Their Parallel Universe ✓

Chapter 31

"You're so pretty. Like a doll!"

What else can this guy do to make him even more lovable in Eujae's eyes?

With an adoring smile, he watches the male Torres twin glow at the sight of the woman in front of them. Poll's eyes twinkle, and his expression breaks into a grin.

Eujae can't blame him for being awed. Indeed, the woman is nothing short of beautiful. With her light green maxi dress and the artificial white and pink roses that sit atop her long, curly blonde, Elaine Castillo looks like a nature goddess who has stepped right out of fantasy novels.

Well, she did just step out of a theater performance. The play ended a while ago, and the two college students are now in the backstage area, taking advantage of the theater staff's short break to talk to her.

"Thank you. And you're a darling." Elaine mirrors the male twin's radiance. She draws near to the young man and wraps her arms around him. Beaming at her son over Poll's shoulder, she asks, "Where did you find this adorable little creature, honey?"

"He's my friend, Ma," Eujae answers with a chuckle. Noticing Poll's stiff posture in his mother's embrace, he adds, "Sorry, Apollo, I forgot to warn you that my mother loves hugging people she finds cute."

Elaine pulls away from Poll. Her hands move to the young man's shoulders, and she gives him a once-over. "Oh, so you're the Apollo."

Eyes wide with marvel, Poll manages to mumble, "I... you can call me Poll. I don't really like to be called by my real name."

"Hm? But I just heard my son call you Apollo."

"That's because..." The male twin glances at Eujae with a scowl, his bottom lip slightly sticking out.

Understanding flashes across the older Castillo woman's face. She approaches her son and touches the side of his head. "Ah, right. I get it. It's because it's this pushy little devil. Someone who has a cunning way of making people yield to his whims and getting what he wants."

Eujae leans down to give his mother a kiss on the cheek. "It's nice seeing you too, Ma," he says, amusement evident in his voice.

"So did you, boys, watch the play?" Elaine hooks her arm around her son's before facing Poll again. "How did you find it?"

"It was enjoyable!" Poll answers excitedly, "I thought it was just a simple love story with a little magic. I was surprised when the MC's crush turned out to be another boy. But they were very cute, and the story's very cute. And you were so good at playing the role of the MC's older sister too! You did look like a college student even though you already have a college son in real life."

Laughter plays in her hazel eyes when Elaine looks up at Eujae. There is a silent question there, as if she wants to know if her son's friend is always this lively.

Grinning, Eujae says, "This guy loves to watch anime, and I think he found the performance earlier just as exciting."

The older woman hums thoughtfully. "It's nice to hear that you had a fun time watching it, Poll. But were you not weirded out when you learned that it was a love story between two boys?"

Poll looks confused for a second, before he murmurs, "I just thought it was a nice story and it was not a big deal even though the leads were both males. A good love story is still a good story whether it's all about a boy and a girl, or both boys. Or both girls."

The adoration grows stronger inside Eujae upon hearing Poll's statements. He exchanges pleased glances with his mother.

A soft Japanese music chimes out, breaking the pause between them. Eujae has heard the song before, and he doesn't need to look at Poll to know that it is his ringing phone.