XVII. Unraveling the Morning

The distant crowing of roosters dragged me from my sleep. Blinking against the golden rays filtering through the wooden slats of the hut, I stretched lazily, my mind still tangled in the memories of last night.

Antonio's words echoed in my head.

"I love you. I'm not asking you to love me. Just let me show you."

I shook my head, groaning softly. Why do I feel this way?

Before I could drown in my thoughts any further, a sudden weight landed on me, making me squeal.

"Ate Kaesu, let's take a bath before breakfast!" Arwin's excited voice rang in my ears. "Mother already agreed that you could join us at the stream!"

I let out a giggle as we tumbled onto the bed again, his energy contagious.

"But…" I hesitated.

Arwin's bright expression faltered. "But what?"

"I don't know where it is, and I don't have any other clothes," I admitted sheepishly.

Without giving me a chance to refuse, he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the living room.

I hesitated at the doorway, scanning for any sign of Antonio. My shoulders sagged in relief when I found the space empty.

"Ate Kaesu agreed!" Arwin announced proudly.

Aunt Lus emerged from the kitchen, smiling warmly as she handed me a towel and a simple duster dress.

"T-Thank you for this," I murmured, still feeling a bit awkward about accepting the kindness of strangers.

Before I could say another word, Arwin yanked me outside, leading the way to the stream.

The early morning air was crisp, the scent of wet earth and fresh leaves filling my lungs. The forest path was uneven, but Arwin and Gimley were unbothered, running ahead, laughing as they splashed through puddles.

When we arrived, Arwin immediately jumped into the water, making a big splash. I let out a laugh and was about to join him when I noticed the rocks were slippery. Carefully, I stepped forward—

A sharp scream pierced the air.

I turned my head to see Gimley on the other side, shouting about something I couldn't quite catch.

And in that split second of distraction—

My foot slipped.

A startled gasp escaped me as I lost my balance.

No—!

Before I could hit the ground, strong arms caught me.

And just my luck—because fate seemed to enjoy playing cruel tricks on me—Antonio was the one holding me.

Half-naked.

Grinning.

His body radiated warmth despite the coolness of the morning, and the way he looked down at me—smug, amused, and annoyingly handsome—made my stomach twist.

"Enjoying the view like you always do?" he teased.

Annoyance flared in my chest. I jerked away, eager to escape the situation, but in my haste—

SPLASH!

I landed straight in the water.

Arwin and Gimley howled with laughter as I resurfaced, my hair sticking to my face.

Instead of being mad, I burst into laughter myself.

The cold water felt refreshing, washing away my embarrassment. The kids and I played, splashing and swimming, until we finally climbed onto the riverbank, soaking wet but content.

While waiting for Antonio—who had mysteriously disappeared—I began searching for smooth, beautiful stones to take home as a keepsake.

I was lost in thought when Gimley suddenly appeared beside me, fidgeting.

"Where did you run off to?" I asked.

Instead of answering, he thrust a handful of flowers toward me.

Fresh. Fragrant. Beautiful.

A warm smile spread across my face as I accepted them. "These are lovely. Where did you get them?"

Gimley grinned and shook his head. "They're not from me."

Confused, I followed his gaze.

Antonio stood a short distance away, gazing at the water with an unreadable expression.

My smile faltered.

Clutching the flowers, I hesitantly approached him.

"I thought you'd avoid me for a year after last night," he muttered, still looking at the water.

"You're not only getting on my nerves, but you're also overreacting," I said, chuckling. I held up the flowers. "Thanks, though."

"Keasu…"

The way he said my name—soft, hesitant, laced with something unspoken—made my breath hitch.

"Last night," he continued, finally turning to me, "I know you already understand my feelings. I've liked you since—"

"I'm sorry. I like someone else."

The words tumbled out before I could stop them.

I didn't know if it was entirely true, but right now, saying anything else felt like a betrayal—to myself, to Canim, and maybe even to Antonio.

Antonio didn't flinch.

"I know," he said simply.

But his eyes—those warm, dark eyes—held something fragile. Something wounded.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "There are plenty of other women out there," I said gently. "Women who are more beautiful, intelligent, and kind than me."

Antonio let out a short, almost bitter laugh. "I know, right? But you can't tell your heart who to love."

He looked at me then, straight into my soul.

"But I'm not asking you to love me," he said. "I just want you to know that I love you."

I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

"I'm not asking for anything," he continued, voice steady but thick with emotion. "Just let me show you. Let me feel it."

His hand reached up, brushing away a tear I hadn't even realized had fallen.

"You don't have to avoid me. I'll still be here, just like always. I'll still protect you, still annoy you, and I won't ask for anything in return."

I couldn't breathe.

I didn't know what to say.

So I said nothing.

The children called for us, and just like that, the moment passed.

When we returned to the hut, breakfast was already set. We ate in comfortable silence before preparing to leave.

Antonio's bike was fixed, and it was time to go.

Arwin clung to my arm, his lower lip quivering. "Are you coming back, Ate Kaesu?"

Gimley grabbed his brother's hand, looking equally as hopeful.

I ruffled their hair. "I'll visit, okay?"

Their faces lit up.

After bidding our final goodbyes, Antonio and I rode in silence.

The only sound was the steady hum of the engine, the wind whipping through my hair, and the weight of unspoken words between us.

When we arrived home, I immediately collapsed onto my bed, staring at the ceiling.

I felt… drained.

Guilt twisted in my chest. Did I do the right thing?

I didn't know what I felt anymore.

Everything was a mess inside my head.

"Hey there, my Kaesu."

I groaned. "Not now, Alex."

I heard the door creak as he entered anyway.

"What are your plans this Friday?" he asked.

I waved a hand lazily. "No idea."

"You're kidding, right?" He scoffed. "It's Lara's birthday. You haven't even planned what you're going to wear? What you're gonna give her?"

I shot up, grabbing his face.

"Why didn't I know?!" I shouted in panic.

Alex smirked. "I don't know, why didn't you?"