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Valentina's Point of View

I was on the verge of crying upon hearing Mr. Luxus' activity for this midterm. I was busy practicing for the dance competition for the one-week intramurals of our school. They say each college has 2 weeks to prepare yet today, Mr. Luxus beep on our group chat, telling us we'll have a to meet for a moment.

"I'll repeat what I've said, student. Three days before the opening of the intramurals, you must cook a "desirable dish" applying what you have learned on Basic Nutrition. You have a week to prepare for it. The scores will be based on the criteria as follows; 30 points will be coming from me, I'll taste test it before I'll give you a go signal to find 50 seniors and give them an evaluation paper for it serves as also a 30 points for your activity." I silently groaned upon hearing his requests and the activity which make me indisposed of the approaching intramurals.

I saw one of my classmates raised his hand. I fold my arms as I lean on my chair upon following his actions.

"It is over 60 points, Sire? And is that an individual activity?" Our professor nodded while he is preparing the Smart TV we have in our classroom. He flashed a PowerPoint presentation saying "Midterm Activity." I murmured something which was heard by Nikki and softly laughs on what I've said.

"Good question, Terrence. You may sit down. It is over 100 points, students. It is a big impact on your grades since this will be your midterm exam in my subject. Regarding the 40 points, it will be based on the score that the judges will give you." I saw some of my classmates' faces were frightened and some of us are determined. Mr. Luxus flashes a slide with the pictures of the judges he had chosen. I can not saw the pictures since I was seated at the very back of the classroom.

"Here are the judges. Mrs. Primrose Demure, our Head Mistress. Mr. Clinton Furrer, one of the stockholders of the school and Mr. Cion Querer, the Student Council President." I looked at Nikki while she's looking back at me, giving me a malicious smile. I stick out my tongue and rolled my eyes that made her chuckle.

"And this is a pair activity. You can choose your pair. Dismiss." I sighed while fixing the iPad and putting it on my bag.

"Valentin," Nikki called me. I glared at her yet she only chuckled.

"It's Val, Nikki. We're friends for almost 2 months and yes, I agree to be your pair." and gave her a thumbs up.

"We're not best friends?" she asked as she pouted that made me frown.

Before I can react to what she'd said, someone called out my name from the door of our classroom.

"Ms. Amore," Nikki and I looked at the doorway and saw Ariessa, the Medicine and Healthcare Representative.

I finish fixing my things and hold my tote bag with me. I walked towards her, where she was standing and gave her a look.

"Mrs. Loke is looking for you. Come to her office now." I looked at Nikki and gave me a nod while pointing the gazebo near our classroom. I nodded back at her and followed Ariessa.

We walked down the hallway and entered the elevator. As soon as we stepped out of the 4th floor of the Building, she nodded at me. I walked by myself to the faculty of our college. Before I entered, I heavily exhaled and opened the doorknob.

"Mrs. Loke,?" I called out her name. I saw her raised her hand in a cubicle so I paved the way and walk towards her. I stand in front of her and she gave me a big smile.

"Valentina. Sit down for a while." I just gave her an awkward smile and sat.

"Good morning Mrs., Why did you call out for me?" I looked at her while slightly resting my back on the chair.

"You'll be representing our college in the intramurals. For the title of University Queen." she smiled. She takes out a paper and slides it in my direction. I shooked my head and murmurs a no.

"You can't say no to this Ms. Amore. If you'll reign as the University Queen or just join this pageant, you'll be exempted for all of your subjects in the midterm." It was a tempting offer. The midterm is one week after the Intramurals and it's hard coping out with my studies since I joined the dance club.

"But I have a dance competition on the third night of the Intramurals, Mrs." she looked flustered about my question.

"Don't worry, it is not a problem. Since the pageant is on the fifth night of the Intramurals. So it's a yes?" she wiggled her eyebrows.

I gripped on my hands and massages my knuckles as I nodded in her offer. I managed to cover my ears when she screamed yes.

"But Mrs., Can you do me a favor?" I asked. She nodded.

"Is it okay if this will be a secret? Til' the pageant night comes? I won't come to the practices or even dance numbers but I'll get someone to record what they have practiced. Please? I don't want them to know, even the students in our college. Between you and me, please?" She smiled at me and places her hand on top of mine.

"Sure." I nodded at smiled at her.

I stand from my seat and take the guidelines she had given me. I bowed slightly and bid her goodbye. I walked upon the door. I left the faculty and takes my phone out. I type out a message for my mom and dad to inform them that I'll be joining a pageant. As I walked towards the hallway, I read what Mrs. Loke has given me.

When I reach the elevator, I continued to read the guidelines of the pageant. I simply entered the elevator, but my forehead was hit in a stone-alike wall that made me move backward. I lift my chin and saw a man, in his black Lacoste polo shirt pair with jeans and sneakers. I frowned as I massage my forehead.

"Hey. I'm sorry. Are you hurt?" I just rolled my eyes.

"Look, I'm sorry." He moved closer that made me move backward even more.

"I'm fine, I'm fine." I knelt and grab some of the papers the flew out of my hands. He helped me take the papers.

"Going to join the University Queen?" I glared at him and grab the papers in his hand. I heavily sighed while I was holding the paper.

"Can you not tell everybody about this, please? I am not comfortable if they knew about me, joining." He looked at me.

"Why?" He asked.

"Just don't. I had my trauma, I am doing this for myself so that I can be exempted on the midterms." His lips formed an O-shape.

"Sure. The name is Clint, by the way. And you are?" he offered his hand and I take it which made him help me to stand up.

"Just Val." I pulled my hand out of his hand and shakes off the dust in my uniform.

"Can we have lunch together, Val?" I looked at him and raised my eyebrows.

"I can't have my lunch nor can't have it with you. I have practice in the Aerobic Room of my college." I shrugged and walk towards the elevator. But before I can press the elevator button, he grabbed my hand that made me look at him.

"Let's have lunch." I frowned but before I can say no, the elevator ding, that means it has reached our floor.

"Hey, Clint. What are you doing here?" a familiar voice at my back asked a question.

"Hey there, man. Going to the faculty." I saw Clint shrugged and have the time to pull my hand from him.

"I'm going now." I bid him goodbye. When I turn around, I saw Cion looking at me. I raised my eyebrows at him and rolled my eyes. I entered the elevator and pressed the ground floor button, but before the door closes, Clint shouted for my name.

"Take care, Val. Your secret is safe with me. I'll bring you lunch." Cion turned his gaze at me giving me a stare.

When I reached the ground floor and the elevator door opens, I quickly walked out the elevator and move along to the gazebo where Nikki pointed earlier. I saw Nikki writing down some notes in her notebook so I began walking again really fast.

"Nikki," I shouted when I was near the gazebo. Nikki glared at me and pointed out the next gazebo using her lips. I saw a man, Nikki's ex, I think with his new chick which belongs to our college since she's wearing the plain white uniform. I seated right next to her when I entered the gazebo.

"Why did you shout, Valentina?" I glared at her for telling my whole name.

"I have something to tell you but please don't tell anyone. You know my trauma right?" she nodded, continuing scribbling in her notebook.

"I'll be the representative for the University Queen." she nodded again. I shrugged and rest my back on the chair.

"What?! You? For the University Queen? Did you agree? Why? What's the catch?" I gave her a bored look yet she didn't stop smiling.

"Exempted for midterms. You know how busy I am for the dance competition." she smiled widely and hold both of my shoulders.

"How can I help you? Oh my guacamole, Val. You can slay that pageant for sure." she shook my shoulders while looking at me, excitedly.

"As I was saying, you need to keep it as a secret. I had trauma before, right? I want you to take records of all the practices, dance numbers, or such of the pageant. I don't want them to know until the pageant night." she nodded while listing all of what I am saying in her notebook.

"I want you to come over to my house, tomorrow since it is Saturday and I have no practice. Help me prepare for the competition." she stopped scribbling and looked at me.

"Your house? At The Lavish?" she keeps staring at me. I nodded at her.

"Really? How? Do I need a car? Wait. I don't have one. Do I need to wear a dress? jewelry?" I laughed at her, seeing her nervous but at the same time happy.

"Just wait at your house, I'll fetch you." I looked by my watch and saw it is already noon.

I kissed Nikki's cheek and stood up. She looked at me and gave me a nod.

"Take care on your way home, Nikki. Love you!" I waved a goodbye, and run towards the aerobic room of our building.

I managed to come on time so I changed my outfit in a suitable and comfortable dance clothes. I wore a black legging, a yellow tank top and my white sneakers. As I was fixing my ponytail in the restroom, a girl entered, calling out for my name.

"Val. Someone's here to see you." I nodded at quickly leave the restroom and walk towards the door of the aerobic room.

When I open the door, and sneak, I saw two men, standing at the corner of the hall. I come out and stand near the door, clearing my throat. Their gaze was turned to me and I was shock, seeing Clint and a man with him.

"Hey." Clint, walking towards my direction, handling me a paper bag.

"Your lunch." I smiled at him.

"I told you not to give me lunch, right? I can't come with you. I have practice." I looked at the guy beside him.

"I already ate. This is Cion by the way." He introduced the guy beside him.

"I can introduce myself, man." Cion jokingly punch Clint's arm.

"I'm Cion." I nodded.

"Val." I looked at Clint and smiled. I raised the paper bag and uttered a thanks.

"I have to practice now. Thank you for this, Clint." I bid them goodbye.

I saw Cion, staring at me and following the actions I made. I entered the aerobic room and places the paper bag on the seat where my tote bag is. I can't stop thinking how he'd stare at me. Does he know me?

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