>> “I think... I want to do it with you.”

Those words blurted out without me knowing, causing the two looked at me with surprise and scrutiny. “Hoho, Jessie... I never meant you see this bold and straightforward?”

Kristine’s eyes squinted with mockery while grinning mischievously at me. “Huh!? Wha—What!? No, no! I mean...”

I squirmed from my seat and faces Ella. “What I mean... What I mean is it’s nice to meet you.” Trying to hide my embarrassment, I stated out loud.

“Ah, yeah... me too. I’m Arellano—”

“Ella. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Jessie Sandoval.”

I forced not to hear his full name. I can’t attempt to think that the man who I just hooked up suddenly appeared right now and meet me once more.

“Yeah, it’s good to be your acquaintance, Jessie.” Ella smiles at me. I nod to his response and avert on his eyes. “So, you don’t have class yet?” Kristine interjects.

“I do. Actually, it’s this morning.” He answered. “Oh, I see. Say, is your schedule in the afternoon available later?”

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I glance at Kristine as she winks at me after asking the question. What’s this girl planning to do? “I’m free this afternoon... why?”

“Well, I just want to ask to hang out with you. Of course, you know my friend already.” Her lips show a playful smile. What’s with this girl?

“Hmm... well if I’m alright hanging out with you both, why not?” Ella answered and took a glance at me. Just as the time I heard his answer, I look at him and avert quickly the moment our eyes meet.

I can’t still forget that feeling he gave to me that night. And that phantom feeling taunts my body.

“We’ll see you on the afternoon. We don’t have classes this afternoon as well.” Kristine answered back and waves at Ella. “Yeah, see you later...”

Ella left us right after as Kristine widely grins at me. “Isn’t he handsome?” she asked me. “What...?” I grunt.

“He’s a boyfriend material. You see, he is kind and attractive. All girls tilt their head to look at him. When he does cross-dress, even guys turn their heads as well.”

“And what does that do to me, huh?” I grunt again in exasperation. Kristine’s looks turn sour as she heard my reply. “C’mon, I know you want to ‘do it’ with him again.”

Thos words made me twitch. What the?! “Why should I?! I don’t mean to tell those words—”

“—But you desire him. The way how you gaze at him...”

This girl. Why does she know it!? “Am I right?” her mischievous grin widens even more. “Whatever!” I sigh in exasperation.

“I understand that this is unusual for you, but why don’t you try to open your heart for someone?”

Kristine’s words filled with sensibility. She knows I’m struggling to move on from my unrequited love. I understand her concern to me, but I do think this won’t work out.

“Try to know him. There’s no harm, right? This might be a little absurd to ask but, well... you know? You’re still a girl.”

“I know...” I answered. Though we made a mistake that night and that will never change. I think that there’s no harm in knowing him. I mean, I think he’s a nice guy.

Also...

“Ella is a pretty girl when cross-dress.” Kristine suddenly blurted. I look at her as she grins at me. “Having him as a partner would be a win-win for someone like you.”

“Stop spouting nonsense things. Let’s go... class is about to start.”

We decided to leave the bench and proceeded to class. But my mind still remains the image of that person. “Ella, huh...?” I mumbled. Maybe, there’s no harm to know him at all?