The safest place was never inside the house, but in the moments before it the seconds when he stood watching, waiting, making sure she was home. For her, it felt like love. For him, it was just habit.
"Ma! I'm home!" Fae called the moment she pushed the door open.
"I'm in the kitchen, just finishing up with dinner!" her mother's voice answered.
"What's for dinner, Ma?" she asked as soon as she reached her, kissing her mother's hand in greeting.
"Your favorite, "sinigang na hipon" (Shrimp and vegetable soup in sour broth)," her mom said with a smile.
"Yes! Perfect. Okay, I'll just change really quick, then I'll help you set the table."
"Go on, change first. I'm almost done here anyway."
Fae hurried off to her room. This was their everyday routine, her coming home, her mom waiting, the house warm and safe. She never let her mother see her when she was hurting or feeling low. Because if she did, she'd only get scolded. The doctor had been very clear, after all stress, sadness, and anything that could weigh down her heart were strictly off-limits. A rule her mom never forgot to remind her of at every check-up.
She'd known about her condition since she was little, a heart problem she inherited from her mom, who had gotten it from her grandmother. It was the reason she never had any siblings; her mom's health was too fragile to risk another pregnancy. Her grandmother hadn't been as lucky, she had passed away young, her heart giving out from grief after losing her husband.
Fae remembered the first time it happened to her, back when they were on vacation in the province. One moment she was running and laughing, the next she was on the ground, clutching her chest while panic erupted around her. Since then, her parents had been extra careful, always hovering, always watching.
But Fae had begged them, over and over, not to tell anyone. Not her friends, not her classmates, no one. She didn't want to be pitied. She didn't want people to treat her differently, to soften their voices or their actions around her like she was made of glass. She wanted to be normal. To keep being the strong, fearless, unstoppable girl her friends knew. Because if they found out about her condition, that image would shatter.
Even during her check-ups, people thought she was just tagging along with her mom. They didn't know that she, too, had an appointment, her name written quietly on the schedule, her heartbeat carefully monitored behind closed clinic doors.
After dinner, Fae insisted on clearing the table and washing the dishes. Their house helper, Susan, had gone home for a few days because of a family emergency, so Fae picked up the chores without complaint. Later, she sat down at her desk to finish her assignments before bed, the routine both comforting and grounding.
Days slipped by faster than she realized. It felt like only yesterday the second semester had just started, and now it was almost over. Summer was coming, which meant freedom, more adventures with her friends, more trips to the beach, more laughter under the sun. Their group of friends loved spontaneous adventures, though their parents never allowed them to go far without an older companion.
This year would be no different, ready to make the most out of every single day.
Their group of friends was finally complete today, gathered at the twins' house to talk about their long-awaited outing. Finals had just wrapped up yesterday, so this was the perfect time to plan. The twins' place had always been their go-to hangout spot, partly because it was spacious, but mostly because there was always plenty of food to raid.
The twins' parents had long gotten used to their presence. Ever since they were kids, the group practically lived there, sprawled across the living room or crowding the kitchen. Fae smiled at the memory of her own childhood, back when her mom wouldn't let her go anywhere unless she'd taken an afternoon nap first.
She used to envy Suzanne and Isle. They were never forced into midday naps before playing outside or dropping by each other's houses. But Fae? No chance. Her mama was strict, and there was no escaping it, if she even tried to sneak out, she'd be in bigger trouble. Her mom always found out. Always.
"What now?" Dale groaned, clearly growing impatient.
He's Dale carried himself with an easygoing confidence, the kind that made people feel at ease in his presence. He stood a little taller than most of his friends, broad-shouldered and athletic, with a build that hinted at someone who played sports but didn't obsess over it. His skin was warm-toned, sun-kissed from afternoons spent outdoors, and his hair was a tousled black that seemed to always fall just right no matter how little effort he put into it. His eyes, a deep chestnut brown, had a steady gaze that gave away his sincerity, often softening when he smiled, which was often, and always genuine. There was something effortlessly charming in the way his laughter filled a room, drawing people toward him like a familiar light. He dressed casually, jeans, fitted shirts, sneakers, but carried it with a natural style, looking put together without trying too hard. Dale wasn't striking in a way that screamed for attention, but his warmth, dependability, and quiet charm made him the kind of person people instinctively trusted.
"Do you have somewhere to be?" Rome asked, raising a brow.
"No," Dale answered flatly.
"Then why do you look like you're in such a rush?" Rome pressed, smirking a little.
Dale crossed his arms. "I'm just saying, we've been here forever and still haven't figured out our plan. Feels like a waste of time."
"Oh please, you just want to leave already. I know why." Suzanne's tone was sharp, eyes narrowing.
She's Suzanne carried herself with the easy confidence of someone who knew how to take care of others and herself. She stood a little taller than Fae, with a graceful, balanced figure that gave her a quietly striking presence. Her hair, a glossy black often kept in loose waves or tied neatly when she needed focus, framed a face both warm and refined. She had almond-shaped eyes, sharp enough to catch the smallest details yet softened by the kindness that always lingered in them. Her skin was smooth and clear, the kind of complexion that glowed effortlessly without needing much makeup. Her lips curved naturally into reassuring smiles, though they could just as quickly press into a firm line when she needed to be serious. Suzanne's style leaned toward chic but practical, crisp blouses, well-fitted jeans, the occasional dress that highlighted her poise. She wasn't the loudest in a room, but she drew notice through the calm assurance she radiated, the kind of presence that made her friends feel like they could lean on her without hesitation.
"There you go again with your assumptions," Dale shot back. "Keep it up and I'll really start believing you've got a crush on me."
"As if!" Suzanne gasped, her face scrunching in mock disgust. "Don't flatter yourself! You're just always in my way because I see you at the market every morning."
"Uh, huh, sure. Then explain why you're always the first to know everything about me, huh? Coincidence? I don't think so." Dale leaned forward, clearly enjoying pushing her buttons.
The tension sparked instantly their usual rhythm. They were always bickering, their arguments quick and fiery, like a never-ending game neither wanted to lose. Still, everyone knew they'd be laughing together again in no time.
"Enough already, you two!" Leon finally snapped, glaring at both of them. His patience was wearing thin.
"Leon's right," Rome added, his voice steady but firm. "Can we please focus? We're here to plan, not watch you two fight like grade-schoolers."
"Dale, do you have somewhere to go?" Rome asked calmly, his tone patient as always. "If you need to leave early, just say so. We'll understand. I'll just fill you in later about whatever we decide here."
But Dale kept quiet, refusing to answer. Rome didn't push further.
"Alright, let's just get this over with," Rome said, taking charge like, he always did. "Suggestions. where should we go? When? And how much are we pitching in?"
Everyone began throwing in ideas. Rome listened to each one, nodding, never dismissing a suggestion. That was how it always went, Rome was the steady one, the "dad" of their group. Whenever chaos broke out, it was his voice that pulled everyone back into order.
Eventually, they agreed on Batangas. The twins' cousins from the US, Liam and Leon, had just arrived, and they offered to handle the transportation and some of the food. The rest would just add whatever they wanted to bring. As usual, before they wrapped up, Rome made sure to get Suzanne and Dale to shake hands, and like always, they did so without hesitation, like their fights never really mattered.
After snacks at the twins' house, the group of friends said their goodbyes and went home to prepare.
At five in the morning, they set off. Liam and Leon had rented a van, bigger than their SUV so, the whole group could fit in a single ride. The air buzzed with excitement. Smiles stretched wide on everyone's faces. It had been a long time since their last real outing, and that one was just within Manila. This one felt different. This one felt big.
Fae sat wedged between Liam and Leon. In the row behind them, Dale sat with Isle. And, as if the universe enjoyed reminding her, Rome had slipped into the seat beside Suzanne at the very back.
Fae's chest tightened, the same old ache she never seemed to shake. "There it is again. My heart already broken shattering all over like it hasn't learned enough."
She wished love came with a delete button, a refresh key, something to stop the constant sting. Each check-up at the hospital reminded her of the same warning: take care of your heart. And yet, here she was, carrying a weight that hurt more than her illness ever did unspoken feelings for someone who didn't even see her that way.
Rome had made it clear before, confessing would be pointless. His heart was already elsewhere.
"Fae, you've been quiet," Liam said softly, nudging her from her thoughts.
"Ah, nothing. She just got distracted by the stuff they were passing," Fae said, deflecting.
Liam was the second-closest person to her, her block mate, too, and the only one in their friend group taking the same degree program. His twin, Leon, was in Engineering. Whenever Fae needed space from Rome, she gravitated toward Liam. She'd even ask him to tutor her in random subjects she already understood, just to have a reason to disappear for a while. She prayed he'd never realize he'd become her safe detour. She trusted him, she really did but telling him the truth about Rome still felt impossible.
"Really?" Liam said, unconvinced.
"Of course. You overthink everything," she joked, forcing a little laugh.
He lowered his voice. "I don't buy it. I've been watching you since earlier, you're miles away."
Fae hesitated, then let out a breath. "I just… miss my dad. I didn't get to talk to him the last time he called, we got home late that night. He's supposed to call again tonight, but I won't be home, so I'll probably miss him… again."
It was an excuse, but it was also true. That was the kind of truth she liked, useful, gentle, not the kind that cracked her open.
Liam sighed, his expression softening. "Poor Faerie." He opened an arm. "C'mere. Let me give you a hug might help a little."
He pulled her into a quick, warm side hug, careful not to make a scene in the crowded van. Fae let herself lean into it for a second, letting the hum of the engine and the blur of the highway soften the ache in her chest. Then she straightened, pasted on a small smile, and stared out the window again, pretending the morning light could stitch her back together.