A Pure Heart: Missing Piece

Kabanata 19

Hello, verse keepers! The content of this chapter revolves around Yshi and Wenwen's presentation, where they discuss the difference between love and infatuation from Precious' point of view. I hope you find this chapter engaging as you read it.

Article “Love or Infatuation” Source: https://www.lovstrand.com/Quotes/LoveOrInfatuation.html

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"Good morning, everyone! Ma'am Charissa is here!" Our World Literature professor announced over the microphone.

"Good morning, Ma'am!" The students responded.

"Please settle down, both freshies and sophomores, please," Ma'am Charissa instructed.

Since there were many of us, naturally, some students were noisy. Eventually, we settled down when our leaders disciplined us. Ito na kasi ang araw ng presentasyon ng lahat patungkol sa ginawang capstone project, at dapat maipaglaban namin kung naipakita ba namin ang adbokasiya namin doon.

"Kinakabahan ako sa presentation natin mamaya. Baka magkamali ako at mabulol!" sabi ni Marcie na halata sa pananalita niya ang kaba.

"Be positive lang, bakla," sabi sa kanya ni Kishimae.

I noticed Yshi glancing at Marcie, who briefly raised an eyebrow and smirked, seemingly not believing what he said and taking it as a joke. I furrowed my brows at that reaction. What was that about?

"So, you're in front of your GenEd professors and also professors from both the Filipino and English departments who will be serving as the panelists for your presentation, along with our dean, Police Detective Stella Dione Lopez," Professor Charissa announced. The students applauded as Dean Lopez stood up and briefly acknowledged the crowd. "They will be observing your conduct and, more importantly, your presentations. They will also be responsible for grading your performance."

"Kinakabahan na talaga ako," ani Marcie.

"Pwede ba tumahimik ka na lang? Hindi lang ikaw ang kinakabahan dito. Paano mawawala iyong kaba ko rito kung panay ka salita? Nawawala na nga focus ko," inis na sabi ni Claisse sa kanya na halata ring kabado. Pero pareho silang nagtawanan sa asal nilang dalawa dahil hindi naman sila ganoon.

Yshi then approached Marcie and gave her a reassuring tap on the shoulder. Lahat kami ay napatingin pa roon. I noticed a subtle shift in the dynamics between them. Their interaction seemed to carry a different kind of tension, one that piqued my curiosity. It was as if there was an unspoken layer beneath their exchange that left me wondering what might be going on.

"You can do it," Yshi told her, grinning.

"Yes, Miss Yshi," Marcie replied, now taking it more seriously.

Iniwas ko na lamang ang tingin sa kanila at hindi na sila pinansin pa para hindi na mag-isip ng kung ano. Hinanap na lamang ng mga mata ko si Bryan. I found him beside Kalil and Kuya Zean.

Bryan looked incredibly dashing in his Ford University uniform. The maroon coat and contrasting white long-sleeved shirt gave him a different and confident aura. His well-fitted black slacks and polished black shoes completed the ensemble with a touch of elegance. The black necktie, slightly loosened, hinted at his casual charm, while his slightly messy hair added an element of effortless allure. Bryan's appearance was a perfect blend of smart and relaxed, making it impossible not to be captivated by his presence.

"Okay, let's begin! May I invite the first group to present? The group led by Erazette Weinz," Professor Charissa announced, and the attentive audience applauded in response.

"Sabi na nga ba! Bakit tayo ang una? Eto na, eto na!" sabi ni Marcie.

"Just trust yourself, alright?" Kishimae told him. "Huwag maging nega, bakla!"