He was sunshine, I was midnight rain

Prologue

Nathan

It was a rare, quiet Friday afternoon in Nathan Rossi's office when he received the invitation that would alter the course of his life. Sitting in his sleek leather chair, Nathan stared out at the skyline of Victoria. His thoughts were interrupted by a buzz from his phone. Expecting another business email, he was surprised to see a message from Matteo.

"Hey bro, big birthday bash next weekend. Cebu City. You better make it!" Matteo's message read.

Nathan leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. Matteo had a knack for pulling him away from his intense work schedule, kahit na sobrang busy siya. It had been almost two years since they last saw each other. Business was always the priority-acquisitions, developments, meetings, walang katapusan. Matteo, however, never let time or distance weaken their bond.

"Pare, you know how busy I am. Can't you throw your party closer to home?" Nathan texted back.

"Luh, excuses. You've got private jets di ba? No excuses, pre. Besides, I want you to meet some family here," Matteo replied.

Nathan stared at the screen, weighing how much time away from the office would impact his schedule. But Matteo was one of the few people in his life na hindi lang tungkol sa negosyo. Their friendship had deep, personal roots that went all the way back to when Nathan was still Jonathan Rossi, the boy with big dreams. Matteo had been there through it all.

"Alright, alright. You win. I'll make time. Gotta warn you though, I'm just staying for the weekend," Nathan finally replied.

"I'll take it! Can't wait, pre. You need this. Cebu's calling," Matteo responded enthusiastically.

Nathan sighed, putting his phone down. A weekend away from Victoria, from the pressures of his company, sounded appealing, though he wouldn't admit it aloud. He could use a break, kahit na hindi siya sanay mag-relax. Relationships had never been his strong suit-always second to business. But Matteo? He was family.

Little did Nathan know; Matteo wasn't the only family waiting for him in Cebu.

As Nathan Rossi boarded the flight to Cebu, he couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and hesitation. He was used to controlling everything-his business, his time, even the people around him. But going back to the Philippines, even for just a weekend, felt different. Matteo's text about meeting family piqued his curiosity, but Nathan pushed the thought aside, focusing on the work emails flooding his inbox as the plane took off.

Sierra

Back in Victoria, Sierra Pereira was settling into her cozy apartment after a long day of work. The city was bustling with its usual evening energy, but her mind was elsewhere. She had just finished a video call with her agent, discussing upcoming projects, when her phone buzzed with a familiar name-Matteo.

Sierra answered with a smile. "Hey Matteo! What's up?"

Matteo's voice came through with his usual excitement. "Sierra! Ang tagal na nating hindi nakapag-usap. Kamusta naman ang paborito kong pinsan?"

"Is there such thing as that? Anyways, I've been quite busy, as always," Sierra replied. "But I'm doing well. What's this about?"

"I've got something big planned, and I need you here," Matteo said, a hint of mischief in his tone.

"Oh? What's going on?" Sierra asked, intrigued.

"It's my birthday next weekend," Matteo began. "I'm throwing a huge party in Cebu City. I want you to come."

Sierra laughed softly. "Cebu City? That's quite a trip from here. I'm not sure I can just pack up and go on such short notice."

"Oh, come on, Si," Matteo persisted. "It's been forever since we all had a family gathering. Plus, it's going to be epic. You know how I am with these things. And..." Matteo paused for dramatic effect. "I've invited someone you might find interesting. Nathan Rossi."