A few months before graduation, Win learned that his normal life would soon change. He is set to inherit the title of Duke of Cebu.
Bright, whose heart was broken before returning to his home country, is the Crown Prince who surprised everyone when...
"What's up with you and Prince Bright?" Love asked when Win when she joined him at Coffeecat, the cafe near their school.
"What do you mean?" Win confused about the question.
"I've noticed that you two lately have grown closer...like a lot," Love in her malicious tone.
Love usually interrogates Win ever since high school. It was not uncommon for people to show interest in Win, a fatal combination of good looks and massive brains. With Win's face and him being always on top of his class, the guy has always been popular.
In AdDU High School, Win caught the fancy of the grandson of the city mayor. The guy isn't bad-looking, but he's a massive prat, arrogant at his worst. Win obviously rejected the guy, apart from the fact that Win isn't out then. It was only in college when Win entertained his first male suitor that the world, or at least his family, friends, and the entire school, learned about Win's sexuality.
Lucas Lagdameo was the lucky guy. He was also a freshman. Luke, as he's known in school, is an athletic and handsome guy. His dad is from the Lagdameo clan of Davao Del Norte province, which owns huge tracts of banana plantations. His mom, from whom Luke got his good looks, is a retired actress who was a superstar back in the day.
Luke pursued Win, to which the latter was really receptive. Love knows Win already liked Luke then. But the romance was cut short when Luke had to go to the US to pursue his studies. The two were not yet officially an item then, and Win felt a long-distance relationship wouldn't be healthy at their age then. Distance and time zone difference may have been the primary factors that caused the two to drift apart.
"Yeah. I don't see any problem with being friends with him. Bright is really a nice guy," Win answered.
"Just friends?" Love gave Win a mischievous grin.
"Ongpauco!!! Just friends, obviously. What were you thinking?"
"I dunno? I think Prince Bright likes you."
"I don't think so. He just wants to have friends, especially law school is a bitch." Win retorted. "He must have appreciated my help in the case compilation and thought I could be a great friend."
"But you perfectly fit his type, if we can call it that. I found his ex online, and he's cute and also very good-looking...that Gulf from Thailand." Love then showed Win Gulf's photo she saved on her phone.
"Wow. He's stunning. I don't think I can come that close." Win said.
"You're funny, Win. If only you can see yourself in the eyes of others, you'll realize that you can give this Gulf a run for his money. Yes, his dad is a billionaire, but you, Sherwin Tantiangco Rama, are a different breed. You are the Duke of Cebu for chrissake," Love exclaimed with voice becoming a whisper near the end to prevent others from hearing.
Win just shrugged Love's words and went back to his readings. Their first exam in Constitutional Law is this Saturday, and Win wants to do his best and perform well. He then felt his phone vibrated and checked it. It was a message from the very guy they were talking about.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
After their last class ended at 9 PM, Win bid goodbye to his friends and classmates to go home immediately. His mom already texted that dinner is being readied. He does not want to join the study group of Khao, Love, Tay, and Off at Green Coffee since he already said yes to Bright's invitation. It's only weird that both he and Bright didn't bother to mention their study plans to their friends.
Win arrived at their house around 9:30 PM with Bright's car just behind as he saw the mansion's gate open for the arriving convoy. His mom welcomed Win at the dining table with his food ready. He had a quick bite, and by 10 PM, he's already showering to change to his comfy home clothes. By 10:30 PM, Win told his mom that he'd be studying at his classmate's house inside the village and already went out.
He was standing in front of the mansion's gate when he sent Bright a message that he's already outside. Minutes later, the small access gate was opened by a house help to whom Win smiled. He was then led inside a big courtyard and then a massive mahogany entrance door. The mansion is grand, especially for Win, who has come from a relatively humble upbringing.
Inside, Bright was waiting in his pajamas. He was smiling and welcomed Win with his gorgeous smile.
"Wow...your house is just...wow," Win said when he was already inches away from the Prince.
Bright gave the young duke a chuckle. "Wait till you see Malacañang in Manila," Bright joked. "This house would still look shabby compared to the palace."
"Wow, flex!" Win interjected, followed by his cute laugh.
"So much about this house. Let's go to the study. We need to start now to cover a big chunk of the coverage." it was Bright who started walking, leading Win to the left corridors, which ended in a big door. Bright opened the door, and Win was welcomed to a humungous private library with a massive oak desk. A chair was added on the front side, probably intended to accommodate Win.
The two settled, and Win brought out all his reading materials and the latest copy of the textbook penned by noted constitutionalist Joaquin Bernas, one of the framers of the 1986 amendments to the 1898 Fundamental Law of the Philippine Realm. The housekeeper then came in minutes later, serving the two guys their coffee.
"Don't you find it weird?" Win started.
"Hmmm," Bright responded with eyes on Win, waiting for the guy to continue.
"That you're studying this very constitution that spells your very future and your entire family. I mean, this piece of documents basically maps your destiny. You will be king after your dad, and your child will be next to you."
"If I would have a child." Bright responded with his brows raised and a smirk on his lips.
"Well yeah, but you know the gist."
"Weird, nahhh. Maybe nostalgic? Since the signatory of the fundamental law is my great great great grandfather." Bright answered. "But I'm more interested, really. I thought pursuing law would make me appreciate more the legal framework of our country, and having an in-depth understanding of it would make me a better head of state."
"I think you'll do good." Win assured Bright.
"You think so?"
"Yesss. You're a good person. I've seen it with my own eyes. You're not arrogant or full of yourself, considering you're the freaking Crown Prince of this kingdom."
"Wow...thank you, Mr. Rama. That was..." Bright was scrambling for words. Win's opinion of him really feels good. The smiling guy in front of him reminds him of someone...Gulf. What is he doing now? Did he achieve his dreams? Bright's thoughts wondered before Win broke it.
"I'll start my readings now, okay?" Win asked, to which Bright nodded.
The two were just reading, with Bright giving Win glances from time to time. The latter is laser-focused on his readings, with his AirPods on his ears playing his study jam — Nicki Minaj and Jessie J playlist.
It was already 3 AM when Win decided to end the study session and bid Bright goodbye. Bright insisted on walking him out, but Win thought it wouldn't be good for his security. Plus, it was only a short walk, really, as they literally live on facing properties.
Win washed his teeth and immediately slumped on his bed to end the day upon reaching his room. Both exhausted, Bright and Win went into a deep slumber with contented smiles on their faces.
