Saint Eagles Junior High School - September 21, 2019.
It was just another regular day. The sun was shining bright, kids were heading to school, and animals wandered along the paths. Atlas, a 12-year-old high school student, was getting ready for the day, putting on his uniform, slipping on his shoes and grabbing a quick meal before heading out.
Atlas was talented and loved sports, but he hadn't decided which one to focus on. His first choice was basketball. It matched his aggressive style and was popular at his school. Still, he didn't rush the decision, and he knew he had time to figure it out.
Atlas walked to school since it was nearby, not too far, but not exactly close either. On the way, he passed a small sari-sari store and grabbed a few snacks and a drink. As he kept walking, he noticed someone wearing a sports jersey. He couldn't tell which sport it was from, so he decided to walk over and ask.
"Hey! What's up?" Atlas called out. The person looked confused but answered.
"Uh… hey?" he said, clearly unsure and a little anxious.
Atlas smiled and asked, "Oh, I was just wondering, what sport do you play?"
"I…- I play volleyball. Why?" the person replied, still sounding nervous.
Atlas was surprised. He had never met anyone who played volleyball before.
Excited, he leaned in and asked, "Whoa, really? What club are you from? I don't see many volleyball players around here."
"Well… I just play in a club.. it's called the Warriors of Christ." the person said.
"Woah, that's an amazing club name.." Atlas exclaimed, he checked on his watch and was in a hurry going to school. "Crap! I'll uh- S-see you next time I guess!" He then sprints off.
Atlas loves trying new things. Whether it's a sport he's never played or a random school activity, he jumps in with a grin and gives it a go. He's surprisingly good at picking things up quickly, especially sports. But he never takes it too seriously. Atlas's the kind of student who just wants to enjoy life. He's carefree, easygoing, and doesn't see anything wrong with keeping things light.
After a short run, Atlas finally reaches school. He heads straight to his classroom and stays there for the next few hours, quietly going through the day. Atlas isn't part of any clubs, so he doesn't have much to do outside of class. He mostly keeps to himself, drifting through school without getting too involved.
A few hours later, Atlas was joking around with his friend Miguel. Miguel teased him, saying someone at school had a crush on him. Atlas just laughed it off as he didn't believe it. He never saw himself as attractive. But then, the classroom door opened.
A student stepped in, and everything seemed to shift. She was stunning. It felt like the sun had poured into the room, lighting up the windows and changing the air around them. Atlas froze. For a moment, the world felt different
Her name was Amber. She was the kind of student who turned heads the moment she walked in. Her long hair flowed behind her like something out of a movie, catching the light with every step. Her eyes seemed to glow, leaving everyone around her quietly stunned.
She moved with quiet grace, her presence radiant and calm. Even the air felt different, her scent lingered softly, like something warm and familiar.
Amber walked in with perfect manners, calm and confident, and made her way to the teacher's desk.
She handed in her homework, turned around, and gave Atlas a gentle smile before leaving the classroom. The room fell silent. Everyone was stunned by her beauty. Atlas didn't know what was happening, his heart was racing. He'd never felt anything like this before.
"She's.. so beautiful.. who was that?"
"A-Amazing.. her hair.. It was so smooth! Did you see that bro!?"
The class kept talking about Amber, even the teacher joined in and told us about her.
"You saw her right? That is the person that's interested in you," Miguel exclaimed, he gently hit Atlas's shoulder and chuckled, "She's pretty, ain't she?"
Atlas's jaw dropped to the floor, how come someone so wonderful has interest in him? He had no words. His heart was still racing, and his mind couldn't settle.
After a while, class finally ended and they headed outside. Miguel invites Atlas to go play in the park and just hang out. Atlas had nothing planned so he decided to go with him.
They walked together and bought some ice cream along the way, before they stumbled across Amber from earlier at the park, just sitting down alone. She was looking at the sky, headphones in, legs crossed, a soft breeze brushing her hair.
Miguel froze for a second, then leaned in. "Bro.. this is your chance."
Atlas hesitated, gripping his ice cream tighter. "I-I don't know.. what do I even say?"
Miguel smirked, "Just be you. That's more than enough."
Atlas whispers, "Miguel.. was this your plan..?" Miguel glanced at Atlas and looked like he didn't know either. Anyhow, Miguel dragged Atlas to the bench, asked the student's permission to sit down, and so they did. It was awkward. Atlas was in the middle. He and Miguel started talking in eye contact language.
Atlas: WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?
Miguel: BRO TALK TO HER BRO.
Atlas: WHAT?? WHY??
Miguel: THIS YOUR CHANCE
Atlas: I HAVE SOCIAL ANXIETY
Miguel: WHAT???
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