Stupid Cupid! (Lovestruck Series #2)

Stupid Cupid: The First Shot

VALENTINA

The night air was thick with the scent of the seawater as I sat upon the white rocks of Manila Bay, the city's lights twinkling like stars in the water. Akala ko, andito ako para makaiwas, but instead, I found myself drawn into a whirlwind of emotions I wasn't yet ready to face.

"Are you always this anti-social, or is tonight just special?" a voice teased from behind me. I turned to see a boy—tall with tousled hair and an easy smile that instantly made my heart race.

"Just enjoying the view," I replied, trying to sound indifferent as I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, my pulse quickening.

He smirked and glanced at the water before looking back at me.

"Careful. You might fall," aniya at naglakad palapit. The playful glint in his eyes both thrilling and terrifying.

There was an undeniable pull in the air between us, pulling me in despite my instincts to keep my heart guarded.

I bit my lip, struggling with the sudden flutter of attraction. "And what if I want to fall?"

His expression shifted, surprise and amusement mingling with something deeper as he took another step closer. "Then let's make sure the right person catches you."

As we stood there, the city around us began to fade into the background. My heart raced.

"What's your name?" Kuryosong tanong niya.

I paused, debating on whether or not to give it to him.

So I settled for — "V," refusing to reveal anything.

Tumango siya at ngumiti. I can sense that he sees right through the simplicity of my answer, but he doesn't point it out.

"Leon," he introduced himself, a smile breaking across his face, as if we shared a secret.

Leon.

"Hindi ka tagarito 'no?" He asked.

I shook my head, suddenly feeling exposed. "Just moved back." I admitted, glancing back at the water. "Trying to figure things out."

He nodded in understanding, "Manila has a way of surprising you." He smiled, "If you want, I can give you my number. Give me a call when you need a tour guide. I promise to show you around the best places here." He winked.

I laughed at his smooth attempt at flirting. Charming.

"I'll think about it."

Our eyes locked. In that fleeting moment, I felt a spark, so electrifying that it shook me to the core. I shook my head and dismissed the thought.

No. This is not what I came here for.

Little did she know, fate had other plans. In that moment, with the sound of the waves crashing softly, love—like Cupid's arrow—was about to strike when she least expected it.