His Code Name: ULAP (Code Name Series #1)

CHAPTER THREE

“Tara na,” he said, standing up and casually dusting off his uniform. His tone was light, playful—the kind that always sounded like he knew something I didn’t. Then, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, he extended his hand toward me.

I blinked, staring at it for a second longer than I should have. His hand was steady, open, waiting.

“Excuse me,” I said, raising an eyebrow. “Kaya kong mag-isa.”

He smirked, eyes glinting with amusement. “Ah talaga lang ha? Bahala ka diyan.”

Before I could say another word, he turned and ran off. Just like that.

“Hoy!” I called, standing up so fast my chair almost tipped over. “JACOB VILLANUEVA!!!”

Heads turned in the cafeteria as my voice echoed through the room, but I didn’t care. He was already halfway down the hall, laughing like a kid who just got away with something.

I grabbed my things and stormed after him, my sneakers squeaking against the floor. “You think you can just walk away after that?!” I yelled, weaving through a group of students.

He didn’t look back. Of course he didn’t. He was too busy enjoying my reaction. Typical Jacob.

By the time I reached the hallway, he was leaning casually against the lockers, arms crossed, that signature grin plastered on his face. “Took you long enough, Ms. Vice President.”

I glared at him, panting slightly. “You—are—impossible!”

“Yeah,” he said with a small shrug. “But you still ran after me.”

I froze for half a second. He had a point. I did run after him.

I crossed my arms defensively. “Only because you ran off in the middle of our conversation!”

“Uh-huh,” he teased. “Keep telling yourself that.”

I shot him a glare sharp enough to kill. He just chuckled softly, that infuriatingly calm laugh that somehow made me forget I was supposed to be mad.

“Come on,” he said again, walking ahead. “We’ll be late if you keep glaring at me.”

I rolled my eyes but followed anyway, muttering under my breath, “One day, Jacob Villanueva, I swear—”

He looked over his shoulder, that familiar smirk back on his lips. “You’ll thank me?”

I groaned. “You wish.”

But deep down, I was smiling—just a little. And I hated that he could do that to me so easily.

————————————————————
“Okay, good afternoon class,” Mr. Villafuerte greeted, his tone cheerful as always.

“Good afternoon, sir. Mabuhay! Mahal Ta Na!” we all chorused in unison, the usual energy filling the room. It was just another normal afternoon—or so I thought.

“We have new student joining us today,” he announced, straightening his glasses with a proud smile. “Please, introduce yourself.”

A tall guy stepped forward, his posture relaxed but confident. He had this easy smile that instantly drew attention, and for a moment, even the chatter at the back stopped.

“Hi,” he said, voice smooth and steady, “I’m Zacharias Dela Paz. Nice to meet y’all.”

My pen froze mid-air.
Wait. Dela Paz?

I blinked, leaning slightly forward. “Dela Paz?” I muttered under my breath. “Kapatid ‘yan ng shota ni Jhessy…”

Jacob, who was sitting two seats behind me, stifled a chuckle. I turned and shot him a look, mouthing, Don’t start.

Mr. Villafuerte clapped his hands lightly. “Alright, Mr. Dela Paz, please occupy the vacant seat beside Ms. Garcia.”

My head snapped up. “Wait—what?”

Before I could even protest, the guy—Zacharias—was already walking toward me, his footsteps slow but confident. He smiled politely as he sat down, the faint scent of his cologne reaching me. Great. Of course he smelled nice.

“Hi,” he said, flashing me that friendly grin again. “Alyza, right?”

I nodded stiffly. “Yeah. Vice President of the Student Council,” I added, because apparently my brain decided to throw my title out there for no reason.

He chuckled softly. “Wow. Big position. I guess I should behave, then.”

I tried to look unimpressed. “That would be nice.”

He laughed, and I couldn’t help but notice how everyone’s eyes were on him now. Especially the girls at the back—they were whispering and giggling, obviously intrigued.

And then there was Jacob.
Leaning back on his chair, one arm resting casually on his desk, eyes watching me like he was amused.

I shot him a glare, mouthing, Don’t even.

He just smirked.

Of course he did.

I sighed and turned back to my notes, trying to ignore both the new guy beside me and the idiot behind me who was clearly enjoying the situation way too much.

But deep down, something told me this wasn’t going to be just another ordinary day.
Not with Zacharias Dela Paz now sitting beside me…
and Jacob Villanueva watching from behind.