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It was a rare Friday night when Aiah, Stacey, and Jhoanna found themselves seated around their favorite table at a cozy bar downtown, finally unwinding after another hectic week. Aiah, a junior journalist at a lifestyle magazine, was nursing her drink while Stacey, a marketing strategist, and Jhoanna, a freelance photographer, caught her up on the week’s latest gossip.
“Aiah, girl, hindi ka pa rin nagkakaroon ng juicy story since… kailan pa?” Stacey said, her eyes glinting with a familiar mischief. She leaned forward, a sly smile forming on her face. “You need something that’ll actually catch people’s attention. Hindi lang yung usual interviews and event recaps mo.”
Aiah sighed, taking a sip of her drink. “Believe me, gusto ko rin. Pero ang hirap din maghanap ng story na ‘yan. Everything feels so… predictable.”
Jhoanna, always the instigator, suddenly grinned. “You want excitement? I have an idea.”
Aiah raised an eyebrow. “Uh-oh. Here we go. Spill it, Jho.”
Jhoanna’s grin only widened as she continued. “What if… you did a dating challenge? Hear me out: you date someone for ten days, make her fall for you, but you intentionally mess it up with all the usual dating ‘don’ts’—you know, clinginess, jealousy, the whole package. Then, you write about it. Imagine the headline—‘How to Lose a Girl in 10 Days’.”
Stacey’s eyes lit up. “That’s genius, Jho! Aiah, imagine the readers. This is exactly the kind of thing that people will love. It’s funny, dramatic, and—honestly? Perfect for you.”
Aiah laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. “You two want me to be some kind of heartbreaker for an article? That’s… insane.”
Stacey smirked, leaning in. “Come on, Aiah. It’s just a harmless little experiment. You don’t have to actually break her heart; just go through the motions. It’ll be for the sake of journalism!”
Aiah hesitated, swirling her drink as she thought it over. The idea was completely out of her comfort zone, but the excitement of it—an article that wasn’t just another fluff piece, something funny and a bit daring—had her intrigued. She could already picture the story unfolding, the dramatic twists, the humor.
“Fine,” Aiah said, laughing a bit at her own impulsiveness. “I’ll do it. But this better not blow up in my face, ha?”
Stacey and Jhoanna burst into cheers, clinking their glasses with hers. “We believe in you!” Jhoanna said with a grin. “Now… sino ang magiging ‘lucky’ girl?”
Aiah scanned the room, her gaze finally landing on a familiar figure seated at the bar—a girl from her college days who was now in the same social circle. Colet Vergara. Charismatic and effortlessly cool, Colet had always had this quiet magnetism that drew people in. Though Aiah didn’t know her too well, she’d heard stories about Colet’s easygoing, laid-back vibe and had always been curious.
Aiah pointed subtly in her direction. “How about… her?”
Stacey’s eyes widened. “Colet Vergara? The cool, mysterious one? Oh, this is going to be very interesting.”
Jhoanna laughed, nudging Aiah’s shoulder. “She won’t know what hit her. Besides, you’ll be so good at this. Aiah, the ultimate heartbreaker.”
Aiah chuckled, but a flicker of nerves stirred in her chest. Colet wasn’t just any random girl—she had a charm and presence that might make this challenge more complicated than it seemed. But a challenge was a challenge, and Aiah was never one to back down.
“Alright,” she said, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. “Challenge accepted.”
DAY 1
The next afternoon, Aiah found herself at one of her favorite spots in the city—a cozy, artsy café tucked away from the main streets. It was the perfect place to “accidentally” bump into Colet. With her nerves disguised by a practiced air of confidence, Aiah took a deep breath and entered the café, scanning the tables. Sure enough, there was Colet, seated alone in the corner, her laptop open, fingers typing away.
Aiah adjusted her expression into a friendly, casual smile as she made her way over. She’d done her fair share of interviews and casual conversations as a journalist, but this was different. Colet wasn’t just any subject—she was about to become her target, the one she’d make fall for her, only to drive her away. She wasn’t sure why, but that plan felt a bit strange now that Colet was sitting right in front of her.
“Hi! Mind if I join you?” Aiah asked, gesturing to the chair across from Colet. “Medyo crowded na kasi yung ibang tables, eh.”
Colet looked up, momentarily surprised, but then a warm smile softened her expression. “Oh, sure! Go ahead.”
Aiah slid into the chair, feigning casualness as she settled in, though she could feel a bit of tension beneath her relaxed façade. She was supposed to be laying the groundwork, to draw Colet in without making it obvious. After all, she had to keep this challenge going for ten days, and charm was her best weapon.
“So, working on anything interesting?” Aiah asked, leaning slightly forward with a friendly curiosity. “Mukhang busy ka, ah.”
Colet glanced at her laptop, then back at Aiah with a small, shy smile. “Just some work stuff—project ideas, deadlines, you know the drill. I’m in architecture.”
“Wow, architecture? That’s impressive!” Aiah replied, genuinely impressed. She could see how Colet’s artistic sense might flow into her work. “I’m in journalism, but it sounds like your projects are way more exciting than mine.”
Colet laughed, leaning back in her chair. “Exciting, sure. But also exhausting! I’m honestly just here to unwind a bit.”
They continued chatting, slipping into easy conversation about work stress, funny client encounters, and memories of shared campus spots. The light banter was effortless, and Aiah found herself surprised by Colet’s warmth and quick wit. She’d expected Colet to be cool and a bit detached, but here she was, engaged and genuine, a little shy but effortlessly charming.
Hours passed, and with each passing minute, Aiah’s carefully calculated “mission” started to feel less like a game. Colet’s easygoing energy was magnetic, her laughter infectious, and Aiah found herself enjoying the moment far more than she’d planned.
But then she reminded herself of her goal: make Colet fall, and then push her away. That was the challenge. As Colet shared another story about her late-night struggles with a complicated design project, Aiah mentally kicked herself back into focus. She couldn’t afford to get sidetracked.
“Oh, hey,” Aiah said, leaning in with a playful smile. “I almost forgot—would you want to grab dinner sometime? It would be fun to continue our little hangout.”
Colet looked a bit taken aback by the boldness, but after a moment, she smiled and nodded. “Sure, why not? I could use a break from the usual grind.”
Aiah grinned, heart pounding a little too quickly. “Perfect. It’s a date, then.”
As they exchanged numbers and agreed on a day, Aiah couldn’t shake the growing thought that this might be trickier than she’d expected. Colet wasn’t just some random girl—she had a spark, an unassuming charm that made Aiah forget, even if just for a moment, the plan behind it all.
Still, with her friends’ challenge fresh in her mind, Aiah resolved to go through with it. Day 1 was a success. Now, she just had to make Colet fall head over heels—and then break her heart.
DAY 2
The next evening, Aiah found herself standing outside a small bistro, heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and guilt. She kept reminding herself, It’s just a challenge. It’s just for the article. But somehow, after their surprisingly warm café encounter, the stakes felt a little higher.
Spotting Colet approaching, Aiah felt a flicker of nerves. Colet looked effortlessly stylish, dressed in a casual blazer over a simple white top, her short hair slightly tousled. She smiled warmly when she saw Aiah, and for a moment, Aiah almost forgot her mission.
“Hey,” Colet greeted, her voice as casual and calm as her presence. “Hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”
“No worries at all,” Aiah replied, putting on her best smile. “I was just admiring the place. They’ve got great pasta, apparently.”
They entered the bistro, settling into a cozy booth near the back, surrounded by warm lighting and the soft hum of diners’ conversations. Aiah reminded herself to keep things interesting, to be charming. After all, the goal was to reel Colet in—but she couldn’t help the genuine interest bubbling up as they continued talking.
“So, bakit ka nga pala napunta sa architecture?” Aiah asked as they browsed the menu, her curiosity more real than she’d intended. “It’s such a unique field. Parang ang cool naman.”
Colet chuckled, glancing up from the menu. “It’s… a long story, actually,” she said, a bit sheepishly. “But I guess it started with me wanting to make spaces feel like home for people. Sounds cheesy, right?”
“No! I think that’s super thoughtful,” Aiah replied, leaning forward, intrigued. “It’s nice to see people passionate about their work. Journalism’s the same way for me—I want to tell stories that resonate, you know? Things that matter.”
Colet’s smile softened, her eyes lighting up. “I get that. And it’s cool that you’re so driven about it. Most people, I think, just pick careers that sound safe or easy.”
They fell into comfortable conversation, sharing dreams, frustrations, and laughing at little jokes. They discovered a shared love for ’90s rom-coms and a mutual appreciation for coffee way stronger than most people could handle.
But as their dishes arrived, Aiah reminded herself of the next phase of her “plan”—start with some of the “classic” relationship mistakes to subtly test Colet’s patience. With a mental sigh, she launched her first move.
“So…” Aiah said, picking up her phone and angling it toward them. “We should definitely take a selfie, right? To remember our ‘first date’ and all.”
Colet looked a bit surprised but nodded with a smile. “Sure, why not?”
They leaned in, and Aiah snapped a few shots, throwing in a couple of silly faces to make things lighthearted. But then she saved the photos with a serious expression and said, “Actually, I’m gonna make one of these my lock screen. Just, you know… so I don’t forget what a great time I’m having with you.”
Colet blinked, clearly taken aback. “Oh… wow. Okay, that’s… unexpected.” She chuckled softly, though Aiah could see a hint of confusion in her eyes. “Pero… that’s sweet, I guess?”
Aiah flashed her an overly adoring smile, leaning her chin on her hands. “Oh, it’s no big deal. We’re just cute together, right?” She gave a playful wink, though she felt a twinge of embarrassment from laying it on so thick.
Colet raised her eyebrows, looking amused but still smiling. “I guess? But… isn’t this a bit fast?”
Aiah mentally noted Colet’s reaction—surprised but still warm.
Alright, looks like I’ll have to try harder. She decided to turn things up a notch.
“Oh, Colet, I almost forgot,” Aiah said, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “I was just thinking… I know it’s only our first official date, but have you ever thought about the future? You know, like, where you see yourself in five years?”
Colet blinked again, a faint hint of panic flashing in her eyes. “Um, I… wow, that’s a pretty big question for a first date,” she said, laughing nervously.
Aiah kept her expression earnest, leaning in a bit more. “I know, I know. But I just… feel like we have a connection, you know? Like maybe we’re meant to meet, and maybe we’re supposed to be…” she paused dramatically, “...more than just friends?”
Colet let out an awkward laugh, glancing around as if to check if anyone was overhearing this sudden intensity. “Aiah, you’re… definitely interesting,” she replied, a bit cautiously. “But, yeah, I usually just… go with the flow, you know? I don’t really think too far ahead.”
“Fair enough,” Aiah replied, smiling sweetly. “I just can’t help feeling like this is… special.”
As the evening wore on, Aiah continued with her subtle “dating mistakes”—asking too many personal questions, sending Colet a playful text while they were still sitting across from each other, and casually mentioning how her friends were already calling them the “it couple.” Colet handled it all with a smile, though Aiah noticed the occasional uneasy shift in her gaze.
At the end of the night, as they stood outside the bistro, Aiah waited for Colet’s reaction. She’d laid it on thick with her clinginess and future talk, but Colet, ever the cool girl, seemed to take it all in stride.
“So… thanks for tonight, Aiah,” Colet said, slipping her hands into her pockets. “It was… fun. Definitely memorable.”
Aiah grinned, feeling both satisfaction and a strange pang of guilt. “Glad to hear it. I’ll text you in a bit, okay? Like… as soon as I get home?”
Colet laughed softly, her expression bemused. “Uh… sure, yeah. Talk soon.”
As Aiah watched her walk away, she pulled out her phone and immediately sent a playful text: Miss you already.
She could almost hear Colet’s exasperated sigh when she saw the “read” receipt without a reply.
Walking home, Aiah felt the mix of success and a strange twinge of guilt deepening. But she brushed it off—after all, this was just Day 2.
DAY 3
The following day, Aiah decided it was time to turn up the heat. After all, if she was going to make Colet want to run for the hills by the end of this challenge, today’s tactic needed to scream clingy. She took a deep breath, texted Colet a flurry of morning messages, and set off to find her at one of her favorite weekend spots.
A quick Instagram story had revealed Colet was spending her Saturday morning at the local bookstore, so Aiah made her way over, hoping she wouldn’t look too much like a stalker.
As Aiah entered the bookstore, she spotted Colet in the fiction aisle, flipping through a novel with her usual calm focus. Aiah strolled over with a cheerful wave.
“Colet!” she called, making her way up to her. “What a coincidence, right?”
Colet looked up, mildly surprised. “Aiah… hey! Yeah, didn’t expect to see you here.”
Aiah beamed, trying to look as genuine as possible. “What can I say? Great minds think alike!” She glanced at the book in Colet’s hands. “Oh, nice choice! You’re into fiction, too?”
Colet smiled, though she seemed a little wary. “Yeah, I love getting lost in a good story. How about you?”
Aiah leaned closer, leaning her shoulder against the shelf, fully invading Colet’s space. “Oh, absolutely. It’s like fate, right? Us running into each other, sharing the same interests… Maybe we’re soulmates?” She added a playful wink, but her voice held a hint of seriousness that made Colet chuckle nervously.
“Uh… maybe?” Colet laughed, looking away for a moment, clearly trying to process Aiah’s sudden clinginess.
Aiah decided to up the ante, pulling out her phone and opening a shared calendar app. “So, I was thinking… maybe we could sync up our schedules? You know, just to make sure we get to spend more time together. I can’t get enough of you, Colet!” she said, feigning an overly adoring look.
Colet blinked, taken aback. “Wait… sync our schedules? That’s… wow, um, that’s a lot. Don’t you think?”
“Oh, come on! It’s just a little harmless planning,” Aiah said, giggling in a way that felt way too close to genuine. “Here, look!” She tapped a few buttons, setting a calendar alert for “Bookstore Date: Every Saturday,” and showed it to Colet with a grin. “See? Now it’s official.”
Colet laughed nervously, glancing at the exit. “I mean… I do love a good routine, but maybe let’s keep it spontaneous?”
Aiah feigned disappointment, pouting slightly. “Aw, Colet. But don’t you think it’d be cute? Like, people would look at us and just know we’re together, you know?”
Colet scratched the back of her neck, clearly unsure how to respond to the sudden intensity. “Uh, sure, maybe…?”
But Aiah wasn’t about to let up. “Oh! And one more thing,” she said, grabbing Colet’s hand dramatically. “I know it’s only been a couple of days, but I feel like I need to tell you… you’re the only one for me.” She looked up at Colet with wide, “devoted” eyes.
Colet’s eyes widened slightly, though she chuckled, clearly thinking it was a joke. “You’re funny, Aiah.”
But Aiah held her gaze, dead serious. “No, Colet. I mean it. I’m ready to give my all for this relationship. I’m talking about… forever.” She added a dreamy sigh, throwing in a tiny, “smitten” smile.
Colet blinked, shifting uncomfortably. “Wow, you really don’t waste time, do you?”
“Oh, no time to waste when it comes to love, right?” Aiah said, her voice almost a whisper, as if she were truly overcome with feelings.
Colet seemed torn between amusement and concern. “Um, well… I think love grows over time, you know? Maybe let’s… pace things a bit?”
Aiah nodded, giving an exaggerated, understanding sigh. “Of course, Colet. Anything for you.”
She kept at it for the next half hour, following Colet through the bookstore, making overly sentimental comments about “our future” and repeatedly reaching for her hand whenever Colet tried to put a bit of distance between them.
Finally, as they walked toward the café next door for a quick coffee, Aiah “accidentally” took Colet’s coffee cup, taking a sip and then flashing a playful smile. “Oh, sorry, force of habit! Isn’t it sweet, though? Sharing each other’s drinks?”
Colet raised an eyebrow, laughing nervously. “Uh… sure, if that’s your thing.” She was clearly beginning to feel Aiah’s intensity but still smiled, her patience remarkable.
As they sat down, Aiah decided to go for the grand finale: the infamous “pet name” move.
“Sweetheart,” she began with a dreamy look, “I just want you to know… you make me feel complete.”
Colet choked on her coffee, her eyes wide with surprise. “Sweetheart?” she repeated, laughing in shock.
Aiah batted her eyelashes, her gaze intense. “Yes. From now on, you’re my one and only sweetheart. Is that… okay?”
Colet seemed caught between laughter and bewilderment. She glanced at Aiah, trying to read her, then said, “I mean… I guess?”
Aiah leaned over the table, whispering, “I knew you’d feel the same way.”
At that point, Colet checked her watch, clearly scrambling for an exit. “Wow, time flies. I, uh… I actually need to go. You know, errands.”
“Oh, of course!” Aiah replied brightly. “Should I come with you? I mean, we could spend the whole day together!”
Colet held up a hand, laughing nervously. “Maybe next time? I think I need a little ‘me’ time today.”
“Oh…” Aiah feigned a crestfallen look, putting on her best “hurt but understanding” expression. “Okay, sweetheart. But text me as soon as you get home, okay?”
Colet managed a smile, nodding. “Sure, Aiah. I’ll… do that.”
As she walked away, Aiah noticed the hint of exasperation in Colet’s expression, and a small smirk spread across her face. Challenge accepted, she thought, feeling a strange blend of satisfaction and guilt.
She’d definitely made an impression on Day 3. Now, she just had to see how long Colet’s patience would last.
DAY 4
Aiah woke up feeling a mix of accomplishment and guilt. She’d nailed clingy mode the day before—nonstop texts, conveniently showing up at Colet’s favorite bookstore, and throwing around every pet name she could think of. While Colet had looked a little bemused, she hadn’t backed off. If anything, she’d gone along with it, laughing in that easy, unbothered way of hers.
But as Aiah sipped her coffee that morning, a knot formed in her stomach.
She’s making it too easy.
Colet wasn’t reacting the way Aiah expected, and worse, Aiah was starting to enjoy her company too much. Stick to the plan, she told herself.
This is for the article. The sooner it’s over, the better.
By evening, Aiah found herself at the café where they’d first met, sipping her caramel macchiato and nervously scrolling through her phone. Stacey and Jhoanna’s texts weren’t helping.
Stacey: Clingy mode success, ’di ba? Ano next? Pls lang, jealous-girlfriend mode naman. Super rom-com vibes!
Jhoanna: I’m betting 500 pesos na maiinis na siya sayo after this.
Aiah shook her head, muttering, “Mga enabler kayo.”
At 7:15 PM, Colet walked in. Aiah spotted her immediately—her confident stride, her casual yet polished blazer-jeans combo, her hair effortlessly tousled.
Parang ang unfair talaga.
Aiah’s heart skipped before she could stop it.
“Colet! Dito!” Aiah called out, her voice a little too loud as she waved enthusiastically.
Colet’s lips curved into a faint smile as she approached. “Hi, Aiah. ’Di ko in-expect na nandito ka ulit.”
“I saved you the best seat,” Aiah said, gesturing grandly to the chair across from her. “Perfect view ng city lights. Super romantic, ’di ba?”
Colet let out a soft chuckle as she sat down. “Romantic, huh? Mukhang pinag-isipan mo ’to.”
Aiah leaned forward, putting on her most charming smile. “What can I say? Na-inspire ako. Speaking of inspiration, how about we pick a movie for later? Netflix and chill—just the two of us.”
Colet raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting to amused confusion. “Netflix and chill? Serious ka?”
“Why not?” Aiah said with a shrug. “Parang... doesn’t it feel like we’re already basically a couple?”
Colet tilted her head, studying her. “Ang bilis naman yata ng conclusion mo.”
“But doesn’t it feel like it?” Aiah pressed, her grin widening.
Colet stared at her for a beat before letting out a quiet laugh. “Aiah, I think we’re moving too fast. ’Di ba, we’re still getting to know each other?”
“Oh, don’t worry!” Aiah said breezily. “I’m not rushing naman. I just think… we’re perfect for each other. Parang meant to be.”
Aiah reached across the table and placed her hand on Colet’s, holding it firmly. Colet’s eyes flicked to their joined hands before gently pulling hers back, her expression calm but with a flicker of hesitation.
“Aiah, baka naman we should slow down,” Colet said, her tone gentle but firm. “We’re still figuring things out, ’di ba?”
“But that’s the best part!” Aiah said, leaning back with a playful shrug. “Getting to know each other habang parang tayo na. Isn’t that cute?”
Colet’s lips twitched, her amusement unmistakable. “You really like the idea of us, huh?”
“Of course!” Aiah said brightly. Then, as if the thought had just struck her, she added, “Speaking of us… do you ever hang out with your exes? Or, like, anyone who might get jealous kung makita nila tayo magkasama?”
Colet blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Exes? Aiah, saan galing ’yan?”
Aiah shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “I don’t know… nakita lang kita talking to some girls sa party last week. Parang close kayo. Exes ba sila? Should I be worried?”
Colet’s lips twitched again—this time, fighting back a smile. “Relax ka lang, Aiah. They’re my friends. Promise, wala kang dapat ikabahala.”
“Hmm, okay,” Aiah said, narrowing her eyes dramatically. “Pero sigurado ka ba? Kasi parang masyado silang close with you, eh.”
Colet finally laughed, shaking her head. “Are you jealous?”
“No, I’m not!” Aiah said quickly, her cheeks flushing. “I’m just… making sure na hindi ako niloloko.”
Colet’s laughter softened into a gentle smile. “Aiah, you’re cute. Pero seryoso, walang dahilan para magselos. Ikaw lang ang kasama ko ngayon, okay?”
Aiah tried to hide the way her heart skipped at Colet’s words. “Okay, fine,” she said, forcing a chuckle. “But just remember—if anyone tries to make a move on you, I’ll be watching.”
Colet raised an eyebrow, her smirk returning. “Noted. Pero feeling ko naman wala namang magtatangkang gumawa ng move.”
“Good,” Aiah said, leaning back in her chair, her grin lopsided now.
Colet studied her for a moment, her eyes warm. “You’re funny, Aiah. I like how much you care.”
Aiah blinked, caught off guard. She didn’t expect Colet to say something so direct, so... sincere.
“Of course I care,” Aiah said softly, then quickly added, “I mean, kailangan ko lang mag-ingat. You’re important—ay, I mean, this is important.”
Colet’s smile deepened, a teasing glint in her eyes. “Kahit ano pa ang ibig sabihin mo, I’ll keep that in mind.”
As they continued talking, Aiah realized she was enjoying herself more than she expected. The mix of protectiveness, jealousy, and Colet’s calm humor felt surprisingly... natural.
Day 4—success? Or maybe something else entirely.
DAY 5
Aiah had been trying to make Colet jealous for days, but things weren’t going according to plan. No matter what she did, Colet just wasn’t biting. She was so chill, so unbothered by everything Aiah threw at her. Frustrated, Aiah knew she had to try something new.
What if I made her think about the future?
Then it hit her: “Let’s plan our entire future together.”
Aiah’s mind raced with all the outrageous scenarios she could throw out. The more ridiculous, the better. It was perfect. Who could resist talking about the future, especially when it involved a golden retriever, a cozy apartment, and matching tattoos?
She didn’t waste any time. By lunchtime, Aiah had already sent Colet the first text.
Aiah: Okay, hear me out: we get a golden retriever when we’re older. It’d be soooo cute, promise!
She grinned, feeling a bit silly but also excited for Colet’s reaction. She was already imagining how Colet would laugh at her over-the-top ideas.
Then she quickly sent another one.
Aiah: Like, imagine the golden retriever following us around our apartment. Sa sobrang cute, I can't even!
She paused, waiting for Colet to respond. It wasn’t long before Colet’s reply came in.
Colet: Hahaha, okay, but a golden retriever? Medyo ambitious yata for our first pet ah.
Aiah almost rolled her eyes, but then she remembered: she wasn’t done yet. She had to keep going. She replied, keeping her tone light but with a hint of excitement.
Aiah: Ambitious? No way! Golden retrievers are the perfect first dog, promise! And imagine the Instagram pics. Sobrang cute nung dog natin, we’d be viral!
She could almost hear Colet laughing, and that made her feel like she was on the right track. She added one more text, taking it to the next level.
Aiah: And then, we get an apartment together. Parang super cozy, with big windows para yung dog natin may sunlight na perfect for afternoon naps. Tapos we’ll be a happy little family!
She read the message over once and hit send. She was really pushing it now. Aiah was almost nervous about how Colet would react, but she was committed.
Colet’s response came right away, and this time, there was a different vibe to her message.
Colet: Hahaha, that’s crazy, Aiah. Pero okay, sige, this future sounds interesting... Pero really, a golden retriever?
Aiah chuckled to herself, clearly enjoying how Colet was still engaging in the conversation, but also teasing her a little. She wasn’t going to back down, though. This was her time to shine.
Aiah: Well, obviously! Dapat big dog na eh. We’re not gonna get a chihuahua or something. I’m telling you, it’s perfect! We’ll take cute pictures, and ang saya-saya namin. You’ll love it.
She added a few more emojis just to keep the mood light and playful. Then, she went all-in.
Aiah: Plus, we get matching tattoos. A little paw print for me and a bone for you? Tapos, we can get our initials inside a heart, like a cute bonding moment between us and our future dog! <3
Aiah sat back, hoping Colet wouldn’t be too weirded out by the sudden seriousness of it all. Her thumb hovered over the send button for a second. Maybe this was too much? But before she could second-guess herself, she hit send.
Colet replied after a few moments.
Colet: Aiah, are you serious? Matching tattoos pa? who in their right mind would get matching tattoos sa 20s, and why a bone and paw print?!
Aiah couldn’t help but laugh at Colet’s response. Colet was still playing along, but the teasing tone was unmistakable. She was taking it well... too well, actually. And that made Aiah feel a little guilty.
Aiah: Kasi, it’s cute, ‘di ba? We’ll be one of those couples na matching everything. Cute lang, promise!
She sent the message and waited. This time, her excitement was a little more genuine, and she found herself grinning at the thought of their imaginary future.
A few minutes later, Colet replied.
Colet: Okay, okay. Matching tattoos pa, I’ll give you that. But if we’re really doing this, I want a cat too. Not to compete with the dog ha, but a cute kitten. Tapos we’ll have a perfect little family.
Aiah’s jaw dropped. Was Colet actually serious? The playful vibe of Colet’s reply caught Aiah off guard. The last thing she expected was for Colet to play along so easily.
Aiah: Deal! Golden retriever and a kitten. I’m game!
Colet: Tapos tattoo na matching paw prints and bones?
Aiah hesitated for a moment, still processing how easily Colet was going along with it. Her heart raced, and she found herself getting more invested in this fake future than she’d expected.
Aiah: Yeah! Matching tattoos. Paw prints and bones. Pero cute lang, promise. Not too cheesy.
Colet: Haha, okay, okay. We’ll make it work.
Aiah could feel herself smiling, her heart doing a little flip. She’d planned to throw Colet off-balance, but instead, Colet’s playfulness was making Aiah feel something else entirely.
Was this game even necessary anymore?
Before she could respond, Colet texted again.
Colet: Sige, pero once we get the dog, I’m in charge of training it, ha? And don’t you dare get me a puppy that doesn’t love cuddles. Deal?
Aiah stared at her phone for a moment, trying to figure out how to reply. She had been so focused on pushing her agenda, but now… this was starting to feel a lot like something real.
Aiah: Deal. Cuddles for days. I’ll even make sure our dog loves snuggling with you.
Colet: I’m in. This future sounds nice. Can’t wait to get a dog and a cat... and matching tattoos.
Aiah stared at the screen, her heart doing something weird again. Was she really in too deep now?
Aiah: We’re gonna be the cutest family ever. <3
DAY 6
Aiah woke up with a plan, but her stomach twisted with doubt. The past few days had gone almost too smoothly—Colet’s calmness was like a cheat code against her antics. Clingy texts? She found them cute. Over-the-top compliments? She laughed them off. Even the jealousy play barely made her blink.
Aiah needed a new approach. Something bigger. Messier. Something that would finally crack Colet’s cool exterior.
By mid-morning, she’d decided: a fake argument. Aiah grinned to herself as she crafted the perfect storm of a text, layering just enough emotional chaos to make Colet squirm.
Aiah: Can we talk? Hindi ko na yata kaya ‘to. Ang perfect-perfect mo kasi all the time, and ikaw, parang palaging left hanging ako. Hindi ko na alam kung anong nangyayari sa atin :(
She stared at the message, rereading it twice before taking a deep breath and hitting send. As the text whooshed into cyberspace, Aiah leaned back against her pillows, heart pounding. This would do it. This would finally get a rise out of her.
A few minutes later, the three dots appeared. Aiah’s heart raced, anticipation crackling in her chest. The reply came quickly:
Colet: Hindi ko alam na may problem na pala tayo. Is everything okay, Aiah?
Aiah blinked. She sat up straighter, rereading the text as if she’d misinterpreted it. “What the…?” she muttered. She had expected Colet to apologize, to question things, maybe even panic a little. Instead, Colet’s reply was calm. Too calm.
Grinding her teeth, Aiah typed back, determined to keep the act alive.
Aiah: Kasi, ikaw, parang okay lang sa’yo lahat. Ang chill-chill mo, parang wala kang pake. And ako, parang ako lang lagi yung may effort, tapos ikaw, wala lang. Naiintindihan mo ba ako, Colet?
Her thumb hovered over the send button, and for a fleeting second, she hesitated. Was she pushing too far? But the thought dissolved as quickly as it came, and she pressed send.
Moments later, her phone buzzed.
Colet: Okay, let’s take a second. I don’t know what’s happening pero I’m not gonna make a big deal out of it. Okay naman tayo.
Aiah’s jaw dropped. She stared at the screen in disbelief, the frustration bubbling in her chest. How could Colet be so... unshakable?
She fired back another message, now unsure if she was still acting or if some of her real emotions were seeping through.
Aiah: Alam mo, kasi… feeling ko, ikaw lang yung chill. Pero ako, seryoso naman ako. Parang ako lang yung nagbibigay ng effort. Bakit parang hindi mo ako maintindihan?
The text felt heavier than she intended, and as it disappeared into the chat, Aiah realized she was gripping her phone too tightly. She exhaled slowly, waiting for Colet’s reply, a knot forming in her stomach.
The reply came quickly, as always:
Colet: Hindi ko yata gets. Hindi ko kasi alam na may issue tayo. If there’s a problem, let’s talk it out, Aiah.
Aiah gawked at her phone. “If there’s a problem, let’s talk it out?” Who was this woman? Colet wasn’t defensive, annoyed, or even slightly rattled—just calm and straightforward, like always.
It was maddening.
And then, like a rubber band snapping, Aiah burst out laughing. Her phone slipped from her hands, bouncing onto her bed as she clutched her stomach, her giggles spilling out uncontrollably. The tension that had been building over the last few days dissolved in an instant, replaced by the absurdity of it all.
Her phone buzzed again.
Colet: Hello?
Aiah wiped a tear from her eye, still giggling as she picked up the phone. She typed back, her fingers shaking with laughter.
Aiah: Sorry, hindi ko talaga kayang magtampo sa’yo, Colet. Parang hindi kita kayang galitin. Ang chill mo lang talaga.
Colet’s reply was instant:
Colet: So, wala tayong problem? Akala ko may something serious na. Pero okay, glad na hindi ka galit.
Aiah let out another laugh, shaking her head. How was Colet so... unbothered? Her composure, her warmth—it was disarming in a way Aiah hadn’t expected.
Aiah: Puwede ba, ikaw talaga. Hindi ko kayang magtampo, ikaw na ‘yan eh.
Colet: Haha, well, okay lang. I’m glad you’re not mad. Di ko rin kaya if galit ka talaga, eh. Okay tayo, ’di ba?
Aiah stared at the screen, her smile lingering. Colet wasn’t playing the game Aiah had set up. She was too steady, too grounded. And maybe... that’s what Aiah liked about her.
Her fingers hovered over the keyboard before typing something softer, lighter.
Aiah: Wala nang drama, okay? Pero pwede pa bang mag-hang out tayo mamaya? Chill lang, promise.
Colet’s reply made her smile widen.
Colet: Sure, smoothies tayo mamaya.
Aiah set the phone down, exhaling deeply. She was still in this, still following the plan, but the lines were blurring. The challenge wasn’t just about making Colet run anymore—it was about figuring out why Aiah didn’t want her to.
DAY 7
Aiah was fed up. She’d been trying to keep Colet at arm’s length, but Colet wasn’t taking the bait. So, Aiah decided to go for a more drastic approach. She’d become picky—really picky. If she couldn’t push Colet away with distance, maybe she could push her away with criticism.
She started the next conversation with a purpose, her fingers tapping away at her phone with a bit more force than usual.
Aiah: Alam mo, I still don’t get why you like that band. Their songs are so repetitive, parang paulit-ulit lang. Seriously, how do you even listen to that?
She waited for Colet’s reply, eager to see if she would finally react. Aiah figured Colet would get defensive, but instead, the response came quickly, and it was completely the opposite of what she expected.
Colet: Haha, well, not everyone has to like the same music, di ba? I like it kasi parang lagi lang akong tinutukso ng mga kanta nila, and I kinda enjoy that. But I guess it’s not for everyone.
Aiah blinked at the screen, confused. No defense, no argument. Colet was just... chill about it.
Colet: Eh, you like what you like, I like what I like. It’s fine.
Aiah frowned, her fingers itching to type again. Okay, no big deal. She’d just go for something else. Something that would make Colet react.
Aiah: And your outfits, oh my god. That shirt with all the weird patches—seriously, it’s like you’re trying too hard to be ‘cool’ Hindi ba’t parang nakakahiya yung mga designs nun? What’s the deal?
She hit send, leaning back on her bed, convinced this would finally get a reaction. But again, Colet didn’t give her the satisfaction. Instead, she got a message that made Aiah roll her eyes.
Colet: Haha, really? I thought you’d appreciate it. But I guess it’s not for everyone. Good thing it’s my favorite shirt, no? :D
Aiah stared at the screen, dumbfounded. Colet wasn’t even bothered by it. She wasn’t getting defensive or upset. She was just... laughing it off. And for some reason, that just made Aiah feel more frustrated. She wanted Colet to react—get annoyed, angry, or at least a little thrown off. But no, Colet was just too cool for all her criticism.
Still, Aiah pushed on. Maybe she could get Colet to care about something. She went for her last resort.
Aiah: And honestly, bakit parang laging ‘too cool’ ka for everyone? Your texts, grabe. I swear, it’s like you’re purposely avoiding punctuation and capital letters just to seem too chill or something. Why not just talk like a normal person?
This was it, Aiah thought. This would surely bother her. She was certain Colet would get annoyed at the suggestion that her texting habits were part of some grand ‘too cool’ act.
But once again, Colet proved her wrong.
Colet: Haha, so now I’m a writing project? I didn’t know I was that interesting. I just text how I think—no filters. But if you want, I can add some punctuation for you next time.
Aiah was floored. Instead of defending her texting style, Colet was joking about it. She wasn’t taking any of Aiah’s bait. The more Aiah tried to pick apart her every little detail, the more Colet just... didn’t care. She was unbothered.
Frustration built up in Aiah’s chest. Why wasn’t Colet reacting? She was throwing everything she had at her, but Colet just laughed.
Aiah couldn't help it; she had to try one more time.
Aiah: Fine. But tell me this, Colet: Why do you always act like you're too busy for people? You’re always acting like you’re doing something ‘important.’ Parang ang taas ng standard mo for everyone.
Aiah hit send, her heart pounding in her chest. Surely, this time would get under Colet’s skin. She’d finally have a chance to feel like she was in control.
But once again, Colet’s response was calm, collected, and annoyingly playful.
Colet: Too busy, huh? Guess you’ll just have to live with my cold, distant vibe then. :P
Aiah stared at the screen, blinking a few times, unsure of what to make of it. Colet wasn’t just ignoring her. She was... making jokes about it. Like she didn’t care at all about any of the criticism.
For the first time, Aiah found herself genuinely irritated, not because Colet was reacting in anger or frustration, but because she wasn’t reacting at all. She wasn’t even bothered. She was just too... confident.
Aiah tried to shake off the feeling, but there was no denying it. A part of her was impressed. Colet wasn’t letting her get under her skin. She wasn’t getting annoyed, and honestly, it made Aiah admire her a little.
Aiah put her phone down for a moment, trying to clear her mind. It was like she’d thrown everything at Colet, and yet, Colet remained completely unshaken. And that... that bothered Aiah in ways she wasn’t prepared for.
DAY 8
Aiah sat in the uncomfortable wooden chair, feeling the minutes drag on as the seminar dragged on about urban gardening. Her eyes kept flicking to Colet, who, instead of rolling her eyes or pulling out her phone like Aiah expected, was actually leaning in, listening with a focused look. The speaker was talking about composting, but Colet didn’t seem bored at all. In fact, she was nodding, absorbing every word.
Aiah shifted in her seat, trying to hide the disbelief. She had expected Colet to zone out, maybe even leave early with some lame excuse about how she had to “take care of something,” but Colet wasn’t showing any signs of escape. Instead, she was actually engaged.
She could hardly believe it when Colet suddenly turned to her and whispered, her voice tinged with excitement.
"Wait, so pwede palang gamitin yung coffee grounds pang-fertilize? Cool ah, di ko alam 'yun."
Aiah blinked. Was Colet really interested in this? She didn’t know if she should laugh or be impressed.
"Joke lang ba 'yan?" Aiah muttered, trying to hide her sarcasm. "This seminar is literally killing me."
But Colet wasn’t fazed. Instead, she just shrugged nonchalantly.
"Well, di ko na-expect, pero interesting naman. May bagong natutunan, kahit random."
Then, as if she were discussing an exciting new project, Colet leaned a little closer to Aiah, her voice more playful now. "Pwede ba natin gawin to sa bahay mo? Yung rain garden thing."
Aiah couldn’t believe her ears. Was she seriously asking about rain gardens? Aiah shook her head slightly, amused and incredulous at the same time.
"Serious ka ba? Hindi ko yata kayang gumawa ng rain garden sa bahay ko..." she said, trying to make light of the ridiculous suggestion.
Colet grinned. "Malamang hindi. Pero fun siguro gawin, don't you think? Para ma-experience mo naman yung 'get your hands dirty' feeling."
Aiah was speechless. Here she was, struggling to stay awake and just wanting to be anywhere but here, and Colet was making gardening sound like a thrilling adventure. Aiah tried to brush it off, though, forcing herself to focus on her annoyance.
"I honestly thought you’d bail after ten minutes," Aiah admitted, her voice laced with an undertone of surprise.
Colet let out a soft laugh, clearly unbothered. "Eh, masaya ako. I like learning stuff, kahit weird or random."
Aiah couldn’t help but stare at her. How was Colet so chill about all this? Aiah’s whole plan was to make the seminar so boring that Colet would want to run for the hills. But here they were, and Colet seemed to be having fun.
By the time the seminar finally wrapped up, Aiah was practically jumping out of her seat with relief. She just wanted to escape. But Colet, as usual, was unruffled. As they walked out of the room, Colet gave her a look that was part playful, part genuine.
"So, coffee?" Colet asked. "You owe me one for sticking through this with you."
Aiah laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. "Sure, let's go somewhere with actual fun stuff to do, please."
As they left the seminar hall, Aiah couldn’t shake the feeling that the whole dynamic had shifted. She’d tried to get Colet to lose interest, but instead, Colet had found a way to enjoy it. And now, Aiah wasn’t sure whether she was the one being pulled in.
DAY 9
Aiah sat at her desk, the deadline for her article looming. But it wasn't the article that weighed on her mind. It was the plan she had carefully crafted for today. She had to stick to it—one last push to end things with Colet.
She had decided to go all in. Emotional vulnerability. The idea was simple: scare Colet off by making everything feel too real. Too intense. Colet would be uncomfortable, maybe even back off. That was the plan.
But now, as she sat there, she wasn’t so sure. Her fingers hovered over her phone, a surge of nervousness running through her. This is part of the plan, she told herself.
Just stick to it, Aiah. Don’t let your feelings get in the way.
She opened the chat with Colet and began typing, each word feeling heavier than the last.
Aiah: Colet, I need to tell you something. Alam mo, I don’t usually let people get close to me. Kasi, every time I do, parang… I end up getting hurt. Parang gusto ko na lang magpaka-cold kasi when I let someone in, biglang they pull away, or things just get messy. Tapos… I’m scared. Scared na kapag naging real 'to, baka mawala din.
She stared at the message, her heart pounding. This was supposed to be the big emotional push. She needed Colet to feel uneasy, to back off.
Don’t let her see how much it hurts, Aiah. This is just the plan.
She hit send, and immediately regretted it. It was too real. Too raw.
Stick to the plan. Don’t get soft.
Her phone buzzed almost immediately.
Colet: Aiah, wait. What? Huwag kang mag-alala, I’m not going anywhere. I’m not like that. Let’s take it slow, okay? We can figure it out together.
Aiah froze, her mind reeling. Colet wasn’t supposed to respond like that. She was supposed to be uncomfortable, not offering reassurance. Aiah’s chest tightened.
This wasn’t part of the plan.
Aiah typed back quickly, trying to mask the panic in her chest.
Aiah: I know, I know. Sige lang. Just… just wanted to make sure we’re on the same page.
She stared at the screen, her hands shaking.
This wasn’t supposed to be this hard.
Another message came in.
Colet: I’m glad you told me this, Aiah. Honestly, I really enjoy our time together, and I care about you. If there’s anything na hindi mo gusto, just tell me, okay? I don’t want you to feel like I’m pressuring you or anything. Let’s take it at your pace.
Aiah’s breath hitched. Colet cared. She cared. And that wasn’t part of the plan. The plan was to push her away, make Colet feel too much and then run. But now, Colet was making her feel… seen. It was too much.
This wasn’t part of the plan, Aiah repeated to herself. But despite her thoughts, she found herself typing.
Aiah: I don’t know, Colet. I guess I’m just scared na baka maging too real ‘to. Kasi what if one day, mawala lahat? What if you end up leaving and I’m left here alone again? I don’t know if I can handle that.
She didn’t want to say it out loud, but she was scared. Scared that Colet’s kindness and attention weren’t just part of the game. That maybe, this wasn’t just a stupid challenge anymore.
Her phone buzzed again.
Colet: Aiah, I’m not going anywhere, I swear. If you need time, that’s okay. I just want to be here for you, kahit ano pa ‘yan. We can figure things out together. I care about you.
Aiah’s chest felt tight, and for a moment, she couldn’t breathe. Colet’s words were simple, but they hit her deeper than anything she was ready for. It felt like Colet was breaking through her walls, and she didn’t know how to stop it.
She stared at the message, a mixture of panic and something else stirring inside her. She wasn’t supposed to feel this way. This wasn’t supposed to happen. The plan was simple—get too emotional, push Colet away—but now…
She stared at her phone, her thumb hovering over the keyboard.
Just keep playing the game. Don’t let her see how much you care.
But something inside her refused to follow through. Something in Colet’s words was breaking down the walls Aiah had built around herself.
Aiah: I just… I don’t want to get hurt. That’s all. I’m scared, okay? I’m scared this is too real, and I don’t know if I can handle that. I don’t know if I can handle losing this. But it’s also scary how real it feels now. Parang… hindi ko na kayang magtakip-takip.
Aiah didn’t send the message right away. She let the silence linger, wondering if Colet would pull away now, if she would see how fragile Aiah really was. She didn’t want Colet to see this, to know how much she was already starting to care.
But then the next message came, and it felt like the universe was mocking her.
Colet: Aiah, I want this. I want you. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere. You don’t have to push me away. I promise you won’t lose me. Let me be part of your life. I want to be here for you, no matter what.
Aiah’s heart stopped. Those words—those simple, honest words—felt like they were unraveling everything she had built. She wasn’t supposed to feel this way. She wasn’t supposed to want this.
But Colet’s sincerity, the care in her voice, was too much. Aiah felt the walls she had so carefully constructed begin to crumble. The plan was no longer enough. It wasn’t just a game anymore. And Aiah was scared that, maybe, she didn’t want to let it end.
She stared at the screen, frozen, wondering if she could walk away or if this was the moment she finally let herself be real.
LAST DAY
Aiah's nerves churned as she walked to the café, her heart pounding with every step. The article deadline loomed, but that wasn’t what made her stomach twist. She had to tell Colet the truth—about the challenge, the plan, and the games she’d been playing to keep herself from feeling vulnerable.
But now the thought of losing Colet pressed on her chest.
I’m not sure what I was even trying to protect myself from in the first place.
The café came into view, and through the window, she spotted Colet sitting at their usual table, her smile lighting up the room. Aiah froze for a moment, her heart skipping a beat.
How is she always so calm?
She took a deep breath, steadying herself.
This is it. No turning back now.
When Aiah stepped inside, Colet’s face lit up.
"Hey!" Colet called out, her voice cheerful. "Akala ko hindi ka na darating!"
"Of course, I’m here," Aiah replied, forcing a smile as she slid into the seat across from her. Her palms felt damp, her heart racing. "I—uh, I need to tell you something."
Colet tilted her head, her expression softening with curiosity. "Oh? Parang may mabigat kang sasabihin. Ano yun?"
Aiah hesitated, staring at the swirls in her untouched coffee. "I guess I am," she said quietly. Taking a deep breath, she looked up and met Colet’s gaze. "Yung 10-day challenge... it wasn’t really about the article."
Colet blinked. "Okay…"
"It was… a plan," Aiah admitted, her words rushing out like a dam breaking. "I was supposed to make you fall for me and then push you away. It was for this stupid article. But then… then I got to know you. And you were—" She paused, her throat tightening. "You were so much more than I expected. And I didn’t know how to handle it. So, I kept trying to push you away, hoping you’d leave first."
Colet’s brow furrowed slightly, and Aiah felt a pang of dread. "So, you were… what, testing me? Trying to see if I’d give up?"
"Yes," Aiah said, her voice barely a whisper. "Because I was scared. Scared of feeling something real. And now, I don’t want to lose you. I’m so sorry, Colet. I know I screwed up."
There was a pause, and Aiah held her breath, waiting for Colet’s reaction. She expected anger, confusion, maybe even disappointment. But instead, Colet just... laughed.
"Wait," Aiah said, frowning. "You’re laughing?"
Colet grinned, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Yeah. Kasi alam ko na."
"You… knew?" Aiah’s jaw dropped.
Colet leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Oo, Aiah. Ang dali mong basahin. Naramdaman ko na may tinatago ka. Hindi ko nga alam kung anong game ang nilalaro mo, pero... I figured it out. You’re terrible at hiding it."
Aiah blinked, still in shock. Terrible?
"I… terrible?"
Colet nodded, still smiling. "Yeah. Every time you’d push, I’d see it in your eyes. Hindi mo talaga ako gustong itulak palayo."
Aiah was speechless. "So… you knew this whole time?"
Colet chuckled softly. "Yup, pretty much. I wasn’t sure kung anong ginagawa mo, but I knew you didn’t want me to leave. So, I stayed."
Aiah let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. She knew. And she’s not mad.
"Wait, but… hindi ka ba na-bad trip?" Aiah asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Colet shook her head. "Bad trip? No. I get it. Gusto mong protektahan ang sarili mo. Pero Aiah, wala kang kailangang itago sa’kin. Hindi ako aalis."
Aiah’s heart skipped again, but this time it wasn’t with panic. It was with something warmer, something real. "But... I thought I was pushing you away."
Colet reached across the table, her hand gently brushing against Aiah’s. "I’m not that easy to get rid of, you know? I like you, Aiah. Even with all the games, I saw through it. I saw you. Kahit pa tinatry mong lumayo, I’m still here."
Aiah stared at her, her thoughts a whirlwind.
She stayed. Through all of it, she stayed.
"You… saw me? Even when I was acting like an idiot?"
Colet smiled, her gaze softening. "I saw the real you. The Aiah who cared too much but didn’t know how to show it. The Aiah who made me laugh, who listened, who stayed up late just to text me even when she was clearly trying too hard. That’s the Aiah I spent the last ten days with. That’s the Aiah I like."
Aiah felt a lump form in her throat, her chest tightening. "I didn’t want to lose this. I didn’t want to lose you."
Colet’s smile softened further, and she pulled Aiah into a hug. It was warm and comfortable, and Aiah felt a little bit of the weight lift from her shoulders. Colet wasn’t going anywhere. She hadn’t lost her.
"I’m not going anywhere," Colet said softly, her voice low and reassuring. "I’m here for the long haul, okay?"
Aiah closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the embrace, feeling a wave of relief wash over her.
She stayed. She’s still here.
Aiah pulled back slightly, her eyes softening as she met Colet’s gaze. "You really mean it?"
Colet smiled, brushing a strand of hair out of Aiah’s face. "Of course I do. I’m not going anywhere. And I want to be with you—no games."
Aiah smiled back, her heart feeling light for the first time in days. No more games. Just us.
"Okay," Aiah said, her voice steady now, a gentle excitement bubbling inside her. "Let’s start over then. No more pretending."
Colet’s smile deepened. "Agreed. Smoothies later?"
Aiah laughed; her chest full of warmth. "Smoothies. And maybe... a little bit of honesty this time?"
Colet grinned. "I think I can handle that."
How to Keep a Girl in Ten Days
When I first took on this challenge, I thought it would be easy. After all, how hard could it be to make someone fall for you and then push them away? It seemed like a fun experiment—something lighthearted that would make for a great article. I planned to write about how to lose a girl in ten days, using all the classic "don’ts" of dating. But what I didn’t expect was the person I met, the feelings that came up, and the lessons I would learn along the way.
You see, I thought love was something you could control. Something you could manipulate. I thought if you played your cards right, you could win someone's heart and break it with no consequences. But then I met her.
At first, I didn’t realize it. I was too caught up in my own plan, too afraid of being vulnerable. I pushed her away, made her think I wasn’t serious. But what I didn’t understand was that love isn’t a game. It’s not something you control, not something you win or lose. It’s messy. It’s raw. It’s about trust, patience, and letting someone in, even when it scares the hell out of you.
In the ten days we spent together, I realized that love isn’t about tricks or playing it cool. It’s about being real with someone, even when it means showing your flaws, your fears, and your vulnerabilities. It’s about not pushing someone away when they’re trying to get close. It’s about letting yourself fall, even when you’re scared you might get hurt.
The truth is, the girl I was trying to push away is the same girl who made me want to stay. She showed me that love is something worth fighting for, something worth being honest about. And instead of writing about how to lose a girl in ten days, I’m writing about what I’ve learned: how to keep a girl, how to keep someone you care about close, and how to stop playing games.
So here’s what I’ve learned:
- Be honest. If you want something real, don’t hide your feelings. Don’t make them guess. Be open, be vulnerable.
- Don’t play games. Relationships aren’t a competition. You don’t need to test someone’s feelings or push them away to see how much they care.
- Trust. Let yourself trust, even when it’s hard. Trust that the other person is there for you, and trust that it’s okay to be imperfect.
- Stay vulnerable. Don’t be afraid to show your true self. Love is about connection, and connections come from being real.
So, instead of “How to Lose a Girl in Ten Days,” maybe this is “How to Keep a Girl in Ten Days.” Because love is about letting go of the fear, opening yourself up, and not running away from something real.
And for the record? I don’t need to win anyone’s heart. I just need to be honest, and hope they feel the same way.