You're Making Me Crazy, Professor

Chapter 30

Ate and I were having breakfast at the dining table. The morning was quiet, except for the soft clinking of utensils against plates.

"Did you prepare your outfit?" she asked while eating.

"Mhm," I hummed in response, nodding slightly as I focused on my food.

"Good," she said before taking a sip of her coffee. Then, as if remembering something, she added, "Oh, there's also a shoot later for Cynthia. It's for one of the products she's modeling. You already know she's a model, right?"

I hesitated for a second but quickly recovered. "Yeah." My response was short, lacking the usual energy I had whenever she was brought up.

Ate noticed.

"That's weird," she said, eyeing me suspiciously. "Did something happen between you two?"

"No," I answered immediately, keeping my focus on my plate as I took another bite.

She scoffed. "Something definitely happened. You're not usually like this."

Well, she wasn't wrong. I wasn't usually like this. Maybe I just didn't feel like talking about Ms. Sanchez right now, not after what happened yesterday. But it's not like I'm mad or anything. I still like her. I just... needed some time to think. Some space.

"There's really nothing wrong, Ate. I just don't have the energy right now," I reasoned, hoping she'd drop the topic.

But she wasn't convinced.

"Did she do something wrong to you?" she pressed. "Don't lie to me, Via. I'm your sister."

I sighed, finally putting my spoon down. "It's not that deep, Ate. And besides, none of it was her fault. If anything, it was mine."

She raised an eyebrow. "So something did happen."

Then she leaned back, crossing her arms. "Didn't I tell you that you'd be the one to get hurt in this? You can't please Cynthia, Via."

I bit my lip. I knew that. I really did. But hearing it from her just made it hurt more.

"I know," I muttered. Then, after a brief pause, I looked up at her. "Can I ask you something, Ate?"

"What?"

"Is it really that hard to say a simple 'sorry' to someone?"

Ate sighed, as if she already had a feeling where this was going. She placed her spoon down and gave me a serious look. "It depends, Via. Sometimes, 'sorry' is the easiest word to say, but the hardest to mean. Why? What happened?"

I stared at my plate, poking at my food. "I don't know... Maybe I just expected too much," I mumbled.

"Expected too much from Cynthia?"

I nodded hesitantly. "Yeah... Maybe I was just overthinking. But I told her how I felt about something, and she just... shrugged it off like it was nothing."

Ate frowned slightly. "And you wanted her to apologize?"

"Not exactly," I sighed, leaning against the table. "I just wanted her to acknowledge it. To at least let me know she understood where I was coming from. But she didn't. She just acted like I was making a big deal out of nothing."

Ate hummed, tapping her fingers lightly against the table. "Let me guess—you felt invalidated?"

I nodded, frustration bubbling up in my chest. "Yeah, exactly. I know it wasn't something huge, but does that mean my feelings don't matter?"

Ate sighed again.

"Look, Via... Cynthia is Cynthia. You can't expect her to react the way you want her to. People are different. Some, like you, put a lot of weight on emotions. And then there are others, like her, who don't see things the same way. Not because they don't care, but because they just don't process emotions the way you do."

I stayed quiet, letting her words sink in.

"And also," she continued, "Cynthia isn't the type of person who says 'sorry.' Even when it's her fault, she rarely apologizes-unless that person is special to her."

I froze.

For some reason, those words hurt more than I expected.

"Via," she said gently, reaching out to squeeze my hand. "The real question is... can you handle that? Can you love someone who doesn't express things the way you want them to? Can you accept someone who won't always say 'sorry' when you need to hear it?"

I didn't know what to say. But of course, I would love her kahit maging sino pa man siya.

Seeing my hesitation, she gave me a small, reassuring smile. "Whatever happens, I will just support you in every decision you make."

She let go of my hand and picked up her spoon again. "Now, finish your breakfast. You have a graduation pictorial at the beach, and you don't want to look miserable in your photos."

"Mhm," I hummed, still lost in thought.

---

We were on our way to the beach for the photoshoot.

Malapit na kami, and the view was breathtaking.

From a distance, I could already see the ocean glistening under the sunlight, the waves gently crashing onto the shore.

Marami nang tao, and I could spot several students scattered across the beach, some setting up equipment, others chatting and laughing.

It looked like the pictorial had already started.

Me and Ate were just late.

"We're here. Are you sure you'll be okay?" Ate asked, her voice laced with concern as she turned to look at me.

"Of course, Ate. Bakit naman hindi?" I responded with a small smile before opening the car door and stepping out.

The moment I stepped onto the sand, a gentle breeze welcomed me, carrying the salty scent of the ocean. The air was fresh, and the sky stretched out in a perfect shade of blue. Buti nalang hindi ganon kainit ngayon—just the right warmth against my skin.

Not far from where I stood, I spotted my friends sitting on a large beach blanket, chatting animatedly. Without wasting any time, I made my way toward them.

"Hi, bebe!" Cecilia greeted me cheerfully the moment she saw me.

"Hottie natin ngayon ah," Kinsley teased, eyeing my outfit. I had already changed into my attire for the shoot before arriving-mas gusto ko na kasi 'yun kesa magmadali pa mamaya para magbihis.

"When will this start?" I asked, glancing around at the setup.

"It already started. Individual shots pa lang. Baka mamaya tayo na," Eliana answered, and I simply nodded before taking a seat beside them.

Pero ewan ko ba. My eyes were scanning the crowd, unconsciously searching for someone. Sino pa nga ba? Siya naman palagi ang hinahanap ng mata ko.

But she's not here.

"Wala pa bebe mo, kaya kumalma ka muna," Cecilia teased, smirking as she nudged me playfully.

"Where is she?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"I heard earlier she was just getting changed," sagot niya, kaya tumango nalang ako.

There was a brief silence before Eliana suddenly spoke, her tone laced with curiosity.

"What happened between you two yesterday? Bigla nalang kayong nawala."

I stiffened for a moment but quickly masked it with a small shrug.

"Nothing. Nagpatulong lang siya sa akin," I lied effortlessly, keeping my expression neutral.

Cecilia seemed convinced, nodding at my response, but Elaina wasn't letting it slide that easily.

"Dumadamoves ka lang eh," Kinsley teased with a knowing smirk.

I forced a small, bitter smile, trying not to let my thoughts wander too much.

If only they know what happened.

I didn't think about it anymore. I don't want that memory to be stuck by me. I want to move on from it and just try again. I was just sitting here, looking around while my friends didn't stop talking, and arguing.

But then I saw her not from a far, but a view where I can really see how captivating she was.

She's wearing a sexy blue and orange patterned bikini with a matching wrap skirt, perfectly highlighting her toned body. The thin-strapped top shows off her shoulders and collarbones, while the high-slit skirt teases her long, flawless legs.

I can't help but stare at her. She's incredibly hot. Every movement she makes is effortless, like she owns the place. She walks with such confidence toward the photographer, her every step calculated yet graceful. Parang slow motion ang lahat tuwing nakikita ko siya.

My eyes follow her, taking in every detail-her sharp jawline, the way her dark hair cascades perfectly, how her lips part slightly as if she's deep in thought. Pero kahit ilang segundo ko siyang titigan, hindi niya man lang ako nililingon. Not even once. Wala man lang kahit isang tingin.

I hate it. I hate how my heart keeps pulling me back to her even when she's doing absolutely nothing. She has this strange power over me, an unexplainable force that keeps me drawn to her.

"Tama na 'yan, matutunaw na talaga sa'yo 'yan," biro ni Cecilia, snapping me back to reality.

"Ganda ni Miss 'no? Halatang walang pag-asa." Kinsley adds, making me glare at her.

Kailangan ba talagang ipamukha? Alam ko naman, hindi ko na kailangang marinig ulit. Pero hindi ko rin mapigilan. There's just something about her-something I can't shake off no matter how hard I try.

Before I could dwell on my thoughts any longer, the photographer's voice echoed through the studio.

"Sylvia Quincy Diaz Gomez, please come here. You're next."

Napalunok ako. Okay, kaya ko 'to. I stood up and walked toward the photographer, trying to keep my steps steady. Pero parang mas lalo akong nanigas nang mapansin kong mas lumapit ako sa kanya.

The moment I stepped beside her, my entire body tensed. She was right there-so close I could see the fine details of her smooth, sun-kissed skin, the way the light glowed against her collarbones, and the slow rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. But she didn't look at me. Not even a glance.

The ocean breeze carried the scent of salt and sunscreen, but all I could focus on was her. Ms. Sanchez. The name I dared not say out loud. She stood next to the photographer, her posture poised and unreadable, as if she was merely a spectator in all of this. But I knew better.

She was always in control.

The photographer was talking, explaining the next poses, but I barely heard him.

My body was reacting on its own-breath shallow, fingers twitching slightly at my sides.

I hated how easily she affected me, how a single presence, a single moment of being near her, could make me feel so utterly helpless.

And then, she spoke.

Not to me.

To the photographer.

"She needs a better angle," Ms. Sanchez murmured, her voice smooth yet firm.

My throat went dry. It was like she was critiquing an object. A thing.

Me.

The photographer nodded, adjusting his camera. "Right, Sylvia, move a bit to your left."

I did as I was told, but my mind was spinning.

She finally turned her head.

Her gaze met mine.

And it hit me like a violent storm.

Her eyes were unreadable, but they held something-something dark, something calculating. It sent a shiver down my spine. She didn't smile, didn't react, but for that single second, it felt like she was peering straight through me, into me, dissecting every single weakness I had.

And then, just as quickly as she acknowledged my existence, she looked away.

I hated her.

I hated that I wanted her to look at me again.

"Perfect," the photographer said, breaking the silence. "Hold that pose, Sylvia."

I did as I was told, following the photographer's instructions, but my focus was elsewhere. Kahit anong gawin ko, hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili kong hindi siya tingnan. Now, she's standing a few feet away, casually talking to some students.

Her expression is calm and composed, as if she's always in control. The way she carries herself-confident, elegant-makes it impossible to look away.

"Done! You look gorgeous, Sylvia. Do you plan to be a model? Bagay sa'yo," the photographer complimented, his voice filled with admiration.

I gave him a small smile, shaking my head slightly. "No po, thank you."

Nagpaalam na ako agad, not wanting to entertain the conversation any longer. Wala akong interest sa modeling, and honestly, I just wanted to get out of here before my thoughts betrayed me again.

I turned around and started walking back to my friends, trying to distract myself from her presence. Pero kahit hindi ako nakikinig, naririnig ko pa rin ang usapan nila ni Ms. Sanchez. I chose not to pay attention. Basta ang alam ko, gusto ko na lang makabalik sa kinauupuan ko.

But then—

"Wait, Sylvia," the photographer called out, making me stop mid-step.

Napalingon ako sa kanila, a bit confused. My eyes automatically landed on Ms. Sanchez, who was standing there with her arms crossed, her gaze locked on me. Hindi ko mabasa ang expression niya, but there was something about the way she looked at me that made my heart race.

Slowly, I walked back toward them, keeping my face neutral. "Yes po?"

"Can we ask for a favor, Sylvia" the photographer asked, his tone hopeful.

I simply nodded, trying to act casual kahit kinakabahan ako.

"Ms. Sanchez here has a photoshoot for one of her products that she's advertising. It's a duo shoot, and supposedly, she was supposed to do it with Ms. Flores. Pero dahil nagka-emergency, hindi siya makakapunta. We were hoping if you could step in for her. Out of all the students here, we believe you'd be the best match for the shoot with Ms. Sanchez."

I froze.

What? Ako? Out of all the students here, bakit ako pa? I mean, okay lang naman, pero... kakayanin ko ba 'to?

"Please, Sylvia?" the photographer pleaded, his expression practically begging me to say yes.

I swallowed hard, forcing a calm expression on my face even though my heart was pounding. "Sure, I have no problem with that," sagot ko, keeping my tone as steady as possible. Kahit sa totoo lang, hindi ko na kinakaya.

I glanced at Ms. Sanchez, hoping for some kind of reaction, pero parang wala lang sa kanya. She didn't even look surprised. It was as if this was just another normal thing for her.

"Thank you! This is a big help to us. Can you both come with me inside? Nandoon kasi 'yung set natin for the shoot," the photographer said excitedly.

I nodded again, kahit gusto ko pang mag-isip ng excuse para makatanggi.

Ms. Sanchez turned around and started walking ahead, her movements graceful yet firm. I let out a silent sigh before following behind her.

And just like that, I found myself stepping into something I wasn't prepared for.

As I followed Ms.

Sanchez inside, my heart pounded uncontrollably.

The bright space was bathed in natural light, making everything look soft and ethereal.

At the center of the studio was a beach-themed setup-a lounge chair, a white canopy, and a table adorned with skincare products, including the sunscreen we were about to advertise.

"Alright, ladies, listen up," the director clapped his hands, exuding enthusiasm.

"This shoot is all about summer glow, relaxation, and elegance. Ms. Sanchez, you'll embody sophistication and confidence, while Sylvia, you'll be the youthful, carefree contrast. Think effortless beauty, enjoying the sun without a care."

My grip on the sunscreen bottle tightened slightly. Ms. Sanchez, as expected, moved with practiced ease, taking her position on the lounge chair as if she had done this a hundred times. Meanwhile, I hesitated for a second before finally sitting beside her, the bottle resting in my lap.

"Okay, Sylvia, apply the sunscreen to your arm naturally-like you're genuinely enjoying it," the director instructed. "Ms. Sanchez, watch her, then do the same. I want chemistry, like you two belong in the same frame."

My hands were slightly shaky as I squeezed a generous amount of lotion onto my palm. The cool sensation on my skin made me shiver slightly as I spread it over my arm. I could feel Ms. Sanchez's eyes on me-not intrusive, but observant.

"Beautiful, Sylvia. Very natural," the director praised. "Ms. Sanchez, your turn."

With seamless grace, Ms. Sanchez followed suit. The camera clicked repeatedly as we both applied the sunscreen, the atmosphere oddly intimate despite the bright lights and crew around us.

"Great! Now, Sylvia, lean slightly toward Ms. Sanchez and offer her the bottle. Like you're sharing something personal, a little secret between the two of you."

I turned toward her, hesitating for a split second before extending the sunscreen. Ms. Sanchez took it with slow precision, her fingers grazing mine just slightly. A small, unexplainable current zipped through my hand at the brief contact.

The director hummed approvingly. "Perfect. Now, for a playful shot-Sylvia, I want you to tap a bit of sunscreen onto Ms. Sanchez's nose. Playfulness and elegance in one frame."

I hesitated, looking at Ms. Sanchez, but she didn't react-just waited with unreadable patience. Taking a deep breath, I scooped a tiny amount of lotion onto my fingertip and reached out, dabbing it onto the tip of her nose.

The moment seemed to stretch longer than it should have. Ms. Sanchez didn't flinch, nor did she wipe it off immediately. She simply blinked, her expression unwavering, before the photographer's voice broke the stillness.

"Ms. Sanchez, give us a small reaction. A soft smile-subtle, like you find this amusing but won't admit it."

For the first time, her lips curved-not a full smile, but the barest hint of one, an almost imperceptible smirk. The camera snapped multiple times.

I can't help my self from falling in love with her. Oh gosh, help me.

"Beautiful! Now, let's take this up a notch," the director added. "Sylvia, apply some sunscreen to Ms. Sanchez's shoulder-like a gentle touch, effortless but close."

What?!?!

My breath hitched slightly. I scooped more sunscreen onto my fingers and reached out hesitantly. My hand hovered for a moment before I finally touched her smooth, warm skin. My fingers glided over her shoulder, spreading the lotion in slow, circular motions.

Ms. Sanchez remained composed, her expression unreadable, but I could feel the slight shift in her breathing under my touch. The camera kept clicking, capturing every second of the contact, every lingering touch.

"Good, good. Now, Sylvia, trail your fingers down her arm-make it seem unintentional, like you're just caught up in the moment."

I swallowed, obeying the instruction without thinking. My fingers slowly slid down her shoulder, tracing the curve of her arm until they barely brushed against her wrist.

"Excellent chemistry," he praised. "Ms. Sanchez, tilt your head slightly-like you're reacting to her touch, but subtly."

Ms. Sanchez did as instructed, her dark eyes lowering for just a fraction of a second before locking onto mine again. The air between us thickened, the distance nearly nonexistent.

"Final shot-Sylvia, rest your hand on Ms. Sanchez's knee, light but natural. Ms. Sanchez, let her."

My pulse raced as I moved. The fabric of her dress was soft under my palm as my fingers rested on her knee. She didn't flinch, didn't move away. Instead, she remained still, composed, as the camera continued capturing the moment.

"And... perfect! That's a wrap!" the director called out, breaking the trance.

I quickly withdrew my hand, exhaling sharply as Ms. Sanchez stood gracefully. She adjusted her posture, as if unaffected, before walking away without a single glance back.

"Thank you, Sylvia," the photographer said with a grateful smile.

I returned the gesture, nodding slightly before turning to leave. As soon as I stepped out, I let out a deep breath I didn't even realize I was holding.

My heart was pounding-too fast, too loud. Parang gusto na nitong kumawala sa dibdib ko. Everything happened so quickly, and I barely had time to process it all. Just a few minutes ago, I was only supposed to have a simple shoot, then suddenly, I was being paired with her.

Pagkalabas ko pa lang, may biglang humawak sa kamay ko, dahilan para mapatigil ako sa paglalakad.

Napasinghap ako, agad na napatingin sa kamay kong mahigpit niyang hawak. It was her-again.

Pero hindi niya hinigpitan ang hawak niya. It wasn't aggressive, nor was it demanding. It was soft, controlled-almost gentle, as if she was merely guiding me, making sure na susunod ako sa kanya.

"What are you doing, Miss?" I asked, forcing my voice to stay steady kahit litong-lito na ako.

I stopped walking, refusing to just blindly follow her. Pero siya? She didn't even flinch. Para bang normal lang 'tong ginagawa niya.

"I want ice cream. Can you come with me?"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

I blinked at her, waiting for some kind of clarification. Pero wala-she just stood there, as if her request made complete sense.

Out of nowhere? Seriously?

"Why me?" I questioned, trying to sound indifferent kahit gusto kong sumama. "You can ask someone else, Miss."

She sighed, her grip on my hand tightening slightly, but not in a forceful way. "Please... just follow me."

This time, her voice wasn't commanding. It wasn't irritated either. It was something else-something almost desperate, like she really didn't want to argue with me.

Napalunok ako. Hindi ko alam kung bakit, pero parang ang hirap niyang tanggihan.

I let out a deep sigh. "Fine."

Without another word, she started walking, still holding my hand.

And I-like an idiot- I just let her.

Gusto ko siyang tanungin, is it really necessary to hold my hand like this? Pero nagdalawang-isip ako. What if she suddenly lets go? I didn't want that.

So I stayed quiet.

We walked in silence, her grip still firm but unhurried. It felt... strange. It wasn't like yesterday, when she left me alone as if I meant nothing.

Now, she was here-beside me, holding my hand, as if she wanted me here.

It didn't take long before we arrived at a small ice cream stand near where we're staying. Wala siyang sinayang na oras, agad na umorder. Hindi na ako nagulat nang piliin niya ulit ang strawberry.

Pero ang hindi ko inaasahan?

Pagkatapos niyang umorder, kinuha niya ang cookies and cream at iniabot sa akin.

Napatingin ako sa ice cream, then back to her.

How did she know that's my favorite?

I hesitated for a moment before finally taking it.

As we walked to the nearby bench, I kept stealing glances at her, trying to figure out what the hell was going on. She was acting too calm, too casual-like what she was doing was the most normal thing in the world.

Pero para sa akin? Hindi.

I couldn't hold it in any longer.

"Why are you acting so weird, Miss?" I finally asked, my brows furrowed in confusion.

She rolled her eyes before answering, "Can you just shut up?"

Napanguso ako.

And there she goes. Nagmamaldita na naman.

I shook my head, letting out a bitter chuckle. "Why are you being like this? You keep acting like nothing happened, Miss."

She didn't respond.

Instead, she just looked at me-long and hard-like she was searching for something in my expression.

And that silence? It only made my frustration worse.

"Do you love seeing me go crazy because of you?" My voice came out weaker than I intended. "Do you love seeing me get hurt, Miss?"

I shouldn't have said that.

Pero nauna na sa akin ang bibig ko.

For a split second, something flashed in her eyes. But it disappeared just as quickly.

Then finally, she spoke.

"Why are you acting like you really love me? Isn't this just a game for you?"

I froze.

Her words hit me harder than I expected.

"A game?" I repeated, almost in disbelief.

She really thought this was a game to me?

"Gosh, if this was just a game, I wouldn't be acting like this because of you." I let out a dry laugh, shaking my head. "And if this was just a game, for goodness' sake, I would surrender it all for you."

My voice cracked a little, but I didn't care. I wanted her to know.

I met her gaze, making sure she saw the sincerity in my eyes.

"Hindi ako magiging ganito sa'yo kung laro lang 'to para—"

"I'm sorry."

She said it so softly-so quietly-that for a moment, I thought I imagined it.

Nanigas ako.

"W-what?" Utal-utal kong tanong, my heartbeat hammering against my ribs.

Did I hear her right?

She let out a deep breath before looking at me again.

"I'm sorry, Gomez. You heard me right."

I could only stare at her.

And then, like a cruel twist of fate, Ate's words came crashing back into my mind:

"Cynthia isn't the type of person who says 'sorry.' Even when it's her fault, she rarely apologizes-unless that person is special to her."