For the past few weeks, everything between Kean and Kaye had been steady yet delicate — like balancing warmth and worry on a thin thread. Kaye still had her days when her thoughts felt too heavy, when silence became her only language. But each time, Kean was there. Whether it was through gentle voice calls or simple good-night messages, he found a way to pull her back — piece by piece — from the edge she sometimes stood on.
Every morning, they'd greet each other like a ritual. Every night, they'd exchange little gestures — hands pressed against their screens, pretending to hold each other's warmth. Those gestures became their "touch," their proof that love could survive even when separated by hundreds of kilometers and two glowing phone screens.
Now, it was finally March. The month they'd been waiting for. The month of their plan.
Kaye: "Soo, good day, my bubs! Are you excited for this weekend?"
Kean: "I'm super excited to see you, bubs! You know Aunt Divine's always there for me — I requested a little vacation in Manila this weekend. So I'll meet you there, right?"
Kaye: "Exactly! My aunt will be with me, and it's a good thing Grandma agreed to join her. Though… she doesn't really know what the real reason is, hehe."
Kean: "Anyway, thanks to our aunts! They're like the bridge to our destiny."
Kaye: "You're so cheesy! But yeah, I'm just so happy it's finally happening. You, me, in the same place after all these months!"
Kean: "I just hope nothing gets in the way this time. I can't imagine how it'll feel… seeing you in person after everything we've been through."
Kaye: "It's gonna be real, Kean. I can feel it. No more screens, no more lag. Just us."
For the first time in months, both of them could feel something unfamiliar — a calm excitement. The world outside might still be under the faint shadow of the strange solar phenomenon, but right now, all that mattered was them.
The afternoon sun streamed lazily through the curtains as Kean folded his shirt neatly into a small travel bag. His heart was racing just thinking about it—two more days. Just two more days and he'd finally meet Kaye.
Aunt Raquela leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching him with a half-smile. "You're really serious about this girl, huh?"
Kean looked up, grinning shyly. "Of course, Auntie. We've been planning this for weeks. I can't wait to see her in person."
Raquela chuckled softly, her tone half teasing, half concerned. "Well, I hope this one doesn't end up like that Eunice girl again."
Kean froze for a moment, the name striking a small chord of memory he'd long learned to silence. "I've learned a lot since then," he said, forcing a smile. "This is different. I feel like I've known Kaye my whole life — even though we've only met through the screen."
Raquela smiled and walked closer, tapping his shoulder. "You sound like your grandpa, so sure about love. Just be careful, alright? I don't want you coming home heartbroken."
Kean laughed lightly. "Don't worry, Auntie. I'm meeting her in the largest mall in the Philippines. Nothing could possibly go wrong there!"
Raquela rolled her eyes playfully. "Just don't faint when you finally see her, Mr. Romantic."
Kean grinned. "No promises."
Meanwhile, miles away, Kaye sat on the edge of her bed, watching her aunt Rowena fold some clothes into her luggage. The room smelled faintly of lavender from the open window.
"Are you excited?" Aunt Rowena asked, peeking over her shoulder with a knowing smile.
Kaye giggled, clutching her pillow close. "Yes, I am! I can't believe it's really happening. It feels like a dream, Auntie."
Rowena's expression softened. "You've been through a lot, Kaye. I'm proud that you've found something — someone — who makes you happy again."
Kaye's eyes gleamed. "Thank you for always supporting me, Auntie. You didn't have to, but you always do. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Rowena placed a hand on her shoulder, her voice warm. "Always, no matter what. Your mother and I were best friends, remember? I promised her I'd make sure you grow up surrounded by love and happiness — even if she's watching from the other side of the world."
Kaye's throat tightened. She leaned forward and hugged her aunt tightly, whispering, "Thank you. I'll make her proud… and I'll make you proud too."
The afternoon sky had mellowed into a gentle orange, the glow of sunset seeping through Kean's window. His phone buzzed softly beside him. It was Kaye — as always, right on time.
Kaye: Good afternoon, my bubs! You excited for this weekend?
Kean: More than anything. I can't stop thinking about it.
Kaye: Hehe, same here. I even dreamed about it last night. We were playing arcade games together!
Kean: You dreamed of me? You're obsessed!
Kaye: Oh hush, you love it. 😜
Kean laughed quietly, rolling onto his back. "Alright then," he said through a voice message, "so what's the plan, my dear? We gotta make every second count when we meet."
Kaye's reply came quick, her voice cheerful. "Hmm… first, we play at the arcade. Then we eat our favorite foods. I'll treat you bubble tea if you treat me fries!"
Kean grinned. "Deal. After that, we walk around the mall like every couple we used to laugh at online. And maybe…"
"Maybe what?"
"Maybe I'll steal a hug or two."
Kaye giggled, her face turning pink on camera. "A hug or two? How greedy!"
Kean smirked. "What can I say? I've been saving all my hugs for you."
They both laughed. For a moment, it felt like they weren't separated by miles — just one breath apart.
Kaye rested her chin on her pillow. "You know, Aunt Rowena said she's glad we're meeting halfway. She's going to Manila anyway to fix some documents for work, so at least she won't get suspicious."
"Same here," Kean said. "Aunt Divine's the one who suggested we meet in Manila since we only have a short time. She promised to bring me to your city this vacation, before I go to college in August."
Kaye smiled. "Really? That's sweet of her. You're lucky, you know. You have people supporting you."
Kean nodded. "Yeah… and I'm lucky to have you too."
Kaye hugged her pillow tighter, smiling. "Aww stop, you're making me blush."
Kean leaned toward his phone camera. "Actually, give me that pillow."
Kaye frowned playfully. "Huh? No! Why?"
Kean grinned. "Because if we were together, I'd steal that pillow right now. You look too comfy."
Kaye gasped, clutching it. "Hey! I'm your only pillow!"
Kean laughed, pretending to snatch it through the screen. "Fine, fine. You win."
"You better remember that," she said, sticking her tongue out.
The call lingered for hours — playful laughs, stolen smiles, and small silences that felt like peace. The weekend was coming fast, and with it, the promise of something real.
The night air was quiet, and Kean's phone kept lighting up with unread messages. His heart pounded. He scrolled through their chat again — that last exchange with Kaye replaying in his mind like a haunting echo.
She asked him a question with a gentle tone at first:
"Would you drink with me someday?"
Kean replied instantly, playful as usual.
"Of course, I would! That'd be fun!"
Then came her next message — slower, heavier.
"What if we get drunk? Would you take care of me?"
He smiled when he read it, thinking it was lighthearted.
"Of course! I'll take care of you."
But then, nervous laughter pushed out the wrong words, the wrong tone.
"Unless you want me to—"
And just like that… silence. The typing bubble vanished. Then the chat disappeared.
He'd been blocked in Lityear
Kean froze, realizing what he'd said — how it sounded, how it must have hurt. Guilt rushed through him like a crashing wave. He whispered to himself, "What have I done?"
He grabbed his phone, trembling fingers calling Shan on Lityear instead of Bluebook.
"Bro, I messed up—she blocked me."
"What happened?" Shan asked, confused.
Kean's voice cracked. "I said something stupid. I didn't mean it that way, I swear. I was nervous. I thought I was being funny."
Shan sighed. "Kean, that's serious. She probably felt disrespected or unsafe with how you said it."
"I know," Kean said softly, tears starting to form. "Please help me, Shan. Tell her I didn't mean it. I was just scared and I said the wrong thing. I don't ever want her to think I'd hurt her."
Minutes turned into hours before Shan finally messaged him again:
"She's still upset… but she's reading what I'm saying. Give her time."
Kean stayed up all night, staring at the blank screen. He didn't eat. Didn't play games. He just waited.
Then — a message appeared on Lityear.
Kaye: "I didn't like what you said."
His heart jumped. His thumbs shook as he typed.
Kean: "I know. I'm so sorry, Kaye. It was wrong of me to say that, even as a joke. You trusted me with a serious question, and I ruined it. Please, believe me — I'd never do anything to hurt you. You mean too much to me for that."
It took a few seconds before she replied.
Kaye: "You scared me for a bit. I thought you weren't the person I knew."
Kean: "I understand. And I'll spend forever proving I am. I want to protect you, not make you feel unsafe."
There was a long pause. Then a final message appeared.
Kaye: "Okay, bubs. I forgive you. Just don't ever joke like that again, please?"
Kean: "Never again. I promise."
He let out a shaky breath, a small smile breaking through his tears.
Some mistakes couldn't be erased, but they could be learned from — and that night, Kean swore to always guard her trust with care.
The night was calm, their screens glowing softly in the dim light of their rooms. Both lay on their beds, faces reflected on each other's devices as if they were sharing one quiet space.
Kean smiled and said, "Hey, let's try something fun. Remember that paper game in elementary that decides if two people are meant to be?"
Kaye giggled. "Ohh that one! What are you planning now?"
"Just your full name," Kean teased, grinning. "I'll write it beside mine."
Kaye laughed. "Okay fine! Mine's Kaye Tan Sedilla. What about you?"
"Kean Gordon Sinocruz," he replied proudly, pretending to scribble something on an imaginary paper. "Now… the game says…"
Kaye leaned closer to the camera, curious. "What's the result?"
Kean smiled, pretending to squint at it. "It says forever."
Kaye chuckled softly, her cheeks tinting pink. "You're so corny."
"Maybe," Kean said, "but I'd take it if it means you and me."
They both paused, smiling quietly before Kaye spoke again. "Hey, when's your birthday again? I kinda forgot."
"August 15, 2003," Kean replied. "Leo season. I'm turning eighteen this year."
"Oh right! I remember. I'm November 15, 2002. Scorpio," Kaye said, tracing circles on her pillow. "Guess that means I'm older."
Kean smirked. "So I'll call you ate Kaye now?"
Kaye rolled her eyes playfully. "Try it and I'll block you again."
They both laughed, the tension fading into warmth. But soon, their smiles softened as they began to share deeper truths.
Kean's voice turned quieter. "You know… I came from a poor family. My mom had me young, I was an unplanned kid. But she still loved me with all she had. My dad…" He exhaled, "…he's not really the type to care much. I grew up used to it."
Kaye listened closely, her heart heavy yet understanding. "I'm sorry, bubs. But you're strong. You always have been."
Kean nodded. "I had two siblings, but they didn't make it long. Health problems. That's why I try to appreciate life, even when it's tough. At least I have two families — divided, but when we're all together, it feels right. My cousins make it easier too. Two on dad's side, four on mom's. They're like my brothers and sisters."
Kaye smiled softly. "That's beautiful." Then she took a deep breath. "I get you, though. My parents separated too… but not because they stopped caring. My dad's still in my life — he checks on me, helps me. My mom… she's a nurse in the UK. I miss her every day, but I'm proud of her. She's the reason I want to keep pushing forward."
Kean's eyes softened. "You're just like her — strong, caring, and full of light."
Kaye smiled faintly. "I have eight cousins from my grandma's side, and two on my dad's. I miss them, but at least I have one who lives near me. We hang out sometimes, just like old times."
For a moment, there was silence — the kind that felt full, not empty. Two souls who've shared pieces of their broken pasts, finding warmth in each other's presence despite the distance.
Kean whispered, "You know, Kaye… maybe life really isn't about how perfect our families are. It's about the people who stay — who choose us even when they don't have to."
Kaye nodded, tears glimmering in her eyes. "And sometimes, we meet someone who makes all the pain worth surviving."
Kean smiled faintly. "Exactly. Someone who teaches us that love doesn't have to be in the same place to feel real."
"Under the same sky," Kaye said softly, "we're still together."
Kean whispered, "Always."
The night went quiet again, but their hearts were loud — steady and beating in rhythm, echoing through the distance.