Chasing The Crown

Chapter #4: ❝Family Bonds Over Dinner❞

The sun had long set, leaving the streets of Manila bathed in the soft glow of streetlights as the Hong siblings waited for Rhiannon outside the Architecture building. Kaitlyn stood by the curb, her arms crossed as she scrolled through her phone, while Joshua leaned against their family's sleek black car, his eyes scanning the building for any sign of their sister.

"Matagal pa ba si Rhiannon?" Kaitlyn asked, glancing up from her phone.

"She texted a few minutes ago," Joshua replied, checking his own phone. "Sabi niya, papunta na raw siya. Ayaw mo bang maghintay?" He shot her a teasing smile.

Kaitlyn shrugged, her expression neutral. "Hindi naman sa ganon. Pero alam mo naman si Rhiannon—lagi siyang last minute, lalo na pag SSG ang usapan."

Joshua chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, she's passionate. And besides, she's following in my footsteps."

"Sana lang hindi siya sobrang ma-burn out," Kaitlyn muttered, though there was concern in her voice. "You know how she is. She won't stop until she's done with everything."

Joshua's expression softened. He knew Kaitlyn was right. Their youngest sibling had a habit of pushing herself to the limit, just like he used to. The SSG position was both a blessing and a burden, one that came with intense expectations and endless responsibilities.

"Rhiannon will be fine," Joshua assured her. "She's tough, and if she needs help, she knows we've got her back."

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

As if on cue, Rhiannon emerged from the building, her steps brisk and purposeful despite the long day. She waved as she approached, her tired smile doing little to mask the exhaustion in her eyes.

"Sorry! Ang tagal ko yata," she said breathlessly as she reached them. "May kailangan pa akong tapusin sa office, and si Andrea—"

"Okay lang," Joshua cut in with a reassuring smile. "You're here now. Let's go home."

Kaitlyn raised an eyebrow, motioning to the car. "Family dinner, right? Ang tagal na rin natin hindi nakaka-dinner ng sabay-sabay with Mom and Dad."

Rhiannon nodded, her face brightening a little. "Oo nga! I wanted us all together for once, kaya I asked Mom to prepare something special."

They piled into the car, with Joshua taking the wheel as usual. The drive home was mostly quiet, save for the occasional conversation about the day. Kaitlyn flipped through music channels on the radio while Rhiannon leaned against the window, her eyes half-closed in exhaustion. Joshua focused on the road, though his thoughts wandered between his siblings and the event preparations that still needed to be done.

After what felt like only a short drive, they pulled up to the grand gates of their family's home. The sprawling mansion, nestled in an affluent neighborhood, stood as a testament to the Hong family's success. Joshua parked the car, and the three of them climbed out, making their way inside.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

As they entered, the comforting aroma of home-cooked food greeted them. Mrs. Hong was in the kitchen, finishing the final touches on dinner, while Mr. Hong sat at the dining table, glancing up from his newspaper as his children entered.

"Finally! Nandito na kayo," Mrs. Hong called out with a bright smile. "Perfect timing, dinner is ready."

"Hi, Mom," Joshua greeted, walking over to give her a quick hug before heading to the dining table. "Mukhang masarap ang dinner."

"Of course!" Mrs. Hong said, laughing. "I made all your favorites."

As the family gathered around the table, the clatter of dishes and the hum of conversation filled the room. It wasn't often that the Hong siblings had the chance to sit down with both their parents for a meal, especially with how busy they all were. Tonight felt special.

"So, kamusta ang araw niyo?" Mr. Hong asked, looking around the table.

Joshua was the first to respond, glancing at Rhiannon and Kaitlyn before speaking. "Work and school, as usual. We had some issues with the permits for the event, pero okay na 'yun. I'll talk to admin tomorrow to sort it out."

Mr. Hong nodded approvingly. "Good. I'm sure you'll handle it."

"Ikaw, Rhiannon?" Mrs. Hong asked, her eyes softening as she looked at her youngest daughter. "How's the SSG treating you?"

Rhiannon took a bite of her food before answering, her voice calm but tired. "Busy, as always. Pero okay naman. We're still on track for the event, kahit medyo nagkakaroon ng problema sa permits."

Kaitlyn chimed in, her tone light but teasing. "Rhiannon's always busy these days. Parang hindi na nga siya nakakatulog."

Rhiannon rolled her eyes but smiled. "I'm fine, Ate. Besides, kuya's right there if I need help, di ba?"

"Always," Joshua replied with a grin, though there was a protective edge to his voice.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

The conversation flowed smoothly as they continued eating, the siblings catching up on each other's lives while their parents listened with pride. It was rare moments like these—family dinners filled with laughter, banter, and genuine connection—that reminded Joshua of what truly mattered. No matter how hectic life at UST got, his family was always his foundation.

"Alam niyo," Mrs. Hong started after a pause in the conversation, "I'm so proud of you three. You're all so busy, pero you still make time for each other and for us."

Mr. Hong nodded in agreement, his eyes gleaming with fatherly pride. "We're lucky to have such hardworking children."

"Thanks, Dad," Rhiannon said softly, her tiredness melting away in the warmth of their parents' approval.

"Pero don't overwork yourselves," Mrs. Hong added, her tone gentle but firm. "You all need rest, too."

Kaitlyn grinned, raising her glass of juice in a mock toast. "To rest and relaxation—kung kailan natin 'yan makakamit."

Joshua laughed, joining in the playful toast. "Here's to hoping!"

The table erupted in laughter, and for a moment, the weight of their responsibilities seemed distant, as if the world outside didn't exist. It was just the five of them—together, united, and at peace.

As the dinner wound down, Joshua couldn't help but glance at Rhiannon, who was still smiling despite the exhaustion in her eyes. He knew she had a long road ahead of her with the SSG, but she would make it through—just like he had.

And he would be there every step of the way, just as he had promised.

Later that evening, after the dishes had been cleared and the siblings had retreated to their respective rooms, Joshua lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts drifted to the day's events, to the lingering problems with the SSG, and most importantly, to his family.

No matter what challenges lay ahead, he knew one thing for certain—he could always count on them. And that was more than enough to keep him going.

As he closed his eyes, the comforting sounds of his home lulled him into a peaceful sleep, ready to face another day.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦