Her Hidden Secrets

AMARA’S POV

“Starting now, I’ll protect you. I won’t ever leave you, Amara...”

Those words kept replaying in my mind. I smiled faintly, remembering the day my life was in danger — the same day my friendship with Sebastian and Kolin began.

Thinking about everything that happened, I still don’t know how I managed to overcome it all. For a while, I developed a phobia and became wary of people, especially when it came to making new friends. But because of Sebastian and Kolin, I gradually recovered. I found myself again and started anew.

Maybe I’m just bored right now. I’ve finished all my assignments, so my mind keeps wandering.

Then, I felt someone tug at my shirt. I looked up, startled, and saw Jazz standing beside me, holding something out with a puzzled look.

“Stop daydreaming, Amara,” he said.

I raised an eyebrow at him as he handed me a bottle of water, which I didn’t take right away.

“Here, it’s for you,” he added, probably noticing my confused expression.

“Huh? Who’s it from?” I asked curiously.

“Who else? It’s from your hot and handsome boyfriend,” he said teasingly, biting his lip.

I winced at his words. Boyfriend? I don’t even have one . What is this guy talking about?

I wasn’t sure if I heard him right because of the noise around us, but I didn’t want to ask him to repeat it. I might draw attention, and gossip spreads fast around here. I pouted and leaned closer to him.

“The last time I checked, I don’t have a boyfriend,” I said, rolling my eyes.

“What about your Sebastian, then? Hmm?” he teased, waving his hand in front of my face unnecessarily.

I froze at his words. I didn’t know why, but my heart suddenly pounded faster when I heard that name.

“Seb?” I whispered, almost inaudibly.

“Yeah! There he is!” Jazz pointed outside.

I followed his gaze — and there he was. Seb’s serious eyes softened into a smile when he saw me. I raised my hand in greeting, and he arched a brow before smiling back.

I gestured for him to wait, and he nodded. Then, I suddenly remembered my phone — the message I had ignored earlier.

From: Seb

“I’m heading to your room.”

So that’s what the text was about. I quickly hid my phone and turned my attention back to Jazz.

“Jason, Seb is my friend. My best friend,” I clarified. How many times did I have to tell him that?

He made a face and looked around nervously.

“Shh! Jazz, call me Jazz,” he said softly but firmly. He really hated being called by his real name.

His real name is Jason, but even though he’s male, he embraces his feminine side. Thankfully, his parents fully accepted him — and so did Kolin and I.

“You started it,” I said. “Now look what’s happening.”

“Everything starts that way. People say it’s just friendship, but in the end, they always end up falling for each other,” he teased.

“Jazz, Seb and I are just friends, okay?”

“Whatever. Then why does he only talk to you? What about the rest of us girls?” he asked, pouting and flipping his short hair dramatically.

“I don’t know, why don’t you ask him yourself?” I replied.

He shook his head quickly. “No way, he’d probably punch me. I’m not brave enough for that, girl.”

I laughed at his response, pulling out my phone to text Seb to wait for me outside.

As soon as the bell rang, I hurried outside.

“Hi,” he greeted me.

When I got close, he leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. My heart skipped a beat, and warmth spread across my face. I was used to his affectionate gestures, but lately, they made me feel different.

“Hi. Why are you here? Didn’t you have class earlier?” I asked, trying to hide my flustered expression.

“I wanted to see you. We had a free period anyway,” he said casually.

“But we’ll see each other later. You shouldn’t waste your time waiting for me,” I said.

“It’s fine, Amara. I told you, I wanted to see you,” he replied seriously, his tone soft but intense.

I felt my face heat up again. To ease the tension, I suggested, “Let’s go to the garden?”

He nodded, and I walked ahead. I could feel him following, and soon he was beside me, his arm slipping naturally around my waist. I glanced down, embarrassed by the curious stares around us.

Who wouldn’t look? Sebastian Laqueza walking with a girl—his arm around her waist—was enough to draw attention. We probably looked like a couple.

“So, are we having lunch together later?” Seb asked as we reached the garden.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you—I’m having lunch with Kolin,” I said apologetically.

He smiled slightly. “It’s okay, I understand. You two need to catch up sometimes.”

I knew he’d take it well. We hadn’t seen Kolin for weeks because of our busy schedules, and finals were coming up.

“Why didn’t you bring her with you?” I asked.

“I told her I was going to see you. She just grinned—I guess because she already knew you had plans,” he said, shaking his head.

I chuckled. “You really don’t know your cousin well. She loves teasing you.”

“Yeah, that little brat,” he said, smiling.

Suddenly, I remembered something and gasped. “Oh! Grandma asked me to give you this.” I handed him a paper bag, slightly crumpled from my bag.

“What’s this?” he asked, eyeing it curiously.

“Cookies! Grandma baked them for you. Just for you—she didn’t give me any,” I said, half-joking.

“Then we’ll share,” he said, taking the cookies from me.

“I’ll thank Grandma later,” he added, breaking off a cookie and holding it near my lips.

I knew what he wanted. Without hesitation, I opened my mouth.

“Why are you so messy when you eat?” he teased, raising a brow but smiling.

I took the cookie from him. “I’ll finish it, thanks,” I said.

He grabbed another cookie for himself, and as he chewed, I caught myself staring. My throat went dry, and I quickly looked away.

‘What are you doing, Amara?’ I scolded myself silently.

“I—I think I should go. Our next class is about to start,” I said quickly, avoiding his gaze.

“Alright. I’ll call you later,” he replied.

I nodded and walked away without looking back.

Instead of going straight to class, I went to the restroom first. I immediately checked my reflection in the mirror and froze. My cheeks were flushed, and my face felt unusually warm.

I bit my lip. I shouldn't feel this way.

But every time he did those little things, kissed my cheek, wrapped his arm around me, or looked at me that way—I couldn’t help it. For three years, I’d buried these feelings, convincing myself they were nothing. Because I knew the truth: he was my friend.

“What am I going to do?” I muttered, staring at my reflection.

Then, a voice spoke behind me.

“I didn’t know you had a habit of talking to yourself when you’re alone.”

I almost rolled my eyes when I saw who it was.

“Is it a crime to talk to myself?” I asked innocently, though sarcasm laced my tone.

She stepped closer and stood beside me. We both looked at our reflections in the mirror.

“You look crazy,” she said flatly.

“It’s fine. Just don’t mind me,” I replied, trying to ignore her.

I thought she'd stay quiet for a while,

but I was wrong.

“Stay away from Sebastian, Amara.”

Her voice was cold, firm, and full of something I couldn’t quite name.

I looked at her, and her expression was unwavering, with a hint of desperation in her eyes.

“And why would I do that?” I asked, annoyed.

“Because I’m telling you to. You’re not stupid, you know exactly what I mean,” she said, her calm demeanor giving way to frustration. Her voice was almost a shout, and her words were laced with insult.

“Who are you to order me around? Seb is my friend, and I won’t stay away from him. If you want him, tell him yourself,” I snapped.

What right did she have to order me around and insult me?

“I can’t!” she shouted, voice trembling with emotion. “I can’t, because you’re always with him! I don’t exist to him because all he ever sees is you!”

I froze. I opened my mouth to retort but closed it again, unsure of what to say. Should I correct her or just let her feel what she felt?

“I need to go,” I said finally, turning toward the door.

But before I could leave, she grabbed my arm.

“Wait, we’re not done yet.”

“Let go of me, Claire. My class is about to start,” I said, trying to pull free.

“I won’t. Promise me you’ll stay away from him first, then I’ll let you go,” she said desperately.

That was the last straw.

“If you like him that much, then tell him. Be honest,” I said, yanking my arm away.

I bit my lip, regretting my words. I shouldn't have said that.

“Why don’t you tell that to yourself, too? I know you like him, Amara,” she shot back, her tone cutting but steady.

“Maybe the one who should be honest here is you.”

I stared straight into her eyes. She wanted a fight, and I wasn’t about to back down. She pushed me to

say these words.

“What if I say yes? But I know my limitations weell, Claire.” I said quietly but firmly.

I turned toward the door and added, “Sorry— but I’m not as desperate as you are.”