The Ateneo hallway buzzed with students, but all Colet could hear was Maloi’s voice.

“And this is the art room,” Maloi said, her hand dramatically gesturing to the doorway like she was a game show host. “Also my second home. I’m basically the queen of that place—ask Ma’am Reyes, she’s my tita!”

Colet raised a brow, unimpressed. “Cool.”

Maloi pouted slightly but didn’t let the quiet kill her energy. “You know, people usually beg to be toured by me. You’re lucky your tour guide had a journal meeting.”

“I wouldn’t say lucky,” Colet mumbled.

Maloi caught that and rolled her eyes with a grin. “You’re just grumpy ‘cause your miss muse wasn’t assigned to you.”

Colet glanced at her. “You mean Chie?”

“SSLG president and muse,” Maloi scoffed. “You mean the player.”

“She’s not that bad.”

Maloi sighed, walking a few steps ahead before turning back around. “You only like her ‘cause she gave you that fake rose during orientation. Meanwhile, I’m giving you a real tour, with real facts, real charm—”

“And real noise,” Colet interrupted flatly.

Maloi laughed, but there was a flicker of something else in her smile. She hated how Chie’s name always made her chest twist a bit. Maloi knew she wasn’t subtle—she liked Colet, cared for her, even if Colet’s interest was barely 15% on a good day.

Still, she continued walking, gesturing proudly at the bulletin boards filled with her name. Best in English. Best in Math. Best in Science. Best in Arts. High Honors. Her academic achievements and her family’s influence had given her a place here, but she worked for every bit of it.

“Anyway,” she said, softer this time. “Just so you know… I don’t need to be the muse. I already know my worth.”

Colet looked at her, maybe for a second longer than usual. But still, she said nothing.

Maloi smiled again—this time smaller. “Come on, Colet. Next stop, the library. I promise not to talk the whole way.”

Colet followed, silent, but this time… a little less annoyed.