Chapter 1
"For real? Are you serious? Sheen and Kei broke up?" It felt like the whole world lit up around me. Wait, why did she find out first? I'm Sheen's best friend!
"Yeah, really! I was super shocked too. Who would've thought those two would ever break up? They were almost perfect together." True. Almost perfect. Ideal couple. Every possible label fits them. Sheen is the captain of the football team, running for class salutatorian, and handsome. Kei is a cheerleader and the reigning Ms. St. Claire's High. Right? They're super compatible.
"So why did they break up?"
"How would I know? Stop being so nosy. Just be thankful they broke up. You ask too many questions." If this girl wasn't my friend, I probably would've punched her already.
"Sorry for asking. I was just curious."
"Besh, please. You're acting all dramatic. Rumor has it they broke up because of that new guy, Drake Palma! Kei is really something, huh? Just saw someone more handsome and immediately dumped Sheen. She's so shameless."
Drake Palma? Pfft. Sheen's way more good-looking than him. That guy doesn't do anything in class but sleep. Mind you, he just transferred and he already has the guts to nap during class! He's my classmate, by the way.
"Tss. Whatever, she can do what she wants. Fine, I'll just go check on Sheen. He's probably all emotional now. Hahaha."
"You're so mean. The guy's probably heartbroken."
"Heartbroken, schmartbroken. I'll be the one to heal his wounded heart. Hahaha."
"Stop it. You're so gross."
"You're annoying. I'm out of here." Then I left and went to find Sheen. I already knew he'd be on the rooftop. That's where all the emotional people hang out anyway. Hahaha.
"Sheen…" I said as I sat beside him. He immediately leaned on my shoulder. "Don't be like that, you're making me blush." I wanted to say that, but Sheen was having a moment, so never mind. Haha.
"We broke up…"
"I know."
"How do you know? We just broke up earlier today."
"I'm just that good. Haha."
"You're so corny."
"Don't be emo. It doesn't suit you."
"You're really mean."
"No, I'm not. I'm helping you, actually."
"Alys, seriously. I want her back."
That hurt…
"Help me.."
Why is it like that when you're the best friend?
Always helping…
Always sacrificing…
Always loving in secret…
"Make Drake Palma your boyfriend…"
"What did you say?!"
"Make Drake Palma your boyfriend."
"Am I going deaf or something? Is it the end of the world?" Seriously? What's wrong with this monkey?
"You're so extra. You just have to make him your boyfriend. Easy as that." Wow. Like it's really as simple as one, two, three.
"What do you think you're asking me to do? Like you're just buying candy from the store?!" Great, now I'm yelling. Damn it, what does he think I am? A pimp?
"You've had three boyfriends already, so it should be easy for you… Come on, Alys. Please?"
Lo and behold, is my best friend actually trying to act cute with me right now?
"Fine… That's just how it is…"
"Okay, fine. You're so annoying."
Did I really agree? Oh, sheet.
"Thanks, Alys." Then he suddenly hugged me, "You're the best."
Paksheet. I'm getting giddy. What the heck!
"Thanks my butt, this comes with a price!" I don't really ask for payment—I just couldn't think of anything else to say. I didn't want him to notice that I was flustered. Damn it.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll treat you to lunch for the whole week."
"Not enough. Snacks too."
"Hey! You're pushing it. I'll tell your mom on you."
"Psh. As if you could. I know you love me so much." Then I stuck my tongue out at him. And that's how the chasing began. Cute and romantic, right?
After all the running, "Hey, just admit it…" Deep breaths. I was out of breath, "Are you really heartbroken? You were running like crazy."
"I'm broken, it just doesn't show." Tsk. "Besides, you already promised to help me get Kei back, so why should I worry?" So thick-faced!
"What if I can't do it?"
"I know you will."
"And why are you so sure?"
"Because you're Alys Perez. When you want something, you get it—by hook or by crook."
Why you? I want *you*, but why can't I have you? Damn it.
"Whatevs, Sheen. You think you know everything."
"You know, Alys, I've been wondering. Most of the time, best friends turn into lovers, right? Why aren't we like that?"
Oh sheet. Because we're an unrequited love story. You look too much like Kei. Damn.
"Well, maybe because you're not my type. You're too talkative, clumsy, childish, you always fail tests, and—" I smacked him on the head.
"Are you stupid? Do you even want me to help you or not?!"
This idiot. Does he really have to rub all that in my face?
"I'm not done yet." Then suddenly, he hugged me from behind.
"If you weren't like that, you wouldn't be Alys Perez. And if you weren't Alys, then what would become of Sheen Mendoza?"
Paksheet. Why are you being so sweet right now?
"Shut up already. Fine, I'll help you. You and your big mouth."
Then I stood up and started walking away.
While I was going down the stairs, I suddenly remembered I left my notebook. But when I came back, I saw Sheen crying.
Damn it, Kei. The guy I really, really like—you're just making him cry? That's so unfair.
Drake Palma, remember this—I'll get you… by hook or by crook!