Joel left school later than usual, finishing documents the officers urgently needed. Raymond had gone home earlier, leaving their driver to return for him.
The campus was quiet by the time he stepped outside. He checked his watch.
Six o'clock already.
Most students had left, even the dancers who stayed for practice. Only a few lingered near the gate. Their car was already waiting.
He hopped in but paused when his stomach growled. Maybe he should get something for Raymond too. He asked the driver to stop at the nearby convenience store.
The place was alive with students—eating, chatting, still in uniform. Joel grabbed snacks and drinks, thinking Raymond would lecture him if he forgot.
What should I get? he wondered, scanning the shelves.
Then he heard a familiar voice murmuring to herself.
"It has to fit my budget… or I won't have enough for fare."
He almost ignored it—until he saw the uniform.
Nicole.
She hadn't noticed him. She was staring at her phone, brows furrowed.
When she finally looked up and saw him, she stiffened.
"S-Sorry," she whispered, quickly moving aside.
I thought she went home with Kelly? Joel frowned.
He continued picking snacks, then lined up at the counter—ending up behind her.
Nicole sighed as she handed her items over.
"Uh… sorry, I bought too much. It won't fit my budget. Please remove the ice cream," she said quietly.
Joel watched the cashier take the ice cream aside.Nicole paid quickly and slipped out.
"Add the ice cream back," Joel told the cashier.
When he went outside, Nicole was gone.
He sighed and returned to the car.
On the way, he noticed a student running for a jeepney.
It sped off, leaving her standing in frustration.
"Pull over," Joel said. "I'm giving someone a ride."
The car slowed.And yes—Nicole, breathing hard, waiting for another ride.
"Get in," Joel said through the open window. "Ride with me."
Nicole blinked. "N-No, it's fine. I can commute."
"You'll be waiting forever at this hour," he said calmly.
"Th-Thank you, but… I'm fine," she insisted.
Joel sighed, stepped out, and gently took her wrist.
"Nicole. Get in."
His voice wasn't forceful—just firm enough that she couldn't argue.
Reluctantly, she obeyed and slid inside.
"I should… just get down and take another ride…" she mumbled.
"Drive," Joel told the driver before she could reach the door again.
Nicole clutched her seat, trying to calm her breathing. Her hair was messy from running; faint sweat glistened on her skin.
"Th-Thank you," she whispered.
Joel pulled out the ice cream and handed it to her.
"Here."
Nicole stared at it, stunned. "I-I'll pay you tomorrow."
He only smiled and didn't answer.
Silence filled the space between them as she slowly ate.
"I thought you went home with Kelly?" he asked.
"I missed her. I forgot to text… so she probably thought I went ahead."
Joel nodded.
Nicole stared out the window. She still looked tense around him, intimidated.
After a few minutes, Joel spoke again.
"Can I ask something?"
Nicole tensed. "W-What?"
"Have you ever had a boyfriend?"
Her eyes widened. She shook her head quickly. "N-No… never."
A small grin tugged at Joel's lips.
"So… that kiss before." His voice softened."That was your first?"
Nicole froze, cheeks burning.She didn't answer—but the tiny nod was enough.
Joel chuckled and shifted slightly closer, his tone teasing.
"So if I kiss you again… that makes me your second, right?"
Nicole's eyes watered immediately. "S-Sorry…"
Joel frowned. "Sorry? Why?"
"Sorry that I've never had a boyfriend…" she said, voice trembling.
Joel blinked—then let out a soft laugh."Nicole… that's not something to apologize for."
She swallowed hard, still embarrassed.
He leaned a little closer—slow enough for her to move away if she wanted.
"Hey," he whispered."I wasn't teasing to hurt you."
Her tears fell again.
"D-Don't tease me like that," she whispered. "I… I don't know how to react. I'm scared of doing something wrong."
Joel's expression softened.
"Nicole," he said gently."Do you really think I'd hurt you?"
"I… I get scared. Guys like you—Cielo… Dennis…" she admitted shakily. "I'm not used to boys. I get intimidated easily."
Joel took her hand—slowly, carefully, letting her see his intention.
"I won't hurt you," he said quietly. "Not you."
Nicole's breathing steadied a little.
Then Joel lifted her chin lightly with his fingers.
"Can I?" he asked.
Nicole's eyes widened at the question.Her lips trembled.
But she didn't pull away.
That was enough.
Joel leaned in, kissing her softly—nothing forceful, nothing rushed. Gentle, coaxing, warm.Her tears slipped down again, but this time she wasn't resisting. She was overwhelmed.
Why is her kiss like this? Joel wondered. Why does it pull me in every single time?
He pulled back slowly, brushing her cheek with his thumb.
"Don't cry," he murmured.
Nicole wiped her eyes, blushing furiously.
Joel smirked slightly, lowering his forehead to hers."Careful. If you look at me like that… I'll kiss you again."
Nicole's breath hitched.
And Joel kissed her once more—deeper this time, but still mindful, still letting her breathe. Her small hands clutched his sleeve, trying to steady herself.
She's mine… Joel thought, surprised by the intensity of it.
Panting softly, Nicole whispered, "Pl-Please… don't confuse my feelings. I don't know what this means yet."
Joel smiled, not mocking—just soft, warm, tempted.
"I won't confuse you," he murmured. "But I'm greedy. I want more of you."
He kissed her forehead before leaning back.
As the car slowed near her house, he whispered:
"Be careful when we're alone, Nicole. I… really like kissing you."
Nicole shivered, eyes wide.
Joel gave her one last soft kiss.
"Only I'm allowed to kiss you. Remember that."
She nodded faintly.
The car stopped. Nicole hurried out, where Jonathan and Kelly were waiting.
"Thanks for bringing my sister home," Jonathan said.
Joel nodded, watching Nicole cling to Kelly before they went inside.
A quiet smile formed on his lips.
I swear… I'm getting addicted.