Heart Beat

I know Kuya Lucian is only teasing me.

"I'm not fat!" I said again, defending myself.

He put his arms around me, laughing, and kissed me on the head. "Yes. Not anymore."

I frowned, so he laughed and pinched my cheek. "Just too much," he added and got ahead of me when I tried to hit him. He seems to have guessed that's what I'm going to do because he walks away laughing when he says that.

I tried to chase him, but with the length of his legs, I was three steps behind him. So unfair! Why is he so tall?

"Slow..." he teased. He was facing me and walking backward. I held my waist when I was so tired from running that I couldn't even catch up with him.

"It's terrible! You haven't even taken ten steps to run, and you're out of breath? You haven't exercised! You must start to jog in the morning to boost your immunity!" he said, frowning at me.

"I'm not out of breath!" I defended myself while blushing because it was apparent even though I denied it. Yes! I am catching my breath now because I'm not used to running or walking! I don't even exercise because I'm too lazy to do that! I don't need that!

He laughed but stared at me with fondness. "You are magnificent, Lucila," he said smiling.

My heart was pounding suddenly. Why is it like this? Maybe because of tiredness. Or because of Kuya Lucian's smile?

Kuya Lucian's eyes looked at me with amusement and tenderness, which was more defined because of the moonlight. The moon is big and bright and lights us from the darkness of night. We also have a few light posts.

I do not know why my heart started to boom. What is clear to me just now is that my heart beats differently tonight. It's not like that before, even though I've been praised by Kuya Lucian several times already. Kuya Lucian will always appreciate you, and you will feel special. That's how kind he is.

It's not new to me anymore, but why is my heart beating like crazy?

"Your chubby cheeks are your asset,"

My cheeks reddened, mixed with embarrassment because Kuya Lucian was teasing me again!

I know I am a bit chubby, but is that a flaw? Is it only sexy that is beautiful?

"I don't know about you, Brother Lucian! I will report you to Luciana!" I said and frowned. I'll admit that I'm a bit chubby, unlike Luciana, who has a thin body.

He laughed at what I said. He slowed down, walking backward. Why is it that he is handsome no matter what Kuya Lucian does? He's cute doing that!

I was stunned. Why did I praise Kuya Lucian several times since we walked, which I don't always do?

I'm used to their good looks, so what's happening to me, and I'm praising Kuya Lucian too much?

"You're blushing immediately. No sun might burn your skin, yet you are sweating and red," Big brother's teasing sent me back to the present.

I was exhausted from walking. I'm close to Kuya Lucian, so I'm okay to frown, make trouble, and glare at him. He's even more entertained than angry or scolding me!

"Because we are walking..." I said, trying to defend myself. He has loved teasing me since I've become Luciana's best friend. He really treats me like his younger sister.

Kuya Lucian's lips lifted in a sexy way. My heart pounded when he tilted his head, making him more handsome from time to time. Why am I paying so much attention to Kuya Lucian's movements now?

"Why am I not like that? Train yourself to walk from time to time. It will help you to become fit and healthy." he says, more like a piece of advice.

"Because eating is life. I love eating. If you care about my health, I'm healthy even though I'm heavy!" I said I no longer use o'Opo' or 'Po' because of the lameness. Younger people should always talk politely to people older than them. Saying 'Opo' or 'Po' is one of our showing respect.

He laughed. Kuya Lucian always teases me for being a bit fat! I am indeed a bit overweighed compared to others our age. The others are thinner than me, like Luciana. I am sometimes aggravated when Kuya Lucian teases me, but you will get used to it. I know how it feels to have an older brother who loves bullying his younger sister.

I don't know, but sometimes, I am a bit pissed whenever Kuya Lucian teases me about my appearance, even though I know he doesn't mean it.

I shook my head and bowed it lightly. I just walked silently. I don't want to argue with Kuya Luciana anymore!

Suddenly, my eyes are getting wet. Why am I so onion-skinned when it comes to Kuya Lucian? I am not always pissed off, but I am getting sensitive now.

Kuya Lucian was silent, so I didn't speak anymore. Maybe he got tired of teasing me.

I groaned as I hit something hard. I was surprised when I saw Kuya Lucian's eyes staring at me. I was bumped into his chest.

His gaze was a deep set of beautiful black eyes. My heart began to beat twice its average speed.

I felt Kuya Lucian caressing my hair.

I hit him in his chest. "I hate you!" I scowled at him. I didn't realize that he had stopped caressing my hair.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you," he said softly.

My heart pounded, even more when his hand caressed my cheek. Usually, Kuya Lucian does that to me because he also does that to Luciana. So I ordered my heart to keep quiet. If Luciana finds out about this feeling I am having towards her brother, she will surely tease me too and say, "Aren't you used to it yet?" As I always tell my friends.