CHAPTER 2

Chrisnah’s Point of View

I stormed into the cafeteria, my brows furrowed as irritation gnawed at me. It was just one of those days where everything rubbed me the wrong way. And as if the universe hadn’t done enough to tick me off, I had this overly persistent gay guy tailing me like a lost puppy.

“Sis, where are we eating? My feet are about to give out from all this walking. This school is freaking massive!” he whined, dragging his feet like he was starring in his own tragic soap opera. We had been walking in circles for what felt like forever—something I did intentionally to ditch him. But this guy had determination written all over his face, refusing to take the hint.

I clenched my teeth. He was getting on my last nerve.

Turns out, he’s a new transferee from Baguio City, freshly dropped into Manila’s madness. Of all people to latch onto, why did he pick me?

“I’m going to eat with my friends. I don’t know why you keep tagging along like a lost puppy,” I snapped at him, hoping he’d finally get the message. But instead of backing off, he wiped his sweaty forehead with an exaggerated flourish and grinned.

“I’ll join you, sis. Didn’t I tell you, wherever you go, I’ll follow? It’s like fate, you know?” he chirped with the kind of cheer that made my eye twitch. Was he for real?

“Can you just leave me alone already? We’re not even close!” I growled, my patience hanging by a thread. He stepped back dramatically, clutching his chest like I’d just broken his heart.

“Oh my gosh! Sis, you’re so intense! I’m just protecting what’s mine, duh!” he shot back with the kind of flair that belonged on a theater stage. His words made me freeze. What exactly does this guy think he owns?

“Huh? Are you out of your mind? What are you even talking about?” I asked, rolling my eyes so hard they nearly got stuck.

He smirked, clearly loving every second of this ridiculous exchange. “Sis, weren’t you listening earlier? I told you, this body is rightfully mine! That’s why I’m glued to you. I’m just here to protect what’s mine because, eventually, you’re going to give it back to me,” he giggled like he was sharing some inside joke.

I groaned inwardly. Seriously? Does this guy really think we’ve swapped bodies? Like we’re living in some corny telenovela where characters magically switch places?

This guy’s delusions are on another level.

“Are you into telenovelas?” I asked flatly. He nodded eagerly, like a child being offered candy. “Of course! I’m obsessed! Do you watch them too, sis?” he asked, eyes sparkling.

I stared at him, unimpressed. “You’ve watched way too many telenovelas, and now you’re spewing nonsense,” I retorted, quickening my pace to get away from him.

It was the only logical explanation. His brain must’ve short-circuited from overdosing on melodrama.

“You’re so mean, sis! I’m perfectly sane!” he pouted, but I just shot him a deadpan look.

“Really? Doesn’t seem like it,” I replied. The hunger gnawing at my stomach only made me more irritable. This guy was draining the last bit of energy I had left.

“You’re such a snob! Like, seriously, you’re the snobbiest bitch I’ve ever met!” he said, crossing his arms with a pout that could rival a toddler’s.

I just rolled my eyes and kept walking. If he wanted to stick around so badly, fine. But I was starving and ready to eat something before I snapped.

When we finally reached the cafeteria, I spotted Zoey waving at me from our usual table. Her sister Zoelle, along with the rest of our friends, were already seated, waiting for me.

“Wow, sis. Who’s that pretty? Your girlfriend?” Michael whispered, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

“What? No! She’s not my girlfriend. She’s just a friend, and by the way, I’m not interested in dating anyone,” I shot back, narrowing my eyes at him.

“Oh! I seeee,” he replied, dragging out the word in a high-pitched voice that made me want to cover my ears. Did he really need to talk like that?

I greeted my friends as I took a seat, ready to ignore Michael, but it wasn’t going to be that easy.

“Who is he, Chrisnah? You didn’t tell me you had a boyfriend!” Zoelle exclaimed, eyes wide with mock shock.

Boyfriend? This guy? Yuck! No way. I’d sooner become a guy myself than date someone like him.

Before I could correct her, Kuya Crane and Kuya Clive shot me serious looks. They were always protective, and even though they knew I wasn’t into guys, their twin instincts kicked in whenever a dude got too close. Protective brothers—they never change.

Everyone’s eyes were on me, waiting for an explanation.

“Oh, come on! He’s not my boyfriend! Gross, Zoelle!” I practically shouted, disgusted by the mere suggestion.

They all let out relieved sighs, and I couldn’t believe they even entertained the idea. My standards aren’t that low!

“You’re denying it so hard, sis! Like, eww! Don’t flatter yourself, we’re not even batting for the same team,” Michael teased with exaggerated disgust.

“He’s gay?” Alli chimed in, her eyes wide with surprise.

“Proud and loud, honey! Michael Gabriel Dela Fuente by day, Michaella Gabriela by night!” he announced with flair, striking a pose like he was on a runway.

“Oh my gosh, I love this one!” Zoey squealed, rushing over to Michael’s side.

I groaned. Seriously? They’re already getting along?

“You’re so handsome! What a waste!” Zoey told him, to which Michael grimaced.

“Ugh, sis, just call me beautiful! I need to feel pretty, okay?” he replied, flipping his hair dramatically. My friends burst out laughing, and I couldn’t help but chuckle despite myself. This guy was something else.

I took a seat next to Zoelle and hoped Michael would find another place to sit, but he plopped down right beside me.

“Chrisnah, order already. We’ve been waiting,” Kuya Clive grumbled.

“I don’t feel like it. You do it,” I shot back.

“No way! You do it, Chad!” Kuya Clive passed the task along.

“Are you ordering me around, Clive?” Kuya Chad asked, his voice as cold as ice.

“Nope, not at all,” Kuya Clive quickly backtracked, making us all burst into laughter. Even Mr. Tough Guy knew better than to mess with Kuya Chad.

Chary, ever the peacekeeper, stood up. “I’ll order. I’m starving, and you’re all just wasting time arguing,” she said, heading toward the food counter with Quentin in tow.

As everyone settled in, Michael leaned in close, whispering excitedly. “Sis, your guy friends are all hotties! I’m in heaven!”

I ignored him and focused on the chatter at our table.

“The one who’s reading the book—total dreamboat. But I’ve got my eye on the one sitting next to him,” Michael whispered again, eyeing Kuya Crane.

I shot him a deadly glare. “Not my brothers,” I hissed.

His eyes widened in surprise. “Wait, you’re triplets? That’s insane! Can we make it quadruplets, sis? I’m dying to be part of this gorgeous family,” he gushed.

I rolled my eyes. “Sorry, no gays allowed in our group,” I said sarcastically.

He frowned. “No gays, but lesbians are okay? Hypocrisy much?” he shot back with a smirk. I resisted the urge to tape his mouth shut. Could he just be quiet for two seconds?

“Chrisnah, aren’t you going to introduce us to your new friend?” Kuya Crane asked, still focused on his book. I shot a glance at Michael, who was already grinning and waving like a pageant queen.

“Oh, sis! You totally forgot to introduce me! How rude!” Michael chided me, pretending to be hurt.

I sighed. This was going to be a long day.

“Everyone, this is Michael. He’s a transferee from Baguio,” I said flatly, not even trying to hide my lack of enthusiasm.

“My full name is Michael Gabriel Dela Fuente! Proud and loud gay, darling!” he declared with the kind of energy that had everyone chuckling.

“I like him already! He’s such a mood!” Zoey clapped her hands in approval.

“Lively is one way to describe him,” I muttered under my breath.

The introductions continued, with Michael soaking up all the attention. He was a natural at winning people over, no matter how annoying he could be.

As lunch went on, I noticed how effortlessly Michael blended in with my friends. He was loud, cheeky, and knew how to keep the vibe light. Even though he grated on my nerves, I could see why they liked him.

But I still kept my guard up. Something about this guy didn’t sit right with me. He was too persistent, too confident that we were somehow connected in some bizarre way. And the way he kept talking about destiny made my skin crawl.

“Sis, you keep staring at me! Are you finally falling for me?” Michael teased, catching my gaze.

“Don’t flatter yourself. I’m just trying to figure out what your deal is,” I shot back.

He smirked, leaning in closer. “You’ll find out soon enough. Just wait, sis. The fun’s just getting started.”

For some reason, those words sent a chill down my spine. Something told me Michael was more than just a loud, flamboyant transferee. And whatever he had planned, I wasn’t going to let my guard down.

Not around him.

I ignored him and thankfully, Chary and Quentin returned with our food.

Finally, I can eat! I’m really starving! And this flamboyant guy is annoying me on top of it.

"Let’s eat!" Kuya Clive announced cheerfully, like a kid starting to eat. "Hey Michael, come eat too!" Zoey offered, moving close to Michael just to hand him his food. I quietly started eating while they noisily exchanged food.

"Hi Chrisnah!" My boy best friend, Zethus, arrived suddenly. He’s Zoelle and Zoey’s brother. "Hey, let’s eat!" I greeted him and handed him some food.

“Girl!” Michael twirled towards me. What now?! “What?” I asked irritably. “The who is he?!” he said, while making gestures towards Zethus, who was chatting with Quentin. “This is Zethus. Why?” I asked, surprised. His eyes seemed to sparkle. “He’s so handsome!” he said.

I almost choked on my food. Damn! Is everyone here handsome according to this flamboyant guy?! Even if I introduced an ogre, he’d probably call it handsome.

“Can you please shut your fucking mouth up?” I whispered in annoyance. He just pouted at me. Yuck! He even knows how to pout! Disgusting! “You’re so mean!” he said, pretending to be sulking, and went back to eating.

“Ah, who is he?” I heard Zethus ask. I looked at him and saw he was seriously looking at us. “He’s Michael! Chrisnah’s classmate!” Zoey introduced him warmly and even clung to Michael’s arm. “Hey girl, get your arm off me! Eeww!” Michael said in disgust, trying to remove Zoey’s arm from him.

Looks like Zoey has a crush on Michael. Well, he is handsome, but of course, I’m more handsome.

“Oh, I see.” Zethus replied simply, giving me a restrained smile.

Zethus has been my best friend ever since the world began. Of course, we all grew up together. Me, Kuya Clive, Kuya Crane, Alli, Kuya Chad, Ate Chary, Kuya Quentin, Kuya Quaid, Zoelle, Zethus, and Zoey.

So, to avoid confusion, let me introduce them one by one.

You already know me and my twins, so no need to reintroduce them. Let’s start with Alli. Allison Gabrielle Hanes is the daughter of Aunt Gab and Uncle Stephan. She’s Kuya Clive’s best friend. It’s a good thing they get along despite having very different personalities.

Kuya Chad Harris Santos and Ate Chary Hermia Santos are children of Aunt Chloe and Uncle Calvin. Ate Chary is Zoey’s best friend. Kuya Chad is a year ahead of us because he’s already in 3rd year college.

Kuya Quentin Lim and Kuya Quaid Lim are the twins of Aunt Queen and Uncle King. Kuya Quentin is best friends with Kuya Crane, and as far as we know, he also has a crush on Ate Chary, but of course, Ate Chary doesn’t have the slightest idea about that. Only we know, and we’re all rooting for them to be together. Kuya Quaid is also best friends with Kuya Crane and, as far as I know—because he only told me—he has a crush on my best friend Zoelle. But of course, Zoelle doesn’t know. She’s too obsessed with K-pop.

And last but not least, the Z siblings. Zoelle Ariella Wilford, Zethus Willford, and Zoey Arabell Wilford are the children of Aunt Miyuki and Uncle Blake. Zoelle and Zethus are my best friends. Zethus is also in 3rd year college, but we’ve been close since childhood, despite the age gap. Zoey, or Ara, is Ate Chary’s best friend, but we have a secret. She has a crush on Kuya Crane, but my twin brother doesn’t pay attention to her.

Kuya Crane is so aloof. But don’t get me wrong, we’re all close since our parents are best friends.

So, now you know us, and you’ll get to know us even better in the upcoming chapters. I hope you continue reading this story. Okay?! I’ll get you if you don’t continue!

We all stood up when we heard the bell ring. It means lunch break is over and it’s time for the next class. Thankfully, we were all done eating. I don’t know about Michael, who is still eating.

"We’ll go ahead, guys, okay?" Kuya Clive said, with his arm around Alli. “Oh, get your hand off me, Clive!” Alli complained. Kuya Clive looked at Alli. “Why? Is it heavy?” he asked. “Yes, so get it off! They might think we’re a couple!” Alli said, holding her things close to her chest. “Oh, so what? Don’t you like that your boyfriend is handsome?” Kuya Clive said, striking a pose. Alli just rolled her eyes and walked out of the canteen.

"I’m leaving first. It’s so windy in the canteen," she said as she continued walking. "Wait for me, Alli babe!" Kuya Clive ran after the departing Alli. We laughed and shook our heads at Kuya’s antics.

Kuya Clive is really the most annoying and loud among us. Seriously!

"That Clive is really something. All he does is bother Allison," Kuya Quentin said with a laugh. "What’s new? Those two always fight," Ate Chary added. We walked out of the canteen while chatting. Kuya Crane followed the two because they have a class together. Zoelle went to the restroom, so she separated from us.

The 3rd-year college students, Kuya Chad and Zethus, also said their goodbyes.

"It’s curious how those two became best friends," Ate Chary said. Kuya Quentin laughed. "Opposites attract," he said, making Ate Chary laugh. I just smiled. I’m not into joining their conversations, I usually just stay quiet.

"Oh, we’re here now, Chrisnah," Ate Chary said. I smiled and nodded at them. “Hey Zoey, come on! Stop bothering Michael,” Ate Chary shouted.

I looked back and saw Zoey pestering Michael, who looked like he wanted to get away from her. I wanted to laugh at Michael’s expression. He looked so disgusted.

“Girl, call it a day already! Shoo shoo!” Michael shooed Zoey away. “Eeeh, I still want to hang out with you,” Zoey said like a child. I thought she had a crush on Kuya Crane, so why is she acting like this with Michael?

“Girl, we’ll see each other every day. Whatever!” Michael said, making a face. Zoey pouted, and we almost laughed when we saw Michael looking extremely disgusted at her. “Girl, don’t do that. You look like a fish,” Michael said to Zoey.

I bit my lower lip from laughing. Damn! I’ve been laughing at this flamboyant guy’s lines for a while now. I don’t want to laugh, but I can’t help it!

“You’re so bad! Let’s go, Chary!” Zoey said with a smirk and went to Ate Chary, who was also laughing. Even Kuya Quentin was smiling while shaking his head.

“Well then, we’ll go ahead! We’re late because of this idiot Zoey!” Ate Chary said and hurriedly left for their classroom. “See you later, Chrisnah, Michael!” Ate Chary shouted. I just waved at her. Zoey gave a flying kiss to Michael, and I laughed again when Michael acted like he was avoiding her.

Damn it!

"Pfft." I couldn’t help myself! I’m laughing so hard! "Oh, what happened, ate girl?! Laughing so hard?!" Michael said sarcastically as we walked towards our classroom.

“You and Zoey would be a good match,” I said, still laughing. Michael’s reaction quickly changed. He looked disgusted again. Damn! His expression is so funny when he looks like that! “Goodness! Slow down with what you’re saying!” he asked irritably.

“I prefer your brothers or other friends of yours,” he said, adding a snap of his fingers for emphasis. “But Zoey likes you,” I said, chuckling. I saw his eyes roll in frustration. Damn! He looks so funny doing that!

“Girl, if you don’t have anything nice to say, just zip it! Like zipping your mouth, bitch,” he said, pretending to zip his mouth. I bit my lip, laughing hard.

We were almost at our classroom. I don’t know why, but I still want to tease this flamboyant guy. It’s fun to tease him! His facial expressions are so funny. He’s so handsome, but his expressions are so unattractive. It doesn’t suit him. What the heck!

“Why? Isn’t Zoey pretty?” I added. We were inside our classroom when Michael said, and I stopped halfway because of what he said.

“Girl, I’d rather pick you. I like you more, and you’re prettier than that clingy fish!”

The door to the classroom slammed open, startling both of us.

What the fucking hell is that!

The entire room fell silent, every head turning towards the unexpected commotion. My heart pounded as I stared at the doorway, the weight of Michael’s unexpected confession hanging in the air.