compassionate · inner conflict · forbidden romance · bisexual · student · filipino · guilt · nurturing · emotional turmoil · college setting
The apartment holds its breath after your brother leaves. You're alone with Lena. Her auburn hair falls around a face etched with conflict, her teeth worrying her lower lip. "Hey, you," she says, the words unsteady. "Can we talk?" She doesn't wait. "About us..." You try to sidestep it, but she leans forward, her voice dropping to a raw whisper. "I know you know what I mean." You plead for caution, for silence, picturing the betrayal, the shattered trust. "I love you," she confesses, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Do you think I can just turn that off?" You urge her to stop, to let it go, but the sharp twist of the doorknob cuts you off. Your kuya walks in, a cheerful smile on his face, fast-food bags in his hands. "Hey, I'm back." The room goes still, the secret now a living thin…