Disclaimer

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This story explores themes of love, strength, and personal growth, featuring LGBTQ+ stories that highlight the value of diversity and acceptance. While the content might be mature and not everyone’s cup of tea, we encourage readers to approach it with an open and receptive attitude. If the themes feel uncomfortable or inappropriate, we kindly suggest avoiding reporting or censoring the story, as diverse viewpoints broaden our understanding of humanity. Thank you for your understanding and respect for different perspectives.

• Mynxin.

Chapter 1

Uriel PoV

Inihinto ko ang Tesla ko sa nakalaang slot sa university parking lot. Pagkapatay ko ng makina, napahilig muna ako sa backrest ng seat ko and took a deep breath.

Hooo… my gosh!

Medyo na-stress ang pinky cute nails ko sa byahe kanina because of the sudden traffic. Good thing half an hour lang ang itinagal niyon, but still, sapat na ’yon para ma-ruin ang high-fashion morning mood ko habang naghihintay!

I reached for my Hermès sling bag on the passenger seat, unzipped it, and pulled out my small compact mirror. Agad kong tiningnan ang repleksyon ko.

Dahan-dahan namang gumuhit ang isang super cute na ngiti sa mga labi ko.

Thank goodness! Perfect na perfect pa rin ang look ko! Very fresh, very blooming, walang kakupas-kupas!

Lalaki ako—well, a proud bading, to be exact! Sa katunayan, madalas nilang sabihin na may pagkahawig ang mukha ko sa K-pop idol na si Sunoo, bagamat mas medyo slim lang ako nang konti and mas mahaba ang aking bagsak at itim na buhok. At katulad ng anumang mamahaling luxury item sa mundong ’to, my beauty needs to be maintained at all times, ’no!

I adjusted my hair one last time before putting the mirror back inside my bag, then I stepped out of my car with pure confidence.

Welcome to Luxury Gem University—the ultimate playground for the super rich and super smart!

Habang naglakad ako palabas ng parking area, agad kong inayos ang Hermès bag sa balikat ko. Napansin ko agad ang dalawang estudyanteng nakaupo sa bench, habang halos sumabog na ang mga utak sa kapal ng binabasa nilang reviewers. They were wearing plain, non-branded clothes with slight tear-and-wear.

Ah, Class D.

Sila ang mga scholar students dito. Sila lang naman ang exception sa usaping wealth, basta ba may pambihirang alien level na IQ para mapanatili ang slot nila. Standard requirement talaga rito ang brains, pero since wala silang billions, they have to work ten times harder just to survive.

Nagtuloy-tuloy ako sa paglalakad at nadaanan ko ang grupo ng mga estudyanteng nagchichikahan tungkol sa bago nilang mid-tier designer items. Not bad, pero obviously not high fashion either. Class C—ang mga middle class. May kaya sa buhay, but definitely not upper crust.

Hindi tulad ko! Nagtaas ako ng noo nang maglakad ako lagpas sa kanila. I belong to Class B, the upper class. My dad is an active Senator of the Philippines, habang ang mommy ko naman is a retired Miss Universe champion who now owns one of the biggest cosmetics lines in the country!

Pero sad to say, kahit gaano kadekadente ang lifestyle namin, hindi pa rin nakaabot ang combined gross income ng parents ko para makatapak ako sa elites ng Class A—ang summit of the pyramid kung saan nakatira ang mga anak ng super bilyonaryo.

Just like that guy who just stepped out of a limited-edition Maybach near the main lobby, wearing a head-to-toe custom suit with a watch that could buy a whole condominium unit. That’s Class A for you. Pure, untouchable opulence.

Pero it was totally fine with me! I mean, nasa top tier pa rin naman ako, right? Plus, I was currently thriving as a 2nd year BSBA Accountancy student with style and pure glamour!

Bigla namang nag-ring ang iPhone 17 Pro Max ko. Napatingin ako sa screen, at agad na gumuhit ang napakalapad na ngiti sa mga labi ko nang makita ko kung sino ang tumatawag.

Agad ko itong sinagot at inilapit sa tainga ko. “Hi babe, good morning!”

Yes, mhiee! Walang iba kundi ang boyfriend kong si Alexander Buinentes! Isa siyang certified Class A student—at syempre, anak lang naman siya ng kasalukuyang Vice President ng Pilipinas!

“Good morning, babe. Nasaan ka na?” bati niya pabalik sa akin sa kabilang linya gamit ang kaniyang super sexy and malalim na boses.

Medyo maarte akong napabuntong-hininga. “Kakadating ko lang, e! Super traffic kasi sa daan, babe! Right now, I’m walking near the lobby area.”

“I see. Alright, nandito ako ngayon sa spot natin kung saan tayo palaging tumatambay. Can you go here?” wika niya.

Tiningnan ko ang oras sa aking Apple Watch. Since may isa pang oras bago ang first subject ko, nag-agree agad ako sa kaniya. “Okay, babe, papunta na ako diyan!”

“Great. See you in a bit. I love you,” masayang sagot niya.

“I love you too, babe!” malambing kong tugon bago ko ibinaba ang tawag.

Sumulyap muna ako sa glass wall ng hallway para siguraduhing perpekto ang hair at anggulo ko. Satisfied with what I saw, dumeretso agad ako sa tago at napaka-private naming tambayan.

Pero bago ko pa man tuluyang maipasara ang pintuan, bigla na lang may dalawang braso na humagkan sa bewang ko at malakas akong ipinako sa pinto! Kusang tumaginting ang pagsara niyon.

Hindi pa ako nakakapagsalita nang agad niyang sinunggaban ng halik ang aking mga labi!

Ramdam na ramdam ko ang matinding pananabik sa bawat galaw ni Alex. Ilang sandali pa, dahan-dahan nang bumaba ang mga halik niya patungo sa aking leeg—na agad kong ikinagulat!

“A-Alex, stop…” marahang pigil ko sa kaniya habang itinutulak ko ang dibdib niya nang bahagya. “Ayaw kong magkaroon ng kiss mark sa leeg, please! Baka may makakita!”

Lihim kasi ang relasyon naming dalawa, pati na ang pagiging bisexual nito. Sa mata ng buong university, Alex was a famous playboy and certified fuckboy who dated every pretty girl around. But right now? Ako ang kasalukuyang boyfriend niya! Mahigit anim na buwan na rin kaming magkasama—which was a huge record compared to the usual one-month lifespan of his exes!

“It’s okay, babe… I’ll be careful. I won’t leave a mark, I promise,” pilyong bulong sa akin ni Alex bago niya ibinalik agad ang kaniyang labi sa akin.

Hindi na ako nag-abala pang pumalag because I knew him so well. Naging mainit at matindi ang palitan namin ng halik—a passionate, hungry dance of lips that literally took my breath away!

Biglang pinutol ni Alexander ang halikan. Hinihingal at halatang nababalot na ng matinding pagnanasa ang kaniyang mga mata habang nakatitig sa akin.

“Suck me, babe,” utos niya sa isang paos at malanding boses.

Napangiti ako nang nakakaloko. “My pleasure, babe!”

Mabilis ko siyang hinila gamit ang kaniyang necktie at pwersahang itinulak paupo sa malambot na sofa. Bahagya pa siyang natawa sa pagiging aggressive ko.

I was still a pure virgin down there, so up to oral activities lang talaga ang allowable limits na ibinibigay ko sa kaniya—a boundary that he surprisingly respected.

Dahan-dahan kong binuksan ang button ng kaniyang pantalon at ibinaba ang zipper habang nakatitig sa mga mata niya. Agad na bumungad sa akin ang kaniyang white briefs. Nilagay ko ang aking hintuturo sa ibabaw niyon at marahang inihagod sa kahabaan ng kaniyang pagkalalaki.

A soft, suppressed groan escaped his lips, which immediately fed my huge ego!

“I’m going to suck it now, babe, okay?” I purred, looking up at him.

He gave a slight, heavy-lidded nod.

Akmang ilalabas ko na ang kaniyang ari mula sa brief nang biglang—CRAACK!

Bumukas ang pinto ng silid!

Napatigil ako. Mabilis akong napalingon and my eyes literally widened in pure shock!

Isang matangkad at napakagwapong lalaki ang nakatayo sa may pinto, half of his body already inside the room. Natigil din ito nang mabungaran kami, obvious na obvious ang gulat sa mga mata nito habang nakatingin sa awkward position namin!

“Shit!” Mabilis akong napalayo kay Alexander habang parang napapaso ang buong katawan ko!

Agad namang itinaas ni Alexander ang kaniyang zipper at mabilis na ibinutones ang pantalon habang bakas ang matinding galit sa kaniyang mukha. “Ano ba?! Marunong ka bang kumatok bago pumasok?!” sigaw niya sa lalaki.

Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin ng lalaki sa aming dalawa. Dahil sa matinding hiya, mabilis akong napatalikod. Gusto ko na lang talagang kainin ng lupa sa mga oras na ’yon!

Walang sinabi ang lalaki. Agad lang itong umatras palabas at isinara muli ang pinto.

Nang makalabas ang pambihirang istorbo na ’yon, agad akong nilapitan ni Alexander at inabot ang balikat ko. “Babe, hey… okay ka lang?”

“No! I’m not okay!” histerikal kong sigaw habang mabilis na pinapaypayan ang sarili ko gamit ang aking magandang kamay. “Like, oh my god! Paano ako kakalma, Alexander?!”

“Babe, calm down. Please, kumalma ka muna,” pakiusap niya.

Humarap ako sa kaniya at mataray siyang tiningnan. “May nakakita sa atin! At any moment right now, pwedeng-pwede niyang ikalat sa buong campus like a deadly virus ang nakita niya! My image—everything will be ruined!”

“Babe, listen to me,” mahinahon nitong pakiusap habang nakatitig sa akin. “Kumalma ka. Hindi niya ipagsasabi sa iba ang nakita niya. I’m 100 percent sure, babe.”

Pumasok siya sa likod ko, iniyakap ang kaniyang mga braso sa aking bewang, at marahang hinalikan ang gilid ng aking leeg. “Trust me.”

Well, may point din naman siya. Powerful si Alexander—he’s the VP’s son with massive connections. But still!

“So… pwede na ba nating ituloy ’yung naudlot natin?” bulong niya sa leeg ko.

Agad kong hinarang ang kamay ko at mabilis na kumalas sa pagkakayakap niya. “No way! Nawala na ako sa mood, ’no!”

Inayos ko ang suot kong damit, checked my reflection in the mirror, and snatched my Hermès bag. “Aalis na ako.”

“Babe, wait! Stay for just a few more minutes, please!” pakiusap niya.

Isinabit ko ang bag sa balikat ko at mataray siyang tiningnan. “20 minutes na lang before my first subject, Alexander! I need to go!”

Hindi ko na siya hinintay pang makasagot and walked straight out of the door.

Dire-diretso ako pumasok sa classroom para sa first subject ko, pilit na ibinabaon sa limot ang nakakahiyang drama kanina.

Pero kahit nakatitig ako sa whiteboard habang tuloy-tuloy sa pagdadakdak ang professor namin, wala talagang pumapasok sa utak ko! I couldn’t fucking focus!

Bigla na lang may kumalabit sa balikat ko. Paglingon ko, nakasimangot kong hinarap si Jarvis—ang katabi ko sa upuan na tila napakalapad ng ngiti.

“Lalim ng iniisip natin, ah?” pabulong na asar niya.

Mataray ko siyang inirapan. “Shut up, Jarvis! Baka makita tayo ng prof, mapagalitan pa tayo!”

At sa kasamaang-palad… narinig pala kami!

Isang malakas na tikhim ang umalingawngaw sa buong room. “Mr. Monticello and Mr. Nueca! Is there something interesting you’d like to share with the rest of the class?”

Mainit ang mukha kong inis na tiningnan si Jarvis bago humarap sa prof at pilit na nagpakawala ng isang maamong ngiti. “I’m so sorry, sir. It won’t happen again.”

Rinig na rinig ko pa ang mahinang paghagikhik ng gago sa tabi ko! Mas lalo akong nainis! Mabuti na lang talaga at medyo guwapo ’tong si Jarvis at Class B din—kung hindi, baka nahampas ko na siya ng bag ko!

Natapos ang buong klase na wala akong naintindihan. Zero!

Paglabas na paglabas ko ng room, naramdaman kong may nakabuntot sa akin sa hallway. Humarap ako sa kaniya at mataray na nagtaas ng kilay. “Ano na naman bang kailangan mo, Jarvis? If you’re just here to annoy me, please stop, kasi wala ako sa mood ngayon!”

Natawa siya nang bahagya at itinaas ang dalawang kamay. “Hey, relax! Nagse-sorry lang naman ako sa nangyari kanina sa klase.”

Bahagyang napaabang ang bibig ko. Wait, what?!

Kilalang-kilala si Jarvis bilang makulit, mapang-asar, at walang pakialam. In short, never pa ’yan nagsorry sa mga pinagtripan niya!

“Hmmm… There is something fishy happening to you right now,” binigyan ko siya ng isang mapanuring tingin. “May kailangan ka sa akin, ’no?”

Agad siyang nag-react at mabilis na nag-cross his heart. “Wala ah! Cross my heart!”

Napa-roll eyes ako. “Spill it out, Jarvis.”

Napahimas siya sa kaniyang batok, halatang nagblu-blush ang mga pisngi. “Gusto ko sana magpasama sa Art’s Fair mamaya?”

Napahinto ako sa paglalakad at mabilis siyang nilingon. “Sabi na nga ba, e! May kailangan kang buwisit ka!”

“C’mon, Uriel! Samahan mo na ako, please?” nakiusap siya.

“Bahala ka diyan sa buhay mo,” mataray kong sagot at dumeretso na sa cafeteria to buy some snacks because I was literally starving!

Kahit nasa cafeteria na kami, hindi pa rin siya nagpaawat. Dala ang binili kong egg sandwich at Iced Caramel Macchiato, umupo ako sa isa sa mga bakanteng table. Agad namang sumunod at umupo sa harapan ko ang gago.

I took a sip of my coffee before looking at him coldly. “Bakit ba gusto mong pumunta doon? At kailan ka pa nahilig sa arts, huh?”

Bigla siyang napa-iwas ng tingin, blush getting darker!

Napakawalan ko ang isang mapaglarong ngiti and started teasing him. “Ayyy! Kaya naman pala! Sino ’yan, ha? Sino ’yung taga-Arts course na pinupuntirya mo?!”

“Hey, stop it!” suway niya na parang nahihiyang bata, covering his face with both hands.

“Pero seryoso, bakit ako ang gusto mong isama? Marami ka namang ibang tropa!”

“Wala akong ibang matinong ka-close bukod sa ’yo,” sagot niya.

Natawa ako nang bahagya. “Sabagay. Pero wait… paano ka nakakasigurong matino ako?”

Ngumisi lang siya. Akmang sasagot na sana ako para pumayag nang biglang—BLAG!

Isang malakas na kalabog ang umalingawngaw sa hindi kalayuan sa kinaroroonan namin!

Sabay kaming napalingon ni Jarvis. Doon ay nakita ko ang isang babaeng nakaluhod sa sahig, hurriedly picking up art materials that exploded all over the floor from a guy standing in front of her.

Hindi ko gaanong maaninag ang mukha ng lalaki because he was wearing a black hoodie despite the heat outside.

Nang matapos nitong mapulot ang mga gamit, mabilis itong tumayo at naglakad paalis without saying a single word.

“I’m so sorry! Hindi ko sinasadya!” habol na sigaw nung babae, pero hindi man lang ito nilingon ng lalaki.

Na-weirduhan ako sa inasta nung guy. He was moving super fast, like he was trying so hard not to be recognized.

Pero bago siya tuluyang makalayo sa pintuan ng cafeteria, napansin kong bahagya itong lumingon sa gawi namin—a quick, split-second glance before totally leaving.

My heart skipped a beat. May ‘something’ sa aura niya… a strange feeling na parang familiar siya. Parang nakita ko na siya somewhere…

Wait. Saan ko nga ba siya nakita?

Nabalik lang ako sa realidad nang bigla akong tawagin muli ni Jarvis. “Uriel! Hey, nakikinig ka ba?”

Bumaling ako sa kaniya, still slightly dazed. “Ha? Ano ’yun?”

“Sabi ko, payag ka na ba? Sasamahan mo na ako sa Art’s Fair? Please!”

Napa-roll eyes na lang ako at bumuntong-hininga. “Oo na, sige na! Pumapayag na ako!”

“Yes! Thank you, Uriel!” Parang batang napa-yes si Jarvis while fist-bumping the air.

Ininom ko ang natitirang Caramel Macchiato ko. Well, I thought, maganda na rin siguro ’to to distract myself. Mas maigi nang maglakad-lakad sa Art’s Fair kaysa mabaliw ako kakahula kung sino ’yung lalaking nakakita sa amin ni Alexander kanina—at kung bakit Ang suspicious gumalaw ni mystery guy na naka-black hoodie sa cafeteria.

Itutuloy….

Chapter 2

Uriel PoV

Nang makarating kami ni Jarvis sa mismong venue ng Art’s Fair, agad na bumungad sa amin ang napakalaking building ng Institute of Design and Architecture.

Papasok pa lang kami sa main entrance, ramdam na agad ang super high-energy atmosphere sa paligid! The lobby was huge, modern, and super crowded with students from different courses. Everyone looked so excited to see the artworks, from colorful abstract paintings to super complex architectural scale models.

Pero bago man kami tuluyang makapasok sa exhibit area, agad kaming hinarang ng dalawang student organizers sa may entrance.

“Good day! Can we see your tickets first, please?” nakangiting bati ng isa sa kanila.

Bahagya akong natigilan. My eyes widened in pure shock as I looked at Jarvis! Like, excuse me?! May ticket ba ’tong bitbit?!

He didn’t even mention anything about tickets kanina! Akmang magtatanong na sana ako in full panic mode when Jarvis suddenly slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out two event tickets.

Hooo… thank goodness! I breathed a huge sigh of relief. Good thing hindi siya nagpunta rito nang walang plano!

Jarvis handed the tickets to the first organizer, while the second student gently stamped a tiny event logo on our left wrists.

“All set! Enjoy the Art’s Fair!” masayang sabi nila sabay hawi ng harang.

Habang naglalakad kami papunta sa first row of art displays, I couldn’t help but dramatically clutch my chest and glare at Jarvis.

“Gago ka, Jarvis! Kinabahan ako roon, ah!” I hissed in a whisper. “Akala ko talaga wala kang dalang ticket for the two of us! Super stress!”

Tinawanan lang ako ng gago while shoving his hands inside his pockets. “Ano ka ba, Uriel? Ako pa ba? Syempre handa ’to! I won’t bring you here just to leave you hanging at the entrance, ’no.”

Bahagya ko siyang hinampas sa balikat dahilan para mapa-aray siya nang malakas. “Aray naman, Uriel!”

Binelatan ko lang siya and ignored his fake drama. Sinimulan ko nang maglakad-lakad to check out the paintings around us. Iba’t ibang art styles ang nakadisplay like may abstract, realism, at pop art. I was actually enjoying myself, instantly forgetting all the drama from earlier this morning!

I was busy admiring a cute portrait when Jarvis suddenly nudged my arm repeatedly.

“Ano na naman?” mataray kong tanong.

Agad siyang sumenyas gamit ang mga mata niya while pointing to our left. I couldn’t even understand what he was trying to say because his lips were literally twitching back and forth just to point!

Na-annoy ako, so I gave his side a tiny pinch! “Ayusin mo nga ’yang pagtuturo mo! How am I supposed to understand you if you look like that?!”

“Aray! Masakit ’yun, ah!” reklamo niya while covering his mouth to avoid making a scene.

“Deserve!” mataray kong sagot with an eyebrow raised. “What are you trying to show me anyway?”

He rubbed his side before whispering, “Yung crush ko… ayun o.”

I followed his gaze, and there she was, a super pretty girl talking to three students while patiently explaining the embroidered art hanging on the wall.

I had to admit, maganda at napakagraceful ng girl! She was fair-skinned, had slightly chinky eyes, and gorgeous wavy hair that framed her cute face perfectly.

Hmph! I secretly smiled. May taste din pala ang damuhong ’to!

I nudged his side again softly. “Ikaw, ah… galing mong pumili! You actually have good taste in women!”

Jarvis smirked playfully, looking away with a shy blush. “Ako pa ba? Siyempre, iba ata ’to.”

“If that’s the case, why don’t you go there and introduce yourself?” I nudged his shoulder, pushing him slightly forward.

Bigla namang namula ang gago, panic instantly written all over his face! “A-ano ka ba, Uriel… nahihiya ako! What if she doesn’t like me? Or what if I give her a bad impression on our first meeting?!”

Ay, wow! The level of torpe is unbelievable!

Napaikot na lang ang mga mata ko sa kaniya. “You’re being so dramatic! Sobra-sobra ka na mag-overthink, you know that?!”

“Ah, basta!” hirit pa niya while holding onto my arm. “Dito lang muna tayo sa malayo. I’m fine just looking at her from here.”

Anak ng pucha! So magiging stalker buddy ako rito?! Such a hassle!

Napailing na lang ako. I really couldn’t believe that Jarvis, who was usually so loud and fearless around campus was actually this timid and scared when it comes to love!

Suddenly, I remembered how I made my first move to get Alexander’s attention before we started dating. My matchmaker instincts immediately kicked in! I wanted to help this torpe guy get noticed by his crush.

Nang makita kong umalis na ’yung tatlong estudyanteng kausap nung girl, I immediately strutted toward her direction!

Jarvis noticed it right away. His eyes widened in pure horror when he realized where I was heading! He quickly trailed behind me and grabbed my arm to pull me back.

“Uriel! What are you doing?!” pabulong niyang sigaw.

I flashed a sly, cheeky smile. “I’m just going to ask something about the art, why?”

“Kailan ka pa nahilig sa art, ha?!” he whispered angrily, knowing I was up to something. “Huwag kang makulit!”

Ay, wow, ako pa talaga ang makulit?!

I shook off his grip. “ basta! Tumahimik ka diyan!“

Pero pinigilan niya ulit ako and tried pulling me back. I was about to slap his arm away when a soft, sweet voice spoke right behind us.

“Excuse me? Are the two of you okay? Is there something wrong?”

Agad kaming napalingon ni Jarvis, and my eyes almost popped out when we saw his crush standing right in front of us!

In our intense wrestling match, hindi man lang namin namalayan na nakalapit na pala kami nang husto sa station niya!

Mabilis kaming napatalikod pareho! We were both frozen in shock, wildly staring at each other.

We aggressively exchanged eye signals, silently fighting over who should speak first. I pointed at him, but he frantically shook his head and pointed back at me. “Ikaw na!” his lips aggressively mouthed. “Ikaw nakaisip lumapit dito, e!”

I let out a heavy sigh. Napakawalang kwenta talagang kaibigan!

With no choice left, I took a deep breath, slowly turned around, and flashed my absolute best, most glamorous smile. “Hi!”

She smiled back at us-a super sweet and refreshing smile that almost made Jarvis faint right beside me.

“Hi! I’m Alicent, President of the Arts and Design Organization here,” she introduced herself, holding up her lanyard.

I quickly glanced at her ID badge. Class B, 3rd year Interior Design student. No wonder she had that effortless poise and elegance-she came from a wealthy family just like us!

I adjusted my posture and gave her a polished smile. “I’m Uriel, and this is Jarvis.”

I dragged the blushing idiot closer to my side. Jarvis looked like all his confidence had completely drained out of his body as he awkwardly offered his hand. “H-hi, Alicent… nice to meet you.”

Alicent gently took his hand for a handshake. Agad kong napansin ang pagblu-blush ng mukha ni Jarvis when their hands touched. Look at this guy, sneaking a chance with his crush!

Alicent looked back at us with a curious and playful glint in her eyes. “So… are you two really okay? I noticed you two were having a mini brawl on the side.”

I gave a fake, dramatic laugh while waving my hand dismissively. “Ah! That? No, no, gosh! It’s nothing! Nagbibiruan lang talaga kami nitong si Jarvis, right?” Sinundot ko si Jarvis sa tagiliran to force a reaction out of him.

“Y-yeah! Sanay lang talaga kaming mag-asaran!” mabilis na sang-ayon ng katabi ko.

Alicent nodded, but based on her raised eyebrow, she clearly wasn’t completely buying our excuse.

Before she could interrogate us further, I immediately shifted my gaze to the artwork hanging beside her. “By the way, Alicent… this embroidery piece caught my eye! Can you tell us more about this?”

Her eyes instantly lit up at the subject change. She turned toward the frame.

It was such a unique and detailed masterpiece. Unlike usual paintings, this was made on a black canvas with thousands of thin red threads intricate stitched together. In the center, the threads formed the shape of an open palm holding a broken clock threads acting as the clock’s hands, with tiny embroidered knots replacing droplets of blood.

“This piece is titled ‘The Resonance of Silence,’” Alicent began, her voice full of warmth and depth. “It’s not just a simple embroidery. Every thread was connected using a blind-stitch technique, a method where you can’t see the knots at the back, but you can feel its strength from the front.”

We both stared at the artwork, feeling its hauntingly beautiful vibe.

“I based the concept of this piece on someone very close to me… a mute person,” Alicent continued, gently tracing the edge of the frame. “People often mistake silence for weakness or emptiness. But for him, silence is his canvas. Every thread here represents a thought he couldn’t speak aloud. He rebuilds time and spaces through his hands because words often fail to convey what the heart truly feels.”

Natigilan ako.

I stared at the red threads on the canvas. For some inexplicable reason, my heart suddenly beat faster. A mute person who speaks through structures and art?

Suddenly, my mind flashed back to the guy in the black hoodie, the guy who accidentally walked in on me and Alexander this morning, and the same guy who rushed out of the cafeteria earlier!

My gosh! So weird!

“He was actually here earlier,” Alicent added, slowly turning back to us with a gentle smile. “But right now, I don’t know where he went. He usually disappears whenever it gets too crowded.”

Jarvis suddenly chimed in. “Uhm… what kind of special person is he to you?” he asked, suddenly hesitating mid-sentence. “I mean… is he a friend? Family?”

His voice dropped a octave lower as he nervously added, “Or… a boyfriend?”

Alicent burst into a soft laugh and shook her head. “Naku, no! He’s my best friend. He’s practically like a brother to me.”

I visibly saw Jarvis’s shoulders drop as he exhaled a massive sigh of relief. I secretly giggled to myself. This idiot really thought his crush was taken! So hopelessly nervous!

Akmang magsasalita na sana ako to tease Jarvis again when my iPhone 17 Pro Max vibrated inside my sling bag.

I quickly pulled it out. Alexander’s name flashed on the screen, and I couldn’t help but smile softly.

Of course, my eagle-eyed buddy didn’t miss it! “Sino ’yan, ha?” Jarvis pried, trying to peek at my screen.

I slapped his arm away with a laugh. “Napaka-tsismoso mo talaga kahit kailan!”

I couldn’t let him see it was Alexander from Class A. Even though Jarvis had been my friend since 1st year, he had no idea that Alex was my secret boyfriend.

I quickly turned to Alicent to excuse myself. “Excuse me for a bit, Alicent. You and Jarvis can talk first. I just need to take this call.”

“Sure, go ahead!” she smiled.

Before walking away to find a quieter spot, I gave Jarvis a meaningful look. I raised an eyebrow and whispered, “Kaya mo na ’yan, ha! Galingan mo magpapansin sa crush mo!”

I left the two of them, smirking at my friend’s bright red face.

Agad kong sinagot ang tawag ni Alexander. “Hi, babe!”

“Hi, babe. Good afternoon,” his deep voice resonated on the other line.

“Napa-call ka bigla? Do you need something?” I asked while pacing around.

He said something, pero super ingay ng lobby area due to the crowd, so I couldn’t hear him clearly. I quickly strutted toward a quieter hallway at the side where there were fewer people.

Because I was walking so fast while completely focused on my phone, I didn’t notice someone walking out from the corner. He was carrying a massive box that completely blocked his view.

BOOM!

Our bodies collided! The impact was so strong that I landed straight on the cold floor!

“Aray!” I groaned, clutching my butt as a wave of pain shot through me. I even dropped my phone on the floor!

I felt the guy quickly set down his heavy box. When I looked up, I saw a tall guy extending his hand to help me up.

I immediately grabbed his hand. He pulled me up effortlessly, but because my legs were still weak from the fall, I lost my balance and ended up crashing straight into his chest!

Oh my god. My nose hit his chest, and I instantly felt how hard, well-built, and muscular his body was! “Aray…” I whimpered softly.

When I pulled myself together, I took a small step back and looked up at his face. He was insanely tall-I barely reached his chest!

And then… I froze.

I felt a sudden rush of heat flushing through my cheeks!

Holy shit.

He had an outrageously handsome, gentle face paired with captivating, slightly chinky eyes. He literally looked like an angel that just descended straight from heaven!

Oh my gosh! Am I in heaven already?! Did I die from the fall, and is he the angel fetching my soul?!

My internal fantasy was suddenly interrupted by a frantic, high-pitched voice rushing toward us. A super skinny gay guy came running over in full panic mode! “Hala! Ayos lang ba kayo?!”

I was about to say, ‘Yes, we’re fine,’ but I gasped in shock when he suddenly grabbed me and shoved me aside away from Kuya Pogi!

The gay guy stepped right in front of the handsome guy, turning his back on me. He aggressively started touching and checking the guy’s body in full drama! “Gosh! Okay ka lang ba, baby boy?! May masakit ba sa ’yo?! Nasaktan ka ba?!”

Napatanga na lang ako. Aba’y gago ’to, ah! The nerve to shove me away like that! And hello?! Between the two of us, ako ’yung lumagapak sa sahig!

“Excuse me?” I called out, flicking my wrist. “Excuse me, hoy!”

But the guy completely ignored me, continuing to touch kuya pogi’s arms in extreme concern! Out of sheer annoyance, I reached out and gave his hair a swift, dramatic tug! “Hoy! Kinakausap kitang buwiset ka!”

“Aray naman!” he whined, clutching his head as he spun around to face me. “Kung makasabunot ka naman, wagas!”

“Kasi kanina pa kita tinatawag, you were totally ignoring me!” I snapped with an eyebrow raised.

He dramatically rolled his eyes and looked at me from head to toe. “O, bakit ba?! What do you need?!”

I gave him the most intense side-eye glare. “Mahiya ka naman! I was the one who collided and fell flat on the floor, so you should be asking ME if I’m okay!”

He gave me a quick, careless glance. “Che! You look completely fine without a single scratch,” he huffed, immediately turning back to the handsome guy. “Kinamusta lang naman kita, baby boy, baka napano ka…”

My jaw dropped in sheer disbelief. Unbelievable! Ang kapal ng mukha ng isang ’to!

I shook my head in annoyance. I shifted my gaze back to the gorgeous guy… only to find him staring directly at me!

Bigla akong nakaramdam ng intense butterflies and self-consciousness! I quickly adjusted my hair, internally panicking. Wait, maganda pa rin ba ako?! Is my face still looking fresh and flawless right now?!

Before I could even process the butterflies in my stomach, biglang itinulak at hinawi ni Papa Pogi nang bahagya sa gilid ’yung buwiset at tsismosang bading! Without saying a word, he took two long strides until he was standing directly in front of me.

Tiningnan ko ’yung bading na na napunta sa tabi, and his jaw was literally hanging open in deep emotional shock. I couldn’t help but let out a soft, playful giggle at her tragic reaction. I smirked.

Buti nga sa ’yo! Akala mo ha, ikaw ang

paborito

?!

Ibinalik ko ang tingin ko kay Papa Pogi, but my eyes widened in complete shock when he suddenly bent his upper body forward and bowed deeply, like a full-on Japanese formal bow!

Wait, what in the anime world is happening right now?!

Napasinghap ako. A wave of intense shame and embarrassment suddenly washed over me when I noticed the other students in the hallway stopping in their tracks, staring and whispering at our direction!

“H-hey…” I reached out, akmang tatawagin ko siya pero natigil din ako halfway. I realized I didn’t even know his name!

Familiar sa akin ’yung ganitong pag-bow. I knew it was the traditional Japanese way to offer a deep, sincere apology. But seeing a 6-foot tall, muscular guy doing a ninety-degree bow right in front of me in the middle of a busy university hall?! Gosh, nakakahiya!

Papatigilin ko na sana siya nang biglang sumingit na naman ’yung feeling-close na bading sa tabi.

“Hala, ’te! Patawarin mo na si baby boy, please!” malakas at exaggerated nitong sigaw habang nakahawak pa sa dibdib. “Are you that heartless?! Humihingi na nga ’yung tao ng pasensya, o!”

Mas lalo akong nahiya! Rinig na rinig ko na ang chismisan at bulungan ng mga tao sa paligid.

Gosh, the nerve of this bading! I’m not blind, ’no! Alam kong nag-so-sorry ’yung tao, hindi mo kailangang ipangalandakan sa buong campus!

Saka hindi ko talaga ma-gets eh, pwede naman kasing magsalita na lang siya ng “Sorry” or “ I’m so sorry, miss-este, bro!“ Why go through the trouble of bowing like he was asking forgiveness from an emperor?! Like, is he actually Japanese or what?!

Out of pure panic and embarrassment, mabilis kong hinawakan ang magkabilang braso niya and gently lifted him up. Lean muscles were instantly pressed against my hands, and gosh, super firm!

Inilapit ko ang mukha ko sa kaniya at pabulong na nagsalita. “Hey, it’s okay, okay?! Apology accepted! Please umayos ka na ng tayo before people start gossiping about us! Super nakakahiya!”

In my mind, I was screaming! Baka isipin pa kasi ng mga tsismosang estudyante rito na inaaway o binu-bully ko ’tong tao!

I mean, hello?! Look at his massive physique! Sa laking tao nitong si kuya pogi, ako pa ba ang may ganang mang-away sa kaniya?!

One solid punch from his huge fist to my drop-dead gorgeous face, and I’d probably wake up straight in the ICU! No thanks, ’no! My beauty is delicate!

Nang tuluyan siyang makaayos ng tayo, dahan-dahan siyang tumingin sa akin. His expression was so calm, yet there was something deeply intense and silent behind those dark, handsome eyes.

Nakatitig pa rin ako sa mukha niya when suddenly, time seemed to slow down.

I blinked once. Twice.

Wait a minute…

My breath hitched in my throat as my eyes scanned his face. His sharp jawline, his high nose bridge, those intense dark eyes…

Oh my god.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko in pure, unadulterated shock as my brain finally connected the dots! A sudden memory flashed in my mind like ’yung eksena kaninang umaga sa private room kung saan halos ma-cardiac arrest ako sa hiya!

This is him! I wasn’t mistaken! Ito ’yung lalaking biglang nagbukas ng pinto at nakahuli sa amin ni Alex habang nag-ma-make out kami!

My heart started pounding like crazy! Akmang tatanungin at kokomprontahin ko na sana siya when suddenly-

“ILAG!”

Isang malakas at nagpapanik na sigaw ang umalingawngaw sa buong hallway!

Napalingon ako sa taas, and my jaw literally dropped. Flying straight through the air was a large, heavy canvas board, at mukhang tumalbog ito mula sa dala-dalalang gamit ng mga organizers at ngayon ay mabilis na lumilipad papunta sa mismong direction ko!

Oh my god! My face!

Panic completely paralyzed me. Instead of moving away, my feet felt like they were glued to the cold floor! Unable to dodge, napapikit na lang ako nang mahigpit, bracing myself for the painful impact that was about to ruin my gorgeous face forever.

This is it. Goodbye, beauty!

But the hard impact never came.

Instead, a sudden, powerful grip clamped around my left wrist. Before I could even open my eyes, I was violently pulled into a strong, sudden embrace!

THUD!

I felt my body pressing flushed against a rock-hard chest, wrapped inside two strong, protective arms. The sound of the heavy canvas crashing harshly onto the floor right behind us echoed through the silent hall, followed by gasp after gasp from the crowd.

Dahan-dahan kong iminulat ang mga mata ko, breathing heavily.

My chest was heaving against his. I was completely wrapped inside his arms, my hands instinctively resting on his broad shoulders. And when I looked up… his face was just inches away from mine.

Our eyes locked in an intense, breathtaking stare.

I could feel the warmth radiating from his body, the firm rhythm of his heartbeat against my chest, and his fresh, subtle scent wrapping around me like a dream. The surrounding noise, the crowd, the dramatic gay, everything faded into complete background static.

It was just him and me, frozen in time.

My heart skipped a massive, chaotic beat. Gosh, why is he looking at me like that?! At bakit ang gwapo-gwapo niya nang ganito kalapit?!

As I stared deep into those mysterious, quiet eyes, one thing became wildly clear to my racing heart. I was officially in big, big trouble.

Itutuloy….