The following Monday, I found myself back in class, the usual hum of voices and laughter filling the room. After the weekend, with its highs and lows, I needed a taste of normalcy, something I could rely on. Predictability was a kind of balm.
Arriving a bit early, I welcomed the rare quiet of an almost-empty classroom, hoping for a few calm minutes to myself. As I settled in, though, I noticed someone else had beat me to it. Kiel was already by the window, his face soft, unreadable, and a little distant as he looked out over the campus grounds. Sunlight streamed through the glass, casting a golden light over him, illuminating the tousled waves of his hair and the angles of his face. He looked peaceful, almost like he hadn't a care in the world, like the weekend and everything that happened were just pages turned and forgotten.
Sliding into my usual seat beside him, I offered him a nod and a small smile. Nothing overly familiar, but enough to let him know I'd noticed him, that we had our own unspoken way of acknowledging each other.
"Hey," he said, his voice soft yet warm, with a glint in his eyes that seemed inviting but also wary. He could easily hide behind that look, making others think they knew him—but I'd started to catch onto the layers behind it.
As more students filtered in, the buzz picked up, filling the air with fragments of gossip and laughter. A familiar, sharp voice cut through it all. Mia. She walked in with her usual entourage, tall, sharp-featured, her striking looks turning heads as always. She wasn't just popular—she had a presence, one that made people notice her even if they didn't want to. She locked eyes with Kiel, a glint in her expression as she set her sights on him.
With the confidence of someone who expected attention, Mia drifted over to where we sat, her walk slow and deliberate. She leaned on Kiel's desk, close enough that the smell of her perfume filled the air between them, her eyes alight with a flirtatious gleam.
"Hey, Kiel," she purred, her tone dripping with practiced charm. "How was your weekend?"
I watched the scene unfold, feeling a flicker of amusement but keeping my expression neutral. I could see her strategy clear as day—the casual lean, the soft, suggestive lilt in her voice, the way her hair tumbled over her shoulder as she leaned just a bit closer. She was used to having all eyes on her, and right now, her gaze was laser-focused on Kiel.
But Kiel, as always, kept his response measured. He smiled, polite but with a hint of detachment. "Pretty good," he replied, his voice friendly but just distant enough. He wasn't giving her much, only enough to keep her intrigued, to keep her guessing. Mia's expression didn't falter—she gave a light laugh, flipping her hair again as though she hadn't noticed his subtle hold-back.
Her eyes flicked to me, taking in my calm, slightly amused expression. For a brief second, I could feel her sizing me up, perhaps wondering if I was any kind of competition, if I posed any kind of threat. I held her gaze for a second longer than necessary, letting a faint, knowing smile touch my lips, and then looked away, feigning disinterest. Mia, unfazed, turned back to Kiel with renewed focus. She was direct, confident, certain that she had him in her sights and that he was hers for the taking.
As the class went on, I occasionally caught Mia glancing over, her attention flitting between us, assessing, recalculating. Kiel, however, gave her only brief smiles or nods whenever she made eye contact, keeping things cordial but detached. I could tell he was enjoying the dynamic, playing his part in keeping her interested without offering more than surface-level charm. It was a bit like watching a well-practiced performance, with Mia leaning into each small detail, each laugh and glance, trying to pull him in. He was humoring her, offering just enough to maintain her interest, but keeping her at a distance. I knew his style well by now; I'd been on the receiving end of it too.
When the bell rang and people began packing up, Mia wasted no time, leaning in just a bit closer to Kiel, her fingers brushing his arm in a way that seemed casual but was carefully calculated. She let out a soft laugh, louder than necessary, drawing eyes from those around us. From the corner of my eye, I watched as Kiel's gaze flickered toward me, a subtle awareness in his look.
Without a second thought, I stood up, slinging my bag over my shoulder, and headed for the door. I walked slowly, purposefully, letting the moment linger. I wasn't in a rush. I wanted him to notice me walking away, to feel the subtle tug of curiosity, the slightest hint that he didn't entirely hold my attention, even if he thought he did. There was a tension in the air, something he couldn't fully control, and I knew it.
"Hey," Kiel called, his voice rising just enough to catch over the chatter around us. I stopped in the doorway, glancing back over my shoulder with a slow, questioning look.
He was watching me, his expression unreadable, but there was something in his gaze that hadn't been there a second ago—a hint of frustration, maybe, or something close to it. For the first time, his calm, effortless facade cracked, just a little, and in that split second, I could tell he wasn't as unbothered as he let on.
Mia, still lingering by his side, looked between us, her smile faltering just slightly, though she quickly recovered, flashing him another bright, inviting smile. But Kiel's eyes were on me, holding my gaze as if daring me to stay, to come back over. I held his stare for a moment, my expression steady, maybe a bit too controlled, but I let it flicker into the faintest hint of amusement before I finally turned and walked out the door.
The energy that followed me was undeniable, buzzing, a little wild. There was a thrill to it, the satisfaction of knowing that I wasn't just part of the background in his life, nor was I following along with anyone else's game. I was part of a different one, and I knew it.
_________________________________
It was Monday night, and the city pulsed with the same wild energy it had on the weekends. Neon lights blazed, and the distant thrum of bass promised a night of escape. Despite the fact that it was just the start of the week, I craved something to break the monotony of the routine. Jihoon's message earlier had been the perfect excuse to step out of my apartment and into the chaos of the night.
We'd met years ago when I was still in Singapore, a mutual friend bringing us together. From the moment we clicked, I knew Jihoon was the type of person who lived in the moment—fun, spontaneous, always the life of the party. We stayed in touch after I moved to the Philippines, and now, with him DJing at a club in Manila, it felt like a sign. I was meant to be there.
Checking my phone, I saw it was just past 11 PM. Jihoon would be hitting the decks soon. I grabbed my jacket and purse, ready to lose myself in the night.
When I arrived, the line outside the club wasn't as long as I'd expected for a Monday. The moment I stepped inside, the heavy bass hit me like a wave. The club was packed—people dancing, laughing, and chatting in the flashing strobe lights, everything blurred into a vibrant kaleidoscope of motion.
Spotting Jihoon was easy. He was already at the DJ booth, headphones on, hands flying over the turntables. His eyes caught mine from across the room, and he waved enthusiastically. I waved back, maneuvering through the crowd toward him.
"You actually made it!" Jihoon shouted over the music as I reached him. He grinned, the same energy that had always surrounded him filling the space. "I didn't think you'd come on a Monday!"
I shrugged, grinning back. "Who says Monday can't be fun? Besides, I haven't seen you in forever."
Jihoon smiled wider, adjusting his headphones. "You won't regret it. Tonight's set is gonna be on fire. Stay close, I'll make sure you have the best time."
We caught up briefly, the energy between us effortless and familiar. I didn't come out to think about anything else but enjoying the music and escaping the dullness of my week.
Then I saw him.
Kiel. Standing by the bar.
The sight of him hit like an electric shock. Tall, magnetic, surrounded by classmates, his effortless energy pulling attention without even trying. But it wasn't just him—it was her. Mia. Laughing too loud, leaning too close, her hand resting on his arm like she had every right to be there.
The old familiar knot in my stomach twisted. It wasn't jealousy—it was something more subtle, a flicker of possessiveness, a feeling I didn't like but knew well. I wasn't sure where I stood with Kiel anymore, and seeing them together made everything more complicated.
I tried to look away, to move on. But Kiel's eyes found mine across the room, locking with mine for just a beat too long. That soft flicker of surprise—was he surprised to see me here, or was it something more? A soft smile pulled at his lips, a smile that never failed to unsettle me. I waved back, half-heartedly, feeling something coil tighter inside me.
Mia was still there, her body angled toward him, too possessive, too comfortable. She was staking her claim, and I wasn't sure if I was supposed to feel threatened or indifferent. The whole scene felt... off. Unresolved.
"Hey, Keiyi!" Kiel's voice cut through the music, his smile never wavering as he made his way over to me.
I swallowed. "Hey," I said, forcing a casual tone despite the tension tightening in my chest.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, voice rising over the bass, his casual smile still in place.
"I came to see Jihoon," I said, trying to keep it light. "He invited me out."
Kiel raised an eyebrow. "I didn't think you were into this scene."
I shrugged. "I wasn't, but Jihoon convinced me."
I couldn't help but glance back at Mia, still too close, still watching, not even pretending to be casual about it. I didn't need to read her body language to know what was happening. I had to remind myself this was a game—one I knew how to play. Subtle, controlled, and never revealing too much.
"Well, I'll let you get back to it," Kiel said after a beat, his gaze flicking to his group. "But we should hang out later."
"Sure," I said, the words floating out more smoothly than I felt. "I'll be around."
I turned to walk away, but before I could go, Kiel added, "I'll catch up with you later. Enjoy the night, Keiyi."
His words lingered like a silent claim, but I didn't respond. I didn't need to. The key was in the dance of it all—the way I kept my distance while still leaving him wanting more.
The night was long, and I threw myself into the music, chatting with Jihoon's friends, trying to shake off the weight of the unresolved tension. But then—just when I was about to settle in—the tap on my shoulder came again.
I turned. Kiel, standing a little too close, that same magnetic smile still pulling at me. He invited me to join his group, and the tension built like a quiet storm. Mia was right there, her body practically glued to his. I hesitated, my gaze flicking over to Jihoon.
The game had shifted.
I played it off, though. "Maybe later. I'm here to see Jihoon."
He didn't push. "Alright, we'll be here."
Relief washed over me as he turned away, but I couldn't shake the feeling that things were far from over.
I didn't want to complicate it, but the night was drawing tighter, and Kiel was always in the center of the storm.
Then, the unmistakable pressure. Kiel was back again, leaning in closer than before, his voice low but direct: "Are you having a good time?"
"Yeah," I said, pretending to focus on Jihoon's set. "I didn't expect this kind of energy."
His smile deepened, a flicker of something possessive under it. "It's nice seeing you out here."
The challenge was clear. He was always aware, always testing the waters. But I knew how to play this. Keep them guessing. Keep them wondering. Be just distant enough to leave them wanting more. Even Kiel, who didn't make any overt moves, still managed to stake his claim in ways only I could see. That was the secret. The game was subtle, controlled. The key was in the balance—always holding back just enough to keep them intrigued.
"Jihoon's set is amazing tonight," I said, redirecting, voice a little too quick.
Kiel nodded, distracted for a moment. But even then, his gaze flicked to Mia. The shift was subtle, but I noticed it. The balance was tipping. Was he playing me, or was I playing him?
It didn't matter. The trick was not letting them see you sweat. Keep the moves silent. And always keep them on the hook, wondering who was truly in control.
The night blurred into a mix of flashing lights and beats, the bass reverberating in my chest, but I couldn't shake the tension that had settled in my body. It was like being stuck between two magnets pulling me in opposite directions—Jihoon, with his infectious energy and carefree charm, and Kiel, with that steady intensity that seemed to know exactly how to make me feel like I was the only person in the room… even when I didn't want to be.
I had learned a long time ago that control was everything in situations like this. The game of attraction wasn't about being obvious—it was about creating just enough distance to keep them wanting more. Jihoon, I could handle it. He was an open book, always inviting, always playful. But Kiel? Kiel was different. He was the one I had to be careful with, because he knew the game too. Maybe even better than I did.
As I danced near Jihoon's booth, I could feel Kiel's presence at the edge of my awareness, like a shadow I couldn't fully escape. His eyes flicked to me every so often, and every time, I felt that familiar pull. It was like a silent invitation—one that made it clear he wasn't done with me yet. But I wasn't ready to let him think he had any control.
Tip #1: Keep your distance. If you want to keep someone interested, don't be too available. Make them chase, but never make it obvious that you're playing the game. Kiel's subtle glances told me that he was trying to figure me out, to see if I was still the same person from before, the one he thought he knew. But what he didn't know was that I had changed. I was better at this than he was.
Just when I thought I could escape into the crowd, I felt him beside me again, his presence so close it made me tense, like he was a force of nature that I couldn't avoid. His voice slid through the music, low and almost teasing, "Still here?" His eyes were locked onto mine, the smirk playing on his lips sending an electric current through me. It was like he was daring me to deny the tension that had been building between us.
Tip #2: Act like you're not interested—but always keep them guessing. It's important to show you don't need them, but leave a little hint of mystery. If you act too detached, they'll think they've lost you. But if you act too eager, they'll know they have you. The sweet spot is to keep them unsure. I nodded, trying to sound casual, "Just enjoying the night."
His eyes searched mine, almost as if he was trying to read something deeper. "You're good at pretending," he said, and I couldn't tell if it was a compliment or a challenge.
Tip #3: Play with their emotions, but never let them see you sweat. Keep your emotions guarded. A subtle smile, a soft laugh, maybe a touch on their arm to let them know you're not completely cold, but never show that you're invested. Let them wonder how much you really care.
I could feel the pressure building. Mia had disappeared into the crowd, but her presence still lingered like an unspoken question hanging in the air. What was her role in all this? Was she part of his game too? Or was she just a distraction? The thought made something sharp twist in my stomach, but I didn't let it show.
Instead, I did what I always did when I felt like things were slipping too far. I took a step back. I pulled my energy back, closing off just enough to let him wonder if I was still interested or if I was moving on. The trick was to make them feel like they were in control, while you were the one actually pulling the strings.
Jihoon glanced over, catching my eye, and with a wink, he gestured for me to come closer. He was like a lifeline in this game—a distraction I could use when I needed to shift the focus away from Kiel.
I turned toward Jihoon, walking over with a renewed sense of control. Just as I did, I felt Kiel's eyes on me again. His gaze lingered, but I didn't turn around. I had made my move.
The rest of the night felt like a balancing act. Each conversation with Jihoon, each glance over my shoulder at Kiel, was part of the subtle dance. The music was loud, but beneath it, there was a quiet game playing out. And I knew exactly how to keep it going.
Tip #4: Be the one who leaves first. If you want to keep control, never be the one who stays. Always leave them wanting more, even if you're not sure if you want more yourself. It's all about leaving on your own terms.
I had done my rounds—talking to Jihoon, laughing with his friends, but the night was starting to wind down. As I made my way toward the exit, I felt Kiel's presence again, like an invisible thread pulling me back. He was at the door, his gaze locked on mine. This time, I didn't look away.
Tip #5: Know when to make them come to you. Don't chase. Let them chase. And when they do, make sure it's for the right reasons—because they're intrigued, because they want more, not just because they think they can win.
Kiel was standing there, as if waiting for me to make the first move. His smile was slow, deliberate. "Leaving so soon?" he asked, his tone low and knowing.
I smiled back, shrugging, playing the game one last time. "I think I've had enough excitement for one night," I said, my voice light, but there was an edge to it that I knew he could feel.
He didn't argue. "Maybe next time," he said, his voice almost too smooth, too certain. But it was the way he said it that made me feel like the game was far from over.
Tip #6: Always leave a question hanging. If you give them a reason to think there's more to the story, they'll always come back. Make them wonder about you long after you've walked away.
I turned on my heel, walking away from the club with the sound of the bass still reverberating in my chest. It felt like I had just won a round in a game that was far from over.
The night wasn't about getting answers. It was about keeping control, keeping them on their toes, and knowing exactly when to walk away. And as I stepped into the cool night air, I couldn't help but smile, knowing Kiel would be wondering just what I was really thinking.
And that was the game, wasn't it?