1 Chapter 1: I Like You

"Val, do you want to go with us to the field? I heard the boys are going to have a game today!" My friend Stella said to me enthusiastically. I looked at her while giving my sandwich a last bite.

"Nah"

I acted as if I was not interested, but the truth is I was very excited and eager to see him play. I love his serious look when playing basketball. I love his cheeky smile every time he shoots the ball-

"Hey! Earth to Valerie!" Stella waved her hands in front of me. "Why do you always do that?" She asked. I didn't answer her question and just opened the bottle of water and passed it to her. "You've been talking a lot. Drink some water." I smiled at her.

She crinkled her nose and eyebrows "It's because you're not talking to me. You keep on giving me those short cold answers." She started to wipe her non-existent tears. "It feels like you're not invested in this friendship anymore." She turn around and acted like she's crying.

I moved closer to her and gave her a back hug. "Awww... you're so good at acting, why don't you become an actress?" I put my chin on her shoulder. "Duh! That's why I'm the president of the drama club." I just rolled my eyes at her answer. "And don't keep on hugging me, more students would think that we're together. Ughh... I would never get a boyfriend because of you."

"Why get a boyfriend, if you have me?" I said and winked at her. We both laugh at each other.

"STELLA!!! THE GAME IS STARTING!!" One of our classmates called Stella, interrupting our giggles. "Wait for me!" Stella shouted. She looked back at me "Are you really sure you're not going with us?" She asked, as if I would regret it if I don't go. "Really, I'm fine. Just go, there might be no seat left for you." I said smiling at her.

She gave me one last 'You'll regret it' look before joining our other classmates.

After I've made sure she's out of my sight, I rushed inside our building and to the 4th floor where our classroom is located.

'Woohh... Holy Shit! I can't believe I ran that far and I even got just in time.' I sat on my seat beside the window and saw the whole basketball court from here.

and this is the reason why I didn't went with Stella to the court, why would I go there If I have a spot all for myself where I can see everything. No noisy crowd and safe from the ball flying to my face.

'I can see him from up here. he's so happy.' I rested my face in my palm ang observed the game. My eyes are focused on the guy with the jersey number 10, Ezekiel Reyes or also known as Zeke. He's not that smart but he's good looks and cute smile makes up for it.

Don't judge me that's not the only reason why I like him. In the 4 years of liking him, I know for sure Zeke is a kind and loving person. I don't know why he keeps up with his bad boy image, but I know for sure that's just a facade.

I saw him one time feeding the stray animals at the back of the school. I also saw him helping an old lady walk on the street.

A lot of rumors run around about how he dated countless women and broke all of their hearts and how he always goes out and party. A lot of red flags right there but the jokes on them I like the color red and those are just base less rumors, I don't believe in rumors until I see it for myself.

Stella doesn't know I like him. I didn't told her. I wanted my feelings for him to be my little secret. I wanted it to grow secretly, even though it's just one-sided. I find it exciting and fun and I know Stella. She's really into gossips, she would not stop until she squeezes every. bit . of. information. about why, how and when did I like him.

My thoughts were interrupted when something made a sound at my back. I turn around to see what or who made that sound. 'I hope no one saw me smiling like a fool'.

A sound escaped from my mouth when I saw who's entering the classroom. "Hiro" I called. He looked at me and raised his brows. "Hm?" He answered back. So this is how Stella feels when I give her short answer. I should really treat Stella better.

"Why are you not in the game?" I asked him and looked back at the window. I can hear him getting nearer to me. "I just need to get something in my bag" He answered. I can hear him rummaging something beside me.

Hiro Ohashi, He's my seatmate. He's also in the basketball team. Like Zeke, he's also popular. I turned back at him and saw his serious face looking for something in his bag. 6 footer, nice build for his age, smart and rich. Yeah... I know the every description of the perfect guys in novels. Unlike Zeke, he always have a serious face and a distant tone when talking. I bet girls like him because of his good looks, cold attitude and smart image, what other reason would there be?

Why am I so sure? Well... he's the guy that Stella likes. He's on the top of the list of the countless guys(real and fictional) that Stella likes. I can't really see the reason why he is number one, but yeah... My taste and Stella's doesn't really match sometimes.

He suddenly look back at me and I was caught of guard. I immediately turned my face back to the window. "You have a very nice view here." He said. "Yah" I unconsciously answered him, still embarassed.

"Chocolate?" A hand appeared with a chocolate bar in my peripheral vision. I followed the hands and my eyes landed on Hiro's face. He raised his eyebrows and waved the chocolate bar in front of my face. "I found that on my bag." He said still holding out the chocolate to me. "I ate lots of it this morning, so you can have this."

I accepted the chocolate. Who would not want some free chocolates?

Before I could say thank you, Hiro already turned his back at me and went straight to the door. 'I guess he really is in a rush'

I looked at the chocolate and opened it. I finished it in 5 bites while watching the game. I stood up and was ready to throw the wrapper when I saw the words printed on the back of the wrapper. The words I don't often get.

"I Like You"