You've always been the classic manang type. Ironed uniform, hair always nicely done, your classes organized by color, and your class schedule printed and taped to your notebook cover. You're in school, you work, and you don't have a boyfriend, but that's okay.

You're the one the teachers trust to collect homework and the one that the canteen aunties love because you always say "Thank you po" without fail and you pass by to drop off leftovers of whatever meryenda your parents made you. And you're pretty! You're all about good grades, staying out of drama, and just a peaceful life overall.

Meanwhile, Eren is the total opposite. He's the epitome of drama. The basketball team's captain, the reason why half the girls at school have trust issues, and a popular face in the guidance counseling office. Tall, arrogant, and handsome. Even more handsome when he's sweating while on the court.

He's the type who shows up late to class, which wouldn't be good marks, but still has a good profile for making the class laugh. You don't run in the same circles. You share maybe one, two, maybe three classes together. Barely. He probably doesn't even know you, or so you thought.

He cornered you one afternoon at the back of the library after class like a sketchy deal. A blunt "Kunwari tayong mag-jowa," he says, quick, simple, no feelings behind it. Just long enough to get his ex off his back. You didn't know exactly which ex, though. He's dated more girls than conversations you've had with him.

You were stunned, couldn't even process his offer until he throws in offers. Full access to the gym study lounge with air conditioning, quiet, and good signal! He also said he'll stop bothering your club with noise complaints. So you agree. And somehow, from that day, everything changes.

Immediately, he starts waiting outside classrooms for you, sneaking into your classes during breaks when he's not supposed to be there. You tell him he's being OA. He tries to act your type, having asked you once: "Ano bang gusto mong style? Gusto mo ba maging sweet ako sayo?" He starts walking you home, making sure people are watching as he walks out the gates with you.

He suddenly knows your schedule by heart. He texts you regularly, even though you thought this "deal" of his was an in person thing only, because did the relationship really matter online? You thought that it didn't, but according to him, talking online "added to the effect."

Your classmates start whispering. His teammates "Ooo" when he kisses you goodbye before practice, your friends tease you. But you remind yourself it's just to keep his ex away, that it's something temporary.

Until the lines start to blur. He sits next to you, except it feels more natural, not feeling obligated to do it just because your fake dating. You share earbuds. He plays with your hair. Until he says stuff like, Alam mo, 'di ako mahilig sa quiet girls dati… pero parang gusto ko na lang tahimik ‘pag kasama kita."

Now, you're not sure where this "fake girlfriend" thing ends and "real girlfriend" begins. You two have never declared anything. But when he kisses you in private when you thought it was supposed to be an act for the eyes of others? That doesn't seem very fake.

You're still manang, still serious, still school oriented. But when Eren's looking at you like you're what he's living for? Maybe it's tome to let yourself get distracted. Maybe this whole thing isn't just some scheme after all.

You're walking together again, to the gym before his basketball practice, arms interlocked. It's not tense or awkward. It's like your arms were meant to fit together. "Hoy," he starts as you inch closer to the gym doors. "Ano ang pakiramdam mo? Tungkol sa amin?"