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

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

It was a Sunday-supposedly a rest day-but for the SSLG officers, rest was just a rumor. The air inside the auditorium smelled faintly of paint, glue, and exhaustion. Decorations were scattered everywhere... ribbons, streamers, and half-finished backdrops waiting for attention.

I was on the stage again, perched on a stool, carefully brushing blue paint across the edge of the banner when I felt a sudden splatter on my cheek.

"Wait-what the-?"

I wiped at it instinctively, only to smear the paint even more. My reflection on the shiny stage backdrop looked ridiculous-blue streaks on my cheek, a stained white shirt, and messy hair tied in a bun that was barely hanging on.

Perfect. Just perfect.

Everyone laughed, and I joined in too-until the laughter suddenly faded, replaced by a collective gasp.

When I turned around, I froze.

Standing by the door, framed by the sunlight streaming through the window, was Jacob Villanueva.

Our Mr. President.
My... suitor.

He wasn't in his usual crisp uniform this time-just a plain white shirt and jeans, sleeves rolled, hair slightly tousled. But he still somehow managed to look like he stepped straight out of a campus magazine.

And in his hand-a bouquet of sunflowers.

My favorite.

For a second, my heart forgot how to beat. Everyone's jaw dropped. Even Zevi, who rarely shut up, was speechless.

Jacob walked forward, steady and confident, like the rest of the world didn't exist. He didn't even flinch when he noticed the streaks of blue paint on my face. He didn't stop when he saw my messy shirt. He just... smiled.

A soft, knowing smile that made my chest tighten.

"Messy day?" he said, voice teasing but gentle.

"Y-you could say that," I stammered, glancing around at everyone watching. "What are you even doing here?"

He stopped right in front of me, holding out the bouquet. "Courtship duties."

A few of the officers gasped dramatically. I could practically hear Zevi whispering, "Bro's smooth as hell."

Jacob ignored him. "These are for you," he said, eyes never leaving mine.

I blinked at the sunflowers-bright, golden, alive. My hands were covered in blue paint, but before I could even protest, he gently took my wrist, uncaring.

"You'll stain the petals-" I started.

"It's fine," he said, his tone so soft it made my breath hitch. "You can ruin a few petals. You're worth more than perfect flowers."

My throat tightened. My heart-yeah, that thing-decided to do cartwheels.

"Jacob..." I whispered.

He just smiled, eyes glinting with that infuriating charm. "Told you I'd prove it."

Around us, everyone either squealed, laughed, or groaned at the cheesiness. Jhessy literally facepalmed. "Oh my god, get a room."

Zevi chuckled. "Correction-get a paint room. You both already look like an art project."

I glared at him, cheeks burning, while Jacob just smirked. "Then I guess she's my favorite masterpiece."

That earned a round of teasing "AWWWs" from the entire crew.

I tried to hide my face behind the bouquet, but the scent of the sunflowers made me smile. Warm, soft, real.

And when I dared to peek at him, he was already looking at me-with that same quiet sincerity that made everything else fade away.

"Blue looks good on you," he said, low enough for only me to hear.

I smiled. "Sunflowers look good on you."

His grin widened. "Then I guess we're even."

And just like that, in the middle of paint-splattered chaos and half-finished decorations, something beautiful bloomed-a memory I'd never forget.

"Let's get a picture of you guys!" Jhessy's voice echoed through the auditorium, cutting through the noise of laughter and paintbrushes clattering. "Time to check if the photo booth works!"

I blinked, still clutching the sunflowers Jacob gave me. "Wait-what? Now?"

"Of course now!" Jhessy grinned, dragging Zevi with her as she motioned toward the stage. "We need test subjects, and who better than the lovebirds themselves?"

"Lovebirds?" I repeated, eyes wide.

Zevi laughed. "You heard her, Ms. Top 2. Don't act shy now."

Before I could even react, Jhessy had already shoved me toward the newly set-up photo booth in the corner of the auditorium. It was simple but charming-fairy lights, a white backdrop sprinkled with silver stars, and a string of paper hearts hanging unevenly. The camera was perched on a tripod, facing the center spot marked by a tiny "X."

"C'mon, Garcia," Jacob said behind me, his voice low and teasing. "Don't tell me you're scared of a camera now."

"I'm not!" I snapped, turning around only to nearly bump into him. He was standing too close-way too close-and that infuriating smirk on his face wasn't helping my composure.

"Then prove it," he murmured, stepping past me to stand in the center.

Everyone around us started cheering like this was some kind of show.

"Go, Mr. President!" Gian shouted.

"Smile pretty, Ms. Vice!" Vriella added.

I rolled my eyes but joined Jacob under the soft fairy lights. The camera's little red timer light began to blink-three seconds before the photo.

Jacob leaned slightly closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're nervous."

"I'm not!"

"One..." Jhessy counted.

"You are." His grin widened.

"Two..."

"Shut up, Villanueva."

"Three!"

The flash went off just as Jacob turned his head toward me-his smile soft, genuine, and way too close.

I blinked from the brightness, still clutching the bouquet. "Did it... take?"

"Yep!" Zevi said, rushing over to check the screen. Then he howled with laughter. "Oh my god, bro, you look like you're about to kiss her!"

"WHAT?!" I nearly tripped trying to see the photo.

Sure enough, on the screen, there it was... Jacob leaning in, his eyes soft and focused on me, while I looked halfway between shocked and blushing.

Jhessy squealed. "It's giving romantic drama poster! We're printing that!"

"Delete it!" I exclaimed, face red.

"Too late," Vriella said, grinning wickedly as she snapped a picture of the picture on her phone. "It's going straight to the SSLG GC."

"GUYS!"

Jacob chuckled, reaching out to fix a stray strand of hair from my face. "Relax, Ms. Garcia," he murmured. "It's a good photo."

"Good for you, maybe," I grumbled, hiding behind the bouquet again.

He leaned closer, voice low enough for only me to hear. "Good for us."

My heart skipped a beat-again.

And as everyone around us burst into laughter, teasing, and chaotic commentary, I couldn't help but smile. Because for a moment, under the twinkling lights and sunflower scent still lingering in the air, it didn't feel like just another school task.

It felt like something was slowly, quietly, and beautifully falling into place.