Chapter 6: Whispers of the heart

Dorah walked quietly toward the garden, hoping not to get caught wandering during school hours. As she neared the lake, a sweet, familiar voice caught her attention. "I couldn't mistake this voice even in my dreams," she mumbled and tiptoed closer. There, sitting on a rock by the lake, was Ronald, headphones on, lost in his song. Dorah gently pulled off one of the headphones. "Who the—" Ronald began, startled. But as he turned and saw her, he smiled. "Seriously, babe? I thought it was someone else." Dorah chuckled softly and sat beside him. "Huff... senior, what are you doing out here while everyone else is in class?" she asked, purposely looking everywhere but at him. "First of all, I told you to stop calling me ‘senior.' It sucks. And second, what are you doing here too?" Ronald said, turning to her. "I asked you first," Dorah said in a small voice, pouting. "Answer mine and I'll answer yours," he countered. "Hey! That's cheating," she whined, fiddling with her fingers. "Then suit yourself," he teased, pretending to put his headphones back on. "Okay, fine," she said, stopping him. "I just needed some fresh air. Being in class wasn't helping, so... here I am. Honestly, I was kinda hoping to see you." "I heard that," Ronald said, pointing at her playfully. "Just pretend you didn't. So, what about you? Why aren't you in class?" "Nothing much. I just felt like coming here." "Seriously, bro? I'm not buying that. You look way too frustrated," she said, narrowing her eyes at him. "I'm not." "Then why are you hiding it behind that fake smile? I can tell," she said, and silence settled between them. "You know you can talk to me, right? Trust me, this little girl can handle anything," she added gently. Ronald chuckled. "Seriously, babe? I just... I don't want you to stop talking to me. If I tell you, you might start ignoring me—and I don't want that." "You really don't know how much you mean to me, do you? Just tell me. I promise I'll think before I react." Ronald stood up and ran a hand through his hair. "I knew you'd say that, Dorah... but how would you feel if I told you... I have a fiancée?" "What?!" Dorah gasped, eyes wide. "Wait—are you for real?" "Yeah. I didn't have a choice. The girl was betrothed to me. It's all because of my mum. She's sick, and the only thing I can do to help is listen to her. But the girl... she's a pain. Frustrating. I can't keep up. I've tried telling Mum I want out, but it's like she doesn't hear me. I'm confused." He glanced at Dorah. Her face was unreadable. "Not again," she thought. "I'm crushing on someone who's already engaged." Ronald knelt down in front of her, holding her hands. "Dorah?" She blinked and hummed in response, snapping out of her thoughts. "So… is that why you looked so down, huh?" she asked, her expression softening. "Not exactly. The real problem is... Mum says she's transferring the girl here—to our school." "Hey," Dorah said, lifting his chin to meet her gaze. "You shouldn't be sad. You should be happy. At least someone wants to cling to you." "I don't want her clinging to me like some lost puppy," he muttered. "It'd be better if it were you." "I would've loved that... but you have a fiancée," Dorah said, pulling her hands back to her lap. "Wait—what? So you do feel something for me?" Ronald said, standing up with a grin. "You're crushing on me, right?" "Wha—ugh, what makes you say that? Why would I be crushing on you?" she said, avoiding eye contact. "Maybe because I'm loving, caring, dashing, incomparable, cute, and above all… handsome!" he said, striking a pose. "So full of yourself," she muttered, making him laugh. "Babe, since we both love each other, this could be a way out. If you agree, I can go to my mum and reject the betrothal." "I don't love you." "Seriously? Then why are you avoiding my eyes?" "I don't love you, senior." "You're so stubborn," he sighed. "But if you had said yes, I would've taken you to my mum right away and told her you're the one I want. It's fine." He turned to leave. "It was nice talking to you. I'll be going now." "Wait—are you leaving because I said I don't love you?" she asked. "I just don't want to get my hopes up. I've fallen for you so hard, and I'm scared of being played." His back remained turned as he spoke. But then Dorah said softly, "What if I told you I love you—oh, I mean, like you. Would you stay?" He turned around immediately and walked back to her. "Really?" She nodded. "But... I'm sorry. I can't be in a relationship right now." And with that, she ran off, leaving Ronald frozen in place. Just then, his phone buzzed. He checked the screen—it was a message from his dad. "Meet me in my office. Now." "What is it again?" he grumbled, slipping the phone into his pocket. He trudged to the principal's office... and froze the moment he walked in, shocked by who he saw standing there.