The Lucky Fan (English Version)

Episode 2: The Only Man

FINO is such an assh*le! Ever since I woke up this morning, I couldn't shake off that ridiculous suggestion he made to me yesterday.

Yeah, I'm really strapped for cash. I'll do whatever it takes just to pay him off and get him off my back. But that's not the only solution. His offer of becoming a porn star isn't the answer. Somehow, I still have some pride left. And besides, I love my boyfriend. I can't screw him over. He's the only guy who can touch me. Only him, and no one else.

"Where are you off to again, huh?" my sister Beatrice placed her hands on her hips as she stepped out of the bathroom.

"I have a date with your Kuya Enrique."

It's my day off today. And on my days off, we go on dates. But most of the time, we just hang out at his house to save money. We're both broke, you know. No choice.

Bea jokingly rolled her eyes and said, “I wish everyone in this home has a partner.”

Upon hearing that, I put down my small mirror and even the makeup brush I was using.

“Hey, prioritize studying over having a partner,” I retorted, giving her a stern look. "I'll really pull all your hair if you keep that up."

She burst into laughter, "I'm just kidding! Come on!"

She hugged me, which caused me to squirm away from her. "Beatrice, if I ever see you holding hands with someone on the street, I'll really make you bald. I'm not joking."

I refocused on applying my makeup. “Also, don't get too close to those guy friends of yours. Times have changed.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “Sis, I got that covered. They're good guys. They won't do anything bad to me—"

"In today's times, it's hard to trust anyone. Even if they're your friends, once they're hit by their dirty thoughts—you're in trouble."

I set aside my makeup and shifted my full attention to my outspoken sister. "Yes, you're not to blame if they do something disrespectful to you. You shouldn't be held accountable if that happens. But,"

I put on my t-shirt. "Isn't the saying 'prevention is better than cure' a good one? In a world filled with evil, it's wise to choose being safe. There's nothing wrong with befriending guys, but you should know your limits—understand the situations that could lead you to danger so you're prepared... to keep yourself safe."

Bea frowned. "You are victim-blaming, Ate."

"Rape exists because there are rapists. It's not because we, as girls, are friendly. And not because we allow guys to get closer to us. It's never our fault if they want to treat us disrespectfully. It's their fault. They have the choice to respect girls, and if they choose to act differently, we're not the ones in the wrong there. They should be solely responsible, and it's not our choice of socializing that's at fault."

I was left speechless by the lines she threw at me. My younger sister is really smart when angry. "And besides, sis, not all guys are the same. Not everyone thinks with lust in mind. There are many decent ones out there. Many others who don't just have sexual thoughts on their minds. Don't generalize."

I laughed and stood up. Debating with this kid is really tough. After all, she's the first honor in school. I hugged her. "Chill. Why are you so worked up with this?"

"Well, because your mindset is so toxic," she retorted with an eye roll.

I messed up her hair. "I'm sorry, Ate* Bea. It won't happen again." I pinched her cheek until she let out a loud yelp.

*Ate is a respectful title given to older female relatives or non-relatives.

"Ate! Stop playing around!"