It has been a week after I last saw him, after our mini confrontation. Just when I thought I had escaped from him, Rico appeared on my sight again!

I am dumbfounded. I trace his appearance from his neat hairstyle to his eyes. My eyes land on his entire built. His posture, even when he is just simply standing, never fails to intimidate me. I am taken aback when he goes in our room, seemingly rushing. His classmates follow suit. They are quiet. They are even formed in line when they went in.

I pout. He didn't see me. I do not know why toes are folded in frustration but wherefore I don't know why. Damn, why am I so irrational today?

With scrunched nose, my mind is now wondering why they are here. Even my classmates are intently staring at the new comers. I presume that it is all about our activities on this subject I have no willingness to do.

Why do teachers always give task that can't be willingly done by students? Either a dance performance even if some can not break a leg or a singing portion even when there are students that are not gifted with a golden voice, for instance.

Ah, for grades. To hell with those grades!

What will I do with those numbers? I've realized that the ten years of my life has been wasted for I kept on worrying about numbers. And then, some would say, it is for us to be able to explore outside our comfort zone. After all, knowledge is power. Nonetheless, I really don't want to. How can I grow outside of my horizon if I still haven't bloom within? Confidence is innate, I believe. It would reflect the inhibitions if it was forced. Been there, done that...and I learned the hard way. Besides, I feel like the things I would likely to excel at cannot be found here in the four corners of this classroom. It is beyond the system of education that we are accustomed to do. My heart is still yearning for its past love - the passion that has been long forgotten - painting.

Mrs. Lauchenco stands in front wearing her wide smile. “Hello The class of section A will be joining you for today's class.”

My stiff sitting position loosens a bit because of the teacher's warm energy. The little thuds in my chest also calm down.

I cast out my gaze on them. Perhaps, there's nothing interesting about it. Yet, I can still see him in the corner of my eyes. As Rico walks fast beside my seat, the afternoon breeze is sipping by the open window, making my hair swiftly move. My eyebrows furrow. Why does it seem like there is always an effect whenever he is near?

The teacher claps to get our attention. “My plan is that I will combine both your section and theirs in this activity. Since I still didn't meet the other sections yet, I'll just tell them about it too later. 'm just gonna let them decide which section they prefer to be their partner.”

“Ma'am Lauchenco has a lot of gimmick,” I whisper. But deep inside me, there's a vague excitement.

"Your sections will be combined and partners will be based on your surnames."

Whispers of questions and undeniable excitement fill the room. However, my sunken hope is not rejoicing. Disappointment arises within while thinking how far Mandeville is to Alvarez. Twelve letters are in between. Then, how many students do have a surname in just one letter?

Wait a minute, why am I comparing Rico's surname to mine? What is it to me if were not gonna be partners? I mentally shake my head, erasing the disgusting idea. However, I still can't stop myself from looking behind. Immediately, I found Rico. His palm is fisted under his chin. Eyes are painted with seriousness while staring into nothingness. He kind of looks cute.

But suddenly, it seems like the universe randomly matches my existence to his and stars get realigned for Rico blinks once and there he finds my stare. Something jerks inside my chest, wondering why the cosmos is spoiling me some shits of hope. However, I am still praying that it won't end up in a trash bin of black hole. The shock in his eyes mirrors mine. I feel my eyes almost popped out of their sockets when our gazes meet. Nonetheless, I avert my gaze.

"All in all, there will be three groups," the teacher adds.

Enhancing Oneself is the title of the activity, from using various decorative nail polishes and basic skin cares to applying make ups and cosmetics with the best outfits on. I like the classroom here but why do I need to do all of that? I don't dress to impress. I don't fish for compliments either. And as far as I know, this not-so-delicate face is somewhat allergic to any cosmetics.

Ma'am Lauchenco, our teacher, is looking at the lists of our names on the table and begins to match students, tracing the paper using a pencil. After a while, I was taken aback when Rico approached her and said something.

Ma'am Lauchenco's brows meet while she listens to what Rico is saying. I press my elbows on my desk as a support, put my palms on my chin, and attempt to hear their conversation.

It's barely audible because my classmates' noise is overtaking the scene. A shame to Rico's classmates who remain quiet at the back.

"Ma'am, I have a new suggestion. I suggest you select partners based on the first letter of the name itself," he slowly says in his usual low baritone voice.

My eyeballs nearly popped out from their sockets when I heard it. Why would Rico insist such thing? Is he aware that we have the same first letter on our names? In my chest, the loud thumping of my heart begins.

Wait, did he really say that? Perhaps my ears are playing tricks again.