<code 1>: Infinite Loop;

Chapter 2

Nandito na kami ngayon sa Makati, sa mismong venue kung saan gaganapin ang inter-school hackathon competition. The city buzzed with its usual high-paced rhythm, but the moment we stepped into the event building, iba ang energy.

Lively ang atmosphere. May mga banners ng iba't ibang universities, booths ng tech sponsors, may pa-free coffee station pa courtesy of some big-time start-up, and excited murmurs everywhere. Ang daming estudyante, from different schools, all looking either ready to dominate or lowkey kinakabahan.

"Tingnan mo 'yun, may pasponsor pang TechGear," bulong ni Hexine habang nililibot ang mata. "Grabe, lakas maka-professional ng vibe dito."

"Feeling ko parang isa na akong legit software engineer," dagdag ni Aunix habang inaayos ang suot niyang ID lanyard.

We were ushered to our group station—table 27 with complete five chairs, extension cords, fast internet access, and a printed welcome kit. Each of us got a lanyard with our name, school, and group designation. The volunteers also handed us the official task briefings sealed in crisp brown envelopes.

"Okay, okay. Let's breathe," I said, kahit ako mismo hindi makapaniwala na andito na talaga kami. "This is it, guys."

"Syntra," sabi ni Ariseki habang pinapahid ang fog sa salamin niya, "Let's win this para may maipakita tayong 'di lang tayo puro angas lang."

"Para may maipakita rin tayong 'di lang tayo pang pogi," sabat ni Sylrax, sabay ngising nakakainis.

"Baliw," sabay sabay naming batok sa kaniya.

"Focus, team," I reminded them, pero with a smile. "We didn't come all the way to Makati to joke around—though konting joke, okay lang."

Inilibot ko ang paningin ko sa buong venue, taking in the high ceilings, tech booths, and excited faces—until my eyes landed on someone.

My breath caught for a second.

He stood on the far side of the hall, leaning slightly against their assigned table, casually reading the task briefing like he had all the time in the world. He wasn't even trying, but he stood out—like the spotlight just naturally followed him.

He had brown—no, it is dark hazel eyes framed by thick, well-defined lashes and strong, sharp eyebrows.

His black hair was styled in a tousled, semi-messy cut, the kind of messy na obviously intentional but still looked natural. A few strands fell perfectly across his forehead, effortlessly cool.

His jawline? Unfair. Sharp and defined, partnered with high cheekbones and an angular bone structure that screamed main character energy. His lips were soft-looking, naturally tinted, and somehow matched the overall quiet intensity of his face.

He's wearing a black polo shirt with a collar, the fabric hugging his lean, toned build just right—hindi masikip, hindi maluwag. Tucked neatly into a pair of cream-colored trousers, the soft contrast made him look even more expensive than he probably intended. The pants—tailored and relaxed—flowed effortlessly with each step, held together by a sleek black leather belt.

On his feet were black loafers, the kind that looked casual but screamed taste. And then there's the watch, it is classic, minimal, and leather strap—resting snugly on one of his veiny hands. The kind of hand na parang sanay gumawa... pero pwedeng pang-commercial. Damn.

"Holy sh—" napabulong ako sa sarili ko. I blinked, trying to shake it off.

My eyes darted down to his ID lanyard.

Tyrix Morvain Faerolan.

So... that's him.

Ang gwapo. As in, offensive levels of gwapo. Like... do you really have to be this good-looking and top coder? That's selfish behavior.

"Syntra, shut up," bulong ko sa sarili ko. Kalaban mo siya, okay? Focus. You are here to win, not to simp.

Pero kahit anong pilit ko pa sa sarili ko na huwag tumitig, parang may magnet ang mukha niya. Tsk. Nakakainis. Kahit di siya nakatingin, 'yung presence niya ramdam sa buong lugar. Confident pero hindi mayabang ang dating. Sure, hindi ko pa siya naririnig magsalita—pero parang nakakatunaw na agad 'yung aura niya?

Ugh, stop it!

Okay... fine. Maybe the Nationalians weren't exaggerating when they said "gwapo siya."

Maybe lang.

Pero kahit pa!

My breathing stopped when his eyes landed on me too.

Nagkatinginan kami. For a full second—maybe two. And then... he smirked.

WHAT. THE. ACTUAL—

OMG. ANG GWAPO NG NGITI NIYAAAA!!!

Pero ang yabang maka-smirk ha? 'Yung tipong alam niyang nakatingin ako. Alam niyang na-distract ako.

Wow. First eye contact palang, napaglaruan na agad ako emotionally. Syntra, girl, get a grip!

Gwapo nga siya, oo... pero matatalo pa rin kita, Tyrix Morvain Faerolan.

You may be the top coder of N.U., but I'm the storm you didn't see coming.

Just watch me. I'll never let you win.

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at ayun nagkita na ang dalawa, start na ng warla nila HAHAHHAHAHA.

pogi ng ML guys, sana maenjoyy niyooo!!

Mwuappss