Chapter 29: Willing to face it

"Maybe… we should talk to your Elder Brother," Julie suggests hesitantly, sensing his hesitation. "If anyone can make things clearer, it's him. After all, you guys are close. I think he can give you best suggestion."

Jiko's heart skips a beat. Talking to Tito? That's a risk he hadn't considered. But deep down, he knows she might be right. 

"Maybe you're right," Jiko finally says. "But it's going to be tricky. Brother doesn't just let things slide."

Julie's voice softens, a mix of determination and hope. "I'm willing to face it—whatever happens. We can't let fear control us anymore."

Jiko closes his eyes for a moment, her words sinking in. And despite the overwhelming uncertainty swirling around them, he knows she's right. They've kept things bottled up long enough. It's time to face it—together.

One evening, after dinner, Jiko finds himself lingering in the living room, scrolling through his phone, his mind wandering. His parents had gone back to their usual quiet tasks—his mom cleaning up the kitchen, his dad flipping through a newspaper. The house feels calm, almost too calm, and Jiko knows Tito has retreated to his room upstairs. But Jiko has something on his mind—a curiosity that he hasn't quite been able to shake.

He hears the soft creak of footsteps on the stairs, and a few moments later, Tito appears in the hallway. Tito walks into the living room, his movements casual but confident, something Jiko has always admired about him. Tito seems more at ease now, smiling slightly as he adjusts his jacket. There's a lightness to him—a brightness that Jiko hasn't seen in a long time.

Jiko glances up from his phone, his brow slightly furrowed. "So, how's Nadia?" he asks, the question slipping out before he can stop himself.

Tito pauses for a moment, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Nadia?" He chuckles softly, his eyes glinting with amusement. "She's different. I don't know... she's creative, spontaneous. She has this... energy, you know? It's refreshing."

Jiko watches his brother closely, noting the way Tito's face lights up when he talks about her. It's not just admiration; it's something more—something that feels genuine. And for the first time in a while, Jiko feels a strange mix of relief and something else—something close to hope.

"She's really talented," Tito continues, leaning against the edge of the couch. "Her paintings... they're unlike anything I've ever seen. She sees the world in ways I can't even imagine. It's inspiring."

Jiko listens, his eyes narrowed slightly, his thoughts racing. He can't shake the thought that this isn't just casual interest. There's something real growing between Tito and Nadia—something that might have been missing from Tito's life for a while. It doesn't feel forced or fabricated. It feels... right. And for once, Jiko feels that same weight lifting from his shoulders.

"You seem pretty into her," Jiko says, trying to sound casual, though the words feel heavier than they should.

Tito grins, his expression unguarded. "Yeah, I guess I am. She's... different. In a good way." His tone is light, but there's a genuine warmth in his voice that Jiko can't ignore.

Jiko leans back against the couch, chewing his lip as he processes this information. He can't help but feel relieved. 

"I'm glad you're happy," Jiko says softly, a small smile forming on his face. It's strange—he didn't think he'd feel this way, but hearing Tito speak so openly about someone else, someone who isn't Julie, gives him a sense of peace.

Tito's eyes flicker to his younger brother, and he tilts his head slightly, as if reading Jiko's unspoken thoughts. "Yeah, it's been... nice. Different from what I'm used to, but it feels refreshing. And I like that. I think I've been missing that."

Jiko watches him carefully, taking in every word, every subtle expression. He can't help but wonder if this is how things are supposed to be—if the timeline, the universe, whatever it is that's been shifting subtly beneath them, is finally starting to find balance. Tito's happiness, his own small sense of relief—it feels like the pressure that's been building has finally eased.

"You deserve that," Jiko adds, meaning it more than he realizes.

Tito chuckles, the sound soft and easy. "Thanks, little bro. I've had enough of... unnecessary drama, you know?" He pauses, his smile softening. "Besides, it feels good to connect with someone who doesn't try to control everything. Nadia just lets things happen. She's not caught up in all that noise."

Jiko nods slowly, his mind whirring with all that's been said. He feels a strange sense of peace in this moment, something that had been missing for a long time. 

As Tito heads back upstairs to his room, Jiko sits in silence, reflecting on everything he's just learned. The shift in Tito's demeanor feels... real. 

And for the first time in what feels like forever, Jiko feels hopeful.

—----

The air buzzed with excitement as the sound of music and laughter spilled out from Nila's house, where the birthday party was in full swing. Julie and Jiko had arrived just moments ago, navigating through the crowd of guests with a mixture of anticipation and, well—unease.

"Alright, we're here," Julie said, glancing at Jiko with a playful smirk. "Ready to make an appearance at Nila's grand bash?"

Jiko shrugged, his face tight. "I'd be more ready if we weren't crashing into a social storm."

Julie rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on. It's just a party. No big deal."

Julie chuckled, nudging Jiko playfully. "Relax. We'll be fine. And, besides... Nila invited us. We have came here few times, didn't we?"

Jiko's expression softened slightly. "Yeah."

"Yeah, she's my close friend, now. She said she wanted to give us a space to spend some quality time," Julie explained. "You know, without worrying about anyone else."

Jiko raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? She thought this would be a 'quality' time spot for us?"

Julie nodded, smiling. "Exactly. She thought it would be the perfect place for us to just relax and enjoy ourselves."

Jiko hesitated, his mind wandering for a moment. "Quality time, huh?"

Julie leaned in, lowering her voice. "Come on, Jiko. Just have fun for once. Don't overthink it."

Before Jiko could respond, they were approached by Nila herself—a bubbly and outgoing girl with a bright smile.

"Julie! Jiko!" Nila called out excitedly, pulling Julie into a warm hug. "I'm so glad you guys could make it!"

Julie grinned, hugging her back. "Thanks for the invite, Nila. This is such a nice surprise."