The Rules of Love [Under Revision]

Chapter 1: One Rule

Before stepping into our complicated and chaotic world, we had a rule that we always followed. At Gil Adamson Academy, you'll encounter students who may seem unruly or difficult to connect with, so it's important to hold on to that connection to avoid losing yourself while trying to please others. Everyone must stay connected.

"SETH AIDEN MERCADO!" A woman's voice trembled through the phone, sending shivers down my spine. I hastily ended the call, my heart racing as her anguished cry echoed in my ears.

"Who's that?" Kean inquired, his eyes still glued to the book in his hands. I just shrugged my shoulders.

"Hey, ano balita?" Jude asked seated in front of me with a look registered on his face.

"May bagong transferee next week," Kean replied.

"What's new about it?" I asked, I grabbed the two pillows lying on my bed and hurled them at Kean and Jude.

"Ang kontrabida mo naman, tol!" Kean exclaimed as he threw a pillow at me, which I quickly caught. Umurong nalang ako ng pwesto dahil pakiwari ko ay libro na ang susunod na lilipad.

"Bakit bida ka ba?" Darren appeared.

"Nako! 'yan talaga ang tunay na kontrabida."

The four of us have been friends for years, and we'll be going to college in the next few years, pero para mga isip-bata pa rin kung kumilos.

"Hay, salamat talaga sa aking mga taga-pakinig bukas ulit!" Napalingon kami kay Jude na kanina pa pala nagsasalita. We didn't notice him because his music was so loud.

"Ano 'yon, bro? Tangina, hinaan mo naman kasi 'yang music mo!" singhal ni Darren.

Kean took the conversation, "Not just one transfer student, but three—" he paused to build suspense, taking a sip of water before continuing, "they're from Chai Shamen University."

"What? Hindi ba all girls school 'yon?" Darren's brow furrowed in confusion.

"Yeah. What's the big deal? Bawal ba sila lumipat ng ibang school kung gugustuhin nila?" Kean commented, as he put his hand on his pocket. We just shrugged. He had a point.

"Ah, balita ko halos lahat ng nag-aaral doon magaganda!" Darren said, suddenly grinning before raising and lowering his eyebrows. He seemed like a foolish idiot.

"Wow, pare! But aren't all the girls beautiful? And besides, all girls school 'yon, parang halos lahat ata ng nag-aaral doon ay manhater. Isipin mo naman wala silang nakakasalamuha na lalaki. Maiinis mga 'yon lalo na kapag nakita ka," Jude teased Darren. The two idiots started teasing each other.

"Nagsalita ang hindi ka-hate hate," bara ni Darren kay Jude. He then shifted his attention to Kean and asked, "Ikaw, Chismoso ka rin e 'no, kanino mo ba nabalitaan 'yon?"

"I'm just updated. Galing kay tita Sandy!" Kean replied. Darren and Kean are really annoying. They know about the new transfer student because they're gossiping with my mom

"Speaking of your mother, pinapatawag ka nga pala niya nakalimutan ko sabihin." Darren tapped me. Tumayo na ako at lumabas ako ng kwarto bago ko sila iwan doon, binilinan ako ni Darren na kuhaan sila ng pagkain.

"Yes, ma?" I asked as I saw her in her office room here at home.

"Sabayan mo ako tomorrow pagpasok and help me organize the records of the new transferees," she instructed. I nodded, but deep inside, I wondered why it had to be me.