Maaga akong nagising kinabukasan dahil sa tawag ni Zander. I couldn't help but smile as I answered, already expecting this call. Nasisiguro ko rin na hindi matatapos ang araw ay si Derek naman ang tatawag sa akin.

"Hey, brat," magaan man ay nasa tinig niya pa rin ang pag-aalala. Sanay na ako. It was always like this whenever he was away—he'd call just to check on me, make sure everything was fine. "How are you holding up?"

"Ayos lang naman ako dito. I'm enjoying my vacation. Wala kang kailangan ipag-alala." I assured him, though I could practically hear him raising an eyebrow over the line. He'd never been one to be convinced so easily.

Bukod pa sa nasisiguro kong kinukuwento sa kanila ni Gabby ang lahat ng mga sinasabi ko rin rito.

"Are you sure? I mean, I know Mom can be... persistent."

I could hear the gentle caution in his tone, the way he chose his words carefully. Sanay naman na si Zander sa ganitong sitwasyon. Ganito rin kasi si Gabby noon kay Mommy at nang tumakas ay kay Zander nagtago. Ngayon naman ay kay Gabby ako humingi ng tulong. Oh, Mom. I really hoped she'd get to see what it was like to be her child.

"Persistent? That's an understatement. But, yes, I just needed a bit of space. And it's actually nice here, you know? Quiet. I think it's exactly what I needed."

"I'm glad you're finding some peace," pagpapahinuhod niya kahit pa ramdam kong hindi pa rin siya kumbinsido. "Romee and I were thinking about you. She kept telling me to call earlier, but I didn't want to wake you up too soon."

I smiled, imagining my sister-in-law nudging Zander to check on me even more often than usual. "Tell her I said thanks for looking out. Are you guys still in Paris? Gabi na diyan, ah? Bakit hindi pa kayo natutulog?"

"Yes, we're still in Paris. Tulog na sina Romee at Reema kanina pa. Kinailangan lang talaga kitang tawagan dahil gusto kitang kumustahin."

Napangiti akong lalo. Namiss ko tuloy ang pamangkin ko. Lahat ng mga kapatid ko ay may mga pamilya na, kaya rin siguro excited talaga si Mommy na maikasal ako. Pero ano naman ang magagawa ko? Unlike them, I hadn't found the kind of love that was worthy of building a family. Paano'y puro bakla ang nagugustuhan ko!

Hindi ako galit sa mga bakla. Wala rin akong problema sa kanila. Nakakainis lang. Nakakainis kasi palagi akong nagagamit at naloloko. Napapaniwala. Dammit!

"Ayos lang ako, Zander. Kung magkakaroon man ng problema ay sasabihan ko kayo agad." I replied, appreciating his concern more than words could say. He'd always been the big brother who looked out for me, who made me feel safe no matter what I was going through. And now, even halfway across the world, he was doing the same.

Sa totoo lang ay silang tatlo naman ay ganoon sa akin dahil nga ako ang bunso.

At dahil rin wala pa akong pamilya, sa akin na lang nabubuhos ng husto ang atensyon ni Mommy.

"I'll talk to Mom when we're back," pangako niya.

Napairap na lamang ako sa kawalan. Kahit ano pang gawin niyang pagkausap kay Mommy ay wala naman na iyong mababago. My mom would still want to get involved in all my affairs. Kung paanong ganoon rin siya kay Gabby noon.

"She means well, even if she can be... intense about it. I think once she understands what you're feeling, things will be easier."

"I hope so, Zander. It's just... a lot right now. But thank you."

"Paano ang trabaho mo? Ano nga ba ulit ang trabaho nang huli?" Medyo nanunukso niyang sabi. I rolled my eyes, hindi na ito sigurado dahil pabago-bago ako ng ginagawa.

"Actually... I quit," I admitted, bracing myself for his reaction.

There was a pause, but he didn't sound surprised. "You did? Was it that bad?"

"It wasn't... bad, exactly," hindi ko alam kung paano ko nga ba ipapaliwanag sa kaniya na hindi ko alam kung ano talaga ang nararamdaman ko sa mga nagiging trabaho ko nitong mga nakalipas na taon. "I just... I couldn't do it anymore, Zander. I've been jumping from one job to another, trying to figure out what I want, and honestly? I still don't know."

There you go. Iyon naman ang totoo. Hindi ko talaga alam kung ano ang gusto ko.

"I feel like I've tried everything—advertising, business, design. None of it sticks. Every time, I think maybe this will be the one, but then... nothing. It's like years of having Mom constantly breathing down my neck has just left me confused. I don't know what I'm passionate about anymore."

Zander sighed, a thoughtful sound. "I can't say I blame you. It's hard to find direction when someone else is always steering. Have you thought about what you'd do if you could just... start from scratch? No expectations?"

I let his words sink in, wondering how different things might have been if I'd had the freedom to explore on my own terms. "Honestly? I don't even know. I feel like I've lost touch with myself somewhere along the way."

"Then maybe it's time to find that connection again," he suggested gently. "No pressure. Just take it slow. It's okay if it takes time, darling."

"Thanks, Zander. It's just... hard to explain to Mom. She thinks there's this perfect path for me, and if I'm not on it, then I'm failing somehow."

"Mom's set in her ways, I'll give you that," pagsang-ayon niya. Nakikisimpatya kahit sa aming magkakapatid ay siya ang hindi masyadong pinakialaman at pinangunahan ni Mommy. Minsan naiisip ko na hindi naman talaga si Gabby ang favorite kundi si Zander. "But you've got more support than just her. Tell you what—once you're back in Manila, why don't you come by Spring Santa de Leones? They're expanding, and there might be something that suits you."

Natigilan ako. Hindi bago saakin ang marinig ang pangalan nito. Zander used to work with her. He quit to focus on the family he was building. Pero hindi ibig sabihin na nawalan siya ng koneksyon sa organisasyon. Spring Santa de Leones was the new head of Pentagon Defense. Derek still worked there, and even Dad, despite stepping back officially, still served as an adviser.

Zander must have sensed my hesitation because he quickly added, "Nothing high profile, Chanel. Hindi papayag si Dad kahit si Derek na isabak ka sa field. Hell, kahit ako ay hindi."

"Eh, ano pala ang magiging tulong ko doon kung ganoon?" Wala sa loob kong tanong, bahagyang interesado rin naman.

"You're good with guns."

I couldn't help but smile, shaking my head at the thought. He wasn't wrong. I'd developed a knack for firearms—a skill honed as much out of curiosity as necessity. Dad had taught me everything he knew, and I'd spent countless hours learning the ins and outs of every gun I could get my hands on. But that had always been a hobby, something I kept to myself, not a skill I ever thought would apply professionally.

"That's different," tahimik kong sabi, mas na para sa sarili. "Tinkering with guns is just something I enjoy, not exactly career material."

"Maybe not traditionally," he replied thoughtfully, "but Spring is about finding purpose, adapting skills in ways you might not expect. And besides, there are positions that go beyond the technical side. Even if it's not guns, maybe you could explore different roles—research, management, strategy. You'd have options. Katulad nga ng sabi ko, Pen Def is expanding."

"And you think I'd just... fit in?"

"You'd be surprised," he said with a grin, clearly enjoying my reluctance. "The environment there is different, flexible. You'd have the freedom to explore without pressure. Honestly, you'd be working alongside people who have different experiences, people who respect independence."

I twitched my lips. Sa buong pagkakaunawa ko noon sa Pen Def ay puro lang patayan, bakbakan. They fought bad people. Eliminate threats. Pero sa totoo lang ay wala naman talaga akong deeper knowledge sa organization. Hindi ako kailanman naging interesado na alamin. Ngayon pa lang.

"It's... interesting. I won't lie."

He laughed, clearly pleased that he'd caught my interest. "Good. That's all I wanted to hear. This doesn't have to be permanent. Subukan mo lang. Naroon rin naman sina Derek at Dad. Who knows? Magustuhan mo, 'di ba? Dad would be thrilled, I think, knowing you're putting all those skills to use."

I rolled my eyes, but his words struck a chord. "Dad's always thrilled about anything that involves the organization. I think he'd faint if he knew I'd even consider it."

"Then let him faint," Zander teased. "But I'm serious. Think about it, Chanel. No pressure, just... an option."

"Alright,"

Saglit pang tumagal ang usapan namin ni Zander dahil kinumusta ko pa sa kaniya ang mag-ina niya. I really loved hearing stories about Reema. Medyo maldita kasi ang pamangkin kong iyon, kaya madalas ang mga kuwento ni Zander tungkol sa pagsusungit nito ay nakakatawa. She was a handful, but in the best way possible.

After the call, I decided to take a quick shower and get ready for breakfast. I'd been planning to check out the cozy little cafe down the hotel, craving a quiet morning and some good coffee. Hindi ko kasi matigilan isipan ang naging usapan namin ni Zander.

I'd barely finished drying my hair when I heard a buzz at my door.

Kuryosong tinigil ko ang aking ginagawa at tinungo ang pintuan. Nasisiguro kong hindi iyon si Icen dahil Lunes ngayon, alam kong marami siyang ginagawa. Pero ewan ko ba kung bakit bahagyang umaasa ako na siya nga.

Curious, I opened it to find a smiling hotel staff member standing there. Agad kong itinago ang pagkadismaya. Ano ba? Bakit parang nalungkot pa akong hindi si Icen?

"Good morning, Miss Chanel," she greeted, hands clasped in front of her.

"Good morning," kunot noo man ay sinuklian ko na lang ang kaniyang ngiti.

"Mr. De Salvo asked me to inform you that he has reserved a table for you at La Tierra Café for your breakfast, whenever you're ready."

Nagulat ako. Icen had arranged this? Bago ko pa mapigilan ay lalo akong napangiti. That was unexpectedly thoughtful of him.

"Thank you," I said, nodding. "I'll head down in a few minutes."

The staff member left, and I closed the door, shaking my head slightly in amusement. Damn, Icen. It was Monday morning—he was probably already buried in work, yet somehow, he'd taken the time to make sure I'd have a peaceful breakfast waiting for me.

Pero syempre, hindi ko dapat bigyan kahulugan iyon. Dapat lang na mabait siya sa akin dahil kapatid ako ni Gabby. Baka nga si Gabby pa ang nagbilin rito ng ganoon. And of course, he's gay. I think I have to remind myself that every-freaking-day.

After finishing up, I made my way down to the cafe, hindi naman gaanong marami ang tao dahil maganda ang sikat ng araw ngayon at mas na sinasamantalaga nila iyon kaya sa beach sila halos nagkalat. La Tierra Café had a relaxed, charming vibe, with its rustic decor and large windows that let in the warm morning light. Sure enough, there was a table set up by the window, already reserved under my name.

I took a seat, glancing around, nagpapasalamat na mukhang ang pinakamagandang puwesto pa ang ini-reserve ni Icen para sa akin. Agad na may lumapit na waiter sa banda ko nang mapansin na naroon na ako. Mukha ring briefed ang mga ito sa gagawin.

"Good morning, ma'am. Mr. De Salvo requested that you be offered our breakfast special. Would you like to try it, or would you prefer something else from the menu?"

I couldn't suppress my smile. "I'll go with the special, thank you."

"At sinabi rin po ni Mr. De Salvo na kung hindi niyo magustuhan ang lamesa na napili niya ay ilipat namin kayo sa kung saan niyo po gusto."

Luminga ako sa paligid, may mga bakante naman pero para sa akin ay ayos na ang napili niya. It had a great view, hindi rin masyadong nadadaanan ng mga tao ang bahaging ito kaya mas payapa.

"No need. I'm fine here," sabi ko.

As the waiter left, I found myself looking out the window, wondering just how much thought Icen had put into this. The breakfast special arrived quickly—a beautifully arranged plate of fresh fruit, scrambled eggs with herbs, avocado toast, and a steaming cup of coffee. It was perfect.

Taking a sip of the coffee, I thought about him—how even in his busy schedule, he'd taken the time to make sure I was looked after. The gesture was small, yet it spoke volumes about him. And, as much as I hated to admit it, I felt my heart soften just a little more.

Kailangan ko nga talagang mag-ingat.

Lost in thought, I barely noticed my phone buzz until it flashed on the table. I picked it up, seeing a text from Icen himself. Hindi na ako nagtaka kung paanong meron siya ng number ko.

Maybe: Brandon Icen De Salvo

I hope you're enjoying breakfast. Had to get to work early, but I figured you might like some peace and good coffee. See you around.

Nakagat ko ang aking ibabang labi upang pigilan ang pagsilay ng ngiti sa aking mga labi. I saved his number first before typing back a reply.

Me

Thank you. You really didn't have to go out of your way, but I appreciate it.

A response came almost immediately.

Icen De Salvo

Just making sure my temporary friend is taken care of. Don't get used to it.

I shook my head, smiling to myself.

Hindi ko na sinagot pa ang huling text niya para hindi na siya maabala pa sa ginagawa. Matapos kumain ay magbabayad sana ako ng bill pero sinabihan akong na-settle na daw iyon ni Icen. Hm, siguro ay sa kaniya na lang ako magbabayad kapag muli kaming nagkita.

After breakfast, I decided to make the most of the day and headed down to the beach with a book tucked under my arm. I found a lounger close to the water, the perfect spot to relax and catch some sun. The morning breeze was warm, and the rhythmic sound of the waves was soothing. Lalo akong nakaramdam ng kapayapaan. I stretched out on the lounger, letting the sun's warmth sink into my skin as I opened my book and got lost in the pages.

Time passed lazily. Ni hindi ko na alam kung gaano katagal na ba akong naroon dahil maganda rin ang binabasa kong libro. Nagulat na lang ako nang may maupo sa bakanteng lounger sa tabi ko at kunin ang atensyon ko.

Si Icen.

He was still in slacks and a dress shirt, his tie missing and a few buttons undone, his sleeves rolled up to reveal his forearms. Pinagmamasdan niya ako na para bang isa ako sa napakaraming bagay na kailangan niyang trabahuhin.

"Enjoying the sun?" tanong niya bago tahasang hinagod ng tingin ang ayos ko. "Though, I don't think you'll ever get a tan, no matter how long you offer yourself up to it."

Napaikot ang aking mga mata. "Thanks for the confidence. Nice to see you too, Icen."

Tumawa siya, hindi pa rin inaalis ang tingin sa katawan ko. Hindi ko naman siya gustong sitahin dahil ayaw kong isipin niyang apektado ako masyado. Wala naman siyang makikita dyan na hindi rin makikita ng ibang nakapaligid sa amin kaya bahala siya.

"I'm serious. Look at you. You're so white, like a snowflake."

"Snowflake?" I repeated, trying not to laugh. "Really? That's your choice of words?"

Sinalubong niya ang aking mga mata, nakangisi pa rin.

"Hey, don't blame me. I'm just calling it like I see it." His gaze drifted over me again, a smirk tugging at his lips. "And I stand by it."

Inangat ko ang sunglasses ko pasimpleng tinapunan siya ng tingin. "Shouldn't you be working?"

"Taking a quick break," tugon niya, naroon pa rin ang mapaglarong ngiti sa kaniyang mga labi. "Besides, who says I can't check in on my... temporary friend?"

Iningusan ko siya. "Ayos lang ako, Icen. Salamat rin pala sa breakfast. How much do I owe you?"

He gasped, placing a hand over his heart in mock offense. "Owe me? For breakfast? Chanel, please. I'd never take your money for that. I'm hurt you'd even offer."

I rolled my eyes, hindi ko mabilang kung pang-ilang beses na simula nang sumulpot siya sa tabi ko. A smile creeping onto my face despite myself. "Oh, forgive me for thinking you'd want to be repaid for your 'generosity.'"

He chuckled, checking his Rolex. His eyes twinkled as he noticed me eyeing it.

"Break's over?" Tukso ko.

"Yeah, I should get back..." he started, then paused, looking at me with a grin. "But would you like to have lunch with me first?"

"Do you actually have time for that?"

Isa pa... Maaga pa para sa lunch.

He shrugged, grinning even wider. "If I take an early lunch, I might. I've got a meeting in Mandaue this afternoon, so I'll be gone until evening."

Hindi ko alam kung bakit medyo nadismaya akong hindi kami makakapag-dinner mamaya ng sabay. Siguro dahil simula nang dumating ako dito, sa dalawang gabi na iyon ay kasama ko si Icen maghapunan.

Para namang nababasa niya ang tumatakbo sa aking isipan. "I already took care of your dinner. I've reserved our usual spot at the restaurant for tonight."

Our usual spot.

Hindi iyon nakatakas sa aking pandinig. Dalawang beses pa lang kaming nag-dinner doon pero usual na agad. Hm, well, nasabi niya naman sa akin na doon siya madalas. It was his usual spot, ginawa niyang sa amin. And damn if I wasn't affected by that.

"You really didn't have to go to all this trouble."

"But I already did," he replied smoothly, mataman akong pinagmamasdan. "And besides, I want to make sure you're taken care of. Lalo kung wala ako."

It was so hard to resist him when he was like this—thoughtful, charming, and ridiculously easy to talk to. I let out a small sigh, giving in. "Fine, but I'm paying this time. Hindi ko gustong isipin mo na sinasamantala ko ang 'kabutihan' na ipinapakita mo sa akin. I can't just let you spoil me all day."

"You're not letting me spoil you—you're tolerating it."

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