Marked Confidential

The classroom was buzzing with energy, the kind that only came from the anticipation of a heated debate. The topic was a high-stakes business case study, and students had been preparing for weeks. Professors lined the back of the room, their expressions giving nothing away, but the way they leaned forward told everyone that they were just as eager as the students to witness what was about to unfold.

At the center of it all stood two of the most talked about names in their program.

Cassandra Min Sy, known for her unshakable logic and ruthless precision, sat with her arms crossed, looking like she had already won the debate before it even started. She was the kind of person who didn't just prepare for a competition, she dismantled every possible argument before it could even reach her.

Opposite her was Adrielle Elise Hidalgo, the definition of charisma and strategy. She didn’t just present arguments, she turned them into a performance, wielding words like a seasoned negotiator. Unlike Cassandra’s cold, calculated approach, Adrielle thrived on reading the room, adjusting her delivery midsentence if needed. She could sway an audience not just with facts but with the sheer force of her conviction.

They had never officially crossed paths before today, but their reputations preceded them. Everyone had been waiting for this moment when two of the best would finally clash.

The debate started civil enough, with both presenting their initial arguments on market disruption and financial scalability. But it didn't take long before the tension thickened, their words sharper, their rebuttals hitting harder.

“You’re assuming scalability at an unsustainable rate,” Cassandra said coolly, tapping her pen against her notebook. “That’s the problem with an overconfident projection. You may attract investors initially, but the moment your growth fails to meet expectations, it collapses.”

Adrielle smirked, leaning slightly forward. “Confidence isn’t the issue—it’s adaptability. Market shifts aren’t a weakness if you know how to anticipate them. You plan for multiple scenarios, not just the worst one.”

“And yet,” Cassandra interjected, tilting her head slightly, “your entire premise hinges on the assumption that consumer behavior remains predictable. It’s a risk-heavy approach, and while risk is unavoidable, recklessness is a choice.”

Adrielle’s smirk widened. “Recklessness? That’s a strong word coming from someone whose risk assessment borders on paranoia.”

The tension in the room was thick. The other students had long given up trying to participate, watching instead like spectators at a championship match.

Professors exchanged knowing looks, and one of them, Professor Choi, leaned back in his chair, whispering to a colleague, “I give it ten more minutes before one of them finally relents.”

Professor Reyes chuckled. “You think either of them will? I say they’ll keep going until the next class starts.”

The debate ended without a clear winner. The professors called it a draw not because neither was convincing, but because they knew the argument would go in circles if left unchecked.

But to Adrielle and Cassandra, a draw felt unacceptable.

This wasn’t over.

A few weeks later, the school announced an upcoming case study contest, one of the most prestigious competitions in their program. It wasn’t just about grades—winning meant recognition, potential internship offers, and the chance to build powerful connections in the industry.

Naturally, both Adrielle and Cassandra planned to join.

The problem? They weren’t partners.

Adrielle, notorious for her high standards, rejected every potential teammate that applied. “Too slow.” “Not aggressive enough.” “Lacks initiative.” The list went on until she had no one left to work with.

Cassandra, on the other hand, had been partnered with someone initially, but after an unexpected dropout, she was left stranded as well.

It was Liv who suggested the unthinkable. “Why don’t you just partner with Adrielle?”

Cassandra scoffed. “Not happening.”

“Really?” Liv smirked. “Because as far as I can tell, she’s out of options. And so are you.”

Cassandra refused to acknowledge that truth. But later that evening, as she passed by the library, she saw Adrielle sitting alone, a frown on her face as she scrolled through her untouched list of rejected applicants.

Adrielle noticed her. Their eyes met.

A long silence stretched between them before Cassandra finally sighed and walked over.

“Do you want to win or not?” she asked, arms crossed.

Adrielle raised a brow. “Excuse me?”

“I’ll be your partner,” Cassandra said flatly.

Adrielle tilted her head, a slow, knowing smile creeping onto her lips. “So, you’re saying you need me?”

Cassandra rolled her eyes. “I’m saying we both need a partner. Don’t overthink it.”

Adrielle tapped her fingers against the table, pretending to consider. She was already going to say yes, but teasing Cassandra was too fun to pass up.

“I don’t know,” Adrielle mused. “Are you sure you can keep up with me?”

Cassandra exhaled sharply, already regretting this. “Naturally. But can you keep up with me, Hidalgo?”

Adrielle grinned. “And you’re predictable. But fine. Let’s win this thing.”

They shook hands, and for the first time, their rivalry took a new form—not as competitors, but as reluctant allies.

Neither of them knew it yet, but this was the start of something much, much bigger.

The moment Adrielle and Cassandra teamed up, the entire business school went into a frenzy.

"Are they really working together?"
"I heard they still argue every five minutes."
"But have you seen their research? It’s like a masterclass in strategy and execution."

Their partnership was the talk of the department not just because of their individual reputations but because everyone was curious how two people so fiercely competitive could possibly work together.

The answer?

They barely did.

The school library became their unofficial battleground. Every night, they occupied the same table, stacking books high, their laptops open, and a warzone of notes spread across the surface.

Adrielle, always the expressive one, marked her books with a rainbow of sticky tabs, color coding every possible section. Cassandra, on the other hand, kept her annotations minimal, only underlining key points and writing short, concise notes in the margins.

"You overuse tabs." Cassandra frowned as Adrielle placed yet another bright pink tab onto a case study book.

"And you underuse them," Adrielle countered without looking up. "How do you even find anything in your boring, monochrome notes?"

Cassandra exhaled, rubbing her temple. "Because I have a system."

"Well, my system works better." Adrielle grinned and reached over to place a neon orange tab onto Cassandra’s notebook.

Cassandra stilled, glancing at the offensive sticker before calmly peeling it off only to stick it on Adrielle’s forehead instead.

Across from them, Liv snorted so hard she nearly choked on her coffee.

"I swear," she whispered to a nearby classmate, "if this were a romcom, that would’ve been the exact moment they fall in love."

The classmate, fully invested in the Adrielle vs. Cassandra dynamic, nodded solemnly. "It’s only a matter of time."

The study session escalated when Cassandra questioned Adrielle’s proposed financial model.

"Your projections are too aggressive," Cassandra said, crossing her arms.

Adrielle scoffed. "It’s called ambition, Cassandra. You should try it sometime."

"I prefer accuracy over blind optimism."

"And I prefer innovation over rigid traditionalism."

Liv, sipping her coffee, glanced between them. "You two should really just—"

"—No." Adrielle and Cassandra snapped at the same time.

Liv threw her hands up. "Fine! Just trying to help the inevitable."

Ignoring her, Cassandra turned back to Adrielle. "Your method makes too many assumptions about consumer behavior."

"And yours assumes the market won’t shift at all," Adrielle shot back. "If we only go by historical data, we’ll never create anything new."

Their bickering went on for another forty minutes until Liv finally slammed a book shut.

"I swear to every business professor we’ve ever had, if you two don’t settle this, I will fake a fire alarm just to get out of here."

They both turned to her, unimpressed.

"You wouldn’t," Cassandra said.

Liv smirked. "Try me."

Adrielle and Cassandra exchanged a glance before begrudgingly compromising. For the record, Adrielle still thought she was right.

As the final round of the case study competition approached, Adrielle and Cassandra found themselves holed up in Adrielle’s condo, buried under presentation slides, data charts, and an alarming amount of coffee cups.

Adrielle, stretched out in her chair, groaned. "We are either going to win this or collapse from exhaustion before we even get there."

Cassandra, still focused on her laptop, replied dryly. "You can sleep after we win."

Adrielle rolled her eyes. "You are merciless."

"And you are inefficient when tired."

"You sound like my mother."

Cassandra arched a brow. "Considering your family’s business empire, I’ll take that as a compliment."

Adrielle stared at her before bursting out laughing. "Wow. That was good."

Cassandra merely smirked.

After a moment, Cassandra stood up without a word and walked to the small dorm kitchenette. Adrielle was too absorbed in their presentation to notice until a steaming cup of coffee was placed beside her laptop.

She blinked, looking up at Cassandra. "Wait. You made me coffee?"

Cassandra sat back down, fixing her notes. "Don’t get used to it."

Adrielle smirked, taking a sip. "Too late."

Cassandra didn’t respond, but she felt something unfamiliar settle in her chest.

She shook it off.

It’s admiration, nothing else.

At least, that’s what she told herself.

The auditorium was packed.

It wasn’t just any competition, it was the case study competition. The one that made careers, drew the attention of top executives, and determined who among the best truly deserved the title.

Adrielle and Cassandra stood at the center of the stage, poised and ready. Weeks of relentless preparation had led to this moment. The endless debates, fine tuning their proposal to perfection, and making sure not a single data point could be questioned. They weren’t here just to participate. They were here to win.

Adrielle took the lead. "Ladies and gentlemen, the business landscape is evolving. What worked yesterday may be obsolete tomorrow." She paused, letting the weight of her words settle. "Which is why companies must not only react to trends but anticipate them."

Without missing a beat, Cassandra followed up. "Our proposal introduces a data-driven forecasting model that ensures businesses stay ahead. Unlike conventional approaches, ours isn’t just reactive—it’s adaptive."

Their competitors had presented strong analyses, but none carried the command that Adrielle and Cassandra exuded.

Cassandra was sharp, methodical, delivering financial models and market projections with a level of precision that left no room for doubt. Adrielle, on the other hand, thrived in engaging the audience, breaking down complex ideas in a way that was impossible to ignore.

The room was hooked.

Then came the real challenge—the Q&A.

A seasoned CEO leaned forward. "Your model sounds promising, but how do you ensure businesses can pivot fast enough when faced with an unpredictable downturn?"

Adrielle smiled, composed. "Great question. Our framework isn’t just about predicting trends—it’s about agility. Traditional models struggle in crises because they’re rigid. Ours allows businesses to pivot before market shifts take full effect."

Cassandra reinforced the point. "And because our model integrates real-time data analysis, businesses don’t just react—they prepare. The ability to pivot ahead of time minimizes risk while maximizing opportunities."

The toughest panelist, a professor infamous for tearing apart case studies, finally spoke. "Implementation is another challenge entirely. You expect companies to take a leap of faith and adopt an entirely new approach?"

Cassandra didn’t hesitate. "Risk is inevitable in business. But the companies that thrive aren’t the ones who wait for change. They’re the ones who drive it."

Adrielle smirked, delivering the final push. "And if no one dares to take the first step, the business world would still be stuck in the past."

Silence.

Then, a slow nod from the hardest judge to impress.

They had the room.

The tension peaked as the final rankings were announced.

"And the champions of this year’s Business Case Competition… Adrielle Elise Hidalgo and Cassandra Min Sy!"

The crowd erupted into applause.

Adrielle turned to Cassandra, grinning as she held out a hand.

Cassandra stared at it for a second before shaking her head and pulling Adrielle into a brief, victorious hug.

"We did it," Cassandra murmured.

"Of course we did," Adrielle replied smugly. "We’re unstoppable."

From the audience, Liv sniffled dramatically. "My two children have finally learned teamwork. I’m so proud."

After their win, Adrielle and Cassandra’s partnership became a topic of fascination. Professors praised their synergy. Recruiters paid attention. Classmates either admired them or feared them.

But to Adrielle?

The real highlight was that she had discovered something… interesting.

She liked getting Cassandra’s attention.

No, she loved it.

Whenever Cassandra was focused on work, Adrielle found ways to disrupt her.

"Cassandra, do you know what this presentation needs?" Adrielle mused one evening.

Cassandra didn’t look up from her laptop. "If you say more colors on the slides, I’m leaving."

Adrielle gasped. "Excuse me? My color coded system is revolutionary."

Cassandra finally glanced at her, deadpan. "It’s excessive."

Adrielle smirked. "You just don’t appreciate art."

Despite herself, Cassandra hid a small smile.

Their work sessions often led them to the school library, where they claimed the same table every night.

Adrielle would spread out case study books, marking important sections with color coded tabs. Cassandra, ever precise, kept her notes meticulously structured.

Liv, their self-proclaimed third wheel, was usually there for the drama.

"You two argue more than married couples."

"We’re not arguing," Cassandra and Adrielle said at the same time.

Liv snorted. "Right. And I’m the queen of Wall Street."

Late nights turned into early mornings, and one evening, as Adrielle absentmindedly sipped the coffee Cassandra had made for her, she paused.

It was… good.

No. Perfect.

She took another sip. "Cassandra."

"Hmm?" Cassandra didn’t look up from her laptop.

"You make good coffee."

Cassandra scoffed. "Congratulations on developing taste."

Adrielle took another sip, grinning. "From now on, you’re in charge of my coffee."

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "I’m not your barista."

Adrielle leaned closer, smirking. "But you will make me coffee, right?"

Cassandra muttered something under her breath, but the next morning, a fresh cup of coffee was waiting for Adrielle.

She took a sip, smiling to herself.

She really liked the way Cassandra made coffee.

And maybe, just maybe, she really liked Cassandra’s attention too.

Late night study sessions.
Endless debates.
Too many cups of coffee.

That was their routine.

And somewhere between business case analyses and Liv rolling her eyes at their never ending bickering, something shifted.

Adrielle and Cassandra were not just rivals. They were legends in their program.

Two heirs to business empires. Two relentless minds. Two people who refused to back down.

And now, after their case competition victory, they were the partnership everyone was watching.

Professors whispered bets on who would break first in arguments.
Students wondered how they hadn't killed each other yet.
And Liv? Liv was just trying to survive.

One night, in the campus library, Adrielle and Cassandra were holed up in their usual spot books sprawled, notes scattered, colored tabs multiplying like bacteria.

Liv sat across from them, arms crossed, watching the tension unfold like a live action drama.

“You two are exhausting,” she sighed.

Cassandra didn’t even look up. “Then leave.”

“Oh, I would, pero gusto kong makita kung sino’ng unang mahuhulog.” Liv smirked, twirling her pen.

Adrielle scoffed. “Ano? Sa argument? Si Cassandra, obviously.”

Cassandra shot her a look. “You wish.”

Liv rolled her eyes. “Tangina, hindi yun! Never mind. I doubt you two would even get it.”

But the thing was, Cassandra had already fallen.

She just refused to admit it.

And Adrielle? Adrielle was starting to realize she liked getting Cassandra’s attention.

It was a normal night. Or at least, it should have been.

Cassandra slid a cup of coffee across the table.

"Here. You’re slowing down."

Adrielle accepted it without hesitation. "You just like making coffee for me."

Cassandra smirked. "Don’t flatter yourself."

Adrielle took a sip and hummed in approval. Then, without thinking—

“Mm. This is why I like you.”

Silence.

Cassandra’s pen stopped midair. "What?"

Adrielle blinked.

Her brain short circuited.

She had said that out loud.

"I—" she started, scrambling. "I mean—I like the coffee! Not you! I mean—no, not not you—"

Cassandra slowly set her pen down, an amused glint in her eyes. "Adrielle."

Adrielle groaned, rubbing her temples. "Forget I said anything."

Cassandra leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Oh no, I think I really like this conversation."

This is it. This is how I die.

Adrielle quickly reached for a book, pretending to focus. "Move on, Cass."

Cassandra smirked, opening her own notes, but her gaze lingered.

She would let it go.
For now.

But she wasn’t going to forget.

After that night, things… changed.

Cassandra started playing with fire.

She would drop just enough hints to see if she could get Adrielle flustered.

“You look cute when you’re annoyed.”
“Careful, Adrielle. I might think you actually like me.”
“Try harder, love. You can do better than that.”

Adrielle, of course, refused to lose.

So she doubled down, escalating their teasing into actual flirting.

“Gusto mo ba akong ligawan, Cass?”
“Sabihin mo lang kung gusto mo ng exclusive contract.”
“Pahinga ka muna, baka masyado kang mahulog.”

Liv, once again, had to endure the chaos.

"Okay, first of all, kung hindi niyo aaminin, can you at least stop eye fucking each other in public?"

Cassandra nearly choked on her water. Adrielle just smirked.

"Bakit, Liv?" Adrielle leaned back. "Gusto mo ba sumali?"

Liv gagged. "Tangina, never mind. Malas ko na lang ‘to."

But even Liv could tell—this wasn’t just a game anymore.

After one too many not-dates (a.k.a. excuses to spend time together), Cassandra had enough.

It was after a student gala.

They had spent the entire night not dancing, not acknowledging how everyone assumed they were already a couple, and not talking about whatever this thing between them was.

So when they stepped outside, standing under the city lights, Cassandra just decided to end it.

She turned to Adrielle, arms crossed. “Are we really going to keep pretending we’re not together?”

Adrielle blinked. Then, being Adrielle, she played it cool.

“Eh? Bakit, gusto mo ba? Ikaw kaya umamin.”

Cassandra tilted her head. “Fine.”

She stepped forward, closing the space between them. Adrielle inhaled, suddenly too aware of how close they were.

Cassandra, with the same confidence she always carried, said, "Tayo na."

Then, before Adrielle could open her mouth to argue,

Cassandra kissed her.

Soft. Unrushed. Completely intentional.

And for the first time in her life, Adrielle Hidalgo was speechless.

When they pulled away, Adrielle opened her mouth probably to counter, to challenge, to deny but Cassandra just raised an eyebrow.

“What? May reklamo ka?”

Adrielle shut her mouth. Thought about it. Then smirked.

“Wala. Ang daya mo.”

Cassandra just shrugged. “You wanted me to admit it, didn’t you?”

Adrielle tilted her head, considering. Then, casually, “Wala kang sasabihin?”

“Like what?”

Adrielle grinned. “‘Adrielle, I’m madly in love with you?’”

Cassandra scoffed, turning to walk away. “What the hell!”

Adrielle, watching her go, couldn't help but laugh.

Neither of them would say it out loud. Not yet.

But they both knew.

They just weren’t going to tell anyone.

…Well.

Except Liv.