"How are you related to Dad?"
I asked with my arms crossed, eyeing him suspiciously while we sat in the car with him behind the wheel.
I squinted at him, trying to remember if we'd met before. But no matter how hard I searched my memory, I couldn't recall him.
"Take a guess," he said teasingly, a smirk playing on his lips.
I shot him a glare.
What am I, a psychic?
But despite that, I played along with his stupid game.
"Bodyguard?" I guessed. But his face scrunched up in disgust, like I had just insulted him.
"Seriously? Of course not!" he snapped. I frowned in confusion.
"If you're not a bodyguard Dad sent to watch over me, then don't tell me..."
He glanced at me briefly before returning his eyes to the road.
"What?"
"You're his secret love child?!" I asked, eyes wide in disbelief, pointing at him.
"No fucking way!" he barked, clearly regretting he ever made me guess.
"I'm his godson, alright? Your dad is my godfather," he muttered, still annoyed as he kept his eyes on the road.
I sighed in relief.
If Dad had a child with another woman besides Mom, I don't think I could handle it.
So he's his godson? Then why doesn't he seem familiar?
"If that's true, why am I only meeting you now? I've met some of Dad's godchildren before, but you're not one of them," I asked, puzzled.
He didn't answer.
I frowned and, irritated by his silence, slapped him on the arm.
"The fuck, what's that for?!" he complained, glaring at me.
"I hate being ignored, so answer me, shithead!" I snapped, still glaring.
"How can I answer you if I'm focusing on driving, you brat?" he shot back.
I froze. He had a point.
So I fell silent and sulked, arms crossed, eyes staring out the window.
If I keep pestering this guy, who knows what might happen.
Maybe I'll just call Dad later. He's the one I should grill.
We had an agreement. So why did he send this jerk to pick me up?
Living with this guy in his condo will be a fucking headache.
Besides, I can afford my own condo—so why do I even have to stay with him?
"Welcome home," he said sarcastically as he opened the door to his condo.
Not bad—it was actually bigger than I expected.
He lives in a high-end condo in Makati, the kind only privileged people can afford.
I was surprised. So he's rich-rich.
"What's your name?" I asked, pretending I didn't already know. I had actually overheard it earlier.
He sighed, but I didn't miss the disappointment that briefly flashed across his face. It disappeared quickly though, which made me wonder.
"Just call me Eli," he said.
Eli? I thought his name was Elijah.
Though I guess Eli could be a nickname—it is in his name.
Still, it felt like I'd heard that name somewhere before, but I couldn't place it.
"Your name?" he asked, and I dropped my jaw in disbelief.
"You were literally sent to bring me here and you don't even know my name?" I asked, stunned. He just shrugged.
"Why would I care? Dad only sends your photos," he said nonchalantly.
I rolled my eyes.
"It's Ravi."
He nodded and pointed to the room at the end of the hallway.
"That'll be your room. Mine's next door. I need to go somewhere, so you'll be alone for now. I'll be back tonight. If you're hungry, order something or cook—whatever. And please, brat, don't burn my condo—"
"Yeah, whatever. I'm leaving tomorrow anyway," I cut him off in an annoyed tone.
I dragged my suitcase into the room and slammed the door shut.
I could still hear him calling me from the other side, but I ignored him.
I flopped down on the bed. It was only now that I realized how tired I really was.
I stared at the ceiling.
I told him I'd wait for him there.
But because of that annoying Eli, I didn't.
I wonder if he still went?
Suddenly, my phone rang.
I quickly grabbed it, hoping it was him—but no, it was just Dad.
I sat up and answered the call.
"Hello son, how's your fligh—"
"Dad, why do I have to live with someone I don't even know? You could've just given me a condo!" I interrupted before he could even finish.
"So, you've already met Elijah. Do you remember your Tito Enrique? Elijah's his son."
Tito Enrique?
Yeah, I met him back in the US—but I didn't know he had a son.
Tito Enrique is cool... but his son is a total jerk.
"But that still doesn't explain why I have to live with him," I insisted.
I heard him sigh.
"Son, I'm worried about you being alone. It's better if someone's with you while you're staying there."
"But Dad, we had a deal! You said you wouldn't interfere." I pouted and flopped back onto the bed.
"Yes, but I'm still anxious, Ravi. What if something happens to you while I'm away? You know your condition—"
"I'm fine now, Dad," I cut in firmly.
He sighed again.
"Okay, fine. But just stay with Elijah for now. I already talked to Amigo, and he asked Elijah to guide you. You're planning to enroll in Sanford, right? It'll be more convenient—Elijah studies there too."
He sounded so cheerful, like I should be excited to have this guy tailing me.
"But Dad, I can handle myself. I don't need anyone following me around," I said firmly.
"If that's the case, then I'll book your flight back to the US."
I sat up on the bed in shock.
"Dad, what the hell?!" I protested.
"If you're not staying with Elijah, I'll have no choice but to bring you back. You don't want to see me force
you, right young man?" he said sternly.
I gulped. I had no way to fight back when he pulled that card.
So I gave in.
"Okay, fine! I'll stay here," I grumbled and lay back down.
Good thing we weren't on a video call, or he might've dragged me home if he saw me roll my eyes.
"Wise choice, son," he said, and I could practically hear his smug smile.
"I'll call you later. Make sure to behave, Ravi. I don't want to hear about any trouble from you, understood?"
"Yes, Dad," I replied with a sigh.
"Okay, bye. I love you, son."
"Love you too, Dad."
"Ugh!" I groaned, biting the pillow beside me.
I understand why he's worried about me...
But that doesn't justify forcing me to live with that guy.
Yes, we're both guys.
But I'm gay—and he looks straight and homophobic as hell.
I don't want to assume... but he's giving off that energy.
Still, even if I were attracted to him, I wouldn't do anything.
My heart already belongs to someone.
The reason I came back here.
I sighed at the thought.
I was about to get up and shower when a notification popped up on my phone.
Who is it now?
My eyes widened when I saw the name.
Lhiam:
Where are you?
My heart pounded.
Just one message—and it already hit hard.
I quickly typed a reply, grinning uncontrollably.
Ravi:
Why? Are you at the airport right now?
I waited anxiously for his response, heart racing.
He replied almost instantly.
Lhiam:
Yeah.
I forgot all about showering.
I grabbed my bag and rushed out of the condo.
I didn't care if that jerk Eli came back and panicked when he couldn't find me—this was more important.
This was my first conversation with Lhiam in three years.
I wouldn't waste the chance to see him again.
I hopped in a taxi and messaged him:
Ravi:
Please wait for me. I'll be there in a minute.
"Please drive fast—I'll double the pay," I told the driver.
He nodded and stepped on it.
Thank God there was no traffic.
I ran into the airport, panting, but grinning from ear to ear.
I grabbed my phone and typed another message.
Ravi:
I'm here. Where are you?
He replied almost instantly.
Lhiam:
I already left
My heart sank.
I stared at his message, reading it over and over.
I checked the time.
Was I really too late?
It had only been 15 minutes.
Would it really have been too much for him to wait just a bit longer?
Maybe he didn't see my message right away?
I tried to understand. Maybe he had something urgent.
Lhiam wouldn't do that on purpose... right?
I wiped my tears and quickly composed a message:
Ravi:
It's okay. Maybe you were in a hurry. I understand. We can still meet. How about Saturday? Are you free?
I sent the message and waited a few minutes... but got no reply.
I smiled bitterly, put my phone away, and walked out of the airport.
This is just the beginning, Ravi.
Yes—just the beginning. There'll be another chance.
I'm going to the Sanford University—where he studies now.
I remember how he used to talk about his dream of getting in.
A smile returned to my face.
He achieved his dream—to study there, to join the varsity.
Lhiam may not be well-off like I am, but he's smart.
He used to ace every exam back then. And he's an athlete too.
His dream was to play for Sanford's basketball team.
And now, I get to see him live that dream—even if it's just from the internet.
Ever since he told me that, his dream became mine too.
And now, I'll make mine come true—entering Sanford.. ...along with my hope of finally talking to him again.
To make up for the mistake I made.