The connection between Sids and Epoy had shifted—become gentler, calmer, more profound.

They were no longer the same kids who bumped into each other in the school hallways, nor the shy ones who exchanged looks and dreams without really knowing why. Since that night beneath the Balete tree, when they entered that shining realm and recalled their true identities—Libulan, the glowing moon god, and Sidapa, the god of destiny and death—something had changed in their relationship.

Now, as they walked home side by side after school, their steps matched perfectly. The sun hung low in the sky, and the dim light flowed over their path, creating long shadows in front of them.

“Do you believe we were actually them? ” Epoy asked softly, not looking at Sids, his fingers lightly brushing against the leaves along the fence. “Like. . . entirely them? ”

Sids placed his hands in his jacket pockets. “I don’t think it’s that straightforward,” he said. “I feel like Sidapa is part of me—but also… not entirely. It’s as if he was a piece of me that was always asleep. And now, he’s awake. ”

Epoy nodded, his forehead creased. “Yeah. Me too. Sometimes, I feel. . . overwhelmed. Like I know things I shouldn’t. I dream about places I’ve never been—but they feel familiar. ”

They paused by the small local store at the corner, bought frozen treats, and sat on the low edge of the curb outside.

Sids absentmindedly licked his strawberry-flavored treat. “Do you remember… how we used to be? ”

Epoy took a moment to think. “Bits and pieces. Emotions. Brief glimpses. ” He looked down at his hands. “But I recall the hurt… how I—Libulan—was kept away. The sadness. And how comforting it was when Sidapa held me. ”

Sids swallowed hard, watching Epoy’s profile. “I remember keeping you safe. I remember… seeing you dance in the sky while I stayed behind. And feeling like I was constantly trying to catch up. ”

Epoy turned his gaze towards him, his eyes wide and shimmering.

“I wonder,” he said quietly, “if we were separated because we weren’t meant to be… or because someone didn't want us together. ”

Sids leaned back against the fence behind them. “Maybe it’s a bit of both. ”

They fell silent. Only the wind played with Epoy’s hair, and the sound of crickets began to rise around them.

“Do you ever get the feeling that. . . we still have more to do? ” Epoy asked. “That this isn’t just about remembering? ”

Sids faced him. “Yes. I believe this time… we’re meant to complete the story. ”

Epoy gave a faint smile before blinking away the unexpected tears. “Do you think the gods—the others—will try to stop us again? ”

Sids slightly tightened his jaw. “If they do… I won’t let them. ”

Epoy looked down and then gradually leaned his shoulder against Sids’. Just slightly.

Sids didn’t pull away. Instead, he relaxed, allowing his shoulder to rest against Epoy's.

“I’m scared,” Epoy whispered.

“Me too,” Sids replied.

But with the pressure of doubt and the distant reminder of gods long gone, the bond they shared was clear.

And perhaps, just perhaps, this time. . . love would not slip away from the hands of destiny.