CHAPTER EIGHT

Katleya: So sweet, huh? I love you too. Ew!

MaliBLUEg: Don’t reply anymore. If you do, I’ll end up replying again. Tss!

Katleya: HAHAHAHAHA REALLY?

MaliBLUEg: You won’t stop, huh? Want me to send my d*ck pic to you?

“Yuck!” Katleya exclaimed, drawing Red’s attention as he continued eating.

“Who are you texting?” Red asked.

“Your abnormal twin.” Katleya laughed. Red handed his phone to her. “What’s this for?”

“Save your number, too. We’re friends now, right?”

Katleya smiled as she typed her number into Red’s phone. She never expected this day to come—spending time together like this.

Once she was done, she handed the phone back. “Done.”

Red took it and immediately typed a message for the girl he liked. “Read it, Kat.”

Katleya’s phone buzzed. She looked at the message.

+639073121557: I like you, my princess. “Is this you?” Katleya asked Red, who was happily staring at her.

The young man nodded. “Yes. Save it, okay?”

“Sure. Of course! You’re special to me, Red.”

“You really know how to make someone’s heart flutter.”

“There’s only one reason for that—I like you.”

“Hey! Stop that. You’re really making me blush,” he said, continuing to eat.

“You’re so cute. You’re like Blue. You have a playful side too,” Katleya said with a laugh.

“I idolize his mischief. You know, even though I often scold him, I love him dearly. I admire his bravery. That kid is so courageous.”

“Blue is lucky to have you as his twin brother.”

“I’m luckier to have him. What’s this? I feel like I’m about to cry. But really, I love that kid.”

“It shows. It’s obvious from the way you look at him. I notice that.”

The two continued eating. Afterward, Red walked Katleya to the Engineering Department.

“Goodbye. See you later. I’ll pick you up later, Kat,” Red said as he bid farewell.

“I’ll wait. Thank you, Red.” She smiled.

Red was about to leave but turned back when Katleya called him. “Red,” she said. “I heart you.”

Red covered his face in excitement. He didn’t expect Katleya to say that to his face. It felt like his heart was about to explode.

“What’s wrong with you?” Katleya asked.

“I’m thrilled,” Red admitted.

“What does someone thrilled look like?” Katleya teased.

Red removed his hands from his face and showed her. “Like this.”

“You’re so handsome. Go on, you better leave now, or you’ll be late for your class.”

“Okay, bye. Wait for me, okay? I’ll pick you up.”

“Sure. Thank you.”

Katleya couldn’t help but jump with joy after Red left. She couldn’t believe everything that had just happened.

***

INSIDE RED’S CAR, Katleya sat while they parked in front of her mansion. Red insisted on escorting her home to ensure her safety.

Katleya opened the door and stepped out. She looked at Red, still inside the car. “Thank you. Be careful on your way home.”

Red also stepped out and approached her. “You’re welcome. Would you mind if I came inside your house?”

“Why not, Katleya?” said a male voice—Fernando’s.

Red immediately extended his hand and bowed slightly. “Hi, sir. Nice to meet you.”

“Blue, can you do a quick twerk for us?” Fernando joked with a laugh. Red’s face flushed.

“D-Dad,” Katleya said shyly, “He’s not Blue. He’s Red, Blue’s twin brother.”

Fernando looked astonished. He observed Red closely. “Sorry, hijo. You two really look identical. Come inside. Let’s have dinner here.”

“Really? Thank you, sir,” Red replied cheerfully.

“Of course. Come on in.”

The two followed Fernando inside the gate. Red marveled at the grandeur of the Quizo mansion, smiling as he took in its size and beauty. Katleya guided him to the living room.

“Welcome to our home, Red,” Fernando said.

“Thank you, Sir.”

Katleya smiled, watching Red, who appeared awestruck. “Actually, this mansion was a collaboration between my parents. It was built with love.”

“Wow! Really?” Red asked, looking around. He turned to Fernando. “Is that true, sir?”

“Yes. We were still in college when my wife and I got together. We were best friends turned lovers. When we became a couple, our goals aligned. We even promised each other that no matter what, we wouldn’t let anything separate us. Then, we made a lot of plans, and this house was one of them. It’s heartwarming to think that we sketched this place together back then.” Fernando smiled and looked at Katleya. “Now, we’ve been blessed with three wonderful children.”

Red was enjoying Fernando’s story when a woman appeared—Katleya’s mother.

Red approached her and bowed respectfully. “Nice to meet you, Ma’am.”

“Scandal boy, you’re here,” Ezmeralda said.

Katleya quickly walked up to her mother and linked arms. “Mom, he’s not Blue. He’s Red. Blue’s twin brother.”

“Oh, my god,” Ezmeralda exclaimed, looking at Red. “Sorry.”

“So, you know Blue?” Red asked.

“He rode with us yesterday. Kat saw him on the road. So, you’re the one he complained about to his grandmother, saying you kicked him out of the car? No offense, hijo, but does that kid ever filter his words?”

Red scratched his head. “Please forgive Blue, Ma’am, but I promise, he’s a really good kid.”

“I see. Let’s sit down on the couch for now.”

The four of them moved to the living room and sat down. Katleya sat beside Red, who seemed shy. The couple sat on the opposite couch facing them.

Ezmeralda looked at Red. “What brings you here, hijo? By the way, do you know someone named Redrigo McArthur at your school?”

“Mom!” Katleya tried to stop her.

Ezmeralda smiled. “Don’t be shy. I’m just asking. You know, my daughter is head over heels for someone named Redrigo McArthur.”

“That’s me. Redrigo McArthur Montenegro, Ma’am,” Red admitted.

“OMG!” Ezmeralda beamed at Katleya. “Hmm . . . so that’s why? You’re paranoid.”

“Mom,” Katleya said shyly.

“Now I know why she’s so crazy in love with you, hijo,” Ezmeralda teased.

“Mom!”

Red looked at Katleya’s parents before meeting her gaze again. “Actually, Ma’am and Sir, I also have a crush on your daughter.”

“Oh, my god! Let the love begin,” Ezmeralda said, squealing with excitement.

Katleya and Red exchanged smiles while Ezmeralda continued teasing them non-stop.