Hearts Desire

The air crackled with anticipation. The crowd, a sea of excited faces, surged forward, their eyes glued to the entrance of the school. It was Rexon Del'torre, the charismatic vocalist of the legendary band Logistic, who was about to grace us with his presence. I, along with my friend Terry, were caught in the tide of excitement, pushing our way through the throng.

"Ouch, can you slow down a bit?!" Terry complained, struggling to keep up with my frantic pace.

"All you do is complain, just keep up!" I retorted, craning my neck to get a glimpse of the approaching star.

"Excuse me! Excuse me!" I called out, squeezing through the girls who were practically climbing over each other to get a better view.

The rumor mill had been churning for weeks - Logistic was rumored to be enrolling at our school for the upcoming year. The thought of having Rexon Del'torre as a classmate sent shivers of excitement down my spine.

Finally, I managed to secure a spot in the front row. "Yes! This is perfect!" I exclaimed, beaming with satisfaction.

"Tss... What's the problem, you were the ones who cut in line!" A haughty girl with overly bright makeup and a sneer on her face retorted.

"Was there a sign saying, I own this place?!" I shot back, matching her sassiness.

She scowled at me, her expression making me falter for a split second. But then, I couldn't help but smirk. "What's so funny?" she asked, her annoyance growing.

"Your face is funny!" I quipped, raising my eyebrows. My playful remark seemed to ignite a firestorm of disapproval from the surrounding crowd.

"Bitch!" she yelled, her voice laced with venom.

"Same to you, bitch!" I retorted, my voice echoing her aggression.

I didn't notice the sudden commotion around me, my focus completely consumed by the approaching band.

"Enough of that, Lara," Terry tugged at my shirt, but I ignored her, my eyes glued to the entrance.

The crowd erupted in a cacophony of screams. "He's coming!"

I turned to face the direction where the band was approaching. And then, he appeared. Rexon Del'torre. My world seemed to stop spinning as he walked onto campus. His hair billowed in the wind, his eyes seemed to speak volumes without uttering a single word. His lips, even when closed, seemed to yearn for a sweet kiss.

My eyes softened as I watched him approach.

"Rexon!"

Even the way they called out his name sounded like music to my ears.

I saw his lips quiver as he warmly greeted everyone. But my fantasy abruptly halted when someone shoved me.

"Slut bitch!" The girl with heavy makeup screamed at me.

I wasn't prepared for the push, causing me to fall ungracefully to the ground.

"Ouch!" I winced as my hips hit the pavement. But I quickly looked around and realized I had almost fallen into Rexon's path. I quickly raised my gaze and realized Rexon was right in front of me.

"Holy God!" My lips suddenly turned agape as our eyes met. My heart almost stopped, and my body froze for a second.

I watched as his lips quivered again, casting a half-smile as he stood before me.

But my daydream was cut short when someone nudged me.

I bit my lip and glimpsed his perfect jawline before he glanced back at me with a furrowed brow.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice a low rumble.

"Ah, yes!" I responded in a trembling voice.

I reached out for his waiting hand.

But a surge of electricity ran through my veins when he touched me. It felt like I had won the lottery as I felt the heat and softness of his hand on mine. It was as if I almost fainted at the sensation of his palm against mine.

As I tried to stand, a sudden jolt shot through my hip.

"Ow.." I winced in pain. He quickly came to my side and knelt beside me, gripping my hand tightly. He swiftly placed his other hand on my back, seemingly about to lift me, but someone spoke from his back.

"I got this, Rex," he said as he snatched me from Rexon.

Before I could react, he was already carrying me, effortlessly navigating the crowd. Irritated as I was, I couldn't complain, for fear of being misunderstood as deliberately wanting Rexon to carry me.

He kept his eyes on the path ahead, seemingly uninterested in conversing.

I bit my lip and glimpsed his perfect jawline before he glanced back at me with a furrowed brow.

"Who is he?" The murmurs spread due to his interference with Rexon's intended action of lifting me.

"Rexon's big brother," someone said from the group.

I noticed his jaw tightening as he gazed at me darkly.

"I take it this, Rex," he stated before swiftly taking me from Rexon's grasp. In a flash, he effortlessly carried me through the crowd towards the clinic. Despite feeling annoyed, I couldn't protest as it would only add to the embarrassment. The scent of his cologne tickled my nose, and I found myself inhaling deeply as he walked. He remained silent, focused on the path ahead, with no intention of engaging in conversation.

As we reached the clinic, I was promptly x-rayed to check for any fractures. Fortunately, no fractures were found.

"Thank you for bringing me here," I expressed as he returned from speaking with the doctor. He gazed at me before clenching his jaw and moving to sit on the couch.

"Aren't you planning this?" he questioned with a smirk. Confusion clouded my thoughts, "What do you mean?"

He chuckled, "Anyone could pull a stunt like that just to catch Rexon Deltorre's attention." I bit my lip before responding, "I'm not that desperate to resort to such tactics."

Despite my words, doubt lingered in his eyes.

“Many people may be falling for him, but if you consider a cheap move, I'd rather not embarrass myself in front of him," I remarked, raising my eyebrows.

Is he really Rexon's older brother? Handsome, yes, but his attitude is far from appealing. Without a word, he stood up and walked out without a goodbye.

"Tss, arrogant!" I muttered with a snort as I watched him leave the clinic.

CHAPTER 2

I woke up to the blaring sound of my alarm clock on the bedside table, groggily hitting the snooze button before pulling the blanket over me. The chill in the air made it tempting to stay in bed a little longer. Just as I was dozing off, my phone rang loudly, jolting me awake. Terry's frantic voice pierced through the line, "Where the hell are you, Lara?!" It felt like she wanted to yell through the screen. "Lara, you're late again!" I hurriedly got up and headed to the bathroom, assuring Terry that I was on my way as I pretended to be driving. I cut the call short, quickly brushing my teeth, and was about to rush out when Mom called out, "Lara belle!" I rolled my eyes playfully, greeted her with a hug and a kiss, and explained that I was running late for school.

I hopped into my car, started it quickly, and within less than ten minutes, I was in front of the school.

"Gotcha!" I muttered, and the guard opened the gate for me.

"Good morning, ma'am!" he greeted me. I just smiled at him and drove my car into the campus.

Many heads turned as I drove past, the tires screeching on the road as I maneuvered the car towards the parking lot before turning off the engine.

"Hey, there's Lara!" I overheard a group of guys say.

"Wow, she's really beautiful," one of them added.

That's how they looked at me, as if I should give each of them a bucket to catch their drooling. Because I'm Lara Belle Montellano, considered a goddess by all, for my beauty, intelligence, and sexy allure.

I was met with envious stares from some girls standing in the corridor.

I just ignored them. What's the point of paying attention to them? It will just ruin my day if I engage with them.

I quickly entered our building and made my way to my classroom.

But my feet stopped at the door when I realized that the class had already started.

"Ms. Montellano, you're late again?!" our instructor scolded me.

I just smiled sweetly at him and brushed some hair away from my face. I slowly walked towards him before speaking.

"I'm very sorry, sir, it won't happen again," I murmured softly.

He swallowed at my words, cleared his throat, and gestured for me to take my seat.

"You're really something else, Lara," Japs whispered to me as I sat down.

I just smiled at him and took out my notebook and pen.

Clara, one of my seatmates, nudged me. "Have you heard?"

"What?" I furrowed my brow.

"The new transfer student is coming in, which means the famous vocalist from the Logistic Band will be our new classmate," she whispered.

My eyes widened at her words, finding it hard to believe. Until I heard the class erupt in noise.

My gaze was fixed at the door where the guy who sent a thousand volts through my body stood. The guy who has been the reason I wake up every day.

I pinched my arm. If this was just a dream, I didn't want to wake up. But he's real, he's really here in our section.

"You're late too, Mr. Del Torre!" Mr. Colminar's voice boomed through the class, silencing everyone.

The guy didn't flinch and still stood confidently at the front of the room.

"Introduce yourself to the class!" Mr. Colminar commanded authoritatively.

I crossed my palms and placed them on my chest, still in disbelief.

He cleared his throat and spoke.

"I'm Rexon Del Torre. I'm your new classmate." He introduced himself before glancing out the window to avoid looking at those in front.

“OMG, he's so handsome!" My flirty classmates couldn't help but exclaim.

"Hi, I'm Karen!" one of my classmates introduced herself eagerly.

I saw him grin at Karen's flirting eyes,, making her almost faint from excitement.

"Quiet! Quiet class!" Mr. Colminar shouted, slamming his hand on his desk.

The whole class fell silent out of fear.

"Mr. Del Torre, you can sit next to Ms. Salamera."

I couldn't help but feel rebellious since he wasn't seated right next to me where there was an available seat on my right. But it was fine as he was placed beside Candice, who is quiet and reserved.

Perhaps he noticed that I was watching him, which made me flustered when he glanced back at me.

I held my breath as our eyes met... My heart pounded strongly at his melting gaze. But it was fleeting, as his gaze quickly shifted back to the front.

I felt like I was on cloud nine during those moments because of the excitement I felt.

I never expected that my crush, Rexon Del Torre, would become my classmate.

Feeling annoyed, I slurped on the contents of the Slurpee I bought at 7/11 outside the campus while gazing at the vast field of Saint Carmen University this afternoon.

"Go, Alex! You got this!" Terry shouted beside me, almost fainting from excitement as she watched the soccer game.

I finished it off, straightened up, and sat back, gazing into the distance.

"Oh!"

I almost fell off my seat at her loud shout.

"Terry, seriously, you startle me!" I irritably remarked.

"Sorry, friend, Alex tripped. I hope he's okay," she said, mimicking her line.

My God, after years of friendship, I knew this line by heart whenever we watched soccer practice at the university.

She scowled at me before looking back at the field.

I sighed heavily before returning to daydreaming, waiting for the boring game to end... If she weren't my best friend, I would've left her and gone home by now.

"Yay! Alex, my love, you're amazing!" I covered my ears as her scream felt like it could shatter my eardrums.

I saw his group glance in our direction, waving to Terry. My companion quivered with excitement.

I rolled my eyes at her, flicking my bangs away from my face.

"Let's go, Lara!" She grabbed my hand and led me down the bleachers to catch up with Alex's group.

I walked quietly beside her, following her lead.

"Alex!" my flirtatious best friend called out as she reached him.

"Hi, Terry!" he waved to his girlfriend and then glanced at me.

"Hi, Lara!" Alex's group greeted me, but I just nodded at them without a smile.

Finally, Terry let go of my hand, approaching the sweaty Alex and giving him a tight hug.

"Eww... Disgusting, this couple!" I whispered to myself, watching them.

Yes, this couple has been together since high school. I'm happy for my friend because I know Alex is loyal to her.

Terry is undeniably beautiful, being half British and half Filipina.

She's just a few inches taller than me, with blue eyes that complement her mahogany hair and porcelain skin.

I would say Alex hit the jackpot with her. I'm not saying he doesn't love my best friend because I've seen how much he truly cares for Terry.

"Ah, babe, I'll just shower, okay? Will you wait for me?" she sweetly asked Terry.

"Yes, babe, I'll be here." He blushed and waved to the guy heading to the men's room.

Meanwhile, I felt utterly fed up. Am I always the third wheel with these two? I can't blame them because as their best friend, I support them both, which explains why I'm here enduring watching Alex's practice.

"Terry, I'll head out first, looks like you and Alex still have plans?" I excused myself, unable to resist.

"Ah... sure, Lara, thanks for coming along!" she said to me.

I just nodded, waved at her, and began stepping towards the exit of the open field.

I went straight to my locker room to grab my remaining belongings and decide to head home.

But I abruptly froze upon hearing faint moans emanating from somewhere.

I furrowed my brow at the sound. Out of curiosity, I cautiously walked towards the closed door where the moans grew louder.

My feet halted at the utility room door, the source of the moans, so I pressed my ear against it. The muffled moans grew louder and continuous.

I nervously opened the door. Since it was late in the day and students were gone, the lights were off, making it hard to see what was going on. Just as I was about to flip the light switch, I heard a woman's voice.

"Dawson!" The woman whimpered softly.

Driven by curiosity, I inched closer. But my eyes widened in shock at what I saw. My body froze as I stood rooted to the spot.

"Oh, you're so hot, baby," the man groaned, the woman having her back to him.

I didn't need the light to know what miracle they were performing at this hour.

The woman was almost pressed against the locker, held by the man around her waist.

Damn! They were having sex right there in the utility room!

"Shit, someone's here!" the woman said frantically as she noticed my presence.

The man turned his gaze towards me. Those hot but dangerous eyes pierced through me like a dagger.

I couldn't afford to make a mistake. I knew him! He just grinned at me, releasing the woman who was his companion in the dark.

The woman quickly composed herself, while the man zipped up his pants with his back to me

I stood completely still for a moment, my heart racing, unable to tear my gaze away.

"Lara?" Karen called out to me upon recognizing me.

I snapped out of my daze upon hearing her voice. Damn, it's Karen, one of my classmates from another subject.

My mind raced. I turned around, leaving the door open, my heart pounding rapidly. I was out of breath by the time I reached my car in the parking lot.

My hands trembled as I inserted the key into the ignition.

"Fuck!" I exclaimed loudly. Finally starting the car, I sped out of the campus.

I went straight to my room and collapsed on the bed. The image of the earlier scene played over and over in my mind. I shuddered as I vividly recalled how he moved his hips behind Karen while she looked up.

Damn! I closed my eyes, the image of that intimate moment invading my thoughts.

"Pervert," I muttered to myself.

I clenched my lips tightly and decided to step into the bathroom for a shower to clear my mind.