The Love Of Homophobic (BXB)

Chapter 29

Remedy

"Happy birthday, Grey!" Halos mapapikit ako sa lakas ng tunog ng party popper na pumutok sa harapan ko. The confetti rained down like a colorful shower, and I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks as everyone cheered.

This is the first time I've celebrated my birthday with other people. It felt strange, unfamiliar, but also warm in a way I hadn’t expected. My friends were gathered around me, their faces lit up with excitement, clapping as if this was the most important celebration of the year—despite the fact that I'm going to transfer to a different school soon.

I glanced around the backyard, taking in the scene. The small table set up with snacks and drinks was covered with a bright tablecloth, and the string lights hanging above us swayed gently in the evening breeze, casting a soft, golden glow over everything.

"Thank you, guys," I finally said, my voice a little shaky as I leaned over to blow out the candles on my cake.

We’re in our backyard, surrounded by the familiar sights of home. The tall trees that line the fence stood like silent guardians, their leaves rustling softly in the wind. The sound of crickets beginning to chirp in the background added to the peaceful ambiance, and the cool evening air was filled with the sweetness of the cake in front of me.

This was supposed to be a party, but I had asked Mama to cancel it. I just couldn’t handle the thought of her inviting the Dark Family—including Zeus, whom I've been doing everything I can to avoid.

Just the thought of seeing him made my stomach twist with anxiety. I haven't been able to face him, not after everything that’s happened over the past few months. Every time I thought about him, a wave of guilt and shame washed over me, and I hated myself for feeling this way.

I also changed my number and had to block him on all of my social media. He tried to visit me at my house, but I'd never show up.

Hindi ko siya kayang harapin pagkatapos ng lahat ng nalaman ko. The weight of it all felt like a heavy stone lodged in my chest, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake it.

"Grey?" I snapped out of my thoughts and saw Sierra looking at me worriedly.

"You're thinking about him, aren't you?" she asked sadly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I can't help it," I admitted, my voice cracking slightly. The truth was, no matter how much I tried to distract myself, he was always there in the back of my mind.

"You know, I can't count how many times he tried to ask me about you," she said, her tone shifting from sadness to frustration. "But you're my best friend, and every time I think about what he did to you, I can't help but want to slap him in the face whenever he mentions your name." Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, and I could see the anger simmering beneath her calm exterior.

I laughed, feeling a little lighter. "Grabe ka naman. Don’t be too hard on your Kuya..."

She rolled her eyes dramatically. "I'm not. He deserves it."

Nakangiti akong napailing  at binaling ang tingin ko sa tapat kung saan naghaharutan ang dalawa. Damian and Ali were laughing, completely absorbed in their own world. I made a face, and Damian noticed, furrowing his brows.

"What?" masungit niyang tanong. Still a little miffed that I hadn’t told him and Ali about my plans to transfer sooner.

"Lalanggamin na ang pagkain dahil sa inyo." I teased, trying to lighten the mood. Ali laughed at my comment and playfully pushed Damian away.

"I'm sorry, Grey..." Ali said while giggling.

I laughed and shook my head. "I'm just joking. Saka sanay na kami sa inyong dalawa 'no."