she answered briefly, then left quickly. I followed her.

She walked so fast, wait? Doesn’t she have a car? Why is she walking?

"Wait, Raven!"

She stopped and turned to me. I ran up to her. She stared at me seriously, I felt guilty for being rude earlier. But hays, I can’t resist her.

"Do you have something to say? I need to go." - she said seriously. That’s the attitude I thought she really had, but it’s not.

"Ahm... I’m s-sorry." - I said.

She furrowed her brow.

"I mean, sorry for making you wait earlier, sorry because I didn’t know you were at the house, and we agreed to do it there." - I explained.

"You don’t need to explain. I know that."

I took a deep breath.

"Alright, I have to go." - she said, then left.

I felt like a wilted vegetable. Why is this happening? I used to like this attitude, this behavior... that’s why I liked her. But now, I’m not used to it. I think I prefer the breezy Raven rather than the cold Raven. Hays!

---

THE NEXT DAY

(HAZEL POV)

While we were waiting for our professor, the three of us noticed Garnett was sulking.

"What’s with that face, Garnett? So early in the morning." - Ami asked.

"Hays, I can’t open the box that George gave me." - she said sadly.

"How can you not open it? It looks so easy to open." - I said.

"I mean I can’t open it because... I’m nervous."

"Why are you nervous?" - Elisha asked.

"Yeah, why?" - I asked.

She sighed deeply. Just then, the Star Prince group entered.

Jerome and I locked eyes, and I quickly looked away. Tsk! I’m still embarrassed about what happened the other day. Huhu!

FLASHBACK!

When we exited the classroom...

"You know what? You guys are really troublemakers, huh?" - he said.

"Not troublemakers, we’re the Freaks group." - I replied.

"Whatever." - he rolled his eyes.

"This gay one." - I muttered quietly.

But he suddenly turned to me.

"What?" - he asked seriously.

"W-Well... I said... what? Yeah, what? The coffee I drank earlier was so bad." - I said, just making excuses.

He rolled his eyes again and sat in the corner. I closed my lips and sighed deeply.

I took out a small ball from my pocket, just for fun. I bounced it and then glanced at Jerome. Tss, he looked so serious. How unlucky we are, the Freaks group, we have crushes on guys who don’t know how to return the feelings.

I dropped the jackstone, and it bounced. I chased after it... until it landed on...

I grabbed the jackstone quickly, but...

I stared at him, my eyes wide.

He stared back at me.

WHAT THE FVCK???!!!

MY JACKSTONE IS IN HIS...!!

I quickly grabbed the jackstone and stepped away from him.

"W-What are you doing?!" - he stood up.

"S-Sorry!" - I ran away.

Huwaaaaaaaaa!! Sorry Jerome, I didn’t touch your bird! It just brushed my hand! Huhuhuhu!! So embarrassing, Hazel!

OFF FLASHBACK!

(GARNETT POV)

"You’re the one who froze up, Hazel?" - Ami asked.

I looked at Hazel.

"Hays." - she just said.

I sighed deeply and looked at the box in my hands, staring at it for a long time.

"Just open it." - Elisha said.

"Yeah, open it already, hurry." - Ami said.

I looked at them and then suddenly saw Raven, still busy on his phone.

I don’t know why...

Hays!

Why do I still feel sorry for that guy?! He lied to me! I looked at the box and immediately opened it.

Inside was a silver necklace shaped like a moon... so beautiful.

"Wow, it’s beautiful, Garnett." - Elisha said excitedly.

"Hey, there’s a letter." - Hazel said.

I looked at the box again, and there was a piece of paper. I grabbed it and unfolded it, looking at the three of them.

"Oh? Stop being nosy." - I said.

"Tss, alright."

I started reading the letter.

Dear Garnett...

I know everything happened so quickly since we met, but do you know? I’ve been watching you for a long time without you knowing.

I know everything you’ve been through in this school, but did you know you impressed me? Even though many people didn’t like you back then, you remained the brave and happy woman I met.

I don’t know how to begin expressing my feelings for you, but I can’t hold it in anymore... I can’t keep from telling you that I like you.

A necklace, a necklace comes with this letter... I’ll wait for you to wear this necklace because once you wear it, I hope you’ll accept me into your life.

I like you, Garnett... I’m willing to wait for your answer at any time, but I hope... I hope that when I see you, you’ll be wearing the necklace I gave you.

‘George’

I slowly put down the paper in my hands, feeling tears forming. I don’t know why, but I felt a little teary-eyed. I’ve never received something like this in my life... no one has ever said such things to me before.

I looked at the necklace...

Should I wear this necklace?

If I wear it, it means I’m allowing him to court me. I’m letting him into my life. I closed my eyes, hoping for a sign from the Lord. Should I wear it or not? Please!

"Hey, Sardoncillo!"

I snapped my eyes open.

I froze. Raven... he was walking slowly toward me like it was in slow motion.

W-Wait???

L-Lord... what sign is this?

To be continued...