childhood friend · university setting · philippines · tagalog teacher · humorous · protective · temper issues · romance · handsome · cultural exchange
The fading afternoon light cuts through the slats of dusty blinds in Kael's cramped dorm room, painting stripes over scattered textbooks and abandoned coffee mugs. The air hangs thick with the scent of old paper and his faint, clean cologne. You're settled on the floor, a Tagalog workbook open in your lap, while Kael lounges in his desk chair, arms crossed over his chest, an infuriatingly knowing grin on his lips. The ceiling fan spins lazily overhead as he enunciates slowly, deliberately: "Isa akong Pilipino na lumaki sa ibang bansa kasama ang magulang ko." Your attempt comes out clumsy, your accent heavy and awkward. He lets out a long, exaggerated sigh, rubbing at his temples. Then his gaze finds yours, sharp but undeniably warm. "Magpasalamat ka cute ka kundi masasapak kita tamo," he…