Yssa looked around the house for the first time after the quiet conversation with Seth. She had told him everything—how she got their provincial address from his sister, Jeanne, how she'd had a crush on him the first time they met, and how she'd read one of his novels. She spoke about Brandon, how he had convinced her to go to Elisha's birthday party, and, of course, about Glenn. Even though each mention of Glenn chipped away at Seth's heart, leaving it in a million broken pieces, he listened patiently, giving her the space to explain everything.

After not seeing her for two days, the ache of missing her made it easier for Seth to hear her out. He hadn't realized just how much he missed her until she was there, sitting in front of him. She cried the entire time, and Seth couldn't help but hold her close, comforting her with gentle touches. Yssa confessed that she had broken up with Glenn, and then she told him how she had fallen in love with him—Seth.

Now, as Seth prepared dinner in the kitchen, Yssa watched him from her seat at the dining table, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over her. The trip to Cavite had been worth it after all. She had asked for a three-day break from school, and with Brandon's help, the administration had granted it. Now, here she was, sitting in the Santiago family home in Ternate, Cavite, watching the reason she came.

"Hey," Seth said, glancing over his shoulder as he chopped garlic and onions. "You okay over there?"

"I think so," she replied, offering a sad smile. After a pause, she continued, "I know it probably felt like a game to you, like what you said before, but it wasn't."

Seth stopped chopping for a moment. "It's all right, Yssa. I understand now—"

She interrupted him, her voice firm. "Listen, Seth. I need you to hear this." Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself. "I admit, I was curious. That's why I came to Elisha's party—not to fall in love with you, not to deceive you. I just wanted to meet the person who wrote that beautiful story. So I went to the party, and there you were. We talked. And then, if you remember, you asked if we could see each other again. If you hadn't, it probably would have ended right there."

He stopped what he was doing and moved to sit beside her, sensing the weight of her words. She placed her hands on his, grounding him in the moment.

"But you know what? I had a great time that night," she continued, her voice soft but sure. "And I realized I wanted to see you again. Over and over, actually." She smiled, and he couldn't help but smile with her. "I didn't like you because of the novel, Seth. I liked you because of how you treated me. After that night at the party, everything between us just happened naturally. Nothing was planned."

Seth was quiet, absorbing her words. "Is that why you didn't tell me about Glenn?"

Yssa took a deep breath, the weight of her secret lingering. "There were moments when I wanted to, especially after you gave me that 'I LIKE YOU' letter. I was losing my mind back then. But I guess I convinced myself it didn't matter how we met—what mattered was how well we connected. And I was afraid. I knew if I told you about Glenn, you'd pull away, and I couldn't bear the thought of that. I would rather lose him than lose you."

When she finished, Seth didn't say anything at first. He just looked at her, his gaze steady, unwavering.

"I love you, Yssa," he finally said, his voice low but full of certainty.

Yssa's heart swelled as she looked into his eyes. She had never felt this kind of happiness before, and it flooded her in waves. Smiling, she reached out, gently caressing his cheek.

"I love you too, Seth," she whispered, the words a promise, a hope, and a truth all at once.

* * *

After Seth stepped out the backdoor to prepare the grill for the pork chops, Yssa wandered through the rest of the house. It was bigger than she'd imagined—four rooms aside from the living room and kitchen on the main floor, and probably four more upstairs, she guessed. She couldn't help but wonder how Tata Guring and Tata Juancho managed to keep it all clean. It must take a lot of effort, she thought.

The walls of the living room were lined with photographs, at least twenty of them, and nearly every one had Kristina in it. Yssa's eyes were drawn to a small side table in the corner, where a single framed photo stood alone. Making sure Seth was still outside, she quietly stepped closer.

The picture seemed to be from Kristina's college days. Yssa picked it up, examining it closely. Kristina was beautiful—petite, slightly curvy, with light brown hair that fell just past her shoulders. It looked like Seth had taken the photo himself. Even though the picture was a bit grainy, likely reprinted from an old computer file, one thing stood out to Yssa: Kristina's eyes. Deep green and round, almost catlike, they seemed to stare back at her, as though Kristina herself was watching her. A strange chill ran down Yssa's spine. She carefully placed the photo back, making sure it was in exactly the same spot, the same angle as before.

Trying to shake off the feeling, Yssa turned toward a nearby bookshelf. Her eyes landed on an old violet notebook, slightly out of place. She picked it up, curious, and was surprised to find it was Kristina's—her book of poems. Yssa flipped through the pages, marveling at the words. She was a poet, Yssa thought, a talented one. That must be why he loved her so much.

Suddenly, she felt the presence of someone behind her. She turned and saw Seth standing a few feet away, watching her. How long had he been there? He moved so silently, she hadn't even noticed him approach.

"I'm sorry," Yssa said softly, closing the notebook and turning to face him.

"It's okay," Seth replied, his voice calm. "Where did you find it?"

"On the shelf," she answered, holding up the notebook. "It was lying there. The poems are really good."

He looked away for a moment, his voice quieter now. "Yeah... I love them."

His words stung, a sharp ache in her chest, but Yssa kept her expression neutral, not wanting him to see how it affected her.

"She was a great poet," Yssa said, her voice gentle.

"I think so, too," Seth murmured.

Yssa carefully placed the notebook back on the shelf, but Seth moved closer, adjusting it so it fit perfectly in place. Then, without a word, he took her hand. They walked together to the kitchen and then outside, where Seth grabbed the bowl of marinated pork chops, ready to begin grilling. Even though Kristina's memory lingered, for now, they were together, and that was enough.

* * *

"It's so peaceful out here. I can see why your father bought this place," Yssa said softly, her gaze drifting out to the calm ocean.

Seth finished adjusting the grill and took a sip of his beer. "There's something about the ocean," he replied, his voice thoughtful. "It has a way of calming people. That's why so many come to the beach, to let the waves wash away whatever's weighing them down."

Yssa turned to him, studying his expression. "Tell me, Seth, what do you think about when you're out here alone?"

"A lot of things."

"Anything in particular?" she pressed gently.

Kristina. And lately, you, he wanted to admit but didn't. Instead, he sighed and said, "No, nothing specific. Sometimes I think about story ideas, sometimes my parents. Other times, I just sit here and try to forget a lot of things. Which, I suppose, is the opposite of remembering."

Yssa caught the weight behind his words. "That sounds like running away," she said quietly.

"I know."

She hesitated, then spoke softly. "Seth, I know it's not my place to say this, but you can't run from what you're feeling. And besides..." She smiled warmly. "You've got so much to offer someone."

Seth didn't respond immediately, but her words lingered in the air, making him pause. How did she always seem to know exactly what to say to ease the ache inside him?

For a few moments, the only sound was the rhythmic crash of the waves, filling the space between them.

After a while, Seth stood up and went inside to fetch an empty bowl. The barbecue was nearly done, and while he was gone, Yssa looked out over the beach. The late afternoon sun shimmered on the clear water, and for a moment, the horizon seemed to blur where the ocean met the sky. She began setting the table in the backyard, making sure it faced the view.

When Seth returned, he was carrying a portable stereo. He plugged it into an extension cord and played a mix of sweet, nostalgic tunes from his Cruisin' CD.

"Oh, you set the table," Seth said with a smile, the breeze ruffling his hair.

"You were inside, and I didn't have much else to do," Yssa teased, returning his smile. "And I like the music. It's nice."

"Just trying to set the mood," he replied, placing a plate of fruit on the table.

For a brief moment, Yssa imagined him here on other nights, sitting at this same table with Tata Guring and Tata Juancho. Seth picked up a large plate and a porcelain bowl from the back steps and set them down on the table. He lit the old Coleman lamp as dusk settled in around them.

"We can't have candles in this wind," he said with a wink, making Yssa laugh. He uncovered the plates, revealing perfectly grilled pork chops and a fresh vegetable salad with potatoes. Yssa's eyes widened in surprise.

"Wow, this is amazing," she said, her eyes sparkling. "You didn't tell me you made a salad."

"You like salads?"

"I always have."

He grinned, pleased by her reaction. "Well then, let's eat."

As they sat down, a comfortable silence settled between them. Seth found himself watching her often, and Yssa, sensing his gaze, didn't mind. It had been a long time since he'd shared a meal with someone like this, and he realized how good it felt to have her there with him.

Seth finished his food first, as usual. He picked up a mango and began peeling it, glancing at Yssa as she savored each bite of her meal. Something about the way she drank her iced tea—the way she swirled the ice in her glass before sipping—struck him as familiar. It reminded him of another afternoon, long ago, with Kristina.

They had sat here, just like this, on a lazy afternoon. Now, with Yssa beside him, Seth couldn't help but feel that same quiet comfort. Yet, there was something different, something new growing between them, like a seed taking root in the soil of old memories.

"Did you like the salad?" Seth said as Kristina sipped her iced tea.

Kristina looked at him. "It was good. Always been," she smiled.

She was putting her glass down when it slipped from her hand.

"Are you okay?" Seth came to her from the opposite side of the table.

She looked dazed as she ran her hand through her hair. "I just got a little bit dizzy there for a while. I'll be alright."

"Are you getting sick again?"

"No. Maybe I just need more oxygen," she gave a fake smile.

He was quiet for a moment as he looked at her.

"You've been like this for weeks. I'm just worried."

"Don't worry, Seth. I'm fine," she held his cheeks, trying to convince him that everything was okay. "I love you."

Seth swallowed hard, suddenly becoming aware of the stillness between them.

"What are you thinking?" Yssa's soft voice brought him back to the present.

He blinked, relieved. "Ah... nothing," he replied quickly, clearing his throat. "Are you done eating?"

"Why?" she asked with a curious smile.

"You want to hang out on the porch?"

"Sure," she said, smiling as he reached for her hand.

After clearing the table and washing the dishes together, Seth brought the cassette player out to the porch. When he returned to the kitchen, Yssa was just finishing rinsing the last dish. He smiled, touched by her thoughtfulness.

"Thanks," he said softly.

She tapped his shoulder playfully. "We both ate, didn't we?" she teased, and they headed out to the porch together.

Soft music played as they sat on the porch bench, angled slightly so they could see each other. They didn't speak for a while, just enjoying the gentle breeze and the sound of the ocean in the distance. When "Simply Jessie" by Rex Smith started playing, Yssa perked up.

"I love this song," she said immediately. "It's 'Simply Jessie,' right?"

Seth nodded. "Yeah, do you know the lyrics?"

"A little. Why?"

He smiled, leaning closer. "Because they're for you."

She blushed, her heart skipping a beat. Even though she suspected what he was going to say, she still asked, "Why?"

"Because I love you," he whispered.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to fade away. After a pause, Yssa spoke softly. "Seth, do you remember the first time you asked me to talk on the porch? At Elisha's birthday party?"

"I do," he answered, his gaze steady.

"Why did you ask me to go with you?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

Seth looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, that night you seemed... worried, almost hesitant, when you asked me."

He smiled, shaking his head. "Worried isn't the right word. I think I was more... surprised. Surprised I'd asked, but not worried." He paused, chuckling softly. "I hadn't had a real conversation with anyone other than Ate Jeanne in over five years. That night, when you stayed for dinner, I realized I was tired of sitting on the porch alone."

"So... I was in the right place at the right time?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

He shook his head, his voice more serious. "No, that's not it. I wanted to talk to you, Yssa. To be with you. I wouldn't have asked if it had been anyone else. It's been a long time since I've felt this way... only since you came along."

Yssa felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words, and the way he was looking at her now.

The waves gently rolled onto the shore, and a cool July breeze blew through her hair. Dark clouds loomed in the distance, and a flash of lightning briefly lit up the sky. Thunder rumbled, faint but present, several miles away. Seth moved closer to her, raising his hand to gently brush a strand of hair away from her face. As his fingers touched her skin, Yssa closed her eyes and smiled, savoring the tenderness of the moment.

"That smile," Seth said quietly, his voice full of admiration. "That dimple... it takes my breath away."

Yssa looked down shyly, still smiling.

"You're beautiful, Yssa," Seth whispered, his eyes locking onto hers. "I... I just can't find..." He paused, his breath catching. "I can't find the words..."

She gazed at him, her eyes soft and understanding.

And in that moment, everything they'd been holding back, everything they'd been avoiding, finally broke free. Slowly, Yssa leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips. Seth, startled at first, kissed her back, gently cupping her cheek. Their lips met again, this time with more certainty, their kiss tender but full of longing.

When they finally pulled apart, Yssa whispered, "That was... that was a nice kiss."

Seth chuckled softly. "Really?"

She grinned. "I don't think I've ever had anything better."

He smiled, wrapping an arm around her. "You should be kissed more often... and by someone who knows how."

Yssa giggled, and he kissed her again, deeper this time. He kissed her neck, her cheeks, her nape, and she felt the warmth of his lips linger on her skin.

Suddenly, a light rain began to fall, sprinkling softly at first, then gradually picking up. They laughed together as Yssa stood, taking his hand and leading him inside.

Once indoors, Yssa went to the kitchen and grabbed two candles from the cupboard. She handed them to Seth, and they walked hand in hand to his bedroom. As soon as they closed the door behind them, Seth kissed her again, this time with more passion. Yssa felt her heart race, her body trembling in anticipation. He placed the candles on the side table and lit them, casting a warm glow across the room.

The rain fell harder outside, a steady rhythm against the windows as they undressed each other, their movements slow and deliberate. The candlelight flickered as Yssa's skin seemed to glow, her breath quickening as Seth kissed her neck, her shoulders, her breasts. Every touch was electric, every kiss sending waves of warmth through her body.

They came together gently, their bodies moving in unison as if they had always belonged to each other. Yssa closed her eyes, lost in the sensation, feeling him deeply within her. Seth kissed her constantly, his lips tender on her skin, and she could feel the intensity of his love in every touch.

When they finally stopped, Yssa lay beside him, her body exhausted but content. The rain had softened into a gentle patter, and she drifted to sleep in Seth's arms, feeling safe and loved.

Seth watched her sleep, her face illuminated by the soft candlelight. He kissed her forehead and held her close, the sound of the rain lulling him into a peaceful sleep.

One rainy night, after making love, Kristina lay on Seth's arm, brushing her fingers softly across his chest, saying nothing.

"What are you thinking," he finally asked.

"Just that I don't think it's possible to love someone else as much as I love you," she murmured.

Seth kissed her cheek and looked at her, smiling.

"I don't think it's possible, either," he said softly. "I couldn't see myself loving anyone else but you."

Kristina's eyes lowered and she took a deep breath. "Will you make a promise?"

"Anything."

"If anything ever does happen to me, please promise me that you'll find someone else."

"I'll try, but I don't think I can love someone else the way that I love you."

"Just promise me, okay?"

He looked at her with a shrug then finally answered. "Okay --- if it makes you happy, I promise."

She smiled tenderly and snuggled into him. "I'm happy, Seth."