Key's Point of View
I had already packed all the things I needed for our sleepover at Bolt’s house. The plan to sleep over there was still on, so I decided to join them. After making sure everything was ready, I left my room.
"Dash!"
I called out as I headed toward Dash’s room. I found him packing his bag too. And yes, I planned to bring him along to Bolt’s house, especially since Hayes and his girlfriend Luna would also be there. We had invited them because Hayes was part of our circle after all.
"Are you ready?" I asked, peeking through his slightly open door.
"Yeah. Just give me a minute, I’ll catch up," he said, glancing at me briefly.
I nodded and made my way back to the living room. Just then, the doorbell rang. I headed straight to the door and opened it, greeted by the sight of Gio, smiling at me.
"Good evening," he said before leaning in to plant a soft kiss on my lips.
I smiled and stepped aside to let him into my condo. Once he was inside, I closed the door behind him.
"Would you like something to eat? I can make you something," I offered.
He shook his head, smiling. I simply nodded. "Alright. I’ll just grab my stuff."
I returned to my room, picked up my bag from the bed, and scanned the room once more to ensure everything was in order. I double-checked that all important documents and my laptop were securely stored in my vault.
I had learned my lesson from what happened to me just last week. Nothing was stolen that night, but still, I couldn’t be too careful. Whoever it was, it seemed their true intention wasn’t theft—it was to kill me. Thankfully, they had failed.
I stepped out of my room, locking it behind me. Just as I did, Dash came out of his room as well.
"Make sure you lock your room," I reminded him, and he did as told.
We finally left the condo. Before stepping away, I made extra sure the door was securely locked. Better safe than sorry. We rode the elevator down to the basement where Gio's car was waiting. He had offered to pick us up so we could head to Bolt’s house together. I took the front seat while Dash settled in the back.
I glanced at my wrist and smiled when I caught sight of my new tattoo—a black design surrounded by tiny golden hearts. We had gotten matching tattoos earlier that morning. It was beautiful, and I was glad Gio agreed to get one with me.
"Can I drive your car?" I asked while he was starting the engine.
He frowned at me. "No. I won’t allow it."
I pouted, giving him my best puppy eyes. "Please? Please, Vaney?"
He sighed deeply and shook his head. "Fine," he said and got out of the car.
I quickly got out too, circling around to swap seats with him. I slipped into the driver’s seat, smiling as I placed my hands on the wheel.
"Let’s go."
I started driving, and the car was filled with a comfortable silence. Gio opened the glove compartment and pulled out some snacks. He handed one bag to Dash and opened another for the two of us.
"Thanks," I heard Dash say, already busy with his phone again.
I opened my mouth as Gio fed me a piece of chips, laughing for reasons I didn’t understand. I glanced at him and saw he was holding the camera I had given him, the strap looped around his neck. He snapped a picture of me, and I simply shook my head with a smile.
It wasn’t long before we arrived at Bolt’s mansion. Three cars were already parked outside, ours being the fourth. It was already eight in the evening; it seemed we were the last ones to arrive.
"Kuya Hayes!" Dash shouted, running over to Hayes.
They fist-bumped and laughed. We made our way to the backyard, where the sleepover was set. Several turtle tents were already pitched around a bonfire in the center.
I counted five tents in total. Around the bonfire sat Kobe, Merville, Bolt, Devon, Denim, and Yvo. Devon was sitting between Bolt’s legs, just like Merville was sitting between Kobe’s. Yvo and Denim sat beside each other, each holding a can of beer, sharing a pile of snacks between them.
Dash sat down beside Yvo and started munching on their snacks. Hayes and his girlfriend Luna were seated close to Bolt and Devon. I sat near Merville, with Gio settling down beside me, resting his head on my shoulder and entwining our fingers.
He really loved being close like this.
"Time flies so fast, doesn’t it? Just one more week and it’s October," Yvo remarked, glancing at me. "When’s your monthsary?"
"On the twenty-fourth," I answered, and he nodded.
"On your first monthsary, you better treat us!" he teased, making me chuckle a little.
"Even throw a fiesta if you want," Gio added with a laugh.
"I finally figured out why Yvo and Denim don’t want girlfriends!" Merville clapped her hands dramatically.
"What?" we all asked.
"Isn’t it obvious? They’re scared to spend money!" she said, making everyone laugh. "Especially Yvo. He’s the stingiest of them all!"
Yvo grimaced. "Why me? I’m not the stingiest here. Right, Mavis?" he said, gesturing at me.
I just shook my head, choosing not to get involved. I glanced at Gio when he looked up at me.
"Really? You’re stingy with money?" he asked, amused.
"Hmn," was all I said. "Only with money, not with love."
"And you, Hayes—how long have you and Luna been together?" Kobe asked. "Give us some advice!"
Hayes chuckled and wrapped his arm around Luna’s shoulders. "You go ahead, Love."
Luna cleared her throat. "I don’t know if this will work for everyone, but in our case, it’s simple: we try to understand each other," she said, stealing a glance at Hayes. "We have a rule. If one of us is mad, the other isn’t allowed to get mad too. The other has to be understanding, no matter what."
We all listened quietly.
"And honestly, it depends on how you manage your relationship. Some couples are cute, some are private and mature. What’s important is learning to be content with each other."
"I agree," Denim chimed in, drawing everyone's attention. "You’ll have a strong relationship if you both know how to be content. And if one of you falls short, you need to communicate, not sulk. Let them know what’s wrong so they can make up for it. Otherwise, you might just break up over a misunderstanding."
"Wow, so much advice from someone without a girlfriend," Devon teased her twin.
"Tsk! Sister, coaches don’t play," Denim said smugly, shrugging.
We talked about many things after that, mostly silly stuff. Kuya Chord wasn’t outside with us; he was apparently busy inside the house. It was around midnight when we finally decided to sleep.
I was sharing a tent with Gio, which was a bit awkward. Kobe and Merville paired up, as did Bolt and Devon, and Hayes with Luna. Meanwhile, Dash, Yvo, and Denim shared another tent.
I doubted anything would happen between me and Gio, especially since we hadn’t even drunk alcohol. Still… ugh, I hated where my mind sometimes wandered. Gio and I had a pillow placed firmly between us—just to be safe! Tsk!
"Vaney," I heard Gio’s soft voice. "Are you asleep?"
"Not yet. I can’t sleep," I replied, sitting up and adjusting my hoodie.
He sat up too, facing me. It was pitch-black outside; the only light came from Gio’s neon flashlight, giving off a soft glow inside the tent.
"I have a question," he said.
"Hmn?"
"If I ever broke up with you, would you hate me?" he asked.
I froze for a second. What kind of question was that? "Of course, I would," I answered honestly. I could see sadness clouding his eyes. "You came into my life, only to leave me?"
"What if… I fell for someone else?" he asked gently.
My brows furrowed at his words. I didn’t like where this conversation was going. Was there a problem?
"Is there something wrong, Gio?" I asked, the edge of irritation in my voice. "What kind of question is that?"
"Nothing. I’m sorry," he said, taking my hand and pressing a kiss to its back. "I just want you to know that I love you more than anything I have."
I only nodded, though deep down his questions gnawed at me.
If it were up to me?
I would never leave him.
Maybe I would walk away if I had to, but never for good.
If ever I had to leave, I would make sure to come back.
"And if ever we fall apart… please, let’s not hate each other," he whispered.
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