The party was still going strong downstairs—laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses filling the air—but Fernando had stepped away, seeking quiet. He stood alone at the rooftop's edge, hands in his pockets, jaw tight. The cool breeze did nothing to cool the fire building in his chest. Victoria's voice echoed in his head—laughing, bragging about her "thing" with the coach. How excited she sounded. How carefree.
She hadn't even looked at him the way he looked at her. She never really did.
Cherry stepped onto the rooftop moments later. She spotted him instantly and hesitated. She knew that look—he was somewhere between angry and completely numb. But this was the moment she had waited for. No more running from her feelings. She walked over quietly.
"I figured I'd find you up here." cherry said but Fernando didn't turn.
"You followed me?" he asked
"Yeah. I guess I've been doing that a lot lately." she said
He gave a humorless huff, still staring out into the city.
"Did you hear her? Victoria. Going on about her night with that guy" he said and Cherry was surprised he heard
"I did." she said softly
"She never even cared. I was stupid to think—" he said flatly
He shook his head
"Forget it."he said
Cherry stepped closer.
"You weren't stupid, Fernando. You just... loved someone who couldn't see you."she said and he turned then, eyes tired.
"And what do you see, Cherry?" he asked
She swallowed hard, nerves in her throat.
"You. I see you, Fern. I always have. You just never looked back." He stared at her, stunned.
"I know you've been in love with Victoria. I know it's always been her. But I... I've always been here. Right here. And I didn't say anything because I didn't want to ruin us. But I can't be your friend if it means watching you get hurt by her again and again while I pretend I don't feel anything." she rushed, her heart pounding as they was struggle.
He looked away, struggling, the pain of Victoria's rejection fresh—but Cherry's words cut through in a different way. Honest. Warm. Real.
"She doesn't see me. Not like you do." Fernando said quietly
and Cherry nodded, eyes misting
"I do. And I want more than just late-night hangouts and friendly texts. I want more with you." she said
Something in Fernando cracked—maybe it was the humiliation of Victoria, or maybe it was the truth in Cherry's eyes. He stepped forward, gently brushing a hand across her cheek.
"Do you really want me, Cherry? Even the messy, angry part of me?" He said
"Especially that part." she said smiling slightly and he laughed under his breath, soft and almost surprised. Then, without another word, he leaned in—slow but certain—and kissed her.
It wasn't polished. It wasn't perfect. But it was real.
When they finally pulled apart, Cherry looked up at him, searching
"So… what now?" cherry asked
"Now?" he exhaled
"I stop chasing ghosts. And maybe start seeing what's right in front of me."
They stood there, hearts still racing, the city lights glowing around them—and for once, neither was looking anywhere else but each other.
It's past midnight. The neon sign of "Baker's Grab-a-Bite" hums softly, casting a warm glow on the near-empty diner. Inside, Douglas is sitting at a corner booth with a milkshake and fries when Cyma walks in, hoodie up, still in her party clothes, hair slightly tousled.
"Douglas? What are you still doing here?" Cyma asked spotting him
"Cyma? You too? Guess neither of us sleeps." Douglas said glancing up, surprised but smiling
"I was craving something sweet. But what about you? The store closed hours ago." Cyma said dropping into the seat across from him
"I had to help clean up. I ditched for a while… had dinner with Tiffany." Douglas said grabbing a fry
"Wait—Tiffany? As in rich-girl-who-doesn't-blink-at-a-$400-dress Tiffany?" Cyma asked raising a brow
"Yeah, that Tiffany." He said chuckling
"You're into her?"Cyma asked leaning forward
"I don't know… maybe. She's cool. Chill. Not like I expected." Douglas said half shrugging
"Douglas? Crushing? I thought you were allergic to emotions."Cyma mocked gasping
"Don't make it weird." He grinned and she smiled
"Okay, okay. But hey—if you like her, don't overthink it. Don't let your pride get in the way. Tiffany seems like someone who knows what she wants." she said
"That's the problem. She knows exactly what she wants. And I'm not sure I'm on the list." he said
"Well, how will you know if you don't try? I mean, you should tell her" she said
"Oh boy, here we go." Douglas said raising a brow and she laughs then softens
"Morris kissed me." She said
"Wait—what?" Douglas said frowning
"Outside the party. I stopped it. Told him I had a boyfriend." Cyma said
"Did you tell Tyler?" Douglas sits back
"Not yet." cyma said quietly
"Cyma… don't do this again. If you're not into Tyler anymore, just tell him. Don't cheat." Douglas said firmly
"I know. You're right. I just—I don't even know what I feel towards Tyler, I just feel like we aren't like we use to be before I left. He's more good looking and all but I am trying to find out spark" cyma said nodding slowly
"Then figure it out. But don't hurt him in the process." Douglas said
Cyma nods silently, stirring her milkshake with the straw.
"Call her." Cyma said after a sip
"What?" he asked confused
"Tiffany. Call her. Say hi. You don't need a speech."Cyma gesturing to his phone
"You sure you're not secretly a therapist?" Douglas half laughs
"Only for emotionally constipated friends." she said grinning
Douglas pulls out his phone and hesitates a moment. Then he dials.
Tiffany, in bed in her huge room, screen glowing. Her phone rings. She picks up.
"Douglas?" Tiffany asked softly surprised
"Hey. Sorry it's late. I just… I didn't really know what to say earlier." Douglas said nervously
"Then let me say it for you." She said playfully
"Huh?" he asked
"Be my boyfriend." She said
"What?" He asked startled
"You like me, I like you. So be my boyfriend. Or else I'll have to ask again and that might get awkward." Tiffany said laughing softly
"Alright. I'll be your boyfriend." he said grinning glancing at cyma who's eavesdropping over her shake
"Good. I hate waiting." she smiled
They both laugh. Call ends. Douglas leans back, stunned and smiling.
"Look at you, taken and everything." Cyma smirked
"Life's weird." Douglas said shaking his head still grinning
"To weird. And late-night confessions." cyma said raising her glass
They clink their drinks and sit quietly in the booth, a little less lost than before.
" Wait a minute, you knew the store was closed but you came in?" He asked randomly
" Oh, I do that all the time" she said blowing her cover
" How did you get in?" He asked
" Well" she said rubbing the back of her head
" Give me the extra key you stole for me" he said
" C'mon, I need something sweet at night"she said
" You don't leave the place messy so, I can leave you for now" he said
The moment Kiara and Peter stepped into the school courtyard, hands entwined and faces glowing with that unmistakable "new couple" shine, it was like a wave swept through every corner of the campus.
Whispers turned into murmurs, murmurs turned into outright chatter, and soon the whole school seemed to be buzzing with one question:
"Did you see Kiara and Peter? They're official!"
Word had spread fast. Michael and Angela's surprise pairing was the talk of the art block, Cherry with Fernando was the expected match everyone kind of predicted and Jason and Nancy? That match had everyone's jaws dropping. But none of them came close to the wildfire that was Peter and Kiara.
But Kiara and Peter — now that was topping the charts. Students stared as they walked by, some with wide eyes, others shaking their heads in disbelief.
Across the crowded halls, the chatter was electric
"Did you see that?"
"They're holding hands!"
"OMG, Peter and Kiara??"
"is that Peter and Kiara? They're official now!" a group of girls gushed.
"Yeah, and they look so good together, like they were made for each other," a boy added, nudging his friend.
"Oh wow, they look so good together. How did this even happen?" whispered one girl.
"I heard Peter actually took Kiara back home after the party. That's so sweet!" whispered another.
"No wonder he complimented her that day."
"Someone said he they saw both of them in the shop, he bought a new dress for her"
"Now that's boyfriend material."
Phones clicked. Social media feeds exploded. "#Kiater" trended locally on the school platform, knocking even Jason and Nancy's unexpected PDA from the top slot. Michael and Angela turning up together was a surprise. Cherry and Fernando? Expected. But Kiara and Peter? That was the plot twist no one had drafted.
Across the hall, groups split into factions — some rooting for the new power couple, others already picking apart every little detail. In every cluster of students, the names were the same — Michael and Angela, Cherry and Fernando, Jason and Nancy. But topping the charts, sparking the hottest gossip, was undeniably Peter and Kiara.
The whispers were loaded with awe and envy: How did they get together so fast? Why didn't we see this coming? Peter's always been the rich playboy type...
Even the teachers seemed to notice. The hallways were buzzing, and no one was safe from the wave of gossip that Peter and Kiara had unleashed.
Later, Jenna, who had been trailing nearby, suddenly pushed through the crowd and approached Peter, but Kiara smoothly stepped in folding her arms casually as if she'd been waiting.
"I need to speak to Peter," Jenna demanded.
Kiara's eyes narrowed just slightly but she kept her cool. "Tell me everything you need to say. I'll answer for him." Kiara replied, cool and u bothered
Jenna glanced at Peter, expecting him to intervene, to take charge but he just stood silently, watching the exchange
"Peter?" she prompted but Peter smiled
Him seeing Kiara being possessive was kinda cute.
You heard my girl," he said, voice even, standing firmly beside Kiara.
Kiara's own lips curved into a satisfied, her smile was soft but confident.
"It's urgent," Jenna insisted as her voice dropped a notch and Kiara's gaze sharpened.
"If this is about Vinny, I already know." Kiara said and Jenna's face twisted.
"You told her?" she turned to Peter in disbelief
"We don't keep anything from each other," Kiara said easily before he could respond.
"Oh really? You and Kelvin too?" Jenna fired back, smirking.
"I know about that too," Peter replied flatly, unfazed and Jenna's face twisted in frustration
and she scoffed.
"Look," Kiara softened slightly
"I'll help you with Vinny." she added
"I don't need your help," Jenna shot back Coldly
"Do you want Vinny or not?" Kiara asked pointedly
That stung. Jenna's shoulders dropped as her tough façade cracked and she sighed, defeated.
"I do… but I don't think I have a chance anymore." she said
"Trust me, you do. And I'll help you with that," Kiara said, genuine.
Jenna hesitated and her voice broke a bit.
"Not after Elena kissed him right in front of me. He just stood there… like it meant nothing." she said
"Wait—Elena did what?" Kiara's jaw dropped and her eyes widened
"Why would she do that? She's with Leo." Peter frowned as he finally chimed in
"I don't know. I didn't want to care," Jenna shrugged
"But I do. And now I need to know if there's something between them." Jenna whispered, her voice faltering
"No way," Kiara cut her off sharply shaking her head
"Vinny's not like that, he wouldn't do that to his homeboy. He'd never betray Leo, not for anyone." she added
The bell rang sharply, slicing through the tension like a knife
We're not done talking," Jenna said then she turned before leaving
"You two don't fit — giving off king and queen vibes… eww." she sneered as she left
"I'll take that as a compliment." Kiara laughed softly
Once she was gone, Kiara turned to Peter. "Why do I feel like she meant the opposite?" Kiara asked
"Because she did," Peter said, chuckling.
"She's sweet in her own way, Just… not soft." he added
"Oh, she's sweet, and I'm what?" Kiara said pouting, pretending to be jealous
"You're lovely," he said, planting a kiss to her forehead and she smiled
"And you're… I don't know," she teased.
"Not even one compliment?"
"I didn't force you to date a girl like me. You asked for this chaos." she said
" And I like the chaos, infact I'm in love with it" he winked
" Cringe" she said and they laughed
He laughed as they rounded the corner—right into Jason and Nancy, walking arm in arm.
"Looks like he finally did it," Kiara smirked
"Wait, you knew?" Peter raised an eyebrow looking surprised
"Of course. I know everything," she said smugly. "The spying, the stalking, even the fight." she added
"The fight?" Peter frowned
"Yeah. With Leon. He was badly beaten, playing Superman with someone doomsday... Hilarious. How did you think he got that black eye?"
"He told me he fell." he said frowning and Kiara gave him a stern look.
"You believed that?" she asked flatly.
"He lied to me…"
"Are you surprised?" she asked, browed raised
"How do you know and I don't?"
"is that jealousy speaking?" she teased
"Jealousy? No way. Jason's my best friend. You're like his little sister."
"Just like Jenna's his sister, but she tells you everything," Kiara smirked.
Jason walked up to them after kissing Nancy goodbye.
"What's going on here? You two actually talking?" he asked, clearly baffled.
"Hey Jason, how's your eye?" Kiara teased.
"Funny," Jason muttered.
"I bet you'll get another black eye before the end of today," Kiara warned.
"You fought?" Peter asked.
" You told him?" Jason groaned and Kiara grinned
"Alright, I gotta run," Kiara said, and Peter stole a quick kiss before she disappeared down the hallway to find cyma and Jason stared at Peter bewildered
"Okay. What the hell just happened?" Jason asked
"What?"
"You just kissed her!"
"She's my girlfriend now."
"Wait—what?"
"Yeah, we're official."
"Were you ever unofficial?!"
"I told you about her."
Jason blinked slowly. "She was the girl you were talking about this whole time…"
"Yeah."
"Oh my god, I've made a huge mistake." Jason's eyes widened.
"What?" Peter asked
"Nothing." Jason lied
" I told her about Cynthia. I even said Peter might like her because she acted like Cynthia. I'm such a fool" Jason thought
"You good?" Peter asked bringing Jason back to reality
"Yeah," Jason said still not looking convinced
As they entered the classroom, Jason asked one last question.
"Isn't she your cousin?" Jason asked
"Distant cousin," Peter corrected.
"And staying in the same house?"
"It's an advantage."
"Your mom finds out…"
"She won't."
"She'll flip."
" I don't think she would, she likes Kiara"
" Your cousin"
" Whatever. We'll cross that bridge when it burns, but that won't make me forget you fought and didn't tell me" Peter said.
" I didn't tell her either, she just happens to be in all my embarrassing moments. Besides if I've told you, you would have complained and gotten angry "
" Of course I would, why would you engage in a fight again?"
" He was maltreating her I just had to step in"
" Oh lucky you, she rushed to the superman side"
" It didn't happen like that, she yelled at me for hitting her boyfriend"
" Cause you deserved it, you fought and the next thing you do is lie?"
" You bought it though"
" I'm being serious Jason, we don't want what happened last time to repeat itself"
" It won't, relax"
" You killed someone" Jason whispered
" He fell off the cliff, I didn't push him"
" You were both fighting"
" Okay, can we not bring this up. Besides we don't even know who the person was and he was a long time ago... We were kids. Our parents handled it and it's not our fault. He was trying to attack you, I had to step in" Jason said but Peter wast buying it
" C'mon, cheer up. We both got the girls we've been chasing. First time we chased something and got it" Jason added
" Second time actually, Cynthia and Victoria" Peter said
" Oh yeah" Jason said
" Let's celebrate, we haven't lost our charm" Jason said