Love Genius

[Chapter 8]

CAMPUS PARKING LOT

Raven and I were walking toward his car when he suddenly turned to face me, making me stop abruptly.

"Get in the back," he ordered gruffly.

I sighed, deciding not to argue, and got into his car. Sitting there, I remembered the first time I rode in his car. He was so sweet to me back then. But, as it turns out, it was all fake. Ugh.

When he got in and started the car, I stayed silent, glancing at him through the rearview mirror. He looks so serene, but his attitude—ugh, so frustrating.

Still, I can't deny that every time I see him, I realize I still have feelings for him. But I also can't forget how he deceived me, how they all did.

I sighed deeply.

A moment later, I heard him mutter, "What the hell," and he suddenly stopped the car.

"What is it?" I asked.

"We broke down," he said.

"Huh?"

He looked at me. "You must have bad luck, huh?"

What the—!

"No, I don't!"

"Tch." He got out of the car, so I followed him.

Raven checked the front of his car, where some smoke was coming out.

"Your car looks fancy, but it’s falling apart on the inside," I teased.

He shot me a sharp look. "What are you saying? That my car is like me?"

What? Did I even say that?

"Excuse me? You said that, not me," I replied.

He rolled his eyes at me.

I checked the time—almost noon. The charity event started at 11:00 a.m., so what are we even going to catch now?

"I’ll need to get this fixed first," he said.

"What? Don’t bother; let’s just commute," I suggested.

"Hell no."

I rolled my eyes. "Raven, it’s already noon. The charity started an hour ago, and now you want to stop to fix your car?"

He glared at me.

"Commute? With you? No way."

I took a deep breath. I needed something to scare him into agreeing.

Ah, I know!

"Don’t want to? Fine, I’ll just tell Sir Alvarez. I’ll say we were late because of you."

His brows furrowed. "Are you threatening me?"

"Nope, but I’ll definitely let him know it’s your fault we’re late."

He sighed irritably. He’s so grouchy.

"Fine!" I exclaimed.

"Whatever. Let’s take a taxi," he finally relented.

"No need for that. Let’s take the LRT," I suggested.

"The LRT?"

"The train. Don’t tell me you don’t know about it?"

"I know what it is, and I don’t like it."

"Traffic, dude. Come on! If we take the LRT, we’ll be there in 15 minutes."

He didn’t respond, glaring instead. I sighed deeply, feeling my patience wearing thin.

"Fine, suit yourself. I’ll just go home," I said, turning my back on him and walking away.

"OKAY, FINE!" he shouted.

I smiled and went back to him, holding back my laughter. Winning an argument with him feels so satisfying.

"Let’s go. But what about your car?" I asked.

"Don’t worry about it. Let’s just go," he said, walking ahead of me.

Is that how rich people are? Just leaving their cars wherever they break down?

I hurried to catch up with him. When we got to the LRT station, I noticed a long line.

I glanced back and saw Raven lagging behind. Ugh.

When he finally caught up, he stopped.

"What’s wrong now?" I asked, frustrated.

"What the hell? The line’s so long," he complained.

I rolled my eyes and ignored him. The line moved quickly, and he followed me, grumbling the entire time.

When we got close to the counter, I turned to him.

"Your fare?" I asked.

"You’re the one who suggested this, so you pay for me."

Wow. Just wow.

"Wow. The audacity."

He crossed his arms and ignored me. I sighed and paid for his ticket—15 pesos, fine.

Inside the LRT, it was super crowded. We were standing side by side, and I couldn’t see his face because he was looking away.

I grabbed the metal railing, letting out a deep breath.

Then I noticed a man not far from me staring intently. I felt uneasy and quickly looked away.

A couple of minutes later, I glanced again, and he was still staring. I avoided his gaze, my heart racing.

"Switch places with me," Raven suddenly said.

"Huh?"

"Are you deaf? I said switch places with me!" he said, almost shouting.

"Why?"

He sighed, pulling me to switch spots with him. Now he was standing where I had been, blocking me from the man’s view.

I couldn’t help but smile secretly. He switched spots to shield me from that man’s stare.

But wait—

I froze when I saw Raven glaring fiercely at the man. What?

I quickly looked away when he turned to glance at me.

Forward!

We finally arrived at the charity event, and guess what? We were super duper late. There were so many people, and I saw some kids eating. I couldn’t help but smile—they were all so adorable!

I glanced at Raven, who was carrying a small child and playing with them. I smiled again. Honestly, he looks so cute when he plays with kids.

"Ms. Sardoncillo?"

I turned around and saw Sir Ravil.

"Sir Alvarez, just call me Garnett," I replied.

"I'm glad you made it, Garnett. By the way, where’s Raven?"

"Dad," Raven called as he walked toward us.

"Sorry, Sir. Your son’s car broke down," I explained.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, Dad," Raven confirmed.

"Alright. The program is already finished, but I think we still have some time to make the kids happy," Sir Ravil said with a warm smile. Gosh, he’s so handsome!

"Don’t worry, Sir. I’m really good with kids," I said confidently.

"Really?" Raven whispered sarcastically. Ugh!

"Good. Raven, stay with Garnett and help her out," Sir Ravil instructed.

OMG?!

"Yeah," Raven replied nonchalantly.

As Sir Ravil left, I immediately approached the kids who were playing.

"Hi, kids! How are you?" I asked.

"We’re fine," answered three kids in unison.

"Have you eaten? Are you happy today?" I asked, fixing the dress of a little girl.

"Ate, let’s play tag!" said a boy, who looked about five years old. I couldn’t help but smile.

"Alright, but you’re ‘it,’ okay?"

"Okay!" he agreed eagerly.

The two kids started running right away, so I ran after them too. I laughed as the kids tried their best to catch me.

"Tsk, childish," I heard Raven mutter. I turned to him, laughing as I crossed my arms.

"Kids, I think someone wants to join us. He’ll be ‘it’ now," I teased, looking at Raven. His eyes widened. Hahaha!

"Catch us, Kuya Raven!" shouted the little girl, also around five years old.

I saw Raven gulp and shake his head. Hahaha, two points for me today, Garnett! Raven hesitantly approached us, and we immediately ran off again, some kids clinging to me.

"Hahaha, you can’t catch us, Kuya!" the little girl yelled.

"I can catch you!" Raven shouted back.

"No, you can’t!" I teased, sticking my tongue out at him. Hahaha!

"Oh, really?" Raven sped up, and the kids scattered.

I was about to run when he bumped into my shoulder with such force that I ended up holding onto his arms.

We both fell.

I closed my eyes.

Ouch!

When I opened them, I froze.

DUG DUG DUG DUG DUG DUG

Raven was on top of me.

LOADING…

LOADING…

LOADING…

"AYIEEEEEEE!"

We snapped out of it and looked at the kids, then back at each other.

"Get off!" I shouted, pushing him off and quickly standing up.

I swallowed hard.

Gosh! What’s wrong with you, Garnett?!

"Ate, you and Kuya Raven look good together," the little girl said, giggling.

I swallowed again and glanced at Raven, who met my gaze.

"Tsk. She’s not my type," he said.

I flared my nostrils at his comment.

"You’re not my type either!" I retorted.

He didn’t respond.

After that, the two of us sat on a bench, maintaining a noticeable distance. I pulled out my phone and checked the group chat from the Freaks gang.

Elisha: Garnett, how’s it going there?

Ami: Yeah, what’s happening on your "date" with Raven?

Hazel: Send us a picture, Garnett!

Ugh, these people.

"Kids, do you want Ate Garnett and Kuya Raven to sing for you?"

I looked up immediately when I heard Sir Ravil’s voice. Wait, what? I thought he already left!

"YES!" the kids shouted.

Oh my gosh, Sir Ravil, I’m trying to move on from your son!

"No, Dad. Just Garnett," Raven said.

Tsk!

"So, Garnett, can you sing for the kids?" Sir Ravil asked. I couldn’t bring myself to say no.

"Sure," I said, standing up and walking to the front.

Sir Ravil handed me the microphone and smiled. I took a deep breath and looked at the kids.

"Do you know the song Maliliit na Gagamba?" I asked. I noticed Raven stifling a laugh. Ugh, so annoying!

"YES!" they all shouted. I smiled.

"Okay, sing along with me, okay? 1, 2, 3, go!"

“Maliliit na gagamba, umakyat sa sanga...”

The kids sang along enthusiastically, and I couldn’t help but feel happy.

"Yay! You’re all so good! What do you want to sing next?" I asked them.

"Ate Garnett, sing with Kuya Raven!"

Oh my gosh?! I glanced at Raven, who stood up and walked over. When he reached me, he took the microphone.

"Her voice is awful, right, kids?" he teased. What?! The kids burst out laughing.

"Do you want your handsome Kuya Raven to dance?" he asked.

"YES!" the kids screamed.

"Okay, music, please," he said. Wow, prepared much?

The song Love Shot by EXO started playing.

I stepped aside for a moment. He unbuttoned three buttons of his polo. WOW, REALLY?!

Chagapdorok seorol gyeonun chae

Nari seon deut geu moksorien

Sum makineun geonman gadeukae

Oh oh oh oh oh

Aye ye

Oh shet!!! Why does he look so hot???!!!

Nuneul garin chaero geureoke

Gutge dada beorin seoroye

Mami aesseo wemyeonhaneungeol

When I glanced at the kids, they were all staring at him with their mouths wide open, while the staff could only chuckle.

Ah tadeureo ga

Gallajil tteut sumi makyeo wa

Galjeungi na

I han janeul gadeuki dama

Neomchil tteutan

Witaeron oneul bameul nan

HERE COMES THE CHORUS!!!

It’s the love shot

Na nanana nananana

Na nanana nanana

Na nanana nananana

Oh oh oh oh oh

AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!! OKAY, I LIKE HIM AGAIN!!! JUST KIDDING!!!

It’s the love shot

Na nanana nananana

Na nanana nanana

Na nanana nananana

Oh oh oh oh oh

It’s the love shot.

Sigh. Garnett, don’t get your hopes up. That’s why you always end up hurt.

After his disgusting act—just kidding!—Sir Ravil treated us to some food. We’re currently in the office eating.

"Did you really dance like that in front of the kids?" Sir Ravil asked Raven while laughing.

Raven frowned.

"Looks like they enjoyed it, right?" Raven replied.

"Wow, really." I said.

He looked at me.

"Got something to say?!"

"Nothing!" I said as I stood up.

"Excuse me, Sir, I’ll just get some water," I said to Sir Ravil.

"Sure."

"Get one for me too, thanks!" Raven ordered, and I just rolled my eyes.

When I stepped out of the office, I immediately saw one of the staff handing out water.

I approached him.

"Kuya, can I have some water?"

He turned to me.

"Of course, here you go," he said, handing me a bottle.

"Ah, can I get two, please?" I smiled.

"Sure," he said, giving me another one.

"Thank you," I said and turned to leave.

"Ah, miss?" he suddenly stood in front of me.

I looked at him questioningly.

"Are you Garnett Sardoncillo?" he asked with a smile.

I smiled and nodded. He knows me? But how? Char!

"That’s me. Why?"

He smiled wider.

"I’m also a student at Alvarez University. I’m one of Sir Ravil’s scholars. I’m George, George Santos," he said, extending his hand for a handshake.

I smiled and didn’t hesitate to shake his hand.

"Nice to meet you, George."

"Thanks. Y-You’ve changed so much," he said.

"Yeah, sometimes you need to change yourself, especially if you want others to accept you," I said.

"You’re beautiful even without changing yourself," he said. I froze at his words—it’s the first time I’ve heard something like that.

"I’ve been one of your fans. I mean, I’ve admired you since last year," he added.

Omg??? I started smiling slightly.

"T-To be honest, I miss seeing the real Garnett," he said softly, and my heart melted at his tone.

"R-Really?"

"That’s funny, dude."

We both turned to see Raven approaching us with a sharp look. He snatched his water bottle from me.

"No wonder you took so long; you were … busy?" he said as he opened his water and drank.

I glared at him and looked back at George.

"See you next time on campus, George," I smiled.

"Tss, you’re meeting again? Wow, Miss Freaky is finally getting a boyfriend," Raven said.

George glanced at him.

"What?!" Raven asked rudely.

"A-Ah, see you around, George. Thanks again for the water," I said and walked away from both of them.

---

Forward to 6 PM …

"Garnett, thank you for coming," Sir Ravil said.

"It’s no problem, Sir. I should be the one thanking you. Being able to attend your charity event is an achievement for me," I said.

"No problem, Garnett. Everyone is welcome to our charity events to bring joy to the kids."

I smiled at his words.

"By the way, are you heading home? Do you want Raven to escort you?"

I glanced at Raven, who raised his left eyebrow at me. That meant he didn’t want to.

"Ah, no need, Sir. I can manage on my own," I said.

"Are you sure?"

I nodded and smiled.

"Sir Ravil," George suddenly approached us. We looked at each other and smiled. Infernes, George is handsome too.

"Oh, George?" Sir Ravil asked.

"I just wanted to say goodbye. Thank you, Sir," he said. His kindness made me smile even more.

"Thank you as well. Thanks to all of you, the kids truly enjoyed themselves," Sir Ravil said.

I nodded and smiled again.

"Good luck with your exams next week," Sir Ravil added.

"Thank you!" George and I said simultaneously, then we looked at each other and laughed.

After that, Sir Ravil went back inside, and George approached me.

"Heading home as well?"

"Ah, yes," I smiled.

"Let’s walk together?" he asked.

"Sure," I said.

We started walking away, but I glanced back briefly and saw Raven entering the office.

Tss.

(RAVEN POV)

When I stepped out, I saw Garnett talking to a guy. Wow? Someone’s talking to her? Can you believe it?

I walked closer to them.

"To be honest, I miss seeing you as the real Garnett," the guy said. I paused for a moment and furrowed my brow at what he said. Tch?

"Really?" Garnett asked.

I smirked.

"That's funny, dude," I said, and they both turned their attention to me. I stared at Garnett sharply. So that’s why she took so long—she was talking to a guy?!

When I got closer, I snatched the water bottle from her.

"Looks like that’s why you took so long... busy?" I said, opening the bottle and drinking directly from it.

She just glared at me and then looked at the guy. Huh?! Shouldn’t she say something to me because she’s annoyed?

"See you, George. Let’s catch up next time on campus," she smiled. Trying to act cute, thinking she’s cute?!

"Tss, you’re meeting? Wow, Miss Freaky’s finally getting a boyfriend," I teased her.

The guy looked at me. Tch?

"Why?!" I asked, challenging him.

"A-Ah, okay, George. Thanks again for the water," she said, then backed off.

Ah, so his name is George? Not cute!

We just stared at each other, and I walked away. Tch. So annoying!

---

"By the way, are you heading home? Do you want Raven to take you?" Dad asked her.

Garnett looked at me, and I raised my left eyebrow at her. That’s a sign for her not to agree.

"Ah, no need, Sir. I can go home on my own," she said.

"Are you sure?"

She nodded and smiled. I swallowed hard.

Why does it feel like the light around her face shines when she smiles?

Tss!! I’m losing it, Raven!

"Sir Ravil." I turned around. Him again?! Tss, why does this guy keep popping up?!

Garnett and he locked eyes.

Okay?? So what now?!

"Oh, George?" Dad asked.

"I just wanted to say goodbye. Thank you, Sir," he said, and I just stared at Garnett. She smiled at him? Tch!

"Thank you as well. You really made the kids happy," Dad said.

"So, good luck with your exams next week," Dad added.

"Thank you!" they both said at the same time. Wow!

After that, Dad went inside, and George walked up to Garnett.

"Are you heading home too?" he asked.

"Ah, yes," she replied. Tss, acting cute again!

"Let’s go together?"

"Sure." She agreed right away? She didn’t even hesitate to go with him instead of letting me take her?! Tss!

They both turned around and walked away, and I felt a surge of irritation.

---

(GARNETT POV)

The next day, before going to school, I put on my new glasses.

"Why aren’t you wearing your contact lenses today?" Ami asked.

"I feel like wearing glasses," I said. Lol, maybe I’ll see George later. Hehe, new crush alert??

"Really? I hope he doesn’t bully you," Hazel said.

"I don’t think he’ll bully me. Look at her, she’s a goddess even with glasses," Elisha said, boosting my ego.

"So, what are we waiting for? I don’t want to be late to the star section," Ami said.

"Me too, I don’t want the main star section to stare at us if we’re late," Elisha added.

"Why are you so dramatic? Who cares if they stare?" Hazel asked.

"Yeah," I replied.

After that, we left.

When we got to school, we immediately saw the star prince group hanging outside the lobby.

We just kept walking.

"Garnett!"

I froze and quickly turned around.

George?

W-Wait, why is he so handsome?? AAAAHHHH!! As he approached me, I swallowed hard.

"I’m glad I saw you," he said with a smile.

I scratched my head.

"Ah, we just arrived," I said, adjusting my glasses.

He smiled at me...

Waaaaaa!! Why does it feel like he’s becoming my crush? Oh my god, Garnett, don’t be too weak! He’s just being friendly. Huhu!

I couldn’t speak...

He just kept smiling at me.

"So... what is it?" I asked.

It seemed like he snapped back to reality.

"Ah, I actually have something for you," he said, pulling something out of his bag. Elisha was poking me in the side. Tsk!

"Here," he handed me a small box. I took it carefully.

"What’s this?" I asked.

"Hmm, just open it later," he said.

I smiled slowly.

"Okay," I said.

Silence again...

"Ah, we need to go ahead, we don’t want to be late for class," I said.

"Ah, Garnett," he called.

I looked at him.

"Can I join you during break time to eat?" he asked, surprising me.

"H-Hmm..." I couldn’t answer, looking at the three of them.

"Of course, she can join you," Elisha answered.

"Don’t worry, if you want, you can pick her up from the star section later," Ami said.

"Really?" he smiled.

"Yes, yes!" Hazel said.

"Tsk, you guys," I muttered at the three, then looked at George and smiled.

"Sure, no problem," I smiled.

"Thanks, Garnett," he said, giving me that smile—the kind you can feel is genuine. Sigh! It’s so hard to resist.

---

(RAVEN POV)

I was clenching my fists in irritation.

What is that guy doing?! Why is he talking to Garnett like that?! Don’t tell me he’s flirting with that freak?! Who would like a girl like her?!

Ugh!

Calm down, Raven...

"Bro, your notebook cover is torn," Dexter said.

I looked at my notebook, and yep, it was torn. I took a deep breath. I looked over at Garnett’s row, and she was smiling while looking at the box in her hands.

The box that George gave her... Tsk, I wonder what’s inside? Tsk, who cares?!

"Mr. Alvarez and Ms. Sardoncillo."

I looked up, annoyed. Why are they calling me out? They can see I’m pissed!

"You two will partner for the report in the next class," Ma’am said.

Wait, what?

"What’s the topic, Ma’am?" Garnett asked.

"I’ll give it to you later in the faculty. Just go there before dismissal and photocopy it," Ma’am said.

I grinned and looked at Garnett. She was looking at me now and glared at me! Hahaha, yes! I’ll be with her again and tease her!

---

BREAKTIME

"Bro, let’s eat outside," Arvin said.

"Yeah, the canteen is boring," Dexter said.

"So, bro? Where do you want to go?" Jerome asked.

I smirked and looked at Garnett.

"Up to you guys, I have something to do," I said, standing up and walking over to Garnett.

But suddenly, she stood up and rushed out of the classroom. The smile faded from my face when I saw George outside.

And what’s he doing here?! I don’t know, but I feel frustrated again.

"Are you okay, bro?" Calvin asked.

Then Garnett and that George left.

"Let’s eat at McDonald's," Dexter suggested.

"No, we’re eating at the canteen," I said.

"Huh? We thought you’d go first