XVI. Unraveling the Night

"Damn!"

I rushed toward Antonio, my heart skipping a beat. What happened?

When I got close, though, I realized he wasn't hurt—he was crouching down, staring at his big bike like it had just been murdered.

"Let me guess," I said, crossing my arms and leaning against a tree, amusement dancing in my tone. "Did it get a scratch?"

His head shot up, his expression pitiful. "No…"

That single word, spoken with so much sorrow, made me push off the tree and walk toward him.

Before I could ask, the couple from earlier—Aunt Lus and Sir Diego—rushed toward us, their concern evident.

"What happened?" Diego asked, his voice carrying authority.

"My tires were fine earlier, but now… it's like they were played with," Antonio explained, running a frustrated hand through his hair. "Both are flat."

I felt a pang of concern, not just because this meant we couldn't go home tonight, but because I knew how much Antonio loved his big bike. It was practically an extension of himself. Wherever he went, the bike followed.

Sir Diego suddenly turned, his expression darkening as he took a deep breath.

"Arwin! Gimley!"

His voice boomed across the quiet landscape, making me jump slightly.

Within seconds, two boys came running, shoving each other in an attempt to get to their father first. Their guilty expressions were enough to confirm our suspicions.

Sir Diego folded his arms. "Did you mess with the young man's bike?"

The twins glanced at each other before lowering their heads, shuffling their feet.

"Uh… we just wanted to see if it would roll on its own," Arwin mumbled.

"But we didn't mean to break it!" Gimley added quickly.

Antonio sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Before he could say anything, Aunt Lus approached us with a gentle smile. "You can stay the night."

Her calm demeanor instantly put me at ease.

I turned to Antonio, arching an eyebrow.

He had no other choice.

He groaned but nodded.

I grinned and eagerly followed Aunt Lus, leaving Antonio behind, still looking as if he were mourning his bike's misfortune.

"Forgive my children," Aunt Lus said as we walked. "They're mischievous most of the time."

I waved a hand dismissively. "It's nothing."

"I'm Lusmilinda, but you can call me Aunt Lus," she continued, leading me into the house. "My husband is Diego, and my twins are Arwin and Gimley."

As we entered the small hut, she set about preparing a space for us to sleep.

I immediately helped her.

Once the bed was set up, we went to the kitchen.

"Are you good at kitchen work?" she asked.

I hesitated before shaking my head, feeling slightly embarrassed.

She chuckled. "Come here, then. I'll teach you. Didn't your parents teach you?"

I moved beside her, helping with whatever small tasks she assigned me.

"I grew up with my grandfather," I admitted after a moment. "My mother died giving birth to me, and my father left with another woman. My grandfather didn't want me to be raised in that kind of family, so he took care of me instead. I have nothing to regret. He never made me feel like something was missing."

Aunt Lus's hands slowed, her eyes soft with sympathy.

Before she could say anything, I added, "Don't be sorry. I'm not sad about what happened." I paused, my fingers gripping the edge of the counter. "Apart from the fact that an event took my grandfather's life."

Her expression turned knowing. "Is that why you're here? To find justice?"

I nodded.

She didn't pry further. Instead, she gave me a gentle smile before continuing with the meal.

Once everything was ready, we called for the others.

Arwin and Gimley bolted to the table first.

"Wash your hands first," Aunt Lus reminded them.

They groaned but raced to the sink.

The hut was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from an oil lamp.

As I set the plates down, my attention was drawn to the doorway.

Two figures approached from the dark, their shadows stretching across the floor.

I squinted, trying to make out which one was Antonio—

Then the light fell on him.

And I froze.

Antonio, shirtless, his skin glistening with sweat, walked toward us casually, his muscles flexing with every movement.

My throat went dry.

I didn't even realize my mouth had fallen open until—

"Shut your mouth, young lady, or a fly might get in," Sir Diego teased with a hearty laugh.

Embarrassed, I snapped my mouth shut and scrambled for a seat.

"There are no flies at night, Diego," Aunt Lus countered.

That's not the point!

My heart was still racing as Antonio sat beside me, far too smug for my liking.

"Get dressed," I muttered under my breath. "The mosquitoes might feast on you."

He leaned closer, whispering, "It's okay. Looks like your eyes and fantasy are feasting on me too."

My jaw clenched.

I pinched his side—hard.

He only chuckled. "Admit it, you're just using that as an excuse to touch my abs." He smirked. "Don't worry, I'll let you do it later."

I inhaled deeply, trying to calm my irritation.

He only laughed harder.

After dinner, I helped Aunt Lus clean up before heading outside.

Antonio was still trying to fix his bike, Sir Diego patting his shoulder.

"It's late," Sir Diego said. "We'll continue in the morning."

Antonio sighed but nodded.

Then, instead of going inside, he laid down on the grass.

I frowned.

"Get up," I scolded. "Or else the mosquitoes—and the ants—will eat you alive."

Before I could react, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me down—right on top of him.

I gasped.

I pushed against his chest, but he spoke before I could move away.

"Just ten seconds. Please."

I hesitated.

His heart pounded beneath my palm. His breath was warm against my skin.

A shiver ran down my spine.

No. Keasu, what are you thinking?!

I quickly rolled off him.

Antonio stretched out his arm, inviting me to rest my head.

Without hesitation, I did.

The night sky stretched above us, filled with stars that seemed brighter than ever.

"It's been so long since I watched the stars like this," I murmured, smiling. "I almost forgot how beautiful they were."

Antonio exhaled. "It is indeed mesmerizing."

I turned to him, only to find his eyes locked onto mine.

That look…

I immediately looked away, my smile fading.

"Please, don't look at me like that."

From the corner of my eye, I saw the way his expression fell—the way his lips curled into a bitter smile.

"Now you know," he murmured.

"Indeed, I do." I swallowed. "But please…"

Silence stretched between us.

The stars continued to shine.

But for some reason, my heart felt heavier than before.