>> "I think... I want to do it with you."

　　Those words blurted out without me knowing, causing the two looked at me with surprise and scrutiny. "Hoho, Jessie... I never meant you see this bold and straightforward?"

　　Kristine`s eyes squinted with mockery while grinning mischievously at me. "Huh!? Wha—What!? No, no! I mean..."

　　I squirmed from my seat and faces Ella. "What I mean... What I mean is it`s nice to meet you." Trying to hide my embarrassment, I stated out loud.

　　"Ah, yeah... me too. I`m Arellano—"

　　"Ella. It`s nice to meet you. I`m Jessie Sandoval."

　　I forced not to hear his full name. I can`t attempt to think that the man who I just hooked up suddenly appeared right now and meet me once more.

　　"Yeah, it`s good to be your acquaintance, Jessie." Ella smiles at me. I nod to his response and avert on his eyes. "So, you don`t have class yet?" Kristine interjects.

　　"I do. Actually, it`s this morning." He answered. "Oh, I see. Say, is your schedule in the afternoon available later?"This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

　　I glance at Kristine as she winks at me after asking the question. What`s this girl planning to do? "I`m free this afternoon... why?"

　　"Well, I just want to ask to hang out with you. Of course, you know my friend already." Her lips show a playful smile. What`s with this girl?

　　"Hmm... well if I`m alright hanging out with you both, why not?" Ella answered and took a glance at me. Just as the time I heard his answer, I look at him and avert quickly the moment our eyes meet.

　　I can`t still forget that feeling he gave to me that night. And that phantom feeling taunts my body.

　　"We`ll see you on the afternoon. We don`t have classes this afternoon as well." Kristine answered back and waves at Ella. "Yeah, see you later..."

　　Ella left us right after as Kristine widely grins at me. "Isn`t he handsome?" she asked me. "What...?" I grunt.

　　"He`s a boyfriend material. You see, he is kind and attractive. All girls tilt their head to look at him. When he does cross-dress, even guys turn their heads as well."

　　"And what does that do to me, huh?" I grunt again in exasperation. Kristine`s looks turn sour as she heard my reply. "C`mon, I know you want to do it` with him again."

　　Thos words made me twitch. What the?! "Why should I?! I don`t mean to tell those words—"

　　"—But you desire him. The way how you gaze at him..."

　　This girl. Why does she know it!? "Am I right?" her mischievous grin widens even more. "Whatever!" I sigh in exasperation.

　　"I understand that this is unusual for you, but why don`t you try to open your heart for someone?"

　　Kristine`s words filled with sensibility. She knows I`m struggling to move on from my unrequited love. I understand her concern to me, but I do think this won`t work out.

　　"Try to know him. There`s no harm, right? This might be a little absurd to ask but, well... you know? You`re still a girl."

　　"I know..." I answered. Though we made a mistake that night and that will never change. I think that there`s no harm in knowing him. I mean, I think he`s a nice guy.

　　Also...

　　"Ella is a pretty girl when cross-dress." Kristine suddenly blurted. I look at her as she grins at me. "Having him as a partner would be a win-win for someone like you."

　　"Stop spouting nonsense things. Let`s go... class is about to start."

　　We decided to leave the bench and proceeded to class. But my mind still remains the image of that person. "Ella, huh...?" I mumbled. Maybe, there`s no harm to know him at all?