When I was a child, I had a huge crush on someone. Wanna know who? Well, before that, let me introduce myself. My name is Zelline, and I’m currently in my senior year.
Have you ever felt butterflies in your stomach when you see your crush? Or like there are sparkles in your eyes? Well, I do. And I think most people feel that too.
Today is the first day of school, and I really hope I won’t be late. When I arrived at school, I immediately saw my friends Olivia and Estelle. They’ve been my best friends since elementary. Olivia waved at me excitedly and said, “Hey Zelline! I can’t believe we’re classmates again!” I smiled and replied, “Me too!” Estelle just laughed softly as we walked together toward our classroom, talking about random things like nothing had changed.
When we got inside, our teacher arrived shortly after. Her name is Athena Guerrero, but we call her Ma’am Athena. We already knew her since she was our Science teacher last year. She greeted us and said, “Good morning, students. I am glad to welcome you to Elite High School Academy. Since you chose the STEM strand, I expect all of you to be responsible students. First, we will talk about classroom rules and then proceed to the election of classroom officers.” We all listened as she discussed everything. When it was time for the election, Olivia ended up as the class president, and Estelle became the class muse. As for me, I didn’t really join. I was fine just watching everything.
As the days went by, all we did was introduce ourselves, take diagnostic tests, and adjust to our new subjects. Everything felt normal, just like any other school year. Until one day during recess, something unexpected happened. I saw him.
He was standing near the canteen, talking to his friends. He looked so… perfect. That was the first time I really noticed him. His name is Aiden. I’ve heard that he came from a rich family, but he’s also very talented and has won many competitions even at a young age. Smart, right?
While I was buying a biscuit, I suddenly bumped into someone. I quickly stepped back and said, “I’m sorry,” but when I looked up, I realized it was him. Aiden simply looked at me and said, “It’s fine,” with a small smile on his face. I didn’t know what to say after that. I just nodded and walked away, trying to act normal. But inside, I was screaming. That small moment felt like everything to me.
After that, months passed, and we became busy with schoolwork and activities. During the first and second quarters, I received With High Honors. I was really happy and hoped I could maintain it for the remaining quarters. Aiden also got With High Honors, which didn’t surprise me at all. I admired him from afar. We didn’t really talk, and we barely had any interactions, but somehow, I told myself that it was fine.
Days passed again, and soon it was time for the announcement of honor students. Ma’am Athena stood in front of us and said, “I am happy and delighted to announce that all of you made it to the honor list. This is the first time this has happened in my 15 years of teaching.” Everyone cheered, especially the boys who couldn’t contain their excitement. Olivia and Estelle, as expected, both received With Highest Honors. Then Ma’am Athena called my name, “With Highest Honor, Zelline Winter.” I was stunned for a moment before walking to the front. As I received my award, my classmates cheered for me, and I couldn’t help but smile. After everything, we took pictures, and Olivia even ordered Jollibee for the whole class to celebrate.
That day was one of the happiest moments of my life. When I got home, I told my parents, and they were so proud of me. They even told me I could buy anything I wanted as a reward for my hard work.
After two months, recognition day finally arrived. I went to school early, and when I got there, I saw him—Aiden. He was wearing his toga and tassel. He was graduating this year. I gathered my courage and approached him. “Hey, congratulations,” I said as I reached out my hand. He smiled and shook it, saying, “Congratulations too, Zelline.” We had a short conversation, nothing too deep, but it still meant a lot to me.
When it was our turn, I went up on stage and received my awards as With Highest Honor. I was also given the Best in Science award. Aiden also graduated with With Highest Honor, and I felt genuinely happy for him. I wanted to take a picture with him, but my parents were in a hurry to go home, so I didn’t get the chance.
When I got home, I overheard my parents talking. They mentioned that Aiden would be going to Korea with his friends. I paused for a moment when I heard that. Well, good for him.
Days passed, and one night while scrolling through my phone, I saw his post. He was already in Korea. The caption said, “New beginning.” I just stared at it for a while.
Yes, he is my greatest crush. And I know most people would ask why I didn’t confess to him. The reason is simple—I didn’t want to chase someone who was already moving forward. I’d rather admire him from afar, even if it hurts a little.
But maybe, someday, we’ll meet again.
That’s all for today’s diary entry.
