Ah, high school. The land of awkward growth spurts, questionable fashion choices, and an unspoken belief that love was something reserved for the popular kids with perfectly styled hair. As a self-proclaimed nerd and geek from Batch ’99 at UPIS, I was fully prepared to navigate my teenage years without the complication of romance. Little did I know that love was about to sneak up on me, disguised as a physics seatmate.

Back in the days when floppy disks were still a thing and dial-up internet was the pinnacle of technological advancement, I embraced my role as the quintessential geek. My hobbies included reading comics and debating the best Star Wars movie (it’s Empire Strikes Back, obviously). Social interactions? Not my strong suit. Romance? A distant fantasy, akin to winning the lottery or finding a unicorn.

In this microcosm of nerdy bliss, I had resigned myself to a life devoid of romantic entanglements. I imagined my future self as a solitary genius, with no one to share my insights on quantum mechanics or obscure comic book trivia. Then came the fateful day when my mundane world was turned upside down.

It all began in Physics class with the Maam Parial. I was lost in the labyrinth of formulas and principles when my seatmate started talking to me. With a smile that seemed to defy the very laws of physics I was struggling to comprehend. From that moment, the universe seemed to align, if only to set the stage for the most unexpected of romances.

We started off with casual chatter, discussing homework and debating whether Mam Parial’s love for physics rivaled her affection for us. Our conversations grew more lively, transforming from mundane to memorable. Jokes flew across the room, and before I knew it, I was eagerly anticipating Physics class—not for the subject matter, but for the company.

It wasn’t long before our playful banter took a turn for the mischievous. One day, in a fit of typical teenage antics, she decided it would be hilarious to lock me in the girls’ CR. Yes, you read that right. The girls’ CR. In the throes of our endless teasing, she somehow managed to get me locked inside. From the other side of the door, she laughed while I tried to figure out how to escape, all the while appreciating the absurdity of the situation.

This playful rivalry was our way of expressing what we didn’t fully understand yet—our feelings for each other. We were both too shy and clueless to articulate our affection, so we resorted to pranks and teasing, the universal language of teenagers with hearts too tender to handle directly.

It was in these moments—jokes, laughter, and the occasional prank—that I discovered the incredible joy of being young and in love. I went from imagining a future of solitude to experiencing the warmth of someone who made my high school years unforgettable. Our interactions, though filled with juvenile antics, were the building blocks of a connection that I cherish to this day.

Looking back, I realize that romance doesn’t always fit neatly into the stereotypes we imagine. Sometimes, it sneaks up on you during a physics lesson or a playful prank. It’s not always about grand gestures but about finding someone who makes you laugh and feel understood.

So, to all the fellow nerds and geeks out there—don’t lose hope. Love might not come wrapped in the perfect package, but it often arrives in the most unexpected places. For me, it came through a shared laugh and a mischievous prank in a high school classroom, proving that sometimes, the greatest adventures start with a seatmate and a little bit of teenage unpredictability.