Castillian #1: Sinner's Formula

Scarlet Fuentabella was having a good day.

As in, a really good day.

She passed a Math quiz even though she wasn't sure about her answers. She got a free donut from the cafeteria because the guy at the counter messed up an order. And most of all—Mico texted her a "take care, baby" this morning, followed by a selfie showing off his dimples while lying in bed.

He wasn't shirtless in the photo, but that bed hair? Lord.

Anyway, the point is—Scarlet was glowing.

"You're smiling to yourself again," Kathryn said as they walked down the hallway. "Are you talking to your imaginary crush?"

Scarlet giggled. "Nope. He's real."

"Oh really?"

"Mm-hmm," she hummed, hugging her books.

"Don't you find it weird how it's like you guys have no issues? Like, hello? It's Mico Cein Esguerra. Every girl here wants him."

"Well, he doesn't like me," Scarlet muttered—very clearly lying.

Liza snorted. "You sure about that? Because those looks you two were giving each other during PE… that was not trigonometry."

"Ugh," Scarlet groaned, "can you all stop?"

But no matter how hard she tried to act normal, everyone was starting to notice. The stares. The whispers. The hallway glances that felt like surveillance cameras.

But Scarlet?

Still. Oblivious.

Until the arrival of what could only be called: The Moment of Truth.

Engineering Building – Student Lounge

12:45 PM

Scarlet was alone at the time, waiting for Mico, who said he'd be late because of a meeting with their coach. She was reading a module, trying not to fall asleep at the table.

Then suddenly—silence.

Like, the kind where all the noise around you just stops. She looked up, confused.

And that's when she saw the three girls approaching.

First was Clarisse Santiago—hair perfectly straight, black pencil skirt, holding a laptop like it was a weapon.

Beside her, two more girls from their department—Lianne and Cheska, both known for being rich, smart, and fake supportive.

Scarlet blinked.

"Hi?" She greeted politely, her voice rising at the end.

Clarisse didn't smile.

"You're Scarlet Fuentabella, right?" she asked in a flat tone.

Scarlet nodded. "Uhm… yes?"

"You know what I've been wondering lately?" Clarisse stepped closer. "What makes you so special?"

Scarlet tilted her head. "Excuse me?"

"You walk around like you don't know what's going on," Clarisse said, arms crossed. "But you're not stupid, are you?"

"Well… depends on the subject," she replied, completely sincere.

Lianne let out a sarcastic laugh.

"Wow. She really has no clue."

"Girl," Cheska added, rolling her eyes. "Do you really not see it? Or are you just pretending?"

"See what?"

Clarisse finally leaned in, voice icy. "You're being targeted, Fuentabella. Because you don't belong with him."

"With—who?"

They stared at her.

Then Clarisse said it, each word like a slap:

"With Mico Cein Esguerra."

Scarlet blinked again, like her brain was buffering.

"Wait… you mean targeted? Like… with bullets?"

Lianne rolled her eyes so hard she almost fainted.

"Wow. How did you even pass the entrance exam?"

"Excuse me," Clarisse snapped, voice venomous, "but you're not the kind of girl someone like Mico chooses."

Scarlet blinked. "So… you don't want him to tutor me?"

Cheska laughed.

"Girl. He's not just your tutor."

At that moment, Scarlet finally—finally—sensed something was off.

She looked at the three girls standing in front of her. Perfect makeup. Curled lashes. Designer bags. Smug smiles.

"Why are you angry at me?" she asked quietly. "What did I do?"

Clarisse didn't answer. Instead, she leaned closer and whispered—loud enough for others nearby to hear:

"Just know this, Fuentabella. When he drops you—and he will—we'll be right here to remind you you never deserved him."

Scarlet opened her mouth. Closed it. Looked around. Everyone was watching. Waiting for her to say something.

But she couldn't think of a single thing.

All that came out was:

"...ah."

Silence.

Clarisse smiled smugly, like she'd won.

Then she walked away, heels clicking like gunshots.

Scarlet slowly sat back down. Her fingers trembled slightly.

She wasn't sure what had just happened.

Then her phone vibrated. She took it out and saw:

[Mico 🖤]:

Baby, I'm on my way. Wait for me.

Sorry I took long. I brought something for you.

I miss you.

Scarlet stared at the screen, blinking.

Then whispered to herself:

"…Huh… What is happening in the world?"

Scarlet Fuentabella didn't know whether to cry, faint, or laugh like a dying penguin.

After that encounter with the three she-devils (aka Clarisse and her goons), she was left at the student lounge with a trembling hand, a confused soul, and one vibrating phone that didn't know if it should feel excited or sorry for her.

"Mico Cein Esguerra," she whispered, rereading his last message for the ninth time.

I miss you.

In the midst of all the noise and stares from the other students, Scarlet could only say:

"…So this is all real."

She couldn't deny it anymore.

She couldn't say it was just tutoring.

Because does a tutor send "good morning baby" voice notes in a sleepy husky voice? Does a tutor pick you up at the school gate on a motorbike, hoodie up to avoid being seen? Does a tutor say, "send me a pic, let me check if your bangs are okay" every lunch break? Does a tutor know how to say, "baby, focus on math first before I eat you up"?

Definitely not.

Scarlet's face burned. Mico clearly had experience in this field.

But even though she was overflowing with kilig, nerves, and internal screaming… the question was crystal clear:

Why do so many people hate her?

Casa de Imperium Court

"Dude," said Uno, wiping sweat. "Have you heard?"

"Heard what?" Mico replied, sitting on the bleachers, water bottle in hand and sweat on his neck.

Lynx, just arriving, grinned.

"Scarlet."

Mico turned immediately, saying nothing.

Felix filled in, "Dude, those witches went after her."

"Clarisse and crew," added Jairo, removing his knee pads. "I heard they cornered her in the student lounge. Showered her with pride and bitterness."

Mico didn't speak for five seconds.

Then: "Was she crying?"

Uno blinked. "Well, no. But she looked really off. Spaced out."

"I want to pull their hair out," Lynx muttered, cracking his fingers. "But you said no touching unless you give the order."

Mico stood up. "Where is she now?"

Engineering Garden Bench

Scarlet sat alone, nibbling on the leftover donut from earlier. She looked peaceful. But her eyes—clearly tired. Clearly weighed down.

Then a familiar figure approached hoodie up, eyes sharp as always.

"Scarlet."

She blinked. "Mico?"

He sat beside her quietly. Said nothing for a while, then finally asked:

"What did they say?"

Scarlet paused, donut halfway to her mouth. "They said… I don't deserve you. That I'm not good enough for you. That we don't match."

Mico sighed slowly. Rubbed the back of his neck, then looked at her.

"Do you believe them?"

Scarlet bit her lip. "Sometimes… yeah. But only sometimes. Like, maybe 78% of the time."

"Scarlet."

She turned to him.

"You're mine."

She gasped softly.

"No one gets to decide who's right for me except me," Mico said. "And I want you. I chose you."

Scarlet's heart thudded like crazy. "Even if… I'm not smart? Or confident? Or pretty like them?"

"Baby," Mico leaned in, their foreheads almost touching. "You're the only girl I've ever texted, 'Choose me every day.' The only one I wait for when you're being stubborn. The only one I call 'mine' even when you're clumsy as hell."

Scarlet's eyes welled up.

Then softly—she laughed.

"You're so cheesy today."

"Damn it," he groaned. "I'm mad. But I can't yell at you."

"Why not?"

"You might cry. Then I might love you more. Then I'll get even more pissed."

Scarlet chuckled. "You're not good with feelings, huh?"

"I'm good with you."

Silence.

Then without warning, Mico cupped her cheek and kissed her.

Not rushed.

Not like the other night.

This one was slower. Tender. Full of meaning.

And Scarlet? She melted. Right there on the bench.

When they finally pulled away, she leaned her forehead against his chest.

"Do you think… they'll ever change?"

"They can try," Mico whispered, "but I've got you."

Scarlet smiled.

Then blinked. "Wait… so... I'm really your girlfriend now?"

Mico snorted. "You've been my girlfriend. You just haven't admitted it to yourself."

She grinned. "Well… okay." Then softly added, "I'll try to believe it more. Maybe 79% now."