Simula

This story is a work of fiction. All characters, names, places, events, and incidents portrayed in this book are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, institutions, events, or locales is purely coincidental.

This novel may contain themes involving gender identity, discrimination, emotional conflict, and romantic relationships. It is written with the intention of telling a heartfelt story about love, self-discovery, acceptance, and personal growth.

This story features a transgender woman and a straight man in a slow-burn romance. The experiences and perspectives presented are fictional and created for storytelling purposes.

Reader discretion is advised for discussions of prejudice, family conflict, and emotional struggles. Thank you for giving these characters a chance to tell their story. May their journey remind you that love sees beyond labels, and that everyone deserves to be loved for who they truly are.

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Warning: SPG

“I’m cumming, Serena…” Teyron groaned wildly, his voice husky as his muscled, hairy thighs stiffened, momentarily paralyzed. I bobbed my head faster, my small mouth accommodating his massiveness. My slim tongue swirled around its flared tip while my hand moved in a firm, circular motion along his girthy length.

Naka-dungaw siya sa akin habang madilim at nag-aalab sa matinding pagnanasa ang kaniyang mga mata.

And goodness gracious, he was so gorgeously handsome that I had never pleasured any of my exes the way I did him. Inaamin ko naman sa sarili ko na lamang na lamang siya sa lahat ng mga nakasiping ko noon.

He was built different…

His dark orbs were deep and expressive—the kind you could easily get lost in if you stared long enough. His muscles were in all the right places: toned and defined, though not overly ripped.

He was oozing with sexual appeal, thanks to his long, natural lashes (which I envied so much), thin pink lips, chiseled jawline, and straight, prominent nose.

His warm tan skin contrasted beautifully with my pale complexion. Ang gandang pagmasdan ng pagkaka-moreno niya.

And he was damn tall, standing around five-foot-ten or so.

I vividly recalled how we met—on a dating app. Tinder.

Akala ko talaga hindi niya ako papatulan nang umamin agad ako na trans woman ako. Rejection is always a real possibility in these situations, so I always brace myself whenever conversations reach that point. Pero gano’n ako, eh. Bago ako makipag-meet up sa mga lalaking makakatabi ko sa kama, umaamin ako.

Sinasabi ko sa kanila nang diretso, “Hindi ako babae—I mean, not a biological female at birth. I’m a trans woman.” Para sa akin, mahalaga ang honesty. Ayaw kong may itinatago o magbigay ng dahilan para masaktan kami sa bandang huli.

To be honest, it’s a scary thing to do. Once those words leave my mouth, I never know what will happen next. Minsan natatanggap, minsan hindi. And when it’s the latter, tinatanggap ko na lang na parte ’yon ng realidad ko. Pero sa mga rare moments na wala silang paki at natatanggap nila ako, I feel truly seen.

Nung una, akala ko poser siya kasi bigla na lang siyang nag-pop up sa screen ko after super-liking me. So, I swiped right to match. I wasn’t expecting him to message me right away, but he did.

When he asked for my Instagram handle, I immediately disclosed that I was trans.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m completely fine with being rejected by straight men who aren’t open to being with someone like me. I get it, and I respect their preferences. Kung hindi sila pabor do’n, fine, walang problema sa akin. It’s not like I’m out here trying to force anyone to cross their boundaries.

I know who I am, and I’m proud of it. If someone can’t handle that, then they’re not for me. Ang dami pang iba riyan, ’di ba? One rejection isn’t going to make me feel bad about being born this way. Why should it? I’ve spent too much time learning to love myself to let someone else undo all that progress.

Life’s too short to dwell on people who can’t see my worth. Besides, it’s their loss, not mine. The right person will get it. They’ll see me, love me, and want me for everything that I am.

We had been seeing each other for a month now, and I never thought I’d fall for him so quickly! I fell in love with him almost instantly.

Well, I guess it was because we met up far more often than I usually did with anyone else. Siya naman palagi ang nag-aaya dahil malapit lang ang lugar niya sa amin.

Nakakaloka rin isipin na walang kaalam-alam ang pamilya ko na nandito siya ngayon sa kuwarto ko. Lumusot lang naman siya sa bintana! I sneaked him through the gate, and he made his way around the side of the house directly to my room, where the window was already waiting open.

Malaki ang bahay namin, pero single-story bungalow lang—walang second floor.

Umarko ang kaniyang balakang at bumilis ang kaniyang paghinga. His jaw clenched tight from the intensity of his approaching release.

“Fuck!” he growled lowly, his pupils dilating as I felt him harden even more inside my mouth.

My room wasn’t soundproofed, so he grabbed one of my pillows and covered his face. Natakot ako nang bahagya na baka mahuli kami ni Mommy… o ni Kuya!

Namilog ang mga mata ko nang pumutok siya sa loob ng bibig ko. The first spurt took me by surprise, hitting right near my uvula, but I kept sucking him dry while working my hand around his twitching shaft.

I heard his muffled growls and moans against the pillow.

“Tangina…” He squirmed from the intense sensation—or maybe because it tickled—as I continued without pause, swallowing every last drop and swirling my tongue around the head.

“Stop… it tickles!” Natatawa niyang pigil sa akin gamit ang kaniyang maskuladong hita at kanang kamay.

I chuckled softly before pulling back and sitting up on the bed.

“Your head game is too strong. Fuck.”

Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa. Sinimangutan ko siya nang bumaba ang tingin niya sa dibdib ko, making the corner of his lips curl into a smirk.

My breasts weren’t that big yet, but they were developing—gradually taking the shape of a biological woman’s breast. It was one of those small wins that made me feel so validated. I’d been on HRT for a year now, and everything had been going smoothly thanks to my endocrinologist.

Mabuti na lang at uso na ngayon ang pag-send ng email para sa dosage updates. Hindi ko na kailangang magpabalik-balik sa ospital every time, as long as nakakapagpa-blood test ako regularly. Technology is a lifesaver, ’di ba? With just a few clicks, I get what I need without all the hassle.

It felt good knowing my body was slowly aligning with how I’d always seen myself inside. These changes might seem small to others, pero para sa akin, every step counted. Every bit of progress made me feel more like me.

Inirapan ko na lang siya bago bumaba ng kama para pumunta sa banyo at maghilamos. I heard movement behind me and knew he was following.

Mabuti na lang din at may sarili akong banyo. I looked like a complete mess when I caught my reflection in the mirror. Well, I wasn’t surprised—this was the natural outcome of what he just did to me. It was sloppy and messy, but I was used to it.

Dumiretso ako sa sink para maghilamos habang naglilinis naman ng sarili si Teyron.

“Can I stay for the nig—”

“Why?” I cut him off, turning to look at him. He was done cleaning up, but I rolled my eyes when I noticed he had used my towel. I had literally given him his own towel, yet he still used mine!

He pouted and stared at me for a moment. “It’s already late. Hindi ko dala ’yung kotse ko kasi nakihitch lang ako sa kaibigan ko kanina. Nagpahatid lang ako rito.”

I heaved a deep sigh and nodded. He grinned mischievously, wrapped my towel around his waist, and walked out of the washroom.

I didn’t entirely buy his excuse—it wasn’t even that late. He could easily book a Grab if he really wanted to.

I didn’t bother locking the bathroom door as I stripped off my remaining clothes.

Pumwesto ako sa ilalim ng shower at pumikit nang dumaloy ang tubig sa katawan ko matapos pihitin ang faucet. Hinayaan kong malamig ang tubig—sanay naman ang katawan ko, plus it helped close my pores.

In the middle of shampooing my hair, my stomach rumbled loudly. Napanguso ako.

Nag-douche pa naman ako at nag-skip ng dinner kasi hinahanda ko talaga ang sarili ko tuwing magkikita kami… but I guess he only wanted head tonight. Like always. I felt a slight wave of disappointment; I actually wanted to feel him inside me.

Questions raised in my head. Hindi kaya nandidiri siya? Does he not do anal? Maybe… or maybe he just doesn’t want to see my…

I shook my head to clear those thoughts and focused on finishing my shower.

Nang matapos ako, napatigil ako nang mapansin ang mga mapupulang marka sa dibdib ko. Oh, right—he sucked on my nipples and skin earlier. That was a first for him, which made me frown slightly. Why would he…

I groaned under my breath and shook my head again. At least it wouldn’t be visible since I always wore oversized shirts at home anyway. Bihira lang ako mag-sando.

We also made out earlier—for the first time. He was the one who initiated the kiss. I didn’t know how to feel about it, but I had to admit he was a much better kisser than my exes. He really knew how to work his lips and tongue.

Lumabas ako ng banyo matapos isuot ang shorts at underwear ko. Malinis pa naman kasi kanina ko lang din isinuot. Naabutan ko si Teyron na parang haring nakahiga sa kama ko, accompanied by the familiar sound effects of a mobile game. He didn’t even bother lifting his head—he was fully engrossed playing Wild Rift.

Dumiretso na lang ako sa closet at hinayaan siya. Sanay naman akong may natutulog na lalaki sa kama ko; this wasn’t the first time I’d shared my bed with a guy anyway.

After changing, I walked over to my vanity table and sat down. As usual, I did my skincare routine, completely ignoring Teyron, who was now playing aggressively while muttering curses under his breath, his breathing heavy with annoyance.

Dahil gutom ako, naisipan kong mag-order na lang ng pagkain online. I ordered for two, but I didn’t bother asking what he wanted—kakainin niya rin naman kung ano ang bilhin ko. Thoughtful pa nga ako na binilhan ko siya!

“Putang inang jungler ’to! Ang tanga! Napakabobo! Tangina!” mahina pero mariin niyang mura, making me look up.

His thick brows were furrowed, and his lips were pressed into a tight line. He was visibly irritated, which brought a faint smile to my face. Why do guys get so easily hot-headed over mobile games?

Inis niyang kinamot ang pisngi hanggang sa narinig ko ang game announcer: “Defeat.” He huffed in annoyance and rolled his eyes in a strangely attractive way.

“Nag-order ako ng Jollibee—”

“Akala ko ’di mo na ako papakainin, eh,” aniya, nag-angat ng tingin bago pabalang inihagis ang phone sa tabi niya.

I smiled at him. He was pouting slightly. “Huy, nag-order ako kasi gutom na ako! Bakit kasi ayaw mo pang umuwi? Hindi ka ba hahanapin sa inyo? Just book a Grab—”

“Nah. Wala akong curfew.” Humiga siya at inunanan ang dalawang palad habang nakatingin sa kisame.

All I knew was that he came from a wealthy, prominent family. He was definitely different from the guys I had been with before. Which was why it hurt when, after just two weeks of officially dating, he broke up with me—claiming our school schedules weren’t working out.

Only for Reese to catch him flirting with someone else shortly after.

Talagang umiyak ako nang malala noon. Todo cheer-up sa akin si Reese habang nag-aalala, to the point that she almost wanted to skip class just to keep me company while I grieved.

“Bilib din talaga ako sa’yo, teh. Buti hindi ka nagpapalpitate sa dami ng kape mo!” biro ni Reese, ang bakla kong kaibigan simula noong magkakilala kami sa registrar’s office ng La Salle. She was new to Manila and staying in an apartment near the campus.

Transferee siya, pero kung umasta, parang kabisadong-kabisado na niya ang buong lungsod.

Nginiwihan ko siya bago muling sumimsim sa iced coffee na binili namin sa Starbucks bago pumasok sa klase.

Siya lang ang tanging malapit kong kaibigan dahil sa pagiging taray ko. Well, inaamin ko naman na mataray at maarte ako, pero inilulugar ko naman. Except, of course, when I genuinely disliked someone’s presence—I would give them a look that clearly communicated my annoyance. Namana ko ’tong ugali na ’to kay Mommy, kaya naman palaging masakit ang ulo ni Daddy sa akin. Ewan ko na lang sa kapatid ko…

Bunso kasi ako, kaya siguro ganito ang ugali ko. My parents tried to give us another sibling, but my mother couldn’t conceive anymore.

Alam kong nalungkot silang dalawa nang malaman nilang mahina ang kapit ng baby sa matres ni Mommy. I was sad, too. I really wanted another sibling—nakakasawa na kayang maging bunso!

I am now eighteen years old—a pre-op trans teen who seems perpetually unlucky in love.

First-year college.

Tiningnan ko ang wristwatch ko. We still had twenty minutes before our first class started.

Binalingan ko si Reese. She looked so naturally feminine—hindi mo man lang maiisip na trans woman siya. Nakakainggit ang ganda niya! And she wasn’t even on HRT yet! Paano pa kaya kung mag-hormones na siya? Edi talbog na talbog na kami ni Vienne.

La Salle was my choice of school because I hated long commutes, and it was the closest university to our village.

“Teh, alam mo bang may hot issue ngayon sa Don Bosco?” Mahinang kinurot ni Reese ang braso ko, making my brows furrow. Why would I care about drama in another school?

“Ano? And wait… Don Bosco? That’s an all-boys school, right?” tanong ko, pretending to be mildly interested just to indulge her.

Pilit na tumili si Reese na animo’y kinikilig. “May transferee daw! Guwapo at mayaman! Hindi lang basta mayaman, teh—sobrang yaman! Kilala ang pamilya nila rito sa Pilipinas!”

Oh? I made a face. Akala ko naman kung ano na, ’yon lang pala?

I arched a brow. “So he’s practically a local celebrity then?” maarte kong tanong bago muling uminom ng iced coffee. Natunaw na ’yung yelo—kairita! Napakainit kasi sa Pilipinas.

Inirapan ako ni Reese. “Gaga ka! Kalat kaya ang picture niya sa Facebook habang naglalaro ng basketball! Gosh!” Pinaypayan pa niya ang sarili bago kinalikot ang phone niya. Malandi rin kasi ’tong kaibigan ko, pero ayaw pumasok sa commitment—hanggang makeout lang daw muna siya.

Pinagmasdan ko siyang namumula habang nakatitig sa profile ng lalaki.

Ipinakita niya sa akin ang litrato, making my brows furrow slightly. A guy with fair skin, holding a basketball as he set up a shot. Hmm. Guwapo nga siya, I had to give him that. His jersey hugged his frame tightly, highlighting his defined biceps. And jeez… those thighs!

He looked like a total gym rat. Even drenched in sweat, his looks didn’t suffer at all. But no, I wasn’t lusting after him—I was just capable of appreciating good aesthetics.

And I had to admit, he was probably one of the most handsome guys I’d seen outside of actual celebrities. No wonder my friend was losing her mind over him; I knew he’d be her main topic of conversation for the next few days.

Pinagmasdan ko ang mukha ng lalaki. His features were sharp and rugged—a typical bad-boy aesthetic. His dark, wavy hair was messy and damp with sweat. His thick brows framed eyes that looked naturally sultry because of his long lashes. He had thin, rosy lips, a well-defined nose, and a strong jawline.

“Oh? Bakit tumutulo na ang laway mo riyan?” pang-aasar ni Reese nang mapansing titig na titig ako sa litrato. Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin bago inirapan.

“Ew!” I said with dramatic disgust. Alam naman niya na hindi ako basta-basta lumalandi kapag hindi ko talaga tipo ang lalaki. Besides, romance was the last thing on my mind right now—I needed to heal from my breakup with Teyron first.

I’ve always been the type who laughs at the smallest things, who finds joy in the ordinary, and who can turn a dull moment into something unforgettable. Life’s too short to dwell on the negative, right? That’s why I keep my heart light, my smile bright, and my worries at bay—at least, that’s what I show on the outside.

But love? That’s where things get tricky. For someone as carefree as me, you’d think I’d play it cool and keep things casual. But no. I love with everything I have—no half-measures, no games. When I fall, I fall hard, and when I commit, it’s all or nothing. I think that’s where I always mess up.

I give too much, trust too easily, and hope too deeply. Akala ko kapag ibinigay mo ang lahat, sapat na. Pero hindi pala. Every time, I find myself in the same spot—hurt, betrayed, left wondering where I went wrong.

They always say they love how free-spirited I am, how I don’t let the world weigh me down. But in the end, they clip my wings, and I’m left trying to piece myself back together.

It hurts every single time. The cheating, the lies, the betrayal. It feels like they take my trust and twist it until it snaps.

Pero kahit nasasaktan ako, I always find a way to move forward. I tell myself it’s not my fault. Maybe I just loved the wrong people, but at least I know my love was real.

Still, I can’t help but wonder… will someone ever love me the way I love them? Or am I destined to keep giving until there’s nothing left of me?

As usual, our day ended with Reese and me wandering around the mall to hang out, eat, and finish class activities we were too lazy to do during lecture hours.

We had become best friends so quickly; we shared so many things in common, making it easy for me to open up to her.

“Ang guwapo rin ng mga friends niya, huhu!” Reese said, giggling. Ang landi talaga niya kahit kailan…

“Ano bang ipapakain sa’yo ng mga lalaking ’yan? Gosh! Halata namang mga fuckboy sila—tingnan mo nga ’yung mga feed nila, ang kakalat!” I grimaced before taking a spoonful of my bibimbap. Food court stalls were our usual hanging spot.

Although, her main crush didn’t seem to have any shared posts. He didn’t look like the type who spent much time on Facebook anyway.

Reese grinned widely and bit her lower lip playfully. I raised an eyebrow—I knew that look all too well.

“Edi tite! Tamod! Ano pa ba ang ipapakain nila sa akin? At talagang kakainin—”

“Reese! Your filthy mouth!” suway ko habang napapatingin ang ilang kumakain malapit sa mesa namin.

She dramatically flipped her imaginary long hair, but I could tell she felt a bit embarrassed by her own sudden volume. Minsan kasi may pagka-balasubas talaga ang bibig ng baklang ’to—nahahawa na nga ako!

“Pero alam mo? Masyado silang mayaman para mapansin ka. Halata namang mga party boys ’yang mga crush mo,” I tsked. “And definitely playboys.”

Earlier, she had practically given me a full background check on those guys. I barely managed to study because she spent the entire time spilling tea about the students from Don Bosco. Mas na-absorb ko pa yata ’yung tsismis niya kaysa sa binabasa ko!

Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay at naningkit ang mga mata. “Diring-diri ka riyan! Hindi masamang humanga, ’no! You’re too serious!”

Pabalya niya akong binato ng tissue, but it missed me completely. I just huffed at her.

Sabay kaming umuwi ni Reese since we lived along the same street. I just happened to get off earlier because my village entrance was right near the main road, while her place was further inside.

“See you tomorrow, sis!” paalam ko sabay bumeso sa kaniya.

Inaantok akong nginisihan ni Reese at pabirong hinila ang buhok ko. I laughed, bid her goodbye once more, and stepped down from the tricycle. Sinundan ko pa ng tingin ang tricycle habang humaharurot ito papalayo bago ako humarap sa gate at naglakad papasok.

Pumayag na sina Mommy na magsama kami ni Reese sa isang apartment, pero sa second semester pa ako makakalipat. Close na close agad sila ni Mommy; minsan nga parang mas anak pa niya si Reese kaysa sa akin.

I was about to push the gate open when an unfamiliar vehicle in our garage caught my eye. Since our garage was right at the front, I knew we only had two cars—but now there was a third, and it looked insanely expensive. This wasn’t the kind of car you saw every day!

Napaawang ang bibig ko. May bisita ba sina Mommy? I glanced toward the main house; the living room lights were on.

Biglang lumabas si Manang Elz mula sa mini garden natin, and when she spotted me, she smiled warmly.

“Oh, Serena! Mabuti naman at nakauwi ka na. Kanina ka pa hinihintay ng Mommy mo,” aniya.

I stepped closer, took her hand to ask for a blessing, and smiled. “Good evening po, Manang.”

“Sige na, pumasok ka na sa loob,” utos niya.

Gusto ko sanang tanungin kung sino ang bisita, pero nagkibit-balikat na lang ako. Maybe they were just my parents’ business colleagues. Either way, I’d probably just lock myself in my room after dinner.

I wasn’t really used to having visitors over. I gave the sleek car one last curious glance before heading inside.

As soon as I stepped into the foyer, I heard voices coming from the dining area—specifically my parents’ familiar tones.

I placed my shoes neatly on the rack and was about to slip away to my bedroom when Mommy walked out into the hallway, causing me to freeze in my tracks.

“Oh! My daughter! You’re finally home!” masaya niyang sabi, prompting a polite smile from me.

“I’m home,” I said softly.

“She’s home?” I heard Daddy ask. He stepped out right behind Mommy, sporting a wide grin just like hers.

“Your daughter is here?” a woman’s voice chimed in from the dining room.

Mommy suddenly crossed her arms and gave me a strict look. “I was texting you, Serena! Saang lupalop ka na naman ba nagpunta at hindi kita macontact?”

“Mom, sa mall lang naman po—”

“Still! Magtext ka man lang o tumawag para hindi nag-aalala ang Daddy mo!”

Kumunot ang noo ko. I had noticed her getting increasingly protective and vocal lately, unlike before when coming home a bit late wasn’t a huge deal.

“Hon, it’s fine. I knew she was with Reese, right, sweetie?” malambing na singit ni Daddy. He winked at me. “What matters is that she’s home safe and sound.”

Mommy rolled her eyes with characteristic drama. I fought the urge to roll my eyes back—baka ma-grounded pa ako nang wala sa oras.

I walked over to give them both a kiss on the cheek. Mommy gave me a stern look, but eventually let out a sigh.

“Kaugali nga kita…” she whispered under her breath. I just tsked softly.

“Halika na, anak. Ipapakilala kita sa matatalik naming kaibigan,” sabi ni Daddy.

I shook my head, glancing down at my school uniform. “I’ll change first, Dad. Mauna na po—”

“Oh, gosh! Ikaw na ba ’yan, Serena?” a woman’s voice interrupted.

Sabay-sabay kaming napalingon. My jaw practically dropped at how elegant and stunning the woman was. She looked to be around my parents’ age, her soft curls moving gracefully as she walked toward us.

Napakurap-kurap ako nang haplusin niya ang buhok ko. She chuckled lightly at the sheer shock visible on my face—I hadn’t even realized she was already right in front of me.

“Wow! You grew up so beautifully! Naku, bakit ba kasi puro lalaki ang naging anak ko!”

“U-Uh… hello po!” I greeted politely, starting to reach for her hand to show respect, but she playfully brushed the gesture aside and squeezed my hand instead.

“Gosh, hindi pa ako gano’n katanda!” she joked, making my parents laugh while my cheeks flushed red. She gazed at me, her eyes filled with genuine admiration.

“Napakagandang bata…” she murmured softly.

Mommy placed her hands gently on my shoulders. “Serena, this is your Tita Andria. She’s been my close friend since high school.”

“Dria, this is my daughter, Serena Von.”

Napakurap-kurap ulit ako nang mapansing tila naluluha si Tita Andria. She gracefully dabbed at her eyes with a delicate wave of her hand.

“Ang bata-bata mo pa nung huling kita ko sa’yo, Serena. But now? Look at you! Dalagang-dalaga ka na!” She gently pinched my cheek.

Huh? I thought to myself. Huling kita niya sa akin?

My brows knitted together slightly. I honestly couldn’t remember her at all…

My parents engaged her in conversation while Tita Andria kept sending me warm, fond smiles, looking genuinely thrilled to see me.

“Let me take you guys to the dining room to eat—I’m sure everyone’s hungry! Sorry to keep you waiting!” Mommy said.

“Pero, Mom—”

“Mamaya ka na magpalit!”

Wala na akong nagawa nang hilahin ako ni Mommy papuntang dining area kahit naka-uniporme pa rin ako. I wanted to tell them I was still full from eating at the mall earlier, but I knew it was useless.

Pero agad akong natuod sa kinatatayuan ko nang makita ang mga nakaupo sa paligid ng mesa. My eyes scanned them one by one until they landed on a terrifyingly familiar face.

Wait… don’t tell me… is this real?

I closed my eyes tightly, hoping I was just hallucinating. But when I opened them, the guy was still there—staring right back at me.

’Yung crush ni Reese?! The transferee from Don Bosco?!

Nandito siya sa bahay namin?!

Wait a minute… my parents are friends with his family?!

Is this a massive coincidence or what?

Just an hour ago, my friend was gushing over him, and now here he was in my home—sitting lazily next to a guy who looked a couple of years older than him, looking thoroughly bored out of his mind.

Inihila ako ni Daddy ng upuan, so I had no choice but to sit down while eyeing the spread of dishes on the long table.

“Ito na ba si Serena? Dalaga pala ang maabutan natin ngayon. Akala ko bina—” the man seated next to Tita Andria started to say. He looked around my dad’s age, but he cut himself off when Tita Cassandra lightly nudged his ribs with her elbow. He frowned in confusion, looking at his wife.

“Good evening po!” I greeted politely.

The man turned to me, a wide, friendly smile breaking across his features.

“He’s your Tito Cullen, Serena,” Dad introduced.

I stood back up briefly to approach him and ask for a blessing (nagmano).

“You are very well-mannered,” he chuckled, lightly patting my head as I offered a polite smile in return.

“Uh, I’ll just wash my hands,” I excused myself, heading toward the kitchen sink. “Si Kuya po pala?”

“May group project meeting ang Kuya mo, so late na ’yon makakauwi,” Dad answered, and I nodded.

When I returned to the table, I realized they were talking about me, which made me feel a bit self-conscious.

“I’m really glad you support her all the way,” Tita Andria said, offering me a sweet smile.

“Oo naman, Dria. Kung ano man ang tahakin niyang landas at kung saan siya sasaya, doon kami,” Mommy replied.

“She’s still our baby… our daughter,” Dad added, taking Mommy’s hand while looking over at me affectionately.

I bit my lip in embarrassment. I’m not a baby anymore!

It didn’t surprise me when Tita Andria asked about my transition. They had met me when I was little, even if I didn’t remember them.

“Are you taking safe hormone therapy, hija?”

I nodded softly, my eyes casually shifting to the guy sitting directly across from me—Reese’s ultimate crush. He was still in his school uniform, which fit his physique remarkably well.

I could feel his intense gaze on me, and neither of us broke eye contact.

“Opo, Tita.”

“We consulted an endocrinologist for her, Dria. We wouldn’t let her navigate this transition alone,” Mommy explained.

Neither of us backed down from the stare-down. I wasn’t sure why I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him. He wasn’t smiling, nor was he saying a word; he just stared back at me with a relaxed, indifferent expression, seemingly unbothered by everything happening around him.

“I’d like you to meet my sons, Serena,” Tita Dria announced cheerfully, breaking our quiet gaze.

I looked over at the guy sitting next to him, who offered me a charming smirk and subtly winked. My brows furrowed slightly. What was that for?

My eyes then moved to the eldest-looking brother on the other side, who gave me a single, composed nod. I immediately felt intimidated by his calm presence. He definitely looked like the eldest—far more mature than the other two.

“Travis, my eldest,” Tita Dria introduced.

When Travis heard his name, he gave me another simple nod and a brief, polite smile. There wasn’t much effort behind it, but it was enough to confirm my initial impression.

There’s a certain demeanor to people like Travis—the type who prefer observing over speaking. I couldn’t tell if he was curious or completely indifferent, but either way, I wasn’t going to overthink it.

I offered a small, casual smile in return. I didn’t want him thinking I was forcing interaction. As they say, sometimes less is more.

“And my youngest, Wesley.”

The guy named Wesley gave me a striking, handsome smile—and just like that, my heart betrayed me. It hammered against my ribs, practically urging me to dive headfirst into trouble all over again.

Galing ka lang sa heartbreak, Serena. Fresh na fresh pa ’yung sugat, and here you are letting a single smile get to you!

But who was I kidding? That smile had me completely hooked.

My mind screamed, stop it!

But my heart whispered, what if?

I was doomed. Absolutely, hopelessly doomed.