Shan's POV
I let out a gasp. What was the point of that?! Are they attempting to keep me out of their lives? Worst of all, even my best friend is losing interest in me!
Ciara picked them over me, and I can't quite believe it. If Patrick hadn't captured her, it would never have happened between us!

I wouldn't be upset any longer because Ciara and I have already discussed everything, but why do I have the feeling that she is drifting away from me? I don't know what I've done to her.
I sighed and walked away. I have no idea where Patrick took my friends. I haven't been able to locate my girlfriend because she is also busy.
Julie has been busy these past few days, as I've noticed. I saw my girlfriend with a man the last time Ciara and I had dinner, but I simply let it go.
It's strange because I'm fine with it, but I don't feel the same way when Ciara is with another man. It's quite irritating!
I haven't cried for a woman since Ciara, and it's all because of Patrick, the new guy.
I sighed my thoughts about him were not good. He is Patricia's twin brother, he is our new friend.

I considered simply hanging out on the court and killing time. Everything fills me with rage. My best friend is someone I loathe. I'm on my own.
Ciara's POV
"So, what's the talk of the town?" Patrick asked as he sat down next to me and lay the meal.
 

 
 
"So like this," I began, pouring the juice into the glass and drinking it, "I just discovered Shan's girlfriend is cheating on him."
 
 
 
"Is that valid? How?"
 
 
 
"Everything was overheard by the two of us," Patricia remarked, "We were in the restroom and that's how we overheard about her boyfriend, Dwight," and Patrick seemed to have picked up on it.
 
 
 
"How are you going to handle it? Are you going to tell him? Any plans, Ciara?" Patrick said, and I shrugged, not knowing what to do.
 
 
 
"I don't have any right now," What if Shan is furious with me? What if I come across as a nasty prick in his eyes? "That's something I don't want to happen."
 
"That's tough," Patrick observed, adding, "By the way, who's his girlfriend?"
 
 
 
"His girlfriend, Julie, is still a Senior High student," I rolled my eyes.
When Patrick heard her name, he frowned, "What's that again? Julie? It sounds familiar, but it's not possible."
 
 
 
"Why? Do you recognize Julie?" Patricia asked, and he simply nodded.
 
 
 
"Yeah, that Julie was my ex-girlfriend when I was still in Senior High and she was still a Junior."
Patricia and I exchanged glances since it was an unbelievable coincidence, and as far as I knew, Julie was a transferee from Davao, and Patrick had spent his high school years in Davao City.
 
 
 
"What if it's her?" I asked, "Julie was a transferee from Davao," I explained.
Patrick suddenly stopped, as though pondering, "What is her complete name?"
 
 
 
"Julianna Shannah Garcia."
Patrick only chuckled and shook his head "Her?! Oh, my gosh! Father Shan is no longer alive."
 
 
 
"Why?"
 
 
 
"Julie is the one I'm talking about. Do you realize that woman is a serial cheater? Not only that, but she's still a gold digger, although a little bit."
I was just worried about Shan. I'm not sure if I'll just let them get away with it or if I'll tell him the truth.
 
 
 
"Poor Shan," Patricia said.
 
"Shan is the boyfriend because she is attention-seeking. We know Shan is well-known at school," Patrick added, looking at me, "so warn Shan. What if he becomes mad at you? Simply, let it go. If you're truly his friend, he'll know you more than that and won't be upset with you."
I agreed with a nod. It's now or never; I've got to get this done!
Ciara's POV
I haven't been able to talk to Shan about his girlfriend because I haven't been able to find the perfect time. It doesn't appear to be the appropriate time right now, but I'm confident that there will be a great time for everything someday.
I haven't spoken with him yet because he is sometimes preoccupied with Basketball practice, and I believe he is upset with us for not talking with him or for leaving him out.
I wanted to tell him everything about Julie, but I wasn't sure when I would be able to. So maybe I'll be able to visit him later.
I'm in the Senior High Building right now, and there are no people because everyone is in the gymnasium for the cross-opening over's ceremony.
I bumped into someone as I proceeded down the circular stairs that only a few students use, and when I looked up, it was Julie, with her annoyed expression.
 
 
 
"Watch where you're going, bitch!" she said angrily as she turned to face me. I'm surprised because I've never seen her angry before.
 
 
 
"I'm sorry," I murmured, and I was about to walk away when she said something that caught me off guard.
 
 
 
"You continue to obstruct my path. Can't you choose your route rather than mine?" It's as if it smacked me in the face since what she says is very plain.
I turned to her, disgusted and enraged, "Oh my goodness! What is the reason for this? I expressed my regret by saying, I'm sorry!"
 
 
 
"You know, I'm Shan's girlfriend and you're just a horrible best friend, but I feel like he's still important to you," she said when I didn't seem to recognize the person in front of me.
 
 
 
"Maybe it's because he loves me more than you," I said, making me giggle.
I moaned in pain as she slapped me so hard on the face, "Let your imagination run wild! You will remain as his best friend. He will never love you!" she stated How did she know I was in love with him? "Come on, you love my boyfriend."
 
 
 
"He has only recently met you. Me? We've known each other for a long time," she chuckled evilly at what I said. Her laugh was so dull, I promise.
"Right, he's known you for a long time, but why hasn't he returned your love?"
I gave her a shake of my head, "Allow me to pose a question. Are you all right? I'm not doing anything, but you've been bugging me all morning. What else do you want? Shan's entire time is already yours."
She shrugged as though she had no involvement in the incident. "Nothing, I'm just bored, and I'd like to fight with you right now," she looked me in the eyes and whispered, "Please don't bother Shan. I'm sure he'll be happier without you in his life."
I smiled and said, "Okay, that's it. May I ask you permission that can Dwight and I may become friends?"
She glanced at me with her eyes enlarged as I mentioned the guy's name. "How did you know him? Are you tracking me out?!"
 
"I swear that Shan must know what you're up to," I responded.
 
 
 
"You won't be doing that," she replied, smiling, "because I'll make sure you and your best friend tear apart." she then walked away.
I grumbled and decided to return home because I had lost interest in attending the crossover due to Julie's wickedness! My cheeks are still throbbing!
I was ready to walk out the gate just before I noticed Patrick standing near the parking lot, staring at his phone screen.
 
 
 
"Patrick!" I exclaimed as I approached him without hesitation.
He grinned and looked at me as he seems to notice my reddish cheeks, "Hey! Are you all right? What's the deal with your cheeks being flushed red?"
 
 
"Forget about it, I just want to leave here at school or simply cool off my head," I rolled my eyes, still upset by Julie.
 
 
 
"Patty isn't here right now, and they finished a project with her group," he said while putting his phone back in his pocket.
I smiled and said, "What are your plans for the time being? Is it okay if I come?"
 
 
 
"There's nothing else, but where do you want to go?"
I was thinking about going somewhere peaceful or fresh to get away from Julie's bad vibes. "I can't think of anything," I said, looking at him, "but I want a serene and quiet spot."
 
 
 
"I know," he said, looking at his watch, "it's nearly two o'clock. What if we go to the beach? Let's cancel some obligations and go elsewhere."
 
"Sure, it's a nice idea," I said with a smile he handed me one of his helmets, which he put on me.
I immediately remembered Shan, and I grinned to myself as I imagined him.
 
 
 
"That's it, you're all set." He stated his case. As he sped away on his motorcycle, I got managed to sit on his back and hugged him from behind.
Shan's POV
I simply sat in the Main Building and waited for my girlfriend. She had just returned from the other building with something she had left behind.
It's also been two days since I last spoke with my best friend. I'm still upset right now since she had just replaced me with Patrick, the new guy. Since he entered her life, a lot of things have changed.
I was looking down the stairwell, my heart beat faster. I saw Ciara and I had called out her by name, but she didn't seem to hear me, and her glow didn't appear to be in a good mood.
She didn't hear me and appeared to be in a hurry, leaving the school right away. What went wrong with her? I've known her since we were kids and have seen her upset many times, but never in a moody state.
 
As I was ready to follow her, someone hugged me from behind,  "Hey baby."
I turned at my girlfriend and said, "Hey. Why are you taking so long?" I asked her.
She sighed and rolled her eyes, "Some tart just fought with me and slapped me. Someone certainly likes you and is envious of you. She even described me as a bitch."
I stroked her face as I stared at her, "Are you all right? Are you hurt?" I asked, my heart heavy with worry. To do this to her is reprehensible! The perp is in serious trouble!
 
 
 
"Who did this to you? Please, tell me," my eyes glowed with rage as I uttered it.
She groaned and said, "I'm not going to name names. I don't want you to argue or break up with your friend."
I'm not sure what she's hinting at. To whom is she referring? "Just tell me, and I'll make sure she doesn't hurt you, no matter who she is."
 
 
 
"Even if she's your best friend?" she questioned, to which it confuses me, "Yeah, it's Ciara."
I was taken aback by what she had just stated. Ciara? Ciara couldn't possibly do that, she would never be able to do anything like that, especially around the people I love
 
 
 
"Ciara? How can you be certain? That's simply not possible. I know her," It was quite unlikely. Ciara would never do such a thing.
But it makes sense once I've seen her earlier. She was not likely to be upset. What if my best friend has changed for the worse?
"Perhaps you don't know her very well. I heard she's madly in love with you, therefore she did it to me out of jealousy," She said, "We bumped into each other in the Senior High building, and she immediately slapped me. She claimed that she is deserving of your love because you have known her for a longer time."
I hugged her hard because I could see tears rolling down her cheeks.
 
 
 
"Just a moment," I said as I dashed to the gate, where I noticed she was still there, but she was now situated in Patrick's motorcycle.
I'm not sure why, but my chest hurts. I'm not sure whether I'm jealous of the two of them or furious by what he's doing to Julie.
Ciara has no right to do this to her. Julie is a beautiful and nice person, so why did she just hurt her? Why? Is it because she had feelings for me?
But I have to admit, I love Ciara more than Julie because I've realized that she's a lady worth keeping, not just because she's my best friend.
But I'm really confused. It's as though the woman I love had changed. She's no longer the one; in fact, she's gotten worse because she's hurting someone innocent.
I only discovered it now about my feelings. But I also need to confront her about how she mistreated Julie.