Rehearsals became routine. Every after class, Yeshin and Xavio met in the music room. No more sarcastic banter, just the occasional glance and silent moments that stretched longer than they should.
One day, Yeshin entered early and caught Xavio playing the piano alone, eyes closed.
The melody was soft… melancholic.
She froze. Why does he look so… human?
He sensed her presence and looked up. “That was supposed to be private.”
“Too late,” she smirked, sitting beside him. “Was that... original?”
Xavio nodded. “Wrote it when my mom left.”
Yeshin blinked. “Oh.”
“Don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re starting to understand me.”
She didn’t answer.
Meanwhile, at the airport café…
Huevon was picking up his documents when he overheard a group of students from ECU whispering.
“Did you hear? Xavio and Yeshin are getting close!”
“Gurl, as in! May duet pa sila!”
Huevon clenched his fist.
C’mon Von... wag kang marupok.
But deep down, he knew.
He was already losing her.
Back on campus…
Atasha and her T3 minions stormed through the hallway like they owned it.
“She’s getting too close,” Atasha hissed.
“Let’s break her again,” Eliez grinned.
Atasha’s lips curled. “Let’s make her regret ever touching my leftovers.”
Later that evening, rehearsal again…
Xavio handed Yeshin a drink. “I got you iced caramel. No sugar. You like bitter things, right?”
She raised an eyebrow. “How’d you know?”
“I asked Crisantie.”
Yeshin stared at the cup, then at him. “Why are you being... nice?”
He shrugged. “Can’t I?”
“No. Because you’re confusing,” she admitted, looking away.
Xavio stepped closer. “What if I’m confused too?”
THUMP. Her heart betrayed her. She looked up—and their faces were too close again.
“Yeshin,” he said softly. “Do I still disgust you?”
She couldn’t answer.
Suddenly—
BANG!
A loud crash echoed from outside the room. They both flinched.
“Fireworks?” she asked.
“No...” Xavio stepped outside and saw a spray-painted message on the wall:
“STAY AWAY FROM HIM, BITCH.”
Yeshin’s eyes widened.
Xavio’s jaw clenched.
“ATASHA,” they both said in unison.
Atasha threw a black paint in Yeshin's white backpack .
Back in her apartment…
Yeshin stared at the mirror, wiping the black paint off her bag. Her hands trembled.
Crisantie and Yula were cleaning up beside her.
“She’s going too far,” Crisantie muttered.
“Gusto mo bang ipatanggal sila sa student council?” Yula asked seriously.
“No,” Yeshin said softly. “Wag na.”
“Bakit?” Crisantie frowned.
“Because that would mean I’m scared,” she whispered, eyes fiery. “And I’m not scared. I’m pissed.”
The next day at practice…
Yeshin entered the room with a different vibe—stronger, sharper.
“Let’s practice.”
Xavio looked at her, sensing something had shifted.
“You okay?”
She faced him. “Just promise me one thing.”
“What?”
“That this duet... won’t end with me looking like a fool.”
Xavio met her eyes.
And for once… his voice didn’t carry a joke, a flirt, or a plan.
Just honesty.
“I promise.”
YOU ARE READING
The Red String Theory
RomanceThis story is about a female college student. Her mother told her about the Red String Theory but she doesn't believe it, because she doesn't believe in any theories or beliefs. Now, will she believes that the Red String Theory happens in life, when...
