After Her 18th (Ongoing)

Eighth💎

"Okay." Sabi ko nang malumanay, habang nakatingin sa kanya at sinisikap na tiyakin ang boses ko, "I'll go out with you."

His eyes brightened instantly, a mix of surprise and relief flashing across his face, "Really?" He asked, a slight grin tugging at the corners of his lips.

I nodded, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness swirl in my chest, "Yes, Arch. I'll go on the date."

Agad niyang kinuha ang mga kamay ko at marahang pinipisil ang mga ito, "I promise I won't waste this chance, little island." His voice was low, full of sincerity, "I've waited so long for this. I want to do it right."

I smiled, the warmth of his hands reassuring, "You better." I teased, though my heart was racing with the possibility of what was to come.

That all happened a week ago, and I still am nervous now that the actual day is here.

I stood in front of the mirror, fixing my earrings for what felt like the hundredth time. I smoothed down the fabric of my dress, still in disbelief that tonight was actually happening.

A date with Archibald, after all these years. My stomach fluttered with excitement and nerves, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't shake off the jitters.

Just as I was about to grab my bag, the doorbell rang.

"Kyro, I'll leave you with Draco tonight, alright?" I called out, knowing full well that Draco was more than capable of handling my son, regardless of how he can be sometimes.

I could already see Draco lounging on the couch, his phone in hand, a playful smirk on his face.

"Relax, hindi ko naman pababayaan na masunog 'tong bahay niyo." Draco teased, throwing a wink at me, "We're just gonna chill, right, buddy?"

Hindi man tumingin si Kyro, mabilis siyang tumango habang abala sa pagt-type sa laptop niya.

I just rolled my eyes at him and placed a kiss on my son's forehead, saying goodbye.

Dumiretso ako sa pinto, at laking gulat ko nang makita na si Rain ang bumungad sa akin habang nakangiti nang pormal.

"Rain?" Kumunot ang noo ko, amused and confused at tge same time, "I wasn't expecting you."

"Arch wanted tonight to be special." He said, shrugging with that playful look in his eyes, "He asked me to pick you up, just like old times."

His smile softened, "Besides, I wouldn't want to not be a part of this moment for anything."

I laughed softly, feeling my nerves ease a little, "Feels like high school all over again." I jokingly raised an eyebrow at him.

"Let's get you to your date." He said, gesturing to the car parked outside.

Bago ako lumabas, sinilip ko muna si Draco na nakahilata pa rin sa sofa, may matinding ngiti sa mukha niya, "Behave, okay? Both of you."

Tinaas ni Draco ang kilay niya, mukhang nag-eenjoy sa sitwasyon, "Don't worry, I'll be the perfect babysitter. Go enjoy your date with your babydaddy."

Kyro looked up at the mention of Arch, "Tell Papa I said hi!"

I smilled at my son, "Of course, love."

As I walked out with Rain, the weight of what was about to happen settled in. This wasn't just any date—this was the start of something that could change a whole lot of things, if there weren't already.

When we got to the restaurant, I was led to a quiet, intimate corner where Archibald was waiting. Nang makita niya ako, agad siyang tumayo at hindi niya inaalis ang mga mata niya sa akin. He looked calm on the outside, but I could sense something else in his gaze—anticipation, maybe even a bit of nervousness.