Sucker for You (Off-limits Series #1)

Chapter 1

Disgusting

It feels like just yesterday when the first semester began, and now we're already gearing up for finals.

It's Saturday today, and the exams are on Monday, but here I am at a family gathering. I'm not certain if I'll have the chance to review my notes since I left them at home and don't have a digital copy.

Whenever exams approach, projects pile up as well. Although I've completed most of them, there's still one left - a painting for CPAR, by partner. I don't understand why we have to do these extra tasks instead of focusing solely on major subjects.

"Yua will be entering college soon. Any plans? La Salle rin ba?" Tito Jewel asked.

"Oo, La Salle rin. It's more convenient since Yuta is there too," Dad replied.

"Are you really determined to pursue medtech? 'Di na ba magbabago 'yan?" Biro ni Uncle Roman.

"If that's what he wants, then let's support him," Singit ni mom. She glanced at me and then rubbed my back.

I understand why my choice of program is such a big deal for them. They're also considering the company; they want us to be hands-on in managing the family business. However, I believe my siblings are capable of managing it without my involvement.

In fact, I consider myself lucky because I'm allowed to pursue what I want to do, while my other siblings were not. Perhaps I am favored because I was weak before, sickly, to the point that Mom even prayed to God, na buhayin lang ako at gagawin nila lahat para lang humaba ang buhay ko.

"Kuya, would you like some milk?" Yuna asked, holding her own glass.

"No, thank you, baby. I need to study muna, ah?" Sagot ko. I kissed her cheek.

"Yaya always prepares milk for me when I study. Maybe you'd like some too," she suggested.

I gently pinched her cheek. "I'm fine... It's time for you to go to bed na."

"Okay, kuya. Good night!" She hugged me before leaving my room.

I stared at the scattered papers on my desk. I have so much to read and only one day to do it. The thought of physical science and calculus, coupled with the extensive reading required for practical research, makes me feel overwhelmed.

What kind of hell have I gotten myself into?

I sat up abruptly and checked the time. I woke up because of the alarm. I thought it was already Monday.

Holy shit, I fell asleep while reading.

I'm not even halfway through.

"Ready ka na?" Arhiza asked as she applied blush to her cheeks.

"To fail, yes," I said before returning my gaze to the book.

I know I won't fail, but I don't know why I can't focus.

"Fail? Really? Seryoso ka r'yan?" She scoffed. "Pigs will fly before that happens."

I shrugged. "Ikaw ba?"

"Idadaan ko na lang 'to sa dasal. What's meant for me will find me," she said, while making the sign of the cross.

"Nonsense," Iling ni Damon. "Do you have an extra pencil, Syn?"

I handed it to him without even looking. Ang daming distractions kapag dito sa room nagbabasa. The reason why I always go to the library. Unfortunately, it's under renovation.

"Thanks, Syn. Balik ko mamaya," aniya. I just nodded.

"Kuya Wolfe is having another party tomorrow. Punta ka?" Arhiza asked, flipping frantically through the pages of the book as if searching for something.