ღHello, Exღ

It was finally my break time after an exhausting photo shoot with that guy. You probably know who I’m talking about. Honestly, I had doubts about working with him at first. But the moment I took a step closer… I realized—he’s actually pretty approachable.

They allowed me to take a two-day break since the coming days will definitely be hellish. We’re heading to Bukidnon for a hacienda-themed shoot—think cowgirl/cowboy vibes. Then, we’ll fly straight to Siargao for a summer concept.

It’s just two days, but I swear I’ll make the most out of it. Sleep, eat, and maybe FaceTime Cyrus now and then. That’s all. My parents even told me to relax and not let anything stress me out—they want me to be in a good mood next week. Hopefully, nothing ruins it.

KRIIIIINNNGGG!

I rolled my eyes. Didn’t I just wish for no disturbances? Ugh! Who could it be now? I glanced at my phone—unknown number. I looked up at the ceiling, wondering who the hell had the audacity to give my number to strangers.

Curious, I answered.
“Hello?” I said cautiously.

I heard a sigh on the other end. It took a moment before he spoke.

[Hey. It’s me.]

My eyes widened. I instinctively pulled the phone away, staring at the screen in disbelief. I almost dropped it. That voice… no way. Was it really—?

[Hey.] he repeated.

I swallowed hard. Why was I nervous? Why was my heart racing? There’s nothing between us anymore.

“Uh… hey…” I replied, chewing on my nail.

[Do you know who this is?]
Of course I know. I was head over heels for you... before. Past tense! I’ve moved on! Promise!

“Why would I forget your voice, Myhko?” I replied sarcastically. What the hell is wrong with me?

[Ahaha... sorry. It’s been a while since we last talked. I thought maybe—]

“What do you want? And how did you even get my number? Are you stalking me?”

[I have my ways, Cyline.]
Right. “My ways,” my ass. Just admit you're stalking me.

“Fine, say what you need. It's my rest day, and I don’t want it ruined. If you’ve got nothing worthwhile to say, I’m hanging up.” I pulled the phone from my ear, ready to end the call, when he protested.

[Let’s eat together!]

“No.”

[It’s just one meal.]

“And why would we do that? We broke up, Myhko. A long time ago.”

[Please? Just once.]

Persistent much? Hmph. Maybe I should go… and finally get the revenge I’ve been wanting to serve cold.

“Okay, fine. I’ll go.” I agreed, hearing his soft yes on the other line. He sounded genuinely relieved. What could be going on in this guy’s head? Any guesses?

[For the last time, let’s eat together. My treat.]

“Well, duh. You invited me, you should pay. Don’t be ridiculous.”

[Thank you, Cyline!]

“Okay, okay. Bye!” I hung up. A few minutes later, I got a text from him.

From Myhko:
Let’s meet at Big Daddy’s.

Fancy choice. That’s a pretty upscale restaurant. I guess someone’s doing well. Opportunist.

Since it was still morning and we were meeting for dinner, I decided to FaceTime my beloved little brother. But just before I could open Facebook, my phone lit up again—Cyrus was calling. I smiled. Of course we’d think of calling each other at the same time—we’re siblings after all.

I answered the call, lying comfortably on the couch.
“Hey! What’s up? I was just about to call you!”

[Just wanted to tell you—I’m back in the Philippines.]

I shot up from the couch, shocked. What is it with all these plot twists today?

“YOU LITTLE JERK! WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME SOONER?! I COULD’VE PICKED YOU UP!”

[Hahaha, sorry! I wanted to surprise you.]

“You’re so annoying! Where are you now? I’m coming over. Let’s go out on a date—just us.”

[Haha, someone missed me.]

“Obviously! Where are you, seriously?”

[Heading to Maricar’s place. I want to see if she’s still living at the same address.]

I rolled my eyes. Right, I forgot—his top priority is still that girl who doesn’t even know how he feels about her.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Let’s just meet at the amusement park. I’m in the mood for rides today. I’ll be super busy tomorrow, so I want to enjoy the time I have now. Be there. I’ll wait.”

He agreed and ended the call.

I headed upstairs to get dressed. I planned to grab some fast food and bring it with me. I knew I wouldn’t have to wait long—Cyrus hates making me wait. Especially if it’s about that girl. Sadly, all his effort is wasted—she doesn’t even care. Poor kid. Ugh. Time to get ready.

ღHello, Exღ

Cyrus and I spent hours at the amusement park. Thank goodness he didn’t bring that girl—otherwise I’d have been completely ignored. She’s always his number one priority.

“Whew! That was fun!” I said, wrapping my arms around his. I probably didn’t look like his sister—he’s taller than me, and earlier someone even said we looked like a couple.

We just laughed it off. Hello?! I’m his sister, and that’s gross. We’re just really close. It’s just the two of us siblings, so sometimes people misunderstand. Plus, our names? Cyrus and Cyline. Our parents really made us a matching set—he takes after Mom, I’m more like Dad.

BEEP!

“Your phone, Ate,” Cyrus said, handing me the device. He’d borrowed it to search for restaurants since his was dead.

I checked the message. It was from Myhko again—still an unregistered number.

‘Hey, what time are you arriving?’

That’s when I realized—it was nearly 5 PM. I’d had so much fun with Cyrus that I completely forgot about that guy. Good for me. If I didn’t think about him today, maybe I am really over him.

I replied with a little white lie:

‘I’m running late, there’s traffic. Sorry.’

Add a sprinkle of fake sweetness in there.

‘Take your time. Be careful.’
He replied.

I didn’t bother replying again. His concern felt so fake it made me gag. I bet he’s with that snake right now. Sure, enjoy your time—with your little viper.

I wanted to send that reply, but nah. Not worth the drama. Let him wait. Freeze in your own regret.

ღTo Be Continuedღ