3 Months Love Contract
Introduction
Love has a different approach for us, whether we are Filipinos or foreigners. We each have our own way of processing it. For some, it starts with a crush, followed by courtship, expressing feelings, and eventually a relationship. Some of us may not experience a formal courtship period, but instead have arranged partnerships set by our family or parents, even concerning marriage. There are other traditions that are applied as well.
As years go by and generations change, the approach to relationships might evolve, influenced by Filipino traits and culture. It depends on a person's or a family's background. Relationships today may start with letters, emails, texts, messaging apps, or even dating apps.
One of the biggest factors affecting relationships today is what we see on social media or in fictional movies. These can influence our culture and traditions.
That's why relationships depend on how both of you start, and this creates a "3-month Love Contract" in this storybook. I hope you enjoy this story!
Chapter 1- The beginning
"Hi Anthony, can I borrow some finance books to review for our upcoming exam this Monday? Don't worry, I'll share them with you since we're seatmates anyway," said Anya when she approached Anthony, who was both her workmate at the company and her schoolmate at the university, where they both took the same Accounting Technology course.
"Yeah, sure, Anya, as always. Study well!" Anthony said as he handed the book to Anya at school while they were working. Anya was happy to keep the book in her bag as she left the room to proceed with her other subjects.
A girl approached Anya while she was studying in the library, looking serious. Perhaps her friend Christine, who was concerned, said to Anya, "Oh, girl, are you okay? Is it true you're breaking up with Marlon? Why? You owe me an explanation. I thought you were too good for this, but it's heartbreaking to know what's going on. Marlon even approached me to help you talk to him if you have some misunderstanding. Maybe it could be settled easily. Just talk to him, Anya."
"Christine, I don't want to talk about it. I have my personal reasons for why I decided this, and maybe it could affect me. We're just not the same personality. I could offend him somehow. I need to focus on my studies because we have an exam coming up, and I don't want to fail. You know we're graduating, and I'm eager to graduate so I can focus on my goals," Anya replied as she answered the review questions and worked through the problems with calculations.
"Alright, Anya, but he's kind. I wish you could both move on from each other," Christine said.
"Well, I'd prefer to just be friends with him. I'm hurt by what I decided, but I think this is best for us. That way, we won't hurt each other or offend each other anymore. I know Marlon is kind, but I just don't think he's the right one for me. It's better to break up early," Anya said.
The campus bell rang, "Riiiing, riing!"
"Oh, sis, see you tomorrow! I won't wait for you; I'll go straight home. See ya!"
Chapter 2
Marlon is Anya's ex-boyfriend of 6 months. They started as friends and schoolmates, and later, they realized they were also workmates. They work at the same private company but in different departments. They are also schoolmates at the same campus, though in different departments and courses. Despite being in the same location, they only occasionally see each other and avoid eye contact, not smiling and feeling awkward in the situation. They broke up, and it hurt them both, even though they still liked each other. However, they weren't mature enough, and they chose to focus on their priorities instead of communicating. Even when they approached each other personally, they remained silent and focused on their individual priorities.
One day, Christine arrived at the work station. "Oh, Anya, are you good now with Marlon? I saw earlier he looked so sad and not as energetic as I used to see him when you two were getting along before," Christine said while opening the computer at the station.
"Please, sis, give me a moment of silence. We're good enough, and I don't want to be together as a girlfriend anymore. Being friends is enough for me, okay? Please leave that talk behind. Anyway, can you have your boss sign this paper for our supplies? Thanks," Anya said to Christine as she handed over the folder to be signed and started working.
"Okay, sis, as you wish. Anyway, wait for me later after we're done here. We'll go to school, okay? Tomorrow is Saturday, and we have a rest day, alright? Oh, and don't forget to study well. I'm not good at that subject. Could you give me the answers for the exam? Hahahaha. See ya!" Christine said before leaving Anya in the office to go to her own department.
Saturday, at home, after finishing studying for the upcoming exam, Anya was texting Anthony:
"Anthony, are you done studying the other subjects? Could you lend me the answers tomorrow for the other subjects? I'm feeling tired and exhausted. I'm heartbroken, as you know... haha."
Anthony still hadn't replied to her message.
"Hoyyy... Are you still working now? Anyway, happy anniversary to our company! What did you get? Got any gifts?" Anya continued texting Anthony, but still no reply.
"Hey Anthony, I'm bored. I want to talk to you. My unlimited load is expiring later. Christine has her own class too, so she can't reply. So pathetic... hahah."
Anthony still didn't reply.
"Ohhh, come on, alright! Can you give me someone to talk to so I can use my unli load and not let it go to waste? Thanks, Anthony. Reply when you read this message."
Three hours later, a business card message beeped...
"Oh, Dave Finance... mmmh, maybe this is from Dave in the Finance department, or maybe the new trainee, Dave. Let me chat with him. I'm sure he might surprise me or joke about it. On Monday, I'll approach him in the finance department when I see him."
"Hi Dave, happy anniversary to us! What gift did you receive today? How's your work now? Are you doing okay? I'm from another department. Guess who?" Anya texted jokingly.
"I guess he's busy... mmmh, so bad. I'm bored… mmmh. Why not? I'll message you some random quotes, hahahah. My unli load expired after an hour. So, bye-bye. I could load again, but I don't have enough load to buy. My allowance is enough, but I don't have the budget for load. Tsk tsk...," Anya sighed. She didn't want to reminisce about her ex, so she kept herself busy cleaning the house after the load expired.
Chapter 3
Sunday!
Beep beep... beep...
Anya received a lot of messages from Dave, but she hadn't read them because she left her cellphone at home while she was at church, as she always does when she goes early on Sunday mornings. When Anya arrived home and changed her clothes in her room, she checked her phone and saw 20 messages from Dave.
"Oh my goodness, hilarious! Is he serious? Hahahah."
Dave messaged Anya's number...
"Hey, who are you? What anniversary are you talking about? We're not in a relationship, so how could we have an anniversary? We don't celebrate Monthsaries. Hahahah, you're crazy!"
"Hey Samuel, is that you? Mmmhh, guys, don't joke like this. As you always do... mmmhhh.
This is serious."
"Hey, why aren't you replying? Are you afraid of me?"
"Ohhh, you disturbed me yesterday. I was studying for the exam, and now I'm free, but you're not replying to me?"
"Come on, who is this?"
"You don't have load? Hahahah!"
Receive 10 quotes sent from Dave
"Hey Roel, is this you? Ohh, come on, Roel and Samuel, don't make me confused. You're always joking with me."
"Ohhhh, hahahah, he mistook me for his friend. Oh my goodness, this is not Dave from our new department..." Anya anxiously read the 20 messages from Dave.
10 minutes later...
Another beep from Smart Load – an unli text for 3 days.
"Oh my goodness, I got load from Dave…" Anya was surprised.
"Do I reply to this message? What can I do... mhhhh," Anya whispered, but she decided to reply to Dave, feeling guilty for what she did. She realized she had mistaken the joke and thought it was the Dave from her workmates at the company.
"Hi Dave, this is Anya from Finance. I'm sorry if I mistook you. Our company was celebrating its anniversary yesterday, and I thought you were the Dave from another department. Apologies for disturbing you yesterday."
"Alright, no worries. May I know who gave you my number? Are you sure you're not Roel or Samuel? Is this true? Maybe you're Fatima, Roel's girlfriend? Mhhhh..."
"Dave, sorry again. I got your number from Anthony Moran. He's a friend of mine, a workmate, and also a schoolmate from the Finance department. I studied at Mindanao University."
Anya replied to the text message and explained to Dave, feeling guilty and sorry.
"Alright, is this not a joke? Seriously?" Dave replied.
"Hahaha. Yes, it's me, and it's true. I don't know you, even though I haven't seen you," Annya defensively replied to him.
"Okay, I believe you. So you are Anya, and you're studying at Mindanao University. We're at the same school. What year are you in, and which course are you taking?" Dave replied.
"I'm in my 4th year at MU for Accounting Tech, and next year I'm graduating," Anya replied, smiling.
Dave replied: "Oh, nice! Same here, but I'm in Accountancy. I'm also graduating next year. If I don't pass the final exam... I know Anthony Moran, but we're not close. We're classmates in my major subject. I wasn't expecting him to give you my number. I'm still confused."
"Apologies again. I was just existing because my load got expired, and I felt tired. My friend wasn't available, and I wanted to talk to someone who could get to know me and joke around. But I was surprised that you're not Dave from our department. Anyway, good luck with our exam. I'm sure you'll get it because you studied hard last night," Anya replied.
"No problem. Why not message your boyfriend? I'm sure you have one," Dave replied.
"I got heartbroken last week, and I'm trying to move on, but it still hurts," Anya replied sadly, feeling like crying.
"Oh, why? I'm sure he cheated..." Dave replied, worried, with a sad emoji.
"Maybe, but he's kind. He didn't cheat. Somehow, we could not understand each other. I felt offended when he was with his friend, even though she's a schoolmate and my friend. I'm not the jealous type, but I could feel it. I don't want to bother with it. I liked him, but my heart still hurts. I can't explain it. That's why I was looking for someone to talk and joke with," Anya replied.
"Hmmm... maybe he's just not the one for you. Maybe I'm the one meant for you," Dave replied jokingly, with a smile emoji.
"Come on, don't say that, Dave. Anyway, I'll talk to you later. I have a lot of work to do at home," Anya replied.
"Alright, but seriously, if you like, I can be your temporary boyfriend so you can move on easily," Dave replied with a big smile emoji.
"You're crazy, Dave... Hahahah. Anyway, I had fun talking to you. I have to go now. My mom called me. I'll message you soon if I'm done. Happy lunch!" Anya replied.
Chapter 4
Beep beep...
Anya opened her phone after finishing lunch and doing her laundry.
"Hi Anya, how are you? Are you done? What did you have for lunch? Hey, reply me if you're done ASAP!" Dave messaged excitedly with a smile emoji.
Anya smiled and replied: "Why are you in such a hurry? Is this an emergency to reply to you? Hahahah."
Dave: "Yes, I like to reply to you because I'm free, and I'm curious about you. I feel like there's something strange about me, like I know you. Maybe you're just teasing me!"
Anya replied: "I guess not. I don't know you, Dave. Even in school, I don't remember a classmate named Dave. And I'm not teasing you; I'm telling you the truth, seriously."
Dave: "Alright, but I feel something different. We need to meet. Are you free around 3 PM?"
Anya: "What??? Are you crazy? We have an exam tomorrow... Is this a joke?"
Dave: "Maybe just for 2 hours, then we can go home. We can meet at the café by the lake park. Is that okay with you?"
Anya: "I will check and message you later."
Anya walked out of her room and asked her parents if she could go to the café by the lake park for a moment.
Anya whispered to herself, thinking about whether to meet this strange guy, but she felt comfortable. "Mmmm... this is so awkward. Why do I want to meet him... oh my goodness..."
Anya decided to reply: "Hey Dave, okay, see you at 3 PM at the café by the lake park. I can only stay for about 2 hours because I need to go home early to study for the exam tomorrow. Is that okay?"
Dave: "Alright, see you later. What color is your dress? How will I know it's you?"
Anya: "Alright, I'm wearing pink and bringing my favorite pocketbook. Just approach me when you see me at the lake park. I'll message you once I get there."
Dave: "Okay, thanks. See you later."
Anya prepared and dressed up after tidying her room.
"Mom, I have to go. I'll be home before 6 PM."
Her mom replied: "Okay, be safe."
Anya kissed her mom.
At the café by the lake park, Anya arrived first. She messaged Dave: "Hey Dave, I'm here waiting for you at the bench in the café. I'm wearing a pink blouse and skinny jeans. My hair is in a ponytail, and I'm reading my new pocketbook. Come find me."
But as Anya thought she was the first to arrive, Dave was already waiting for her at the far end of the café, where he could easily spot her when she arrived.
Dave whispered to himself, seeing Anya. He felt nervous and shy when she sat down. "It's true we don't know each other, and this is the first time I'm meeting her. What should I do? My feet are frozen; I can't even walk over to her. Even though I want to, I can't move."
Dave wondered what to do. "I feel so shy and nervous... Should I just leave her and ghost her? Oh my goodness, she's so pretty. But come on, Dave, don't feel guilty if you leave her without talking to her." Dave decided to walk over and approach her.
Anya enjoyed reading her pocketbook while listening to music on her MP3 player, the wind blowing through her hair. She didn't even notice Dave beside her until he said "Hi."
Dave whispered: "Hi Anya! I called you three times but you didn't hear me."
Then Dave shyly approached her and said, "Excuse me..."
Anya: "Oh, hi! You're Dave?" Anya was confused and felt a little awkward. "Come on, sit here."
Dave: "Are you sure it's okay to sit here?"
Anya: "Yeah, it's not dirty. Can't you see people sitting here?"
Dave: "Isn't it dangerous? What if I fall into the water?" He joked to cover up his nervousness.
Anya: "Oh, come on Dave, you're funny. Don't be afraid."
Dave: "I'm just joking. Okay, I'm coming up."
Dave jumped onto the bench and sat beside her with a small distance between them. He introduced himself again to Anya and explained everything he had mentioned in the messages. They talked comfortably about jokes, stories, mermaids, science, technology, myths about fairies, and horror. Dave shared that he had never had a girlfriend or been in a relationship since birth, and that this was the first time he had ever approached someone like her. He encouraged himself to keep talking to her.
As time passed, the sun began to set.
Anya said: "Oh, the sunset is so beautiful... This is the perfect spot. Oh, Dave, I can't stay long. I have to leave soon. You know I have work in the morning, and we have an exam tomorrow."
Dave: "Sure, I'll send you to the bus station before you leave. But can I ask you one more question?"
Anya was puzzled. "What question?"
Dave: "I'm serious about what I said earlier in the message... I can be your temporary boyfriend."
Anya laughed. "Hahaha, are you sure? Oh, you're joking. Come on, Dave."
Dave: "I'm serious, Anya. Why not use me as your temporary boyfriend, so you can move on easily?"
Anya: "I'm sorry, but I can't do that. That's not my style. I'm going to go now."
Anya was surprised.
Dave: "Mmm... How about we make a contract? A 3-month love contract. If it doesn't work out, we can break up with no hard feelings."
Anya: "Come on, Dave, this isn't possible. I'm sorry, but I'm afraid. We're strangers, and this won't work out."
Anya felt confused.
"Anya, I have a strange feeling, too. This is my first time approaching someone like this. I don't want to lose you. Let's get to know each other and see where it goes," Dave said.
Dave was surprised to hear himself say this, proposing to Anya that he could imagine being in an instant contract relationship with someone he just met.
Anya said: "Are you sure?"
Dave: "Yes, I'm sure. Why not try? We're comfortable talking to each other, and I feel like we've known each other in the past. I have this strange feeling that this 3-month love contract might help us connect and let you move on from your ex."
Anya: "Three months love contract? I don't believe it. Mmmhhhp..."
(5 minutes of silence passes between them.)
Anya: "Alright, let's see."
Anya was surprised that she agreed to the contract.
" Dave: "Oh, thanks, Anya. I try my best. By the way, didn't your load expire?" he said happily.
Anya: "Okay, Dave, I have to go. Maybe tomorrow I'll top up my load. Thanks for the load."
Anya stood up and walked down from the bench.
"I'll meet you at the bus station. I'll see you tomorrow at school, right?" Dave asked happily.
Anya: "Alright, thanks. I'll message you tomorrow when I get to school. I'm in evening classes."
Dave: "Okay, I'll be looking for you tomorrow. Bye, Anya. I'll message you when I get home."
Anya got on the bus.
Dave stayed, watching the bus as Anya left, waving his hand and signaling her to reply to his message.
Anya smiled at him but didn't feel the need to reply right away.
Anya got home, feeling tired, and went to bed early. She even forgot to reply to Dave's message.
Chapter 5
Ring… Ring… The alarm clock rang.
"Oh my goodness, it's 7 AM! I'm a bit late for work!" Anya hurriedly got ready for work, packing her things for school as well.
Dave was still wondering why Anya hadn't replied since yesterday, and now it was already morning. He was preparing for his exam at school.
While Anya was on the bus, she couldn't stop thinking about Dave and the three-month relationship contract with a total stranger. She couldn't believe she had agreed to it. Anya whispered to herself, but she pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on her exam and work.
Anya at Work
"Hi, Anya! I've got to leave early later because I have a special exam. Okay, see you at school! Don't forget to share your answers—I know you studied," Christine teased. "Haha, I'm not prepared. Even Anthony's review didn't help much last time, so I'm counting on you to have the right answers. Hehe."
"I'm sure, sis, you'll get a perfect score, maybe even higher than me! You're such a lucky girl who gets the right answers even without studying. Hahaha," Anya joked back.
"See you later!" Christine said with a laugh.
At the University
Ring… Ring… The university bell rang.
"Anya! Over here—your seat is here!" Christine called out as Anya entered the room, getting her things ready for the exam while waiting for the professor to arrive.
"Sis, I'm so nervous," Anya confessed. She wasn't sure if her anxiety was about the exam or about Dave possibly looking for her. She was also unsure how to explain to her friends that she suddenly had a boyfriend—one who was a stranger until just yesterday.
"Hey, Anya! Are you okay? What are you thinking about?" Christine asked, noticing her distracted look.
"Nothing, sis," Anya replied, staring outside the room. Something caught her attention—a familiar boy was approaching their room. When their eyes met, Dave smiled at her.
"Oh my goodness, what do I do?" Anya whispered to herself. "Sis, excuse me for a bit. I need to go to the restroom," she said, quickly leaving the room just as Dave reached the door.
In the Hallway
Dave approached Anya with a sweet smile and said, "Hi, Anya. Is this your exam room?"
"Yeah! How did you find me here? I mean, there are so many rooms in this university, and you found me so easily!" Anya exclaimed.
"Mmm, I was just passing by. I had a feeling I might see you here," Dave said with a shy smile.
"I see… I've got to go now. The professor is about to arrive," Anya said quickly, heading back to the room.
"I'll wait for you in the lobby until your exam is over, okay? Good luck with your exam!" Dave called out before she entered. Anya gave him a thumbs up and a small smile in response.
After the Exam
Ring… Ring… The university bell signaled the end of the exam.
"Oh my gosh, sis. I'm sure I got some answers wrong! I just guessed on the rest, using the 'ABC method'—whichever one my pen stopped on became my answer!" Christine said, laughing.
"Hahaha, you're so crazy, sis! I'm sure you did well anyway. You're such a lucky girl. Even Anthony was super serious on the other side," Anya replied with a laugh.
"Mmm, Christine…" Anya said hesitantly.
"Yes, my dear Anya? What's up?" Christine asked, noticing her friend's anxious expression.
"Don't laugh or bully me… but I have a boyfriend now," Anya said shyly.
"What?! Insane! How? Where? When? I mean… who? My goodness, sis!" Christine exclaimed, shocked.
"Um… just yesterday, like two hours after we met? Haha. His name is Dave… I think? I forgot his last name," Anya admitted, feeling embarrassed.
"What?! How can you call him your boyfriend if you don't even know his last name? You're so pathetic, sis! Hahaha," Christine said, laughing uncontrollably.
"Fine, fine… I just agreed to this because maybe it'll help me move on faster," Anya said, feeling shy and nervous. "Anyway, he's waiting for me in the lobby."
"Mmm, let's see if he's handsome! Come on, sis, I can't believe you! You're so desperate. You barely know this stranger, and now he's your boyfriend? This is insane! Bow down to you, sis," Christine said, amused at her best friend's situation.
At the Lobby
Anya saw Dave waiting in the lobby, reading a book. When Dave noticed her approaching with her classmate, he lifted his head and smiled warmly.
"Sis, where's your new boyfriend? Hmm? What color is his shirt?" Christine teased Anya with a smirk.
"That's him—the one in the green shirt with the number 26. That's Dave," Anya whispered to Christine, smiling slightly at Dave.
"Oh my gosh! That's Dave Nives—the genius boy from Finance! Oh, come on, sis! You have great instincts," Christine said, surprised.
"What, sis? You know him?" Anya whispered back, equally surprised.
"Of course! He's a dean's lister, a good guy, super shy, and the most well-behaved boy in our class. We were classmates last semester," Christine explained, grinning as she glanced at Dave. "Oh, Dave! It's you!" she called out.
"Christine? Hi! She's your classmate?" Dave asked, surprised to recognize her.
"Yes, Dave! Oh, take care of my sister—she's lucky to have you. You've got my approval! Hehehe," Christine joked, happy for her friend. "Alright, sis, I'll head out so you two can have some alone time. Good luck with your genius new boyfriend!" Christine teased as she walked away, leaving Anya and Dave standing together.
Anya smiled, feeling a mix of emotions—happiness, nervousness, and excitement.
Anya and Dave's Conversation
"Anya, are you okay? That joker Christine really knows how to tease. Anyway, are you hungry? Can we grab something to eat at the café? After that, I'll walk you to the bus station," Dave asked.
"Yeah, sure, that sounds fine. But we can't stay out too late. If it gets past 9 PM, I'll get home late, and I need to be up early tomorrow for work," Anya replied. She was still preoccupied, thinking about what Christine had said about Dave earlier. Is it true that he's a dean's lister? I'll have to ask her tomorrow morning to confirm.
As they walked toward the café, there was a slight awkwardness and silence between them, with a small distance separating them.
"Anya, what would you like to order?" Dave asked.
"Hmm, just a burger and a Royal, please," Anya replied absentmindedly, not even glancing at the menu. Her mind was occupied with her thoughts about Christine's comments regarding Dave.
"Alright, same for me," Dave said as he placed their order at the counter and waited for the food.
"Anya, how was your exam? Are you feeling exhausted?" Dave asked with concern.
"Slightly, but it's manageable. Anyway, thanks for the food—I was a little hungry," Anya replied. "By the way, what's your surname?"
"Dave Nives," he said, pulling out his ID and showing it to her.
"Oh, so that's you. Your picture looks cute," Anya said with a slight smile. "What are your plans for tomorrow?"
"I'll check the exam results and then wait for you in the lobby," Dave replied.
"I'm not sure if we still have class. I think today might've been our last day for exams. After that, it's term break, right? I'll message you tomorrow to confirm," Anya said.
"Sure, Anya. If you have any questions about your subjects next term, feel free to ask me. Even if it's an assignment or a take-home quiz, I'd be happy to help. I know you're busy with work in the morning and might not have much time in the evening. I'm okay with helping you out," Dave offered shyly.
"Okay, thanks, Dave. Let's head out now—I need to catch my bus," Anya said.
"Sure," Dave replied. They walked in silence to the bus station.
When they reached the station, Dave said, "Anya, take care and good night."
"You too, Dave. Good night," Anya replied with a neutral expression. She was still processing everything that had happened—the surprise revelation about Dave being a dean's lister and Christine's teasing. Anya was deeply intrigued, realizing that Dave might not be the carefree guy she initially thought he was. Instead, he seemed thoughtful and dependable.
Chapter 6
"Hey Christine, hello! Why haven't you been coming to work lately?" Anya asked over the phone while heading to the finance dean's office to check on Dave's exam results.
"I'm not feeling well, sis. Can you tell me my room number for next week? I'll return to work after taking a little vacation this week," Christine replied.
"Okay, sure, sis," Anya said, though her mind was preoccupied with thoughts about Dave.
When she arrived at the dean's office, she was surprised to find out that Dave had ranked second in the entire finance university's exam results.
Text Message from Dave
Beep, beep. A text message from Dave lit up Anya's phone:
"Anya, I'm outside the café with some friends. Would you like to join us? It's okay if I introduce you to them."
Anya quickly replied, "Okay, I'll head there after this."
As she walked out of the office, she couldn't help but feel anxious. What will Dave's friends be like? Will they be geniuses like him or not friendly at all? She sighed, her nerves getting the better of her. Gosh, Anya, what have you gotten yourself into?
At the Café
Dave smiled warmly as he saw Anya entering the café. While his friends were busy ordering food at the counter, he approached her.
"Anya, you're here! Are you feeling okay?" Dave asked with a sweet smile.
Anya, feeling a bit anxious, replied, "Yeah, I'm good. Just a little tired. I had a lot of work today since Christine wasn't around—she's not feeling well."
"I see. I hope Christine feels better soon," Dave replied.
Just then, Dave's friends returned from the counter with their food and noticed Anya standing with him.
"Oh, man! Anya, is that you?" Samuel exclaimed in surprise, realizing that Dave's girlfriend was also his seatmate and classmate in another subject. Roel, another friend, also recognized her.
"Oh my gosh, hey, you guys!" Anya laughed, both surprised and amused by the coincidence.
She couldn't help but think, How is this even possible? Dave's close friends are my classmates from another subject. We've all known each other, but Dave and I never crossed paths until now. Is this fate?
Hey Anya, You're such a lucky girl! You're the one girlfriend Dave is serious about, huh? And Dave, you're lucky too—Anya is your girlfriend. I can't believe you two are dating. Hahaha!
Oh, Anya, what's your subject for the coming new term? I hope we can be classmates in law. Samuel was amused while talking to you, Anya.
I got Room 405, Law 4, near the gym department," Anya said excitedly.
"Wow, we're classmates! This is so exciting. I already feel confident about acing the exams with your help. Why don't you consider pursuing law after we graduate next year? You're good at law, Anya," Samuel said.
"Hahaha. As of now, I'm not thinking about it," Anya said with a smile.
Hey Dave, are you graduating this October? Roel asked.
"I hope so, as long as I don't fail the last exam next month. If all goes well, I'll be an Octoberian graduate," Dave said, wishing hard and glancing at Anya with a smile.
"Hey guys, we can't stay here too long," Dave said. "I have to catch a bus, and Anya has work tomorrow, so she shouldn't be late." Clearly, Dave wanted some alone time with Anya without his friends tagging along.
"Oh, come on! I thought we could play some games after this," Samuel teased. "Dave, you're making excuses because you've got another agenda, huh?"
"Hahaha, no… I didn't say that!" Dave laughed nervously.
"All right, all right, we'll give you two a break. Go ahead, take care of our bro, Anya. He's NBSB—never been so bold, hahaha!" Samuel joked as he and Roel left the café.
""Hmmp!, Samuel. Haha. Thanks, guys," Dave said as his friends walked out, leaving him to apologize to Anya.
"Sorry, Anya, about my friends. They were just joking," Dave said shyly.
"It's okay, Dave. I know them, and I'm not offended," Anya replied with a smile.
"Let's go," Dave said, inviting her to walk to the bus station.
The couple walked in comfortable silence until Dave broke it.
"Mmmhh, Anya…"
"Yes, Dave?" Anya replied, curious.
"As we start our relationship, what should we call each other?" Dave asked nervously.
"Is that necessary?" Anya asked, puzzled.
"I guess just normal couple stuff," Dave suggested.
"Ohhh, I see. Let's just use our names—Dave and Anya," she answered.
"How about 'babe,' but we spell it with an H—like 'bahbhe.' It's still pronounced the same but looks unique," Dave suggested shyly.
"Hahaha, really?" Anya blushed, thinking it was cheesy but endearing.
"Anya? Is that okay with you?" Dave asked, noticing her lost in thought.
"Huh? Mmmhh, yeah, no problem. What was it again? Bahh...bhee?" Anya repeated playfully.
"It's babe, but with an H—bahbhe. Kind of different, don't you think?" Dave said, his cheeks reddening.
"Ahhh, cute." Anya smiled, her face slightly flushed.
The silence returned until Anya spotted her bus.
"Oh, Dave, here's my bus. I've got to go now," she said, hurrying toward it.
"Bye, Anya. See you tomorrow. I'll message you when I get home. Take care!" Dave waved as Anya boarded the bus.
At Home
Beep beep beep.
"Hello, bahbhe. Thanks for the time tonight. I'm happy we got to spend even a little time together. Good night, bahbhe," Dave messaged.
Anya smiled and blushed while reading the sweet message from Dave.
"Same here…" Anya replied briefly.
"Oh, Dave, you're such a cheesy guy. I can't believe I'm in this kind of relationship. I didn't expect you to be so sweet… Am I starting to like you, Dave?" Anya whispered to herself while staring at Dave's message.
"Tsk tsk… Focus, Anya. You have your goals. Don't fall for someone again," she told herself. "I should go to bed now, or I might wake up late. Hmmmpf!"