He held her firmly by the waist, and she gripped his collar tightly to steady herself, her eyes still closed from the shock. She hadn't realized who had saved her everything had happened so fast when the ball hit her. In that moment, she had felt weightless, suspended, like a frightened little kitten.
Roby looked down at her, a soft, boxy smile tugging at his lips. "Hey… open your eyes. Look at me," he whispered, his warm breath brushing against her ear.
The sound of his voice sent shivers racing down her spine. Slowly, hesitantly, she opened her eyes and froze. He was right there, only inches away, gazing at her with an intensity that made her heart stutter. Butterflies erupted in her stomach, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to shrink around them.
He looks even more handsome when he smiles… Ana thought, completely lost in the moment. The closeness, the way his strong arms held her… it was intoxicating. She could hear the rapid thrum of his heartbeat, and suddenly, she realized her own was mirroring his, skipping and racing like a wild rhythm.
For a few suspended seconds, they just looked at each other, shy, confused, and inexplicably drawn together. Every glance carried a magnetic pull, every breath felt shared.
"Hey, I'm sorry," a boy's voice broke the moment, bringing them back to reality. Roby released her gently, letting her step back. "It's okay. Just… be careful next time," she said, composing herself.
The boy walked away, and Ana's cheeks burned with a combination of embarrassment and exhilaration. She looked at Roby again, catching his gaze this time cool and unreadable but something flickered in his eyes. Summoning a little courage, she whispered, "I… I'm sorry, and thank you for helping me," before quickly moving away, heart still fluttering uncontrollably.
Roby remained frozen for a heartbeat, processing the intensity of what had just happened. Oh come on, Roby… it's just an accident. Don't act like this, he scolded himself quietly.
Just then, a boy approached him. "Roby, Mr. Chang wants to see you in his office."
"Okay," he said, following the boy.
Knocking lightly, he entered. "Come in," Mr. Chang said. Ana was already there, sitting quietly. Roby bowed respectfully and asked why he had been summoned.
"As you know, our college will hold the annual seminar in two months. Our students always make us proud, and I have the authority to select the representatives. Based on recommendations from your teachers…" Mr. Chang's gaze flicked to Roby and Ana, "…I have selected you two."
Roby and Ana exchanged confused glances.
"Roby, Jennifer, Zen, and Miss Ana you are the chosen group. I hope there are no objections," Mr. Chang said, adjusting his glasses. Ana thought, Why me? I'm not even that studious… but okay, I'll stick with Jennifer.
Both Roby and Ana nodded, assuring Mr. Chang they would inform their partners. Meeting concluded, they left.
On his way home, Roby stopped at a store, picking up snacks for Zen before heading to his place. Zen opened the door immediately, as if he'd been waiting. Roby handed him the bag and inquired about his health. Zen assured him he was fine, even insisting Roby stay for dinner.
"Sit. I have something to tell you," Roby said, leading Zen to sit beside him on the bed.
"What is it?" Zen asked, curious.
"Today, Mr. Chang called me. He wants us to participate in the annual seminar as college representatives, and I'm here to let you know," Roby said, his gaze steady.
Zen hesitated. "I… I don't know. I haven't even completed my syllabus yet. I don't think it's a good idea for me."
Roby smiled and patted his shoulder. "He chose you based on your previous reports, Zen. You're brilliant, and I want you to join too."
Zen's eyes widened. "Who are the others?" he asked hesitantly, trying to mask curiosity.
Roby smirked knowingly. "Two girls, two boys. And yes… Jennifer Samuel and Ana are your partners."
Zen blinked. "Jennifer… and Ana? Oh." A faint blush rose on his cheeks as he recalled the incident with Ana yesterday. Roby noticed but didn't comment, only chuckling at his subtle shyness.
Meanwhile, back at home, Jennifer was absorbed in her book. Ana burst through the door, practically vibrating with excitement. "Jennie! I'm home!"
Jennifer looked up, amused. "Ana… you do realize I was sick, right?"
Ana barely contained her grin. "I know, I know but you won't believe what happened today! I was in Roby's arms!" She immediately began blushing, realizing what she had just confessed.
Jennifer raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Oh… you mean in his arms?"
"Yes! I fell because a ball hit me, not because I planned it!" Ana stammered, her face burning red.
Jennifer teased mercilessly. "So you finally got a taste of Mr. Perfect, huh? Shame I missed it."
Ana shoved her playfully. "Stop it, or I'll—"
Jennifer laughed and then shared the news about the seminar and group project. Ana's eyes widened. "Wait… we're working with Zen and Roby? Are you serious?!"
Jennifer smirked knowingly. "Yep. And Ana… guess who your project partner is going to be for the next two months? Lucky you." She winked and immediately leapt from the bed, knowing Ana would chase her in playful retaliation.