Some things in the world are just natural: The sun rising. Rain falling exactly when you have plans. And Gesly Navarro somehow knowing when something was off with his sister, Ate Andi.
He wasn't the nosy type. But lately, he'd been noticing things. Especially on Saturdays. And sometimes even midweek—on days when she'd say, "Just an org meeting."
"An org meeting? In heels?" He muttered, leaning on Andi's bedroom doorframe.
She turned around, wearing a powder-blue skirt, a flowy blouse, and her go-to three-inch nude heels. Her hair was tied into a perfect low ponytail, a soft blush on her cheeks, and that glossy lipstick—just enough to look effortless but obviously planned.
"Got a problem with my heels?" She asked, clutching her cherry blossom–print sling bag.
"None," Gesly replied flatly. "But last time you had an 'org meeting,' your perfume was way too strong. And I caught you smiling at yourself in the mirror for five minutes earlier."
"What, can't a girl be happy?" She said, flicking open her abaniko like a period-drama villainess.
That was the thing—she looked happy. Too happy.
And while Andi always carried that soft, graceful aura, this time she was glowing. Like I'm-secretly-in-love glowing. The kind of glow even their youngest sister, Bella, had noticed.
A few days ago, while Andi was cooking sinigang, Bella had leaned toward Gesly and whispered,
"What's up with Ate? She looks all giddy for no reason."
That's when it clicked for him—something was definitely up.
That Saturday morning, over breakfast (eggs, spam, garlic rice, and a few lonely hotdogs left over from their midnight snack), Gesly stared at his sister. She was slicing her egg neatly, wearing ribbon earrings and a tucked-in blouse—like she was headed to a poetry reading, not a school event.
"Who is he?" Gesly asked, straight to the point.
"Huh?" Andi blinked.
"Who's making you all giddy?"
Bella gasped.
"You know who it is, Kuya?"
"Nope. But look at her," he said, pointing at Andi—now putting on cheek tint while sitting at the dining table. "She's doing her makeup while eating. And that skirt? Looks like it's made from fabric meant to be passed down through generations."
Andi snorted, trying to sound calm.
"You're so dramatic. I just want to look presentable."
"Presentable for who?" Gesly narrowed his eyes. "Your orgmate—is he handsome? Tall? Tan? Wears glasses?"
Andi choked on her coffee.
Bella's eyes widened. "Oh my gosh! Confirmed?!"
Andi quickly fanned herself, cheeks flushing. "Shut up!"
"And here I thought you were a strong, independent woman," Gesly teased. "Didn't you say men are just distractions sent by capitalism and the patriarchy?"
"Do you want me to confiscate your motorcycle?" She shot back, pointing her spoon at him.
"Okay, okay, chill," he said, hands raised in surrender. "Just saying—you're super obvious."
Bella leaned closer, eyes sparkling. "So it's true, Ate? You like him? Like, boyfriend-material like?"
Andi sighed dramatically, finally giving in.
"Fine. I like him. But that's it. It's not serious. It's not like I'm chasing him or anything."
"Uh-huh," Gesly said, sipping his Milo, eyes still narrowed. "But you've been dressing up every day."
"I'm only human, okay? Inspired. Besides, I barely even notice him."
"Barely notice?" Bella raised a brow. "Really?"
After breakfast, as Andi walked toward the door—heels softly clicking against the tile—Gesly watched quietly.
She looked… happy.
Not the fake kind she wore when pretending she was fine or keeping their small world from falling apart. This was different. Lighter. Real.
So even though the overprotective brother in him squirmed, he sighed and muttered softly, "Just don't come home crying, okay?"
---
It was late.
The streetlights outside flickered in that quiet, sleepy glow, and the air smelled faintly of kalachuchi and freshly watered concrete.
The kind of night that felt like something just happened—or something was about to.
Andi Navarro stood outside their gate, her heels clicking lightly against the pavement, her cheeks warm, and her eyes brighter than usual.
Standing in front of her—tall, tan, slightly awkward, but effortlessly charming—was Alonzo.
Her crush turned date.
He had taken her to a quiet art café that afternoon. They'd talked about everything and nothing—favorite movies, weird family quirks, and how she secretly loved the smell of old books.
He didn't make her nervous anymore. He made her feel seen.
Now, he was walking her home.
"Thanks for today," Andi said, twirling her abaniko slowly between her fingers—not even using it, just fidgeting.
Alonzo smiled, that soft, boyish smile she was starting to adore.
"No, thank you. I didn't think an Engineering girl could be this fun."
"Excuse you," she laughed, playfully poking his arm. "We suffer every day. We deserve joy."
They both laughed, the kind of laughter that lingers even after it fades. Then silence—comfortable, unhurried.
He looked at her, hesitant but sincere. "Can I… see you again next week?"
Andi's heart skipped.
"Yeah," she said softly. "I'd like that."
He smiled again—slightly crooked this time. The flustered crush kind of smile.
Then Alonzo leaned in. Not for a kiss. Not yet. Just that almost moment—the one that comes with a head tilt, a glance, a quiet breath before something cinematic happens.
"AHEM!"
Both froze.
Standing by the door, arms crossed, one brow raised like a disapproving judge, was Gesly. Barefoot, wearing a sando and basketball shorts, holding a mug of Milo like it was a prop for intimidation.
"Who are you?" He asked flatly, voice cool as ice.
"Gesly—" Andi started, horrified.
But he was already walking toward them—steady, deliberate, like a barangay security guard on duty.
He stopped right in front of Alonzo, gave him a once-over, slow and assessing.
Tall. Glasses. Polite-looking. Not enough.
"You got NBI clearance? Why are you here? What are your intentions with my sister? How many exes do you have? Where are you from? What year are you? Do you have a job? You play Mobile Legends? What rank? And why did it take you two so long to say goodbye?"
Andi's soul left her body.
"GESLY," she hissed. "Are you the son of the NBI?!"
To his credit, Alonzo stayed calm—slightly amused, even. "Uh, hi. I'm Alonzo. Business Ad major. I just—"
SMACK.
Andi had already smacked the back of her brother's head. "Don't be rude!"
"Ow!" he complained, rubbing his nape. "What? It's creepy! Some guy's whispering to you by the gate at night!"
Alonzo chuckled, scratching his neck. "It's okay, I get it. Your Ate's really pretty, so…"
Gesly squinted at him. "Charmer. Tsk."
Andi face-palmed. "I swear, if I had a stick right now—"
But even through the embarrassment, her heart was thudding—for different reasons now.
Because this was real. This wasn't just her daydreaming or giggling alone in her room.
This was a guy she liked, standing outside her house, getting grilled by her little brother like it was a full-on FBI interrogation.
And something about that made her feel grounded. Protected. Maybe even a little crazy. But definitely—alive.
"Bye, Alonzo," she said shyly, stepping between him and her brother. "Text me when you get home."
"I will," he smiled. Then turned to Gesly. "Nice meeting you."
"Yeah, sure," Gesly muttered. "I'll be nicer next time if you bring food."
Andi groaned and pushed him back into the house.